Nocthrya

The sunrays barely broke through the thick mist that was ever present in the lands of Reality's Edge. The former village was now a full-fledged forest with no signs of any buildings or ruins. But from the outside it looked like a 2 kilometer (1.2 mile) wide snow globe, with fog swirling within. It was a strange sight to behold, and anyone curious enough to enter had a nasty surprise waiting for them. They would either find themselves stepping back out the next moment or wandering endlessly within its murky depths. The decision to trap or let go was decided by the 16-foot-high tree which now resided at the very center.

Nocthrya was content, as a tree should be. With enough fresh air and pure water as it would ever need, it had nothing to worry about. Its roots were burying deep to access the mana vein that it needed to fuel its growth. But it was getting there.

Aenon-Friend had said he was on a hunt to rid the neighboring lands of any threats. So, all that Nocthrya had to do was grow, and Nocthrya was good at growing. The only problem was the foul Corruption in the forest down south. Nocthrya had sensed nefarious activity through its ever-expanding root network, and it didn't like it. As a World Tree, its species was adept at conversing with the land and the native plant life. Unlike enlightened souls, the common trees could not have complex emotions. But they still felt pain, and they were in a lot of it.

The source of the Corruption is what angered Nocthrya. It came from the walking trees, or Treants as the others called them. As a World Tree, Nocthrya had a lot of ingrained knowledge. Hence, Nocthrya knew that Treants were supposed to be protectors of the forest, ever calm and composed unless the forest was threatened. But the ones Nocthrya sensed were blood thirsty and violent, and seemed to be hunting for sport and power. And they were spreading their Corruption amongst all the native trees. By now, Nocthrya's small Domain was covered on all sides by the diseased forest. If not for Aenon-Friend's cloaking ability, and the space manipulation Nocthrya had obtained from the Treant cores, it would have been impossible for Nocthrya to survive.

The Treants had sensed Nocthrya and had started sieging Reality's Edge to try to get to it. Because as a World Tree, Nocthrya also had the unique ability to purge the vile disease. Thus, the Corruption needed to eliminate Nocthrya if it was to spread. And so, there were multiple raiding parties of Juvenile Treants who entered Nocthrya's area of control every day. But Nocthrya was not worried. Even though the infected Treants used space manipulation too, they were leagues below Nocthrya. The poor things tried diligently to find Nocthrya, but never even left the perimeter of Reality's Edge.

And since Nocthrya could feed on the Corruption, the longer they stayed in its Domain the weaker their Corruption got. Until eventually the Treants collapsed and became dormant. They were not dead—Treants were a form of ancient race known for their resilience after all. But the Corruption had done a number on them. They would probably take a while to heal the damage and wake up. So Nocthrya moved these cleansed Treants into a secure area for them to heal and recuperate. When they did wake up, they would be invaluable allies. For now, Nocthrya just focused on devouring the Corruption as best as it could.

Nocthrya's branches swayed in the gentle wind as it observed its Domain. There was another group of three enemies entering the mist, but this time there was an adult too. It had far better control of the space aspect but still fell short of Nocthrya. The group didn't even require Nocthrya's full attention. Instead, Nocthrya was focused on another group passing through the misty forest. But unlike the intruders, the mist parted away to allow them free passage. It was a group of pitch-black wolves and a human girl.

Like any young World Tree, Nocthrya was curious about everything. Since they could not move and had limited senses, young World Trees depended on outside sources for any news or information. For Nocthrya, it was this rag-tag group that Aenon-Friend had left behind. They often went on hunting missions down south and came back battered and injured, seeking refuge in Nocthrya's Domain. Nocthrya had even set up a small space near itself that boosted healing. The tired group often relaxed in the area, while talking amongst themselves about what had happened during the latest hunt. It was these tidbits that Nocthrya enjoyed listening in on.

"Ugh. When will these brats start listening to my commands," the human girl cried out in frustration. The biggest wolf of the group walked calmly next to her. She was the only one who was uninjured.

"When you start behaving like a leader," the mother wolf replied. Nocthrya liked her, her soul felt like Aenon-Friend's as they both shared a strong link with him. Nocthrya had not talked to any of the group after Aenon-Friend's departure, but the mother wolf often napped in Nocthrya's shade and projected the outside world through their link. It was a very enjoyable experience.

"But I am. I am being decisive and firm, and keeping a close eye on the entire party," the girl responded in frustration. The girl always had frustration leaking from her soul and would often sit under Nocthrya to vent. But Nocthrya didn't really focus, as it had gotten repetitive and boring after the first dozen times.

"Being a leader is more than just being decisive and firm," the mother wolf, Venge-Friend, replied and lay down by Nocthrya's trunk. The girl probably had more to say, but the Venge-Friend closed her eyes and pretended to fall asleep. The girl groaned in frustration and stomped away towards the healing circle.

As the girl left, Venge-Friend started projecting the visions to Nocthrya. But this time it was different. These views were unlike any Nocthrya had seen. It showed towering forests of stone, and strange animals that moved without legs. There were even humans sitting inside these weird animals. The alien world was mesmerizing, and Nocthrya wanted to ask where this was from but Venge-Friend replied before that.

"This is what the Alpha shared with me of his old world. I thought you might like something different," Venge-Friend said. Nocthrya couldn't agree more. Aenon-Friend's old world was very different indeed.

Thus, the two sat quietly in silence as they shared a glimpse into their friend's past, all while said friend was busy causing fresh mayhem for the established powers of this new world.

………………

Aenon

Aenon stood with his arms behind his back by the large window that overlooked the city. The view was spectacular, if one ignored the annoying golden statue that marred the scene. The city was prosperous by all accounts, and the current view was tailored to reflect that. This was the former Mayor's office and the City Admin had made sure the obese man saw none of the unsavory sights from here. It was an exercise in appeasement to keep the man happy and oblivious to the truth. That the city's prosperity was taking a hit due to the drain of resources due to the refugees. A fact that Aenon would soon address.

Henry stood behind, stoic as ever. The man's thoughts were a mystery, but not his emotions. There was a strong undercurrent of nervousness which he hid remarkably well. Aenon didn't know the reason for the nervousness with certainty, but he could take a guess. He would address the issue soon enough, but first he needed to review the last notification he had received.

Title upgraded: Landlord 2 | +25 all stats | Claim ownership of 2 settlements.

Title: Domain Walker | Rewards Withheld | Claim a Domain of your own | Progress: Alphas defeated 2/5, Settlement approval 2/2

He had received the Title upgrades when Henry had acknowledged handing him the city ownership. The Title barely added any more stats, but Aenon didn't mind. He wasn't really interested in that since he was more worried about the implications of this new ownership. At least with Reality's Edge there were no people involved. But with Pinespire—he decided not to change the name in case it triggered something unexpected—there was a large population to worry about.

He had also gained two levels in each of his Classes from the fight against the elf, and the rescue quest completion.

Level Up | Void Stalker | Level 24 → Level 26 | +4 INT | +10 WIL | +4 PER

Level Up | Abyssal Warden | Level 34 → Level 36 | +8 INT | +10 WIL

He pulled up his stat sheet to go over before addressing the restless man behind him.

Aenon/Ashryn Fenrast

Race: Ascended Human (M)

Age: 13 years

Level 31

Class: Void Stalker (Level 26)

Subclass: Abyssal Warden (Level 36)

HP: 16580

HP Regen: 331/min

MP: 20580

MP Regen: 458.8/min

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Stats - Multiplier: 128 (Locked)

STR: 1658

CON: 1657

DEX: 1662

INT: 2058

WIL: 2294

PER: 1768

Titles (1680 points)

Unfettered Soul (+60 all), Alpha (+20 all), Domain Walker (Withheld), Bulwark (+5 all), Speed Runner (+10 all), Hoarder (+5 all), Landlord 2 (+25 all), Planetary Forerunner (+30 all), Ancient Killer (+20 all), Untouchable 2 (+40 all), Archivist (+5 all), Royal Assassin (+30 all), Corruption Cleanser (+5 all)

Lone Wolf (+2% Title stats)

Prodigious Mage (+10% Title stats)

Nature's Attendant (+200 all stats when within 50 meters of sapling)

Skills (Available SP: 170)

Weapons (Unarmed, Daggers, Traps) | Savant

Stealth (Woods, Urban) | Savant

Tracking (Woods) | Expert

Mana Manipulation | Master

Internalized Skills

Identify

Mana Sense

Soul Authority – Sovereign's Eye, Soul Beacon, Soul Purge, Soul Syphon (Unfettered Soul)

System's Grace

"What time is the public ceremony?" Aenon asked tersely after dismissing his System screens. The meeting had gone longer than he wanted, with a lot of back and forth with Gorin. Thalindra had tried her best to be the voice of reason and had eventually managed to pacify the belligerent man. In the end, it was as Henry had stated; the Guild Leader had no say in the matter of selecting the Mayor. Aenon was given the position, but it would only become official after a ceremony. As for the guilty nobles, Aenon had decided to keep everyone in the dark about his decision. All he said was that they would all come to know about it during the ceremony.

"In half an hour, sire," Henry replied formally. Even though the man was a nervous wreck, not a hint of it was shown externally.

"Do you know what you did wrong?" Aenon finally asked.

"I… I did not ask before putting the responsibility on you," the man replied while visibly showing concern for the first time.

"Hmm. At least you are perceptive," Aenon replied while turning to face the man. "I do not appreciate being blindsided like that. Just because I intended to take over the reins doesn't give you the right to make decisions on my behalf."

"I apologize for crossing my limits," the man replied while getting down on one knee.

"Make sure it doesn't happen again," Aenon replied firmly before turning back to the window. Once the man stood up, he continued. "As for what happens now, I have no intention of being tied down to this city, or getting bogged down in politics. I leave the city administration and politics to you. All I would offer in return is protection from threats, both internal and external."

"Understood, sire. I expected as much. Rest assured that I am fully capable of handling the responsibility. I can…"

"I just have two simple rules for you," Aenon cut him off. "One, do not try to screw me over. And two, do not use my name to do things that I do not approve of."

The man tensed up as Aenon released the entirely of his Aura and focused it on him. He only relented after Henry was covered in sweat and was visibly shaking.

"Ye… yes Lord Fenrast, I will keep that in mind," Henry replied amid gasps as he recovered. Aenon needed the calculating man to know what he was dealing with, and what would be the consequences of crossing him. He acknowledged the man's resourcefulness but had to keep him on a short leash to avoid any future problems.

"Very well then, lets head out to the ceremony," Aenon said while marching out without another word. Henry stumbled a bit but managed to gather himself while falling in behind Aenon. Bane was asleep in Aenon's shadow, waiting for the signal to appear.

As Aenon made his way outside the office, he found that all the maids and servants stood in two lines on either side. They bowed respectfully as he passed through. Aenon cringed internally but kept moving without a word. He needed to avoid these situations going forward, but for now he had no choice but to play the part. He couldn't wait to get back into the wild where he could be far away from these subservient displays.

The further along he went, the more people joined his retinue. From official bodyguards to the City Guard Captain, the line kept growing. It reminded him of his first day in Jadefall, except now he was the one leading. When he finally got to the stage he was supposed to be on, he nearly turned around and left. There was an obscenely flashy throne placed on top of it, complete with embedded gems and red velvety covers. It was obvious how the old Mayor addressed the citizens, but there was no way in hell he was sitting on that thing.

Aenon tactfully stood a few steps in front of it and looked over the crowd. He made a mental note to ask Henry to melt that thing later. He observed the people standing in the courtyard and found three distinct groups. To his right stood the refugees, in various state of disheveled appearances. Aenon sensed hopelessness from most of them, except a notable few. To his left were a group of richly dressed nobles, the ones who had been spared because they had not partaken in the soul elixirs. But the nervousness from them was clear, even without his Sovereign's Eye. The largest group by far was straight across from him, who he assumed were the common citizens. He could sense anger and discontent directed towards the other two groups.

Despite the wild mix of emotions being thrown around, one thing was common from all three sections: curiosity. He was an unknown party and seemingly popped out of nowhere. Each group was curious for a different reason. The nobles probably wanted to know their fate, since even though they were not actively involved, they would have had some clue of the hideous plot. The refugees were curious to see how he would treat them, and the commoners were no doubt wondering which of the other parties he would favor. In their experience perhaps, the ruling class were rarely on their side.

Once everyone was gathered, Thalindra joined Aenon on the stage, along with Gorin and a few prominent people from the city's political circle that Aenon cared very little about. His entire focus was on the soul mage who was about to address the crowd. He wanted to see if she would use her soul powers during her speech. To his disappointment, she did not, which meant he could not observe her powers more closely.

"People of Pinespire, a few very disturbing truths have come to light that has warranted the need for this emergency ceremony. The previous City Mayor, Damaris Steelcrest, and a small group of nobility have been found guilty of practicing System forbidden arts," Thalindra spoke boldly to a now tumultuous crowd. "In light of these findings, the City Admin has handed over the position to the one responsible of unearthing this vile cabal of soul eaters who were targeting the most vulnerable amongst us, the good people of Jadefall who took refuge in our glorious city."

That last line threw the crowd into disarray as heated discussions broke out all over. Even the commoners, who had not shown much concern for the refugees, were alarmed by this revelation. Most would have assumed that the missing refugees were being moved discreetly or even killed. But even the unapologetic commoners would not wish the fate of having one's soul being devoured. The nobles on the other hand looked even more nervous.

Before the crowd calmed down, Thalindra nodded to a City Guard, who went ahead and brought the guilty Mayor and his followers into a clearing in front of the stage; everyone except the elf who was still in lockup. They were all chained and muzzled, with only their dread filled eyes visible. As they were assembled, the crowd fell silent. Fear, anger, and hate were some of the few emotions being directed at the pitiable group who had enjoyed preying on the weak.

"This will also be the official sentencing of the convicts. They will be locked up for…," Thalindra began to say before her voice cut off. Her lips moved soundlessly. She looked around in confusion before her eyes landed on Aenon's raised hand. He had used Air Manipulation to silence her.

Aenon stepped forward at a casual pace and stood at the very edge of the stage. All eyes were trained on him as he stood there looking over the entire gathering.

"My name is Ashryn Fenrast, your new City Mayor. I am not a politician, neither am I someone that likes to mince words. I do not need your approval, loyalty, respect, or even your love. You are free to hate, fear, or despise me if you like. I simply do not care. All I need from you all is compliance to just one rule," Aenon spoke loudly. "Treat others the way you want me to treat you."

He imbued his Aura in the last words but kept it in check. He turned to the chained nobles, focusing on the former Mayor. The people backed away in fear, but stayed silent as they waited to see what he would do next. Aenon asked one of the soldiers to remove the muzzle. And when it was off, he addressed the cowering mess of a man.

"You preyed on the very people you were sworn to protect and lead. I give you one chance to justify yourself before everyone. But know this, lying is futile. I can see into your very soul. Speak," Aenon demanded while looking down from the stage.

"I…," the man stuttered as he looked around in abject horror. He was probably thinking of hundreds of excuses, but knew from one look at Aenon that none would work. He finally collapsed on the ground and started begging, "I am sorry my liege. I was in the wrong. Too blinded by greed for power. I should not have …"

"I did not ask for an apology. I asked for a justification for your actions. Why you felt that it was ok to harvest the souls of those weaker than you," Aenon said to cut off his groveling. When the man stayed silent and did not respond, Aenon continued, "Let me tell you why. You felt comfortable doing it because you thought of yourself superior to them. This is a dog eats dog world, isn't it? And you are the top dog after all."

The man looked at the ground in regret, not able to refute his claim. Even though Aenon was addressing the former Mayor, his words were directed at the crowd at large. This was the modus operandi of this new reality as well as his previous one, the strong feeding off the weak. And it was something he would not tolerate in his Domain.

"So let me ask you this. Since I am stronger than you, doesn't it mean I am free to feed on your soul?" Aenon asked menacingly.

His words alarmed every single person around him, including Thalindra who looked his way with horror clear on her face. Damaris immediately started begging with fervor, while Gorin had his hand on the pommel of his sword. Aenon let the emotions play out, just spectating silently.

"I have tolerated you so far. But draw your blade, and you will not live to see tomorrow," Aenon mentally threatened Gorin without turning to look at him.

The Guild Leader flinched but didn't make any move otherwise. So Aenon continued.

"And that is what I mean by treating others the way you want me to treat you," Aenon went on. "You treat others with disdain, I will treat you with such. You look down on the less fortunate, and you shall receive no help from me when you are in need. Conversely, you treat others with kindness and respect, and you will get the same from me."

The crowd calmed down at that while Thalindra looked away in embarrassment, no doubt having come to the wrong conclusion yet again. Gorin on the other hand had the same fierce expression, though he did remove his hand from the pommel.

"So, think hard on what kind of treatment you want from me. That of a kind and just ruler; or an apathetic tyrant. I have no issues with people trying to better their lot in life. But if you do it at the cost of someone else, then you have no place in my Domain," Aenon said with an air of finality. He had passed on the message, now it was up to them to heed his warning or not.

"And as for soul sucking leeches such as this," Aenon said while glaring at the kneeling man, "I am the Bane of their existence."

With that Aenon unleashed his full Aura, making half the crowd collapse in terror. The other half were paralyzed as Aenon's shadow stretched out towards the chained nobles, and from it emerged a horrifying creature they had never witnessed. A creature of pure darkness with grey eyes that matched their new Mayor's. The crowd looked on in utter terror as Bane tore into his prey.

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