Infinitium

(Day 158) Aprilis 3rd, 12th year of the Dragon, Age of Enlightenment

Adam woke to light shining in through the glass surrounding his door to the terrace. He made his way down to the dining area and sat down to eat his breakfast. Now that he thought about it, how did the Place of Power know what to make him, or Adaline for that matter? There must…He stopped himself and dug in. He had other things to do that he’d put off. The first was to raise his Soul Link to the Labyrinth, and Thor to Level 500 and then also raise Analyze and Identify.

He looked over all of his abilities from his Place of Power. It seemed that the new abilities followed the same pattern as the abilities he’d received from his primary spheres of power and now he had four attacks he could spam: Fireball, Light Beam, Death’s Touch, and Ray of Darkness. Fly and Summon Humanoid Elemental seemed like they’d be useful. Gravity is that Way, also looked really useful. Pick a Door as well. In fact, the first thing he did was go down to the entryway and step into the courtyard. He turned back to the stone wall, moved over 5 feet, and had his nanites create a door that was mounted to the wall at 90 degrees. Anyone looking at it would think it was a door to nowhere, but this would be his anchor point if he wanted to get back in a hurry. He had the nanites exit the structure to make sure it was permanent and then spent the 100 mana to test it.

When he activated the door to his anchor point a shimmering portal opened in front of him while the door he’d just created swung open. He stepped through and closed the door. The shimmering portal disappeared. He opened the door again and it was just an empty space. He closed the door, spent 5 mana then opened the door. The shimmering portal reappeared. This ability was going to be very useful when he was traveling. Adam then used his nanites to turn the door frame into a small storage closet made out of the same stone the tower was made out of. To anyone looking, he hoped it would look like a small shed. Then he created a plaque with the following words engraved on it.

“Thank you for making your way up to my Tower. Unfortunately, I am not present right now. Please feel free to grab food and water from my chest to help you on your return down the mountain pass. Also, feel free to leave any letters or notes in this small basket.

Adam then went inside and walked into the library. “Eric, are you available?”

Eric materialized in front of him “Yes, master.”

“Question for you, can you step outside of the tower?”

“Why yes, master. I can go anywhere within 500’ of the tower entrance now.”

“Good, there is a structure right outside the door that I have created with flasks of water and food in it. Once per day, I’d like you to restock the flasks and the food from the pantry, is that something you can do?” Adam asked

“Yes, master. Once per day, is there any specific time you’d like this done?” Eric asked.

“9 a.m. should be fine. That’s all I had for you. Do you have any questions for me?”

“No master”

“Thank you,” Adam said as he turned and walked out of the library.

It was almost time to head back down the mountain. As he was walking through the tower to the exit again Adam thought that all he’d need to do now was get the last two basic spheres of power added to his Adamantadine Tower; Water and Life. He wondered what kind of bonus he’d get for having a tower with all eight prime magical spheres. However, if form followed function and those that followed Life were good, it was going to be tricky picking up a Hearth Crystal with Life. He just didn’t see creatures of life as being greedy, self-absorbed mages trying to kill him.

Adam walked to the front door, stepped out into the morning air, and willed the Portcullis to open and close behind him. He also made sure to will all the outer doors closed and locked. Next, he checked to make sure Adaline still had the authorization to enter and exit at her leisure. When he was done with those checks he made his way over to the spot where the cliff started its switchback trail down the mountain.

He activated his Level 5 Light ability Displace and looked down and to the southeast. He could just barely see a river off in the distance and figured….aw screw this. Using his nanites he created a set of binoculars with a 100x zoom function and a built-in gyro. Then he used them to find exactly where the village was. What surprised him was that as he zoomed in on the area further east across the river, he noticed the tell-tale signs of campfires.

The mountain range he was standing on seemed to fall off the east and then turn south for a bit. There were fires between the forest and the base of the mountains there. Using his rangefinder, he measured about 10 miles between the village and those fires. So, 70 miles to the east there was something at the base of the mountain.

He allowed the binoculars to dissipate into nothing and decided to use the new gravity ability. Looking east and up he decided that that direction was down and away he went. He felt no wind resistance as he started to “fall” faster and faster. His ability The Wind Flows By reduced any drag he might have created to the airflow to an absolute minimum. After 10 seconds he was traveling at roughly 320 feet per second, or 218 mph. At this acceleration, he’d travel 70 miles in just under 3 minutes. Adam did some quick math in his head. Using vectors and velocity he switched his down direction to parallel to the ground at 106 seconds and found himself directly over two Hill Giants that were looking over the cliff on an army in the foothills below.

Adam turned off Gravity is that Way and activated Feather Fall which arrested his movement speed as he landed on a slope about 200 feet back from the edge of the mountain that looked down on the forest below. Adam made his way towards the cliff and was able to make out what the giants were saying as moved closer.

“I still think I can hit Zob on the head with this rock,” one of the giants said.

“You know Bully will not be happy if you go killing his troops. They are going to attack that village when night falls. Be some good eating for everyone. They even promised to bring us some elf haunch if we just sat up here and watched for intruders” the other said.

“But me so bored. Nothing to do” the first whined.

Adam activated Stealth then activated Fly and landed lightly behind the two Giants. They were each about 15 feet tall and covered in fur. Both carried giant clubs. For now, outrageous seemed to be the play he needed to make so he looked around to make sure nothing else was nearby and then said, “What ’cha boys looking at?” in common.

Both hill giants turned as one, looking at where his head would be if he was as tall as them, then looked down to find him smiling and looking up at them. The first one pointed and said “Intruder!”

Adam took the verbal initiative and raised his voice “My name is not Intruder, it’s Adam. Bully sent me to check on you.”

The first giant had started to raise his club then paused as a questioning look came over his face. The second giant still hadn’t moved and was obviously torn about what he should do.

“But you’re human, Bully hates the Humans, Elves, Gnomes, Dwarves, and all other smarty pants.”

“Well, that’s true that Bully hates humans, but I’m not human.”

“You look human,” the first Hill Giant said.

“True, but I’m not.”

“Then what are you.”

“I’m a demon,” Adam said with a grin.

“You no demon”

“Wanna bet?” Adam asked.

“K, we bet. You not demon, we eat you. You demon, we eat you.”

And with that, the first Giant swung his club.

Adam had to admit, as distractions went, that first giant knew how to try to use them. He didn’t even open his combat log and instead just used the skills he’d learned and moved at a normal attack rate, taking one action every second. His Unarmed Defense and Displace ability made it so that it was nigh impossible for the giants to hit him with their clubs. He, however, was practicing some of the non-lethal strikes he knew and proceeded to break every bone in each giant's legs and arms. When he was done both Giants were lying on the ground unconscious with limbs that bent in directions they most definitely should not. Next, he placed a hand on each of their bodies and had his nanites analyze their anatomy. The nanites failed. They could not enter the bodies of the giants. He looked dispassionately at the Giants and activated Analyze on both:

Analyze: Success. Dob, Level 114 Hill Giant. 600 of 1430 Hit points.

Analyze: Success. Zar, Level 110 Hill Giant. 556 of 1426 Hit points.

At that moment Dob stirred, started to groan then tried to move his arms and legs which caused him to roll around a bit. Adam stepped on one of the Giant's broken legs to get his attention.

The giant screamed and then looked at Adam with fear in his eyes. Adam eased up, pointed at himself, and said “Demon.”

Dob stopped moving.

“Good, if you scream or yell, I’m going to make it so you can never talk again, understand?”

Dob managed to say “Yes” through his broken jaw.

“Okay Dob, just one question. Is anyone supposed to check on you soon?”

“Nope, we just wave a torch once in a while to let them know we’re up here. Bully wanted us to watch to the North to see if anyone was coming from the mountains. We were supposed to kill anything that showed up here and throw it down, even demons.” He said.

“So, don’t matter if Bully sent me, you were still going to kill me.”

“Yep, because that’s what Bully said to do.”

“Okay Dob, thank you for your honesty” He took a step like he was kicking a soccer ball and kicked Dob so hard that he went up, and up and up. He was sure that kick had killed the giant. He watches the corpse of Dob fly up. Wow, that had to be at least a half-mile before he slowed and started to drop. As Dob started his drop toward the ground, a mere 10 feet past the edge of the cliff face, Adam yelled “Four!” at the foothills below. They probably wouldn’t hear him down there, but he thought it was funny.

Adam turned to Zar, picked him up in an arc over his head, and brought him over the edge of the cliff’s edge face down. Adam had really started to believe in the power he wielded and decided it was time to have some fun. As the body became parallel with the ground and the cliff's edge Adam stepped onto Zar’s back and rode him towards the ground looking for Bully and making minor adjustments along the way. Zar had woken up when Adam picked him up and screamed the whole way down.

On the way down, the hill giant started to struggle. Adam struck him in the back of his neck, breaking his spine and paralyzing him. Zar was still conscious, unable to move as the crazy demon stood on his back as they fell towards the ground. That’s why he was completely confused when he heard the human yell “It’s time to make some chimi-fucking-changas!” just before Zar struck the ground and heard nothing ever again.

When Adam was 100’ from the ground he activated Feather Fall and watched Zar drop at terminal velocity into Bully. The Hill giant became impaled on Bullys Horns as he was torn and half and the two pieces exploded against the ground.

Completely impressed that Bully had survived a hill giant falling on him from a mile and a half up, Adam cast a fireball at Bully as he floated to the ground.

Adam checked his combat log, skipping all the numbers and critical hit messages.

Begin Combat Log

Total Damage: 10,180

Bully Dies

End Combat Log

After Bully died, Adam spammed fireballs at anything that moved. When movement had stopped for the most part Adam activated Stealth to allow his mana to regenerate. After he finished he looked around at where the camp used to be. There was nothing but smoking craters. Even trees that had been caught in the area of his fireballs were gone. Adam reviewed his combat log and whistled. No wonder, there was nothing left. If the maximum damage he’d do was 18,180 damage with a single fireball, that was crazy. He also reviewed the experience and noticed he seemed to be earning 10 times the level of whatever he killed. He reviewed his prompts and noted that he’d earned 218,350 experience for killing the army. Then a new prompt appeared.

You have personally defeated the Army of Bully. As you do not possess a class, profession, or specialty that can take advantage of this achievement only the totals of your kills will be displayed.

Bully, Half Minotaur, Half Hill Giant

Hill Giants, 5

Trolls: 37

Orcs: 250

Gnolls: 110

Goblins: 400

By defeating a vastly superior force of Evil you have performed a good action that has affected your Alignment. While your alignment has not changed from Neutral the good now outweighs the evil on your soul.

Good, Neutral, Evil Alignment Track: 950 (10,000 to -10,000)

Lawful, Neutral, Chaotic Track: 0 (10,000 to -10,000)

Adam had just killed 802 creatures; he didn’t know how to feel about that. They were evil, but so was Adaline. Though these asshats were going to kill his friends and eat them. He’d targeted Bully first and watched as he’d just disappeared, along with everything within 20 feet of him. Then Adam had moved and cast another fireball. This pattern had gone on for the better part of 10 minutes until there was nothing left. He’d noticed during the beginning of his attack that some of the orcs, goblins, and trolls had run towards the cliffs.

Adam had investigated and found a giant cave entrance. Activating his Tracking skill, Yep, they went that way. Well for his plan to work there had to be some survivors so that was okay. Looking around he went into the woods that were close by and knocked over any trees that were on fire. Though truthfully almost every tree that had been hit by one of his fireballs was reduced to ash. The unfortunate thing about using such a powerful spell was that there was nothing left to salvage, not even bones. Again, that worked in his favor here, but he would not be able to do things like this if helping allies. He’d destroy friend or foe alike.

Adam looked around one last time, activated Stealth, and made his way toward Village by the River. He needed to find the scouts that were obviously watching the village and deal with them. He might even try that new ability Death’s Touch if he could get close enough.

He did get close enough. There was an Orc Scout on the east side of the river about 100 feet up in a tree watching the village. He’d climbed up and activated his ability as he touched the scout and watched the scout turn to dust and break apart as if Ironman had snapped his fingers. What the hell? He opened his combat log.

Begin Combat Log

Adam activates Ability Death’s Touch against Level 44 Orc Scout.

Touch attack Success

Base Damage 44

Attribute Multiplier 18.18, Adjusted Damage 799

Skill Modifier 5, Adjusted Damage 3,999

Sphere of Power Death, 100% bonus damage, Adjusted Damage 7,999

Target Hit Points 560.

Death Spell overcomes Hit Points by more than 10 times.

Target durability reduced to zero.

Target becomes dust in the wind.

End Combat Log

Well, it would seem the idea for the Thanos’s snap wasn’t a unique idea after all. Made sense that the idea was reality somewhere else. Adam spent the next hour combing the forest while stealthed and using his tracking ability to find four more scouts and “snap” them out of existence. He’d use Death’s Touch, pick up their equipment after they evaporated, and put it in his ring, then move on. At 10 a.m. he felt reasonably sure that the village wasn’t under surveillance anymore. If there were stragglers, it wasn’t really going to matter. He made his way over to the best place to cross the river then waved to the Wood Elves on sentry duty as he came into the village.

“I need to speak with the Elders” Adam called out.

“They’re in their hut discussing something that one of them divined last night” the sentry answered.

“No worries, I think I have news that will ease their concern,” he said as he made his way to the Elders hut and lightly tapped on the flap.

“Come in Adam” he heard Elder Jasilla call to him.

Adam stepped through the flap and made his way to his usual sitting position in front of them and took a seat. “Good morning elders.” He said with a smile.

“Good morning, Adam, we had expected you a bit earlier, did you have any issues during your return.” She asked.

“No, no issues. Though one of the guards said that you had divined something worrisome?” he asked.

She nodded then explained. “Last night a dream came to me of a giant bull with fire and death everywhere. I was so shaken by the dream that I had sent scout parties to the north and west into the forest to look for any sign of trouble.”

Adam nodded then spoke. “This morning when I was getting ready to head down the mountain I saw fires off to the East, beyond the river along the mountains. I made my way in that direction and found an Army commanded by a giant Half-Minotaur Half-Giant. I was able to learn that the army had planned to attack Village by the River tonight.”

Elder Jasilla stood “We must prepare the village or retreat…”

Adam stood raising his hand in a calming gesture. “Peace unto you Elders of Village by the River. I bear good tidings. The Army of Bully is no more. Simply said, I killed more than 90% of it.”

Elder Jasilla looked at Adam, then settled herself back into her chair. Composing herself she said, “Please continue.”

Adam reseated himself and continued. “After I was finished, I walked through the forest and searched for the scouts I knew had to be watching the village. I found five orc scouts on the east side of the river and retrieved their equipment. The main force though, I laid waste to. There is nothing left of their camp or them. Some did escape into a cave that led into the mountain, but I chose not to pursue them. I figured that the news of such a one-sided defeat would keep them from building up and trying to attack you again, at least for a while. Then I arrived here and came in to talk to you. It would seem that your divination was accurate. The leader Bully did meet his demise in the center of a fireball.” Adam said with a smile.

Elder Jasilla considered Adam’s words and then muttered a small prayer under her breath before speaking. “Adam, we thank you for your service to the village. An attack by an Army is not something that we had any notion of asking you to help with. Should, you require anything that members of the village can provide you need but ask.”

Adam nodded respectfully then answered “I will of course accept your offer but would also say that I will do much to protect my friends and their families. Should Village by the River ever need my assistance you have but to ask?”

Elder Jasilla smiled and spoke with a laugh. Enough of this stuffy talk, I know how much you ‘like’ it. What are your plans this day?”

Adam returned the smile and then said “I have learned a lot here in Village by the River. Raz has been absolutely the best and helped me learn the ways of this world as I adjust to my new existence. I think, however, if I’m to continue to grow I need to head to the city and learn from some of the Academics there. Where I’m from I know a lot about the fundamentals that govern how things work. Here, magic affects everything and I plan to seek out academics that can help me learn how everything is tied together as Raz has helped me learn the basic skills I need to thrive and survive in the forest and combat.”

Elder Jasilla nodded. “We had thought that you might be leaving again after your return and have prepared a gift for you.” Standing, she came over and offered a ring to him.

Adam took the ring and activated Identify.

Identify: Success: You have Found a Ring of the Village by the River. If worn, the Elders of Village by the River can use this ring to mentally contact and speak with the wearer. Alternatively, the wearer may also contact the Elders of Village by the River once per day to have a short conversation, no more than five minutes.

“I thank you for this wondrous gift. Know that should you ever call; I should be able to get here in a rather quick fashion.” He said.

Elder Jasilla smiled then made a move-out motion with her hand, “Now go. There is a road that leads south out of town. All you need to do is follow it and you will come to the high road. Follow it east until it turns south again you will find yourself at the gates of the city eventually. I’d warn you to beware of bandits, especially the human ones, but somehow I do not think you will have any issues.”

Adam slipped the ring onto his finger and then stood. Bowed slightly and turned. He left the hut and made his way to where weapons and armor were stored to find Raz equipping his trainees for the day.

“Morning Raz,” he said.

“Morning Adam, what are you up to today?

“Have some stuff to add back into the armory” he answered.

“Then what will you be up to?” Raz asked.

“Today is the day I head to the city. I need to go do some studying with some academics.” He said as he started pulling all the items, he’d found on the scouts out of his ring of holding and put them on a table.”

“Where’d you get all the equipment?” Raz asked.

“Some orc scouts were in the area, now they’re not,” Adam said with a laugh.

“Truly?” Raz asked questioningly and then asked, “Anything I need to worry about?”

“Nope, if you’re truly concerned, I made a full report to the elders. I give you my word that the danger those scouts represented is no longer a threat to this Village. Though future threats may appear of course. Just nothing in the immediate future.” He said with a grin.

“If you say we’re safe, I believe you. Are you sure you want to leave all this equipment? Some of it looks quite good?” Raz asked.

“I broke enough weapons that this small donation does not make up for it. I’m sure I don’t need the equipment and the weapons; they’ll just break if I try to use them, so do with all this gear and weapons as you see fit.” Adam said.

“Sounds good. Well, I’m going to get these sorry excuses for recruits going. Make sure to stop by next time you’re around.”

“Will do Raz. Be well” Adam said as he left the armory and walked towards the edge of the village and the road to the south. It wasn’t long before the sounds of the river masked any sounds from the village and Adam found himself alone in the forest. Walking down the road he started whistling a little ditty about Jack and Diane, which wasn’t as easy as one would think.

“Adam, how are you doing?” Abi asked.

“Abi, I didn’t forget about you, but you haven’t been talking in a bit. I figured you were taking some ‘me’ time. You doing, okay?” Adam asked.

“Never better. I was just relaxing, and binge-watching Battlestar Galactica and Stargate SG-1 again. Samantha Carter is one of my favorite characters.”

“I know, right? But that’s not why you want to talk. What’s going on?”

“A few minutes ago, I felt a ping from my creator. It seems to be coming from the direction you're walking. I just wanted to let you know.”

“Thanks for the heads up. I’m just going to follow the road to the city for now. When I first met Raz he said it would take the better part of 40 days. I’m thinking about seeing if I can speed that up a bit. Though I’ll have to be careful

Abi laughed. “Should be fun. Think I’m going to binge-watch Stargate Atlantis. Jason Momoa, I know I’m a construct, but he is so hot.” She said.

Adam laughed. Anyone looking on would have thought Adam was acting strangely as he spoke to nothing and said, “You have fun,” to the air as his body shot launched to the south. Adam allowed his Gravity is that Way ability to lift him up and away while the tendrils of the plant that had been reaching for him wondered where its prey had gone off to.

Adam flew through the air for a couple of minutes then turned off the ability. As he approached the ground he activated Feather Fall and landed softly. Because he was using the ability to basically jump blindly into a specific direction he didn’t know where he’d end up until he was there. This went on for a couple of minutes as he’d launch, land, get his bearings, and launch again. This last time when he landed, he settled to the ground in an open field with the road to his southwest a good half-mile away. He could easily see it as it seemed to go around the west side of this giant glade. Targeting the road, he made a smaller hop and landed and came in for a landing on the road.

Adam looked around and noticed that about a half-mile up the road, there was a wagon trudging along on its way south toward the city. Adam started to jog and easily caught up to the cart which was being dragged along by two horses. A man was on the cart bench holding the reigns and a guard with a crossbow had it aimed at Adam’s heart as Adam jogged up.

“That be close enough stranger” the guard called.

Adam slowed to a stop and then said “Greetings, I’m just a traveler on my way to the city just looking for a little company to make the journey a tad more endurable.”

The guard lowered his weapon slightly but kept it pointed in his general direction.

“Know that this is Treasurer Montilara Swissteld to King Liam II of Venoran. I am his guard, Zack. We do not have time for beggars or riffraff. Be off with you before I use this crossbow.”

Adam stepped back. “Very well, I have no wish to offend the King or his subjects. I will find other company to keep and another path to take.” Adam said as he continued to step back. Just then he noticed a huge shadow coming up behind him and a look of utter shock crept over the guard’s face. The guard started to raise the crossbow towards whatever was making the shadow as a giant leathery foot came down where Adam appeared to be standing.

Thankfully Adam had kept his Displace ability active and both that ability and his Luck caused the attack to miss. Turning around quickly, Adam looked up, and up and up at something that could best be described as some form of dinosaur, but wasn’t. He heard a “Ya!” behind him and the horses started to pull the cart faster down the road. Adam Looked at the Monster and activated his Analyze skill. It seemed that the experience he’d put into the skill was well worth it.

Analyze: Success! Betharak, Level 767, Hit Points 33,748

Adam reviewed the information as he looked at it. Its head was at least 200’ up and its legs were huge. It kind of looked like a demonized brontosaurus with extra feathery fins here and there. He decided if it had fins it was probably water-based which meant that if it had any vulnerabilities, they lean toward fire, though he could be wrong.

Begin Combat Log

Action 1, Adam pulls the Staff of Hellish Immolation from his Ring of Holding.

Action 2, Attack Betharak with Staff of Immolation

Success. Critical Obtained.

Base Damage: 421,000

Critical Strike. Damage multiplier x6: 2,526,000

Vulnerable to fire: Damage 5,052,000

Betharak dies.

You have earned 7,670 experience.

End Combat Log

Adam returned the staff to his ring and then looked around. The Betharack had been raising its foot to stomp down on the Wagon as the flames from the staff engulfed and consumed it. The charred smoking carcass dropped onto the trees it was standing over with a loud thud that shook the ground. Adam weathered the tremor easily enough by simply hoping lightly. It didn’t evaporate though. Which was weird because he’d definitely done enough damage. Maybe there was another rule at play, or maybe some magical property was holding it together? Something to think about.

The wagon, however, was not so lucky as one of the wheels came loose and the wagon came to a screeching halt as the treasurer and the guard Zack were thrown from their seats. Zack at least had the good sense to roll and turn looking for any danger as the treasurer lay there. The Treasurer was not so lucky as the cart landed on him. Adam slowly walked toward the guard who kept his crossbow firmly pointed at the smoking head of the Betharack. “It’s dead,” Adam said.

“I’m sure you won’t mind if I keep my crossbow pointed at it?” Zack quipped back.

“Knock yourself out. I’m going to check on your treasurer” Adam said as he made his way past Zack. Adam came up on the treasurer as he used his nanites to perform a scan and found that his first thought had been correct. The treasurer was pinned under the cart. Lowering his voice to a gentle whisper he came up to the treasurer and said “Treasurer Swissteld. You're stuck under the wagon. Hold on, I’ll get you out. Adam stepped up and lifted the wagon off the treasurer. He made sure to act like it was heavy and only gave the Treasurer enough room to shimmy out, though it was far too light to give him any difficulty.

Treasurer Swissteld crawled out from under the wagon and rolled over onto his back with a grimace “At least I didn’t break anything.” He said.

Adam noticed that Zack watched out of the corner of his eye but kept his crossbow pointedly aimed at the head of the Betharak.

The treasurer breathed easier and then sat up. Slowly he moved into a standing position then put weight on his leg and smiled. Looking at Zack he said “Zack! Put that crossbow down. It’s dead. If it wasn’t dead, we’d be dead. Our friend here saved both our lives; though I could have sworn I saw you get squished,” he said thoughtfully as he looked at Adam.

Adam laughed and deactivated Displace which showed his position as being just a little off where he’d been. Helping the treasurer had made it easier for them to get closer to where he actually was. “I had a spell that made me appear not to be exactly where I was. Glad I did too, or I’d be paste.” He said smiling.

“Well, I could ask how you killed it but instead I will just say thank you for saving our lives. Also, if you’d still like company as you make your way to the city, Zach and I would be most appreciative if someone as capable as yourself would join us.” The treasurer said.

“I would be honored to join you. I’m new to these parts and have never been to the city before.” Adam responded.

“Well as you know I am the Treasurer and Tax Collector to King Liam II. This is my guard, Zack. We are returning from some of the outlying hamlets with the taxes collected there. Might I ask your name?”

“I am Adamantadine. My home is in the mountains to the north of the forest. I do not know if that falls within the boundaries of this kingdom, however?” he asked.

“Is your home north of Village by the River”?

“Why yes, it is, about another 50 or 60 miles.

“Then no, you do not reside within the Kingdom and do not have to worry about paying taxes. Though, if this beast has any treasure and was killed in the king's lands, taxes must be paid on that.”

“What is the tax rate?” Adam asked.

“For Non-Residents, 25%”

“That sounds fair,” Adam said then continued. “If you’ll give me a few minutes I’ll go search the area, make sure no other monsters are lurking, then search for treasure. I’ll be right back,” Adam said as he turned and walked towards the Betharak letting his nanites spread out to their maximum range and catalog everything they could find. He also activated his Investigation and Tracking skills and very quickly traced a path back to a nest of eggs that hadn’t hatched yet. There were some common gems, a garnet, beryl, tourmaline, turquoise, and Zircon. There were also coins scattered throughout the area. All and all he found 200 copper, 160 silver, 26 gold, and 10 platinum. He didn’t find any other treasure though. He also noticed that a huge track made its way directly east. That track looked to be a little bigger than Betharak he’d killed.

Heading back to the wagon he noticed Zach and the Treasurer looking at him expectantly as the treasurer asked. “Did you find anything?”

“Yes, first a question. What is directly east of here?” Adam asked

“The ocean is about a half-mile away from here. This is the closest to the ocean the road comes until we get to the city.” Zack said.

“Well then, I think we need to fix this wagon and be on our way,” Adam said.

Adam moved over to the wheel and set his nanites to work. They quickly repaired the wagon wheel. Next, he helped Zack lift the wagon while the Treasurer attached the wheel. They all reloaded the wagon. The treasurer and Zach sat on the bench and Adam walked alongside as the horse began pulling the wagon south.

As they started making their way south Adam said “While I was searching, I found a second track for a second Monster that looked to be bigger than the first. It went off to the east. No telling if it’s coming back this way but with the smell of cooked meat in the air, I’m sure scavengers are going to make their way to the carcass. Hopefully, those various scavengers will mask our scent.” He paused for a moment. “Also, I found 200 copper, 160 silver, 26 gold, and 10 platinum. If your tax is 25% of the findings I owe you 50 copper, 45 silver, 11 gold, and 2 platinum he said handing the amount up to the treasurer. I also found five gems, all common. A Garnet, Beryl, Tourmaline, Turquoise Zircon. How do I pay taxes on gems I find as treasure?”

“How many did you find?” The Treasurer asked.

“Five” he answered honestly.

“Well, the easiest way would be to give me exactly 25% of whatever you found. Can’t do that if you found 5. May I take a look at what you found?” he asked?

Adam showed him the garnet, beryl, turquoise, tourmaline, and zircon. Treasurer Swissteld looked them over. “While I can’t tell you the exact value of each of these gems, I can tell you that there is a markup of about 25 % for turquoise gems. if each gem were worth 20 gold. That would net you 100 gold. In the City, you’d get 105 gold though because of the Turquoise. So, if you offer the turquoise as your tax, no matter the value of the stones the crown will consider taxes paid on the 4 gems you keep.

Adam handed over the turquoise, “Sounds good to me.” He said.

The Treasurer took the coins and gems and then stored them in an item of holding he had. Adam knew this because they vanished from in front of him. Adam couldn’t tell if it had gone into a ring, belt, or something else. Adam walked alongside the wagon keeping a lookout while Zack did the same. A couple of hours later they stopped for a lunch break. To blend in Adam brought out some of his dried rations and ate them. He sat and they talked about the Kingdom. After the meal, they were on their way again. As the sun was starting to set, they came upon a small walled fort that allowed them to enter. The treasurer was led off to a building while Zach looked at Adam and said “This way, we can eat, and then you can bunk with me in the barracks for tonight. We leave at first light.”

Morning came quickly and they loaded up and were off again. The rest of the week was a study in repetition. They’d travel until they reached a small fort. Stay the night then be on their way in the morning. They didn’t talk much but through the little conversation they had, Adam learned that the Kingdom of Liam II was quite large and stretched for hundreds of miles up and down the coast. The towns and villages the tax collector had visited were mostly inland along the border of elves in their forest to the west with which the Kingdom had good relations.

There were also towns and villages to the south of the Capital city of Venoran, the seat of King Liam II’s power. In that direction, however, the armies of the Kingdom were built up and patrolled as the Kingdoms to the south, while run by humans that were always trying to expand into King Liam II’s territory. There had been many skirmishes over the years. The last war though hadn’t been for at least a decade. Their journey continued and Adam learned a lot about the history of the area and the crops that were farmed.

As they continued their journey Adam saw people heading north and some would pass them heading south but no more was said to them than “Good Day” or “Long live King Liam II.” Adam was sure it had something to do with the fact that it was the Tax Collectors wagon. Even back on Earth, no one liked to pay taxes, and historically the king's tax collectors, if the stories were to be believed, were mostly asshats. Though Adam hadn’t seen that kind of behavior from this man. He had been mostly pleasant and talkative.

On Aprilis 10th they woke and left the fort they were in with the morning light. As the day went on, they started to encounter more and more people and came to a point that overlooked the inlet and city below. The city of Venoran was spread out over at least a 10-mile area and looked like a Victorian-era paradise with huge estates surrounding the trappings of government in the center and a bonafide medieval castle at its center on a plateau. Venoran was huge. Off to the west, north of the city on the cliffs that overlooked the sea was a giant black obelisk that looked to be at least 10 miles away. That meant that it was huge, at least 1,000 feet high.

Adam pointed at the obelisk and asked: “What is that?”

“That my friend is the Dungeon Marker for the Dungeon of Divine Elements.”

“The city has a Dungeon just outside it, isn’t that dangerous?”

The treasurer looked at Adam. “I wish you’d have asked about dungeons earlier this week. We’d have had something else to talk about” Starting the wagon down the road towards the city the Treasurer continued. “No, it’s not dangerous to the city. Should anything try to break out of the dungeon there is a division of the best soldiers and mages the kingdom has to offer stationed between the Dungeon Entrance and the City. Also, there is a Ward protecting the city. Only those who have been issued proper papers may freely enter and exit. However, there is no barrier to enter the city through the main gate, which is where we’re headed, so long as the guards allow you passage of course. Don’t worry. Part of my thanks to you for saving us is to take you directly to a clerk I know and get those papers directly. You have proved your loyalty to the kingdom this last week by accompanying us and ensuring our safety without asking for any type of payment in return. Helping you get your papers is the least I can do.”

Adam looked to the Treasurer and then said “I hadn’t figured out the best way to ask but the reason I’m coming to the city is to find some academics to talk to. I’d like to learn as much as I can. If you could point me in the right direction to meet such individuals I would be most grateful?”

“So, for saving, then helping us reach the city, all you’d like in return is to be pointed in the direction of academics? Adam, my boy, some would not consider that to be me helping you in any such way. But, if that is all you desire then I will help you get your papers, and I will introduce you to a friend of mine who is an Academic at the College.”

Adam smiled and said, “That would be great.”

They traveled for two hours to make it to the first gate, which they were waved through immediately when the guard recognized Treasurer Swissteld. Another hour saw them through the second gate and another hour after that saw them through the third gate. Adam noticed that they were in the center city area below the castle. Zach pulled the wagon to a stop next to a building with huge Marble columns that reminded Adam of some of the renderings of what Rome had been like at the height of its power. Though this building was obviously more modern.

Treasurer Swissteld stepped down from the wagon and looked back at Adam. “I have to go report in and deposit all currency that is owned by the Kingdom before I can go anywhere else. Zach will stay with you. I should return shortly, and we’ll head off to get your papers sorted and then get you over to the college. If you have the coin, which I know you do, you might even be able to rent a residence at the college while you meet with them.”

Zach and Adam waited for about an hour and a half before the Treasurer returned. “Adam, come on. I found out that I can take care of your needs here. Zach, thank you for the company these last couple of weeks. I’ve informed your Captain that you’re to have the next week off and then return to duty. Go spend some time with your family. I’m sure we’ll see each other again.”

“Thank you Treasurer Swissteld,” Zach said as Adam stepped down. “It was nice meeting you Adam, I need to go turn this wagon in then I can head out to the farm.”

Adam stepped over to the Treasurer as they watched Zach drive off together.

“That was a nice thing you did,” Adam said.

“Well, we almost died. When I described what you had killed they said they wanted to meet you and that proper protocol for someone who saved a Treasurer of the Crown ‘Must’ be followed and to reward Zach with some time off.. So, Zach gets to run and be off with his family and I get to help you become a member of the Kingdom.”

Adam laughed “No good deed goes unpunished.”

“I assure you this is not a punish…”

Adam patted the Treasurer on the back lightly “It’s a saying from my homeland that basically means that anytime you do something good. Someone somewhere wants to reward you for it and make a day that was already long, longer. It’s not meant as an insult, just a way of recognizing that when you do a good deed, others will want to acknowledge that good deed and in doing so keep you from enjoying other distractions or performing even more good deeds as they tie up your time. “

As Adam explained the treasurer nodded and then said “You know, that actually makes sense. I like it. No good deed goes unpunished.” He laughed as he led Adam inside and down a huge hallway. After a little bit, he turned toward an open set of double doors, composed himself, and stepped into a room filled with people. Adam realized that this was a ceremony of sorts and had been put together for the express purpose of meeting him. Treasurer Swissteld continued into the room until he stood before a man in a brilliant gold robe and bowed for three full seconds before straightening and speaking in a formal tone. “May I introduce Adamantadine, savior of Treasurer Swissteld from sure death to you Supervisor Tavor, Direct Advisor to King Liam II.”

Adam bowed slightly but remained silent.

“Adamantadine, it is good to meet someone who has served the kingdom so thoroughly after just arriving. May you always be welcome in the Kingdom of Liam II. Please accept this small token of our appreciation” Supervisor Tavor said as he presented a silver coin with the seal of the Kingdom on it.”

Adam accepted the offered coin and a round of polite applause erupted from the audience. “I thank you,” Adam said, bowing, waiting the three full seconds as Treasurer Swissteld had before straightening.

Moving closer Supervisor Tavor whispered “Someday I would like a personal accounting of the event we are celebrating but for now know that the Kingdom appreciates your helpfulness. I would talk more but have a prior appointment. Please enjoy your stay in the Kingdom.” As he finished Supervisor Tavor stepped back and resumed smiling at the crowd.

Treasurer Swissteld bowed and started walking for the exit. Adam followed the Treasurer who led him out of the room and down the hall for a way before Adam asked “Okay I’ll bite, what was that all about?”

Treasurer Swissteld pointed to the coin in Adam’s hand. That is your papers, you’re done. So long as that coin is on your person or in a device of holding on your person the guards will automatically know that you are a respected member of the Kingdom of Liam II. It also makes it so that you're taxed as a resident instead of a nonresident.

“So that’s it, nice to know,” Adam said as he slipped the coin into his ring of holding.

Treasurer Swissteld clarified “Normally, common folk apply for papers and carry those papers around with them. Families in good standing, nobles, members of the court, and the king’s family are given a coin or talismans that allow for their immediate recognition by any guard or official of the kingdom. There are different levels but basically, if you have one of these items you are treated better than the other 80% of the population as your loyalty to the kingdom is beyond reproach.” Treasurer Swissteld said and then started walking.

“Thank you,” Adam said.

“No, Thank You, Adam. Besides, there is a caste system in Venoran. We have our peasants and workers, merchants, and then we have our Nobel families and the king’s family. The coin you carry will open doors for you that a newcomer to Venoran might not otherwise have. Of course, the introduction that I’m about to make is also not something that a newcomer would receive but again I recognize my debt to you and am happy to help you on your quest.”

Adam nodded thoughtfully. “Thank you Treasurer Swissteld. I helped you because it was the right thing to do. I did not expect payment and would have gone my own way even after you were safe, had you asked. I thank you again for your generosity. Know that you should require help; you need but ask.”

Treasurer Swissteld cut him off “Shh boy, no oaths, vows, or any other such nonsense. I don’t like to be owed or owe anyone anything if it is enforced by the will of the Gods, Adjudicator, or whatever. If you need help from me ask. If I need help from you in the future I’ll ask, fair enough?”

Adam laughed and then said. “Fair enough”

“Okay, we’re here.” Treasurer Swissteld said as they came to a set of double doors. He stepped up and knocked lightly. The double doors swung open, and Treasurer Swissteld led Adam into a room that reminded Adam of a Library, but he immediately knew that it was not. They walked forward as a female Elf with pale white skin and the most piercing green eyes Adam had ever beheld glided down a set of stairs to greet them.

“Academic Silvanar, Good day to you. Might I have a moment of your time?” Treasurer Swissteld asked.

With a soft almost musical voice Academic Silvanar replied “Treasurer Swissteld, you may have a moment, and more of my time, if that is your desire. You know you are always welcome here.”

“Beside me is a young man that came to my rescue earlier this week. He was traveling to Venoran to seek out the assistance of the academics. While our conversations never discussed the topics he wishes to discuss I thought to help in this one task and introduce the two of you. Academic Silvanar, may I present Adamantadine.” He said.

Academic Silvanar looked to Adamantadine and then asked “While it is always a pleasure to meet new and possibly interesting people I must ask. How exactly did you save Treasurer Swissteld?”

Adam smiled and said “Well, upon our meeting his guard had told me to bugger off, then a Betharak” Treasurer Swissteld coughed softly, “ that had recently laid a clutch of eggs decided that it needed to step on me. I was lucky enough to be missed by its attack and was able to kill it.”

Academic Silvanar looked to Treasurer Swissteld and asked “Truly?”

“He is, of course, being modest. He destroyed it with a staff he was carrying” Treasurer Swissteld said.

Academic Silvanar looked at Adam and a prompt went off.

Academic Silvanar has tried to use Analyze on you. Failed

She recovered from the failure quickly, smiling. “I apologize to you Adamantadine for trying to Analyze you without your permission. If we are to discuss a topic of importance at some point I will need to know what you know. Let me say that I am now intrigued and if you are not offended would be happy to sit down and discuss the topics you wish, and many other topics as well.”

Adam smiled “No offense taken. I would very much like to sit down and have a discussion with you. Treasurer Swissteld also mentioned that I might be able to purchase a place to sleep while I’m here?” he asked.

Treasurer Swissteld cut in. “Academic Silvanar, we just arrived in the city. He has never been here before and as he wanted to study with you I mentioned that you might be able to accommodate his needs while you talked, for a fair price of course”

Academic Silvanar smiled. The normal fee for such a room is one gold per day. However, I can detect that you carry the mark of the Kingdom, and you did save one of my dearest friends. For one silver per day, you will have a room and an evening meal. If you wish to have a morning meal and lunch those are an additional copper per meal. “

Adam smiled “I thank you for your generosity. When can we get started?”

Academic Silvanar responded with a sigh. “Today is actually not good and I do want to be the first to sit down with you. “She thought for a moment then continued. “It will take me the rest of the day to get everything ready and to alter my schedule for tomorrow. How about we meet up after the morning meal tomorrow?”

“That sounds splendid,” Adam said.

Treasurer Swissteld looked at Academic Silvanar “Introductions have been made and it has been a long two weeks. By your leave my fair lady I believe I am going to make my way back to my home and my loving wife.”

Academic Silvanar moved forward and kissed Treasurer Swissteld’s cheek. “Please say hello to your beautiful wife for me. Sometime soon we three need to get together again. It has been far too long.”

“I will,” he said as he turned to Adam and said, “You take care Adam, and again, thank you for helping us.” With that, the Treasurer turned and walked to the doors which closed behind him as he left.

“Adam?” Academic Slivanar asked questionably.

Adam smiled. “A nickname, please feel free to use it. Adamantadine has five syllables and might be hard for some to remember, not an academic such as yourself of course, but some of the simpler folk, so I chose ‘Adam.’”

“Fair enough Adam. I’m going to summon one of my assistants to take you to our residence quarters.” She said then called out a little louder. “Archibald!”

A young man hurried in from a side door “Yes Academic.”

“Please escort Adamantadine to our Residence area and inform Beatrice that his rate is one silver per night which includes an evening meal. “

“As you wish Academic,” Archibald said as he turned to Adam “If you would follow me?” he asked.

Adam looked at Academic Silvanar and said, “Thank you, I will see you tomorrow.” Adam turned and followed Archibald out of the door as it opened and then closed behind them. Archibald led Adam through a maze of corridors but as with anything else, unless they were being magically shuffled, he would be able to find his way back to that room easily. About a half-hour later they came to what could only be described as a bank teller window.

“Beatrice” Archibald called.

Adam heard quick footsteps then a young human woman with light brown hair came into view. “Yes Archibald,” Beatrice said.

Academic Silvanar has asked me to inform you that Amantadine, the gentleman with me, will be staying with us for a while and that his daily rate will be one silver piece which will include an evening meal.”

Beatrice almost scowled then smiled and said, “As the Academic wishes.” She turned her gaze to Adam and asked, “Adamantadine, how long will you be staying with us?”

Adam smiled and said, “I’m not sure but at least a week.”

“Would you like to pay for the week in advance or daily?” she asked.

“I’ll pay for the week,” he said, pulling out a gold coin and handing it through the slot in the window.

Beatrice took the coin, checked it with a spell then said. “Your payment is accepted. Archibald will take you to your room, which is 2A which means you are in room A on the 2nd floor. Enjoy your stay” Turning to Archibald she said, “Archibald, please show him where the dining room is and then where his room is.”

“Yes Beatrice,” he said before he turned toward a door and stepped through holding it open for Adam. Adam stepped through and was led a short distance to a set of double doors.

“This is the dining area. Dinner begins at 5 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. He then turned to his right and went up a stairway that led to a landing that went off in four directions. Your room A is right here. There are 6 rooms in each hallway, and all the rooms on this floor are lettered A through V. Your hallway contains A through F.” Archibald stepped up to the door and opened it. “The doors are not magically secured but they can be locked from the inside if you wish” Archibald led him into a room that reminded him of the rooms he’d created on Trappist-1e. There was a bed, a desk, and a door to a washroom that had a sink and a bath in it. Archibald turned to go.

“Please wait!” Adam called out as he fished out a copper piece and Archibald started to look insulted “Please accept this token of my appreciation. This is my first time in this city. You have been most helpful and where I’m from we show our appreciation by giving tips, a monetary bonus, to those who are working. This gesture on my part is not meant as an insult.”

Archibald removed the scowl and then took the copper coin. “I thank you for explaining your custom to me. Most nobles would not have taken the time. I of course will accept this generous gift with the same gravity it was given. “And with that, he turned and left the room.

Adam looked through the room. As there wasn’t much in the room, that didn’t take long. Next, he went down to the dining area to eat. The food, he had to admit, was quite good. Of course, he hadn’t had a warm meal in quite a while but still, however they’d spiced the meat had brought out an interesting flavor and it had tasted like a honeyed ham. While he was eating he garnered some glances but that was all. When he was done he made his way back to his room, locked the door, then used his nanites to make the door a part of the wall, sealing him in. When that was done and he felt secure, he laid down and went to sleep.