Fantasy Family Simulator

"Roar!"

Thud, thud, thud, thud...

Giant Horn, with his massive axe in hand, stomped on the ground, exuding an aura of determination to defeat his opponent. He charged towards Tuck with an unstoppable force.

Tuck let out a bitter smile. His father showed no mercy...

Yet, he felt no fear. Instead, his fighting spirit soared, his desire for battle growing stronger!

Immediately, the battle energy within Tuck surged to its limit. The long sword in his hand ignited in flames, and with a powerful push off the ground, he leaped high into the air, fearlessly confronting Giant Horn like a warrior with nothing to lose.

The ground trembled under Giant Horn's charge, the pressure from the minotaur's assault palpable. As he closed the distance, Giant Horn swung his massive axe with his powerful arms.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...

The axe cut through the air with a mighty gust, tracing an arc from below at a steep angle. Tuck, who was just beginning to descend, pressed his flaming sword downward, clashing with the axe. A ripple of invisible energy waves spread outward.

Tuck quickly regained his footing and charged forward again, shouting:

"Giant Horn, defeat me, and you'll be the strongest minotaur warrior!"

"Roar!"

Giant Horn bellowed loudly. In his mind, however, he wasn't thinking about becoming the strongest minotaur warrior but was fixated on the delicious feast promised to him.

Determined to eat well, he fought with all his might!

Giant Horn swung his axe with overwhelming force. Tuck could only deflect it with skillful parries or dodge. Occasionally, he found opportunities to counterattack with a thrust of his sword. But overall, Giant Horn was like an unstoppable tank, while Tuck, though agile, remained on the defensive.

"Isn't this move by Master Tuck a bit reckless?" a knight watching from the sidelines muttered.

"Indeed. The minotaur's strength is terrifying, and with its speed, facing it head-on doesn't seem wise," another knight thought to himself, though he didn't dare voice his criticism openly.

"Bless Master Tuck!"

"Go, Master Tuck!"

Tadel, who was observing the battle, narrowed his eyes slightly.

He had seen Tuck's performance on the battlefield. The carefree attitude Tuck usually displayed was entirely different from the intense focus he showed in combat. When fully engaged, Tuck's attention to detail was remarkable, and he often employed unexpected and ingenious strategies that caught everyone off guard.

Kurse also watched with some anticipation, curious to see how the next phase of the fight would unfold.

On the battlefield, as the distance between Tuck and Giant Horn closed, Tuck used Phantom Flash to swiftly create space. Then, he leaped high into the air again, reaching the limits of his strength, and hovered above, his sword once more ablaze with brilliant light.

He let out a loud cry mid-air:

"Flame Slash!"

Against the backdrop of a blue sky, man and sword became one, a sight that captured the attention of every knight watching. They all widened their eyes, nervously fixated on Tuck.

Even Giant Horn was drawn in, lifting his head. His axe, already raised, gleamed coldly as it prepared to strike down the descending Tuck.

Roar!

The thunderous roar echoed across the training ground, even reaching the nearby manor. Servants paused their work, unsure of what had happened.

Suddenly, Tuck's figure plummeted from the sky in an instant.

To the onlookers, it seemed as if Tuck had vanished into thin air.

Of course, Tuck hadn't really disappeared. His Phantom Flash was just so fast that it created the illusion of vanishing to those fighting at the same level.

Only Rhett could see clearly as Tuck swiftly moved from mid-air to the space between the minotaur's legs, slashing his sword at the inside of Giant Horn's thigh.

It was a brilliant feint.

In actual combat, Giant Horn's leg would have been rendered useless. Without armor, the minotaur couldn't have withstood such a powerful strike.

But this was just a sparring match. If Tuck had followed through with his attack, Rhett would have stepped in to stop him.

Yet, Rhett remained still, calmly observing.

On the battlefield, Giant Horn, who had craned his neck to follow Tuck's aerial descent, suddenly realized that his opponent had disappeared, and a sense of foreboding filled his heart.

The next moment, the burning sensation in his thigh made his eyes widen in pain. He staggered backward like a puppet about to fall apart, losing his balance and collapsing.

Thud!

The impact was loud and heavy as Giant Horn hit the ground.

Looking down, Giant Horn saw a three-finger-wide scorch mark on his thigh where his fur had been singed, and his skin and flesh were burned. However, the injury wasn't severe. Given his beastman physique, a good meal would nearly restore him to full health.

He began to realize that, at the critical moment, Tuck had held back, turning the cutting edge of his sword into the flat side, avoiding a serious accident.

Giant Horn scratched his head and, looking at the approaching Tuck, said dejectedly:

"I lost. Tuck, you're really strong!"

Tuck chuckled. "Just luck, just luck, haha!"

Though he spoke humbly, the grin stretching from ear to ear betrayed his true feelings.

Clap, clap, clap...

The knights erupted into applause.

Those who were only apprentices or at the first level gazed at Tuck with admiration. Defeating a beastman in single combat was a formidable feat, deserving of respect!

Tadel and Kurse exchanged knowing glances and smiled. The outcome didn't surprise them.

When Tuck leaped into the air, they had already guessed his strategy. Yet, despite the apparent ease of the execution, pulling it off in a real fight was no simple task.

If the beastman had reacted even a little quicker, the close-range attack could have backfired, sending Tuck into a perilous situation.

Rhett dispersed the knights and had Tuck clear the severely damaged training ground. He then manipulated the earth element to repair the area, skillfully restoring it to its original state.

As a sixth-level magus, Rhett's control over the earth element had reached a new level. While he was still a step away from creating intricate sculptures, shaping flat ground was relatively easy.

He approached and patted Tuck on the shoulder, offering a brief compliment: "Well done."

Then, he turned to the dejected minotaur and reassured him: "Giant Horn, don't be discouraged. There are several more matches to go, and these other knights are much weaker than Tuck. As long as you control your strength and serve as their sparring partner, you'll still earn your feast!"

Giant Horn blinked, his simple mind easily convinced. His large head nodded enthusiastically, and in a deep voice, he said:

"I understand, Lord Rhett. I'll make sure they feel the strength of a bull!"

Rhett's gaze subtly shifted downward, glancing at the minotaur's groin area... Was he still a bull?

Two days later.

A formal blacksmith with the strength of a third-level knight arrived in Darkhawk City. After introducing himself to Rilai, he was promptly granted an audience with Rhett.

Like many others, he sought a more secure and stable environment, as well as a brighter future.

After a half-hour conversation, he successfully joined Rhett's territory.

Rhett led the blacksmith to tour the Iron Brothers Smithy.

"Lord Rhett, what can I do for you?" The blacksmith, Glenko, stood by the furnace, his upper body bare, as he asked.

Glenko had a square, rugged face, with brown close-cropped hair and a circle of beard around his mouth, giving him a sturdy appearance.

Rhett had already learned that Glenko possessed mid-level battle energy talent, which was quite rare in the territory. If given the chance to break through to an Earth Knight, he could become the first intermediate blacksmith in Rhett's domain.

In a good mood, Rhett smiled and said, "Now that you mention it, I do have something I need your help with."

Glenko's eyes lit up. He knew that joining a new force meant proving his worth with his first task!

"Please, tell me, Lord Rhett."

"I need a spiked shield crafted, and I hope you'll put your full effort into it."

"A spiked shield?" Glenko was momentarily surprised. After recalling the information he had gathered about Darkhawk City's territory, he tentatively asked, "Is this for your knights or your beastmen?"

"It's for the beastmen. They're second-level minotaurs and boarmen, so they're quite large." Rhett explained, "Whatever materials you need, feel free to ask Rilai for them. He will fully cooperate."

"Understood. I'll take care of it." Glenko replied, feeling excited. Crafting a spiked shield was a complex task that required more materials and skill than a regular sword or shield. Normally, he would hesitate to accept such a commission, even charging a high price. But now that he had pledged his loyalty to Lord Rhett, he was determined to complete this first task flawlessly.

Andre, who was older than Glenko, cautiously approached with his brother Leonid. They offered, "Master Glenko, we'll fully support you in your work. Just let us know how we can assist."

Though they were both apprentice blacksmiths, far below Glenko's level, they didn't feel any shame in assisting him. In fact, they saw it as an excellent learning opportunity. If not for being part of Lord Rhett's household, they might not have even had the chance to work alongside someone like Glenko.

Moreover, since Glenko's arrival, Rhett had wisely prepared for expansion, ensuring the smithy had ample space for more workers and living quarters.

Glenko looked at the two brothers, smiling as his beard formed a thick checkmark. "That's great. With your help, my job will be much easier."

Andre and Leonid exchanged glances, feeling relieved that the new blacksmith was approachable and easy to work with—a good sign for their future work and lives.

After giving a few more instructions, Rhett left the smithy.

Glenko finally had time to take a proper look at his new environment. Since arriving in Darkhawk City, he had visited the administrative office to meet Rilai and then traveled to the fortress to meet Rhett, going through several steps before arriving at the smithy.

Clang, clang, clang...

From one of the forging rooms came the clear sound of hammering, a sound that had been present since his arrival. With his extensive experience, Glenko recognized it as the striking of a small hammer on a thin piece of iron, likely for crafting items like knives or swords.

Judging by the intensity and frequency of the hammering, Glenko could tell that the blacksmith inside wasn't a novice but an experienced apprentice.

Out of curiosity, Glenko headed towards the forging room.

"What? So young?"

That was Glenko's first reaction upon seeing Willow.

Willow, in his early twenties, had a face that, despite the harsh conditions of the forge, was still more rugged and mature than his peers, likely from the constant heat and focused work.

Clang, clang, clang...

Willow's right hand held the small hammer, rhythmically striking the red-hot blade, sending sparks flying with each hit.

This continued for over ten minutes.

Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle...

The red-hot blade was plunged into a water bucket, emitting steam and a sizzling sound.

Willow's chest rose and fell rapidly, fatigue evident in his eyes. Forging was no easy task. Unlike combat, where battle energy could be used to enhance strength, forging relied heavily on physical endurance, and even a knight had limits.

He stood up, feeling weary after working since dawn. It was nearing noon, and his strength was nearly depleted. In other words... he was hungry!

Rubbing his stomach, now streaked with sweat, Willow noticed the unfamiliar figure standing at the door. The man's unusual appearance made him pause and ask instinctively, "Hello, may I help you with something?"

Glenko smiled, his eyes showing a hint of approval. "You're quite skilled. How long have you been forging here?"

Willow, not thinking much of it, pondered briefly before replying, "Just over a year. Why do you ask?"

Hearing this, Andre's face changed slightly, and he quickly signaled Willow with his eyes.

Leonid, sensing the situation, hurriedly added, "Yes, Master Glenko, Willow is quite talented. In just over a year, he's already become an apprentice blacksmith—he's the future of our Iron Brothers Smithy."

Willow blinked, finally realizing that something was off. His mentors, Andre and Leonid, were being unusually respectful to this stranger.

At that moment, a middle-aged man came downstairs, carrying a tray laden with sweets and cut fruit.

"Master Glenko, I've prepared some refreshments for you to welcome you to our smithy. Please, help yourself." The man was Truff, whose limited talent meant he wasn't often involved in the more demanding tasks of the forge. Instead, he often took on roles like serving drinks or assisting with minor tasks. Only when the workload increased would he join in the actual forging.

Glenko quickly waved off the title, saying, "Truff, right? Please, don't call me 'Master.' I'm just a regular blacksmith, far from achieving the rank of Earth Knight, let alone deserving of such a title!"

He glanced at the refreshments and smiled appreciatively. "These look delicious. Thank you."

Though he wasn't particularly hungry, the prospect of a tasty treat after a morning of work was appealing.

"You're now the highest-ranking blacksmith here, so we look forward to learning from you!" Truff said with a smile.

"Of course, we'll grow together!" Glenko replied, knowing that the smithy's progress would be closely watched by Lord Rhett. Even if he wasn't naturally inclined to be a mentor, it was in his best interest to foster the team's development.

After taking a few sweets, Truff offered the tray to Andre and Leonid, then finally brought some to Willow in the forging room.

As he handed Willow the sweets, Truff's back was turned to the others, and his eyes revealed a hint of frustration, as if he wasn't pleased with Willow's earlier behavior.

Willow sighed inwardly, wiping cream from his lips, and approached Glenko with an apologetic expression. "Master Glenko, I apologize for my earlier behavior. I didn't realize who you were."

"It's fine. I should have introduced myself properly.

In fact, I think you have great potential. Becoming a formal blacksmith seems like a sure thing for you." Glenko replied, clearly impressed by Willow's talent. He hadn't expected such a pleasant surprise upon joining his new post.

Willow exhaled in relief, feeling both excited and eager. A formal blacksmith had arrived at the forge? That meant he could learn advanced forging techniques in the future!

While Willow was daydreaming about his future as a blacksmith, Glenko continued, "I've just accepted a task from Lord Rhett—to forge spiked shields.

Since these are for the beastmen, it's a challenging task. I hope you'll assist me."

Andre and Leonid exchanged pleased glances. Although Willow was now an apprentice blacksmith and their equal in skill, they were genuinely happy to see him have a bright future. After all, he was their protégé.

Willow's eyes lit up. "It would be an honor, Master Glenko."

Then, rubbing his stomach, he added, "But first, could I eat something? I'm feeling a bit weak..."

"Haha, let's eat together. My treat today—let's go to the finest restaurant in Darkhawk City..."

The group of blacksmiths cheered, "Thank you, Master Glenko!"

Mandis City, Capital of the Kingdom of Jinlun

This vast and magnificent city, named after the kingdom's first king, has flourished for over four hundred years.

Within Mandis City, numerous districts of various sizes exist, but none is more prosperous or renowned than the Queen's Quarter.

Named in honor of King Mandis's beloved wife, the Queen's Quarter is also the closest area to the royal palace. It is the most luxurious district outside the palace itself.

The most famous street in the Queen's Quarter is Rainbow Street.

This wide, seemingly endless street, spanning more than twenty meters, is paved entirely with gemstones of various colors. Though the gemstones are not of the highest quality, they still shimmer with vibrant hues under the sunlight, casting a dazzling array of colors.

Upon closer inspection, one would notice that the colors of Rainbow Street follow a pattern—the closer one gets to the royal palace, the more brilliant the colors become.

The street transitions from single hues at the start to a full spectrum of seven colors.

However, the area closest to the palace isn't directly adjacent to it. There's still a significant buffer zone separating the palace from Rainbow Street.

The buildings along Rainbow Street, though spaced apart, are each unique and grand in design.

There are barrel-shaped taverns, round-table-shaped casinos, and inns resembling small castles, among many others.

The Five-Color Section

In the five-color section, where red, orange, yellow, green, and blue interweave in a harmonious yet not overly bright display, stands a grand establishment that has been a pillar of the Kingdom of Jinlun for over a century—the headquarters of the Dauton Trading Company!

At the entrance of Dauton Trading Company, over forty knights stood guard, clad in golden armor, holding swords and shields at the ready.

Such a large number of knights wasn't the usual practice but was a special measure for the day, with reinforcements brought in from other areas to maintain order.

This was because the entrance of Dauton Trading Company was flooded with people, a line stretching like a long dragon. Despite the constant flow of people entering, the crowd never seemed to diminish.

Today, everyone leaving Dauton Trading Company did so with a broad smile, for they all held in their hands a beautifully bound book—Coiling Dragon.

It could be said that Dauton Trading Company's efforts had paid off. After extensive promotion and marketing, nearly everyone in the royal city had heard of the thrilling story of Coiling Dragon and was eager to buy it, leading to this rush.

On the third floor of the trading company, a white-haired old man stood tall, his skin slightly dark but his body still muscular. He gazed out the window at the bustling scene below and smiled, narrowing his eyes.

"Carlton has done an excellent job, securing the Coiling Dragon deal and drawing so much traffic to us. At least for today, none of the surrounding shops can compete with us. The profits are secondary. The prestige gained from such a highly regarded work and the boost in sales for other products are the real prizes."

Behind him, a middle-aged man replied respectfully, his voice full of energy:

"Indeed, the influx of customers has been tremendous, and Carlton mentioned that Coiling Dragon has several more volumes to come, with even another promising work afterward. If this momentum continues, it's a surefire success."

"Haha, it seems you have a fine son, Derek. His business acumen is no less than yours." The white-haired elder chuckled. "Since he made such a significant contribution, ask him what reward he would like. You know we at Dauton Trading Company are strict about rewards and punishments."

"I'll ask him." Carlton's father, Derek, beamed with pride but then hesitated. "But, sir, Carlton did ask me for something recently. However... it involves one of our company's secret archives, and I may not have the authority..."

The white-haired elder turned, his eyes flashing with surprise. "What did he ask for?"

"He wanted to know the history of the Merman Empire's disappearance and... the secret of resurrecting the dead," Derek replied gravely.

The elder narrowed his eyes slightly, his voice deepening:

"Did he say why? The Merman Empire fell due to the disappearance of the Merman King, a figure from ten thousand years ago. Few know of him today. And as for resurrecting the dead? Even Saint Domains can't achieve that. Why would Carlton ask such a question? He's not even fifty yet, with plenty of life ahead of him. Could he be seriously injured?"

"No, Carlton is fine," Derek replied with a wry smile. "When I first heard his request, I had the same reaction. But then I learned it was at the behest of the Coiling Dragon author, Earl Rhett. It was part of their agreement—exclusive rights to all future publications with our company."

"Earl Rhett's request?" The elder frowned.

"Yes, apparently he's seeking inspiration," Derek shrugged, somewhat helpless.

The elder pondered for a moment before saying slowly:

"That reason seems plausible. Novelists often have eccentricities, and the more brilliant the author, the more peculiar their behavior. Seeking inspiration in unusual ways isn't uncommon for them..."

Derek nodded in agreement. He had dealt with many authors before, and their minds did work differently from most people's. For an author like Earl Rhett, asking about obscure legends seemed almost normal.

After a long silence, the elder waved his hand dismissively:

"Very well. The story of the Merman Empire isn't particularly sensitive, and our records aren't even complete. You can transcribe a copy for him. As for resurrection... we don't have that kind of power. However, I recall that fifty years ago, we obtained a notebook from Timus. Give him that."

"Understood, sir. I'll do as you say." Derek quickly agreed.

"Go ahead. Just make sure Earl Rhett remains a long-term partner with us."

"Of course. I'll personally oversee it!"

With that, Derek left the room.

Now alone, the white-haired elder turned back to the window, his gaze on the bustling street below. A faint smile crept across his lips. It was a good deal. Using old, copyable books to help the company grow—how could that not be a win?

Suddenly, he recalled a certain high-ranking figure in the royal palace who had a fondness for fantasy novels, though his tastes were notoriously particular...

The elder's eyes lit up as he realized this was an excellent opportunity.

He quickly changed into a black tailcoat, meticulously adjusting his attire before leaving the trading company to visit the royal palace and seek out the Third Prince.

"Excellent, truly excellent. Coiling Dragon is the best fantasy novel I've ever read—thrilling, well-structured, with a world that feels both familiar and entirely new. It's wonderful."

A young man in a purple nightgown lounged in a recliner, a novel open in his hands. Beneath his thin gown, his muscular physique was evident. Two stunning maidservants, scantily clad with devilish figures, knelt beside him, gently massaging him. Their movements were soft and careful, occasionally brushing sensitive spots.

The young man was engrossed in the story, his eyes crinkling into crescents as he smiled. But when he felt the distraction from below, his smile faded. Frowning, he said, "You two, step aside. Don't interrupt my reading."

"Y-yes..."

Startled by the dismissal, the two maidservants lifted their heads, their expressions filled with disbelief as they pouted pitifully. With a whiff of perfume, they withdrew from the room.

"Good, good!" The young man paid no mind to their disappointment, entirely absorbed in the novel's excitement. One hand drummed the armrest as he celebrated every twist and turn.

Half an hour later, the young man paused, a thoughtful look crossing his face.

As he read about Linley's insights into the wind element, he murmured softly, "Interesting. The wind element's mysteries are described so uniquely, with such detailed nuances..."

"Marilyn!" the young man called out a name.

A moment later, a stunning woman with golden waves of hair and long, slender legs entered the room. Her ample bosom peeked through her attire as she looked at the Third Prince by the pool, her face lighting up with joy.

Inwardly, she felt smug. See, men can't resist beauty...

"Lord Hogus, do you have any requests?" Marilyn's voice was soft, her gaze sultry as she tried to appear delicate and helpless. She knew men loved the feeling of conquest...

But to her surprise, Hogus didn't even look at her. His eyes remained on the novel in his hand as he asked casually:

"Marilyn, you have a good memory. Yesterday, when Baidus visited, who did he say wrote Coiling Dragon?"

On August 15th, Carlton received the two items he had requested from the company's secret archives.

Immediately, he boarded a carriage and headed for Darkrock Fortress.

Sveta informed Rhett of Carlton's arrival.

Startled from his meditation, Rhett quickly adjusted his attire, feeling a surge of anticipation as he descended the stairs.

He maintained a calm facade as he welcomed Carlton into the first-floor hall.

"Good morning, Carlton!" Rhett, dressed in a black coat today, personally pulled out a chair for his guest.

Carlton was momentarily taken aback, his mind racing with questions. Rhett seemed unusually warm today.

As they settled in, Carlton's eyes were drawn to a painting in the hall, and his expression brightened:

"Oh, what a magnificent piece! Is this a portrait of you and your granddaughter? It's been a long time since I've seen such exquisite work!"

"Indeed, I think so too!" Rhett beamed with pride. "It's my son Rilai's work. Even I am impressed by his talent."

"Absolutely. Rilai's artistic talent is extraordinary," Carlton remarked, his eyes glinting with admiration as he offered a few more compliments.

Rhett chuckled. "That's why I plan to have him design the cover for the next volume of Coiling Dragon. Since you're here, I'd like to get your opinion on it."

"Of course. Your son's designs might even boost sales," Carlton said, waving off the idea as a minor matter. To him, a cover was inconsequential, so he was happy to go along with it and offer Rhett a favor in return.

At that moment, two maids brought in trays of delicious-looking sweets, filling the air with a tempting aroma.

Carlton took a token bite of cheese. "Hmm, not bad."

Then he turned to business. "Earl Rhett, I've brought the two items you requested."

Opening the gift box he had carried with him, Carlton revealed two brand-new books, clearly handwritten and recently prepared.

Rhett's excitement surged within, though he kept a composed exterior. "Thank you for your efforts, Carlton. I've also been working hard on the next installment of Coiling Dragon, and it's finally ready."

He produced three thick manuscripts from his coat and pushed them across the table to Carlton.

Carlton's eyes lit up, and he eagerly flipped through the pages. Before his visit, he had been briefed by the company's representatives that several high-ranking members were highly impressed with Coiling Dragon and urged him to strengthen ties with Earl Rhett while ensuring the quality of future volumes.

After skimming the content for a few minutes, Carlton was satisfied that the story remained on track and set the manuscripts aside with a nod.

He then pushed the two books he had brought over to Rhett, saying earnestly:

"Earl Rhett, these are the two volumes I promised you. I've done my utmost to gather them. They may not be perfect, but compiling the history of the Mermen and the secrets of resurrection was a monumental task. This is the best we could do."

Rhett carefully collected the books, his lips curling into a satisfied smile as he replied:

"Thank you, Carlton. I'll begin working on Desecration as soon as possible and send you the next drafts."

"I look forward to it. I can't wait to hear from you!"

Rhett and Carlton spent the rest of the morning chatting before sharing a meal together.

After bidding Carlton farewell in the afternoon, Rhett hurried back to the fifth floor of the fortress, retreating to his room with great anticipation.

Perhaps it was just his nerves, but Rhett felt his breath quicken as he carefully opened the book containing the notes of the Dark Saint Domain Magus.

Given that the texts were from ten thousand years ago, Rhett had expected the language to differ significantly. However, the handwritten copy he held had already been translated, making it easily readable.

Before he knew it, an hour had passed.

Rhett had absorbed the teachings of the Saint Magus—Timus—into his mind.

The text was not overly complex or technical. On the contrary, it was written in a straightforward manner, and Rhett found it immensely enlightening.

The most impactful revelation was this: the world they inhabited was not unique.

In fact, there existed other, even more powerful worlds, accessible only to those who surpassed the Saint Domain.

As for what lay beyond the Saint Domain?

The book offered no clear answers. Timus himself had not reached that level, and he could only speculate, using terms like "should be" and "probably" without any concrete evidence.

Timus mentioned the Underworld as an example, describing it as a world far more terrifying than their own, a higher plane of existence. The creatures within the Underworld were bizarre and mysterious, unlike anything else.

According to Timus, Dark Magi were the only mages capable of communicating with the Underworld at the Grand Magus stage.

This was something Rhett had known, but the book elaborated further, explaining that this communication was the result of a "contract" between the Underworld and their lower world.

The terms "lower world" and "contract" were part of Timus's own understanding.

In his view, worlds were connected by some special form of linkage, whether it be a contract, a channel, or something else.

Through these channels, higher worlds could project their influence onto lower worlds.

Timus even speculated that the spirits of their world were also projections influenced by higher realms.