Mat does some trading, then Earth Golem Dungeon time.

Mathew was handed a cup of tea by one of the helpers in the large main tent. He nodded his thanks and started to stir it with the spoon. He added a bit of honey this time, wanting a bit more sweeter of a drink for once.

“I still want to know what happened. All anyone has said was they all thought you betrayed them. Even then, they followed proper protocols, it’s amazing nobody died.” Adam said with bemusement. He was looking over a few notes.

Mathew sighed in annoyance. This was the sixth time someone asked him how he did it. How his contract worked. Why Harrison died. It was frustrating. “I’ll tell you what I told Mark. Find yourself someone who has a profession or class related to The Council, they can tell you yourself.”

“As if. I want it from you. A way to kill someone with no direct way to harm them? It has to be the soul. There was no way it was a normal mana based attack. No physical wounds on him other than some internal hemorrhaging to his organs including the brain.” Adam wasn’t talking to Mathew, more to himself at this point.

Mark and Jonathan both sat in silence as well. Jon kept glancing at Mathew.

“All I will tell you is this, as a warning so none of you get killed the same way. Contracts, deals, agreements, all of it has a way to be binded. Don’t try to fight that bind unless you are sure you are stronger than those on the other side. Once you are connected, there is no breaking it. Not anyway you will escape unscathed.”

Mark leaned back in his seat. “You say that as if you were in that situation.”

Mathew nodded. “I was.” He left it at that. He wasn’t going to share that his soul was shattered, or the fact it wasn’t related to a contract directly. It was the fact he was binded to his summons that kept him alive in fact. Mainly Agnox and whatever fragment of a soul that was in [Doozkora’s Rod].

Jon sniffed loudly and scratched at his face. “Still doesn't explain why you risked it. What if Harrison was strong enough to control you all?”

Mathew shook his head. “He wasn’t. Even if he was, I had ways out. I could just have paid him money, then killed him. Granted in that case, I would be forced to use practically every trump card I own just to get out alive. I can’t fight that many people, not alone.”

Jon seems satisfied with such an answer.

“Look at this Mark! The person who dissected Harrison’s body noted his bone structure was much denser and harder than normal. He must have had a body cultivation manual. Jon, you need to go and find their base camp and-”

“Already have.” Jon said with a grin. “No manuals found. Either someone else has it, or he left it back wherever they came from on Earth.”

Adam’s face frowned in disappointment.

“Why do you want his manual?” Mathew asked.

“Oh, you probably haven't seen one yet. There are culviation manuals for various things. They help you properly understand many concepts and thoughts. Mark has one, but won’t share its exact details. There are two others for the clan, one related to basic crafting and the other is related to simple fighter type classes.”

Mathew eyed his eldest brother. “Right, and why are they so important to have two basic ones? I was informed they help you further your foundations like your stats. Also to apply your Techniques, Axioms, and more along a chosen path for growth.”

Adam nodded excitedly. “Yes yes. But not everyone can be unique and specialized. Society requires common folk. You know this Mathew, you took those lessons, I even helped you with your homework! Common folk have a place. Not that they are unimportant, but crops need to be harvested, streets patrolled, and items made. It’s up to those with higher specialization to lead those who are not. Just like Mom did, and how we all are.”

Mathew knew he was right. He would need to invest or look for some of those manuals for his own people as well. There were plenty of people who would be happy sitting and idling by.

“How have you dealt with the non-levelers? People who don’t want to come to reality that this is all real?” Mathew asked. There were few where he was, due to the constant real dangers. Those who didn’t conform were all dead. A few still walked around, all around level five for the profession at the very least.

“Kicked them to the curb.” Jon said with a scoff. “Good for nothing, a waste of resources.”

“Jon is right, we did kick them out, but not as harshly as he put it. We gave them a choice, everyone had to reach Level 10 before the global event quest. If you didn’t, you were gone. We have a few expectations however. Those with unique testing groups to see how leveling works. Mostly crafters, or very niche roles. Adam has a healer who refuses to fight, and only heals. She was level nine till very recently.”

Mathew was impressed at how far they’ve gone to adapt to their new life. Not that he expected any less. They were McGonalds. They thrived at the suffering of others. No matter how well received Mathew was right now, he knew they would all fight to the top. “Just like how I plan to.”

“What about you? How's Blue Oaks?” Adam asked with concern.

“We are getting by. Not as grand as your clan, but we hold our own. We defeated a Beginner ranked Dungeon not long after the first phase ended. We’ve claimed several cores and crystals. I have someone to keep things progressing while I am here.”

“Yes, why are you here? Alone at that.” Jon asked curiously. “The Novice floor boss wasn’t difficult, but even Mark couldn’t handle it purely alone without suffering grevious wounds.”

Mathew looked down at Jeffery. “I’m alone to a degree. I’ve made due with either temporary alliances or my own powers.”

Jon huffed at that answer, wanting more, but didn’t press the issue further. “So, how long will you stay with us?”

“I want to leave after the next monster hoard. I have a quest to complete, related to an Earth Themed Dungeon. I want to tackle the golem theme one, alone.”

“Alone? Are you crazy?” Adam asked with surprise. Mark raised an eyebrow.

Jon just laughed. “Suicidal. Great, we will soon go from five to four McGonalds. That’s barely half.”

Mathew stared at Jon. “How many Dungeons have you fought alone? From start to finish?”

“None. No point. The rewards you get are easy. Just grind them out quickly and reap that sweet sweet UC.”

“So you never considered doing it alone for bonus experience?” Mathew asked.

“We killed stronger enemies together. That’s where the experience is.” Mark said. “How have you been doing it?”

“A lot of ways to be honest.” Mathew said. “However, I think it’s time you stop looking down at me. I’m the youngest, not the weakest.”

Jon clapped his hands. “Oh this is too sweet. Little Matty is all grown up.”

Mathew knew Jon was pushing his buttons, to have him pop off on him. It’s what he always did. However, he let Jon win in exchange for a grander victory. It wasn’t common practice, but you could show off titles you’ve earned.

The information crystal Dio sold him mentioned it was a common way to verify certain accomplishments. Such as having at least 100 in every stat, or grander titles.

Mathew flashed his Solo Delver title, without the added stats tagged on.

Title: Solo Delver II - For clearing out at most a Beginner Dungeon alone, you are awarded this title.

Silence filled the room for a moment. Jon glared at Mark. “You said there was no title for doing that!”

Mark groaned and rubbed a hand over his face. “There wasn’t. However I have to ask Mathew, did anyone go through the portal with you at all?”

“Nope. Only myself and my powers made it through the entire Dungeon.”

“That explains it then. I had Adam and Beth on standby inside the Dungeon in case anything went wrong. I guess Beth was right on such an idea.”

Jon rolled his eyes. “Great, now I have to wait till we leave this hell hole to even get this title.” He looked toward Mathew. “What’s the stat rewards? Plus twenty? Thirty? I bet it’s a percent boost to your core stats!”

Mathew grinned. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“Come on, don’t tease your favorite brother, tell me damn it!”

“Nope. You can find out on your own, just like I did.” Mathew was being smug and an asshole. He didn’t care. The information was honestly worthless. He was enjoying their reactions. The disappointment to the family out did the rest of them all.

Jon shook with anger. “You little fucker. Tell me!”

Mark held out a hand, “Jon, take it easy. We can find out in time, not knowing won’t make a difference.” He gave Mathew a side glance, but said nothing to him.

“Jon, why don’t you go check our preparations for tomorrow night. I want a word with Mathew alone.”

“Yea yea. You never let me stay for the secret stuff. Why is that Mark?”

“Jon, there is nothing secret. It’s a trade agreement. Mathew want’s to trade information for materials. Along with agreements of alliance between our two zones. You hate this kind of work.”

Adam stood up and put a hand on Jon’s shoulder. “Come on, let them talk. Mark has seniority.”

The two of them walked out and Mathew looked at Mark. “You have the title don’t you?”

“I have the same one you do in fact.” Mark said with his own grin. “I can’t let Jon and Adam have all the fame and glory. They both have their roles. Which is to be beside me, not in front.”

“What about other titles? Anything I can get that you all have?”

Mark pursed his lips in thought. His menu opened as he glanced it over. “Dungeoneer caps out at ten. However the bonuses go from a plus nine to a plus 1% bonus to all stats. After that you will get an invitation to another world event when the second phase ends.”

“Nothing for Hearth Crystals other than one you already have. Axiom related titles, which if you have one, congrats. I was the nineteenth person to receive an Axiom in the world. A measly plus fifteen to all stats for such an accomplishment. Ahh, well, the only other title I can suggest you have to come home to get.”

“Why is that?” Mathew asked.

“We received a reward for a small war that we won against two other zones. It is a combat training facility. Inside is a mentor. You defeat him, you get a title. I was given an extra reward for being the first, so far only Jon has completed it as well.”

Mathew seemed interested in such a thing. His reward for Blue Oaks was a crafting facility. Was that better or worse than a combat facility?

“I see, well I have no titles you could get right now. I didn’t think you had the Solo Delver one.”

Mark shrugged, “That’s fine. I’m not here to take from you Mathew. I do want to help. Hence why I am willing to give up a Hearth Crystal for your own quest. Have you decided which title you will pick?”

Mathew sighed, “I was going to pick either Manager or Magister. However, recently I’ve been thinking of picking Baron. What did you pick?”

“I picked Magister. The title is superfluous. It’s what it unlocks for your zone that matters.”

“Oh? Care to share?”

“Nope. You can find out on your own, just like I did.” Mark playfully said mimicking Mathew’s own words.

“Fair enough. I can’t argue with that logic.”

“I will say this much. The choice does matter. You are correct in not picking Chief, it would not be a good fit for you or your zone.”

Mathew nodded, “Care to hand over that HC now so I can see?”

Mark picked up the contract Mathew made. “This is an interesting contract. Reminds me more of a used car sales contract than anything else.”

“Well, I’ve had my share of complicated contracts. I wanted something straightforward and simple. You give me that HC, fifty mana cores, and every piece of knowledge related to rituals you have. In exchange, I give you all my notes on rituals, alliance, and 150,000UC.”

Mark shrugged, “I don’t need the money. Your notes on rituals and alliance are worth more than even a million Universal Currency. How did you do in the Crafting Challenge?”

“Maximum rewards. I suggest having your crafters create an Apprentice ranked item if they can.”

Mark nodded, “I’ll make note of that. Thank you. Now then, I just sign here at the bottom right? No soul explosions afterwards?”

“This contract doesn't weigh on our souls. It’s an agreement of trust is all. You and I can just not uphold either side of the deal, and the only thing that happens is a black mark on our record in the eyes of The Council. Something I suggest we both avoid.”

“Yes, I agree.” Mark said as he signed. “I’ll have the cores after the hoard if it comes. Just in case. As for Rituals, we have three people with skills related to it. One of which is a friend of Beth’s. I’ll have her take you to them tomorrow morning. You can see the preparations they are working on. For now, I’ll let you get some sleep. I’m sure you are tired.”

Mathew nodded his thanks. “I’ll find her when I wake up. See you tomorrow Mark.”

When he returned to his room, Mathew sat on the bed with a groan of annoyance. He had so many blue boxes to go through, it wasn’t even funny. Not to mention to cultivate on his newest Axiom.

“One step at a time. Let’s go with the older stuff first.”

Skill Quest Complete

Create a Summoning Ritual: 1/1

Skill [Writing] -> [Mana Text]

Mana Text | Beginner 8

You can now use your mana to write, draw, and sketch on any surface including the air. Mana used on paper will duplicate the previous abilities of [Writing].

Universal Text: Your writings are understood by all who can read.

Mathew was hoping for an upgrade to his actual [Ritual] skill that could mitigate or cheapen the costs. Hell, even new rituals would have been worth it as well. Yet, a few ideas of using this skill came to mind. He would have to test them out later.

Next was his newest Axiom and improvement to another Axiom, plus a title. As he opened his menu to look them both over, he noticed he had an upgrade for his [Rituals] skill. “Well, I guess I do get something out of it.”

However, there was only a single option to choose for the skill. With nothing else to pick, he did so and looked at everything.

Axiom of Enforce [Beginner]: +10 Strength, +15 Endurance, +15 Intelligence

Axiom of Pattern [Novice]: +20 Intelligence, +5 Wisdom

Title: Manager - Unlock additional benefits to all Safe Zones under your control. Note: If you have less than seven Hearth Crystals, you will lose this title.

Rituals | Apprentice 0

Gain the ability to copy, create, read, and understand rituals. Copying a ritual has a tiny chance to add it to your list of known spells.

Utility: All Utility based rituals require half the mana requirement. Gain Base Knowledge on modifying rituals. Gain 3 new Rituals.

Call Aid: You intransitively learn the Ritual ‘Call Aid’. Call Aid - You send out a query for help across the spirit realm. If a spirit heeds your call, they might appear to help. Spirits will adapt and appear to fit the current environment. However, it is not bound to your cause, and can leave at any moment.

Mathew subtly fist pumped the air in excitement. “A new summon, about damn time System. Granted, I will get another one for my Spell Quest. Plus whatever Gaia will give me for her quest.”