Pandora Unchained - B1C92: Redacted (Book 1 Finale)

Bit of a long chapter, but this is the last chapter of Book 1! I sincerely hope you're enjoying the story so far!

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Sorin was kept in a separate cell from his companions. A separate prison, actually, which made time flow by at an agonizing pace. Fortunately, Sorin wasn't overly restricted. He was allowed to perform mana manipulation exercises and familiarize himself with the hybrid energy inside his body.

During his stay, he felt only the occasional probe from the kindly Bishop Hardold, but it was an inquisitive probe that bore no ill-will. The man seemed equally interested in the golden light in his mana and the tarnished coloring that accompanied it.

Contrary to his expectations, Lord Hope was not summoned, and neither was Sorin taken in for questioning or inquisition. His stay therefore became a weeklong session that Sorin used to prepare for his breaking through to the Bone-Forging Realm.

Sorin was far from the only corrupted prisoner beneath the temple. The other prisoners showed no overt signs of corruption, but occasionally, he heard mad ravings in the night. These only grew worse as the nights grew colder, and Violence's influence was steadily replaced by the Madness of Winter.

On the eighth day, light trickled into Sorin's cell for the first time. The clouds above the outpost dispersed as a final dose of warmth descended before the dreaded winter snows.

The door to the prison opened, revealing Bishop Harold. He came accompanied by the jailor, who walked over to Sorin's cell and unlocked the demonbane door with a rune-covered key.

"You're free to go," said the jailor, nodding to Bishop Harold.

"I'll take him from here," said the bishop. "Do you need any time to prepare yourself? To clean up?"

"I'm fine," said Sorin, who'd gotten ample water and hadn't been mistreated. "Lead the way."

The bishop accompanied Sorin up to a side entrance to the temple, which was still recovering from the damage it had suffered from the demon tide.

"My investigation reveals that while you have been corrupted, this corruption has found a balance with your mana," explained Bishop Harold. "It is a complex case that required that I directly consult with Lord Hope. Lord Hope assures me that this development is intentional and has authorized me to release you. I could have done so four days ago but kept you in custody for your own protection."

"I'm sure you have a lot of questions, but first, accept this gift." He held out a black and gold fox-head pendant, which Sorin accepted but didn't immediately wear. "It was issued by Lord Hope to hide your… condition. It might cost you an equipment slot, but I suggest you prioritize the protection it offers."

Sorin ultimately chose to put on the pendant. "Where's Lorimer?" he asked. His voice was hoarse, as he hadn't spoken in a full week.

"Ah, the rat," said the bishop. He pulled out a small cage and opened its door. Lorimer scurried out and jumped onto Sorin's shoulder. "He was not mistreated in any way, and I assure you that he was well fed during his stay."

"Reee!" said Lorimer in an aggrieved voice. It was obvious that he didn't agree with that statement.

"The investigation?" asked Sorin.

"This…" said the bishop with a complicated expression. "The Medical Association and the Alchemists Association always take great interest in these sorts of cases. As you well know, the matters you accused Marcus of are highly regulated, and permission for such experiments was clearly not given."

"And?" pressed Sorin. "The result?"

"I'm afraid there was no result to the investigation," said the bishop. "A government agent arrived five days after you were taken to the Temple, and shortly after, the investigation team dispersed. No orders were issued. No statement was given. I can only advise you to keep this matter to yourself and not pry into it."

"What about Gabriella?" asked Sorin, dreading the answer. Whatever had happened to her down in the basement wasn't normal. Was she recovering well? Had she truly unlocked her Governing Vessel like he suspected. "The words god seed were used, and I believe that regardless of the contract I signed, someone in my situation should know certain things."

Bishop Harold nodded slowly. "Be sure not to share this information with your companions unless you absolutely have to, Sorin. This regards not only your safety, but meticulous plans crafted by Lord Hope himself."

"Naturally," said Sorin. None of his companions save Lorimer had witnessed his divine awakening. In fact, he believed the only reason the Governor had not discovered Sorin's anomaly was because of Gabriella's transformation.

"As you can imagine, a god seed is someone who's embarked on the path of the divine," continued Harold. "Each god seed is a candidate to accept the mantle of a god, should they pass the trials assigned to them. Your own path is a unique one, but Gabriella, has embarked upon the path of Persephone. It is a path that seeks life in death and renews what is aged and corrupted.

"God seeds are the hope of humanity and will be nurtured at all costs. In fact, the loss of this entire outpost would be considered a small price to pay for Gabriella's awakening. So, while you might loathe Marcus's actions, many would consider him a hero. Alas, he will never be known as such; to protect the god seed, the experiments that led to her awakening have been classified, and all those involved have been sworn to secrecy."

"What about the Kepler Clan?" asked Sorin.

"They sent a representative, who seemed genuinely horrified by what was reported," said Bishop Harold. "But unlike the others, he was made privy to Gabriella Michka's situation. Perhaps this is a compensation of sorts to the Kepler Clan and their hard work? The man naturally agreed to take on Gabriella on as his final apprentice."

"What was his name?" asked Sorin.

"I believe he went by the name of Elder Ignis Mockingjay Kepler," said Bishop Harold.

Elder Ignis was the strictest elder of the Kepler Clan. He had a reputation for impartiality and was a peak flesh-sanctification cultivator. In terms of power, he was ranked third in the family, right after his uncle, the Clan Leader. And unlike the Grand Elder, who should have supported him, Elder Ignis had protected Sorin's life after the Mockingjay Branch's rebellion had succeeded. Sorin was relieved, in a sense, since Gabriella would be much safer with him than his uncle or the Grand Elder.

Sorin let out a deep sigh. His emotions towards Gabriella were complicated. Now, even more so, as she'd just inadvertently joined his uncle's faction. "Is she still here, or did she leave with the elder?" asked Sorin.

"I'm afraid she left just yesterday," said Bishop Harold. "She wanted to see you, but the elder assured her that she would get to see you soon as long as your growth remained unimpeded." Sensing his disappointment, the bishop placed his hand on Sorin's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Sorin. Sometimes, things don't develop the way we plan. The truth is often more complicated than anyone ever gives it credit for. Even I, a bishop of the Temple of Hope, only know a fraction of it. And even that would break most men and women on Pandora."

"Then I'll thank you for your hospitality and will be on my way," said Sorin.

"That would be for the best," said Bishop Harold. "Stay safe and be sure to keep that pendant on. It's not something just anyone is allowed to have."

With that, the bishop left Sorin to rejoin the stoic Gareth, who'd been waiting silently by the Temple Gate. "I hope you didn't wait too long?" said Sorin upon reaching him.

"We waited in shifts," said Gareth, stepping off his stone perch. "You know, it's a good thing it hasn't snowed yet. Otherwise, we'd all be at Lawrence's place enjoying a delicious cup of hot cocoa instead of waiting for you at this uncomfortable temple."

The archer's cultivation remained unchanged at the ninth stage of blood-thickening. Yet his presence was sharper than before they'd parted. It was clear that he could break through to the tenth stage at any time and had chosen to wait for Sorin's release.

The streets of the Bloodwood Outpost were a flurry of activity. The governor had released building materials stockpiled for the past decade in warehouses, and everyone, including the soldiers and adventurers, was hard at work rebuilding the city's basic infrastructure.

"There's a lot more people here than there used to be," Sorin noted as they walked.

"Indeed, there are," said Gareth. "Apparently, the provincial government has decided to double the outpost's population over the next three years. And now that Guild Master Roy has come out as a flesh-sanctification cultivator, the Mages Guild, the Alchemists Guild, and the Night Hawks will all be getting reinforcements in the form of their own flesh-sanctification cultivators.

"That seems pretty biased against the Governor's Manor," said Sorin.

"It does indeed," said Gareth. "Word is that the provincial government is shaking things up. They're not too happy that the dryad and the satyr managed to escape, so they're sending a bunch of bone-forging cultivators to 'assist' the governor. They're also transferring Vice-Governor Marsh to a bigger city. A punishment, some say, though Stephan insists it's a promotion in disguise. A… compensation, of sorts. For services rendered."

The team had been informed about Sorin's impending release. He found them in the Adventurers Guild. Sorin ordered a drink and adopted his usual spot at the table and even ordered a drink in a bowl for Lorimer, much to the displeasure of the waitress.

"We had an intense debate about what to do about you when you got back," said Stephan when they finally settled down. "I suggested one punch each for getting us into this mess, though Daphne suggested that was unfair to her since her physical strength is much lower than ours. I was willing to compromise with a straight shot to the family jewels, but Lawrence and Gareth convinced us that since Gabriella was involved, corporal punishment was going a bit overboard."

"Sorry," said Sorin with a guilty smile. "When I saw her on that table… when I saw Marcus with those needles…  Even if you'd all stood by and watched, I wouldn't have been able to."

Stephan grimaced when he heard this. "Let's… not talk about that event in detail ever again. In fact, let's pretend we never went to the manor. I heard there's a lot of scrutiny over what happened there, and a huge amount of political power went into suppressing it."

"Got it," said Sorin. Little did Stephan know that it wasn't just Gabriella's secrets that were supressed, but his own.

"Lawrence, any word on when the final rewards will be calculated?" asked Stephan.

"It's apparently going to take a couple more weeks," grumbled Lawrence. "That being said, the Alchemists Guild was willing to take an order for a cut of the pills produced."

"Are those…" said Daphne as Lawrence took out a few pill bottles.

"Bone-Forging pills," said Lawrence with a grin. "Our cut, at least. We had to give up 20% to the Alchemists Guild to cut to the front of the line, but it was that or wait two months till they filled our order."

"Twenty percent isn't bad," said Stephan. "Hero discount?"

"Hero discount," nodded Lawrence. "There's a lot of perks I've been made aware of, perks that I fully intend to take advantage of. I'm not sure how many of these we'll need, but five each should be enough, shouldn't it?"

"I don't need mine," said Sorin, pushing his vial forward, only for Lorimer to squeak loudly. "Wait, you can actually eat those?" Lorimer confirmed this, and Sorin took them back. "Sorry guys. It seems my gluttonous little friend has reserved them."

"Speaking of Lorimer, you two seem to be quite a bit closer," said Daphne. "A logical plot development I suppose. Relationships were made, mended, and severed. Secrets were discovered, and more secrets were introduced."

"Speaking of stories, how are your royalties coming along?" asked Gareth.

"Very well, actually," said Daphne, perking up. "In fact, I've already earned out my advance. Apparently, hope sells quite well in dark times like these. Also, the tense three-way relationship between Stephan, Gareth, and Lawrence —not at all related to you three, of course—was well received.

Gareth's smile faded, and Lawrence and Stephan both glared murderously at Daphne. "You wrote what now?" said Stephan. "You know what, I take it back. We're going to need some royalties if you're going to be taking advantage of us like this."

"Damn straight," said Gareth.

"Not to derail the discussion, but there's something I'd like to get out of the way," said Sorin. They all looked at him expectantly, then at Lawrence. "As is tradition, it only makes sense for you to go first, my precious laboratory assistant."

"Hey! Not this again!" protested Lawrence. The rogue froze as a current of poisonous energy traveled into his body and gently pierced open his remaining extraordinary meridian. "Wait, just like that?"

"Just like that," said Sorin. He repeated the process for each of his companions and finally, for good measure, unsealed several blocked meridians in Lorimer's strange body. In the rat's case, corruption was key to unlocking the demon's constitution. He had no silver seals or golden seals like humans had.

By the end of the treatment, each of them glowed with a silver light as their meridian networks were finally completed. In turn, each of them broke through their current limits, entering the 10th stage of blood-thickening, the final stage before becoming a bone-forging cultivator. The process completely exhausted Sorin, but compared to prior openings, it was quite relaxing.

"I'm sorry, Sorin, but that ability is completely overpowered," said Stephan. "And don't think I'm exaggerating. With a talent like this, I wouldn't be surprised if every faction on Pandora wanted to either recruit you or kill you."

"Which is why I'm not going to do this often," said Sorin. "It's greatly draining, you know. In fact, there seems to be a hard limit on how many meridians I can unlock per week."

Stephan flashed him a grin. "Got it. Imposing scarcity to not tilt the political landscape too much. I take it you're going to reveal your ability to the Kepler Clan to obtain their protection?"

"According to Marcus, they really did run into issues," said Sorin with a frown. "I'm hoping that by revealing a bit of what I can do, I'll be able to discover more. Unfortunately, I'll have to relocate soon. Likely to Delphi, the provincial capital."

Though most of the political power in the Kepler Clan was based in Olympia, its origins were still tied to Asclepius and Apollo, the patron of Delphi. It was where the family library was located, as well as its famed medical academy. The Medical Association was also based there.

"Delphi, huh?" said Stephan. "It might be tricky to arrange, but I think we can probably take on a few missions on our way there after we break through to bone-forging."

"Wait, you're bringing the team to Delphi?" asked Sorin, confused. It was with great reluctance that he'd announced his intentions to return to his family's city of origin. He was, after all, an adventurer and would need to find a new team once he relocated.

"It got brought up a few times while you were locked under the temple," said Stephan. "We discussed several options since none of us want to stay here once we break through to the Bone-Forging Realm. Don't get me wrong, this is a fine place to get military contributions. But for adventurers, there are much better places to grow and develop."

"Don't you want to return to Ephesus?" asked Sorin. The York Clan was from a neighboring province and shared a city of origin with the Atlan Clan. Both clans were rivals in the adventuring scene.

"Maybe one day," said Stephan. "But would you go there if we did?"

Sorin thought about it, then shook his head. "I have things to do in Delphi. Messy family things. Honestly, you even bothering to—"

"Then it's settled," said Stephan. "We're all agreed?"

"I'm game," said Lawrence. "I hear Delphi has a nice temple with cute fortune tellers."

"They're called oracles," Gareth said scathingly. "And you'd better control yourself because I hear there's a legitimate demigod holding fort in the city. One that is very protective of said oracles. He's a mean archer, or so I'm told."

"I guess I pretty much have to follow you guys?" said Daphne. "How else am I going to keep writing these books?"

"Speaking of books, we really should get back to this issue of royalties," said Stephan.

The rest of the conversation passed like a dream. Though the losses to the outpost were disastrous, they avoided speaking about casualties. They laughed, they drank, and Sorin once again felt that warmth that he'd been missing in his own clan.

These people were his family. Much more so than the Kepler Clan that had raised him. And if he was being completely honest with himself, he was glad they were coming to Delphi with him despite the dangers it would bring them.

Later that night, Sorin dragged his weary bones over to the Kepler Manor. Their team meeting had only lasted two hours before Haley had walked in and commandeered them for wood-carrying duty. Sorin was exhausted, both physically and spiritually. It was reassuring, in a sense, knowing that despite the changes his body was undergoing, he was still human in the end.

"Mr. Kepler!" greeted Percival when he entered the house.

"Mr. Kepler!" said Clarcie as she rushed out of the kitchen. "Let me fix you a plate. We weren't sure if you'd be coming back today."

"The food can wait," said Sorin. "Come over here, Percival."

"What—" Percival started. He froze when Sorin pressed a finger on his chest and injected a stream of mana into his body.

Sorin first got a general idea of Percival's wounds, then struck him over a hundred times on the limbs and chest using his finger. Like with his friends, he channeled poison into the butler's body to break open his sealed meridians and break up the corruption and mana clogging up his body and absorb them into his own.

His two staff members had once been decently strong cultivators, but having been wounded and having stagnated for over a decade, their mana and their spirits were weak. Combined with the shock at having their injuries disappear little by little, it was no wonder they remained silent during the entire procedure, which finished up with Sorin taking out a healing potion and guiding the fluid to fix the worst of their meridian damage.

Sorin performed a full unsealing for their 12 primary meridians but stopped after that. Their injuries were simply too severe. But that didn't mean there wasn't hope—if they broke through to the Bone-Forging Realm, most of their injuries would heal, and their opened meridians would be forged anew.

It took an hour to perform both treatments, at which point he and his two patients were fully exhausted. But tired as he was, Sorin showed no outward signs of fatigue.

"This is all I can do for you," Sorin said to his two employees. "I know you'll need to report this to the family head. Just know that I support you doing this. In fact, it would be doing me a favor. But please, relay this information to your secondary contact, the Grand Elder, as well."

He knew full well that two different factions were interested in his circumstances. They each had their goals, he was sure, but he was banking that his knowledge and abilities would provide him some sort of protection.

Percival and Clarice looked exceedingly guilty about the whole thing but confirmed the contents of the message. "Is there anything else you would like me to tell them, Mr. Kepler?" asked Percival.

"Yes," said Sorin. "Tell them they can expect me in Delphi in the near future. There's no need for them to come find me – I'll come find them."

Having said this, Sorin retreated from the living room and went up the stairs. He was in no mood to eat, and Percival and Clarice were likely in no mood to cook.

Exhausted but unable to sleep, Sorin sat in his office, thinking and planning. He wasn't a great political mind by any means, but he would need to have his wits about him in the coming days.

He took solace in the fact that he would not be alone on his journey.

He now had friends to rely on. Friends he could trust.

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End Book 1