Chapter 96: Chapter 95: A Avatar visits an Etiquette School.

When Madam Lian had started manipulating Princess Falean's soul, Jack had detected several nasty things attempting to enter this dimension. Focusing on the space around him, he forced it to remain fairly stable to prevent the more unpleasant things out, but one small thing was able to slip by. Veronica was able to deal with it, however Jack was startled when he felt a User connection pop up and he realized Falean had somehow become a User.

When Madam Lian had finished and stepped back, he looked at her and said "How did you become My User?"

Standing up from the rickety wooden chair, Falean stretched and looked at her arms in amazement. Then she looked at Jack and said "While I was inside my Soul, I actually met your Inner Soul. He made me an offer that I could not pass up. As long as he upholds his end of the deal, I will be your User."

"My Inner soul?" Jack was confused and looked at Madam Lian.

"Your consciousness is more or less a reflection of your soul. Since you agreed to have a connection tied to you, it is not unreasonable for your inner soul to meet her. Though I am surprised that she can recall it all. In fact, now that I look at her again, she seems far more changed then I initially anticipated. What does she mean by User?"

"I am a System. Users are those who contract with me."

Madam Lian looked confused and looked like she wanted to ask more, but Princess Falean groaned and said "Wow, my body feels like I've been beat to shit."

"Your body will need to rest to fully adjust to the changes made to your soul. I must warn you, your soul has made far more changes then was expected. As such, you will likely see changes in your personality, and it may even affect your body in some manner."

"As long as it remains in my control that will be fine." Falean said nodding.

The Soulamancer glanced around and said "Look at all this dark ectoplasm. I've never seen so much before, I knew some bad things would come, but nothing this nasty."

"There were several things, all attracted to the soul energy coming off you." Jack said.

Madam Lian frowned and said "That is strange. At most the usual things that show up are some spooky and pretty harmless ghosts. The only danger most times is from me being distracted. If that's the case, I'm afraid I won't be able to do the same procedure here any time soon. I have to let this place cool down to speak or risk tearing a hole. However, I can still examine your soul if you wish."

Jack nodded and saw Veronica lean down and pick off something off the ground. "My Lord I tried out the Monster Capture Skill and this was the result." She handed Jack a card who took a look at it. Inside the card was a giant ghost rat. 

"Much appreciated Veronica for the hard work. You did a good job. Now that we know a little bit on how the capture skill works we can start capturing monsters for my dungeon."

"I am undeserving of your praise My Lord."

Jack caught Falean rolling her eyes, and Madam Lian coughed and said "Do you still wish for me to take a look at your soul?"

"I do." Jack said and sat down into the old wooden soul. 

Lian reached forward and placed her hand on his forehead. Her touch was a bit cool to the touch, and she muttered several words and he felt a strange tingling as she seemed to reach into him. Her eyes went white, and she said "Alright let's take a look at your soul... huh? What is this? What are you? Your soul it's so..." 

Madam Lian went silent for a long time, and to Jack's surprise drool began to drip out from the woman's mouth down her chin. A little worried that the woman was undergoing some sort of stroke, Jack was about to reach out and touch her when she suddenly snapped out of it and removed her hand.

Wiping her mouth, she stared in fascination at Jack for several seconds and said "I have never seen a soul as large and magnificent as yours. I thought at first it was fractured or in multiple pieces but it's in a strange harmony that I have never seen until now. I believe I can advance in power simply from examining your soul. I must thank you for allowing me to examine you."

"Ah no problem. Were you able to observe the parasite?"

"I was, or rather what is left of it. This body of yours isn't really your true body?"

"No. It's an Avatar."

"I thought as much, it's not able to contain the full extent of your soul, thus leaving an opening that the parasite was able to take advantage of. However, it appears that the advantage was short lived. From what I saw the parasite was already disconnected and being ripped apart. Only the core of it was left, and I'm not sure what your soul was doing with it. I don't believe you will have any issues with it for now."

Madam Lian went to the couch and looked at Jack "I believe I saw the inner soul that your slave encountered in her soul. Though I don't know which of them was the one that she met inside her soul."

"There are more than one?" 

"Yes, which would be extremely strange, if not for the complexity of your soul. I dared not get too close to them. I feared their power would accidently sever part of my soul from me. It appears they are slowly waking up, it appears as if your soul is somehow gaining strength."

"Is there a way I can examine my own soul like you did?"

Madam Lian thought for a minute and said "There is." She stood and went to the cabinet and pulled out a globe. "Here, you need to practice meditation while staring at this globe. It will allow you to eventually look inside of yourself."

"That sounds good, how much does this cost?"

"No cost. I'm going to have to reflect on what I saw in your soul for several years, this will help push me to the pinnacle of soulamancy. If you have any more soulamancer needs please come back and see me. I will be happy to help. Recommend me to your friends as well."

"I will do so and thank you for helping to fix her soul."

Falean said "I thank you. My soul was a mess, and you helped me out. I owe you a debt of gratitude." She bowed.

Jack looked at Madam Lian and said "I was serious. I saw numerous spirits in your house, it is haunted. Some of them have a hostile nature, and I fear for your safety."

"While I disagree, I will trust your judgement. I will take actions to secure my place from spirits. Farewell and take care." 

Leaving the Soulamancers home, Jack looked at Princess Falean and said "Now that your soul is free from that parasite's influence, I can remove that slave collar."

"No." Princess Falean said.

"What?"

"Leave it on."

Jack looked confused at her and she said "Don't be mistaken, I have no desire to submit myself to you as a slave. The reason I wish to keep this collar on is to tell the truth, is for my protection."

"Protection?"

"From the curse that is still in my blood. Now that I am thinking more clearly than I have in a long time, I recognize how far the curse hauled me down into debauchery. While it is in me, it is a weakness Luxurian and the others could exploit. With the collar however, they cannot as easily control me. Telvin is looking for a way to remove his curse, when he does so, hopefully so will I."

"How is the curse doing?"

"I can still feel it, though not as strong as it was. I fear if you take off the collar I will soon sink into depravity like before. That taste of pleasure is intoxicating, and I cannot trust myself to refrain from indulging in it. Since I wear the collar however, my actions can be controlled by you. Plus I did agree to follow you and aid you to achieve your goals."

"Was that part of the deal my Inner soul made with you?"

"Not the slave collar part. I believe it will be the best option for us."

Frowning Jack said "I will keep it on, until you get your curse removed, and then I will take it off."

Falean smirked and said "I would think you would like a willing slave."

"What?"

"You may fool yourself, but you enjoy a certain dominant streak in you. I saw it with your inner soul."

Jack glared at her while they were walking and Veronica interrupted and said "Where do you wish to go now My Lord?"

Looking at the Sky, he saw they still had some time before it turned to night. "There is a nearby temple that I would like to visit. After that we can go back to the Inn and get some dinner."

"That sounds good, I am ravenous. It feels like I haven't eaten in days." Falean said.

"Your dark side barely eats anything. I think she was trying to starve herself to death."

Embarrassment flashed across Faleans face and she said "I'm sorry for the way I acted. In my youth I had a phase where I was fascinated with the Goddess Willow, due in part with my desire to remove the curse. I became fascinated with dark poems. I guess that part of my soul was really strong."

"It's alright. Some of your verses were actually interesting. Just don't keep hounding us with it." Veronica said. "Which Temple did you wish to visit My Lord?"

"Do you happen to recall that list of gods I could potentially recruit that you made?"

"Yes My Lord."

"One of the goddesses on that list was Eunomia, the Goddess of Etiquette. She only has one recorded temple, and it's in this city. I want to take a look to see if she would be willing to sign a contract with me. If we are going to face these seven Archmages, I will need to gain more power."

Flagging down a yellow carriage, Jack gave the driver the location. They rode to a fancier neighborhood with nice buildings and well kept fences. The carriage stopped in front of a large manner with a spiked fence around the property. On the fence was a large sign with gold lettering that said 'Mystikos Finishing School'

"Is this the place My Lord?" Veronica asked, looking troubled.

Jack nodded and said "I believe so."

Walking up to the door, Jack reached for the knocker and pumped it several times. A woman in a very prim dress that was buttoned all the way to her neck answered the door eventually and looked Jack over for a moment before saying "How may we help you? Our visiting hours for our pupils are currently over. If you are looking for a bride, I must ask you to make an appointment where we can evaluate whether you are suitable match for one of our pupils."

"In fact I was hoping I would be able to visit the temple of Eunomia."

The woman looked at him strangely and said "Are you a worshiper of her?"

"A prospective one to be completely honest. For doing such good work for the goddess, I would be willing to grant a sizable donation to your school."

She hesitated and then said "I will ask the Headmistress. Please come in and wait in the entrance hall while I go ask her."

Jack nodded and entered the entranceway with Princess Falean and Veronica. There were several paintings of young women who looked in Jack's opinion like they were all uncomfortable. The woman left them for a bit, while Jack watched a young woman walk past them, being really careful to keep several books balanced on her head.

When she noticed them, she got a shock and the books fell. She quickly gathered them and ran off blushing furiously. Veronica said, "What kind of school is this?"

Falean said, "It appears to be one that noble and rich people like to send their daughters too. It's meant to give them an edge in convincing a better suitor, and more skills as a noble wife. Most other nobles simply hire an etiquette teacher to come to their home."

Eventually, the woman returned and said "The Headmistress will see you now. Your companions will need to remain here I'm afraid."

Veronica said "I will be alright. I will remain with Princess Falean."

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Following the woman into the building, she led him to a small hallway. At the end of the hallway was a door where she knocked and a voice called out "Send him in."

Entering the room, Jack saw yet another woman wearing an extremely prim dress. Her alabaster skin had an odd quality to it, that he couldn't place. He briefly considered examining her, but felt that it could potentially alarm the goddess if he started examining her followers.

She was standing next to a dress on a mannequin, using a ruler to measure out several portions. "I am Mrs. Weaver, and you wish to visit the temple?"

"Yes, my Name is Jack. I would appreciate it if you could let me see the temple."

She glanced at him over and said "What do you think of this dress? One of my pupils decided to purchase it."

Looking at the dress, it was a nice red dress, and he said "It's a lovely red dress."

"For a married woman perhaps, but not at all suitable for such a young woman. Not at all suitable for her at the ball this weekend I'm afraid." She stepped back and looked at Jack. "I find it hard to believe that you are even interested in Etiquette Sir Jack. While you give off a Nobles Aura, you clearly lack the finish of one."

"Most nobles I have met lack finish, and some are worse than the scum I scrape off my boots." Jack replied.

"I do not think the Goddess Eunomia is at all suitable for you Sir Jack. But if you wish to see the temple, then by all means, I will show it to you."

"Thank you Mrs. Weaver. I am willing to make a donation to your school for this opportunity."

Mrs Weaver stared at him for a second before saying "Our school always appreciates the donations of the considerate. I must stress, however, such a donation does not allow you to pick any potential bride. We will still need to appraise you and match you with any interested pupil."

"I'm not interested in pursuing any of your pupils." Jack said.

"You are a strange one. How did you even know the goddess has a temple here?"

"I found out in the Grand temple archives in Taras."

"I see. Very well let me show you to the temple." She went to the far wall of her office and pulled a book from a bookshelf and a hidden door opened leading to a stairwell. They went down the stairs till the walls became stone. Eventually, they came to a door, where Mrs. Weaver pulled out a key and unlocked it.

She looked at him and said "The girls only are allowed into the temple when they have graduated."

They entered the temple, and Jack saw there were several black benches. There was a pedestal made out of some black wood. While there were mana lights, the whole place was still incredibly dark. "What can you tell me about Goddess Eunomia?" Jack asked, looking about trying to decide how he would contact this goddess.

"Well for starters she is completely made up." A cold female voice said behind him. 

Startled by it, he turned around and was startled to see Mrs. Weaver had changed completely. Her once pale skin had turned charcoal black, her eyes had gone completely black as well. Her once prim dress had changed as well to a dark outfit with a black hood. "I created it as another alias for myself." She said.

Divine power flowed from her, and Jack realized she was actually an Avatar. "Who are you?"

"I hold many names due to my nature, but my true name is Nyx."

Jack said "I get the feeling you are no goddess of Etiquette."

Nyx laughed and said "No. It's a bunch of silly rules that change based on custom and culture. The only use I have for it is for both a cover, and it's very helpful in the missions I give out."

"Missions?"

"These schools and the others I have made like it are a front for the order of assassins I have made. They take on the jobs I request of them."

"Assassins? What sort of goddess are you?"

"I am the guardian of the dark. I protect the world hidden away. You are Jack, the system that has been making waves at the Divine court?"

"I am."

"Hmm." She said and walked around him.  Keeping her in his sight, Jack asked "Why the deception?"

"Because there are many who would see me dead. I don't exactly have a great deal of power, and my enemies could very well kill me if I'm not cautious."

"What enemies?"

"There are several in the divine court who would see me dead, so they can advance their agendas. Not to mention the other beings of power hidden on the world who want to cut off my head for stopping them as well."

"What is your agenda then?"

Nyx said "The only agenda I pursue is to support the world. I also help uphold the rules of the Court. Think of me of Eramis's left hand."

"Does Eramis know of you?"

"Not directly. She only knows that there is someone helping her in the dark." Nyx smiled at her joke and then said "Speaking of my agenda, I actually require your help."

"What do you need help with?" Jack said.

"I've been hearing that you've been making contracts with other gods. I am willing to sign a contract with you as long as you take care of some problems for me that have been popping up in this city."

Hesitating Jack said "I can't promise anything unless I know what troubles you are facing."

"There are three. First off there is another group of assassins, not my own at work in this city. I don't know where they came from, and want them gone from here as fast as possible. I've sent two of my best assassins after them, and they returned heavily injured. I myself would go after them, except for the other two problems I face."

"I can probably deal with that." Jack said.

"The second problem I face is the Queen. She's pushing for this kingdom to become a vassal nation of the Empire. I don't want that to happen. I want her out of the picture."

"That will be harder to do. Even if I do kill her, it won't stop the empire from invading this kingdom."

"What I need is more time. Plus it will be in your better interest. The enemies I face are your enemies as well. To be honest, you're pretty weak compared to them, so you will need every bit of help. What I want to eventually do is kill the emperor, plus whatever is backing him."

"What do you mean backing him?"

"Something powerful is backing him. The Empire is growing in power far too quickly. Even the gods that back the empire don't have that kind of skill."

"I think I have an idea of what is backing him." Jack said. "What is the third problem?"

"Alacanar. The god of nobles and a bastard who wants to unseat Eramis as the ruler of the court. He is making moves that I don't like and needs to be stopped."

"How can I stop him?" Jack asked.

"By discovering the truth about his actions. If you present it before court, Eramis will have the ability to act against him. Alacanar does not have the power to stop her yet."

"Alright. I came here looking to contract a goddess. But I warn you I will do this my way."

"Very well. We are in agreement."

Jack sent her a contract and a few seconds later he received a notification.

 

 

"Thank you Nyx."

Nyx nodded and said "How interesting. This will help me set up missions far better." She closed whatever she was looking at and said "I will contact you later."

"I am staying at..."

"I already know where you are staying. I have been keeping an eye since you stepped in the city. I was actually planning to visit you tonight to make you the offer. To my surprise you came visiting me instead."

Nyx shifted back to her Mrs. Weaver form and showed Jack back out to the entranceway. He turned and said "Farewell Mrs. Weaver."

"Have a good day Sir Jack. I will be looking forward to your donation." Nyx smiled.

They walked out, and Veronica said "How did it go."

"Good. I now have another goddess as a User. With a few more, I feel like I will be able to take on these archmages."

They took a carriage back to the Inn. When they were back in the room, they ordered some food and had some conversation when the food arrived. The waiter said it was called Pizza. It was a flat piece of bread with sauce and cheese on it with several toppings. Jack was eating them and found they tasted quite good.

He noticed however that Princess Falean wasn't partaking of them and asked "What's the matter?" 

"I don't like Pizza."

For some reason this disturbed Jack and he said "What?" Just as some knocking came at the door and Veronica answered the door.

He stared in disbelief at Falean and said "Your loss."

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