Defiance of the Fall

Zac nodded at Tavza to continue, the promise of treasure making his heart beat faster. Not even upgrading his skill could compare to the prospect of getting access to the Undead Empire's stockpiles. Perhaps if he'd gotten another title out of it, but the System wouldn't award bonuses from something so basic in the D-grade.

"I've been instructed to ask you about the incongruity between the talent you showcased when forming your skill and what we found during the inspection before we go into detail," Tavza said. "If we don't get to the bottom of things, we must first reconvene."

Zac snorted, knowing the Monarchs were likely spying on the conversation. He couldn't blame them for their demand. He was the same, grabbing for benefits every opening he saw. And them confirming he really was a Draugr Mortal had created massive waves, where the Draugr doctors had looked at him like he was an alien. Zac thought it over for a few seconds before nodding.

He'd have to give up a smaller secret to protect a bigger one.

"I guess I can tell you. It's unrelated to the Peak of the Grand Tapestry," Zac said.

The Peak of the Grand Tapestry, or the Artisanal Peak as many called it, was the peak that held most of the Daos craftsmen used. Smiths, Alchemists, Formation Masters, and inscribers generally walked this path, though most used Mixed-meaning Daos. For example, a blacksmith would likely fuse the Daos of Fire and Smithing to focus on fire-attuned tools.

You could obviously do without it, just as Zac could swing his weapons without his Branch of the War Axe. Of course, that would make things a lot harder for him. He was lucky, in a sense, that [Cosmic Forge] was a technique invented before the Heavens reformed. Otherwise, he would have been unlikely to be able to reach the upper layers of the method unless he got an Artisinal Dao.

The Peak of the Grand Tapestry was not solely something for craftsmen, though. It governed the concepts of patterns, which could have various applications. Most notably, it was the secondary Dao of the Apostate of Order and part of his addition to the System. Order brought rules and predictability, setting up the various laws governing everything from System-enforced contracts to the Unifying Era's cultivation system.

Meanwhile, the Grand Tapestry played an important role in turning the Apostate's codified vision into something that could be used even by low-grade cultivators. As such, it would be an incredibly helpful tool when creating skills, as its shadow could be found in every Skill Fractal. There were even cultivators who solely focused on inventing or improving skills for Dao Repositories, using the Peak of the Grand Tapestry as a basis. Of course, that had nothing to do with his current accomplishments.

"It's related to the upcoming mission."

"The inspiration awarded by the seals is marvelous, but they're not enough to gain such a comprehensive understanding as what you've displayed."

"Well, not the seals, no," Zac said. "But that's not the only thing I've found related to the inheritance. You should know that the Left Imperial Palace is just a shell surrounding the real prize."

"Ultom Courts," Tavza nodded. "The sole heritage of the Lost Era."

"Well, I got my hands on something else from that place," Zac said, taking out a small vial.

Tavza frowned as she picked up the glass container. She took out the stopper, and Zac saw her impassive expression crack as a gust of madness escaped from the lid.

"What's this?" Tavza gasped as she closed the vial.

"Iz Tayn called it Dead Dao," Zac shrugged. "It's nasty, but the waters hold a weakened version of the truths from that place. I found a whole lake of this stuff inside the Void Star and used it to shore up my foundations."

The lake water was mostly gone, and the small samples he had left weren't enough to provide any insights. He'd still kept them around in case they became useful down the road. For example, he'd considered whether he could use them as an ingredient in a compass for the Left Imperial Palace. Something that could harmonize with the aura of Ultom and lead him to similar treasures.

"This is quite literally drinking from a tainted well."

"Well, as luck would have it, the Bloodline of Eoz is surprisingly effective at dealing with that stuff as long as I don't overindulge. Others couldn't make use of the insights locked within."

"Do you have more of this?"

"All gone," Zac smiled as he took back the vial. "Ran out a year before I headed to the Perennial Vastness. "

Tavza looked at the vial for a few seconds before slowly nodding. "I would urge caution, but that ship has sailed. Besides, I doubt you would have listened to me."

"So, the agreements?" Zac said, eager to change the subject before they began prodding into his lacking affinities again.

"The Abyssal Shores would have preferred you returning to the Empire's embrace now that you've separated from your human half, but the nature of your quest makes that impossible for now," Tavza sighed. "So we accept your proposal. Completing your quest takes precedence, and we'll continue to support your cultivation."

"When you say your—"

"That of Arcaz Umbri'Zi," Tavza elaborated. "If things are as you said, we believe it's in our best interest to push your accomplishments and strength beyond that of Zachary Atwood. Since we can't confirm how your change has affected the mission, it's best to make one of the two bodies a better candidate in the System's eyes."

"I guess Zac will have to start looking out for daggers in the dark," Zac muttered.

"I can't comment on that. I only speak for myself and what's said in the open," Tavza said. "I believe that targeting Zac the human is an unnecessary risk. However, I suggest you tell your other half not to push things too far. We want Arcaz, not Zac, to enter the Left Imperial Palace."

"I'll try, but I can't guarantee anything," Zac said.

"We're aware of that," Tavza said. "Perhaps it's a moot point, and both of you are sent inside. That would obviously be the optimal scenario."

"I guess," Zac shrugged, though he was inwardly grimacing.

He had tried to avoid broaching that possibility, but these people weren't fools. If possible, he wanted his other body to enter unnoticed while this one became his alibi.

"We will also establish a mercantile link with the Sky Gnome you brought, connecting you with an Early D-grade Smithy on the outskirts of Kavista. Their products are of mediocre quality, and they won't provide any discounts. In fact, they think they've been punished by the reassignment as they were exclusively working for our imperial armies before.

"This much shouldn't be considered intervening with your fate. As for your personal benefits, you will be given the equivalent of what the Abyssal Shores would provide any promising Early D-grade cultivator," Tavza said. "However, we will not forcibly raise your strength by pouring you full of resources. We fear it will damage your connection to the Left Imperial Palace."

Zac's face scrunched up more and more as Tavza continued. A backwater Early D-grade smithy? That's it? That was like being thrown some trash they'd found in some dusty corner of a warehouse. Unfortunately, it was hard to poke holes in their excuse.

It really looked like the System wanted to limit outside interference for this trial, with the outsiders only being able to bring a few Dao Guardians and followers. With the Undead Empire's agreement being based around the trial rather than the Atwood Empire, they were well within their right to withhold resources out of fear it'd harm their mission.

"I should tell you, Kator or I did not receive much better terms than this, and we don't enjoy the freedom you do. The second Pillar's ascent was a harsh lesson for those who tried to meddle with a trial targeted at the younger generation," Tavza added, clearly understanding his misgivings.

"I guess it makes sense," Zac sighed.

It was less than he hoped for, but much better than nothing. He had mountains of cash but nowhere to spend it, and even an average D-grade smithy in Kavista should be quite good by frontier standards.

"Does the resources include—"

"You pick yourself," Tavza said as she handed him a sigil made from obsidian. "We have added a suitable amount of Imperial Credits to this identity token. You can exchange them for items at the Kavriel Clan's private repository. You can earn more contribution the conventional ways, should you find items you want outside your budget."

"And this is not a sneaky way to trick me into becoming a citizen?" Zac smiled, remembering how he used this exact method on the Mavai and Raun.

Of course, he still accepted the token. Getting his hands on the promised batch of resources was half the reason he came here. Zac looked at the An'Azol scion expectantly, hoping there was more good news. However, she calmly looked back at Zac, leading to another drawn-out staring contest. This time greed won.

"So is there anything—"

"Can I ask why you so staunchly resist?" Tavza interjected.

"What, you think I should just roll over and accept whatever you say?" Zac frowned.

"I am referring to our standing invitation for you to join the Undead Empire. Especially now that you're apparently a pure Draugr," Tavza elaborated. "You are essentially a Bloodline Ancestor of the Draugr Race. The Abyssal Shores would sweep away all your troubles to restore the Eoz branch. You would have access to nigh-limitless resources and Dao Partners if you so desired. You could use your authority to take control of the whole Kavriel Province, providing a safe harbor for your home world."

"Getting access to all that wealth and power is a double-edged sword from what I've seen," Zac shrugged. "I'm not convinced it wouldn't harm rather than help me attain my goals, judging by the various Heaven's Chosen I've run into over the years."

"You think the younger generations spoiled, untested," Tavza nodded. "That is a fair assumption. We only have an incomplete account of your experiences, but those feats alone are quite shocking. You have experienced more great events than many Monarchs, and the Killing Intent you unleashed tells a tale of repeatedly putting your life on the line.

"Compared to such a background, most so-called chosen indeed cannot measure up. They've chosen the safe route, raising themselves as far as their talent and connections can take them. Instead of tribulations and opportunities, they progress using their family's resources and taking controlled risks. These individuals are predominant in most factions and cannot possibly measure up to you."

Zac nodded, but a hair-raising feeling suddenly gripped Zac's heart, prompting him to take out a spare axe.

"However, you shouldn't underestimate the ancient factions throughout the Multiverse."

The whole room disappeared the next moment, replaced by utter darkness. Zac felt like he'd been dropped into the depths of the Abyssal Lake, but the experience differed completely from his Bloodline Visions. There was no sense of welcoming, of coming home. There was only hostility and a pervasive sense of finality, to the point Zac felt the Death-attuned energy coursing through his body become subverted.

Zac tried to push back using his Daos and Killing Intent, but it was like throwing a rock down a bottomless chasm. His rational mind told him that there was no way Tavza would try to harm him at this juncture, but a budding panic built from having all his senses sealed. He almost instinctively activated [Void Zone] as a safeguard but quickly calmed down before exposing his secret.

A few seconds later, the domain dispersed, and Zac found himself back in the chair.

"The true core of any established faction is forged through blood and tribulation. They make up the protective umbrella the vast majority rely on," Tavza continued like she hadn't just attacked Zac. "Those who take the safe route are ultimately servitors providing for our paths, trading longevity and safety for a lifetime of service. They run our businesses, collect resources, and man our armies. Meanwhile, those chosen for nurturing lead a life solely focused on reaching the Terminus.

"The two families of Azol have nurtured forty-eight Supremacies since the Dark Ages and the Empire's founding. There have only been three limited periods where our branch lacked a Supremacy at its helm. That's not possible just by wantonly showering the younger generations in wealth and hoping for the best."

Zac would be lying if he said he wasn't impressed. Just under fifty Supremacies might not sound like a lot compared to the endless years the System had been running. However, Catheya had once mentioned that there had only been around 150 Abyssal Princes since the System's birth, with a few more suspected Supremacies who never made their status public. In other words, the two families of the Azol branch were responsible for roughly a third of all Draugr Supremacies.

"I get it; I'll be careful not to underestimate anyone," Zac sighed.

Tavza was obviously not just displaying her power to push him down a peg or showcase her family's eminence. It was a warning not to underestimate anyone just because he'd come out ahead so far. The people Tavza talked about weren't the Heaven's Chosen who made up the top of every generation. It was the Eonic Seeds who had shown the potential to become the future leaders of their faction.

"That domain, was it your bloodline?"

"While Eoz acted as the Vanguard, Azol provided Sanctuary. The Abyssal Lake is wherever I am, which is why I was chosen over any talent from the Ur'Mez Clan. Part of my job is to provide safe harbor during our mission, as the Left Imperial Palace is unlikely to hold any Miasma," Tavza calmly explained. "I simply marked you as a hostile outsider to the lake."

Zac shuddered upon thinking back to that utter darkness. He could only imagine how the real thing would be if an outsider tried to dive into the lake's depths. No wonder even Supremacies had to tread carefully when visiting the Abyssal Lake.

"Well, I won't say never when it comes to joining the Empire. But I still think things are fine the way they are for now," Zac said. "It's not just about resources; it's about freedom. What you offer comes with strings attached. Every gift would be another chain anchoring me to the Abyssal Shores. It might not seem like a big deal to you, but I was born here in the wilderness. The thought of getting caught up in the annoying schemes and plots of you people is exhausting."

Tavza looked at Zac for a few more seconds before nodding. "I won't waste our time pressing the matter any further. Perhaps the Abyssal Pond with show you that being bound to the Abyssal Lake is not the punishment you think. It's a gift."

"How are the preparations?"

"As promised, the pond will awaken in five days. You will not be the only one entering, though you will be given an advantage. A few locals have received quests that might lead to seals, and we have decided to give them a chance at elevating their unremarkable bloodlines."

"What advantage?" Zac said, pinpointing the critical aspect. "I thought you just dipped into the water and reaped the benefits?"

"This is just an ancillary pond. The amount of benefits is limited. Simply put, the Abyssal Pond can stay activated for three days at most, and you will be able to enter a day before the others. What you can accomplish in that time is up to you. I suggest you work hard until then, finishing up your pathways so that nothing holds you back. You can only attempt an awakening so often. This is your sole opportunity before our mission begins," Tavza said as she stood up.

"Ultimately, this is only a way to patch up a missing part of your heritage. If you want to fully delve into the gift your ancestor left you, you have to return to the origin. Even we have only unearthed some of the marvels of the Abyssal Lake after all these years. With your bloodline, you might be able to find something uniquely suited to you."

Zac's eyes followed Tavza as she left the room, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

He didn't know about all the other parts, but he agreed with what Tavza said about preparing for the Abyssal Pond. He couldn't risk his pathways becoming a bottleneck, preventing him from taking full advantage of the opportunity. There was just one thing he had to do before secluding himself again. He left the room shortly after Tavza and inwardly groaned when two new Kavriel attendants waited outside, each a beauty even among the fine-chiseled Draugr.

Thankfully, they seemed to have learned their lesson from Kasina, and they only made some discrete offers of visiting incensaries or scenic spots before leading him to the Kavriel Clan's repository. Zac kept his face impassive as he fought the desire in his heart while scanning the almost endless list of items. He'd thought his Contribution Stores were well stocked, but that felt like a joke now.

This was what real foundations looked like, and this fortune was only the local stock of a frontier province. It was nothing compared to what waited in the Abyssal Shores. The best schemes were those where your target knew they were being manipulated but could do nothing but jump into the trap. Zac did what he could to rein in his greed as he scanned the list for what he needed.

Soon, four boxes had been delivered to Zac.

"I need these sent back to my homeworld," Zac said. "It's about time I send another message anyway. Can you take me to the closest teleporter?"

"That's—" The two Kavriel daughters hesitated as they looked at each other, but they clearly received instructions as their smiles soon returned. "Of course, this way."

Zac was taken to a teleporter but made no attempt to escape back home. Instead, he placed the boxes onto the array one by one, along with an Information Crystal containing a short message and his pretend codeword. He also had one of the two girls deliver a message to Calrin before returning to his Cultivation Chamber, which had been cleaned and had its incense replaced in his absence.

Having dealt with everything he needed, Zac returned to the cultivation tree inside the Kavriel Clan's private forest. Five days should be more than enough to finish up his pathways and prepare himself for the pond.

Back on Earth, Zac grunted as he got on his feet and walked out of his cave in the depths of the mountain. He looked down at the necklace around his neck, gently smiling as he ran his thumb across its surface.

"It's time."