บท 153: Chapter 146
"Hey." I squeezed Meridia's thigh, my head resting in her lap under a tree.
"Must you always molest my legs?" She puffed up, looking down at me. "What?"
"Yes." I said without any shame. "But I got a question."
"Speak, I shall answer to the best of my ability."
"You're a Daedric Lord, also known as a Daedric Prince, right?" I asked.
"That is the common terminology for me and those like me, yes." She stated.
"If you're a prince, does that make me your princess?" I grinned at her, while she just looked at me in surprise.
"Yup, you're definitely a princess, Schweinorg." Rin answered for her, sitting by Artoria and across from Jinn as they both ate. "You sure act like one, at least."
"You're just jealous." I pursed my lips, looking up at the sun high in the air. It was a lovely day, a perfect and peaceful time before I finally head out.
Rin snorted. "Yeah right. Besides, isn't Saber a King, doesn't that make you her concubine?"
"Does it?" I turned to look at Artoria sitting peaceful and eating with a grace that shouldn't be possible with how quickly everything was being cleared.
"It does." Artoria smiled innocently.
"Well, I can add Royal Concubine to my titles then." I held my finger up, discharging a bolt of lightning into the air.
Immediately, another bolt streaked across the sky, intercepting and devouring it.
Sir Wiggles plopped to the ground, twitching his nose happily with lightning crackling around its body.
"Can't believe you awoke its Aura." Rin sighed, staring at the magnificent bunny.
"Sir Wiggles has ascended." I held out my hands, my familiar happily jumping into them. "Soon, he shall be unrivaled across all creation."
Meridia just looked at me oddly and reached out to stroke the rabbit. "He can already use this 'semblance' why can you not?"
"No idea, maybe Sir Wiggles is just 'purer' than me in a sense. A semblance is an expression of one's self brought about by their soul manifesting in the physical world. Sir Wiggles doesn't 'question' who he is, his purpose in life. There are no 'whys' for him, he simple lives."
"So he can manipulate lightning like you because he's simple?" Rin asked as Sir Wiggles flashed out of my hands and hopped over into Artoria's waiting arms.
"More or less." I shrugged. "It's not exact science here." Every book I read about the subject was so vague and nondescript on how it worked. "And he isn't manipulating lightning, he's absorbing and storing it, then kind of releases it for whatever he wants."
"Do you know his storage capacity? Semblances usually – " Jinn paused, looking at me with an annoyed expression.
"Have a limit to stop their users from hurting themselves accidentally?" I offered.
"That's good enough." Jinn nodded, clearly still annoyed about her limitations.
"Should be only for direct use." I continued. "Like Pyrrha could easily use her polarity to smack herself with something, whereas I doubt Cobalt could have drowned himself by activating his water clones inside his lungs or something."
"That's a good enough explanation as any." Jinn too was enjoying the meal. Seeing her perk up every time she tried something 'new' it was cute.
"Is there a limit on these Semblances?" Meridia spoke up. "They sound similar to magic, and that particular skill set can be taken far."
"I would guess the Semblance is limited by the person. The soul and body are usually linked, one can't become too much 'bigger' without the other compensating, otherwise death would be a factor. Maybe it's an evolutionary trait, but the people of Remnant generally have their bodies and souls grow in tandem in an almost 1:1 ratio." I waived my hand flippantly. "Or that was my observation so far, but I'm lacking in any significant evidence."
"I want to say so many things." Jinn grumbled, stuffing a pastry into her mouth. "Mmmhhgphgh."
Well, I didn't need to know what she said to understand she was still upset about her limitations. "Well, how about getting your Aura unlocked, Rin?"
"Do you even need to ask?" She deadpanned. "Gimme that power boost."
"How does this work, exactly?" Artoria paused in her meticulous eating to ask.
"We touch souls, the concepts of Aura basically get copied onto hers and I can then pull hers out...metaphysically speaking."
"That was a very crude explanation, but it wasn't wrong." Jinn confirmed. "I assume you have created a chant?"
"A chant, like a spell?" Rin questioned.
"Sort of an in-between of an actual spell chant and an Aria. It doesn't have much power in itself, but it resonates with the person's soul on a conceptual level to actualize everything. There's a reason that Aura and Semblances are heavily influenced by personal traits."
"So it's something personal and unique to each person?"
Jinn gave the 'so-so' gesture "It has a little bit of structure to it."
"So it does have rules?"
"Probably just stems from the first user, kind of like a trait passed down." I shrugged. "Or maybe it's all bullshit, I honestly have no idea."
Several eyes landed on Jinn. "I can answer no more questions this century." She deadpanned.
"If it bothers you, I can attempt to meddle with you artifact. Perhaps I can loosen the restrictions." Meridia offered, blinking after a moment. "Where is your lamp?"
"I-it is stored away, I will need some time to fetch it." Jinn had an obvious blush on her face and I couldn't help but grin remembering where exactly it was at the moment.
"I'm curious, but my instincts are telling me I don't want to know the answer." Rin stated, choosing to ignore the obvious flustering Jinn had going on.
"Is it in a place that is hard to access?" Meridia didn't seem to understand. "I suppose it is wise to make sure it is tucked away somewhere and hard to retrieve in the even that it is discovered and someone wishes to use it against you."
"I'm sure Jinn wouldn't mind showing you where it is later." I smirked at my genie, her face a beautiful red.
The way she shifted on the bench….I really don't think she would mind.
"Alright, Schweinorg, how you want to do this?" Rin stood up, walking towards me.
"Eh, just come and sit cross legged infront." I gestured, sitting up.
"I am curious about this as well." Meridia also adjusted herself to better look.
"Alright." Rin replied, taking up her spot. "I think I'm ready."
"Now, you're going to feel a bit awkward as I enter deep inside you. Don't worry, that's completely natural~"
"I'm already regretting this." Rin sighed.
"Honestly, it's almost tradition to make it into a lewd joke." Jinn snorted.
"Just…get it over with, I want to have a soul shield."
"Fine fine." I put my hand on her back and flared my Aura. "For it is in –"
***
"It's red." Meridia admired, poking Rin's Aura.
"That feels weird." Rin muttered.
"Don't mind me, just a little exhausted over here." I waived my hand, laying on the grass.
Artoria had stopped her snacking and was also inspecting it. "I believe it changes colors based on the person." Artoria also starting poking. "The structure is very firm, very much like Wilhelms."
"I feel energized." Rin looked at her hands, clenching them as the red energy flowed around her body. "Definitely feel stronger."
"Yeah, you had above average reserves. Not as big as mine, but still pretty good." I explained.
"Above average, like how much above average?" Rin looked at me.
"Jinn." I called out.
The Genie threw a thumbs up.
"About that much." I said.
"That makes it much clearer, thanks." She said dryly. "Can't wait to go fight that bitch again."
"Rin, are you thinking of using your new powers to bully your rival?" I gasped.
"Yup."
"Well, if I wanted confirmation that you're one of the old man's….." I chuckled. "Make sure to extort her as much as possible.
Rin scoffed. "Of course, who do you think I am?"
Artoria let out a sigh. "I don't know who's being a bad influence on whom."
"The answer is: yes." I replied, yoinking Artoria down towards me with some telekinesis.
"Will!" Artoria let out an indignant squeak, falling into my arms as they wrapped around her.
"I invoke my authority as the Royal Concubine."
Mine.
"Now, as is tradition, you must fight another Aura user in a duel to the death." I pointed towards Sir Wiggles. "Begin!"
Artoria bonked me on the head. "Don't initiate death duels between your familiar and Rin."
"Too late, Sir Wiggles, attack." I called out.
With a burst of lightning Sir Wiggles plopped himself on Rin's head.
"The static is messing up my hair." Rin groaned.
Meridia was kind enough to grab Sir Wiggles who happily stay in her arms. "Who's a good boy." She cooed to my familiar. It seemed like everyone was quite taken with him.
"Sir Wiggles is the best wingman." I chuckled. "I'm going to start teaching him magic soon."
"Dare I ask why?" Artoria looked at me strangely.
"Because I would find it hilarious."
"You really are the old man's reincarnation." Rin sighed again. "That's still really strange to say out loud."
"Is it?" Jinn walked up poking Rin's Aura. "And there are many different meditation techniques for manipulating Aura, of which I have some books in the Library."
"What, is reincarnating normal for you?" Rin raised an eyebrow towards Jinn. "And thank you, I'll be sure to read them later."
Jinn let out a long winded sigh. "I can answer no more questions this century."
"Wait, seriously?" Rin looked surprised.
"I wouldn't be surprised, Remnant's a strange place." I should visit Salem soon. "They have robots, Rin – Robots! We don't even have robots."
"You're such a nerd."
"What's a robot?" Meridia asked.
"Eh, an advanced form of an automaton." I gave a rough explanation. "I'll show you one if I ever get my hands on any."
"Through legal means, correct?" Artoria narrowed her eyes.
"…."
"Correct?"
"um….yes?"
"I will accept that answer for now."
Does she know I'm a wanted criminal on Remnant...Jinn never got to that part and it was kinda glossed over.
"Is it time we speak of the elephant in the room?" Meridia gently scratched Sir Wiggles head.
I let out a sigh. "Probably, this was coming either way." I pat Artoria on the head, she takes the que to sit up as I followed suite. "Well, it's not really a secret at this point, but I was going to head out in a little bit."
"No shit, we've been prepping like crazy these past couple weeks." Rin huffed, takin gout a small satchel from her storage bag. "I had some extra jewels so I put some spells in them. You can figure it out." She tossed them to me.
"Thanks Rin." I smiled towards her.
"Whatever." She crossed her arms and looked away.
"Oh, I also have some stuff." Jinn pulled on the house's magic and handed over a bag. "Lots of Talismans, lots of Dust bombs."
"I'm excited to see how they do."
"You better bring back some notes!"
"Of course." I chuckled.
"I too have something I wish to give you, Wilhelm." Meridia walked up, setting sir Wiggles on the ground. "It took me some time to track down." She flipped her hand over, revealing a ring. "It is one of my lesser known Relics, it had disappeared some time ago and I didn't care enough then to retrieve it."
"It's pretty." I admired the yellowed gem inlaid on the silver ring.
"It's simply called – The Ring of the Khajiit." She explained. "It has properties to enhance your speed and stealth capabilities."
"Next time, I'll be the one to give you a ring." I grinned.
"I do not have an overt fascination with jewelry." She said plainly.
"In our cultures, presenting someone with a ring is an indication of wanting to get married." Jinn replied.
"M-married?" Meridia squeaked out, her face turning a light shade of pink. "I…..you…!?" She appeared to be speechless, opting to huff and puff.
"I wish to also give you something." Artoria spoke, pressing a hand to her chest, a bright light engulfing the area as her sheath appeared. She held it tightly in her hands before pushing it to me. I didn't have time to protest as it went inside me. "It contains my magical energy, it should be enough to activate once without my presence."
"Artoria….I can't, this is…"
"No." She cut me off. "You will carry it and return it to me when you come back." She said sternly. "And this will accompany you as well." She took out the True Longinus from her bag and set it down infront of me.
"I feel like I won't be able to argue with you on this."
"Good, you are learning." She nodded.
I shook my head with a sigh, taking the Spear back into my ring.
"What are your plans?" Jinn asked. "Are you heading out immediately….or?"
"I was going to stop by Thorum, say goodbye, maybe awaken his Aura on the way out. I also wanted to visit Kunou before I head back home and talk to the old man."
"Good, both Yasaka and Kunou deserve your attention." Artoria nodded in approval.
"Oh, that reminds me." Rin took a few more things out of her bag. "Finished the Kaleidophones, got 7 in total." She started handing them out, giving the left overs to me.
"Thank you." Meridia held the device in her hands, but didn't seem like she knew how to use it.
"Aww, thanks Rin!" Jinn wrapped up the shorter Magus. "And don't worry, I'll show you have to use it, later Meridia."
"It was no problem." Rin pat the genie on the shoulder with a small smile.
I stood up, brushing myself off. "I should probably start heading out.
"Ughh, here come your mushy goodbyes." She flipped her hair back. "Later Schweinorg, don't die or I'll go kick your ass." Rin waived her hand, walking towards the house.
Rin, you're such a tsundere.
"Well, who's first?"
Meridia stepped forward. "I expect you to return, whole and healthy." She poked my chest. "And I mean it this time, I will be very upset if you are harmed." I held out my hands, letting her move into my arms.
"Un, no getting hurt." Jinn joined in with a smile, moving her mouth towards my ear to whisper something. "If you come back without any issues, I'll let you hide something else where my lamp is~"
What a lewd genie you are, though I suppose that's what happens when you see the entirety of the internet.
Artoria walked up and I pulled her in as well with my free hand. "I look forward to meeting Scáthach." She said evenly.
"Yes, new sister!" Jinn cheered. "I can't wait to meet her!"
"Mmm, as they say." Meridia nodded. "But your safety takes priority."
"Of course." I couldn't help but smile at their sincerity. I kissed each of them goodbye. "I'll be back soon."
"Please return." Artoria said quietly.
I briefly thought about anything else I would need to do. There were no pressing matters, Meridia would look over everyone, I had reinforced the house through every means I had available, even adding Primordial Runes. Enthir had come through, and for a small fortune, I had armed this place to stand up to a veritable siege.
"I'll be back, just wait." I pulled out Mirage, giving them one last look before opening a portal to Whiterun.
***
"Will" Thorum shouted in shock, practically falling down.
"Yo." I greeted, appearing right in the middle of the training area. I looked around and saw several faces from the companions I was familiar with, and even Serana was hovering nearby in the shade.
"Is something wrong, my friend?" Thorum regained his composure. "You don't usually pop in like this unless there is a problem."
"No problem, but I'm going to disappear for a little bit. Going to get Scáthach." I replied. There wasn't a need to cause him undue stress by explaining further.
"Oh, you are here to say goodbye then?" Thorum looked, not upset, but somewhere close to it. "How long will you be gone?"
"Eh, not that long. And if there is an emergency, any of the girls can get a hold of me and I'll come back right away."
"Oh, that is good." Thorum accepted.
"Before I leave, I wanted to give you something. I did it for Rin, and and I felt comfortable doing it for someone else."
"What is it?"
"Well, I'm going to awaken your Aura." I flared my own for added effect. "It's the physical manifestation of the soul, it provides an overall boost in physical capabilities, a shield that can mitigate quite a bit of damage, and over time you can develop a singular power that's based on your personality."
"Truly? That sounds too good to be true, are there any downsides?"
"Not really." I scratched my head. "I don't think it can even be done 'hurtfully'. At worse, I get a rebound, but that's about it. Honestly, the only 'downside' is how 'intimate' the act is. I'm basically touching your soul with mine."
"Okay, I trust you." Thorum said without a second thought.
"I just said I'm touching your soul, do you really have no reservations?"
Thorum just laughed. "If you wished to harm me, there were simpler ways."
"Idiot." I sighed. "Alright, sit down, legs crossed." He followed my instructions and sat down and I followed suit. The onlookers didn't seem keen on interrupting us, but a quick glance around revealed how interested they were in what was happening. Well, I didn't really hide it and if Thorum eventually wants to awaken other's Aura's, more power to him.
"Steady yourself, I'm going to push my Aura into you." I stated, flaring my Aura up.
"Oh, that is strange."
"Yeah, everyone says that the first time." I laughed.
Now…. "For it is through Freedom that we Achieve Immortality. Through this we become a paragon of Liberation and Choice to rise above fate. Infinite in possibilities and unbound by death, I release your soul and by my shoulder, free thee."
As soon as I finished the words, Thorum exploded in a golden light. My own Aura reserves dipped exponentially, enough that I felt a shock in my chest.
[Idiot, he's a dragon, and he ate other dragon souls.]
I thought I could handle it!
I mean, I did, it just felt like I got kicked in the balls.
"I feel…..amazing." Thorum stood up, light enveloping him. "Is this the Aura you spoke of, it covers my body."
"What the hell is that?." My eyes widened. He was supposed to have a sort of bubble around him with fully manifested, but Thorum's aura took on the form of a dragon as it covered his body, there was even an ethereal tail behind him.
What the fuck?
***
Saying goodbyes, and Thorum's Aura turns out a little oddly :p
Anyways, if you want to read 7 chapters ahead or support me, visit my pat.reon.com/astoryforone.
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