Nick arrived inside his Ascension Chamber, his nerves calm. It was nearly time for him to ascend.

  Things were about as perfect as they could be, except for one thing. His Hero-King Swordsmanship hadn’t quite reached Middle Mastery yet, but it didn’t much matter. He knew that with all his other preparations and perfect conditions, waiting any longer would not serve him or his goals and would have a minimal impact on his future. In fact, waiting would be a detriment, because he knew threats were coming.

  The monster kingdom had started to move, and while their fortress should be able to hold for a time, they needed to be able to head out of Frosthaven at a moment’s notice. They needed to in order to prevent its destruction and damage their forces before they wreaked havoc across the countryside.

  Not all of his people lived within Frosthaven proper, with many in the surrounding areas. They had built some small walls in larger rings around the city, much like the height of a fence, but that would only protect against the weakest of monsters. And of course, they had manned watchtowers that could send out a siren alarm. And they had given it several tests. People knew that the sirens meant to run, to enter the city gates. And for the guard to move and aid their withdrawal, and for the army to march if necessary.

  Earning levels would be much slower in the third stratum, but each one would be a significant boost to his strength. He needed to earn as much as he could before he faced Blackthorne, so the mad dash would begin once more soon.

  He had purchased a few upgrades to his Ascension Chamber, which actually merged it with his Soul Forge. It was now a larger platform suspended within the crazy, sphere-shaped essence chamber. It had his throne, a larger gym mat for practicing his Ideal, and a pedestal for his Soul Forge for when he used it.

  Thanks to their recently unlocked knowledge, it was determined that with the girl’s devotion cores, it was best for him to ascend first. As their Lord and Husband, he would be the cornerstone of their pathstone.

  And thanks to their special cores, they would still be his as well.

  He swung his sword for a few minutes, centering his mind as he went through the stanzas of his Ideal. The essence danced even without speaking the stanzas, bringing a smile to his lips. Becoming one with the essence was a heady feeling, like the will of the world itself was on his side.

  And of course, his kingdom’s weight carried into his attacks. Seeing all the people he nurtured filled with pride and gratitude as he exited had only increased his conviction in his path, the road he walked. As a lord, his Pathstone was to be the cornerstone of his thesis, his framework for a…not a utopia, but for his vision of the future for his kingdom.

  A blend of light and dark, of order and a small amount of monsterfolk chaos, where he could see children’s smiles and proud parents and warriors alike. A strong kingdom. A kingdom that would not bow or break to tyranny, having experienced it firsthand, and witnessed what they could become when protected and enabled to grow.

  And yet filled with compassion and mercy, understanding, and drive. Like himself, his people were thirsty for strength and accomplishments, wanting to do their parts for the community and become more. There were gray souls as well as those who sought the light of purity, but all got along and found peace within his city. This would become a beacon of hope to all, one that inspired and protected.

  He did notice that his people lacked a bit of darkness, both in terms of their potential for magic and also the number of people who have had to get their hands dirty. If Nick was not careful, he would end up with a city full of people who sought this purity, weakening them and narrowing their minds. Monsterfolk were definitely more…on the chaotic side, but Nick’s will had brought them further into the light, for better or for worse.

  And among his wives, the balance might be even worse than the citizens. Jasmine might be the only one among them with any actual darkness in her heart, an indifference for others aside from her master and those he or she cared about. She knew how he would like her to act, but if not for that and the Soul Pact preventing her, she’d kill anyone and anything that got in the way of her master’s task.

  Those angels inside the Ordeal had no idea how close they had come to death; Jasmine couldn’t even stand in the same room with them without wanting to murder them, though almost half of that was because of how rude they were to him. Of course, the Soul Pact also prevented it, but that didn’t mean she didn’t want to–and that meant the darkness within her would build from merely having the thoughts and desires. This was why she avoided them altogether.

  To protect this kingdom he lovingly built through his blood and sweat, he would have to become more once again. Sheathing his Soul Blade into his shoulder holster, he moved near the throne and pressed the switch to prepare for ascension.

  He took two items out from his chest pocket, looking at them once again. Each was about the size of a plum, small spheres. They were two special cores from a person or creature that was in the third stratum–their pathcores, received from completing the twentieth floor boss. They had already been refined using special techniques, ones that only those truly advanced as alchemists could accomplish.

  Elyra and Myron had been shocked when they had inspected them, as they were cultivator’s ‘golden cores,’ but different. They were surprised to learn that the cores were ascension and cultivation materials on Orion. For them, they were not, though the nascent souls of dead cultivators were a material for that, usually required to ascend or cultivate in the fourth stratum.

  The reason it was difficult to tell what they were from was because they had been refined so perfectly. They were now precisely energy that could be cultivated and nothing more, removing the aspects or natures from the source that would be incompatible for another cultivator. It was like they were precisely made with Nick in mind, and this was one of the many ways that Orion had truly made cultivation accessible to anyone under the many towers.

  Alchemists were still valuable on Orion, but very limited. In the realms outside of it, they stood as the most important people of all in cultivator clans and sects. A clan without an alchemist would be truly weak, and it was like they were gods, deciding who could ever ascend or couldn't and who lived or died.

  But on Orion, all you had to do was Test yourself properly in the Ordeals and Trials, and you would receive precisely what you needed, or perhaps what you weren’t even sure you needed in the first place.

  One was a darker blue crystal, with a spiral of black running through it from top to bottom. A special frost that reminded him of Sable’s Iceshadow, but it was a bit different. It was a little more like Ishkara’s frost or the frost he created when he was deep into his Ideal, but again, still different.

  The other was some sort of holy frost, a lighter blue with a white spiral running through it. Like an opposing version of frost altogether, but from this one, he got the feeling, for some reason, that this core belonged to a person rather than a monster or creature. A familiarity. Something about it called to him, and he regretted needing to use it as a mere material.

  He was thankful that Orion had given him something so unique, and two, to boot. His wives only received one, and while theirs were no less powerful, these felt more special to him. Conversely, his wives were uninterested in his cores, except Sable was somewhat drawn to the dark blue core. With the mere weight of what was within, Nick was sure both of these were true treasures.

  Placing the cores in the slots of the armrest in his throne, he then sat down on it. He then looked inward to his Soulscape. The room was almost precisely the same, matching the physical one.

  He had been surprised to learn that his wives’ Soulscapes were so very different. Each of them created a space that was special to them, like an imagination of a room or bedroom that reflected their persona or perhaps their dreams.

  As each Soulscape and eventually inner world was meant to be a reinforcement of the self, this made a fair amount of sense to Nick. He hadn’t much thought of it when he made it; it was like it materialized as Frosthaven all on its own–perhaps because he was a Lord of Orion. But his wives all made conscious decisions about each thing represented within theirs.

  And they linked them up into their Ascension Chambers within his Soulscape, reflecting those that appeared in the real world. They sat in a cluster just beneath the obelisk-like tower and above his living room, the essence from Orion’s Ordeal coming from above, with Nick’s in the direct center.

  He shrunk his spirit down and went to go visit each one before he ascended. The girls were each waiting in their Ascension Chambers, sitting in their rooms like he was.

  Eirwen’s was a room of dreams, as if floating in the sky. It was filled with clouds, the walls unseen–but they were not clouds at all, made of her soft, fluffy wool instead. Stars twinkled as if these woolly clouds were in the night sky, and a white and purple, loving, haze-like mist was everywhere else. The stars danced in the background as if moving to a song or to the whims of their creator, the dreamer.

  His spirit landed in the fluffiness, bouncing as he arrived next to Winny, who was sitting with her eyes closed, thinking of Nick and trying to stir her devotion for him. Nick sunk into the softness, his entire body enveloped in her fluffy, soft wool. It was warm, and the gentle haze covered him as well, and he felt the love and admiration she had for him.

  She turned to him, giggling with her ears wiggling. “Hehe, welcome, Hubby! What do you think?”

  Nick chuckled. “It’s a cute, soft, and inviting place, just like you. I feel like I could lie here all day.”

  Eirwen beamed, her tail whipping behind her. “You can if you want, but I know you are in a rush.”

  “I can relax for a bit and spend time with my favorite sheep girl.”

  She giggled and floated on top of him, putting her weight on him as she hugged him tightly. He returned the hug as they cuddled for a moment, her soft body pressed down into him. Winny felt soft and light like her fluffy wool, and they began their kissing to show each other their affection.

  He rolled around with her in the fluffy wool clouds, and she laughed and made pleased sounds as they kissed. With a giggle, she enlarged herself with her dream magic, making her so big that he was able to fit in between her massive breasts.

  They lay on their backs, and she enveloped him with her arms as they looked at the stars together. There were many constellations, but there was also a constellation of Nick matching the many statues in the city. The sparkling devotion essence that was comprised within it was intense, he could tell. She had focused much of her life around granting Nick his Hero’s Reward, organizing his life in ways that increased his enjoyment of it.

  She said, “You truly became the hero, just like you promised. None doubt it now, and you inspire many, just like the Hero’s Path book. I love you, Hubby. You make all my dreams come true.”

  Nick smiled at her. There was no need for words thanks to their connection, but he said them anyway. “You helped me dream; aspire to be more. Without you, I may have been great. But thanks to you, perhaps I will become the greatest. I love you too, my wonderful dreamer.”

  He struggled to leave the soft embrace of Winny’s chest, but he eventually left to head to his second wife. Arriving in Kaya’s room, it was, perhaps, the simplest or what Nick considered the most normal of them all. A tatami mat dojo, a place where she trained with her axe and her dance, with a drum that beat all on its own, as if holding onto the heritage from her mother and what she taught her.

  It was a place where she perfected herself and her axe blade, all in service to her lord and husband.

  Ornaments that held her honorable victories were placed on the walls as pictures or war trophies of beasts, displaying her service. The chimera, beast king, and even the bishop were present, among others.

  Most prominent was a large painting of her leaping strike against the lava elemental, a decisive moment where she had risen to the task of protecting her lord.

  Nick looked at it significantly. It was sparkling stardust, the devotion essence, he noticed.

  Kaya was sitting, holding her battleaxe in her lap, which was completely coated or made from it. She gave a wry smile in remembrance. “I was so scared at that moment. I thought I was going to lose you, so I…moved. Then, it hurt so much, I had doubted I could fight again–to feel that pain and helplessness. I wanted to get strong enough that I wouldn’t ever feel helpless again.”

  “But you did, to both of those things. And not just because if I fall, we all do. There is no bravery without fear, Kaya. It’s that you fight despite this fear that makes you special.”

  She smiled proudly. “I’m over it now. We have so many that depend on us. I know that as long as we beat Blackthorne, our kingdom will be the strongest of them all. You really kept your promise to become a lord I would be proud to serve.”

  He floated her into his arms with his Dream Magic, her axe being placed on the ground. Nick was like a god within their Soulscapes, even their own–aside from Winny, anyway.

  Holding her tight in his arms and with his will, Kaya’s breath hitched in her throat at being held so firmly. “And how about my job as a husband?”

  Kaya blushed and looked away, even as she melted into his spiritual embrace. “You’re…frustratingly good at making sure my needs are met. Though at least half of that is thanks to Winny.”

  “I am very blessed. But you deserve nothing less, my fierce lover. I love you, Kaya.”

  Her eyes grew big and teary, and she offered her lips up to him as he leaned in and kissed her deeply. Her tails had gone a little wild behind her, and they wrapped around his legs around the thigh and formed a belt around his waist as the kiss continued. Even without a special connection, he could feel the love she had for him, so even if she didn’t answer, he knew the truth deep down in her soul. She moaned into their kiss, her soft lips and wet tongue more than a little inviting, even inside their Soulscapes.

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Kaya pulled back, her purple eyes and voice full of emotion as she said, “I love you too, so don’t go off getting yourself killed without me. I trust you, but I hope not every fight is like the last one. I want to be there to cut into the enemies that put us all in danger.”

  Nick nodded. “After today, all of you will become a part of my path more directly. So even if I fight alone, you can rest assured that I strike harder and stand taller thanks to you. But your concerns are duly noted. If given a choice, I will fight with all of you by my side. You are strong, and I certainly won’t hold you back from any fight thanks to some notion that you need to be protected.”

  “You better not. None of us girls would like that. It’s why we work so hard; we’re most afraid of being left behind.”

  “I know that won’t happen. I know I can always count on you, now and into eternity.”

  She smiled at that and nodded, then sat back in her pose with her axe in her lap, closing her eyes in meditation. Nick went off to see his next lady.

  Luna’s was the den of a Packmother, reminiscent of the place Nick had stayed briefly when he met the wolflings in the Trial; the small wolfling cave. It was covered in her hoarfrost and yet had a warm fireplace and living area, almost reflecting their home in Frosthaven. Carved totems were present, representing her connection to them. It was a cozy and welcoming place, just like its creator.

  Nick was happy to take his special place–the recliner she had specifically for him. It sparkled with devotion essence, and she was sitting in front of it.

  “My mate!” She jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly from where he sat. The smaller girl was easy to bring up into his lap, and she planted kisses on his cheek, and she rubbed her head into him with affection.

  He chuckled as he was sure to scratch between her light blue ears and hair, kissing her back and hugging her as they shared their feelings over their special connection.

  “The den feels homey; I like it. Any special reason for it?”

  “This place just feels like home to me. It is my beginning, an undeniably important thing in my life. I would say I didn’t give its creation much thought; it was just one of the methods.”

  Of course, Nick had read that. There were some mystical methods that may follow cultivation imagery, but the most essential thing of all was for it to feel familiar and to reinforce the self. To feel like something mystical and powerful was familiar usually took a significant amount of time and effort–time that they didn’t quite have at this moment. But Soulscapes and Pathcores could evolve and change, just like people. It just took even more time and effort.

  “Why the recliner?”

  “Is the recliner not a husband’s throne? It just felt right, especially after seeing you smile and enjoy sitting in it within the Ordeals. I didn’t have a special reason, other than wanting to see you happy like that more.”

  “You make me smile plenty. You’re always calm and caring, just pleasant to be around. I am always glad to have you by my side. I love you, Luna.”

  “I love you too, my alpha, my mate. Whatever you need of me, it is always yours.”

  They kissed for a time, and Nick just found himself relaxing and enjoying her calm, affectionate presence in his lap. She hugged him tightly, enjoying his embrace and allowing him anything he wished. But eventually, thanks to Nick’s mission, he had to leave to see the next Lady, flying through the wall and into the next linked Soulscape.

  Fang’s was also an icy cavern home, mixed with a dojo and gym complete with various weights, much like Kaya’s. But what made it different and odd was the ice statue of Nick. He was smiling with approval, one arm folded across his proud chest to match his expression, and the other hand outstretched and reaching toward Fang for headpats, as if to reward her for her undoubtedly awesome efforts.

  He smiled at it, then took on the pose as he looked down at Fang, reaching out and patting her sitting head.

  “Boss!” Her tail became a blur behind her as he shared his affection with some ear scratches. Her short, dark blue hair that framed her pretty face got tousled ever so slightly as he did, but she didn’t care one bit. She pressed herself firmly into his hand, offering herself for as many as he was willing to give, a wide smile on her face and with her tail wagging fiercely.

  She leaped up as soon as he let up for but a moment, jumping into his arms. Fang peppered him with kisses as she brushed her head up against him affectionately, the little buff fluff almost bowling him over with her enthusiasm.

  He smiled at her. “Your joy is always infectious, and you’re a wonderful little stalwart guardian. Thanks for always protecting what I care about. I love you, Fang.”

  Her tail nearly buzzed behind her, her smile so wide her eyes were closed. “I know it! You know I love you too, Boss! You’re the best.”

  He noticed the shield lying next to where she was sitting was full of her devotion essence, and he thought that fit plenty. Nick pampered her with kisses and scratches for a little longer before moving on.

  Sable’s Soulscape was a moonlit, snow-covered cavern with a hole in the roof–it reminded Nick of the Safe Zone within the Test of Steadfastness, the first floor of the Path of Kings Ordeal. Tracks were imprinted in the snow, the moonlight reflecting shadows across the numerous surfaces. Ice crystals dangled from cavern rocks, light and shadows shifting as the light and stars above drifted.

  A spear, bow, and arrows were filled with devotion essence, sparkling on the ground near Sable. The shadows covered and danced around her, like she was sitting in some kind of umbral pool. “Boss, there you are. Up for a little fun before you ascend?”

  “With you? Always.”

  With his will, he pulled her into his lap through the air as he sat down. Sable’s voluptuous yet smaller body felt amazing in his lap as they met–and of course, the girl helped herself to some grinding and teasing on his lap with a sultry smile and a chuckle between kisses. His hands roamed her body, happy to tease her a bit back.

  She chuckled. “Are you sure you don’t want to finish what we’ve started? Is what I want to say, but I can feel your resolve in this, like you’re going off to war. My bow, spear, and sheath are forever yours, my mate.”

  Nick grinned at that. “Of course. I love you and all that you do for me, my beautiful huntress.”

  “And I love you too, but hurry up and get out of here before I change my mind and climb on you in both locations. I’m not teasin’ Boss.”

  He gave one more kiss to her pouty lips before moving on to his next Lady.

  Rebecca’s place was in Seraphara’s Cathedral, a mixture of a dojo, library, and place of worship, the stained glass above letting light into the cozy room. It had a warm glow of white light within, a haze that covered everything. It was as if her love and compassion for all things was a permanent presence.

  She was sitting in a cozy reading chair, her eyes closed in meditation. The door leading inside was what sparkled with devotion essence, as if she was willing her connection to him.

  “There you are, my Becca. This place very much matches you.”

  Rebecca blushed and looked away. “I’m sorry for being a little boring. I get envious looking at Winny or Jasmine’s.”

  “Not at all. I very much respect that you’ve turned knowledge and wisdom into strength and that it is such a big part of you. It is one of the paths most similar to a king’s path, even if it is different by lacking leadership. You were very helpful in the Ordeal, hunting down rules and information of the surrounding kingdoms. I’ve always believed information is power, and Seraphara’s makes that ring true in nearly every meaning of the word. I appreciate you and the people of Zura very much.”

  She smiled at that, closing her eyes as she felt the admiration he had for her over their special connection. “And I love you for that, that you respect and empower us all so. You saved us all from our failures and didn’t ask for anything back. You are a beacon of light, and I’m filled with joy that I can be a part of your love and your family’s love and compassion.”

  “And you make that beacon brighter. I love you too, my Becca.”

  They connected for a time thanks to being within their Soulscapes, not needing the other…type of connection to be successful. Holding the light, loving angel in his arms with her soul’s purity warmed him in ways hard for Nick to put into words, making him feel complete. All of his wives did this, but her desire and the dense faith and compassion within her just hit differently, creating pleasant vibrations from the soul core in his chest.

  After plenty of deep kisses, Nick left to see Shara’s Soulscape.

  Hers was a starlit tea garden, an outdoor inner sanctuary found in expansive Asian manors. The stars above glimmered brightly in the night sky, and a small pavilion for tea was present next to the small clearing where she trained and danced, perfecting herself for her Fated husband.

  She kneeled in the seiza position, even as she meditated. But she was playing something that looked a lot like a zither–a Chinese instrument that was like a harp that sat in front of the musician much like a piano. How it seemed to differ was that there were far more strings than a harp. Her notes were soothing, her fingers dancing across the instrument as she played a rhythmic tune.

  He noted, “I didn’t know you played that instrument.”

  She chuckled. “Well, I dabble in most of the arts. I focus on my dance and my tea ceremony because that is what I excel at. One cannot be talented at everything, I believe.”

  “It sounds pretty good to me. Soothing. I like it.”

  “Then I think you should like Hoshiko’s playing. She is talented in it, able to make you really feel what she is trying to convey.”

  Nick nodded. “Like you do with your tea and your dance. It’s been a while now, but how are you feeling about sharing me with others? I’d like to imagine well enough, as you seem happy and I have checked in on you, but I try not to corner you.”

  “W-Well, I’m more accepting of it now, and there are some positive…aspects. You’ve reassured me plenty these past few months, and Kaya is like my best friend. Now that we’re back in Frosthaven, I’ll probably get close to Hoshiko again, and…maybe this will make us closer again, sharing you together.”

  Nick chuckled. “Or it could be it will make you enemies, right? I guess we’ll have to see. Either way, you know I’m going to do my best for the both of you.”

  Shara smiled wide. “That I am sure of.” She stood up, walked over to Nick with measured steps, and embraced him with her larger body. He hugged her back, feeling her large chest right against his face and her chin on top of his head.

  He could hear the smile in her voice. “I’m so glad that I found you. That you were the one who was my Fated. I was so afraid at first, but you did everything you promised me you would do. I…don’t think I am totally over it, but…”

  “But that’s okay.”

  She shook her head. “But I trust you. I can feel it even better now, down to my very soul. We are Fated and we will fight together into eternity. I love you with all my heart, my husband and dao partner.”

  Nick tilted his head up to kiss her, dislodging her chin from his head. Their lips met, and he could feel the love she had for him as the mark on his soul core vibrated. Connected by Fate itself, he cherished having the large, lovely woman by his side.

  “And I love you, my little treasure. Into eternity.”

  With another kiss, her horns, even in her Soulscape, began to sparkle.

  Nick looked off to the side, where a copy of himself was sitting, covered in devotion essence and stardust. He was wearing a cultivator robe like much of the star oni. “It feels a little weird with him–me watching us.”

  Shara laughed, and her horns pulsed with even more starlight. “And I love how you can always make me smile. Get out of here, or I won’t let you go for a while.”

  Giving her one more kiss, he left for his last wife, or at least, who would be the last if not for unfortunate circumstances involving her body.

  Of his Maidens, only Irene had managed to generate a Soulscape so far. And hers was the most different, having something that felt more like Eirwen’s than anybody’s. Hers was within a haze of sunlight, a room sitting in bright clouds.

  It seemed the odd file cabinets of the archives had made it within, representing her thirst for knowledge and experiences. There were also a few mystical representations, which Nick wondered if they were something special provided by her mother for her cultivation. The fixtures included what looked a lot like Seraphara’s Mirror of Truth and Wisdom and an ancient tome on a pedestal.

  He arrived inside his faithful maid’s Soulscape. Jasmine’s was like a womb of multicolored light. But within it, a familiarity, an undeniable sense of belonging and comfort when Nick was within. It was the feeling others experienced within his Soul Core.

  She had spent more than a thousand years just watching and waiting from within his soul, and she unmistakably created this feeling she both had for him and the feeling he gave her from his mere presence. It was like she chose for her Soulscape to be her enveloped in both light and Nick’s Soul, the two of them combined.

  Appearing inside the womb of light, Jasmine waited–not as the petrasilk, but in her original body, floating almost like a goddess in the center. A monochrome djinn, her body was made of almost white flames with black outlines. To most, she could be invisible if she so decided, because her body was pure light or energy.

  In her hands in the physical world and represented in the Soulscape was an object he was familiar with–it was the crystal vial filled with the sparkling devotion essence–the item his wives formed their devotion cores with.

  In all, her face had the same appearance that he had been staring at the last several months, just a different color and outline. She had a forlorn expression on it as she looked at vial but she still turned to him when he arrived, giving him a small smile. “Master.”

  Nick let out a breath. He could feel the hesitation in her, the emotional turmoil inside. He floated over to her and placed his hand on her cheek. Her blue eyes met his, and she leaned into his touch.

  He said, “I know it isn’t easy. That you want to be there for me during this important time. If that is what you want, I won’t stop you. But I think you will be happier in your actual body. None will doubt your devotion to me, least of all me.”

  She took his hand in hers with both hands and kissed his knuckles tenderly as she thought. “It is…pretty great. I did like the petrasilk, but it just doesn’t compare in so many ways.”

  Nick gave her a proud smile. “You’re like a goddess maid, somehow. I do look forward to seeing it again in person, and that is the absolute truth.”

  “Still, if it means I can help you even a little… I really want to be a part of this, your pathstone.”

  He wrapped his arms around her, bringing her into his embrace. She melted into his touch, and he continued, “And that is why I won’t stop you if that is your wish. But I do not believe it will be too late. You’ll be able to form this devotion core after I ascend, and as I make small changes, you might be able to become a part of it too. You watched over me for so long, and I am grateful for it. But the other girls can watch over me for this short time, and I am confident you will join me and won’t regret it in the end.”

  It was more challenging but possible to establish a core, a new Concept and a pillar of self in the third stratum, and in fact, it was easier the more pillars you had managed. It simply took effort and resources to make the important shift, and he would get her whatever she needed to make it happen. If they were lucky, they may be able to do this as he makes her his wife.

  “If I could just do both like I have been, then this would be so easy. Three months is a long time…the bad guy could show up before then too! I… realize I’m being unreasonable.”

  With all the advancements they purchased in the Genesis Chamber to improve efficiency and with two Ordeals reaching the twentieth floor, the time to make her new body was still three months and five days. If they got the Path of the Shadow Hunter and the Samurai to the twentieth floor too, then perhaps it would be closer to two months. Either way, they began the process, and if it sped up, she would come out proportionately sooner.

  “You deserve to be. You can be unreasonable for once. I may be confident, but I am not certain.”

  Jasmine sighed and shook her head. “I could never hold you back, and I’m happy that I can feel how much you want to see me in my original body. But those girls better hold up their side. Orion better say you made the bestest pathcore, or I will be pissed. And if it cracks, I’ll rush in there and hold up one of the pillars if I have to, even if it kills me. Don’t think I won’t!”

  “I know, Jas. I would never doubt your devotion to me. I love you.”

  As their lips touched, Nick’s soul thrummed with contentment. Their spiritual bodies melded ever so slightly where they touched, their embrace transcending normal physical closeness.

  “I love you too, Master. Just go. I’ll be watching your perfection until the end of time, no matter what.”

  It was with that note that Nick’s spirit flew back to his Ascension Chamber and sat on his throne, the same location his physical body now sat. It was now time to ascend.