Exalted Champion: CH 13 (Rough Draft) (Patreon)

hey folks, heads up I messed up the dungeon level order, so level five is not going to be a water level as the water element was level two, still working on back editing that. Happy reading. and thank you everyone for hanging in there with me as I work on this book.

Chapter 13: Words in the Air

Well, they didn’t try to kill me in my sleep that’s good. Not the first thought you want to have in the morning but hay I had to be realistic, something was up with Tiffany, and something was definitely up with Adelia.

I rolled out of bed, careful not to disturb the tangle of warm bodies still nestled under the covers. The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting the master suite in a soft golden glow. My mind was already churning with plans for the day ahead, the dungeon run, the vault's contents, and the lingering questions about my acting wives.

"Everyone up," I called, my voice cutting through the peaceful morning silence. "Dungeon day, yeah!" I said with far to much joy for the morning.

Groans and rustling sheets answered me as Ashley buried her face deeper into the pillow. Rachel, ever the early riser, was already sitting up, her dark hair a wild halo around her face. Sasha's ears twitched at my command, her four tails flicking lazily as she stretched. Milly yawned widely, her generous curves shifting as she reluctantly emerged from the warmth of the covers.

"Do we have to?" Ashley mumbled into her pillow. "Five more minutes. The bed is so comfortable."

"Duty calls," I replied, already moving toward the bathing chamber. "Besides, we need to reach level twelve, and that means level four today."

A gentle knock on the door interrupted my morning routine. The door opened to reveal Brie and Allie, both carrying trays laden with breakfast and steaming mugs of cossa. The rich, earthy aroma instantly filled the room, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

"Good morning, Master," Brie said, her three luxurious red-gold tails swishing gracefully behind her as she set her tray on the side table. "We thought you might appreciate breakfast before our dungeon run."

Allie followed, her cheerful energy palpable even at this early hour. "Fresh bread and honey from the kitchens, Master! And the cossa is extra strong today Strafa said you'd need it for the dungeon." Her eyes flashed to Ashley meaningfully.

"Perfect timing," I said, gratefully accepting a mug from Brie. The warm ceramic felt good against my palms, and the first sip sent a jolt of alertness through my system. The bitter liquid was exactly what I needed to clear the fog from my brain.

While the others descended on the food, I slipped into the bathing chamber for a quick shower. The hot water sluiced away the last vestiges of sleep, and I found myself mentally preparing for the day ahead. Level four of the dungeon wouldn't be particularly challenging for us, but it wasn't the monsters I was worried about.

After toweling off, I returned to the bedroom where my Shavala Knight armor waited, laid out with meticulous care by Sasha. The black and silver plates gleamed in the morning light, each piece enchanted for protection and enhanced mobility. I began the familiar ritual of donning my armor, starting with the padded undersuit that would prevent chafing.

"Let me help," Sasha said, appearing at my side. Her nimble fingers worked the buckles and straps with practiced efficiency, ensuring each piece sat properly against my body.

Across the room, Rachel was already halfway into her own enchanted armor. The metal plates shimmered with arcane sigils that pulsed faintly as she secured them in place. Her movements were fluid and practiced, just like her armor.

Ashley groaned one final time before finally rolling out of bed. She padded across the room to where her own armor stood on its stand. It was lighter than ours, designed for mobility rather than brute protection. The leather and metal composite was dyed in deep shades of green, silver and russet, with subtle reinforcement at vital points.

"I still think this is too early to be legal," she grumbled, stepping into the form-fitting base layer. Despite her complaints, her movements were quick and efficient as she began strapping on her armor pieces. "The sun's barely up."

"Early bird gets the experience points," I quipped. oh god that’s lame, whatever. "Besides, Titus and the Titan's Shield will be waiting for us."Ashley stuck her tongue out at me but continued gearing up. Milly rushed to help her with the more complicated fastenings, her fingers working deftly despite her bubbly energy."Weapons check," I announced, drawing my sword to inspect the edge. The blade caught the morning light, "Everyone armed and ready?"Rachel tapped her staff against the floor, causing the crystal at its tip to flare with arcane energy. "Ready."Ashley spun twin daggers with practiced ease before sliding them into their sheaths. "As I'll ever be at this ungodly hour."Sasha secured her bow across her back, the enchanted quiver at her hip humming with magical potential. Milly hefted her warhammer, the weight of it nothing to her new and growing boviness strength."Let's move," I said, heading for the door.

I led my party through the royal apartments, our boots echoing against the marble floors. The morning light streamed through tall windows, illuminating the changes Ashley had implemented. Already the space felt less oppressive, more like a home than a museum to Leonard's questionable taste.As we approached the main doors, I was surprised to find Tiffany and Adelia waiting in the foyer. They were dressed in matching morning robes of pale silk, their hair artfully arranged despite the early hour. Their slaves stood behind them at a respectful distance, eyes downcast."Exalted Prince husband," Tiffany said, dipping into a perfect curtsy. "We wished to see you off on your expedition."

Their sudden appearance and solicitous behavior set off warning bells in my mind. This performance felt like another calculation, another move in whatever game they were playing.

"Thank you for your consideration," I replied, keeping my tone neutral. "We shouldn't be long."

"Perhaps next time we might accompany you," Tiffany suggested, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. "I was quite proficient in dungeon combat before my marriage to Leonard."

"We'll see," I said noncommittally. "The dungeon can be unpredictable and requires trust."

"Of course," Adelia murmured, her gaze lingering on Sasha's collar. "Safety must come first."

I nodded curtly, not wanting to prolong this interaction. "We need to be going. Titan's Shield awaits."I turned away from Tiffany and Adelia, gesturing for my party to follow. We moved quickly through the apartments, our armor creating a symphony of subtle metallic sounds. The elevator doors slid open at our approach, golden panels parting silently. We packed inside, armor plates occasionally clinking against each other in the confined space. the attendant pressed the button for the main floor, and the elevator began its descent.

The elevator chimed and opened onto the grand atrium of the college. Students and faculty moved through the space with lazy purpose, many heading toward their morning pleasures or practice sessions.

We descended the curving staircase that led to the dungeon lobby, our boots echoing against the stone steps. The grand marble of the college gave way to more utilitarian stone as we descended, the air growing cooler with each step.

The dungeon lobby spread before us, a cavernous space bustling with activity despite the early hour. Adventuring parties gathered in clusters, checking equipment and discussing strategies. Oodson was standing behind the far back counter ready to purchase and sell items to exalted nobles as needed. The air hummed with excitement and nervous energy.

Titus spotted us immediately, his imposing figure easy to pick out among the crowd. He stood with the rest of the Titan's Shield, their armor worn but well cared for glowing from the enchanted lamps that illuminated the lobby. The team snapped to attention as we approached.

"Exalted Prince," Titus greeted, his fist over heart in salute. "We're ready when you are."

Titus’s eyes met mine, silent confirmation that his team was ready. I didn’t waste time. “To the portal,” I said, voice low and clipped.

We moved as a unit through the chaos of the lobby, the crowd parting instinctively at the sight of their exalted prince. The dungeon portal loomed ahead, its archway pulsing with the oily blue shimmer of spatial distortion. The guards manning the checkpoint gave us a wide berth. I caught the flicker of recognition in one guard’s eyes fear and respect.

“Level four,” I ordered, stepping into the heart of the portal. The world snapped out from under my feet. Sight, sound, and sensation shredded and reformed. My stomach lurched, the taste of ozone and iron on my tongue as I was accelerated into a higher frame rate of time.

The world reassembled in a rush of cold, thin air. We stood on a wide stone mesa, having stepped through a natural looking arch. Beyond the edge, only endless mist and clouds, mesas islands rising in the drowned sky. Impossible stone bridges arched between each mesa, a network forming a maze in the sky.

Ashley let out a low whistle, “Wow, I’ve heard the stories but this place is huge.”

Rachel’s boots scraped against the stone as she surveyed the horizon. “It’s a maze in the clouds,” she said, voice sharp with excitement.

“Finally, a chance to fucking talk and breathe…” I said as I moved into the center of the mesa.

Titus came to stand next to me, “I’m guessing there has been more than a few developments,” the rest of the team formed a circle.

“So, what happened at the bank? I know something but we haven’t had the chance to talk,” Ashley said concern in her voice. She was quick enough to understand we were under closer scrutiny now and had not pushed but we needed to catch her up.

“Well, to start with, the Order Obedientia is involved now…” I started. Ashleys eyes widened in true fear.

Titus and Branwen had concerned looks as I told them everything that happened at the bank.

Ashley made a sound like she was choking, “They let you keep the Testament Obedientia? That’s only for men to read and men who are of the highest ranks of the nobility. Comen citizens and even regular exalted nobles, Nobody, knows what’s in it. Just that all deference and honor must be given to the order and no dissent is tolerated. None.”

Lucius looked up, his expression thoughtful. “If the Order’s compromised, then so is the whole temple of Ack… and if the temple has been compromised… then the empire, the whole thing is not far behind. Shit. That’s a lot of influence.”

“Yeah, the vault was laced with corruption, and since I’m now a member by right of conquest, Octavian made sure I knew they would be watching. The carriage ride proved that.” I said looking at Rachel.

“Oh, yes, my obfuscation disk will keep them at bay now, but they were using a wholly different level of magic to spy on us. Tiffany and Adelia?” Rachel asked.

Ashley scrunched her face, “Tiffany has seemed, far less… h what do you call it… troublesome. Adelia though, she’s shown far more interest in the vault. She is tighter also, more controlled, secretive. If I didn’t know better, I would think Tiffany was hiding just as much from her as she is from us.”

“Yeah, I got that feeling also. She wanted what was in the vault,” I agreed. “But why?”

Rachel didn’t hesitate. “Leverage. Secrets. Maybe she’s already working for them, but they don’t trust her.”

“Or she’s working for someone else entirely,” Ashley said, then asked, “Sasha, Milly how have their slaves been?”

The four looked at each other, and Brie started, “They are very careful.”

Sasha added, “They had to deal with a lot under Leonard.”

Milly’s joy dimmed, “I’m not sure if Tiffany and Adelia are treating them any better.”

“How have the two been treating you,” I asked indicating to all four.

Allie spoke, “They mostly avoid us. I don’t think they know how to treat us so they’ve just opted to skip engaging all together.”

“Hum, right. I’m going to try and split them up, see how they act one on one. See if I can’t figure out what Adelia’s deal is. Titus how is the coffin road, are the coffins working still?” I asked.

Titus answered immediately, his tone clipped and certain. “The coffins are working. We got twenty-four out last week, all the way to the safehouse on the east road. No failures, no one noticed.” He didn’t smile, but I saw the pride in his set jaw, the way his shoulders squared when he spoke about the operation.

Branwen’s eyes glittered with hunger and mischief. “The new design you made with layered enchantments… Makes the suppression field even better. They pass all the checkpoints. It’s almost boring now.”

“That’s good. Keep it boring, boring is good when smuggling,” I said. “But here’s the reality, my focus has to be on the dungeon. Legion and Rakthanos told me he can’t hold on for much longer, less than a year before the abyss punches through and floods the city and the world.” I looked at Titus, then at each member of the team. “That means I need every hour. Every resource. The coffin road will have to run itself. I want to help more but the Shield has to know where my priorities lie.”

Titus just nodded, unsurprised, “That’s what the elders seemed to want. They said as much when we were at Tuun’Vaarka’Grenn. They care about the fact that someone is fighting the real enemy. The abyss is the threat. Everything else is just triage.”

Branwen’s tail flicked behind her as she purred her assent, “We’ll keep running the road. You keep the world from ending.”

“Good, so just to recap for my own sanity. Ashley your ready with the gala?” I asked.

“Yep, we can make the announcement whenever you are ready.” She nodded.

“Good. Rachel we are going to spam some needles, I’ll get the last five adamantium coins for the last five needles, and we’ll need to give the emperors emissary a needle on Monday, and we have our tutoring session on Monday as well?” I asked.

“Yes, and we’ll be able to start work on your weapon as well,” she smiled at me as I sorted out this mess.

“Titus, your ready to get us to level twelve and will keep up your coffin road activities?”

“Indeed, prince Eric…” there was a tone of respect in his voice, not forced but genuine when he used the title.

“All right, now lets get stronger… this level seems nice, any tips?” I said turning from the group and looking out over the bridges that connected the mesas.

Clymiphae bobbed her head, sending her blond ponytail dancing, “Mostly flying creatures, they swoop down and try and know you off, no traps on the bridges.”

Chariklia added, “the mesas have the young of the flying type you fight of on the bridges, then the floor guardians are their parents, the ones that try and knock you off are the young adults.”

Lucius chuckled, “ha, not sure how we could speed it up, another mining cart thing, Lord Eric.” He was more amused at the prospect than anything.

“How long to run it?” I asked.

Titus answered, “Going fast, about four hours, the lay out of the maze stays the same, so, as long as you’ve been through it before it’s just the fights that slow you down.”

White mist clouds swirled below and shapes flew in and out, darting through the sky past the first mesa. “Right, let me see what materials we are working with, but we might just have to run the level.”

I relaxed my mind letting all thought go as I focused on my mana sense, and the world that hummed and reverberating energy that buzzed just out of sight. It was so easy gaze a feel through that veil of reality to where mana emanated from all things. my one hundred percent affinity in mana manipulation was unparalleled in this world. I was sure that no other adventurer had felt the eddies and current of Legions dungeon mana before, that nonother had sensed the created world around them. stone shaped by will and power instead of time and pressure.

Right, Eric lets see here… stone, and air, looks like a standard mix of oxygen and nitrogen and other trace gasses, water vaper, lots of that. speed, flying. “Humm,” I tapped my lips and started pacing as I thought. Allie and Brie sat and the group got comfortable waiting to either walk or for me to make some crazy contraption. “Titus, are there any weird creatures like the imps? I’m not seeing and of the black stuff?”

Titus shook his head, “no this level is mostly untouched, if you go below the cloud line, there are some black veins in the rocks down there but it’s minimal.”

“Okay, good.” I said as I went back to thinking. I searched for metals in the rock. It looked like the caprock, the flat part we were standing on was a basalt like rock. “Humm, seems to be dominated by oxygen, silicon, magnesium, aluminum, iron, and calcium…” I felt for the percentages in the rock finding about fourteen percent aluminum, and ten-ish percent iron.

“I think we are going to have to run it,” I said shaking my head, “The bridges are to narrow to make a cart, and if I make a flying machine well everything in the air is just going to swarm us.” I said, shaking my head at the level.

“No good way around that,” Titus said agreeing with my assessment, “getting swarmed would almost be more of a hassle.”

“Yeah, was bond to happen sooner or later. How should we proceed?” o asked Titus letting him take over.

He grunted and then pointed, “Right will do this the classic way, Lucius up front, Eric you’ll take middle with your wives,” he started pulling disks with wirers out, “These attach to your belt,” he said clipping one on and moving over to Milly and handing her the other end, “They’ll stretch and retract freely, but if one of us gets knocked off it will insure we don’t fall to our deaths, I’ll watch Milly if that is okay, Lord Eric?” he asked.

I nodded, and he continued, “Branwen attached to Sasha, Clymiphae attach to Allie, and Chariklia with Brie.” He said handing me two, “Lord Eric, you can attach to Lady Ashley and Lady Rachel.” I took the disk and clipped the two onto my mobius gel belt. I could feel the light enchantment root itself to me. I handed one to Rachel and the Other to Ashley.

“Right let’s move fast, I want to try and clear two levels today.” I added.

“Sounds good like a plan, Lord Eric. Lucius led the way.” Titus ordered and the friendly atmosphere shifted to one of focus, readiness and combat.

Lucius moved and we followed crossing onto the first bridge at a slight jog.