Dark Fate

Book 15 – Tourist

Prologue – Trade Chat

(Internal Discussion Forum, CRN Mercurial)

**SECURE FORUM. DO NOT LINK TO EXTERNAL SITES.**

WrenchMonkey, Sulu, Trapper, Goddess, Critter, Bookworm, Shinobi, Snake, Skipper, Bloodsucker, Bobcat, Kitten, Heretic, Puritan, Charmander, Professor, DarkLord, Rerun, Doc, ThoughtSo, BadGirl, CallMeDaddy, Hentai, and Chatty are in the chat.

Hentai: Mmm. Some of those elf boys were scrumptious! Do you think we can take some home with us?

Goddess: Not exactly a lot or room on board for dependents, Hentai. Probably would require them to come to Ceres on a civilian transport.

Hentai: Oh, boo. How long do you think before we start seeing tourists from the Commonwealth start to roll through Ceres?

Chatty: Depends on how well the talks with the diplomats went, I guess. Stitch drives mean that they could skip past the front lines of the war, so that takes one level of concern out.

Shinobi: That’s above my pay grade for sure. I just fly, and shoot xeno fighters. But it would be nice to get some trade from the Commonwealth.

DarkLord: There are discussions to that effect, yes. Passenger service will probably wait until things are a bit more settled, but the first traders may actually decide to convoy with us on our return trip.

Bookworm: Wait, really? That’s fast!

DarkLord: They’re all independent traders, not the large merchant companies. They are more flexible in what they can do. So far, twelve freighter captains have contacted Mercurial, asking for escort to Sol. According to the manifests they’ve transmitted, they’re carrying consumer goods.

Bobcat: So… alien radios?

DarkLord: Some. But also personal computers, translators, and other small devices that can be bought in bulk. Not to mention media. Basically, they raided the alien equivalent of Walmart. But, since these are new and exotic goods, they’ll fetch quite a price in Ceres, and even more on Earth.

CallMeDaddy: So, you are saying that we should stock up on things before we leave. Got it.

DarkLord: Also, if anyone is hoping to bring home new pets, be they animal or alien, as long as they are properly collared and remain in a capture ball for the journey back, that is fine. But we will be checking to make sure that they are all legally obtained. No causing diplomatic incidents, mmkay?

Puritan: Oh, good. Because I stopped by the slave market while I was on shore leave.

Heretic: You naughty boy! You didn’t just go and grab the first girl in the slave market to be your relief, did you?

Puritan: Of course not! I have some standards, you know! It was the second girl. But seriously, this place was pretty slick. They had a catalogue that you could filter by different categories. Race, Class, Profession, skills, minimum attributes, body type, and so on.

CallMeDaddy: So, what did you pick?

Puritan: Oh, a cute knelfi girl. Level 10 Battledancer/Maid with the [Carnal Arts] skill. Tried her out, and she is everything I wanted and more! Apparently, she ran up some debts due to her sister’s medical condition, and she had to sell herself to cover the costs.

Goddess: That’s terrible! The poor dear! And what happened to her sister?

Puritan: Don’t know. I’m sure it was all fine, though.

Heretic: You heartless asshole! Go find out! Or I’m going to make you cross-train with Engineering, going through all the sewage systems on the Mercurial!

Puritan: You can’t do that, can you?

DarkLord: Actually, yes. Squadron leaders and department heads are encouraged to have everyone cross-train, so that, in the event of an emergency, people at least have some familiarity with systems beyond their base role on the ship. Which is why you’ll also have people from different departments learning to fly, for instance. If a shuttle pilot suffers a heart attack or something while on a mission, it would be good if someone else on the shuttle knew how to fly, instead of just praying for salvation.

Kitten: Not to sound trite, but with the System, and gods being real, isn’t praying actually useful now?

Skipper: Not especially. Unless you have a priest-type class. Even then, there are limits to how much gods can interfere. My wife is a Priestess, and the best she could do through prayer alone was pray that her goddess watched over us.

Kitten: So, miracles aren’t a thing?

Skipper: No, miracles do happen, but they aren’t something that gods can just do whenever you pray for them. Especially if you’re praying for something big.

DarkLord: Exactly. Prayer might nudge things a bit, especially if you’re devout, but you still have to ACT. In the example of the emergency pilot, prayers might help with guiding the craft to a controlled landing, but you still need to have someone flying the shuttle!

Bookworm: Hey, boss, is it true that you went and Tiered Up in the middle of a party?

Heretic: Can confirm. He was his usual Greater Incubus Blood Warlock/Slave Master when he shuttled down for the party. When he came back, he was a Greater Incubus Demonic Seducer/Demon King!

Shinobi: Demonic Seducer? What kind of class is that? And is Demon King a real profession?

DarkLord: I suppose there’s no harm in talking about it, since you can find the information through the System Shop with the right requests. Demonic Seducer is a rare racial class for those with a demonic race and the warlock class. There are some requirements to unlock it, but it focuses on melding my demonic abilities with my warlock abilities, and making me better at affecting people.

DarkLord: Demon King, on the other hand, is a super rare profession only available to demons who rule a kingdom and have done a couple other things. There are a few nice abilities it has, but I can sense any demons within a certain range, and they can sense me, and we both are informed of our relative power to each other.

DarkLord: I didn’t get any options to upgrade my race, unfortunately, but that was due to me already being a Tier 3 race. Apparently, I won’t get an upgrade to that until hitting Tier 4.

Professor: Options? You mean that you got to pick your profession and class, like we did when the System came online?

DarkLord: Yes, you are given your ‘best fit’ options when you hit the Tier, based on your actions and skills. The same kind of interface and scheme as when the System initialized, too. Oh, and for those of you wondering, that choice was a one-time thing. Kids born after the initialization won’t get a class choice when the System unlocks for them during puberty.

Professor: So, the System assigns a class at birth, but the profession can be chosen?

DarkLord: Exactly.

Professor: What about those who were born before the System initialized, but were too young for it to unlock? My cousin is 11, and hasn’t had his System unlock, yet.

DarkLord: If what I’ve seen and heard is any indication, those who weren’t old enough for the full unlock will have their class pre-assigned, though there are ways to change it later, if they want. The System was basically kludging things together to cover for all kinds of unexpected developments, remember. That’s why we got an options screen like the Tier choices, since it was closest to something the System had as a default. The underage kids probably defaulted to the System assignments.

Professor: Makes sense. I’ll have to inform my cousin when we get back.

Chatty: Speaking of going back, how much longer are we going to hang around, boss? I mean, shore leave is nice and all, but it’d be nice to head back to Sol. Can’t properly swap stories over coms.

DarkLord: Should be two days, and we’ll head back, leaving behind the diplomats who are going to be doing their thing.

Chapter 141 – A Day Out

Of course, now that the majority of the diplomatic ‘fun’ was out of the way, I, as Admiral, decided to give myself shore leave. And, of course, that shore leave coincided with that of two of the pilots off the Mercurial, who just so happened to be my slaves. And, naturally, my daughter and her new pet joined us, to make it a nice family gathering. Just disregard the marines following as an honor guard and extra security.

“You know, Daddy, things worked out this time, but you really ought to take some consideration for what might happen when you are with the fleet for long periods of time.”

As we strolled through what could best be described as a market district for Silver Moon City, I considered Lilith’s statement. Really, given everything that had happened, it could mean only one thing, right? “You mean making sure I have someone to feed on when I’m aboard ship?”

“Exactly! Yes, you managed to pick up two very scrumptious little morsels this time, but you know that the likelihood of you being able to just pick up suitable playmates on every ship you might be traveling on is rare. Oh, you’ll find someone who will fall to your charms, certainly, but are they really going to be ones you want to keep around? And if you go in for random flings, that makes you vulnerable to other groups, who might take advantage.”

“Yes, I guess an incubus getting honey-trapped would be a bad thing. I know several of the countries on Earth made sure that their first ambassadors and spies were women for that very reason. Didn’t help the spies, obviously, thanks to the contracts I had written up, but that’s just how it is.”

“Yes, but now that people are catching on to that trick, it won’t work in the future. So, you need to figure out a way to keep fed, that doesn’t require sneaking into the enlisted cantina.”

“Since you’re suggesting this, I take it you have a suggestion for me?”

“Yes, I did a bit of research, and there is a warded ritual space for rent near here. Really basic setup, designed so that people who are traveling, or don’t have a ritual space of their own, can perform basic summoning or binding rituals without causing a panic or engaging in practices that might threaten neighbors. I took the liberty of reserving the space for the day.”

Things became clear now. “Ah, so you’re suggesting I use either [Summoning] or [Summon Demons] to get a quality demoness and use [Tame Demonic Familiar] on her? Because then I’d be able to summon her at will, right?”

“Exactly! You wouldn’t need to worry about where to keep her aboard ship, or while you’re in transit, because you can unsummon her whenever you need to, and bring her back when you need to feed. It is the best solution for when you’re going to be out and about, and you can’t bring the rest of your pets with you.”

“Master, if I may?” I looked over as Isis (Goddess in the cockpit) spoke up.

“Yes, what is it?”

“While we’re out at the market, perhaps we could visit someplace that sells accessories? Like collars? Something that could fit with our uniform, but still signify our status as yours, without having to show the brand?”

I chuckled at that. “Oh, so you want something to brag about, hmm? Well, I think we can manage that. We ought to give Lilith’s new toy something appropriate, as well.”

“I’ll pay for Slutmuffin’s collar, don’t worry, Daddy. I already have some designs in mind for her. You did enough for me by properly widening her holes before I let the crews of the Mercurial and Si Vis Pacem have their fun.”

The slave in question whimpered at the memory. The noblewoman had actually been a virgin, before she was enslaved at the party a couple nights ago. However, thanks to healing magic, her now well-used holes were still tight, though I doubt she appreciated that as much Lilith or I did.

“That is fine, Lilith. I won’t force you to take my money for everything,” I grinned. “Hmm. Since we’re going to be stopping by stores that sell slave equipment, perhaps we should stop by the slave market, as well? See if there isn’t anything special available that hasn’t been put on the Minion Market?”

“Oh, that’s a great idea, Daddy! The Minion Market is great for buying in bulk, or when you want something that might be difficult to source locally, but regular slave markets are always going to have some of the best stock. Comes from having a Slave Master manage them.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do. But first, let’s go to this ritual space you reserved, Lilith. Might as well summon my new familiar and tame her before spending the rest of the day shopping.”

The space Lilith had rented was actually a warehouse, with a sign declaring that the space was named the Summoning Circle. Stepping through the door, into a small room that functioned almost like a magical version of an airlock, I could feel the wards pressing down on me. Any magic used inside would be contained here, if it couldn’t overpower the wards. From the feel of things, it also likely reinforced the walls and floors.

“I found this place online,” Lilith said, as she entered a code into the keypad by the door on the other side of the room. “The code changes when your assigned time is up, to keep people from using old codes to get in for free. There’s also a nice auto-cleansing and repair function, which sterilizes the space, getting rid of any blood, damage caused by the ritual, or any fight that might break out, and so on. Obviously, it would be rather fatal for anyone to be in here when that happens, so it is a good incentive to not overstay your time.”

“Hmph,” I huffed, as I looked around the warehouse on the other side of the airlock. It was wide, and open. Perfect for ritual magics of any size from a simple summoning of a minor animal familiar to summoning greater demons or archfey. And the security and cleanup features were certainly impressive. “Is this a stand-alone business, or part of a chain?”

“A chain. They have properties across the Commonwealth, and in a few ‘associated powers’. I gave their contact data to Ambassador Mendoza, so he can see if they’ll want to open a franchise on Ceres. Possibly with royal backing.”

“And what about summoning some monster that will overwhelm the wards and rampage through the capitol as a form of terrorism?”

“The rental contract covers that. Renter is liable for all damages to the property that go beyond what the repair function and wards can handle, as well as damages to the surrounding area. Those damages will be assigned to the renter, or their next of kin, beneficiaries, and families, by the System automatically. And knowingly trying to summon something beyond your ability to control, or with the intent of unleashing it upon the surrounding area, causes the ritual space to initiate the cleansing feature immediately, before the ritual can finish.”

“So, you want to make sure that you can control whatever comes out. And if you don’t intend on trying to control it, or want to cause trouble, then you get killed before the magic can take hold? Yes, I think royal backing for that franchise on Ceres is warranted. And send a message to Mendoza. Get him to see if the people who designed those contracts and wards are available for consultations on other matters. I can see plenty of use for people who can think up clever solutions like that.”

“I knew you would say that, so I already took care of it, Daddy.”

“Hah, guess a Seer would be able to divine my intentions beforehand.” I smiled, and moved into the center of the room. This space would definitely work for what I had in mind. The only question was what form of Summoning magic would I use?

While [Summoning] from the Warlock class and [Summon Demons] from the Greater Incubus race sounded similar, there were some key differences when you looked at the actual workings of the skills, rather than their descriptions. The two skills basically did the same thing, or almost the same thing, but in different ways. And those differences could have a big impact on what came out the other side.

[Summoning] required circles that were either carved, or drawn in chalk, paint, or something similar. The more ‘permanent’ a circle was, the more powerful the demons that could be summoned through it. [Summoning] only allowed you to summon a single demon at a time, since you then had to work on binding or bargaining with it, while the demon looked for any imperfections in the circle, which would allow it to escape, and potentially cause trouble. However, [Summoning] was very versatile, and could draw forth anything from minor demons that were barely powerful enough to get the name, to Demon Lords. Obviously, the more powerful the demon, the more important it was to have your circle absolutely perfect, since it was possible to summon a being stronger than you were. That, and the cost of materials which needed to be replaced after every summoning, made [Summoning] inherently risky, which is part of the reason I hadn’t really used it.

[Summon Demons] on the other hand, allowed me to just focus my will, and summon a demon to my side. Unless I had a demon’s true name, the best I could do would be to say that I wanted to summon a Succubus, for instance. Unlike with [Summoning], though, [Summon Demons] could summon groups of demons, but there were some restrictions. I couldn’t summon anything higher-leveled than I was, and the more demons I summoned, the lower the level cap became. I could summon a single Tier 2, Level 1 demon, or two Tier 1, Level 41 demons, four Tier 1, Level 31 demons, and so on.

That last restriction actually made [Summon Demons] more valuable, since, the higher my level got, the more I could do with it. Sure, sixteen level 11 demons might not sound all that impressive, but it all depended on what kind you were summoning. For instance, the dretch had fairly decent intelligence, and was capable of becoming invisible at will. That made them fairly decent scouts, if you needed to cover a wide area quickly.

The downside to [Summon Demons] over [Summoning] was that a demon called to me by [Summon Demons] reserved a chunk of my mana pool to keep it there. I could unsummon them at any time and start to regenerate that mana, of course, or just let them ‘die’ and go back to their home plane, but while the demon was active, my mana was restricted, like it was with my Shadow Armor. Worse, since there was no circle binding a demon brought over with [Summon Demons], they could immediately turn hostile and attack, if you weren’t careful. [Summoning], on the other hand, brought the demon over to this plane, and they were stuck there until they were either banished, or found their own way back. This meant I didn’t have to pay an upkeep in mana for them, but they did need to be fed, and housed. Also, unlike the demons called up by [Summon Demons], a demon summoned through [Summoning] that was killed was actually dead, and not just cast back into their home plane. So, that was something to consider, as well.

Since I was looking to bind the demon I summoned as a familiar, I would go with [Summon Demons]. The Familiar ritual would then supersede the summoning, allowing the demoness to fall under those rules. That was important, since the Familiar was bound to me, and wouldn’t need to be taught their place every time they were summoned, like a demon summoned with [Summon Demons] would. Also, the MP costs of keeping a Familiar around were far less than the costs from [Summon Demons].

With all that in mind, I prepared to summon a demoness.

Chapter 142 – Binding

I took a breath, and then concentrated on the [Summon Demons] skill. I knew the basics of the skill, from the knowledge that the System put in my head, but I’d never used a summoning skill before, in this timeline or the last. So, I was not ready for what happened next.

Summon Demons

Do you wish to summon a specific demon by their true name?

Yes / No

Please choose Tier and Level of desired summon:

Tier 2, Level 1

Please choose demonic race (will include subraces, if any):

Succubus

Succubus race chosen. Gender locked to Female.

Confirm?

Yes / No

For an additional mana cost, you can filter results to better find your desired demon, adding classes, professions, or individual skills to the list. Class and Profession choices increase the MP cost of the summoning by 20% each per tier of the desired choice. Skill choices increase the MP cost of the summoning by 10% each per tier of the desired skill.

Do you wish to add any additional filters?

Yes / No

Note: Choosing a class below the demon’s current tier will include all demons with that class in their System logs, even if they have undergone a class change upon Tier up. Demons who have used class change items to move away from the desired class will not be included.

Do you have a class or classes you would like to filter possible summons by?

Yes / No

Note: Choosing a profession below the demon’s current tier will include all demons with that profession in their System logs, even if they have undergone a profession change upon Tier up. Demons who have used profession change items to move away from the desired profession will not be included.

Do you have a profession or professions you would like to filter possible summons by?

Yes / No

Please enter the profession or professions you would like to filter by. Note: adding multiple professions will include all demons with either profession in their System logs.

Courtesan

Scribe

Secretary

Choices noted. Summoning cost adjusted +60%.

Note: Only skills that can be taken as General Skills can be selected for filtering.

Do you have a skill or skills you would like to filter possible summons by?

Yes / No

Please enter the skill or skills you would like to filter by. Note: adding multiple skills will include only demons with all skills in their System Logs.

Carnal Arts

Dancing

Singing

Analyze

Choices noted. Summoning cost adjusted +40%.

Total adjustment: +100%

Normally, all summons are chosen from a list of demons who are registered as willing summons with the System. However, summoning costs can be reduced by expanding your choices to include unregistered demons without the [Block Summons] skill. Please note that unregistered demons may be unwilling to be summoned, and hostile to you. The System takes no responsibility for a summoning resulting in your serious injury or death.

Do you wish to expand the results in return for a 50% MP cost reduction in the summoning?

Yes / No

Connecting to System archives…

Connected.

Searching archives for possible matches…

531,520 possible matches found.

Eliminating matches within warded space…

Eliminating matches currently Summoned…

Eliminating matches under Familiar binding…

Eliminating matches with Slave title…

Eliminating matches with Thrall title…

Eliminating matches with Puppet title…

21,533 matches remaining.

Picking random match…

Summoning…

Honestly, I shouldn’t have been surprised that using the System to summon a demon would be like running down a flow chart or spreadsheet. It made sense that the way to do it would be to have some kind of logs or archive that the skill could search through. The possibility of demons being able to get summoned against their will was troubling. I needed to get that [Block Summons] skill, it seemed, and quickly. Probably ought to stop by the local System Shop while we were out.

Looking at my MP, I was astounded as almost six THOUSAND MP drained away from me, leaving me staggered. If that is what it was like after having been reduced, I could see why people might choose not to summon the registered demons. Of course, a Tier 2 summon was probably far more expensive than the Tier 1, level 41 summons were, put together, but I was sure it would be worth it. Even so, that was enough to bring me under 9000 MP for the first time in a long while. A normal person at my level would have likely been running on empty.

Magic swirled in front of me, moving from aetheric currents to visible light, and then taking shape as the summoning brought my demoness over. Then, there was a flash, bright enough that I was forced to avert my eyes as light became flesh, and the scent of brimstone filled the air. When I looked back, I saw the succubus I ordered.

She had pale blue skin, long, succulent legs, and an hourglass figure. I was seeing her from the side, and could tell that, whether it was up top or down below, she was truly blessed by whatever profane hand crafted her. Her wings and tail stretched out, a mirror of my own, or Lilith’s. Her horns, unlike mine, were short, and curved forward.

She was also naked as the day she was born, and covered in soapy lather. Clearly, I had interrupted her in the middle of a shower, as she was bent over, in the process of washing her legs. She froze as the change in scenery registered in her brain, and our eyes met.

“What in the—DAMN IT! What the hell do you think you’re looking at, pervert?”

Mhyreth

Tomebound Succubus Female

Level 1 Mistress of Destruction / Sensual Wordsmith

Titles: Destroyer, Voyeur, Bookworm

Attributes: STR 50(+5), DEX 120(+12), CON 60(+6), INT 200(+20), WIS 100(+10), CHA 220(+22)

Market Value: 430,020 GP

“Ooh, a Tomebound Succubus? That’s a rare subrace. Those are the ones that can feed off of ‘spicy’ literature, as well as physical acts, yes? And you like to watch, hmm? Naughty girl.”

Mhyreth snarled, obviously not entirely enthused with my ignoring her comment. Or my using [Appraise Value] on her. Or the way I was continuing to ogle her body.

“Listen here, you punk! I don’t care if the System says you’re a demon king. Don’t think that you can ignore me and get away with it! [Desolation Beam]!”

She launched a beam of black and red power at me. The spell was a Wizard spell from the upper levels of the first Tier, but still boasted significant damaging power and ignored most defenses. For someone just entering Tier 2, it was definitely a spell that they could easily throw about, despite being enough to vaporize lower-tier foes.

[Mettle] helped me take the spell head on, reducing the damage by 25%. My [Shadow Armor] helped defend against the rest of the spell. I still took 760 damage, which meant that the spell originally would have pumped out 6000 HP worth of damage!

So, it was little surprise that the Mistress of Destruction’s face turned to one of shock as the light of the spell faded, and revealed me to be… slightly cooked, but otherwise fine. Even the hole in my armor was starting to regenerate, thanks to its [Self-Repair] function. “Well, that was impressive. Of course, you would need more than that to fully break my defenses. And, even then, you would have to do far more than just that to defeat me. Now, KNEEL!”

With that last word, I used [Command Obedience]. She was the same tier as I was, so the only way she could resist the command was if she had a greater CHA than I did, or some other ward against compulsions. Given that she immediately dropped to her knees, she didn’t have those defenses, or not in enough measure that they could stand up against my command.

Still, she fought against the command. Her knees could not rise from the floor, but they spread outward slightly as she struggled, and she fell forward, catching herself on her hands. Looking up, she glared at me. “All you incubi are all the same. Thinking that just because you have a cock, you can go around doing whatever you want!”

“Oh, my dear, I’m afraid you are mistaken. I’m not doing this because I’m an incubus. I’m doing this because I can, and you can’t stop me. But don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this before the end. Now, open your mouth.”

Here mouth opened wide, and refused to shut. At my level, I could only have five Commands active at a time. Any more than that, and the oldest command would break. Worse, a command had to be five words or less, and would only last for fifty minutes, at most. At Tier 2, Level 10, those numbers would increase, allowing six commands, of up to six words, for sixty minutes each, and continuing on that trend for every ten levels thereafter.

She screamed insults as I opened my pants and got ready for ‘battle’. The succubus struggled, trying to pull away or turn her head, but her knees could not move from a kneeling position, even if she could change which pose she was kneeling in, and her mouth would not close. My STR was higher than hers, by a large margin, and I still had a slight edge on DEX, so catching her head by the horns and holding her tight was easy enough for me. Mhyreth was not pleased, if her strangled cries were any indication, when I shoved my cock into her mouth, and then began using her horns to brutally facefuck her.

[Sensual Violation], a skill I’d never had much need for, but had taken ‘just in case’, came into play, now. My HP and MP quickly began regenerating. More than regenerating, I was actually siphoning Mhyreth’s own HP and MP as part of [Sensual Recharge]. This was the first time I’d used [Sensual Recharge] where I wasn’t already mostly full on HP and MP since… well, since I first taught my slaves the [Carnal Arts] skill. By the time I came down the succubus’s throat, I was fully recovered.

I pulled out of her throat, causing Mhyreth to cough as she was now able to breathe freely. However, I did not give her time to recover, as I moved around behind her. She was, after all, conveniently still on her hands and knees. As I lined myself up with her slit, I said, “You are going to be my familiar, Mhyreth. Doesn’t that sound fun? Oh, and I’ll release the command keeping your mouth open, so you can talk.”

She turned and glared at me, with fire in her eyes. “Damn you! You think you can just do this! Wait until my father finds out about this! He’s going to kill you for what you’ve done!”

I smiled, despite the venom in her voice. [Tame Demonic Familiar] required the Warlock to dominate their prospective familiar in some way, as part of the binding. Usually, that meant they had to defeat the demon in battle. As a Greater Incubus, though, I had other options.

Grabbing her by the horns once again, (“HEY STOP GRABBING MY HORNS, YOU FUCKING CREEP!”) I pulled hard, and forced my way inside her. I was legitimately surprised to feel myself breaking through a barrier, as the succubus yelped in pain. No, it couldn’t be…

“You’re a virgin? How did a succubus manage to get to Tier 2 without having sex? You had to eat, didn’t you?”

“Gah! Yes, I’m a virgin! Or I was, no thanks to you! And just because most of our race are absolute sluts who fuck anything with a pulse, and some things without, doesn’t mean I have to be like that! I can get quite enough food just watching, thank you. And I was born a Tomebound Lesser Succubus, so anything I couldn’t get from watching, I got from my books. No need to deal with any of that icky… fluid… stuff.”

“But I expressly asked for someone with the [Carnal Arts] skill.”

“Hmph. Daddy agreed to not push me into anything, so long as I spent a point on the skill. He figured the knowledge would help encourage me, but it just gave me ideas for my own writing.”

“Well, I’ll have to read your writing later. For now, I’m going to enjoy taming you. Oh, and so you know, when you climax, [Tame Demonic Familiar] will take effect. Enjoy.”

“No-oooh! STOP THAT!”

I, of course, ignored her as I began thrusting into her. This summoning was turning out to be even more interesting than I thought! Sure, her talk about her daddy was foreshadowing if I ever heard it, but that was something for future me to worry about. Current me was enjoying taming and breeding my new familiar.

Chapter 143 – Emporium

Mhyreth

Tomebound Succubus Female

Level 1 Mistress of Destruction / Sensual Wordsmith

Titles: Destroyer, Voyeur, Bookworm, Familiar

Attributes: STR 50(+187), DEX 120(+187), CON 60(+187), INT 200(+187), WIS 100(+187), CHA 220(+187)

Market Value: 460,020 GP

Once my little succubus was finally bound, officially, as my familiar, I checked her again with [Appraise Value]. Her value had bumped up, slightly, even though the System made it so that the Familiar title was incompatible with the Slave, Puppet, or Thrall titles. Also, the bonus to her stats, which had been a simple 10% of their normal value, from [Enhanced Summoning], was replaced by the Familiar title’s bonus. A Familiar reserved 10% of the summoner’s MP pool while summoned, and each of their stats was increased by 10% of that reserved amount, so a familiar grew in power with their Master.

Before, Mhyreth was a fairly average example of a succubus at the start of Tier 2. Now, she had the stats of a succubus that was quickly approaching Tier 3, or beyond. And that was without any gear supporting her. Thankfully, her being a Familiar meant that she had to obey my commands, and couldn’t catch me with that [Desolation Beam] of hers. I didn’t want to know how much that had powered up.

Speaking of gear, my familiar still wasn’t wearing anything other than a look of despondence as she adjusted to her new situation. Another bit of shopping that would have to get added to the day’s schedule. Fortunately, I was not poor in the slightest, so no worries there.

Also, I knew from the knowledge of the [Tame Demonic Familiar] skill that my familiars (and I could have more than one) could be summoned or unsummoned at will, so long as I had the MP to spare. When unsummoned, the familiars would basically live in my MP pool. Every time I summoned them, they would appear in perfect health, wearing whatever gear they had on when last summoned. If they were killed, they didn’t actually die, but were instead unsummoned, and I wouldn’t be able to summon them for a time period that basically translated to a month on Earth.

As a bonus, I didn’t have to worry about betrayal from the familiar, or her running off. Besides the fact that I could communicate telepathically with her, and she was forced to obey my commands, the only way for her to stop being a Familiar was if I summoned her, and then released her from her service. However, until that point, the familiar would have the Familiar title, and bear my mark somewhere on their body, similar to the [Slave Brand]. (Though anyone who could sense magic could tell the difference between the two.) In Mhyreth’s case, the mark was a bright crimson against the blue skin of her left ass cheek.

The main benefit of that whole thing, right this moment, was that I wouldn’t have to answer annoying questions about why I had a naked succubus with me. Even with my being a diplomat, and Silver Moon City not exactly being a puritan stronghold, there were some things that were just asking for the wrong kinds of attention. Unsummoning the girl would solve the problem, until I decided to summon her once we got someplace that sold the appropriate style of clothing.

“Isis, Lelia, start thinking about outfits for Mhyreth, here. I’m putting you two in charge of that. At least one set for work, one for casual wear, and something to sleep in. The work outfit should be ‘slutty secretary’ themed. As a reward, you can both pick out a casual outfit for yourselves, as well.”

The two pilots looked thrilled at their new mission, as only women going shopping could. I looked over to the familiar, and said, “I’m going to unsummon you for a bit, my dear, so we can walk around without crowds. Only those I allow get to see my pets naked.” She shuddered, but just bowed her head, the fight gone from her, for the moment. With a shimmer, the unsummoning returned her to my mana pool.

“So, Daddy,” Lilith said, still holding her pet’s leash. “Shall we stop by the slave markets, first? Either we will find something we like, or not. But then we will only need to make one trip to the different shops to purchase weapons and armor for everyone.”

“You weren’t planning on keeping Slutmuffin like this the whole time?” I grinned at her, gesturing to the former noblewoman on the leash. She was wearing a plain cotton loincloth and blouse that did little, if anything, to hide her natural assets. Her hair was also pulled back in a simple ponytail, so that the Slave Brand on her forehead could be easily seen. Simple sandals kept her from walking barefoot. Everything about the outfit was designed to make even beggars in the street know that this woman was beneath them.

“As amusing as that would be, no. After all, it would be unfitting for my pet not to be able to fight, with the martial culture we’ve established on Ceres. Especially since I plan on forcing her to use Class Change and Profession Change items, once we pass by a System Shop.”

“Oh? What are you turning her into? And is she now?”

“Currently, she is a Level 20 Merchant / Noblewoman. That, obviously, won’t work for her new role, so I intend to make her into a Sensual Healer and Courtesan. When I’m done with her, she will be able to literally fuck someone on their deathbed to perfect health.”

I laughed at that image, and the way it made the disgraced noblewoman blanche in utter horror. “Well, then we should get going. As you said, we’ll hit the slave markets first, and see if there is anything that catches the eye, and then go shopping for equipment, accessories, and clothes.”

Lilith beamed, and led the way to a slave market she had ‘just so happened’ to research near the Summoning Circle. I just chalked it up to her Seer nature giving her some special insight into where we were going and what we’d be doing. That, and her being a woman that knew me all too well. I made the mistake of underestimating women the first time through the time loop, and it was something that I tried to avoid, this time. Which is part of the reason most of the women in my circle were either blood-related, or bound through contracts or enslavement.

Ivaran’s Exotic Emporium was apparently the premier slave market on all of Quel’thalas, and one of the highest rated in the entire Commonwealth. With that kind of pedigree, I was expecting some grandeur on the shop front. Possibly something that would make it comparable to a high-end brothel.

What I found, however, was a compound that looked more like a gated apartment complex than anything else. A wrought iron fence established the boundaries of the Emporium, and where the wards ended. Inside, there were three apartment buildings, each ten floors tall, around a central courtyard. If it weren’t for the slaves moving about the courtyard, wearing much the same outfit as Slutmuffin was, as they ran combat drills, exercised, or just relaxed if they were granted leisure time, one might assume that it was a set of dormitories for an elite private school, more than anything else.

A knelfi slave dressed only in a leather corset (which did nothing to cover her assets), a pair of high heels locked about her ankles, and a simple black slave collar around her throat greeted us at the gate. She bowed to us, and then stood, though her eyes did not pass my belt line. “Welcome, honored customers, to Ivaran’s Exotic Emporium. May this slave ask your business today? Are you looking to buy? Or perhaps sell? If you are selling, this slave will call the evaluator right away, so that you do not need to wait. Otherwise, this slave can guide you to the reception office, so that you can meet the Master.”

“No, we did not come to sell, but to buy, potentially. We are travelers, from afar. My daughter, here, heard of Ivaran and his Emporium, and so we came to see what he might have in stock.”

“Understood, honored customer. May this slave have a name to give to the Master?”

“King Zayn Greene of Ceres and Crown Princess Lilith Moonchild of Ceres.”

I could see the slave stiffen momentarily at my words, but she quickly hid her emotions, and bowed deeply. “Of course, your Majesty, your Highness. Please, let this slave lead you to the VIP lounge, where the Master shall join you shortly.”

The slave quickly led us to a luxurious sitting room, with plush couches and chairs, and a luxurious shag carpet. The decoration was expensive, and lavish, but it was ‘old money’ expensive. Nothing here looked as though it were trying too hard to be impressive, or gaudily showing off wealth. You could tell that everything in here was a master-crafted item, but none of it had the flash and sizzle of ‘new money’, which spoke of a lack of the insecurity that the newly rich often had. The Master, or his predecessors, had been wealthy enough, for long enough, that they no longer had any insecurities on that point.

A pair of knelfi slaves walked in, one male, and one female, both dressed as servants, but bearing the same collar as the previous slave had worn. The girl carried a tray of tall, thin glasses, each full of a clear, rose-colored liquid. The man, on the other hand, stood straight, and said, “The Master’s complements, your Majesty, your Highness. I am Katyr, Master Ivaran’s chief butler. The Master has been informed of your presence, and is gathering a catalogue of the finest stock currently available, for you to review. In the meantime would you care for refreshments for you and your servants? This wine is a specialty of the Master’s homeworld, Tana’ris, made from a hardy desert plant that does not grow anywhere else in known space.”

“I would prefer to keep a clear head for evaluating your Master’s stock, and any negotiations thereafter, and my daughter is with child. The System suggests that partaking of alcohol during this time would be ill advised, and I see no reason to gainsay that wisdom. Instead, let the wine already poured be offered as a reward to yourself, and the other servants here, in recognition of the quality service you offer on behalf of your Master.”

“You are most generous, your Majesty. Before I go, is there anything else that we might offer to make your wait, brief as it shall be, more pleasant?”

“Some information, if you please. When our business here is finished, I intend to find someplace suitable to outfit slaves, both for fashion, and for usefulness upon the battlefield. This includes clothing, naturally, but also equipment and accessories. Would there be any places nearby that the Master would recommend for their quality?”

“Ah, your Majesty, there is no need to bother the Master for that information. If it is clothes suitable for a slave to wear, even to a noble’s gala, then Sylbanise is the only place worth mentioning, in this slave’s opinion. Whether free or slave, all the most wealthy and beautiful women go to Sylbanise, and the owner, Fayeth Sylbanise, is a good friend of the Master’s, from the time when they were adventurers together.

“Likewise, Edyrm Shapetor is the finest blacksmith in the city, and he has gathered with him other masters of the crafts, so that the Adamantine Hammer has all the best weapons and armor to be found. They also have a line of accessories of various types, as well. Please note that their work is known for being functional, first and foremost. As Sir Shapetor says it, ‘a blade that looks pretty but does not cut is not worth the metal it was forged from’. Which is not to say that their work is plain, or unadorned, but Sir Shapetor would rather a piece be plain, but keep his customer alive, than be beautiful, and decorate their corpse.”

He paused for a moment, and then said, “Finally, if it is equipment and accessories to aid in the equipping and managing of slaves, whether newly bought or already a part of your household, then the Torhana Exchange is a specialized crafter’s market known for the highest quality goods, with gear suitable for customers of any social or economic standing. They are specialized in the needs of slaves, and their Masters, but within that specialization you will not find a better selection in the city.”

There was a beep from my communicator, asking me to receive a file. I accepted, and found that it was location data and general information about all three shops. With a smile, I nodded to the butler. “You should be commended for your excellent service, as should the rest of the staff. I shall ensure that your Master hears of it.”

“Many thanks, your Majesty. With your permission, then, I will inform the Master that you are ready for him.” At my nod, he turned, and both slaves left the room, silently shutting the door behind them.

Chapter 144 – Choices

We were left waiting only a few minutes more. Not terribly long. Enough that, had we taken the glasses, we could have sipped the drinks slowly, appreciating the flavor, and be half done by the time the door opened. As it stood, we just rested and made pleasant small talk about some of the things we would be buying, once we went shopping properly. The girls were all eager to see what kind of outfits they could get Mhyreth into, and were already strategizing. Knowing better than to interrupt such critical planning, I just sat back and relaxed for a moment.

“Ah, your Majesty! Welcome to my humble Emporium!” The voice that came with the opening of the door belonged to a short, green-skinned creature in a suit that looked close enough to Knelfi fashion to not look out of place, but had enough foreign styling to be considered somewhat ‘exotic’ by the locals. I recognized the creature’s species, of course. He was a Govlin, who were the galactic equivalent of goblins on Earth.

Ivaran Goldtooth

High Govlin Male

Level 22 Wraith Blade / Master Slave Trader

Titles: Assassin, Quickblade, Executioner, Silver-tongued

Attributes: STR 75, DEX 200, CON 100, INT 90, WIS 125, CHA 200

Market Value: 250000 gp

Of course, comparing a govlin (or high govlin, in this case) and goblin was like comparing night and day. While goblins had some crude cleverness, they were mostly driven by their primal urges to kill, eat, and breed, making them a pest to be removed with blade and spells. Govlins, on the other hand, were intelligent and crafty, especially when it came to commerce and magical engineering.

The general rule with govlin engineering was to check everything, and then check it again, and make sure you have backups. Sure, the things they made worked (most of the time) and, sure, they did things that shouldn’t be possible. However, they tended to cut corners, and be the minimum viable product. The flip side, of course, was that they were cheap, and easily replaceable, if something broke. Also, like an old car, you could fix them with the equivalent of chewing gum, zip-ties, and duct tape if you had any idea at all what you were doing. Which made them easier to maintain yourself than some more… professionally-made machines.

When it came to commerce, however, that was another story entirely. Sure, there were govlins that dealt in low-quality goods, but most gravitated towards high-value propositions. They liked gathering wealth, and they liked showing it off. Most of the govlins who rose to the top were so flashy that they made pre-System billionaires on Earth look like they’d taken vows of poverty. They gathered this wealth by being absolutely ruthless businessmen, who jealously guarded their reputations and profit margins.

The fact that Ivaran was not showing off his obvious wealth meant that he was comfortable that everyone knew who he was, and how much he was worth. Even more so than it would mean if he was a human or knelfi. Of course, it also could be a result of something he picked up in his adventuring days. One did not get a Tier 2 rogue-type class without slitting throats, after all, and he probably had been on the other side of being in a rich person’s home enough that he knew the difference between show wealth and actual wealth.

Smiling, I nodded to him. “Thank you, Master Ivaran, and pass my thanks to your subordinates, as well. They have provided quality service. You should be proud of the training that has gone into them.”

“Ah, your words do me honor, sir,” Ivaran said, similing, as he pulled a pair of tablets from his inventory. As he set them in front of Lilith and myself, I could see that they were searchable catalogs of his stock. “Indeed, I trained all my staff personally, to ensure that they always met the high standards I have for my Emporium. But I know that one such as yourself did not come to simply swap training secrets with this govlin, and no doubt you have a busy day planned. Please, let us get down to business. My servant said that you wished to see my stock? Is there anything in particular you wished to look for, or would you like to simply page through my catalog? This version also includes the ‘private stock’ that I only allow VIPs like yourself to view.”

“Well, both my daughter and I are looking to potentially make a purchase or two. For myself, I am thinking of expanding my core group for those times when I go adventuring and trying to increase my level. A king cannot rest on his laurels, after all, but diving into dungeons is not something one should do alone.”

“Ah, yes. Function first, and then looking for the best fit?” When I nodded, Ivaran smiled toothily. “Excellent. Too many customers think with their little head instead of the big one when buying my products. I still happily take their coin, mind you, but, as a former adventurer, it is refreshing to see someone who actually knows what they are about. If I might ask, what roles are already covered in your party, and what are you looking for?”

“Well, I am a warlock base, before the Tier up, and so far I’ve also doubled as the front-liner, due to situations of my own. I also have a Battledancer and Ninja as damage dealers, and Priestess as a healer. Given how things scale up once you get into Tier 2, I’m looking for either a second healer, or a dedicated defender type, and either a spellcaster or ranged damage dealer. That would prevent overspecialization, while filling in some of the gaps in my current party. Also, most of my party was in the late 30s of Tier 1 when I left Ceres, but I’m now just into Tier 2, so someone in that range would work best.”

“Oh, hoh! You do know your stuff. That is a solid party, especially for someone coming from a world without the System. Hmm. So, either a tank or healer for one spot, and a mage or ranged type for the second? I definitely have options for those.”

Ivaran typed on a third tablet he pulled from his inventory, and I saw the one in front of me start shifting through catalogue entries, bringing up only those that met my criteria. “These are the options I have that would best meet your choices, your Majesty. If you wish to filter further, so that only women show up, for instance, then that is easily done.”

“Excellent. Lilith, what about you?”

Lilith smiled, and started listing off her requirements. I tuned it out, and instead focused on the number of choices, and the filters. 126 options? That was impressive, but too many at the moment. I filtered out the men. 69 remaining. Nice.

Puns aside, I split the choices into sections. 20 healers, 5 tanks, 34 ranged attackers, and 10 spellcasters. Then, I cut everyone except those above Tier 1, Level 30. Anyone weaker than that wouldn’t be useful to my party, after all. That dropped the numbers to 5 healers, 1 tank, 12 ranged attackers, and 3 spellcasters. I then arranged this remainder into a table, so I could compare them more closely.

Name

Type

Description

Feblot Zisslesquee

Healer

Rodaini Female. Level 32 Priestess of Gozdea / Celebrity

Shalaevar Herleth

Healer

Knelfi Female. Level 49 Druid / Brewer

Maylin Birieth

Healer

Knelfi Female. Level 43 Favored Soul of Cetuna / Soldier

Lensa Sarhana

Healer

High Knelfi Female. Level 1 High Priestess of Nyarlathotep

Sizigret Barbedstone

Healer

Dwurgen Female. Level 31 Druid / Mason

Eletha Aeris

Tank

Half-Dragon Knelfi Female. Level 30 Paladin / Soldier

Dirue Zylphyra

Ranged

Knelfi Female. Level 33 Ranger / Tracker

Farryn Eljyre

Ranged

Knelfi Female. Level 39 Ranger / Hunter

Shalendra Ravaralei

Ranged

High Knelfi Female. Level 33 Ranger / Bowyer

Ahshala Ililar

Ranged

Knelfi Female. Level 49 Arcane Shooter / Sniper

Krosdruna Irongut

Ranged

Dwurgen Female. Level 33 Heavy Gunner / Gunsmith

Dee

Ranged

Atlantean Female. Level 45 Artillerist / Scientist

Experiment #442

Ranged

Awakened Iron Golem Female. Level 30 Arcane Shooter / Dancer

Erirfotaine Wraithbane

Ranged

Dwurgen Female. Level 39 Arcane Shooter

Fedae

Ranged

Dogik Female. Level 3 Phantom Blade / Master Weaver

Sorisana Bryfina

Ranged

Atlantean Female. Level 39 Ranger / Huntress

Cukits Redfur

Ranged

Fimaazro Female. Level 39 Arcane Shooter / Scout

Talindra Helefir

Ranged

Knelfi Female. Level 39 Ranger / Butcher

Harahel

Spellcaster

Greater Angel Female. Level 2 Sorceress of the Seven Celestial Spires / Grandmaster Alchemist

Lusha Keylar

Spellcaster

Atlantean Female. Level 42 Spellbow / Scholar

Keya Holaven

Spellcaster

High Knelfi Female. Level 30 True Kitchen Mage / Master Chef

There was a bias towards Knelfi, obviously, but that was to be expected from the location. The numbers also dove off a cliff after the Tier 2 ascension. Also understandable, given how difficult it was to capture creatures of that power alive. And anyone with the power to do so wasn’t likely going to be giving them up to a slave market. Still, the list was impressive, with several Tier 2s, and even a Tier 3!

I quickly nixed all the rangers. I’m sure that they were skilled, but the class was a bit generic for my tastes, especially since I was looking for someone to add to my already eclectic party. I also struck off the Paladin, as well, even though they were the only tank. That class just wouldn’t mesh well with my abilities, after all, unless I got lucky and they were a paladin of some demon god. And I didn’t trust my luck that far.

Starting with the healers, a quick check on my personal communicator informed me that Gozdea was the Rodaini goddess of Fame and Fortune, and that the Rodaini were basically gnomes or halflings from fantasy stories. Which meant that they all looked like weirdly proportioned children. Definite no.

Cetuna, on the other hand, was the Knelfi goddess of Death. Not something I was looking for in a healer, so another pass. The lower-leveled druid was all right, but why bother when there was one already on the cusp of Tier 2? And a Priestess of Nyarlathotep just sounded like a recipe for madness, if the actual god was anything like the one featured in Earth fiction. So, the first choice was Shalaevar Herleth, the Level 49 Druid/Brewer.

Of the six remaining ranged choices, most were Arcane Shooters. That class used something called Spellguns, which gave them the ability to fire magic like you would a bullet. Their magical effects were almost entirely either damage-dealing or battlefield control, but they were supposed to be damn good at it. I hadn’t seen any in person, even in the last timeline, so I didn’t know how true that was, myself. If I was going to get one, I was obviously going to go for the most powerful of the lot, which meant Ahshala Ililar, the Arcane Shooter/Sniper.

I briefly considered the Dogik Phantom Blade, but a quick bit of research shot that down. Sure, Phantom Blade was a Tier 2 class that mixed blades and magic to make it good at close to middle range, but the girl was a Dogik, which were a race of spiders the size of a minivan. While I didn’t have any particular dislike or fear of spiders like some people did, but when they were bigger than me, even I got a bit of an urge to ‘kill it with fire’. Sad, but another pass.

The spellcasters were mostly disappointing, as well. Sure, the Spellbow was an interesting class that allowed people to switch between archery and spells, but it was fairly limited in scope. Likewise, the True Kitchen Mage was Tier 2, but not useful at all on a battlefield.

But that last spellcaster. She was not just a Tier 3 race, like me, but she was actually Tier 3, since both her class and profession were Tier 3 options. She was actually TOO powerful to be a good fit with my party. We would end up relying on her too much, and our own skills would atrophy, which was unacceptable.

But I had to have her.

I could take the two Level 49s that I’d found, and add them to the party. That would cover some weaknesses we currently had, and a druid could double as a tank, depending on their specialization within the class. I didn’t need to take the angel to the battlefield.

No, she would just be a prize, a project, even. I could work on molding her in my image. She was a higher Tier than I was, sure, but that would just make it a long-term project. And how many demons got to say that they had a pet angel?

Chapter 145 – Purchases

As Lilith and I locked in our choices, Ivaran nodded pleasantly. “Well, if you would allow me to speak freely, your Majesty, I must confess this has been far more pleasant than dealing with most nobles. They usually have me waste most of a day, bringing up different groups of slaves, and wanting to sample the merchandise as much as possible. And most adventurers do not possess the standing, or coin, to purchase my wares. It is a rare pleasure to deal with someone who is an adventurer before they are a noble.”

I chuckled, and said, “Yes, we’ve met a few of the nobles here on Quel’thalas. Some, like the President and some members of the military, were great people, and easy to talk with. Others? Well, it was like watching children running with wooden knives, pretending to stab each other in the back. They quickly learned that dominance games were a foolish thing to try against us.”

“Yes, I heard about your duel at the President’s party. House Orileth has been members of the nobility for so long that it would not be out of turn to call them second only to the Windrunners in influence. However, they’re less than reasonable when dealing with anyone ‘beneath’ them, which is most people, in their minds. Their being humbled has made many people quite happy.”

Lilith smiled, and said, “Well, I am happy that my good fortune has made them happy.”

There was a knock on the door, interrupting the small talk. Ivaran smiled, “Ah, that will be Katyr, with your selections. Enter!”

At his word, the door opened, and Katyr entered, with six slaves in tow. It was obvious which slaves were designated for me, and which were Lilith’s purchases, as they were split evenly between male and female. All of them wore identical loincloths, with the women wearing a top that was just as revealing. Each bore a Slave Brand, marking them permanently as property in a way that a mere slave collar could not do.

Shalaevar Herleth

Knelfi Female

Level 49 Druid / Brewer

Titles: Survivor, Manslayer, Deviant, Slave

Attributes: STR 110, DEX 85, CON 110, INT 110, WIS 200, CHA 50

Market Value: 295,800 GP

First up was the druid. She had a more athletic build, like someone who is out in the world doing physical labor. Not bodybuilder material, but someone who puts in actual work, rather than just building muscle. Her black hair was cut in a short bob, just above the shoulders. Most likely so that it didn’t get caught on anything while fighting. She looked quite capable. Her slave brand was emblazoned upon her left ass cheek, silver against the chocolate of her skin.

Ahshala Ililar

Knelfi Female

Level 49 Arcane Shooter / Sniper

Titles: Marksman, Assassin, Quickshot, Manslayer, Slave

Attributes: STR 60, DEX 240, CON 70, INT 110, WIS 60, CHA 125

Market Value: 300,250 GP

The Arcane Shooter, on the other hand, was lithe, and lean, with a slim build that emphasized speed and agility. While I couldn’t tell just from [Appraise Value], I would have bet money that she had a Gymnastics or Parkour type skill, to better allow her to get into different firing positions. Even dressed in a slave’s clothes, she was cute, and radiated danger in that femme fatale way. Her slave brand was low upon her stomach, black against her pale skin, and half-hidden by her loincloth, just above the ‘v’ where her legs met the torso.

Harahel

Greater Angel Female

Level 2 Sorceress of the Seven Celestial Spires / Grandmaster Alchemist

Titles: Deific Bloodline, Well-endowed, Destroyer, Archmage, Grand Ritualist, Beautiful One, Gifted, Slave

Attributes: STR 220, DEX 350, CON 155, INT 450, WIS 320, CHA 875

Market Value: 2,460,420 GP

Then, of course, there was the angel. Two pairs of white wings sprouted from her back, and golden halo hung in the air over her silver-blonde hair. Her body was perfectly proportioned, with wide hips, a round tush, slim waist, and breasts that were easily a DD cup. Her eyes glowed with silver light, and her skin was a pale gold, and perfectly unblemished, save for the emerald-colored slave brand nestled just above the valley of her cleavage.

Vulas Oloric

Half-Dragon Knelfi Male

Level 42 Fighter / Bodyguard

Titles: Tough, Resilient, Well-hung, Enduring, Slave

Attributes: STR 220, DEX 120, CON 200, INT 60, WIS 50, CHA 55

Market Value: 230,020 GP

The first of Lilith’s prizes was no less exceptional than my own. Red scales formed a rudimentary set of armor over his upper arms, chest, and legs, and a pair of draconic wings spread from his back. His eyes were a fiery red, and his well-muscled physique showed that he was a warrior, first and foremost. He sported a black slave brand on his back, between his wings.

Naturally, I noticed the Enduring and Well-hung titles. One ensured that the bearer did not tire too quickly, and the other was a sign that their equipment was measurably larger than the average for their race. Of course, ‘well-hung’ for a human was still tiny, or below-average, to a horse, so all things were relative.

Besso Brownlock

Feytouched Rodaini Male

Level 45 Bard / Courtier

Titles: Silver-tongued, Well-hung, Enduring, Slave

Attributes: STR 35, DEX 145, CON 100, INT 200, WIS 150, CHA 260

Market Value: 260,020 GP

The next one was a rodaini. He was all of three and a half feet tall, if that, and looked like an oddly proportioned kid, which made me even more glad that I passed on the one in my list. Of course, he was the slim type, focusing more on looks than anything else. Probably not terribly useful in a physical fight, but Bards had plenty of other uses besides dealing damage. I was sure that Lilith would enjoy tormenting him. His slave brand was on his right chest.

Saniel

Angel Male

Level 49 Battledancer / Entertainer

Titles: Enduring, Well-hung, Demonbane, Slave

Attributes: STR 190, DEX 240, CON 150, INT 100, WIS 110, CHA 300

Market Value: 350,000 GP

And, finally, there was another angel. Just the Tier 2 version, though, but with Tier 1 class and profession. Battledancer was actually a rare class amongst angels, since most melee combatants in their ranks went the way of fighters or paladins, while the charismatic ones often became sorcerers or bards. He had only a single pair of wings, and a halo like my angel did. His skin was a deep golden color, which matched his glowing eyes. His slave brand could be seen on his right ass cheek, black against his skin.

The reaction of the slaves, upon seeing their new owners, was telling. The men had a mix of lust and loathing (though that last was entirely from the angel), since they rightly guessed that Lilith had bought them, and knew exactly why she chose them. After all, there’s really only one reason why a succubus would buy a slave with the Enduring and Well-hung titles.

The women, on the other hand, looked at me with a mix of apprehension, resignation, lust, and disgust. Again, that last bit was mainly from the angel in the group. Indeed, all three no doubt understood to what use they’d be put, and while the two knelfi were at least resigned, and perhaps a bit excited, for their new role, I could tell that it was only the Slave Brand keeping her in check that prevented Harahel from smiting me where I stood.

Once the money was exchanged, Ivaran smiled at us once more. “Excellent! Most excellent. I am so pleased that you found our stock to your liking. Is there anything else that I might do to help you, your Majesty?”

“No, thank you. Your butler, here has already given us excellent tips on where to go next, to equip our new purchases, and ensure that they have the proper accessories.”

Ivaran cocked an eye at Katyr, and the knelfi man bowed slightly. “I gave his Majesty directions to the shops of Lady Sylbanise and Sir Shapetor, as well as the Torhana Exchange.”

The High Govlin nodded once. “Ah, good, good. Well, your Majesty, I can personally assure you to the quality of both Sylbanise and Shapetor’s works. They’re old friends from the adventuring days, and deserve every accolade they’ve gotten. As for the Torhana Exchange, I would not go to them for weapons or armor, even though they have things that look like they would do the job, but if you are looking for accessories to help train your pets, and place some minor protections upon them, then there is none better on Quel’thalas. If you like, I can give you letters of introduction to all three?”

“Thank you, that would be most helpful. Playing tourist is fun, but I would rather not extend my trip, if I don’t have to. There’s only so long that I can be away from my throne before people start getting foolish ideas, after all.”

Ivaran nodded sympathetically as he quickly typed upon his tablet. “Ah, the curse of powerful people everywhere. You have all this power, but you cannot go off and enjoy yourself without a dozen problems popping up. I haven’t been able to visit my home of Tana’ris in almost ten Galactic Standard Years. But I wouldn’t trade my life or position here for anything.”

He sent over a file to our commlinks, containing letters for the three stores. Looked like a generic ‘this person is a customer in good standing’ kind of introduction. Probably why it was a form letter, instead of anything more unique. But then, we had barely known him for more than an hour.

With our business done, we said our goodbyes, and left the Emporium. Checking the map data we’d been given, it seemed that Sylbanise was closest. That was good, since getting the slaves (and my new familiar) dressed in something more appropriate would make all the other shopping more convenient.

The shop was not empty, but even so the whole place came to a halt the moment we walked in with our guards and entourage. Understandable, really, since, all told, we had seventeen people with us, if you included the six Marines running security detail for us. To say that we made an impression when we entered a room was an understatement of galactic proportions.

“Oh, my!” A female voice came from the back rooms. A quick check of [Appraise Value] told me that this was Fayeth Sylbanise, herself. The knelfi woman was all a twitter as she rushed up to us. “Your Majesty! I saw your arrival on the news. Welcome to my humble shop! Please, come in, come in! What can I do for you today?”

There was, of course, nothing humble about the shop. It was a high-end clothier for nobles, adventurers, and others who had coin. Everything here was stylish elegance embodied, including the lady leading us towards a sitting area near the changing rooms, where clothes could be modeled to the crowd. The fact that it was a place perfectly visible from anywhere in the store, as well as through the window to the street, all subtly proclaiming that foreign royalty was shopping here? Well, that was a complete coincidence, I was sure.

“Well,” I said, passing along the letter of introduction, “I was out in the city, playing tourist now that the diplomatic wrangling can be safely left to the diplomats, and decided to add a few individuals to my retinue. Of course, while Ivaran’s Emporium is known for its quality stock, you don’t go to a tailor to get a blade forged, and you never go to a vineyard to get cake. Thankfully, Ivaran told me of an old friend of his who was the best clothier in the city, and so nearby.”

“Oh, you! Flirting won’t get you anywhere. I’m happily married! But don’t stop, please!” She laughed, and said, “So, what all are we looking at? Outfits for six? Nine? Or all ten of you?”

“Eleven, actually,” I smiled, as I snapped my fingers. A summoning circle appeared above me, and Mhyreth fell out of it, dropping into my lap, still very much naked. “I also summoned and bound a familiar earlier today, and while I don’t mind her being naked, it would be a little too distracting for everyone around us, don’t you think?”

I could have sworn I saw money signs in her eyes as Sylbanise laughed. “Oh, excellent! To think that my clothes will grace such lovely forms! And will sail all the way to a foreign kingdom! Let’s get started immediately!”

Chapter 146 – Gearing

I had expected it, of course, but it was already past noon by the time we were finished getting outfits for everyone. We all got formal clothes, though in the case of Lilith and myself that meant clothes that either covered or went with our ‘formal armor’, while the others got outfits that easily doubled as armor for caster types. We also got casual outfits, for wearing around the city. While what they came in was more than pleasing, they drew too much attention. At my direction, the casual outfits were also designed so that we could move easily, and most armor should work well with it.

Dark Lord’s Formal Wear

Type

Clothes

Rank

Unique

This formal suit and cloak have been tailored to work with the wearer’s preferred armor, blending easily with the armor’s styling. In addition to looking great, the armor has some added bonuses, suitable for one in Tier 2.

+20 INT, +20 WIS, +20 CHA

+20% to all social skills.

Social skills receive no penalty when affecting creatures of higher tier.

Wearer receives no penalty to resist social skills from creatures of higher tier.

Dominating Aura – Creatures within 30 feet cannot attack unless their CHA is higher than that of the wearer. Any hostile action by the wearer or his allies against a hostile force or their allies breaks this effect.

Perfect Fit – Changes to fit the wearer.

Shifting – Alters itself to shift with the wearer when they change forms.

Self-Repair – The clothes will repair and clean themselves over time with ambient mana.

Dark Seducer’s Daily Wear

Type

Clothes

Rank

Unique

This stylish outfit consists of specially tailored shirt and pants that look equally at home on a city street, at a country club, or on in a nightclub, enhancing the wearer’s social pursuits, whatever they might be.

+20 INT, +20 WIS, +20 CHA

+20% to all social skills.

Social skills receive no penalty when affecting creatures of higher tier.

Wearer receives no penalty to resist social skills from creatures of higher tier.

Dark Seduction – Creatures targeted by the wearer’s Seduction skill are Charmed automatically, unless their CHA exceeds the wearer’s. Duration: (Wearer’s CHA - Target’s CHA) hours. If the target would normally not be attracted to the wearer’s race and/or gender, the duration is halved. Any attack by the wearer or their allies breaks this effect.

Perfect Fit – Changes to fit the wearer.

Shifting – Alters itself to shift with the wearer when they change forms.

Self-Repair – The clothes will repair and clean themselves over time with ambient mana.

In the world before the System, even ‘off the rack’ clothes would have taken time to get tailored to fit, and all of our outfits? All at once? It would have been at least a day or two until we could pick up our order. Thankfully, everything was done using the System, and Sylbanise was a Master Tailor, the Tier 2 version of the Tailor profession. Dresses and outfits that she made benefited from the [Perfect Fit] skill, which made a garment automatically reshape to fit the wearer, so long as they weren’t grossly misproportioned for it. A Rodaini couldn’t wear a gown made for a Knelfi, and that Knelfi would not be able to wear an outfit made for a Lamia, naturally. However, a busty human could put on a [Perfect Fit] outfit made for a slender knelfi without issue, and creatures with extra limbs, like an angel’s wings, would find accommodations made automatically.

In addition, each outfit offered stat boosts, as one would expect. That was another benefit of going to a Tailor or Seamstress to get clothes, if you could afford it. The [Sewing] skill was a general skill, meaning that anyone could make clothes, if they wanted to. But they would all be just basic garments, no matter how stylish or well made they were. A Tailor’s clothes, however, were a cut above, thanks to the helpfully named [Cut Above] skill.

There was a reason that people went to Tailors, after all.

During the process, I amused myself with my new pet angel. Harahel squirmed under my touch as I began my work with her, teasing her with my fingers whenever she was not actively being worked on by the tailors. She could not resist, since I was her Master, and, even though her Charisma was double mine, I was still a Greater Incubus, with the [Carnal Arts] skill. I knew a thing or two about giving a woman pleasure, whether she wanted it or not. When I was through with her, I had no doubt that she would be literally begging me to fuck her.

Still, I didn’t do anything too explicit just yet. We were just at the teasing stage, after all. Properly taming this angel was not something I wished to rush through. And while it wasn’t like we were just picking something off the rack and leaving, we weren’t here for long. In fact, by the time we left Sylbanise, it was just about time for a late lunch.

Lilith, once again, had foreseen our itinerary, and so it was just past two in the afternoon when we left the local diner she’d picked out. The manager and staff were beyond thrilled to have us show up unannounced. Especially since we just ordered food and sat down to eat, without any prima donna crap. I actually had to use my skills to convince the manager to take our money for the food.

Properly fed on the local equivalent of burgers and fries, we now moved on to the next stop on our tour, the Adamantine Hammer. Here, we were less welcome, due to the disruption such a large group coming in at once caused to normal business, but that faded as soon as someone recognized us, and they realized that we were here to make a LOT of purchases. Then everyone got much happier to see us.

Edyrm Shapetor was a dwurgen, and another old friend of Ivaran’s from their adventuring days. Apparently, according to the man, their entire party back in the day had been crafters and gatherers (if you counted Slave Master as a ‘gathering’ profession), and their main focus for adventuring was to go out and procure new materials to work with. However, the difficulty in leveling increased dramatically once you were in Tier 2, and there were just not enough Tier 3 and 4 adventurers out there to make it worth while to take the necessary time away from their craft needed to get to Tier 3 just so they could make gear for the few people who would be able to use it.

“After all, Tier 4 beasties like Dragons don’t be needing weapons and armor, as a rule, and the Tier 3 races like your Greater Angels and Incubi all have ‘home-grown’ crafters, for the most part, and the only times they’re found around here, they’re usually summoned, already with their gear. With obvious exceptions,” he nodded, gamely, looking at me and my new pet.

I chuckled, and said, “Of course. Now, my daughter will have her own specifications for herself and her pets.” At that Shapetor snapped his fingers, and another dwurgen appeared next to Lilith, to start taking her order. Smiling, now, I continued, “As for me and mine, I’ll need full loadouts for several of them. Lelia is a Rogue, and Isis is a Priestess, both mid-Tier 1. Shalaevar is a Druid and Ashala is an Arcane Shooter, both high Tier 1, almost Tier 2. Mhyreth is barely into Tier 2, and is a Mistress of Destruction. And Harahel is barely into Tier 3, and a Sorceress of the Seven Celestial Spires, so best you can manage for a high-Tier 2 Sorceress-type.”

I let Shapetor catch up with his notes, and then continued. “Now, as for me, most of my gear is either unique, or scaling, so I could use some accessories to amplify my power. Something that increases spell damage and melee damage would also be useful. And defenses against summoning, if you have something like that.”

Shapetor nodded at that. “Ah, I see one of your beauties is a Familiar. Summoned her, and then realized that any demon that isn’t warded could potentially get caught up in a summons?”

“Yes, I take it that isn’t an unknown concern for you?”

“Well, it isn’t common, especially since any demons that are open about what they are around here are usually summons. But there are a few that are laying low, for one reason or another, and it only takes one encounter with a mage friend summoning a familiar for them to quickly go look at getting protection. Fortunately, we have some artisans on staff that specialize in accessories, so we have you covered. Give me a moment to start the boys going through what we have available for your ladies, and I’ll bring out a selection for you to look through.”

“Excellent.”

Shapetor quickly returned with a cart of accessories for me to look over. They were of different rarities, but all were very attractive, considering my abilities and needs. However, I finally decided on four items that I absolutely had to have.

Demon’s Soulbrand Tattoo

Type

Tool

Rank

Rare

This silver pen is imbued with magic. When activated, the silver melts and forms a tattoo with protective sigils on the user’s skin. This tattoo may be hidden with clothing or magic, but it will be an identifiable marker on the user, no matter what form they take from that point onward.

Restriction: Only demonic races.

+10% resistance against mental effects

+10% resistance against hostile spells

Immune to Puppet Brand, Slave Brand, Familiar Ritual, Enthrallment, or other similar conditions.

Immune to summons below Deity rank.

This was an obvious pick. The resistance against mental effects and hostile spells was just extra bonuses at this point. Nice, but not essential. The immunity to Puppet Brands and other shenanigans, as well as immunity to any summons that weren’t from an actual god? Yeah, that made the price more than worth it.

Cold Iron Ruby Band of the Dark Lord

Type

Ring

Rank

Super Rare

This ring is made of cold iron, and inset with a ruby. The ruby becomes etched with the wearer’s personal symbol when they bind themselves to this ring. It is a potent tool for any spellcaster or leader.

+50 CHA

Mental Amplifying – Double mental attributes for the purpose of determining spell, skill, and ability potency and effects only.

Bound – This ring cannot be lost, stolen, or removed from the wearer’s hand against their will so long as they live.

Demon Lord’s Belt of Battle Supremacy

Type

Belt

Rank

Unique

This blackened leather belt displays a black demon’s skull as its buckle. Created by a master artisan with the hopes that one day it would be used by a powerful demon, this belt is enchanted to be a mighty boon to all those who battle upon the front lines.

Restricted: Can only be worn by Demon King or similar class.

All damage from melee attacks (including melee spell attacks) increased by 50%.

All damage from incoming melee attacks (including melee spell attacks) decreased by 50%.

Reduce incoming knockback effects by 50%.

Demonstride Boots

Type

Feet

Rank

Super Rare

These black leather boots are made from the tanned hide of demons taken while they were still alive, and contain a portion of their magic within.

+30 DEX

Double land speed.

Able to teleport up to (DEX+10) feet, at will, provided you have line of sight to the target location.

All three of these were just perfect for me, as well. The ring massively improved my spell attacks, as well as most of my main abilities. The belt was practically tailor made for me, considering my other broken abilities. With it, someone would need to do over six thousand damage to me in melee to even scratch me! And the boots were a massive boost to my mobility, as well!

In fact, it was all just a bit too perfect. Like, somehow, Shapetor had known we were coming, and knew exactly what we would need. That was concerning, since I hadn’t known of this place until today. If he was somehow manipulating our actions…

Shapetor’s chuckle broke my chain of thought. When I looked up at him, he just smiled, and said, “Well, your daughter is not the only Seer around, your Majesty. Another old friend from the adventuring days is one. She gave up all her combat ability to better peer into the future when she hit Tier 2. Completely useless in a fight, but she’s always given her friends hints about what she sees. About the time that message went out, announcing Earth had joined the System, she sent me a message, telling me to get my crafters working on certain items. Not the normal stuff we usually stocked, but she said it would give us a big payday when things came through, and I’ve learned to listen when she says that. If you went to Ivaran and Sylbanise and ‘just happened’ to find exactly what you needed? Well, they probably got the same message, even if they didn’t remember it at the time.”

“It’s all right, Daddy,” Lilith said from where she was picking out her own trinkets. “The seer reached out to me, once we landed on the planet, and told me of her vision. Since I’d already seen the need to come out this way, I was convinced of her sincerity.”

I just closed my eyes and took a deep breath. When I opened them, I saw Shapetor nodding sympathetically, and offering a flask. “Yeah, the longer you’re around seers and others who go poking into time, the more you get used to things like this. A bit of dwurgen firewater will make that headache go away.”

Chapter 147 – Questions

With all our pets fully geared up, there was only one more shop on our planned excursion. And I was finally admitting that just because it wasn’t my plan, doesn’t mean it wasn’t a planned trip. Seers are a pain to deal with, sometimes, especially when they’re family.

As we walked to our next destination, with Lelia and Isis obediently walking alongside me, on either arm, I couldn’t help smirking as I watched Lilith playing with her Rodaini bard’s hair, stroking it and scratching the little man behind the ears, like he was a pet dog, or cat. I had a feeling that I knew what sort of role the bard would be playing as part of Lilith’s entourage, and it wasn’t quite the one the bard may have envisioned he’d be playing.

Turning my attention back to my own pets, I smiled as I looked at my minions in their new gear. Some of it was standard stuff, like color-changing cloaks which protected against weather and hostile spells, and rings to shield against mental influence and provide a bit of extra magical defense. But, beyond the ‘normal’ stuff, everyone’s loadout was different. And, despite the talk of Shapetor favoring the functional over the fashionable, each piece was the work of a master artisan, and it showed.

Lelia was now kitted out in leathers that hugged her curves in all the best ways, with a pair of pistols in holsters on either hip, with a wicked dagger at the small of her back. Which made sense, since her type of rogue was less ‘stab you in the kidneys’ and more ‘manipulator and trapfinder’. Her Tier 2 evolution, when she got there, would be interesting.

Isis, on the other hand, was now wearing a breastplate, and other armor, putting her firmly in the ‘war priestess’ side of things, rather than the ‘healing and purification’ side. She had a shield slung across her back and a sword that reminded me of a khopesh at her side. That was an odd choice for a priestess, but Isis was actually a Priestess of Anubis, despite her name. With her being a fighter pilot who followed the god who ushered souls into the underworld, a more martial setup was not unexpected.

Shalaevar was kitted out in armor made from animal hides. No clue what kind of animals they were. At any rate, the armor was enchanted to flow with her when she took on other forms, rather than be subsumed in the change, like normal. Which meant that, even when she became some alien space bear, she’d still have armor on. For weapons, she only used quarterstaff, but she had her magic to fall back on if she truly needed to make someone bleed.

Ashala was wearing armor that actually looked like it was ‘modern’, if not outright high tech. Her armor was sectional, with composite plates covering the chest, shoulders, arms, and legs, but with plenty of space and gaps to allow for easy movement. They were also color-changing, allowing for non-magical camouflage. Her weapons were a pistol on her hip, and a very impressive looking rifle she had slung across her back.

But, of course, the stars of the lot were my two sorceresses. The Tier 2 gear was noticeably more ornate than the Tier 1 gear, which made sense, given the increased cost and rarity of materials, and the fact that leveling was harder, and therefore people were far more likely to keep their gear for longer. And my demon and angel were certainly visions to behold.

Mhyreth was dressed in a black outfit with navy trim that paired well with her blue skin. The robe long-sleeved robe was long in the back, though there was a slit to allow her tail to freely move, and it was enchanted to move aside whenever her wings were out. In the front, it fastened like a bodice, hugging her body and stopping just short of her waist. Below that was a skirt running to her mid-thigh, and on her head was a wide-brimmed conical hat with the point sloped backwards.

Most striking was the staff in her hand. The staff was carved out of black wood that seemed to drink in the light, and it that flared just above the hand, and again at the base. An impractical looking spiral came out of the head of the staff, looking almost like a blade. And, above all that, there was a black crystal which pulsed with power, in the center of wood shaped to look like a black fireball frozen in time. Just by looking, I could tell that it was made to be an instrument of destruction.

Harahel, on the other hand, was dressed in white and gold. Her gown (for there is no way that what she wore could be called ‘robes’, except in the loosest terms) looped behind her head, and draped over her prodigious breasts, highlighting the slave brand just over her cleavage, before joining just below her heart and then separating into three parts, now shimmering and translucent. Two sections wrapped about to meet just above her tailbone, and then extend as one behind her, while the first hung down almost to the floor, with light golden chains connecting it on either side to the back part at her hip. A high-waisted thong bikini of the same motif (but without the transparency) covered enough for her to be descent, though it was clear that the Angel was far from satisfied. Fortunately, her satisfaction wasn’t required.

For a weapon, she had a white staff, which seemed to exude light. Below the hand, the staff was traced with runes and patterns of gold, almost too fine to see, unless you were looking closely. Above the hand, however, the white wood swelled into a beautiful carving of an angel with four wings, in the nude, hands clasped over her breast, and a blindfold across her face. The whole thing radiated purity, and power, even before Harahel picked it up. But, once it was in her hand, the angel headpiece was surrounded by the golden glow of holy light.

Which brought some interesting questions to mind. After all, holy magic was generally the province of divine casters, like a Priestess or Shaman, rather than an arcane type, like a Sorceress. That the staff seemed to respond to her by shining with holy light meant something was going on. “Harahel, what are the abilities of a Sorceress of the Seven Celestial Spires?”

The angel looked like she was loath to respond, but could not avoid answering a direct question. “The Sorceress of the Seven Celestial Spires is a third-tier advancement of the Sorceress class available only to those of celestial blood. In Tier 1, I started as a Radiant Sorceress, which gives up some elemental powers to gain healing abilities, and the power to use holy energy attacks. When I advanced to Tier 2, I became a Holy Radiant Sister, which gained additional powers so long as I kept myself free from mortal temptations.

“Now, as you know, Master, I am a Sorceress of the Seven Celestial Spires. The class is known for being one of the foremost powerhouses in the battles between celestial and demonic forces, capable of laying waste to armies while healing their allies.”

“If you are so powerful, how were you made a slave?”

The angel grimaced, as if the memory was still painful for her. “My class gains power by specialization. Mortals may perish to my spells, and unholy creatures find their very souls purified and burned away by my power, but my spells do naught but heal those of celestial blood. Even those who have fallen to wickedness, but not yet cast off their celestial forms for something more unholy. I was… betrayed.”

“Ah, betrayal. Something I, too, am all too familiar with. So, do your powers still have the constraints from when you were a Holy Radiant Sister? Or will mortal temptations no longer weaken you?”

I could see her face twist as she tried, in vain, to avoid answering. However, the slave magic forced her to speak. “No, Master. Part of the ascension to Tier 3 removed those restraints, in return for the new restraint of being wholly focused on combatting the unholy forces of the worlds.”

I chuckled darkly, and said, “Well, that is good to know. Though, the limitations of your class may prove problematic, in the future. For now, though, you can look forward to plenty of ‘mortal temptations’. I intend for you to become very familiar with them.”

As Harahel grit her teeth to keep from saying something that would only get her punished, I turned my attention to Mhyreth. “So, Mhyreth, when I first summoned you, you mentioned something about your father. Who might he be?”

The Tomebound Succubus had been trying to do her best to keep from being noticed. Still, she was seemingly much happier to have this conversation than my little angel was to tell me about her class. Smiling wickedly, she said, “My Daddy is Yhrath, the Demon Lord of Jarix IV. Demon Lord, by the way, is the THIRD-Tier version of Demon King. And he’s almost to Tier Four! When he finds out that you’ve kidnapped me and bound me like this, not to mention everything else you’ve done, he’s going to destroy you, and your whole kingdom! My Daddy won’t stand for you doing this to me, mark my words!”

“Oh, yes, that would certainly be a problem, if I thought he was actually going to do anything. You see, Mhyreth, I don’t think your father will be quite as upset about your summoning as you think. You said he didn’t want to push you, which is why he only made you pick up the [Carnal Arts] skill, but didn’t force you to put it into use. Being an Incubus, myself, I know how consent is a major concern within the family. He certainly wasn’t going to force himself on you.

“However, if your father actually wanted to keep you from being summoned and bound, then why didn’t he provide you with protections? The Soulbrand Tattoos that Lilith and I just got were quite cheap, all things considered, and easily available. I’m sure that a Demon Lord would have no trouble obtaining one for his daughter, or even just putting wards upon your house, so that you couldn’t be yanked out of the shower by someone looking to get a familiar? Or perhaps he would have encouraged you to get the [Block Summons] skill?”

A look of doubt crossed the succubus’s face, but she tried to push back against it. “[Block Summons] is not available to any demon before Tier 2, Level 10, unless they have special circumstances. Most demon races don’t have it available until they’re on the cusp of Tier 3.”

“Interesting. I didn’t know that. But what about the wards, or the tattoo, hmm? Easily obtainable, if he actually wanted to keep you from being summoned. No, I think your father deliberately did not give you those things, because he was hoping that someone would summon you, and take you in hand. After all, a succubus who was still a virgin even as she became Tier 2? That is unheard of. People would certainly talk, even if the succubus wasn’t the daughter of the Demon Lord. Who knows what kind of political headaches you caused your father by your perverse purity?”

“No. That’s not true. There’s no way daddy would do that! Daddy loves me, and would never do anything like that to me!”

“Oh, I’m sure he loves you,” I nodded, still smiling. “If he didn’t, he probably would have arranged for someone to ‘accidentally’ slip a slave collar on you, if he hadn’t just sold you off himself. Or he might have just arranged a marriage for you, and sold you off that way. To get rid of the social misfit giving his enemies ammunition against him and causing him headaches. No, he loved you so much that he wouldn’t actively force your hand. But he certainly didn’t stop anything from happening to you!

“In fact,” I said, smirking openly now, “how many of your friends and colleagues were the types who persisted in trying to seduce you. Maybe never actually forcing you into anything, but always tempting. An invitation to an orgy, perhaps? Or trying to get you on a romantic date? Always taking ‘no’ as ‘not now’ or ‘not yet’?”

“Daddy, stop torturing the girl in public. There’s plenty of time for that when we get back to the ship. We’re here.” Looking back at Lilith as she spoke, I saw where she was pointing. The sign in bright magical neon effects said Torhana Exchange, and it was lit with illusions of slaves and masters engaging in all sorts of acts that were definitely too explicit for any city street on Earth. But then, the enchantment was tailored so that only those past puberty could see them. A clever bit of work, that sidestepped the ‘what about the children’ crowd.

“Anyways, Daddy,” Lilith continued as she pulled open the door, “the quickest way to find out what her father thinks is to use the System Shop’s mail services to send him a message. You can include the video I took of you summoning and binding Mhyreth. I’m sure her father will love to see it!”

Chapter 148 – Accessories

“Welcome to the Torhana Exchange! Quel’thalas’s premier marketplace for accessories and goods for slaves, masters, and adventurous couples! How can this slave help you today?”

A knelfi man wearing a slave collar, a loincloth, and nothing else greeted us with a customer service smile that didn’t reach his eyes. His attire, or lack thereof, showed off his built physique, as well as the fact that he apparently didn’t have any hair below the neck. Probably shaved or waxed regularly. While knelfi weren’t known for being as hairy as some humans, they definitely weren’t smooth like this one.

Looking around, the inside of the building was more or less how I expected it. If you’ve been in one store selling sex toys, you’ve been in all of them, basically. Oh, there are different arrangements and some things have pride of place, but the basics are all the same. This one was set apart, however, by having some full-scale dungeon equipment set up on display, so people could see how the real thing compared to their pets, which said more about the size of the space than anything else.

Turning back to face the slave behind the counter, I said, “Yes, I recently acquired some new slaves, and was looking for some enchanted gear to use with them, and my pets back home. Accessories, for the most part, though I will consider other things, as well. Do you have a catalogue or searchable listing?”

“Of course, Sir. Please, allow this slave to offer these tablets, which will detail our full assortment of goods. We have samples around our show room, as well, if you would like to see things for yourself.”

Voidslave’s Collar

Type

Neck

Rank

Uncommon

This leather collar is designed specifically for slaves who find themselves traveling the stars more often than not, or who are often sent into hazardous conditions, and are expected to return alive.

Environmental Protection – Offers immunity to inhaled toxins, extreme temperatures, harmful radiation, and other such environmental hazards. Does not protect against energy weapons.

Explosion Resistance – Take 50% less damage from explosions, including shrapnel damage.

Breathing – Supplies up to 168 hours of breathable air for the wearer’s species when not in a breathable atmosphere.

These, naturally, were for Lelia and Isis, since they were the two of my pets who were most often going to be in trouble with explosions and lack of breathable air. It wasn’t a perfect safety net, but it did allow them at least some protection, in case they ever got shot down or had to eject. Better still, they not only clearly marked the two girls as my property, but had a convenient ring on them perfect for attaching a leash.

Master Ring

Type

Ring

Rank

Uncommon

This ring is enchanted to allow a master to control his slaves, even at a distance, or call them to his side, while inspiring them to work harder. Some of its powers only work when this ring is attuned to associated items.

Can attune to a number of items equal to half the wearer’s CHA.

Cannot be lost or stolen.

While the wearer of this ring may be able to use other abilities based on the nature of attuned items, all Master Rings offer the following abilities:

Please Your Master – All slaves owned by you gain a 10% morale bonus to all actions while following your commands, so long as they are within line of sight to you.

Call Your Slave – Spend 100 MP as you say a command word and the recipient’s name, and send a message of no more than 25 words to an individual wearing an attuned item. The message is received without fail so long as both individuals are on the same plane of existence. The recipient may send a reply of up to 25 words.

Summon Slave – Say a command word and the name of an individual wearing an attuned item. You automatically know the distance and direction they are from you, so long as you are on the same plane of existence. By paying 1 MP per kilometer, you can teleport them to your side.

This item was for me, obviously. The real benefit, of course, was being able to contact my pets wherever they were, so long as neither of us were hopping into different dimensions of existence. Being able to summon a slave to me, so long as they were close enough was also a boon. There were definite ways that could be used in combat, whether to gain an advantage, or just to yank one of my pets out of range of something nasty that was about to hit them.

Silver Piercings of Submission

Type

Tool

Rank

Uncommon

This set of three piercings are designed to work together, and only function when all three are pierced into a target’s body. The exact placement is not important, but on females they typically pierce the nipples, labia, or clitoris, while on males they are typically on the penis. When pierced into a creature, they convey certain protections. They also can be attuned to a Master Ring, and offer the wearer of the attuned ring additional optional abilities.

Restricted: Wearer must be a Slave, Thrall, Puppet, or Familiar.

Cannot be removed except by the wearer’s master or owner.

Ensured Health – The wearer of the piercings is immune to all normal diseases. They are also immune to magical diseases spread through intimate contact.

Protected Intimacy – If they are intimate with a partner who has some quality that would normally damage them, such as acidic sweat, or being made of fire, they are immune to that damage from that partner during the act, and for 24 hours afterward. If the wearer has some ability of the same nature, those they are intimate with become to that damage from them during the act, and for 24 hours afterward. This protection does not extend to damage from other individuals.

Pleasure and Pain – By speaking a command word, and the pierced individual’s name, the wearer of an attuned Master Ring can spend 10 MP to cause the pierced individual to experience great pleasure or pain for 10 seconds. The wearer of the Master Ring must be within 20 kilometers for this ability to function.

Contact Master – By speaking a command word, the wearer may spend 100 MP to send a message of no more than 25 words to the wearer of an attuned Master Ring. The message is received without fail so long as both individuals are on the same plane of existence. The recipient may send a reply of up to 25 words.

This item, or item set, I guess I should say, intrigued me. None of the abilities were exactly earth-shattering in power. Basically, they just made sure a pet couldn’t get any magical STIs, which was nice, and make it so they could safely fuck a creature made of fire, or something equally absurd. However, I hadn’t thought about the problem of my potential pets having some quirk of anatomy that might damage me. But then, it was always possible that angel juices could try and purify a naughty demon, especially if they had a holy-based class. No sense not taking precautions, just in case. I got a set for each of my favorite slaves.

Master’s Spellbrand

Type

Tool

Rank

Uncommon

This branding iron allows the owner to mark individuals with a magical brand, connecting them. The owner of the Spellbrand is able to cast any of their spells that they can cast on themselves on a branded individual, by first saying the individual’s name and a command word before casting the spell. The owner must have line of sight to the individual.

This item was just too interesting not to get. While I didn’t think it was something I would use often, I could see a lot of utility in the item. Sure, it would be far more useful if I was a healer, since it would basically allow me to heal someone anywhere within line of sight, which was a major boon since the most powerful healing spells were touch range. I didn’t have any of those, of course. But what I did have were some warlock spells, like [Spellblade], which I could use on Talia, my lovely Battledancer, giving her kicks far more power. Or I could even give one of my pets my [Shadow Armor] spell, which would drastically increase their survivability.

Again, it wasn’t an ability that I thought I’d be using often, if at all. However, just having the option meant that I could do things that, otherwise, I might not be able to. And if there was one thing I had learned going through multiple timelines, it was that more options was always better than no options. Even if all the choices were shitty, it still beat not having a choice at all.

Sensual Strengthening Stud

Type

Tool

Rank

Rare

This stud piercing, designed to be worn on the tongue, is enchanted with magic based upon the racial abilities of a succubus or incubus.

Restricted: Cannot be any variant of the Incubus or Succubus race. Cannot be Undead, a Construct, or mindless.

Wearer receives pleasure equal to that they give while engaging in oral sex.

Each time the wearer induces climax in another individual, they recover 10% of their MP and HP.

Each time the wearer climaxes from another individual’s attentions, they gain a 10% bonus to all attributes for 168 hours. This bonus stacks with itself, up to 20 stacks, for a total of 200% bonus.

This was another interesting item. Not useful for me, personally, since I was a Greater Incubus, but the idea of allowing my pets to get such a large bonus to their abilities was very enticing. With it, they could gain stats more like mine. And the idea of what Harahel could do if I boosted her to triple her normal abilities, when she was already in Tier 3? I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t practically salivating at the options that would give me. The fact that earning that boost would be pleasurable in its own right was merely icing on the very scrumptious-looking cake. Naturally, I got one for all my combat slaves.

Lilith picked up similar items for herself and her pets, though I noticed that she picked up chastity devices for each of her slaves, as well. The little minx was going to enjoy tormenting them, it seemed. At any rate, purchases made, we went through the simple process of attuning our Master Rings to the items we got.

That was a simple process, and, when it was done, the knelfi slave at the counter summoned some fellow slaves to act as helpers, and began piercing individuals where Lilith and I dictated. I am not ashamed to say that I pointedly did not look while Lilith had her slaves pierced. I wasn’t squeamish about blood and gore, but there were some things that no man really wanted to see, even if it was happening to some other guy. And needles piercing ‘down there’? That was pretty much at the top of that list. I would much rather focus on where to put the spellbrands on my new slaves.

When everything was finally done, and everyone was dressed again, I finally turned to Lilith, and asked, “So, Lilith, you have been the architect of much of the day’s adventures. Do you have anything else you’d like to do, while we are out? Or have we come to the end of everything you envisioned for the day?”

“No, Daddy, that’s it. And I think the paparazzi that have been trailing us all day are starting to get tired. Why don’t we go back to the ship, and break in our new toys?”

“Yes, Master,” Lelia crooned. “Please, let Isis and me test out her new piercing on you. Wouldn’t you love to see how the tongue stud improves her skills, and whether she can match mine?”

“Well, who am I to argue with that?”

Chapter 149 – Monstrous

I kept my smile to a professional level as I watched the military shuttle land in the Mercurial’s smaller hangar bay, used just for shuttles. It was the last day of our planned stay here, in the capital of the Systems Commonwealth, and while normally people would be busy with all sorts of preparations for the journey back to Sol, for the moment, those had all been put aside, in favor of doing some quick cleaning, and making everything look perfect. Now, the ship’s company was gathered, all in their dress uniforms, standing in perfect lines. It was all a bit of theatrics, of course. Like any good navy, putting on a show was the second-best thing the Ceres Royal Navy was good at.

As the shuttle came to a stop in its own display of precision showmanship, an officer called out, “ATTENTION!” The sound of boots snapping together in unison was like music to my ears. As the shuttle door opened into a ramp, revealing Grand Admiral Windrunner, the same officer spoke again. “PRESENT. ARMS!” Again, the sound of bodies moving in unison was like music to my ears, as the entire company of the Mercurial, minus those few who needed to be at stations, saluted as one.

I was the only person who did not salute, though I stood at attention like all the rest. As the Admiral and King, I didn’t salute others. And the Grand Admiral was obviously expecting this, or else he took it in stride all the same. Stopping at the edge of the ramp, Windrunner looked at me, and asked, “Permission to board?”

“Permission granted.” As Windrunner took the first step off his shuttle and onto the Mercurial, I stepped forward, and offered my hand. “Welcome aboard the Mercurial, Grand Admiral. I hope you don’t mind the ceremony. It is the first time we’ve been able to show off for foreign military leaders, after all. I’m fairly certain there would have been a mutiny if I didn’t allow the crew to perform.”

Windrunner laughed, and nodded. “Haha. Well, it seems like that is one more thing that is truly universal amongst navies. I am fairly certain that there will be more than a few people arguing that I should have invited you over to the flagship instead, so that they could play host to a foreign head of state.”

“Well, there’s always next time, yes?”

“Indeed.”

I grinned, and then snap turned to face the crew, “Company, AT EASE!” The crew relaxed into an at ease position, once more in unison, and I looked back to Admiral Windrunner. “Well, Admiral, would you care for a tour of the ship?”

“Of course, though if possible I would like to see these Renegades my captains won’t stop talking about. I’ve seen the sensor data from the battles, of course, but there’s nothing quite like seeing something with your own eyes.”

“That is easily accomplished. In fact, why don’t we make the main hangar bay the first stop?” I looked over my shoulder to the Captain, who just nodded. He’d have the place ready by the time we got there. As we left the hangar, I heard him ordering the crew to fall out, and get back to their posts.

Once we were as alone as two officers of our stature could be while on official business, with only a couple guards each around, Windrunner spoke again, “I wanted you to hear it from me, first, but Auntie pushed through the spending bill, authorizing funds for repairs at Ceres, as a forward repair post. The price they authorized was cost plus 15%, which is higher than what the Navy pays at other facilities, but with Ceres being unaligned, and closer to the front than any of the surviving facilities, it didn’t take much convincing, especially with those who know how the war is actually going.”

I nodded shortly. “Well, that was quicker than I expected, but I had expected something of the sort sooner or later. It is a question of simple physics. The quicker a ship can get to a repair yard, the quicker they can get back to the front. And when the other side grows its ships by stripping materials from entire worlds, that becomes a problem, fast.”

“Yes, but try getting that through the skulls of people bought and paid for by the military contractors who normally build and repair the fleet’s ships. And the shitty thing is that it won’t make a damn difference, if we can’t find a way to give the Incux more setbacks like at Ulora. They still have more fleets, and can grow them faster than we can build replacement ships and train new crews, even with the help of the Ceres shipyards.”

“Bureaucrats and politicians are the same, anywhere in the galaxy, it seems. They’ve been handled, at least well enough, yes?”

“Yes, they’ll toe the line, for now. Also, I wanted to take the moment to give you this.” Admiral Windrunner held out a data drive, used for transferring files between secure data centers. “This cartridge holds the locations of our interstellar resupply stations. They’ve already been alerted that ships from the Ceres Royal Navy may be stopping by, as duties permit.”

I quickly slipped the drive into a pocket of my uniform, and nodded. “I’ve spoken with my commanders. The first scout missions will be leaving soon. They will begin commerce raiding activities and data collection as soon as they are on station. I can’t promise too many ships, at first, but there are three Hellspawn-pattern Oscuns-Class corvettes due to come off the lines shortly. Their first mission once they’ve completed their shakedown cruise will be to visit the cattle worlds, and start doing what they can to cut off the Incux food supply.”

Windrunner nodded curtly. “Good. It may not be glorious, like a grand battle over a forge world, but we both know that logistics wins wars. But the only real logistical need the Incux have is food. We cut off the food to the front lines, and the advance will stall. Maybe even reverse itself, as they pull back, to try and shorten the supply lines.”

“Do you have any intelligence on the cattle worlds themselves?”

“On the drive. I had them include any passive scans or visual sweeps the scout ships could get. It isn’t much, but we gave you what we can. Why? You already said that planetary assaults aren’t something the Ceres Royal Navy can do at this time.”

I chuckled darkly, and said, “Well, actually, I said that we couldn’t take and hold systems, or conquer planets, even if we had Commonwealth boots on the ground to do the dirty work. However, there are many kinds of planetary assault. Especially with the weapons we have.”

Admiral Windrunner’s eyes went wide. “You’re talking about using the negative-matter weapons on the surface of the cattle worlds? Yes, that would be possible, but your ships wouldn’t be able to remain on station for long enough to completely sterilize the Incux facilities, and the bugs would just regrow anything you destroyed.”

“Yes,” I admitted, “we couldn’t hope to remain on station long enough to wipe those worlds clean of the Incux. However, there are things that the Incux will not be able to regrow as easily as their buildings.” I produced a drive of my own, and handed it to him. “Still in the planning stages. Current operating name is Operation Slaughterhouse.”

The admiral pocketed the drive. “You mean to wipe out the food supply directly?”

“Or as much of it as we can. There have to be processing centers, where the cattle are rounded up and prepared for shipping off-world. Operation Slaughterhouse intends to attack and destroy those processing centers, if possible, and further cripple the Incux war machine. Between that and the commerce raiding, we should be able to cause a significant impact to Incux operations in this sector.”

Admiral Windrunner stiffened slightly, just enough that I could tell. Someone watching us walk through the halls would have to be eagle-eyed to pick up on it. When he spoke, his voice was resigned. “The very idea is monstrous. Those are people on those planets. Even calling them cattle is a monstrous act. Going through with this plan… there would be no way to claim we were anything but monsters.”

I nodded slowly. “It is the cruel fact of war that, in order to win, sometimes you must become the monster that everyone whispers about for generations to come. Especially in a war like this one, where no price is too high, and no act too obscene. Because this is a war for survival. Either the Incux are exterminated, or we are.

“Maybe things could be drawn out if the Incux were goaded into slaughtering the kovald, or attacking the ouran. But the Incux would eventually emerge stronger than before, having claimed the biomass of those systems. The only way we will win this battle is if we use scorched earth and guerilla tactics. Burn everything we can. Eliminate leadership when we can. Provoke infighting whenever possible. Cause chaos and confusion to the point where the entire system teeters on the edge of collapse. And then, the Commonwealth pushes it over.”

Windrunner nodded, sadly. “And there is no peace, in a war like this. We must root them out and exterminate them, until their species no longer exists. Because otherwise, they will simply return, when we least expect it, having learned from their defeat.”

“Yes,” I said. “With another foe, you can beat them back, and force a peace. It may only be a tense standdown, until one side thinks they can make a play, but negotiation is possible. When extermination of anyone or anything not turned into cattle is the goal of your enemy, there can be no peace, no surrender, no quarter given. You have to wipe them from the face of the universe, and ensure that they can never rise again.”

“Would that we had lived in simpler times, when a war could be seen as glorious, and battle a matter of honor.”

“I am reminded of a quote from a war in my planet’s past. ‘It is well that War is so terrible, or else we should grow too fond of it.’ Tales of battle and valor may be the stuff of legend, but war is always hell, and ever will be. Some wars may be good, and just, in the eyes of the people, but for those that are doing the fighting it is always horrible, no matter how righteous the cause.”

“We haven’t spoken much about your people. I assume that the wars you have fought have all been amongst yourself. Have there been many wars?”

“Well, while there may be times without declared wars, I believe that the longest humanity, as a species, has been without some kind of armed conflict since we first formed civilizations has been somewhere in the range of a month or two. The System activating paused some conflicts, but started others, while most of the human race fought desperately just to survive in the first few weeks, as monsters began appearing out of nowhere. But things have settled down, for the most part, and it is back to how things have always been. We’re a naturally divisive and contentious bunch.”

“Clearly. And I thought the Gelthan were bad, with the two galactic standard years of peace between conflicts on their world.”

“Yes, but there are two things that you have to understand about humans, even those humans who have been changed into something else by the System. First is that because we’ve fought so much amongst ourselves, we’ve gotten very, very good at war. So good, in fact, that we had to put rules and limits on ourselves, as though War were a sport, in order to keep atrocities from becoming commonplace, and potentially wiping ourselves out, or damaging our homeworld beyond all hope of recovery.”

Windrunner nodded. “Yes, I can see that. A race that was not suited to war would not have been able to adapt so readily to the System, even with timestrikes involved, and throw off the pirate fleet, or make such fluid use of weapons like your pulse torpedoes. What is the second point?”

“The second thing is that we may fight amongst each other, but that is just because we are an aggressive lot. There’s another saying, a proverb many years old by now. ‘Me against my brother. Me and my brother against my cousin. Me, my brother, and my cousin against the world.’ Humans fight amongst ourselves because we’re fighters. But anyone outside that threatens humanity will find that we’ll put all that aside in an instant and join forces to put them down. Oh, people won’t be happy, and it won’t be seamless, but even the most hate-filled rivals will look at each other, and say, ‘Let’s kick this guy’s ass, then we can get back to killing each other in peace’. And all those rules that we put on ourselves? They don’t apply when the other side isn’t playing by the rules. Then, the Geneva Conventions become the Geneve Suggestions, and everyone is going to have a very bad day.”

“Then it is a good thing we were able to make a peaceful first contact. By the way, you wouldn’t happen to have a copy of those rules? I would rather know them, just in case, rather than run afoul of them by accident and remove any restraints you put on yourselves.”

“Yes, my ambassador has a copy of the current wording of the Geneva Conventions, our rules for war. However, as all things go when dealing with multinational treaties, they are slow to get updated, and so they don’t reflect the realities of the System, or the fact that life beyond Sol exists. The diplomats back home are working on those things, but people are understandably cautious when it comes to wholesale changes to the rules of our favorite and most dreaded pastime.”

“I can’t imagine why,” Windrunner said, dryly, before chuckling.

I chuckled as well, and motioned to the door we had just come to. “Now, on to better topics. Through this door is our main hangar bay.” As the door opened, I saw that the flight crews and their pilots were all hanging out in the bay. Not at attention, or lined up, but all hovering by their birds. I turned to look at Cinder 1, and started walking that way. “Now, why don’t we intrude on the leader of Cinder Squadron, and get her to show us around a Renegade?”

Chapter 150 – Ready to Go

The rest of the visit with the Grand Admiral was far more pleasant. Lelia performed her role as Squadron Leader giving a tour of her Renegade perfectly. Windrunner was suitably impressed that such a small ship could harness and use antimatter like it had. The fact that the Renegades were set up so that the two-person crew could actually live onboard for extended periods, while also being quite stealthy? It clearly offered strategic advantages that he picked up on.

In fact, I could tell that he was likely going to set someone on Ambassador Mendoza to start trying to get some kind of sale or exchange so that he could get some Renegades of his own. The advantages offered, even without the pulse torpedoes, were sizeable.

That thought had sent me down a bit of a rabbit hole. After the visit had ended, I started drafting up orders for my scientists back at Ceres. Pulse torpedoes were devastating, but the Renegade platform could be so much more. Replace the dedicated reactor and the pulse torpedo launchers with ammunition and regular shipkiller torpedoes, and you had a more… sensible, if limited, version that could be sold to allies. Or a variant with that space dedicated to expanded sensor banks, stitch drives, and more comfortable living conditions, which could serve as long-range reconnaissance units. With that in mind, I commissioned research into variants, specifically ones that might be suitable for export.

And it wasn’t just Renegades that we might export. From what I’d seen during the military talks, the Commonwealth Navy was in many ways similar to the Kriegsmarine just prior to World War 2. There was a major emphasis on heavy warships with devastating firepower. It wasn’t like they didn’t have fighters, of course, but they were primarily system defense craft, launching from stations, or even the ground, to conduct intercept and strike missions close to planets.

Similarly, while they had stealth vessels, they typically served as scouts, or raiders taking out isolated targets of opportunity. They rarely moved as groups, most often acting as solo hunters. Of course, prior to the Incux war, their primary adversaries had been pirates like the kovald and ouran, who also did not use carriers, and preferred to either move openly as a group, or as lone hunters.

The Incux were the first foe they fought who made extensive use of parasite craft, and between that and the numbers disadvantage, the bugs had been steadily pushing the Commonwealth back, destroying the big ships faster than they could be repaired or replaced. The Admiralty had been trying to figure out what to do to change the tide of battle, but ship design is not a quick process, especially when you are dealing with something beyond your experience.

My people had managed the designs for my fleet so quickly because they liberally stole ideas from existing designs. The Mercurial was a fine example. It was based on an existing design of ship, which then had holes cut into the hull to make hangar bays. The X-pattern fighters and A-pattern interceptors were stylistically new, but used existing technology, with the power of the System to integrate everything properly, reducing potential problems. The Renegades? Well, there was a reason the initial version looked a lot like a brick.

Lieutenant Ferranti cleared her throat, to shake me out of my reverie. When I turned to look at my Chief of Staff, she said, “Admiral, the Si Vis Pacem reports all passengers returning to Earth are aboard.”

I nodded. Of course, not all of the delegations that had come with us would be staying on Quel’thalas. After all, someone had to deliver reports home, especially those secure reports that definitely weren’t written by spies trying to infiltrate the new neighborhood. Those kinds of reports that definitely didn’t come from spies, and the ones from diplomats who were totally not trying to pursue their own secret agendas from the home office, were too confidential to be stored on the databanks of a foreign power, no matter the encryption, so they would need to send a messenger home.

So, out of the delegations that came with us on the ride out, I was not surprised in the slightest when at least two members of each delegation (all seemingly junior members) were tasked to return to Sol with us. Thankfully, all the parties were timely in returning to the diplomatic ship. There wouldn’t be any delays, there.

“What of the fleet, then? Everyone back from shore leave, I hope? Are we going to have to rescue anyone from the brig?”

“No, Admiral. All crews present and accounted for. Some crewmen were escorted to their shuttles by the local police for drunk and disorderly charges, but they’ve paid their fines already. Some extra personnel have boarded as family and property, but not enough to strain logistics.”

I chuckled at that. Couldn’t complain too much, since I’d done the same thing, myself. “Sailors on shore leave never change. We’ll leave their discipline to the capable hands of their captains, if that is the worst of it. The properties were all legally obtained, under both Ceres and Commonwealth law, I presume?”

“Yes, sir. Senior enlisted spoke with all crewmembers who came back with additions, bound or otherwise, to ensure that no incidents occurred. They are all above-board, Admiral.”

“Very well. Have we received clearance to depart?”

“Just came in, Admiral.”

“Excellent,” I nodded. “Tell the captains to break port, and form up, before heading to the L2 stitch point. Port speed. It is high time that we started back. Can’t spend too long away from home, or someone will start getting stupid ideas. And then I’ll have to clean up after them.”

Ferranti chuckled. “With respect, Admiral, I’m surprised you were able to get away for this long, as is. Especially since Princess Lilith came along, too.”

I grinned, having thought much the same over the last couple weeks. “Yes, well, I managed to get talented people, and put them in places where their talents could be best utilized. The ones who aren’t my slaves due to their own foolishness are bound by System Contract, so that will hold for a little while. And that is why I have a Steward, after all.”

Ferranti just nodded, and we lapsed into a comfortable silence as the crew went through all the procedures for breaking port and getting into formation, as well as preparing for stitch travel. To pass the time, I looked over at her, and said, half-joking, “So, Lieutenant, I do hope you availed yourself of some shore leave while we were in port? I do believe I ordered you to have fun, at least once during our stay here.”

The Feytouched Human nodded, her face torn between blushing and somberness. “Aye, sir. Some of the girls and I went and did a girl’s night in Silver Moon City. Ended up partying a bit more than would normally be wise, but one of our group was Omen, I mean Flight Cadet al-Lone, from Angel Squadron. She died in that fight over Ulora. This was the first real chance for us to cut loose after the memorial service, you understand.”

“Yes, I understand.” And I did. After all, I’d lost plenty of people in prior timelines. “So, will I see any ‘change of status’ updates in my paperwork?”

“Ahem. Well.” Now the blushing was definitely winning out. “It appears that several of us got very drunk, and, um, broke the System a little.”

Well, now my interest had gone from ‘friendly’ to ‘pointed’. “Oh?”

“Ahem. Well, I don’t know who started it, but somehow, when we woke up the next morning, we all had new, um, jewelry. Pierced. And they work like a slave collar.”

“Sounds fairly normal so far. How did this go about ‘breaking the System a little’?”

“Ah, well, the System doesn’t really account for Slaves owning Slaves. Everything a Slave has is owned by their Master by default. But that becomes a problem when there’s a case of circular ownership, it seems.”

“Oh, dear,” I said, trying to keep from laughing. “So, somehow the—How many of you were there?”

Ferranti looked like she wanted to crawl into a hole and die from embarrassment. “Six, sir.”

“So, somehow the six of you wound up each enslaving yourself to someone who was enslaved to another until it became a circle, and the System didn’t know what to do about it?”

“Yes, sir. The System keeps trying to make one of us the Master of all the others, and it is locking our status screen entirely.”

“And you can’t just remove the piercings, to break the loop?”

“Like slave collars, they can’t be removed except by the owner. And the System keeps cycling through things, not allowing any of us to be the owner long enough to remove them. We tried asking at the System Shop, but they said there were only two ways to break the loop.”

I had to frown at that. “What ways? I can’t imagine breaking slave bonds is easy, after all.” And if there were easy ways to remove the Slave title, and its restrictions, then I needed to know about them, now.

“It is seemingly quite easy, at least with items, not the Slave Brand. If you go to a place without the System, the Slave Collar, or Brand, or Piercings, in this case, stop working. So, you could take them off, and the bond would still be broken when you moved back to an area with the System. But the only time we know of where we can predictably be outside the System is that instant while we Stitch, and none of us are able to act fast enough, even if the Stitch didn’t stun us.”

I nodded, a bit relieved that I wouldn’t have to rework most of the power structure on Ceres. “Yes, that’s quite the problem. Makes me glad that some of my new acquisitions can’t slip free so easily, however. So, what is the second way?”

Now, the girl’s blush got so deep that I was almost worried that she would either have a stroke, or that steam would start shooting from her ears like she was a cartoon. She began stammering and tripping over her words, as well. “Well, um. You see. If, ah. Well, if someone were to ‘reset’ one of the piercings, and claim one of us, then the loop would break, and we would all belong to that person. Ideally, that person could then free us, and it would just be a story to laugh at some day. But we quickly realized that there wouldn’t be anything forcing the person to do that. Which is why we’re stuck.”

“Honestly, Ferranti, I’m shocked,” I said, still doing a manful job of not laughing at the absurdity of it all. “I’ll admit, this is the kind of story I would expect to hear from the fighter pilots, or the Marines, but from you? Tsk, tsk. At least tell me the piercings aren’t anywhere too problematic.”

Ferranti hung her head, which was answer enough. “Let me guess. I don’t see anything on your face or in your ears, and a navel ring wouldn’t be something to hang your head for. Nipples?” She shook her head. “Ah, down below, then. Clit, or labia?”

“Clit, sir. God, I can’t believe I just admitted that!”

“Well, my daughter may fuss at me if I take too many more of the crew as my personal slaves. But I would be a poor commanding officer if I let you all off without some sort of punishment, considering the fact that, if the people you talked to had been less honest, they could have just claimed you all and then you’d be stuck, unless I ransomed you back. So, I do have one way you and your friends can get out of this predicament you’ve found yourselves in. But it won’t be free.”

“I understand, sir.”

“No, I don’t think you do. We’ll play a bit of a game, once we get all your friends together. Think of it like ‘Ceres Roulette’.” I smiled as she gulped in fear, just as the Captain came over the intercom and gave the Stitch warning.

Epilogue – Elsewhere

(Planet Xids Prime, Xids System, Ouran Huntworlds)

Hasluh the Shadowstalker stifled a groan as he sat in his chair in the Clan Hall. The wounds he had suffered while on the failed raid of this ‘Earth’ planet had not been life-threatening, but he had taken shrapnel to several areas. Healing magic could have cured them all in an instant, but, as tradition dictated, he had not used any healing magic, save for what was needed to ensure that he would recover full use of his body, and to prevent infection. As a Huntleader who was wounded, and pulled back from leadership because of it, he could not be fully healed until a new leader of the Clan was decided.

Fortunately, while his hopes of taking a higher leadership role in the clan had been put on hold, his place in the clan still rose after the disastrous battle over Earth. Wounds in battle may keep one from becoming the new leader of the Clan, but, so long as those wounds were not received in some dishonorable way, they were a mark of wisdom learned. Those who survived a defeat could not advance in the leadership until they proved themselves, but the Clan did not cast aside those who lived where others did not. After all, how else would the Clan learn their prey’s methods, and how best to hunt them?

It was in recognition of this that the Clan awarded him the name Shadowstalker. A rare honor for one of his age and rank within the Clan, but one that even his rivals said was deserved. After all, his ship was one of few that survived when targeted directly by the enemy’s strange and powerful weapons. That, alone, would have made him a suitable advisor to the new Clan leaders. The fact that he took command in the chaos, getting the Huntleaders to move to stalking before more of those negative-matter weapons could be brought to bear, was another point in his favor.

But the true reason he was honored with a second name was because he gave up the leadership role as soon as his ship was put out of the fight. Many young Huntleaders his age would have let pride blind them, and would have fought to maintain every bit of power they possessed. Instead, he acted in the best interests of the Clan, rather than his personal power, and the Clan leadership honored him for it.

Now, the final ritual challenges had been finished. A new Great Hunter had arisen to replace Ehrai the Blackscaled. Kelthan the Bloodclaw had won through the honor fights, and now led the Clan. Kelthan had not been at Earth, but was instead charged with defending the system from any incursions from the other Clans. His first act, after taking the leadership, had been to appoint Hasluh as one of his advisors. The second had been to call for a council of the Huntleaders, so that they could figure out what went wrong. Only after the council was over would Hasluh, by tradition, be allowed to heal his wounds with magic.

“Shadowstalker, you have fought the people of this ‘Earth’. What think you of this prey?”

Hasluh looked to the Great Hunter, and then to the assembled Huntleaders as he stood, his wounds still paining him. “Based on what I have seen, and what I have learned after spending my own resources in the System Shop, I believe that to call the Humans of Earth, even those former humans the System has changed into more familiar forms, as prey is to set our hunters up for failure. The humans are prey that learned to become predators, and became the dominant life on their world because of it. They have both the predator’s instincts for the hunt, and the prey’s eye for potential threats.

“In single combat, any Hunter of the Ouran clans would have a sure advantage over a human of the same level. However, they do not fight alone, where they can, and they do not fight for glory, but to kill their enemy and destroy the threats to their people. This can be seen clearly in the weapons and tactics they used against us in our first raid, our first defeat at their claws.”

There were mutters at the way he said this, but a glare silenced them. They were not there, after all. “When looking at their forces, there was a single ship, likely bought from the System Shop, and a variety of small craft that had not been seen before. The warship was heavily armed, not just with known weapon systems, but also the negative-matter weapons that some of the small craft used, as well. I have spoken with the other Huntleaders who survived the battle, and they agree that these small craft and the weapons must have been made in the target system somewhere, likely at a concealed manufactory and shipyard.

“This means that, by now, the losses we managed to inflict will have been replaced, and more besides. Even if we brought the whole of the clan’s forces to bear, it is unlikely that we could wrest control of the system away from its inhabitants. We may be able to gain control of the orbitals, but that would not win us control, for the forces on the ground would not be able to receive support everywhere at once, and would be slaughtered, as they were the last time.”

Hasluh paused, before looking at the Great Hunter. “It is my belief, and that of the Huntleaders I have spoken to, that the world should be considered Defended, by a Peer species. Stalking raids may prove effective, but another assault would be foolish pride, and would leave the Clan open to attack from the other Clans, or the Incux.”

The Great Hunter nodded. “If they are a Peer, then can they be bought, and turned against one of the other Clans?”

Hasluh sucked in his breath, and stiffened. “I cannot say, Great Hunter. There may be a way to bring them to the side of the Clan, but we do not know what they might want in exchange, and I would caution against trading weapons or technology to these humans. They have advanced quickly after not having the System for an incredible length of time, and there have been multiple timestrikes in the system. They’re ability to adapt our technology, and even improve upon it, should not be underestimated.

“Using them as mercenaries may be possible, but, if so, care should be taken to treat them as Peers, as other Clans, not as expendable slaves to throw into the enemy’s guns. The System says that they are omnivores, and that the eating of thinking beings is a great taboo to them. We would need to take great pains in sourcing our food while dealing with them, and not using the ‘extra rations’ except when all other food runs out, or else these humans may react violently.”

“But you think that such a thing would be possible?”

“All things are possible, under the System, Great Hunter, but some take more work than others. However, if we could arrange some sort of agreement with the group that hunted our ships? They would make formidable allies, even if they did not part with any of their weapons, or fight by our side unless we were attacked.”

“Why do you say so?”

“Because they are hunters, as are we. A hunter may learn new skills simply by hunting alongside another hunter. These hunters are skilled, and adaptive. We could learn much from simply observing them. And if we can make them a friend, then that will help shield us from the other Clans and their probing at our territory.”

“Very well,” the Great Hunter said. Gathering himself to his full height, Kelthan looked out the crowd, before turning his gaze back to Hasluh. In an official voice, he called out, “Hasluh the Shadowstalker, see to your body and your ship! When both have been healed of their wounds suffered in the hunt, we bid you return to Earth, and open talks with the group that turned our hunt upon us, for we recognize them as Peers amongst hunters, and would see that our hunting grounds do not overlap. And, should they wish for an exchange of hunters, so that they can learn our ways and we theirs, then see what must be done to accommodate them.”

Hasluh bowed as low as he could with his wounds, and said, “It shall be done, Great Hunter.”

Dramatis Personae

Zayn Greene – Greater Incubus Male Warlock/Slave Master. Once upon a time, he was a hero, but he was betrayed. Now, disillusioned and intent on not making the same mistakes as he did last time, he is a Warlock who seeks to conquer his way through the post-Apocalyptic world Earth has turned into with the System’s activation.

The Black Knight – Zayn Green’s former title and persona, in the last timeline, when he was a hero. A formidable warrior, he was deceived by those he trusted, and betrayed at the moment of his greatest triumph, the destruction of the Demon Lord.

Jessica Meadows – High Human Radiant Sorceress / Enchantress. The Black Knight’s childhood friend and lover. She betrayed him after he had slain the Demon Lord. As a Sorceress, she helped him fight against the Demon Lord.

James Masters – The Black Knight Dark Paladin / Soldier. The former Black Knight’s friend and confidant. As a Priest, he provided necessary support to help him in his fight against the Demon Lord, until he betrayed him with Jessica. He was forced to drink the [Black Knight’s Cursed Potion], changing his race, class, and profession.

Talia Skinner – High Elf Female Battledancer/Entertainer. Zayn’s former next-door neighbor. In an attempt to change his fate, he forced himself upon her, and, following the System’s activation, enslaved her to his will. She is now his obedient servant.

Hibari Kayumi – Human Female Ninja/Alchemist. A 42-year-old housewife, the System has granted her a far more youthful appearance, and increased her physical abilities. Unfortunately, that was not enough to save her from being captured by the goblins that killed her husband and son. She submitted to being Zayn’s slave in return for protection, and being released from the dungeon the goblins imprisoned her in.

Rachel Adams – Human Female Priestess/Enchantress. Talia’s roommate. She returned to the apartment building where they lived, only to find that Talia had been enslaved by Zayn. Following her boyfriend’s duel with Zayn, she now is the warlock’s property.

Shadraus – Elder Lich Male True Eldritch Summoner / Supreme Merchant. Formerly a merchant who followed the Black Knight’s army. Was sent back in time following the betrayal. Currently runs the System Shop for Atlanta.

Zarina Morillo – Beastfolk (Cat) Female Diviner / Scholar. Worked at Bill Turner’s house as his live-in tutor, secretary, and fucktoy. Enslaved by Zayn after she got on his nerves when he turned up to his new house.

James Bay – Human Male Ranger / Groundskeeper. Former US Army Ranger, retired ten years ago. Has worked for the Turner family since then. While he is in his 60s, he has been rejuvenated by the System Apocalypse. Now serves as both the groundskeeper and the lead defender for Zayn’s base of operations.

Luna Varela – Elf Female House Mage / Cook. The cook for Bill Turner, she was abused by her former employer. Her class gives her a wide array of utility around the house, but is not, generally, offensive in nature. She serves as Zayn’s cook, now.

Sameera el-Niazi – Human Female Rogue / Maid. A foreign student at Bill Turner’s college, she was tricked into going to a party where she was drugged, and photographed in compromising situations. Threatening to tell her conservative parents, he blackmailed her into coming to work for him, using her as both a maid and bedwarmer.

Shiva Azari – Human Female Fighter / Maid. Formerly a soccer star in the US on an education visa, Bill Turner got her kicked off her team, and forced her to come to work for him as a maid.

Twilight Labyrinth – Slayer Dungeon / No profession. A nascent dungeon captured and enslaved by Zayn before it could establish itself. Its limited sapience makes it a mostly instinctive creature at the moment, but it understands Zayn’s commands.

Zoe Zafieri – Moon Lamia Female Silver Dragonblood Ranger / Explorer. Zoe was changed by the Apocalypse from a human to the character they created for an online erotic RP group, complete with the name change. A natural submissive, even before her change, she willingly accepted Zayn’s brand after seeing him in action.

Ezraekiel Vasquez – Half-Troll Vampire Female Ranger / Hitman. A member of one of the cartels, the System turned her into a half-troll, while her aunt turned into a Vampire. She managed to kill her aunt, but was turned into a vampire herself. She spent the first month of the Apocalypse trapped in the Lenox Square Mall along with her sister and several survivors.

Zarina Vasquez – Human Female Adept / Enchanter. Younger sister to Ezraekiel, she was not involved in the ‘family business’, since she was still in high school when the Apocalypse happened. While her class lacks raw combat ability, she has shown promise with enchanting magical items. Currently living with Zayn.

Rosie Clark – Human Female Spellsword / Guardian – A detective with the Atlanta Police Department. She fell under Zayn’s sway when he charmed her shortly after the apocalypse, and became his contact with the APD. Her fiancé from before the Apocalypse was sadly killed by the Incubus of Avondale.

Patrick Austin – Human Male Justicar / Detective. Detective Clark’s mentor and partner as a detective. An older man, he is a veteran of the APD, and is bringing Rosie up to speed as a newly promoted detective in the wake of the Apocalypse.

Alexis Costa – Human Female Priestess / Guardian. Officer in the APD, added to the recently formed Systems Crimes Task Force, which hired Zayn as a consultant.

Devin Nixon – Human Male Rogue / Infiltrator. Officer in the APD, added to the recently formed Systems Crimes Task Force, which hired Zayn as a consultant.

Mikaela Rose – Elf Female Water Sorceress / Dancer. Officer in the APD, added to the recently formed Systems Crimes Task Force, which hired Zayn as a consultant.

Aura Moonchild – Feytouched Human Female Witch / Diviner. Arcane consultant with the MPD, and helped Zayn open the Prison of the Forgotten One. Also carrying his child.

Nyx – AI. The primary AI of the superdreadnought Black Tear of Night’s Folly. Her exact capabilities are unknown.

Lilith Moonchild – Feytouched Succubus Female Dominatrix / Diviner. The daughter of Aura and Zayn in the future, who came back to the past and was sealed in the Prison of the Forgotten One.

Maylin Gennala – Knelfi Female Fighter / Soldier. A slave bought off the Minion Market to help run the satellite warning system Zayn set up. Formerly key in putting down the 3rd Ykadian Revolt.

Ciliren Fanorin – Knelfi Female Space Mage / Courtesan. A space fanatic that got enslaved to cover debts caused by her obsession. Purchased of the Minion Market to help run Zayn’s early warning system.

Aezrelle – Succubus Female Battledancer / Courtesan. A brothel worker who self-educated herself, and was sold to a military company, who then sold her on the Minion Market. Purchased by Zayn to help run his early warning system.

Character Sheet

Name:

Zayn Greene

Race:

Greater Incubus

Class:

Demonic Seducer

Profession:

Demon King

Level:

1

XP:

1275400 / 1326000

HP:

57200 / 57200

HP Regen:

572 per half hour

MP:

14490 / 20700

MP Regen:

207 per min

Titles:

Executioner, Dungeon Foe 2, Admiral, King, Ant Kills the Elephant

Attributes

STR

106 (136)

INT

157 (207)

DEX

106 (166)

WIS

116 (166)

CON

152 (192)

CHA

452 (572)

Luck

34 (64)

Defense

120 (9892)

+8 CHA, +6 INT, +5 WIS, +5 STR, +1 CON per level

0 Attribute points remaining

4 Attribute points per level

Currency

1200 CP

238 SP

46404 GP

26500 PP

5 diamonds (50gp value each)

Boons

Third-Tier Race

Item Summoning

Minor Creation

Abilities

Racial Abilities

+30 CHA, +10 INT, +10 CON

Gain +3 CHA, +1 INT, +1 CON, +2 Attribute points per level

Gain Seduction, Diplomacy, and Intimidation as racial skills

All Charisma-based skills 25% more effective.

Immunities – Immune to Corruption, Fire, Poison, and Disease

Vulnerability – Vulnerable to Holy

Hellfire – Can summon and manipulate hellfire

Wings – Able to fly with batlike wings. Must be able to extend wings to fly. Cannot carry more than a light load and maintain flight.

Sensual Recharge – Engaging in acts of passion can increase MP and HP regeneration. More involved acts may transfer MP and HP from your partner to you.

Shapeshifting – Able to shapeshift into any humanoid form. Attributes do not change in new form, though may gain physical qualities of the new form (lizardfolk’s scaly hide providing armor, etc.)

Class Abilities

+10 CHA, +10 WIS

+5 CHA, +5 WIS per level

Blood Bolt – The standard magical attack of the Warlock class becomes a bolt of blood-red energy. Deals 50% more damage to living targets, 50% less damage to objects, Constructs, Undead, and Oozes.

Blood Magic – Can cast limited number of spells known to other classes. MP cost is 5x normal. Costs HP equal to the normal MP cost. Number of spells known equal to level.

Blood Control – If the blood warlock has a sample of another creature’s blood, they can attempt to control that creature’s body and mind through magic. The victim’s resistance is 50% less effective than normal.

Bloodthirst – The Blood Warlock has a compulsion to drink at least a cup of blood every day. Failure to drink blood every 24 hours results in their gaining a stacking 10% debuff to all actions, healing done and damage caused for every 24 hours they go without until they drink fresh blood.

Lustful Power – Spells and abilities 50% more effective whenever you have engaged in intercourse in the last eight hours.

Demonic Charm – Seduction and Charm abilities and skills are 50% more effective.

Charm Protection – Immune to mental manipulation and charm spells and effects of your Tier or lower (50% reduction for higher-Tier spells and effects).

Seduction Guard – Immune to social interaction and manipulation skills of creatures your Tier or lower (50% reduction for higher-Tier creatures).

Profession Abilities

+10 STR, +10 INT

+5 STR, +5 INT per level

Slave Brand – Gain the ability to enslave creatures, binding them to your will. Enslaved creatures cannot resist your commands, and gain the Slave title.

Slave Management – Can see your slaves’ Status, and influence it to some degree, depending on level and skills.

Slave Knowledge – Know the direction, distance, and condition of all slaves branded with your mark.

Legendary Resilience – Immune to damage from weapons below your Tier.

Legendary Power – All attacks ignore armor and defenses below your Tier.

Legendary Magic – Spells are 25% more effective, and no longer have diminishing returns against higher-Tier opponents.

King of Demons – All demons within 5 kilometers feel your presence (though they do not necessarily know your distance or direction), and know your power relative to theirs. You feel the presence (though not necessarily the location) of all demons within 5 kilometers, and their power relative to yours.

Demon’s Crown – A crown of hellfire floats over your head. This crown can be hidden at will, but cannot be stolen, lost, or destroyed.

Skills

Racial Skills

Seduction – Increases your ability to seduce individuals. Passively increases your appeal. Active use decreases target’s resistance.

Pheromones – Reduces aggression of all females towards you. May have secondary effects.

Hellfire Magic – Able to cast spells with Hellfire.

Bestow Glamour – Enhance a willing individual’s looks, adding to their CHA, for a price.

Touch of Depravity – Increase an individual’s libido, reduce their WIS temporarily.

Contract Magic – Able to create magically binding contracts.

Fool’s Wisdom – Increase a willing individual’s WIS, for a price.

Intimidation – Increases your ability to frighten or cow individuals. Effects fade when out of your presence.

Diplomacy – Increases your ability to sway others and persuade them. May make friends and influence people.

Desire Reflection – Allows you to project a glamour that makes you look like a viewer’s most desirable romantic partner.

Progenitor – Able to overwhelm barriers to pregnancy.

Kiss of Corruption – Can reduce a person’s resistance to your seduction (and other social skills) with a kiss.

Sensual Violation – Add victim’s HP and MP regeneration to the bonus regeneration from Sensual Recharge when violating an unwilling sentient creature. (Costs 2 Skill Points)

Unholy Violation – When violating an unwilling sentient creature, (Your Level – Victim’s Level) percent chance to permanently drain stat points from the victim and add them to your own. Percent chance is doubled for creatures of the Celestial type. (Costs 2 Skill Points)

Blood Purity – Eliminate genetic defects or diseases from progeny, no risk of inbreeding. (Costs 2 skill points)

Summon Demons – Summon demons to your side. Demons are not bound, and must be either bargained with or otherwise subdued. (Costs 2 points to take)

Aura of Lust – Project an aura of lustful energy, causing all creatures within (CHA) feet that can see or hear you to be overwhelmed with lustful feelings. Can only have one active aura up at a time. (Costs 2 points to take)

Aura of Greed – Project an aura of greed, causing all creatures within (CHA) feet that can see or hear you to obsessively horde every item or resource they can, spending the bare minimum of those resources (including MP and ammunition) necessary to achieve their goals. Can only have one active aura up at a time. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Aura of Wrath – Project an aura of wrath, causing all creatures within (CHA) feet that can see or hear you to fly into a murderous rage, attacking anyone who is the least ways hostile to them. Can only have one active aura up at a time. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Class Skills

Curse Magic – The study of curses and other afflictions that can be used to hinder and hamper enemies. Includes both short-term afflictions, and more lasting curses.

Destruction Magic – The study of turning magic into pure destructive power, for the purposes of destroying your foes.

Summoning – Allows the warlock to summon a demon to his side. The type of demon depends on the Warlock’s level, skill, and any materials used. Some demons may be hostile to summoners.

Demonology – Gain knowledge about demons and demonic entities.

Soulbinding – Knowledge of the art of creating binding magics and contracts.

Mental Resilience – Your ability to resist hostile enchantments, illusions, and other mind-affecting abilities is increased.

Mettle – Increase your resistance to hostile damaging spells.

Sacrificial Rites – Bestows the knowledge of ritual magic involving sacrifices, allowing the creation of rituals.

Blood Rage – Gain the ability to enter a blood rage, dealing enhanced melee damage, but becoming unable to cast spells for the duration.

Fell Magic – Critical damage from Warlock spells (including Blood Bolt and Blood Magic spells) increased from x2 to x3 (x4 if the target is of ‘good’ alignment).

Sanguine Spells – May deal HP damage to self in order to enhance the power of spells or substitute for needed components.

Planar Knowledge – Knowledge of creatures and magics pertaining to other planes of existence.

Force of Personality – Add your Charisma to the spell damage from all spells. Stacks with similar effects.

Corrupting Spells – Able to infuse your spells with corrupting influence, for a price. (Costs 2 skill points)

Tame Demon Familiar – Allows you to use magic to bind and tame a powerful demon, turning them into your familiar. (Costs 2 skill points)

Charismatic Fortitude – Use CHA instead of CON to determine HP and HP regeneration. (Costs 4 skill points)

Curse Resistance I – Curse Effects of Tier 2 are 50% less effective. 90% chance to be immune to curses of Tier 1. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Enhanced Summoning – Summoned creatures gain 10% increased stats. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Enticing Fluids – The Demonic Seducer can turn his bodily fluids become addictive aphrodisiacs, enhancing sensations. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Sexual Overdrive – Engaging in acts of lust increases the Demonic Seducer’s stats. The size and duration of this boost depends on the act(s) involved. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Blessing of Blood – By anointing another creature with his blood, the blood warlock can grant them a portion of his power, giving them a bonus to one attribute equal to 50% of the warlock’s score in that attribute. This blessing lasts for 24 hours. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Profession Skills

Appraise Value – Able to see the level, race, class, and profession of potential slaves, giving you an idea of their potential value. More information provided at higher ranks.

Training – Able to enhance a slave’s learning speed for skills, or teach the slave new skills.

Taming – Better able to calm emotional slaves, and prevent aggressive slaves from inciting rebellion. Also known as breaking or domesticating.

Expanded Appraisal I – [Appraise Value] now includes titles the target has, as well as their largest attribute.

Dominance – Increased resistance to mental or soul influence.

Brand Capacity I – Increase the number of brands you can maintain to 1 per every 4 points of CHA.

Commanding Aura – Branded slaves gain 10% to all actions while under direct supervision of the Master.

Bargaining – Useful for arranging the best deal when buying or selling slaves. Also useful for all types of pacts or negotiations.

Courtesans – Slaves designated as Courtesans gain +1 CHA per level.

Combat Slaves – Slaves designated as Combat slaves gain +1 CON per level.

Tracking – Able to sense the general direction to all slaves bearing your brand.

Master’s Will – Branded slaves suffer -10% to all rebellious actions.

Expanded Appraisal II – Appraisal now includes the target’s attributes. (Costs 2 points to take)

Body Shaping – Able to create training regimens that will increase physical attributes over time.

Improved Training – Reduce the cost for training or granting skills. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Class Training – Can change the class of Slaves. Slave must have attributes appropriate for the new class. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Profession Training – Can change the profession of Slaves. Slave must have attributes appropriate for the new profession. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Command Obedience – A Demon King can command the obedience of any demon within line of sight, provided they are of the same Tier or lower. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Demon King’s Might – A Demon King draws strength from his army. Every demon, subject, or slave of yours within 1 mile increases your power. (Costs 4 points to take.)

Motivated Slaves – Slaves bearing your brand take pride in being your property, and seek to be the best slaves that they can be. (Costs 2 points to take.)

General Skills

Weapon Mastery – Proficient with the use of all weapons (not counting vehicle-mounted weapons or siege weapons).

Armor Mastery – Proficient with the use of all armor types and shields.

Auto-Regeneration – Regenerate HP at 200% normal speed.

Toughness – Decrease nonmagical damage taken by 50%.

Magic Resistance – Hostile spells are 50% less effective.

Carnal Arts – Become more skilled in the arts of bringing pleasure to yourself and others.

Sense Motive – The ability to sense when people are lying to you, and to discern ulterior motives.

Inspiration – The ability to make inspiring speeches to get others to follow you.

Knowledge (System) – Conveys general knowledge about the System, its workings, and its limitations. Includes class evolutions.

Knowledge (Dungeons) – Conveys general knowledge about dungeons, their abilities, the different types, and so on. Helps in recognizing patterns and traps in dungeons.

Knowledge (Bestiary) – Conveys general knowledge about monsters and beasts commonly encountered. While not to the level of Anatomy, or a specialized skill, may provide general insight into strengths and weaknesses of a creature, and help with identification.

Arcana – Conveys some knowledge of magic, but is primarily concerned with altering known spells to use new elements or have new effects, creating new spells.

Leadership – Inspire others to follow your lead, and take direction from you. Enhances ability to manage a group in a crisis.

Police Procedures – Imparts knowledge of police procedures, including evidence collection and handling, escalation of force, and communications protocols.

Contract Magic – Unlocks the ability to create magically binding contracts without specialized materials.

Dancing – Increases your skill with various forms of dance.

Naval Strategy – Increases individual’s ability to conduct naval operations on a strategic level.

Naval Tactics – Increases individual’s ability to conduct naval operations on the tactical level.

Ship’s Weapon Proficiency – Increases one’s accuracy and damage with ship-based weaponry.

Situational Awareness – Increases the user’s awareness of events going on around them, even when the situation is chaotic.

Combat Composure – Increases the user’s ability to remain calm and level-headed during combat or other high-stress situations.

Navigation – Increases the ability to navigate to a desired destination, with and without instruments.

Fighter Pilot – Teaches skills needed to fly fighter-style craft.

Shuttle Pilot – Teaches skills needed to fly military and civilian shuttles.

Small Craft Pilot – Teaches skills needed to fly small craft.

Ship Pilot – Teaches skills needed to pilot starships.

Stellar Cartography – More proficient at mapping and analyzing stars and star charts.

Scientific Analysis – Increased ability to use scientific method and knowledge to analyze a situation.

General Scientific Knowledge – A broad-based, mid-level knowledge of various scientific disciplines, providing a foundation for higher understanding.

Advanced Sensor Training – Able to glean greater data from sensors than with Sensor Training.

Anatomy (Humanoid) – Knowledge of the anatomy of humans, and humanoid creatures. Can give insight into the anatomy of other creatures by comparing organs to human ones.

Medicine – Knowledge and skills needed to treat diseases and ailments that don’t require surgery, with or without magic.

Basic Surgery – Knowledge of surgical practices, giving the ability to conduct simple surgeries.

First Aid – Knowledge of field medicine and first aid procedures, including how to stabilize and resuscitate an individual.

Botany – Knowledge of different plant types, and plant biology, including medical or harmful properties.

Virology – Knowledge of different viruses, and how to treat them.

Sanitization – Knowledge of how to prevent the spread of disease, and how to clean up biohazards.

FTL Engineering – Able to maintain, repair, and build FTL drives.

Systems Engineering – Able to maintain, repair, and build ships’ systems.

Reactor Engineering – Able to maintain, repair, and build reactors.

Damage Control – Able to make emergency repairs to bring systems online. Also able to triage repairs based on what is most critical.

Advanced Maintenance – Increases operational lifespan of machines and systems, reduces rate of part failure, can catch failures before they happen. Improved version of Basic Maintenance.

Mechanic – Able to build and repair basic mechanical objects, up to simple engines.

Fabrication – Able to create tools and parts required for maintenance and repairs.

Jury-rigging – Able to do temporary repairs with substandard materials.

EVA Familiarization – Able to conduct themselves normally while in zero-G, and outside a ship’s hull.

Emergency Training – Training in emergency procedures, for when a ship is under attack, or has taken damage.

Mining Tools – Able to use mining tools to extract material with a minimum of waste.

Remote Operation – Able to use drones or remote-control systems to as proficiently as one’s own limbs.

Metallurgy – Knowledge of different metals and alloys, and their properties

Heavy Machinery Training – Training in the use and operation of heavy industrial machinery.

Safety Training – Training in industrial safety protocols.

Construction – Training in construction methods and tools

Salvaging – Training in how to deconstruct scrap to extract the most usable material from it

Cutting Tools Proficiency – Proficiency with the use of various industrial cutting tools for noncombat uses.

Welding – Training in different types of welds, including which welds are best used for certain jobs.

Fleet Command – Increases abilities at commanding a fleet of ships.

City Planning – Increases efficiency of managing a city, including its resources, infrastructure, and inhabitants.

Rulership – Increases efficiency of ruling a nation, including its resources, infrastructure, and inhabitants.

Heroic Leader – Increases morale of populace so long as leader lives up to their image. May have other effects.

Tyrannical Leader – Efficacy of seditious movements decreased. May have other effects.

Paperwork – Increases speed of bureaucratic tasks, reduces errors.

Warlord – Increases abilities of forces when leading them into battle.

Savagery – Killing an enemy in an especially brutal way may demoralize other enemies who witness the act.

Diplomacy – Increases your ability to interact with governments on an official level.

0 Skill points remaining

Primary Slaves

Talia Skinner – High Elf Female, Level 38 Battledancer / Entertainer

Hibari Kayumi - Human Female, Level 38 Ninja / Alchemist

Rachel Adams – Human Female, Level 38 Priestess / Enchantress

Shalaevar Herleth – Knelfi Female, Level 49 Druid / Brewer

Ahshala Ililar – Knelfi Female, Level 49 Arcane Shooter / Sniper

Harahel – Greater Angel Female, Level 2 Sorceress of the Seven Celestial Spires / Grandmaster Alchemist

Familiars

Mhyreth – Tomebound Succubus Female, Level 1 Mistress of Destruction / Sensual Wordsmith

Available Skills:

Note: Your available skills are based on your Race, Class, Profession, and activities.

Racial Skills:

Aerial Defender – Gain 10% to Defense while in flight.

Aura of Sloth – Project an aura of indolence, causing all creatures within (CHA) feet that can see or hear you to become listless and uninspired. Can only have one active aura up at a time. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Aura of Envy – Project an aura of energy that whispers in the mind of creatures within (CHA) feet that can see or hear you, making them yearn for what they do not have, and attempt to take it for themselves. Can only have one active aura up at a time. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Aura of Gluttony – Project an aura of hunger, causing all creatures within (CHA) feet that can see or hear you to become ravenously hungry, devouring any and all food that they can find, even if that food is the flesh on a living person’s body. Can only have one active aura up at a time. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Aura of Pride – Project an aura of pride, causing all creatures within (CHA) feet that can see or hear you to become supremely prideful and overconfident. Can only have one active aura up at a time. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Class Skills:

Blood Plague – Any enemy who touches the Blood Warlock’s blood is infected with a magical disease, draining 10% of their CON per day and causing them extreme pain. The disease resists magical healing, and spreads to other creatures at a touch. (Costs 4 points to take.)

Blood Curse – By taking some of another creature’s blood, the Blood Warlock can lay a curse upon that creature’s bloodline. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Rejuvenation of the Blood – Whenever the blood warlock consumes another creature’s blood, they regenerate MP and HP at 400% the normal rate. This accelerated healing can repair broken bones and regenerate missing organs. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Profession Skills:

Mind Shaping – Able to create training regimens that will increase mental attributes over time.

Artisan Slaves – Slaves designated as Artisans gain +1 INT or DEX per level (chosen at designation).

Adept Slaves – Slaves designated as Adepts gain +1 INT or +1 WIS per level (chosen at designation).

Group Submission – Slaves bearing your brand become even more submissive when in groups of other branded slaves, making it easier to control large groups, and reducing the threat of rebellion. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Aura of Blissful Obedience – Slaves bearing your brand receive pleasure whenever they follow your commands. (Costs 2 points to take.)

Sacrificial Slaves – In the end, slaves are meant to be used by their Master. A Slave Master can transfer some or all damage dealt to him to any of his slaves within 100 feet.

General Skills:

Autopsy – Imparts knowledge of autopsy procedures, as well as the knowledge of how to search for and diagnose cause of death.

Harvesting – Increases your ability to harvest useful reagents and materials from corpses. May replace automatic dungeon loot.

Forgery – Increases your ability to make convincing forgeries of documents and other items.

Spells

Spells Known

Summoning

Shadow Armor – Wraps your body in armor made from shadows, aiding in your defense.

Curse

Affliction of Weakness – Reduce target’s STR by caster’s CHA for 1 min. A creature reduced to 0 STR falls prone and is considered helpless. Multiple uses of this curse on the same target do not stack. Instead, the duration is reset, as though cast by the caster with the higher CHA.

Affliction of Infirmity – Reduce target’s CON by caster’s CHA for 1 min. A creature reduced to 0 CON is instantly slain. Multiple uses of this curse on the same target do not stack. Instead, the duration is reset, as though cast by the caster with the higher CHA.

Affliction of Ugliness – Reduce target’s CHA by caster’s CHA for 1 min. A creature reduced to 0 CHA falls into a catatonic state and is considered helpless. Multiple uses of this curse on the same target do not stack. Instead, the duration is reset, as though cast by the caster with the higher CHA.

Suppress Emotions – A temporary curse that prevents the target from feeling any strong emotions, positive or negative. Can counter and suppress emotion-based effects like a Barbarian’s rage, or spells designed to spark infatuation.

Destruction

Spellblade – Channel spells or magical energy through a melee attack.

Hammerblast – Deals CHA damage to target creature or object. Damage to Creatures reduced by target’s CON. Damage to objects ignores armor.

Hellfire Blade – Use your demonic heritage to channel the fires of Hell itself through your melee attacks.

Arcane Barrage – Unleash a volley of unerring bolts of magical force against your enemies.

Hellfire Barrage – Unleash a volley of unerring bolts of Hellfire against your enemies.

Blood

Cunning Linguist – Use a kiss, with tongue, to learn a language for 24 hours. Only one language can be learned in this way at a time.

Mystic Eye – See magical items and effects, and identify their uses.

Craft Basic Homunculus – Use blood to create a temporary servant.

General

Heal – A more inefficient, touch-range version of a Priest’s basic healing spell.

Mending – A more inefficient version of a Wizard’s basic spell, repairs damaged objects.

Mark Enemy – A more inefficient version of a Ranger’s basic tracking spell, allowing you to keep track of an enemy’s moves in combat.

Shadow Armor

Wraps your body in armor made from shadows, aiding in your defense.

Cost: 20% of Maximum MP reserved

Duration: Until canceled or dispelled.

Defense increased by amount equal to MP reserved. (Stacks with worn armor and other effects.)

Reduces damage received by amount equal to MP reserved.

Receiving damage equal to 2x MP reserved (before reduction) in a single attack ends the spell.

Hellfire Blade

Use your demonic heritage to channel the fires of Hell itself through your melee attacks.

Cost: 300 MP, 300 HP

Target: Melee weapon or natural attack

Duration: Until canceled or dispelled.

Add INT+CHA to damage of melee weapon enhanced by the effect. This damage is Hellfire damage.

Melee weapons enhanced by this spell take 10% durability damage every 5 seconds while this spell is in effect (minimum 10% durability damage).

Becoming disarmed ends the spell.

Spellblade

Channel spells or magical energy through a melee attack.

Cost: 100 MP, 2 MP per second

Target: Melee weapon or natural attack

Duration: Until canceled or dispelled.

Add INT+CHA to damage of melee weapon enhanced by the effect.

Becoming disarmed ends the spell.

Cunning Linguist

Use a kiss, with tongue, to learn a language for 24 hours. Only one language can be learned in this way at a time.

Cost: 250 MP, 50 HP

Target: Creature kissed

Duration: 24 hours

Able to understand, speak, read, and write languages known by the individual kissed for the duration.

Heal

A more inefficient, touch-range version of a Priest’s basic healing spell.

Cost: 200 MP

Target: Self or Creature touched.

Duration: Instant

Heals the target of damage equal to caster’s WIS.

Mending

A more inefficient version of a Wizard’s basic spell, repairs damaged objects.

Cost: 200 MP

Target: Nonmagical item touched.

Duration: Instant

Repairs nonmagical item weighing less than INT pounds. Must have all the pieces of the item, or suitable materials for repairs.

Mark Enemy

A more inefficient version of a Ranger’s basic tracking spell, allowing you to keep track of an enemy’s moves in combat.

Cost: 20 MP

Target: Creature you can see within 30’

Duration: 10 minutes

Creature becomes marked with a magical symbol only you can see. Marked creature does not gain benefit of stealth or invisibility against you. You can track its movements as long as you are on the same plane, even if creature moves out of the initial cast range.

Only one creature can be marked by you at any one time.

Hammerblast

A blast of arcane power, particularly suited to destroying objects it strikes.

Cost: 20 MP

Target: Creature or object up to CHA meters away

Duration: Instant

Deals CHA damage to target creature or object. Damage to Creatures reduced by target’s CON. Damage to objects ignores armor.

Affliction of Weakness

A temporary curse which reduces the target’s STR for 1 minute.

Cost: 150 MP

Target: Creature within (CHA/2, min 5) meters

Duration: 1 minute

Reduce target’s STR by caster’s CHA for 1 min. A creature reduced to 0 STR falls prone and is considered helpless. Multiple uses of this curse on the same target do not stack. Instead, the duration is reset, as though cast by the caster with the higher CHA.

Hellfire Barrage

Unleash a volley of unerring bolts of Hellfire at your enemies.

Cost: 10 MP and 10 HP per bolt

Target: Any number of creatures or objects you can see (or otherwise target) within range, up to the number of missiles launched.

Range: 100 ft + 10 ft/level

Duration: Instant

Launch a number of magical missiles made of hellfire at your targets. These missiles always hit their target, and cannot be evaded, though magical effects may block or mitigate the damage. Each missile does 2xCHA damage to the target. This damage is hellfire damage. Each casting produces 1+(CHA/10, min 0) missiles.

Arcane Barrage

Unleash a volley of unerring bolts of magical force at your enemies.

Cost: 10 MP per bolt

Target: Any number of creatures or objects you can see (or otherwise target) within range, up to the number of missiles launched.

Range: 100 ft + 10 ft/level

Duration: Instant

Cooldown: 6 seconds

Launch a number of magical missiles made of arcane force at your targets. These missiles always hit their target, and cannot be evaded, though magical effects may block or mitigate the damage. Each missile does 2xCHA damage to the target. This damage is force damage.

Mystic Eye

With this spell the flows of magic become visible to you. This allows you to see active magical items, auras, and effects, and gain a sense of their purpose. The information gained is affected by your knowledge.

Cost: 100 MP and 100 HP initially, 1 MP and 1 HP per second to maintain

Target: Self

Duration: Maintained

See magical items and effects, and identify their uses.

Craft Basic Homunculus

The most common use of blood magic, outside of casting spells which one might not possess the qualifications for, is in the use of Homunculi, or Blood Puppets. This spell crafts a simple homunculus to serve you. The caster shapes the homunculus according to their will. The size, toughness, and duration of the homunculus depend on the amount of blood and mana used in its creation. The Basic Homunculus is mindless, but capable of following basic orders.

Cost: Varies

Duration: 1 minute per 32 ounces of blood used in its creation.

The Basic Homunculus is created with 1 HP per ounce of blood used, and has STR and DEX attributes equal to 1/100 of the total ounces of blood used. The Basic Homunculus is created with ablative armor, allowing it to take damage up to 25% of its initial HP before taking HP damage.

Affliction of Infirmity

A temporary curse which reduces the target’s CON for 1 minute.

Cost: 150 MP

Target: Creature within (CHA/2, min 5) meters

Duration: 1 minute

Reduce target’s CON by caster’s CHA for 1 min. A creature reduced to 0 CON is instantly slain. Multiple uses of this curse on the same target do not stack. Instead, the duration is reset, as though cast by the caster with the higher CHA.

Affliction of Ugliness

A temporary curse which reduces the target’s CHA for 1 minute.

Cost: 150 MP

Target: Creature within (CHA/2, min 5) meters

Duration: 1 minute

Reduce target’s CHA by caster’s CHA for 1 min. A creature reduced to 0 CHA falls falls into a catatonic stupor, and is helpless. Multiple uses of this curse on the same target do not stack. Instead, the duration is reset, as though cast by the caster with the higher CHA.

Suppress Emotions

A temporary curse that prevents the target from feeling any strong emotions, positive or negative. Can counter and suppress emotion-based effects like a Barbarian’s rage, or spells designed to spark infatuation.

Cost: 150 MP

Target: Creature Touched

Duration: 1 minute

Prevent the target from experiencing strong emotions. This suppresses natural emotions for the duration. Spells and effects which change the target’s emotional state (like most Charm spells, or things causing a morale bonus or penalty to their actions, or class features like a Barbarian’s rage) are ended immediately and countered for the duration if your Level + CHA is higher than the Level + WIS of the one activating those effects or spells.

Equipment

Account Holder

Zayn Greene

Account Number

13D7b2ĕΨλγΩ

Account Balance

54,486,526 PP

139,471,181 GP

734,149 SP

129,212,234,921 CP

Items Held

Astral Diamond x4

Necklace of the Prophet

Band of Murder

Gauntlets of Stability

Dress of Creation

Ancient Greatcloak of Fire Protection

Cursed Girdle of the Scourge

Steel Greatplate of Demonic Powers

Destiny’s Will, Tower Shield of the Stars

Furious Shoulderguards of Eternal Glory

Kurokishi, Legacy of Dark Fate

Type

Armor Set

Rank

Unique – Scaling

This set of armor has been created by the System for a singular individual. Betrayed by those closest to him, he refused to bow, even at the end. The Black Knight’s Dark Fate has been shattered, and now rests upon those he meets. And yet this legacy remains. Every ten levels, it gains new power.

Soulbound to Zayn Greene

Defense increased by (100 x Level)+CHA

+10 to All Atributes

Defiance of the Fall – 1/Day negate all damage and negative effects for (CHA) seconds. Costs 100% of remaining MP.

Shifting – This armor shifts with the wearer’s form.

Self-repair – This armor will repair itself over time by feeding on the wearer’s MP, even if destroyed.

Absorption – This armor may absorb weapons and armor the wearer owns. This ability allows it to upgrade the materials it is made of, and potentially gain new powers and abilities from the items it absorbs.

Dread Armor – +50% to Intimidation while wearing the armor.

Darksoul Protection – Take 25% less damage from Holy attacks and spells.

Commander’s Aura – Those under your command have 10% increase to all abilities while within line of sight.

Life Support – The armor automatically adapts to counter environmental factors and hazards. The wearer is immune to the effects of extreme temperatures, high gravity, low gravity, high pressure, vacuum, and environmental radiation. It also makes him immune to suffocation, drowning, and airborne toxins or diseases, as well as negating the need for food or drink while wearing the armor.

Voidflight – While in the void of space, the wearer of this armor can fly at speeds of 0.01% of the speed of light (67K mph).

Dark Lord’s Formal Wear

Type

Clothes

Rank

Unique

This formal suit and cloak have been tailored to work with the wearer’s preferred armor, blending easily with the armor’s styling. In addition to looking great, the armor has some added bonuses, suitable for one in Tier 2.

+20 INT, +20 WIS, +20 CHA

+20% to all social skills.

Social skills receive no penalty when affecting creatures of higher tier.

Wearer receives no penalty to resist social skills from creatures of higher tier.

Dominating Aura – Creatures within 30 feet cannot attack unless their CHA is higher than that of the wearer. Any hostile action by the wearer or his allies against a hostile force or their allies breaks this effect.

Perfect Fit – Changes to fit the wearer.

Shifting – Alters itself to shift with the wearer when they change forms.

Self-Repair – The clothes will repair and clean themselves over time with ambient mana.

Dark Seducer’s Daily Wear

Type

Clothes

Rank

Unique

This stylish outfit consists of specially tailored shirt and pants that look equally at home on a city street, at a country club, or on in a nightclub, enhancing the wearer’s social pursuits, whatever they might be.

+20 INT, +20 WIS, +20 CHA

+20% to all social skills.

Social skills receive no penalty when affecting creatures of higher tier.

Wearer receives no penalty to resist social skills from creatures of higher tier.

Dark Seduction – Creatures targeted by the wearer’s Seduction skill are Charmed automatically, unless their CHA exceeds the wearer’s. Duration: (Wearer’s CHA - Target’s CHA) hours. If the target would normally not be attracted to the wearer’s race and/or gender, the duration is halved. Any attack by the wearer or their allies breaks this effect.

Perfect Fit – Changes to fit the wearer.

Shifting – Alters itself to shift with the wearer when they change forms.

Self-Repair – The clothes will repair and clean themselves over time with ambient mana.

Spellmight Bracers of the Dark Lord

Type

Bracers

Rank

Unique

These bracers, made from tanned angel skin, and dyed with demon’s blood, offer a substantial bonus to any who tread the path of darkness. Those who see these bracers know that they are dealing with one who has embraced the dark side.

Indestructible

+10% Defense vs. Holy Spells and Effects

+20 CHA

+10% spell damage while not in direct sunlight

Chimamire

Type

Exotic Two-Handed

Rank

Super Rare

Damage

CHA+CON

Damage Type

Varies

Chimamire (otherwise known as Bloodbringer) is not your typical weapon. In fact, in its idle state, it appears to be nothing so much as a human spine, set into a long handle, with hand grips at appropriate spaces. When held by a user that is bonded to it, however, the skull at the top of the staff opens its mouth, and a blade of blood-red energy emerges from it, curved like a scythe. This weapon requires a bonding ritual to use, after which it is considered soulbound to the user until their death. Chimamire cannot be destroyed by any known means. Any damage done to it is healed by sapping health from its wielder. The blade has two modes, Bloody Blade, and Vampiric Blade, that can be changed at will, by paying 250 HP.

+20 to all stats except defense.

Bloody Blade – Chimamire ignores enemy armor and resistances, and does slashing damage. User takes damage equal to damage inflicted on target.

Vampiric Blade – Chimamire does necrotic damage. User regains health equal to half the damage dealt.

Replica Katana

Type

Sword (1-1/2 Handed)

Rank

Very Common

Damage

1-10 + STR / + 1.5*STR (2hand)

Damage Type

Slashing

This replica katana was designed to be a display piece, for aesthetics rather than combat. Can be used either one-handed or two-handed Not being designed for combat, it has a low durability.

+10 Attack

STARTER: This item and its sheath are Indestructible.

Sacrificial Dagger

Type

Dagger

Rank

Uncommon

Damage

5-20 + STR

Damage Type

Piercing / Slashing

This enchanted dagger is a thing of pure evil, despite the fact that it is all too common for many beings’ taste. This is because, though it can be effectively used as a weapon, its battle effectiveness is wholly a secondary consideration to its true purpose.

Durability 40/40

Sacrifice - When used to kill a sentient creature, gain 10% of their highest attribute score for 24 hours. If the death comes at the end of a sacrificial ritual lasting at least 1 hour, the gains are permanent.

Ring of Elemental Immunity

Type

Ring

Rank

Legendary

This ring appears to be simply wrought, with four gems set into it. However, the enchantments upon this ring make it a treasure easily worth fortunes.

Immunity to Cold, Fire, Electricity, and Acid damage.

Demon’s Soulbrand Tattoo

Type

Tool

Rank

Rare

This silver pen is imbued with magic. When activated, the silver melts and forms a tattoo with protective sigils on the user’s skin. This tattoo may be hidden with clothing or magic, but it will be an identifiable marker on the user, no matter what form they take from that point onward.

Restriction: Only demonic races.

+10% resistance against mental effects

+10% resistance against hostile spells

Immune to Puppet Brand, Slave Brand, Familiar Ritual, Enthrallment, or other similar conditions.

Immune to summons below Deity rank.

Cold Iron Ruby Band of the Dark Lord

Type

Ring

Rank

Super Rare

This ring is made of cold iron, and inset with a ruby. The ruby becomes etched with the wearer’s personal symbol when they bind themselves to this ring. It is a potent tool for any spellcaster or leader.

+50 CHA

Mental Amplifying – Double mental attributes for the purpose of determining spell, skill, and ability potency and effects only.

Bound – This ring cannot be lost, stolen, or removed from the wearer’s hand against their will so long as they live.

Demon Lord’s Belt of Battle Supremacy

Type

Belt

Rank

Unique

This blackened leather belt displays a black demon’s skull as its buckle. Created by a master artisan with the hopes that one day it would be used by a powerful demon, this belt is enchanted to be a mighty boon to all those who battle upon the front lines.

Restricted: Can only be worn by Demon King or similar class.

All damage from melee attacks (including melee spell attacks) increased by 50%.

All damage from incoming melee attacks (including melee spell attacks) decreased by 50%.

Reduce incoming knockback effects by 50%.

Demonstride Boots

Type

Feet

Rank

Super Rare

These black leather boots are made from the tanned hide of demons taken while they were still alive, and contain a portion of their magic within.

+30 DEX

Double land speed.

Able to teleport up to (DEX+10) feet, at will, provided you have line of sight to the target location.

Magic Van

Type

Vehicle

Rank

Common

This panel van has been redesigned and refit to have a hybrid drive system. While in Performance mode, the vehicle uses diesel fuel. While in Economy mode, the vehicle does not use fuel, but has reduced speed and cargo capacity.

Seating: 2

Performance Mode:

Max Speed: 80 MPH

Max Speed with Cargo: 65 MPH

Cargo Capacity: 4500 lbs

Economy Mode:

Max Speed: 65 MPH

Max Speed with Cargo: 55 MPH

Cargo Capacity: 3000 lbs

Knelfi Shadowsoul Transport

Type

Vehicle

Rank

Rare

A personal transport designed to grow with its bonded user, Shadowsoul Transports are rarely seen outside of knelfi space. Shadowsoul transports grow with their users, gaining new abilities every ten levels the user has. This transport has two modes, Performance and Economy. In Performance mode, the transport runs off mana crystals. In Economy mode, the transport is fueled by ambient mana.

Seating: 2

Levitation – Can levitate slightly off the ground while in motion, ignoring penalties for ground condition (though not undergrowth or obstructions). Able to drive across liquids (though will sink if not on solid ground when stopping).

Variable Gravity – Able to change the relative direction (but not force) of gravity relative to itself, allowing the bike and its rider(s) to drive up sheer surfaces, or even upside down. Cannot be used to fly. Normal gravity reasserts itself on rider(s) when they dismount the vehicle.

Performance Mode:

Max Speed: 150 MPH

Economy Mode:

Max Speed: 75 MPH

Hellspawn

Name

Hellspawn

Type

Corvette

Owner

Zayn Greene

Model

Oscuns-Class Shiphunter

Systems

Weapons

Mendelius Point Defense System x2

Y’thran Arms Ion Cannons x2

Imperial Grav-Lance x2

Standard Torpedo Launchers x2 (10 Tiamat torpedoes each)

Hellfire Cannon

Pulse Torpedo Launcher x2 (Dual-side)

Shields

Standard Cruiser Shield System

Armor

Hateforged Warsteel Armor

Sensors

Standard Sensor Suite

Power

Mk. 25 Reactor

Standard Emergency Reactor

Standard Ambient Mana Collector

Drives

Standard Sublight Drive

Standard Warp Drive

Misc

Coolbreeze Heat Sinks

Tokomak Pulse Torpedo Reactor

Multi-Grapple Array

Inhibitor Module

Phased Travel Array

Active Jamming Array

Complement

Crew

50 (9 officers, 1 medic, 40 crew)

10 Passengers/Specialists

Cargo

170 tons

Further Reading

Be sure to read my published works!

Frozen Soul series (Sci-Fi Supervillain story):

Frozen Soul –

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071R125QT

Tales of the Void Traveler - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZ52G37

Memoirs of a Supervillain - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R9NWS8J

Rules-Free VRMMO Life (Dark Fantasy GameLit):

Volume 1 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071VPRNDB

Omnibus 1 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0774T354X

Complete 1-20 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R5CHNNP

Into the Black (Sci-Fi GameLit):

Book I - Game Start https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071LT5WGL

Omnibus I - Books 1-4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X2KR7Y

City of Champions Online (Superhero GameLit):

Issue I - Origin Stories https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075SHXQS1

Lewd Dungeon (Dungeon Core GameLit):

Book 1 - Welcome to the Apocalypse https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BB34DHF

Omnibus 1 - Books 1-4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FBPF6HR

SCI Stories (Dark Supervillain story):

Book 1 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RL93VQN

Winterborn (Dark Fantasy LitRPG):

Book 1 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082S3S3K8

Dark Fate (Postapocalyptic GameLit):

Book 1 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086S35WZ6

The OP Lich is a Returnee (Isekai Light Novel):

Book 1 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094YR8JTD

The Kalipshae Affair (A First Contact Short Story): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0739V6R6T