while I’m not recovered and still struggling I spoke to a few new therapists + psychiatrist who all gave me hope that with the right therapy I can get my dissociation fixed or at least lessened. Many of them sounded serious because prolonged dissociation is usually not great. I’ve been struggling for 3 years with it but I finally found a good medication that made it from constant to coming and going in waves. I seriously recommend if you are struggling with dissociation to look into emdr, dbt and medication if you can! It’s so important because it’s a sign your brain is overloaded. I’m not a psychologist but I know dissociation is the brains coping mechanism to prevent further stress and can be a sign of unresolved trauma. Some tips that help me cope are connecting with friends, if you have pets hang out with them, play a comfort show or video, stay active, drink water, get lots of rest. Remind yourself it’s a symptom and that it will pass. also I know it’s easier said than done but don’t dwell on it too much. you’ll end up in a loop like I did. it’s a rlly hard feeling to cope with but it takes a lot of strength to push through it anyway.

Tw: brief mention of eating disorder at the very beginning!!
I’m trying to do some strength training in my legs, because having an eating disorder has left me all weak, but I’m worried it will make my butt big and give me an hourglass shape…..
I naturally have wide hips that give me an hourglass shape. My legs are really damn skinny, and they’ve got no muscle definition. I think really skinny legs accentuate my hips, and I’m hoping that having muscular legs won’t make my figure so feminine.
I’m especially trying to build upper body muscle but that’s a different conversation.
TLDR; can I build leg muscle without giving myself a fat butt/super femme hourglass?

In the beginning, I thought being a side piece with MW would be enough.
Turns out, it's not. I want a relationship with her. A real one.
I thought it wouldn't get to me, my part in the deception.
Turns out, it did. I saw her spouse recently and the guilt that is eating me from within is soul-crushing.
I thought we could be friends.
Turns out, we can't. I see her face or hear her voice, and my heart melts. I'm hopelessly in love with her and I can't make myself not be.
I was starting to think we could go reduced contact, rather than no contact.
Turns out, we can't. I do fully have to step aside to let her gain clarity.
I thought somehow, maybe we would be able to come to some sort of polyamorous solution.
Turns out, we can't. Maybe they will open their marriage someday, but I would never be allowed in, for good reason. It's such a far-fetched idea, I can't believe I let myself believe it for so long. There's just no ethical way to do it, absolutely none. No amount of mental gymnastics around that one... Believe me, i've tried.
Maybe she will pick me, in the end. Maybe we will be able to pick our relationship up again. Maybe I'll get to spend the coming years with the warmest, kindest, most special person.
Maybe she won't. Maybe it's not worth dismantling everything else she's built in her life. Maybe she will grow to be her happiest without me. I want her to find her truest happiness, whatever that looks like. I'd like to be a part of that. I don't know if I'll get to.
This subreddit is filled with so many different people, situations, relationship dynamics, world views. It's been invaluable to me, reading all of your experiences, despite the fact that it took me some time (and therapy) to see truths I should've seen months ago.
I don't regret a thing. Meeting her changed my life, and changed me, for the better. I'd rather feel the pain and the grief I feel right now, wondering if she'll come back to me, than giving up all the good she's brought me.
That said, I'll never do this again. I used to have an attitude of "other people's relationship integrity are theirs to uphold". I don't anymore. As valuable and life-changing as this relationship has been, it has come at a cost. It's damaged the sense of integrity and honesty I feel I have worked hard to cultivate in myself; it has caused me heartache day in and day out, when the highest highs come crashing down to the lowest lows; it's made me feel lost, having found my person and losing her so soon.
To the posters that come through here wondering if they're playing with fire: you are.
To the posters that ask if it's still worth it: that's for you to decide.
Can you handle potentially meeting one of the greatest loves of your life, and letting them go? Can you handle falling deeply in love with someone and the future you could have together, and never getting the chance to explore that? Can you handle having someone you want to prioritize, not able to prioritize you?
I am picking the pieces back up on the standards I want to have for myself. These pieces are forming a gate around my heart again. She has the key. Maybe she'll come through. Maybe she won't. But I'm not okay with doing what we have been doing. I'm not okay lying to others, or being lied about. I'm not okay accepting the scraps of a relationship, not anymore. And I am accepting that if she can't be with me the right way, we will have to exit each other's lives.
My heart is broken, but I feel like I'm finally seeing clearly. I don't know if I'll have the strength forever to maintain my self-worth, but I'm going to practice it, starting now.

I was reading some articles and some posts about Undertale characters and monster’s being extremely weak. Are monsters really as weak as everybody says or does it go deeper. It’s unfair to say a 12 year old kid killed their entire race so they are weak, mainly because of saving and the fact the playeprotagonist at the end isn’t even considered human at that point. What do you guys think on the strength of a monster, I think they really aren’t as weak as everybody says, where some random could kill them on the street. But they aren’t at like omni-man/Superman levels.

New to fiber; lot to learn.
As measured with a VFL, measured at 1310 nm (not sure of this and don't know how to find out if it's correct), I see -30db.
Is this typical, and how important is the precise optical signal strength at the ONT?

[F4A] One Last Grasp for Salvation - Literate Fantasy Scene Below!
*One of the most surreal emotions a person overflowing with ambition can feel, is the feeling that washes over them when they come face to face with something they have been working so hard to achieve. Be it wealth, fame, power, a person can spend so long chasing after a certain goal, that they can lose sight of why they were so obsessed with reaching these new heights. *
Yet what hadn't you sacrificed to get here, and now, here you were. Before you stood the blade that was wrapped in so many rumours and mysteries it had became a fairytale to those who even still bothered to discuss it's existence. And now, it stood before you, in all of it's ethereal glory.
The blade was without flaw, which is probably what gave it the prescence to dominate such an ornate and intricately designed room. It's blade looked as if it had been carved from the purest of blackened steel, it's metalwork a sea of meshing of steel and carbon which created a weapon that could pass as an artistic masterpiece. The blade flew into a blackened hilt and cross guard, that's design as engrossed with golden detailing and lines, making it worthy of being the prizes possession for any swordsman.
Your intentions here would shape how the world perceived these ambitions of yours, and perhaps even reshape the world in doing so. Would they be seen as a selfish act, a righteous and divine act of intervention, or maybe it would be a singular act that could stun the world into silence. Would you trully have the conviction to go through with these plans, whatever they may be, when the time came, could any mere mortal stand in the prescence of unbridled power, and not allow the very sin that had accursed men for thousands of years to sway their minds.
Whatever your reasons, good or bad, it is too late now. They're closing in on you. The guardians of this place. They had been slow to awaken. Most were lost amidst the detritus, covered in stone or worn out by time. All were goliaths, huge constructs infused with potent magics to grant them not only longevity, but immense power. Maybe you were strong enough to take on a few of the lesser constructs, or even some of the greater. Maybe you're fast enough to outrun the greater constructs, or even the fewer. But they were legion. Dozens of them, some half-broken, others rusted. None were pristine, yet all gleamed with magic. Run, they would catch you. Fight, they will crush you. There was no way out.
And yet, there was a heavy sense of tranquility and stillness around the room, it felt as if it was somehow isolated from the rest of the world, and if the rumours were to be true, this is where the sword should be attempting to corrupt your mind. It should be calling out, showering you with false promises and anything in it's almost endless power to convince you to pull it from it's imprisonment; and yet, the blade remained silent. Even as the walls of the room shook, the sword remained quiet, almost taunting you with it's prescence as it forced you to doubt everything you had heard about the blade. Had all the sacrifices that had been made to get you to this point... surely they hadn't all been for nothing, the blood shed and the lifes lost where they all for naught.
Had you made preparations, maybe you had brought a way to destroy the possessed weapon, or maybe a way to strengthen it's seal, or to break it free so it could act as the catalyst for your conquest. Whatever plans that had been made with the few people you had descended into these decrepit ruins with, was there really any time time to put any preparations into action. The beasts and mechanisms that guarded this inner sanctum moved ever closer, and their collosal nature made it impossible to judge just how close your hunters were.
You're going to die here, that much was for certain. This is the end. All your labors, all your efforts to survive through this labyrinthine cave, for nought. This is your legacy. Trapped, back against the wall, helpless, doomed, just when you reached the end. How disappointing. You always thought that you were destined for greatness, but would your name really just be another lineage lost to the ages?
Unless...
No matter what plans you had originally planned, you could always seize the blade. Your life was over, you either didn't have the strength or the will to keep fighting, yet you were determined to not go out like this. Would you really sacrifice your morals, your dignity, and grab the blade that stood before you. Who knows what you could release into the world, but why should you care; if you stood and did nothing, you wouldn't be around to see the consequences of your actions either way, thag much was certain.
You couldn't even tell what possessed the blade, the rumours surrounding it's nature were...vague, to say the least. The myths were a tangled game of chinese whispers that had double-backed on itself so many times that no one was certain of it's origin. Some spoke of a fallen angel, others the emodiment of pure evil itself, or a member of Fae royalty, who's reconquest of her stolen land could lead to the world being levelled and built anew.
But what's a few myths and half-truths to survival? The blade looks odd and demented, the appearance, eldritch and terrible as it is, could mean nothing. At least, with it, you'd have a chance; at atleast something to steady your hands as you made your final stand; as what was a noble, warriors death without a weapon to make your last stand. Perhaps you could tame the blade and it's entrapped soul, you had spent your life working to be strong enough for this moment, if you couldn't wield the blade, then what was it all for.
Yet, as the blade watched you in your hour of need, it did not goad you. It did not lure you. It hung quiet. Watching. Observing. Judging you for your actions, it said nothing, and still, you felt it told you all it needed to; by doing nothing, it made you rethink every decision you'd make up until this point. The tortured, ancient soul sealed within desperate for a new host. The being well aware of your presence, yet unable to act within its blade made prison.
Even as your body made it's way towards the blade, before your brain or heart had even came to a decision, your feet moved towards the blade, pulled toward the sword; the only thing left that offered even a glimpse of hope in this sanctum. Even as you stood before it, salvation within an arms reach, would you have what it takes to forsake yourself, to shed your humanity for the chance to carry on your legacy?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hiya all!
I really do hope the prompt wasn't too much! I do tend to ramble a little, and it's a little rough, but I really just couldn't wait to get the idea down after being inspired somewhere elsewhere! I will probably work on it, changing and tweaking as it goes, but some scenes I just want to get out there as quickly as possible so I can flesh it out and enjoy it!
So, as you can gather, the main plot revolves around a forsaken, eldritch blade, host to a very powerful soul who is almost certainly evil, whether that be pure, unadulterated evil, or a misunderstood menace, that'll be explored throughout the scene! And I may tweak it as we go to fit the scene better!
As I've mentioned, the scene is fresh and new, and I'm more than happy to adapt and mold it around whatever character, setting or world we eventually create to make this scene as beautiful as I imagine it to be!~
It's honestly an idea bigger than the scene itself, which is why I admit that I may be a capable writer, something as intricate and dynamic as this can't be done justice through a static prompt, so I wish for it to be ever evolving!
That's partially why I'm posting here! What happens in the background? Dynamics between characters is nice and all, but perhaps there's some ancient order that's going to freak out and hunt down the blade. Does your character resist, or buy into the blade's notions? Do they become sympathetic with the blade's reason for its misdeeds? Is redemption possible? There are many possibilities. So long as we add in proper spice to increase tension and whatnot, we should, I think, have something enjoyable (or so I hope).
Priority is on fleshing this out! (and yes, romance is on the table)
As for me, to me, writing is just a completely indulgent hobby, which I love to try make time to do atleast once or twice a day! I am a full time uni-student with a part time job, but I do try to dedicate as much time as I can to it, and will always communicate whenever I may be strapped for time. Communication is absolutely key to me!~
I'm looking for someone literate who can do a few paragraphs. Someone who's engaged and will be happy to flesh out ideas. This story will have very dark undertones, so bear that in mind, please! The woman sealed in this blade did a lot of very bad things to a lot of people, justified or not, depending on perspective.
She is evil. But whether she's beyond redemption will be played out here!
Discord only. 18+ only. DMs or messages work. Timezone is GMT.
Please do not message with one word! Tell me about yourself, maybe, or some ideas to throw in. Thankies <3

[F4A] One Last Grasp for Salvation - Literate Fantasy Scene Below!
*One of the most surreal emotions a person overflowing with ambition can feel, is the feeling that washes over them when they come face to face with something they have been working so hard to achieve. Be it wealth, fame, power, a person can spend so long chasing after a certain goal, that they can lose sight of why they were so obsessed with reaching these new heights. *
Yet what hadn't you sacrificed to get here, and now, here you were. Before you stood the blade that was wrapped in so many rumours and mysteries it had became a fairytale to those who even still bothered to discuss it's existence. And now, it stood before you, in all of it's ethereal glory.
The blade was without flaw, which is probably what gave it the prescence to dominate such an ornate and intricately designed room. It's blade looked as if it had been carved from the purest of blackened steel, it's metalwork a sea of meshing of steel and carbon which created a weapon that could pass as an artistic masterpiece. The blade flew into a blackened hilt and cross guard, that's design as engrossed with golden detailing and lines, making it worthy of being the prizes possession for any swordsman.
Your intentions here would shape how the world perceived these ambitions of yours, and perhaps even reshape the world in doing so. Would they be seen as a selfish act, a righteous and divine act of intervention, or maybe it would be a singular act that could stun the world into silence. Would you trully have the conviction to go through with these plans, whatever they may be, when the time came, could any mere mortal stand in the prescence of unbridled power, and not allow the very sin that had accursed men for thousands of years to sway their minds.
Whatever your reasons, good or bad, it is too late now. They're closing in on you. The guardians of this place. They had been slow to awaken. Most were lost amidst the detritus, covered in stone or worn out by time. All were goliaths, huge constructs infused with potent magics to grant them not only longevity, but immense power. Maybe you were strong enough to take on a few of the lesser constructs, or even some of the greater. Maybe you're fast enough to outrun the greater constructs, or even the fewer. But they were legion. Dozens of them, some half-broken, others rusted. None were pristine, yet all gleamed with magic. Run, they would catch you. Fight, they will crush you. There was no way out.
And yet, there was a heavy sense of tranquility and stillness around the room, it felt as if it was somehow isolated from the rest of the world, and if the rumours were to be true, this is where the sword should be attempting to corrupt your mind. It should be calling out, showering you with false promises and anything in it's almost endless power to convince you to pull it from it's imprisonment; and yet, the blade remained silent. Even as the walls of the room shook, the sword remained quiet, almost taunting you with it's prescence as it forced you to doubt everything you had heard about the blade. Had all the sacrifices that had been made to get you to this point... surely they hadn't all been for nothing, the blood shed and the lifes lost where they all for naught.
Had you made preparations, maybe you had brought a way to destroy the possessed weapon, or maybe a way to strengthen it's seal, or to break it free so it could act as the catalyst for your conquest. Whatever plans that had been made with the few people you had descended into these decrepit ruins with, was there really any time time to put any preparations into action. The beasts and mechanisms that guarded this inner sanctum moved ever closer, and their collosal nature made it impossible to judge just how close your hunters were.
You're going to die here, that much was for certain. This is the end. All your labors, all your efforts to survive through this labyrinthine cave, for nought. This is your legacy. Trapped, back against the wall, helpless, doomed, just when you reached the end. How disappointing. You always thought that you were destined for greatness, but would your name really just be another lineage lost to the ages?
Unless...
No matter what plans you had originally planned, you could always seize the blade. Your life was over, you either didn't have the strength or the will to keep fighting, yet you were determined to not go out like this. Would you really sacrifice your morals, your dignity, and grab the blade that stood before you. Who knows what you could release into the world, but why should you care; if you stood and did nothing, you wouldn't be around to see the consequences of your actions either way, thag much was certain.
You couldn't even tell what possessed the blade, the rumours surrounding it's nature were...vague, to say the least. The myths were a tangled game of chinese whispers that had double-backed on itself so many times that no one was certain of it's origin. Some spoke of a fallen angel, others the emodiment of pure evil itself, or a member of Fae royalty, who's reconquest of her stolen land could lead to the world being levelled and built anew.
But what's a few myths and half-truths to survival? The blade looks odd and demented, the appearance, eldritch and terrible as it is, could mean nothing. At least, with it, you'd have a chance; at atleast something to steady your hands as you made your final stand; as what was a noble, warriors death without a weapon to make your last stand. Perhaps you could tame the blade and it's entrapped soul, you had spent your life working to be strong enough for this moment, if you couldn't wield the blade, then what was it all for.
Yet, as the blade watched you in your hour of need, it did not goad you. It did not lure you. It hung quiet. Watching. Observing. Judging you for your actions, it said nothing, and still, you felt it told you all it needed to; by doing nothing, it made you rethink every decision you'd make up until this point. The tortured, ancient soul sealed within desperate for a new host. The being well aware of your presence, yet unable to act within its blade made prison.
Even as your body made it's way towards the blade, before your brain or heart had even came to a decision, your feet moved towards the blade, pulled toward the sword; the only thing left that offered even a glimpse of hope in this sanctum. Even as you stood before it, salvation within an arms reach, would you have what it takes to forsake yourself, to shed your humanity for the chance to carry on your legacy?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hiya all!
I really do hope the prompt wasn't too much! I do tend to ramble a little, and it's a little rough, but I really just couldn't wait to get the idea down after being inspired somewhere elsewhere! I will probably work on it, changing and tweaking as it goes, but some scenes I just want to get out there as quickly as possible so I can flesh it out and enjoy it!
So, as you can gather, the main plot revolves around a forsaken, eldritch blade, host to a very powerful soul who is almost certainly evil, whether that be pure, unadulterated evil, or a misunderstood menace, that'll be explored throughout the scene! And I may tweak it as we go to fit the scene better!
As I've mentioned, the scene is fresh and new, and I'm more than happy to adapt and mold it around whatever character, setting or world we eventually create to make this scene as beautiful as I imagine it to be!~
It's honestly an idea bigger than the scene itself, which is why I admit that I may be a capable writer, something as intricate and dynamic as this can't be done justice through a static prompt, so I wish for it to be ever evolving!
That's partially why I'm posting here! What happens in the background? Dynamics between characters is nice and all, but perhaps there's some ancient order that's going to freak out and hunt down the blade. Does your character resist, or buy into the blade's notions? Do they become sympathetic with the blade's reason for its misdeeds? Is redemption possible? There are many possibilities. So long as we add in proper spice to increase tension and whatnot, we should, I think, have something enjoyable (or so I hope).
Priority is on fleshing this out! (and yes, romance is on the table)
As for me, to me, writing is just a completely indulgent hobby, which I love to try make time to do atleast once or twice a day! I am a full time uni-student with a part time job, but I do try to dedicate as much time as I can to it, and will always communicate whenever I may be strapped for time. Communication is absolutely key to me!~
I'm looking for someone literate who can do a few paragraphs. Someone who's engaged and will be happy to flesh out ideas. This story will have very dark undertones, so bear that in mind, please! The woman sealed in this blade did a lot of very bad things to a lot of people, justified or not, depending on perspective.
She is evil. But whether she's beyond redemption will be played out here!
Discord only. 18+ only. DMs or messages work. Timezone is GMT.
Please do not message with one word! Tell me about yourself, maybe, or some ideas to throw in. Thankies <3

In chapter 434 Arthur described his 3rd layer like this: " There hadn’t been time to test what my core—and by extension, what I—was capable of doing now, but it felt different, more potent, like a miniature sun trapped in my chest. ".
LIKE A MINIATURE SUN!
In chapter 370 Cecilia describes Agrona like this: " His marble skin shimmered in the cold mid-morning light, or perhaps that was the strength of his mana shining through his body from his core, which burned like a miniature sun within his sternum. ".
Their cores are described THE SAME! What does this mean? Can Arthur rival Agrona in raw power? Any thoughts or theories?!

Out there - Patreon (for all those curious or wanting to support :))
At the Beginning
Adventure Arc - Arc 2
Wilderness Arc - Arc 3
Academy Arc - Arc 4
Previously on Leveling up the World…
 
The screams and chaos continued. Even with the archduke’s soldiers rushing to the main banquet hall, now that the alarm was raised, they were having difficulty fighting their way through the room. Despite the echoed attackers not being that numerous, they were placed at key spots, ensuring that the hall remained isolated for a while. Originally, that was supposed to be until the assassination. Now that it had failed, they were simply fighting for their lives.
A merchant with a sectioned sword leapt past the fury guards, aiming to reach the archduke. A column of stone emerged from the ground, pinning him to the ceiling.
“Sorry you had to see this,” the noble said, the air of boredom returning to him. “I was hoping for a much more elegant display.”
For someone who had survived a coup attempt, he seemed remarkably calm. Given what had happened forty years ago, maybe he was used to this. It wouldn’t be out of the question to think that there were echo recreations of past bloodshed, just so that future nobles knew what to expect and how to react when they did.
“Have there been other attempts?” Dallion asked, finding himself at a lack of topics.
“No one was foolish enough. I guess war tends to make people stupid. Priscord, Dreud, and now Nerot. All so naïve, incapable of seeing that they can’t do anything beyond the confines the emperor has placed.” The column sunk back into the floor, leaving a mangled corpse. “I aimed to sell the aura sword at the auction,” the archduke changed topics. “As a world item, it remains the envy of the empire. Priscord tried to take the one I’d lent to your former guild.” A cynical smile formed on his face. “Useless, of course. I had the item returned to me way before she made her move. Even when she tried to be sneaky, I could tell months in advance.”
And yet she managed to win, Dallion added mentally.
“I think I’ll let you have it.”
“A world item?” Dallion’s shock was no less than if a dragon had swooped down from the ceiling.
“I have several,” the noble waved his hand. “One less would hardly matter.”
Also, he didn’t want to feel indebted. That was the thing about high-powered nobles, a lesson Dallion had learned the hard way. Even if it wasn’t stated openly, the notion would gnaw on them politically as well as internally, probably causing more realm flaws than it was worth.
Another wall of ice divided the hall in two, isolating the crossbowman. Diroh was doing remarkably well, considering her lack of actual combat experience. March must have trained her quite hard.
“You’ve grown a lot since I last saw you. Many say that if you hadn’t discovered magic, you’d have become a noble by now.”
That was a popular topic of discussion. Even Dallion himself often considered what might have happened if he’d held out for three move levels before accepting the Purple Moon’s offer. Putting aside the fact that he’d likely have died, he’d probably be serving the Lanitol family as some minor noble. In time, and with a bit of luck, he might have even risen to the point of obtaining a city of his own. At no time could one advance as fast as during a war… just like his grandfather had. Provided that Dallion didn’t do anything that would get him banished, he might have been instrumental in the countess’ fall and potentially be made lord mayor of Nerosal.
“It was fortunate that you didn’t.” The archduke narrowed his eyes. “The last time otherworlders visited the palace, a lot of bad things happened.”
Otherworlders? Dallion’s grandfather had sworn that he’d only seen one other like him. Had the old man lied? Knowing him, Dallion suspected that to be the case. Still, if the archduke was referring to Kraisten, who had been with him?
“But enough about the past.” A stone chair appeared next to Dallion. “Sit. Let’s discuss more pleasant things while the noise dies down.”
“May I make one request before we do?” Dallion asked. If there was a moment to try and push his luck, it was now.
Intrigue flowed from the noble as he nodded, indicating for Dallion to continue.
“I’d like the mage’s robe, if you’d allow it?”
“You want his clothes?”
“Just the robe. It has some magical properties,” Dallion was quick to add.
“I’ve often heard that mages are like vultures, gaining strength from each other’s corpses.” He glanced at the body that had been Nerot. “Why not? Pick him dry. Take anything you wish, but leave the corpse. That belongs to me.”
Dallion nodded. “Only the robe.”
“Well then. I’ll have someone fetch it for you.”
It took another five minutes for the “noise” to die down. The overseer, along with the fury guards, and everyone on the archduke’s side, had killed off the last of the puppets. Dallion would have wished for a few survivors to question, but the noble’s order was absolute: no survivors.
Meanwhile, he and Dallion went on to have a conversation about artifacts and other small talk matters. The whole thing was awkward, but Dallion didn’t dare go against it. All the arrogance he had built up in the last six months had melted away. If this was the strength of an archduke at the low of his life, one could imagine what the really powerful ones would be like.
Once the fighting was over, the bodies of the loyal were taken out of the hall by the archduke’s soldiers. Everyone else was quickly consumed by the overseer, who then left the room with a bow. All damage to the walls, floor, and ceiling vanished—likely mended by the archduke himself. Yellow clad servants quickly replaced the chairs and tables, proceeding to replenish the food and drinks that had gone to waste. Soon enough, it was as if the unpleasant incident hadn’t occurred. The number of guests had vastly decreased, now barely a quarter of what they had been. None of the non-awakened had survived. Of the remaining, most of the lesser nobles were dead or injured, confirming the principle that only the strong endured.
The banquet continued into the night. There was no auction. The topic of conversation revolved around events in the north, as well as the Academy and the rogue mages it was hunting down. The incident, as well as anything dealing with Archduke Priscord, were deliberately avoided.
Nothing like creating a bubble, Dallion thought. The weak were probably influenced by the archduke’s domain, and the rest knew better than to venture there. Considering it was said that the Moons disapproved of using echoes to manipulate people, a surprising amount of nobles used it on a whim.
Diroh seemed surprisingly at ease. Dallion could still sense emanations of alarm and distrust emanating from her, but not to the amount he expected. Additionally, she tended to hide them well.
“Well played,” the overseer approached Dallion once the archduke had focused on a discussion with a few members of his immediate family. “Didn’t think you’d earn a gift.”
“Oh?” That’s what you’re surprised about? Dallion thought.
“Before you arrived, he planned on making an example of you,” the overseer continued. “Oh, not kill you, of course. Just humiliate you as much as permissibly possible. The whole de-robing thing, having to publicly explain your failures and what not. He even planned on Itella challenging you in front of everyone just to create a spectacle.”
“Let me guess. The former mage assisted in choosing the humiliation methods.”
Taking advantage of someone who wanted to take advantage. Nerot had played on the archduke’s vanity, while the Azure Federation had played on his.
“What about you?” Dallion asked.
“Me? I serve the one who controls the city.”
“And who is that, precisely?”
The overseer smiled. Dallion had seen overseers go against their owners, but this wasn’t the case. More likely, there was some spell or artifact involved. Now that the whole room had been deprived of foreign elements, the secret would remain hidden. Dallion could almost hear Nil explain that any information on the matter might make the archduke seem more incompetent than if all was left to speculation.
“Your prize,” the blond handed Dallion the mage’s robe. It was exactly as it had been: torn and covered in blood. Thankfully, whole enough for the guardian to remain alive. Looking at it, Dallion could see the threads of magic circulating.
“Thanks.” He took it.
“And this as well.” The overseer drew a sword from his very leg. It would have been a nice magic trick if one didn’t know what was involved. “The aura sword that you helped obtain.”
“I take it that’s a hint for me to get going?”
“There’s no further need for you here. With all matters resolved, you can get back to doing whatever you’re doing. A request for a mage replacement has already been sent, so I expect the Academy to send one in a few days.”
That sounded so typical of a noble. Several hours ago, there had been an urgent insistence for Dallion to participate in the banquet and the following auction. Now he couldn’t be shooed away fast enough. Taking the sword, Dallion made his way towards Diroh.
“We’re leaving,” he whispered as he passed by.
The fury, who had engaged in polite conversation with a group of lesser nobles, excused herself and followed Dallion out of the hall.
“Seemed like you were having fun,” Dallion said, knowing full well it was a lie.
As they walked, Ruby flew off the fury’s shoulder, landing back on Dallion’s.
“Not as much as the time you took me from Halburn,” she replied. “And you said I’ll be safer with you.”
“You were safe.” At least to the point that Dallion could ensure. “Next time, walk above the ground.”
“I’ll make a note.”
“There could be spells everywhere.”
In all honesty, Dallion had fallen for it as well. If it hadn’t been for the item that warned him, he might as well have been dead. There was no guarantee Dallion was fast and vigilant, but the heads up was vastly appreciated.
The only annoying part was that he still didn’t have any idea which item had warned him. Even after the attack had been thwarted, the items had remained just as silent as before. Few had responded to nudges, even less had said anything remotely useful.
“Do we keep the clothes?” the fury asked.
Dallion’s instinct was to say no. Even after checking the threads for echoes and magic, he remained cautious when it came to gifts. Then again, it was obvious that they had no traps within them, else they would have already triggered during the assassination attempt.
“If you want to. I’m leaving mine. I can’t use it where I’m going.”
“I think I’ll do the opposite,” the fury countered.
“Don’t just drop items you’ve known for years.” It was a bit hypocritical since he had done the same many times, especially when it came to clothes. In all honesty, he couldn’t even remember where his first set of improved clothes from Dherma was. “Take them with you to the Academy and then decide what to do.”
“Sure. What’s a little more weight?”
No one escorted them as they made their way to the guest mansion. The moment Dallion was in the open, he cast a flight spell, darting in the direction of the structure. Diroh followed closely behind. Arriving, Dallion checked all the previous items for implanted echoes, then quickly changed clothes and geared up.
You got an aura sword? the armadil shield asked, impressed.
“It’s not yours,” Dallion replied.
It doesn’t matter. Aura swords are mage weapons.
“You told me that you weren’t a mage.”
I’m not, but they have to be in order to be a world item. A lot of magic is required to make a habitable realm. Tap into that type of magic and—
He doesn’t need to learn that, Harp interrupted. Let him learn at his own pace.
There was a moment of silence.
You’re his guardian, the armadil shield replied with a nonchalant shrug. Just keep in mind that his pace has been rather slow lately. Six months for seven magic levels is pretty bad. Either he picks up the pace or he’ll stay where he is. You know better than me that there are no rewards for trying.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this story, consider joining my patreon or check out my other stories on redditserials:
The Scuu Paradox (a Space Opera Sci Fi)
The Cassandrian Theory (a Space Opera Sci Fi)
The Impeccable Adventure of the Reluctant Dungeon (Dungeon Core Adventure Comedy)
Uncharted Waters (An Urban Fantasy Detective Noir)

During the Great Crusade, the Imperium encountered many human societies unlike anything in the modern Imperium. Yet in the earliest days of the Crusade, the Luna Wolves and Imperial Fists fought together against a foe that is all too familiar.

The Battle of Luhman
Fought barely a decade after the Emperor had left Sol, after his return to Cthonia of old, but before Horus had been formally granted command of his Legion, the Battle for Luhman has long been forgotten by all but the most dedicated historians. Here the forces of the VII^th and XVI^th Legions pitted their strength against a clade of lost humanity that had turned to the blackest arts of genetic sorcery to survive Old Night, an offshoot of Mankind so changed that they no longer resembled anything remotely human. No extant record holds an image of the inhabitants of Luhman, though the few remaining battle reports speak of huge empty eyes that could see even in lightless caverns, pitch-black hide that blades could not pierce and claws that could rend ceramite. So fierce were they that the recorded casualties for the fighting to cleanse Luhman are far more numerous than those of the battle itself.
Most notable of those casualty records is that of the XVI^th Legion Praetor Maral Lupus, the warrior who had led the attacks on Luna that earned the Legion the sobriquet 'the Luna Wolves'. Known as the White Wolf among his own brethren, he had led the final attack on Luhman and, alongside a warrior of the VII^th Legion, had slain the enormous progenitor of Luhman's twisted spawn at the cost of his own life. The Imperial Fists warrior was a young Imran Adarus, a simple lieutenant who had followed the Luna Wolves veteran into the heart of battle, and carried forth his body in the aftermath. The dying veteran bequeathed Adarus his blade of shimmering moonsilver in return for an iron-bound oath, a promise between warriors that held more power than any written pledge. Adarus swore to always stand for the honour of both his own Legion and that of the XVI^th, that when they needed him he would always come to offer his sword and his life for theirs.

Mutants with ceramite rending claws spawned from an enormous progenitor? I think we all know what these were.
It appears Genestealers were already in the Milky Way before the Great Crusade even started, and well before Dantioch overloaded the Pharos Beacon. This revelation fits with other hints that the Tyranids have been visiting the Milky Way for far longer than we knew about in one form or another.

Welcome, Neighbors!

Looking for a mature and friendly Minecraft community?
HomesteadCraft SMP is an adult-only server that's been public for over two years, and we're excited to welcome you to your new home!

Where to Find us:

IP: HomesteadCraft.mcserver.us

Live Map

Discord

As an RPG-based server, we've got a unique game-play experience that's tailored to players who enjoy building, crafting, and exploring. Our community is made up of players from all over the world, and we've got a large number of regular players who enjoy playing together.
Our main goal is to provide a fun environment with an old-school feel, where both long-term fans and new players can all get together and have a good time. We pride ourselves on our tight-knit community, and can't wait to see how we continue to expand.
We believe in building a place where everyone can enjoy the game together. We've got a no-map-reset policy, which means you can build and explore without worrying about losing your progress, but we continue to expand the world border with each major update.
We also have a claims system in place to protect your creations, in addition to regular world and inventory backups just in case of issues.

Speaking of some of the plug-ins we use, here's a few more you'll find on HomesteadCraft that helps make us special:

Aurelium Skills - Introduces skills and stats into Minecraft. Such skills include Agility, Excavation, Enchanting, and even Sorcery. Some of the stats include Strength, Regeneration, and Luck.
Acuteloot - This one adds in literally BILLIONS of new and unique items you can find. There's things such as specially named items, items with particle effects, and a few unique ones that add some fun mechanics to the game. You can find Acuteloot items in naturally spawned chests, or you might get lucky while enchanting.
In addition to the usual server accouterments, we also have an active Discord community where players can chat and hang out. Our in-game chat is also linked to the main Discord channel, so even when you aren't at your computer, you can stay connected! Here, you can chat, share builds, post shop ads, and stay up-to-date on all the goodies and news.
​
Now the nitty-gritty The rules. We don't have many, and most of it boils down to...
Rule #1. Don't be a jerk!
Rule #2. 21+ only. We are an adult community for many reasons.
Rule #3. We do NOT tolerate ANY hate speech or derogatory language. Full stop. If you have to ask if it counts, it probably does.

So, if you're looking for a unique Minecraft experience with a mature and friendly community, then HomesteadCraft SMP is the server for you. Join us now and become a part of our amazing community!

My section leader is gone, everything cool got canceled, we are at less than half strength, and I'm trying to do the most trying to get aircraft up with as little power as I have as an E4. Most people do respect me I will say and are good with my work when they check it. But holy crap. I'm about to explode on one guy. During one task at the end of the day I'm looking over his work after I'm pushing us to get this done telling him to do this simple task. And it's all fubar. Like you couldn't tell that he moved the part around to clean it. And that he only cleaned the little bit you see if you don't move it.
I tried telling him, hey that's wrong, do it like this and redo it. "Oh no it's dry" I'm sorry but if you think an oil based product dries and looks like dirt on chrome you shouldn't be working on an aircraft and was exceptionally disrespectful. When I confronted it later, bro. The disrespect. We are at work rn. I'm not only your friend here but I am more of a subject matter expert than you in this capacity, freaking listen to me because I'm not getting shot down right before I leave to be a warrant and I'm out of this place.
I love this place. I love all of our NCOs, pilots, everyone and know we all do great work but oh my God. Where's my NCO who's gonna be there when this is happening and correct it?
Can I please get a large number 1, extra big Mac sauce please with extra pickle too? I'm feeling salty

Welcome, Neighbors!

Looking for a mature and friendly Minecraft community?
HomesteadCraft SMP is an adult-only server that's been public for over two years, and we're excited to welcome you to your new home!

Where to Find us:

IP: HomesteadCraft.mcserver.us

Live Map

Discord

As an RPG-based server, we've got a unique gameplay experience that's tailored to players who enjoy building, crafting, and exploring. Our community is made up of players from all over the world, and we've got a large number of regular players who enjoy playing together.
Our main goal is to provide a fun environment with an old-school feel, where both long-term fans and new players can all get together and have a good time. We pride ourselves on our tight-knit community, and can't wait to see how we continue to expand.
We believe in building a place where everyone can enjoy the game together. We've got a no-map-reset policy, which means you can build and explore without worrying about losing your progress, but we continue to expand the world border with each major update.
We also have a claims system in place to protect your creations, in addition to regular world and inventory backups just in case of issues.

Speaking of some of the plug-ins we use, here's a few more you'll find on HomesteadCraft that helps make us special:

Aurelium Skills - Introduces skills and stats into Minecraft. Such skills includeAgility, Excavation, Enchanting, and even Sorcery. Some of the stats include Strength, Regeneration, and Luck.
Acuteloot - This one adds in literally BILLIONS of new and unique items you can find. There's things such as specially named items, items with particle effects, and a few unique ones that add some fun mechanics to the game. You can find Acuteloot items in naturally spawned chests, or you might get lucky while enchanting.
In addition to the usual server accoutrements, we also have an active Discord community where players can chat and hang out. Our in-game chat is also linked to the main Discord channel, so even when you aren't at your computer, you can stay connected! Here, you can chat, share builds, post shop ads, and stay up-to-date on all the goodies and news.
​
Now the nitty-gritty- The rules. We don't have many, and most of it boils down to...
Rule #1. Don't be a jerk!
Rule #2. 21+ only. We are an adult community for many reasons.
Rule #3. We do NOT tolerate ANY hate speech or derogatory languange. Full stop. If you have to ask if it counts, it probably does.

So, if you're looking for a unique Minecraft experience with a mature and friendly community, then HomesteadCraft SMP is the server for you. Join us now and become a part of our amazing community!

When reading posts, I noticed some people have questions of “in ‘x’ situation, what should I do?” or just talking about what we’re good/bad at in general.
To make it really easy, stop and check the ESFP functions and their hierarchy.
Our dominant is Se - Extraverted sensing
Auxiliary (next in line) is Fi - Introverted feeling
Tertiary is Te - Extraverted thinking
Inferior is Ni - Introverted intuition
Our process follows a chronological path starting at sensing, and follows down until intuition if we’re pushed to use it (don’t recommend, why it’s called inferior).
If you’re wondering about your headspace, your abilities, your mental health, what type you may be, etc… look at the cognitive functions.
Many of you are thinking with your Ni far too much, which is understandable because I also used to use it far too often when my headspace was worse. But the error is thinking your type is “different” or “changed” at all. Your type is debatably determined by the great Nature vs Nurture psychological debate, but either way, we don’t change typings. We can reflect decisions of other types if we’re trying something new, but that’s just another trait of the ESFPs adaptability as an Artisan.

WARNING: this is gonna be a long post.
Ok let's get down to brass tax, Lilith. Good? Evil? The answer (in my opinion) either chaotic good or chaotic neutral.
No, I don't believe she's fully evil. Key word being FULLY evil. There was developer commentary on Lilith where they were talking about her and they mentioned that she was a very nuanced character and in fact her blue eye was supposed to represent the good in her. Thus why one eye is a different color than the other.
Now, because I can already see people rushing to their keyboard, does Lilith do some evil, atrocious shit in this game. Yes, yes she does.
I'm not gonna try and deny it or down play it.
Lilith is a very darwinian, ends justify the means character. That being said, does Lilith want to rule over Sanctuary and establish herself as queen of humanity as some people have claimed? No. No she does not, she even says so herself at the end to you.
Though I understand why some people would not take this at face value and believe her.
Here's the thing though, out of all the characters (non human characters) we've met in all of the Diablo series, she's the ONLY one who actively and vigorously advocates for humanity first and humanity only.
"BUT WAIT, WHAT ABOUT TYRAEL? THE CHAMPION OF HUMANITY AND FOUNDER OF THE HORADRIM?" I can already see you furiously typing that up. Let me explain to you why while good intentioned, Tyrael is an imperfect "champion of humanity".
It is true, Tyrael advocates for us, he desires to help us, the problem is, he misses the point entirely on what exactly that means and what that would involve.
I'm sure in an ideal world, Tyrael would see Heaven as a staunch ally to humanity and together we'd either destroy Hell and all the demons or render them completely impotent and thus no longer a threat to us and to Heaven.
The problem with this is that it is merely a continuation, an evolution of the ACTUAL real problem. That being, the eternal conflict.
The problem humanity and Sanctuary has, contrary to popular belief, isn't Hell. Or rather I should say, isn't JUST Hell. The problem is both Hell AND Heaven. Seeing why Hell is a problem is easy, but why, you may ask, is Heaven a problem as well?
The reason Heaven is a problem is because of how they view us humans. To them, we are abominations, monsters, yes spawn of angels but also, crucially, spawns of demons as well, and in their minds that will make us forever tainted.
Did you know, in the beginning, Heaven wanted to genocide humanity. There was a vote, and only 3 angels voted not to kill us all. Tyrael was the deciding vote but there was only three angels.
All of Heaven, all of their untold numbers of angels, enough to wage war with Hell for eons and only a handful wanted to not see us all dead.
This is a problem.
At best, Heaven is content to completely ignore us and let Hell run roughshod over Sanctuary, they did NOTHING when Baal was running amok in Sanctuary.
At worst, Heaven will see us all dead to prevent us from growing stronger than them.
The problem, the REAL problem is the never-ending conflict between Heaven and Hell.
But anyways, I've gone on a tangent, let's circle around back to Lilith. What does she want? What does she really want? Why do I consider her more worthy of being called a "champion of humanity" than Tyrael, despite her many flaws?
Because she sees the true problem. Her goals are two-fold, first, she'd see humanity and Sanctuary cut off entirely from BOTH Heaven and Hell, thus entirely removing us from the eternal conflict. Second, she'd see us regain our birthright as Nephilim. A birthright that was robbed of us. Robbed of us by Heaven might I add.
What would that mean for us as Humanity, to regain the old strength of the Nephilim?
At worst, look at our protagonist(s) in D4, slaying untold legions of Hell and wiping the floor with two lesser evils. No mean feat.
At best? Look at the protagonist(s) from D3 and Uldyssian. These are being with literal god level power who easily dwarf both angels and demons.
With this power, even if Sanctuary/humanity was unable to be fully separated from Heaven/Hell, we'd at least be able to hold our own and ensure they don't have their way with us and that we're able to dictate our own fates and destiny. No longer would we be afraid of the forces of Hell. No longer would we have to rely on the "charity" of Heaven all the while fearing they may one day decide that we're too dangerous and have to go.
Lilith wants that for us. The reason she was trying to absorb Mephisto wasn't to become a prime evil and rule Hell and Sanctuary as some people claim. She was gonna take that power and use it to break off Sanctuary from the eternal conflict.
Furthermore, she had no desire to rule humanity, she even says so to us when she says that HUMANS must rule humans.
Yes she says that she would be in the shadows, and people have interpreted that as us essentially being her puppet whilst she secretly pulls the strings. I disagree, I view it as her being the secret trump card in case things get out of hand.
But why may you ask should we believe a word she says?
The reason why is that these were her dying words to us. Further, as she's dying she sends us a psychic image of the doom heading our way. As she's dying, she no longer has anything to lose, or for that matter anything to gain. She's merely disappointed because in her mind, with her death, humanity is doomed.
She's wrong mind you, but the point is, her anger isn't at us denying her power and/or control. Her anger stems from her sadness at the idea that now, humanity will be exterminated.

(This Devil Fruit is Designed to be like Gecko Moria’s Shadow Shadow Fruit/Big Mom’s Soul Soul Fruit, Based on the Nen Abilities from Hunter x Hunter)
Source: https://hunterxhunter.fandom.com/wiki/Nen
Abilities: the User gains the Ability to Manipulate their own Aura and the Auras of others,
Aura Enhancement: the User Can use this ability to Enhance their Physical Strength and Durability to a Higher Degree than normal, this ability Can also be used to Accelerate the user’s Healing Abilities,
Aura Element: the User Can Absorb an Element with their Aura and temporarily transform their Aura into Said Element, For Example; the User Can give Them self an Electric Shock with a Taser and transform their Aura into Electricity or Burn themself with a Cigarette to Transform their Aura into Fire, the User can’t be hurt by their own Aura so they won’t have to worry about self-harm, However when the User runs out of Stamina after a long fight their Aura’s Element Will be dispelled,
Aura Emission: the User Can Charge up Energy from their Aura and fire it like Projectiles, this ability Can also be used to Propel the User ahead by Enhancing their Jumping, sending Shockwaves through Solid Objects or people and by sending Shockwaves Downward the User Can be Propelled Upwards allowing Them Flying capabilities, this ability Can be combined with Aura Manipulation to Shoot enemies with their Aura and then Control Them Remotely,
Aura Conjuration: the User Can Use their Aura to Manifest a Physical Construct such as a Sword or Clones of themself (However the User must know all the Details required to make Said Construct such as the Size and Length of a Sword or the Exact figure of a Humanoid Form), Constructs made from the User’s Aura aren’t as naturally strong as the real thing but they Can be Enhanced by infusing Them with Aura Energy or Haki,
Aura Manipulation: the User Can place a Small portion of their Aura inside an Object or someone Else, by doing this the User Can Enhance and Manipulate the Affected Target such as Telekinetically Summoning a Sword back to their Hand or Mind Controlling a Living Being,
Aura Absorption: the User Can Absorb the Auras of other people, by doing so the affected Target loses Half of their Strength and Stamina along with their Ability to use Haki (this cannot be recovered unless the Target gets their Aura back), Absorbed Auras Can be formed into Tiny Marbles Which the User Can place Within Objects, other Bodies or Absorb Them for Extra Power (if either a Seperate Body or the User Absorbs another’s Aura they gain the Skills, Abilities and Haki of the Aura’s Original Owner, including Conqueror’s Haki, but the Affected Target doesn’t gain Devil Fruit Powers),
(If the User places an Aura inside an Object it Will gain a limited Will of it’s own simular to Zoro’s Enma along with it’s own Haki Empowerment if the Aura’s Owner could use Haki, Non-Living Objects Infused with Auras Will remain loyal to the User)
Ultimate Form: by Absorbing a Large amount of Auras the User Can Multiply their Strength Hundreds of times, additionally the User gains the Skillset and Haki Powers of all the Auras they have Absorbed
(this is also pretty Dangerous because if the User Absorbs more Power than their Body Can handle prolonged Enhancement Can result in the User’s Death so if the User goes Beyond their Limit it’s recommended the User only maintain this Limit Breaking ability for up to 10 Minutes)
Awakening: (Paramecia Awakening: Aura Enhancement can now affect an entire Battleship, Aura Elements can now be generated with the User’s Body Elements alone (such as Body Heat and Bio-Electricity), Aura Emission is Greatly Enhanced, Aura Conjuration becomes a little easier to use allowing the User to Conjure up a Construct they have created previously without having to remember every Physical detail that makes up the Construct, Aura Manipulation becomes Strong enough to Control entire Battleships),
Weaknesses: (standard Devil Fruit Weaknesses), Absorbing or placing an Aura inside a Body/Construct that can’t handle the Aura’s Power Will put a Strain on Them/It if they’re close but still not strong enough to handle the Aura’s Power and Can result in Death/Destruction if the Power gap is too High,