Defiance of the Fall

"What a weirdo," Catheya giggled as she lifted Zac's upper lip. "It's true! Why would getting zapped by lightning make you grow more teeth?"

"I guess the Heavens have a specific taste," Zac smiled and kissed her fingers. "You've never seen something similar on Draugr elders with multiple awakenings?"

"Never," Catheya said, snuggling closer to Zac beneath the covers. "I like the sleek model of you better. Well, sleeker."

"And you keep getting prettier."

"I have no choice. You have no idea how fierce the competition for good men is," Catheya said, looking at him askance. "Or maybe you do. I heard the Kavriels worked very hard to win your favor?"

"Don't worry, I protected my purity," Zac laughed. "If nothing else, I was busy upgrading my skills."

"Of course you'd pick cultivation over some random skirts," Catheya said. "What about you? You're not worried some dragon princeling will come to snatch your woman?"

"Not really. I've killed dragons before."

"Braggart," Catheya laughed.

They'd talked about everything and nothing for a good while, both reluctant to leave their little bubble of bliss. Eventually, they shifted to their experiences since they parted. Zac was surprised to learn Catheya had been sent to an ancient undead dragon who seemed no less powerful than Ogras' master. He had expected someone strong, but to think Sendor had found a master who matched Catheya's path so perfectly. Then again, the circles at the top might be very small, especially among seemingly unaffiliated Supremacies like the dragon and assassin.

Zac shared what he could of his experiences, mindful of the commandments Catheya was bound by. It was a punch to the gut not being able to confide some matters to his girlfriend that even some of his subordinates knew. Catheya was more than understanding of this, and they had long since developed a form of communication to skirt these sensitive matters. Zac kept what he needed vague, like how his two bodies worked. Catheya perfunctory asked for clarification in ways that let Zac know she'd been ordered to investigate before coming over.

Catheya was shocked to find how quickly things had gone south for Zecia, and she had already been debriefed about the upcoming mission before contacting him. Kator was even happy to see her teleport over to Port Atwood, telling her it was fine to stay until they reconvened in a couple of weeks. Hearing the Reaver act so accommodating left Zac more wary than grateful. It reminded Zac of how Kator dealt with Boje after their duel.

Their conversation grew a bit stilted when they finally reached the topic of their upcoming mission. It almost felt like discussing it would bring the inevitable forward, bursting the bubble. A hum from Zac's communication token eventually forced him back to reality. He leaned over the bed, fishing out the crystal from his robes scattered on the floor.

"They're here."

"What? Who?"

"Iz Tayn and Kruta."

"Tayn!" Catheya said, sitting straight up in the bed. "You're not thinking of inviting her here, are you?"

"Well—"

"It makes sense," Catheya said with an entirely too-sweet voice. "How can one of me be enough when there's suddenly two of you?"

"You know it's not like that," Zac smiled as he got up. "And you don't have to worry. Kator is keeping me on the straight and narrow. I've already agreed not to invite the Tayns on the mission to the Imperial Graveyard."

"So why does it look like you're heading over?"

"I have to go back to the ruins in six hours. Before that, I want to fetch Kruta. And while we can't bring Iz, I can still exchange some information with her. Fate is gathering, and the Imperial Graveyard is probably the best place to look for seals now. Four of my sealbearers already have quests leading there."

"You're hoping to use them as a diversion?" Catheya said, a smile tugging at her lips. "You're pretty heartless, using a renowned beauty like that."

"I'm not using her," Zac said with a roll of his eyes. "We're both benefitting. The more people that enter the graveyard, the less attention each of us will have to bear. But it's up to Iz whether she wants to join in or look for seals elsewhere."

"Is it a good idea to go in person?" Catheya asked. "Iz Tayn is a monster, and she'll have powerful helpers. She's even a Flamebearer like you. Why not send a token for Kruta instead of taking such a risk? You can't trust anyone when the stakes are this high."

"You're right, she's powerful. So powerful she won't have to resort to trickery like this if she wants my seal," Zac said. "Iz is able to find Earth, so she could just break in if she wanted."

"Fine. But I'm coming with."

"Are you sure?" Zac hesitated. "They're friendly but a bit crazy. Someone might throw fireballs at you."

"I'd like to see them try," Catheya huffed as a shimmering veil of intense cold spread around her. "Besides, Kator won't be able to fault you if I'm present as a witness. Are we going right now?"

"We have some time," Zac said. "How about an actual tour?"

"I wasn't sure I'd ever get to see this place," Catheya said as they walked through Port Atwood a few minutes later.

"Why not?"

"I don't know," Catheya sighed, grasping Zac's arm tighter. "It feels like we're caught in a storm constantly pushing us forward. We said there'd be rest after the trial, but is that really the case? You'll have to leave for the Abyssal Shores."

"I have to?" Zac said with a raised brow.

"Honestly, I think the Abyssal Princes would come to fetch you if they realized you were dragging your feet. It would be for your protection as much as anything else."

"Did Tavza say something?"

"No one tells me anything. They think I'm compromised, which I guess is true," Catheya sighed. "But… Master told me to be careful before she dropped me off. There are dangerous undercurrents in the Undead Empire right now, and you could touch the tension between the two camps in Kavista."

Zac had suspected as much. He didn't need any particular news to know something was up. The pillar's ascent was bound to cause ripples throughout the Multiverse, resulting in a power reshuffle among top-tier factions. You just had to look to the First Heaven to see a practical example. The potential effect on the Undead Empire was no less pronounced, even if they weren't aiming at the main prize.

If the Primo could get his hands on whatever supreme treasure he was forced to give up to the Hollow Court, he'd be able to consolidate his power even further. It might be all he was missing for claiming the Heart of the Empire, the Death-attuned Eternal Heritage propping up the Undead Empire. With both treasure and Eternal Heritage in hand, the Primo might even be able to set his sights on a Throne or Seal.

Currently, the Primo was an emperor in-name, rarely involving himself with the empire's matters. He didn't do anything to accumulate faith either, despite its apparent benefits for Supremacies. From what Zac understood, the Primo mostly acted as a deterrence and an occasional arbitrator. It was the Divine Races that actually controlled the four quadrants of the empire.

But if the mission for the fifth pillar was successful? He might seize direct control and set himself up like Laondio or the Emperors of the Seven Heavens. Zac hadn't exposed the Primo's connection to the Hollow Court, but the Divine Races had both smarter and better-informed minds than his. Even if the Reavers and the others didn't know the specifics, they'd have to be blind not to realize something was up.

The trial might be their last chance to stop the Primo's plot. If anything, Zac was surprised at the restraint they'd shown so far. Perhaps they didn't dare make a move while things were in flux.

"The Abyssal Shores should be safe even if something happens with the empire. And we'll be together," Zac said.

"I hope you're right, even if I doubt we'll be able to stay clear of the politics. Your bloodline alone makes the situation complicated," Catheya said, looking up at Zac. "Are you really going to invite Kator here? He might—"

"I have to bring him over, letting three people from the Empire onto the Yphelion is part of the deal," Zac helplessly said. "It'll be fine. You saw the welcome packet I've prepared in case he tries something. Kator's bones won't save him from that kind of onslaught. And he'll only be here for a few minutes. We'll head straight to the Battlefront Array."

"Still, be careful. He's not foolish enough to attack you on your home turf, but he might be plotting something else."

That was Zac's concern, too. Kator was far stronger now than when they sparred, but he wasn't at the point where he could run rampant on Earth. It was far more likely he'd try something sneaky like leaving a tracker on Earth. His whole empire was protected against conventional beacons, but Kator might possess some unique ability like forming a Karmic link with the planet.

"I'll keep my eyes peeled," Zac nodded.

The two toured his island for an hour, with Zac showing some of the places he'd mentioned in stories. They also visited the Echelon class, where Catheya handed out some gifts and compliments left and right like an aunt coming to visit. Eventually, it was time to go.

The message from Kruta explained that they'd taken up residence on a D-grade world under the Dravorak Empire's rule. Iz not staying in their capital made things easier for him. He did have Teleportation Tokens leading to Dravok City, but his presence would be exposed. The Everfast Monarch's faction that had protected him was a clear minority, especially now that the war was going south. The imperials were cozying up to the Havarok Dynasty, hoping to be whisked off to safety. It would be far too easy to become a tribute.

Zac even had the planet in his exhaustive list of teleportation destinations, and they set off without warning to not alert any potential spies placed around Iz. Zac glanced at Catheya as they stepped off the teleporter, surprised to see her seeming almost as unbothered as him by standing on a High D-grade world without a speck of Miasma.

A small domain of frigid chill had sprung up around her, sealing off the hostile environment. No, what she was doing was different. Zac curiously observed, realizing that the Cosmic Energy actually gained an affinity to the Dao of Ice as it got close to Catheya.

"Is this what you mentioned?" Zac whispered as he threw a Cosmic Crystal to a shocked guard, who left the two hooded strangers pass without further questions.

"It's not perfect, but it's a start," Catheya said, and he could feel the excitement in her voice. "Pure Ice is just the start. When I figure out mixed-meaning energy, I'll be able to go anywhere."

"And it doesn't cost energy?" Zac marveled.

What Catheya was doing was essentially the same as the engine of the Yphelion and the remnants. But while they pulled energy from the lower planes, transcending dimensional restrictions, Catheya pulled pure Dao. That way, she could form a natural Domain around her.

"Not at this level. But it's another story if I use it to fight or if the environment becomes too intrusive."

"Lower Planes..." Zac muttered. "Interesting."

It wasn't hard to find the place. Rather, it was impossible to miss. A whole mountain was set on fire just outside the city, with dozens of Hegemons floating in the air nearby. None dared to fly close, yet they seemed reluctant to leave. Perhaps they hoped the lofty people on the mountain would need some local helper, which could be the start of having their fate reforged.

A few even tried to bar their approach. Unleashing some of his Killing Intent and aura saved Zac and Catheya from having to deal with the fools trying to take up the role of guards. It also served to announce their arrival. A gap in the empyrean flames opened, exposing a luxurious palace within.

While looking like the summer residence of a wealthy cultivator, it emitted an intense aura of fire and destruction. It had to be a flying fortress or a portable manor since there was no way it was a local residence. An enterprising Hegemon tried to follow in their wake, only to be turned into ash as the entrance closed behind them. Zac grimaced and pulled Catheya closer, fearing she might not be deemed fated by the burning barrier.

There was no clear main entrance to the palace, and there were no servants or guards to point them in the right direction. The palace almost felt deserted. Zac couldn't sense a single aura in the building; neither could his Draugr vision spot any hints of Life. It was all fire. Thankfully, they didn't have to go around knocking on doors as one opened for them.

"Acting all mysterious," Catheya huffed as the chill around her intensified.

Zac wryly smiled as they entered, where a floating flame waited.

'We apologize about the reception, Miss Sharva'Zi,' the flame said. 'The Dao here is so polluted that the young miss chose to seal the inner residences so as not to harm the training of her subordinates. She only just learned of your arrival. This way, if you please.'

"Thank you," Zac said, and they were led into the heart of the palace.

The heat grew increasingly intense and filled with profound meaning. Zac looked at Catheya with worry. "Are you okay? Should I—"

"No need," Catheya smiled. "If anything, this is a valuable experience to temper my Domain."

"If you like it, you're welcome to stay as long as you wish," a crystalline voice spread through the hallway as the final door opened. "Welcome."

"What in the..." Catheya whispered, though Zac barely heard her.

The inner sanctum was a small garden filled with flowers. Zac didn't recognize a single one, but he could tell each was worth a fortune. They were all Peak D-grade Natural Treasures, with most emitting a vague pressure indicating they had begun the transition toward the C-grade. Together, they formed an intensely spiritual atmosphere, though not one purely of flames as he'd expected.

The flowers had created an actual replica of the Heavens, forming a natural formation utilizing all seventeen Dao Peaks. With all Daos present and in perfect harmony, none stood out. Instead, the garden formed a supreme cultivation environment Zac suspected would stand out even on B-grade continents.

The display of wealth and knowledge wasn't what had taken their breath away, though it did leave Zac's cells shuddering with hunger. It was the woman sitting in the garden's center. Iz's appearance had already been blessed enough by the Heavens that it almost gained a pathbreaking feature. Zac had thought her beauty approaching the limits of what was possible, but he realized he'd been naive.

Iz outshone the field of flowers, making them look like common weeds. She had clearly advanced in both bloodline and Dao. The marks from the Dao of her family had grown more profound, but that wasn't the only thing. He could sense an echo of his own experiences in Iz's features. There was a hint of Law.

A well-aimed elbow woke Zac up from his stupor.

"Hello, it's been a while. I'm sorry we dropped by unannounced. Things have gotten a bit crazy since you left. This is..."

"Catheya Sharva'Zi," Iz Tayn said, looking at Catheya with interest.

"Miss Iz Tayn," Catheya bowed. "You're as beautiful as the rumors say."

"Likewise," Iz said, pointing at the chairs that had been set for them. "You have my sympathy. It cannot be easy being a Dao Companion to this troublemaker."

"Hey—"

"You don't know the half of it," Catheya laughed.

"Your fate will be tested so long as you stay by his side."

"Maybe. But I'd rather live an interesting life than a long one. Of course, both would be the best."

"Indeed," Iz slowly nodded before turning back to Zac. "You've changed."

"You've heard about my dual bodies," Zac said helplessly as they sat down.

"I did, and I look forward to learning how such a thing came to be. But that is not what I'm referring to," Iz said, leaning closer as the markings on her face glimmered. "Law and… Authority."