Pandora Unchained - a Cultivation Progression Fantasy

Daphne looked at Sorin appraisingly. "If it were you five years ago, you wouldn't have bothered to do any research and throw yourself in. Who are you really? You're clearly not Sorin. Sorin doesn't care about politics. Sorin doesn't care whom he upsets."

"He's adjusting quite quickly," agreed Stephan. "Do you want to do it, or should I?"

Daphne rolled her eyes. "As if I'd let you butcher important information. Let's start off with the basics? What absolute rules did you get taught in your lessons as a child, Sorin?"

Sorin thought back to the information he'd reviewed. "I remember two important rules. First, never get on the wrong side of the Divine Clans."

"A good rule," said Daphne. "Divine clans are the only clans known to have produced gods since the Twilight of the Gods. These gods are naturally loyal to Lord Hope and are the main reason humanity has endured until today. Not only must we not provoke these divine clans, but we must also not provoke their associated clans, including but not limited to their God Seeds."

"There are currently thirteen Flesh-Sanctification level God Seeds and five Demi-God level God seeds. Five of the former and all five of the latter are associated with these divine clans. Fortunately, they're usually not too interested in competing with non-divine clans. As long as we don't go looking for trouble, they won't cause us any difficulties."

Sorin nodded. "That brings us to the next absolute rule: Don't mess with the Zeis Clan or the Hyde Clan. I have no idea why, but everyone in our clan is frightened about them and doesn't like to talk about them."

"With good reason," Stephan cut in before Daphne could explain. "I mean, you just fought Ratten Hyde, didn't you? The fact that you're still standing speaks volumes about your strength."

"I would die if he was actually trying to kill me," Sorin confessed. "Fortunately, it seems like he just wanted to let off some steam and send a message. Maybe he knew that Aaron Zeis wouldn't let him get away with killing me? In any case, their power is just ridiculous considering that they're not God Seeds."

Lawrence erupted in a coughing fit and continued coughing for half a minute before calming down. "You're serious? Are they not God Seeds? I'm sorry, Sorin; I tried, but I could barely move in front of him."

"He's not a God Seed," Stephan confirmed. "As for how he and Aaron are so strong, I have no idea either. All I know is that Ratten's clan is based in Mattapan, where they rule with an iron fist, and the Zeis Clan is based in Olympia. They're connected to the Lightning Gate in some fashion and never leave the city."

"I don't know much more either," said Daphne. "The Zeis Clan cultivates lightning, while the Hyde Clan cultivates death. The Zeis Clan is confined to Olympia, while the Hyde Clan does whatever they want. Though I have heard some rumors that the Hyde Clan is able to control God Seeds related to the underworld."

"The extent of their control is a matter of debate," Astley chimed in. Unlike Lawrence, who was ravenously attacking the dishes placed in front of him with his bare hands, she ate with a knife and fork and took her time. "Thus far, the Order of Phantasia has confirmed their ability to control the late God Seed, Melinoë, the God Seed of Zagreus, who is currently in hiding, and the God Seed of Persephone. It's rumored that the reason the Hargrave Clan was exiled from Mattapan is because their God Seed, the God Seed of Achlys, refused to bend the knee at some point."

"The God Seed of Persephone… you're talking about Gabriella Michka, who recently took shelter with the Kepler Clan?" asked Daphne.

"Perhaps," said Astley. "As for the exact powers of the Hyde Clan and Zeis Clan, we have a rough idea. The Hyde Clan has broad control over all matters related to death, souls, and the underworld. As for the Zeis Clan, their powers are based on thunder, lightning, and punishment.

"As for why they are so powerful, there are many theories but no concrete evidence. The most likely theory is that their inheritance is superior to even an Olympian inheritance like the Pollen Clan's."

"Don't you have some kind of idea which inheritance they cultivate?" asked Sorin. "By the sounds of it, you've already figured something out."

"This…" Astley hesitated. "Honestly, I'm not so sure. Or at least, I am sure I'm onto something, even if I have no idea what it is. I'm just uncertain about the best way to explain it. Ah! The Pollen Clan. I'll use the Pollen Clan as an example. The Pollen Clan is in charge of Delphi and has always been in charge of Delphi, and the clans originally based in Delphi are allies of the Pollen Clan here in Olympia.

"I'm sure part is due to convenience, but another part is a matter of dependence. The Pollen Clan is what is called and Olympian Clan, a clan that cultivates the divine inheritance of the Olympian Gods, of which there were twelve. Any God Seeds or even normal cultivators they produce are superior to normal cultivators. In particular, they seem to have natural authority over certain families and God Seeds, the Kepler Clan being one of them. Certain families are also very agreeable to dealing with the Pollen Clan, while others are naturally predisposed against them."

"Wait a minute, that's not true at all," said Lawrence. "Sorin is clearly stronger than Michael."

"That might be the exception rather than the rule," said Gareth drily.

"It's a big exception," agreed Astley. "God Seeds aren't active for very long at a time, but all historical records point to God Seeds of Asclepius being subordinate to God Seeds of Apollo."

"So it's not just divine clans we need to worry about," said Sorin. "It's these twelve Olympian Clans."

"Eleven," corrected Astley. "We know that there were twelve Olympians, just like there are twelve cities, but so far, only eleven Olympian clans have been identified. Mattapan is the only city without an identified Olympian Clan."

"Then wouldn't the Hyde Clan fit the bill?" asked Gareth.

"Yes and no," said Astley. "For one, their cultivators are more powerful than those from Olympian clans. For another, their clan has never produced a hero, let alone a God Seed."

"Wait a minute," cut in Lawrence. "Are you saying that guy wasn't even a hero?"

"That is correct," said Astley. "You will not find any Hyde or Zeiss on the hero steles. At the same time, you will always find the top spots on the mortal rankings occupied by members of their clan."

"Wait, you said there's only one unidentified Olympian Clan," said Sorin. "But there's the Zeiss and the Hyde Clan that don't fit in. What's more…" Sorin frowned as he discovered that there was a blank in his memories. "I've forgotten something. I thought I was immune to historical amnesia at this point, but something was taken from me." Had he ever really known the names of the Olympian gods? He could think of eleven of them, but their leader's name eluded him, as did the powers under his control.

"Now you see why I'm hesitant in making conclusions," said Astley. "I, too, have forgotten things. I just never realized it until I arrived in Olympia. Something strange is going on. History is burying itself at this very moment."

It was a chilling realization. "Is one of the Evils responsible?" asked Sorin. "Madness, maybe?"

"I don't know," said Astley. "What's worse, I have a feeling that discovering the whole truth will be the death of me." Their group sat in silence as yet another course of twelve dishes was brought out. Only Lorimer seemed oblivious to the problems of their group and gorged himself without restraint.

"It looks like we all have our own things to take care of," Sorin finally said. "Stephan is clearly going to keep pushing up his clan rankings, and so is Daphne. Gareth and Lawrence are coming with me to the Kepler Clan. I take it you're going back to the Order of Phantasia, Astley?"

"For now," said Astley. "But remember to call on me when Team We Don't Need a Life Mage moves out."

"Of course," said Sorin. "We wouldn't dream of going without you."

"Are you really sure you want to go back to the Kepler Clan?" asked Stephan.

"Where else would I go?" asked Sorin.

"To my York Clan, of course," said Stephan, patting his chest. "I've been authorized to offer you a position in our clan."

"Are you sure that still stands, given what just happened in Hero Square?" asked Daphne curiously. "The Hyde Clan is not an enemy your York Clan can go up against. In fact, I, too, was given the authority to invite Sorin, but that authority was pulled the moment he had a conflict with Ratten."

"I'd have to check," confessed Stephan. "Whatever the result, though, anything would be better than sticking in the Kepler Clan. That Fineas—he's slippery as an eel. With his dad is Clan Leader and friends in high places, he's got many ways to make your life miserable."

"I have a few connections in the Medical Association that can help me out," said Sorin. "Securing some influence shouldn't be a problem."

"I might be able to help with that," said Daphne. Though I can't introduce you to the White Tower Group, I know some people who are looking for Bone-Unsealing treatments for their children. Bast knows people, too, but I'd take it as a personal favor if you deal exclusively with me."

"But I like Bast," said Sorin.

"But you also like my support," said Daphne. "I'm also a very good teacher when it comes to spells and runework, am I not?"

"It looks like Bast is going to be losing out," said Sorin.

"Indeed, he is," said Daphne. Poor him. He never recovered from the penalty he suffered to dissolve his contract with Melinoë. It was why I was called back early to begin with."