7 -||

Yep. At last. Not that I intend to do anything with it, the Jump will go neatly into my Inventory for now. Still, this is a big milestone for me. And rewards are always welcome. I might actually have some Credits to spend this time around, though that Flashback Jumper might be a priority… If I go somewhere else for a change of pace, I would definitely want to return to Thedas.

Speaking of a change of pace, getting new dungeons is always great! Good for grinding and good for rewards. They're fun too, I'm having a blast with the pirate one still. And Arlathan? That might be really interesting. The capital city of the immortal elven empire of old, the one the Dalish whine about. It might even give me something I can use against Solas and Flemeth - Fen'Harel and Mythal.

And maybe something to get the Dalish on my side too, be a prophet of the Creators or something. That could be fun.

And that is not the end to my current rewards! But that clearly has to wait, I'm still in a meeting and the discussion seems to be winding down.

"Haku," I address the Mist nin once all of my people said their piece, "Please arrange more flags to be made and then fly this one over the Tower of Ishal after I present it at this evening's feast."

"Hai, Fia-sama" Haku bows and rolls the flag back up.

"Was this the last issue to be discussed?" I look over my officers, hoping they say yes. I have notifications waiting for me and we already had a long meeting indeed. Everything should be in order…

My people shake their head in the negative and a smile makes its way onto my lips "Very well then. I will see you all tonight."

Even though the meeting is now over some of my officers still swarm me, hoping to speak to me one-on-one. Like Shianni, her people still so new to our new Dominion. It takes forever but finally I'm left alone in the map room which doubles as the meeting room. With a sigh I withdraw a comforting/celebratory beer from Inventory and call Margit through our bond to stop by when she's free. No need to rush, I have things to do.

'System?'

Without further prompting or a comment, a notification pops up.

Achievement Unlocked!

Monarch: Some poor sods gave you a crown to wear, what were they thinking…; Achievement Reward: Item [Custom Crown]

Oh? That looks interesting. Not the stupid flavor text, the item. Of course.

I thought it amusing. And quite apropos

'Of course you did' I roll my eyes and click on the crown in Inventory.

A new display overlay pops up, giving me a selection of ten separate blue squares, each with a picture off a very different crown.

Cool.

'So I get to choose?'

It's your crown

I don't know how but I definitely feel System shrug.

Inspecting the squares makes me realize that it's just the cosmetic appearance I get to choose, each crown having the exact same properties. A little less cool but I'll gladly take it. It's still an excellent feature.

One image sparks joy, as Marie Condo would say, and that is the antler-like crown from Game of Thrones. It looks pretty wicked. But it's not that one I go for – second to last is a very tasteful circlet that reminds me of the eleven champion from the Elder Scrolls Online promos. That one does not only spark joy but it tickles my reference bone. Already I have drawn a parallel between Aldmeri Dominion and Alamarri Dominion, so this would be perfect. The crown is also very refined and elegant and I frankly like it. Pity I won't be wearing it anytime soon, right now my [Leader's Paint] is much more appropriate.

Still, I won't hurt to try it on.

Alamarri Crown

+30 CHA, +30 WIS, +10 LCK

Fetching. Damn, I look good with this thing on. Might forge myself some appropriately elven armor just for fun. And maybe for later, might come in handy in a different universe. Good exercise too, I'm still working up my way through the Blacksmith tree. And fyi, enjoying myself immensely in the process.

But that can wait for tomorrow, more notifications now. I frown as the next one appears with the usual festive chime accompanying it.

'System? Why am I not getting the Achievement for clearing this Universe? I got it back in Highschool of the Dead and My Hero Academia both'

Are you going to be changing universes now?

'No'

Then you get it when you do

'Oh. Okay' I blink in disappointment. I like rewards.

Instead you get to choose your new [ World Quest ]

'Aw'

Cheer up, continuing will mean double Credits upon completion of the new World quest

I grin widely, my disappointment forgotten. Yay!

You are such a kid sometimes

'Well, I am spending all of my time playing games…'

Decent comeback

+1 CHA

'Haven't seen one of these in a long time' I remark, happily taking the free point.

Wouldn't want to spoil you. And we talk less now that you have 'real' people around you

I blink at the truth in that comment. I clear my throat, suddenly a little uncomfortable 'I'm sorry. You really kept me sane in the HotD. I never thought I would miss people in just fifty days.'

You could've left at any time. And I thank you for the acknowledgement

'There was grinding to be done!' I mentally exclaim, 'And profit to be had!'

Of course, what was I thinking

I grin 'Precisely, you should know me by now.'

Anyway, no stalling – either leave the universe or choose a new World Quest

'Show me what you got then'

Enjoy perusing

I make a sliding motion with my hand, letting the list roll. To me it looks like I actually have a few more options this second time around. Cool. Most of the choices are what I already considered though, from outright conquest to curing the Taint. There are some more area-specific quests though, mostly for the Imperium or Qunari land, nothing that would overly interest me.

It's a tough choice but in the end I make my selection. Something I was planning on anyway.

[World Quest Alert!]

Elf off the Shelf

Eliminate either Mythal or Fen 'Harel

Award: [ World Jump ] , 100 000 credits, ?

I absently take a sip from my beer, thinking about this new quest. My musings are interrupted by a sharp rap on the door and a tug on my mental connection with Margit.

"Come on in"

The red-headed soldier promptly opens the door, closes it behind her and stands at attention. She eyes me questioningly, mostly focusing on the new crown that I still have equipped. I grin.

"Margit, how would you like to fuck a queen?"

She almost manages not to blush. Adorable.

The darkspawn attack made me a little paranoid. I've done some communication experiments with Margit and Haku to see if distance impacts our bond but fortunately it does not. What instead does affect it is me going to a Dungeon. Haku heard me all the way to Tevinter but one step into the pseudo Caribbean, and we could not communicate. Since then I kept the visits to my training grounds short and I always leave at least one Servant behind. Similarly, I also have either Haku or Margit keeping an eye on Ostagar when I go to my shiny new workshop at Skyhold. Ok, not shiny, it's a smithy, but you get my drift.

I also set up an engineering corner though I kept most of the materials in Inventory. After all, those materials are precious and impossible to find here in this approximately medieval/renaissance time. Naturally I stash my prototypes as well, like right now I'm intermittently working on that under-water kit to finish up the pirate dungeon so that I can take a peek at the elven one. Yep, I promised myself only one dungeon at a time. That also means my new level 30 dungeon is off-limits for now, though I am very tempted. The elven dungeon is the same, there I'm tempted even more.

Pirates are almost done though, even though I have not set foot in the underwater part. After all I already defeated the boss (probably one of two) and two sub-bosses. The Kraken had a stepbrother in the form of Leviathan, but as tough as he was, he went down just as the kraken did. Via the wonders of modern armaments. It almost felt like cheating, but fuck it, the dungeon nerfed me via the Flying Dutchman. Which one day I'll bring down too, just watch me.

Anyway, by killing the two legendary sea monsters I apparently completed a hidden quest which not only gave me Credits, sweet sweet Credits, but also a new Title - 'Monster Hunter'. It's a pretty neat Title actually, it raises all my Stats when against legendary monsters. Not sure against which it precisely applies but I'm sure it will be pretty evident. The other aspect of the Title is much more mundane in its use, brilliant though – it boosts positive Rep gains. As such I'm having this Title on when not in battle.

Killing the Leviathan also yielded the same reward as his brother – gacha and a one-time summoning. The summoning scroll went into my Inventory and the gacha has rolled me a new armor set, [Auditores' Armor]. Being taken from Assassin's Creed it has some impressive boosts, mostly centered around stealth and a rogue build, and I look very good in it. It's now my go-to disguise for touring Thedas' cities.

Aside the two beasts I also managed to find Blackbeard, the Dungeon's boss. Compared to the two sub-bosses he was disappointingly easy. The exp he gave me was lackluster too but then again, he was no Leviathan. His drops though, now that's when it got interesting. I got a ship. A summon ship. It's a spell and not a scroll so I have a ride whenever I want, which is pretty cool and might come in handy. I already tried it and it's way better than the ship the Dungeon gave me to go around inside. And amusingly enough, both ships have my new flag now as default.

Aside the spell I also got a crate of rum bottles, clearly System was amusing itself, and a flintlock pistol. At first I scoffed but [Observe] told me a very interesting thing about the pistol – for some reason it's apparently 'super-effective' against casters. I still have to test that but I don't have my hopes up about it hurting the likes of Flemeth. Still, nice thing to have I suppose. Jury's still out on that.

The last reward was the customary gacha, so far I got one out of every boss. The pull was pretty brilliant and it felt kind of appropriate – a Pet Stone. Yep, I have a familiar now. It's no dragon but I can summon that so no hard feelings. No, it's a snowy owl I couldn't resist but name Hedwig. She's adorable. And beside her cuteness she can enter stealth, do some auditory illusions attacks and communicate telepathically with other people, though she's really choosy about the last one. Makes for a great messenger. And it really jives with the Lady of the Skies thing. My bet is it won't take long for her being practically revered by my Avvar.

And have I mentioned she's adorable? Because she is. All white and fluffy and… Ok, she can be cranky too, I think the name Hedwig is really spot on. But she's cute enough to get away with it.

Pirate land has been really good to me reward-wise so I can't wait to go diving. Despite that want my kit is not ready yet, mostly because I finally made contact with some dwarven merchants and managed to buy some raw lyrium on the slide. Yes, I know these guys are Carta but I think a good working relationship with the underworld is important.

That lyrium brought back my focus to enchanting and blacksmithing. I'm almost done with steel, looking forward to the level 3 materials. They are a lot of them in Thedas, practically any ore that is not one I know from the periodic table. Steel, gold, and bronze for some weird reason, all those are level 2 but local things like drakestone, paragon's luster and veridium are level 3.

Aside from the new materials I have progressed with the forging methods. Without needing to unlock it I got the Damascus steel method by maxing level 1. It really surprised me that I got it for free but it's not like it is a massive improvement to my woks. It's better sure, but not by that much. Plus it won't work on any of the exotic materials, the description was quite clear on that. Still, the parameters are better forged this way and the distinctive ripples are very cool indeed. I already stated distributing Damascus-steel daggers and spear-tips to my people and they noted the difference immediately. In a very amusing turn of events they started calling it Sky-Steel as I apparently learned the method directly by the gods.

Naturally I didn't say anything to disprove it.

Besides, I can't wait to see what they'll call Valyrian Steel. No, I don't have it yet but my experiments with dragon fire make me feel like I'm really close. There is some magic involved, probably even blood. Get it, fire and blood? I just have to find the right combination and the Game will do the rest. I hope. So far System has always pulled through for me.

But apparently some other day. Today I yet again failed at replicating the Valyrian-style forging so I decide to take a rest and let my HP regenerate. Yes, I have used my own blood since I doubt the blood from some peasant from BokuHero I keep in a jar will do the trick. For that reason I also dispel the dragon I summoned. Pity I can't really make the dragon smaller, already the Skyhold's courtyard is a tight fit and it doesn't help the dragon's temper. Fortunately being a summon and all it is very obedient but still, no need for animal cruelty.

Instead of continuing my slow grind to maxing the Skills I decide to pick back up a project I work on and off on. A sword that would move by its own, directed by my thoughts or according to the standing orders I give it. Orders like 'protect me' or 'attack that target' or more minute work if I manipulated it personally. I think it's a really cool concept and it would essentially give me another summon. At least that's the thought, I'm far from getting it into practice. So far the only thing I determined is that it needs to be an enchantment rather than a spell.

Speaking of enchantment, maybe the autistic dwarf could help me? Sandal, was it? Something to consider.

'Fia-sama' comes through the mental link, interrupting my work before it can really begin.

'Yes' I sigh, containing my annoyance.

'I have found Marian and Bethany Hawke'

I lower my hammer, my thoughts leaving blacksmithing behind. I hum and decided to stall a little 'What are they doing?'

'Smuggling'

'Ah'

Smuggling or mercenary work, it doesn't really matter which, I'm merely curious. But I did pick the Aethenril route more often than not. But that's not the issue, the issue is very much Flemeth. After all, in the game Hawke got that horcrux amulet from the witch in the prologue but doesn't release her until the DA II properly starts. Ergo, Hawke is currently in possession of a piece of Mythal's soul. I have precisely zero doubts that this isn't Flemeth's only failsafe but it should give me a leg up on my elven godship. I want my divinity and I want to complete my new world quest.

That's the good part, the bad part is that stealing that amulet, and doing something to it, will unequivocally make myself an enemy of Flemeth/Mythal. And I'm not really ready for that – I can kill her body, I think, but her soul? Plus she's cunning and quite an adversary to have.

'Fia-sama? My orders?'

In canon Hawke didn't fulfill her part of the bargain until the start of the Dragon Age II proper, and we are still in prologue right now… I do have time to come up with some more firm countermeasures and steal the amulet later. But…

Fuck it. I'm taking it. I am a cautious individual, I like to think, but there is something as overcautious.

'Haku? Take it. The amulet we spoke about, it should be easy to recognize. But if anything weird happens as you take it or carry it to me, drop it and flee'

'Hai, Fia-sama. Only the Hawke mother is home right now, I shall look for the amulet there. Though if the elder sister carries it with her, it will take a little more time'

I nod though the Mist nin can't see me 'Just be careful.'

'As you command'

I feel the communication end and our bond is calm again. Boy, I really hope everything goes well. The amulet, or rather the soul inside, shouldn't really notice or feel anything. Sure, it might have some security measures on but Haku is both strong and smart, he can withstand plenty and if worse comes to worst, he can abandon the mission.

And after… Well, Inventory should keep the anchor from doing anything weird, right? I shouldn't be even detectable should Flemeth, revived by some other method, came around, right?

I snort and put away all my tools, time to go back to wards and enchanting, I need that thing contained at all costs. And/or leech it of its power, fast.

Mokuton wood is a given for a container, it has nature chakra absorbing properties. Hmmm…

X

Ninja speed and a flight attachment to Haku's rogue armor gave me only a so much time to come up with something for the horcrux but I think I'm satisfied. For now.

I focused on containment rather than absorption, that can only be done after I [Observe] the shit out of that amulet and probably some experimenting. After all, I don't want to get possessed by a millennium old elven slaver queen with a chip on her shoulder. Even though I kinda like her as Flemeth, though that might be the resemblance to Captain Jeneway talking. Still, she's a quest now and my path to divinity, so she's going down. And the Dread Wolf is next. Never liked Solas even before her revealed himself to be an enemy.

The slight tug at the bond lets me know that Haku is inbound and I can't help but feel anticipation. I have chosen Skyhold for this, my new workshop. I don't think anything will go badly, after all this is only a small piece of Flemeth's souls (I think) but I'm not willing to risk my city. Especially now that my people have come together so well.

The creation of our new nation has gone down exceedingly well – the Avvar were never just one people, but many tribes, tribes that proudly claimed Alamarri heritage and the Chasind were much the same. With me, and the new Dominion, subscribing to their shared customs and religious basis, both warriors and civilians alike declared themselves Almarri without any qualms and with chests puffed out with pride. It was the will of the gods after all. The new elven community had no real ties to Ferelden despite having been born and raised is the capital city – they knew they were different and humans had never let them forget it. The foreign elves conformed without much difficulty as well. Here they were still 'lowlanders' but as their near-enslavement still fresh in memory, they sought to help and my budding nation responded to that with quite a lot of positivity.

Sure, I had to knock some heads together and kick some assess, but now everybody is welcoming. Or if they weren't they stayed quiet about it. I also helped that the formerly Denerim elves were rather flexible faith-wise. The Chantry had done nothing for them and once they saw that the mages here were in control, no demons roaming the streets and all, they were quite neutral towards religion. Oh, they did invoke the Creators in exclamations or curses but that was only sporadic and largely reflexive, that too though has begun to taper off. Shianni and some of the elders were surprisingly on board with integration rather than maintaining a separate community, something I fully approved of and encouraged with some Mind Maging. The elves were not that numerous and I have taken my time to peek in each of their minds – I don't want any spies or disruptive elements here, plus this bunch will be setting the benchmark for all other elves who might come.

And they will come. There is actually a small procession of refugees coming my way, almost a hundred strong. Mostly humans but a good chunk of elves joined too. All these people are desperate – they fled from darkspawn but weren't accepted anywhere to stay as resources were tight. With winter here, they threw caution to the wind and went south where rumor said there was a chance of being welcomed.

Naturally I sent a platoon to intercept them and escort them here, that will cement me as their savior in their minds. They in turn might help me with other human Fereldans. Though I have to say, I expected more push-back from said humans. Not lately though – our decisive victories over darkspawn and fair treatment have bought us a lot of goodwill and I got rid of much suspicion via my influence trees. Yes, they work. To my utmost jubilation. I already went on a planting spree all over Ferelden. When I make my move in the spring, the common people will be mostly amenable as long as I'm careful.

Speaking of careful…

"I have completed my mission, Fia-sama" Haku phases into visibility before me, presenting a small bundle of cloth to me.

I smile at my Servant, glad to see him alright, in full possession of his faculties and with no elven god playing around in his head or body. At least [Observe] says he's clean and his thought patterns seem normal. "Thank you, Haku, you have done well. Please put it on the table over here" I indicate the place I cleared up in preparation.

Haku nods and obliges, unwrapping the amulet and stepping to the side.

First move is always [Observe].

As expected it is a finely crafted amulet of elven make and it indeed serves as a soul anchor for Flemeth/Mythal. From what I remember form the lore, Flemeth and Mythal had been separate beings once upon a time but have long since merged, System seems to be using their names interchangeably also. The amulet before me speaks of Mythal but I know precisely who is hiding inside. Or sleeping inside more like, there is no indication the amulet can interact with its surroundings. Well, right now, it might change once I use magic around it. But… now having Observed it and thinking on it, I believe Flemeth simply relies on the fact that sooner or later the amulet would make its way into Dalish hands who would recognize its significance and do the appropriate ritual that will release her. Besides, this is just a fragment, a contingency plan at best if not plan D or further.

Still, I can use this. The amulet has a mana bar, a vast one too. Nothing compared to me but damn respectable for only a piece of a soul. Surely bringing it to zero, draining it, should destroy it and power me up…

But first, containment. Let's see if it stays inert.

Under Haku's curious gaze I use mokuton limbs to pick up the amulet and put it in a small similarly-made box, one I prepared beforehand and warded heavily. Mythal did nothing. Once more without touching the thing directly I close the box and complete the circuit to make the wards active.

I wait, heart beating fast in both nerves and anticipation. Metaphorically though, Gamer's Body and Mind do work. Still, Mythal once more does nothing. I felt the urge to pop some champagne I keep in Inventory but that is quickly smothered – a small victory so far, there is still more to do.

This time I use my bare hands and put the warded box into another, bigger and with different wards – those mostly against the outside rather than the inside. With only a little pause to check I plopped the entire thing in my Inventory.

Nothing happens. It is almost anticlimactic but reassuring all the same. Haku waited those few minutes with me and didn't even raise an eyebrow. Good man.

Well, looks like containment works. Phase two.

The box went back out of Inventory and I once more unpack it. I open the lid to peer at the amulet inside and once more nothing happens.

Ok, I'm beginning to feel a bit like an idiot, but better be safe than sorry.

Leaving the soul anchor in the box I reach towards it with a different type of mokuton-made wood, this one exactly opposite in nature than the one before. This one is meant to conduct and drain. It's much more involved than that but now that it's a named Skill so it doesn't really matter, what matters is the result.

Mana starts trickling. The amulet's Mana bar lessens by the smallest amount but no violent reaction follows. I feel the Mana pour into me, quickly topping me from the small expenditure from the mokuton and then simply dispersing. Still, I feel the flow and it goes through me, leaving a peculiar buzzing sensation. Nothing harmful though. Dare I say it?

"Is it working, Fia-sama?" Haku asks.

"So far" I hum, still alert on any changes, "Do you feel the flow?"

"I can feel the chakra, but it is very muted"

"Settle for a long wait then, the Skill is new and it goes very slow. But nothing is amiss. At least no irate white-haired witch has come knocking"

"Hopefully that will remain the case" the hunter-nin smiles softly. He falls into a pensive silence which he breaks a moment later "Though I am unsure why she necessitates such weariness."

I hum, carefully maintaining the drain "Well, she is no Hashirama or Madara, that is true. I actually know little about her ability but she is wily and damn near immortal. I'd rather take her down in one blow and catch her by surprise than letting her plan against me."

"I see"

"It would also be good to talk about her with Morrigan and to read her grimoire, gain more information on her" I continue, "Defeating her in combat should be easy given how the warden party managed, though I think she took a dive on that one. She did need them alive, both the wardens and her daughter. Though she could've probably killed some of their companions… Hm, I don't think we'll ever know the truth on that. Still, she was defeated but she is far from eliminated. And my intention is exactly that, eliminate her."

That is what the Quest says exactly after all. And I'd rather have her off the board too. The Dragon Age games made her out as a mysterious figure so there is not that much information on her, that makes her dangerously unpredictable. Not something I want to have at my back when I'm trying to conquer Thedas. Plus I am definitely getting some power out of this.

Eventually. I sigh and settle down for the moment – if anything were to happen it would've happened already, or right before that Mana bar hits zero. And that is some time off.

So we wait, and wait. Wait until even the sun gets tired enough to set.

My draining Skill just pings the notification about leveling to 38 when the amulet, mana just falling under five digits, starts to shudder suspiciously. I don't pause the drain but I'm suddenly doubly alert, ready to respond to whatever comes. I feel Haku shift beside me as well, he too ready to fight.

The shuddering doesn't stop but nothing else outwardly happens either – the amulet though starts rapidly regenerating mana, sucking it from the surroundings. Me, Haku and Skyhold included.

Well, that's inconvenient. I'm missing a couple of Skill levels to outpace the regeneration so it looks like I have to bring something else to bear. Not that it isn't easy, warding has already proven just how useful it is in this world. In this instance I just have to erect a ward I already perfected – a MP regen block if I put it in Game terms. This one I devised against Flemeth, or any other powerful spellcaster, the only problem is that it blocks my own regeneration too if I'm within the perimeter. Which right now I am not. So I get to watch the amulet shudder helplessly and wait for anything more malicious to happen.

It does not. It might've should the amulet manage to get enough mana but I think it was just meant to be 'indestructible'. Which is not. I grin when the bar finally hits zero.

You have absorbed a shard of Mythal's soul!

Perk [Mythal's Boon I] received!

I finally relax, taking the notification as a sign that there is nothing to fear from the amulet now. Observe also denotes it as an empty trinket and nothing more. Still, I chuck it into Inventory as well as my containment equipment, making Haku relax as well.

Next up is the new Perk I received. I'm actually surprised about that, I have been expecting a quest update or nothing at all. But this is good, I like rewards. Plus this reward is clearly upgradable, presumably by absorbing Mythal's soul in full. Still, even tier 1 is not bad at all as it boosts to all defensive actions by 10 %. I imagine the term defensive actions to be rather broad, from my favorite [Barrier] to my passive boosts. Still, that has to be tested but it is a good upgrade no matter how far it reaches and it jives with the Mythal the Protector aspect.

Hmm… will the next boons continue the same aspect? Because Mythal also has also the love aspect, the motherhood aspect, the justice and vengeance aspect. Guess I'll see. Right now I'm just glad the motherhood aspect didn't show…

"Well, excitement over" I smirk at Haku who is far too polite to roll his eyes at me.

"Yes, Fia-sama. Should I return to Ostagar?"

I hum, looking around my workshop "I'll come with you, I'm not really in the mood for any work right now."

Yeah, I think I'm actually going to take a nap. Maybe summon Wolfy to snuggle, the weather is getting rather chilly and he's the best pillow ever. Plus I have missed him, far too busy with things and flying high up in battles and dungeons. Hm, maybe I should take a peek at that new 'regular' dungeon I got at level 30 after all, see if I can't take him there. We do need some quality time together slaughtering monsters.

But that is for tomorrow. Today is for snuggles.

The majority of my newly named Alamarri is of the loud, active boisterous sort, that is no secret. Many are rather eager for battle, both with the Fereldans and the darkspawn, or any other force for that matter. And I did promise them conquest, so the lull in the fighting is making my warriors a bit restless. Oh sure, Rila kept them training a lot but it isn't the same. Once I build a fortress near the Brecilian passage, just in case Loghain's native Gwaren causes any trouble, I think I might send the army to Edgehall Arling. It's pretty empty anyway, close to the Frostbacks and ravaged by darkspawn.

That sounds like a plan but it's still a few weeks off. In the meantime though I have come up with the perfect idea on how to occupy my adorably bloodthirsty and devoted followers – sports. Well, sport. Singular. The rest are more like common competitions of a more warrior nature – archery, duels, throwing, stuff like that. Ja'La dh Jin is a sport though – taken from the Sword of Truth book series it is appropriately violent and competitive both with really easy rules and minimal equipment. The author has clearly taken inspiration from some Earth sports but here in Thedas it was very novel. Basically you have a ball, called a broc but whatever, that is really heavy because why not, and the aim of the game is to score as many points as possible by getting said ball to a goal. Only one player, the 'point man', is allowed to score though and the rest of the team is there to protect him from the inevitable assault of their adversaries. Since the teams take turns attacking and defending after a certain amount of time has passed, you have the entirety of the team after one man and that makes for a very violent game. Especially since there are not too many other rules in play – sure there are some things like one-point scoring and two-point scoring, but no 'fouls' aside from not being able to play in armor or with weapons of any kind. Here I did step in and forbidden killing and crippling blows that the original Ja'La not only allowed but celebrated. Speaking of celebration, the new sport was also heavily appreciated by many civilian women as it involves a bunch of pretty buff dudes running around bare-chested tackling each other and sometimes beating each other up as well as performing some impressive evasions and sometimes even acrobatics.

To say my people welcomed the challenge and distraction of Ja'La would be an understatement. We already have a fanbase and several teams, though I had to fiddle with the second one a little – I didn't want any purely Avvar or purely Chasind or purely anything teams springing up and dividing what I have just brought together. So now we have teams according to the army placement more often than not – the scout team is a favorite of mine, having crushed the vanguard team in a surprising turns of events. Several people who mostly serve as cooks banded together too, making a pretty good team to the amazement of the more warrior teams. All in all pretty fun. It isn't really a game of finesse but more brute force with a decent dose of strategy but that only makes it more popular among my barbarians.

Though not only them, as punctuated by Shianni sitting in the 'stands' with me, watching some of her own elves trying to prove that speed is superior to strength as part of the archers' team.

"You should stop scowling, you'll get wrinkles" I smirk at the red-headed elf, deliberately annoying her.

Shianni growls "Chosen or not, you can fuck right off."

"How hurtful, here I was concerned about your fair face" I continue in the same tone.

"Can you not? I'm watching the game here"

"Why the sudden interest in Ja'la?"

"Since I really want to see someone punched in the face. And balls. Or kicked, I'm not picky"

"Why the sudden interest in violence?"

"Since that muscle-bound moron," pause to point out which one of the players exactly, "has apparently been going around talking about me"

I peer at the Chasind in question and try to contain my frown and thunderous expression – Shianni is not a random nobody, she's both a named character indispensable to me. And her paperwork skills are surprisingly beyond excellent. "In what way?"

"How I'm going to fall into his arms and his bed. Apparently, he is quite irresistible to women" the elf says dryly.

"Him?" my eyebrows damn near jump off my face. Yuck. Aaand somehow I focused on his looks rather than the fact my friend that is a rape victim might feel. That won't do.

Shianni snorted "You don't agree?"

"I don't" I say seriously, "Just say the word and he can have an accident of some sort. Or I can simply tell Rila to send him the most distant border we have."

The red-head looks taken aback, opening her mouth but closing it in short order. Then her head cocks to the side and her face takes on a contemplative look "You know what, the border thing sounds nice. It's just words, and the Chasind don't have any aggressive tradition some of your people have, but if you're offering to make him go away… Well, I'm sure a braggart like himself might appreciate getting some glory fighting against darkspawn or something."

I nod while activating my [Telepathy]. The vastness of the feeling of relief startles me but I soon settle and peer into the guilt and appreciation. Guilt because the man was just being exactly that – a man. An arrogant macho man who likes to brag, but so far nothing more. Still, the thought of sending him away caused that wave of relief. The appreciation was for me, that I would do something slightly unreasonable just because she was uncomfortable. That I had her back and didn't even ask anything for in return. That I was a friend, someone she could perhaps could rely and someone who held actual power. After her previous experiences with leaders, this was having a big impact.

Then a twinge of disgust appeared, Shianni directing it at herself most of all. That she is still not past what happened. That she is weak.

Which of course is nonsense. But how do I get that across? Boy, I really need some therapists for my kingdom. I'm kinda useless at this stuff. Well, at least my idea of sending the muscly idiot away is truly well received.

I nod again "I'll arrange it then."

"Thank you" Shianni murmur is accompanied with a twinge of shame, the same reasons as before apply.

I say nothing more, letting our attention to be consumed by the game.

"So, about the north" ever the workaholic Shianni speaks up again.

"Nope, you wanted to enjoy the game, so let's not bring work in here.

"That might be but…"

"Sky-Chosen" a different voice interrupts. I would be happy to be saved from work but it appears that I was saved by yet more work.

"Yes, Alana?" I sigh, relying on Observe to supply me with the name. Sure, I know the girl, but more like 'Margit's pseudo-apprentice' or 'the girl whose Blight-infected

father I killed back in Blood Mist'. Speaking of Blood Mist I need to make another stop there soon, I upgraded it to weekly visits after the Alamarri Dominion got founded.

Shianni beside me frowns, not ecstatic about the interruption either. Alana doesn't let it bother her and salutes, a full-on Earth military salute, something she no doubt picked up from Margit "The Commandant asks if you could stop by for the armor fitting."

I cast a glance at the players of the field and then to Shianni. Finally I nod "I guess I have the time now. I apologize Shianni, we can discuss the matter of the north another time, when there is some actual progress."

"We have a meeting about it in three days" the elf arches an eyebrow pointedly, "Can I expect any such progress?"

"So demanding" I smirk, "I will stop by our dear Banns and Arl Bryland tomorrow. We'll see about Anora after that."

"Try not to drool over Alfastanna too much"

"Don't worry, you are just as pretty"

Shianni rolls her eyes so strongly I have a genuine fear of them falling out of her skull.

Young Alana tries very hard to appear stoic, failing by shifting awkwardly. I chuckle at both women and stand up, shaking off the snowflakes that accumulated on my cloak "Let's go then. Is there any trouble with the armor?"

I sure hope not, the four sets of gear I forged for the nascent special ops and Margit's own squad, were pretty masterful. And by that I mean that I have hit level 50 in Blacksmith, though I have still a way to go Skill-wise. I'm some levels short on finishing up level 3 materials and forging but my work is already great enough to outfit the four. I'm continuing with the Skills and I'll probably outfit them again at one point, but right now it's good enough for them. After all, they are only third in line for gear – I'm priority one and my Servants are two, the yet-to-be-named squad is that aforementioned three and the rest is my general forces. I don't think I'll ever do anything special for the army grunts but I guess I can reward my officers and some who distinguish themselves in some manner. It would actually make for a great reward, better than any medal.

Still, being a blacksmith means I need to collaborate some regarding leather and some assembly. Especially concerning light armor. I hope to mitigate some of this by progressing in the smith tree and lightening the gear weight even further but it will still be worth it to learn it as well. I also did get the appropriate Skills but haven't had the time or the mood to progress them. Leather-working and tailoring can wait.

Especially now that I managed to crack that Valyrian-style forging, fucking finally. It's really low level right now but that will grow as soon as I can get another grinding session in. Can't wait. Still, having maxed Blacksmith it was time to get another Class, though smithing is still a priority.

Being it a placeholder Class in a sense, I chose the second level of Sky-Chosen. I have an eye on Alchemist but since I'm not done with one production Class, it seemed silly starting another. Also, with that conquest of Ferelden slowly coming together, it seemed like the best option to get all the benefits from it. I was also tempted with some mage options but Sky-Chosen it is.

The new Class is called the same but being it a level II, but it's even better. Like before it gave me a point each in INT, VIT and LCK plus a +2 CHA at every class level, now though I get the same but the INT gives two points. Already the Sky-Chosen was a massive boon to my Stats, now it is even more so, especially since INT is a priority for me. I'm not sure what level is max now, but I'm still going to get a shitload of Stats.

Skill-wise though, I get nothing new. After all, this is return Class. Instead I get an Item - [Halo]. I can put it on and off and it's a legit looking halo. It doesn't really do anything though, it's just cosmetic. And it apparently does not occupy 'helmet' space as it goes above it. Cool prop I guess… Would've liked even more Stats instead, or a cool spell, but ok.

Choosing Sky-Chosen again did unlock an Achievement though, but nothing overly exciting. For taking a 'return class' I got a few Credits. Guess the Class itself is the reward. Which it is, don't get me wrong.

Still, outside of a fight I'll be still leveling my Blacksmith Skills. For one, I'm a completionist, and for two, it is great fun. And hella useful.

"Your gear is excellent. The Commandant will explain"

I am definitely curious what the matter is. As I said, my gear is not perfect but damn impressive and the best I can currently do. And it's just four sets, Alana's included and she seems ok with hers. Margit has more people she trains personally, some twenty warriors she considers better than the rest, but these four she chose for her personal squad. That made them elite, hence my armor – they better be grateful for it.

I also sincerely hope Haku manages to find some people for his own squad as well but so far no luck. He trains with the scouts but no special spy/assassin force has sprung up. Ah well, when, not if - when, I get Leliana on board, it will be a good start. She might make a better spymaster actually, I know Haku would prefer being a solo agent. Well, eventually. The game did not give much away about the ten year gap between Origins and Inquisition that forged Leliana into that harsh Left Hand of the Divine. We'll see how it goes.

Alana finally leads me towards the smaller courtyard Margit claimed for her own training, as well as the training of those she found worthy. The young Avvar girl falls into the line, presenting all five squad members to me. Hm, maybe they could be Pack or something? Margit being the Hound and all… Food for thought.

"My lady" Margit salutes, her underlings following her with a snap.

I nod at the group but focus on the red-head "I hear that there's a problem with the armor?"

"Not precisely, my lady" Margit shakes her head, "We already put the gear through several stress-test and it holds up beautifully. The only issue is that since it is custom-made for us as individuals, it feels a bit disjointed squad-wise. Not uniform."

I raise an eyebrow and look the group over "Looks good to me, especially since you took the initiative to give them matching cloaks to yours."

The Servant smiles proudly at the compliment but continues with a small shrug "Actually, Jall here really hates the cloak but I think he can learn to live with it."

"I feel like a pussy" said Jall, the easily biggest member of the group both in height and width complete with massive warhammer, grumbles sotto voce while tugging at said cloak.

"That's the pink face paint you slapped on" a much smaller Chasind woman snorts, inspecting her bow in a bored manner to needle the man further.

"It's red! Not. pink."

"Pale red" a different member, a surprisingly sturdy elf chimes in.

As the group starts arguing, the fourth member still utterly silent and looking placidly at the proceedings, I eye Margit. The Servant is clearly torn between embarrassment and fury. Though to be fair, I expected something more disciplined out of her squad.

Margit's temper bubbles over and I make a show of looking elsewhere when she gets her people back under control. With some yelling and many threats. And punishments. Only when the four despondently jog to the side to do push-ups or something, I return my gaze to Margit.

The red-faced red-head, those things clashing terribly but making her look rather adorable, straightens her back to stand at attention again "I apologize, I thought we were further along. Perhaps we can discuss symbols of unity some other time."

"Mayhaps you can start with a name" I shrug, "Also, while I do like the cloaks, let them fight without them if they prefer. I want them to be the best, you can hardly do that if you're uncomfortable."

"We'll see" Margit frowns, clearly disagreeing but refusing to voice it, "Again, I do apologize for their unprofessional behaviors. It will be rectified. I'm sorry to have bothered you for nothing."

I smirk "You can make it up to me tonight but it's not like I was doing anything particularly productive. Just… networking. Yes, let's call it networking."

Margit arched an eyebrow but said nothing.

"Ah well" I shrug, "Since you don't need me and I already made my excuses to Shianni, I might as well go for a dive."

"The pirate dungeon?"

"Yes, I think I might finish it today. Maybe do some sunbathing afterwards. I don't have any underwater gear for you but I can leave you at the beach to catch some sunshine, I know you love that"

Margit is clearly torn but her sense of duty ultimately wins "Unfortunately I cannot, I have work to do here. A lot of work." That last part is said darkly and with a pointed glare at the lightly sweating foursome in the corner.

With a shrug and a wave I walk away from the courtyard and make my way to the keep proper. I decided against porting in my room in favor of actually walking there, showing my face around. It's a habit I got into lately after I very very belatedly noted that the main keep actually has servants now. To my defense though, no Avvar or Chasind would consider being a servant but our population now numbers many classic Fereldans – many tend to new fields and stuff, other ply their trade, but there are some that have no real marketable skills so they gravitated into the servant role. They were probably doing something similar before so it was an easy fit. I still wonder who actually let them in, who is managing them and who's paying them. Probably Haku or someone he directed… Boy, I really have to start taking more of an interest in matters other than military and my personal growth.

But that is for tomorrow – right now it is all about that personal growth. The pirates fear me already but the mermen and critters living underwater have barely met me yet. Fun fact – 'underwater' is the high level area the dungeon warned me about. Not that I have any trouble or anything, but it is harder and the gains are better. Though most of that harder part is that fighting underwater is really different. Good news is that whatever happens 'below' does not trigger the Dutchman, so ya, magic is a go. Bad news, merpeople are actually pretty magic-resistant. This is really a magic-hating dungeon, but sure, I can deal with that. In the end I took the [Impaling Spear] out of my Inventory and used it as a harpoon. It's pretty fun actually.

A little less fun is the fact I have to take off my armor – I just finished my new set, I didn't even tested it properly and I'm already taking it off. It's a nice set, built for both aesthetic and function. A deep indigo and impressive plate for the first, my top smithing, enchanting and hidden engineer elements for the second. I'm quite proud of it. Scratch that, very proud. I also really like that I managed it to be in the blue spectrum, to match our new Alamarri colors, though that was a little coincidental. I simply worked with stormheart and nevarrite, both of which I stole from a smith near the capital. I expected something lighter in color but I'm eminently satisfied as it is. But I did keep the bear cloak, the enchantments on it making it as tough as any normal armor. Plus it's pretty. And warm. And it fits my Avvar aesthetic. In short I love it, but I'm already working on furthering my craft. Gotta love Skill trees.

I semi-reluctantly get into my diving gear. It offers far less protection that I would like, I'm pretty spoiled in that area these days, but it's still enough for to kill of Ariel and her posse.

Not that there is an Ariel, I think, but there is an Atlantis and there is a king residing there. So far I mostly dealt with normal soldiers and only a few 'royal guardsmen'. Those have not just the classic tridents but magic as well. Not that regular mermen are easy – they have shark-like pets and those pack a wallop especially since I can't really use [Barrier] to its fullest potential with water pressing on it non-stop and draining my Mana. Also insta-kills by snapping their neck or stopping their heart are negated by their magic resistance and their 'water area bonus'. A bit stupid if you ask me, it's not like the merpeople could actually function out of said water.

Anyway, after entering the dungeon I find myself on the deck of my ship as always. In preparation for the final push and the final boss (I'm guessing but it makes sense) I parked on the edges of merpeople territory so I won't have to lose time by finding it again. Now it is only a matter of securing my gear tight and dive into the water, spear in hand.

After marveling at the view through the clear water, truly a spectacle no matter how many times I see it, I head straight towards the palace.

Grunts, guards, pets and beast try to impede my progress, getting more and more numerous and strong as I near the heart of their kingdom. The palace is surrounded by a small city but this is a dungeon so no civilians, only enemies with tridents in hand. Subsequently the houses are empty, devoid of any real loot. Sad face.

While my Greed in not sated, Battlelust is. I still vastly prefer fighting on land but this is still a novelty so I don't mind it but I'm pretty sure that as soon as I get my reward from the boss I won't be coming back. Or at least underwater, this dungeon and its soft beaches and warm sun will definitely remain a pleasurable holiday destination.

And the Flying Dutchman, can't forget that blasted ship. I swear, I will take it down one day. I think I could get it down with a bomb barrage or something but I'll leave that for later. Mainly because while I do have lots of Engineering materials in my Inventory, I need it and I don't have a means to get more at this time. Sure, I'm getting [Flashback Jumper] as soon as I'll feel the need to return somewhere but getting crafting materials ain't it.

Another royal guard merwoman pollutes the water with her blood, making it harder to see. Because of that I almost miss another type of troop that attacks me now that I have crossed into the palace… gardens?

It's seaweed but I think it counts…

Hey, would Mokuton work on them? Or on sea flora in general? I already know that Wood Release is a misnomer since it works on plants, not wood, but I haven't tried it underwater. Might as well.

The 'merman tide-sage' fires another bolt of his magic but fails to hit me. Myself though direct these high and leafy? seaweed pillars towards him with much success. Panic on his mostly human face makes me smirk lightly as I watch him struggle. Despite blasting much of the green away from him, the weed manages to wrap itself around him. My experiment over, I kill the tide-sage with my spear rather than suffocate him, feeling merciful. For a given amount of merciful that is.

Exp from the tide-sage is actually pretty nice so I grin as more of his brethren approach me. Once again the gardens themselves help me but I have to switch back to my Impaling Spear once I get into the palace proper. The space is more confined, thus dangerous, but quite interesting – mermaid architecture, who would've thunk.

The palace is more a maze than anything else, forcing me to withstand wave after wave of enemies as I trudge through what feels like every single room.

When a new type of merman appears before me, I sigh in relief – if I'm getting the 'elite guardsmen' then I must be close to the throne room. Or wherever I'll find the boss. Somewhere suitably dramatic I hope.

The elites put up quite a fight actually and their magic resistance stops being fun. I have an impressive buffing routine before every delve and potential fight and this time it's really earning its worth. The little dastards chip at my HP but nothing dramatic. Still, it is far more than many managed. I actually have to be careful, nothing like those trash pirates above.

DEX has proven to be a very important Stat indeed, carrying me through a lot of the encounters, helping me overcome the heavy handicap water gives me. And then finally, finally, I get to that throne room and see the boss. And Observe him.

Facepalming while under water is hard but I manage –the boss is King Triton and he does fucking look like the father from Little Mermaid. Not the mythological Triton, but very much the Disney version form Ariel.

Ok, he's less… bright and sparkly, but the same dude all the same. System really has a sick sense of humor.

Well, it's settled, no way I'm getting my ass kicked by any character form fucking Ariel. He, and his elite guard posse he has around him, are getting crushed.

Hopefully literally as I again resort to Mokuton that has proven very much effective before. Summoning some helpers is good too, the throne room is big enough for a few sharks of my own. I'd love to fry the mermen with fire or lightning but that is obviously a no go, magic resistance aside, but frost as crowd control works alright enough.

The guards have to go first. Triton is boosting them via sounding a conch shell and they really get in the way. I too boost my own helpers, using them both as a means of attack and a meat shield for any bursts of magic.

My long-time favorite [Enhanced Movement] fortunately works underwater exceptionally well, and just as dealing with the regular troops, it proves to be my main weapon. And defense.

The Impaling Spear is really proving its mettle here, its lengthening and shortening ability being nearly instant means that if I can corral some half-fish with mokuton or frost, the spear can finish them off quite cleanly. Much better than the wood or ice itself as that is still magic – piercing them with my constructs is damned hard and not worth it, and suffocating takes time. They're still the champ in crowd control though.

Fortunately the bodies of my summon animals disappear after their death otherwise the room would be really full. The mermen are not fucking around. But neither am I, I'm taking this one seriously. Even if I have to take them out one by one. Or in one really satisfying instance, two. Heh, fish skewers. Pity I couldn't easily replicate the feat – sure, I can hit two at once but usually the other one is not hit in a fatal spot and keeps coming.

Also, that bitch of a conch-shell also heals.

At least the number of minions does not seem infinite. Triton does call for reinforcements twice but his third call is not coming, despite me almost finishing up with his guards.

Damn I am glad I don't have a stamina bar or something similar, my Skills run solely on Mana and I have very decent regen. Before today I would've said good regen, but I am forced to reconsider. Fighting underwater really puts a cramp on my style. But I have to admit that it's good training, I can't simply spam spells like on the surface and bulldozer over everybody, here I need to be more… creative. And creative is always good, at least when that creativity is on your side and not the enemy's.

One of my stray 'shots' aims at Triton but he moves away with infuriating ease. His second to last minion is not so lucky but my mind is already on the boss himself.

The conch shell changes pitch.

Ok, that is never a good sign, what did it do? I don't have to wait around for an answer, a rather unpleasant and inhumane screech ripples through the water, making me wince. And swim really fast out of the way of the last merman who now gained a faint reddish aura around him as well as glowing red eyes. And also gained a bit of temper.

Some kind of berserker ability, I'm wagering. At least Triton himself is still content not to involve himself personally - provided that holds, I can focus only on the guard. Who is damn sight faster than before. Bugger.

Well, at least he's given up on magic and he's trying to kill me the old fashioned way, with his trident. He's a really quick bugger indeed and manages to score a fairly good hit on me, taking a chunk of HP with it, but to hit me he had to get close. And that means game over for him. During the motion of withdrawing his trident I retaliate with my spear, making a new hole where his brain is supposed to be.

The water briefly colors with greenish blood which makes me grin triumphantly. The grin quickly drops as I refocus all my attention on the king.

Triton finally puts away that blasted conch shell and instead he takes up a trident, this one far more decorated and powerful-looking than the ones his minions used. I Observe it.

King Triton's Trident

A powerful magical trident belonging to king Triton.

Highly informative. Really, thanks for nothing.

Triton slams the butt of the weapon onto the shiny stone ground, a faint boom echoing throughout the chamber. I'm ready to doge or defend but curiously my Spider Senses do not tell me from where should I be expecting the attack.

Suddenly the water pressure around me seems… heavier? More powerful. Nearly crushing. It dips into my HP so I use a burst of speed to try to get out. To my slight surprise it works, it seems the spell is affecting an area rather than a target. Good!

The trident slams again but this time I know what to do, I even have a time to attack as well, commanding mokuton once again.

Triton practically scoffs at it and with a mighty wave of his weapon he makes mincemeat of my constructs. Still, it did occupy his trident with it, giving me an opening. Frost magic has already proven deficient with dealing with him but I still use it to widen that opening, getting myself a clear shot at his chest. The head would've been better but what can you do.

My spear pierces with a very satisfying meaty smack but while it noticeably lowers the boss' health bar, he's far from dead.

Well, when you find a mechanic that works well against a boss you repeat it until he's dead. So this is exactly what I do. Now just to see if there are any more 'phases' to this boss, any evolutions or second-stages.

There are not. Though Triton does try to get me with more water magic. And let me tell you, water magic while under water? Deadly. But this is a dungeon at the end of the day so it is doable. If he was 'real', like Flemeth, I'd been crushed like a grape the moment I crossed into the room.

That is a frightening realization.

But fortunately triton isn't Flemeth. It takes time, but not much HP loss, and there. He's done for.

The cheerful bell-like sound announces that for a fact.

You have felled the boss Triton!

+ 10 000 gold, + 350 000 exp

Award: Item [Uplifting Shell ] , Item [ Trident of Atlantis ] , [Companion Gem ] , [Gacha]

Dungeon complete!

+ 1000 credits, + 500.000 exp

Passing over the usual rewards I focus on the shell and the trident. The weapon I mentally dismiss outright – the Impaling Spear is a far better pole weapon and the trident would be worth it should I return underwater again. I don't think I'll ever use it. But fortunately the Inventory is bottomless. Thank System.

The shell is a better reward but nothing game-changing. It pretty much does what it did for the late king of Altantis, boosting allies. Though I get a far longer duration of the boost, a few hours compared to Triton's minutes. I'll have to see how it sounds on dry land but it could be a good addition to the buffs I give my army before battle. Maybe I could give the thing to Margit, if she can use it that is. Yes, I'll try that, it's compact enough to be carried around normally.

Anyway, COMPANION GEM! Ehm, I meant: companion gem. No need to shout, not even in the privacy of my own mind.

Ehem, ehem

The privacy of my own mind.

Whatever helps you sleep at night

Companion Gem. And gacha. Let's do the gacha first, dealing with a Servant can be lengthy.

But first…The dungeon shatters around me, returning me to my room in Ostagar. I quickly unequip my water gear and get into something more comfortable. And dry. In that vein I also get the fire roaring in my fireplace and upon further deliberation I start making myself tea. For two, hopefully my new Servant will be the civilized sort.

As I wait for the water to boil, no need for magic, I'm not in any rush, I set the gacha to spin.

Since I'm alone System does not send my new item into Inventory but right into my arms. In my surprise, and the rather impressive heftiness of the weapon, I have to scramble a little bit to keep hold of it. The moment passes and I roll my eyes at my invisible handler who is laughing at me.

Lifting the weapon to my eye-level, I admire with a smile blooming on my lips. The Black Widow sniper rifle is hands-down my favorite weapon of the entire Mass Effect triology. Gosh I loved that weapon – so easy to get a proper head-shot with its scope and an instakill, shield or no shield, barrier or no barrier. And if you somehow missed? You still got two more shots available to you. Simply the best.

But. I sigh and stash my favorite gun ever in my Inventory. But. Being in Dragon Age, it's useless to me. Ok, I could use it to assassinate someone but what would be the point of playing the game then? Besides, I do have that souped-up sniper rifle from BokuHero, that one is pretty awesome as well. Getting BokuHero enhancements onto the Widow would be a fun project but little else. I guess this weapon will have to wait for some more modern universe. One where they don't are any cool Skills to be stolen.

I also have that bullet creation Skill I stole from that cop back in hero land, that is more useful in a less futuristic weapon. If memory serves, mass effect guns work differently. Again, fun project figuring it out. I just have to be careful about not damaging it…

Briefly imagining splitting Solas' bald head open like a ripe melon from miles away makes me all fuzzy inside. Pity it wouldn't work in all probability. Like Flemeth, he too has some immortal deal going on. Worse, I don't know what precisely that deal is. Better keep him in a body I recognize.

Could I enchant the Widow with some kind on soul trap spell like in Elder scrolls? That… that would be quite a game-changer, wouldn't it? A fantastic idea, sometimes I surprise even myself. Definitely a project for my list. Somewhere up top I think.

My mind still on said project, I take the kettle from the fire, letting the water cool a little before I pour it on my already readied leaves. Hmm, this world does have a nice selection of tea too, maybe I could get Haku to go on another 'shopping' trip with me to get some. I have an entire tab in Inventory dedicated to it but I'm genuinely afraid of running out of it in some backwater universe that doesn't have it and somehow being prevented from jumping to get some more leaves. Yes, I definitely need to build up as massive a reserve as I can.

When my tea is done I pour myself a cup, inhaling the slightly spicy aroma. This one is a tea very liked in Antiva, I think. It's truly lovely. But I guess not the most important thing right now. It's time to summon.

As with Margit and Haku, when used the Companion Gem gets me the Catalyst which can subsequently summon the Servant. And this time I get a full-fledged katana as a catalyst. Another warrior-type Servant it seems.

I [Observe] the sword and my eyebrows shoot up. It is a name that I recognize, thankfully, but someone I don't know what to think about them. Karasuba, the Black Sekirei. My memories supply much more about her, as well as the ecchi harem anime/maga she comes from. To be honest I don't know that much about her, her not being of the main cast but rather an antagonist. Or maybe not antagonist precisely, but close enough. The author gave her some depth and important backstory but that's not really important right now, what is important is that she's a super powered alien, which looks exactly like human because of course, whose only purpose in life is to fight strong enemies. Sounds super Sayian? Yeah, no. She's something more borderline sociopatic. And it is debatable on which side of the border she's heading from.

Brilliant. I sigh. Well, she is strong, stronger than Haku and Margit I can safely wager, but will be definitely harder to control. And far less useful outside the field of battle. On the other hand she's not a goody-two-shoes that will have a problem with some of my more forceful methods. Still, I hope she won't be too much of a loose cannon and that I'll manage to keep her occupied either with spars or my dungeons.

Guess I'll see soon enough.

I select the 'use' option in Inventory and for the third time during my playthrough the Nasuverse summoning circle appears before me. And shortly after it is Karasuba that appears.

The anime Sekirei, where my newest Servant is from, is something I only saw once and pretty much on a whim so I have to admit I didn't remember exactly how the N. 04 looks like – I remembered she had ashen hair and wore a gray haori, that's pretty much it. Still, I am far from disappointed – like all sekirei, being from an ecchi anime and all, she is a true beauty.

As I [Observe] her, she observes me.

It is her who breaks the silence "So you're my new ashikabi."

Oh right. The 'master' of a sekirei. Wait, how did one bond with a sekirei? It was a thing in the anime but I can't really remember…

Karasuba shrugs "I guess you'll do."

I open my mouth to say something back but Karasuba instead decides to demonstrate all her DEX isn't just for show and abruptly grabs the front of my clothes to pull me towards her.

As the sekirei's tongue quite obscenely invades my mouth I feel something happening at my back. And Karasuba's too. A pair of ethereal wings forms for a long moment and then they disappear into motes of light.

Oh, right. That's how one bonds with a sekirei.

Notes:

AN: More about Karasuba the next chapter. Those who want to google her though, feel free. Oh, and 'sekirei' is both the name of the race of all those alien girls and the anime/manga.

So much happening in winter, so much so that I had to split the chapter into two. Will be back to Origins canon by 'spring'.

Also, I have been asked to do a character sheet for Sofia, to keep track of stuff, but I have been surprisingly busy these past two weeks... I will try to get it done before the next chapter