B2 Chapter 151: Emblem

Kaius gasped as he chose Initiate’s Glyphic Bladerite, the system’s formless power slipping into the confines of his soul space. His soul shone resplendent in his mind’s eye, even while his physical ones stayed open, drinking in the green fields of the plains.

With deific ease, the power that reigned above all weaved a new skill shard out of golden light. A second crystal, orbiting the fires of his soul in lockstep with his first.

It was just as aggressive – as prone to battle – as Drakthar, but there were differences. Where his first skill revelled in the heart pumping brutality of the fight, his newest skill was…different. Controlled.

It enshrined the honour and mastery that could only be seen in a contest between two equals, one where the very prize was life. It venerated the bond between man and blade. Without man, the blade was aimless. Without blade, the man was defenceless. Together they wrought art, whirling steel painting the canvas of the world with blood and victory.

The system bore down, and his skill finalised. As it did, Kaius’s mind throbbed. Information streamed into him, temples pulsing as the system forced knowledge upon him.

With it came understanding. He knew then what the skill represented, that he had made the right choice. This was just simply the beginning. The foundations of a partnership that would see him through until he reached the pinnacle, or breathed his last.

Two glyphs, one on the palm of his hand and one on the blade of his sword. Wrought from soulfire, they would be inured against mundane destruction. Burnt into the very fundamentals of their being, they would be inexorably linked, permanently deepening the soul bond that already existed.

It would not be easy. The glyphs that now shone in his mind were complex, and densely wrought. He would need time to weave them, hours at least. Thankfully, mana would be used as a vehicle, so he would still be able to use Tonal Weaving.

In trade, the Bladerite was more potent than he would have thought. Overcharging the enchantments on A Father’s Gift looked like it would be effective indeed, even if it currently only had minor sharpness enchantments. Its true capabilities would come to bear as his sword grew, just as he had hoped.

Letting out a slow breath, Kaius mopped at the sweat on his brow before he looked over to Porkchop, who was watching him with curiosity.

“Well? What’s it like?” his brother asked.

Kaius chuckled slightly. “I made the right choice, but I will need to forge the glyphs that will bind me to the blade myself. I can do it – the system was thorough – but the work will be delicate to say the least.”

“Delicate as in ‘blow your hand up’ delicate?” Porkchop asked, narrowing his eyes accusatively.

Kaius laughed. “No, not from what I can tell. The glyphs that I have been receiving seem remarkably more stable than my original working. They just dissipate, from what I can tell. Still, I will likely need a few hours. I’ll do it when we set up camp for the evening.”

Porkchop nodded, before requesting that he watch over him while he surveyed his own choices. Watching his brother focus on his notifications, Kaius stretched and pushed himself to his feet.

Rolling his shoulder, he turned. Ianmus was waiting, patiently standing to the side while he finished his work.

“Sorry about that, I appreciate that right after a battle isn’t the most convenient time for us to pick our skills.” he said, scratching his head before grimacing at the blood that matted his hair.

Ianmus stifled a laugh at his reaction, politely saying nothing of his gorey state. “Think nothing of it. Skill selection is an exciting time, and I would not be one to stand in the way of development.” the half-elf paused, before looking at him curiously. “Did you get anything good?”

Kaius nodded emphatically, his satisfaction plain on his face. “Oh yes, though somewhat annoyingly it will need a bit of setup first. I’ll have to work on it when we make camp.”

“It’s an odd thing, this style you have discovered. I haven’t seen anything quite like it. Normally only artisan classes have some sort of set up beforehand.” Ianmus asked with interest.

“Ehh, it’s not too different from what a free caster has to deal with, just front loaded.” Kaius waved the man off, before turning as his brother chuffed.

He found Porkchop staring at him excitedly, his claws digging deep into the soft soil at his feet.

“Need any help? Or did you find something you want.” Kaius asked.

Porkchop shook his head. “I already picked. An offensive and control ability.” he explained.

“Oh?” Kaius replied, switching to talking through their bond. “What was it?”

“Prismatic Shardwall, A Unique just like yours. It summons a jagged wall of crystal that I can then slam towards me, or away from me. A stamina skill too, which is rare for something like this.” Porkchop replied, his ears flicking with excitement.

“Towards you? How does that help?” Kaius asked with a frown.

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His brother grinned at him in response. “What will happen when there is a monster between the wall and me?”

Eyes widening in shock, Kaius’s mind raced. Oh, that was devilish. With Porkchop being all but a steel barrier himself, the skill would crush them. Especially depending on how fast it moved. He could see how careful use of the skill would be useful indeed, especially if used to pull enemies around the battlefield, or draw them in, leaving them off balance and vulnerable.