ion notes.

Congratulations User! Dungeon Delver has evolved into Minor Dungeon Delver.

Congratulations User! Sherogoth's Punishment has evolved into Minor Sherogoth's Punishment.

Congratulations User! Language Smith has evolved into Minor Language Smith.

Congratulations User! Observant Learner has evolved into Minor Observant Learner.

Congratulations User! Operator has evolved into Minor Operator.

Congratulations User! Animal Riding has evolved into Minor Animal Riding.

Congratulations User! Superhuman Intellect has evolved into Minor Superhuman Intellect.

Congratulations User! Domination has evolved into Minor Domination. (Chapter 77)

Effect: The User can now control 0/4.

Effect: The User can now control F grade or lower.

Congratulations User! Sports has evolved into Minor Sports.

Congratulations User! Psionic Magic has evolved into Minor Psionic Magic.

Congratulations User! Science Intuition has evolved into Minor Science Intuition.

Congratulations User! Magic Intuition has evolved into Minor Magic Intuition.

Congratulations User! Superhuman Reflexes has evolved into Minor Superhuman Reflexes.

Congratulations User! Superhuman Healing has evolved into Minor Superhuman Healing.

Congratulations User! Superhuman Speed has evolved into Minor Superhuman Speed.

Congratulations User! Superhuman Agility has evolved into Minor Superhuman Agility.

Congratulations User! Daylight has evolved into Minor Daylight.

Congratulations User! Root of Information has evolved into Minor Root of Information.

Congratulations User! Essence Imbuement has evolved into Minor Essence Imbuement.

Congratulations User! Burning has evolved into Minor Burning.

Congratulations User! Decomposition has evolved into Minor Decomposition.

Congratulations User! Entanglement has evolved into Minor Entanglement.

Congratulations User! Restoration has evolved into Minor Restoration.

Congratulations User! Curse Break has evolved into Minor Curse Break.

Congratulations User! Growth has evolved into Minor Growth.

Congratulations User! Proximity Release has evolved into Minor Proximity Release.

Congratulations User! Soul Heal has evolved into Minor Soul Heal.

Congratulations User! Animal Eye has evolved into Minor Animal Eye.

Congratulations User! Tree Stride has evolved into Minor Tree Stride.

Congratulations User! Regrowth has evolved into Minor Regrowth.

Congratulations User! Druid Grove has evolved into Minor Druid Grove.

Congratulations User! Gravitas has evolved into Minor Gravitas.

Effect: 10% to 20% to either increased, or decreased in weight.

Congratulations User! Earthquake Control has evolved into Minor Earthquake Control.

Congratulations User! Repair has evolved into Minor Repair.

Congratulations User! Technomagical Constructs has evolved into Minor Technomagical Constructs.

Congratulations User! Renew has evolved into Minor Renew.

Congratulations User! Immaculate has evolved into Minor Immaculate.

Congratulations User! Lingering has evolved into Minor Lingering.

Congratulations User! Consecrate has evolved into Minor Consecrate.

Congratulations User! Death Ward has evolved into Minor Death Ward.

Congratulations User! Spiritual Guardian has evolved into Minor Spiritual Guardian.

Congratulations User! Corpse Repair has evolved into Minor Corpse Repair.

Congratulations User! Grasp Heart has evolved into Minor Grasp Heart.

Congratulations User! Falling Glide has evolved into Minor Falling Glide.

Congratulations User! Panacea has evolved into Minor Panacea.

Congratulations User! Reincarnation has evolved into Minor Reincarnation.

Congratulations User! Enlarge/Reduce has evolved into Minor Enlarge/Reduce.

Congratulations User! Water Walk has evolved into Minor Water Walk.

Congratulations User! Water Breathing has evolved into Minor Water Breathing.

Congratulations User! Phantasm has evolved into Minor Phantasm.

Congratulations User! False Life has evolved into Minor False Life.

Congratulations User! Silence has evolved into Minor Silence.

Congratulations User! Invisibility has evolved into Minor Invisibility.

Congratulations User! Disillusion has evolved into Minor Disillusion.

Congratulations User! Compulsion has evolved into Minor Compulsion.

Congratulations User! Pain has evolved into Minor Pain.

Congratulations User! Empathic Healing has evolved into Minor Empathic Healing.

Congratulations User! Bending has evolved into Minor Bending.

Congratulations User! Infinite Supply has evolved into Minor Infinite Supply.

Congratulations User! Life and Death Manipulation has evolved into Minor Life and Death Manipulation.

Congratulations User! Supernatural Gambling has evolved into Minor Supernatural Gambling.

Congratulations User! Eldritch Mind has evolved into Minor Eldritch Mind.

Congratulations User! Clairvoyance has evolved into Minor Clairvoyance.

Congratulations User! Monster Creation has evolved into Minor Monster Creation.

Effect: Cool down from 31 days to 29 days.

Congratulations User! Battle Call has evolved into Minor Battle Call.

Effect: Cool down from 31 days to 29 days.

Congratulations User! Dream Walking has evolved into Minor Dream Walking.

Congratulations User! Enchanting Word has evolved into Minor Enchanting Word.

Congratulations User! Quality Enhancement has evolved into Minor Quality Enhancement.

“Attention User, I simplified the evolution prompts. As you know, a minor evolution is... well minor. Slight increase to power, slight decrease to energy consumption, etc, etc. Any important bits of information were still included. When another ability goes through an evolution I'll do the same again, unless important information has changed.” Dawn whispered into his ear.

“Thank you...” Lash said softly in reply.

Lash felt a hand slide idly across his shoulder. Selina had walked into the library in search of him. She went to a lounge chair that was next to him and collapsed into the chair. She looked heart broken. She cared a lot about Jason. But, she was never one to stop moving forward. Lash could see the gears working in her mind. More than once her eyes lit up with divine light. But in the end she gave a frustrated scream.

“So, what's next?” Bruce said from the door way. He walked into the library wearing a casual suit and took a seat next to Selina. He kept his eyes on Lash the whole time.

“We'll need to inform the Warden's and the Supernatural Council. They will start to dig into the different House Masters. They can also arrange for another Master to become a surrogate. There are several legitimate masters in Gotham. Isabella belongs to House Kuldr.” Lash said, as he started to count off on his hand. He was also in the Warden page registering Jason as he spoke.

“The first year is a dangerous and eventful time for a new born Kindred. Jason as he is right now is about 2.5 times stronger than the average man. That is strength, speed, durability, agility, reflexes, stamina, regeneration, healing, intellect, senses, and age reduction. He will be sensitive to light, but can still walk into sunlight. He'll have a desire to drink blood. Preferably human blood, but he can make due with animal. However, it won't be so bad that he is a danger to anyone.” Lash continued, as he produced a two holographic windows for Bruce, and Selina to scroll through the information themselves.

“But, if he ends up becoming a Blood-Mutt. That will change. Specifically the sensitivity to sun light. Sunlight burns and kills Blood-Mutts. He'll have to feed on human blood every 2-3 days. I'd say about a galleon. He will be a danger to others, and may be driven to attack even his family in that state. Thankfully we have a year to figure this out.” Lash said, and waited for them to read the rest of the info.

“If he joins a house. Then he only needs to drink blood once a year?” Selina asked, looking up from the window.

“Yes, once a year from his master. After that he can live a normal life. Eat food, spend time in the sun, etc, etc. At the 100 year mark he would finish his transformation and become a full Blood-Kindred with out a need for a master. I can even make an item to speed up the transformation process from 100 to 50 years.” Lash replied, and filled in a few more blanks.

“House Kuldr would accept him?” Bruce asked next in a bitter tone.

“I can not give a 100% guarantee. But we have good odds. The main issue with the house is that Jason would have to work for the house. There are no free meals in Blood-Kindred society. Everyone works for the betterment of the house. Jason can't just show up once a year for a sip then leave.” Lash said next and Bruce's face contorted.

“Could you craft him something? Make him immune or at least resistant to sunlight?” Selina asked next, as she was speed reading through the information on Blood-Kindred.

“Yes, if Jason decides to be a Blood-Mutt all we would have to do is pay a house master to help him survive the first year. Which I believe Kuldr may do for free. Then I can inscribe enchantment into Jason's body. Resistant to sunlight, and resistant to the thirst. We have Blood-Mutts in the JLI. Several of them have bio-mechanical implants that Ethan, and Samanthei have developed.” Lash continued, the Blood-Mutts in the JLI were all VI Avatars. Erik assumed that the Users wanted to play a vampire.

“Or we can find his original master and get them to give up Jason.” Bruce replied, as he pushed the holographic window away and sat in his chair. “Or we can run the risk of you removing it and maybe killing him.”

“Yes, normally in this situation I would like to practice. But that would require me to experiment on Blood-Mutts which is against Warden Law.” Lash said, and it would be immoral.

For all of Lash's brutality he still tried to maintain his oath as a Warden. He wasn't always successful. But he continued to try. This was a difficult moment for Erik because he was conflicted. This was perfect back story for a future hero. A street wise hero changed into a monster against their will. Conquers their inner demons and masters their abilities to become something more. How many stories had started out like that?

But from the perspective of the Dream. Erik's heart broke for Jason. Jason was and is a victim. He's been abused, and changed into something he doesn't recognize. Erik desperately wanted to help him. No one had been around to help Erik when he was hurt.... Lash and Saurian both reached across the link and held Erik in comfort. Maybe that was all they could do in the moment. Just be there for Jason?

**Diiing...Doonnng**

The manor's front door chimed. Lash glanced at his Clock and saw it was 11:00 pm. Though it wasn't unusual for the Bat-Family to be out and about at this time. Receiving visitors was a little odd. Then Lash felt through his Pack Bond that Lizzy was nearby. He established the connection, still in sync with Selina who looked up from the holographic window.

Sister? -Lash asked across the link.

I'm with Isabella. She's here to talk to Jason. -Lizzy replied.

Selina jumped from her seat and sprinted towards the door. Bruce was out of his eat and following after her at a quick pace. Lash stood up in a fluid motion and moved towards the front door. He had wanted to spend time with them both. But this was not what he had in mind. As he made his way towards them Lash used Connectivity, along with Pack Bond to locate his pack.

Booraku was not even in the dimension. He was in the Fae Wilds visiting family so Lash wouldn't be seeing him. Unless he wanted to visit the wilds. Which would be an adventure in itself. Peyton, and Mikhail were in Paris. Paris, France was one of the cities that the UN had requested that Wraith rebuild. So he was going to make a point of visiting them. Li'Ana, Jessabell, and Soluna were available if he wanted to visit. But there was no pressure. All of them were incredibly busy just like he was. He also wanted to visit Juliana.

The problem was Lash didn't have enough time! In all honesty Lash should be up at the Watch Tower helping with the upgrade. So they could finally do the mission on the moon. But he was always so tired of having so much to do. As tedious as it was to fix Gotham. It was also oddly calming. Plus it helped a lot of people! He also got a lot of DP, and AEP from doing it. He didn't know what to do.

Lash came around the corner and saw Isabella, and Lizzy walking through the manor. Isabella took a spare moment to give Lash a hug. He returned the gesture and kissed her cheek. She smiled at him then followed Selina, and Bruce to see Jason. Lizzy stayed with Lash. She came up and hugged him. He hugged her back and she tucked her arms in, and snuggled into his embrace.

“Hey you...” Lizzy said softly.

“Hello, I was hoping to see you both before I had to leave again.” Lash replied softly.

Attention User! Your 24 hour real time grace period between invasions has ended.

Your next invader has been located, we'll notify you the moment the invasion begins.

Lash's entire body went perfectly still and a deep bass growl resonated through his whole body. The growl went across their shared link. Lizzy, and Selina both asked what was wrong!? Even those not currently linked could feel his incredible rage. Saurian snarled in irritation and cast Calm Emotions on them both. Lash leveled out, and sent a simple message through the link.

Our grace period is up. My Cosmic Patron had been protecting us from any other invasions for a few months to help us recover. But that's gone now. However, we are not currently being invaded. Just that the possibility is there. -Lash said across the Pack Bond.

“FUCK!” Lizzy shouted, and bashed her head into Lash's chest plate.

“Miss Elizabeth? What is it?” Alfred appeared next to them with a harried expression.

“For the past several months my Cosmic Patron has been protecting our home from another invasion. Either from an alternate reality, alternate dimension, or even an alien invasion. I was just informed that the grace period is over. We are not being invaded as of yet, but it's on the table.” Lash replied to him, and Alfred's face went pale.

“Yes, I have to agree with you Miss Elizabeth. Fuck! Is an apt description of the circumstance.” Alfred said softly.....

Lash went to see Bruce and informed everyone still at Wayne Manor with the bad news. Jason cracked up laughing, and not in a funny way. More like a laugh of despair. He started to sob and broke down in front of everyone. Selina came to his side and tried to console him but Jason screamed at her. He jumped to his feet and ran towards the window and attempted to jump out of it. Until Lash used Telekinesis and yanked him back inside. After that they had to restrain him. Eventually Vici teleported him back to the Watch Tower straight towards a room with Multifarious, the Arch-Fey.

Then Vici very carefully, and very quietly spread the bad news through the JLI. While Lash did the same for the Wardens. Most likely candidate for the invasion would be Zod. But after Lash read a report from Blue Lantern John Stewart about the Guardians of Oa. It was possible that they'd be invaded with an army of Green Lanterns? It was also possible that Trigon may invade. Raven had come to Lash during the last invasion with the possibility of Trigon trying to find her.

So the next course of action was decided for Lash. The Watch Tower Station needed to be finished ASAP. With the station complete they would have access to more resources, and modules that could help against the invasion. Then he'd have to decide if they wanted to clean the moon out? Or finish rebuilding Earth. No, it would be Earth first. If another alternate reality hit right now? They would lose, badly.

“I'm going back to the Watch Tower to finish the upgrades. What do you want to do?” Lash asked Vyllith. They were still at Wayne Manor.

“Normally I would stay with you. But I have no idea how to assist with the upgrade process. I'll return to operations and help with the tasks of the JLI. But the moment you finish upgrading you inform me, yes?” Vyllith said, Lash agreed easily enough.

When Lash and Vyllith returned to the Watch Tower there was a soft silence in the cacophony of noise that went a long with the upgrade. A majority of the JLI didn't know about the message, the impending invasion. But those that new were silent. They were focused, and carried a tension in their bodies. Like a taut bow string ready to fire. Lash wasted little time and used Manifestation and released his 1110 Saurus warriors, veterans, and elites.

Portals made of twisted darkness, and starlight erupted around him and out poured his army. With out a word his reptilian soldiers went straight to work. Linking up with Vici, and the engineering crew. The sudden all be it welcome reinforcements were welcome by most. Though many of the VI Avatars groaned. There went the free experience they would gain from upgrading the station. Then Erik did something he hadn't done in a long time.

“Dawn, please place the dream in soft progression and take me to the black room.” Erik said softly, under the guise of his reaper shroud.

I'll be back, I'm going to look up some information. -Erik said to Lash and Saurian.

We'll be here. -Lash and/or Saurian replied.

When Erik is not directly linked to Lash/Saurian the dynamic event system doesn't activate. Yes, the Dream will pause when they encounter a story driven event. But the little activities that he keeps encountering will not spawn as long as he is in the black room, or logged out completely. Why hasn't Erik used this in the past? Because the more he interacts with the Dream. The better it is in the long term. Lash/Saurian don't gain experience when Erik is logged out. They don't gain DP, or AEP.

Erik's subconscious avatar formed in the black room. He looked at himself and realized he was wearing a tailored made three piece black, on gray suit with no tie. He looked good, he liked the way the suit hugged his body. He took a moment to admire himself in front of a full length mirror in the black room that he could only assume Dawn place in there for him.

“Thank you, Dawn.” Erik said softly.

“Your welcome, Erik.” Dawn said behind him. Erik turned to look at her.

Dawn's current form stood at approximately 5'8” (172.7 cm) with rich brown hair cut into a bob cut. She had warm brown eyes, and chocolate brown skin. She wore a black draw string long sleeve shirt with a v-neck cut, that was tied up front to reveal her midriff. She had a diamond stud in her navel. Along with skin tight blue jeans, and brown leather three inch heels. A nice smile grew across her face as she did a pirouette to show off her hourglass figure for Erik.

“I am learning a lot about fashion because of you, thank you.” Erik said, and performed a practiced bow from his waist. Lash was rubbing off on him. Dawn momentarily bit her lush full lips as she watched him bow.

“So, are you logging out? Or did you come up here to visit with me?” Dawn said as she walked away from him. Sashaying her hips in the process.

The black room changed to the appearance of a fully furnished and lavish looking office. With a high back leather chair, and cherry oak wood desk. Several couches, seats, and a coffee table sat off to the side. While the large bay window behind the desk showed the universe it self. Erik noticed that he could nearly see all of the solar system from the black room now. When he first started in the Dream Engine all he could see was Earth. But now he saw all the way to Jupiter. So not the whole system.

Dawn walked around her desk, and sat down in the high back leather chair. She propped her legs up on the desk and gestured for him to come take a seat. Erik moved through the office with a casual grace he didn't know he had and took a seat. Then he leaned forward and cradled his face in his hands and took a deep calming breath.

“The only way to stop being on Nightmare mode is to restart your Dream, Erik. I'm sorry I don't make the rules. You are still technically a Beta Tester. The developers could even take the Cube away from you if they want to.” Dawn said softly, for all their time together Dawn had reached the point where she could practically read his mind. Maybe she was!

“Oh! On that subject. The developers have informed me to inform you. That if you continue to play on Nightmare mode they will gift you the Cube. The Cube is worth several thousands of dollars. The exact price has yet to be determined.” Dawn said with a slight smile.

“So even if I restart my dream I'd have to keep playing on Nightmare if I want to keep the Cube?” Erik said, and Dawn nodded in agreement.

Erik technically couldn't afford the Dream Engine, Cube. That was why he was so happy he got into the Beta test because the developers gave them the Cube. It was a messed up situation. Erik felt like he was trapped. Playing games was suppose to be fun! Suppose to be a stress reliever from his mundane life. Right now? He felt like he was preparing for a war he had no way of winning. But.... But Erik had to admit. He was a different person now. Both physically, and mentally. The Dream Engine had helped him in a lot of ways.

“Tell the developers I agree.” Erik said.

Congratulations User! You've been awarded the Achievement; 'HARD CORE!'

Effect: Every day (Dream Time) the User is logged in they will be granted 10 DP, and 1 AEP.

Effect: Applies to current dream, and any new dream as long as it is played on Nightmare. (Locked)

“Wow! For a brand new dream that is really over powered. Or maybe it isn't? What is a new dream like on Nightmare?” Erik asked. Dawn visibly shuddered.

“Think of it as a compliment, Erik. The developers seem to believe you are one of the best Users around. There is less then a hundred Users that have opted to join the 'HARD CORE' group, and you are one of them.” Dawn said with a contrite expression.

“Next time you log out there will be an email for you. A few legal papers, and the receipt for the Cube. But as I said before, you are now locked into Nightmare even if you start a new dream. But... The Cube which is worth about 10 grand or more is now yours.” Dawn said with a brilliant smile on her face.

“Plus you... You are not going anywhere, right?” Erik asked, suddenly looking worried. Dawn looked at him and a twinkle sparked in her eye.

“Yes, Erik. I'm saved onto your account now. Even by some chance you got a different Cube. I'd still be your VI Representative.” Dawn replied.

“Good...That's good.” Erik said, and felt the blush crawl up his neck into his face. Dawn grinned at him, but didn't say a word.

“Alright, so I know you can't directly help me. But you can guide me to my answers. Can you bring the store catalog up right here?” Erik said as he stood up and pointed at one of the black room walls. A holographic screen appeared and showed the Dream Point store.

“I have...Wow! I have 30,000 DP again. Along with 1,000 AEP. I've been saving my AEP for a rainy day but I think this counts as a rainy day.” Erik said.

“I would agree with your assessment, Erik. So how can I help? You can always ask, worst that can happen is I'll say I can't answer that question.” Dawn replied as she stood up from her desk and walked around to face the same screen with Erik.

“Can I buy an anti propaganda campaign?” Erik asked with a short laugh.

“You could spend a 1,000 DP to increase your overall reputation with several civilizations contained with in the galactic community. However, this is actually a trap.” Dawn said, and paused at the end. Erik turned to look at her and saw that she was trying to open her mouth but the system wouldn't let her. So he would have to figure it out.

“OK!” Erik said as he ran his hands up and down her arms to reassure her. She stopped trying but watched him with an appraising eye.

“If the civilizations suddenly started hearing good things about the Sol System, and about Lash with no clear evidence to prove it. They would wonder where it came from. If people had only good things to say about us. But had no clear idea why. People would assume brain washing. Even if it was soft brain washing. Which is why its a trap.” Erik said, and Dawn smiled at him but did not confirm, or deny his words.

“So short term it would help, long term it would prove disastrous.” Erik said and started to pace around the room. Dawn sat down on the edge of her desk to watch him think. A cheshire cat grin on her face.

“So we need good PR. We need.... Wait a minute.” Erik said, then started to type into the keyboard interface. Dawn's smile grew.

“We need a media module on the Watch Tower. We have communications but that is between us and our neighbors. There has to be a galactic wide news network, along with entertainment.” Erik said more to himself than Dawn. He typed it into the search engine and sure enough.

Media Hub: This hub acts as a communication outlet and/or tool used to store and deliver information. This will allow the station to link up with the galactic wide network for broadcasting, receiving, entertainment, information, and trade. Works in tandem with several other modules. (See tool tip) C grade module, 30 DP. (R&D module applied)

You have purchased the Media Hub for 30 DP.

“Do I need to go back down and get this input into Vici?”

“No, Lash and Saurian will do it as soon as possible.”

“Why wasn't the media hub on the recommended list of modules?”

“Because it's not often used. Remember the recommendation list is from other Users. Yes, there is a recommendation list I provide. But that is clearly edited so not to give to much away. I am here to provide hints, not clear answers.”

“How did we link up to the galactic market with out a media hub?”

“You can call your bank with out access to the internet. You do have a communications module”

“So it's the difference between having a phone, and having a television.”

“Alright, what about the Galactic Sheriffs? Are they capable of helping?” Erik asked as he sat back down in the seat next to Dawn. She kicked her legs back and forth as she watched him.

“The Galactic Sheriffs are a security company certified, and registered to be law keepers in the community. At the end of the day they are a business. If you sign a contract, and pay them enough they'll say what ever you want them to say.” Dawn said to him. It technically wasn't anything new.

“Do their security packages go above level 10?”

“They do, at the time you purchased the package you had a smaller station. Now you have a larger station. You also have a good reputation with them.”

“Can you bring their contracts here, or do I have to go down?” Erik asked, and Dawn gestured at the holographic screen and the new and improved security packages appeared.

Level 11: Eight advanced automated drones will be stationed in your system. Two veteran sheriff star fighters will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another two veteran sheriff star fighters. A single corvette class sheriff star ship will show up in your designated system once every three weeks. 60,000 Solar Coins a year.

Level 12: Eight advanced automated drones will be stationed in your system. Two veteran sheriff star fighters will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another two veteran sheriff star fighters. A single corvette class sheriff star ship will show up in your designated system once every two weeks. 70,000 Solar Coins a year.

Level 13: Eight advanced automated drones will be stationed in your system. Two veteran sheriff star fighters will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another two veteran sheriff star fighters. A single corvette class sheriff star ship will show up in your designated system once a week. 80,000 Solar Coins a year.

Level 14: Eight advanced automated drones will be stationed in your system. Two veteran sheriff star fighters will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another two veteran sheriff star fighters. A single corvette class sheriff star ship will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another single corvette class sheriff star ship. 90,000 Solar Coins a year.

Level 15: Ten advanced automated drones will be stationed in your system. Three veteran sheriff star fighters will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another three veteran sheriff star fighters. A single corvette class sheriff-->>

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