Tefler from patreon - Three Square Meals Ch. 169 (completed)

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Tom Ray

2024-12-22 11:05:32 +0000 UTC

Wow this was such an epic chapter! Dramatic, intense and so captivating! Totally worth any wait there was! Kudos!

Chris

2024-09-18 21:03:28 +0000 UTC

I think conserving powers will be a none factor going forward.

Myrnalin

2024-08-27 21:47:10 +0000 UTC

In a way I don't disagree with both you and Myrnalin, however last time Blake killed a Progenitor Zar'aziuth immediately sent another so... one should conserve physic powers and also who is going to heal all the wounded Maliri let alone the Galkiran troops? Alyssa is basicall taped out of power, there is Jade but who will actually do the healing? So it has to be Rachel and there is only so much power left for healing....

Tom Thumb

2024-08-27 10:44:38 +0000 UTC

Also Tom, any saved Galkiran troops could eventually become Baen'thelas's troops, ... more to fight the other Progenitors with, .... -- Recall that there are no Laranthyrans left that can crew a spaceship, or fight, .... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

2024-08-27 02:16:56 +0000 UTC

This might be true for Humans, but have you missed the entire story? Also, I am guessing you have not read pt 1 of 170? lol

Myrnalin

2024-08-26 15:09:08 +0000 UTC

John's insistence that his forces try to not kill the invaders is quite unrealistic, solders do not just stop fighting when the top dog dies they keep fighting until told to stand down. And with the apathy between the different "races" I don't see them stopping until dead or receiving a nymphs kiss and being altered.

Tom Thumb

2024-08-26 10:58:14 +0000 UTC

-- Maybe M, ... but recall Larn'kelnar's using one quick short-range teleport to escape from John and the girls, when his power levels were very low, ... -- And Alyssa has taken a limited amount of power from Dana, and the other girls before, like to give Rachel enough power to heal someone, .... -- It might be that you are looking for a sneaky Tef Twist were there isn't one, .... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

2024-08-22 22:47:15 +0000 UTC

When she cast it, I remember reading she drained energy from Dana I might be wrong, but I think there is a high cost coming along with it. Its too versatile a tool if it does not have any inhibiting factors, I also suspect the choosing of the location is very difficult and our dear navigator only is so capable because she is just that a navigator.

Myrnalin

2024-08-16 22:13:53 +0000 UTC

Splatz, regarding Valeria’s famous “NO” To her Progenitor, they are under the Shroud which has a direct effect on the psychic network as noted by both Gal’ and Valeria. I sincerely wonder if John will attempt to lure all future Progenitors under the shroud to engage and conquer them there where they can’t see what awaits them… potentially 20-30 more fleets with each conquered empire. If John then ‘claims’ each progenitors recently defeated foes’ empire’s thrall race, his psychic network will grow exponentially with each Progenitor, giving Alyssa access to nearly unlimited psychic power to fuel her network of Lionesses and John, making them ultimately invincible.

EroticPoetic

2024-08-16 20:01:53 +0000 UTC

I thought there were 29 Galkyran fleets accounted for, a few Larathyran that came through the Warp Gate piloted by Maliri, and several Maliri fleets. How are you accounting for the additional 10 fleets?

EroticPoetic

2024-08-16 19:21:51 +0000 UTC

John doesn’t heal as fast because he doesn’t tap his network as readily, let alone husk thralls by the thousands to heal himself, although he is capable. Now that he has an expanded network, and has seen the massive casualties suffered by holding back, I’m sure we’ll see John ramp up quickly from the start in future Progenitor engagements that lead to the final duel. Although, i think we’re going to see more of Calara’s genius at play in disabling future fleets in similar fashion, although with dozens of fleets of her own at her command rather than just the Invictus and Raptor. The space battles - still using guerrilla warfare tactics - will be much faster, more decisive and get to the final battle faster. The key will be getting the Progenitor out of the dreadnought… unless John can manage to master Alyssa’s portal skill and transport directly into the enemy dreadnought and attack from within like they did with Larn’kelnars ship.

EroticPoetic

2024-08-16 18:45:25 +0000 UTC

Possibly, but Gal’s psychic network broke down. Does that mean Valeria is still connected to them? Or will those connections need to be re-established? Also, Valeria was matriarch for almost one thousand years - so about 800 years longer than Edraelle. She’s still redeemable, considering her culture and minister was a result of Gal’s direct influence. Without it, and the influence of John, Alyssa and the other Matriarchs, there is a very real possibility of a redemption arc - plus she is the key to navigating and controlling the Galkyran empire. Information is power. Kaila can be controlled easily, but would fail miserably without the guidance, wisdom and protection of Valeria. Remember that the Galkyran empire is built on the gladiator code - the strongest claims the throne. There will be countless assassination attempts without Valeria and her special ops unit protecting Kaija.

EroticPoetic

2024-08-16 18:07:18 +0000 UTC

--- Alyssa used the short-range teleportation ability to run from Gahl'kalgor, in a recent chapter (#169), .... a skill that she recently learned from Athena, .... John and more of the girls need to learn how to do it too. -- Just imagine Dana popping into a fight with a bomb, or an Eldritch Inhibitor, ... could be fun, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

2024-08-12 23:45:10 +0000 UTC

I spent too much time thinking about this universe! :D

Myrnalin

2024-08-09 21:15:15 +0000 UTC

-- now that's a thought, .... John's rune sword pulls out Gally's life force and Xar'anuith gets no new knowledge, ... now that is a Tef Twist in the making, ... you thunked up a good 'un, Atta-boy! Myrnakin ... (sorry if I got the gender wrong, it was just a sports positive stroke / pat on the back remark, .... -- anyway, 170 chapters in and Tef is still out-foxing us, ... and that's with his health is not the best either, ... we have a very good Author, even if he does have a fixation with EOM chapter drops, .... oh well, the story is moving forward, that's good, ... ;-) ttfm

Michael56Smith

2024-08-09 20:00:55 +0000 UTC

To follow this thought, Does the big baddie live in a information vacuum in regards to John, does he have an attack he is withholding because of lack of information? I feel there is great potential for some new different enemy

Myrnalin

2024-08-08 22:18:03 +0000 UTC

I am sure he is dead, but is he in the Astral plane?

Myrnalin

2024-08-08 21:49:39 +0000 UTC

"and he felt like his soul was being torn from his body, drained away by the insidious hunger of that ancient blade"

Myrnalin

2024-08-08 21:49:14 +0000 UTC

I am not sure he is.... Read how he died again, there is something about that sword.. now if we follow that path, the big baddie does not know how John keeps winning.. If we accept he cannot reach into Johns part of space, and cant give orders... then to his eyes, he sends mighty warriors into a Blackout zone, they go confident and then lose. And now one has vanished. Edit: I forgot the big baddies name.

Myrnalin

2024-08-08 21:40:40 +0000 UTC

-- might John, sometime in the near future, gift Astral powers onto both Auralei and Kaija, then as a part of their education, take them into the deep Astral and show them what awful fate becomes those evil Progenitors, eventually, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

2024-08-06 07:41:46 +0000 UTC

-- Chapter #169 was worth the long wait (April thru July), ... and that nasty Asshat, Gally, got what was coming to him, .... and now he is a big ole Grotesque Astral Monster, dripping offal and blinking his hundred plus eyes, to hold back the tears, .... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

2024-08-06 07:36:25 +0000 UTC

I was just about to ask the same thing. Is the completed version the entire chapter or just the last bit to finish it. So thanks for the answer.

Stephen hallgath

2024-08-04 08:07:10 +0000 UTC

Okay, Cornbread, here it goes from memory: .... there were two fleets of Maliri crewed Laranthyran black metal ships at Kythshara before the final battle with the Galkirans started there, (the 2nd one got there about 6 hours before the 9 invading Galkiran Fleets), .... plus, there was one regular Maliri fleet (not anywhere near capable of fighting a Thrall fleet), .... there were two more inbound Laranthyran fleets that were close to being brought through the Hyper Warp Gate, but would not be able to make it to the battle at Kythshara in time, ... there were also 4 more Maliri (regular) fleets helping to defend the Genthalas shipyard from Gally's Matriarch. Valeria, with just one Thrall fleet on the attack, to take over the big Maliri shipyard as per Gahl'kalgor's orders, ... that's all I recall, .... so, there was no expected fleet that didn't make it, ... as far as I remember, ... -- hope you are feeling better Tef, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

2024-08-03 15:23:35 +0000 UTC

The fleets were not near the gate and only two made it back for the battle. More should return in the coming days. It might be wise to leave some to patrol/ protect the larn empire in case X desires to attack as a punishment or trying to draw him from under the shroud. Use the gate to rotate fleets until John’s green thralls can protect their own home.

20 ton

2024-08-03 14:19:33 +0000 UTC

Brilliant writing. I've lost count of how many years I've been reading and I still don't think there is anyone's battle writings I would rather read more. I am patient and these battles are always worth the wait. Hope you feel better.

G E

2024-08-03 02:26:42 +0000 UTC

Good points, I also don't like how you make John out to be a bit of a doofus in fighting. To stand there and get hit by physic blast 4 to 5 times before realising he can sidestep to avoid it only at the end! Also Gal seems to recover in an instant while John always seems to take a while to recover. Why is that? The Girls also seem to like to stop and watch their handiwork instead of following up immediately with another attack.

Arakasi

2024-08-03 01:24:55 +0000 UTC

A questions: What happened to Larn’kelnar's fleet? Did I miss that fleet showing up to the event?

Cornbread

2024-08-03 01:18:08 +0000 UTC

Hey Braveheart, the complete download is there, dated from 30 April, I hope you got to read it, and the current completed chapter (#169) too on 31 July, with the part 1 to chapter #170, which is pretty good too, .... best of luck, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

2024-08-02 13:57:29 +0000 UTC

It would be nice if the chapter was included in this posting, I see no download file?

William Wallace

2024-08-02 07:47:25 +0000 UTC

He did? It is directly above, which is why the post says (completed)

Unresolved Plots

2024-08-02 02:26:27 +0000 UTC

Tefler, could you please republish chapter 169 as a single file? Thank you.

Jack M Rotter

2024-08-01 23:42:09 +0000 UTC

Especially with Rachel right there...

James Glass

2024-08-01 22:42:54 +0000 UTC

Irillith & Alyssa had help in the form of mind shields as protection from a half a Progenitor from a vague order that took a large effort and a long time to overcome. Also PJ was no longer there or directly reinforcing his order. Also IIRC Alyssa eyes blazed white indicating Athena helped. As for Larn's Matriarch I always read Larn's Matriarch as only opposing a deliberate taunt, not a command with Larn wanting/hoping to provoke a response therefore allowing her, her own will.

Splatz

2024-08-01 16:34:55 +0000 UTC

1- We already had 2 examples of saying no to an order under the old thrall bond. Chpt 53 Progenitor John ordered everyone to stay on the ship and then left to wipe out Edraele. Irillith defied that, but perhaps because she had a mind shield from John on. In addition, at the end of Chpt 11 we have Larn's Matriarch also saying no to an order, and even slapping Larn in the face. However she was able to taunt Alyssa into also defying and even fighting against Progenitor John. So we do have precedent for Matriarchs to defy their Progenitor master at least under the influence of the shroud. 2- it is very true that a snapped neck need not result in death, and many such cases have become well known.

2ndAndrocentric

2024-08-01 16:05:06 +0000 UTC

Sorry to wreck it for you! Some forums have a section for spoiler free comments. Even if Patreon did the comments are still going to be about the story and will make more sense if you read the chapter first.

AzureReader

2024-08-01 11:49:35 +0000 UTC

So white stuff happening on the black stuff has a certain effect... What about golden shower? Is that how the Maliri made their golden armor?

slashdot56

2024-08-01 08:29:49 +0000 UTC

Another "thank you" for the spoiler... Very nice chapter! Looking forward to the aftermath.

slashdot56

2024-08-01 08:25:06 +0000 UTC

Wow !

Si

2024-08-01 05:40:35 +0000 UTC

I just wanted to say, I am pretty critical of this and the previous few chapters because I have loved this series since the beginning on Literotica. I think I found it when chapter 2 or 3 was posted there and have been supporting it ever since. I have been a huge fan, and love this universe, but I feel like these last several chapters leave me looking at John as a sub-par commanding officer.

Christopher Miller

2024-08-01 04:54:14 +0000 UTC

By not ending a battle ASAP, and showing mercy to enemies who are actively trying and capable of killing your people proves that Terran Federation War Colleges and officer training are complete shite. If almost getting his women slaughtered and his empire overrun doesn't force him to reevaluate his priorities he's one of the worst military commanders ever

Christopher Miller

2024-08-01 04:35:53 +0000 UTC

I agree we could chalk up John's ROE choices to his white knight complex and overconfidence. But I believe his worst mistake was how he managed the duel. They had Gahl enraged and fighting like an idiot. If he and Sakura had double teamed him at the start quickly they would have finished him before he got the chance to drain a single thrall and the battles would have ended with at MINIMUM of hundreds of thousands of fewer casualties. So what does he do? He scraps the fast ambush with Sakura and decides to duel him for several minutes to make sure Gahl really is a clueless, bumbling brute. This despite Rachel's psychological profile of him and John's own observations on how unhinged he is. By deciding to delay ending it early, Gahl recovers his senses and begins fighting smarter, and keeps John on his back feet the whole fight, nearly killing John and losing everything. But John nearly got Dana, Alyssa, Rachel, and Ilyana killed bailing his ass out of a fight they weren't supposed to be anywhere near.

Christopher Miller

2024-08-01 04:28:58 +0000 UTC

I agree there are tons of benefits to leaving as many enemy thralls as possible alive. However, after the first few clashes the math should have made it very apparent that Gahl was going to have way too many ships and thralls left to leave John and Calara reasonably sure of victory without massive numbers of Maliri casualties. It seems like John values the lives of Galkiran thralls more than the Maliri or his Lionesses because his decisions. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions of lives were in jeopardy that wouldn't have been, if a quick and decisive Maliri had occurred. It would have awesome if all the Galkiran thralls could have been saved, but as it was shit tons of both Galkiran & Maliri thralls ended up dying in the end. Because he showed mercy to the Galkirans at the beginning, instead of the end it was far bloodier for the Maliri.

Christopher Miller

2024-08-01 04:08:49 +0000 UTC

The plot was that Edraele would sleep blissfully love-drunk through 90% of the battle and then, after thousands of Maliri were killed, would wake up and spear a few people while Luna ran at super speed and cut others down. If you wanted to make Edraele’s involvement in the battle less interesting I’m not sure how you would do it. I guess sleep through the whole shitshow.

AzureReader

2024-08-01 03:38:46 +0000 UTC

I think the implication is that Edraele isn't exactly Edraele at the moment. If you look at her dialogue when she woke up, it's a bit off from her normal.

Jedi Khan

2024-08-01 03:25:07 +0000 UTC

I think that the magnitude of this part of the story can only be comprehended going back to 164 or 165 and reading them all in a sequence. The battle is perfectly designed, even if the writing is not as brilliant as some similar chapters in the past. To be honest, only chapter 100 has a similar complexity in a battle.

Puttanegra Ficondo

2024-08-01 01:34:08 +0000 UTC

I’m still confused about Queen Edraele. I know she was frozen up for a bit, but when she woke up, with all that extra power, shouldn’t Alyssa or John at least noticed over the bond they share? And shouldn’t she have been able to provide some power and strength to him, I realize she was fighting her own battle, but it didn’t seem to be much of a strain for her, she was destroying the invaders like they were nothing and her power network should now be at least equal to Jade and Alyssa, if not vastly stronger, by the newly boosted sheer numbers in her network? Did she just forget? Not care? Seemed odd. But great finish to a killer chapter and battle.

Derrick Hatfield

2024-08-01 01:29:37 +0000 UTC

-- Gally's gladiatrix was routinely abused physically and then healed by a full load of Progenitor psychic semen, ... So dear Valeria was a bit stronger (mentally) than the average Matriarch, ... -- Is she dead or is she paralyzed? .... Which Rachel or John can heal, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

2024-07-31 23:34:31 +0000 UTC

The strategic and lengthened battle was so intense . Despite the above critics . I truly believe you have already considered all of that . I have thoroughly enjoyed every word of this TEFLER world . And can't wait to see how the massive aftermath transpires . Thank you .

Azwiz

2024-07-31 22:11:26 +0000 UTC

Ok...Great conclusion of an epic battle, curious to know how the several story lines will conclude.... The interest that Gal took in genthalas, the still closed bunkers...etc... I believe the runesword could have played a bigger role than it had and a combined attack from the girls and John could have ended the battle earlier with less blood shed, but that would have killed all the suspense right? Thank you tefler for conluding this, it has been a long battle for you as well

Aldo

2024-07-31 21:51:11 +0000 UTC

Ok. Loved it! So glad to have it and glad that Tefler is well. Can not wait to see how all the housekeeping with the defeated thralls pans out

Redshank

2024-07-31 21:46:06 +0000 UTC

She didn't. The dreadnought was inside the planet's atmosphere

Akram123456

2024-07-31 20:51:58 +0000 UTC

That is what was going through my mind as well

Christopher Miller

2024-07-31 19:39:37 +0000 UTC

Thanks for the spoiler 😑 I guess we shouldn’t read the comments before we read the chapter 😅

EroticPoetic

2024-07-31 19:09:01 +0000 UTC

Thanks for finishing 169 this month. I like that Alyssa, Sakura, Rachel and John came together to end him. I’m am concerned about him Gahl passing on information to Xar’ like Larn’ seems to have.

AzureReader

2024-07-31 18:11:15 +0000 UTC

Being cut off from John even when planned and everyone understands it’s temporary seems to have been debilitating. Being cut off mid-battle means your progenitor is dead. Permanently. Every thrall will feel it intensely.

AzureReader

2024-07-31 18:07:33 +0000 UTC

Thank you for that and I hope that your getting better and can recover fully Tefler. May your insperation be great and your writing productive.

Nibbles

2024-07-31 16:53:48 +0000 UTC

Looking forward to the aftermath. How will his death impact the thralls? Will they become suicidal? Comatose? Disorientated? Or will most continue fighting until they get a command from the captured dreadnought? Thanks for the great chapter.

Tefler fan

2024-07-31 16:50:06 +0000 UTC

Now that this battle is over, I suspect there is little to keep Faye from "being" returned. And interestingly enough, they have a highly damaged Massive ship that the owner just left them. :) I know it is made from the black stuff, but we also know that John banging women on the black stuff can turn it white. Dana will learn from the black stuff and make loads of new things for John and the Lionesses to play with.

Grandizer

2024-07-31 15:59:56 +0000 UTC

Oh damn, no spoilers, I am now itching to get to it Thanks for an amazing chapter!

Steve

2024-07-31 15:53:14 +0000 UTC

Confident that crippling the existing ships not only reinforced Johns total fleet count, but adds to his thralls unless they were the ones drained. Now that this Progenitor has been destroyed I assume his thralls will just cease to fight, except for their enmity towards the Maliri as alternative “thralls l”. It will be interesting to see how you resolve this, but at least you may have crews for the other ships.

Gort69

2024-07-31 14:12:23 +0000 UTC

It expired before I saw it can I get it again

Sean McAllister

2024-07-31 13:50:16 +0000 UTC

https://discord.gg/dkFP8S7y

Who Me

2024-07-31 13:19:22 +0000 UTC

Don’t know how long it will be good for.

Tefler Fan 007

2024-07-31 13:18:57 +0000 UTC

https://discord.gg/szPhfrWA

Tefler Fan 007

2024-07-31 13:18:33 +0000 UTC

Could someone help me out with a link to the discord?

Sean McAllister

2024-07-31 12:25:57 +0000 UTC

I have 2 things and I'm sure both have probably been razed by others. 1) I'm looking forward to finding out how Val said No to Gahl. PJ and Rahn both showed absolute absolute control over there thralls/matriarchs, until interventions. 2) I hope/suspect Ilyanna isn't dead a snapped neck while deadly I don't think is instant death

Splatz

2024-07-31 12:12:09 +0000 UTC

Fantastic chapter. I’m glad Gal finally met his end but I’m honestly surprised with how sad I felt for him. That last moment felt like he had a bit of clarity and realized that he had someone he cared for that he wanted to protect, and he failed.

Amathew2

2024-07-31 11:46:41 +0000 UTC

This is why I wait and wait and wait. Excellent chapter!

John Fryar

2024-07-31 10:38:00 +0000 UTC

Out Standing Chapter! Now to pick up all of the battle damaged pieces...

Joseph Philipps

2024-07-31 08:09:27 +0000 UTC

John should strip naked and form a big alysium tank, then drop a super sized load for all the girls. Let them "get into their cups".

Green Seadragon

2024-07-31 07:56:52 +0000 UTC

Very nice ending. I had not appreciated it till the whole thing was done.

anand srivastava

2024-07-31 07:13:22 +0000 UTC

She is critical for stealing Gahl's network. Individually warding them will never happen. With her, John will get a billion wards at once. That will increase his power 100s of times.

anand srivastava

2024-07-31 07:02:58 +0000 UTC

I am so curious as to when Dana and Tom will find out they are family? Or are they?

Shelton

2024-07-31 06:17:24 +0000 UTC

Very satisfying ending

Dracon

2024-07-31 05:12:28 +0000 UTC

GK didn't exactly kill Ilyana. He snapped her neck, and even then only moments before dying himself. Even if she can't breath, Ilyana's heart is probably still beating -- and Rachel is right there! I am holding out hope that Rachel can patch her up before she is gone.

Colin Wilson

2024-07-31 04:47:01 +0000 UTC

Incredible chapter. I love how the girls all played key roles in taking Gally down.

Florida Reader

2024-07-31 04:18:43 +0000 UTC

Ugh. Can you tell my spell check has GOT posts stored in it? 😜

Tipp McClure

2024-07-31 03:24:26 +0000 UTC

Please don't try for a redemption arc for Valyria. 1000s of years of being a monster have earned her an ignoble quiet end.

Tipp McClure

2024-07-31 03:23:34 +0000 UTC

Thanks for the feedback. It's great to hear you really enjoyed it! You're right, planning out a large-scale battle in advance is very complex and takes a significant amount of effort. It's critical to make sure the forces are correctly balanced for the overall result you're trying to achieve. You also need to be very careful about timelines, to make sure that all the characters are in place at the correct times. A prime example for this one, was the Maliri fleets returning with the Larathyran warships. If I'd accidentally delayed the arrival of GK's fleets by even a day, then hordes more Maliri would have jumped in, making the battle massively one-sided. It's the same with setting up the internal conflict between GK and Valeria. This leads to them being separated for the final battle, allowing her to assault Genthalas on her own. I did this for a very specific reason, which you'll understand when you read chapter 170.

Tefler

2024-07-31 03:06:00 +0000 UTC

If something had gone wrong, and they hadn't been able to kill Gahl'kalgor in that initial ambush, the death toll on both sides would have been way higher. Fighting at titan size, it would have been much harder for most of the girls to do any significant damage to a Progenitor, making it difficult to kill him outright. The battle would have still turned into a protracted slugfest, but the Lionesses wouldn't have been able to intervene to protect the Maliri. Also, FYI, if they had all attacked GK immediately when he landed, he would have got spooked, and ordered the dreadnought to shell the park. GK could have easily escaped the bombardment, but the Lionesses wouldn't have all been able to avoid it so easily. Someone definitely could have been killed (depending on how infallible I decided to make their plot armour). :)

Tefler

2024-07-31 02:39:26 +0000 UTC

That's some fair criticism, but there is a significant strategic benefit to sparing all the Galkirans. John was being his usual white knight self, trying to protect the thralls he sees as Progenitor's victims. But Alyssa is always looking at the long game, and works closely with Calara. You'll see in chapter 170 why they both went along with crippling all the thrall vessels instead of destroying them. As for agreeing to the duel with Gahl'kalgor: Their number 1 priority was always to get the Progenitor to commit to a surface fight, so that they could try to kill him when he was out of the dreadnought. Right up until John taunted Gahl'kalgor into the duel, they were never 100% certain that he'd bite. Granted, they could have had the whole team ambush Gahl'kalgor as soon as he landed on Kythshara. The problem was, that they had committed significant forces to making John's supposed throneworld look occupied. With all those troops exposed, and with all the Galkiran marines besieging the city, John was just trying to minimise the losses on both sides.

Tefler

2024-07-31 02:30:03 +0000 UTC

That was some terrific reading, and writing. I don't understand how people expect that to be done in a few days like it's a nursery rhyme or a cheating wife story. It's like you enable the reader to get right in the story and identify with almost each character . Awesome talent, appreciate your writing so much. I wonder what comes next. I hope your health continues to improve.

John the 5th

2024-07-31 02:21:02 +0000 UTC

Great chapter loved the finish to the battle.

Dragondoc

2024-07-31 01:59:06 +0000 UTC

That was quite the battle. Looking forward to 170.

PD

2024-07-31 01:29:13 +0000 UTC

"she’d every tried" --> she’d ever tried A very satisfying end to the chapter. Well done!

GC

2024-07-31 00:26:33 +0000 UTC

overall, the last few chapters in my opinion have been the weakest in the series with stupidest and worst decisions that John has made as a warlord and military commander. I grant you the suspense was top notch, but I kept coming back to John's absolutely horrible decisions in and leading up to the fight that cost the lives of tens (hundreds?) of thousands of Maliri, Ilyana, members of the Collective and more Galtyrians than that. That's despite sparing as many women as possible was his primary goal. In Rachel, Alyssa and Calara he has the best advisors in the galaxy and he disregarded their advice and chose to fight a limited war that left Gahlly strong enough to split his forces and attack multiple soft targets. He could have probably destroyed 2 or 3 ships for every one he had to take time to maneuver around and surgically cripple in the fight leading up to Kythshara. THAT would have changed the casualties dramatically in the favor of the Maliri. Yes, I understand he was trying to be merciful to the women enslaved by Gahl, but tens of thousands, if not many more, of Maliri are now dead that wouldn't be otherwise. And then ....there was the decision to just duel an enraged, unthinking Gahl to make sure, you know, he wasn't faking being an idiot. This as opposed to ambushing him and killing in seconds before he could kill a single thrall facepalm facepalm facepalm. This despite his team telling him, "Yes, he's an unnuanced, unthinking brute". If there can be a redemption of this arc, it's that he realizes "Yes, I cannot save everyone, and when I seriously try to it means horrible consequences for those I love".

Christopher Miller

2024-07-31 00:24:23 +0000 UTC

Thanks Tefler. Hope you are feeling better. Looking forward to the conclusion of the battle and what happens with Valeria and the Galkirans.

Unresolved Plots

2024-07-31 00:21:16 +0000 UTC

Standard progenitor invasion fleet size is 30 fleets. Invictus detected 29 fleets coming into Maliri space. It’s assumed one fleet stayed with warp gate. You have 38 fleets in this chapter.

Tefler Fan 007

2024-07-31 00:03:43 +0000 UTC

She doesn't. As I understand the sequence of events Gahl's dreadnought was hovering above the city at relatively low altitude and within the planet's atmosphere.

BrianM

2024-07-30 23:54:45 +0000 UTC

Great chapter! Just out of interest, how the heck does Jade fly in space?

andrew finlayson

2024-07-30 23:45:51 +0000 UTC

Thank you! I'm glad you liked the ending.

Tefler

2024-07-30 23:38:39 +0000 UTC

Good suggestion. I went with your version. :)

Tefler

2024-07-30 23:38:05 +0000 UTC

Wow, just wow and thanks very much Tefler!!! I merged Chapters 165 (wormhole jump to Kythshara) through 169 (Gahl'kalgor losing his head) inclusive into a single document which now totals 103,651 words (including each chapter title) and together they provide an absolutely fantastic account of the end of the Galkiran invasion into Maliri space. Really excellent reading and I'll definitely be re-reading it a couple of times in the days ahead. Now I really look forward to how Tefler wraps up the events on Genthalas along with the mop-up on Kythshara, etc., and Tefler's tease of some "interesting twits". Hopefully our heroes get to enjoy a bit if break before having to confront the next Progenitor!!

BrianM

2024-07-30 23:21:31 +0000 UTC

Ding dong Gahlly is dead.

Tefler Fan 007

2024-07-30 23:06:13 +0000 UTC

Thats one hell of a meaty update to this chapter. I'm not surprised it took as long as it did. I'm going to go ahead and say what's on my mind, that conclusion was worth the placeholders.

Vizth Hal

2024-07-30 22:47:12 +0000 UTC

I'm really glad you enjoyed it. You should find out soon what's going to happen to the Galkirans and Valeria in particular. I'm writing those scenes at the moment. :)

Tefler

2024-07-30 22:02:32 +0000 UTC

Thank you, Tefler! I very much enjoyed reading the rest of this now complete chapter and seeing how the Progenitor ended. I am very curious to see how the battles will now get resolved. What happens to those surviving thralls and his (former) matriarch upon the death of a Progenitor? The last time that we know of that that happened was with Mael’nerak and the Maliri, since the last Progenitor had killed all of his thralls and his matriarch.

Evan

2024-07-30 21:47:40 +0000 UTC

Yay!

Tipp McClure

2024-07-30 21:43:56 +0000 UTC

Maybe say something like "the shield protecting Alyssa." That way ownership isn't applied to Alyssa.

Andrew Shultes

2024-07-30 21:20:11 +0000 UTC

Fantastic. This battle took a ton of work to put together, especially with all the concurrent engagements happening all over the place. I was worried how it would all come together, so it's great you enjoyed it!

Tefler

2024-07-30 21:18:24 +0000 UTC

Awesome, thanks for the feedback. I'm really glad you enjoyed it!

Tefler

2024-07-30 21:16:44 +0000 UTC

I'm really glad you enjoyed it. I didn't intend to drag it out, but these combat chapters are way more taxing to write than the normal story, particularly one this complex. It's a huge relief that you guys liked the way it played out!

Tefler

2024-07-30 21:16:25 +0000 UTC

I always enjoy the work you do. I’m also glad to see you interacting with the community again. I hope this is a sign that your heath has improved. We have been worried about you.

DemonHunterCole

2024-07-30 21:15:53 +0000 UTC

I'm glad you enjoyed it. The next chapter should hopefully offer up a few interesting twists. :)

Tefler

2024-07-30 21:14:47 +0000 UTC

lol me too! I've been writing about the Galkiran invasion for over a year!

Tefler

2024-07-30 21:14:13 +0000 UTC

You're welcome! I'm really pleased you enjoyed it. :D

Tefler

2024-07-30 21:13:36 +0000 UTC

You're absolutely right, it was Rachel creating that shield. But if I change the text, won't it be a bit confusing who Gahl'kalgor is attacking?

Tefler

2024-07-30 21:13:05 +0000 UTC

Thanks Tef, Nice ending

!raptor

2024-07-30 20:50:34 +0000 UTC

Should be Reachel’s hex shield. „It was inevitable that he would eventually smash through Alyssa’s hex shield, and when that terrifying moment happened, the former assassin was determined to be ready. „

node55

2024-07-30 20:36:46 +0000 UTC

The last 18 added on pages are unbelievable! Fantastic Chapter! Thank You, Mr. T!

Who Me

2024-07-30 20:10:28 +0000 UTC

Thank you so much! I am so glad that fucker is dead.

Jim Owens

2024-07-30 20:03:55 +0000 UTC

Thank you!

Rhys

2024-07-30 19:45:51 +0000 UTC

Thank you

Dave

2024-07-30 19:36:35 +0000 UTC

Just finished and enjoyed it. I look forward to seeing what the next chapter holds for us.

DemonHunterCole

2024-07-30 19:34:49 +0000 UTC

Looking forward to reading this chapter. I’ll probably go back and re-read 168 to get the full effect! Hope you stay well and can get caught up some in August.

EroticPoetic

2024-07-30 19:27:49 +0000 UTC

You may have teased us mercilessly, but you ultimately gave up the good stuff. Thanks, Tefler. You're an inspiration.

Joel Wyrick

2024-07-30 19:24:58 +0000 UTC

Tef ... thank you 🍻 hope you get better and stay good. Great fight and I loved the end of it...can't wait for more.

Ivan Palinkaš

2024-07-30 19:15:18 +0000 UTC

Are you going to be adding more place holders this month? We have already ended up paying you in advance for seven chapters.....

bob lakhanpal

2024-07-30 19:14:18 +0000 UTC

Thank you. Finally found and completed reading 168 and now 169. Heart pounding amazing!!

David B

2024-07-30 19:13:37 +0000 UTC

Wow. Simply wow. Well worth the wait.

David B

2024-07-30 19:12:24 +0000 UTC

You're welcome! :)

Tefler

2024-07-30 19:10:22 +0000 UTC

Thank you! It's great to hear you enjoyed the chapter.

Tefler

2024-07-30 19:10:00 +0000 UTC

Great, I'm really glad you enjoyed it!

Tefler

2024-07-30 19:09:40 +0000 UTC

In the next battle scene, I mentioned that Gahl'kalgor keeps healing everything.

Tefler

2024-07-30 19:09:16 +0000 UTC

The final line of chapter 168 is: "It wouldn’t be long until this battle was over, and he’d be able to hear that satisfying crunch as his axe removed Baen’thelas’ head." I replied to your comment above with a link to the completed chapter.

Tefler

2024-07-30 19:08:08 +0000 UTC

I double checked the post with the completed chapter 168. It looks like it's the final version. https://www.patreon.com/posts/three-square-ch-103389090

Tefler

2024-07-30 19:07:17 +0000 UTC

Finished 169. Loved it. Excellent work.

Michael Johnson

2024-07-30 18:44:09 +0000 UTC

Scroll down, it is about half a dozen posts down.

Cignal

2024-07-30 18:36:58 +0000 UTC

Thanks Tefler

Cignal

2024-07-30 18:35:47 +0000 UTC

Ok I had to delete the old 168. The App does not have the updated 168 showing in 168…

David B

2024-07-30 18:29:27 +0000 UTC

Worth the wait! Amazing! Roller coaster!

Sushant Bhartiya

2024-07-30 18:26:37 +0000 UTC

Worth the wait

Wayne Cochrane

2024-07-30 18:25:57 +0000 UTC

What fun! I'm looking forward to the completion of this chapter. Many thanks.

Gerald Harris

2024-07-30 18:25:48 +0000 UTC

Can someone please send me a link to the completed 168? All I see is 168 from April 30?

David B

2024-07-30 18:17:11 +0000 UTC

My end of 168 shows Sakura knocked out and Rachel trying to heal her..?

David B

2024-07-30 18:05:13 +0000 UTC

Can you please show me where in 168 did Gahl recover from John cutting off his finger and making him bleed?

David B

2024-07-30 18:04:49 +0000 UTC

Much appreciated

Antoine Scrivener

2024-07-30 18:01:12 +0000 UTC

Woo early birthday present! Thx Tef!

Axi

2024-07-30 17:44:32 +0000 UTC

Looking forward to reading it!

Rurik

2024-07-30 17:34:19 +0000 UTC

Well done mate! Looking forward to it

Adam Murphy

2024-07-30 17:23:51 +0000 UTC

I know what I’m doing for the next hour or so, thanks for the chapter!

Mist

2024-07-30 17:19:55 +0000 UTC

I am Late responding!

Sushant Bhartiya

2024-07-30 17:19:44 +0000 UTC

Yay, first!

sunxia

2024-07-30 17:19:01 +0000 UTC

Three Square Meals Ch. 169 (completed)

Comments

To limit the number of times you can be charged per month before the end of the year to take care of that pesky second placeholder. Go to Membership -> Edit -> Payment Amount -> Set Monthly Limit and enter "1".

Wow this was such an epic chapter! Dramatic, intense and so captivating! Totally worth any wait there was! Kudos!

I think conserving powers will be a none factor going forward.

Also Tom, any saved Galkiran troops could eventually become Baen'thelas's troops, ... more to fight the other Progenitors with, .... -- Recall that there are no Laranthyrans left that can crew a spaceship, or fight, .... ;-) ttfn

This might be true for Humans, but have you missed the entire story? Also, I am guessing you have not read pt 1 of 170? lol

I thought there were 29 Galkyran fleets accounted for, a few Larathyran that came through the Warp Gate piloted by Maliri, and several Maliri fleets. How are you accounting for the additional 10 fleets?

I spent too much time thinking about this universe! :D

To follow this thought, Does the big baddie live in a information vacuum in regards to John, does he have an attack he is withholding because of lack of information? I feel there is great potential for some new different enemy

I am sure he is dead, but is he in the Astral plane?

"and he felt like his soul was being torn from his body, drained away by the insidious hunger of that ancient blade"

-- might John, sometime in the near future, gift Astral powers onto both Auralei and Kaija, then as a part of their education, take them into the deep Astral and show them what awful fate becomes those evil Progenitors, eventually, ... ;-) ttfn

-- Chapter #169 was worth the long wait (April thru July), ... and that nasty Asshat, Gally, got what was coming to him, .... and now he is a big ole Grotesque Astral Monster, dripping offal and blinking his hundred plus eyes, to hold back the tears, .... ;-) ttfn

I was just about to ask the same thing. Is the completed version the entire chapter or just the last bit to finish it. So thanks for the answer.

Brilliant writing. I've lost count of how many years I've been reading and I still don't think there is anyone's battle writings I would rather read more. I am patient and these battles are always worth the wait. Hope you feel better.

A questions: What happened to Larn’kelnar's fleet? Did I miss that fleet showing up to the event?

Hey Braveheart, the complete download is there, dated from 30 April, I hope you got to read it, and the current completed chapter (#169) too on 31 July, with the part 1 to chapter #170, which is pretty good too, .... best of luck, ... ;-) ttfn

It would be nice if the chapter was included in this posting, I see no download file?

He did? It is directly above, which is why the post says (completed)

Tefler, could you please republish chapter 169 as a single file? Thank you.

Especially with Rachel right there...

Sorry to wreck it for you! Some forums have a section for spoiler free comments. Even if Patreon did the comments are still going to be about the story and will make more sense if you read the chapter first.

So white stuff happening on the black stuff has a certain effect... What about golden shower? Is that how the Maliri made their golden armor?

Another "thank you" for the spoiler... Very nice chapter! Looking forward to the aftermath.

Wow !

I think the implication is that Edraele isn't exactly Edraele at the moment. If you look at her dialogue when she woke up, it's a bit off from her normal.

-- Gally's gladiatrix was routinely abused physically and then healed by a full load of Progenitor psychic semen, ... So dear Valeria was a bit stronger (mentally) than the average Matriarch, ... -- Is she dead or is she paralyzed? .... Which Rachel or John can heal, ... ;-) ttfn

The strategic and lengthened battle was so intense . Despite the above critics . I truly believe you have already considered all of that . I have thoroughly enjoyed every word of this TEFLER world . And can't wait to see how the massive aftermath transpires . Thank you .

Ok. Loved it! So glad to have it and glad that Tefler is well. Can not wait to see how all the housekeeping with the defeated thralls pans out

She didn't. The dreadnought was inside the planet's atmosphere

That is what was going through my mind as well

Thanks for the spoiler 😑 I guess we shouldn’t read the comments before we read the chapter 😅

Thanks for finishing 169 this month. I like that Alyssa, Sakura, Rachel and John came together to end him. I’m am concerned about him Gahl passing on information to Xar’ like Larn’ seems to have.

Being cut off from John even when planned and everyone understands it’s temporary seems to have been debilitating. Being cut off mid-battle means your progenitor is dead. Permanently. Every thrall will feel it intensely.

Thank you for that and I hope that your getting better and can recover fully Tefler. May your insperation be great and your writing productive.

Looking forward to the aftermath. How will his death impact the thralls? Will they become suicidal? Comatose? Disorientated? Or will most continue fighting until they get a command from the captured dreadnought? Thanks for the great chapter.

Oh damn, no spoilers, I am now itching to get to it Thanks for an amazing chapter!

It expired before I saw it can I get it again

https://discord.gg/dkFP8S7y

Don’t know how long it will be good for.

https://discord.gg/szPhfrWA

Could someone help me out with a link to the discord?

Fantastic chapter. I’m glad Gal finally met his end but I’m honestly surprised with how sad I felt for him. That last moment felt like he had a bit of clarity and realized that he had someone he cared for that he wanted to protect, and he failed.

This is why I wait and wait and wait. Excellent chapter!

Out Standing Chapter! Now to pick up all of the battle damaged pieces...

John should strip naked and form a big alysium tank, then drop a super sized load for all the girls. Let them "get into their cups".

Very nice ending. I had not appreciated it till the whole thing was done.

She is critical for stealing Gahl's network. Individually warding them will never happen. With her, John will get a billion wards at once. That will increase his power 100s of times.

I am so curious as to when Dana and Tom will find out they are family? Or are they?

Very satisfying ending

GK didn't exactly *kill* Ilyana. He snapped her neck, and even then only moments before dying himself. Even if she can't breath, Ilyana's heart is probably still beating -- and Rachel is right there! I am holding out hope that Rachel can patch her up before she is gone.

Incredible chapter. I love how the girls all played key roles in taking Gally down.

Ugh. Can you tell my spell check has GOT posts stored in it? 😜

Please don't try for a redemption arc for Valyria. 1000s of years of being a monster have earned her an ignoble quiet end.

Great chapter loved the finish to the battle.

That was quite the battle. Looking forward to 170.

"she’d every tried" --> she’d ever tried A very satisfying end to the chapter. Well done!

Thanks Tefler. Hope you are feeling better. Looking forward to the conclusion of the battle and what happens with Valeria and the Galkirans.

Standard progenitor invasion fleet size is 30 fleets. Invictus detected 29 fleets coming into Maliri space. It’s assumed one fleet stayed with warp gate. You have 38 fleets in this chapter.

She doesn't. As I understand the sequence of events Gahl's dreadnought was hovering above the city at relatively low altitude and within the planet's atmosphere.

Great chapter! Just out of interest, how the heck does Jade fly in space?

Thank you! I'm glad you liked the ending.

Good suggestion. I went with your version. :)

Ding dong Gahlly is dead.

Thats one hell of a meaty update to this chapter. I'm not surprised it took as long as it did. I'm going to go ahead and say what's on my mind, that conclusion was worth the placeholders.

I'm really glad you enjoyed it. You should find out soon what's going to happen to the Galkirans and Valeria in particular. I'm writing those scenes at the moment. :)

Yay!

Maybe say something like "the shield protecting Alyssa." That way ownership isn't applied to Alyssa.

Fantastic. This battle took a ton of work to put together, especially with all the concurrent engagements happening all over the place. I was worried how it would all come together, so it's great you enjoyed it!

Awesome, thanks for the feedback. I'm really glad you enjoyed it!

I'm really glad you enjoyed it. I didn't intend to drag it out, but these combat chapters are way more taxing to write than the normal story, particularly one this complex. It's a huge relief that you guys liked the way it played out!

I always enjoy the work you do. I’m also glad to see you interacting with the community again. I hope this is a sign that your heath has improved. We have been worried about you.

I'm glad you enjoyed it. The next chapter should hopefully offer up a few interesting twists. :)

lol me too! I've been writing about the Galkiran invasion for over a year!

You're welcome! I'm really pleased you enjoyed it. :D

You're absolutely right, it was Rachel creating that shield. But if I change the text, won't it be a bit confusing who Gahl'kalgor is attacking?

Thanks Tef, Nice ending

Should be Reachel’s hex shield. „It was inevitable that he would eventually smash through Alyssa’s hex shield, and when that terrifying moment happened, the former assassin was determined to be ready. „

The last 18 added on pages are unbelievable! Fantastic Chapter! Thank You, Mr. T!

GK didn't exactly kill Ilyana. He snapped her neck, and even then only moments before dying himself. Even if she can't breath, Ilyana's heart is probably still beating -- and Rachel is right there! I am holding out hope that Rachel can patch her up before she is gone.