The Harukian Chronicler 6 Patron Saints Chapter 6

I had just let the system decide my future for me pretty much; and it came through with some decent traits, gift and curse… things that I should be able to live with in the long term. Though, I should make my own choice on the "Patron" system that this world appears to have, whatever the h.e.l.l that is really. Still don't have any information on it, and Karen's keeping silent about it herself… though now that I look at her, she does appear to be a bit nervous about something. There was the temptation to ask her what was going on, but then I decided I wasn't too bothered by it; if she didn't want to talk about it as I worked, then was it that important?

Cracking my knuckles, I click on the "Patron" tab to continue on with this whole new life building, taking in a deep breath as I slowly read through the information that was given to me:

[Agenai uses a revolutionary (for the time) system known as "Patron". This system is where instead of "G.o.ds" that are wors.h.i.+ped throughout the world, each individual has a set number of "Patrons" that watch over them and give them abilities based on their sphere of influence. Every living being has anywhere from 0-3 patrons at a time, though later updates in the system could change this. Do take care when selecting your patrons, as they will be with you for your entire life; they will do their best to help you, but if you do not heed their advice then they may grow silent to leave you alone.]

From the looks of this, I had to pay for each Patron separately from the last; 5 for one, 15 for two, and 35 for all three. Tilting my head slightly as I thought it over, my eyes once more scanned over to Karen; who again avoided me as if she was hiding something. Looks like I am alone in this selection; so, why not just go for broke and select all three patrons, paying off 35 points to do so.

Members of the Haruk clan are beholden to Ugdralath, Father of Death. Every member of the clan must have this particular patron or be unable to lead life in the main family. He prefers to see those who uphold the honor of family, and respect the dead as they deserve; but has been known to look the other way for exploring ancient tombs. Usually depicted as an old man with a cloak, his att.i.tude and personality can be said to reflect as such; stubborn, set in his ways, and slow to give guidance when requested.>

Well that was the original plan, but as soon as I selected the first Patron then this one was immediately placed into my lap. From the looks of things, I had to choose my first Patron ability before I could move on to the second patron. This was slightly annoying, but from the looks of it I could not select someone different… was my mother a member of the Main Branch then… let's see what abilities he offers as the first.

Is what I would say, but there were maybe sixteen different selections… I'll just pick what looks to be the best;

[Grave's Patience:

The holder of this ability is able to keep themselves going for as long as their limit allows. Many people have been known to have the patience of a saint; holders of this outcla.s.s them. They seem to never overreact to outside sources, but they can also keep at the same task for however long they wish. Boredom never comes to this holder, though they may lack stimulation.

Tier 1: Holder is able to keep a Zen state for 4 Hours.

Tier 2: Holder is able to keep a Zen state for 8 Hours.

Tier 3: Holder is able to keep a Zen state for 16 Hours.

Points Cost: 5 for Tier 1, 10 for Tier 2, 20 for Tier 3.]

Looking at this ability that Ugdralath grants, it's quite simple to those who give it only a single glance. When you look at it carefully though, and if you mix it with crafting or something… then it can easily make it so you can sit there for hours on end and just work. Though this is just one patron with one ability… I still have two others to choose, and to go through their lovely abilities.

…

…

My eyes feel bloodshot, are they bloodshot… I just read through so many patrons, and good lord I should have just pressed the f.u.c.king random b.u.t.ton. Rubbing my face as I stared at my two selections and their abilities… of course purchasing the highest tier of each one, cause why the f.u.c.k not.

The All-Mother, one who gives birth and shows only a motherly love for everything that walks on the planet of Agenai, even those creatures most foul. Her greatest dream is to see all of her children grow to their true selves, and stay free so they may travel the world; so they have many stories to tell her when they return. Usually has her eyes covered by a veil or blindfold, as the love of a mother is blind to her actual child.>

[Life's Guidance:

Congratulations are in order; the patron of life has deigned you important enough to keep her ever watchful eyes on you and give you updates on your progress. She is also willing to answer questions to a certain point, even give you instructions when you require it. Other effects of this ability are apparent when in use, so feel grateful.

Tier 1: The Lady gives an update to any form of "Level Up"

Tier 2: The Lady gives advice three times a day.

Tier 3: The Lady gives basic tools for every day use; bars, maps, etc.

Tier 4: The Lady gives advice ten times a day, along with more advanced tools.

Tier 5: The Lady is willing to give as much time as needed to the Holder, along with 3 grand secrets.

Points Cost: 5 for Tier 1, 10 for Tier 2, 20 for Tier 3, 40 for Tier 4, 80 for Tier 5.]

One who sees all and knows all, his information network is ever expanding to the corners of all the realms. Usually aloof and to himself, this patron only chooses those that have the ability to teach him something new during their life. Seen more often with his gla.s.ses, it isn't quite rare a book or six are floating around him; always having a great thirst for knowledge that could have destroyed the world if left unchecked.>

[Keeper's Eye:

With these eyes, the holder is granted with increased perception to what is behind the veil of reality. Gauging opponents, to seeing the hidden; nothing is kept secret to anyone able to discern the information given. Usually there is a physical change when the holder uses this ability, but that is different from person to person.

Tier 1: Holder is able to see known information of objects, and basic information of beings.

Tier 2: Holder is able to see most information of objects and beings.

Tier 3: Holder is able to see "Secret" information of all things.

Tier 4: Holder can discern all truths and lies, nothing hides before their eyes.

Points Cost: 5 for Tier 1, 10 for Tier 2, 20 for Tier 3, 40 for Tier 4.]

With the great lords as my witness, I am never going to choose from that menu again… there were more than a few hundred thousand patrons; there was one for Toilets for f.u.c.ks sake! Rubbing at my face, I give my tired eyes a bit of a rest by keeping them closed for a short amount of time. At least that is the end of it… with regards of the "Destiny" tab, but if my guess is correct, then they wouldn't have the person making the life actually choose their destiny.

…

…

Those moments in life, where one says; "Could this get any worse?" and then things suddenly get worse… well in my case, I thought to myself; "Could things get weirder?". Of course things could get weirder if one were to look at this whole process and wonder to themselves if things were ever not weird.

Right as I was clicking away to go on to the final tab; a pop up window came up and made itself known to me. It didn't look to be a virus on the system… can a celestial system get a virus… but I gave it a bit of a leery eye as I read it:

Will you take part? [Yes] [No]>

And with that, my mind goes into an odd place as I read through that a good five times before rubbing my eyes again… should I ask Karen about this, press no, press yes… This could spell trouble for me seeing as how it stated that all people have a max of three patrons at the start. On the other hand… what type of Patrons are there from the dead list, ones that are no longer in service due to some reason or another.

As I turned towards Karen, opening my mouth to ask;

"Mr. Jacobson, that choice is entirely up to you. As my first client, I have never seen that option, nor have I heard on the grapevine of others having seen that." Her stoic face, paler than usual, turned towards me; "I would say show caution, as this is the final choice before you will be reborn. Think it through fully." So she said, making me take in a deep breath… looks like there was no water in that well.

Turning my face back towards the screen, I look at the option in front of my eyes without too much worry in my heart. It has been said in my life, that I am a reckless b.a.s.t.a.r.d; but I blame my family for that as I inherited that from them. Though, I still hesitated slightly as I clicked on yes… seeing instantly my points disappear as a slot machine like roulette appears and spins;

Not much is known about this Patron anymore; only showing up once every millenia to herald the signs of change for the lands. Those who have him as a Patron are usually known as Demon Lords, and hunted by those who hold his brothers as their Patrons. This is not set in stone… your destiny is your own, change it as you wish.>

[Consumption:

The Holder of this ability is able to copy into their code, the abilities of other living creatures by just eating some living essence that holds their code. This has quite a few restrictions however;

1)Holder has to witness the ability they wish to Copy.

2)Holder cannot eat the flesh of dead creatures; they have to be alive.

3)If Holder already possesses the ability, then point will be acquired for the next Tier.

4)No more than ONE ability can be copied from a single living creature.

When Consumption is active, the Holder enters a Berserk like state that increases their reaction time so as to make it easier to feed on their target. The amount of time this Berserk will last is dependent on the Holder's Mana supply, current usage;

Mana Usage: 20 per Second.

Once the essence has been consumed, then the Holder has a percentage chance to gain the ability they had chosen and witnessed. This percentile is based on a few factors, but no one is certain of them;

Chance for Consumption: 10%]

My mind blanked as I read through the information of the… Demon… patron that I was a.s.signed, Karen turning a bit more pale as she read it as well. However, a smile spread over my face as a small flash entered my vision; a fang filled grin that grew faint as I fell through the floor. A final sentence exiting my mouth as I could feel myself being reborn into the world;

"Well, some people just f.u.c.ked up."

End of Chapter 6