Shirtaloon
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Chapter 927: A Sense of Responsibility
🕑 Added 2024-07-29 23:00:03 +0000 UTCJason followed Neiman Bassingthwaite deeper into the guild building. It had the feel of an ancient estate, appointed in rich fabrics and old, dark wood. The tapestries, sculptures and decorations held the weight of centuries and would not have looked out of place in a museum.
“I apologise for your reception, Mr Asano. I’m not sure how Monica ended up on membership intake today, I’m sorry.”
“She was not what I was expecting.”
“Monica excels in her role here, but is best used judiciously. The Burning Violet guild is not prejudicial as to the background of our members, which makes our roster rather eclectic. They come from cultures across the world, some born with every advantage while others fought their way up from nothing. Those of a more aristocratic bent have an expectation of detached professionalism from our staff. Those who are more down to earth, however, often find this approach elitist and exclusionary. Monica excels with the guild’s more rough-and-tumble adventurers, but should not have been screening unvetted applicants. I’m not sure who assigned her today, but I will look into it. I suspect it may be related to larger issues within the guild.”
“Issues?”
“There is a long-standing contention within the guild that is at a dangerous apex right now. I am hoping that no one was foolish enough to try and use you as a game piece in our internal politics. It’s through here, Mr Asano.”
He opened the door to his office for Jason to enter.
“Can I offer you a cup of tea?
***
Jason leaned back in the comfortable leather chair, one of several in Neiman’s spacious domain. He sipped at a cup of tea with a splash of liquor in it. Neiman, looking more dishevelled by the moment, was on his third cup of liquor with a splash of tea in it.
“If I understand what you’re saying,” Jason said, “there are two factions within the executive members of the guild. One wants to excise the guild from what they see as the oversized influence of the Remore family. The other faction opposes this, either through loyalty or fear the guild will collapse without them.”
Neiman nodded as he took another gulp.
“Yes. And I’m afraid that your membership threatens to be the flashpoint that could set the whole guild ablaze. We are well aware of you and your history, Mr Asano. That the Adventure Society is essentially treating you as a diamond ranker, and of your close ties to the Remore family. Roland Remore already looms large over those who are against his family’s control of the guild, and adding you would likely spell the doom of their intentions.”
“So, the anti-Remore faction would see my joining the guild as a second diamond-ranker joining the opposing group.”
“Precisely. It’s no secret that your team and many other friends of yours are already on the guild’s books, and there has long been an expectation that you will join them. Your arrival in Vitesse may have been low-key, but it has not gone unnoticed.”
“Are you a part of the group against Remore influence on the guild?”
“I am not. Nor am I an advocate for it.”
“But you are asking me to refrain from joining the guild, are you not?”
“Defer, rather than refrain entirely. Until the current tensions have been diffused, one way or another. My agenda is to keep the guild from tearing itself apart.”
“You think my entry to the guild would cause people to take drastic measures.”
“That is exactly my concern. There are enough people on both sides of this that the guild could fragment, and that’s just one potential outcome. There’s no predicting what a group of powerful adventurers will do if they think their backs are to the wall.”
“That’s certainly true,” Jason agreed.
Neiman gave up the pretence of drinking tea and refilled his cup directly from the liquor bottle. He shook his head before taking a swig.
“The most infuriating part is that only a small fragment of guild leadership has any investment in this. Most of our members don’t care who controls the guild, so long as it’s run smoothly. The guild is meant to be an asset for them to use, not a problem for them to bother with. If the conflict escalates and the members are forced to choose sides, they’ll choose neither, and go find a guild that works the way it’s supposed to.”
“You paint a bleak picture.”
Neiman nodded.
“It’s not so dire as I make out — not yet, at least. I’m far from the only one attempting to settle this before it escalates. My fear is that you could be what triggers that escalation.”
“Then why am I only hearing about this now? Why didn’t anyone tell me about this before I came anywhere near the building?”
“That decision was not mine to make. It was ultimately decided that an active approach on our part would put flame to the kindling. Having you come on your own terms, in your own time, was better. We did ask the Remores not to involve themselves, but we were expecting your team to accompany you. Arriving quietly alone caught us unawares, or I would have attempted to intercept you earlier. Our information is that you are rather fond of a spectacle. As is Gabriel Remore, with whom I know you to be travelling.”
“Rufus’ dad? He never seemed like that much of a showboat to me.”
“I suppose it’s a matter of perspective. Not all of us blow up cities everywhere we go.”
“I don’t—”
Jason cut himself off, leaned forward and placed his teacup on its saucer.
“Lord Bassingthwaite, I hope you’ll understand if I don’t take everything you say at face value. All I have on this is your word, and we’ve only just met.”
“Of course, Mr Asano. Naturally, you would be an asset to any major guild, but the timing right now is the opposite of ideal. I wouldn’t blame you for running for the hills and having nothing to do with any of it.”
“That’s my inclination, Lord Bassingthwaite. I have more than enough to deal with, without adding guild strife on top of it. Shade, what are Gabriel and Arabelle doing?”
“Shopping,” Shade said from Jason’s shadow, surprising Neiman.
“Your familiar is here?”
“He is,” Jason said.
“He wasn’t detected.”
“That’s kind of his thing, Lord Bassingthwaite.”
“Yes, but the guild hall has measures in place to keep track of such things.”
“I’m aware.”
A look of realisation crossed Neiman’s face.
“Miss Callahan is on your team, isn’t she?”
“She is. Shade, would you ask if Gabriel and Arabelle would join us?”
“I have already informed them, Mr Asano. They are awaiting your portal.”
“Portals won’t work in…”
Neiman trailed off as Jason’s portal arch opened.
“I didn’t realise that you were a portal specialist, Mr Asano.”
“More of an enthusiastic amateur, Lord Bassingthwaite.”
Arabelle and her husband came through the portal.
“Bassingthwaite,” Gabriel said gruffly and headed straight for the liquor cabinet.
“Lord Bassingthwaite,” Arabelle said more cordially as she sat down. “I am distressed to hear that internal guild politics have reached such a precarious point.”
“It’s Dad,” Gabriel said from where he was mixing a drink. “He’s always treated the guild like it’s his own little fiefdom. The Queen would be happy to give him an actual fiefdom, if he just asked, but not Roland Remore. He’s too good for aristocracy. Our family works for what we get, as if we weren’t a de facto bloody noble house. Our son grew up playing with the crown princess!”
“I suspect it’s more than just your father, dear,” Arabelle said. “As I married into the family, my perspective is a little more detached. The Remores more involved in administration than adventuring can lose sight of what the guild is actually for. As for your father, he’s a diamond ranker. They have a habit of just assuming that everything around them will move to their will.”
Jason sipped at his tea rather than meet Arabelle’s eyes as she looked in his direction.
“Have things truly reached the boiling point, Lord Bassingthwaite?” she asked.
“I am afraid so, Mrs Remore.”
Jason let out a sigh.
“The question,” he said, “is what do I do? I have no interest in getting involved, but the fact that I didn’t hear any of this until now suggests that someone wanted me involved.”
“These tensions have been simmering for a long time,” Gabriel said as he walked over and handed his wife a glass before sitting down with his own. “The debate over Remore influence on the guild is older than I am. I would have warned you if I’d realised things had gotten this bad.”
“You said that the decision not to warn me wasn’t yours,” Jason said to Neiman. “Whose was it?”
“The guild master’s,” Neiman said. “It was not universally endorsed by those of us trying to keep the peace.”
“And he’s neutral in this?” Jason asked.
“Famously so,” Arabelle said. “Perhaps we should talk with him.”
“No,” Jason said. “I came in here because I wanted to join the guild with my friends, not to get involved with guild politics. I asked you and Gabriel here to give me some context of what I’m dealing with. Now that you’ve done that, I’m walking away.”
“If someone is determined to get you involved, that might not be so easy,” Gabriel said.
Jason got to his feet.
“When I’m on Earth, I’ll deal with politics like I’m on Earth. While I’m here, I’ll deal with things the way they do here.”
Neiman also got to his feet.
“Meaning what, exactly?”
“Meaning power rules,” Arabelle said. “Jason, things aren’t that simple. You know this.”
“They are with enough power,” he said darkly.
“Jason—”
“No, Arabelle. I won’t hear it. I am done with letting people sidetrack me with whatever they have going on. Lord Bassingthwaite, I don’t care about your guild politics and, if I’m being honest, I don’t care if the whole guild collapses. I’m going to go now, and get back to enjoying my time in your lovely city. Thank you for the tea.”
He strode to the still-open portal and vanished through it. Arabelle pinched the bridge of her nose and let out a long, calming breath.
“I need to talk to Danielle,” she said, also getting to her feet. Rather than use the portal, she left through the door.
Neiman fell back into his seat and poured himself another drink.
“How bad is this?” he asked.
“Depends,” Gabriel said. “Do you know who is trying to bring Jason into this?”
“Best guess? Your father. His thinking is long-term enough that he can accept harming the guild if he thinks he’s amputating rotten meat. He’s also one of the few people that could genuinely push the guild master.”
***
Jason was sitting alone at a bakery café, a parasol shielding him from the hot sun. In front of him was a pitcher of chilled milk and a large tray of miniature cakes. A dark-skinned man with a bald head took the seat opposite. Jason understood a little better why so many expectations had fallen on Rufus when he looked so much like his diamond-rank grandfather.
“It was you, then,” Jason said coldly.
“Yes.”
“I think I’m going to cancel our scheduled meeting.”
“You’re angry.”
“Yes.”
“That’s because you’re young.”
“Is that what it is to be old? Only seeing tools instead of people?”
“Sometimes,” Roland admitted. “If you want to move in our circles, Jason, you’ll need to move with consideration rather than emotion.”
“I think that emotion has its place. Which is fine, because I have no interest in your diamond-rank clique. And I won’t let you ruin my experience here, so leave me out of your guild politics.”
“You don’t get to declare what you are and are not embroiled in. It’s not that simple, as my daughter in law has already reminded you.”
A portal opened next to their table. The runes around the aperture marked it as belonging to Clive, but it was Humphrey who stepped through. He tossed a pouch on the table in front of Roland, who opened it to find a clutch of guild membership pins.
“Team Biscuit withdraws from the Burning Violet guild,” Humphrey told him. “Are you coming, Jason?”
“Let me get these in a box to go,” Jason said, then got up and went inside.
“He was looking forward to meeting you, you know,” Humphrey said. “Not the great Roland Remore, but the grandfather who means so much to his friend.”
“He’s not someone who can afford to be sentimental.”
“Trust me, Mr Remore: we should all be very thankful he is.”
Jason returned from inside.
“Let’s go,” he said and followed Humphrey through the portal. It closed behind them and Victor Volaire, the Mirror King, was suddenly sitting at the table.
“Are you sure about antagonising him?” Victor asked.
“Asano has a habit of picking up powerful allies like they’re fruit at a market stall. I had to make it clear that I wasn’t one of them. He doesn’t want to share my enemies right now, and I certainly can’t afford his.”
“Your grandson won’t be happy.”
“No, but I’m not going to burden his friends with my battles when they have enough of their own. I’ve made enough mistakes with Rufus already. Too much pressure, too many expectations. He’ll understand, in time.”
“You know they’ll be part of this eventually. Asano has been on a course to clash with the order for a long time. He uses their combat arts.”
“They don’t care about things like that. They left those skill books scattered over half the planet.”
“You know it’s more than that.”
“What about your son? He’s back in Asano’s circle, now. You want him involved?”
“Of course not.”
“There you are, then.”
“Did you have to do it this way, though? Couldn’t you have just explained things to them?”
“Asano has a sense of responsibility. The Geller boy, too; he’s a good lad. Once they know, they’ll involve themselves. They deserve a break.”
Comments
BJ
It's nice to see that the Remore family as a whole are trying to be good people.
lorm42 aeris42
And here I thought this was another jab at "old powerful men". Instead it was showing their kindness. Well played! :-)
Frank Morgana
That last part was cool. All these diamond rank players coming out showing actual power
Val the mysterious Jedi
Love the spider web of intrigue
Austin Wolf
Okay well the was interesting. I'm a little surprised Jason didn't realize, but tbh with shade around he probably did realize and leaned into it to help the two diamond rankers sell it for them all to get some time without more diamond rank interference
AfroMocha
I wonder if the Order had a hand in with the messengers to try and assassinate Jason in boko
ABTelford
Uh…they aren’t on earth just Palimustus. From the clerics freed from the Reaper Trials
ShieldWolf
I wonder what Jason's cult will be called in the future and there role and Jason's in the future. They are now on Earth and Pallimustus. I have a feeling it will be kind of how the order of the Reaper did things. Like assassination of rotten political leaders (and fighting great astral beings). I have a feeling Jason will be the astral thrones enforcer enforcing the rules.
ABTelford
Well said!
ABTelford
Yes! Exactly my feelings
Kconraw
Thx for the chapter
MoonlitShade
Rufus isn’t in any scene in this chapter, only mentioned. You mean Roland, his diamond-rank grandfather.
ABTelford
Love it! I lost track of who was saying what at the end there, so please add “Roland said” after a few exchanges. Again, loved it!
Albadia
That… was a great chapter
McHiggo
Nah. He’ll always be a chuuni that struggles with patience.
McHiggo
They’re diamond rank. He would’ve been detected quite easily
Alex Schellenberg
Would be a little hard for Rufus
Alex Schellenberg
Guilded Biscuits
DirePants
Wow that was amazing. I both love and loathe the political sht. Ugh I just learned something new about myself too 😑… thanks Shirt, you’re doing your job as a writer too well. If I wanted personal comprehension I’d finally get the mental health care I needed! Anyway, I never expected him to join the guild- it seemed to out of the ordinary for Jason. But the revelations of this chapter were great. Really edging us with these hints at broader conflicts for later in the story. The clothes wearing astral king, earth plots, and now the Order. Plus a couple more that I’m forgetting I’m sure 🤔 My only suggestion is you should probably give us more chapters. I’m thinking like 5 chapters a day 6 times a week? Sounds fair right? RIGHT??? Maybe I will go see that therapist 😳
Scott Way
Ooooo, I had not thought of this.. would be awesome if that is the case.
Ben Cooper
Seeing as the emotional rollercoaster of Roland Remore's manipulation has been well-covered by other commenters, my comment turns towards a MacGuffin from book 2. What are the chances a certain diamond-rank scythe will end up in the possession of Team Biscuit when things with the Order really start to come to a head?
Ryan
I hope they make their own guild.
Scott Way
Anyone else hoping Farah makes a scene in the middle of the guild with her giving up her membership in the guild and somehow bringing Rufus's membership token as well. Seems like something plausible to me at least and I think Rufus would be pissed if he thought his grandfather was trying to use Jason as well.
Michael Hawkins
It's not that they're scared of his enemies. It's that they don't want team biscuit to have to deal with theirs.
Joanna
Umber has been name-dropped so many times now that it will be rather disappointing if we never meet him
Tom C
As if Jason didn’t leave a Shade behind when he departed. He definitely knows what is going on after that mirror king convo
Angel Gallardo
Do this is where Rolands future as a rune smith leads him to I see
Manowar
This! It also shows that diamond rankers probably understand what Jason is going through better than he/we thought. Love that the closer Jason gets to real diamond, the more we see that he was a diamond from the beginning and that he just needed to catch up in level and mentally.
Zuzana Toulcová
🤣 he sure is!! But still, Jason is more honest in his dealings nowadays..
Zuzana Toulcová
I was more confused as he wasn't the kind of grandfather that brought Kenneth to the Remore school 🤔
StarkRG
I'm pretty sure he creates his own crystal wash now. Remember that he can duplicate anything in his inventory up to his current rank. Some potions have ranks (like miracle potions), but mostly we just hear about the quality of the potion and the alchemist that made it.
JonO
Jason will likely find some way to put him in his place and then tell him to fuck off once Roland realizes how much shit he's chin deep in. Basically how Jason finished world Phoenix and reaper.
Aubrey Listi
I don't like his methods, but I DO instinctively like Roland for his intention.
Asterrahl
I'm going to cease convincing myself that Jason is finally a chapter or two away from going back to Earth. And maybe, boom! Next chapter: Jason leaves Pallimistus in a huff because they are out of crystal wash.
EmmericH.
Maybe, but I'm guessing their job as a Voice logically involves being able to have a ... voice
Doodlyboy15
Well dang, guess I habe to like this guy now too!
Andromeda Adams
Thank you for this wonderful chapter ! I love it.
Kevin Higley
And now I have a song stuck in my head.....
Idan tal
lol 😂, someone had Gabriel as a son and knew exactly how to direct Jason where he wanted (away in this case)😂 how strong is the order that two of the most influential diamond rank are having problems and need to do this kind of shit to prevent it from targeting their families?
Maria Klein
I think something that’s being missed is that most diamond rankers in this world have a very good idea of what Jason has had to face. That he has also had to essentially face it alone. Yeah manipulating Jason sucked but Roland know that a) his enemies will become Jason’s enemies if Roland is seen as an ally or friend and b) between Jason’s and Humphrys senses of responsibility to tell them the truth would be getting them involved. These are dear friends of Roland’s grandson, friends of his son all of whom Roland cares for. To involve Jason and his team is to endanger a great many people he cares for. Not to mention Jason has gone from one hellish situation to the next and NEEDS a break. Sometimes you have to choose between two shitty options and Roland is choosing the one that gives Jason and the people he cares for a much needed break. If those people hate him for it, well having children and grandchildren mad at you is part of the job.
Idan tal
Are you a parent? How is it going for you with this approach? People do what they want, even when it hurts them and everyone around them, and if the said people are close to or are your precious family you will try to direct them to better routes (sure, in the real world is more in the way of not smoking, stealing and worse but in this case it’s a diamond grandpa with gold rank grandchildren and their friends so the scale of magnitude is completely different).
Maria Klein
Awww he’s being a grandpa
Jacob Goodrich
Damn I love how both of the older guys are discussing how they know Jason is a enemy no one wants but that they dint need to drag him into their fights or go into his. This chapter was brilliant in setting up so many pieces that will be moving in the future and team biscut is right in line with standing with Jason taking on any who come
OJCOPACABANA
Which is dope. I want to ride this wave as long as Shirt calls the tides.
Havics Child
Reread 1st trip into reaper astral space in book 2, he teams up with Clive
Roro
When some of the most powerful diamond rankers are scared of your enemies 😅🤌🏽
Allastin
Once Jason finds out, he’ll probably be a-bit wiser and more patient. Currently however, dude just needs a break like the old man stated
sweetbrother
I have forgotten whether or not we know who the mirror king son is. Roland says your son is back in their circle again and I can't remember who he is referring too.
Andrew Whewell
Shirt, great chapter.
crazyshadowfax23
Nice chapter but I was wondering if Belinda's familiars being gold rank can talk aswell
KollegvomMirgan
I really liked how this turned out.
Malcolm
This series definitely isn’t ending anytime soon between this order of the reaper ish, still having to go back to earth, the messengers, and whatever dawn waned them about got at least another 5-7 years
Malcolm
Roland had me if the first half thought I was about to not like him
Addie
Feel like it's time for a low key BBQ that changes everything.
Hodge Wasson
I do think he'll forgive it.... kinda. Jason has forgiven far more egregious behavior and actions than this. Hell, he's recruited the evil Chinese "princess" to his cause and extended the olive branch to her. I don't think he'll forget the behavior though, and if/when the plot has them working together he won't shy away from giving Roland a wheelbarrow's worth of shit for it.
StarkRG
Because joining the guild was supposed to be something positive. If someone manipulated me like that, I'd be inclined to write them off and never speak to them again, even if they thought they were doing it for my benefit. Now, granted, if I was immortal, I might only spend a century or two avoiding them, but a betrayal like that would be difficult to forgive.
StarkRG
Jason's not going to be happy about it at all, I don't think. In fact, I think he'll be quite pissed off when he finds out he'd been manipulated like that.
CritHappens
Had to re read that one a couple of times. Nice one. Always knew I would like Roland when we finally got to meet him. And love how he played Jason like fiddle, for all the right reasons.
Joshkglass@gmail.com
The central theme to this whole story, as much as I can see, is that the root of all evil is treating people like things. The converse is also true- the root of righteousness is treating people like people- elevating relationships, compassion, and empathy above all else. Regardless of intentions, Roland and The Mirror King treated Team Biscuit like things. The karma of this story’s moral system will punish them for this. Jason, or someone else on Team Biscuit (hopefully Rufus), will have to choose mercy and forgiveness at some point. The takeaway is: don’t manipulate people, even if you have their best interests at heart. Talk to them, focus on the relationship, and let the chips fall where they may.
Alex Schellenberg
Roland is doing a Jason.
Max Lopo
Why. Just enter the guild and ignore the noise. Fuck em.
brian phillips
Straight up loyalty to Team Biscuit! Tyftc
Gavin Smith
I don’t believe it’s the OTR. I believe they are talking about the order Vladwick created after becoming an energy vampire.
ItsFin
She is/was a member
Adam Davies
Love the occasional reminder of your Aussieness. Only an Australian would name a character Bassingthwaite. Is that drums I hear? Is it my neighbour?
Cj Evans
I wonder if Farrah was part of the guild, and if she also turned in her badge.
Maria Klein
“A little bit of Monica in my life” I like Monica
DasGoat622
I understand the anger being directed at Roland, but I think what he did was ultimately ok. Yeah it’s kind of dick move, but sometimes it’s better to make a clean break. Especially considering that the Order of the Reaper is now getting involved. There is almost zero chance that if Jason and probably Sophie were given a thread about the Order of the Reaper to pull on that they could resist pulling that thread. Jason will come to see the logic in the decision and to be honest it is rather innocuous slight by Roland. All intel says that the easiest way to push Jason away is to try to forcibly involve him in someone else’s problems.
soren jensen
I think Jason will pick up in the oddness of Roland’s approach and realize he is doing what Roland wants. First was the “accidental” mixup with the entry, then Roland excepts the soft offer to talk Jason gives him by sitting at the table, but he then doesn’t explain and also doesn’t really argue. No response to team biscuit, no attempt to persuade either of them. Jason even gives extra time for Roland to talk just with Humphrey when he goes for the box. Roland didn’t fight for him at all and that is going to stand out. There is no way he hasn’t heard enough about Jason to know how he and his team would react, which he himself showed after they left. Now how will Jason respond?
Katrina McNicol
On the face of it this is an example of straightforward deviousness for a good cause and yet… Shirtaloon has proved time and again that when it happens around Jason the road to hell is paved with good intentions
Cj Evans
I don't think he'll be pissed, just disappointed in Renmore. One of the things he liked about Vitesse was how if something major happened, he could hear about it along with everyone else and not get caught up in it because there were lots of other gold ranking adventurers and people/ teams stronger than (and as strong) his (his avatar at least), and he didn't need or have to step up. I think his team and Arabelle are the only ones who really get how much Jason just wants to blend into the shadows and be a face in the crowd. Not to go rushing off into danger. In fact, he's never gone a rushed off, he's just dealt with what the cosmos the at him without kneeling. It's not his fault arrogant pricks haven't figured out that if they leave him alone, he won't even bother to realize they exist.
DasGoat622
My biggest takeaway and one of the crowing achievements of this chapter and ones like it is that it solidifies the depth of the world. While Jason and his shenanigans are big and crazy, there is a whole world of big and crazy going on around him that just makes the world seem more alive.
Crystal Donak
The Order of the Reaper.
Tim
Commit to it!
Kalanaere
Only problem is Jason doesn't actually need to go to earth. The bridge is set there, he just needs ro anchor it on this side. He's going home to see friends and family really
Kalanaere
Hmm Mirror King and Roland working together against something. Yet Roland intentionally antagonize Jason and his Team to get them to withdrawal all together and leave. Love how even Roland acknowledged Jason had enemies that he doesn't want to deal with either. Appreciate the worry from the Guild official too when he asks Gabrrielle how bad its going to get if Jason flexes power and Gab just shrugs like could ne good could he bad. One thing is certain though, they really don't want Jason to truly flex because they pushed
Anthony
This was an amazing chapter. Roland is fucking awesome. On so many levels. And Humphrey is, too, for that matter.
Cyrus Harding
Compared to old diamond rankers he still is a kid. And he does need a break. I say well played.
StarkRG
Still not good to manipulate someone, even if it's supposedly for the right reasons. Jason's already involved with the Order, and I don't think they'd be too pleased that he's sheltering a defector from them, so it seems a bit silly.
StarkRG
No favour, Shade said that the Order operates more secretively and, if they found something Jason would be best to handle, they'd put it in his path rather than speak to him directly. That information was something like a millennium out of date, though, or however long Shade was trapped in the astral space. At this point I think the order would be more antagonistic towards Jason given who he's sheltering in his astral kingdom.
Russell Ventimeglia
Trouble with the Cult being on the horizon reminds me... I wonder how involved with the Cult Shade's brother Umber is? Will we see so shadow person drama?
Cj Evans
I suppose, in a sense, even diamond rankers can be stupid. Unless Renmore really expected the entire guild to join in on whatever is coming up, there was probably no reason to do that. Sure, Team Biscuit has a sense of responsibility... but isn't that why they are *eventually* heading to Earth? Jason's "responsibility" to finish the bridge? I've a sense that Renmore not only lost a potential friend, but ally as well. Jason doesn't collect allies after all.
ABTelford
I am in LOVE with this chapter! Diamond ranker manipulating things in order to help Jason by ensuring he doesn’t get involved in another political shit show fight? Yay! Way to go granddaddy Remore! I was also very happy with the way Jason walked away from trying to join the guild - angry but not losing control or getting into a confrontation, just walking away. Yay dude! Then his whole team leaves that guild for trying to embroil him in crap - I wanted to cheer! Then to see it was all arranged sneakily to help Jason … LOVED IT!
Zack
Regardless of Roland's intentions, I still don't see Jason forgiving him for this. Jason values people and experiences more than anything else, and Roland just took that away from Jason *and* (more critically) his team. Jason will probably understand, even appreciate it in the future and let it go after things play out, but he won't forgive this. I think if Roland had been up front with Jason, instead of doing the whole charade, Jason would have even taken 'please don't ask' as a reason to avoid joining.
Michael Day
Glad Jason didn't join, didn't seem like a solid plan in my mind. But can't quite remember, when he gained the sword to give to Amir didn't he owe the order of the reaper a favor? Did he already repay that? Or was it nullified when he freed the cultists/fought the GAB?
Seamus Harley
Doubt it, shade is good but they are diamond rankers
James Squibb
I like Riland.
Jason Pickett
Ugh! You should really try to get your facts straight. The people who want to worship Jason aren’t ex-cultist. They’re ex-priests. All the cultists in the sunken city were already dead or transformed into abominations.
Justin
So the guild stuff will be dealt with after earth?
Cyranosaurus
Shade somehow listened in at the end?
Lora Greenberg
I love the commaderie with Team Biscuit when Humphrey shows up and hands in all their badges so Jason wouldn't be left out and dragged into another fight.
Tristan
Ohhhhhh man I'm so glad it was a plot twist. I was getting honestly upset on Jason's behalf there for a second
Fuzzy Wuzzy
Probably tbh. Shade is older than the mirror king by a looooooot and shades whole thing is hiding and aura manipulation
Joanna
Hmph. I've suffered some serious first impression whiplash here. First I was pissed at Roland for trying to treat Jason like a tool, then I was impressed and somewhat relieved that he actually cared about Jason and wanted to protect him, but then I thought about it for a minute (and read some comments) and now I'm pissed at him again for treating Jason like a kid who shouldn't be allowed to make up his own mind. And all variations are high-handed in the extreme, no matter what his intentions are. In the end I am disappointed in Roland, but very impressed (as usual) by Shirt
Jason Hardman
Technically he's a diamond dude. He may have good intentions, but his method sucks.
Emiya
Its a buid up to a plot in the future concerning the zealous side of the cult of the reaper the immeadiate plot point is to fix the world tunnel(?) and get back to earth Jason isnt ready for this just yet and he kinda has his priorities straightish
Vonelmo
1
Joanna
Relatively little. As someone who's been reading the first release chapters here since the middle of book nine, then also buying and reading the published version, there are very few changes, even fewer significant ones. He'll fix some typos, and occasionally rewrite a section he was unsatisfied with, plus usually the very beginning of a book gets a bit of polish/some introductory reminders added, but that's it
Brandon Walker
Agreed, I mean, it was gently hinted at when he met the mirror king that they had suspicions about his potential, at least, and I think Jason would have accepted the story of "I am involved in politics and powers that will assume you are part of them if you join here, so I don't need you to just not join, I need us to appear to be at odds" and I think Jason would have been sold it for him.
King Nereus
Ignore the haters Shirt, this is all great writing. While sometimes I wish each book kind of balanced out the high and low moments with their own independent arcs with beginnings and endings that make sense, that isn’t always possible. You do you man, I am in love with the series and I’ll read another 25 books if you can keep it from stagnating too much. Maybe this world is all based on other writings, I don’t know, but for me the ideas and world building going on in this series is unique and pretty awe inspiring. You have done an amazing job, don’t let anyone convince you otherwise,
Brandon Walker
Agreed, I was really worried, while I agree with the mirror king about his approach, I think his heart was in the right place, and his method didn't really hurt anyone, just annoy them a little, so overall I like him
deadly chibi
Ikr
Mike
I think it comes down to he can’t fight a two sided battle. Especially when on both sides it’s diamond tankers. If he wasn’t dealing with the guild at the moment I don’t think he would have cared
Allen Wilding
What kind of ending is that??! I mean amazing, but ugh. It’s not even going to be explained soon I don’t think.
Zero
How much do you bet that Shade was also there listening to their conversation? Interesting chapter. The dude has good intentions shitty execution.
Eric M
Whew, I was concerned Roland was a massive tool for a second. Turns out he might be a decent guy after all.
Chris Pollan
They did quit the guild... they turned in their badges before Victor showed up...
Valmorian
this is oen of my favorite chapters so far
Mist Sparrow
More diamond rankers assuming they know better and not letting an outside opinion in. Hopefully shade managed to listen in or something
Chris Pollan
I knew something seemed fishy... when Victor showed and started talking the pieces finally fit... once he gets to earth and can traverse back and forth, I'm wondering if others, not diamond rank, can use it. We'll start seeing "the cult" show up on earth...
Owen Kaz
I both hate this and love this. He is a great man, and his understanding of Jason and Team biscuit is on point. When everything's said and done Jason will begrudgingly accept his actions, and perhaps grow to appreciate them. He has his own fish to fry, and until he has diamond rank power in the regular world through Diamond avatars (without breaking reality to bring up such power) he shouldn't be uber involved in Diamond affairs. Qualified doesn't mean go searching for. Listen folks, Roland Remore may have spent the last several years inciting this issue so by the time Jason arrived, it would actually be a real issue and not a false excuse for this facade he's put up to devest Jason and the rest from Their Diamond-Rank problems for the time being.
John Durrett
Ok. Once or twice I lost track of who is talking to who because there is no use of ", said X" or "..looking inquiringly at John Doe". That said, the gist of all this as I understood it is that Roland Remores intentionally set all of this sequence up in order to actually push Jason away from the guild for several reasons - and they were actually thoughtful and considerate. 1. There is a strong conflict between Roland + Diamond Rankers with the Reaper Organization (which one who knows because they have their own internal strife) 2. Jason getting a membership in The Burning Violet guild, would heavily draw him into Roland with the Reaper Order....and Roland genuinely wants Jason and Team Biscuit to have a break from politics and intrigue. 3. Roland is equally concerned over whether is prepared to back any antagonists against Jason. While admirable, there is no way its NOT going to involve Jason A. Shade (The Reapers Legendary Wayword Son is now eternity bound to Jason. B. Jason's fighting style is entirely of the Reaper mix and match set. C. Jason FREED the cult members who had been locked away for a verrrry long time. D. Even Jason telling the cult (that he freed) to find a new hobby, they are still likely pushing forward their worship of Jason as well as carry out "Assassinations" of people they think are counter to Jason's interests; however they colored lens perceive it to be. Finally...I got a bit chocked up when Humphry dropped the bag and said..yeah Team Biscuit is out of the guild. While lovely move on the part of Team Biscuit, it does beg the question --- whats the point then of Jason's comment of Power Rules. I mean the only power play response was Jason's team handing in their badges. Not Jason successfully claiming the entire city as his "god" domain territory, opening a massive eye in the sky, then opening a portal the size of the city and raining down badges saying - "You get a Badge and YOU get a Badge and YoU get a Badge - Everyone gets a Badge!!!" And free sandwiches to all guild members every weekend. cause like..their just leaving.
Alpha Wrath
Translation of Rolands comment: I am a very old and very powerful man. I still do not want anything to do with his enemies. They scare me
jacob butler
Does anyone think that Shade might have overheard everything without the diamond rankers noticing?
Stephanie Washburn
Ooooh. Sneaky old men.
Dave Powell
That was awfully nice of Rufus' grandfather.
AfroMocha
Damn that's was so good!!!! I was gonna be like wtf but then I thought about it. Had to stop serverl time while reading to finish cooking; and it it made sense and I gotta respect him for it.
Carolyn
Awe I love someone looking out for the youngins
StarkRG
At this point I think the Guild was getting more out of its association with Biscuit than Biscuit did of the Guild. They'll be back. And, to be honest, probably in greater numbers too.
Jay Doubleyou Kay
I really hope Jason doesn't get pulled into a full damn thing against the reaper cult before getting to go back to Earth...
Justin
Gods, diamond rankers just popping up to talk with or about Jason is exactly what I needed today! THANKS FOR THE LAUGHS!!! TYFTC!
Zane Hammrich
This was great.
Anthony Sebastian
Perfect timing -- I was rereading book 3 today and was wondering if we were ever going to hear about the Order of the Reaper again
Aaron Schwartz
Vitesse. Vitesse has a queen.
Connor Wilson
Tftc
Erik Hyrkas
There is zero chance that Jason didn’t have a plan or count on this. He’s already plotting.
Daniel is ŁØNE
Ngl, best intentions or not this was the wrong way to go about it and I'd be surprised if keeping them in the dark doesn't bite the diamonds in the ass spectacularly. I'd rather be informed and outmatched than non the wiser and the same, Jason needs rest but what happens when his "rest" is completely crashed by an enemy he doesn't know about and he learns the only reason the losses couldn't be mitigated is because people thought it best he didn't know so he could enjoy himself, depending on how much the world want's to fuck with Jason this is the type of shit that could pull him back into the slump. This type of stuff can easily spiral, and when dealing with people as unique as Jason is it is less likely for this type of shit to work than not. The Grandpa thinks he knows better and took the choice away, this isn't thinking about Jason and Rufus this is treating them likely children under some misguided idea of protection, when neither have been children for a long time especially someone as war-worn as Jason is.
jeffrey niski
I would love to see a chapter where Jason finds Stash's hoard of biscuits. Can we get that?
Benjamin Grant
Almost certainly
Jordan Rogers
Jason will be extra pissed when he finds out they were just manipulating him away from another problem, which is likely the real big bad that’s been expected
Joshua Millins
I'm starting to hate and tire of the regularly occurring diamond rankers. Aside from Soramir Rimaros, and Aylethe. They act like f#€king idiots and children when Jason is literally equal to them if not superior except he lacks a vessel strong enough to express that power.
CaptainRex
so how much actually goes into editing these chapters until the book comes out? like will there be a few stuff missing or will he shorten them down a bunch and like remove a few chapters or what?
dakota dodson
How tf you gonna make me go from "damn grandpa ramore is an ass" to "oh grandpa ramore really is a gold dude playing the long game"
Alex Cox
All this just for Team Biscuit to return to find most of their Diamond rank allies gone... and nobody to hold back Jason from any more mistakes
Daniel Wills
I wouldn’t be surprised if it was all performative on both sides. Jason and the team being suspicious / aware of the underlying motive. Like Jason said, he doesn’t want to get sidetracked. And any of “the other side” watching see team Biscuit cut ties.
Hayden Leech
Queen?! Estercost has a queen? Betcha she’s gonna hit on Jason.
David
I don’t.
HappyTrails
The next arc is announced!
JonO
I can totally see Belinda, Sophie, or even Clive now calling a vote to colloquially tell the guild to fuck off and to shove the badges up their ass... with Humphrey getting in the way ensuring he be the one to do it with everyone knowing he won't really tell Roland to fuck off. But that he'd do it the best way possible even if being rude is preferred lol
StarkRG
Makes total sense, though. You're gonna play games with our team mate as a pawn? What does Jason do when he doesn't want to be a pawn anymore? Flip the board. "Take care, now, bye bye, then."
Daniel Wills
The Mirror King might have been there the whole time, who knows. He’s supposed to be THE aura specialist.
Leon
I'm liking this new default stance of "I'm a Universe, this side quest is irrelevant to me."
StarkRG
He'll probably understand, but also it's not like he isn't already involved with the Order of the Reaper. No, they don't care that he uses their fighting style, they almost certainly *do* care that he's currently sheltering a defector from the Order as well as a member of the Cult who's spent the majority of the last 80+ years hunting them down. Not to mention everything Shade might be able to reveal about their early days following their split from the Cult. Seems a touch short-sighted for a Diamond ranker not to realise this.
Cameron Baldwin
Wow. Very nice and considerate of a diamond ranker, for once.
Joshua allen
wonder if shade was still there
Keith
This is a great setup for the future. Also, I wasn't expecting a diamond ranker to have that much empathy.
Ashley Van Us
Yeah I called it. Lol he was not getting into the guild
Justin Fralin
I hope Jason understands when the time comes.
Hemlock
Oh shiii
Twilight Knights Cosplay
Not where I was expecting this chapter to go. I'm excited to see where it leads, it sounds like we'll finally be learning about the Scyth Jason' got back at Iron Rank.
BloodStorm
Nah once team biscuit finds out grandpa has gold/diamond rank problems with the order of the reaper. Jason,Rufus, and probably Sophie will all want to jump right in.
Tim
Mm, no, I see them heading back to Earth before this book finishes which will set the stage for the Order to try some shenannigans, maybe starting a covert war while Jason and his friends are dealing with Earth stuff. Then the next book will probably involve the artifact being found and the team MAYBE working their way back and a lot of Sexual Harassment by Boris.
Caz Q
Doot
Brad Gammey
72nd!
BloodStorm
Grandpa made enemies and didn’t want Jason and his team to get involved. From the sounds of it probably from the order of the reaper.
Alexander Dupree
Ah yes manipulation has really worked on Jason so far
David
Nobody’s, unless you count all universes as Builder kingdoms. They’ve been very clear about that since Jason first worked with Dawn. The Builder builds universe seeds. They aren’t his to keep.
Gotrek65
Wow I did not expect all of Jason's friends to do that for him. Now those are some fantastic friends to have!
Tim
My FIRST thought when I read "the order" was that we were gonna finally get some of the [Makkarvane](sp? I butchered that im sure since I only have the audiobooks). But when he mentioned the fighting style I was like oh yea, duh, Reaper stuff. I really hope that that sword he looted wasnt just something to help explain fate sensors.
hachetnif
This is a classic of just talking it out and letting people decide or manipulation
BloodStorm
As someone who complained about wasting chapters on Jason joining the guild. I enjoyed this chapter a lot. A great twist there at the end. I wasn’t excited for guild politics knowing there is going to be a lot back on earth. I loved that it was deeper than that. Awesome chapter
The-DM-Dino
dope chaper Biscuits
Rah rah rah
Honestly I’m happy that he removed Jason and Team Biscuits involvement at least for a time and did it (hopefully) without them being the wiser. Also: How fast really are Diamond rankers?!
GuyWhoReadsALot
He's a lying scumbag. Over and over again the trope is if you lie and hide things, it goes badly. And he's seen this and just repeats it. Dude is a moron, it's not going to go how he wants it to, he's just making it worse.
Ligeia
Can someone please explain a bit more clearly to this tired and confused reader just what exactly diamond grandpa did and why? Also, has anyone figured out who the guildmaster is?
Mark Parker
Hey shirt, sir. I have caught onto something I don't know if it was I tended or not, astral kings make their own universe and become that universe. Who's astral kingdom is palamaustaus in . And who's Is earth in?
Tim
He just had to be a jerk to do it lol
GuyWhoReadsALot
Wow, yeah, if there's one thing Jason loves it's being kept in the dark and lied to. Grandpa Remore sure understands him.....
Kevari
Learned early on in this series not to make snap judgements (good or bad) cuz Shirt is nasty with the twists but I almost wrote off Roland for a second, won't lie. Tftc
John Woosley
Now we wait for our next fix. TFTC
SkippyARC
It sounds like you don't think the writing is bad, you just don't like the way the plot went.
Ligeia
Of course Shade was listening in. He goes where he wants to these days.
Rabmuk
woah
jacob butler
I was so mad at first especially at Roland but this makes me feel a bit better about it all but it is kind of sad for Team Biscuit
batchickcr8zy
I’m anxiously awaiting the next chapter!
Scott Way
Did not see that ending coming. I genuinely thought it was Roland trying to use Jason in some way. Not him trying to keep Jason and his team out of some form of trouble.
Christian Sullivan
Jason got played again but for his own benefit :)
David
It’s not really a surprise. They’ve been leading up to Reaper bs for a long while.
Michael Nix
I’m not sure I understand this move. Jason and company are about to leave pallimustus for who knows how long. Why bother with the politics and intrigue? Let him join and leave. Problem solved.
Rah rah rah
I was afraid you were about to say Uncle Rukus lol
Blue Talon
Nice to see someone with consideration
Nick
How much you want to bet that a shade body overheard that exchange? Jason doesn't do manipulation, he's gonna get involved.
Kallisti _
Circles within circles within circles......those diamond-rankers best hope that this bullshit doesn't completely turn Jason off. Because as he said, he's immortal whereas diamond-rankers can be put down with enough effort.
Thomas Todd
To be fair this time it wasn't in some strange attempt to get him involved or to trick him for a bad reason, Roland didn't want to get him involved because Jason needed the break and he knows Jason would possibly feel enough responsibility that he gets involved
Luis Herrera Moreno
awww the dotting grandfather willing to be the bad guy to save his grandson a little pain
Andrew Woodard
That is not where I saw that going.
Leo
Unexpected but nice 🙂
PapaJohn
There was simultaneously so little and SOOOO MUCH in this chapter I DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT TO THINK!
Andrew Blahak
I absolutely love that Roland is willing to have Rufus and his team mad at him in order to give them the breathing room they do desperately need.
Greg Lambert
Good chapter. Instead of jerks, we hear a story of a loving grandfather caring for his grandson and friends.
ItWasIDIO!!
Finally a good diamond ranker still doing the asshole thing the asshole way but with all the wholesomeness of a world weary veteran
Findell
Huh so the adventuers guild is related to the whole reaper order/guild split thing.
Tyler S.
Ehh i see him showing up being like I see you and then soul crunch
Corac
Oh dang nit often we see jason and friends get played like this recently
Bob of Doom
Not "for your own good." They didn't want him involved. They knew if Humphrey or Jason knew everything they would get involved. So the Diamond Rankers positioned things so Humphrey and Jason would not get involved. This is "stop the bill from entering the China shop" not "let's decide for them."
WindGunner
Interesting
Nicholas Newsome
Tftc
Agent P.
So now we know Jason will have to fight The Order. That will be interesting with Shade as his Shadow
Samuel Strode
Miniature cakes do sound good
Harbby
TFTC
Florian
all this just so a few books down the line it turns out involving Jason would have solved the problem without thousands or more of casualties
Julia
the order of the reaper! i’d completely forgotten about them, how exciting!!
car6555
A pleasing twist for Rufus' grandpa, thanks!
Kyle Hunter
That was well done. A first impression soured with good intentions can be fixed. And we aren't dragged into more bullshit, let's go!
Aaron Schwartz
So this last couple of chapters has the feel of an extended epilogue. But the way I see it there are 5 huge plot threads that need resolving. 1: the astral bridge 2: resolving the political cluster fuck back on earth. 3: whatever apocalyptic thing is supposed to happen that Dawn is so worried about. 4: the purity artifact and the messengers. 5: the order of the reaper I know we’re probably at the back half of the series, but This book is probably going to end with them going back, all the shit on earth is going to be another book, and then there’s probably gonna be one final book back here on pally. I’m hoping for more than that, but that’s my best guess
Dazzoboy
They aren't getting in his way, if anything they are trying to give him a break from all the ship he's had to deal with by making it look like they are dragging him into it but he will end up being part of it anyway since the order of the reaper is involved
Cordell Patrick
Looks like someone decided to be the bay guy to allow Jason some time without worrying about the world ending
Robert Landers
Even if he did (I suspect he did) he wasn’t interested. He just wanted to see the world. Dude just spent years fighting every day. He needs a break.
Naotsugu97
My mental picture of Rufus’ grandpa is the grandpa from “the boondocks”!
David
I’m so tired of this “we’ll play games instead of just telling the guy who keeps saving the damn world the truth” nonsense. What a fucking let down.
Jeffery Woods
Is so cool seeing that they do actually care.
JonO
Now diamond Rankers are getting in his way more than before. Ugh just let Jason be Jason. If he ends up a party through no fault of his own then that's that. He's angry because you're deciding it for him. All these new diamond rankers can fuck off
Dazzoboy
Biscuits!
Tim
Ah, the plot, like a nice cream, she thickens.
Captain Nuclear
Damn. He was outplayed. Bur for his benefit. It never stops, the petty power plays. When you're a true immortal, even more so then gods, and people still keep you in the dark "for your own good."
mhaj58
This is an instance of bad writing. Writing so bad that it loops around to being good. Roland is doing the best he can with what he has and it feels like Jason just met his future self. He should have met his grandsons friend before he made a political play. Even though Roland’s intentions are correct, the method and execution are not.
Thomas Todd
Ok I love Roland, he's manipulative but this might have been the only way to actually ensure Jason didn't get involved. I do wonder though if Jason saw through it
Valmorian
thanks for the chapter!
Connor
Tftc
Brian bennie
Biscuits
Nicholas Walker
YO
