Defiance of the Fall

Chapter 206: The Correct Path

Suddenly Zacs train of thoughts was interrupted by a familiar figure pacing outside his array looking fidgety. He blankly looked at her figure for a few seconds before removing the array with a frown.

What do you want? Zac asked as Alea started at the shield disappearing.

I Heard from Ogras what happened. I just wanted to see if you were okay, Alea said with some hesitation in her voice.

I am fine, Zac calmly said.

Thats great. I was worried, Alea started saying, but was interrupted by Zac.

Until now Ive looked the other way regarding your eccentricities, such as poisoning me and others, chalking it up to mostly harmless pranks. But were facing the reality of it now. All actions have consequences. I know you didnt mean it, and there were other factors at play. But you have a part in what happened today. Your actions on the square helped push Hannah along her path of no return, Zac said with an even voice.

I Alea only managed to get out, looking physically hurt by his words.

However, Zac didnt stop.

I have decided to remove your title as Head of Security for Port Atwood. Hannah will spend an undetermined time locked away for her crimes, and I dont trust you with her. Youre also no longer to come and go as you please in my restricted area. I need some space, Zac finished and closed his eyes.

Alea looked at Zac with red-rimmed eyes for a few seconds before she turned and walked away, the courtyard once again turning deathly silent.

Zac silently looked at the departing back of the poison mistress. He didnt regret what he said, as hed felt it since she played him at the market square. He was, however, a bit surprised that he felt no internal turmoil or confusion.

It was as though his Undead form had put a damper on all his feelings. They were still there somewhat, but there was a sense of disconnect with them. He briefly wondered if this was the case with all undead who had evolved to regain intelligence.

Perhaps it was necessary, as the zombies had an inherent bloodlust. It would be impossible to build a society if the higher undead couldnt control their urges, so the unfeeling state might be a result of evolution.

He didnt get much further before approaching steps once again echoed in his compound. It seemed Ogras had rushed around to spread the news or something. This time it was his sister who rushed into the courtyard with worry in her eyes.

Are you okay? Kenzie said as soon as she saw him.

However, Kenzie stopped a few meters away from him, looking at his new appearance with a frightened gaze.

Im fine, Zac said with a sigh as he once again erected the arrays around the two.

He then proceeded to explain the situation, covering both his core and the events that unfolded back at Hannahs. Kenzie silently listened to the narration, except exclaiming in shock upon the fact that Hannah had been the one to stab him.

The two of them silently sat in front of each other, not saying anything for a while, until Kenzie spoke up.

What will you do with Hannah? she asked.

I dont know. For now, shell be incarcerated, Zac said, looking troubled.

He knew that in most empires out in the multiverse the punishment for trying to assassinate a leader would be execution without a doubt. But he wasnt willing to go there with his ex-girlfriend, even if she tried to kill him.

You know, Kenzie said after mulling it over. You said that David had been replaced with one of those shapeshifters. The thing could have used some mental skills on her. You know, she was hypnotized along with the others back in that town. I think Ive heard that if youve been hypnotized once you get more susceptible to it afterward?

Zac gave a start and looked over at Kenzie with surprise. That truly wasnt something hed considered so far. He had been busy with his own transformation so he simply chalked it up to betrayal because of greed mixed with anger.

I heard about the matter in Refugees Harbour. But I dont think hypnosis can make you kill someone, as that would be against their base instincts, Zac finally said with a shake of his head.

But it could make someone more paranoid, slowly make them crazy, Kenzie retorted.

Zac silently thought it over. It truly was a distinct possibility that the shapeshifter did more than just provide the dagger. Still, did it even matter? The milk was already spilled, so to speak. And he didnt believe that someone could be enticed to murder without there being a seed of hatred and malice to begin with.

So when will you turn back? Kenzie suddenly asked, changing the subject.

Well, thats the problem. I dont really know, Zac said as he scratched his chin.

Why did you turn in the first place? Kenzie asked.

Well, perhaps the Core went haywire because I briefly died? Zac hesitantly said.

He honestly didnt know why the change happened at that moment, and could only guess it was some sort of failsafe built into the core.

Didnt you say that the knife you got stabbed with sucked out all your lifeforce? Kenzie said. Perhaps you turned to a zombie because thats the trigger, rather than a defense mechanism.

Its possible, Zac said with a nod. I also thought I might revert to a human if I remove all the miasma in my body.

So why dont you? she prodded.

Well, for one it might actually kill me, I have no idea, Zac said. But I also believe that shouldnt be the only way to trigger the change. I cant die every time I want to shapeshift, and I dont have any more of these cultist knives.

So youre going to stay a Zombie until you find another way to change?

Im a Draugr, not a Zombie, Zac said, causing Kenzie to roll her eyes at him. And Ill try to revert before the Treasure Hunt at the latest. I cant run around in there as an undead.

Besides, dont I look pretty cool now? Like a vampire or something, Zac said and struck a pose.

No way, you look really scary with those eyes of yours, Kenzie said, finally smiling a bit at the situation. So what are you going to do?

I want to try out a few things. Gain a few titles and see if I can get a new Class, Zac said. Who knows, I might even be a cultivator now?

Dual-class, that sounds pretty cool! Kenzie said, her eyes almost sparkling. You should get a cool mage class, become the strongest hybrid.

Well, first of all, I dont know how itll work, Zac said. If it will work at all.

However, Kenzie brought up an interesting point. What would be the best class to match with his Hatchetman class? A mage class would help shore up his currently lacking Intelligence and Wisdom, making him a truly balanced warrior.

However, a dexterity-based class wasnt a bad idea either. Currently, he was forced to put a lot of points into Dexterity just to keep up with his growth in Strength. It had come to the point that he had decided to change to a 2.5:1 split from the original 2:1 so that he could focus more on Endurance and Vitality.

He arrived at this reasoning from his fight with average. His main attribute was Strength, and he needed to play to advantages. It didnt matter if he was hit 10 times, as long as he got one big hit in the fight would be over. He only needed to be able to endure the 10 strikes, so to speak. Thats why he wanted to work more on endurance.

That also meant that an Endurance-based class, if there was such a thing, would be a good choice as well. Then he would be truly unkillable. Honestly, he felt either choice was good and had a hard time deciding what to do.

But it was still all speculation. He needed to reach level 25 first and see if it worked out as he intended. And he needed to see what options he got before deciding any further. There was also the issue of the Fruit of Ascension.

One of its effects was improving the choices in taking a class. But would that effect be expended if he got a class for his undead half? It felt more prudent to use its effects in trying for an epic class at E-Rank than getting a first class.

Or could he eat another one since he technically was a different person? There simply were so many things he didnt understand. He needed information.

What are you thinking about, Kenzie asked, dragging him out of his reverie.

I just feel that theres so much I dont understand, Zac said with a sigh. Its hard to plan things out when everything is just guesswork.

Why dont you ask Brazla? Kenzie said. Hes super old and his creator was a top tier C-Grade warrior according to him. He might know.

Zacs face scrunched up when hearing the name of the crazy Tool Spirit, but he had to admit that Kenzie might be on to something. However, the only problem was whether hed help. There were two other ways as he saw it. One was to buy an information package through Calrin, and the other was asking the Creators.

Unfortunately, he was unsure whether he could afford the information from the Pavilion of Myriad Eyes. Just some basic information cost him 15 million Nexus Coins. Advanced topics such as dual classes and Specialty Cores were probably prohibitively expensive.

Meeting Average and his dad had made him realize how utterly poor he was in the big scale of things since the teenager was able to throw out a billion Nexus Coins just to shoo someone away. As for the Creators, there was a risk for things leaking to higher echelons in the multiverse.

I guess I could try, Zac sighed.

Ill come with, I havent talked to him today, Kenzie said with a smile.

Soon the two stood in front of the gaudy towers, drowned in cascading rays of divine lights. Its surroundings were still not very exciting, but at least the uneven forest floor had been swapped out with a proper and uniform square.

Of course, it was likely too bland for the extravagant taste of Brazla. Unfortunately, there simply wasnt much he could do about it at the moment. His funds were mostly tied up in creating the contribution system.

Little chick, you have once again come to bask in the glory that is the Great Sage Brazla? This time you even brought a Draugr to showcase? the familiar voice echoed when they entered the hallways lined with the huge statues.

Not long after Brazla appeared. It was only the second time they met, but Zac was surprised to see that Brazla was looking completely different. This time he was donned like some royal conqueror, though all equipment was made from gold and platinum rather than serviceable materials.

His armor was completely studded with various gemstones, each somehow emitting almost blinding glimmers of light. Zac felt helpless the moment he saw the spirit, but he held his tongue.

Hi Brazla, Kenzie said with a smile. You look like a real warrior today.

The world should sigh in relief that The Great Brazla is confined to the interiors of this building, the tool spirit said with a serious nod. This ones might shakes both the heavens and the earth.

You remember Zac? Kenzie added.

You went and turned into an undead, little Lord? Brazla said, somewhat surprised. Odd choice if you ask me. I would have thought a mortal would have preferred to die from old age, rather than getting taken by the Madness.

The madness? Zac asked confused.

The undead arent immortal, though they dont grow old. They instead go insane, their bloodlust overtaking everything else. Finally, they turn too stupid to even move, withering in place into goops of miasma. Quite disgusting, Brazla said, looking unconcerned.

Not everyone can be an immortal like you Brazla, Kenzie said with a smile. We were wondering if you know anything about Specialty Cores and Dual Classes?

What doesnt the Great Sage Brazla know? the Tool Spirit said, puffing up his chest.

However, the next moment he looked suspiciously at the two of them.

But why should I tell you? You promised to fix my surroundings, but they still look like a paupers square.

Im heading into a treasure hunt into unknown lands in a week, Zac said. Ill find something unique in there to improve your surroundings if you help me out this one time.

Hmm... Well, alright, Brazla said. What knowledge do you seek, mortal?

Dual Classes, Zac said, ignoring the attitude.

What about it? Brazla said, a bit disinterested. Its possible. Is that what youre trying for by turning into an undead?

Zac only nodded, not explaining any further. It appeared that Greatests tool was working as intended since the Spirit didnt seem to notice anything off about him, instead thinking he simply was an undead.

Well, its extremely rare, Brazla continued. Far rarer than body-and-spirit dual cultivators were back in the Pre-System era. However, there is one race where all of them have dual classes. Of course, The Ur Wanderers are extremely few in numbers, born darlings of the multi-verse. Even The Great Brazla cant help but be a bit jealous of them.

Zac only nodded, not wanting to interrupt the tool spirit while it was actually being helpful. He could only assume that the Ur Wanderers were a powerful species in the multiverse. While species werent equal in the multiverse, one could say that they were balanced in a sense.

Humans were quite weak, usually at the bottom of the rung. But they were extremely numerous, and out of every billion of them, a powerhouse might rise. Other races had huge advantages, sometimes even becoming C-Ranking Class upon adulthood by default. But these kinds of races were always far scarcer in numbers.

So what do they do? Get two similar classes, or opposites? Kenzie prodded.

There are no rules to cultivation, little chick, Brazla said with some disdain. Everyone has their own path. Finding the correct answer for oneself is half the struggle of becoming strong.