Shade stood before one of the most powerful beings in the realm. Kind, weary eyes stared into his. “You have questions?” he prompted. His demeanor was grandfatherly. He released Shade’s shoulders and walked over to a conversation pit filled with pillows.

  Shade followed the man. He detected neither malice nor aggression. “Was that you in my technique earlier?”

  The man settled into the pillows as if her were the age he appeared. He snorted with a note of self-derision. “It was when I sensed Caloric Completion’s unique space-time signature.”

  Shade’s hand tensed around his chakram, I didn’t know it could be sensed.”

  Biron chuckled and patted a cushion next to himself. “Don't worry, there are likely only two other people who are capable of it,

  and one of them wouldn’t bother, but the other is the Emperor. Because he has a space affinity as well, and time that hyper condensed distorts space to those sensitive enough. Borialis, the merchant god, has a talent that he can sacrifice money to temporarily boost his stats, it's called pay to play.” Merchant god was said with air quotes.

  Shade moved to the pillow-filled conversation pit and sat. He did have questions, but this wasn't the kill Billesque showdown he was expecting. “I have loads of

  questions, I just don’t know what's pertinent. So… I guess I'll just ask. But first, can you summon the Marquess? I want to let her know I survived. But I don't

  want to deal with the church people. If they start enquiring into my circumstances, I'm gonna be dodging assassins nigh constantly.”

  The older man smiled, and a wave of will that was palpable to Shae rolled away from him and shot off in the direction of the Marquess’s training area. Seconds

  later, there was a timid knock on the door. The door opened, and the Marquess stepped in. Her aura was completely concealed, and head down with her

  hands nervously clasped in front of her waist.

  “You summoned me, my god?” she then knelt without looking up.

  Shade spoke first. “I asked our host to call you here so that I can let you know I'm still alive. But I also wanted to spark with you about what you promised.”

  Shade saw her eyes widen, and slowly her head tilted so she could see with her peripheral vision.

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  “I am well pleased, what is your request?”

  “I wonder if you will actuailly be willing or capable of it.” shade said in response but after a pause, he said. “ if you are true to your word then

  I want you to free all your slaves with the option for hired wages. I cannot abide slavery. And i cannot and willnot aid anyone who actively participates in

  slavery. I understand that in this culture its almost impossible for one not to passively participate. But that is my request. What say you.” before she spoke

  Biron laughed good naturedly.

  The Marquess started, and her sight caught on to the other man. She made whatever hand sign that the religious made before she spoke. “I… I… Um, that is

  to say. I canot release my uncle he has a lifebonded contract. If i’ts broken he will die. 4 other high end gladeators are violent criminals that wil be dangerous

  to the poopulace released.”

  Just then, Biron cut in. “Shade, I of all the gods understand and share your derision. I employ no slaves, however, this tenant was written into holy doctrine. If

  you wish to maneuver, you cannot do this right now. If you do, you will inevitably draw the church’s attention before you are ready. And this society is built on

  the caste and nobility system. I don’t agree with any of it but I am regularly outvoted.”

  The marquess looked like she was about to short circut. Thais was a lot to take in. as an afterthought Biron raised his hand and Shsade’s collar fell to the

  ground. Shades eyes widened as a cascade of alerts all popped up. He tried to will them away for later but two were flashing red and wouldn’t be set aside.

  *****

  WARNING!!!

  You are cultivationmg thisd is not suggested by the system, this can cause conflitcts with system.

  WARNING!!! It is suggested you cease body modification. Unregulated augmentations can lead to physical and spiritual damage. Seek the caretaker to have your core examined for faults or damage.

  *****

  The marquess turned to address Shade, it seemed that she was not yet ready to speak to Biron directly. “I thought you had no memories of before. How is it

  you two are acquainted?”

  Shade nodded. “It’s true, I have no memories of before I woke up. I have cultural memories of somewhere called Earth. I have knowledge about some aspects

  of this world and how it works. But no cultural knowledge at all. I only know that whoever I was before I lost my memories must have been strong.”

  Biron burst into a belly laugh but then it stopped and his face took on a grave countenence. “Marquess Sylvia Delong, I swear you to secrecy of one of the 7.

  Nothing said in this room or this meeting is to be spoken of or revealed through action or inaction. On pain of your life. Though even if you did find a way

  around a system oath, the church would have you and anyionw who might hear what i have to say killed and 3 generations purged.”

  Shade glanced over in surprise, but said nothing.

  The marquess nodded and shakily replied. “I so swear.”

  Shade saw mana gather and constrict until it sank into her body likely putting a band around her core.

  Shade looked to the older man. “I really wanna hear how all this was let to happen… “

  Biron’s lips tightened in what was likely guilt and recrimination. The marquess’s eyes ernt wide that Shade would speak to the 7 in this way.

  “Shade, you cannot speak so to one of the 7!”

  Biron chuckled and pulled out of gis guilt to laugh. “Oh, he can. Since he is the Deciever reborn.”