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Birds of incredible majesty fluttered within the humongous upgraded cage. Dangling one well armored leg, Korbin sat atop a high branch with his back to a tree. Glass turned to silver bars arranged in 'X' patterns, with openings not even a babies finger could fit between along the metal fencing that comprise the sports stadium sized dome.
Black feathered falcons with yellow irises grouped around him, standing straight backed and still on many adjacent branches, as if waiting for commands. 'Well, it's not really as if' Korbin thought. Infernal falcons cost a pretty price, but the service they provided was invaluable. This settlement would be his most important for their Pylon campaign, as well as beast tamer levels.
Their capital would remain the 'Savant's Elysium', its purpose being to house the greatest of every field of study, combat, philosophy, anything and everything.
This settlement would become one of the 'guild' Pylons exclusive to beast tamers and various other professions that had to do with contracts, messages, or even exploring the ruins around the desert. Only the best and contractually bound could come to the capital, but that didn't mean he wouldn't also set foundations for others to hone similar skills. Korbin liked the black marble aesthetic, and his choice in architecture reflected that amidst dividing the city in four districts that circled around the main bird caged castle in rounded triangles. Like a pizza with four slices, centralized around the castle and its birdcage.
Beast tamers would stay in the castle along with the messenger birds. The northern slice was the Adventure Guilds section peppered with marble lodges. Adventurers would pay a small fee to stay at these large four story buildings while in town. Each lodge building was much wider than tall, maintaining 15 rooms per floor.
10 lodges lined the Pylon outer walls. The 2 closest to the gate were in Korbin's personal colors, black marble trimmed with bronze like his family crest. It served as barracks for contracted guards or Tom's and Cassie's more elite forces. These barracks would be filled to the teeth with whatever they could possibly want on Korbin's own orders, due to them forfeiting power hunting in exchange for defending the town for a set amount of time. For the duration of the tutorial, at least. Guard rotations were admittedly difficult to iron out, but when they were off duty they could do whatever their mind or his money could imagine.
4 of the lodges located in the middle were meant for mercenaries or the growing army force who hungered for power and conquest, meaning their stay was intended to be quite brief. These structures were bland as could be, red brick and orange glowing mortar comprising the entire structure, with basic amenities and not much else since they would be used exclusively for sleep, not leisure.
Finally, the remaining 4 served as the housing for visitors and lodging for adventurers who wanted to explore the ruins that littered the desert region. Those were painted vibrant green because that's what he thought of when he thought of exploring, and he's pressed on time for something so stupid. "Sue me", he thought to himself. Similar to the barracks, these had a good amount of recreational amenities, as well as shops to buy or trade with other adventurers.
All 10 lodges had walkways that led to the Guild Hall. Closer to the castle, this building was six stories with above average sized floors. Each floor was decorated differently based upon the level and quests that could be issued. The top floor was reserved for… and this wasn't his idea, he got outvoted… adventuring parties that could handle a 'Tom level threat'.
To the west was the cartographer section. This slice served as a 'training grounds' for any cartographer. Korbin desperately needed maps, which meant special treatment for those who helped him accomplish that. Thirty columns of black marble extended a few hundred feet in the air. In the middle of these columns was a lift reminiscent of a pre-system elevator, except it used wind affinity magic to push a section of the floor hundreds of feet to enter 'new birdcage'. Yet another naming decision that was left to cartographers and not himself.
The new Birdcage had black marble floors and glass walls separating its three levels. The first floor was where the map makers could live for free in rooms that made five star hotels look like living in a fast food bathroom. Above that, the second floor was where the classes, discussions about techniques, and training happened. Learning was the goal on this level, not productivity. Finally, the top floor was for active map making and was filled with hundreds of workstations, overflowing with supplies to mass produce maps of his pylons to anyone under contract. The wider world would remain his and his map makers' knowledge alone for now.
The Eastern slice of the settlement was the Infernal Stables. Nothing too special of note, large pens housing Komodo beasts used to guard caravans or protect the city. Oh, and his Hell Knights main sect building, just his own elite force of Cavalry in the works. No big deal or anything.
Prominently displaying the familiar bronze flaming sword over a blackened shield that was his family crest was his personal home within the city that doubled as the barracks for his Komodo riding force of 'Hell Knights'. Beloris was known around the multiverse for the powerful classes he could give people with a contract of absolute loyalty. Korbin was the third of his chosen to inherit the ability, Horas was the only other living chosen who could also do this, cheeky bastard.
The large stables in the Knights Hall section of this slice all had an adjacent house that reminded Korbin of a stereotypical drug dealer's home in movies. They had large balconies with orange tinted windows like the ones in his office in Savants Elysium. Each of the 50 homes had massive pools connecting to the water outside, getting filtered on the way. It made it so the chapter was first contact if the path was ever discovered. They controlled the water supply, and Tom's beasts could eventually be able to come here completely discreetly. If everything went to plan…
Lastly, the southern section was the residential area with 100 two story homes. Red bricks with black mortar comprised the walls of these homes, with a perfectly cut triangle roof of blackened stone. Mainly for families of adventurers or people who just preferred the security and environment of the busy city.
Many people would set up shops out of their homes. With the other major trading city so close however, most would be doing it as a way to pass time and gain TP. Any who had children would be provided for extensively. Korbin even debated bringing Anna here, if he wasn't worried about her being targeted. Because of him, Anna's was probably the safest childhood someone could have within the tutorial, so long as she remained in the Elysium.
Four main walkways connected the sections converging on the castle where all the paths intersected. Succulents of every color bordered the walkways and all main buildings used in potions, for trade, other professions, but mainly supplying paper for messages or map making.
After running through the layout of the Pylon in his head once more, a bittersweet realization came to Korbin's mind. This was bound to be the last exciting battle he'd have for quite some time. Lonni and him would return to Savant's Elysium in the morning after Cassi officially took control of this front of the conquest. Korbin shuddered at the idea of Tom being someone else's homicidal tornado, but Cassi had proven herself repeatedly to be a just and fair leader.
Secondly, her mind was… absolutely fascinating. Cassi's affinity for tactics and predictive strategies was borderline a divine gift. Hungry to learn and to improve herself, she would be given every opportunity to flourish. It was only a matter of time before Korbin wouldn't be able to keep up in a game of war against her cunning. Korbin was by no means a genius, but he had talent for knowing what it looked like, and Cassi was the real deal.
Thinking about geniuses made him long to see his wife. It was hard to be away from his better half this long even though he knew she supported him the same way he supported her. Unflinchingly. Which just made him feel all the more guilty about dumping the responsibility of running his capital and taking care of Anna. It wasn't fair and it didn't matter how much the world needed him to play hero, his family needed their dad. Not a hero.
Plus, he missed his little cuddle boy Randy.
Chuckling to himself, Korbin kicked off the branch heading back to the castle for his report of the section leaders of his settlement. He had no time to rest on his laurels and play with 'birbs' like Anna calls them.
Sitting on the 'throne' within the castle, Korbin gutted the pylon building of its various torture chambers, 'leisure' rooms, and bunkers. Instead, the castle was fully dedicated to the messages and communication for his soon to be numerous small armies. Maps and communication have won more wars than any army, ruler, weapon, or nation. Without question any battle would be nearly impossible to lose if their side knew more information about their surroundings and were able to more efficiently plan with messages.
While not the most expensive, this pylon was the most valuable by FAR. He couldn't leave until every possible detail was addressed and any possible questions answered. Around the table sat Lonni the jolly metal giant, David the Lordkeeper of this Hell Knight chapter, Gerard the Lore Master of the Cartographers, and Arthur the Adventure Guild Leader.
Dressed in the most opulent suit the pylon could currently afford, Gerard the Cartographer wore khaki slacks and a tucked in button up Hawaiian shirt. Around his neck dangled his glasses on a string that reminded Korbin of Tom's lightning chopsticks. He had red curly hair with a heavily freckled face, sharing the same green eyes Korbin had, just without the inner yellow. Closer to forty then thirty was Korbin's guess as the man stared a little too fearfully at him. Perhaps the man thought not all of the propaganda was a lie?
David the Lordkeeper shared Korbin's fashion with a medium armor set of Cassi's Hell Knight armor. Gold silk robes flowed out from below, a black plate that covered his chest, shoulders, forearms, and black plate boots. On his back a silver spear with a black handle pointed proudly towards the sky.
Cassi would be allowed a mind without Korbin's direct influence, but David had always been a soldier. Korbin's own army contract had expired only a year before the tutorial began, while David had been on a deployment when this all went down. Military may not always focus on troops, but soldiers, especially NCO's should always take care of their own.
Arthur was a popular kid for sure before the system and kept that air about him. Wearing boring chainmail beneath leather armor, he looked like a cleric in a table top game. For offensive combat he had the classic steel sword and wooden shield combo. Since he refused to contract with Korbin, he would receive zero handouts. Both of them knew they needed one another however, Korbin needed adventurers to give the cartographers what they needed to make maps for new areas the guild would explore. Making Arthur a necessary evil, and to Arthur, working with Korbin was a necessary evil.
Having just upgraded his armor, Lonni was given the highest grade of metal he could smelt to make his current gear. He refused vehemently when Korbin offered to just buy him a ridiculously expensive set as a reward for his outstanding service during the pylon invasion. Instead, he begged for new crafting materials so he could 'know exactly how his armor worked'. Head to toe he was draped in tanned leather underneath shining silver plate mail, his familiar flail and shield both receiving upgrades as well.
Korbin loved to blacksmith before it could give levels, so he had grown familiar with the loveable oaf. Lonni was the most honest person he had ever met, and kind to a weakness. That trait is what cemented in Korbin's mind Lonni needed to work on his profession back at the capital, and would help Korbin keep the average citizen in mind when making big decisions. Lonni remained stalwart to virtues and values that escaped most people. A natural empath and a rare breed of good person.
Gerard was the first to speak, "King Korbin we have answered your summons," finishing it off with a bow. Before Korbin could correct him, Arthur and David bowed along with him.
Korbin and Lonni looked to one another then the other three before Korbin just shrugged at him and returned the bow.
"Let's not do the whole 'king' thing. I know this must be a bit overwhelming but I assure you, while the takeover was hostile.Our governance will be peaceful, efficient, and benevolent."
"Arthur, due to the fact you refuse to sign a contract, just know there will be no repercussions to that decision, however any uncontracted citizens will be forced to pay an additional tax to do business and hold credentials. Along with that, after giving your report I request you leave the room, as the other members present will assist you in any and all matters, however, you will not be assisting them due to being a possible information weak point. I hope you understand my reasoning", Korbin recognized the eyes of cruelty Arthur harbored beneath the surface.
Arthur's face was almost too joyful, all smiles and high fives until Korbin caught him alone. In a group Korbin's eyes could be fooled, but if he looked directly into someone else's eyes? They would show their souls laid bare, and Arthur was a sick fuck just below the surface.
Adjusting his ill fitting shoulder strap, Arthur looked directly at me not wanting to make eye contact with the others.
"The Guild Hall is fully stocked and operational. I thank you for the opportunity and hope you also understand why I might be apprehensive about signing a contract". Arthur placed his finger on the city map in the middle of them.
"This is where we will be housing if you would allow us to do so, and I will not be a bother and leave upon confirmation".
"You have my blessing, good luck and good hunting" Korbin gave the adventurers creed to the guild master who promptly bowed to them and left the room.
"Sergeant" David quickly snapped into parade rest with his hands interlocked behind his back.
"Reporting on the Knights chapter headquarters, all beasts and properties are accounted for and allocated for, all that's missing is personnel". David the 'Second Hell Knight' was one of the druids Tom had encountered many days ago and Korbin grew to enjoy his company and the logistical help with planning. Korbin granted him his class and the responsibility to recruit for Korbin's own 'royal guard' stealing the idea from the crossbow coward king.
"Fantastic, how are the cartographers 'New Bird Cage' treating you?" Korbin asked Gerard, the grill master general/map maker.
"Honestly, I don't think those kids will ever touch a blade of grass again… You've thought of… everything. To the point of insanity." Gerard's pasty face had the look, Korbin never knew if it was admiration of his gifts or services, surprise from the realization of how true the man's own statement was, or fear of the depth he was able to concoct plans with.
"So we can expect the areas mapped out within the next three days?" Korbin questioned the man, Gerard put his hands behind his head as he blew out an exaggerated whistle.
"Most of them for sure, all of them… Maybe?" Gerard said. Not surprised by this answer Korbin countered.
"I'd rather the maps be made slow and expertly, then rushed and unreliable. Do what you can to assist me and it will be repaid tenfold. David, Gerard, you have your responsibilities, get to it. Lonni, stay back for a moment."
Filtering out of the underground throne room, Cassi passed by the two men leaving, waving to David on her way in.
"You are almost an hour and a half early." Korbin said loudly as she approached.
"Well if you are going to leave all of this responsibility on me, I need to learn" Cassie whipped back to him as she stretched on the floor.
Cassi had suddenly been making strides with her flow, some kind of mental barrier or inhibitions had been dealt with. Progress of that speed only comes from great students, great teachers, or turbulence.
"I'll get to you in a moment, and that's going to cost you." Korbin shifted focus back to Lonni and continued, "when we get back to Savants Elysium I won't have time to help accommodate you, so you will be joining me in the 'Third Spire'. Obviously you will have free range of the place and be able to come and go as you wish, but I have some ideas that I could use an actual blacksmith to advise me with. Have the convoy ready to depart with any non-use professions, Savants Elysium will be the safest place on the planet. Tell them my own child lives there if you have to, but New Bird Cage will become a dangerous place for any residents since it will essentially be a vital military strategic point."
"Sure thing boss, I'm excited to get some rest. I've gotta get a hold of Tom when he's back from his hunt and let him know I'm heading back." With a smile, the giant man exited the room leaving the still stretching Cassi alone with Korbin.
"So what am I learning today? Martial combat? Fluidity in cohesion tactics? Battlefield manipulation?"
Entirely too eager.
Korbin thought it was best to shut her down so he could get to the point.
"Today you will learn something that will give you an edge on most humanoid opponents, especially Tom" with a crooked smile Korbin marched towards his champion, his genius, his favored and first, Hell knight.
"Fire isn't always aggression, however water is always a form of pacifism." Korbin started his lesson while easily keeping her at bay.
"What is your defense?" He asked, blocking her strike.
"Counter attacking, like a crashing wave." Cassi answered, following her punch with a body kick.
"Good, what is counter attacking?" Korbin rebutted, dodging and throwing a punch of his own.
"Aggressive defense, using offensive moves with the intent to not get hit, or hit them hard enough to end the fight." She retorted quickly as she deflected his wrist with her lead hand away, with a counter punch with her rear hand to follow.
"Wouldn't that mean you lack reliable defense?" Korbin asked through a grin as he grabbed her attacking hands wrist.
"No. Because my defense is counter attacking" she retorted, ripping her hand through the opposite of Korbin's, attacking the 'C'", as he called it. Her lead knee rose quickly, slamming into Korbin's ribs.
"Good, again."
The following 30 minutes included intense sparring, Korbin keeping at Cassi's maximum speed to hone her skills. It was better to meet and slightly surpass one's student, rather than demolish them before they know what happened. Especially during training days like this, where grappling is the main focus. Judo throws appeared natural to her, whereas a few jiu jitsu holds took a couple minutes each to hammer home. Even still, Korbin forced himself to temper his pace regardless of her superb knowledge retention.
Cassi was catching up to Korbin quickly in speed too, as they both were left drenched in sweat by the end of the sparring session. Her ability to pick up concepts on the fly was uncanny, though not unfamiliar. Korbin quickly found himself tapping into his only system recognized Flow skill, though it was quite strong at that.
Flow Proficiency (epic) - your requisite knowledge over Flow prior to your planet's integration has given birth to powerful records related to your aptitude. Your ability to see, use, and defend against Flow related concepts is innate in the eyes of the multiverse, and clearly yourself as well.
+25% resistance to Flow related damage
+20% movement speed
Defense against Flow attacks provides +4 perception
The skill kicked in right after the tournament ended, something Korbin dearly wished he'd had against Brigid. Much like that monster of a woman, some people were just naturals. They had a strong sense about them when it came to combat, and Cassi seemed from the same cloth.
"That's good enough for now. Ready for war games?" Korbin asked, finally concluding their personal sparring session.
Korbin and Cassi both respectively washed up, and rendezvoused back in the training area. David and 30 soldiers awaited their return. 14 of them being new contract recruits, aka folks who didn't have any useful professions. It may seem harsh, but it's a time of absolute necessity, at least until we have some semblance of comfortable control.
"Today's more of the same only with real bodies and wooden weapons. Cassi, you get 10 hand picked soldiers of your choosing. David will use the remainder. 10 minutes to devise your strategies. Go." Korbin announced abruptly, Cassi smiling as she strolled toward the familiar 15 that had sieged the grounds we trained on.
Normally, this sort of training was relinquished to projected simulations. The Pylon market had offered a form of strategic planning, and Korbin saw it as an opportunity to teach Cassi a few necessary strategies for any leader. Now, with enough bodies on hand, she could get a feel for it in action.
Cassi selected 10 soldiers, all of the Water Druids that Tom helped so many days back. They'd proven to harbor fearsome warriors, many equipped with two swords like Tom, minus the chain and pulsing lightning. Cassi took 6 of our top soldiers using such weapons, along with 4 of our most talented shielded warriors. David and his remaining 20 troops retreated into the training yard about 60 yards away at a makeshift 'Pylon'.
Cassi's goal was to capture the enemy Pylon, as it'd always been during the simulations. After a brief consultation, she lined 6 of her soldiers diagonally in front of her. At the center were two dual blades men, who slowly drifted apart as they finally marched forward.
David looked confused at the simplicity given the many times he'd lost to Cassi via intricate schemes and advantageous atchup designs during the simulations. She'd even gone so far as to select only brutes and archers, yet figured a way to defeat David's artillery and greater numbers. Now, she merely marched her troops forward in a line, and a split one at that.
"It's a trick. It's gotta be, she wants us to avoid that gap." David said aloud to himself. Korbin smiled as he watched from both sides using his Sentry Vision skill. It only worked to view through any defenses placed at a Pylon, however this was a sparring arena. There were plenty of excuses to put up some precautionary measures.
David's troops began advancing into the battlefield, with 8 shielded warriors and 12 dual bladed. The Druidic folks tended to lean towards two sword styles, leaving most of the shield bearing soldiers being the latest recruits.
Hoping to catch Cassi off guard, David sent his squad funnel toward the gap to pick off the non-shielded soldiers in the middle. Wooden sticks in shapes of swords bashed off one another as the David's soldiers made their way into Cassi center troops. The two dual wielders in the center were incredibly fast, dancing down the line and stabbing their wooden swords into unsuspecting foes.
Cassi and her shock troopers blasted through the gap soon after, just as the two lines began bending in around David's larger forces. Each trooper took down at least one of David's before turning and committing to either side.
Eventually, Cassi and her crew had split David's forces in two groups down the middle. Attacks flying in from every direction are impossible to handle, making for Cassi's resounding wipe of David's troops end in only one hypothetical casualty. Soldiers from either side laughed at the results of their large-scale spar, while David met with Cassi and Korbin after his defeat.
"You are simply unfair." David said, looking at Cassi.
"Thank you, you did well to assume a trick. You just made not falling for it too obvious, the adjustment on the fly was easy." Cassi relented with a smirk.
Good, she's ready.