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Chapter 955: The Unadulterated Jason
🕑 Added 2024-10-16 22:00:07 +0000 UTCThe diplomatic contingent from the Storm Kingdom had set up their area of Jason’s cloud ship like an embassy. Jason provided the space, tailored it to their requests, and left them to it. Like an actual embassy, any sovereignty the Storm Kingdom representatives held was a polite fiction, agreed upon with the host. As Jason made his way to that area of the ship, he reflected that civilisation itself was really just a series of fictions, collectively agreed to.
Many within a society didn’t even realise the degree to which it was, essentially, just made up. How many of the bedrocks on which they built their lives, their very identities, were arbitrary inventions. Lines on maps; the value of a bank note. Who was born to rule, and who to serve.
It was disruption that revealed those fictions, breaking the illusion and forcing people to confront the world in which they lived. This was what Earth had been going through since the revelation of magic. Jason had seen the beginning, but the changes had continued in his absence. Nations had fallen or transformed, devoured by their neighbours. Others had risen or expanded. The economy had collapsed, and the very nature of ownership had shifted. The ability to hold a thing was becoming more important than a piece of paper saying who owned it.
Spirit coins had become widespread while Jason was away, challenging the dominance of fiat currency. Spirit coin farms had become viable on earth, not just in astral spaces. The Asano clan had been a large factor in this, freely disseminating guides on how to set up such farms. More than anything else they or Jason had done, this earned the ire of nations who still did not hesitate to use those guides.
Although he had been studying the changes to Earth through his avatars, there was only so much Jason could learn from the confines of his spirit domains. He needed to get his head around a situation that was still in flux. His arrival had already exacerbated instability, and diplomatic contact with representatives of an alien power would do the same.
Jason’s interest was currently on only a single member of the Storm Kingdom delegation. He entered the lobby of their shipboard consulate and walked up to the woman sitting behind the desk. If she had been an earthling, the silver-rank woman would have been powerful and important, even with the monster core residue permeating her aura. In the Storm Kingdom, she was a receptionist.
“Lord Asano.”
“G’day Kara. And again, not a lord.”
“But you are a king. I can address you as ‘your majesty,’ if that is your preference.”
“My preference would be to have you call me Jason.”
“As you wish, Lord Jason.”
“How about we stick to the unadulterated Jason.”
“I have my instructions, Lord Jason. And, if I might ask, when was the last time you could honestly claim to be unadulterated? I’m not sure I’ve encountered anyone as politically encumbered as you, Lord Jason, and I work for interdimensional diplomats.”
Jason held out his hands in surrender as he let out a chuckle.
“I’m not sure I can argue past that,” he said. “Is the princess ready?”
“That technically could include a third of the delegation, Lord Jason. I assume you mean Princess Zara?”
“Yes, Kara. I am waiting for Zara.”
“She’s on her way. And, if I might make a suggestion, Lord Jason?”
“By all means.”
“Most women don’t find you comparing their names to other women amusing, even if you do.”
Jason raised his eyebrows, then bowed his head.
“Good looking out,” he said gratefully.
He looked around the room as he waited for the princess to emerge. The white marble streaked with blue was native to the Storm Kingdom. Jason had fed half a quarry’s worth to the cloud flask on his last visit, to better accommodate the Rimaros diplomats. The plants were likewise his, but the decorations otherwise belonged to the delegation. With tapestries, paintings, statuaries and carpets, they had not been shy about making themselves at home.
The delegation appeared to include an interior decorator, and the results had Jason nodding his head in approval. Imposing, yet not intimidating, the room showed off the kingdom’s wealth, but with a reserve that avoided ostentation. The decorations told the story of a kingdom with history, power and dignity. The way they were displayed was a message of restraint and maturity. Jason could see the message it presented to any Earth politician who saw it.
“Knowing Earth politicians,” he muttered to himself, “they may want to have gone less subtle.”
“What was that, Lord Jason.”
“Don’t mind me, Kara.”
When Zara emerged, her attire was incongruous with the imposing lobby. She wore a light summer dress, sandals and wide-brimmed sunhat. The print of her dress and the flower atop her hat set off the sapphire in her eyes, and in the hair spilling out from under her headwear. Compared to the marble and centuries old decorations that wouldn’t have been out of place in a museum, she presented as every inch the cruise ship passenger. The kind of passenger who would send distracted onlookers tumbling overboard.
She wandered over to him, a smile playing on her lips. Jason was glad not to have changed out of the suit he wore to the meeting with Earth’s ambassadors. While his normal attire might match hers better thematically, he suddenly felt the need for as much aesthetic appeal as he could muster.
“Princess,” he said with a slight bow.
“Captain,” she replied, not putting too much effort into supressing a grin.
“While I am technically captain of this ship, you realise that no one else calls me that, right?”
“Would you like me to stop?”
“No,” he confessed.
The giggle she let out at the awkward expression was like water tinkling in a stream. It triggered lizard-brain instincts he didn’t realise were still there, given his new nature. Her presence sent an electric spark running through his body, reaching through his avatar and into his soul. In New Water, residents looked up as thunder pealed on an empty blue sky.
She was looking him up and down more overtly than he was taking in her attire.
“I’m glad to see that you have finally discovered that comfort and dignity are not mutually exclusive,” she teased.
“Are you saying there is an issue with my fashion sense?”
“I think ‘sense’ might the wrong word to describe the way you normally dress. I’m sure that Danielle has explained that how you garb yourself is as critical in diplomacy as the armour you wear into battle.”
He laughed.
“Almost word for word.”
“You do understand that you’re a king, do you not? A strange messenger king, of a people who would murder you if they could, but still royalty.”
“Does your nation even formally recognise my astral kingdom?”
“That is an open question, at the moment. One that I suspect will be closed soon enough.”
“Are you saying I should get a crown?”
“I’m saying that perhaps your current attire should be your model going forward.”
“And why exactly is that, Princess? Would you describe me as dapper, perhaps? Dashing? Rakishly handsome?”
“I would describe you, Captain, as lacking in humility.”
“At least I’m not going to be on a foot website once pictures of me in sandals start circulating.”
She narrowed her eyes at him.
“I do not know what that means,” she said, “but I find myself under the distinct impression that you deserve to get slapped. Are you looking to get slapped, Captain?”
He glanced around in exaggerated conspiratorial fashion, looking over at the receptionist, Kara. He then leaned in to whisper in Zara’s ear.
“Out of curiosity, would it be good or bad if I said yes?”
Her snort of laughter was decidedly unprincess-like, earning raised eyebrows from Kara. Zara pushed her hands against his chest, shoving him back lightly.
“You, Captain, have a long way to go in the cultivation of decorum.”
“If you want me to be more decorous, you need to stop looking so stunning.”
He dropped the playful lilt for that last comment and she flushed at the sudden compliment amongst the teasing. He took it as a win and held out his arm for her.
“Shall we, Princess?”
She couldn’t force the smile from her attempted glower as she placed a hand in the crook of his elbow.
“Lead on, Captain.”
They strolled down the hall, side by side, and took an elevating platform to one of the promenade decks. Jason had reconfigured the ship from its previous combat orientation, shifting to cruise ship designed for touring with friends and family. It was ideal for looking out at the Australian outback in which the artefact city below them was located. They did just that, walking along the deck at a gentle meander.
“I somehow think that this is not the most efficient way to your family gathering,” she observed.
“I thought we’d take the scenic route.”
“Why are we still here, floating over this city? It’s starting to feel like you’re stalling. Finding reasons to stay around instead of heading for your clan territory. You even portalled your family here, rather than go to them.”
“Coming from the woman who was too nervous to come out and fight evil with us.”
“I was not nervous.”
“Uh huh.”
She batted him lightly on the arm.
“I am the highest-ranking member of an inter-universe diplomatic delegation. I thought it was best that my first appearance before the people of another world was not killing people with explosive storm magic.”
“If I had explosive storm magic, that’s how I’d introduce myself to everyone. G’day, I’m Jason… boom. Lovely day for a dog show. Boom. I’d like to apply for a library card. Boom.”
“Now, you’re stalling me. Are you keeping secrets, Captain?”
“Always. Do you know how many recording devices are directed at us right now?”
“I can sense the attentiveness of quite a few auras, yes. But isn’t this ship shrouded in privacy magic? At best they will see us here, our mouths blurred to prevent lip reading.”
“Doesn’t blur your feet, though.”
“Why do you keep talking about feet?”
“I’ve been thinking about that.”
“You’ve been thinking about my feet?”
“I’ve decided that it’s definitely best you don’t know.”
“About my feet?”
“About internet search histories.”
She shook her head in exasperation, sending her sapphire curls dancing around her head. Jason managed to avoid letting out a whimpering noise.
“I am stalling,” he admitted. “About not moving, not about your feet. Shade only has a couple of hundred bodies, and it’s a big world.”
“You have him out spying. For the people who called in the pirates?”
“No, they’ll keep. My concern is with the vampires. I’ve come up against their leader, Elizabeth, in the past. She got the better of me, and I don’t want that to happen again. The vampires have known I was coming back since I massacred many of them to help make my avatar. That made an impression, and Elizabeth has had time to prepare. The vampires got a taste of my power, so I doubt she’ll take a direct approach.”
“What are you expecting?”
“Best guess? Holding cities hostage. There are weapons here that can wipe out whole cities. After magic came out into the open, several nations with access to those weapons were annexed or fell into disarray. The vampires were amongst those who snatched up some of the weapons during the chaos. They’ve already used one, and hold more as a deterrent against similar attacks against them. I expect they’ll use the same threat to try and ward us off as well.”
“Do you think they’ll use one of these weapons again? To punctuate the threat?”
“That’s my concern, along with the earthling intelligence agencies Anna Tilden put me in contact with to coordinate the search. Shade can move fast and infiltrate any security that this planet can muster, but he needs at least some idea of where to look. He’s already confirmed or disconfirmed hundreds of small groups, mostly blood slaves, rather than vampires proper.”
“You intend to wait here until you’ve found all of these weapons?”
“No. There’s no real chance of getting them all, and Elizabeth will realise we’re moving before we get close. I don’t know how connected the vampires are, but this is too global. She’ll realise what we’re up to and find a way to force our hand. The most we can hope for is to eliminate enough of the weapons to reduce Elizabeth’s hand at the negotiating table.”
“You think she’ll talk rather than fight?”
“The footage of the team fighting the pirates has leaked by now. Elizabeth will have realised that if our group joins the fray, the stalled war will resume, and the vampires will lose. But they could do a lot of damage in the meantime, be that through nuclear weapons or by culling the blood farms they still hold. Her strongest play is negotiation, and she’s too smart to not realise that.”
“Will the people of Earth even negotiate? With what the vampires have done? And the fact that they’re vampires.”
“The humans won’t rest until the vampires are a history lesson. Elizabeth will lean into the deterrent approach. Push for discussion; angle for concessions. For her, maybe some chosen few. The rest of her people she’ll sell out to save herself. I’ve seen her do it before.”
“Will you let her live? After what the vampires have done under her command?”
“Probably. I have planets she can’t escape, and better to let her rot there than watch cities burn.”
“And the rest of her kind? Will they just lay down and die because she cut a deal?”
“No. I’m inclined to offer other leaders the same deal, along with as many vampires as they want to take with them. Any vamps I can get off Earth without violence, I will. I just don’t think it will work that way. Some, yeah, but most will fight to the end, or try and hide themselves away.”
“If this Elizabeth is gone, what of the weapons? Will those left behind try and use them in her absence?”
“If they can get them to work. Elizabeth will have to give up locations, and I’m willing to bet she’s got a failsafe. Otherwise, one of the other vampire lords would have used one for themself. Elizabeth knows that if she can’t hand over the weapon stockpile, she has no leverage. As you say, the next vampire in line would take her spot and leave us with the same problem. I think she’ll make a deal to save herself and let the rest burn. She knows she has lost, and that we can’t let the vampires live. My guess is that she’ll angle for passage to Pallimustus.”
“A gold-rank vampire? She’d be killed on sight.”
“Part of her demands will be assurances that she’s cut loose safely.”
“Would you accept that?”
“Not if I can help it. Her, and any other vampires willing to go, can go to one of my planets. One far away from the sun. It’s not a bad deal.”
“It’s about leverage, then. How many of the weapons you can take from her, and how effectively she can sell out the other vampires to humanity.”
“Yeah,” he said grimly.
A frown crossed her face as she heard the gravel in his voice. It was a hint of the icy tone he used when fighting enemies. She patted him gently on the arm.
“I’m sorry,” she told him. “This was meant to be a nice stroll, and I’ve made it bleak and political.”
“It’s okay,” he said, turning to her with a soft smile. “I always knew we’d have to wade through the mud to reach clear water.”
They met each other’s eyes. His amusement was gone, and the spectre of violence faded as vampires fell from his thoughts. He didn’t make a joke, or let his mind darken with bloody purpose. He wanted her to see past the armour. Vulnerability didn’t come easy, but he had gotten used to opening his soul. If he could do it for a battle over a magic throne, he could do it for a woman with a sharp mind, an imp’s smile and eyes like sapphire pools.
Neither spoke, as if afraid of breaking the spell. Her hand was pressed against his chest, neither quite certain when it had found its way there. He leaned in but hesitated, his face hovering before hers. He could see nothing but her eyes, clear and direct, with none of the uncertainty he knew filled his. She reached up and placed a gentle hand on the side of his face. She drew him in, closing the final distance, and pressed her lips onto his.
Comments
Morgan Smidt
That’s not the same thing at all
Morgan Smidt
He could just remove the need for blood, too.
Kristy Riedel
COLIN: Why do you get to nibble on then ladies and I can't?
Kristy Riedel
Colin with a recording crystal....lol
Kristy Riedel
Jason has always been able to simulate physical acts/needs that his magical body doesn't have, like breathing. Maybe he could teach Zara.
Kristy Riedel
Lol, yep, except he hates his birthday because it is April 1st.
Kristy Riedel
Jason told Humphry in book 7 that "You and Sophie weren't holding hands, but your auras were"
Kristy Riedel
He could just make the rivers out of blood.
matthew gilley
The vamps are kinda F'd without a blood supply. I'm guessing if Jason is controlling physics in his astral domain he can just conjure it, but he could also just reduce them to paste when they get inside. They would have no protections other than Jason's word. It will be an interesting negotiation that is sure
Joshua Little
Main body is the new universe, the rest are either his prime avatar or regular avatars.
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter.
mzetqbbtyf
Skim. Barely.
Archon Domi
Sorry Mike but you might have to go back to book 11 and 12 to get the entire deal on that. But to sum it up, Jason has no mortal body anymore. Instead he had to create a Prime Avatar
ByLAWphoto
@Crystal Donak, @Michael Hawkins--I do think Boris is sucky. I get that he's trying to protect his people. I get that he's got a lot going on. but seriously, all he had to do was to quietly meet with Jason and be like, "hey, man--we're here. we're working in the shadows. we can't be seen with you publicly, but we're on your side. you're not alone. you and I can talk it out privately. we're working with you, really. we're in hiding, so people can't know about us. but I believe in you and I wanted you to know that you're not alone." THAT'S IT. seriously--a paragraph and Jason would have had 65% less trauma. counter-argument: "Boris was concerned that Jason would attack his people" answer: honestly, that's bologna because Boris has been a gold ranker longer than anyone on this board has been alive. messengers are born/budded as silver rankers. the first time Jason came back to Earth, he was bronze. counter argument: "Jason might have blabbed about the unorthodoxy to people who could tell the Counsel of Kings." answer: Jason kept his mouth shut when a star seed was implanted; man can keep a secret. counter argument: "Jason might've threatened to tell the Earthlings about the unorthodoxy." answer: before magic came out, I dare you to shout that magical angels are amongst us. seriously...g'head. other than, "it's easier for me," there was literally NO REASON that Boris didn't tell Jason that they were around. most of Jason's trauma was around isolation. the Earthlings had never experienced anything like what was happening and they kept pointing fingers at Jason because of it. if he could have just talked to Boris in secret, he could have had some support. that's the longest post I've ever done here, but the answer to you is yes, I think Boris is a sucky being. he's an interesting character, sure. but I think Jason is right not to be friends with him because even now, all he would have to do is say, "look, Jason--I did this in the past and I'm sorry. there's more [spit] coming down the line. I can't tell you about it, but I want to be as honest as I can because I value our relationship." but nope! we're back to "what's easiest for Boris?" and THAT, my friends, is the true hallmark of a sucky person.
Mike Luber
So question...does Jason have an actual body still? If so where is he? Seems like he'd want his actual self to be in earth. What am I missing? If you can point me to what chapter that'd be awesome. Thanks.
Josh Cothran
Be a damn shame if Dawn showed up. A damn shame
Daniel Storm
Can I just speak for all of us for a sec? IT'S ABOUT BLOODY DAMN TIME SHIRT.
Doug
- “How to add more protein to hot chocolate” - “Am I still a good boy if a devour all the life on a planet” - “How to convince Jason to let me eat people more often”
Larry Rohdes
What shenanigans will transpire next for the cliffhanger coming up?
Max Lopo
I mean, it's not really that politically complicated. That is a lame excuse. The founder is OK with it. If any noble wants to make a stink of it they can duke it out with him. No ❓ suddenly they are cool with it ❓ Weird. It's almost like naked force works.
Kconraw
Thx for the chapter
Oliver
I doubt it. It would be like being a lawyer for both sides. You have to trust your therapist and you could not trust somebody who is more or less an ally of somebody you stabbed in the back.
Douglas Davis
I agree with you about Amy, but thoroughly disagree about Boris.
mainiak
Clive's wife might know thing or two 👻
Douglas Davis
The acronym is HWFWM.
David Proctor
Who have you been talking to?
GentlemanG33k
The reason I believe it is wind goes back to her and Jason fighting zombies together she asks Jason how he is throwing Zombies through her wind and he says he is countering it with his Aura.
Martin Tomsic
I don't know why it was your comment of all things that made me think of this only now, but I really hope that the Fertility and Lust priests never see Family Guy. The last thing the Earth needs is to have people from another world praising Quagmire.
Martin Tomsic
Shimmering Sweets Snatcher? Biscuit Bandit? Pastry Pirate? Cookie Crook?
Martin Tomsic
@Sean - I thoroughly dispute your argument that Jason "manipulated" Amy into a relationship. It was spelled out quite clearly that when Asya started showing interest in Jason (and he was responding to it) that Amy was the one to initiate the relationship so that she wouldn't lose him to Asya.
Martin Tomsic
In book 2 Belinda says that Sophie is practically a spinster because she is 23. Jason says that he was 23 as well, then stops and says it's been a few months so he is 24 now. In book 7 Vespa confirms to Jason that Zara was 19 when they met. This was after he was accused of having been a creeper that hits on teenagers. So they were 19 and 24 when they first met and are 39 and 44 now, when they are finally actually dating.
Roguefalcan
Scone Snatcher or Scone Scoundrel? Biscuit Buccaneer?
Martin Tomsic
Even when Zara reaches diamond, that won't be the end of her road, she could still reach full transcendence like Jason, Dawn, or some of the other Prime Vessels seem to be heading towards. And I'd also love to see how their relationship holds up in a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand years. I want to know how close they still are (or aren't) after that time, but I also want to know about their descendants and their kingdom.
Martin Tomsic
He's had brief pockets of happiness throughout the series, but they were just that, brief. I think you are right that this is his first sustained period of happiness since book 3.
Martin Tomsic
I can't remember if it was Wind or Lightning. I'm leaning more towards it having been Lightning because if she had wind then she likely would have gotten a flight power from that. She has to manifest a cloud though to fly, so I think that power more likely came from the Storm confluence essence. I thought her essences had briefly been mentioned during their time in Yaresh (book 9), but I can't be certain. I should be to that point in my current reread of the series very soon though.
Martin Tomsic
I assume that Arabelle will be meeting with everyone in his family ASAP. Whether it will be for helping her to work with Jason, or because they all need help in dealing with what has happened and is yet to come, I have no clue. But I anticipate several long talks with Amy, Cheryl, and Erika. Not sure how much she'll talk to Emi unless Emi initiates continuing sessions.
John Haseltine
F'in finally, they've been orbiting around each other for a while now.
Seamus Harley
I wonder if Arabelle will meet with Amy for counselling in order to help Jason
Chloe
Oh hell yes. Tyvm. Well done kiss. Woowooo. Tyftc
GentlemanG33k
We never got Zara's exact essence combination my guess would be something like Water,Wind,Potent for a Storm confluence
Laura Hemly
If Zara reaches diamond rank, she'll be effectively immortal, of course. It would be interesting to see them after a couple thousand years, to see if they're still happy together, but I doubt Shirt will continue the series for THAT long!
Laura Hemly
HEFWM was my first litRPG and my first web serial, too. And it's been a terrific one to start with! I've tried some others that I didn't find nearly as well-written and quickly gave up on; I've only stuck with a couple that have come close to Shirt's writing quality! It's his ability to bring characters to life that I find so exceptional. I have never read a lengthy series that could bring me to tears in book 12 after the death of a minor character, who had only appeared in a few chapters in book 1, was revealed like I was upon learning about the death of their landlady, Jessica Landry. She was completely three-dimensional, like every character, no matter how minor! I hope Shirt writes a whole bunch more books after VERY eventually finishing HEFWM. I know I'll read every one, and keep throwing my money at his Patreon, too!
Allen Wilding
I believe it was him saying Kara and Zara in the same sentence right before the comment was made.
Liy
I love that book 12 calls back to the book 2 scene when Jason breaks into her room and offers the same batch of dessert from 20 years earlier. Like, he kept these thing floating in his soul realm for decades as a reminder of their first meeting.
DirePants
All good points. I had actually forgotten we were privy to the nukes as well.
IllustriousIllusionist
Man he’s been edging us on that kiss since book 2 glad we finally got it. Wonder what the next big threat will be, I have a feeling this will be the last saga of the series which is sad but I’m excited to learn about it
Hayden Leech
Kara/Zara
MacMahon Wenzl
Now we just need Farah in the next chapter to be like "finally, took you long enough" and when Jason tries to be like "but it's complicated" she will just respond with "you're an inter-dimesional-warlock-ninja-god-king, everything always 'complicated' with you, just get over it (yourself) and be happy"
mainiak
Right. I'm just saying probability of Jason getting trigger happy is high. 😸
Brett Menzel
Can someone explain this reference? “Most women don’t find you comparing their names to other women amusing, even if you do.”
Chris Furry
I JUST finished listening to that chapter. Heath NAILS it.
ByLAWphoto
@Sean--no matter the state of your relationship, your partner [trucking] your sibling while you're together makes them a sucky person, yeah. " I was really unhappy with you, oh, and Im gonna marry your brother so you'll need to get over it." ...no, I don't think I'm misunderstanding her general level of suckiness.
Cameron Becker
I love this series. It is the first litRPG I was introduced to. The only thing that I would change, if I am being honest, is the numbering of the chapters. I really wish it was something along the lines of "Book X, Chapter Y". Otherwise, I wish I had an ounce of the creativity you have to make these characters come to life. Thank you for introducing me to the world you have created.
Bombans
I just like seeing Jason happy again. It’s been what 9 books?
Stuart Thwaites
Oh you poor thing. Would it help with your suffering if I re-read it too?
Joanna
And that kind of “backpack nuke” like Hayden describes is what Elisabeth was indicated to have used before. You have to find it first, which is why Jason has Shade searching
Soli116
I thought she was 19 when they met. Time for a reread!
JonO
I still think Sophie will start an OF featuring hunky shots of Humphrey. She'll probably call it Humphrey's big engine lol
Sean
I think you’re fundamentally misunderstanding Amy’s character. They were together decades ago and Jason admitted that he manipulated her into a relationship when all she wanted was to be his best friend. None of that excuses her actions, but they don’t show a mean-spirited person in either of them.
Stuart Thwaites
I'm pretty sure Humphrey was 16/17 but there wasn't any romantic or sexual tension until after Jason's death. Jason and Sophie were 23 during book 2.
Jordan Rogers
I bet he shows her shades browser history as an example, he will hold onto Collin’s.Collin’s a good boy but I doubt his search history is…
Frederick
"Lizard-brain instincts" are the instincts that come from the parts of our brains that evolved first, are presumed to be shared with lizards, and are the most basic: fight, flee from danger, desire reproduction. These are instincts that we sometimes have to reason against and are the most basic. 🦎 For those who deny evolution as the origin of humanity, they are the instincts we share with lizards. 🦎
someone
I believe that is Humphrey and Sophie where that age
Cesar Caceres Quezada
TYFTC!!! Finally!!! Been waiting for the kiss scene for ever, I knew that all that happened Rimaros was just Shirt stalling for time and making us want for more of this ship. I believe Jason and Zara have more chemistry than any other partners Jason has had on this series, I’m thrilled to know where they will get and circumvent the fact that Jason is truly immortal and Zara is still mortal, all be it a long living one, but still just a mortal.
Rachel Clements
TYFTC!
Hayden Leech
ICBMs could be intercepted. But a singular device in a storage power? Vampire slips into the city through a portal of some other power, puts it in a basement and sets the timer? That’s harder to stop.
Michael Hawkins
Boris is an amazing character. I disagree
Bryan Jackson
"lizard brain" is an English language idiom referring to the lower-level functions of brain activity (things like breathing, fight or flight, and pursuing Mazlowe's hierarchy of needs).
Grumble
We knew the vamps had nukes, the vamps nuked china after humans nuked rome trying to get Elizabeth, there is a MAD type agreement in place between humans and vamps (near end of book 11)
Sandra Muñoz
Hi, I’m not a native English speaker, so I have a question. With the expression ‘lizard-brain instincts,’ is it meant to have a double meaning because Palli does not have pork and that thought was leading to dirty-fun stuff or is there an English expression involving lizards too? In English classes, these idioms are never part of the course 😅
Roro
Likewise (abt missing the familiars). I wonder why they weren’t part of the team-meets-family thing.
Roro
I am still on the fence on this one. Was more into Jason-Dawn, but maybe now that it’s happened, I’ll move off the fence and be into Jason-Zara more. We will see. Glad our boy is getting his happiness wherever he can find it though.
DirePants
I was expecting that in the next chapter or two lol
Joanna
*Fred Savage voice* “Ew, is this a kissing book?” LOL
DirePants
Well written kiss scene. Very relatable with a hint of romance novel quality. Dropped some bombs there tho! Excuse the pun. The vampires control a bunch of nukes?? I figure Jason would be to stop a nuke. Or any gold ranker really. It would take about 25 minutes from Russia to NY with a ICBM. A gold ranker could easily disable one during mid course in a couple of minutes. Remove the load or disable the thrusters. We’re getting closer to being able to do this with AI targeting and gold rankers think way faster- add to all the many types of powers like a gold ranker gun essence maybe. And I’m sure there essence abilities to hack tech or something. Unless they somehow created magic fused nukes 😮 I don’t know… I don’t think vamps have that kind of magic ability but maybe they could have their own human researchers? There’s always a human ready to sell out their own kind lol Well another chapter left before the weekend… closer the break in November. 🥲
Martin Tomsic
Would Zara need to be protected by Jason? She's a powerful gold ranker herself and the people of Earth don't even know that she is a member of Team Biscuit, much less what her essence abilities are.
Martin Tomsic
Shade would definitely have no qualms with letting Jason embarrass himself. But I don't think he would be willing to besmirch the honor of Princess Zara.
Martin Tomsic
Just wait until the Messengers start singing "Ode to Joy" (in spite of never having heard it before) after the first time Jason and Zara get it on.
Martin Tomsic
Thank you so much! I'm certain Shirt would do a far better job than I did, but I am still going to take the compliment and wear a giant, goofy smile because of it for at least the next 24 hours!!!
Alicia Bolick
If they actually decided to get married, Soramir would be so thrilled.
mainiak
Yeah, I think that's an understatement 😹
Stuart Thwaites
FINALLY! I've been waiting for Zara/Jason since the first plate of confectionaries. Yeah she was only 18 but he was only 23. 5 years is within the acceptable range for that age group.
Hayden Leech
An opportunity to harmlessly embarrass Jason? Without hesitation lol.
Andromeda Adams
Yes!! Like others have said, it’s about time! Loved the banter! What a beautiful chapter! Tyftc!
mainiak
I like Astral Nexus('s) Queen ... despite Zara not being neither god nor astral king. Also technically she can be Jason's "strict nanny" as many times as requested (and agreed to - between both of them)👻
mainiak
Imagine barely a second after a second while Jason and Zara are tightly holding each other and looking deep into each other sensual eyes ... In background on same deck there runs naked Jason with mustache yelling "free the Biscuits!" (I guess that's what you wanted with "Neil chasing Neil" ... but there is no better comedy gold than Stash as Jason ... and lot of paparazzi) Update: Just "free biscuits!" would be epic enough (especially with those free hanging ones)
mainiak
Right ... you are just *mildly* curious. Not that you need it (badly) and (fervently) want to add it to your "not existing" (secret) collection, right? Right?!
Christian Sullivan
I didn't say they would hurt her. I just said they would attack her. I feel like Jason would be really defensive of her.
mainiak
Yeah ... that said ... Incoming migraine for Danielle and Anna!
mainiak
Well, I hope people on Earth will realise that they need Zara more than anybody else, as she can calm the sleeping tiger (before Jason shifts into his blizzard cold raging murderhobo on war path form). Except New Water will have new betting phase for what their god-king is up to "outside". I'm pretty sure that Fertility and Lust priests could be all walking around with smug happy faces.
Sprightly Ebbie
Now you are going to muddle my memory into thinking this is Canon. It was just that believable
mainiak
(whisper-shouting) Quiet! Stash will hear about this new thing and we all be in trouble from the Cookie Bandit! (Sounds better than biscuit or scone version)
mainiak
She is a big girl. She can take care of herself. Also who cares for small nations - map makers will just get more practice.
KollegvomMirgan
Tftc!
Crystal Donak
Ohhh I'm an idiot. Lol actually I'm just a busy mom lol thank. Lol 😆 🤣 😂
OJCOPACABANA
I'm pretty sure that's the bones of this chapter, he's picking her up from her room and walking her to the party on deck
Crystal Donak
You think Boris is sucky?
Arieh Sochaczevski
“civilisation itself was really just a series of fictions, collectively agreed to.” This is a well chewed-over idea, but I think Harari has one of the best discussions about it in “Sapiens”.
Fervent Fiend
or the sun flickered pink
Martin Tomsic
I just realized Shirt missed a golden opportunity to have Gordon show up! He could have been serenading them in the background while they were walking and talking, but since they were so focused on one another they didn't notice him. It can still be salvaged! Have next chapter start with them breaking their kiss and then: Jason: "Did I just hear a crab singing?" Zara: "Why would a shab be singing?" Jason: "Not a shab, a crab. And I swear it had a bad Caribbean accent. I get a sneaking suspicion someone was trying to nudge us along to... uh... what just... uh..." Zara: "To kiss? Now that you mention it, it did feel like someone was trying to set the mood. Why didn't we notice before?"
laughingatstupidity
What about the bar owner from the elf city that got destroyed? I'm pretty sure they really knocked boots because she mentioned all of his "magic hands"
Alejandro Piña
And somewhere within his astral kingdom a tent was pitched.
laughingatstupidity
I'm sure the intention of the aura sets the tone.
Martin Tomsic
Book 2 Chapter 33: Versatile. Right after the chapter titled "Full Jason"
laughingatstupidity
book 2 towards the beginning when everyone arrives for the competition
Martin Tomsic
@Hayden - That's right!!! I totally forgot. Thank you!
ByLAWphoto
Also, now I want to reread "the full Jason" where he just goes nuts on Rufus' dad about amphora. Anybody know where to find that? ("The "Internet" and "within HWFWM" are both equally unhelpful)
Hayden Leech
Jason picked out that hump and Sophie were a thing because their auras were “practically holding hands”
ByLAWphoto
I'm afraid of what Amy is going to do, TBH. She seems like the eternally bitter, holding-a-grudge-forever type. Damn...I just realized there are really sucky people in these books and they're not all antagonists. Anna and Boris and Amy...oh, my! That's a yellow brick road Jason needs to hop OFF.
Martin Tomsic
Do you think Jason, or Shade, would allow something like that to be watched anywhere on the ship? I wonder if Shade would have blocked everyone and everything outside the ship from being able to see anything once he realized what was about to happen. I get the feeling Shade would be very anti paparazzi.
gator mate
tftc
ByLAWphoto
Dawn showed him what high-ranked people do. After a awhile, your body is just magic so you don't even Have nerve endings to stimulate with sex. There's a melding thing that was hinted at. Maybe they'll meld after the party?
Martin Tomsic
I assume there is a lot more to it in the bedroom than just touching auras, because touching auras is also how high rankers knock and shake hands. That's why I'm not sure whether it would be too intimate or not. What would "holding auras" likely consist of? Would it be just overlapping them like when multiple people feel out the atmosphere of a room? Would it be a kind of blending the auras together so it seems like a single aura? Or would it be like making a privacy screen of the two auras so nobody else can read them?
Yaldabaoth
Finally! LesssGOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
Martin Tomsic
Oh, Jason will definitely screw it up, often! But never severely. It'll be a bunch of little mistakes that will get him glares or maybe the silent treatment. Since they've been orbiting around one another for so long and have so many traits in common, I don't see either of them ever crossing the line to a point where they truly hurt the other.
orja
Yea cuz that's how gold ranks. Tumble in the sheets
Martin Tomsic
Are you talking about the daughters of Jason and Zara, or the daughters of Jason and Humphrey? :-P Slightly serious now, I wonder how much control they would have with how their children will be when they go through the Church of Fertility. Also, would they have any more control by going through Fertility themself instead of the church?
Lonez Zhavec
I can see him fangirling over it as we speak. Hahahaha
Lonez Zhavec
I need a global media POV of the kiss because they’re royalty and people just get too invested in them. Lol
Crystal Donak
I hope he is bringing her to the party.
Anthony Fye
About time!!!
Martin Tomsic
True, but on more than one occasion Jason clearly had a physical response to Zara even though he was theoretically beyond that. And it happened as recently as the last few months, while Jason was in the new prime avatar and not even in his original real body anymore. Besides, just because they get more out of the aura manipulation thing doesn't mean they get nothing from physical contact. Clearly, making out is still something they like.
Hunter
We’ve been rocking with the Hurricane princes since book two.
Hunter
Hopefully non of their daughters inherit Jason’s chin. Would be a rough adolescence.
Martin Tomsic
As long as volcanoes aren't suddenly erupting out of nowhere, I think everyone will be good for now.
Martin Tomsic
Odd thought, but I'm curious what others will think. A normal couple would show and feel that they are together by holding hands in public. Would high ranked essence users do the same? Or would they "hold auras" instead? Or would doing that with auras be considered being overly intimate?
Preston Stokes
Hell ya bout time. Jason always had a thing for those blue haired vixen.
3rdImpact
There will be a discussion about holy scones soon than
Aaron Hill
One might assume that if her laugh made thunder in New Water, the residents are getting drenched about now.
3rdImpact
Well to.be honest high Rankers do not really get intimate in the way that normal rankers do... they apparently do that auraathing he did with Dawn before... So ... maybe there is an aura rumpty Dumpty good time ointment?
Martin Tomsic
Yes!! Thank you!
Adrian
Come, come, people, we all know in our hearts that Jason will end up with Humphrey. He and Sophie are dragging out their engagement WAY to long 😉
Feu et Glace
😂yea
Feu et Glace
John Carter I believe
Adrian
🤦 that went off the rails quickly
Soli116
To be truthful, when I read your comment I said Rumpy Pumpy Good Time ointment in my head. But in deference to Healer I typed the other.
Jacob Goodrich
Ohhh hell. That is absolutely brilliant and I could see Jason going with that one at least once out in public around her when it would have the best impact.
Martin Tomsic
Mrs. Astral Queen? Or Queen Astral Nexus? Or would she be Mrs. System Administrator? Nope, once I said that out loud to myself I realized that will be restricted to behind closed doors. Just sounds too close to "strict nanny" for Jason to let anyone else hear that one.
Jacob Goodrich
Oh that would be so brilliant. I honestly could see it.
Soli116
I totally read that last one in Neil's voice.
Martin Tomsic
I think Jory would put the old label on, just for a laugh when he gives it to Jason. Handing over a jar of "Rumpy-Pumpy Good Time Ointment" would be a good bit of payback for the grief that Jason caused Jory back in Greenstone.
Hayden Leech
Or watching the media livestream of them making out haha.
Hayden Leech
Nobody accused the vampires of being good people.
Jay Doubleyou Kay
YESSSSS! Go Jason! Go Jason! It's your birthday. Party like it's your birthday!
Martin Tomsic
Would those be biscuits with holes? Or biscuits that have been sanctified? Jason is part divinity now, so you can't be too sure. Oh, I suppose it could be both at the same time.
Soli116
Togetherness Jelly
Kim Santos
Finally!
Martin Tomsic
You know that as soon as he finds out about this he is going to have a whole list of people that he is going to offer to Jason as his staff on Interstice. GABs do have to have a presence in the capital of the cosmos. I wonder if he'd even try getting Zela to work for Jason. (I don't know if the other diamonds that were involved in the "One Day War" were all his descendants or just other people that reached diamond and then chose to help take care of the region for one reason or another)
ABTelford
I totally was wondering the same thing!!! Hehe.
Greg Lewis
Gross. What an evil schemer
Martin Tomsic
She is likely still too wrapped up in the stories from Danielle.
Steve Shelden
Yes! Fucking COUNT IT! It has been lost to the ether but I called this moment when she showed up outside Rimaros with bronze hair and he got all salty. I said “I’m calling it: they’re gonna smash.” And they did.
ABTelford
Hahahaha!! I totally can see that’
Martin Tomsic
Do you think Jason will be able to keep it a secret when he makes a certain special order for one of Jory's old best sellers?
KaguxTsuchi
Now THAT was a SLOW BURN ✨🔥 P.E.R.F.E.C.T.I.O.N ✨🖤
Martin Tomsic
Wasn't there a book/movie series that was titled "Princess of Mars", or something similar? How quickly would social media run with that after finding out that she is an actual princess and not just another person that came with Jason from Palli?
Soli116
Does Jason swoon? Does a cloud fainting couch pop up to catch him?
Darkdragon
Would have loved it if Erica walked up as they were about to kiss
Hayden Leech
So earth media just recorded Jason and the Alien magic princess making out on the deck of his cloudship. That’ll get around haha.
Martin Tomsic
@Liy - Agreed. He's had the "stabbed in the back" relationship ending. The "my family won't let us be together" relationship ending. The "tragic death" relationship ending. And the "happy and mutual" relationship ending. It's about time he gets a "happily ever after" relationship ending. And since he is immortal already and she will likely reach diamond and become immortal as well, that is the best one he could get.
Addie
He always sets up a triumphant victory. The good guys always come back. Even most of the bad guys aren't completely dead as long as they had any exposition at all.
Addie
Time to be childish about kissing in the comments! Let's goooooo
Hayden Leech
The vast majority of readers HATED Zara back then lol. Glad they changed their tune
Liy
Dawn was a FWB. I believe Zara is his soulmate, or at least future queen to his kingdom. They go all the way back to book 2, and there's so much foreshadowing this relationship through most of the series. Jason and Dawn definitely care about each other, but there was never any sort of long term relationship suggested that I can recall. They had a fling, she said goodbye, and that was the end. I get the impression when she returns, she's going to do something that hurts him for some greater purpose, and she expects he won't like her much afterwards. Although, political marriage in Rimaros can be an open relationship, so who knows what will happen in a thousand years or so.
Martin Tomsic
SAME!!!! As soon as as Jason said, "she pulled a me!" in the conversation where Vespa was testing his political acumen, I was convinced that they needed to end up together!
Charles A. Pehl
Oh pls don't start that 😂😭
Kelly
I’d go back and check out the wording of that agreement, because Death talked about ‘severe backlash’ if he did. Which means it’s not impossible. I do enjoy your speculation on Zara’s effect on Jason’s universe, though. 😂😂😂
Martin Tomsic
Jason can't go back on the deal with Death. It is literally engrained in his soul. And my comment above about "catastrophe for Jason" was only a joke. I think Shirt will make this work out (for the most part) for the lovely couple. In all honesty, I'm more worried about the people in Jason's kingdom over this relationship. The people of New Water heard a random crash of thunder just from his reaction to her giggling. What is going to happen when... other things start going on?
Kelly
Well, it makes sense that when you start talking about degrees of ‘all-powerful,’ there’s nothing that can really stop you from breaking your word. It seems the only truly unbreakable rule in this multiverse is that the soul is inviolable. Anything outside of that seems to be up for grabs, as long as you can survive it.
Joanna
Aaaaaaaaaahhhhh...
zach f
long as he eventually introduces her as Mrs. astral queen to his family.
James Lucas
About bloody time! Lol
Brad Gammey
Mmhmm... it's complicated Eri... can't have you mucking about.
Martin Tomsic
Actually, 6 is very FEW toes for two feet.
Joanna
Yeah, the first person they'd have to deal with is Zara--a gold rank adventurer. Not easy to kill, or even seriously endanger
D3monEmper0r
RIP Zara
Martin Tomsic
Zara wouldn't kick them into orbit! . . . . . Sophie would do that. Zara would just set off a hurricane inside their body.
Jordan
FINALLY!!!
Hunter
"FINALLY!!!" - Literally everyone
Martin Tomsic
Was it just a fluke coincidence or planned by Shirt that they finally get their first kiss on the same day that the chapter where Zara admits that Soramir claims Jason "is the most important political relationship the Storm Kingdom has had since its founding"? I'm just joking, I fully believe that it was just a fluke. Although this would have happened two days ago had Shirt not decided to splice in the chapter about Boris and break the flow of the family meetings, thus making this happen on the same day instead of being separate days. Hmmmmmm.
Christian Sullivan
Now the stupid humans are going to attack Zara and the hegemon is going to have flash backs
Hayden Leech
*Fist pump* “Yes!” -Soramir Rimaros.
Cryfdwr
Wow, 6 is a lot of toes for two feet! 😳
Martin Tomsic
Fortunately Nik was not raised on Earth where there would be a slim chance of him making a MILF joke. I assume that on Palli you would never take the chance of those comments because if they are drop dead gorgeous after having grown up kids, then they are likely powerful enough to make you pay for saying something inappropriate.
Jacob Trevino
HUZZAH!
Billy Mitchell
I mean, if people are into feet, celestines are already considered very beautiful, and ranking up makes people more attractive, imagine how crazy people would go for feet pics of a gold rank Celestine princess?
Martin Tomsic
I don't think Soramir would have Zela sitting around at the other end of the bridge. I just imagine that there would be a small garrison of gold rankers from the Storm Kingdom stationed there.
Martin Tomsic
Gabrielle and Clive are going to love the internet! At least until they realize that anyone can post anything they want on there and that you can't believe a single thing you read because of it. They may create a whole new field of magic just to deal with it. But yeah, Belinda will LOVE it.
Thomas Black
Too many people think that Zara is going to die because of this. Need I remind everyone that every time we come up with something we see as blindly obvious, shirt finds a way to surprise us. We have already lost one main character recently and I doubt we will lose another. Plus yes he cannot resurrect anyone, but he can throw them in his astral kingdom until he can find a way to save them. Also if anyone is stupid enough to mess with Zara, it's not just Jason they would be messing with. Just because Soramir cannot go to Earth doesn't mean whoever the next bad is doesn't know who he is.
Martin Tomsic
100% AGREE!!!
Martin Tomsic
I think Jason will have to set up a bunch of bouncy rooms inside the ship (with a LOT of layers of privacy protection) for them to get it on.
Emiya
Holy Biscuits
Malucatent
*exitet highpitcht giggle*
bryan ortiz
Well, sh!t, ABOUT TIME!! Yay!
lockx
All 6 of them!
David Proctor
I do remember the phrase "severe backlash" or something similar, and he is immortal so yeah, death should of gotten a better lawyer
Zpeed3
Don’t ruin it with all the death talk. He deserves a real relationship that doesn’t involve some aura Rocky Horror moves.
Martin Tomsic
As long as she is on Earth, there is nobody, other than allies, that have the strength to even endanger her life, much less actually kill her. FYI, Boris and Cal are the reason I said allies instead of friends.
David Proctor
If liking feet is wrong, then baby I don't want to be right
Martin Tomsic
Shush, you!
Martin Tomsic
They said back in book 8 that they were never planning on it being more than a fling. Dawn checked something off her bucket list, Jason finished his gap year, and they both went back to what they actually needed to do in their separate lives.
Kelly
BUT BUT BUT BUT BUUUUUUUT! We thought he was going to run into that with Gary and he didn’t, even though that ended up as a slow burn rather than an emergency. And we proposed even then that he could end up breaking that promise. Just because he made it doesn’t mean he has to keep it. It’ll just REALLY suck and almost kill him again, which would be a nice confounding problem for his godlike status.
mhaj58
I’m not into what Jason was saying about Zara’s feet, but I have no doubt that a lot of people are about to come out of the closet. A lot of people
Liy
He's already done the tragic dead girlfriend thing. Let's try something new.
SqrlyGrly
Wait until Gabrielle gets her hands on the internet. It's gonna get messy.
Kelly
Just thinking of the possible connection between not being able to resurrect anyone and what’s going to cause him the most grief.
Jacob Goodrich
Me too. Been years in the making since the first encounter. I forsee Emi drilling her with questions along with Erica
Kelly
I’m so excited. 😂
Martin Tomsic
Dawn, Amy, and Cassie didn't die. Why do you think Zara would?
Dax
If they were being watched, then it's going to end up on the internet. That kiss will probably do more to win over the citizens of earth than anything else he could ever do. xD
Kaelan Spears
I don't think so. He didn't screw up his prior relationships, other than perhaps Amy (no excuses for her, but he knew he got together with her for the wrong reasons). Other than that, it's always been external forces that messed with his relationships. And for all the Dawn shippers, that was a temporary fling from the onset
Russell Widger
Don't you put that evil on us Ricky Bobby
ABTelford
no!NOOOO!!! the guy deserves some unsullied happiness gosh darn it!
Martin Tomsic
Only one of Jason's former GFs have died. Two broke his heart and another had to go off and transcend. Zara is in no way guaranteed to die. This is only catastrophe for Jason, not necessarily Zara.
David Proctor
I could be totally wrong and little sapphire haired Jasons and Zaras are running around in a decade, never know
ABTelford
ya know what just occurred to me? all that spying...who wants to bet an image of the two of them kissing goes all over the internet? even if it's blurred it'll be a huge splash! then someone will try to kidnap her for political leverage against Jason and she will kick them so hard they reach orbit. and die. then Jason will kill them again.
Kenneth
She's been gone for decades now, and they were moarly a fling.
Azmoranth
Finally!!!
Wheelhouse
Awesome! Sweet! Now, whatever you do, SHE BETTER LIVE AND BE WELL LOVED!
Carlos j Silva
YES!!!!!!
David Proctor
Can someone get AI to make an image of the perfect female princess feet in sandals? I mean I don't want to see it.... It's just funny ... And absurd... And make sure all the toes are visible!
Martin Tomsic
Another stunning chapter!!!! Thank you so very much!!! This had just about everything you could possibly want from a chapter: character growth, plot development, whimsy, drama, intrigue, romance. The only thing that someone could argue was missing would be an action sequence. But having Neil chasing a mustachioed Neil that was carrying a truly magnificent sandwich would have taken away from everything else in the chapter.
Kelly
Nooooooooooo… 😩
ABTelford
oh heck no, I really hope Shirt doesn't do that!
Kelly
Goddamn you, I was happy for like 30 seconds.
Sébastien Kingsbury
They're both immortal, monogamy probably gets pretty outdated when you might spend a century busy somewhere else
Kelly
Finally!
brian phillips
Biscuits!
David Proctor
Bro, Zara is super dead now! Also calling that Jason's death pact about no resurrecting people is gonna come back after said tragedy to bite him.
Jacob Goodrich
Fucking finally. Time that they quit dancing around this fact and actually make some moves. I can't wait to see the splash that this makes when he brings her to the family
Jason Galyon
I hope she doesn’t get a copy of his browser history. Maybe that is the leverage the vampires need.
Hayden Leech
Aaaahhhh!!!!! Man I’ve been fighting for Jasara since book seven lol. Thrilled it happened
Bryan Jackson
Implying any of Earth's gold rankers could even threaten Zara
Jordan Rogers
It’s gonna be sad when shirt kills off Zara to get Jason angry enough to beat this next new big bad…
Keldra
Dawn knew her thing with Jason was temporary and they said a final goodbye before she left... She served her purpose with Jason.
John Durrett
Nice chapter shirt. Enjoyed it
Timothy
I'm thinking that this chapter should just be called, "About Damn Time, Jason!!!"
Iain Grubb
And not be killed off by some Gold Ranked murder hobo ^ ^
ThreeErmz
It's going to be heartbreaking when Zara is killed, but very gratifying when Jason breaks the cosmic throne just to beat up the reaper and revive her.
Samuel Strode
Finally they kiss finally they are exploring their relationship
Donald Rodgers
Wooh!! I never thought there would be a need for a representative from the church of fertility and purity at the same time. TFTC!!
Keldra
Go Jara!
Adrian
Can you imagine the deep fakes in 2038?!?
Adrian
Elizabeth can't be an ally; at least not on a planet with magical sunlight. Shirt has made it clear that it reduces vamps to psychopaths. As for sparing her... a funny thing happened on the way to true immortality. If you can declare a billion year jihad against the astral kings l, i imagine you have the patience to accept the continued existence of an enemy rotting on a prison world for whatever eternity they can withstand 😈
ABTelford
This is a very enjoyable chapter! good info and good show of character and relationship development. I also liked that the reason why she wasn't in the battle against the pirates was finally revealed. a little late, though. I think a single bit of banter during the battle would solve the confusion nicely. possibility: "Where's Zara?" "oh she's being a princess." "considering how bada$$ Palimustus processes are, I fail to see how that is a valid excuse" "Jason, why don't you just ask her instead of distracting us during a battle?" "yea, Jason, you should be talking about sandwiches."
Doodlyboy15
Well, certainly gonna make an entrance. Thanks!
Tristan
Honestly I'm not sure how to feel about this. I preferred Dawn to Zara but I'm happy he's in a good headspace.
Sean C Jackson
Next chapter is him introducing her to his family.
Alan McLaughlin
Ship has sailed
Ira White
I came her to say this too lmao
Brandon Walker
Yay, finally!!!
BlodWedd
what happened to Dawn? I thought they were going to be together.
Dvitechd
Finally!!!!
Dillion
Don't forget about reactions from the earthlings who just caught Jason and Zara kissing on camera
Valhazstromoz
ITS ABOUT DAMN TIME!! GET HIM GIRL WOOHOO!!
frankie doerr
Is it just me or does anyone else think shirt has all the rizz I was just reading another book and it seemed like that author has never been with a women but shirt makes the emotions seem believable
zach f
finally. about damn time, now introduce her to your family as your girlfriend or better yet fiancé. or wife as your astral queen.
Jared Waggoner
Agreed
Artur Vogt
Booooring!
J Holmes
Going for an old fashioned fluid transfer instead of the new fangled magical intercourse. Cute.
Meruem92
Please let the relationship flourish shirt
Greg Lambert
Good chapter. I'm enjoying this arc alot. Jason isn't whining and feeling sorry for himself. (Non-emo Jason) The dialog has been onpoint. A few battles. Shade has been epic as always. I do miss Colin and Gordon though.
Sean Beasle
Fucking finally
Alex Schellenberg
They are going to break a bed, probably the whole bedroom.
Aaron (Ataiatek)
Next chapter is definitely going to be a mix of the party and reactions from Elizabeth. I hope
Elizabeth Nitzsche
Cute 💖
Bingus McCready
SHHHHH GREG. Don’t you DARE ruin this for me. In all seriousness, I expect you’re right—he will, at some point, screw this up. I doubt it will be unsalvageable, but still.
A Flashy BR
Biscuits!
Meruem92
Whooo
Greg Lambert
He'll probably screw it up. He can't help himself.
BloodStorm
Nik has to make a step mother joke 😂
David Collins
Bout damned time!
Larsi
Glad to hear he is willing to negotiate with Elizabeth. Given what she's done I dont think anyone would have objected to him killing her, whether in universe or here in the comments. But just like with the pirates I think it's an important decision for him to be willing to spare someone, if he can find a way to neutralise them safely. Especially given his power and the height it might once climb to. I also just think that Elizabeth was a fun character, so I'd love for her to play a role again in the future, be that as an enemy turned ally or as another tricky antagonist biding her time.
Michael Fannon
About time!!!
KeybladeMaster84
Its about damn time
Pierce
Yay! She really is a good match for him, on many dimensions
PapaJohn
He’s always been quite fast on his feet when it comes to the ladies😂😂👌 Zara was an outlier, but OH BOY, does this just make it all the sweeter😁
Unwillingmainer
Damn, those two got it bad. Like, worryingly bad. Great stuff though. And I can not wait until the team gets access to the internet. Clive and Belinda will love it and the rest will be a mix of confused and disgusted at it's contents. No way someone hasn't already mocked up some riskee pictures of the team of beautiful people.
NarwhalPlays
I'm imagining a rouge vampire manages to hide until the bridge is open and sneaks through only to get immediately slapped down by some diamond ranker hanging out on the other end
Justin Butler
Woo! Bout time!
Jace B
BISCUITS!
shawn B
Tyftc
Rowdy Robby
Where's Nik? How does he feel about his new stepmother? #morenik
ReadingObsessed
Woohoo!! 🎉
Christopher Driscoll
Can Jason have a non doomed relationship? I’ve come around on Zara and want her to stay.
A Gray Dragon
Finally
NekoNoir
Tyftc 💕🍪
Dylan Alexander
Jason going to finally get that princess action!
Adam Davies
Yay!!!!! Romance!!! Absurdity!!!
Stuart prior
Jeez shirt, that's been building for almost the entire series
JDPEI97
Hardest thing I’ve had to do today: wait until my three hour layover tomorrow to read this chapter 🤣
Numbzy
It's about damn time.
SomeGuyWhoReads
Hot damned!
JonO
Finally!
samwise
Go Jason!!!
Captain Nuclear
He deserves it, I think, after so long.
Bingus McCready
IM SCREAMING. IT HAPPENED. OH MY GOD EVERYBODY STAY CALM. PLEASE GOD JASON DONT FUCK THIS UP MY POOR LITTLE HEART CANT TAKE IT. Thank you very, very, very much for the chapter, Shirtaloon.
mhaj58
Great job with the flirting. The chapter should be called the best Jason rather than the unadulterated. Hopefully Friday’s chapter won’t be more nauseating politics. Not when it can be relentless teasing about a new couple.
ABTelford
Just reading the title got me excited!!! 😸
Cameron Richardson
Finally!!!
Izraifel
Biscuits!
Morson
Not first
BloodStorm
I can’t wait for DST in USA so I can get that sweat 5pm est chapter drop
Darkdragon
Biscuits
Josh
First
