Shirtaloon
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Chapter 934: A Petty Tyranny
🕑 Added 2024-08-14 23:00:05 +0000 UTCNine people marched across the bridge towards Jason’s cloud palace. They were clearly unlike the people Jason had been negotiating with, although they were from the noble houses currently missing people. These were not articulate servants or refined aristocrats. These were adventurers. Their gear was worn and practical, their weapons carried with the familiarity of years. They were slung ready for use, not displayed for the decorative value of their bejewelled hilts.
They stopped in front of the large doors, which turned into mist and vanished. Behind them was a garden atrium with sunlight spilling from above. In the doorway was the dark figure of Shade.
“What can I do for you, gentlemen?”
“My name Ben Headingway, of House Headingway,” the man at the front said, his voice as gruff as his appearance. “Each person here represents a noble house of Cyrion; I think you can guess which ones. We want to speak with Asano.”
“Of course, Lord Headingway. Please come in.”
“We’re not going in there,” Ben said. “He has all the power in there.”
“If his power in here is your concern, Lord Headingway, I’m afraid you have some bad news coming about out there. I’m sorry we couldn’t accommodate you today.”
Mist started to form new doors, then dispersed again.
“Hold on, Shade,” Jason said as he floated into view from above. “These people are clearly adventurers. Good adventurers don’t walk into places filled with unknown power and uncertain threats.”
“If that is the metric, Mr Asano, wouldn’t that make you a mediocre adven—”
“That will be all, thank you.”
“Very good, Mr Asano.”
Shade vanished into Jason’s shadow as he landed just inside the doors. That placed him right in front of Ben, who was significantly taller. He had the dark skin of a Cyrion native, his long hair woven with beads which Jason could feel radiating magic.
“I hope you’re not here to fight,” Jason said.
“I don’t like fighting other adventurers,” Ben said. “I like fighting monsters. Protecting people, providing for my house. Being the foundation holding it up, as my ancestors were before me. But you came into that house, and you took my family away. I don’t like fighting people, especially when there are stories around them like the ones around you. But I will, if that’s what it comes to. You took my nephew.”
Jason nodded.
“Without admitting to any action on my part, I’m sure you could understand why I might do such a thing.”
“I do,” Ben acknowledged. “The thing about noble houses is that when they get old enough, most of the people in it start to forget things. Become entitled. Forget that the money and power and influence doesn’t come from some inherent greatness they were born with.”
He rested a casual hand on his sword hilt.
“It comes from this. From the people willing to get dirty and bloody. To die for the family, if that’s what it takes. They forget that if they try to exploit the wrong person, it’s people like us who bleed to set things right.”
“You see, this is where you’re losing me, Ben. Your problem seems to be who your family exploited, not that they were exploiting people at all.”
“Ideals are all well and good, but power is what brings about change. Your ideals around slavery, for example, mattered to no one until you took away the System.”
“I can’t argue with that.”
“Then let us set aside wishful thinking and deal with the practicalities. Our families thought they could extract some cheap benefits from you. They were wrong, and paid the price for that. As we speak, all of our families are absolving the contracts for the people from your world. We’re even giving them generous severance bonuses.”
“Yeah, I can see the warm glow of having done the right thing radiating out of you.”
“Asano, you know that we won’t back down until our people are returned to us. You took them, leaving only two things: a letter from you and poisoned food that would render them unconscious, rather than kill them. You wanted us to know they were alive and that you took them.”
“Allegedly.”
“I’m not here for games, Asano, or the cheap words of politicians. I don’t want to fight someone like you, but we will not allow you to keep our people. You are powerful, and have powerful friends. But you have made a lot of enemies by taking away the System, and the noble houses of Cyrion also have many connections. If we move against you in earnest, we will find no shortage of allies.”
“You say that like your families won’t come looking for revenge after they have their people back.”
“You came into our homes and took members of our families.”
“I didn’t start this fight. The people from Earth mean very little to your families. Even though I find the indenture system laws unconscionable, I offered to buy their contracts at more than fair prices. Instead, your families used those laws to hold them hostage. To try and extort me. Because they had the power to do so and, as you said, power is what mattered. In fact, you’ve been right about everything. Ideals accomplish nothing alone, and you did try to exploit the wrong people.”
“We have moved to rectify this situation and make amends. Yes, I am certain that my family will try to make you pay for what you have done. That was inevitable from the moment you chose to do things this way, and you’re smart enough to know that. And that the enmity between us will be very different if our people are not returned. Give them back, and you’ve delivered a political humiliation. Don’t, and you’ve started a war.”
“I honestly don’t have your people,” Jason said. “I did hear something that may be relevant, though. A friend of mine popped over to Sadi Andali recently. She’s very fast, even without portals, and she had a few things to sell off. She heard that some unusual products moving through the slave markets there. What seemed to be aristocrats, from their rank and bearings.”
The people behind Ben stirred, but didn’t speak up. Ben’s gaze became even more flinty, as if it could bore through Jason’s head.
“The Sadi Andali slave markets.”
“That’s what I heard.”
“Which one?”
“Split between them, from what I heard. Not sure which ones, so I suppose you’ll need to hit them all. Simultaneously, or you might find yourself dealing with hostages. You should probably call in some favours from those many connections you mentioned.”
“This is your price, then? The destruction of the Sadi Andali slave trade?”
“I’m sure this won’t stop it. The fact that the country still exists at all tells me that. It’s too convenient a place for powerful people in need of dirty deeds but clean hands. Not that I’d exploit that to make some kind of point. You have a good day, bloke.”
The mist doors reformed, removing Jason from view.
***
The desert town was a ramshackle place, mostly tents of washed out brown and yellow, pitched alongside a river. Some crude mud brick buildings were scattered around, and a few large colourful tents stood out from the others. The town was never meant to last, and the people in it were clearly used to adventurer raids. Those that could, fled. The slaves would normally refuse to go through portals with rescue at hand, but few could tolerate the pain collars.
Ben watched the adventurers swarm over the town. This was not his first time on such a raid, and he knew the routine just as well as the residents. Asano was right about the long-term efficacy of the operation. Even hitting every slave market in the tiny nation at once would only slow them down, ultimately stopping nothing.
There were churches here, although the nomadic nature of the town meant they were not actually sanctified. These were the larger and more colourful tents, not holy ground or, in most cases, unholy ground. Dark gods, their temples hidden away in civilised society, were openly worshipped here. They could flaunt their existence, at least until adventurers came calling. Even then, the clergy mostly escaped. The dark gods made sure that their thralls were elusive.
Not every church tent belonged to a dark god. Deities like Strength and Desolate weren’t considered evil, but didn’t care about the morality of their followers. There was an agreement with such churches that they wouldn’t shelter residents during adventurer raids. In turn, the adventurers would leave their tents in peace. Most such churches were of lesser gods, the exception being a bright red tent in a prime position upstream.
The operation was largely wrapped up, with none of the family members found. Ben made his way to the large red tent, as it never hurt to pay respects to Dominion. To his surprise, he sensed a gold-rank presence within. He was clearly sensed in turn as a priest came out to meet him.
“Priest,” Ben said in greeting, not knowing the man’s name. “I am Benjamin Headingway, of House Headingway.”
“I have heard of you. I am Brian, priest of Dominion.”
“What is such a high-ranking priest doing in this place?”
Brian let out a chuckle.
“Our church is an organisation built more on doing what you’re told than asking why.”
“We are seeking members of the noble houses who have supposedly been sold here.”
“I thought it might be something like that. As it happens, I did come across a noble slave in the market here.”
“Do you know what happened to them?”
“I do. I suspected that something like this might happen, and that it would be best to keep him safe until someone like you arrived. So, I bought him.”
“You bought him?”
“Yes. He’s inside.”
Brian gestured in the direction of the tent.
“Please.”
Ben followed Brian into the tent. While the rich, crimson fabric of the tent was enchanted against sun bleaching, the interior was plain and functional. There was an altar with kneeling mats set out in front of it, and a private living area, sectioned off with standing screens. Off to the side was a thick wooden post, driven into the hard earth floor. Ben could sense the reinforcement magic that prevented the man chained to it from freeing himself with silver-rank strength.
Ben recognised Patterson Kennington. They had no acquaintance, but all of the rescue teams had been shown images of the targets. He was on his knees, forced into hugging the post with his arms chained together on the other side of it. He was unconscious, slumped against the wooden pole.
“You left him like this?” ben asked.
“He’s a slave, and a disobedient one at that. Most owners faced with a slave like this would whip him and throw him in a hole until he learned his place. By disobedient slave standards, this is downright palatial.”
“He’s not a slave; he is a nobleman of Estercost.”
“I think you’ll find, Lord Headingway, that slavery isn’t a volunteer position. If someone has the power to make you one, you are one, and you don’t get a say in the matter. It’s not fair, but while ideals are all well and good, it is power that brings about change.”
Ben’s gaze snapped from Patterson to Brian.
“Asano set this all up,” he realised. “Even this, and you.”
“I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Why would your church agree to be lackeys to Asano? Isn’t Slavery a subordinate god to yours? Why would you work with someone working to destroy it?”
“The irony of our church, Lord Headingway, is that those most favoured by our god will never be in it. We guide them, and sometimes we serve them. I am a priest of Dominion. We do not venerate power itself, but the establishment of power over others. Rulership. The exercising of authority. Yes, slavery is one form of power and control, but it is small thing. A petty tyranny. My lord looks higher.”
“Higher?”
“Look at what’s happening out there, and all across Sadi Andali. Someone has set the great and noble houses of Cyrion dancing to his tune.”
“You truly think that Asano is so grand?”
“I never said a name.”
Ben snorted derision.
“If he’s so great, why play political games? He has what he wanted. Why make enemies by humiliating us like this?”
“Because you tried to put him in his place. He no longer has time to educate small concerns like you, one at a time. He is busy figuring out how to not conquer a world. My god values that far more than auctioning off shackled victims. Speaking of which, will you be taking this slave?”
“Of course I will.”
“Excellent. Will you pay in spirit coins, or a promissory note to the church?”
Comments
Sabroso JFD!
9? I thought it was 7 houses Belinda kidnapped ppl from
Havics Child
One of the best lines in this entire book is the last in this chapter. I love that conversation.
Logan
I'm 80% certain that Slavery is actually a slave to Dominion. He was described as "a subordinate god" and these things tend to be literal.
Andrea Goates
So he really did sell them. I wonder how the god of slavery feels about all this, since apparently that's a thing.
ItWasIDIO!!
Alright much better the Asano way make a point to people that will probably ignore it great cap off with Dominion
Micah
The gods all have noun names, so shouldn't it be 'Desolation'?
Frank Morgana
Great chapter. And even the priests understanding they aren't the most favoured and are cool with it. Dominion is by far my favourite god. From the initial forceful approach to have him join the church, probably as a test. To being this mentor for Jason now. Fantastic evolution of character
Scott Frederiksen
Beautiful
Paratus
I love all the gods, but Dominion and Knowledge are probably my favorites. The fact that Dominion isn't just all "Raaa. War war war"
Phallusar
It's refreshing to remember that Dominion has no especial love for his priests. Scooping up the former priests of Healer by first looking on their love of finery and the trappings of power and authority before deciding they were acceptable.
Baelfyer
Dominion turned out to be pretty damn cool.
Paratus
Great, will that be cash or credit? (LOL)
Daniel Wills
I love that there’s a gold rank priest, because Ben can’t just take the slave. If it was a silver rank priest, MAYBE take the slave by force and risk upsetting Dominion. But as is? Church of Dominion is getting some serious gold donations.
Havics Child
"Are you taking the slave?" "Yes" "Cool, how will you be paying?" I love it shirt, that was a perfect end to the chapter
NA1
So, just want to make a suggestion for when Jason and company are back on earth - can someone make a documentary out of Jason and Farrah's perspective/knowledge of went down? I just think it would be kind of a fun re-cap to do with hindsight perspectives 20ish years later. Also, might be easy to write if you need a brain break while figuring out other things? For some reason i keep thinking about how such a documentary would look - would they be able to source pictures of people like Gerling and Mr. North? Who all could they get for interviews?
mainiak
This is kind of my thing ... allegedly
Heather White
That’s what I heard in my head too. Had a hard time taking in the sentence as written because my brain was busy with “done dirt cheap”.
Carl Gherardi
Did Rimaros take the opportunity? Storm King "We purchased many slaves from Sadi Andali markets to test our new indenture reforms before rolling them out to the Kingdom at large... ... The price for the indentured servant you identified is the release of all of your private indentures to Mr Asano"
Travis Nevins
That priest scene was...just...hot damn! Wait, no I change my comment, to this entire chapter was on fire! And the gods perspective on Jason's plan seem interesting hoping to hear liberties side. But just nice!
Naotsugu97
Shirt, I am thunderstruck! You had a chance to use the phrase dirty deeds done dirt cheap, and chose clean hands instead! 🤦♂️ Oh well, it’s a long way to the top of the copyright infringement list!
Owen Kaz
I imagine They dislike it if course, but they both approve of Jason for prior actions and also understand that Liberty is truly only felt when there was something to be liberated from to begin with. For those that would withhold other's Liberty, a taste of perspective is sometimes neseccary
Aaron Pell
I wonder what Liberty's view of this part of Jason's plan is. Jason may only be hearing the god's opinions and, as always, dances to the beat of no one else's drum but his own but still, I'd love to know what the mirror image to Domain's clergy have to say while this is happening.
NA1
that's one way to get contributions
Douglas Davis
Best line: "He no longer has time to educate small concerns like you, one at a time."
Xiggurat
I would say “guides” rather than “serves”
Lucas Gulick
Yeah seems like it was intentionally done to add salt to wound, the nobles wouldn't free people without compensation, so why should dominions priests? I appreciate the point being made but it seems like using bad behavior to justify cruel actions is a slippery slope
Hunter Vook
I love how the priest charged him for the slave
StarkRG
The Cult of the Reaper are the goodish ones, the ones that properly venerate the Reaper. It's the Order of the Reaper that are the baddies, the selfish assassins. Cal Morse is a member of the Cult of the Reaper, Sophie's mum was a member of the Order (before getting brain gooped by Disguise).
TechB
Great chapter. I can't wait to see the noble families response. I'm hoping it somehow intersects with the Cult of the Reaper. Sophie owes those people some payback. And that'll give Belinda all the excuse she needs to go ham. Again. I hope it happens. I can't wait.
Kconraw
Thx for the chapter
Lucas Gulick
Hates slavery = inflict slavery on others? Seems like an odd view point
Vincent Ciavone
Agreed, and I believe liberty has an understanding of the sacrifices for the greater good happening here. It’s stated that gods of human ideals have more personality then let’s say the god of rivers or storms, so they’re understanding that the enslavement of the nobles is temporary and a lesson on what the slavery they enforce is like
Zuzana Toulcová
Can I keep this chapter, plllleeeeeaaaaase? (300th comment 😁)
Lucas Gulick
IMHO, this is the best chapter in a long time. It's the first time I felt like there was actual stakes at play in quite a while. In this case it's the conflict between Jason and his own ideals. Now that he has been placed in a position of extraordinary power he was willing to enslave others to serve a political purpose. Very curious to hear what the god of liberty thinks about his actions here.
Zuzana Toulcová
That made me laugh, thanks 😊
Zuzana Toulcová
Uuuu I LOVE this one. How easily you can MAKE someone see your point. Slavery.. is the worst.. i count rape right with it.. it's killing the person slowely.. bit by bit.. broken beliefs.. broken dreams.. broken body.. broken will.. and just dirty broken rug doll left.. And those that did it enjoy the power and can't concieve something like that happening to them. The only way to make them feel it is to make them go throug it themselves.. it always give's me a kind of grim smiling satisfaction.. they deserve exactly what they inflict.
JonO
They'd give away the whole plan. It's obvious now that the tea party was them planning this out. Hence why it was treated as a tangent trough Zara and hills.
Alex Schellenberg
It's an interesting thought because there was that priest of purity in Rimaros who had that secret love dungeon.
Bidi1211
there better be a heafty mark-up the product is from noble background/pedigree
Lizy Flore
Alright before anything else, knows that it is my dirty brain at work here. I’ve read all the comments, and I think there isn’t much more I should say, because everyone else has been saying what I thought of the chapter (amazing, soo funny, and so on and so forth). Sooo. Dominion is more how you applies dominion to others than pure dominion itself - if I understood correctly. Does that mean Dominion is also the god of BDSM ? Do kinky communities in Pallimustus are commanded by the Churches of Lust and Dominion ? Because, well, that would be soooo cool.
Sacha
Even the Jason/Shade chats
STUART KIYOTA
Dominion speaking through Priest: " I do trade. I'll take all of you in exchange. You'd all make much better slaves than him." As the prieat slowly extends his hand to shake on the deal
Andromeda Adams
Taking the system away was such a great idea! The whole chapter was awesome and funny. Tyftc!
Preston Stokes
Hahahahaha Django
Roro
I always love it when Jason’s familiars show up in the chapters. Haven’t ‘seen’ Gordon and Colin in a while. I miss them!
DreadHawk666 Aron
This was great 😂 Thank you for the chapter 😁!
jazz
Flee? For what lol
Cory Crowell
This was a great chapter
KollegvomMirgan
The last few chapters were absolutely superb. I love the dynamic change in these political games and how the noble houses are now the ones getting played.
joshde_
hilarious, he shoulda whipped him. but what’s the end game here for Jason, wars have been started for less. He’s gonna need to flee to earth if things go really bad.
DirePants
Love love LOVE this chapter! Idk how you keep out doing yourself Shirt but I might have to come find you and put one of these collars on your neck for DARING to take a break and not supply me with more chapters! 😂😂😂 no but seriously- great chapter! “He’s figuring out how NOT to conquer a world” went SO hard btw! 😂 like straight up the kind of line very few people have the ability to have applied to them lol
Stuart T
''How will you be paying'' The final line in the chapter is a final dig at the hypocritical nobles.
Crystal Donak
I loved the "few things to sell off" laughed out loud at thr E hairdrrssers. Lol
Kalanaere
Dominion getting what he wanted all along. Jason to lean into his power
Kalanaere
I thought his convo from last chapter too. I was wondering if this is what was meant at all or not. He's not really using any special power to make them slaves
Crystal Donak
"Over scones and tea when two gods showed up"
Crystal Donak
"He isn't an "it" he is a nobleman"... "No it's property. That is how this works"
Kalanaere
Yeah I think Ben played it correct. Albeit his comment about Jason and running into dangerous power was a bit of a shot. I'm sure Jason knew eventually the adventurers would get involved so he played the role. Ben is clearly annoyed with Jason yet at the same time I think he agrees with him too. He just had to do his duty of trying to talk
Kalanaere
Every time he says "It's kinda my thing" people will take a drink. Then Jaso will act all offended that somebody stole his drinking game and used it against him
Maria Klein
Amazing chapter, honestly this whole story line has been great! One last big hoorah before setting out for earth.
Ender419
Hell yes to this!! And maybe even a dance-off between mortal/demi-gods and gods that ends with Clive’s wife finally making an appearance but it’s actually one of the gods of trickery.
René Blaser
I absolutely loved the last few chapters. I really, really want to read the one where Team Biscuit and Dominion and Liberty have their Tea Party! Please, Shirt, if you read this by accident, could you write a. Hapter for that and put it in the book? It‘s so missing.
John Durrett
Bravo! I like the way you think!
joshua christopher
I feel like there is some great potential for funny moments coming up. Things I would like to see: Jason shows up to intimidate someone on earth wearing a shirt that says “yes… I’m Jason Asano” only for everyone to already know who he is obviously and throw him off his game. On their arrival to earth Rufus will automatically start passing out shots at some point then start talking about how his family runs a school and continue to do so until everyone is dead drunk and the joke isn’t fun anymore. Emmy, Erica, etc and Rufus will start a drinking game where everyone takes shots every time Jason says something about how much he dies or how many times he’s saved the world or something.
bonewizard
"He no longer has time to educate small concerns like you, one at a time. He is busy figuring out how to not conquer a world." this line goes so hard
ABTelford
Ha! Frikkin LOVE this chappy! “Not that I’d exploit that to make some kind of point” - I snickered so hard! 😏. And then “he’s busy figuring out how to not conquer a world” - how awesome!!! 😎😎
Dalth
Please tell me that Ben chooses promissory note, because those can have super exploitative interest rates, and if they don’t get paid, the person who is supposed to be paid can take possession of items instead of money for the cost of the debt. Items that, oh you know, include indenture contracts, unless the legal system changes. For broad definitions of items or possessions.
Larsi
Again, you can argue that he's merely giving them the illusion of slavery or that this is a small compromise to pay for what he will achieve by it or even that with liberty and dominion apparently signing off on it the responsibility is out of his hands. It just feels weird to me personaly, given how often the focus was on using his powers responsible and how it's important for him to not compromise on his Ideals too much. I just feel it should at least have been acknowledged
Caleb
Cash or Credit?
Larsi
I will admit, I'm still on the fence about what I think of this aspect of Jasons Plan. He does seem to have put some methods into place (like Dominions priest here) to ensure the nobles he sold didn't end up in actual harm and it certainly is an effective ways to both teach them a lesson and get society to move against the slave markets a bit. But at the same time, his big stancd is that slavery in any form, even as punishment for criminals, is wrong and that noone deserves it. So at least personally it leaves a bad taste in my mouth, even as I enjoy him learning to bend politics to his will.
Larsi
Honestly, while they certainly were a bit standoffish, in the grandscheme of people he had to deal with, those noble adventurers were pretty reasonable. They knew that trying to antagonize Asano isn't a good Idea and they were honest about changing their opinions about slavery less out of moral obligations and more out of respect for Jasons Power. I'd imagine he'd not enjoy them pretending to suddenly have changed their ways, just to appease him. Not to mention that wanting to rescue a family member is a fairly understandable motivation.
StarkRG
He's good at throwing himself about.
ThoMiCroN
I like Shade’s particular brand of banter. Polite to a fault, but scathing nonetheless.
Mike Zebill
So not totally relevant to this chapter but I think the final chapter before Jason leaves this world needs to be another barbecue where rank doesn't matter and all the gods show up to take a sausage in the mouth.
Cj Evans
Nah, doesn't need to be in previous chapters. Depending on a reading speed, once the book is out, it'll have a decent flow. It's the waiting between chapters that muddles the context.
Cj Evans
Pretty sure that's true.
Cj Evans
Excellent... will you be paying in spirit coins or a promissory note to the church... "What? Are you holding him for ransom? " "As, I said, he's a slave, you don't expect me to just give it to you?"
Telewyn
“Solve your mortal problems with your mortal powers” “Wait, not like that”
ReadingObsessed
I loved every moment of this.
ByLAWphoto
Ben: "Do you have a payment plan? Or layaway?"
Doodlyboy15
Love it, as soon as I saw the priest had a slave I figured it'd go that way. Was thinking the priest might say something like 'no you can't have him, that's MY slave'. When you have a system that turns people into property, that can easily be abused by *shocker* turning people into PROPERTY and then using the laws that protect property to keep them.
Russell Ventimeglia
I love the book so far, but I'm getting the feeling that they won't really make it to Earth until the next book.
Aaron edison
I hope the word "allegedly" becomes his knew catch phrase 😂
Raphael
It’s not a donation. It’s a sale transaction and the buyer will pay in spirit coins, or with a promissory note to the seller.
Ira White
That ending is perfect lmao thanks for the chapter Shirt
Jordan Brennan
TYFTC, the chapters have been absolute banagers recently.
Lonnie
Like calls to like, Dominion has known what's up since they met back in the day
Tyler S.
Some mother fuckers are always trying to ice skate up hill.. is another good one
Adrian Cheung
Start of a joke: 9 adventurers and a half god were having a chat......
wanderer26
Dominion finally getting some time with Jason and not just getting asked to leave every time
Enzer
I'm glad that it's noted here that Jason did indeed try to buy out the contracts and at multiple times their value. It was one of the biggest complaints I saw with people saying that Jason was escalating things and firmly submits that, no, Jason had been more than reasonable with the negotiations, it's just that he refused to ridiculous demand such as promising years of servitude from his team to the various houses or promising things like inside access to Clive's organization. I still do think that either for RR readers or at the very least when this gets printed, that this fact be put into the previous chapter during the initial negotiations. It gives much needed context to everything.
Zachary Blevins
Absolutely love that Cash or check but be aware those who pay with check will have a 15% service fee ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Nick
I love the idea that dominion serves the truly powerful
Kelly
That gave me a good chuckle. 😂
Danny boy
It's like a cashier saying cash or credit?!? I legit laughed out loud
TwoMoreYears
Loved it.
Robert Rogers
I like Dominion even more after this chapter, a priests perspective was a nice change.
Lora Greenberg
Damn...
PapaJohn
The absolute NARDS ON THIS MF "Speaking of which, will you be taking this slave?” “Of course I will.” “Excellent. Will you pay in spirit coins, or a promissory note to the church?” BLUDDY GOLD!!!
Valmorian
thanks for the chapter! it was great. I've been looking forward to finding out what happened to those jerks
N8rtotPlayz
That last line made me laugh. 😁 TYFTC!
brian phillips
Tyftc
Kalanaere
Lmfao typical noble attitude. Can't be a slave because I'm nobility.
batchickcr8zy
I absolutely love this chapter and the banter!
Josh Ward
Beautiful chapter.
Eric M
Hah, I was assuming there would be a price involved in freeing the noble from the Dominion priest, hope it's a hefty mark-up.
Cate Helfgott
That was an amazing chapter!
Justin Fralin
Crazy how it's different when it happens to you huh?
Skalias Pablo
To me it feels like a culmination, or continuity, with his time in Greenstone. Back then he did extremely rash and foolish things that he could only pull off by leveraging the power of those around him and to a smaller degree his own ingenuity. Now, older and allegedly wiser, Jason is using his own even greater power to pull off things that would be inadvisible for anyone less than a diamond ranker while carefully considering the ramifications of his actions and deciding he doesn't care about them.
Gernia
I honestly don't have a good grip on Dominion as a god. From what I remember, I see him as valuing those working hard to improve their rule and that of others. So that might be why he is playing along.
MaddGaming
I love that ending of the chapter
gray matter
Mmm that last line… I was waiting for it, I knew it was coming and it still hit just right
Blake N.
How have you gotten this far in reading this and don’t know how to spell Jason?
Liesmith
"He's not a slave, he's a noble!" "Do...do you not know how slavery works? Also, quick question: does this rag smell like chloroform to you?"
mainiak
You think Farrah and Travis rolled out crypto currency while deploying their satellite base network?? Unless they have subsidiary bank, dunno man
Jon
That ending though.... Legendary
mainiak
fore-Shadow? O.o
mainiak
And don't forget Sophie helping. I wonder how much she needed to calm down her righteous Humpy. Also if this allows Belinda to channel her inner Loki - once in a while - without fully regressing to her bad habits and criminal way of life, then GOOD.
Darkdragon
Close but sadly no
Thomas Cops
No it was Belinda complaining that Hump never let her do anything fun like kidnapping nobles . But it was a good line to end on .
Koteric
Great chapter! Love when people get their taste.
Scott McCarthy
Remember they do not practice slavery, even if it is service where you have to do what the (contract) owner says, you can not quit or retire, and can easily be killed for talking back. But they call it indenture and that alone means it is not slavery... < / entitled noble justifying his families attrocities > Even the voluntary portion is insufficient for it to nit be slavery l, rhe Norse form (where we got the word thrall) could be entered into voluntarily, and was by those desperate enough.
Leon
So what you're saying is that if you go up the corporate transcendent ladder high enough, you get to outsource "petty" dominioning to Dominion?
William McAllister
I’m loving this version of Jason. He’s not relying on his mouth and now he has the power to actually match those in power. He’s become more grounded with less an idealistic viewpoint. He’s willing to take the shackles off sometimes and others sit back.
#savegarytheleonid
nice job
Sylphie
Perspective is the great equalizer when it comes to people understanding their wrongdoings you don't agree that slavery is wrong. Great, become one for a few years and see how you feel afterwards
shawn B
The priest said those who are slavers are petty tyrants. Not asano
Blayne Bryant
Chefs kiss
Scott McCarthy
The small concerns part is the reap rub. They are nobles of one if the world's notable powers, that usually means not being a small player. Of course, their world is pretty much a multiversal backwater, heck I woukd laugh if their are loads of more developed world's in the same universe.
Alexander Dupree
Pay rofl that was great
J Holmes
Tell my wife... I said... Hello.
StarkRG
I think he'd respect manipulative politicians too. He respects anyone using power of any kind to exert their will on others. In fact, I suspect it's more than just exerting will on others he likes, but anyone who acknowledges that they have a domain of any kind and using it. Leaders of nations is just the most obvious form, but it could also be employers who, during business hours, have domain over their employees. Or it could be one of those employees having domain over whatever thing they're working on or have worked on ("I organised this cabinet, and I don't want to see anyone putting things where they don't belong!"). "Domain" is a much broader concept than most people consider.
Kazuto Bakura
They better have cash. I don't think they will like the credit if they don't.
Scott McCarthy
"He can be both"
Heather White
“She’s very fast, even without portals, and she had a few things to sell off.” Sophie to her therapist: So, I got some great closure this week.
Dylan Alexander
I think it would be the opposite actually, she was raised as the hurricane princess after all.
Tor-Arne Sandstrak
*DOMINION LAUGHS IN BANKER*
Big I
"Deities like Strength and Desolate weren’t considered evil, but didn’t care about the morality of their followers." What makes a man turn neutral? Lust for gold? Power? Or were they just born with a heart full of neutrality?
mhaj58
Nice chapter with Ben, I hope that the team gets back to Rimaros soon, hopefully with an engagement ceremony. Can you imagine just how crazy it would be if Jason introduced Zara as his fiancé to his family. Erika, Cheryl, Yumi, and especially Emi would eat her alive
JonO
Seriously, the amount of petty here is astoundingly delicious mwahaha
Cameron Baldwin
Gross, but relatable.
Moondarious
“Excellent. Will you pay in spirit coins, or a promissory note to the church?” Best line in the last several chapters lmaoo
Cameron Baldwin
Imo, Dominion doesn't care whether Jason conquers Earth or simply makes it known that he is strong enough to do it, because the result is the same. Jason can do what he wants, when he wants, and the people on earth will get out of the way or do as they're told. At the end of the day, Jason has "dominion" over earth, whether he recognizes it or not.
Kazuto Bakura
Even if it is possible, he is still limited on his mortal power. Could end very badly if he tries to force it. It is why Nik is the last of his kind for now.
Michael Hawkins
I love thinking about Jason and Belinda planning all of this. She's so valuable.
Bobby Baxter
I love this chapter
Crjourdan
Quick question. Now that Jason is a Demi aerial god being thing. Shouldn’t he be able to create his own essence stones for people to use? Am I wrong? Let’s discuss it.
David Cooper
“If his power in here is your concern, Lord Headingway, I’m afraid you have some bad news coming about out there." OOooo, that was just the right kind of in your face.
Gb
Called it. Not 100% but close enough. Hahaha haha. Still got some surprise Dominion communion wafers and a hey bigger picture going. Great as always Shirt.
Zack
Slavery is unlikely to be sanctioned if the dark gods still exist. Also, I'm pretty sure dark gods are mostly called that by people, not their Authority. Its a mortal distinction because they represent something detrimental to people, like pain and destruction. In all likelihood, Slavery is already a dark god because they represent a dark aspect of Dominion.
Scott McCarthy
Ya, it is not about the danger but the reason they do so. Jason risks for the right reasons, the guys he is talking to likely do not.
Stephanie Washburn
Such a power move. I love that for them.
Scott McCarthy
So, is the priest going to ask for just what he paid, or is it gouging time? The church could really use new pews of the best diamond rank wood...
Meruem92
I suspect they all got dropped of right to them
DDHG
"We also take Asano coins to. The exchange rate is 20 biscuits per Asano silver. The church has also will accept doge coins"
Stephanie Washburn
Probably just Earth. There are too many diamond rankers here.
Ligeia
Tftc, Shirt, a good one! So the family adventurers are buying back one aristocratic slave. Next question: How will the Church of Dominion get their hands on the other eight aristocratic slaves? Or do they already have them? 😅
Chris Pollan
Will that be spirit coins or a promisee note? Omg that's hilarious!!! Thanks shirt...
Roger Doge
I love pettiness so much Great chapter ❤️
Stephanie Washburn
A very true statement, too. Wow.
Danny G
"Good adventurers don’t walk into places filled with unknown power and uncertain threats" - Jason Asano Great adventurers will walk into them knowing there is unknown power and uncertain threats, to stand on certain principles.
Roger Doge
YOU GET WHAT UOU FU—ING DESERVE!!
samwise
Bahaha this chapter is brilliant and so damn fun.
Gb
Scones
Stephanie Washburn
Oh boy. "So, how much do you want to owe the church?"
Joe Holman
TFTC
Sean McClain
Dominion is quickly becoming my fav church/God. They are not good, but they are very honest with their might makes Right philosophy. If the mighty is moral, so is the result, if not then so is the result. It's honest in it's power. Dominon doesn't respect politicans who manipulate but in rulers that rule, regardless of the morality of that ruling as long as it's effective.
StarkRG
I wonder if this means the god of Slavery will be sanctioned, either by Dominion or by themselves. Maybe into the god of Community Service? Or, instead, will the god of Slavery become a dark god, since slavery will be banned from open society. Can a non-dark god like Dominion have subordinate gods that are?
Justin Hunsberger
Fuck yeah. That was one of the better chapters of this book. *chefs kiss*
Robert Landers
That’ll be all Shade
D
Hahaha spirit coins or promissory note
morgan
Promissory notes made me giggle
Iron Knight
I agree this was a well written chapter.
Jacob Kraus
Ah yes, the old "fuck around and found out" proverb and coupled with "play stupid games, you win stupid prizes." Good on you Jason, you finally crossed all your t's and dotted all your i's with this latest scheme *rubs hands together* What's next? Lmao
Mantiqore
"He is busy figuring out how to not conquer a world" lol, hearing that from a Dominion priest
pyrite jester
This is the quietist chat I've seen on here yet. A high priest just told him he's a petty tyrant and asono is try NOT to concor the world and nothing?
Connor Wilson
Tftc
Chuck Haeberle
Cash or credit, sir?
Kevin Clark
Love it!
jacob butler
This just gave me a revolutionary chubby lol
Alex Schellenberg
Shade embodies every aspect of his name. Even the off hand comments he makes.
Stuart prior
Well I am glad dominion priests dont take shit from anyone and always get their money back
jeffrey niski
Id bet he had a shade with each one too.
Mist Sparrow
A modest donation to dominion 😉 loved it !
JonO
Honestly, I think bringing a couple priests along would actually be a realistic thing to happen. Jason is basically bringing a large ish entourage. I'm pretty sure it's more than 20 at this point.
Hayden Leech
I’m just loving gold rank immortal Jason.
alexander kelley
I love how the priest wasn't just giving up the noble but selling him back to make a point.
Kallisti _
Fucking *MIC DROP*, Brian! Good on you.
Blackpan2
Perfect. Thanks you for the perfect eloquence for Dominion's enthusiasm in the whole venture. It really distinguishes the god's character and values.
Agent P.
LMAO Spirit coins or promissory note.
m4l4ch1m4v3t
Lmao they just don't learn
Jaciel Arnulfo Maldonado
Meesa
Christian cody
Oh this is good. I love how the relationship between Jayson and Dominion has evolved over time. I am still really interested in how their interactions in the future will go after Dominion saying he is hegemony and knowing that Jayson's god form is the Hegemon.
JonO
That's exactly how I thought it would go. Well not exactly, but I knew dominion would be the crux of it once things really took off. Awesome job using aristocratic rhetoric against the aristocratic rhetoric mwahaha
Unwillingmainer
I see Dominion is having his fun too. He doesn't really care about slavery itself, but fucking loves that Jason is using his power to force all those noble house to do his bidding. He loves watching Jason figure out how to use his authority over the System to get what he wants. I bet he'd love to have a priest go to Earth and watch and report back on what happens. All and all, it's a good time to be Dominion. His church is even getting paid.
hannibal
Hahahaha “evil laugh “ final final Jason has one upped this stock up bastards of the Nobles that think they are better then others. And damm do I enjoy dominion
Seaspike
Excellent dialog.
FeelingsandFoibles
Love. Thanks for the chapter!
Thunder0ni
“He is busy figuring out how to not conquer a world.” Now that is a statement
Adam
Ah the old slavery is fine until it affects me or people I care about. Tired old trope but used much better here than a lot of other stories I've seen Shirt. Good chappie
Sean Sheldon
Smug as hell but I loved every minute of it. Especially the Dominion priest at the end. "He no longer has time to educate small concerns like you, one at a time. He is busy figuring out how to not conquer a world."
Aaron Schwartz
This man is not a slave! He is a nobleman! Priest: 😒 are you sure about that
Zero
lol, a good reminder that Dominion is not slavery and that, Dominion really likes Jason. And learning that Jason had an overseer and some contingencies does make it less ick for me. Thanks for the chapter.
Danny boy
Biscuits
Roger Doge
Team cookie! 🍪
Vincent Ciavone
Thank you shirt for the chapter
Josh
Biscuits?
Connor
tftc
Paul Brittain
1st post!!
mainiak
Biscuit. Also, thank you for the chapter!
ONEsie
Biscuits
David Odle
Second?! Scones! Tftc Seems like Dominion is even more of a fanboy for Jason than ever before. Loved the line about ‘trying to not conquer a world’. But is he referring to just Earth, or Pallimustus too?? Ugh. More nobles that think they can continue to threaten Jason. When will these idiots get it. He is IMMORTAL and MORE THAN A DIAMOND RANKER!
Darkdragon
Biscuits
