Eternal Dominion book 4: Assertions Read online

  Eternal Dominion book 4

  Assertions

  Bern Dean

  Copyright © 2022 Bern L Dean

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  Cover design by: ebooklaunch.com

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  In review.

  Evening, September 20, and Morning, September 21, 2266.

  ED year 1, day 200.

  Evening, September 21, 2266.

  ED year 1, days 201-202

  Morning, September 22 to Evening September 25, 2266, and ED year 1, days 203-212.

  ED year 1, days 213-214.

  Morning September 26 to Evening September 28, 2266, and ED year 1, days 215-221.

  ED year 1, days 222-223.

  Morning, September 29 to Evening October 1, 2266, and ED year 1, days 224-230.

  ED year 1, days 231-232.

  Morning, October 2 to Evening October 7, 2266, and ED year 1, days 233-250.

  Morning, October 8 to Evening October 8, 2266, and ED year 1, day 251.

  Morning, October 9 to Evening October 11, 2266, and ED year 1, days 252 to 260.

  ED year 1, days 261 to 262.

  Morning, October 12 to Evening October 14, 2266, and ED year 1, days 263 to 269.

  ED year 1, days 270 to 271.

  Morning, October 15, 2266.

  Thanks!

  Preview.

  Afterword

  In review.

  The following is simply meant to help refresh readers on some of the key points from the previous books in the series. Many important details will be left out and to get them you should read the full story.

  Book 1:Restart:

  Alex/Xeal finds himself waking up 20 years in the past after logging into Eternal Dominion(ED) to delete his character. As he looks at his 18 year old self just hours from the launch of Eternal Dominion in his new life, he decided to make sure things are different this time around.

  He is joined by his friends in Eternal Dominion as they fight to earn their place in a world that will represent much of the world’s economy in the near future. His friends are as follows:

  Dan, Ignis in Eternal Dominion, a mage who wants nothing more than to enjoy throwing fireballs;

  Fred, Amet in Eternal Dominion, a warrior that wants to be in the thick of things;

  Amanda, Clara in Eternal Dominion, a holy champion who refuses to just sit back and heal;

  Samantha, Gale in Eternal Dominion, a cleric who is just looking to have fun;

  Nicole, Aalin in Eternal Dominion, an arcane caster who prefers a good mix of offence and defense and is just happy to be with her friends.

  The six of them work together as Alex/Xeal uses his knowledge from his last life to ensure that they have the best start possible. This included acquiring the coveted first guild bonus for his guild Free Art Expo (FAE) that is coveted by many as it gives his guild 1.5 times the normal member cap at each level.

  Book 2: Traction:

  After reaching tier 3, Alex/Xeal continues to build up the foundations that will ensure his guild’s long term success as complications come into play. Through the meddling of his younger sister, Alex ends up in a complicated relationship with Sam and Nicole, who have been best friends since early childhood, as they attempt to share him rather than fight over him, or wait for him to decide between them.

  In Eternal Dominion the top dogs from Alex’s/Xeal’s last life have decided to take action to seize the top guild bonus from FAE by force. FAE is faced with a battle on four fronts at once and must resolve each at the same time or risk a prolonged engagement that could see his guild’s growth stagnate. Outnumbered but with the level advantage, FAE weathers the storm as they remove the roots of the issue while sending a message to Abysses End and every other major workshop that FAE will not go down without a fight.

  Book 3: Concessions:

  With the storm caused by Abysses End weathered, a quiet few weeks in ED has passed and Alex/Xeal is ready to challenge his tier 4 challenge and reach the capital of Nium. There he has a meeting with Prince Victor. However, somehow along the way Xeal found himself unofficially courting two noble ladies, Lady Dyllis, the daughter of the local viscount of the city Xeal took his tier 4 challenge in, and Prince Victor’s younger sister, Princess Enye. Sam/Gale and Nicole/Aalin are accepting of it due to the political nature of the situation so long as they are not pushed to the side and a budding friendship is formed between the four of them.

  In reality Alex finds himself dealing with a surprise visit from Abysses End (Nantan) and decided to play up the philanderer angle that having two girlfriends naturally causes. His hope is to manipulate how Abysses End targets him assuming that Sam and Nicole will keep the worst at bay while he buys time with the act. This of course leads to the plan almost completely backfiring when one of his sister’s best friends, Jessica, ambushes him at Nantan’s encouragement. Alex finds himself torn on how to handle the situation and in the end decided to have her seek out help from a psychologist. The catch is he has to promise her a date if she still wants one after she completes her last year of school in June. Alex hopes that with help she can move past him as he tries to flip her to help him work against Abysses End. Even so, Alex knows his plan has failed as neither Nicole or Sam could play the hypocrite he needed for it and with a visit from Abysses End’s junior members upcoming he knows he needs a new plan yesterday.

  Evening, September 20, and Morning, September 21, 2266.

  Alex logged out of Eternal Dominion (ED) a bit earlier than normal as the last day and a half had been busy. Not only had they dealt with Jessica’s attempt to seduce him, but he had to plan out this evening for his date with Sam. At first, he had thought about delaying it due to the issues with Jessica but, Sam had been adamant about having the date. So tonight was going to be all about her. Alex had come up with what he thought would be the best date for Sam. Unlike Nicole, a quiet dinner wouldn’t work and the apartment couldn’t be cleared out for them. So Alex was taking her out to The Aquarium, an upscale restaurant, for dinner. He had reserved the best seat in the house for them to sit and enjoy a private dinner. After getting dressed in his suit, Alex made his way downstairs and left, passing Anna, Lauren and Jessica on his way out. Alex could tell that both Anna and Lauren were still giving Jessica grief over her actions the day prior but, he was happy to see that they were trying. Jessica did her best not to let her gaze linger on Alex as he left. Her first appointment with the psychologist was set for the 24th. Alex had set her up with one who he had known in his last life who had ended up working in ED. In fact, he was actually hoping he could use Jessica seeing him as a way to pull him into FAE. For now though, he just hoped he could help her overcome her issues and maybe convince her that dating Alex wouldn’t be a good idea. Soon Alex was walking up to the girls’ apartment and knocking on their door. A minute later Sam was standing in front of him wearing a new black dress that Alex had never seen before. She looked beautiful and Alex greeted her by pulling her into a hug and giving her a deep kiss before she could even say hello.

  “Well, someone is excited.”

  “What can I say, you look absolutely stunning.”

  “Thank you, you clean up nicely yourself. Now let’s get going before I end up just pulling you into my bed.”

  “That sounds tempting but, I thi
nk we should save dessert for last tonight.”

  “So what are we waiting for?”

  With that the pair made their way to the car. Sam was lost at first but then she saw Alex walking up to the door of the convertible midnight blue corvette parked in the guest parking. He opened the passenger door for her and she realized that this was their ride for the night. Alex just smiled at the look Sam was giving him. It alone had been worth the rental fees for the night. After the shock wore off slightly, Sam took her seat and Alex closed her door before getting in the driver seat himself.

  “Alex, do you know how to handle a beauty like this?”

  “I have a pretty good idea, and before the night is over you’ll have a chance to see how it feels as well.”

  “Wait, I’m going to get to drive this?”

  “Of course. You didn’t think we were just going out for dinner, did you?”

  “Umm.”

  “Sam, you didn’t think I would do something so unforgettable did you?”

  “Now I feel bad for Nicole.”

  “Sam, for Nicole, her cooking me a meal and enjoying a quiet night was the right way for us to break the ice. We are at a different point in our relationship as we have already started getting physical in ED. Now don’t worry, I intend to let Nicole experience most of what we do tonight another time. However, a few details will be kept special for just us to enjoy. Just like Nicole and I will have a few things that are kept as ours.”

  “Alex, you’re awesome.”

  With that Alex started the car and Sam enjoyed the sound and feel of the engine as Alex drove them to the restaurant for their 6:00 PM reservation. Alex was smiling brightly at Sam when he let her out at the valet parking offered by The Aquarium. The Aquarium was atop a hill overlooking the harbor, with the wall and ceiling being an interconnected aquarium full of tropical fish. Sam was in awe of the sight as the host guided them to their table. The table Alex had reserved was in a private room with a window overlooking the harbor as tropical fish swam through artificial coral overhead and to their sides. The table had a love seat that would let them look directly out the window while they ate and cuddled. Dinner was excellent with Alex enjoying a perfectly cooked piece of prime rib as Sam enjoyed the lobster ravioli with a side of garlic baked clams. The pair sat and watched the sun set until 7:30 PM before leaving the restaurant. Twenty minutes later they were at the private track Alex had reserved for them. It was a simple mile long straight away on both sides of a loop with a cone course in the middle. Alex put the corvette through its paces under the street lights, hitting 140 mph briefly on each straight away before handing the keys to Sam. Unlike Alex who had owned a similar car in his last life, Sam had never handled anything nearly as powerful as this corvette. That didn’t stop her from driving it like a woman possessed 20 minutes after she had been gingerly testing it out. Around 9:00 PM Alex had Sam take a side path to one of the best features of this course. Just to the side of it were cliffs that over looked the ocean in a secluded area. The next thing Sam knew Alex had opened the roof of the corvette, exposing them to the cool end of summer air. With the car parked and the roof open, Alex pulled Sam in to the passenger seat with him as they started making out.

  “Alex, thank you for this wonderful night.”

  “What else should I do for a woman I love.”

  “Oh Alex, I love you too.”

  Emotions took over as Sam and Alex broke in the rental’s front seat thoroughly. The pair finally made it back to the apartment just before 11:00 PM with messed up hair. They knew that Nicole would already be in ED and Amanda had spent the night at her parents. So they made their way to Sam’s bed with Alex’s overnight bag in hand and enjoyed snuggling before logging into ED for the night.

  Alex and Sam logged out after a short session in ED where they took care of some guild business and Sam’s character Gale’s needs as well. As a cleric of Freya, she needed to partake in carnal acts at least once every three weeks in ED, or once a week in reality. It had been this need that had started Alex and Sam down the path to their relationship. Turning to his side, he found Sam’s beautiful blue eyes watching him as he pulled her into a good morning kiss.

  “This is the best,” smiled Sam.

  “It’s too bad we have to get up. We don’t want to keep everyone else waiting,” grumbled Alex.

  “Ugh, don’t want to.”

  Alex just smiled at Sam as he pulled the covers away exposing her beautiful body to him. The pair continued to flirt for a few more minutes before they got ready for the morning run. They made their way into the apartment’s common area where Nicole was awaiting them. Alex walked right up to her and gave her a deep good morning kiss as well.

  “Mmm, I could get used to this. So when are you moving in?” Nicole asked.

  “Nicole, I’m not sure we are all ready for that yet,” Alex replied.

  “Alex, I think we have checked off all the boxes and Amanda is good to move back home for a few months before we all move to Colorado,” Sam responded.

  “Yep, Sam and I have already discussed it and she will get you every evening and I will get you every morning.”

  “That’s easy for you to say but, reality can be cruel. Love isn’t something that can be scheduled so cleanly. Look, I think me moving in is a forgone conclusion, especially after what Jessica did. However, please give me a few more weeks to calm my parents worries.”

  “Nope, you have until Monday night to be moved in, so four days,” Nicole said emphatically.

  “Why are you so set on this?”

  “Alex, Nicole and I are really worried about when Abysses End sends the next girl at you. Jessica is just a poor girl who was a convenient pawn to use by them. The next girl will likely be a professional gold digger or homewrecker. We want you with us as much as possible right now so please don’t fight us on this,” pleaded Sam.

  “You’re both wonderful, you know that?” said Alex ruefully.

  “I’ll take that as a you agreeing to our demand,” Sam said with satisfaction.

  “Yes, now let’s get to the morning run before everyone thinks that we all decided on an alternative form of exercise,” Alex said mischievously.

  Both girls turned red at his words and they made their way out of the apartment. When Nicole noticed the corvette, she gave Sam and Alex a curious look. It was then that Alex realized the issue of the two seater. Amanda had the girls’ car so the three needed to squeeze in for the short ride.

  “I take it the two of you had a fun time last night,” grinned Nicole.

  “Yah, Alex was wonderful,” sighed Sam.

  “So Alex, are you expecting Sam and I to cuddle while you drive us over?” Nicole asked slyly.

  “Honestly, I forgot about needing to drive both of you this morning but, yah at this point, the two of you need to cuddle up.”

  Nicole gave Alex a look before grabbing Sam’s hand and working their way into the seat as Alex started the car. Alex kept quiet about the blush on both of the girls faces as he drove them over. He had to make sure his own thoughts didn’t wander too far as well. When they pulled up, he got out and opened the door for the girls as everyone watched as both girls climbed out. Alex did his best to ignore the looks he was getting. Dan just looked shocked, Fred looked like he was troubled as Amanda looked his way instead of at Alex, Mr. Bell looked sheepish, while Mrs. Bell stared daggers at her son. Anna just looked confused as Lauren shook her head and Jessica did her best to just pretend nothing abnormal was going on and failing. As the three approached, it was Mrs. Bell who broke the silence.

  “Well, I take it you won’t need to borrow my car anymore,” said Mrs. Bell with an arched eyebrow.

  “Mom, it’s a rental. I have to return it tonight, and yes, I didn’t think it through to getting over here this morning. Sorry,” Alex explained.

  “Sorry for what?” Mrs. Bell asked.

  “Sorry for breaking traffic laws and endangering Nicole and Sam.”

  “Good, though yo
u are still in trouble. I’ll just let your father handle it when he gets home tonight. It is his last day of work after all.”

  “That’s right, and you are all invited for dinner today at 4:30 PM,” piped up Mr. Bell.

  “Isn’t that a bit early?” Anna asked.

  “Your mom and I don’t want to keep everyone from ED too long, especially Alex as he has an important event tonight.”

  “What, you scheduled something for your dad’s last day at work?” Dan asked incredulously.

  “It is just how things worked out. Besides, it’s not so much I scheduled it as it was scheduled for me,” Alex defended himself.

  “Still, you could try to work around it?”

  “Dan, it’s fine. He needs to put his future before a small dinner party. Besides, I’m counting on him ensuring FAE’s success so that I can enjoy retiring into ED,” smiled Mr. Bell.

  “Okay everyone, we can catch up more tonight at dinner. For now, let’s get this run done,” Fred asserted.

  Alex led everyone on a new route that he had made specifically to avoid any of the newly sold or rented houses in his neighborhood. Once they were done with the run, he gave both Sam and Nicole their goodbye kisses and made his way inside to shower. After which he logged into ED.

  ED year 1, day 200.

  Xeal awoke in his bed in the mansion that prince Victor Vidfamne had allowed him to occupy. It was also the site of his developing guild headquarters. The prince had approved his plan to split the property into a five acre and ten acre plot. While the ten acres were just flat ground at this point, a new wall was already being constructed to signify where the two portions met. There was also a new modest garden being set up around the mansion designed for both beauty and functionality. It was important that he was able to entertain nobles and the like both inside and outside his home in the future. He had made sure that both Princess Enye and Lady Dyllis approved of his choice in design for the garden before proceeding. Today was another day he would be spending inside the Vault of Ucnuc. Now at level 52, Xeal had made his way down to the seventh floor and was now having to deal with ghouls that always had a few under leveled skeletons or zombies with them. This caused a few headaches for Xeal as he had to kill the under leveled monsters first, or his boost from his behemoth slayer title would disappear. Xeal couldn’t wait to reach level 55 and challenge the first quest the prince had given him. With that in mind, he activated his advanced return scroll and started his grinding.