Threads of fate a litrpg.., p.18
Threads of Fate: A LitRPG Fantasy, page 18
Chapter 36: An Unexpected Conclusion
Gazing at the horizon, Lorian saw a wheat stalk rapidly rise from the ground, extending skyward. In mere moments, it towered as tall as him. A few more seconds and it would be ripe for the picking.
Curiously, the crop matured too swiftly. If the hapless [Staples Farmer] scattered many seeds simultaneously, the initial seeds would wither and decompose before the latter ones reached maturity. It was crucial to sow them sequentially. Still, it only took one successful cultivation for Lorian's level to skyrocket to one hundred. This new level granted him the ability to sow and harvest an entire field with a mere gesture.
Another bonus he received allowed for an even larger sowing area. According to Lorian's calculations, one activation of [Seed Plot] would demand an area spanning a hundred square kilometers and a whopping sixty tons of seeds.
However, the chief obstacle wasn't sourcing such a vast land. He could potentially uproot a few villages to achieve that. The real challenge was how [Harvest Plot] would deluge him with a staggering twenty-five thousand tons of wheat in a quarter of a minute.
Perhaps with time, they could find a workaround. Currently, the harvested yield was deposited at a set distance. Maybe if he stood atop a heightened platform? Or a towering pole? Regardless, it was unnecessary. Given the ample farmers they possessed, satiating Jurelli's burgeoning populace was a trivial task. Their numbers had soared as many sought refuge from neighboring disintegrated isles. The count should have been higher...
Incorporating Gaia into their squad had been an uncanny experience. Shigeo took great delight in observing the double-takes people gave them, a short delay as realization struck before they spun around in shock. Most times, these individuals ended up stumbling or colliding into objects. Lorian thought of suggesting a change in Gaia's appearance, perhaps a hairdo, but didn't wish to dampen Shigeo's amusement.
Their journey led them to the four surviving temple-cities. Utilizing the far-seeing orbs, they broadcasted a call to arms, urging everyone to seek refuge in Jurelli. Predictably, initial responses were scarce. Rulers hesitated to relinquish their dominion, and the common folk were loath to leave their native lands. Many weren't even informed due to censorship by the local authorities.
The first dragon incursion was reported a few days post-world restoration, devastating Greenrim, which had shifted to the new continent's western frontier. Their monarch ordered an immediate evacuation. Yet, others remained in denial, dismissing Greenrim's ordeal as the misadventures of simple agrarians combating dragons.
Then, an unprecedented menace emerged in Hrellflan. An enigmatic entity, assuming random metallic geometries, teleported sporadically. Merely blinking allowed this creature to transmit its metallic affliction to its victims, turning them into similar anomalous entities. The plague soon consumed Hrellisti, pushing the king to sanction a strategic withdrawal to Jurelli.
Such calamities befell other realms. From an infantile entity of the Other emerging from southern waters, to a colossal behemoth in Ergland, to a gargantuan worm underneath Gi'klet'o. The ensuing evacuations were marred by chaos, and as weeks lapsed, the once-great kingdoms faded into oblivion, leaving only Jurelli and the Wastes.
Despite their initial deprivation, the refugees soon integrated into Jurelli's society. Before admission, they underwent interviews with truth-detecting specialists to determine their intent. As expected, most aristocrats failed.
Disturbed by the distant sound of another impending dragon assault, Lorian pondered how many more such attacks awaited them. He mused about the fate of Sanctuary, and the implications if Ariana could indeed bestow classes upon dragons, given they weren't classified as monsters. Such a scenario could bring even more formidable adversaries to Jurelli's borders.
Their current strategy was expansion, annexing territories bit by bit, always striving to reclaim their continent. Lorian watched as the skilled farmers resumed their tasks post the rejuvenation ritual performed by Gaia's priestesses. The clergy from other domains remained relevant, though the belief in the Five waned, giving rise to a cult devoted to the Other.
Amidst this bustling routine, Lorian felt a lingering sense of disquiet. Even if they managed to sustain their populace, Jurelli was overcrowded. The cherished ceremony of paths had ceased, with Gaia's domain now dominating the class choices. Without new soldiers, artisans, and mages, Jurelli was racing against time. Even though ancient healers had found ways to partially reverse aging, the cycle of life and death persisted.
The looming question was, for how long could they maintain this delicate balance?
In the upcoming days, Fleta would spearhead an expedition to Sanctuary, with hopes of uncovering its fate and locating Ariana. If fortune favored her, she would prevail. However, if not... The day would dawn when mankind would lean on real farmers rather than [Farmers]. The time when, without the Other's bestowed might, they'd face dragons.
"Rely. Craft. Construct. Evolve."
With such words coming from the entity made of tentacles and countless eyes, Lorian felt a surge of optimism. The vision the Other saw, wherein unclassified humans resisted foes as formidable as Brenhin-Tân, was beyond Lorian's comprehension. But he was adept at evolving. Perhaps, in his twilight years, he might craft gear not bound to a person via [Loyal Equipment]. Although without advantages to amplify, their impact would be diminished. Lorian sensed the Other hinting at a deeper revelation.
In their early days of mass cultivation, a mishap resulted in the loss of a barn. The mage involved adamantly professed he'd ignited only a minuscule flame to swat a bug. Inexplicably, it caused a massive explosion. Their protective gear saved them, and rebuilding wasn't a major hassle. A mere few hours of crop yield was sacrificed.
Seasoned farmers, upon hearing the tale, acknowledged it, recalling their own experiences of similar calamities. As per their wisdom, one should never ignite a flame in a dust-laden barn.
To many, this was common knowledge. However, neither the mage nor Lorian was privy to this wisdom. Enlightened now, Lorian pondered. If a dragon were engulfed in a cloud of grain dust followed by igniting a spark, would it be decimated without using any skills? Typically, people avoided causing destruction. But what if they aimed to maximize the blast?
What other feats were replicable? Accelerating the growth of a wheat stalk in mere moments was beyond mere fertilizer. Maybe a device like [Seed Plot] was conceivable? A mechanism that allows seeds to be dispersed evenly? Perhaps a scythe that simultaneously harvested and collected?
The Other had emphasized, "Innovate". The challenge was daunting, but they had a window before their borrowed might waned. Though the University of Illuganasis was buried in the Wastes, along with other kingdom's institutions, many scholars were present. Once Jurelli stabilized and the influx of refugees ebbed, Lorian would motivate them towards innovation.
Note:
Wrapping up the main narrative. Coming next is a hypothetical side-tale from an alternate timeline where Lorian accepted the Other's proposition in chapter 2. This variant is yet to be completed. By week's end, synchronization with royalroad will be achieved, followed by weekly chapter releases.
Clear text version:
Your inherent strength was always sufficient. Vital. Indispensable. Stand alone. Educate yourself. Progress autonomously. Design. Innovate. Adjust. Evolve.
In anticipation of the likely eavesdropping abilities of those on the stage, Lorian strategically positioned himself between them and his parents, displaying all ten fingers.
Fleta remarked, "This is intriguing."
"They wouldn't dare challenge you," Shigeo said confidently, a wide grin on his face. "Trust in that. They won't jeopardize their standing with you."
Concurring, Fleta said, "They might retaliate, but only after you're gone."
Shigeo, beaming, quipped, "Our island could do with fewer nobles anyway."
Feeling more at ease, Lorian shifted from the barrier's edge and got in line for appraisal. He was now at the tail end due to his brief hesitation, which provided him with a chance to reflect.
The audience's impatience became evident, especially as they hoped he'd skip the line. The most agitated among them was a portly noble youth, red in the face. "What's your game? Respect my time and move it!" he fumed.
Lorian opted to ignore him.
Yet, he couldn't suppress a smile seeing the irritation on the faces of others in line. This noble's tantrum over not skipping ahead was surely not endearing him to the crowd.
The disgruntled noble now directed his anger at the guards. With them occupied, Lorian revisited his status. Which skills were safe to use in a packed space? [Truthseeker] reminded him of Gaia's prayers that forced truthful responses. He'd unveil it when his turn came. Being at level one but tier ten, and considering the noble's evident lack of restraint, there was a chance it'd be effective. Lorian already had a list of probing questions in mind.
[Divine Punishment] was off the table. It might wreak havoc, punishing based on the esoteric judgement of the otherworldly entity, rather than Lorian's morals. He didn't desire to be feared for causing a catastrophe.
[Gate] seemed promising, perhaps a teleportation skill. But with gates typically allowing passage both ways and uncertainty about controlling its destination, testing it here amidst innocents was a gamble.
[Itinerant Eyes] seemed harmless based on its name. If it did result in any bizarre outcome, like his eyes detaching, at least a priest of Gaia was within reach. In anticipation of the likely eavesdropping abilities of those on the stage, Lorian strategically positioned himself between them and his parents, displaying all ten fingers.
Fleta remarked, "This is intriguing."
"They wouldn't dare challenge you," Shigeo said confidently, a wide grin on his face. "Trust in that. They won't jeopardize their standing with you."
Concurring, Fleta said, "They might retaliate, but only after you're gone."
Shigeo, beaming, quipped, "Our island could do with fewer nobles anyway."
Feeling more at ease, Lorian shifted from the barrier's edge and got in line for appraisal. He was now at the tail end due to his brief hesitation, which provided him with a chance to reflect.
The audience's impatience became evident, especially as they hoped he'd skip the line. The most agitated among them was a portly noble youth, red in the face. "What's your game? Respect my time and move it!" he fumed.
Lorian opted to ignore him.
Yet, he couldn't suppress a smile seeing the irritation on the faces of others in line. This noble's tantrum over not skipping ahead was surely not endearing him to the crowd.
The disgruntled noble now directed his anger at the guards. With them occupied, Lorian revisited his status. Which skills were safe to use in a packed space? [Truthseeker] reminded him of Gaia's prayers that forced truthful responses. He'd unveil it when his turn came. Being at level one but tier ten, and considering the noble's evident lack of restraint, there was a chance it'd be effective. Lorian already had a list of probing questions in mind.
[Divine Punishment] was off the table. It might wreak havoc, punishing based on the esoteric judgement of the otherworldly entity, rather than Lorian's morals. He didn't desire to be feared for causing a catastrophe.
[Gate] seemed promising, perhaps a teleportation skill. But with gates typically allowing passage both ways and uncertainty about controlling its destination, testing it here amidst innocents was a gamble.
[Itinerant Eyes] seemed harmless based on its name. If it did result in any bizarre outcome, like his eyes detaching, at least a priest of Gaia was within reach. In anticipation of the likely eavesdropping abilities of those on the stage, Lorian strategically positioned himself between them and his parents, displaying all ten fingers.
Fleta remarked, "This is intriguing."
"They wouldn't dare challenge you," Shigeo said confidently, a wide grin on his face. "Trust in that. They won't jeopardize their standing with you."
Concurring, Fleta said, "They might retaliate, but only after you're gone."
Shigeo, beaming, quipped, "Our island could do with fewer nobles anyway."
Feeling more at ease, Lorian shifted from the barrier's edge and got in line for appraisal. He was now at the tail end due to his brief hesitation, which provided him with a chance to reflect.
The audience's impatience became evident, especially as they hoped he'd skip the line. The most agitated among them was a portly noble youth, red in the face. "What's your game? Respect my time and move it!" he fumed.
Lorian opted to ignore him.
Yet, he couldn't suppress a smile seeing the irritation on the faces of others in line. This noble's tantrum over not skipping ahead was surely not endearing him to the crowd.
The disgruntled noble now directed his anger at the guards. With them occupied, Lorian revisited his status. Which skills were safe to use in a packed space? [Truthseeker] reminded him of Gaia's prayers that forced truthful responses. He'd unveil it when his turn came. Being at level one but tier ten, and considering the noble's evident lack of restraint, there was a chance it'd be effective. Lorian already had a list of probing questions in mind.
[Divine Punishment] was off the table. It might wreak havoc, punishing based on the esoteric judgement of the otherworldly entity, rather than Lorian's morals. He didn't desire to be feared for causing a catastrophe.
[Gate] seemed promising, perhaps a teleportation skill. But with gates typically allowing passage both ways and uncertainty about controlling its destination, testing it here amidst innocents was a gamble.
[Itinerant Eyes] seemed harmless based on its name. If it did result in any bizarre outcome, like his eyes detaching, at least a priest of Gaia was within reach. In anticipation of the likely eavesdropping abilities of those on the stage, Lorian strategically positioned himself between them and his parents, displaying all ten fingers.
Fleta remarked, "This is intriguing."
"They wouldn't dare challenge you," Shigeo said confidently, a wide grin on his face. "Trust in that. They won't jeopardize their standing with you."
Concurring, Fleta said, "They might retaliate, but only after you're gone."
In anticipation of the likely eavesdropping abilities of those on the stage, Lorian strategically positioned himself between them and his parents, displaying all ten fingers.
Fleta remarked, "This is intriguing."
"They wouldn't dare challenge you," Shigeo said confidently, a wide grin on his face. "Trust in that. They won't jeopardize their standing with you."
Concurring, Fleta said, "They might retaliate, but only after you're gone."
Shigeo, beaming, quipped, "Our island could do with fewer nobles anyway."
Feeling more at ease, Lorian shifted from the barrier's edge and got in line for appraisal. He was now at the tail end due to his brief hesitation, which provided him with a chance to reflect.
The audience's impatience became evident, especially as they hoped he'd skip the line. The most agitated among them was a portly noble youth, red in the face. "What's your game? Respect my time and move it!" he fumed.
Lorian opted to ignore him.
Yet, he couldn't suppress a smile seeing the irritation on the faces of others in line. This noble's tantrum over not skipping ahead was surely not endearing him to the crowd.
The disgruntled noble now directed his anger at the guards. With them occupied, Lorian revisited his status. Which skills were safe to use in a packed space? [Truthseeker] reminded him of Gaia's prayers that forced truthful responses. He'd unveil it when his turn came. Being at level one but tier ten, and considering the noble's evident lack of restraint, there was a chance it'd be effective. Lorian already had a list of probing questions in mind.
[Divine Punishment] was off the table. It might wreak havoc, punishing based on the esoteric judgement of the otherworldly entity, rather than Lorian's morals. He didn't desire to be feared for causing a catastrophe.
[Gate] seemed promising, perhaps a teleportation skill. But with gates typically allowing passage both ways and uncertainty about controlling its destination, testing it here amidst innocents was a gamble.
[Itinerant Eyes] seemed harmless based on its name. If it did result in any bizarre outcome, like his eyes detaching, at least a priest of Gaia was within reach.
Shigeo, beaming, quipped, "Our island could do with fewer nobles anyway."
Feeling more at ease, Lorian shifted from the barrier's edge and got in line for appraisal. He was now at the tail end due to his brief hesitation, which provided him with a chance to reflect.
The audience's impatience became evident, especially as they hoped he'd skip the line. The most agitated among them was a portly noble youth, red in the face. "What's your game? Respect my time and move it!" he fumed.
Lorian opted to ignore him.
Yet, he couldn't suppress a smile seeing the irritation on the faces of others in line. This noble's tantrum over not skipping ahead was surely not endearing him to the crowd.
The disgruntled noble now directed his anger at the guards. With them occupied, Lorian revisited his status. Which skills were safe to use in a packed space? [Truthseeker] reminded him of Gaia's prayers that forced truthful responses. He'd unveil it when his turn came. Being at level one but tier ten, and considering the noble's evident lack of restraint, there was a chance it'd be effective. Lorian already had a list of probing questions in mind.
[Divine Punishment] was off the table. It might wreak havoc, punishing based on the esoteric judgement of the otherworldly entity, rather than Lorian's morals. He didn't desire to be feared for causing a catastrophe.
