Saintess Summons Skeletons

Sofia reappeared in her basement. Her residence was at the center of the city, right next to the city hall, and although it was still under construction, the first floor was already mostly liveable if a bit barebones.

She climbed out of the basement, finding the city outside to be relatively quiet.

Middle of the night? I suppose that works out. Is everyone not coming out?

Glancing inside of the halls, she found that the skeletons were all busy playing cards, and decided not to disturb them. Instead she locked them inside to have some time for herself, took a hot bath, cleaned her equipment, and changed her clothes to something comfortable. It felt a bit chilly inside, so she wrapped herself up in the [Shroud of Ackenohh] before opening her curtains and looking outside.

The main plaza was well-lit, with a few people walking around and some street stalls open even during the night. Above, the sky was pitch black, with sparse snow falling at an angle, a thin layer of powder snow already covered the streets and roofs.

The first winter… I hope there isn’t anybody sleeping outside… Alright… Let’s lightly announce my return.

Sofia hummed a lighthearted air as she activated the [Sixth melody], letting the ‘Graceful dream of spring’ play out, the gentle music spreading out even farther than the city borders. The wind immediately calmed down, letting the snow fall straight down, but most importantly the music would help the unlucky insomniacs fall asleep and the sick heal faster.

A quiet sense of excitement seemed to rise in the steps of the people walking the streets.

With a smile on her face, Sofia walked up to an unfinished balcony on the second floor, and jumped up like a ghost in the night, stepping on thin air at the apex of her jump, watching her city from above.

Woah, it changed a lot!

The outer district expanded a lot… I thought the fields were far enough but at this rate they might end up inside of the city…

The city center being mostly occupied by higher level people due to the higher taxes was still quite lively even during the night, with light pouring out of many houses’ windows, while the outer city was dark and quiet, with only a few lightstones weakly illuminating the streets. As Sofia quietly observed her city, a black figure with wide wings rose from a random building making its way toward her in a few wing flaps.

“Welcome back, lady Sofia. Was your trip fruitful?”

“It had its ups and down, but we found everything we were looking for. How were things your end? Oh, and congratulations on the level up, Ihuarah.”

“Ah, please do not mention it, the Ark was not kind to this old man, Eve performed a lot better than I. Speaking of which, ladies Astelia and Alith have gone together no later than yesterday. I expect their trial to start soon.”

“Oh? They decided to go together?”

“Indeed, they decided that the chances of getting a more valuable reward was better if they were together. After all, a single master item is better than none, even if they are not yet aware of the details.”

“That is one way to see it, who are their two other teammates?” Sofia asked.

“They have been quite secretive about that. I did not pry overmuch, so we shall find out shortly when the trials begin.”

“Hmm… Did Everelle get a master item?”

Ihuarah nodded, his many earrings and hair baubles clinking together, “Alas not the one she hoped for, her points were lacking in that regard despite our best attempt, but she had secured the counterpart to your earring, since it was cheaper.”

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“Oh the critical hits earring? Not bad, honestly. Not bad. Especially knowing she wasn’t confident she could get anything last time we talked. How did she get enough points in the casino?”

“As it turns out, this very same casino setting is used as a vacation spot for system employees, although with no real gains or losses. One could say this prior knowledge was akin to cheating, but that entire event is built around the concept of cheating, in any case, so no fuss was raised.”

“Ooooh, I see. Yeah if I wasn’t thrown out with everything I did, I doubt prior knowledge of the rigged casino games would be much of an issue to the Seraphs overseeing the event,” Sofia said with a chuckle. “What about the other matters?”

Ihuarah seriously nodded, “For city matters, Zephir managed it flawlessly until my return last month, I have since then recruited more administrative staff. They are still learning the ropes but the city should mostly run itself soon, with their help. There was a slight rise in criminality with your absence, but a majority of it is petty theft and such minor cases. There was a single rape and murder case, which was resolved before we were able to do anything about it. The culprit was caught by citizens the same night and beaten to death before sunrise.”

“I suppose that works… Are we sure the ‘culprit’ was the right person?”

“Our subsequent investigation proved this, yes. As such the case was let go, I personally donated some money to the victim’s family on behalf of the city.”

Sofia nodded along, “Hopefully the swift retribution will dissuade anyone else with such pulsions… Are the finances doing fine?”

“The first round of taxes still has yet to be collected but the house sales have been more than enough to cover expanses so far. The extra funds you left in the treasury are untouched. In general there are no urgent matters although a few things do require your attention, such as the frankly worrying number of powerful entities who have moved or set up shop here during your absence.”

“Worrying?”

“At least two ascended, a fairy family of four, three dragons, one young Kleptra and one god,” Ihuarah enumerated, “and those are but the brightest standouts, there are plenty more. The level 300 and over population in the city is already exceeding five hundred people.”

“Oh shit… It looks like this is going to be a busy night… Ah, but whatever. What about the most important thing?” Sofia asked.

“It has been dealt with appropriately, of course. TLDR and an old friend of mine will provide assistance free of charge, but as it is a case of the more the better, a number of other liches are potentially willing to help, although their service is not going to be free. I have put their offers up for review on your new desk along with the other important matters. You will find your new office on the city hall’s last floor.”

“Of course they would require payment… That was to be expected. Still, great progress, thank you! I have the seed, so as long as we have the bones!”

“Hum, lady Sofia, about that… I am afraid your mother’s remains have not yet been found.”

“What?! But… Didn’t Eve go with Saria and Cinthia back then? If she’s back…”

“No. Unexpectedly, the pink pollution of Sovuln is extremely aggressive toward the Sunless in particular. So she had to retreat first. Your sister and friend are still out there searching, but seemingly making meaningful progress, as of the latest news I received a week ago.”

Sofia was a bit surprised at the news, but she fully trusted Saria, so she thanked Ihuarah for all the updates, and dropped the subject for now. Silently watching over the city with him for a while, she grabbed her left shoulder and asked, “Say, Ihuarah… Are you well versed in blueprint injuries?”

“So something really happened to your arm… I did think it seemed strange… I am well versed in many things but that is not one of them. Shall I contact Sir Leverle in your stead?”

“You can do that without Cinthia around to relay the message? That would be nice, thank you…”

Ihuarah nodded, “It shall be done shortly. Church-dwellers as ourselves have our own ways, perhaps I could teach you someday, you too are an Apostle, after all, but this would require a wealth of free time.”

“Ahahah… Not anytime soon, then. Fixing my arm, managing the city, Arch-liching my mom, and spectating on my friends’ trial… There’s a lot to be done! Ah, and I need to visit the flying fortress too! And I have two new houses to build for Sonia and Elsep… Right, I haven’t even introduced Elsep yet… So much to do…”

Ihuarah laughed alongside her, his hands behind his back, “Such is the lot of the powerful. I, for one, find this busyness exhilarating. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Sofia paused, watching the people in the city center themselves getting busier as morning drew near, moving goods around, leaving numerous trails of footsteps in the snow. Her music kept playing softly, the people below unconsciously moving along its peaceful rhythm.

“... It certainly has its charms.”