Chapter 142: Chapter 138: A Paladin visits her home.

 

Since Veronica did not spend the night sleeping with Jack, she was able to get up early. She started her morning exercises with some light stretches then with some help from David started the skill training she did every morning. While Veronica did have to listen to David whine all the way through the exercises, she did manage to get a great deal more experience with her skills.

Veronica had even managed to get David to help level up her skill Shield of the System. By giving him a bunch of rocks, she had him throw them at her while she blocked with the shield. It took a while and was quite tedious, by the end of it, David had obviously grown irritated with her. The rocks he was throwing were now shattering against her shield as he was throwing significantly harder in annoyance. Seeing he needed a break she let him go do whatever he wanted for a short bit as long as he behaved.

"Finally." David said wandering off to the side of the temple.

Looking down at herself, she found herself rather sweaty so she went inside the temple to the living quarters. Due to the small space available in the temple, Jack had to make a shared bathroom with a dressing room attached. Slipping into the showers she took a quick shower rinsing off the sweat. Shutting off the water, she walked back into the dressing room and was drying herself off with a towel when one of the base minds had come walking in.

Yesterday Veronica spent some time with some of the base mind women getting to know them. However this one she was only casually introduced to this one that came in. While sharing the same features as all the base minds, this one had changed her hair into a bright blonde hair with black and blue highlights. She had dark makeup on as well a glittering blue lipstick. Struggling for a name for a second, Veronica said "Oh hey Cindy was it? Can I help you?"

Cindy twisted those glittering lips into a smirk and nodded, "I thought you would have forgotten my name, guess your brain is bigger than I thought." She walked past Veronica and leaned against the wall looking at her while she was finishing drying off. "I came to let you know that Jack is ready to head out, so maybe you want to pick up the pace."

Unsure of the hostile tone in the woman's words, Veronica said simply "Ah okay thank you for letting me know. You can tell him I will be out momentarily."

She finished drying and swiftly began to get dressed. With the equipment screen she could have put on the clothes quickly, but it felt much better to slip the clothes on herself. Veronica just felt it that the sensation felt better than having the clothes just appear on you. All the while she was putting on her underwear she was aware of Cindy just staring at her with that annoying smirk.

Looking over at her, Veronica asked as politely as she could "Excuse me, did you still need something?"

"Yeah no, I don't need anything from the likes of you. I'm just wondering exactly what Jack sees in you. Because frankly from what I'm seeing you don't have much to offer." Cindy said in a catty tone that sent a twitch down Veronica's spine.

Confused and now deeply offended Veronica said "Excuse me? What the fuck are you trying to say to me?"

"Oh so you do have trouble putting thoughts together. What I am saying to you is I don't see any reason why Jack would be interested in you being his lover." Cindy shrugged and then said "Of course, maybe your pussy just has a sign saying open for business all day and night."

Feeling an intense dislike for this woman, she grabbed her shirt and pulled it on angrily. She then stared daggers at Cindy and said "Whatever is between me and Jack is none of your fucking business so get the fuck out of my face."

"I quite disagree. It is unquestionably attention worthy of who Jack decides as his lover as they will affect his decisions. As I'm calling it, you ain't measure up to him in any capacity. Though I guess you would make a loyal dog, cause you're definitely a bitch alright. Why he selected you I don't know, it's definitely not your figure." Cindy looked down at Veronica's chest and let out a chuckle. "I would say your quite below average compared to his other Users."

A deep flash of anger surged directly through Veronica. Taking a deep breath she said "I don't know what your fucking deal is, but it sure as hell seems like you are trying to start a fight with me. Keep pushing, and I will lay you the fuck out."

Cindy raised her hands while still an awful smirk was on her face. "I guess you like to solve all your problems with your body. I'm not interested in fighting with you as I'm certainly not as experienced as you are. I just felt it was a good idea to let you know what I think about you, which is not much. You are lucky to even be around Jack, let alone take his spunk up your ass."

Infuriated Veronica slowly counted to ten in her head. "Just know the only reason I am not going to rearrange your face is because My Lord would not like me doing so. Yeah, I am lucky to be around Jack, and I work hard to serve him. From what I see of you, is a jealous bitch that is thirsting for Jack. Too bad hoe, Jack likes me and not your skanky ass."

"Please." Cindy rolled her eyes. "Jack is hardly a Prince Charming. He's just too good natured for me, just dries me out."

Cindy pushed herself off the wall and came walking over to Veronica getting right into her face. "I like them hard and rough. The kind that will grab you by the hair and make you beg for it. Still, Jack might have been a bit fun in bed. Too bad he has to leave today, otherwise I would have made a move on him tonight. Then you would've heard my skanky ass giving him a ride of his life."

Glaring at Cindy with narrowed eyes Veronica said "Even if My Lord was not leaving today I guarantee he would never touch your crusty slit. Now stop that shit coming out your goddam mouth, cause it sure as fuck starting to look like an asshole that needs to be wiped."

"Heh, so the bitch does have teeth to her." Cindy's face then turned serious. "You will need to keep that backbone of yours to do your duty. Now I don't fucking care with what orifice you drain Jack's nut butter every night, as long as you do your fucking duty and protect him. He is the only chance this world has, and he doesn't need you getting in his way with feelings. Remember Jack doesn't truly love you, at best he is just using you as a masturbatory aid while thinking of the Great one."

Cindy smirked again and twirled around and left without another word. Feeling intensely flushed with rage, she bawled her fists hard with her nails digging deep into her palm. Veronica had wanted to slap the shit out of that woman so hard, but she held back knowing Jack would have likely disapproved of her starting violence.

Taking a moment she sat down on a bench and cooled her temper as best she could. Veronica didn't fully understand why Cindy had been so hostile towards her. The other base minds she had spoken with were pleasant even friendly with her. Still despite knowing that Cindy was just spouting bullshit, it still struck a chord deep within Veronica that made her emotionally hurt and confused. With conflicting emotions she quickly put on her armor.

Finished she left the dressing room and made her way to the front of the temple. As she entered the main atrium, she saw that everyone was now gathered around chatting. Off to one side was Cindy who smirked at her when she entered. Jack looked up from a conversation he was having with Falaen as she approached and said "Good Morning Veronica. How did your morning exercise go?"

"Good My Lord. I was informed you are ready to go?" Veronica said.

"Yeah, we just finished here with the dungeon plans. Do you have everything you need?" Jack asked.

"Yes My Lord. I am ready to go whenever you are." Veronica said.

"That's great. We will be leaving soon." Jack looked over at Jenna and said "Jenna are you absolutely sure that you wish to remain here?"

Jenna smiled and nodded "Yes, I think it's best to practice my abilities more. Since you are in fact headed to another city, I think it would be hard to raise undead without drawing undue attention to myself and my artificial body."

Looking over to Falaen Jenna said "I wanted to thank you again to you both for helping me change bodies. I am indebted to you both. I have a gift for you Falaen that I am working on, it should be ready when you return here. Jack I will work hard to provide your dungeon the monsters it needs."

Jack smiled at her and said "Thank you Jenna. I will continue to work hard on finding a way to create an actual living body for you." He then turned to Bella "Like I said before you have done a good job with the dungeon layout. Your future ideas we talked about sound good as well. While foot traffic to the dungeon will be limited until Duke Adam finishes the road here, I do expect some adventurers to come by in a month or so. I will start having my Users advertise this dungeon for me."

"We will keep watch for them Sir Jack." Bella said. "If we need to contact you, how do we do so?"

"If it's an emergency or if you have questions ask Jenna to send it to me." Jack said.

Bella nodded and said "We will do as you command. We will also do our best as caretakers of your project. Jack know that we will aid you in any way we can to ensure the protection of this world."

Falaen spoke up and said "Bella I need you and the others to keep an eye on those sensors I managed to jury rig this morning. They are definitely not the best, but they should be able to detect if anything strange occurs in the dungeon near that dark zone."

"We will do that then." Bella said. "We will also implement your suggestions to secure that area Jack" "

Jack looked satisfied and then glanced at Veronica "Okay I think we are ready to go... just as soon as we locate David. Veronica, you were with him last, do you know where he is?"

"I felt he needed a break, so I gave him some free time to do whatever he wanted for a bit. I last saw him going off to the side of the temple." Veronica said.

"Then we will go to look for him." Jack nodded and said "When we find him we will leave, so take care Jenna, Bella."

Veronica then followed him out with Falaen looking for David. A quick walk around the temple brought them to a nearby grove where she saw the teenage kid currently sitting on a fallen tree. David was currently in the middle of carving a large stick with a knife. What appeared to be some sort of lizard was beginning to take shape in the wood. As they walked closer to David, Jack said "Hey there David. What are making there? That looks good so far."

Spooked David jumped in surprise. Realizing who it was, the kid coughed in embarrassment and said "I'm just passing the time away by whittling. My dad taught me how to do this when I had free time. Said idle hands are a recipe for disaster. So are we ready to leave this place or what?"

"Yeah we are all good to go now." Jack said and then looked at Veronica. "I was thinking Veronica before we head down to the Well, we should make a quick stop at your masters home."

Smiling Veronica said "Thank you My lord for remembering my request."

Jack grinned and waved his hand creating that flying blue box. He added windows this time and when the four of them entered, she was glad to find that Jack had made seats as well. She took a seat next to one of the windows as Jack lifted off over the temple. On the ground in front of the temple, she could see Jenna and several of the base minds waving goodbye as the blue ship shot off towards her masters home.

As it cruised through the air David scoffed and said "Is this really the fastest you can go? I can fly faster in my sleep."

"Yeah, I could go faster. But I'm choosing not to." Jack said. "You can handle faster speeds, but not everyone here can. Sometimes you must be considerate of others David."

"So just cancel inertia, and they will be fine but whatever." David rolled his eyes and took a seat and began to whittle away at the stick. Less than an hour later they came to a stop over the forest with a hill breaking through the foliage. She took a look over the place she had lived for years and found how different it looked from the sky. It lowered down into a small clearing, and Jack dismissed it.

Now on solid ground again, Veronica stretched out her arms and said "Welcome to the home of my master and my home as well. It's not much to look at, but it is cozy.""

David raised his eyebrows in a skeptical look and said "Cozy? More like something you would find a crazy hermit calling home. Did your master not like other people and choose to live in seclusion?"

A bit taken aback Veronica said "My Master loved people actually, and while we didn't get visitors out her, she did go to the city multiple times a year. She only chose to live here because this was once a base for the Awakened long ago. It's overgrown, but there are ruins of buildings throughout this area. I would scavenge from them and sell the old junk when we went to the city. My master lived in one of the more hidden ones. Let me show you." Veronica said guiding them to a path. She was startled to see the path was starting to get overgrown as no one had traversed it in awhile.

Still she had no trouble leading them through the forest. Eventually coming to the side of a hill in which a small cave could be seen behind a curtain of vines. Pushing aside the vines, she led the group into the cave and to a wooden door which she pulled open. As Veronica did so, she could feel her memories of the first time she went through this tunnel come up.

When her Master had picked her up from the streets she wasn't sure what to make of the old woman at first. Still Veronica was happy to be eating daily for once. When her master had led her here, she was nervous entering the dark stone tunnel. Yet when she opened the door she was surprised at the warmth of the room beyond. Even with her long gone, the living room held her warmth of personality and heart. Leading the other three, she saw small knick knacks and decorations that her master had picked up and old drawings that Veronica had made pinned up on walls.

Her Master had taught her how to do many things, though it took years before Veronica could do them competently. Still her Master always had a kind word encouraging her to pursue her curiosity. Though her master did have a habit of going on tangents in mathematics that went completely over Veronica's head. Still watching as Jack takes in the room; her master had been confident Jack would appear one day. Alas, her master did not live to see him awaken.

Most of the building they were in had long ago collapsed, but four rooms were still open. The living space where they were now with a kitchen attached, a bedroom that she had shared with her master. The last two were her masters study where she did most of her experiments and writings, and a storage room. The place was lit by mana lights they had salvaged over the years from the other ruins.

"This is the place where I lived for nearly eighteen years. Some of my happiest memories took place in this room." Veronica said.

"I like it." Falaen said as she moved to a nearby bookcase and began to look through the books on it. David wandered around looking at the various object in the room.

Jack asked "So where did your master store her documents?"

"That would be in my Masters Study. When she was not teaching me things, she would spend several hours a day researching and conducting various experiments. She would often forget to eat, so I would come in only finding her writing out long sheets of mathematical equations that I couldn't make heads nor tails of."

Opening the door to the study, she felt a tug on her heart. Veronica had not touched the study ever since her master had died leaving the way it was. On the desk where her master worked where stacks of papers and her giant notebook. Off to the side were the numerous broken devices that her master worked at repairing and testing. "I'm afraid most of what my Master wrote was beyond me. I never could get the handle on mathematics like my master. Perhaps you could understand them My Lord."

"I will see." Jack said as he began looking through the papers studying them. "We haven't talked really about how you became a Half-awakened. Could you go into more detail on how your master accomplished that?"

"I'm not entirely sure actually. She was very secretive about the Awakened only saying that I would learn more when I became fully awakened. I think it was because of what the betrayer had done to her. But she did talk a lot about you My Lord." Veronica said.

Veronica went to a bookshelf and rummaged through the books and then said. "She did require me to drink numerous potions as I was growing up. When I asked, she said that each was to prepare me for the ordeal of becoming awakened."

Jack nodded and began to flip through the giant notebook. "I'm not entirely sure what she used on you, but you have several traits that are not in the common population. Hmm, most of these pages appear to be just random calculations of equations. Also there are pages ripped out as well." Jack studied the pages a bit longer and said "Oh that is clever. I think I see what your master was doing now."

"What do you believe my master was doing My Lord?" Veronica asked. She came up to his side and glanced at the notebook. The page was filled with equations that made her head hurt to even try to read it.

"I assumed at first that these equations were just random calculations. But now that I take a closer look, I'm noticing patterns in them. It's incredibly elaborate, and even someone with an advanced understanding of math might not have picked it up. It appears to be a code keeping your masters words a secret." Jack said excitedly.

"If it is a code, do you think you can decipher it My Lord?" Veronica asked excitedly as well. Even if it was only a little bit, she still wanted to learn more about her master.

"It's a challenge, but I believe I can do it only partly. I will need to talk with JP about some of these more esoteric sections, plus some pages are missing. This appears to be the journal of a woman named Monique Freay."

"That is my Masters name."

"Okay." Jack nodded and slowly flipped through the pages. "This journal spans quite a time frame. Most of the entries appear to be simple sentences of what occurred that week. I think this entry is notable "Found an orphaned girl named Veronica. She reminds me of myself of how my master saved me from the streets as well. I have made the decision to take this child in and instruct her in the ways of the Awakened."

Veronica felt warmth in her chest and said "I am grateful to her for taking in and caring for me. While I called her master, she was my mother as well. Thank you for bringing her words to me again Jack. I am also grateful for her for leading me to your side, My Lord."

Jack put down the notebook and looked at her. "Veronica, you have been a great help to me. I have come to rely on you, and I am also grateful for meeting you. You should know that I like you for more than just your bed skills."

"My Lord?" Veronica's voice wavered under the intensity of his look.

"While I do prefer to keep the privacy of my Users as best I can, I noticed during the flight over here something was bothering you. I searched my records of what happened, and I heard what Cindy had said to you. She crossed a line and had I known about it then I would have said something. You should know if something like that happens to you I will support you no matter what."

"My Lord, I don't know why she said that, but I did not want to bother you about it."

"You could never bother me, Veronica. What she said is wrong, you are very special to me. You are my friend, not just my User. I chose you to be one of my Users not for some perverse desire but because I see the potential in you. You were also right, I would never pursue a relationship with someone like her." Jack said, taking her into his arms."

Tears that she had been holding without realizing began to fall down her face as she hugged him tightly back. They stayed that way for several minutes until there was a knock on the door. Veronica let go of Jack and wiped her eyes seeing Falaen who was looking elsewhere politely.

"I came to let you know that David has found a secret room in your storage room." Falaen said.

"Huh, what?" Veronica said. "What do you mean secret room?"

She quickly left the study following Falaen. All sorts of thoughts were racing through her mind as she entered the storage room. Along the bare back wall was David who was running his hands along it. "So what is this about you finding a secret room?" She asked David as she walked right next to him.

"I was looking around and found this old ball." David held up one of her balls that her Master had gotten for her. "I bounced it off this back wall and heard something strange. Take a listen for yourself." David said, knocking on the wall with his fist. There was a faint hollow sound indicating an open space beyond the wall. "I'm certain that there is another room behind the wall."

"That could be true." Veronica said. "This used to be a bigger building but most of the rooms have long collapsed. But it doesn't make it a secret room, though."

David scoffed and said "Then why is this back wall free of clutter. This room is packed yet this wall is kept bare."

"Master told me to keep this wall free to preserve what remains of the mural on the wall. If there is a secret space how do you propose we get inside?" Veronica said.

"It looks like it's just bricks. Give it a good whack, and you'll break right on through." David said, shrugging.

"You will not." Veronica said, feeling horror at this Idea. "This was my Masters home. I will not have you damage anything here on an assumption. If there is a way to access that space then we will find it. If not then we will let it go."

Jack went to the wall and said "I'm sensing a space beyond as well. I don't think we need to break down this wall. Take a look here on the mural, do you see how these different bricks are colored?"

Veronica nodded taking a look at the extremely faded mural. It had faded for as long as she remembered, she could not even make out what it was originally. However there was an odd line of bricks that could still be seen. The bricks seemed to follow a line, but they jumped in random intervals.

"I do my Lord."

"This part of the mural actually appears to be a logarithmic sequence. I'm not sure if this was built by your master or the awakened who built these ruins but this appears to be the key to open the door. If I am right, then these three bricks right here do not belong in this sequence." Jack said as he pressed on three bricks. Seconds later there was a grinding sound as the wall opened up revealing a small room behind it.

As Veronica had never seen this part of the ruins before, she walked into it first feeling both nervous and eager. It was not a big room, there was in fact barely enough room for all four of them as most of the room was taken up by tables. While everyone was looking around Veronica spotted a small clay doll on the table. She picked it up and recognized it as one she made for her master long ago.

There were various flasks and bottles filled with liquids across the table. In addition some notes were on the table, and Jack looked at them. "These appear to be notes by others awakened on the process to create another awakened and the potions necessary. From the check marks, it appears that you have already ingested most of these Veronica."

"I would agree. Some of these do look like ones Master had given to me." Veronica said, examining each of the flasks.

"The last page appears to be her notes on her attempts to make the final potion you needed for your full transformation into an awakened." Jack nodded and then said "I believe I see the truth of it now."

"What do you see Jack?" Falaen asked.

"While these notes don't go into full detail of what an awakened really is, it does describe a physical and mental transformation necessary. In order to become awakened, one must complete two parts one is preparing the body to handle the awakening, and then using the final potion to bring about this awakened. It appears that this awakening varies for everyone and not everyone will achieve the full awakening. Only those who achieve the full awakening were guaranteed to view the sleeping ones dreams, rather my dreams."

David scoffed and said "Sounds like another cult messing with something they have no understanding of. What's more your Master appears to have been messing with your genetics. I was wrong she's not a hermit, she's a mad scientist."

"Messing with my what?" Veronica asked.

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"Oh right, this world is still backwards. Let me put this in a way you can understand, each living thing has a set of directions in them that tells their body how to work. That is genetics more and less. It sounds like your master was performing some sort of crude genetic experimentation on you with all these potions." David said.

"Actually, according to this I believe it was more of an adaptation then full on change. A sort of unlocking what was already there to be able to handle the last part and grasp onto the aura of my soul." Jack said. "That is how the awakened would get visions of my dreams and past. In fact it also seems to have granted them various powers as well."

"Then was my Master able to finish the last potion?" Veronica asked.

"I'm afraid not. She did get close, however she was just missing a few ingredients that she could not find. Apparently when she left the other Awakened after the betrayal, she had to get all the ingredients for the potions herself. Some of which are super rare, and far too hard for her to get. However, with that being said, I believe I can finish and even improve upon that potion. That however would be up to you Veronica. I will need to get some ingredients for it, so you don't need to decide right away."

Veronica said "Thank you. Let's get all the stuff you will need from here before we go." She helped Jack store away all the remaining supplies within the secret room. After they left the room and into the living room Jack stopped and looked at her.

"Is there anything else that you need to do here?" Jack asked.

"There is just one thing I would like to do before we leave. I want to visit the grave of my Master to say goodbye since I do not know when I will return." Veronica said.

"Alright, do you want me to go with you?" Jack said.

Veronica nodded and the four of them left to the outside. Falaen and David stayed at the bottom of the hill, while she led Jack up the side of the hill along a path that she had walked over the years with her master. It led to a small clearing at the top of the hill, where a large rock stood. Near the rock was where she had buried her master with a crude stone marker.

"This was one of our favorite places to come at night. The sky is always so clear that we could see amazing things." Veronica felt her throat clog a bit as she remembered her master. "She would tell me stories about every star. When she passed, I could not think of a better place to bury her."

Jack came up to her and wrapped her in his arms. He whispered into her ear "I think she would have liked where you laid her."

She smiled in his embrace and was about to say something when there was a whispering coming from ahead and as Veronica watched she saw a ghostly figure emerge from the woods. Veronica was startled to realize it was the ghost of her master. Her master smiled at Veronica and then waved to her and pointed down the path and disappeared.

"We can stay here as long as you need." Jack said as he hugged her. Sensing something off Jack said "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, I just saw the ghost of my master. It seemed like she wanted to show me something." Jack let her go, and Veronica went back down with Jack following her. David was whittling again and saw them coming down and waved at them.

"Hey are we good to go or what? I'm getting bit by bugs just sitting around here."

"Just a moment David." Veronica said. She looked around and saw her master standing in a spot not far near her. She was pointing at the ground and there was a ripple of energy for a second. Then her master disappeared again. Falaen, who had been looking at her wand looked up startled and moved to the space where her master had been. "What is it Falaen?"

"I don't know. All of a sudden I just felt a burst of soul energy coming from her." Falaen said. She scraped the dirt away, and Veronica saw the sheen of metal underneath. "There is something under here. Can you help me out?"

Going to the spot Veronica helped remove some of the soil around the metal and Jack got his hands under it and managed to lift it up. It was a long metal pole about twenty feet long. At the bottom of the pole was a box which had several crystals inside of it. "Very curious." Jack said.

While Veronica was looking over the pole, she heard another whisper in the wind. Looking up, she saw the spirit of her master pointing at the spike and then towards the top of the hill. Then the ghost walked up into the hill. "Jack I saw the ghost of my Master again. I believe she wants us to bring this metal pole up there." Veronica said.

"I think we can do that." Jack said, lifting up the pole carefully.

David frowned and said "Wait, you can see ghosts?"

"Yes, I gained that ability as part of my bloodline."

The kid shuddered and said "I hate ghosts. Extremely dangerous things if you're not careful. Are you certain that you saw the ghost of your master and not some doppelganger that will want to devour your soul and take over your body?"

"I don't think so. All I got from her was a sense of calm and happiness." Veronica shook her head.

"I haven't sensed anything hostile in the area. We can at least see what she wants to show us." Jack lifted up the pole with ease and began to carry it up the hill.

Veronica followed behind and Falaen asked Jack "What do you think that pole is? I've tried examining it, but I just get confused gibberish."

"Me too." Jack said. "I think whoever made this didn't know what they were doing or want anyone else to either. At the very least I believe it's some sort of antenna. It definitely appears to resonate with spirit energy."

As they reached the top of the hill once more, Veronica could see a group of cloaked figures standing near the large rock. Her master was with them pointing to something underneath the rock. "Jack, I see my master and a bunch of other ghosts surrounding that large rock."

"My hands are full at the moment, so David can you please move that rock for us?" Jack said.

"I don't think it's a good idea but whatever." David said and went to the rock and pushed it away with some grunts from its original spot.

Veronica went to the area and cleaned it off a little revealing a metal slot that looked to be the receptacle for the metal pole. Jack came up and carefully managed to maneuver the pole into place in the slot. There was a loud clicking sound as the pole settled and a slot opened up on the pole and a small panel extended out from it. On the panel was a shape of a palm.

Going up to it, she looked at and felt a spiritual energy starting to build up in the pole like it was getting ready to release something. "What do you think this antenna is for?"

"Well I'm not sure exactly. This seems to be an experiment from the awakened involving the connection between spirits and souls. From what I can tell it appears ready to go, all it needs is an awakened or a half-awakened to activate it." Jack said.

"Wait, are you serious?" David asked, surprised. "Are you suggesting for her to place her hand on a device that you have no idea what it does? Your free to do whatever you want lady, but that sounds fucking stupid."

Startled at David's statement Jack said "You are right David. Now that you mention it, it does sound dangerous. I'm not entirely sure why I even suggested it." He looked contemplative for a second and then said "I think I have done things like that before. It's coming from my system side, and now that I'm focusing on it, it's telling me that if you place your hand on that panel Veronica it will have an impact on you. What it is I don't know, nor do I know how it does that."

"I can guess." David said. "All souls have a connection to fate. Of course one's fate is never set in stone and can change by one's own choices. Even chance can change one's fate. Still fates leave echoes in the universe that souls can feel, which can lead a person down a fated path. Since you are in fact tied to your Users souls and a vessel of pure soul energy you can sense fate far more clearly. Now I haven't met any other systems, though from what I hear they aren't as talkative as you, but I presume they all can sense fate like you. That's how they can create missions and rewards for their users. Still, I think it's pretty dumb to touch something you know nothing about."

"So are you suggesting that my system side can see the future?" Jack asked David.

"Hardly. I assume that your system side simply senses potential benefits to your Users. Fate is not the same thing as the future. One could have the fate of becoming a hero, and there are a thousand ways of doing so. However, since fates are not ironclad possibilities, one's future could just as easily become a villain instead of a hero. Just because she could gain something from touching the panel, that doesn't mean it's not dangerous."

Jack nodded in understanding and looked at Veronica. "It is your decision Veronica. We can always come back later when we have more information too."

"No, I think my Master would not lead me too danger. I feel like this is something important." Veronica said.

"I will keep close watch on you then Veronica. If I sense that you are in danger, I will make sure to protect you." Jack said.

"Okay" Veronica said, feeling touched at Jack's concern. She went up to the pole that towered over her and placed her palm on the panel. Nothing occurred for a moment as her palm adjusted to the cool metal. All of a sudden she noticed a surge of spiritual energy around and there was a loud crack and dozens of images began to flash through her mind. It felt as if her mind was stretching to accommodate all that she was seeing and then it began to replay like a memory.

It was an odd feeling as her vision seemed to shift from person to person as the surrounding area was slowly built up. She was seeing the lives of the Awakened who built the base here, as months turned into years in a matter of seconds. Then it slowed as the sky suddenly darkened and a figure in a black cloak descended from the sky. She could feel the terror of the people here as the cloaked man raised his hands and a torrent of flames came down annihilating the city. The people were quickly slain and yet memories continued as she watched over the years as the ruins became slowly overgrown by the surrounding forest.

Then one day she saw a woman come walking into the ruins checking out the old buildings. It was her master, a younger version of her. Over the years her master made herself at home in one of the ruins, as she continued various experiments. Veronica felt odd because she could see the memories of the ghosts and her masters at the same time. The time passed fast and soon she saw herself growing up with her master until the day her master passed away. At that point her vision seemed to slow and Veronica found herself in a large white hall with dozens of open windows that led out into a dark sky with white pinpricks of light.

Glancing down she realized that she was not in her body, but was in fact a more spiritual form close to that of a ghost yet more solid. Moving to one of the windows, she glanced down and saw numerous lines of spirits of all kinds and varieties going through a seemingly vast number of doors. As she watched, she suddenly felt a hand grasp her on the shoulder and she whirled around and found herself face to face with her Master. "Master?" She said feeling emotional at this unexpected reunion.

"It is good to speak with you again child. Veronica, I have come to say thank you and farewell." The Elderly woman took Veronica's hands in her own.

"So how is this even possible? Where are we?" Veronica asked, confused.

"It is good to see that you still have that curious nature Veronica. When I watched you leave our home I feared my death had a hard time on you child but it is good to see you whole and safe." Her master smiled. "My spirit and many others were stuck to this place because of the pole you found. Through it we were able to grant you some of our memories. Now that its energies have been spent we have been freed to go to the beyond."

Master stepped aside and showed Veronica a glowing door at the end of the white hall. "Your body is still in the world of Mantara child, but with the aid of the pole your spirit is cast here to the nexus points where some souls and spirits will go when they die."

As Veronica looked, she saw the awakened she had seen before pass by. They each nodded their thanks then stepped through the doorway and disappeared. "Where does that exactly lead?"

"I do not know child. The others have been stuck on Mantara for a very long time, so while they may not say much they are thankful to you Veronica for setting them free. I must ask you when you return to please destroy that pole, so no one spirit is ever trapped by it again." Her master said.

"What exactly is that pole?"

"Ah it is hard for me to say. It was a long time ago, and the ghost of the others had long forgotten. From what I was able to find they were experimenting on various ways to enhance the awakening process. That pole was one of those way's they developed before they were destroyed. I'm unsure how it will affect you, Veronica. But I trust that the sleeping one will not lead you into harm."

"I trust Jack as well. I will serve him as you taught me too." Veronica said. "Thank you master for all that you have done for me. I may not know who gave birth to me, but you are my mother."

Her master smiled and hugged her. Letting her go she said "I will always be proud of you child. I just wish you to live happily. I have to go child the doorway is calling me. Farewell child let the great one keep watch over you."

"Goodbye Master, keep well on your journey beyond." Veronica said as she watched her master walk through that glowing door and disappeared. The door closed and while she did feel sad, she was glad she could help her master continue onwards to her afterlife.

Looking around Veronica wondered how she could return to her body, when she heard a clicking sound and a thumping. Coming from down the hall was a tall figure in a white gown. Down the gown were purple streaks and she saw it was wearing tall high heels making the figure tower over her. She could not see the face of the figure as it was wearing a white mask that had a nose and some generic eyes but was otherwise completely blank. Alarmingly it was also holding a massive staff made out of what looked like bone and a greatsword in the other hand.

The greatsword was glowing softly drawing Veronica's eyes to it. Strangely she felt she was in the presence of something great, not from the figure but in fact the sword. On the hilt of the sword was a giant blue crystal. The figure stopped in front of her and a cold feminine voice came from it. "I see you are not dead. You do not belong here in the nexus. The device you used to come here will be destroyed."

"I know, I didn't mean to cause any harm. My master just wished to say goodbye to me." Veronica said nervously. She wasn't sure if this thing would hurt her if it even could.

It was silent for a moment and said "That is not the reason that device brought you here, though I suppose it is a great gift for you. Those people who created that device knew not what they created. It is an affront to the order of the universe. Had they known what they were doing we would have destroyed them. Yet we know it was not to harm but to learn. What they wished to achieve cannot be granted for none can learn what is beyond the door except for those who pass through."

Veronica bowed and said "I ask no boon of thee and will destroy that device when I return."

"You do not ask, but you will receive. Know the only reason this gifted to you is for the service you have provided the nexus, and the fact you are a paladin of a Soul Power. Behold the Eye of Souls." The Figure raised the sword, and it flashed a blue light so intense it hurt Veronica to look upon.

A regal pressure brought her down to her knees. A warm sensation of soul energy began suffusing her. "You have sworn an oath to your lord, but know this Champion of Jack, this power we grant you is yours and not to be abused. Should you betray your oath this power will be ripped from your soul."

Veronica could not look up, but she felt the sword being lowered onto her right shoulder. There was an intense burning sensation in her shoulder, and the figure said "The Soul takes many forms over a lifetime." Then the figure raised the blade and placed it on her left shoulder. "The Soul is also one yet many over a lifetime." The burning sensation grew more intense. Again the figure raised the sword and placed it onto Veronica's head and the burning seemed to envelop her entire body. "Begin the path of mastering your own Soul Dame Veronica over your lifetime."

The figure pulled the sword back and Veronica felt different and yet more complete. Veronica looked up as the figure sheathed the blade and said "I thank you for the honor."

"Then arise Dame Veronica and return to your body." The figure turned and began to walk away heels clicking on the white marble floor. As Veronica stood she found herself spiraling backwards and away from the nexus until she returned to her body. A massive shock sent her backwards, and she watched in amazement as the metal pole bent and twisted with a massive screeching sound until it was an unrecognizable mass of metal.

Jack was by her side instantly "Are you okay Veronica?"

"Yeah I think I am. That was an intense experience." Veronica said.

"That's why you shouldn't mess with things like that. All you got from that was getting hit by lightning." David scoffed.

"What? No, that's not all that happened to me. I went to a place called Nexus and said goodbye to my master and then a figure with something called the eye of souls granted me power."

Falaen looked skeptical and said "All that we saw was you touch it and a bolt of pure soul energy struck the pole."

"Did you say Eye of Souls?" David said with amazement. "You touched it?"

"You know what she is talking about?" Jack asked David.

"I do. I'll tell you later, but honestly if you were touched by it, that is amazing. In fact you are lucky to still be alive." David said.

"Yeah she touched me with it." Veronica said standing. As she did so she took a look at her status.

 

 

"If you met the wielder of the Eye of Souls, you are lucky to be alive. To be touched by one of the eight eyes is an honor very few will ever receive." David said.

Veronica nodded, and Jack said "I can see the experience has changed you dramatically. Do you feel alright?"

"I think so. Let me take a closer look at what changed." Besides the attribute changes she saw she had gained a feat and two new skills.

 

 

Veronica could now realize the faint tugging at her soul was this feat guiding her on the path she had chosen to take as Jack's Paladin. Feeling grateful for the guidance she looked at what else she had received.

 

 

Focusing on her new spiritual senses, she could feel the world around her a bit more clearly. She could see how the metal pole had been causing havoc in the local spirit area. In fact with it now gone, she could see the slow creep of spirits back into the area as they felt it was now safe. Spirit points seemed to be relevant to her new two skills so she took a look at them.

 

 

These skills will definitely help her serve Jack better. "I think I got a handle on the gifts bestowed upon me."

"Great. Let's get out of here. I don't like being in places where a bunch of ghosts were just at." David said.

"You mean ghosts like this?" Veronica said shifting into her new spirit body.

This completely shocked David and he nearly jumped out of his skin. "Oh haha. Warn a guy next time you decide to play poltergeist." David said.

Jack and Falaen laughed, and Jack said "Are you ready to leave Veronica?"

Veronica nodded and said "Yeah. I'm prepared to go."

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