SK4 - Chapter 13 - The Frosthaven Tour (Patreon)

The next two weeks after the Heritage Challenges were more of the same, with Nick and the girls focused and working hard on their training and cultivation. 

More Star Oni awakened each week, and finally, Jasper had been reborn. Birdy was happy to rejoin her mount, the Alpha Frostwarg, and when Nick saw Birdy again, he was shocked.

She was very much looking like a demon frost phoenix, and she gave Nick a haughty look as its feathers fluttered when he saw her. It looked like he wouldn’t need the Genesis Chamber to rebirth her after all. Demons were truly strange creatures on Orion. To think that, Irene and now Rebecca were like the reverse of that creature somehow made him start to wonder more about it.

Nick had alternated between his Ideal, using his Soul Forge to temper his Soul Blade’s focus and his Soul, eat demon cores, and spend time on his Throne, cultivating as he improved the essence within him toward his two Paths. Lastly, he had finished dream interrogating and judging the last of the captives from Silverbrook and Shadowvale.

He had a busy schedule, but he had also spent plenty of time with each of his wives, especially Shara, and lately, Rebecca.

Shara had made her run through the Path of Kings Ordeal, along with her father and mother, with some of the monsterfolk girls helping. She had already ascended to the Second Stratum quickly after obtaining her Frost-associated Trait, and core formation material. She had the equivalent of Concept Fragments before she came to Orion, or perhaps a higher understanding from her constant focus on different aspects of cultivation throughout her lifetime. 

The Star Oni woman had focused on pondering the dao in addition to her tempering and polishing her meridians for all this time. So when she spent time here on Orion cultivating, her Fragments actually formed rapidly. The pondering of the dao outside of Orion had slowly but surely increased her spirituality–her strength of spirit and soul, and Orion was then able to crystallize that very rapidly. In some way, it was a lot like those reborn from a higher stratum.

Orion had even identified the meridian polishing as a positive trait, though the bonus wasn’t all that significant–simply quantifying it as a half a Body and Soul Rating. He thought it was more than that in truth, as her personal base stats were quite significant. Nick’s were only slightly higher than hers in total, and her Body Rating was actually higher than his was. Perhaps, it was just that her mother and father were so strong, much like how it worked on Orion.

Shara had established a unique Core, too. It was a starlight-devotion core, somehow merging the two thanks to her connection to Fate and Nick. She had also earned a minor enlightenment from facing the difficult wrath lava elemental, pushing her even closer to Early Mastery with her starlight berserking and Fatestriding. 

And now, Rebecca and the four Priestesses of Seraphara had returned from their Ordeal run, having reached the 19th Floor. Rebecca had gained a lot from their efforts, and unlocked her own Epic Class of Seraphara’s Archaen Fighting Sister. It was like a mixture of a monk and a priestess in terms of its skills and traits boosting her performance, allowing for flexibility in combat.  

During their run, they even found a blueprint for a special structure, a unique space for meditation. Nick was somewhat reminded of the mirror of truth he had gotten to use, in that it aided them with their cultivation mantras and usage of essence. It was described to him as a room of mirrors, and he was excited to visit it–they had managed to place it with what they earned from their run and what they had saved easily.  

A lot had happened, but now it was time for their date. Nick was dressed in his kingly blue robes, and as always, his Soul Blade hilt was in the holster on his shoulder.

Eirwen and Jasmine were prepping him, making sure he was ready for his date and special time. 

“You ready to become a Father, Hubby? It’s going to be a big evening, for you.”

Jasmine rubbed some cologne between her hands, and rubbed it along his neck and chest before grabbing his robes, and putting them on. 

Nick spread his arms to make it easier for her to put them on. “Ready or not, it needs to happen and soon. Say the word and it can be you instead if you want, Winny.”

“You know us beastfolk and wolfen girls are all excited to have your children, but none of us want to fall behind you. We are the ones who chose the Devotion Cores too, and we understood the implications when we did. If you could slow down and take your time, we’d all do it in a heartbeat.”

Nick was a little miffed when he learned of the implications of the Devotion Cores–that essentially, his wives would die and children would all become orphans if he fell. Of course, that was the reality in many cases especially inside of the Ordeals, but that it would happen even if they would have otherwise survived really sucked to him. 

Over the coming months, they would be facing a desperate challenge to enter the third Stratum and then this monster kingdom, the demon threat in the Frostspire Mines, and Blackthorne. It felt like a terrible time for those to be fighting by his side to be pregnant or worried about their children back at home.

And his wives were certainly his best shot of winning any battle or overcoming any challenge or Trial. While Lothar, Agatha, and Renzou were all fairly strong as combatants, they simply were not quite at the level of any of his wives in terms of what they brought to both his team but also to his own strength. Nearly every single one of his wives was also stronger while fighting near him besides, or increased his strength to higher levels. 

Perhaps, Elyra and Myron once they caught up might be pretty darn close to his wives’ capabilities, but it would take them much longer to do so. Half the reason Shara was moving so quickly was in thanks to Nick’s Essence Sharing and Dual Cultivation, benefits they did not have.

And Nick needed to create Heirs for the good of his kingdom. He had several Heritage Quests pending, which would not only potentially increase his personal strength, but also provide structures and valuable knowledge within the Ancestral Archives. There may even be new Quests unlocked, which could have incredible value on their own. To not have children would go against his duty as a Lord of Orion, but also his ancestors and bloodline. 

Still, there was more. Nick could feel it. Every time he slept with one of his wives, there was a deep-seated desire to create one. It was as if it were an important aspect of his race and bloodline, and he, up to now, was forcing himself to ignore this desire, or to shove it down within his heart. The last time he did that with his monstrosity attribute, he had missed out on valuable strength.

Finally, there was the dangerous threat of the Ravagers. His race was likely the only one that could actually combat this terrible danger to all of Orion, and spreading his progeny far and wide may be required to completely snuff it out. It was again his duty as a Hero to raise many warrior children, even if his sensibilities from his time on Earth made him feel strange about it. Any Heir would have the expectation that they would fight and become strong enough to become Lords of Orion, whether on this Shard or another. Just as it was Nick’s duty, it would be theirs.  

In truth, the priestesses of Seraphara were perfect to raise his first set of Heirs. Averse to conflict, yet strong as a community against it. They gained strength through meditation and study, rather than fighting. Even while pregnant, they could be reading their books and granting people their compassion, able to progress in their Concepts and more.

And of course, wonderful, loving mothers and excellent wives. Nick had not met a priestess of Seraphara he didn’t like. Each was giving and beautiful, somehow a reflection of their pure and loving souls inside of them.

Jasmine finished straightening his outfit, and ran a hand through his hair. “There–you look dashing, Master. Ready for your date, and I do believe they are here.” 

Vi confirmed, “They are standing outside, Milord.”

Eirwen kissed his cheek. “Go get ‘em, Hubby, and have a good time. I know they want to make you happy, and are very pleased to be the ones to do this duty for you.”     

The four potential Maidens had met out front of his house, and they had decided to take him on a walk through Frosthaven for their date. It was Veronica, Marissa, Chastity, and Irene this time, but he knew there were several more interested. However, this group was one he himself had much more feelings directly for, as he had spent much more time with each one of them. 

They were all wearing outfits much like what Rebecca wore on her first date–poodle skirts, with cute white and black or blue button-up blouses. They were tight against their skin, which showed off their attractive curves. Seeing them outside their baggy habits was surprising, though he had been used to it thanks to Rebecca.

Strangely, it was almost like the three human priestesses were dressed up as triplets. Marissa, Chastity, and Veronica all had their blonde hair done up the same way: with half done up in a braid near the top, and then their long, usually hidden hair cascaded down their backs. In truth, they looked so much like Rebecca just with another hairstyle. 

Rebecca also had wings and they did not, making this one of the only other obvious differences. And Veronica had toned legs from her efforts to become a paladin, making her stand out from the other two, besides.

He had learned that there was a reason for this. The Bishop’s plans to defile these women and break their spirit, and thus, Irene’s spirit as she was forced to witness it, led him to seek women who resembled Irene and Rebecca in some way–among other things, perhaps. The man had even gone so far as to find orphans or potential adherents who did, and Chastity and Veronica seemed aware that this might be the only reason they were brought to Zura in the first place.

Nick smiled at them. “Looking fantastic, ladies. You didn’t have to pick me up, you know–I’d have been happy to be the gentlemen and pick you girls up instead.”

Marissa’s smile grew wider. “You do so much for us already, Nicholas, and we know you are both a hero and a gentleman. You’re giving us some of your precious time, so we wanted you to relax and enjoy. That’s why we planned this outing, so you can focus on cherishing it instead.”

“I can roll with that. Shall we?” He walked forward, and offered his elbows. Veronica and Chastity took them with smiles, and Marissa and Irene walked in front of them, leading them to their destination.

Nick swore they walked with an extra sway to their hips to attract his gaze. Irene’s wings were closed, and her thin waist allowed her wide hips stand out even further. And Chastity and Veronica were not merely holding on to his arms with their hands chastely. They pressed their bountiful chests against his arms, keeping up with him closely at a sedate pace, their feet flowing across the pavement smoothly.  

They made some small talk as they walked across the cobblestone-paved road, asking him about how his cultivation had been going. In all, he was pleased with his progress, and he thought he was not that far off from being ready to use the spark. 

He’d tweaked his Ideal some as he went, and he thought his mastery of his control of light and darkness was growing well. So was the density of light and dark within his soul and body from both spending quality time with Rebecca, judging the bandits, and eating the demon cores.

A few more of the special pacts were also obtained from the bandits, where a few flipped over to fully be redeemed. 

Nick summarized his success, leaving out the bandits part, and the girls were happy to hear it.

Irene said, “I can feel it, my hero. The density of the essence within you is reaching levels of true elites, even outside of Frontier Shards. If you can achieve your goal of becoming a Master Swordsman before you reach the third stratum, few could possibly be your match–I’m certain of it.” 

He asked, “How about you ladies? Your success must have you excited about a few things too.” 

Veronica nodded, smiling. “Reaching the 19th Floor was a big deal. Now, we’ll have numerous more slots for our trainees in the Ordeal, and we can grow our second Stratum clergy more rapidly, along with the numerous additional paladins we’ve added.”

Veronica added, “The essence within the Cathedral is more dense than ever, and we can truly feel Seraphara’s presence and guidance in a larger way than ever before–even before the Bishop’s treachery began. We are extremely proud of how every adherent that worships will benefit from our efforts.”

Irene said from ahead of them, “And I loved to see my little Becca performing so well within the Tower. Even though she’s spent a lot of time within your party, Hero, she has not fallen behind in her studies. Her conviction and resolve in Seraphara’s teachings have only increased. I do think you are the one to thank for that, hero.”

Nick was a little confused by that. “Why’s that thanks to me?”

Irene stopped and turned to face him, and walked toward him, causing him and the girls to stop. Her gaze was full of affection as she smiled at him, and spoke softly. “Because, you have shown your respect and admiration for her path at every step of the way. I think with how everything happened and how the Bishop had driven her to despair for all of his sins, you could have created additional doubts in her beliefs, driven her to a new path entirely. Instead, you helped prop her up and protected her in her darkest moments, granting her the power she needed to stand up to those bullies in Silverbrook. You ignite the strength and hope of all of us with your light.”

Nick wasn’t used to the fervor all four girls looked up at him with their loving smiles, and he was a bit shocked at the strength of their feelings. This was going to be a long walk. He cleared his throat, which had nearly run dry at their intense gazes. “I do my best.”

Irene laughed, “And your best is truly wonderful! Let’s continue, or we’ll never make it to our destinations!” She turned and started their walk once more, and Irene added, “All that said, Hero, my little Becca’s sacrificial Concept may be the one falling behind instead.”

Nick frowned in thought, though he was happy about the change in topic. “That’s true. Thankfully, she hasn’t had too much need for Sacrifice in our many battles. It does seem something difficult to repeat.”

Chastity said, “She could practice it more, and I know that she does. But there are many truths of sacrifice, and they don’t all involve removing an effect or controlling a foreign essence. She could simply take on other adjacent aspects into her Concept, that will help her to understand the original one further and get more usage out of it. I’m sure she has the way of it, and now that she’s a Fighting Sister, she’ll have many options open up to her.”

During their walk, they passed by the Cathedral, and they waved at many adherents as they passed by. Nick’s city was bustling, and the girls were happy to point out a lot of the efforts as they went through the city. He saw bikes nearly everywhere, but he was also surprised to see some strong horses. A few of them were nearing the second stratum, which Nick was told was rather rare on this shard.

Irene smiled as he watched a horse pulling a heavy cart that several horses may be necessary normally. “The density of essence in Frosthaven’s first ring is actually higher than most third stratum cities on this Shard because our population density is still far lower. The horses and other farm animals are already much stronger than most other cities, and this has numerous effects on their value as both beasts of burden but also as food.”

Eventually, they arrived at a busy city square. Much like Silverbrook, there were a lot of area for stands, and even a sales podium for special events much like they had. It was currently being used for selling bikes and other tools of Lumos’ and consortium of crafters, a decent-sized crowd built perusing the different contraptions. A common thing he was seeing a lot of was the addition of a carriage with a wheel on the side of the bike–a tricycle. 

The small carriage could carry either people or goods, and people were using it to great effect everywhere they went. The profession classes like farmer or merchant did not improve someone’s Body Rating by a lot, but by the time someone neared the tenth level, they could likely compete with Olympians on Earth, especially if they worked out at all. 

The many stands were filled with various sellers, from grocers to prepared food stalls. Materials from Adventurers and shipments from Silverbrook, along with crafted goods were being sold, and Nick was happy to see that people from every corner of Frosthaven were present. 

From dark elves and beast folk from Shadowvale, Orcs from Nagduros, adherents of Seraphara, humans from Havendale, and the various peoples from Silverbrook. Everyone was represented, and he was proud to see them all both buying and selling goods.

The Adventurer’s Guild was just a bit away, and he knew that a lot of what helped stock the stores were both Lumos’ crafters but also what the many Adventurers obtained. The number was growing frequently, and he knew that Renzou and Lothar had taken to giving some training to these people looking to get into the profession.         

Marissa and Irene turned to face Nick, and Chastity waved her free hand at the square. “What do you think, Nicholas? Our market square has really evolved. We had liked what we saw in Silverbrook, and saw no reason why we couldn’t reproduce at least the spirit of it here in Frosthaven. Marissa worked really hard on it with the Councilor, and the people of Zura and all the others love it.”

Nick smiled. “I like it a lot. I often take walks on different routes through the city, on my way to the different Ordeals. I’d noticed this as it was being formed, and I was already impressed. Now I just know that Marissa was one of the masterminds behind it. Good work.”

Marissa looked extra proud, as she puffed out her chest and took a look for herself at their surroundings. “The Councilor helped a lot to organize, of course. But I do it for this city. It has only been my home for a short time, but I love it so much. So many people here have a new lease on life, working hard and grateful for these opportunities. Thankful to you, Nicholas, for granting us all the resources for all our projects. I had worked hard for Zura too, but never have I felt my efforts so worthwhile.” 

Veronica sighed. “Of course, we had something much more sinister working against us, right under our noses. Anyway, enough about that. We have a lot more happy things to show you!”

Chastity shook her head, smiling at Nick with more than a little bit of reverence and fervor in her eyes. “It is easy to make that a happy moment instead. We just have to remember that it was our hero that saved us from those evils. That we had suffered so we could understand what a great gift our Lord and Hero has given us.”

They changed places, and now Irene and Marissa took his arms as they headed to the next location. And now, Nick was certain they were swaying their hips with purpose, as he had seen these girls walk many times before. They went to another slice of the city, where there was no Ordeal located currently. The party arrived at a whole new area, that looked well organized. 

Throughout the city, there was quite an eclectic mixture of homes and shops of various styles, people getting their plots and having what they wanted to be built in a loosely organized fashion. He could tell that there was at least some mindfulness as to where they were placed, at the very least. But this area held larger buildings, and there was plenty of open space for expansion for more, some currently in progress by some very busy-looking builders. It was clear that this area was meant for residents, and it was designed with the future in mind.

Marissa noted, “This is where many of the new people from Silverbrook settled. After our few Stonewrights and foremen had gained enough experience and levels from their works throughout the city, they managed to follow a blueprint of Lumos’ and build these structures rapidly with their work crews.”

The faces of the buildings were lined with brick, making them look like modern apartments or condominiums, and were four stories high. Each unit couldn’t have been that big inside, but they were efficiently placed. They each had simple patios, and there was a proper fire escape going down the side. There appeared to be proper chimneys, with smoke coming up from them at the top of the unit. Nick assumed each unit had a fireplace, likely for cooking and heating. 

Tons of people hung around outside either on their balconies, or at the ground level in a nice, community area that very much resembled a simple park, complete with playground, field, trees and bushes, and more. The parents were hanging around on benches, watching kids play or having conversations with one another. It had an excellent neighborhood feel, very different from any he had seen on Earth in the 21st Century. 

Overall, Nick was shocked that such a thing could be built so quickly. “These look great, I’m surprised they could complete something so nice and so fast.”

Marissa smiled. “They worked hard, but it helped that there were a lot of nearby materials, so many workers, and decent crafters. We even leant our Helping Hands from the Zura community, Veronica worked hard over here too. The homes are a little cozy, but the communal spaces encourage people to spend time together outside, only having family or private time and a place to sleep inside. It allowed us to get them built quickly, and with proper plumbing and chimneys!”

Chastity added, “We chose this because while these people are not adherents of Seraphara, we loved our community very much, and wanted them to experience that aspect of it. If we had more time, we’d have wanted to give them all their own individual land and freestanding homes, but this might be for the best within your city. Space will always be at a premium, so it’s important for us to keep this in mind going into the future.”

“Nice, I like that. This place has a great community, or neighborhood feel. Er, wait. What’s that?”

At the back of the park from where they were standing, there was what looked like a statue in a raised stone area. They began to walk toward it, but their arrival in the park didn’t go unnoticed.

A child shouted, “Hey look, it’s the guy from the statue! It’s Noblefrost!”

Several other children agreed, and many of the parent’s attention caused them to look over. A swarm of kids stormed over, and they all seemed excited to meet him. They were familiar with the statue and asked him all sorts of questions, like who the girls were, or if they could see his sword.

The girls mostly just watched with smiles as Nick got crowded with the many kids, and somehow separated from them. There were dozens of the kids of various races, showing Nick just how much of a melting pot Frosthaven had become. 

Nick wasn’t used to it, but he decided to embrace it. The kids had already gathered around and seemed so excited to see him, so he took a few minutes to talk to them and show off, to make the kids feel special. Drawing his Soul Blade, the kids oo’d and aww’d at the weapon, and they brought out their own sword-like-sticks to challenge him.

Using one of their sticks, he dueled several of the kids. He was surprised that they had actually practiced so much and had some kind of training, and realized it was certainly a popular past-time in a world where fighting for one’s life against monsters or bandits might be commonplace. 

The kids clearly had opinions about Nick already, and he could see by the many parent’s smiles and attention to his actions that this was where they had gotten it. That the kids saw Nick as a hero and benevolent lord was merely a reflection of how their parents saw him, and he could feel it in the very essence in the air.

A few of the kids even asked for autographs, which he was surprised this was something common here on Orion. Without photographs, most had wanted him to sign their clothing or sword-like-sticks.

He eventually made it to the statue to give it a look. It was the same as the one on top of his Hero’s Path Ordeal, the one with his Soul Blade and his Cloak of Twilight billowing around him.

Chastity was practically swooning with a blush on her face, and her smile wide. It seemed she really liked his showing. “You did great with those kids, Nicholas. I’m sure they’ll remember that moment for a long time!” She muttered, “I know I will…”

Nick chuckled. “That was a bit of a surprise. I didn’t really know that even the kids would know who I was.” He thought about it for another moment. “They look healthy and happy.”

Chastity nodded with a smile. “Few ever go hungry here in Frosthaven. We see to that, through the soup kitchen but also a few other efforts.” She smiled and pointed at a few adherents and a single priestess on bikes that they saw in the distance. “We started your door to door idea here, too.”

Nick laughed. “You started that here, too? Aw man, now I almost feel bad for introducing it.”

Veronica frowned. “Whyever would you feel bad?”

Nick frowned in thought. “Oh, uh. it’s just that, I had gotten the idea from a group that, let’s just say, they weren’t well-liked for this practice. People get annoyed that their private time is interrupted to be preached to, and they can be pushy too, I guess. I suppose your people wouldn’t be like that, at least.”

Veronica chuckled. “I can see that, and we understood from our time in Silverbrook. I think this practice is well liked! We often bring gifts, and we check on people and learn about issues in the community–areas that are lacking. Sure, we do mention Seraphara and invite them to seek her wisdom, but few are going to make a sour face at some free fruit and an invite for dinner, as well as some Helping Hands! We offer to help them with just about anything they need help with.”

Nick was impressed. “Damn, when you put it like that, I’d listen to the good word with a smile if they would help me with some chore or give me a meal besides. I can see how all of that can build a stronger, more tight-knit community.”

Marissa smiled. “That’s right. We used to only offer it to other adherents, but we realized that we’re not in Zura anymore. We’re a part of your great city of Frosthaven now. It was decided that we wanted to foster a feeling of togetherness, a community that matched our heroic lord.”

“Matches me?”

Irene replied, “You’re a lord of Orion who does not discriminate. You aid and save others, and treat them all equally. You even gave the former slaves a path to citizenship, and only to make it feel earned on their part, after you paid for their freedom with your own personal funds.”

Veronica added, “And that’s on top of the fact that you rescued so many from evil plots. Everyone here is aware of your heroism, and the leadership you still give. You invest in your people, but still protect and carry us all with your strength.”

Nick could feel the reverence they held for him in their words and in their voices, and understood what they were trying to say. Lord Silver of Silverbrook had similar intentions with his city, in that he did invest in his people and cared about them. It was easy to like and respect the man for Nick, as he fought hard to make his peoples’ lives better. 

However, he fell a little short in his personal capabilities. He was not strong on his own and his subordinates were lacking, and thus had fallen prey to Blackthorne and the other threats involving his city. The truth was, Lord Silver and his city was positioned in an excellent location and had numerous advantages, yet he had come up short in his ability to protect his people and truly succeed. He lacked talent and strength to go with his ideals and values, and his people had suffered for it. Unfortunately, the same could be said of Lothar. He had also come up short when it came to both preventing and defeating the Bishop’s evil.

Nick looked over the tenemants or apartments once more, seeing so many people living and being happy in his city. All too often, Nick’s time was focused on his personal cultivation or at an individual initiative, such as viewing an individual structure. But for a Lord of Orion, his people were the lifeblood of every action and activity, and were his duty and his strength. 

He was proud of how far Frosthaven had already come, but knew this was the beginning. Only once everyone was housed and found true stability in their lives, could they truly achieve their dreams. “Thanks for showing this all to me, ladies. I’m blessed to have you girls looking out for me and my people. I thank you, and I’m always going to do my best to meet your expectations. People deserve some level of safety, and I’ll do everything in my power to continue to grant that to them.” 

The four girls all had beautiful smiles as they looked at him, filled with admiration once more. The essence within him stirred, and he realized that they truly saw him as their personal hero, in addition to their respected lord. As a Lord of Orion who walked the Hero’s Path, this mere admiration built into something tangible within him, and the essence of Orion itself.  

Irene said, “Let’s continue to the next place, if you don’t mind? We wanted to show you just a little more of the city, so we’ll pass through the Shadowvale area.”