Raze (The Completionist Chronicles Book 4)
Page 31
“We will be doing a full accounting,” the Queen spoke into the still air. “All members of the Nobility above the age of minority are to present themselves before us within twenty-four hours… or be stripped of their title, hereditary inheritance, and be declared criminals until such a time as they have paid their debt to the Kingdom.”
The room shook from all the angry voices that spoke out against this proclamation. The Royals let the commotion continue for a moment, then the King stood. Just like that, everyone was forced into stillness. “I see. So, none of you are confident that your heirs are not trapped in a pit full of unsanctioned assassins? In a tax-evading black market that has been preventing the Kingdom from gaining rare and necessary resources?
“How about this? If any are certain your people are innocent, feel free to join me when I send everyone else away. For everyone else, a fifth of your estates will be taken by the Kingdom to make up for lost taxation through a black market. If you agree now, your heirs will not be charged or worse when the area below is reclaimed.”
A Noblewoman stood and spoke against the pressure, “Your Majesty! You would beggar us all, punish us for the deeds of the few? For what our children might be doing?”
“Yes,” the King and Queen responded in synch.
The King nodded at Queen Marie, and she stood with a wave of stifling power that made the others choke on their words. “It seems that you have forgotten what your position is… and what our role is. The King and I lifted you into the positions you currently occupy. We allowed you to stand as equals amongst yourselves; we were not forced to do so. As you did not earn your positions, it seems your greed overcame you. You forgot why we exist. Perhaps you found that the power your title granted you was your right. You are very wrong.”
The King stepped forward to stand alongside her, and the stifling effect multiplied. “Others would gladly stand to take your place, and you will decide now if it is time for you to vanish… so as not to cause us issue going forward and into troubled times. A Noble house that calmly allows the Kingdom to be cheated is no friend to us. A replacement for your positions can always be found.”
Joe was doing his utmost not to move or draw attention. No need for people to remember who brought attention to this issue. The King finished with a growl that made glass crack, “You are all dismissed. The locations that allow for entry into the ‘backstage’ of the ‘Zoo’ are now under heavy guard, and anyone attempting to enter the area will be seen as a felon by the Crown. You have ten minutes to choose your path into the future. Believe in the innocence of your heirs and let them take the fall if they survive, or forfeit a fifth of your holdings now.”
“Another thing,” Queen Marie caught everyone off guard with her words. “We now hold firm with a person’s right to work their craft. We now find that all monopolies and agreements forcing people to work for them to be against the law and null. Guild systems, Colleges, and Unions have been grabbing power that is not theirs to hold. All people are freed of their obligations. This will be put into law tonight and, by the morning, will be in effect. Prepare yourselves. The change we have longed for is here. Let's hope we all survive it.”
Joe was pulled into a side room, and he gave the King a hug. King Henry looked at him with some discomfort. “That’s strange, but… it has been some time since I’ve gotten a hug. I needed that.”
“You have been awarded recognition for an act of Nobility, Joe,” Queen Marie stated as the silence stretched. “If we manage to gain the needed material to build this arena, are you willing to build it for us?”
“Of course!” Joe responded instantly.
“But… I haven’t even offered a reward to you yet.” The Queen looked at him with concern, which turned into a smile as he shrugged. “You act with more honor than many of our own Nobles. Can I ask why you work so hard when there might not be personal gain in it?”
“What can I say to that? Thank my mother for that.” Joe bowed before looking up with a cheeky grin. “After all…”
“Just like the Arena, I was Razed right.”
Afterword
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed Raze! The Completionist Chronicles has been so much fun to write that I have a fun surprise for you: I’ve collaborated with James Hunter, author of Viridian Gate Online and Rogue Dungeon, to bring you a new series within this world. Wolman Warlock: Bibliomancer will be out September 17th!
Could you do me a favor? James and I are making a run at bestseller lists so it would mean so much to me if you could pick it up in advance of release. To whet your appetite, I’ve included a sneak peek at the end of this book so enjoy the read following the appendix and then hit that purchase button. Thank you for being amazing and for your continued support!
Help us be New York Times or USA Today bestsellers! Pick up Bibliomancer today!
About Dakota Krout
I live in a 'pretty much Canada' Minnesota city with my wife and daughter. I started writing The Divine Dungeon series because I enjoy reading and wanted to create a world all my own. To my surprise and great pleasure, I found like-minded people who enjoy the contents of my mind. Publishing my stories has been an incredible blessing thus far, and I hope to keep you entertained for years to come!
Connect with Dakota:
Website
Patreon
Facebook page
Facebook group
Discord
Twitter
Reddit
Goodreads
About Mountaindale Press
Dakota and Danielle Krout, a husband and wife team, strive to create as well as publish excellent fantasy and science fiction novels. Self-publishing The Divine Dungeon: Dungeon Born in 2016 transformed their careers from Dakota’s military and programming background and Danielle’s Ph.D. in pharmacology to President and CEO, respectively, of a small press. Their goal is to share their success with other authors and provide captivating fiction to readers with the purpose of solidifying Mountaindale Press as the place ‘Where Fantasy Transforms Reality.’
Connect with Mountaindale Press:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Email
Newsletter
Street Team
Mountaindale Press Titles
GameLit and LitRPG
The Divine Dungeon by Dakota Krout
A Touch of Power by Jay Boyce
Red Mage: Advent by Xander Boyce
Ether Collapse: Equalize by Ryan DeBruyn
Wolman Warlock: Bibliomancer by James Hunter
Axe Druid by Christopher Johns
Skeleton in Space: Histaff by Andries Louws
Pixel Dust: Party Hard by David Petrie
Appendix
Notable Characters
Alexis – Joe’s second-in-command for his current team, Alexis is an Aromatic Artificer. By making poisons and weapons and using them to great effect, she has proven her worth time and again.
Aten – The Commander of ‘The Wanderer’s’ Noble Guild.
Bard – Bard holds the position of a tank in Joe’s current team. Contrary to his name, Bard is a Skald. Instead of staying in a well-protected position and playing songs, Bard is on the frontlines of any engagement chanting and swinging his axes.
Boris – The head librarian and the local leader of the Scholars profession.
CAL – Certified Altruistic Lexicon, the AI that controls Eternium.
Guard Captain Blas – Blas has proven himself to be an honorable man and is now dating Joe’s mother. Joe has decided to keep a closer eye on this situation.
Jake – An Alchemist who has set up shop in the city, this man has deranged tastes and a mysterious interest in seeing random acts of violence.
Jaxon – An Acupuncturist and Chiropractor in real life, Jaxon came into the game to try out new methods of healing. Is it his fault that everyone is so… brittle? Playing the game as a Monk, Jaxon uses his talents to deadly effect.
Joey (Joe) Nelson – The main character of our story, Joe is a Ritualist who has specialized into a ‘Rituarchitect’ class. By supplying the material and power, he can grow a building with ease. His contributions in the future will need to be significant for the human race to survive.
Mike – Vice Guild leader of The Wanderer’s Guild, Mike is ex-military specialized in logistics.
O’Baba – With the death of the Wolfman Warlord, O’Baba is the leader of the Wolfman race. She is the most powerful spellcaster of her people, and will do anything to ensure their survival.
Poppy – Papadopoulos Whisperfoot is a Duelist who wears eye-catching clothes and wields a rapier. Able to take down heavily-armored foes with ease, Poppy is an invaluable member of Joe’s current team.
Tatum (Hidden god) – The deity of hidden and forbidden knowledge.
Terra – An overly exuberant enchanter in Joe’s guild.
Sir Bearington – The Mayor of a small town that Joe’s guild chose as a base of operations. Sir Bearington is an honorable man… and an unbearable foe if angered.
Final Stats
Name: Joe ‘Tatum’s Chosen Legend’ Class: Jumplomancer (Actual: Rituarchitect)
Profession: Tenured Scholar (Actual: Arcanologist)
Character Level: 15 Exp: 134,813 Exp to next level: 1,187
Rituarchitect Level: 3 Exp: 4,640 Exp to next level: 1,360
Hit Points: 330/330
Mana: 1,590/1,590
Mana regen: 30.3/sec (Base 27.55/sec increased by gear)
Stamina: 295/295
Stamina regen: 5.67/sec
Characteristic: Raw score (Modifier)
Strength: 31 (1.31)
Dexterity: 40 (1.40)
Constitution: 38 (1.38)
Intelligence: 106 (3.06)
Wisdom: 77 (2.27)
Charisma: 31 (1.31)
Perception: 60 (2.10)
Luck: 30 (1.30)
Karmic Luck: 0
Skill List
Acid Spray (Beginner II)
Acting (Novice VII)
Aerial Acrobatics (Beginner I)
Channeling (Beginner V)
Cleanse (Student II)
Coalescence (Student 0)
Drawing (Novice VI)
Dual casting (Novice III)
Effortless (Darkness) Shaping (Legendary) (Apprentice VII)
Exquisite Shell. (Beginner 0)
Group Heal (Apprentice VI)
Herbalism (Novice VI)
Hidden Sense (Beginner VII)
Intrusive Scan (Novice IV)
Jump around (Master 0)
Jump Master (0)
Lay on hands. (Apprentice IV)
Magical Synesthesia (Novice VII)
Mana manipulation (Student 0)
Medic (Novice I)
Mend (Student III)
Mental Manipulation Resistance (Novice V)
Natural Magical Material Creation (Apprentice 0)
Query (Pray) (Novice II)
Reading. (Apprentice I)
Resurrection (Novice III)
Ritual Lore (Apprentice II)
Ritual Magic (Expert I)
Solidified Shadows (Mythical). (Apprentice IX)
Speech (Novice VII)
Spellbinding (Apprentice IV)
Staff mastery (Novice I)
Teaching (Beginner II)
Wither Plant (Apprentice V)
Words of Power (Written) (Apprentice 0)
Sneak Peek
Wolfman Warlock: Bibliomancer
A Completionist Chronicles Series
“Thanks for the info back there,” Sam smiled at the man as they made their way deeper into the warren of twisted passageways and disgusting muck. “This is my first time and I’m new around here.”
“You’re a Traveler, then?” the kid in the glasses questioned, his eyes alive with excitement. Sam nodded, keeping his gaze fixed firmly on the waters for any sign of the creatures they were hunting. “I’d heard there were some new people making waves, but I didn’t think they’d stick you on a detail like this.”
“Yeah, me either,” Sam grumbled as he stepped on something that squished like a rotten tomato beneath his boot.
“Let me guess, you met Octavius first?”
Sam grinned and nodded again. “You too?”
“Quite,” the kid said, pushing his glasses up higher onto the bridge of his nose. “Octavius and I have something of… a history, so he goes out of his way to punish me pretty much any chance he gets. I’m Finn, by the way. Well, technically Lord Finneas Laustsen, but my friends call me Finn. At least, I image they would if I had friends, which I don’t. Mine is a family of traitors, so we have business acquaintances at best.”
“Sam.” He offered Finn his hand which the boy reluctantly took, giving it one weak pump then quickly pulling away.
“It’s a pleasure,” Finn spoke a little too seriously for Sam’s comfort.
“What exactly do you mean ‘family of traitors’?” Sam quizzed him, feeling a flash of worry. Finn seemed nice enough, but he was already on the outs with the Mage’s College, so throwing in with someone who was deeply disliked might not be such a good idea.
“Old, old history, I’m afraid—history which puts me at odds with Octavius and his kin. House Laustsen and House Igenitor have had a blood feud for over two-hundred years, since before the centralization of power in the form of the Tyrants, King Henry and Queen Marie.” Finn stole a long look at the guard, busy trudging ahead through the waters, a torch in one hand, a curved axe in the other. Finn dropped his voice, keeping a conspiratorial eye on Geffrey. “Few citizens of Ardania talk about the old history, of course, but there was something of a war before the line of King Henry took power.”
“House Igenitor was one of the most vocal supporters of the current regiment, while my house supported the losing faction, the Sect leader of Charibert. Naturally, most of the opposing Houses were scrubbed from existence, but my Household was seen as too valuable to simply remove from existence.”
“The decimation of House Laustsen would’ve thrown Ardania’s economy into a death spiral and, so, we were pardoned by the Throne after having seen the error of our ways. House Igenitor, however, has never forgiven us. Octavius seems to somehow hold me personally responsible for the centuries old ‘insult’ of…” Finn faltered and shrugged, “well, I’m not sure exactly of what, but apparently, it’s bad. So, here I am, trudging through the sewers.”
Great, of course the first decent person I’ve met inside the College would turn out to be Octavius’ mortal enemy. But, after thinking about it for a moment, Sam decided that actually made Finn even cooler. Anyone that Octavius hated was probably good to know, and Sam wasn’t about to let some petty bully ruin a potentially good friendship.
“Well, you know what they say, any enemy of Octavius is a friend of mine,” Sam held out a hand with a grin.
“Hey, magelings,” Geffrey barked over one shoulder, cutting off their conversation, “get ready, we got Jellies.”
The man broke into a lumbering run, darting out of the hallway and into a hub-like chamber with tunnels forking off in every direction. Sam picked up the pace, water splashing as he charged after Geffrey with his hands raised, ready to deal out some magical damage.
The room beyond was crawling with critters in a host of different shapes, sizes, and colors. All were gelatinous blobs of neon-bright goo, which reminded Sam of miniature versions of the colossal creature that had chased him through the jungle; though admittedly none of these were filled with bones. Some edged through the waters toward them, while others dotted the walls and ceilings like cancerous, multi-colored growths. Sam skidded to a halt, taking up a position behind Geffrey, who now had a shield out and strapped to his left arm.
Sam scanned the room, counting as he went. There were sixteen of the creatures, and though they didn’t appear to be particularly dangerous on the surface, he could vividly recall the sensation of being dissolved inside of th
e belly of the monster from the jungle. With this many Jellies, if they all converged as one it could prove to be problematic.
“Alright, you two,” Geffrey bellowed, “I’ll draw their ire, while you two dish out some damage. But make sure to keep your distance—even a touch might well send a young mage like you off to an early grave. Now, who wants some, huh!” he shouted, wading forward and slamming axe against buckler, *clang-clang-clang*. The noise started drawing Jellies to him like a moth to a flame.
The first wave of creatures converged on the guard, swarming around him in a half circle. Goopy tentacles lashed out like sentient whips. Those questing gelatinous limbs slapped harmlessly against Geffrey’s armor, but the man let out muffled grunts whenever they connected against exposed flesh. Sam heard skin sizzle as plumes of greasy smoke wafted up into the air, carrying the stench of burnt hair. Super gross. And if Sam was smelling it with his pitiful perception, to someone like Finn the scent probably would’ve been unbearable. But a glance at his new friend showed just the opposite.
At first glance, Finn was a bookish type, probably more cozy in a library than a party; but here in the heat of battle he looked like he was finally in his comfort zone. His slammed his staff down in the muck and a dome of shifting blue light erupted around him in a circle, radiating unfathomable cold. Finn thrust his right hand straight out, palm up, and conjured a spike of pale-blue ice a foot in length. The ice spear zipped through the air like an arrow, blasting through an oozing purple Jelly with a glimmer of red at its center. The creature didn’t stand a chance and fell apart, disappearing into the muck.