Protector
There was no resistance on Chengjie’s end, for the very simple reason that whatever Kaeleanth had done had left the emerald spirit in a state of dormancy, allowing Edrick to do whatever he wanted–Including testing the corporealness of the ghost in just about every way possible.
Due to Chengjie’s body being somewhat translucent, the dose of Cleansing Elixir was visible. Though it seemed that the body of the ghost did not enjoy the life-granting seed too much. It was being consumed and turned into death energy to further fuel her spectral existence.
Once the master was done with his maid, a ghostly purple circle appeared upon her solar plexus, encircling a bell bearing eye motifs all over its surface. This particular maid crest was visible at all times, even though the spirit was technically wearing clothes–Although they were more akin to an extension of her own body.
Chengjie eventually awoke.
There was a moment of confusion as the crest took effect, pushing away all negative thoughts and emotions she might have for Anoteros, and giving a much more prominent position to the positive ones. It was spinning everything into giving the new maid a desire and instinct for subservience toward the household’s patriarch.
Of course, this particular maid’s mind was ancient and powerful, so the confusion lasted for a while. However, the crest was already in place, and Kaeleanth’s efforts had left the spirit even more vulnerable to the effects of the crest.
As such, the emerald ghost eventually bowed.
“Greetings, Master”
Anoteros smiled in a way that would put the fear of god in most people.
“Tell me what you can do, Chengjie”
“Master, I am no longer bound to the emerald pendant. I am instead bound to the very territory you own. I can currently sense even the distant realm of Eltysia and could travel to it if need be. However, I am unable to go past the limits of your territory, no matter what”
“In return, I have regained much of my former strength and am now empowered whilst within the bounds of your territory, Master”
“Mmh… So you can teleport as you please, as long as the place you wish to go to belongs to me?”
“Precisely, Master. I am also intimately aware of all that is happening, and of any person entering or exiting your land. It seems like only great assassins and thieves could potentially escape my senses. Moreover, as an undead, I do not sleep. I do not eat. I am forever awake. Forever attentive”
She pointed to the piece of emerald Anoteros was holding.
“While I am no longer bound to this piece of emerald, my time being stuck to it has left a trace, and I now bear a strong affinity for this type of gemstone. If I were to need to recover energy or heal from damage I sustained, retreating inside an emerald would be of great assistance”
“The purer and larger the piece of emerald, the more effective it will be. It can even aid me in furthering my cultivation”
Edrick rubbed his chin.
“Interesting…”
“As already demonstrated, I am now also able to switch between a non-corporeal and corporeal form at will”
Anoteros placed his hands behind his back, circling the green spirit for a few moments as he took in all that she had just told him. Chengjie had indeed become a great asset. Kaeleanth had done an incredible job.
The spectral maid was more than just a watchdog. She was an overseer. One that could watch over not just this residence, but every single millimeter of land he would ever own. She was simply the greatest form a guard could take.
“Let’s get up on the surface, shall we? Show me what you can do. You are a spell cultivator, right?”
“Yes, Master”
She and Edrick went to a portion of land behind his residence where he had not yet built or planned anything.
“Do your best not to destroy the terrain”
“I understand, Master”
The spirit raised her hand and cast a fireball. Only that it was made out of black flames.
“Master, my spells are no longer what they used to be. They are now intrinsically linked with undeath. The spells that I was able to get back were modified, and the new ones that I acquired are all about necromancy”
She demonstrated many spells in quick succession. Although they now all had something in common. They nonetheless showed that Chengjie had formerly dabbled in various kinds of spell cultivation techniques. A wide array of elements was shown, with spells ranging from the simple stuff to more technical and precise things.
There were so many of them that trying to list them all would be a fool’s errand... Especially when Chengjie’s expertise and talent in the domain of spell cultivation allowed her to go as far as to alter the spells in her possession, making it seem like she had access to way more spells than she already knew.
In general, she was a true pure specialist. She had only ever practised spell cultivation techniques. She hadn’t even learned any energy cultivation techniques, despite them usually going hand-in-hand with one another.
‘Mmh… I wonder if she could learn Paraceratherium Magus Feral Mastery. It wouldn’t conflict with any other technique she has, and could be of great help… But perhaps I should look for something more ghost-based?’
‘System, would you be willing to throw in some things I can use to boost my maids in your rewards?’
As long as the rewards are coherent to a certain extent, I can throw in a lot of things
‘Good to know’
Edrick approached Chengjie.
“You have a bright future ahead of you. From now on, you are the first–And currently the only–And thus the head of the Protector Maid caste. Rejoice. I shall build a special place for you inside of Eltysia, where there is plenty of space. I’ll make sure to provide the largest emerald possible”
“Your generosity touches me, Master”
“It is nothing worth mentioning. A mere investment on my end… Why don’t you go and speak to Xiaolie? You two must have a lot to catch up on”
The emerald ghost went away, disappearing in a puff of green dust. Leaving Edrick alone as he stretched his arms, making the articulations of his elbows pop.
He had finally acquired Chengjie. From now on, his territory would be more protected than ever.
‘That’s one thing on my list dealt with… I suppose that I’ll be visiting more vassal sects next. I don’t think there is any good way to try to get involved with either of the nations that are showing themselves to be aggressive, so I’ll just focus on domestic stuff for now’
He looked up at the bright and warm sun, and then proceeded to summon Oswulf and Vulpalis.
He felt like engaging in some Biesta…