《Tower of Champions [LitRPG]》 Prologue In the expanse beyond the universe, where the pitch-black void unfurled, untouched by the brilliance of giant stars or the emptiness of space. Here resided the rulers of the known multiverse, the gods as they were called. They gathered in a circular arrangement, their thrones shrouded in darkness so dense that their faces and forms remained veiled. Amidst the gathering, a figure, swathed in swirling black robes, passed through the towering thrones to claim the center of the circle. A deafening voice resonated through the abyss. ¡°Gods,¡± he proclaimed, ¡°the time has come to determine the next rulers of the multiverse. The current epoch nears its end, and we must prepare for what lies ahead.¡± Cheers erupted among some gods while others harbored discontent. ¡°It''s about time,¡± a god declared, annoyance tainting his voice. ¡°The ceaseless waiting has been boring.¡± Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! ¡°Will there be new participants this time?¡± inquired a curious god. ¡°Yes,¡± the figure responded. ¡°We have discovered a distant planet inhabited by fascinating beings who will undoubtedly infuse the competition with vigor.¡± The announcement elicited murmurs of excitement and trepidation among the gods. Some questioned the readiness of these new entrants. ¡°Are they truly prepared for this?¡± one god asked, voicing his concerns. ¡°Since when did that matter?¡± another god replied with lingering amusement. Arguments erupted among the gods, casting shadows over their impending decisions. ¡°Let us put it to a vote. As always, their fate rests in the balance,¡± another god proposed. The voting process was intense, ultimately favoring the inclusion of the unknown planet''s inhabitants. Murmurs filled the void as the figure planned according to the results of the vote. ¡°Have the remnants of the old order been eradicated?¡± an incensed god suddenly inquired. ¡°They must not be given a chance to rise again.¡± The figure chuckled, assuring them, ¡°The remnants of the old order''s hold no sway over the current or future order. We¡¯ll eradicate them all.¡± Inquiries arose about influencing the competition, but the main speaker emphasized the necessity for it to remain fair and impartial. With that, the assembly ended, and the gods departed. Chapter 1 : The Beginning The noon sun held its regal position in the desolate heavens, casting its golden light over the vast Amazon Forest, evidence of Earth''s ancient legacy. This lush expanse had been the silent witness to the rise and fall of countless civilizations, safeguarding their secrets. A realm of ancient mysteries and hidden wonders, where the whispers of innumerable trees spoke to those willing to listen. In the heart of this natural marvel, a group of students and their professors ventured deep into the Amazon, guided by Joao, a local with an infectious smile. His enthusiasm rivaled the brilliance of the sun. Yet, beyond the professors, few among the group paid much attention to Joao''s tales. Scott, a young man with a mop of curly brown hair, lingered at the rear of the group. His brown eyes, however, were not on the guide but on a tall, athletic young lady named Jessica. She donned a simple tank top and cargo shorts, and her graceful demeanor belied her age. Her sun-kissed skin seemed to radiate under the sun''s embrace, and her smile outshone even Joao''s vibrant storytelling. A gentle breeze tousled her long, black hair, drawing occasional glances from her fellow students. Scott''s childhood friend, Omar, playfully nudged him and pointed to a vibrant parrot nearby. ¡°Hey, man, check out that bird over there. Isn''t it cool?¡± The little parrot reveled in its newfound attention, playfully posing for photographs. But Scott, lost in his infatuation, had tuned out the world around him. The camera shutters echoed like distant whispers. ¡°Hey, man, you''re doing that thing again,¡± Omar sighed. He was taller and more muscular than Scott. ¡°Dude, you have to stop obsessing over Jessica.¡± Scott turned to his friend, but his gaze wavered between Omar and the enchanting beauty. ¡°I can''t help it, Omar. She''s just... extraordinary.¡± Omar smirked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Extraordinary, huh? Well, there are plenty of beautiful ladies here.¡± Scott nodded, acknowledging the truth of Omar''s statement. ¡°I know, but it''s not just about her looks. There''s something special about her.¡± Omar couldn''t resist a sly grin. ¡°Sure thing. If you''re that smitten, why don''t you go talk to her?¡± Scott''s gaze flitted to the blonde athlete standing next to Jessica. ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood to get my shit rocked. But what does that guy have that I don''t?¡± Omar chuckled. ¡°Well, for starters, he''s not ogling her like some creep.¡± Scott scowled; his frustration evident. ¡°Very funny.¡± Omar''s grin broadened as he continued, ¡°He''s confident, charming, smart, and interesting. Most importantly, he''s not just staring at her like she''s a goddess. He talks to her.¡± Scott sighed, accepting the truth. ¡°I guess you''re right.¡± ¡°Get over it, lover boy,¡± Omar advised. ¡°As your best friend, I''d suggest you focus on the experience. Who knows, maybe the Amazon will work its magic on you.¡± Scott gazed at his classmates, who seemed equally preoccupied with their own interests and social media profiles rather than the Amazon''s beauty. ¡°I hope so. This rainforest adventure wasn''t exactly my first choice.¡± He took a sip of water, his thoughts momentarily drifting to his life back in Los Angeles. ¡°I can''t wait to go back. I wonder if Mrs. Dubois found the note I left on her porch.¡± After emptying the bottle, he searched for Omar, but the young man was engrossed in photographing another vibrant parrot. Scott then noticed Alex, a fellow student, sitting alone on a dry patch of land. He approached Alex, his curiosity piqued by the book covered in a protective plastic layer. ¡°What are you doing here all alone?¡± Scott wore a curious smile as he stopped in front of Alex. Alex raised his head, slightly adjusting his glasses. ¡°Oh, what''s up, Scott? I thought you''d be sticking close to Jessica by now. Need something?¡± Scott couldn''t help but smile. ¡°Is it that obvious?¡± Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. ¡°You''re kidding, right? I doubt there¡¯s anyone who doesn¡¯t know at this point,¡± Alex chuckled. Scott froze for a moment, ¡°Wait,¡± he said, instinctively turning toward Jessica. ¡°Does that mean she knows too?¡± he pondered aloud. ¡°Maybe. It¡¯s not like you¡¯re trying to hide it either.¡± Alex chuckled. ¡°Or maybe she¡¯s an airhead who has no idea.¡± Scott sighed, realizing the need to rein in his infatuation. ¡°I can''t afford to be labeled a creep during my freshman year.¡± ¡°You still have several levels to go before reaching that,¡± Alex grinned, relishing the conversation. ¡°Oh, so what level am I now?¡± Scott asked. ¡°In between love struck puppy and I wonder what her favorite lunch is,¡± Alex said. Scott burst out laughing, hunching over as tears fell from the corners of his eyes. As he laughed, he took a closer look at the cover of Alex''s book. ¡°I didn''t know you were into this stuff, too.¡± Alex made a sidelong glance at the novel, a smile brightening his pale face. ¡°Aren''t they the best?¡± He tapped the cover of the fantasy book, featuring a valiant knight surrounded by alluring women of various races. Scott chuckled, understanding the allure of such stories. ¡°I used to enjoy them, but it''s been years. They all started feeling the same.¡± Alex nodded in agreement. ¡°I know what you mean. But I can¡¯t help myself; sometimes I feel like this is what it¡¯s like to be addicted to cheap crack.¡± The two students exchanged their love for these fantasy worlds, speculating on the kind of adventures they would embark on if they were transported into one of them. Alex, however, had a preference for worlds with jiggling, gravity-defying anime titties, while Scott desired epic adventures. Omar soon joined the duo, and the conversation became more animated as the trio engaged in light-hearted banter. Suddenly, Professor Wilson, one of the two teachers leading the group, gathered the group''s attention. He applauded Joao''s passionate presentation and praised the guide for his captivating storytelling. ¡°Thank you, thank you,¡± Joao humbly acknowledged the applause, though his face reddened with embarrassment. ¡°Mr. Joao truly deserves our appreciation,¡± Professor Wilson remarked, shaking Joao''s hand, and then addressing the students. ¡°We have one more stop before we return to the hotel. Let''s proceed.¡± While the group moved forward, the short professor whispered a curious inquiry to Joao, ¡°I''m eager to see those special flowers you mentioned. Can they really make... things bigger?¡± ¡°Trust me. You won¡¯t be disappointed,¡± Joao''s response was affirmative, and with a wink and a thumbs-up, they were on their way. The students continued their expedition, navigating the swampy terrain. Justling between swatting away pesky mosquitoes and capturing the beauty of the forest. Meanwhile, some students enjoyed snacks they had brought from the hotel. Scott and Omar trailed behind the others, their playful banter providing respite from the discomfort of the humid rainforest. ¡°I swear, bro, I''ll leave you behind if we encounter a lion,¡± Omar chuckled. ¡°Shut up, dumb ass,¡± Scott retorted. ¡°Since when do lions live in the rainforest? You should be more concerned about an anaconda sneaking up on you.¡± Omar''s grin was mischievous as he tapped his groin. ¡°Nah. Anacondas know their daddy.¡± Scott chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Let''s hope we don''t have to meet them. Those¡ª" But before he could finish his thought, Omar pointed ahead. ¡°Who are those guys?¡± Scott followed the direction of Omar''s outstretched finger, and a frown creased his forehead. Military-style vehicles blocked their path, and hundreds of men clad in black uniforms patrolled the area. Their raised weapons, accompanied by unfamiliar words shouted in Portuguese. Scott''s thoughts raced. Have we accidentally ventured into a restricted area? he pondered, anxiety gripping him. He raised both hands, following the lead of his classmates who had dropped to their knees. Joao, their guide, called out in Portuguese while Professor Wilson attempted to calm the panicked students. The group watched as the leader of the militia summoned Joao and the anxious English professor forward. Omar whispered to Scott, ¡°Who do you think they are?¡± ¡°I have no idea, man. To be honest, I don''t even want to know. These guys look like they mean business.¡± Escaping wasn¡¯t an option he considered. Running away would likely result in a hail of bullets before they covered any significant distance. Scott observed his other classmates, his gaze pausing on Jessica. Her anxiety was as evident as anyone else''s. ¡°Look, they''re coming back,¡± Omar remarked, pointing out the two men who followed Joao and Professor Wilson. Professor Wilson''s voice cut through the tension. ¡°Everyone, please get up,¡± he urged, glancing back at the intimidating soldiers. ¡°Unfortunately, our excursion ends here. These fine gentlemen are conducting an exercise, and they''ve been gracious enough to release us with only a warning.¡± The students promptly rose to their feet, the curious eyes of the stern soldiers following their every move. The university group turned around silently and walked away at the swiftest pace they could muster. As they distanced themselves from the armed militia, a collective sigh of relief swept through the group. Thank goodness nothing happened, Scott thought. They were nearly a hundred meters from the military presence when an ear-deafening gong boomed through the forest. Thunder and lightning erupted in unison as thick black clouds obscured the sun. An eerie silence descended, coupled with the partial darkness, compounded the group''s anxiety. Then, a voice from the heavens boomed, sending shivers down the spines of all present as they fell flat on the ground. ¡°Attention, inhabitants of Earth. You have been chosen to participate in the grand opening of the Tower of Champions!¡± The restrictions binding them faded, but most students remained paralyzed by fear and confusion, their wide-eyed gazes locked onto each other in search of answers. Chapter 2 : Envy ¡°Is anyone hurt?¡± Professor Evelyn, the main organizer of the trip, stood up, her voice piercing the eerie silence that followed the cryptic announcement. ¡°Did you all hear that voice too?¡± She reached out to the horrified students within her reach, assisting them to their feet. The skies remained black, but relentless lightning flashes illuminated the silent forest. ¡°Can you all move?¡± Professor Wilson asked, recovering from his momentary daze. One by one, the students gingerly removed themselves from the ground. They spoke little, haunted by the strange words from the ominous voice that kept echoing in their minds. ¡°Scott, are you good?¡± Omar asked, tapping the shoulder of his dazed friend. ¡°Y-Yeah, what about you?¡± Scott turned his attention toward Omar and noticed something amiss. ¡°Holy shit.¡± Blood covered half of Omar¡¯s face, originating from a gash on his forehead. ¡°I¡¯ve got some band-aids in my backpack. Don¡¯t move.¡± Wasting no time, he rummaged through the small bag before retrieving a bottle of water, a band-aid, and a small container with wet cotton balls. ¡°Sit down for a second,¡± Scott instructed as he uncorked the bottle. He proceeded to wash the injury before cleaning the surface with the wet cotton. Omar winced as the iodine-doused cotton touched the wound, his head jerking back in response to the stinging pain. Scott, however, maintained a firm grip to prevent any further movement. ¡°I know it hurts, but this is for your own good.¡± Scott applied more pressure on the wound, using several wet wipes to clean the injury. Omar could only wince and groan as the pain intensified. ¡°Did you cut yourself anywhere else?¡± Scott asked, assisting Omar to his feet. The tall ginger shook his head, trying to reach for the band-aid covering the injury, but Scott¡¯s agile arm smacked his fingers away. ¡°Don¡¯t be a wimp. Leave it alone. Do you want it to get infected?¡± Scott chided him. He knew Omar hated the slight tightness the adhesive caused, but he wouldn¡¯t let him remove it. Scott¡¯s gaze shifted to the rest of the group. Several others had varying minor injuries, but nothing serious. It was a miracle, considering the suppressive force had sent them face-first to the ground. What was that voice earlier? Scott pondered, staring at the darkened skies. Is this the apocalypse? He shook his head; he didn¡¯t want to think of such depressing matters. What about Jessica? Is she okay? His brown eyes scanned the crowd, searching for her. There, through a maze of bodies, Jessica crouched on the ground, assisting Ethan in cleaning a small cut on his nose. Scott exhaled, dropping his shoulders as a modicum of ease relaxed his tensed visage. Thank God she¡¯s okay. He then turned his attention to the surrounding students. Alex, who had been lying a few feet away earlier, was now attending to his girlfriend, Heather, an average-height brunette. She had a minor bruise above her forehead. It doesn¡¯t look like anyone is in serious need of medical attention. We need to get out of this place as soon as possible. Something messed up is happening, and I don¡¯t want to stick around to find out, Scott thought to himself. Lost in his thoughts, someone tugged at the back of his shirt, forcing him to turn. However, Omar¡¯s outstretched arm and panicked face greeted his eyes. Scott turned instinctively, wondering what had come over him. His thoughts trailed off, his eyes wide, and his mouth opened. His dilated pupils mirrored the reflection of a massive, spiraling airplane engulfed in flames. The duo watched as the aircraft crashed into the distance, yet neither heard an explosion nor could they sense the shockwave from the crash. Both men faced each other, a jumble of fear and a myriad of other emotions evident in their trembling eyes. ¡°Everyone!¡± Professor Wilson called out, drawing the attention of the students. ¡°Thankfully, no one was seriously injured. I don¡¯t know what we heard earlier, but we can¡¯t stick around here anymore. We must return to the jeeps now!¡± No one had a contrary opinion. If anything, they wished they could leave faster. The forest had become even more dangerous after the previous declaration. Who could predict when the suppressive force would return? The group slowly reorganized themselves while reconfirming their numbers. Then, they set off again, moving at an even greater speed with Joao leading the way. Even the usually jovial man wore a frown. The group arrived at the swampy region again. Beyond the swamps was the grassy field where the jeeps were parked. Joao halted, facing the group. ¡°Please be careful while crossing the swamps.¡± Silent approval greeted his warning. Then, he continued forward. On his tenth step, however, the Amazon native froze, and so did the foreigners. They couldn¡¯t move or speak, and the world surrounding them had gone dark. A buzzing echo, gradually intensifying by the second, filled their ears, but they remained blind. Is this really the apocalypse? Scott thought, his thumping heart threatening to escape its bony cage. [Analyzing¡­] Scott''s mind raced as the voice echoed in his thoughts. Panic surged within him. [New Champion Detected!] ¡°Who''s there?¡± Scott''s mental inquiry was met with silence as the cryptic, somewhat robotic voice appeared to have its own agenda. [Analysis Completed!] [Beginning stats distribution based on champion¡¯s data¡­] [Stats distribution completed!] [Generating Champion Interface¡­] A crisp crack resonated in Scott''s ears, like the lifting of a heavy curtain, and the shroud of darkness that had veiled his vision dissolved. The students, professors, and even Joao, the guide, had the same wide-eyed primal fear. Their silent exchanges served as confirmation that they had collectively witnessed the same inexplicable event. No words were needed; their shared trepidation spoke volumes. As the initial confusion and fear settled in, another echoing gong reverberated in their minds, catching them off guard. Before they could react, a holographic panel materialized before their eyes, its blue lights flashing in sharp contrast to the partial darkness shrouding the Amazonian surroundings. Scott couldn''t trust his own eyes, and he turned to Alex and Omar, whose expressions mirrored his own disbelief and recognition. It was as if they had been transported into the worlds of anime and video games. ¡°Golly,¡± gasped Professor Evelyn, her futile attempts to shoo away the hovering panel only provoked a cascade of numbers and letters on the display. Scott, Alex, and Omar shared a silent, mutual agreement. Their curiosity overwhelmed any fear, and they reached out to touch the holographic status menu, eager to unravel the mysteries of this unknown interface.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Scott Dorsey.
Level: 1
Experience Points: 0/100
Mana Points: 60/60¡ªLocked
Race: Human
Class: None! [Level 2 in two Skills is the minimum threshold for class advancement!]
Physical Stats Strength: 10
Agility: 8
Endurance: 12
Dexterity: 6
Toughness: 5
Abnormal Stats Envy: 20
Loyalty: 80
Skills Carpentry (Level 1)
Running (Level 2)
Survival (Level 1)
Fishing (Level 1)
Abilities
Hammer Strike (New): Deals 25% damage to a single target when using a hammer. Mana Points decrease by 20 when Hammer Strike is activated. Deals 5% damage to a single target when using any other weapon.
Quick Step (New): Increase movement speed by 10% for five seconds.
Nature¡¯s Bounty (New): Increases the odds of finding food and resources by 5%.
Build (New): Construct a structure or item using wood materials.
Repair (New): Restore damaged structures or items.
Inventory Empty!
Quests Main Quest: Survive the first baptism ¡ª Not started.
Scott''s wide-eyed gaze darted back and forth across the digital interface. A whirlwind of emotions engulfed his mind. He looked at Omar and then at Alex, finding them in the same state of bewildered contemplation as most of the other students. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this is real,¡± Scott muttered to himself, his trembling fingers skimming the virtual screen. As he reached the section labeled Abnormal Stats, a furrow formed on his brow. I''m certain these stats are influenced by how we''ve lived our lives. But for me to have 20 points in Envy, though... Am I that bitter? A definitive answer remained elusive. After all, humans were notoriously poor at evaluating their own character flaws, especially when it concerned themselves. On the other hand, the high loyalty stat didn''t catch him off guard. He''d been best friends with Omar since childhood. Grumbling, he navigated to the Skills tab. It''s been ages since I went fishing with Dad or visited the workshop, yet the system recognizes my skills. Scott''s lips curved into a smile as he contemplated his only skill that had crossed Level 1. I guess being a national finalist has its merits. His fingers absentmindedly brushed against his left knee. ¡°Too bad I blew my ACL, though,¡± he muttered. Scott continued to scrutinize the status sheet, his gaze landing on his abilities. Most of my abilities are based on carpentry and running, but this Hammer Strike looks ridiculous, though. He shook his head, chuckling. ¡°But where in the hell am I supposed to find a hammer in the forest?¡± He skipped the inventory tab; it wasn''t surprising that it was empty, after all. ¡°Everyone, please remain calm,¡± Professor Wilson''s voice echoed, but this time, it held a unique authority that compelled the group to listen closely. Scott exchanged a knowing look with Omar, recognizing a shared sense of something extraordinary. ¡°Do you think he¡¯s already using his abilities?¡± Omar whispered. ¡°I think it¡¯s a skill, rather. Our MP is still locked, remember?¡± Scott replied, glancing at Alex. The bearded student nodded in agreement, acknowledging their theory. ¡°Does anyone know what¡¯s going on?¡± Professor Wilson inquired, his anxious eyes scanning the students for answers. Alex raised his hand almost instinctively. As he lowered it, he couldn''t help but wonder why he had raised it in the first place. But it was too late; everyone''s attention had already shifted to him. The sight of the entire group now focused on him caused beads of cold sweat to form on his forehead. Scott and Omar weren¡¯t left out even though they stood a few feet away from Alex. It was as if some unseen force seduced them to raise their hands as well. ¡°Alex, thank heavens. Come on now, please tell us all you know,¡± Professor Wilson urged with a hopeful smile. Taking a deep breath and holding onto Heather''s arm, Alex began, ¡°I don¡¯t know how to say this without sounding like a lunatic.¡± He wore a wry smile as he met the anxious eyes of the group. ¡°For anyone who''s ever played RPG games, be it Dungeons & Dragons, or video games, you should understand what those stats mean. For the uninformed, a very powerful being has condensed all our life experiences into stats and granted us skills and abilities based on those experiences.¡± A tense silence engulfed the group. As much as they wished to dismiss Alex¡¯s words, the status window before their eyes and the ominous declaration from earlier all but confirmed his theory. ¡°B-But, what could this mean? What do they want with us?¡± Professor Evelyn asked, her voice trembling, visibly shaken by the sudden turn of events. ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know, Professor.¡± Alex paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts. ¡°However, assuming we all have the same quest, which is surviving the first baptism, that should give us an inkling of what this is all about.¡± ¡°Um, didn¡¯t the voice from earlier say something about a tower?¡± Everyone turned toward the new speaker, especially Scott. Jessica, who was assisting Ethan, walked toward the back of the group where the professors stood. ¡°That¡¯s right, it definitely mentioned something along those lines,¡± Professor Wilson said, lowering his voice to a whisper. ¡°If I remember correctly, it mentioned something about a tower of champions.¡± ¡°I have a suggestion, Professor,¡± Ethan spoke up, his voice carrying a touch of optimism. ¡°Oh, what is it, Ethan?¡± Professor Wilson asked, hopeful that the young man might have a solution. Several others turned toward the tall student who overshadowed his male counterparts in looks, charm, demeanor, and outright calm. ¡°Like Alex said, we¡¯re probably in a game-like scenario, and it¡¯s likely humanity as a whole is experiencing something similar.¡± The countenance of several students darkened. The voice had indeed mentioned that the inhabitants of Earth had been chosen, not just them, and this revelation cast a somber atmosphere over the already dejected group. ¡°I didn¡¯t mention that to make you all depressed,¡± Ethan clarified before beckoning to his friends. ¡°We discussed it and concluded that the best way to survive this mess is by working together.¡± Scott listened attentively as Ethan spoke. ¡°You¡¯re right. Cooperation is always the key to survival during times of unrest,¡± Professor Evelyn said, nodding her approval. ¡°We should give his suggestion a go.¡± Professor Wilson wordlessly nodded. ¡°So, what¡¯s your plan, Ethan?¡± The blonde man didn¡¯t waste any time. ¡°Thank you, professors. I believe it¡¯s best if we share our stats with each other. Only then¡ª¡± Scott interjected from afar, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea. If anything, it¡¯s a terrible one.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Ethan¡¯s eyebrows shot up, a furtive frown gracing his lips. ¡°Scott, right? Care to tell us why you think it¡¯s a bad idea?¡± All eyes focused on Scott. He wasn¡¯t the best public speaker, but it didn¡¯t mean he would cower in silence. He took a step forward. ¡°Sharing our stats in the name of cooperation is the same as revealing our weaknesses. Who¡¯s to say our supposed cooperation wouldn¡¯t fall apart once the main quest begins?¡± The muscular man next to Ethan scoffed, even chuckled. ¡°Is that all you¡¯re worried about?¡± Coady stepped forward, towering over both professors and nearby students. ¡°Since we¡¯re speculating, what if we¡¯re grouped into pairs in the quest? Would you still hide your skills from your partners?¡± ¡°Hey man, lay off. You know that¡¯s not what he meant,¡± Omar said, stepping forward. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what he meant. It doesn¡¯t make his views any less selfish,¡± Coady responded, snickering, his blue eyes locking onto Omar¡¯s. ¡°Now, now, settle down, kids,¡± Professor Evelyn mediated. ¡°It¡¯s normal for us to have dissenting opinions. All that matters is we make the decision that will do right by everyone. How about this, those interested in revealing their stats, or was it status, shouldn¡¯t be discouraged from doing so. Likewise, those who don¡¯t want to, they shouldn''t be discouraged either. How¡¯s that?¡± The bubbly woman suggested, hoping to find a compromise. ¡°Professor, I¡¯m afraid I must disagree with you,¡± Nicole spoke up, folding her arms across her chest. The shortest among Ethan¡¯s group, she adjusted her tank top while disposing of her gum. ¡°Normally, your suggestion would be apt, but this isn¡¯t something we should be debating. Since our stats are based on our life experiences, what if someone here has an ability that could endanger us all?¡± The petite woman with multiple piercings made her stance clear, swatting away mosquitoes that sort refuge on her face. Professor Evelyn¡¯s brows creased. She couldn¡¯t ignore the validity of Nicole¡¯s point, but she also couldn''t force anyone to reveal something so personal. Her gaze shifted between the two groups with dissenting opinions. Although they only glared at each other, she could tell neither had any intention of backing down. ¡°How about this?¡± Ethan offered a solution while straightening his hair. All eyes focused on the former quarterback. ¡°Since we can¡¯t come to an agreement, why don¡¯t we put it to a vote?¡± He smiled, his limpid eyes shifting from one person to the other. ¡°Obviously, no one, not even me, wants to reveal their personal information. However, should we continue to cooperate as a group, it¡¯s imperative that we¡¯re able to trust each other. No offense, but we don¡¯t know each other well enough to blindly trust each other¡ª¡± Scott interjected, his voice clear and unwavering, ¡°All the more reason we shouldn¡¯t reveal something so personal. Who¡¯s to say that information wouldn¡¯t cause harm in the future?¡± Like Ethan''s group, Scott had no intentions of backing down. ¡°I don¡¯t know about the rest of you, but I have zero intentions of doing something asinine.¡± Although it had been only a few minutes since the status menus revealed themselves, a clear divide had already formed within the group. Instinctively, those who shared a similar opinion drifted toward opposing ends, leaving the undecided in the middle. However, those who readily agreed with Ethan outnumbered the undecided and the other group. ¡°Everyone, I know you¡¯re all nervous and scared. Can we not do this now?¡± Professor Wilson, who stood among the undecided, appealed to both sides. ¡°Our goal should be getting out of here and returning to civilization. The longer we stay here, the more dangerous it becomes.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not wrong, Professor,¡± Ethan conceded, nodding slowly. ¡°However, can you say with certainty things will be better, let¡¯s say at the hotel?¡± The middle-aged Englishman opened his mouth to speak, but he couldn¡¯t guarantee the situation would be better outside the Amazon. ¡°It¡¯s better to be optimistic in times like this,¡± Professor Evelyn chimed in. She believed they had wasted too much time arguing and would have preferred if they used that same energy to leave the swamps. ¡°How about we discuss this later? Let¡¯s get out of here first, okay?¡± She turned to the leaders of both groups, waiting for their opinions. Scott nodded, determined not to compromise on his position of not revealing his stats, especially when he had a shockingly high envy stat. ¡°Well, I tried my best. Let¡¯s do as you say, Professor,¡± Ethan said with a hint of resignation. ¡°Thank you, everyone.¡± Professor Evelyn turned to Joao, who had remained silent throughout the discussion. ¡°Thank you for your patience. Please, can you continue leading the way?¡± The tanned native nodded and gestured for the group to follow him. But just as they began to move, gunshots echoed in the air, and several dozen soldiers surrounded the frightened group. This is bad. Why did they come after us? Scott thought, his arms raised in surrender, mirroring the actions of everyone else. Neither the professors nor the students had any intention of fleeing. The militia was heavily armed, and they didn¡¯t appear to be the type that would show mercy a second time. Chapter 3 : Armando Arturo Costa ¡°P-Please, we don¡¯t want any trouble. We¡¯ll cooperate,¡± Professor Wilson stammered, his eyes nervously scanning the militia group. A soldier shouted in his mother tongue, and his bloodshot eyes remained fixed on the trembling foreigners. ¡°Professor, he said he doesn¡¯t want to hear anything from you,¡± Joao interpreted, calmly approaching a soldier who had summoned him. The same soldier shouted again, this time pointing at the ground. The group didn''t need Joao to interpret; they understood. Within seconds, they fell on their knees, hands behind their heads, frozen in submission. Scott couldn''t believe their predicament. He glanced between the various soldiers, his eyes eventually landing on a soldier with a thick, reddish splatter on his black uniform. Is that what I think it is? Scott swallowed hard; his gaze locked on the bloodstained soldier. This disheveled soldier stood beside the one conversing with Joao. His bloodthirsty eyes and bloodstained uniform transmitted a chilling message. Could they have killed their leader? Scott''s mind raced with unsettling possibilities; a thought shared by many among the group. The clues were too obvious to ignore. Joao and the soldier engaged in a heated conversation, lasting over ten minutes. The others watched in apprehension, clueless about the discussion''s nature. Whether Joao was pleading for mercy or bargaining for their lives remained a mystery. Their anxiety deepened with every passing minute, compounded by their ignorance of the conversation. As the tense dialogue reached its climax, Joao and the apparent new leader approached the group. This new commander had a face marred by scars, and he spoke in a low voice with his hands clasped behind his back. Despite the language barrier, the group listened intently. When he finished, they turned to Joao. ¡°My name is Captain Armando Arturo Costa. I understand you''re frightened by my men, but I mean you no harm. We only have questions, and we hope you will answer them. Who is the leader among you?¡± Joao translated, eyeing the militia leader. Professor Wilson nervously raised his hand. ¡°Please tell him I will answer whatever questions he asks.¡± Joao nodded before translating the Englishman''s words. Captain Costa nodded, scrutinizing the short man. Then, he spoke again, and the soldiers raised their weapons, ready to unleash a hail of bullets at the slightest command. The group''s anxiety escalated, and several of the students couldn''t hold back their tears. The dejection weighed heavily on their hearts as they anxiously awaited Joao''s translation. ¡°T-They tell me you people came here for knowledge. Were you sent by the United States government? Choose your words carefully,¡± Joao said, his anxiety evident. ¡°W-We are from the university. We weren''t sent by the government or any organization. I can prove it, too,¡± Professor Wilson panicked as he reached for his identification in his inner pocket. Another gunshot echoed, and the Englishman froze, his face turning crimson. The militia leader drew his handgun, pressing it against the professor''s forehead. The entire group held its breath, paralyzed by fear. Costa bent to retrieve an item from the man''s jacket, and for a moment, it seemed like he was reaching for a gun. The fearsome leader returned the gun to its holster and spoke again. This time, he didn''t wait for Joao to translate before walking away. The anxious group turned to Joao, eager to hear the man''s words. ¡°You all will come with me. As long as you cooperate, we won¡¯t harm you. Pray to whatever god you serve that your government also cooperates with us.¡± A stunned silence enveloped the group. In less than thirty minutes, their world had been turned upside down, and now, they were hostages for a militia group. The soldiers shouted in unison, gesturing for the group to stand. Swallowing their grievances and resentment, the students, and professors, along with Joao, reluctantly followed, encircled by armed soldiers. ¡°D-Dude, w-what do you think is going to happen to us?¡± Omar whispered, his reddened eyes revealing the despair plaguing his thoughts. Scott''s voice wavered as he responded, ¡°I don''t know, but it''s not good. Those of us who can''t adapt might be killed. I''m mostly worried about the girls.¡± Their conversation paused as another group of soldiers approached, dragging a lifeless body. Though disfigured, the uniform left no doubt: it belonged to the previous commander. The realization hit them like a heavy blow. Death was a real possibility. The group continued their journey, passing military vehicles and multiple checkpoints, the atmosphere heavy with uncertainty. After over an hour, they entered an area dominated by towering trees. Numerous camouflaged tents and crude structures adorned the militia camp. Scott gasped, a gap forming between his trembling lips. Even more soldiers roamed the area, but their demeanor was noticeably different from their captors. However, upon the newcomers'' arrival, they too became tense and apprehensive. Captain Costa raised his handgun proudly, shouting at the top of his voice. Once again, the atmosphere in the camp shifted, the agitated soldiers regaining their composure. The foreigners couldn''t help but notice the change in acceptance. A soldier wearing a camouflage tank top brought a chair over, and Captain Costa sat down, his hazel eyes fixed on his captives. He gestured to the surrounding soldiers as he spoke to Joao. It didn¡¯t take Joao long to translate his words. ¡°The commander says you should divide yourselves into groups. Men and women should be in separate groups.¡± ¡°J-Joao¡­ please tell him they''re just kids. They can''t survive in a place like this, especially the girls,¡± Professor Evelyn pleaded, her blue eyes darting between Joao and the seated commander. Captain Costa spoke again, signaling to his men to bring the professor forward. The soldiers didn''t know what she had said, but it had to be something significant for her and the others to look at him. Several armed soldiers approached the group, escorting the frightened professor to their leader with no resistance. Joao followed behind, ready to explain her words. Costa spoke again, a somewhat mocking smile gracing his face as he glanced at the nervous professor. ¡°Professor, he says he has no intention of letting anyone leave until their demands are met. He also asks why you think the girls are incapable of surviving here,¡± Joao reported. The commander seemed to have become more talkative, and the surrounding soldiers chuckled at his words. The oblivious foreigners could only wait for Joao to provide them with an explanation. Even Joao struggled to stifle a laugh, biting his lower lip. ¡°Professor, the commander says you shouldn¡¯t underestimate women, especially as a woman yourself. He mentioned that even his father and uncles feared his mother. Or do you think you were captured for your bodies?¡± The professor couldn''t help but consider the possibility. After all, several soldiers had been eyeing the women with interest. ¡°Professor, the commander assures you that you needn''t worry about any of his men bothering your people. He said it doesn''t¡­¡± Joao paused, miming with his hand around his groin area before continuing, ¡°that it doesn''t work anymore. So, no one will touch you or your people.¡± Professor Evelyn instinctively glanced at the commander. Even if he speaks the truth, there were no guarantees about their safety yet. Despite the looming threat of being murdered at any time, the anxious woman couldn''t help but relax her features. At least, they didn''t have to endure the traumatic events of sexual assault.
Quest timeline has been updated!
Main Quest has been updated!
New Quest has been generated!
Costa shot out of his chair; his eyes fixed on the floating system window. He looked at the others, who also had similar panels flashing before them.
New Ability generated!
¡°Another message?¡± Costa muttered in amazement. At the same moment, the foreigners'' ears perked up; they were stunned to understand the militia leader. Their reactions didn''t go unnoticed, as the startled commander spoke again. ¡°You understand me?¡± Professor Evelyn nodded. Costa turned his attention back to the floating system panel before clicking on it.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Armando Arturo Costa
Level: 1
Experience Points: 0/100
Mana Points: 40/40¡ªLocked
Race: Human
Class: Class advancement Possible! Would you like to look at all possible classes available to your current skill set? Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. [Yes] [No]
Physical Stats Strength: 18
Agility: 9
Endurance: 18
Dexterity: 7
Toughness: 12
Abnormal Stats Loyalty: 20
Leadership: 75
Perception: 58
Negotiation: 78
Skills Leadership (Level 3)
Intimidation (Level 2)
Survival (Level 3)
Hand-to-hand Combat (Level 2)
Abilities
Ruthless Tactics: Increases damage output by 10% when attacking enemies.
Jungle Mastery: No matter the jungle, you will be able to move through the dense foliage with ease and detect threats from afar. Increases agility by 5 and perception by 2.
Aggressive Negotiations: Intimidates the opponent to gain a tactical advantage in negotiations or combat.
Healing Salve: Potential of restoring full health when a medicine is taken.
Camouflage: Conceal your presence in the jungle, making it more difficult to be detected by enemies.
Tongue of All (New): You will understand every language, written and spoken, native or foreign to your world!
Inventory Machete: A sharp, durable machete for cutting through thick vegetation or enemies.
Revolver: A reliable revolver for self-defense or taking out threats from a distance.
Water Canteen: A canteen filled with fresh water for hydration in the jungle.
Quests Main Quest: Survive the first baptism ¡ª Not started.
Side Quest: Complete the first baptism ¨C New!
Side Quest: Complete class advancement ¨C Needs main quest to become active!
Costa laughed heartily; his arms wide apart. His intense eyes scanned the surroundings, shifting between the soldiers and their captives. ¡°Do you see this?¡± he exclaimed, patting his chest. ¡°The gods have chosen me, and I shall conquer this world.¡± The captain raised both arms, clapping one hand with the other. ¡°With these hands, we''ll change the course of history. Absolutely no one will deny us our heritage.¡± The passionate commander then turned his attention back to the captives, amid the cheers of his subordinates. ¡°I want to see your screens.¡± He removed the handgun from its holster while stroking his thick, bushy mustache. ¡°If you resist, heaven or hell will gain a new angel or demon.¡± He spat on the ground and randomly pointed at someone. ¡°You, come here.¡± Scott hesitated, swallowing a mouthful of saliva. The silver barrel of the handgun was aimed at him, but it didn''t intimidate him as much as the bloodthirsty gaze of the commander. ¡°Are you coming or what?¡± Costa didn''t need to finish his sentence. His presence alone was enough to compel Scott to submit. He timidly approached the bald man, avoiding direct eye contact. ¡°Open it,¡± Costa commanded. He didn''t care whether others feared or respected him as long as they obeyed his orders. Scott hesitated for a moment but soon opened his status sheet. Costa, with the gun still aimed at the college student''s heart, carefully examined the status screen. ¡°Why do you have such a high envy stat?¡± Costa asked without turning. ¡°How bitter must you be to have such uncontrollable jealousy?¡± The commander shifted his gaze from the status screen to lock eyes with Scott. ¡°Tell me why I shouldn''t kill you. After all, someone like you is only bound to cause trouble in the future.¡± Costa pressed the gun''s barrel against Scott''s chest. ¡°Go over there for now,¡± he said, pointing to a tree covered in blackened marks. ¡°I''ll deal with you later.¡± Costa then turned his attention to the women, choosing another student at random. Jessica, who tried to hold onto Ethan''s hand, cried out as some soldiers forcefully dragged her toward the commander. ¡°You''re lucky I have great respect for women,¡± Costa said, wiping away the tears streaming down the frightened woman''s cheeks. ¡°But I won''t tolerate any further disrespect. Is that clear?¡± Jessica nodded. ¡°Open it, then.¡±
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Jessica Anderson
Level: 1
Experience Points: 0/100
Mana Points: 60/60¡ªLocked.
Race: Human
Class: Class advancement Possible! Would you like to look at all possible classes available to your current skill set? [Yes] [No]
Physical Stats Strength: 9
Agility: 8
Endurance: 11
Dexterity: 7
Toughness: 5
Abnormal Stats Loyalty: 85
Inferiority Complex: 63
Skills Fitness (Level 3)
Physical training (Level 2)
Acting (Level 1)
Abilities
Body Transformation: Born out of an intense longing to seek perfection; your body will succumb to your will. Strength, Agility, and Endurance stats increase by 10% for 10 minutes.
Charisma Boost: Charisma stat increases by 20% for 5 minutes.
Method Acting: Acting skill level increases by 50% for one hour. Composure, Charisma, Wisdom, and Intelligence stats will increase by 50% when Method Acting is activated.
Willpower: When activated, you will be immune to all forms of mental manipulation and control for 5 minutes.
Fitness Mastery: Dexterity increases by 10% and Physical Training skill increases by 50% for 10 minutes.
Muscle Memory: You will quickly learn and execute physical movements with precision and efficiency.
Photographic Memory: You will remember details of people, places, written words, and objects with remarkable accuracy.
Tongue of All [New]: You will understand every language, written and spoken, native or foreign to your world!
Inventory Empty!
Quests Main Quest: Enter the Tower of Champions ¨C Not started!
Side Quest: Complete the first baptism ¨C New!
Side Quest: Complete class advancement ¨C Needs main quest to become active!
Costa whistled and shook his head. ¡°You have a lot of impressive abilities, but why are you so insecure?¡± He glanced at the system window again. ¡°No matter how beautiful a fruit looks, it¡¯s all for nothing once it¡¯s riddled with worms. Truly a pity. Go join the envious one over there.¡± Jessica''s expression darkened. She wanted to respond, but Joao silently warned her not to provoke the commander any further. Overwhelmed with emotion, Jessica walked over to the same tree. Scott felt his heart tighten as Jessica joined the group by the tree. Why would Jessica of all people be insecure? He wondered, gazing at the crying lady, who still looked beautiful despite her swollen eyes. Scott wrestled with his thoughts. Should I console her? he questioned, glancing at the crying woman. ¡°Hey, don''t let him get into your head,¡± Scott whispered, observing Professor Wilson who was now approaching the commander. Jessica wiped her eyes with the unsoiled parts of her tank top. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said, managing a smile. Scott acknowledged her smile with a nod, keeping his emotions in check. Nonetheless, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of relief at being able to console her. However, he focused solely on the others who waited their turn to be vetted by the militia leader. In this manner, thirty minutes passed in the blink of an eye. The number of people on Scott''s side had increased from two to twenty, each with character flaws that Costa despised. Meanwhile, the other group, which included the remaining half of the students, had been led to a different area. Scott could only watch as Omar, Alex, Professor Evelyn, and Professor Wilson left in forced silence. Jessica cried as soon as Ethan and her friends left the area. This time, however, Scott couldn''t bring himself to console her. After all, their survival was far from guaranteed. He glanced at the commander, who remained seated, fiddling with his mustache, and occasionally observing the group. Scott and his classmates couldn''t discern the thoughts of the mercurial commander. The more time passed, the greater the unease among the students. Costa finally stood up and broke the silence. ¡°I''ve finally figured out what to do with all of you.¡± He dragged the chair along the ground, causing some grass to scatter. ¡°How do the books define it again?¡± he mused, tapping the sides of his head as if trying to recall a long-forgotten quote. ¡°Ah, I remember now. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.¡± The commander smiled, pointing at the group. ¡°You are all the weakest links. No matter how talented some of you may be, it''s still a risk to keep you.¡± He drew his gun from its holster, causing gasps and screams. Costa sat back down in the chair. ¡°I''ll give you a chance to prove yourselves. After all, I am who I am today because I took risks.¡± He smiled, lowering his gun for a moment. The group stared anxiously at the commander, not knowing what to expect. None of them could have fathomed they would experience such a scenario in their live times. ¡°I don''t know how you''re going to do it, and frankly, I don''t care,¡± the commander continued. ¡°But you must reduce those flaws by at least three points in the next three days.¡± He stood up, locking eyes with the stunned students. ¡°Your fate is in your hands. Show me your determination.¡± Chapter 4 : Betrayal? The crescent moon heralded the arrival of night, casting its silvery light over the ancient forest. Its cascading beams struggled to penetrate the dense canopy of trees, their leaves forming an intricate, intertwined barrier. The forest floor came alive with bioluminescent organisms, scattering vibrant colors across the grassy earth, creating a picturesque wonderland. In this humid night, the distinct howls of nocturnal beasts echoed. At this hour, the militia campsite was dimly lit by kerosene lanterns, and only a few soldiers patrolled the perimeter. Those chosen focused mainly on the outcast group, who sat in the open, battling the relentless mosquitoes and the muggy air. The group ate their meager rations in silence, some shedding silent tears as they regretted their decision to embark on this ill-fated journey. From where they sat, they could hear laughter and muffled conversations emanating from the surrounding tents, where the soldiers reveled. Scott forced a piece of tasteless bread into his mouth, wishing they hadn''t been stripped of their belongings. These bastards could have at least left us with our stuff. Eating protein bars is a thousand times better than this garbage. He took a sip from his water bottle, mindful not to consume too much, uncertain if they''d receive more. As he fiddled with the plastic cap, Scott reflected on how events had strayed far from his expectations, especially considering the sudden manifestation of their superpowers. He looked up at the moon, alone in its splendor. ¡°Penny for your thoughts?¡± Startled, Scott turned to the melodious voice. He sat upright, bewildered. When did she get here? Jessica smiled and joined him. ¡°Compared to the rest of us, you''re handling this better than I thought,¡± she said, gazing at the starless skies. The blackened skies from the day remained, but somehow the moon''s light pierced through. Chuckling, Jessica turned to Scott. ¡°You know what''s funny? My roommate told me it was a dumb idea to come here. She practically begged me to accompany her to Paris instead." ¡°You can''t blame yourself for that. There''s no way anyone could have predicted this,¡± Scott said. Jessica sighed as she leaned against the tree. ¡°I know. But instead of contending with these lunatics, I''d probably be flying back to the US right now.¡± ¡°No,¡± Scott muttered softly, shaking his head. ¡°You, your roommate, and everyone on that flight would probably be buried at the bottom of the Earth by now.¡± Jessica''s eyes widened. ¡°What? Where did that come from?¡± ¡°Omar and I saw a plane crash earlier today. Remember how we were forced to the ground?¡± Scott asked. Jessica nodded; her eyes still wide. ¡°Now, imagine how frightening it would be on an airplane. Be thankful you didn''t go on the trip.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Jessica said, her voice barely a whisper as tears streaked down her face again. If Scott¡¯s words were to be true, it was unlikely she would ever meet her roommate again. She wiped her tears and took a sip from her bottle. She rested her chin on her arms, which lay on her knee. After a long silence, she finally spoke again. ¡°You''re different from what I expected, though.¡± ¡°Huh? What does that mean?¡± Scott asked, his nerves showing as he scratched his neck. Jessica tilted her head. ¡°I mean, you were always staring at me. To be honest, it did make me uncomfortable in the beginning. But you weren¡¯t like the other assholes who tried to push their luck.¡± Scott''s smile froze, and he avoided her gaze, wishing the ground would swallow him. Jessica chuckled when she noticed Scott''s reaction. ¡°My opinion changed as time passed. I''ve seen and met a lot of creeps. If anything, you''re just a curious puppy at best. However, you shouldn''t stare at people like that.¡± ¡°I''m sorry,¡± Scott whispered, still not meeting her gaze. ¡°I accept your apology. Buy me a boba tea if we somehow make it out of here,¡± Jessica said with a cheeky smile before playfully punching Scott''s arm. ¡°It doesn''t hurt to go up to people and say hi. Let me guess, you were staring because I blew your mind, right?¡± Scott''s face reddened. His eyes darted between Jessica''s smile, the ground, and the moon. He had imagined countless scenarios where he''d confess his feelings for the acting prodigy, but never did he expect to have such a conversation after all that had transpired. ¡°I-I did have a crush on you, but it wasn''t some weird, ''only I can have her'' thing,¡± Scott struggled to explain while Jessica burst out laughing. Several students and soldiers turned toward the duo, though neither group intended to intrude or eavesdrop. ¡°I know you''re with Ethan. So, I won''t get any strange ideas,¡± Scott said with his head lowered, embarrassed like he''d never been before. ¡°I know you guys had a disagreement earlier, but Ethan''s a really good guy, really,¡± Jessica emphasized. However, she could tell from Scott''s eyes he didn''t believe her. ¡°I''m serious. I know he hangs out with jerks like Coady and Josh, but he''s nothing like them.¡± She paused, glancing at the tent where the other students stayed. ¡°Those guys were planning on hazing you a bit yesterday. But it was Ethan that stopped them. He hates bullying. To be honest, he was even the one that convinced me you''re not a creep or a potential stalker.¡± I can''t believe he looked out for me when I''ve been a total jerk to him, he thought. Jessica stretched her arms and continued; her curiosity apparent. ¡°I know I shouldn''t be saying this, but why do you have such a high envy stat?¡± Although she didn''t know the exact values, she suspected it was high enough to make Costa wary. Scott sighed, realizing there was no point in hiding it any longer. Now, the woman he admired was questioning the very source of his shame. ¡°You don''t have to say anything. I was only curious. It''s not like¡ª¡± Scott interjected, ¡°There''s no point hiding it now.¡± He sighed again and met Jessica''s curious eyes. ¡°Ever since I was young, I was always good at running and using my hands. I worked as an assistant in my dad''s workshop for a couple of years, and I was quite good with a hammer. However, my talents couldn''t compare with the other boys who were clearly superior and frankly more dedicated. I gave up after a while, deciding to focus on athletics instead.¡± Scott twisted his lips to the side as memories of his younger days flashed through his mind. ¡°I wasn''t great at first, but the more I practiced, the better I became. Before long, I was winning individual competitions. That soon turned to school competitions. Things moved crazily fast to the extent I was being scouted during my junior year in high school.¡± Scott let out another sigh, a wry smile playing on his lips. ¡°I got into what I thought was a minor accident. Turned out I tore my anterior cruciate ligament. The surgery went well, and my recovery was smooth. But being sidelined for so many months, especially in the competitive running scene, I knew I stood no chance when I returned. Those who were once behind me had long caught up and even surpassed me, and that''s without even considering the emergence of new talents.¡± An awkward silence settled between them as Scott fiddled with the cork of his bottle. ¡°I''m sorry that happened to you,¡± Jessica said, breaking the silence. ¡°Thanks, but it''s okay,¡± Scott said, forcing a smile. Jessica reached out and took his hand. ¡°No, giving up on your dreams must have hurt. I can''t even begin to imagine what you went through.¡± ¡°T-Thanks,¡± Scott stammered as Jessica released his hand. He knew he was partly to blame for giving up too easily, but he couldn''t bring himself to explain that neither of those dreams truly belonged to him. Jessica leaned against the tree again, using the bottom of her bottle to tap the ground. ¡°I guess it''s my turn now.¡± ¡°Nah, you don''t have to. I only shared mine just because.¡± Scott meant every word. Jessica was perfect in his heart, and he didn''t want to hear anything that would change that. ¡°No, it''s fine. I''ll feel like an asshole if I don''t.¡± She continued hitting the bottle on the ground while taking a deep breath. ¡°No one would believe me, but I used to be overweight as a child. Not because I loved to eat or anything like that. Rather, my...¡± Jessica paused again; the constant bottle taps ceased as she took in another deep breath. ¡°My mother hated the fact that I ruined her body and beauty. Then, there was also the fact that she felt threatened by me. She forced me to eat anything that would make me gain weight. Whether I cried or felt sick didn''t matter. She would only stop when I had finished my daily rations. She would force me to eat even more if I had bad grades, or if I dared to hang out with the other kids. Mind you, she also enrolled me in pageants every six months. Simply just to bask in other mothers making fun of me. Naturally, she never took me there herself. It was always Steven.¡± Jessica paused again, chuckling as she tapped the ground one more time. Scott blinked multiple times; his ears perked up. Holy crap. What kind of person treats their kid like that? Wait, where was your dad when all this was happening? As if reading Scott''s thoughts, Jessica spoke again. ¡°I''m sure you''re probably wondering where my dad was while all this was happening.¡± Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Scott bashfully nodded. Jessica laughed again, but there was nothing cheerful about it. ¡°Well, I never met him, and I don''t even want to. The son of a bitch disappeared the moment he knocked her up. For my mom, I was her only avenue to punish him. I won''t bore you with my childhood trauma, my therapist got to eat, you know.¡± Jessica laughed again, punching Scott''s arm. ¡°What? Don''t feel sorry for me, okay?¡± ¡°I won''t. But I sincerely wished you hadn''t grown up that way,¡± Scott said. He couldn''t tell if Jessica''s smile was genuine. Someone with a past like that was bound to have some deep-rooted insecurities. However, her past did nothing to change his perception of the woman. If anything, it only raised it. ¡°To be honest, I didn''t expect I was going to share that with you of all people, no offense.¡± ¡°None taken. I understand what you mean,¡± Scott said. He hesitated for a moment while clearing his throat. ¡°So, does Ethan know?¡± A wry smile graced Jessica''s lips as she cocked her head backward, staring at the moon. ¡°He knows I used to be overweight. But I haven''t told him about my mom yet, and it looks like I won''t get the chance to.¡± ¡°Don''t say that. We still have three days to save our asses,¡± Scott said, though his demeanor wasn''t as convincing as his words. Jessica only smiled. While she hoped for a miracle, she had already prepared her mind for the inevitable. After all, none of them knew how to improve or devalue a stat. ¡°It might potentially be for only three days, but we should be friends,¡± Jessica said, her eyes still focused on the starless skies. ¡°Yeah, sure. Let''s do that,¡± Scott said.
Side Quest: Complete the first baptism ¨C will begin in 5 minutes!
Scott sat upright, staring at the message. He glanced at Jessica, and she too, stared at the floating panel. In fact, everyone in the camp, no matter where they were, had received the message. ¡°What''s going to happen this time?¡± Jessica muttered in a daze. ¡°I''m not sure, but we should prepare ourselves. It seems like the others are coming,¡± Scott said, glancing at Costa''s tent. He extended a hand to help Jessica to her feet as several flashlights pierced the darkness, revealing the camp. Simultaneously, bestial roars echoed across the Amazon, adding to the soldiers'' frustrations. Costa emerged from his tent, clad in just pants, boots, and a mesh camouflage tank top. ¡°Gather everyone, now!¡± he barked, strapping his holster to his leg. Soldiers and students quickly assembled, awaiting their commander''s orders. The roars grew even louder, and the thunder and lightning intensified. The first baptism is about to start. But what could all this mean? Costa stared at the timer, which counted down rapidly. He turned to his men. ¡°Kill anyone who flees.¡± Shouts of acknowledgment filled the air. The commander nodded, his gaze shifting to Scott''s group. ¡°Change of plans. You all will be responsible for embarking on this baptism first.¡± Scott''s expression darkened, mirroring the concern etched on his classmates'' faces. He cast a worried glance at Omar, who was being held back by Alex, Ethan, and a few others. That caveman better not do something stupid. If one of us must die, I prefer it''s me, Scott thought to himself. ¡°Don''t do anything stupid. I won''t die even if I''m killed, okay?¡± Scott mouthed, speaking in a way only Omar would understand. ¡°I''ll expose your browser history if you even think of dying. Try me and see,¡± Omar responded, his tense face relaxing slightly. ¡°Stay away from my PC, asshole,¡± Scott retorted, a faint smile playing at his lips. He turned his attention back to the timer. ¡°Only fifty seconds left,¡± he muttered. ¡°If this were an anime or something, this would be the time the main characters would get their power-up.¡± Then, he looked at Jessica. She stared intently at Ethan, her face reflecting sadness and resignation. Scott turned to Omar again. ¡°Tell my parents I love them when you get out of here. You''ll always be my bro." He smiled, trying to keep his emotions in check. ¡°Tell them yourself man. We¡¯re all getting out of here together,¡± Omar responded, stifling his tears. The timer reached zero, and a deafening chime reverberated through the area. Lightning and thunder shook the earth, threatening to engulf it in an electrical inferno. Cracks marred the skies, and the heavens unleashed a torrent of viscous, amethyst rain. Earthquakes rocked continents, and the seas surged toward the skies, conquering new lands. Lightning and thunder shredded the earth, obliterating everything in their path.
Side Quest: Complete the first baptism ¨C started!
Mana points unlocked!
A fiery cyclone, shooting lightning bolts, raced toward the basecamp. Sturdy trees took to the skies, shattering into splinters as they went their way. Students and soldiers fled in all directions, desperate to escape the impending disaster. ¡°We need to get the hell out of here!¡± Scott screamed, but his voice was nearly drowned out by the chaos. However, Jessica remained motionless. ¡°What''s wrong with you?¡± He grabbed her by the arms, but she remained unresponsive, her eyes distant as the purple rain streamed down her face. Scott turned to Omar and the others, hoping they would assist him. But to his shock, Omar, Ethan, Alex, Coady, Nicole, Josh, Heather, and Dustin all stared blankly, seemingly entranced. What''s happening with them? He wondered. Scott tried again, but no matter what he did, Jessica wouldn''t move. He raised his head, staring at the approaching typhoon. ¡°Why are they like this?¡± Only Scott and the group of motionless students remained on the campsite; everyone else had fled for their lives. A thought occurred to Scott. Could it be they''re gaining special stats from the baptism? The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. However, he couldn''t help but feel a twinge of jealousy that he wasn''t one of them. ¡°Now isn''t the time for jealousy. I need to protect them or wake them up. They won''t survive the cyclone.¡± Scott gathered his resolve. ¡°Ugh¡­ my head. Where am I?¡± Jessica finally spoke, massaging her temples. Scott rushed to her side, concerned. ¡°Finally, you''re awake. We need to get out of here now. Help me with the others. They haven¡¯t¡ª¡± But Jessica interjected, her voice filled with anger. ¡°Get off.¡± She yanked her hand away from Scott''s grasp. ¡°I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to touch you without your consent. I was just worried,¡± Scott said, concerned with Jessica¡¯s spiteful gaze. Jessica''s fury flared. ¡°Get the hell away from me!¡± Her bloodshot eyes met Scott''s, and she looked at him with murderous disgust. Scott took a step back, bewildered. What''s wrong with her? Has the rain affected her? Fearing for Omar and the others, Scott cautiously approached them. ¡°Omar are you okay?¡± he called out, tapping his friend''s shoulders. ¡°Hey, man. Can you hear me?¡± Omar blinked several times, massaging his temples. ¡°That voice¡­ Scott?¡± ¡°Yeah, it''s me. What the hell happened to you guys? I was¡­¡± Before he could finish, a fist landed on Scott''s face, sending him to the ground. Scott winced, clutching his bleeding nose. ¡°Coady? What the hell, man?¡± Coady glared at Scott, his lips tightly clenched, as if restraining himself from attacking again. ¡°You broke my damn nose. What did I do to you?¡± Scott demanded; his voice strained. ¡°Shut up!¡± Nicole lunged at the man, delivering a flurry of kicks to his ribs. She only stopped when the man lay motionless on the ground. ¡°Nikki, that''s enough,¡± Ethan intervened, holding back the enraged woman. ¡°If you go any further, you will kill him.¡± ¡°But how can we just let him be? After all he did?¡± The brown-eyed woman turned her fierce gaze back to Scott, who was barely moving. Her eyes revealed her frustration. ¡°Damn the consequences. I won''t let this bastard get away with what he did.¡± She raised her legs to strike again. ¡°P-Please, I''m so-sorry,¡± Scott begged, his voice barely audible. He tried to raise his hand in a plea, but his body wouldn''t obey. His pitiful state only seemed to enrage Nicole further. ¡°Go to hell.¡± She dropped her leg, her anger unabated. But Ethan stepped in, displaying superhuman strength as he lifted the petite woman before her feet could connect with Scott''s head. ¡°You can''t kill him. Stop this now,¡± Ethan insisted, his stern gaze locked on Nicole. Her rage turned to frustration, and she sobbed. ¡°Even now you''re still supporting¡ª¡± Nicole began, but Ethan''s grip tightened around her arm. ¡°Don''t you dare play that card. Do you know how much I suffered because of him? Why can''t you think about the bigger picture? Use your head for once in your life!¡± ¡°Ethan, that''s enough,¡± Omar''s voice interrupted the confrontation. He loomed over the struggling pair, his impassive eyes shifting between Scott, Nicole, and Ethan. ¡°You''re hurting her; please let her go.¡± Ethan heeded Omar''s words, relaxing his grip. Nicole stepped away, tears of anger and frustration in her eyes. With a clear path to Scott, Omar slowly approached the nearly unconscious student. ¡°O-Omar, what the hell is going on?¡± Scott''s voice quivered as he attempted to speak. He tried to raise his hand but couldn''t. His vision was clear, but he felt as if a stranger stood before him. The warmth and playfulness he associated with Omar had disappeared, replaced by a chilling emptiness. Omar knelt beside Scott, tousling his hair while gently wiping the blood from Scott''s nose. ¡°Hey, caveman, how have you been?¡± Scott shuddered, struggling to stay conscious. Omar''s words filled his heart with sadness, and he was certain the Omar before him wasn''t the one he knew. ¡°Who are you?¡±
You have awakened several Abnormal stats!
Omar took a moment to glance at the system window before refocusing on Scott. ¡°I''m Omar, but not just the one you know. It''s the same for the rest of them.¡± Scott fought to keep his eyes open, not wanting to faint when so much was at stake. ¡°W-What did you do to my friend?¡± Omar sighed. ¡°I know you must feel aggrieved and confused about why this is happening. It''s a long story, but, in simple terms, you will commit a lot of heinous crimes a couple of years from now. There isn''t anyone here you haven''t wronged with your actions.¡± Omar paused, his gaze shifting to Jessica a few feet away. ¡°A lifetime of repentance isn''t enough to atone for what you did." Scott''s mind swirled with questions. Are they from the future? What kind of person did I become for them to hate me this much? And why would I hurt Jessica of all people? He lowered his gaze, meeting Omar''s eyes. ¡°W-Why should I pay for the crimes I know nothing about? The me you know and the me of now are different people.¡± Scott coughed, forcing himself to remain awake. ¡°Y-You guys are from the future, right? Then, you can help me change. Please, Omar.¡± Omar interjected, shaking his head. ¡°This isn''t the first, second, or third time we''ve had this discussion, but I¡¯m hoping it will be the last time.¡± ¡°W-W-What?¡± Scott''s lips quivered, and his chest tightened. ¡°I hate to say it, but that lunatic, Costa, was right all along. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. I''m sorry, Scott, but for humanity''s sake, we won''t allow you to enter the Tower of Champions this time.¡± Omar stood up, his expression remaining unyielding. ¡°Not killing you instantly is the final mercy we can grant you.¡± Omar turned to Jessica, and the two exchanged a knowing nod. Jessica began to chant inaudible words while making intricate hand movements. ¡°W-W-Wait, Omar. This doesn''t make sense. Please don''t do this to...¡± Scott''s plea was cut short. A brilliant light descended from the heavens, enveloping Scott before he could even scream. Then, it vanished, leaving nothing behind. Jessica fell to her knees, vomiting blood. Omar rushed to her side, and the rest of the group joined them. He gently cradled her in his arms, his gaze filled with concern. ¡°Jess, are you all right?¡± ¡°I''ll be okay. It''s the backlash from using the spell. I''ll recover once we return to the Tower of Champions.¡± She closed her eyes, nestling against him. ¡°How¡¯s she?¡± Ethan inquired. ¡°She only fell asleep. She''ll be as good as new once we return,¡± Omar reassured the group, his focus on the resting woman. ¡°Are you sure that weasel won''t find a way into the tower somehow?¡± Alex voiced his concern. Everyone turned their attention to Alex. ¡°She sent him to the place where the intruders first appeared. That place is already a wasteland and will be consumed in a day or two. It''s impossible for him to escape, especially in his current state. Scott is no longer our problem.¡± ¡°Then, I think it''s time we meet up with the others,¡± Nicole suggested, massaging her sore wrists. ¡°Yeah,¡± Coady agreed with a nod. ¡°The Tower of Champions will be opening soon. There''s a lot we need to prepare for.¡± ¡°This time, humanity will not be defeated,¡± Omar declared while taking one final look at the abandoned camp. The group unleashed their superhuman speed and raced directly toward the cyclone, heading in the opposite direction. Chapter 5 : Hastur The arrival of the baptism plunged the world into utter chaos, unleashing catastrophic disasters on a planetary scale. It seemed as though the very elements of the Earth had turned against its inhabitants. Nations that had existed for thousands of years were engulfed by raging infernos, obliterated by heat waves and electrical storms, or swallowed by the abyssal depths of the ocean, never to be seen again. The cataclysm claimed the lives of both humans and beasts by the millions. Humanity, for the first time, stood at the brink of extinction. Amidst the pandemonium, colossal sinkholes suddenly manifested all over the world. These dark chasms appeared as portals to the underworld, connecting the shattered world to an unfathomable abyss that seemed to hold the key to the planet''s fate. The sinkholes unleashed torrents of water, which ignited into fiery magma as the amethyst rain continued to descend. As if the situation couldn''t deteriorate further, a series of quakes shook the Earth. But this time, from the depths of the magma-spewing voids emerged towering structures, blacker than the night itself. These enigmatic towers ascended toward the sky, casting an otherworldly splendor that left onlookers in awe.
The Tower of Champions has emerged!
Both men and beasts who hadn''t been devoured by the natural calamities received the system message. Though they couldn''t fathom what lay behind the obsidian walls, their instincts screamed that it was their sole chance for survival. Thus, a frenzied race to the towers commenced. In the far reaches of the Sahara, Scott lay on his back, observing the furious elements rend the heavens asunder. Tremors and surging waves filled his ears, but the battered student could only gaze at the rupturing skies, occasionally coughing blood. How could they do this to me? He couldn''t recall how he had ended up in this desolate wasteland, but he would never forget Omar¡¯s soulless eyes, even if he wanted to. Tears streamed down his face, his eyes turning bloodshot as he continued to cough up blood. How is this fair? Scott bit his lower lip, the hauntingly vengeful gazes of his classmates replaying in his mind. To say he felt wronged was a colossal understatement. After all, they had chosen to punish him for the sins committed by another version of himself. A clear ding resounded in his ears, and another system panel appeared before his eyes.
You have acquired new abnormal stats!
¡°Open my status window,¡± Scott commanded in his mind.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Scott Dorsey
Level: 1
Experience Points: 0/100
Mana Points: 60/60
Race: Human
Class: None! Level 2 in two Skills is the minimum threshold for class advancement.
Physical Stats Strength: 1 (-9 due to current physical condition)
Agility: 0 (-8 due to current physical condition)
Endurance: 14 (+2 due to current physical condition)
Dexterity: 0 (-6 due to current physical condition)
Toughness: 6 (+1 due to current physical condition)
Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.Abnormal Stats Envy: 20
Loyalty: 75 (-5 due to current mental condition)
Perception: 20 ¨C New!
Will power: 10 ¨C New!
Quests Main Quest: Enter the Tower of Champions ¨C On going!
Side Quest: Complete the first baptism ¨C On going!
¡°I won''t forgive any of those assholes,¡± Scott cursed bitterly from the depths of his heart. The tremors and crashing waves had gotten louder, closer even. However, it didn¡¯t bother him, whatever calamity approached. Death, after all, was inevitable in his current condition. He was already suffering, another hour or two would change nothing. As his vision began to fade, a chaotic mix of emotions besieged his heart. Bitterness, confusion, and hatred mingled within him, threatening to engulf his very being. But he couldn¡¯t tear his gaze away from the chaotic skies above, where the heavens churned and twisted, revealing a portal to the void. Massive, writhing tendrils, each one capable of consuming the Earth whole, coiled, and thrashed within the primordial abyss. The tentacles seemed to consume ancient, burning stars, shattering them to pieces with but a mere wave. The universe, once a vast and awe-inspiring expanse, now seemed minuscule in comparison to the monstrous tentacles. Scott bled from both eyes; the writhing appendages unlike anything he had ever seen. Eldritch in nature and reeking of an otherworldly aura. Scott was transfixed, unable to look away as the ambiguous monstrosity devoured star after star, its insatiable hunger seemingly unquenchable. Even the rupturing of several veins couldn¡¯t peel his eyes away from the chaos unfolding above; watching as the eldritch horror shifted and changed, morphing into an even more unfathomable form. It was now a writhing mass of flesh, bone, and sinew, pulsating with an ungodly energy that threatened to tear the very fabric of reality asunder. Scott trembled, his mind recoiled at the sight, struggling to comprehend the sheer magnitude of the horror before him. It was then that the human realized that he was not alone in his terror. Other beings, each as small and insignificant as he was, gazed upon the monstrous entity in awe and horror. They were scattered across the cosmos, witnessing the same horror. For a moment, the human felt a sense of camaraderie with these other beings, united in their terror of the unknown. But the moment was fleeting, and the horror before him remained as inscrutable and incomprehensible as ever. The eldritch abomination continued its rampage, devouring stars and reshaping the fabric of the universe as it pleased. One after the other, these tiny spectators disappeared. Scott could only watch in mute horror as the universe was consumed, inch by inch, until it was only him left. In the vast emptiness of the void, Scott stood face to face with a figure in flashing yellow. The vast emptiness had devoured all his emotions, leaving only his curiosity as he stared at the strange being. Although it was not humanoid, it felt familiar to him. Mirrors, countless as infinite stars, opened in the abyss, each reflecting an image of its own. Scott¡¯s attention shifted from the figure in yellow; the remains of his bleeding eyes fixated on the screens. No matter how far away one mirror was, he could see them from where he stood, and each mirror reflected a version of himself from what seemed to be alternate timelines. An older version of himself hiked through a thick forest while smoking a fat cigar; waving at a young man who looked just like him. They hunted together as a father and son would, while enjoying the serenity of the wild. Another version stood before a multitude of reporters, proudly raising his country¡¯s flag amid the roars of thousands of spectators. Another sat under the starry night, lips locked with a woman he recognized, but couldn¡¯t recall her name. Other versions of himself were dying in various ways, including suicide, while another version plagued with hideous mutations fought for survival against some familiar faces. In another scene, he was blind but could experience a new world through auditory waves. A myriad lifetime worth of experiences filled his mind all at once. Scott¡¯s eyes shattered, yet he felt no pain. The blindness had taken the mirrors, but he could still see the figure in yellow. The being reached out and touched his empty eye sockets, filling them with a yellowish swirling mass that formed a brand-new pair of eyes. An ancient pattern flickered deep within the pupils, before disappearing like it had never existed. For the first time, Scott felt his consciousness fade away. But it wasn¡¯t death, for that was too peaceful. This was madness; madness so pure it had taken form. His consciousness withered further, reaching the verge of destruction. Then, a whisper escaped from the abyss. The voice filled with primordial terror roused the human¡¯s feeble mind. ¡°Say my name.¡± A name filled Scott¡¯s mind, and he opened his mouth. ¡°Hastur,¡± he called out. Silence enveloped the abyss. The figure in yellow and the infinite mirrors had disappeared, but the shattered universe and its countless creations had returned. Chapter 6 : A New World Scott jolted upright in his bed, gasping for air as if he''d been running a marathon. Beads of sweat clung to his forehead, and his hands trembled like leaves in a storm. The room''s air conditioning fought valiantly against the oppressive heat, but his breathing remained ragged. His bleary eyes took in the unfamiliar room. The low hum of the air conditioner was the only sound, but the echoes of a chaotic nightmare still resonated inside Scott''s racing heart. Unsteadily, he glanced at his hands, noticing they still trembled like a man caught in a blizzard. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, to calm his frayed nerves. The memory of his dream was already fading, slipping away like a wisp of smoke. Despite his desperate attempts, Scott could only recall fragments ¨C a world in ruins, the accusing eyes of his classmates, and the elemental forces wreaking havoc. He hated the fact that the intricacies eluded him, leaving only the unsettling sensation of dread. Lost in his thoughts, a soft voice cut through the remnants of his nightmare. A beautiful young woman stood beside his bed, her gentle hands wrapping around his neck. ¡°Hey, what''s wrong?¡± she whispered, her breath tickling his ear. Scott blinked, baffled. He turned to face her, and his jaw dropped. ¡°Jessica?¡± Scott muttered; his voice dazed. The athletic beauty stood before him in her pajamas, hugging him as if they were lovers. He couldn''t recall how they had come together, but she was here, in his room, holding him. Jessica raised a brow, her face cut with concern. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°I-I don''t know,¡± Scott stammered, his mind struggling to make sense of his fleeting emotions. A crease formed on Jessica¡¯s forehead. ¡°Should I call someone?¡± Scott shook his head, still bewildered by her presence and the sudden turn of events. ¡°No, I''m fine. It''s just... I was startled by your beauty, that''s all.¡± Jessica snorted, amusement glinting in her eyes. ¡°You''re such a goof,¡± she said as she playfully punched his arm. She then moved closer, her warmth calming the disoriented man. ¡°Feeling better?¡± she asked. Scott grinned, his racing heart slowly returning to its regular rhythm. ¡°Yeah, I''m sorry for making you worry. Let''s get some sleep, okay?¡± They both settled back into bed, Jessica resting her head on Scott''s chest while tracing her fingers along his thigh. As seconds piled into minutes, Jessica drifted off to sleep, but Scott remained awake. His distant gaze fixed on the unremarkable ceiling; his mind still haunted by the dream''s remnants. The minutes piled up into hours, and the room grew progressively darker, and the pressure on his chest lifted. A sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu washed over him. This feels familiar, but why? Unable to peel his eyes from the ceiling, Scott continued to watch the darkness consume the room. Then, the darkness swirled and gave way to a yellow, formless entity. Scott''s eyes glowed with a yellow radiance, and a whirlwind of memories surged through his mind. He gasped for air, struggling to lift his arms as he attempted to scream, but the darkness devoured his voice. The blackness spread even further, swallowing everything in its path. Scott awoke again, his heart pounding, while struggling to sit up. His vision cleared, revealing a completely different environment. The room was dimly lit by flickering candles, and a foul, rotten odor hung in the air. ¡°Where am I?¡± Scott muttered to himself, bewildered by his surroundings. Clothed skeletons, unlike any he had ever seen, were scattered a few feet from where he lay. The room, of circular design, featured a single window veiled by tattered and dusty curtains. Strange symbols and ancient relics lay strewn across the floor, some beyond repair and others obscured by filth. The stone walls were adorned with carvings he couldn''t decipher, and an ancient bookshelf filled with leather-bound tomes lined one side of the room, but the weight of time had claimed them all. A long table, bearing a cracked, humanoid skull on top, stood several inches away, and an ominous, rusted metal door loomed on the opposite side. Scott rose to his feet, moving cautiously towards the window, the creaking of the wooden floor echoing through the eerie silence. He parted the curtains to gaze outside, unleashing a hail of dust on himself. The full moon cast a pale glow over a vast, dense forest that stretched to the horizon. Towering mountain peaks, veiled in snow, formed a breathtaking backdrop. It was evident that he was inside a towering structure, possibly a castle, set amidst the expansive wilderness. As he placed his hands on the non-reflective window, a crisp ding resounded in his ears, and a system window materialized before his eyes.
Enchanted Window
Rarity: Legendary!
Description: This window has been enchanted to withstand both physical and magical damage.
Scott''s eyes widened as he read the system message that appeared before him. The words seemed to jolt his suppressed memories, causing them to flood his mind like a surging tidal wave. He winced, collapsing to his knees with a heavy thud, using the wall to prevent himself from smacking his head on the ground.
Enchanted Wall
Rarity: Legendary!
Description: This wall has been enchanted to withstand both physical and magical damage.
The room around him seemed to blur; yet Scott barely noticed the legendary items that would have once captivated him. His focus was solely on the vivid recollection of the events leading up to and during the baptism. ¡°I will never forgive those bastards for doing that to me...¡± Scott vowed in a low, bitter tone. A storm of rage distorted his features as he vividly recalled how Omar and the others had seemingly sent him to the desert to die. The realization that he could still see the system interface was an unsettling confirmation that he had somehow entered the Tower of Champions. Yet, one crucial detail eluded him: he couldn''t remember how he had managed to escape the unforgiving desert. Scott sat on the floor for a moment, lost in thought. His mind raced to make sense of the fragmented memories and the gaping hole where some of them should be. With a deep breath, he mentally commanded the system to reveal his status.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Scott Dorsey
Level: 1
Experience Points: 0/100
Mana Points: 100/100 ¨C New!
Race: Eldritch Spawn (lesser being) ¨C New! Half-human ¨C New!
Class: None! Level 2 in two Skills is the minimum threshold for class advancement.
Physical Stats Strength: 5 (-10 due to current physical condition)
Agility: 4 (-14 due to current physical condition)
Endurance: 14
Dexterity: 3 (-13 due to current physical condition)
Toughness: 16 (+10)
Abnormal Stats Envy: 20
Loyalty: 75
Perception: 25 (+5)
Will power: 18 (+8)
Composure: 75 ¨C New!
Madness: 80 ¨C New!
Skills Carpentry (Level 1)
Running (Level 2)
Survival (Level 1)
Madness (Level 1) ¡ª New!
??? (Locked)¡ª New!
??? (Locked)¡ª New!
Mental Manipulation (Level 1) ¡ª New!
Fishing (Level 1)
Abilities
Hammer Strike (Updated): Deals 25% damage to a single target when using a hammer. Hammer Strike deals 30% damage when combined with Madness Explosion.
Quick Step (Updated): Increase movement speed by 10% for five seconds. Movement speed increases by 15% when combined with Madness explosion.
Nature¡¯s Bounty: Increases the odds of finding food and resources by 5%.
Build: Construct a structure or item using wood materials.
Repair: Restore damaged structures or items.
Tongue of All: You will understand every language, written and spoken, native or foreign to your world!
Madness Explosion (New): All physical and abnormal stats will rise by ten points. Odds of landing a critical strike increases by 20% when Madness explosion is activated. All physical and mental stats will drop by 10 if the Madness stat drops below 50 after Madness Explosion is activated.
Mind Control (New): Odds of manipulating beings without mental resistance increases by 10%. Mind Control is ineffective against beings with higher levels of wisdom and Intelligence. Mind Control¡¯s effectiveness increases by 10% when combined with Madness Explosion.
Mental Resistance (New): There¡¯s a 100% chance of resisting mental attacks from beings of the same level. Mental Resistance drops by 20% when resisting a mental attack from a being at least 10 levels above your current level. Mental Resistance drops by 15% when combined with Madness Explosion and resisting a mental attack from a being at least 10 levels above your current level.
Sigil (New): 5% chance of corrupting an item with your mana. Items bearing your Sigil have a 10% chance of corrupting the mind when used by other beings.
Shapeshifter (New): No one will see you for who you are.
Inventory Empty!
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Quests Main Quest: Return to the starting Point ¨C Not started!
Side Quest: Complete Class advancement ¨C Not started!
Side Quest: Earn your first experience points ¨C On going!
Side Quest: Attain the minimum requirements for Class advancement ¨C On going!
Side Quest: Restore Health to peak conditions ¨C On going!
Side Quest: Explore your surroundings ¨C Not Started!
Side Quest: Find and send a weapon to your inventory ¨C On going!
Scott''s gaze remained locked on the flashing screen, his mouth agape, as the words etched in the system message sent shivers down his spine. ¡°Eldritch Spawn. Half-human. What the hell happened to me?¡± he muttered; his voice tinged with disbelief. The confusion that gnawed at him only intensified the more he delved into the details on the status sheet. In a matter of hours, he had transformed from an ordinary university student into a being he couldn''t even comprehend. Questions swirled in his mind like a maelstrom, leaving him grappling with the unsettling reality he now faced. Then, an unsettling thought gripped him. How long have I been here? he wondered, staring at the archaic room. His composure stat, remarkably high, played a role in keeping him calm despite the eerie and unfamiliar circumstances. Scott then turned his attention to the door at the opposite end of the room. I don''t know what''s going on, but I need to get out of here. Using the window frame as support, he pushed himself upright. One final glance at the breathtaking view beyond the window reminded him of the world he had lost access to. He sighed, parting with the beauty beyond the glass. As he took his first steps toward the metal door, he halted abruptly on his third stride. His gaze fixed on the very spot he had lain earlier, where he had first awakened. There, barely noticeable yet undeniably present, he discovered faint yellow markings that formed a complex and ritualistic pattern. Scott''s frown deepened as he examined the intricate symbols. I wouldn''t have noticed this if I hadn''t moved the curtains, he thought. His eyes lifted to the table that stood in his path, blocking his way to the door. A plethora of weapons, concealed by layers of dust, lay scattered across its surface. Scott couldn''t help but frown, as he reached for a chipped silver dagger.
Common Dagger Strength Requirement: None.
Damage:1-3 piercing damage.
Rarity: Common.
Description: A basic, unremarkable dagger with a worn leather-wrapped handle and dull, steel blade.
Condition: Damaged (no bonuses or penalties).
Type: Light melee weapon.
Scott''s eyes darted to the system message, absorbing its contents as he processed the information it provided. His focus shifted to a longsword; its blade snapped in half. He assessed the weapon briefly, then shifted his attention to the item placed beside it. Carefully, he reached for it.
Uncommon Warhammer Strength Requirement: 4.
Damage: 1-8 bludgeoning damage.
Rarity: Uncommon.
Description: The head of the weapon is made of a rare metal alloy that is both lightweight and strong. However, one side of the head has been smashed beyond repair, leaving only a sharp, jagged edge on the other side.
Condition: Damaged on one side and a missing a third of the handle.
Type: One-handed melee weapon.
Scott raised the war hammer, feeling its weight and balance. While unfamiliar with such a weapon, its craftsmanship was evident, and he sensed that it might suit his newfound abilities. He surveyed the other items on the table but found them either too damaged or ill-suited to his preferences. After a moment of consideration, he made his choice, addressing the system and watching as the war hammer vanished in a purple shimmer, stored safely in his inventory.
Quests Side Quest: Find and send a weapon to your inventory ¨C Completed!
Side Quest: Earn your first experience points ¨C Completed!
Side Quest: Explore your surroundings ¨C On going!
Exp:50
Exp:50
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
Quests Side Quest: Restore Health to peak conditions ¨C Completed!
EXP:20
Congratulations! You have unlocked a new Skill!
Congratulations! You have gained a new Ability!
Skill Hastur¡¯s Gaze (Level 1) ¡ª Unlocked!
Ability Hastur¡¯s Gaze (New): Peer into the status screens of other beings!
Scott flexed his arms, reveling in the newfound energy coursing through his body after the level-up. This is ridiculous. He felt a power greater than anything he''d ever experienced. Closing the system screen, he turned his focus to the steel exit. With a few brisk steps, he approached it and tapped the massive steel door, which promptly opened with a loud creak. The fetid stench of rotting air struck him as he entered the dimly lit hallway, revealing a scene of macabre horror. The passage was filled with debris of bones, covered in dust and cobwebs. Piles of skeletons, whole and mangled, each bearing signs of weapon-induced damage, lay stacked on top of each other. What happened here? Scott pondered, his gaze fixed on the damaged skeletons and the ruined walls, despite their enchantments. Scott proceeded down the eerie corridor, the sound of bones cracking echoed with each step, and the whisper of the surging winds seemed to strike the wall¡¯s exterior. After a few minutes of walking, he encountered a mirror that left him shocked by his reflection. He had aged significantly, his hair unruly, and his body malnourished. Scars marred his torso, and his once-normal eyes now possessed a sickly yellow hue, dilated and unfocused, devoid of cognitive awareness. What in God¡¯s name happened to me? However, only more questions filled his mind the longer he mused. Turning away from the mirror, he continued his journey through the labyrinthine hallways, each filled with more skeletal remains to the point that the floor was obscured. Suddenly, Scott entered a massive hall with a closed wooden door at the end of the winding path. In front of the door, a figure in black armor banged a shield against the enchanted surface. Puzzled and curious, Scott watched the figure, wondering about its identity and purpose. Chapter 7 : Hoarder
Status Screen
Basic Stats Name: Hoarder
Level: 2
Race: Undead
Class: Fighter
Physical Stats Strength: 22
Agility: 15
Dexterity: 25
Toughness: 20
Skills Expert Hoarder (Level 1)
Weapon recovery (Level 2)
Weapon Mastery (Level 2)
Abilities
Dual swordsmanship: This ability allows the Hoarder to effectively wield two swords simultaneously. It grants a significant boost to its accuracy and attack speed while using dual swords. It also enables it to perform complex sword techniques that would be impossible with only one sword. However, this ability has a high stamina cost and can only be used for 5 minutes before the Hoarder¡¯s stamina runs out.
Suicidal Charge: This ability allows the Hoarder to make a powerful charge attack that deals massive damage to the target but leaves it vulnerable to counterattacks. The Hoarder sacrifices precision and rationality for brutal strength to deal extra damage. The ability can only be used once per day. If the target survives the attack, the Hoarder will receive significant backlash, making it more vulnerable to further attacks.
Inventory
Twin Blades Strength Requirement: None
Damage: 1-3 slashing damage each
Rarity: Common
Description: A pair of matching short swords with slim, lightweight blades designed for quick, nimble strikes.
Condition: Normal (no bonuses or penalties)
Type: Light melee weapon (pair)
Quests Main Quest: Exit the Nameless Tower¨C On going!
Side Quest: Offer ten thousand weapons to the Nameless Tower ¨C (2930/10,000) ¨C On going!
Side Quest: Eliminate those who seek to exit the Nameless Tower ¨C New!
No wonder there weren¡¯t any weapons laying around. This bone head was responsible for gathering them all, Scott thought as he perused the status screen.
You have received a new Quest!
Side Quest: Defeat the Hoarder and exit the Nameless Tower ¨C New!
The creature turned, exposing its bony visage. It unleashed a ghastly howl, drawing its twin blades. Scott remained undaunted, summoning his war hammer. The undead creature tilted its head from side to side, tightening its grip around the twin blades as it slowly approached. A flickering crimson mist swirled in its empty eye sockets, giving it an eerie and otherworldly presence. It observed the strange intruder with an unsettling air of malevolence. Scott, despite being in the face of the otherworldly creature, remained remarkably calm, even though the battle could prove too challenging, as he lacked any combat-oriented skills or experience. Scott narrowed his eyes as he assessed the Hoarder''s stats. I can¡¯t drag this out. The war hammer could shatter at any moment. The skeletal adversary paused its advance, raising the twin blades as crimson mist enveloped its bones, mirroring the eerie glow in its eye sockets.
Hoarder has activated Ability ¨C Suicidal Charge!
Scott''s expression darkened as he realized the Hoarder had no intention of dragging out the confrontation. The undead released a sickening howl, its strength, dexterity, and agility stats surged by ten percent, while its toughness was reduced by half. In a split second, the creature darted toward Scott with unnatural swiftness, its twin blades raised menacingly, aiming to decapitate the intruder in a single strike and complete its nefarious task.
Quick Step Activated!
The Hoarder arrived in a blur, both blades poised to strike with deadly intent. It was convinced that its attack could not be dodged. To its astonishment, Scott''s form shifted with incredible speed, narrowly avoiding the twin blades that whizzed past him.
Ability ¨C Hammer Strike Activated!
Scott¡¯s right arm bulged, and thick veins distorted his pale face, as he swung the war hammer with all his might on the stunned creature. A crisp crack echoed as the sharp, jagged end of the weapon landed on the skull of the undead creature. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Critical Strike ¨C 25% damage added!
The undead creature fell face-first on the floor, a thin lattice of cracks lining its bleached skull. Scott ignored the flashing system panels. Instead, he sidestepped, positioning himself to loom over the fallen creature. Only three seconds remained until Quick Step deactivated. He kicked away the twin blades while raining a violent storm of strikes on the creature''s right arm. In a mere two seconds, the echoes of shattering bones filled the air as the skeletal arm of the Hoarder detached from its socket, all to the misery of the suicidal creature.
Critical Strike ¨C 25% damage added!
Quick Step''s duration has ended!
Scott moved again, putting more distance between himself and the wailing hoarder.
Warning! Durability of Item: Uncommon Warhammer has reached its minimum value!
Scott inhaled deeply, his eyes, now clear and resolute, shifting between the Hoarder, the shattered war hammer, and the system''s message. ¡°That was tougher than I thought it would be. If it didn''t go all out from the beginning, I might''ve been the one lying on the ground.¡± He tightened his grip on the war hammer¡¯s handle once more and swung the damaged weapon with all his strength, aiming directly for the Hoarder''s skull. The fragile hammer offered no resistance and shattered on impact, leaving deep cracks in the Hoarder''s skull. The crimson mist enveloping the creature¡¯s bones sifted back into the skull, but the cracks were too extensive to contain it. The mist dispersed into the air. Scott walked over to the Hoarder''s twin blades, retrieved them, and approached the now immobile and silent undead. With a determined resolve and crude savagery, he began hacking away at the skeleton''s bones, shattering them one by one. Moments later, the familiar ding echoed in his ears.
You have defeated a being born from the essence of the Nameless Tower! EXP: 50!
You have participated in your first battle in the Tower of Champions! EXP: 50!
You have won a battle in the Tower of Champions! EXP: 100!
The Nameless Tower acknowledges your right to leave!
Abnormal Stat: Perception has increased by 1! Perception: 26 (+1)
Skill: Survival has leveled up! Survival (Level 2)
Side Quest: Attain the minimum requirements for Class advancement ¨C Completed! EXP: 50
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
Scott furrowed his brow as he examined the updated stats on his system screen. ¡°No change in my physical stats again,¡± he mused. ¡°Perhaps they can only be improved through training or something like that.¡± He continued to scroll through his stats, his fingers tracing the panel as he stopped at the abnormal stats section. ¡°I probably wouldn¡¯t be alive if I didn¡¯t have such a high composure,¡± he muttered softly, his gaze turning to the fallen Hoarder''s corpse. Composure had been crucial in maintaining his calm and making the right decisions in the brief but intense battle. Scott''s thoughts returned to the class section, where the options [Yes] and [No] blinked before him. I¡¯m not sure if I should wait or do my class advancement now. Normally, a better array of skills should offer a more useful class, right? With a sense of curiosity and a lingering desire to explore his options, Scott clicked on [Yes]. Another ding sounded, and a new system window appeared before him.
Warning! Full details for classes will not be presented to the Champions!
Warning! Champions will decide which potential classes suit their abilities best!
Warning! Champions cannot change classes unless certain conditions are met!
Potential Classes available to Champion: Scott Dorsey!
Rogue: With your Agility, Dexterity, Perception, and Mental Manipulation abilities, you could excel as a sneaky, cunning rogue, able to pick locks, avoid traps, and trick enemies. Your impermeable shapeshifting abilities will propel you to rank among the top Champions in the rogue class.
Ranger: With Nature''s Bounty, Perception, Survival, and Running ability, you will make an excellent ranger. You will be able to track and hunt prey with ease. The ranger class will also enable you to take advantage of your Carpentry and Fishing skills.
Mage: With outstanding Intelligence, Wisdom, Composure, and Mana Points, you could excel as a mage who utilizes mental manipulation and mind control abilities to control and defeat enemies.
Warrior: With sufficient Strength, Toughness, and Endurance stats, you could also make a formidable warrior, able to withstand heavy hits and deal significant damage with your Hammer Strike ability.
Mad Warrior: With sufficient Strength, Toughness, and Endurance stats; coupled with your exceptional Madness and Composure stats. You will thrive as a Mad Warrior, using your insanity to bring destruction upon your enemies.
Eldritch Knight: As an Eldritch Spawn, you¡¯re more than qualified to tread the path of the great old ones. Hastur¡¯s gaze, Sigil, Shapeshifter, Mind Control, Madness Explosion, and Mental Resistance all but guarantee you will make a reputable Eldritch Knight.
Chapter 8 : Eldritch Knight Scott furrowed his brow, stunned to find his initial assumption to be far from the truth. The system didn''t merely match classes with skills; it delved into every aspect of a Champion''s stats. Now I understand why it cautioned me about selecting abilities that align with my skill set, Scott thought. He quickly noticed that the system didn''t highlight the advantages or penalties of choosing a class. It seems the system is implying the Champions are sole responsible for their actions and the resulting outcomes. As Scott gazed at the Eldritch Knight class, a lingering curiosity plagued his thoughts. It has been on my mind since I saw my race, but no matter how much I try to remember, I can¡¯t recall the names of any of the eldritch gods or their abilities. It¡¯s as if something is stopping me from remembering. ¡°System, what are the prerequisites for a class change?¡±
Class Advancement is required before an answer can be provided!
Scott chuckled, shaking his head as he dismissed the message. He sighed, his eyes returning to the list. Should I make a choice now? His fingers drummed lightly on the screen as he considered the options. For now, I''ll skip Rogue and Mad Warrior, Scott mused, lowering his gaze. Ranger, Mage, and Warrior don¡¯t look bad at all. But for some reason, I¡¯ve a crippling compulsion to choose the Eldritch Knight class. Unbeknownst to Scott, a subtle yellow sign flickered in his pupils as observed the system window. After another minute of contemplation, he made his decision. ¡°Screw it. It complements many of my abilities. I''m sure it''s a great class... right?¡± His pale hand moved toward the screen, firmly pressing the flashing [Yes].
Congratulations! You have completed your Class advancement! EXP: 50!
Side Quest: Complete Class Advancement ¨C Completed! EXP: 50!
Class
Eldritch Knight
Tier 1 Hammer Proficiency: You gain proficiency with hammer-based weapons. An additional 10% damage when using a hammer-based weapon.
Eldritch Strike: Your weapon strikes become infused with magic, dealing additional damage to your enemies. Additional 5% damage on all your attacks when using a hammer-based weapon.
Arcane Shield: You can create a shield of magical energy to protect yourself from attacks.
{Tier 2-10} ¨C Locked!
Congratulations! You have awakened new Skills!
Skills ??? (Locked) ¨C Level 10 required ¨C New!
Mental Manipulation (Level 1)
Basic Mana casting (Level 0) ¨C New!
Basic Hammer Mastery (Level 0) ¨C New!
Basic Combat (Level 0) ¨C New!
Congratulations! ??? has been unlocked!
There¡¯s currently a 1% chance your body will be ??? by ???
??? will increase as you unlock more tiers of Class ¨C Eldritch Knight.
Scott''s lips curved into a smile as he observed the boost in his experience points. His grin widened as he delved deep into the first tier of the Eldritch Knight class. The fact that nine other classes remained locked piqued his curiosity and excitement. Although his new skills were at the lowest level possible, he believed that with sufficient time and effort, he could level them up. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. However, Scott''s smile froze the moment he stumbled upon the blurred-out section. He scrutinized it, and his smile vanished, replaced by a furrowed brow and a frown. ¡°What is this?¡± he muttered. ¡°There''s no way this isn¡¯t hinting at my body being possessed in the future.¡±
Abnormal Stat: Perception has increased by 1!
¡°Fuck.¡± Scott¡¯s voice echoed in the hall as his visage soured. The notification all but confirmed his suspicions. I don¡¯t know which god is behind this, but there¡¯s no way in hell I¡¯m letting it take over my body. He turned his attention away from the screen, focusing on the corpse a foot away. Why didn¡¯t it drop any items, or are item drops not a thing in the Tower of Champions? Scott shifted his gaze away from the fallen corpse. I need to find someone that can explain what¡¯s going on. Scott took cautious steps toward the wooden door lacking latches. ¡°How am I supposed to...¡± he began to wonder, but then abruptly paused. The unremarkable door swung open soundlessly on its own, revealing a picturesque courtyard adorned with a carpet of both dried and fresh leaves. With the door now open, Scott entered the inviting courtyard.
Side Quest: Defeat the Hoarder and exit the Nameless Tower ¨C Completed! EXP: 100!
You have received a new Quest!
Side Quest: Explore the Nameless Courtyard!
Nice. I only need 30 more exp to level up. Scott turned his attention away from the floating screen. Scott inhaled deeply, savoring the sweet scent of blooming flowers that permeated the air. It offered a stark contrast to the cold and gloomy atmosphere of the Nameless Tower, and a wave of relief washed over him. Towering stone walls enclosed the courtyard, their rough surfaces adorned with vines and creepers. With each step he took further into the courtyard, a satisfying crunch followed. ¡°When was the last time someone came to this place?¡± Scott wondered, turning his gaze to the courtyard''s center. There, he discovered a small, tranquil pond reflecting the full moon. Approaching the pond, Scott''s brows shot up as he noticed its crystal-clear water, almost seeming to glow in the moonlight. He couldn''t resist the temptation to splash some water on his face. The cold water sent shivers down his spine, but it was refreshing. As he wiped his face, he observed something peculiar about the pond. Despite the fallen leaves and branches surrounding it, none of them soiled the water. It was as if an invisible barrier repelled them. The absence of notifications from the system about this calm water also surprised him. Scott continued his exploration around the pond, spotting several stone benches scattered along its perimeter. Weathered by time, they bore cracks and chips, yet they appeared sturdy enough for him to sit on. He decided to take a break, choosing one of the benches and relishing the rustic beauty of the courtyard. The only sounds that broke the silence were the chirping of crickets and the occasional rustling of leaves. ¡°Why exactly was this place created?¡± Scott pondered, his gaze shifting to the Nameless Tower a couple of feet away. He scanned the surroundings for any clues or signs of danger but found none. The only thing that seemed out of place was the absence of bones or any other remains. It was as if nobody had ever died or fought in this place, a stark contrast to the bone factory he had emerged from. Scott directed his attention to the only exit in the courtyard, a partially rusted steel door. Like the main exit of the Nameless Tower, it also had no latches. ¡°There''s no point in lingering here anymore. I need to find someone who can explain what we''re supposed to be doing in this godforsaken tower.¡± As Scott rose from the bench, a new system notification appeared.
Side Quest: Explore the Nameless Courtyard ¨C Completed! EXP: 20!
Scott sighed. Oof. That''s a shame. I was hoping I could level up again. Well, I''m certain there will be more opportunities to gain experience in this place. He cast one final glance at the Nameless Tower, his gaze fixed on the entrance. With his grip firmly wrapped around the looted twin blade, he approached the new exit. Chapter 9 : Father of All Scott walked along a different hallway, a departure from the bone-riddled path within the Nameless Tower. The air retained its gloomy aura, with more signs of damage caused by various weapons adorning the enchanted walls. It had been an hour since he departed from the courtyard, and he had traversed numerous twists and turns within the winding hallways, yet the exit remained elusive. ¡°This place is freaking huge. When will I find the exit?¡± Scott grumbled, casting an annoyed glance at the flickering torches illuminating his path. How and why, they remained untouched and functioned properly, piqued his interest. Nonetheless, he maintained his vigilance on his mission, aware that danger could lurk in the most unexpected places. Another twenty minutes passed as he continued the lonely trek. Eventually, Scott arrived in a spacious hall devoid of any furniture or decorations. Moonlight streamed through the massive, cracked windows, while the incessant chirping of concealed crickets filled the hall.
Side Quest: Explore your surroundings ¨C Completed! EXP: 50!
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
Level: 4¡ªNew!
Experience Points: 40/400¡ªNew!
Scott''s face lit up with a smile as he closed the system window. ¡°Nice. Another level up.¡± He shifted his attention to the battered steel door at the end of the hallway, noticing several smaller holes on its surface. ¡°I can finally escape from this place. Hopefully, there¡¯s a town nearby,¡± Scott whispered gingerly, recalling the vast forest and towering peaks he saw from the top of the Nameless Tower. Taking a deep breath, he approached the partially opened door. With one hand, he pushed it open, while the other firmed on the blade''s handle. A wave of cool air brushed past him, tousling his disheveled hair. The same view he had seen from the top of the Nameless Tower greeted him once more. This time, the moonlit forest appeared more imposing and exquisite. These trees are massive... they looked normal from up there, Scott mused as he raised his gaze to the only raised building within the castle''s remains. The occasional hooting of hidden owls and rustling leaves echoed, but nothing else disturbed the night''s serenity. His brows furrowed as he contemplated the eerie forest. Now that I think about it, would it be safe to wander through this place at night? As he debated his next move, the forest grew eerily silent, with only the rustling of leaves in his ears. It''s better to explore this place during the day. I can''t even imagine the number of creatures prowling in the dark. Deciding to return to the castle where he could spend the night safely, Scott turned on his heel and started walking toward the steel doors. However, just as he took his second step, the sound of laughter filled the air. Scott froze in his tracks, turning toward the forest. ¡°What was that?¡± The high-pitched, puerile laughter echoed again, seemingly emanating from just beyond the trees. While it sounded like a child''s laugh, Scott knew better than to assume anything in this place. He pondered for a moment. Should I check it out? After a brief hesitation, he decided to follow the sound. Moving cautiously through the towering trees, his grip remained tight on the twin blades, using them to clear any wandering branches or tall grasses that might betray his presence. His steps were slow and deliberate, and his breathing remained steady. The air was thick with the smell of pine, and the temperature had dropped significantly. The silver moonlight filtered through the trees, casting eerie shadows on the ground. The forest once again came alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures and rustling leaves in the wind. The laughter continued, growing louder, and a sense of unease washed over the eldritch knight. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Ten minutes passed, his senses still on high alert. Then, he spotted a figure leaning against a tree. The childlike laughter originated from it, and Scott''s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°What the¡­?¡± The figure stood at just four feet tall, covered in fur, resembling a bear from Earth, except that it was a bipedal creature with two slightly curved horns. Its eyes were large and somewhat googly, and it leaned against the tree, muttering incoherent gibberish while holding a crudely carved flagon with one hand and relieving itself with the other.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Race: Gruffpaws
Level: 2
Class: Winemaker
Mana Points: 60/60
Physical Stats Strength: 8
Agility: 14
Dexterity: 45
Endurance: 30
Toughness: 40
Abnormal Stats Charm: 65
Perception: 15 (-18 due to current condition)
Skills Expert vintner (Level 5)
Expert Breeder (Level 5)
Expert Herbalist (Level 5)
Abilities
An Expert¡¯s View: Years of study and research will allow you to identify the most quality ingredients from your environment.
Nature¡¯s Brew: You will only develop the most outstanding cocktails.
Father of All: Your potent genes are desired by potential mates. There¡¯s a 10% chance of siring a purebred Gruffpaw when Father of All is activated. 10% chance of Charm rising by 3 points when Father of All is activated.
Inventory Research book: A small book with a leather patch containing over three decades worth of research in enology.
Wine Flagon: A crudely made wine flagon from the horn of a Tent-lion. The residual enzymes in the horn will preserve its contents. 2% chance a perfect wine will be created when stored in the wine flagon.
Quick Recovery Potion ¨C [x10]: A commonly brewed potion made by a junior alchemist with the aim of quickly recovering basic stats. Rarity: Common. Potency: Improves Stamina and Health recovery after consumption. Side effects: 2% chance of developing diarrhea when a recovery potion is ingested.
Instant hangover pill ¨C [x100]: A native pill developed by the Gruffpaws. Made from an assortment of common herbs and toxins. Rarity: Common. Potency: Instant recovery from all alcohol induced hangover. Side effects: 2% chance of developing an addiction. 30% chance of causing an unintended erection.
Quests Main Quest: Find out why the village chief has been unable to sleep ¨C Not started!
Side Quest: Get drunk ¨C Completed!
Side Quest: Find a potential mate ¨C On going!
Chapter 10 : New Quest Scott tilted his head back, blinking multiple times as he read the system''s message. His tense brows relaxed, and his lips parted in a slight giggle. However, the drunk gruffpaw remained oblivious to his presence. Never in a million years would I have thought a creature like this existed, and it''s intelligent, too, Scott mused as the endearing creature staggered from side to side, struggling to make sense of its surroundings. Should I reveal myself? Scott pondered for a moment. He didn''t know how the creature would react to his sudden appearance, especially in its drunken state. However, the fact that it had no combat-oriented abilities made him less cautious. The gruffpaw took another swig from its flagon, laughing as it leaned against a tree. ¡°The night is still young,¡± it said in a slurred voice, gazing at the full moon. It pushed itself off the tree with its chubby legs, laughing as it staggered forward. The creature''s tiny ears twitched. Despite the absence of wind, it could hear rustling leaves. The gruffpaw paused in its steps. A larger shadow, one it couldn''t make sense of, cast over it. The short gruffpaw turned, and its googly eyes widened even further as it dropped the wine flagon. It fell on its behind, clawing at the ground while trying to scramble away. Scott observed as two reddish pills appeared in the little creature''s hand. That should be hangover pills, right? The gruffpaw swallowed both pills at once, and the confusion in its eyes cleared. The creature prostrated on the ground, flapping both arms like a bird. ¡°Please have mercy. Please don''t eat me. I don''t taste good.¡± It flapped its arms even harder while crying. But only silence met its words. ¡°Please,¡± it begged again. ¡°I really am not tasty. I accidentally stumbled here because I was drunk. Please forgive me!¡± It said, flapping even harder than before. Scott regarded the terrified creature. What the hell is it trying to do? Can it fly? After reviewing the gruffpaw''s stats, he knew it didn''t have any abilities related to flight, but he couldn''t understand the creature''s intentions. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Scott asked, unable to quell his curiosity. The gruffpaw winced, intensifying the arm-flapping. ¡°I''m begging for mercy, great one.¡± ¡°I can see that. I''m asking why you''re moving your arms,¡± Scott simplified his question. The gruffpaw winced again, this time ceasing its actions. ¡°T-That''s how we beg for mercy in my tribe,¡± it said. Scott chuckled while shaking his head. And here I thought it had some hidden skills the system didn''t reveal. He gently nudged the flagon toward the prostrating creature. ¡°All right, get up. I have no intention of eating you or harming you, for that matter. That is, as long as you don''t do anything stupid.¡± The gruffpaw responded promptly, shaking its massive head vigorously. ¡°I wouldn''t dare.¡± ¡°I have a few questions for you, and then you can be on your way. Do you have a name?¡± Scott asked, observing the trembling creature. He took no pleasure in intimidating the little guy, but he couldn''t let it go until he satisfied his curiosity. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. ¡°T-They call me Milos,¡± the gruffpaw replied, avoiding Scott''s gaze as it stood up. Milos, huh? It''s a more normal name than I expected. But why is this guy so scared of me? There''s no attribute related to cowardice in his stats. A certain thought occupied Scott''s mind, and he decided to ask, ¡°Has your species been attacked by humans recently?¡± Milos instinctively raised his head but quickly dropped it the moment he met Scott''s eyes. ¡°N-N-No, no. No human has visited our village, let alone attacked us. The ones I met were also friendly. Dare I say they mostly love us.¡± Scott interjected, ¡°Then why are you so frightened by my presence?¡± Milos opened his mouth, but quickly closed it. The gruffpaw silently debated whether to voice its thoughts. ¡°Well? Why aren''t you saying anything?¡± Scott inquired. ¡°F-Forgive me, I don''t know how to say it without being disrespectful, but... but your appearance fills my heart with dread.¡± ¡°What?¡± Scott blurted out. ¡°Am I that ugly?¡± Although he looked like a random hobo holding a sword, that shouldn''t mean he should be called ugly. ¡°N-N-No. That''s not what I meant. It''s just that... it''s just that you''re a great being without form,¡± Milos whispered. ¡°What?¡± Scott frowned. ¡°What the hell are you talking about? I''m a human. A. Human. Like the ones you''ve met,¡± Scott said, unable to hide his annoyance. Meanwhile, Milos raised his head, his shock evident in his widened eyes and opened mouth. If you want to lie, at least make it believable. What part of you resembles a human? He thought. However, he didn''t dare to reveal his inner thoughts. Sensing the creature''s shock, another thought filled Scott''s mind. ¡°Describe what you see.¡± Milos swallowed a mouthful of saliva. Is he testing me? He took deep breaths to calm his tensed heart. ¡°Be honest. I already said I won''t harm you. I''m simply curious to know how I appear to you.¡± Scott reassured the creature with a smile. However, Milos fell to his knees, tears streaking down its woolly face. ¡°Please don''t eat me,¡± the creature pleaded while prostrating on the ground. How was he supposed to explain that instead of seeing the usually attractive humans, he saw a figure clouded in misty darkness? What terrified the winemaker the most was Scott''s otherworldly yellow eyes, the only features he could see behind his yellow cloak. He believed Scott only said those words to find an excuse to eat him, after all, it was common knowledge the current part of the forest was a forbidden area. Scott sighed. It seems my shapeshifting ability is distorting what he''s seeing. I can only imagine what sort of abomination he sees me as. Scott took a step closer to the trembling gruffpaw, reaching for the wine flagon. He uncorked it, and a sweet but strong fragrance filled his nose. Holy shit. This stuff is stronger than anything I have ever drunk, and it smells nice too. A simple whiff of the alcohol was enough to make someone feel a little lightheaded. He couldn''t imagine how drunk they would become after taking a sip. ¡°Forget I said anything. Tell me where I can find the humans,¡± Scott asked. ¡°Great one¡ª¡± Scott interjected, ¡°Call me Scott. That''s my name.¡± Milos nodded while pointing toward the towering snow peaks in the distance. ¡°The human cities are beyond the Ravnar Mountains. You will need to cross the forest, the ravine, and the burning river before you can attempt to cross the mountain peaks. Unfortunately, only the village head has a detailed map of the area. Embarking on the journey without one would be suicidal because of the numerous dangers lurking around these parts. That''s not to say I believe they can best you.¡± Scott gazed into the distance, ignoring the terrified gruffpaw. I don''t know how or why I ended up in a place like this, but I have no plans of remaining here any longer. He turned his attention to Milos again. ¡°Lead me to your village. I need to borrow that map.¡±
You have a new Quest!
Side Quest: Retrieve the map of the Nameless Forest from the Gruffpaw chief ¨C Not Started!
¡°I''m going there, too. I''ll take you there,¡± Milos said as he picked himself up from the ground. He smiled and gestured for Scott to follow him. Scott nodded, walking quietly behind the endearing creature. He glanced at the towering Nameless Tower in the distance, an indiscernible gleam covering his eyes. Like that, the duo journeyed deeper into the forest. Chapter 11 : Gruffpaw Village Chief Silent was the night as Scott and Milos journeyed through the eerie forest, without exchanging a word. The biting frigid winds snapped at their backs, but the duo continued without delay. The chubby creature constantly sneaked glances over its shoulders as its plump legs carried it forward. Of all the places I could have gone while drunk, I had to go to the forbidden area. That''s it. No more wine for me! Milos solemnly vowed to himself. The gruffpaw then glanced at its flagon. Hmmm¡­ maybe I was too harsh. It''s not the wine''s fault I came here. All right, no more wine for five¡­ um, two days. Yes. No more wine for two days! The gruffpaw amended the vow. Milos''s expression soon turned serious as he gazed at the moon. I can''t imagine what''s going to happen once I take the great one to the village. Everyone would probably lose their minds. I would rather not do this, but he might eat me if I disagree. Milos sighed while reaching for his flagon. Scott''s voice came from behind. ¡°I''m sure you''re not thinking of doing what I think you''re about to do.¡± The eldritch spawn''s words were all the gruffpaw needed to remind it of its vow. Milos dropped his hand, turning with a smile but with eyes closed. ¡°O-Of course I wouldn''t dare drink in your presence. Your orders take priority.¡± Scott rolled his eyes, not bothering to reply to the creature. The guys would have lost their minds laughing if they were here, especially... Scott''s thoughts trailed off. He had unwittingly recalled memories he didn''t want to remember. Fury distorted his visage for a moment as the yellow sign flashed in his pupils. Milos paused in his tracks. I knew it. He was a liar after all. He really wanted to eat me all along. A dreadful shadow writhing along the ground swallowed his and that of the surrounding trees. If he could, he would prostrate on the ground while flapping his hands, but he was immobilized from pure fear. However, the stifling sensation only lasted for a few seconds. ¡°Why did you stop?¡± Scott asked, turning his head side to side. He couldn''t see anything resembling a village. ¡°I-I thought I saw something, but I guess I was wrong,¡± Milos managed to squeeze out his words. He didn''t dare to reveal the true reason for his actions. Scott observed his surroundings again, and he too, found nothing. ¡°Let me know if you need to take a break or something. We have been walking for a while, after all.¡± ¡°I-I''m okay. This isn''t something I can''t endure,¡± Milos said with a nervous smile. Scott slowly nodded. ¡°All right then, let''s continue.¡± Milos took a deep breath before continuing the journey. On his tenth step, Scott''s words carried into his ears again. ¡°So, what do you know about humans exactly?¡± ¡°Like most of us, they''re non-native to the Tower of Champions. Although they''re the latest entrants to the competition, they have amassed quite a reputation for themselves. Unlike ten years ago when they first arrived.¡± Scott interjected, his voice heavy, ¡°What did you just say?¡± ¡°G-Great one, I-I said they have amassed quite the reputation,¡± Milos repeated, pondering if he had said something wrong. It was common knowledge that humans were extremely resourceful creatures. ¡°Not that. Did you say it has been ten years since humans arrived?¡± ¡°Y-Yes, great one.¡± Milos affirmed. He was too scared to ask Scott why that piece of information startled him. Meanwhile, Scott''s lips quivered as his mouth opened. Ten years? No way! Ten years just like that. Although he looked skinny and older, he didn''t look ten years older. ¡°Um, great one, should I continue?¡± Milos''s anxious voice woke the half-human from his stupor. ¡°Yes. Tell me all you know. Don''t leave anything out.¡± ¡°I wouldn''t dare to. But I must beg for your understanding. My knowledge of humans is limited,¡± Milos pleaded. Then the gruffpaw spoke again. ¡°Although it has been only ten years since their arrival, they have several cities, and their population is growing larger and stronger each day. Unlike most races who suffer during the first few years of joining the competition, the humans have experienced rapid growth from the very moment they got to the starting point.¡± Scott''s brow shot up. ¡°You know where the starting point is?¡± ¡°Everyone does, great one. It is in the human city of Nova Primus. It''s the first human city after the Ravnar peaks.¡± Scott nodded, his eyes wandering toward the magnificent mountain peaks in the distance. ¡°So, what exactly is the competition? How is the victor determined, and who oversees the competition?¡± Scott asked in one breath. Milos pondered for a moment. ¡°Great one, I will have to disappoint you. I honestly know nothing about the competition. To be honest, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who does in these parts. Most of us are barely living our lives without bothering about shouldering the fate of the universe, at least that''s what our ancestors said.¡± Milos looked to his left and then to his right, as if searching for someone or something. Before Scott could ask for the reason, the creature spoke again. ¡°The rulers of the universe, the gods, are responsible for overseeing the events in the Tower of Champions. Thankfully, they''re usually not bothered with the events on the lower floors,¡± Milos whispered. ¡°How many floors does the tower have?¡± ¡°I don''t know,¡± Milos said, approaching a path veiled by intertwining vines. Scott pondered for a moment. ¡°What do you know about the Nameless Tower?¡± ¡°Forgive me, but I''ve never heard of it.¡± Scott interjected, ¡°It''s the building ten minutes away from where I found you. Have you seen it?¡± Milos shook his head. ¡°To be honest, I wouldn''t have strayed to that area if I wasn''t drunk. This area of the forest is forbidden after all.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Scott asked. Milos hesitated for a moment, ¡°It¡¯s an ancient tale passed down by each generation. It claimed a group of cultists carried out their sacrifices there.¡± Milos explained while effortlessly maneuvering through the vines. ¡°They were responsible for eradicating several races that once thrived in the forest.¡± Scott, on the other hand, emotionlessly swung his arms, cutting the vines blocking his path. ¡°So, how long have your people been in the Tower of Champions?¡± ¡°Over a thousand years at least. But some elders claim our ancestry can be traced over a million years back, if not more. Which isn¡¯t surprising. After all, some races have been here for over a billion years.¡± Scott¡¯s brows shot up. How is that not surprising? Gathering his thoughts, he asked another question. ¡°How many times has the Tower of Champions been opened?¡± Milos shook his head, ¡°I don¡¯t know, great one.¡± ¡°Tell me what you know, anything is fine,¡± Scott said. ¡°From the rumors I have heard, the tower itself is as old as time,¡± Milos whispered, as if fearing a probing ear would eavesdrop on their conversation. ¡°One thing is certain, though. All beings chosen by the gods are gathered here during times of great change. Many believe the Tower of Champions is a plaything for the gods to scout for those who can inherit their powers,¡± Milos whispered, while warily probing the area. Reassured they were all alone, the gruffpaw continued, ¡°For most creatures, the allure of being an all-powerful god isn¡¯t something they can resist. That¡¯s why you¡¯d hardly find anyone resentful for being thrown into the competition,¡± Milos paused, staring at the forked path ahead. He took the path to his left after a moment of deliberation, then he continued. ¡°It¡¯s not all bad, though. The gods don¡¯t interfere with those who have no interest in participating in the competition. Even the champions who give up during the competition won¡¯t suffer any consequences, so I heard.¡± Milos suddenly turned toward Scott. Although the gruffpaw still showed its apprehension, it wasn¡¯t as exaggerated as their first meeting. ¡°The main tower, where the real competition is held, is also called the Tower of no Return.¡± ¡°Why is that?¡± Scott echoed his curiosity. ¡°Apparently, it is called that because no one can return to the starting point once they ascend. You either remain where you are or keep moving forward,¡± Milos explained, while pointing at the path ahead. ¡°My village is only a twenty-minute walk in that direction.¡± If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll be counting on you,¡± Scott said, his deliberating on the newfound information. The duo spoke no further as they made their way through the forest path. Twenty minutes flew by, and they reached a region predominantly inhabited by red oaks with a sparse population of iroko. Scott narrowed his eyes, gazing into the distance. In the settlement within the thick cluster of trees, he could see several gruffpaws moving about; some laughed and chatted, while others simply drank or smoked. Numerous wooden houses were built alongside the massive trees, and flickering containers illuminated the settlement, which lacked guards or scouts. Immediately, Scott could tell the gruffpaws were a race who had a predilection for the finer things of life. Several of the little bears chugged jars of alcohol while some even lay passed out drunk on the ground, with a few dangling from the trees. ¡°Great one, we¡¯re here. Um, can I go and explain things to everyone first? I fear you might see a repeat of my pitiful actions if we go unannounced,¡± Milos said, a bashful smile tugging at his face. Scott chuckled. ¡°Sure. Go ahead,¡± he said, but he quickly changed his mind. ¡°Better still, it would be better if you brought your village chief here.¡± ¡°I-I¡¯ll do that, great one,¡± Milos said, scampering off to fulfil his task. The chubby creature''s panicky run brought a smile to Scott¡¯s face. Other than the fact that it was a seasoned drunkard, it was too cute. A gruffpaw laying on a tree a few feet after the village entrance called out to the running winemaker. ¡°Milos, welcome back. Where have you been? Hey, wait a moment. Where are you going?¡± The gruffpaw scrunched its brows. Milos didn¡¯t even bother turning as he ran toward the largest building in the village. ¡°What¡¯s got him so agitated?¡± another gruffpaw commented from the side. However, it was more concerned with sniffing the strange rock in its hands. A moment later, both gruffpaws watched as Milos and a much fatter gruffpaw with a decorative leaf crown ran toward the village¡¯s exit. But they took a hidden corner, instead of the main entrance. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the chief? What exactly are they up to?¡± He turned to his friend, but he was too intoxicated to move, giggling while muttering gibberish. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll have to check it out myself.¡± The gruffpaw lazily climbed down the tree. Although Milos and the chief were long gone, they had left enough signs for him to follow their tracks. Meanwhile, a fair distance away from the village¡¯s entrance, Scott sat on a nearby rock, watching as Milos and the village chief emerged from a hidden path.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Race: Gruffpaws
Level: 4
Mana Points: 40/80
Class: Leader
Title: Gruffpaw Village Chief
Physical Stats Strength: 8
Agility: 8
Dexterity: 25
Endurance: 10
Toughness: 70
Abnormal Stats Charm: 60
Perception: 55
Skills Leader (Level 3)
Management (Level 5)
Abilities
Calming Presence: There¡¯s a 5% chance of alleviating any tense situation.
Expert Administrator: Your intricate knowledge of the resources in the surrounding regions as well as its inhabitants has allowed the village to thrive over the years.
Persuading Voice: There¡¯s a 5% chance of getting what you want when negotiating.
Father of All: Your potent genes are desired by potential mates. There¡¯s a 13% chance of siring a purebred Gruffpaw when Father of All is activated. 10% chance of Charm rising by 3 when Father of All is activated.
Inventory Old Map: A detailed map made from water resistant Scavewood.
Wine Flagon: A crudely made wine flagon from the horn of a Tent-lion. The residual enzymes in the horn will preserve its contents. 2% chance a perfect wine will be created when stored in the wine flagon.
Quick Recovery Potion ¨C [x100]: A commonly brewed potion made by a junior alchemist with the aim of quickly recovering basic stats. Rarity: Common. Potency: Improves Stamina and Health recovery after consumption. Side effects: 2% chance of developing diarrhea when a recovery potion is ingested.
Instant hangover pill ¨C [x200]: A native pill developed by the Gruffpaws. Made from an assortment of common herbs and toxins. Rarity: Common. Potency: Instant recovery from all alcohol induced hangover. Side effects: 2% chance of developing an addiction. 30% chance of causing an unintended erection.
Fera¡¯s Bracelet: A bracelet once worn by the gruffpaw champion, Fera. Smelted from a special alloy native to the Ravnar mountains, the bracelet can increase mana recovery rate by 5%. Rarity: Uncommon. Type: Enchanted item.
Quests Main Quest: Find your missing daughters ¨C Not started!
Side Quest: Find a lasting solution to the invasion of the Kleploids ¨C On going!
Side Quest: Find a lasting solution to the diarrhea epidemic ¨C On going!
Side Quest: Choose a potential mate for your daughters ¨C Not started!
Side Quest: Investigate your nephew¡¯s claims and determine if the village is at risk ¨C On going!
Scott shook his head, suppressing a rising urge to laugh. Despite the village chief having a higher level than Milos, his physical stats were inferior, except for his toughness. The model of one¡¯s expertise influencing their stats isn¡¯t bad. The only potential downside is that it might take a while for someone to be proficient in a new skill. Scott thought to himself before shifting his attention toward the inventory tab. A smiled crossed his face as he noticed the old map highlighted. Then, he read further down the tab, the array of item piquing his interest. Scott observed the gruffpaws closing in, their attention still drawn to their discussion, oblivious of the eldritch knight hidden within the shadows. ¡°Milos are you sure of what you said,¡± the plump village chief asked, panting as it tried to recover from the short sprint. ¡°Uncle, you know I would never lie to you,¡± Milos said while taking out a small white pill from his inventory. ¡°Uncle, you should watch your weight. How exactly do you plan on riding Shirre if you¡¯re overweight?¡± ¡°How dare you lecture me,¡± the village chief grumbled, swatting Milos''s outstretched arm to the side. ¡°No wonder you haven¡¯t found a mate yet. This is the peak physical form for all gruffpaws. I dare say there¡¯s a possibility my charm is high enough to enthrall a fairy.¡± Milos rolled his eyes. ¡°Sure. I¡¯m certain they''re dying to touch all that fat of yours,¡± he said, carefully returning the pill to his inventory. The village chief burst out laughing while patting his nephew''s shoulder. ¡°You''re finally learning, huh. Keep it up, and you''ll soon attract several mates.¡± ¡°Uncle, I wasn''t complimenting¡­¡± The village chief interjected, his shriek filling Milos''s ears. Then he prostrated himself on the ground, flapping his flabby arms. ¡°Please don''t eat me. Please don''t eat me. I''m not tasty at all,¡± he begged profusely. Milos instantly understood what his uncle had seen. He turned to see Scott approaching, his form as imposing as ever. ¡°Is that the village chief?¡± Scott asked. ¡°Yes. That¡¯s him. I apologize on his behalf, great one. I told him not to get scared, but alas¡­¡± Milos wore a wry smile as he glanced at his uncle. He understood the terror running through the chief''s mind and didn''t blame him for acting shamelessly. ¡°Uncle, please stop,¡± Milos called out, reaching for the trembling chief. ¡°I already told you he won¡¯t eat us. He only wants to talk.¡± ¡°Damn you, Milos. You didn¡¯t tell me he was this scary. How can you believe he won¡¯t eat us just because he said so?¡± the village chief whispered, avoiding direct eye contact with Scott. Milos wore an apologetic smile as he glanced at Scott, who thankfully didn''t look any more terrifying. ¡°Uncle, please shut up. Don¡¯t let your big mouth get us in trouble,¡± Milos whispered, helping the terrified gruffpaw to his feet. ¡°Are you guys finished?¡± Scott asked. Although it annoyed him that they saw and treated him as a terrifying monster, he couldn''t blame them for being afraid. ¡°Yes, great one,¡± both gruffpaws answered. ¡°All right then, I won''t waste your time. I''m sure Milos has informed you of my request. Can you lend it to me?¡± The chief fell to his knees, bowing his head. "Great one, please, I have a request." Scott frowned. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Great one, my daughters were kidnapped by those treacherous Kleploids,¡± the village chief said, sobbing as he knelt. ¡°They have been exploiting us for our resources over the past year, and their demands have become increasingly outrageous. Unfortunately, none of us are skilled in combat, so we''re unable to defend ourselves. Great one, please help me rescue my daughters and drive away the Kleploids.¡± A rolled-up map and a silver bracelet that shimmered under the moonlight appeared before Scott. ¡°Help us accomplish these tasks, and these items will be yours.¡±
You have received a new Side Quest!
Side Quest: Rescue the village chief¡¯s daughters ¨C Not started!
You have received a new Side Quest!
Side Quest: Help the gruffpaws find a lasting solution to the Kleploids ¨C Not started!
Rewards 1. Old Map
2. Fera¡¯s Bracelet
Do you wish to accept?
Yes No
Chapter 12 - Kleploid Scott averted his gaze from the system''s message, focusing instead on the two items resting on the damp ground. Taking the map and bracelet seemed within his grasp, yet yielding to that temptation would only serve to confirm Omar''s apprehensions. Lifting his head, he fixed his eyes on the village chief, who knelt before him, and Milos, standing silently to the side. A gentle wind swept across the area, carrying a hint of minty aroma as it meandered through the settlement. ¡°Tell me more about these Kleploids. Where do they reside, and what vulnerabilities do they have? How formidable are they, and what resources do they extract from your community?¡± Scott inquired after a reflective pause. While he refrained from pilfering the map and bracelet, he harbored no intention of embarking on a perilous quest. Despite the Tower of Champions ushering in a plethora of game-like abilities, there was no guarantee of resurrection upon death. The village chief knelt, exhaling softly in relief that Scott hadn''t outright refused the request or absconded with the items. ¡°Great one, the kleploids aren''t overwhelmingly powerful. Most of them haven''t even attained basic weapon mastery, relying solely on their nimbleness.¡± The kneeling gruffpaw gestured toward the settlement in the distance before elaborating, ¡°Their current hideout is ten kilometers beyond the village, situated in the rocky region past the scavewood area ¨C you can''t miss it. They visit every other month, demanding provisions such as food, potions, herbs, wine, and tobacco. However, their demands have escalated over the past month.¡± He paused, his brows furrowing as he delved into thought. ¡°Regarding their weaknesses, there are rumors that they abhor fire. Truthfully, we attempted to burn them in the past, but they proved too swift. They fled before the fire could take hold.¡± Scott folded his arms across his chest, nodding attentively as the village chief shared his insights. ¡°What about their numbers?¡± ¡°P-Pardon me, I''m not confident about their exact numbers, but it shouldn''t exceed fifty... no, forty.¡± ¡°Forty, huh,¡± Scott muttered to himself, his eyes wandering into the distance. A contemplative silence enveloped them, and neither the kneeling chief nor Milos had any intention of disturbing the mysterious being. After a moment, Scott broke the silence. ¡°Do they enjoy wine?¡± ¡°Pardon me?¡± ¡°The kleploids, are they heavy drinkers?¡± Scott clarified. ¡°Y-Yes. That''s what they treasure the most. We have tried poisoning them in the past, but we didn''t know they had poison resistance,¡± the village chief explained, curious about Scott''s line of questioning. Scott nodded thoughtfully. If poison won''t work, then we can surely try other methods. A devious smile played on his lips as he continued, ¡°Does your village have any potent laxatives? If not, do you know of any herbs that can cause a similar effect?¡± Scott directed his gaze at Milos, the expert herbalist who would likely be familiar with all the local herbs within the forest. The village chief turned toward Milos. ¡°Why aren''t you saying anything? Tell the great one what you know.¡± ¡°We don''t have any laxatives in the village, but I do possess some herbs that can induce a similar effect,¡± Milos replied. ¡°How potent are the effects?¡± Scott inquired, a playful smile on his face. ¡°I''m not certain. I primarily use them for other experiments. The discovery of their digestive impact occurred when I accidentally ingested a drop,¡± Milos explained. The village chief interjected, ¡°Are you referring to the incident when you couldn''t cease farting and defecating?¡± A bashful smile appeared on Milos''s face as he nodded. ¡°How long did it last?¡± Scott asked. ¡°Three days, great one. It felt like my entire body was ablaze, and I was on the verge of emptying my insides. I never want to...¡± Milos paused, a sudden thought filling his mind. A wicked smile graced his lips as he dropped to his knees. ¡°Great one, you truly are exceptional. I can''t believe we never thought of that.¡± ¡°Wait, what are you talking about? Let me in on it... oh? oh, oh!¡± The village chief''s face lit up with a wicked smile, realizing Scott¡¯s ploy. The gruffpaws erupted into laughter, praising Scott for his ingenious suggestion. Scott chuckled at the duo; their mischievous faces were irresistibly cute. Despite having flunked biology, he pondered whether laxatives could be classified as poisons. Regardless of the outcome, he was confident he could devise an alternative plan. Gathering his thoughts, Scott addressed the kneeling duo, ¡°When is the ransom exchange scheduled?¡± ¡°Tomorrow night. But chances are slim that they''ll release my daughters, especially now that they don''t need to feign tax collection. They can merely claim they''re gathering tributes to care for our people,¡± the village chief replied promptly. Scott cleared his throat and continued, ¡°I understand. While I can''t guarantee the success of my plan, I''ll do my best to rescue your daughters and drive away the Kleploids. However, it''s crucial that you follow my instructions.¡± Milos and his uncle bowed, expressing gratitude to Scott. However, he simply waved off their words. ¡°All right, here¡¯s the plan.¡± Scott proceeded to explain his strategy in meticulous detail, eliciting shock and amazement from the kneeling duo. Though the plan wasn''t revolutionary or overly complex, its ingenuity was admirable. The prospect of leaving the thieving invaders in a world of pain brought great satisfaction to the gruffpaws. While Scott unveiled his plan, unbeknownst to him, another gruffpaw concealed within a dense thicket lay prone on the ground, vigorously flapping his arms. Silently sobbing, he lamented his choice to trail the sprinting uncle and nephew. Had he known they were summoned by a ghostly entity, he would have opted to stay perched on the branch. Morning arrived abruptly. Despite the village chief''s pleas, Scott refrained from entering the village. Weary of witnessing the diminutive creatures groveling on the ground, pleading for mercy, he instead requested provisions¡ªfood, water, and any available blankets to combat the cold. Milos made several visits on his uncle''s behalf, inquiring if Scott needed anything. However, the half-human was solely interested in the progress of their plan. Nightfall descended once more, but this time, a somber atmosphere replaced the festivities of the previous night. Gruffpaws, young and old alike, congregated at the village entrance, their googly eyes fixed on a small party approaching from the distance. The approaching group differed markedly from the gruffpaws; they were devoid of fur, and their dry, grayish-blue skin shimmered under the moonlight. Frog-like heads, squarish in shape, stood in stark contrast to their lanky, somewhat humanoid bodies. Limbs tapered at each major joint, and tiny spikes adorned their backs. Holding crudely made spears, their forked tongues flickered as slit eyes focused on the gruffpaws. The leader of the group waved a webbed hand at the village chief. ¡°Miliot, you don¡¯t look happy to see us. Is this how you¡¯re going to be?¡± Surrounding kleploids cackled, strutting forward as they closed the distance. Miliot, the village chief, fixed a stern gaze on the kleploid leader. ¡°Vugar, where are my daughters?¡± Vugar, the kleploid leader, snickered. ¡°C¡¯mon now. How could we possibly bring them on such a far journey? As their father, shouldn¡¯t you prioritize their health?¡± Miliot stepped forward, but a hand grabbed his arm. He turned to see Milos shaking his head. The village chief returned to his position, but the rage still simmered beneath the surface. The kleploid party halted within ten feet of the village¡¯s entrance. Vugar stepped forward, slinging his spear over his shoulder. ¡°Enough chit-chat, Miliot. You know why we¡¯re here. So, let¡¯s not waste each other¡¯s time, okay?¡± Miliot''s bloodshot eyes fixated on the snickering kleploid, a seething desire to tear him limb from limb coursing through his veins. ¡°Bring the carts,¡± he whispered. A creak echoed, and the villagers obediently parted. Two sturdy gruffpaws pushed forward a cart laden with sealed, blackened jugs. Transparent foil enveloped an assortment of herbs, alongside various cooked and uncooked foods. Another gruffpaw followed suit, the gentle swooshes from the jugs harmonizing with the cart''s wheels. Meanwhile, the kleploids, in the throes of amusement, licked their lips and laughed heartily. ¡°I''m jealous. You truly know how to spoil your daughters,¡± Vugar remarked, licking his lips while gesturing toward his subordinates. They eagerly took charge of pulling the laden cart. ¡°I hope you enjoy the rest of your night. I''ll assure your daughters that you''re doing fine. See you next week, okay?¡± Vugar smirked as he spoke. Milos interjected from the sidelines, ¡°Scoundrel! How dare you return next week after plundering all this?¡± This time, Miliot assumed the role of calming his nephew. Vugar, unfazed, simply smiled at the enraged gruffpaws. ¡°See you next week. Bye.¡± He waved, laughing as he ordered his men to depart. ¡°Are we really going to let them leave like that?¡± a disgruntled gruffpaw asked. Despite their passive nature, they couldn''t stomach the kleploids'' arrogance any longer. ¡°Be patient,¡± Miliot said, bloodshot eyes focused on the departing kidnappers. ¡°They''ll get what''s coming to them soon.¡± He whispered while turning toward Milos. Both exchanged a nod, a wicked gleam covering their eyes. Meanwhile, the kleploid party laughed while inspecting their bounty. ¡°Those pushovers are really wealthy,¡± Vugar said, unsealing a wine jar. The sweet fragrance filled his nostrils, and the bandit couldn''t help but hiss in excitement. ¡°Boss, we have you to thank for all this,¡± a kleploid said while munching on some dried mushrooms. ¡°Only the gods know what would have happened if we hadn''t crossed the ravine. Maybe we would have starved to death by now.¡± Vugar laughed while gnawing on a mushroom. ¡°They called me a madman, but who is laughing now? Life in the forest is way easier than in that wasteland. There are no dangers, the weather is nice, and we have an endless supply of food and drinks.¡± Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Vugar chuckled again. ¡°As long as we don''t push those guys to their limits, we will be set for a long time.¡± The kleploid leader reached for another mushroom, tossing it into his mouth whole. The chewy mushroom filled his mouth, releasing its juices as the kleploid chewed it. ¡°Does that mean we won''t be going back next week?¡± a curious kleploid asked. ¡°We''ve been there three times in the past twenty days. I only mentioned that to keep them on their toes. As I mentioned, we can''t afford to make them rebellious. Even pushovers have their breaking point,¡± Vugar explained. ¡°But boss, wouldn''t it be better to take all we can while we can?¡± Another subordinate inquired. Vugar hissed, glaring at the fellow. ¡°Don''t be greedy. That''s how you ruin a good thing. Visiting thrice in a short span is already pushing it. Do you want to suffer like we did in the ravine?¡± The greedy kleploid chuckled nervously, shaking his head. Even if they beat him to death, he would never return to the ravine. ¡°Um, so, boss, can we start drinking?¡± Another kleploid asked, changing the topic. ¡°Let''s get to the hideout first. Those guys gave us their best wine as we requested. We must take our time to enjoy it,¡± Vugar said. The greed in his slit eyes betrayed his words. He subconsciously licked his lips as the alcoholic scent filled his nose. He couldn¡¯t wait to get drunk. ¡°Let¡¯s go. The longer we delay, the less time we have to savor the drinks.¡± Without uttering a word, the party hastened their pace. They journeyed through varied forest landscapes before reaching a desolate region dominated by boulders, with sporadic tufts of grass but no thriving vegetation in sight. Carefully, the group maneuvered the cart along a sloping path, ensuring the rough terrain didn''t damage any of their spoils or the cart itself. After a moment, they reached the entrance of a massive cave. Several kleploids welcomed them with whistles, their avaricious eyes fixed on the contents of the cart. Meanwhile, two gruffpaws, confined in a crudely constructed wooden cage, glared at the excited kleploids with fury in their eyes. They knew the bandits had once again deceived their people out of their possessions. Vugar grinned as he observed their anger and walked toward them, a jar of wine tucked under his arm. ¡°Why the long faces? You two should be happy. None of this would be possible without you.¡± The gruffpaws could only glare at the bandit leader, their mouths gagged by a hemp rope. Vugar hoisted the jar triumphantly, his smile radiating sheer joy. ¡°Long live the gruffpaws!¡± he bellowed. ¡°Long live the gruffpaws!¡± his companions echoed in unison. ¡°Long live the pushovers,¡± Vugar chuckled, relishing the chorus of agreement from his companions. Laughter erupted, much to the chagrin of their captives. Vugar shot a mischievous wink at the bound duo, savoring their discomfort. Then, he strolled toward his subordinates. ¡°All right, everyone, it''s time to party!¡± Cheers erupted as the kleploids dropped their spears and retrieved wooden bowls from their inventory. Two kleploids stationed themselves in front of a cart, ready to distribute wine and food, while three others pushed a second cart into the cave. A festive atmosphere swiftly enveloped the area. Some kleploids danced to the tune of a string instrument played by their brethren, while others clapped and indulged in drinks. Only the two prisoners bore somber expressions in the camp. Yet, the kleploids paid them no mind; as far as they were concerned, the gruffpaws'' emotional state held no significance. Their safety and well-being were the sole concerns. And so, the festivities carried on deep into the night. Unbeknownst to the jubilating bandits, a solitary figure observed them from a distance. ¡°I almost feel sorry for these guys,¡± Scott mused, his gaze fixed on the group from his concealed vantage point. He had been tailing them ever since their departure from the village, patiently anticipating the moment the drugs would take effect. ¡°Well, at least they get to enjoy themselves. What a lousy way to go, though¡± he chuckled at his own dark humor while studying the system messages.
Status Screen
Basic Stats Race: Kleploid!
Level: 1-2.
Class: None.
Mana Points: 20/20.
Physical Stats Strength: 10.
Agility: 25 (-20 due to current physical condition!)
Dexterity: 25 (-20 due to current physical condition!)
Endurance: 30 (-20 due to current physical condition!)
Toughness: 10.
Abnormal Stats Charm: 2.
Perception: 10 (-5 due to current mental conditions!).
Skills Survival - Level 3
Abilities
Poison Resistance: You are immune to all indigenous poisons in the barren ravines and Nameless Forest.
Survivalist: No matter the situation, a path for survival will appear before your eyes.
Inventory
Empty!
Quests Main Quest: Survive ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Enjoy the party ¨C Ongoing!
Scott shook his head while perusing the kleploids'' status screens. ¡°These guys are way too simplistic," he muttered, noticing the effects of alcohol settling in. However, he remained concealed in his position. Shifting his gaze from the first status screen, he focused on Vugar''s stats. Oddly, it appeared much bulkier compared to the other kleploids.
Status Screen
Basic Stats Name: Vugar ¨C Temporary!
Race: Kleploid ¨C Temporary!
Mana Points: 30/30 ¨C Temporary!
Level: 2 ¨C Temporary!
Class: Trickster.
Physical Stats Strength: 8 ¨C Temporary!
Agility: 8 ¨C Temporary!
Dexterity: 45 ¨C Temporary!
Endurance: 10 ¨C Temporary!
Toughness: 10 ¨C Temporary!
Abnormal Stats Charm: 30.
Perception: 30.
Skills Camouflage (Level 3)
Expert Negotiator (Level 5).
Infiltrator (Level 3)
Expert Trickster (Level 5).
Survival (Level 3).
Abilities
Partial Poison Resistance: You are immune to most indigenous poisons in the barren ravines and Nameless Forest.
Survivalist: No matter the situation, a path for survival will appear before your eyes.
Skilled Negotiator: Odds of getting your way when negotiating increases by 25%.
Mask: No one will suspect your true intentions. 25% chance of successfully infiltrating a group when Mask is activated in conjunction with Skill ¨C Camouflage.
Quests Main Quest: Find and investigate the Nameless Tower ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Investigate the Nameless Forest and its inhabitants ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Return to the Starting Point ¨C Not started!
Side Quest: Deliver the Ayan Ore to the Shadow Syndicate ¨C Not started!
Side Quest: Enjoy the party ¨C Ongoing!
Scott clicked his tongue as he perused Vugar¡¯s status screen. Who the hell is this guy? As he delved deeper, his mouth fell slightly agape. The trickster held an abundance of secrets, distinguishing him from the other kleploids. If he isn''t a kleploid, then what could he possibly be? Scott pondered in silence. Meanwhile, within the kleploid camp, Vugar and his comrades reveled in their feast, partaking in merriment beneath the moon''s glow. The ground was strewn with dozens of empty wine jugs, and the melody of their celebration echoed through the air as several empty sacks rustled in tune with the chilling winds. Amidst the jubilation, a kleploid rose unsteadily. ¡°Boss,¡± he slurred, struggling to raise his bowl, ¡°I dedicate this toast to you! If not for you, we would still be trapped in the ravine. Three cheers for our boss!¡± The kleploids hoisted their bowls high, chanting Vugar''s name. The trickster beamed, standing up with his own bowl aloft. ¡°My brothers, thank you. If not for...¡± A sudden, jarring noise, somewhat insipid in nature, abruptly interrupted Vugar''s speech. Instantaneously, a putrid stench permeated the air, compelling the kleploids to shield their noses. ¡°Vugi, are you trying to asphyxiate us? How much did you drink?¡± Vugar admonished the perpetrator of this audacious assault. Vugi, the very kleploid who had proposed the toast in Vugar''s honor, rose sheepishly, darting toward the nearby rocks while clasping his stomach. More noxious emissions emanated from his rear as he made his escape. Vugar grimaced at the noxious fumes and wondered what kind of inedible substances could produce such a repulsive odor. Good Lord, I feel like I''m suffocating, he thought to himself. Clearing his throat, he lifted his bowl again. ¡°As I was saying, this is all...¡± Another thunderous explosion interrupted Vugar''s speech, triggering a series of blasts that startled even the slumbering gruffpaws, jolting them from their restless slumber. The putrid air assaulted their senses, causing the duo to collapse on the spot. Several kleploids sprinted toward the nearby rocks, clutching their churning stomachs in distress. Vugar furrowed his brow, instinctively shielding his nose. Did those pushovers poison the wines? It wasn''t just the kleploid leader harboring such suspicions. However, if the wines were indeed poisoned, it shouldn¡¯t have affected them due to their resistance. Could it be laxatives? Vugar''s face twisted into an expression of horror as the unsettling thought invaded his mind. Hastily, he accessed his inventory, retrieving two instant hangover pills and two recovery potions. However, the moment the items materialized, his stomach protested vehemently, forcing the trickster to collapse onto his knees. ¡°I can''t suppress it any longer¡­ ha!¡± Vugar screamed in unison with his companions. They all succumbed to the relentless upheaval in their stomachs, devoid of any rationality or shame. The only imperative now was to alleviate the torment of their fiery bellies. The previously unconscious gruffpaws were jolted awake by the cacophony, bewildered to find their captors amid a rather undignified spectacle. Some had even lost consciousness again, yet their bodies continued to convulse in sync with the tumultuous rebellion within their stomachs. Chapter 13 : Massacre How did this happen? Milee, the younger of the two sisters, mused, utterly dumbfounded by the bizarre spectacle. The siblings watched in astonishment, gazing at the writhing kleploids, struggling to comprehend the fate that had befallen their kidnappers. Milina, the elder sister, maintained a stoic expression, devoid of any sympathy or emotion as she observed their captors. One by one, the kleploids grew progressively thinner, their bodies convulsing uncontrollably as they involuntarily emptied their bowels. The already desiccated skin of the creatures became even drier, cracks forming along their lips. Among the motley crew, Vugar, the kleploid leader, remained conscious, though unlike before, he writhed and contorted on the ground, emitting creaks as if his bones were being twisted from within. Milina observed Vugar, perplexed by his erratic behavior. He repeatedly slammed his head onto the ground, the screams of the maddened kleploid resonating alongside the fiery turmoil in his stomach. However, only unintelligible gibberish escaped his lips. Milee''s panicked whimpers reached Milina''s ears, intensifying her concern. The gruffpaw, bound and clearly distressed, turned toward her sister with fear evident in her trembling eyes. Milina followed Milee''s gaze, and a shadow of worry clouded her own expression. A somber mist, accompanied by intermittent sandy flashes, crept toward the far end of the camp. The gruffpaws, their demeanor gruff as ever, shrieked in terror, huddling at the edge of their cramped cage, and clinging to each other. Had the cage been more spacious, the two would have surely prostrated themselves on the ground. As the darkness expanded, sickening screams reverberated through the air, mingling with the putrid odor of burning flesh and other noxious fumes. Amidst the chaos, Vugar, previously contorting on the ground as a kleploid, underwent a startling transformation into a slender human sporting a mask. He recoiled; his gaze fixated on the solitary figure draped in yellow. What in tarnation is that? The trickster attempted to move, but his rebellious stomach thwarted his intentions. Helpless, he could only observe as the figure in yellow drenched the helpless and unconscious kleploids in an unidentified liquid before shattering a jar containing a fiery substance on them. Fuck. Is this an assassin sent by the guild? How did they find me? Vugar¡¯s eyes trembled as they reflected the surging inferno before him. ¡°So, you were human. How interesting.¡± The trickster felt a chill down his spine as the gloomy voice invaded his ears. Startled, he realized the figure in yellow now loomed over his body. Fear, more profound than any he had ever known, gripped his mind. As he locked eyes with the bewitching citrine orbs, a being beyond his mental grasp stared back at him. The trickster shouted at the top of his voice, banging his head on the ground. ¡°Don¡¯t come near me!¡± Scott furrowed his brows, unable to predict what the man had witnessed. However, his attention shifted to a new system message that appeared the moment the masked man''s head hit the ground.
Abnormal Stat: Madness has increased by 1
Warning! The user will succumb to their insanity if Madness exceeds Composure by 10 points!
Scott''s expression soured as he read the message. ¡°I didn''t do anything. How is it my fault that he got scared?¡± Grumbling, he shifted his focus to the man still relentlessly bashing his head against the ground. Despite the brutal collisions, the emerald mask, with only narrow eye slits, remained unscathed¡ªno cracks or dents marred its surface. ¡°This mask is quite interesting.¡± Scott crouched, his hand reaching for the green mask. Vugar screamed, as he unsuccessfully attempted to flee. Ignoring Vugar''s screams, Scott peeled the item away from the man''s face, prompting another system message.
Mask of the two-faced god Description: A mask created by a believer of the two-faced god with the intent of mimicking the famed god. No one will suspect your true intentions or will discern your identity (?).
Rank: Uncommon (?).
Durability: 3-time use (0/3 remaining).
Type: Non-combat enchanted item.
Scott''s brows shot up as he read through the system''s message. Why the question mark? Does that mean the current level of Hastur''s gaze is insufficient?
Abnormal Stat: Perception has gone up by 1
Scott sighed as he tossed the mask to the ground. It was a fine piece but rendered useless now. If only there were one more slot available. Shifting his focus back to Vugar, now that the mask of the two-faced god was removed, the man''s true status screen appeared.
Status Screen
Basic Stats Name: ???
Race: Human.
Mana Points: 10/80.
Level: 4!
Class: Trickster.
Physical Stats Strength: 2 (-13 due to current physical conditions).
Agility: 2 (-15 due to current physical conditions).
Dexterity: 5 (-15 due to current physical conditions).
Endurance: 8 (-10 due to current physical conditions).
Toughness: 10 (-5 due to current physical conditions).
Abnormal Stats Charm: 10 (-20 due to current mental conditions).
Perception: 16 (-14 due to current mental conditions).
Scott glanced at the mask on the ground. Its once vibrant luster had dulled. It''s truly a shame I can''t use it, but letting it rot here would be a waste. Perhaps it will be useful in the future, or maybe some eccentric buyer would be interested in buying it. Scott reached for the mask, seamlessly sending it into his inventory. Simultaneously, a faint voice filled his ears, demanding, ¡°What are you?¡± Glancing at the writhing man, Scott redirected his attention toward the frightened gruffpaws. Fortunately, there was no need to search for them; they were right there. They look like they¡¯re on the verge of having a panic attack. Getting closer might only exacerbate the situation. Lost in contemplation, Vugar¡¯s desperate plea filled Scott¡¯s ears. ¡°P-Please, save me. I don¡¯t want to die.¡± ¡°Sorry. I can''t save you.¡±
You have slain a Kleploid x38
EXP: 760
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
Item: Mask of the two-face god is undergoing changes due to your abilities!
Scott smiled as he perused the messages. He Shifted his attention to the final system notification. That¡¯s odd, why did it suddenly start undergoing changes? He retrieved an item from his inventory, before turning his attention back to Vugar. ¡°Since we''re both human, I won''t subject you to the same torment suffered by the kleploids.¡± With a swift motion, Scott drove his twin blades into the human''s chest, simultaneously twisting and pulling. The trickster succumbed with unblinking eyes, his bowels still in turmoil despite his demise. As Scott wiped the blood-stained blades clean, another system message materialized before him.
You have slain a Human Champion!
EXP: 100
Side Quest: Help the gruffpaws find a lasting solution to the Kleploids ¨C Completed
EXP: 20
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
A lavender glow enveloped the corpse, and several items materialized beside it. Scott''s lips curled into a smile as his gaze fixed upon the items. It¡¯s just like a game. However, uncertainty clouded his eyes as he stared intently at the corpse. Is there a possibility he¡¯d respawn? This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Seconds turned into minutes, yet the corpse remained unaffected, growing colder with every passing moment. As expected, death in this place is final. Shifting his attention away from the lifeless shell, Scott fixated on a book with a nondescript cover. Where was he hiding this? Come to think about it, I couldn¡¯t see his inventory at all, Scott mused inwardly as he delicately picked up the grimoire. Contemplating for a moment, he opened its pages.
Would you like to learn the spells in the Beginner¡¯s Grimoire?
Warning! 90 Mana Points is required!
Yes! No!
Oof. I was wondering why he didn¡¯t use the grimoire. I guess this is the reason. Scott drummed his fingers on the system message while pondering his options. I haven¡¯t tested it yet, but my mana should be able to recover within a day, right? He hesitated for a second before clicking [Yes]. The grimoire shuddered in his hand, its pages turning on its own. A golden radiance shot out of the grimoire, racing into Scott¡¯s forehead. He took a step back as an explosion of information filled his mind. Meanwhile, the grimoire combusted, turning into ash. Scott, however, underwent a novel transformation. His mind expanded, and his eyes adjusted to perceive an entirely different realm¡ªone steeped in magic and mystery. Arcane glyphs and ancient phrases surged through his consciousness, unraveling the enigmas of the world.
You have acquired a new ability x7 Magic Missile acquired!
Fireball acquired!
Frost Nova acquired!
Levitate acquired!
Minor Heal acquired!
Poison Cloud acquired!
Charm acquired!
Warning: Your Mana Points have dropped by 90 points.
Congratulations! You have acquired the basic knowledge to qualify as a true Eldritch Knight!
Ability: Eldritch Strike acquired!
Ability: Arcane Shield acquired!
Scott crouched again, this time reaching for a vial containing a turquoise liquid. He uncorked the vial, and a strong medicinal waft akin to fresh berries filled his nose. With no hesitation, he downed the contents of the vial. The sweet, lukewarm liquid slid down his throat, reaching his stomach with no resistance. At that same moment, a spiraling surge of energy filled his body.
You have consumed a Mana Restoration Potion!
Mana Points have increased by 10!
¡°System, send the other items to my inventory and show me my stats.¡± The items disappeared with Scott¡¯s command, and a new system screen appeared before his eyes.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Scott Dorsey
Level: 6 ¨C New!
Experience Points: 20/600 ¨C New!
Mana Points: 20/100
Race: Eldritch Spawn (lesser being). Half-human.
Mana Recovery: 11 Mana Points per hour
Class - Eldritch Knight
Description: The Eldritch Knight is a powerful and versatile class that combines martial prowess with arcane magic.
Tier 1 Hammer Proficiency: You gain proficiency with hammer-based weapons. Additional 10% damage when using a hammer-based weapon.
Eldritch Strike: Your weapon strikes become infused with magic, dealing additional damage to your enemies. Additional 5% damage on all your attacks when using a hammer-based weapon.
Arcane Shield: You can create a shield of magical energy to protect yourself from attacks.
Physical Stats Strength: 15.
Agility: 18.
Endurance: 14.
Dexterity: 16.
Toughness: 16.
Abnormal Stats Envy: 20.
Perception: 28.
Will power: 18.
Composure: 75
Madness: 81.
Loyalty: 75.
Skills Carpentry (Level 1).
Running (Level 2).
Survival (Level 2).
Hastur¡¯s Gaze (Level 1).
??? (Locked) ¨C Level 10 required.
Mental Manipulation (Level 1).
Basic Mana casting (Level 1) ¨C New!
Basic Combat (Level 0).
Fishing (Level 1).
Basic Hammer Mastery (Level 0).
Madness (Level 1).
Scott resisted the temptation to try out one of his new abilities. Instead, he focused on the mask being simultaneously corroded. I wonder what¡¯s going to happen to it. Scott turned toward the gruffpaw sisters. These guys are just too cute. It¡¯s almost as if they believe I wouldn¡¯t notice them if they don¡¯t make a sound. Scott averted his gaze from the scared sisters; instead, he focused on the burning corpses littering the area. Although I did this, I don¡¯t feel an ounce of guilt or remorse. Am I turning into a murder hobo? Or is this what Omar and the others feared would happen? Scott frowned as the memories of that fateful night flooded his mind. He shook his head while taking a deep breath. The past is the past. I shouldn¡¯t let their words chain me down. I don¡¯t know what that version of me did, but I am not him. I¡¯m my own person, and I will walk my own path. Scott stared at the lonely moon; his eyes clouded with emotions. The Omar I know is probably gone. Whoever is in there, only wants to kill me. I won¡¯t let it happen. There won¡¯t be a repeat of the Amazon incident, Scott vowed to himself.
Mask of the two-face god has been successfully corroded!
A new item has been created due to the influence of your abilities!
Scott stared at the system¡¯s message while opening his status screen; his attention focused on the corroded mask.
Mask of the Eldritch Spawn Description: A mask initially created to mimic the two-faced god but was corroded by an eldritch spawn. This item can¡¯t be used by any other being except the owner.
Rank: ???
Durability: ???
Condition: ???
Type: ???
With a thought, the mask appeared from the inventory, nestling in between Scott¡¯s fingers. The eldritch knight knitted his brows as he observed the item. Why did it change from green to gray? Wait, what¡¯s that yellow sign? A mysterious symbol had replaced the eye slits. Scott tried his best to interpret the odd symbol, but nothing came to mind. He read through the system¡¯s message again, and his face became sterner. The fact that there is no explanation about the mask¡¯s abilities can only mean I have to wear it to find out. Scott inhaled deeply as he secured the gray mask to his face. A faint sizzle resonated, the icy interior meeting his pale skin. On the mask''s surface, a yellow sign wriggled, transforming into an array of cryptic, ancient texts. Unbeknownst to Scott, the darkness enveloping him stirred, seemingly consumed by light. It swirled, coalescing into a mist that surged into the mask, gradually darkening its hue. The terrified gruffpaws gasped from their wooden cage, unable to avert their attention from the strange phenomenon. The darkness slowly disappeared, revealing a skinny figure in ragged clothes. His bushy hair had formed locks, but their attention was focused on his animated black mask which hid all features of his face. The gruffpaw screamed as Scott focused his attention on them. Even worse, he approached in light steps. Scott waved at the duo. ¡°Hello. Your father sent me to rescue you.¡± He stopped a few meters away from the cage. ¡°I promise I have no intentions of eating you, so don¡¯t start flapping your arms when I set you free. But before we get to that. Tell me what you see.¡± Chapter 14 : Setting Off ¡°A human wearing a mask,¡± Milina stammered, pressing her back against the cage. Milee, on the other hand, sobbed quietly, nestling her head in her sister¡¯s arms. The duo had been freed from their bounds but they remained petrified in the cage. Scott cocked his head backward, and his laughter echoed in all directions. They can finally see me. I was wondering what I was going to do when I got to Nova Primus, but I have no reason to worry anymore. Everything should be fine if I don¡¯t take off the mask. Scott refocused on the frightened gruffpaws. ¡°As I mentioned earlier, your father sent me here.¡± He raised his blade, intending to cut the tightly woven hemp rope serving as the cage¡¯s lock. ¡°I know you''re eager to return home, but I''ll have to ask you to wait a little bit longer. We''ll return at dawn, okay?¡± Milina and Milee nodded. They would be crazy to negotiate with someone who had single-handedly exterminated a kleploid pack. Scott''s smile remained hidden behind his mask. ¡°Thank you for your understanding,¡± he said before turning away from the duo. His destination: the cave where the kleploids stored their food. His intention: to explore if there was anything worthwhile within. The gruffpaws observed the masked man''s departure, their massive forms unmoving, only punctuated by deep breaths. Milee anxiously raised her head, her swollen eyes scanning the cave''s entrance. ¡°Sister, do you believe him? Did father really send him?¡± ¡°I don''t know,¡± Milina responded without hesitation. ¡°Regardless of whether he''s telling the truth, there''s nothing either of us can do to stop him. Let''s not provoke him.¡± Milee nodded in agreement. ¡°He''s someone we shouldn''t anger.¡± As the sisters conversed, Scott emerged from the cave, pushing a cart laden with various items. Despite extorting a bit from the gruffpaws, they don¡¯t have anything of serious value to me, Scott sighed, gazing at the neatly preserved dried rations arranged on the cart. Among the items in the kleploid''s improvised pantry, these were the sole contents free from contamination. With a wave of his hand, a familiar luminescence enveloped the provisions, causing some of them to vanish into his inventory. Simultaneously, a leather map materialized in his hands. Who would have thought that guy would hide his belongings in the cave. He smiled behind his mask as he unrolled the bound map. With this map, is there even a need for the village chief¡¯s map?
Please select a destination from the following
Nameless Forest ¨C Current location!
Barren ravine
Burning river
Ravnar mountains
Unable to quell his curiosity, Scott clicked on the last option. A fiery glow shot out from the map, forming a blinking, holographic arrowhead pointing toward the massive peaks in the distance. Scott smiled behind his mask, subconsciously turning toward the gruffpaws. ¡°Can you see this?¡± He said, pointing at the arrowhead. The terrified sisters shook their heads, worried any delay would anger the masked man. Only the person holding the map can see it, huh. That¡¯s interesting. Scott stared at the map again. This map only leads to the Ravnar mountains, but the village chief¡¯s map should lead to Nova Primus. With both maps in my possession, my journey should be easier, right? He pondered for a moment before sending the map to his inventory, and the blinking arrowhead vanished. Then he approached the gruffpaws. ¡°Have you guys eaten anything? You can take your picking if you¡¯re hungry,¡± he said while motioning toward the cart. ¡°Thank you, but we¡¯re okay,¡± Milina stammered. Although she didn¡¯t know what happened to the kleploids, it wasn¡¯t too hard to infer their woes started after they finished eating and drinking. The thought of the same thing happening to them sent shivers down her spine. Scott simply shrugged before sitting on a nearby rock. ¡°Since you¡¯re comfortable, I won¡¯t insist. However, I do have some questions that I hope you can answer.¡± ¡°What do you want to know? If it¡¯s something I can answer, then I won¡¯t hesitate to tell you,¡± Milina replied. Scott chuckled. ¡°Relax. It¡¯s nothing serious.¡± He tapped the tip of his blade on the ground as he continued. ¡°What sort of creatures inhabit the regions beyond the forest?¡± Milina froze for a second. Was that all he wanted to know? Isn¡¯t that common knowledge, or is he testing us? She took a deep breath, calming her tensed nerves. ¡°Beyond the forest, the kleploids control the barren ravine. Meanwhile, both the ever-burning river and the Ravnar Mountains are considered inhospitable for any race to claim. Some tried in the past, but they all perished. As a result, rarely would anyone find any creatures in those places, especially the ever-burning river,¡± Milina explained. Scott''s brows furrowed behind his mask. The kleploids he could handle, but the unforgiving forces of nature presented a challenge beyond his reckoning. ¡°If the river is that formidable, how am I supposed to cross it?¡± A peculiar expression danced across Milina''s face as she locked gazes with her sister, who mirrored the same enigmatic look. ¡°What? Did I say something foolish?¡± ¡°No, no, please don¡¯t misunderstand. We meant no disrespect.¡± The sisters flapped their arms in a nervous gesture. Scott sighed. ¡°I know. Stop with the theatrics and tell me how one usually crosses the river.¡± ¡°There¡¯s a boatman, and you must pay a fee to cross,¡± Milee interjected before Milina could respond. ¡°Without paying the toll, it¡¯s impossible to cross the river.¡± Scott nodded silently as different questions raced through his mind. A moment later, he broke the silence once more. ¡°What¡¯s the toll, and who is the boatman and why is he able to cross while others can¡¯t?¡± ¡°His identity, origins, and why he¡¯s capable of crossing the river are all mysteries no one understands. For the toll, it depends on the whims of the boatman. It varies from person to person,¡± Milina said as she tilted her head to the side. ¡°During my recent journey to Nova Primus, the boatman requested me to select any pebble that caught my fancy and present it as payment. Conversely, a kleploid was mandated to sacrifice one of its arms. It''s crucial to note that the kleploid hadn''t committed any wrongdoing; rather, the boatman''s demands are simply unpredictable. There are occasions when he even insists on taking your life before granting passage across the river.¡± Scott interjected, ¡°What happens if you refuse an absurd request?¡± ¡°Nothing,¡± Milina replied without pause. ¡°The boatman won''t trouble you, but you''re barred from boarding until the toll is settled.¡± She paused, reflecting on her past encounters. ¡°Yet, some choose to linger by the shoreline, patiently anticipating the boatman''s return. Luck might smile upon them, offering a more favorable toll for the subsequent journey.¡± Thank God the toll isn¡¯t fixed. But what kind of lunatic is the boatman? Scott sighed inwardly. He would be a liar if he said he didn¡¯t find the mysterious boater fascinating. ¡°So, how many times can someone cross the river per day?¡± Milina raised two fingers, ¡°Twice,¡± she said. ¡°It¡¯s the same for those coming from the Ravnar Mountains.¡± ¡°That makes sense,¡± Scott muttered, his voice barely audible. He continued striking his blade against the lone rock while his gaze shifted toward the surrounding area. I don¡¯t like the fact that the toll can be anything random. Knowing my luck, that guy might ask for something totally outrageous. Scott sighed before turning toward the sisters. ¡°What about the Ravnar Mountains?¡± Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°There are several human guides willing to assist travelers. Unlike the boatman, their compensation is well defined. No matter what you¡¯re paying with, its value must be equivalent to one elemental shard.¡± Milina explained. She had gotten more comfortable the longer she spoke with the masked man. Milee, however, still couldn¡¯t stare at Scott for long. Scott exhaled deeply, staring at the skies. What the hell is an elemental shard again? There were too many things he had no idea of. Milina¡¯s voice carried into the half-human ears. ¡°Pardon my rudeness, but it seems you have no idea what an elemental shard is too.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right. Please enlighten me,¡± Scott said with a smile, but unseen by the duo. ¡°Although each race has their own unique currency, elemental shards are considered the universal currency in the tower. They are mostly fragments of the elements which have taken a solid form. For example, ice shards are mostly seen and used in Nova Primus because of its proximity to the Ravnar Mountains. Apart from the durability, they serve no major purpose other than being used as currencies.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Scott said as he stood up. ¡°So, what¡¯s the equivalent of one elemental shard?¡± ¡°It depends on what item you¡¯re willing to exchange. They usually demand a thousand of our specially refined hangover pills. However, for other humans, the equivalent is an uncommon item.¡± Scott¡¯s brows shot up. Isn¡¯t that too much? He thought to himself. ¡°You guys should get some sleep. We¡¯ll depart for your village tomorrow.¡± Scott didn¡¯t wait for the gruffpaw to reply before walking away. Milina and Milee focused their attention on his frail figure, until he disappeared behind one of the numerous rocks. ¡°Sister, do you think he was pretending?¡± Milee asked while tugging Milina¡¯s arm. ¡°I don¡¯t know if you noticed it, but it felt as if he was reading something above our heads earlier.¡± She still felt chills recalling Scott¡¯s emotionless eyes. If she could have her way, she would forget she ever saw them. ¡°Whether he¡¯s pretending or not doesn¡¯t matter. We only need to stay on his good side,¡± Milina said, her eyes still focused on the spot Scott disappeared. The morning swiftly displaced the cold night, unveiling a vast expanse of reddish-gray skies. With dawn emerged a thick fog, shrouding the Nameless Forest. Milina and Milee lay entwined in each other''s embrace, the younger twin snoring softly, her words a nonsensical murmur. Soon, their ears caught the unmistakable echo of footsteps, disrupting the quietude of the forest. Reluctantly, they opened their eyes, fixing their gaze on the indistinct figure steadily advancing from the distance. The remnants of sleep evaporated from their eyes, replaced by a sharp intake of cold air. ¡°Morning. Hope I didn¡¯t disturb you.¡± Scott appeared from the mist, raising his blades. He swung the twin blades on the hemp rope binding the cage, cleanly cutting them in one go. A muffled twang echoed as the robe ripped apart while each side of the rectangular cage fell on their respective ends. ¡°It¡¯s time to go. Is there anything you want to take before we leave?¡± ¡°No. Let¡¯s leave now,¡± Milina said. ¡°You guys go ahead. I¡¯ll follow you from behind. Although it should be safe, let¡¯s not take any chances,¡± Scott said while returning his blades to his inventory. Milina and Milee stood up, meekly nodding in acknowledgment. The gruffpaws cast a fleeting glance at the charred kleploid corpses, along with that of their human leader, as they began making their way toward the forest. An unspoken tension lingered in the air, and they couldn''t help but contemplate the possible outcome had the masked man not intervened to rescue them. Silence enveloped the trio, with neither sister exchanging a word nor Scott initiating a conversation. Together, they pressed on through the early morning cold, each lost in their thoughts. An hour passed in a blink, and the trio reached the path leading to the village. Emotion overwhelmed the sisters, tears streaming down their faces. They had already accepted the likelihood of never reuniting with their people. Though their hearts yearned to storm into the village and proclaim their return, the looming threat of the masked man held them back. ¡°Go ahead. I won''t be joining you. But convey my message to your father. I''ll be here, waiting for him,¡± Scott said. ¡°I''ll convey your words to him, benefactor,¡± Milina said. Milee, in contrast, sprinted towards the village, tears streaming down her face. Meanwhile, Scott ventured into the forest, aiming to reach the rendezvous point ahead of Miliot. The hungover and drowsy gruffpaws awoke to the cries of their liberated kin. Emerging one after another from their homes or wherever they had passed out, they hurriedly approached to greet them. Miliot and Milos charged out of their house, racing towards Milee with tears welling in their eyes. ¡°Father!¡± Milee cried, throwing herself into Miliot''s embrace. ¡°My dear, there''s no need to cry now,¡± he said, shedding even more tears than his daughter. ¡°Where''s your sister? Didn''t she...¡± Milina interjected from the side, ¡°Father, I''m here.¡± Like her younger sister, she embraced her father while shedding tears of gratitude for the chance to see him again. ¡°It''s okay, my darlings. Everything is fine now,¡± Miliot whispered, enveloping the two in a reassuring embrace. Milina leaned closer to his ear. ¡°Father, our benefactor wants to meet you,¡± she murmured gently. ¡°What about the kleploids?¡± Miliot inquired. In that moment, the expressions of the duo darkened, fear evident in their eyes. Miliot took in a deep breath, understanding the gravity behind their troubled looks. ¡°You''re safe now, my darlings. But I must meet our benefactor. I''ll be back.¡± ¡°Father, please be careful,¡± Milee said, gripping her father''s arm. ¡°Don''t worry. I promise to return soon.¡± Miliot patted her head, wearing a comforting smile. Then, turning to Milos, they exchanged a mutual nod and set off toward their residence, taking a roundabout route to reach the meeting area. ¡°Uncle, did you see the fear in Milee''s eyes?¡± Milos whispered as they ran. ¡°I''ve never seen her this scared before.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say anything. We need to maintain ignorance about the incident. Do you understand?¡± ¡°But uncle¡ª¡± Miliot began. His uncle interrupted; his voice unusually stern. ¡°I said we don¡¯t know anything about it.¡± Milos nodded, not wishing to further provoke his uncle''s stern demeanor. In silence, the duo quickened their pace, returning to the same spot where they had encountered Scott the day before. The eerie darkness that had previously haunted their nights was conspicuously absent. Instead, a slender figure, clad in a distinctive mask, leaned casually against a tree. ¡°Great one?¡± Miliot queried. ¡°Nice of you two to come running immediately. I won¡¯t waste your time. So, why don¡¯t you hand over the items.¡± Though the voice and appearance were entirely distinct, Miliot couldn''t shake the memory of Scott''s unequivocal manner of speaking. He knelt on the ground, compelling Milos to follow suit. ¡°Great one, I''ll forever carry the memory of your benevolence for me and my people.¡± Two items materialized before the chief. ¡°Please accept these tokens as an expression of our gratitude.¡±
Side Quest: Rescue the village chief¡¯s daughters ¨C Completed! EXP: 20
Side Quest: Retrieve the map of the Nameless Forest from the Gruffpaw chief ¨C Completed! EXP: 20
Scott summoned the map he had obtained from the trickster, tossing it over to the village chief. ¡°What¡¯s the difference between this map and yours?¡± Miliot raised his head, reaching for the leather map. Unrolling it, he frowned. ¡°Great one, although this map is of decent quality, relying on it may lead to encountering several perilous situations along the way. In contrast, my map guarantees a journey free from such dangers. Furthermore, this map only guides travelers to the Ravnar Mountains, necessitating the use of guides thereafter. On the contrary, my map provides a direct, secure route to Nova Primus.¡± Miliot lifted his gaze, meeting Scott''s indifferent eyes. ¡°Great one, you can discern the difference for yourself. Clearly, my map is superior.¡± ¡°No need for that. I trust you won¡¯t lie to me,¡± Scott said while picking up the items. Is it supposed to be this light? Scott thought to himself as he observed the scavewood map. He then shifted his attention to the bracelet, his fingers running along the tiny jewels embedded on its surface. With this, I can increase my mana recovery rate by a further 5%. It doesn¡¯t feel like much now, but it¡¯s bound to be useful when my level improves further. Scott added the map to his inventory, while wearing the bracelet. It shrunk, readjusting to its new owner. Turning his attention to Miliot. ¡°As promised, I''ll leave this map with your associates when I reach Nova Primus.¡± ¡°Thank you, great one. If it''s not too much, could you share a meal with us before you depart?¡± Scott pondered for a moment before shaking his head. ¡°No, I won''t impose on you any longer. Our meeting was brief, but it was a pleasure,¡± he said, extending his hand. Miliot and Milos raised their heads, their eyes fixed on Scott''s outstretched, skinny arm. A moment of confusion passed between them. ¡°Uncle, I think he wants us to kiss it,¡± Milos whispered. ¡°Really?¡± Milos nodded confidently, drawing from his experiences in Nova Primus. Miliot puckered his lips, kneeling as if preparing to follow through on the unexpected request. ¡°Whoa, whoa, whoa. What are you doing?¡± Scott took a step back, retracting his hand, as he stared at the bewildered gruffpaws. ¡°What do you mean, Great One?¡± Miliot asked. Scott glared at the duo. ¡°What do you mean, what do I mean? You''re supposed to shake my hand, not kiss it.¡± ¡°Oh. I remember now. Humans also have a custom like that,¡± Milos muttered, wearing an embarrassed smile. Miliot could only glare at the knucklehead. This idiot barely pays attention to anything outside of his interests. Because of him, we almost angered the Great One. Miliot prostrated on the ground. ¡°Great One, we have wronged you. Please forgive us.¡± Scott sighed while massaging his temples. ¡°How do you guys constantly have energy for this?¡± He took a step forward, standing between the gruffpaws. ¡°I don''t know if we''ll ever see each other again, so take care of yourselves.¡± Scott took three steps forward before stopping. ¡°You guys should probably learn some self-defense skills. Who knows when some other bastards might target your village.¡± ¡°Thank you, great one! We will never forget you!¡± Scott heard Miliot¡¯s words, but he didn''t turn. The gruffpaws watched as he ventured deeper into the surrounding forest, gradually disappearing from their view. ¡°Uncle, do you think he¡¯s going to make it in the competition?¡± Milos inquired. ¡°I can¡¯t say for certain. However, he is a survivor of the calamity that befell his world. According to the words of our ancestors, those who still possess the yearning to ascend the tower after witnessing such devastation will either shake the foundations of the Tower of Champions or succumb like many before them,¡± Miliot explained. ¡°You could have just said you don¡¯t know,¡± Milos whispered, rising to his feet. Miliot''s expression twisted unpleasantly. ¡°Damn you, you stinking brat,¡± he hissed, leaping to his feet. ¡°Don¡¯t think I have forgotten what you¡­ hey, get back here.¡± The frenzied gruffpaw chased after his fleeing nephew, issuing threats as he pursued him. Chapter 15 : Burning River Scott trudged along a narrow path, his feet shuffling through loose gravel with each step. The relentless sun blazed overhead, casting unforgiving heat waves that danced along the rocks. Sweat dripped down his neck, and he shifted his mask to the side, retrieving water from his inventory. The dry air filled his nose, but his face felt cool and moisturized. The only respite came from the dried mushrooms he munched on and the water he retrieved from his inventory. With a sigh, he emptied the water jar, raising his head to stare at the towering rocks surrounding him. ¡°I can¡¯t even tell how long I have been walking,¡± he muttered. Lowering his head, he glanced at the flashing arrowhead, its holographic light guiding him through the narrow path filled with jagged rocks. Scott grimaced. ¡°I¡¯m lucky it hasn¡¯t rained in a while. This place would be dangerous if it were wet.¡± He imagined how the rocks would turn slippery, and the narrow pathway would become treacherous. Following the arrowhead, Scott traversed the narrow path that snaked through the rocks. The terrain was unstable, forcing him to watch every step to avoid tripping and falling. The path split off in different directions, leading to unique parts of the ravine. One path descended into the rocky terrain, while another ascended a steep incline. Carefully considering each option, he ultimately chose to stick with the flashing arrowhead, recalling Miliot¡¯s confidence in the map. True to his words, Scott encountered no kleploid or any other creature. Scott finally reached the end of the barren ravine, and his eyes widened at the breathtaking sight before him. "This is just ridiculous," he muttered, gazing at a staircase that descended to the shoreline of a turquoise sea. The sand along the shore was fine and powdery, its black surface occasionally interrupted by rare patches of cream that sparkled under the sun. The air hung thick and humid, carrying a subtle hint of sulfur. ¡°So, this is the ever-burning river, but it¡¯s more like a sea than a mere river,¡± Scott muttered to himself. He expected to witness massive flames leaping into the sky and dominating the calm waters. To his surprise, the sea was serene and pristine. Squinting, he scanned the clear skies but found no birds and no visible sea creatures in the waters.
Location Updated!
Current Location ¨C Burning River!
Scott descended the towering steps cautiously, his gaze locked onto the arrowhead''s incessant flashes. The steps, fashioned from rough-hewn stone, radiated heat from the ground beneath. Methodically, he navigated each step, his hand gliding along the coarse wall for balance. With each descent, a profound sense of awe overcame him as he beheld the vastness of the sea below. Turquoise waters extended endlessly, glistening in the sunlight. For some reason, an irresistible compulsion surged within his mind, compelling him to explore the depths of the waters, and uncover the secrets concealed beneath the surface. However, he knew better than to succumb to his desires. He remembered Milina''s words of caution, and he reminded himself of the potential dangers that lurked in the seemingly calm waters. That Hastur¡¯s gaze also didn¡¯t force open a system message calmed his tensed heart a bit, but he still maintained his vigilance. A moment later, he set foot on the powdery sand of the shoreline. The texture beneath his worn boots was soft and warm. The water gently kissed the shoreline, its surface reflecting a calm and serene atmosphere. Inhaling deeply, Scott filled his lungs with the briny air, tinged with a subtle hint of sulfur. Despite the tranquil appearance of the sea, Scott continued to maintain a vigilant stance. He understood the unpredictability of the surroundings and was determined not to be caught off guard. His keen eyes scanned the shoreline, searching for any traces of fellow travelers or the enigmatic boatman. However, all that met his gaze was the undisturbed and peaceful waters. ¡°It seems I¡¯ll have to wait a while. It¡¯s likely the first patch of people has crossed the river already,¡± Scott muttered, his eyes focused on boot imprints left on the sand. As he contemplated his options, the echo of approaching footsteps reached him, prompting a swift turn in their direction. Three figures descended the stairs, emerging from an alternate path. Scott observed the trio in armor. The first among them towered over the others, easily measuring six feet four inches. Broad shoulders and well-defined muscles attested to his physical prowess, while his piercing blue eyes bore into the depths of one''s soul. A square jaw and chiseled features endowed him with a commanding presence that left most people guarded, including Scott. The second figure, though shorter, emanated an equal degree of imposing presence. His broad shoulders and thick beard conveyed a rugged, battle-hardened aura. A stoic expression adorned his face, his keen eyes scanning Scott''s form with unwavering interest. Despite his intimidating exterior, a certain kindness emanated from his gaze, sparked by genuine curiosity. The third figure, a woman, stood out as the most striking of the trio. Sharp and angular features defined her, and her eyes shimmered like diamonds in the sunlight. Positioned between the two men, her right hand casually rested on the hilt of the daggers strapped to her waist. Clad in sleek, form-fitting armor, it accentuated her lithe and agile frame. Every movement she made exuded a grace and fluidity indicative of extensive combat training, and her actions appeared calculated and deliberate. As the trio approached, Scott sensed their intense stares drilling into him, each one scrutinizing him with a blend of curiosity and suspicion. The trio cautiously descended the stairs, but their eyes remained fixed on Scott, and his gaze mirrored their scrutiny. Upon reaching the beach, the towering man spoke up, his voice low and menacing, ¡°What are you doing here, stranger?¡± ¡°I''m just passing through,¡± Scott replied, his voice steady. The second figure stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± He assessed Scott''s clothes and the peculiar mask he wore. ¡°Are you guys the beach police or something? What''s my business got to do with you?¡± Scott retorted, folding his arms across his chest. The bald, muscular man frowned. ¡°Listen here, buddy. Take off that mask for a second.¡± The young woman, who had observed the scene in silence, raised her hand to intervene. ¡°Leave him alone,¡± she asserted, turning her gaze to the other man. ¡°That goes for you too, Frank.¡± Frank responded with a chuckle, gently stroking his beard. Cassius grumbled but reluctantly backed down, muttering, ¡°This guy is lucky Lyra is here.¡± Turning back to Scott, the young woman apologized on behalf of the others. ¡°We won¡¯t be bothering you any further, and I hope you won¡¯t be doing the same.¡± Without waiting for Scott''s response, she turned away, and Scott, in turn, focused on the system messages before his eyes. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
You have encountered three members of Shadow Syndicate!
Hmmm¡­ why does that sound familiar? Scott pondered silently. The detailed champion interfaces of the trio appeared before the masked knight, and he quickly perused through the status sheet. The bear of a man is a fighter, while the other one is a scout, Scott thought before sneaking glances at Lyra. However, she seems to be the most dangerous one among them. She doesn¡¯t look anything like an assassin. Scott took a cursory glance at their levels, but only Lyra was on par with him. They also couldn¡¯t compete with him in terms of mana, skills, and abilities. However, they had significantly more weapons in their inventories compared to his. Scott then turned his attention to their quests, and his brows arched.
Quests Main Quest: Return to the starting point ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Retrieve 40 Kleploid sac ¨C Completed!
Side Quest: Find and eliminate the traitor ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Cross the Burning River ¨C Not Started!
This might be a problem. These guys might be suspecting I¡¯m that trickster, Scott thought, recalling Vugar had something related to the Shadow Syndicate among his quests. Scott cracked his knuckles, drawing deep breaths. Despite the dissimilarity between his mask and that of the trickster, he knew his pursuers would likely perceive it as just another ploy of the wanted schemer. His gaze returned to the trio, carefully studying their armor and weapons. The durability of all the weapons I¡¯ve encountered thus far seemed remarkably inadequate. Is it because I haven¡¯t entered the main stages of the competition?
Abnormal Stat: Perception has increased by 1!
Scott smiled behind his mask. So that¡¯s the reason why. Scott turned his attention away from the trio. He was tempted to throw a pebble into the serene water, but he resisted the asinine urges. I only need to wait for the boatman. Hopefully, he doesn¡¯t ask something outrageous from me. As the sun''s intensity gradually waned, the vibrant blue heavens were replaced by a warm orange glow. Three hours had slipped by, but there was still no sign of the boatman or any new travelers. Scott and the trio from Shadow Syndicate remained silent since their last interaction. Despite the lack of conversation, they occasionally exchanged meaningful glances while patiently awaiting the boatman''s arrival. Another hour slipped away, and nightfall cloaked the burning river. The crescent moon and the star-studded sky cast their reflections on the pristine waters, emitting faint, barely visible heat hazes. In contrast to earlier, a thick fog emerged from the snow-capped mountains at the opposite end, slowly shrouding the waters. ¡°The boatman sure is taking his sweet time,¡± Scott sighed, stretching his legs. Perched on the last step of the majestic staircase, he absentmindedly played with a pebble he had found nearby. The absence of complaints from the trio hinted that the boatman remained within schedule. However, Scott harbored reservations about traveling at night, particularly in a world filled with mysteries and dangers. Another hour elapsed, and the dense fog enveloped the entirety of the turquoise sea. The travelers stood at the shoreline''s edge, gazing into the burning glow gradually approaching within the fog. Gentle swooshes echoed, and the distorted figure of a boat, manned by a shadowy figure in black, emerged. Scott wore a frown as he observed the approaching boat. ¡°Isn''t it a little too small for all of us?¡± The wooden vessel appeared plain and unassuming, much like the figure handling the oars. Clad in a long cloak that concealed every part of his body except his head, the boatman presented an air of simplicity. A ghastly scar marked the right side of his face, claiming a third of the man''s silver hair. Despite this disfigurement, a smile adorned his lips, and his blackened eyes were fixed on the impatient travelers. Narrowing his gaze, Scott was about to open a system message when an eerie laugh filled his ears, followed by a chilling voice. ¡°I knew it. I knew this day would come.¡± The message remained unopened as a sense of foreboding hung in the air. Instinctively, Scott turned toward the boatman, and their eyes locked. In that moment, the world seemed to freeze as darkness began to consume everything in its path. ¡°Who are you?¡± Scott asked, his chest thumping louder than ever. The old man cocked his head backward, laughing with wanton abandon. In a flash, he appeared in front of Scott, the duo floating in an endless abyss. ¡°You don''t know anything yet. How pitiful,¡± he said while reaching for Scott''s mask. ¡°I wonder which of them chose you.¡± He pulled off the mask, and his smile brightened. He laughed again while clapping, before returning the mask to its owner. ¡°So, it was him,¡± he said, struggling to maintain his composure. He managed to stop himself while wiggling his index finger across the mask''s surface. ¡°I understand why he chose you now. But let''s make it a little more fun.¡± Blood-red text appeared on the blackened mask, clashing against the yellow sign and the darkness. However, Scott could only stare at the old man. No matter what he did, he couldn''t move his body. ¡°That should do it.¡± The old man nodded to himself. The mask remained the same, but there were red flashes on the darkened mask. The uncanny man smiled while clicking his fingers. Scott blinked, and he found himself ashore again. This time, however, the boat had arrived, and a dull look had replaced the boatman''s whimsical smile and excited eyes. What the heck just happened? Scott thought to himself, recalling the strange events. He resisted the urge to peel off his mask and check what the man had done because it would only compound his worries. While Scott gathered his thoughts, Cassius stepped forward. |Boatman, we seek to cross the Burning River. What do you request of us?¡± The burly man held his breath, watching as the wiry boater lifted his head. A sudden grin spread across the boatman''s face, revealing teeth stained with a deep, dark hue. Then, he pointed directly at Cassius. ¡°For you, two kleploid sacs.¡± The powerful man clenched his fists, suppressing the urge to shout with excitement. Ignoring the fervor, the boatman redirected his attention toward Frank. ¡°For you, all I need is your mana.¡± The bearded scout froze, gritting his teeth while massaging his temples. The boater turned toward the lone woman in their midst, offering a wrinkled hand with a smile. ¡°For you, your tears will suffice.¡± Abruptly, he slammed the oars onto the boat, bringing it to a halt. ¡°Are you willing?¡± he asked. Without hesitation, Cassius withdrew two bleeding organs from his inventory, tossing them over to the boater. The lanky man deftly caught the offering, consuming the raw, bleeding item. Frank gritted his teeth, stepping forward. ¡°I''m willing to give you my mana.¡± The boater extended his hand casually, and Frank''s eyes rolled inward. A misty, ethereal substance began to seep out from his mouth, nose, eyes, and ears, hurtling toward the outstretched hand. Frank convulsed uncontrollably, but no one intervened. The boatman only withdrew his hand when he could no longer absorb any more mana. Turning to Lyra, who stood waiting at the side, he flashed a smile and clicked his fingers. The onlookers observed Lyra''s once-blue eyes darkened. The assassin collapsed to her knees, unleashing screams and wails as her face contorted in agony. Teardrops hovered toward the gaping mouth of the grinning boater, and the shadows clouding Lyra''s eyes dissipated. The boater chuckled once more, offering a slight bow to the trio. "You may enter," he said. Then, his attention shifted to Scott, and his smile intensified. The two men locked gazes, a silent exchange unfolding between them. Cassius and Frank extended their hands to help Lyra to her feet. Together, they cautiously stepped onto the boat, ensuring they avoided any contact with the turquoise water. Only after ensuring Lyra''s safety did their attention return to Scott and the enigmatic boater. The duo continued their silent communication, their eyes speaking volumes. Breaking the silence, Scott''s voice, low and probing, cut through the air. ¡°What''s my toll?¡± The boater responded with laughter, accompanied by a wagging index finger. ¡°You can come aboard. The toll has already been paid.¡± Cassius, Frank, and Lyra, who had regained her composure, turned their inquisitive gazes towards Scott. The desire to unravel his identity intensified. Scott, feeling the weight of their scrutiny, furrowed his brow. He took a deep breath and joined the trio on the ship. The boatman deftly struck the oars against the beach, propelling the boat into the mist-shrouded waters. Gradually, the fog embraced the vessel as it embarked on its journey toward the towering peaks in the distance. Chapter 16 : Warhammer of the Mad God Scott occupied a seat in the boat, aware of the weight of the other travelers'' gazes fixed upon him. However, his attention remained captivated by the boatman, whose deft maneuvers propelled the vessel forward with an eerie yet impressive quietude. Shifting his position, he sensed the solid wooden surface beneath him. Despite his initial expectations of a small boat, its dimensions now revealed a size larger than anticipated, as if it expanded to accommodate their journey. The night enveloped them in silence, broken only by the rhythmic sound of water gently lapping against the boat''s sides. Even the starry skies above struggled to penetrate the eerie mist shrouding the tranquil waters. Leaning against the boat''s side, Scott focused on the placid expanse of water. His penetrating gaze cut through the blinding mist, revealing his own reflection in the rippling waters. A frown creased his face as he studied his unaltered mask. Why doesn¡¯t it look any different? Scott wondered, his fingers drumming on the gunwale in frustration. As they sailed farther across the expanse of turquoise waters, Scott noticed a peculiar sight in the reflection of his citrine eyes. Something seemed amiss. Whispers reached him, faint and elusive. He strained to decipher the words, but they remained muffled, as if emanating from an ethereal realm. Suddenly, his own reflection began a macabre dance, distorting and twisting, as though heralding the ascent of a demon from the abyss. Curiously, Scott felt no fear. Instead, his gaze remained defiant, challenging whatever lurked beneath the surface to reveal itself. The distortion ceased abruptly, accompanied by the fading whispers. Scott''s reflection returned to its normal state. An unnatural chuckle escaped the boatman, unsettling the other passengers. Scott, however, merely shot a fleeting glance at the laughing figure before turning away. Yet, his attention sharply shifted back to the old man, his gaze fixed on the oar in the boatman''s hands. With each dip into the water, the turquoise waves voraciously consumed most of the oar, leaving it seemingly devoured. Yet, as soon as the old man lifted the oar from the water, the wood miraculously regenerated. Scott couldn''t help but marvel at the mysterious phenomenon. What kind of wood possessed such extraordinary resilience? The old man turned toward him, a casual smile gracing his weathered face, as though he could decipher the eldritch spawn''s thoughts. Yet, he remained silent, and Scott followed suit. The journey persisted in silence, the air growing colder as they approached the towering peaks. Even a segment of the river had frozen over, but it proved powerless to obstruct the small boat. It cleaved through the ice, navigating its path with seamless grace. To Scott''s astonishment, the fractured ice knitted back together as soon as the boat glided past. Countless mysteries abound in this world, and Scott couldn''t shake the feeling that he had yet to witness the tip of the iceberg. He sighed, surrendering to the embrace of sleep as he closed his eyes. The notion that the enigmatic figures from the Shadow Syndicate might target him didn''t even flicker across his mind. Despite Milina''s silence on the matter, he was confident that no rational soul would dare to engage in a confrontation aboard the vessel. Scott reached into his inventory and retrieved a thick fur blanket, cocooning himself within its warmth. The trio surrounding him followed suit, their eyes shutting as they seamlessly slipped into the realm of dreams. As dawn broke, biting cold gripped the waters even tighter, sending a shiver down the spines of the sleeping passengers. The morning sun heralded the departure of the eerie mist. Scott stared at the massive peaks in the distance, which seemed to stretch into the heavens. There were no trees or vegetation in sight, only a vast expanse of white. Scott focused on the makeshift harbor situated at the beach, lined with frozen rocks and boulders. He narrowed his gaze, staring at the floating, wooden jetty. Are those people? Over a dozen figures clad in thick fur clothes gathered at the edge of the jetty, watching as the boat drew near. The boatman deftly steered the small vessel into the harbor, and as they drew nearer, the other passengers stood up, preparing to disembark. Scott hesitated, staring at the blinking arrowhead which pointed toward the mountains. The boatman hit the oars on the boat, and it stopped in front of the floating jetty. The shadow syndicate trio disembarked first, then Scott followed them. A woman sprinted toward Scott, reaching for his arm, ¡°Welcome. Do you need a guide?¡± She said, her expectant eyes focused on the masked man. Scott deftly dodged her hand while shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡± Disappointment flashed across the young lady¡¯s face, and that of the lingering guides behind her. Some even looked down on the masked man. After all, they could clearly see his tattered robes behind his blanket. Undeterred by the mixed reactions, Scott spoke up again, directing his query to the young lady. ¡°Do you happen to sell coats?¡± ¡°Um, yeah, yeah I do,¡± The young lady said, recovering from her initial disappointment. ¡°Do you have anything in mind? Or do you prefer I choose something for you?¡± ¡°Give me something cheap, something that would also guarantee I won''t freeze to death while crossing this mountain,¡± Scott requested. The young lady chuckled. ¡°I understand. What do you have in exchange?¡± Before Scott could retort, she cast a quick, furtive glance at her competitors over her shoulder. ¡°This way, sir. We can discuss it more discreetly over there,¡± she urged with a friendly smile. Scott followed the blonde woman, his gaze fixed on the system message displayed in front of his eyes. He took a quick look at the guide¡¯s interface, but nothing stood out of the ordinary, apart from her large collection of gruff wine and fur clothes. As always, Scott shifted his attention toward her quests, and his brows furrowed.
Quests Main Quest: Return to the starting Point ¨C Not started!
Side Quest: Guide a thousand champions ¨C (200/1000) ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Make two thousand sales ¨C (108/2000) ¨C Ongoing!
Why would the system give her such a strange quest? He couldn¡¯t imagine what kind of reward, if there was any to begin with, she would receive upon completion. The duo strolled away from the jetty, finding refuge behind a cluster of rocks. A radiant smile adorned the young lady''s face as she conjured a thick fur coat and boots into her hands. ¡°What are you going to trade for it?¡± she inquired. Scott''s gaze lingered on the immaculate, snow-white coat, its purity suggesting seamless integration with the wintry surroundings. He cast a swift glance at her inventory before producing a blackened jar in his hands. ¡°I believe this should more than suffice.¡± The young lady, momentarily frozen, couldn''t tear her eyes away from the jar. Gruff wine, especially the highest quality varieties rarely traded by the elusive gruffpaws, was unmistakable to any seasoned guide. She licked her lips, reaching for the jar, but Scott swiftly smacked her arm away. ¡°Give me the coat and boots first.¡± ¡°Of course. Here you go.¡± She smiled as she tossed the coat to the masked man. Scott deftly caught the featherlight item, swiftly donning it while seamlessly stowing the blanket into his inventory. Standing by the side, he awaited the guide''s verification of her item. Delicately, the woman removed the cap covering the jar. A thick aroma assailed her nose, causing a momentary light-headedness. Holy shit! This stuff is even better than the highest grade in town. Does he realize the value of this thing? A shadow loomed over the woman, and Scott''s voice resonated in her ears. ¡°I can see you approve of the exchange. However, there¡¯s no denying that I overpaid for your coat.¡± The anxious guide turned her head, swallowing a mouthful of saliva. While Scott hadn''t said anything wrong, she couldn''t anticipate his next move. ¡°Um, I guess you need something else, right?¡± Scott smiled behind his mask, nodding. ¡°Yeah. But don''t worry; it''s nothing outrageous. I just need information. Can you provide that?¡± ¡°Y-Yeah, I can. What do you need to know?¡± she asked without hesitation. Scott, leaning against a rock, expressed his curiosity, ¡°I''ve been away from Nova Primus for a couple of years now. I''d like to know everything I''ve missed. If possible, start from the very beginning.¡± Meanwhile, back at the dock, another trio approached Cassius, Frank, and Lyra. The man leading the party smiled, extending his hand toward Lyra. ¡°Welcome back. I hope you had a pleasant trip.¡± Lyra, wearing a rare smile, locked hands with the man. ¡°It was nothing special. Have the others returned?¡± The muscular man shook his head as he sighed, ¡°Not yet. They''re still within schedule, though, so there''s no need to worry about them.¡± A sly smile parted his lips as he leaned in closer. ¡°Were you able to get them?¡± Lyra, Cassius, and Frank smiled as they opened their inventory, revealing a small pile of bleeding organs. ¡°This is great. You guys had quite the harvest.¡± Cassius interjected, ¡°Two are missing, though. The boatman asked for them as toll.¡± The smiling man frowned. ¡°That¡¯s a shame, but we''re lucky he didn''t ask for more. Two missing won''t change that much.¡± He waved his hand, and the items disappeared into his inventory. ¡°It was nice doing business with you guys. I''ll be seeing you around.¡± ¡°Henry, wait a moment,¡± Lyra called out. The blonde man turned toward her. ¡°What is it? Do you have something else to sell?¡± ¡°No, not that. Have you found any clues about that traitor¡¯s whereabouts?¡± Lyra asked. Henry¡¯s visage and that of his companions darkened. ¡°We haven¡¯t found him yet. Did you find any clues?¡± Although the mild-mannered man spoke in a cool voice, he couldn¡¯t hide the bloodlust in his eyes. Cassius and Frank shared a glance, but they didn¡¯t interrupt the assassin. Lyra folded her hands across her chest as she continued. ¡°I can¡¯t say whether or not my information is correct, but we did encounter someone with quite a peculiar mask¡­.¡± ¡°Tell me where that person is!¡± Henry demanded, reaching for the assassin¡¯s arm. However, Lyra skillfully evaded his reach, glaring at the agitated man. ¡°Calm down. You¡¯ll lose those hands if you dare try that again.¡± Henry¡¯s companions unsheathed their sword. ¡°How dare you!¡± Cassius took a step forward, brass knuckles covering his fingers. Lyra retrieved two daggers, her cold eyes meeting those of the swordsmen. ¡°Let¡¯s calm down everyone,¡± Henry said with a smile. ¡°We are all friends here. There¡¯s no need to resort to violence.¡± He beckoned toward his men, and they reluctantly lowered their weapons. Then, he focused on the other group. ¡°I apologize for my actions, Lyra. Don¡¯t be offended. We¡¯re good now, right?¡± Lyra signaled toward Cassius, and the fighter backed down. She also sheathed her daggers, but her brows remained furrowed. ¡°I was going to give you the information on the house, but now you¡¯re going to have to pay double the price.¡± ¡°How dare you!¡± one swordsman roared; however, he fell silent as soon as he met Henry¡¯s bloodshot eyes. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°Now, it¡¯s three times the price,¡± Lyra smirked, snickering at the enraged swordsmen. ¡°C¡¯mon, I dare any of you assholes to speak up.¡± However, they knew better than to provoke the assassin any further. ¡°I will send the payment through the usual means,¡± Henry said, his voice filled with killing intent. He took a step forward. ¡°Now, tell me where that bastard is. Just so you know, I won¡¯t let this slide if this was all a joke.¡± Frank instinctively took a step back. Henry¡¯s eyes mirrored those of a wild beast ready to pounce on its prey. Even Cassius frowned, studying the man intently. Only Lyra remained unfazed by the man¡¯s intense glare. ¡°If he¡¯s your target, then I¡¯ll need an additional thirty percent of the reward,¡± she declared, nonchalantly stretching her arms. Pointing towards a specific section of the beach, she added, ¡°I saw him strolling in that direction with a guide earlier. If you''re fortunate, he might still be there. Best of luck.¡± The assassin turned to her companions. ¡°Let''s go. Our business here is done.¡± Henry and the swordsmen observed in silence as the trio departed. ¡°Sir, you shouldn''t have accepted her proposal. She was obviously taking advantage of our situation,¡± the older swordsman admonished. ¡°It doesn''t matter. Whatever we''re giving them is peanuts compared to the rewards of finding that traitor,¡± Henry replied, his voice low. ¡°Let''s go search for that bastard. We must find him before he gets to the city.¡± The trio sprinted toward the shore without hesitation. At that very moment, a smiling lady emerged from behind a rock. ¡°Hello there,¡± Henry greeted, pointing at the guide. ¡°Come here for a second.¡± The swordsmen flanked her from both sides, escorting the frightened woman toward the charismatic man. ¡°What''s your name?¡± Henry inquired, tilting his head to the side. ¡°I-It''s Anika, sir.¡± The scared guide turned her head nervously, though most guides in the area noticed her plight, they simply averted their gaze. Henry extended his hand, his fingers gently tracing the contours of the anxious woman''s cheeks. ¡°There''s no need to be scared. I''m a gentleman, and I have absolutely no intention of causing you harm. We were merely wondering if you could help us by answering a few questions. Can you do that?¡± His grip on the soft chin of the young lady tightened slightly. Anika nodded, determined to hold back her tears. ¡°That''s a good girl,¡± Henry said, lowering his hand. ¡°Have you, by any chance, encountered someone wearing a mask?¡± Anika''s eyes quivered, haunted by the memory of the man who had bestowed upon her the most significant reward since she became a guide. ¡°Hmm, your eyes tell me all I need to know,¡± Henry muttered, exchanging a glance with his men. ¡°Now, would you kindly share with us where he went?¡± Anika pointed confidently toward a path. ¡°He went that way,¡± she declared. Henry and the swordsmen eagerly followed her gaze, excitement flickering in their eyes. Henry locked eyes with the guide. ¡°Anika, I trust you''re not leading us astray.¡± ¡°I wouldn''t dare to. He truly went that way. I have no reason to deceive you,¡± she replied nervously. ¡°Good. We''re not people you should mess around with, so I hope your information is accurate.¡± Henry reassuringly patted Anika on the shoulder, then signaled to his men. The duo sprinted toward the path, leaving Henry to flash a brief smile at the anxious woman. ¡°I hope we won''t be crossing paths again anytime soon,¡± he quipped before joining his men. Anika fell on her knees, panting as she struggled to breathe. What the hell was that all about? Why are weird people approaching me today? She took deep breaths, struggling to regain her composure. Who knows if those guys will keep their promise. I can¡¯t stick around to find out. The guide forced herself to her feet, charging toward another mountain path. Scott pressed on, confronting the biting cold that clung to him like an icy shroud. The arrowhead''s guidance led him knee-deep through the snow-covered path, the relentless wind slashing against his form, finding vulnerabilities in the thick layers of fur coats and boots. Nature itself seemed to protest his intrusion, the winds echoing a symphony of displeasure from every direction. Undeterred by the frigid onslaught, he pressed forward, determined to decipher the mysteries that lay ahead. The treacherous path unveiled itself beneath each step, a white labyrinth challenging his every move. Amidst the relentless howls of the tempest, muffled shouts reached Scott''s ears, causing him to halt abruptly. The ethereal whispers of another''s voice seemed to dance on the fringes of the wind''s fury. Frowning, he strained his eyes against the white expanse, but nothing revealed itself in the snowy abyss. Was it a mere trick played by the wind, a manifestation of the mountain''s discontent? A moment of contemplation swept over Scott as he questioned the origin of the voices. However, the shouts persisted, growing louder with an insistence that defied the natural chaos around him. Intrigued and slightly unnerved, he pivoted on his heels, searching for the elusive source of these cries amidst the relentless snowstorm. To his surprise, three figures clad in pristine, snow-white armor emerged from the swirling snow, hastening towards him. Each of them wielded gleaming swords, and there was an unmistakable air of hostility etched onto their faces, particularly the towering figure at the forefront. Scott''s brow furrowed. Who the hell are these people? No words were necessary to convey that the trio was pursuing him; there was no one else in sight along the path. He locked eyes with the three men, his gaze lingering on the imposing figure in the center. He perused through the array of flashing messages, but he narrowed his eyes as soon as he noticed a particular message.
Armor Description: Armor specially designed for use in snowy mountain environments. It is crafted from a combination of fur, leather, and interlocking metal plates that provide excellent protection against physical attacks and the harsh elements.
Rank: Rare.
Condition: Armor is bound to its owner (conditioned to self-destruct upon the owner¡¯s death).
Damage Reduction: 15%
Type: Plate Armor.
Durability: ???/???
Special Abilities +5 to Defense: The armor provides additional protection to the wearer, making it harder for enemies to hit.
Resistant to cold damage: The armor has been treated with a special material that makes it more resistant to cold damage, reducing any incoming damage by 25%.
Slightly increases movement speed: The armor is surprisingly lightweight for its level of protection, granting the wearer a slight increase in movement speed.
Longsword Description: Long sword crafted with a razor-sharp blade and a polished hilt. The blade is made of high-quality steel and has a tapered edge that allows for precise cuts and thrusts.
Rank: Rare.
Damage: ???
Condition: Item is bound to its owner (conditioned to self-destruct upon the owner¡¯s death).
Type: One-Handed Long Sword
Durability: ???
Special Abilities +10 to Attack: The sword provides additional attack power to the wielder, making it easier to deal damage to enemies.
Chance to stun: The sword has a chance to stun enemies for a short duration with each successful hit.
Increases critical hit rate: The sword increases the wielder''s chance of landing critical hits, which deal extra damage.
Quests Main Quest: Return to the starting Point ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Retrieve the kleploid sacs ¨C Completed!
Side Quest: Find the traitor ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Find the Ayan Ore ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Find the Spear of the swift Hunter ¨C Ongoing!
Scott blinked several times, his mouth agape behind the mask. Whoa, where did he get those items? Uncommon gear had been the pinnacle of quality he''d encountered until now. He had merely skimmed through the stats of the other men; their gear paled in comparison to their leader. The trio halted a few feet from Scott, their eyes darting between his empty hands and the foreboding mask covering his face. An unsettling shiver crawled down their spines the longer they gazed into his eyes. Despite the eerie chill, the trio remained confident. They believed they had finally located their target. Henry plunged his longsword into the snow. ¡°Luthor, remove that mask while I''m still asking nicely.¡± Scott extended his right hand toward the group. ¡°You''ve got the wrong guy. Farewell.¡± An ethereal mist of energy coalesced in Scott''s hand, concealed from the swordsmen''s view. However, a faint outline of a whirlpool materialized behind the half-human, sending a ripple of unease through the trio.
Ability: Frost Nova activated!
Mana Points have decreased by 10!
A bone-chilling energy wave, amplified by the surrounding cold, swept across a hundred meters, sealing everything in its path in a relentless grip of ice. As the snow gale subsided, a ghastly sight awaited¡ªthe swordsmen stood frozen, from their necks to their boots. Then footsteps filled their ears, and their faces contorted in horror as Scott approached. ¡°W-Wait a moment, we made a mistake. You¡¯re not the person we¡¯re looking for,¡± Henry pleaded, his teeth clattering as he struggled to speak. Panic raced through his mind. What''s a mage doing here? This is bad. I need to buy enough time for my armor to dispel the ice. A minute should be more than enough. Scott halted a mere foot away from the icy statues, his gaze fixed on his outstretched hand. Magic had always fascinated him, but the sheer potency of Frost Nova in the biting cold surpassed his expectations. The frozen men were on the brink of death, a consequence he hadn''t fully anticipated. The revelation of his newfound power brought a mixture of awe and concern. Scott couldn''t help but marvel at the incredible impact, yet a sense of responsibility lingered. This was more than a demonstration of magic; it was a display of potential danger. Scott redirected his focus to the trio, and his twin blades materialized in his hands. Simultaneously, his mask contorted unnaturally, a reddish blur slithering across its surface. Why does the mask suddenly feel heavier? The eldritch knight advanced, yet the weight of the mask intensified with every step. Scott was left bewildered. What on earth was happening? He thought, halting his steps. Suddenly, a blackened handle erupted from the mask, forcing Scott onto his knees. Meanwhile, the onlookers, horrified and still immobile, could only gaze in stunned silence. Driven by instinct, Scott extended his hand towards the handle, and a system message materialized before him.
Warning! Warning! Warning!
Warhammer of the Mad God Description: The Warhammer of the Mad God is a dark and eerie weapon, steeped in mystery and legend. It is said that the hammer was crafted by a madman, driven to insanity by the voices in his head. The hammer''s twisted design reflects the madness of its creator, and its power is said to be fueled by the unholy whispers that still echo within its metal.
Rank: ???
Condition: ???
Damage: ???
Special Properties: ???
Owner: ???
Type: ???
Condition: ???
Warning! Your Madness stat is being devoured by the Warhammer of the Mad God!
Scott unleashed a soul-churning scream as he yanked at the blackened handle, freeing the weapon from the mask. A ghostly mist enveloped the weapon, as if proclaiming that mere mortals weren''t worthy to behold its true form. ¡°Lyra, you set me up!¡± Henry bellowed, still immobilized despite cracks spider-webbing across the ice cage. Scott rose, his gloomy eyes fixated on the restrained men. ¡°P-Please wait. I can¡­¡± The blunt end of the warhammer crashed onto Henry¡¯s head, bursting it open like an overripe watermelon. Blood, bones, and brain matter sprayed into the air, forming a grotesque pattern as it stained the surrounding ice. Scott flicked his wrist, sending the opposite end of the weapon toward the man positioned to Henry''s left. A deafening bang reverberated, and the man''s skull fragmented into a thousand pieces. The last swordsman snapped out of his daze, meeting Scott''s frenzied gaze. He screamed with all his might, but the relentless winds seemed to taunt him. Scott swung the hammer once more, silencing the man''s cries as fresh blood stained the snow around them. The yellow sign flickered, and a hand emerged from the mask, wresting the weapon from Scott''s grip, and whisking it into the shadows. Scott''s clouded eyes cleared, and without hesitation, he activated quickstep, sprinting away with urgency. On his tenth stride, a thunderous explosion engulfed the frozen corpses. The shockwave sent the sprinting half-human tumbling through the snow.
You have slain three human champions!
EXP: 200!
Your madness stat has dropped by 1!
??? Has been updated!
There¡¯s currently no chance of your body being ??? by ???
Scott lay on his back, staring at the dull clouds above. ¡°That was fucking amazing.¡± Chapter 17 : Slim The Grimm Scott pushed himself into a sitting position, his gaze turning instinctively toward the explosion''s epicenter. The force of the detonation hinted at utter devastation. As he rose, dusting off snow clinging to his coat and mask, an unsettling realization crept in¡ªthose pursuing him were relentless and swift. His frown deepened. ¡°Who were those guys?¡± The answer hung in the air, unspoken but implied. The Shadow Syndicate trio likely had a hand in their advance. Scott pondered the speed of their pursuit, concluding that the guide might have played a role too. ¡°She better hope we don''t cross paths again.¡± Turning his attention back to the flashing arrowhead, he brushed off the lingering snow on his mask. The urgency of his situation weighed heavily; he scrutinized his surroundings, wary of further hidden pursuers. Satisfied, he pressed on through the biting cold, trudging for another four hours until he conquered the mountain''s peak. The snowstorm waned, but a new set of challenges awaited¡ªa plummet in temperature and thinning air. Amidst the unforgiving elements, a steel building emerged. Its singular room encompassed a solitary bed, a fireplace stocked with dry wood and a matchbox, and a modest dagger. Scott surveyed the refuge, acknowledging the respite it offered in this harsh, mountainous terrain. Scott tossed a few dry woods into the fireplace, and an unfamiliar liquid descended from the makeshift chimney, dousing the logs. He ignited a matchstick and threw it into the fireplace, and crimson flames engulfed the hearth, and it didn¡¯t take long for its warmth to fill the steel cabin. Scott sat on the wooden bed with no bedding, his gaze lingering on the dagger close to the only window. A bed and fireplace for those who plan on continuing their journey, and a dagger for those who want to end it all. She really wasn¡¯t kidding, he sighed, averting his gaze from the dried bloodstains close to the bed. Several dried mushrooms and two bowls of water appeared from his inventory with an unspoken command. No matter how many times I think about it, I still can¡¯t believe it has been ten years already. Why did I wake up in the Nameless Forest? Scott pondered, munching on the dried ration. Anika had confirmed and elaborated on most of Milos''s understanding of humans, yet he struggled to accept that an entire decade had transpired since the events in the Amazon rainforest. If the competition has been active for the past decade, I wonder what stage the frontrunners have gotten to. Scott suddenly shook his head as if dispelling the thought. There¡¯s no point thinking about something useless. Knowing that wouldn¡¯t change a thing. My priority should be getting to Nova Primus in one piece and getting into the main tower. Everything else is secondary. Scott''s gaze lingered on the snow drifting aimlessly outside the window, his eyes captivated by its ethereal dance. He remained in the room for an additional hour, resisting any inclination to spend the entire day in its confining space. Descending the Ravnar mountains proved to be a considerably smoother journey, revealing intermittent signs of civilization as Scott ventured further. Along the route, signposts marked the distance to Nova Primus, providing a sense of progress. Occasional hints of human activity, whether in the form of frozen debris or lifeless bodies, became more prevalent. After another four hours of walking, Scott halted at a cliff''s edge. His eyes flickered, betraying a subtle shudder as he gazed at the towering structure looming in the distance. ¡°Holy crap!¡± His gaze fixed on the sprawling cityscape below, a mesmerizing tapestry of towering skyscrapers, glittering high-rise apartments, and luminous bridges that spanned the metropolis. Yet, amidst this dazzling array, his focus focused on the heart of the city. There stood a colossal tower, ascending into the sky like a radiant beacon, emitting a pulsating crimson blast that pierced the rose-tinted clouds above. ¡°Wow! I can''t believe they constructed all of this in just a decade.¡± Anika had briefed him on what to expect, but Nova Primus surpassed even his heightened expectations. While he had initially assumed the city''s center would cling to a medieval aesthetic, the towering structures pulsating with arcane energy suggested they had already transcended the zenith of Earthly achievements. ¡°I suppose this is to be expected. Merging science with magic is destined to yield the extraordinary,¡± Scott mused to himself. He lingered for a final moment, absorbing the breathtaking scenery before yielding to the insistent flash of the pointer. Several hours still stretched ahead before he could arrive at the grand city. Three more hours elapsed, Scott navigated through a dense forest, guided by the subtle caress of the night breeze. Each step was deliberate, taken at a measured pace, as he surveyed the unfamiliar vegetation enveloping him. Since his descent from the mountain, minutes had elapsed, yet the solitude persisted¡ªno human or otherworldly being in sight. Unlike the desolate mountains, life thrived in the surrounding forest. If her words hold true, the city gates should come into view within the next hour. I must locate a marketplace to unload some items from my inventory and procure essentials like food, water, and armor for the inevitable climb. And then, there''s the matter of tracking down the gruffpaw associates, Scott contemplated. He halted abruptly, his indifferent eyes scanning the encompassing trees. ¡°You''ve been tailing me for a while. Are you thieves, or what? Decide quickly,¡± he declared. His words hung in the air, but only the gentle wind replied. A sigh escaped him, accompanied by a dismissive shake of his head. ¡°Consider this your first and final warning. We won¡¯t be talking if you keep on following me.¡± Without uttering another word, he pressed on with his trek. A mere few minutes later, three figures draped in distinctive camouflage gear descended from a nearby tree. Their eyes remained fixed on the path Scott had taken, fingers loosening their grip on the daggers they held. ¡°Boss, do you think he was just bluffing?¡± one of them questioned. The leader turned sharply towards his subordinate. ¡°Do you want someone else raising your kid?¡± he hissed. ¡°That guy reeks of trouble. Why on earth would you want to provoke him after he let us off so easily?¡± The bandit leader regarded his subordinate with a look that suggested he found the question almost absurd. ¡°But boss, it''s not the first time someone has acted all high and mighty to avoid being robbed. We should¡ªhey, where are you guys going? Don''t leave me here alone.¡± The ambitious bandit hurriedly chased after his companions. Despite his earlier bravado, the thought of being alone with Scott unnerved him. He had never encountered someone with eyes so menacing. Scott, on the other hand, significantly shortened the distance to the city''s gate. Unlike before, a lively stream of human traffic filled the path he traversed. His unconventional attire and mask drew surprised glances and hushed whispers from the crowd, but no one approached him, and he made no effort to engage with anyone. Nonetheless, he realized he needed to address his appearance; he couldn''t afford to wander around resembling a vagabond any longer. Examining the status screens of his fellow travelers, Scott found that most of them possessed subpar or non-existent combat abilities. The group primarily consisted of researchers, guides, and a handful of armed escorts whose combat skills fell even below those of the hoarder. We should be closer than ever to the gates now. Scott observed the attire of the surrounding travelers, which, for the most part, remained consistent with his recollection. However, a notable distinction was the prevalence of armor, and the general emphasis on durability and quality. Scott journeyed in silence, intermittently glancing at system notifications. The atmosphere grew more animated and vibrant as time passed. After another hour of travel, he found himself standing before the city''s formidable walls. Coming to a sudden halt, he gaped at the towering structure before him. These were no ordinary walls constructed from concrete or steel; instead, they were crafted from a fusion of magic circuits and an array of materials several times denser than steel, all indigenous to the tower. Occasional bursts of vivid colors illuminated sections of the walls, captivating Scott and a handful of toddlers who found the spectacle truly astonishing. Several exits and entrances dotted the area, devoid of armed personnel or immigration officers to grant approval for entry. ¡°We''re recruiting healers! If you possess healing skills, step forward! The pay is exceptional!¡± A man in gleaming silver armor bellowed, brandishing a large, animated placard. ¡°Fighters and rangers, we want you! Come forward if you''re in those classes. We offer the most competitive compensation in the city!¡± Another man proclaimed, pointing emphatically at his own placard. ¡°Need to exchange your items for money? Head over to Theodore''s. We guarantee the best rates,¡± chimed in yet another entrepreneur. Scott observed the various representatives energetically advertising or recruiting individuals. As he sifted through the system notifications of those who approached them, he couldn''t help but notice a substantial number of them belonged to the same affiliation. She wasn¡¯t kidding when she said there are a lot of scammers here. Scott thought to himself as he walked further through the tunnel like gates. While he met the criteria of a potential target, none of the scammers spared him a second glance simply because he appeared too destitute to possess anything of value. Now that I¡¯m here, finding an official exchange should take priority. After that, I need to find information about the tower, then I can look for where to get food, armor, and other necessities, Scott thought as he absentmindedly exited the gates.
Main Quest: Return to the Starting Point ¨C Completed! EXP: 50!
A radiant beam descended from the skies, striking Scott at the center of his head simultaneously with the appearance of the system notification. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Scott raised his head, perplexed. What on earth was that? He scrutinized his body but found no injuries or alterations. Turning his head from side to side, he noticed the passersby displaying a range of expressions, varying from indifference to anger. Questions lingered in Scott''s mind. What did that light do? As he pondered, an unfamiliar voice resonated in his ears. ¡°Hey, you! This gate is for humans only. Non-humans are supposed to go through Endo.¡± Scott faced the young lady reprimanding him. ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯m human too.¡± The young woman tilted her head back, restraining a laugh. She gestured toward the crown of her head and remarked, ¡°You might want to grab a mirror. I''m not exactly in the mood for this game.¡± Without uttering another word, she pivoted and departed. Meanwhile, Scott ambled toward a nearby store, disregarding the disapproving glares from those around him. Coming to a standstill in front of a small shop, he peered at his reflection. What on earth is that? A flickering triangular cursor hovered above his head, tempting him to reach out. However, his hands simply passed through it like a specter. Casting a quick glance at the other passersby, he realized none of them bore anything resembling the peculiar indicator. ¡°So, that¡¯s what she meant. This is all my fault.¡± He had disabled the map the moment he entered the forest; then, he believed it led him astray, despite the city gates looming so close. ¡°The fact that I got marked as a non-human implies my identity as a half-human doesn¡¯t even qualify to be called a human. This could prove troublesome,¡± he muttered softly. ¡°Hey, get the fuck away from my property,¡± barked a mean-looking man standing at the shop¡¯s entrance. It was a stark reminder that humans, in general, were not renowned for treating each other with equality or fairness, let alone individuals from other species. Scott turned away from the butcher, proceeding with slow, deliberate steps. The blame rested solely on his shoulders for ignoring the map. Yet, he found a small measure of comfort in the fact that, at least, no one had physically attacked or harassed him. As Scott continued along the well-illuminated streets, he observed several floating lamps affixed to peculiar orbs. Most of the surrounding buildings bore a resemblance to those on Earth, differing only in the materials used in their construction. The unexpected presence of electricity in the city surpassed his initial expectations. However, he remained puzzled by the absence of any visible vehicles or aircraft. He strolled for another thirty minutes before noticing a queue forming in front of an oddly shaped box reminiscent of an old-school telephone booth. What were they waiting for? Do they have phones here too? Scott gazed at the vacant box, its surface emitting an indigo gleam. However, there was no sign of anything resembling a telephone. A muted clink resonated, and the indigo light gave way to an emerald glow. The woman at the front of the line entered the box, and the green light shifted back to indigo. The box''s surface was adorned with runic glyphs, and a slightly creamy mist filled its interior. Another clink echoed, and the woman vanished. Scott''s mouth fell open behind his mask. The indicator turned green again, and the man at the front of the line stepped in next. The same phenomenon repeated itself. Teleportation? Scott was both excited and impressed. The desire to experience teleportation was universal, yet some in the line appeared indifferent, as if they would rather be anywhere else. Scott considered giving it a shot, but uncertainty loomed over whether it involved a monetary commitment or some other requirement. He pondered this to himself as he observed the line, his gaze eventually fixating on a particular figure just before a bend in the queue. Swiftly, without second thoughts, he navigated the open road and approached the back of the line. A few passersby shot him curious glances, some displaying furrowed brows in response to his unanticipated intrusion. Scott paid little attention to their reactions, musing silently on how many among them would be unnerved if they were to witness him without his mask. He approached the enigmatic figure, who sported a sleek tuxedo and indulged in the pages of a risqu¨¦ magazine. ¡°Hello,¡± Scott began, fixing his gaze on the cursor flashing above the stranger''s flamboyant hat. ¡°Mind if I ask you a quick question?¡±
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: ???
Level: 8
Experience Points: 500/800
Mana Points: 200/200
Mana Recovery: 10 Mana Points per day.
Race: Undead.
Class: Necromancer
Physical Stats Strength: 10.
Agility: 10.
Endurance: 10.
Dexterity: 26.
Toughness: 10.
Abnormal Stats Charisma: 43.
Perception: 14.
Charm: 40.
Madness: 10.
Confidence: 90.
Skills Summoning (Level 2).
Necromantic Resistance (Level 2).
Dark Magic (Level 3).
Necrotic Touch (Level 2).
Sweet Talker (Level 2).
Singing (Level 4).
Basic Madness (Level 0).
Abilities
Summon Skeletons: Summons 2 skeletons to fight alongside the necromancer for 30 seconds.
Shadow Blast: A dark energy blast that deals moderate damage to a single target.
Raise Zombie: Raises a zombie from a nearby corpse to fight for the necromancer for 1 minute.
Necrotic Aura: A passive ability that weakens nearby enemies, reducing their damage output by 10%.
Death Bolt: A powerful spell that deals significant damage to a single target.
Curse of Decay: A curse that slowly drains an enemy''s health over time, dealing minor damage per second for 15 seconds.
Undead Army: Summons a group of 5 skeletons to fight alongside the necromancer for 1 minute.
Inventory
Pen Description: An artistic feather pen containing ink from the nexus octopus.
Elemental Shards x10 Description: Formed from condensation of death energy situated at the deepest reaches of the NetherRealm.
Roses x1000 Description: Perma roses plucked from the famous Tydrill mountain range. Known to survive a decade of tribulation before wilting. They are commonly bought by lovers professing their undying love.
Quests Main Quest: Enter the main stages of the Tower of Champions ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Infiltrate the human city of Nova Primus ¨C Completed!
Side Quest: Seduce twenty female humans ¨C (7/20) ¨C Ongoing!
The necromancer shifted his gaze from the risqu¨¦ magazine, lowering his black shades as he locked eyes with Scott. Sensing the tension, the surrounding humans subtly distanced themselves from the supernatural duo. On one side stood an unkempt, masked figure in tattered clothing, observing a skeleton comfortably clad in a trendy three-piece suit and a top hat, openly perusing an indecent magazine. The skeleton averted his eye sockets, a pen materializing in his bony hand. ¡°Don''t bother asking. I already know why you''re here,¡± he remarked with a skeletal grin. Scott cocked his head backward, taken aback by the unexpected revelation. Before he could formulate a response, the necromancer reached for his clothes, smoothing them out before signing it. The skeleton nodded in satisfaction, sending the pen back to its spectral inventory. He grinned at Scott once more. ¡°You''re welcome. Have a great day,¡± he said, his voice smooth and clear. As a parting gesture, he gave Scott a friendly pat on the shoulder before returning to his magazine. Scott stood frozen in place, his mouth agape, mind reeling. What the hell just happened? He found himself staring at the necromancer''s autograph, puzzled as to why the otherworldly being assumed he desired such a peculiar memento. The skeleton shifted its gaze back to Scott, noting that he hadn''t departed yet. ¡°Is there anything else you want?¡± the necromancer inquired; irritation evident at the persistence of an unexpected fan intruding on his leisure. With an audible sigh, he produced his pen once more, eyeing Scott impatiently. ¡°Another autograph for your girlfriend, perhaps? Just tell me what you want me to sign.¡± Scott shook his head, attempting to dispel the surreal situation. ¡°There''s a misunderstanding,¡± he explained. ¡°I''m not here for that. I just wanted to ask you a question.¡± ¡°Hold on,¡± The necromancer interjected, as he stowed away the pen in his inventory. ¡°I know you''re a fan, but I can''t reveal when my next album is dropping. You''ll have to be patient like everyone else, alright?¡± With a confident wink, the suave skeleton sauntered away, leaving Scott dumbfounded. What the¡­ I can''t even be mad at this guy. Suppressing a burgeoning laugh, Scott approached the nonchalant necromancer again. ¡°Excuse me,¡± Scott called out, determined to get a straight answer to his lingering question. The necromancer shot a frown at the troublemaker. ¡°You again?¡± Persistent fans were a nuisance, but he always restrained himself from scolding his admirers. ¡°I can''t give you an exact release date for the next album. Patience is key, and trust me, it''ll be worth the wait,¡± he declared. Interrupting the necromancer, Scott sighed, expressing genuine admiration. ¡°I''m sure your album will be incredible, and I wish you the best of luck. However, that''s not why I''m here.¡± He gestured towards the box at the front. ¡°I just want to know how that thing works, that''s all.¡± A bashful smile adorned the skeleton''s face. ¡°Oh, you should''ve mentioned it earlier.¡± He stowed away his magazine. ¡°It''s a teleportation device that anyone can use freely, provided they have sufficient mana.¡± ¡°Oh, so that''s how it works,¡± Scott muttered. The necromancer, readjusting his glasses, wore a smile that revealed his pearl-white teeth. ¡°Now, I have a question for you. Don''t take this the wrong way, but what exactly are you?¡± ¡°Huh? What do you mean?¡± Scott replied, feigning ignorance. ¡°I hadn''t noticed it earlier, probably because my attention was elsewhere, but the stench emanating from you is more pungent than death itself. Could it be the mask?¡± The necromancer shook his head, taking a step closer to the half-human. ¡°No, that''s not it. I can detect it in your eyes too.¡± He removed his glasses, tucking them into his breast pocket as he extended his right hand. ¡°My friends call me Slim. Slim the Grim. And what about you?¡± Scott''s gaze flickered between Slim''s outstretched hand and his charming smile. ¡°Name''s Scott,¡± he replied, clasping hands with the necromancer. ¡°Pleasure to meet you, Scott. There''s something intriguing about you. Are you planning to ascend the tower?¡± Scott nodded. Slim''s grin widened, startling a few onlookers. ¡°Fantastic. How about we join forces and climb the tower together?¡±
Do you wish to accept the invitation?
Yes! No!
Chapter 18 : First Party Member Scott''s wandering gaze oscillated between the system''s notification and Slim''s grin. He fixated on the swirling mass of crimson mist suspended in the vacant eye sockets of the undead creature. Despite the tempting prospect of aligning himself with the skeleton, who seamlessly blended the roles of necromancer and singer, Scott couldn''t hasten his decision. Sensing Scott''s hesitation, the necromancer spoke again. ¡°My friend, I hope you''re not harboring illusions of ascending the tower solo.¡± ¡°Huh? Why would you say that?¡± Scott inquired. Slim wore a wry smile as he shook his head. ¡°I can''t believe I have to explain this. Have you been living under a rock?¡± He sighed, gesturing toward the colossal, spiraling tower at the city''s heart. ¡°While there are no rules mandating team-ups in the main stages, it would be remarkably unwise not to do so. The sheer number of factions already entrenched in there makes it impossible for a lone individual to prevail. Even if such a person existed, mark my words, they''d meet their demise within months.¡± Scott furrowed his brow, sinking into contemplation. The ease with which protagonists in anime and comics navigated solo challenges contrasted sharply with the daunting reality. Moreover, Omar and the others retained memories from the future, a chasm Scott couldn''t bridge alone. While Scott weighed his options, Slim leaned in closer. ¡°I know why you''re hesitating to form a party with me, but don''t worry, I''m not that kind of guy.¡± Scott snapped out of his reverie, staring at the whispering necromancer. ¡°What?¡± ¡°You''re afraid I''ll bully you if we form a party, right?¡± Slim declared, confident in his assessment. Scott couldn''t contain his laughter. Slim took a step back, intrigued by the unexpected reaction. ¡°Did I say something amusing?¡± ¡°You know what? I agree with your proposal. Let''s work together,¡± Scott said, a concealed smile playing on his lips.
You have joined a party with Slim the Grim! Exp: 20!
Party members can view each other¡¯s Level, Race, Class, and Quests!
Experience Points will be shared between party members based on their individual contributions!
You have gained a new Skill! Skill: Party Communication (Level 1) ¨C Party Dependent Skill ¨C New!
You have received a new Quest! Main Quest: Enter the main stages of the Tower of Champions ¨C Not Started!
¡°Level 6 half-human and a hammer warlord ¨C now that''s what you call rare,¡± Slim remarked, his attention fixed on the system notification. ¡°What did you just say?¡± Scott inquired, tilting his head in confusion. Slim pointed towards the system window. ¡°Your stats, mate. You''re a level 6 half-human, and your class is a hammer warlord. First time I''ve come across someone with such an unusual profile.¡± Scott furrowed his brow as he read through the system''s message. What the hell is he talking about? It became evident that what Scott saw and what Slim observed were two different things. I thought my shapeshifting ability was only limited to my appearance, but it seems it also alters what others perceive in terms of my stats. Slim took a step forward, his towering skeleton frame looming over Scott. Placing a bony hand on Scott''s shoulder, he scrutinized him from head to toe. ¡°What? Is there something on my clothes?¡± Scott asked, scratching the back of his head. Slim shook his head. ¡°I''ll be straight with you. You absolutely can''t travel with me looking like some abandoned sewer rat.¡± He paused, striding briskly around Scott. ¡°Forget what I said; even sewer rats dress better than this.¡± Slim continued to move around his stunned companion. The necromancer halted in front of Scott again, donning his shades. ¡°You''re lucky you''ve got me, though. Let''s go visit my stylist.¡± Only then did the duo realize the absence of anyone ahead in the line. Slim took brisk strides toward the teleportation device, which obediently opened. Turning to Scott, he queried, ¡°What are you waiting for?¡± In disbelief, Scott asked, ¡°It can take two people?¡± Slim smirked, retorting, ¡°It can accommodate more than fifty people at once. Have you been living under a rock? How do you not know these things?¡± He held onto the door. Approaching the device, Scott noticed it subtly expanding as he got closer. Slim chuckled, observing the anxious man. ¡°You still have a lot to see, my friend.¡± Slim lowered his hand, and the doors closed. A cryptic voice echoed within the sealed device, asking, ¡°Destination?¡± ¡°Gilumure. Upper district. I''ll cover both of us,¡± Slim stated. ¡°5 mana points required.¡± The indicator outside the box turned indigo, and a creamy mist filled the teleportation device. Scott watched attentively, not wanting to miss a detail. Glancing at Slim, he noticed the skeleton was motionless. Huh? What¡¯s wrong with him? A distinct crack suddenly echoed, and a tear appeared beneath the duo, pulling them in before they could react. In an instant, they materialized in another box within a dimly lit room. ¡°That was fun, right?¡± Slim asked, turning toward Scott. He frowned, detecting fear in the man''s eyes. ¡°Hey, are you okay?¡± he inquired, tapping Scott on the shoulder. Scott jolted, turning his head side to side. Cold sweat clung to the sides of his clothes as his anxious eyes tried to make sense of his new surroundings. ¡°Where are we?¡± ¡°This is Gilumure. There''s no need to be scared. The first teleportation is always the roughest, but you''re safe,¡± Slim reassured. The necromancer pointed towards a steel door a few meters away. ¡°Our destination is behind that door. Are you coming?¡± ¡°Yeah, give me a moment. Let me catch my breath,¡± Scott replied, his voice low. ¡°Okay. I''ll be waiting for you on the other side,¡± Slim said, walking towards the door without further words. He isn''t handling his first teleportation well. I can''t blame him, though. We all find it challenging the first time. Thankfully, he didn''t throw up or soil himself, Slim thought as he approached the door, leaving the quiet room. Meanwhile, Scott fell onto his backside, his breathing quick and heavy. What the hell were those things? Unlike the necromancer, he could recall every moment of the teleportation. The void they passed through was dominated by beings that could shatter the very fabric of time, but for some reason, they simply stared at the duo and other beings floating through the interdimensional streams. Scott took deep breaths, attempting to calm his tense nerves.
Abnormal Stat: Madness has increased by 2!
Warning! The user will succumb to their insanity if Madness exceeds Composure by 10 points!
??? Has been updated!
There¡¯s currently a 1% chance your body will be ??? by ???
Scott cursed under his breath, pushing himself upright and stepping out of the teleportation device. The steel door loomed in front of him as he approached, the murmur of hushed conversations filling the air. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. The room, cool and devoid of any furniture or adornments, offered no clues about its nature. He reached for the handle, pulled, and the door swung open soundlessly. A flood of dazzling lights overwhelmed his senses, but they did little to hinder his vision. ¡°Where am I?¡± Scott wondered, his gaze roaming across a vast, well-lit space holding thousands of suspended items encased in glass. System notifications materialized before him, outlining the luxurious items with detailed stats. Blinking in astonishment, Scott marveled at the expansive hall; no matter how he turned, the walls remained elusive. ¡°You finally made it,¡± came a voice from the right. Scott turned, spotting Slim, but the necromancer was not alone. A tall, athletically built figure in a blue bodysuit observed him with a curious interest. Scott''s mask barely concealed the astonishment that crossed his face when he noticed the woman''s distinctive features ¨C fluffy, pointed ears and a long, curious tail. No way. Is that what I think it is? A real-life cat girl. Swallowing hard, Scott watched as the duo approached. Slim swaggered along with the cat girl, occasionally pointing at Scott. ¡°Buddy, this is my stylist and long-time friend, Mia,¡± Slim said with a smile. He then turned toward the cat girl. ¡°This is my buddy I was talking about. He¡¯s kind of shy, but I need you to work your magic on him.¡± Mia sauntered around the masked man, wordlessly sizing him up. Slim stood by the side, giving his confused partner a thumbs up. A moment later, the violet-haired cat girl paused in her steps, her black tail swinging from left to right. She stared into Scott¡¯s eyes, her lips parting the further she looked. Then, she snapped her head to the side. ¡°You weren¡¯t kidding. His eyes are beautiful but scary as hell. It felt like I was going to lose my mind.¡± She wore a grin, exposing her fangs. ¡°I like him.¡± Slim burst out laughing while nodding. ¡°I knew you would.¡± Mia turned toward Scott, shortening the distance between them. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± she asked, tilting her head to the side. ¡°It¡¯s Scott.¡± ¡°Scott, huh. That¡¯s like a human¡¯s name. But you don¡¯t seem to be one,¡± she said, staring at the cursor above the man¡¯s head. ¡°Half-human,¡± Slim declared casually from the side, leaning against one of the floating items. ¡°A half-human? Not something you see every day,¡± Mia muttered, her skepticism lingering. ¡°If you don''t mind me asking, what''s your other race?¡± She tried to discern Scott''s lineage through his scent, but he emanated an unfamiliar odor that eluded her senses. Slim, too, turned his attention to Scott, eager to hear his response. Scott sighed, meeting the curious gazes of the duo. ¡°I''ll have to disappoint the two of you; I have no idea about my second race.¡± ¡°Oh,¡± Mia replied, unable to conceal her disappointment. However, her features brightened as she impulsively grabbed Scott''s arm. ¡°It doesn''t matter. So, what kind of look are you going for? Do you have anything in mind? And why the mask? Is there something odd on your face? A massive zit or a tribal mark, perhaps? Where are you from? How long have you known Slim? You do realize he''s a bit strange, right? So, you''re probably a bit peculiar too, yeah? And what happened to your clothes? They look pretty ragged.¡± Scott stole a glance at Slim, uncertain about the character he had just been introduced to. The skeletal figure flashed a friendly smile and a thumbs-up, leaving Scott to puzzle over what to expect. Glancing at the cat girl, he quickly skimmed through her status screen, revealing her skill set dominated by beautification, negotiation, and styling abilities. As the stylist guided Scott deeper into the hall, she bombarded him with even more questions, leaving him little room to respond. ¡°Don''t worry, buddy. Mia''s got you covered,¡± Slim called out cheerfully, his voice echoing through the hall as they moved further away. The necromancer casually retrieved his magazine from his inventory, finding a comfortable spot to settle in. Knowing Mia, she¡¯s going to start with his hair first, before forcing him to try a bunch of weird outfits. That should take an hour or so, then she¡¯s straightforward when it comes to the weapons and armor, Slim thought, glancing at his watch. We should be out of here before midnight if everything goes according to plan. He flipped open the magazine, greeted by an array of curvaceous ladies in bikinis. The necromancer grinned; his attention fixed on an article near an alluring woman. An hour whisked by, and Slim found himself on the penultimate page of the magazine. Despite yawning several times, his sockets occasionally darted in the direction Scott and Mia had taken off. ¡°There''s still 30 minutes left. Mia should be showcasing all the war hammers and hammer-based weapons in her inventory,¡± Slim mused, but distant footsteps soon echoed. Checking his watch, he remarked, ¡°That was quick.¡± He stowed away the magazine while rising from his seat. Moments later, two figures reappeared, prompting the necromancer to lower his shades and applaud. ¡°Looking good, my friend.¡± Scott''s unruly hair had been expertly trimmed, styled with backward waves. Instead of his worn-out attire, he sported a simple short-sleeve top paired with gray pants and knee-length obsidian boots. Leather, fingerless gauntlets adorned his arms, while a ruby crucifix hung from a golden chain around his neck. Slim grinned with satisfaction as he circled around Scott, admiring the new ensemble. ¡°I see you went for the enchanted clothes too. You truly have an eye for fashion. Much more comfortable than those bulky armors.¡± The skeleton casually patted Scott on the shoulder before redirecting his attention to Mia. ¡°How come you guys returned so soon? I thought you would need another thirty minutes.¡± Mia pouted, folding her arms across her chest. ¡°He said he had no need for my weapons, and I was really looking forward to showing him my arsenal.¡± Slim turned toward Scott. ¡°Buddy, her items are highly sought after. Believe me, no one has better items than her in Nova Primus or any of the other first cities, for that matter.¡± ¡°Trust me, I know how wonderful her items are, but they''re wasted on me,¡± Scott apologized. Slim refocused on Mia, leaning closer as he whispered into her ears. ¡°Did something happen?¡± The tall cat girl nodded. ¡°He was interested in checking out the weapons at first, but he suddenly changed his mind as soon as he reached for the first item.¡± Mia paused, recalling the odd event. ¡°I don''t know how to describe it, but it felt like something heavy was unexpectedly placed on his head.¡± The duo simultaneously stared at Scott with concern. ¡°Well, it doesn''t matter. As long as he''s happy,¡± Slim laughed, taking out two black crystals from his inventory. ¡°Here''s your payment, Mia. Thank you for everything.¡± Mia simply glanced at the elemental shards for a moment before turning away. ¡°Who said I needed your stinking money? Take those things out of my face.¡± The cat girl waved her hands, summoning a long scythe with a sleek silver handle and a blade darkened with an ominous hue. ¡°Here, take this. It''s your reward for being a regular at my place and for bringing in so many customers over the years.¡± Scott glanced at the unusual gift, and a system message promptly materialized in front of his eyes.
Scythe Description: This rare scythe is crafted from a combination of silver, obsidian, and black steel. The silver handle is adorned with intricate patterns and engravings, providing a comfortable grip. The blade is made from a specially treated obsidian that is both durable and sharp and is infused with a dark energy that resonates with death and similar energies.
Rank: Rare.
Condition: The scythe has no owner yet (conditioned to self-destruct upon the owner''s death).
Damage: ???
Type: Two-Handed Melee Weapon.
Durability: ???/???
Scott¡¯s brows shot up as he read through the system¡¯s message. They must be really close. That¡¯s one hell of a parting gift. Slim''s hands trembled as he stared at the weapon, his gaze alternating between the deadly instrument and the satisfied smile on Mia''s face. ¡°M-Mia, this is...¡± Mia raised her right hand, cutting him off. ¡°I don''t want to hear it,¡± she declared, gently wrapping the item around Slim''s trembling fingers. She then turned towards Scott. ¡°He can be full of himself sometimes, but please take care of him, okay?¡± ¡°I''ll do my best,¡± Scott promised. ¡°That''s all I can ask for.¡± Mia opened her inventory, retrieving three robust briefcases. ¡°In this first one, there are fifty rare mana recovery potions,¡± she said, pointing to the initial briefcase. She then gestured to the other two. ¡°In each of these, there are two hundred rare recovery potions. This should be enough to keep you guys safe for the first few rounds. Don''t die, okay?¡± Scott nodded, understanding that Mia''s generosity was likely spurred by concern for Slim. ¡°Thank you, Mia,¡± Slim uttered softly as the scythe vanished into his inventory. ¡°Don''t worry; tales of our legendary feats will surely shake the tower.¡± He laughed, moving closer to the cat girl. The two locked gazes, silence bridging the years of memories flooding their minds. Mia enveloped the necromancer in a gentle hug, tears streaming down her face. ¡°Please don''t die. It''s okay to stop if you can''t continue anymore.¡± Scott could discern the sorrow in her voice, understanding that the chances of seeing the beautiful cat girl again were slim. Yet, he refrained from interrupting this heartfelt farewell between friends. The duo maintained their embrace for several minutes before Mia pushed Slim gently to the side. She chuckled while wiping her swollen eyes. ¡°That reminds me; I still have a few things to give you guys.¡± With a snap of her fingers, several suitcases materialized in front of Scott. ¡°As a half-human, you''re likely to require food, water, and a fresh set of clothes. Consider these your compensation for safeguarding this dunderhead, alright?¡± Without waiting for Scott''s response, she turned away, dismissing them with a wave. ¡°You guys can leave now. I shouldn''t even be here at this hour. I''m done dealing with you freeloaders.¡± ¡°Take care of yourself, Mia,¡± Slim spoke, his voice hushed. The cat girl acknowledged with a raised hand as she strolled deeper into the hall. However, both Scott and the skeleton could discern her tear-streaked face in the reflective mirrors. Scott stored the items in his inventory, quietly approaching Slim. ¡°I''m almost tempted to stay behind, buddy,¡± Slim sighed, shaking his head. He averted his gaze from the departing cat girl, donning his shades. ¡°Is there anything else you want to do?¡± ¡°No. I was supposed to deliver a map to a certain place, but Mia assured me she''ll take care of that. I''m good to go. What about you?¡± ¡°Same here,¡± Slim replied, his eyes fixed on the room leading to the teleportation device. ¡°Let''s head to the central district then. There''s no point wasting any more time.¡± Scott nodded, and without uttering another word, the duo exited the expansive hall. The lights dimmed immediately upon their departure. Chapter 19 : Shadow Syndicate Nova Primus, enclosed by its grand walls, harbored four distinct districts. The lower, middle, and upper sectors collectively offered a diverse range of amenities, catering to a broad spectrum of races. Within each settlement, champions of various classes and levels resided, basking in fame, luxury, and comfort. Among the myriad starter cities, Nova Primus, the Human City, stood out for providing its citizens with the highest quality of life, irrespective of their affiliations, social standings, or ages. The city''s rapid ascent to prominence remained a mystery to many, yet its welcoming embrace was extended to all who entered. Few were privy to the secrets of Nova Primus''s swift rise, but the humans, known for their benevolence, willingly shared their knowledge and technology. This generosity ensured the prosperity of those who sought refuge within the city walls. For the majority of the city''s inhabitants, only three districts held significance: the Lower, Middle, and Upper districts. However, a select few, driven by wild ambition or incurable folly, acknowledged a fourth¡ªthe central district. This area lacked the luxury and safety that the beautiful city offered, and the only structure adorning the deserted district was a looming tower that promised death. Periodically, champions, both seasoned and youthful, would venture into the district, their muscles pulsating with vigor and their hearts brimming with reckless ambition. The peace and serenity that the city provided seemed like a mockery to their adventurous spirits. Ordinary life failed to satisfy their thirst for excitement, so each night, at midnight, they gathered in anticipation, waiting patiently for the colossal tower, shrouded in misty emissions, to draw them into the heart of the action. Scott and Slim strolled through the bustling streets leading to the tower, discreetly eyeing potential rivals in the crowd. ¡°I heard this place is usually hopping at night, but this is just ridiculous,¡± Slim muttered as he slid his glasses into his breast pocket. ¡°What other rumors have you heard about the contest?¡± Scott inquired; his voice low. The fact that they were attracting quite a few stares didn''t bother him; they made quite a unique duo. Slim cracked his knuckles, scanning the surroundings for familiar faces. ¡°Most rumors about the upper floors are a waste of time because it¡¯s impossible to confirm their veracity. While it¡¯s feasible to send items from one floor to another, it¡¯s literally impossible to transmit information or backtrack to a previous floor.¡± Scott turned his attention sharply to the skeleton. ¡°Is it possible to send items?¡± Slim nodded. ¡°Indeed. But it''s not as straightforward as one might think. It can only happen via a one-way transfer. In simpler terms, someone from the upper floors can send items to someone on the lower floors; it never works the other way around.¡± Scott couldn''t help but think of the man he''d killed on the Ravnar Mountains. No wonder he possessed rare items; someone from the upper floors likely sent them to him. Unaware of Scott''s thoughts, Slim pressed on, ¡°That''s the reason Mia''s got all those amazing things.¡± His skeletal tone took a solemn turn as he broached the subject of the cat girl. ¡°A relative used to send her stuff over the years, but...¡± The necromancer trailed off, shaking his head. ¡°Sadly, the last five years has been quiet.¡± Scott replied with a gentle tone, ¡°That could mean anything, though.¡± Slim sighed, a wry smile gracing his face. ¡°Maybe, but Mia isn''t the type to think that way.¡± The skeleton took a deep breath, and his smile became more cheerful. ¡°Let''s not dwell on depressing matters, buddy. I know it''s a long shot, but finding Mia''s relatives is part of the reason I¡¯m climbing this godforsaken tower. Even if I''ll never get to see her smile again, I want to ensure she doesn''t lose that radiant expression.¡± Scott tapped the skeleton on his sides. ¡°You''re a good friend. But are you sure you wouldn''t rather stay here with her?¡± He knew it wasn''t his place to meddle in the necromancer''s affairs, but he felt compelled to at least try. Slim sighed again while shaking his head. ¡°I wish there was a way for me to stay, but my place isn''t here. Ever since I can remember, it''s been my dream to climb the tower. Even though I acknowledge the real possibility of death, my existence would feel incomplete if I didn''t give it a try.¡± The necromancer stared at the pulsating essence being discharged into the pink skies above. Although it had no eyes, one could sense the lingering sadness within its empty sockets. Slim averted his gaze, focusing on Scott once more. ¡°So, why are you climbing the tower? No offense, but you don''t look like the kind of guy filled with ambition.¡± Scott chuckled. ¡°I''m searching for answers,¡± he said without elaborating further. ¡°Answers, huh.¡± Slim repeated, nodding. He suddenly dropped his hand on Scott''s shoulder. ¡°Well, whatever it is, we''re going to do it together. Right, partner?¡± Scott stared at the silly smile the skeleton wore, and he couldn''t help but giggle. ¡°Yeah. Let''s survive until we both accomplish our goals.¡± While the duo conversed, a masked figure several feet away observed the unlikely partners. ¡°Isn''t that the creep from the burning river?¡± the muscular man muttered, tapping the dainty figure next to him, who focused on the daunting tower. ¡°Lyra, check out that guy,¡± Cassius pointed toward Scott. ¡°Isn''t he the one we met at the burning river?¡± Lyra frowned behind her mask as she followed Cassius'' outstretched finger. She narrowed her gaze, staring at the shorter of the two champions. ¡°It''s him,¡± she blurted out. While Scott''s appearance had undergone a significant transformation, the memory of his distinctive mask and truly unsettling eyes lingered in her mind. ¡°Who are you referring to?¡± inquired a man clad in attention-grabbing armor adorned with flames. Positioned beside Lyra, his blue eyes flickered between the assassin and the fighter. Lyra swallowed hard before recounting her encounter with Scott, sparing no details. The Shadow Syndicate group, consisting of over twenty individuals, fixed their attention on the assassin as she spoke. Moments later, Lyra concluded her narrative, casting an anxious gaze at the lanky man. ¡°Are you certain Henry and his men pursued him?¡± Lyra shook her head while responding, ¡°I merely disclosed the whereabouts of the guide he conversed with. Whether they pursued him or not, I cannot say. As I mentioned, we departed after providing them with the information.¡± ¡°Yes, you did mention that, but Henry hasn¡¯t been reachable for a while now. Given his personality, it¡¯s plausible he attempted to attack that fellow,¡± the man said, casting a glance at Scott. ¡°Do you know which class he belongs to?¡± Lyra and Cassius both shook their heads. ¡°Hmm¡­ you mentioned you first encountered him at the shore of the burning river, right?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Cassius spoke before Lyra. Suddenly, he remembered an oddity from the fateful encounter. ¡°Sir Kane, I just recalled something peculiar about that individual.¡± The lanky man turned towards the fighter. ¡°Oh? What is it?¡± ¡°Sir, the boatsman didn¡¯t take any toll from him for some reason,¡± Cassius explained. Kane shifted his gaze to Lyra, seeking confirmation from the assassin, and she simply nodded. ¡°What an interesting person. The fact that he¡¯s casually conversing with that skeleton might suggest he isn¡¯t human. Not that it matters.¡± You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. The man pointed toward six of his subordinates. ¡°Bring him over¡ªno. I¡¯ll see for myself if he¡¯s the traitor. Let¡¯s go.¡± The procession from the Shadow Syndicate sauntered toward where Scott and Slim stood. The surrounding champions quietly gave way, their curiosity piqued by the infamous group. Slim frowned as he observed the approaching group. ¡°Buddy, is it just me, or are those guys headed our way?¡± Scott turned his attention toward the group, his eyes scanning the various system messages being displayed. Even though Cassius and Lyra had their faces concealed by flame-patterned masks, he could identify them from their status windows. However, Scott focused on the status screen of the man leading the group. However, what piqued his interest the most was the fact that the man wore a flame-resistant variation of Henry¡¯s snow-resistant armor, and he held a similar longsword too.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: ???
Level: 9
Experience Points: 100/900
Mana Points: 80/80
Mana Recovery: 10 Mana Points per day
Race: Human.
Class: Warrior.
Affiliation: Shadow Syndicate (Vice Leader).
Physical Stats Strength: 35.
Agility: 28.
Endurance: 34.
Dexterity: 36.
Toughness: 30.
Abnormal Stats Charisma: 50.
Perception: 29.
Instinct: 28.
Will Power: 10.
Leadership: 49.
Composure: 30.
Skills Survival (Level 2).
Hand to Hand Combat (Level 4).
Sword Mastery (Level 4).
Communication (Level 4).
Expert Firearm Mastery (Level 5).
Hunting (Level 3).
Expert Negotiator (Level 5).
Torture (Level 3).
Mana Casting (Level 1).
Abilities
Defensive Stance: A thin layer of Mana will coat your body, and it will become an impenetrable fortress ignoring slashing and stabbing attacks for five minutes. Mana Points will decrease by 30 for each minute Defensive Stance is activated.
Mud Sling: Quickly fire seven mud balls and impair the vision of your enemies. There is a 1% chance of blinding an enemy when Mud Sling is activated. Mana Points will decrease by 2 when Mud Sling is activated.
Skilled Negotiator: Odds of getting your way when negotiating increases by 25%.
Cleave: There¡¯s a 10% chance of decapitating an enemy when Cleave is activated.
Intimidating Glare: There is a 5% chance of intimidating those with higher Will Power than you. There¡¯s 100% certainty of intimidating those with lower Will Power.
Battle Cry: There is a 20% chance of stunning your enemies when Battle Cry is activated, reducing their Composure, Perception, and Instincts stats by at least five points, and for five minutes. Your allies and subordinates will receive five points boost to their Composure, Perception, and Instinct stats for five minutes when Battle Cry is activated. Mana Points will decrease by 30 when Battle Cry is activated.
All Mighty Strike: Half of Mana Points and normal bodily functions are sacrificed to unleash a powerful strike capable of dealing significant damage. You will drop a level once All Mighty Strike has been deactivated.
Tongue of All: You will understand every language, written and spoken, native or foreign to your world!
Quests Main Quest: Enter the Main Stages of the Tower of Champions ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Find the traitor ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Retrieve the Ayan Ore ¨C Ongoing!
Alarm bells rang in Scott¡¯s mind as he perused the system¡¯s message, yet he maintained the same dispassionate demeanor as the group closed in. ¡°Who are you guys supposed to be?¡± Slim asked, arms folded across his chest. Since fighting before entering the main stages was prohibited, he was confident the group couldn''t do anything to him or Scott. Kane merely glanced at the necromancer before turning away in disgust. Focusing on Scott. ¡°And you are?¡± Scott inquired, his voice cool and calm. ¡°Take off your mask and show me your face,¡± Kane demanded, his voice equally composed. ¡°Fuck off,¡± Scott retorted, turning away. One subordinate stepped forward, ¡°Hey, asshole,¡± he shouted, reaching toward Scott. But the man stopped in his tracks as soon as Kane raised his hand. Kane smiled, though there was nothing kind about his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t think you know who I am.¡± ¡°I don''t care,¡± Scott replied without turning. Kane laughed while his men seethed on the side. ¡°Luthor. No. I¡¯m not even sure that¡¯s your name.¡± The man chuckled again, shortening the distance. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what name you¡¯re going by now. I''ll make things easy for you. Give me the ore, and I won¡¯t kill you. This is your last chance.¡± Scott gazed at the tower in the distance, paying no mind to the group. The smile on Kane¡¯s face vanished, replaced by a bone-chilling murderous glare. Scott turned to meet the man''s eyes, his gaze seemingly mocking the enraged leader. The surrounding crowd recoiled in fear as they witnessed Kane''s menacing, murderous gaze. Despite the palpable tension, both Scott and Slim held their ground, unwavering. A cough from the necromancer broke the silence, punctuated by the sound of clapping. ¡°I''m not sure what you''re babbling about, but I''d appreciate it if you didn''t hassle my friend here. Though I fancy myself a gentleman, I can be quite brutish when provoked. So, heed my friend''s advice and kindly fuck off.¡± The crimson mist within the necromancer''s empty eye sockets flared, accompanied by a ghostly howl that reverberated in the surroundings. Onlookers instinctively took another step back, fear tightening its grip on their hearts as they observed the standoff between the two groups. Kane''s gaze shifted between Slim and Scott before he burst into laughter. ¡°You''ve made your choice. I assure you; you''ll regret every moment of it. See you in the main stages.¡± With a motion toward his men, they reluctantly followed him, leaving only two behind near Scott and Slim. These two had a specific order: to keep a close eye on the duo, preventing any attempt to escape the central district. Turning toward the composed skeleton, Scott whispered his gratitude. ¡°Thanks.¡± ¡°No problem, buddy. But what on earth did you do to provoke those guys?¡± ¡°I¡¯m just unlucky,¡± Scott replied, offering a refined account of the events that led up to the confrontation. ¡°Oof. I don¡¯t envy you buddy,¡± Slim said while patting Scott¡¯s shoulder. ¡°That''s some rotten luck, but no use fretting over it now,¡± he remarked, glancing at the growing number of curious onlookers. ¡°Let''s just hope we don''t end up outnumbered wherever we''re sent. Luckily, these guys don''t seem like much of a challenge,¡± Slim commented. ¡°Thanks again. I owe you one,¡± Scott acknowledged. Slim chuckled, pulling out his magazine. Time passed slowly as the crowd in the massive square swelled. Tension hung in the air; the few conversations were hushed. People glanced over their shoulders, contemplating whether to retreat to the upper district before it was too late. At midnight, the pulsating emissions from the tower ceased, plunging the surroundings into darkness. Tremors rattled the central districts, accompanied by a buzzing echo from the skies. ¡°Is this normal?¡± Scott asked, scanning the surroundings cautiously. ¡°I honestly have no idea,¡± the necromancer replied, stowing his glasses and magazine in his inventory. The tremors intensified, prompting some hesitant champions to flee toward the square''s exit. However, an invisible barrier thwarted their escape. The inactive tower shook once more, casting a violet glow into the night sky. The stunned champions could only watch as cyan flares descended, enveloping the immobilized group, one by one, until they vanished. Chapter 20 : Zara ¡°I wonder where this is taking us,¡± Scott muttered, fixating his gaze on the thick mana capsule enveloping his body. He lay motionless, a faint buzz filling his ears. Though unable to see beyond the cyan mana barrier, he sensed it transporting him to the tower''s primary stages. Instinctively, thoughts of his classmates flooded his mind. Armed with knowledge from the future, they likely amassed abundant resources during their decade-long ascent of the tower. I can''t alter the past, but I can shape my future, he mused. Survival must be my priority; only then can I uncover the answers I seek. Scott inhaled deeply, easing his tensed nerves. Uncertain of when they would reach the main stages or what awaited them, he resolved not to be caught off guard. The journey continued for another thirty minutes until a thunderous bang shattered the cocoon. Scott swiftly shut his eyes, shielding himself from the harsh rays. ¡°Where the hell is this?¡± Scott stared at the unbroken capsules strewn across the vast, grainy sea of nothingness. The unforgiving desert stretched endlessly under the scorching sun, providing no respite except for occasional gusts of hot, dry wind. ¡°Damn it. Why did it have to be a desert?¡± Scott cursed aloud. His mind involuntarily drifted to the members of the Shadow Syndicate, and beneath his mask, his expression contorted with displeasure. Was it just a coincidence that they all wore flame and heat-resistant armor? He couldn''t forget Slim''s claim that sharing information from the upper floors was impossible. Despite this, Scott couldn''t shake the feeling that the group''s choice of attire wasn''t arbitrary. Someone or something must have tipped them off, he thought. This would be the best time to eliminate those bastards, but it¡¯s impossible to tell where they are. The fact that I¡¯m the only one awake is also a problem, Scott thought, his curious eyes shifting from one capsule to the other. Scott attempted to move, but a tingling, creeping sensation overwhelmed his body. Another cocoon sprouted from the remains of the first, wrapping tightly around him in seconds. This time, unlike before, it held him firmly. A protrusion suddenly emerged from the loose earth, and a snarling figure shot out from the sand, stretching its hand with a yawn. The sun''s rays illuminated the miniature creature with pointed ears, horns, and bat-like wings. Its skin resembled molten magma, and unusually large eyes shimmered with a mischievous light as it gazed at the capsules. ¡°They''ve sent quite a few to my humble lair this time around,¡± it giggled, rubbing its arms together. However, it suddenly lifted its nose, the searing winds carrying an unfamiliar smell. ¡°What kind of creature emits this smell?¡± It examined numerous cocoons, but none showed signs of cracking or opening. ¡°It''s a shame I don''t have time; I would have loved to trace the origin of that scent. Oh well.¡± It levitated off the ground; its mischievous eyes lingering on the cocoons below. A delicate lattice of cracks webbed across the mana barriers, shattering them into pieces. The expunged champions surveyed their surroundings with a mix of caution and confusion, tightening their grip on weapons. Though their gazes met those of their rivals, no one made a move. A shrill laughter suddenly filled the air, compelling the bewildered contestants to raise their heads. ¡°Is that an Imp?¡± a man blurted out. ¡°I would prefer it if ugly muckers like you didn¡¯t stare so intently at me,¡± the imp giggled as it descended, scratching its posterior with one hand while flipping off the champions with the other. ¡°Creature, you do not want to mess with me,¡± a muscular man warned, glaring at the imp. ¡°Oh, really?¡± The imp flashed a sadistic smile before erupting into laughter. ¡°Your face is more than enough to garner a lifetime of ridicule. It would be beneath me to even consider messing with a moron like you.¡± Gasps and muffled laughter echoed from different sections of the assembled crowd. The muscular man unsheathed his sword, a crimson glow dying its surface. The imp fixed a condescending gaze upon him, as if questioning his intelligence. ¡°Are you certain you wish to proceed with that? Though your brain may be as smooth as polished marble, the occasional endeavor to use it might prove beneficial.¡± The trialists, a diverse mix of humans and non-humans, observed the interaction between the imp and the irate man with unwavering attention. None showed any inclination to intervene, creating an atmosphere of tense anticipation. While the exact nature of the confrontation eluded them, the muscular man appeared to be a convenient scapegoat should things take an unfavorable turn. Franz, no stranger to the unspoken dynamics at play, couldn''t ignore the calculating glances of those around him. Yet, in the face of the imp''s provocations, he couldn''t bring himself to retreat. Reputation held significant weight within the tower, and he wasn''t about to forfeit his standing over a troublesome imp. ¡°You asked for this, you overgrown rat,¡± Franz declared, raising his sword. ¡°Look at me. I¡¯m literally shaking,¡± the imp taunted, laughter bubbling from its twisted form. Franz lunged toward the imp; his sword enveloped in a bloody aura. But just as he raised the long blade, a figure materialized from the knight''s blind spot, delivering a ruthless blow to the wrist of the unsuspecting man. A crisp crack echoed through the air as the sword slipped from Franz''s grasp, his screams resonating into the distance. His right hand now hung at an unnatural angle, dangling freely in the air. The maddened knight collapsed onto his knees, his bloodshot eyes turning towards his assailant in disbelief. He shuddered, staring at the dainty figure concealed beneath a green cloak. A matched set of golden gauntlets and greaves adorned her arms and legs, yet the majority of the trialists, Franz included, fixated on the fluffy, amber tail peeking out from beneath her cloak. The knight took only a moment to shake off his daze. ¡°How dare you break my wrist! Do you know who I am?¡± He seethed, reaching into his inventory for a recovery potion and several smaller pills. With one gulp, he swallowed the items and rose to his feet. The blonde cat girl rested one hand on her hip, her glossy eyes brimming with indifference. ¡°Your foolish actions nearly put everyone''s lives at risk. While you''re free to throw away your own life, I''d rather not suffer the consequences of your idiocy.¡± ¡°Who the hell do you think you are to¡ª¡± The imp landed on Franz''s head, driving the knight deep into the earth before he could complete his sentence. The small creature fixed a glare on the fair-skinned lady, muttering incoherent words as it frowned. Nobody paid the frowning imp any attention. Instead, all eyes were on the blood splatter beneath its tiny legs. Scott and Slim exchanged a glance, the necromancer inhaling a sharp breath. ¡°Buddy, you''re lucky she acted before you. That little guy seems seriously angry,¡± Slim remarked. Meanwhile, Scott''s gaze darted between the system messages flashing in front of him.
Hastur¡¯s Gaze cannot peer into the information of the Trial Examinator!
The trial disruptor has been eliminated!
Penalty: Instant Death has been avoided!
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: ???
Level: 7
Experience Points: 420/700
Mana Points: 60/60
Mana Recovery: 5 Mana Points per day
Race: Feline.
Class: Feline Brawler.
Physical Stats Strength: 18.
Agility: 30.
Endurance: 30.
Dexterity: 33.
Toughness: 30.
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.Abnormal Stats Charisma: 25.
Madness: 30.
Bloodlust: 10.
Perception: 29.
Instincts: 40.
Composure: 30.
Skills Pounce (Level 3).
Hand to Hand Combat (Level 4).
Sprinting (Level 4).
Gymnastics (Level 4).
Survival (Level 2).
Abilities
Purrfect Slash: A quick, low-stamina ability that allows the user to swipe their claws across an enemy, inflicting 10-20 damage and a bleed effect over time. Stamina Points will decrease by 10 when activated.
Leap of the Cat: An ability that allows the user to pounce on an enemy from a distance, dealing 50-80 damage, and increases the odds of stunning the target by 25% for five minutes. Stamina Points will decrease by 25 when activated.
Cat''s Reflexes: A passive ability that increases the user¡¯s odds of dodging an attack by 20% and grants a temporary speed boost after successfully dodging an attack. Cool down: Passive.
Roaring Fury: An ability that allows the user to deliver a series of rapid strikes with their fists and feet, culminating in a powerful finishing move that could deal 50-70 damage. Stamina Points will decrease by 35 when activated.
Stealthy Pounce: An ability that allows the user to quickly dash behind an enemy and deliver a surprise attack, dealing 20-80 damage, and increases the odds of stunning the target by 20%. Stamina Points will decrease by 20 when activated.
Sixth Sense: There¡¯s a 10% chance of dodging a critical strike. Cool down: Passive.
Nine Lives: A passive ability that grants the user additional health and reduces the damage taken from enemy attacks. Cool down: Passive.
Cyclone Claw: An ability that allows the user to spin in a circle, delivering a flurry of punches and kicks to all enemies within range, dealing 10-20 damage to each. Stamina Points will decrease by 30 when activated.
Sharp Senses: A passive ability that grants the character increased critical hit chance and improved accuracy when attacking. Cool down: Passive.
Quests Main Quest: Enter the Main Stages ¨C Completed!
Side Quest: Be the first to stop the Knight from attacking the Examiner ¨C Completed!
Side Quest: Search for the Varkham Hound ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Eliminate the Varkham Hound ¨C Not Started!
The imp floated once more, its enraged eyes shifting among the various trialists. ¡°Listen up, everyone.¡± Its squeaky voice resonated across the desert, and it pointed to Franz''s remains. ¡°If you don''t want to end up like smooth... I mean, scattered brains over here, I advise you all to keep your mouths shut.¡± It snickered, folding its tiny arms as it descended onto the lifeless body below. ¡°I won''t bother with introductions. All you need to know is that I''m in charge of this trial, and because this idiot pissed me off, I have no intentions of letting you pass without suffering.¡± The examiner narrowed its gaze, focusing on the feline. ¡°Especially you.¡± Then it waved its hand, disregarding the reactions of the surrounding trialists. Beams of light descended from the heavens, striking the trialists before they could react. A vast majority of them displayed holographic, pulsating purple hearts above their heads, while a blackened skull hovered above the rest. Slim attempted to smack the skull away, but it vanished briefly before resurfacing. He turned towards Scott, who also tried to repel the skull, only to witness its persistent reappearance. ¡°Buddy, I think we¡¯re in deep trouble,¡± the skeleton remarked. Scott found himself torn between laughter and tears. Amidst the sea of purple hearts, only he and Slim bore the skull mark among fifty other champions in the surrounding area. The imp''s voice echoed once more. ¡°As you can see, some of you bear the mark of life, while others carry that of death.¡± The mischievous creature giggled, floating again. ¡°We''re going to play a simple game. Those with purple hearts can emerge victorious by finding and eliminating the spawns of death. Meanwhile, those marked for death will proceed to the next stage only if they survive a day. If a day passes without all the death bearers perishing, a new set will be chosen.¡± The imp grinned, casting a gaze upon the twisted faces of those with the mark of death. ¡°Simple, right?¡± He turned to the side, locking eyes with the cat girl who glared at him with murderous rage. Out of the tens of thousands of trialists, fewer than one percent bore the mark of death. How they had been chosen, or why, remained a mystery none of them could unravel. ¡°Oh, that reminds me. It would be in your best interest not to assume you''re the only ones here.¡± The imp gracefully landed on the ground, its voice echoing once again. ¡°For those bearing the mark of death, you must move in groups of at least three members. If a member of your group is killed, and assuming there are only three members, you have twenty-three hours to recruit another member. If you''re unable to do so, your stay will be extended by another twenty-four hours, even if you manage to survive a day. With that said, you have thirty minutes to assemble your teams.¡± The imp toyed with the lifeless body, humming a tune as it did so. ¡°The rest of you can leave,¡± it said casually. With a swing of its arm, the examiner made a vast majority of the trialists vanish. ¡°Your turn is coming. Choose your partners for now,¡± the imp declared, not bothering to look at the bewildered trialists. The bearers of death mingled among themselves, giving rise to several factions within minutes. However, some struggled to align with any group, notably the Feline. Each attempt to join or be joined was met with the imp''s disapproval, its smile returning only after each rejection. As the clock ticked down, all but three people had found their groups. Scott and Slim exchanged glances, shaking their heads slowly. Unlike the imp, who had intimidated those attempting to recruit the cat girl, other groups actively avoided the duo. ¡°It appears we underestimated the influence of the Shadow Syndicate. Even though that elusive scoundrel isn''t present, they''re still following his orders,¡± Scott muttered. Slim sighed, his gaze fixed on the cat girl. ¡°Buddy, it seems we don''t have any choice,¡± he said. ¡°We''re going to have to recruit her. Oh, she''s already coming here on her own.¡± The duo observed the approaching beauty, who moved with quick, purposeful steps, coming to a stop just a few feet away. She took a deep breath. ¡°Can I join your team?¡± she asked, accompanied by a warm smile. Scott and Slim exchanged glances before turning to the imp, who watched with evident impatience. ¡°Buddy, do you think we should risk it?¡± Slim inquired, using their shared communication skill rather than speaking aloud. ¡°That vindictive asshole will definitely make our stay here a living hell if we do, but we''re just as screwed if we don''t,¡± Scott replied, his gaze lingering on the impatient imp. ¡°Surviving a day in this place with all those guys chasing after us is going to be exhausting. Adding the wrath of that damn shorty to it would be too much, I think,¡± Slim sighed, rubbing his jaw. Meanwhile, a wry smile played on the lips of the cat girl. I can''t blame them for hesitating. I wouldn''t have stopped that guy if I knew something like this would happen, but then again, I had a feeling something worse would have occurred if I didn''t intervene. She sighed while adjusting a loose strand of hair, tucking it behind her ears. ¡°I apologize for inconveniencing you. I''ll be taking my leave.¡± She turned around to depart, but a voice reached her ears. ¡°Why, though? Didn¡¯t you want to join us?¡± The cat girl turned around again, puzzled by what she heard. Scott chuckled as he continued, ¡°My friend and I are in a tight spot either way, so there¡¯s no harm in adding one extra person.¡± Scott turned toward Slim, who wore a forced smile as he nodded. Scott didn¡¯t say anything wrong, but it was certain the imp would make their team suffer the most. Scott took a confident step forward. ¡°Given that the examiner hasn''t outrightly terminated you, there must be limits to what he can do. We just need to endure for a day and be done with that nuisance. So, are you in?¡± The cat girl bowed her head, her pale green eyes fixated on Scott''s outstretched hand. ¡°Well? Time is running out, you know.¡± ¡°Pardon me. I''m Zara. It would be my pleasure to join your team,¡± she said, interlocking arms with the masked man. A sardonic laughter permeated the air, and all eyes turned toward the floating imp. It clapped; its eerie gaze fixed on the new alliance. ¡°It seems you''ve all completed your team formations. Wonderful. Truly wonderful.¡± One by one, the various groups vanished until only Scott¡¯s team remained. The imp touched down on the ground, whistling as it advanced towards them. ¡°A tasteless skeleton, a masked freak, and a goody-two-shoes busybody. What a team,¡± it remarked, clapping with a devious grin distorting its already hideous face. "I know just the perfect starting point for you guys." With a wave of its hands, the trio disappeared. The imp laughed while excavating the earth. ¡°I¡¯m going to have loads of fun during this trial.¡± Abruptly, it halted, a familiar scent wafting into its nose. ¡°That masked freak had the same smell from earlier.¡± It frowned, staring eastwards. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s just a coincidence. There¡¯s no way someone taking the first trial would be powerful enough to shatter the mana barriers on their own. Unless...¡± The imp shook its head, as if dismissing unnecessary thoughts. ¡°That¡¯s not possible. I should focus on my duty.¡± It giggled once more before burrowing into the earth. Chapter 21 : Race for Survival Far from their initial point, in an area reminiscent of the vast desert, three figures encased in cyan mana barriers collided with one of many sand dunes, the impact muted by the softness of the grains beneath. ¡°Motherfucker,¡± Slim cursed, wrestling to extract his bony physique from the scorching sands. Scott wasn''t any luckier, landing face-first into the loose earth, though the mana barrier absorbed the brunt of the impact. Zara, the newest addition to the group, gracefully touched down after the fall, yet her delicate legs trembled ever so slightly. Rushing towards Slim, the closest figure, she assisted him in freeing himself from the sandy prison. Scott, on the other hand, gradually extricated himself from the earth, his only grievances being sand-filled shoes, hair, and clothes¡ªhis mask having shielded him from the fall. ¡°It seems everyone is okay,¡± Scott muttered to himself, brushing off the remaining sand from his clothes. He narrowed his gaze, surveying the vast expanse of emptiness. That vindictive asshole definitely sent us here for a reason, he pondered. But this place looks too quiet. Even Hastur¡¯s Gaze couldn¡¯t discern anything extraordinary about the barren land. Zara''s gentle voice reached Scott''s ears. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Scott turned to find the brawler and necromancer approaching briskly. ¡°I''m good. How about you guys?¡± Slim grimaced, twisting the air as if throttling an imp''s neck. ¡°I hate that little pipsqueak. Who does he think he is to say I have no taste? Is he blind or something?¡± The infuriated skeleton pulled a magazine from his inventory, flipping to the twenty-first page and pointing to an article just below a seductively posed beauty. ¡°I was ranked the best-dressed artist, even beating Kristen Konelenko. Does that little jerk know how significant that is?¡± ¡°Wait, that''s what''s bothering you?¡± Scott asked, exerting every ounce of willpower and composure to stifle his laughter at the irate skeleton. ¡°What else could I possibly be angry about?¡± Slim retorted, sensing that his friend didn''t grasp the gravity of the situation. Zara and Scott exchanged glances, and the cat girl managed a wry smile. How were they supposed to convey to the necromancer that there were more significant issues than just being referred to as a tasteless skeleton? Slim took several deep breaths, his loafers kicking up loose earth and sending bleached sand bouncing around him. ¡°You know what?¡± he said, fixing his gaze on his companions. The duo looked at each other before shaking their heads, curious about what was going on in the skeleton''s mind this time. The necromancer didn''t keep them in suspense for too long as he continued, ¡°I believe this is the little guy''s way of asking for help.¡± ¡°What?¡± Zara blurted out, while Scott simply lowered his head into his hands. ¡°Hear me out,¡± Slim grinned at the cat girl. ¡°That little guy was clearly envious of my dashing looks, to the extent that the only way he could cope with the vast difference between us was to slander me. Just think about it.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think¡­¡± Zara paused as Scott¡¯s hand rested on her shoulder. She turned to the masked man, and he simply shook his head. ¡°Let him believe whatever he wants, please,¡± Scott whispered. Zara nodded before turning back to Slim. The skeleton continued to nod while laughing, convinced his conjecture was correct. Slim then faced his companions, who shared the same ill-fated mark of death. ¡°You guys think so too, right?¡± Scott and Zara nodded, giving the self-confident skeleton a thumbs-up as if they had coordinated their response beforehand. Slim laughed again, returning the magazine to his inventory. Meanwhile, Zara and Scott exchanged whispers, wearing only dry smiles. ¡°Is it okay to lie to him like that?¡± the cat girl asked. Uncertain about the dynamics between the two, she believed that explaining the imp''s actions was the right thing to do. ¡°He''s not dumb; he''s far more intelligent than you might think. That''s just his way of coping with the situation,¡± Scott said, chuckling as he observed the animated necromancer. Zara''s gaze shifted between the masked man and the laughing skeleton. She couldn''t help but wonder how the duo had met. ¡°Did you both come from the same starter city?¡± Scott nodded. ¡°I thought as much. How long have you known each other?¡± Zara''s brows shot up as she watched Scott raise his index finger. ¡°Oh, a year. That''s nice.¡± Scott shook his head, interjecting, "We''ve known each other for less than a day." Zara''s petite mouth fell open, her widened eyes darting between the laughing skeleton and the masked man. Is he joking? Less than a day? He must be lying. Despite the apparent lack of overt friendliness between them, there was an unspoken connection that belied the claim of being strangers for less than twenty-four hours. Scott chuckled at the cat girl''s reaction. He also found his connection with Slim rather peculiar. Slim approached the duo with light steps, breaking the silence that hung over them. Sand cascaded with each crack of his neck as he settled between the eldritch knight and brawler, placing a large hand on each of their shoulders. ¡°I''m glad to see you guys aren''t letting our situation bring you down,¡± Slim remarked with a beaming smile. ¡°So, what''s our strategy going to be, buddies?¡± Zara''s cheeks flushed pink as she attempted to wriggle free from the necromancer''s touch, but Slim''s hand was too substantial, his grip firm. She lowered her head, managing to mumble, ¡°I appreciate what you guys did for me. I''ll find a way to repay you in the future.¡± Slim chuckled, patting the back of the cat girl. ¡°Why the sudden shyness? We didn''t help expecting a grand reward, right, buddy?¡± He glanced at Scott. Scott nodded, his eyes darting across the desert. ¡°Yeah, no need to repay us. Surviving in this place should be our main priority. We can worry about other things later.¡± Slim leaned in closer to the cat girl, adding to the brawler''s fluster. ¡°Don¡¯t mind him. He¡¯s trying to act cool, but he can be shy too.¡± Scott feigned ignorance of the Skeleton''s whisper; his thoughts consumed by the ongoing trial. It was impossible to gauge the desert''s size accurately, but given the vindictive nature of their guide, it seemed unlikely that it could conceal all the trialists for an entire day. Moreover, his earlier revelation about them not being the sole occupants heightened the mystery. What did that imply? While Scott mulled over their predicament, Zara chimed in, her demeanor noticeably more composed. ¡°I have a suggestion if you guys don¡¯t mind.¡± Both Scott and Slim turned their attention to the brawler, awaiting her input. ¡°I think our best approach would be to hide and avoid any conflict unless our lives are on the line. We¡¯re already at a huge disadvantage compared to the others; we shouldn¡¯t make things any easier for them,¡± Zara proposed with a reassuring smile. ¡°That seems like a viable plan,¡± Slim muttered as he freed his companions from his clutches, though he loathed the idea of hiding from what he considered weaklings. ¡°It will become a problem if many of them start chasing us.¡± ¡°I agree,¡± Scott added, before voicing his concern. ¡°The only issue with the plan is that there¡¯s literally nowhere to hide in this place. It¡¯s more like we''ll need to run each time someone finds us.¡± ¡°You''re right,¡± Zara chimed in, momentarily forgetting they were in the middle of a desert. ¡°Alright then, since that¡¯s the plan, we should do our best,¡± Slim declared with a grin. ¡°I might not look like it, but I¡¯m quite the runner. You guys should be prepared to eat my dust whenever they find us.¡± The skeleton flexed his nonexistent muscles, showcasing his bony legs. Scott shook his head, walking toward the area he had fallen in earlier. Meanwhile, Zara covered her mouth, laughing at Slim¡¯s antics. Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on the mana residue from the shattered mana barrier. He crouched, fiddling with the hardened crystal. Hmm¡­ why didn¡¯t they disintegrate like the last time? He raised the small fragment, staring at the miniscule glyphs on its surface. What sort of technique did they use in creating this thing? He picked up a slightly larger fragment, comparing the two pieces in his hand. How much mana do you need to even create this barrier for over a thousand people. I hate to admit it, but that little shrimp isn¡¯t someone we can mess with. Scott tossed the fragments into the air, catching them as they fell. I don¡¯t know what restrictions are holding him back, but we¡¯re lucky he hasn¡¯t killed us off yet. Hopefully, we pass this trial without any difficulties. Scott threw the rocks aside as he rose to his feet, then pivoted towards Slim and Zara, closing the distance in brisk strides. On his third step, he halted abruptly, pivoting back. What was that? A frown etched across his face, hidden behind his mask, as he scrutinized the ground. The sand quivered subtly, unaffected by the ceaseless winds. Lifting his head, he narrowed his gaze, peering into the distance. A colossal beige mass, distorted by the searing heat haze, materialized ¨C a mountain? Since when did a mountain stand there? Scott gasped, inhaling a mouthful of air as he staggered backward. His eyes, filled with trepidation, fixed on the looming mountains in the distance. This isn''t a mountain. It''s a colossal sand wall. Wheeling around, he urgently addressed Slim and Zara, who remained oblivious to the impending catastrophe. ¡°Run!¡± he bellowed, charging toward them. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ¡°Huh? What''s going on, buddy? What¡¯s gotten into¡­¡± Slim paused, detecting the colossal wall in the distance. ¡°Where the hell did that thing come from?¡± he questioned, picking up his pace. Zara, catching just a glimpse of the approaching disaster, burst into a sprint. Her lithe legs carried her swiftly over a considerable distance in mere seconds, leaving Scott and Slim wide-eyed at her feline agility. In the blink of an eye, she had created a two-hundred-foot gap. Scott pivoted toward Slim, who lagged. ¡°Weren''t you supposed to be quite the runner? There''s no saving you if you get buried behind that thing.¡± Slim cursed under his breath. ¡°Damn it. I didn''t anticipate having to sprint this soon. Why are you guys so damn fast anyway?¡± He panted, channeling more energy into his legs as he sprinted across the loose earth. Yet, despite his efforts, he found himself unable to close the gap with Scott, let alone Zara, who had widened the distance between her and Scott by over three hundred meters. To make matters worse, a foreboding shadow loomed over the group, stretching ominously into the distance. The necromancer sensed that the impending disaster would soon overtake them. ¡°Keep running, Slim! Remember your promise to Mia! Are you going to kick the bucket in the first trial?¡± Scott''s voice urged the exhausted skeleton. Despite his best efforts, running wasn''t exactly Slim''s forte. Slim roared, raising his right hand, and his watch vanished into his inventory. With his left hand raised, his suit and shoes followed suit, disappearing into the mystical storage. The ghoulish mist in the necromancer''s eyes shrouded its bones, and it surged forward in a terrifying burst of speed, catching up to Scott in a flash. ¡°Like hell, I''m dying in a place like this. And don''t you dare check out my booty, buddy.¡± Slim charged forward, and Scott could only perceive a crimson blur as the skeleton closed the gap with Zara. ¡°Holy shit. Now, I''m dead last,¡± Scott muttered, his eyes involuntarily darting towards the approaching wall. A chill ran down his spine. ¡°Fuck that little imp. That sicko surely has a hand in this.¡± As Scott fixated on the approaching sand wall, Zara''s voice cut through the tension. ¡°There''s a sinkhole in the front.¡± The cat girl and the naked skeleton abruptly halted; their attention drawn to the bubbling earth that deepened with each passing second. The new obstacle made it impossible for them to run around or leap over it, heightening their anxiety. ¡°What are those?¡± Slim mumbled, pointing at dozens of squirming creatures in the loose sand. Zara''s expression darkened; another problem had surfaced. Simultaneously, Scott''s voice reached them. ¡°Guys, we have a huge problem.¡± Zara and Slim instinctively turned toward the masked man, their expressions contorting further as a horde of massive scorpions and snakes hurriedly slithered in the same direction. A colossal sand wall, capable of burying everything in a span of over a thousand kilometers, loomed from one side, while a sinkhole obstructed their sole path of retreat. To compound their predicament, creatures driven by an insatiable will to survive closed in on their location, and an undulating mass of unidentified entities lurked within the sinkhole. ¡°I despise that little pipsqueak,¡± Slim growled through gritted teeth. ¡°What do we do now?¡± Zara muttered, her voice tinged with guilt and regret. ¡°You two, jump as high as you can!¡± Scott''s urgent shout reached them from a distance as he continued his frantic escape from both the encroaching disaster and the approaching creatures. Slim and Zara exchanged bewildered glances, struggling to comprehend how jumping would be of any assistance. ¡°Hurry! Use every ounce of strength you''ve got. Trust me!¡± Scott implored, desperation evident in his voice. The duo exchanged a nod, each summoning every last bit of energy within them to launch into the air. Meanwhile, Scott inhaled deeply, channeling mana to his feet.
Mana Missile activated!
Mana Points has decreased by 10!
A muffled explosion detonated under Scott¡¯s feet, propelling him toward the falling duo. God, please let this work.
Levitate activated!
Mana Points has decreased by 30!
Scott seized the two by their wrists, straining every aching muscle to ensure he didn''t drop them. ¡°Buddy, you can fly?¡± Slim asked, dazed, witnessing as they soared above the approaching creatures. Zara, too frightened to speak, had her stunned eyes shifting between Scott, Slim, and the escaping creatures. ¡°We only have one minute,¡± Scott ground out through gritted teeth. It wasn''t enough time to cross the sinkhole or evade the encroaching sandstorm, but it was the best chance for survival now. ¡°Look, they''re fighting,¡± Zara said, pointing at the creatures clashing against the sand lurkers, who revealed themselves to be massive worms. ¡°This might work to our advantage,¡± Scott remarked, a thought crossing his mind. ¡°What do you mean? You aren''t giving up, right?¡± Slim panicked, fearing Scott might contemplate something reckless. ¡°No, I don''t have any intention of dying. The worms are spread across the sinkhole¡ª¡± Zara interjected, her voice trembling, ¡°Wait, are you suggesting we use the worms as a means to cross to the other side?¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Scott asserted, his gaze fixed on the path beyond the sinkhole. ¡°It''s our only chance of surviving this disaster. The creatures will be too engrossed in their own conflicts to take notice of us. We must act now.¡± He paid no heed to the mayhem resulting from the creatures'' clash; his singular focus was on escaping the calamity. ¡°I swear,¡± Slim bellowed, frustration unrestrained, ¡°I''m going to fry and eat that little devil the next time our paths cross. He better pray we don''t meet again.¡± ¡°Ten seconds left. Brace yourselves,¡± Scott advised, his descent gradual. In Zara¡¯s free hand, six brown bars materialized. ¡°You all need to replenish your stamina. Please consume these.¡± Slim swiftly took two, tossing them into his mouth. The mist transformed the stamina bars into a paste that seeped into the skeleton¡¯s bones. Zara, too, ingested two bars while delicately shifting Scott¡¯s mask to the side, and then feeding the stamina bars into his open mouth. However, she couldn¡¯t stop her arms from shaking non-stop, the memory of swirling darkness flashing across her mind.
You have eaten a Stamina Bar x2
Mask of the Eldritch Spawn has devoured 1 madness point!
Abnormal Stat: Madness has increased by 1!
Warning! The user will succumb to their insanity if Madness exceeds Composure by 10 points!
Slim and Zara took deep breaths; unlike Scott, they had been watching the fight between the creatures, and where they would land wasn¡¯t far from the combat zone. ¡°We are landing now! Run!¡± Scott let go of their wrists, and the duo exploded in a frightening burst of speed, their feet pressing against the fleshy exterior of the massive worms.
Quick Step activated!
Mana Points has decreased by 5!
The combined force of the magic missile and levitate propelled them over slightly more than half of the sinkhole, leaving a significant distance yet to cover. The trio sprinted in silence, indifferent to the piercing screams and hisses emanating from the intense battle raging behind them. Despite the nauseating stench that hung in the air, their focus remained fixed on the path ahead. Despite activating quick step, Scott struggled to match the speed Zara and Slim¡¯s speed. Nevertheless, he remained unperturbed, knowing they were just a few meters away from reaching the other side. The ominous shadow of the storm cloud loomed over the sinkhole, instilling fear in the battling creatures. ¡°Damn it,¡± Scott muttered, his expression darkening as the once docile worms thrashed about. ¡°Keep going; we''re almost there!¡± he yelled, urging them to increase their pace. Zara managed to escape the sinkhole first, but she hesitated near the edge, keeping an eye out for her companions. Slim stumbled in next, gasping for breath as he collapsed onto his knees, utterly drained of energy. The two of them fixed their gaze on Scott, who was still a mere hundred meters away. Just then, a monstrous worm lifted its head, hurtling itself towards the half-human. ¡°Watch out!¡± Zara and Slim shouted simultaneously. Scott locked eyes with the approaching creature, his hand instinctively reaching for his mask. A darkened handle emerged, and with determination, the eldritch knight summoned forth the war hammer of the mad god.
Warning! Your Madness stat is being devoured by the Warhammer of the Mad God!
Scott bellowed, ¡°Take as much as you need!¡± Another surge of magic propelled him into the air as he swung the madness-devouring hammer, obliterating the massive worm''s head. Several others raised their heads, fixating on the man wielding the ominous weapon of death. ¡°Buddy, keep running. I''ve got your back,¡± Slim urged, pushing himself to his feet. Both hands raised, a ghoulish mantra escaped from his mouth. The crimson mist confined within his bones poured out, swirling above his head like a baleful deluge. The deluge split into five, and the necromancer pointed towards the worms. ¡°I''ll grant you death since that''s what you seek.¡± The swirling mass of darkness raced towards the unsuspecting creatures, obliterating their heads in a flash. Simultaneously, Scott swung his hammer in quick succession, shattering the heads of four more worms. Yet, the mist veiling the war hammer gradually encroached on his fingers. Zara sprinted towards the masked man, swiftly and decisively dispatching the worms that blocked his path. ¡°Hurry. The wall is coming,¡± Zara shouted. Four potions appeared from Scott¡¯s inventory, and he tossed two over to the feline. ¡°Give them to Slim. You guys continue running. I¡¯ll be there shortly. Please, go.¡± Scott consumed the potions in one gulp, smacking the head of a worm with the empty vials.
You have ingested a rare mana recovery potion x2
Mana Points has increased by 80!
Zara hesitated momentarily before hurrying back to the feeble skeleton. She desperately clung to the hope that Scott could navigate the perilous situation unaided. The presence of more worms, accompanied by the encroaching snakes and scorpions, had significantly reduced the remaining distance. Adding to the urgency, the sinkhole was steadily deepening as the sand walls closed in. I can''t afford to linger any longer. I must leave now, Zara thought. Scott swiftly consumed another mana recovery potion, replenishing his mana points to the maximum. However, an unnerving development unfolded as a murky, greenish mist suddenly emanated from his skin, spreading across the sinkhole.
Poisonous Cloud activated!
Mana Points has decreased by 80!
Scott sprinted toward the opposite end, hammer in tow, a billowing mist emanating from his body. He deftly dodged the slow yet persistent attacks of the worms. Zara and Slim, already at a safe distance from the edge, observed Scott''s approach. They witnessed him hurling several jars filled with an unknown liquid at the worms. A crimson flame erupted on his fingers as he landed on solid ground. Two fireballs shot towards unsuspecting worms, igniting a blazing inferno. Fueled by the highly flammable gruff wines, the fire consumed the massive creatures within seconds, spreading to nearby worms, snakes, and scorpions. A disastrous combination of strong winds, a raging inferno, a poisonous cloud, a sinkhole, and sand walls unfolded, leaving the desperate creatures with no escape. Scott pressed on, only halting when he reached Slim and Zara. He turned to witness the culmination of chaos: the sand wall finally reaching the sinkhole, morphing into a massive, bottomless pit that devoured the creatures and the giant wall of sand in one gulp. Amid the chaos, a hand, unnoticed by Slim or Zara, emerged from the mask''s depths and stealthily pulled the war hammer into the shadows. Meanwhile, the ethereal remnants on Scott''s fingers transformed into a mesmerizing array of intricate tattoos, exuding a disconcerting aura. A peculiar protrusion manifested in front of the trio as a figure catapulted from the earth with a snarky laughter that resonated through the air. The imp''s mischievous smile widened as it shook its behind, adding a touch of unsettling playfulness to the situation. ¡°How delightful. I can¡¯t believe you guys survived that,¡± the imp remarked, its eyes gleaming with mischief. ¡°Now, I want to witness how you''ll endure another one.¡± Chapter 22 : New Party Member? The imp erupted into laughter, collapsing on the ground, and wiggling its tiny legs, tears streaming down its face. ¡°Look at your faces!¡± It roared, attempting to rise but failing multiple times. The trio stared at the laughing creature, their bloodlust evident, yet none of them harbored intentions to attack or antagonize the imp. Who knows if it sought a feeble excuse to end them. Observing their stoic response, the imp gradually regained composure, standing up and snickering. It fixed its gaze on Slim, who seemed on the verge of losing his composure. ¡°I''m glad you realized how ugly those clothes were. But spare me the sight of those white bones of yours.¡± Pointing toward the skeleton, the examiner directed a black beam that wrapped around Slim''s bones like a cloth. No matter the necromancer''s efforts, he couldn''t rid himself of the darkened substance. ¡°How dare you!¡± Slim roared, the attack leaving no physical or mental impact but permanently altering his appearance. ¡°Slim, don¡¯t! That little bastard is goading you. Hold it in, please!¡± Scott pleaded through their shared communication skill. Gritting his teeth, the skeleton''s bones creaked as the mist within his empty eye sockets churned in tandem with his rage. The imp simply snickered at the enraged necromancer before redirecting its attention to Scott. ¡°Where is that hammer of yours? Give it to me, and you guys will instantly pass.¡± ¡°Yeah, thanks but no thanks,¡± Scott replied without hesitation. The imp''s grin faded, and it raised its diminutive hand. The ground quivered violently, casting a foreboding shadow over the unlikely trio. Their heads tilted upward, greeted by the reflection of a towering sand wall that painted itself across their quivering eyes. Instinctively, they took a step back. ¡°What¡¯s preventing me from claiming the hammer?¡± The imp floated toward Scott, halting just a foot away. ¡°Bring it out if you value your life. This is your final warning.¡± Scott''s gaze darted between the imp''s outstretched hand and the colossal wall of sand. He inhaled deeply, shaking his head. ¡°My answer remains the same.¡± The imp''s countenance soured, mirroring Slim and Zara''s expressions. Yet, the pair had no intention of compelling Scott to act against his will. No guarantee existed that the examiner would spare them, let alone honor its promise. A tense hush gripped the surroundings; even the howling winds seemed to cower, afraid to provoke the ire of the mischievous creature. Scott and the examiner locked eyes, the eldritch spawn¡¯s gaze unwavering. No trace of fear or remorse lingered in his eyes; instead, a defiant glare met the imp¡¯s hostility. The imp lowered its arm, and the sand wall dissipated as it chuckled softly. ¡°You guys are no fun. I won¡¯t be wasting my time with you anymore,¡± it declared, turning to depart. The trio observed in silence as the creature burrowed into the earth, leaving the area once again shrouded in quiet. Zara collapsed onto her knees, gripping the left side of her chest. Cold sweat trickled down her rosy face as she struggled to take deep breaths. Scott shifted his gaze to Slim, whose bones retained their unusual hue. ¡°Thanks, buddy. We''ll figure out a way to get rid of it,¡± Scott assured. ¡°No need. Screw that little pest. Whether I''m gray, golden, or silver, I rock regardless. I won''t let it provoke me anymore,¡± Slim retorted, though the anger in his voice was apparent. Scott refrained from offering further consolation to the necromancer. Instead, he couldn''t help but admire Slim''s self-confidence. Although their meeting had been coincidental, Scott found himself genuinely interested in befriending the necromancer. He then turned his attention to Zara, extending a hand to the kneeling cat girl. ¡°Are you going to be all right?¡± Zara lifted her head, tears welling in the corners of her eyes. ¡°I need a moment.¡± ¡°Take all the time you need,¡± Scott said, lowering his hand. Who could remain indifferent after confronting death? Slim, back in his suit, rested his arm on Scott''s shoulder with a sigh. ¡°Buddy, are you sure your second race isn¡¯t undead?¡± ¡°Why would you say that?¡± Scott asked, retrieving two bowls of water from his inventory. He handed both to the kneeling brawler before turning his attention to the curious skeleton. ¡°I mean, how many people do you think would have the courage to do what you did?¡± Slim said matter-of-factly. ¡°Most undead don¡¯t fear death since we¡¯re not living to begin with, but it becomes quite troublesome and annoying if we¡¯re trapped somewhere.¡± ¡°Wait, are you saying you¡¯re immortal?¡± Scott asked. Even the kneeling cat girl perked up, eager to hear the necromancer''s answer. Slim stroked his chin while shaking his head. ¡°It¡¯s more complicated than that. To ordinary living beings, it might seem that way, but even we, the undead, can cease to exist.¡± Slim paused, hesitating, and pondering whether he should linger on the topic. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you guys more later.¡± Scott opened his mouth to speak, but a series of system messages appeared in front of him and his companions.
You have slain a desert worm x6! Exp: 100!
Abnormal Stat: Madness has decreased by 5!
You have attained several new skills!
Basic Hammer Mastery (Level 1) ¨C New!
Basic Combat (Level 1) ¨C New!
Scott quickly skimmed through the system''s message, his fingers halting when he reached the madness stat. Did the old man give me the war hammer of the mad god because it could devour my madness? But where in the hell did he get something like that to begin with? Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Furrowing his brows, Scott''s thoughts wandered. The old man''s identity, the enigmatic eldritch being that had chosen him, the reasons behind it all, and the purpose he was meant to fulfill¡ªthese questions had incessantly occupied his mind, yet plausible answers remained elusive. The sinkhole, deepening as those creatures met their demise, deprived me of a potential level-up. It''s regrettable, but I shouldn''t dwell too much on it, Scott mused, lifting his head, and glancing at Slim''s stats. Scott read through the necromancer¡¯s stats before turning toward Zara, then he opened her status information. Unsurprisingly, none of us leveled up. But it¡¯s okay. That we survived that calamity is already a miracle. We only need to survive the rest of the day to pass this godforsaken trial, Scott thought to himself. Slim tugged at his clothes abruptly, whispering, ¡°Hey, what are your thoughts on Zara? She''s skilled, isn''t she?¡± Scott tilted his head back, a quizzical expression forming. ¡°What are you getting at? Why are you even whispering? You could have used the party channel.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not used to it yet,¡± Slim chuckled, then he continued, ¡°I was thinking, wouldn''t it be a smart move for her to officially join us?¡± Slim suggested, his gaze darting towards Zara, who was sipping from the bowls Scott had provided earlier. ¡°I noticed that nearly everyone we encountered in the square had at least five members in their party. If it''s just the two of us, we might find ourselves in over our heads sooner or later.¡± Scott nodded slowly, his gaze shifting toward the cat girl. ¡°She''s not bad, but we can''t coerce her into joining us if she has other plans,¡± Scott remarked, his eyes lingering on the brawler''s side quests. He couldn''t help but wonder about the Varkham Hound and why Zara sought to eliminate it. The reason why the seemingly innocent cat girl possessed a higher madness stat than Slim, a necromancer, was also a question that plagued his mind. Slim patted the back of the masked man, chuckling softly as he continued, ¡°Leave it to me; I''m quite adept with words.¡± He gave Scott a thumbs-up before swaggering toward the cat girl. Meanwhile, Scott narrowed his gaze, observing the necromancer in conversation with the cat girl. Although their words were too soft to hear, Zara, for some reason, started laughing while glancing in his direction. What the hell is he telling her? I hope it''s not something weird, Scott thought, folding his arms across his chest. A second later, a system message appeared in front of the eldritch knight.
You have received a party invitation!
Do you wish to accept the invitation?
Yes! No!
He did it. Scott raised his head, meeting the gazes of the smiling necromancer and the flushed cat girl. Scot¡¯s brows shot up. What the hell did Slim tell her? The skeleton winked, urging Scott to accept the invitation. Zara''s gaze bore a distinct change when it met Scott''s, a shift in intensity that he couldn''t quite place. Accepting the invitation, Scott observed as Zara''s name now appeared just below Slim''s on the updated party list. Amidst the echoes of Slim''s cheerful laughter, he gracefully assisted Zara to her feet, and the duo strolled towards Scott. However, the elusive cat girl avoided meeting Scott''s eyes, fueling his curiosity about what the necromancer might have disclosed to her. ¡°Buddy, welcome our new party member,¡± Slim announced with a broad smile. Scott briefly acknowledged the skeleton before directing his focus back to Zara. ¡°Are you feeling better now?¡± Zara nodded, still evading his gaze. A frown creased Scott''s forehead as he took a step closer. ¡°Slim, did you say something strange?¡± ¡°C''mon, buddy. Who do you think I am? That would have hurt if I had a heart, you know?¡± Slim said, grinning as he exchanged a wink with Zara, and they burst into laughter. Their playful exchange heightened Scott''s curiosity about what they had discussed earlier. However, Slim and Zara''s expressions abruptly shifted to seriousness as they gazed into the distance. ¡°Buddy, we''ve got a new problem on our hands.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Scott turned around, half-expecting the imp to have returned, but nothing came into view. The echoes of Slim and Zara''s laughter filled his ears, leaving him puzzled. ¡°Sorry, buddy. I promised Zara a prank if she joined us. No hard feelings, right?¡± Slim cackled, words jumbled in his amusement. Scott only stared at the laughing duo, shaking his head. All traces of the despondent cat girl had vanished, and even Slim had recovered from the second encounter with the examiner. ¡°I¡¯m glad you guys are having fun, but we need to get moving. Who knows when another calamity will show up?¡± Scott said. ¡°That¡¯s true, but can we sort something out first?¡± Slim asked with a smile. Scott''s eyes shifted between Slim and Zara, sensing they were up to something again. ¡°What is it?¡± Slim smiled, stepping forward and placing a hand on Scott¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We need to give our party an official name, don¡¯t you think?¡± ¡°Is that all?¡± Scott inquired. The skeleton and cat girl nodded in unison. ¡°Buddy, I''m not sure if you realize, but this isn''t as trivial as you might think. The more powerful we become, the more our names will resonate throughout the tower. There are legends of different parties ascending from various starter cities over the years. Even Nova Primus had the Celestial Blades, created by the caveman.¡± Scott turned sharply toward the skeleton, narrowing his gaze. ¡°The caveman? Who''s that?¡± ¡°I honestly don''t know. All I can tell you is that he''s a powerful human champion who played a significant role in rallying humans and surrounding races to create and develop Nova Primus. His party, Celestial Blades, ascended the tower barely a year after the contest opened. However, they laid down enough groundwork for the city''s development.¡± After Slim''s explanation, a familiar face popped into Scott''s mind, but he pushed those thoughts aside. ¡°So, any suggestions?¡± Slim''s smile brightened. ¡°We came up with an interesting idea. Though our primary goal is to survive and engage only in battles we can''t avoid, we decided that whoever kills the most monsters after today gets to name the party and becomes the party leader, at least until the next competition.¡± Scott interjected, pointing behind the duo. ¡°Do those guys count?¡± Slim and Zara turned, and a group of twenty human champions approached from a sand dune over two hundred meters away, each marked with the accursed sign of death over their heads. ¡°So, you rats were hiding here! Today is our lucky day. We get to claim the bounty on your heads!¡± The group''s leader urged his men forward. Scott, Slim, and Zara exchanged glances. The skeleton burst into laughter as his scythe appeared in his bony hands. ¡°Perfect. These guys will make for the perfect appetizers.¡± Zara slammed her fists together, a murderous gleam in her eyes. Scott, meanwhile, retrieved several mana recovery potions from his inventory. Unlike the necromancer and brawler, he wasn''t particularly interested in being the party leader or choosing the party''s name. However, he had no intention of passing up on a bunch of free experience points. Chapter 23 : Competition Hugo, the leader of the approaching group, raised his arm, signaling his companions to halt. Their eyes fixated on the three figures ahead, who, seemingly unconcerned, made no move to flee. A thought crossed Hugo''s mind¡ªcould they have set traps? He frowned as he scrutinized the barren earth between them, searching for any signs of concealed danger, but nothing caught his attention. ¡°Hugo, what¡¯s the hold-up? Shouldn¡¯t we be going after them?¡± queried a man clad in silver full-body armor. ¡°These guys might have laid a trap,¡± Hugo replied, casting a quick glance at the speaker. ¡°Look at them, just standing there, practically inviting us to catch them. Doesn''t that strike you as suspicious?¡± ¡°Always so cautious, Hugo. You¡¯re strong; you don¡¯t need to be so paranoid,¡± retorted another man, folding his arms across his chest. Hugo scowled, fixing a piercing gaze on the slender figure. ¡°Not everyone can afford to be reckless like you, Jet. Maybe you''ve forgotten, but back on Earth, I used to smuggle people across borders. I can sense when something¡¯s off.¡± He pointed at the trio ahead. ¡°Trust me, there''s something off about those guys.¡± Jet scoffed and stepped forward, spear in hand. ¡°You''re right, I don''t remember. Since you''re not going to go, I''m sure there are others like me who want the bounty on their heads,¡± he said, his deep-set eyes scanning the group. Twelve bearers of death advanced, and Hugo''s countenance darkened. Jet giggled, tapping Hugo on the shoulder. ¡°Wait for us; we''ll be back shortly. Okay?¡± Hugo shrugged off the hand of the laughing man, observing as the group approached their target with confident strides. ¡°Hugo, what should we do?¡± a middle-aged man asked. ¡°Let''s get out of here. I have a bad feeling about those guys, especially the one with the mask,¡± Hugo replied. The men exchanged glances and, with a helpless sigh, stored their weapons in their inventory. ¡°I''m sorry, boys. I won''t stop anyone who wants to go after them,¡± Hugo said. ¡°Who in their right senses would ignore those super instincts of yours?¡± a man said, shaking his head. ¡°Well, those fools certainly did,¡± another man declared, a broad smile spreading across his face, drawing chuckles from the rest of the group. Another man joined the conversation, a smile playing on his lips as he observed Jet and the others. ¡°I''m almost tempted to stick around and see what''s going to happen to those guys. Last time I ignored your warnings, I nearly got raped by those ogres. Now, that I think about it, I''d rather not find out what''s in store this time.¡± Laughter erupted from various corners of the party, even Hugo couldn''t maintain his stoic demeanor. ¡°Let''s get out of here before it''s too late.¡± With a final glance at Jet''s group, Hugo led the seasoned team towards the east. Meanwhile, on the other side, Scott, Slim, and Zara engaged in a debate while Hugo and Jet exchanged words. ¡°How will we know who took down whom?¡± Scott asked, tossing three mana recovery potions to Slim. He, in turn, accepted the stamina bars Zara handed over. ¡°That''s not an issue. We just need to set up a counter,¡± Slim replied, downing the potions in one gulp. He opened his status screen as the mist broke down the supplements, then entered a series of commands. A system window materialized in front of Scott and Zara.
You have been invited to participate in a competition by a party member!
Terms Eliminate the most monsters and assailants within 24 hours!
Rewards Party leader position.
Exclusive rights to name the party.
Do you wish to participate in the competition?
Yes! No!
Scott¡¯s lips twisted to the side as he read the system message. I didn¡¯t know it was possible to do this. But there might be a need to amend these terms. ¡°So, what do you guys think?¡± Slim asked with a smile. ¡°I think we should amend the terms,¡± Scott said. ¡°There¡¯s a high probability that imp didn¡¯t tell us everything. Who knows what¡¯s going to happen to us if we killed a person with the same mark. I¡¯m sure you guys don¡¯t want to risk it, right?¡± Slim and Zara agreed with a nod. The imp had shown itself to be too mischievous to leave anything to chance. ¡°I¡¯ll modify it,¡± Slim said as he keyed in a series of new commands. Then, another system message appeared in front of the trio.
You have been invited to participate in a competition by a party member!
Terms Eliminate more monsters than the other participants or subdue more assailants within 24 hours!
Rewards Party leader position.
Exclusive rights to name the party.
Do you wish to participate in the competition?
Yes! No!
The trio instantly accepted the invitation, and a small counter with the number, zero, appeared above their right hands. Slim giggled, leaning against his scythe as he stared at the counter. ¡°Those guys won¡¯t know¡­ huh? What¡¯s going on with them?¡± To their surprise, the group had split into two, one remained motionless, while the other approached with confident strides. ¡°Do you think they¡¯re planning something?¡± Zara asked with a frown. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Slim said, his grip tightening around the scythe¡¯s handle. ¡°We just need to beat them. Then we¡¯ll handle¡­ What the hell is going on?¡± the skeleton frowned, watching as Hugo¡¯s group retreated eastwards. The trio stared at each other, confused by the sudden turn of events. ¡°Did they have some kind of internal conflict?¡± Zara echoed her thoughts. ¡°We should be careful. It¡¯s impossible to know what these guys are planning,¡± Scott said. ¡°Well, whatever it is, these bozos chose the wrong people to mess with. You guys should remember not to kill them, okay?¡± Slim said with a smile. Scott rolled his eyes. ¡°You do realize you¡¯re the only one holding a weapon, right?¡± The necromancer smacked his forehead in embarrassment, sending the deathly item into his inventory. Suddenly, the passionate voice of a spear-wielding man reached them. ¡°Oh l¨¤ l¨¤. I didn¡¯t know there was a cutie here.¡± Jet grinned, his amber eyes fixed on the curvaceous feline. He licked his lips, pulling his hair back with his free hand as he quickened his pace. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Zara frowned, glaring at the lascivious man. The spearman in the bodysuit spoke again. ¡°To think we¡¯d see a cat girl here of all places. Come here, baby. I have a big stick perfect for those hands of yours, and it comes with a pair of balls too.¡± Giggles erupted from the surrounding champions as Jet thrust his hips and spear back and forth. The corner of Zara¡¯s lips raised into a smile as she turned toward Scott and Slim. ¡°That one, please leave him to me.¡± ¡°He¡¯s all yours,¡± Scott said, his arms folded across his chest. Slim nodded, giving the brawler a thumbs up. Zara turned toward Jet again, cracking her neck as she approached in short steps. ¡°Baby, I knew you couldn¡¯t resist my offer. Trust me, you¡¯re going to have the best two minutes of your life by the time I¡¯m done with you.¡± The surrounding champions erupted in laughter once again, some tearing up as their stomachs cramped. Despite the tomfoolery and shenanigans, Jet''s hawk-like eyes remained fixed on the approaching brawler, his grip tightening around the hilt of the spear. It looks like my taunts are working, he snickered to himself as the cat girl sprinted toward him. ¡°Hey, Jet, need any help with her?¡± someone asked. ¡°Nah, I got this. Standby and watch the show, boys,¡± Jet grinned, assuming his stance and pulling back the spear a bit, readying for a thrusting lunge. The silver spear tip sparkled as the spearman observed the approaching brawler, akin to a predator fixated on the futile struggles of its prey. It¡¯s a pity that such a hot babe would meet her end here, he mused, readying himself to strike. Jet''s grin morphed into a savage smile the moment the cat girl closed in within ten feet of his spear. With a ruthless thrust, he aimed for the midsection of the feline. Jet cackled as the silver spearhead raced toward its target. ¡°I''ve got you now!¡± He had executed the thrust with flawless timing, leaving no room for the cat girl to dodge or parry. Even if she attempted either, he was prepared to counterattack the moment she moved, or, in the unlikely event she managed to parry, he would unleash his next attack in a flash. Zara, however, remained focused on the incoming spear, her limpid eyes revealing neither anxiety nor concern. Twisting her leg in the sand, she spun; and the spearhead clashed against her gauntlets. The nimble cat girl rolled along the length of the elongated spear, appearing in front of its stunned owner in a flash. ¡°What the¡­?¡± The spearman''s words were abruptly cut off by an uppercut, the force of the blow causing his grip on the weapon to loosen, sending him airborne. Zara swiftly adjusted her position, ascending into the air alongside the barely conscious man. Twisting her body, she delivered a swift kick to the man''s groin. A crisp crack echoed, followed by a chilling scream. Zara executed a backflip, landing gracefully on the loose earth, while Jet tumbled to the ground, unconscious, his hands surprisingly clutching his crotch. Scott and Slim instinctively recoiled, mirroring the actions of the onlookers who witnessed the grim scene. ¡°Is it strange that I feel sorry for that guy?¡± Slim muttered, unable to fathom the pain coursing through the unconscious man''s body. ¡°Well, he fucked around and found out. He can only blame himself,¡± Scott said. Like Slim, he instinctively shielded his groin. Although the skeleton consisted only of bones, some things were ingrained deep within a man''s marrows. Zara fixed her gaze on the unconscious man convulsing and foaming at the mouth. She delivered an additional kick to his groin, adding a contemptuous spit. Then, she shifted her focus to the remaining men, pointing randomly at one of them. ¡°Give him a healing potion.¡± The designated man hesitated, the ominous crack ringing in his mind. He took three steps backward, the person behind him preventing any further retreat. ¡°Why are you cowards afraid of just one girl?¡± a man at the back sneered, his gaze shifting between Jet and Zara. ¡°There are thirteen... no, twelve of us here. It''s more than enough to handle a mere cat girl." Despite his words, he remained rooted in the same position. Zara focused on the outspoken man, curling her fingers as she beckoned for him to step forward. The men blocking his path instantly gave way, none daring to meet the eyes of the brawler. ¡°If you''re not here in five seconds, I''ll make sure you end up like him,¡± Zara said, smiling. The man shrieked, sprinting with the full force of his trembling muscles toward the cat girl. Jet, the strongest among them, found himself unable to put up a fight against the brawler. Let alone him, who wasn¡¯t even the second or third strongest within the group. ¡°Do you have a recovery potion?¡± Zara asked softly. The man stammered, ¡°Y-Y-Yes,¡± as several recovery potions materialized at the cat girl''s feet. ¡°Feed it to him,¡± Zara instructed, her eyes fixed on the updated counter displayed on her arm. Carefully, the man uncorked a vial, pouring the clear liquid into Jet''s mouth, ensuring the unconscious man swallowed every drop. Returning to his submissive stance, he dared not meet the brawler''s intense gaze. ¡°Zara, get back here. Hurry!¡± Scott''s urgent voice resonated in the cat girl''s mind. Turning, she saw the anxiety etched on Scott and Slim''s faces. Puzzled, she scanned the defeated men and the surroundings. No towering sand wall, no impending threat. Their distress only deepened her confusion. Nevertheless, without exchanging words with the trembling men, she sprinted toward Scott and Slim, and the trio departed with the swiftest speed they could muster. The bewildered men exchanged confused glances, their uncertainty slowly giving way to relief. ¡°What''s our next move?¡± one man voiced the collective concern. With Jet defeated and Hugo''s crew long gone, survival in the desert became their immediate priority. Zeke, who had earlier suggested ambushing Zara, hoisted Jet onto his shoulders, casting a gaze in the direction Hugo''s party had vanished. ¡°Let''s head that way. If we''re fortunate, we might catch up with them.¡± ¡°I doubt that,¡± a mysterious voice retorted. The men swiftly turned, gripping their weapons, yet failed to locate the speaker. ¡°Show yourself!¡± Zeke''s voice thundered, his breath quickening. A sword materialized out of nowhere, swiftly decapitating the unsuspecting Zeke. The scorching earth bore witness to twelve headless bodies collapsing with muted thuds. The air distorted, revealing a towering figure, bare-chested and menacing, standing over Zeke¡¯s lifeless form. Emerald eyes locked onto the path Scott, Slim, and Zara had taken, braids tousled by the gentle breeze. Ten men with similar attire emerged behind him, their gaze fixed on the escaping trio. Tribal markings, etched in ash, adorned their bared upper torsos. Golden earrings swayed freely from their elongated earlobes. A distinctive golden necklace adorned each tribesman, carrying a ruby pendant shaped like an owl. The gemstone emitted mana pulsations in harmony with the rhythmic heartbeats of the formidable warriors. ¡°Should we pursue them?¡± inquired one of the tribesmen. The imposing leader turned, shaking his head. ¡°No. The fact that they could perceive us, despite the blessings of the goddess, underlines the threat they pose.¡± He shifted his attention to Jet, lying motionless on the ground. His gaze lowered toward Jet''s crotch. ¡°This one has been rendered useless as a man. Unlike the cowards following him, he doesn¡¯t deserve death yet. Carry him.¡± A tribesman picked up Jet, and the leader addressed the others. ¡°The rest of you, secure their items.¡± Nine tribesmen set out to retrieve the belongings, leaving behind their leader and the man holding Jet. ¡°Kvata, you''ve been staring at me for a while now. What troubles you?¡± The leader cleaned his sword with a rag while waiting for Kvata to express his concerns. Kvata shifted Jet¡¯s position on his shoulder, clearing his throat. ¡°Kigen, I can understand why you¡¯re spearing those three, but why aren¡¯t we going after the rest of this man¡¯s companions?¡± The fact that someone from Scott¡¯s group could see them, despite their blessings, made them dangerous. However, Kvata couldn¡¯t comprehend why they weren¡¯t pursuing Hugo¡¯s group either. Kigen chuckled softly, shaking his head. ¡°It seems you have yet to understand the true purpose of this trial, my brother.¡± Kvata clasped his hands together, lowering his head. ¡°Please enlighten me, my leader.¡± Kigen returned the sword and rag to his inventory before facing the shorter man. ¡°Which group do you think is at a disadvantage between us and the bearers of death?¡± Kvata''s brows furrowed as he delved into deep thought. It seemed evident that they held the upper hand due to their numerical superiority. However, the fact that Kigen was seeking his input suggested there might be an aspect eluding him. Without interrupting his underling''s contemplation, Kigen stood with his hands clasped behind his back, occasionally casting glances at those recovering items from the fallen. Later, Kvata emerged from his musings, locking eyes with the tribal leader. ¡°I''ve pondered deeply but fail to see how we could be at a disadvantage. We outnumber the bearers of death, and all we must do is locate them to...¡± Kvata paused, a sudden realization dawning on him. Kigen chuckled, tapping Kvata''s free shoulder. ¡°You''ve grasped it, my brother. Despite our numbers, we''re the ones truly disadvantaged in this trial. The bearers of death can conceal themselves by any means, ensuring their survival. In contrast, we must locate and eliminate all of them to pass the trial.¡± Kvata interjected, his voice low, ¡°Never did it occur to me that we''re the unfortunate ones.¡± Kigen laughed, patting the astounded man''s shoulder. ¡°That''s why we need to amass as many resources as possible. If luck eludes us, we might spend months here.¡± Kvata suddenly dropped to his knees, bowing his head. ¡°Thank you for your enlightenment, and I apologize for my rude interruption earlier.¡± ¡°Arise, brother. We are no longer confined by tribal obligations. My former status holds no sway in this place,¡± Kigen said softly. He then turned his attention to the other tribesmen. ¡°My brothers, the time has come for us to depart.¡± They clutched their necklaces, whispering inaudible incantations. The air around them seemed to ripple, and their figures took on an illusionary quality. In the span of a second, they vanished, leaving behind no trace, not even footprints. Minutes later, a cluster of earthworms emerged from below the ground, their segmented bodies dragging the corpses into the abyss. Chapter 24 : Goddess of the Night Scott, Slim, and Zara bent over, hands on their knees, sweat trickling from their faces as their chests heaved up and down. Intermittently, they cast glances at their surroundings, attempting to calm their tense nerves. ¡°Bud-Buddy, how did you know those guys were there?¡± Slim asked, sitting on the ground. He had never run so much in a short burst in his life. Zara stared at the masked man. If not for his warning, she might have met a similar fate to Zeke and his companions. Scott, feeling the weight of their gazes, glanced at the duo and shook his head while taking a deep breath. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to explain it. For some reason, they weren¡¯t invisible to my eyes.¡± Forcing himself to a standing position, Scott reached for the stamina bars Zara handed to him. Slim threw his stamina bars into his mouth, collapsing on the dry sand. ¡°What¡¯s important is that we made it out of there before those guys came. I can¡¯t wait for this stupid trial to be over,¡± Slim said between breaths. Zara walked closer to Scott, her fair cheeks turning pink as she lowered her head. ¡°Thank you for the heads up. I lost my head for a moment there.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. You couldn¡¯t have known. That jerk deserves everything that came to him,¡± Scott replied softly. The cat girl opened her inventory, and an aromatic, dried fish appeared in her hands. Zara turned her head to the side as she raised the fish. ¡°Please take this. It¡¯s soft to chew, delicious, and it digests quickly too.¡± Slim raised his head from his lying position, a devious grin plastered across his face as he stared at the duo. Scott and the necromancer¡¯s eyes met, and the skeleton winked before resting his head on the sand once more. Scott chuckled inwardly, convinced that the skeleton misunderstood Zara''s actions. ¡°Thank you. I can''t wait to try it out,¡± he said, accepting the fish. Then, Slim''s voice echoed, ¡°What about me, guys? Just because I''m a skeleton, no one is offering me food. Such a cruel, cruel world. Even your buddies won''t call you to eat with them.¡± Scott and Zara exchanged glances as they listened to the faux sobbing of the necromancer. ¡°Skeletons can eat?¡± Zara asked herself, her mouth partially open. ¡°I honestly have no idea,¡± Scott replied. If not for his mask, she would have realized he was just as surprised as she was. They had witnessed the unique way the mist degraded the stamina bars and potions, but they didn''t believe it could have the same effect on food. ¡°All right, you can stop your crying now. Let''s all eat together,¡± Scott said, approaching in small strides. ¡°Who knows when...¡± Slim shot to his feet, interjecting, ¡°Stop! Don''t say it.¡± ¡°Huh? Say what?¡± ¡°You were about to say, who knows when the next disaster will happen, right? Don¡¯t say it. Don¡¯t raise a flag for that little¡­¡± Slim paused, realizing he had made a fatal mistake. He turned his head side to side, then he looked at the clear skies, and then the dried earth, concern painted across his face. Scott and Zara stared at each other, wondering what happened to the necromancer. ¡°Are you okay buddy?¡± Scott asked, approaching the skeleton in slow steps. Slim turned toward the duo, wearing a crooked smile. ¡°We need to get out of here, right now. We have raised a flag, and that bastard will surely act on it.¡± ¡°Slim, I think you need to calm down,¡± Zara said softly. She couldn¡¯t understand what the necromancer meant by raising a flag. ¡°There¡¯s no way the imp can do anything to us, right now.¡± ¡°No!¡± Slim fell on his knees with his hands on his head. ¡°You just raised another flag.¡± Scott stopped in his tracks, staring at the animated skeleton. Something isn¡¯t right here. Slim has been behaving oddly for a while now. ¡°System, show me Slim¡¯s stats.¡±
Abnormal Stats Intelligence has significantly worsened due to parasitic sand worms!
Madness: 15 [+5 due to parasitic sand worms]
Scott quickly looked away from the status screen upon noticing Slim''s altered mental state. ¡°Zara, there are parasitic sand worms in Slim''s body that can erode intelligence. Be cautious and avoid getting close to him.¡± Zara''s expression hardened as she took a step back, her gaze fixed on the necromancer who was now uttering gibberish. ¡°Do you have a plan?¡± ¡°I do, but I don¡¯t know if it will work,¡± Scott declared, pointing towards the laughing skeleton.
Frost Nova activated!
Mana Points has decreased by 10!
The Eldritch Knight''s fingers danced, manipulating the mana that swirled around them. To Zara''s amazement, the ambient temperature plummeted. A chilling gust swept towards Slim, encasing him in a delicate layer of ice. ¡°What''s happening?¡± Zara began to ask but choked on her words. Before her eyes, hundreds of tiny brown worms spilled forth from the Slim¡¯s clothes. Some unfortunate ones landed on the icy barrier and shriveled instantly, while the fortunate survivors burrowed deep into the earth. Slim''s eyes swirled with mist, and the skeleton emitted a deranged howl, releasing noxious, decayed fumes from its creaking bones. ¡°How dare you attempt to seize control of my body!¡± Slim lowered his hand, unleashing a torrent of putrid gases and a swirling mass of darkness that surged toward the fleeing worms. A muffled explosion sent more sand into the air. Zara and Scott observed cautiously from a distance as the skeleton unleashed its fury upon the remnants of the parasitic worms. ¡°I feel like we should say something,¡± Zara communicated mentally, her gaze fixed on Slim as he menacingly threatened a worm, stomping on it repeatedly. ¡°Let him have his revenge. He¡¯ll calm down when he¡¯s had enough,¡± Scott advised. The cat girl continued to watch in disbelief as the skeleton thrashed about the area. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m feeling sorry for those worms,¡± she muttered. The necromancer went to extreme lengths, even summoning dead worms to combat the living ones, all while pretending to urinate on the corpses. Zara turned her head away, unable to bear the gruesome spectacle, while Scott maintained his usual dispassionate gaze. ¡°Can I ask you a question?¡± Scott turned to the cat girl. ¡°Sure, what do you want to know?¡± Zara lowered her head, her lips trembling as she continued. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to pry, but have your eyes always been like that?¡± ¡°Like how?¡± Scott asked flatly. Zara raised her head, her hands fidgeting as she tried to explain herself. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have said it like that. What I meant to say is, your eyes are beautiful, but there''s an unsettling feeling when you stare at them.¡± This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Scott''s lips curled into a smirk. ¡°I''m messing with you. I know what you meant. I just wanted to see you flustered.¡± He casually placed a loose strand of hair behind his ear. ¡°They weren''t always like this, but I guess I''ll have to live with ''em now.¡± ¡°You''re not going to try to get them back to normal?¡± Zara asked. Scott chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°I don¡¯t even know what ''normal'' means anymore. Here I am, in the middle of nowhere, in a scenario I only thought possible in movies, video games, and anime, yet I don¡¯t feel out of place.¡± Zara furrowed her brow, perplexed by Scott''s statement. ¡°Can I ask you a question?¡± Scott suddenly inquired. Zara snapped out of her contemplative state, donning a polite smile. ¡°Certainly. I should at least return the favor.¡± ¡°Why are you climbing the tower?¡± Scott asked. Zara''s smile slowly vanished, replaced by a chilling bloodlust in her eyes. ¡°I''m hunting a beast. I care little for the fame or glory that comes with the trials.¡± Scott glanced at the cat girl''s quests, realizing the focus of her anger was the Varkham Hound. If merely asking her why she climbs the tower can sour her mood like this, I can¡¯t imagine what hell she¡¯d unleash when she finds the target of her bloodlust, he thought, with no intention of prying any further. Zara took three deep breaths, and her expression returned to normal. She glanced at Slim, who was commanding the corpses of the worms to attack their brethren, who fought and fled passionately for survival. ¡°What about you? Why do you climb the tower?¡± Zara asked, refocusing on Scott. As always, she avoided his gaze. ¡°I''m on a quest for answers, and if fortune smiles upon me, perhaps a path back to normalcy,¡± Scott shared. His unwavering composure, a loyal companion through the trials, had likely saved him from madness long ago. Despite its many virtues, he yearned for the days when his concerns peaked at wondering if his crush reciprocated his feelings. Nowadays, he contended with the uncertainty of whether he still possessed the capacity to love any creature at all.
The Goddess of the Night, ???, is now watching you!
The Goddess of the Night, ???, is curious about you!
Scott and Zara exchanged bewildered glances; their attention arrested by the enigmatic system window before them. Slim mirrored their astonishment as he too gazed at the peculiar notification. ¡°Guys, are you seeing this?¡± Slim asked, gesturing toward the system popup. ¡°How did we capture the interest of a goddess?¡± he mumbled in disbelief. The remaining parasitic worms hastily retreated before the demon could subject them to further torment. Even the spirits of the vanquished worms seemed to celebrate, relieved to finally find peace. Scott''s eyes narrowed, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the flickering screen. Why would a goddess turn her attention to us? he wondered, lifting his head to scan the surroundings.
The Goddess of the Night, ???, has stopped watching you!
The system window vanished as mysteriously as it had appeared, leaving the perplexed trio to exchange bewildered glances. The earth around them bulged, and a familiar figure shot up from the loose sand. The imp clapped, a mischievous smile playing on its face as it observed the ashen countenance of the cat girl and the murderous glare from Slim. Then, its attention honed in on Scott, and a frown creased its features. I don''t like this one. No matter what I do or say, he never seems to lose his cool. But the most infuriating thing is that I can''t discern his race. And those eyes of his, I truly hate those alluring eyes. ¡°Why are you here, shorty?¡± Slim asked, glaring at the imp. The examiner yawned, smacking its behind at the necromancer as it floated. ¡°Do you think I want to be here with you creeps?¡± it scoffed, stretching, and a somewhat gelatinous bubble enveloped the group in a flash. ¡°I''d prefer not to waste my time here, but alas, even I have responsibilities,¡± the imp said, and the bubble thickened. ¡°I¡¯m here because a god took an interest in your party. Though it was but a momentary interest, it sadly counts as a merit for you three.¡± Zara interjected, ¡°What does that mean?¡± The examiner sighed, glaring at the cat girl. ¡°Don¡¯t interrupt me. I''d be having my booty massaged right now if not for you.¡± Slim stood in front of the brawler. ¡°Hey, nobody wants to hear about your shenanigans. Tell us why you sealed us here, or fuck off, you ugly, tasteless freak.¡± Zara bit her lip, forcing herself not to laugh as Slim and the imp glared at each other. She couldn''t help but praise his bravery. Scott, on the other hand, chuckled aloud. Only now did he realize Slim was the type of person to hold a grudge. The imp let out a deep sigh, teeth gritted. ¡°Consider yourselves lucky that I''ve been attending anger management classes.¡± Another sigh followed before it resumed speaking. ¡°I''m not obliged to elucidate the significance of a merit, so I won''t waste my time enlightening you lot. However, the fact that a god has shown interest in your sorry selves, which is utterly unbelievable, is an achievement deserving of reward.¡±
Congratulations! The trial examiner has given you permission to ask 1 question!
Scott, Slim, and Zara fixed their gazes on the system window, anticipation lingering in the air. The promise of a reward from the imp had fueled their expectations, yet what unfolded before them was not what they had envisaged. The peculiar round-bottomed creature broke the silence, declaring with a stern gaze fixed on Slim, ¡°First things first, I will absolutely refuse any stupid questions.¡± An undercurrent of frustration rippled through Slim as he clenched his teeth, yearning for the opportunity to confront the tasteless creature. The imp, seemingly amused, chuckled before proceeding, ¡°There are also some questions I will flat out refuse to answer. Neither of us has permission to know about them, and we certainly don''t want to suffer the consequences." Raising its hand, the imp summoned a comprehensive system window that laid out a series of off-limits inquiries. Questions concerning the gods'' identities were strictly forbidden, as were inquiries about fellow trialists and test areas¡ªwhether past, present, or future. Moreover, all queries must be directly related to the ongoing trial. ¡°So, who''s stepping up first?¡± The imp inquired impatiently, prompting the trio to consider their next move. Slim raised his hand, and the imp''s voice resonated within the bubble. ¡°Move along. Not you.¡± It pointed directly at Scott. ¡°You, the freak with the cursed eyes, pose your question.¡± Scott shifted his gaze to the imp, and the diminutive creature frowned as their eyes locked. It truly despised those defiant eyes. ¡°What are the consequences if we were to kill another bearer of death?¡± Scott inquired. While he harbored the hope of avoiding any conflicts, the desert housed numerous individuals, some undoubtedly daring enough to overestimate their abilities. The imp grinned while clicking its tongue. ¡°That''s simple. Instead of a day, you''ll spend a month here.¡± It flashed a mischievous smile. Zara''s expression soured as Jet''s face invaded her thoughts. The mischievous imp couldn''t resist taunting the cat girl. ¡°You were inches away from offing that guy. Pity those meddling folks had to spoil your fun. So, what''s your burning question?¡± It paused, a giggle escaping as it twirled midair. ¡°You can always hold off on your query until the trial''s grand finale.¡± Slim cut in, ¡°Why the hell didn''t you mention that from the start?¡± ¡°Up yours!¡± the imp shot back. Slim retaliated by flipping the bird at the examiner. ¡°Up yours too, buddy!¡± ¡°Me? Up yours!¡± The imp extended both fingers, and the skeleton and necromancer engaged in a spirited exchange of insults. Scott chuckled at the banter, reminiscent of a long-forgotten meme. ¡°They''re a match made in hell,¡± Zara whispered, stifling a laugh. ¡°Slim will chew your ears off if he catches wind of that,¡± Scott warned, but just as amused as the brawler. Slim and the imp continued their exchange of insults, yet there was no trace of genuine animosity between them. They seemed perfectly content to engage in a battle of wits. ¡°I won¡¯t be staying here anymore. I¡¯m tired of arguing with a talentless hack who can only make it to the pages of a lesbian magazine,¡± the imp declared as it deactivated the barrier. Slim, unimpressed, retorted, ¡°At least I¡¯m not paying for some tentacled freak to tear me a new one. Message, yeah right.¡± Zara stifled her laughter, wrapping her cloaks around her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks. The gravity of the situation prevented her from collapsing into fits of amusement. Scott, too, managed to maintain a composed smile behind his mask as the protective bubble dissipated. The imp shot Slim a silent, intense glare, and the necromancer met it without flinching. Then, unexpectedly, both burst into laughter. ¡°That was a good one. I¡¯ll be sure to remember it,¡± the imp chuckled, wiping away tears that streaked down its cheeks. Slim grinned and extended his hand toward the imp. ¡°You also dished out some good ones too. We''ll be seeing you around, buddy.¡± ¡°Sure. Good luck.¡± The duo locked hands, laughter filling the air. The imp dove into the ground, disappearing momentarily. However, it resurfaced quickly. ¡°Friendly piece of advice: don''t expect the night, and this place isn¡¯t as small as you¡¯d imagine.¡± It submerged again, leaving the trio in the same spot. ¡°What just happened?¡± Zara asked, dazed, her mouth hanging open. Scott mirrored her reaction, his mask concealing his opened mouth. ¡°What? What''s gotten into you guys?¡± Slim asked, readjusting his jacket. ¡°What do you mean, ''What¡¯s gotten into us?'' Where did that come from? You guys were tearing each other to shreds moments ago, and now you¡¯re all cool with each other?¡± Zara fired off the questions, her perfect brows demanding answers. Slim chuckled. ¡°We were bonding, that''s all. I''ve lived long enough to know how to handle imps. You can never befriend those evil bastards if you¡¯re all nice and friendly.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Zara muttered in a daze. ¡°So, you guys didn¡¯t mean any of that.¡± Slim interjected, ¡°Of course, we did. What are you talking about?¡± His visage turned hideous as he gritted his teeth. ¡°Me and that little bitch meant every single word, and we truly hate each other to our bones. That little rascal even cracked my singing hand. See¡­¡± Slim raised his right hand, pointing to a minuscule crack on his index finger. Zara¡¯s mouth opened further. ¡°I give up trying to understand those two. I already have enough problems.¡± Then, Scott¡¯s voice echoed from the side. ¡°If there are no hidden innuendos in the imp¡¯s words, then we have a long day ahead of us. Surviving this place without the comfort of the night means we should get all the rest we can.¡± Chapter 25 : Tower Trader The trio persevered through the unforgiving wasteland, their steps unyielding, interrupted only by sporadic breaks or the need to quiet their growling stomachs. The relentless heat and parched winds intensified with every passing minute, offering no solace except the absence of calamitous disasters, roaming creatures, and fellow participants as forewarned by the imp. Slim broke the silence, his voice cutting through the arid air. ¡°Do you guys have any idea how long we''ve been here?¡± He glanced at his watch, only to find the hands frozen in time since the trial commenced, a peculiar and inexplicable phenomenon. ¡°I''ve lost count,¡± Zara admitted, shaking her head. A small, transparent water bottle materialized in her hands, and she splashed her face with the cool liquid. Despite her cloak absorbing the scorching heat, the dry winds occasionally slapped against her face. Her condition fared better than Slim''s; he had once again stripped down, and Scott, walking shirtless, revealed a thin body covered in scars and stitches. Even though it had been hours since the brawler had laid eyes on them, she refrained from commenting. Certain things were best left unspoken, or so she believed. Zara withdrew another water bottle from her inventory and casually tossed it over to Slim. The skeleton effortlessly uncorked the transparent plastic bottle and poured the refreshing water over his bony form. ¡°That felt good,¡± Slim grinned, relishing the sensation as he stretched his arms. His attention then shifted towards Scott. ¡°You''ve been awfully quiet for a while now. Is something on your mind?¡± Scott turned to face the skeleton. ¡°Not really. I''ve been contemplating what the imp mentioned.¡± ¡°Oh? Share your deductions with us,¡± Slim encouraged, draping one arm around Scott''s sweat-covered shoulder and the other over Zara''s. Scott leaned forward, his gaze fixed on the brawler. ¡°Zara, did you also step onto the main stage at midnight?¡± ¡°Yes. Why do you ask?¡± Zara inquired; her curious eyes focused on the masked man. Scott paused for a moment before resuming, ¡°The journey from the tower to here didn''t even take an hour, and it''s likely we''ve been stuck in this place for at least fifteen to sixteen hours, give or take.¡± Scott suddenly halted because both Zara and Slim came to an abrupt stop in their tracks. Turning his head from side to side, Scott couldn''t spot anything out of the ordinary. The fact that the duo stared at him with open mouths all but confirmed he was the source of their incredulity. ¡°What? Did I say something weird?¡± Scott inquired. Slim spoke up first, ¡°You were awake during the transfer?¡± Scott nodded. ¡°Weren''t you?¡± Zara and Slim simultaneously shook their heads, and Scott frowned behind his mask. That explains a lot. He remembered that his mana barrier shattered before the others, and he still couldn''t explain why. Now that he knew he was likely the only one awake during the transfer, he had no intention of revealing the details about the shattered mana barrier to the duo just yet. ¡°Could there be some meaning behind it?¡± Zara pondered aloud. ¡°Maybe it has something to do with his second race,¡± Slim suggested, the uncertainty in his voice palpable. Scott cleared his throat while adjusting his hair. ¡°That''s not important, guys. We can discuss that later. What I was trying to say earlier is that we might be the fortunate ones during this trial, especially if this desert is much larger than we expected.¡± Slim burst into laughter. ¡°There''s no way that little trickster would do something nice for us. Come on, that little devil would...¡± Slim paused, rubbing his jaw as a stray thought blossomed in his mind. He opened his mouth to speak again but suddenly fell silent, a sense of realization dawning on him. ¡°I can''t believe it,¡± Slim muttered in a daze. ¡°Wait, what are you guys talking about?¡± Zara asked, confusion evident in her wandering eyes. ¡°It will be more difficult for others to find us if this place is bigger than we expected. There are literally thousands of people searching for us. But it should... wait a minute.¡± Zara paused, her frown deepening as she tilted her head to the side. Then, her pupils widened in realization. ¡°If this place is freakishly large, then it¡¯s practically impossible for all the purple hearts to find the bearers of death,¡± Zara whispered in a daze. Slim interjected, ¡°Even worse, a lot of people will be driven into desperation the longer the trial continues. Can you imagine a hundred people searching for only one person in this place?¡± ¡°I''m glad you guys finally understand,¡± Scott remarked. Were it not for the imp''s parting words, he might have missed their advantageous position. Perhaps that explained why the pursuing warriors hadn''t given chase. I need to be cautious around that man. Hopefully, our paths won''t cross again, Scott mused, reflecting on the encounter with Kigen and his tribal brothers. Suddenly, Slim erupted into laughter, lifting both arms in amusement. ¡°I''ll make sure to give that little bastard an autograph when I see him. Who knew the creep had our backs?¡± The skeleton tightened his grip on Zara''s shoulder, encouraging the cat girl to join him in a dance. ¡°Before you start celebrating, give it a moment. Don''t forget about the sand wall,¡± Scott reminded them. Slim halted his celebratory dance, his expression shifting to a frown once more. ¡°We can''t afford to become complacent just because we find ourselves in a favorable position. That''s when things tend to take a turn for the worse,¡± Scott cautioned. ¡°Nicely said,¡± an unfamiliar voice reverberated, causing Scott, Zara, and Slim to shudder. The source of the voice materialized suddenly, a figure standing among them. They couldn''t discern when or where he had arrived, but there he stood, as if he had been present from the outset. Wrapped in a hooded black cloak, the figure exuded an enigmatic presence. The cloak swayed gently, responding to the capricious whispers of the wind, while a diminutive leather satchel adorned with two gemstones dangled freely from the robe secured at the figure¡¯s waist.
You have found the Tower Trader!
¡°There''s no need to be scared; I come seeking trades, not fists.¡± The trader slowly raised his hands. ¡°See? I have no weapons on me,¡± he assured, simultaneously reaching for his satchel. His bubbly voice echoed once more. ¡°You don¡¯t know how hard I''ve been searching for you three, but I¡¯m glad to finally make your acquaintance. I¡¯m the tower trader, and peddling is my game.¡± This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Scott narrowed his gaze, fixing his eyes on the system notification in front of him. It wasn''t surprising that Hastur¡¯s gaze couldn''t discern anything about the trader. Yet, a lingering doubt crossed Scott''s mind. Can we really trust this guy? he pondered silently. No matter the angle or position from which they observed the trader, they couldn''t see beyond the cloak. However, none of the trio harbored any intentions of approaching the mysterious individual. The tower trader sighed, detecting the unmistakable suspicion emanating from the trio. He opened his satchel, the echoes of clanks and creaks filling the air as he rummaged through the leather bag. Then, with a speed beyond the trio''s perception, he withdrew three snow-white crystals and tossed them onto the loose sand. The crystals collided with the ground, yet produced no dust and emitted no sound. ¡°These elemental shards should prove useful in warding off the heat. Consider it a gift,¡± the trader said. Scott turned his gaze to Slim. ¡°Is that really an elemental shard?¡± he inquired mentally. The skeleton nodded, but neither of them extended a hand to claim the item. They had both endured enough to understand that nothing was ever freely given. Zara, too, refrained from picking up the shard; instead, she brought her fists together, subtly assuming a fighting stance. The trader sighed deeply, scratching his head in frustration. ¡°Why are you guys being so difficult? I''ve already made it clear that I''m not seeking a fight.¡± With a sudden, almost magical gesture, the trader vanished, reappearing next to Scott. Simultaneously, another trader materialized beside Slim and Zara. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to boast, but you lot don¡¯t even stand a chance against me,¡± the trader declared, reappearing in his initial position. Scott crouched low, his fingers reaching for the elemental shard. An icy sensation tingled through his fingertips as the smooth gemstone settled into his palm. Slim and Zara watched in awe as a thin layer of frost enveloped Scott¡¯s body, shimmering each time the violent winds clashed against the protective barrier. Scott lifted his gaze to his companions. ¡°You should grab one too. I don¡¯t think it''s a trap,¡± he communicated mentally, before stashing the elemental shard into his pocket after removing his clothes from his inventory. ¡°I¡¯m pleased my benevolent intentions have reached you,¡± the trader chuckled, his attention shifting to the latch of his leather bag. ¡°Can you tell us more about what we can and can¡¯t purchase from you,¡± Scott inquired, folding his arms across his chest. His gaze shifted towards Slim and Zara, and for some reason, their attention wasn¡¯t fixed on the tall figure. What are they looking at? Scott narrowed his eyes but couldn¡¯t see anything beyond the mysterious peddler. ¡°Guys, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Scott asked through their shared mental connection, but only silence met his words. The trader laughed, executing a courteous bow. The tall figure shot its head up, materializing in front of Scott within a heartbeat. ¡°Your friends are engrossed in their own transactions at the moment. It wouldn''t be fair to disturb them.¡± Then he cleared his throat as he continued. ¡°I can provide any item you desire¡ªpotions, information, weapons, or armor, and a whole lot more. However, whatever I deem of suitable value must be paid in exchange. Now, what do you desire?¡± Standing up close to the mysterious being, Scott''s eyes bulged as thick veins distorted the sides of his face. The darkness veiling the peddler''s figure slowly dissipated, transforming into a blurry mist instead of absolute obscurity. The trader chuckled, extending his hand toward Scott''s mask. Despite Scott''s attempt to evade the reaching arm, he found himself immobilized. ¡°How intriguing,¡± the trader remarked, his fingers halting just before the churning darkness in the mask. ¡°There''s no mistaking this energy concentration. I''m truly honored to stand in the presence of a spawn of a great old one.¡± He withdrew his hand and continued, ¡°If you relinquish that mask, I''ll grant you anything you desire¡ªbe it information regarding the gods or detailed notes on all the test floors.¡± The trader suddenly paused, lifting his head. Scott felt as though he was being watched, though he wasn''t the primary focus. A sickening chortle soon filled his ears, and the trader spoke again. ¡°Forget my previous offer. Give me your eyes and the mask, and I¡¯ll guide you to the last floor personally. I will restore your former eyes, and I will ensure there¡¯s a place for you when the trial of champions is over, regardless of the outcome.¡± Scott opened his mouth to speak, but no words emerged. Instead, a blackened fist squirmed out from his insides, gradually transforming into a towering figure clad in yellow. The peddler had vanished, replaced by a creature beyond his comprehension. It possessed a humanoid physique yet bore mountains and towering trees on its body. Fiery eyes, akin to stars, gleamed, while an all-consuming void stretched from the center of its being. Scott observed the two colossal figures in the eerie quiet of the abyss, struggling to comprehend his surroundings and identity. The only solace he found lay in the familiar hue of yellow that enveloped him. Gazing down, he expected to see his arms, but they eluded him. The search for his legs proved equally fruitless. Turning in desperation, he was met only by boundless emptiness. When he tried to speak, the abyss swallowed his voice in a profound silence. With a single blink, the humanoid monstrosity vanished. A second blink, and the yellow-clad figure disappeared. On the third blink, he found himself under a sky of azure, with a skeleton and a captivating feline creature peering down at him, their expressions marked by concern. Oh. I remember now. My name is Has¡­ A knock landed on the head of the half-human, rousing him from his daze, and his confused eyes shifted between Slim and Zara. ¡°Buddy, you¡¯re finally awake!¡± Slim said with an anxious smile. Zara¡¯s tensed muscles relaxed, but concern still clouded her eyes. Scott, on the other hand, stared at the system notification in front of his eyes.
Abnormal Stat: Madness has increased by 6!
Warning! The user will succumb to their insanity if Madness exceeds Composure by 10 points!
Scott cursed under his breath as he shifted his position, scanning his surroundings for the elusive tower trader. Zara extended her right hand to the dazed man, asking, ¡°Are you sure you''re okay?¡± Scott grabbed her hand, and with a gentle pull, he regained his footing. ¡°I don''t know how I ended up on the ground, but I''m fine now, I think,¡± Scott replied, brushing lingering sand off his hair. ¡°Where''s the trader, and how long was I down there?¡± ¡°He left more than an hour ago, and you''ve been out for the same amount of time,¡± Slim explained, placing a hand behind Scott''s back. ¡°Did he do something weird to you?¡± ¡°I don''t know. The last thing I remembered was him asking for my mask,¡± Scott said, grappling with his fragmented memory. Slim and Zara exchanged perplexed glances, unsure of their next move. The skeleton swiftly accessed its inventory, retrieving a small parchment that dissipated as soon as it materialized. ¡°I managed to barter my right to pose a question to the examiner in exchange for a map of the desert,¡± Slim explained, gesturing towards an inconspicuous arrow pulsating on the screen, unbeknownst to his companions. ¡°There''s a shelter that way, about four or five hours from here. If his words hold true, discovering the shelter will automatically clear the trial.¡± Scott''s eyebrows shot up. ¡°Really?¡± The skeleton nodded, uncertain whether it was a fair trade, but intrigued by the prospect of discovering the type of shelter awaiting them at the end of the map. Scott released Zara''s hand, his expression shifting suddenly to a frown. ¡°Where''s your cloak?¡± he inquired. Zara wore a wry smile, skillfully avoiding his gaze. ¡°I traded it for some information,¡± she admitted. Could it be linked to the Vakham hound? Scott pondered, but respecting their autonomy, he refrained from probing further. Slim, ever curious, posed the same question. ¡°So, what about you? Did you gain anything worthwhile?¡± Scott shook his head. ¡°Nope, didn''t get a chance to,¡± he replied before steering the conversation in a different direction. ¡°I''m sure another opportunity will come up. Let''s follow your map to the shelter. I don''t know about you guys, but I''m eager to conclude this trial.¡± Slim chuckled, dropping his arm onto Scott''s shoulder. ¡°Me and you, buddy.¡± He extended his free hand to Zara''s shoulder. ¡°Let''s go, buddies.¡± Chapter 26 : Hound Extermination Crew ¡°I wish I could see the expression on that little shrimp''s face right now,¡± Slim laughed with wanton abandon, his gaze fixed on the blinking arrowhead pointing toward a towering dune ahead. Zara puckered her lips to the side, securing her windswept hair with one hand. ¡°I didn''t know you had such a petty side,¡± she whispered. ¡°Wait until you discover he''s a singer,¡± Scott remarked with an unseen smile. Zara halted in her tracks, her small mouth opening wide as her pupils dilated. ¡°You''re kidding, right?¡± she asked mentally, staring at Slim, who cursed at the imp while approaching the dune. Scott chuckled, leaving the feline brawler with a burning sense of curiosity. The trio ascended the sand dune, expending no energy as they raced to the top. Despite the absence of recent attacks, the barren land had wearied them, and they longed to leave it behind. ¡°We''re almost there,¡± Slim giggled, fixated on the flashing arrow, now seemingly fading into the earth. What kind of shelter awaits us? I don''t mind if it''s shabby, as long as there''s a beautiful tub with pristine marble tiling, I''m good. Slim cackled as his thoughts wandered. The necromancer surged forward with the full might of his aching legs; a misty red aura coating his bones. At the summit of the dune, the elemental shard shielded him from the blistering heat. Though the flashing arrowhead had vanished beneath the surface, Slim remained, arms raised, mouth agape, gazing at the vast nothingness before him. ¡°Where the hell is the shelter?¡± he muttered. The landscape beyond the dune mirrored the other side, yet the map had disappeared. ¡°Slim, what do you see? Are the buildings fancy or... oh?¡± Zara halted abruptly, her glossy eyes scanning the surroundings with a frown. Scott joined them, his brows shooting up. A figure emerged from the sand, folding its arms, and glaring at the trio. ¡°I sensed someone approaching this path. I had no idea it was you three. Tell me, how did you find this route?¡± the imp inquired with a frown. However, only Scott paid the examiner any attention. Slim and Zara couldn''t conceal their disappointment; their hopes of finding a moderately luxurious shelter were shattered. They wouldn''t have minded a shabby, rundown place as long as it had basic amenities. The imp opened its mouth to speak but suddenly froze, its attention fixed on the trio. The elemental shard''s white glaze captured its gaze. ¡°Where did you get that?¡± it asked, pointing at their bulging pockets. Then, it singled out Zara. ¡°You, where''s your cloak?¡± None of the trio bore any injuries, nor did they exhibit signs of recent battle. Instead, they resembled individuals casually strolling through the desert, their faces fresh and rosy. A curious notion seized the imp''s mind and refused to let go. It shot a stern stare at Scott, its voice filled with gravity. ¡°You encountered the tower traveler, didn''t you?¡± Scott gazed blankly at the examiner. ¡°Is there a problem if we did?¡± ¡°Damn it!¡± the imp cursed, loud enough to rouse Slim and Zara from their stupor. The enraged creature continued its tirade, ¡°That bastard has been ruining my day all week. Why doesn¡¯t he go to the other test areas and leave me alone?¡± Slim interjected, ¡°How many test areas are there?¡± The imp glanced at the necromancer but remained silent. The small creature hovered in the air; its brows tightly knitted. If looks could kill, Slim would have murdered the imp several times. However, he knew he was no match for the seemingly weak examiner. No wonder they found their way here. That swindler gave them a decent enough map to evade the calamities. But why would that marauding crook trade with them? This isn¡¯t normal. The imp raised its head again, staring at the trio. ¡°Well, only time will tell if it¡¯s your fortune or misfortune running into that guy.¡± It clapped its hands twice, causing the trialist to shudder involuntarily. ¡°I see. Bonehead here traded his right to ask a question. No wonder you were able to get such an item from the trader. Well, what¡¯s done is done.¡± The imp sighed, its tense face relaxing, then it smiled. ¡°Since you¡¯ve reached the road to the second trial ground, I¡¯m obligated to inform you of some rules.¡± The examiner gestured toward the path ahead. ¡°I''m certain your inconsequential eyes perceive nothing but an endless sea of sand, correct?¡± Slim and Zara nodded, their excitement uncontainable as they followed the outstretched arm of the imp. They had initially suspected the trader of deception, but the imp''s words dissolved the mystery. Despite their disdain for the diminutive creature''s condescension, they had no alternative but to heed its words. ¡°It¡¯s too early to get excited,¡± Scott cautioned, his voice resonating within the minds of the duo. They instinctively turned toward the masked man, but the examiner''s voice intervened before they could voice their inquiries. ¡°As I mentioned before, this desert surpasses the capacity of your limited minds. Even if every race in the tower were cast into it, they wouldn''t occupy a third of its vast expanse.¡± This time, each member of the trio found themselves equally surprised by the imp''s words. The devious creature snickered, casually sauntering in midair. ¡°Since it''s impossible for a single examiner to oversee the entire trial, we''re assigned specific zones to assess the champions. The shelter over there is managed by the gods themselves, and I can assure you it''s nothing compared to what you''ve seen so far.¡± The imp paused, a mischievous smile spreading across its face as the trialists'' expressions turned serious. ¡°What exactly occurs in the shelter?¡± Zara inquired. ¡°Just a simple race. It''s better experienced than explained,¡± the imp replied with a grin. ¡°Hey, you said you''re obligated to tell us. Do your damn job,¡± Slim retorted, glaring at the imp. The imp laughed while wiggling its behind at the skeleton. ¡°Fuck off. I was lying, alright? I was being dramatic to hook you. Ah, I almost forgot. I need to take this back.¡± It clapped its hands, and the darkness covering Slim''s bones retreated to its fingers. ¡°I forgot to mention, there''s a way you can breeze through this trial, and many others, with relative ease. Interested?¡± the imp asked, a devious smile playing on its lips. ¡°This little trickster is obviously trying to bait us. I can feel it in my bones. Bet you anything he''ll tell us to buzz off if we show any interest,¡± Slim shared his thoughts through the party communication skill. ¡°I feel the same, but we can''t ignore such crucial information,¡± Zara said with a frown. ¡°Don''t worry, I''ll take one for the team,¡± Scott volunteered. He then turned his attention to the imp. ¡°Yeah, we''re interested. What do we have to do?¡± ¡°Well, you can start by sucking these nuts.¡± The imp exploded into laughter, rolling in midair. ¡°I knew it. Get lost if you''ve got nothing useful to say, you little shithead,¡± Slim roared. Scott, however, couldn''t help but chuckle. It seemed he had been waiting a long time to use that line, likely having encountered a human who used it on him in the past. Ignoring Slim''s curses, the laughing examiner wiped tears from its eyes. ¡°I''ve been waiting to use that for a while,¡± it admitted, feeling energized and refreshed. Then, its demeanor turned serious. ¡°For a smooth ascent to the upper floors, you either need the power to do it yourself or cling to powers that can. However, nothing comes for free in the Tower of Champions. I won''t go into details because I''m certain you''ll find out for yourselves. I wish you good luck.¡± With that, the imp dived into the sand, disappearing within seconds. ¡°I hate that little freak. Would it kill him to be less cryptic?¡± Slim sighed, readjusting his jacket. He then turned his attention to his companions. ¡°What do you guys think?¡± ¡°I''m curious to see what''s special about the shelter,¡± Zara said. ¡°Yeah, I agree, but I would advise you guys not to have high expectations about the shelter,¡± Scott warned before walking ahead. Slim and Zara exchanged puzzled glances. This was the second time Scott mentioned something about the Shelter. Did he get possessed by the spirit of the imp? How can he see beyond the barrier? Slim pondered. Zara wore a wry smile as she stared at the back of the man. ¡°Let''s trust him. He saw through those warriors earlier. He''s probably right this time too,¡± she whispered. ¡°I hope not. I''ve been looking forward to taking a bath for the last couple of hours.¡± Slim sighed deeply. He hadn''t spent enough time to claim he knew Scott, but from their limited interactions, he gathered that Scott wasn''t the type to say something he was uncertain about. ¡°Are you guys coming? You can''t tell if the imp will send us a farewell package. Do you want to stick around and find out?¡± Scott called back, breaking their conversation. Zara and Slim locked eyes before bolting after the masked man. As they neared the concealed barrier, the trio engaged in casual conversation, their steps cautious. ¡°I can''t put my finger on it, but I feel like I''m overlooking something crucial,¡± Slim muttered, rubbing his jaw and squinting in concentration. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Scott cast a sidelong glance at Zara, but the feline brawler skillfully avoided his gaze, whistling nonchalantly with her hands tucked behind her back. ¡°If you can''t recall it, it''s likely not that significant,¡± Scott said. ¡°Yeah, you''re right. Whatever it is, I''m sure I''ll remember later,¡± the skeleton said, flashing a whimsical grin. He draped his bony arms over the shoulders of the duo once again, adding, ¡°How about we make a bet on how... wait a moment, I remember now.¡± Simultaneously, the trio passed through a gelatinous barrier, an enigmatic energy enveloping their bodies. Day seamlessly transitioned into night, and the scorching heat gave way to biting winds. The full moon stood resolute amid a constellation of stars, its silvery glow casting an ethereal light upon a destitute settlement nestled at the base of a towering mountain cleaved into two equal halves. ¡°This place is beyond horrible. Do they even have plumbing here?¡± Slim muttered, eyeing the dilapidated wooden houses that had clearly seen better days. No lamps or lanterns vied with the moon''s radiance, but even the luminous celestial bodies couldn''t outshine the dazzling display of sparkles emanating from the divided mountain path.
You have successfully completed the first trial! EXP: 200!
Mana recovery restrictions are being loosened!
You have completed the first trial without killing another champion! EXP: 200!
Skill: Madness has leveled up!
Skill: Survival has leveled up!
Ability: Madness Explosion has been updated!
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
Party competition has ended due to the completion of the first trial!
You finished last in the party competition!
Your party has chosen its Leader!
Champion Interface - Updated
Basic Stats Name: Scott Dorsey.
Level: 7.
Experience Points: 330/700 ¨C New!
Mana Points: 100/100 ¨C New!
Mana Recovery: 11 Mana Points per hour.
Class: Eldritch Knight.
Party Members: Slim the Grim. Zara (Party leader).
Skills Madness [Level 2] ¨C New!
Survival [Level 3] ¨C New!
Abilities
Madness Explosion (Updated): All physical and mental stats will rise by fifteen points. Odds of landing a critical strike increases by 22% when Madness explosion is activated. Mana Points decrease by 50 when Madness Explosion is activated. Mana Points decrease by 55 when Madness Explosion is combined with another ability. Mana Points decrease by 60 and 70 when Madness Explosion is combined with two or three abilities.
Sigil: 5% chance of corrupting an item with your mana. Items bearing your Sigil have a 10% chance of corrupting the mind when used by other beings.
Ecstatic, Scott grinned beneath his mask, reveling in the sensation of leveling up once again. His gaze shifted to Zara and Slim, both equally astonished and elated by the flood of notifications. Before delving into their upgraded stats, another system notification materialized in front of the trio.
You have received 30 offers from different gods.
Slim blurted out, "What the...?" ¡°Did you guys receive offers from 30 gods too?¡± Zara asked, her gaze shifting between her companions and the glowing blue screen. Slim and Scott nodded, their minds instinctively recalling the imp''s cryptic words. ¡°Why would they send us offers?¡± Zara muttered; her senses overwhelmed by the flood of notifications. ¡°Let''s open them and see. There''s no need for speculation,¡± Slim suggested. Scott concurred with the necromancer, clicking on one of the offers at random.
The lesser god of fertility¡¯s offer!
The lesser god of fertility beckons, urging you to take on the role of a helper for her chosen candidate. In return for your allegiance, a cascade of rewards awaits, ranging from constant guidance and support on the lower floors to periodic bestowals of items, potions, information, and other treasures throughout your journey. The terms of this divine contract extend until the chosen candidate either triumphs or is replaced, or until your own demise. Your obligations are crystal clear: unwavering support for the selected candidate, regardless of the challenges that may unfold. It is crucial to understand that your resources and even your life may be called upon as offerings of support, depending on the ever-shifting circumstances. In light of these conditions, do you wish to embrace this sacred contract and align your destiny with the fertility god''s chosen one?
Yes! No!
¡°What the fuck?¡± Scott wasn¡¯t the only one with the same reaction. Slim and Zara also frowned as they read through their own offers. Scott took a deep breath before opening another offer.
The lesser god of rain¡¯s offer!
The lesser god of rain beckons you to assume the role of a helper for their favored candidate. In return for your allegiance, you will be granted continuous guidance and assistance from fellow helpers throughout your journey on the lower floors. As a token of appreciation for your dedication, a variety of rewards, including items, potions, information, and other treasures, will be bestowed upon you at regular intervals. The contract is binding until the chosen candidate achieves success, is replaced, or the helper meets their demise. It is imperative to comprehend the obligations that come with this commitment. Regardless of the circumstances, your unwavering support must be extended to the chosen candidate of the lesser god of rain. It is crucial to acknowledge that, depending on the unfolding events, your resources and even your life may be called upon as a means of support. Are you inclined to embrace and accept this contractual agreement?
Yes! No!
Scott opened yet another offer, then another, and another. In less than five minutes, he had sifted through all thirty proposals. Glancing at Zara and Slim, he noticed identical expressions of incredulity mirrored on their faces. ¡°Why would anyone accept this?¡± Slim queried. Scott shook his head, grappling with the lack of a plausible response. In that very moment, a fresh series of messages materialized before him.
Your Madness skill level and Stats meet the requirements to earn a new Title!
You have gained a new title!
Title: Chaos Caller!
Description: Possessors of this unique ability wield the power to draw individuals with a heightened madness stat towards them. This extraordinary skill enables them to tap into the shadowy recesses of the human psyche, luring those tormented by madness or insanity. The potency of the attraction increases in direct proportion to the madness an individual harbors.
Effects Attraction of Individuals with High Madness Stat: The Chaos Caller title exerts a irresistible force, compelling individuals with a substantial madness stat to seek out the owner, irrespective of their geographical location. Once drawn, these individuals may develop an intense fixation on the Chaos Caller.
Amplification of Madness Stat: Proximity to the owner results in a gradual but substantial increase in the madness stat of affected individuals. While this effect takes time to manifest, it can wield a profound impact, particularly on those with more fragile mental faculties.
Induction of Erratic Behavior: Those influenced by the Chaos Caller title may display unpredictable and erratic conduct, characterized by increased impulsivity and a propensity for outbursts of rage or violence.
Limited Control: The owner maintains only partial control over those affected by the Chaos Caller title. The inherent unpredictability and resistance stemming from madness make manipulation challenging. Nevertheless, the owner might exert some influence through careful suggestion or manipulation.
Limitations Restricted Range: The Chaos Caller title''s sphere of influence has a defined range, limiting its impact to individuals within a certain proximity to the owner.
Vulnerability to Madness: Despite wielding this power, the owner is not immune to its effects. Prolonged exposure to individuals with elevated madness stats may adversely affect the owner''s mental state.
Social Challenges: The possession of the Chaos Caller ability introduces significant challenges in social situations. The owner may find themselves surrounded by unpredictable individuals with heightened madness stats, complicating interactions, and relationships.
Item: Mask of the Eldritch Spawn wants to devour Fera¡¯s bracelet to evolve!
Do you want to grant it permission to devour the item?
Yes! No!
Scott¡¯s mouth dropped behind his mask, his eyes quivering ever so slightly. At that same moment, another message popped up.
A party name has been chosen by the party leader!
Name: The Hound Extermination Crew!
Chapter 27 : Official Minion 01 Slim and Scott exchanged glances, then shifted their attention to the cat girl, whose mesmerizing grin adorned her face. ¡°I''m the party leader now. You two are my minions,¡± she declared, nodding approvingly to herself. ¡°Buddy, I think Zara might have a power complex,¡± Slim whispered, but Scott paid him little mind. Instead, the eldritch knight fixated on his new title. Why on earth would I be burdened with such a ludicrous title? Scott pondered, furrowing his brow behind his mask. The idea of serving as a guiding beacon to every lunatic in the tower sent shivers down his spine. Scott''s only salvation lay in the war hammer of the mad god, a weapon capable of consuming his encroaching madness. Yet, he grappled with a crucial decision: should he allow the war hammer to devour his entire madness stat to nullify the title''s effects? Pondering in silence, Scott''s gaze shifted to Slim and Zara. The cat girl found amusement in petting the forlorn necromancer''s skull, exploiting her leadership role with evident glee. Returning his focus to the system''s notification, Scott questioned the motive behind the mask''s desire to consume the bracelet. A brief hesitation hung in the air before he resolutely clicked [Yes]. The darkness within the mask surged, unleashing miniature tendrils that swiftly ensnared the bracelet. Without a sound, the enchanted item disintegrated, and the tendrils retracted back into the mask.
Mask of the Eldritch Spawn has successfully devoured Fera¡¯s Bracelet!
Mask of the Eldritch Spawn has successfully updated!
Mask of the Eldritch Spawn
Description: A mask initially created to mimic the two-faced god but was corroded by an eldritch spawn. It successfully devoured an item capable of recovering mana and has since upgraded to become an item capable of enhancing its owner¡¯s Mana Recovery by 10%. This item can¡¯t be used by any other being except the owner.
Rank: ??? Durability: ???
Type: ??? Mana Recovery: +10% boost.
Condition: ???
Your Mana Recovery rate has increased!
Mana Recovery rate: 12.1 Mana Points per hour!
Finally, a glimmer of good news lifted Scott''s spirits. A smile played on his lips as he absentmindedly tucked a loose strand of hair behind his ear. The troublesome title bestowed upon him by his madness skill and stat seemed like a distant concern now. Yet, a sudden chill crept into the air, prompting Scott to glance at Slim and Zara. They subtly shivered, a shared discomfort that sparked a realization ¨C the elemental shards still nestled in their pockets. ¡°Guys, remove the elemental shards. They''re useless in this place,¡± Scott suggested, effortlessly transferring the item to his inventory with a mere thought. ¡°No wonder. I briefly wondered if Zara''s reign of terror was...¡± Zara seized the necromancer by the neck, playfully thumping his glistening skull while sporting a sinister smile. ¡°How dare you speak to your team leader that way? You''ve earned yourself a thousand head pats.¡± She chuckled deviously as Slim wrestled to break free from her grasp. Scott stood there, shaking his head as he stared at the duo. Let¡¯s see how much their stats improved.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Slim the Grim.
Level: 9 ¨C New!
Experience Points: 200/900 ¨C New!
Mana Points: 200/200.
Mana Recovery: 10 Mana Points per 12 hours -New!
Affiliation: The Hound Extermination Crew.
Party Members: Scott. Zara (Party leader).
Title: Zara¡¯s official Minion 01.
Physical Stats Endurance: 12 (+2)
Skills Basic Sprinting (Level 0) ¨C New!
Skills: Basic Survival (Level 0) ¨C New!
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Zara.
Level: 8 ¨C New!
Experience Points: 220/800 ¨C New!
Mana Points: 60/60.
Mana Recovery: 5 Mana Points per 12 hours.
Party Members:
  • Slim the Grim (Official Minion 01) ¨C New!
  • Scott (Official Minion 02) ¨C unassigned!
Do you wish to designate your party member, Scott, with the title, Zara¡¯s Official Minion 02? [Yes] [NO]
Title: Leader of The Hound Extermination Crew.
Affiliation: The Hound Extermination Crew.
Physical Stats Physical Stats: Endurance: 12 (+2).
Skills Skills: Basic Balls crushing [Level 0] ¨C New!
Scott¡¯s pupils dilated; his attention focused on the title Zara planned on bequeathing him. Maybe Slim was right. Did she always have such tendencies? Scott fixed his gaze on the skeleton, sprinting in panicked circles to evade the cat girl. The brawler, on the other hand, sported an unhinged smile, relentless in pursuit of the frenzied skeletal figure. At least they¡¯re getting along well. Thankfully, it doesn¡¯t seem like chaos caller has started affecting them. ¡°Buddy, save me from her,¡± Slim shouted, cowering behind Scott. Zara halted abruptly, a flicker of hesitation crossing her face. Yet, her pause proved fleeting as she advanced toward Scott, her flustered expression not escaping the notice of the eldritch knight and necromancer. Coming to a standstill in front of Scott, she, too, reached out to pat his head.
You have earned a new title!
Your Party Leader has granted you the title ¨C Zara¡¯s Official Minion 02!
Slim burst into laughter, and Zara quickly joined him. The duo exchanged high fives as they sprinted away. ¡°I told you it would work,¡± the skeleton said between breaths as he ran. Scott, however, remained rooted in the same position, shaking his head incredulously as he observed the escaping pair. ¡°I don¡¯t even know who is influencing whom at this point.¡± Shifting his focus away from the mischievous duo, Scott pondered the offers of the lesser god. Was this what the imp was trying to convey to us back then? Raising his head, he stared at the shelter looming in the distance. ¡°We''ve been standing here for a while now, but I haven¡¯t seen anyone. It¡¯s unlikely we¡¯re the only ones here, so where is everyone?¡± Scott pondered for a moment, then felt Slim''s arm and Zara''s both fall on his shoulders. ¡°Minion 02, what should we do about the god''s offer?¡± Slim asked, barely containing his giggles. Zara nodded, pleased her minions were embracing their title. Scott rolled his eyes. ¡°You guys are enjoying yourselves too much.¡± ¡°C''mon, buddy, live a little,¡± Slim said with a smile. ¡°But really, what do you think? We discussed it while you were doing your brooding thing, but we agree it would be unwise to accept a slave contract like that.¡± ¡°I believe this aligns with what the examiner hinted at,¡± Zara added. ¡°I feel the same. The only problem lies in the potential repercussions from rejecting their offers. It would be ideal if nothing happened, but those gods might throw a hissy fit and send their minions after...¡± Zara interjected before Scott could finish his statement. ¡°They could be listening. Let''s not give them any ideas.¡± ¡°Does that even matter?¡± Slim said with a dry smile. ¡°Rejecting the offer will make things difficult for us, regardless of whether they''re spying on us.¡± ¡°How about this? We neither accept nor reject the offers. We simply ignore them. It''s not like they''ve put a timer on the offers,¡± Scott suggested. ¡°That''s a nice idea,¡± Zara said, patting Scott on his back. ¡°Keep this up, and you might get promoted to Minion 01.¡± The cat girl wore a mesmerizing smile while encouraging her minions to follow her lead. Scott shot Slim a glare. ¡°What are you putting in her head?¡± he asked mentally. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°Me? This was all her idea,¡± Slim chuckled, exposing a reddish spot on his skull. ¡°She''s like a completely different person now that she''s the leader. It''s unbelievable that we forgot about the competition.¡± The necromancer sighed. ¡°Minions, what are you doing? Aren''t you coming?¡± Zara asked with a curious smile. ¡°Coming,¡± Slim replied. Then, he turned to Scott. ¡°Let''s go, buddy. She''s just having fun. Don''t get angry, okay?¡± ¡°Huh? Why would you think I was angry?¡± Scott inquired. Slim scratched the back of his head, avoiding Scott''s gaze. ¡°I won''t lie. Before spending time with you, I might have thought you were one of those gloomy madmen who''d kill someone just for a funny glance. But something about our first meeting gave me a strange feeling that you''re someone worth befriending. Let''s go. Who knows what other weird titles she''ll give us if we linger.¡± Slim and Scott advanced cautiously. As they journeyed towards the settlement, Zara took the lead, and the trio engaged in casual conversation to fill the distance. Swiftly, they covered the ground, buffeted by freezing winds that nipped at their bodies. Coming to a halt before the settlement, they confronted a gelatinous wall, its substance enveloping the entire area and reaching skyward. ¡°Shall we enter?¡± Zara asked mentally. ¡°We don''t really have a choice. Let''s see what they¡¯re hiding within the barrier,¡± Scott responded. That Hastur''s gaze couldn''t penetrate through the barrier only made him more curious. The trio advanced toward the barrier with cautious steps, ready for a battle if an unforeseen threat emerged. Scott placed his hands on the obstacle, and it felt lukewarm to the touch. However, its surface bubbled slightly, displaying signs of breaking. Scott took another step forward, and his body effortlessly passed through the wall. Zara and Slim quickly followed suit, and the trio stood there, mouths agape, gazing at the cluster of towering structures radiating an array of flashy lights onto the populated asphalt roads. Neither of them could decipher the materials used in its construction, nor did they care. After all, the city didn''t pale in comparison to any of the boisterous starter cities. ¡°Is this an illusion?¡± Slim muttered in a daze. The magnificent metropolis, brimming with life, had replaced the impoverished settlement. What''s more, tens of thousands of people bustled about the busy streets. Zara suddenly frowned as she observed the crowd, all clad in identical plain white tunics and baggy jute pants that covered their black boots. ¡°Why are they all wearing the same thing?¡± she questioned. ¡°Never mind their clothes; focus on the tattoos on their necks,¡± Scott suggested, his brow furrowed as he struggled to see through the passing throng. Zara and Slim redirected their attention to the passersby, noticing tattoos adorning their necks. Some displayed animals and inanimate objects, while others bore matching abstract designs. The trio stood in contemplative silence, tallying the various types, the count not surpassing thirty. ¡°Guys, we can''t turn back,¡± Zara declared, her back against the invisible dome enveloping the city. Scott and Slim pivoted, their expressions growing somber. The fact that none of the surrounding individuals spared them even a passing glance filled them with unease. ¡°Are we invisible to them?¡± Scott voiced the disquieting thought that hung heavy in the air. ¡°Wait, let me try talking to one of them,¡± Slim suggested, scanning the surrounding streets. He halted when he spotted two men engaged in conversation in a corner, with Scott and Zara trailing behind him. Approaching the duo, the skeleton wore an amiable smile. ¡°Hey, nice to meet you. We''re new...¡± The two men glanced at the trio and promptly walked away. Slim''s expression soured. ¡°That''s rude,¡± he commented, glaring at the retreating figures. ¡°At least we know they can see us. They''re just ignoring us. We only need to figure out why,¡± Scott remarked.
Warning! The lesser gods have imposed a time limit on their offers!
Should you choose to accept an offer, you will become a citizen of Nirvashim!
If you reject the offers, you will have 1 hour to reach the base of the Judgment Mountain!
Defaulters will be branded with the mark of insolence and will be purged by the citizens of Nirvashim!
Time remaining until the brand of insolence descends: 59:59.00.
Scott and his companions fixed their gazes on the blinking system window, and the same eerie moment unfolded for the carefree citizens. In unison, they all received a series of messages, prompting them to halt in their tracks, their soulless eyes now locked onto the newcomers. ¡°Buddies, I don¡¯t know about you guys, but I think we need to get out of here,¡± Slim suggested, scanning the frozen bystanders. The city layout funneled them toward the mountain path, with towering buildings lining either side of the broad main street. Without hesitation, the trio sprinted toward the pulsating mountain, the citizens parting to allow their passage. An array of enticing aromas wafted through the air as they passed various shops specializing in pastries and other delicacies. Following that, they encountered opulent buildings boasting transparent interiors that showcased magnificent rooms and bathrooms adorned with an assortment of magically enchanted items. ¡°I see nothing. I see nothing,¡± Slim chanted, keeping his head down as he ran. He saw a captivating bathroom featuring artistic white and gold tiling, and a massive golden tub surrounded by flickering candles. The trio continued their sprint for another twenty minutes. As in their previous encounters, the citizens silently parted, creating a clear pathway for them. The towering mountain loomed ahead, shrouded in a misty rain that seemed to descend exclusively upon the mountain path. Captivated by the unusual weather, the group paused for a moment before redirecting their focus to the sparse assembly of people at the mountain''s base. Less than thirty in number, this ragtag group appeared worn and impoverished in stark contrast to the robust inhabitants of Nirvashim.
You are about to cross the barrier to the second test stage!
Warning! You will not be able to reenter Nirvashim once you cross the border!
Without hesitation, the trio crossed the barrier, and the once majestic city vanished, replaced by the desolate remnants of an abandoned settlement. Yet, their attention remained fixed on the novel system notification.
You have rejected the lesser gods offer!
30 lesser gods have banned your party from their shelters!
10 lesser gods have asked their helpers not to render any help to your party!
2 lesser gods have ordered their helpers to hunt your party members!
1 lesser god vow to take revenge!
You have reached the base of the Judgement Mountain!
Combat, Murder, Torture, and any Infringement of any kind would be severely punished with death!
Scott clicked on the system''s notifications about the vindictive gods, but they revealed no further information. ¡°Forget it. We''ll deal with those lunatics in due time. Our focus should be on this place,¡± Scott communicated through the party channel. Slim and Zara nodded in silent agreement, redirecting their attention to the people gathered around the mountain path. ¡°These folks seem like they''ve barely survived a war,¡± Slim observed. Although the area was populated only by human champions, they all sported worn, mismatched armor, with bloodied bandages covering various sections of their bodies. ¡°Looks like those guys have something to share,¡± Zara noted, her gaze fixed on a five-man group approaching from the west. Scott focused on the group, unable to discern any stats of the men or the other champions once again. I hate to judge a book by its cover, but these guys look nothing like people powerful enough to evade detection. Something here is severely limiting Hastur¡¯s Gaze. The man leading the group clicked his tongue, coming to a stop a few feet away. ¡°Howdy, name¡¯s Randy. You folks sure don¡¯t look like people who took part in a trial.¡± Except for a few dusty patches, the trio''s clothes were unblemished. Then there was Slim, dressed like an undead member of a high-end cabaret. The man narrowed his gaze, his brown eyes shifting between Scott and Slim. ¡°So, which one of you is the leader here?¡± ¡°I am,¡± Zara asserted, her arms folded across her chest. The man and his companions laughed. ¡°Sure you are, sweetheart. Well, whoever''s in charge, we got a deal for ya. Interested?¡± ¡°These guys look shady as hell,¡± Slim mentioned in the shared channel. ¡°Let''s hear what they have to say,¡± Scott suggested. ¡°I agree, though it feels like a waste of time. We should at least listen,¡± Zara said, before refocusing on the man. ¡°Go on. We''re listening.¡± The man smiled, revealing brown-stained teeth. ¡°We''ve been here for the last three months and have exclusive information about the second trial. In exchange, we want two weeks'' worth of food and water¡ªnothing more, nothing less.¡± ¡°Why in...¡± Zara began, but paused as Scott''s hand landed on her shoulder. She turned to the masked man, his voice filling her ears. ¡°Let me handle this.¡± Zara nodded silently, taking a step back. Scott advanced, deftly opening his inventory. Two freshly baked loaves of bread, a bowl of water, and a bottle of gruff wine emerged. With a small puncture in the wine''s lid, its aromatic fragrance wafted through the surroundings. Scott arranged the bread atop the gruff wine, all the while cradling the water bowl. Onlookers rose from their seats, fixating on the enticing display and smacking their lips. Across the area, Scott''s voice resounded, carrying the weight of his proposition. ¡°I''ll give these provisions to the first person willing to share all they know about the trial.¡± A woman took a hesitant step forward, but her progress halted abruptly as she locked eyes with Randy''s bloodshot gaze. Scott''s voice resonated once more. ¡°Anyone?¡± The champions remained frozen in their designated areas, cowering. ¡°No one?¡± Scott questioned once again, met only by the deafening silence. ¡°What a shame,¡± he lamented, shaking his head. Tilting his hand to the side, water slowly trickled onto the parched earth. Randy''s voice thundered, ¡°Stop that! How can you squander something so valuable?¡± Despite Randy''s roar, Scott nonchalantly emptied the bowl in one swift motion. Then, he casually reached for the first piece of bread. ¡°Does anyone want this?¡± Scott inquired, his eyes scanning the group. Several people involuntarily swallowed, inching forward. ¡°No takers? What a shame.¡± The bread burst into flames in an instant, leaving the stunned champions to watch as it transformed into charred toast. Undeterred, Scott reached for the second piece. He began to speak, but Randy interjected, ¡°Please wait. We''ll talk. Don''t burn it.¡± ¡°Oh? Finally, there''s someone willing to talk,¡± Scott chuckled, placing the bread back on the jar. ¡°All right, go on. Tell us everything you''ve seen in the last three months. If I''m satisfied with your words, I might throw in a bread or two as a tip.¡± Slim and Zara exchanged glances. ¡°We should let him handle all negotiations from now on,¡± Slim suggested with a whisper. Zara nodded emphatically. She had initially been willing to trade a week''s worth of food, but Scott had managed to reduce two weeks'' worth of provisions to just a single loaf of bread and a jar of wine. Another system message materialized before the champions, accompanied by low growls emanating from the misty mountain path.
The second trial will begin in one hour!
You can choose to participate in the trial or wait until the next turn!
There will be no penalties for waiting!
Participants have twenty minutes to indicate their interest in the trial!
Are you interested in participating in the second trial?
Yes! No!
Should no participant step forward, the next trial will commence next month!
¡°Randy, my friend. It seems you have ten minutes to convince us why we should give you our food,¡± Scott said. Chapter 28 : Second Trial Part 1 Scott silently stared at the man; his arms folded across his chest. Zara and Slim joined him, positioning themselves on either side of the masked man. ¡°It seems like they''re communicating through their party skill,¡± Zara remarked mentally, her attention fixed on the men who exchanged subtle glances. ¡°I don¡¯t trust these guys. Buddy, what¡¯s your plan?¡± Slim inquired. Before Scott could respond, Randy''s voice echoed through the air. ¡°I don¡¯t know if ten minutes will be enough, but I¡¯ll give it a shot,¡± he said, glancing at the bread laid out on the wine jar. The roughneck fiddled with his thick goatee as he took a step forward, pointing his thumb at the misty mountain path behind. ¡°Do you hear that sound?¡± he asked. The hound extermination trio nodded; a subtle growl had been persistently echoing since they crossed the barrier. ¡°There¡¯s a colossal beast in there, like a mammoth. Those growls you hear, that''s the monster, and it''s stirring again. You won¡¯t pass the trial without defeating that creature and its offspring. To reach the exit, you¡¯ll need to traverse the glassy path, all the way to the other end of the mountain.¡± Randy paused, his expression turning stern. ¡°Those creatures have a peculiar way of devouring one¡¯s soul.¡± He gestured toward one of his companions. ¡°Jimbo witnessed his cousin being torn in two. That lad was built differently, yet those critters shredded him like some elaborate casserole. Those creatures don¡¯t mess around. I won¡¯t tell you what to do, but you better weigh your options if you''re serious about taking the trial.¡± Zara and Slim''s expressions twisted into grim masks; their attention fixated on the misty path. The growls, steadily intensifying, revealed hazy silhouettes lurking within the fog. Scott, seizing everyone''s attention, applauded Randy''s brevity. ¡°Short and straightforward. I like that, Randy,¡± he remarked, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding champions. ¡°Happy to hear it,¡± Randy grinned, advancing a step toward the trio, his eyes fixed on the wine and bread. ¡°Why not stick around for a bit? Do you really need to rush? Or perhaps make a deal with us,¡± he proposed. ¡°What kind of deal are we talking about?¡± Scott inquired; his voice tinged with curiosity. ¡°We''re awaiting the arrival of the rest of our group crossing the desert. We plan to eliminate those murderous critters upon their arrival. It also boosts our chances of clearing the second trial,¡± Randy explained, taking another step forward. ¡°Oh? I see. That''s a clever idea,¡± Scott muttered, nodding in approval. Randy''s smile and that of his companions brightened. ¡°I know, right? We just need to discuss a few rules, but I''m confident you guys will... hey, what are you doing?¡± Randy paused mid-step; his gaze fixed on a flame that had suddenly appeared in Scott''s hand. Scott locked eyes with Randy, and the blonde man instinctively retreated a few steps. Then, he observed as the flame descended onto the second piece of bread, transforming it into charred toast in an instant. Zara and Slim simultaneously kicked the wine jar from opposite sides, shattering the ceramic casing and releasing the fragrant wine onto the parched earth. ¡°Motherfucker!¡± Randy cursed, his face contorting with rage as he witnessed the wine saturate the surrounding sand. He lifted his head, a murderous gleam overshadowing his eyes. ¡°How dare you betray us, boy! You think you''ll be safe because...¡± Randy paused, interrupted by Scott''s low chortle resonating in his ears. ¡°You find this amusing, do you, boy?¡± ¡°Don''t mind me; feel free to continue with whatever you were saying. I won''t interrupt,¡± Scott remarked, his attention fixed on the system''s notification. The trio reached a consensus to partake in the trial, and a new system message promptly materialized before them.
You will be granted permission into the Judgement Mountain when it opens!
You have received a new Quest!
Main Quest: Survive the Second Trial!
¡°I hope you meet a gruesome death, you swindling little fuck,¡± Randy cursed, flipping the trio off. Despite his burning desire to launch an attack, the realization that they might possess more power than his group held him back. The gods'' established rules, too, served as a restraining force¡ªonly those weary of their existence would dare break them. ¡°You better watch your backs, you fuckers. We¡¯ll come for you when our people arrive,¡± Randy declared. Scott burst into laughter once more, shaking his head as he advanced toward Randy with swift steps. ¡°You know what, Randy? Please, go ahead and do that.¡± Scott''s eyes shifted from one champion to another, his pace quickening until he stood directly in front of Randy, mere inches between them. ¡°I''d love to witness how a group of people who seem on the brink of starvation plan to chase after us,¡± Scott whispered. ¡°You think we''re scared of¡­¡± Randy began, but Scott''s hand rested on his shoulders, cutting him off. ¡°Cut the crap, Randy. Do you think we''re idiots? If you''re going to concoct a bullshit story, at least make it believable. Given the first examiner''s personality, there''s no way they''d allow someone not intending to partake in the trial to be privy to its details.¡± Randy''s lips twitched at the corner as he narrowed his gaze. He began to speak, but Scott interjected. ¡°I don''t want to hear any excuses you might have. I''m sure you''re eager to know how I discovered your exclusive information is nonsense. Unfortunately, I won''t be sharing those details. If you''re going to scam people, use your brain a little.¡± Scott chuckled, giving the man''s shoulder a friendly pat, then left without uttering another word. Randy remained frozen, bloodshot eyes fixed on the departing figure. ¡°I hope you die miserably, you scamming piece of trash! People like you should do everyone a favor and just kill yourself." He motioned towards his companions. ¡°Let''s go, boys.¡± The group returned to their original position; their eyes still locked onto Zara''s group. Meanwhile, the members of the hound extermination crew engaged in a silent discussion of their own. ¡°I won''t deny it, I had a gut feeling those guys were up to no good, but the scale of the scam caught me off guard,¡± Slim admitted, casting a wary glance at the people around them. ¡°Even if the other examiners aren''t cut from the same cloth as that deceitful imp, it''s highly improbable they''d permit an outsider to witness the trial. Considering the dire hunger plaguing everyone here, it begs the question of why they''re steering clear of the trial.¡± Zara''s usually composed features hardened as she spoke, ¡°Assuming there''s a shred of truth in what they said, how do we navigate this trial?¡± she said before turning to Scott. ¡°I''ve been thinking, but I can''t fathom why they''d willingly endure starvation rather than attempting the trial.¡± ¡°I can answer that easily,¡± Scott declared, a smile playing on his lips, unseen by the others. ¡°It''s normal to think that way, but you have to consider the fact that we cleared the first trial in even less than a day. Look at those guys; they barely survived. Why they didn''t accept the offers, I can''t say. But their story about a creature or something is obviously fake.¡± Zara interjected, her curiosity evident. ¡°How do you know that?¡± ¡°The growls,¡± Scott replied, pointing toward the mist. Then he continued, ¡°At first, I heard growls like everyone else, but then a song replaced it.¡± This time, Slim interjected, a hint of skepticism in his voice. ¡°A song?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Scott affirmed, ¡°I have a mental resistance skill, and I can say with complete certainty that whatever is in there uses mental-related abilities.¡± He explained in one breath. Zara and Slim lapsed into contemplative silence, weighing their options. Scott''s voice resurfaced, resonating in their ears. ¡°I''m not some sadistic bastard withholding rations from them. But think about it, do you honestly believe that jerk will distribute the provisions evenly among the others? Picture this¡ªyou hand them food directly, and I bet they''ll surrender everything to that guy. I''ve witnessed bullies in action; I know the extent of their ruthlessness. Nevertheless, if you''re inclined to share food with them, I won''t stop you. My personal choice shouldn''t dictate yours.¡± Slim and Zara lifted their heads, their eyes fixed on the dejected champions huddled in the corner. Occasionally, the champions'' gazes shifted towards Randy''s group. Slim let out a sigh, shaking his head. ¡°You haven''t said anything wrong, buddy. Everyone in the tower is accountable for their own lives. If they lacked the capabilities to survive, they shouldn''t have embarked on this journey.¡± ¡°Life is inherently unfair. Not everyone deserves the hardships that befall them, but we can''t play saviors for everyone. Our foremost objective should be survival and the pursuit of our goals,¡± Zara whispered.
The participation window for the second trial has closed!
The second trial will begin in 40 minutes!
Details of the second trial!
Warning! You are not permitted to share the details of the trial with non-participants!
Instant soul imprisonment will befall those who flout the rules!
The Judgment Path!
Description: A trial created by the gods to judge champions who possess the determination to continue climbing the tower of champions. Participants are expected to assemble groups of at least three members, with no specified limit. Each member within a group is bestowed with a beacon, a guiding light illuminating the path of judgment. Champions must accumulate a total of six beacons before the correct path of judgment unveils itself. In the event of a party member''s demise, the required number of beacons adjusts proportionally to the new party size.
Warning! Champions who lose all their beacons will be chased by judges of light. Every party is allotted a grace period of ten days to amass the necessary number of beacons. Failure to do so results in the loss of guiding lights, triggering a relentless pursuit by the Judges of Light. This pursuit will continue until the champions are either consumed or new champions express interest in the judgment path.
Warning! Placing the beacons in the inventory will lead to the destruction of all items contained within, rendering the beacon itself devoid of light. Champions must exercise caution to safeguard both their beacons throughout the trial.
Scott, Zara, and Slim exchanged glances. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°You were absolutely right, buddy,¡± Slim admitted. ¡°I was wrong. I apologize for doubting you,¡± Zara said, her cheeks reddening as she avoided Scott''s gaze. ¡°It''s alright, guys. We''re still getting to know each other; it''s normal not to have complete trust just yet. It''s possible we''ll still have opposing opinions even if we reach the point of complete trust. What matters is that we have each other''s backs.¡± Zara raised her hand, gently patting the head of the half-human. ¡°Consider yourself promoted to Zara''s official Minion 01 now.¡±
Congratulations! Your party leader has granted you promotion!
Scott found himself torn between laughter and tears upon reading the system''s message. Slim chuckled, casually dropping a hand onto Scott''s shoulder. ¡°Well, look at Minion 01 showing off. Congrats on the promotion.¡± Zara flashed Scott a thumbs up. ¡°You''re putting in the hard work, number one. I have big expectations for your future.¡± Slim and Zara burst into laughter, leaving Scott to shake his head while idly drumming his fingers on his mask. Unperturbed by Randy''s group, they engaged in lighthearted banter amongst themselves, allowing time to slip away unnoticed.
The Judgment Path will soon be opened!
Participants in the Judgment Path should prepare themselves!
Zara glanced over the new messages, then turned to the group. ¡°So, what''s our strategy, minions?¡± ¡°The same as before,¡± Scott replied, stretching his neck from side to side. ¡°Survive, and beat the living daylights out of anything that tries to kill us?¡± Slim chimed in with a smirk, his hands casually resting on Scott and Zara''s shoulders. ¡°Exactly,¡± Scott and Zara said simultaneously. They exchanged a glance and burst into laughter, Slim quickly joining in. Meanwhile, the howls grew even louder, and a colossal, horned monster cast a dark shadow over the mountain path. The nearby champions who had lingered close to the trial''s entrance hastily retreated, their gazes shifting between the trio laughing unaffectedly. ¡°Those three are complete nutjobs. Look at them, laughing in front of that monster,¡± Jimmy whispered. Randy spat on the ground; his narrowed eyes fixed on Scott. ¡°Those freaks are loaded, but all that good stuff is going to get wasted once they leave.¡± ¡°Forget about these guys; another opportunity will come with the next batch of losers. This time let''s tweak our story a bit to cover all angles. Instead of claiming exclusive information, we should craft it in a way that makes them eager to initiate the exchange, avoiding any appearance of desperation,¡± one man suggested. Randy shot a glance at the speaker. ¡°Shut your smart ass up, Eugene. That was my idea; I just hadn''t vocalized it yet. That''s the plan, alright?¡± The other men wore dry smiles, silently concurring with the speaker, and observed as Zara¡¯s group proceeded toward the mountain path. ¡°I hope some monster tears you to pieces!¡± Randy''s voice echoed through the air. Scott halted abruptly, pivoting to face Randy. ¡°Thanks for the pep talk, Randy. We''ll be waiting for you. Don¡¯t take too long, okay?¡± Scott chuckled, striding through the misty wall alongside Zara and Slim. The mist enveloped the trio, and they vanished. ¡°Freak!¡± Randy cursed as the trio disappeared. He then shifted his attention to the remaining champions. ¡°What are you waiting for? Use your abilities to revive the bread and wine.¡± Meanwhile, within the judgment path, the members of the hound extermination crew were engrossed in the cascade of new system notifications.
The second trial has started!
You have received a new quest x2!
Quest Side Quest: Gather six beacons!
Side Quest: Defeat at least three parties participating in the Judgment Path!
Reward Mana Points booster pill x5 (+5 Mana Points Boost)
Random rare item!
Map of ???
You have received a unique quest!
The lesser god of darkness, ???, has made a special offer!
Terms Eliminate as many judges of light as possible.
Reward Favorability of the lesser god of darkness.
Duration As long as the champion remains in the judgment path.
Penalties Champions will suffer no consequences whether they fail to eliminate a judge or outrightly refuse the offer.
Do you wish to accept the lesser god of darkness, ???, offer?
Yes! No!
Light beacons have been distributed!
Three beams of light descended from the misty skies, alighting in the palms of the trio before they could react. The light nestled into Scott and Zara¡¯s hands, while penetrating Slim¡¯s bones without causing any pain. A pulsating glow intermittently escaped from their hands, accompanied by a low, buzzing echo. Scott averted his gaze from the system¡¯s notification and the pulsating light, focusing on their new surroundings. Though he hadn''t expected Hastur''s gaze to pierce through the fog in an area managed by the gods, his vision was clearer than ever. The mountain path appeared broader than the entrance they had traversed, to the point where the gemstone-covered walls were obscured from view. In contrast to the preceding desert, the air was cool and refreshing, yet there was not a trace of life prowling the barren land. However, compared to the vast desert, the mountain path boasted giant rocks and boulders scattered across its expanse. ¡°I can barely see anything. We need to be careful,¡± Zara communicated mentally. The enveloping fog hindered her vision, and the only way she could discern her Slim and Scott¡¯s positions was through the pulsating beacons. ¡°I have a clear view. Stick close to me,¡± Scott whispered. ¡°Really?¡± Zara asked; instinctively reaching for the arm of the masked man. ¡°I knew you wouldn''t let me down. Promoting you was the right choice.¡± She chuckled softly as Scott attempted to free his arm from her grasp. Frowning, she turned toward Slim. The necromancer had been silent since their arrival. She grabbed his hand with her free hand, her voice resonating in the mind of the skeleton. ¡°Slim, are you alright?¡± Slim erupted into laughter, but chills crawled down Zara''s spine as she took a step back. Scott narrowed his gaze, observing the laughing necromancer. The mist surrounding the skeleton churned with fury, mirroring the crimson mist in the eyes of the necromancer. ¡°Slim, are you okay?¡± Scott inquired. The skeleton turned toward his companions, a sadistic smile spreading across its bony visage. ¡°I feel fantastic. There''s a palpable surge of death energy here. If the desert was hell for me, this place is paradise,¡± he declared, as a dense ghoulish fog flickered within his empty eye sockets. ¡°Tone it down, man. You''re freaking Zara out,¡± Scott mentally communicated. Slim cocked his head backward, his features returning to normal as an embarrassed smile flashed across his face. ¡°I got carried away, my bad. It''s been a while since I''ve been in such a nice place,¡± Slim apologized with a sheepish grin. ¡°I''m demoting you to Minion 03,¡± Zara declared, wearing a playful pout. ¡°My leader, please don¡¯t,¡± Slim said. He dashed toward the cat girl, massaging her shoulders as he pleaded his case. Scott, on the other hand, focused on the beacon once more. It feels like I¡¯m carrying a small weightless pebble. It¡¯s a shame I can¡¯t see anything with Hastur¡¯s gaze, though. He extended his hand toward the pulsating glow, enveloping it with his other hand, yet it did nothing to restrict the flickering lights. This could become a problem, Scott pondered. Scott turned toward Slim and Zara, the duo nodding in agreement as they negotiated new terms in their minion and leader relationship. Returning his focus to the beacon, his expression soured. What the¡­? Sinister black tendrils coiled around the once-illuminated device, forcefully snuffing out its light. These tendrils emanated from the intricate tattoos etched into his skin, remnants of the last time he had wielded the war-hammer of the mad god. The pulsating glow on Scott¡¯s hand vanished, prompting Zara and Slim to pivot their attention toward him. Despite his proximity, the mist enveloping his body obscured their view. ¡°Buddy, did you send your beacon to your inventory?¡± Slim queried, a hint of disbelief in his voice, unwilling to accept that Scott would undertake such an imprudent action. Zara blinked in disbelief as well, apprehensive about the potential repercussions of losing a beacon so soon. A hand descended from behind, landing firmly on the shoulders of the duo. The feline emitted a startled scream while the skeleton let out a surprised yelp, and then a familiar voice followed, ¡°Now you guys know how it feels.¡± ¡°Buddy? When did you get over here?¡± Slim muttered, his gaze fixed on the spot where Scott had stood moments ago. Scott''s figure distorted like a puff of smoke, seamlessly merging with the surrounding fog. Scott chuckled softly. ¡°That¡¯s why I said you guys should follow me. Let me see your hands. We need to take care of that glow.¡± Scott raised his hand, revealing the blackened sphere obstructing the light. ¡°How did you even do this?¡± Zara asked in a daze as she extended her hand. Even without words, she understood the danger posed by the beacon, announcing their location with every pulsation. Slim also stretched out his hand, and Scott pressed his thumbs against the bulge. The tendrils emerged from the tattoos once again, wrapping themselves around the light as if it were their adversary. In seconds, the blackened covering enveloped the shimmering light. Zara and Slim stood there, gazing at the now-vanished glow. Simultaneously, the surroundings became clearer than ever.
Beings blessed with madness have received the Imprint of Madness from you!
Beings bearing the imprint of madness will retain their sanity around you!
You will be able to devour madness from beings bearing your imprint!
Imprint of madness has combined with your sigil!
Those bearing your imprint of madness and sigil will be able to use ability, Madness Explosion!
Madness Explosion has been updated!
Imprint of Madness!
Imprint of Madness: All physical and abnormal stats will rise by fifteen points. Odds of landing a critical strike increases by 22% when Imprint of Madness is activated. Mana Points decrease by 50 when Imprint of Madness is activated. Mana Points decrease by 55 when Imprint of Madness is combined with another ability. Mana Points decrease by 60 and 70 when Imprint of Madness is combined with two or three abilities. Limit: 2/3.
Warning: All physical and mental stats will drop by 7 if Madness stat drops below 50 after Imprint of Madness is activated.
A system notification materialized before Slim and Zara, revealing their newfound ability. ¡°Buddy, who exactly are¡­¡± Slim''s words were abruptly interrupted by approaching footsteps, and five pulsating glows emerged from the path ahead. ¡°Hold that thought. It looks like we have some guests,¡± Scott remarked. Zara brought her fists together, her clear eyes focused on the approaching figures. Five exquisite ladies, adorned in silk gowns, unveiled themselves. A melodious symphony echoed as the ladies sang with fervor, halting only a few feet away from the trio. ¡°Hello. Please surrender your beacons if you wish to maintain your sanity,¡± the leader of the group stated, extending her delicate hand toward the three. Chapter 29 : Second Trial Part 2
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: ???
Experience Points: 100/700.
Level: 7.
Mana Points: 180/180.
Mana Recovery rate: 5 Mana Points per hour.
Race: Siren.
Class: Bard.
Physical Stats Strength: 6 (-20 due to current physical conditions).
Agility: 10 (-40 due to current physical conditions).
Dexterity: 10 (-8 due to current physical conditions).
Endurance: 10.
Abnormal Stats Charm: 69.
Composure: 33.
Bloodlust: 35.
Lust: 15.
Will Power: 16.
Pride: 20.
Skills Expert singers [Level 5]
Expert swimmers [Level 5]
Survival [Level 2]
Trickery [Level 2]
Walking [Level 2]
Expert composers [Level 5]
Mind Control [Level 1]
Torture [Level 3].
Disguise [Level 3].
Abilities
Harmonic Melodies: The Siren sisters can use their combined vocal talents to create powerful harmonies that enhance their allies'' abilities. Cool down: Passive.
Enthralling Chorus: The Siren sisters can combine their enchanting voices to create a mesmerizing chorus that charms or hypnotizes enemies, rendering them unable to attack or resist their commands. This ability can be used to control foes or gain information from them. Cool down: Passive.
Siren''s Call: The Siren sisters can use their alluring voices to create a captivating aura that charms or influences multiple targets at once. Cool down: Passive.
Song of Illusions: The Siren sisters can use their musical talents to weave illusions that deceive enemies or create illusions to aid in their escapes or subterfuge. This could include creating illusions of illusions, fake treasure chests, or disguising their appearances to blend in with their surroundings. Mana Points will decrease by 60 when Song of Illusions is activated. Cool down: Passive.
Call of the Sea: As Sirens, the sisters can call upon the power of the sea to create tidal waves, whirlpools, or other water-based attacks to damage enemies or provide strategic advantages in aquatic environments. Mana Points will decrease by 40 when Call of the Sea is activated. Cool down: Passive.
Echoes of the Past: The Siren sisters can use their songs to tap into the memories and emotions of others, reliving past experiences or emotions. Mana Points will decrease by 50 when Echoes of the Past is activated. Cool down: Passive.
Inventory Empty!
Quests Main Quest ¨C Survive the second trial ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest ¨C Gather thirty beacons [10/30] ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest - Defeat at least three parties participating in the Judgment Path [2/3] ¨C Ongoing!
Scott''s gaze narrowed as he studied the status screen of the sirens. The fact that the sisters shared identical stats and abilities sent a shiver down his spine. Despite their supermodel-like beauty, with silky azure hair cascading over their shoulders and eyes resembling sparkling gemstones, an uneasy feeling settled in him. Staring at the outstretched hand of the siren, Scott glanced at his companions. Slim and Zara exchanged glances, their expressions on the brink of laughter, yet their smiles failed to conceal the underlying sense of danger radiating from them. Meanwhile, the siren leader furrowed her brow, lowering her hand. ¡°Why isn''t it working?¡± she queried mentally. ¡°Sister, I can¡¯t see their beacons. Maybe the flashes came from elsewhere,¡± a siren suggested, her brows furrowed. The leader shook her head. ¡°I saw the glow originate from them. They must have found a way to conceal it,¡± she concluded. ¡°Sisters, look at their hands. There¡¯s nothing there,¡± another siren pointed out. The sirens turned toward the trio, staring for a prolonged moment, but found nothing, no matter how intensely they looked. ¡°If it¡¯s not them, then we need to get out of here quickly. They might be one of those parties being chased by the judges. I don¡¯t want to see those things again,¡± another siren added, her apprehension evident in her voice. The leader directed her attention back to Zara''s group, her voice resonating through the air. ¡°It seems you lack what we''re searching for. We won''t be staying here any longer.¡± The sisters turned away, departing the area with deliberate steps. On their fifth stride, Zara''s voice pierced the air. ¡°And who granted you permission to leave?¡± The sirens halted, pivoting to face the cat girl. ¡°Do you intend to attack us?¡± she inquired; her expression unchanged. Zara smirked, advancing a step. ¡°That depends on you. We won''t do anything if you relinquish all your tokens. Then you can willingly remove yourselves from our presence.¡± ¡°We initially planned on letting you savor the precious few minutes you have left, but we might as well assist the judges in purging the towers of vermin like you,¡± a siren said. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Zara scoffed; arms folded across her chest. ¡°Before passing judgment, perhaps you should glance in the mirror. Don''t parade a face that isn''t truly yours.¡± The sirens'' countenances shifted to seriousness, and they retraced their steps to reclaim their earlier positions with deliberate slowness. Flanking the leader, the other sirens resumed a languid hum, while the leader clicked her tongues softly. ¡°Since you seem so eager to meet your end, we''ll assist you in fulfilling that wish!¡± The gentle humming gradually evolved into an exhilarating crescendo, marked by stunning high-pitched notes. The siren''s melodious voice reverberated through the surroundings, submerging the undulating mist in its captivating resonance.
Imprint of Madness has resisted an attempt to control your mind! x3!
Imprint of Madness has resisted an attempt to control your mind x4!
Warning! The odds of succumbing to mind manipulation increases the further you move away from the bearer of Chaos!
Zara and Slim shifted their attention toward Scott. ¡°Buddy, it looks like there¡¯s a lot we still haven¡¯t found out about you. No pressure: you can tell us whenever you¡¯re ready,¡± Slim communicated telepathically. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, but thank you,¡± Zara said before clenching her fists together. ¡°Give me a minute, and I¡¯ll have these fakers with a mouth full of dirt.¡± ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Slim mentally interjected, taking a step forward. ¡°Let me handle them. As a fellow singer, I should do the honors,¡± he suggested. Zara glanced at Scott, and the masked man simply shrugged. It didn¡¯t matter who dealt with the sirens, as long as they retrieved their beacons, he believed. Zara stepped back while Slim approached the passionate sirens. Unlike before, doubt and surprise filled the eyes of the quintet. This wasn¡¯t the first time they had used their abilities during the trial, but it was the first time a party showed no reactions whatsoever to their songs. Slim stopped a few feet away from the singing ladies, shaking his head. ¡°I feel bad for you ladies. I¡¯m usually a gentleman, but I guess I¡¯ll have to smack some hoes today.¡± Scott¡¯s mouth opened slightly. Where the hell did he learn that? How long was he in Nova Primus? Slim accessed his inventory, and his scythe materialized in his right hand. With a confident motion, he lifted his left hand. ¡°It''s showtime, boys! Let''s give them a performance to remember.¡± Five bleached, bony hands tore through the earth, forcefully pulling themselves out of the damp ground. The melodious symphony ceased, and the sirens watched with open mouths as five skeletons, dressed in ash-black suits, materialized beside Slim. Equally tall as the necromancer, each skeleton sported a unique dark shade, concealing the swirling mass of blue within their empty eye sockets. Zara turned toward Scott, and, for the first time, genuine surprise flickered in the eyes of the eldritch knight. ¡°You finally summoned us. Took you long enough,¡± remarked one skeleton. ¡°Yeah, what took you so long? We''ve been dying for some action for a while now,¡± another chimed in, while surveying his surroundings. ¡°What do we have here?¡± one skeleton said as he slowly removed his glasses, fixing his gaze on Scott and Zara. ¡°That¡¯s our leader and buddy, right?¡± another skeleton waved at the stunned duo, while the last one remained in the same pose, staring intently at the sirens. ¡°I didn''t summon you guys for a friendly chat. We have a show to put on,¡± Slim declared, gesturing toward the bewildered sirens. ¡°Can you sense the energy in the air?¡± The skeletons surveyed their surroundings more intently, the mist swirling in tandem with the haze in their eyes. The quintet released a chilling chortle as dark energy wisps raced toward their bodies. ¡°Why the delay, man? Why didn''t you summon us sooner? Were you planning to savor this alone?¡± the final skeleton cursed, tempted to smack his summoner''s head. The skeletons lowered their hands, and from the earth, several rusted brass knuckles emerged. One by one, the summoned beings shed their jackets, tossing them onto Slim''s scythe, before advancing toward the sirens. ¡°Ladies. My name is Ossie, it¡¯s pleasure to meet your acquaintance.¡± Ossie introduced himself, gesturing toward his skeletal companions. ¡°That''s Marrow, Necrobone, Ivory, and Rattlebones.¡± As he loosened his tie, he added with a sly grin, ¡°I apologize in advance because you''re about to witness the performance of a lifetime.¡± Ossie lunged towards the stunned sirens, and his fellow skeletons followed suit. With no warning, the eloquent skeleton delivered a devastating blow to the midsection of the lead siren, propelling the petite creature off her feet. Maintaining his composure, Ossie swiftly reached for the struggling siren''s head, raising his knee to her nose. A sharp crack reverberated through the air as bluish blood mingled with a watery goo, gushing from the shattered nose. The other sirens fared no better; skeletons armed with brass knuckles and a refined swagger unleashed a ruthless beatdown on the women. Each blow echoed like a percussionist playing an intense rhythm on a set of animal skin drums. Blood splattered in all directions as the sirens attempted to escape the assault, but the skeletons intensified their attacks, disfiguring the once-beautiful faces of the ladies. Ossie seized the unconscious siren via her silky hair, as blood dripped from the rusted brass knuckles. He shifted his gaze from his blood-stained shirt to Slim. ¡°You owe us big time for this. We''ll be seeing you around,¡± he declared before dissolving into a puff of smoke. The other skeletons followed suit, leaving behind the jackets they had entrusted to Slim. Simultaneously, the sirens lay sprawled on the floor, their motionless forms surrounded by a pool of their own blood. Slim chuckled as his scythe vanished into his inventory. ¡°What a performance,¡± he remarked, applauding with enthusiasm. ¡°They didn''t hold back.¡± The necromancer nodded approvingly, his laughter intensifying. Meanwhile, Zara remained in the same position staring at the battered sirens. He wasn¡¯t kidding when he said this place was paradise for him. For a second, I started pitying those sirens, she thought as she focused on Slim who approached the motionless Sirens. She felt there were still a lot of things she didn¡¯t know about the eccentric skeleton. For a moment, Zara entertained the notion that Slim intended to engage in a singing contest with the sirens. It wasn''t until the skeletons brandished their weapons, discarding their jackets, that her perception shifted. Initially skeptical of the debonair summons, her doubts quickly dissipated as the skeletons mercilessly pummeled the defenseless sirens. Turning her gaze to the side, Zara found Scott, predictably composed once again. This battle would have gone differently if he wasn¡¯t with us. I can¡¯t even¡­ What''s he doing? Taking a step back, she observed as a darkened handle protruded from Scott''s mask. With an eldritch flourish, he yanked it out with considerable force. Before she could fully grasp the situation, Scott hurled the blackened weapon toward Slim, the projectile gliding noiselessly through the air. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Zara screamed, witnessing the hammer rapidly approach the oblivious skeleton. Contrary to her expectations, it collided with an invisible barrier, splattering fresh blood on the back of the necromancer. A decapitated corpse materialized, and Slim turned to witness the war-hammer crushing the remains before him. Where the hell did this person come from? Slim thought to himself. A headless human corpse in leather armor lay flat on the ground, its arm holding a pulsating beacon. ¡°There are at least twenty of them surrounding us, and the strongest is a level 8 warrior, with most of the others being level 5 swordsmen. These bastards are using the same trick as the warriors from the desert!¡± Scott''s voice echoed in the minds of the brawler and necromancer. Slim quickly returned to his companions, summoning his scythe again. The trio stood back-to-back. Scott gestured towards the war-hammer of the mad god, and blackened tendrils shot out from his hand, dragging the mysterious weapon back to him. An unfamiliar voice echoed. ¡°There''s no need to hide anymore. We won''t be able to catch them off guard.¡± Several distortions appeared, and champions in dirty leather armor revealed themselves. A tall man holding a broadsword stared at Scott, pointing the weapon toward the half-human. ¡°The goddess warned us about you. Like always, she was right. Tonight, I shall rid the world of your existence.¡± Chapter 30 : Second Trial Part 3
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: ???
Experience Points: 100/800.
Level: 8.
Mana Points: 80/80.
Mana Recovery rate: 5 Mana Points per 12 hours.
Race: Human.
Class: Warrior.
Affiliation: Follower of the goddess of the night!
Physical Stats Strength: 28.
Agility: 27.
Dexterity: 28.
Endurance: 41.
Toughness: 40.
Abnormal Stats Composure: 30.
Loyalty: 45.
Leadership: 35.
Divinity: 10.
Skills Survival [Level 2].
Hand-to-Hand Combat [Level 3].
Sword Mastery [Level 3].
Basic Divinity [Level 0]
Abilities
Divine Blessing: With this ability, the warrior can call upon the power of his goddess to temporarily increase his Strength, Endurance, and Toughness by 15 points for 2 minutes. Divinity will drop by 1 point when Divine Blessing is activated.
Battle Cry: There is a 20% chance of stunning your enemies when Battle Cry is activated, reducing their Composure, Perception, and Instincts stats by at least five points, and for five minutes. Your allies and subordinates will receive five points boost to their Composure, Perception, and Instinct stats for five minutes when Battle Cry is activated. Mana Points will decrease by 30 when Battle Cry is activated.
Weapon Breaker - With this ability, the warrior can target an opponent''s weapon, weakening it or even breaking it entirely, leaving them vulnerable to attack.
Night Vision - Given his affiliation with the goddess of the night, this ability enhances the warrior''s ability to see in low light conditions, giving him an advantage over his enemies.
Leadership Aura - With this ability, the warrior exudes an aura of confidence and competence, inspiring those around him to fight harder and perform better.
Steel Skin - This ability allows the warrior to temporarily harden his skin, making him more resistant to physical attacks for ten seconds. Mana Points will decrease by 30 points when Steel Skin is activated.
Cleave: There¡¯s a 10% chance of decapitating an enemy when Cleave is activated.
Second Wind - When the warrior is nearing exhaustion, this ability allows him to tap into his reserves and push through the pain, restoring his stamina and giving him a burst of energy to continue the fight for another two minutes. Second Wind will automatically activate when the warrior¡¯s stamina and health is low.
Tongue of All: You will understand every language, written and spoken, native or foreign to your world!
Quests Main Quest ¨C Survive the second trial ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest ¨C Gather one hundred and twenty beacons [58/120] ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest ¨C Gather information about a party comprising a human, feline, and undead ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest ¨C Assist fellow followers of the goddess of the night ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest ¨C Travel to the city of Night ¨C Not Started!
Side Quest - Defeat at least three parties participating in the Judgment Path [3/3] ¨C Completed!
Scott furrowed his brow as he carefully read the system''s message. This guy follows that goddess, but why the hell is she investigating us? The swordsmen closed in on the group, their leader maintaining a steadfast position. He gestured to a group of men without weapons, prompting them to withdraw massive, intricate shields from their inventories. ¡°Who are you people?¡± Zara asked, cautiously scanning her surroundings. Giovanni, the party''s leader, shot a disdainful look at the feline brawler, his cold, deep-set eyes revealing his disgust. ¡°You heathens have no right to know. Accept your judgment and be purged!¡± With a swift motion, Giovanni raised his broadsword, his voice booming across the area. ¡°Purge the heathens in the name of our goddess!¡± ¡°Purge them! Purge them! Purge them!¡± the swordsmen and shield bearers chanted in unison.
Imprint of Madness had foiled an attempt to use a mental related attack on you!
Your enemies Composure, Perception, and Instincts stats has gone up by 5 points!
Giovanni furrowed his brow, observing that his battle cry had left none of the trio visibly affected. Despite this initial disappointment, his dismay was short-lived. With a deliberate motion, he lowered the broadsword, and in that moment, a golden radiance enveloped the man''s body, while the mist surrounding them billowed with an otherworldly energy.
Your enemies have used Divine Blessing!
Your enemies¡¯ strength, endurance, and toughness stats has increased by 15 points!
Giovanni''s body emanated a golden radiance, enveloping both himself and his underlings. He extended the sword''s tip towards Scott, declaring, ¡°Now, you die!¡± ¡°You talk too much,¡± Scott retorted, a low guttural roar escaping his lips.
Imprint of Madness has been activated across all bearers!
The dark tendrils that enshrouded the beacon on Slim and Zara''s hands unfurled gradually, creeping along their arms, and infusing the duo with a visceral, maddening energy. Malevolent glee flickered in their eyes as shadowy wisps amassed above the trio. Slim''s laughter echoed through the air, accompanied by the unsettling creaks of his expanding frame. With each step forward, his stature grew, the crimson mist within his vacant eye sockets swirling and succumbing to a profound shade of corrupted purple. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Ossie, Rattlebones. Come out,¡± the necromancer''s ghoulish voice echoed, and skeletons burst forth from the ground, assuming combat stances. The black mass swirling over the necromancer''s head transformed into two massive death bolts, voraciously absorbing the surrounding death energy. Meanwhile, Zara stood poised, her body swaying gently from side to side. Scott''s maddened screams subsided, and his trembling eyes shifted to Giovanni. Without hesitation, he leaped. Zara swiftly raised her leg, connecting with the masked man''s boots, propelling him toward the bewildered warrior ahead. ¡°Shield bearers!¡± Giovanni shouted, snapping his stunned men out of their stupor. The disciplined soldiers anchored their golden shields in the earth, slightly leaning forward. ¡°You will perish here, heathen! Not even your heretical methods can save you!¡± Giovanni declared, shifting into a sword stance. In a flash, Scott reached the shield bearers, his grip tightened around the war hammer. Just moments before the impending clash, the swirling death bolt reached its zenith, and Slim''s bone-chilling voice echoed once more. ¡°Annihilate them!¡± Ossie and Rattlebone surged towards the nearest swordsmen, delivering a relentless onslaught of fists and kicks. Simultaneously, the death energy-enhanced attack streaked toward the shield bearers, darting past Scott in the blink of an eye. A thunderous roar erupted from the feline brawler just before she rocketed towards the closest swordsman with a velocity that defied conventional belief. In that fleeting moment, Giovanni realized he had committed one of the gravest errors of his life. The goddess had only assigned them the task of gathering information, yet his zealous commitment had driven him to engage the group aggressively. Unperturbed by his mistake, Giovanni shifted his focus to Scott, slowly lifting his sword as he took measured, deep breaths. A deathly bolt struck the shield bearers, causing the men to shudder as golden radiance clashed with the ominous darkness. ¡°O goddess of the night, bless us so that we may withstand this trial!¡± the men roared in unison. ¡°Enough!¡± Scott screamed, his voice cutting through the chaotic din. With a fierce swing of his bloodthirsty war hammer, it collided against the golden shields. A resounding crack echoed, followed by an ear-deafening explosion that sent the gallant men hurtling in all directions. Blood trickled from their mouths, limbs mangled, and shattered shields scattered as if at the whims of the wind. Giovanni roared, materializing above Scott in a flash. ¡°Perish, you heretic!¡± Scott lifted the war hammer to intercept the oncoming swing of the frenzied warrior''s broadsword. A derisive grin curled the lips of the adversary, confident in his ability to shatter Scott''s nefarious weapon. ¡°Watch me demolish that insidious piece of yours,¡± he roared, unleashing the full force of his prowess as he brought the weapon down. Bulging muscles tore through the latches of his leather armor and the brown vest beneath, while thick veins contorted the warrior''s face. The clash of both weapons echoed, and the silver broadsword''s tip soared into the air. It left a small cut on Giovanni''s cheek as it sailed behind the momentarily stunned warrior. How can this be? This is a rare-ranked weapon bequeathed by the goddess herself. How can it be broken by a mere infidel? This shouldn¡¯t be possi¡ªhuh? Giovanni noticed a boot closing in from the side, yet the masked madman continued to hound the warrior. ¡°Do you think I''ll go down like this? Keep dreaming!¡± Giovanni''s muscles bulged, thick veins distorting his handsome face, bloodshot eyes trembling. With a tremendous effort, he managed to shake off the maniacal eldritch knight. However, as he created enough space, Zara''s feet landed squarely on his chest. The warrior was sent flying in the opposite direction, rolling along the ground before halting himself by embedding the broken broadsword into the earth. That kick would have collapsed my lungs if I hadn¡¯t anticipated it. I won¡¯t let these lunatics best me. Giovanni forced himself to his feet with a puff, spitting a mouthful of fresh blood. Wiping his bloodstained lips with his left hand, he tightened his grip on the broken sword with his right. His gaze remained fixed on Zara and Scott, standing side by side, seemingly possessed by demons from the farthest reaches of hell. Giovanni shifted his attention to his subordinates, only to find them sprawled on the ground, inscribing incoherent words while foaming at the mouth, their flesh decaying before his eyes. What kind of monster is this? he wondered, locking eyes with Slim, who reveled in wild laughter while crushing the skulls of the incapacitated champions. From opposite sides of the warrior, Ossie and Rattlebone emerged, their brass-knuckled fists closing in on his jaw and midsection. Even mere summons think they can defeat me. Nonsense! Giovanni dodged the attack of the suave skeletons, while using the pummel of the broadsword to smash Ossie¡¯s skull. Then, he shifted his body to the side, his muscles tightening as a blow landed on Rathhlebone¡¯s skull, smashing it on impact. The summons disappeared in a flash; However, Zara raised her index finger, taunting the man to approach her. ¡°I''ll slay you, creature!¡± Giovanni roared, charging headlong at Zara. On his fifth step, five hands erupted from the earth, and Ossie, along with the other summons of Slim, ambushed the enraged believer. With a flurry of fists and kicks, they unleashed an onslaught on the warrior. They fought with a unique blend of traditional boxing, kickboxing, and the style of old-fashioned gangsters. Giovanni, however, skillfully shifted his body from side to side, deftly weaving through the charismatic skeletons'' attacks. Despite a few well-aimed fists landing on his jaw and ribs, Giovanni remained steadfast, refusing to be knocked off his feet. Giovanni bellowed defiantly, lifting his sword with a determined force. Rattlebone and Ivory charged towards the menacing blade, undeterred by its shattered state. Simultaneously, Ossie, Marrow, and Necrobone launched an assault from the rear and flanks. With the strength of his bulging muscles, Giovanni swung the broadsword, cleaving the oncoming skeletons in twain. Swiftly twisting his body to the side, he deftly evaded the attacks from Marrow and Necrobone. The relentless warrior then unleashed a barrage, swinging both arms furiously and smashing his elbows against the skulls of the summoned entities. Seizing Ossie by the neck, he squeezed tightly despite the skeleton''s fists battering his face. A resonant crack echoed, and like the others before it, the skeleton vanished. ¡°You''re next!¡± Giovanni''s roar reverberated as he spun around, only to find his pupils dilating in shock as Zara''s boots hovered inches from his face. The realization hit him: they were fighting without honor. With no time to dodge or counterattack, Giovanni clenched his teeth and readjusted his body, bracing for impact. Mentally activating Steel Skin, Zara''s boots connected with the man''s face, shattering his nose, and sending him flying several feet backward. As Giovanni soared through the air, a determination burned within him. I will counterattack once I land on the ground! Even if this is where I meet my end, I''ll make sure to take one of them with me, he thought grimly. At that very moment, an unsettling chill raced down his spine, accompanied by an overwhelming sense of existential dread that clutched at his mind. Panic surged as he scanned the area¡ªwhere had the masked figure disappeared to? Scott was nowhere in sight. Before he could even turn his head, a powerful blow descended upon the man''s neck, shattering it like a twig. Giovanni, unable to comprehend the sudden turn of events, lost his grip on his weapon, and the radiant golden glow surrounding him slowly faded away. He lay sprawled on the ground, head lolling to the side, tongue protruding from his mouth. Standing tall over the fallen warrior, Scott paid little attention to his vanquished foe or the flurry of system notifications. Instead, his gaze quivered as it fixated on the path ahead, drawing the attention of Slim and Zara. Amid the haunting silence, faint footsteps resonated, revealing the presence of a party comprising fifteen figures. Their hisses filled the air, and forked tongues snaked out from their mouths. Sporting rough, pale-brown, athletic upper bodies, these creatures wore baggy jute pants but no shoes. Scaled tails wriggled behind their pants as the lizard-like beings approached with cautious steps. The crimson eyes of the lizardmen darted between the surrounding beacons and the trio who stood over the corpse-laden field. They halted a few feet away, the tallest among the procession stepping forward. ¡°You''ve had quite the harvest,¡± he hissed, fingers reaching for the daggers secured around his jute pants. ¡°There are only three of you and fifteen of us. I''m sure you won''t mind sharing the beacons, right?¡± One by one, the lizardmen unsheathed their daggers, avarice clouding their crimson eyes. ¡°We''ll help ourselves, but we''ll leave enough for you three,¡± the leader hissed again, motioning toward his companions. Lightning crackled from the skies before any of the lizardmen could react. They raised their heads, countenances darkening. Without uttering another word, the group fled with the swiftest speed they could muster. Scott, Zara, and Slim raised their heads, fixing their gaze on the figure in white descending on a series of floating discs that rearranged themselves in midair like a moving staircase. ¡°You''re the one who''s been calling me. You should have the answer I seek. Please, tell me the cure for this madness.¡± Chapter 31 : Second Trial Part 4 The lithe figure descended the makeshift staircase, iridescent eyes striking with an otherworldly quality that seemed to pierce through the onlookers'' souls. Gentle winds tousled the loose, plain white clothing that draped over the seven-foot figure. The simple attire bore no adornments or accessories, yet it exuded a minimalistic yet elegant appearance. Scott''s gaze oscillated between the white hair cascading down the figure''s back like a waterfall, shimmering with ethereal luminescence, and the champion''s pale white skin coated with a thin layer of lightning. Footsteps were quiet and unrushed, only the flapping of robes disturbing the tranquility of the area. Neither Scott nor his companions could discern the figure''s gender, but they sensed immense power hidden within those limpid eyes. Hastur''s gaze couldn''t penetrate their stats. But what did they say earlier? Scott wondered. Although he heard a soft voice, he was too far away to make out the words. ¡°Do we attack?¡± Zara asked mentally, unable to mask the hesitation in her voice. ¡°No,¡± Scott replied before Slim could. ¡°We don''t stand a chance against that person. Let''s not do anything rash.¡± ¡°What if he... I mean, she... What if they want to attack us?¡± Slim inquired. ¡°We run for our lives,¡± Scott declared without an ounce of shame. Three feet above the ground, shifting discs gathered at the bare feet of the stunning figure, propelling them forward toward the trio. ¡°Hello, my name is Ember. I''m a member of the Dragon race. Who are you, and why have you been calling me?¡± The soft voice resonated in Scott¡¯s mind as he locked eyes with the tall dragonkin. Ember extended her hand, reaching for Scott''s animated mask. However, Scott intercepted her hand midway. How can something be simultaneously so soft and durable? Aren¡¯t Dragons known to be androgynous? No wonder we couldn¡¯t easily discern her gender. He cleared his throat, taking a step forward. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. I didn¡¯t summon you, and I would appreciate it if you refrained from touching me without my permission,¡± Scott asserted, gently releasing his grip. He harbored no intention of admitting he was the chaos caller. ¡°Forgive me; I couldn¡¯t resist,¡± Ember replied audibly, a slight smile gracing her lips. ¡°Rest assured, I didn¡¯t approach you as an adversary, and your spoils hold no interest to me.¡± ¡°Why are you here then?¡± Zara asked, maintaining her battle stance, a frown etched across her face. Ember shifted her attention towards the feline brawler, her smile softening. ¡°You''re cute. Would you like to join me on my travels?¡± The hovering discs glided towards the cat girl, and the dragonkin gently took hold of the flustered brawler''s waist. In an instant, Zara found herself on the floating platform, pressed against the soft yet resilient skin of the mysterious dragonkin. A sweet, flowery fragrance filled her nose, and her muddled eyes slowly began to clear. The dragon''s arm remained securely around Zara''s waist as the disc floated a few feet above the ground. Ember''s smile grew even softer as she affectionately patted the head of the cat girl. Zara struggled to break free from the dragonkin''s embrace, but her pitiful strength proved no match for the dragon''s grip. ¡°Guys, please help me,¡± Zara pleaded silently. She had never felt so overpowered in her life. Scott advanced, and Slim followed suit. The skeleton pointed its scythe at the dragonkin, its ghoulish voice resonating in the area. ¡°Let her go.¡± Ember shifted her focus to Slim, scrutinizing the menacing skeleton from head to toe. With a grasping motion, she compelled the necromancer to fly towards the disk against his will. Like Zara, the dragonkin wrapped her hand around the necromancer''s waist, and the skeleton reverted to its original size. ¡°You''re cute too. I want you to travel with me as well.¡± Wait, this isn''t how it was supposed to go, Slim thought, pressed against the bosoms of the majestic dragon. Zara and Slim exchanged glances, on the verge of laughter at the absurdity of the situation. ¡°You can''t leave with them,¡± Scott asserted, taking another step forward. The dragon wiggled her nose, a playful smile lingering at the corner of her lips. ¡°And why is that?¡± she asked, tilting her head to the side. ¡°Because they''re my people,¡± Scott declared, tightening his grip on the war hammer as he advanced further. Ember''s mental voice cut through the tension like a knife. ¡°Let¡¯s make an exchange, then. I¡¯ll return your friends if you help me silence the voices. How does that sound?¡± Her arms tightened around the waists of her captives. ¡°If you can¡¯t manage that, I¡¯ll leave with them. Rest assured; I won¡¯t harm them. I pride myself on taking care of my subjects. So, what do you say?¡± Scott met Ember''s smiling gaze, but the eldritch knight''s glare spoke volumes. His eyes shifted to Slim and Zara, who were desperately seeking assistance through the party channel. I knew something like this was going to happen. This is just one of the many nutjobs that might come knocking. Who knows what the others will bring? Scott sighed, releasing his grip on the war hammer. A hand emerged from the swirling darkness, pulling the maniacal weapon into the mask. Ember stood nearby; her small mouth opened as her trembling eyes fixed on the masked man. Scott staggered a few steps but quickly regained his composure. ¡°Release them, and I¡¯ll assist you.¡± The floating discs descended, and Ember loosened her grip on Zara and Slim¡¯s waists. The necromancer and feline brawler stepped away from the enchanted item, taking cover behind Scott. Ember extended her right hand toward the masked man. ¡°Your turn now.¡± Scott glanced at Zara and Slim. ¡°You two, gather the beacons. I''ll be back soon.¡± ¡°Be careful, buddy. I''ve never seen anything this powerful before,¡± Slim conveyed mentally. Zara intended to respond but merely nodded. Scott locked arms with the dragon, and she lifted him onto the discs. With a flick of her wrist, the discs soared into the skies. ¡°Do you think he''ll be okay?¡± Zara whispered; her gaze fixed on the swirling mist above. ¡°I don''t know, but given his nature, he''ll likely return soon,¡± Slim reassured, gently patting the cat girl''s back. ¡°What concerns me more is that the experience seems to have stirred something within me,¡± Slim admitted, his expression bashful. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. The lingering scent of the dragon still clung to his clothes, evoking emotions he hadn''t known were possible. Zara''s cheeks flushed red. ¡°W-We should focus on gathering the beacons,¡± she stammered before swiftly darting toward the pulsating items. Meanwhile, Scott and Ember soared ever higher, the dragon''s arms securely wrapped around the eldritch knight''s waist. Scott fixed his gaze on the unfolding path, where mana-induced explosions danced in sync with the pulsating glows of the beacon. The once-narrow judgment path widened as they ascended, revealing an increasing jumble of towering rocks and boulders. This place is like a fucking warzone. It seems getting the beacons is the easy part, keeping them is when things become tricky. The journey had lasted only a minute, yet Scott observed over twenty groups scattered along the widening path, locked in fierce combat. ¡°This place should suffice,¡± Ember communicated mentally as the disc ceased its ascent. The dragon released her grip on Scott¡¯s waist, and the eldritch knight took a step back, his gaze shifting to the mist below. ¡°So, how do you plan to rid me of my curse?¡± Ember inquired. Scott lifted his eyes, meeting the expectant gaze of the dragon. ¡°Touch my mask. However, I won¡¯t be held responsible for¡­¡± Ember reached for the mask before Scott could finish his statement, and the blackened mist churned, wrapping itself around the delicate fingers of the dragonkin.
The Mask of the Eldritch Spawn is devouring the madness stat of a connate mad being!
Do you wish to form an Imprint of Madness?
Yes! No!
Scott glanced at the system''s message before redirecting his attention to Ember. The dragon stood motionless, both eyes tightly shut, a trail of drool escaping from the corner of her mouth. Is she enjoying this? Scott pondered as he attempted to grasp the dragon''s hand, but no matter how much force he applied, they remained unyielding.
The Mask of the Eldritch Spawn has devoured 10 madness points!
The message reverberated through Scott''s mind, overshadowing Ember''s soft moans. He exerted the full force of his strength, striking at the dragon''s hands, yet they remained unyielding. Damn! There''s no conceivable way I can absorb all of that. I''ll lose my sanity. Gritting his teeth, Scott directed mana towards his hands. The ethereal energy dissipated the moment it materialized, a peculiar suction emanating from the delirious dragon, devouring it before a spell could take form.
The Mask of the Eldritch Spawn has devoured 8 madness points!
I¡¯m going to go insane if this continues. Scott reached into the mask and the handle of the war hammer ejected out of the darkness.
The Mask of the Eldritch Spawn has devoured 36 madness points!
War-hammer of the mad God is devouring your Madness stat!
A Being blessed with madness has received the Imprint of Madness!
A three-sided yellow petal bloomed in the eyes of the dragon, disappearing as soon as it appeared.
War-hammer of the mad God has devoured a connate madness trait!
The war hammer quivered in Scott''s grasp, and the murky haze enveloping it diminished. A shadowy hand emerged forcefully from the mask, swatting Ember''s hands aside and returning the war hammer to its obscure confinement. The dragon snapped out of her daze, only to find Scott on one knee, panting, both hands trembling. ¡°I apologize. I lost myself there,¡± she said, helping the masked man to his feet. A golden pill materialized in her hand, and she pressed it into his palm. ¡°This should aid your recovery. I can hardly hear those annoying voices anymore. I''m deeply grateful.¡± ¡°Take me back to my companions,¡± Scott demanded with a huff. ¡°No problem,¡± Ember replied, flicking her wrist. The disc vibrated briefly before slowly descending. ¡°I don''t know how to say this, but I''d advise you and your companions not to complete the trial until you all reach level 10,¡± Ember murmured. Scott struggled to raise his head. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°The trials become exceedingly more challenging after the second one, and there are level restrictions,¡± Ember explained, accompanied by a refreshing smile. Scott furrowed his brow, swaying slightly. ¡°How do you know that? Aren''t the details of the trials supposed to be a secret from the champions?¡± ¡°For regular folks, yes. However, for those sponsored by the gods, there''s a lot more information available.¡± The dragon sported a gentle smile as she trailed her fingers along Scott''s hair. ¡°What if you and your companions became followers of the God of Darkness?¡± Scott interjected, ¡°You mean the Lesser God of Darkness, right?¡± The dragon shook her head, revealing slightly elongated fangs. ¡°The God of Darkness,¡± she repeated. Releasing her hold on Scott''s waist, she lifted her right sleeve. A black circle adorned with a stylized image of a waning crescent moon in the center, surrounded by jagged flames in dark purple and black, covered her forearm. ¡°I''m a sponsored candidate of the God of Darkness. I can readily take you three under my wing,¡± she declared, deftly arranging loose strands of hair behind her flawless ears. ¡°So, what do you say?¡±
A sponsored candidate of the God of Darkness has invited you to join the Order of Darkness!
Do you wish to accept the invitation!
Yes! No!
Scott''s gaze darted back and forth between the system''s notification and the dragon''s smiling visage, his thoughts running wild. She''s not just a dragon; she''s sponsored by a god. No wonder she possesses such formidable power. But why didn''t her god assist her with her madness? It shouldn''t be beyond the capabilities of a deity, right? Then again, I haven''t received any notifications regarding my madness stat. Has something gone awry? A fresh system message resonated in the ears of the half-human, jolting him from his reverie.
You have rejected the invitation!
What the¡­? When? Scott stared blankly at the system window, unable to comprehend what had happened. Simultaneously, disappointment flashed across Ember''s face, though it was fleeting. She quickly shifted her expression, patting the head of the confused man. ¡°I will respect your decision, but I will keep trying to convince you. You''re a precious person to me,¡± she declared while continuing to pat Scott''s head. ¡°We''ll soon reach your companions. Strive to reach level 10 before the trial concludes and gather as many beacons as possible, okay?¡± Scott nodded. ¡°Is there anything special that happens once we reach level 10?¡± he inquired. ¡°Ask your friend, the skeleton. He should be experiencing it now,¡± Ember replied with a mysterious smile. The disc halted in midair, and the dragon gently tipped Scott over the edge. Instead of plummeting to the ground, he descended weightlessly, gazing at the smiling dragon. ¡°I have your scent now. I''ll come find you after I''m done hunting the judges,¡± Ember declared, waving. The disc rearranged itself, and the dragon vanished in a flash.
Dragon Prince Ozani hates you!
Dragon Prince Nerko hates you!
Dragon King Darit hates you!
The goddess of the night, ???, is watching you!
The goddess of the night, ???, wants to be your sponsor!
Do you wish to accept the offer?
Yes! No!
Chapter 32 : Second Trial Part 5 Scott gazed at the rapidly flashing messages, his weightless body descending gradually. Who the hell are these people? He gritted his teeth, drawing conclusions from the countless novels he had read, understanding why the princes and king harbored animosity towards him. Fixating on the sponsorship offer, he clicked on the system window for more information. Simultaneously, a meandering tendril shot out from the mask, clicking [No] before the eldritch knight could react.
You have rejected the offer!
The goddess of the night, ???, is disappointed!
The goddess of the night, ???, will respect your decision!
The goddess of the night, ???, has stopped watching you!
The lesser god of the night is watching you!
The lesser god of the night hates your guts!
Scott''s gaze remained fixed on the wiggling tendril, innocently retreating into the mask amidst the flurry of new system messages. Behind his mask, he could only frown, taking deep breaths. It should have at least waited until I read through the benefits of becoming a sponsored candidate. Another sigh escaped Scott''s lips. He despised the fact that he couldn''t even muster anger, let alone frustration, towards the mask. He buried his frustrations in in the deepest recesses of his mind, redirecting his attention towards the system notifications he had ignored earlier.
You have slain a champion in the main stages! Exp: 200.
You have slain a champion in the second trial! Exp: 200.
You have slain a follower of a god! Exp: 200.
You have slain multiple champions with one hit! Exp: 200.
Your party has eliminated another party in the second trial! Exp: 200.
Your party has defeated two parties during the trial! Exp: 200.
The Mask of the Eldritch Spawn has refused to dispatch the devoured Madness stat!
The War-hammer of the mad God has devoured the madness stat devoured by the Mask of the Eldritch Spawn!
Your Madness Stat has decreased by 10 points.
Madness: 74 ¨C New!
The War-hammer of the mad God has devoured a connate madness trait!
Skill: Basic Hammer Mastery has leveled up!
Skill: Basic Hammer Mastery [Level 1].
You have rejected the offer of a god! Exp: 200.
You have rejected the offer of a sponsored candidate! Exp: 50.
Side Quest: Gather eighteen beacons ¨C completed! Exp: 100.
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
You have received a new Quest!
Side Quest: Reach level 10 and attain unity ¨C Ongoing!
¡°Reach level 10 and attain unity...¡± Scott repeated with a smile. He vividly recalled waking up in the nameless tower as a level one champion. ¡°I don''t feel any different after leveling up. Perhaps the first significant change will happen once I reach level 10,¡± Scott muttered. ¡°Buddy, you''re finally here,¡± Slim''s voice resonated in the ears of the masked man, prompting him to lower his head. Zara and Slim waved excitedly, the pulsating light from several beacons covering the length of their arms. ¡°How come you''re alone?¡± Slim inquired mentally, turning his head from side to side. ¡°Where did she go?¡± ¡°She''s long gone,¡± Scott replied, and the skeleton instantly sported a dry smile. Scott furrowed his brows. ¡°Why do you look disappointed?¡± He couldn''t conceive any plausible reasons why the skeleton would be disappointed by Ember''s departure. Zara erupted into laughter as an embarrassed smile flashed across the face of the necromancer. The cat girl patted the skeleton''s back while facing Scott. ¡°Welcome back. Did you learn anything useful from that woman?¡± Zara asked with an expectant smile.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Zara.
Level: 9 ~ New!
Experience Points: 200/900 ~ New!
Mana Points: 60/60.
Mana Recovery: 5 Mana Points per 12 hours.
Abnormal Stats Madness: 19 (-10).
Bloodlust: 13 (+3).
Scott diverted his attention from the cat girl''s stats. ¡°She gave me a few tips and this pill,¡± he explained, the unidentified capsule resting between his index finger and thumb. ¡°Oh, what''s that?¡± Zara asked, her curious eyes fixated on the shiny object. ¡°I''m not sure. Take a closer look,¡± Scott suggested, gently tossing the item to the feline brawler. The pill descended gracefully, and Zara leaped to catch it. Slim approached the cat girl, eager to examine the golden pill. Scott, in contrast, directed his attention towards the necromancer. I can''t peer through Slim''s stats anymore. He must have reached level 10 already. But he doesn''t appear any different, Scott pondered as he touched down on the ground. Slim and Zara approached the masked man, slinging their arms over his shoulders, both adorned with goofy grins. ¡°Buddy, check out how many beacons we snagged,¡± Slim exclaimed with a smile. ¡°Can you pull off that trick of yours?¡± This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. The skeleton gazed expectantly at the masked man, while the cat girl returned the pill to its rightful owner. ¡°Sure. It''s going to take some time, but I can do it,¡± Scott said softly. Zara patted the man''s shoulder, a smile gracing her lips. ¡°I trust you, Minion 01. I knew you wouldn''t disappoint us.¡± Scott shook his head, turning his attention to Slim. ¡°You leveled up, right? Congratulations.¡± ¡°Thank you, buddy. I couldn''t have done it without those guys,¡± Slim replied, unable to mask his excitement. ¡°Do you feel any different?¡± Scott inquired as his fingers shifted from one beacon to another. The pulsating glow dimmed, and the blackened tendrils covered its surface. ¡°You should check it out yourself,¡± Slim suggested before summoning his status screen.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Slim the Grim.
Level: 10.
Experience Points: 400/1000 ¨C New!
Mana Capacity: 300/300 [Lower Tier] ¨C New!
Race: Undead.
Class: Necromancer!
Party Members:
  • Scott.
  • Zara [Party leader].
Affiliation: The Hound Extermination Crew.
Title: Minion 03
Achievements: None!
Sponsor: None!
Physical Stats Strength: 10.
Agility: 10.
Endurance: 12.
Dexterity: 26.
Toughness: 10.
Abnormal State Chaotic Good.
Skills Summoning (Level 2).
Necromantic Resistance (Level 3) ¨C New!
Dark Magic (Level 3).
Necrotic Touch (Level 2).
Sweet Talker (Level 2).
Basic Sprinting (Level 0).
Party Communication (Level 1) ¨C Party Dependent Skill.
Singing (Level 4).
Basic Madness (Level 1) ¨C New!
Abilities
Lower Tier abilities
Summon Skeletons: Summons 2 skeletons to fight alongside the necromancer for as long as Mana Capacity lasts.
Shadow Blast: A dark energy blast that deals minor damage to a single target.
Raise Zombie: Raises a zombie from a nearby corpse to fight for the necromancer as long as Mana Capacity lasts.
Necrotic Aura: A passive ability that weakens nearby enemies, reducing their damage output by 10%.
Death Bolt: A powerful spell that deals serious damage to a single target.
Curse of Decay: A curse that slowly drains an enemy''s health over time, dealing damage over the duration of its activation.
Undead Army: Summons a group of 5 skeletons to fight alongside the necromancer.
Imprint of Madness: All physical and mental stats will rise by fifteen points. Odds of landing a critical strike increases by 22% when Imprint of Madness is activated. All physical stats will drop by 7 if mental state is overridden with madness. Limit: 3/3.
Quests Main Quest: Survive the second trial ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Seduce twenty female humans ¨C (7/20) ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Defeat at least three parties participating in the Judgment Path [2/3] ¨C Ongoing!
Scott perused the status screen, his mouth agape behind the mask. Is this what Ember was referring to? Numerous stats vanished, replaced by a slew of new ones. Is this unity? Scott mused to himself. The modifications to Slim''s champion interface surpassed his expectations. Zara tiptoed, peering over the shoulders of the duo, her glossy eyes widening as she studied the updated status screen. ¡°Slim, do you feel any different?¡± she asked, her gaze fixed on the necromancer. ¡°I honestly don''t know how to explain it. It''s like a shackle I didn''t even know existed has been removed. Watch this.¡± Slim snapped his fingers, and ten massive death bolts gathered above his head. Another snap, and the mana-infused attacks dissipated. ¡°That''s just a fraction of what I can do now. But the most frustrating thing is realizing how weak my previous and current levels are. No offense, guys, but anyone below level 10 is basically trash,¡± Slim admitted. Zara smacked the skeleton''s head. "How dare you call your leader trash? I''m demoting you to Minion 04," the cat girl declared, her thoughts drifting elsewhere. Slim whimpered as Zara attempted to lock his head beneath her arms. Meanwhile, Scott drummed his fingers on his mask, his free hand hovering over the pulsating beacons. I''m starting to grasp why Ember emphasized the importance of reaching level 10 before completing the trial. Although he doesn''t want to boast, it''s doubtful that Zara and I can defeat him in his current state. His mana capacity didn''t even flinch after summoning ten death bolts. I can''t fathom the kinds of monsters that await us in the other trials, Scott thought. ¡°Buddy, so what exactly did she tell you? Any useful tips?¡± Slim asked, his skull buried under Zara''s arm as she fervently patted his head. The feline brawler took a break from oppressing her minion, focusing her attention on the masked man. ¡°She said we should all reach level 10 before the trial ends, and we should gather as many beacons as possible,¡± Scott replied softly. Slim giggled as he straightened up, Zara clinging to his neck. ¡°She''s right. You guys will understand once you experience it too. But I can''t comprehend why we need more beacons,¡± Slim remarked, skillfully dodging Zara''s non-lethal kicks. ¡°There''s no need to speculate. We just have to level up while gathering the beacons. How hard could it be?¡± Zara said, falling to the ground as she released her grip. ¡°It''s good to be confident, but it could become a problem if we continue the trial with that mindset. Who knows how many powerful individuals like Ember are lurking in the shadows?¡± Scott cautioned, sending the golden pill to his inventory. He continued, ¡°We have ten solid days to choose our targets and collect more beacons. Slim will act as our support, while the two of us actively hunt those who have yet to reach rank 10.¡± ¡°Hunt, huh,¡± Zara said with a radiant smile. ¡°Let''s do that. Ten days should be more than enough time to reach level 10.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, guys. I won¡¯t let anything happen to you,¡± Slim reassured with a confident smile. Zara patted the back of the necromancer. ¡°Do a good job and you¡¯ll be promoted back to Minion 03.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t disappoint you my leader,¡± Slim said with a salute. Scott finished covering the last beacon, and his voice echoed in the mind of the duo. ¡°The path ahead is a freaking warzone. Every step we take from now on would result in an all-out brawl. Are you guys ready?¡± Zara nodded excitedly while smashing her fists together. Slim simply smiled at the eldritch knight while raising his thumbs. ¡°All right then. Let¡¯s discuss our strategy for the remaining part of the trial,¡± Scott said, as the trio gathered in a hurdle. Chapter 33 : Second Trial Part 6 The mist enveloped the mountain path in a thick and gray shroud, obscuring the way forward like a veil. Above, the skies mirrored the uncertainty below, offering no guidance to the seven-strong party forging ahead. Dampness lingered in the air, tainted with a subtle hint of sulfur and ash, remnants of constant explosions echoing in the background. The distant blasts reverberated off the mountainsides, filling the atmosphere with an unrelenting rumble. As the group traversed the mountain path, the explosions intensified, akin to thunder on a stormy night. Within the chaotic expanse of the Judgment path, pulsating glows emanated from different directions, scattered within the widening trail. Turning a corner, the seven champions halted, their gazes drawn to a collection of ten beacons clustered in an open space. The party comprised Althea, a tall and dark-haired woman serving as their leader; Kaleb, a disheveled-looking man; Jessa, a young woman with a bow slung over her shoulder; and others, including the dwarf Balin, the healer Freya, and two mercenaries, Rolf and Brax. They stood in contemplative silence, eyeing the seemingly innocuous pile of beacons, exchanging thoughts on their next course of action. ¡°I don''t trust this,¡± Althea declared, her brow furrowed. ¡°Why are the beacons gathered like that? It''s too suspicious.¡± ¡°Maybe there''s a reason they left these here,¡± Kaleb suggested, his gaze fixed on the pulsating lights. ¡°Perhaps someone intends for us to pick them up.¡± ¡°Do you even hear yourself? Don''t tell me you''re that na?ve,¡± Jessa retorted, her hand resting on her bow. ¡°We need to exercise caution.¡± Rolf and Brax dismissed the archer''s concerns with a scoff. ¡°Trap or not, it doesn''t matter. We need those tokens,¡± Rolf stated, his eyes scanning the surrounding boulders. ¡°We''re not leaving them behind,¡± Brax asserted. ¡°Whatever comes our way, we can handle it.¡± ¡°Finally, people who speak my language,¡± Kaleb chimed in, grinning as he draped his arms over the shoulders of the mercenaries. Althea and Jessa frowned, while Balin and Freya remained silent, prepared to accept the group''s collective decision. Turning to Althea, Kaleb pointed at the beacons. ¡°So, what''s the plan, Thea? If we don''t grab them, you can bet someone else will.¡± ¡°We''re not close enough for you to be calling me that,¡± Althea shot a glare at the man, her brown eyes shifting towards the beacons. There¡¯s no way this isn¡¯t a trap, but Kaleb is right. Someone else will take them if we don¡¯t. I can only hope who or whatever placed them there isn¡¯t someone beyond our means, Althea thought. ¡°I still believe we should leave the beacons there and move on. I can understand wanting to take them, but common sense says we¡¯ll regret it if we do. We can simply find a weaker party and take their tokens,¡± Jessa advised, but her words mostly fell on deaf ears. ¡°If only the world worked according to our whims, baby girl,¡± Brax said with a sardonic smile. ¡°You can go look for those weaker parties; we¡¯ll take these beacons for ourselves,¡± he added. Brax, Rolf, and Kaleb erupted into laughter as they approached the beacons. The trio believed they had no time to waste arguing about the matter. After all, it was only a matter of time before another group stumbled upon the pile. Jessa spat, her gaze piercing the mist as it tousled her hair. ¡°Those imbeciles.¡± Althea sighed, patting the back of the archer. ¡°I hate to admit it, but they might be right. We can''t afford to pass up this opportunity. Let''s just hope whoever set up the trap is someone we can handle.¡± Freya, the soft-spoken healer, spoke up, her concern evident. ¡°What if we''re not their match?¡± Althea turned to face the blonde woman. ¡°Then we run for our lives,¡± she declared without hesitation. Balin slung his ax over his shoulder, taking a determined step forward. ¡°Hopefully, it won''t come to that. I''d rather not support those brutes, but we need those beacons.¡± The dwarf absentmindedly fiddled with his long goatee, observing the trio as they approached the pile, weapons at the ready. The mercenaries brandished short swords with jagged blades, while Kaleb raised his scimitar. The trio cautiously moved toward the beacons, their grips tightening around the hilt of their weapons. The pulsating lights proved mesmerizing, tempting them to lose focus. However, the group remained vigilant, their attention fixed on the towering boulders obstructing their path. Three feet was all that separated the men from their coveted prize, and Kaleb, turning toward Jessa, couldn''t resist a triumphant grin. ¡°See? One can''t survive in this place by being a scaredy-cat,¡± he snickered over their shared party channel. Contrary to his expectations, the petite woman took a step back, pointing in his direction. Rolf and Brax''s urgent voices immediately filled his ears. ¡°Watch out, you fool.¡± A sudden tug at his arm pulled Kaleb to the side, prompting him to finally turn his head. A hand emerged from the earth, writhing before the beacons. Soft footsteps echoed in the background, revealing three figures. Jessa''s heart sank. ¡°I knew it!¡± she whispered to her party members; her frustration evident. ¡°There are only three of them,¡± Brax declared confidently. ¡°We can take them.¡± Rolf assisted Kaleb to his feet, and the trio cautiously took a few steps back, eyes fixed on the unexpected adversaries. As Kaleb observed the newcomers, his mind raced with confusion. ¡°One''s a skeleton, another''s a cat girl, and there''s a masked freak with ghostly eyes. Who the hell are these people?¡± he muttered softly. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Are you three responsible for this?¡± Althea asked, her daggers at the ready. Silence answered her inquiry. Instead, the masked man and the cat girl turned toward each other, fists slightly raised. Althea furrowed her brows, trying to discern their strange behavior. In an instant, the masked man unclenched his fists, while the feline extended her index and middle finger. ¡°Are they playing rock, paper, scissors?¡± Freya muttered, a bemused expression on her face. The cat girl''s little celebratory dance seemed to confirm Freya''s suspicion. The masked man and the skeleton took a step back, while the cat girl slammed her fists together. ¡°Leave your tokens behind, and I''ll spare your lives. If you choose to fight, be prepared to face the consequences,¡± Zara warned, approaching the mercenaries with deliberate steps. ¡°Go screw yourself, sweetheart,¡± Rolf snickered, readying himself. ¡°We''ll be taking these tokens and that of your... huh?¡± Zara surged forward with alarming speed, materializing in front of the mercenary in a blur. Her fist connected with the stout man''s jaw, causing Rolf''s eyes to roll inward, and his grip on the short sword slackened. The mercenary crumpled to the ground, and the cat girl wasted no time, sprinting towards her next target. Simultaneously, a thunderous twang reverberated through the air. Zara, in the midst of her sprint, deftly twisted her body. An arrow, adorned with a feather fletching, whizzed past the spot she would have occupied, thudding into a nearby boulder. Jessa''s urgent voice echoed in the minds of Brax and Kaleb, ¡°What are you guys waiting for? Get that oaf and get back here now!¡± The petite archer swiftly nocked another arrow on her bow, its pointed arrowhead aimed at the grinning cat girl, and she released the shot. Unfazed, Zara kept charging towards Brax and Kaleb. ¡°Minion 01, it''s your turn,¡± she declared. The arrow hurtled towards the cat girl, but her attention remained fixed on the two men. Scott raised his right hand like a gun, pointing it at the archer and her companions. The surrounding mist swirled around his outstretched finger, distorting the air. Three flickering mana concentrations condensed into one beam, shooting toward the startled archer.
Mana Missile activated!
Mana Points has decreased by 10!
Zara adjusted her body instinctively, narrowly evading the arrow hurtling towards her. In a swift motion, she charged towards Brax and Caleb, met with a fierce slash from each. The nimble brawler gracefully leapt over their attacks, flexing her fingers to reveal razor-sharp claws extending from her nails. She skillfully swiped at the exposed necks of the duo, her claws sinking deep into their flesh, filling the air with the sweet coppery stench of blood. The two men turned to retaliate, but the agile cat-like figure once again took to the air with a backflip. Landing behind them, she executed a rapid series of kicks to the back of their knees, forcing them to kneel. In quick succession, her elbow strikes landed on the heads of the duo, rendering them unconscious. Turning her attention to the other champions, Zara found Althea guarding Jessa, who knelt beside the injured Freya. Balin, with his ax raised, faced suave skeletons blocking their retreat. Zara retracted her claws as she crouched beside the unconscious men. Placing her hand above the pulsating beacons, she skillfully extracted them without causing harm to their skin. Standing up, she approached Rolf and repeated the process. Then, focusing on Althea and the remaining champions, she approached with deliberate steps. The dark-haired leader raised her hand. ¡°Wait. We surrender. You can have the beacons but spare our lives. Do we have a deal?¡± ¡°You''re not in a position to negotiate with me. I already warned you to be prepared to face the consequences of your actions,¡± Zara said as she slammed her fists together, slowly approaching the group. Althea and her companions took a few steps back, wary of both the approaching brawler and the skeletons blocking the path behind. This is all my fault. I knew the risks involved in approaching the beacons, yet I still agreed to let those guys approach, Althea thought, her gaze lingering on the approaching cat girl. Jessa''s groans filled her ears, and Freya''s glowing hand hovered over the mana-induced injury. Jess got hurt because of my indecision. This cat girl is already ridiculously strong, but those two over there don¡¯t look any weaker. There¡¯s no way for us to survive this. Althea gritted her teeth as she dropped her daggers. Zara came to a sudden stop, squinting as she observed the woman placing her free hand on the pulsating glow. ¡°If you''re planning to kill us anyway, I''d rather destroy the beacons and fight to the bitter end. We may not be your match, but we won''t make it easy for...¡± The scout''s words were abruptly cut off by a piercing whistle, and a colossal shadow loomed over the quartet. They looked up, pupils dilating, fixated on several massive boulders plummeting from the sky. ¡°Thea, run!¡± Jessa''s voice resonated in Althea''s mind, and the archer lunged toward the scout. ¡°Jess...¡± Althea watched helplessly as the archer pushed her away. It was the last thing she saw before a thunderous explosion filled her ears, and her leather armor and clothes were soaked in fresh blood. Althea sat on the ground, hands trembling, lips quivering, staring at the severed hand lying within the bloody pool beneath the boulder. ¡°Jess?¡± Althea whispered, but only trembling silence met her words. Zara responded to Scott¡¯s call, and the trio fixed their gaze on the path ahead. A towering figure emerged from the dissipating mist. ¡°Mama! Where are you?¡± The guttural but oddly childlike voice pierced the air, causing Zara and Althea to instinctively cover their ears. The volume was jarring, but it was the savage undertone that sent shivers down their spines, evoking a primal fear that suggested raw power and aggression. It hinted at an imminent threat, as though the speaker was poised to unleash destruction on anything in its way. As the mist gradually lifted, the colossal figure responsible for its parting revealed itself. A Cyclops, standing at least twenty feet tall, dominated the scene. Massive muscles rippled beneath its fur loincloth, and its deep, earthy brown skin exuded a primitive strength. The creature''s single eye, as large as a dinner bowl, sat boldly in the center of its forehead, radiating a fierce intensity that burned with a primal rage. Once more, the Cyclops bellowed, its voice echoing in guttural tones, causing the very ground beneath the champions'' feet to tremble. ¡°Mama! Where are you?¡± it called out, turning from side to side in search of its target. The deafening sound echoed through the air, a menacing force capable of shattering bones and rupturing eardrums. The cyclops, a colossal figure, gripped its massive club loosely in one hand. With each stride forward, it cast a long shadow across the ground. The creature''s gaze swept over the area, powerful nostrils flaring as it caught the scent of fresh blood and fear in the air. Narrowing its eye, it fixed its intense gaze on the quartet ahead, the pile of flashing beacons revealing the champions in its sights. As the Cyclops took a thunderous step forward, its grip tightened around the formidable weapon. Slim''s chuckle cut through the tension; his voice transmitted via their shared party channel. ¡°Do you guys need any help?¡± Scott and Zara exchanged glances, determination burning in their eyes. ¡°That mama''s boy looks tough, but we can handle him,¡± Zara declared, slamming her fists together. She turned to Scott, her expression serious. ¡°This big boy should be more than enough for us to level up. Don''t get yourself killed, okay?¡± The cat girl slammed her gauntlets together again, but the earlier smile had long vanished from her face. Chapter 34 : Second Trial Part 7
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: ???
Level: 8.
Experience Points: 690/800.
Mana Points: 10/10.
Mana Recovery Rate: 10 mana points per day.
Race: Cyclops.
Class: None.
Physical Stats Strength: 70.
Agility: 5.
Endurance: 70.
Dexterity: 12.
Toughness: 70.
Abnormal Stats Intelligence: 3.
Wisdom: 3.
Perception: 8.
Skills Destruction [Level 4]
Abilities
Tough skin ¨C Your skin is harder than steel.
Inventory Empty!
Quests Main quest ¨C Survive the second trial ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest ¨C Gather eighteen beacons [100/18] ¨C Completed.
Side Quest ¨C Find Mama ¨C Ongoing!
Scott furrowed his brow while perusing the cyclops'' data. This guy is just as dim-witted as he appears, but his physical prowess is off the charts. We''re in deep trouble if he lands a single blow. The colossal creature closed in with rapid strides, its singular eye fixated on the small figures before it. A constellation of radiant lights gathered on the robust arm of the giant as it closed the gap. ¡°Zara, that guy''s strength is off the charts. We can''t afford to take even one hit,¡± Scott communicated mentally. ¡°I had a feeling,¡± Zara responded, the memory of cascading boulders still vivid in her mind. A being capable of hurling enormous rocks was undoubtedly excessively strong. Scott''s voice resonated in the ears of the cat girl once more, ¡°Despite his strength, he''s not exactly a genius. We can exploit that to our advantage.¡± ¡°Naturally, cyclopes are renowned for their poor eyesight. It won''t be easy taking him down, but it shouldn''t be overly difficult either. We need to target its eye; it''s a known weakness for all cyclopes,¡± Zara advised. Scott turned to Zara, seeking confirmation. ¡°That''s the plan then. Are you ready?¡± Zara nodded, taking a confident step forward. Simultaneously, the colossal cyclops loomed over the boulder, concealing the remains of Althea''s companions. The scout rose, breath quickening, fingers tightening around the hilts of her daggers. Her bloodshot eyes fixated on the approaching embodiment of destruction. Without acknowledging Althea, the cyclops diverted its attention to the stack of beacons. Another step, and it would reach the flashing pile, but Althea interrupted with a maddening howl, sprinting toward the cyclops. Slashing and hacking at its massive leg, her bloodshot eyes revealed the desperation within her. Clangs echoed as the silver daggers clashed against the rough skin of the cyclops. However, the giant paid no heed to the relentless attacks. None of Althea''s strikes left a scratch or injury on its skin. Oblivious to her futile attempts, the cyclops reached for the beacons, swallowing them into his massive right hand. ¡°Go away!¡± The cyclops bellowed, swinging its arm with a surprising gentleness. Its wrist collided with Althea, sending the scout hurtling towards a nearby rock. Her face smashed into the coarse barrier, the unmistakable crack signaling the gruesome end. Brain matter, blood, and a cascade of fluids spilled from the shattered skull of the fallen scout. Scott, Zara, and Slim fixed their gaze on the lifeless form of the woman for a brief moment before redirecting their focus to the looming cyclops. Without hesitation, Zara surged forward with a menacing burst of speed, closing in on the colossal creature. Meanwhile, Scott raised his hand, extending it like a firearm, as mana coalesced at the tip of his outstretched finger, targeting the cyclops'' massive eye. In tandem, he shifted his left hand towards the cyclops'' feet, causing the ambient temperature to plummet rapidly.
Mana Missile activated!
Mana Points have decreased by 10!
Frost Nova activated!
Mana Points have decreased by 10!
The mana missile sped towards the creature''s eye, and a frost nova rapidly blanketed the ground around the cyclops in ice. The concentrated mana beam reached the giant, and it blinked, feeling the magic missile connect with its eyelid. Wincing, it sensed a slight tingle on its face, prompting it to massage its eyelid while taking a step back. The barefooted creature slipped, hands thrashing about as it struggled to regain footing. It reached for nearby boulders, but they shattered upon contact, sending the creature sprawling to the ground. Simultaneously, Zara closed in on the cyclops, running along its bulging arms and racing towards its head with her claws unsheathed. Meanwhile, Scott hovered above the cyclops, utilizing levitate. Tossing aside the empty vial of a mana recovery potion, he reached for the handle of his war hammer, which ejected itself from the mask. With all his might, the eldritch knight pulled it out.
Levitate has been deactivated!
Scott descended from the skies, war hammer poised to strike the cyclops'' eye. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. ¡°Why is the floor cold and slippery?¡± the cyclops muttered, using the tip of his club to delicately shatter the ice. Each impact of the bone club bore massive holes, causing the surrounding rocks to rumble incessantly. The creature then hoisted itself into a sitting position just as Scott and Zara materialized in a flash. The eldritch knight gripped one eyelash, swinging his war hammer with all his might. Simultaneously, Zara thrust her claws into the giant''s eye, the war hammer colliding with the crimson orb.
Mana Missile activated!
Mana Points have reduced by 10!
Poison Cloud activated!
Mana Points have decreased by 80!
The war hammer and claws found their mark, piercing the cyclops'' eye. A thunderous roar of agony erupted from the creature, sending tremors through the ground beneath them. The colossal giant convulsed in pain, its massive form thrashing about wildly. In its disoriented state, the cyclops swung its club blindly, attempting to strike its assailants. Scott and Zara swiftly retreated, narrowly avoiding the bone club as it crashed into the icy floor. Blinded and stumbling, the cyclops meandered aimlessly, colliding with rocks and boulders in its desperate attempt to locate its attackers.
Frost Nova activated!
Mana Points have reduced by 10!
An additional icy patch blanketed the area around the creature, causing the cyclops to slip once again, this time falling awkwardly to the ground. Despite the rough and jagged rocks littering the terrain, they failed to pierce the frenzied champion''s resilient skin. ¡°Get as far away from him as possible,¡± Scott urged telepathically. ¡°We only need to wait for the poison to finish him off.¡± Scott swiftly retrieved another mana recovery potion, downing it in a single gulp. The duo sprinted away from the scene while the cyclops struggled to rise, shattering the ice beneath him. ¡°Cowards! Show yourselves!¡± he bellowed, swinging his club wildly in all directions. Explosions echoed through the area as the giant creature bled profusely from its ruptured eye. Meanwhile, the hound extermination crew observed the frantic spectacle from a safe distance, their focus fixed on the cyclops as it pulverized everything in its path. ¡°Do you think the noise will attract others?¡± Slim inquired mentally. ¡°Yes, but not many would dare confront a cyclops. If I didn''t have the skill and speed to evade its attacks, I would have fled without a second thought. Their strength is not to be underestimated,¡± Zara remarked. ¡°It helps that they have poor eyesight, and this one looks like a proper dumbass," Scott added from the side. Slim glanced at the roaring cyclops. ¡°How long will it take for your poison to incapacitate it?¡± ¡°I honestly can''t say. Most people wouldn''t be standing after taking a war hammer to the eye, but that guy endured both my attack and Zara''s. His resilience is off the charts. All we can do is wait for him to succumb to his injuries. Fortunately, it seems he lacks any means of healing,¡± Scott said. Zara, curious, turned to the masked man. ¡°Don''t take this the wrong way, but how do you know all this?¡± Slim interjected, ¡°I don''t think it''s polite to pry. We each have our secrets, you know.¡± Realizing her question might be intrusive, Zara apologized, ¡°I''m sorry; forget I said anything.¡± ¡°It''s okay,¡± Scott reassured, pointing toward the cyclops. ¡°Looks like our guy is slowing down.¡± Zara and Slim shifted their gaze to the giant, now moving with less vigor. A network of bluish, pulsating veins snaked across its head and upper body. Thick steam billowed from its nostrils, its lone nose hair swaying in the mini windstorm. Kneeling on one knee, the creature clutched a bone club for support. Despite its efforts, it struggled to rise, huffing and puffing in a futile attempt to regain its footing. ¡°Ma-Ma, help¡­ me.¡± The giant collapsed in a heap, its fresh blood slowly turning purple. Zara enthusiastically draped her arms across Scott¡¯s neck. ¡°The poison really worked. Should we head over and finish the job?¡± Scott shook his head, not bothering to shake off Zara¡¯s arms. ¡°Let¡¯s wait for the poison to finish him off. Who knows, he might be faking it,¡± Scott said. Zara chuckled softly. ¡°I always had a hunch you were the cautious type. That¡¯s great. Slim, I mean, Minion 03, and I will be counting on you to stop us from doing something stupid in the future.¡± The cat girl loosened her grip while staring at the motionless creature. She turned toward Slim. ¡°Can your friends check if mama¡¯s boy over there is playing dead?¡± ¡°Sure, but I demand to be promoted back to Minion 02. Deal?¡± Slim asked. Zara narrowed her gaze, a sly smile gracing her lips. ¡°Deal. In fact, let me promote you in advance.¡± A system window appeared in front of Slim, and the necromancer chuckled softly as he summoned Ivory. Without saying a word, the skeleton sprinted toward the cyclops. Scott''s gaze shifted from the smiling duo to the motionless cyclops. Doubt lingered in his mind; he doubted the creature¡¯s intelligence, questioning its ability to convincingly play dead. I honestly don¡¯t think that fella is intelligent enough to play dead, but it¡¯s always good to be cautious. He squinted midway through his musings. Look at those bastards! They''re attempting to profit from our hard work. The eldritch knight, concealed behind a mask, smiled, and his voice resonated in the minds of his companions. "Slim, instruct your boy to return. Some annoying lizards are closing in on the cyclops.¡± Zara and Slim''s expressions instantly soured; their attention now fixated on the surrounding area. Despite detecting neither trace of a trialist nor unfamiliar sounds or scents, they trusted Scott''s judgment. The necromancer swiftly conveyed the message to Ivory, and the summoned being submerged into the earth, defiantly raising a middle finger for all to witness. ¡°What''s our move, buddy? Should we make a run for it, or are we gearing up for a fight?¡± Slim asked mentally. Despite Scott''s earlier warning about lurking lizards, none were visible, and the surrounding area remained devoid of the anticipated glowing beacons. ¡°Run?¡± Scott chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°No need. Those guys won''t pose much of a challenge. Let them get closer, and we''ll wipe them out in one swift move. Their camouflage won''t hold for long.¡± Zara and Slim exchanged a glance, silently concurring with Scott''s strategy. They redirected their attention to the unmoving cyclops, anticipating the emergence of their concealed adversaries. Scott, disregarding a flurry of system messages, remained fixated on the slithering reptiles with elongated tails and thorny backs. What will be the best way to deal with these guys? Scott thought to himself, slowly counting the number of concealed lizards. Twenty-five of them, huh. We should be able to handle them somehow, but we absolutely can¡¯t let them finish off the cyclops or take the beacons. Scott turned to his companions, his telepathic voice resonating in their minds. ¡°Slim, we''re going to need your assistance with those guys.¡± ¡°Sure, buddy. What do you need?¡± Slim asked, flashing a smile. ¡°You''ll have to summon your boys and employ...¡± Scott''s words were abruptly cut off by an ear-deafening roar. The trio instinctively turned their attention to the motionless cyclops. ¡°Mama! Save me!¡± The cyclops screamed, struggling back into a sitting position. The blind creature thrashed around, its flailing limbs smashing several rocks in the process. For a moment, all explosions within a two-kilometer radius ceased, the desolate voice of the champion carrying even farther. Fresh blood splattered on the surrounding rocks, and pools of crimson formed on the earth with every movement of the cyclops. The concealed lizards emerged but displayed no signs of fleeing. Only ten of them remained from their initial numbers, but they quickly regrouped, observing the final moments of the creature from a safe distance. A few focused their attention on Scott, Slim, and Zara. They understood that the one who moved the quickest would claim the experience points from killing the cyclops and its beacons. ¡°Let¡¯s move,¡± Scott declared. Zara clenched her fists, cracking her neck with a determined expression. Slim sported a modest smile that, with each passing moment, transformed into an unsettling grin. Scott advanced, prompting another roar from the cyclops. However, this time, the intensity surpassed all previous outbursts. The air itself seemed to shift, with small fragments of rock and sand visibly scattering in all directions. ¡°Mama, help me!¡± The cyclops cried before going limp. Chapter 35 : Second Trial Part 8
You have defeated a Champion! Exp: 150!
Side Quest: Defeat at least three parties participating in the Judgment Path [3/3] ¨C Completed! Exp: 200!
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
Side Quest: Reach level 10 and attain unity ¨C Completed! Exp: 200!
Scott checked the system messages, a smile playing on his lips. A crisp crack reverberated in his mind, as if an ethereal shackle had just shattered. His vision blurred momentarily, and then a surge of mana coursed through his body like never before. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening, but this feels good, Scott thought to himself. Soft moans suddenly filled his ears, and he turned toward Zara. She had fallen to her knees, emitting creaks and groans as if her very bones were undergoing a transformation. Slim stood before them, flanked by Necrobone and Ossie on either side, while Ivory and Rattlebones stood behind the duo, seemingly caught in a shared experience. Behind his mask, Scott frowned. What¡¯s happening to Zara? Besides the increase in my mana, I don¡¯t feel that different. Is something wrong with me? He glanced back at the cat girl, only to find her gone. Slim and his summons had vanished too. The eldritch knight turned toward the spot where the lizards had gathered, but they, along with the massive corpse of the cyclops, had all disappeared. Surveying the now desolate and eerily quiet surroundings, Scott couldn¡¯t dismiss the notion that the disappearance of the cyclops''s corpse, the opportunistic lizards, and his companions was anything but a coincidence. Scott muttered, ¡°What the fuck is going on?¡± under his breath, turning his head from side to side. The eldritch knight''s brow furrowed suddenly, and he reached for his face. Surprisingly, his fingers encountered no barrier, sliding smoothly across his smooth skin. Where did the mask go? Scott wondered to himself. ¡°System, show me my status screen,¡± Scott mentally requested. To his dismay, silence met his plea. Undeterred, he repeated, ¡°System, show me my status screen,¡± his brows now arching with impatience. Seconds turned into minutes, but the familiar blue screen remained elusive. Scott''s features twisted in frustration as his mind raced. What is happening? Did I stumble into some kind of trap, or is this a shared experience when reaching level 10? The half-human raised his head, surveying his surroundings with deliberate slowness. Slim hadn''t mentioned any trial associated with leveling up, so this seemed far from normal. Scott''s mind halted mid-thought, his gaze narrowing as he spotted a figure draped in yellow about two hundred meters away. Who the heck is that? Scott pondered, eyeing the mysterious being. The yellow cloak concealed their identity. "Who are you?" Scott asked, instinctively taking a step back. In response, the figure in yellow advanced, materializing in front of the eldritch knight in a swift motion. The rocks in the vicinity twisted and warped, consumed by an engulfing darkness. In this abyss, Scott and the enigmatic figure stood face-to-face, both suspended in nothingness. The swirling darkness enveloped them, creating an eerie and weightless atmosphere. Scott locked eyes with the entity, yet all that met his gaze was an abyssal void, voraciously yearning to consume his very essence. Together, they drifted purposelessly through the inky darkness, a timeless span stretching into what felt like epochs, until a resonant voice echoed through the mind of the eldritch being. ¡°I''ll be waiting for you.¡± A shiver raced down Scott''s spine; his form frozen as if gripped by an unseen force. That voice¡ªwhy did it resonate so eerily with his own? The obscurity veiling the visage of the figure in yellow dissipated, revealing a three-sided petal of the same hue. From its core, a profound, spiraling darkness emanated, engulfing the vibrant colors in its origin. Taking a hesitant step back, Scott witnessed the enigmatic figure vanish. Another step followed, compelled against his volition, transporting him amidst colossal structures that pierced the heavens against an ebony sky. A further step unfolded a city suspended amid roiling clouds. With one last involuntary stride, his vision blurred into indistinct shapes.
A connection to the Abyssal void established!
Skill: Call of the Abyss ¨C Unlocked!
You have received a new Ability!
Ability: Hastur¡¯s Whisper!
Description: Strengthened with your connection to the abyssal void, you can summon low level entities of eldritch origins.
Carcosa has noticed your existence!
Carcosa is delighted with your existence!
Mana Points is being devoured by the Abyssal Void!
Mana Points have successfully been devoured!
Your race has been updated!
Carcosa offers a sacrifice to you!
Do you wish to accept the sacrifice?
Yes! No!
You have rejected Carcosa¡¯s sacrifice!
Carcosa awaits your return!
Skill: Mana Casting, Hammer Mastery, Madness, Combat, Mental Manipulation, and Hastur¡¯s Gaze have leveled up!
Tier 2 of Eldritch Knight ¨C Unlocked! Eldritch Charge: You can imbue yourself with eldritch energy, allowing you to charge at an enemy and deal extra damage.
Eldritch Fury: Your attacks become more powerful, dealing extra damage to your enemies.
Shield Mastery: You can create a barrier fueled with eldritch energy to deflect incoming attacks, reducing their damage.
??? Vessel ¨C Unlocked! There¡¯s a 10% chance your body will be possessed by ???
??? Vessel will increase as you unlock more tiers of Class ¨C Eldritch Knight.
The ringing won¡¯t stop. How many system messages did I get this time? Scott thought to himself as he struggled to open his eyes. His body jolted from side to side and in every direction, yet a continuous ringing resonated in his ears. What¡¯s that sound, and why does it feel like I¡¯m being carried? Scott frowned, thinking back to the last thing he remembered. The cyclops succumbed to the poison, then we got the level up window. But why can¡¯t I remember what happened after? This is the second time I¡¯m having gaps in my memories. What the hell did I see that I would rather forget than remember? The eldritch knight struggled to open his eyes, but they felt as if they had been sealed shut by a living mucus. The echoing ring drowned out the incessant system messages, but they grew louder and more distinct. ¡°Are those explosions?¡± Scott muttered to himself, finally managing to force his eyes open. Confusion clouded his gaze as he found himself lying on Ossie¡¯s shoulder, who ran alongside Slim, Zara, and the rest of the summoned beings. Scott raised his head, his mouth agape behind his mask. Over twenty groups, comprising both humans and non-humans, fled in tandem with their group. Further back, through the bellowing mist, more than thirty cyclops, each brimming with unadulterated rage, chased after the fleeing parties while hurling massive rocks and boulders. What the hell happened? Scott pondered. The half-human tapped the shoulder of the summoned being while his voice echoed in the minds of his companions. ¡°What happened, guys?¡± ¡°Finally, you''re awake!¡± Zara exclaimed, turning toward Ossie. ¡°We can''t talk now. Our priority is getting out of here first!¡± ¡°I''m relieved you''re awake, buddy. You''ve been muttering gibberish for over three days now. I was starting to think you were losing your mind,¡± Slim remarked. The necromancer kept pace with the feline brawler, a deep purple luminescence covering the bones of the naked minion. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Gibberish? What did I say?¡± Scott inquired. ¡°We couldn''t make sense of it. You spoke in a tongue I''ve never heard before. It was downright terrifying,¡± Slim admitted. He paused for a moment, recalling Scott''s utterances before continuing, ¡°Hastur, Conquer, Carcosa, and The Brothers of the Yellow Sign were the only words I could decipher." Scott¡¯s visage darkened behind his mask. What the hell does any of that mean? He knew Hastur related to the eldritch being who made him its spawn, but for some reason, he couldn¡¯t recall anything related to the great old ones no matter how much he tried. That Slim didn¡¯t recognize the name only confirmed that the necromancer didn¡¯t know about the eldritch gods, or it was possible he knew them by another name. I hate the fact that I can¡¯t even get pissed off by the ridiculousness of this situation. Then again, I can¡¯t be mulling over something I can¡¯t remember or understand. The eldritch knight focused on the massive cyclops in the distance, ignoring the flurry of system messages competing for his attention. I wonder if any of them is the mother of that guy. Maybe that¡¯s why they¡¯re chasing us. But to think three days have gone just like that. I can¡¯t begin to imagine what would have happened if I didn¡¯t have Slim or Zara with me. Scott instinctively reached for his face, but the mask of the eldritch spawn blocked his fingers. Why did I do that? I should be focusing on how to escape this situation. The half-human focused his attention on the fleeing champions. The fact that neither of them attempted to sabotage the other nor try to snatch their beacons surprised him a little. Scott''s eyes moved from one champion to the other, lingering on their arms illuminated with the familiar glow of the beacons. Each group possessed an abundance of beacons, more than sufficient to successfully navigate the trial multiple times. The fact that these guys have so many beacons means Ember was right. The half human raised his head toward the misty skies. Maybe she¡¯s still hunting the judges. It has been two days, I mean, five days since we saw her. Thankfully, more weirdos haven¡¯t found me since then. ¡°Why do you refuse to call me?¡± The voice pierced Scott''s thoughts, causing him to flinch. It held a strange duality¡ªyouthful yet weathered, alluring yet repulsive, calm yet tinged with a primal hysteria. ¡°Guys, did you say something?¡± Scott questioned; his confidence shaken by the mysterious voice. ¡°Huh? Not me,¡± Zara replied, her attention still fixated on evading the rampaging cyclops. ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything, either,¡± Slim added, sprinting with all his might while skillfully avoiding the shower of rocks. Scott squinted his eyes, uncertain if he had truly heard a voice moments ago. Was it a figment of his imagination, or had someone deliberately played a trick on him? Deep in thought, he focused on the system messages of the surrounding champions, but none of them possessed skills capable of projecting a voice into his mind. ¡°Pathetic! Utterly pathetic. Why flee when you can harness me to obliterate everything?¡± The voice echoed again, leaving Scott unsettled and searching for answers amid chaos. The voice resonated in Scott''s mind, louder than ever. After a brief pause, he contemplated before reaching for his mask. ¡°Am I conversing with the War-Hammer of the Mad God?¡± A heavy silence hung in the air, only to be shattered by an ear-deafening roar from the pursuing cyclopes. The horde accelerated, flinging everything within their grasp at the fleeing champions. ¡°Murderers! You will pay for killing my child!¡± bellowed a cyclops. It hurled its club like a javelin, the bone weapon obliterating five groups before crashing to a halt. Simultaneously, other cyclopes launched their weapons and boulders, setting off explosions amid the frenzied creatures'' screams and roars. We¡¯re fucked if we slow down for a moment, Scott thought, his emotionless eyes lingering on several corpses trapped behind rocks, and those smashed beyond recognition.
Abilities: Hammer Strike, Quick Step, Magic Missile, Minor Heal, Frost Nova, Fireball, Levitate, Poison Cloud have been updated!
Some of your abilities have been purged due to your current mental state!
What the¡­? Scott stared at the system message, and instinctively called out his status screen.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Scott Dorsey.
Level: 10.
Experience Points: 100/1000 ¨C New!
Eldritch Energy Capacity: 300/300 [Lower Tier] ¨C New!
Race:
  • Eldritch Spawn.
  • Half-human.
Class: Eldritch Knight.
Party Members:
  • Slim the Grim.
  • Zara [Party Leader]
Title:
  • Chaos Caller.
  • Minion 01.
Energy Sources:
  • Abyssal Void.
  • Madness [Locked] ¨C War-Hammer of the Mad God required for activation!
Abnormal State: Chaotic Neutral.
Achievements: None!
Sponsor: None!
Physical Stats Strength: 15.
Agility: 18.
Endurance: 14.
Dexterity: 16.
Toughness: 16.
Skills Carpentry (Level 1).
Running (Level 2).
Survival (Level 3).
Madness (Level 3) ¨C New!
Hastur¡¯s Gaze (Level 2) ¨C New!
Mental Manipulation (Level 2) ¨C New!
Party Communication (Level 1) ¨C Party Dependent Skill.
Basic Eldritch casting (Level 0) ¨C New!
Hammer Mastery (Level 2) ¨C New!
Combat (Level 2) ¨C New!
Fishing (Level 1).
Abilities
Low Tier
Hammer Strike: Fueled by eldritch energy, delivers significant damage to a single target when using a hammer.
Quick Step: Increase movement speed by 10% for five seconds.
Nature¡¯s Bounty: Increases the odds of finding food and resources by 5%.
Build: Construct a structure or item using wood materials.
Repair: Restore damaged structures or items.
Middle Tier
Imprint of Madness: All physical stats will rise by fifteen points. Odds of landing a critical strike increases by 22% when Imprint of Madness is activated. All physical stats will drop by 7 if mental state is overridden with madness. Limit: 3/10.
Mind Control: Odds of manipulating beings without mental resistance increases by 10%. Mind Control¡¯s effectiveness increases by 10% when combined with Imprint of Madness.
Mental Resistance: You¡¯re immune to all mental attacks from beings below sainthood.
Chaos Missiles: Unleashes five bolts of raw eldritch energy.
Corrupted Mend: Restores a small amount of health to the caster or an ally. Warning! Beings of non-eldritch origins will be predisposed to their inner insanity.
Abyssal Blizzard: Creates a burst of icy energy from the void.
Void Blast: Shoots a small nightmare flame to a single target. Nightmare flames devour negative emotions to fuel its rage.
Void Levitate: This version of Levitate is infused with the power of the Void, allowing the caster to slip in and out of existence. While levitating, the caster becomes intangible and immune to physical attacks, but also unable to interact with the environment in any meaningful way.
Curse of the Nightmarish Fog: Creates a fog of eldritch energy that inflicts both poison and madness upon enemies caught within it.
Sigil: 10% chance of corrupting an item with your eldritch energy. Items bearing your Sigil have a 15% chance of corrupting the mind when used by other beings.
Hastur¡¯s Gaze: Peer into the status screens of other beings! Only beings above Level 20 will escape your gaze.
Hastur¡¯s Whisper: Strengthened with your connection to the abyssal void, you can summon low level entities of eldritch origins.
Shapeshifter: No one will see you for who you are.
High Tier
Tongue of All: You will understand every language, written and spoken, native or foreign to your world!
Inventory Dried mushrooms x272.
Fresh Water x20.
Gruff Wine x24
Wine Flagon.
Quick Recovery Potion ¨C x75.
Suitcase x3.
Instant hangover pill ¨C x168.
Map.
Elemental Shards x1.
Spear of the Swift Hunter.
Ayan Ore x1.
Quests Main Quest: Survive the second trial ¨C Ongoing!
Chapter 36 : Second Trial Part 9 Scott scrutinized his status screen, his eyes flickering between various stats. I had anticipated changes, but damn, almost everything is different now. His gaze narrowed, focusing on the tabs for energy sources and modified abilities. Abyssal Void? I have no idea what that even means. Shifting his attention back to his basic stats, he stared at Eldritch energy capacity, which had replaced mana. I don¡¯t feel any different. Now I understand where the voice from earlier came from; it was definitely the war hammer talking to me, Scott pondered, ignoring the distant explosions, screams, and roars in the background. The bloodthirsty cyclops continued hurling various projectiles at the fleeing champions, successfully thinning their numbers. However, the ruthless group showed no intention of halting their assault until every champion, guilty or otherwise, paid for the death of their kin. ¡°Damn it! We can¡¯t keep this up. We¡¯re all going to die at this rate,¡± a man cursed aloud, panting as he ran. ¡°Then do something about it, hero,¡± a lizardman running beside him retorted. ¡°No need to be a smartass, pal.¡± The exhausted man shot a glance at the snickering lizardman, his displeasure evident on his weary face. ¡°I believe we should all collaborate. That''s the only way we stand a chance at survival. After all, they surely can''t overpower every one of us.¡± Giggles erupted from several non-humans, while most humans simply ignored the man''s words. ¡°We''re already enduring the assault of those cyclops; it would be appreciated if you refrained from suggesting anything in the future,¡± the lizardman chuckled, sprinting ahead of the embarrassed man. He, too, knew the odds of defeating the cyclops were slim, but the thought of running for another day was unbearable. If only there were a way to identify the troublemakers who angered the cyclops. I''ll tear those inconsiderate jerks apart for making me suffer through this. Why couldn''t... huh? The man''s thoughts trailed off midway, catching a glimpse of a masked figure staring at him. ¡°Who the hell is this asshole, and why is he staring at me like that?¡± the man muttered to himself. The man recoiled in surprise as he locked eyes with Scott. The world around him seemed to freeze, and the chaos of explosions and cyclops vanished. Before him stood a figure cloaked in yellow, and his attention was captivated by the delicate dance of flower petals swirling in the stranger''s eyes. The champion, bewildered, took a step back. ¡°Who are you?¡± The figure in yellow lifted its right hand, directing it towards the champion who took another five steps back. A seductive whisper then enveloped the man''s ears. ¡°Fight. You can win.¡± The champion, still in a daze, queried, ¡°I can?¡± His brows furrowed as he considered the possibility. ¡°That''s right. It might just be possible. I''m no expert on those cyclops, but aren''t they supposed to have poor eyesight? Exploiting that weakness could work, couldn''t it?¡± He spoke aloud, raising his head, only to find the figure in yellow had vanished. He pivoted to one side, the reverberation of an explosion resonating in the air. Swiftly, he shifted his gaze to the opposite direction, where yet another explosion rippled through the surroundings. Despite the chaotic symphony behind him, the scene in front of him stood eerily still, devoid of any movement. The elusive cyclops, however, continued to elude his sight. What¡¯s going on? Where are those explosions coming from? Then again, who was that weirdo just now? A shout filled the ears of the man, rousing him from his stupor, ¡°Kaide, what the fuck are you doing? You¡¯re going to get yourself killed.¡± Kaide turned his head toward the familiar voice, but the person was still frozen in time. That was Jay¡¯s voice, but how did he speak when he can¡¯t even move? What the hell is going on? ¡°Get the fuck back here Kaide! Fighting those things is suicide!¡± ¡°The fuck are you talking about man. I¡¯m right in front of you,¡± Kaide said as he reached for the body of the motionless man. Are they stuck in some illusion? He thought, but his hand stopped in front of the man but moved no further. Huh? Why can¡¯t I reach him? Kaide thought, a lingering sense of anxiety overwhelming his body. ¡°Kaide! Don¡¯t¡­¡± an explosion cut off the champion¡¯s words, and billowing darkness slowly enveloped the surrounding champions. Kaide opened his mouth, but no words emerged. He attempted to retract his arm, but it remained immobile, and his body refused to obey his commands. The encroaching darkness swept relentlessly toward him, engulfing everything in its path. What the fuck is going on? Why is this happening? Kaide struggled to move, but the darkness only seemed to approach even faster, and he couldn¡¯t take respite in the fact that the surrounding explosions had disappeared. ¡°Somebody, anybody, please help me!¡± Kaide screamed within himself, but his screams only ushered in the darkness which greedily enveloped his body. His vision blurred, slowly morphing, and distorting as misty gray lights tore through the darkness. That was an illusion? The man thought to himself, staring at the familiar mist and the towering rocks and boulders littering the road. What is that smell, and where is everyone? And why do I feel so weak? The champion struggled to lift a finger, as an intoxicating mixture of fresh blood and dried earth filled his lungs. Several towering figures sprinted with maddening haste hundreds of meters ahead, their footsteps forcing tremors in the surrounding area. Kaide stared at the running cyclops. Why are they over there, and why am I over here? The man tried to move again, but his body failed him yet again, his vision getting dimmer by the second. Why do I suddenly feel tired and sleepy? It¡¯s been so long, but I wish I could watch the Niners play one more match again¡­ Kaide closed his eyes, and then silence followed. Meanwhile, Scott stared at his right hand, his keen eyes focused on a tendril slithering up his arm, making its way to the mask. How did I do that? Our eyes only met for a moment, but I unintentionally convinced him to attack the cyclops, Scott thought to himself, as his gaze shifted between the returning tendril and the system notification in front of his eyes. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
You have received the admiration of the lesser god of illusions!
The lesser god of illusions is now watching you!
The lesser god of mischief is now watching you!
The lesser god of anarchy is now watching you!
The lesser god of the mad cult is now watching you!
So many of them¡­ Scott¡¯s brows shot up as he read through the system¡¯s notification. Did they all see what happened back there? I¡¯m still not sure how I controlled that guy, but it seems my abilities have gotten more powerful after leveling up. Scott turned his attention away from the notifications, focusing on the chasing cyclops once more. Although none of them have reached level ten yet, their physical prowess is enough to smash everyone here to smithereens. Fighting them one on one will be suicidal. I have no choice but to take off the mask, Scott thought to himself. ¡°Guys, we can¡¯t keep running from these lunatics. I think I have a way to escape, but you guys will have to trust me,¡± Scott relayed through the party communication channel. ¡°Please tell us, buddy. I can¡¯t run anymore. I¡¯m reaching my limits,¡± Slim wheezed. ¡°Are you confident your plan will work? Even if you aren¡¯t, I¡¯m sure it¡¯s worth a listen. Your plans haven¡¯t failed us yet. So, what do you want us to do?¡± Zara inquired. ¡°Come closer, first,¡± Scott instructed, and the skeleton and cat girl adjusted their speed, running alongside Ossie, who showed signs of fatigue. ¡°Don¡¯t keep us in suspense, buddy. Let¡¯s hear it,¡± Slim urged, curious to find out Scott¡¯s plan. ¡°Before we get to that,¡± Scott paused, his voice turning serious. ¡°I must warn you, under no condition are you allowed to scream or prostrate on the ground, okay?¡± Zara and Slim instinctively glanced at each other, wondering what Scott had to say that would make them scream or prostrate on the ground. ¡°Um, yeah, sure. I definitely won¡¯t be doing that,¡± Zara said. ¡°Same here, buddy,¡± Slim affirmed, fighting back his rising urge to laugh. ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan?¡± ¡°The long and short of it is that I''ll be taking off my mask. Like I said, you can¡¯t scream or prostrate,¡± Scott stated matter-of-factly. Zara and Slim exchanged glances once more, and this time, even Ossie joined the non-verbal communication. ¡°That''s it?¡± Slim asked, his expression one of bewilderment. ¡°That''s why I insisted you trust me. There''s no time to explain; you''ll understand when you see it. Again, you''re not...¡± Before the necromancer could finish, Slim and Zara interjected in unison, ¡°We''re not allowed to scream or prostrate. We got it.¡± The necromancer continued, ¡°Buddy, you should have some confidence in yourself, though. Being ugly isn''t the end of the world, you know.¡± Zara silently concurred with the necromancer''s perspective. ¡°Wait, what? That''s not what I... forget about it. You''ll understand soon enough,¡± Scott sighed, reluctant to imagine the thoughts racing through the minds of the duo. The group adeptly adjusted their running speed, skillfully avoiding the strike zones of the cyclops while lingering at the periphery of the running pack. I hope this works. If not, we''re in deep trouble, Scott thought to himself as he reached for his mask. His fingers slid underneath the slick surface, and he slowly peeled it away from his face.
You have forcefully stopped several lesser gods from watching you!
A raging inferno spontaneously appeared, competing with a pitch-black darkness which had enveloped the hound extermination crew. A lonesome figure in flashing yellow appeared within the darkness, its eyes burned as the stars while the surrounding mist parted, as if too scared to meddle with the otherworldly entity. The nearby champions and the chasing cyclops stopped dead in their tracks, each staring at the abominable mass of yellow seemingly folding in layers in the billowing darkness. The champions fixed their trembling eyes on the insidious being whose very existence appeared to defy the natural order. Regardless of age, species, or origin, they all shared a singular emotion: fear, in its purest form. ¡°What is that thing?¡± stammered a lizardman, his fingers trembling as he pointed at the sinister figure cloaked in yellow. Multiple champions retreated in haste, and even the rampaging cyclops didn''t dare approach. No one could recall what occupied the space before, but they were certain the figure hadn''t been there all along. Silence dominated the scene, broken only by the faint but audible pulsating luminescence emanating from the beacons. A few champions held their breath, fearing the slightest sound might unleash a calamity beyond their wildest nightmares. Then, an insidious voice echoed from the darkness. ¡°Well?¡± it said. No one knew who moved first, but the champions fled the area without a second''s delay. ¡°I can''t believe that actually worked,¡± Scott muttered as he donned his mask once more. The surrounding darkness lifted, and the mysterious figure vanished, revealing the figures of the hound extermination crew once again. Scott placed his hands on Zara and Slim''s shoulders, his voice filling their ears. ¡°Good job, guys. You handled this far better than I expected.¡± The eldritch knight furrowed his brow beneath his mask, while the duo stood frozen, their mouths agape. I knew something like this could happen, but at least they didn¡¯t scream. It might take a while, but I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll recover from the shock. Scott patted the shoulder of the duo, while turning his head side to side. Where did Slim¡¯s summon go? Scott pondered. I wonder where they¡¯re summoned from. Although they appear from the ground, dirt and mud never sticks to their bones or clothes. Scott then turned his attention to the beacons Zara and Slim accumulated over the past three days. It seems they were able to scam quite a few other people during my absence. I guess it¡¯s only fair that I take care of these annoying glows. He stretched out his hands, hovering them over the beacons. Tendrils escaped from his tattoo, wrapping themselves over the beacons faster than before. In less than a minute, the pulsating glows had all disappeared. ¡°That was easy.¡± Scott smiled behind his mask.
The lesser god of illusions wants to sponsor you!
You have rejected the offer!
The lesser god of illusion insists on sponsoring¡­
You have rejected the offer!
The lesser god of illusions wants to¡­
You have rejected the offer!
The lesser god of¡­
You have rejected the offer!
The lesser¡­
You have rejected the offer!
Scott¡¯s mouth opened behind his mask, staring at the audacious tendril doing as it pleased. It camped on the system window, actively rejecting all offers as soon as they emerged.
You¡¯re being watched by 30 lesser gods!
15 lesser gods wish to¡­
You have rejected the offer!
You have been banned from eight sanctuaries!
The rogue tendril defiantly wriggled, disregarding the system''s messages as it slithered back into the mask. Meanwhile, Scott stood between Zara and Slim. Coincidentally, all three wore blank expressions, mouths agape, while their minds buzzed with disparate thoughts. Chapter 37 : Second Trial Part 10
You are being watched by forty curious lesser gods!
The lesser god of illusions hasn¡¯t given up on being your sponsor!
Six lesser gods are considering banning you from their sanctuaries!
Scott closed his eyes while taking a deep breath. I don¡¯t know whether it¡¯s the mask or the war hammer, but something won¡¯t let me accept a sponsor. Then again, do I even want to be sponsored by any of these gods? I don¡¯t even know the perks or demerits of being sponsored. Scott turned his head side to side, staring at his stunned companions who stared blankly at the path ahead. How long are they going to need? Scott sighed, before focusing on Zara¡¯s status screen.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Zara.
Level: 10.
Experience Points: 200/1000 ¨C New!
Bloodlust Capacity: 300/300 [Lower Tier] ¨C New!
Race: Feline.
Class: Feline Brawler.
Title: Party Leader of The Hound Extermination Crew.
Party Members
  • Scott [Minion 01].
  • Slim the Grim [Minion 02].
Affiliation: The Hound Extermination Crew.
Achievements: None!
Sponsor: War God, Thatmos!
Energy Sources: Bloodlust.
Blood Bank: Empty!
Abnormal State: Chaotic Neutral.
Physical Stats Strength: 28 ¨C New!
Agility: 30.
Endurance: 33 ¨C New!
Dexterity: 33.
Toughness: 30.
Skills Pounce (Level 4) ¨C New!
Hand to Hand Combat (Level 4).
Sprinting (Level 4).
Basic Blood Burst Charge (Level 0) ¨C New!
Expert Gymnast (Level 5) ¨C New!
Survival (Level 2).
Abilities
Low Tier
Purrfect Slash: A quick, low-stamina ability that allows the user to swipe their claws across an enemy, inflicting serious damage and a bleed effect over time.
Leap of the Cat: An ability that allows the user to pounce on an enemy from a distance, dealing serious damage, and increases the odds of stunning the target by 25%.
Roaring Fury: An ability that allows the user to deliver a series of rapid strikes with their fists and feet, culminating in a powerful finishing move that could deal serious damage.
Stealthy Pounce: An ability that allows the user to quickly dash behind an enemy and deliver a surprise attack, dealing serious damage, and increases the odds of stunning the target by 20%.
Cyclone Claw: An ability that allows the user to spin in a circle, delivering a flurry of punches and kicks to all enemies within range, dealing moderate damage to each.
Middle Tier
Imprint of Madness: All physical stats will rise by fifteen points. Odds of landing a critical strike increases by 22% when Imprint of Madness is activated All physical stats will drop by 7 if mental state is overridden with madness.
Cat''s Reflexes: A passive ability that increases the user¡¯s odds of dodging an attack by 20% and grants a temporary speed boost after successfully dodging an attack.
Sixth Sense: There¡¯s a 10% chance of dodging a critical strike.
Sharp Senses: A passive ability that grants the character increased critical hit chance and improved accuracy when attacking.
Blood Burst Charge: It allows the user to charge toward their opponents with great speed and agility, while simultaneously releasing a burst of their own blood, or that of their slain enemies. The blood itself is infused with the rage of the feline battle god, Thatmos, making them more lethal and devastating. However, the use of this ability comes at a cost, the user can be consumed by their rage and bloodlust and descend into madness. Excessive use of the user¡¯s blood can result in the user¡¯s death!
Nine Lives: A passive ability that grants the user additional health and reduces the damage taken from enemy attacks.
Quests Main Quest: Survive the second trial ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Search for the Varkham Hound ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Journey to Thatmos¡¯ Sanctuary ¨C Not started!
Side Quest: Eliminate the Varkham Hound ¨C Not Started!
Scott narrowed his gaze, his eyes shifting between the motionless cat girl and the blue system window. What the heck? Since when did she have a sponsor? Different questions inundated the mind of the eldritch knight as he reached for the shoulder of the cat girl. At that very moment, Slim and Zara snapped out of their momentary daze. The disoriented feline brawler noticed the approaching arm of the masked man and instinctively took a step back, only to trip on a small rock and let out a shriek as she fell. Scott¡¯s arm moved like a venomous snake, seizing the falling brawler''s arm, and pulling her petite frame towards his body. ¡°Be careful,¡± Scott said, the space between them nonexistent. His right hand clutched the brawler¡¯s wrist while the other wrapped around her delicate waist. Why did I do that? She¡¯s an expert gymnast. She would have adjusted her body before reaching the ground, Scott chided himself. ¡°Oh?¡± Slim remarked from the side, sporting a wicked smile as he raised his thumbs. ¡°I¡¯ll be going over there,¡± he declared, pointing randomly. ¡°You guys can continue whatever this is,¡± he giggled. Zara¡¯s cheeks turned red as she gently extricated herself from Scott¡¯s embrace. ¡°Thank you,¡± she whispered softly before charging toward the smiling skeleton. ¡°That¡¯s it, Slim. I¡¯m demoting you to Minion 99.¡± ¡°Wait, what? But I didn¡¯t do anything,¡± Slim protested as he sprinted away from the approaching cat girl. ¡°You¡¯re demoted to Minion 999 now. Keep running, and I¡¯ll keep demoting you,¡± Zara threatened playfully as she chased after the necromancer. Meanwhile, Scott remained in the same position, staring at the duo. Should I ask her about her sponsor? Scott pondered for a moment before shaking his head. It would be wrong to ask her about her sponsor without her telling me herself. Although they suspect I can see people¡¯s levels and concealed foes, it would be foolish revealing Hastur¡¯s gaze can do even more. I¡¯ll need to rein in my curiosity for now. There must be a reason she chose to be sponsored by the war god.
The Feline War God, Thatmos, is now watching you!
The lesser feline war god is now watching you!
The Feline War God, Thatmos, is curious about your identity!
The lesser feline war god would like to ask you a few questions!
Would you like to be questioned?
Yes! No!
Scott tensed up as the system message appeared. Fuck. It¡¯s going to do it again, right? Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. At that same moment, a tendril jumped out from the mask, landing on the system window, instantly rejecting the lesser war god¡¯s enquiry.
You have refused to be questioned by the lesser feline war god!
¡°Damn it. I knew this would happen,¡± Scott cursed within himself. Although he could predict the tendril would once again reject another proposal, he couldn¡¯t stop the little critter. It moved at a speed that far exceeded his capabilities.
The lesser feline war god is embarrassed!
The Feline War God is laughing at the lesser feline war god!
The Feline War God and the lesser feline war god have stopped watching you!
That turned out way different than what I expected. Thankfully, those two didn¡¯t hold a grudge, but I wonder what questions they wanted to ask, Scott thought before turning toward his noisy and energetic companions. The cat girl pinned the necromancer''s head beneath her arm, simultaneously giving the skeleton''s skull an enthusiastic rub. Scott''s gaze shifted to Slim, wondering if the necromancer had acquired a sponsor during his absence.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Slim the Grim.
Level: 10.
Experience Points: 470/1000 ¨C New!
Nether Energy Capacity: 300/300 [Lower Tier] ¨C New!
Race: Undead.
Class: Necromancer.
Party Members
  • Scott.
  • Zara [Party leader].
Affiliation: The Hound Extermination Crew.
Achievements: None!
Title: Minion 9999 ¨C New!
Sponsor: None!
Energy Sources: Nether energy.
Abnormal State: Chaotic Good.
Physical Stats Strength: 12 (+2) ¨C New!
Agility: 12 (+2) ¨C New!
Endurance: 12 (+2) ¨C New!
Dexterity: 26.
Toughness: 12 (+2) ¨C New!
Skills Summoning (Level 2).
Necromantic Resistance (Level 3).
Dark Magic (Level 3).
Necrotic Touch (Level 2).
Sweet Talker (Level 2).
Basic Sprinting (Level 0).
Basic Nether manipulation (Level 0) ¨C New!
Party Communication (Level 1) ¨C Party Dependent Skill.
Singing (Level 4).
Basic Madness (Level 1).
Scott''s brows furrowed once again. Despite the necromancer''s failure to secure a sponsor, Slim¡¯s mana capacity had been supplanted by a reservoir of nether energy. No wonder Ember had been insistent on reaching level 10 before completing the trial, Scott thought, and a faint smile crossed his face as he contemplated the prospect of facing stronger opponents in the near and distant future. ¡°Buddy, lend me a hand! Zara''s going to drill a hole in my skull if she keeps patting it.¡± Scott redirected his focus to Slim and Zara. The cat girl had the skeleton pinned to the ground, showering him with enthusiastic head pats. Scott sighed and took a step forward, appreciating the duo''s ability to engage in their antics regardless of the setting. However, on his fifth step, a darkened system window materialized in front of Slim. Scott stopped abruptly, squinting as he observed Zara, frozen in time. Meanwhile, Slim''s finger hovered in front of the obscured screen, motionless. ¡°Shit. Something weird is about to happen again,¡± Scott muttered aloud, his gaze fixed on the thick, ethereal blackened mist seeping out from the earth surrounding Slim.
The God of the NetherRealm is now watching you!
The God of the NetherRealm has stopped watching you!
The lesser god of the NetherRealm is now watching you!
The earth bore a matrix of deep cracks, voraciously swallowing everything in its wake. A blackened mist oozed through the crevices, shrouding the sky in impenetrable darkness. At the gorge''s edge, Scott stood witness to Zara and Slim, entwined around a dense sphere. His gaze shifted to the unfathomable depths, where a pair of flaming emerald eyes emerged from the shadows. A ghoulish whisper slithered into Scott''s ears. ¡°Your eyes mirror Hastur''s. No doubt about it. I can sense the aura of the Mad God on you.¡± ¡°Are you the God of the NetherRealm?¡± Scott inquired softly, his voice betraying no emotion. ¡°I am the one tasked with investigating your existence¡ªthe lesser god of the NetherRealm,¡± the voice whispered. ¡°And you, Hastur''s progeny, correct?¡± ¡°Who¡­¡± Before Scott could complete his question, a hand thrust itself out of his mouth, and simultaneously, another emerged from the mask he wore.
You have forcefully stopped several lesser gods from watching you!
The ghastly eyes of the figure in the abyss trembled for a moment, and its voice echoed again. ¡°I will say nothing of what I¡¯ve seen.¡± The anxiety of the lesser god in the NetherRealm was evident as its eyes vanished. The hand extending from Scott''s mouth was forcefully pulled into the mask, both disappearing in the process. The deep fissures in the earth and the blackened ethereal mist dissipated. Zara and Slim emerged from the sphere, and the blackened system window vanished. ¡°Guys, I just landed a sponsor!¡± Slim exclaimed joyfully; his head still nestled under Zara''s arm. ¡°Leader, I''ve got a sponsor too.¡± Zara chuckled while patting the necromancer''s head. ¡°Congratulations, Minion 9999,¡± she said with a smile. ¡°So, who is it?¡± ¡°The God of the NetherRealm,¡± Slim replied with a grin. ¡°Wow. I don''t know much about the NetherRealm, but you''re incredible for grabbing the attention of its god,¡± Zara commented as she dismounted from the skeleton. Slim laughed shamelessly as he rose to his feet. Simultaneously, the duo turned their attention towards Scott, who stood there casually observing them. ¡°Buddy, are you good?¡± Slim inquired, noting Scott¡¯s somewhat distant gaze. ¡°Congratulations on getting a sponsor, buddy,¡± Scott remarked with an unseen smile, turning toward Zara. ¡°Congratulations to you too. Which God is sponsoring you?¡± ¡°Thank you. The Feline War God,¡± Zara replied softly. Scott nodded slowly, taking a step forward. ¡°I¡¯m happy for you guys, but I have a quick question.¡± ¡°Sure, what would you like to know?¡± Zara asked, adjusting a loose strand of hair. Slim also focused on the masked man; Scott rarely asked them for anything, so it had to be important. ¡°Can you guys talk about the perks of being sponsored?¡± Scott asked without beating around the bush. Zara and Slim exchanged glances, offering apologetic smiles. The skeleton spoke up first, ¡°Buddy, you were asleep back then, but I also asked Zara about it. She explicitly told me the terms of the contract can never be divulged. I can tell you that she wasn¡¯t kidding at all. Sorry, buddy.¡± ¡°He¡¯s right. We really can¡¯t say anything related to our contracts. You¡¯ll understand when you get yours too. Which I¡¯m confident will happen anytime now,¡± Zara added with an apologetic smile. ¡°I doubt that¡¯s ever going to happen,¡± Scott muttered under his breath. ¡°What? I didn¡¯t hear you,¡± Zara said. ¡°I appreciate the heads up. I eagerly anticipate securing my own sponsor,¡± Scott remarked, turning his head from side to side. ¡°Now that we''ve addressed the cyclops threat, leveled up, and activated the beacons, I think it''s time to make progress in clearing this trial.¡± Slim nodded in agreement, stepping forward alongside Zara. ¡°I agree. We should be able to¡ª¡± The necromancer''s words were abruptly drowned out by a series of ear-deafening explosions. Shockwaves emanated from the depths of the judgment path, racing along the misty road. Before any of the champions could grasp what was happening, a towering humanoid figure, crafted from sparkling gold, emerged from the earth. It wielded a twelve-foot-long, two-pronged fork, its tip ablaze with a turquoise flame, while molten flames danced around the amber rod.
A Judge of Light has found you!
The judge cannot detect your beacon!
You will be purged!
Chapter 38 : Second Trial Part 11 Scott narrowed his gaze as he stared at the judge of light. I totally forgot about the judges, and this guy doesn¡¯t look like the type of person to listen to an explanation. Zara clenched her fists, her movements deliberate and rhythmic, while shadows swirled within Slim''s vacant eye sockets, casting an eerie darkness upon the necromancer''s skeletal visage. The judge, an imposing figure, remained stoic, impervious to the spectacle unfolding before it. Molten flames crawled up its arms, a serpentine dance that gradually enveloped the entire glistening form.
Hastur¡¯s Gaze is unable to peer through the Status of the Judge of Light!
Fuck¡­ Scott cursed within himself as he quickly grabbed the arms of his companions. Before Zara and Slim could react, the darkness covering the beacons disappeared and an array of dazzling lights erupted from the trio. ¡°We¡¯re fucked if we fight that bastard,¡± Scott said mentally while relaxing his grip. ¡°It shouldn¡¯t attack us now.¡±
The Judge of Light has detected your beacons!
You will no longer be purged!
The faceless golden humanoid lowered its fork, causing the molten flames to vanish into the unusual weapon. Then, the judge turned around, taking short, robotic steps as it marched away from the hound extermination crew. On its tenth step, thunder rumbled across the misty skies, and the surrounding rocks and pebbles trembled in its wake. The judge halted, raising its head toward the turbulent heavens. Three colossal lightning bolts descended from the tempestuous skies: the first obliterated the judge¡¯s weapon, the second amputated the limbs of the humanoid, and the third decapitated its faceless head. Scott, Zara, and Slim raised their heads, their attention drawn to the origin of the lightning bolts. There, a familiar figure descended from a series of shuffling discs. Just how powerful is she? Scott thought to himself, locking gazes with Ember who wore a thin smile. The wind ruffled the robes of the dragonkin as she gracefully descended the golden discs. Zara and Slim''s aggressive demeanor instantly disappeared, the skeleton smiling sheepishly at the tall champion. ¡°Someone looks a little too happy,¡± Zara commented, wearing a mischievous smile. Slim turned toward the cat girl, an embarrassed expression gracing his face. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. It¡¯s natural to be happy when a powerful adversary is vanquished. I should obviously show my appreciation by wearing a smile at least,¡± Slim explained, but Zara burst into laughter, leaning on the bashful skeleton. Scott, on the other hand, wore a deep frown, his bedazzling eyes focused on the dragonkin. I thought it would be impossible for her to locate me after the war hammer consumed her madness. It seems she wasn''t exaggerating; she really remembers my smell. ¡°We meet again.¡± Ember¡¯s soft voice carried into the ears of the trio. The dragonkin''s brows shot up as she narrowed her gaze. ¡°I''m glad to see you''ve all improved tremendously. I''m proud of you,¡± she said, coming to a stop in front of the trio. Ember made a grasping motion, and Slim and Zara flew towards the dragonkin, her soft arms wrapping around their waists. ¡°I feel much better having you two next to me,¡± Ember said softly. A bashful smile graced Slim''s face, while Zara''s cheeks puffed, doing her best to stifle a laugh at the necromancer. Meanwhile, behind his mask, Scott frowned. Are they really enjoying this? That Slim hesitated to embrace the dragonkin only deepened the masked man''s confusion. Ember refocused on Scott, her smile becoming livelier. ¡°I thought we wouldn''t have the opportunity to meet in this barren land again. Your scent disappeared completely three days ago, and now it''s very different. What happened?¡± Ember''s voice echoed in Scott''s mind, her curious eyes meeting the beautiful yet sinister gaze of the eldritch knight. ¡°How different is it?¡± Scott replied with a question of his own. He had no intention of narrating his experiences with the dragonkin, not that he could even remember. Ember fell into deep thought, then projected her voice into the mind of the half-human. ¡°I can''t say exactly. Before, it was a savory aroma amidst bland odors, but now, there''s an air of arousal that promises something unfathomable.¡± I don¡¯t even want to pretend that I understand what she¡¯s talking about, Scott thought to himself. ¡°Since you took care of that guy, I assume you''re still after the judges, right?¡± Scott inquired. ¡°Yes. Unfortunately, I can''t divulge much, but I must continue pursuing them,¡± Ember responded mentally. ¡°With any luck, I''ll catch up to you and your friends. Oh, by the way, it seems you haven''t taken the pill I gave you. Is there a reason for that?¡± ¡°Nothing specific. Why? Did you put something strange in it?¡± Scott replied. Ember chuckled, shaking her head. ¡°I''m disappointed you''d think of me that way. It''s a meticulously designed pill to enhance physical well-being. I assure you, there are no poisons, aphrodisiacs, or anything you might find strange in it. I dispatch my enemies without resorting to underhanded tactics, and I need no tricks to court someone I admire,¡± she said with a smile. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. The discs drew nearer to Scott, and the dragonkin''s arms tightened around the waists of her captives. Slim let out a whimper, grinning from ear to ear, while Zara buried her head in the soft fabric of the dragonkin''s clothes. Scott and Ember locked eyes, neither avoiding the gaze of the other. Silence blanketed the area, but it only lasted a moment as Ember''s voice resonated in the trio''s minds. ¡°I sincerely congratulate you two on securing sponsors; you''ve made the right decision,¡± Ember said softly. Slim gazed in awe, his skull resting against the soft body of the towering champion. ¡°How did you know?¡± he asked. ¡°Although we¡¯re both sponsored candidates, a hierarchy exists among us. I¡¯m sure you know that much, right?¡± Slim and Zara nodded with excitement, their expressions akin to curious puppies. Ember reached for their heads, patting them gently as she continued. ¡°Without delving into specifics, I gained access to that information due to my current rank. Both of you will have to work harder to avoid becoming mere steppingstones for other candidates.¡± Ember¡¯s tone shifted to seriousness. ¡°I can assure you, the competition among candidates is more intense than anything you''ve encountered. A single mistake is all it takes to shatter your dreams and, ultimately, cost you your life.¡± Zara and Slim¡¯s visage tensed for a moment as the duo fell into deep thought. The dragonkin who had been staring at Scott all along, flashed a smile at the masked man. ¡°My sponsor tells me you have rejected quite the number of lesser gods. You should be careful not to draw the ire of too many of them. They can be quite nasty to deal with, but I trust you to make the right judgment. After all, you¡¯re the one who cured me of my century old affliction.¡± ¡°Can you ask your sponsor a question for me?¡± Scott suddenly asked.
The God of Darkness is now watching you!
The God of Darkness is curious to hear your question!
The God of Darkness has stopped watching you!
The lesser god of darkness is now watching you!
The lesser god of darkness reluctantly permits you to ask your question!
Scott glanced at the system¡¯s messages. It seems each God has a lesser god. Are they their assistants or something? Scott controlled his wandering thoughts as he said, ¡°What happened to the eldritch gods?¡±
The lesser god of darkness has refused to answer your question!
The lesser god of darkness has stopped watching you!
Ember wore a rare frown, as she stared at the flashing system window. ¡°What exactly did you say? I have never seen him react like that,¡± she said. ¡°Wait, you didn¡¯t hear my question?¡± Scott asked. The dragonkin shook her head. ¡°I didn¡¯t, and I doubt you have the skill to project your words into one¡¯s mind yet.¡± Scott¡¯s visage turned ugly underneath his mask. His voice echoed in Zara and Slim¡¯s mind, repeating the same question, and like Ember, neither of the duo heard his question. I hate this¡­ I fucking hate this. They won¡¯t even let me find out anything about them, Scott¡¯s hands folded into a fist. Ember lowered her gaze, staring at Scott¡¯s balled up hands. Although he looks angry, why do I feel he isn¡¯t genuinely angry? The dragonkin dispelled her wandering thoughts, her voice resonating in the ears of the trio. ¡°Your party has gathered sufficient beacons, and it''s advisable to commence preparations for the impending judgment path. Another piece of friendly advice: once the path materializes, you must not cease your momentum. Utilize all available means to ensure you traverse the long road without being expelled.¡± ¡°What does that mean? Who''s going to kick us out?¡± Zara inquired, unable to suppress her curiosity. Ember smiled gently, toying with the soft ears of the cat girl. Zara unconsciously released a soft moan, quickly muffling it with her hand. However, her excited tail swayed from side to side as she awaited Ember''s response. ¡°I would love to divulge more, but your party lacks the strength to handle additional information at this moment,¡± Ember remarked, slowly caressing the cat girl''s ears. ¡°I''m confident your sponsors will unveil more when the time is right.¡± ¡°Will we have the pleasure of your company again?¡± Slim inquired, a bashful smile playing on his lips. ¡°Absolutely. I would have relished the opportunity to join your group, but I still have a few more judges to hunt. It wouldn''t be fair to ask you three to wait for me. Besides, the powerful champions in the trial often emerge on the last day. In your current condition, you wouldn''t stand a chance against the strongest competitors,¡± Ember explained, patting the skeleton''s head. The dragonkin shifted her attention back to Scott. ¡°I''ve etched the scents of your companions into my memory. They should guide me to you if your scent changes again. I look forward to our next encounter,¡± Ember said with a gentle smile. Once more, Ember tenderly patted the heads of the necromancer and brawler before flicking their foreheads. The duo gracefully descended from the floating discs, landing on their feet next to Scott. ¡°Your leader should gather all the beacons and place a drop of blood on them. You''ll be prompted to decide whether to forcefully summon the Judgment Road,¡± Ember advised, her tone turning serious. ¡°Remember, there''s no turning back once it appears. You must do everything in your power to race to the end of it.¡± Ember smiled at the trio, her gaze lingering on Scott as she turned to depart. ¡°Wait,¡± Scott said, taking a step forward. ¡°What are our odds of surviving if we wait for the path to open naturally?¡± ¡°You will all perish within the first ten minutes. I believe you underestimate the ruthlessness of the Tower of Champions,¡± Ember replied without hesitation. ¡°For your own good, I hope you don¡¯t attempt something that reckless.¡± The discs reshuffled once more, and the dragonkin ascended into the skies, vanishing within the misty heavens. ¡°I''m going to miss her,¡± Slim sighed softly, shaking his head. ¡°She said she¡¯s coming back. You don¡¯t have to be sad,¡± Zara chuckled, patting the back of the necromancer. ¡°I''m not talking about that,¡± Slim muttered, stealing glances at Scott who remained fixated on the spot where Ember disappeared. ¡°The way she looks at us and the way she looks at him are too different.¡± The necromancer sighed again, shaking his head gently. Zara burst into laughter, her pats turning to slaps as she leaned against the skeleton. ¡°I''m confident you''ll find someone else to make you feel that way soon enough,¡± she teased, nearly choking on her words. Slim sighed once more before joining in the laughter with the feline brawler. ¡°You guys are really weird, you know that, right?¡± Scott''s voice resonated with the ears of the laughing duo. ¡°Look who''s talking. Do you really want to join this conversation?¡± Zara retorted, laughter bubbling up even harder. ¡°She¡¯s got a point, buddy. I think you should sit this one out,¡± Slim added, flashing a friendly smile. Scott responded with a dry smile behind his mask, unable to dispute the words of the laughing duo. The number of mysteries and oddities surrounding him far outnumbered those of the necromancer and the brawler. ¡°So, you heard her. Should we let the judgment path unfold naturally, or do we need to forcefully summon it?¡± Chapter 39 : Second Trial Part 12 ¡°Personally, I didn''t think she was lying, and she doesn''t seem like the type to scheme behind someone''s back. I might be wrong, but I believed her when she said we wouldn''t last beyond the first ten minutes if we waited until the last day,¡± Slim stated after a momentary silence. The necromancer adjusted his jacket while brushing off the rare traces of dirt on his suit. ¡°I agree,¡± Zara added from the side. ¡°Like Slim said, she might be putting up an act, but it''s unlikely that someone as powerful as her would need to do that, especially when you consider it''s of no benefit to her whether we finish the trial now or on the last day.¡± ¡°What do you think, buddy?¡± Slim asked Scott. ¡°I also feel she isn''t the type to plot against others, but one can''t be too careful. I was going to suggest using some random individuals to test out the theory, but there''s a possibility it could trigger something far worse, so that''s not an option for now.¡± Scott suddenly paused, turning toward the spot Ember had vanished from earlier. ¡°If you guys are in support of it, then let''s do it. I honestly don''t want to experience the mayhem of the last day,¡± Scott said, firming his resolve. ¡°I agree too,¡± Slim said as he placed his hand on Scott''s shoulder. ¡°Me too,¡± Zara said, placing her hand on Scott''s other shoulder. ¡°Since that''s settled, take out all your beacons, or should we wait a little?¡± Zara asked. Slim responded without hesitation, ¡°No need. The sooner we''re out of here, the better for us.¡± Scott silently concurred, nodding as he removed the beacons from his arm. Slim and Zara swiftly joined him, and in less than a minute, a small heap of over three hundred flashing beacons formed in front of the trio. Zara took a step forward, extending her index finger over the pulsating lights. The feline¡¯s finger protectors magically retracted. Without hesitation, the brawler pricked her index finger with her thumb, and a thin line of fresh blood fell on one beacon. Simultaneously, a crimson glow covered the energetic beacon, swiftly spreading to the others.
Do you wish to forcefully summon the judgment road?
Yes! No!
Warning! Your beacons will be consumed regardless of which decision you make!
¡°This is it, minions. Any last-minute change of hearts?¡± Zara asked mentally, glancing at the duo. ¡°Just a moment, I forgot something,¡± Slim interjected. Scott and Zara focused on the necromancer. Before they could utter a word, the skeleton hastily shed his clothes, and an ethereal veil swiftly covered the bones of the necromancer. ¡°Much better,¡± Slim nodded approvingly at his now-exposed physique. ¡°We can start now,¡± he declared, raising his head. ¡°Why are you naked again?¡± Zara blurted out instinctively. Initially expecting the skeleton to have overlooked something crucial, she never would have anticipated the necromancer disrobing. ¡°Well, she did say we should do everything in our power to race to the end. You know I can''t run to the best of my abilities with my clothes on,¡± Slim explained sheepishly. Zara opened her mouth to speak, but she sighed suppressing her words. ¡°All right, I¡¯m going to click it now. Get ready.¡±
You have chosen to forcefully summon the judgment road!
Congratulations! You amassed enough beacons to guide you toward the end of the road!
The Judgment Road is descending!
Zara whispered softly, ¡°It''s too late for regrets now,¡± her gaze fixed on the dimming lights of the beacons. The crimson lights flickered gently for ten seconds before vanishing entirely, leaving the beacons covered in a dull gray luster. The trio stood in silence, staring into the misty skies. Their attention was captured by a series of majestic golden steps rapidly tearing through the intangible haze. ¡°Is it just me, or do those stairs look remarkably similar to our friend''s?¡± Slim mumbled, seemingly lost in thought. The golden stairs slammed onto the ground with a resounding bang, raising a small dust cloud. Unlike Ember''s floating discs, these stairs were wide enough to accommodate over twenty people running side by side. ¡°Run like your life depends on it; I see some people coming,¡± Scott urged, already bounding onto the stairs. Slim and Zara joined the masked man, and the trio shot up the stairs, sprinting with all their might. However, their focus remained on the group sprinting toward them with crazed haste. In the distance, dozens of champions, both human and non-human, ran side by side, their eyes fixed on the trio striding across the feeble and thin steps. ¡°Don''t let them go! Break it!¡± a man shouted from the pursuing group. Several cyclops hurled boulders toward the stairs, but the rocks shattered upon impact against the thin steps. ¡°Forget about them,¡± Scott urged mentally. ¡°Our goal should be reaching the end of this road before anything happens.¡± Zara and Slim concentrated on the path ahead, dismissing the massive boulders crashing against the base of the staircase. The fact that the golden steps didn¡¯t tremble, even for a moment, despite the incessant attacks, infused the trio with a modicum of confidence. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
You have stepped on the judgment road!
Three hundred and seventy-five beacons were used in creating the judgment road!
Only three hundred and seventy-five champions will be permitted to cross the gate at the end of the judgment road!
The first ten champions to cross the judgment road will be given a special reward!
The latter stages of the second trial have commenced!
The judgment road will only be visible for the next ten hours!
For the first time, the system messages resonated within the minds of the champions, employing their own voices to communicate with them. If everyone got that message, this is bound to spiral into a massive rat race, Scott pondered as he hurried up the stairs. Zara and Slim quickly caught up, and the cat girl already exhibited signs of outpacing the eldritch knight. ¡°Guys, more are on their way,¡± Zara conveyed mentally. From their vantage point, they surveyed the expansive path unfolding before them, where a multitude of champions sprinted toward the gilded steps, utilizing every means at their disposal. Amidst the chaos, various groups engaged in frenzied combat, each striving to thin the ranks of competitors ascending the stairs. ¡°Let''s concentrate on ascending the steps for now. Whatever happens below or behind us holds no significance; our primary focus is to complete the trial, securing a position within the top ten at the very least,¡± Scott communicated mentally. ¡°Should we consider setting traps or something?¡± Zara inquired. ¡°It would take too much time. We should prioritize moving as fast as possible for now,¡± Slim replied, casting a quick glance over his shoulder. The leading contingent of champions reached the staircase''s base, with a towering cyclops at the forefront. Unlike the trailing group, no one dared to challenge or vie with the cyclops. A single swing of their club was sufficient to quell any rebellious provocateurs. Unfazed by the escalating number of competitors and the tumultuous clashes among champions, the hound extermination crew continued their ascent. They paid no heed to the chaos surrounding the three hundred and seventy-five trialists striving to complete the trial. Those harboring grander aspirations fought relentlessly, pushing themselves to be among the top ten finalists. At an altitude exceeding ten thousand feet, the air remained surprisingly dense, devoid of the expected thinness, and the wind lacked its usual ferocity. Scott couldn''t shake the feeling that the staircase was affording them some protection, a notion he entertained while stealing glances at the competitors swiftly ascending. Six cyclops thundered up the steps, their strides swift and powerful. A bit farther behind, a motley crew of humans and a couple of lizardmen engaged in a fierce race, each determined to outpace the other. Not far from the staircase, a gathering of champions approached in a formidable mass, some bearing evidence of gruesome encounters with blood and other unidentifiable substances, all charging toward the golden path. This trial is going to be a bloodbath. We¡¯re lucky we¡¯re the ones who summoned the judgment road. The number of powerful people keeps on increasing by the second, Scott thought to himself. Although he couldn¡¯t see the status screen of the lingering group because of the distance, he could tell they were quite formidable based on their appearances. To imagine that there are some people like Ember scattered across this place. Why would those guys wait until the last day before passing the judgment road? ¡°Is it just me, or is the wind picking up?¡± Zara''s voice reverberated in Scott''s mind, pulling him back from his meandering thoughts. ¡°Yeah,¡± Slim replied. ¡°But those flashing neon spots up ahead are what catch my eye. You see them too, right?¡± Scott shifted his focus from the champions below, his brows knitting in confusion. ¡°What in the world is that?¡± He narrowed his eyes, fixing his gaze on the path ahead. An invisible current of air, coalescing into a massive, silent ball, smoothly descended the steps, skillfully avoiding sections adorned with blinking neon lights. To the naked eye, nothing obstructed the trio''s path, but even this peculiarity couldn¡¯t elude Hastur''s gaze. ¡°Guys, listen up, and stay calm,¡± Scott''s voice echoed in the minds of his companions. ¡°You can''t see it, but something troublesome is heading our way. The only way to avoid it is by reaching those neon lights.¡± ¡°How much time do we have?¡± Zara inquired. ¡°We''ve got barely two minutes before it reaches us,¡± Scott replied. ¡°Damn it, you should have led with that,¡± Slim grumbled, quickening his pace. Zara and Scott followed suit, surprising the trailing cyclops. They were confident about overtaking the frontrunners sooner rather than later, but they couldn''t fathom why the trio would expend their energy before reaching the midway point of the lengthy road. Zara reached the edge of the stairs, the first spot illuminated by neon lights, and suddenly vanished. In her place, a turquoise membrane enveloped the body of the feline brawler. ¡°Zara, are you okay?¡± Scott inquired. ¡°I think so,¡± she mumbled. ¡°I don''t feel any different, but the wind is gone. How odd,¡± the feline remarked, her gaze fixed on the transparent covering. Slim reached the next neon-lit marker, and just like before, a thin film coated the body of the naked necromancer. Following suit, Scott reached the subsequent marker, experiencing the same mysterious occurrence. The trio now stood on three distinct levels; Zara stood three steps away from Slim, with the necromancer maintaining a four-step lead over Scott. ¡°What''s our next move?¡± Zara asked, her gaze fixed on the seemingly quiet road. ¡°Ember said we shouldn¡¯t stop. So, let¡¯s keep moving,¡± Scott suggested, eyeing the approaching spheres. Uncertain of the purpose of the protective covering, Scott couldn¡¯t help but hope it shielded them from the impending threat. The initial ball arrived with lightning speed, a colossal sphere towering at least thirty feet. It traversed through the cat girl''s form, causing the gelatinous covering to ripple softly, yet its integrity held firm. Zara momentarily stumbled but swiftly regained her composure, only to be struck by another air ball, and then another. In the face of the surreal onslaught, the trio pressed on, propelled by a burning desire to survive. Scott mentally urged the duo, ¡°Do everything possible not to get pushed off.¡± The masked man stared at the seemingly endless barrage of balls descending from the heavens, poised to obliterate everything in their path. The trio pressed on, their steps growing more labored with each advancing stride along the seemingly endless staircase. Flashing neon lights reappeared intermittently, casting an eerie glow on the ascending steps. It seems one isn''t enough to completely suppress the winds. I think five or six is the most the coverings can withstand, Scott mused, eyes fixed on the approaching flashing lights. A cacophony of screams, grunts, and shrieks reached the front-runners, but they pressed forward, fully aware that the first victims of the steps had emerged. Amid the chaos, an ear-splitting gong resonated across the judgment road, freezing thousands of champions in their tracks. The initial set of steps quivered softly before gradually fading into nothingness. The unsuspecting champions stumbled, their beacons instantly dimming. At that same moment, hundreds of protrusions surfaced on the ground as judges of light, numbering in the tens of hundreds, tore through the dirt, each wielding a fork of its own.
The judges cannot detect your beacons!
You will be purged!
Chapter 40 : Second Trial Part 13 Many champions faced their first encounter with the renowned officers of the Judgment Road. Dozens hastily retreated, while a handful stood their ground, prepared to confront the faceless group enveloped in molten flames. Several champions surged toward the judges, each unleashing their ultimate attacks. Explosions reverberated, drowning out the screams of those who tumbled from the disintegrating staircase. Despite the chaos, the judges, stationed at the epicenter of the blasts, remained unscathed. Only their feet remained untouched by the encroaching flames. The relentless onslaught of champions persisted, as more joined the initial assault, yet no explosive spells or weapons made a dent in the judges'' robust forms. As the flames consumed the feet of the golden officers, a pivotal moment arrived. The judges, now resembling an abominable legion dispatched from the depths of hell to extinguish all life, sprang into action. The judges lunged at their adversaries with reckless abandon, wielding their weapons without a hint of grace or technique. Instead, their strikes embodied the sheer brutality of mindless creatures. The air was thick with the scent of fresh blood, mingling with the acrid stench of charred flesh and burnt earth. Echoes of screams harmonized with the relentless swings of the brutal judges, most emanating from the fallen champions or those unfortunate enough to be struck by the massive air balls. A macabre mountain of corpses grew as the judges spared nothing that showed signs of life. Even those skilled in camouflage and illusion arts were easily obliterated by the marauding officers. The judgment road echoed with screams, and a handful of champions who had fled earlier returned, pursued by another group of fiery judges. Amidst the chaos, the only champions spared from the massacre were those who had not yet set foot on the judgment road or those still in possession of their beacons. All others faced ruthless and violent purging. With the fall of the last champion, the judges lifted their heads towards the judgment road. The initial two hundred steps had vanished, and several more teetered on the brink of disappearance. Champions sprinted with unwavering determination, vying for the scarce neon spots dotting the stairs. Those unable to secure a foothold or lingering too long in one place were propelled through the air by rampaging air balls, spiraling down to the ground where the judges eagerly awaited their descent. One judge diverted its attention from the judgment road, focusing instead on a fellow judge. Extending its free hand, it seized the neck of the judge transfixed by the unfolding events. In this manner, the first judge absorbed the flames of the second, transforming it into a resplendent golden statue. Methodically, the judge approached others and replicated the process, consecutively turning over twenty judges into statues that encircled the now colossal figure. Then, with a crouch, its thighs swelling massively, the flames gathered around its legs. Several gifted champions had observed the enigmatic judge, perplexed by its ability to consume the flames generated by the other judges. As the judge crouched, their expressions contorted into grotesque masks, betraying a shared realization. ¡°Please, God, don''t let it be so,¡± a muscular woman silently prayed, her pace quickening as she ran. The judge leaped, ascending several feet into the air, propelled by flames beneath its feet. It landed meters away from a vanishing step, stunning unaware champions. Positioned directly in the path of colossal air balls, the fiery judge, however, remained motionless. The airborne orbs collided with the ablaze figure, producing a distinctive clank that reverberated throughout the judgment road. However, the judge maintained an unwavering stance. Despite the repeated impacts of additional air balls, the outcome remained unchanged. The judge of light pivoted its gaze toward the vanishing stairs, then redirected its attention to the judges below. Extending its free hand, its flames momentarily pulsed before unleashing a barrage of fireballs upon the immobile assembly. A cascade of fiery rain descended upon the judges. Twenty of them instinctively crouched, then propelled themselves into the air, utilizing the flames to soar even higher in a bizarre display of midair acrobatics. Observing the spectacle, the champions who had escaped earlier purges could only gape in astonishment. ¡°Holy... is this the madness I signed up for?¡± muttered a man, his eyes fixed on the ascending judges. In an instant, the judges materialized in the precarious section of the retreating staircase. The flames that had cloaked the judge responsible for summoning the others flickered out, leaving it frozen like a statue, hand still outstretched. Meanwhile, the newcomers unleashed chaos upon the unsuspecting champions who had believed their only concern was escaping the vanishing stairs and outpacing each other. At the forefront of the group, the hound extermination crew maintained a significant lead over the other champions. Zara and Scott rapidly depleted stamina bars and downed recovery potions while dodging a barrage of air balls. Slim, in contrast, revitalized himself by absorbing the abundant death energy in the vicinity, simultaneously fueling his bones with nether. The trio could no longer discern the mountain path below; in its place, an expanse of fluffy gray stretched as far as the eye could see. ¡°Guys, something''s happening with the others. I can hear their screams,¡± Slim conveyed mentally, tempted to glance over his shoulders. ¡°Ignore it,¡± Scott said, his gaze fixed on the skeletal figure ahead. "I can''t spot those troublesome orbs up ahead," he added. ¡°Really?¡± Zara exclaimed; her excitement impossible to conceal. It felt like she had been trudging through mud while simultaneously battling against a relentless wind. ¡°Don''t celebrate just yet,¡± Slim cautioned before Scott could respond. ¡°In this place, there might be another surprise waiting for us.¡± Zara''s enthusiasm vanished instantly, and the brawler once again regarded the path ahead with a stoic expression. ¡°Zara, halt fifty steps from your current position,¡± Scott''s voice echoed in the mind of the cat girl. ¡°Huh? Why?¡± Zara inquired, resisting the urge to turn toward the masked man. ¡°I can''t see anything beyond that point,¡± Scott replied without hesitation. Slim interjected, ¡°Buddy, isn''t that a positive sign?¡± Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. ¡°Usually, it would. But I can''t see anything beyond the fiftieth step,¡± Scott explained slowly. ¡°When you say you can''t see anything, are you referring to the stairs or something else?¡± Zara asked. ¡°I should have been clearer. After the fiftieth step, the stairs vanish from my sight,¡± Scott clarified, compounding Zara and Slim''s confusion. Despite their ability to see the golden steps extending further into the sky, Scott insisted that it ended after a couple of steps. ¡°Buddy, are you confident in what you''re saying?¡± Slim asked after a long pause. ¡°100% confident,¡± Scott replied without hesitation. Slim and Zara fell into deep thought again, and Scott remained silent. He, too, couldn''t comprehend what lay ahead. Initially, he had seen the majestic steps stretching into the heavens, but moments earlier, it had disappeared, replaced with a vast nothingness that filled him with fear. ¡°Forget it. What kind of leader would I be if I didn''t trust my own minion?¡± Zara said. Scott and Slim couldn''t help but stare intently at the cat girl. Not only was it the first time they had heard the brawler openly curse, but they also wore wry smiles, wondering how long Zara intended for them to be her minions. ¡°I trust you too, buddy. Despite being a bit of a weirdo, your judgments are always spot-on,¡± Slim remarked. ¡°Wait, what? Is that a compliment or an insult?¡± Scott suppressed a chuckle. Despite spending considerable time with the skeleton and cat girl, he knew there was still much to unravel about this peculiar duo. ¡°My leader, we held a minion meeting, and we''ve decided it''s time to announce a new party leader competition,¡± Slim conveyed through the party channel. ¡°Never.¡± Zara laughed, adding, ¡°So, you guys have been conspiring to overthrow me from my position. I can''t believe my minions are already plotting against me.¡± ¡°My leader, what about democracy?¡± Slim suggested. ¡°Forget that, I''m a tyrant,¡± Zara snickered mischievously. ¡°For attempting to dethrone your magnanimous leader, Slim, you''re demoted to Minion 99999, and Scott is demoted to Minion 02.¡± ¡°Wait, what? Why such a massive demotion for me?¡± Slim protested. ¡°You obviously used Scott¡¯s name in your petition, and who are you to question my leadership?¡± Zara said, struggling to contain her giggles. ¡°Corruption! This is corruption and favoritism. We demand fresh elections,¡± Slim retorted. ¡°No way!¡± Zara burst into laughter, yet her running pace and focus remained unwavering. Scott''s gaze shifted from Slim to Zara and back to the skeleton, a myriad of questions racing through his mind. Despite the curiosity, he opted for silence, recognizing the futility of interrupting the duo amid their shenanigans. In an instant, Zara came to a stop; Slim and Scott swiftly joined her on the same step. The trio stood there, staring ahead at the seemingly innocuous path ahead. ¡°Buddy, what''s our move now?¡± Slim inquired, glancing at the masked man. ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know,¡± Scott muttered, his gaze fixated on the infinite expanse before him. From his perspective, they teetered on the edge of a void, an abyss enticing them to take that one daring step. Zara furrowed her brows, reaching into her inventory for a stamina bar. Without a word, she tossed the item toward the next step, only for it to collide with an invisible barrier, emitting a dull thump before landing on the golden step beneath them. ¡°What was that just now?¡± Slim muttered, instinctively stretching out his arm.
Congratulations! Your party is the first to reach the midway point of the judgment road! Exp: 200!
Please choose one option from the following rewards!
Reward 1 Your party can skip the second and third stages, arriving in front of the judgment gate. However, you will not be entitled to any rewards.
Reward 2 Each member of your party will be bestowed with six grand boosters to increase your physical traits!
Reward 3 Each member of your party will receive two advanced grimoires containing high-tier abilities.
Reward 4 Each member of your party can choose to work for the Order of Light. However, you will no longer be able to take part in the trials as a champion, and you will instantly be sent to Light City to be groomed as a potential judge of Light.
Reward 5 Each member of your party will receive a one-time purchase ticket from the Tower Trader.
Please choose a reward within the next five minutes!
The trio exchanged glances, a palpable silence hanging in the air before their collective attention zeroed in on the lone, flashing blue screen. ¡°I''m ruling out the fourth option, no doubt about it,¡± Slim declared. ¡°Agreed. But which one should we go for?¡± Zara''s gaze flitted between the enticing rewards, her beautiful eyes contemplating the possibilities. Scott spoke up in a hushed tone, breaking the silence, ¡°The first one is our safest bet. As Slim mentioned, the fourth option is off the table. While the allure of the second, third, and fifth is undeniable, there''s no guarantee we''ll survive the remaining trials. Opting for the first may mean forfeiting immediate rewards, but, at the very least, we''ll be alive to explore future opportunities.¡±
Individual party members can choose which reward suits them best!
Scott frowned behind his mask as he saw the new system message. That¡¯s surprising. I was expecting they would let us argue amongst ourselves, but this changes everything. I wonder which decision they¡¯re going to go with, Scott thought to himself. ¡°Guys, I¡¯m going for the first option. What about you?¡± Scott said. ¡°The other rewards are quite tempting, but I¡¯ll choose option one for now. Like you said, there are no guarantees we¡¯ll even live long enough to enjoy the benefits of the rewards,¡± Zara said. ¡°I can¡¯t be the odd one out, I¡¯ll choose the first option too,¡± Slim said. The trio clicked on their preferred reward and a new system window appeared.
You have chosen to skip the latter stages of the judgment road!
You will not receive additional rewards!
Slim pouted and shook his head. Despite the challenging situation, he didn''t regret his decision in the least. He raised his head, dropping his right hand onto Scott''s shoulder. ¡°Buddy, do you notice anything different now?¡± Slim asked, gesturing toward the path ahead. Scott began to respond, but before he could utter a word, an immense force seized the trio, propelling them instantly toward a colossal pearl gate ascending into the skies. Tens of thousands of judges roamed the periphery of the ornate gate, their attention riveted on the trio that had materialized out of thin air.
Congratulations! You have reached the end of the Judgment Road! Exp: 100!
Main Quest: Survive the second trial ¨C Completed! Exp: 100!
You have received several new items!
Main Quest has been updated!
You are being watched by the lesser god of illusions!
Chapter 41 : Judgment Gate Scott disregarded the incessant messages from the system, his attention fixed on the light-bearing judges stationed around the imposing yet magnificent gate. Similarly, his companions remained vigilant, their focus locked onto the faceless officers, ready for battle should any unforeseen event unfold. Against their expectations, the judges unexpectedly tilted their heads away from the trio, resembling statues frozen in time. ¡°System, show me my rewards,¡± Scott commanded the system.
Mana Booster Pill x5 Description: A rare pill made by a veteran alchemist from an assortment of rare herbs and potions, with the sole aim of boosting one¡¯s mana points capacity.
Rarity: Rare.
Potency: Mana Points capacity will permanently increase by 5 points after consumption.
Side effects: 1% chance of Mana going berserk.
Map of the Fallen Ruins Description: A detailed map of the once thriving city, Togan, which now lies beneath the Syman Sea.
Mema¡¯s Totem Description: A totem carved from a holy tree by the Mema tribe, who worshiped the insidious god of slaughter. The totem is said to have granted the Mema tribesmen powers beyond their abilities, fueled by an insatiable thirst for carnage. The totem is said to have been the bane and boon of the once illustrious tribe.
Rarity: Rare.
Durability: 2000/2000.
Condition: Okay.
Type: Enchanted Item.
Owner: None.
Special Abilities:
  • Slaughterer¡¯s Domain: You will notice the weak points of every being within a hundred-meter radius.
  • Slaughterer¡¯s Presence: Fueled by your bloodthirst, all beings within your domain will look at you with fear. There¡¯s a high chance of stunning your opponent.
  • Slaughter¡¯s Madness: Teachings of the god of slaughter will echo in your ears, stirring your dormant insanity. Slaughterer¡¯s Domain and Presence will have a stronger effect if the user is able to unleash more of their innate insanity.
The lesser god of illusions is tempted to make another offer!
The lesser god of illusions is determined to be your sponsor!
Scott dismissed the message concerning the lesser god, choosing instead to focus on the enigmatic item acquired upon completing the trial. No matter how he examined it, it spelled trouble. Is chaos caller responsible for skewing the odds in favor of receiving such an unsettling item? Scott pondered this silently while perusing the special properties outlined in the item''s description. Amidst his contemplation, Zara''s voice cut through his thoughts. ¡°Did you guys also receive a quest to visit the sunken city of Togan?¡± ¡°Yeah, I was just about to mention that,¡± Slim replied, summoning a necklace with a purple, oblong pendant from his inventory. Zara''s eyes narrowed in curiosity as she focused on the sparkling gemstone adorned with rings across its surface. ¡°What''s that? Is that your reward?¡± Slim nodded with a smile. ¡°It can form shields. Not exactly my cup of tea, but it might come in handy,¡± the skeleton explained, placing the item around his neck. ¡°What did you guys get?¡± An ornate flute embedded with a series of glistening gemstones materialized in Zara''s hand. ¡°Mine has the ability to invoke a range of primal desires, as long as the right note is struck.¡± Without warning, Slim darted toward Zara, towering over her in an instant. Before she could react, the necromancer gently held her hands, suggesting, ¡°My leader, let''s exchange items.¡± The necromancer''s gaze flickered between the flute and Zara''s puzzled expression as he awaited her response. ¡°My leader,¡± Slim began, eyeing the flute in Zara¡¯s hand, ¡°this instrument is essentially useless to you as a brawler. In fact, the shield would be more fitting for someone of your graceful class. It would spare you the worry of being caught off guard, allowing you to focus on pummeling your foes with those exquisite fists of yours.¡± Slim paused, extending his hand towards the cat girl''s chin, gently tilting her head upward. ¡°Moreover, the necklace would complement you far better. Your enchanting eyes would be a perfect match.¡± With a swift motion, Slim removed the necklace and placed it around Zara''s neck. ¡°My leader, you look absolutely stunning,¡± he declared, locking eyes with the cat girl. Unnoticed by Zara, the flute had found its way into Slim''s hand. ¡°Not so fast,¡± Zara interjected, reaching for the flute. ¡°I''ll only agree to a trade on one condition,¡± she added with a sly smile. An ominous premonition clouded the skeleton''s mind, but he wasn''t ready to relinquish the flute. ¡°What''s the condition, my leader?¡± he inquired. ¡°You must renounce your right to challenge my leadership for the next year,¡± Zara stated without hesitation. ¡°Three months,¡± Slim countered, gritting his teeth. ¡°Nine months,¡± Zara countered, a slight frown creasing her features. Slim grimaced, ¡°Six months, and that''s my final offer.¡± Zara beamed, releasing her grip on the flute. ¡°Pleasure doing business with you,¡± she chuckled, blinking repeatedly at the necromancer. ¡°I¡¯m glad you like my eyes,¡± she added before erupting into laughter. Slim could only muster a dry smile, though he remained content with acquiring the flute. While the necklace was also impressive, he believed the flute suited him best. Turning towards Scott, who had remained silent, Zara draped her arms across his neck. ¡°What are you thinking about? Are you, perhaps, captivated by my beautiful eyes too?¡± She chuckled, leaning on the masked man. Curiosity getting the better of her, Zara asked, ¡°So, what did you get?¡± Slim, no longer fixated on the flute, redirected his attention toward Scott. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. The eldritch knight sighed before summoning the totem from his inventory. An intricately carved doll, only five inches in height, materialized in the half-human''s hand. As soon as the totem appeared, Zara instinctively retreated, her ears perking up as she stared at the blackened doll exuding a baleful aura. Slim''s demeanor shifted too; the necromancer eyed the totem with vigilance. Even the motionless judges briefly shifted their attention to Scott before returning to their original state. ¡°What an accursed item,¡± Slim muttered, taking a step back. ¡°Why would they give you something like that?¡± Zara asked, eyeing the sinister item from a cautious distance. ¡°What does it do?¡± ¡°Basically, it''s a tool that can aid someone in dispatching their enemies more efficiently,¡± Scott explained. ¡°With that appearance, I wouldn''t believe you if you said otherwise. I don''t even have a heart, and I nearly had a heart attack just looking at it,¡± Slim muttered. Scott chuckled softly, his fingers wrapping around the eerie doll. An unseen smile played on his lips as his eyes shifted between Zara and Slim. ¡°So, who wants to make an exchange with me?¡± Zara and Slim''s expressions instantly darkened, both taking a step back. ¡°Buddy, I''m good,¡± Slim said with a nervous chuckle, taking another step backward. Zara, on the other hand, pretended not to hear the eldritch knight, sneaking away in slow steps. ¡°I''ll take it if you really don''t want it,¡± a familiar voice said, filling Scott''s ears. He turned, but Zara and Slim had disappeared. Even the golden judges were nowhere to be seen. Instead, a hooded figure with arms akimbo came into view.
You have found the Tower Trader!
¡°Congratulations on making it this far,¡± he declared, materializing in front of Scott in an instant. ¡°I never doubted that you''d reach this point, but the swiftness of your progress is truly remarkable.¡± The trader gesticulated energetically as he circled the masked champion, scrutinizing his attire and mask. ¡°Why can''t I recall our last encounter?¡± Scott vocalized the unspoken question lingering in his mind. The hooded figure halted in his tracks. ¡°Let''s not delve into uncomfortable matters, my friend. Even if I desired to divulge the details, it''s improbable you''d remember, rendering any discussion futile. Rest assured; your memory lapses are merely temporary. In due time, everything will come flooding back to you.¡± The trader''s hand landed on Scott''s shoulder, his voice once again filling the ears of the masked champion. ¡°So, are you truly considering parting ways with that item?¡± ¡°What''s its value?¡± Scott inquired. The trader tilted his head, a chuckle escaping him. ¡°I can offer you a grimoire containing a high-tier skill and ability. That should be ample compensation, don''t you think?¡± ¡°Tell me the name of the skill and ability,¡± Scott demanded, folding his arms across his chest. He sent the doll into his inventory, fixating on the darkness obscuring the trader''s face. The figure chuckled again, scratching the back of his head. ¡°Does the name truly matter? It''s a high-tier skill, after all.¡± ¡°If you can''t disclose that much, then we won''t be conducting any business,¡± Scott stated flatly. ¡°Wait a minute, don''t be like that. We can discuss the totem later; let''s focus on the seemingly useless items you possess. How about you hand them over, and I''ll offer you a fair price for each? What do you say?¡± ¡°You''re in luck. I was beginning to feel some of the items here are becoming outdated, so I''m willing to cooperate with you,¡± Scott replied as he opened his inventory. Scott pondered to himself, realizing that trading his nonperishables, the briefcases, Ember''s pill, and the Ayan Ore would be foolish; however, everything else was fair game. Scott retrieved the spear of the swift hunter, an item he had never intended to use, along with the map, another item he had collected from the slain trickster. Afterward, he took out all his recovery potions, acknowledging their diminished effectiveness compared to their former potency. ¡°What can I get with these?¡± Scott inquired. ¡°It depends on your desires, but I advise you to temper your expectations. These items hold appeal primarily for those embarking on the first and second trials,¡± the trader explained. ¡°I seek information,¡± Scott stated after a moment''s contemplation. ¡°Oh?¡± The trader shifted his attention from the items to the half-human. ¡°What kind of information are you after?¡± ¡°Tell me about the lesser gods and the divine beings. What distinguishes them, and why are the gods seeking champions to sponsor?¡± Scott questioned in a single breath. The trader chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°And yet people have the audacity to label me a swindler,¡± he muttered softly while summoning a small pendant from his inventory. Scott focused on the purple gemstone for a moment before the trader''s cheerful voice resumed. ¡°These items don''t come close in value to the information you''re seeking, but I owe you for our last encounter. I''ll share what you''re allowed to know at your current level.¡± The trader paused, swiftly destroying the pendant, and an amethyst fog emanated from the shattered gemstone''s fragments. Scott attempted to speak, but to his dismay, he couldn''t. Nevertheless, he felt inexplicably refreshed as the smog filled his lungs. ¡°I apologize for suppressing your ability to speak; one can never be too careful,¡± the trader said with a bow. ¡°Don''t be surprised, but the lesser gods were once champions like you. The same could be said for some gods as well. I can''t divulge more than that on the topic. I''ll leave you to theorize whatever you want. However, I''d advise against sharing that information recklessly.¡± The trader clapped twice, and the purple haze thickened even further. ¡°Ever wonder why the gods seek sponsors?¡± the trader mumbled, pacing around Scott, who hadn''t fully recovered from the information he had received earlier. ¡°The purpose of the Tower of Champions is to crown a new ruler for the infinite multiverse. A ruler, in this sense, can be either one person or a group of people. The gods sponsor candidates because they have identified individuals capable of winning the competition or possessing the required skill set to assist their preferred candidates in the competition.¡± The trader paused once more, then burst into laughter. Why was he suddenly laughing? Was he spouting nonsense earlier, or did this eccentric individual genuinely find something amusing? Scott pondered. Bending over slightly, the trader continued laughing. ¡°I''m sorry, I''m sorry. I just received a ridiculous offer; I couldn''t help but laugh.¡± Scott pondered for a moment, contemplating whether it was Zara or Slim who had extended the offer. However, a more pressing question soon seized his thoughts¡ªcould this guy be engaged in simultaneous dealings with various factions within the tower right now? The notion lingered, refusing to dissipate. Recovering from his mental reverie, the tower trader regained his composure and resumed his discourse. ¡°Originally, the intent behind sponsoring a candidate was to foster alliances. Nowadays, however, sponsors tend to back individuals based on personal interest or as a strategic move against rivals. It''s a curious mix of amusement and melancholy.¡± The hooded figure applauded once more, dispelling the lingering fog, and restored Scott''s capacity to speak. ¡°So, are you going to trade the mana booster pills? I understand their limited utility to you. In return, I offer exclusive insights into the upcoming third trial. Should you include the totem, I''ll sweeten the deal with a high-tier grimoire featuring three skills and abilities.¡± With practiced ease, the trader reached into his satchel, retrieving a hefty book bound with hemp ropes stretched across its surface.
The God of Slaughter is now watching you!
The God of Slaughter says they will give you a better reward if you hold on to the totem for a little longer!
The God of Slaughter hopes you will consider their offer!
The God of Slaughter has stopped watching you!
¡°Why are you meddling in my trade?¡± The tower trader shot a glance eastward. ¡°Not fair. He was really going to give it to me,¡± he grumbled before returning the grimoire to his satchel. ¡°You''re giving up just like that?¡± Scott asked, amused by the trader''s actions. ¡°You wouldn''t understand,¡± the trader sighed, shaking his head. ¡°Some deals aren''t worth it anymore when certain individuals are involved.¡± The trader sighed again as he picked up the other items. Then, he refocused on Scott. ¡°So, are you going to exchange the boosters for my information?¡± Scott opened his inventory, retrieving a small bottle containing golden pills. ¡°I''ll let you have it if I find your information valuable enough.¡± Chapter 42 : Dancing? Scott dangled the booster pills in front of the tower trader, awaiting the peddler¡¯s response. The hooded figure chuckled, shaking his head, and took a step forward. ¡°I don¡¯t usually do this, but I¡¯ll make an exception for you.¡± He stopped five feet away from Scott, retrieving a small parchment from his satchel. ¡°The theme of the third trial is finding the sunken city of Togan. I¡¯m sure you know that much already. However, locating the underwater city isn¡¯t a simple task.¡± Scott¡¯s brows creased behind his mask as he folded his arms across his chest. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Unlike the first and second trials, the third involves finding the underwater city,¡± the trader explained. ¡°How are we supposed to find it?¡± Scott asked. The trader chuckled while taking a step back. ¡°That¡¯s when things get interesting.¡± He waved his hands twice, and suddenly, Scott found himself in front of the pearl gates again. However, his companions and the judges were conspicuously absent. ¡°Regrettably, I can''t disclose what lies beyond the gate. However, I''m now ready to share the exclusive information I mentioned earlier.¡± The trader paused, gesturing toward the gates. ¡°If you hope to stand any chance in the upcoming trial, refrain from passing through those gates until you have meticulously memorized the contents of this map. I can''t explain why, but you should commence your journey only when every minute detail of the ruins is etched into your memory.¡± Suddenly, the trader extended his hand, and the pills slipped from Scott''s grasp. The eldritch knight furrowed his brow behind his mask, still contemplating the shared information. A minute whisked by, and Scott lifted his head. ¡°Can you hint at what lies beyond the gate?¡± The tower trader chuckled while stowing the booster pills in his satchel, then turned to face Scott. ¡°A whole new world. Forget everything you''ve witnessed in the previous trials. Crossing the divide makes things more intriguing,¡± he declared. ¡°I have one more question if you don¡¯t mind,¡± Scott said. ¡°Anything for you, my friend. As long as it''s not something I can''t say or something that requires an exchange,¡± the trader replied softly. Scott inquired, ¡°The competition has been ongoing for the past decade, hasn''t it?¡± The trader nodded in acknowledgment. The eldritch knight cleared his throat before continuing, ¡°How long does the competition usually take, and how far have the current frontrunners progressed?¡± The hooded figure chuckled again, shaking his head. ¡°A decade is but a fleeting moment in this grand competition. I can''t delve into specifics, but with time, you''ll grasp the magnitude. The Gods have anticipated this competition for eons; it won''t conclude anytime soon.¡± The trader stood with arms akimbo. ¡°As for your other question, I''m not at liberty to say, but rest assured, no one is anywhere close to the finish line. Even so, you and your companions must put in an incredible effort if you dare to dream of catching up with them.¡± Scott frowned, his fingers drumming on his gauntlets as he fixed his gaze on the giggling trader. ¡°One final question,¡± he began, ¡°I heard it¡¯s possible to send items to the lower floors. How can I do that? And is it possible to send items or information to the upper floors as well?¡± The trader''s laughter intensified as he replied, ¡°My good friend, that¡¯s my specialty. Do you have anything you want to send to the lower floors? I¡¯ll give you a special discount since we¡¯re friends. As for your other question, you¡¯d need to exchange something of similar value to get an accurate and detailed answer. All I can say is that there are no impossibilities in the Tower of Champions.¡± Scott¡¯s features stiffened momentarily before relaxing. He didn¡¯t need anyone to explain what the trader meant by his last statement. If sharing information between the lower and upper floors was possible, the remaining floors would become even more challenging. He couldn¡¯t shake the memory of the Shadow Syndicate members, all clad in heat-resistant armor as if they had been forewarned from the beginning. ¡°Then does that mean¡ª¡± The trader interrupted their conversation, taking a step forward. ¡°As much as I''d love to continue our little chat, I''m afraid it must end here," he said with a soft chuckle, patting Scott''s shoulder. ¡°Remember to take as much time as you need. You''ll regret it immensely if you ignore my words.¡± Scott watched as the trader turned to leave, offering a cryptic farewell. ¡°I hope our next meeting will be just as lively. Oh, quite an amusing scene awaits you.¡± Curiosity gnawed at Scott. Did something happen with Slim and Zara, or did he pass out again? He pondered these questions, his gaze fixed on the trader''s retreating figure. The hooded figure slowly walked away into the distance until he vanished from Scott''s sight. Then, the surroundings distorted like a grotesque painting. Scott narrowed his gaze, and through the distortion, the faint outline of towering gates revealed itself, accompanied by a familiar and lively tune. A sense of disbelief washed over Scott. This melody... no way. That''s... His thoughts ran wild as his eyes widened. Before him, Zara gracefully danced in synchronized steps along with the faceless judges, all moving to an infectious beat. Ossie couldn''t contain his excitement and joined in, shouting, ¡°Everybody now, hey macarena!¡± as he swung his hips along with the melody. Scott burst into laughter at the absurdity of the situation. In one corner, Slim played the flute excitedly, barely containing his urge to laugh. Meanwhile, Zara, though dancing like a seasoned veteran, had a cloud of murderous rage in her eyes. Amused, Scott mused on the unfolding scene. Zara should have known better than to give Slim such an item; this was on her. Yet, he couldn''t help but admire Slim''s bravery. Wasn''t he afraid of the imminent beating he''d receive once the fun was over? And how did Slim even know that particular song? Did the tower trader provide it? Speaking of which, how did that guy know something from Earth? Scott pondered these questions, still chuckling as Zara and the judges showcased their moves. Amid the lively chaos, Scott''s voice echoed in Slim''s mind, breaking through the musical mayhem. ¡°Slim, you know she¡¯s going to beat you silly once you stop, right?¡± ¡°Buddy, you¡¯re finally awake. Please save me,¡± Slim mentally pleaded. ¡°I didn¡¯t know it would be this powerful. That tower swindler told me the tune could make anyone dance, so I wanted to play a little prank on Zara. She''s been glaring at me for over an hour now. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going to happen if I stop playing. Even now, the judges have joined in,¡± Slim explained mentally, his virtual plea laced with a mix of panic and humor. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
The God of the NetherRealm is now watching you!
The God of the NetherRealm asks you not to interfere!
The lesser god of music is now watching you!
The lesser god of music asks you not to interfere!
The Feline War God, Thatmos, is now watching you!
The lesser feline war god is now watching you!
The Feline War God, Thatmos, asks you to interfere!
The lesser feline war god asks you to interfere!
The God of the NetherRealm is laughing at The Feline War God, Thatmos!
Nineteen lesser gods ask you not to interfere!
Twenty lesser gods ask if you can record the performance!
Several Gods and lesser gods are amused with your party!
The Order of Light is not amused!
"What the hell is this?" Scott cocked his head backward, his gaze lingering on the flurry of system messages. ¡°Everybody now, hey macarena!¡± Ossie shouted again, and the group once again swung their hips in tune to the melody. ¡°Scott, stay out of this,¡± Zara said softly via the party channel. The half-human wore a dry smile behind his mask as he cast a glance toward the skeleton. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, buddy, but you messed around. Good luck,¡± Scott said dryly. ¡°Buddy, please. I might become a dead undead by the time she¡¯s done with me. She said she would punch me for every time I made her swing her hips,¡± Slim pleaded. ¡°And it didn¡¯t occur to you to stop after one?¡± Scott said, suppressing his rising urge to laugh. ¡°At this point, you can either stop now and graciously accept your beating, or you can keep postponing the inevitable.¡± Scott chuckled before opening his inventory, retrieving a rolled-up map bound by a thin rope. ¡°When you guys are done messing around, I have vital information to share about the next trial. Oh, and no matter what, don¡¯t pass through the gate. It¡¯s important,¡± Scott announced via the party channel. He sat down on the fluffy yet hard ground, unbinding the knot around the map. An enormous three-dimensional holographic image of a huge city appeared in his mind, startling the Eldritch knight. ¡°This is amazing. But this place is massive,¡± Scott thought to himself, staring at the ruins from a bird¡¯s eye point of view. ¡°How long will it take to memorize this?¡± Scott sighed deeply. The lively tune abruptly ceased, and Scott instinctively turned toward Zara and the judges. The faceless officers resumed their positions, yet Zara, in stark contrast, sported a sadistic smile as she approached Slim with measured steps. He, in turn, continued to retreat. ¡°My magnanimous leader, surely you won''t take such a jest to heart, right?¡± Slim hastily said, donning a bashful smile. ¡°I swear I was deceived, utterly bamboozled. I didn''t mean to¡­¡± Slim''s apology trailed off as he began to run, and Zara gave chase, with Slim shedding his clothes as he fled. ¡°Come back here, Slim. There''s no way you''re getting off the hook for making me do that embarrassing dance.¡± Zara gritted her teeth, determined to catch the fleeing necromancer. Several system messages announcing the gods'' amusement popped up in front of Scott, but he dismissed them, fixating instead on understanding the map. ¡°There''s no way I can memorize this vast city in a month, let alone two months. It''s too expansive, and¡­¡± Scott paused in his thoughts, detecting an anomaly within the sprawling metropolis. ¡°I could have sworn I traversed this place already. Why am I back here again?¡± Unlike his previous experience, he now strolled through the holographic streets instead of observing them from the skies. Scott retraced his steps, backtracking to the previous street; however, he inexplicably found himself standing in the exact same location again. Perplexed, he narrowed his gaze as he ventured towards another street, only to encounter the same disconcerting phenomenon once more. Attempting various routes and branching off onto different roads proved futile. Regardless of his efforts, he always ended up at the precise location on the initial street. A sense of bewilderment gripped him. ¡°What the hell is going on?¡± Scott pondered aloud. Shifting his perspective, he ascended into the sky, surveying the city''s layout from above. His focus honed in on the spot he had visited earlier. Determined to uncover the mystery, he meticulously examined the map, tracing his steps through the intricate network of streets. ¡°It''s a looping maze,¡± Scott muttered, his mind reeling from the revelation. The realization settled in¡ªno matter which path he chose, all roads led back to the same location. His thoughts then expanded to consider other areas of the sprawling city. Togan has four entrances and districts, converging on a fifth district at the border, Scott contemplated. He materialized randomly in a street within the second district, navigating holographic walkways only to find himself inexplicably returning to the same spot. The third and fourth districts followed suit, each presenting a confounding maze-like loop. I understand why he emphasized memorizing the map, Scott thought, shifting his attention toward the centermost district. The only problem now is figuring out how to reach the fifth district from all four districts. There must be a way. Scott scrutinized the map once again, adopting a bird''s-eye view. His gaze narrowed as he absorbed the intricate details. Behind his mask, his eyes glistened, and the three-sided flower pattern flickered within his pupils. ¡°I can see it. The exits were right there all along,¡± Scott muttered to himself, the pattern intermittently appearing and disappearing. ¡°What can you see?¡± Zara inquired, peering over Scott''s shoulder. Scott turned around, locking eyes with the softly smiling cat girl. Then, he shifted his gaze sideways, observing a naked skeleton executing a lively dance without any music¡ªperforming both elaborate and simple moves with vigorous enthusiasm. I¡¯ll just pretend I saw nothing, Scott thought to himself as he focused on Zara again. ¡°How long are you going to leave him like that?¡± Zara scowled, unable to conceal her embarrassment. ¡°Until he learns never to do that again,¡± she muttered. ¡°He''s lucky he didn''t record any of that.¡± She took a seat next to the masked man, retrieving her own map from her inventory. ¡°So, what did you want to tell us?¡± Scott launched into a detailed explanation of the information he had received from the trader, and the feline brawler immersed herself in memorizing and examining the map. ¡°Pssst, buddy,¡± Slim''s voice rang out in Scott''s mind. The masked man turned toward the skeleton, who had ceased his dancing. ¡°Buddy, I recorded it all,¡± Slim admitted mentally, struggling not to laugh. ¡°I''m going to use it to blackmail her into organizing a new contest,¡± he declared proudly. ¡°You''re a proper dumbass, Slim. Zara is going to kill you if she finds out about the recording,¡± Scott said, giggling as tears streaked down his cheeks. ¡°That''s why she''s never going to find out, right, buddy?¡± Slim said with a nervous smile. ¡°You better finish your little dance and get your ass over here. We have a lot to do,¡± Scott ordered. ¡°I''ll be there soon. She said I needed to throw my hips a few more times,¡± Slim said with a bashful smile as he bounced from side to side. ¡°Has it occurred to you that she might be recording you, too?¡± Scott quipped before refocusing on the map. The necromancer froze mid-step, his jaw slackened as he stared at the cat girl, now unmoving.
Several Gods and lesser gods thank you for entertaining them!
The Feline War God, Thatmos, can¡¯t stop laughing!
The God of the NetherRealm can¡¯t stop laughing!
The lesser god of illusions would like to offer¡­
You have rejected the offer!
The lesser god of illusions is laughing to hide their true feelings!
Chapter 43 : Hammer of Justice The hound extermination crew formed a circle, with Slim and Zara fixing their attention on Scott as he patiently recounted his thoughts and observations while exploring the holographic map. "That¡¯s it for the first, second, and third district. The fourth district follows the same pattern, but it¡¯s quite tricky too,¡± Scott conveyed mentally. ¡°Buddy, how were you even able to see all this?¡± Slim muttered aloud. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t mentioned it, I wouldn¡¯t have thought about studying the map, let alone figuring out the mysteries behind the looping mazes. I can already imagine how difficult the next trial is going to be,¡± the skeleton added mentally, sighing while shaking his head. ¡°Focus on what¡¯s important. Memorizing all the exits in the four districts is the only way to ensure we¡¯re not in trouble when the trial starts,¡± Scott emphasized, glancing at the necromancer. ¡°I know, I know,¡± Slim replied, sighing once more. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing we know where to look.¡± ¡°Thankfully, we don¡¯t have to deal with fatigue or attend to our bodily functions,¡± Zara said, stretching her arms. Despite several hours passing since they began observing the maps, none of the trio felt physically or mentally fatigued, nor did they experience any urge to eat or drink. Scott also observed that Hastur¡¯s gaze couldn¡¯t peer at the stats of his companions for some reason, and some lesser gods continued observing the group even after the end of their shenanigans. ¡°I¡¯m more concerned that no one has gotten here yet,¡± Slim mused, facing the direction opposite the gate. ¡°Am I being paranoid, but shouldn¡¯t a few of them have arrived by now?¡± ¡°I get what you¡¯re saying, but worrying about something like that is pointless, I think,¡± Zara interjected, staring in the same direction as the necromancer. ¡°I¡¯m glad we weren¡¯t tempted by the other rewards and got here in one piece. Who knows what absurdities the others are facing right now.¡± ¡°Focus on memorizing the maps instead of bothering with something useless,¡± Scott advised in a hushed tone. ¡°Let''s move on to the fourth district. It''s like the second district, but the exits aren''t as accessible. It should...¡± Scott''s words were abruptly cut off by a resonating gong. The trio instinctively turned toward the gate, the source of the sudden noise. The judges remained motionless; heads raised toward the blackened skies. Scott, Zara, and Slim mimicked their actions, gazing into the emptiness above the heavens. ¡°What are they looking at? I can''t see anything,¡± Zara remarked with a frown. ¡°Same here,¡± Slim added, turning toward Scott. ¡°Do you see anything, buddy?¡± Scott slowly shook his head. ¡°It''s the same for me.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ maybe it''s something only they can see,¡± Zara mused after a short pause. The trio continued to stare at the heavens for a while before diverting their gazes. Despite their prolonged observation, they couldn''t spot a thing. Slim and Zara refocused on Scott, who patiently analyzed and relayed the exits in the fourth district. Meanwhile, the judges continued their unwavering gaze into the nothingness above. Time accumulated in a cascade: seconds stacking into minutes, minutes unfolding into hours, and hours stretching into days. The trio maintained their unchanging postures, exchanging thoughts and observations through the party channel. The judges, fixated on the celestial expanse, went unnoticed by the group, with several lesser gods having lost interest, as the trio rarely uttered a word or shifted from their seated positions. ¡°This whole thing is unnecessarily complicated and tedious,¡± Slim grumbled while reclining on his back. Despite feeling no fatigue, he detested monotonous activities. ¡°I''d rather endure this than face the next trial unprepared,¡± Zara remarked, though her expression hinted at a discordant inner sentiment. Scott shook his head as he stared at the duo. I wonder how they¡¯d react if I told them many people would kill for a place like this back on Earth. I don¡¯t know how long we have been here, but I have completely memorized the exits in the first three districts, and I¡¯m halfway through the fourth district. The eldritch knight glanced at the necromancer who tried to make a snow angel on the fluffy ground. Although he has been complaining, he¡¯s already done memorizing the exits in the four districts. Zara is struggling with the third district, but she should be able to memorize it in a day or two. After that, we¡¯ll need to figure out the purpose of the fifth district, but is that even possible? Scott¡¯s brows creased as he fell into deep thought. The trio had exchanged various ideas about the purpose of the third trial, yet none of them had managed to propose a theory they all universally agreed upon. The only consensus they reached was that the trial would likely accommodate an absurd number of champions. Suddenly, Slim sat upright, abandoning his futile attempts to create a cloud angel. He fixed a mischievous smile on Scott and said, ¡°Buddy, do you still have any of those fragrant wines?¡± ¡°Huh? Yeah, why?¡± Scott replied. The necromancer giggled, his smile growing even more mischievous. ¡°What else is wine used for? To get wasted, of course. We should at least have some fun and get to know each other better. When else are we going to have such an opportunity?¡± Scott and Zara exchanged glances, neither dismissive of the idea, but they weren''t finished memorizing the exits like the necromancer. ¡°C¡¯mon, guys, we have all the time in the world to memorize the map. One or two hours shouldn¡¯t be a problem, right?¡± Slim persuaded, inching closer to the duo. ¡°You know what they say, three friends drinking is a memory for a lifetime.¡± ¡°Who said that?¡± Scott asked. ¡°Some guy, I don¡¯t know. That''s not what''s important,¡± the skeleton said with a dry smile. Zara burst out laughing. ¡°You made it up, didn¡¯t you?¡± A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± Slim turned away from the probing gazes, whistling to conceal his embarrassment. Scott shook his head before accessing his inventory, and three jars of the fragrant gruff wine materialized. ¡°Since we can¡¯t feel thirst or hunger here, it¡¯s unlikely we¡¯ll even get drunk. So, there¡¯s no harm in having a drink,¡± Scott suggested. Slim laughed heartily, reaching for one jar. ¡°I knew you¡¯d see it my way,¡± he said, quickly breaking the jar¡¯s seal, releasing the wine¡¯s fragrant aroma. ¡°Since you guys are drinking, I might as well join you.¡± Zara grabbed a jar for herself. Like Slim, she punctured a small hole in the seal before rapidly downing the sweet wine. ¡°This is how it¡¯s supposed to be,¡± Slim chuckled, smiling as Zara chugged the wine. Then, he turned toward Scott. ¡°Buddy, you should drink up too. You don¡¯t...¡± The skeleton suddenly paused, smiling mischievously. ¡°How about we have a little competition?¡± Slim suggested with a smile. Zara shot a glance at the necromancer, ¡°You¡¯re not trying to propose another party leader competition, right?¡± ¡°My leader, I wouldn¡¯t dare usurp you so soon. I¡¯m not that shameless,¡± Slim said with a wry smile. If he could, he would have proposed another party leader competition, but he didn¡¯t want to draw the ire of the brawler again. ¡°Okay then, what do you have in mind?¡± Zara glanced at the skeleton while taking a sip from the sweet wine. ¡°It¡¯s simple, really. Consider it a little drinking game.¡± The skeleton removed one of his shoes. ¡°We¡¯ll each take turns asking each other questions; you''re supposed to say one truth and two lies. The goal is to figure out which statement is the truth among the lies. After, let¡¯s say ten rounds, we¡¯ll decide who the winner is and what their reward should be.¡± ¡°I think I understand the essence of the game, but what¡¯s the shoe for?¡± Zara asked, staring at the luxurious loafer. Slim chuckled deviously as he reached for the shoe. ¡°Well, for this game, I¡¯d like to call it the hammer of justice. Each time you fail to guess the truth, you will be introduced to the hammer of justice.¡± Scott¡¯s cheeks puffed behind his mask, restraining himself from laughing. He had met a lot of people in his life, but hardly someone as ridiculous as the necromancer. Zara muttered, nodding slowly. ¡°The hammer of justice, huh?¡± The brawler raised her head, wearing a cunning smile. ¡°I''m sure your face will be getting acquainted with the hammer soon enough.¡± ¡°Oh really? Funny, I had the same idea,¡± Slim retorted with an even more devious smile. The duo laughed like villains as they locked eyes. Meanwhile, Scott silently observed the scene. They look like they''re ready to smack the living shit out of each other. Maybe I should suggest another game or something. Scott considered it but then thought better of it. On second thought, letting them face each other would be more entertaining. ¡°Guys, I''ll sit this one out. But I''d love to see you go at it,¡± Scott said. ¡°Ah, buddy, I was looking forward to us playing this game together. But if that''s how you want it, I can''t change your mind," Slim said, directing his attention solely at Zara. ¡°It''s a shame you won''t be joining us. Nevertheless, I promise to put on a great show,¡± Zara declared, keeping her focus on Slim. Scott sported a wry smile behind his mask. These shitheads aren¡¯t even trying to hide it. They wanted this all along.
Several lesser gods are intrigued about the competition!
Several lesser gods praise you for tactfully withdrawing from the competition!
Several lesser gods are taking bets on the winner of the competition!
The lesser god of illusion is cooking up a plot with some other lesser gods!
The lesser god of illusion asks you to ignore the system¡¯s message!
Scott stared at the system messages that materialized in front of him. I can¡¯t believe they¡¯re taking bets. It¡¯s almost as if we¡¯re their clowns, dancing for their amusement, he thought. Scott sighed softly, then continued reading the latter half of the system¡¯s message. This guy sure is persistent. I wonder what he¡¯s planning, Scott thought, his curiosity piqued by the enigmatic lesser god of illusions. ¡°So, who is going to start? Me or you?¡± Zara asked, her eyes fixed on the hammer of justice. Slim chuckled softly, ¡°My leader, it¡¯s obvious I should go first since I¡¯m nothing but a mere minion.¡± ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard of ''ladies first''?¡± Zara retorted, reaching for the luxurious shoe. However, Slim¡¯s arm intercepted her. ¡°Well, the dead should be respected. Since I¡¯m undead, I¡¯m technically dead, so I should go first.¡± ¡°What? That doesn¡¯t make any sense,¡± Zara protested. ¡°How about you decide who goes first with rock, paper, scissors?¡± Scott suggested from the side. ¡°Great idea,¡± Zara and Slim said in unison. Without delay, the duo rocked their right hands in a single motion, then revealed their choices. ¡°Damn,¡± Slim cursed, staring at Zara¡¯s closed fist atop his outstretched middle and index fingers. Zara laughed mischievously, dragging the hammer of justice closer to her side. ¡°Let¡¯s begin,¡± she said, slowly rocking her head back and forth as if contemplating her opening statement. At that precise moment, a resonant gong filled the air, startling the trio. Before any of them could react, five figures descended from the blackened heavens, landing gracefully on the fluffy cloud.
Several lesser gods are bitterly disappointed with the arrival of new champions!
Three lesser gods have banned the new arrivals from their sanctuaries!
The hound extermination crew rose to their feet, their attention drawn to the newly arrived figures stacked upon one another. Their focus honed in on the blackened, somewhat purplish patches that adorned the necks of the disoriented champions. ¡°What is that thing on their neck? Poison, or is it the aftereffect of some drug?¡± Slim pondered mentally. ¡°Besides that, their armors are a complete mess,¡± Zara added, her arms folded across her chest. Another resonant gong echoed through the air, prompting a light beam to shoot out from one of the judges, enveloping the unconscious quintet sprawled on the ground. The dark-purple spots visibly receded, and the champions'' once-pale faces gradually regained a healthier hue.
Another group has arrived in front of the judgment gate!
Those who seek to cause mayhem or discord in front of the judgment gate will be purged!
Champions can now cross the judgment gate!
Warning! Champions will be unable to return to the rest area after crossing the judgment gate!
Quests Quest: Main Quest has been updated!
Main Quest: Survive the third trial!
Side Quest: Visit the sunken city of Togan!
Scott furrowed his brows, his gaze fixed on the system messages that sprawled across the screen. A creak resounded, catching the attention of the eldritch knight. He turned towards the pearl gates, only to find the judges, who had previously blocked the exit, now silently shifting aside. However, an unsettling change occurred ¨C each faceless officer now wielded forks, their collective focus directed at the motionless champions. As another gong reverberated, three champions descended from the skies, landing in a disheveled heap upon the ground. ¡°Guys, it''s time to refocus on memorizing the map, Scott conveyed mentally. ¡°We can''t leave this place until we''ve thoroughly committed the map to memory.¡± Chapter 44 : Crossing the Judgment Gate As time passed, a growing number of champions congregated before the judgment gate, yet none dared to venture across the divide. Whispers of a concealed objective circulated among them, gaining traction, especially when a group remained seated in unyielding concentration for over ten hours. In the center of this enigmatic assembly, the hound extermination crew formed a motionless circle, surrounded by scattered maps. The once-present fragrance of gruff wine now rested in their inventories. Various champions, both human and non-human, strolled around the trio, curious about what secrets the trio had discovered. ¡°More eyes are on us now. I can feel their curiosity,¡± Slim conveyed mentally. ¡°For some reason, it''s irking me.¡± ¡°Ignore them,¡± Scott responded dispassionately. ¡°Do you think they''ll figure it out on their own?" Slim inquired, stealing glances at a few champions who mimicked their group. ¡°It doesn''t matter,¡± Scott asserted, indifferent to the prospect of others unveiling the map''s peculiarities. ¡°I''ll soon have the fourth district memorized, and Zara is halfway through the third. We''ll delve into the fifth district when we''re finished.¡± ¡°I guess I''ll have to be patient, then,¡± Slim sighed, whistling softly as he reclined on his back. The necromancer casually surveyed the onlookers, occasionally trying to discern a familiar face. However, all countenances remained unfamiliar to the skeleton, with most, especially the humans, casting glances that concealed a lingering disgust. The skeleton responded with a nonchalant yawn, then turned his gaze towards the blackened heavens. I wonder how Mia is doing. Hopefully, she receives the presents I sent to her. Then again, can I trust that swindling trader? The skeleton chuckled at his thoughts. Since it¡¯s nearly impossible for me to figure out the mysteries behind the fifth district on my own, I guess now is a great time to focus on the other melodies in the music book. If the first one was that powerful, I wonder what the others can do. Slim retrieved a small parchment from his inventory, its surface embossed with braille. Running his skeletal fingers along the textured words, he muttered inaudible incantations. In that moment, a shadow enveloped the necromancer and his companions. A group of ten men, each boasting striking variations of red hair, closed in around the hound extermination crew. Scott lifted his head, casting a half-hearted glance at the newcomers before turning away. Zara paid little attention to the arrivals, focusing instead on catching up with her minions. Meanwhile, Slim sat upright, tilting his head to the side. ¡°Yes?¡± the skeleton responded dryly. The men regarded the necromancer dismissively before approaching Scott. Slim chuckled, shaking his head before reclining once more. The muscular leader of the redheads halted in front of Scott, absentmindedly toying with his goatee as he assessed the masked man. "You''re the leader of this group, correct?" ¡°What do you want?¡± Scott asked flatly, not bothering to life his head. The tall man smirked, leaning casually on his halberd. ¡°I''m Anslem, leader of the Blood Mist. We are...¡± Scott raised his hand, cutting off the handsome man. ¡°Not to be rude, but I honestly don''t care who you are or which group you belong to. What do you want? If you came here just to introduce yourself, fine, you''ve done it. Now, you can go on your way. I won''t be doing the same.¡± ¡°Hey!¡± one man shouted. ¡°Who do you think you are?¡± Scott ignored the man, refocusing his attention on the map. The judges were on standby to quell any discord, so he didn''t concern himself with the group. The man stepped forward, but Anslem''s outstretched arm blocked his path. A smile played on Anslem''s lips; his brown eyes fixed on the masked man. ¡°I won''t beat around the bush anymore,¡± he said, crouching to whisper, ¡°So, what''s the reason you''ve been studying that map? What do you want in exchange for that information?¡± Scott shifted his attention toward the man, and their gazes locked. The redhead instinctively flinched, a chill crawling down his spine as he stared into Scott''s beautiful yet sinister eyes. A delirious whisper, evoking insidious thoughts, echoed behind his ears, and the man froze on the spot. Anslem tried to speak, but his tongue felt heavy, and the air suddenly felt suffocating. How can someone''s eyes induce such a feeling? he thought, reaching for his thumping chest. ¡°I don''t need anything from you. You can be on your way now,¡± Scott declared before turning away. The stifling sensation dissipated, and Anslem collapsed onto the ground, drawing in deep breaths. His companions, wearing perplexed expressions, helped him to his feet, but the terror in the eyes of their leader was unmistakable. ¡°Anslem, what happened? Did that strange guy do something to you?¡± one of his comrades asked mentally, supporting the disoriented leader. ¡°Let¡¯s go. We shouldn¡¯t mess with these people,¡± Anslem declared through their party channel, casting a glance at Scott. The bewildered members of the Blood Mist exchanged uncertain looks before ushering their leader away from the area. Slim waved casually at the departing group, his laughter echoing softly. Hardly a few seconds after the Blood Mist departed, another group approached the Hound Extermination Crew. This time, however, the group consisted only of women, and they headed straight for Slim. The striking beauty with neon silver hair at the forefront stopped in front of the necromancer. ¡°Hey there, handsome. Can you spare a moment to answer a few questions?¡± Slim stood up promptly, adjusting his jacket. He extended his right hand with a confident grin. ¡°Name¡¯s Slim. Slim the Grim.¡± Without hesitation, the fair-skinned young lady extended her hand to the necromancer. ¡°Lorie Garreau,¡± she said, her dazzling smile revealing dimples in all their glory. ¡°What a lovely name to match a beautiful woman,¡± Slim remarked before gallantly kissing the back of Lorie¡¯s hand. The tattooed young lady''s brows shot up, her small mouth parting in surprise. Soft giggles emanated from her companions, some stifling their urge to laugh. The necromancer released Lorie''s hand, and his voice once again filled the air. ¡°So, what questions do you have for my humble self?¡± Scott and Zara exchanged glances, now viewing Slim in a new light. Despite their newfound perspective, they had no intention of intervening in the necromancer¡¯s affairs, neither physically nor mentally. The ladies locked eyes for a moment, as if engaged in silent communication. Then, Lorie spoke up. ¡°I know it¡¯s rude to ask, but what can we exchange for information concerning the map? Everyone here knows your group arrived first, yet you haven¡¯t left or showed any signs of leaving.¡± The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°We could be waiting for someone, you know,¡± Slim interjected with a smile. ¡°That crossed my mind too, but you guys have spent too much time observing the maps for that to be the case, I think,¡± Lorie echoed her thoughts. ¡°It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t want to share it, but if you do, we¡¯ll exchange something of similar value for it.¡± ¡°Ladies, unfortunately, there¡¯s nothing to say,¡± Slim responded with a smile. Lorie and her companions exchanged wry smiles, unable to conceal the disappointment in their eyes. ¡°All right. See you around,¡± Lorie said. ¡°See you later, ladies,¡± Slim waved at the departing group before retaking his seat. ¡°You¡¯re quite the ladies¡¯ man, huh?¡± Zara commented casually via the party communication channel. ¡°The ladies can¡¯t help themselves. I don¡¯t blame them, though. Who wouldn¡¯t want a piece of this?¡± Slim chuckled. Zara''s laughter erupted, capturing the attention of numerous champions assembled in the vicinity. ¡°Zara, quit getting distracted and concentrate on memorizing the exits,¡± Scott admonished the brawler, his unseen frown conveying a sense of urgency. ¡°I''m sorry, I''m sorry,¡± Zara apologized, but her laughter lingered, stubbornly refusing to subside. ¡°I fail to see the humor in this situation. My rugged and dashing looks speak for themselves,¡± Slim remarked, casting a disapproving glance at the giggling brawler. ¡°Sure, sure,¡± Zara replied, attempting to rein in her amusement and refocus on the task of memorizing the exits.
The lesser god of illusions believes you should exchange some details of your knowledge for benefits!
Scott glanced at the new system message. This guy again? But he might have a point. It¡¯s arduous for one person to completely memorize one district, let alone notice the inconspicuous exits in all four districts. Even if they notice it, it will take a significant amount of time for them to memorize it; we¡¯ll still have a head start over them and their party, unless they¡¯re some kind of genius with eidetic memory or something.
The lesser god of illusions proposes you only ask for elemental shards, regardless of type, as payment!
Scott¡¯s brows creased. Why the elemental shards of all things? He thought to himself. Then a stray thought filled the mind of the Eldritch knight. Then again, why haven¡¯t Zara or Slim¡¯s sponsor said anything about the next trial? Shouldn¡¯t they be giving them exclusive information to ensure their survival? Or are they only planning on interfering when they¡¯re in trouble? Scott glanced at Zara, who couldn''t suppress her smile while memorizing the latter half of the exits. Then, he shifted his attention toward Slim, who once again found himself lying on the ground. ¡°Guys, quick question,¡± Scott inquired mentally, ¡°have you received any tips about the next trial from your sponsors?¡± Slim sat upright again, a scowl replacing his previous smile. ¡°Buddy, can you believe they completely ignored me? A simple ''no'' would have been better than complete silence,¡± the skeleton bitterly complained. ¡°Same here,¡± Zara chimed in, her expression just as soured as Slim''s. ¡°Oh, so that''s what happened. Maybe there''s a reason for that,¡± Scott said before changing the topic. ¡°I plan on selling information about the next trial, but I''ll do that after we''ve completely memorized the exits, in case there''s someone here with a ridiculously big brain.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Zara turned toward the masked man. ¡°What are you going to ask in exchange for the information, and how much do you plan on revealing?¡± ¡°Only the similarities between the districts and the fact that it''s a massive looping maze. If they figure that out by themselves before then, I''ll reveal a few exits. In exchange, I''ll be demanding elemental shards,¡± Scott explained. ¡°Huh? Those useless things? Why, though?¡± Slim asked with a frown. Zara also had the same thought. Of all the things they imagined the masked knight would ask for, they never expected Scott would request something of little or no value. ¡°It was a suggestion from a lesser god,¡± Scott revealed, unwilling to delve into the complexities of his relationship with the god of illusions. ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± Slim drummed his fingers on his jaw, deep in thought. ¡°If you trust them, then there¡¯s no harm. I trust your decisions,¡± Zara reassured with a soft smile. ¡°Yeah, there must be a reason they recommended that, but don¡¯t trust these gods fully, buddy. You can¡¯t tell if they¡¯re swindlers,¡± Slim cautioned with a grin. ¡°Thanks, guys. I¡¯ll make the announcement when we¡¯re done with the fifth district,¡± Scott declared. The trio exchanged a nod. Scott and Zara refocused on memorizing the exits, while Slim immersed himself in the melodies of the music book. Several champions continued observing the group, yet none dared to approach. Many champions surveyed their surroundings, but only a vast expanse of fluffy clouds extended as far as the eyes could see. The gong echoed more frequently as time passed, drawing additional champions to the judgment road. Not everyone in the vicinity followed the path opened by the hound extermination crew; many originated from various other judgment roads. Time passed slowly, and the judgment gate became increasingly crowded with champions. Despite the growing numbers, no one had dared to cross the opened gates, all hesitant to miss any potentially valuable information. Speculations about a hidden meaning within the map had escalated to the point of being widely accepted, fueled by the sheer enormity of the holographic projection. Another three days elapsed swiftly, and now, over four hundred champions lingered in front of the opened gates. Unlike earlier, more champions were engrossed in studying the map, but the constant tolling of the gongs signaling new arrivals had ceased. ¡°This is ridiculous!¡± A slender man erupted, hurling his map to the ground. ¡°Are we all just going to waste our time here, scrutinizing a map that could take a lifetime to decipher?¡± Several champions turned to look at him, but no one uttered a word. ¡°Come on, people! Use your brains,¡± he continued, picking up the map. ¡°They gave us this map for a reason. We''re meant to use it so we don''t waste time like this,¡± he gestured towards the hound extermination crew. ¡°Are you going to linger here just because those freaks are poring over the map? Has it occurred to you that they might be waiting for someone else?¡± Standing up, he stowed the map in his inventory. ¡°I can''t do this anymore. Best of luck to anyone who thinks they can uncover secrets from such a massive map anytime soon. I''m out.¡± The man retrieved a dagger from his inventory, approaching the opened gates with measured steps. After taking a deep breath, he crossed the threshold and vanished instantly.
A champion has crossed the judgment gate!
The judgment gate will be closed in twenty days!
The judgment gate will only be reopened when new entrants from the judgment road emerge!
¡°I concur with the human. Memorizing the map is a futile endeavor,¡± declared a lizardman, rising from his seat. ¡°Brothers, let''s depart.¡± The lizardmen party hastily left, with several other groups joining their exodus. However, more than three hundred groups still lingered in the area. As some groups wavered in indecision, the hound extermination crew collectively stood up, capturing the attention of everyone present. Scott spoke, his voice resonating throughout the area. ¡°I''ll be brief. We possess exclusive information about the upcoming trial. However, we will only consider elemental shards in exchange, irrespective of their affinity.¡±
The lesser god of illusions is elated with your decision!
The lesser god of illusions is boasting to other lesser gods!
The lesser god of illusions asks if¡­
You have rejected the offer!
Several lesser gods are laughing at the lesser god of illusions!
The lesser god of illusions is feeling embarrassed but optimistic!
The lesser god of persistence sympathizes with the lesser god of illusion!
Another gong resonated just as a flurry of system messages materialized before Scott. The champions raised their heads, expecting the usual sight of battered and injured allies descending from the blackened skies. However, this time was different. A figure clad in red hovered gracefully, their iridescent eyes locked onto the assembly of champions below. ¡°I''ll ask just once. Who has been calling me?¡± Chapter 45 : Another Encounter with the Tower Trader Scott observed the dashing young man in the luxurious red suit and fur cape, hovering motionlessly in midair. His inky-black hair defied gravity, flailing in all directions despite the absence of wind, while oblong, elongated earrings graced his ears. The intensity of the man''s blue eyes induced primal fear in champions who dared lock gazes with him. Who the hell is this guy? Scott pondered, his suspicion rising. Even without Hastur''s gaze, he sensed that the man was trouble. Is he here because of Chaos Caller? God please, I don¡¯t want another lunatic searching for me. Though the man exuded refinement and charisma, a disquieting aura surrounded him. Scott frowned at the unsettling thought. ¡°Buddy, should we leave? He seems like one of the people Ember warned us about,¡± Slim suggested mentally, recalling Ember''s advice. Zara hesitated but urged caution. ¡°I don''t think we should. Do you really want to draw attention in front of that guy?¡± she remarked, her gaze averted from the hovering champion. Scott, however, remained fixated on the man in red, as did the newcomer. The two men locked gazes, neither willing to avert their eyes. A smile played on the dispassionate face of the young man, and in a flash, he materialized in front of Scott, towering over the half-human by several feet. Zara swallowed nervously, and Slim instinctively took a step back. I didn''t expect him to be this tall. He''s even taller than the dragonkin, Slim thought, regaining his composure. Silence gripped the judgment gate, every champion''s attention focused on Scott and the imposing stranger. ¡°I don''t like those eyes of yours,¡± the man stated, folding his arms across his chest. ¡°What sort of unholy being are you?¡±
The lesser god of inferno is now watching you!
The God of inferno is now watching you!
The God of inferno has stopped watching you!
The lesser god of inferno has stopped watching you!
The young man opened his inventory before retrieving a hefty cigar. Placing it between his lips, he raised his index finger to the cigar''s tip, and a cascade of crimson flames enveloped the filler. Drawing a deep puff, he exhaled the smoke onto Scott''s mask, holding the cigar between his index and middle fingers as he took another step toward the masked man. ¡°Care for one?¡± he offered. ¡°I don''t smoke,¡± Scott replied. ¡°Oh, you can talk. So, that was you ignoring me earlier.¡± The young man smiled, nodding. He then turned his attention to Slim and Zara, his gaze lingering a bit longer on the feline brawler. ¡°Your companions, I presume. A being of unknown origins, a feline, and undead. Quite an unusual party. What should I call you?¡± ¡°I have no intention of telling you that. Focus on finding whoever you''re searching for,¡± Scott retorted. The man chuckled, taking another puff from his cigar. Once again, he exhaled the smoke in Scott''s direction. ¡°Normally, talking to me like that would get you killed.¡± Scott interjected, ¡°Then why am I still alive? Are you afraid of those judges?¡± He nodded toward the imposing figures. The man laughed again, shaking his head. ¡°Even if there were a million of them here, it wouldn''t be enough to make me flinch. I need no more than five minutes to eliminate them and everyone else here.¡± He paused, taking another step closer. ¡°I''m facing quite a dilemma. A plague has taken root in my mind, urging me to seek out something, or someone.¡± The handsome man stopped a few inches away from Scott, exhaling another puff of smoke toward the masked man. ¡°Do you know how annoying it is for you...¡± Suddenly, he paused; a system window appeared in front of him. His brows tensed for a moment, and a dashing smile bloomed on his lips. He stared at Scott more intently, chuckling ever so slightly. ¡°This is quite interesting. I just received an intriguing offer. How did you anger the Dragon King?¡± Scott raised his brows, recalling the system message about the dragon princes and king hating him. ¡°I don''t know what you''re talking about,¡± Scott replied, a sense of unease settling in. All this wouldn''t have happened if not for that damned title, he thought.
Dragon Prince Ozani calls you a liar!
Dragon Prince Nerko calls you a liar!
Dragon King Darit calls you a shameless liar!
The lesser god of illusions believes you and tries to defend you!
The lesser god of illusion is being besieged by the Dragon Princes and King!
The lesser god of illusions says they won¡¯t interfere in family matters anymore!
The man chuckled, shaking his head at Scott''s words. ¡°Indeed, a shameless liar,¡± he remarked, now standing shoulder to shoulder with Scott. His movement had gone unnoticed, leaving Scott bewildered about when he arrived. ¡°If you are who I think you are, then we''ll meet again soon. Hopefully, you''ll be much stronger than you are now.¡± With a friendly pat on Scott''s shoulder, the man turned his attention to the floating system window. ¡°The offer is quite tempting, but I don''t want anything to do with the dragon princess anytime soon. She''s more annoying to deal with than that caveman.¡± With a click on the system panel, the offer vanished. Scott, intrigued, leaned forward. ¡°Wait, did you just say caveman?¡± He reached out towards the man, but the champion skillfully evaded his touch, reappearing in front of the masked knight. ¡°Don''t do that. Entertaining your existence doesn''t give you the right to touch me.¡± As tension heightened, the surrounding temperature intensified, causing several champions to drop to their knees, struggling for breath. The once-motionless judges turned their attention to the source of the heat, their grips tightening around their forks.
Warning! Attacking another champion will be considered as disturbing the peace of the judgment gate!
Any further infractions will be met with the full might of the Judges of Light!
The man gave the system message a fleeting glance before shifting his attention to the judges, and instantly, the oppressive heat dissipated. Sweaty champions breathed sighs of relief, anxious that the enigmatic man might provoke the wrath of the faceless officers. Many of them had endured harrowing experiences escaping the judges on the judgment road and wished to avoid a recurrence of that nightmarish ordeal. ¡°I don''t know what your quarrel is with the leader of the Celestial Blades, but I strongly advise against a repeat performance. Consider yourself fortunate; I''m not one to forgive a transgressor twice,¡± the man cautioned, his voice carrying a weight of authority. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Undeterred, Scott inquired, ¡°Do you know the identity of the caveman?¡± He paid little heed to the man''s previous warning, undaunted by the apparent discrepancy in their capabilities. ¡°You''re quite audacious, aren''t you?¡± The man chuckled, taking another drag from his cigar. ¡°That information is not readily available, and I doubt anyone would be willing to share it with you. I don''t know your dealings with them, assuming you have any, but I strongly advise against biting off more than you can chew. The Celestial Blades is beyond your reach, at least in your current state.¡± Discarding the cigar in a nonchalant manner, he added, ¡°I''ve grown weary of this conversation. I feel like I''d grow weaker with each passing moment here. Farewell.¡± With a casual nod, the man acknowledged Scott before strolling past him. This time, the masked man made no attempt to summon him back. ¡°You lot have ten seconds to clear the road,¡± the man suddenly announced, staring at the champions standing in between him and the opened gate. Several champions hastily removed themselves from his path, but a few lingered, angered by the man¡¯s haughty and dismissive tone. Several cyclops, lizardmen, and humans remained in their position: staring defiantly at the man in red. Although he wielded significant power, they believed he could do nothing against the rules of the judgment gate. ¡°You have made your choice then,¡± the man said as he nonchalantly took a step forward.
An immeasurable hostility has been detected!
You will be purged!
The judges sprinted toward the dashing man. However, on his third step, every being in a straight line to his standing position swelled tenfold their usual size. An unquenchable heat originated from the swollen bodies. A pop echoed, and a series of explosions followed. Shredded armor, mangled flesh, and broken bones flew in all directions as a torrent of blood rained on the surrounding champions. A massive golden puddle replaced the judges of light. Silence enveloped the area, and only the gentle footsteps of the towering man could be heard amidst the quiet. Several champions subconsciously retreated, many stumbling on the ground as the sweet coppery stench of fresh blood pervaded the air. The man in red silently disappeared, yet the champions remained in the same position, their attention still focused on the destruction left behind by the eccentric man. ¡°Buddy, why is it that all the troublesome people seem to find you?¡± Slim muttered in a daze. Scott glanced at the necromancer before taking a confident step forward. His voice resonated through the silence, ¡°As I was saying, if you''re interested in our exclusive information, you can acquire it using elemental shards only, regardless of their type.¡± All eyes turned toward the masked man; they couldn''t fathom how he could act nonchalantly in the wake of the devastation left behind by the man in red. Slim and Zara exchanged glances, each sporting a wry smile. ¡°Are we going to keep encountering stranger people if we stick around with him?¡± Slim mused mentally. ¡°Do you really need me to answer something so obvious?¡± Zara responded, sighing softly. The duo chuckled, then walked toward Scott, positioning themselves on either side of the masked knight. Meanwhile, various groups debated Scott''s proposal through their party channels. Initially expecting the masked man to demand something outrageous, they were surprised that he sought elemental shards, something seemingly mundane and borderline useless. However, some believed this request hinted at the innocuous items playing a crucial role in the next trial. ¡°How can we verify the authenticity of your information? For all we know, you could be fabricating things to swindle us of our items,¡± Anslem remarked, arms folded across his chest. All attention shifted to the redhead, many nodding in agreement with his skepticism. ¡°He''s right; there''s no way to ascertain the authenticity of your exclusive information,¡± one man remarked. ¡°That you''re even inquiring about elemental shards indicates the trial''s connection to them,¡± another man deduced. ¡°I had the same thought, but what if it''s not?¡± a lizardman proposed. Amidst the champions'' deliberation, a stunning beauty and her companions approached the hound extermination crew. ¡°How many elemental shards do you need? We''re prepared to pay,¡± Lorie inquired, her gaze shifting between Slim, Zara, and Scott.
The lesser god of illusions whisper from their hiding location you should ask for 10!
The lesser god of illusions says to amass as many elemental shards as possible!
The lesser god of illusions is fleeing from the dragon race again!
Scott stifled the urge to burst into laughter, maintaining a composed facade. ¡°Ten pieces,¡± he declared. Lorie furrowed her brow briefly, then delved into her inventory. In the blink of an eye, ten crystals with sleek surfaces resembling fiery magma materialized in her hand. She cautiously extended her arm, presenting the crystals to Slim, consciously avoiding any proximity to Scott. ¡°The price has been paid. Now, let''s hear it,¡± Lorie remarked, a smile playing on her lips. A group of keen observers fixated on the unfolding exchange, eager to witness the dynamics between the two groups. However, both Scott''s party and Lorie''s remained silent, with only the subtle glint in the beautiful woman''s eyes revealing the covert exchange of information between the two factions. A moment later, Lorie and her companions withdrew from the area, hurrying towards a secluded corner to scrutinize the map with renewed determination. ¡°Do you think he was telling the truth?¡± a lizardman asked, glancing around nervously. Another group, comprised mostly of non-humans, approached the hound extermination crew. Like the ladies before them, they handed over ten magma elemental crystals to Slim, and without uttering a word, they moved to another location to study the map intently. ¡°Is it possible that he possesses crucial information?¡± a man wondered, unable to conceal his anxiety. ¡°I''m willing to find out,¡± Anslem declared boldly. ¡°I''ll determine if it''s a scam or not,¡± he added as his group approached Scott''s. They halted in front of the peculiar assembly, and Anslem produced ten snow-white elemental shards. ¡°Here''s what you asked for. Now, share the exclusive information.¡± Scott casually glanced at the elemental shards before addressing Anslem. ¡°Your price is 100.¡± ¡°Why is mine different?¡± Anslem asked, his bloodshot eyes fixed on the masked man. ¡°Move along if you can''t pay. I don''t have time to waste on you,¡± Scott retorted before turning to the onlookers. ¡°From now on, the price will increase by one after each group, and we''ll only be here for thirty more minutes.¡± Several champions exchanged glances. No one knew who moved first, but several groups sprinted toward the masked man, each hoping to be the first. ¡°Are there options for those lacking elemental shards? Can we offer something of comparable worth?¡± inquired a masked man. ¡°Unfortunately, I''m solely interested in...¡± Scott was interrupted as a hand landed on his shoulder, and a system message promptly appeared.
You have found the Tower Trader!
¡°Exciting news, everyone. You can now exchange your items for elemental shards,¡± he declared. The tower trader''s announcement echoed through the crowd, delivering a promise of excitement. At that same moment, the trader¡¯s whisper filled Scott''s ears. ¡°My friend, I owe you for the immense profit heading my way. Can I assume you''ve memorized the map?¡± Scott affirmed with a nod, prompting the trader to burst into laughter while giving him a hearty pat on the back. ¡°Fantastic! I wish you the best of luck in the next trial.¡± With that, the trader vanished in a flash. Meanwhile, the mysterious figure had concluded transactions with the eager champions. The group formed a line, patiently awaiting their turn to glean information from the group. Thirty minutes slipped by, with each group willing to pay for the vital details. Over half of the champions sat on the ground, engrossed in studying the map, while the remainder lingered nearby¡ªsome in hopes of a discounted rate. ¡°Time to move, guys,¡± Scott announced via the party channel. ¡°Yeah, I was getting bored of this place,¡± Slim chimed in with a yawn. ¡°Will they attempt to sell the information once we depart?¡± Zara inquired, her gaze fixed on Anslem''s group, who returned their glares. ¡°We''ve already profited handsomely from them. What they do now is inconsequential,¡± Scott asserted. ¡°Are you all set?¡± ¡°Yes, I''m eager to witness the true size of that city. Let''s go,¡± Zara responded with a smile, and Slim conveyed his agreement with a subtle nod. The trio proceeded in silence as they approached the gate in measured steps. Inhaling deeply, they swiftly dashed through the open space, disappearing from the view of the onlookers. Another resonant gong reverberated, and the golden pool writhed, twisted, and churned until the judges reassembled. Then, a figure standing on floating discs slowly descended from the skies. Chapter 46 : An Offer The hound extermination crew found themselves beneath a towering canopy of trees, sunlight filtering through the tangled mesh of leaves and branches. A fragrant breeze, stirred by gentle winds, permeated the air with the scent of flowers. Scott found himself questioning their location, his attention drawn away from the unique vegetation to the champions lingering in the expansive grass field. ¡°Where the hell is this place?¡± he muttered, pushing aside the distractions around him. Slim, noting the tension in the atmosphere, commented via the party channel, ¡°How are we supposed to find the city while in a forest?¡± Zara chimed in, ¡°I can¡¯t see any of the people that left earlier. Could it be that they were randomly sent elsewhere?¡± Slim narrowed his gaze, observing the champions in the distance who also scrutinized their group. ¡°Now that you mentioned it, I don¡¯t recognize anyone here.¡± Scott, his focus unwavering, pointed out, ¡°Isn¡¯t it strange that no one has left the grass field?¡± Zara and Slim stared intently at the surrounding woods, unable to spot any champions or people beyond the expansive field. ¡°I don¡¯t know what type of place this is; let¡¯s be careful, okay?¡± Scott urged, his gaze lingering on a group in blackened armor stained with blood. ¡°Those guys over there are high-level berserkers, and they¡¯re in the same party; they also have some troublesome abilities too. We should avoid anything that could cause problems with them,¡± Scott warned the duo silently through the party channel. Zara and Slim exchanged discreet nods, their eyes flickering towards the formidable trio. A palpable unease rippled through the surroundings, dissuading anyone from venturing too close to the group, whose collective presence emanated a deadly aura unmatched by any other champions. ¡°I hope whatever this trial entails doesn''t involve another round of running. I''m exhausted from having to sprint in every trial,¡± Slim remarked, his gaze sweeping across the scene. ¡°Would you prefer a battle where you''re besieged from all sides?¡± Zara retorted, a sly smile playing on her lips. ¡°Count your blessings that¡¯s, so far, all we''ve had to do is¡­¡± Before Zara could finish her sentence, a resonant gong interrupted her, and a portal materialized a few feet away from the hound extermination crew. Three figures, clad in white, emerged from the portal, instantly capturing the attention of everyone present. I don''t recognize any of them. It seems champions are arriving from various judgment gates. And they don''t appear to be weak, Scott mused to himself.
The Progenitor of Light is now watching you!
The Progenitor of Light has stopped watching you!
Before Scott could react, the new arrivals turned toward his direction, and then they approached in light steps. ¡°Is it just me, or are those guys coming over here?¡± Slim asked with a frown. Zara shifted her gaze to the trio, consisting of two women and a slender man. Clad in pristine white togas adorned with a golden sash cinched at their waists, none of them revealed a strand of hair. Delicately, a translucent silk cloth veiled their faces, unperturbed by the gentle winds in the area. ¡°We greet you as bearers of light, may your journey be filled with illumination and clarity,¡± the man said while bowing gently. Zara and Slim exchanged uncertain glances, caught off guard by the unconventional greeting. The man, Oliver, lifted his head, a gentle smile gracing his features. ¡°My name is Oliver,¡± he introduced, gesturing towards his companions. ¡°That''s Sister Olga, and that''s Sister Hertha. We''re all disciples of the Order of Light.¡± Scott, with his citrine eyes fixed on Oliver''s brown ones, cut through the pleasantries. ¡°What do you want?¡± he asked flatly. The slender man shuddered, taking a step back, averting his gaze. ¡°I-I apologize for being rude,¡± he stammered, clearing his throat. He glanced over his shoulder, aware of the curious eyes fixed on them. Summoning the system window, he produced a new message that materialized in front of Scott.
You have been invited to join a temporary party!
Do you wish to accept this invitation?
Yes! No!
¡°Please consider the invitation. Numerous curious eyes are upon us and accepting it will allow us to converse without the risk of eavesdroppers,¡± Oliver implored, bowing once more. ¡°I believe there''s a misunderstanding here. I have no interest in speaking with you,¡± Scott replied, reaching to reject the proposal. ¡°Please wait,¡± Oliver pleaded, lifting his head. ¡°What I need to convey is significant. I urge you to listen before making a decision.¡± ¡°Buddy, what''s going on?¡± Slim inquired, peering at the system message over Scott''s shoulder. ¡°Oh, a temporary party, huh? What could be so crucial that he''s practically begging you?¡± ¡°Do you know him?¡± Zara asked, also fixated on the system notification. ¡°This is our first meeting,¡± Scott stated. ¡°Do you want to accept the invitation? Personally, I don''t see any harm in hearing him out. A temporary party can be canceled at any time, and it appears this party will only enable the two of you to talk, nothing more,¡± Slim suggested. ¡°How do you know that?¡± Scott questioned, glancing at the yawning skeleton. ¡°C''mon, buddy, you don''t even know that?¡± Slim asked, slightly dazed. However, Scott''s unblinking eyes met his words. The necromancer sighed, shaking his head. ¡°I''ll explain in detail later, but this temporary party will only allow the two of you to share a party channel. Even if neither of you leaves the party, it will naturally dissolve within an hour,¡± Slim explained. Scott averted his gaze from the necromancer, focusing on the bowing man once more. I¡¯d be a liar if I said I wasn¡¯t curious about what he wants to say. Let''s give it a shot. I can always exit the party or flatly ignore him if he says or asks for something troublesome. ¡°I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re doing this, but I hope you¡¯re not wasting my time,¡± Scott said, before accepting the invitation.
You have accepted the invitation!
You can now exchange messages with Oliver through the temporary party channel!
Oliver expressed his gratitude mentally as he lifted his head. ¡°Thank you for accepting the invitation. Let''s get straight to the point. I sought you out because I received a message from the Progenitor of Light.¡± A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Interrupting, Scott asked, ¡°Who is that? Is it the same as the God of Light?¡± Oliver shook his head. ¡°Many outside the order mistakenly use both titles interchangeably. However, the God of Light has no direct influence on the Order of Light. Instead, it is the Progenitor of Light who leads us, supposedly following the God of Light. Unfortunately, delving into the inner workings of the order is not suitable for discussion at this moment.¡± Oliver took a deep breath before continuing, ¡°I need you to deliver an item to the Order of Light.¡± Scott, behind his mask, frowned. ¡°Why can''t you deliver it yourself? I have no intention of ever visiting the Order of Light.¡± Oliver wore a sardonic smile as he scratched his head. ¡°Trust me, anyone who undergoes the trials will eventually find themselves at the Order of Light, as long as they remain alive. I can''t guarantee it, but the Progenitor believes you''ll reach the order much sooner than I will.¡± Stepping forward, he retrieved a small sac from his inventory. ¡°I cannot open the sac, and its contents are unknown to me. The Progenitor has promised substantial rewards if you deliver it to the Order of Light. You won''t face any consequences if you choose to reject this task,¡± Oliver assured. Meanwhile, Scott wore a deep frown as he stared at the uninspiring sac. Why would someone of such a high status want me to deliver an item for them? I don¡¯t like this, something isn¡¯t right. Scott readied himself to reject the offer, but a stray thought entered the mind of the eldritch knight. System, is it possible to communicate with the Gods and lesser gods?
You can only communicate with your sponsors or those interested in sponsoring you!
Please choose who you want to communicate with from the following option!
The lesser god of illusions!
Thank God this guy is persistent. Maybe he can give me some decent advice, Scott thought as he pressed the sole option.
A direct connection between you and the lesser god of illusions could not be established!
Due to the vast disparity between both entities, direct communication will not be possible!
The lesser god of illusions is excited you tried to communicate with them!
The lesser god of illusions is curious and asks why you tried to establish a connection!
An indirect channel has been established between you and the lesser god of illusions!
The lesser god of illusions asks you to state your concerns mentally, and they would respond!
I have no idea if this will work, but here goes nothing. Scott mentally explained the offer from the progenitor of light, and it didn¡¯t take long before another system window appeared.
The lesser god of illusions whispers from their hiding location to accept the offer!
The lesser god of illusions says the Order of Light isn''t known to be devious!
The lesser god of illusions says it¡¯s better ??? owes you a favor!
The connection between you and the lesser god of illusions has been disconnected by the ???
The lesser god of illusions is being scolded by the ???
Scott chuckled softly as he stared at the series of new messages. I kind of feel sorry for this guy, but I wonder why he¡¯s being scolded. Did he say something he wasn¡¯t supposed to? The eldritch knight shifted his gaze away from the system window, fixing his eyes on the brown sac once again. ¡°I''ll assist in delivering the item.¡± ¡°Thank you so much. I promise¡ª¡± Scott''s raised hand halted Oliver''s attempt to speak further. ¡°Let me finish before you start making promises. While I plan to deliver the sac, I won''t do it at the expense of my life. If, for some reason, others come chasing after me because of the sac, I''ll gladly hand it over. I won''t risk my life for favors and treasures that were merely promised. Also, I won''t actively rush to the Order of Light. I''ll get there when I please or when it''s required. If my terms aren''t agreeable to you, please find someone else,¡± Scott declared. A system message materialized in front of Oliver, and the disciple wore a smile as he turned his attention back to Scott. ¡°No problem. Your terms are agreeable,¡± he said. Scott glanced at the system window, unable to discern its contents. However, he sensed that someone had directed the man to comply. With a lazy motion, he received the sac, promptly sending it to his inventory.
A temporary party member has decided to close the party!
¡°Thank you for your assistance, and I wish you good luck on your journey,¡± Oliver said before turning to leave. ¡°Wait,¡± Scott called out, opening his inventory. ¡°Consider this payment for the food. I won''t accept charity.¡± Scott firmly handed a jar of gruff wine to Oliver. ¡°Oh? Oh.¡± Oliver chuckled, understanding Scott''s intentions. ¡°I shamelessly accept your wine in exchange for those truffles,¡± he said, placing the wine into his inventory. With one final bow, he and his disciples walked away. This time, not many people paid attention to the two groups, especially after their parting words. ¡°Buddy, what was that all about?¡± Slim asked, crouching to observe some wandering ants. ¡°It''s nothing crucial. Let''s just say I''ll be visiting the Order of Light in the future,¡± Scott replied, his attention focused on the surrounding forest. Slim nodded, choosing not to press further. Zara, however, folded her arms across her chest, mirroring Scott''s stance, both observing the forest. After a moment, a crease formed on their faces as they subconsciously locked eyes. Wordlessly, they retrieved their maps from their inventories, their expressions darkening. ¡°Damn it,¡± Scott cursed out loud. The massive holographic city had vanished, replaced by a sea of flashing indicators. "Guys, what¡¯s gotten into you? Why did you suddenly take out your maps?¡± Slim asked as he stood up. The necromancer quickly summoned his map, and his expression instantly soured. ¡°What the hell happened, and what are those things?¡± Slim asked in a daze. ¡°Take a closer look at the forest, and this time, look at it carefully,¡± Zara said, her voice barely a whisper. Slim raised his head, staring intently at the massive trees surrounding them. What¡¯s so special about the trees? We should be bothered about¡­ Slim abandoned his line of thought, a familiar pattern appearing within the tree formation. This¡­ could this really be, it couldn¡¯t be, right? The skeleton shot a glance at his companions. ¡°Is this the city?¡± he asked mentally. The towering buildings had been replaced with equally majestic trees, and the wide streets had been overgrown with grass, flowers, and a host of other vegetation. ¡°I doubt this is Togan. The quest said it¡¯s located beneath the sea. Saying that, I have no idea why this place is exactly like the second district,¡± Scott said. ¡°This can¡¯t be a coincidence. I have a bad feeling about this,¡± Zara said with a frown, while sending the map back into her inventory. Several groups glanced in their direction, and they took out their maps. Like the hound extermination crew, shock covered the faces of the champions as they struggled to understand why the awe-inspiring holographic map had disappeared. Another gong echoed, announcing the arrival of a fresh wave of champions. The count on the grassy field fell just two short of fifty. ¡°Shall we proceed?¡± Slim inquired, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. ¡°No,¡± Scott replied. ¡°Unlike the previous trial, I''m certain there''ll be someone overseeing this one. Plus, there hasn''t been a system announcement signaling the commencement of the trial.¡± A resonant chime filled the air, and two portals materialized simultaneously, disgorging one champion each.
The conditions for starting the hunt have been fulfilled!
Champions are to take their places!
The Examiner will now descend!
Main Quest updated!
Main Quest: Survive the third trial ¨C Ongoing!
Chapter 47 : Scramble for the Exits Tremors rampaged through the forest, spawning cyclones in the distance. In an instant, sinkholes devoured hundreds of trees, and a windstorm lifted fallen leaves and broken branches, unleashing a maelstrom of debris that tore through the vibrant vegetation. ¡°What the hell is going on?¡± Slim muttered, gazing at the wreckage beyond the grass field. Strangely, neither the tremors nor the windstorm breached the perimeter of the open patch. However, a small protrusion formed at the center of the field, gradually expanding with each passing moment. Champions cautiously stepped back, retrieving weapons from their inventory. With the third trial underway, they couldn''t afford to lower their guard among potential enemies. ¡°Greetings, everyone,¡± a squeaky, somewhat child-like voice filled the ears of the anxious champions. A figure leaped out from the protruding soil. What the hell is that thing? Scott thought. He stared at the creature, its body and facial features covered in a thick mass of mud-brown fur. The only part not obscured was its shoddy hemp sandals, appearing to have been mended several times. ¡°My name is Deevok, and I¡¯m excited to welcome you to the Syman Forest, the first stage of the third trial. If calling me by my name feels like too much, you can refer to me as the examiner; I''m fine with either of them,¡± the creature squeaked excitedly, twirling as if relishing the expressions of the bewildered champions. ¡°Without further ado, I''ll now explain the details of the trial,¡± it said, remaining motionless once again. ¡°You''ll have three days to navigate through the Syman Forest, with the end goal of reaching the bank of the Syman Sea. There, a means to reach Togan will reveal itself. Should you miss it, survival until the next opportunity arrives will be challenging.¡± Deevok twirled again, chuckling excitedly. ¡°Oh, that reminds me. There are only thirty exits in the forest, and each one can only be used once. You''ll do well to find one of them.¡± ¡°Exits? What does that mean?¡± A lizardman asked, frowning. Deevok danced, laughing even harder, displaying a series of questionable dance moves. ¡°Exits are exits, my friend. I don''t have to tell you more than that,¡± it giggled. ¡°Are we the only ones in the forest?¡± A member of the berserker group asked. The surrounding champions glanced at the man, then back at the dancing examiner. Although they hadn''t heard a whisper since they arrived, it was hard to believe they were the only ones in the massive jungle. Deevok stopped dancing, panting slowly. ¡°This playground was prepared specifically for all of you. Why would you need anyone else?¡± Scott instantly frowned. This trial is going to get violent, he thought, glancing at Zara and Slim, who shared the same look in their eyes. Naturally, several champions stared at each other, increasing the distance between themselves. With only thirty exits available, twenty people would have to remain in the godforsaken forest. It wasn''t even certain that all members of the same party could pass since the exits could only be used by one person. Amidst the tense silence, a low whistle echoed, drawing the attention of the champions towards Deevok. The hairy examiner twirled again, his words accompanying the rhythmic movement. ¡°You might not grasp the significance of what I¡¯m about to convey, but the grass field is a neutral ground. No fighting or harm is allowed here. Anywhere else, you can unleash your full potential. Ignoring this minuscule rule will result in severe consequences.¡± The bewildered creature staggered slowly, continuing its message. ¡°Don¡¯t fret about the inclement weather. It won¡¯t be lethal, though it may inflict a few broken bones here and there. Nothing resilient individuals like yourselves can''t endure.¡± A resounding clap punctuated the statement, and Deevok vanished into the earth mound, leaving its voice lingering. ¡°Let the hunt commence. Best of luck,¡± it declared. No one made a move; the champions exchanged looks, their minds processing various thoughts while the elements tore through the forest. ¡°Hey, when do we start moving?¡± Slim asked mentally, fixating on a massive cyclone in the distance. ¡°I''m not certain, but we can''t be the first or the last. We can''t assume everyone else hasn''t memorized the map like us,¡± Scott replied mentally, scanning the other champions. ¡°Agreed. Being the first may raise suspicion, and being the last might lead to dire consequences,¡± Zara commented over the party channel. The brawler clenched her fists, her amiable disposition replaced by a bloodthirsty aura. In a field with only seven possible exits, bloodshed seemed inevitable. The limited escape routes added an extra layer of complexity to the situation. ¡°Since this is a variant of the second district, we''re going for the sixth path, right?¡± Slim asked. In contrast to the other champions, both Scott and the skeleton hadn''t procured any weapons from their inventories. Scott and Zara concurred with a nod; their focus directed towards the left path. The standoff among the champions lingered for another ten minutes. Then, a party of lizardmen sprinted toward the first path, while another charged towards the adjacent one. Before long, all the champions sprang into action with quick determination. Scott, Zara, and a now disrobed Slim rushed towards the sixth path, scrutinizing their potential adversaries. Thank goodness the berserkers opted for the fourth path. I can''t help but pity those disciples of light. I can''t fathom them surviving a clash with those maniacs, Scott mused, stealing a glance at the departing trio. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. He turned his attention toward the other groups sprinting toward the same path. Level 13 is the highest among them. Thankfully, there isn¡¯t anyone above that here. We should be able to handle these guys should the worst-case scenario happen. ¡°Is the plan to secure our exits and advance to the next stage as quickly as possible?¡± Zara inquired. ¡°There''s no need for us to engage in unnecessary battles,¡± Scott replied. ¡°Enough chit-chat, guys; let¡¯s move,¡± Slim urged as he charged ahead of Scott and Zara. ¡°What''s gotten into him?¡± Zara commented casually. ¡°He probably doesn¡¯t want others to see him naked for too long. But he''s right, though. We need to hurry up,¡± Scott said with an unseen smile. The duo chased after the sprinting necromancer. Meanwhile, the champions who followed the same path and those who hadn''t moved yet could hardly believe the speed at which the group ran. Unlike the hound extermination crew, no one ran at full speed because they were still cautious of the unfamiliar terrain. ¡°Could it be that they know something about this place?¡± a brawny middle-aged woman muttered. Before she could deliberate on her conjecture, Scott, Zara, and Slim reemerged from the bushes; horror enveloping the features of the skeleton and feline. At that moment, the remaining champions emerged from different paths, and ear-deafening screams cut through the howling winds. Some champions instinctively took a step back, a chill coursing through their spines as the biting winds struck them. In each of the seven paths, a mysterious creature, over twenty feet tall, loomed proudly amidst the hail of broken branches and swirling dirt. Their bodies were a grotesque amalgamation of bulging muscles and pulsating veins. One of the beasts gnawed on the severed arm of a fallen champion, its crimson eyes fixated on the group within the grassy field. ¡°What in the world is that?¡± a man exclaimed, stepping backward. The champions collectively retreated from the forest''s edge, converging toward the center of the field. A shrill laughter soon reverberated, and Deevok burst forth from the mound. ¡°Did you enjoy my little surprise?¡± it giggled, twirling in a circle. ¡°It''s unfortunate that some of you met an early demise, but fear not, I''m confident some will survive. I forgot to mention, if you all remain here for an hour, those little darlings will be granted special permission to join the party on the grass field. I''m sure you wouldn''t¡­¡± Deevok paused, a sinister aura erupting from its right side. The examiner shifted his gaze toward the source of the mysterious aura; a masked champion with a darkened handle extending from his mask caught his attention. Beside the man, a feline companion scratched at her arms with razor-sharp claws. Surprisingly, her crimson blood didn''t drip to the ground; instead, it hovered beside the champion, resembling a sentient entity. Several other skeletons had gathered around, joining the naked skeleton who now wielded a crystalline scythe, exuding an unmistakable aura of death. Deevok pondered, ¡°Hmmm¡­ this could be interesting.¡± Scott firmly gripped the handle of the hammer, and a deafening roar emanated from the darkness concealed within the mask.
You have unlocked your madness energy source!
The War-Hammer of the Mad God is screaming in delight!
The champions, sensing the imminent threat from the hound extermination crew, swiftly withdrew. Simultaneously, Scott propelled himself forward with an explosive burst of speed, his target being the colossal hound. ¡°Zara, now!¡± Scott commanded, his gaze fixed on the looming monstrosity. In a blink, the brawler vanished, leaving behind a gruesome trail of blood. Four rapid slashes resonated, and the massive beast crumpled to the ground, thick blood spurting from its severed ankles and wrists. The summoned entity, stained black by nether, materialized before the fallen creature, pressing its head firmly against the earth. Astonished, the onlooker champions witnessed Scott''s arrival, wielding his war-hammer. He swung the ominous weapon at the creature''s head, resulting in a resounding crack followed by an explosion. A repugnant shower of blood and bodily fluids burst forth from the shattered head, as the lifeless corpse convulsed uncontrollably. Zara positioned herself in front of Scott and the summons, a radiant shield protecting them from the noxious downpour. Slim slammed the base of his scythe on the ground twice, muttering inaudible chants with a sinister undertone. Nether erupted from the ground, synchronized with the necromancer¡¯s eerie melodies, coiling itself around the corpse of the fallen creature. It tore through flesh, shattered bones, and dragged the remains into the abyssal pool. However, the rancid creature¡¯s blood took an unexpected turn, swirling midair before morphing into a miniature version of the cat girl. Zara promptly deactivated her shield, and the congealed blood merged with her gauntlets, staining the once-golden armor with a grim crimson shade. Several champions retreated further; their unease evident. Deevok chuckled with excitement. In an instant, the massive corpse vanished into the nether-like abyss, prompting the hound extermination crew to charge once more. This time, Ossie and the other summons lingered at the periphery, their bloodthirsty aura focused on the remaining champions. No words were exchanged, but their intent was palpable. ¡°Why aren''t you moving too?¡± Deevok queried, halting its dance. ¡°They''ve already proven those little ones aren''t invincible. So, is there any need to hesitate?¡± The examiner returned to its mound. ¡°Well, you can do as you please¡ªcower like chickens, assail those ''babies,'' or tread the cleared path. Whatever your choice, remember, there''s no fighting in the safe zone.¡± Deevok plunged into the loose soil, vanishing instantly. The champions redirected their attention to the surrounding paths. The creatures in the other directions exhibited no reaction to the demise of their kin, and they showed no inclination to abandon their assigned posts. Meanwhile, the hound extermination crew had long vanished into the sixth path, leaving only Slim¡¯s summons to obstruct the now guardian-less route. A unanimous decision was reached, and the closest group to the path took the initiative. However, eight charred chains, originating from the berserkers, entwined the legs of the group, compelling them to the ground. Simultaneously, another group moved, but this time, Ossie and his companions intercepted them. ¡°Get out of my way!¡± a man bellowed, ready to attack the skeleton. ¡°Are you out of your mind? Didn¡¯t you hear the examiner say we can¡¯t fight in the safe zone?¡± his companion anxiously interjected. ¡°B-But they¡¯re summons, not real people,¡± the man argued. ¡°Kick him out of the party, Thae. Let that fool gamble with his own life,¡± another man suggested. The summons strategically positioned themselves in front of the path, neither attacking the approaching group nor allowing them to proceed. However, several champions employed different tactics to bypass the blockade. The berserkers hoisted themselves over the summons, while some champions diverted into the surrounding bushes. A particular group even burrowed into the earth before emerging on the other side. No one lingered on the grassy field; however, the formidable creatures in the adjacent paths stood their ground, unmoving, as the windstorm relentlessly raged on. Deevok surfaced once more from the earth. ¡°What an exhilarating group. It''s only a matter of time before they grasp the true treachery of this forest.¡± The examiner chuckled softly before vanishing into the ground. Chapter 48 : A Dangerous Place The hound extermination crew sprinted along the winding forest path, paying no heed to the bedazzling array of flowers and the mosaic of wood, leaves, and vines that adorned their route. ¡°The closest exit is approximately a kilometer away. The next is three kilometers, and the one after that is seven kilometers. How should we decide who goes first?¡± Zara inquired mentally. ¡°I''ll take the last one; you guys can decide amongst yourselves who takes the first and second,¡± Scott murmured. ¡°Are you sure, buddy?¡± Slim questioned, almost turning toward the eldritch knight. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter to me. I¡¯m confident I can escape in any order,¡± Scott explained. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll follow after our dear leader,¡± Slim declared. ¡°Thank you,¡± Zara replied softly. Although Scott and Slim weren''t obligated to choose the subsequent exits, they did so voluntarily. Zara had no intention of refusing their goodwill; after all, rejecting it would be akin to insulting them. ¡°Slim, how much time can your summons buy for us?¡± Zara shifted the topic as the trio reached another bend. ¡°Five to ten minutes at most. They can''t do much since we aren¡¯t allowed to fight,¡± Slim explained. The necromancer''s gait resembled that of a galloping horse, seemingly bouncing with each step. ¡°That''s more than enough time. We only need to... guys, stop!¡± Scott abruptly halted, forcing the others to do the same. Zara and Slim ceased their movements without hesitation. The feline brawler turned toward the masked man, asking, ¡°What''s going on?¡± Scott pointed ahead. ¡°There''s something over there.¡± Zara and Slim followed Scott¡¯s outstretched finger, but their eyes failed to discern anything out of the ordinary. Yet, having spent enough time with Scott, they knew he possessed the ability to perceive things that eluded others. ¡°Is there some kind of enemy ahead?¡± Zara questioned anxiously, casting wary glances over her shoulders. Even though faint, the distant echoes of explosions and screams underscored the urgency of their situation. ¡°No,¡± Scott replied, shaking his head. A frown etched his lips as he explained, ¡°It''s not an enemy, but there''s something unsettling about that spot. It''s almost as if the ground is emitting reddish fumes.¡± Unlike the other segments of the winding path, an imperceptible ruby haze tainted a stretch of the road, yet to Slim and Zara, it appeared no different from the surrounding weedy pathway. Turning their attention back to the path ahead, Slim and Zara strained their eyes, but the elusive phenomenon remained invisible. ¡°What should we do now?¡± Slim inquired, a sigh escaping his lips. ¡°Let''s find cover and observe. It''s inevitable that someone else will come this way,¡± Scott suggested. ¡°We can witness what happens when they cross it.¡± ¡°That''s a good idea. Let''s head into the bushes,¡± Zara suggested, lazily approaching the surrounding foliage. Scott and Slim each found their own concealed spots, the trio skillfully blending into the dense vegetation. ¡°I wonder what will happen when someone crosses that place,¡± Slim mused over the party channel. ¡°That''s not the important part. You should hope whatever''s there vanishes as soon as someone crosses it; otherwise, we''re going to be in a lot of trouble,¡± Zara advised. Scott silently concurred with the feline brawler. The only thing that mattered was the disappearance of the ruby haze; everything else was inconsequential. The trio remained in their respective positions; their gazes fixed on the path they had taken. Minutes passed, and in a flash, six minutes breezed by, yet no other party revealed itself. The hound extermination crew continued their vigilant observation of the road, making minimal movements in their concealed spots. Ten minutes later, footsteps echoed, and the unmistakable scent of fresh blood permeated the air. A group of three, clad in blackened armor, emerged from the other side of the winding road, their darkened attire adorned with a gruesome mix of fresh and dried blood. I knew these guys would be first to arrive. They should be decent guinea pigs to test whatever the hell that is, Scott thought as he focused on the ruby mist being emitted from the ground. The oblivious berserkers sprinted with unrestrained force, swiftly surpassing the location where the hound extermination crew lay concealed. The trio hidden amidst the foliage maintained their focus on the approaching berserkers, eager to witness the outcome upon reaching the coordinates Scott had divulged. Despite their relentless sprint, the berserkers remained alert, cautiously scanning their surroundings. The forceful gusts of wind and the echoes of exploding trees diverted their attention, preventing them from detecting the concealed figures lurking within the bushes. As they reached the mist-laden spot indicated by Scott, a palpable tension filled the air, yet nothing transpired. Contrastingly, the hound extermination crew persisted in their immobility. A minute elapsed, and the berserkers traversed the designated path unscathed, disappearing around the subsequent winding bend. Apart from the haze attaching itself to their bodies, nothing happened. Scott frowned behind his mask. Was I being overly cautious? Shortly after the berserkers departed, a new set of footsteps reverberated through the air. Another group materialized, a six-man party dashing through the ruby haze. Once again, a portion of the mist clung to the group members before they vanished into the next path. ¡°Buddy, should we go next?¡± Slim inquired. ¡°Not yet,¡± Scott replied. He took a moment to contemplate before fixing his gaze on the spot where the skeleton concealed itself. ¡°Can you summon one of your boys? Let¡¯s have them test it out.¡± Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ¡°Sure thing. I wonder why we didn¡¯t think of that earlier,¡± Slim chuckled, summoning Rattlebones. The skeleton emerged from the ground and sprinted ahead. ¡°Slim, have him reach the end of the road and come back to meet us,¡± Scott instructed. ¡°No problem, but why, though?¡± Slim queried. ¡°I have a hunch, but I¡¯m not certain yet. If he comes back, I¡¯ll know it¡¯s nonsense. If not, well, let¡¯s hope it doesn¡¯t get to that,¡± Scott said. Scott, Zara, and Slim observed intently as the skeleton strode forward without any delay, soon disappearing into the next path. ¡°Huh? Slim, why did you let him keep going?¡± Zara asked, turning toward the skeleton. ¡°He didn¡¯t,¡± Scott answered before the necromancer. ¡°It¡¯s possible he lost connection with him. Isn¡¯t that, right?¡± ¡°Yeah. My connection was severed as soon as he got to that spot,¡± Slim said, pointing toward an uninspiring section of the road. ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened, but I can sense Rattlebones was sent somewhere else.¡± ¡°Sent somewhere else? Where would¡ª¡± Zara suddenly paused, a certain thought entering her mind. At that same moment, a certain realization dawned on Slim, too. ¡°I had a feeling that¡¯s the maze¡¯s trigger,¡± Scott said with an unseen frown. ¡°It¡¯s likely Rattlebones and the others were sent back to the starting point.¡± ¡°I''d been wondering how the maze would function in reality, and now I see,¡± Zara muttered, her gaze fixed on the path ahead. ¡°Without your warning, we''d be clueless about the issue. This trial is going to be more mentally draining than the previous ones,¡± the brawler commented, a frown creasing her forehead. ¡°Slim, how many seconds did it take for you to lose connection with Rattlebones?¡± Scott inquired. ¡°Fifteen seconds. Just as he took a turn,¡± Slim replied, staring at the masked knight. ¡°Why do you ask, though?¡± ¡°With a fifteen-second timeframe, it will be tricky for most people to pinpoint the exact problematic location,¡± Scott explained. The half-human opened his mouth again, but a sudden series of footsteps cut him off. A new set of champions emerged, this time a group of lizardmen. They charged through the unseen misty region, swiftly disappearing toward another path. ¡°Should we consider taking a different path?¡± Zara pondered, gazing through the thick bushes. She believed they might emerge at one of the neighboring paths if they crossed the forest. ¡°I think that''s a viable plan, but it should be our last resort if we can''t figure out a way to cross that barrier,¡± Slim suggested, glancing at Scott. ¡°What do you think, buddy?¡± Scott exhaled deeply, turning away from the hazy fog. ¡°I believe that''s our only option right now. The mist cuts across the forest, so there''s no sneaking around it. It extends to the skies as well. There''s a possibility it goes underground too, but there''s no point in considering that.¡± ¡°Let''s go then; there''s no point in wasting time here,¡± Zara proposed. ¡°Wait a moment,¡± Scott said. ¡°Slim, can you send another summon to check if there are any obstacles along the way?¡± ¡°Sure, sure, let¡¯s do that,¡± Slim said. Ossie shot out of the ground, and the suave skeleton sprinted deeper across the bush, racing toward the next path. ¡°Let us know if you notice anything out of the ordinary,¡± Scott suggested. Slim agreed with a nod, whispering inaudible chants that neither Scott nor Zara could decipher. Several more groups passed through the same location, but the hiding trio paid them no mind. Instead, they all awaited the outcome of Ossie¡¯s reconnaissance mission. Ten minutes later, Slim turned excitedly toward the duo. ¡°He made it through without any problems,¡± the necromancer announced. Zara sighed softly, her tensed brows relaxing. However, Scott¡¯s frown hadn¡¯t disappeared. ¡°Ask him to go deeper; I want to confirm something. Summon the others and instruct them to investigate the other paths, using the bushes to cut across them,¡± Scott said. Although curious, Slim silently summoned Ivory, Necrobone, and Marrow. He relayed their instructions mentally, and the refined skeletons hurried to accomplish their task. ¡°Has your connection with Rattlebones been restored?¡± Scott suddenly asked. ¡°Funny you¡¯d say that; I was just about to mention it,¡± Slim said, staring at Scott with incredulity. He was starting to believe Scott¡¯s eyes were far more powerful than he could ever imagine. ¡°Summon him here and ask him to choose another path too,¡± Scott said. Slim nodded, and in a flash, Rattlebones resurfaced from the ground, once again running to complete his task. ¡°Are you going to tell us your plan now?¡± Zara asked. With five summons occupying five of the seven paths, and the group positioned on one of the last two, only one path remained untouched. Although they had their guesses, they couldn''t discern why Scott had instructed the summons to explore the other paths. ¡°It''s not like I''m purposely trying to hide things from you guys. I''m just not certain if my theories are correct,¡± Scott said, reaching for a small stick. ¡°If I''m right, then this trial is going to be more complicated than I thought. We''ll...¡± Scott paused midway, a series of ear-deafening roars cutting off his words. He turned instantly toward Slim, whose features had turned hideous. Fuck, it seems what I was dreading is going to happen, Scott thought to himself. ¡°What happened?¡± Zara asked, also noticing the changes in the necromancer''s expression. ¡°Those creatures appeared from nowhere and started chasing after my boys. Marrow couldn''t escape in time, so he got shattered. Ivory ran at full speed, but he suddenly got tossed over a thousand feet into the air. Rattlebones fell into a sudden sinkhole, and Necrobone simply disappeared after passing through what seemed to be rain. Ossie stepped on a simple small puddle, but it consumed him,¡± Slim explained in one breath. ¡°If my guess is right, your connection should be restored soon, and they will all be waiting in the safe zone, except for Marrow, of course. You''ll probably have to resummon him,¡± Scott said. Zara and Slim exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them. The berserkers and several other champions retraced their steps along the same path, vanishing once again after rounding the next bend. As seconds turned into minutes, Slim turned his attention back to Scott. ¡°You were right. They''ve all returned to the starting point.¡± ¡°What should we do now?¡± Zara inquired. Scott pondered for a moment, his eyes lighting up with an idea. ¡°Slim, can you summon Marrow again? I want to test out a theory.¡± Slim nodded, and the necromancer conjured the skeleton once more. ¡°I''m sorry we''re treating you this way, but can you help us one more time?¡± Scott asked, pointing towards the mist-shrouded section of the road. He retrieved a snow-white crystal from his inventory, tossing it over to the skeleton. ¡°That should assist you, I believe.¡± ¡°You believe?¡± Marrow scowled at the man, then sighed before charging out of the bush. The skeleton reached the patch in a flash, crossing the twenty-foot section in seconds. Scott focused on the snow-white elemental shard; unlike before, its pristine exterior had been stained with a tinge of ruby. ¡°Slim, is your connection still intact?¡± Scott asked urgently. ¡°Yes, and it''s not showing any signs of breaking,¡± the skeleton responded. ¡°Ask him to move even further,¡± Scott instructed. Slim relayed the message, and Marrow disappeared down the winding path. Scott and Zara fixed their attention on the necromancer. ¡°Still connected?¡± Scott asked. Slim nodded, his excitement unconcealed. ¡°What about the elemental shard?¡± Zara suddenly inquired. ¡°It shattered, but Marrow is fine. The path ahead is weird, though,¡± Slim explained. ¡°How weird?¡± Scott queried. The loss of the elemental shard didn¡¯t concern him much, considering the abundance they had amassed from selling information about the maps. However, a stranger terrain could spell more trouble for them. ¡°It¡¯s something you¡¯ll have to see to understand. I don¡¯t know how I¡¯m supposed to explain it,¡± Slim replied. Scott and Zara exchanged glances, and silently, the trio retrieved one elemental shard from their inventory before emerging from their hiding spots. Without hesitation, they charged through the ruby mist, arriving at the spot where Marrow waited. The transformed elemental shards shattered in the hands of the champions, but their bulging eyes remained fixed on the path ahead. Scott frowned behind his mask, and his lips parted ever so slightly. ¡°How are we even supposed to cross this?¡± Chapter 49 : Summons Getting to Work Silence reigned supreme as the hound extermination crew, alongside Marrow, stood still, their attention focused on the path ahead. A massive gorge, spanning over three hundred feet, separated them from the next patch of dry land. However, the next piece of land floated sideways to their left, the one after that floated sideways to their right, and the next floated upside down. Finally, a normal strip of land presented itself over a thousand feet away. This bizarre yet unique pattern repeated randomly for over ten kilometers. ¡°Why would anyone do this? Why can¡¯t they just make things normal?¡± Slim complained bitterly with a sigh. They had only managed to cross the first obstacle, yet another had presented itself. "The first exit should be somewhere around here, but how are we supposed to cross this?" Scott scowled behind his mask, staring into the seemingly endless gorge. This doesn¡¯t look like some kind of illusion, and I can¡¯t see any strange oddities either. Will the elemental shards help us out here, too? Scott pondered for a moment before retrieving another elemental shard from his inventory. He glanced to his side, focusing on Marrow, who stared at the odd route. Sensing Scott¡¯s peculiar gaze, the summon turned toward the eldritch knight. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?" Marrow said, frowning. At that same moment, a hand dropped onto the shoulder of the skeleton, and Slim¡¯s voice echoed before it could turn. ¡°You¡¯re going to have to take one for the team, buddy,¡± Slim said with a beaming smile, his grip firm on the shoulder of the summon. Zara firmly gripped the summon by his sleeves, her smile as sweet as honey. ¡°Please, help us out one more time,¡± she implored, her glossy eyes fixed on the impeccably dressed skeleton. ¡°I''m not some emotionless dummy, you know,¡± Marrow protested, attempting to break free from the clutches of the persistent duo. Slim and Zara, however, showed no intention of releasing their hold on the summon. ¡°I can understand this scary guy doing this, but how can you do this to me?¡± Marrow glared at Slim, who sported a whimsical smile. ¡°You even coaxed this damsel to do your bidding, too.¡± ¡°Me?¡± Slim adopted an aggrieved tone. ¡°It was all her...¡± Zara cut him off sharply. ¡°Shut up, Slim.¡± The brawler shot a disapproving look at the necromancer before gently caressing the arm of the summon. ¡°Please, help us one more time, okay?¡± Zara''s radiant eyes, almost puppy-like, were focused on Marrow. The skeleton sighed, readjusting his clothes. ¡°I''m not good at jumping but let me give it a shot.¡± Ignoring Slim, Zara''s disposition remained the friendliest of the trio, Marrow noted. For a moment, he entertained the thought that Scott might resort to violence if he didn''t agree with the brawler. ¡°Take this. It could be of help,¡± Scott said, tossing the elemental shard toward the skeleton. Marrow caught the blackened crystal, exhaling deeply. Stepping back, his attention fixed on the strip of dry land to his left. The summon unleashed a frightening burst of speed, jumping as he reached the edge of the gorge. Simultaneously, the jaws of the spectating trio dropped in disbelief. Marrow vanished and reappeared over three thousand feet away, standing on the patch that floated upside down. Zara found herself muttering in a daze, her gaze fixed on Scott. Slim, too, stared at the masked half-human, believing that if anyone could make sense of what just happened, it had to be Scott. ¡°Buddy, did you see what happened?¡± Slim asked. Scott nodded; his eyes focused on the gorge below. ¡°A light shot out from there the moment he jumped, and the elemental shard released an effervescence which coated and teleported him to that place,¡± Scott explained. ¡°But why did it send him so far away?¡± Zara voiced her thoughts. ¡°I have no idea,¡± Scott said, pondering for a moment before continuing. ¡°If I had to guess, it might have something to do with the type of elemental shard.¡± ¡°Are you implying the type of elemental shard determines how far he''ll be teleported?¡± Zara asked, turning to Marrow, who helplessly paced around the patch. The gravity-defying field didn¡¯t restrict his movement or impede him in any way whatsoever. However, the elemental shard had lost its black sheen, transforming into a transparent crystal. ¡°That''s what I think, but the only way to confirm it is with another crystal,¡± Scott said, turning toward Slim. He hesitated for a moment before continuing, ¡°Slim, we''re also going to need to test what happens when someone falls into the gorge. So, yeah.¡± Zara wore a wry smile as she gazed at Marrow, a sentiment echoed by Slim. The necromancer promptly resummoned the skeleton, and before it could utter a word, Slim briefed it on its new tasks. ¡°I refuse,¡± Marrow declared without a moment''s hesitation. "Huh? What do you mean, you refuse?" Slim draped his arm over the skeleton''s shoulder. ¡°You guys are always complaining about being bored over there; I¡¯m giving you an opportunity to go wild, yet you¡¯re refusing.¡± The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°I don¡¯t care what you have to say, but I¡¯m not doing that. Ask Ivory or Rattlebones,¡± Marrow stated, folding his arms across his chest. Slim sighed. ¡°Well, I guess I¡¯ll have to ask Necrobone. It¡¯s a shame though. Once he finishes the task, he¡¯ll brag to Mia when next we meet, and here I was trying to give you that chance, but oh well.¡± Slim sighed again with a shrug. Raising his hand to summon Necrobone, Slim was interrupted by Marrow''s anxious voice. ¡°Wait!¡± he called out, a beaming smile now across his face. ¡°Hmmm? Why should I wait?¡± Slim asked, puzzled. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say I should ask someone else?¡± ¡°C¡¯mon, Slim. Who said what isn¡¯t important. We should be focusing on how to cross this place. Don¡¯t tell me you thought I was being serious,¡± Marrow said with a sheepish smile. ¡°So, does that mean you¡¯re going to help us?¡± Slim asked. ¡°Of course,¡± Marrow replied without pause, patting the shoulders of the necromancer. ¡°I only need to jump into the gorge, right?¡± Slim nodded. ¡°Alright then, here goes nothing,¡± Marrow said with a smile, but he couldn''t conceal the dread on his face. The skeleton adjusted his jacket before walking toward the cliff''s edge. Pausing, he turned toward the hound extermination crew. Slim, Zara, and Scott all gave him a thumbs-up, as if it had been prearranged. With a forced smile, Marrow reciprocated with a thumbs-up before facing the unfathomable darkness below. After taking a deep breath, he jumped. Zara, Slim, and Scott hurriedly approached the edge, peering into the darkness, but Marrow was nowhere in sight. ¡°Slim, are you still connected?¡± Zara asked before Scott could. ¡°Y-Yes, but you¡¯re not going to believe what¡¯s happening,¡± Slim muttered in a daze, pointing toward a patch several feet away. At that moment, Marrow suddenly fell from the skies, descending into the gorge. Then, Slim pointed to another patch floating sideways, and before long, Marrow free fell sideways, disappearing into the void between the surrounding lands, and reappearing several meters away again. ¡°Get me out of this, Slim!¡± Marrow shouted, disappearing into the void once more. ¡°You¡¯re doing great, buddy. I¡¯ll have you out soon,¡± Slim assured him before turning toward his companions. ¡°So, I guess it¡¯s time we experiment with the various elemental shards.¡± ¡°Yeah, but there¡¯s a problem, though,¡± Scott said, pointing toward a plot floating upside down. ¡°By my calculations, the first exit is over there. I have no idea what would happen if Marrow landed on it.¡± ¡°Sacrificing one exit to test the capabilities of the elemental shards seems like a fair trade-off in my books. What do you guys think?¡± Zara asked, her attention focused on the spot concealing the first exit. ¡°I agree. I¡¯m more concerned about the number of elemental shards we''d have to sacrifice to get it right,¡± Slim added. ¡°Slim! Get me out of here!¡± Marrow screamed, free-falling into the darkness again. ¡°Give me a second buddy,¡± Slim said before turning toward Scott. ¡°Buddy, what about your ability to fly? Can you use it to carry us over?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not the same as it used to be. It¡¯s also likely we¡¯ll be sent free-falling like Marrow if we attempted that,¡± Scott said softly.
Skill: Void Levitate activated!
Scott¡¯s body slowly faded into nothingness until he completely disappeared. The half-human silently reappeared behind the duo. ¡°See. It¡¯s not the same,¡± he said. Zara and Slim flinched as they took a step away from the masked man. ¡°Are you trying to kill us, buddy?¡± Slim heaved, casting a wary glance over his shoulder. One more step, and they would have plunged into the gorge. ¡°Slim, I''ll kill you if you don''t get me out of here!¡± Marrow''s voice echoed as, once again, he descended into the depths of the gorge. ¡°Give me a minute,¡± Slim replied without turning toward the skeleton. Meanwhile, Scott chuckled as he continued, ¡°Although I can still fly, I can''t interact with my surroundings while doing so,¡± he explained. ¡°That option is off the table then,¡± Zara sighed as she retrieved several elemental shards of different colors from her inventory. ¡°Our only choice is to experiment with these.¡± ¡°Slim, you should resummon Marrow,¡± Scott suggested from the side. ¡°Oh, yeah. I totally forgot.¡± The necromancer chuckled before raising his hand, and the free-falling skeleton shot out of the ground. This time, however, Marrow raced toward Slim, grabbing the necromancer''s neck while hurling curses at his summoner. Scott and Zara silently waited by the side, pretending not to notice the dispute between summoner and summon. A minute passed, and Slim wrapped his arm around Marrow''s shoulder as he laughed heartily. ¡°We''ve settled our differences. My leader, please give him the first elemental shard.¡± Marrow glared at Slim for a moment before walking toward Zara. The feline brawler randomly selected a magenta elemental shard from the pile, handing it over to the skeleton. ¡°Good luck,¡± Zara whispered with a sweet smile. Marrow''s frown eased slightly as he nodded, then approached the cliff without much ceremony. The summon jumped again, disappearing and reappearing in a flash. ¡°It worked,¡± Zara exclaimed with excitement, unable to contain her smile as she pointed at Marrow, who stood on the spot where the first exit was. The fact that the summon didn''t automatically trigger the exit only heightened her enthusiasm. ¡°Zara, you should get over there before something strange happens,¡± Slim advised. ¡°Resummon Marrow first. There might be a rule forbidding two people from landing in the same place,¡± Zara suggested. ¡°That''s true. You can''t be too careful in this damned place,¡± Slim agreed, raising his hand. Marrow disappeared and re-emerged from the ground. ¡°Good luck,¡± Scott said softly. ¡°Thanks,¡± Zara replied, smiling while taking a deep breath. The other elemental shards vanished as her fingers tightened around the magenta variant. ¡°Since you''re going ahead of us, I guess I''ll be the temporary leader,¡± Slim declared with a beaming smile. ¡°See you on the other side.¡± The feline brawler shot a disapproving glare at the mischievous necromancer but opted for silence. She leaped, and a beam of light emanated from the gorge, ensnaring the elemental shard. Simultaneously, a cocoon of energy enveloped the feline brawler, causing her to vanish only to reappear several feet away. ¡°How do you feel?¡± Scott inquired over the party channel. ¡°I''m¡­¡± A click abruptly interrupted the cat girl''s response, and she vanished. Before Scott or Slim could comprehend the situation, the chaotic patches of reality shifted rapidly, aligning themselves. Only the portion containing the used exit remained absent. ¡°What happened?¡± Marrow muttered. A cyclone erupted from the vacant section, propelling Scott, Slim, and Marrow into the air, limbs flailing uncontrollably. ¡°Hello, everyone! It¡¯s Deevok again! The first exit has been used, so it¡¯s time for a little reshuffling. I apologize for any broken bones you might experience during this exercise.¡± Following the examiner''s announcement, significant changes unfolded. Trees, grasses, and stones seemed to gain sentience, creating new pathways for rivers and streams. Cyclones carved barren routes, withering millions of flowers. In an instant, a complete reset occurred, and all the champions found themselves back in the safe zone, sprawled on the ground with varying degrees of injuries. Chapter 50 : Working Together ¡°I fucking hate this place,¡± Slim muttered, tossing aside a stray leg that lay on his skull. The skeletal champions struggled to rise as a gentle wind swept across the field. Turning toward Scott, Slim found the eldritch knight already on his feet. ¡°Buddy, you didn¡¯t suffer like¡­¡± Slim halted mid-sentence, his attention drawn to a gaping hole in the shoulder of the masked man. ¡°Are you okay? I didn¡¯t know you got hit.¡± Slim hurried towards Scott, eyeing the bleeding wound. ¡°It¡¯s not as painful as it looks,¡± Scott said with an unseen smile. He extended his right hand toward his left shoulder, and a mass of darkened, otherworldly energy gathered at his fingertips, surging into the mangled flesh. Sizzling and popping sounds echoed as the blackened tendrils devoured the fresh blood, and the damaged skin peeled away.
Skill: Corrupted Mend activated!
Slim silently observed as the punctured flesh visibly closed, replaced by new, undamaged tissue. He also had healing capabilities as well. Slim''s jaw dropped in astonishment as the injury vanished in real-time. ¡°Why do you look so surprised?¡± Scott chuckled softly. ¡°I''m more surprised that a common tree branch could bypass my armor. It seems we can''t underestimate anything here,¡± Scott voiced his thoughts, his attention shifting to the other champions. Most trialists displayed minor injuries like sprained wrists and ankles or broken fingers and jaws, but a select few were incapacitated by a combination of severe injuries. Scott averted his gaze from the helpless champions, focusing on the surrounding paths. That fuzzy freak wasn''t kidding; it had truly changed, but something felt off. ¡°Buddy, I can''t reach Zara. What about you?¡± Slim asked, his anxiety evident. ¡°I''d be more surprised if we could contact her. These bastards would never want others to leak what''s happening on the other side. Hopefully, she''s fine, but we need to concentrate on getting out of here,¡± Scott replied via the party channel. Then, he pointed toward the four paths ahead in quick succession. ¡°What do you notice about that?¡± Slim paused, following Scott''s outstretched hand. ¡°Hmm¡­ it''s the first district this,¡± Slim suddenly paused, staring more intently at the paths ahead. ¡°Buddy, please tell me I''m drunk right now, because I can''t understand why I''m seeing traces of the first and third districts.¡± ¡°We can''t both be drunk at the same time because I see it too. We might need to tweak our strategy a bit,¡± Scott turned around, but no hidden paths revealed themselves. ¡°What do you have in mind?¡± Slim probed the perimeter of the safe zone, as if searching for something. ¡°We must use our exits simultaneously. If either of us goes first, the next reshuffling may create an even more intricate maze. What do you think?¡± ¡°I understand your reasoning, but the problem is if they''d allow us to do that. It''s not beyond these sadistic bastards to rig the exits for single use,¡± Slim communicated through the party channel. ¡°You''re not wrong, but we can only give it a shot. Are you ready to move?¡± Scott glanced at the necromancer. ¡°I''m ready whenever you are, but which path are we choosing this time?¡± Slim asked, his gaze lingering on the fourth path. ¡°Oh, it''s also likely those creatures might have been revived. They might have even increased their numbers.¡± ¡°We can take them. Even if they''ve become more powerful, we can always run,¡± Scott said, his eyes fixed on the fourth path. ¡°I guess it''s decided then,¡± Slim cracked his neck as he turned his head from side to side. Saying nothing further, the duo approached the fourth path with measured steps. On their tenth step, three figures blocked their way. ¡°You two aren''t going anywhere,¡± a lizardman said, pointing the tip of his spear toward Scott, while his companions aimed theirs at Slim. ¡°Who the hell are you supposed to be? Get out of the way,¡± Slim growled. However, the lizardmen simply smirked. The party leader, wearing a necklace made from the broken teeth of various creatures, took another step forward while lowering his spear. ¡°One of you is missing. The cat was definitely responsible for triggering the first exit,¡± he said, planting the base of the crimson spear into the ground. ¡°So what?¡± Slim glared at the lizardmen. Several other champions had started to focus on them. ¡°So what, he says,¡± the lizardman snickered, taking another step forward. ¡°Here''s the thing, I don''t think it''s a coincidence your group found it first. In fact, everyone else got sent back to this same spot, except for you three.¡± The lizardman took another step. ¡°Now, why is that?¡± he asked, tilting his head to the side. A middle-aged woman with a burly physique stepped forward. ¡°I did see some skeletons, and I can''t even tell them apart from each other, but not once did I see the young lass or the guy with a mask.¡± ¡°Now that I think about it, I didn''t see them either. Hmm¡­ I always found them suspicious,¡± a man said, casting a suspicious glare at Scott and Slim. ¡°It''s possible they know their way around the forest,¡± another man commented. This random opinion took root in the minds of all the present champions, prompting them to approach the duo. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. The leader of the lizardmen party chuckled as he noticed the other champions approaching. ¡°You see? Everyone agrees it isn''t fair that only your group gets to roam this place as they please.¡± ¡°So, what do you want?¡± Scott interjected before Slim could. ¡°Oh? He speaks,¡± the lizardman laughed, taking another step forward. ¡°What we want is pretty obvious. A trial is only fair when each side is equally at a disadvantage or otherwise. So, you will do well to let us in on your little secrets. Consider making friends in times of adversity.¡± Scott chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°So, what''s going to happen if we don''t want to make friends?¡± The eldritch knight turned toward the surrounding champions. ¡°Are you guys going to beat it out of us, or will you force us to remain here?¡± Scott wore an unseen smile as he folded his arms across his chest. However, the lizardman simply snickered. ¡°You think you''re safe because of the rules of this place? Unless you don''t plan on leaving the safe zone, then¡ª¡± ¡°Then I''ll do just that,¡± Scott interjected. ¡°What?¡± the lizardman frowned. ¡°I said I''ll do that, you lizard,¡± Scott repeated. He turned away from the seething lizardman, his eyes shifting from one champion to the other as he continued. ¡°There''s absolutely nothing any of you can do or say that will force us to do your bidding.¡± ¡°Then we''ll all stay here together,¡± the burly woman said. ¡°That''s fine by us,¡± Slim said, slinging his hands behind his skull. ¡°We might as well get screwed together.¡± Scott mimicked the skeleton as he chuckled softly. ¡°I hope you guys haven''t forgotten that those freaks will be permitted to enter the safe zone the longer we stay here. I wonder how many of you will be left when those things show up.¡± Scott and Slim simultaneously sat down, and a sealed wine jar appeared in front of them. A host of emotions flashed across the faces of the champions, many restraining their rising urge to lunge at the duo. The lizardman reached for his spear, bloodthirsty eyes focused on the carefree duo. ¡°You idiots think this is some form of...¡± Tremors cut off the lizardman''s words as a massive cyclone appeared deep within the forest. Simultaneously, bestial roars resonated from various directions, numbering in the hundreds, while muffled explosions reverberated through the untamed vegetation. ¡°It appears we¡¯ll have quite the company later. This should be entertaining,¡± Slim grinned, taunting the champions surrounding them. Meanwhile, the champions'' demeanor shifted once again, especially with the arrival of the thunderous roars. They weren''t naive; the exponential increase in the number of creatures within the forest was evident. The lizardman shot a glare at the nonchalant duo. ¡°Do you guys think¡­¡± His words were cut off by a slow clap, capturing the attention of the champions. They turned to find a group clad in bloodstained, blackened armor. ¡°What do you want?¡± the lizardman questioned, taking a step back. However, the berserker trio paid no attention to the lizardman, focusing instead on Slim and Scott. Standing a few feet away from the seated duo, the figure at the forefront spoke first. ¡°I¡¯ll be straightforward. What do you want in exchange for the information? As long as it¡¯s reasonable, we¡¯re open to negotiation.¡± Scott and Slim exchanged silent glances, and the berserkers fell into a hushed stillness. Slim rose a moment later, prompting a system window to materialize before the berserkers, who regarded the grinning necromancer with intense curiosity. The leader clicked on the system window just as Scott stood up, focusing on the other parties while flexing his knuckles. Suddenly, he pointed at the lizardmen. ¡°If you want clues about the exits, then I want you to beat the living hell out of them. Only then will I consider working with you guys.¡± ¡°Don''t listen to him. He''s obviously lying,¡± the lizardman growled, subtly retreating under the heated gazes of the surrounding champions. ¡°How would you even know if the information he''s giving us is real, huh?¡± ¡°That''s a valid point. Can you prove the information is correct? We can''t blindly trust you,¡± someone from the group questioned. Scott proposed, ¡°We can all take the same path. Nominate someone at random to use an exit. That should be enough to convince you, right?¡± ¡°So, who''s this lucky person going to be?¡± the middle-aged woman asked. ¡°Surely you won''t be recommending yourselves?¡± ¡°Of course not,¡± Scott chuckled. ¡°That''s for you guys to decide among yourselves.¡± The eldritch knight took a step forward, arms behind his back. ¡°To make it even fairer, my partner and I will split up, so no accusations of foul play. Half of you will follow him, while the other half will move with me. We''ll each escort our groups to an exit, and then it''s up to each group to decide who gets the opportunity to use it. How does that sound?¡± The champions exchanged puzzled glances, each contemplating the unspoken desire to be the chosen random tester. However, despite this shared ambition, none were willing to outright reject Scott''s proposal. The allure of avoiding further responsibilities was too tempting for anyone to resist. ¡°Be careful, my comrades,¡± the lizardman cautioned, brandishing his spear in Scott''s direction. ¡°Instead of being manipulated into testing, we should demand they unveil their secrets, uniting us rather than dividing.¡± ¡°I''m through bargaining with the berserkers,¡± Slim conveyed through the party channel. ¡°They''ve agreed to step back.¡± Scott, hidden behind his mask, grinned while nodding subtly. Simultaneously, the berserkers, acknowledging the resolution, began retreating slowly toward an alternate path. ¡°Wait, where are you going?¡± the middle-aged woman inquired. ¡°We have a trial to complete. We won''t squander any more time here,¡± the leader replied, casting a dismissive glance toward the woman. ¡°You were suspiciously silent earlier,¡± another man remarked, scrutinizing the berserkers. ¡°What exactly transpired? I have a feeling you struck a deal amongst yourselves.¡± The berserkers halted in unison, their ominous gazes piercing through the visor slits of their helmets. They turned towards the man, retrieving their weapons from their inventory. ¡°That you''re all alive right now is solely due to our mercy. Make no mistake about that. If you find our compassion meddlesome, I implore you to chase after us. Mistakes, after all, were meant to be corrected,¡± the leader asserted before turning away. Silently, the trio dashed toward the second path, disappearing in a flash. ¡°Well, it¡¯s up to you guys to decide now,¡± Scott''s voice echoed again. ¡°Will you accept my offer, or are we going to waste our time here?¡± Barely seconds after Scott finished his statement, the lizardmen rushed into the fourth path before anyone could react. ¡°This is not over,¡± the leader declared. ¡°Damn it, I didn¡¯t expect that weasel to run,¡± the middle-aged woman muttered as she turned toward Scott. Without the lizardmen there, uncertainty lingered about whether the masked man would proceed with the deal. ¡°Why the long faces?¡± Slim chuckled. ¡°They''ll be back sooner than you expect, or have you forgotten what happened earlier?¡± ¡°Without further ado, I believe you should decide which of us you''ll be going with,¡± Scott said, folding his arms across his chest. The champions stared at each other in silence. Then, the first group moved, and within a minute, the champions had divided themselves into two groups. Most of the seemingly weaker champions chose Slim¡¯s group, while a somewhat murderous aura lingered around Scott¡¯s. ¡°Well, it¡¯s time we departed,¡± Scott said, glancing at Slim. Saying nothing further, he led his group toward the first path while Slim led his group toward the third path. ¡°See you on the other side, buddy. These guys won¡¯t know what hit them soon enough,¡± Slim said via the party channel. ¡°It should be quite exciting,¡± Scott chuckled. Chapter 51 : Exits The fifteen-man party led by Scott cautiously traversed the path, the eldritch knight drawing close attention from the burly woman and her companions. Incessant howls emanated from concealed creatures, echoing beneath the torrent of fresh leaves and sharp rocks. Despite the eerie sounds, the group pressed on without any impediment. ¡°How much farther do we need to go?¡± inquired a champion, shooting a glance at Scott. The Eldritch knight spared him a brief look before resuming his slow trek. ¡°I''m talking to you, asshole,¡± the man growled, advancing toward Scott. However, four champions swiftly blocked his path. ¡°Cool your shit, Finman,¡± the muscular woman admonished him. ¡°But Maddy, who knows where that fucker is leading us to,¡± Finman protested. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it. You can piss off if you¡¯re that offended; he doesn¡¯t have to answer your braindead question.¡± Maddy pointed her spike mace threateningly. ¡°I won¡¯t be so nice if you try something funny again. Now, fuck off to the back.¡± Gritting his teeth, the champion swallowed his grievances, moving to the rear of the group. In silence, the procession continued its movement. Roars intensified, yet no creatures came into view. They had walked for over ten minutes, navigating various turns along the winding path, encountering no difficulties. ¡°Slim, how are things on your end?¡± Scott inquired mentally. ¡°So far, so good, buddy,¡± Slim responded with a labored sigh. ¡°It¡¯s strange, though. The roars are getting louder, but we haven¡¯t encountered any beasts yet.¡± ¡°Yeah, it''s kind of odd. I was hoping a few would have appeared by now. It''s easier to run away during the mayhem,¡± Scott mentioned before steering the conversation in a different direction. ¡°Has your elemental shard reacted?¡± ¡°Not yet,¡± Slim replied. ¡°I have a feeling the maze has been modified a little bit. Normally, we should be approaching the first exit by now.¡± ¡°I think so too. Anyways, keep your guard up. We''ll continue with the plan, okay?¡± ¡°I hear you. Zara must be wondering what''s taking us so long. It''s best we join her before she gives us some new titles,¡± Slim chuckled softly. The necromancer paused for a moment, then continued, ¡°Buddy, there''s a reaction. I think we''re getting close.¡± Scott focused on the path ahead, but nothing looked out of the ordinary. ¡°Good, keep moving. Nothing here yet. Keep me updated.¡± He focused on the path again, and like before, nothing stood out. The group silently walked for another ten minutes, the roars louder than ever, but the procession had grown accustomed to the howls. Scott and Slim exchanged multiple messages, yet none of the oddities they experienced during the first maze had presented itself. ¡°It has been over twenty minutes since we started walking, yet we haven¡¯t seen any creatures or returned to the safe zone. Don¡¯t you guys think something weird is going on?¡± A champion asked as he scanned the surrounding bushes. ¡°Isn¡¯t that a good thing?¡± Scott chuckled, glancing at the man. ¡°It¡¯s almost as if you¡¯re disappointed nothing has happened.¡± ¡°Hey, don¡¯t put words in my mouth. That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± the man glared at Scott. However, the eldritch knight only chuckled while shaking his head. At that same moment, Maddy moved closer to the half-human. ¡°Are you sure you know what you¡¯re doing? In case you need me to remind you, things will turn sour for you if you¡¯re leading us on a wild goose chase.¡± Scott glanced at the woman, his limpid eyes meeting those of the middle-aged champion. Maddy instinctively averted her gaze, a crippling sense of paralysis overwhelming her being. The tall champion took deep breaths, trying to regain her composure as her hands trembled. The surrounding champions stopped in their tracks, noticing the woman¡¯s condition. ¡°What the heck did you do?¡± a champion roared, moving toward Scott; however, Maddy¡¯s outstretched arm blocked the man. ¡°Go back to your position,¡± she said in a labored voice. ¡°Buddy, the elemental shard is reacting like crazy now. I think we¡¯re close,¡± Slim¡¯s message echoed in Scott¡¯s mind. ¡°I can see something over here,¡± the eldritch knight responded, his gaze fixed on seemingly ordinary rain puddles ahead. To his eyes, some of these puddles emitted an intense suction force, while others generated a counteracting energy. Scott shifted his focus from the peculiar puddles to the assembled champions around him. ¡°So, have you all figured out who gets to use the exit?¡± Folding his arms across his chest, he surveyed the group with a curious gaze. The champions'' eyes sparkled with interest, their attention instinctively drawn to the path ahead, though all they saw were mud puddles. None of them dismissed Scott''s words as a casual remark. ¡°Are we close to the exit?¡± Maddy inquired, regaining her composure. Scott nodded, gesturing towards a tree roughly three hundred meters away. ¡°The exit is on the first branch of that tree. No mistaking it.¡± Upon Scott''s declaration, the champions erupted into a sprint, driven by the urgency of claiming the exit. ¡°Get out of our way! That spot belongs to us!¡± a champion shouted, charging at another with a spear. ¡°Maddy, go!¡± he commanded. Maddy, accompanied by eight members of the fifteen-strong party, formed a barrier against the oncoming champions, creating a clear path for the determined middle-aged warrior. Explosions resonated along with curses and shrieks. Despite being outnumbered, the other champions showed no intention of relinquishing the exit without a fight. However, they could only watch helplessly as the warrior closed the gap with swift, powerful strides. Only a few meters away now, Maddy wore a smile as she approached the first puddle. I¡¯m surprised that the freak didn¡¯t contend with us, but then again, he doesn¡¯t stand a chance against all of us. There¡¯s no way he would¡­ The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. The warrior treaded upon the puddle, her hulking figure sinking into the muddy pool. Onlookers stood frozen, eyes widened, mouths agape. ¡°What the hell just happened?¡± a champion muttered, staring at the now placid puddle. He turned his head, his expression souring. Glancing anxiously around, he gritted his teeth. ¡°Where did he go?¡± The search for the masked guide intensified. As the shock wore off, the champions noticed Scott''s absence, but no one had witnessed his departure. ¡°Find that guy! We can''t let him escape!¡± a champion bellowed. Meanwhile, Scott moved stealthily through the bushes, stifling a rising urge to laugh. Who would have thought they''d engage in combat after discovering the exit? Those fools made things much easier than I anticipated. ¡°Buddy, are you on your way?¡± Slim¡¯s voice echoed in the masked man''s mind. ¡°I''ll be there shortly. How did things go on your end?¡± Scott inquired. ¡°They erupted into a brawl as soon as I revealed the exit,¡± the necromancer chuckled. ¡°I left Marrow with them and slipped away. I should be there soon.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Scott¡¯s tone turned serious. ¡°What about those guys?¡± ¡°They''re waiting for us,¡± Slim affirmed. ¡°Almost out, what about you?¡± ¡°I can see you; turn to your left,¡± Scott directed, waving at the necromancer. The duo burst from the bushes, converging on the second path. Scott and Slim exchanged high-fives, their laughter bubbling up uncontrollably. They cackled freely for a few moments, struggling to regain their composure. ¡°Those idiots should be searching for us. Let''s move before they catch on to our location,¡± Slim suggested, and without further words, the duo sprinted along the path. Ten minutes later, they spotted three figures clad in blackened armor standing near a long strip of yellow sand. ¡°You''re finally here,¡± the trio''s leader remarked, glancing beyond Scott and Slim but failing to notice the pursuing pack. ¡°It doesn''t seem like you needed our help after all.¡± ¡°Their desperation played right into our hands,¡± Slim chuckled, advancing towards the trio. ¡°As promised, we''ll guide you to the exits. However, we need to use them simultaneously to prevent any further reshuffling.¡± The berserkers nodded, their focus unwaveringly fixed on Scott since his arrival, much like the eldritch knight. Slim turned around, scanning the area before clearing his throat. ¡°Do you have elemental shards?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ we should,¡± the man replied. ¡°But of what use are those worthless things?¡± ¡°Please take them out. Those useless things are going to save you from a world of trouble,¡± Slim sighed, retrieving a crimson elemental shard from his inventory. An obsidian elemental shard appeared in Scott¡¯s hand, while the berserkers exchanged confused glances. They suppressed their curiosity and mimicked the actions of the duo. Scott suddenly asked, ¡°Quick question, why did you decide to stop here?¡± ¡°Your companion told us to halt at the first sight of something strange, and that''s what we did,¡± one of the berserkers replied. Scott nodded slowly before approaching the trio. ¡°What if he was deceiving you all along? I''m surprised how easily you believed him. It could have been an elaborate ploy to prevent you guys from working with us.¡± Slim shot a glance at Scott. ¡°Buddy, what are you doing?¡± the necromancer asked mentally. Scott chuckled, stopping a few feet away from the berserkers. Then, he pointed toward the path ahead. ¡°I guess you''re lucky you didn''t cross the sand.¡± The berserkers looked at the seemingly ordinary path, but nothing stood out. They still hadn''t figured out why they needed an elemental shard. Scott spoke again before they could. ¡°Let''s not waste any more time,¡± he said, reaching for a small branch lying on the ground. Then, he drew a straight line along the ground, marking five points with an X. ¡°Strangely, there are more than five exits along the beach road. The furthest I can see is over one kilometer away, while the closest is just a hundred meters from here,¡± Scott explained slowly. ¡°To make things fair for you, my friend will escort you toward your assigned exits while making his way to an exit beyond yours.¡± ¡°What about you?¡± the berserker leader asked. ¡°I''ll wait here,¡± Scott stated, stealing a quick glance at the man. ¡°I suggested this order to ensure you won''t suspect us of foul play.¡± ¡°What if we decide to betray you?¡± the leader retorted, direct and unflinching. Scott chuckled, his confidence unwavering. ¡°Good luck with that. We might be scheming the same.¡± ¡°Fine, we''ll go along with your plans. But how do we know where the exit is?¡± the leader inquired. ¡°You''ll find out when the time comes. By the way, I hope you and your companions are reliable. Desperation tends to lead people down unexpected paths.¡± The berserkers emanated a palpable, murderous aura, but Scott remained unfazed, meeting their bloodlust with a steady gaze. ¡°We won''t back out on our agreement,¡± the berserker affirmed. ¡°Then we''re settled.¡± Scott rose, casually tossing the stick onto the sandy road. The dried stick arced through the air before the earth beneath it suddenly parted, swallowing the stick and sealing shut seconds later. The berserkers, witnessing the astonishing phenomenon, turned their gaze back to Scott, who chuckled nonchalantly. ¡°We should get going. Remember to keep those useless things close to you, unless you want to end up like the stick,¡± Slim chortled while approaching the sandy road. The berserkers remained in the same position; their skepticism evident in their trembling eyes. The skeleton arrived in front of the barren patch, and without hesitation, he took a step forward. The elemental shard vibrated, crumbling into tiny dust particles that scattered across the ground. At that same moment, tremors rocked the road, and the earth parted again, devouring all the sand. However, a portion had mixed with the shattered dust particles, creating a unique path leading to an area big enough to accommodate one person. Slim turned toward the stunned berserkers, saying, ¡°Guys, I¡¯m going to need you to stop staring and start moving.¡± The trio snapped out from their momentary daze, and they arrived in front of the massive gorge. The elemental shard snapped on its own accord, releasing a new set of dust particles which sank into the abyss. In a flash, sand particles shot out from the darkness, forming a series of walkways toward three sandy islands like Slim¡¯s. Scott then approached the gorge, and the same phenomenon repeated itself. The champions stared at the five paths, each leading to their own island above the bottomless gorge. ¡°I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t need me to remind you, but the moment you step on those islands, you¡¯ll trigger the exits. So, it¡¯s best to wait until we¡¯re all in position,¡± Scott said. The berserkers agreed with a silent nod. ¡°All right then, you should start moving,¡± the eldritch knight added. Slim stepped on the path leading to the furthest island, while the berserkers chose their paths, leaving the closest path to Scott. In silence, the champions approached their own respective islands, with Scott arriving first. "Move as fast as you can, Slim. We can¡¯t be certain if these guys will betray us," Scott reminded through the party channel. The necromancer subtly increased his walking speed without alerting the berserkers. The leader of the murderous group arrived in front of the second island, pausing as he watched his companions move toward the third and fourth islands. He turned toward Scott, and the eldritch knight acknowledged him with a nod, receiving a reciprocal one. The other berserkers reached their destinations before Slim, the trio exchanging glances. However, they remained in the same position, waiting for Slim to reach the last island. Unlike before, the necromancer power-walked while maintaining constant communication with the berserkers via the temporary party channel. A few minutes later, all five champions stood at the periphery of their respective islands. ¡°Tell them we¡¯ll jump on the count of three,¡± Scott instructed Slim. The necromancer nodded and relayed the message. The berserkers raised their thumbs in acknowledgment, their gaze fixed on the floating sandpile. However, a scream suddenly reached the champions'' ears. ¡°I have found him! That bastard is over here!¡± Scott turned to the side, spotting Maddy¡¯s companions sprinting over. However, the eldritch knight''s attention focused on a blackened cloud hovering several feet away from the onrushing champions. ¡°What the heck is that thing?¡± Scott thought to himself, staring at the ominous cloud. ¡°Jump now!¡± he screamed, propelling himself to the island. Simultaneously, Slim and the berserkers also leapt to their respective islands. Five clicks followed, and the floating land flipped upside down. The buried earth resurfaced, but the champions had all disappeared. Chapter 52 : Deevok and the Mad God
You¡¯re being watched by several lesser gods and Gods!
Several lesser gods are contemplating sponsoring you!
The lesser god of illusions is angered by the sudden interest in you!
The lesser god of illusions is encouraging other lesser gods to make you an offer!
The lesser god of illusions is laughing sinisterly!
The barrage of system messages reverberated in Scott''s ears, yet the eldritch knight directed his attention to the unfamiliar surroundings. A briny aftertaste clung to the back of his tongue, accompanied by the swishing echoes of cascading waves that filled his ears. Beige beach sand encircled the half-human, its bank bordered by a pristine sea with sparkling waters devoid of any impurities. As Scott raised his head, sunrays filtered through the clear blue skies above. He turned in every direction, searching for Slim or the berserkers, and a confidence in his reality assured him it wasn''t a mere illusion. ¡°What is this place?¡± Scott''s brows furrowed as his thoughts meandered. Hastur''s gaze had failed to detect anything unusual on the beach or its surroundings. ¡°I can''t communicate with Slim or Zara, and there''s no sign that anyone has been here.¡± Scott scrutinized the surrounding sand, failing to discern any footprints or boot marks on the fine grains. ¡°Could this be a hidden stage or something?¡± He crouched, scooping up a handful of sand. The warm grains sifted through his fingers, and the eldritch knight observed as the briny winds whimsically scattered them.
The lesser god of misfortune offers to¡­
You have rejected the offer!
The lesser god of misfortune offers¡­
You have rejected the offer!
The lesser god of illusions is choking while laughing!
The lesser god of misfortune is displeased!
The lesser god of illusions encourages the lesser god of misfortune to be persistent!
The lesser god of misfortune¡­
You have rejected the offer!
The lesser god of misfortune is now chasing the lesser god of illusions!
The lesser god of illusions is crying while laughing and running!
Scott lowered his gaze, glancing at the tendril who swaggered up his arm as it made its way back to the mask. It seems the lesser god of illusions is doing their best to piss off those close to him. Scott chuckled, not bothering himself with the shenanigans of the lesser gods. He stood up, focusing on the serene sea in front of him. They either intentionally separated us, or this is some kind of continuation of the maze. There¡¯s also the probability I¡¯m the only one experiencing something like this, Scott frowned at the thought. He turned, staring at the massive jungle behind him. Like the surrounding waters and sand, he noticed nothing special about them. Although it looks relatively calm from this place, I can tell this is the maze. The only problem now is where the others were sent to. Scott turned toward the sea again. If I remember correctly, that furball said a means to reach Togan will reveal itself; I wonder what it meant. Could there be something like submarines in the tower? Scott took a step forward as his thoughts wandered. Although he couldn¡¯t sense any danger within his immediate surroundings, he believed it was best to explore the beach, rather than doing nothing. ¡°System, can you establish a connection with the lesser god of illusions?¡± Scott asked mentally, the gentle wind tousling his hair.
Request denied!
Active communication between non-sponsored champions and lesser gods or Gods is prohibited during an active trial!
Scott paused in his tracks, frowning. Since when was there a rule like that? Damn it. I was hoping I could find out something about this place from him. He released a heavy sigh before resuming his solitary journey. The eldritch knight pressed on for thirty minutes, yet the scenery that met his gaze remained unchanged¡ªa pristine and enchanting beach bordered by an ominous forest, its trees looming like silent sentinels, and crystalline waters that seemed almost transparent. The half-human persisted for another half-hour before coming to a halt. I guess this is as far as I¡¯ll go. This place is too massive for me to be walking aimlessly. I¡¯ll have to wait it out for the next couple of days. Hopefully, Slim and Zara are okay. Scott approached a nearby tree with gentle steps, settling comfortably under its shade. Retrieving dry rations from his inventory, he shifted his mask partially to the side. ¡°You¡¯re enjoying yourself, huh,¡± a familiar figure on the ground giggled. Scott turned to the side, staring at the figure. ¡°This should be the part where you explain where the hell I am, or are you going to stay there and watch me eat?¡± Deevok laughed, expertly jumping to its feet. ¡°I wonder what I¡¯m going to do,¡± it giggled, twirling as it closed the distance. Scott, however, continued stuffing his mouth as the playful examiner inched closer. The wooly creature stood a few feet away from Scott, tapping its feet repeatedly as if dancing. ¡°Can I ask you a question?¡± ¡°No,¡± Scott answered without pause. Deevok burst out laughing, snorting as it danced even harder. ¡°So, how did you know about the exits?¡± ¡°Why bother asking for my opinion if you''re going to ask anyway?¡± Scott sighed, popping a few mushrooms into his mouth before turning toward the instructor, his demeanor as nonchalant as ever. ¡°What''s in it for me if I spill the beans?¡± Scott glanced at the examiner, deftly adjusting his mask. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Deevok ceased its dance, taking a step closer to the masked champion. ¡°How about a little wager? If you win, you can request anything, no matter how outrageous it may be.¡± ¡°Let''s not make promises you can''t keep,¡± Scott interjected, intrigued by the creature''s proposition. Deevok chuckled softly, twirling and closing the distance even further. ¡°Who said I can''t keep my promises? The lesser gods and the Almighty are all watching; they can be our witnesses.¡± The examiner paused in front of Scott, resuming his dance. Scott narrowed his gaze as a flowery fragrance wafted through the air. While one might have expected the examiner to exude an earthy stench, its fur not only smelled delightful but also appeared inviting to the touch. ¡°So, what kind of competition are we talking about, and what''s the payoff?¡± Scott inquired, maintaining his position. ¡°All I want is to know how you cracked the puzzle,¡± Deevok giggled before adding, ¡°As for the competition, let''s make it a good old-fashioned battle.¡± Scott rolled his eyes, ready to dismiss the proposal. However, before he could, the examiner cut him off with a continuation. ¡°Don''t worry about the risk of injury, whether physical or mental. Death is also off the table. You have my word as an examiner,¡± Deevok said, intensifying its dance.
Several lesser gods are excited by the possibility of watching a fight between a champion and an examiner!
Several lesser gods are taking bets on the potential winner of the battle!
The lesser god of illusions has staked a huge fortune on you winning the battle!
The lesser god of misfortune is cursing the lesser god of illusions!
The current odds estimate you will lose the competition miserably!
The lesser god of illusions is cheering for you!
The lesser god of misfortune is reluctantly cheering for you!
The lesser god of illusions asks the lesser god of misfortune to cheer more enthusiastically, or they will withdraw their bribe!
The lesser god of misfortune is excitedly cheering for you!
Scott glanced at the system¡¯s messages. Do they think I¡¯m an idiot or something? Why would I take part in something so overwhelmingly against me? Scott rose from his seat, unmoved by the raucous cheers of the mischievous lesser god of illusions. His attention squarely on Deevok, the eldritch knight declared, ¡°I have no intentions of¡ª¡± But his voice abruptly trailed off, silenced by several tendrils that spontaneously covered his mouth, the mask unable to hinder their intrusion. These tendrils twisted and morphed independently, seamlessly mimicking the movements of a human mouth. From behind this living disguise, a voice strikingly similar to Scott¡¯s resonated, stating, ¡°I¡¯ll participate.¡± ¡°Good,¡± Deevok giggled, lifting its head toward the heavens. ¡°Esteemed lesser gods, unfortunately, I must conclude the transmission here. In adherence to the rules, it would be unfair to expose the abilities of unsponsored candidates to potential rivals and adversaries.¡±
Several lesser gods are bitterly expressing their disappointment!
Several lesser gods are cursing the examiner!
The lesser god of misfortune refuses to return the bribe!
The lesser god of illusions is crying and hoping for a miracle!
Scott stared at the cascade of system notifications, each disappearing in succession. The tendrils had retracted into the mask, leaving the eldritch knight in perplexed silence. The struggle against the tendrils acting independently was one challenge, but now the examiner, Deevok, emitted a series of unsettling creaks and cracks, his body contorting in response. A bewildered Scott stepped back; his narrowed eyes fixed on the examiner. Sinister giggles had morphed into something more ominous. Human arms extended from the soft fur, and the once diminutive figure transformed into an average-height humanoid. A concentrated black mass covered its right eye, while a slit amber variant obscured the other. Eerie spots squirmed on its gangly limbs, resembling something alive. Amidst these changes, Scott''s attention fixated on the creature''s face. In disbelief, Scott muttered, ¡°What the hell is happening?¡± He retreated another step, locking eyes with the now-smiling examiner. Despite the unique eyes, Deevok bore an uncanny resemblance to the boatman from the burning river. ¡°No way. How is this possible?¡± Scott muttered, incredulous. He studied the examiner''s face intently, preparing for an imminent confrontation. ¡°I mean you no harm, possessor of the war-hammer of the Mad God,¡± Deevok''s raspy voice echoed, taking a step forward and steadying himself against a nearby tree. Scott''s anxiety heightened; nevertheless, the examiner unraveled the mystery shrouding the tendrils that constricted his mouth. Resembling the boatman, it seemed likely that he harbored belief in the Mad God or, at worst, served as a subordinate. The eldritch knight released a deep breath, observing as Deevok acclimated to his altered form. ¡°What''s happening?¡± Scott inquired, easing his stance. ¡°What connection do you have with the boatman overseeing the burning river?¡± ¡°I am but a humble servant of the great one. I dare not claim kinship with the exalted ones,¡± Deevok released the tree and approached Scott with measured steps. ¡°I have waited patiently for you, the one bestowed with the seal of the exalted one.¡± Before the half-human could delve further, the examiner prostrated himself on the ground, bowing repeatedly in worship. Simultaneously, the darkness veiling the mask churned vigorously, tendrils shooting out and ensnaring the reverent examiner. Deevok emitted a soft moan as the tendrils burrowed through his flesh, his skin contorting to the whims of the intrusive invaders. Moments later, the tendrils retracted to the mask, and the examiner lifted his head, eyes ablaze with fervor. ¡°I understand your confusion, but rest assured, a glorious destiny awaits you,¡± Deevok spoke as he stood, though his head remained bowed. ¡°How much do you know of the great old ones?¡± the examiner suddenly asked. Scott tensed up for a moment. ¡°Tell me what you know.¡± The knowledge had eluded him for some reason; now that Deevok had mentioned it, he intended to satisfy his curiosity. Deevok prostrated on the ground again, confusing Scott. ¡°The unspeakable one, I vow I shall say nothing you do not permit.¡± Deevok raised his head, meeting Scott¡¯s gaze. However, the eldritch knight frowned. Although they were the only ones present, Scott felt like Deevok was addressing someone else. Scott opened his mouth, but he couldn¡¯t speak. Instead, a voice echoed from the mask. ¡°Speak,¡± it said, and the restrictions disappeared. Deevok bowed once more before standing. ¡°What I¡¯m about to reveal must never be spoken, especially to those who rule the current era.¡± Scott instinctively nodded. ¡°The tower has always been a war zone for champions seeking ultimate glory¡ªa seat at the table as one of the most powerful gods in the universe,¡± Deevok declared slowly. ¡°Amidst the chaos of the trials, a hidden yet even more brutal contest exists between the lesser gods and the gods.¡± Deevok paused again, and his voice turned more sinister. ¡°Despite the intensity of the battles between the gods, they ultimately end without any fatalities. However, a third contest exists, one you¡¯re destined to participate in.¡± ¡°What contest is that?¡± Scott interjected. ¡°The contest between the rulers of the old era and those of the current era,¡± Deevok declared. ¡°Unlike the undying battles between the gods, entities beyond your wildest imagination have, and will, lose the very essence of their beings in those battles.¡± Chapter 53 : Level up Silence stretched between Scott and Deevok as they exchanged glances, a tense atmosphere enveloping the duo. The battle among the gods was daunting, but an even more formidable confrontation with unknown entities sent shivers down the spine of the eldritch knight. Breaking the silence, Scott''s voice was low and weighty as he asked, ¡°Who are these entities you speak of?¡± Deevok responded with a silent shake of his head. ¡°I can''t answer that,¡± he said, awkwardly averting his gaze. Although disappointed, Scott didn''t dwell on the topic. ¡°What''s the relationship between Hastur and the Mad God?¡± he inquired. Once again, Deevok shook his head, his smile growing even more awkward. ¡°I can''t answer that, either.¡± Frustration warped Scott''s voice. ¡°What can you tell me, then?¡± ¡°I can offer some assistance in your ascent.¡± A golden orb materialized in Deevok''s hand, and he continued, ¡°With this, you''ll be able to find and communicate with the followers of the Mad God. You''ll surely need their help at some point.¡± Deevok tossed the golden item toward Scott, who caught it absentmindedly. The dazzling metal was cold to the touch, sending a tingling sensation through the fingers of the eldritch knight. Hastur''s gaze can''t discern anything strange, but for some reason, I have a bad feeling about this thing, Scott mused, frowning as he deliberated what to do with the orb. Unbeknownst to him, several tendrils sneaked out from the mask, subtly latching onto the golden sphere. ¡°Huh? When did this get here?¡± Scott noticed and attempted to sever the wandering critters. However, several more emerged from the swirling darkness, wrapping themselves around the fist-sized orb. Without warning, they dragged the orb into the mask, and a faint but noticeable golden tinge appeared within the swirling darkness. ¡°Unfortunately, I can''t divulge more due to certain restrictions I''m not at liberty to discuss,¡± Deevok apologized, bowing. Scott''s attention briefly shifted to the examiner, but his thoughts were elsewhere. There were too many unknowns, and the deliberate obstruction of information only intensified his frustration. Amid the lingering silence, Deevok raised his head once more. ¡°I didn''t mention this earlier due to more pressing matters, but your companions are safe. They''ve been sent to the sanctuaries of their sponsors, and you''ll likely reunite with them in Togan¡ªprovided they survive the journey.¡± Scott snapped out of his contemplative state, locking eyes with the examiner. ¡°What do you mean ''if they survive the journey''? What''s going to happen next?¡± ¡°Firstly, your starting point and theirs differ significantly. You''ve arrived here naturally because you lack sponsorship from any god." Deevok gestured toward the crystal-clear waters. "At the appointed time, the waters will part, revealing a path to Togan.¡± Scott''s expression soured. ¡°Are you suggesting we''ll have to traverse the ocean floor?¡± Deevok nodded without hesitation. ¡°You''ll have a day to reach the ocean''s floor before the divide closes. Once there, you need not worry about being swept away or feeling any pressure. All that''s left is to find Togan,¡± Deevok explained. Scott''s expression turned even more hideous behind his mask. The ocean stretched as far as the eyes could see, and there was no telling where exactly Togan was located. ¡°If you return to your initial starting point, it will take you a week to get to Togan if you walk normally. By ''normally'' in this instance, I mean a continuous day-and-night trek, walking in a straight line from the starting position,¡± Deevok clarified. ¡°Are there any creatures I should be wary of?¡± Scott asked, resigned to his fate. Deevok shook his head. ¡°No,¡± he said, pointing at the serene waters again. ¡°It will be only you in there. Others will set off from different locations, and they too will be alone. Lest I forget, it will be dark and perfectly silent. It''s not uncommon for several champions to be driven to madness during and after the trial.¡± ¡°What about those starting from the sanctuaries? Are they going through this too?¡± Scott asked. ¡°Yes, but theirs is a little different. Unlike the unsponsored, those in the same sanctuaries will travel in groups. They are less likely to succumb to insanity that way, and they also tend to reach Togan much faster than the unsponsored,¡± Deevok patiently explained. Ember wasn''t kidding when she said the trial would only get harder from now on, Scott thought. Silence loomed over the duo again until Scott snapped out of his pensive state, meeting the eyes of the examiner. ¡°How much do you know about time-travel?¡± This time, Deevok''s features turned ugly, and he instantly clicked his fingers. At that same moment, lightning tore through the perfect skies, disappearing as soon as it appeared. Deevok anxiously scanned the tranquil skies for a minute before turning towards Scott. ¡°The knowledge you seek is considered taboo.¡± The examiner leaned in, his voice a low whisper. ¡°However, it''s within reach. You''ll uncover more as you ascend the tower.¡± Scott nodded, inhaling deeply. ¡°What can you disclose about Togan and the rest of the trial?¡± ¡°Due to certain constraints, I can''t divulge much. Yet, your experience in the forest is just a tiny fraction of what Togan holds for you.¡± Deevok snapped his fingers once more, stepping back. Then, he continued, ¡°Surviving Togan requires genuine determination and unyielding ruthlessness. Without these, one wouldn''t endure for long, let alone conquer its challenges. That being said, I have high expectations that you''ll progress to the next floor.¡± ¡°Then why...?¡± Scott''s words were abruptly cut off by a deafening explosion, causing the forest to quake. The eldritch knight and examiner instinctively looked up at the skies. A colossal fist collided against an illusionary barrier, the sole defense preventing the planetary invader from obliterating the island. ¡°What in the world is that thing?¡± Scott recoiled, taking another step back. His wide eyes trembled as he focused on the cosmic smog veiling the entity behind the monstrous fist. Amidst the chaos, Deevok¡¯s voice resonated in the ears of the half-human. ¡°Don''t look at it,¡± he anxiously advised. ¡°Here, take this.¡± Scott turned towards the anxious examiner, who hastily tossed a small bottle in his direction. Deevok¡¯s body contorted without warning, shrinking as his limbs and head shortened once more, until he returned to his wooly appearance. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. The examiner made a beeline for Scott, arriving before the champion could react. Then, he created multiple holes in Scott''s garments while forcing him to the ground. The examiner bounced excitedly while clicking his fingers. At that same moment, the massive fist disappeared along with the tremors, and a flurry of system messages appeared.
Several lesser gods are jubilating!
The lesser god of illusions is crying bitterly!
The lesser god of illusions is in severe emotional pains!
The lesser god of misfortune is laughing at and sympathizing with the lesser god of illusions!
Several lesser gods are laughing at the lesser god of illusions!
Several lesser gods are pleased with your loss!
Several lesser gods are pleased you made them a small fortune!
A few lesser gods are displeased with your loss!
You have been banned from two sanctuaries!
Several lesser gods are pleased the administrator intervened!
Deevok''s laughter echoed through the air. ¡°Esteemed gods, my sincerest apologies for our extended offline status. However, fear not, for I have emerged triumphant from the battle and uncovered the knowledge I sought. I extend a heartfelt invitation to join me in observing the remaining champions as they endeavor to navigate their way out of the forest. You''re also welcome to keep an eye on him.¡± Deevok pointed casually at Scott. ¡°Though, I must warn you, it promises to be rather uneventful,¡± he added, twirling gracefully mid-jump.
Several lesser gods have stopped watching you!
The lesser god of illusions offers¡­
You have rejected the offer!
The lesser god of illusion says you have no conscience!
The lesser god of misfortune reminds the lesser god of illusions they placed a bet on their own volition!
The lesser god of illusions is accusing the lesser god of misfortune for bringing misfortune!
The lesser god of illusions has stopped watching you!
The lesser god of misfortune has stopped watching you!
Deevok twirled once more. ¡°Getting to Togan won''t be easy, you know.¡± The creature chuckled before disappearing into the earth. Meanwhile, Scott lay still, his vacant eyes fixed on the azure expanse above. Seconds merged into minutes, and minutes into hours, yet Scott maintained the same posture, his lifeless gaze focused on the canvas of the sky. The soft rustling of the bushes provided the only background noise. ¡°It''s time to go back,¡± Scott decided, sitting up and brushing off the loose sand from his clothes and hair. Observing the state of his torn garments, he could only sigh before rising. Without a word, the eldritch knight embarked on his solitary journey back to the starting point. Night descended upon the enchanting island; the moon''s dazzling reflection adorned the pristine waters below. The warmth of the day was replaced by gentle yet chilly winds, and the rhythmic waves from the sea reverberated in the silence of the night. Seated once again under the moonlight, Scott focused his entrancing eyes on the pill Ember had gifted him. The eldritch knight played with the magnificent creation for a moment before tilting his mask to the side. Without hesitation, he tossed the pill into his mouth, swallowing it in a single gulp. The powdery sphere dissolved as it slid down his throat, unleashing a fiery burst of energy with a spicy aftertaste. Scott hastily shed his clothes, his skin reddening and emitting heat hazes in mere seconds. A burning sensation gripped his insides. Damn it! It feels like my guts are getting roasted. Is this supposed to happen? Desperate for relief, he rolled on the cold beach sand, hoping to quell his rapidly rising body temperature. Instead, the heat intensified with each passing moment. Beads of sweat dripped down his naked, reddened form, compelling the eldritch knight to roll toward the water. A hiss echoed as Scott reached the shore, and steam enveloped the area. What the hell was that? It was like I was being cooked alive. Gasping for breath, he watched as his skin gradually returned to its normal appearance. However, relief transformed into confusion, then shock. What in the world¡­? He ran his fingers over his body, discovering that unlike before when he appeared sickly and malnourished, his skin now boasted a healthy hue and brimmed with energy. His physique had undergone a considerable change, and his muscles quivered with newfound strength, as if they were sentient and reveling in their enhanced vitality.
Congratulations! You have leveled up X7!
Scott¡¯s mouth opened as the system¡¯s messages rang out nonstop. This is beyond ridiculous. How did a pill meant for only boosting one¡¯s physical well-being let me level up seven fucking times?
You have absorbed 60% of the dragon pill!
The Mask of the Eldritch Knight has observed 10% of the dragon pill!
20% of the dragon pill has been modified due to your connection with the abyssal void!
You have gained a new energy source!
Energy Source: Inferno!
10% of the dragon pill remains dormant in your body!
You have gained four new Middle-tier abilities!
Ability Dragon Scales!
Dragon Aura!
Fusion!
Regeneration!
Abilities, Corrupted Mend and Regeneration are being merged!
Congratulations! You have gained a new High-tier ability!
Ability: Eldritch Regeneration!
Scott''s mouth fell open behind his mask, his eyes widening at the cascade of system notifications. How in the world did a mere physical well-being booster unleash such a flurry of effects? He fixated on his chiseled body, bathed in the moonlight''s glow. It dawned on him that Ember had grossly underestimated¡ªor deliberately concealed¡ªthe pill''s capabilities, perhaps for her own amusement. Contemplating the possible hidden motives behind Ember''s gift, Scott muttered, ¡°I don''t know if there''s some ulterior motive, but I''m relieved I didn''t trade it away. If I''d known its true potential, I would''ve consumed it much sooner.¡± With this realization, he approached his scattered clothes, hastily concealing his nakedness while retrieving a jar of gruff wine from his inventory. ¡°Now''s as good a time as any for a drink. Too bad Slim and Zara aren''t here,¡± he remarked, opening the jar, and releasing its fruity aroma into the night air. Left alone with his thoughts and newfound strength, the eldritch knight savored each sip beneath the mesmerizing glow of the moon. Chapter 54 : Syman Road
Abilities
Middle tier
Dragon Scales: Your skin will harden and will become as durable as a dragon¡¯s scales, while being resistant to most elemental attacks.
Dragon Aura: With your bloodlust as a trigger, you will be able to impose the almighty force of a dragon.
Fusion: Empowered by a dragon¡¯s mythical knowledge, you will be able to combine two or more synergistic abilities to create brand new abilities. Depending on the synergy between energy sources, it¡¯s also possible to combine them. Warning! Fusion of energy sources could have unprecedented consequences.
High tier
Eldritch Regeneration: Born from the fusion of two abilities, the user can restore health to themselves and others, healing wounds and injuries over time. The user is also capable of regrowing any part of their body that has been damaged or lost, as long as they do not die. Warning! Beings of non-eldritch origins are highly likely to succumb to their inner insanity when healed from Eldritch Regeneration.
Scott perused the system''s message, munching on dry rations. I wonder how Slim and Zara would react when they find out that I¡¯m now in level 17, he chuckled at the thought. His limpid eyes gazed at the serene waves, a longing for some reckless challengers surfaced. ¡°This is one of those nights I crave a bit of action to test out my newfound strength. A good fight would do wonders to keep me centered,¡± he muttered. Remaining motionless, Scott divided his attention between the undulating waves and the luminous moon overhead. ¡°I doubt anyone will meet the three-day deadline. Even if they do, they''ll just be shipped elsewhere. Looks like it''s solo mode for me in the coming days. Hopefully, I can reach Togan in under two weeks.¡± Scott shifted his focus to his status window, noting the increased probability of possession¡ªnow at 17%. Contemplating in silence, he pondered, Can I prevent it from happening? The eldritch knight lay there, eyes fixed on the solitary moon. Although his recollections of the eldritch gods were hazy, he understood their incomprehensible power. Faced with such a formidable entity attempting to seize control of his body, victory seemed an elusive prospect. As time passed, Scott remained entrenched in the same spot, observing two tranquil nights unfold. Positioned beneath the shelter of a towering tree, he reclined with his arms behind his neck, surveying the crystalline waters. Surrounding the half-human were remnants of gruff wine and empty water bowls, scattered in the gentle breeze that caressed the beach.
The Syman Road is about to emerge!
Champions should prepare themselves!
¡°It''s about time,¡± Scott muttered, as he rose leisurely from his seat. A wave of his hand made the empty vessels vanish into his inventory. The half-human stretched his arms and legs, accompanied by the satisfying cracks of his neck as he turned it from side to side. A sense of curiosity overcame him about what might unfold next. Despite enjoying the tranquility of the past few days, boredom had crept in. The prospect of traveling in the dark seemed tedious, and he couldn''t fathom how it would unfold. Leaning against a tree, Scott sighed. His eyes, filled with curiosity, remained fixed on the shore, where a myriad of thoughts danced through his mind.
The Syman Road is emerging!
Tremors jolted the sea the moment the system''s message materialized, causing Scott''s brows to shoot up. Cracks marred the once-pristine surface of the water, as if cleaving the world into halves. The seas withdrew, sculpting an immense, motionless tidal wave on the horizon. Trees and rocks in the vicinity quivered in unison with the tremors, releasing a whirlwind of dirt, leaves, and assorted debris. Scott fixated on the colossal waves, his demeanor tense and tinged with agitation. It''s motionless now, but when it moves, this island will plunge into the depths. The eldritch knight swallowed hard, shifting his gaze to the cracks spiderwebbing across the ocean floor. How massive does it intend to become? Scott pondered, observing as the cracks expanded with each passing second. Moments later, the tremors subsided, and a fresh system message materialized.
The Syman Road has emerged!
The Syman Road will remain open until midnight!
¡°I suppose it''s time to move,¡± Scott muttered, taking a step forward. His narrowed gaze alternated between the colossal waves and the deep fissures in the earth, seemingly stretching into the abyss. The eldritch knight approached the shore, studying the lattice of cracks on either side of the towering walls of water. Scott turned toward the tranquil forest for a moment. I wonder if any of them made it out. He shook his head before continuing his journey. ¡°I just need to keep walking straight ahead. I should cover as much distance as I can in the first couple of days.¡± Scott burst onto the road, sprinting with all his might without looking back. The farther he ran, the deeper he descended into the sloping path. The crystal-clear walls had grown even larger, seemingly reaching the heavens. However, Scott remained focused on running; nothing else mattered. Meanwhile, at the beach, Deevok shot out from the earth, gazing in the direction Scott had departed. I wish you good luck. Your journey will only become more difficult from here, he thought before submerging. The cold of the night once again replaced the day¡¯s warmth. The towering water walls remained unmoving, but unlike before, they sparkled, basking under the silver radiance of the moonlight. Scott, walking at a measured pace, ran his fingers along the permeable barrier as he continued his journey. Condensed air escaped from his nostrils with each step, and his hair stood on end. Unlike the beach, the temperature within the road was significantly lower, with a thin layer of ice covering the ground. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. I¡¯m fucking lucky I took the dragon pill. I can tell it¡¯s ridiculously cold, but I don¡¯t feel a thing. Scott stared at his fingers and the ripped portion of his clothes. A thin, crimson layer pulsated underneath his clothes, fighting off the biting cold. Scott raised his head toward the skies, the reflection of the crescent moon painted on his eyes. Midnight shouldn¡¯t be that far away. There should be¡­ He sighed mid-thought while shaking his head. There¡¯s no need to think about that. There¡¯s still a long way to go. Maintaining the same walking pace, he occasionally glided his fingers along the absorbent barrier while attempting to contact his companions, but he received no response.
The Syman Road is closing!
Warning! Champions who haven¡¯t embarked on the journey to Togan are advised to do so before the road closes!
Tremors once again jolted the area, causing Scott to pause mid-step. The walls of the surrounding space drew relentlessly closer to each other. In a frantic dash, Scott raced to the center of the road, turning anxiously as the encroaching walls threatened to converge into a seamless whole. Turning around, Scott found himself unable to discern where, or how far away he had walked from the island. Although the distance remained uncertain, his attention was captivated by the barrier forming in the upper reaches. The tremors heightened as the two halves of the ocean once again merged, leaving a daunting darkness in their wake. The ensuing tsunami swallowed the island, dragging every creature within the lush jungle into the ocean''s depths. Then, as abruptly as they started, the tremors ceased. The moon''s reflection painted itself across the now pristine waters, but neither Scott nor the island revealed itself beneath the crystal-clear surface.
The Syman Road has closed!
Several thousand kilometers into the calm sea, Scott remained fixed in position, his entire being immersed in an abyss of pitch-black darkness. ¡°I thought he said this place would be dark. Why is it so bright?¡± Scott pivoted from side to side. Unbeknownst to him, the yellow sign revolved in his eyes and on the mask of the eldritch knight. A peculiar citrine hue, creating a hollow vacuum, tainted the path ahead. Scott lifted his head, gazing at the thin layers obstructing the surrounding waters. The makeshift vacuum, spacious enough for five people standing shoulder to shoulder but only tall enough for someone just over fifteen feet, extended deep into the boundless expanse of nothingness. ¡°Anyone here?!¡± Scott bellowed at the top of his lungs, yet the vacuum responded with complete silence. Undeterred, he shouted again and again, but the void swallowed his voice. Frustration mounting, he kicked a nearby pebble, only to find it produce no sound as it silently traversed the ground.
The Mask of the Eldritch Spawn has started absorbing your madness!
Already? Scott¡¯s right brow shot up. I won¡¯t run the risk of running mad with the mask and the war-hammer with me. Scott then focused on the path ahead. I only need to focus on getting to Togan as fast as I can. With his course decided, he continued his lonely journey; unable to differentiate night from day. He tried intermittently to contact Zara and Slim, but once again, silence greeted his messages. ¡°System, can you establish a connection with the lesser god of illusions?¡± Scott asked mentally.
Request Denied!
Scott averted his gaze from the system''s notification, choosing to dismiss the reason behind the denial of his request without bothering to read it. Instead, he carried on along the path, taking occasional breaks. Days blurred by swiftly, with Scott deliberately overlooking the system messages announcing the eldritch knight''s mask consuming more madness. Yet, he remained unfazed. The surrounding waters and the desolate path revealed neither living nor deceased creatures. Despite covering considerable ground along the Syman road, the glorious sunken city of Togan remained elusive to Scott''s probing eyes. How could an unsponsored individual endure this trial without succumbing to madness? He thought. The silence was so profound that he couldn''t even hear his own heartbeat. Though he was spared from insanity, he had never felt more bored to death. ¡°I''d give anything to see a damn fish or an ant, or something alive¡ªheck, I don''t care if they''re dead. Anything to prove I''m not alone," Scott muttered, his visage contorting behind the mask. ¡°Don''t be weak!¡± a raspy voice thundered in the mind of the eldritch knight, jolting him from his stupor. Scott scanned his surroundings but found no source for the voice. Then, a thought filled his mind, and he instinctively reached for the mask. Was that the war-hammer of the Mad God? Calling out to the sinister weapon, Scott was met with silence. I knew it wouldn''t answer, but oh well. For a moment there, it felt as if I was losing myself, he reflected, his expression turning serious behind the mask. Normally, my other senses should be heightened, but the air is devoid of any smells, and the dragon scales have dulled my sensitivity somewhat. Anyone who survives this hell is a true monster. There¡¯s no way they won¡¯t have some loose screws upstairs. Perhaps Togan is a city filled with lunatics, Scott mused. Time slowly counted down as Scott continued his lonely journey. He frequently spoke to himself, laughing and smiling at his own jokes and thoughts. In between his irregular sprints, he played random games with the surrounding rocks on the ground¡ªanything to keep his mind off the tedious and lonely journey. The concept of day and night no longer mattered to him; after all, everything bathed in a citrine glow. As he ran, Scott pondered, who would win in a fight between Luffy and Naruto if they were both stripped of their unique abilities, and could only fight with their fists, and without weapons too? Scott prepared himself to settle the debate, but a voice suddenly thundered in his mind. ¡°Can anyone hear me?¡± Scott paused in his tracks. ¡°Buddies, are you guys there?¡± His heart thumped faster than ever as he struggled to contain his smile. He readied himself to respond, but a system message suddenly flashed across the screen.
You are approaching Togan¡¯s border!
Warning! You won¡¯t be able to leave once you step foot in Togan!
Tremors rocked the vacuum, but it only lasted a moment. However, a diverging path suddenly appeared in front of Scott. One led straight ahead, while the other branched off to his right.
Do you wish to maintain your current path? Or do you wish to continue through the Syman Sea?
Should you continue your current path, you will arrive in Togan in about 80 km!
However, if you continue through the Syman Sea, you will arrive at the fourth test stage in 2000 km!
Which path do you wish to choose?
Chapter 55 : Togan The system¡¯s notification pulsed in silence as Scott silently deliberated his next actions. The offer was tempting, but 2000 kilometers more of walking and numbing silence was too many than he could handle. And there were no guarantees he wouldn¡¯t face dangers along the way. Then again, was there any chance his remaining rations would even survive the journey? ¡°Slim, where are you guys now?¡± Zara¡¯s voice echoed through the party¡¯s channel. ¡°My leader, I''ve missed you. I''m about 4 km away from Togan, what about you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m at the front gate, been here for a couple of hours. What about Scott? Have you heard from him?¡± ¡°Nothing yet. I kind of feel bad for him. He¡¯s the only one without a sponsor among us. He¡¯s bound to be traveling alone right now,¡± Slim said after a momentary pause. ¡°I can only hope he chose the right path because even someone like him would go insane if he took the wrong one.¡± ¡°Something tells me that won¡¯t be the case with him,¡± Zara suddenly said. ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened in your sanctuary, but I¡¯m sure a lot of devotees must have mentioned how lucky you were to have passed the first series of trials, right?¡± ¡°Now that you mention it, something like that happened,¡± Slim whispered, seemingly in a daze. ¡°They kept looking at me like I was some kind of oddity. I had to convince myself that they were just blown away by my rugged handsomeness.¡± ¡°Not now, Slim,¡± Zara interjected. ¡°Wait, let me finish. I wasn¡¯t going on a tangent about my looks,¡± Slim hurriedly said. ¡°As I was saying, they were especially nice to me because of how fast I progressed through the trials. Apparently, such speed is unheard of amongst new trialists. What¡¯s more, I heard most people from our batch are still stuck in that desert. Can you imagine that?¡± ¡°I personally have never been considered lucky, but I have a feeling our supposed luck has something to do with Scott.¡± Slim interrupted the tense atmosphere with a straightforward question, ¡°My leader, what are you suggesting?¡± Silence permeated the channel before Zara resumed speaking. ¡°In essence, I have confidence that Scott will arrive unharmed. However, you and I need to be prepared for the challenges ahead. In my experience, those blessed with extraordinary luck often attract immense disasters.¡± Zara paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing, ¡°I''m not planning on abandoning any of you, but I can understand if¡ª¡± Slim''s laughter abruptly cut off Zara''s words. ¡°My leader, what in the world happened to you in your sanctuary?¡± Slim struggled to contain his laughter. ¡°Even if you tried to force me, I wouldn''t leave. Our buddy might be eccentric¡ªI hope he doesn''t hear me say that¡ªbut I believe he has our backs, no matter what,¡± Slim chuckled again. Scott couldn''t help but smile behind his mask, feeling a bit embarrassed. He debated whether to reveal he could hear them, but before he could decide, Zara spoke up again. ¡°I feel the same way. By the way, I''ll be expecting my bribe if you want me to keep quiet.¡± Slim nervously laughed, ¡°I have no idea what you''re talking about. There''s no proof I said anything. Also, for some reason, the connection is breaking. I''ll see you at the gate.¡± ¡°Wait,¡± Zara called out. ¡°I just remembered, there are some individuals at the city''s entrance searching for someone. They''re going to ask you to reveal your status screen to them.¡± ¡°What? Who the hell do they think they are?¡± Slim interjected. ¡°Calm down. They really aren''t people that either of us, or anybody heading to Togan, can mess with. They''re only searching for individuals with a unique class related to envy. Since you''re a necromancer, you should be fine. Scott, too, should be fine since he''s a hammer warlord,¡± Zara explained. ¡°It still doesn''t sit right with me. Who gave those guys the authority to do something like that?¡± Slim grumbled. ¡°The Celestial Blades, I heard,¡± Zara whispered. Silence loomed in the party channel; unbeknownst to the feline and skeleton, Scott''s countenance had turned hideous. A set of familiar faces flashed through his mind, his hands balling into fists. If Omar and the others are the creators of Celestial Blades, then it would make sense why they''re searching for people with classes related to envy. Scott''s countenance darkened even further as his repressed memories from the fateful encounter flashed in his mind. Come to think of it, that militia bastard could still be alive. Scott''s frown deepened as his gaze lingered on the system''s window. ¡°Thanks for the heads up. I don''t think we have anything to worry about,¡± Slim said. ¡°I''ll see you soon. We''re getting closer.¡± Scott clicked on the pulsating system window, and it disappeared. At that same moment, the diverting path visibly crumbled, as if it had never been there to begin with.
You have decided to remain on your current path!
I have no reason to be worried; after all, it¡¯s likely that they won¡¯t even be able to see my real class; and even if they did, I don¡¯t have any classes relating to envy. This is the right decision, Scott thought to himself. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Saying nothing further, he continued his lonely trek within the vacuum. Although Togan was only 80 km away, he had no intentions of rushing; intending to conserve as much energy as possible. Several hours passed in a flash, and Scott found himself standing at the end of the hollow pathway; on the periphery of an underwater waterfall. A majestic city, boasting towering structures and encased by reflective walls, floated just a couple of feet away from him at the center of this circular oddity.
You have found Togan! Exp: 300!
A cacophony of powerful noises, causing tremors, echoed from beyond the citrine barrier, yet not a single living being could be seen within the intimidating city''s surroundings. The path ended abruptly. Scott turned from side to side, but no other path revealed itself. Frowning, he stared intently at the waterfall, but like everything else, it seemed normal; only it didn''t bask in the same yellow glow of the vacuum. He opened his inventory, retrieving a turquoise elemental shard. The gemstone shattered as soon as it appeared, and the dust gathered around Scott''s body before he could react. A crack lined the vacuum, spreading like spiderwebs. In a flash, the barrier exploded. However, at that very moment, an emerald beam originating from Togan struck the dust particles, and Scott disappeared. ¡°Please maintain an orderly line and avoid causing any trouble. Fighting or any kind of disorderliness will not be tolerated,¡± announced a man in silver armor. Tens of thousands of people, varying in age, physiques, and races, stood in line under the searing heat. In front of them was a towering steel gate with carvings of mythical creatures on its sleek surface. Several people in silver armor manned the entrance, carrying dazzling swords either strapped to their backs or hanging from their waists. Each armed individual had the depiction of twin crimson blades amidst a cluster of blackened stars on the right side of their chest plate, while some had the same insignia tattooed on different parts of their bodies. The boisterous crowd silently obeyed the armed group, who exuded a domineering spirit sufficient to subdue anyone present. Among the large crowd, Scott observed in silence while contemplating his surroundings in disbelief. Verdant trees and other vegetation covered the large area surrounding the majestic walls. The air was cool and fresh, leaving a somewhat minty aftertaste. Despite the scorching heat, neither of the champions sweated nor felt fatigued. ¡°Why do we have to queue like we''re attending a concert or something?¡± a young man in leather armor grumbled. ¡°Surviving that dark place wasn''t easy, and now we have to wait here without any reason.¡± Like many other champions in the area, the man, along with others, either covered their eyes or simply lowered their heads. Weeks to months spent on the treacherous Syman road had left most of their senses restricted. The bright lights, cool winds, and chatter from the surrounding champions overloaded their senses, with some handling the situation better than others. ¡°Oi, shut the heck up, will ya? You''re not the only one waiting. If you''ve got something to say, go over there and tell ''em. No one wants to hear your nonsense,¡± a short man with a thick accent replied. A dirty washcloth fell over his bald head, partially covering his eyes. ¡°Shut up, you two,¡± another man interjected from the side. ¡°Do you idiots have any idea who those guys are? If you want to die, then go off from the line. Don''t drag us into your mess.¡± ¡°Look at Rambo over here,¡± the short man turned toward the spearman. ¡°Who are you telling to go off? I dare ya to say it again.¡± The man slung his silver ax over one shoulder, his gaze focused on the slender spearman. Irritated, the spearman stepped out of the line, and so did the ax wielder. However, at that same moment, a figure in silver armor appeared in between the two. ¡°Fighting or any sort of conflict is not permitted. Violators will be strictly punished,¡± the knight announced, her soft voice filling the ears of the surrounding champions. ¡°Please proceed to the back of the line since you have already lost your place.¡± The spearman shot a brief glance at the soft-spoken knight before letting out a sigh. Without uttering a word, he made his way to the back of the line, where a constant stream of people emerged from a cluster of multicolored dust clouds. Meanwhile, the short champion maintained his position, hazel eyes fixed on the armored knight. ¡°What if I don''t feel like doin'' that? What''s a wee lass like ya gonna do?¡± he smirked, strolling back to his now-occupied spot. ¡°Please cease your actions and return to the back of the line,¡± the knight reminded. Ignoring the request, the champion snorted and attempted to force his way back in. The person now occupying the vacant spot adjusted, and the short champion returned, his derisive smile wider than ever. ¡°This is your last warning. Go back to the line or face the consequences of your¡­¡± The champion sniggered, mocking the knight with gestures. ¡°Blah, blah, blah. Stop ya yapping, sweetheart. I heard ya the first time, and I¡­¡± A colossal finger descended from the heavens, pressing down on the champion. His body exploded instantly, drenching the surroundings in a mix of blood and unidentifiable liquids. A pulsating, transparent screen shielded the soft-spoken knight from the filth eruption, but the other champions in the vicinity weren''t as fortunate. The singular finger causing the mayhem silently disappeared, leaving behind a small, bubbling, bloody pool in the earth. Silence took hold. Several champions struggled to maintain their composure, a few frozen in terror. ¡°Once again, I advise all of you to adhere to the rules and avoid causing any trouble,¡± the knight reminded as she deactivated the shield. ¡°If you leave your spot for any reason, no matter how brief, kindly return to the back of the existing line. Unless, of course,¡± she paused, glancing at the bloodied pool. No one retorted. The finger acted swiftly and decisively, leaving the champions no time to think, let alone react. The knight scanned the group, believing her task was complete. She turned to leave but quickly reversed her steps. Her keen gaze focused on a man, studying his surroundings. Unlike everywhere else, smeared with filth, not a single blemish marred the torn clothes of the champion, let alone the surrounding grass. The soft-spoken knight approached, her right hand resting on the hilt of her sword. She stopped a foot away from the man. ¡°Please step out of the line and show me your status screen,¡± she said. Scott nonchalantly turned toward the woman, locking gazes with the knight. She took a step back, her grip firm on the hilt of her longsword. ¡°If I do that, will I be allowed to proceed to the city afterward?¡± Scott folded his arms across his chest, waiting for the woman''s response. The knight took deep breaths, regaining her composure. ¡°That depends on what I find,¡± she said. ¡°Now, for your own good, please step out of the line.¡± Scott and several other champions instinctively raised their heads. Only the plain heavens were visible to the naked eye. However, Scott''s gaze lingered on the massive cracks covering the skies, and a monstrous entity of unknown origin lowered its chained fingers slowly in his direction. Scott lowered his head, a hidden smile playing on his lips. Silently, he moved out of the line, and the monstrous anomaly in the sky vanished. ¡°I''m not sure what you''re searching for, but I assure you, I''m no troublemaker,¡± Scott said in a hushed tone. ¡°Feel free to inspect my status screen.¡± Chapter 56 : Found You Laura observed the man with curious eyes, her fingers dancing on the pommel of her silver sword. Could he be part of the people they were looking for? The frenzied knight took deep breaths, attempting to calm her racing heart. Despite spending numerous days stationed in front of Togan, meeting countless individuals over the past couple of years, this was the first time she felt genuinely terrified at the prospect of allowing someone to enter the city. ¡°Before we begin, can I ask a question?¡± Scott folded his arms across his chest. ¡°What is it?¡± Laura inquired with an unseen frown. ¡°Isn¡¯t it unfair that you guys get to view the status screen of everyone present?¡± Scott questioned, not bothering to lower his voice. ¡°Why should we put ourselves at the mercy of the Celestial Blades? Is there a specific trait you guys are searching for?¡± Scott tilted his head to the side, glancing at the surrounding champions whose demeanor had undergone a complete change. The champions turned toward the knight, their visage echoing their displeasure. ¡°What¡¯s this nonsense about you guys checking our status screen?¡± a lizardman complained. ¡°I thought this line was to check if we had the proper qualifications or something. What the heck is this about checking our status screen?¡± a robust man chimed in. ¡°This is absurd! Who do you guys think you are? Why would we reveal something that personal?¡± another man protested. Laura''s visage turned listless white as she took a step back. ¡°Please, calm down, everyone.¡± ¡°What do you mean we should calm down? Give us an explanation, woman,¡± a bipedal bear-like creature demanded. Several champions directed their hostile gazes toward the retreating knight, yet none dared to abandon their positions on the line. A few, however, involuntarily raised their heads, apprehensive that the mysterious figure''s finger might descend once more. Meanwhile, Scott maintained his unwavering stance, an imperceptible smile playing on his lips as agitation rippled through the crowd. ¡°Everyone, please remain calm!¡± resonated a thunderous voice across the field. Instantly, silence descended, and the astonished champions lifted their heads to behold a figure clad in silver armor, suspended in midair. The blinding brilliance of the armor seemed to devour the sun''s radiance, creating the illusion of an all-consuming void challenging the natural order. ¡°I understand your grievances, and I assure you that our sole interest lies in investigating your Class. Your race, skills, abilities, and any other secrets will remain private,¡± declared the figure. ¡°How can we trust your words?¡± bellowed a cyclops, capturing the attention of numerous champions. Unlike the stereotypical cyclops, this one stood shorter and thinner, adorned in exquisite clothing while emanating an aura of opulence and poise. The hovering champion turned toward the cyclops, conjuring a bound scroll in his hand. ¡°This is an edict from the administrator,¡± he announced. ¡°Without delving into excessive details, it grants the Celestial Blades the authority to inspect the Classes of champions seeking entry into Togan, Napex, Domigoro, and twenty other cities.¡± The expressions of several champions shifted as they focused on the slightly yellowed parchment. Despite its unremarkable appearance, its aura surpassed that of all the champions in the area combined. Taking a step forward, the polished cyclops fixed its eye on the edict. ¡°If I understand correctly, everyone in the Celestial Blade will suffer from the curse of blindness when viewing other sections of our status screens, is that right?¡± ¡°That''s correct,¡± the armored knight declared. ¡°The administrator''s permission is limited to confirming your class alone. We won''t be able to see anything else, even if we desired.¡± The miniature cyclops nodded. ¡°Thanks for your explanation. Carry on.¡± Without saying more, he quietly retreated to the back of the line, having stepped out earlier. ¡°There''s no way to tell if that thing is genuine,¡± a man suddenly interjected. ¡°It could be forged, for all we know.¡± Chuckles and derisive glances were directed at the anxious man. The armored knight focused on the skeptical champion. ¡°Rest assured, there''s no one in the Tower of Champions bold enough to forge this,¡± he said slowly while stowing the edict in his inventory. ¡°If you have any grievances, you can seek an audience with the administrator through an examiner. Hopefully, it''s an experience you won''t regret.¡± The knight vanished and reappeared in front of Scott, positioning himself between the eldritch knight and Laura. This guy is much taller than I expected" Scott thought, his right brow shooting up as he locked gazes with the towering figure.
Hastur¡¯s Gaze is unable to peer through the status screen of the designated target!
Even before the system''s notification, Scott knew he was not someone to mess with. ¡°Thank you for addressing my question. I wouldn''t want to waste your time, so go ahead and verify my class to your satisfaction.¡± The knight gestured towards Laura, who promptly approached the floating system window. However, the man''s attention remained fixed on Scott. Laura inspected the status screen briefly before stepping back. She whispered softly to the motionless knight, and seconds later, the towering man vanished without uttering a word. ¡°Well?¡± Scott slowly cracked his neck. ¡°You''re not going to ask me to line up again, are you?¡± Laura studied him for a moment before sighing. ¡°Come with me. There''s no need to queue anymore.¡± Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Scott smiled, and his status screen disappeared. With Laura leading the way, the duo walked quietly toward the front of the line. ¡°So, who or what exactly are you searching for?¡± Scott casually asked, glancing at the surrounding champions. ¡°They must have quite the reputation for you guys to go through all this trouble.¡± Laura paid no attention to the man as she continued walking in silence. However, Scott''s voice echoed once again, breaking through her detachment. ¡°So, what''s Togan like? Do you have any tips and tricks for passing the next test?¡± ¡°I wouldn''t tell you even if I knew,¡± Laura muttered without turning. ¡°Do you think you''re the first person to ask? Even if you consider yourself special, I assure you that you aren''t that special.¡± Scott chuckled softly, maintaining his pace. He opened his mouth to speak, but the soft-spoken knight cut him off. ¡°Just so you know, another inspection will be carried out when we reach the gate.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Scott''s brows shot up. ¡°Why? Didn''t you already confirm it yourself?¡± ¡°One can never tell if an item is masking your true class. You have no reason to be worried if that isn''t the case,¡± the knight explained. A frown distorted Scott''s visage, but it only lasted a moment. I should be okay, right? Even if they''re searching for people with envy-related classes, it has nothing to do with the current me. Unless¡­ A thought crossed the mind of the eldritch knight, and he couldn''t shake it off. What if their true intention all along was to root out beings of eldritch origins? Fuck! And it''s not like I can turn around right now. Lost in his thoughts, a hand suddenly dropped onto Scott''s shoulder, rousing him from his stupor. Before he could react, cheerful laughter filled his ears as the grip tightened. ¡°Found you!¡± Scott turned toward the owner of the delicate arm. A thin, see-through veil wrapped around the face of the long-eared elf, and an assortment of jewels adorned her pitch-black hair cascading over her shoulders. Her slender physique and ample bosom, coupled with her simple black dress and boots, drew the attention of several champions in the area. But her most alluring feature was her bewitching emerald eyes that seemed to peer into one''s soul. Scott swiftly smacked away the hand of the beauty, but the elf simply giggled while playing with the tip of her hair. Who the hell is she? Have I met her before? Scott dismissed the thought instantly; there was no way he could forget encountering an elf. Then, a troubling notion crossed his mind, souring his mood. Wait, don''t tell me she''s one of them. Without uttering another word, Scott continued moving. The elf hesitated briefly but remained in the same position. ¡°My name is Llorva. Wait for me, okay? I''ll definitely find you,¡± she said, waving her hands. I forgot, being alone for a while now, that everyone passing Syman road is bound to be a bit crazy, Scott thought, glancing at the surrounding champions. Although most only returned his gaze for a second, a few showed a livelier reaction to his brief look. ¡°Hmm¡­ why does it feel like those people are watching you?¡± Laura suddenly commented. Like several other champions, she had noticed the peculiar attention focused on Scott. Moreover, none of the champions shared any distinguishing features that would explain the reason for their prolonged, somewhat intense stares. ¡°You''re probably imagining it,¡± Scott muttered, his voice uncharacteristically low. ¡°Uh-huh,¡± Laura briefly glanced at the eldritch knight, contemplating whether to delve deeper. However, she quickly dismissed the thought. Although curious, she wasn''t one to pry into others'' affairs. ¡°Guys, can you hear me? I''ll soon be reaching the front gate,¡± Scott announced mentally. ¡°Whoa, buddy. You''re here already?¡± Slim commented, unable to conceal his surprise. ¡°Are you okay, though? The journey must have been painful. So, how many do you have now?¡± ¡°What?¡± Scott asked, confused yet curious. ¡°C''mon, buddy. There''s no need to be ashamed. We won''t judge you. So, how many imaginary friends do you have now?¡± ¡°Slim, please shut up,¡± Zara interjected, giggling softly. ¡°Scott, I''m glad you''re okay. We were seriously worried about you.¡± ¡°Thanks, guys,¡± Scott said with a smile. ¡°Quick question, what happens when I get to the front gate? What kind of device are they going to use on me?¡± ¡°It''s nothing to worry about, really,¡± Slim reassured. ¡°They''ll ask you to place your hand on some orb. Normally, it shouldn''t have any reaction. At least, that''s what happened to me and Zara.¡± ¡°By the way, you shouldn''t cause any trouble with the Celestial Blades,¡± Zara added, a hint of worry in her voice. ¡°Although they can''t directly harm us, they have the means to end the lives of those who disrupt their work. Please be careful.¡± ¡°Thanks. I''m not a troublemaker, so I should be fine,¡± Scott replied. Then, the channel abruptly fell silent. ¡°Guys?¡± Scott called out, but silence echoed louder than before. Why did the connection suddenly get cut off? Scott frowned behind his mask as he stared at the towering gate in the distance. Is it possible they have something capable of blocking communication between those outside and inside? The eldritch knight pondered on the topic for a moment, and with each passing moment, he became more convinced of his conjecture. They¡¯re probably blocking off communication to prevent information from leaking, Scott thought to himself. He continued his slow trek toward the front gate, dodging the curious and passionate gazes of several champions along the way. Unlike before, he didn¡¯t walk at arm¡¯s length from the stationary champions, ensuring there wasn¡¯t a repeat of his encounter with Llorva. More champions from Celestial Blades revealed themselves the further they walked; and unlike Laura who exuded a passive aura, all the champions had an oppressive aura of seasoned warriors. Two hours later, Scott and Laura arrived in front of the massive gate. The eldritch knight couldn¡¯t help but stop and stare at the intricate and intimidating beasts depicted on the sleek entrance. Several extravagant tents were situated either side of the closed barriers, and the long line branched off into eight smaller lines, matching the number of tents. The Celestial Blades stationed around the gate escorted the champions to a tenth, before departing to repeat the same process. I can¡¯t see Slim or Zara anywhere. It seems they¡¯re already in Togan, Scott thought, staring at the towering intricate steelwork. No matter how much he thought about it, he didn¡¯t know what to expect in the enormous city. ¡°Follow me,¡± Laura suddenly called out. ¡°Let¡¯s go verify your class,¡± she added while walking toward a tent. Scott quietly followed the knight, while observing his surroundings. Laura exchanged greetings with several champions along the way, with many of the knights staring intently at Scott¡¯s animated mask. Laura paused as soon as she reached the entrance of the tent, then she turned toward Scott. ¡°Go in.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not coming with me?¡± Scott asked. ¡°No. Good luck and goodbye.¡± The knight wordlessly approached the long line again, leaving Scott at the tent¡¯s entrance. Scott¡¯s eyes followed the soft-spoken knight for a moment, then he averted his gaze. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going to happen, but I should be fine, right? He took a deep breath, parting the curtains leading into the tent. Why is it so dark? Scott frowned behind his mask. Unlike the Syman road, the tent¡¯s interior was the true definition of darkness; darkness so thick that he couldn¡¯t even see his own arms despite waving it in front of his face. ¡°Keep walking!¡± A voice echoed in the darkness. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whether you walk straight-ahead or turn back, either way you will reach Togan¡¯s gate,¡± the voice announced. That voice¡­ it doesn¡¯t sound like a human¡¯s voice. Scott frowned for a moment, before silently walking through the darkness. On his twentieth step, the same voice echoed again. ¡°Hammer Warlord!¡± it declared. Wait, that¡¯s it? Didn¡¯t they say I was supposed to touch some orb? He thought. A sharp crack reverberated through the air, accompanied by a blinding light that pierced the surrounding darkness. Scott instinctively shielded his eyes with his hands, the sudden brilliance disorienting him. Simultaneously, a cacophony of noise assaulted his ears. Amidst the chaos, a familiar voice cut through the clamor and reached him. ¡°Buddy, you made it. It''s great to see you.¡± Chapter 57 : Varkham Hound Scott stumbled forward, surveying his unfamiliar surroundings. The area was teeming with champions, either strolling in groups or solitary figures, all within the vast space adorned with thousands of peculiar rocks forming a unique formation. ¡°This looks nothing like the map. Where the hell am I?¡± Scott muttered to himself, turning around. The steel gates came into view, but the intricate designs were conspicuously absent on the sleek surface. Zara and Slim approached with measured steps, wearing bright smiles. ¡°Buddy, are you okay? Need a moment?¡± Slim asked. ¡°You might be hearing ringing in your ears and your vision could be a bit impaired, but that''s normal. You''ll be fine soon enough.¡± Zara, arms crossed, tilted her head slightly. ¡°I don''t know if I''m seeing things, but it looks like he''s gotten more muscular.¡± The cat girl smiled, silently questioning her own memories. ¡°I''m fine. No ringing, and I can see clearly,¡± Scott replied softly. Apart from a brief dizziness, he felt unchanged. ¡°How have you guys been?¡± Slim grinned, draping his arms over Scott''s shoulder. ¡°Boy, do I have a lot to tell you. My sanctuary was amazing. I was practically a celebrity. Who would have thought my music was famous over there?¡± Slim chuckled, unable to hide his smug grin. Scott''s brows shot up. ¡°I can''t believe something like that happened. No wonder you''re excited.¡± He then turned to Zara, noting her enhanced physique. ¡°You guys leveled up. Congratulations,¡± he said, nodding, his gaze lingering on Zara''s gauntlet. Just how many people did she slaughter since our last meeting? The bloodstained gauntlets looked unrecognizable from what he recalled, emitting a faint but intoxicating scent. Neither Zara nor Slim were surprised that Scott could detect their progress. However, despite the system displaying no change in Scott''s levels since unity, they knew better than to judge him solely based on the system''s information. ¡°I''m kind of surprised too. They gave us some weird fruits in the sanctuary. Unfortunately, they forbade us from taking any during our departure,¡± Zara admitted, a bashful smile playing on her lips. ¡°But it seems you leveled up too, or at least found something good.¡± The brawler silently scanned Scott from head to toe. ¡°I thought I was imagining things,¡± Slim remarked, taking a step back. The necromancer stroked his chin while pacing around Scott. ¡°Buddy, what have you been eating? When did you get all these muscles?¡± The necromancer struck awkward poses, akin to a seasoned photographer ready to capture the perfect shot. ¡°Stop being weird,¡± Zara interjected with a glare at the skeleton before changing the topic. ¡°Are you okay, by the way? It must have been burdensome traveling through the Syman road alone.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not an experience I¡¯d like to repeat, but I¡¯m generally okay. Thanks for your concern,¡± Scott replied with an unseen smile. He glanced at the surrounding champions, his gaze lingering on a few who had magically appeared in the stone field. ¡°So, what have you guys discovered about this place?¡± Zara and Slim exchanged glances, their demeanor turning serious. ¡°Buddy, to be honest, nobody knows what''s going on,¡± Slim said. The necromancer gestured towards a winding path amidst the giant rocks as he continued, ¡°For some reason, that''s the only route we''ve been permitted to take.¡± ¡°What happens if you choose somewhere else?¡± Scott interjected. ¡°You''re sent back here, just like the forest path,¡± Zara responded. ¡°However, the rock formation bears no similarities to any of the districts. I suspected it was another merged case, but the paths are completely different,¡± Slim added. Scott shifted his attention towards the expansive rock formation. The same traps hidden in the forest are present here too, but it felt different this time. He frowned, staring at the covert mist innocuously doubling as heat hazes. The concentration and spread eclipsed that of the Syman Forest by a hundredfold. ¡°Has anyone tried using an elemental shard?¡± Scott suddenly asked, his eyes still focused on the inferno-like mist blazing into the skies. ¡°Yes,¡± Zara said without pause. ¡°It didn''t work either. The elemental shards shattered instantly, and they were all sent back here. They gave up after experimenting with different elemental shards.¡± The feline brawler sighed softly, rearranging her hair. ¡°It seems the examiner only wants us to go through one path.¡± ¡°Buddy, can you see anything different?¡± Slim suddenly asked. There was no one he trusted more to demystify the secrets of the rock formation. ¡°Give me a second,¡± Scott muttered. Zara and Slim silently exchanged glances. Saying nothing further, they waited for the results of Scott''s inspection. A minute later, Scott sighed while facing his companions. ¡°Any luck?¡± Zara asked. Scott silently shook his head. Slim wore a wry smile as he patted the shoulder of the eldritch knight. ¡°It doesn''t matter. Those examiners are probably up to something again.¡± The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°Yeah, you''re probably right,¡± Scott muttered before changing the topic. ¡°Have you noticed anyone returning from that path?¡± Zara took a moment to gather her thoughts, her brow furrowing in contemplation. ¡°Not that I can remember. Over a thousand people have departed already, but none have returned. Most of them are lingering around the path, waiting for any sign or information that might guide them in making the right decision.¡± Slim chimed in, pointing towards the champions scattered nearby. ¡°We refrained from exploring the area ourselves, unsure of when you¡¯d arrive and concerned about potential barriers preventing our return. So, what''s our next move? Personally, I don¡¯t think lingering here is wise.¡± ¡°The crowd is only growing, and it seems unlikely that an examiner will make themselves known. I suggest we take our chances; it''s better than remaining idle,¡± Zara proposed. ¡°Well put, our leader,¡± Slim agreed with a nod, turning to Scott. ¡°And what about you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m on board,¡± Scott affirmed. ¡°By the way, any sightings of the berserkers?¡± ¡°Nope,¡± Slim shook his head. ¡°The connection ended after we activated the exits. They might be around here if they made it.¡± Scott nodded slowly but refrained from speaking. Slim quietly placed one arm on Scott¡¯s shoulder and the other on Zara¡¯s while grinning from ear to ear. ¡°I''ve missed this. The last couple of weeks have been dull without you guys,¡± Slim chuckled. Zara¡¯s cheeks flushed pink as she lowered her head. ¡°How can you say something so embarrassing out loud?¡± She attempted to free herself from Slim¡¯s grasp, but the singer¡¯s grip only tightened. ¡°Oh? Who knew our leader had such a shy side?¡± Slim''s laughter intensified as Zara unleashed a barrage of embarrassment-fueled punches in his direction. Scott smiled as he observed the duo. Although he wouldn¡¯t go out of his way to admit he missed their shenanigans, he wasn¡¯t going to deny it either. Without caring about the random gazes thrown their way, the trio expertly weaved through the crowded area, making their way to the entrance. ¡°Guys, what¡¯s our plan once we go in?¡± Slim asked mentally, maintaining his smile. ¡°We''ll have to improvise, I guess,¡± Zara said, unsure of what to expect. ¡°I doubt we¡¯ll have to do much,¡± Scott suddenly said. ¡°The reason why no one has returned from that spot is probably because they got sent elsewhere.¡± Slim paused abruptly, forcing Zara and Scott to stop. ¡°Buddy, you''re just telling us this now?¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t certain earlier, and I¡¯m still not a hundred percent sure, but there¡¯s some kind of rain a little bit after the entrance. I¡¯m guessing that¡¯s why no one has returned yet,¡± Scott explained. ¡°Rain?¡± Zara narrowed her eyes, but she couldn¡¯t see anything, no matter how much she looked. ¡°Do you see anything, Slim?¡± ¡°I''m not even going to try. I have long accepted the fact that there are some things I won¡¯t be able to see, no matter how hard I try.¡± The trio pressed on, the undecided champions creating a path for the hound extermination crew. To the newcomers, they were unwitting test subjects, perfect for confirming hypotheses about the mysterious entrance. ¡°I hope whatever''s ahead is manageable. Those sanctuary folks didn''t even drop a hint,¡± Slim mused inwardly. ¡°Get used to the uncertainty. We''re still the lowest rank for sponsored candidates,¡± Zara replied, her voice tinged with despondency. ¡°It would be better if they told us how to improve our rank instead of just emphasizing our luck,¡± Slim sighed. ¡°Did you both develop a pessimistic streak while I was away? Focus on what matters now,¡± Scott interjected. However, the trio''s attention shifted abruptly as Scott paused. Ten figures in leather armor, each with a black mask featuring a golden swirl, blocked their path. ¡°Who are these guys?¡± Slim frowned. ¡°Do you know them?¡± Zara shook her head. ¡°Never seen them.¡± The trio turned to Scott, who, like the masked party, remained stoic. ¡°Buddy, do you know them?¡± Slim asked mentally, but silence greeted his words. The Skeleton''s frown deepened. Like Scott, the group wore fear-inducing masks, and their crimson eyes were both dazzling and repulsive. A small crowd gathered, intrigued by the standoff. No one knew if fighting was prohibited, and not everyone dared to test the patience of the examiner. Contrary to their expectations, the masked party suddenly bowed. Silently, they departed towards the entrance. The surrounding champions focused their attention on the masked party, scrutinizing their every step until they vanished behind the winding road. No one bothered to deduce the reason for the peculiar interaction earlier. Some champions prepared to journey through the path, convinced by the masked champions that there was no immediate cause for concern. However, the majority hesitated, fearing potential consequences. Meanwhile, Slim and Zara moved closer to Scott. ¡°What was that all about?¡± Zara asked. ¡°Do you know them?¡± Scott silently shook his head, averting his gaze from the road. ¡°Guys, the next stage of the trial is going to be more challenging than we imagined,¡± Scott conveyed mentally. Zara''s features darkened. ¡°Why?¡± she subconsciously stared at the lonely road. ¡°What did they tell you?¡± ¡°I''m still trying to make sense of it,¡± Scott explained mentally. ¡°But essentially, Togan is going to be an incredibly difficult challenge, unlike anything we''ve seen. If we''re lucky, a year might be enough to clear it.¡± ¡°And if not?¡± Slim asked, his voice unusually low. ¡°We''d spend the rest of our lives there,¡± Scott declared solemnly. Slim and Zara''s expressions turned even more somber. Slim opened his mouth to speak, but the words wouldn''t come out. Zara silently contemplated Scott''s words. Silence lingered among the trio for a moment until Slim clapped his hands. ¡°I have no intention of spending the rest of my life in a place called Togan. I hope you guys feel the same,¡± the skeleton said, putting his arms around the shoulders of his companions. ¡°Let''s do our best, okay?¡± he added with a grin. Scott and Zara nodded simultaneously. ¡°Alright then, let''s go. We have...¡± ¡°Wait a moment,¡± Scott interjected, turning towards Zara. ¡°They left a special message for you.¡± ¡°Huh? What¡¯s it about?¡± Zara asked, still harboring questions about the origins of the masked party. It surprised her that they would leave a message for her. Scott hesitated briefly before answering, ¡°The Varkham Hound is in Togan.¡± Zara¡¯s petite mouth opened slightly as her pupils shrank. Instantly, a sweet coppery stench filled the air, and her eyes turned crimson. The feline brawler¡¯s reaction only lasted a moment, but it was more than enough to send chills down the spines of several champions in the area. They distanced themselves from the outwardly calm brawler. Advancing a step, Zara wore a dazzling smile. She stretched out her right hand, wrapping it around Scott¡¯s neck. ¡°Tell me more,¡± she said, her voice icy and low. However, it wasn¡¯t as fear-inducing as her bloodshot eyes or the blood streaming down her cheeks. Chapter 58 : Enchanted Heights Zara took a step backward, hurriedly releasing her grip. ¡°I''m so sorry. My hands moved on their own,¡± she said, simultaneously wiping away the smears of blood from her face. Instantly, Slim positioned himself between the two, his attention squarely on Scott. In that brief moment, the necromancer sensed an overwhelming aura emanating from the eldritch knight. Unlike before, the faint outline of the yellow sign flickered within the mask¡¯s churning darkness. ¡°Are you guys good?¡± Slim inquired, shifting his focus between Scott and Zara. ¡°Yeah,¡± Scott responded softly, taking a step forward. ¡°But there''s something crucial we need to discuss if we''re going to continue working together.¡± The half-human halted beside Slim, his gaze fixed on Zara, whose visage had yet to fully recover. ¡°Zara, why are you searching for the Varkham Hound? What''s your relationship with it?¡± Scott asked bluntly. ¡°Buddy, c¡¯mon, we all have our secrets. She''ll tell us when she''s comfortable,¡± Slim whispered from the side. However, Scott paid the necromancer no mind. His focus remained on the seething brawler, who barely reined in her bloodlust. Zara took a deep breath, her tensed visage relaxing slightly. ¡°I sincerely apologize for what I did. I never meant to¡ª" ¡°That''s not what''s important,¡± Scott interjected, taking another step forward. ¡°I won''t pretend to be a paragon of empathy; I only want to know if that Varkham Hound is someone you want dead or not.¡± He stopped in front of Zara. ¡°I don¡¯t care about the tragic history between you and them because it¡¯s something I probably will never understand. I don''t care who''s right between you and them; all I want to know is if you need any help in sending them to hell.¡± Scott stretched out his hand, raising the brawler''s chin. ¡°Now, tell me, what do you want?¡±
You¡¯re devouring the madness of your companion!
The war-hammer of the Mad God is roaring in delight!
The lesser feline war god is now watching you!
Zara¡¯s lips quivered softly, her bloodshot eyes clearing as tears gathered at the corner of her eyes. ¡°P-P-Please help me,¡± Zara whispered softly.
The lesser feline war god expresses their gratitude!
The lesser feline war god has stopped watching you!
Scott ignored the system¡¯s messages; instead, he slowly wiped off Zara¡¯s tears. ¡°Our leader should only shed tears when laughing,¡± he said before pulling the cat girl into his embrace. Zara sobbed silently, her grip tightening around Scott¡¯s clothes. However, the eldritch knight said nothing, and neither did Slim, who stood next to the duo. Five minutes elapsed, and Zara regained her composure. The feline brawler managed to muster a bashful smile as her gaze shifted between Scott and Slim. ¡°Thank you; I''m fine now,¡± she said, wiping her swollen eyes. ¡°I appreciate your goodwill, but I can''t burden you two with my...¡± This time, Slim interjected with a long sigh. ¡°You don''t get to decide what''s a burden to us. Our party''s name is literally the Hound Extermination Crew; this is what we''re supposed to do.¡± The necromancer suddenly bear-hugged the feline, lifting her off the ground. ¡°We always listen to your commands, but this time, we''re revolting against you. Right, buddy?¡± Scott wordlessly nodded. Zara opened her mouth to speak, but Slim cut her off. ¡°I don''t want to hear it,¡± he said. ¡°People might start thinking we''re doing some weird play the longer we stay here.¡± ¡°You''re the one being weird,¡± Zara muttered as she tried to free herself. ¡°You could have made your point without grabbing me.¡± ¡°Then, how am I supposed to make people understand how much power these babies are packing?¡± Slim grinned, flexing his nonexistent muscles. Zara abruptly burst out laughing, leaning against Slim''s chest. Despite the outward laughter, it couldn''t mask the sadness in her voice. ¡°Let''s go,¡± Scott announced mentally as he approached the entrance. Slim followed with Zara in his arms. The duo took measured steps as they approached the innocuous rain. Scott stared at the rain clouds, which seemed to stretch toward the very ends of the world. ¡°Even if we had tens of thousands of elemental shards, it would be pointless in this place.¡± The trio stepped into the rain, and like the champions before them, they disappeared. From the point of view of the other champions, they simply took a turn on the expansive road.
Welcome to Enchanted Heights, Togan¡¯s 3rd District!
You have received a new side quest!
Side Quest: Integrate or Find ways to flee Togan!
The hound extermination crew materialized in the heart of a bustling city center. A gentle wind, fragrant with the scent of flowers, played with their clothes. Rather than fixating on the system''s windows, they were captivated by the towering, almost otherworldly structures surrounding them. The aesthetics and architectural styles of the buildings hinted at inspiration drawn from a myriad of races. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. ¡°Is this a dream, Buddy, or are my eyes playing tricks on me?¡± Slim muttered, clearly awestruck. The skeletal figure fixated on the elaborate towers, some bearing graceful elven designs standing shoulder to shoulder with stately structures adorned in intricate carvings, showcasing the collaborative craftsmanship of humans and elves. Towers twisted like ivy-covered trees, their windows resembling sparkling gemstones that caught sunlight, casting prismatic hues onto the streets below. Slim, in a state of disbelief, turned to find more buildings that defied logical explanation. Questions filled his mind. Why is the entrance of that building so gigantic? What kind of creature could live in such a structure? It didn''t take long for the trio to spot a group of cyclops, donned in plain white togas secured by golden beetle-shaped brooches. This massive procession gracefully entered the gigantic buildings, their smiles evident as they engaged in lively discussions. The cyclops had left their mark with grand structures featuring colossal entrances, symbolizing both their strength and ancient heritage. The buildings'' exteriors were adorned with vibrant murals, depicting mythical creatures, heroes, and mesmerizing landscapes, bringing life to the vibrant city. The meticulously clean streets and expansive roads, as remarkable as the unique architecture, were lined with carefully crafted cobblestones forming intricate patterns. Amidst the stone and steel edifices, wind-tousled gardens adorned every street corner, tempting residents and visitors alike to explore the enchanting plants and flowers. ¡°Buddy, are you sure those guys weren¡¯t saying nonsense?¡± Slim muttered, his gaze shifting from one happy resident to another. Laughing elves and felines mingled with humans and oddly shaped humanoids with golden skins. Each race wore the same plain toga, the only difference being the type of brooches used. The cyclops mainly used golden beetles, the elves used amethyst lion heads, the humans used either a sapphire globe or a sapphire leaf, and the felines used an array of brooches synonymous to that of other races. ¡°Guys, I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re seeing but this place is¡­¡± A system message suddenly rang out before Scott could deliver his message.
Your party communication channel is temporarily closed!
Scott¡¯s countenance turned hideous, while Zara and Slim turned toward him, their faces painted with shock. They too had received the same system notification.
You¡¯re being watched!
The new system notification only deepened their frowns. Albeit reluctantly, they had grown accustomed to being watched by the gods and lesser gods, but this was the first time the system announced such a message. ¡°Being watched by who?¡± Slim muttered softly, while turning from side to side, before raising his head. Apart from a few curious people who simply smiled at the trio, no one did anything overly suspicious. Then again, the fact that the surrounding people barely acknowledged their arrival left the group on guard. ¡°Buddy, what were you going to¡­¡± Zara punched the necromancer on his arm, silently glaring at him as if he were an idiot. Scott too, shared the same look, surprised Slim of all people hadn¡¯t deduced the situation of things. Slim pondered for a moment, then a sudden realization dawned on him. I¡¯m such an idiot. We might be captured if we reveal more than we¡¯re supposed to know. Slim frowned as he stared at his surroundings. Everything about this place is perfect. I can¡¯t even begin to imagine what Scott is seeing right now.
Access to your inventory is temporarily restricted!
¡°Hello, newcomers!¡± A voice greeted from afar. ¡°You have done well to arrive here. I sincerely welcome you to Enchanted Heights.¡± The hound extermination crew turned toward a procession consisting of two humans, a feline, an elf, and two canines adorned with multiple piercings along their ears. The moment Zara caught sight of the canines, her features darkened, and blood erupted from her gauntlets, startling the approaching party. Without warning, a beam descended from the skies, striking the feline brawler squarely on her forehead. Her eyes dimmed as the clear skies momentarily reddened, and then an almighty voice resonated within the district. ¡°First-time offender! There won¡¯t be a second warning!¡± the voice declared, and just as swiftly as it appeared, the skies returned to normal. Fear distorted the expressions of the once joyful people, but like the skies, their smiles returned. However, the way they stared at the hound extermination crew had changed. Zara swayed from side to side before tumbling toward the ground; however, Scott caught the cat girl midway through the fall. It doesn¡¯t look like she suffered any injuries, but what was that earlier? Scott pondered as he carried Zara. ¡°What was that?¡± Slim suddenly asked, breaking the tense silence. The elf who led the procession wore a soft smile as he took a step forward. ¡°She¡¯ll be asleep for a couple of days, but generally, she should be fine,¡± he said. ¡°My name is Vaeril, and I¡¯m in charge of welcoming new champions to Enchanted Heights.¡± The soft-spoken elf motioned toward his companions and continued. ¡°They are my assistants. We¡¯re here to ensure you have a fruitful and productive stay. But first things first.¡± The elf paused, pointing toward Zara. ¡°We can¡¯t have a repeat of what happened earlier. Your companion was lucky she only exuded minimal bloodlust; otherwise, she would have perished on the spot.¡± Scott and Slim''s countenance darkened, and the duo subconsciously raised their heads. ¡°Let¡¯s go to my office. We have much to discuss,¡± Vaeril said with a smile. Scott and Slim exchanged glances before nodding. ¡°All right, lead the way,¡± Slim said. ¡°Wise choice,¡± Vaeril laughed. ¡°Follow me. There¡¯s so much to say.¡± Vaeril then turned toward the canines and humans. ¡°Wait here. More people are bound to arrive soon. Lead them to the office as soon as they arrive. We can¡¯t afford any mishaps, okay?¡± The quartet agreed with a nod. Saying nothing further, Vaeril led the group deeper into the city, leaving his companions behind. The two canines exchanged glances the moment the hound extermination crew was out of sight. ¡°Do you know her?¡± the larger of the two asked. ¡°I have never seen her before. I thought she recognized you or something.¡± ¡°This is also my first time seeing her,¡± the canine said, a hint of confusion lingering in his voice. ¡°Maybe she¡¯s confusing us for someone else,¡± his companion suggested. ¡°Yeah, maybe.¡± The champion¡¯s gaze lingered in the direction where the hound extermination crew departed, and a crippling sense of unease filled his mind. Is it possible one of them survived the Varkham massacre? The canine shook his head. That shouldn¡¯t be possible. We ensured the city, and everything within it, was completely razed to the ground. Although the probability is low, I must inform the chief before the next full moon. Chapter 59 : How fucked are we? Scott and Slim took in their new surroundings, their attention regularly drawn to Zara reclining on a luxurious purple sofa. Behind an exquisite, well-polished desk, Vaeril observed them, encouraging the two to sit in the aesthetically pleasing office. ¡°I understand if you have your preferences, but this might take a while. Are you certain you''d rather remain standing?¡± the elf asked with a smile, gesturing toward two padded seats. However, the duo, who were engrossed in the rare plants and paintings decorating the office, paid him little mind. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about us,¡± Slim replied, glancing at the elf. ¡°You can start. We¡¯ll sit whenever we feel like it.¡± Vaeril sighed, shaking his head. ¡°If you say so, I won¡¯t dissuade you any further.¡± The elf cleared his throat, fingers drumming slowly on the table''s polished surface. ¡°First things first, Togan comprises four major districts: Enchanted Heights, Drowsy Plateau, Misty Woods, and Eva Springs. There''s supposedly a fifth district, but we''ll discuss that later.¡± Suddenly, Vaeril stood up, his gaze fixed on the beautiful garden through the window. He sighed. ¡°Before I continue, may I ask a question?¡± Slim and Scott exchanged glances, their curiosity evident. ¡°Sure,¡± Scott said, leaning against a chair. ¡°As long as it''s something we can answer.¡± ¡°I know you haven¡¯t been here for more than an hour, but what¡¯s your opinion of the city so far?¡± Vaeril asked, his soft gaze still focused on the exotic flowers below. Scott frowned behind his mask. Why is he asking that? Is it a trick question? Could he have been alerted by our previous discussion? Various thoughts raced through Scott¡¯s mind, but he couldn''t discern the elf''s intent. The silence lingered before Slim spoke up. ¡°At a glance, one can tell a great deal of collective effort went into bringing such a magnificent city to life. It¡¯s unheard of for so many races with diverging ethos and ethics to live together in harmony. Which raises the question, who, or what, is keeping everyone in check?¡± Vaeril turned around, a smile blooming on his face. He regarded Slim approvingly before shifting his attention to Scott. ¡°And you? What are your honest thoughts?¡± ¡°Excluding what my companion said, I sensed a collective undercurrent of anxiety, or should I say fear, from the residents,¡± Scott replied. ¡°Oh?¡± Vaeril''s brows shot up. ¡°What brings you to that conclusion?¡± Scott pointed toward Zara as he continued, ¡°There was no mistaking the look in their eyes when the beam descended. It required considerable effort for them to maintain composure after the voice too.¡± Scott paused, locking gazes with Vaeril, whose smile had grown brighter. ¡°Now, I''m curious about the owner of that voice, why they''re observing us, and the sudden restrictions.¡± Vaeril clapped slowly, grinning from ear to ear. ¡°Wonderful,¡± he said. ¡°Absolutely wonderful,¡± he remarked as he strolled toward his seat. ¡°Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts. Now, it''s my turn to acquaint you with our lovely city.¡± Vaeril paused, opening the first drawer to his right. He retrieved three crystal glass cups and a ceremonial jar filled with a fiery liquid. Uncorking the jar released a thick fruity aroma with a hint of caramel into the air. Vaeril meticulously filled each cup halfway and continued, ¡°Please, have a drink. This is the specialty of Enchanted Heights, the dream liquor.¡± Scott and Slim eyed the bubbling liquor but made no attempt to reach for the glass cups. Vaeril, on the other hand, took three quick sips, a faint crimson shade tinting his ears and cheeks. ¡°I feel much better,¡± he said, cracking his knuckles. ¡°To be honest, both of you are somewhat correct in your assessment. There''s more to the city than meets the eye.¡± Vaeril took another sip, his expression turning serious. ¡°Everything you see here is the result of over a decade''s worth of hard work and sacrifices. For most champions, who harbor lofty dreams of becoming a force to be reckoned with, they experience their first reality check upon arriving in Togan''s districts.¡± Vaeril paused, taking another sip from his cup. ¡°The restrictions you''ve faced are merely the beginning. Soon, you won''t even be able to summon your status screen, let alone use any of your abilities.¡± ¡°What?!¡± Slim blurted out. ¡°Are you joking right now?¡± Vaeril cocked his head backward, laughing with reckless abandon. ¡°I sincerely wish I was,¡± he said before downing the contents of his cup in one gulp. He then stood up, leaning against his desk. ¡°System, show me my status window,¡± he declared. However, nothing happened. The elf giggled as he repeated the same statement, and once again, silence greeted his words. ¡°You see?¡± Vaeril chuckled once more before taking his seat. ¡°Give it a week or two, and yours will be gone too.¡± ¡°Why would we wait? I don¡¯t plan on sticking around that long,¡± Slim declared. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Oh?¡± Vaeril¡¯s drunken eyes cleared for a moment, suppressing his rising urge to laugh. ¡°What are you going to do about it? Let me guess, you¡¯ll leave, right?¡± The elf suddenly burst out laughing, tears streaking down his face. Scott and Slim exchanged glances, unable to discern what made the elf laugh so hysterically. ¡°Forgive me,¡± Vaeril struggled to regain his composure. ¡°I¡¯m only laughing because I, too, at some point had such lofty ideas. But look at me,¡± the elf sighed softly while shaking his head. ¡°The next full moon will mark seven years since I¡¯ve been stuck here. Don¡¯t underestimate Togan; it isn¡¯t called the dream-ender without cause.¡± Scott¡¯s eyes widened for a moment. He¡¯s been stuck here for seven years? Wow! Those guys weren¡¯t kidding when they said we¡¯d be lucky to get out of here in six months. But then again, I can totally understand, especially with those things roaming around unchecked, Scott thought to himself, his gaze lingering on the view beyond the window. ¡°W-W-Wait, is the trial that difficult?¡± Slim blurted out. ¡°Why would you remain here for seven years?¡± Vaeril chuckled once again. ¡°Some people have been here since the start of the competition. Like I said, don¡¯t underestimate Togan.¡± Vaeril stood up, pointing toward the beautiful scenery beyond the window. ¡°You will soon come to understand the reason why we have been stuck here for several years. But before I continue, do you remember receiving a map at the judgment gate?¡± ¡°Yeah, what about it?¡± Scott replied before Slim could. Vaeril turned towards the duo. ¡°Did you study it? Can you recall anything about it?¡± The elf''s eyes lit up expectantly as he silently observed Scott and Slim. ¡°We took a quick look, but we didn''t pay much attention to it,¡± Scott admitted without hesitation. ¡°Is there anything special about the map?¡± The expectations in the elf''s eyes instantly disappeared, replaced by a somewhat pitiful gaze that only lasted a second. Vaeril turned around again, sighing as he rearranged his loose hair strands. ¡°It seems you are destined to suffer the same fate as us,¡± the elf whispered, his voice audible enough for both champions to hear. ¡°That map is one of the keys to leaving this place. But as you know, you no longer have access to your inventory.¡± ¡°One of the keys?¡± Slim repeated. ¡°What else do you need?¡± Vaeril turned toward the duo, a dry smile on his face. ¡°Luck, and a lot of it.¡± Both Scott and Slim frowned. The elf''s words were too vague and mysterious. ¡°Before traversing the sea, you participated in the forest maze, right?¡± Vaeril suddenly asked. ¡°Yeah,¡± Slim replied. ¡°Is the same thing going to happen here?¡± ¡°We wouldn''t be stuck here if that were the case,¡± Vaeril chuckled softly. ¡°Remember those abominations acting as guardians?¡± Slim and Scott nodded simultaneously. ¡°Well, I can confidently tell you those creatures are like innocent babies compared to what you''ll see on a full moon.¡± ¡°You keep mentioning that. What happens on a full moon?¡± Scott interjected. ¡°That''s when all hell breaks loose,¡± Vaeril said with a wry smile. ¡°These beautiful streets before you will be drenched in the blood of the courageous, and those foolish enough to challenge the maze. It''s also the only night you regain access to the full benefits of your status screen.¡± ¡°Wait, if you can access your inventory during a full moon, wouldn''t most of you have pulled out your maps?¡± Slim asked, an ominous sense of foreboding filling the mind of the necromancer. Vaeril sighed, shaking his head, and took his seat again, pouring another glass of wine. ¡°It''s useless,¡± he said before taking a sip. Then, he pointed towards the shelf at the far corner of the spacious office. ¡°All those books you see there. Those are the maps we''ve gathered over the years. Every one of them is blank. We researched various methods to reactivate them, but it''s impossible. So, we concluded; anyone who hasn''t memorized the map before starting the third trial is fated to die or remain in Togan until the end.¡± Vaeril sighed deeply, swallowing another mouthful of wine. ¡°On the bright side, you can live peacefully here without fearing you''d be killed or plotted against. There''s a continuous supply of food, water, and all other basic amenities. The rest we can make on our own. Which brings me to the second major point of discussion.¡± Vaeril emptied his cup a second time while opening the drawer once more. This time, he retrieved three books, placing them gently on the table. ¡°These will help you get familiar with the rules. So, I''ll be skipping that part,¡± Vaeril said, sliding the books over to the duo. ¡°I''m sure you must have noticed that we all wear different brooches.¡± Scott and Slim nodded as they reached for the rulebook. ¡°Good, that will make this easier to explain. In simple terms, each one represents a faction within the city. You''re advised to visit the headquarters of each faction and consider if their principles align with yours before deciding to join them. Mind you, it''s not compulsory one must choose a faction; however, I wouldn''t advise you to remain without one. As someone who will probably spend the rest of my life here, I can guarantee that you won''t survive your first full moon if you do something as asinine as that.¡± Vaeril poured himself another glass while Scott and Slim silently perused the thick paperback. ¡°So, any questions? By the way, aren''t you guys going to drink your wine? You''re missing out,¡± Vaeril smiled, savoring another mouthful of wine. Scott raised his head to meet Vaeril. Since arriving in the third district, Hastur''s gaze had ceased revealing the status screens of those he encountered. ¡°You still haven¡¯t said anything about the rulers of this place. Should I assume you¡¯re intentionally avoiding the topic?¡± ¡°There really isn¡¯t much to say. I¡¯m not ashamed to admit it, but I have no idea who controls Togan,¡± Vaeril took another sip before continuing. ¡°No one has seen them, or even wants to meet them. If you don¡¯t break any rules, you won¡¯t have any business with them either. They''re more interested in maintaining peace in the city than anything else. Any more questions?¡± ¡°When is the next full moon?¡± Scott asked. A smile bloomed on Vaeril¡¯s face as he regarded the eldritch knight. ¡°The night of the full moon only happens once a month. The next one is in thirty days.¡± Vaeril emptied his cup once more before standing. ¡°Take your time to digest the contents of our discussion. I¡¯ll be attending to the other newcomers. Please, don¡¯t hesitate to call the attention of my colleagues should you need anything. Once again, welcome to Enchanted Heights. I hope you have a long and pleasant stay.¡± The elf left the wine jar on the table before strolling out of the office in slow steps, gently closing the door as he departed. ¡°Buddy, how fucked are we?¡± Slim suddenly asked. Scott glanced at the skeleton before sighing. ¡°If it¡¯s on a scale of one to ten, then it¡¯s a solid nine.¡± ¡°Fuck!¡± Chapter 60 : Two Months Slim concentrated on the rulebook, methodically turning its pages and muttering incoherent words. Meanwhile, Scott ambled around the bookshelf, taking note of anything that caught his eye. Even Hastur''s gaze can''t see anything hidden in these books, Scott mused, slowly flipping through blank pages. He opened them at random intervals before returning them to the shelf. Anyone with information about the map will become a target, but I don''t know if that''s a good thing or not yet, he pondered. Leaving the bookshelf behind, Scott came to a halt in front of the main window behind Vaeril''s desk. He leaned against the polished window frame, gazing at the beautiful garden below. I can see why they would assume a lot of luck is required to complete this trial. These monstrosities, coupled with the hidden exits, make it almost impossible for anyone normal to clear this trial on their own. The yellow sign flickered in his eyes as he focused on a seemingly ordinary garden golem barely two feet tall. Even without Hastur''s gaze being active, I can tell it''s going to be impossible for the three of us to safely search for the exits during a full moon. No wonder they said it''s going to be a meat grinder. Whoever designed this trial intended on forcing those in each district to work together. Scott shifted his gaze away from the golem, turning toward Slim. ¡°Are you done reading the rules?¡± Slim exhaled deeply, reclining in his chair. ¡°There are too many of them,¡± he complained. ¡°It''s almost as if whoever created them wants everyone to live like stick figures or something, without emotions.¡± The skeleton flipped to a random page, reading out an excerpt. ¡°On no condition will residents be permitted to kill, maim, intimidate, or plot against other residents. Dissent, hate speech, vitriol, and bloodlust in any shape or form will be met with severe punishment. Self-harm, either intentional or otherwise, will also be punished.¡± Slim paused, sighing again as he raised his head. ¡°And that''s not even all. You need special permission if you want to date, marry, and even procreate with another champion. And there''s still more; the children born from such union must undergo something called a phantasm rite, but there aren''t any details about it.¡± ¡°What about the different factions? Is there anyone you''d consider joining?¡± Scott asked as he sat on the edge of the polished desk, his fingers drumming slowly on its surface. ¡°Various factions take responsibility for specific activities. The Cyclops, for instance, specialize in construction and heavy lifting, while Elves and humans excel in medicine and other fields. Other races have their own unique areas of expertise. However, this is just a surface overview. We''ll have to visit the factions if we want to know more,¡± Slim said, pausing before flipping to the last page. ¡°Oh, and I almost forgot,¡± he continued. ¡°Rules are thrown out during a full moon. Despite Vaeril''s instructions, faction members can''t leave their premises during this time.¡± Scott''s brows furrowed beneath his mask. ¡°That means only those without factions can participate in the trial.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Slim nodded. ¡°There¡¯s a possibility others could join, but it¡¯s unlikely since coercion is strictly prohibited here. However, leaving a faction likely incurs penalties, and given the trial''s challenges, most would choose to accept their new reality.¡± Scott nodded in agreement, but Slim brought up a new concern. ¡°We have a problem, though,¡± he said, turning towards Zara. ¡°We don''t know when she''ll wake up, and she might hold resentment towards canines. Another infraction would result in an imminent death penalty.¡± Scott also focused on Zara. Knowing her temperament, her reaction upon waking up could be a serious issue. ¡°Activate the imprint of madness!¡± a voice echoed in Scott''s mind. Scott jolted, looking around. ¡°Buddy, are you okay?¡± Slim asked, perplexed by Scott''s reaction. Ignoring Slim''s question, Scott stood up and approached Zara. ¡°Give me your hand for a second,¡± he said, stretching out his right hand. Slim hesitated but complied. ¡°Buddy, you''re acting weirder than usual, but I''ll trust you.¡± As they held hands, Scott simultaneously grabbed Zara''s right hand with his free hand.
Imprint of Madness activated!
Instantly, tens of thousands of tiny tendrils shot out from the mask, wrapping themselves around Slim and Zara. They merged with the necromancer¡¯s skull, staining the mist in his eyes yellow. Simultaneously, Zara''s eyelids snapped open, and the yellow sign flickered within her pupils. The air twisted and churned, as if the very fabric of space were on the brink of collapse. Then an eerie silence followed. Scott, Slim, and Zara found themselves in an endless void, surrounded by primordial masses beyond mortal comprehension. ¡°B-B-Buddy, where the hell are we?¡± Slim''s arms trembled in tandem with his shaky voice. Scott''s firm grip reassured him that he wasn''t alone in this abyssal darkness. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. ¡°There''s no need to worry, but no matter what happens or what you see, don''t let go, okay?¡± Scott''s words steadied Slim, and his grip instantly tightened. ¡°Ugh, my head. Slim? S-Scott?¡± The feline froze, unable to perceive anything in the boundless abyss. ¡°Don''t panic. We¡¯re here,¡± Scott assured, his grip tightening around Zara¡¯s hand. ¡°Where is this place? Has the trial started already? Although I can feel your touch, why can¡¯t I see you, and where¡¯s Slim?¡± Zara asked in quick succession. The last thing she remembered was getting struck by something before passing out. ¡°Relax; you¡¯ll be able to see us soon. Give me a second,¡± Scott¡¯s voice echoed in the darkness. Zara opened her mouth, but she couldn''t respond, her anxiety heightening. What¡¯s more, she could see brilliant, sporadic flashes of yellow, as if lightning bolts were traveling through space. Her only succor was the fact that she could still feel Scott¡¯s hand. ¡°It should be better now,¡± Scott¡¯s voice echoed in the silence, and the void shattered. Zara woke up on an unfamiliar sofa, holding arms with her masked companion. She raised her head, staring at Slim, who fared no better, as his arms shook ever so slightly. ¡°What happened? Where was that place?¡± Zara used Scott¡¯s arm as leverage to sit upright before letting go. ¡°B-B-Buddy, what was that place? It¡¯s even more frightening than the NetherRealm and underworld,¡± Slim took deep breaths, trying his best to regain his composure. ¡°My leader, are you feeling better now?¡± Slim let go of Scott¡¯s hand, assisting Zara to her feet. ¡°Wait a moment, how did we get here again?¡± Zara suddenly asked. Slim frowned, staring at the spacious office. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. For some reason, I can¡¯t remember.¡± ¡°I also feel like I¡¯m forgetting something important,¡± Zara said, leaning against the wall. She observed the office but found nothing extraordinary about it, other than the fact that she couldn¡¯t remember how she got there. Meanwhile, Scott stood next to the duo, but they couldn¡¯t see him nor interact with him. The eldritch knight slowly walked around the duo, observing them while gathering his thoughts. It seems they won¡¯t be able to see me or remember me no matter how much they try. I had no idea I was capable of something like this, Scott didn¡¯t know whether to be happy or not. He took a step forward before placing his hand on the back of his companions. The duo jolted before turning toward the half-human. ¡°Buddy, are you trying to scare us to death?¡± Slim took deep breaths, firming his grip on Zara¡¯s arm. Scott¡¯s sudden appearance had almost sent the brawler to the ground. ¡°By the way, where have you been?¡± ¡°Where did you come from?¡± Zara questioned from the side. ¡°Do you have any idea where this is?¡± Scott realized he had to allow Slim to recall the events involving Vaeril. The scope of this ability proved more terrifying than he had initially imagined. Why did the imprint of madness trigger it, he wondered, while gesturing for Slim and Zara to take their seats. The eldritch knight snapped his fingers, and instantly, the yellow mist in the necromancer¡¯s eyes dissipated. ¡°B-Buddy?¡± Slim mumbled in a daze. Then, he noticed Zara was awake. ¡°My one and only leader, how are you feeling?¡± Excitement replaced his initial shock. However, he couldn¡¯t understand what had happened. ¡°Buddy, something tells me this isn¡¯t the office. I¡¯m not being paranoid, right?¡± ¡°We are somewhere safe,¡± Scott didn¡¯t bother to clarify his statement before continuing. ¡°Here, we can form a proper strategy without anyone eavesdropping on our discussion.¡± Scott then turned toward Zara. ¡°But before that, there are a lot of things you need to know.¡± Wasting no time, Scott and Slim slowly briefed the brawler on everything she had missed since she fell unconscious. ¡°This place is far more terrifying than I expected,¡± Zara muttered. She bit her lip as her nails dug deeper into her palms. Although she knew Togan¡¯s rules, she couldn¡¯t accept being unable to show even the slightest hint of anger toward her enemies. ¡°Are you going to be okay?¡± Slim hesitated whether to place his hand on Zara¡¯s back. An awkward silence lingered in the office. After all, neither Scott nor Slim could tell her how to feel; but there was no denying the consequences of flouting the rules. Minutes passed, and Zara suddenly raised her head. Her attention focused on Scott. ¡°What were you going to tell us before the channel was closed?¡± ¡°I¡¯m still trying to make sense of it, but not everyone on the streets is as they seem.¡± ¡°Buddy, what are you hinting at?¡± ¡°The abominations Vaeril warned us about¡ªthere were hundreds of them disguised as residents and other inanimate objects. Apart from that, the air was soiled with the stench of blood so thick I thought my insides would get ruptured, and the flowers were absorbing the dreadful smell as if their existence depended on it.¡± ¡°What about the exits?¡± Zara interjected. ¡°Did you see any along the way?¡± Slim and Scott nodded simultaneously, and Zara heaved a sigh of relief. However, Scott continued. ¡°It¡¯s too early to relax. All the exits I saw along the way were places swarming with those abominations, and I doubt they¡¯ll function like the ones in the forest.¡± ¡°Why do you say that?¡± Slim asked, his countenance darkening. ¡°They are several times larger,¡± he said after a brief pause, then he continued, ¡°I''m starting to believe this trial was designed with the idea of a larger party assaulting an exit, but I''ll need to investigate it further. Which brings me to the next topic of discussion.¡± Scott paused, clicking his fingers, and two scrolls suddenly appeared in front of Slim and Zara. ¡°Open it,¡± he urged. Zara and Slim exchanged glances before untying the knot binding the scrolls. Instantly, a massive map projected itself in their minds. The duo shot to their feet, turning toward Scott. ¡°Yes, this meeting is taking place somewhere within my mind. Don''t worry, I have no intention of trapping or harming you guys,¡± Scott reassured with an unseen smile, taking a step forward. ¡°There''s no way the three of us are enough to fend off those creatures. So, we need to recruit as many people as possible. Whether they survive until the end is of no concern to me; however, we won''t be able to clear this trial without them.¡± ¡°What time frame are you working with?¡± Zara inquired. Scott raised two fingers. ¡°Two months. Anymore and we''ll be in serious trouble. We can''t let our skills and battle senses deteriorate because of inactivity.¡± ¡°How are we going to go about the recruitment?¡± Slim asked before Zara could. ¡°Leave that to me,¡± Scott chuckled softly. ¡°I''m certain I can find some people crazy enough to go along with my plan.¡± Zara and Slim exchanged glances; neither of them could explain the reason for Scott''s confidence. ¡°Can I ask why we need two months exactly?¡± Slim inquired. ¡°We''ll use the first month to familiarize ourselves with Enchanted Heights and its exits. I will also be searching for our potential allies during that time. Apart from exploring the city and recruiting allies, we also need to experience a full moon. Regardless of the outcome of our research, we must leave during the next one.¡± Scott suddenly turned toward Zara. ¡°In other words, in two months, we must eliminate the Varkham Hound and leave this place.¡± Chapter 61 : Hero or Villain? Zara exhaled deeply, shattering the tense silence as she made her way toward an empty seat. Scott and Slim exchanged glances, both unsure of what to say to the feline brawler. Slim, a moment later, walked towards the desk and perched on it, facing Zara. "Zara," he spoke softly. "As much as I hate to admit it, could you share what happened? I don''t intend to change my stance, but I can''t feign indifference like Scott." Slim paused, acknowledging Scott with a nod. "No offense, buddy." He turned back to Zara. "If it''s too painful..." Zara raised her hand, interrupting the necromancer, and sighed. "You deserve to know." She took a deep breath, leaning forward, her beautiful hair partially obscuring her face as she gathered her thoughts. As Zara began to speak, her voice carried the weight of suppressed emotions. "Honestly, I might be the only one who sees the Varkham Hound as an enemy. To most, he''s an enigmatic figure, a hero amongst heroes. But to me, he''s nothing more than a bloodthirsty slayer," she confessed, bitterness lacing her words. Intrigued, Slim asked, "Why do others see him as a hero?" Zara''s gaze drifted to a distant memory, her eyes clouded with a mix of pain and anger. "I come from a place called Varkham, once a beautiful and prosperous nation ruled by felines," she began. "But its prosperity came at the cost of enslaving other races, a facade only known to the citizens and victims." Scott and Slim exchanged glances, their interest deepening. Zara continued, "The canines, the most brutally oppressed, were the first to rise against the inhumane regime, and a bloody revolution engulfed the land." Zara paused again, her words hanging heavily in the air, painting a vivid picture of a shattered paradise. The room seemed to grow colder as Scott and Slim''s imaginations wandered. "I wouldn''t have any grievances with the insurrectionists if they had only targeted their oppressors, but they slaughtered felines who wanted nothing to do with Varkham''s ruling families too." Zara''s voice wavered as her words strained through tears. "My siblings and I were raised in an orphanage. We lived with our adopted mother, a kind soul who showed us love and compassion, far away on the outskirts of Varkham." Zara''s voice trembled as she recounted the horrors of that fateful day. "They descended upon our small village in numbers, their hearts filled with vengeance and bloodthirstiness. Despite the cries and pleas, they murdered everyone in cold blood." Zara paused again, sobbing even harder as she gripped the padded armrest. "I... I was a coward who pretended to be dead by bathing myself in the blood of my siblings." The weight of Zara''s pain was palpable, filling the elegant office with an air of despair. "I had to hold my breath while crawling through the corpses of everyone I had ever held dear, and those ruthless bastards didn¡¯t stop at that. They looted and burned everything with an ounce of life to the ground." Silence hung heavily in the room, broken only by Zara''s quiet sobs. She wiped away her tears, her voice filled with determination as she raised her gaze to meet her companions. "The Varkham Hound may have justification for his actions against the oppressive felines, but I will never forgive him for robbing my siblings of their lives. Words can¡¯t describe how much we suffered before we found a place we could call home, yet... yet they took it away from us." Slim stepped forward; his voice gentle yet resolute. "Zara, I understand your desire for vengeance. I promise you; I will stand by your side in this fight. But remember, the path of revenge is treacherous and may not lead to the solace you seek." Zara turned to Slim, her eyes filled with anger. "And what would you have me do? Forgive the one who destroyed my family?" "No, please don¡¯t misunderstand me. Forgiving the Varkham Hound is an option, but forgiving yourself is a necessity." Slim''s voice carried a soothing tone, his words cutting through Zara''s anger like a balm for her wounded soul. "You carry the burden of blame upon your shoulders, as if it is your responsibility to avenge your lost family. But, my dear leader, it is not your fault. You were but a survivor, an innocent caught in the crossfire of a violent revolution," Slim explained, his voice gentle yet firm. Zara''s eyes welled up with fresh tears, her anger slowly giving way to confusion. She had never considered that forgiving herself could be an option, that she could release the heavy chains of guilt that bound her. Slim continued, his words weaving a tapestry of wisdom. "Revenge is a cycle that consumes the heart and soul. It promises satisfaction but only delivers emptiness. I might not remember my origins, but I have witnessed countless souls fall prey to its allure, only to be left hollow and broken in the end." Scott nodded in agreement; his eyes filled with compassion. "Zara, revenge may provide temporary respite, but it will not heal the wounds that run deep within you. It will not bring back your loved ones or undo the pain you have endured. True healing lies in finding your own path to happiness." The eldritch knight took a step forward. "However, regardless of which path you embark on, you can count on me to have your back." Zara''s gaze alternated between Scott and Slim, the conflict within her evident on her face. She hungered for justice, for closure, yet the words of her companions bore an undeniable truth she couldn''t dismiss. Slim stepped forward, his skeletal hand extending to gently touch Zara''s quivering shoulder. ¡°Should you choose the path of seeking justice against the Varkham Hound, I will stand by your side. However, consider exploring avenues that might bring you genuine happiness and allow you to honor the memory of your lost family.¡± ¡°This is unfair,¡± Zara sobbed inwardly, her grip tightening even further. ¡°What purpose does my life serve if I can''t get justice?¡± This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. ¡°Life, inherently unfair to all, allows the living to forge their own happiness,¡± Slim slowly wiped away Zara¡¯s tears with a handkerchief from his breast pocket. ¡°Reflect on this: Would your family want you to spend your days relentlessly pursuing their murderer?¡± The spacious office held its breath as Zara pondered Slim¡¯s words. Her heart, laden with grief and rage, clamored for revenge. Yet, within, a seed of doubt sprouted¡ªa glimmer of hope that perhaps there was an alternative. Finally, Zara sighed, her tears subsiding, replaced by newfound resolve. ¡°You both offer perspectives I''ve never considered. The pain I bear won''t be healed solely through vengeance. I''ll seek justice for my family, but I''ll also strive to build a future they would have desired¡ªa future brimming with love, joy, and my own pursuit of happiness.¡± Scott and Slim exchanged glances, a mutual understanding passing between them. Zara had made her decision, and they had no intention of pressuring her to reconsider. Another bout of silence enveloped the room; Slim stood steadfastly by Zara¡¯s side, consoling the brawler, while Scott maintained his position, his sharp gaze shifting between the two. No wonder her madness stat was that high. I can¡¯t even begin to imagine what it would be like to be in her shoes. Are we hypocrites by telling her revenge would solve nothing? Scott involuntarily recalled his old course-mates and what they did to him. I guess I might be a hypocrite after all. ¡°Buddy, what¡¯s going to happen to Zara when we leave? Is she going to be awake?¡± Slim suddenly asked. ¡°I¡¯m not certain yet,¡± Scott whispered. ¡°Considering the fact that we¡¯re being watched. Zara waking up ahead of schedule might pique the interest of whoever that is.¡± The necromancer frowned, unable to refute Scott¡¯s words. ¡°What are we going to do then?¡± ¡°Should I pretend to be asleep if I¡¯m awake?¡± Zara suggested, her swollen eyes shifting between Scott and Slim. ¡°I doubt something like that will fool them, but it¡¯s worth a shot.¡± Scott then focused on Slim. ¡°Did you read anything related to her case in the rule book?¡± ¡°No, nothing in particular.¡± Slim pondered for a moment before continuing, ¡°I think there¡¯s no point pretending she¡¯s asleep. We need to gather as much information as soon as possible; especially if we¡¯re keeping to the deadline.¡± The skeleton retrieved a fresh pair of handkerchief from his other breast pocket, handing it over to Zara while disposing of the other. ¡°The rules explicitly stated no outside interference will be tolerated; I want to imagine that includes the examiners, lesser gods, and gods, too. I believe our primary concern should be finding out everything related to the full moon, or what do you guys think?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll agree with anything you guys decide,¡± Zara said softly as she cleaned the corners of her eyes. Scott, on the other hand, remained silent. His clear eyes shifted between Slim and Zara. Let¡¯s see what¡¯s happening in the office, first. I don¡¯t even know how much time has gone by. Scott closed his eyes, and quickly opened them once more; this time, however, he stood next to Slim who still held his hand while also locking hands with Zara. The blackened tendrils covered the head of his companions, pulsating ever so slightly like a living creature. Nothing seems to be out of place, and it doesn¡¯t look like we have been in there for too long. It seems time flows at a different rate in there, Scott thought to himself as his gaze lingered on the office¡¯s exit. He turned toward the window behind Vaeril¡¯s desk, and his limpid eyes focused on an abominable creature. Unseen to the naked eyes, dozens of protruding eyes leaned against the window, observing the immobile trio in the office. What the fuck is that thing? What is it trying to do? Scott noticed one eye blinking furiously, as if trying to use its sharpened eyelids to open the window. It froze as soon as it noticed Scott staring in its direction. I can¡¯t let it suspect I can see it. That will surely spell trouble for us. Without alarming the creature, Scott slowly observed the rest of the office as if searching for something. His gaze shifted from the window to the aluminum cabinets a few meters away, before lingering on the paintings above the window frame, then Scott focused on the room¡¯s entrance once more, before staring at Zara and Slim. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like anyone has been here. That¡¯s good,¡± he muttered aloud. Then, he closed his eyes, and he reappeared in the dream space with Zara and Slim unaware of what lurked in the office, and they hadn¡¯t detected his absence, either. ¡°I also think it¡¯s pointless pretending to be awake; after all, the slightest mistake on our paths will surely give it away,¡± Scott said. ¡°Like Slim said, the earlier we gather the necessary information, the better for us.¡± ¡°So, buddy, how do we get back to the real world? Do we need to say some weird mantra or do some weird dance?¡± Slim chuckled. Scott silently shook his head before clicking his fingers. Instantly, Slim disappeared from the office. Wordlessly, Scott approached Zara. ¡°Don¡¯t take offense to Slim¡¯s words, he only said what he did because he cares about you.¡± ¡°I know,¡± Zara said softly. ¡°You¡¯re going to kill him, right?¡± Scott locked gazes with the brawler, and neither shared a word. The eldritch knight suddenly sighed. ¡°Let us know when you¡¯re ready.¡± ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll regret it?¡± Zara asked softly, as she lowered her head. Scott advanced, halting before the cat girl. With care, he slid his right hand beneath her chin, angling her face upward. ¡°Maybe or maybe not,¡± he murmured. ¡°You must uncover the purpose of your existence. Your only drive until now has been the pursuit and elimination of your enemy. What will you do once that''s accomplished?¡± Zara dodged Scott¡¯s gaze while mumbling incoherent words. The eldritch knight lowered his hand, and he continued. ¡°Then again, you shouldn¡¯t take my words to heart. I don¡¯t have the qualifications to tell you what you should or shouldn¡¯t do.¡± Scott took a step, but Zara¡¯s outstretched hand grabbed his hand. ¡°Thank you,¡± she muttered, her voice uncharacteristically low. ¡°I¡¯m glad you and Slim are with me. Regardless of what happens, I will never forget our time together.¡± The cat girl paused for a moment, before asking, ¡°Why are you climbing the tower?¡± ¡°I¡¯m searching for answers.¡± ¡°For what?¡± Zara probed further. Scott sighed deeply while shaking his head. ¡°If Slim and I were to suddenly beat you to barely an inch of your life, how would that make you feel?¡± ¡°What?!¡± Zara jolted, unable to understand why Scott asked such a question. ¡°I¡¯d feel betrayed and confused among other emotions; naturally, I¡¯d also want to know why you guys would do that to me.¡± ¡°What if we said it¡¯s because of something you did in the future? How would that make you feel then?¡± Zara tilted her head backward, releasing her grip on Scott''s arm. ¡°That doesn''t make any sense,¡± she whispered, her thoughts scattered. ¡°While it''s entirely possible I might deserve it, I don''t think I should suffer for sins I haven''t committed or may never commit,¡± Zara added after a brief pause. ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡± She probed further, but Scott simply reached for her jaw as he said, ¡°I¡¯ll help you control your bloodlust. Just try your best not to physically attack anyone.¡± ¡°Thank you, but your¡­¡± Scott clapped twice, and the space shattered. Instantly, the hound extermination crew woke up in the spacious office; Zara and Slim observing their surroundings in a daze. Several blackened tendrils concentrated below Zara¡¯s left eye, forming a long scar racing down her face to her neck. However, only Scott could see the pulsating tendrils. A few also lingered on Slim¡¯s skull, and like Zara¡¯s, they were not tangible or visible to the naked eyes. ¡°Buddy, are we really back?¡± Slim muttered in a daze.
Your skills and abilities are temporarily locked!
Chapter 62 : Further Restrictions Zara and Slim exchanged perplexed glances as they realized their skills and abilities were locked. The sudden restriction left them feeling vulnerable and uncertain of their next moves. Before they could process the situation, another system message appeared.
Access to your status screen is temporarily restricted!
Confusion and frustration welled up within the necromancer and feline, but they had no choice but to accept the circumstances for the time being. As their thoughts were consumed by the new development, the door swung open, revealing Vaeril, who entered the room with a smile on his face. Behind him stood seven other champions, their cautious gazes fixated on Scott, Slim, and Zara. ¡°Oh, my friends, I have kept you waiting for far too¡­¡± Vaeril''s smile faded upon noticing Zara''s awakened state, his expression transitioning into a mix of surprise and disbelief. He rubbed his eyes vigorously, as if trying to convince himself that what he was seeing was not an illusion. The elf''s gaze shifted between the trio, his curiosity evident. However, neither Scott nor Slim volunteered to offer an explanation, choosing instead to assist Zara in getting to her feet. As they made their way toward the exit, Vaeril contemplated whether to stop them or let them be. Ultimately, he remained silent, watching as the trio exited the office, their purpose unknown. Moments before the door closed behind them, Scott''s voice reverberated within the room. ¡°Thank you for your hospitality. We''ll be counting on you should we need further help.¡± The words hung in the air, leaving the newcomers to ponder their meaning. Left alone in the office with the newly arrived champions, Vaeril faced a barrage of questions from his companions. A lizardman voiced his confusion, asking, ¡°What was that all about?¡± A dwarf chimed in; curiosity evident in his tone. ¡°Why did you look so stunned when you saw the feline?¡± Vaeril maintained a reassuring smile as he addressed their concerns. ¡°Please don''t worry about that. Make yourselves comfortable,¡± he chuckled, gesturing toward the vacant seats. ¡°We have much to discuss.¡± His words were intended to allay their curiosity, but they only seemed to heighten their interest. Meanwhile, the hound extermination crew strolled through the captivating streets of Enchanted Heights, their senses immersed in the beauty and splendor that surrounded them. They basked in the harmonious blend of architectural ingenuity and enchanting urban planning displayed all over the streets. Curious passersby regarded the trio with warm smiles and courteous gestures, but none approached them directly, leaving the group to explore at their own pace. As they strolled, the weight of their previous discussion lingered in the back of their minds, but neither of the trio had any intention of talking about it any further. ¡°Now that our skills and abilities are locked away, I kind of feel useless,¡± Zara broke the silence. ¡°I don¡¯t have the same confidence in doing the things I¡¯d ordinarily be able to do even in my sleep,¡± she sighed, staring at some curious humanoids walking a few meters away. Slim chimed in on the conversation with a sigh. "Vaeril said it would take a couple of weeks at the very least for it to be gone, but barely two hours have passed since we got here, and they''ve already taken everything from us," the necromancer lamented, running his bony hands along the nearby flowers. Subconsciously, he turned to Scott, who had remained silent since leaving the administrative building. It occurred to Slim that Scott might still have his skills. Frowning for a moment, he recalled Scott¡¯s reaction when the system notification appeared. As if reading Slim''s mind, Scott instinctively turned toward the necromancer, an indiscernible gleam covering his eyes. ¡°Buddy, are you good?¡± Slim asked with a smile. ¡°I have never felt better,¡± Scott replied, while giving Slim a thumbs up. Slim nodded slowly, his grin even more dazzling than before. Zara¡¯s gaze alternated between the duo, and a certain understanding dawned on her. I can¡¯t believe he still has access to his skills and abilities; just where did he come from? she pondered. Then again, what was that weird question he asked me back then? Could it be that he¡¯s facing something similar? Although Slim and Zara had deduced the hidden meaning behind Scott¡¯s words, neither showed any unnecessary reaction nor did their bodies react unexpectedly, thanks to the tendrils suppressing their emotions. ¡°Which of the headquarters should we visit first?¡± Zara suddenly asked, pausing in her tracks. ¡°We¡¯ll need to compare the benefits of each faction and weigh them against being factionless. We''ll also need to discuss the exit clauses for each faction, among other things.¡± Scott and Slim wholeheartedly agreed with Zara¡¯s eagerness to gain a deeper understanding of the different factions. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Eager to take the lead, Slim proclaimed with enthusiasm, ¡°Fear not, my friends! I have diligently memorized the locations of some of the factions.¡± The necromancer produced three books he had tucked away earlier. ¡°Thankfully, the headquarters of all of them are here. We can always refer to them if we get lost or something.¡± He then tossed copies to Scott and Zara. Zara nodded appreciatively. ¡°That sounds like a solid plan. Let¡¯s go then,¡± she said in haste. However, the feline suddenly paused in her tracks, turning toward her companions. ¡°I think we have been overlooking something important,¡± she added. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Slim asked, his curiosity piqued. ¡°Will we suddenly start living off the streets?¡± Zara inquired, her tone conveying a touch of concern. Scott and Slim exchanged glances before bursting into laughter. Zara, confused by their reaction, demanded an explanation. ¡°What? What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°I thought you were going to say something more important,¡± Slim managed to say between laughs. ¡°But it¡¯s important,¡± Zara insisted, pouting as Slim continued to laugh. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that,¡± Slim reassured, barely regaining his composure as he flipped to a page in the rule book. ¡°Housing, food, and other basic necessities are freely provided,¡± Slim explained. ¡°I only suspect that the quality might vary depending on whether we choose to join a faction or not.¡± ¡°Oh? That makes sense,¡± Zara muttered softly, then shot a glare at the necromancer. ¡°You¡¯re lucky I can¡¯t access my status screen. I would have demoted you even further.¡± Slim chuckled, urging his companions to follow him. ¡°The House of the Leaf is closest to our current location. The Lion Shrine and the Beetle Hive are in the adjacent street.¡± ¡°You guys go ahead,¡± Scott said, his gaze fixed on a group of newcomers several meters away. ¡°I¡¯m going to start recruiting.¡± Slim and Zara followed his line of sight, noticing a group of five elves and two humans. ¡°Be careful, okay?¡± Zara said softly. The eldritch knight nodded silently. ¡°Let¡¯s meet back here by dusk. How does that sound?¡± ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. With any luck, we should be done with our business by then,¡± Slim said. ¡°Good luck, buddy.¡± Slim patted Scott''s shoulder, while Zara hesitated for a moment before embracing the half-human. ¡°Don¡¯t do anything stupid,¡± she whispered. ¡°See you later,¡± Scott waved at the duo before turning back to the newcomers. How the hell did she get here so quickly? Scott¡¯s eyes lingered on Llorva, who chatted and laughed with her fellow newcomers and the representatives escorting them to the administrative building. I would rather not do this, but we need a lot of people if we¡¯re going to clear this trial, Scott sighed while cracking his knuckles. These monstrosities have been gathering around me for a while now; I wonder how Slim and Zara would react if they could see them. Resigned to his fate, the eldritch knight took quick steps toward the oblivious newcomers. ¡°¡­ and that¡¯s when I decided I was going to run away. He still thinks I¡¯m going to buy him a new bow,¡± Llorva chortled, leaning against a fellow elf who nervously laughed while avoiding eye contact with the others. Despite the apparent cheerful atmosphere, the other champions wore nervous, somewhat uncomfortable looks. ¡°Excuse me, can I talk to you for a minute?¡± The group turned toward the origin of a voice, and their eyes fixated on an animated mask that seemed to seduce one¡¯s soul. ¡°It¡¯s you,¡± Llorva shouted, pushing the elf she leaned on aside as she skipped toward Scott, stopping a few feet away. ¡°I¡¯m so happy to see you. You even remembered me,¡± she said, reaching for Scott¡¯s hand like a venomous snake before nestling her head on the chest of the half-human. The newcomers and their escorts exchanged perplexed glances, but soon grasped that the unknown man had gifted them a golden opportunity to be free of the eccentric elf. Without hesitation, the group silently made their swift exit. Behind his mask, Scott furrowed his brow, observing their departure. Why does it look like they were eagerly awaiting this moment? ¡°Don¡¯t focus on them; look at me instead,¡± Llorva said, reaching for Scott¡¯s mask, only for him to intercept her hand. ¡°Don¡¯t do that,¡± Scott uttered, swatting away the hand of the smiling elf. However, he couldn¡¯t extricate himself from her embrace. ¡°I need to talk to you about something.¡± ¡°I¡¯m in,¡± Llorva interrupted, clinging even tighter to the half-human. Scott paused for a moment. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I said, I¡¯m in,¡± Llorva repeated, nuzzling against Scott¡¯s chest. ¡°You don¡¯t even know what I want to ask you,¡± Scott remarked, grappling with the elf''s unpredictable behavior. Did I make a mistake? he silently wondered. Llorva¡¯s soft laughter filled his ears as she raised her head. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what it is; I¡¯ll do it,¡± she declared. ¡°Since it¡¯s you asking, I¡¯ll give my all,¡± she grinned, revealing her pure white teeth. She''s truly eccentric, but that''s precisely the kind of person we need, Scott thought to himself. Scott gestured toward an unoccupied chair near a towering statue that doubled as a fountain. ¡°Let¡¯s sit over there; we have much to discuss.¡± Llorva giggled softly, leading the way while intertwining hands with the eldritch knight. ¡°So, what¡¯s your name? Where are you from? You look and sound human, but you don¡¯t smell like one. Why is that?¡± The elf suddenly halted in front of Scott, locking eyes with him. ¡°Whenever I gaze into your eyes, it feels like my mind will shatter, but it¡¯s also the only time there¡¯s silence.¡± Llorva leaned on the masked knight again as she continued. ¡°Why have you been calling me? You don¡¯t know how happy I was when I finally found you. Everyone told me I was crazy, but I knew I¡¯d meet you someday.¡± Llorva paused and sniffed Scott¡¯s clothes before raising her head. ¡°Although it''s faint, there¡¯s a lingering feminine scent on your clothes. Whose is it?¡± she asked softly, her innocent eyes meeting Scott¡¯s. ¡°None of your business,¡± Scott stepped forward, and Llorva quickly followed him, snuggling against his arm. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± she said, giggling softly. ¡°Right now, all that matters is that I have you all to myself.¡± The duo took measured steps toward their destination, ignoring the curious gazes of the surrounding passersby. A few feet away from the chair, Llorva¡¯s voice filled Scott¡¯s ears again. ¡°For the second time in my life, only my voice is in my head. Is this what it¡¯s like to be normal?¡± ¡°You in the mask!¡± a shout echoed from afar, forcing Scott and Llorva to stop in their tracks. The duo raised their heads, staring at a man with thick beards, and whose head protruded out of a window. ¡°Are you the one that has been calling me?¡± The man glared at Scott, but there was no malice in his eyes, only an endless curiosity. A smile bloomed behind Scott¡¯s mask as he motioned toward the man with his free hand. ¡°Yes, come down. Let¡¯s have a chat.¡± Chapter 63 : Hanzazeemlem ¡°Boo! Boo!¡± Llorva hushed the fat, middle-aged man approaching them in short yet powerful strides. Unlike most toga-clad residents, he wore slightly faded clothes that showed signs of being mended several times. ¡°Boo!¡± Llorva exclaimed loudly, both thumbs facing the ground. However, the man ignored the eccentric elf, instead, his brown eyes lingering on Scott, slowly sizing up the half-human. ¡°Who are you, and why have you been calling me?¡± Heinrich stood a few feet away from the duo, his gaze alternating between the masked man and the elf who made strange faces at him. ¡°You¡¯re a newcomer? How odd.¡± ¡°Shut up, old man,¡± Llorva snapped. ¡°The only odd thing here is you. Can¡¯t you see we want to be left alone?¡± ¡°Please shut up,¡± Scott interjected, glaring at the elf. Llorva giggled softly while grabbing Scott''s arm again, placing it between her ample bosoms. What sort of situation is this? I definitely heard him calling me, right? Heinrich silently debated whether to remain or leave. As if sensing the man''s thoughts, Scott took a step forward, gesturing toward a vacant chair. ¡°Let¡¯s chat over there.¡± Without waiting for a response, the eldritch knight turned around, Llorva joining him. ¡°Go away, old man,¡± she mouthed inaudibly toward Heinrich. The stout man watched the duo in silence, debating whether to follow or return home. No matter how I look at it, those two will bring nothing but trouble, especially the kid with the mask. It feels like he¡¯s going to attack me even without exuding any bloodlust. Did the rules change? Heinrich raised his head toward the clear skies, then focused on Scott and Llorva again. This is the first time in God knows how long I haven¡¯t heard that annoying call. At least, I should listen to what he has to say. The man took quick and powerful strides toward Scott and Llorva, who had reached their destination. As usual, the gothic elf held on to the impassive half-human. ¡°Have a seat,¡± Scott motioned toward the vacant space. ¡°I¡¯m okay as I am,¡± Heinrich retorted. ¡°I would rather get this over with sooner rather than later.¡± ¡°Have it your way then,¡± Scott sighed before turning toward the elf. ¡°Let go for a second; I''ll be back.¡± The duo locked gazes, and the yellow sign flickered in Scott¡¯s eyes. Llorva instinctively nodded while relaxing her grip. Scott stood up, meeting Heinrich¡¯s curious gaze. What sinister eyes. Heinrich took a step backward, but he moved no further. Is he even human? Despite his fear, he couldn¡¯t tear his gaze away from the eldritch knight. ¡°Have a seat,¡± Scott said softly, gesturing toward the vacant chair. ¡°Sure, thanks,¡± Heinrich said before taking a seat. Like the elf, the yellow sign flickered in the man''s eyes. Meanwhile, Scott remained fixed in his position, staring into the distance. These abominations are still gathering around me. Have they realized I can see them, or is the examiner onto me? Scott observed the beings silently, displaying no reactions to their provocations. Instead, he focused on Llorva and Heinrich, who sat patiently, appearing as strangers enjoying a casual meeting in a beautiful garden. The eldritch knight stared at his blackened fingers corrupted by tendrils. Could these things choose who can see them and when to be visible? He recalled the multi-eyed creature from the administrative building. The monstrosity only stopped moving when he faced the window but showed no reaction to the tendrils. A slight tremor suddenly filled his ears, and he instinctively raised his head. What the heck is that? A bloody smear stained a section of the skies for a moment before being devoured by the azure expanse. Scott noticed several other residents in the area, and they too stared at the skies. Unlike him, they only had a passing look before moving along their way. ¡°Excuse me,¡± a voice suddenly filled Scott''s ears. He turned around but saw no one. ¡°Did I imagine that?¡± Scott muttered to himself. ¡°Down here. I''m down here,¡± the voice repeated. Scott lowered his head. What the heck is this? He noticed a bluish, gooey puddle that wasn''t there initially. ¡°Are you the one calling me?¡± The voice echoed from the puddle, churning until it formed a bluish humanoid resembling Scott. Another one? Scott suppressed his rising urge to laugh. For the first time, he was genuinely glad to have his chaos caller title. "Have a seat over there. We have much to..." A series of footsteps interrupted Scott''s words, and he turned around. What on earth? This could become a problem. Over a hundred champions, some dressed in togas and others in shabby clothes like Heinrich, approached from afar. Several residents stopped dead in their tracks, their gazes focused on the gradually increasing procession heading to the park. Meanwhile, the slime-like humanoid sat comfortably next to Heinrich, the yellow sign flashing in its makeshift eyes. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. A loud crack echoed throughout the streets, and an indigo flare corrupted the clear skies. Time paused in its tracks. Whether it was the approaching procession, the curious residents, or Llorva, Heinrich, and the humanoid, they all assumed the same position, heads raised toward the skies like stick figures. The rushing waters and rustling leaves ceased, and the gentle winds and fragrant scents disappeared. Meanwhile, Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on a towering figure, so massive its head remained in the clouds, but its piercing eyes burned like meteorites through the altered skies. ¡°Who are you?¡± Scott asked, his voice clear and resolute. ¡°Are you the examiner in charge of this trial?¡± he probed further. However, silence greeted his words. Scott wasn¡¯t perturbed, and he spoke up again. ¡°If you¡¯re not going to speak, then you might as well save both our time and make things normal.¡± Without waiting for a response, he took gentle steps away from the bench. On his sixth step, however, the surrounding space morphed, and Enchanted Height¡¯s bustling streets disappeared. The eldritch knight found himself on top of fluffy, yet solid clouds stretching as far as the eyes could see. This looks like the waiting area before the judgment gate, but it feels different. He couldn¡¯t see anything in the vast nothingness and had no intention of exploring it either. He firmly believed whoever was responsible for summoning him would reveal themselves eventually. Scott didn¡¯t wait too long before footsteps echoed. He turned around, sighting a figure in elegant white robes. Despite his keen senses, he couldn¡¯t make sense of their race, sex, or physique. All he saw was a silhouette in white clothes whose features were protected by a blinding crimson light. ¡°So, you¡¯re the one responsible for all that commotion,¡± a powerful voice echoed. The figure stopped several meters from Scott, but they continued to talk. ¡°I¡¯m Hanzazeelem, the examiner in charge of Enchanted Heights. I will not allow you to create chaos within my paradise,¡± the examiner declared, unable to hide their arrogance and superiority. ¡°I have been watching you and your companions since you arrived, and as expected, you¡¯re indeed troublemakers. Kneel, and admit how you woke up the feline ahead of time, and I¡¯ll consider letting you off.¡± ¡°Fuck off,¡± Scott retorted without delay. Stunned silence lingered in the space; the examiner unable to comprehend what they heard. ¡°What rules did I break?¡± Scott asked, his voice as impassive as ever. ¡°There are no rules related to people wanting to talk to me, and neither are there any rules regarding speaking to a crowd. It¡¯s not my fault whatever you did to my companion got eradicated. Since when did a mere newcomer like me wield such power?¡± The eldritch knight took a step forward as he continued, ¡°Send me back if you have nothing else to say.¡± ¡°Impudent human!¡± Lightning and thunder threatened to destroy the very fabric of time as tremors rocked the area. The crimson glow shielding the examiner had turned sapphire, and the outline of two fiery eyes formed on the silhouette. ¡°You dare insult me?¡± they roared, the space trembling even further. ¡°Do you realize who you¡¯re talking to?¡± ¡°Well, I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about, and as far as I¡¯m aware, Examiners can¡¯t randomly kill candidates so you should be mindful of that temper of yours,¡± Scott said, unbothered with the massive lightning bolts and thunder rippling around the turbulent space. ¡°If you think of me as a nuisance, then I have a solution that will work best for both of us,¡± Scott said with an unseen smile. The examiner scoffed, a semblance of calm returning to the once turbulent area. ¡°You believe yourself qualified to negotiate with me?¡± Hanzazeelem echoed his scorn with another derisive snort. ¡°While I might not be able to kill you with my hands, I possess the ability to turn your existence into a living nightmare. Regardless of the trials you''ve endured, by the time I''m through with you, death will seem merciful.¡± The examiner''s eyes vanished, taking the anomalies with them. ¡°Kneel before me¡ªnow!¡± Scott cackled, his laughter rapidly intensifying with each passing moment. However, Hanzazeelem didn¡¯t speak any further. Rather, the examiner¡¯s eyes had returned; this time, there were five of them, each searing with a brilliant light of its own. ¡°It seems you have made your decision; then, I will willingly oblige. You won¡¯t have a¡­¡± a clap interrupted the examiner, and Scott laughed even harder. ¡°You don¡¯t understand how big of a mistake you¡¯re making.¡± Scott managed to squeeze out his words. ¡°I gave you a godsent opportunity to rid yourself of a troublemaker like me, and all you had to do was ensure me and my companions leave as soon as possible. Such a good opportunity, yet you threaten me instead.¡± This time, it was Hanzazeelem¡¯s turn to laugh, and cracks formed all over the space. ¡°An idiot through and through,¡± the examiner said, and the strange phenomenon ceased. ¡°Congratulations, because of you, the next full moon will be more difficult. I¡¯m sure there will be quite a few people that will have something to say about that.¡± Scott nodded slowly. ¡°Since we¡¯re congratulating each other, I guess I should also congratulate you too. After all, you¡¯d soon be witnessing one of the greatest shows ever.¡± Scott took a step forward. ¡°And what a coincidence, it¡¯s going to be happening during the next full moon.¡± The eldritch knight took another step forward before shaking his head. ¡°It¡¯s a shame, though. The city and her residents you hold so dear might disappear after the show.¡± ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± Hanzazeelem roared. ¡°Nope, I¡¯m congratulating you in advance. Why would an idiot like me threaten you?¡± Scott giggled softly. ¡°It must have taken a whole lot of effort to build Enchanted Heights. It¡¯s such a shame.¡± Scott stopped his advance, his gaze lingering on the mysterious examiner. ¡°I have heard your words, and you have heard mine. If there¡¯s nothing more to say, please send me back. For the record, I gave you a chance to keep your toys, whatever comes next has nothing to do with me, okay?¡± ¡°I have seen many champions like you over the years,¡± Hanzazeemlem broke the temporary silence. ¡°They think too highly of themselves because the examiners can¡¯t actively eliminate them without reason. Like the others before, and the more to come, I¡¯ll be here as always, laughing as your pitiful arrogance is stripped bare by the cruel hands of reality.¡± Hanzazeemlem paused, and the eyes reappeared. ¡°For you especially, I¡¯d relish the moment when your life is being snuffed out, and bitter regret clouds those detestable eyes of yours.¡± Scott chuckled again, smiling brightly behind his mask. ¡°Thank you for bringing me here, sincerely. I¡¯m even more confident now that I¡¯d give you a great show, and it¡¯s all thanks to you.¡± The examiner vanished, leaving behind a fractured void. Scott''s vision momentarily blurred, and in the next instant, he stood once more in the garden, where time resumed its regular flow.
The next full moon will arrive in 10 days!
Entry into Enchanted Heights is now closed!
The system notification appeared in front of everyone in the mesmerizing city, and an array of different emotions flashed across the faces of the residents. Scott, however, raised his head toward the skies, laughing with wanton abandon as the yellow sign flickered on his pupils. At that same moment, and in several locations in the expansive city, the yellow sign flickered in the eyes of several residents, while the pulsating tendril embedded itself deeper into their skins. Chapter 64 : The Plan The residents of Enchanted Heights exchanged glances; their trembling eyes focused on the flashing blue panels. Those near the fountain stared in Scott''s direction, as if a voice had proclaimed him responsible for their potential misery. Meanwhile, Scott wore a playful smile behind his mask, reminiscing on his encounter with the examiner. Ten days, huh. I thought that petty son of bitch would make things even more difficult for us. But ten days isn¡¯t a lot of time either. Scott turned toward Llorva, Heinrich, and the humanoid, then shifted his attention toward the procession approaching at a slower pace. ¡°You all heard what the examiner said, so go back and prepare yourselves,¡± Scott communicated mentally. ¡°In ten days, we¡¯ll face the battle of our lives. Until then, continue to act as you always do.¡± Without any acknowledgment, the group dispersed as randomly as they had gathered. Scott then focused on the trio sitting on the park bench. ¡°Heinrich, was it?¡± Scott asked mentally, and the short man nodded. ¡°You mentioned the penalty for leaving any faction is three thousand elemental shards, right?¡± Heinrich nodded again, the yellow sign flickering in his eyes. Scott took a step forward, then continued, ¡°Tell me more about the elemental shards, what purpose do they serve here?¡± ¡°We''re all given three elemental shards after every full moon, regardless of faction affiliations,¡± Heinrich explained. ¡°However, that number can rise significantly depending on which faction you join, the tasks you complete within a month, and bonuses for remaining indoors during a full moon.¡± He pointed toward the building he had emerged from moments ago before continuing. ¡°Most of us without any factions live there.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it a bit too small?¡± Llorva interjected with a whisper. ¡°It¡¯s much bigger than it looks. We can¡¯t stay in better places since our supply is limited.¡± ¡°Why not take out your elemental shards during the night of the full moon?¡± Llorva cocked her head to the side, smiling at the short man. Like Heinrich, she was also stuck in Scott¡¯s dream space, which resembled reality. Heinrich sighed while shaking his head. ¡°If only it was that easy,¡± he said. ¡°I have been here for eight years now¡­¡± Llorva gasped, her eyes widening in surprise, while Scott merely raised his brows. Hmmm... he has been here longer than Vaeril. Heinrich cleared his throat before continuing. ¡°Although I have been here for that long, I have only participated in one full moon, and I was fortunate to have survived. The only reason I made it through was because of the vast number of elemental shards in my possession. Without them, I would probably be dead and long forgotten like most of my comrades.¡± ¡°Let me guess, the elemental shards became active the moment you stepped into the streets,¡± Scott inquired. ¡°Yes,¡± Heinrich turned toward the masked man in surprise. ¡°I can¡¯t recall much from that night, but it felt like I was being bounced around like a ball, with screams echoing in the background. I woke up the next morning on the streets with nothing to my name.¡± Scott nodded slowly as he took another step forward. ¡°Who oversees the distribution of the elemental shards? Is there a mine or something? And where do people store their excess elemental shards? Is there a bank?¡± Scott fired off a barrage of questions. Llorva laughed cheerfully, sensing where the conversation was headed, but Heinrich stared blankly at Scott. Like the elf, he could tell Scott¡¯s intentions from the questions asked. The man swallowed a mouthful of saliva as he continued. ¡°The factions are responsible for the distribution of the elemental shards, while the factionless receive theirs through the administrative office. I don¡¯t know if there¡¯s an elemental shard mine or anything similar, but it¡¯s rumored that the elemental shards are stored in the vaults of the respective factions.¡± Scott pondered silently, while Llorva and Heinrich remained quiet. The humanoid, who had stayed silent since sitting on the bench, suddenly stood up, taking a step toward the eldritch knight. ¡°The elemental shards are stored in the administrative building,¡± it said, stopping several feet away from Scott. ¡°Hmmm? How do you know that?¡± Scott inquired. ¡°Because I can smell them,¡± it replied. Scott frowned, as did Llorva and Heinrich, the trio confused by the humanoid¡¯s words. It was well known that elemental shards didn¡¯t stimulate any of the sensory organs of most creatures and were deemed practically useless by all accounts. ¡°What do you mean you can smell them?¡± Scott asked. ¡°By the way, what are you to begin with?¡± ¡°Fi-Fi is an elemental slime. Regardless of affinity, Fi-Fi can sense anything related to the elements,¡± the slime explained. ¡°An elemental slime?¡± Heinrich frowned, doubt twisting his visage. ¡°Are you a mutant by any chance?¡± Fi-Fi nodded. ¡°I¡¯m indeed a mutant.¡± ¡°It¡¯s starting to make sense a little bit,¡± Heinrich said, his tense visage relaxing. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. ¡°How?¡± Llorva asked, her confusion evident. Her gaze shifted between the slime and the short man, awaiting an explanation. Heinrich didn''t keep her waiting long. ¡°Slimes are typically bound to one affinity, commonly earth or wood, with little deviation between generations due to asexual reproduction. However, rare mutations occur, such as a metal slime originating from an earth slime. These mutations usually last one generation. Fi-Fi is likely a result of several unlikely mutations over time, making it something that shouldn''t normally exist.¡± Scott and Llorva turned their attention back to the slime. ¡°So, Fi-Fi, you''re certain the elemental shards are in the administrative building?¡± Scott asked after a brief silence. The slime nodded. ¡°The smell was too thick; that''s why Fi-Fi slept in the garden. Fi-Fi only woke up when you called.¡± Scott frowned. Why does it keep referring to itself in the third person? It didn''t talk like this when we first met. He turned toward the administrative building, realizing the abnormality there might be connected to Fi-Fi. ¡°Can you sense any elemental shards in the headquarters of the factions?¡± Scott questioned the slime. The slime nodded, creating two contrasting circles on the ground. ¡°This one is for the elemental shards in the factions combined,¡± Fi-Fi pointed to the left circle. Then, it pointed to the right circle. ¡°This one is for what''s in the administrative building.¡± Scott, Heinrich, and Llorva stared at the circles. The left circle was merely a dot compared to the expansive one on the right. ¡°The difference is that huge, huh?¡± Scott turned toward the administrative building again. ¡°Heinrich, is there a rule stating we must all be indoors before the commencement of the full moon?¡± Scott asked. ¡°Um, not that I''m aware of. Most people stay indoors because it''s safer. Why do you ask?¡± Scott grinned. ¡°What else? We''re going to rob that place, of course.¡± ¡°Whoo-hoo!¡± Llorva shot to her feet, wearing a bright smile. Heinrich''s visage turned serious, disbelief clouding his eyes. ¡°I know you might have your misgivings, but we need the elemental shards to survive the trial,¡± Scott explained. ¡°It might be difficult, but it''s absolutely necessary.¡± Heinrich stood up, gesturing to the vacant streets. ¡°Putting that aside, there are more obstacles. Apart from the traps, there will be thousands of creatures with frightening levels of strength. Four of us aren''t enough to take them on.¡± Heinrich took a step forward. ¡°Even if, by some miracle, we manage to fend off the relentless assault, survive the traps, and rob the administrative building, how do we know where the exits are? In case you haven¡¯t heard, the map in your inventory is useless, and no one here knows anything about...¡± ¡°About that,¡± Scott interjected, clicking his fingers softly. A book appeared in Heinrich¡¯s hand. ¡°Open it,¡± Scott said with an unseen smile. Heinrich''s eyes shifted between the masked knight and the seemingly ordinary book. Llorva tiptoed to the back of the man, peering over his shoulders. ¡°C''mon, open it already,¡± she urged, slowly massaging his shoulders. Unable to quell his curiosity, Heinrich flipped open the first page with Llorva watching intently. Instantly, the surroundings morphed. They found themselves staring at Togan from a bird''s eye viewpoint, with all the hidden exits flashing across their minds. Then, they returned to the park. However, the book had disappeared. Llorva muttered in a daze, ¡°W-W-What was that? Was that a map of this place?¡± She turned her head in all directions, barely recognizing some places from the expansive map. Heinrich, on the other hand, trembled in his standing position. There''s no mistaking it... that was the map of Togan. How in heaven did he memorize everything? ¡°Does that answer your question?¡± Scott strolled toward the vacant bench before taking a seat. ¡°B-But, the four of us possibly can''t do it by ourselves,¡± Heinrich said. However, Scott''s laughter filled his ears. Before the man could speak further, the eldritch knight clicked his fingers. Zara and Slim appeared next to the bench, and then tens of thousands of unfamiliar faces filled the park. Heinrich swallowed a mouthful of saliva as he noticed some familiar faces among the massive crowd. Llorva raced towards the bench, reaching for Scott''s arm while glaring at the surrounding champions, like a small puppy marking her territory. Fi-Fi dissolved into a puddle, hiding within the lush grass. ¡°I believe we have enough people to successfully raid the administrative building,¡± Scott said with a smile as he stood up. He didn''t bother to explain that he was having multiple conversations at the same time with those marked by the tendrils. Although only Zara and Slim were given the imprint of madness, the tendrils enabled him to invade the consciousness of anyone corrupted by the blackened strands. I wonder how that bastard would feel if he realized invading my consciousness allowed the mask to mark those seeking me out, Scott giggled softly within himself. ¡°I will leave a copy of the map with each of you.¡± Scott¡¯s voice thundered across the dream space. He took a step forward, and all eyes remained focused on the eldritch knight. ¡°We''re neither friends nor enemies; however, each and everyone here is crazy enough not to bow their head to rules of this place. Some of you haven''t fought a battle in years, and the battle in ten days is going to be difficult, painful, and downright exhausting. But if you survive, then you''ll have a chance to flee this prison. Now, I''ll ask you. Are you ready to blow this place up?¡± The yellow sign flickered non-stop in the eyes of several champions one after the other, a silent approval of Scott''s plan. Scott turned toward Heinrich one more time. ¡°Do you have any more concerns?¡± The man pondered for a moment, then silently shook his head. Like that, the crowd disappeared as if they had been an illusion all along. Three books appeared in Scott''s hand. ¡°It''s unlikely you''ll be able to memorize the map in only ten days, so I''ll bridge that gap for you.¡± Llorva quickly grabbed one book, while Scott threw the remaining one toward Heinrich and Fi-Fi, who had yet to retake a definite form. The shapeless organism consumed the book, and it visibly degraded within its bluish membrane. ¡°How can you give out something so precious thoughtlessly?¡± Heinrich whispered softly. ¡°Aren''t you worried someone will betray you?¡± Scott''s free arm dropped on the shoulder of the man. ¡°I''m kind of hoping someone would. I have a lot of things I want to try out; all I need is proper justification at this point.¡± The illusionary world crumbled, and Heinrich, Llorva, and Fi-Fi returned to reality. Like before, the trio sat on the park bench, but they couldn''t find any trace of Scott. Llorva instantly jumped off the chair, turning in all directions before running eastwards. Fi-Fi stood up, still maintaining a humanoid appearance similar to Scott''s. Wordlessly, the slime departed, leaving Heinrich alone on the bench. The man''s gaze shifted between the beautiful garden, the exquisite buildings, and the calm and oblivious passersby. Then he smiled as he stood up. Do I still know how to swing an ax? He rubbed the back of his neck while taking gentle steps toward his home. It has been eight years since that night. This time, I must succeed no matter what. He suddenly paused in his tracks, staring at the skies. I wonder how far that ginger kid and his friends have gone. Would they even remember me? The man sighed gently before continuing his trek. Chapter 65 : Calm before the Storm Head down, and eyes focused on the sparkling street, Scott took measured steps as he moved aimlessly further away from the administrative building. The occasional curious glance lingered in his direction, but he neither bothered nor cared about the snooping residents. The first phase of the plan is over, now we need to focus on finding that hound. It shouldn¡¯t be too difficult with the help of others, right? There¡¯s no telling if that petty bastard will suddenly shift the date of the full moon. Since he has done it once, there is a probability he¡¯d do it again. We might need to refine our strategy, Scott suddenly paused in his tracks, and he raised his head. His gaze swept over the seven-man canine party, all donned in matching togas adorned with brooches depicting a wolf''s head. ¡°You,¡± a canine pointed at Scott, ¡°Come with us.¡± ¡°And what if I refuse?¡± Scott retorted; arms folded across his chest. Among the seven canines, his attention lingered on the leader, a champion with dazzling earrings adorning his pointed ears. However, the ornaments couldn''t compete with his short, silver locks that seemed to glisten under the sun. ¡°What did you say?¡± Another canine spoke up, but Scott simply ignored him. Instead, his focus shifted to the silver-haired canine with tribal tattoos on his neck and formidable muscles. ¡°Do you have any idea who we are?¡± The leader raised his hand, taking a step forward. Towering over Scott by more than two feet, his iridescent caramel eyes locked onto the eldritch knight. ¡°I''m Oxxi,¡± he stretched out his right hand. ¡°Nice to meet you.¡± Scott lowered his gaze, studying the canine''s outstretched hand. He nodded slowly before clasping arms with Oxxi. ¡°So, to what do I owe this pleasure?¡± The two champions exchanged handshakes, their grip neither yielding nor revealing any applied pressure. Oxxi smirked, baring his fangs. ¡°You have quite the grip. How surprising,¡± he said. ¡°We''re here because of matters related to your meeting with Lord Hanzazeelem.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Scott scrutinized the group even more. ¡°So, what about it?¡± he asked with an unseen smile. ¡°Did he send you guys to beat me up, or did he promise you special benefits if you subdued me? I''m even surprised that petty fellow sent someone here.¡± Thunder rumbled across the skies as Scott finished his declaration. The eldritch knight and several other champions raised their heads, their expressions shifting. ¡°Oops. Did I say that out loud?¡± Scott chuckled, his gaze lingering on the canines'' distorted expressions. ¡°You''re playing a dangerous game; you know that, right?¡± Oxxi warned, regaining his composure. ¡°Spare me the sermons and get to your point,¡± Scott retorted. Oxxi sighed, shaking his head. ¡°There are always overconfident people like you,¡± he said. ¡°If you keep up that attitude, you might meet the same miserable fate as those before you.¡± His visage turned serious. ¡°Lord Hanzazeelem is willing to forgive your initial disrespect if you swear to apologize and devote yourself to him.¡± ¡°I don''t know what exactly you did or said, but I''d advise you to take this offer. Rarely does Lord Hanzazeelem extend benevolence to those who have disrespected his paradise,¡± Oxxi added after a momentary silence. ¡°Oh?¡± Scott nodded slowly. ¡°So, am I supposed to go on my knees and beg for mercy, or how does this work exactly?¡± A smile bloomed on Oxxi''s face. ¡°I''m glad you''ve seen the error in your ways. If you follow us now, we''ll escort you to a place where you can offer your sincerest apologies to..." Oxxi paused, frowning, as Scott giggled nonstop. ¡°What''s so funny?¡± Oxxi managed to say. Scott pointed toward the champions behind Oxxi. ¡°While I applaud your acting, it''s a shame your companions aren''t as proficient.¡± ¡°What?¡± Oxxi turned toward his companions before facing Scott. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°Don''t pretend. No one likes an overplayed joke,¡± Scott retorted. ¡°They might not exude bloodlust, but their eyes were that of someone looking at a dead man.¡± Scott narrowed the distance between them. ¡°I had a hunch your lord haha or was it zaza? Regardless, I knew he would send someone, and it seems that''s you." ¡°I don''t know what you''re talking about,¡± Oxxi said. ¡°You think Lord Hanzazeelem is the type to give special treatment? I''d advise you not to swallow more than you can chew.¡± ¡°Don''t worry about me; it might not look like it, but I''ve got a big mouth,¡± Scott interjected. ¡°You only need to wait a few more days, and I''ll fully indulge in this silly game of yours. Until then, you, your companions, and your lord haha, can kindly fuck off, okay? Okay.¡± Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Scott brushed past Oxxi, forcing the champion to the side. Oxxi''s features turned ugly as he stared at his hand. This strength¡­ How is it possible? Scott took three steps before coming to a stop. He turned toward the canine party. ¡°I almost forgot,¡± he said, his harrowing eyes shifting from one canine to another. ¡°Do you perhaps know where the Varkham Hound is?¡± Shock twisted the faces of the stunned champions, Oxxi opening his mouth in disbelief. ¡°How does he know that name?¡± he muttered in a quiet whisper. Thunder rumbled through the clear skies, and a massive lightning bolt descended in the area, obliterating two of the canines before they could react. The heavenly phenomenon disappeared without leaving a charred spot on the pristine road. Silence lingered in the area; several passersby rooted to the spot. Their gazes alternated between the clear skies, and the canine group, of which all its members, bar Oxxi, lay on the ground motionless.
Judgment Passed!
Those who break the rules will be punished accordingly!
The system message appeared in front of all residents of Enchanted Heights, lingering for a while before disappearing. Oxxi took a step forward, his lips trembling ever so slightly. ¡°Are you a feline?¡± he asked, his curious eyes roaming Scott¡¯s body. However, no matter how much he stared, Scott bore no resemblance to a feline. ¡°Only those vermin from Varkham call Sir Thmaz by that name. Who exactly are you?¡± ¡°Sir Thmaz, huh?¡± Scott chuckled softly. ¡°Who would have thought I''d find someone familiar with the Varkham¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you dare call him that!¡± Oxxi roared, startling a few onlookers. The canine quickly regained his composure as he continued, ¡°Sir Thmaz is the hero of Nuta, and I won¡¯t have the likes of you besmirch his name.¡± ¡°Humans weren¡¯t enslaved by that tyrannical kingdom, so you have no right to address him with that befouling title. You must be associated with a survivor from that waste of a nation,¡± Oxxi wore a twisted smile as he took a step forward. ¡°I don¡¯t know what nonsense you¡¯ve heard or why you¡¯re looking for him, but I assure you that¡­¡± ¡°Hold that thought,¡± Scott interjected. ¡°Do you really want to end up like your buddies, turned into a pile of dirt?¡± Scott shortened the distance, standing side by side with the canine. ¡°I honestly don¡¯t care if he¡¯s a hero or a villain. I¡¯m guessing he¡¯s the leader of your group. Well, that¡¯s not important right now,¡± Scott said, patting the arm of the canine. ¡°Tell him we¡¯ll be seeing him in ten days.¡± As Scott turned to leave, Oxxi pulled him back. The canine¡¯s demeanor had changed completely since their first meeting, the curiosity in his eyes replaced by an icy gleam. ¡°Your confidence is admirable, but you¡¯ll regret the decisions you¡¯ve made here on the night of the full moon,¡± Oxxi said softly. ¡°You¡¯ll soon realize fantasies are very different from reality.¡± The canine stormed ahead, and his companions rose to their feet, chasing after the muscular canine. ¡°Are we going to leave him like that?¡± a canine asked, turning toward Scott as they walked deeper along the street. ¡°He insulted Lord Hanzazeelem and Sir Thmaz. We shouldn¡¯t let him off so easily.¡± ¡°And what would you have me do?¡± Oxxi¡¯s stern gaze landed on the canine. ¡°Do you want to suffer the same fate as those two morons?¡± The champion flinched, recalling the scene. Oxxi then spoke up again, ¡°Forget about him for now; he¡¯ll soon realize how cruel this place can be. The night of the full moon is around the corner, so we must prepare.¡± ¡°What if he¡¯s all talk?¡± another canine asked. ¡°He could just be pretending to be confident. After all, this isn¡¯t the first time we¡¯ve seen someone shrink back after acting tough.¡± Oxxi stopped and smiled. ¡°Trust me, it''s different this time,¡± he said. ¡°Even if, for some reason, he turns tail, he''s not going to have anywhere to hide during the full moon. That much I can assure you.¡± The other canines exchanged glances before focusing on Oxxi, who wore a mysterious smile. The party quickened their pace before disappearing into an adjacent street. Meanwhile, Scott remained in the same position, his keen eyes focused on the clear skies above. That dirtbag didn¡¯t hesitate to snuff out those guys; if I didn¡¯t know any better, I¡¯d think shit head of an examiner had morals, Scott mused, gently lowering his head. ¡°They should be here any moment now.¡± ¡°Buddy, we were just on our way to the rendezvous point,¡± Slim called out from afar, the necromancer along with Zara exiting another street. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± he waved. Right on time, Scott smiled behind his mask as he took gentle steps toward his companions. ¡°So, did you guys confirm it?¡± Scott asked. ¡°Yeah, the information is the same as what they said in that weird dream of yours,¡± Zara said. ¡°That¡¯s great,¡± Scott nodded. ¡°We should start making our way to the administrative building. Once we sort out our accommodation, we¡¯ll talk about the next phase of the plan.¡± Zara and Slim nodded without any input. Wordlessly, the trio took gentle steps toward the direction of the administrative building. ¡°Zara, you heard the discussion earlier, right?¡± Scott maintained his pace without turning toward the cat girl. ¡°Yeah,¡± Zara said softly without any changes to her emotions. ¡°But I¡¯m not thinking about that right now. All scores will be settled in ten days,¡± she vowed. Neither Slim nor Scott commented further. A hundred paces away from their meeting point, a figure in all black sprinted toward the trio, grabbing Scott¡¯s arm while nestling her head on his chest. ¡°How could you leave me?¡± Llorva pouted. ¡°Do you know how hard I searched for you?¡± The elf then regarded Zara and Slim, as did the brawler and necromancer. Llorva grinned, saying, ¡°I¡¯m Llorva, and he¡¯s mine. Nice to meet you.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Slim turned toward Scott, while Zara¡¯s cheeks puffed. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it,¡± Scott glared at the duo before they said anything. He shrugged off Llorva, but the elf once again latched onto his arm. ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± Slim said with a smile. Meanwhile, Zara simply smiled at the elf. Slim then turned his attention to Scott, giving him a thumbs up. ¡°I admire you, buddy!¡± ¡°Please, don¡¯t say anything,¡± Scott interjected. ¡°Anything further, and I¡¯ll tell Zara about all your plots to do you-know-what.¡± Scott¡¯s warning echoed in the mind of the necromancer, and Slim¡¯s smile froze, feeling aggrieved. But the necromancer didn¡¯t dare speak any further. Like that, the quiet days continued in Enchanted Heights; but a storm brewed underneath the beauty and calm the utopia had to offer. Many residents could predict the next full moon would be like none other than they had experienced, but no one could accurately predict why. Chapter 66 : All Status Restrictions Lifted The days dwindled, and a palpable tension shrouded the peaceful streets of Enchanted Heights. Champions, both seasoned and new, continued their daily routines, each anticipating the impending full moon. The veterans harbored a tense reservation, while the inexperienced cautiously prepared, seemingly indifferent to the tales of old. Vaeril paced around his office, a frown souring his handsome visage. The elf halted intermittently, gazing through the open window, his frown deepening. ¡°Sir, their numbers are increasing,¡± remarked a canine, one of the seven champions present in the office. ¡°They''re already over three hundred,¡± added a human champion with a frown. ¡°What exactly are they up to?¡± The representatives collectively turned toward the sizable crowd gathering a few miles away from the administrative building. ¡°Vaeril, what should we do?¡± a lizardman inquired, her eyes nervously shifting from the assembling crowd to the agitated representative. ¡°Should we send someone over to inquire about what''s going on?¡± a human champion suggested. ¡°We tried that already,¡± the canine replied. ¡°They are still refusing to talk.¡± He sighed, massaging his temples. ¡°The most infuriating thing is that we can''t do anything about it. There are no rules against it.¡± The room fell silent. The gathering had commenced just a couple of hours ago with a sparse number of champions, neither exchanging words nor acknowledging each other. However, more champions emerged from different directions as the day progressed, and their numbers continued to swell. Not only that, but residents also gathered at intervals, driven by their curiosity. ¡°I don''t know what they''re doing, but I have a bad feeling about this,¡± Vaeril broke the silence, turning toward his companions. ¡°I''ll seek an audience with the examiner; maybe we''ll be able to find out what''s going on.¡± Barely seconds after Vaeril''s statement, a human pointed toward the window, saying, ¡°Wait, isn''t that Thmaz and his crew? Why are they here?¡± Vaeril and the other representatives turned toward the populated street, where indeed over fifty canines approached in confident strides. The canine leading the group had nothing remarkable about him, except for the series of tattoos adorning his neck. Even the hero of Nuta is here. Vaeril¡¯s frown deepened. What exactly is going on? The elf pondered silently before turning his attention to a representative. ¡°Dean,¡± he called out. ¡°Go down there and ask them what¡¯s going on. I¡¯m sure Thmaz will cooperate with us.¡± The champion nodded and swiftly departed from the room. Simultaneously, Vaeril shifted his focus to the crowd beyond the fences. ¡°Depending on what Dean is able to find out, I¡¯ll decide whether or not to contact Lord Hazazeelem,¡± Vaeril muttered. The representatives observed in silence as Dean hurriedly approached the canine party, exchanging a few words with some canines but unable to reach Thmaz at the front. A moment later, Dean returned to the office. ¡°So?¡± Vaeril anxiously asked. ¡°Why didn¡¯t they let you meet Thmaz?¡± The exasperated champion took a breath before explaining, ¡°They said the examiner ordered it.¡± Confusion and a myriad of emotions twisted the countenances of the representatives. ¡°What does that even mean?¡± a lizardman commented. ¡°Did they say anything else?¡± Vaeril inquired. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll be able to find out more if I go down there myself.¡± ¡°I doubt that,¡± Dean replied after a pause. ¡°They said we should ignore the commotion and continue with our business. According to them, any interference from our end will only make matters more complicated.¡± ¡°Damn it!¡± Vaeril slammed his fists on the table, shattering the sturdy wood into two equal halves. The table instantly repaired itself and returned to normal. The elf took a deep breath and prepared to speak again, but a system message suddenly appeared.
Don¡¯t interfere!
Vaeril stared at the two words, subconsciously turning toward the crowded streets. What exactly is going on? He pondered for a moment before turning toward his companions. ¡°Return to your stations. No matter what, don¡¯t involve yourselves in whatever is going on out there.¡± A canine stepped forward. ¡°Um, but¡­¡± he paused, Vaeril¡¯s deathly cold eyes turning in his direction. ¡°Do your work. Then go home. For your own good, don¡¯t meddle in matters beyond your capabilities.¡± The elf¡¯s cold eyes shifted from one champion to the other. ¡°You may all leave.¡± Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. The group hesitated for a moment, sharing awkward glances. No one knew who moved first, but one after the other, they exited the room. Vaeril remained in the same position, his cold eyes shifting between the diverse crowd on either side of the street. It¡¯s understandable the canines and the survivors of Varkham are rallying under Thmaz¡¯s command, Vaeril thought as he observed the predominantly canine party. Then, he turned his attention toward the other group. ¡°But who the hell is leading them? I can¡¯t even begin to explain why they would even work together." Unlike the canine party, the opposing group had at least one representative from each of Enchanted Heights¡¯ numerous races. Vaeril drew in another deep breath, shaking his head as he collected his thoughts. The elf tore his gaze away from the crowd and settled into his chair. Whatever this is, I want no part in it. I''ll do my job and then go home. Hopefully, by tomorrow morning, this madness will be over. Subconsciously, Vaeril turned towards the crowd again, his gaze flickering between the two groups. I wonder which of them will survive this madness. Minutes passed, and the number of champions on each side of the street gradually increased. Unlike earlier, news of the gathering had spread throughout the city, and curious residents had, at one point or another, spectated and debated on the matter. However, most onlookers simply watched for a few minutes before retreating to their homes. After all, everyone knew the significance of the impending night. The skies slowly turned reddish-gray, and an icy wind, reminiscent of mournful ghouls, heralded the night. Dazzling lights illuminated the mostly desolate streets, and an eerie silence hung over Enchanted Heights. The full moon''s outline peeked through the mesh of bloodied gray skies, as if foretelling what was to come. Representatives from the administrative buildings exited in large numbers, many walking with bowed heads, while a few cautiously observed the opposing groups. The multiracial crowd had swelled beyond any gathering in the city''s famed yet brief history. There''s going to be a massacre here tonight, Vaeril sighed softly, raising his head toward the skies. How many people will survive tonight? He sighed once more before quickening his pace. In no time, the representatives and curious onlookers had retreated to their homes. The two groups remained at opposite ends of the street, bathed in the silver moonlight. Although the gates leading to the administrative buildings remained open, no one willingly approached the deserted area.
The trial will begin at midnight!
All champions interested in partaking in the trial are advised to step out from their respective homes!
Champions will have until one hour before midnight to indicate their intentions!
All status restrictions will be lifted an hour before midnight!
All rules and regulations will be suspended at midnight!
The system notification flashed before every champion in the city. In succession, the lights in numerous residential buildings dimmed, with most vanishing seconds after the message. Oxxi, positioned close to Thmaz, took measured steps toward the opposing side, halting at the center of the road. ¡°Hasn¡¯t this charade gone on long enough?¡± He remarked, arms akimbo. ¡°I get the newcomers lacking fear, but the rest of you should know better. You understand how cruel the trial is.¡± Two steps forward, a pause. ¡°I can¡¯t fathom why you¡¯re doing this, or why you''d throw away the lives you''ve painstakingly cultivated.¡± The champions glanced at the robust canine but quickly averted their gazes. Instead, their attention remained fixated on crimson wisps rising over twenty feet into the air from the buildings and roads. Unlike before, a hint of fear clouded the champions'' expressions; some subconsciously bit their lips, while others clenched their fists. The canine party, however, maintained an air of confidence bordering on arrogance. Oxxi gestured toward the ethereal cluster thickening by the second. ¡°In case you''ve forgotten, those creatures will be here any moment now. There¡¯s time to end this and return home.¡± He took a step forward. ¡°You should''ve realized Lord Hazazeelem is displeased. Don¡¯t make it worse.¡± Muffled laughter echoed, and all eyes turned to Llorva, who hid behind an elf while suppressing her giggles. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, don¡¯t mind me,¡± she said, struggling to stifle her laughter. ¡°Please go on with what you were saying.¡± Oxxi frowned. Is she making light of this situation? He scanned the group; many champions either smiled or ignored the canine party. Why did they gather here? Did they uncover a hidden map or something? Oxxi narrowed his gaze, spotting champions focusing on the administrative area with longing. A thought struck him, and his disposition changed. Could they be planning to raid the administrative building? Oxxi turned to his companions, his lips trembling silently. The canine expressions changed; Thmaz stepped forward, approaching Oxxi gently. Like Oxxi, he stopped midway, his gray eyes lingering on a few champions. ¡°Who''s your leader?¡± his deep voice rang without shouting. Silence followed, Llorva and the champions still focused on the deserted buildings. Thmaz chuckled, shaking his head. He took another step forward. ¡°Contrary to what you may think, I have no intentions of dissuading or convincing you. I won¡¯t stop you from making your decision.¡± This time, a few champions turned toward the canine. Thmaz scratched his tattoos, a thin smile parting his lips. ¡°That unyielding look in your eyes even in the face of absolute power, I know it well.¡± Thmaz smiled, pointing at his men. ¡°That¡¯s the same look we had when we resolved to fight for our freedom. But what I can¡¯t understand is why anyone would want to leave a genuine paradise like this. There are no wars, strife, robbing, or killing. Everyone is equal, paid, and catered for as long as they follow the rules. Those who wish to leave are free to take the trial, as long as they¡¯re capable, they¡¯re free to go. Why would anyone want to leave such a place?¡± Several canines shook their heads, appearing as bemused as their leader. Thmaz then pivoted back toward the champions. This time, his smile had vanished. ¡°I have absolutely no interest in whatever nonsense you have planned,¡± he declared, taking another step forward. His soulless eyes shifted from one champion to the other. ¡°You''re free to do as you please. However, not even your gods can shield you from me if you threaten to turn my paradise into hell.¡± He pointed at the copious mists taking form. ¡°Rest assured, not even them would be enough to spare you from my wrath.¡±
All status restrictions lifted
Chapter 67 : Path to Parla Deafening silence reverberated through the streets, accompanied only by the monotonous buzzing of the fluorescent streetlights. ¡°Finally,¡± Thmaz muttered, lifting his head toward the rebelling champions. Ready to continue his speech, he halted mid-sentence, his sharp eyes fixed on a figure. Strange. Why didn''t I notice him earlier? The canine pondered; his gaze locked onto a human donning an alluring yet intimidating mask. ¡°Sir, that''s him,¡± Oxxi whispered from the side. ¡°Oh,¡± Thmaz stared intently at Scott, but the eldritch knight remained focused on the whirling wisps, now taking a definite form. Unlike Scott, Zara concentrated on the tattooed canine leader. Despite her outward calm, a deep-seated rage, as overwhelming as the ocean, burned within her eyes. However, Thmaz spared only a cursory glance for the feline and Slim. Thmaz took measured but powerful strides toward Scott''s position, a thin smile parting his lips. Scott shifted his focus away from the wisps, his dispassionate eyes lingering on the approaching canine. ¡°How fascinating. I couldn''t detect your presence earlier,¡± Thmaz stopped a few feet away from the masked knight. ¡°I guess it''s fitting that someone like you is responsible for this mess.¡± ¡°Someone like me? What''s that supposed to mean?¡± Scott asked. ¡°You look like a human but lack the aura or scent of one. Even ghouls and ghosts have more of a presence than you. Almost like an abomination with no origins,¡± Thmaz said, taking another step forward. ¡°One can easily discern your intentions from the way you''ve been staring at the administrative building,¡± Thmaz continued with a smile. ¡°I''ll applaud your intentions. Although your aspirations are delusional, it¡¯s without a doubt an ambitious one. Unfortunately, you''re only leading these people to their deaths. I guess that''s the price they''ll pay for their stupidity.¡± Scott chuckled softly, shaking his head. Throughout the conversation with the canine, he remained the only champion focused on the hero of Nuta. ¡°What''s so funny?¡± Thmaz asked with a smile, unable to hide the derision in his eyes. ¡°My father used to say there were two kinds of people: the sheep and the wolf,¡± Scott said, reigning in his laughter. ¡°The sheep know nothing about the world around them, seeking only to live according to their predetermined fate. They never challenge anything and strive to conform. The wolf, on the other hand, is quite special. They know how much uncertainty and injustice plague society. They don''t wait; they fight, take, and sometimes snatch. Anything to live according to their will.¡± ¡°So, let me guess, you guys are supposed to be the wolves, and us the sheep, right?¡± Thmaz chuckled, the derision in his eyes undisguised. ¡°It doesn''t matter whether you''re the sheep or the wolf; I wouldn''t care either way,¡± Scott remarked with an unseen smile. The eldritch knight halted a few feet away from Thmaz, locking gazes with the canine. ¡°What does matter, though, is the fact that, just like you, we have absolutely no intention of conforming to whatever deluded sense of propriety and devotion you have for all this,¡± Scott continued, his gaze sweeping across the empty streets. ¡°You can remain here if you wish. I honestly wouldn''t give two fucks about it. But you have absolutely no right whatsoever to tell us what we can and can''t do.¡± Scott took another step forward. This time, however, so did the other champions. ¡°Midnight is almost upon us. We have both made our decisions; there''s really nothing left to say. I''ll let you in on a little secret: I''m glad you came all the way here to find us. It saves us a whole lot of trouble.¡± The canine party on the other side of the street reacted to the march of the champions, quickly rushing toward Thmaz''s side. The tattooed canine, unlike before, remained calm as he observed the approaching group. His smile had disappeared, replaced by a somewhat stern visage. What did he mean by that? Could it really have something to do with Varkham? Thmaz pondered, recalling the conversation he had with Oxxi a couple of days prior. ¡°Sir, what should we do?¡± Oxxi whispered. ¡°Although we have regained access to our inventories and abilities once more, the laws haven''t been suspended yet.¡± ¡°I know that. That''s even more reason there''s nothing to worry about. The moment they exude even an ounce of hostility towards us, Lord Hanzazeelem would show them no mercy.¡± Thmaz''s face lit up at the prospect of the rebels digging their own proverbial graves. ¡°It''s almost midnight anyways; we just need to wait. They''ll soon realize how foolish they were for trying to challenge Lord Hanzazeelem,¡± Thmaz said. Oxxi''s tensed brows relaxed for a moment, but his eyes remained focused on the approaching champions. An obvious sense of unease lingered in the mind of the champion. ¡°So, what are you going to do? Attack us?¡± Thmaz wore a crooked smile, spreading both arms apart. ¡°I won''t stop you; go ahead and try it if you can. After all, I''m just a little sheep,¡± he snickered. ¡°Exactly,¡± Scott affirmed. A tense silence enveloped the canine party as they readied themselves for the approaching champions. Contrary to their expectations, the group walked past the canines, turning toward the opened gates of the administrative buildings. Thmaz''s visage soured. ¡°Who is the sheep now?¡± He said, but only silence greeted his words. ¡°Sir, what do we do? I don''t think there''s a rule forbidding anyone from raiding the administrative building,¡± Oxxi commented. ¡°I doubt there''s even a need for one. It doesn''t matter if they get the crystals,¡± Thmaz retorted. ¡°Huh?¡± Oxxi pondered for a moment, then his eyes lit up. ¡°Yes, even if they find the elemental shards, it is impossible for so many people to know their way around the maze.¡± ¡°Exactly. Regardless of their plans, death is the only certainty awaiting them. Let them revel in their foolhardiness. Soon, the gravity of their mistake will dawn on them. Unfortunately, death will be their sole reward. Prepare yourselves; it''s almost midnight.¡± Oxxi nodded somberly and retreated to the side, ensuring the rest of his companions were ready for midnight. Meanwhile, Thmaz remained in the same position, his soulless eyes fixed on the outline of the massive creatures born from the coalesced wisps. ¡°Wash away my hate and sins, make me pure in the path I walk, so that I can see the light. Harken to my prayers, ye who illuminates my path,¡± Thmaz whispered softly before exhaling deeply. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. On the other side, Scott and the other champions proceeded to the main administrative building in their numbers, disregarding the inchoate creatures nearing perfection. ¡°Alright, everyone, we don¡¯t have much time until the show begins. We need to move fast,¡± Scott''s voice thundered in the minds of those present. He then turned toward a gelatinous blob wrapped around Llorva¡¯s arm. ¡°Fi-Fi, lead the way.¡± The elemental slime contorted, freeing itself from Llorva¡¯s arm and taking the form of a humanoid. ¡°Follow me,¡± it said. Saying nothing, it approached the entrance, forcing itself through the cracks. A click followed, and the massive doors swung open. The champions rushed in, with the elemental slime leading the way. However, Scott, Zara, and Llorva remained outside. Zara glanced at Llorva, whose arms remained fastened around Scott¡¯s as she nestled her head on the sides of his shoulder, occasionally taking quick sniffs of his clothes. ¡°Are you going to be okay?¡± Zara asked on the party communication channel. ¡°I''ve seen some enthusiastic people, but...¡± Zara suddenly paused, her mouth slightly agape. Llorva had taken another sniff, and this time, the elf¡¯s ecstasy was all too obvious on her reddened face. Sensing the brawler¡¯s burning gaze, Llorva turned toward Zara. A brazen smile parted her lips; she winked before burying her face again in Scott¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Pretend you saw nothing,¡± Scott said, his voice carrying a hint of exhaustion and annoyance. ¡°I wish there was a way I could unsee that,¡± Zara commented with a dry smile. ¡°Good luck. You¡¯re going to need it.¡± The feline turned her attention toward the entrance as she continued, ¡°So, what do you think? Aren¡¯t things going a little too easy for us?¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have it any other way,¡± Scott replied without pause. ¡°Don¡¯t worry; there shouldn¡¯t be any traps or tricks in the building. Fi-Fi should be able to lead them directly to the vault. However, I do understand your apprehension. Should things change, we need to prioritize ourselves first.¡± Zara nodded; her keen eyes remained fastened to the barely illuminated hall ahead. ¡°Have you decided?¡± Scott suddenly asked. However, silence greeted his words. Zara closed her eyes, biting her lower lip. The brawler clenched her fists, resisting the urge to turn around. A moment later, she exhaled deeply, and her taut features relaxed. ¡°We might not have known each other for long, but I trust you and Slim with my life. I don¡¯t know for sure what you saw, but I know those eyes of yours can see what others can¡¯t even possibly imagine.¡± The feline turned toward Scott. ¡°I¡¯ll ask you again because I need to hear it one more time. What do you think will happen if I fight against that bastard?¡± ¡°There are no guarantees in life. However, he¡¯s overwhelmingly stronger than you,¡± Scott said after a brief pause. Zara closed her eyes once more, clenching her fists as she exhaled deeply. ¡°It¡¯s ironic isn¡¯t it,¡± she muttered audibly. ¡°I have dedicated my entire existence to finding and eliminating that murderer, yet it¡¯s very likely I¡¯ll have to flee to save my own life. Should the day I become strong enough to take his life arrive, it¡¯s unlikely we¡¯d ever cross paths again. Fate has its own unique humor, huh.¡± Zara chuckled, however, there was nothing joyous about her laughter as tears gathered at the corners of her eyes. Llorva¡¯s grip around Scott loosened a bit as she stared at the cat girl. What¡¯s going on? What are they talking about? Most of the conversation had taken place on the party channel, so the elf had no idea what caused Zara¡¯s sudden mood swing. Scott, on the other hand, remained silent. I can¡¯t imagine how powerless she must be feeling right now. However, if she decides to confront that canine, she will likely die. I didn¡¯t expect that guy to have such a dangerous sponsor and ability. He sympathized with the cat girl, but he also knew she had to decide. Scott turned toward the canine party; locking gazes with Thmaz who watched from afar. Hastur¡¯s gaze activated, but the eldritch knight ignored the bulk of the stats, focusing on three key stats.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Level: 27
Sponsor: Progenitor of Light.
Abilities
High-tier ability
Divine Rebirth: Your devotion has reached thee who guides those seeking the light. You will be revived each time you die, regaining all your memories and abilities.
Divine Fortitude: On the verge of death, the sacred light will give you the power to subdue your enemy twice over.
Divine Retribution: The sacred light¡¯s veils will brand those who have anything to do with your death. Their whereabouts shall be known to you, regardless of your own location.
Scott turned away from the smiling canine. At that same moment, Slim¡¯s voice suddenly echoed on the party¡¯s channel. ¡°Guys, I can¡¯t believe it. There are probably hundreds of millions of elemental shards here.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t stand around gawking at it,¡± Zara said. ¡°Get as many as you can and get back here.¡± ¡°I know, I know. Jeez. What do you think I¡¯m doing?¡± Slim replied. ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon. Don¡¯t do anything stupid, okay? Some guy keeps taking from my pile. I don¡¯t want to lose out to him.¡± Silm¡¯s voice disappeared and the party channel became quiet once more. ¡°We¡¯re really doing this, huh?¡± Llorva commented from the side, her eyes focused on the aberrations taking form. ¡°Scared?¡± Scott commented offhandedly, his eyes still focused on Thmaz. ¡°I¡¯d be a lair if I said I wasn¡¯t,¡± Llorva chuckled while rearranging her hair. ¡°But that¡¯s what is so exciting about it. Our blood and guts could dye the streets tonight or we could end up passing the trial while laughing at the corpses of our enemies. Where else can one find something so thrilling?¡± The elf wore a devilish smile as she nestled her head on Scott¡¯s arm. ¡°What about you?¡± she muttered softly. Scott didn¡¯t reply, but he suddenly tightened his arm. Llorva instinctively raised her head. Huh? What¡¯s gotten into him? All traces of Scott¡¯s lackadaisical attitude had disappeared, and he exuded traces of bloodlust. Llorva instinctively released the eldritch knight¡¯s arm, taking several steps back. Zara, too, had also noticed the sudden change. ¡°W-What¡¯s wrong?¡± Zara asked on the party channel. ¡°That bastard has changed the rules. As of this moment, all laws have been suspended,¡± Scott said. At that same moment, a laugh echoed from the distance, and Thmaz and his crew strutted toward the administrative buildings with murderous delight. The canine wielded a bloodied short sword, which alternated between a bloody crimson glow and a radiant silver sheen. ¡°Hey there. It¡¯s me the leader of the sheep again,¡± Thmaz said, the tip of the sword pointed at Scott. ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be a problem for big and strong wolves like you, right?¡±
All rules and regulations have been suspended!
An ear-deafening siren reverberated, piercing the air as thousands of light rays descended from the blackened heavens. They coalesced into the image of a towering white tree; its branches seemingly capable of supporting the entire world. Tens to hundreds of millions of dazzling flowers cascaded from the massive tree, each petal lifting an ethereal mist over a section of the city. In moments, a thick fog blanketed parts of the dazzling streets, obscuring the colorful streetlights. Yet, within the mist, thousands of crimson eyes emerged from the darkness, accompanied by a series of thunderous roars that echoed across the city. Then, silence followed.
The path to Parla will be connected at midnight!
The sentry guards are awakening!
Thunder echoed in the wake of the system¡¯s messages, followed by the sudden formation of a cyclone from seemingly thin air. Simultaneously, a raging inferno spontaneously combusted, and in the blink of an eye, the city found itself split into four equal halves, each besieged by a unique elemental calamity. Scott delved into his mask, summoning the Warhammer of the mad god. As he did, his voice resonated in the minds of thousands of champions scattered across Enchanted Heights. ¡°The time is upon us, and success is our only path!¡± With a swift motion, the eldritch knight removed his mask, unleashing a swirling darkness that enveloped the administrative building. Chapter 68 : Fear is only the beginning The smile vanished from Thmaz¡¯s face; his trembling eyes fixated on the abomination before him. Like the other canines, he came to an abrupt halt, but unlike them, he resisted the urge to retreat. ¡°What the hell is that thing?¡± a canine commented, stepping back. While the specifics varied, the shared horror among them was directed at the figure adorned in ominous yellow. Simultaneously, Zara and Llorva sprinted into the administrative building with all the speed they could muster. Despite the urgency, the elf couldn¡¯t help stealing occasional glances as she fled. ¡°What is that thing? Are they the same people?¡± Llorva muttered between breaths. ¡°Focus on running. Rendezvousing with the others is our priority,¡± Zara said, quickening her pace. ¡°But is he going to be okay?¡± Llorva asked, stealing another glance at the swirling darkness where Scott once stood. ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know, but our job is to ensure we don¡¯t waste this opportunity,¡± Zara replied. ¡°Enough talking for now. Let¡¯s join up with the others. We''re lucky he predicted the trial could be brought forward.¡± Zara cast a quick glance in Scott¡¯s direction before disappearing down a winding hallway. In less than ten seconds, the feline and elf vanished into the darkness. Meanwhile, at the administrative building''s entrance, a standoff unfolded between the cautious canines and Scott, who had removed his mask. Could this be an illusion? Thmaz wondered. He had never encountered a creature emitting such a baleful and murderous aura. For some inexplicable reason, he felt a deep-rooted suppression within his bones, as if his very essence was terrified of the figure in yellow. In the ensuing silence, a canine howled fiercely, desperation clouding its eyes. Unsheathing his sword, he dashed menacingly toward the lone figure. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you!¡± he roared, the silver luster bathing his sword. Closing the gap in a flash, he arrived in front of the unknown being within seconds. He thrust his sword in a stabbing motion, exuding copious amounts of bloodlust. Each subsequent stab was fiercer than the last, the silver sheen exploding into radiant sword light, leaving behind immeasurable shards with each explosion. ¡°What the hell is going on?¡± Thmaz scowled, taking a step back for the first time. Everyone wondered why the canine stabbed himself repeatedly, each strike more intense than the last. Furthermore, the deranged canine laughed as if reveling in the brutal self-mutilation and impalement. ¡°Tinor, have you gone mad?¡± Oxxi cried out, unable to witness the chilling scene any longer. Tinor, bleeding profusely, turned toward the Oxxi. The savagery in his eyes renewed. ¡°You think you can run away from me?¡± Tinor said, feebly pointing the sword''s tip toward Oxxi. ¡°I¡¯ll have your head.¡± The canine coughed out a mouthful of blood before finishing his statement, falling to both knees. However, his deranged smile persisted as he struggled to apprehend the creature in front of him. What sort of wicked illusion is this? Even at death¡¯s door, it''s still befuddling his senses. The hair on Oxxi¡¯s back stood on end. Tinor dragged himself along the ground, attempting to crawl toward his companions, but the canine barely moved within the bloody pool. ¡°Oxxi, do you see something in his eyes?¡± Thmaz suddenly said. ¡°Huh? What are you talking about? I don¡¯t see any¡­ hmm? What¡¯s that thing?¡± Oxxi narrowed his gaze, staring at a flashing yellow sign in the eyes of the bleeding canine. Where did that come from? As Oxxi¡¯s thoughts wandered, the yellow sign in Tinor¡¯s eyes cleared, and as if a switch had been turned off, the insanity in the eyes of the canine disappeared. ¡°H-Help me,¡± Tinor croaked softly, the lights in his eyes dimming by the second. ¡°I don¡¯t want to die. Please help¡­¡± a crunch echoed before the canine could finish his pleas, and his head exploded into tiny, meaty chunks while a geyser of fresh blood amidst other brain juices splattered in all directions. However, the canines paid little attention to the headless corpse. A sudden chilling wind encompassed them. What¡¯s more, dozens of lilac flames with a blackened swirl in the center floated above Tinor¡¯s corpse, gradually increasing in size as the temperature fell. ¡°Is this another illusion?¡± A canine muttered aloud, echoing the sentiments of the other champions. However, the brisk cold threatening to freeze their lungs, coupled with the eerie hum from the flames, told them their fears were real. ¡°Defend yourselves!¡± Thmaz screamed. ¡°Don¡¯t let those flames touch you!¡± After Tinor¡¯s unfortunate demise, he wouldn¡¯t let any of his companions meet a similar miserable fate. The canine¡¯s fist tightened around the hilt of his sword, and a crucifix flaming pattern appeared in his eyes. ¡°Those who seek the light shall not be abandoned, so I will forever trudge the path that leads to salvation! O¡¯ keeper of light, harken to my words, let me extinguish the darkness before me!¡± A blinding radiance shot out from the short sword, engulfing the area in a dazzling glow. The frightening cold disappeared, as well as the expanding flames. A crude smile parted Thmaz¡¯s lips. ¡°Darkness has no place in the presence of light,¡± he chuckled softly while relaxing his grip. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. ¡°I don¡¯t know what kind of cheap tricks you used earlier, but it won¡¯t work on me,¡± Thmaz said confidently as the light¡¯s intensity started to dim. ¡°No matter what you do tonight, you and the others will meet your ends here,¡± he declared proudly. ¡°Oxxi, you guys go ahead and eliminate those who entered the building. Leave the abomination to me,¡± Thmaz said, but there was no response. The canine frowned as he turned to the side. Huh? Where did they go? Confusion replaced the canine¡¯s brief irritation. He didn¡¯t know when or how, but there wasn¡¯t anyone in the area. A chill suddenly ran down the canine¡¯s back. The previous cold had returned, stronger than ever. However, Thmaz was more concerned when he recalled what happened to Tinor. He watched his subordinate lose his mind while attacking himself, making him wonder if he was doing the same to himself or his companions. ¡°Fear is only the beginning. There¡¯s still much more to come,¡± a sickening voice suddenly filled the ears of the canine. ¡°Who said that? Show yourself!¡± Thmaz reeled, turning from side to side as he searched for the owner of the voice. Damn it! Did I fall under his illusion too? Thmaz frowned. The canine pressed both of his thumbs together, and the crucifix brightened in intensity. ¡°I will not be swayed by the darkness; darkness has no place in the dwelling of light. For he who seeks light shall prevail over darkness, and so shall I prevail over darkness. O'' ye bringer of light, show me the path to my salvation.¡± A resplendent glow covered the praying canine, and the world surrounding him distorted, with the earth and skies coalescing into one. Then a crisp crack followed, and then silence. However, the silence only lasted a moment. A cacophony of disgruntled grunts, shrill screams, and incessant explosions filled the ears of the canine; and a thick, nauseating stench filled the air. Thmaz stood there, staring at his companions who mutilated their bodies or attacked illusionary foes. His cold eyes roamed in all directions, before pausing at a figure who stood close to the entrance of the administrative building. ¡°You really fooled me,¡± Thmaz took a step forward with both thumbs still pressed against each other. ¡°I promise you; you¡¯ll pay dearly for what you have done to my people.¡± A shrill laughter filled the ears of the canine, and the eerie voice returned like a wandering wisp. ¡°Why blame me? They did all this to themselves.¡± Thmaz¡¯s visage darkened as he took another step. The light coating his body expanded, forming multiple tentacles that raced toward the canines who hadn¡¯t succumbed to their insanity-fueled attacks. A hiss filled the air as the tentacles raced towards the incapacitated champions, and crimson-blackish fumes scattered where the tentacles passed. Thmaz narrowed his gaze. Is that poisonous gas? No wonder he was able to trap so many of us under an illusion at the same time. Where did this bastard find a gas that is odorless, colorless, and able to drive one into madness? ¡°Bringer of light, please dispel these wicked fumes!¡± Thmaz screamed. The light cocoon pulsated for a moment, then expanded in all directions. The hissing reverberated louder than ever, and even more crimson-blackish fumes filled the air. The yellow sign flashing in the eyes of the canine slowly dimmed, and a modicum of sanity had returned to their consciousness. However, most of them remained on the ground, suffering from their self-inflicted injuries. ¡°Nizo, can you use your abilities?¡± Thmaz asked, eyeing the champion with three fox tails. ¡°Y-Yes, I know what I need to do. But give me a few seconds; my head is still a mess,¡± Nizo replied. ¡°Take all the time you need. Patch up the others when you¡¯re ready.¡± Thmaz took quick but cautious strides towards the figure in yellow. ¡°Leave that abomination to me.¡± For reasons he couldn¡¯t understand, the light couldn¡¯t dispel the darkness shrouding the being. Thmaz pondered whether he was truly out of the illusion. ¡°I wonder,¡± a whisper drifted into the ears of the canine as it had read his thoughts, forcing him to a halt. Cold sweat covered the champion''s back as his brows tensed. Simultaneously, a cacophony of shrill laughter filled his ears, and the figure in yellow vanished. There¡¯s no way this is still an illusion. No illusion is capable of remaining intact under the brilliance of the light, Thmaz thought. Doubts, however, slowly consumed his mind. ¡°I will not be swayed by darkness; darkness has no place in the dwelling of light. For he who seeks light shall prevail over the dark; and so, I shall prevail over darkness. O¡¯ ye bringer of light, show me the path to my salvation.¡± The light covering the canine hummed in sync with the champion¡¯s prayers, becoming even more resplendent. This time, however, no changes occurred to the surroundings, and the figure in yellow had reappeared. It wasn¡¯t an illusion. That bastard had me fooled, Thmaz¡¯s tensed features relaxed a bit as his eyes remained focused on the unknown creature. Unlike before, however, he refrained from recklessly approaching the figure in yellow. ¡°Are you really sure this isn¡¯t an illusion?¡± The voice echoed again, sounding closer than ever before. Thmaz realized the figure in yellow had disappeared again. Before he could ponder where the abomination went, a hand fell on his shoulder, forcing the canine to involuntarily jump over twenty feet away. With his heart in his mouth and thick beads of sweat dripping down his face, Thmaz searched for the one who touched him, but he saw no one. What sort of wicked ability is this? Why can¡¯t the light dispel it? Thmaz struggled to control his breathing as he searched for Nizo and his other subordinates, but they had also disappeared like the figure in yellow. The surroundings had changed, a grayish mist threatened to devour the world, while thunder echoed from the blackened skies. ¡°You realize that none of these tactics will work, right?¡± Thmaz suddenly shouted. ¡°Even if, by some miracle, you do end up killing me, you would only be digging a bigger grave for yourself. That I can assure you.¡± Thmaz¡¯s keen eyes prowled the gray, but he still couldn¡¯t find the figure in yellow. ¡°I don¡¯t know how you infiltrated my thoughts, but this illusion of yours will soon dissipate. Then, nothing will shield you from me,¡± Thmaz roared into the mist. This time, footsteps reverberated from the east, and the canine pivoted towards the approaching sounds. ¡°You overestimate yourself,¡± a voice resonated in the canine''s ears. Instinctively, Thmaz turned to his right, finding a towering figure in yellow. He willed his limbs to move, yet inexplicably, they remained fixed. The figure, however, moved freely. ¡°Your annoying ability will make your demise challenging, but not impossible.¡± A faceless humanoid materialized before the immobile Thmaz. ¡°Who do you think you are? You, kill me?¡± Thmaz scoffed. ¡°Try it if you can. I don¡¯t fear death,¡± he added with a defiant smile. The humanoid''s head tilted. ¡°I know,¡± it responded emotionlessly. ¡°However, there are fates far worse than death.¡± Seizing the canine''s jaw, the humanoid stated, ¡°Don¡¯t assume invincibility due to your Divine abilities.¡± Fear clouded Thmaz¡¯s vision. He couldn¡¯t fathom how he fell under the illusionist''s sway, and now, even his trump cards had been exposed. Could this be a ruse? Thmaz pondered. ¡°I assure you it¡¯s not,¡± the emotionless voice replied without hesitation, lifting Thmaz by his neck. ¡°It¡¯s unfortunate our paths crossed. Now, you won¡¯t return to your mundane life.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Thmaz managed to say. He kicked at the humanoid, wrapping his legs around its arm. ¡°I told you there are fates worse than death, and you''re on your way to experiencing it. Luckily, I''ve already entrusted your life to someone else.¡± The humanoid momentarily faced west, then turned back to Thmaz. ¡°No need for this charade. I anticipate our next meeting, Thilo, son of Thioz.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Thmaz''s pupils widened. ¡°W-Who are you, and how do you know that name?¡± A strange buzz interrupted the champion, and the misty world churned.
The Sentries have awoken!
The path to Parla is now open!
Chapter 69 : Nice A few minutes prior to the system¡¯s messages, Zara, Slim, and the champions in the administrative building returned to the entrance. The group halted, gazing into the encompassing darkness. The champions withdrew, unwilling to confront the churning mist that stirred a primal sense of danger they had never experienced before. ¡°You weren¡¯t kidding. He really took off his mask again,¡± Slim remarked on the party channel. ¡°But is he going to be okay?¡± The necromancer recalled Scott¡¯s words about Thmaz being quite formidable. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Zara replied, her eyes fixed on the darkness ahead. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t have stayed behind if he wasn¡¯t confident.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right about that,¡± Slim sighed softly. ¡°It¡¯s a shame he isn¡¯t answering our messages. I guess we can¡¯t do anything but wait for him.¡± ¡°Excuse me,¡± a panicky voice suddenly called out to Slim and Zara. The duo turned to see a terrified woman, her eyes scanning the darkness ahead. The champion pointed toward the entrance as she said, ¡°What are we supposed to do with that thing blocking our way?¡± ¡°That thing?¡± Zara¡¯s brows furrowed. Most people wouldn¡¯t refer to darkness as a thing. ¡°What do you see?¡± Zara asked, unable to quell her curiosity. The young lady cocked her head, confused by the feline''s question. Then she glanced at the other champions. ¡°Can¡¯t you see the thing prowling the darkness?¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± an elf asked, cautiously observing the darkness. ¡°I don¡¯t see anything,¡± another champion said. ¡°This is mysterious and intriguing at the same time.¡± Llorva sneaked up on the young lady, grinning from ear to ear. ¡°What do you see? Hurry, tell me,¡± she said, stroking the terrified champion¡¯s hair. ¡°Please tell us what you¡¯re seeing,¡± Zara said, folding her arms across her chest. All eyes focused on the young lady, and she instinctively took a step back while taking deep breaths. ¡°I don¡¯t know the words I can use to describe it, because it¡¯s like nothing I have ever seen. But I¡¯ll do my best to¡­¡± A screech cut off the woman¡¯s words, and all the champions turned toward the entrance again. This time, the darkness had vanished, as if it had never been there. However, the champions were even more confused by the sight that greeted them. They could see a gigantic tree in the distance, obscured by elemental abnormalities that devastated the city from afar. Amidst the chaos, numerous gigantic monstrosities on the verge of being whole shuddered in their positions, as if finally freeing themselves from the shackles of their illusionary bondage. However, for the champions, the most awe-inspiring and downright terrifying phenomenon occurred only a few feet away from the entrance. In the misty gray, a masked figure stood amidst a scene of chaos. Deranged canines writhed and screamed, their bodies mutilated and blood pooling around them. ¡°What the fuck happened here?¡± A champion muttered, a chill creeping up his spine as he surveyed the horrific sight of the canines'' mutilation. The injuries and blood loss should have been fatal, yet none of them had died. Instead, something or someone kept them alive, subjected to cruel, slow, and continuous torture. Zara''s gaze fixed on Scott''s back, and memories from her childhood flashed through her mind. Tears threatened to well up, but she suppressed her emotions. ¡°Slim, extract as many elemental shards as possible,¡± Scott ordered suddenly. Slim hesitated for a moment before releasing thousands of elemental shards from his inventory. The inert crystals soared into the sky, as if captivated by the moonlight. ¡°This isn''t nearly enough. The rest of you, take out some elemental shards too!¡± Scott urged. Fi-Fi stepped forward, the elemental slime changing colors as it opened its mouth. Instantly, hundreds of thousands of elemental shards scattered on the ground, rising into the air like the ones before. Zara and Llorva followed suit, throwing out a substantial number of elemental shards. Other champions joined in, and in an instant, millions of elemental shards gleamed above the administrative building. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Scott raised his hand towards the skies, and the elemental shards dispersed into the distance. Facing the champions, he declared, ¡°I sense the exits are opening. From now on, your survival depends on your abilities. The maps are activated. Good luck.¡± Scott''s voice echoed in the minds of those corrupted by his tendrils. Simultaneously, the elemental shards landed in different locations across the deserted city, exploding upon impact.
The Sentries have awoken!
The path to Parla is now open!
The monstrous aberrations roared as the misty veil lifted. A massive cyclops soared across the sky, crashing against a magically reinforced building. It rose unharmed, its single eye focused on three abnormalities charging toward it. The cyclops summoned a club from its inventory and charged the sentries with maddened bloodlust. Explosions rang out in the city as cries of champions and sentries echoed. At the administrative building, the sentries surged towards Scott, their long-awaited enemy. The eldritch knight stood motionless as blows landed on him, shattering everything in the area. Strangely, the crazed sentries ignored the canines, ensuring no harm befell them. Meanwhile, the champions within the administrative building scattered in different directions, each following the mental map guiding their escape. Although they had agreed to collaborate with Scott for the raid, none of them had any intention of facing the wrath of the sentries. Zara and Slim observed with indifference as the champions fled. Only Fi-Fi and Llorva remained from the original group. Heinrich hesitated briefly but ultimately chose to flee. ¡°I can understand why Llorva stayed, but why did you stay, Fi-Fi?¡± Slim asked, his gaze fixed on the elemental slime. ¡°Fi-Fi will survive if Fi-Fi stays with him,¡± the curious slime replied, its attention on the rampaging sentries. Slim chuckled softly. ¡°You made a smart decision.¡± ¡°Fi-Fi thinks so too,¡± the slime agreed, wrapping itself around Llorva¡¯s arm. ¡°Do we need to help him, or can he handle it himself?¡± Llorva inquired with a smile. The elf emanated an overwhelming sense of bloodlust as relentless attacks targeted Scott''s position. None of them could even spot the eldritch knight anymore. ¡°I don¡¯t need your help,¡± Scott declared. Zara, Slim, Llorva, and even Fi-Fi couldn¡¯t hide their amazement. They turned to see the eldritch knight behind them. ¡°How?¡± Llorva managed to voice the summary of her thoughts. She glanced at the entrance, and the sentries were still attacking the spot where Scott had stood. If he¡¯s here, what are they attacking? Llorva wondered, a question shared by the others. ¡°Buddy, if you¡¯re here, then who¡­¡± a sudden realization struck the necromancer, and he turned to Zara. The feline shuddered, her gaze fixed on Thmaz and his companions, who remained untouched. As if a veil lifted, the once-unharmed bodies of the wounded canines vanished. Instead, they lay at the center of the chaos, injuries exacerbated, some pounded into indistinguishable masses. For the second time, tears glossed Zara¡¯s eyes. She didn¡¯t understand how Scott manipulated the sentries to attack the canines, nor did she care. Her emotions ran wild, though the intense antipathy in her heart couldn¡¯t be satiated despite Thmaz¡¯s pitiful state. Zara wiped the corners of her eyes before turning to Scott. However, the eldritch knight spoke before she could. ¡°You won¡¯t have to worry about him enjoying his paradise here. This is only a small taste of what¡¯s to come,¡± he said with an unseen smile. Though Zara couldn¡¯t decipher Scott¡¯s words, she felt grateful, nonetheless. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said, her voice lower than usual but unwavering. ¡°I¡¯ll never forget this.¡± The brawler awkwardly wiped the corners of her eyes as Scott fended off Llorva, who had subtly edged her way toward him. Slim, on the other hand, couldn''t help but shift his gaze between the sentries pummeling the canines and Scott, the instigator. I can''t fathom being coerced into something and remaining oblivious to it, the necromancer shuddered at the thought before donning a bashful smile. ¡°Now that the matter with the elemental shards is settled, should we get going?¡± Slim suggested. ¡°Before that,¡± Scott said, redirecting his attention to Llorva and Fi-Fi. ¡°I don''t know your intentions, but it''s very likely only death awaits you if you decide to follow us. I neither have the time nor desire to chase either of you away, so you''re free to do as you please.¡± Scott''s voice suddenly turned heavy. ¡°However, I should remind you. If your presence or actions bring harm to me or my companions in any way, I won''t hesitate to strike you down.¡± Scott averted his gaze after speaking, and neither Zara nor Slim said anything. Fi-Fi merged with Llorva''s clothes, while strange and squeamish echoes escaped from the trembling elf''s parted lips. Llorva suddenly grabbed Scott''s arm, squirming like a little girl. ¡°That was so intense. Please do it again. Please¡­¡± Slim and Zara exchanged dry smiles, unable to hide their awkwardness. ¡°Buddy, are you going to be okay?" Slim commented on the party channel. ¡°I know you somehow attract all the crazies, but are you sure you can handle her?¡± ¡°I don''t want to hear it,¡± Scott interjected before the necromancer could speak any further. He managed to free himself from the elf again, but she quickly latched onto his arm once more. ¡°So, any changes to our initial plan?¡± Zara suddenly asked. Scott''s gaze shifted between the feline and the necromancer. ¡°Not at all.¡± He then took an elemental shard from his inventory. ¡°It''s only fair they serve as distractions as we make our way to the exits. The map should be considered an equal exchange for their services.¡± ¡°What if the examiner interferes again?¡± Zara asked. Scott chuckled softly. ¡°It won''t make any difference. Unless he decides to step in personally but doing that will forgo all semblance of impartiality. I don''t believe the gods and lesser gods will let him do that. But I really hope he does, though. I''d like to see that guy mess himself up.¡± Slim smiled broadly, placing his arms on Scott and Zara''s shoulders. ¡°Fantastic. Since there''s nothing left for us here, we should get moving.¡± Saying nothing further, the trio ran along a predetermined path, and Llorva quickly joined them. The sentries ignored them as if their primary purpose was to inflict as much misery on the canines as possible. Chapter 70 : Welcome to Parla [Book 1 END] ¡°What are those idiots doing?¡± Hanzazeelem''s roar resonated through the mysterious space like thunder streaking across the skies. The enigmatic examiner keenly observed the exchange between the champions, paying special attention to Scott. Despite accelerating the trial''s start, mobilizing the sentries, and directing Thmaz''s group to overcome the masked champion, none of them had come close to fulfilling the task. Thmaz''s group remained idle outside the administrative building, despite Hanzazeelem''s instructions to pursue Scott and his companions, ensuring they didn''t secure the elemental shards. The examiner couldn''t comprehend why the canines suddenly started fighting amongst themselves. The most perplexing aspect was their habit of stopping the battle midway, allowing healers to restore their health before resuming. Witnessing this incredulous sight, Hanzazeelem seethed with rage and perplexity, exacerbated when the sentries materialized. Contrary to his expectations, the guardians charged toward the already injured canines, worsening their condition. This time, they didn''t routinely pause for healing. ¡°You useless nincompoops!¡± Hanzazeelem''s rage echoed, thundering within the mysterious space. ¡°Leave them and attack the vermin with the mask!¡± Roaring, a cryptic Sigil shot out from the turbulent skies, striking the sentries pummeling Thmaz, the last of the now decimated canines. The sentries paused, a sense of clarity gripping the seemingly mindless creatures. The pulsating seal flickered on their backs as they turned, as if searching for someone or something. ¡°What are you standing around like idiots for? They headed that way!¡± Hanzazeelem''s voice echoed in their minds, and they involuntarily shuddered. Without delay, the sentries departed from the administrative area, leaving a trail of blood and mayhem. Thmaz, motionless within a deep crater, surrounded by the dismembered corpses of his companions, coughed feebly, muttering inaudible words. Every bone in his body was broken, and his body was besmirched with blood and unidentifiable fluids. The fact that the hero of Nuta was still breathing, let alone trying to speak, was a miracle beyond miracles. ¡°O Bringer of Light,¡± Thmaz said between coughs, blood-soiled and congealed sputum splattering on his face. ¡°Harken to my words and let...¡± another cough interrupted his feeble prayers. At that moment, a rogue sentry appeared, stunning the champion. Hanzazeelem''s seal flickered on the back of the sentry, but Thmaz focused on the yellow sign in its eyes. The canine opened his mouth to speak, but an unrelenting barrage of fists descended on him, eliciting more shrieks and groans. In the mysterious space, Hanzazeelem watched with stupefaction as the sentry continued its assault on Thmaz. ¡°I don¡¯t understand any of this. I haven¡¯t lost control over the sentries, but why are they ignoring my orders?¡± the examiner pondered. Using his seal, Hanzazeelem had personally issued the order to all sentries scattered across Enchanted Heights to hunt down and eliminate Scott, regardless of the cost. However, events unfolded differently from his expectations. Instead of pursuing Scott, the sentries, driven by a maddened rage, charged after the other champions. To a neutral observer, it would seem as if Hanzazeelem had directed the creatures to prioritize attacking the champions. With millions of elemental shards scattered across the city, the numerous traps were easily dispelled, compounding the misery of champions who could only fight or flee from the enraged sentries. As he watched the devastation from his vantage point, doubts crept into the examiner''s mind. Did I make a mistake? The thunder tribulation intensified in the space, as the examiner¡¯s thoughts wandered. ¡°What sort of ability does he have?¡± Hanzazeelem pondered silently. Scott not only deceived the sentries and the champions but also managed to outwit him. Furthermore, the eldritch knight seemed to have vanished amidst the chaos. ¡°This isn''t normal. This isn''t normal,¡± Hanzazeelem muttered. Could he be the person the Celestial Blades were searching for? Hanzazeelem''s thoughts drifted. The thunderstorm within the area intensified, but the examiner paid little attention to the changing space. Suddenly, a figure emerged like a wisp from the aether. ¡°It''s not like you to overthink things, Hanzazeelem. What''s gotten you so rattled? Your domain is in turmoil.¡± The examiner turned toward the figure. ¡°What is the meaning of this? You''re not supposed to be here.¡± The unknown figure chuckled softly, and his soothing voice filled the space. ¡°Come with me; there has been a change of plans.¡± ¡°Huh? What the hell are you talking about? What changed?¡± Hanzazeelem asked. ¡°I don''t know the details. All I can tell you is that if you don''t go to Parla right now, you''re going to get chewed out by the administrator,¡± the figure said. ¡°You can do whatever you want, but I warned you ahead of time. See ya.¡± With that, the figure disappeared, leaving Hanzazeelem with more questions than answers. Meanwhile, the hound extermination crew, along with Llorva and Fi-Fi, made their way further away from the administrative building. The farther they ran, the more confused the elf and elemental slime became. ¡°Am I imagining things, or are the sentries really ignoring us?¡± Llorva said aloud, unable to quell her curiosity. They had encountered dozens of sentries after leaving the administrative building, yet they had not suffered a single attack. It was as if they had become invisible to the hulking creatures. Initially, the elf believed Scott had used a trick to deceive the creatures, but subsequent encounters left the champion more perplexed. ¡°Did you do this?¡± Llorva asked, her gaze fixed on the champions fighting for their lives against the sentries. Unlike their counterparts, who suffered immensely at their expense, they simply moved across the streets with no sense of danger whatsoever. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Focus on running. The earlier we get out of this place, the better for us,¡± Scott replied without glancing at the elf. ¡°I¡¯m so happy we¡¯re close to the exit. I can¡¯t wait to leave this godforsaken place,¡± Slim said, unable to control his smile. Unlike Llorva, Slim knew fully well that Scott was the reason the sentries fiercely attacked the other champions while ignoring them. Although the necromancer had no idea what type of ability he used, he predicted that the eldritch knight had somehow trapped the sentries in an illusion. ¡°The only problem now is that we don¡¯t have any idea what to expect in Parla,¡± Zara said as the group took another turn along the winding road. ¡°Oh, isn¡¯t that Heinrich?¡± Llorva suddenly exclaimed. The middle-aged man and several other champions banded together to ward off the attacks of several sentries. However, their numbers couldn¡¯t compete with the maddened creatures dominating every nook and cranny of the devastated streets. None of the hound extermination crew spared the fat champion a glance; instead, they took the next turn to their right and continued their conversation as if they hadn¡¯t seen anything. ¡°I¡¯ve no idea what awaits us there. Hopefully, the city, that¡¯s if it¡¯s a city, doesn¡¯t deviate too much from the map. What do you think, buddy?¡± Slim said, glancing at Scott. ¡°We¡¯ll only give ourselves unnecessary headaches trying to figure out what awaits us. It¡¯s best we get out of here first, then we can figure out the rest when we get there,¡± Scott suggested. ¡°I agree,¡± Zara concurred. ¡°I¡¯m only hoping it¡¯s not a place beyond our current capabilities,¡± she added. ¡°It¡¯s likely we¡¯ll meet the people who survived the trials of their respective districts,¡± Scott said. ¡°Anyone there should have experienced and overcome a version of this hell. So, we¡¯ve got to be careful.¡± Despite their best efforts, none of them could guess the purpose the fifth district would serve, and the fact that there were no exits listed for it still bothered them. Llorva and Fi-Fi remained unaware of the conversation occurring on the hound extermination crew''s party channel. Instead, the unlikely duo silently praised their decision to stay with Scott and his companions, especially after witnessing the dire fate of the other champions. While Scott did fulfill his promise to show them the map, for most champions, it came at the cost of enduring the relentless assault of the sentries. Mangled and dismembered corpses soon lined every street corner as battles reached their peak. Champions from various races united to fend off the sentries, who displayed no fear or pain. Explosions echoed in harmony with the cries and shrieks of the fallen champions, while the elemental abnormalities plaguing the city continued their mindless devastation. Only twenty minutes had passed since midnight. The hound extermination crew reached their destination, where hundreds of sentries towered over colossal buildings, their claws stained with the blood of fallen champions littering the ground. ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Scott announced, coming to a halt. Llorva swallowed a mouthful of saliva, her trembling eyes fixed on the spinning portal behind the seemingly all-powerful creatures. Despite her trepidation, the elf wore a broad smile as she took deep breaths. ¡°So, what now?¡± Llorva inquired. ¡°Do we just ignore them and approach the portal, or are we supposed to lure others to serve as a distraction?¡± At that moment, a thunderous buzzing rocked the city, and a pillar of golden light descended from the heavens. ¡°What¡¯s happening now?¡± Zara muttered, narrowing her gaze. Isn¡¯t that the administrative area? What happened? She wondered. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Scott said lazily. ¡°An annoying cockroach has been reborn. There¡¯s no need to bother ourselves with it.¡± An annoying cockroach? Zara scrunched her brows, a face popping up in her mind. Despite Scott''s avoidance of the topic, she remembered his warning that Thmaz was beyond her capabilities. Even if she somehow defeated him, the aftermath would likely be immensely challenging. The golden pillar illuminated the skies for thirty seconds before disappearing, and the turbulent skies once again reigned supreme. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Scott said. The group approached the menacing sentries, but the creatures simply ignored the champions. There¡¯s no way I could have passed this trial if I hadn¡¯t met him. Llorva couldn¡¯t stop herself from sneaking glances at Scott. If this trial is this difficult, what sort of monsters succeeded in the past? The elf smiled as the thought filled her mind. The difficulty of the Tower of Champions had ramped up several times from the previous trials, and she knew very well that it would only get harder. The champions arrived in front of the portal with little difficulty. ¡°So, are we going to jump right in, or are we going to¡­¡± Llorva froze midway through her sentence, and so did everything in the city. Scott wrinkled his brows. This guy doesn¡¯t know when to give up. Does he want to interfere personally? Scott pondered silently as he awaited transfer to Hanzazeelem¡¯s space. Contrary to his expectations, a rip echoed in the silence, and a rapidly expanding gateway appeared between the frozen portal. Scott watched as a towering, faceless figure in a fitted white suit emerged from the gateway. The unknown figure observed the surroundings for a moment before turning their attention to Scott. ¡°Who are you?¡± Scott asked. The mysterious figure didn¡¯t give off the same aura as Hanzazeelem. The figure retrieved a sealed envelope from its inner jacket, carefully breaking the wax seal. Before Scott could grasp the situation, a powerful voice echoed in his mind, commencing with, ¡°Remnants of the old order! The council of...¡± Suddenly, a hand erupted from Scott''s mask, coiling around the faceless figure, propelling it back into the gateway, and forcefully sealing the portal. ¡°¡­ do something else before we can enter?¡± Llorva said, but the elf then furrowed her brow. Scott, who had stood beside her moments ago, now kneeled, struggling to breathe. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Llorva approached the eldritch knight, but Slim and Zara blocked her path, exuding an ominous bloodlust. ¡°Wait, I didn¡¯t do this,¡± Llorva said as she took several steps back, preparing herself for battle. Fi-Fi emerged, assuming a humanoid form. ¡°She¡¯s right,¡± Fi-Fi said. ¡°She didn¡¯t do anything. Fi-Fi has been watching. But Fi-Fi doesn¡¯t know what happened, either.¡± Slim and Zara¡¯s demeanor remained unchanged. They didn¡¯t know the elemental slime and elf well enough to believe their words. ¡°It¡¯s not them,¡± Scott said softly on the party channel. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me; I¡¯m okay.¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± Zara asked. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s something that happens occasionally,¡± Scott said as he managed to stand. He took a deep breath while rearranging his hair, then silently approached his companions. Only then did Slim and Zara''s expressions soften. In an instant, the hound extermination crew raced toward the portal, vanishing within seconds. Llorva and Fi-Fi reacted just a split second after the trio bolted, and the once-calm sentries shifted their attention toward them. Before the sentries could unleash their fury upon the champions, they too vanished behind the portal. Still disoriented, Llorva managed to speak, ¡°How could you only tell us to run when you entered the portal?¡± Her words coincided with the return of her vision. As her vision cleared, she involuntarily took a step backward, her trembling eyes locking onto the fiery, apocalyptic world before her. ¡°Where the hell is this?¡± she muttered.
Welcome to Parla!
The Path to the fourth Stage lies beneath the Burning Sea!
Llorva''s mouth dropped open as her eyes ignored the surrounding champions. Instead, they fixated on the magma sea reversing into blood-red skies, teeming with thousands of winged creatures she had never seen before. Meanwhile, Scott stood nearby, his gaze fixed on the boatman ferrying a small wooden boat across the magma ocean. Is this the same boatman from the Burning River? Scott wondered as he sensed the warhammer of the mad god reacting. Book 2 - Chapter 1 : Descent into the Sea Winged creatures of varying shapes and sizes streaked across the reddish skies, their piercing cries reverberating in every direction. Magma pits, brimming with molten lava, erupted in synchrony with the beastly calls, while a dry wind carried the scent of charred flesh mingled with a hint of sulfur. Champions from diverse races stood upon an expansive, blackened expanse of land bordering the magma sea, which stretched to the horizon. A foggy mist veiled the farthest reaches of the unfamiliar terrain. Among the large gathering, most fixed their gaze on the violent eruption of magma racing towards the heavens, claiming several creatures in its ascent, while others observed a solitary figure in blackened robes gently rowing a seemingly ordinary wooden boat in the distance. Magma eruptions flared up around the boat, yet none of the molten lava rains came close to touching the unassuming vessel. Scott scrutinized the approaching boat, his brows furrowed beneath his mask. No matter how I look at it, that figure bears a striking resemblance to the boatman. ¡°Where the hell are we?¡± Slim muttered, his voice barely audible as he scanned his surroundings. Most champions clustered in small groups, each keeping their distance from the others. Unlike the Hound Extermination Crew, many groups had members nursing multiple injuries, blood seeping from their wounds. ¡°I don¡¯t like the way they¡¯re eyeing us,¡± Zara remarked over the party channel, her expression sour as she assessed the other champions. ¡°Ignore them,¡± Scott replied nonchalantly. ¡°Our priority should be figuring out why we''re here.¡± ¡°Shouldn¡¯t this be the fifth district?¡± Slim speculated, his gaze flitting between the crowded skies and the pulsating system window. ¡°The path to the fourth stage lies within the burning sea,¡± he repeated, his attention shifting towards the magma sea. ¡°Are they suggesting we dive in there?¡± ¡°I¡¯d rather not,¡± Zara grimaced, turning to Scott, who was still attempting to fend off Llorva. ¡°Do you notice anything peculiar about the magma?¡± Scott nodded, but before he could respond, a loud shout echoed across the area. ¡°Greetings, fellow champions!¡± boomed a jovial minotaur, a broad, one-sided axe slung over his shoulder. Instantly, every champion on the blackened patch turned their attention to the bovine creature. ¡°I am Xtaxil,¡± he declared, his crimson eyes surveying the assembled group. ¡°Like you, I survived the chaos of the full moon.¡± ¡°So what?¡± hissed a lizardman, leaning casually against his trident. ¡°What does that have to do with us?¡± he challenged the minotaur, who met his gaze unwaveringly. Xtaxil gestured towards his companions¡ªtwo other minotaurs and a Snakeman¡ªbefore continuing, ¡°My companions and I have been here longer than anyone else. We possess far more experience than any of¡ª¡± ¡°What does that have to do with us?¡± the lizardman interjected again, glaring at the Minotaur. ¡°Hey, asshole, no one''s forcing you to listen,¡± a muscular woman roared. ¡°You''re free to leave if you''ve got better things to do. You don¡¯t need to show the whole world what an idiot you are.¡± She advanced toward the lizardman with her companions, their ten-man party exuding a menacing aura as they towered over the retreating lizardmen. The shortest among them stood at ten feet tall, while two were at least sixteen feet. Their bulging muscles defied all sense of proportion, striking fear into the hearts of the surrounding champions. ¡°I don''t want to hear another word from you, got it?¡± she said, glaring at the lizardmen before turning toward Xtaxil. ¡°And you, get to the point. No one cares if you''ve been here longer than anyone else. Do you have a way for us to get off this place? If not, then shut up, and that goes for everyone!¡± Korina''s gaze shifted from the Minotaur to the various clusters of champions in the area, her hazel eyes devoid of emotion. Unperturbed, Xtaxil cleared his throat. ¡°Since you''ve made it this far, you must have memorized the map. If so, you must also realize that the fifth district, Parla, has no exits. However, as I mentioned earlier, we''ve been here longer than anyone else and have been lucky enough to witness others leaving this barren place.¡± ¡°And how are we supposed to believe you''re not talking nonsense?¡± a man asked, arms folded across his chest. ¡°I don''t care if you believe me,¡± Xtaxil said, turning away. He pointed toward a boat in the distance. ¡°But if you want a slim chance of leaving, you must get on that boat.¡± ¡°How are we supposed to do that, and what''s in it for you?¡± Korina asked, arms akimbo. No one among the champions believed Xtaxil revealed the information out of kindness. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°It''s simple,¡± Xtaxil said, gesturing toward the bubbling magma sea. ¡°An obscene number of elemental shards is required to cross the Burning Sea. It''s virtually impossible for a group to foot that expense alone.¡± ¡°So, you''re suggesting we use our elemental shards to create a path?¡± a feline champion asked. Xtaxil nodded. ¡°You don''t have to listen to my proposal. There are countless methods of leaving, but this is the least risky one.¡± Silence fell as champions within the groups communicated silently with their party members. ¡°Ahem,¡± Korina broke the silence, her hawkish eyes fixed on the Minotaur. ¡°I know things aren''t as they seem here, but isn''t that boat too small for all of us?¡± Several champions nodded in agreement, sharing the woman''s concern. They awaited Xtaxil''s explanation. ¡°As you mentioned, nothing in this land is ever as straightforward as it seems. I too fell into that trap and now regret staying here. To cut a long story short, the boat can accommodate everyone here, and probably more,¡± Xtaxil explained. Korina nodded, her mind drifting into contemplation. Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed, drawing the attention of the champions to an unexpected group approaching. The group consisted of a sharply dressed skeleton, a battle-hardened yet beautiful feline, and a sadistic-looking elf accompanied by a human wearing a menacing black mask. Korina couldn''t help but wonder about the origins of the unlikely group. She observed as the group swaggered toward the bank of the magma pool, drawing the attention of the surrounding champions who eagerly made way to witness their intentions. ¡°Hehe... they''re staring at us like we''re celebrities. Should we wave?¡± Llorva whispered with a soft giggle, waving at some champions, and winking at others, further adding to the confusion among the spectators. ¡°Are you sure there''s no other way, buddy?¡± Slim asked over the party channel. ¡°Don''t tell me you''re scared,¡± Zara interjected before Scott could respond. ¡°We''re about to walk into a sea of magma. Who wouldn''t be scared? Am I the only one thinking this?¡± Slim retorted, his steps growing heavier. Zara''s giggles filled the channel, much to Slim''s annoyance. Despite all eyes on them, the group continued their silent march toward the fiery sea, unfazed. The other champions were unsure how to react, as the group''s demeanor was a mix of conflicting emotions. Slim nervously eyed the magma while Zara remained nonchalant. Meanwhile, Scott and Llorva remained enigmatic. ¡°Once we take the first step, there''s no room for hesitation,¡± Scott warned over the party channel. ¡°Any delay, and we''ll be engulfed in lava,¡± he reminded, turning to Llorva, who was, as usual, in a state of ecstasy while sniffing his clothes. ¡°Remember, no¡ª¡± ¡°Hesitation, no matter what we encounter,¡± Llorva whispered, sporting a dazzling grin. Scott nodded. ¡°What about Fi-Fi?¡± he asked. ¡°Fi-Fi¡¯s ready whenever you give the signal,¡± Llorva said, inching closer to the eldritch knight. Scott turned away from Llorva, subtly scanning the crimson skies above. A spinning vortex, formed from the reverse flow of magma, mirrored the flaming sea below, while winged beasts fiercely battled over the turbulent ocean, some plunging to their demise. While it¡¯s possible to cross the lava with elemental shards, the chains holding back those beasts will crumble as soon as they do. There¡¯s no way in hell that Minotaur doesn¡¯t know that, especially if he has been here for as long as he claims. Scott averted his gaze from the turbulent skies, focusing instead on the bubbling sea a few meters away. I wonder why the hammer reacted the way it did earlier, he thought, recalling the fleeting suppressing feeling from their entrance into Parla. ¡°Everyone, get ready,¡± Scott reminded in a whisper, his eyes fixed on the bubbling expanse of magma before them. ¡°Wake up, Fi-Fi. It''s time for you to do your bit,¡± Llorva whispered, gently caressing the elemental slime wrapped around her wrist. In response to Llorva''s call, Fi-Fi contorted and twisted, forming subtle but visible partitions across its amoebic form. In a flash, the fiery-red slime separated into four smaller, equal halves, wrapping itself around each member of the Hound Extermination Crew and Llorva. Simultaneously, the champions retrieved snow-white elemental shards from their inventories, which shattered into tiny particles. The elemental slime readily absorbed the particles, turning snow-white in the process. Meanwhile, the curious and confused onlookers watched the group, questions racing through their minds. However, no matter how it appeared, they refused to believe Scott and his companions would do something as reckless as plunging themselves into the fiery sea. The fact that they were the only injured party among the large congregation of champions also triggered thoughts about a possible hidden path within the molten ocean. ¡°Let''s go!¡± Scott screamed, bolting into the magma sea without hesitation. Llorva followed the masked knight, with Zara and Slim charging in next. There was no scream, nor were there any changes to the soiled air. Mouths opened and eyes bulged in disbelief as perfect silence lingered among the champions. Many blinked multiple times as if to confirm they weren''t trapped in some sort of illusion, but no matter how much they stared, no one could fathom what they had witnessed. Amidst the silence, Korina turned her attention toward Xtaxil, her hawkish eyes exuding bloodlust. ¡°You have a lot of explaining to do.¡± Meanwhile, within the magma pool, Scott and his companions sprinted down a makeshift road made of molten rocks solid enough to bear their weight. Unlike before, a glistening silver radiance coated the champions'' bodies, fending off wisps of flare-like beams from the surrounding sea. ¡°The path ahead is narrowing,¡± Llorva suddenly called out, her keen gaze fixed on the descending path spiraling into the abyss. ¡°Ignore it. It''s a technique to fool your senses. Just keep running and don''t stop until I say so,¡± Scott instructed, his gaze scanning the area. I don''t know whether I should tell them about those things, Scott pondered, staring at invisible creatures made of solid rock noiselessly stationed at the side of the road, observing the champions as they ran. A devastating explosion interrupted Scott''s thoughts, and he instinctively raised his head. Through the bubbling mesh of molten rocks, he could see massive creatures plunging toward the champions sprinting along another makeshift road. It seems they got desperate and agreed to the minotaur¡¯s plan, Scott thought. At that moment, Slim''s voice filled Scott''s mind, ¡°Um, buddy, I think we have a problem.¡± The eldritch knight focused on the path ahead, where a massive mouth with razor-sharp teeth and a slithering tongue presented itself. ¡°That''s our way out of here! Don''t stop running!¡± he shouted. ¡°Seriously? Are we signing up for the ''All You Can Eat'' buffet too?¡± Slim quipped over the party channel, picking up his pace. Book 2 - Chapter 2 : Only Madness is Eternal One by one, the champions charged into the improbable passage, and the eerie mouth slammed shut behind the last of the group. Scott found himself separated from his companions, both physically and mentally, adrift in an unfathomable space devoid of all sensory stimuli. The eldritch knight slowly turned his head from side to side, but nothing emerged from the endless darkness. This isn¡¯t what I saw earlier. There was supposed to be a gateway to that city. How did I end up here? Scott pondered silently; his gaze fixed on the darkness. He attempted to contact Slim and Zara once more, but only silence answered his calls. This doesn¡¯t seem like an illusion. How do I leave this place? he wondered as he moved his right leg forward. At that moment, a creaking echo filled the void, and a subtle, intangible wave slowly altered the area thirty feet away from where the eldritch knight floated. As Scott took another step forward, the creaking echo grew louder, a crack forming several feet away from his position. Formless wisps of multicolored auroras seeped out from the crack, coalescing into an amorphous entity. Scott halted his advance, his narrowed eyes focused on the strange oddity. Preemptively, he reached toward his mask, but there was no response. Frowning, he extended his hand toward the docile mask, only to find his fingers falling on his face, unimpeded. What the¡­? Scott''s visage twisted in surprise as his fingers roamed around his slightly dry skin, coming to rest on his lower lip. Subconsciously, he took a step back, his citrine eyes trained on the formless entity, which had gradually taken a human silhouette, one all too familiar to him. Another crack reverberated through the space, catching Scott''s attention as he noticed a lattice of fractures spiderwebbing across the entity''s body. Stepping forward cautiously, he returned to his previous position, and the cracks vanished as if they had never existed. Intrigued, he took another step closer, and the ambient lights surrounding the entity dimmed, its form becoming more tangible. Advancing six steps at a go, a low hum filled the space, accompanying the entity''s swaying motion, as if shedding its ethereal form. Scott continued his determined stride, but it wasn''t until a mere ten feet remained between him and the enigmatic being that something significant occurred. The final tethers of the ethereal being shattered in an explosive fury, revealing a figure bearing a striking resemblance to Scott, albeit slightly older and more imposing. Both men locked eyes, the silence between them devoured by the void. They scrutinized each other, their gazes lingering on the attire of their counterparts. Unlike Scott, whose expression conveyed curiosity mingled with confusion, the figure in blood-red robes wore an eerie grin, his eyes glinting with a dangerous hunger. ¡°Who are you?¡± Scott''s question hung in the air, but to his frustration, the void swallowed his voice. Who the hell is this bastard and why does he look like an older version of me? Scott thought to himself, frustrated, he couldn¡¯t voice out his thoughts. His older doppelganger sneered, shaking his head with a familiarity that echoed through the corridors of time, his voice a whisper tainted by the ages. ¡°What do you mean, ''who the hell is this bastard''? Isn''t it obvious that I''m you?¡± he said, the same eerie grin etched across his face. Scott frowned at the doppelganger. He hadn''t realized the voice had pierced his mind, and the doppelganger''s somewhat indifferent demeanor seemed to stoke his ire. ¡°Your anger won''t change a thing,¡± the doppelganger chuckled, tilting his head back. ¡°Unlike you, I''m no longer bound to this world. Isn''t that a shame?¡± Raising his right hand, the doppelganger extended his index finger toward Scott''s forehead, rendering the eldritch knight immobile. ¡°It''s a miracle you''re even alive. After all, we''re not meant to survive. How did you manage it?¡± The doppelganger''s gaze bore into Scott''s, his head cocked to the side. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Scott asked with a thought, but the doppelganger merely shifted his gaze to the other side. ¡°You''re likely the last of us,¡± the doppelganger giggled softly. ¡°It''s unfair that you alone get to live. It should have been me,¡± he hissed, envy oozing from his every pore. At that moment, the doppelganger''s finger made contact with Scott''s forehead. Like a key turning in a lock, a deluge of memories flooded Scott''s mind, causing his eyes to roll back. Bizarre names, faces, locations, and artifacts swirled within the champion''s consciousness as the doppelganger chuckled darkly. Scott trembled, uttering incomprehensible sounds for a moment, until the doppelganger withdrew his finger. Scott''s vacant gaze returned to normal, though it bore the weight of ages. ¡°Life is fleeting. Death is but a beginning. Blood binds us, and our desires are transient...¡± the doppelganger murmured, his gaze fixed on Scott. ¡°...but only the Blood Cult is eternal,¡± the two men declared in unison. A shiver ran down Scott''s spine as a surge of new information flooded his mind. He winced, his body instinctively curling inward as the world around him blurred. Straightening up abruptly, he fixed his gaze on the doppelganger; a glare filled with a mix of rage and guilt. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. ¡°You despicable bastard. How could you?¡± Scott''s voice rumbled with anger as he regained his composure. ¡°Why did you kill them?¡± ¡°Come on, don''t pretend you''re oblivious,¡± the doppelganger interrupted, a smirk playing on his lips as he adjusted his hair. ¡°You''ve delved into all my memories. There''s no need to act like some righteous saint. You damn well know why I did it,¡± he taunted with a grin. Scott prepared to retort, but his doppelganger stepped forward, circling him like a predator assessing its prey. ¡°Let''s be honest here, is it really a shock that I would resort to that?¡± he questioned, locking eyes with the eldritch knight. ¡°Why was there such a glaring gap in our abilities and skills? No matter how hard I tried, I couldn''t measure up to any of them. Do you know what it''s like to feel utterly worthless?¡± He chuckled bitterly. ¡°That¡¯s such a useless question. Of course you do. You''re me, after all.¡± He pivoted, retracing his steps to his previous position. ¡°You may attempt to deceive others, but no one¡ªdead or alive¡ªunderstands you as intimately as I do. That''s why I know you understand it wasn''t my doing,¡± he remarked, turning around with a sinister grin as his eyes flickered with an ominous emerald glow. ¡°They labeled our envy an abnormality, a flaw, if you will. How mistaken they were.¡± Raising his right hand, ethereal wisps coalesced into a flaming mist, containing mangled, soul-like forms burning within. ¡°It matters not from which reality or universe we originate; our destiny remains unaltered. Do you grasp how extraordinary it is for us to be chosen as the sole Eidolon of Envy?¡± The doppelganger clenched his fists, causing the souls within the flames to silently scream before the flames dissipated. ¡°Why should we not utilize our innate abilities to achieve our desires?¡± he inquired, stepping closer to Scott. ¡°Is it truly wrong to sacrifice a few friends to gain power? Is that not what friendship entails?¡± Tilting his head, he halted a mere foot away from Scott. ¡°Is it truly wrong to sacrifice one''s own child? Why subject a child to this agonizing world, especially when they can serve a higher purpose?¡± He reached for Scott''s head, placing both hands at the back of the eldritch knight''s neck, coercing their heads to collide. ¡°Why the silence? I know you don''t despise me; after all, you are me. You''re the only one who comprehends¡ª¡± ¡°What did you mean by ¡®you''re likely the last of us?¡¯¡± Scott interjected, gently swatting away the doppelganger''s hands, his demeanor remaining impassive. ¡°How can multiple versions of us exist simultaneously? Surely, the gods wouldn''t allow such a thing, correct?¡± The doppelganger erupted into laughter, tears streaming down his cheeks. It took him ten minutes to regain his composure before meeting Scott''s inquisitive gaze. ¡°I once shared your ignorance,¡± he confessed. ¡°Unaware that those I deemed friends harbored resentment toward every fiber of my being. I was fortunate they hadn''t awakened those memories; otherwise, I might not have progressed as far as I had.¡± He drew in a deep breath before snapping his fingers, yet as always, not a single sound reverberated in the void. Nonetheless, dozens of mirrors materialized around Scott and his doppelganger, each one projecting a different version of Scott wandering through various floors. ¡°I don¡¯t have insight into the original timeline, assuming one even exists. What I do know is that this ''situation'' has repeated itself countless times. To properly address your question, the gods are aware that Omar and those other wretches have shifted their consciousness to alternate realities multiple times. However, they refrain from intervening because the situation hasn¡¯t yet reached the point of no return,¡± the doppelganger elucidated. Shock veiled Scott¡¯s eyes as he parted his lips to speak. ¡°Why would they allow such a thing, and what precisely do you mean by the point of no return?¡± he queried in a single breath. Although he had involuntarily absorbed the memories of the doppelganger, there were conspicuous gaps within them, almost as if someone or something had deliberately purged them. ¡°Make no mistake, the tower, the champions, and all life within it exist solely for the amusement of the gods. Those vile creatures, transferring their consciousness to other realities, only serve to enhance the ''spectacle'' for them.¡± The doppelganger halted abruptly, lifting his head toward the vast expanse of nothingness. After a moment, he resumed, his voice lowered. ¡°Once a champion crosses the point of no return, every iteration of them in other realities is erased from existence. All memories from each version that has ever existed coalesce into that one triumphant variant, or so I''ve heard. Past errors become irreversible, and one can only press forward¡ª¡± ¡°Wait, wait, wait,¡± Scott interjected, his expression contorted. ¡°You mentioned earlier that I was the last one, correct? Does that imply I''ve also passed the point of no return?¡± A wicked smile flashed across the lips of the doppelganger as he opened his mouth to speak, but before he could utter a word, a blackened hand forced its way out of Scott¡¯s mouth, coiling around the doppelganger¡¯s neck with a vice-like grip. ¡°What have you done? What have you done?¡± The doppelganger managed to squeeze out his words, his struggles futile against the overpowering grip. ¡°Who do you serve?¡± The doppelganger asked, the grip tightening as he fought desperately to break free. Amid his struggles, his eyes flickered, his gaze fixating on a figure in bright yellow approaching from the distance. ¡°Get away from me! What have you done?¡± The doppelganger¡¯s voice rose in a frenzy of desperation. Meanwhile, Scott trembled violently as an unseen force tore through his insides. He watched in horror as the doppelganger hovered slightly higher, his expression turning pale. ¡°You¡¯re not one of us,¡± the doppelganger''s voice strained, his face draining of color. ¡°No wonder I couldn¡¯t sense the seed of envy within you. You have been corrupted!¡± Tears streaked down the face of the doppelganger as he bitterly stared at Scott. ¡°All that hard work gone! This is too unfair!¡± Another hand emerged from Scott''s mouth, thrusting itself into the doppelganger''s gaping mouth. Simultaneously, a soul-churning scream reverberated in Scott¡¯s mind as the doppelganger''s body contorted in agony, writhing like a boneless puppet. Soon, the screams gave way to maniacal laughter, followed by an eerie silence. But it was short-lived. A familiar voice echoed in the eldritch knight''s mind: ¡°Only madness is eternal.¡± The hands manipulating the doppelganger''s insides withdrew slowly, revealing a magnificent war hammer shrouded in an ethereal mist. The grip around the doppelganger''s neck and the one clutching the war hammer vanished into the void in a flash. The mirrors surrounding Scott multiplied exponentially, each reflecting a different version of him from alternate timelines. They all fixed their gaze on Scott, their eyes carrying an unsettling emptiness; one by one, each mirror shattered until only one remained. Scott peered into the last mirror, which reflected his frail former self. The projection sported a faint smile, and like its predecessors, the mirror fractured into countless shards. In the void, Scott stood still, his attention drawn to a towering figure cloaked in yellow seemingly devouring the darkness. ¡°Only madness is eternal,¡± Scott murmured, his voice resonating through the expanse. The yellow sign flickered in his pupils, and simultaneously, a rift tore through the air, and a hand pulled the body of the eldritch knight from the darkness. Book 2 - Chapter 3 : Ranking Game Part 1 In a serene grass field, a rift tore through the tranquil night, abruptly disgorging four figures onto the verdant plain before vanishing without a trace. Soft giggles danced through the air as Llorva sprawled, her laughter echoing through the night. ¡°That was fun,¡± she exclaimed, her smile widening with excitement. ¡°I hear you, but I''d appreciate it if you could get off me,¡± Slim''s voice cut through the night, tinged with a hint of discomfort. Llorva''s gaze dropped, realizing she was lying atop her companions. With graceful agility, she leaped off the pile, inadvertently pulling Scott along. Fi-Fi, having reverted to its diminutive form, latched onto Llorva''s arm once more. Meanwhile, Zara deftly rolled over, slyly giving Slim''s head a playful rub. Moments later, the champions rose to their feet, surveying their unfamiliar surroundings.
Congratulations! You have completed the third trial! EXP: 500!
You have arrived at the underground city of Parla!
The champions scanned through the system messages, though they paid little heed to the rewarded experience points, which failed to trigger another level up. ¡°We''re finally out of that place,¡± Slim muttered, readjusting his clothes. ¡°Is everyone okay?¡± He cast a quick glance at his companions. Apart from dirt stains and a few odd wet spots, none of them had suffered any injuries. ¡°I''m good,¡± Zara replied softly. ¡°The only problem now is figuring out what kind of place this is.¡± Her gaze swept across the vast grassy plain but nothing out of the ordinary immediately came into view. In the distance, however, multicolored streaks of light illuminated the sky, accompanied by faint yet audible booming sounds. The champions exchanged glances; their confusion evident. ¡°Does it sound like there''s a massive party going on over there, or is it just me?¡± Slim voiced his doubts. ¡°Some things are better left unsaid,¡± Zara murmured. ¡°Well, that would be the case if we weren''t seeing those damn disco lights,¡± Slim retorted as he took a step forward. He gestured toward the star-studded sky and the crescent moon. ¡°How can this even be an underground city?¡± Turning around, he focused on Scott, who had remained silent since their emergence in Parla. As always, Llorva clung tightly to the masked man. ¡°Buddy, do you notice anything peculiar about this place?¡± Scott glanced at Slim briefly, then shifted his attention to Zara, and finally to Llorva. After a moment, the eldritch knight surveyed the well-lit sky and the grassy field. Wordlessly, he took a step forward, and Llorva quickly followed him. Slim tilted his head back, glancing toward Zara. The feline shook her head in confusion, her shoulders lifting in a shrug. ¡°We should follow him,¡± she whispered. ¡°Maybe he''s onto something but can''t say it,¡± she speculated. Slim nodded in agreement. Without delay, the champions traversed the lush plain, the gentle wind tousling their clothes as they ventured forth. Silence enveloped them as Scott aimlessly meandered toward the source of the flashing lights in the distance. Seconds melted into minutes, and minutes into hours, yet the group showed no signs of nearing the lights'' origin. Instead, they reached the edge of the grassy field, where a thick forest with gigantic, blanketing leaves obstructed their path. ¡°Nothing in this trial is ever straightforward,¡± Slim sighed, shaking his head. ¡°Would it kill them not to add some ominous forest?¡± he muttered. ¡°Stop complaining,¡± Zara chided. ¡°We''ll leave you behind if you''re too scared,¡± she teased. Scott and Llorva charged toward the dimly lit forest, with Zara quickly following suit. Slim shook his head once more, muttering under his breath before dashing after his companions. A slight fog veiled the path ahead, and the echoing croaks of toads reverberated from the obscured regions. Occasionally, crimson orbs illuminated peculiar areas of the forest, but they vanished as quickly as they appeared. ¡°Even for the undead, this place is creepy as hell,¡± Slim muttered, glancing nervously from side to side as he followed Scott at a measured distance. Zara, who had been silent since entering the misty forest, furrowed her brow as she surveyed their surroundings. The fog thickened with each step, but it was Scott''s continued silence that bothered her the most. The group pressed on in silence for another hour. The fog grew so dense that they could barely see six feet ahead, and despite Slim and Zara''s attempts to engage Scott in conversation, he remained silent. Even Llorva, snuggled up close to the masked knight, seemed uncharacteristically subdued. Unlike Slim and Zara, however, the elf showed no reluctance to explore the mysterious surroundings. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. The group trudged onward for another thirty minutes; their visibility reduced to a mere three feet ahead. The croaking had ceased, and even the fog seemed to swallow the whispers of the night''s breeze. Amidst the eerie silence, Scott abruptly halted, bringing his companions to a halt as well. Slim and Zara exchanged nervous glances, perplexed by Scott''s sudden decision to stop. ¡°Buddy, is this where we''re supposed to be?¡± Slim inquired, his eyes scanning their surroundings for any clues. But Scott remained silent, his gaze fixed on their environment, uncertainty clouding his expression. ¡°Buddy, what''s wrong?¡± Slim pressed, his composure slipping. ¡°You''ve been unusually quiet since we got here. Did something¡ª¡± His words were cut short by a metallic clank, and in the ensuing silence, Slim''s head detached from his skeletal body. Zara''s eyes widened in shock and confusion. Before the feline could react, a fist emerged from the fog, striking her at the base of the neck with lightning speed. The sickening sound of bones breaking followed, as the eyes of the brawler rolled inwards. Simultaneously, an indistinct figure charged through the mist, snatching up Zara''s lifeless form, while Slim''s decapitated skull crashed to the ground. Then, an enormous foot descended from above, obliterating what remained of the necromancer before vanishing as swiftly as it had appeared. In a mere five seconds, both Zara and Slim had fallen to unseen assailants within the fog. For the first time, Llorva released her grip on Scott¡¯s arm, her elven features twisted in a murderous expression as her keen eyes scanned the fog. Yet not even a whisper pierced the gray haze. ¡°We need to¡ª¡± Before Llorva could finish, a sword thrust through her neck from behind, sending a spray of fresh blood into the air. She instinctively reached for her throat, but before she could react further, her arms were severed by a swift sword stroke. In the same instant, Fi-Fi, previously inert, transformed into a massive hydra with countless tentacles. Llorva''s lifeless body slumped to the ground, a haunting smile still etched on her face as she gazed in Scott¡¯s direction. Meanwhile, Fi-Fi''s tentacles flailed wildly in the fog, unable to discern friend from foe. Nether beings encircled Scott, forming a protective barrier against Fi-Fi''s relentless onslaught. The eldritch knight remained stoic; his dispassionate gaze fixed on the eerie mist. Dozens of lightning bolts rained down from the heavens, striking Fi-Fi head-on, yet the elemental creature shrugged off the assault. Magic circles illuminated beneath it, summoning a towering inferno that engulfed the creature. But like before, Fi-Fi emerged unscathed, its assault undeterred. Tremors shook the surroundings as devastation unfolded, trees and earth upturned in chaos. A barrage of icicles and flaming boulders hurled themselves at Fi-Fi, but the creature absorbed the elemental onslaught with ease, retaliating with renewed ferocity. Despite its relentless attacks, Fi-Fi failed to locate its unseen assailant. A deafening hum permeated the air, drawing Scott''s attention to the elemental slime. In an instant, a neon-red beam sliced through the misty forest, obliterating the creature before hurtling toward the eldritch knight. Scott reached for his mask as the war hammer of the mad god materialized from the darkness. But the beam surged forward, shattering the nether shield, and piercing through the eldritch knight¡¯s dragon scales, leaving a fist-sized hole in his chest. His right hand and left leg turned to charred flesh, on the brink of crumbling to ash. A chilling laugh echoed through the haze, followed by the heavy footsteps of approaching figures. A deep voice shattered the silence. ¡°There¡¯s always a cold-blooded bastard in every group. Can''t stand them.¡± Scott turned toward the voice, his gaze narrowing as he beheld eight figures cloaked in blood-red robes. Each wore a pristine white mask adorned with crimson teardrops beneath the eye slits. ¡°And who are you supposed to be?¡± Scott''s gaze flickered between the figures. ¡°You have no right to know. Death is all that awaits you,¡± one of them declared, brandishing a massive machete with a serrated blade toward Scott. He moved forward, but another figure blocked his path. ¡°Wait. It''s too simple to finish him off like this. Let''s give him a chance to avenge his companions. It would be more entertaining that way, don''t you think?¡± the figure said, shifting attention to Scott. ¡°I''m sure you''re feeling angry and confused, but it''s not our fault your companions were weak. They shouldn''t have come here if they couldn''t survive,¡± the figure continued, advancing. ¡°Your death is certain, but I don''t mind granting you a chance to avenge them.¡± ¡°How do you suggest I do that?¡± Scott''s voice remained devoid of emotion. The figure gestured towards his companions, then himself. ¡°Make your choice. Who will you fight?¡± ¡°I see,¡± Scott nodded, understanding dawning. He took a step forward, his charred limbs reforming as he did, leaving no trace of damage. The unknown assailants'' demeanor shifted drastically. Scott''s regenerated limbs and healed chest wound, devoid of scars, left them stunned. Approaching the figures with deliberate steps, Scott stopped twenty feet away, slinging the war hammer over his shoulder. He pointed towards the figure who had spoken earlier. ¡°I don''t know how many times you''ve pulled this stunt, and frankly, I don''t care. I have no patience for this pointless game.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± the figure asked, unable to conceal his confusion. ¡°Do you even know what''s happening?¡± Scott sighed audibly, then pointed his right hand towards the figure holding the machete. ¡°Burn,¡± he said softly. The group gazed at Scott, their confusion evident, their eyes betraying a mix of disbelief and disdain. ¡°Do you think this is some kind of mov¡ª¡± Before one of them could finish their sentence, the figure burst into flames, scattering into a grisly rain of flesh and blood. Scott shifted his attention to another individual. ¡°Disappear,¡± he murmured. In an instant, a gust swept through the area, and the masked figure vanished without a trace. The remaining figures recoiled in unison, fear clouding their expressions. Scott paid them little heed, his focus drawn to a nondescript leaf on the ground. ¡°As I said, I haven''t the time for whatever game this is. End it, or I''ll do it for you. Trust me, you won''t want me to get involved,¡± Scott whispered. A series of clicks reverberated through the forest, and both the masked figures and the surrounding trees vanished in a billow of smoke. As the haze dissipated, it revealed a vast room adorned with glowing white tiles. Scott surveyed the room with casual interest, his gaze fixated on a mirror at the far end of the chamber. ¡°It''s been a while since someone saw through our illusions,¡± a voice echoed with excitement throughout the room. ¡°I don''t know how you did it, but congratulations on passing the first stage of the ranking game. My name is Nex, and I oversee the fourth stage. Welcome to the Ranking Game!¡± Book 2 - Chapter 4 : Ranking Game Part 2 The examiner''s introduction was accompanied by a monotonous beep, yet Scott remained unmoved, his curious gaze fixed on the mirror at the far end of the room. ¡°Before I continue, is there anything specific you''d like to know?¡± Nex''s voice carried a newfound excitement. Scott lifted his head, scanning the unremarkable ceiling as if searching for answers in its monotony. ¡°Why am I still trapped in this illusion?¡± A moment of silence hung in the air before a series of clicks and clanks echoed through the room. The spacious surroundings contorted, as if being torn apart by unseen forces. Scott watched the shifting scenery with indifference, his attention drawn to the mirror, unaffected by the chaos around it. As quickly as it began, the upheaval ceased, leaving the room physically unchanged, save for a cool, refreshing breeze that now permeated the air. ¡°I apologize for the inconvenience,¡± Nex''s voice broke the silence. ¡°I needed to confirm it wasn''t a fluke,¡± the examiner added from his concealed vantage point. ¡°So, what exactly is this ranking game?¡± Scott inquired, crossing his arms. ¡°It''s quite simple,¡± Nex''s excitement bubbled over. ¡°While the earlier trials may not have fully revealed your potential based on your chosen path and companions, the ranking game is designed specifically to unlock every ounce of dormant ability within each champion,¡± he explained in a single breath. Pausing briefly, as if to allow Scott to digest the information, Nex continued, ¡°Most champions typically reach the ranking game through the boatman, but on rare occasions, some find the hidden path and traverse it without meeting their demise. Those individuals, like yourself, often begin the ranking game at the tenth level, which challenges the mental prowess of each champion.¡± Another pause followed, allowing Scott to process the new information. Before Nex could resume, however, the eldritch knight interjected, ¡°So, if I understand correctly, my companions are also undergoing similar trials elsewhere?¡± ¡°Yes, that''s correct,¡± the examiner affirmed. ¡°What happens if they''re unable to see through the illusion?¡± Scott inquired, an ominous glint reflecting in his eyes. ¡°They''ll have to keep trying until they overcome it,¡± Nex explained. ¡°I don''t know what kind of place you think this is, but senseless killing and hindrances aren''t on our agenda. While the games may be physically and mentally demanding, their purpose is to enable all champions to surpass their limits. The only penalty for failing a game is demotion to the previous floor, and each champion is free to participate in any game an unlimited number of times, as long as they''re qualified, of course.¡± Scott''s murderous aura subsided after the examiner''s explanation, though he maintained his earlier vigilance. ¡°How many games must we participate in to clear the ranking game?¡± Scott asked. ¡°Unfortunately, there''s no definitive answer to that question. It depends entirely on the starting point of each champion and their adaptation to the games. I haven''t had the chance to mention it earlier, but the games are dynamic and tailored to each champion. However, you''ll unmistakably encounter other champions during the games who may either aid or antagonize your progress,¡± Nex explained carefully. ¡°I understand you''ve explained the purpose of the games, but what do the gods hope to accomplish by having us participate in them?¡± Scott asked after a brief pause, his focus shifting to the mirror at the end of the room. ¡°Firstly, and most importantly, entertainment,¡± Nex stated matter-of-factly. ¡°There''s nothing more entertaining than watching people strive to break through their limits or succumb to the pressure of inadequacy.¡± The corner of Scott''s eye twitched momentarily, but he didn''t voice any disagreement with the hidden examiner. ¡°Secondly, many of you are significantly lacking compared to the champions in the floors above the ranking game. So much so that one of them would easily overpower a thousand of you if pitted against each other. You could say the aim of the ranking games is to refine all the rough gems before releasing them into the wild. After all, a whole new world awaits you once you complete the games,¡± Nex elaborated. Scott prepared to pose another question, but he noticed one tile suddenly turning red out of the corner of his eye. ¡°How interesting,¡± Nex giggled excitedly. ¡°The path that suits you best has been determined, but you''ll need to clear the ranking stage first.¡± A click punctuated the examiner¡¯s words, and a series of red spots morphed into a doorway on the wall, corrupting several white tiles in their wake. Silently, the red spots dispersed, unveiling a dimly lit pathway beyond. ¡°That path will lead you to the ranking stage,¡± Nex explained. ¡°You will encounter champions who have also completed the first ten stages waiting over there. Oh, another thing. You will be assigned a number based on your entry batch; don¡¯t be disheartened if it¡¯s low. It¡¯s within your power to raise it. I¡¯ll address more of your inquiries and divulge further details about the ranking game once the ranking stage concludes. Best of luck.¡± You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. A deep resonance filled the room as the white tiles dimmed, while the passage behind the doorway gradually brightened. Scott averted his gaze from the mirror, turning toward the illuminated passage. Although there are restrictions stopping me from contacting others, they don¡¯t seem to restrict any of my other abilities, Scott pondered as he approached the passage in quiet steps. I hate the fact that I don¡¯t even have time to think about what happened with my variant; and it¡¯s not helping that his memories are still a mess. I don¡¯t know why, but I have a feeling this isn¡¯t my own reality, Scott speculated as he crossed over to the well-illuminated passage. A stone door sealed off the previous area, compelling him to proceed along the narrow path strewn with numerous gemstones. Yet, Scott scarcely noticed the winding path or the seemingly precious minerals around him. Instead, he methodically reorganized his thoughts as his footsteps reverberated in the silence. No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn¡¯t shake the unsettling speculations brewing within his mind. Though lacking concrete evidence, he always harbored the sense that someone or something had summoned him to the nameless tower, and purposely left him there. However, the countless remains and battle scars within the Nameless Tower provided no answers. Lost in contemplation, Scott ventured further along the passage for thirty minutes until he reached an imposing wooden door devoid of handles. Two burning silver lanterns served as substitutes, while several runic carvings adorned its surface. Coming to a halt a few feet from the door, Scott narrowed his gaze, studying the enigmatic carvings. He glanced to either side of the door but discerned nothing out of the ordinary. Approaching the door with cautious steps, he paused when he stood directly in front of it. Without hesitation, he reached for the burning lanterns serving as handles, his palm brushing against the makeshift knobs. ¡°Hmm¡­ why is it cold?¡± Scott muttered, his brows furrowing as he stared at the flickering crimson flames within the lanterns. The eldritch knight pushed both knobs, and the door groaned as it parted. Scott narrowed his gaze, fixing his eyes on the expanse beyond the door. A vast arena unfolded before him, its towering walls lined with razor-sharp spikes, the sandy black earth devoid of life, and mystical cyan orbs hovering in the air. Scott spared only a moment to take in the surreal sight before his attention was drawn to the bloodthirsty champions within the arena. A subtle chime echoed in the ears of the eldritch knight, and he instinctively glanced at his right hand. The number eighty-nine hovered faintly above it. Since when was this here? Scott pondered as he stepped into the arena. A gentle breeze slammed the door shut, but the artistic door garnered no attention. Instead, all eyes were fixed on the new entrant, the champions sizing him up meticulously. Scott followed suit, scanning each champion in turn, hoping to recognize someone among the group. ¡°Welcome, participant number eighty-nine. We currently have forty-eight champions gathered here. The ranking stage will commence upon the arrival of two more participants. Thank you for your patience,¡± announced a voice emanating from a floating orb. It sounded familiar, reminiscent of the examiner, yet subtly different. Scott raised his head toward the orb. He briefly furrowed his brow before finding a spot to stand within the vast arena while observing his potential competitors. Most champions appeared visibly tense, preferring to stand further apart from each other. I wonder what''s going to happen when the last two participants arrive, Scott mused as he crouched, gathering a fistful of blackened sand in his right hand and bleached sand in his left. His actions drew curious glances from some of the champions. Moments later, he unclenched his fists, watching as the wind dispersed the sand. A creak broke the silence, and the champions turned their attention to its origin. Another opening materialized on the arena''s walls, and a new figure emerged. This time, however, several champions unconsciously took a step back, their eyes fixed on the newcomer. Scott stood upright; his gaze fixed on the creature with deep crimson skin akin to molten magma. It boasted three heads, six arms, all supported by unshod sturdy legs. What in the world is that? Scott pondered, staring at the towering champion. Though not as tall as cyclopes or giants, its aura far surpassed both. ¡°Why did it have to be an asura?¡± a champion muttered, dread etching his features. ¡°Asura?¡± Scott frowned, recalling bits and pieces about the creatures from various popular media but lacking detailed knowledge. ¡°Welcome, participant number nine. There are currently forty-nine champions gathered here. The ranking stage will commence upon the arrival of one more participant. Thank you for your patience.¡± As the declaration concluded, horror contorted the faces of several champions, and they instinctively distanced themselves from the malevolent presence in their midst. Their expressions soured at the mere mention of the number. Yet even without it, Scott couldn''t deny the imposing strength of the champion making his way to a spot several meters away. He hoped they wouldn''t demand an all-out brawl. Scott quickly averted his gaze from the creature, then suddenly refocused on the asura again. One of its heads, adorned with iridescent golden eyes, fixed its gaze on him with palpable excitement. Though it spoke, Scott couldn''t make out the words, yet his expression soured beneath his mask as all heads turned towards him. To his dismay, the asura approached with confident strides, its devilish grin revealing massive fangs. Fuck! Please, let this not be what I think it is, Scott silently prayed. Despite Scott''s silent plea, the champion continued his advance, the other champions in the area parting to make way for the imposing figure. While most could discern the asura''s trajectory towards Scott, they remained clueless about the nature of the encounter. Stopping a few feet away from Scott, the asura fixed its golden eyes on the eldritch knight, who returned its gaze without a hint of fear. In the ensuing silence, a commanding voice reverberated in the mind of the Eldritch knight. ¡°Harbinger of Madness. Why have you been calling us?¡± Scott attempted to respond, but was interrupted by another creak, followed by the appearance of a new participant. Once again, the expressions of the champions contorted. The creature, with a humanoid body and an octopus-like head encased in a crystal-clear bowl fastened with a sapphire lock, commanded attention. Bluish veins formed a menacing pattern across its neck and arms, while it wore a fisherman''s overall which covered its chest and lower body. ¡°Welcome, number participant two,¡± a disembodied voice announced. ¡°There are currently fifty champions gathered here. The ranking stage will now commence. Thank you for your patience.¡± Book 2 - Chapter 5 : Ranking Game Part 3 Silence permeated the arena as the champions observed the closed entrance, its once-opened expanse now tightly sealed. Some eyes shifted towards the new participant, a fishman creature, though lacking the imposing aura of the asura, it commanded respect from all who beheld it. An emerald glow enveloped the orbs the moment the door shut, and the announcer''s voices reverberated through the arena. ¡°Once more, I extend my gratitude for your patience. The ranking stage shall now begin.¡±
Stage selection!
Option 1: A full-scale brawl among the champions, where ranks will be determined by the quality of opponents defeated.
Option 2: In a handicapped battle, a few randomly selected champions will face the vast majority. A victory for the minority will substantially boost their ranks, while defeat will result in a decrease of only 2 ranks. Conversely, the majority''s ranks will increase by only 1 upon victory, but plummet by 20 in case of defeat. Those with a deficit will be relegated to the first floor to compensate for their points deficiency.
Option 3: A team battle will pit all champions in the arena against those from another ranking stage. Victory will result in a +5 increase in individual ranks, while defeat will incur a -15 decrease in ranks.
Option 4: Through a vote, ten champions will be selected to engage in an all-out battle. Those not chosen will maintain their current ranks and proceed to the next ranking game. However, the selected champions will receive a minimum rank increase of +10, depending on their final standing.
Each champion scrutinized the list of options, their faces a canvas of varied expressions. Amidst the ensuing silence, the announcer''s voice reverberated once more, ¡°Please select the option you wish to partake in. The option with the most votes will be designated for the collective. You have one minute.¡± Scott''s gaze lingered on the hovering screen momentarily before lifting towards the asura who seemed indifferent to the notification. I don''t even know if this guy or any of these freaks are stronger than me because Hastur''s gaze isn''t responding, Scott pondered. While the two locked gazes, the other champions silently deliberated their choices. With barely thirty seconds remaining, several champions swiftly clicked on the option they deemed most favorable. Meanwhile, Scott averted his gaze, returning it to the floating blue screen. I''m not sure if there''s a penalty for failing to choose an option. It''s best not to take any unnecessary risks, he thought. Scott hesitated before finally moving toward an option, choosing at random. To him, it made no difference which option he picked; after all, the final decision would be influenced by the forty-nine other champions. As Scott''s darkened fingers descended towards the floating system panel, one of the asura''s arms shot out, intercepting his hand, and forcefully pushing it away. Scott''s frown deepened as he shifted his attention to the malevolent creature. What the fuck is his problem? Is he trying to make me fail or something? Scott thought, but the asura showed no inclination to select an option either, which only compounded his confusion. Scott furrowed his brows even further as he discreetly observed the other champions. Most of them appeared anxious, eagerly awaiting the outcome of the vote, while a select few lounged around nonchalantly, seemingly unconcerned with the impending decision. His gaze shifted towards the fishman, who also lounged with arms crossed over his chest. Sensing Scott''s scrutiny, the fishman turned to glance at the masked man. Their eyes met briefly, and the fishman nodded towards the eldritch knight. Though puzzled, Scott returned the nod, and both champions simultaneously broke eye contact. Only ten seconds left. Am I making the right decision? Scott silently pondered. He shifted his attention back to the asura, his frown deepening. All three heads wore devilish smiles, and their breathing had quickened. I don''t know what''s going on, but whatever¡­ Scott took a deep breath, bracing himself for the vote''s outcome. Moments later, chimes reverberated from the emerald orbs, and the announcer''s voice boomed, ¡°Time''s up! I''ll now reveal the results of the vote!¡±
Stage Selection!
Option 1 ¨C 10 votes.
Option 2 ¨C 3 votes.
Option 3 ¨C 8 votes.
Option 4 ¨C 20 votes.
Abstainers ¨C 9.
¡°Huh? It¡¯s possible not to vote?¡± a champion muttered; confusion evident as they glanced from side to side. ¡°What the hell is happening? Why didn''t they vote?¡± Another champion complained, eyes fixed on the floating orbs. ¡°Yeah, we need answers. What''s going to happen to those who didn''t vote?¡± another champion inquired. One by one, several champions voiced their frustration. The inability to identify the nine abstainers only fueled their discontent. ¡°Option 4 garnered the most votes; therefore, all voters will proceed to participate in the next round of voting,¡± the announcer declared. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. A flurry of complaints met the announcement. Amidst the barrage of questions, the orbs emitted pulsating hums, gradually increasing in intensity. At its peak, several crimson beams descended from the orbs, enveloping the unsuspecting champions. In an instant, forty-one of the fifty champions vanished, leaving Scott and the other abstainers alone in the arena. Nex suddenly declared, ¡°Abstaining from voting is tantamount to a tacit participation in the mandatory challenge.¡± Scott''s eyebrows shot up as he gazed at the floating orbs, which gradually coalesced into one massive sphere. Glancing at the asura out of the corner of his eye, he understood why the creature had smacked his arm away earlier. ¡°The opponent is being prepared. Utilize the remaining time to prepare yourselves,¡± the announcer declared, replacing the examiner.
Mandatory Challenge!
Champions will receive substantial rank boosts proportional to their contributions during the challenge. Conversely, those who contribute minimally or not at all will face significant penalties once the challenge concludes.
Scott and the other champions gathered around the enormous orb, reading through the massive system message displayed beneath it. In a silent procession, they each assessed one another, maintaining a considerable distance. Unlike most of his counterparts, Scott and the asura stood close together. The imposing champion turned toward the masked knight, his voice resonating in Scott''s mind. ¡°Harbinger of Madness, will you fight with me?¡± Scott frowned behind his mask, his thoughts racing. Does he know something about our opponent? he wondered, refusing to respond to the massive creature''s query. A sudden clap shattered the tense silence, drawing everyone''s attention to a lanky figure in a full bodysuit, except for their fingers, holding a silver three-pronged trident. ¡°Greetings. I''m Sahure. Let''s join forces to vanquish the enemy,¡± he declared, his speech choppy. Most champions averted their gazes, offering no response, and Sahure didn''t press further. Meanwhile, Scott, still fixated on the asura, took a step closer to the hulking creature. ¡°Why should I fight alongside you?¡± he whispered. ¡°Because I am strong,¡± the asura asserted through their mental connection. ¡°That''s not reason enough for me,¡± Scott countered softly. ¡°If you can provide insight into our potential opponent, then I''ll consider it.¡± The asura''s three heads tilted in unison, contemplating the proposition. Moments later, they replied, ¡°A titan.¡± Scott''s masked expression betrayed his surprise. Before he could delve further, a deafening explosion, reminiscent of shattering glass, reverberated through the area. All eyes turned to the massive orb, now under assault. Unlike before, a colossal, blackened fist punched through its sturdy exterior, causing it to tremble incessantly, as if on the brink of collapse. ¡°An opponent has been chosen! There''s no set time for the challenge. Give it your all!¡± the announcer declared, breaking the tension with finality. A piercing scream ripped through the air as the announcement rang out, and the orb disintegrated into a cascade of glass shards. Yet, amidst the chaos, the focus of most champions remained fixed on the towering, sinewy creature. Its massive, blackened arms extended from a snow-white torso, while a bony exterior adorned its head, neck, and spine with menacing spikes. With crimson eyes glowing with an otherworldly aura, and thick, blackened embers streaming from its nostrils, the creature took a deliberate step forward, causing fissures to form in the sandy arena. One by one, champions summoned an arsenal of weapons from their inventories, while others underwent dramatic physical transformations, saturating the arena with a palpable sense of dread. Scott locked eyes with the titan, his tendrils quivering with anticipation. The base of his war hammer extended from his mask, the yellow sigil pulsating within his gaze. Unbeknownst to the eldritch knight, a faint golden glow imbued a portion of his mask, and an animated orb danced within the swirling darkness. Subconsciously, Scott reached for his weapon, pulling the war hammer from the depths of the swirling shadows. Simultaneously, blackened orbs materialized in each of the asura¡¯s hands. With a tight grip, the malevolent creature shattered the orbs, unleashing six silkworms, each representing an elemental force. As each silkworm transformed into a halberd, the air crackled with the energy of the elements, each weapon pulsating with its own distinct hue. ¡°Harbinger of Madness, will you fight with me?¡± the leftmost head demanded, its voice raspy and intimidating as its twisted face. Scott''s gaze darted to the monstrous creature for a moment, the yellow sign flickering in his eyes. The asura leaped several meters away from the eldritch knight, chanting inaudible sutras. As the titan''s shadow engulfed the champions, its soulless eyes scanned the group, lingering on no one in particular. With a swift motion, it tore off one of the numerous spikes coating its spine. A thunderous roar echoed, and the titan unleashed a lightning-fast strike, wielding the broken spike as a club. In response, most of the champions scattered in different directions, while a few stood their ground. The titan''s spike found its mark on those who hesitated. The fishman raised his head towards the incoming spike, loosening the latch around his bowl. In an instant, water propelled him several feet into the air, saturating the earth below. The loose soil greedily absorbed the cold water, but its infiltration rate couldn¡¯t keep up with the deluge. In a flash, the sandy arena transformed into a muddy enclosure, yet the water showed no signs of abating. The fishman removed the entire bowl, and a deafening explosion reverberated throughout the arena. In a spectacular display of transformation, the fishman morphed into a colossal octopus with armored tentacles, its eyes ablaze with fiery intensity. As the octopus crashed into the rising waters, it created a monumental splash that rippled in all directions. Simultaneously, a whirlpool materialized several meters away from the titan, and from its center emerged a massive trident. Scott, intermittently flickering in and out of tangibility as he levitated through the void, fixed his gaze on Sahure, who stood at the heart of the swirling whirlpool. Despite the tumultuous waters, Sahure''s body suit repelled the water effortlessly, while the trident unleashed constant, formidable shockwaves. Turning his attention to the titan, Sahure manipulated the three-pronged trident with deft precision, sending shockwaves hurtling towards the colossal creature''s sturdy torso. Despite the resounding clinks of impact, the titan remained unmoved, seemingly unimpressed by the assault. Nonchalantly, it reached for another spike, tearing it off without hesitation. With a forceful motion, it plunged the spike deep into the rising waters, unleashing massive shockwaves. The creature let out another deafening cry, its warlike roar echoing through the arena. In a sudden turn of events, numerous rifts materialized behind the titan, unleashing a horde of miniature creatures akin to the titan itself. Fixing its soulless gaze on its newfound adversaries, the titan raised its spike once more. Scott nonchalantly slung the war hammer over his shoulder, his citrine eyes locked onto the titan, which stared back directly at him. ¡°Bring it on, you ugly motherfucker,¡± he taunted with unyielding resolve. Book 2 - Chapter 6 : Ranking Game Part 4 The titan unleashed a primal roar, channeling the full strength of its might into its arm as it prepared to launch the spike toward Scott. Behind the eldritch knight, five chaotic missiles coalesced, accompanied by a baleful violet flame that danced above his mask. Intangible miasma spilled forth from tangible void cracks in torrents, warping the very air around him. With ruthless aggression, the titan hurled the spike toward Scott¡¯s position. The eldritch knight impassively stared at the incoming projectile, the violent flame mixing with the miasma to form a massive explosion that launched toward the titan. In a flash, the titan¡¯s projectile arrived in front of Scott, but the massive spike simply passed through his intangible body, racing toward the arena¡¯s walls, and shattering upon impact. Simultaneously, the massive octopus swung its tentacles, obliterating over twenty of the miniature titans; however, even more aberrations poured out from the dimensional gate. Amidst the chaos, sutras suddenly echoed within the arena, compelling several champions and the titan to pivot toward its origin. There, the asura, with its three heads and all eyes closed, fervently recited its sutra, eliciting massive changes to the elemental halberds. The halberds shattered into hundreds of pieces, each fragment morphing into another halberd. In an instant, more than five hundred halberds hovered above the asura, then he opened his eyes. The elemental weapons tore through the air, racing toward the titan and clashing against it with massive fury, creating explosions that filled the arena with a cloud of smog. The miniature titans persisted in their relentless assaults, charging like reckless warriors toward the champions within their reach. Their lifeless bodies accumulated in the murky waters, now tinged with a purple hue as Scott''s flaming miasma crept closer to the titan''s location. Another deafening roar reverberated through the area, and the smog concealing the titan dissipated, unveiling the colossal goliath unscathed. With a sudden clap of its hands, it sent shockwaves rippling through the surroundings. Scott was forcibly returned to his physical form, along with the other transformed champions reverting to their original states. Even the rising waters receded, and the parched earth reclaimed its dominance. All nine champions collapsed to the ground, overwhelmed by an immense gravitational force. The sickening sound of bones snapping filled the air as some champions crashed face-first into the loose sand, their blood staining the earth beneath them. This guy is far more formidable than I expected, Scott thought, gritting his teeth behind his mask as several miniature titans exploded from the pressure. Yet, more titans emerged from the dimensional gate, determined to sacrifice themselves for their leader. The pressure intensified, and Scott''s knees buckled, his legs twisting grotesquely in different directions. However, the eldritch knight refused to emit even the slightest groan of pain. His eyes, filled with unyielding determination, remained fixed on the titan, which observed the champions impassively. Of the original nine champions, four had been obliterated, and two, including Scott, barely clung to life. The remaining three¡ªcomprising the fishman, the asura, and Sahure¡ªstruggled to rise to their feet. Despite the escalating gravitational force, they managed to remain upright, defying the relentless pressure bearing down on them. I hate this¡­ Scott bit his lower lip behind his mask. I fucking hate this¡­ the eldritch knight thought, rage twisting his visage. I''m not fucking holding back anymore, Scott seethed. The thought surged through his mind like a tidal wave, propelling the tendrils coating his arm toward the mask with eager anticipation. With a voracious energy, the tendrils tore the mask from the face of the eldritch knight, plunging the surroundings into darkness. Instantly, the oppressive gravitational force lifted, and the dimensional gates vanished. For the first time, shock registered in the eyes of the impassive titan, swiftly followed by confusion. It shifted its head from side to side, unable to peer through the swirling darkness or contact its minions. With determination, it snapped off two spikes, one for each arm, preparing for combat. A yellow blur caught its attention, and it instantly turned to the right, only to find the blur had vanished. The titan unleashed another shrill scream, but the deafening silence seemed to swallow its cries. Raising both arms to launch its spikes into the darkness, the massive creature suddenly froze as a silver spark tore through the blinding darkness. In a flash, light banished the darkness to the void, revealing three figures covered by massive snow-white wings hovering several feet above the titan. The champions and the titan remained frozen in their respective positions, unaware of the beings intruding upon the area. ¡°This is odd,¡± one of them remarked. ¡°Indeed,¡± another agreed, visibly turning towards the right but still obscured by the wings. ¡°Do you suppose one of them was responsible for the anomaly?¡± the last of the trio asked, unruffling its wings. The furry creature had a slender build and wore all-white robes devoid of any blemish. Although humanoid in physique, it possessed three eyes, two covered by a flaming robe, and the third situated on its forehead. Its companions followed suit, revealing a similar appearance to the unique creature. They turned their heads simultaneously, observing the champions one after the other with their uncovered eyes. Then, they shifted their gaze towards the titan, studying it intently. After a moment, they flapped their wings, covering their bodies once more. ¡°This is odd,¡± one of them remarked once again. ¡°The administrator won''t be pleased,¡± it added with a slight sigh. ¡°There''s nothing we can do about it. We''ve investigated the anomaly and found no issues with the champions or their opponent,¡± the creature in the center whispered. ¡°Nevertheless, it will be recorded as a failure on our part not to determine what obstructed the transmission. The gods and lesser gods won''t entertain excuses, you know?¡± This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it While the two bickered, the final investigator focused on Scott''s direction, studying the seemingly animated mask with keen interest. Descending slightly, the curious investigator drew the attention of its companions. ¡°Where are you going?¡± one of them called out, causing the investigator to halt its descent. ¡°We can''t interfere with the champions, remember?¡± It said in a hushed tone. ¡°I thought I saw movement within that mask,¡± the investigator explained as it returned to its previous position. The other investigators gazed intently at Scott''s mask, but aside from its alluring and somewhat eerie appearance, it elicited no additional reaction from the pair. ¡°We should keep an eye on all the champions in this arena,¡± one suggested. ¡°I agree, but it''s time to leave.¡± The trio exchanged no further words as they silently departed, just as they had arrived. Time marched on, with the titan''s spear thrusting forward with ferocity. One impaled Scott through his midsection, while another shot through Sahure, leaving the asura and fishman stunned. Meanwhile, the titan stood in a bewildered daze. It raised its head, scanning the arena as if searching for something or someone. Then, it lowered its gaze, its eyes shifting from one champion to another before settling on Scott, who visibly dragged his pierced torso along the spike embedded in the arena''s walls. Though no words were spoken, a sense of unease lingered among the surviving champions and the titan alike. The titan''s confusion was fleeting, however, as it redirected its attention toward the asura and fishman, the only two champions left unscathed. With a mighty force, it shattered another spike and strode menacingly toward the ashen-faced pair. Undeterred, the duo charged at the titan with unwavering determination. The fishman once again morphed into a massive octopus, its tentacles lashing out at the advancing titan. Meanwhile, the asura began chanting a new sutra, flames dancing around its molten skin. Its golden eyes glinted with maniacal intent as the blackened orbs reappeared. One by one, the orbs shattered, and the asura seized the transformed elemental silkworms, bringing all six arms together in a prayer-like gesture. Behind the asura, six elemental vortexes formed, unleashing unrelenting elemental attacks toward the titan. In that very instant, the octopus'' tentacles crashed against the titan''s colossal form, the impact resounding with a crisp clank amid the swiftly flooding arena. Unperturbed by the champion''s assault, the titan casually brushed off the attack and advanced forward. With venomous agility, precision, and strength, it thrust its spike, skewering six of the octopus'' tentacles. Seizing another tentacle with its free hand, the titan hurled the octopus towards the incoming onslaught of the asura''s attacks. Explosions reverberated as the elemental barrage ripped through one tentacle, leaving the other ensnared in ice. With a casual kick, the titan sent the octopus hurtling towards the farthest reaches of the arena, diverting its attention back to the asura. The champion''s sutra shifted once more, conjuring orbs behind the asura. The titan reached for its spine, snapping off another spike. With a swift motion, it flung the spike towards the asura, the projectile warping space itself as it tore through the centermost head and split the others in half. The champion plunged into the rising waters, swiftly sinking into the murky depths. Turning its gaze towards the octopus'' crash site, the titan began to approach the incapacitated champion with measured steps. However, on its tenth stride, the titan abruptly halted, its attention drawn to the left as it squinted into the distance. Despite its heightened senses, nothing out of the ordinary presented itself. After a moment of careful observation, it turned away from the area and resumed its advance towards the octopus, which groaned in agony while attempting to free its impaled tentacles. As it took its second step, a figure materialized from the void, wielding an otherworldly war hammer. Only inches separated the war hammer from the titan¡¯s eyes as it unleashed a thundering roar. The sea vanished, replaced by dried earth. The octopus reverted to its fishman form, a spike protruding from his abdomen as he lay face-first. Meanwhile, Scott collapsed to the ground, crushed by a massive gravitational force. The titan shifted its attention to Scott, who struggled to lift his head. Suddenly, it delivered a ruthless kick, propelling the eldritch knight toward the arena''s walls, where his upper body became deeply embedded in the concrete. The sickening sound of breaking bones echoed as the asura and fishman were pulverized by the gravitational force. Yet, the titan¡¯s fearsome gaze remained fixed on the eldritch knight buried in the wall. It snapped off another spike, hurling it toward Scott. A thick shield of eldritch energy formed around the crack, but the spike effortlessly shattered through it. Fresh blood spilled from the sides of the crack as Scott¡¯s severed legs crashed onto the dry earth. The titan snapped off another spike, launching it with fury. It embedded itself into the previous one, and the titan hurled more spikes relentlessly, one after another, creating a barrage. With a stomp of its feet, the gravitational force ceased. Then, it gestured toward Scott''s location with a clasping motion. The ground trembled incessantly, a hole forming among the remains of the spikes. An explosion ensued, and a mangled body, covered in cuts, blood, and earth, hurtled toward the titan''s open arm. The titan held Scott''s ragged body between its thumb and index finger; its bloodthirsty eyes fixed on the champion whose body visibly regenerated at a rapid rate. Locking gazes with the champion, the creature violently hurled Scott toward the ground, breaking off another spike and launching it toward the detestable eyes of the masked knight. The spike raced toward the mask, striking it with force, but the animated mask remained unaffected by the attack. Enraged, the titan struck again with even greater force, yet the mask remained undamaged. Locking eyes with the man behind the mask, the titan''s rage intensified, feeling a sense of mockery it couldn''t understand. It struck repeatedly in quick succession, but the mask remained unscathed. Scott''s delirious laughter echoed through the arena as he coughed up blood. Fueled by the antics of the masked knight, the titan unleashed a strike at the man''s neck, decapitating him. However, the laughter only grew louder. The titan hurled the decapitated head to the furthest reaches of the arena, snapping off two spikes in preparation to throw them as makeshift spears. Suddenly, several cyan orbs magically appeared behind the titan, spewing out chains that bound the colossal creature. The orbs coalesced into a gigantic orb, swallowing the titan whole. Simultaneously, the announcer''s voice boomed through the arena. ¡°The mandatory challenge is now over! Champions will be rewarded or punished based on their performances.¡± The massive orb fragmented into several smaller orbs, exuding stardust that spread across the arena. The sandy earth churned like boiling water, regurgitating the stone, dust, sweat, tears, blood, tissues, organs, and corpses it had consumed. Scott''s decapitated head shot out from the wall, racing toward his headless corpse, all the while maintaining its delirious laughter. In a scene brimming with mystical wonder, all nine champions returned to their original positions unscathed, their bodies devoid of even the faintest scratch. However, their countenances bore a diverse array of emotions. While Scott erupted into laughter with unbridled abandon, the fishman and asura''s expressions contorted with seething rage. Sahure''s form bent awkwardly to the side, and the remaining champions visibly trembled, their faces etched with dread. As the shimmering stardust dissipated, the resonance of a gong reverberated throughout the arena. Thirty-one of the forty-one champions who had vanished earlier reappeared, many adorned with smiles. Yet, those smiles swiftly faded upon seeing the nine abstainers. Anger distorted their expressions, but their visage soon transitioned into a mix of confusion and curiosity. Despite the absence of physical injuries among the nine abstainers, they could tell that the group had gone through a monumental ordeal. Book 2 - Chapter 7 : Ranking Game Part 5
Congratulations! Your rank has updated!
Congratulations! Your physical stats have updated!
Your Mental state has updated!
Champion Interface ¨C Updated
Basic Stats Rank: 40.
Physical Stats Strength: 28 (+2)
Agility: 30 (+2)
Endurance: 19 (+5)
Dexterity: 28 (+2)
Toughness: 30 (+4)
Mental State Chaotic Maniacal
Scott''s morbid laughter reverberated through the arena, its intensity seeming to swell with each passing moment. While the same system panel flashed before the other abstainers, Scott''s reaction stood out starkly; his laughter echoed like that of a deranged madman. Three of the group, however, displayed expressions shifting between fear and resignation. Without warning, a portal materialized beneath their feet, swallowing the trio whole. As the rogue portal vanished along with the system message, curiosity ignited among the champions who had participated in the vote earlier. Though they couldn''t quite pinpoint the reason, during the brief period of exiting the arena, they sensed a tangible increase in strength among the remaining abstainers, excluding those consumed by the portal. ¡°Would you shut up, you damned lunatic!¡± A champion erupted; his patience worn thin by Scott''s frenzied mirth. Yet, the eldritch knight paid the outburst no heed, lifting his head as laughter spilled from him with reckless abandon. The yellow sign flickered incessantly within his eyes and within the mask, while the tendrils enveloping his arms quivered with subdued excitement. Meanwhile, the champion who had spoken moments before surged forward, his countenance contorted with rage. Halting a mere foot from Scott, he clenched his fists, unwavering in his belief in his own strength despite the evident growth among the abstainers. As he raised his fist, Scott lowered his gaze, locking eyes with the stupefied champion. The yellow sign pulsed with increased fervor. Suddenly, a cyan orb materialized between Scott and the champion, and the announcer''s voice boomed overhead. ¡°Combat in any form requires prior approval. Violators will face punishment. Keep this in mind.¡±
The mask of the eldritch spawn has successfully devoured your madness!
The yellow sign slowly dissipated following the system''s notification, and clarity gradually returned to Scott''s eyes. The masked knight spared the champion a brief glance before shifting his focus to the orb, which hovered swiftly. Once again, the announcer''s voice reverberated through the arena, announcing, ¡°You may choose to return to your respective areas or opt for one-on-one battles. All requests must be consensual from both parties and made within three hours. Unilateral requests will be dismissed. Approach the arena''s walls, and a pathway to your area will be revealed.¡± Several champions pondered the message while exchanging cautious glances. Meanwhile, Scott pivoted and strode purposefully toward the nearest wall. However, on his third step, the voice of the man who had approached him earlier resounded. ¡°Where do you think you''re going?¡± he called out. ¡°Fight me if you have the balls.¡± Scott continued walking without acknowledging the man. Nevertheless, the champion was unwilling to let him leave unchallenged, persisting with his verbal assault. ¡°You were laughing like a maniac just moments ago, and now you''re fleeing like a coward,¡± he jeered, smirking as he crossed his arms. His emerald eyes scanned the other abstainers, and he added, ¡°No wonder you lot chose to abstain from the voting. I''m ready to take on any of you cowards.¡± The asura''s expression twisted with rage as it turned toward the champion. Despite its outward demeanor, it abruptly shifted direction, hastening to pursue Scott. Neither the fishman nor Sahure spared the champion a glance as they too approached the nearest wall. With his right hand on his hip and his left hand outstretched toward the departing champions, the man erupted into laughter. ¡°Fucking cowards, the lot of them,¡± he declared proudly. Among the abstainers stood two remaining champions: a canine and an elf, approached the man with deliberate steps. ¡°I¡¯ll take up that challenge,¡± the canine roared. ¡°Me too,¡± muttered the blind elf, his fingers inching toward his dagger. The man turned toward the duo, unable to conceal the derision in his eyes. ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll take you on. You¡¯ll soon regret your decision anyway,¡± he said confidently. Meanwhile, near the northwestern wall, an asura intercepted and obstructed Scott¡¯s path. The masked man raised his head, meeting the asura¡¯s gaze. ¡°What is it?¡± Scott asked, a frown evident in his tone. ¡°Do you also wish to fight?¡± The asura shook its three heads, its voice resonating in Scott¡¯s mind once more. ¡°No,¡± it declared. ¡°I want to propose an alliance with you.¡± Scott¡¯s frown deepened. He had anticipated the asura mentioning something related to the mysterious voice calling him, not requesting an alliance of all things. Despite his pondering, he couldn''t shake the feeling that the creature possessed insider knowledge about the ranking game. ¡°Why do we need to form an alliance?¡± Scott inquired softly. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. The asura''s brows furrowed slightly, its three heads fixating intently on Scott. ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± all three heads asked in unison. Scott nodded tentatively, surprising the asura even further. ¡°Didn¡¯t you start from the first floor?¡± the asura asked, fixing a keen gaze on Scott. "No, I didn¡¯t," Scott replied promptly. ¡°What does that have to do with anything?¡± he added. ¡°No wonder you¡¯re ignorant,¡± the leftmost head declared. ¡°So, the rumors are true. There¡¯s another entrance that guarantees a higher starting stage,¡± the rightmost head muttered, its voice surprisingly pleasant. Meanwhile, the centermost head opened its mouth, and its voice resonated in Scott¡¯s mind, ¡°I¡¯m certain the examiner will inform you of all you need to know as soon as you return to your area. What I can tell you, though, is that the ranking stage differs considerably from any of the previous trials by all measures, and it is also the most populated stage in the tower, encompassing several floors.¡± ¡°Wait, are you sure about what you¡¯re saying?¡± Scott interjected. ¡°Are you telling me this place is likely bigger than that desert, or Togan, or even the judgment road?¡± ¡°It¡¯s bigger than all of them combined,¡± the leftmost head declared without hesitation. ¡°Those trivial places are nothing compared to the ranking stage, especially when you consider all the factions running this place,¡± the rightmost head added. ¡°Factions?¡± Scott asked, a burst of unfamiliar memories flooding his brain. ¡°Of course,¡± the leftmost head affirmed. ¡°All the major players in the tower have a branch in the ranking stage,¡± it explained. ¡°And that¡¯s not all,¡± it continued. However, the rightmost head leaned to the side, opening its mouth to interject, ¡°There are factions that have their headquarters in the ranking stage, and they don¡¯t venture beyond it,¡± it clarified. ¡°Hey, stop interrupting me,¡± the leftmost head glared at the rightmost one before turning towards Scott. ¡°Judgment Day, Sons of J?rmungandr, The Brotherhood of the Cross, Valkyrie, and The Celestial Blades are among the powerful factions with a branch in the ranking stage.¡± Scott felt a surge of emotion as he heard the asura mention the guild created by his friends and classmates. He managed to rein in his feelings as the rightmost head continued, ¡°Shadow Syndicate, Viper, Nameless, The Blood Cult, and Fr??ia Mor?ii.¡± ¡°All those factions, and more, hold sway over the ranking stage,¡± the centermost head communicated telepathically. ¡°For most champions, survival in this place without a faction or alliance would be nearly impossible. So, will you join me?¡± The asura''s many eyes focused on Scott, awaiting his response. Meanwhile, Scott''s mind raced as he weighed his options. Among the factions mentioned by the asura, he was only familiar with the Blood Cult in detail. Though they confined their activities to the ranking games, they possessed the manpower and resources to rival the other powerhouses in the tower. However, the deep-seated enmity between the cult and the celestial blades, along with their allies, forced them to limit themselves to the ranking games. Details about the other factions, including the celestial blades, remained somewhat murky, an indication he had yet to fully assimilate all the memories of his variant. After a prolonged silence, Scott lifted his head, meeting the expectant gaze of the asura. ¡°Do you have a name?¡± he asked. ¡°I cannot be named,¡± the asura responded. ¡°You may refer to me as you please,¡± it conveyed telepathically. Scott nodded slowly, reluctant to delve into the creature¡¯s past. ¡°First things first, I don¡¯t trust you¡ª¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± interjected the leftmost head, all three heads fixating blankly on the eldritch knight. Scott chuckled softly, shaking his head. He''d be lying if he said he had expected such a reaction from the asura. Taking a step closer to the champion, Scott extended his right hand. The three heads regarded the outstretched arm for a moment, then one hand mirrored Scott¡¯s gesture. It was clear to Scott that the asura didn¡¯t grasp the concept of a handshake, which piqued his curiosity even more. ¡°I won¡¯t waste time with useless chatter anymore. Call me Scott. Let¡¯s work together,¡± he said with a hidden smile. The puzzled asura wore a pensive expression before expressing its uncertainty. ¡°What does your name mean?¡± ¡°I have no fucking idea, and that¡¯s not what¡¯s important,¡± Scott replied, chuckling. ¡°So, what do you seek from this alliance?¡± ¡°To fight and destroy,¡± the leftmost head declared. ¡°To survive and thrive,¡± the rightmost head declared. ¡°To conquer and dominate,¡± the centermost head telepathically declared. ¡°Well, I can¡¯t promise you anything as lofty as that,¡± Scott said, turning away. ¡°But if you stick by me long enough, you''ll certainly have enough opportunities to pursue those ambitions.¡± As Scott began to move forward, he paused, then turned back to the asura. ¡°I nearly forgot to ask; I entered here with my companions. How likely am I to meet them again?¡± ¡°As long as they continue advancing through the ranking games, your paths will cross once more,¡± the leftmost head replied. ¡°As you''re aware, death is nonexistent in the ranking games, so they won¡¯t perish.¡± The head paused, gesturing to the rightmost head to continue. The rightmost head picked up where the left had left off. ¡°However, their personalities may differ significantly from what you previously knew.¡± ¡°Though death''s finality remains elusive to all, the visceral sensation it invokes lingers unabated. This emotion alone possesses the power to shatter the resolve of even the strongest champions and permanently reshape their principle,¡± the centermost head conveyed telepathically. ¡°And that''s merely the surface. There still much more to unravel,¡± the leftmost head chimed in, its nod accentuating the statement. Scott pivoted silently, his footsteps echoing as he strode towards the towering walls of the arena, the asura trailing behind with deliberate steps. A colossal aperture, dwarfing its predecessor, materialized before them, accompanied by the emergence of a system message.
Rank 8 and 40 are recognized to be on the same path!
Please return to your area!
Scott averted his gaze from the system message, directing his attention to the fishman over two hundred meters away. As their eyes met, they exchanged a silent nod before both looking away. Sahure, the enigmatic champion, caught Scott''s eye next. He scribbled on the ground with his trident while contorting his body at awkward angles. After observing Sahure for a few moments, Scott shifted his focus to his new partner. ¡°We should get going,¡± he said, turning towards them. ¡°There''s still so much I want to ask you.¡± Without another word, Scott stepped through the exit, disappearing from view. The asura, his new companion, swiftly followed suit, vanishing from the arena as well. Moments later, the fishman disappeared, and thirty minutes after that, Sahure followed suit. Meanwhile, as Scott departed the arena, among the other champions, a man who had been closely observing the masked knight retrieved a blackened ring from his inventory. With deliberate steps, he moved away from the crowd, his presence unnoticed by any. ¡°This is Ichiro,¡± he spoke into the ring. A faint buzz emanated from the ring, followed by a hoarse whisper, ¡°State your report.¡± ¡°I have identified a target designated by one of the lower vice-leaders,¡± Ichiro whispered back. ¡°What color, and on what floor are you?¡± the voice inquired after a brief pause. ¡°Black, sir. I am on the ranking stage of the lower floors. The target has been tagged, sir,¡± Ichiro replied, as an ominous crimson glow enveloped the ring''s surface. ¡°The bounty has been confirmed. Proceed with elimination. You will have only two weeks of exclusivity before the bounty becomes open,¡± the voice instructed before the transmission abruptly ended. The man then shifted his gaze towards the spot where Scott had disappeared moments earlier. Who would have thought I¡¯d meet a big fish here. I need to get the boys ready for the hunt, he thought while approaching the closest wall. Book 2 - Chapter 8 : Ranking Game Part 6 Scott and the asura crossed the well-illuminated passage in silence, their steps unbroken by conversation. A frigid wind swept through the area, but they pressed on, wordlessly continuing their journey. Moments later, they reached the end of the long path, where a majestic door stood before them. Without a word, Scott pushed open the door, revealing a familiar space. Simultaneously, Nex''s voice resonated across the tiled room. ¡°Congratulations on completing your first ranking stage,¡± the examiner exclaimed, his excitement palpable. ¡°As promised, I will provide further information about the ranking games, and you are free to ask any questions you may have. How would you like to proceed?¡± As soon as the asura stepped into the area, the majestic entrance sealed behind it. The malevolent creature took a moment to survey its surroundings before directing its attention toward the mirror at the far end of the room, mirroring Scott''s actions. ¡°I''ll go first,¡± Scott declared after a brief pause. ¡°Tell me more about the creature we faced during the ranking stage, and what are the consequences of voting or abstaining.¡± ¡°I cannot guarantee you''ll find my answer satisfactory, but there isn''t much to discuss about the titan. It is a creature specially crafted by the lower gods to test champions, designed to be unbeatable for individuals at your level. When you become powerful enough to defeat one, you should have no trouble advancing through the ranking stages,¡± Nex explained concisely, pausing momentarily for Scott to process the information before continuing. ¡°Regarding voting, it''s straightforward. If you vote, you must participate in the option chosen by the majority. If you abstain, you''ll face the mandatory challenge. It''s as simple as that. The only distinction between the challenges is whether one is confident enough to confront a creature that surpasses them in both strength and cunning.¡± ¡°All right then, I¡¯ll¡ª¡± ¡°Hold on a moment,¡± interjected the examiner. ¡°Before you proceed, allow me to fill you in on a few key details.¡± Silence settled over the room before Nex''s voice echoed once more. ¡°I¡¯m pleased you returned with an ally; it will simplify my next explanation. The ranking games, besides serving as a stage to nurture promising talents, are also a platform for champions to forge and solidify alliances. Many of the dominant factions in the tower originated during the ranking stage. While forming an alliance isn''t obligatory for champions, it significantly broadens their opportunities. Certain games and stages even mandate alliances, and it''s crucial to understand that an official alliance requires a minimum of ten champions.¡± Nex paused, as customary after his lengthy explanations, only to resume a couple of minutes later. ¡°Now, let''s discuss your personal space, also known as your area, which encompasses the current room you occupy,¡± Nex explained with fervor. ¡°In your personal area, the concepts of death, hunger, fatigue, thirst, and most other physical and mental needs do not apply. You have the freedom to train, spar, or simply pass the time as you see fit. Champions can also opt out of their assigned path without facing penalties. However, declining participation in a rank stage results in demotion to the first floor of that stage, which may align with your goals depending on your strategy. Now, please feel free to ask your questions,¡± Nex concluded. ¡°Is there a way to contact my companions?¡± Scott''s voice barely rose above a whisper. ¡°Yes,¡± Nex replied promptly. ¡°But it''s a complex process. Please note that this procedure applies only to those sponsored by the same lesser god. For champions with varying sponsors or none at all, it''s nigh impossible.¡± ¡°So, it''s still possible,¡± Scott murmured. ¡°Yes,¡± Nex confirmed from his concealed location. ¡°There are several abilities that surpass my understanding. I''m not narrow-minded enough to believe there aren''t champions who have found ingenious ways to communicate.¡± Scott nodded in understanding, then turned to the motionless asura who had remained still since they entered the area. He glanced back at the mirror before continuing, ¡°Is it really necessary for us to have this conversation through an illusion?¡± ¡°Yes. I''m also speaking with your ally right now. This ensures our conversations remain confidential,¡± Nex explained. ¡°Do you have any other questions?¡± Scott pondered for a moment before speaking. ¡°Can you provide information about the factions controlling this place?¡± ¡°Not at this time,¡± Nex replied instantly. ¡°I suspected as much,¡± Scott nodded, turning away from the mirror. ¡°If I''m correct, you can''t disclose new information until I complete the next ranking game, correct?¡± ¡°That''s correct, but I can still answer a few questions within the permitted scope,¡± Nex clarified. ¡°What significance do the ranks hold in the ranking game?¡± Scott inquired after a brief silence. ¡°Unfortunately, I can''t delve into specifics until you meet the qualifications. However, what I can tell you is that you should strive to raise your rank as much as possible,¡± the examiner explained passionately. ¡°Is there anything else?¡± Nex asked. Scott shook his head, then turned toward the asura, who remained motionless. ¡°Will you proceed to the next ranking game now?¡± Nex asked. ¡°Are you finished speaking with the big guy?¡± Scott countered with a question of his own. ¡°Yes. He''s not much of a talker,¡± Nex chuckled, continuing, ¡°So?¡± Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°Yeah, prepare the right path for us,¡± Scott said. ¡°I''ll do that now,¡± Nex affirmed, and a click followed his words. The surroundings morphed, twisting, and turning as if torn asunder by space. Scott ignored the transformations, focusing instead on his arms, particularly the tendrils. Will I be able to communicate with them if I pull them into the dream space? he pondered, furrowing his brows. Although he hadn''t tested it out, he believed there was a strong possibility of success. However, he couldn''t determine if pulling his companions into the dream space would handicap them in their ranking game or stage. While death meant nothing in the ranking games, he believed a champion''s rank held significant importance. Scott lifted his head, gathering his thoughts as the transformations ceased. The previously motionless asura began to move, approaching Scott. Scott turned his attention to the champion, his keen critine eyes fixated on one of the champion¡¯s arms. Should I test it out on him? Scott pondered, a wicked smile tugging at the corners of his lips. ¡°Why are you staring at us like that?¡± the leftmost head asked, its gaze narrowing. ¡°It¡¯s making me uncomfortable too,¡± the rightmost head added. Like its counterpart, it stared absentmindedly into Scott''s eyes. ¡°I believe this place should be good enough,¡± Scott said suddenly. ¡°Do you sense any change?¡± he asked. The asura appeared perplexed, its gaze fixed on the masked knight. The leftmost head spoke first, ¡°What do you mean? Why should we feel any different?¡± The three heads scanned their surroundings simultaneously but found nothing amiss. They turned their attention back to Scott, only to find him gone. The rightmost head blinked several times, while the leftmost head swiveled from side to side, searching for the vanished champion. Meanwhile, the centermost head stared into the distance, an eerie gleam in its eyes. ¡°This is an illusionary realm,¡± it declared, though its lips remained sealed. The astonished leftmost head tilted toward the centermost one. ¡°How did he ensnare us in an illusion?¡± it inquired, unable to hide its surprise. ¡°Can you dispel it?¡± the rightmost head asked. ¡°I sense no ill intent, so there''s no need. Besides, I lack the ability to dispel it,¡± the centermost head declared. The leftmost head prepared to speak, only to be interrupted by approaching footsteps. All three heads swiveled to their right, where a blurry figure in yellow hobbled into view, its form flickering in and out of existence. An icy shiver raced down the asura''s spine, morphing its expression. With a blink, the figure vanished. Simultaneously, they turned, freezing in place as the figure in yellow materialized barely a foot away, its otherworldly aura warping the surroundings at will. Each head instinctively lowered its gaze, refusing to meet the inscrutable darkness enveloping the figure. Though every fiber urged them to flee, fear, in its purest form, held the asura rooted to the spot. A moment later, a chilling touch grazed their foreheads, and their eyes rolled inward. Meanwhile, Scott studied the system information before him, a hidden smile playing on his lips.
Do you wish to form an Imprint of Madness?
Yes! No!
Without hesitation he clicked on [Yes], and a new system window appeared.
A Being blessed with madness has received the Imprint of Madness!
Scott grinned, as the tendrils coating his arms grinned in excitement. I knew it would work. I should do the same for Llorva and Fi-Fi. Scott raised his head, staring at muddled eyes of the asura. Even a creature as intimating as this fears the figure in yellow. I can¡¯t even imagine what would happen if it took over my body someday, he pondered.
Carcosa awaits that day!
Scott''s brow furrowed as he read the system''s message, an uncanny feeling creeping over him as if it could discern his thoughts. He quickly averted his gaze from the asura, and the champion''s eyes cleared, though it remained motionless, seemingly questioning the reality of its surroundings. One of the asura''s arms extended tentatively towards Scott, as if to confirm his presence, but Scott deftly sidestepped the reaching limb before it made contact. ¡°You''re awake. You should check out your new ability. I believe it will serve you well,¡± he said, a hint of a smile in his voice. The bewildered asura finally noticed the system panel and murmured, ¡°Imprint of Madness...¡± The leftmost head uttered the words in a daze before snapping its gaze towards Scott. An unsettling mix of excitement and madness flickered in its eyes, fleeting yet palpable. ¡°Let''s proceed to the next floor,¡± Scott interjected before any of the heads could respond. The asura nodded, silently trailing the eldritch spawn along the chosen path. They strode away confidently, vanishing into the depths of the corridor. Moments later, they emerged into a sprawling area, lush with freshly trimmed grass and under a cerulean sky. They surveyed the scene, their attention drawn to the multitude of champions assembled on the grassy field. More champions arrived through portals at irregular intervals, swelling their ranks to over a hundred. Scott''s gaze wandered to the perimeter of the area, where a gray barrier stretched towards the sky. There are significantly more people here compared to the ranking stage. It''s a pity Hastur''s gaze isn''t working properly, he thought to himself, scanning the crowd for familiar faces. Time passed, and an hour after Scott''s arrival, the portals ceased opening. Instead, several orbs materialized out of thin air, coalescing into a colossal sphere. Scott''s expression contorted, mirroring the asura''s, as they instinctively withdrew, surprising the surrounding champions. Some chuckled, while others cast derisive glances their way; a few spared them only a cursory glance before turning away with disgust. The majority simply ignored the animated duo. A shared glance between the allies conveyed a sudden understanding. Judging from the nonchalant reactions of the other champions, it seemed none of them had encountered the titan yet. Returning to their previous positions, they remained mentally on guard. After all, there were promises of surprises in the ranking game. Moments later, a thunderous screech emanated from the orb, and the gray barrier encircling the grassland vanished. Violent winds surged past the champions, catching some off guard, and hurling them across the field. Yet, none of the champions paid attention to the unfortunate few. Instead, they focused on the mystical sight before them: hundreds, perhaps thousands, of floating steps slithered across the air, ascending towards a series of majestic floating islands. With a resounding bang, the massive orb burst, and a golden fish adorned in a miniature toga materialized above the champions. ¡°It is a pleasure to meet you esteemed champions, and welcome to the Shifting Steps Valley, one of the many paths on the 11th floor of the ranking games. I am Mr. Fishido, and I will oversee this game.¡± Book 2 - Chapter 9 : Ranking Game Part 7 Silence enveloped the group of awestruck champions as they gazed at the floating overseer, who observed them with lazy indifference. ¡°It''s a floating fish,¡± one champion muttered, unable to conceal his surprise. ¡°It''s even wearing a cute dress,¡± whispered a feline, waving at the golden overseer. Several female champions and a few males joined in, waving back at the floating figure. Meanwhile, the fish''s face turned pink with embarrassment as it coughed. ¡°Ahem, please restrain your enthusiasm, ladies and gentlemen,¡± it said. ¡°I will now explain the details of this trial.¡± Mr. Fishido floated higher, stopping near the first step, his deep and alluring voice echoing once more. ¡°The objective of this trial is to reach the tenth island via the steps. You are permitted to use any means at your disposal to achieve this. The top ten among you will be rewarded with core elemental shards, and there will be no penalties for those who finish below the top ten. There is no set time limit, so champions may remain in the valley until they reach the final island. That will be all,¡± the overseer declared. Without waiting for questions, the toga-clad fish ascended higher and higher, ignoring calls from champions with queries. Moments later, the overseer vanished from view, and the fish''s voice boomed once more. ¡°You may begin!¡± Several champions exploded into a sprint, racing towards the edge of the cliff. However, a few, including Scott and the asura, remained in place, watching the frontrunners closely. The champion at the forefront reached the cliff''s edge, preparing to leap towards the steps below. But before she could jump, a sudden kick struck the back of her head, sending her hurtling away from the silver step. A piercing scream filled the air as the champions halted, their eyes fixed on the falling figure, which rapidly swelled in size. In less than five seconds, she had ballooned to over ten times her normal size, and with a sickening pop, her body burst apart, blood and viscera spraying in all directions. Simultaneously, the steps in the vicinity trembled, flipping upside down and zigzagging erratically. Silence hung heavy in the air for a moment, broken only by the gentle chime that followed. A portal materialized in the field, expelling the body of the fallen champion. The stunned champion lay on the grass, visibly shaken but undeniably alive. Champions, one after another, hurled themselves toward the steps, grappling with assailants in a desperate bid for ascent. Meanwhile, those who remained on the grassy expanse stood motionless, their attention fixed on the unfolding spectacle. In less than a minute, the tranquility shattered into anguished cries as several champions met their demise, succumbing to the same grotesque fate that had befallen the female champion earlier. With each subsequent pop, the steps inverted, flinging their occupants to certain death below. Of the seventy contenders who had initially approached the stairs, not even one endured. Once again, portals materialized on the grass, disgorging the bodies of the fallen. This time, none of the champions dared to approach the treacherous steps. The grim reality of the game had dawned upon them, dispelling any illusions of ease they might have harbored initially. Footsteps echoed once more, drawing the attention of the champions towards a trio of Avian champions advancing toward the cliff. With graceful strides, they reached the cliff''s edge, their majestic snow-white wings settling smoothly behind them. The towering figures, humanoid in form yet adorned with avian heads, paused at the edge of the grassy expanse. Ignoring the ground beneath them, they took to the air, soaring towards the distant island with effortless speed. ¡°Fucking hell! This hardly seems fair,¡± a champion grumbled, watching the Avians navigate the shifting terrain. His sentiments were shared by many, who saw the advantage flight conferred in the game. Undeterred, those who had fallen earlier rose, determined to follow the Avians'' lead. Summoning various flying items from their inventories, they prepared to take flight. But before they could join their winged counterparts, the sky split open, and three colossal bolts of lightning descended, annihilating the avian champions without a trace. Silence fell once more, broken only by the opening of another portal nearby. The stunned Avians emerged, their gaze fixed apprehensively on the serene sky above. ¡°How intriguing,¡± a nearby champion remarked; he wore a blue and white mage¡¯s robe while wielding a sturdy staff adorned with obsidian beads. ¡°The steps inverted abruptly upon any unfortunate fall, offering no means of grasp. Furthermore, it appeared one could ascend only to approximately a thousand feet before encountering a sudden demise. How fascinating,¡± the champion mused, adjusting his glasses with a subtle tilt. Halting before the avian champions, he lowered himself into a crouch. ¡°Would you mind taking flight once more? My data collection remains incomplete,¡± he inquired, his smile warm yet insistent. The avians'' demeanor shifted, feathers ruffling with defiance against the human''s unreasonable request. Yet, despite their inner turmoil, their powerful wings unfurled with resolve, propelling them skyward with unexpected speed toward the distant island. As they breached the thousand-foot threshold, a colossal lightning bolt crackled across the sky, descending upon them with merciless precision, obliterating their forms into nothingness. Moments later, a portal materialized mere feet away from the mage, disgorging the terrified creatures back into his presence. Their eyes met once more with his penetrating emerald gaze, mirrored by his unwaveringly affable smile. ¡°The thousand-foot mark indeed,¡± the mage murmured, stroking his chin in contemplation. His gaze shifted away from the avians, smile still intact, as he turned to address another champion. ¡°You were close to hanging on earlier, weren''t you? Care to give it another try?¡± he suggested, his tone encouraging. Before the champion could respond, he was already moving, compelled by some unseen force. Simultaneously, the mage redirected his focus to the female champion who had been the first to tumble over the edge. ¡°I regret having to ask this, but could you take a leap once more?¡± he implored. ¡°It''s solely for the purpose of data collection.¡± If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. The champion''s face contorted in horror, yet she, too, stood up and strode swiftly toward the cliff''s edge. The two champions reached the precipice simultaneously; one leaped onto the silver step, while the other propelled herself towards the abyss. Her body expanded several times over before bursting into a gruesome mess. However, the mages and several stunned champions focused their attention on the remaining champion who clung tightly to the silver step, anticipating its expected flip. As predicted, the step flipped, but the champion remained firmly attached to it, hurtling away at incredible speed. ¡°Remarkable,¡± the mages murmured softly, nodding in approval. ¡°You can release your hold now,¡± he suggested. Without hesitation, the champion disentangled himself, hurtling towards the abyss while screaming, swelling until he exploded into a gruesome residue of flesh, blood, and bones. The mage nodded to himself, muttering inaudible words. Simultaneously, two portals opened, ejecting the manipulated champions. Silence once again enveloped the scene. Every champion within a hundred meters of the mage hastily retreated without exception, some covering their eyes and ears with odd items from their inventory. The mage spared the frightened champions a brief glance before shaking his head, unable to conceal his amusement. Then, he randomly selected ten other champions, declaring, ¡°You lot, come with me. The rest of you should kindly remain here, at least until we reach the first island.¡± Most of those chosen by the mage had their vision or hearing obstructed, and some had both senses blocked, yet their bodies obeyed the mage''s summons. Meanwhile, the remaining champions remained motionless, resembling mindless corpses as they watched on. The mage and his chosen companions approached the cliff with slow, synchronized steps. However, on their tenth stride, a new set of footsteps interrupted their rhythm. The mage paused, turning to face the newcomer. There stood a figure in an animated black mask, accompanied by a hulking creature seemingly crafted from molten magma. The mage''s brow furrowed slightly, surprise flickering in his emerald eyes. Yet, excitement soon replaced the shock as a charming smile spread across the mage''s face. ¡°My friends, I thought I told you to remain here. This research means so much to me, so it would be best if you could sit still,¡± he declared with a smile. However, Scott and his companion continued their advance, slowly closing the distance between themselves and the mage. For the first time, the mage wore a perplexed expression, a crease forming on his forehead. He slammed the base of his staff on the ground and spoke out again, ¡°My friends, I''ll have to insist you remain here. It''s for your own good, after all.¡± Scott and the asura stopped, much to the mage''s delight. He prepared to speak, but Scott''s caustic voice cut him off before he could open his mouth. ¡°Get the hell out of my way before I make you regret it.¡± Both men locked gazes, a tense silence filling the area. The mage''s emerald eyes flickered ever so slightly as his features slowly morphed into horror. Without warning, the mage''s right eye exploded into a gory mess, but he erupted into laughter while holding the remains of his right eye. ¡°What... What are you?¡± the mage asked with a crazed smile, his singular eye brimming with curiosity. ¡°Not only did my persuasion fail on you, but you were also able to lure me into an illusion as soon as our eyes met. I can''t believe you''re able to induce an illusion so authentic I can''t even differentiate it from reality. This is incredible,¡± the mage roared in excitement, glancing at the other motionless champions. ¡°Such detail,¡± the mage murmured with maniacal delight, surveying the flawless replication of every champion around him. ¡°The air, the temperature¡ªeverything mirrors my data bank. Even my hidden records have been perfectly replicated. This illusion surpasses the mediocre rubbish of the lower floors. Though I am aware it''s not real, I find myself unable to awaken. How incredible.¡± He took a step toward Scott, still clutching his mangled eye. ¡°What do I require to learn this illusion¡ªno, what would it cost me to accompany you? I believe there''s a chance I''ll gather incredible data while with you.¡± ¡°How does time function here?¡± the mage pondered aloud; his excitement palpable. ¡°It could have been a minute or perhaps an hour, even years since I arrived. This is exhilarating.¡± With another step forward, he continued his excited ramblings. ¡°Can you blow off my leg next?¡± The mage''s leg exploded as soon as the request left his lips, eliciting a scream that mingled with excited roars. ¡°Next, my spleen!¡± he exclaimed. A muffled explosion erupted from the upper left side of the mage''s abdomen, his eyes rolling inward as he convulsed in pain. ¡°So much data,¡± he managed to utter, despite the agony. ¡°Please, my testicles next,¡± the mage pleaded with fervor. Scott shook his head incredulously before erupting into laughter. He had never encountered such deranged yet perfectly lucid behavior. The mage''s omission of any mention of being called confirmed he wasn''t succumbing to madness or any similar influence. The mage blinked, his singular eye finding himself once again in the grassy field, body unscathed. He blinked multiple times, gaze shifting from one champion to another. ¡°Am I out?¡± he pondered aloud, scrutinizing the area intently. Scott and the asura silently took a step forward, halting only at the cliff''s edge. Scott''s voice reverberated, ¡°You can join us if you need more data. I hope you won''t regret your decision.¡± Saying nothing further, Scott and the asura deftly maneuvered from one step to another with nimble grace. The mage turned toward the duo, a broad smile spreading across his face. Pointing to the champions he had chosen earlier, he declared, ¡°I''ll call for you if I need you,¡± before joining Scott and the asura in ascending the shifting steps. The trio climbed in silence, leaping from one silver step to the next, gradually nearing the first island. Scott and the asura halted simultaneously at the thousand-feet mark, and the mage soon joined them at the infamous checkpoint. ¡°I was hoping my friends down there could help determine whether the thunder strike is a punishment or a feature, but I''m eager to see what you have planned,¡± the mage remarked. Scott turned to him, ¡°I don''t know about you, but I don''t plan on getting hit. I''ll go first.¡± Scott''s body gradually became intangible as he floated toward the next step. The heavens split open again, hurling a massive thunderbolt toward the eldritch knight. However, it simply passed through Scott''s intangible form, striking empty air before he reached the first step beyond the checkpoint. ¡°So, it was indeed a feature,¡± the mage murmured, adjusting his glasses. He turned to the asura; his right brow raised. He didn''t know how or when, but the malevolent creature now wielded six halberds brimming with earth element. ¡°Is this how he plans to evade the thunderbolt?¡± the mage muttered, observing the asura taking a deliberate step forward. Another thunderbolt descended, and the colossal creature swung all six halberds towards the elemental onslaught, absorbing the impact and devastation in one fluid motion. Like Scott, the asura advanced after the checkpoint, its leftmost head turning towards the mage with curiosity. ¡°How intriguing. I foresaw the outcome the moment you summoned those halberds, and you handled it admirably,¡± the mage remarked, stepping closer. The heavens parted once more, and another thunderbolt raced towards the mage with ferocity. Undeterred, he raised his head, a smile playing on his lips as he faced the elemental onslaught. The thunderbolt streaked past him, hurtling towards the abyss, its brilliance expanding before erupting into a vibrant display. Simultaneously, the steps hummed in synchronization with the flashing lights, and Scott, the asura, and the mage vanished, reappearing on the final step near the first island. ¡°Data is indeed invaluable. Had I known about the lightning bolt''s capabilities from the onset, I wouldn''t have expended so much effort in the field. Then again, I wouldn''t have gotten such valuable data,¡± the mage reflected, turning towards Scott and the asura. ¡°I suppose I should properly introduce myself. I am Orion, named after the constellation; my father was an astronomer. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.¡± Book 2 - Chapter 10 : Ranking Game Part 8 ¡°You can call me Scott,¡± the eldritch spawn said, before gesturing towards the asura. ¡°You can call him whatever you want.¡± With that, he turned towards the massive island a few meters away. Meanwhile, Orion adjusted his glasses, his eyes trembling ever so slightly. ¡°You''re from Earth?" he muttered, his earlier assumptions wavering. He had expected Scott to be just another humanoid creature within the tower, not a fellow human. Scott turned towards the mage, nodding in affirmation. Orion''s smile widened as he readjusted his glasses once more. ¡°I used to be Brazilian, not that it matters anymore. What about you?¡± he asked. ¡°It doesn''t matter. We should focus on getting to the other side,¡± Scott replied without turning. ¡°By the way, how did you evade the lightning earlier?¡± he inquired, his doubts echoing in the air. While he could also predict the thunder''s trajectory, he couldn''t explain how Orion redirected the rogue lightning bolt toward the seemingly bottomless gorge. ¡°Ah, you''re interested in data too, I presume,¡± Orion said, taking a step forward. ¡°Explaining how I did that would be too long and tedious. However, it''s important to understand that it''s only possible because I have sufficient data and a yearning to learn.¡± Scott shook his head, silently regretting his decision to question the mage. Without saying anything further, he charged toward the floating island, his companions quickly following suit. The trio passed through a permeable barrier, which obscured their view of the starting island, the shifting steps, and the waiting champions on the grass field. Instead, they were greeted by a massive jungle. As they plummeted towards the ground at breakneck speed, their skills, abilities, and items were rendered useless, as if the universe intended for them to crash face-first into the damp earth below. Orion chuckled as he streamlined his body, bracing for impact, while Scott and the asura focused on their intended crash site. Over seventy champions awaited their descent, heads raised in anticipation. There were others here before us, Scott pondered, noting the assembled champions. He found himself musing over the sheer number of participants engaged in the game across the various islands. A series of muffled thuds followed as the trio collided with the earth, sending damp soil scattering in all directions and forming a massive crater in the unassuming jungle. Scott, the asura, and Orion extricated themselves from the hole, their attention drawn to the surrounding champions. Most bore either curious or hostile gazes, with some wearing a combination of both expressions. Ignoring the stares, Scott lifted his head, gazing at the orange skies devoid of stars. Despite the lack of steps, he could discern the outline of the third island behind the clouds. How the hell are we supposed to get there without any steps? Scott pondered. Or is there a hidden mechanism or criteria to trigger the steps? He pondered. In that moment, Orion''s giggles reached Scott''s ears, prompting the masked man to turn his attention toward the mage. Scott frowned behind his mask as he watched the mage eagerly sniffing the earth from the crash site while murmuring unintelligible words. ¡°I thought someone useful would have arrived. But it''s just three freaks,¡± hissed a lizardman, disdainfully turning away from the newcomers. One by one, several champions averted their gazes, disappointment evident in their eyes. Scott and the asura showed no reaction to the champion''s remark or the disdainful glances directed their way. However, Orion suddenly propelled himself out of the crater, appearing in front of the lizardman and his companions in a flash. Before the stunned champions could respond, the soft-spoken mage interrupted them, asking, ¡°What''s so special about this place? Please, enlighten me.¡± The lizardmen''s expressions twisted in fury, considering the curious mage to be foolish. Likewise, his companions had the same thought. They expected the lizardman to rebuke the mage; however, to their surprise, he absentmindedly nodded and began to speak. ¡°Unlike the starting island, which only dispels the thunder barrier after the first seventy champions have crossed, no one knows how many champions are required to pass through the wind calamity.¡± ¡°Actos, what are you doing?¡± one of the lizardman''s companions called out. ¡°Why are you answering that human''s question?¡± he demanded. Orion turned toward the outspoken companion, his furrowed brows revealing his annoyance. ¡°Go wait over there,¡± he said, pointing randomly into the forest. ¡°Don''t you dare interrupt me while I''m gathering data.¡± ¡°Who the hell¡ª¡± the champion froze before he could utter another word, and his limbs carried him toward the spot where the mage had gestured. The surrounding champions'' eyes widened in surprise, and at that moment, a deafening twang resonated through the area as an arrow with a blackened arrowhead sped toward the mage''s neck. However, just inches away from the mage''s neck, one of the asura''s arms intercepted the arrow, and the silver shaft melted into a silvery puddle. Orion turned toward the archer, but Scott''s voice filled his ears before he could speak. ¡°Focus on gathering data. Leave the rest to us,¡± he instructed. The emerald glow in the mage''s eyes dimmed momentarily as he shifted his attention to interviewing the bewitched lizardman. Meanwhile, Scott positioned himself in front of the asura, his cold gaze scanning the crowd before fixing on the archer. ¡°So, what''s it going to be? Will you continue observing us, or will you take action?¡± Scott asked, his tone deliberate. ¡°Do you believe you''re safe because death isn''t a threat?¡± the archer retorted, retrieving another bow from her quiver. ¡°I don''t know where you pests came from, but you''ll soon learn there are fates worse than death by the time I''m through¡ª¡± A thunderous laughter interrupted the petite elf, and she instinctively turned toward Orion, the source of the laughter. ¡°So, that''s it,¡± he chuckled. ¡°Data is indeed beautiful,¡± he remarked. ¡°Focus on neutralizing the guy in glasses first. I''ve got a bad feeling about him,¡± the elf urged with a roar. ¡°Leave the asura and the masked individual to me,¡± she declared. Simultaneously, all the champions summoned their weapons from their inventory, preparing for combat. However, Orion''s laughter reverberated once more as he tapped the base of his staff subtly against the ground. A shockwave rippled through the area, rendering everyone except Scott and the asura immobile. With slow, deliberate steps, the mage¡¯s laughter morphed into a maniacal tone with each passing second. He halted a mere foot away from the elf, her blackened arrowhead pressing against his robes. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. ¡°You see, I find delight in collecting data above all else in this life. It''s the very purpose that drives me,¡± he declared, locking eyes with the visibly terrified elf. ¡°There are only two kinds of people or situations I abhor, and you and your companions fit both criteria perfectly. Those who oppose my data collection endeavors deserve no place in my world. So, please, meet your end,¡± Orion commanded. The archer relinquished her bow and arrow, instead reaching for the dagger strapped to her waist. Without hesitation, she thrust the silver blade into her throat, choking on her own blood as the light faded from her eyes. Moments later, she collapsed to the ground, her body pooling in a crimson puddle. Simultaneously, numerous roots tore through the earth, ensnaring the elf''s lifeless form and dragging her silently into the damp soil. As this occurred, an average-sized tree nearby expanded slightly in girth. A twisted smile returned to Orion''s lips as he observed the tree for a moment. Then, his voice echoed once more. ¡°What are the rest of you waiting for? You should join her,¡± he urged. One by one, the champions took their own lives, and nearby roots eagerly absorbed their corpses and spilled blood to nourish themselves. Scott observed this unsettling phenomenon with a casual demeanor, but a subtle crease formed on his forehead. Why haven''t they been resummoned? he mused silently, his thoughts drifting to the eerie disappearance of the bodies. Could it have something to do with him? ¡°They have been resummoned,¡± Orion said suddenly, as if plucking the question from Scott''s mind. ¡°How do you know?¡± Scott inquired skeptically. ¡°Let me guess, you gleaned that from your data collection?¡± ¡°Bingo,¡± Orion chuckled, adjusting his glasses. ¡°Their intent was to eliminate us from the start. The pretense of finding us bothersome was just that ¨C a pretense. I''d have attacked immediately in their place, but I can''t fault their decision to delay. They needed more data on us.¡± ¡°So, they likely returned to the starting island,¡± Scott echoed, contemplating the implications. ¡°Exactly,¡± Orion affirmed, gesturing towards the nourished trees. ¡°And these fellows here serve as the gateway to the next island. Fascinating, isn''t it?¡± he remarked, turning back to Scott. ¡°Indeed, but why are you looking at me like that?¡± Scott queried softly. ¡°Have you finished your data collection on us?¡± Orion grinned mischievously. ¡°On the contrary, I''m just getting started. Rest assured; I pride myself on thoroughness. You won''t be disappointed,¡± he assured. ¡°Oh, and by the way, your illusionary arts won''t be as effective. I hope you''ve got another trick up your sleeve.¡± Turning his attention to the asura, the mage leveled the tip of his staff at the malevolent creature. ¡°There''s something about you I can''t quite place, but I''ll uncover it soon enough,¡± he declared with a crack of his neck. ¡°I''m ready whenever you¡ª¡± In a flash, the asura materialized before the mage, its colossal fists aimed at the human''s vital spots. ¡°Yes, this is what I want. The sheer urge to obliterate everything,¡± Orion chuckled, advancing confidently. The asura''s strikes found only empty air, leaving the champions bewildered. ¡°Show me everything you''ve got,¡± Orion taunted, driving the base of his staff into the ground. Shockwaves rippled outward, but the asura, consumed by bloodlust, surged relentlessly toward the mage. It unleashed a barrage of punches, yet Orion effortlessly sidestepped or stepped back, each move precise, as the asura''s blows wreaked havoc on the surrounding trees. ¡°You must be puzzled. Your mind likely wonders how I evade your assaults with such minimal effort. It must seem as though I manipulate time and space before your eyes, but I assure you, I rely on no such cheap tricks,¡± Orion remarked, his smile unwavering as he continued to dodge the asura''s onslaught. ¡°Data is extraordinary. Even with so little information, I can anticipate your every move,¡± the mage added, taking two deliberate steps to the right. In that instant, six elemental halberds struck where he had stood, adding to the devastation. ¡°C¡¯mon, this can¡¯t be everything. Show me more,¡± Orion urged, his features contorting with a somewhat manic smile. The asura persisted with its relentless attacks, yet Orion evaded them effortlessly. The once lush surroundings now resembled a wasteland of earth, wood, and sporadic elemental flashes. ¡°There must be a reason for your immunity. Show me that power,¡± Orion demanded, suddenly appearing behind the asura. With a tap, the asura elicited bellowing screams from all three heads, fresh blood streaming from their eyes. ¡°Show me!¡± Orion''s voice echoed manically as the asura''s screams intensified. Then, the mage swiftly turned toward Scott, who had remained inactive throughout. ¡°I warned you; your illusions wouldn''t hold this time. Allow me to demonstrate.¡± The world collapsed, shattering everything within its grasp, yet Scott, the asura, and Orion found themselves back in the devastated jungle once more. A bright smile adorned the mage''s face as he locked gazes with Scott. ¡°Those eyes are indeed a treasure trove of data. Despite collapsing one of my minds, here I am, ensnared in yet another illusion,¡± he remarked with a grin. ¡°But it''s all futile. As long as data remains endlessly accessible, so will my mind persistently divide,¡± Orion said, and with each utterance, the world collapsed, each iteration multiplying into absurd numbers. ¡°While one consciousness is ensnared here, another commandeers my body. Do you understand what''s unfolding beyond these illusions?¡± Orion''s voice reverberated. ¡°You''re not the sole bearer of the curse to partition one''s mind,¡± Scott''s interjected. ¡°Regardless of the multitude of your minds, it all amounts to naught in the face of insanity. The instant you open your eyes marks the moment I''ll crush your skull with my hammer. I hope you¡¯ll get enough data to accompany you to the afterlife,¡± Scott mused. Orion''s countenance twisted from whimsical to enraged as he lifted his head, just as the world collapsed once more. In the tangible realm, Scott, Orion, and the asura lifted their heads skyward, their gazes fixated on eleven figures clad in black. ¡°How dare you,¡± Orion muttered under his breath. ¡°Things were becoming intriguing. How dare you interfere!¡± The mage bellowed, and space itself contorted, bending to the champion''s will. A formless void enveloped the newcomers, crushing them before they could even touch the jungle floor. ¡°Now that the pests are gone, we should continue from where we left off,¡± Orion paused, his gaze fixing on the blackened hammer being ejected from Scott''s mask. The asura rapidly retreated, its eyes trembling with an ominous gleam. Simultaneously, within the swirling darkness of the mask, a golden orb shot out, landing a foot away from Orion. ¡°Huh? How do you have this?¡± Orion muttered in disbelief, his attention alternating between the orb and Scott, who had forcefully dragged out the war hammer of the mad god. Orion''s jaw dropped as he swallowed hard. ¡°It''s truly the war hammer of the mad god. Then you must be him.¡± The mage''s staff trembled violently in his arm, shattering into a thousand pieces. From the shards emerged an ominous spear, which Orion grasped tightly. ¡°I greet thee, chosen harbinger of madness!¡± The golden orb swirled and vibrated incessantly. Simultaneously, a system message appeared in front of Scott, and a massive hand emerged from the mask of the eldritch spawn.
Hastur¡¯s Vessel ¨C Unlocked!
There¡¯s a 40% chance your body will be possessed by Hastur the Unspeakable.
Temporary possession active!
Darkness abruptly shrouded the jungle, as massive tentacles, amidst streaks of yellow, replaced the once clear skies. Orion dropped to his knees, refusing to lift his head. Meanwhile, the asura prostrated on the ground, its molten frame saturated with ominous energy. ¡°I didn¡¯t know it was you, Great One,¡± Orion screamed at the top of his lungs. ¡°We only seek acceptance into your...¡± Before he could finish, a tentacle descended from the corrupted heavens, obliterating the mage. However, the blackened spear hummed twice, and the mage reformed. He fervently prostrated himself on the ground, repeatedly declaring, ¡°I''m not worthy! I''m not worthy!¡± while banging his head against the earth. ¡°Long live the King in Yellow! Eternity shall never forget the Nameless One. Glory to the Tattered King!¡± The mage cried out in anguish. As the ominous cloud dispersed, the war hammer of the mad god vanished into the mask along with the orb. Orion''s spear reverted to its staff form, while thousands of wooden steps ascended into the sky from the ravaged trees.
Temporary possession deactivated!
Book 2 - Chapter 11 : The Hunt Part 1 Orion nervously lifted his head, his trembling eyes fixed on the now-clear skies dotted with numerous wooden steps. He glanced sideways at the asura, who murmured what he assumed were sutras, though Orion couldn''t make out the words clearly. Turning towards Scott, the mage noticed the motionless figure, with dark tendrils swirling across his arms as if vying for position. Ignoring the eerie sight, Orion focused on Scott''s right eye. Instinctively, the mage stepped back, his chest pounding as cold sweat drenched his back. Scott''s crystalline pupil had vanished, replaced by intricate, blackened cracks. Strangely, no fluids oozed from the cracks; instead, they seemed to open a gateway to a foreboding dimension. The more Orion stared, the more he felt suffocated, as if unspeakable horrors lurked within those fissures. ¡°What have I done?¡± the mage muttered, regret seeping into his thoughts as he questioned his decision to confront the eldritch knight. After a momentary pause, Scott blinked, his dazed expression fading. He collapsed to his knees, coughing, while creaks emanated from his shoulder blades. Orion and the asura rushed to his side, halting abruptly at the sight of Scott''s outstretched arm. ¡°What happened?¡± Scott croaked; his voice barely audible. Exchanging glances, Orion and the asura silently concurred. ¡°I apologize for my earlier actions,¡± Orion said, bowing his head. ¡°My pursuit of data clouded my judgment.¡± ¡°I don''t care about that,¡± Scott interrupted. ¡°I want to know why I feel like crap and why my right eye feels strange,¡± he demanded. ¡°I''m sorry, I have no right to answer that,¡± Orion said, dropping to his knees. The mage placed his forehead on the ground as he continued, ¡°Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Orion, the eighth apostle of the Brotherhood of the Yellow Sign. I extend greetings to you, who has been chosen by the unspeakable one.¡± Scott managed to lift his head, his gaze landing on Orion who remained in a subservient position. Confusion etched on his face as he wondered, What the hell is going on? The last thing he remembered was seeing the golden orb he received from Deevok. He distinctly recalled the examiner mentioning that the orb would allow him to encounter more followers of the mad god. Yet here was Orion, seemingly devoted to someone else. ¡°Are you also a follower of the mad god?¡± Scott inquired after a brief silence. ¡°Yes,¡± Orion replied without hesitation. ¡°Is Hastur the mad god?¡± Scott pressed further. ¡°I dare not speak,¡± Orion answered promptly. ¡°Is the mad god an eldritch being?¡± Scott probed again. ¡°I dare not speak,¡± Orion repeated, unwavering. Scott frowned; frustration evident on his features. ¡°Then what can you say?¡± ¡°I dare not speak of anything related to or concerning he who shouldn''t be named. However, I can assist you in your journey. The rest of the brotherhood would be delighted to meet you,¡± Orion said. Scott contemplated the mage''s words, his mind swirling with more questions. Yet, he knew it was futile to expect answers from the data-driven mage. Eldritch regeneration soon kicked in, relieving the pain in his shoulders and the light dizziness. Scott stood up, his gaze shifting toward the hovering steps clustered above the decimated jungle. ¡°Are you planning to assault us again in your quest for data?¡± Scott asked. ¡°I dare not,¡± Orion replied promptly. ¡°We should leave. There''s no point staying here anymore,¡± Scott suggested. Without another word, Scott''s body gradually became intangible as he ascended into the skies. Meanwhile, Orion lifted his head, directing his attention towards the asura. ¡°Are you going to disclose your allegiance to him?¡± Orion inquired. ¡°It took me some time, but I finally understood why I couldn''t persuade you. It''s only a matter of time before he discovers it,¡± the mage remarked, adjusting his glasses. He too rose to his feet before taking flight. ¡°He''s correct. We should disclose it,¡± the rightmost head interjected. ¡°Nonsense. Who asked for your input?¡± the leftmost head retorted before fixing its gaze on the centermost head. ¡°It''s your decision. Only you know what''s right,¡± it added. Silently, the asura also ascended into the skies, following Scott and Orion, who leaped from one wooden step to the next. ¡°I overheard that lizardman mentioning something about a wind calamity. What''s that about?¡± Scott suddenly inquired. ¡°I''m glad you asked,¡± Orion replied, sporting his usual whimsical smile. ¡°Unlike the thunderbolt from the initial stage, a wind-based attack repels all challengers who surpass the two-thousand-foot mark. It shouldn''t pose a problem for you or the asura. However, there are dire consequences if we''re struck, though,¡± Orion elaborated. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°Such as?¡± Scott asked before continuing, ¡°When did you start speaking in fragments? You should communicate everything at once,¡± Scott remarked as he passed the thousand-foot mark. Orion chuckled softly as he continued his explanation, ¡°The steps will detonate as soon as one of us is hit, and we''ll need to sacrifice even more individuals to create new ones. Who knows how long that will take.¡± ¡°I understand now,¡± Scott muttered. ¡°Do you have any strategies to transport us closer to the third island?¡± Orion chuckled even harder. ¡°I thought you''d never ask. Of course, I''ve already gathered sufficient data.¡± ¡°Uh-huh, what kind of mage are you again?¡± Scott queried, stealing a quick glance at the grinning man. ¡°I''d consider myself more of a data scientist than a mage, though technically, you could label me as an archmage. There''s nothing beyond my scope of understanding, after all¡± Orion declared with a smug grin. Scott''s eyebrows shot up. He knew the eccentric man must possess a unique class, but he hadn''t expected him to be at the pinnacle of sorcery of all things. ¡°Are all members of the Brotherhood of the Yellow Sign like you?¡± Scott suddenly inquired. ¡°They wouldn''t hold a candle to my knowledge base, even if they had several lifetimes,¡± Orion retorted, somewhat offended by Scott''s question. ¡°What an absurd notion, to assume everyone in the brotherhood is as brilliant and remarkable as I am,¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°How many people are in the brotherhood?¡± Scott persisted, disregarding the mage''s irritation. ¡°I''m not certain,¡± Orion admitted, wearing a pensive expression. Scott stopped in his tracks, turning towards the mage. Of all the things he had expected, he never anticipated the mage admitting his own ignorance. ¡°You don''t know?¡± Scott questioned, folding his arms across his chest. Orion too halted his ascent, standing next to the eldritch knight on an adjacent step. ¡°It''s not that I''m unaware, but our members are scattered across multiple floors, and there are no official records,¡± he explained. ¡°And if I''m being honest, only the twelve apostles truly matter. The rest, regardless of their power or status, are all servants at the mercy of the apostles. Essentially, you should only concern yourself with the identity of the apostles and nobody else.¡± Scott nodded in comprehension. If he were in Orion''s shoes, he wouldn''t bother investigating the different servants attached to each apostle, no matter how obsessed he was with data. After all, it was possible for each servant to have a servant of their own, who in turn had a servant. Though their importance diminished down the hierarchy, there was no denying they were at least members of the brotherhood, either officially or by association. ¡°So, how are the apostles ranked?¡± Scott asked after a long pause, coinciding with the asura¡¯s arrival. Now, all three champions stood close to each other. ¡°By Potential,¡± Orion replied with a smile. ¡°The greater potential one has, the more likelihood they would rank higher. Well, that¡¯s based on my own understanding. Officially, we are given a rank once approved by the first five apostles¡ª¡± ¡°Why do the five of them get to make that decision?¡± Scott interjected. Orion wore a dry smile while rearranging his black hair. ¡°They simply have the power to do whatever they want. According to my data, only those on the verge of becoming a lesser god or lesser gods themselves can go toe to toe with them.¡± Scott¡¯s brows shot up. Although he had no yardstick to measure the strength of the lesser gods, he could tell they were incredibly powerful by how much the examiners respected them. ¡°What about the god they serve? In the grand scheme of things, how do they compare to the other gods?¡± Scott asked. Orion simply smiled before jumping three steps ahead; then he turned toward his companions. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of the wind calamity. Please go ahead of me,¡± he said. Scott and the asura nodded, racing ahead of the mage. Scott once again shifted to an intangible form while the asura summoned its halberd, each one brimming with earth elemental energy once again. ¡°We can¡¯t afford to get hit,¡± Scott warned softly, turning toward the champion. The asura nodded, and both champions charged past the calamity threshold. Wind cyclones, glorious in all their forms, numbered over a hundred, materializing in front of the two champions. While Scott seamlessly breezed through the torrent, the asura unleashed strike after strike, struggling to contain the raging windstorm. Although its advance wasn¡¯t as smooth as Scott¡¯s, it showed no signs of succumbing to the relentless elemental attack. Meanwhile, Orion wore a smile as he watched the two champions brave the calamity while shortening the distance to the next island. ¡°This calamity is even more boring now that I¡¯ve sufficient data,¡± he muttered. ¡°Is that going to be the case on the next island?¡± he pondered aloud. ¡°Should I feign ignorance to heighten the suspense on the next island?¡± Orion muttered, crossing the threshold of chaos. Cyclones surged toward the mage, but he paid them no heed, instead rubbing his chin as he weighed his options. His robes billowed relentlessly amidst the tempest, and amid the tumult, several portals opened in midair, ejecting seven individuals dressed in assorted garb. Orion, Scott, and the asura lazily lifted their heads. A smirk played upon the mage''s lips, his voice somehow carrying over the windstorm. ¡°Which one of you managed to provoke the Shadow Syndicate?¡± he inquired, genuine amusement lacing his words. The asura narrowed its gaze, perplexed by the mage''s ability to discern the newcomers'' allegiance so effortlessly. Amidst the confusion, the mage''s laughter rang out. ¡°It''s evident they''re not here for me, and judging by their frantic search, they''re unlikely to be seeking the asura either,¡± he mused to himself. Turning to his right, Scott''s tangible form flickered for a moment before vanishing into the void. ¡°They must be after him. Well then, let''s make their pursuit a tad more thrilling,¡± he grinned, raising both arms toward the newcomers, who helplessly plummeted toward the ravaged forest below. ¡°My acquaintances from the Shadow Syndicate,¡± Orion''s voice boomed in the ears of the champions, who struggled to conceal their astonishment. ¡°It''s regrettable, but you''ve chosen the most inopportune moment to make an appearance. Since we cannot extend a warm welcome, I shall at least grant you a parting gift.¡± The mage''s smile widened as he lowered his staff. The cyclone breached the two-thousand-feet barrier, as if summoned by a deity of the winds, hurtling toward the immobile champions. Bloody patches soon stained the raging tempest as it collided violently with the earth, causing the ground to quake and numerous sinkholes to form. ¡°It''s time,¡± Orion muttered, lifting his head. ¡°Prepare yourselves, our ride is here,¡± he shouted. As his voice echoed, multiple high-pressure air pockets tore through the earth, hurtling toward the champions at an unrelenting pace. The air currents enveloped the champions, including Scott, who had materialized once more, propelling them toward the obscured island concealed within the dense fog. With each passing moment, the air thickened, and frost and snow encased the champions'' bodies. Moments later, Scott, Orion, and the asura found themselves above a snow-white dreamscape, teeming with icy terrain. Racing toward the ground once more, they were met by hundreds of awaiting champions, eager for their arrival. Book 2 - Chapter 12 : The Hunt Part 2 I don¡¯t like the fact that the number of people keep increasing the further we climb, Scott wondered why there were so many of champions as he plummeted towards the icy landscape. Like the previous island, no clear pathway presented itself, only a thick, hazy mist dominating the skies. Patches of white covered the mountainous island, with the only diverging colors being the thick fur clothes wrapped around the various clusters of champions. Scott, Orion, and the asura crashed onto the icy earth, yet none of the trio suffered any damage. Their gazes lingered on the champions who had originally been there, and likewise, the champions also observed the new arrivals. Unable to quell his curiosity, Orion stepped out first, approaching an average height female orc with stunning black and brown hair. ¡°Hello,¡± the mage said with a smile. However, the orc and her companions glared at the impudent human. Orion smiled even brighter, paying little heed to the hostile welcome as he continued, ¡°Do you mind telling us why everyone is gathered here?¡± he asked. The orc prepared to chase away the unruly human, but a strange compulsion forced her to open her mouth. ¡°It¡¯s impossible to see when you cross the barrier,¡± she began to explain in a daze. However, one of her companions shrugged at the orc, yelling into her ears, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?! Why are you answering that human?!¡± ¡°Hey, you,¡± Orion suddenly called out, a frown replacing his previous smile. ¡°Don¡¯t disturb me while I¡¯m gathering data. Go wait outside the barrier she mentioned,¡± he instructed. The orc prepared to laugh at the sheer gall of the human, but his leg moved against his will. One step, two steps, three steps, and in a moment, he found himself sprinting at full speed. The surrounding champions watched in stunned silence; fear etched on the faces of several champions who instinctively retreated. Scott, the asura, and Orion eagerly watched as the orc raced toward the periphery of the area where the champions mainly clustered. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see what happens,¡± Orion whispered, readjusting his glasses. The orc passed through the barrier, and at that same moment, a gigantic ice pillar, akin to a colossal fist, descended from the heavens at a speed faster than most people could react. A deafening crack echoed, and the massive fist disappeared. However, the champions focused on the remnants of the orc champion. There, amidst a blend of ice, blood, broken bones, and mangled flesh, lay the remains of the orc. The creature''s blood slowly percolated into the icy earth, but it didn¡¯t disappear; instead, the ice within the area flashed with an ominous hue. ¡°Interesting, but this isn¡¯t nearly enough data,¡± Orion muttered before turning back to the female orc. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯d appreciate it if you could continue.¡± Reluctantly, the orc nodded and resumed, ¡°The fog shrouding the path beyond the barrier dissipates every six days, revealing the icy steps to the fourth island. However, twenty people must ascend at a time. Hence, we''ve assigned numbers to each champion based on their arrival, rather than rank.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Orion nodded. ¡°Using time of arrival is more practical than rank; it avoids potential conflicts. So, we¡¯re last then?¡± Confirming his assumption, the orc pointed towards a group a few meters away. ¡°You will have to join them,¡± she said. ¡°That¡¯s going to be a problem,¡± Orion murmured, noticing there were already nineteen people assigned to the group. ¡°One of us will have to remain here, which isn¡¯t ideal,¡± he pondered aloud, as he had trimmed someone from the orc¡¯s group. ¡°How long have you been here? How many groups have you seen leave? What about the number of deaths you''ve witnessed? Tell me everything,¡± Orion inquired with a smile. Meanwhile, Scott shifted his attention away from the data-obsessed mage, focusing instead on the remains of the orc from earlier. Raising his head towards the skies, his brows creased beneath his mask. ¡°Do you see something?¡± the asura''s leftmost head asked, alternating its gaze between Scott and the surroundings. ¡°Yes,¡± Scott affirmed, taking a step forward. ¡°What do you see?¡± questioned the centermost head. Pausing, Scott turned towards the asura. ¡°Giants. Thousands of them,¡± he revealed. The asura''s eyes trembled slightly as it instinctively scanned the area again, finding nothing out of the ordinary. However, it trusted Scott''s judgment. Saying nothing further, the asura followed at a measured pace, ignoring the gazes from the surrounding champions. While Orion remained deeply immersed in gathering data, oblivious to Scott and the asura''s departure, more and more champions began to take notice of them. Initially, most people had dismissed them as lackeys under Orion¡¯s command, their independent actions drew increasing attention, especially as they approached the edge of the barrier. Naturally, no one showed any interest in obstructing their movements. Rather, most champions were intrigued by the prospects of what the duo could do. Contrary to their expectations, however, Scott and the asura simultaneously stopped at the edge of the barrier, both champions raising their heads. At that moment, Orion¡¯s whimsical laughter echoed from afar as he clapped repeatedly. ¡°How clever,¡± he shouted while rearranging his hair. The mage turned toward where he had left Scott and the asura, only to find they had disappeared. His curious eyes scanned the surrounding area in a flash, stopping on two individuals with their heads raised. ¡°Since when did they get there?¡± he muttered, approaching the duo in quick steps. ¡°And what are they looking at?¡± the mage clicked his tongue, frustrated at the thought that the duo could probably see something that eluded his eyes. Noiselessly and swiftly, Orion arrived next to his companions. ¡°Are you done gathering data?¡± Scott asked without turning. ¡°Sadly, yes,¡± Orion sighed. ¡°I can collect more information from the others, but I¡¯m curious to find out what you¡¯re doing here. Is there something beyond the barrier?¡± If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Scott nodded without responding. Orion¡¯s pupils expanded, and he swiftly raised his head. ¡°Please, tell me what you see,¡± he pleaded. ¡°Giants, reaching the skies. The fog is a result of their breath, and the snow is from their shedding fur. The steps are on their bodies; I don¡¯t know what mechanism makes them invisible. I can also see the next island; it¡¯s engulfed in flames,¡± Scott whispered. Orion giggled nonstop as he mentally organized the new set of data. He fired a series of questions in quick succession, but Scott simply ignored the data-obsessed man. ¡°What should we do?¡± The asura¡¯s centermost head asked telepathically. ¡°I¡¯m not sure yet; it seems that we will have to¡ª¡± ¡°Excuse me!¡± an ax-wielding minotaur cut off the eldritch knight. Scott, the asura, and Orion turned toward the hulking champion. The minotaur gently placed his ax head on the icy earth as he began, ¡°I don¡¯t know who you people are, and frankly, I don¡¯t want to know. But there¡¯s an order to the way we do things here.¡± The minotaur gestured toward the orc party, which had lost a member, and another group of champions gathered haphazardly before proceeding, ¡°Two of you will join those groups, and the rest will have to wait for new arrivals. If you insist on moving together, then you¡¯ll need to wait patiently for your turn. I don¡¯t know what trick you employed earlier, but chaos will only lead to disaster for us all. Surely, none of you wish to return to the starting island, correct?¡± ¡°So, you¡¯re advising against causing any further trouble, correct?¡± Orion inquired, a smile playing on his lips. ¡°That''s correct,¡± affirmed the minotaur. ¡°The next group is scheduled to depart when the path opens tomorrow. Please wait your turn.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Orion smirked, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. ¡°What if we''re feeling daring?¡± The minotaur''s expression, as well as that of several nearby champions, shifted, a somewhat menacing aura enveloping the area. ¡°If you choose to forsake peace, then be prepared to face resistance with force. Rest assured, no one here is a stranger to violence,¡± warned the minotaur. Orion chuckled, slowly removing his glasses. ¡°Interesting. How intriguing,¡± he muttered as he raised his staff high. However, before it could strike the ground, Scott caught the mage''s arm. ¡°Let them be,¡± Scott murmured softly. ¡°Let''s observe for now.¡± Orion smiled, gently lowering the staff, and wearing his glasses. Then, he sighed audibly, his disappointment palpable. ¡°At least one of you is sensible,¡± the minotaur remarked before lifting his ax. ¡°You can decide to divide your forces or travel as a group. But remember, we won¡¯t tolerate any more senseless bloodshed.¡± ¡°We?¡± Orion scoffed. ¡°Who exactly is ''we''?¡± he demanded; his temper barely contained. ¡°Trust me, you don¡¯t want to find out,¡± the minotaur warned before swaggering away toward his companions. Orion chuckled softly before turning to Scott. ¡°That guy actually thinks we''re intimidated by them. Can you believe that?¡± he muttered. ¡°Let''s ignore them. We have other concerns. Right now, I need your intellect to figure out a plan to¡ª¡± Scott was interrupted by a series of familiar system notifications. The puzzling aspect was that the notifications appeared for all champions except Scott, the asura, and Orion. Scott couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of foreboding as he observed the changing expressions of the surrounding champions. The initial confusion had transformed into surprise, then greed. ¡°Oh,¡± Orion giggled as he surveyed the surrounding champions. ¡°What could possibly elicit such a drastic change in demeanor?¡± he mused, pointing toward a random champion. ¡°Go on, enlighten me.¡± The champion stumbled forward to the astonishment of everyone; he attempted to speak, but several arrows pierced his mouth, silencing him as his body collapsed. ¡°How ruthless,¡± Orion remarked, turning toward the beastman archer who slayed the champion. ¡°Whatever happened to all that talk about avoiding unnecessary killing?¡± ¡°That''s none of your concern. It¡¯s in your best interest not to resist,¡± a feline stated, brandishing her daggers at the mage. ¡°Watch out for the mage. He can manipulate people against their will,¡± she cautioned. Orion''s features twisted in fury as he pointed accusingly at the feline, ¡°What kind of baseless accusation is that? You make it sound as if I¡¯m some charlatan employing mind control tricks,¡± he spat, his anger palpable. A champion''s voice shattered the tense silence, slicing through the air from behind. His chainmail armor seemed to warp the surrounding cold as he approached. With a massive broadsword slung over his shoulder, he commanded attention. Unhindered, the beastman closed in on Scott''s group. He lowered his broadsword, causing the ground to tremble as it neared, yet never touched. Pointing directly at Scott, the champion growled, ¡°Save yourself trouble and surrender quietly. The alternative won''t be pleasant.¡± The Warhammer of the mad god emerged from Scott''s mask, prompting a startled reaction from the champions. Scott''s grip tightened instinctively as he eyed the group before turning toward the desolate landscape behind him. His voice carried to his companions, ¡°Handle them as you wish. I''ll deal with the creatures ahead.¡± Orion burst into laughter, tossing his hair back. ¡°It¡¯s a pity I can''t join in, but I''ll extract something useful from these fools. We''ll catch up with you soon,¡± he announced. With a swift motion, he slammed his staff on the ground, sending shockwaves rippling outward. ¡°This is why I dislike loudmouths,¡± Orion chuckled, advancing slowly. ¡°They think they''re invincible until reality hits. I prefer the quiet ones who surprise you,¡± he remarked, stopping before the motionless beastman. ¡°You don¡¯t deserve to die at my hands, you might as well end your pitiful existence yourself,¡± Orion suggested, and the beastman complied. A thud followed and the smell of fresh blood lingered in the area. Without glancing at the beastman¡¯s corpse, Orion focused on the remaining group, his grin widening. ¡°No need for pretense, folks. It might not look like it, but I have keen eyes,¡± Orion said, snapping his fingers. In an instant, screams filled the air as blood oozed from the champions'' eyes, mouths, and noses. Within moments, the ground was littered with bodies, save for ten standing champions, each from a different group. ¡°What a day,¡± Orion remarked cheerfully. ¡°Who knew I''d find so many who could withstand the vibrations?¡± he added with a twisted grin, lifting his staff once more. ¡°Don''t disappoint me now; you''ve raised the bar. I aim to gather every piece of data. Just so you¡¯d know, subtly jumping won¡¯t save you this time, okay?¡± The champions retreated, grabbing various items from their inventory. The asura summoned halberds, joining the potential fray. Meanwhile, Orion loosened his mage robes, revealing the black body suit beneath. A tense silence filled the air as both sides locked eyes. Scott took a bold step forward, breaching the safety of the barrier. A tempest of fists bore down on the eldritch knight. With a determined gaze, Scott lifted his head and yanked off his mask. Orion, the asura, and the champions stood transfixed as darkness suddenly shrouded the world beyond the barrier. Within this darkness, thousands of flaming crimson orbs, like eyes, pierced the veil, while an ominous yellow mass coalesced where Scott had stood moments ago. ¡°What in the hell is that?¡± one of the champions muttered, his voice laced with terror, as they beheld a creature of unfathomable origins, a visage embodying dread itself. The eerie spectacle lasted only a moment before normalcy returned. Scott reappeared, clutching the Warhammer of the mad god. Yet, this time, the fog dissipated, revealing the hidden giants in their full, towering glory. ¡°Forget about fighting them,¡± Scott bellowed. ¡°We need to climb, and fast! Just make sure you don¡¯t get hit!¡± No sooner had he spoken than a fist came hurtling toward him. With deft agility, the eldritch knight dodged and, employing void levitate, became intangible once more. Like a nimble monkey, he scaled the creature''s arm, his gaze fixed on the blazing island in the sky. At Scott''s urging, Orion and the asura sprinted toward the barrier. However, just moments from crossing its threshold, a flaming ball crashed mere meters away, halting them in their tracks. Orion''s expression hardened as he discerned the outline of a figure within the fiery orb. Before he could ponder the mysterious intruder, a voice reverberated through the area. ¡°I''m a busy man, so I''ll make this quick. Which of you bastards are the targets of those Shadow Syndicate freaks?¡± Book 2 - Chapter 13 : The Hunt Part 3 Echoing cracks resounded as the unknown champion emerged from the flames, his figure outlined by the flickering inferno. Orion and the asura exchanged stiff glances, their eyes meeting the narrow slits of the champion now engulfed in fire. A black mamba coiled around his neck, its menacing gaze shifting between the two adversaries, silently issuing a warning. Stepping out of the blazing arena, the half-naked champion cast a dispassionate gaze upon Orion and the asura. ¡°Are you the ones?¡± he muttered, then turned towards the cowering champions at the rear. ¡°Or is it them?¡± he inquired. ¡°It''s them,¡± the feline archer hastily affirmed. ¡°Y-Yes, they''re the ones. They¡¯re the new arrivals,¡± another champion chimed in nervously. The flaming champion scrutinized Orion, whose smile seemed whimsical, and the asura emanating bloodlust. He idly toyed with the mamba''s head, his gaze alternating between the two groups. After a moment, his voice resounded again, firm and unwavering. ¡°I can''t take chances. There''s no telling if someone is lying. All of you will come with me,¡± he declared. The faces of the champions froze as they observed the flaming man caress the snake''s head. ¡°Abby, swallow them up,¡± he commanded. The snake hissed as it slowly unwound itself from the champion''s neck, growing steadily. Suddenly, a whizzing sound filled the air, and all the champions, including the rapidly expanding snake, raised their heads in unison. Without warning, a Warhammer came crashing down on the flaming champion''s skull, bursting it like an overripe watermelon. In stunned silence, the champion''s lifeless body collapsed to the icy ground with a heavy thud, and Scott''s voice cut through the silence. ¡°What are you dumbasses standing around for? Get moving already!¡± The eldritch knight materialized next to the burning corpse, charging toward the path beyond the barrier once again, seamlessly shifting into intangibility. Orion and the asura swiftly followed suit, breezing past the expanding snake and the charred remains. Abby hissed softly, fixated on the flaming corpse lying upon the pristine snow. What had started as a mere mamba, no more than six feet in length, had grotesquely morphed into a thirty-foot behemoth, showing no signs of halting its growth. Its venomous eyes transitioned slowly to amber, seemingly processing the demise of its comrade. The serpent slithered around the corpse before consuming it whole. Flames erupted from the massive snake, its amber eyes obscured behind a veil of iridescent neon flame, followed by a deafening roar echoing from its gaping maw. Simultaneously, the other champions burst into motion, scattering in all directions, each determined to escape the confines of the barrier. Despite bearing no responsibility for the demise of the flaming champion, they knew the beast would not let them flee unchallenged. ¡°And where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± a sickening voice bellowed from the creature, as a mangled head with only a nose and mouth protruded from the space between the mamba''s eyes. The mamba indiscriminately launched a barrage of attacks on the fleeing champions, obliterating several before they could even raise their defenses. What''s more, the monstrous creature continued to swell in size. ¡°Kill them all! How dare they! How dare they!¡± the mangled head roared, prompting a terrified scream from Abby. The mamba recoiled, unleashing a colossal emerald vapor within the barrier. The frozen earth visibly shifted to lavender, decomposing even the weapons and remnants left behind from Orion¡¯s previous massacre. Champions who trailed behind transformed into bloody puddles, while others contorted in agony, their bodies deteriorating before their very eyes. Abby shifted its attention from the slain champions to Scott, Orion, and the asura contending with giants beyond the barrier. The trio raced across the colossal creatures'' massive physiques, skillfully dodging the relentless barrage of fists from other champions attacking their own kind. Orion chuckled whimsically as his eyes quickly scanned for a clear path forward. ¡°We might be in a bit of a pickle,¡± he remarked suddenly. ¡°What do you mean?¡± the asura''s leftmost head asked. ¡°This isn''t the time to be distracted,¡± it warned. ¡°Distracted? Me?¡± Orion laughed again, deftly avoiding a stray fist. Then, the mage continued, ¡°I knew that snake looked familiar. If I''m right, it''s probably part of the Sons of J?rmungandr. Those maniacs aren''t known for traveling alone.¡± The asura''s expression soured, coinciding with another massive roar from Abby, the snake now over two hundred feet and still growing. ¡°This trial is about to get even more brutal,¡± Orion declared suddenly. His staff shattered into countless pieces, coalescing into an ominous spear. Simultaneously, several flaming balls ignited the skies, descending rapidly toward the frozen tundra. Roars echoed alongside the fireballs, heralding the arrival of more snakes. For the first time, the animated giants stood motionless, heads raised toward the burning heavens. The snow giants unleashed a soul-churning scream, greeting the approaching snakes with raised fists. Abby slithered beyond the barrier, rapidly constricting a giant''s arm while aiming for its neck. Then, venomous rain descended on the giants; unlike the slain champions, only small patches of purple lined the bodies of the colossal beings. However, their movements became labored, and their speed decreased considerably. Over twenty flaming monstrosities descended from the islands above, engaging in fierce combat with multiple giants. Though outnumbered, the snakes proved relentless and efficient in their attacks. However, the giants charged mindlessly, trampling over companions, or shattering those in their way, intent on an all-out war. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Despite the snakes'' resilience, the giants'' sheer numbers overwhelmed them. The snakes screamed in unison, slithering toward each other on the battlefield. They devoured the mangled heads between their eyes, despite the relentless barrage from the giants. Meanwhile, the bloodthirsty giants tore each other apart, using corpses as weapons in their fight against the snakes. Blood, guts, and an array of strange organs littered the area, while the stench of charred flesh lingered in the frigid air. Damn it. How are we supposed to get the hell out of this place? Scott pondered, scanning the area. The arrival of the snakes had altered the path leading to the island. Although the giants had previously attacked them fiercely, they had largely remained stationary. Now, however, they actively trampled upon the corpses of their kin to decimate the reptile intruders. Among the reptile population that descended, only five remained, locked in a grisly struggle as they cannibalized each other, each aiming to tear off the mangled head between their eyes while disregarding the blows from the giants. ¡°Isn''t it strange,¡± Orion suddenly muttered, a mischievous smile dancing on his lips. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Scott asked, casting a glance at the mage. ¡°All the giants in the vicinity charged toward the snakes as soon as they descended, except those guys,¡± Orion muttered, his gaze fixed on the immobile giants several hundred meters away from the gruesome melee. Scott and the asura turned in the direction Orion pointed, noting the stillness of the giants in that region, though the reason for it eluded them. ¡°Why do you think they''re there?¡± the rightmost head asked. ¡°You only gather that many people when you''re guarding something or someone precious,¡± Orion replied with a knowing smile. Scott''s eyes sparked with realization as he turned toward the mage. ¡°Are you suggesting the possibility of a secret path?¡± Orion''s smile widened, confirming Scott and the asura''s suspicions. The fact that Orion, the data-possessed man, had mentioned it indicated his confidence in the conjecture. The leftmost head sighed. ¡°Even if there''s a hidden path over there, it''s next to impossible for either of us,¡± it said, then turned toward Scott. ¡°Except for him, that is.¡± Orion chuckled softly, effortlessly dodging another attack. ¡°We won''t have to do much,¡± he said with a grin, turning toward the last two surviving snakes. ¡°One of them is going to do all the work for us. This place is about to become even messier.¡± Scott and the asura turned their attention to the snakes, who valiantly defended themselves against the onslaught while vying to devour the mangled head on their respective heads. Abby, the snake who had summoned most of the others, had long been beaten to a pulp. However, the last surviving snakes had grown to lengths comparable to the giants. Their flames were hot enough to melt the frosty arms of the creatures, and their venom was potent enough to rapidly decompose the woolly beasts. One of the last snakes successfully devoured the other''s mangled head, and a massive third eye formed between its original pair. Simultaneously, the temperature in the area soared. Snow transformed into water, then into steam, as the atmosphere grew increasingly heated. The last surviving snake underwent a rapid transformation, expanding more than tenfold within seconds. In an instant, it surpassed the height of three stacked giants, remaining ominously motionless. A deafening scream erupted from the snake, fracturing the land while a scorching heatwave spread over five thousand kilometers. Its fiery gaze fixed on the giants below before it opened its maw, spewing molten magma like a ruptured pipeline, obliterating the giants within its reach. Yet, undeterred, the relentless giants charged toward the beast with renewed determination. This time, however, the immobile giants reacted, readjusting their colossal forms as they assessed the situation, believing their superior numbers would overwhelm the troublesome snake. Ignoring the cracks lining their arms and their deteriorating bodies, hundreds of giants launched a suicidal charge towards the snake, driven by their singular goal of subduing the intruder. Meanwhile, Scott, Orion, and the asura intermittently flickered between the tangible world and the illusionary, skillfully evading the maddened creatures'' reckless assault. ¡°Are you certain the snake will divert their attention?¡± Scott''s voice trembled with anxiety, though he attempted to conceal it. Orion turned, his gaze meeting Scott''s with an intensity mirrored by his abnormal eyes. ¡°The Sons of J?rmungandr are formidable adversaries,¡± he replied, his tone lacking its usual briskness. ¡°We must tread carefully, or we may meet the same fate. Trust me, it will clear a path for us.¡± As if in response to Orion''s caution, the snake unleashed another ear-splitting scream, followed by a torrent of fire that coalesced into a massive, hovering ball. Consuming several giants in its fiery embrace, it grew before unleashing waves of flames that engulfed everything in their path. The immobile creatures howled with frenzied rage, unable to intervene as the inferno consumed their brethren. They charged toward the massive snake with renewed bloodlust, determined to put an end to its mayhem. Seizing the opportunity, Scott, Orion, and the asura materialized in an unguarded area around a small well, its interior darker than obsidian. Explosions reverberated across the landscape as the giants attempted to contain the expanding fireball, but the blazing heat proved insurmountable. ¡°What is this?¡± the leftmost head muttered, peering into the well''s abyss-like darkness. ¡°It''s our means of escape,¡± Orion declared, his gaze fixed on the rising inferno engulfing the island. A deep shade of orange cast its hue over most of the land, incinerating any giants who dared to approach. Orion turned to Scott; his voice low but urgent. ¡°Do you see anything?¡± Scott met the mage''s gaze, a silent understanding passing between them. ¡°Let''s jump. The island won''t last another minute.¡± Without another word, Scott plunged into the abyss. The leftmost head of the asura let out a deep sigh before the champion followed suit. Orion glanced back at the flaming sphere once more, a devilish grin adorning his face. ¡°I would have relished capturing you, but other duties beckon. Nonetheless, it''s reassuring to know the Sons of J?rmungandr are on the lower floors. I can¡¯t wait,¡± he muttered to himself. With no further hesitation, he jumped too. Moments later, a deafening explosion reverberated, flames devouring over seventy percent of the frozen tundra, transforming it into a hellish landscape of fire and scorched bones. Space contorted, and Mr. Fishido materialized above the ravaged terrain, floating near the well. ¡°This is precisely why I abhor overseeing contests involving the Sons of J?rmungandr,¡± the observer murmured softly as he gazed upon the burning island. ¡°How many islands have they razed now?¡± Then, it lowered his gaze, staring at the darkness confined within the well. I partially expected the eccentric mage to find the well eventually, but I didn¡¯t think it was possible for him to get next to it, let alone use it. Then, there¡¯s also the matter of that masked champion. I don¡¯t like the aura he gives off. It reminds me of that person, the observer thought before averting his gaze away from the well. While the well might indeed be a shortcut, those three will pay sorely for jumping in so audaciously. They¡¯re definitely going to be mad for the rest of their lives, the fish sighed while assessing the extent of damage in the area. The observer opened its mouth and expelled a pearly object onto the charred earth. Upon impact, the object erupted, smothering the raging inferno with thick layers of snow, transforming the burning island back into a snowy landscape once again. Book 2 - Chapter 14 : The Hunt Part 4 ¡°Good morning, everyone! How was your weekend? Did you manage to catch the game the other day?¡± ¡°Oh, long time no see. Where have you been? I thought we wouldn¡¯t be seeing you around here anymore.¡± ¡°In the whisper of twilight, echoes the song of stars, weaving dreams in the tapestry of time, where shadows dance with light, and destinies intertwine.¡± ¡°You¡¯re always so obsessed with these things. Take a break, man!¡± ¡°The mind burns while the soul perishes; the body yearns while the soul fulfills. With my eyes, I shall see no evil; with my mind, I shall cleanse all sin, and with my might, I shall smite all evil!¡± ¡°What the hell is wrong with you? I told you to get the data back to me as soon as possible. Why are you doing what no one asked you to do?¡± ¡°Peace has forsaken me; death avoids me. My heart is still, but sorrow overwhelms me. I desire repentance, but for eternity, shall I suffer!¡± Scott drifted through the void, whispers racing through his mind as he descended weightlessly through the darkness. Orion and the asura floated nearby, seemingly frozen in time, their discomfort palpable. Peering through the darkness, Scott could only discern formless wisps, the origin of the stray voices that invaded his thoughts. Though he couldn''t pinpoint their source, he sensed they emanated from the minds of his companions. This is different from what I saw earlier, Scott mused, a crease forming on his forehead. We should have escaped by now. The void had swallowed his sense of time; though only moments had passed since they leaped into the well, it felt like an eternity. ¡°The tower of champions? I want to know what this is about,¡± echoed another stray wisp before vanishing into the darkness. Scott turned toward Orion, surprised that the data-possessed mage hadn''t awoken yet. This should be a good time to contact everyone, he thought, realizing there might never be a perfect moment. Extending his right hand toward Orion, tendrils shimmered endlessly, racing toward the motionless mage. Wrapping around Orion''s arm without resistance, they embedded themselves deep into his skin, forming an intricate tattoo in the process.
Do you wish to form an Imprint of Madness?
Yes! No!
Without hesitation he clicked on [Yes], and a new system window appeared.
A being blessed with obsession has received the Imprint of Madness!
No wonder he couldn¡¯t stop obsessing over everything, Scott thought as read the system window. He lowered his hand while turning away from the mage. Would it be possible to form an imprint on Llorva and Fi-Fi despite being so far away? As the thought seized the mind of the eldritch knight, a fissure in his right eye flickered, and the space before the masked man warped. A distinct crack followed, and the fabric of space shattered like glass. A portal materialized before the eldritch knight, forcefully pulling him in before he could muster a reaction. A splash reverberated through the air as Scott found himself submerged in water. What the hell was that? Where am I, and how did I get here? Scott''s thoughts raced as he swam toward the surface, his drenched hair partially obscuring the mask. A pristine forest unfolded before him, bathed in the gentle rays of the noon sun. Butterflies flitted near the grassy shore, while various creatures drank from the crystal-clear waters. The occasional bird song drowned out the whispering wind that rustled the surrounding foliage. Where is this? Scott furrowed, his anxiety mounting at the absence of anything out of the ordinary in the tranquil setting. At that moment, another splash reached his ears, and before he could turn, a familiar sensation pressed against his back, accompanied by the embrace of two delicate arms wrapping around his shoulders. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you had a naughty side to you too,¡± Llorva giggled, squeezing the eldritch knight tighter. ¡°I''ve missed you,¡± she whispered into Scott''s ear. Meanwhile, shock contorted Scott''s features as a myriad of questions raced through his mind. How can this be real? He pondered, discerning no traces of an illusion. He swiftly turned toward the elf; the emerald-eyed beauty greeted the masked knight with a radiant smile while nestling her head against his chest. ¡°I feared I might never see you again. If it were up to me, I would abandon this foolish game and come to you. I despised seeing you weakened by their illusions,¡± she confessed before fiddling with Scott''s neck. ¡°Did you miss me?¡± she inquired. ¡°No.¡± Scott''s response was immediate and resolute. Then, he placed his right hand on the elf''s forehead.
Do you wish to form an Imprint of Madness?
Yes! No!
Scott clicked on [Yes], and a new system window appeared. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
A being blessed with madness has received the Imprint of Madness!
Llorva shuddered involuntarily, feeling Scott¡¯s arm nestled snugly between her ample bosoms. Ecstasy twisted the features of the elf''s face as she tightened her grip around Scott¡¯s arm. ¡°Where are we?¡± Scott inquired. ¡°This is the thirteenth floor, the calming woods,¡± Llorva replied, her right hand idly toying with Scott¡¯s neck. Scott raised his eyebrows, surveying their surroundings closely. He was surprised that Llorva had not only traversed the eleventh floor but had also ascended two floors higher. ¡°How did you navigate the shifting steps valley?¡± Scott voiced his skepticism. ¡°The shifting what?¡± Llorva questioned, raising her head. Simultaneously, she instinctively released Scott¡¯s arm, fear contorting her features. It was the first time she had truly looked into his eyes since the eldritch knight¡¯s arrival. ¡°What''s the matter?¡± Scott asked, a hint of amusement in his tone. He had attempted various tactics to distance himself from the elf in the past, but this was the first time she had willingly let go, and he was determined to discover why. Llorva pointed toward his right eye, her lips trembling. ¡°What happened to your eye?¡± ¡°What about it?¡± Scott asked as he instinctively lowered his head. His brows furrowed behind his mask, and his mouth slightly parted. So, this is why my eye felt weird. But what on earth happened? Scott pondered silently. Despite his grotesquely altered right eye, he felt no different than before. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Llorva inquired softly, wrapping her arms around the masked man from behind. ¡°Does it hurt?¡± she added. Before Scott could respond, a sharp pain surged through the back of his head, and a crackle shimmered across his vision. An immense force pulled the eldritch knight away from Llorva''s embrace, sending him plummeting into the depths of the pristine waters. Llorva stood frozen in shock, unable to comprehend what had just occurred. She submerged herself in the waters, but all traces of the eldritch knight had vanished. Meanwhile, in the abyssal darkness, a portal materialized, ejecting Scott before promptly vanishing. The eldritch knight clutched his chest and right eye simultaneously as his chest heaved uncontrollably. It appears the transfer wasn¡¯t permanent, Scott thought, turning toward the motionless Asura and Orion, who lay still as corpses. If my guess is right, the transfer happened because I thought of granting those two an imprint, Scott speculated. But why exactly did it take me to Llorva and not Fi-Fi? The naked beauty and the calming scenery flashed across his mind, but he quickly discarded the thought. Would it repeat itself again if I think of bestowing the imprint to Fi-Fi? He pondered. As the eldritch knight''s mind entertained the thought, another crack illuminated, and the space before the masked man contorted. With a snap, space shattered once more, and a portal forcefully dragged Scott into its depths. Mid-air, the eldritch spawn spun wildly before crashing onto a bouncy, almost gelatinous surface. Where am I now? Scott mused, observing his surroundings. His jaw dropped beneath his mask as he beheld hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of slimes sprawled across a mountainous terrain. Slimes of varying sizes and affinities, including rare mutated and indigenous species, bounced synchronously as if partaking in a massive rave, while rain drizzled from the sky. What''s happening? Scott wondered, attempting to free himself from the massive purple slime he landed on. Yet, with his movement, a feminine scream pierced his ears, and the slime quivered. ¡°Eww, get it off!¡± ¡°Look, there¡¯s something on Mipi-Mipi,¡± several slimes chorused in unison, rushing towards the purple mass as it forcefully dislodged Scott. ¡°Is that a human?¡± a curious slime remarked. ¡°No, doesn''t smell like one,¡± another countered. ¡°Sure looks like one, though,¡± a third added. Though surrounded, none of the slimes approached the ominous champion. ¡°Who brought a human here? Who lost their human?¡± a gray slime interjected. Then, a luminous lavender slime bounced towards Scott, gradually assuming the form of the masked man. ¡°Who are you, and did you come here seeking for someone?¡± it inquired, adopting Scott''s likeness. ¡°Fi-Fi,¡± Scott replied, eyeing the curious slime. Instantly, the surrounding slimes echoed the elemental slime''s name as if on a quest to locate it. ¡°I¡¯m here!¡± a familiar voice called from the east, prompting Scott''s gaze in that direction. The slimes cleared a path, revealing a turquoise slime advancing rapidly. Mere meters from the eldritch knight, it hurtled towards him with astounding speed. Scott merely extended his index finger towards Fi-Fi, and several tendrils shot out, enveloping a section of the slime, and turning it pitch black.
Do you wish to form an Imprint of Madness?
Yes! No!
Scott clicked on [Yes], and a new system notification appeared.
A being blessed with madness has received the Imprint of Madness!
Fi-Fi crashed to the ground with a docile thud, prompting several nearby slimes to bounce toward the elemental slime as if to check on its well-being. Meanwhile, a few slimes distanced themselves from Scott, fearing they too might fall victim to the corrupting tendrils. Scott shifted his focus from Fi-Fi to the humanoid gray slime. ¡°What floor are we on?¡± he asked in a soft tone. The slime took a cautious step back. ¡°The fourteenth floor. The Slime Party,¡± it replied warily. ¡°Who are you, and where do you come from?¡± It was unusual for anyone other than slimes to attend the party, leaving the slime puzzled by Scott''s presence. ¡°I''m Scott,¡± he answered, his gaze drifting upward toward the sky. Before the slime could inquire further about Scott, a strange force yanked the eldritch knight upwards toward a portal, and the masked man vanished as mysteriously as he had arrived. The gray slime reverted to its original form. ¡°What''s a Scott?¡± it muttered softly, perplexed by the unfamiliar term. Just then, a low roar resonated through the area, drawing the attention of the slimes toward Fi-Fi. The elemental slime, adorned with black patches on its blue exterior, emitted a continuous roar that filled several slimes with amazement and awe. ¡°Fi-Fi will participate in the slime contest!¡± the elemental slime declared proudly. ¡°Take me to the queen,¡± it added, its voice resolute. Book 2 - Chapter 15 : Void Bank Scott emerged once more in the abyss; the portal sealing shut behind him. As before, he clutched his chest, his right eye obscured by his hand. A pulsating ache reverberated through the mind of the eldritch spawn, soft groans escaping his lips. It seems five minutes is the limit, Scott mused inwardly, glancing towards Orion and the asura, both motionless as before. He averted his gaze, scanning the unfathomable darkness surrounding them. How are we supposed to escape this place? he pondered silently. The thought of utilizing the portal crossed his mind once more, but he dismissed it as impossible, having been forcibly expelled from Llorva''s grasp earlier. What vexed the eldritch knight most, however, was the disappearance of the exit he had glimpsed while atop the well. It vanished as if someone or something had intentionally misled him.
The Mask of the Eldritch Spawn is devouring the surrounding madness!
Two beings with your imprint of madness are resisting the corroding madness!
Scott turned his attention toward Orion and the asura. Their faces contorted, as if battling an unseen force. Amidst the struggle, a system notification emerged in the darkness. Before Scott could read it, an explosion ruptured the abyss. He instinctively turned, and space warped violently before reconnecting. His eyes sparked with realization as he spotted a verdant patch amidst the shattered space. Seizing his companions'' arms, the eldritch knight propelled them forward with chaos missiles. Explosions intensified as they neared the peculiar area, and Orion and the asura stirred. ¡°Wake up, you lazy bums!¡± Scott roared, but his voice was lost in the chaos. Undeterred, he guided the awakening champions toward the turmoil. With each explosion the crack grew smaller, adding urgency to their journey. Scott detonated chaos missiles repeatedly, unsure of where or when the next fissure would appear if they missed the current on. ¡°Come on, wake the fuck up!¡± Scott yelled again, barely audible over the explosions. This time, Orion and the asura roused slowly, confusion evident on their faces. Orion''s eyes lit up as he surveyed their surroundings. He signaled to Scott before summoning his staff, attempting to create a protective bubble. It shattered almost instantly, leaving the mage astonished. Scott gestured towards the chaos missiles, urging Orion to follow his lead. With a shared understanding, they unleashed a barrage of attacks, propelling themselves towards the closing portal. The asura summoned its halberd, spinning rapidly and releasing bursts of hot air. Another halberd emerged from its back, spewing blue flames that combined with the air in an explosion, propelling them forward. In a flash, they crashed onto freshly trimmed grass. Scott surveyed their new surroundings, noting the absence of other champions. The square patch of land measured twenty feet on each side, surrounded by fluffy clouds amidst turbulent winds. ¡°Where are we?¡± Scott wondered aloud, approaching the edge of the grass field. Orion and the asura joined him, gazing at the clouds above. Despite their scrutiny, no other islands were visible. ¡°Have we left the eleventh floor?¡± the leftmost head mumbled. ¡°I''m not sure, but it doesn''t seem like we''re in the valley anymore,¡± the rightmost head replied. ¡°On the contrary, I believe this is the final island,¡± Orion interjected, wearing his usual smile. Scott and the asura turned toward the mage, awaiting his explanation. Orion wasted no time and continued, gesturing towards a particular area. ¡°Do you guys see that?¡± he inquired. ¡°What are we looking for?¡± the leftmost head asked, squinting as it scanned the area, finding nothing remarkable. ¡°The wind. Pay attention to how it affects that spot,¡± Orion explained. Without further ado, he produced a coin from his inventory and tossed it towards the designated area. Scott and the asura observed as the coin arched through the air, buffeted by strong winds attempting to alter its trajectory, yet it landed with a muffled clank exactly where Orion had indicated. ¡°Am I hallucinating or is that coin hovering?¡± the rightmost head murmured incredulously. Scott, too, gazed at the spot in confusion. While his eyes could penetrate illusions, he was baffled by this anomaly. Orion chuckled softly as he continued, ¡°What a clever trick,¡± the mage muttered. ¡°They deliberately positioned the mirrors to avoid reflecting sunlight while creating the illusion of suspended animation. Most people wouldn''t dare to venture recklessly, fearing the consequences, knowing that death would return them to the starting island,¡± Orion echoed, chuckling. ¡°What''s your point?¡± Scott inquired. Orion turned to Scott and wordlessly stepped forward. Instead of plummeting, he remained suspended in midair as if levitating. Scott''s eyebrows shot up, and he tentatively followed suit. Like Orion, his feet found purchase on an invisible surface, with gentle winds tousling his clothes. However, despite scrutinizing the unseen ground, he perceived nothing. The asura also joined them, and the trio stood together on the invisible platform. ¡°After confronting numerous cunning challenges on the previous island, only a few people would be this audacious; and even if they were, it''s hard to shake off the expectation of impending disaster,¡± Scott muttered after a brief pause. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°Exactly,¡± Orion affirmed with a laugh. ¡°And rightfully so,¡± the mage added, drawing Scott and the asura''s attention. Pointing to where he had dropped the coin, Orion declared, ¡°We need to reach that spot quickly,¡± before darting off with all his might. Without hesitation, Scott and the asura followed suit, sprinting alongside the mage. In a blink, they reached the base of an invisible staircase. Following Orion''s lead, they cautiously climbed, halting only when the mage did, precisely at the spot where the coin lay. ¡°Why have we stopped?¡± the leftmost head inquired. Orion tossed the coin onto the invisible surface, and Scott and the asura watched as it fell. This time, however, there was no distinct clank or any sound at all. The coin vanished as if swallowed by a cloud, never to be seen again. ¡°It''s gone?¡± the leftmost head murmured in disbelief. ¡°How?¡± it added. Barely two minutes had passed since they ascended the stairs, yet the ground had vanished as if it had never existed. ¡°I suspect this is why most will fail,¡± Orion chuckled. ¡°Discovering the invisible support is one thing, but finding the correct path is an entirely different challenge. I''m almost tempted to see what happens if someone attempts flight. I''m certain they''ve prepared something special for such individuals.¡± The mage sighed, lamenting the absence of anyone besides Scott and the asura in the vicinity. Meanwhile, Scott resisted the urge to ask the mage how he knew the steps were there. They were completely invisible, shrouded by the clouds. That Orion could still discern their presence merely from the sensation of wind baffled him. Maybe I have sorely underestimated him, Scott mused, his gaze fixed on the mage''s back. Calling someone like this a genius might actually be an insult to him. Had it not been for Orion''s swift instincts and analytical mind, they might have spent hours, if not days, scouring for a means to depart the area. By then, the ground could have vanished, sending them plummeting into the unknown. Following Orion''s lead, the trio continued their ascent in silence, the gentle winds tousling their garments. With each step, the space around them expanded infinitely. However, the stairway didn''t ascend indefinitely. Orion navigated different turns, carefully guiding Scott and the asura. Another hour passed before Orion halted abruptly. ¡°There are no more steps,¡± he announced without turning around. Scott surveyed their surroundings, but nothing appeared out of the ordinary. He opened his mouth to speak, but a system notification materialized in front of the champions.
Congratulations! You have reached the end of the shifting steps valley!
Above the champions, a crack formed, revealing the outline of another island in what had been empty space. ¡°There it is,¡± Orion giggled. ¡°But who would''ve thought all that climbing would lead us back to the starting island? How ironic,¡± he added. Scott and the asura exchanged blank stares as they gazed at the island, unable to conceal their surprise. They hadn''t considered how Orion could discern it was the starting island. After all, the depths of the mage''s mind were beyond their comprehension.
Three locations have been added to your void bank!
Scott''s right eye stung the moment the message appeared, eliciting a whimper from him. He leaned forward, his hand instinctively reaching for his eye as he read the system message. Without much deliberation, he deduced that the term "void bank" referred to the ability to transfer to other locations. If it copied Llorva and Fi-Fi¡¯s locations, which was the third? he pondered, realizing he had only used the ability twice. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Orion called out, noticing Scott''s labored breathing as he covered his eyes. ¡°It''s nothing. Don''t worry about me,¡± Scott replied, forcing himself to an upright position. Then he continued, ¡°How do we get to the island?¡± Orion studied the eldritch knight for a moment, his gaze lingering on Scott''s covered eye. He nodded to himself, murmuring inaudibly, then pointed toward the island. ¡°A path will surely present itself, or we might be sent there directly,¡± he said. Barely seconds after the mage spoke, a silver beam descended from the island, enveloping the trio in its radiance. In a flash, they vanished, accompanied by the sound of breaking glass. Anyone witnessing the scene would notice that all the stairs had shattered, replaced by a new set formed from the wreckage and in a different location. Meanwhile, Scott, Orion, and the asura reappeared on the lush field of the starting island. Mr. Fishido hovered above them, his gentle eyes shifting between the trio. ¡°Welcome, and congratulations on completing the game,¡± the fish declared, smiling warmly. ¡°I''ll be the first to admit it, I didn''t think it was possible for you three to survive the formless region, but you''ve surprised me. For that, you''ve earned my respect.¡± Descending slightly, Mr. Fishido vomited several luminous pearls. ¡°As promised, each of you will receive ten core elemental shards.¡± The multicolored pearls dropped randomly in front of the champions as Mr. Fishido ascended once more. ¡°You can choose to remain here and observe the others participating in the game, or you can return to your respective areas. To do so, simply throw yourselves over the edge. Yes, I know, it''s a bit dramatic, but that''s the only way,¡± the fish explained. ¡°So, what will it be?¡± Orion turned to Scott with a bright smile. ¡°Allow me to formally join your alliance.¡± Scott and the asura exchanged glances and nodded, a silent understanding passing between them. ¡°Sure. Welcome to the team,¡± Scott said before turning to the fish. ¡°Excuse me, may I ask a question?¡± ¡°Sadly, no,¡± the fish replied matter-of-factly. ¡°Nex will handle all inquiries and complaints. You only need to inform us if you wish to continue observing the game.¡± Scott sighed, averting his gaze. He swung his arm and with a thought, his core elemental shards disappeared into his inventory. Orion and the asura mimicked his actions, and without further ado, Scott approached the cliff''s edge with slow steps. However, Orion quickly blocked his path. ¡°Come on, let''s observe for a while. There''s much to learn from just a few hours or days of watching. Don''t tell me you''d rather return to that dull room,¡± Orion urged. ¡°He never said we could leave whenever we wanted, did he?¡± Scott countered. Orion cocked his head backward, realization dawning on him. He turned sharply to the fish. ¡°Could you please repeat what you said earlier?¡± ¡°I said you can choose to remain here and observe the others participating in the game, or you can return to your¡ª" ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Orion interjected. ¡°We can stop observing whenever we want, right?¡± ¡°I wonder,¡± Mr. Fishido teased. ¡°Would you like to test it out?¡± Orion chuckled dryly, then turned to Scott. ¡°We should leave. It seems there''s nothing left for us here.¡± Silently, the trio approached the cliff''s edge, throwing themselves into the unknown below.
Rank 1, 8, and 40 are recognized to be on the same path!
You will be returned to your area!
Book 2 - Chapter 16 : Blood Cult ¡°How disappointing,¡± Orion muttered, adjusting his glasses. The mage observed the passage and sighed, shaking his head. ¡°I thought the entrance to each individual area would be unique. It''s disappointing to find it''s just the same as mine,¡± he sighed again. ¡°I''m surprised you didn''t test it out before now,¡± Scott mentioned, without glancing at the mage. ¡°With your persuasive skills, it wouldn''t have been hard to form an alliance,¡± he added. ¡°You''re right,¡± Orion affirmed with a nod, a sly smile gracing his lips. ¡°Though I was intrigued by the possibility of it being different, I wasn''t willing to lower my standards to accommodate some riffraff, you know?¡± Scott chuckled softly, shaking his head, and the trio pressed on in silence, bathed in the shimmering lights from the crystals. Barely twenty minutes after their last discussion, the leftmost head turned toward Orion, scrutinizing the mage more closely. ¡°So, you''re rank 1, huh?¡± it muttered, slowly sizing up Orion. Orion turned toward the curious head, wearing a broad smile as he nodded. The leftmost head prepared to ask another question, but the rightmost head interjected, ¡°Any benefits?¡± ¡°Hey, I''m asking the questions!¡± the leftmost head glared at its counterpart before turning back to the mage. ¡°Any benefits?¡± it asked. ¡°Not that I''m aware of,¡± Orion replied with a teasing grin. ¡°The examiner was quite adamant about revealing nothing. However, as the saying goes, an inquisitive mind will find a way,¡± Orion chuckled softly. Scott paused in his steps, and Orion and the asura followed suit. For the first time, the eldritch knight turned toward them. ¡°So, what did you find out?¡± he asked. ¡°It¡¯s still unverified information right now, but apparently our ranks are basically some sort of sorting code,¡± Orion explained. Scott and the asura frowned simultaneously. ¡°Explain further,¡± Scott said. ¡°Like I said, this is all my own musings, so take it with a pinch of salt, no, just keep it at the back of your mind,¡± the mage started before readjusting his glasses. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you went through before the ranking games, but I¡¯m sure you received a fair few offers from some lesser gods and god, right?¡± Scott and the asura nodded, silently waiting for Orion to continue. The mage didn¡¯t dally as he continued, ¡°Isn¡¯t it strange that the lesser gods and gods have basically been quiet since the games started? For such a nosy bunch to be objectively inactive despite having an array of talents gathered here, surely that¡¯s unusual. That¡¯s why I believe that the ranks will play a significant role in choosing sponsors in the not-so-distant future. There are obviously several rank 1s based on their batch; maybe depending on the tier of the lesser gods and gods, they will have priority in choosing who they want to sponsor.¡± ¡°But all that would only apply to those who are unsponsored. I doubt another lesser god or god would be able to have anything to do with a sponsored champion,¡± Scott echoed his doubts after a brief pause. Orion chuckled, ¡°I wasn¡¯t done. Naturally, that theory would only apply to the unsponsored but being sponsored is just a placeholder. It could be something we¡¯re not privy to yet,¡± the mage explained. ¡°It¡¯s almost impossible to know exactly what they¡¯ll use the ranks for, but I genuinely believe the gods will conduct some sort of event that will make the ranks the determining factor. I don¡¯t have enough data so I can¡¯t make an accurate deduction yet.¡± The mage paused for a moment, muttering inaudible words under his breath. Meanwhile, neither Scott nor the asura could refute the mage¡¯s deductions. Although it didn¡¯t paint a complete picture of what they should expect, it did give them an inkling of what to expect. After a brief pause, Orion raised his voice once more. ¡°Then again, there¡¯s a possibility the more established guilds will purposefully do everything within their powers to actively recruit people with high ranks.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Scott asked. ¡°The only reason they all have branches and their headquarters here is to recruit talents. The tower of champions after all is a competition to determine who will be the rulers of the next epoch. It¡¯s not beyond reason to think the most talented faction would have the best chances of winning the whole thing,¡± Orion explained. Scott and Asura silently agreed with the mage¡¯s words. ¡°While it¡¯s fun to speculate on the unknown, it¡¯s best to wait until there¡¯s an official explanation,¡± Orion said with a smile. ¡°The best we can do now is raise and maintain our ranks.¡± Scott nodded, turning as he continued his trek, and Orion and the asura quickly joined. ¡°Did you face the titan in the last ranking stage?¡± Scott suddenly asked. Orion''s brows creased; confusion evident in his eyes. However, it only lasted a moment before curiosity and then excitement replaced it. The mage quickly caught up to Scott, facing the eldritch knight with sparkling eyes. ¡°Please, tell me everything about it. Don''t leave anything out.¡± This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. ¡°Ask him instead,¡± Scott said, pointing at the asura. ¡°He knows more about that thing than I do.¡± Orion shifted his gaze towards the asura, approaching with brisk cheerfulness. The asura''s heads exchanged glances, as if debating what to do. However, they eventually yielded to the mage''s inquisitive eyes. As the trio continued their journey through the passage, Scott gathered his thoughts while Orion and the asura discussed the details of the last ranking game with intricate detail. ¡°Wow!¡± Orion exclaimed, rubbing his chin. ¡°So, there was a hidden option like that,¡± the mage muttered while patting the asura''s back. ¡°If I had known it was possible to abstain too, I would have done the same. Can you imagine the data I''d get from a battle against such a creature?¡± The mage wiped away the drool sneaking out from the corners of his lips. ¡°Have you always been like this?¡± the rightmost head asked, unable to quell its curiosity. ¡°Don''t be rude,¡± the leftmost head interjected. ¡°Have you ever seen a freak who has a reason for being a freak?¡± ¡°Now, who''s being rude?¡± the rightmost head asked, glaring at its counterpart. Orion chuckled softly, staring at the centermost head, unable to hide his fascination. While the leftmost and rightmost heads displayed an array of emotions every so often, the centermost head usually had a stoic expression. The fact that it had never spoken also filled the mage with curiosity. The centermost head lowered its gaze, meeting Orion''s curious eyes. ¡°Is there something you want?¡± its voice echoed in the mage''s mind. Orion''s brows shot up, his smile brightening. ¡°Mind projection. How fascinating,¡± Orion said. This time, the centermost head stared intently at the mage. After all, the mage too had projected his voice. ¡°I like the three of you. I believe we''re going to have a lot of fun over the next couple of...¡± Orion paused midway through his statement, a frown forming on his forehead as he quickly turned toward Scott. The asura also focused on Scott, confusion evident on the faces of the leftmost and rightmost heads. Although the eldritch knight stood there motionless, he wasn''t alone. The duo could see a luxuriously dressed skeleton, a beautiful elf, and a feline with a bloodthirsty edge. While Orion and the asura scrutinized Scott''s companions, they too observed the mage and asura. ¡°Buddies, how have you been? You don''t know how much I''ve missed you guys,¡± Slim said while locking Zara and Scott, who Llorva clung to, in a hug. Fi-Fi tied itself around Llorva''s arm, wiggling as the champions exchanged hugs. ¡°That''s enough from you, Slim,¡± Zara said, trying to free herself from the necromancer''s clutches. The feline''s cheeks had turned flushed pink, but she couldn''t unclench Slim''s wrists no matter how hard she tried. Slim chuckled warmly while regarding Llorva and Fi-Fi. ¡°I never thought I''d find a place worse than that desert, but this one takes the cake,¡± he said, shaking his head. ¡°Do you know how many annoying games I''ve endured already?¡± ¡°You''re acting like you''re the only one suffering,¡± Zara retorted, wriggling out of Slim''s embrace. She playfully grabbed the necromancer''s neck and pinned his skull under her arm, patting the skeleton''s head vigorously. ¡°My leader, this is an abuse of power,¡± Slim protested, but Zara just laughed like a comedic villain. ¡°I''m glad to see you''re all still in good spirits. Let me introduce you to my alliance members,¡± Scott chuckled, gesturing towards Orion and the asura, who approached quietly. ¡°That''s Orion, he is a mage, and that¡¯s... well, you can call him whatever you want. He doesn''t mind." Scott then proceeded to introduce his companions to Orion and the asura. ¡°A real-life undead,¡± Orion muttered, circling around Slim with a giggle. ¡°Truly fascinating.¡± He stopped in front of the necromancer. ¡°You have an impressive physique.¡± Slim grinned bashfully, patting the mage''s shoulder. ¡°Your name''s Orion, right? You''ve got a keen eye,¡± he said, turning towards Zara, showing off. Zara rolled her eyes at Slim and nodded towards Orion and the asura. Llorva waved casually, while Fi-Fi formed a makeshift hand and waved. Slim, however, stood between the asura and Orion, his arm around their shoulders. The skeleton grinned widely. ¡°Your new friends look quite normal, buddy,¡± he chuckled. ¡°I half-expected you to attract some weirdos again,¡± he added, glancing at Llorva and Fi-Fi. ¡°No offense, guys,¡± he muttered. But Llorva was too busy cuddling up to Scott to hear Slim''s remark, and Fi-Fi simply formed a thumbs-up without comment. Zara approached Scott slowly, standing next to him. ¡°I didn''t think you''d make friends so easily. What''s special about them?¡± she whispered, watching Slim bond with Orion and the asura. ¡°They''re alright. They shouldn''t cause any trouble,¡± Scott replied. ¡°What floor are you on now?¡± ¡°The 13th floor, hunting maze. It''s a real pain,¡± she sighed. ¡°And you?¡± ¡°We just finished the 11th floor, the shifting step valley,¡± Scott said. Zara frowned. ¡°Wasn''t the 11th floor the rainbow sprint?¡± she muttered, a thought forming in her mind. ¡°Does that mean there are variations within the same floor?¡± ¡°My 11th floor was the canopy forest,¡± Llorva chimed in. ¡°And Fi-Fi''s 11th floor was the sludge valley,¡± Fi-Fi declared. Zara''s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°I had a hunch it was impossible for everyone to go through the same floor, so I was right after all. No wonder I couldn¡¯t find any of you,¡± she muttered, her features relaxing a bit as she continued, ¡°It seems our best bet of meeting each other again is at the first neutral ground.¡± This time, it was Scott''s turn to be confused. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± he asked. ¡°Oh, you just completed the 11th floor. You won¡¯t find out about the neutral ground until after the 12th floor,¡± Zara explained. ¡°Basically, the whole choosing a path thing sort of ends when you get to the 15th floor. The examiner didn¡¯t say too much about it, but he said that¡¯s the moment alliances will truly be tested.¡± Scott silently digested the brawler¡¯s words before speaking up, ¡°Do any of you have people you¡¯re in an alliance with?¡± ¡°Fi-Fi hasn¡¯t met someone worthy,¡± the slime declared. ¡°I found a few interesting assistants, but no one as capable as you,¡± Llorva said, fiddling with Scott¡¯s neck. Scott cast a glance toward Zara, who had been notably quiet. ¡°Something on your mind?¡± The brawler wore a wry smile while shaking her head. ¡°To be honest, I joined a faction,¡± Zara whispered. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s surprising,¡± Scott muttered, glancing at the feline. ¡°What¡¯s their name?¡± ¡°The Blood Cult,¡± Zara said softly. Hundreds of thousands of tendrils shot out from Scott¡¯s mask, drowning the area in a sea of black. A crack echoed within the darkness, and Zara, Slim, Llorva, and Fi-Fi disappeared. Orion and the asura stared at each other, unable to hide their confusion. Moments ago, they were eagerly chatting with Slim, only for the world around them to suddenly go dark. Now, they noticed that they had returned from the illusionary world Scott had dragged them into, but the eldritch knight remained in the same position. Thousands of tendrils coated his body, while a murky, somewhat bloody pool formed underneath his boots. Orion and the asura collectively retreated, their eyes focused on an older version of Scott seemingly forming out of the pool. A hand appeared from Scott¡¯s mask, squashing the bloody figure before it took proper form. Scott cocked his head backward, staring at Orion and the asura. ¡°Let¡¯s hurry before the examiner suspects we¡¯re up to something,¡± he said, turning as he continued his advance. Meanwhile, Orion and the asura stared at the back of Scott¡¯s hair, which had turned blood-red. Book 2 - Chapter 17 : Fight: You Stop, You Die! An uncomfortable silence hung in the air as Orion and the asura silently trailed behind the eldritch knight. Each champion held their own muted opinions on what they had witnessed, yet both refrained from voicing their thoughts. Meanwhile, the reddish hue of Scott¡¯s hair gradually receded as they walked, vanishing completely less than thirty minutes later. In silence, the trio arrived at their destination, where, as usual, Nex greeted them with individual illusions. ¡°Welcome back,¡± Nex declared with brisk cheerfulness. ¡°You completed the 11th floor faster than I expected; you were just a couple of hours shy of breaking the record set by the Celestial Blades. How amazing would that have been?¡± The examiner sighed from his concealed location. Scott''s eyebrows shot up as soon as the examiner mentioned the famous faction. It didn¡¯t surprise him they had such a record, given that they were essentially utilizing memories from previous timelines to their advantage. ¡°Can I ask my questions, or will you be going first?¡± Scott suddenly interjected. ¡°Oh, straight to the point,¡± Nex chuckled. ¡°You can go ahead. My explanations can come later. So, what do you want to know?¡± ¡°The core elemental shards. What purpose do they serve?¡± Scott inquired swiftly. ¡°There¡¯s no clear answer, sadly. Depending on the user, they could serve as an elixir, a poison, or a useless lump of jewelry. Unfortunately, it¡¯s not within my prerogative to explain their purposes to you,¡± Nex explained. ¡°I¡¯m sure someone as resourceful as yourself would figure something out. Are you done?¡± Nex asked. ¡°During the last trial, the path to the previous island was cut off as soon as we moved islands. How was it possible for the Sons of J?rmungandr to descend?¡± Scott queried. The question had plagued his mind since the flaming man descended, but due to the intensity of the subsequent battles, he couldn¡¯t bring up the topic. Nex''s gentle laughter echoed within the area, and the examiner began, ¡°While arduous, it isn¡¯t an impossible task. I¡¯m certain your mage friend would be able to pull it off too if given enough time,¡± the examiner explained. ¡°It''s my turn now,¡± Nex muttered softly. ¡°The twelfth and thirteenth floors typically feature two types of games: one that pushes a champion to their limits and another that helps them become comfortable. There''s no strict order for these games, but it''s crucial for champions to seek alliances if possible. Why? I can''t say,¡± Nex explained. ¡°Another thing, unlike the previous game, one among the 12th and 13th floors will offer a chance to improve your rank.¡± Nex paused, allowing Scott to digest the information. ¡°Can I ask a question?¡± Scott asked. ¡°Please, go ahead,¡± Nex urged from his concealed location. Scott wasted no time. ¡°Are there any consequences for champions who traverse between different floors?¡± Silence followed Scott¡¯s question, broken only by the examiner clearing his throat before responding, ¡°That''s an interesting question. Technically, there are no punishments for moving between floors. However, I wouldn''t advise champions to do so. It undermines the purpose of the games. No one would go all-out if there were an easy way out. I hope you won''t take that route, will you?¡± Scott raised his head, gazing at the mirror at the far end of the room. ¡°I''ll do whatever I deem necessary,¡± he declared. Scott believed the examiner must have noticed his visits to the calming woods and the slime party to see Llorva and Fi-Fi. Meanwhile, Nex giggled softly but didn¡¯t dwell on the matter. ¡°Will you proceed to the next game, or will you remain here?¡± ¡°Before I decide, what would happen if I were aware of places or rules I shouldn''t know about?¡± Scott countered with his own question. ¡°Nothing,¡± Nex stated matter-of-factly. ¡°I''ll ignore it; after all, you''re not supposed to know yet. Whatever you choose to do with that information is up to you. I don¡¯t know what kind of thoughts you have about the ranking games, but we aren¡¯t overly strict. We encourage champions to be resourceful and ingenious. So, what''s your decision?¡± Scott pondered for a moment before declaring, ¡°Prepare the path to the 12th floor.¡± The eldritch knight turned to his companions. ¡°Are you finished with them?¡± ¡°I''m done with the asura, but your mage friend is quite inquisitive. It might take a while to answer his questions,¡± Nex admitted. Scott chuckled softly, sensing the examiner''s exhaustion. ¡°Let me know when you''re done with him. I''m in no hurry.¡± ¡°Thank you. I''ll do that,¡± Nex declared, and the examiner''s voice ceased. However, the illusion remained intact. Scott lowered his head, a frown plastered across his face as he recalled the incident from the passage. Now that I think about it, it¡¯s not absurd that Zara joined the blood cult, he thought, recalling that bloodlust was Zara¡¯s primary energy source. Coupled with the fact that she had a blood bank, she was an obvious recruit for a group who centered around blood related abilities. This might work in my favor. With Zara in the blood cult, I have a connection to them again in this timeline. The only problem is whether it¡¯s still the same cult from the memories of the variant, Scott pondered. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Amidst Scott¡¯s wandering thoughts, Nex¡¯s voice echoed again. ¡°Sorry for the delay; the path to the 12th floor will soon reveal itself. I wish you good luck,¡± the examiner announced. The area morphed slightly, as if a veil had been lifted. Several tiles turned red, and another exit formed. Robotically, the champions turned toward the exit, instinctively moving. Barely ten seconds after Nex¡¯s announcement, the area was empty. Meanwhile, within the well-illuminated passage, Scott, Orion, and the asura walked side by side at a measured pace. The mage broke the silence with a giggle before posing a question. ¡°So, what do you suspect the next game will entail?¡± he asked, turning his head side to side as he awaited Scott and the asura¡¯s responses. ¡°I would rather take part in the game that pushes one to their limits first,¡± the leftmost head declared. ¡°No. That¡¯s the wrong order,¡± the rightmost head interjected. ¡°We should hope for the comfortable one first, so that we can be ready for the next one,¡± it explained. ¡°Nonsense,¡± the leftmost head retorted, glaring at its counterpart. ¡°You should work hard first before relaxing, not relaxing before working hard.¡± ¡°I disagree,¡± the rightmost head declared, adamant that its choice was the right one. However, the leftmost head had no intentions of conceding either. Orion giggled, then turned his attention toward Scott. ¡°What about you? Which do you propose is the right order?¡± he asked. ¡°To be honest, I really don¡¯t care,¡± Scott said without looking at the mage. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter which order is right or wrong. After all, we¡¯re going to get through both regardless of our individual preferences.¡± ¡°Boo. Boo. You¡¯re no fun,¡± Orion commented. ¡°We all know that, but it¡¯s only fun when there is some semblance of an expectation. For argument¡¯s sake, which would you prefer?¡± the mage asked. Scott pressed on, pretending he didn¡¯t hear the mage¡¯s question. To him, it didn¡¯t matter which came first; all he wanted was to reach the 15th floor, the neutral ground, as soon as possible. Orion continued to press Scott for an answer, using different analogies and even resorting to pleading tactics, but Scott simply ignored the data-obsessed mage. Meanwhile, the rightmost and leftmost heads continued to air their opinions, making for an animated trip. A few minutes later, Orion, accepting that Scott wouldn¡¯t speak on the matter, changed the topic. ¡°By the way, how were you able to drag so many people¡¯s consciousness into that space?¡± he muttered, unable to hide his curiosity. ¡°That was the first time in a long time someone successfully invaded my consciousness without triggering any of my securities.¡± He turned toward Scott, staring intently at the eldritch knight. ¡°Another thing, I¡¯m certain you¡¯re the one who bestowed upon me the imprint of madness, but I can¡¯t for the life of me deduce how you did it. I¡¯m partially certain it¡¯s the reason you were able to pull me into that space, isn¡¯t that right?¡± Scott raised his right hand, pointing straight ahead. ¡°We¡¯re close,¡± he said. Simultaneously, Orion and the arguing heads turned toward the towering door over two hundred feet from their current position. ¡°I guess there¡¯s no need speculating anymore.¡± Orion sighed; his disappointment momentarily eclipsed by a quick smile. With measured steps, the trio approached the wooden door, lacking any form of decorative adornments. ¡°Do you hear that?¡± Orion muttered, narrowing his gaze as they drew closer to the door. Scott''s ears twitched involuntarily as he too focused his attention. Delicate tremors traversed beneath their feet, accompanied by guitar rhythms and drumbeats subtly echoing in the background. An electronic, pulsating beat followed suit, stirring an unsatiated urge to revel within the trio. Why does it sound like there''s a massive party behind that door? Scott pondered; his thoughts echoed by the others. Though faint, muffled screams of excitement could be discerned beneath the electrifying beats. ¡°It seems we''re headed to some sort of party,¡± Orion remarked. The rightmost head burst into laughter. ¡°I told you I was right!¡± it exclaimed, wearing a smug grin directed at the leftmost head. ¡°We don''t know that yet,¡± the leftmost head retorted. ¡°It might sound like a party, but this place could hold surprises. Remember where we are.¡± It emphasized. However, the rightmost head merely laughed harder, making silly faces at its counterpart. A few minutes later, the trio stood before the door, the music now louder, accompanied by audible screams and cheers emanating from behind it. ¡°I must admit, I''m a bit disappointed if this is supposed to be the ''comfortable floor.'' Oh well, might as well enjoy the stay,¡± Orion muttered. Without further ado, the mage placed his hand on the door, which swung open effortlessly. Neither Orion nor Scott, nor the asura, paid attention to the seemingly sentient door, their focus drawn to the beautiful red carpet ahead. Flanking either side were sharply dressed one-eyed gargoyles, who bowed as they ushered the stunned champions inside. ¡°See?¡± the rightmost head exclaimed, reveling in being right. This time, the leftmost head merely pouted, muttering curses under its breath. Simultaneously stepping onto the red carpet, the champions watched as the doorway vanished in a flash. Meanwhile, the champions focused on the gargoyles who motionless bowed like wax figures despite their vitality. ¡°Hello, can I ask you a question?¡± Orion inquired with a smile as he approached one of the gargoyles. Instantly, the creature turned to stone, leaving the champions bewildered. However, the remaining gargoyles showed no reaction. Orion furrowed his brows, readjusting his glasses. Turning to the next gargoyle, he began, ¡°Hello, can I ask¡ª?¡± but halted midway as the creature also turned to stone. A wicked smile graced Orion''s lips as he surveyed the gargoyles. As his staff left the ground, Scott''s voice intervened, ¡°Let''s not cause any trouble. They won''t talk no matter what you do.¡± Orion turned towards him, his smile widening. ¡°I know that,¡± he said. ¡°I just want to see if I can return them to normal. Wouldn''t that be exciting?¡± he added. Scott sighed, shaking his head, and moved forward. ¡°Do as you like. I won''t wait for you,¡± he declared. The asura paused, glancing at the mage before striding forward. Orion''s smile vanished as he watched his companions depart, his focus shifting to the gargoyles, each one a potential source of valuable information. Moments later, the mage sighed, then hurried to catch up with his companion. As Orion left, the petrified creatures resumed their original forms. Suppressing his curiosity once more, Orion followed silently behind Scott and the asura. The trio proceeded down a silent corridor devoid of adornment except for gemstones embedded in the walls, providing illumination. The pristine carpet bore no traces of footprints or dust, suggesting they were the first to traverse it. I''ve been feeling uneasy since we entered, Scott mused silently, the weight of his mask seeming to increase. It''s like the Warhammer can''t wait to be unleashed. Frowning, he gazed ahead, spotting another imposing door at the hallway''s end. He couldn''t help but wonder about the festivities behind the luxuriantly padded doors. Approaching the padded door, a gargoyle stirred, assuming an upright position before stepping forward. Before the champions could comprehend the situation, a melodious voice echoed, ¡°Welcome to the theatre. Here, there''s only one rule: Fight: you stop, you die!¡± Book 2 - Chapter 18 : Fight: You Stop, You Die! Part 2 The leftmost head burst into laughter, its expression a stark contrast to those of Scott, Orion, and the other heads. ¡°I told you,¡± it said with a smug smile, gloating at the rightmost head. ¡°Take that!¡± It roared with excitement, barely able to contain its giggles. This time, it was the rightmost head''s turn to pout, muttering inaudible curses. ¡°Is that all you''re going to tell us about the theatre?¡± Scott asked, eyeing the polite gargoyle. ¡°What do you want to know?¡± the gargoyle responded. ¡°I will only answer what I''m permitted to say,¡± it clarified. Orion took a step forward, beginning, ¡°So, how does this theatre work exactly? And what do you mean by ''fight: you stop, you die''? Is death certain here? And how does this game take into effect the chances of us improving our ranks, and are there potential consequences that could reduce our ranks?¡± The mage asked in one breath, stopping barely ten steps away from the gargoyle. The gargoyle bowed once more as it began, ¡°I apologize in advance; I have no permission to speak about the theatre. You''ll find out about it when you cross the door behind me,¡± it said softly before raising its head. ¡°While the concept of death is still foreign to all floors in the ranking game, champions will experience a full-blown simulation of the feeling while enjoying the theatre. As for your ranks improving or decreasing, both are possibilities; however, they solely depend on your performance,¡± the creature explained slowly and patiently. Orion nodded, grinning as he prepared to speak again; however, the gargoyle''s wings unruffled behind it, its eyes shimmering with an ominous light. It levitated a foot off the ground while chanting arcane words that neither Scott, Orion, nor the asura could decipher. A moment later, it landed on its feet, its ominous eyes meeting those of the curious champions. ¡°The theatre will accept you now. Please, do have fun,¡± it declared with an eerie smile. Wordlessly, it marched back to its previous position, bowing like the rest of the gargoyles. ¡°What was that all about?¡± Orion muttered, barely restraining himself from approaching the nearby gargoyles. ¡°I think we should be more concerned about what''s going to happen once we cross that door,¡± Scott interjected. The strange feeling he had earlier persisted, and it felt like the Warhammer of the mad god couldn¡¯t wait to jump out from the mask. Even more reason the eldritch knight couldn''t help but wonder what lay behind the padded door. Orion chuckled softly. ¡°Weren''t you paying attention? It said we should have fun. What else is there to worry about?¡± he teased, an ominous gleam covering his eyes. ¡°I don''t know about you guys, but I intend to have as much fun as possible,¡± he announced, before slamming the base of his staff on the ground. Within a five-hundred-foot radius of the epicenter, all the gargoyles turned into stone. The staff shed its unpolished exterior, revealing the spear hidden within. Simultaneously, the asura summoned its halberd, each brimming with the might of the elements. The duo turned toward Scott, who had yet to draw his weapon, silently questioning what he was waiting for. Unbeknownst to them, however, the Warhammer refused to heed Scott''s call, leaving the eldritch knight confused. ¡°Are you going to be okay going in like that?¡± murmured the rightmost head from the side, still sulking over its preferred order not being chosen. ¡°We''ll see, I guess,¡± Scott muttered before taking a step forward. The asura mirrored his movements, and soon the duo caught up with Orion as the unlikely group advanced toward the padded door. Excited cheers and screams were drowned out by intense electronic beats, evoking the sensation that the mother of all parties was unfolding behind those doors. As the trio approached within twenty paces of the door, a subtle creak echoed through the corridor. A small partition gradually expanded, emerging between the doors. Despite their curiosity, neither of the champions could discern anything beyond the barrier. Undeterred, the trio pressed forward. Suddenly, the doors swung open wide, unleashing a burst of blinding white light that enveloped them. They were pulled into the room with a forceful tug before the doors slammed shut behind them. In that instant, the petrified gargoyles reverted to their original forms, all standing upright once more. As Scott, Orion, and the asura descended, they plunged through a swirling cloud of auburn mist, engulfed in a cacophony of deafening, pulsating music emanating from every direction. Explosions erupted intermittently, their tremors synchronized with excited screams and woeful shouts that reverberated through the tumultuous atmosphere. Below them, expansive battlefields were torn apart by raging meteor showers, adding to the chaotic scene unfolding beneath their descent. Mountains of corpses littered the ground, rivers of fresh and sullied blood flowing between the macabre corpse pile. Champions of all races, physiques, sexes, and temperaments brutally massacred each other in a massive free-for-all. Tens of thousands of champions within their sight each bared fatal injuries. Nevertheless, they clenched their teeth and fought with unwavering determination, giving their all in the battle. Orion twisted in midair, his laughter echoing maniacally as he deftly manipulated the spear with his right hand. The mage''s robes loosened and vanished into his inventory, along with his glasses, as if by their own accord. ¡°This is far better than my expectations,¡± the mage exclaimed, his eyes ablaze with lunacy. He turned towards the asura, and the champion''s demeanor underwent a drastic transformation. Blood streamed from its eyes while a tangible, blackened miasma oozed from the mouth of its leftmost head, while the rightmost head seemed engulfed in flames. As the mage shifted his gaze towards Scott, the eldritch knight narrowed his eyes in response, his displeasure evident. Scott''s gaze bore into the champions below with intensity. What''s happening here? Orion pondered, following Scott''s line of sight. His brows furrowed as numerous champions turned their heads towards the dim skies, their gazes fixed on Scott with a fervent desire. Suddenly, flaming rods descended from the heavens, streaking towards the inactive champions like shooting stars. In an instant, the rods obliterated the heads of the champions, adding to the growing pile of corpses. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Simultaneously, three projectiles hurtled towards Orion, Scott, and the asura, too swift for them to evade. The first projectile sealed the mage''s mouth, while the second plunged into the asura''s chest, eliciting a soul-rending scream as its magma-like skin darkened like cooling lava. The third projectile struck Scott''s right eye, sealing the cracked eye but avoiding his mask. The bottom half of the Warhammer of the Mad God emerged from the mask, and Scott instinctively grasped the ominous weapon. It was evident to the trio that someone, somewhere, had imposed restrictions on their abilities. Orion swiftly retrieved a dagger from his inventory and drove its serrated blade into his cheeks. He carved his flesh mercilessly, laughter echoing from the bloodied cuts. ¡°It''s going to take a lot more than that to stop me,¡± he uttered, his voice slurred as blood dripped from his wounds. At that moment, Scott''s eyes stirred, and a clank followed by a bang shattered the metallic covering on his right eye, which disintegrated into fine dust. Meanwhile, the asura sank its halberd into his chest, desperately searching for the mysterious item rapidly distorting its body. The champion quickly located the item and sent it flying just as Orion removed the obstruction from his mouth. The trio crashed onto the battlefield along with several meteors which obliterated several regions around them. Dust, smoke, and various gases filled the air, mingling with the stench of charred flesh, rotten corpses, blood, and indiscernible liquids. Amidst the chaos, electronic music thundered across the landscape, infusing the champions with renewed vigor as they embarked on their mindless massacre. Scott swung his Warhammer towards Orion, who retaliated by thrusting his spear towards the eldritch knight. The Warhammer narrowly missed Orion''s skull, cracking the air and causing fresh blood to erupt as a camouflaged lizard revealed itself. Simultaneously, Orion''s spear breezed past Scott''s neck, impaling a mist-like creature with ominous crimson lantern-like eyes. The ghastly champion exploded into a hazy mist, while a crack in space formed from the tip of Orion''s spear. The cracks spread, and dozens of champions within their path instantly turned to dust. Scott phased into intangibility, becoming like a ghost as he descended upon his next victim. Meanwhile, the asura unleashed a savage howl, its body pulsating with energy as elemental forces coalesced around its halberd. Scores of champions fell with each swing of its arm, and even more succumbed to the whirlwinds of elemental devastation. ¡°This is exciting! Come on, show me what you''ve got!¡± Orion bellowed, thrusting his spear repeatedly. Each jab created numerous fault lines that swallowed the surrounding champions. Despite the chaos, none of the champions showed hesitation or fear. Instead, they hurled themselves at each other with unwavering confidence, seeking to vanquish the rampaging trio and other champions within their vicinity. ¡°You''re the one who''s been calling me out. I''ve been searching for you, you bastard!¡± a champion roared as he charged toward Scott, his fists glowing with power. Scott deftly phased through the champion''s wild lunge, re-materializing behind him. Without a word, he brought his Warhammer down, shattering the champion''s skull. Ignoring the fallen foe, he shifted his focus to his next target: a mage surrounded by five swirling magic circles for protection. The middle-aged mage fixed her gaze on Scott, a cruel smile stretching her parched lips. ¡°It appears I''m not the only one plagued by your incessant summons,¡± she remarked. ¡°Today, your head will be mine.¡± With a gesture, the mage activated the circles, casting an amber glow over them. Hundreds of corpses rose into the air, caught in a raging cyclone. With a grim determination, she prepared to unleash her magic. However, Scott diverted his attention, unleashing chaos missiles at unsuspecting champions locked in combat. ¡°You dare turn away from me?¡± Incensed; the mage prepared to unleash her attack, but a spear pierced through her abdomen before she could lower her hand. A crack echoed, and a mighty fist penetrated her defenses, shattering the head of the champion. At that moment, Scott''s right leg exploded into a gory mess, caught in an unforeseen mine hidden among the corpses. The eldritch knight flew several meters into the air, a rain of arrows striking him before he could land. However, the arrowheads could do nothing to penetrate his dragon scales. Close by, Orion laughed with wanton abandon as he cracked the neck of another man. Unlike before, several clones of the mage mixed in with the original, making it hard to distinguish between who was real and who was a clone. Armed with spears, the clones ruthlessly massacred the surrounding champions with murderous delight. Several clones met brutal demises during the chaos, but from the embers of their fresh corpses, even more clones arose as an unending plague. Meanwhile, the asura, besieged by countless champions both towering and small, suffered the most injuries among the trio. Sections of the leftmost and rightmost heads had been blown apart, but they showed labored signs of regeneration. Although there were no alliances in the free-for-all melee, Scott, the asura, and Orion ensured they didn''t stray too far from each other. Even so, the sheer disruptive nature of the battlefield prevented them from providing complete cover for each other. The chaos caller title actively drew all champions plagued with lunacy toward their direction, adding more fire to the chaotic battle. Scott continued fending off the relentless attacks from his pursuers while regenerating his mangled leg. He shifted between the tangible world and the illusionary world, unleashing an array of attacks from his arsenal, including chaos missiles, the curse of the nightmarish fog, and the abyssal blizzard. Attacks came fast and powerfully, leaving many champions with no room to think, let alone react. Scott, likewise, faced a similar barrage of cruel and devastating attacks. However, his ability to fade in and out of existence helped reduce the damage he would potentially suffer. Scott evaded another laser beam attack while using chaos missiles to sear the eyes of a canine adversary. The moment he materialized, several clamps bound his arms and feet, sending the eldritch knight crashing to the ground. At that instant, a hulking figure with a mask made of bones lowered its scepter toward Scott''s head. The silver weapon smashed against the back of Scott¡¯s neck, but it shattered on impact. Before the stunned champion could comprehend what had happened, a gigantic foot kicked the figure thousands of meters away. The rampaging giant fixed its gaze on Scott, who struggled to free his bound limbs while dodging attacks from nearby champions. The massive creature raised its leg, intending to crush everything beneath its feet. However, the earth suddenly trembled, and a sinkhole formed beneath the giant, swallowing it whole. Another sinkhole formed beneath Orion, but the mage defied gravity, levitating in midair while battling the crazed champions around him. Unbeknownst to the mage, a massive mouth revealed itself from the sinkhole, swallowing the mage and his clones in one gulp. All the while, an electrifying guitar riff echoed in the background. Scott managed to free himself from the shackles that had limited his ability to use void levitation, but a massive orc¡¯s fist greeted him as soon as he stood up. The orc was impaled by a swordsman, who was then blown up by an arsonist, who also swiftly met their demise at the hands of an assassin. The asura fared no better, becoming the victim of a massive golem intent on pummeling the malevolent creature. New champions descended into the chaotic battlefield every minute, ensuring the mayhem would repeat in an unending cycle. Meanwhile, champions who remained inactive for more than thirty seconds were swiftly blown to smithereens by flaming rods. The ground trembled once more, heralding the return of the colossal worm-like creature that had devoured Orion and several other champions. It surged forward, its gaping maw aimed at fresh prey, but then abruptly halted, its form swelling rapidly. An explosion ensued, showering the area with a grisly mix of bloodied flesh and noxious fluid, catching the nearby champions off guard. From the creature''s innards, Orion and his clones burst forth, their laughter echoing with manic fervor as they launched into a frenzied assault on any nearby champions. While some champions possessed the ability to regenerate severed limbs and injuries, none could withstand the relentless toll of the ongoing battle. Their only reprieve came from the electrifying music, which seemed to invigorate their weary minds and bodies, preparing them for further carnage. Book 2 - Chapter 19 : Experience Points on Steroids Scott pulled himself up from the ground, engaging in a grueling combat with multiple champions, his movements betraying signs of exhaustion. Despite his weariness, each strike he delivered carried enough force to incapacitate his opponents efficiently. Meanwhile, Orion, surrounded by hundreds of clones, fought with a combination of grace and brutality. Despite the thirty-second limitation, the mage occasionally directed some of his duplicates to inspect specific corpses or opponents, regardless of the potential repercussions. As the asura faced off against robust champions targeting it, it adapted its fighting style while taking advantage of its numerous limbs, ruthlessly dispatching its adversaries. With each passing moment, a growing pile of corpses surrounded the trio, despite their various regenerative capabilities. Scott and the asura began to show signs of fatigue as the battle wore on, while Orion, aside from his intense expression, seemed to possess an otherworldly level of endurance, remaining unfazed by the ongoing conflict. After barely twenty minutes since their arrival on the battlefield, the electrifying music abruptly ceased, and an eerie silence fell over the arena. Strangely, no new champions had entered the fray for the past five minutes. Suddenly, a mysterious force enveloped all surviving combatants, and multiple system windows materialized before their eyes.
Congratulations! You have completed the 31,456th performance! EXP: 30000!
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
Congratulations! Your physical stats have improved!
Congratulations! You have attained a remarkable achievement!
Congratulations! Several of your Skills have upgraded!
Rank: 20!
Physical Stats Strength: 30 (+2)
Agility: 31 (+1)
Endurance: 24 (+5)
Dexterity: 30 (+2)
Toughness: 34 (+4)
Abnormal State Chaotic Maniacal
Scott stood there, bewildered by the messages flashing before him. In that very moment, radiant lights descended from the heavens, enveloping the motionless champions in their comforting glow. The lifeless bodies wilted under the intense illumination, while the surviving champions began to regain their physical and mental composure. ¡°This is absurd,¡± Scott muttered inwardly. ¡°System, show stats,¡± he demanded silently.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Scott Dorsey.
Level: 31 -New!
Experience Points: 600/3200 ¨C New!
Eldritch Energy Capacity: 2000/2000 [Lower Tier] ¨C New!
Race:
  • Eldritch Spawn.
  • Half-human.
Class: Eldritch Knight. Tier 4
  • Eldritch Nova: You can unleash a massive burst of eldritch energy, dealing massive damage to all enemies within range.
  • Arcane Mastery: Your mastery over magic allows you to cast spells more efficiently.
  • Eldritch Avatar: You become an avatar of eldritch energy, gaining incredible power and abilities.
[Tier 5-10 Locked]
Party Members:
  • Slim the Grim.
  • Zara [Party Leader]
Title:
  • Chaos Caller.
  • Minion 01.
Rank: 20.
Energy Sources:
  • Abyssal Void.
  • Madness!
Abnormal State: Chaotic Maniacal.
Achievements: You completed the 31,456th performance in the theatre!!
Sponsor: None!
Physical Stats Strength: 30.
Agility: 31.
Endurance: 24.
Dexterity: 30.
Toughness: 34.
Skills Carpentry (Level 1).
Running (Level 2).
Survival (Level 3).
Madness (Level 4) ¨C New!
Hastur¡¯s Gaze (Level 2)
Hastur''s Whisper (Level 2) - New!
Mental Manipulation (Level 4) ¨C New!
Party Communication (Level 1) ¨C Party Dependent Skill.
Basic Eldritch casting (Level 2) ¨C New!
Hammer Mastery (Level 3) ¨C New!
Combat (Level 4) ¨C New!
Fishing (Level 1).
Hastur''s Vessel There¡¯s a 50% chance your body will be possessed by Hastur the Unspeakable. Temporary possession inactive!
Void Bank
  • Calming Woods
  • Slime Party
  • ??? Void
Abilities
Low Tier
Hammer Strike: Fueled by eldritch energy, delivers significant damage to a single target when using a hammer.
Quick Step: Increase movement speed by 10% for five seconds.
Nature¡¯s Bounty: Increases the odds of finding food and resources by 5%.
Build: Construct a structure or item using wood materials.
Repair: Restore damaged structures or items.
Middle Tier
Imprint of Madness: All physical stats will rise by fifteen points. Odds of landing a critical strike increases by 22% when Imprint of Madness is activated. All physical stats will drop by 7 if mental state is overridden with madness. Limit: 7/20 - New!
Mind Control: Odds of manipulating beings without mental resistance increases by 30%. Mind Control¡¯s effectiveness increases by 20% when combined with Imprint of Madness.
Mental Resistance: You¡¯re immune to all mental attacks from beings below sainthood.
Chaos Missiles: Unleashes twenty bolts of raw eldritch energy.
Dragon Scales: Your skin will harden and will become as durable as a dragon¡¯s scales, while being resistant to most elemental attacks.
Abyssal Blizzard: Creates a burst of icy energy from the void.
Void Blast: Shoots a significant nightmare flame to a single target. Nightmare flames devour negative emotions to fuel its rage.
Void Levitate: This version of Levitate is infused with the power of the Void, allowing the caster to slip in and out of existence. While levitating, the caster becomes intangible and immune to physical attacks, but also unable to interact with the environment in any meaningful way.
Curse of the Nightmarish Fog: Creates a fog of eldritch energy that inflicts both poison and madness upon enemies caught within it.
Siegel: 30% chance of corrupting an item with your eldritch energy. Items bearing your Siegel have a 35% chance of corrupting the mind when used by other beings.
Hastur¡¯s Gaze: Peer into the status screens of other beings! Only beings above Level 50 will escape your gaze.
Hastur¡¯s Whisper: Strengthened with your connection to the abyssal void, you can summon low and middle tier level entities of eldritch origins.
Shapeshifter: No one will see you for who you are.
Dragon Aura: With your bloodlust as a trigger, you will be able to impose the almighty force of a dragon. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
Fusion: Empowered by a dragon¡¯s mythical knowledge, you will be able to combine two or more synergistic abilities to create brand new abilities. Depending on the synergy between energy sources, it¡¯s also possible to combine them. Warning! Fusion of energy sources could have unprecedented consequences.
High Tier
Tongue of All: You will understand every language, written and spoken, native or foreign to your world!
Eldritch Regeneration: Born from the fusion of two abilities, the user can restore health to themselves and others, healing wounds and injuries over time. The user is also capable of regrowing any part of their body that has been damaged or lost, as long as they do not die. Warning! Beings of non-eldritch origins are highly likely to succumb to their inner insanity when healed from Eldritch Regeneration.
Quests Main Quest: Survive the Theatre ¨C Completed!
Scott scanned the system panel, his confusion and surprise hidden behind his mask. Soon understanding swiftly trailed his initial reactions. So, this is the reason they all fought like suicidal maniacs, he mused, though skepticism lingered. But surely this isn¡¯t sustainable. Turning to Orion, Scott noticed a mirrored expression of bewilderment. Then, his gaze shifted to the asura, where a troubling sight awaited him. The malevolent creature had somehow grown larger and more menacing since their last encounter. Lost in contemplation, Scott barely registered the emergence of another system notification, accompanied this time by a melodious symphony that enveloped the immobilized champions.
The 31,457th performance will soon begin!
Note: Champions will be forcefully eliminated after thirty seconds of inactivity!
Note: The 31,457th performance will span three years only!
Note: Champions who make it to the end of the performance will receive 70,000 experience points!
Note: Champions eliminated before the end of the performance will only be rewarded experience points according to the number of opponents eliminated!
Three years? Scott''s eyes widened in surprise, and he wasn''t alone in his reaction. The champions suddenly grasped the sheer fortune of their timely arrival. It dawned on them that few, if any, from the initial group of performers in the 31,456th iteration had likely endured until this point in the performance. No matter how greedy one may be, there¡¯s no way anyone would believe they can last that long, right? Scott thought to himself while glancing at nearby champions. "Among the champions, a common trait emerged¡ªa palpable greed veiled their eyes. For many, the windfall from the previous performance surpassed their wildest expectations. Their survival only fueled delusions of grandeur, festering in their minds.
Please indicate if you¡¯d like to return to your area or remain in the theatre!
Remain! Leave!
Scott turned towards Orion and the asura, a silent and mutual understanding passing between them. Without hesitation, they decided to depart. Simultaneously, other champions made their choices. Crimson beams cascaded from the heavens, enveloping tens of thousands of champions in a blinding flash. Meanwhile, the lively music from earlier gradually intensified, marking the beginning of another performance. Scott observed as the battlefield descended once more into chaos, soaring skyward. Moments later, Scott and the champions who opted to leave found themselves in a vast field stretching beyond the horizon. ¡°Where are we?¡± Scott murmured, scanning the area for Orion and the asura, but they remained elusive. With thousands of champions congregated in the same space, caution prevailed among them. After all, there was no certainty whether they had been summoned to the field for the purpose of engaging in battle with one another.
Please select from the following floors!
Rave Town.
Odon Peaks.
Dreamland.
Laughing Hills.
Sauna City.
Silent Hill.
Nameless Valley.
Scott stared at the system message, and barely a second after it emerged, a rogue tendril raced toward an option, clicking it with satisfaction.
You have decided to visit the Nameless Valley!
Please enjoy your stay!
With his mouth agape, Scott observed as the ground beneath his feet split open, plunging him into free fall amidst turbulent clouds. Beneath him, a vast valley emerged, its vegetation obscured by thick fog. Despite the ominous surroundings, Scott''s attention fixated on a darkened tower nestled in the heart of the forest. Though barely discernible, a flashing yellow sign atop the tower caught his eye, resembling a beacon guiding who knew what.
Welcome to the Nameless¡ª
The system message abruptly glitched as a red taint covered the usually blueish interface.
Carcosa is thrilled with your arrival!
Scott narrowed his eyes, his gaze shifting between the message and the ominous tower below. The raging skies seemed to carry his form toward the towering structure, and the closer he got, the more intimidating the building appeared. The blackened tower, constructed from a unique material, was responsible for the thick fog blanketing the valley. What¡¯s more, the vegetation closest to the tower was far more robust and enchanting, seemingly moving along with the raging winds that stormed the valley. About five hundred meters away from the tower, in an area shrouded with the densest fog, Scott''s eyes penetrated through the mist, staring at the churning pool with flashing streaks of yellow hidden from the ordinary eye. The yellow sign appeared in Scott¡¯s left eye, blinking in sync with the ominous flashes of yellow from the pool. The eldritch knight soon landed on a large podium extending outward, with a tiled pathway leading to an ivory door adorned with golden accessories. Scott took a cursory look at his surroundings as the howling winds struck against his body. With each passing minute, his frown deepened, and an unsettling feeling gradually welled up inside him. The fact that the system message announcing Carcosa was thrilled with his arrival hadn¡¯t disappeared only made him more cautious and anxious. I hate the fact that this place feels oddly familiar despite it being my first time here, Scott frowned as he turned his attention back to the ivory door¡ªthe only entrance into the tower. ¡°I guess I don¡¯t have any choice,¡± he muttered, his footsteps echoing against the marble floor as he approached the magnificent entrance. On his fourth step, however, the grand doors swung open with a hiss, billowing out copious amounts of steam. Scott''s attention, however, was drawn to the towering figure before him, clad in attire that seemed plucked from the future, a stark departure from anything he had encountered or imagined. The figure''s glowing blue eyes, set in a sleek head devoid of nostrils, ears, or mouth, only heightened Scott''s wariness, casting an eerie glow upon the scene. Is that a robot? Scott''s thoughts raced as he braced himself for a confrontation. Despite the lack of reaction from the warhammer at the sight of the mechanical being, Scott remained on guard, unwilling to take unnecessary risks. The mechanical entity halted its advance just over ten feet from Scott, its luminous blue gaze locking onto the eldritch knight''s ominous eyes. With a graceful bow, it emitted a mechanical voice that reverberated through the air, ¡°Welcome back, Great One!¡± Book 2 - Chapter 20 : The Truth Scott started intently at the mechanical creature, a torrent of questions swirling in his mind. The android humanoid remained stoic, maintaining its bowing posture while Scott hesitated in silence. The stillness stretched on, punctuated only by the deafening roar of the winds. Finally, Scott took a tentative step forward, his voice carried away by the gusts. ¡°Will you answer my questions?¡± he inquired, halting in front of the bowing figure. Raising its head, the robotic humanoid met the eldritch knight''s unsettling stare. ¡°I will do my best to answer all inquiries, but first, we should return,¡± the robot urged, gesturing towards the churning darkness beyond the parted door. Scott''s gaze shifted towards the entrance, his brow furrowing. ¡°What awaits me in there?¡± he questioned. Turning towards Scott, the robot replied, ¡°Your kingdom. And there, you shall uncover the nature and truth of your existence. Please, come with me, great one,¡± it said with another courteous bow. Scott''s eyes remained fixed on the parted door, the yellow sign flickering incessantly within his left eye. ¡°Lead the way,¡± he finally conceded after a moment''s hesitation. The robot straightened itself before proceeding towards the door in deliberate steps, with Scott following closely behind. The eldritch knight scanned his surroundings meticulously, searching for any signs of danger, but found none. Nonetheless, he maintained his vigilant demeanor as they approached the door. As they drew nearer to the door, Scott''s features twisted in surprise, his eyes blinking rapidly. Peering through the darkness, he beheld an expansive space, with countless galaxies spread out beyond imagination. A shimmering pathway akin to flowing mercury stretched into the unknown expanse, battered by icy winds. ¡°Why does this place feel familiar?¡± Scott wondered aloud, unable to shake off the sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. ¡°What is this place?¡± Scott asked out loud. ¡°This is merely a small map meant to depict your galactic conquest,¡± the android explained without turning, its right-hand gesturing towards the distant galaxies. In an instant, the distant clusters rushed towards them, revealing dozens of planets, swirling dust clouds, myriad asteroids, stars, and moons. Within this cosmic tapestry lay an array of unimaginable life forms living in harmony. Yet, amidst the diversity, Scott spotted towers akin to the one in the nameless valley, scattered throughout the expanse. The android flicked its right hand once more, and the clusters returned to their original position. Then it continued walking. Lost in his thoughts, Scott paused for a moment before following the creature. A moment later, his voice echoed again. ¡°Who are you?¡± he asked. The android stopped once more, turning toward Scott with a subservient bow. ¡°Great one, please call me Wuta-345. I was chosen among the previous council to manage this tower until your appointed time of arrival,¡± it revealed. Wuta-345? What does that even mean? Scott thought, frowning behind his mask. ¡°So, what purpose does this tower serve?¡± Scott asked impatiently, his gaze focused on the android. The android raised its head, its eyes beaming with an ominous gleam. ¡°It¡¯s a beacon to call forth your armies for the fateful battle,¡± it said. Scott¡¯s brows creased even further. He had never been more confused. As he prepared to speak, a rogue thought suddenly filled his mind, and his eyes widened as if clarity had dawned on him. He stared intently at Wuta-345. ¡°Does Hastur intend to wage war against the gods and lesser gods of the Tower of Champions?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Wuta-345 answered solemnly and without delay. ¡°All of Carcosa has gathered for the sole purpose of fulfilling this desire,¡± it continued, staring intently at Scott. ¡°And you have been chosen as Lord Hastur¡¯s vessel to bring forth this task,¡± it said, pointing toward Scott. ¡°Wait, you mean Hastur isn¡¯t here to accomplish this task himself?¡± Scott queried. ¡°The gods and rulers of this plane are indeed powerful, but the Great One will never descend to such a low plane of existence. His mere presence alone would shatter the very fabric of known reality in this dimension. Even his¡ª¡± ¡°You¡¯re lying,¡± Scott interjected, forcing the android to sharply meet his gaze. The eldritch knight continued, his voice steady, ¡°An existence on that level would not care about a plane of existence as trivial as this. It¡¯s just too much work.¡± If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. Wuta-345 prepared to speak, but a portal opened right next to it, ripping the mechanical creature to shreds. Instantly, another android with remarkable similarity to Wuta-345 appeared from an adjacent portal. It bowed as soon as it arrived, ¡°I greet thee who was chosen by the Unspeakable One. I¡¯m Wuta-346,¡± it said. Scott stared at the remains of Wuta-345, which weightlessly drifted through the void, then turned his attention toward its successor. ¡°Tell me the truth. The reason your master hasn¡¯t descended into this plane of existence isn¡¯t because he doesn¡¯t want to; rather, it¡¯s because he can¡¯t, right?¡± The android nodded in its bowing position, seemingly scared to utter a word. Scott¡¯s eyes lit up, but even more questions plagued his mind. Scott pondered, if it¡¯s impossible for him to appear here, then how and why did he choose me? Almost instantly, a hand shot out from the mask, hurtling toward the abyssal void. The sentient appendage tore through the fabric of space and time, unveiling a massive mirror that projected a series of chaotic images before retracting back into the mask, leaving Scott staring at the colossal projection. ¡°Is that me?¡± Scott muttered, his gaze fixed on a chaotic event he couldn''t recall, mirrored before him. He witnessed a version of himself lying battered and beaten in the desert, his ashen face besieged by a tumult of emotions. Bitterness, confusion, and hatred etched into his eyes, threatening to consume him. Yet, Scott couldn''t tear his gaze from the tumultuous skies above, where the heavens churned and twisted, revealing a portal to the void. Massive, writhing tendrils, each capable of engulfing the Earth; coiled and thrashed within the primordial abyss. They seemed to consume ancient, burning stars with ease, shattering them into oblivion. The once vast and awe-inspiring universe now seemed minuscule compared to the monstrous tentacles. Scott watched as the version of himself on the ground bled from both eyes, the writhing appendages unlike anything he had ever seen. Eldritch in nature, they exuded an otherworldly aura. Fascinated, he couldn''t look away as the ambiguous monstrosity devoured star after star, its insatiable hunger seemingly unquenchable. The eldritch horror morphed into an even more unfathomable form, a writhing mass of flesh, bone, and sinew pulsating with an ungodly energy that threatened to tear reality asunder. Scott trembled, his mind recoiling, yet a strange sense of familiarity filled his heart. Why does this look familiar? Scott pondered silently. The image shifted again, several versions of himself floating in the abyss, all gazing at the eldritch horror. One by one, they disappeared, their existence judged invalid and mundane. The eldritch abomination continued its rampage, reshaping the fabric of the universe at will. The tiny spectators vanished, leaving only one version of Scott remaining. Then, a new image emerged. In the vast emptiness of the void, the variant faced a figure in flashing yellow. Though non-humanoid, it felt oddly familiar to him. Scott couldn¡¯t tear his eyes from the mirror, his chest throbbing with fury, breath quickening in anticipation. The figure in yellow turned towards him, ignoring the variant within the projection. At that moment, Wuta-346 imploded, the frigid winds dissipating. The figure in yellow knocked on the mirror, a deafening echo resounding within the void. Scott locked gazes with the otherworldly being, an eternity seeming to pass. The figure averted its gaze, and the projection resumed. Another portal opened, Wuta-347 emerging, but Scott paid it no heed. He couldn''t tear his eyes from the screen. He watched as the figure in yellow extracted the consciousness of his variant, tearing a hole through space and sending the consciousness through it. The images disappeared, the crack in space healing. Scott stood there, lost in his thoughts, before turning toward the new android, preparing to speak. However, a fresh burst of memories assaulted the mind of the eldritch knight, causing him to wince as he staggered to his knees. His misery lasted only a moment before clarity returned to his eyes. ¡°I finally understand. So, that¡¯s how I ended up in the nameless tower,¡± Scott muttered, rising from his kneeling position and focusing on the android. ¡°When will the war begin?¡± Scott suddenly asked. ¡°Once you cross the point of no return, great one,¡± the android declared solemnly. Scott''s brows creased. This was the second time he had heard about it. ¡°When will I cross it?¡± ¡°I have no authority to speak on that matter, great one,¡± the android responded. Unknown to Scott, the outline of another hand formed around his mask as soon as he asked the question, but it retreated after the android gave its response. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll find out soon enough,¡± Scott muttered softly. ¡°So, where exactly are you taking me, and how long will I be here exactly?¡± ¡°We¡¯re going to see the elders, great one. After that, you¡¯re free to leave whenever you like,¡± the android responded. It hesitated for a moment before continuing, ¡°It¡¯s likely you won¡¯t be able to proceed to the next floor either way, so¡ª¡± ¡°Why is that?¡± Scott interjected. ¡°From the data we have collected, they¡¯re all sanctuaries of various lesser gods and gods. They won¡¯t permit unauthorized entry,¡± the android explained. Scott took a step forward, his passionate eyes lingering on the bowing android. ¡°You have data on all the floors, yes?¡± ¡°Yes, great one,¡± the android replied instantly, sensing an ominous chill in Scott¡¯s words. A wicked smile graced Scott¡¯s lips as he continued, ¡°I¡¯d like to see them before I leave. Stand up. I¡¯m eager to meet the elders you spoke about.¡± Wuta-347 quickly stood up and resumed leading Scott further down the mercury road. Meanwhile, the eldritch knight had a myriad of thoughts plaguing his mind. If the next floor is exclusively for those with sponsors, then it¡¯s likely that I¡¯ll be sent to the fifteenth floor. Hopefully, Zara and the others will already have arrived. No matter what, we must all join the blood cult if we want to make it out of the ranking games, Scott thought. Book 2 - Chapter 21: Unexpected Scott and the android continued their quiet trek for another hour, neither posing a question nor feeling the need to ask one. The scenery within the abyssal void remained unchanged, with vast clusters of galaxies looming in the distance. However, the bubbling road solidified the further they walked, hardening like diamond. Two hours after their last discussion, Wuta-347 paused in its tracks before turning toward Scott with a subservient bow. ¡°Great one, we have arrived,¡± it said. Scott¡¯s brows shot up underneath his mask as he took a cursory glance at his surroundings. Apart from the hardened road, nothing had changed. ¡°Is this where the elders are waiting?¡± Scott probed, folding his arms across his chest. The android nodded before pivoting toward the void. It stretched its right hand, and a crack appeared in space. Then, it turned toward Scott once more. ¡°Great one, please come with me.¡± Saying nothing further, the android jumped into the portal without hesitation. Meanwhile, Scott observed the flickering portal for a moment, sensing no obvious signs of danger from the swirling mass. Cautiously, the eldritch knight followed suit, jumping into the portal. In a flash, Scott appeared in a massive chamber with towering pillars over fifty feet in height and more than ten meters thick. The eldritch knight slowly observed his surroundings, but the pristine room didn¡¯t have any single piece of furniture apart from three massive, makeshift thrones embedded into the far side of the northernmost wall. The disappearance of Wuta-347 filled Scott with caution as he carefully scanned the mysterious hall. ¡°Are you going to keep me waiting?¡± Scott suddenly shouted, both arms leisurely folded across his chest. His voice resounded within the spacious hall, and at that moment, flames lit up on each of the massive thrones. Scott cast his gaze toward the area, his keen eyes watching as the flickering flames contorted and flared as if summoning an otherworldly beast. A turquoise flame hovered above the leftmost throne while an amber and blackened flame hovered above the centermost and rightmost thrones. ¡°I greet thee who has been chosen by the great one.¡± Ominous whispers filled Scott¡¯s mind, echoing like a cacophony of nightmarish creatures. The flames flickered intensely as the whispers lingered, and Scott¡¯s gaze remained focused on the thrones. ¡°I suppose you¡¯re the elders,¡± Scott probed, his brows narrowing behind his mask. ¡°I am nothing but a servant of the Unspeakable one,¡± the whispers echoed once more. ¡°All right then, tell me what purpose this place serves and what expectations do you have of me?¡± Scott asked, uninterested in beating around the bush. Whispers akin to gibberish filled the mind of the eldritch knight as the flames flickered with increasing intensity, seemingly deliberating among themselves. Moments later, silence descended, followed by the resonant clarity of a deep voice echoing within the hall. ¡°Great one, we have been sent here to fulfill an eon-long mission: the conquest of this land. The Unspeakable One prophesied a day when his vessel would arrive, heralding a new era¡ªan era where Carcosa would vanquish the trifling gods of these lands and usher in the reign of The King in Yellow.¡± The voice dissipated, leaving the hall steeped in silence once more. Meanwhile, Scott''s features contorted behind his mask. How long has that bastard been eyeing this place? Scott pondered silently. The extensive knowledge Carcosa possessed about the tower''s floors suggested they had been present far longer than Scott could fathom. With his arrival, their ambitious plans would set into motion, whether he agreed or not. After a brief pause, the voice echoed again, ¡°Great one, your role will be to lead the armies at the appointed time¡ªan honor beyond our wildest dreams.¡± ¡°That will be when I cross the point of no return, yes?¡± Scott inquired. ¡°Your wisdom astounds us, great one. Indeed, that is the appointed time,¡± the voice affirmed without flattery. Scott nodded slowly, posing another question, ¡°So, this army. Where is it?¡± Silence enveloped the hall momentarily before a massive distortion materialized in front of Scott, causing his brows to arch. Within the portal, he beheld hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Wutas and myriad other strange creatures, incubated and stacked in layers within an underwater chamber. ¡°Great one, we have meticulously trained and bred the finest warriors in preparation for the appointed time. We vow not to disappoint your expectations,¡± the voice pledged solemnly. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Speechless, Scott could only stare at the vast army in silence. Though he couldn''t gauge their individual power, he couldn''t help but wonder about the devastation they could unleash upon the tower. Yet, an existential crisis gripped him, pondering what fate awaited him and his companions should Hastur descend. Scott tore his gaze from the portal, returning to the flames. ¡°How do you intend to vanquish the gods of this place? Surely, you don''t believe this army alone would suffice,¡± he remarked, gesturing towards the incubated warriors. ¡°Great one, those are merely the vanguard,¡± the voice explained. ¡°Our main forces can only reveal themselves once you''ve crossed the point of no return. At that juncture, the seals won''t hinder our manifestation in physical form.¡± Shock briefly gripped Scott, though he quickly regained his composure. ¡°How long do you believe you can evade the watchful eyes of the tower''s rulers?¡± Scott asked after a prolonged silence. Despite acknowledging Carcosa''s extraordinary army, he doubted the gods and lesser gods would allow a foreign power''s invasion. ¡°Great one, they are already aware of our presence and intentions. We entered this realm after the last battle between the rulers of the old order and the current ones,¡± the voice responded promptly. Scott''s eyes widened in realization, connecting several past incidents. He finally comprehended the events that occurred before he left Enchanted Heights and the appearance of winged creatures during his battle with the titan. ¡°If they are aware, why haven''t they taken action? Or are they unable to?¡± Scott asked. ¡°Any battle before the point of no return would devastate creatures below that stage. The rulers wish to avoid such destruction, which is why they cannot act against us. However, that changes once you cross the famed barrier,¡± the voice clarified. Scott sighed internally, feeling the weight of the situation. Concerns about Omar, climbing the tower, and the various schemes of other champions and factions paled in comparison. He raised his head, refocusing on the elders'' flaming representations. ¡°So, will you provide me with a means to enhance my abilities?¡± ¡°I apologize, great one. We lack the authority to grant such requests,¡± the voice declared. Scott nodded, harboring no initial expectations. ¡°Can you then explain why I was chosen as your lord''s vessel among countless beings?¡± ¡°I apologize, great one. We lack the authority to answer that. All will be revealed in due time. What I can say is that across all known planes, there''s no one as remarkable as you. After all, you were chosen as a vessel for the unspeakable one,¡± the voice elaborated. Scott''s lips twitched involuntarily as he gazed at the hovering flames. He prepared to pose another question when a system notification suddenly appeared before him.
Two new locations have been added to the Void Bank!
Scott frowned behind his mask. How is that even possible? He pondered. After all, he hadn¡¯t used the ability since leaving the unknown void. With a thought, Scott willed open his status screen, paying special attention to the void bank section.
Void Bank Calming Woods.
Slime Party.
??? Void.
Carcosa ¨C New!
Lake Hali ¨C New!
Scott murmured softly to himself as he perused the tab. Carcosa, he knew, referred to his current location, and Lake Hali was the massive body of water concealed within the mist, possibly harboring the incubated soldiers in their pods. What puzzled him, however, was how the void bank had recorded both locations. Does this mean any location I go to from now on will be recorded, Scott mused, but quickly discarded the thought. He believed the likely reason Carcosa and Lake Hali were recorded was because of the unique nature of both locations. ¡°Great one, the task you sent the Wuta to fulfill has been accomplished. How would you like to assimilate the data?¡± The voice suddenly interrupted Scott¡¯s thoughts. Scott shifted his focus from the system panel, a smile blossoming beneath his mask. So, that¡¯s why I couldn¡¯t find it. He had always wondered where the Wuta disappeared to. ¡°How comprehensive is the data?¡± he inquired. ¡°It spans several millennia. You won¡¯t be disappointed,¡± the voice assured confidently. Scott¡¯s smile brightened, and he couldn¡¯t help but think of Orion, the data-obsessed mage. At that same moment, Scott recalled what the mage had told him previously, and he posed another question to the elders. ¡°What connection exists between Carcosa and the Brotherhood of the Yellow Sign?¡± Scott''s gaze narrowed as he awaited a response. ¡°They''re mere servants to him who shall not be named,¡± the voice replied. "Should you will it, they will gladly forfeit their pitiful lives.¡± Scott nodded slowly, a devious smile forming on his lips. ¡°Someone else will assimilate the data in my stead. If possible, I want restrictions placed on the data in case of betrayal or unauthorized sharing. Can that be arranged?¡± ¡°It''s not a problem, great one,¡± the voice confirmed. ¡°We will ensure no being or god, except you, can access the data from your chosen vessel, whether dead or alive.¡± Scott chuckled softly. ¡°That would be much appreciated. Prepare the data in a device¡ª" Before he could finish his statement, a throbbing pang echoed from the back of his head, disorienting the eldritch knight. Several tendrils on Scott¡¯s arm squirmed silently, and even the mask of the eldritch knight felt unusually heavy. Before Scott could comprehend what was happening, a system notification appeared in front of his eyes.
A bearer of your imprint of madness has been killed!
Book 2 - Chapter 22: An Old Face Scott''s gaze lingered on the blood-red lettering of the system message, a heavy silence settling around him. Though the flaming apparition of the elders spoke, their words dissolved into the void of his shock. ¡°Someone died?¡± Scott murmured, his bewilderment tangible. Faces flashed before his mind''s eye¡ªZara, Slim, Fi-Fi, Llorva, Ember, Orion, and the asura¡ªbut he couldn''t discern who among them had passed. The notion of death being a definite possibility amidst the ranking games, where cheating fate seemed paramount, rattled him. Could it have been her? Scott wondered, the image of a towering androgynous woman haunting his thoughts. With a mere thought, a crack shimmered in Scott''s right eye, birthing a portal within the expansive hall. Before the elders could grasp the situation, the portal whisked him away. Scott plummeted through gray skies, hurtling toward the rugged terrain below with alarming speed. His eyes, clear yet restless, scanned the surroundings, seeking something¡ªor someone¡ªimpatiently. In a heartbeat, he spotted them: figures clad in pristine white robes, each adorned with distinctive bloodstains. Amidst the diverse eight-member party, one face stood out¡ªa familiar figure engrossed in lively conversation with her companions. The eldritch knight sighed, feeling the grip of anxiety loosen slightly in his chest. With a thought, another portal materialized several feet above the ground, and Scott vanished noiselessly as he emerged elsewhere. Meanwhile, Zara and her alliance members sensed an unusual urge to raise their heads, but only the dull gray night skies greeted them. Without dwelling on the odd sensation, they continued their journey. In another location, Scott emerged from a portal onto solid ground, finding himself in a room enveloped in thick, fragrant steam. ¡°Where in the hell am I, and where''s Slim?¡± Scott muttered, scanning the room for his skeletal companion. Slowly, he explored the expansive area resembling a massive sauna, the steam unable to hinder his sharp gaze. Despite finding no traces of living beings, occasional giggles and chortles echoed through the space. Pressing on, Scott remained mindful of time passing. The further he ventured, the more the giggles intensified, their familiarity unsettling him. Following his instincts, he navigated a winding path until he reached a vast indoor pool. There, he observed several champions adorned in unique and exotic swimwear, either swimming or lounging by the pool with drinks in hand. Some reclined-on massage tables, attended to by voluptuous creatures resembling humanoid slimes, each possessing distinct human features. Amidst the excited champions, Slim lay on a table, grinning widely as the voluptuous creatures glided over his bones, smearing them with a pinkish liquid. ¡°Look at that dumbass enjoying himself,¡± Scott muttered under his breath, exhaling softly as his anxiety ebbed once more. Another portal opened before him, and without a word, he vanished again. Unlike Zara and her companions, Slim remained unperturbed, fully absorbed in his massage. Scott vanished and reappeared in two new locations in rapid succession, ensuring Fi-Fi and Llorva''s safety without either detecting his presence. Among the seven bearers of his imprint, only three remained unaccounted for: Orion, the asura, and Ember. Emerging from another portal, Scott held the back of his head, his right eye throbbing incessantly and his vision periodically blurring. In this new location, gentle winds caressed his face, tousling his hair, while melodious chimes reverberated in the air. The clear skies stretched over lush mountains, where fairies and various miniature creatures flitted about, accompanied by a symphony of musical instruments. Scott''s gaze roamed from person to person until it settled on Orion, who lay on the ground, entranced by the sky. Sensing Scott''s scrutiny, the mage sat up, turning towards the eldritch knight. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Their eyes met, and Orion smiled, poised to speak. But Scott beat him to it. ¡°I can''t talk now. Let''s rendezvous at the first neutral ground. Before then, I''ll take you to a place where you can access data beyond your imagination.¡± Another portal materialized before Scott, and he vanished. Meanwhile, Orion''s smile widened at the prospect of discovering data intriguing enough to captivate Scott. As Orion gathered himself, preparing to depart, a stray thought intruded his mind. ¡°How did he arrive here? Does he possess the ability to traverse between different floors? And his demeanor...was he relieved when our eyes met, or am I reading too much into it?¡± The mage stared at the clouds once more. ¡°I think I¡¯ve relaxed enough. I should get going,¡± he muttered softly. The mage moved with deliberate steps into the distance, his thoughts swirling like leaves in a tempest. Meanwhile, Scott emerged from yet another portal, thin lines of blood tracing along his face like squirming worms as the cracks within his eye pulsated with fervor. His breath quickened noticeably, his complexion paling with each passing moment. As Scott emerged from the portal, his expression grew serious, confronted with a scene of utter devastation. Smoke hung in the air over the rocky terrain, deep crevices still crumbling at the edges. Dust clouds mingled with scattered flames, while surviving vegetation swayed in the breeze, a silent witness to the chaos. Ignoring the chaos around him, Scott''s focus zeroed in on three figures, each dressed in striking silver armor. Fury contorted his features as he noticed the severed heads they held. Casting a brief glance to the east, he spotted the asura''s corpse buried under a barrage of glimmering swords. His rage gradually ebbed as he stared at the lifeless body of the asura. Though he couldn''t discern how it met its end, he could sense the ferocity of the battle that led to its demise. The lack of visible injuries on the trio implied their overwhelming power. Scott regarded the corpse emotionlessly. They hadn''t journeyed together long enough for any genuine bond to form, let alone for him to seek revenge on its behalf. The fleeting surge of anger at the creature''s fate surprised him, but it quickly dissipated. Extending his hand, tendrils hidden within the asura''s corpse silently surged toward him, merging back into his arm. Turning his attention back to the unknown assailants, Scott remained clueless about their identities. As he prepared to depart, the figures halted, a fiery voice echoing in his ears, ¡°Who are you?¡± A chill ran down Scott''s spine as he instinctively dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding an explosion that erupted where he had stood moments before. The war hammer of the mad god materialized from the darkness, and Scott willingly grasped the malevolent weapon, its surface revealing lustrous blackened steel etched with intricate markings. Scott, flanked by the three figures, slowly appraised the trio clad in identical armor. The champions on either side of Scott sported exaggerated white masks, yet he paid them little attention. Instead, his gaze fixed upon the man standing before him. His eyes widened within their sockets, and his lips trembled slightly. ¡°Alex?¡± he murmured softly; disbelief evident in his voice. Memories flooded his mind, as vivid as if they had transpired yesterday. Two men, once brimming with passion and curiosity, discussing fervently which fantasy universe they would prefer to inhabit. But the man before him now possessed eyes devoid of emotion, as if all light had been swallowed by an unfathomable darkness. Alex took a step forward, his grip tightening around his longsword. His beard, particularly his goatee, swayed with the whims of the wind, while the distinct clank of small rubble against his pristine armor echoed in the air. Standing a few feet away from Scott, his sword aimed at the eldritch knight, Alex commanded, ¡°Remove that mask. I want to see your face. I won¡¯t ask a second time.¡± Scott chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°I knew it was only a matter of time before I encountered one of you assholes. I was hoping it would be those jocks. But it hardly matters,¡± he said, resting the Warhammer on his shoulder. ¡°Pleasure to meet you, you bloody bastard. We''ve got a lot of catching up to do, but I suppose I''ll have to settle my score with you first.¡± This time, it was Alex''s turn to furrow his brow as his thoughts raced. Moments later, disbelief clouded his face, swiftly followed by rage as he erupted into maniacal laughter. ¡°I knew it! They all said I was paranoid, but I knew there was no way a dirty, slimy bastard like you wouldn¡¯t worm your way into the tower.¡± Alex''s laughter crescendoed, fueled by his surging rage. His bloodshot eyes glowed with an otherworldly bloodlust, while a pulsating aura enveloped his outstretched sword. The man''s maniacal laughter abruptly ceased, his chilling gaze fixating on Scott. ¡°Long time no see, Scott. Or should I address you as the Eidolon of Envy?¡± He mocked as he took another step forward. ¡°I sincerely hope you¡¯ve been enjoying your miserable life so far, because you¡¯re absolutely about to get your shit rocked. That much I can promise you.¡± Book 2 - Chapter 23: I Dont Care Scott''s lips curled into a soft chuckle, his ominous eyes fixating on his one-time friend with a mocking glint. He cared little for the history they shared with his previous versions; in his mind, they had no right to unleash their anger or frustration upon him. As Alex lowered his sword, his masked companions swiftly exchanged a series of hand signs, a foreboding aura enveloping their forms. Though Scott stole cursory glances at the duo, his attention remained fixed on Alex. The latter lazily planted the sword''s tip into the earth, beginning, ¡°I don''t care how you infiltrated the tower, and honestly, I''m not interested,¡± he remarked, gesturing towards his motionless companions. ¡°They symbolize life and death. Even I am unaware of what lies behind their masks,¡± Alex continued, lowering his hand with nonchalance. Confusion flickered in Scott''s eyes; he held no regard for the trio, not talk of the duo in particular. He couldn¡¯t comprehend why Alex would focus on them. ¡°Your confusion is evident in those disdainful eyes,¡± Alex noted, a smile tugging at his lips. ¡°They all wear that same expression. Even that abominable creature over other,¡± he added, nodding towards the decapitated asura corpse. Scott''s countenance shifted to seriousness, met by Alex''s laughter. ¡°Fortune smiles upon me at last. The one person I longed to encounter after all these years stands before me,¡± Alex giggled, retrieving two resin-covered pictures from his inventory, and tossing them towards Scott. Scott''s gaze momentarily flitted to the pictures, revealing a beautiful young woman with striking blonde hair and a smiling infant. Though their identities eluded him, he could guess their identities. Meeting Alex''s intense gaze again, Scott listened as the man continued, ¡°His name is Ian. He always wanted to be a comic book artist, although he had no idea what it meant. Yet, his aim was to craft worlds that would bring joy and alleviate others'' worries,¡± Alex muttered. ¡°Don¡¯t look at my face, look at his,¡± Alex said, but Scott¡¯s emotionless eyes remained fastened with his. ¡°Look at it!¡± Alex roared, stirring a small dust cloud. ¡°That''s my... that was my son,¡± he faltered, lips trembling as veins bulged on his features. ¡°He was only nine years old. Yet... you,¡± Alex paused, drawing a deep breath. ¡°My beloved, his mother, possessed the gentlest soul I''ve known. Can you fathom the saintliness required to harbor no hatred towards your own murderer?¡± Alex''s voice trembled as he withdrew his sword from the earth. ¡°You robbed me of the most precious things in my life because you couldn¡¯t face your own shortcomings,¡± Alex murmured, his voice barely above a whisper as he gazed at the photograph with a mix of longing and pain. ¡°Isn¡¯t it ironic? In another timeline, I found another version of her. She had the same face, the same smile, the same voice, the same kindness. But she wasn¡¯t the same person. The woman I loved was gone. It was the same for everyone else across timelines. No one was ever the same; there was always a tiny variation. Do you know what never changed?¡± Alex lifted his head, his bloodshot eyes locking onto Scott¡¯s. ¡°If it were up to me, I would have ended your miserable existence slowly and painfully in that forest, consequences be damned.¡± He paused, a twisted smile stretching across his face. ¡°But I¡¯m glad I didn¡¯t. Thank you for making it this far.¡± He took a step closer. ¡°Stop pretending and unleash those vile blood devils of yours. We all know about your powers, and we know how to counter them. Like I said, I¡¯ve seen and fought countless variants like you. There¡¯s literally nothing you could do that would surprise me.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not the cause of your pain,¡± Scott replied, his voice steady after a moment of silence. ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± Alex snapped, his voice icy as he drew his sword. Above his head, a swirling mass of light and darkness churned, while each of his eyes gleamed with either light or darkness. A barrier, vast and beyond Scott¡¯s sight, formed around them. Alex¡¯s voice echoed once more, deeper than before. ¡°I lift all restrictions within my domain!¡± A shiver ran down Scott¡¯s spine, and a series of system notifications flashed before him.
You have entered a champion¡¯s dominion!
You¡¯re no longer subjected to Divine Healing!
You¡¯re no longer subjected to Divine Recovery!
You¡¯re no longer subjected to Perfect Recovery!
You¡¯re no longer under the protection of the Embers of Life!
Your Life Seed has been covered!
Death is now a possibility!
Scott stared at the system messages and alarm bells rang in his mind. He turned toward Alex, and a familiar system message popped out.
Hastur¡¯s Gaze can¡¯t peer through the stats of the champions!
Scott¡¯s eyes widened momentarily. The fact that he couldn¡¯t see Alex¡¯s stats indicated he was at least above level 50. The ability to bypass the restrictions placed on typical champions suggested a level of power he couldn''t fathom. ¡°Still as arrogant as ever,¡± Alex remarked, tightening his grip on his sword''s handle. ¡°You haven''t activated that repulsive domain of yours. Are you suggesting that you don''t consider me worthy of facing you¡± I''ll make sure you regret that...¡± His words trailed off as a portal materialized inches from Scott, yanking him into its depths. In an instant, the eldritch knight vanished, leaving behind a bewildered Alex. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Alex''s confusion was fleeting. He released his grip, and his domain vanished. After scanning his surroundings casually, his gaze settled on the spot where Scott had stood. ¡°Has he not unlocked his powers in this life yet?¡± he mused aloud; his eyes distant. The Scott he''d encountered now seemed different from previous versions. From his inventory, Alex produced an obsidian crystal, idly manipulating it as he gathered his thoughts. Moments later, he snapped out of his contemplative state, and the crystal vanished back into his inventory. Whether he''s feigning weakness or truly is weak, I''ll soon find out, Alex thought to himself. Now that I know you''re here, there''s no way I''ll let anyone else stand in my way. The man turned toward his masked companions, and silently the trio slowly walked into the distance. Meanwhile, Scott reappeared in the massive hall, spewing mouthful after mouthful of fresh blood while his vision alternated between clear and blurry.
You¡¯re subjected to Divine Healing!
You¡¯re subjected to Divine Recovery!
You¡¯re subjected to Perfect Recovery!
You¡¯re under the protection of the Embers of Life!
Your Life Seed has been covered!
Death is no longer a possibility!
Ignoring the system''s messages, Scott dropped to his knees, gasping for air. A pulsing ache throbbed at the back of his head, while a sharp pain stabbed at his right eye. The fiery apparition of the elders reappeared, bringing with it a sinister mist that filled the room, reminiscent of a biohazard zone. Scott watched the murky haze swirl around him, feeling his body and mind gradually return to normal. Slowly, he pushed himself up, wiping sweat from his neck. ¡°Great one, pardon me for asking, but what happened earlier?¡± the voice asked politely. Scott stared at his hands, flexing his fingers one by one. Since waking in the Nameless Tower, he''d encountered many strange sensations, but nothing compared to the chilling dread he''d felt in Alex''s domain. Knowing he couldn''t face the champion; he didn''t care if fleeing made him seem cowardly; survival was his only priority. After a long pause, Scott looked up at the thrones with renewed determination. ¡°As I was saying, prepare the data on a device I can easily carry. And remember the restrictions I specified,¡± he instructed. ¡°Your command is heard, Great One,¡± the voice replied. ¡°While you''re working on that, can you tell me about domains?¡± Scott asked abruptly. The hall fell silent for a moment before the voice answered, ¡°In this plane, Great One, domains are areas where a champion has complete control. A champion''s domain can vary widely depending on their nature and abilities.¡± ¡°How does someone acquire a domain?¡± Scott asked without hesitation. ¡°We''re still gathering data on that, Great One,¡± the voice explained patiently. ¡°From what we''ve observed, a champion''s domain is often influenced by their sponsor and their life experiences, including innate abilities. The key prerequisite is having a sponsor; other factors like talent, level, and preferences are less significant.¡± Behind his mask, Scott frowned, his thoughts racing. ¡°Based on your data, what level is typically required for a champion to gain a domain?¡± ¡°Level 70, great one,¡± the voice replied. Scott''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. He silently congratulated himself for escaping Alex''s domain. How much stronger had his classmates become over the years, especially with all that experience gained from multiple timelines? He couldn¡¯t answer, and he didn¡¯t want to dwell on the matter. Suppressing his emotions, Scott prepared to ask another question. ¡°How did you say I could leave this place again?¡± Before the voice could answer, Scott interjected, ¡°Wait. Can you tell me what''s so special about an asura?¡± The flames flickered and the hall fell silent for a moment. Then the voice spoke again, ¡°Great one, an asura''s head is prized as the ultimate incubator for enhancing mental capacities. This strengthens one''s domain, will, and abilities.¡± So that''s why it was targeted. Understanding dawned on Scott. ¡°How can those without godly sponsors stand against domain users? Wouldn''t our armies be at a disadvantage?¡± Scott asked, voicing his most pressing concern. ¡°Great one, wutas might not stand a chance individually, but in large numbers, they can hold their own,¡± the voice explained. ¡°While domain users are formidable, the Rule of Absolute ensures that those without domains can still compete. A strong enough will allows them to face domain users head-on, and I vouch that our main forces aren¡¯t lacking in will.¡± ¡°The Rule of Absolute? Is that what it''s called?¡± Scott asked, narrowing his eyes. ¡°Yes, great one. While a domain can expand infinitely based on the user''s strength, the Rule of Absolute only extends a few inches from the user. It creates a space where the user isn''t constrained by any laws from a domain. Its power rivals that of a domain.¡± Scott nodded slowly; his features relaxing. Securing a sponsor was out of the question since his tendrils would reject the offers as soon as they appeared, but knowing about the Rule of Absolute eased his worries. Looking up at the hovering flames, he said, ¡°I had planned to leave quickly, but I''ve changed my mind. I think I can learn a lot if I stay a few more days. I hope it''s worth it.¡± ¡°Your continued stay is an honor, great one. We''ll ensure your stay is memorable,¡± the voice assured. As Scott nodded, a portal materialized nearby. An android emerged and bowed respectfully. ¡°Great one, please follow me. I''ll show you to your quarters.¡± Silently, Scott turned and exited through the portal, with the wuta following closely behind. Moments after they left, the portal vanished, leaving the hall empty once more. Yet, a rogue tendril, hidden in the cracks between the tiled floor, slithered forward with reckless abandon. It paused only when it neared the fiery embodiments of the elders. A powerful echo reverberated through the room, and time itself seemed to hold its breath. The tendril stirred, causing a tiny crack to another dimension to form beneath it. Though barely perceptible, a figure cloaked in yellow stood at the other end of the crack. A haunting voice echoed through the hall, almost extinguishing the flames. ¡°Why hasn¡¯t the appointed time arrived yet?¡± Book 2 - Chapter 24: Reunion The noon sun blazed in the sky, casting its radiant light over a sprawling, vibrant city. Majestic towers, some ancient and others showcasing modern innovation, punctuated the skyline. The streets bustled with champions of various races, adding to the city''s lively atmosphere. Unlike the usual solitary figures seen in most cities, groups of champions, ranging from three to five members, moved together through the bustling streets. Scott lounged in a park chair, arms folded across his chest, watching the passersby with casual interest. It had been eight days since the asura''s death, and he had only reached the first neutral ground a few hours earlier. Several champions cast curious glances his way, their attention caught by the eerie mask of the eldritch spawn he wore. However, no one approached him, especially after noting his solitude. ¡°Did I mess up?¡± Scott murmured, scanning the park''s surroundings. ¡°Isn''t this the place we agreed to meet?¡± His gaze darted from one champion to another, but he couldn''t spot any of his companions. ¡°What the fuck are they doing?¡± Scott muttered, pushing himself to his feet. He turned left and then right, his eyes lighting up as he spotted a group of female champions from various races enjoying a picnic. Laughter and conversation filled the air as they shared bites from their lunches. As some of the women noticed Scott approaching, their expressions soured. The others followed suit, their faces reflecting annoyance. Apart from Scott''s unsettling appearance, they had grown weary of unsolicited attention; after all, many of them were universally considered beautiful. Scott''s shadow stretched across the group as he came to a stop. His impassive eyes met those of the women, who looked back at him with indifference and a hint of judgment. Unperturbed, Scott spoke up, ¡°Is this Park 05? I''m still getting to know the area.¡± Several women exchanged eye rolls, convinced that Scott had ulterior motives. They''d heard every pickup line in the book and assumed he was trying to strike up a conversation. The atmosphere grew tense, punctuated by the casual chatter of the women who seemed to dismiss Scott. Scott¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, gearing up to speak once more. Before he could, a voice rang out from a distance, ¡°Move along, buddy. They''re not interested.¡± Scott turned to see a group of champions, mostly human, approaching briskly. The man who had spoken wore a kimono, as did the others in his group. What caught Scott''s attention, however, was the striking baldness at the center of their heads, smoother and shinier than polished marble. Each sported a topknot, and katanas of various sizes hung from their belts as they closed the gap with purposeful strides. Who the fuck are these weirdos? Scott mused as he lazily awaited their arrival. The group appeared suddenly, led by the man who had spoken earlier. He approached Scott with a smile. As they stood side by side, he leaned in close to Scott''s ear. ¡°What are you still doing here? Leave,¡± he whispered. Scott chuckled softly and shook his head. Is this really happening? he thought. He''d read about moments like this but never expected to experience one himself. He''d only approached the women because they were nearby. If he''d known drama would unfold, he''d have chosen another group. Amused by the absurdity, Scott watched the samurai''s expression shift. The samurai¡¯s hawk-like eyes fixed on the masked knight, and he prepared to speak. However, Scott interrupted, ¡°I''m not interested in whatever this is supposed to be. Find someone else to make you look good.¡± As he turned to leave, three samurai blocked his path. Scott chuckled again. Do they realize how ridiculous they look? he wondered, holding back laughter. ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Scott asked, meeting their gazes with dispassionate eyes. The samurai hesitated, hands inching toward their weapons, a strange unease settling over them. One finally spoke up. ¡°You can''t leave until Patrick-dono gives permission.¡± Laughter erupted from Scott and the surrounding crowd. The samurai''s faces flushed with embarrassment as they quickly retreated, especially when the women they''d approached joined in the laughter. As Scott resumed his departure, he caught sight of a familiar face in the distance: Orion waved and hurried over. It seems I''m in the right place after all, Scott thought as he approached the mage. Orion bombarded Scott with questions as they closed the distance. ¡°What are you doing here? We''ve been waiting at Park O-5. Did you get lost? It''s ''O'' for Oscar, not zero-five.¡± A wry smile played on Scott¡¯s lips. ¡°I knew that,¡± he said, unashamed. ¡°I was on my way.¡± ¡°Right,¡± Orion muttered, adjusting his glasses. The last time they''d met was two days ago, discussing their meetup point. Curiosity gnawed at him, especially after Scott''s cryptic words before disappearing. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. ¡°Is the asura dead?¡± Orion suddenly asked, readjusting his glasses. Scott nodded solemnly, and the mage sighed softly. ¡°I knew this would happen sooner or later,¡± Orion muttered, shaking his head. ¡°It was only a matter of time before someone became enamored with the creature and claimed it for themselves,¡± he added, focusing on Scott. ¡°Did you know they have the ability to enhance someone''s mental capabilities and domain?¡± Orion asked. ¡°I found out recently,¡± Scott replied quickly as they quietly left the area. ¡°I wasn''t sure if you knew or just weren''t interested. If I''d known you weren''t aware, I would''ve told you. It would have preferred you to have it rather than someone else,¡± Orion said. ¡°Is that how you see me?¡± Scott chuckled, paying little attention to the mage''s words. ¡°Even if I had known, I have no interest in something like that,¡± he said, coming to a stop. Orion paused as well, and Scott''s voice broke the silence again. ¡°You''re a domain user, aren''t you?¡± Orion grinned, adjusting his glasses slowly. ¡°Yes, you''ve figured it out, haven''t you?¡± Scott nodded slowly. He''d always wondered how the mage could wield so many fascinating abilities, but after experiencing Alex''s domain, he understood. ¡°What''s it called?¡± Scott asked, continuing to walk. Orion quickly caught up. ¡°I''m not great at naming things,¡± Orion admitted with a chuckle. ¡°For now, I''m calling it the ''Data World.''¡± ¡°You''re right, your naming could use some work,¡± Scott laughed, then asked, ¡°Have you reached level 70?¡± ¡°Not yet, I''m close but not quite there,¡± Orion replied. ¡°I can tell by your questions that you''ve encountered the Asura''s murderer and likely experienced their domain, which probably gave you a suppressive sensation,¡± he added with a smile. ¡°Unlike most domain users, some of us, like me, can activate ours permanently without affecting the area''s laws.¡± Orion paused, coughing slightly. ¡°There are rare cases like mine where people have domains without being sponsored.¡± Scott stopped, narrowing his gaze. ¡°Go on,¡± he prompted. ¡°If you know about domains, you must be familiar with the Rule of Absolute too,¡± Orion said, throwing a question at the eldritch knight. Scott nodded, and Orion continued, ¡°Well, there''s a third category. Our numbers are likely so small that it''s irrelevant to classify us. We enjoy the benefits of both worlds without necessarily reaching the pinnacle of either. If you had asked me if I use the Rule of Absolute earlier, my answer would have been the same too.¡± Scott nodded silently as they walked, with Orion trailing a step or two behind. Scott opened his inventory and retrieved an oblong pendant the size of a small lighter. ¡°This is what I mentioned before. By accepting this, you''re agreeing to any restrictions placed on you. Do you still want it?¡± Scott asked, extending his right hand toward the mage. Orion grinned and reached for the pendant without hesitation. ¡°I''m not worried about that,¡± he said, tucking the pendant away smoothly. ¡°Given enough time, those restrictions would be useless to me anyway. Besides, I''ve no interest in betraying you.¡± He adjusted his glasses and added, ¡°Sticking with you promises more fun than wandering alone.¡± ¡°You might regret that later,¡± Scott replied, his smile unseen but evident in his tone. Orion''s brows shot up, and he smiled, tapping his hidden breast pocket while murmuring softly. They continued their trek in silence, ignoring the champions and festivities around them. From the corner of his eye, Scott spotted a massive digital noticeboard displaying a variety of items, from rare herbs and potions to missing people and recruitment adverts. Wanted posters flashed across the board, causing both Scott and Orion to pause. ¡°Surely my eyes aren''t deceiving me,¡± Orion mused, a lingering trace of amusement in his voice as he stared at a crudely drawn but unmistakably similar depiction of them. ¡°Isn''t that you, me, and our late friend?¡± he said pointing to some posters at the topmost right corner of the screen. ¡°Slim''s there too,¡± Scott noted, pointing to the top left of the screen. ¡°The rewards for capturing us seem to be in code,¡± Orion noticed, studying the cryptic markings beneath their pictures. It didn''t take much thought for them to guess who was behind the posters¡ªthe Shadow Syndicate¡ªthe group that had pursued them since they entered the Ranking Games. ¡°What''s your plan?¡± Orion asked Scott. Scott turned from the screen as a new advert appeared. ¡°Nothing. We''ll deal with them when the time is right. We should meet up with the others. There''s much to discuss.¡± ¡°No need,¡± Orion smirked, nodding ahead. ¡°They''re here.¡± Almost instantly, Scott felt a familiar sensation against his arm and caught a familiar scent. ¡°I''ve missed you,¡± Llorva whispered, nuzzling Scott''s clothes. Scott turned to see Slim and Zara approaching, both smiling broadly. Slim, as always, wore a dapper three-piece suit that drew attention, especially from the ladies. Zara, in contrast, wore a snow-white robe with unique blood splatter markings on the sleeves and blood-red boots. Most people regarded her with caution, keeping their distance. ¡°Buddy, how long has it been?¡± Slim exclaimed, arms wide. ¡°Feels like just yesterday we were running from that sand wall. Are you good?¡± He bearhugged Scott and Llorva, who clung to Scott. ¡°I can''t believe you haven''t changed your clothes since then. Come with me; I know a guy who can fix you up,¡± Slim said, grinning as he let go of Scott and Llorva. Scott shifted his gaze to Zara, who blushed as she approached him in slow but deliberate steps. Without a word, she embraced him and whispered, ¡°I¡¯ve missed you. I¡¯m glad you¡¯re safe.¡± She quickly pulled away, lightly punching Scott''s shoulder as she stepped back, before chasing after Slim who had been teasing her as she hugged Scott. Slim, dodging Zara''s playful jabs, suddenly inquired, ¡°Hey buddy, where''s your asura friend? He''s not running late, is he?¡± ¡°He was killed,¡± Scott replied somberly. Zara and Slim halted their antics, moving closer to Scott. ¡°I''m sorry, buddy. Are you okay?¡± Slim asked, placing a comforting hand on Scott''s shoulder. Zara shot Slim a sharp look. ¡°What kind of question is that? Of course he''s not okay.¡± She turned to Scott, her expression softening. ¡°I''m really sorry about your friend. We''re here for you, pay no attention to bone head over there,¡± she said, glaring at Slim. ¡°Bone head?¡± Slim suppressed a smirk, meeting Zara''s intense gaze. He nodded, patting Scott''s shoulder in solidarity. Scott didn¡¯t know how react. Llorva''s hug tightened around him, and he felt a cold, slightly sticky touch on his finger. Fi-Fi was comforting him too in its miniaturized form too. ¡°Did you find the person responsible?¡± Zara''s voice dripped with anger. ¡°Yes,¡± Scott confirmed with a nod. ¡°That''s partly why I wanted us to meet. I have something important to discuss.¡± ¡°What is it, buddy? You''re not usually this serious,¡± Slim prodded, intrigued by Scott''s solemn tone. ¡°We need to find somewhere private to talk. And be prepared,¡± Scott cautioned. ¡°After this, we might not be traveling together anymore.¡± Book 2 - Chapter 25: Blood Towers Scott and his companions had relocated to a dimly lit coffee shop, away from prying eyes. The eldritch knight had shared some insights about himself, skimming over the details he considered trivial and holding back what he deemed unnecessary. ¡°Holy shit,¡± Slim murmured, his gaze lost in thought. ¡°What did you do to make them hate you so much?¡± ¡°I''m still trying to figure that out,¡± Scott replied softly, his eyes distant as he ignored the steaming cup of coffee before him. Orion whispered incantations under his breath, stealing occasional glances at Scott. To the other champions, it seemed like the mage was processing information on a level beyond their comprehension¡ªor interest. ¡°That''s my story,¡± Scott continued, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°The others will soon learn of my involvement in the ranking games. Remember, these are individuals who''ve navigated the tower''s challenges across different timelines. Their power... it''s unimaginable.¡± Scott paused, his eyes scanning each face in turn. ¡°It''s up to you now. Whatever you decide, know that I won''t hold it against you.¡± Slim chuckled softly, cutting in, ¡°Trying to ditch me, are you?¡± He met Scott''s gaze with a smirk. ¡°They might be powerful, but that''s only because they had a head start. We just need to be cautious, and we''ll catch up to them eventually.¡± Frustration clouded Slim''s face as he toyed with his cup. ¡°Accusing people based on potential actions? If that''s the case, a lot of us would be in trouble if everyone could alter timelines,¡± he grumbled before taking a sip of his coffee. Zara, seated next to Slim, wore a thoughtful expression mirroring his. Scott''s past had always intrigued her, but even she hadn''t anticipated the revelations the eldritch knight had shared. The feline paused to collect her thoughts before speaking. ¡°I''m with Slim. I won''t abandon you. We''ll find a solution.¡± Llorva chimed in from the side. ¡°I agree,¡± she said, staying close to Scott. Unlike before, her eyes showed no hint of desire. ¡°Fi-Fi''s staying put too,¡± the elemental slime announced in its childlike voice. ¡°Who knows, they might find out we''ve been with you and decide to eliminate us either way. Fi-Fi would rather stay by your side.¡± Orion grinned broadly, capturing everyone''s attention. ¡°Well said,¡± he began, then chuckled softly. ¡°I knew I made the right choice sticking with you.¡± His tone grew thoughtful. ¡°Who would''ve guessed there were other timelines? I''d suspected something like that but had no proof. I wonder why the gods would allow such anomalies unless they have a way to balance things out¡­¡± Scott cut in, ¡°They do. I don¡¯t know the specifics, but it''s called the point of no return.¡± Orion adjusted his glasses, his eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°Interesting name,¡± he murmured. ¡°My decision remains the same, but I''m eager¡ªno, excited¡ªto hear your plans for handling this.¡± Scott cleared his throat, becoming the focus of the group once more. ¡°First, thank you all. I''ll do my best to ensure you don''t regret this.¡± He paused, looking at Zara. ¡°This might sound crazy, but we need to join the Blood Cult if we want to survive,¡± he declared. Zara''s face lit up, a smile breaking through. But it quickly faded into uncertainty. ¡°I was actually going to suggest that,¡± she admitted, hesitating. ¡°But I wasn''t sure how to bring it up. People see us as a bunch of bloodthirsty maniacs. Joining the cult might actually make things worse.¡± ¡°Fitting right in, aren''t you?¡± Slim teased, grinning. Zara shot him a deathly glare, meeting the necromancer''s gaze. Slim awkwardly scratched the back of his head. ¡°Ignore me. Go on, my leader.¡± Scott''s eyes moved from Slim to Zara. A mask of feigned indifference hid his smile. He couldn''t deny missing the banter between the two. Brushing Slim off, Zara resumed, ¡°Public perception may label us this way, but the reality is different. I''m not saying this to recruit you or justify my choices. It''s not a club for saints or heroes¡ª¡± ¡°Zara, just get to the point,¡± Scott interrupted. ¡°No one here cares if they''re saints or maniacs.¡± Nodding, Zara took a deep breath. ¡°I''d love for you to join me, but it''s tricky. Neither of you has blood-related abilities, and it a requirement to join the cult.¡± Scott chuckled softly. ¡°Is that what''s bothering you?¡± Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Zara frowned, puzzled by Scott¡¯s confidence. ¡°It''s a significant issue. And there''s more.¡± She glanced around, ensuring privacy before continuing. ¡°Joining the Blood Cult means making powerful enemies. Especially the Celestial Blades¡ªthey¡¯re obsessed with wiping out the cult.¡± The champions'' faces tightened; they all knew of the formidable reputation of the Celestial Blades. Scott cleared his throat, pulling their focus. ¡°Remember those people I mentioned?¡± Zara and the others nodded, a sinking feeling in their stomachs. They hoped Scott wasn''t about to confirm their fears. ¡°Well¡­ those guys are the ones who created Celestial Blades,¡± Scott announced. ¡°Damn it,¡± Zara and Slim swore simultaneously. Meanwhile, Orion wore a wry smile, his chuckle barely audible. ¡°Buddy, it seems you might be on your own¡ª¡± A sharp slap to the back of the necromancer¡¯s head cut him off, nearly toppling him. ¡°Come on, it was just a joke,¡± Slim protested, glaring at Zara, the culprit. ¡°Well, it was a terrible joke,¡± she retorted before turning to Scott. ¡°We''ve already decided to stick with you, so it doesn¡¯t really matter how powerful our enemies are. But why do you seem so confident about joining the Blood Cult despite its rules?¡± ¡°Can you contact your friends in the cult?¡± Scott countered with a question. Curious, Zara simply nodded, waiting for more. ¡°Tell them you want to recommend some people for the blood ritual. If they¡¯re clueless, tell them to ask their superiors. We¡¯re bound to find someone who knows about it,¡± Scott elaborated. ¡°Blood ritual?¡± Zara murmured, the term unfamiliar and its implications ominous. ¡°I¡¯ll contact them now,¡± Zara said after a brief pause. She retrieved a blood-red crystal from her inventory, pricking her thumb with her claw. Her blood stained the crystal, which then floated eerily in midair, emitting a subtle glow. Orion watched intently as Zara¡¯s blood shifted, forming the figure of a miniature elf without a definite form. The transformation was swift, and the distorted blood only stopped morphing when the tiny figure had attained perfection. ¡°Zara? What¡¯s happening? Why did you contact me this way? And who are these people?¡± the figure demanded, its voice tinged with urgency and caution as its eyes darted among the unfamiliar faces. ¡°Itireae, I wouldn¡¯t have reached out if it weren¡¯t important. These are the companions I mentioned earlier,¡± Zara clarified. The elf¡¯s gaze lingered on Orion, Slim, and especially Scott. ¡°So, what¡¯s the urgency?¡± Before Zara could reply, a reddish blur shot towards the elf. Zara looked up to see a crimson, bloody tendril extending from Scott¡¯s mask. As she tried to speak, black tendrils covered her mouth, immobilizing her. The same restrictions locked Slim and others in place, and they could only watch in horror as the tendrils shattered the elf¡¯s projection and fragmented the crystal. A second later, the tendrils began to reassemble the shards like pieces of a dark puzzle. Moments later, the fragmented crystal had transformed into a shapeless item. The bloody tendril smeared itself across it, and the transformed crystal emitted a low pulsating sound. Simultaneously, a ghostly aura filled the coffee shop, causing multiple champions to collapse. Only Scott and his companions, still ensnared by the black tendrils, remained conscious but immobilized. Dozens of bloody faces shifted and morphed rapidly within the crystal, each contorting as if consumed by flames. A hoarse voice emanated from it, ¡°Who are you?¡± Puzzlement, hesitation, and surprise tinged its tone. A tendril twisted from the crystal, coiling into a miniature man¡ªsomeone Scott instantly recognized. His older variant sneered at the shifting faces. ¡°How pathetic. This is the blood cult''s legacy now,¡± he said with disdain. The faces pivoted towards the projection, their gaze heavy and inscrutable. Another voice, darker and more menacing, echoed forth. ¡°Which timeline do you hail from?¡± Scott''s eyes quivered, mirroring the unease of his companions. His older variant smirked, ¡°Finally, someone sensible,¡± he said, clasping his hands behind his back. ¡°The timeline I come from doesn''t matter. What''s crucial is the threat of Celestial Blades. If you want to survive, open the ancestral blood vault for him,¡± he gestured towards Scott. The faces fixated on Scott, some lunging towards him. In that instant, the yellow sign flashed on Scott¡¯s mask, and shadowy hands surged forth, seizing the faces and dragging them into the mask amid their agonized screams. The yellow sign flashed again, and the hands vanished. Scott¡¯s older variant looked at him, fear betraying his eyes. He quickly turned to the remaining faces. ¡°Understand this: he''s your best¡ªperhaps only¡ªchance against those battle maniacs. He might even be the key to stopping that caveman¡¯s domain,¡± he declared. The faces exchanged glances, contemplating the variant¡¯s words. After a pause, a female voice broke the silence, ¡°Where are you in the tower?¡± her question directed toward Scott. ¡°Why would I tell you?¡± Scott shot back. ¡°I mean no harm,¡± she began, but Scott cut her off. ¡°That changes nothing. Not everyone might share your intentions.¡± The variant intervened, ¡°He''ll reach the Blood Towers soon. Decide before he does.¡± A heavy silence enveloped coffee shop, but the hoarse voice returned moments later, ¡°Life is fleeting. Death is the gateway. Our pact is blood; our desires, ephemeral." ¡°But only the Blood Cult is eternal!¡± the faces, the variant, and even Zara, though her mouth remained sealed, chanted in unison. Meanwhile, the shadowy tendrils wiggled, as if mocking the declaration. ¡°What''s your title?¡± the hoarse voice asked the variant. A smirk played on his face as he began, ¡°I am the Eidolon¡ª¡± but before he could finish, tendrils yanked the projection back into the mask, and the crimson trail receded. The faces fixed their gaze on Scott, and a new voice, markedly more refined than the rest, echoed, ¡°We await your arrival at the Blood Towers.¡± The connection abruptly severed. The crystal tumbled onto the table, shattering into fragments. The tendrils that had bound the champions retracted into their hiding spots, and the constraining forces vanished. Simultaneously, the unconscious champions began to stir, though neither could move nor speak just yet. All eyes turned to Scott, a whirlwind of thoughts and questions swirling in the room. ¡°That wasn''t supposed to happen,¡± Scott murmured. ¡°And yes, there''s a lot I haven¡¯t told you¡ªand probably won''t. Some things are better left unknown,¡± he added. Book 2 - Chapter 26: Vipers Silence settled heavily over the room as the champions, dazed and struggling, gradually regained their footing. A mix of confusion and anxiety pervaded the group as wary eyes met. No one could fathom what had transpired, but the uncertainty reflected in the eyes of their fellow champions confirmed they were equally clueless. One by one, champions exited the foreboding shop, settling their bills and departing. Among them, only Scott''s group managed to maintain some semblance of composure. Thirty minutes had elapsed since the unsettling incident, and an oppressive silence had fallen over them. Zara''s brows furrowed as she occasionally shot glances at Scott. Slim, seated nearby, drummed his fingers restlessly on the table, muttering under his breath. Llorva clung tightly to the eldritch knight as always, but an aura of melancholy surrounded the elf. Meanwhile, Orion chuckled audibly, expressing his fascination with the idea of encountering alternate versions of himself from different timelines. The mage pondered the cosmic forces and laws that allowed the existence of multiple versions of themselves, destined to converge into a single entity. ¡°This silence is unbearable,¡± Slim finally broke the silence with a deep sigh, his stern features softening into a warm smile. ¡°Though I dislike being in the dark, I trust you, buddy. I know you wouldn''t withhold information without good reason. Personally, I''d rather not ally with those gory, unstylish zealots,¡± he added, glancing at Zara. ¡°No offense intended, my leader.¡± He quickly shifted his gaze, anticipating a possible rebuke, and continued, ¡°Whether we''re facing the Blood Towers or some perilous abyss, count me in. After all, isn''t that what friends are for?¡± With his trademark smile, Slim gave the eldritch knight a thumbs-up. Just then, a sharp slap connected with the back of Slim''s head, nearly sending him sprawling. ¡°What was that for, my leader?¡± Slim protested, rubbing the back of his head. Zara smirked, turning away from the necromancer. ¡°You talked as if I''m just a side character tagging along. We''re doing this together,¡± she declared. ¡°You could''ve spared me the near decapitation,¡± Slim grumbled; a clear imprint of Zara¡¯s palm lingered on the necromancer¡¯s skull. Zara glanced at the necromancer; her smile shadowy. ¡°I was only trying to help. I saw something back there and I got rid of it. No need to thank me; that''s what friends are for.¡± Slim gritted his teeth. ¡°This is an abuse of power. You all saw it, right? I call for a change in leadership. We can''t endure this tyranny.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve grown bolder since we last met,¡± Zara cackled, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. She lunged at the necromancer, pinning his skull under her arm, and patting the slick surface vigorously. ¡°Help! Abuse of power! I''m a victim here!¡± Slim protested, but Zara only laughed and intensified her patting. Watching the spectacle, Scott chuckled softly, ¡°Thanks, guys,¡± he said within the party channel. He then turned to Llorva and Fi-Fi. ¡°What will you two do? You''re free to leave if¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯m staying,¡± Llorva interrupted, locking eyes with Scott. ¡°Fi-Fi isn¡¯t going anywhere either,¡± the slime added softly. ¡°Thank you for the support,¡± Scott acknowledged. Orion interjected, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask me?¡± He leaned on one arm, grinning and resting his head on his palm. Scott glanced at him; his smile hidden behind his mask. ¡°You''d follow me even if I told you to leave, so why ask?¡± Orion chuckled. ¡°Would¡¯ve been polite to ask, at least,¡± he said, adjusting his glasses with a grin. ¡°What''s our next move?¡± Slim managed to ask. Scott¡¯s companions looked to him. After a pause, he said, ¡°We need to reach the Blood Towers as quickly as possible. We¡¯ll figure out the rest along the way.¡± He then turned to Zara. ¡°Do you know where the Blood Towers are?¡± Zara and the group exchanged stunned glances. The feline''s voice trembled with disbelief. ¡°You''re not joking, are you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m serious,¡± Scott confirmed. ¡°While I know about the towers and some aspects of the cult''s operations, I don¡¯t know the location of their headquarters.¡± Zara furrowed her brows, lost in thought for a moment before exhaling deeply. ¡°I have a vague idea where the towers might be, but we''re far from them. I could get a more precise location from my contacts, but¡­¡± She paused, a wry smile tugging at her lips. ¡°I doubt they''ll be eager to help after what happened earlier.¡± Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Orion chimed in; his smile tinged with caution. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, not everyone is welcoming of the fact you¡¯re coming to the towers. They might use those contacts to determine our location.¡± Zara nodded, meeting Orion¡¯s gaze before turning back to Scott. ¡°We should find it ourselves. The headquarters isn¡¯t exactly hidden. The challenge will be getting inside the tower.¡± ¡°We''ll tackle that problem when we reach that bridge,¡± Scott replied after a brief silence. Simultaneously, Scott, Zara, and Slim, the core members of the Hound Extermination Crew, shared a series of quick, meaningful glances. Their subtle exchange didn''t go unnoticed by the others. Just then, a system window materialized in front of them, cutting short any further discussion. ¡°Since you¡¯re willing to risk your lives by accompany us, it¡¯s only fair we recognize you as official members of our party,¡± Zara announced as the leader of the party. Orion grinned as he readjusted his glasses, instantly accepting the invitation. Fi-Fi too accepted the invitation, and Llorva only accepted after a brief hesitation. A surprise since most of them believed she would have been the first to accept the invitation. Zara wore a smile as she continued, ¡°Welcome to the Hound Extermination Crew.¡± Orion, still chuckling, spoke up, ¡°What a name.¡± ¡°You see?¡± Slim said excitedly as he proceeded to summon his status window. The necromancer imputed a series of commands, and a new system window appeared in front of the group.
Anonymous Poll
Purpose: Deciding whether the name of the group ¡°Hound Extermination Crew¡± be changed.
Yes! No!
Without hesitation, Slim clicked on his preferred choice while Zara glared at him. Surprisingly, the brawler had no objections to the impromptu poll, which made Slim somewhat guarded. One after the other, each member of the party cast their vote, with Scott being last. Instantly, a new system window appeared, and Slim couldn¡¯t contain his excitement as he perused through its content.
Anonymous Poll¡ªResults
Yes ~1 vote. No ~5 votes.
Conclusion: Based on the results of the poll, the party name ¡°Hound Extermination Crew¡± will remain.
Slim''s mouth parted as he read the notification repeatedly. He shot a glance at Scott, but the eldritch knight avoided his searching eyes. Meanwhile, Zara laughed heartily, producing several elegantly designed wine bottles. She set one in front of each person, placing two before Llorva, who Fi-Fi still clung onto. A sudden realization struck Slim, his mouth opening wider in disbelief. ¡°You... you bribed them?¡± he stammered. ¡°Of course,¡± Zara said, unabashed. ¡°There were no rules against it, were there?¡± She winked, patting the necromancer''s skull. ¡°But how could you? Where¡¯s your dignity? What about your pride? What of the people¡¯s choice?¡± Slim stammered, his eyes shifting to Scott. ¡°I can''t believe you didn''t support me, buddy.¡± ¡°Look at it this way, nothing would change even if I''d voted your preferred option,¡± Scott replied. ¡°You should''ve had my back regardless,¡± Slim protested, then turned to Zara with a huff. ¡°Fine, I concede. Where''s my bottle?¡± He grinned slyly. ¡°You''re finally seeing your place. Took you long enough,¡± Zara remarked, retrieving another bottle from her inventory. Just as Slim reached for it, Zara pulled back. ¡°I''ve changed my mind. You''ve been challenging lately,¡± she said, a mischievous smile on her face. ¡°What do you want from me?" Slim asked, sensing trouble. Zara started to speak, ¡°If you promise to not¡­¡± she paused abruptly, chuckling while shaking her head. ¡°You know what? Never mind. Here,¡± she said, tossing the bottle to Slim. Alarm bells rang in Slim''s mind. He knew Zara well; she wasn''t one to let things go easily. He scrutinized the bottle, comparing it to the others. Could it be drugged? he wondered. ¡°If you don''t want it, hand it back,¡± Zara said, her smile becoming even more devious. Slim hesitated, wary of another trick. He then clutched the bottle tightly; at that same moment, he met Zara''s even more mischievous smile, feeding his growing paranoia. ¡°Relax, Slim. She¡¯s just messing with you,¡± Scott communicated telepathically. ¡°We can swap bottles if you''re that concerned,¡± he suggested. Unbeknownst to Scott, his words heightened the necromancer¡¯s paranoia. Given their previous conspiracy, Slim couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Scott was trying to deceive him again. Zara uncorked her bottle first, filling the now-empty coffee shop with a rich, fruity aroma. From her inventory, she produced several wine glasses. ¡°Since it¡¯s been a while since we last gathered like this¡ªand to welcome our newest member¡ªI suggest we mark the occasion with a drinking game.¡± Orion, taking a glass from Zara, remarked, ¡°I¡¯ve never participated in one of these. Count me in.¡± ¡°It¡¯s probably best you stay out of this,¡± Scott warned telepathically. ¡°You weren''t the intended recipient of her words,¡± he reminded. ¡°Actually, I think I¡¯ll just watch,¡± Orion reconsidered, taking a sip of the aromatic wine. ¡°Me too,¡± Llorva and Fi-Fi chimed in after Scott¡¯s warning. They too sipped their wine, observing the interactions between Scott, Zara, and Slim. ¡°I¡¯ll sit this one out,¡± Scott announced, but Zara and Slim ignored him. ¡°How convenient,¡± Zara grinned, a hint of mischief in her eyes. ¡°Looks like it¡¯ll be just the two of us.¡± Slim matched her grin and casually placed one of his loafers on the table. ¡°The hammer of justice makes its return,¡± Zara quipped. Orion and Llorva burst into laughter, spilling some wine in the process. ¡°Same rules apply, right?¡± Slim asked, a cold smile on his face. ¡°Absolutely,¡± Zara confirmed with a nod. ¡°This time, no interruptions.¡± She paused. ¡°So, who¡¯s up first?¡± Just as Slim was about to respond, the coffee shop doors burst open, and a group of champions stormed in. A commanding voice rang out, ¡°Clear out now. Only Vipers are allowed in this building until tomorrow morning.¡± Book 2 - Chapter 27: Sudden Attack The man''s words echoed through the coffee shop, sending a jolt of surprise across his pallid face. The shop was nearly empty, with only five patrons in sight. Factions like Shadow Syndicate, Nameless, and Viper had reputations that rivaled the notorious Blood Cult in the ranking games and throughout the tower''s participating stages. Vipers weren''t bound by a specific dress code, free to wander as they pleased. However, each member bore a mark: the maw of a viper beneath their right eyelid. The five men approached the Hound Extermination Crew, halting at the sight of Zara''s Blood Cult robes. A cruel smile curled the lips of their leader, the same man who had shouted earlier. ¡°Well, well, look who''s here,¡± he said, hands hovering near the daggers in their sheaths. Towering over the Hound Extermination Crew, they effectively blocked any escape route. They scrutinized the crew, their brows furrowing. The crew was certainly unique. Scott with his ominous mask, Slim, the undead man in a suit, caught their attention. Yet, Zara intrigued them the most. ¡°You must be new,¡± the bald leader said, sizing up the brawler. ¡°Didn''t your friends warn you about venturing into Viper territory?¡± Unfazed, Zara and her crew continued sipping their drinks, deliberately ignoring the men. The leader''s smirk faded, replaced by a frown. ¡°Playing the silent game, are we?¡± He withdrew his hands from the daggers and sighed. ¡°As much as I enjoy games, I''m short on time.¡± His tone grew stern as he raised the index and middle fingers of his right hand. ¡°You have two options: leave now or stay and wait for our buddies. And trust me, several squads are on their way.¡± He grinned menacingly. ¡°Feel free to choose¡ª¡± Scott and his companions rose abruptly, cutting him off mid-sentence. The vipers shifted, ready for combat. Yet, to their surprise, the peculiar group settled their bills quietly and departed without a word or a fuss. ¡°Should we follow them?¡± someone suggested as the door closed behind the group. The leader hesitated, then shook his head. ¡°We have more pressing matters.¡± He took a seat, eyeing the empty glasses on the table. What wine is this? It smells fucking good, he thought. His companions followed suit, settling into the vacant seats. The rich aroma of the wine filled the air. ¡°They must''ve had something fancy,¡± a viper remarked. ¡°Boss, shouldn''t we at least tail them?¡± ¡°We don¡¯t have the time,¡± the bald leader snapped. ¡°We have an important meeting soon. Are you willing to miss it because they were drinking some fancy shit?¡± His stern gaze silenced any further objections. After a moment, one viper cleared his throat and glanced around. Leaning closer to the leader, he whispered, ¡°Any idea what this meeting''s about? It''s been ages since so many squads were called together. Could we be heading for war?¡± The leader surveyed the room, ensuring their privacy. ¡°I don''t have all the details, but it sounds like some big shot needs someone to be found. We''ll learn more during the meeting,¡± he whispered back. The eyes of the champions gleamed with greed. ¡°How big is this job?¡± one asked, licking his lips. ¡°I already said I don''t know,¡± the leader snapped. But then a sly grin spread across his face. ¡°However, from what I''ve heard, whoever finds the target will hit the jackpot. I¡¯m not talking about being comfortable or some average shit. Rich¡ªrich, like partying everyday with big booty bitches kind of rich.¡± The men''s eyes gleamed with excitement; their passion reignited. Just as their anticipation peaked, the shop''s main entrance burst open, drawing their attention involuntarily. Five figures entered, each bearing an identical, unique tattoo under their right eyes. Meanwhile, farther down the bustling street, the Hound Extermination Crew moved discreetly. Zara had abandoned the striking robes that had marked her as a cultist, opting for a simple silver cloak instead. ¡°Where''s your friend¡¯s place, Slim?¡± Scott asked via the party channel. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. The necromancer had suggested they visit his friend''s place for a change of clothes, assuring them he''d cover the expenses. ¡°He''s nearby. He''ll be closing soon, but he''ll make time for us,¡± the skeleton said with a smirk. Zara''s curiosity sparked. ¡°How do you two know each other?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not going to believe this, but he''s a big fan of my music,¡± the necromancer chuckled, catching the attention of a few onlookers. Orion and Llorva exchanged incredulous looks before turning to the skeleton. ¡°Why the surprise?¡± Slim asked mentally. ¡°Is it so hard to believe I''m a talented musician?¡± ¡°Wouldn''t you be shocked if Scott turned out to be a talented poet?¡± Zara countered, giving Scott''s shoulder an affectionate pat. Laughter erupted from Slim, Llorva, and Orion. ¡°I get it now,¡± Slim said, but before he could continue, Orion yanked the necromancer aside. A pristine, snow-white arrow pierced the spot Slim had occupied moments before, shattering on impact. Orion''s staff materialized in his hand. ¡°We''re being pursued by multiple groups,¡± he observed. "They''re might not be...¡± His words trailed off as he pulled Zara out of harm''s way. Another arrow whizzed by, striking down several champions before embedding itself in a building. Blood sprayed as bodies hit the ground, sending nearby champions into a frenzy. Arrows rained down, decimating everything in their path. Even those who had prepared to retaliate could only flee for cover. While many champions scattered in panic, the Hound Extermination Crew and a few others sought refuge in a nearby shop. Orion stroked his chin, captivated by the spectacle of so many archers converging in one place. Arrows rained down, wreaking havoc on the streets below. Though mangled corpses amassed quickly, they vanished within minutes¡ªa sign that the fallen champions had been revived elsewhere in the neutral zone. Llorva voiced her unease. ¡°Is it safe for us to stay here?¡± Without turning, Orion replied, ¡°Certainly not. We¡¯ve been led into a trap. The masterminds behind this will reveal themselves soon.¡± His gaze remained fixed on the destruction unfolding outside the window. His companions exchanged worried glances, uncertain of the identity or motives of the culprits. Suddenly, Orion''s voice echoed in their minds, snapping them back to attention. ¡°It¡¯s starting,¡± he teased with a cryptic chuckle. The barrage of arrows ceased abruptly, leaving the once-thriving street eerily silent, reminiscent of a ghost town after a terrorist attack. ¡°How did you know that?¡± Slim whispered, his eyes darting between the devastated streets and Orion''s satisfied smile. Orion turned to the necromancer, his grin widening. ¡°Data is a wonderful thing.¡± He slammed his staff onto the ground, startling the nearby champions. Then he singled out five of them with a wave of his hand. ¡°Would you mind stepping outside?¡± The champions found themselves unable to resist, compelled by an unseen force. As soon as they set foot outside the store, arrowheads found their mark, decapitating them instantly. Their lifeless bodies collapsed and vanished within moments. Inside the store, fear and anxiety spread among the remaining champions. None could move¡ªexcept for Scott and his companions. ¡°Have you pinpointed their location?¡± Scott asked, his thoughts reaching out telepathically. Orion pivoted toward the eldritch knight. He nodded before gesturing toward multiple directions in quick succession. ¡°I''ve roughly pinpointed their locations,¡± he said with a smile. Then, he scanned the deserted streets again. ¡°The archers are a concern, but the ground forces will arrive soon. You can handle them, can''t you?¡± Scott cracked his neck from side to side, replying, ¡°Deal with the archers; we''ll handle the rest.¡± Slim interjected, ¡°Any idea who''s behind all this?¡± Scott and Orion exchanged glances. The eldritch knight spoke first, ¡°I have a guess, but no confirmations. The Shadow Syndicate is likely responsible.¡± He recalled the wanted posters they''d seen earlier. Orion nodded. ¡°You''re on the right track. Besides Valkyrie and perhaps Fr??ia Mor?ii, the Shadow Syndicate boasts some of the best archers. Considering our history and those wanted posters, it''s plausible they''re involved.¡± Slim looked puzzled. ¡°What posters? Did those guys serious target us because of the incident in Nova Primus?¡± ¡°Never mind that,¡± Scott said dismissively. ¡°We had another run-in with them in another ranking game.¡± Zara cut in; her bloodlust palpable. ¡°Enough talk. What''s the plan?¡± Thick veins lined her arms and neck, intimidating the nearby immobilized champions. Scott paused before responding, ¡°Orion will handle the archers, while we deal with any search parties. Our goal is simple: survive.¡± Llorva interjected with a determined look. ¡°We should head to the gate and start climbing the tower again. The chances of facing them in another ranking game are low. We risk an unending series of attacks if we choose to remain in the neutral zone.¡± Scott nodded. ¡°That sounds like a solid plan, but where is this gate?¡± Llorva pointed to a towering skyscraper. ¡°There it is. I''ve seen parties heading there over the past few days.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll meet you guys there. See ya,¡± Orion said, tapping his staff on the ground. He shattered into pieces like stone, leaving the group, apart from Scott, in stunned silence. Soon they turned their attention toward the eldritch knight, their curious gazes seeking an explanation. ¡°You¡¯re only going to give yourselves a headache trying to figure it out. We should move too,¡± Scott said. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we wait until he¡¯s dealt with the archers?¡± Slim suggested. ¡°I don¡¯t think they''ll bother us at the moment,¡± Scott replied softly, glancing toward a specific direction. Suddenly, explosions erupted from various locations, including the spot Scott stared at. Amidst the chaos, maniacal laughter filled the air, accompanied by delirious, eager voices, ¡°This isn¡¯t nearly enough data! C¡¯mon, show us more!¡± Scott''s smile beneath his mask turned sinister as he faced his companions. ¡°It¡¯s time to go.¡± Book 2 - Chapter 28: Ember Under Orion¡¯s influence, the immobilized champions rushed out from the shop, sprinting in a panicked stampede. Scott and his companions melded into the throng, as the champions scattering in different directions. Explosions echoed from towering skyscrapers, casting debris across once-pristine streets. The relentless showers of arrows didn¡¯t return, encouraging hidden champions to join the exodus, taking advantage of the uncertain ceasefire. Champions in their numbers flooded the streets, their movements frantic and directionless, each praying they wouldn¡¯t fall victim to another onslaught. While death wasn''t permanent, the looming danger was a grim prospect no one wanted to face. Barely five minutes after Scott¡¯s group took to the streets, a colossal inferno roared to life behind them. Massive, flame-engulfed serpents materialized, leaving devastation in their wake. ¡°Damn it,¡± Scott muttered, eyes darting to the monstrous creatures wreaking havoc. The nearby champions pushed their bodies to their limits, spurred on by the appearance of the Sons of J?rmungandr. ¡°What the hell is happening?¡± Slim''s voice crackled over the party channel. He could understand bounty hunters targeting them, but the intensity and scale of the pursuit made little sense. ¡°Save the questions for later,¡± Zara snapped, sprinting with supernatural speed. ¡°Keep up or get left behind.¡± She blurred into motion, effortlessly weaving through the crowd. ¡°Not again,¡± Slim groaned as his clothes vanished into his inventory. Stripped down to a skeletal form, he surged forward, plowing through any obstacles or champions blocking his path. Like Zara and Slim, Llorva darted forward, her agile form vaulting off the heads and shoulders of nearby champions, propelling her through the chaos. Scott, in contrast, had mostly phased into the ethereal realm, materializing only occasionally as he floated toward the building Llorva had pointed out earlier. He found it hard to believe that the Sons of J?rmungandr and the Shadow Syndicate would wreak such havoc and destruction merely to apprehend him, Slim, and Orion. He believed a more sinister plot seemed more likely. Another explosion rocked an adjacent street, turning several champions into charred corpses in mere seconds. Unlike the champions, who turned to dust upon death, the destroyed buildings magically repaired themselves¡ªalbeit slowly. Explosions erupted in neighboring streets in quick succession, and more snakes appeared, causing chaos. Champions who had remained indoors found themselves forced to join the fray, while those attempting to flee resolved not to go down without a fight. A large-scale brawl erupted as champion after champion unleashed powerful attacks on the rapidly multiplying snakes. Neither of Scott¡¯s companions considered staying behind to fight nor slowing their pace. Instead, they silently thanked the champions for acting as sacrificial lambs to halt the advancing rampage. ¡°Ahem. Is this thing working?¡± A low-pitched microphone echo reverberated throughout the city, and a projection of a friendly-looking middle-aged man in black leather armor materialized in the sky. The rampaging snakes and several stunned champions turned their heads toward the sky. ¡°I guess it¡¯s working now. Ahem. Attention, all champions in Sector O: Anyone with reliable information leading to the capture of these criminals will be rewarded with at least a thousand core elemental shards each.¡± Three images flanked the projection: one of a man in a blackened, ominous mask; another of a bespectacled mage; and the last of a three-headed creature seemingly engulfed in flowing magma. ¡°By order of the Sons of J?rmungandr, if you aid these criminals or interfere with our pursuit, rest assured you will be struck down¡ªor worse, become enemies with¡ª¡± Thunder roared across the clear sky as a massive purple lightning bolt obliterated the projections, cutting off the transmission. Snakes across Sector O howled in despair and rage, their eyes fixed on the source of the sudden attack. Under clear skies, a lithe figure in a loosely fitting white garment descended a series of shifting disks. For the first time in what felt like ages, not a single explosion echoed in the vicinity. Though fury still clouded the eyes of the snakes, a hint of fear lurked behind their rage as they and several other champions watched as the figure descended the makeshift stairs. The heavens seemed to rage with each step she took while lightning seemingly danced around her bare feet. ¡°No way, it¡¯s her,¡± Slim¡¯s voice echoed through the party channel. For the first time, most of the Hound Extermination Crew paused, raising their heads to the sky. In an alley, Scott materialized, frowning at the sight of Ember. Of all people, I didn¡¯t expect to see her here, he thought. He ignored the announcement of the middle-aged man; he knew they held him, Orion, and the deceased asura responsible for the massacre in the Shifting Steps Valley. The question of when and how they took pictures briefly troubled him, but he didn¡¯t pay too much attention to it. Scott readied himself to move, paying little attention to Ember¡¯s arrival. Yet, he noticed the dragonkin''s gaze fixed on him. Her androgynous beauty radiated a sweet smile as she whispered, ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you. I see you¡¯ve finally used my gift. I¡¯m glad.¡± Despite the distance, Scott heard her words as if whispered in his ear. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were such a troublemaker,¡± she said, lips barely moving. ¡°It¡¯s¡ª¡± A thunderous explosion resounded in the distance, shaking several buildings. A massive sinkhole opened in Sector O, from which a colossal snake, many times larger than its brethren, emerged. Its iridescent amethyst eyes fixed on the dragonkin as its blackened forked tongue darted in and out. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Opening its maw, a blackened orb materialized over its head, accompanied by a deafening howl. Champions within a kilometer visibly weakened, as if drained of life. Ghoulish flames rose above their heads, converging on the orb. The amethyst hue turned crimson, leaving charred corpses in its wake. The temperature soared, steel melted, and all traces of moisture evaporated. The snake opened its mouth again, causing nearby snakes to shrink and flee. Ember sent Scott a final message: ¡°I¡¯ll ensure your safety and that of your friends. Head to the gate. I¡¯ll find you soon.¡± As Scott vanished, Ember turned her attention to the snake, which consumed the amethyst-crimson orb. A burst of energy obliterated several blocks as the snake transformed into a flaming calamity. Ember, on the other hand, remained unflinching. Thunder roared, while lightning bolts streaked across the sky. Lightning sparks covered the eyes of the dragonkin, before slowly expanding to all parts of her body. Meanwhile, the snakes howled a second time, but this time, the heavens parted, revealing a colossal lightning dragon. ¡°That we tolerate your existence doesn¡¯t grant you the right to challenge a true dragon. Today, I¡¯ll teach you the difference between a mere snake and a noble dragon,¡± Ember declared softly, raising her right hand. The lightning dragon roared, seemingly eager to break free from its heavenly tethers. The snake retaliated with flames gathering around its maw. ¡°I lift all restrictions within my domain!¡± Ember proclaimed, lowering her hand. The lightning dragon descended with fury. Simultaneously, the snake unleashed a colossal fireball, colliding with the lightning dragon in a cataclysmic explosion that devastated the area, robbing numerous champions of their lives. Perched atop a crumbling building on the brink of collapse, Orion observed the battle with unabashed glee. Drool trickled from the corners of his mouth, his grin widening with every explosion and clash of magic. ¡°This is truly magnificent,¡± he murmured, wiping the drool away with a bloodstained sleeve. A voice broke his reverie. ¡°How you find interest even in the most mundane of things is beyond me.¡± Orion''s smile brightened. ¡°It¡¯s not something I expect ordinary people to understand. But perhaps one day, you¡¯ll see things my way.¡± ¡°I¡¯d rather remain blind,¡± the voice retorted, eliciting a chuckle from Orion. ¡°Have you considered the consequences if he discovers you tipped off both factions?¡± Orion turned, meeting Llorva¡¯s indifferent gaze. ¡°To be honest, I doubt he¡¯d care. I have my reasons for what I do.¡± Llorva¡¯s attention shifted back to the fierce battle, and Orion¡¯s voice replaced the silence again, ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate him. He may seem laid-back, but I believe he''s far more calculating than you realize. There is also the possibility that he might not care about anyone but himself.¡± Another shockwave erupted, yet the building miraculously stood firm. After watching the battle for a few more moments, Llorva said, ¡°It¡¯s only a matter of time before his existence becomes known to all, especially the lesser gods. We must¡ª¡± Orion cut in, grinning, ¡°You mean, you guys. I¡¯m just an observer, remember? I have no allegiance to anyone.¡± His voice was flat, emotionless. ¡°I''m only interested in the data.¡± Llorva sighed, ¡°Speaking of data, has he given you anything useful?¡± ¡°Not yet,¡± Orion replied, locking eyes with Llorva. ¡°It¡¯s likely they have contacted him. He¡¯s keeping secrets, but that¡¯s why you hired me. I won¡¯t disappoint.¡± Llorva rolled her eyes, ¡°You better not. I¡¯ll meet you at the gate.¡± ¡°Wait,¡± Orion suddenly called out. Llorva paused, frowning, ¡°Is there something else?¡± ¡°Oh no, it¡¯s not a report,¡± Orion said, flashing a smile. ¡°Think of it more as an inquiry.¡± Rising from his seat, he moved to a nearby boulder, a remnant of a long-forgotten building. As he shifted, a massive rod crashed down where he had just been sitting. Ignoring the deadly projectile, Orion posed another question. ¡°I''ve asked before and still haven¡¯t received a clear answer. Have you assessed the threat levels of the feline and undead?¡± Llorva sighed, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you interrupted me for such a trivial question. Neither has gained prominence in other timelines, as the codex states. So, there¡¯s no need for concern,¡± she replied. Orion chuckled softly, lifting his gaze. ¡°Can you at least give me a hint about¡ª¡± ¡°Stop,¡± Llorva cut in before he could finish. ¡°You know I can''t answer that. I''ve told you repeatedly that I have no knowledge of your past selves or actions. You wouldn¡¯t be so open with me if you thought I was lying. If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll inform you of our next meeting.¡± She turned to leave but paused to face him once more. ¡°We¡¯ll be traveling together from now on. I trust there won¡¯t be any mistakes?¡± ¡°I¡¯m a professional; you can count on me,¡± Orion assured her. ¡°By the way, are you sure he won¡¯t grow tired and suspicious of you clinging to him like that? I know you¡¯re searching for something, but don¡¯t let your guard down,¡± he cautioned. With that, Llorva walked away, her steps slowing with each stride until, on her fifth step, she transformed into a shadowy form and vanished. Orion sighed, reaching for a small pebble nearby. Black tendrils snaked across his hand, and he found himself playing with the otherworldly creature as it emerged. ¡°You heard all that, didn¡¯t you?¡± Orion said, watching the tendrils wrap around his finger. ¡°Oh, she knows I was lying. And your host didn¡¯t help either,¡± Orion mused. ¡°Handing me that item in plain sight, speaking openly¡ªit¡¯s no wonder they might have noticed. If only they knew the device was empty. He¡¯s even more cunning than I realized,¡± he added with a soft chuckle as the tendril slithered across his fingers. ¡°Do I regret this?¡± Orion suddenly laughed, shaking his head. ¡°Not at all. I''ve never felt more alive,¡± he declared. ¡°But I do feel sorry for the asura. If it had followed my instructions, I wouldn¡¯t have given away its location. Oh well, what¡¯s done is done.¡± The tendril tightened around Orion''s middle finger, prompting a chuckle from the mage. ¡°Ah, I see. You want him to grasp the gravity of his situation. Adversity often brings out the best in people.¡± As the tendril curled around Orion¡¯s thumb, the mage''s face shifted from surprise to laughter. ¡°You''ve even learned to crack jokes? Clever. But I won''t bite off more than I can chew.¡± The tendril relaxed its hold, sliding slowly over the mage''s fingers. ¡°To be considered slightly less foolish than other creatures by you is quite the compliment,¡± the mage remarked. He paused, then added, ¡°So, are you going to explain why you want me to leave you here?¡± The tendril pierced the mage''s skin, a wry smile crossing Orion''s lips. He sighed and turned to a nearby corpse pierced by an arrow. ¡°You can stand up now,¡± he said. The female corpse rose shakily to her feet, her eyes meeting Orion''s. She had been one of the archers sent to eliminate Scott and his companions. She hadn''t expected Orion to wipe out her entire group. Why he''d spared her remained a mystery. ¡°Congratulations,¡± Orion said, grinning. ¡°You''ve been chosen for a special mission. While you may lack the talent and dedication to reach the top on your own, I''ll be your patron. Your new mission: climb the ranks of the Shadow Syndicate, even if it means challenging Armando Arturo Costa himself, or partnering with him. I¡¯ll let you decide. Now go.¡± With her battered body protesting, the archer bowed reluctantly before limping away into the distance. Orion settled back into his seat, sighing. ¡°It''s time I rejoined the group.¡± Suddenly, a shockwave from the ongoing battle sent a barrage of debris hurtling toward Orion. In an instant, a lethal mix of rocks, concrete, steel rods, and other materials shredded him, leaving behind a rocky corpse. Miraculously, the building stood firm, though it teetered on the brink of collapse. A portal discreetly opened at the spot where Orion had fallen, and three androids emerged. The tendrils sprang from the rubble, seizing one of the androids before they all vanished back into the portal. Book 2 - Chapter 29: Good Luck Devastation gripped the once-bustling sector as Ember and the serpent¡¯s clash reached its final showdown. While Ember remained unscathed, the serpent bore a multitude of gaping wounds across its vast form, each oozing fresh blood that mingled with the blackened soot, creating a noxious blend that corroded everything it touched. Amidst the chaos, Zara reached the designated rendezvous point ahead of the others. Thousands of onlookers, whether from the crowded streets or the towering buildings, fixated their gazes on the champions emerging from the wreckage of Sector O. Unperturbed by the throngs of spectators, Zara swiftly navigated toward a colossal structure emanating an intense aura. Constructed from a rare material with a silvery sheen, the building seemed to warp the very air around it, leaving most champions with the eerie sensation that it could be swallowed by a portal at any moment. Situated at the heart of the neutral zone, the structure, known as the gathering point, served as both the commercial hub of the city and the departure point for champions seeking to further their ascent. Barely a minute after Zara''s arrival, other champions began to emerge from various streets in a steady stream. Among them was Slim, still naked, panting as he hurried forward. ¡°Why is it that every time I''m with you guys, I have to run for my life?¡± Slim grumbled over the party channel as he darted into an alleyway. After a swift change into fresh attire, the necromancer approached the towering edifice. ¡°So, who''s here? Don''t tell me I''m the first,¡± he remarked, scanning the area for familiar faces. ¡°You wish,¡± Zara retorted with a scoff. ¡°Look to your left, bonehead.¡± Slim followed her instruction and spotted the brawler leaning against a pillar. With quick strides, he made his way over, but before he could take his fifth step, another voice reverberated in his mind. ¡°We''re here too. I can see you,¡± Llorva declared, emerging from a nearby alleyway. ¡°Looks like we all made it out,¡± Scott''s voice cut through the tension, causing Zara to startle as if he had appeared out of thin air. She turned swiftly, suppressing a scream. Scott had indeed manifested seemingly from nowhere. Slim couldn''t help but chuckle at Zara''s reaction. ¡°What are you talking about, buddy? Orion hasn''t¡ª¡± Before Slim could finish, a soft chuckle interrupted him. ¡°Don''t worry about me. I''m here too,¡± Orion''s voice echoed in their minds. ¡°I''m at the entrance. Come in,¡± he added. The grand doors of the building swung open, revealing a familiar face beckoning them inside with a smile and a wave. Zara frowned slightly. When did he get here? She wondered. After all, Orion had been tasked with dealing with the archers. It seemed odd that he would be here before them, his demeanor suggesting he had been waiting for a while. Another explosion shook Sector O, followed by a harrowing scream. Only a select few champions, with unique abilities and keen senses, could witness the ongoing battle, but none dared to approach. ¡°We shouldn''t stay here long,¡± Orion''s mental voice broke the silence. ¡°Another announcement is bound to come soon. We don''t want to be here when it does.¡± The group nodded in agreement, hastening their steps towards the mage. While most champions observed the chaos from a safe distance, those with a sense of urgency began to gather, slowly making their way to the gathering point. Inside, the room was a stark contrast to the chaos outside. Despite its small size, it exuded a serene atmosphere, adorned with elegant furniture and captivating artwork. ¡°Quite cozy, isn''t it?¡± Orion remarked with a smile, adjusting his glasses as he admired an abstract painting. The room, though devoid of windows or visible entrances, was filled with a refreshing breeze, gently rustling the leaves of the potted plants. Scott glanced around briefly before settling into a padded chair, visibly relieved to be away from the turmoil outside.
Welcome to the Gathering Point!
As a reward, you will receive enough Experience Points to qualify for the next level!
Distributing required Experience Points¡­
They exchanged puzzled looks, each of them surprised by the unexpected reward¡ªan increase in level that was both unilateral and substantial.
Experience Points distribution completed!
Congratulations! You¡¯ve leveled up!
Scott shifted his attention to his companions, but Hastur¡¯s gaze remained dormant. Hmm¡­ There are restrictions on this room as well, he mused. But why would they offer such a reward? He had spent enough time in the tower to understand that nothing was given freely.
Warning! Your party does not meet the minimum required number of members to enter the next stage!
Would you like to proceed to the next stage by merging with another party?
Warning! If you choose not to temporarily merge with another party, you will be forced to leave the Gathering Point!
The notification appeared before Zara, the appointed leader of their party. She lifted her gaze, awaiting the input and opinions of her companions. Slim spoke up first, his arms folded as he leaned against the wall. ¡°Finding someone willing to join us will be a challenge, especially after what happened earlier. We can''t be sure who might try to manipulate their way into our group.¡± ¡°I agree,¡± Llorva added. ¡°It''s wise to advance to the next stage. Fi-Fi shares the same view,¡± she affirmed. Zara nodded, shifting her focus to Orion. The mage, engrossed in examining a silky grass plant, offered his perspective without turning. ¡°Statistically speaking, returning to the neutral zone would be unwise. Considering the circumstances, it''s only a matter of time before they dispatch pursuers. Proceeding to the next stage seems the most strategic course of action.¡± With a sudden turn, he flashed Zara a dazzling smile. ¡°Nevertheless, I have no objections if you choose otherwise. It promises to be an intriguing journey regardless,¡± he declared before returning his attention to the plant. Zara then directed her gaze to Scott, the sole member of their six-man party who had taken a seat. ¡°What are your thoughts, Scott?¡± ¡°I''m in agreement with what everyone said. There''s no merit in going back there,¡± he replied softly. ¡°Then it''s settled,¡± Zara murmured before selecting [Yes]. Immediately, a new system notification materialized before the champions. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
You''ve chosen to press onward! Your party will merge with another to meet the minimum requirements for the next stage.
Searching for a suitable party¡­
A suitable party has been found!
Party Overview!
Name: Oni¡¯Kah.
Members: 4.
Race: Orc (4).
Ranks: 88. 59. 40. 48.
Note: Your party information will be shared with other prospective parties. Both parties must accept an invitation from each other before the merger can proceed.
Do you wish to¡ª
Your party has been rejected!
Slim spat out a curse, his gaze fixed on the system information. ¡°Those motherfuckers,¡± he muttered, his face darkened by frustration. ¡°They didn''t even give it a second thought.¡± Meanwhile, Orion burst into laughter. ¡°Can''t blame ''em, really,¡± he chuckled. ¡°Those guys aren''t exactly known for playing well with others. We should count ourselves lucky they turned us down.¡± His grin widened. ¡°Feels like we''re swiping left and right on Tinder or something,¡± he added, his laughter subsiding as he turned his attention back to the plant. Slim frowned, a question gnawing at him. What''s Tinder? he wondered. Unable to suppress his curiosity, he turned to Scott. ¡°Hey, buddy, what''s Tinder?¡± Scott sighed softly, a wry smile tugging at his lips. ¡°I knew there was no way you¡¯d ignore that,¡± he said. ¡°It''s... well, it''s like an item that shows you potential matches based on your preferences. You know, like if you''re into singing, it''ll try to match you with other singers. You just keep swiping until you find someone who fits what you''re looking for.¡± He shot a pointed glance at Orion, who chuckled at his disjointed explanation. Slim rubbed his jaw, mulling over Scott''s words. ¡°So, why''d someone invent something like that?¡± he asked, his curiosity piqued. Scott nodded toward Orion. ¡°You can ask him, he¡¯s the one who brought it up. I never really used it¡­ at least not that much,¡± he added with a shrug. Orion''s laughter bubbled up once more, but before he could respond, another system notification interrupted him.
A suitable party has been found!
Party Overview!
Name: Jerry, Tom, Isiah, and Patrick.
Members: 4.
Race: Humans (4)
Ranks: 55. 52. 50. 48.
Do you wish to merge with this party?
Yes! No!
Orion exploded into laughter once more, and even Scott giggled softly. Zara, Slim, and Llorva joined in, though none could pinpoint exactly what amused them. They couldn¡¯t stop themselves from speculating what type of personalities made up the group if they couldn¡¯t decide on something as basic as a name. Llorva was the first to stifle her laughter, and she hesitated, ¡°Um, we''re not seriously considering joining them, are we?¡±
Your party has been rejected!
The system notification flashed on the screen mere moments after Llorva voiced her concerns. ¡°It appears we''re the ones struggling to find a party,¡± Zara remarked with a wry smile. She took a vacant seat, with Slim and Llorva following suit, the elf positioning herself closer to Scott. Only Orion remained standing, his attention now fixated on an oil painting. ¡°So, what''s our plan if no one selects us?¡± Slim suddenly inquired. ¡°Let''s not jinx ourselves,¡± Zara interjected. ¡°There''s nothing inherently wrong with us. Any group would be fortunate to have us, right?¡± she added, casting a smile towards her companions. However, her smile faltered as she contemplated further. Scott was not someone most people would envision forming any physical connections with. His half-human heritage, coupled with the prevailing skepticism between different races, would undoubtedly complicate their selection process. And then there was Slim, an undead¡ªa fact that most champions would find off-putting. ¡°Why the change in expression, my leader?¡± Slim questioned, his tone tinged with offense. ¡°Why wouldn''t it change?¡± Zara hissed. ¡°We might be here for a while, thanks to you and Scott.¡± With a resigned sigh, she braced herself for a potentially prolonged wait. Meanwhile, Slim rose from his seat, his face contorted with anger. ¡°Are you implying we''re unattractive?¡± he bellowed, turning to Scott. ¡°Hey, buddy, are you hearing this? She''s insulting us.¡± The necromancer delved into his inventory, retrieving a pristine magazine. Flipping to a specific page, he eagerly pointed to an article, boasting, ¡°Take a look. I was voted the second-best dressed among emerging musicians across thirty sanctuaries, and eight percent of female champions consider me the most handsome newcomer, and for some reason, I was considered the best ¡®Top¡¯ by them too, whatever that means. I understand if you find Scott unappealing,¡± Slim paused, turning to Scott, "No offense, mate. But don''t you dare call me ugly.¡± Zara rubbed her temples, vigorously shaking her head. ¡°Fine, you''re not ugly.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Slim chuckled triumphantly. However, Zara quickly interjected, ¡°But you are a proper dumbass.¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯m a¡­ hold on a moment,¡± Slim paused, frowning. Reflecting on Zara''s initial comment, a sheepish grin spread across his face. Awkwardly stashing the magazine back into his inventory, he mumbled, ¡°Well, it''s not like it''s our fault I''m undead or that Scott''s half-human. We don''t want to be associated with people who''d discriminate against us anyway.¡± ¡°I can''t argue with that,¡± Zara said, sighing as she recalled Slim¡¯s previous outburst. Meanwhile, the necromancer sheepishly returned to seat while awkwardly scratching the back of his skull. Scott, on the other hand, didn¡¯t bother to suppress his laughter whatsoever.
A suitable party has been found!
Party Overview!
Name: Claw.
Members: 4.
Race: Avians (2), Human (1). Vampire (1).
Ranks: 65. 89. 30. 15.
Do you wish to merge with this party?
Yes! No!
Your party has been accepted!
The group exchanged glances, but it was Zara who wore the most bewildered yet excited expression. Finding a match so unexpectedly had caught her off guard. ¡°What do you guys think?¡± she mentally queried. Slim wasted no time in responding. ¡°What do you mean, ''what do we think''? Accept the invite before they have second thoughts or notice they accepted by mistake.¡± Without hesitation, Zara tapped the screen, and a new system notification promptly appeared.
You have matched with Claw!
Your group will be transported to the next stage immediately!
Good Luck!
The champions'' expressions soured instantly at the unexpected gesture. It marked the first time the system had ever wished them luck before the commencement of a trial or stage. Before anyone could voice their thoughts, a portal swallowed the champions, and the room reverted to its empty state. Book 2 - Chapter 30: Thisos Labyrinth Part 1 Scott found himself in a dimly lit space, surrounded by towering walls that seemed to reach into the heavens. Icy winds roared around him, devoid of any discernible taste or scent, while distant waterdrops echoed off the concrete.
Welcome to Thisos¡¯ Labyrinth!
The Lesser god of Doom, Thisos, bids you memorable stay!
You¡¯re being watched by over 1000 sanctuaries!
Main Quest has been updated!
Main Quest: Make it to the end of the Labyrinth!
Scott glanced briefly at the notifications before turning his attention to a group of four unfamiliar faces. All were women, and of different races. Two of them sported massive fluffy white wings sprouting from their backs, feathers adorning their forearms and ankles. Their armor left little to the imagination, focusing mainly on covering their privates. Avoiding the Avians'' gaze, Scott focused on the human member of the group, a petite woman with striking dark hair. She wore loose-fitting clothes and clutched what appeared to be an artist¡¯s brush, her eyes flicking back and forth between the notifications. The final member of the party was a pale-skinned beauty who seemed as though she had been sculpted by the gods themselves. Her rich amber hair contrasted with her gray, insidious eyes. Adorned with a sleeveless, enchanted upper garment that revealed a multitude of crucifixes tattooed on her lower arm, she completed her outfit with black, tight-fitting pants and matching boots. The vampire in the group spared only a cursory glance at the notifications, her attention drawn instead to the unfamiliar faces. A somewhat sadistic smile played on her lips, revealing her protruding canines.
By majority rule, The Hound Extermination Crew will now be known as the official party name!
Scott disregarded the system notification, his frown deepening as his gaze fixated on the illusionary, purple skulls that had suddenly materialized after the last system message. Though he couldn¡¯t see above his head, everyone in the expanded group bore the same eerie symbol. Zara cleared her throat, her attention drawn to the unfamiliar faces among them. ¡°You must be members of Claw,¡± she began, her tone friendly yet cautious. ¡°I''m Zara, the leader of this party. Let''s work together to survive whatever challenges lie ahead.¡± The ladies, unlike the vampire, wore apprehensive expressions as they assessed their temporary companions. It was evident from their faces that they harbored hesitation and regret. Of the six-member party, only Orion appeared somewhat ordinary, though an inexplicable primal fear seemed to emanate from him. ¡°I''m Lysa,¡± the vampire announced with a regal smile, proceeding to introduce her companions. ¡°These harpies are Uvoinne and Uvophine, and the artist is Daphine. We''re eager to collaborate with you,¡± she added, her eyes darting between Scott, Slim, and Fi-Fi, who had transformed into a miniature gelatinous form. Zara nodded in acknowledgment, redirecting her focus to the towering walls surrounding them. The space between each wall was vast enough for over a dozen people to walk side by side, and their height prevented anyone from feeling claustrophobic. Zara couldn''t help but wonder about the enigmatic place they had been transported to. ¡°Pardon me for asking,¡± Lysa interjected, approaching with measured steps. ¡°I hate to admit it, but I''m clueless about the nature of this trial. Have any of you figured it out?¡± Lysa halted in front of Zara, her towering presence contrasting with the feline''s stature. She exuded an air of both authority and benevolence as she reached for Zara''s blond hair, her other hand gently resting on the feline''s chin. ¡°Your eyes are truly beautiful,¡± Lysa remarked, her fingers gently sifting through Zara''s hair. ¡°And you have an enchanting scent. Please forgive my candor, but it''s quite captivating,¡± she complimented. Zara, momentarily speechless, managed only a timid, ¡°Thank you.¡± But Lysa silenced her with a finger pressed gently against her lips, its cool touch oddly comforting. ¡°No, the honor is mine. I''m grateful for this encounter,¡± she insisted. A faint blush tinged Zara''s cheeks as she averted her gaze from the vampire''s intense stare. She turned towards Scott and Slim, her thoughts reaching out to them telepathically. ¡°Um, help? I''m not sure what''s happening right now,¡± she pleaded. Slim chuckled softly, amused by the brawler''s embarrassment. He approached with measured steps, a charming smile gracing his lips. ¡°Unfortunately, we''re just as uncertain about this trial. Caution is advisable. None of us would want to face unforeseen consequences, especially after coming this far,¡± he advised, stopping a respectful distance from the vampire. Lysa regarded the necromancer with a smile, releasing her hold on Zara''s features. ¡°You''re absolutely right. We must proceed carefully,¡± she agreed. Pausing for a moment, she peered at Slim, trying to recall where she''d seen him before. A second passed, and her eyes lit up with delight. ¡°You''re Slim the Grimm, aren''t you? The lead singer of Bone Squad?¡± she exclaimed, retrieving a poster of Slim and his band from her inventory. ¡°Can I have your autograph? I''m a huge fan,¡± she gushed, unable to contain her excitement. A wave of pleasure washed over Slim as he eagerly produced a pen. ¡°I''m thrilled to meet a fan. Of course, I''d be happy to,¡± he replied with a smile. Naturally, the necromancer shot a gloating smile toward Zara, but the feline simply rolled her eyes. As Slim engaged with the vampire, Scott quietly approached Orion, the champions standing side by side. ¡°So, have you figured out anything about this place?¡± Scott inquired wordlessly. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Orion adjusted his glasses before lifting his head. ¡°Above us, there''s a chaotic mix of energies swirling, seemingly waiting for a fool to present themselves as a sacrifice. There''s a 99.9% chance most people would meet a brutal death if they dared to use the skies to exit the labyrinth.¡± Scott followed suit, his gaze tracking a stream of divergent, somewhat colorful swirls in tandem with the icy winds. ¡°What about underground?¡± the eldritch knight inquired. ¡°It''s likely even worse,¡± Orion replied after a brief pause. ¡°I need more time to analyze the data, but from what I''ve seen so far, anyone who attempts that route will probably be devoured by lava or banished to an unfathomable abyss. The energy readings down there are even more chaotic. It''s fascinating,¡± the mage chuckled. Though neither spoke aloud, it was evident to the trained eye that they were engaged in conversation. ¡°Do you see it, too?¡± Scott suddenly asked. Orion pondered for a moment; lips twisted in thought as he observed his companions. ¡°Barely. Its shape is still indiscernible, but it resembles some sort of skull.¡± ¡°You''d be a formidable adversary,¡± Scott commented, his voice devoid of emotion. Orion chuckled softly, readjusting his glasses. ¡°I''ve heard that before,¡± the mage teased. ¡°Fortunately, we don''t have to worry about being enemies, right?¡± Scott glanced at him, meeting Orion''s probing gaze with an unseen smile. Then he turned away. ¡°I can tell this trial is going to be extremely difficult and unpredictable. If we survive, it''s unlikely to be unscathed.¡± ¡°I agree,¡± Orion nodded, turning his attention to the all-female party. ¡°If necessary, we have four willing sacrificial lambs at least, but who knows, fortune may favor us,¡± the mage said. ¡°Continue your research, and don''t be careless,¡± Scott advised before departing. Orion watched the eldritch knight make his way back to his previous position with a smile. At the same time, he noticed Llorva staring in his direction. He offered her an even more dazzling smile, but the elf simply averted her gaze. Meanwhile, Lysa, Slim, and Zara had finished their pleasantries. The party leaders called their members together, preparing to brave the unknowns ahead. ¡°I know it will be difficult to trust each other in these treacherous games, but I hope we can at least work together to ensure our mutual survival,¡± Lysa said, adopting a serious demeanor. ¡°We share the sentiment,¡± Zara nodded. ¡°We promise not to harm or betray you if you don''t.¡± ¡°Our sentiments exactly,¡± Lysa agreed. ¡°If there''s nothing more to say, I believe we should prepare to depart.¡± Zara exchanged a glance with her companions, receiving a subtle nod in return, before turning back to Lysa. ¡°We''re ready. Will you be performing the honors?¡± The vampire bit her lower lip momentarily before nodding in agreement. Without a word, the champions from Claw took the lead, followed by Scott and his companions at a moderate pace. The howling winds grew louder as they advanced, drowning out the sound of their boots against the concrete floor. Scott''s vision flitted between the scratched-up walls and tiny cracks, but he found no trace of life in the area. With only a narrow pathway ahead, the group proceeded cautiously. Three hours passed with no change in scenery or direction¡ªno turns, no bends, nothing but the same monotonous path stretching before them. ¡°How much longer do we keep walking?¡± Daphine grumbled, wiping sweat from her forehead. The group had experienced only one change during their trek: the alternating temperature within the labyrinth. Orion theorized that the temperature shifted every kilometer, though most of the champions had lost track. ¡°We should be grateful it''s just that,¡± Slim remarked, loosening his necktie and stowing his blazers in his inventory. ¡°Imagine having to fight or run in these conditions.¡± ¡°Yeah, it''s going to be rough,¡± Daphine agreed, retrieving a water bottle from her inventory. ¡°Indeed,¡± Slim replied, but the conversation trailed off. Despite some small talk between the groups, an air of guardedness lingered. They were strangers in an unknown and likely perilous location. Another three hours passed, with occasional breaks. The temperature fluctuations grew more erratic, with hot and cold regions mere steps apart. Exploring the monotonous terrain left the group mentally fatigued, but their determination remained steadfast. They knew one moment of carelessness could mean defeat in the merciless ranking games. Six more hours passed, with no change in scenery or weather. ¡°Why would anyone create such a poorly designed maze?¡± Slim grumbled aloud. ¡°Is this even a maze? We''ve been walking straight ahead for who knows how long.¡± He sighed, splashing clean water on his bones. Maintaining absolute concentration for thirty minutes was difficult for most people, let alone for several hours. Many would easily become mentally fatigued and complacent, especially when anticipating potential threats and challenges. The group continued to walk for another two hours, taking longer breaks in between, yet nothing had changed. However, the champions had stopped complaining about the lack of variation and had grown accustomed to the ever-changing conditions. Unlike before, members of the two groups frequently chatted with each other, with Scott and Fi-Fi being the quietest. ¡°Whoever designed this labyrinth seems intent on boring us to death,¡± Uvoinne remarked, leaning against Uvophine. The harpy sighed softly before nibbling on an oddly shaped, succulent fruit. ¡°At least it''s better than running for our lives or fighting some crazed lunatic,¡± Zara muttered before swallowing a recovery pill. ¡°To be honest, I hated it at the beginning, but I think I''m getting used to this place,¡± Slim chimed in. ¡°Remember my tailor buddy I mentioned earlier?¡± ¡°Yeah, what about him?¡± Zara replied, not paying much attention to the necromancer. Slim leaned in closer. ¡°You''re not going to believe this, but according to him, there are floors in the ranking games that encompass massive battlegrounds where champions simply engage in a free-for-all.¡± Zara frowned, turning toward the skeleton. ¡°How can you be sure he wasn''t exaggerating?¡± Slim shrugged, shaking his head. ¡°I have no idea, honestly. But he doesn''t seem like the type to. I''m just saying things could be far worse than they are,¡± the necromancer explained. ¡°Your tailor isn''t wrong. Such a place does exist,¡± Orion commented with a chuckle. Instantly, all heads, apart from Scott''s, turned in his direction, their curious eyes silently demanding answers. The loquacious mage didn''t hesitate, pointing toward Scott as he continued, ¡°It''s called the theatre, and Scott and I, as well as our departed friend, all experienced it. I''ve never had so much fun in one place. Trust me, it''s an experience to die for,¡± the mage giggled as he readjusted his glasses. Zara and Slim immediately turned their attention toward Scott, preparing to speak. However, a system notification suddenly appeared in front of the group.
You have failed to cross the first layer at the appointed time!
The expressions of the champions changed, unable to believe what they were reading. Another notification appeared before anyone could speak.
You will be returned to the starting point!
The illusionary skulls hovering above their heads materialized briefly, expelling a swirling purple miasma that engulfed the champions in an instant before they vanished. Moments later, the group reappeared, exactly as forewarned, confronted by towering walls that signaled the beginning of the labyrinth.
You will be able to challenge the first layer in thirty minutes. Please prepare accordingly!
Book 2 - Chapter 31: Thisos Labyrinth Part 2 Silence draped over the area, the howling winds filling the ears of the stunned champions as they gazed at the flashing blue screen. The quietude lasted only moments before Orion erupted into frenzied laughter, tears streaming down his cheeks. The all-female members of Claw turned toward the mage; perplexed and intrigued by his reaction. Yet, they didn''t dwell on it too long. After all, their transfer to the starting area had rendered all their progress futile. ¡°I truly loathe this place,¡± Slim suddenly said, exhaling as he rolled up his sleeves. ¡°I knew it was too good to be true. There was no way they''d craft such a mundane trial without a twist,¡± he grumbled, leaning against the cold wall. Like the necromancer, most champions harbored frustrations and complaints but lacked an outlet for them. Meanwhile, Scott disregarded the system''s notification, closely observing the skulls above his companions'' heads. Their obliviousness indicated they still couldn''t perceive it, despite the skull becoming larger and more tangible. Is this meant to be a speed test? Scott pondered silently, his gaze darting between his companions. He dismissed the idea swiftly. Although they hadn''t exerted themselves much during the first attempt, it would have required significant effort to cover the same distance if they had gone all out. Plus, there was the possibility of the passage extending farther than they could imagine. He doubted the game overseers expected them to sprint indefinitely. Scott lifted his head abruptly, fixating on the chaotic energy swirling above. A thought struck him. I should have considered this sooner. The elemental shards, or even the core elemental shards, might hold the key to escaping this place, he mused, though doubt soon followed. Unlike previous trials where anomalies obstructed the path, the chaotic energy merely hovered above their heads without hindrance. Lost in thought, Zara''s voice suddenly echoed in the mind of the eldritch knight. ¡°Scott, did you notice anything unusual along the way?¡± Scott gestured upwards, his expression grave. ¡°Anything considered strange is gathered above us,¡± he murmured, his gaze fixated on the illusionary skulls hovering overhead. ¡°Do you recall seeing those skulls earlier?¡± Zara nodded, a shiver running down her spine as she anticipated Scott''s explanation. With a subtle, yet unseen smirk, Scott continued, ¡°They''ve been there since the beginning, and it appears they''re becoming more tangible.¡± A frown creased Zara''s brow as she fell into a contemplative silence. Meanwhile, nearby, the women of Claw engaged in a hushed discussion, their brows furrowed with concern as they pondered their predicament. ¡°How are we supposed to complete a trial with no clear objectives?¡± Daphine queried, her question hanging unanswered in the air. Lysa glanced upwards, her captivating gaze tracing the faint glimmers of light atop the towering walls. ¡°Are we expected to climb our way out?¡± she mused softly. ¡°I doubt it,¡± Uvophine interjected, her eyes reflecting a palpable unease as she surveyed the vacant skies. ¡°We haven''t mentioned it before, but Uvoinne and I have been plagued by unsettling thoughts since we arrived. It''s as if something¡ªor someone¡ªis urging us to take flight. We keep hearing whispers of some sort,¡± the harpy confessed. Lysa''s concern deepened as she approached the avian duo. ¡°Why didn''t you mention this sooner?¡± she inquired, her hand resting gently on Uvoinne''s shoulder. ¡°Are you both alright? Are the whispers persisting?¡± ¡°We can still hear them,¡± Uvoinne affirmed. ¡°Indeed,¡± Uvophine added, her voice tinged with apprehension. ¡°But it''s not causing us pain. It''s more like...¡± She trailed off, struggling to articulate the peculiar phenomenon. In the ensuing silence, Orion''s voice drifted from a distance. ¡°It''s like someone whispering suggestions into your mind, or those insidious thoughts you typically ignore,¡± he remarked casually. All eyes turned towards the smiling mage. Lysa glanced back at the harpies, who nodded in agreement. Returning her focus to Orion, Lysa inquired, ¡°Are you hearing the whispers too?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Orion replied with a grin. ¡°Though I do wish they''d provide answers instead of attempting to lead me astray,¡± he added with a wistful sigh. Furrowing her brow, Lysa pressed further, ¡°What are they urging you to do?¡± Orion met the vampire¡¯s probing gaze with a dazzling smile. ¡°Nothing much really. It just wants me to pop off a few of your heads, but why would I do that, though?¡± The mage laughed while shaking his head. Chills coursed down the spines of the harpies, Daphine, and even Lysa, whose lips trembled softly as if the vampire forcefully stopped herself from smiling. ¡°Buddy, your friend is really a piece of work,¡± Slim chuckled, mentally communicating with Scott. Orion''s casual, borderline nonchalant demeanor while speaking such chilling words left a lasting impression on the all-female party. ¡°Alright everyone, enough crazy talk,¡± Zara suddenly said, taking a step forward. ¡°Who else is hearing voices?¡± Her gaze alternated between the two groups. Llorva meekly raised her hand. ¡°I can hear something, but it''s too incoherent to call it a whisper. It¡¯s more like gibberish, so I didn¡¯t pay too much attention to it. I thought everyone could hear it too,¡± she explained. Zara massaged her temples, confused by why no one spoke up earlier. However, she knew now wasn¡¯t the time to berate or question them. ¡°Anyone else?¡± she asked. Apart from the harpies, Orion, and Llorva, no one indicated they could hear the ominous voices. Zara pondered for a moment. ¡°There must be a reason why some of us can hear the whispers while others can¡¯t. Unless whoever created this place did it intentionally to cause confusion amongst us,¡± she said. Orion clapped, nodding approvingly at the brawler. ¡°I¡¯m 60% leaning towards that being the case,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯s likely there¡¯s a hidden detail about this layer we have yet to discover, and it¡¯s inevitable we fail the second trial. Should my expectations come true, then it¡¯s likely the voices will become louder and more bewitching. It won¡¯t be long before some of us lose ourselves to madness,¡± the mage proposed. Silence once again enveloped the area as the champions fell into somber reflection. Scott, on the other hand, subconsciously wore a smile at the prospect of several people being overridden with madness. He raised his head toward the chaotic mass once more, this time retrieving a core elemental shard and an ordinary elemental shard. Orion spotted the items as soon as they emerged, uncertainty gleaming in his eyes. He noticed Scott staring upwards, and it didn¡¯t take him long to piece two and two together. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. ¡°I absolutely wouldn¡¯t do that,¡± the mage advised, gaining the eldritch knight¡¯s attention. ¡°Those items are usually crafted from a pure homogeneous source. What do you think would happen once they''re thrown into such a chaotic mix?¡± he asked with a teasing smile. At that moment, the others realized that Scott had taken out two items. Everyone recognized the elemental shard, but not its superior core variant. However, none of them understood what chaotic mix Orion talked about, and it didn¡¯t seem like the mage had any intentions of explaining further. Scott lowered his gaze, focusing on Orion. ¡°You¡¯re probably right, but I think I might have figured something out.¡± The eyes of the champions lit up as they all focused their attention on Scott. The eldritch knight returned the elemental shard and its core variant to his inventory before retrieving a crimson and snow-white elemental shard. Instantly, the snow-white elemental shard forcefully propelled itself out of Scott¡¯s hand, detonating with a muffled explosion. At that moment, the cold in the area intensified several times over, causing hail and snow to fall like an unending torrent. ¡°No matter what you do, don¡¯t use your energy sources,¡± Orion suddenly screamed, before curling into a fetal position to endure the onslaught. Confusion and doubt welled up among the champions, especially the ladies from Claw, who didn¡¯t know the mage well enough to gauge the reliability of his words. Nevertheless, Scott and his companions quickly mimicked Orion, lying on the cold ground as hail pelted their bodies. Lysa hesitated for a moment before instructing her companions to do the same. ¡°We¡¯ll follow suit,¡± she said, before joining them on the ground. The harpies and Daphine quickly followed suit, and the group remained motionless as snow gradually accumulated over their bodies. Barely five minutes later, a crimson elemental shard emerged from the snowy land, levitating in midair. It shattered, unleashing a devastating heatwave that melted the accumulated snow and hidden hail into water. Although the temperature in the area had returned to its previous levels before Scott took out the elemental shards, the minds of the champions were plagued with numerous questions. ¡°What the hell was that?¡± Daphine coughed as she struggled to sit up. Everything was wet, and the return of the cold only exacerbated the situation. ¡°Are we going to repeat the same situation from that damned place?¡± Slim grumbled, his expression darkening as he recalled their time maneuvering through the test forest and Togan. Zara wore a similar expression. Given the choice, she would prefer not to participate in any trials like that, but luck didn¡¯t seem to be on their side. ¡°What are you guys talking about?¡± Uvophine demanded, frowning as she glared at Scott and the rest of the Hound Extermination Crew. ¡°Do you realize your carelessness could¡¯ve cost us our lives?¡± she hissed. Scott cast a glance toward the harpy but wordlessly averted his gaze. Uvophine ruffled her feathers, shaking off the lingering water on her body as she stood up. ¡°Don¡¯t look away. Take responsibility for your actions,¡± she demanded. ¡°Calm down, Uvophine,¡± Lysa mediated as she too stood up. ¡°He surely didn¡¯t mean it,¡± she said, resting a hand on the harpy¡¯s shoulder. ¡°No, that¡¯s not what¡¯s important. Whether he meant to do that is irrelevant,¡± Uvophine said adamantly, shaking off Lysa''s arm. She pointed at Scott and continued, ¡°Look at him. He doesn¡¯t even look bothered. That¡¯s what irks me the most.¡± ¡°I agree,¡± Daphine chimed in, standing up. ¡°I don¡¯t know whether he knew that was going to happen or not, but a simple apology would be nice. After all, things could¡¯ve been much worse,¡± she added while cleaning her hair with some towels from her inventory. ¡°Calm down, Uvophine,¡± Uvoinne said tenderly. ¡°It¡¯s not like he meant for that to happen,¡± she added, trying to ameliorate the situation. ¡°Don''t do that,¡± Uvophine retorted, her gaze fixed on her sister. ¡°Don''t make excuses for him.¡± Meanwhile, as the ladies heatedly discussed among themselves, Scott and his companions also conversed, albeit over the party channel. ¡°Buddy, do we need to climb up there?¡± Slim asked, recalling the levitation of the elemental shard before it detonated. It had only lasted a moment, but a trace of silvery gas had been drawn into the item before it exploded. ¡°No, that would be suicidal,¡± Scott replied. ¡°I didn''t expect that to happen, but now I understand why it did.¡± ¡°Fi-Fi also wants to understand too,¡± Fi-Fi interjected. ¡°Me too,¡± Llorva chimed in. ¡°This is different from what happened in Enchanted Heights. Could there be different rules governing this place?¡± she theorized. Scott nodded slowly. ¡°I had the sane suspicion earlier, but I''m confident that''s the case after what occurred.¡± He paused, noticing Orion muttering inaudible words while occasionally turning his head from side to side. The skull above the mage''s head moved its mouth frequently, indicating a conversation between them. Scott could only stare blankly at the mage, amazed at his ability to gather data. Scott then shifted his focus back to the group. ¡°There are still many uncertainties, but it seems the temperature amplifies upon encountering an elemental shard of the same property. The opposing elemental shard then nullifies its effects,¡± he explained. ¡°Does that mean it''s possible to completely nullify the conditions in an area using only the opposite elemental shard?¡± Zara asked after a brief silence. ¡°In theory, yes, but things rarely go as expected in this place,¡± Scott admitted. ¡°That''s true. Leaving that aside, what do you think we''re supposed to find by doing that?¡± Slim pondered aloud. ¡°I honestly have no idea,¡± Scott admitted, shaking his head ruefully. ¡°I thought as much. I don''t blame you. This place is wacky as hell,¡± the necromancer muttered, his attention shifting to Orion, who continued to mutter inaudibly. ¡°What''s he doing, and why did he say we shouldn''t defend ourselves earlier?¡± ¡°You probably couldn''t see it, but the space above us was chaotic before the elemental shard exploded. We might have been in big trouble if we had used our powers,¡± Scott explained, pausing for a moment. He hesitated before continuing, ¡°We''ll have to wait for him to finish his discussion if we want to find out more.¡± Llorva and Zara simultaneously tilted their heads backward. ¡°Huh? What do you mean? Who is he talking to?¡± Zara asked. Scott pointed to the space above his head. ¡°The illusionary skull,¡± he said. Instantly, all eyes turned toward Orion. Coincidentally, the mage exploded into laughter, his eyes gleaming with understanding. ¡°Huh? Why are you guys staring at me like that?¡± he quizzed mentally. ¡°Are you finished with your discussion?¡± Scott retorted with a question of his own. The mage grinned even wider. ¡°It was quite a conversation. Essentially, it was laughing at you for releasing an ice elemental shard in a cold zone. But I think I know what we must do now.¡± ¡°Hey!¡± Uvophine''s shout suddenly echoed, interrupting the discussion. ¡°Are you going to apologize or not?¡± she demanded, her eyes laced with fury. Zara stepped forward, preparing to mediate a potential conflict, but Scott held her wrist, bringing the brawler to a halt. Instead, he approached the harpy in slow, deliberate steps. ¡°Um, Scott, please don''t do anything rash,¡± Zara pleaded mentally. No one could tell if they would be expelled from the labyrinth for harming or killing their teammate. Scott didn¡¯t respond, stopping only when he was ten feet away from the harpy. Both champions locked gazes, and an otherworldly fear gripped the harpy''s heart, causing her to instinctively retreat. Then Scott''s voice echoed, ¡°Did you think it was my intention for that to happen? Well, it doesn¡¯t matter. I probably would have apologized if you weren''t so abrasive about it. Now, I''m more curious to see what you''re going to do instead.¡± This time, Zara and Lysa stepped in between the two. ¡°That''s enough from both of you,¡± Zara said, urging Scott to retreat. ¡°Yeah, teammates shouldn''t be at each other¡¯s throats like this,¡± Lysa chimed in, guiding the visibly stunned harpy away. Moments later, Zara approached Lysa with an awkward smile. ¡°I apologize for what happened earlier. He can be quite stubborn sometimes. I assure you, he meant no harm,¡± she said apologetically. ¡°I understand,¡± Lysa replied, glancing toward Uvophine. ¡°She can be the same way too. I also apologize for her previous outburst. I hope we can put this matter behind us.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Zara replied, her smile becoming more natural. Then she continued, ¡°I think we might have figured out the mystery of this place. You guys should come listen.¡± Lysa''s eyes lit up, and without hesitation, she called her companions to listen to Orion''s report. The mage hesitated for a moment, blankly staring into space before facing the champions with an uncharacteristic frown. ¡°We are fortunate that we conducted that experiment before the next attempt began. Without delving into details, the first layer is divided into numerous zones, each characterized by its own unique temperature. To us, it may simply feel hot or cold, but the severity of the temperature in each zone varies considerably, even by a mere point one increase,¡± Orion paused, allowing the group to digest his words. ¡°Although we conducted the experiment incorrectly, an exit should have revealed itself. This brings me back to the fortunate aspect I mentioned earlier. Since we were deemed to have failed in our initial attempt, we have absolutely no right to use the first exit if it appeared. Doing so would have resulted in severe consequences. Essentially, we''re free to choose any exit from the second zone to leave the first layer.¡± The mage announced. ¡°However, the skull said there¡¯s still so much more to come,¡± the mage added, giggling softly. ¡°I don¡¯t know about the rest of you, but I can¡¯t wait.¡± Book 2 - Chapter 32: Thisos Labyrinth Part 3 A heavy silence settled over the champions as they absorbed the mage''s words. The women from Claw found themselves inadvertently fixating on the path ahead, while Scott and his companions quietly contemplated the possible exits that awaited them. The silence stretched on for another moment before Scott broke it. ¡°It didn''t give any indication of which exit to take, did it?¡± Orion shook his head ruefully. ¡°It''s still playing games, unfortunately. I don''t believe I can extract that information from it,¡± he said, pausing briefly as he glanced upwards. Scott frowned behind his mask, and Slim''s voice suddenly cut through the stillness. ¡°Do you think it''s wise to experiment?¡± he suggested. ¡°Oh?¡± Orion turned his head towards the necromancer. ¡°What kind of experiment do you propose?¡± the mage asked, his excitement evident. Slim briefly outlined the experimental process they had conducted in the forest, eliciting an even more amiable smile from Orion. ¡°Unfortunately, that won''t work here,¡± Orion remarked. ¡°How do you know?¡± Zara interjected before Slim could. ¡°Because the skull was laughing,¡± Scott interposed, his gaze fixed on the ethereal skull, which rolled from side to side, silently mocking Slim''s suggestion. ¡°Exactly,¡± Orion confirmed. ¡°I suggest we simply take the first exit that presents itself.¡± ¡°Isn''t that a bit reckless?¡± Uvophine chimed in. ¡°What if the exit is filled with dangers beyond our capabilities?¡± she asked, her arms folded across her chest. ¡°An intriguing question, but ultimately futile,¡± Orion commented, chuckling as he adjusted his glasses. ¡°What guarantee do we have that another exit wouldn''t be even worse?¡± he countered. ¡°That''s why we should exercise patience and refrain from hastily making decisions we may regret,¡± Uvoinne suggested softly. ¡°As he said, why not explore several zones before deciding? It would significantly improve our chances of surviving whatever this place holds.¡± Simultaneously, Scott and Orion lifted their heads, the mage wearing a wry smile. He lowered his gaze, clearing his throat. ¡°It laughed again.¡± The harpies frowned; their limpid eyes focused on the empty space above Orion¡¯s head. ¡°How do you know that thing isn¡¯t trying to deceive us?¡± Daphine joined the discussion. ¡°It¡¯s already strange that it¡¯s supposedly willing to give you information. But aren¡¯t you a little too trusting? For all we know, everything it said could be absolute horseshit.¡± Orion raised his head again. No one needed to tell them what it signified. Unwilling to back down, Daphine continued, ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know how you guys handle things, but I refuse to put my safety on the line because of the words of something that can¡¯t even be seen. If we¡¯re going to move, then there must be undeniable proof that whatever action we take is safe.¡± A chortle echoed, and the champions turned toward an unsuspecting speaker. Fi-Fi, in an ambiguous humanoid form, shook its head as if trying its best to stifle its laughter. Naturally, Daphine couldn¡¯t help but frown. From her perspective, the elemental slime simply mocked her suggestion. ¡°Is something funny?¡± Daphine asked, unable to hide her anger. ¡°Yes,¡± Fi-Fi said. ¡°Fi-Fi finds your suggestion quixotic, and Fi-Fi can¡¯t understand how you¡¯ve survived this long.¡± Slim and Zara''s jaws dropped for a moment, and Llorva couldn¡¯t stop herself from laughing. Orion and Scott, like Slim and Zara, had their mouths open, staring at the elemental slime in a new light. However, rage distorted the faces of the ladies from Claw, especially Daphine and the harpies. Daphine stepped forward. ¡°Are you insulting me?¡± she asked, her eyes laced with fury. Llorva stood in front of Fi-Fi, silently warning the artist not to approach any further. At that same moment, Fi-Fi¡¯s voice came from behind, saying, ¡°Why would Fi-Fi insult you?¡± The slime tilted its head to the side, confused by the human¡¯s question. ¡°Fi-Fi only pointed out its confusion. Because Fi-Fi doesn¡¯t understand how you expect to find the safest route when time constraints might also play a factor in this trial,¡± the slime explained. ¡°Fi-Fi also wants to mention that if the mage¡¯s words are indeed factual, we would waste so many elemental shards and exits because of the fear of the unknown.¡± ¡°Are you saying we should just charge into whatever exit that presents itself without considering our options?¡± Daphine retorted. ¡°If that¡¯s how you do things, then I should be the one asking how you¡¯ve managed to survive until now.¡± ¡°This conversation isn¡¯t going anywhere; let¡¯s all take a breather,¡± Zara interjected, trying to calm the rising tensions. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me what to do. I¡¯m perfectly calm,¡± Daphine retorted. ¡°In case you¡¯ve forgotten, this is just temporary¡ª¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Lysa suddenly interjected, thick veins protruding from the corners of her eyes. She took a step forward, locking gaze with Zara, who looked perfectly calm, but one could see the displeasure in her eyes. Lysa offered an apologetic smile. ¡°I apologize on her behalf,¡± she said. ¡°We''ve all been under a lot of stress lately, so it''s best not to take what''s said to heart.¡± Zara exhaled deeply, her gaze softening. ¡°It''s alright, I understand. Instead of resorting to confrontation, it might be best to consider our options,¡± she suggested. ¡°You''re right,¡± Lysa agreed with a nod. ¡°But to be completely honest, I''m not sure what the best course of action is. Both arguments seem to hold some credibility.¡± Zara opened her mouth to respond, but her words were interrupted by a sudden system notification.
What a dilemma!
A friction has been noticed amongst teammates. To ensure fraction doesn¡¯t ensue, it¡¯s important each voice is heard!
Why not put it to a vote?
The area echoed with strange, impish laughter the instant the system notifications blinked into existence. Simultaneously, a peculiar paralysis gripped the champions, rendering them immobile. Above their heads, skulls began to materialize, emanating an eerie aura as if crafted from ethereal essence. The ominous laughter emanated from these ethereal beings, their presence casting a foreboding shadow over the group.
All Party Channels have been temporarily closed!
The lesser god of Doom, Thisos, offers you the opportunity to experiment with the first twenty exits. However, you won¡¯t be able to utilize or enter them!
Do you wish to accept Thisos¡¯ offer?
Yes! No!
You have thirty seconds to make your decision!
Note: Thisos¡¯ Offer will automatically take effect if a 40% vote point is reached!
Scott diverted his gaze from the notification, his attention shifting to Orion, who coincidentally met his eyes with the brightest of smiles. Though they couldn''t communicate verbally, a shared understanding passed between them, evident in their expressions. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. What a sly bastard, Scott cursed inwardly as he glared at the system''s notification. The eldritch knight closed his eyes silently, feeling the tendrils around his arms squirm incessantly. In that same moment, the imprint of madness among the hound extermination crew activated, pulling the champions'' consciousness into a misty illusionary space. ¡°We have less than twenty-five seconds, so I''ll be brief. Whatever you do, don''t accept that bullshit offer,¡± Scott warned. Orion burst into laughter. ¡°Indeed. It''s clearly a trap, and we''d regret it if we fell for it. I despise it, but our hands are tied,¡± he said, adjusting his glasses. ¡°We can only hope those ladies don''t¡­¡± The mage trailed off, sighing as he shook his head ruefully. Without warning, Scott dispelled the illusionary space, and the champions snapped back to reality in their respective positions. They wasted no time in selecting their preferred option, watching as the timer slowly ticked down to zero. The illusionary skulls dissipated, and the champions regained their mobility and voices. Yet, an eerie silence settled as members from both parties silently locked eyes. A minute crawled by before a new system notification materialized before them.
Results Are In!
Voting Results: Yes ~ 3 votes.
No ~ 6 votes.
Abstained ~ 1 vote.
You Have Chosen Not to Accept Thisos¡¯ Offer!
The Lesser God of Doom, Thisos, Is Displeased!
The Lesser God of Doom, Thisos, Is Considering Banning Your Party from His Sanctuary!
Orion let out a deep sigh of relief, flashing a nervous smile. ¡°Whew... that was close.¡± As the sense of relief washed over the hound extermination crew, the ladies from Claw exchanged deep frowns. ¡°Lysa, it was you, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Uvophine said, glaring at the vampire. With one hand on her hip, Lysa met the harpy¡¯s glare with a dispassionate gaze. ¡°Yeah, and so?¡± Daphine interjected, pointing at the vampire. ¡°What do you mean, ¡®and so¡¯? This was an opportunity to¡ª¡± ¡°Let me stop you right there,¡± Lysa said, folding her arms across her chest. ¡°Can you say with absolute certainty that you know what would have happened if we had met the 40% threshold?¡± She quizzed before glancing at Scott and his companions. ¡°I don¡¯t support their view on rush into things foolhardily. However, I¡¯m not afraid to admit my ignorance in situations like these,¡± she said before turning back to her companions. ¡°Also, unless any of you have the gift of prophecy or an ability to see the future that I¡¯m not aware of, then please don¡¯t talk to me about missed opportunities.¡± Lysa lazily retrieved a cigarette from her inventory, before igniting it. She drew in a deep puff before exhaling the acrid smoke. ¡°Anything else?¡± she asked. Uvophine and Daphine could only glare at the vampire, but they couldn¡¯t refute her words. With the duo falling silent, Lysa turned her attention towards the hound extermination crew. ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan?¡± she asked, taking another puff from her cigarette. ¡°The second zone beckons,¡± Orion said with a smile. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t prolong our stay here any longer.¡± ¡°I feel the same,¡± Lysa said, tossing the lit cigarette towards the corner. ¡°I feel much better now,¡± she added softly, cracking her knuckles. ¡°So, does anyone know how much longer we have to wait?¡± ¡°Thirteen minutes, give or take,¡± Orion answered with a smile. ¡°We still have plenty of time to prepare ourselves. Unfortunately, I won¡¯t be indulging in any new conversations until then. Skully over here wants to tell me about its childhood. Fascinating, isn¡¯t it?¡± the mage chuckled softly as he walked to a corner while muttering inaudible words. ¡°Great. We just had to pick the looneys to pair up with,¡± Daphine sighed softly, shaking her head. ¡°Whatever happens from now on, this is on you, Lysa,¡± she added before turning away. Uvophine glared at the vampire before retreating to her corner with her sister, leaving Lysa, who remained dispassionate, in her original position. Approaching the vampire with gentle steps, Zara whispered, ¡°And I thought I had it rough with those guys. Are they usually like this?¡± Lysa shook her head softly, a sigh escaping her lips. ¡°It''s just one of those days. Thanks for your concern, though. It''s nothing to worry about,¡± she replied with a smile. ¡°Alright, I''ll take your word for it,¡± Zara nodded, preparing to leave. However, Lysa''s hand reached for the brawler''s wrist, and she whispered faintly, ¡°Why aren''t you traveling with any of the others?¡± Confused and somewhat intrigued, Zara frowned. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± she whispered back. Realizing her mistake, Lysa wore an apologetic smile as she said, ¡°Forgive me, I failed to properly introduce myself.¡± With her free hand, she discreetly took out a crystal from her inventory, causing Zara''s expression to instantly sober. ¡°You''re part of the cult, right?¡± Lysa whispered. ¡°I can tell you''ve already undergone the blood purity tests.¡± ¡°I''d rather not talk about cult matters right now,¡± Zara said, taking a deep breath. ¡°Since you''re not dressed in our regalia, I assume your companions aren''t aware of you being a cultist, right?¡± Lysa nodded, a smile appearing on her lips. ¡°They don''t know yet, but I''m taking them to the towers for the sacrifice,¡± she revealed. Surprised, Zara''s eyes widened. ¡°What a coincidence,¡± she remarked. ¡°We''re headed toward the same location.¡± Lysa''s smile brightened as she slowly loosened her grip around Zara''s wrist. ¡°Life is vain. Death is the beginning. Blood is our pact, and our desire is ephemeral,¡± she declared with a whisper. ¡°But only the Blood Cult is eternal!¡± both champions murmured simultaneously. ¡°I¡¯m relieved to meet a kindred spirit in this forsaken place,¡± Lysa said, her smile as sweet as honey. She subtly shifted her attention towards the other members of the hound extermination crew. ¡°Do they know?¡± she inquired. Zara nodded silently. Lysa''s expression shifted abruptly as she posed another question, ¡°Are you heading to the Blood Towers for the ritual?¡± Once again, Zara nodded. This time, Lysa wore a contemplative look, falling into a thoughtful silence. After a moment, the vampire raised her head and spoke, ¡°I hope you understand the gravity of your decision. Personally, I wouldn''t¡­¡± Lysa paused, sighing softly as she shook her head. ¡°Forget I mentioned anything. It''s not my place to intervene.¡± With a reassuring pat on Zara''s shoulder, the vampire departed. Meanwhile, Zara remained in her spot, a mixture of confusion and curiosity swirling within her. ¡°That''s all she said,¡± Zara relayed through the party channel. ¡°I was hoping she¡¯d say more, though.¡± ¡°We''ll find out what she¡¯s talking about soon enough,¡± Slim remarked. ¡°Honestly, I''m more intrigued by what awaits us once we find the exit. But now that I think about it, it''s glaringly obvious that a vampire would align with the blood cult. How did I miss that?¡± the necromancer mused. The group continued their discussion over the party channel as time ticked away. At the appointed moment, another system notification materialized before the champions.
Your second attempt will now begin!
Good luck!
The champions paid little heed to the notification as they assembled, Zara and Lysa leading their respective groups. With a nod exchanged between the leaders, their members burst into a sprint. Moments later, they reached the next zone, engulfed in searing heat. ¡°How do we tackle this?¡± Uvoinne inquired, glancing at Orion. ¡°Two or more ice elemental shards should suffice,¡± he replied, without sparing a glance at the harpy. Wordlessly, Zara and Slim produced an elemental shard each, and the ice crystals levitated as soon as they emerged. Within seconds, cracks formed, and whitish gases filled the air, seeping into the crystals. Moments later, they exploded, releasing chilling waves that neutralized the heat. Anxiously, the champions scanned their surroundings, searching for the exit. ¡°There''s something over there,¡± Daphine exclaimed, pointing at a section of the walls. All eyes followed her hand, and a massive stone doorway slowly materialized in the indicated area.
You have found an exit!
Do you wish to use this exit?
Yes! No!
Warning! Your party will be barred from using this exit should you reject it, and upon accepting, you won¡¯t be allowed to return to the first layer via this exit!
¡°So, that¡¯s what it says,¡± Zara announced, glancing at her companions. The notification window appeared solely in front of the brawler, indicating she had been acknowledged as the party leader by the labyrinth¡¯s overseers. ¡°Accept it,¡± Slim urged. ¡°We don¡¯t know how long the exit will remain visible. The heat might return at any moment.¡± Zara turned to the Claw group, meeting Lysa''s nod. With a deep breath, she clicked on the system window.
Congratulations! You have completed the first layer of Thisos¡¯ Labyrinth!
As the stone door rumbled violently, slowly sliding upwards, hellish screams and explosions echoed from the opened pathway. The champions stood, mouths agape, witnessing the incredulous scene before them. ¡°We''re in serious trouble,¡± Slim muttered, as radiant flames reflected off his pale bones. Book 2 - Chapter 33: Thisos’ Labyrinth: Second Layer, Part 1 The champions stood at their vantage point, the reflection of crimson flames and blackened shadows alternating on their faces, while their trembling eyes surveyed the expansive maze below. Blackened smoke mingled with crimson patches covered the heavens, while colossal, nightmarish creatures bound in flaming chains roamed about, wielding thorned whips dripping with blood and other fluids. Every scream and explosion resonated through the air, evidence of numerous champions being chased, hunted, beaten, and killed in different sections of the colossal maze. The harpies instinctively took a step backward, only to find a cold barrier blocking their retreat. Somewhere along the way, a wall had materialized, cutting them off from the first layer. The only path ahead was the descending staircase into the nightmarish maze.
Welcome to the Path of Chains, the Second Layer of Thisos'' Labyrinth!
Champions will not be revived unless and until all participating members of a party, alliance, or faction are thoroughly decimated!
A minimum of one champion must make it to the end of the maze for a party, faction, or alliance to advance!
Warning! Upon the death of all party members, champions will be revived in the First Layer!
There are no time limits or attempt allocations for this layer!
Warning! The creatures and the maze will adapt to the champions'' abilities!
Good luck!
Another cacophony of screams echoed as a slender monster with an elongated, tubed head rampaged across several mazes, obliterating several champions along the way. ¡°I knew it was a bad idea, I fucking knew it,¡± Daphine muttered, fear distorting the artist''s visage as the chilling scene played out before her eyes. ¡°We should have conducted more experiments,¡± she said, her voice tinged with anger. ¡°Well, it¡¯s too late for that now,¡± Orion said with a bright smile. It was unclear whether he was taunting the artist, but he could barely contain his excitement as his eyes darted across the ominous area. ¡°I don¡¯t want to do this,¡± Daphine complained, leaning against the barrier blocking their path of retreat. The screams grew louder, and more dreadful creatures revealed themselves. Though they could see most of the maze from their vantage point, there were no clear paths to avoid the confined creatures within its walls. The fact that some monsters could traverse between different paths only made it more precarious. Lysa turned toward Zara with a sober expression. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± she whispered; dejection evident in her voice. Though there was no way to determine if other exits would have led to a more favorable location, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of regret. However, the emotion was fleeting. ¡°This is all your fault, you maniacs,¡± Uvophine suddenly blurted out, glaring at the hound extermination crew. ¡°Are you happy now? Is this what you wanted?¡± she added, her rage palpable. Orion chuckled softly, wearing the sincerest of smiles as he faced the harpy. ¡°It¡¯s beyond my wildest expectations. I¡¯m so happy,¡± he said, before turning toward the perilous maze once more. Rage distorted Uvophine¡¯s features, and she prepared to lash out once more. However, Scott¡¯s voice echoed amidst the screams and explosions, filling the ears of the dissatisfied ladies. ¡°Here you go,¡± Scott said, tossing a dagger at the harpy. Daphine frowned as she stared at the pristine dagger. ¡°What is she supposed¡­¡± the artist paused, a sudden understanding dawning on her. Instantly, rage distorted her features. She took a step forward, prepared to unleash her anger verbally, but Scott spoke up again. ¡°No one wants to hear your whining. If you¡¯re too much of a coward to use it, then you can jump over there and let one of those bastards do the job for you,¡± Scott said, his voice devoid of emotion. ¡°If you¡¯re lucky, maybe you''ll eventually fail and get your chance to go back to the first layer.¡± Scott averted his gaze as soon as he finished speaking, ignoring the diatribe from the furious ladies. He turned his attention toward Orion, mentally asking, ¡°Are you done?¡± ¡°Um, I just need a little more... yeah, I''m done,¡± the mage said, flashing a beaming smile. ¡°I''ve memorized the complete layout of the maze. What about you?¡± he asked. ¡°The zones with illusionary traps shouldn''t be a problem,¡± Scott replied. The duo exchanged a nod before shifting their attention to Slim, Zara, Llorva, and Fi-Fi. Sensing the weight of gazes upon them, they turned toward Scott and Orion. ¡°Are you two finished with your part already?¡± Slim inquired, his tone suggesting he already knew the forthcoming answer. ¡°What have you learned so far?¡± Scott queried mentally. The necromancer sighed deeply, shaking its head. ¡°This place is utterly insane,¡± Slim muttered. ¡°Who doesn''t know that, genius?¡± Zara interjected, rolling her eyes. ¡°The array of monsters in this place surpasses anything I''ve ever seen. Whoever created this maze must have a twisted mind.¡±
The lesser god of doom is feeling being cured at but can¡¯t explain why!
The lesser god of doom is vehemently causing whoever is causing him!
As they observed the system notification, Zara and her companions struggled to stifle their rising urge to laugh. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. After regaining their composure, Llorva spoke up, ¡°Apart from those disgusting creatures, I''ve noticed various clashes among different groups. But the most terrifying thing I''ve seen so far is that some groups simply vanish. I doubt we''ll be able to clear this trial in twenty attempts.¡± ¡°Fi-Fi would like to add something too,¡± the slime mentioned, sticking close to Llorva. ¡°Fi-Fi can''t seem to find the maze''s exit. Another thing, although the maze appears to extend indefinitely, every nook and cranny is oddly visible. Fi-Fi is confused,¡± the slime announced. Orion giggled softly as he turned toward the slime. ¡°It¡¯s an illusion, that¡¯s why. A ridiculously powerful one at that. Not even I have been able to crack it yet,¡± the mage said before turning toward Scott. ¡°Everyone is dying to know, what exactly is beyond the illusion?¡± ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡± Scott suddenly paused; his gaze fixated on the skulls hovering above the heads of his companions. Though still illusory, their forms had grown more distinct. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Why did you stop?¡± Slim asked quickly, a note of concern in his voice. The necromancer, along with the others, scanned the area cautiously, but found nothing unusual. They called out to Scott again, but the eldritch knight remained silent, lost in thought. Zara reached out towards Scott, and in that same moment, the eldritch knight¡¯s body dissipated like smoke. The brawler took a step back, startled, but Orion''s voice filled her ears. ¡°Relax,¡± he said, his giggle echoing softly. ¡°We¡¯re in an illusory space. We''ve just entered,¡± he explained. The mage lifted his head suddenly, and the others followed suit. There, they beheld massive eyeballs with dazzling yellow pupils observing the maze. ¡°I apologize for bringing you guys in here suddenly, but it seems those skulls were eavesdropping on our conversation,¡± Scott appeared before the champions like a ghoul, and continued, ¡°As I was saying, the path shrouded in illusion lacks any monsters or traps.¡± Slim beamed, hardly able to believe their luck. ¡°Surely, it can¡¯t be that simple, right?¡± Zara said. ¡°There really isn¡¯t anything there,¡± Scott reiterated. ¡°However, not a single person has been able to cross that path. In fact, everyone who has survived to that extent ended up killing themselves in the most brutal ways possible.¡± ¡°Is it another illusion at play?¡± Llorva muttered after a brief silence. Scott shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s something worse than that,¡± he said. ¡°The suspense is killing me, buddy. What exactly did you see?¡± Slim asked, unable to tear his gaze away from the ominous maze. Even though it was merely a replica formed by Scott''s powers, it still exuded the same haunting sensation as the original. ¡°Um, before you get to that, I have a question,¡± Orion interjected with a smile. All eyes turned to the mage, and he wasted no time continuing. ¡°You mentioned that the champions who made it that far all ended up killing themselves as brutally as possible, right?¡± Scott nodded. ¡°If my guess is correct, they were plagued with some kind of madness which made either their bodies somewhat indestructible or they were blessed with a healing factor that overwhelmed the amount of damage they could unleash,¡± Orion speculated, drawing everyone''s attention to Scott once more. Scott took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his companions'' curious gazes. ¡°It''s both,¡± he declared. ¡°Damn,¡± Slim and Zara muttered simultaneously, while Orion burst into laughter. Meanwhile, Llorva wore a deep frown, muttering inaudible words, and Fi-Fi constantly sighed, morphing into various amorphous forms. ¡°That''s not even the worst of it,¡± Scott suddenly announced. ¡°Of course it''s not,¡± Slim said sarcastically. ¡°The bastards running these games always have something more sinister planned out,¡± he grumbled. ¡°Scott, how bad is it?¡± Zara suddenly asked, biting her lip as if anticipating the most perilous of situations. Scott took another deep breath. ¡°The reason that place is more troublesome than the others is because of those skulls. They seem to possess anyone who steps into the illusion, and if my guess is correct, their sole purpose is to slowly corrupt the mind, ensuring we mindlessly roam the area for who knows how long.¡± Apart from Orion, the expressions of the others soured. ¡°Do you think it''s something that would best me?¡± Orion suddenly said, vaguely laughing. Scott met the mage''s gaze, speaking in a voice only Orion could hear. ¡°If you''re not careful, not even your main body will be spared,¡± he warned. The others heard a different version of Scott''s words, but only Orion truly understood. ¡°I guess we all have to depend on you, then,¡± Orion said with a smile. ¡°Huh? Does that mean you won''t be affected?¡± Slim suddenly asked. ¡°I''m not sure yet, but I should be impervious to its antics. I''ll know for certain when we get there,¡± Scott assured them. ¡°Only one of us needs to make it to the end, so we¡¯ll do everything to create a path for you,¡± Zara said after a brief pause. ¡°That reminds me, we¡¯re all forgetting something very important,¡± Orion suddenly announced with a chuckle. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that it was mentioned that the maze and its creatures would adapt to our abilities,¡± he said with a smile, before pointing toward the staircase leading into the maze. ¡°For all we know, all our plans would become obsolete as soon as we descend those stairs.¡± Silence hung in the air. No one admitted it, but they had indeed forgotten about that part of the message. ¡°I guess we''ll just have to do what we always do: adapt, improvise, and survive,¡± Slim muttered. Then, his features turned serious. ¡°What about the ladies from Claw? I feel like they¡¯re a disaster waiting to happen.¡± ¡°I feel the same way too,¡± Orion chimed in. ¡°It would be best to nip such problems in the bud, but then again it¡¯s not my decision to make,¡± the mage said with a smile. Zara turned toward the mage, wearing a pensive frown. Llorva, on the other hand, spoke up. ¡°That would be shortsighted of us. After all, we can¡¯t tell what the third layer entails. They might intentionally eliminate themselves to mess us up out of spite,¡± the elf warned. ¡°Exactly,¡± Zara affirmed with a nod. ¡°Spite and hatred are powerful emotions that can fuel even the most unassuming of people,¡± she added. ¡°We have wasted too much time discussing this here,¡± Scott suddenly interjected. ¡°Although I have no definite proof yet, don¡¯t recklessly share any message if it¡¯s not done here. It¡¯s very likely that the skulls are being used to monitor us,¡± he warned. Before anyone could retort, all members of the party disappeared, except for Scott and Orion. The mage laughed softly as he locked gazes with the eldritch knight. ¡°You want me to eliminate them discreetly, right?¡± Scott nodded. ¡°I was planning on doing it either way,¡± the mage giggled. ¡°Something tells me that¡¯s not all you have to say.¡± ¡°As perceptive as always,¡± Scott commented dryly before changing the subject. ¡°How much progress has your main body made?¡± The mage''s smile widened as he adjusted his glasses. ¡°We''re still hard at work. There''s so much data to gather and organize. If I had known, I would have asked you to bring me to Carcosa sooner.¡± He paused, stepping closer to the eldritch knight. ¡°We only need one more month, and it will be ready.¡± ¡°Okay. We''ll talk more then,¡± Scott replied, watching as the mage vanished. Scott gazed at the spot where the mage had stood, his confusion evident. ¡°I don''t know why, but the tendrils within him seem different. Has he begun to befriend them too?¡± he murmured to himself. Shaking his head, the eldritch knight also disappeared from the illusionary space. Scott returned to the starting point, the cacophony of screams and explosions welcoming him. He turned to the women from Claw, who had spent the last couple of minutes furiously insulting and threatening him. ¡°I can see you''re all motivated now. Shall we begin?¡± Book 2 - Chapter 34: Thisos’ Labyrinth: Second Layer, Part 2 Daphine shot a venomous glare at the eldritch knight. ¡°Go fuck yourself, you prick,¡± she spat, punctuating her words with a defiant middle finger. Uvophine joined in, hurling profanities at the masked man, though she refrained from accompanying them with vulgar gestures. Meanwhile, Scott maintained a composed demeanor behind his mask, seemingly unaffected by the champions'' outbursts. Elsewhere, Lysa and Zara engaged in conversation amidst the daunting presence of the maze. ¡°Any ideas on how to tackle this trial?¡± Lysa''s gaze flitted nervously towards the labyrinth. Zara exhaled deeply, shaking her head. ¡°Honestly, I''d be lying if I said we had a foolproof plan. All we can do is give it our all and hope one of us makes it through.¡± Lysa fell into contemplation, her mysterious eyes reflecting a whirlwind of emotions. After a moment, determination replaced her initial hesitation. ¡°I agree. We''ll do our best,¡± she said, speaking on behalf of her companions. ¡°You can count on us to do the same,¡± Zara affirmed with a nod, glancing past Lysa towards Daphine and the harpies, who seemed to harbor animosity towards Scott. ¡°Do you think they''ll be a problem?¡± Lysa shook her head confidently. ¡°I''ll handle them.¡± She cast a brief glance towards Scott, acknowledging his role in the altercation. ¡°Though I can see why they''re upset. Your friend didn''t exactly choose his words wisely.¡± Zara chuckled, scratching her ear awkwardly. ¡°He''s not great with diplomacy. Ignore him.¡± Changing the subject, she asked, ¡°How soon can your group move?¡± ¡°Give me five minutes, I''ll have them ready to go,¡± Lysa replied. ¡°Take as much time as you need. We''re in no rush. I''ll go brief my team,¡± Zara said, nodding in agreement. With a mutual nod, the two leaders parted ways, each attending to their respective companions. While Lysa worked to calm her irate allies, Zara returned to her spot, refraining from further conversation with the group, mindful of Scott''s earlier warning in the illusionary realm. As seconds accumulated into minutes, the only constants were the incessant screams and explosions reverberating throughout the area. Orion mumbled incoherent words, his laughter punctuating the chaos as he intermittently raised his head. Meanwhile, the ladies from Claw appeared relatively composed, engaging in silent discussions amongst themselves. Apart from Scott and Orion, the remainder of the group observed different clusters of champions as they confronted the maze''s challenge. Moments later, Lysa and her companions advanced. ¡°Finally,¡± Slim grumbled over the party channel. ¡°I was starting to think we''d have to go without them.¡± Lysa and her companions halted a few paces from the hound extermination crew, and the vampire spoke first, ¡°Thank you for your patience. We''re ready,¡± she announced. ¡°So are we,¡± Zara responded. The brawler''s demeanor shifted as she continued, ¡°I hope we can set aside any reservations and cooperate as a unified team in this trial,¡± she said, her gaze alternating between the two groups. ¡°Considering this environment, death might not just mean returning to the first layer. We should utilize our skills to ensure at least one of us reaches the third layer. I absolutely won''t tolerate any infighting or disputes. Are we clear?¡± Members of both groups nodded in agreement without dissent. ¡°Alright then, let''s proceed,¡± Zara declared. ¡°Wait,¡± Uvoinne interjected abruptly. Pointing towards Scott, the harpy insisted, ¡°He should be at the rear of the group.¡± Scott chuckled softly. ¡°I''m flattered you want someone like me watching your back. I''m game,¡± he teased. ¡°Any other concerns?¡± Zara inquired, scanning the group. However, neither the trio nor Lysa spoke up. Without delay, the brawler led the group towards the staircase, pausing just short of the first step. She turned towards the champions. ¡°If there''s anything you need to share, now''s the time,¡± she stated. But resolute silence greeted her inquiry as the brawler took a step forward. Zara''s foot landed on the first step, and the distinct echo of the system''s notification reverberated instantly, accompanied by the appearance of a system window.
You''ve been assigned the second path!
There are no penalties for champions who cross or change paths!
Note! Champions can only exit the second layer through their designated path!
¡°Oh, now I understand,¡± Orion muttered vaguely as he shifted his attention toward Scott. The two locked gazes momentarily, but exchanged no words, neither verbally nor telepathically. Naturally, the mage''s words piqued the interest of the other champions, but they sensed his reluctance to elaborate further from his nonchalant demeanor. Following Zara''s lead, Orion and Slim followed suit, trailed by the ladies from Claw. Fi-Fi, in its humanoid form resembling Scott, moved next. Meanwhile, Scott and Llorva lingered, the elf debating whether to accompany the eldritch knight. After a moment of hesitation, the elf moved forward. Scott took a moment to observe the maze one last time, and then he took his first step. Ear-piercing echoes, reminiscent of shattering glass, reverberated through the maze, and tens of thousands of portals manifested above the chaotic layer. Before the champions or the creatures lurking in the labyrinth could react, hundreds of miniature titans emerged from the rifts. Simultaneously, the maze''s walls underwent a significant expansion, growing several times larger than their original size. Screams resonated amidst the billowing smoke that veiled the heavens, as thousands of bony, blackened flying beasts with spiked bodies descended, spewing acid upon unsuspecting champions and creatures. Amidst the ensuing chaos, most champions directed their focus toward a towering portal, gradually eroding the fissures that seemed to bind reality together. A colossal figure loomed, emanating murderous intent, its ominous eyes scanning the maze, promising nothing but utter devastation. A deafening roar suddenly pierced the air, freezing every creature within the maze in terror. Stolen novel; please report.
The Path of Chains has been altered to accommodate the traits of the new participants!
Champions will now experience immediate revival upon death!
For parties, alliances, and groups to gain access to the third layer, it is now required for at least one member to survive for a minimum of ten minutes!
The countdown will reset promptly upon the demise of the final member in a party, alliance, or group!
The sound of rattling chains, reminiscent of the cries of rampaging beasts, reverberated through the maze the moment the system notification appeared. From the labyrinth''s heart, tens of thousands of flaming chains erupted from the ground, spewing magma in every direction.
The lesser god of doom, Thisos, has strengthened the domain of doom in the second layer!
The original creatures within the layer howled as newer, thicker chains wrapped around their bodies, growing larger and more menacing with each encasement. Despite their increased size, they paled in comparison to the titan still concealed behind the slowly shattering portal. Amidst the chaos, Scott''s voice echoed through the party channel. ¡°Guys, remember that thing I mentioned we encountered in the coliseum?¡± he muttered. ¡°Please, no, please¡­¡± Slim silently prayed, hoping Scott wasn''t about to confirm their worst fears. ¡°Well, that''s the titan,¡± Scott confirmed. The rest of the group, save for Orion, couldn''t conceal their apprehension as they beheld the colossal entity. Some things, they believed, had no right to exist. Seconds ticked away, and each champion felt the invisible shackles lifting. However, the illusory skulls had become more tangible, even visible. They thrashed about, emitting purple miasma that had no effect on the champions or their surroundings. Yet, the discerning eye could perceive that the creatures were evolving.
The stage is set!
Good luck!
The champions and creatures were suddenly freed from their tethers, unleashing chaos as screams and explosions reverberated in a frenzied symphony, each competing to outdo the other. Startled, the harpies and Daphine spun around, dashing towards the section above the stairs. Yet, an invisible barrier halted their advance. They pounded their fists against it, but no sound or ripple emerged. Uvoinne fixed her gaze on Scott, accusingly pointing a finger in his direction. ¡°I saw it all. Everything changed the moment you took that step. What did you do?¡± she demanded. Scott''s laughter filled the air, ignoring the accusation as he pressed forward with reckless abandon. Before Uvoinne could protest further, Lysa intervened. ¡°Enough of this pointless squabbling,¡± she admonished, casting a stern glance at the trio. ¡°Such accusations are absurd. We must focus on survival. We have five minutes¡ª¡± A piercing whistle drowned out Lysa''s voice, while Orion''s shouts went unheard. In an instant, the temperature plummeted, and the rattling of chains grew louder. Scott phased into intangibility just as flaming chains surged through the area, wreaking havoc. The air was filled with the sickening sounds of breaking bones, muted screams, and tearing flesh, all masked by the explosions echoing around them. The chains tore through the mass indiscriminately, moving at speeds surpassing expectation. As Scott solidified again, a frown creased his face as he surveyed the devastation. Slim, Zara, Llorva, and the ladies from Claw lay battered, scorched, and unrecognizable. Turning to his right, he found Fi-Fi, its form punctured by several holes but slowly regenerating. Then, his gaze shifted to Orion, who had been decapitated at the waist, yet a clone slowly emerged from the severed lower half. Scott tore his gaze away from Orion and Fi-Fi, his attention drawn to the twisted forms of his companions. Silently, he counted to eight within himself, and as he reached the count, a cascade of mystical lights descended upon the mangled corpses, forcefully knitting them back together until they were whole. ¡°Eight seconds, huh? Not bad, I guess,¡± Scott muttered to himself. Turning towards Fi-Fi, the eldritch knight observed the slime on the brink of merging all its parts together. Meanwhile, faint giggles echoed from Orion, who had already reconstructed his body, though the sound of grinding bones emanated from the mage''s chest. As soon as Daphine revived, she collapsed to her knees, retching mouthful after mouthful of stomach fluids. The harpies followed suit, with even Zara and Llorva succumbing. Slim, however, roared fiercely, the mist within his empty eye sockets shifting between crimson, lilac, and obsidian. Only Lysa remained relatively composed, though her gaze betrayed unmistakable bloodlust and fury, her elongated canines now a blood-red hue. ¡°You all need to prepare yourselves,¡± Scott''s voice thundered, capturing the attention of his companions and the Claw ladies alike. ¡°Whatever you''re feeling now is just a taste of what''s to come. If sneaking past that thing is our only hope of survival, we''ll have to endure countless deaths before we find a way. Forget lasting five minutes¡ªit''ll be a miracle to last that long. Prepare yourselves; it''s going to get much worse.¡± The Warhammer of the mad god forced its way out from the mask, and Scott eagerly seized the weapon. Otherworldly energy burst from miniature cracks that formed around the weapon. It twisted and warped the area around him, before merging with his body and clothes. In moments, he exuded the aura of an eldritch entity. ¡°So, this is what the Eldritch Avatar feels like,¡± Scott mused, studying his transformed form. ¡°I like it.¡± He cast a final glance at his companions. Except for Fi-Fi and Orion, none had regained their composure. The eldritch knight averted his gaze before delivering a parting word. ¡°Keep facing death, and you''ll grow accustomed to it. With luck, one of us may survive.¡± Scott charged towards an approaching horde of miniature titans; his hammer raised high. The eldritch knight descended like a meteorite, obliterating everything within a kilometer of the impact zone. Dozens of creatures leaped towards the eldritch knight, eager to rend him limb from limb. Simultaneously, Orion struck his staff mightily upon the ground, sending shockwaves rippling through the maze. His maniacal laughter reverberated, and the mage disintegrated into countless spores too numerous to count. Delirious laughter echoed from every corner, originating from various clones of the data-obsessed mage. Meanwhile, the titan, yet to emerge, fixated on Scott''s direction, a sense of familiarity gleaming in its bloodthirsty eyes. It extended its hand, and the portal shattered, freeing its colossal form. With a shrill scream, the maddened creature petrified all within the maze before sprinting towards Scott. Scott met the approaching monstrosity without a shred of fear in his eyes. ¡°This won''t end like last time, you bastard!¡± he declared, summoning a blackened sphere from his inventory. At that moment, a shadow materialized beneath Scott''s foot, spanning over five hundred meters, darker and thicker than tar. Thousands of blackened straps emerged, binding and pulling the eldritch knight into the abyssal darkness. A whisper drifted into the eldritch knight''s ears, ¡°This shall be your eternal prison!¡± Before he could react, the straps dragged him into darkness, rapidly shrinking until they were nothing more than a dot. Book 2 - Chapter 35: Die. Respawn. Repeat. ¡°What the hell happened?¡± Slim muttered softly, confusion evident on the necromancer¡¯s face as he tilted his head from side to side, searching for the whereabouts of the eldritch knight. Like Slim, Zara too searched for Scott¡¯s whereabouts; however, the brawler¡¯s gaze shifted toward Llorva. It had only been for a moment, but she had seen the elf¡¯s shadow move ahead of her, racing toward the spot Scott stood at earlier. Zara turned her attention toward the elf while trying her best to regain her composure. ¡°What did you do?¡± Zara mouthed, her complexion slightly pale. Llorva turned toward the elf, her impassive, somewhat cruel eyes meeting the feline¡¯s. Zara jolted, a crippling sense of foreboding stirring within her, but she couldn¡¯t move. She lowered her gaze, noticing that her shadow had grown thicker and darker. Then Llorva¡¯s whisper filled her ears, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have seen that.¡± Instantly, several blackened wraps cleaved to the feline¡¯s wrists and ankles, pulling her to the ground. Unlike Scott, who sank into the shadowy abyss, Zara lay flat on the ground as if being weighed down by gravity. Amidst Zara¡¯s confusion, Llorva¡¯s voice echoed again, ¡°I was considering letting you off since you couldn¡¯t have known how vile he is, but you went ahead and joined those despicable people. Talk about jumping from the frying pan into the fire.¡± A chuckle filled Zara¡¯s ears, but it didn¡¯t come from the Llorva standing in front of her; rather, the giggle escaped from the shadow. Then, so did Llorva¡¯s voice, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t kill you. You¡¯ll just suffer for a couple of years or so. You should count yourself¡ª¡± A scythe decapitated the brawler, fresh blood spraying into the air like a geyser. Despite the macabre blood shower staining the surrounding areas, it only glided off the surface of the shadow. Ossie, who wielded the scythe, towered over Zara¡¯s decapitated body, its empty eye sockets focused on Llorva. ¡°Smart,¡± Llorva commented, chuckling as she raised her head. ¡°I guess I can¡¯t complain since I¡¯m the one who delayed,¡± she added as she stood up. She turned around, and only the ladies from Claw were within her immediate vicinity, prompting the elf to laugh even harder. ¡°Well, those two aren¡¯t all that important. My job here is done,¡± she muttered, sighing softly. Ossie braced himself to charge toward the elf, but the skeleton''s shadow abruptly darkened. In the blink of an eye, the skeleton shattered into nothingness, vanishing along with the scythe. Meanwhile, Llorva shook her head slowly, a soft giggle escaping her lips. The Claw ladies watched with bated breath as the darkened shadow slithered beneath the elf, silently praying she wouldn''t turn her attention toward them. They cared little for the cause of the strife among the hound extermination crew; their only desire was to avoid being involved. As the shadow resumed its original form, several straps coiled around Llorva''s ankles, wrists, and neck. Like a revolving door, Llorva was pulled into the shadow, only to be replaced by another figure. The new elf shared a resemblance with the dark elf but exuded a more pronounced aura. She cast a lazy glance at the frightened ladies, who recoiled in terror before she turned her attention to the tumultuous skies. Orion''s voice reached the elf''s ears from a distance. ¡°This wasn''t the plan.¡± The elf chuckled softly. ¡°For someone as perceptive as you, I expected better. I seized an opportunity when I saw it. You should be more concerned with escaping than fretting over trivial matters. But then again, you''ve always been one to let your curiosity get the best of you.¡± As she spoke, a massive shadow loomed over the elf, prompting her to turn. The titan glared at the agile champion, its eyes ablaze with fury and bloodlust. The elf, however, merely smiled and shook her head. ¡°It''s been too long since our last encounter,¡± she remarked. ¡°Unfortunately, I don''t have time to spar with you today. You''ll have to satiate yourself with them.¡± With a smirk, the elf opened a portal behind her. The titan lunged forward, aiming a punch at her, but she calmly stepped into the portal, disappearing with a lingering giggle. The titan''s blow struck the ground, unleashing devastation over a two-kilometer radius. It roared in frustration, its features contorted with rage. The creature¡¯s back trembled vigorously, launching several spikes into the air. Yet, each spike fractured into equal halves before regenerating to their original size, only to split again. The process repeated until thousands of spikes floated above the creature, hovering like obedient soldiers awaiting orders. A dense mesh of shadows cast over the maze, both champions and creatures acknowledging the ominous spikes. While eerie creatures showed no fear, many champions stood petrified in their positions. Another howl echoed, and the spikes descended like heat-seeking missiles, intent on obliterating all life. Explosions resonated with mournful screams, each trying to outdo the other. Amidst the chaos, mystical lights fueling revival descended throughout the maze, but the torrent of spikes continued relentlessly, as several spikes nurtured others. ¡°Surely, this isn¡¯t all you can do. I want to see more,¡± Orion roared, sprinting toward the titan. The titan shifted its attention to the delirious mage approaching with an ominous spear. The mage twisted and turned, dodging the falling spikes as if predicting their trajectory. The titan raised its right hand, a spear nestled within. Orion grinned, closing the distance further. ¡°That¡¯s right. Show me what you can¡ª¡± Before Orion finished his statement, the titan threw the spear. It appeared in front of the mage instantaneously, seemingly defying every law. Orion''s eyes shrunk, but his smile widened as the spike impaled and shattered his skull. The titan averted its gaze, focusing on another clone. It raised both arms, unleashing a soul-churning roar, forcing every living creature to halt. Blood and other fluids burst forth from their eyes, mouths, ears, and nose. Champions who had used stealth techniques became visible. Moments later, they fell dead. Like before, mystical lights descended, resurrecting them to the nightmarish hellscape. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. The torrent of spikes did not cease; it became fiercer and more precise, ruthlessly killing champions less than a second after revival. Those who evaded the spikes faced miniature titans or evolved monstrosities. A rare few were assaulted and killed by both creatures, while the unluckiest were randomly slain by the titan¡¯s casual attacks. In less than ten minutes, champions had experienced hundreds of resurrections, their minds collapsing under the trauma of death and revival. Yet, they found no solace in their lunacy; cured and made whole only to endure the process again. Among the champions who managed to cling to their sanity, Slim and his summons waged a brutal defense against miniature titans, dodging massive spears raining from the skies. The necromancer, wielding his flute, played an ominous tune that ensnared both champions and creatures alike. They became mindless puppets, rushing towards chained monstrosities and smaller titans, while others assaulted the beasts prowling the skies. Slim suddenly lay motionless on the ground, disguised as a lifeless corpse, hoping to evade detection. He only needed to survive for ten minutes to quell the chaos. He attempted to reach Scott several times but received no response from the eldritch knight. Scott had disappeared in the same spot where Slim now lay pretending to be a random skeleton. Despite the lingering dot on the ground, it remained tangible and unmovable. Meanwhile, Zara fought ruthlessly against numerous creatures despite her many injuries. Bloody projectiles hovered above her, forming hundreds of rotating blades that cleaved through the chaotic stampede blocking her path. Unlike Slim, who opted for concealment, Zara eagerly provoked aggression, her aura growing more menacing with each passing moment. Like Slim, she too reached out to Scott through the party channel, only to be met with silence. While Llorva¡¯s betrayal came as a surprise, they knew they couldn¡¯t dwell on it. There was a strong possibility they would be trapped in an endless cycle of slaughter and resurrection in the second layer. Orion, despite suffering the most at the hands of the colossal titan, continued to gather data. Each death seemed to fuel his excitement rather than deter him. Unleashing attacks ranging from simple to comical, Orion targeted the titan relentlessly, but his efforts failed to influence the creature or quell its rage. However, he no longer fragmented into multiple clones as before, as the titan''s roar would swiftly dispatch all champions. Orion and several other champions, under the sway of Slim¡¯s music, charged towards the titan while dodging the relentless barrage from the skies. Some champions perished before reaching the creature, succumbing to their injuries, or reacting too slowly. As the titan raised its right hand, the champions instinctively braced themselves. They knew all too well what would follow. Some gazed skyward, anticipating another spear to claim yet another life. The only uncertainty was whose life it would be. Contrary to their expectations, however, no spear descended; instead, the towering creature seemed to have a mocking glint in its eyes. The spears embedded into the ground shook violently, and before anyone could react, it exploded. Raising a thick cloud of dust and smoke into the air. Champions closest to the blast zone were instantly turned to dust, while those further away were besieged by shrapnel of all sizes, shredding their bodies within seconds. Even those who managed to survive the blast and shrapnel instantly felt their insides corrode from the thick and toxic fumes filling the area. Once again, the lights signaling revival descended, and the champions reawakened, with the majority dying within seconds again. This time, however, the toxic fumes had been largely responsible for most deaths. Meanwhile, within an infinite darkness, Scott floated in place. Both the concept of sensation and time were foreign to him. Like a statue, untouched but forgotten in the annals of time, he remained in the darkness, neither falling nor sinking. The orb he summoned remained fastened in his hand, as did the war hammer of the mad god. How long have I been here? Scott thought to himself, recalling the familiar yet distinct voice he heard before being banished to the darkness. I¡¯m slowly losing consciousness, and for some reason I can¡¯t open the void bank. Scott panicked, his thoughts racing. He had long forgotten what any sort of sensation felt like, and he knew it was only a matter of moments before he lost his sense of being too. The fact that none of his abilities worked in the area only compounded his anxiety, coupled with the realization that even the mask and war hammer had become inactive. Madness he could handle, but the all-consuming nothingness wasn¡¯t something he knew how to face. He tried to communicate with his companions via the party channel, but his consciousness became even more weary. He knew wherever he was sent to wasn¡¯t the abyssal void since it was one of his sources of energy, but he couldn¡¯t begin to fathom what treacherous place he had been banished to. There¡¯s no way in hell I''m dying here, Scott thought to himself as he battled to keep his consciousness from fading. Although there was no sound or sensation to lull him into slumber, he felt as if every fiber of his being, down to his soul even, was being dragged into a pit he would never awaken from. Meanwhile, in the second layer, twenty days slowly passed, and each champion had lost track of the number of deaths they had experienced. Many had grown delirious, recovering, and repeating the same process repeatedly, unable to break free from the chaotic cycle. New champions entered the mix, but a vast majority of them preferred to watch the chaos from the zones above the steps. Surprisingly, neither the titan nor its minions nor the monstrosities attacked them. However, the moment a champion descended the first step, they were besieged on all sides. Slim and Orion lay flat on the ground, heedless of the explosions and screams that echoed around them. To outside observers, they appeared relaxed, exchanging lazy glances. Yet, they had grown accustomed to the relentless cycle of death and resurrection. ¡°So, you''re saying there''s no way to bring him back from there,¡± Slim muttered, casting a glance towards the spot where Scott had vanished. Dismembered body parts scattered nearby, but the necromancer paid them no heed. ¡°Exactly. Even I can''t escape that place,¡± Orion replied with a solemn nod, unfazed as a severed head landed nearby. ¡°Believe me, whatever we endure here is a paradise compared to his fate. It''s one of those situations where we''ll have to hope for a miracle.¡± Another corpse landed on Orion, but he brushed it off without a second thought. Meanwhile, Slim wore a contemplative expression, blood and fluids staining his form. He sighed softly, then turned his head. ¡°Zara has died again,¡± he remarked with a wry chuckle, his gaze shifting to the right where a colossal slime who had contorted into a grotesque form, battled ominous creatures with bravado. The elemental slime waded off attack after attack while dealing considerable damage to the surrounding creatures. Although impaled by countless chains, the slime continued its ruthless onslaught unabated. ¡°Fi-Fi''s holding her own¡ª¡± Slim''s words were cut short as a spear tore through the slime, annihilating it instantly. Slim sighed again. ¡°I really hate this place, you know,¡± he muttered. Orion giggled, lounging with his arms behind his head. ¡°I find it rather enjoyable. It''s quite entertaining.¡± Slim shot a resigned glance at the mage, shaking his head. ¡°How long do you think we''ll be stuck here?¡± ¡°Probably more than eight months,¡± Orion replied nonchalantly. ¡°Forget about defeating that creature; it''ll take years before we''re strong enough for that. But we might manage to last at least ten minutes in a few months... maybe,¡± he chuckled softly. Slim chuckled too, but a sudden ominous presence loomed over them. ¡°I''ve been feeling different lately,¡± Slim confessed. ¡°How so?¡± Orion inquired, yawning. Slim hesitated before continuing, ¡°It''s hard to explain, but it''s like death has been beckoning me.¡± ¡°Oh,¡± Orion murmured, his voice tinged with disinterest, but then his eyes suddenly lit up. ¡°Oh? Oh!¡± A grin spread across his face as he turned to Slim. ¡°Do tell me more.¡± A massive foot descended upon them, ending their lives along with several wounded champions nearby. Book 2 - Chapter 36: Rule of Absolute Days passed slowly and painfully, as more champions arrived to face the daunting path of chains. Like those who came before them, many observed the destruction from the safety of the zone. Those foolish enough to consider themselves special were quickly met with the harsh realities of their situation. Most champions had mentally resigned themselves to the belief that the task was insurmountable. Some lazily crouched in position while others stared blankly into space as the surrounding monstrosities wreaked havoc. Though their bodies endured constant battering and bruising, and their minds were repeatedly repaired, they had long abandoned hope of survival. To the watching champions, they resembled little more than living corpses. ¡°I''ve surpassed two thousand deaths now,¡± Orion bellowed triumphantly, arms akimbo, head raised toward the skies. At that exact moment, a spike descended upon the mage, impaling him through his open mouth. The mage swiftly revived and let out another roar, ¡°It''s two thousand and one deaths now!¡± he bellowed, laughing recklessly. Another spike descended, but the mage casually sidestepped the menacing projectile. He turned to his right, staring at Fi-Fi, who had transformed into a gigantic form matching the titan''s size. Covered in a variety of flaming and toxic debris, the slime unleashed a barrage of attacks at the colossus, but the titan easily dodged the onslaught before delivering a devastating blow. Half of Fi-Fi''s form exploded into a slurry mess, sending shockwaves rippling across the slime''s body. Struggling to reconstruct its form, Fi-Fi found itself under attack by several miniature titans chipping away at its legs. The titan, meanwhile, approached the slime with powerful strides before delivering another forceful punch. Instantly, waxy rain fell over certain areas of the maze, and the titan shifted its gaze toward another region. Orion chuckled softly, shaking his head. ¡°I would have loved to study Fi-Fi closely, but alas, that''s not possible. What a shame,¡± he muttered, deftly dodging a series of spikes in quick succession. Turning his attention elsewhere, a wry smile danced on his lips as he watched Lysa and her companions. Massive bat-like wings extended from the vampire¡¯s back as she actively fed on the harpies and Daphine, while warding off wave after wave of attacks. The women, serving as blood banks, swayed mindlessly to the whims of the bloodthirsty champion. Despite meeting violent ends from time to time, neither of the trio let out a whimper, living and dying as mindless dolls. Orion averted his gaze from the scene, focusing on Zara instead. ¡°How could someone like her be considered insignificant in other timelines?¡± he muttered to himself, doubt clouding his eyes. Among the myriad champions he had observed in the second layer, Zara had one of the fiercest characters and the sturdiest wills he had encountered. Injuries, no matter how gruesome, didn¡¯t faze the feline as she ruthlessly massacred everything within her surroundings. Unlike a berserker who acted without much thought, Zara''s attacks were premeditated and equally brutal, often dispatching multiple foes with one precise but devastating strike. ¡°Perhaps she''s different because of her encounter with him,¡± Orion mused as he lazily dodged another set of spikes. ¡°Talking about different,¡± the mage muttered, turning to Slim. The necromancer bore tiny, blackened spots scattered across his bones, and an ominous black mist swirled within his empty eye sockets. Unlike most champions, the necromancer mindlessly roamed around, mumbling inaudible words. The skeleton met its demise constantly at the hands of several monsters, neither fighting back nor evading their assault. However, with each subsequent death, a new spot would appear on Slim¡¯s pale bones. ¡°Who would have thought I¡¯d get to see something this incredible in this place?" Orion muttered, grinning from ear to ear. ¡°If I had a choice, I¡¯d love to stay here for decades. This is the best environment to test the limits of mind and body.¡± He suddenly paused, turning toward his right. Every champion within that area had been obliterated by the titan. ¡°I wonder how he¡¯s holding up in the nihilistic zone?¡± Orion chuckled as his thoughts wandered. ¡°I¡¯m glad I found him. I¡¯m thoroughly going to enjoy every moment of this,¡± the mage muttered. The surrounding spikes suddenly trembled, and the mage¡¯s smile brightened even more. ¡°Thirty seconds is the current level of our progress. How much more can we grow?¡± he pondered. An explosion followed, and tremors rocked the entirety of the maze. Most champions willingly allowed themselves to be consumed within the blast instead of suffering from the chaotic aftermath. Meanwhile, within the nihilistic zone, Scott continued to persevere within the nothingness. He had long forgotten concepts such as sensation, time, sanity, and desires. Like everything else, his memories failed him, devoured by the all-consuming emptiness, leaving only his burning will to survive untainted. ¡°I¡¯m not going to die here. I¡¯m not going to die here. I¡¯m not going to die here¡­¡± Scott''s mantra echoed within him, a whispered defiance against the consuming silence of the empty expanse. In the nothingness where even echoes vanished, he clung to his sense of self, refusing to surrender it. As days turned into months since the trial''s inception, the number of spectators had swelled to an outrageous number. The maze itself had expanded multiple times to accommodate the influx, its pathways shifting and twisting to welcome new arrivals. Converging areas before the stairs allowed champions, once invisible to each other, to intersect now easily. What was once a barren expanse had transformed into a makeshift town, its structures crafted from stone and mud. Though resources were scant, the champions felt neither hunger nor fatigue, bound by the peculiar laws of the area. In this realm where death was impossible, disputes remained unresolved, for battles could only continue endlessly, devoid of victors. Ninety-nine percent of newcomers opted to linger in the nameless town, seeking clues or strategies to conquer the trial. The activation of the system¡¯s window only upon the descent of all group members added to their confusion regarding the trial''s specifics. Occasionally, bold groups arrived, brimming with confidence in their superiority over the suffering champions. While they acknowledged the titan''s strength, they believed their arsenal was sufficient to triumph where others had faltered. Unsurprisingly, the inhabitants of the town made no effort to dissuade these ambitious groups. They watched in silence as the newcomers descended into the depths, knowing all too well that despair and regret would inevitably follow. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. On a particular day, several groups arrived at the second layer, their confusion palpable. The environment starkly contrasted with their expectations, especially following the solitude of the first layer. Soon, thunderous roars and explosions reverberated through the air, accompanied by muffled screams and chilling echoes of rattling chains. Several champions who had been residing in the town for months stepped forward to brief the newcomers about their situation. They outlined the effects in the area while explaining the responsibilities of each group. ¡°So, that¡¯s the gist of it,¡± a champion said before gesturing towards the stairs. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t recommend venturing down there, but you¡¯re free to make your own choices.¡± The champion''s expression shifted to a sly grin as he pointed out a slightly crowded structure a few meters away. ¡°If you''re up for some entertainment, you can place bets on who you think would last the longest at any given time. Just remember, the only currency accepted here is elemental shards. So, be...¡± He suddenly paused, his features contorting in horror. A canine approached the staircase. The champion cleared his throat and called out to them, ¡°You might want to reconsider that,¡± he cautioned. The canine halted in its tracks, turning towards the orc. The orc instinctively took a step back as he met the canine¡¯s bloodthirsty gaze. Yet, what truly unnerved him was the glistening golden light emanating from the canine''s right eye. If any member of the original hound extermination crew had been present, they would have instantly recognized the canine. While known as the hero of Nuta, his infamy as the dreaded Varkham Hound was even more notorious. Thmaz redirected his attention towards his party members. ¡°Wait here,¡± he instructed. ¡°I''ll be back. I''ve finally found them.¡± ¡°Um, Sir Thmaz,¡± the canine paused, meeting Thmaz¡¯s intense gaze. ¡°I understand. We wish you good luck, sir,¡± he said, bowing solemnly. Thmaz nodded in acknowledgment before refocusing on the maze. From his vantage point, he observed Zara engaged in ruthless combat with wave after wave of miniature titans. Nearby, Slim continued his mindless perambulation, but the necromancer¡¯s bones had darkened, and mist spewed wantonly from his skull. Despite the canine''s thorough scrutiny, the source of his hatred eluded him, causing thick veins to distort his features. ¡°Those who seek the light shall not be abandoned, so I will forever tread the path to salvation! O¡¯ keeper of light, heed my plea, grant me strength to vanquish the darkness before me,¡± Thmaz muttered softly. Radiant golden light enveloped his sword as he approached the stairs with powerful strides that shifted into a sprint. Several champions quivered, their minds filled with different thoughts, yet united in the understanding that anyone who provoked the canine would meet a violent end. Thmaz surged forward like a bullet, disregarding the holographic system messages cluttering his mind. His sole focus was driving his sword into Zara¡¯s neck. With a murderous gleam contorting his visage, the canine closed in on Zara''s blind spot. The sword aimed for her neck, and Thmaz anticipated the scent of fresh blood and the sound of punctured flesh amidst screams. However, Zara swiftly readjusted her position, effortlessly evading the sneak attack and launching a nonchalant counter, leaving Thmaz dumbfounded. The canine smirked to himself. What¡¯s with that slow attack supposed to achieve? Zara¡¯s seemingly lethargic fist landed on the canine¡¯s jaw, and it exploded into a gory mess. The feline seized the canine by the neck before he could scream, ruthlessly severing his throat. Then, she used his skull to repeatedly bash against a nearby spike until it exploded, instantly killing the duo. Thmaz¡¯s companions watched the incredulous scene with mouths agape. Everything had transpired so swiftly, but the most shocking aspect was Zara¡¯s casual demeanor in dispatching their leader. Once more, the lights descended, and Thmaz resurrected. However, at that precise moment, a fist squarely struck the champion''s face, obliterating half of it as he hurtled toward a wall. Within seconds, several spikes impaled the canine''s corpse, burying him deep into the ground. Again, the canine revived, and this time, he instinctively took a step back to brace for the impending assault while scanning his surroundings vigorously. ¡°Show yourself¡­¡± a boot landed on the champion''s skull, sending him crashing face-first to the ground, but not instantly killing him. What¡¯s happening? What sort of sorcery is this? Thmaz pondered, struggling to rise. Zara landed a couple of meters away from the champion, causing Thmaz to reel instantly, his eyes bulging in surprise. Bloody, ghoulish apparitions and an array of weapons, formed from blood, hovered above the brawler. Moreover, the feline¡¯s skin was coated in a burning crimson hue, emitting visible steam that seemed to distort the surrounding air. ¡°He told me this day would come,¡± Zara muttered, her voice clear yet terrifying. ¡°I never expected it would come so soon.¡± Thmaz struggled to speak through fits of coughing blood. ¡°What are you?¡± he managed to gasp out. Zara, with boldness, declared, ¡°Your tormentor. This place was becoming dull. Thank you for livening it up.¡± She accompanied her words with a cruel smile. With a swing of her arm, hundreds of bloody projectiles hurtled toward the canine, shredding him to pieces instantly. Zara turned slightly to her right, fixing her gaze on the spot where Thmaz would inevitably revive. As she waited, Orion''s voice suddenly filled her ears. ¡°Is he a friend of yours?¡± he asked, a giggle in his voice. ¡°Something like that,¡± Zara replied, her smile still cruel. ¡°Are you still keeping count of your deaths?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Orion declared proudly. ¡°I wouldn''t stop just because it''s reached three hundred thousand.¡± Then, shifting the topic, the mage asked, ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Zara briefly glanced toward where the mage lay, locking eyes with his smiling face. ¡°I''ve never felt better,¡± she declared. In an instant, she lunged towards the reviving Thmaz, swiftly decapitating him as he returned to life. Meanwhile, Orion lay softly on the corpse of a miniature titan. ¡°Who would have thought she''d be so close to achieving a rule of absolute? Surely, they weren''t nobodies in other timelines,¡± he mused. Glancing towards Slim, the necromancer''s bones were as dark as obsidian. Corpses around him neither revived nor decomposed, and most of the monsters in his vicinity fled upon spotting him. It fell upon the titan to eliminate the necromancer, a task it carried out with brutal efficiency. Orion lowered his gaze, observing his trembling fingers. ¡°An aura of death so thick even I am afraid,¡± he muttered, his excitement uncontainable. ¡°I''m envious. They are growing immensely, but I can''t seem to experience the same.¡± Orion sighed softly, shaking his head in disbelief. ¡°There¡¯s no way I was incompetent in the other timelines. I should have figured out a way to communicate with myself by now. Surely, I can¡¯t be the first variant to be aware of multiple timelines,¡± he pondered aloud, ignoring the cacophony of screams and explosions around him. The spikes continued descending, but within six feet of reaching the mage, they altered their trajectory. ¡°Assuming I am the only one in the know, then one of my variants should have reached the point of no return already. But I wouldn¡¯t be here if they did¡­¡± The mage suddenly giggled as a thought filled his mind. ¡°We¡¯re either having so much fun across the timeline or we have all deduced it isn¡¯t worth it to cross that hallmark yet. Assuming every variant becomes one with the one who crosses that point, it only means that our knowledge would be even more incredible when that happens.¡± Orion squirmed at the thought, barely holding himself from giggling like an excited lover. He managed to rein in his emotions before casting a glance toward the spot Scott disappeared. ¡°How long are you going to leave us waiting for you, huh? You¡¯re going to miss all the action,¡± he muttered. A devastating scream suddenly rocked the area, and Orion sighed softly. Massive explosions followed, once again extinguishing all life within the maze. The current record had risen to five minutes. Meanwhile, within the nihilistic zone, Scott remained in the same state with no changes. He continued roaring in his mind, declaring his will to live with all his might. Unbeknownst to the eldritch knight, his form had long deteriorated, and only the mask of the eldritch knight, the war hammer of the mad god, and the item he summoned before being banished remained. Unlike before, however, faint flashes of yellow stirred on the mask. Book 2 - Chapter 37: Domain Unleashed Over fifteen months had passed since the hound extermination crew arrived in the Path of Chains, and the champions trapped in the ominous maze had faced an uncountable number of deaths. For many, the memory of a peaceful moment without death had become a distant and hazy recollection. Zara had spent every waking moment torturing Thmaz to her full satisfaction, heedless of the barrage of attacks from surrounding monsters. Fi-Fi, along with a few other champions, continued to devise unique and simple methods to flee, fight, and avoid the titan and its numerous minions. However, their efforts proved futile against the overwhelming odds. Slim, on the other hand, had become infamous among both the participating champions and those spectating from the makeshift town. All creatures, except the titan, avoided the perambulating necromancer who exuded copious amounts of baleful aura. Mournful echoes akin to whispers of dying souls accompanied the skeleton¡¯s footsteps, emanating from a realm invisible to mortal eyes. Unlike before, the necromancer had ceased his random mutterings, replaced instead by the eerie whispers that had taken over. Amidst the chaos, only Orion maintained a somewhat nonchalant demeanor. The mage no longer bothered to engage in combat with the monsters in the maze. Instead, he observed the trapped champions with keen interest. From his perspective, there was no better place to gather such unique amounts of data. The current record had extended to seven minutes, but regardless of their efforts, no one could survive beyond that time. One fateful day, a scream tore through the second layer, and all the spikes reverberated simultaneously before exploding. Once again, most champions accepted their deaths in the explosion, only to revive moments later as the toxic fumes in the area settled. Zara and Thmaz found themselves revived next to each other once more. The canine instantly exploded into a crazed sprint, not daring to look over his shoulder as he fled. Subconsciously, he knew his actions were futile. After all, Zara had displayed superior speed, agility, and overall combat prowess. In the eyes of most champions, she was the incarnate of a war god, growing only more ruthlessly efficient as the battles progressed. Contrary to the canine¡¯s expectations, Zara didn¡¯t chase after him, opting to remain in the same location for the first time. The bloody apparitions and arsenal that had accompanied her for months had disappeared, and her skin, which had exuded a burning hue, had returned to normal. Even the air, which had seemingly contended with her presence, had returned to normal too, but a lingering sense of mystic lingered around the brawler. Sections of her hair slowly ruffled without wind, alternating between crimson and blonde. Despite not exuding an ounce of bloodlust, the surrounding champions felt a cold sensation crawl up their backs as they instantly distanced themselves from the area. Lysa, most especially, couldn¡¯t hide her shock as she stared at the brawler. The vampire looked at her arms, which had been disfigured by thick strips, her blood running amok within her veins. She directed her gaze toward her companions, and they too had sturdy lattices of veins surging without control. What¡¯s going on? Lysa thought to herself as she further increased her distance. She watched as dozens of spikes rapidly disintegrated around a five-meter radius of the brawler. Meanwhile, Orion wore a bright smile as he stared at the feline. ¡°It¡¯s finally happening,¡± he giggled as he stroked his chin. ¡°Let¡¯s see what it looks like,¡± he added. Zara, on the other hand, blankly stared at the champions who avoided her. What¡¯s gotten into them? she pondered, but she didn¡¯t put much thought into it. Instead, she focused on her arms, and then her legs, continuously scrutinizing her body. Something feels off, no, different¡­ but I like it. A thunderous footstep suddenly echoed, and most champions turned their attention toward the titan. The colossus had made a move. The champions within the area instantly fled, not wanting anything to do with the titanic killing machine. Zara calmly lifted her head toward the gigantic monstrosity, locking gazes with the titan. I¡¯m not afraid, she thought, a strange sensation coursing through her, inexplicable yet unwavering. Though she knew she was no match for the colossus, there wasn¡¯t a hint of fear in her bones. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid,¡± Zara whispered, her hair flailing as it rapidly alternated between crimson and blonde. The titan roared as it raised its right hand, and a spike calmly descended. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid,¡± Zara declared again, her voice carrying the authority of her conviction. Her hair completely turned crimson, and intricate, bloody markings slowly appeared on her skin. The spike nestled in the titan¡¯s hand, and it unleashed another furious bellow. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid!¡± Zara unleashed a soul-churning roar, blood streaming from her eyes. Blood surged from her veins like a tidal wave, shredding through skin and seeping out through specific markings on her body. The bloody wave wrapped around the feline, while hundreds of unique and sinister weapons formed above her head. The titan threw the spike, and it appeared in front of Zara in a flash. At that same moment, the bloody wave manifested two gigantic hands. Zara readjusted her body, spinning in midair while the hands grabbed the spike, altering and returning it toward the titan with fury. The projectile raced toward the giant while unleashing a furious echo. Instantly, it smashed against the forehead of the killing machine, but not even a dent could be seen. Rage distorted the features of the titan, and it unleashed a chilling roar. Every creature within the area froze, compelled to cover their ears in agony. Zara roared too, hers akin to the blood-curdling screams of a thousand wailing wraiths. Simultaneously, the champion and titan exploded toward each other. The titan¡¯s speed surpassed what many deemed possible, especially given its humongous size. In a blink, it arrived in front of Zara, unleashing a furious punch toward the feline. The fist landed before most could even blink, and a massive shockwave rocked the area. A reddish blur flew backward, crashing into hundreds of walls along the way. Champions and creatures along the path were instantly reduced to shredded corpses, while the walls barely remained standing. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Silence hung in the air as champions spectating the battle watched with bated breath. Their eyes trailed toward the spot where Zara landed, finding her shielded within a massive bloody cocoon. Cracks lined the surface of the multilayered cocoon, yet it remained intact despite the heavy damage. That Zara had not only survived but emerged unscathed infuriated the titan. It roared soundlessly, forcing champions and creatures alike to their knees as blood spewed from their openings. Zara shuddered softly but remained unaffected by the roar. The blood coating her body trembled in tandem with ripples coursing through the cocoon. The titan refocused its attention on the brawler, clenching its right hand into a fist. With lightning speed, it unleashed a series of devastating blows, each unleashing a blast toward the feline. Before Zara could react, the first wave arrived, the distinct sound of breaking glass echoing as the cocoon shattered into pieces. The next wave followed, shattering the bloody armor coating Zara¡¯s form, and then the next wave slammed her against the wall. Blood poured from the brawler¡¯s mouth like a leaking faucet, gruesome wounds lining her body. However, the defiance in her eyes remained unwavering. Suddenly, the leaking blood flowed in reverse, racing back into Zara¡¯s body, her wounds healing at a rapid rate. However, at that same moment, several spikes hurtled toward the feline at supersonic speed, instantly ending the champion''s life. The titan unleashed another furious roar as it scanned its surroundings. More than ninety-nine percent of the champions had died, leaving only one¡ªthe same mindless skeleton that had been prowling the area. Seemingly more enraged than ever, the titan threw several projectiles at the clueless champion in quick succession. However, a mystical and unexpected event followed. The spears visibly degraded as they approached Slim, turning into ash about twenty meters away from the skeleton. The champions watching the chaos unfold sucked in fresh air, some involuntarily retreating. Even the titan remained motionless, a sense of curiosity evident in its bloodthirsty eyes. Slim suddenly paused, eerie creaks escaping from his rigid figure as he turned his head toward the titan. The mist escaping from the necromancer¡¯s skull had turned violet, and a hint of clarity had returned to the champion¡¯s face. Stretching forth his right hand, Slim emitted a ghoulish voice. ¡°I suspend all laws within my domain!¡± Melodious songs akin to a choir of deities echoed within the maze. However, the countenance of all those who heard the symphony darkened as an ominous sensation gripped their hearts. An expansive barrier suddenly appeared, with Slim at the center of the domain. Simultaneously, the mystical lights signaling revival fled from the ominous area, leaving champions who had yet to revive as nothing but mere corpses. What¡¯s more, the creatures trapped within the domain wailed with wanton abandon, slamming their heads and bodies on the ground as the melodious songs intensified. As Slim took a step forward, deep fissures lined the ground. Baleful aura surged out in mass, forming an array of distorted, ethereal projections wailing in anguish. The ground, walls, corpses, and even weapons and debris visibly corroded. Within the domain, hundreds of horrifying yet alluring projections manifested. The evolving skull above the necromancer quietly cowered in a corner, not daring to stare at the ghoulish army. With another step forward, a deathly aura exploded, visibly corrupting everything within reach. The mist within the necromancer¡¯s skull flared with a brilliant light, and hundreds of skeletons, including those of the slain champions and decomposing monsters, emerged. The skeletal army forced themselves from their earthly binds, a violet hue burning in their empty sockets. Collectively, they roared, their cries amplified by the melodious songs. ¡°Souls for the nether god, and Skulls for the skull throne!¡± Once more, the earth trembled, and a massive skull throne brimming with nether manifested. Slim approached the throne in gentle steps before quietly taking his seat. The necromancer then turned his attention toward the titan. ¡°Destroy it,¡± he declared. The skeletal soldiers roared in sync with the triumphant melodies being sung. The skull throne manifested dozens of legs and began to move. Simultaneously, portals opened around the necromancer, and apparitions from the NetherRealm charged into the space. More enraged than ever, the titan clenched its fists, and space itself seemed to distort. It prepared to move, but a massive projectile carrying a sweet, coppery stench appeared in front of the creature. The titan casually brushed aside the weapon, turning its gaze toward its sender. Zara, who had been revived, stood loosely as if being manipulated by strings like a puppet. However, above the brawler, a faceless entity comprised of churning blood hovered. Its wings spanned more than two hundred meters, while its form resembled that of the brawler, albeit a more grotesque variant. A tiny thread connected the entity to the dangling champion, and the multi-armed entity wielded diverse weapons, all originating from blood. The thread linking the champion and the entity snapped, and the entity forcefully swallowed up Zara. It landed on the ground, its height just under half of the titan¡¯s. Soundlessly, it roared before unleashing breakneck speed toward the colossus. With Zara approaching from one side and Slim from the other, the titan unleashed a shrill scream as its muscles swelled several times over. It pounded the air menacingly, and a massive crack opened in spacetime. The champions, who had been watching with bated breath, now stood with slackened jaws as they retreated even further. From their vantage point, they could see two other titans hidden behind the gradually expanding crack.
The Path of Chains has been modified due to the characteristics of the current participants!
Parties, alliances, and groups will now need one of its members to survive for only one minute to be permitted entry to the third layer!
The system message echoed across the second layer, but no one paid it any mind. After all, even more titans were escaping through the crack. This time, there were five titans, accompanied by a horde of miniature titans exiting through the crack. Once again, the maze had expanded several times over to accommodate the new arrivals. Orion erupted into laughter, shaking his head in disbelief. They had endured so much at the hands of just one titan, yet the maze had immediately adapted as soon as Zara attained her rule of absolute, and Slim activated his domain. Meanwhile, Fi-Fi slithered across the ground like a worm, blackened tendrils binding the slime and directing its movement. Eventually, the slime reached a certain spot, and the tendrils released their hold. It slithered toward an unremarkable area marked by a blackened spot. With a soft shudder, the tendril launched itself at the spot. As the newly arrived titans and their miniature minions prepared to wreak havoc once more, a massive shadow, thicker than tar and darker than darkness itself, suddenly enveloped the entirety of the maze¡¯s floor. Silence descended upon the maze, freezing all champions and creatures in place. All laws were suspended, domains repressed, and wills suppressed. Only the champions in the makeshift towns could move freely, yet even they stood petrified with fear, fearing their lives would end with any careless movement. Amid the eerie silence, a ripple formed on a section of the ground, and an item slowly ascended from the tar-like shadows. All eyes fixated on the blackened war hammer, etched with intricate markings. The surrounding shadows seemed to churn as the weapon emerged. The watching champions couldn¡¯t help but wonder what kind of calamity would present itself. Of all the creatures and champions, only Orion displayed an excited expression. This is truly remarkable... The mage laughed heartily within himself. A mortal being escaping the nihilistic zone... it¡¯s no longer an impossibility, he thought. Book 2 - Chapter 38: Thisos’ Labyrinth, Third Layer All eyes fell on the war hammer as it slowly emerged from the blackened pool. Many wondered who or what would follow. Contrary to their expectations, there was no hand gripping the handle of the ominous weapon. The pool rippled again, and this time, a blackened, animated mask with flashing yellow and red lights rose from the darkness. Like the hammer, it was unattached to any face. Moments later, an intricately crafted orb surfaced briefly before vanishing. Confusion marred the faces of the champions watching from above, especially those trapped in the tar-like shadow. Not all could see the strange items emerging. To them, the shadow was just another mechanism of the depraved labyrinth creator. Orion wore a rare frown as he stared at the inert items. "What''s going on? What happened to him?" There was no trace of Scott, but the items were undeniably his. A chilling thought struck him. Could he have been devoured by nihility too? Orion recoiled, recalling a memory he''d rather forget¡ªthe disintegration of a clone who had been trapped in the unforgiving zone too, devoured into nothingness. A whisper suddenly interrupted his thoughts, "I¡¯m not going to die here. I¡¯m not going to die here. I¡¯m not going to die here..." Orion, Slim, and Zara shuddered at the familiar, but chilling voice. The other champions trembled, cold sweat covering their bodies. The whisper weakened their souls, leaving them feeling empty. Blackened straps wrapped around their ankles, and the ground beneath them gradually lost its solidity. The citrine and crimson glow on the eldritch mask alternated more frequently, and a screeching echo escaped from the trembling war hammer of the mad god. Scott''s ominous whispers intensified, and the darkness across the maze bubbled like boiling water. The titans screamed in fury, their muscles swelling as they tried to break free. But their efforts were futile; the straps tightened mockingly around their ankles. Their powerful screams were nothing more than echoes, drowned out by Scott''s whispers. "I will not die here¡­ even if my body is devoured, even if my hopes and dreams fade, you will not claim me," Scott''s voice echoed through the maze. The bubbling intensified. "I may have forgotten who I am, but my will to live will never die! I¡¯m not going to disappear like this¡­ I don¡¯t care how long it takes. I will survive..." The phrases echoed simultaneously, growing louder, vying for the bound audience''s attention. The bubbling peaked, the earth visibly contorting. Tiny tendrils, blackened and crimson, surged from the eldritch mask, racing into the darkness. The ground shook as if an ancient beast had been freed from hell. The tendrils pulled, extracting a deformed mass from the nihilistic zone. The mask and the war hammer launched toward the mass, which slowly transformed into a human physique. A human body then materialized, but it was far from normal. Blackened tendrils formed a mesh beneath pale skin, like ancient ritualistic tattoos. On the right side of the torso, a swirling mass clashed with the tendrils. A pair of mismatched eyes appeared behind the mask¡ªone citrine, the other a fractured abyss. A faint inhalation could be heard, like a new organism taking its first breath. At that moment, the whispers ceased, and the darkness vanished. The titans seized their chance, launching themselves at the instigator of the changes. Scott stared at his transformed body; emotions and sensations both overwhelming and alien to him. He raised his head, gazing at the chaotic maze. His memory stirred slowly. He had long forgotten what vision and sound felt like, but his body was slowly remembering. ¡°You had me worried,¡± a voice giggled in Scott¡¯s mind. He instinctively turned toward Orion. Scott didn¡¯t know why, but the smiling man felt oddly familiar and distant at the same time. Zara and Slim¡¯s voices echoed in his mind, and he felt an attachment to them, though he couldn¡¯t recall why. Orion¡¯s voice echoed again, ¡°The titans are coming. We just need to survive for another thirty seconds, and we¡¯ll pass the trial.¡± Scott heard the mage¡¯s words but couldn¡¯t grasp their meaning. He turned toward the approaching titans, his gaze impassive. The behemoths massacred everything in sight as they approached with incomprehensible speed. Scott nonchalantly raised his war hammer, his dry, raspy voice echoing, ¡°I do not tolerate your existence. Return to nothingness.¡± A shadow bloomed beneath Scott, expanding over the maze in seconds. The champions and creatures felt a restrictive force binding them. The titans, however, powered through, their muscles bulging with rage. Gigantic straps extended from the darkness, wrapping around the giants¡¯ limbs and necks. The titans snapped them with sheer might, but more binds emerged. The sound of breaking glass echoed as the earth beneath the titans loosened. The powerful creatures slowly sank into the darkness, wading off the countless straps. Their eyes, filled with rage, focused solely on Scott. They roared menacingly, but their bellows lacked authority. The creatures struggled mightily, but their struggles only propelled them further into the abyss. Scott approached the sinking titans, gliding across the shadows. The creatures howled; their screams feeble. Thousands of wraps restricted their movements. Wordlessly, Scott raised his hammer, smashing it onto the first titan. The creature plummeted into the abyss like a stone thrown into a lake. Scott repeated the process until all five titans sank into the nihilistic zone. The shadows disappeared, and silence enveloped the maze. Scott impassively stared into the distance, trying to recall his existence. A hand extended from the mask, dragging the war hammer of the mad god away. Another hand from Scott¡¯s chest attempted to fight for the hammer but gave up.
Congratulations! You have fulfilled the necessary requirements to advance from the Path of Chains!
The beasts in the maze froze as if compelled by an invisible force. The system notification sent a ripple of emotions through the champions. Many collapsed, some bawling, others laughing in excitement. Orion approached Scott, placing a large cloak over him. ¡°Have you recovered?¡± he asked. Scott turned toward the mage, a hint of familiarity in his eyes. ¡°How long was it?¡± Orion prepared to speak, but Scott interjected, ¡°Don¡¯t bother. It¡¯s time we¡¯ll never get back. What about your main?¡± he asked mentally. ¡°It¡¯s all settled,¡± Orion replied with a smile. ¡°There¡¯s so much to discuss. I¡¯ll summarize the important stuff later. For now, greet your companions.¡± ¡°Scott, are you okay?¡± Zara¡¯s voice echoed in his mind. Before he could respond, he felt an unfamiliar warmth cling to him. The brawler hugged him, trying to stifle her tears. ¡°You should have come out sooner¡­ don¡¯t do that to us again,¡± she whispered, sobbing as her arms tightened. Slim approached, stopping in front of Scott. ¡°You¡¯ve changed a lot, buddy,¡± Slim muttered softly. He had always sensed an otherworldly aura from Scott. Now, however, he felt nothing, and it terrified him. The living and the dead had an aura. A being without one transcended his imagination. ¡°So have you,¡± Scott said, his gaze lingering on Slim¡¯s blackened bones. Although his memories were hazy, he knew the necromancer and Zara had changed since their last encounter. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Slim chuckled softly, placing a hand on Scott¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re okay, buddy. I really am.¡±
Champions will now be rewarded based on contributions!
Calculating rewards!
Several champions in the makeshift town attempted to descend the stairs, but a barrier blocked their paths. They knew they had probably missed a golden opportunity to move to the next layer.
Rewards calculated!
Commencing distribution!
Mystical lights descended on the champions in the maze, and one by one they disappeared, except for Scott. However, a series of system windows appeared before him.
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
Your Race has been updated!
Congratulations! Class advancement is possible!
Congratulations! You have received a new title!
Title: Voidwaker!
Description: A Voidwaker is a being who has survived the harrowing trial of the nihilistic zone, emerging not just unscathed, but fundamentally transformed.
Your energy sources have been updated!
You have gained a new skill, and several of your skills have leveled up!
Note! Abilities will undergo significant changes based on your next class advancement!
Unsuitable abilities will be sealed, purged, or terminated!
With a thought, Scott summoned his status screen, and the updated window appeared in front of him.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Scott Dorsey.
Level: 50 -New!
Experience Points: 0/5100 ¨C New!
Void Limits: Infinite ¨C New!
Race:
  • Eldritch Being.
  • Nihilithian.
Class:. Undefined. Second Class advancement is possible. Would you like to choose a class? [Yes] [No]
Party Members:
  • Slim the Grim.
  • Orion Audeus.
  • Adona.
  • Fi-Fi.
  • Zara [Party Leader].
Title:
  • Chaos Caller.
  • Voidwaker.
  • Minion 01.
Rank:
  • Being calculated¡­
Energy Sources:
  • Nihilistic Zone.
  • Abyssal Void.
Abnormal State: None.
Achievements:
  • You completed the 31,456th performance in the theatre!
  • Survivor of the Nihilistic Zone.
Sponsor: None!
Physical Stats Strength: 50 [+20] New!
Agility: 51 [+20] New!
Endurance: 50 [+26] New!
Dexterity: 50 [+20] New!
Toughness: 50 [+16] New!
Skills Carpentry (Level 1).
Running (Level 2).
Survival (Level 6) ¨C New!
Madness (Level ???) ¨C New!
Hastur¡¯s Gaze (Level 4) ¨C New!
Hastur''s Whisper (Level 2)
Mental Manipulation (Level 5) ¨C New!
Void Manipulation (Level 3) ¨C New!
Party Communication (Level 1) ¨C Party Dependent Skill.
Basic Eldritch casting (Level 2)
Hammer Mastery (Level 3)
Combat (Level 4) ¨C New!
Fishing (Level 1).
Hastur''s Vessel There¡¯s a 45% chance your body will be possessed by Hastur the Unspeakable. Temporary possession inactive!
Void Bank
  • Calming Woods.
  • Nihilistic Zone.
  • Slime Party.
  • ??? Void.
Quests Main Quest: Make it to the end of the labyrinth ¨C Ongoing!
Scott stared at his system window, his mind plagued by a whirl of thoughts. He knew he had undergone significant changes, but only now did he grasp their full extent.
The entrance to the third layer will open soon!
Thisos, the lesser god of doom, is watching you!
Thisos, the lesser god of doom, has stopped watching you!
Visbos, the mad titan, is watching you!
Visbos, the mad titan, is angered!
Visbos, the mad titan, has stopped watching you!
Scott glanced at the series of system messages without much thought. Suddenly, a crack echoed, and a portal manifested a few feet away from the eldritch being.
The entrance to the third layer is now open!
Scott took a step toward the portal but paused. He turned, noticing another crack manifesting nearby. Something familiar emanated from the emerging portal. Space distorted, revealing another portal. Unlike the clear, colorless portal leading to the third layer, this new portal had a turbid, lilac hue. It grew wider and wider until it was large enough for three titans stacked atop each other to pass through. Scott stood his ground, eyes glued to the distorting space. Moments later, the distortion calmed, revealing several silhouettes. Amidst the silence, a voice emerged from the portal. "So, you survived that. I''m glad. I didn¡¯t want it to be that easy." Some memories were distant, but some could never be forgotten. The war hammer emerged from his mask, and Scott gently grabbed the intricate weapon, pointing it toward the figures in the portal. ¡°Ethan, right?¡± Scott said suddenly. ¡°I suspected you bastards were involved in this, and it seems I was right. Before you start preaching about other timelines or how mad you are at me, know that I don¡¯t care. If you still want to come, then come. I will no longer tolerate your existence!¡±
Lesser god candidates are attempting to invade the Path of Chains!
The Administrator has revoked access!
A tear appeared in the fiery sky, and a gigantic hand raced toward the expansive portal, forcefully closing it in one swift motion. The hand disappeared as quickly as it appeared. Scott lowered his hand, and a snaking limb ejected itself from his chest, dragging the war hammer into the nihilistic abyss before the eldritch mask could react. Wordlessly, Scott turned and approached the portal leading to the next layer. The eldritch being disappeared behind the portal, and a new system notification appeared before the champions in the makeshift town. Unfortunately, those who had revived a second too late also had to repeat the trial.
The Path of Chains will be modified!
Commencing modifications¡­
Book 2 - Chapter 39: Thisos Sanctuary A portal manifested in an expansive field stretching as far as the eye could see, and Scott stepped out. Hundreds, if not thousands, of eyes fell on the oddly clothed champion, many laughing or pointing at the masked man. Scott silently observed his surroundings, ignoring the champions staring and gesturing in his direction. The area lacked any structures, trees, or rocks. However, the population exceeded ten thousand champions, and portals opened at intervals to welcome new arrivals. Scott¡¯s gaze wandered, searching for a sense of familiarity, but most of the faces were foreign to him. Races he had never seen or thought possible mingled among the vast crowd. Barely seconds after his arrival, a new system window manifested.
Welcome to the third layer, Thisos¡¯ Sanctuary!
Champions can do as they please within the sanctuary!
Note: Groups, parties, and alliances can only leave the sanctuary together. Individuals aren¡¯t permitted to leave on their own!
Groups, parties, and alliances are free to recruit new members within the sanctuary!
Warning: Groups, parties, and alliances which do not meet the minimum requirements to exit the sanctuary will remain until the required membership is fulfilled!
Your rank has been updated!
Rank: 20!
Scott impassively read through the system messages. The eldritch being raised his head, focusing on the surrounding champions. System windows announcing their levels, abilities, ranks, and quests hovered above the heads of the champions, visible only to Scott. There are a lot of powerful people here, Scott thought, spotting over twenty champions with levels exceeding his own. He couldn¡¯t imagine how many more powerful individuals were hidden in the crowd. ¡°Are you guys okay?¡± Scott sent a message via the party channel. ¡°Buddy, you¡¯re finally responding. Where are you?¡± Slim asked suddenly. ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened, but they sent me to my sponsor¡¯s sanctuary,¡± he announced. ¡°Me too,¡± Zara chimed in. ¡°Where are you, Scott?¡± she asked. ¡°Thisos¡¯ sanctuary. It seems this is the default place they send those without sponsors,¡± Scott theorized. ¡°Fi-Fi is in sponsor¡¯s sanctuary too,¡± Fi-Fi announced, the slime¡¯s voice uncharacteristically cheerful. Before anyone could respond, the slime¡¯s voice echoed again, ¡°Fi-Fi would like to state that Fi-Fi had no hand in what the elf did. Fi-Fi is no traitor.¡± ¡°I had forgotten about that fucking bitch,¡± Slim suddenly roared. ¡°I suspected her lovey-dovey gimmick was a ruse, but I didn¡¯t know she was going to use that opportunity to screw you over, buddy. This is why you can¡¯t trust people these days,¡± the necromancer complained. ¡°Scott, do you have any idea what happened?¡± Zara asked, referencing the incident with Llorva. The pandemonium within the path of chains had forced them to focus solely on their survival, and only now could they think of other matters. A familiar giggle echoed in the party channel, followed by a voice, ¡°It would be advisable to kick her out of the party before you say anything,¡± Orion said. ¡°I was wondering why you weren¡¯t saying anything, buddy,¡± Slim said, unable to contain his excitement. The duo had bonded greatly during the chaos within the previous layer. ¡°So, where are you?¡± Slim added. ¡°I¡¯m not allowed to say. It¡¯s a place dedicated to rank 1s only,¡± the mage announced. ¡°I¡¯d advise you all to increase your ranks as soon as possible. Don¡¯t ask me why, but know that it¡¯s important,¡± the mage stressed. Although curious, no one pressed the issue. For Orion of all people to remain silent on the matter meant that there were restrictions, and probably heavy penalties involved. ¡°Have you kicked her out?¡± Orion asked, changing the topic. ¡°I¡¯m trying to, but for some reason it¡¯s not working,¡± Zara said. ¡°You guys should check our party status screen. Who the hell is Adona? Wasn¡¯t her name Llorva?¡± A somewhat familiar but distinct chortle echoed within the channel. ¡°Aww¡­ aren¡¯t you guys being a little too harsh on me? Are you forgetting all the good times we had together?¡± ¡°You damn bitch, I can¡¯t believe you have the gall to even speak here,¡± Slim spat, unable to contain his anger. However, laughter simply greeted his words. The necromancer prepared to speak again, but the voice returned. ¡°Scott, you¡¯re listening, right? They told me you were ridiculously persistent, and it seems they were right. I really thought you would¡¯ve disappeared in the nihilistic zone, but here we are.¡± Adona paused for a moment, then her voice suddenly became more intense. ¡°We¡¯ll be waiting for you. You¡¯ve wronged so many people, and they can barely stop themselves from coming over there.¡± ¡°You and the rest of them can go fuck yourselves. I¡¯ll be waiting for you bastards,¡± Scott retorted. Adona burst out laughing. ¡°So much bravado for someone so weak. That¡¯s why I really like you. I¡¯ll be looking forward to it. Omar and the others have told me quite a lot about you. I can¡¯t wait to see the real Eidolon of Envy. I¡¯m getting wet just thinking about it.¡± ¡°Can someone kick this crazy bitch out of our party?¡± Slim said, his anger palpable. ¡°I¡¯m trying, but it isn¡¯t working,¡± Zara said. ¡°It¡¯s almost as if someone else is blocking me from removing her.¡± Adona¡¯s laughter echoed again. ¡°I¡¯ll be gone soon. I just wanted to pass on one final message,¡± she said, taking a deep breath. ¡°The Blood Cult is now a thing of the past. With that said, I¡¯ll take my leave¡­ oh, that reminds me. I wouldn¡¯t trust Orion that much,¡± she giggled, and her voice disappeared. ¡°She¡¯s been removed,¡± Zara announced, but an awkward silence lingered on the channel. "Well, this is awkward," Orion muttered, giggling softly. "Whether she was telling the truth about the Blood Cult doesn¡¯t matter," Scott suddenly said. "I won¡¯t tell you guys whether to trust Orion or not. That¡¯s your decision to¡ª" Slim interrupted, "No need for that, buddy. Orion already told us she contracted him. We were pissed at first, but we calmed down after he said you knew she was a fake all along. She was probably trying to screw Orion over, like the slimy bitch she is." Scott''s brows shot up momentarily. He hadn¡¯t expected Orion to divulge those details to the others. "Don¡¯t worry, I didn¡¯t tell them anything they¡¯re not supposed to know," Orion messaged Scott privately. Zara''s voice echoed in the party channel, "If she¡¯s telling the truth, then we might have a problem. I can¡¯t believe the Blood Cult was eradicated." "Don¡¯t believe anything that lying bitch said," Slim replied. "For all we know, she could have said that to mess with us." "I doubt that," Orion interjected. "Although it would have been difficult, it''s possible they slaughtered most of the key figures in the cult. If my guess is correct, they probably attacked the blood towers, which are more or less the cult''s headquarters. If most of the upper echelon are dead, the cult is as good as finished. Even if lower-ranked cultists are still around, many wouldn¡¯t risk exposing themselves." This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it "Fuck," Slim cursed softly. "Then, what exactly are we supposed to do?" It was too late to regret anything, especially with a massive target on their backs. Lingering wasn¡¯t an option, and advancing would only bring more trouble. "We do what we have always done," Scott announced gently. "Improvise, adapt, and survive. I have no intention of leading any of you to your deaths. We will scrap all plans to reach the blood towers." "We also need to find someone willing to join our party," Zara said. "I don¡¯t know about the rest of you, but I¡¯m taking a couple of days off to recover. I¡¯ll try looking for someone suitable during that time. You all should do the same." "Alright. There seem to be a lot of competent people here. I¡¯ll let you know if I find someone suitable," Slim said. "Fi-Fi will also search," Fi-Fi announced. Neither Scott nor Orion commented, but they agreed with the others. ¡°Alright, bye for now. Let us know if you hear anything useful in your sanctuary,¡± Zara declared. With that, silence filled the channel. Scott sent one last private message to Orion: ¡°Have your main come meet us when we clear the labyrinth.¡± ¡°I figured you¡¯d say that. We are on our way already. The Wutas are quite remarkable,¡± Orion replied, giggling as Scott cut off the transmission. The eldritch being summoned his champion interface once more, focusing on his class. Why did my class become undefined? he pondered, his fingers lingering above the luminous panel. The only explanation he could think of was that his new race contrasted with the abilities of an eldritch knight. A belief further strengthened by the fact that even his abilities were temporarily restricted by an unknown force. Ordinarily, the system would have informed him a class advancement was possible, while taking his initial class as a base point to direct further advancements. Now, however, he couldn¡¯t predict what awaited him. I might as well see what new options are available to me, Scott thought as he clicked on [Yes].
Warning! Full details for classes will not be presented to the Champions!
Warning! Champions will decide which potential class suits their abilities best!
Warning! Champions cannot change their class unless certain conditions are met!
Potential Classes available to Champion: Scott Dorsey
Voidwalker: A master of the void, able to manipulate and traverse through nihilistic dimensions. Voidwalkers excel in stealth and surprise attacks, emerging from the shadows to strike with devastating force.
Abyssal Knight: A warrior infused with the power of the abyss, wielding dark energy to enhance physical combat abilities. Abyssal Knights are resilient and powerful, using their connection to the void to bolster their defenses and strikes.
Eldritch Sorcerer: A spellcaster who harnesses the chaotic and ancient energies of eldritch beings. Eldritch Sorcerers can summon otherworldly creatures, cast devastating spells, and manipulate reality itself.
Nihilist: A being who embodies the essence of nothingness, capable of negating magic and physical attacks. Nihilists can drain the life force and energy from their surroundings, rendering enemies powerless.
Chaos Warden: A guardian of chaos who thrives in unpredictable and chaotic environments. Chaos Wardens have abilities that grow stronger with the presence of chaos, using it to empower their attacks and defenses.
Void Berserker: A brutal combatant who channels the fury of the void into unstoppable rage. Void Berserkers gain immense strength and resilience, becoming more powerful the more damage they take.
Dimensional Shifter: Adept at moving through and manipulating dimensions, capable of teleportation and altering spatial dynamics. Dimensional Shifters can trap enemies in pocket dimensions, create portals, and evade attacks by shifting through space.
Scott¡¯s brows furrowed as he perused the notification. There wasn¡¯t a single class he considered useless or unimportant. Yet, none among them stood out to him. The moment the system message appeared, the formless mass in Scott¡¯s chest stirred, and tendrils shot forth from the mass, racing towards the panel. However, tendrils from the mask of the eldritch spawn intercepted them, and the diverging tendrils clashed in a frenzied struggle to select Scott¡¯s class. Look at these bastards¡­ Scott thought, a twitch in the corner of his eye. Do they think I''ll let them pick for me? The eldritch being snorted within himself as his hands darted towards an option. Sensing Scott¡¯s actions, the tendrils momentarily ceased their combat and restrained his right hand, only to resume their contest. ¡°Damn you!¡± Scott roared inwardly as he thrust his left hand towards the panel. The tendrils panicked, once again cooperating to halt Scott¡¯s advance. Simultaneously, Scott¡¯s shadow darkened, and several straps ripped off the tendrils holding his right hand. The tendrils panicked a third time, abandoning their attempts to restrain the eldritch being and instead sought to reach the panel before their competition. In a flash, Scott and both sets of tendrils selected an option. The tendrils from the formless mass chose Nihilist, while the spawns of the mask opted for Eldritch Sorcerer. Scott, however, settled on Voidwalker.
An unknown error has occurred!
An unknown error has occurred!
An unknown error has occurred!
The system messages flashed in red, causing Scott''s brows to crease in concern. The mischievous tendrils continued slamming themselves on their preferred option, spawning even more error messages. ¡°Would you two cut it out,¡± Scott mentally urged, but his words fell on deaf ears. He prepared to restrain the rogue tendrils when a new system message appeared.
Your ability, Fusion, is attempting to merge several classes!
Scott narrowed his gaze. ¡°I don¡¯t have a good feeling about this.¡± The system message only fueled the tendrils further, increasing the rate at which they struck the panel. Nearby champions had taken note of the oddities, especially the reddened system windows, a rarity for most champions. Scott¡¯s expression darkened as he instinctively raised his head. Twice before, when the system had mentioned the administrator, it heralded the arrival of a powerful force. Fate seemed to align as a sharp crack pierced the air, causing time to halt momentarily. Yet this time, instead of a colossal fist, a pair of immense eyes, embodying countless worlds, materialized. They fixed upon Scott, the sole animate presence in the suspended moment, while a new system message materialized.
The administrator has granted permission!
With the disappearance of the spatial rupture, normalcy returned, leaving everyone but Scott unaware of what had transpired.
Classes: Voidwalker, Eldritch Sorcerer, and Nihilist can now be fused!
Do you wish to commence Fusion?
[Yes!] [No!]
Strangely, none of the tendrils acted autonomously. Scott, however, remained fixated on the heavens, a hidden horror lurking in the depths of the eldritch being. In that fleeting moment, when his gaze met the administrator''s, the eldritch entity traversed countless timelines subconsciously, encountering myriad versions of itself. Each iteration shared absolute power and malevolence as the undisputed Eidolon of Envy, all delivering the same verdict, their words echoing relentlessly in Scott¡¯s mind. ¡°You¡¯re a disgrace! We are coming for you!¡± Understanding dawned upon him. In each timeline, an Eidolon of Envy existed, and it was his destiny to occupy that position. Yet, in timelines severed from the continuum, whoever ended his existence assumed the notorious mantle, unleashing chaos surpassing his own deeds. Now he understood why Omar and his companions did not slay but banished him to wither in the desert. At that same moment, Scott recalled his first encounter with a variant. ¡°When he said I was the only one left, he meant I was the only one who had yet to awaken,¡± Scott muttered, his emotions running rampant. Another thought clouded the eldritch being¡¯s mind, knitting his brows. Only my consciousness was transferred to the nameless tower, not my body. Is that why I have not ascended to become the Eidolon of Envy in this timeline, or is it due to Hastur¡¯s interference? Scott pondered. He also understood that both scenarios could hold truth. Book 2 - Chapter 40: Memas Totem Scott slowly emerged from his contemplative state, his gaze once again shifting toward the system panel. Without hesitation, he clicked [Yes], and a new notification appeared:
Fusion will now commence!
Estimated Fusion time: 2 days!
¡°Two days, huh?¡± Scott muttered softly. He wasn''t sure whether that was long or short, but he understood that fusion among different classes was bound to be difficult, if not impossible. Still, he was curious to see what class would emerge from the merger of all three classes. Scott lowered his gaze, noticing the pesky tendrils had silently retreated while his thoughts wandered. Placing the fusion at the back of his mind, he turned toward the nearby champions, focusing on a unique race with specter-like features. A strange but pleasant cry echoed as the creatures phased in and out of tangibility. Scott''s attention then shifted to another group, one comprised of champions in thick, black leather armor that covered their entire bodies. Their heads were concealed by large, metallic triangular masks with odd slits crisscrossing the surface. He averted his gaze but quickly refocused on the group, a hint of surprise on his face. He noted their sponsor.
Sponsor: God of Slaughter¡ªpartial!
What does a partial sponsorship even mean? Scott pondered for a moment before shaking off the thought. He approached the group with slow, deliberate steps. The masked champions, who had been observing nearby competitors, noticed the solitary figure approaching but remained silent, assuming Scott was heading elsewhere. As seconds passed, it became clear that Scott was indeed approaching them. The champions watched silently as he closed the distance. A moment later, Scott stopped a few paces away from the group. ¡°Can you communicate with the God of Slaughter?¡± he asked matter-of-factly. ¡°Who are you to ask about¡­¡± the champion suddenly paused as a system notification manifested in front of him. At that same moment, a system notification appeared in front of Scott.
The Administrator has granted the God of Slaughter permission to send messages for three minutes!
The God of Slaughter asks you to hand over Mema¡¯s Totem!
Wordlessly, Scott retrieved the item from his inventory, tossing it to the masked champion who had spoken earlier. The champion instantly sent the item into his inventory as soon as it left Scott¡¯s hands, and another system notification manifested in front of the eldritch being.
The God of Slaughter conveys their thanks!
The God of Slaughter has granted you unfettered access to all their sanctuaries!
As soon as the system message appeared, a golden radiance descended from the clear skies, enveloping Scott in its warmth. Before anyone could comprehend what was happening, the eldritch being disappeared from the grass field. In a flash, Scott reappeared in an unfamiliar space. Reddened skies blighted the heavens, and mournful screams and explosions competed amidst howling winds and thunder. He stood at the periphery of a gigantic battlefield teeming with all manner of creatures. Instantly, the eldritch being recalled his experience in the theater, but unlike the theater, no one died. From his vantage point, he felt like he was staring into an everlasting slaughterhouse where champions only had carnage within their hearts. Scott watched the carnage for a moment, noticing he couldn¡¯t glean any information via Hastur¡¯s gaze. Suddenly, he turned around, and an average-height woman with flowing brown hair stood there with a thin smile. Her iridescent eyes radiated a spine-chilling bloodlust. She wore a black trench coat buttoned up to her neck, and her hands were covered with equally blackened gloves. ¡°You are?¡± Scott asked, unfazed by the lady¡¯s sudden appearance. ¡°Welcome to Viva. Please follow me, I have been briefed about your arrival,¡± the lady said, still maintaining her thin smile as she sized up the eldritch knight. Scott looked beyond the woman, but only an expanse of dry land covered in red dust lingered. Behind them, within the valley, was the seemingly unending battlefield. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder where the woman had come from. The woman turned around again, her calm voice echoing once more. ¡°Follow me.¡± She took two steps forward, then paused. She raised her right leg before lowering it. However, her boots didn¡¯t fall on the reddened ground; instead, they hovered on an invisible step. Silently, she ascended the steps without turning. Scott followed her, neither sharing a word nor looking behind them. Silently, the duo ascended the unseen stairs, climbing higher and higher towards the reddened skies. Moments later, they pierced through the fluffy yet ominous clouds, and the scenery changed once more. This time, a massive city unfolded before them. Scott¡¯s eyes lingered on the starry expanse above the city, reminiscent of the vast horizon he had seen in Carcosa. He lowered his gaze, noticing that the woman had already marched forward noiselessly. Scott took a step, and the world around him shifted a second time. The massive city vanished, replaced by an unfamiliar room larger than any he had ever seen, and he wasn¡¯t alone. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The straightforward woman had disappeared, but three other individuals stood in her place. Shock, surprise, and curiosity marked their expressions.
Welcome to Viva!
You are free to access all areas, except those reserved for lesser god candidates!
You will enjoy the same benefits as all sponsored candidates for as long as you remain!
You are free to challenge anyone within Viva on par with a sponsored candidate or lower!
You will only be able to contend with candidates above the sponsored level if they allow it!
You¡¯re free to leave whenever you please!
Scott quickly glanced through the system¡¯s messages. However, his attention remained on the unfamiliar group. Even without Hastur¡¯s gaze active, he could sense the trio commanded tremendous power. None of the trio were human or humanoid. The largest and closest to Scott was a creature composed entirely of wood, manifesting in a hulking form. Burning fluorescents served as its eyes while vines and creeping plants slithered across its body. The champion next to it was enshrouded in flowing mud that bubbled yet stained nothing around it. The third and smallest among the trio levitated in midair, tiny wings extending from a serpentine form devoid of a face. The longer Scott stared at the serpentine creature, the more its form became refined and beautiful. He narrowed his gaze, stunned by the strange bewitching effect. Another system notification appeared, this time in front of the trio. A moment later, they focused on Scott, and the tree-like creature spoke, its voice surprisingly clear and soothing. ¡°So, you¡¯re a guest, huh? We don¡¯t have many of those,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯m Tondan, a Trisos,¡± he continued, pointing at the mud creature. ¡°That¡¯s Foogbs, a Mud Dweller.¡± Then it pointed at the flying serpent. ¡°That¡¯s Aurbenine, a Wilowick. Don¡¯t stare at her too much, unless you want to become her slave or something,¡± the Trisos advised. All three champions focused on Scott once more, and Tondan spoke again, ¡°Pardon me for asking. What exactly are you?¡± ¡°He looks human, but he doesn¡¯t have the usual attributes of one,¡± Foogbs muttered, a strange, muffled echo accompanying his voice. Aurbenine flew closer to Scott, the Wilowick hovering near the eldritch being as if observing him. Scott stared at the unusual creature despite the previous warning. The more he stared, the more mesmerizing the creature became, transforming into an enchanting beauty. Soon, an enthralling voice filled the ears of the eldritch being, ¡°Come,¡± it said. Although only a word was spoken, it sounded as if hundreds, if not thousands, of voices had uttered the singular word. However, Scott remained motionless, his soulless gaze fixed on the Wilowick. ¡°Come,¡± the voice urged again, as the creature flew even closer to the eldritch knight. Scott impassively averted his gaze, turning toward Tondan. ¡°You can call me Scott, and I¡¯m a hybrid of several races. Who are you exactly?¡± he asked. Tondan and Foogbs both turned toward Aurbenine, shock evident in their expressions. Their gazes alternated between Scott and the levitating Wilowick. Soon, Tondan chuckled as he stood up, his impressive height on full display. He took a step forward. ¡°We are sponsored candidates of the God of Slaughter,¡± he declared, stopping a few feet from Scott. ¡°Do you have a sponsor?¡± Tondan suddenly asked. Scott shook his head, and Tondan laughed harder, the sound akin to grinding wood. ¡°Would you like to join the God of Slaughter?¡± Tondan asked. ¡°Don¡¯t be rude to our guest,¡± Foogbs suddenly chided. ¡°While we do have the authority to recruit new candidates, something tells me Scott here isn¡¯t interested.¡± The Mud Dweller turned to Scott. ¡°Am I wrong?¡± ¡°You aren¡¯t. I do appreciate the invite, though,¡± Scott replied calmly. Tondan, however, ignored Scott¡¯s words and continued, ¡°Don¡¯t be so quick to reject us. There are many benefits to being sponsored by the God of Slaughter. Which floor are you currently on?¡± he asked, his excitement palpable. ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but I¡¯m currently undergoing the trials in Thisos¡¯ Labyrinth,¡± Scott declared. Instantly, silence descended upon the room. The silence lasted only a moment before Foogbs spoke up, ¡°I don¡¯t have fond memories of that place,¡± he said. ¡°Same here,¡± Tondan agreed with a nod. ¡°Thisos is one of the oldest lesser gods around, and that labyrinth is his crown jewel. That sadistic maniac has been refining it longer than any of us have been in existence, and it only gets worse the further you climb.¡± Tondan sighed softly, several of its vines trembling in response. The Trisos prepared to speak again, but Aurbenine¡¯s voice echoed first. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you affected?¡± she asked, flying closer to Scott. Tondan and Foogbs both shuddered, and the Trisos roared, ¡°Aurbenine, stay back! There will be serious repercussions if you touch a guest!¡± Tondan warned, but his words fell on deaf ears. Aurbenine flew a few feet away front of Scott, and from the perspective of the eldritch being, he stared at the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. How he remained composed and somewhat indifferent to such a once-in-a-lifetime beauty was beyond him. The fair-skinned beauty stretched her hand, intending to caress Scott¡¯s neck, but the eldritch being took a step back and his indifferent voice followed. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you want, but if you seek to harm me, I won¡¯t hesitate to erase your existence.¡± Once again, silence filled the room, shock evident on the faces of the champions. Aurbenine inched even closer to Scott, but not close enough for the eldritch being to consider her a threat. ¡°Now I understand why it didn¡¯t work. You¡¯re a being that has once been stripped of its desires,¡± she said, before flying back to her original position. Tondan exchanged glances with Foogbs, both seemingly relieved that the Wilowick retreated on her own accord. Foogbs also retreated, but Tondan, determined to convince Scott, remained as he posed another question. ¡°Which layer have you gotten to in Thisos¡¯ Labyrinth?¡± the champion asked. ¡°It¡¯s undeniably different from my time back then, but I might be able to give you some clues.¡± ¡°That he¡¯s here must mean he is either in the third, thirteenth, or twenty-third layers,¡± Foogbs commented from the side. Scott¡¯s frown deepened. The thought of traversing twenty more layers, or even more, was not something he relished. He opened his mouth to speak, but Aurenine cut him off. ¡°Even if the labyrinth has changed, there¡¯s always one constant. Your party simply needs to find the hidden layer and defeat that creature. If you win, you¡¯ll escape the labyrinth.¡± ¡°You make it sound like killing that creature is easy,¡± Tondan said softly, then turned to Scott. ¡°There is indeed a hidden path, but I wouldn¡¯t advise seeking it unless you have at least four members proficient in rule of absolute or domains. Be prepared to experience death more than a million times. Unlike the ranking games, the pain you feel while fighting that creature won¡¯t be forgotten with each death. Instead, it will accumulate. Your only solace, if you can call it that, is that your death won¡¯t be final.¡± Foogbs sighed softly. ¡°That¡¯s a long-winded way of saying you need the toughest people with the strongest wills.¡± ¡°Thank you for the warning,¡± Scott said, his sincerity evident in his voice. ¡°What floor are you currently on?¡± he asked. ¡°Like most other sponsored candidates, we¡¯re close to the point of no return,¡± Tondan replied. ¡°It¡¯s not something I¡¯m relishing to be honest.¡± Book 2 - Chapter 41: Sponsored Candidates Scott¡¯s ears perked up and his brows furrowed as soon as he heard the mention of the prominent location. He turned toward the Trisos, staring intently at the champion. ¡°I¡¯ve heard about the point of no return. Is it true what they say about it?¡± Scott asked. Tondan, Foogbs, and Aurenine exchanged glances, none of them giving anything away. Scott didn¡¯t probe further, hoping one of them would shed more light on the famed location. The silence barely lasted five minutes before Tondan spoke up. ¡°To be honest, the point of no return isn¡¯t something anyone should look forward to, unless they have a few screws loose,¡± Tondan sighed, then continued. ¡°Everything you¡¯ve heard about it is probably watered down.¡± He paused, staring intently at Scott. ¡°You know about the existence of multiple timelines, right?¡± Scott nodded solemnly. Tondan sighed again. ¡°Then are you aware that each iteration of yourself is in competition with the others?¡± ¡°What?¡± Scott blurted out, taking a step forward. ¡°I thought the point of no return was an amalgamation of all iterations of oneself. Where does the competition come from?¡± At that moment, understanding dawned on the eldritch being. Each iteration was separated across multiple timelines, each tasked with climbing the tower and navigating perilous trials. Whether they were aware of other timelines or simply climbing the tower blindly, they were competing to reach the point of no return. After all, only one could remain, even if they retained the memories of their variants across the timeline. "It seems you finally understand," Tondan muttered. "What no one tells you is that even if you''re the first to get there, it doesn''t guarantee you''ll come out as yourself. It''s entirely possible that the resulting merger retains the personality of another variant," he explained. "It''s also possible that you''ll remain the same, just more knowledgeable," Foogbs chimed in. "Don''t let this fearmonger lead you astray. No one really knows what happens until you experience it yourself," he added. "That''s a bit too harsh. Why would you call me a fearmonger?" Tondan asked, his displeasure evident. "I made a valid point. The thought of losing yourself to someone else should set alarm bells ringing in any sane person. Then again, no one sane would ever make it that far," he sighed, turning his attention toward Scott. "We got a bit sidetracked earlier. As I was saying, there are many benefits to being sponsored by the God of Slaughter," Tondan said tenderly as he stood up. He then posed a question to the eldritch being. "Did you see a battlefield on your way here?" Scott nodded. "We call it the Slaughter Field. All champions affiliated with the God of Slaughter can freely participate in it. It''s an expansive, no-rules battlefield where you''re free from death. You get to hone your real-time battle senses against a multitude of opponents," Tondan paused, shortening the distance to Scott. "However, that''s merely the tip of the iceberg. All that is unimportant, especially when you consider that the longer you stay, the more experience points you gain. You could come in a scrawny weakling and leave a hulking titan. Isn''t that fantastic?" Tondan asked, stopping a few feet away from Scott. ¡°I should also state that the Slaughter Field outside is only for the lowest-ranked sponsors¡ª¡± Scott interjected, ¡°Pardon me for interrupting, but what¡¯s the hierarchy among sponsored candidates?¡± Tondan chuckled softly. ¡°You¡¯re joking, right?¡± he muttered. Scott''s solemn demeanor, however, conveyed his seriousness. Tondan, on the other hand, couldn''t hide his confusion. How does someone know about the point of no return yet doesn¡¯t know something as basic as this? he thought. ¡°While the hierarchy can differ based on the god or lesser god, there are basically three tiers. Firstly, the lowest-ranked sponsored candidates are mostly champions whom their sponsors find intriguing and worthy of development. They rank above the affiliated champions and those worshipping in the sanctuaries. Secondly, the middle ranks, or substitutes, are the most distinguished champions among the first category who show outstanding potential. They wield substantial power among the followers of the god sponsoring them and have the authority to confer sponsorship on other champions, as long as their god approves, of course,¡± Tondan paused, taking a deep breath. ¡°Finally, we have the most important tier, the lesser god candidates. These are the best among sponsored candidates, who have shown considerable ability to become lesser gods. They have the highest authority among all followers of a god, second only to the lesser god. In situations where the lesser god is in charge, they¡¯re basically second in command,¡± Tondan explained. ¡°Oh. I see,¡± Scott muttered, nodding. ¡°Which rank are you? Lesser god candidates?¡± he asked. Instantly, laughter erupted from behind the Trisos as Foogbs and Aurenine cackled uncontrollably. Tondan nervously glanced over his shoulder, embarrassment evident on his face. ¡°Is it really that funny?¡± he said, glaring at the laughing duo. Turning back to Scott, he continued, ¡°Thank you for thinking so highly of me, but I¡¯m in no way fit for such a lofty position. Like those clowns over there, I¡¯m merely a substitute.¡± Scott frowned slightly. Although Hastur¡¯s gaze was inactive, he could sense the tremendous power the trio exuded. Even the titan didn¡¯t give him the same oppressive feeling, yet they were merely substitutes. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! ¡°Why the name substitute? Who are you supposed to replace?¡± Scott suddenly asked. As glaring as the answer might be, he needed confirmation. Before Tondan could respond, Aurenine¡¯s voice echoed, ¡°Good question. We are here to assist the lesser god candidate. If they find attending or doing something inconvenient, that¡¯s where we step in,¡± she said. ¡°In the unlikely event of a lesser god candidate¡¯s demise, a replacement can be chosen from among the substitutes. However, it¡¯s not set in stone. A new candidate can be selected from the lowest tier or even from affiliated champions,¡± Foogbs explained before teasing Tondan again. Aurenine burst into laughter once more, while Tondan could only silently glare at the duo. Scott, on the other hand, couldn¡¯t help but wonder what tier of sponsored candidates his companions were. Scott snapped out of his pensive state and asked another question. ¡°So, who is the lesser god candidate for the God of Slaughter?¡± Instantly, silence fell over the room, creating a strained atmosphere among the substitutes. Did I say something wrong? Scott thought, but he had no intention of retracting his question. ¡°We are banned from talking about them, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Tondan said softly. ¡°Oh. I see. That¡¯s okay,¡± Scott replied. Changing the topic, he asked, ¡°So, how exactly does this lesser god candidate thing work? I can¡¯t imagine the lesser god of slaughter being happy about someone else being groomed to potentially take their place.¡± Tondan chuckled softly. ¡°Well, that¡¯s one way of seeing it. Truth be told, being a candidate under the god of slaughter doesn¡¯t necessarily mean they will vie for that specific authority. Lesser god candidates can only contend with each other for the authority of a lesser god.¡± ¡°Uh? What does that even mean?¡± Scott asked. He could understand if candidates fought against lesser gods for authority, but he couldn¡¯t understand why they would fight against each other since the lesser god position was already occupied. ¡°Your confusion is understandable,¡± Tondan began, chuckling softly. ¡°How much do you know about the true purpose of the Tower of Champions?¡± he asked. ¡°It¡¯s pointless asking him that,¡± Foogbs said. ¡°If he didn¡¯t know about the hierarchy of candidates, how would he know about the tower¡¯s true purpose?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ you¡¯re right. That was a stupid question,¡± Tondan whispered. Scott listened without interjecting. He knew the only reason Tondan was answering his questions was because he wanted to recruit him for the God of Slaughter, but he couldn¡¯t understand why. After all, he was confident he wasn¡¯t as powerful as any of the trio. Although he had threatened Aurenine earlier, he knew he would have an extremely hard time fighting the champion if it came to violence. Tondan focused on Scott once more and continued, ¡°I don¡¯t know how much you know or have heard about the tower, but its sole purpose, apart from entertaining the gods and lesser gods, is to find champions who will take over from these gods. Without a shadow of a doubt, the rulers of the epoch are somewhere among the myriad floors, be it in this timeline or others.¡± Scott¡¯s eyes gleamed for a moment, his thoughts racing. ¡°And what about the current gods?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, honestly,¡± Tondan admitted. ¡°Some theorize that they will ascend to a greater plane of existence, while others believe they will continue to live through whoever inherits their mantle. No one really knows for sure, and anyone who claims otherwise is simply guessing at best or outright lying.¡± ¡°What happens to the rest?¡± Scott suddenly asked. ¡°What do you¡­ oh, I understand now.¡± Tondan paused. ¡°Once you cross the point of no return, there are no second chances. You are declaring your intention to compete for authority. Should you fail, your existence will simply be erased. It¡¯s also why people can¡¯t gamble on lingering at the lower floors. After all, it¡¯s likely that a variant in another timeline could reach the point of no return.¡± A fresh wave of understanding flooded Scott¡¯s mind, and his eyes widened. ¡°Then, no one in the tower is truly free from the competition,¡± he muttered. ¡°I¡¯m glad you understand,¡± Tondan said. ¡°People on the lower floors like to assume they would be safe if they stopped ascending the tower. While I can understand their reasoning, it¡¯s a shame it¡¯s not entirely up to them. A variant in another timeline could be striving hard to climb the tower and might reach the point of no return. No one is infinitely strong across the timeline, and no one is infinitely weak either. There are always exceptions, and those exceptions could harbor lofty thoughts.¡± Scott¡¯s thoughts drifted to the different champions camping on the lower floors and in the starting areas. Little did they know that despite their best efforts, they could still be dragged into the grueling competition later. A moment later, Scott raised his head to meet Tondan¡¯s gaze. ¡°Thank you for answering my questions. I doubt I would¡¯ve figured it out on my own,¡± he said. ¡°Don¡¯t sell yourself short,¡± the Trisos chuckled. ¡°When you climb high enough and gain enough power, you¡¯ll know these things easily. After all, there have been several human lesser god candidates in the last couple of years. It¡¯s impressive they¡¯ve come this far despite not being in the competition for even two decades.¡± Scott instinctively recalled the system message that preceded his departure from the path of chains. He knew his companions from Earth would have used their knowledge to their advantage, but he hadn¡¯t realized some had grown powerful enough to become lesser god candidates. A stray thought suddenly filled Scott¡¯s mind. Unable to quell his curiosity, he posed another question. ¡°A woman led me into the sanctuary. Who is she?¡± Instantly, all heads snapped toward the eldritch being. ¡°A human?¡± Foogbs asked in a whisper, seemingly holding his breath. Scott nodded. ¡°What did she wear? Were you able to see her hands?¡± Tondan asked in quick succession. ¡°Yes, I could,¡± Scott replied, and instantly, the substitutes sighed in relief. Their reaction, however, only made Scott more curious and confused. ¡°She wore a black trench coat and black gloves. I assumed she was someone¡­¡± Scott¡¯s voice trailed off. Tondan had subconsciously taken a step back, fear evident in his form. Scott turned toward Foogbs and Aurenine, and the duo showed similar reactions. Scott¡¯s curiosity swelled. ¡°Is she¡ª¡± Tondan quickly interjected, ¡°Please stop. We can¡¯t comment on what you saw. No one in this sanctuary, or any of the other sanctuaries, will tell you either.¡± The Trisos leaned in closer, whispering, ¡°Know that what you saw is what she allowed you to see. I doubt there will be a second meeting, but never accept¡­¡± A creak, like an opening door, echoed suddenly, and Scott and the substitutes instinctively turned. Since when was there a door behind me? Scott thought, unable to see through the lights emanating from the parting doors. A familiar voice filled the room, ¡°Come with me. The lesser god of illusion requests to see you.¡± Before Scott could respond, the world around him morphed. He found himself in a luxurious room filled with artworks and unique artifacts. However, he wasn¡¯t alone. The straightforward woman who had spoken earlier stood next to a tall figure. The man''s face constantly shifted, never settling on one appearance, but each version wore a bright smile with a noticeable sense of excitement in his eyes. ¡°I came as soon as I heard you were here. I¡¯m so glad to finally meet you.¡± Book 2 - Chapter 42: Lesser god of Illusion Scott¡¯s gaze alternated between the two, a creeping sense of unease slowly overwhelming him. No matter how much he stared at the duo, he couldn¡¯t discern anything about their capabilities, and it terrified him. From his point of view, they were so powerful that they appeared ordinary. ¡°I¡¯ll let the two of you talk in private, then,¡± the woman said. ¡°Thank you so much for listening to my request. I¡¯ll be sure to keep my end of the bargain,¡± the lesser god of illusion said, chuckling as he waved at her. Wordlessly, the woman took a step forward and disappeared from the room. Scott¡¯s eyes bulged in their sockets; confusion evident. He had trained his eyes on her, especially after what happened during his arrival. He didn¡¯t even blink, yet she had simply vanished as if it were the natural order of things. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be surprised. It¡¯s very natural that you can¡¯t see her movement,¡± the lesser god of illusion said, using one hand to urge Scott closer. Before Scott could voice his opinion, he found himself seated at a neatly prepared table filled with an array of delicious food and drinks. I don¡¯t like this feeling... Scott thought. He had never felt more powerless since entering the Tower of Champions. He focused on the lesser god of illusion, whose face still alternated at a constant rate. ¡°I never got the chance to say it, but thank you for helping me out earlier,¡± Scott said softly. Instantly, a system message appeared in front of the champion. However, a rogue tendril slammed into the notification, and it disappeared. Huh? What the hell? Scott stared at his arm, watching as the tendril submerged into his skin once more. Then, he raised his head toward the lesser god, who stared intently with a curious smile. ¡°I¡¯ve always wondered how you were able to reject my proposals so quickly. So, those little things are responsible, huh?¡± the lesser god of illusion nodded while reaching for a steaming cup of tea. The smiling lesser god took three quick sips before lowering the cup. He then spoke once more, his curiosity evident. ¡°Pardon me for being rude, but what exactly are you? You take the form of a human, yet your essence is that of nothingness. And those eyes of yours¡ªone brimming with an otherworldly essence even foreign to me, and the other reminiscent of the administrator¡¯s, which shouldn¡¯t be possible.¡± Scott replied matter-of-factly, ¡°I don¡¯t have to explain myself.¡± The lesser god chuckled softly as he lowered his cup. ¡°You¡¯re right; you don¡¯t have to say anything,¡± he said. ¡°You should eat or drink something. I assure you, there aren¡¯t any problems with the food and drinks.¡± Scott remained in the same position, staring at the lesser god. ¡°I¡¯m alright, thank you. So, why exactly did you want to see me again?¡± The lesser god ruefully shook his head and placed the steaming cup to the side. Sitting upright in his chair, he began, ¡°It¡¯s no secret that I would like you to be my sponsored candidate. There was no way I wouldn¡¯t visit as soon as I heard you were here.¡± Scott¡¯s brows creased behind his mask. If he knows that I¡¯m here, just how many other people are aware of this? he thought. ¡°Don¡¯t be alarmed. Your location isn¡¯t something that¡¯s privy to everyone,¡± the lesser god said, sensing the anxiety in Scott¡¯s gaze. ¡°I share a special relationship with the lesser god candidate; that¡¯s the only reason I was able to know.¡± Scott¡¯s demeanor relaxed a bit, but he remained curious why someone as lofty as the lesser god of illusion would come in person to find him. ¡°Truth be told, one of the main purposes of my visit was to sway you to join my order. Unlike the others, I have no other sponsored candidates, affiliates, or worshipers. You would instantly become the lesser god candidate, gaining full control of my authority, at least until the final contest,¡± he said. Scott¡¯s ears perked up. ¡°That¡¯s the contest between lesser god candidates, right?¡± The lesser god of illusions nodded softly. ¡°You¡¯re half right. Those who cross the point of no return will also be present. However, not everyone will be vying for the authority of a lesser god.¡± Scott¡¯s brows creased. ¡°What else is there to fight for? And if I remain without a sponsor until then, does that mean I¡¯d be ineligible to contend for authority?¡± Soft, eerie giggles echoed within the room, and reality itself seemed to warp subtly. ¡°While the authority of a lesser god could be said to be the ultimate prize, there are many things worth fighting for. I can¡¯t go into specifics, as it would be against the rules, but the authority of each floor, which usually goes to the examiners, will be up for grabs. A new administrator would be chosen too. There really is a lot to be gained,¡± he said with a smile. ¡°The only setback, which is just a teeny-weeny setback in my opinion, is that you die if you fail,¡± the lesser god added. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Scott stared soberly at the laughing lesser god. Neither the thought of attaining glory nor the prospect of death stirred him. At that same moment, a stray thought filled the mind of the eldritch being. What is my purpose for climbing the tower? Do I want to be a god? Is it for revenge? Answers? Or am I just a vessel to bring destruction to this dimension? Unbeknownst to the eldritch being, the darkness within the mask of the eldritch spawn stirred, and the yellow sign flickered. ¡°Oh?¡± The lesser god let out a startled whimper. Scott attempted to raise his head, but his body refused to move. The lesser god¡¯s voice filled his ears once more, but this time, it was different. Scott trembled in his seat as an ancient voice brimming with power rippled through his being. His consciousness wavered, and the world around him turned dark. The mass residing within his chest stirred, attempting to devour the eldritch being whole. However, the eldritch tendrils easily repelled the nihilistic mass. While both entities competed, Scott¡¯s right eye trembled vigorously, newer cracks forming. The yellow sign became more tangible on the mask, and a hand extended out from the eerie darkness. ¡°Interesting,¡± the lesser god of illusions said. Scott blinked multiple times, stunned and confused as he observed his surroundings. What just happened? he thought as he raised his head toward the lesser god of illusions. Unlike before, a blackened void had replaced the lesser god¡¯s face. What the fuck is going on? ¡°Don¡¯t be alarmed. What you experienced was simply an inkling of my authority,¡± the lesser god explained. ¡°I had a suspicion you were affiliated with the remnants of the old order, but it seems I was spectacularly wrong. You¡¯re affiliated with something even more sinister than them,¡± he declared. The lesser god stood up from his seat, appearing next to Scott in a flash. ¡°Now I understand why I was constantly rejected. I really pity you, my friend,¡± he said, slowly tapping Scott¡¯s shoulder. ¡°What awaits you isn¡¯t something I¡¯d wish on anyone, but it seems your fate is sealed.¡± The lesser god of illusions stood up once more, and like before, he magically disappeared and reappeared in his previous location. ¡°Just so you know, we are not afraid of war. Although you might stem from a higher reality, we are ready for you,¡± he declared. Scott frowned. Although the words were directed at him, he could tell they weren¡¯t meant for him. Rather, the lesser god of illusions was talking to Hastur through him. Scott unwillingly opened his mouth, and a foreign voice echoed, ¡°Only death awaits you!¡± The lesser god of illusion chuckled, his shifting faces returning to their usual rhythm. Scott, meanwhile, felt a strange weight lift from his shoulders. Silence lingered in the room as the lesser god sipped from a fresh brew. ¡°I¡¯m sure you have a lot on your mind. Do you mind sharing?¡± the lesser god asked. Silence greeted his words. Scott sat upright, a dazed expression on his face, his vacant eyes staring into the distance. The lesser god spoke no further, simply enjoying his tea while occasionally glancing at Scott. A moment later, Scott snapped out of his pensive state, focusing on the unfathomable being before him. ¡°Can you see other versions of myself across the timeline?¡± The lesser god lowered his cup, a dazzling smile spreading across his face. ¡°Do you realize the true nature of that question?¡± Scott''s brows creased. He would be a liar if he claimed there was some deeper meaning behind his inquiry. He simply wanted to know if the lesser god could shed more light on his variants across the infinite timelines. The lesser god chuckled softly, sensing Scott¡¯s confusion. Then he began, posing a question to the eldritch being, ¡°Have you peered into other timelines?¡± Scott nodded, recalling his brief but memorable encounters with his living variants across the timelines. ¡°Who did you see?¡± the lesser god asked. Scott''s frown deepened. Who else am I supposed to see? he thought, remaining silent as he tried to remember if there was anything he had forgotten. A moment later, he broke the silence. ¡°I only saw other variants of myself. Was I supposed to see something else?¡± The lesser god slowly shook his head. ¡°Of course not. That¡¯s perfectly normal for you. For me, however, what I see is different.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Scott blurted out. ¡°What else do you see?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think you realize how powerful that mask of yours truly is. Until now, who I have been spectating across the timelines is entirely different. I¡¯m sure the other authorities are just as clueless,¡± the lesser god muttered, standing up. ¡°Firstly, that body belongs to another person, and your consciousness has only taken possession of it. But what is even more surprising is the fact that whoever they were, they have suffered death in every possible timeline. Do you realize how ridiculous and unlikely that is?¡± Scott remained silent, watching as the lesser god slowly inched closer. ¡°It was only a moment ago that I figured it out. That mask has been hiding such a huge secret all along. Don¡¯t worry, though. I have no intentions of tattling,¡± he said, stopping at an abstract artwork. The lesser god admired the painting for a moment before focusing on Scott once more. "Your variants are powerful, especially the point origin. They are highly motivated to reach the point of no return. Some authorities believe they will triumph in the battle for dominance. Others think your friends will be victorious. To be honest, I can¡¯t wait to see their reactions when you join the fray," the lesser god muttered, appearing in front of Scott in a flash. He stretched forth his hand, and a dazzling silver radiance enclosed the eldritch knight. "In your current state, it¡¯s too easy for them to find you. We wouldn¡¯t want that now, would we?" he teased, lowering his hand. He took a step forward, leaving Scott in a confused daze. Then the lesser god halted, posing another question, "What is your name?" Scott turned, meeting the eyes of the lesser god. He opened his mouth, and four distinct voices echoed simultaneously. Panic surged through him as he stood up, a sense of unease overwhelming his being. Of the four voices, he had clearly heard his own, which called out his name, and another which called Hastur¡¯s. However, he couldn¡¯t decipher what the others said. "A god from a higher plane, an existence long forgotten, a forsaken soul, and someone who was once human. How riveting," the lesser god chuckled, taking another step forward. Scott prepared to ask another question, but the lesser god vanished before his eyes. A second later, a familiar voice filled the ears of the eldritch being. "We¡¯ll meet again soon. Hopefully, we¡¯ll be able to talk more. Until then, goodbye for now." Book 2 - Chapter 43: Illusionary Mirror! Scott remained seated, his mind racing with a myriad of thoughts. Although the meeting with the lesser god of illusion had been brief, it provided him with a deeper understanding of the rulers of the tower and the potential fate that awaited him. Everything is just too damn complicated¡­ Now I understand why Slim hates this place, Scott thought, reclining in his chair. If it were up to him, he would avoid these endless games, but he was thrust into the center of the mayhem. Scott sighed softly and summoned his champion interface. His brows creased for a moment, noticing that there was no timer indicating how long remained for the fusion to be completed. However, he quickly focused on a new section.
Blessing: Illusionary Mirror!
Description: An authority of the lesser god of illusions. No being can observe the fate of those covered by the Illusionary Mirror.
Scott read through the description and a stray thought filled his mind. If it¡¯s as powerful as I think, I shouldn¡¯t be worried about any random bastard appearing through a portal. But can the lesser god of illusion still observe me? He had buried the matter of the unfamiliar voices in the back of his mind; nothing would change no matter how much he thought about it. His attention turned to the sumptuous food laid out before him, and he sighed again. His transformed body was mostly free from bodily desires. Scott slowly stood up, and a familiar voice filled his ears. ¡°Do you wish to return to the previous area, or remain here?¡± ¡°I¡¯d rather return to the previous area,¡± Scott replied without hesitation. Instantly, the world around him warped, and he reappeared in a familiar space among familiar faces. However, there were also new faces among them. ¡°And who the hell is this?¡± demanded a feminine voice. Scott turned towards the speaker: a humanoid with dazzling blonde hair and scaly green skin. The female champion¡¯s intense glare lingered on the eldritch being, her slit eyes emitting a crimson glow. Scott observed the champion for a moment before turning towards Tondan. He prepared to speak, but an object whizzed past him, barely missing his face. ¡°Amora, are you insane?¡± Tondan roared, rising to his feet. ¡°That¡¯s the guest I was talking about.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± The lizard humanoid stared intently at Scott, her forked tongue slithering out of her mouth. Then she turned toward Tondan. ¡°And so what if he¡¯s a guest? What gives him the right to¡­¡± Amora paused midway through her statement, sharply turning toward Scott¡¯s direction. The champion narrowed her gaze, watching as the handle of an unknown bulge extended itself from the chest of the masked champion. Scott, on the other hand, instinctively reached for the war hammer of the mad god. However, before his hand could pull the ominous weapon out of the nihilistic mass, a familiar voice echoed in the room. ¡°Amora, do not disrespect our guest. If our guest is willing, you can challenge them to a duel. There won¡¯t be a second warning.¡± Fear twisted Amora¡¯s visage as her eyes roamed the room, searching for the origin of the voice. ¡°Please do not draw your weapon wantonly in Viva,¡± the voice echoed again, but this time, it was audible only to Scott. The eldritch being lowered his arm, and the war hammer reluctantly returned to its new home. At that moment, Tondan called out to Scott, ¡°Are you okay? I apologize for what happened earlier.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. You have no reason to apologize,¡± Scott said, his eyes drifting toward the lizard clad in leather armor. ¡°Some people just lack manners,¡± he muttered under his breath. ¡°What did you say to me, you masked freak?¡± Amora roared, quickly closing the distance between herself and Scott. ¡°Do you realize who you¡¯re talking to? The only reason you¡¯re still in one piece is because you¡¯re a guest,¡± she declared, stopping a few feet away from the eldritch being. Scott stared at the champion for a moment before wordlessly averting his gaze. He observed the other newcomer in the room, another humanoid with four elongated arms and glistening azure skin. Thorns with inky black tips covered his face, while steam and faint bubbles escaped from his bald head. He rested his head on one of his arms, the thorns unable to pierce his skin. He met Scott¡¯s gaze, indifference in his oblique eyes. ¡°Look at me when I¡¯m talking to you,¡± Amora roared, her hands balling into fists. However, the champion didn¡¯t dare exude a hint of bloodlust or physically assault Scott. Scott continued staring at the bluish champion before turning his gaze back to Tondan. ¡°How long was I gone?¡± Although the system had announced it would take two days for the fusion between his classes to be completed, he felt time wouldn¡¯t flow the same way within Viva¡ªa conjecture strengthened by the lack of a timer in the fusion tab. ¡°I¡¯d say just over twenty hours. Why?¡± Tondan asked. Scott¡¯s brows shot up, and he posed another question. ¡°Does time flow differently here?¡± Tondan prepared to speak, but Amora stepped in front of him, and a system window appeared before Scott.
You have been challenged to a spar by a sponsored candidate of the god of slaughter!
Do you wish to accept the challenge?
Yes! No!
Scott read through the system¡¯s message before raising his head toward the lizard. Before he could speak, the lizard¡¯s voice filled his ears once more. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you accepting it? You scared?¡± She grinned, her eyes brimming with derision. ¡°It¡¯s okay if you¡¯re scared. I understand. It¡¯s said that cowardly people are usually the ones who wear masks the most. It seems it¡¯s true after all,¡± she added. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Scott chuckled softly, shaking his head. Amora frowned. ¡°What¡¯s funny, bitch? Does this look like a game to you?¡± Scott sighed. ¡°So, Tondan, how exactly does time flow here?¡± he asked. ¡°Are you ignoring me?¡± Amora roared in front of him. Scott showed no reaction, further incensing the lizard. ¡°Most sanctuaries go against the natural order of things. Some experience unique time distortions, while others might be afflicted with seasonal, gravitational, or daily changes,¡± Tondan explained. A fist launched toward Tondan as soon as he finished speaking, but he disassembled into several tiny vines and pieces of wood. Scott watched as Amora¡¯s fist blitzed through the spot where Tondan had stood. In a flash, the woody champion reassembled himself a few feet away. He nonchalantly faced Amora. ¡°I don¡¯t know which is more amusing: the fact that you think your pathetic attacks could reach me or that you¡¯re this incensed from being ignored. No wonder it took you so long to become a substitute.¡± Rage distorted Amora¡¯s visage as she glared at Tondan. The Trisos, however, focused his attention back on Scott. He prepared to speak, but the lizard interrupted, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare ignore me too!¡± The scales lining the lizard¡¯s body peeled off, floating beside the enraged champion. Tondan focused on her once more. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the arena. It seems you¡¯ve forgotten your place.¡± He then turned toward Scott. ¡°Please have a seat. This won¡¯t take long at all,¡± he declared. Instantly, Tondan and Amora disappeared, leaving an awkward silence lingering in the room. ¡°You seem different,¡± Aurenine suddenly commented, flying toward Scott. ¡°How so?¡± Scott asked, staring at the Wilowick. ¡°Hmm¡­ I¡¯m not quite sure,¡± Aurenine admitted as she hovered above Scott. ¡°Don¡¯t be weird,¡± Foogbs cautioned. ¡°It¡¯s impolite to fly above others.¡± ¡°I¡¯m only trying to confirm why he feels different to me,¡± Aurenine retorted. ¡°It¡¯s still rude. If you don¡¯t know, then leave it at that,¡± Foogbs said. Aurenine paused mid-flight before returning to her previous location. Neither of the duo spoke any further, nor did Scott ask them anything. Instead, the thorn-faced champion stood up, a creaking echo filling the room. Foogbs and Aurenine showed no reaction. Scott, however, focused on the strange champion who seemingly approached his location. The creaks echoed in silence as the champion shortened the distance, stopping only when he towered over Scott. Scott raised his head to meet the champion¡¯s indifferent gaze, questioning the champion¡¯s intentions. A thorn wiggled, and a squeaky voice echoed despite the champion¡¯s sealed mouth. ¡°I like worms,¡± it said. ¡°Um, that¡¯s okay, good to know,¡± Scott replied. ¡°Do you like worms?¡± the voice asked, a sense of curiosity on the champion¡¯s face. ¡°I can¡¯t say I hate them,¡± Scott said, maintaining eye contact with the champion. The champion grinned, and one of its arms moved toward a thorn. Without warning, it yanked off the thorn, and a soul-piercing shriek echoed within the hall. Scott lowered his gaze, focusing on the thrashing thorn. Those things are worms? he thought, observing the wiggling creature. ¡°I¡¯m Worlz. Welcome to Viva,¡± the champion said audibly, his voice smooth yet hoarse. The hand holding the worm moved toward Scott, and Worlz continued, ¡°A present. Thank you for annoying Amora. I can¡¯t stand her.¡± Scott chuckled softly. ¡°That makes two of us,¡± he said, lowering his gaze to the calm worm. ¡°I appreciate the gift, but it would be wasted on me.¡± Worlz frowned for a moment before nodding. ¡°I understand,¡± he said, raising the worm toward the spot it had been plucked from. The deflated creature sprang to life as soon as it neared the champion¡¯s skin, reattaching itself without much ceremony. Worlz focused on Scott once more. ¡°I¡¯ll go now.¡± The champion turned to leave but suddenly paused. He looked back at Scott. ¡°Have you been to the nihilistic zone?¡± he whispered, but loud enough for Aurenine and Foogbs to hear. Both champions turned toward Scott, a hint of curiosity in their actions as they awaited his answer. ¡°Why do you ask?¡± Scott replied. ¡°Teammates disappeared there. I was lucky not to enter,¡± Worlz said, still staring at Scott, patiently awaiting an answer. ¡°I was also lucky,¡± Scott said, his demeanor showing his unwillingness to elaborate further. ¡°Okay. We were lucky,¡± Worlz said as he continued his journey back to his seat. Aurenine and Foogbs continued staring at Scott. The Wilowick prepared to speak, but a massive tremor shook the room. ¡°Their battle shouldn¡¯t be ending anytime soon,¡± Foogbs muttered before focusing on Scott. ¡°There are private rooms reserved for guests. I can take you there if you¡¯re interested.¡± ¡°Although that tree boasted of ending it quickly, Amora isn¡¯t the easiest person to fight against. You¡¯d be best served waiting for him in your room,¡± the mud dweller explained. Scott deliberated for a moment, then said, ¡°Thank you. Please lead the way.¡± Foogbs slid forward, and Worlz¡¯s voice echoed once more, ¡°Amora will come find you. She¡¯s really, really annoying,¡± the champion muttered. Scott acknowledged the champion¡¯s words with a nod. A moment later, Scott and Foogbs exited the room. ¡°Do you think he has been to that abominable place?¡± Aurenine suddenly asked, hovering above Worlz. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he admitted, reclining lazily in his chair. ¡°My worms said he¡¯s from there, but nothing lives or leaves there. Strange, isn¡¯t it?¡± Worlz closed his eyes, and the thorns silently wiggled. Aurenine continued hovering above the champion, but she spoke no further. Despite their silence, constant explosions rocked the room. Meanwhile, in an unknown area of the mysterious sanctuary, Scott stood in an expansive and luxurious room that featured its own study, gallery, and meditation area. His gaze slowly shifted from the numerous sculptures and artworks decorating the room before landing on a massive bed that levitated a few inches above the ground. No wonder Zara and Slim had the time of their lives staying in their sanctuaries. This is not bad at all, Scott thought as he approached a nearby padded chair. He nestled into the comfortable seat, staring at the flames licking the fireplace. The crimson fire produced no warmth or smell; instead, it seemed to exude a calming aura. If what Tondan said is right, then the fusion should be completed at any moment now. The only problem is that I have no idea if the system will follow the time outside Viva or within it, Scott mused as he continued watching the dancing flames. Minutes turned into hours, and Scott remained in the same position, his mind plagued by various thoughts. He lost track of how long he had been sitting or what exactly he was trying to figure out. However, a system notification appeared in front of the eldritch being, and he wore a thin smile behind his mask. ¡°Finally,¡± he whispered.
Congratulations! Fusion has been completed!
Several of your abilities have been expunged!
Class: Voidweaver!
Description: The Voidweaver is a master of manipulating the fabric of the void, intricately weaving the chaotic energies of eldritch beings with the essence of nothingness. This class combines the stealth and surprise tactics of a Voidwalker, the reality-bending magic of an Eldritch Sorcerer, and the negating power of a Nihilist.
Abilities Void Manipulation: Control and traverse through nihilistic dimensions, creating portals and shadowy pathways.
Eldritch Summoning: Call forth otherworldly creatures to fight alongside you, drawing power from ancient and chaotic energies.
Energy Drain: Absorb the life force and energy from surroundings, weakening enemies and empowering yourself.
Reality Warp: Manipulate reality to create illusions, distort space, and alter the battlefield to your advantage.
Stealth Mastery: Utilize shadows and void energies to become nearly invisible, striking from hidden positions with devastating force.
Void Infusion: Enhance your physical and magical attacks with dark, void-infused power, increasing their potency and adding debilitating effects.
Book 2 - Chapter 44: Complications Scott jolted upright as the system window manifested. At that moment, the mass within his chest flared, intermingling with eldritch tendrils. Blood streamed from his eyes, and a sound like shattering glass exploded from his right eye. The furniture around him began to tremble, the vibrations intensifying by the second. Violent tremors soon shook the entire room, dislodging artworks and sculptures, sending books and tomes tumbling from shelves. The chaos crescendoed, lasting for a full minute before abruptly ceasing. Scott collapsed to the ground, chest heaving, as cracks appeared on the mask of the eldritch spawn. Darkness, trapped within, bellowed wildly, seeping out as a concentrated mist that hovered above his incapacitated form. The mass in Scott¡¯s chest surged toward the darkness, which welcomed it, the abyssal and nihilistic energies merging above his trembling body. With a furious explosion, the mask shattered, its fragments disintegrating everything within a hundred meters to dust, yet the furniture and other items magically recovered. Viva¡¯s chaotic skies darkened, stricken by unimaginable darkness, and a gigantic yellow sign flashed across the sky for a brief second before normalcy returned. Scott writhed on the ground, the combined energies forcing themselves into his body through his ears, nose, and mouth. The process took less than a minute, and then his trembling ceased. He lay motionless, without a hint of breath or warmth in his darkened body. A faint throbbing echo filled the room, and Scott let out a muffled gasp as he eerily sat upright.
An error has been detected!
The system message flashed red before him, but Scott''s vacant eyes seemed to stare into an incomprehensible abyss. The darkness writhing on his skin slowly receded, converging around his chest, neck, and upper arms. It coalesced into a series of ominous tattoos that marked his upper arms, lower neck, and chest.
You have utilized the remaining dormant dragon pill in your body!
Scott''s eyes widened; his gaze fixed on an unseen point in the distance. A golden radiance enveloped him, shimmering like sunlight on water. His entire body sparkled, ethereal, like a deity descending from the heavens. As the light intensified, his curly brown hair darkened, each strand transforming into an inky black cascade. His physique shifted dramatically. Muscles rippled beneath his skin; their newfound strength apparent in every fiber. They seemed to pulse with life, as if they were sentient, reveling in their enhanced vitality. Scott''s breath hitched, a subtle gasp escaping his lips as the transformation took hold. He clenched his fists, feeling the surge of power course through him, every movement a testament to his newfound might.
You have received two new side quests!
You have unlocked a new Skill!
Skill: Void Bank ¨C Level ???
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Scott Dorsey.
Level: 50
Experience Points: 3000/5100 ¨C New!
Void Limits: Infinite.
Race:
  • Unknown!
Class: Voidweaver.
Party Members:
  • Slim the Grim.
  • Orion Audeus.
  • Fi-Fi.
  • Zara [Party Leader].
Title:
  • Chaos Caller.
  • Voidwaker.
  • Minion 01.
Rank:
  • 20.
Energy Sources:
  • Nihilistic Zone.
  • Abyssal Void.
Abnormal State: None.
Blessings: Illusionary Mirror.
Achievements:
  • You completed the 31,456th performance in the theatre!
  • Survivor of the Nihilistic Zone.
Sponsor: None!
Physical Stats Strength: 60 [+10] ¨C New!
Agility: 61 [+10] ¨C New!
Endurance: 60 [+10] ¨C New!
Dexterity: 60 [+10] ¨C New!
Toughness: 60 [+10] ¨C New!
Skills Carpentry (Level 1).
Running (Level 2).
Survival (Level 6)
Madness (Level ???)
Hastur¡¯s Gaze (Level 4)
Hastur''s Whisper (Level 2)
Mental Manipulation (Level 5)
Void Manipulation (Level ???) ¨C New!
Party Communication (Level 1) ¨C Party Dependent Skill.
Basic Eldritch casting (Level 2)
Hammer Mastery (Level 3)
Combat (Level 4)
Fishing (Level 1).
Void Bank (Level ???) ¨C New!
Hastur''s Vessel There¡¯s a 55% chance your body will be possessed by Hastur the Unspeakable. Temporary possession inactive!
Abilities [High-Tier]
  • Void Manipulation: Control and traverse through nihilistic dimensions, creating portals and shadowy pathways.
  • Eldritch Summoning: Call forth otherworldly creatures to fight alongside you, drawing power from ancient and chaotic energies.
  • Energy Drain: Absorb the life force and energy from surroundings, weakening enemies and empowering yourself.
  • Reality Warp: Manipulate reality to create illusions, distort space, and alter the battlefield to your advantage.
  • Stealth Mastery: Utilize shadows and void energies to become nearly invisible, striking from hidden positions with devastating force.
  • Void Infusion: Enhance your physical and magical attacks with dark, void-infused power, increasing their potency and adding debilitating effects.
  • Imprint of Madness: All physical stats will rise by fifteen points. Odds of landing a critical strike increases by 32% when Imprint of Madness is activated. All physical stats will drop by 7 if mental state is overridden with madness. Limit: None!
  • Mind Control: Odds of manipulating beings without mental resistance increases by 30%. Mind Control¡¯s effectiveness increases by 30% when combined with Imprint of Madness.
  • Mental Resistance: You¡¯re immune to all mental attacks from beings below sainthood.
  • Fusion: Empowered by a dragon¡¯s mythical knowledge, you will be able to combine two or more synergistic abilities to create brand new abilities. Depending on the synergy between energy sources, it¡¯s also possible to combine them. Warning! Fusion of energy sources could have unprecedented consequences.
  • Tongue of All: You will understand every language, written and spoken, native or foreign to your world!
This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.Quests Main Quest: Make it to the end of the labyrinth ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Return to Thisos¡¯s Labyrinth ¨C Not Started!
Side Quest: Announce yourself at the Point of no Return ¨C Not Started!
Scott blinked, and a hint of clarity returned to his vision. The number of shattered worlds in his right pupil had increased considerably, and his left eye permanently bore the yellow sign, surrounded by darkness instead of whites.
Your connection with the Nihilistic zone has been acknowledged!
Scott winced as a wave of energy suddenly overwhelmed him. What surprised him was the knowledge of its source. ¡°The titans have started being devoured,¡± he muttered, mechanically pushing himself to his feet. A blackened spot appeared beneath him, and he silently sank into the void. The sensation was not of warmth or the embrace of nature; it was an all-encompassing emptiness, infinite and formless, tangible yet elusive. Another spot materialized within the room, and Scott emerged from the nihilistic abyss. He raised his head, focusing on his bed. There, the lesser god candidate of slaughter sat casually, her limpid eyes fixed on Scott¡¯s naked form. Their gazes locked for several breaths, neither speaking nor looking away. Scott finally shifted his attention to a pair of fresh clothes beside the mysterious champion. ¡°Endeavor not to cause any further distress in the sanctuary,¡± she said, her gaze unwavering. Scott motioned toward the bed, and a shadowy pathway opened beneath the clothes, pulling them into the void. In an instant, the average-looking garments covered his form. The mysterious candidate stood and approached Scott slowly, stopping a few feet away. Her voice echoed, ¡°You want to spar?¡±
A lesser god candidate has challenged you to a spar!
Do you wish to accept the invitation?
Yes! No!
Scott¡¯s eyes remained fixed on the lesser god candidate, deliberately ignoring the system¡¯s notification. ¡°Do you wish to spar?¡± she repeated, her demeanor and tone unchanged. Silence met her inquiry once again. The lesser god candidate nodded slowly, her gaze shifting away from Scott. Stepping forward, her voice resonated in his ears once more, ¡°I¡¯ll be looking forward to the day you cross the point of no return.¡± Scott instinctively turned toward the champion. This time, however, he wasn¡¯t facing a human female. A being enshrouded in a sinister aura stood before him, the physical manifestation of slaughter. The yellow sign flickered incessantly, and the cracks in Scott¡¯s eyes stirred, as if challenging the ominous presence. Scott¡¯s form vanished, replaced by an unfathomable void filled with contrasting presences. Millions of burning stars shimmered in one section, while the vast emptiness of the other echoed a haunting silence. The world shifted once more, and Scott and the lesser god candidate returned to their humanoid forms. ¡°I sincerely look forward to that day. I¡¯ll not be entertaining you any further,¡± she said, turning to leave. The champion took a step forward, and she vanished from the room. This time, however, Scott¡¯s eyes glistened with a mysterious light. ¡°It was vague, but I could see her movement for a second,¡± he muttered, a smile curving his lips. At that moment, a knock echoed through the room. Scott narrowed his gaze, focusing on the wooden door. Could that be Tondan? he wondered. The knock sounded again, and Scott stepped forward. Another knock followed instantly, escalating to a series of bangs. Scott halted. Instead, he approached a vacant seat. Although he didn¡¯t know Tondan all that well, he could tell he wasn¡¯t the discourteous type. If he had to guess who was behind the door, it was probably an incensed lizard he had no intention of meeting. ¡°Can anybody hear me?¡± Scott called out on the party channel.
You are attempting to contact champions in other sanctuaries!
A connection will be established!
Oh? Was I cut off from the others? Scott pondered silently.
A connection has been established!
Scott heard a familiar voice fill his mind, brimming with passion. ¡°That¡¯s why I believe she would make a great teammate. Trust me on this,¡± Slim urged. ¡°Yeah, sure,¡± Zara said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°I¡¯m sure that¡¯s the only reason you want her to join us.¡± Scott''s brows furrowed. He could piece together the topic of their discussion from the snippets he caught, but curiosity about Slim''s recommendation gnawed at him. Instead of revealing his presence, he continued to listen. ¡°Fi-Fi believes the right course of action is to decide by vote,¡± Fi-Fi declared. ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been saying,¡± Slim agreed. ¡°I¡¯m sure as hell Scott would want her to join us too.¡± Scott¡¯s eyebrows shot up, but he remained silent. ¡°I kind of agree,¡± Zara muttered. ¡°Unlike you, however, I¡¯m sure he¡¯d only want her around because she¡¯s useful.¡± ¡°How many times do I have to explain myself? It¡¯s not like that. Sure, I admire her, and I think she¡¯s nice and all, but that¡¯s a whole other conversation,¡± Slim explained. ¡°And who is this person you guys are talking about?¡± Scott broke his silence. ¡°Buddy, where have you been? We¡¯ve been calling out to you for the past week,¡± Slim said. Scott¡¯s brows creased. ¡°What do you mean, the past week? Hasn¡¯t it only been two days?¡± Silence followed Scott¡¯s words. A moment later, Orion spoke up, ¡°You¡¯re no longer in Thisos¡¯ Sanctuary, right?¡± ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m in Viva now, affiliated with the god of slaughter. I¡¯ll fill you guys in on the details later, but what do you mean it has been a week already?¡± Scott pressed further. For him, it hadn¡¯t even been a day since he left Thisos¡¯s sanctuary, but his sense of time had been skewed ever since his initial return from the nihilistic zone. ¡°A week has passed since our last meeting,¡± Fi-Fi interjected. ¡°All members of the other party are refusing to leave their sanctuaries, and Fi-Fi and others are now wanted.¡± Orion chuckled softly, chiming in, ¡°That¡¯s a rough summary. The ladies from Claw are out, but that¡¯s not the most pressing matter. Each one of us now has a bounty on our heads. Several lesser gods will reward anyone who can stop us; you especially, from reaching the point of no return,¡± Orion explained. ¡°Who is the person you talked about earlier?¡± Scott asked without pause. Orion burst into laughter. ¡°I told you all, didn¡¯t I?¡± he managed between laughs. ¡°There¡¯s no way he would care about something like that.¡± ¡°Ember is currently in the same sanctuary as Slim, and she has expressed interest in joining us,¡± Zara said, her voice cutting through Orion¡¯s laughter. ¡°Oh,¡± Scott muttered softly, his eyes flickering with a brief but unmistakable glimmer of hope. ¡°I have no objections if it¡¯s her.¡± He quickly shifted gears, his tone becoming more serious. ¡°We can discuss that later. There are some things you guys should know about first.¡± Without further ado, Scott launched into a detailed account of the newfound information he had uncovered about the point of no return and the potential hidden path in Thisos¡¯s labyrinth. The severity of his words hung in the air, and for a long moment, the channel was enveloped in silence, broken only by Orion¡¯s sporadic giggles echoing through the stillness. Slim finally broke the silence with a deep, weary sigh. ¡°I¡¯ve grown tired of how much I hate this place,¡± he admitted. ¡°It¡¯s just too¡­¡± He paused, letting out another sigh, the sound heavy with resignation. Book 2 - Chapter 45: Mirror Domain Silence lingered on the party channel for a couple of minutes, creating a tension that seemed almost palpable. Then, Fi-Fi¡¯s childlike voice pierced through the silence. ¡°How much do you know about the hidden path?¡± ¡°Only about its existence,¡± Scott responded. ¡°I¡¯ll find out more before I leave.¡± ¡°No need,¡± Orion interjected abruptly. ¡°I didn¡¯t mention it at the time, because we had a lot going on, but one of my clones accidentally strayed from the path of chains¡ª¡± ¡°You¡¯re only mentioning this now?¡± Slim interrupted, sighing heavily. Orion giggled softly, continuing, ¡°It happened months ago, and none of you were in the right frame of mind to listen. Plus, I had little data about the place, so it didn¡¯t seem worth mentioning.¡± ¡°How about now?¡± Zara chimed in; her curiosity piqued. ¡°Well, based on what Scott said, it¡¯s likely the path I discovered was the hidden path he mentioned.¡± Orion paused, his tone growing somber. ¡°Whatever is in there is undeniably powerful, even more so than those titans. My clones lasted only a minute or two before dying, but the scary thing is that I can¡¯t recall anything about the creature.¡± Silence enveloped the channel once more, but Scott quickly broke it. ¡°How confident are you about finding it again?¡± ¡°99.9% confident,¡± Orion replied with a soft giggle. ¡°Not remembering the creature¡¯s identity doesn¡¯t mean I won¡¯t find it again.¡± ¡°All right. I¡¯ll ask the substitutes for any information on the creature. The more we know, the better our odds of getting past it,¡± Scott said, determination evident in his voice. ¡°I agree,¡± Zara and the rest of the crew muttered in unison. ¡°So, are we all in agreement with Ember joining us?¡± Zara asked, shifting the topic. One by one, the champions expressed their opinions. Scott and Slim agreed, while Orion and Fi-Fi had no strong feelings about the dragonkin, simply going along with the majority decision. ¡°Even if Ember joins us, we still need four more members,¡± Orion suddenly said. ¡°If you guys don¡¯t have anyone in mind, I have a suggestion.¡± Silence followed Orion¡¯s words, a tacit acceptance of his proposal. The mage chuckled again as he continued, ¡°I¡¯ve met some interesting people here, and I¡¯d like to recommend them to join us.¡± ¡°What kind of people are they?¡± Slim asked, his curiosity evident in his tone. Anyone who could capture the interest of a data-obsessed mage was far from ordinary. Adding to the intrigue, whoever they were, they were rank 1s as well. ¡°Trust me, you¡¯re going to love them,¡± the mage said, his voice tinged with excitement. ¡°Although, I should mention they belong to a rather infamous faction.¡± ¡°What faction?¡± Zara asked, her curiosity piqued. ¡°Fr??ia Mor?ii,¡± Orion answered without hesitation. Scott frowned, trying to recall where he had heard the name before. It sounded familiar, yet he knew little about them. ¡°Who approached whom?¡± Scott asked after a moment''s thought. ¡°I approached them,¡± Orion said. ¡°They¡¯re in a situation similar to ours. Their companions decided not to continue the partnership,¡± he explained. Slim cut in, ¡°Why did you recommend them? I know we¡¯re not in a position to be picky about new members, but we need to be cautious, especially with the bounties on our heads.¡± Orion chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s like you read my mind. That¡¯s exactly why I¡¯m recommending them. One of them is a specialist in disguises. She can change our appearances temporarily,¡± Orion explained. ¡°What kind of faction is Fr??ia Mor?ii?¡± Scott asked suddenly. ¡°They¡¯re quite secretive,¡± Orion said, whispering as if sharing a clandestine piece of information. ¡°Not much is known about them, but a few facts are clear. They boast one of the most fearsome archery armies in the tower. All their members are vampires without exception, and they only recruit females, regardless of race.¡± ¡°Wait, wait, wait,¡± Slim interjected. ¡°Are you saying other races can be vampires too?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that common knowledge?¡± Zara shot back, her tone dripping with sarcasm. ¡°No,¡± Slim admitted. ¡°I always thought vampires were a race of their own, hating all others. I¡¯ve lost count of how many times I¡¯ve been mocked by those long-toothed racists,¡± he grumbled. ¡°It¡¯s a common theme among the ancient ones,¡± Orion said, still chuckling. ¡°They don¡¯t take kindly to other races.¡± ¡°Will those three be a concern?¡± Fi-Fi asked, her voice tinged with worry. ¡°Not at all. They¡¯re desperate, so they¡¯ll be on their best behavior,¡± Orion assured, his voice echoing his confidence. ¡°Now that I think about it,¡± Zara mused, ¡°Lysa is a vampire, but she¡¯s affiliated with the Blood Cult instead of Fr??ia Mor?ii. I¡¯ve heard there are others like her in the cult. Isn¡¯t that strange?¡± "Not at all. I¡¯m one hundred percent sure they were mostly spies," Orion said, his voice steady with conviction. "It''s likely why Lysa chose not to continue our partnership. Word about the Blood Cult¡¯s fall must have reached her, and she''s probably been summoned back to their headquarters." "That makes a lot of sense," Slim replied. "Shouldn''t we be worried? We can''t predict what she''ll say when she gets there." "It doesn''t matter," Scott interjected, his tone resolute. "Whatever anyone says or thinks about us is irrelevant. The only thing that matters is getting out of this labyrinth. Everything else is secondary, especially when it¡¯s beyond our control." "Orion, will they be useful?" Scott asked, his voice firm. "Most definitely," Orion confirmed without hesitation. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. "Then nothing else matters. We''ll use them to our advantage until they''re no longer needed," Scott declared, his gaze unwavering. Orion chuckled softly. "Something about you has changed, and I like it. I totally agree." "Fi-Fi agrees too," Fi-Fi chimed in. "Same here," Zara added. "I can''t be the odd one out, so I agree too," Slim said. "When do we start moving?" "Make your preparations. I''ll let you know when I''ve sourced the relevant information about the hidden path," Scott advised. "Fine by me. I''ll keep you guys posted if there''s anything else," Slim said. One by one, the champions bid each other farewell, their voices fading into silence. "Orion, where is your main body now?" Scott whispered on a private channel. "We''re still a considerable distance from your location. The journey has been fraught with delays, but these Wutas are incredibly resilient and resourceful. I''d love to take them apart to see what makes them tick," Orion replied, his voice retaining its characteristic cheerfulness. "And the Brotherhood of the Yellow Sign?" Scott asked suddenly. "They''re on their way too. Everything is set, but our adversaries aren''t idle either. You and I are probably the only ones among the regular champions who understand the magnitude of what''s coming. I can''t wait..." Orion''s chuckle was eerie as his voice faded. Scott raised his head, his eyes lingering on the luxurious chandelier illuminating the room. "Yeah, it should be fun," he muttered, a thin smile curling his lips. A knock echoed through the room, breaking the silence. Scott remained seated; his gaze fixed on the door with a calm detachment. Seconds ticked by before the gentle knock came again. Still, Scott did not move, waiting through another patient interval until a third knock sounded, more insistent this time. With a measured grace, Scott rose from his chair and approached the door. Before his hand could touch the handle, it swung open on its own. ¡°I had a hunch it was you,¡± Scott said, a thin smile curving his lips. ¡°How did you get here so quickly?¡± he asked, his eyes locking onto Ember. The dragonkin¡¯s eyes widened, unable to hide her surprise as she took in the sight of Scott¡¯s unmasked face. Her gaze lingered on his face, tracing the lines of weariness etched there. She stepped closer, her hand reaching out to caress his cheek, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°You¡¯ve suffered so much,¡± she murmured, her fingers trailing to the back of his neck. Without another word, she pulled him into a gentle embrace, her hand moving in soothing circles on his back. ¡°Your scent completely disappeared. I was so worried,¡± she whispered, her voice tender and warm. Scott stood still, enveloped in her comforting presence. The sweet fragrance of her hair filled his senses, and a gentle warmth spread through him. The speed of her arrival puzzled him, but he didn¡¯t ask. ¡°You should come in,¡± he said softly, stepping back from her embrace. Ember entered the room, the door closing behind her with a quiet click. Scott gestured to a vacant chair. ¡°Have a seat.¡± With a thought, he summoned a jar of gruff wine from his inventory. Ember, however, remained standing, her eyes never leaving his face. ¡°I like your face. It suits you,¡± she said with a warm smile. Scott chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Yours isn¡¯t bad either. Come, sit with me,¡± he invited, moving to his seat. He placed the gruff wine on a nearby table and sat down. Ember finally took the seat next to him, her gaze still fixed on Scott, her smile as captivating as ever. ¡°Firstly, thank you for helping us with those snakes earlier,¡± Scott said, breaking the seal on the jar. The fragrant aroma of the wine filled the room. For the first time, Ember¡¯s gaze shifted away from Scott. She licked her lips, a gesture that was both innocent and seductive. ¡°What type of wine is this?¡± she asked, motioning toward the jar. The jar slipped from Scott¡¯s grasp and floated through the air, as if drawn by an unseen force. It landed in Ember¡¯s embrace, and the dragonkin licked her lips and took large gulps of the savory wine. Lowering the jar, her eyes clouded with excitement, a thin trace of purple liquor streaked down the corner of her lip. Ember¡¯s intense gaze locked onto Scott. ¡°Now, you drink,¡± she commanded, pushing the jar toward him with a flick of her wrist. Scott took the jar and drank deeply. The wine was rich and complex, an explosion of flavors he had never experienced, sliding smoothly down his throat. Despite its potency, the alcohol did nothing to stir or numb is emotions. Placing the jar on the table, he fixed his eyes on Ember. ¡°What happened with those snakes?¡± he asked. ¡°I was hoping you¡¯d ask about my wellbeing,¡± Ember replied softly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. ¡°But I know you¡¯re not one for small talk.¡± She sighed, then continued, ¡°He fled as soon as he sensed danger. The other sons of J?rmungandr stayed hidden.¡± She stretched out her hand, and the jar flew back to her. Taking several more mouthfuls, her eyes grew hazier. She smiled, an innocent yet alluring expression. ¡°My turn to ask a question,¡± she said. ¡°Did you complete another class advancement?¡± Scott nodded. ¡°I knew it,¡± Ember said, excitement creeping into her voice. ¡°So, what class did you earn?¡± ¡°Do I have to tell you that?¡± Scott teased with a smile. Ember¡¯s smile faded slightly. ¡°I asked because you give off the same aura as some ancient beings that attacked my kingdom centuries ago,¡± she said, taking another sip. ¡°What happened to them?¡± Scott asked, intrigued. ¡°They were defeated and banished to the nihilistic zone. Their very essence, even their consciousness, would have been erased by now,¡± Ember explained before taking another gulp. She suddenly lowered the jar, her eyes narrowing. ¡°Some fools still worship those beings as if they were alive. Have you heard of the Nameless?¡± Scott nodded. ¡°Those reckless idiots don¡¯t realize those beings wouldn¡¯t care about their existence,¡± Ember said, setting the jar down. ¡°The most frightening thing is that some have formed contracts with beings in the Nihilistic zone. How they managed that, I have no idea. Thankfully, their numbers are few.¡± ¡°How can you be so sure?¡± Scott probed. ¡°Most of us in the tower would have been reduced to nothing by now,¡± she said, her eyes gleaming with clarity. Scott nodded; his mind awash with conflicting thoughts. He had always wondered how Llorva could have exiled him to such a dreadful place. Now, a spark of understanding flickered within him. Does that mean those Celestial Blades bastards don¡¯t know about her identity, or are they in cahoots with Nameless? Scott pondered, his gaze drifting to Ember as she savored her drink. ¡°What if I had similar abilities to them?¡± Scott asked suddenly, breaking the silence. Ember frowned slightly, scrutinizing Scott¡¯s expression. ¡°If no one knows, then it shouldn¡¯t be a problem. If they find out, however, you¡¯d likely be besieged from all sides by various factions. You¡¯d do well not to reveal such powers carelessly,¡± she advised. Scott smiled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. ¡°Does that mean you wouldn¡¯t harbor any ill intent toward me?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t inherit grudges,¡± Ember replied, her tone firm yet gentle. ¡°Should you show hostility toward my family and friends unjustly, then I will fight for them. Even if you are one of them, I don¡¯t believe you¡¯re the type of person to cause chaos without reason.¡± Scott chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°You speak like you know me,¡± he said, locking eyes with the dragonkin. ¡°There¡¯s a lot more to people than meets the eye.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right. I don¡¯t know you, but I want to, and I¡¯m confident in the person I admire because I¡¯m the one who chose you,¡± Ember said, her smile radiating confidence. Scott opened his mouth to speak but sighed softly instead, shaking his head. At that moment, Ember stood up, and several floating discs materialized beneath her feet, preventing her from touching the floor. Scott watched as the lithe beauty levitated toward his bed, the wine jar floating alongside her. The dragonkin nestled into the bed, turning to Scott with a beckoning smile. ¡°Join me,¡± she said. A week passed in a flash. On a certain day, several masked champions emerged simultaneously in Thisos¡¯s Sanctuary. Though a few other champions noticed, their appearance didn''t cause much of a stir. In a place where the strange was the norm, nothing truly stood out. ¡°I¡¯m about to declare our intentions to leave. Is everyone ready?¡± Zara''s voice cut through the party channel, clear and resolute. One by one, the champions voiced their readiness. The brawler summoned the system window. In an instant, a crack appeared above them, drawing the ten-man party into its depths. They reappeared moments later in a massive chamber filled with thousands of mirrors. The reflections seemed to stretch infinitely, creating a disorienting labyrinth of glass.
Congratulations! You have reached the fourth layer of Thisos¡¯ Sanctuary, Mirror Domain!
Find your way through the maze and make it to the fifth layer!
Good luck!
Book 2 - Chapter 46: Im Jealous ¡°This place looks relatively tamer compared to the path of chains,¡± Slim remarked, staring at his masked reflection in the surrounding mirrors. The necromancer¡¯s luxurious suit contrasted with the flesh behind it, rosy and full of vigor, unlike the usual blackened bones. His black hair swayed side-to-side despite the absence of wind, while a plain white mask obscured his face. Slim wasn¡¯t the only one who had changed. Zara now resembled a lizardman in a mask, and Orion had taken on the appearance of an orc. Fi-Fi maintained its humanoid form, adorned with the same plain mask as the others. Ember and Scott, standing close to each other, retained their usual looks but also wore plain masks. The newer members of the party were shrouded in long, dark cloaks that obscured their bodies. Unlike the hound extermination crew, they wore half masks that covered only their eyes and noses. Crimson hair like burning lava cascaded over their shoulders, with piercing azure eyes behind their masks. Golden crucifixes hung around their necks, and the tips of elongated fangs peeked from behind plump, cherry lips. ¡°Orion, will you be able to find the hidden path?¡± Zara asked mentally. The mage giggled softly. ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be too hard for my clones. It might take a while, but I¡¯ll definitely find it,¡± he replied. ¡°So, do we just wait?¡± Slim asked, cautiously observing the strange room. Reflections surrounded them, with no obvious path in or out. ¡°That would be the most sensible option,¡± Orion said. ¡°We have no idea what¡¯s going to happen, so it¡¯s best we let my clones do all the work.¡± ¡°No need,¡± Scott suddenly said, his voice echoing softly in the room. All heads turned toward the voidweaver. ¡°Do you see anything?¡± Zara and Slim asked simultaneously. They knew better than anyone about Scott¡¯s visual prowess. Scott nodded gently. ¡°This place might look simpler than the path of chains, but it is definitely more brutal.¡± Orion¡¯s ears perked up as he inched closer to Scott. ¡°What do you see?¡± he asked, barely able to contain his curiosity. Scott pointed at one of his reflections, and naturally, they all pointed back at him. ¡°Those aren¡¯t reflections,¡± he declared, his voice echoing through the room. Everyone turned their attention to the voidweaver, especially the vampires. Their eyes glowed with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. ¡°Each reflection exists in a world of its own,¡± Scott continued, his tone measured but urgent. ¡°They¡¯re waiting for us to wander into them. I¡¯m not sure what their endgame is yet, but they might be trying to replace us.¡± A vampire, her voice thick with a unique Romanian accent, asked, ¡°How do you know this?¡± Her gaze was piercing, her curiosity demanding answers. ¡°I can see it,¡± Scott replied simply, his eyes unwavering. The vampire and her companions exchanged skeptical glances; their pale blue eyes filled with doubt. They turned to Orion, who chuckled and gave them a reassuring thumbs up. Their features relaxed slightly. The vampire who had spoken earlier asked, ¡°So, what do we have to do?¡± Scott raised a hand to point forward but paused, a hint of surprise flickering in his ominous eyes. The others mirrored his expression; the reflections no longer mimicked their actions. Instead, they stared back, intently, menacingly. The vampires moved into a triangular formation, their movements synchronized and wary. The hound extermination crew readied themselves, every muscle taut with anticipation. Scott remained still; his eyes fixed on the reflections. Sudden, subtle bangs echoed through the room as the reflections pounded on the glass barrier. Their forms began to morph, shifting into hideous beasts of nightmarish origins. The bangs grew louder, the creatures more grotesque with each thud. ¡°They can¡¯t get out,¡± Scott said, his voice slicing through the cacophony. ¡°Stay where you are; they can¡¯t reach you.¡± The vampires, usually composed, began to panic, their fear palpable. In contrast, the hound extermination crew, hardened by countless battles and cursed with the imprint of madness, stared at the creatures with cold indifference. ¡°Orion, prepare a clone,¡± Scott commanded mentally, his gaze never leaving the monstrosities. ¡°There¡¯s something I want to confirm.¡± Without a word, Orion retrieved a desiccated finger from his inventory and tossed it a few feet away. The finger writhed upon hitting the floor, expanding until it was the size of a human. A hand tore through the skin, and a clone, covered in fluids, emerged with a smile. The distorted reflections stirred, mirroring the scene. ¡°Have it approach any mirror. It doesn¡¯t matter which one,¡± Scott instructed mentally. Orion giggled, relaying the message to his clone. The clone chuckled, its gaze wandering before settling on a reflection in the leftmost corner. It approached the mirror, hand outstretched. The reflection mimicked its actions. The clone¡¯s hand pierced the glassy barrier, causing ripples to course through the surface like water. It turned toward Orion, its smile widening. ¡°It¡¯s amazing,¡± it said before being pulled into the mirror dimension. A reflection replaced the clone, examining its new form with eerie excitement in its dark eyes. It raised its head toward the champions, a cruel smile spreading across its lips. The champions alternated their gazes between the smiling variant and the blurred-out mirror behind it. ¡°What¡¯s your clone experiencing now?¡± Scott asked mentally. Orion, barely containing his excitement, replied, ¡°It¡¯s incredible. It¡¯s a whole new world I never imagined.¡± Scott nodded. ¡°You know what to do next.¡± Orion sighed, shaking his head ruefully. He turned toward the mirror variant, which took a step forward, its form distorting into a hideous creature. On its third step, the mirror behind it cracked, and thousands of chains shot out, wrapping around the stunned variant. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°How did you kill it?¡± it managed to say, its eerie voice teeming with surprise and confusion. The chains forcefully yanked it back into the mirror dimension, the cracks vanishing as clarity returned. ¡°What was that?¡± Slim asked, his voice mirroring the shock and curiosity of the gathered champions. ¡°A little experiment,¡± Orion replied with a mischievous giggle. ¡°You should all avoid that mirror dimension. Escaping it won¡¯t be easy.¡± Slim opened his mouth to ask another question, but Scott''s voice cut through the air. ¡°I¡¯ve found the best path for us, but we¡¯ll need to move in single file,¡± Scott instructed, his tone growing serious. ¡°No matter what you see, hear, or feel, do not respond. If you¡¯re lost in the mirror domain, no one will save you.¡± The champions exchanged solemn glances, determination hardening in their eyes. Zara stepped forward, her voice steady. ¡°What do you need us to do?¡± Scott swiftly organized the group into a single file, each placing their hands on the shoulders of the person in front. Scott led at the front while Orion took the rear; Ember, Zara, Slim, Fi-Fi, and the vampires formed the line between them. ¡°Orion, you can start now,¡± Scott communicated mentally, beginning to move forward in slow, deliberate steps. Echoes of distinct thumping and unsettling giggles reverberated from behind, but no one dared to turn, remembering Scott''s warning. In silence, the group approached a corner of the room. Reflections in the mirrors mimicked their movements, but their eyes remained fixed on the champions, especially Scott. Scott led them to an unremarkable section of the mirror domain. His steps were slow, purposeful. This time, the reflections didn¡¯t mimic them. Instead, they glared defiantly, as if warning them to stay away. Subtle roars began to fill the room, and the variants trapped in the mirror dimension stirred. ¡°You¡¯re all fools! Can¡¯t you see he¡¯s leading you to your doom?¡± a voice, eerily similar to Orion¡¯s, rang out. ¡°How come none of you considered that only one of you is real?¡± a voice resembling Zara¡¯s questioned. ¡°Are you really that gullible?¡± Laughter echoed within the chamber, followed by a childlike voice. ¡°Fi-Fi is amazed you trust that thing. It¡¯s not the real¡ª¡± The voice cut off abruptly. ¡°Slim, that¡¯s not the real Scott!¡± Zara¡¯s frantic voice pierced the chamber. ¡°We¡¯re trapped in an illusion, and we can¡¯t find Scott. You need to shatter the mirror to get us out!¡± Scott continued forward, unfazed by the voices. Ember mirrored his indifference, but Slim, Zara, and even Fi-Fi had their curiosity piqued. Despite the growing tension, they pressed on, ignoring the deceptive voices. ¡°Ivona, what are you doing? Those creatures are trying to deceive you!¡± The vampires halted abruptly. The one directly behind Orion began to turn, but a clone stepped forward. At that same moment, a soul-crunching chomp echoed through the air. Fresh blood sprayed onto the motionless procession. Ivona, the vampire who had attempted to turn earlier, remained perfectly still, sensing an ominous presence breathing down her neck. ¡°Ivona, why are you doing this? I came all this way, and you won¡¯t even look me in the eye. Is that how we raised you?¡± Ivona took deep breaths, the warmth of the fresh blood sliding down her face. She subconsciously licked her blood-smeared lips, her pupils widening and turning crimson. ¡°I apologize on behalf of me and my sisters. Thank you for saving us. We¡¯re okay now. Let¡¯s continue,¡± she declared mentally, her words conveyed to Orion. Only her sisters knew how torn she was. The last time someone had called her by that name was long before she became a vampire. The procession moved forward, and the voices lingered, more enticing than ever, seemingly born from the deepest memories of each champion. Despite the room being relatively small, the champions had been walking for more than ten minutes, still far from any mirror. Among them, only Scott had yet to be mimicked or enticed, though he was accused of leading the group astray. The slow march continued for another ten minutes, the voices growing more desperate. Orion giggled at intervals, his amusement or mockery of the perfectly mimicked voices remained uncertain. Another ten minutes passed before the voices abruptly vanished, leaving an eerie silence in the room. The silence stretched for a minute, then an ominous wave of energy enveloped the space. A cacophony of sounds, akin to breaking glass, echoed as the marbled flooring disappeared, replaced by a crystal-clear mirror. All adjoining mirrors had merged into one massive mirror. Still, Scott led the group in silence, his gaze fixed on what lay ahead. "How pitiful..." A voice, dripping with malice and distinctly different from any of the champions, echoed through the chamber. "You were destined for greatness yet look at you now¡ªmediocre. Doesn''t your weakness disgust you?" Scott''s steps faltered, forcing the other champions to halt abruptly. "Are you okay?" Ember''s voice echoed in his mind, her grip tightening on his shoulder. Scott remained silent; his eyes distant. Zara and Slim called out to him on the party channel, but only silence greeted their words. The sinister voice continued; its tone almost intimate. "Why should they treat you like that? It was never your fault. They got lucky inheriting those powers, yet they treated you as if you were beneath them. After all you''ve been through, all you''ve sacrificed, they still couldn''t see you as their equal. What''s wrong with feeling a little envy? Aren''t you human too? Should power be their sole right while you depend on them?" A cold shiver ran down Scott''s spine as the voice pierced through the silence again. "My disciple, my heart aches seeing you in this state. Won''t you come to me? Across the eons, it has always been you. Others might wield my powers temporarily, but only you do I desire. My apostle, my disciple, my child, my heart, my love, won''t you come to me?" The room shook violently, cracks spreading like spiderwebs across the walls. The champions, except for Scott and Orion, began to panic. They stood rigid, but their eyes darted around, catching glimpses of odd blurs flashing past them. "Won''t you come to me?" The voice was softer now, almost tender. "While the world hated you, I loved you. While they mocked you, I comforted you. While they called you useless, I gave you power. Won''t you come to me? Why do you make me hurt this much?" A mournful scream echoed through the chamber, the sound of glass shattering punctuating the air. An immense being, larger than the world itself, struggled to break free from the cracks. A colossal lilac fist snaked towards Scott''s position. The champions stood paralyzed, unable to move or speak, their very essence consumed by primal fear. Ember¡¯s lips trembled uncontrollably; fear etched on her face. As a long-time resident of the Tower of Champions and coming from one of its most established races, she had seen, heard, and witnessed countless things. There weren¡¯t many mysteries left for her, and the things she was clueless about exceeded the realm of mortals. The creature fell into that category. Without warning, Scott stepped forward. Ember felt a chill course down her spine. An unfamiliar wave gripped her being, seemingly nullifying the paralytic effects. The rest of the hound extermination crew and the vampires experienced a similar sensation. Despite the heaviness in their legs, they moved forward at a steady pace. ¡°Why do you reject me? Can¡¯t you see how much I love you?¡± The voice screamed in pain, a massive fist pounding on the cracks. ¡°Don¡¯t you know how much I love you? I¡¯m jealous. Who is it that has stirred your heart away from me? I won¡¯t forgive them. I won¡¯t forgive them,¡± it howled, hammering at the cracks with even more fury. Scott, however, continued walking without responding. A moment later, the voidweaver paused in his tracks, and so did the other champions. A figure manifested suddenly a few feet away, and a system message appeared:
You have found the Tower Trader!
The Tower Trader whistled softly as he approached in quick strides. ¡°I sensed something was off here, and it seems like my hunch was right,¡± he said, stopping a few feet away from Scott. The mysterious peddler turned toward the cracked mirrors, chuckling. ¡°Ah, a remnant of the old order. It¡¯s nice to see you again, Sibiru, but aren¡¯t you a little too old to be courting younglings?¡± Book 2 - Chapter 47: Hidden Path Part 1 A deafening roar reverberated through the chamber, splintering the mirrors with a web of new cracks. Another colossal fist struck the glass barrier, sending tremors through the room and deepening the fractures on its surface. The mysterious peddler giggled softly, stepping forward. "Why are you acting like this? It¡¯s not like he¡¯s the only¡ª" "Silence, you filthy traitor!" Sibiru roared, fists pounding the barrier again. "How dare you speak to me." The tower trader''s laughter grew louder as he inched closer to the cracks. "Still mad about that, are you? I can''t even remember how long ago it was, but I guess an authority of envy would never forget," he said, stopping a few feet from the fractured barrier. "I said, silence!" Sibiru''s roar was thunderous, its fists hammering the barrier harder. The trader gazed at the monstrous silhouette behind the glass. "So much anger," he muttered, suppressing another laugh. "So, what if I¡¯m a traitor? I¡¯m here, aren¡¯t I? Unlike you and the others. You should have known when to relinquish your authority. I warned you all this could happen." Sibiru''s fists pounded furiously against the barrier, but the calamitous blows failed to break through. "Scary," the trader taunted, his voice dripping with derision. "I have a hunch why you¡¯re here, Sibiru. Honestly, I don¡¯t care. Normally, I wouldn¡¯t interfere, but I¡¯m interested in one of them." "Traitor! You dare lust after what¡¯s mine?" Sibiru bellowed, slamming its fists even harder. At that moment, hands gripped either side of the cracked glass, slowly prying the barrier apart. Unflinching, the trader locked eyes with the enraged entity. "I have no interest in him," he chuckled softly. "Even if I did, nothing could stop me. It¡¯s not like you¡¯re going to." "Arcanis!" Sibiru roared, its fury palpable. "Don¡¯t test me!" "Oh, that¡¯s a name I haven¡¯t heard in a long, long time," the trader mused, taking another step closer to the crack. "Nothing you say or do will reach him. This one isn¡¯t bound to you. Give up," he advised. ¡°You dare lecture me?¡± Sibiru roared, its hands straining against the invisible barrier of the mirror domain. ¡°I don¡¯t care who or what it is, no one can have him if I can¡¯t! He¡¯s mine, and mine alone!¡± The trader advanced, his steps measured and deliberate. He sighed softly, shaking his head. ¡°You never change, Sibiru. That¡¯s why calamity befell you and the others,¡± he said, stopping a few paces away. ¡°Sibiru, for old times¡¯ sake, leave now. The administrator hasn¡¯t noticed you yet. You don¡¯t want to be here when he descends. Trust me on this,¡± the trader urged. ¡°You think I fear¡ª¡± Sibiru began, but the trader interjected, his voice taking on a darker, more powerful tone. ¡°You should. Every being who challenged his authority has been erased from existence. Your power is but a mere¡­¡± The trader paused, then giggled ominously. ¡°It seems you¡¯ll have the misfortune of witnessing it yourself.¡± A massive distortion appeared above the mirrors encasing the ceiling, and through it, a being with eyes that seemed to bear the weight of millions of worlds emerged. Apart from Scott, the rest of the champions were frozen in time. The voidweaver instinctively raised his head toward the entity, once again staring into those abyssal eyes that seemed to uphold the fabric of existence itself. The eyes, however, focused on the cracks caused by Sibiru¡¯s malignant constructs. They trembled violently as if sensing their natural enemy. The ominous mass behind the mirror domain stirred wildly, and the hands vanished without a trace. ¡°You still have some sense,¡± the trader chuckled softly, then turned to the distortion above. ¡°Your entrances are as impressive as always, administrator, but as you can see, there¡¯s nothing left for you to do here.¡± The eyes turned away from the trader, lingered on Scott for a few moments, then the distortion vanished. ¡°It¡¯s okay, you can move now,¡± the trader said. Scott turned, noticing his companions had disappeared. He knew that each of them was either engaged in conversation with the trader or had already concluded their business. Narrowing his eyes, Scott focused on the trader. ¡°Who are you?¡± he questioned, the details of the exchange between the mysterious peddler and Sibiru still fresh in his mind. The tower trader chuckled softly as he approached Scott with measured steps. ¡°Why are you asking the obvious? Didn¡¯t I mention that I was the tower trader?¡± he said, stopping a few feet away. ¡°I can see you¡¯ve been hanging out with the lesser god of illusion. He seems to dislike others peeking at you. But why didn¡¯t you ask him to help your companions too?¡± Scott¡¯s brows furrowed deeply. How the trader had instantly identified the source of his blessing left him confused but not entirely surprised. ¡°Let me guess, you have something that can help them,¡± Scott said after a brief pause, his voice edged with skepticism. ¡°That¡¯s why I like you,¡± the tower trader chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re right. So, are you interested?¡± ¡°Before we talk about that, what was that earlier?¡± Scott asked, his curiosity piqued. He wasn¡¯t one to miss an opportunity to satiate his curiosity. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my friend, but that¡¯s not something you need to know. Especially now that you have no attachments to your other variants,¡± the trader replied, his tone cryptic. Scott¡¯s eyes widened momentarily as a realization struck him. ¡°You¡¯re present in all timelines too?¡± The trader chuckled again. ¡°Of course. I wouldn¡¯t be called the tower trader if I were only present in this one.¡± Scott prepared to ask another question but paused, a newfound clarity dawning on him. ¡°Can I send messages across timelines?¡± This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°Of course,¡± the trader replied instantly. ¡°But you don¡¯t have the authority to make such a trade just yet. Sadly, by the time you¡¯re authorized, it might be useless to you.¡± Scott frowned; his gaze fixed on the trader. Despite his intense scrutiny, the eerie mist veiling the trader¡¯s features remained impenetrable. ¡°Why did you come here?¡± Scott asked suddenly. ¡°I sensed the presence of my favorite customer,¡± the trader giggled, but Scott¡¯s icy glare met him. ¡°All right, relax. I was conducting a trade nearby and sensed Sibiru¡¯s presence along with that of your companions. I was surprised to find you here too. The lesser god of illusion did quite a remarkable job,¡± the trader explained. ¡°The old order, is that a reference to the rulers of the previous epoch?¡± Scott asked abruptly. ¡°Look at you, figuring things out on your own. What else have you pieced together? Talk to me,¡± the tower trader said, his voice laced with ambiguity. ¡°Don¡¯t patronize me,¡± Scott retorted. ¡°Is that information available for purchase? If so, what¡¯s the cost?¡± The tower trader stepped forward, Scott sensing a powerful gaze mixed with curiosity and calculation. ¡°While it¡¯s valuable information, I¡¯m not necessarily selling,¡± he began. ¡°For you, however, I¡¯m willing to make an exception. As for the price, we can discuss that when, or should I say if, you make it past the point of no return.¡± The trader halted directly in front of Scott, his presence imposing. ¡°The tower has existed far longer than most beings can fathom. No one knows its true origins or how long it will remain, but each epoch, champions are called from all over the multiverse. Each is given an opportunity to become rulers of the next epoch. Like a human kingdom, for a new king to reign, the former must either die or willingly abdicate his throne. In the tower, however, lesser gods willingly give up their authority and move to a higher plane of existence. But, like some kings who endlessly thirst for power, some refuse to relinquish authority. After all, the allure of power is something even gods find irresistible. Occasionally, these gods clash with the newer generations, both contesting for authority. Most of the time, the new generation triumphs, but it¡¯s not surprising if remnants of the old order win.¡± The trader paused, allowing Scott to digest the knowledge. A moment later, he continued, ¡°In situations where the old order triumphs, authorities are seized by the administrator, who becomes responsible for ruling the next epoch. Afterward, they too must let go of their authority for the next generation¡ª¡± ¡°An administrator can¡¯t refuse like the lesser gods?¡± Scott interjected. ¡°It¡¯s impossible,¡± the trader replied with a chuckle. ¡°They are beholden to serve the tower. They can¡¯t do anything that would harm the natural flow of things.¡± ¡°Wait, how is the new generation supposed to fight gods from two generations ago? Is that even possible?¡± Scott asked, skepticism evident in his voice. ¡°You underestimate how powerful people can become,¡± the trader said. ¡°Trust me, while some gods can be absurdly powerful, no one is infinitely powerful. Eventually, you¡¯ll meet someone more powerful. The competition still has a long way to go before any of the current generation starts fighting for authority.¡± Scott assimilated the trader¡¯s words, falling into deep thought. He soon snapped out of his pensive state and posed another question, ¡°How many of the gods know about Hastur?¡± The tower trader exploded into laughter, an ominous and powerful voice echoing, ¡°The King in Yellow. They are patiently awaiting his arrival.¡± At that same moment, a chill coursed through Scott''s spine as the trader continued, ¡°Think your actions through. Your existence promises war, one that will alter the course of reality. Should a higher being descend into this plane, then the bridge between planes would be opened for all to pass. Entities that have been lying dormant since the existence of time itself would be stirred too. There are gods who can hardly wait, as well as those who dread it.¡± ¡°Why has none of them erased my existence?¡± Scott''s voice trembled with frustration, unable to find a clear answer. ¡°There are two reasons,¡± the tower trader replied, his voice steady and confident. ¡°First, gods can¡¯t directly interfere with the champions. Secondly, many are curious to see what changes a war might bring. Like I said, power is truly irresistible.¡± Scott''s mind raced, scenarios flickering through his thoughts like lightning. He opened his mouth to speak, but the trader cut him off. ¡°I know you have questions, but this isn¡¯t the right place or time. I¡¯ve applied the necessary blessings to your companions. No one will be able to trace them either.¡± ¡°What do I owe in return?¡± Scott asked, wary of the cost. Nothing was ever free in the scheming tower. ¡°It¡¯s been paid for by an anonymous benefactor,¡± the trader said with a chuckle. Scott frowned, sensing the trader wouldn¡¯t reveal the benefactor¡¯s identity even if pressed. ¡°Do you know where the hidden path is located?¡± Scott asked after a brief pause. ¡°Your inquisitive companion has already figured it out. I really like him,¡± the trader declared, stepping back with a mysterious air. ¡°I wish you good luck¡­ oh, and one final thing: think carefully before you venture onto the hidden path. What awaits you is¡­¡± He stopped abruptly. ¡°Forget I said anything. You¡¯ll find out yourself. It¡¯s more exciting that way. See you later, my friend,¡± the trader said, waving as he approached the mirrors. Scott watched as the tower trader vanished into the reflective surfaces, a newfound clarity settling in his mind. He remained still, feeling Ember¡¯s hands on his shoulders. He looked straight ahead, but there wasn¡¯t a single reflection in sight. The voidweaver turned his head, scanning the mirrors above and below, but none showed their reflections. ¡°Are you guys awake?¡± Scott called out on the party channel. Silence answered him, filling Scott with understanding. He had been the first to recover from the encounter with the peddler. Seconds piled up into minutes. Suddenly, a familiar laughter echoed, and Orion¡¯s voice filled the air. ¡°I really love talking to that guy,¡± he declared. ¡°You¡¯re finally awake, huh?¡± Scott said mentally. ¡°Do you have the coordinates of the hidden path?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Orion replied, unsurprised that Scott had woken up ahead of him. ¡°But I have a feeling it¡¯s not going to be as straightforward as we might think,¡± he warned, a hint of doubt in his words. ¡°Can you send a clone there?¡± Scott asked, intrigued. ¡°Already did,¡± the mage replied with a chuckle. ¡°It was brutally killed barely a minute after it arrived.¡± ¡°By the monster?¡± Scott asked, his brows furrowing. ¡°Oh no,¡± Orion said, shaking his head. ¡°It was a person who killed it, a very powerful one at that. They had already slain the creature in the hidden path. I don¡¯t think we should¡ª¡± Orion suddenly paused. A magical circle lit up beneath the motionless champions, enveloping them in a blinding flash of light. ¡°Ah, it seems we don¡¯t have a choice,¡± Orion muttered ruefully. At that same moment, the other champions recovered from their meeting with the tower trader. The sudden bright flashes left them stunned. Before anyone could comprehend what was happening, they disappeared and reappeared in a massive underground chamber illuminated by thousands, if not millions, of gems. None of the champions focused on their surroundings. Instead, they stared at a massive corpse pinned down and mutilated by hundreds of massive blades. The slain creature had all seven heads decapitated¡ªsome smashed into a mangled mess, others strewn across the ground. Yet, the champions'' attention was drawn to a singular figure covered in blackened blood, seated on top of the gigantic corpse. ¡°The saintess prophesied that you¡¯d come here eventually, as long as I was patient. But I didn¡¯t expect it would be so soon.¡± Alex stood up, his voice echoing once more. ¡°You ran away last time. I won¡¯t give you that chance again, Scott.¡± Scott stepped forward, but Ember reached for his arm, her voice filling his mind. ¡°He¡¯s a lesser god candidate. He¡¯s not someone¡ª¡± Scott gently yanked his arm away from the dragonkin, his voice filling her mind. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid,¡± he declared, the cracks in his right eye stirring. He turned toward Alex, the one-time friends locking gazes. ¡°I will say this once. I am neither the Eidolon of envy of this timeline, nor do I have any connection to my other variants. I¡¯m not responsible for the tragedy that befell you and the others¡ª¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡± Alex declared powerfully. Scott nodded softly, and his shadow darkened. The war hammer of the mad god emerged from the abyss, nestling in the voidweaver¡¯s grasp. ¡°Come. I¡¯ll put an end to your suffering!¡± he declared. Book 2 - Chapter 48: Hidden Path Part 2 Alex laughed softly, a dangerous glint in his eyes betraying the rage simmering beneath his calm exterior. "You¡¯ll end my suffering? Someone else might think you were in the¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯ll stop you right there,¡± Scott cut in, his voice a cold monotone. ¡°We¡¯re past sob stories and blame games. If you¡¯re going to accuse me of things I didn¡¯t do, I won¡¯t stand around and listen to any damn story. If you want to fight, then come the fuck down already!¡± Scott roared, his voice echoing through the chamber. Scott exchanged mental messages with his companions, and Orion mirrored the message to the vampires, who quickly fell into their triangular formation. Slim, Zara, and Fi-Fi distanced themselves from the group, readying for the impending clash. Ember stood a few paces from Scott, her stance tense and alert, while Orion, ever the vigilant observer, scanned the area from the periphery. From his elevated position, Alex¡¯s narrowed eyes locked onto the champions preparing for battle below. ¡°You¡¯re right. The time for words is long gone,¡± he said, leaping to the ground with a heavy thud. The impact shattered the thick layer beneath his feet, sending a cloud of dust into the air. ¡°Now it¡¯s time for retribution!¡± Alex declared, his voice reverberating through the underground chamber. With a wave of his hand, Alex unleashed his domain, a massive barrier materializing to envelop the cavern, casting an eerie glow over the stone walls. Slim responded in kind, his form shifting as a haunting melody filled the air. His domain exploded with a baleful aura, the ground corroding under its influence. The vampires recoiled, their eyes wide with surprise as specters materialized, and dark portals tore open beside the necromancer. ¡°Souls for the nether god, and Skulls for the skull throne!¡± The earth trembled once more, and a colossal skull throne, exuding nether energy, emerged from the ground. Slim approached it with measured steps, enthroning himself as an undead ruler. His gaze, now fixed on Alex, gleamed with sinister intent. ¡°Come forth!¡± he commanded, and the ground split open, skeletal hands clawing their way through the hardened surface, grasping for the living world. Zara stood loosely, as if manipulated by invisible strings. Above her hovered a faceless, grotesque entity, a nightmarish variant of Zara¡¯s form made of churning blood. Its wings, spanning over two hundred meters, unfurled ominously. The thread linking Zara and the entity snapped. With a forceful motion, the entity swallowed Zara whole, landing silently on the ground. Multi-armed and wielding a variety of blood-forged weapons, the monstrous figure roared at Alex soundlessly. At the same moment, Fi-Fi transformed into a gigantic behemoth, its tentacles glistening with the blackened blood of the slain multi-headed beast. Ember, meanwhile, levitated above the ground via her shifting steps, lightning sparks dancing across her form, illuminating her fierce expression. The vampires, hesitant to join a battle not their own, remained at the rear. Nearby, Orion stood with the wary group, retrieving his staff from his inventory. A maniacal smile split his lips as he prepared for the fight. Scott stood firm; his eyes locked on Alex. The cracks in his right eye pulsed with an intense energy, while the yellow sign flickered nonstop in his other eye. Alex wore a sadistic smile, his eyes gleaming with bloodlust. ¡°You came prepared, huh? Let¡¯s see how strong you¡¯ve gotten,¡± he sneered, raising his right hand. A majestic longsword materialized, settling into his grasp. ¡°I suspend all laws within my domain!¡± he declared, his shout synchronized with those of Slim and Ember¡¯s.
Rejected!
You don¡¯t possess the authority!
The Administrator is considering whether to grant the necessary authority¡­
The Administrator has decided not to interfere!
System messages flashed before the champions, and Alex¡¯s features twisted with rage. ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± he roared. ¡°What do you mean by my authority isn¡¯t sufficient?¡± he demanded. In that instant, hundreds of bloody weapons shot towards him, accompanied by skeletal corpses charging with maddened fury. Alex narrowed his eyes, swinging his longsword. Thousands of blades manifested, intercepting the undead army and the projectiles hurtling towards him. Hundreds of Orion¡¯s deranged clones cackled in unison, each rushing towards Alex¡¯s position. Yet, there wasn¡¯t a hint of fear in Alex¡¯s eyes. He stood his ground, ready to face the onslaught with unwavering resolve. The massive blades pinning down the decapitated corpse vibrated violently, sending tremors through the chamber. ¡°Even if I can¡¯t kill you bastards, I will take pleasure in torturing you for the rest of your miserable lives,¡± Alex roared, thrusting his longsword forward. ¡°Annihilate them!¡± The blades shot out from the corpse, and an illusionary behemoth with nine hands and three heads held the largest blades. Orion and Scott narrowed their gazes, recognizing the formidable figure immediately. The asura, however, stared at the champions with malevolent indifference before moving with terrifying speed. A powerful gust of wind swept through the area, and Orion¡¯s clones fell by the dozens, each brutally sliced into pieces. Zara¡¯s weapons fared no better, and neither did Slim¡¯s undead army. Several projectiles reached Slim¡¯s domain in a flash, but they corroded instantly, turning to dust. Those approaching Zara were engulfed in a torrent of blood, soon joining her arsenal. Like a hydra, the more clones the asura obliterated, the more they replicated. Despite the relentless assault, the projection continued its devastation with brutal precision. None of the delirious clones got within five hundred meters of the massive projection, yet they continued their suicidal charge with glorious smiles. Ember, meanwhile, ascended the makeshift stairs noiselessly. Lightning and thunder roared within the underground chamber, causing the rocky ceiling to tremble as the outline of a massive lightning dragon slowly revealed itself. Alex raised his head, frowning slightly. ¡°Is she a storm dragon or a lightning dragon?¡± he muttered, raising his longsword once more. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. The lightning manifestation roared, its growl shaking the entirety of the chamber. Ember lowered her hand, and the dragon descended furiously towards Alex. Alex turned toward Scott, locking gazes with him. ¡°Is this why you were confident? You think this is enough to stop me?¡± he mocked with a smile, slashing upwards. Twelve golden blades, larger than any within the chamber, materialized, racing towards the lightning dragon. They embedded themselves into the colossal being, pinning it to the ceiling. A final blade decapitated the dragon, and its form exploded into a stream of fire and lightning. Ember¡¯s expression darkened; her gaze fixed on Alex. But Alex still focused on Scott as he spoke again. ¡°I admit I didn¡¯t expect you to gather this many competent people, but you¡¯re in for a rude awakening if you think this will remotely be enough to¡ª¡± Alex suddenly paused, raising his head towards Ember. Lightning coursed through her form, her hair flailing wildly, each strand acting like a living being. ¡°Viorrud, Umrio, Eiremo, and Utz. Hear my call, descend!¡± Ember declared in a draconic tongue. Thunder shook the chamber, sections of rock fracturing and spewing hot gases. Four massive portals appeared behind Ember, and four colossal lightning entities revealed themselves. Unlike the first one, their bodies were more corporeal, their presence electrifying the air with raw power. The dragons roared as soon as they emerged, massive lightning bolts obliterating everything in their path. The lightning beings lingered behind Ember; their forms mostly hidden behind the portals. Alex¡¯s grip on his longsword tightened, a mysterious gleam in his eyes. ¡°So, you¡¯re indeed part of the lightning dragons. You sure picked the wrong person to side with,¡± he said, stepping forward. ¡°Do you think I¡¯d fear those things? Let me show you what true power feels like.¡± A portal opened behind Alex, followed by another and another, until thousands of portals lined the battlefield. The tip of a gigantic weapon projected itself from the golden portals, and Alex¡¯s voice echoed once more. ¡°Since you¡¯re all eager to suffer, then I won¡¯t¡­¡± Alex suddenly paused, his features turning ashen. A blackened shadow enveloped the battlefield, forcefully sealing all domains. Those with rule of absolute reverted to their original form. The golden portals shattered before the weapons could emerge, and even the lightning dragons were expelled as their portals were devoured. Hundreds of tendrils wrapped around the asura¡¯s manifestation, gradually dragging the creature into the abyss. Orion¡¯s clones vanished one after another, each unleashing an orgasmic scream as they shattered. Apart from the areas where the vampires and the hound extermination crew stood, every other section was blighted by inky darkness. Even the massive corpse of the slain beast slowly sank into the abyss. Scott stepped forward, ancient chants escaping his lips. Reality itself seemed to wrestle with his incantations as cracks tore through time and space. Gigantic monstrosities of eldritch origins emerged from the cracks, merging with the unfathomable darkness. The cracks in Scott¡¯s eyes twisted and turned, while the yellow sign flickered nonstop in the other. The monstrosities glided over the blackened pool, racing towards Alex. Blackened wraps bound the limbs, waist, and neck of the lesser god candidate, attempting to force him into the abyss. ¡°You think this is enough to stop me?¡± Alex roared, struggling to raise his hands. However, an eerie suction rapidly drained his energy. The eldritch monstrosities arrived before the bound champion, unleashing a ruthless barrage of punches on his body while others attempted to tear off his flesh. Each blow sounded like fists landing on metal; yet there wasn¡¯t the slightest trace of injury on the lesser god candidate. Alex roared, flexing his arms, and the wraps snapped. He unleashed several rapid blows on his own neck, snapping it on the fifth. Apart from Scott, the rest of the champions could only watch in stunned silence. Alex¡¯s neck hung awkwardly to the side, but the light in his eyes didn¡¯t dim; instead, they shone brighter than ever. The eldritch monstrosities continued their relentless assault, new straps binding the champion, but neither could hurt nor force him into the nihilistic zone. Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on the space above Alex. Although illusionary, a massive golden blade with intricate patterns etched on its surface slowly materialized. Simultaneously, a golden radiance enveloped Alex¡¯s body, especially his eyes. The eldritch monstrosities continued their assaults, knowing no fear, but even their bodies suffered considerable damage under the golden radiance. The blackened straps and the pool beneath Alex¡¯s feet were purged by the radiance, and his neck snapped back into place. Reaching upwards, the lesser god candidate summoned the massive blade. Like a burning sun, it expelled most of the darkness within the cave, and thousands, if not millions, of illusionary blades hovered around it. ¡°That¡¯s the authority of the blade god,¡± Ember communicated mentally, dread unmistakable in her voice. ¡°First it was those despicable cultists, now you have joined those lunatics worshiping the remnants of the old order. I can¡¯t say I¡¯m surprised. Once and for all, I will put an end to your calamitous existence,¡± Alex declared, his voice exuding intense pressure. Alex grasped the handle of the massive blade, and at that moment, time froze. A portal opened in the space between Scott and Alex, and a figure in white robes with two crimson wings manifested out of thin air. Their fiery eyes burned vigorously, jagged, curved crimson horns adorned their head, and lush white hair cascaded over their shoulders. ¡°Greetings, my name is Hanzazeelem, and I¡¯m here to mete out the administrator¡¯s orders,¡± the examiner declared solemnly. Turning towards Alex, Hanzazeelem continued, ¡°The administrator and Lord Thisos ignored your impudence when you invaded the labyrinth. You even slew the guardian beast of the hidden path, but how dare you use an authority here despite knowing the rules!¡± Towering, faceless figures in fitted white suits emerged from a gateway behind Alex. The unknown figures observed the surroundings for a moment before focusing on the lesser god candidate. ¡°Take him away. From now on, those from higher floors will be barred from entering the lower floors,¡± Hanzazeelem commanded. The faceless figures placed their hands on Alex¡¯s shoulders, and the golden blade vanished. ¡°Let me go, you bastards!¡± Alex roared. ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere until I make that bastard pay!¡± he screamed, as the faceless figures nonchalantly escorted him into the portal. The portal closed, and Hanzazeelem turned towards Scott. The voidweaver wore a thin, somewhat mocking smile as he stared at the examiner. ¡°So, how is Enchanted Heights doing these days?¡± he quizzed. Hanzazeelem¡¯s eyes flared for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. ¡°As for your group, although you were forcefully summoned to the hidden path by the lesser god candidate against your will, you won¡¯t be acknowledged for conquering it since you were not responsible for eliminating the guardian,¡± the examiner declared, stepping closer to Scott. ¡°However, the administrator recognizes the fact that you were able to hold your own against a lesser god candidate, albeit a weaker one; so, you will be sent to the penultimate layer of Thisos¡¯s Labyrinth, and you will naturally receive all the rewards for all layers skipped,¡± Hanzazeelem announced, his eyes lingering on Scott. ¡°Send my thanks to the administrator; at least he¡¯s more reasonable than a certain someone,¡± Scott said. ¡°You don¡¯t get it, do you?¡± Hanzazeelem retorted, closing the distance. ¡°The only reason you¡¯re not a memory of the past is because of me,¡± he said, staring down at Scott. ¡°You sincerely have my thanks,¡± Scott replied, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. ¡°Is there anything else I should be grateful for?¡± he retorted. Hanzazeelem hissed, the rage dissipating from his form. "Laugh now," he began, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I should also thank you. If not for you, I would have continued to waste my talents in my paradise. For that, I¡¯ll let you in on a little secret," Hanzazeelem taunted. Although the examiner had no lips or mouth, Scott sensed a mocking smile in his tone. "Your variant has crossed the point of no return. If you think that lesser god candidate was powerful, just wait until you meet him. I don¡¯t know about you, but I can¡¯t wait," Hanzazeelem continued, his voice echoing ominously. Before Scott could retort, a portal whisked all the champions away from the hidden path. Hanzazeelem surveyed the area, his gaze lingering on the devastation left by the recent battle. "Lord Thisos isn¡¯t going to like this," he muttered, sighing softly. The examiner vanished through a portal, and moments later, another portal manifested within the path. Several hunched creatures emerged, dragging massive stone slabs. Alongside them, loose-armed primates wheeled a colossal container housing a creature with seven heads. Book 2 - Chapter 49: Dark Forest I In an unfamiliar forest, silent as the starry skies above, a portal tore open in midair and expelled several individuals before vanishing. Scott and his companions twisted in the air, bracing for the landing. The ten-man party touched down, their feet sinking into the damp earth without a sound.
Your rewards are being calculated!
Welcome to the 24th layer of Thisos¡¯ Labyrinth, The Dark Forest!
Make it to the end of the dark forest to reach the final layer of the labyrinth!
Good luck!
The system message appeared noiselessly, its pale blue glow mingling with the silver moonlight from the crescent moon. ¡°There¡¯s no sound,¡± Orion¡¯s voice suddenly echoed within the party channel. Scott and the other champions turned toward him. Slim attempted to speak aloud, but his mouth moved in vain. Zara tried as well; her voice trapped in silence. Crouching, the brawler reached for a small twig and snapped it in half. The twig broke, but the air remained eerily quiet. ¡°Fan-fucking-tastic¡­¡± Slim cursed within the party channel. The necromancer looked ready to vent his frustration, but a new system window interrupted.
Skill: Party Communication has leveled up!
You can now use mental avatars to communicate!
The champions exchanged bewildered glances, their eyes flicking between the system message and each other. Orion''s laughter on the channel broke the silence, and a miniature, illusionary version of himself materialized beside the mage. ¡°So, that¡¯s how you do it,¡± the tiny avatar said, floating effortlessly. ¡°Just think about forming an avatar and one will appear.¡± Almost simultaneously, Slim and Zara conjured their own miniature versions. Slim¡¯s avatar was a tiny, thin-boned skeleton wearing a top hat, while Zara¡¯s took the form of a miniature cat. Ember, with a small dragon circling above her head, and Scott, with a contorting blackened mass bubbling above his right shoulder, followed suit. The champions studied each other¡¯s avatars, their gazes lingering longest on Scott¡¯s. Its insidious and terrifying model elicited an unsettling sensation within them. Scott, however, remained indifferent to the scrutiny. His focus was on Fi-Fi. The elemental slime, back in its blob form, squirmed and contorted in the shadows, its features pitch-black. The champions followed Scott¡¯s gaze, noticing the elemental slime squirming in the shadows. "Fi-Fi, are you okay?" Zara asked mentally, stepping closer to the trembling slime. Fi-Fi gave no response, but Zara pressed on, crouching beside it. ¡°Something¡¯s wrong,¡± she muttered, her eyes fixed on the slime''s unsettling movements. "Let me have a look," Orion said, his curiosity piqued. He retrieved a small, golden rod from his inventory and approached. The others gathered around but refrained from touching the slime. Meanwhile, the vampires lingered a few paces away, their only link to the group being Orion. They discussed their bizarre situation amongst themselves, while constantly scanning their surroundings. Unlike the hound extermination crew, who seemed unaffected by the silence, the vampires struggled to maintain their composure, aware that danger could strike at any moment. As Orion probed Fi-Fi with the golden rod, Ember and Scott communicated on a private channel. "Are you okay?" the dragonkin asked, her eyes on Orion, who was immersed himself in his examination. "I''ve had better days, but I''ll survive," Scott replied, watching Fi-Fi''s contorting body. The uncertainty about whether the slime was in pain added to their unease. "I don¡¯t know why you did what you did, but it was reckless fighting a lesser god candidate," Ember cautioned. "Their abilities are beyond what we can handle right now. Some can use a fraction of their sponsor''s powers." She shifted her gaze to Scott, her voice softening. "But what you did was incredibly brave. I loved the defiant look in your eyes," she said, reaching for the sides of his neck. Scott allowed her touch, feeling the warmth of her hand as she caressed his neck before lowering it. She looked at him intently. "Do you want to share your burdens with me?" Scott met her tender gaze, shaking his head slightly. "It''s a long story¡ª" Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. "We have time. I''m listening," Ember interrupted with a gentle smile. Scott hesitated, his lips twisting as he weighed his words. After a moment of silence, he sighed and began. He shared an abridged version of his experiences with Ember, who listened quietly, her expression unwavering. "Yeah, so, that¡¯s everything that¡¯s happened so far," Scott finished. Before he could say more, Zara pulled him into an embrace, gently tapping the top of his head. "You don¡¯t have to say anything more. You¡¯ve suffered so much already," she whispered. "Among my people, we believe in hugging and comforting each other during hard times. It¡¯s reassuring to know there are others who understand your plight." She patted his head again, her touch slow but equally comforting. At that moment, Slim, Zara, and Orion turned toward Scott and Ember, exchanging sly grins but staying silent, pretending not to notice the duo. ¡°Pardon me for asking and feel free not to answer if it makes you uncomfortable,¡± Ember said, patting Scott¡¯s back again. ¡°But I heard the examiner mention something about your variant crossing the point of no return. How is it that you¡¯re here if that¡¯s true?¡± Ember asked, unable to hide her confusion. Scott chuckled softly. ¡°That¡¯s an even longer story, and one I¡¯m not entirely sure of just yet. But I¡¯m here, and I don¡¯t plan on going anywhere, not now, and definitely not in the future.¡± ¡°I¡¯d like that,¡± Ember said with a warm smile. ¡°Do you miss your world?¡± she asked, suddenly changing the subject. ¡°Every day,¡± Scott whispered. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t matter. We¡¯re all stuck in this tower for who knows how long.¡± ¡°You should visit my kingdom. You¡¯d love it,¡± Ember said gently. Scott chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s hope we live long enough first.¡± ¡°Ahem,¡± Slim¡¯s voice echoed on the party channel. ¡°Sorry to interrupt, but it seems Orion has figured out what¡¯s happening with Fi-Fi.¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s a relief,¡± Ember said, relaxing her embrace. She turned to the group, crossing her arms, waiting for Orion¡¯s explanation. Scott mimicked her stance, ignoring Zara''s knowing winks. ¡°Since everyone is here, I¡¯ll share my observations,¡± Orion said, standing up. ¡°The good news is that Fi-Fi isn¡¯t in any danger. The bad news is that our squishy friend might be in this state for some time.¡± ¡°Why though? What happened?¡± Ember asked, her brows creased in concern. The same question lingered in the minds of the other champions as they watched the slime¡¯s contortions. ¡°Do you remember the beast from the hidden path?¡± Orion began. The champions nodded, and Orion continued, ¡°It seems Fi-Fi absorbed the blood of that creature, and it¡¯s rapidly inducing an evolution. Due to insufficient data, I can¡¯t tell what sort of evolution is taking place, but Fi-Fi will likely recover once it¡¯s complete. The only problem, if you can call it that, is estimating when the evolution will be finished.¡± ¡°Take a guess,¡± Scott said, his gaze shifting between Orion and the slime. Orion smiled and adjusted his glasses. ¡°Fi-Fi will be like this for at least six months. A partial or complete evolution varies among species. Fi-Fi might be in this state for years, even decades, depending on how much blood essence it can absorb.¡± Orion crouched again, retrieving a runic orb from his inventory. He placed it close to the slime, which was sucked into the orb. Standing up, he said, ¡°We can¡¯t leave Fi-Fi here. Rest assured; I won¡¯t let anything happen to our companion.¡± The orb shrunk significantly, and Orion placed it inside his mouth, eliciting stunned gazes from Slim, Ember, and Zara. Scott watched with keen interest, while also observing the nearby trees. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m no devourer. I have a unique space in one of my teeth. The container will be safer there,¡± Orion explained with a chuckle. ¡°So, what do we do now?¡± Slim asked after a brief silence. ¡°I don¡¯t know if any of you noticed it, but while we were falling earlier, I saw that this forest extends in all directions. How are we supposed to find our way out?¡± His voice carried a hint of frustration. ¡°Indeed, the size of this place is remarkable,¡± Orion mused, his curious eyes wandering. ¡°There¡¯s surely a way out, though. We just need to find it.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the hard part, isn¡¯t it?¡± Slim sighed, stretching his limbs. ¡°Do the vampires have any idea?¡± he asked, glancing at Orion. ¡°I think I might know something,¡± Ember said, drawing all eyes to her. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting we¡¯d end up here, but now that we have, it¡¯s best I tell you what I know.¡± Orion reached out to the vampires, and the trio silently closed the distance. Although they couldn¡¯t hear Ember speak or see her avatar, they sensed the importance of her message from Orion¡¯s. ¡°Those who went before me speak of a place one should wish never to encounter. At night, silence devours all sound, leaving one in solitude. By day, darkness consumes all light,¡± Ember said softly. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if the place they spoke of is this forest, but it¡¯s highly likely.¡± ¡°Did they mention any dangers in the forest?¡± Zara asked, a hint of caution in her voice. Ember shook her head. ¡°According to legends, they escaped by never losing sight of the full moon,¡± she said, pausing as if recalling more. ¡°Yearn for the dark; the moon will not lead you astray. The light will only lead you to destruction. I¡¯ve heard that a lot over the years.¡± The group exchanged glances, puzzled by the cryptic words. They looked up at the moon but saw nothing unusual. The moon will not lead you astray¡­ Scott thought, staring at the crescent moon. He observed it for a moment, searching for any hidden clue. Is it a code? Or is it¡­ Scott¡¯s thoughts trailed off, his pupils dilating. Without knowing when or how, he suddenly saw hundreds of champions running along ladders constructed from silver moonlight. ¡°Guys, are you seeing this?¡± Scott asked mentally, but only static greeted his inquiry. He averted his gaze from the moon and felt a hand on his shoulder. Ember¡¯s voice filled his ears, ¡°¡­ okay?¡± only the last words of her question registering. Scott turned to her, wordlessly pointing at the moon. ¡°You guys should look at the moon,¡± he said. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, buddy? We already did that. Did you notice something?¡± Slim asked, but he followed Scott¡¯s instruction. Only the plain crescent moon revealed itself, and the champions lowered their gazes again. ¡°Scott, what did you see?¡± Zara asked, her curiosity piqued. ¡°You guys should look properly. Don¡¯t avert your gaze until you see it,¡± Scott advised. The champions exchanged puzzled glances but followed Scott¡¯s advice. At first, nothing happened. But as they kept their gaze steady, the scenery began to change. At exactly one minute, the moonlit ladders became visible, as well as the numerous champions climbing them. ¡°If you can hear me, don¡¯t look away. You won¡¯t see it anymore once you do,¡± Scott¡¯s voice echoed in their minds. Book 2 - Chapter 50: Dark Forest II ¡°I can hear you, buddy. Can you hear me?¡± Slim asked, his gaze still locked on the brilliant moon above. ¡°I can hear you,¡± Scott replied, a hint of realization dawning on him. ¡°The rest of you can hear me, right?¡± One by one, the champions confirmed they could hear the voidweaver, solidifying Scott¡¯s belief that only those staring at the moon could continue communicating. The group watched the champions streak through the skies, each anchoring themselves to the moonlit ladders that crisscrossed the heavens. Like the hound extermination crew and the vampires, the champions all gazed directly at the moon as they traversed their respective ladders. The moonlit ladders varied in distance between each step. Some ladders had almost nonexistent gaps, allowing champions to cross each step effortlessly. For others, however, vast chasms separated the steps, forcing champions to cling to the edges and pull themselves toward the next foothold. Occasionally, a champion would miss a step and plummet through the void. Instantly, the entire ladder would disintegrate, sending the whole group plunging to the ground. The interconnected nature of the ladders meant that one collapse often triggered a chain reaction, causing several groups to fall. ¡°Um, so, how are we supposed to get our ladder?¡± Slim suddenly asked, breaking the tense silence. ¡°I¡¯m not sure we¡¯re going to see one,¡± Zara commented, her voice tinged with concern. Orion¡¯s giggles broke through the tension. ¡°I was just about to say that,¡± he declared with a mischievous grin. ¡°What are you guys talking about? Why wouldn¡¯t we get one?¡± Slim¡¯s voice quivered with anxiety. Zara, without turning toward the necromancer, continued. ¡°What do you notice about all the groups climbing the ladders?¡± she asked, her tone inviting him to think deeper. Slim focused on several groups in quick succession. ¡°I¡¯m not quite sure I understand what¡­ oh, oh¡­ I think I get it now,¡± he said, resignation creeping into his voice. Amongst the various groups, at least ten members were actively climbing. ¡°So, without Fi-Fi waking up, it seems we¡¯re going to be stuck here for a while,¡± Slim sighed softly. ¡°Or do you guys have any bright ideas?¡± They had been observing the ascending champions for a while but hadn¡¯t noticed anyone using any unconventional methods. Whether those who did were hidden from their sight or didn¡¯t exist was a mystery. ¡°Am I the only one curious about where the ladder leads to?¡± Ember suddenly asked. ¡°I¡¯ve been watching the champions, but they don¡¯t seem to be ascending with a goal in mind. It¡¯s almost as if they¡¯re climbing just for the sake of it,¡± she commented, her brow furrowed in thought. ¡°It¡¯s the moon,¡± Scott answered, his voice steady. ¡°It may not look like it, but that¡¯s their destination.¡± Orion resisted the urge to turn toward Scott. Adjusting his glasses, he continued to stare intently at the moon, along with the other champions. The massive, glowing rock in the sky appeared unchanged, devoid of anything unusual. ¡°What do you see?¡± Zara asked, squinting. ¡°I can¡¯t see anything, no matter how hard I look.¡± ¡°A portal,¡± Scott explained, a hint of excitement in his tone. ¡°If you remember the judgment road, there¡¯s something similar leading to the portal.¡± ¡°Are those judges also present?¡± Slim suddenly inquired, his voice low. ¡°Yes,¡± Scott confirmed. ¡°They¡¯re actively stopping some groups from entering the portal while others are granted access.¡± ¡°How strange,¡± Orion murmured, stroking his chin thoughtfully. Although he had never met the judges personally, he had gathered enough information through his interactions and data collection. His eyes gleamed with a new theory. ¡°I have a hunch they¡¯re stopping those who didn¡¯t use the ladder to get up there. The judges, by convention, do not oppose those who follow the rules. So, it¡¯s likely they¡¯re preventing rule-breakers from using the portal.¡± ¡°That sounds like a valid theory,¡± Ember commented, her eyes narrowing. ¡°If it¡¯s those pesky judges, then there¡¯s nothing to worry about. It will be fun hunting them once again.¡± Scott, Slim, and Zara wore thin smiles, memories of their first encounter with the dragonkin surfacing. Back then, they had fled from the judges with all their might while Ember actively hunted them. ¡°It¡¯s good we know what¡¯s going on up there, but we still need to figure out a way to get there,¡± Slim said, his voice tinged with frustration. ¡°Any ideas?¡± Silence enveloped the group as each champion racked their brain for a solution. Scott opened a private channel and sent a message to Ember, ¡°Do your discs work?¡± ¡°Let me give it a try,¡± she replied. With a thought, lightning crackled around the dragonkin, and her golden discs materialized beneath her feet, lifting her off the ground. At that moment, Scott, still focused on the moon, frowned. The hammer of the mad god appeared from the nihilistic zone, nestling in his hand. Without warning, and with his attention still fixed on the heavenly body, he stepped in front of Ember and swung the eerie weapon with all his might. Instantly, a sparkle glimmered, and a massive flaming rod flew toward the surrounding trees. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Send them away,¡± Scott instructed urgently, a note of anxiety in his voice. Barely seconds after he spoke, five more flaming rods descended toward Ember¡¯s position, each one faster than the last. The discs vanished, and Ember landed gracefully on her feet. Scott struck all five rods in quick succession, altering their trajectories. Crimson flames erupted from different locations nearby, but the explosions and the sound of licking flames were swallowed by the oppressive silence. The champions could feel the warmth on their bodies, but apart from Scott, none of them had seen or detected the flaming projectiles hurtling toward them. ¡°Did you guys feel those tremors? What the hell was that?¡± Slim asked, his voice tinged with unease. ¡°I feel warmer than before, and I can see fire.¡± The champions resisted the urge to look away. The heat from the burning trees radiated against their skin, and soon, the wind carried the acrid smell of charred wood toward them. ¡°It seems the judges are ready to strike down anyone who attempts to ascend without the ladders,¡± Scott said after a brief pause. He loosened his grip around the war hammer, letting it sink into the ground once more. Zara¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Wait, did you guys try something?¡± she demanded. Scott explained what he had Ember do, the consequences now evident to all. ¡°How intriguing,¡± Orion said suddenly, adjusting his glasses. ¡°I want to test something out.¡± The mage slammed the base of his staff on the ground repeatedly, creating silent ripples across the earth. Although no one understood what wild idea had taken root in the mage¡¯s mind, they waited, trusting his eccentricity. Twenty minutes later, Orion struck the ground one last time and stopped. ¡°That should be enough,¡± he said. ¡°Enough for what?¡± Ivona asked, her curiosity piqued. Orion smiled mysteriously. ¡°I was sending out a signal. Now we wait for potential allies to join us.¡± Most of the champions exchanged puzzled glances, unable to decipher the mage¡¯s intent. Scott, having witnessed Orion¡¯s unique abilities firsthand, understood immediately. ¡°He¡¯s doing what he did in the neutral ground,¡± Scott explained. Recognition dawned on Slim and Zara. They remembered how Orion had manipulated several champions with his staff. The thought of how many champions he had possessed this time was something they couldn¡¯t begin to fathom. ¡°So, does that mean we¡¯ll team up with the first party that arrives?¡± Slim asked. ¡°Yes, there¡¯s no point in wasting time,¡± Orion replied. ¡°But why strike the ground so many times if we¡¯re only teaming up with the first party?¡± Zara questioned, skepticism in her voice. Scott answered before Orion could. ¡°He was amplifying the range.¡± Orion chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s why I like you, Scott. You understand me. There are no guarantees that any group is nearby, so I embedded multiple waves in one. I won¡¯t bore you with the technical details, but it should be enough to attract at least one group¡¯s attention.¡± "I guess the only thing we can do now is wait," Slim said, his voice heavy with resignation. "Perhaps, but waiting isn¡¯t all we can do," Orion replied, a glint of mischief in his eyes. The mage retrieved a strange jar from his inventory and smashed it on the ground. Purple gas enveloped him, and as it cleared, several faceless clones emerged. Some sported wings, others had jet engines for legs, and a few had jet packs strapped to their backs. Some sat on odd mechanical constructs exuding steam and smoke. Focused on the moon, the group missed the clones'' full spectacle. With a thought, the clones scattered, distancing themselves from the champions, and then they took to the skies. Orion burst into a fit of delirious laughter. "I see it," he declared, a twisted smile spreading across his lips. The champions noticed several blurs streaking down from the fluorescent moon. Before they could utter a word, flaming rods struck the clones, incinerating them and their constructs instantly. Tremors rocked the area, setting more trees ablaze. Distorted figures emerged from the inferno; their screams swallowed by the silence. Like a hydra¡¯s head, each clone sprouted another and took to the skies once more. Another barrage of flaming rods descended, reducing the clones to ashes. Yet, from the ashes, even more clones emerged, and the inferno spread further. "Ladies, a little help with the flames would be great. I doubt anyone here fancies being burned alive or asphyxiated," Orion giggled, directing his words at the vampires. "Illena, Oana, do it," Ivona commanded through her party channel. Oana chanted, her voice inaudible but resonating with power. Azure light covered her eyes, her hair flailing wildly. The surrounding vegetation, untouched by flames, trembled and desiccated. Moisture hovered above the dried plants and spread out, extinguishing the flames like a wave. Illena, on the other hand, performed a series of hand seals, summoning a terrifying gust that dispersed the noxious gases. Orion, eyes still fixed on the moon, smiled. Although his clones were faceless, he could still sense everything through their shared senses. There''s still so much to explore. I should also investigate underground and send some clones to experience other areas of the forest too. If I¡¯m lucky, I might be able to experiment with a few creatures or even champions, Orion mused, his lips curving upwards. "Are you guys prepared for a fight?" Scott suddenly asked, breaking the silence. "Huh? Are there enemies nearby?" Zara responded, her stance becoming guarded. Ember and Orion assumed a more serious demeanor, and Slim readied himself to unleash his domain. The vampires moved closer to each other, preparing for any eventuality. "There are no enemies nearby, at least none that I can detect," Scott clarified, pointing towards the moon. "I¡¯m asking if you¡¯re ready to fight those guys." Silence lingered on the channel, thick and tense. Ember was the first to break it. "I think you¡¯re missing a step. We need to get there first before we can think about fighting them," she said, her voice steady but urgent. ¡°There probably won¡¯t be a need for a fight,¡± Orion chimed in, his tone almost casual. ¡°When our allies arrive, we can simply climb like everyone else. Unless something different has happened,¡± he added, a hint of curiosity in his voice. Another pause, then Slim cursed under his breath. ¡°Fuck. How many of them?¡± he asked, his voice tight with frustration. ¡°More than a dozen,¡± Scott replied, his words heavy with implication. The champions¡¯ expressions darkened. They knew Slim referred to the judges of light. More than a dozen of them could mean serious trouble. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting this,¡± Orion mused, his tone ambiguous. ¡°It seems my little experiment has irritated them.¡± It was unclear if he felt remorse or a perverse sense of satisfaction. Despite Scott¡¯s warning, the champions still couldn¡¯t sense the judges. They steeled themselves, mentally preparing for the battle that loomed. ¡°Do you trust me?¡± Scott¡¯s voice cut through the tension suddenly. Slim responded with a groan. ¡°Anytime someone says that, they¡¯re about to do something batshit crazy. Please don¡¯t tell me that¡¯s the case.¡± Scott¡¯s voice was calm, reassuring. ¡°It might feel weird for a bit, but I promise you¡¯ll be okay. I have something I want to try out.¡± As he spoke, his shadow expanded, covering the spot where his companions stood. Before anyone could protest, the inky darkness swallowed them. Scott turned his focus to a champion climbing the ladder, his gaze fixed on the champion¡¯s shadow. Without a word, his physical form began to shimmer and fade. The shadow of the oblivious champion darkened ominously. Just as Scott¡¯s body turned intangible, several flaming rods crashed down where he had been standing moments before, obliterating everything within a kilometer. Book 2 - Chapter 51: Dark Forest III (Book 2 End) A massive mushroom cloud enveloped the impacted area of the forest, tremors rippling outward like shockwaves. Champions glimpsed the rising inferno in their peripheral vision but continued navigating the crisscrossing ladders with determined focus. Scott''s oblivious shadow host paused mid-ascent, a sudden, ominous chill creeping up his spine. He averted his gaze from the moon, eyes widening as he spotted five massive flaming objects streaking toward him. The moonlit ladder beneath him vanished, and he, along with several others who had sensed the searing heat, plummeted to the ground. The flaming rods obliterated their targets with brutal precision. The descending judges shifted their attention to a female orc ascending steadily. Without warning, another barrage of rods shot towards her, materializing before she could react. Ladders disappeared, and bodies rained down, the slain champions fading out of existence only to be reborn within the earth, bound by thick vines and roots. They struggled to break free, but the earthly bounds constricted and visible drained their energies. Anxiety rippled through the remaining groups. Some witnessed the devastation firsthand, while others sensed it through the chaotic tremors. Confusion spread¡ªwhy were the judges attacking? Most champions questioned themselves, and their companions through their party channels, but no one could give a definite answer. The judges, with four arms and two pairs of golden wings, hovered ominously, faceless heads swiveling as if searching for someone. Suddenly, their grips tightened around their rods, launching the flaming weapons at a motionless champion. ¡°What the hell are you doing?!¡± she screamed, her voice swallowed by the ensuing silence. An illusionary shield enveloped her just in time. The rods struck fiercely, cracks spiderwebbing across the emerald barrier. The impact sent shockwaves through the air, knocking several champions off balance. The champion¡¯s expression soured as she braced for another attack. But the judges turned their attention elsewhere, targeting another champion nearby. The rods flew with lethal intent, obliterating him and his companions, collateral damage sweeping through the ranks. The judges continued their relentless assault. Each throw brought further devastation, soon igniting a massive inferno beneath the brilliant lattice of ladders. Flames twisted and churned, and a sea of blazing orange slowly became visible to the surviving champions above. Most champions couldn¡¯t understand why the judges would unleash such a random attack. They had seen almost no activity from them, except when someone tried to cheat their way to the moon. It quickly became clear that the judges were hunting someone who used an unorthodox method to ascend, and the champions were mere collateral damage. As realization dawned on the champions, anger welled up within them, but they had no outlet for their rage. The idea that they were being used as pawns without any recourse elicited a primal fury that only the culprit¡¯s blood could satiate. More judges descended, each wielding a flaming rod in its four arms. The faceless entities launched wave after wave of attacks, but the champions, now wiser, resisted fiercely. Despite their hatred for the unknown person or group exploiting them, they couldn¡¯t allow themselves to fall. The struggle to free themselves from the constricting vines and roots was too fresh in their minds. Worse, if they fell, the winds would scatter them in different directions, making reunification a nightmare. Meanwhile, Scott, the unwitting villain in the champions'' minds, continued his ascent using the shadows of the oblivious. He leaped from one champion to another, targeting those closest to the moon. He couldn¡¯t understand how the judges tracked him, but he was content to let the unsuspecting champions bear the brunt of their ire. They''re starting to cluster in the same spot, Scott thought, noticing the judges converging at a central location while launching their attacks. Paranoia gripped the other champions, leading some to attack the judges, while others flagrantly attempted to ascend without the aid of the ladders. They reasoned that if someone else could do it, so could they. Contrary to their expectations, their attacks bounced off the judges'' sturdy frames. The judges retaliated, obliterating all who flouted the rules. Consequently, even more ladders vanished, and massive holes appeared in the large ladder framework. Caught between a rock and a hard place, more champions disregarded the rules. There was no guarantee they wouldn¡¯t be targeted or fall victim to the disappearing ladders. Rather than start all over again for the umpteenth time, they took their chances, fleeing to the moon. The thought took root, especially among those halfway through their ascent¡ªthe zone suffering the brunt of the attacks. Group after group took to the skies, watching their ladders vanish. The rule-adamant judges struck back, hitting champions left, right, and center with little difficulty. Amidst the chaos, Scott ascended faster than ever, using the aggrieved champions¡¯ attacks to propel himself forward. More judges descended to quell the unrest, but it only triggered more dissent. Scott''s arrival in any zone fueled more attacks, leading to unrest and insurrection. Unbeknownst to the champions, the source of their misery climbed unimpeded, nearing his destination. The further he traveled, the better he masked himself within the shadows, becoming indistinguishable and undetectable. Moments later and far from the chaos below, the last member of a party arrived at the golden pathway leading to the moon. The champion crumbled to the ground, sighing softly and taking deep breaths. He glanced over his shoulder, the mayhem below echoing like an eerie symphony in the night. ¡°Thank fuck, we can hear again,¡± he muttered, watching the judges assaulting the champions. Several other champions lingered at the periphery of the bridge, staring at those steps away from joining them. The small skirmish had transformed into a full-blown war, neither party holding back. ¡°How did this happen?¡± an elf suddenly asked, his narrowed gaze focused on the battle. ¡°I don¡¯t give a fuck, to be honest,¡± his companion replied nonchalantly. The elf sighed, glancing at the indifferent beastman. ¡°That could have been us.¡± ¡°Sucks to be them, but I¡¯m glad we¡¯re not there,¡± the beastman retorted. ¡°I¡¯m not losing sleep over it, so why should I bother?¡± ¡°Typical beastman,¡± a lizardman snorted. ¡°You only know how to reason with those useless things between your legs.¡± The beastman¡¯s muscles tensed as he took a step forward, glaring at the lizardman. Her slit eyes met his, fingers gliding over the daggers strapped to her waist. The elf quickly blocked his companion¡¯s advance, while a figure in full armor stepped in front of the lizardman. ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡± the elf snapped. ¡°We don¡¯t know if skirmishes between groups are permitted. Are you that desperate to get us in trouble?¡± The armored figure remained silent, staring at the beastman. The lizardman smirked cynically, but the beastman soon relaxed his muscles. He shook his head and retreated. Several champions watched the potential conflict with varying levels of interest. Those hoping the duo would serve as guinea pigs to confirm their conjectures were left disappointed. However, the possibility of chaos repeating itself on the bridge plagued the minds of many. New groups of champions reached the bridge, while others hurried toward the portal, fearing that lingering would trigger unmitigated disaster. Among the newcomers, the shadow of one champion twisted and contorted until a figure emerged from the darkness. Witnesses hurriedly retreated, and even the champion whose shadow had been hijacked was confused, noticing several champions avoiding him. A much larger and darker shadow appeared next to Scott as his companions exited the nihilistic zone. Terror twisted the visages of the vampires, while Zara and Slim stood petrified with fear. Ember groaned softly, defiance in her eyes as she staggered forward, while Orion laughed ecstatically, his face the epitome of lunacy. The imprint of madness activated within the champions, gradually restoring their visages to normal. The vampires, however, remained unchanged, fear palpable in their eyes as they stared at Scott. ¡°Scott, how did you survive in that place for over a year?¡± Zara''s voice was a soft murmur, her ability to hear again a faint echo compared to the harrowing experience of the nihilistic zone. Despite their efforts, the way they looked at Scott had shifted, except for Orion. Ignoring the curious glances from his companions, Scott stepped forward, his voice steady, ¡°We shouldn¡¯t delay.¡± The hound extermination crew quickly followed, but the vampires lingered, their eyes still wide from the ordeal. Their breathing quickened, and the hairs on their arms stood on end, cold sweat covering their backs. Orion''s voice echoed in the minds of the trio. ¡°I understand what you¡¯re feeling, but we don¡¯t have the luxury of time to sort out your emotions.¡± Ivona and her sisters took deep breaths, attempting to calm their nerves, but the effort only heightened their anxiety. Wordlessly, they each retrieved three blood bags from their inventory, emptying them quickly. The vampires'' eyes glowed with a murderous hue as blackened veins marred their pristine skin. They took deep breaths again, and the tremors in their eyes and legs ceased. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit,¡± Orion commented mentally, a giggle in his tone. The trio discarded the empty blood bags and joined the rest of the group, lingering at the rear. Though they had forced themselves out of their stupor, they couldn¡¯t bring themselves to come close to Scott. Explosions echoed from the battle below, tremors slowly shaking the golden pathway. Champions raced with all their might toward the massive spinning portal at the end of the road, some eyeing the hundreds of judges guarding it. Although the judges restricted no one from entry, Scott and his companions didn¡¯t expect such leniency. They noticed two portals being guarded: a massive one with golden flashes intertwined with gray, and a smaller one with gray flashes intertwined with blackened swirls. ¡°Which portal are we choosing?¡± Slim asked suddenly. ¡°The big one,¡± Scott, Zara, Orion, and Ember said in unison. The smaller portal exuded an ominous aura that none of them wanted to explore. ¡°I had the same thought,¡± Slim said. ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan? Are we going to force our way¡­¡± His words were cut off by a cataclysmic explosion that shook the pathway. A few champions stumbled while others staggered, but no one fell. At that moment, the stationary judges simultaneously turned toward Scott and his companions, as if silently announcing their responsibility for the chaos. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Several champions distanced themselves from the hound extermination crew and the vampires, sensing that this group might be the cause of the mayhem. Scott stepped forward, indifferent to the probing gazes. On his tenth step, however, he paused, narrowing his eyes at the larger portal. Orion and Ember stopped a few paces behind, while Slim, Zara, and the vampires lingered at the rear. ¡°You guys feel it too, right?¡± Orion asked mentally, his eyes fixed on the faint but eerie sparks emanating from the portal. ¡°Something is coming,¡± Ember said, her demeanor turning serious. ¡°And whatever it is, it¡¯s bad news.¡± ¡°This is the same feeling I had when we met that blade maniac in the hidden path,¡± Slim noted, slowly uncuffing his ornate handcuffs while unbuttoning his inner shirt. Zara glared intensely at the swirling portal; bloodlust evident in her eyes. Like the brawler, Scott and the vampires remained silent, each staring at the swirling gateway with varying levels of apprehension. Other champions had also noticed the changes to the portal, and no one dared to approach it. Moreover, the judges had blocked the path leading to the portal. ¡°What the fuck is going on this time?¡± an orc grumbled, snorting as he turned from side to side. ¡°Who oversees this layer? Why are you stopping us from leaving?¡± a priest demanded, turning side to side, searching for any sign of an authoritative figure. However, none appeared. Instead, the judges took several steps forward, forcing the champions to retreat.
A lesser god candidate is requesting permission to descend!
The same system notification appeared in front of all the champions on the bridge, and an eerie silence enveloped them. Some stared in disbelief while others watched the swirling portal with utter terror etched on their faces. For many, this was the first time they¡¯d received or seen such a message. They couldn¡¯t imagine why such a being would want to descend to the layer. ¡°There¡¯s no way they¡¯d grant someone like that permission to come here, right?¡± an anxious sprite muttered, distancing herself further from the portal. ¡°It wasn¡¯t that long since the administrator banned people from going to lower floors. There¡¯s no way the administrator approves this,¡± a champion declared confidently. Several champions shared the same confidence. Although most didn¡¯t know the reason for the ban, they believed there was no way the administrator would lift it so soon.
The administrator is considering rejecting the proposal¡­
The champion who had spoken earlier burst into laughter. ¡°See?¡± he declared proudly. The expressions of some champions eased, and they collectively let out a sigh of relief. However, Scott and his group, along with a few other champions, continued to stare at the portal with a hint of anxiety in their eyes.
The administrator has approved the request!
Stunned silence consumed the champions, and a screeching echo emanated from the portal. A massive golden foot followed. Cracks lined the pathway as soon as the foot landed, and more champions retreated, terror twisting their faces as they readied themselves for battle. Seconds piled up, and the owner of the massive foot revealed itself. A colossus towering over thirty feet stood proud; it had hundreds of hands like a bodhisattva, and its body was akin to polished gold. The multi-eyed entity, with no mouth or nose, wore a shimmering golden toga held together at the shoulder by a golden brooch. The judges of light prostrated on the ground as soon as the colossus emerged. "The son of light descends! May our paths forever be illuminated!" they declared in unison. One after the other, the judges stood up, returning to their previous positions. The lesser god candidate, however, shifted to the side, careful not to obstruct the portal, which had regained its calm. "Please proceed!" a booming voice echoed, resonating through space. Instantly, everyone knew it belonged to the lesser god candidate. Despite the invitation, no one moved. Fear and uncertainty held them in place, unsure of the consequences of their actions. "Buddy, how fucked are we?" Slim''s voice cut through the tense silence on the party channel. "We can''t beat that thing," Scott declared bluntly, his eyes fixed on the golden behemoth. The sheer magnitude of their opponent dwarfed any challenge they had faced before. "Can we sneak in?" Zara''s voice trembled with unease. The memory of the nihilistic zone filled her with terror, yet she couldn''t think of another viable method. "It''s too late for that," Ember interjected before Scott could respond. "Everything, down to the tiniest particle, is already within his vision. We don¡¯t want to provoke him, especially since he has permission to be here." Orion suddenly chuckled, his defiant expression belying his words. "It seems we are royally fucked then." Despite his grim declaration, the mage''s eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and madness, a stark contrast to the seriousness of the situation. Meanwhile, the other champions debated amongst themselves the reason for the lesser god candidate¡¯s presence, but none could come to a valid conclusion. Moments later, Scott and his companions marched forward, their resolve hardening with each step. The vampires, however, hung back, seeing no reason to put themselves in harm¡¯s way. The hound extermination crew became the center of attention, their eccentricity standing out as they focused on the portal ahead. Just a few meters from their goal, the judges blocked the swirling gateway. Scott and his companions paused. "I thought you said we can proceed?" the voidweaver muttered, glaring at the gigantic lesser god candidate. "You can," the lesser god candidate replied. "But not through there," it added, pointing towards a smaller portal. "You''re to use that." Scott and his companions followed the direction of the outstretched hand, frowns deepening as they saw the indicated portal. "What if we say no?" Scott challenged, stepping forward defiantly. Shock rippled through the gathered champions, their faces betraying a mix of confusion and intrigue. Murmurs filled the air, but no one stepped forward to intervene. ¡°You and your companions can choose not to enter, but you lack the qualifications to pass through the light gate,¡± the lesser god candidate announced, its voice resonating with authority. ¡°You have flouted the rules, and you must suffer the consequences.¡± It turned its gaze to Scott, its numerous hands forming an intricate seal. ¡°If you dare disregard my warnings, I shall punish you as the son of light,¡± it declared. A massive golden wheel materialized behind the lesser god candidate, spinning slowly at first. Several champions dropped to their knees, the judges following suit. Scott and his companions, however, stood firm. A swirling darkness spread beneath their feet, absorbing the oppressive force. They glared at the lesser god candidate, unwilling to retreat but cautious of the spinning wheel¡¯s potential. ¡°What if we go back down and follow the due process?¡± Oana, the vampire, asked, her voice strained as she struggled to lift her head. ¡°Your sins are grave. Starting from the beginning would not erase what you¡¯ve done,¡± the lesser god candidate replied, its finger pointing at the portal. ¡°Your only path to penance lies through there.¡± ¡°You have ten minutes to decide,¡± it suddenly declared. The golden wheel vanished, and with it, the oppressive pressure. Champions who had fallen regained their footing. ¡°The rest of you, please proceed,¡± the lesser god candidate ordered, stepping aside. The judges resumed their positions, and most champions hesitated. A few brave souls stepped forward, disappearing behind the portal. Their resolve seemed to reinvigorate the hesitant ones, who soon followed. Meanwhile, the hound extermination crew huddled, their minds racing against the ticking clock. ¡°No clever scheme or trickery will work,¡± Ember stated firmly. ¡°Based on his words, the Order of Light likely controls the next phase of the labyrinth.¡± ¡°The odds are stacked against us this time,¡± Orion chuckled, removing his glasses and rubbing his temples. ¡°Like she said, whatever we conjure up won¡¯t work against that bad boy.¡± ¡°So, our only option is to go through that portal,¡± Zara muttered, her eyes fixed on the ominous portal just a few feet away. ¡°Mr. Lesser God Candidate,¡± a voice called out, drawing everyone''s attention. The lesser god candidate turned toward the speaker, a human champion who stepped forward, hand lingering on the hilt of his sword. ¡°Where does the other portal lead? Since there are two, it¡¯s only fair you tell us what lies behind both.¡± ¡°I do not have to tell you anything,¡± the lesser god candidate stated matter-of-factly. ¡°You¡¯re only permitted to go through the general gateway. Even if you desired to go through the alternate path, I won¡¯t permit it,¡± it declared, its eyes scanning the area. ¡°Please proceed.¡± Scott stepped forward suddenly, his voice echoing through the tense air. ¡°Is there anything else that we can do?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± the lesser god candidate replied, its tone unwavering. A hint of expectation clouded the eyes of the group as the towering being continued, ¡°Your transgressions will be forgiven if you agree to return to the starter cities. Since you have already made it this far, I¡¯m sure you can do it all over again.¡± Slim, Zara, and Ember¡¯s expressions darkened. ¡°Are you fucking with us right now?¡± Slim roared, his anger and irritation palpable. ¡°There is no way anyone who has made it this far would be willing to return to the starting point,¡± Orion giggled manically. ¡°I only speak truths,¡± the lesser god candidate declared, its voice clear and impartial. ¡°You will only gain penance by choosing either of the two.¡± Illena and Oana stepped forward. ¡°Is it fair to punish¡ª¡± The lesser god candidate raised several of its hands, and the vampires lost their ability to speak. ¡°The rules are set. Ignorance is not an excuse. What¡¯s fair or not doesn¡¯t matter to me. I will enforce the law,¡± it declared, taking a step forward. Flaming rods materialized in each of its hands one after the other, and the temperature in the area rose sharply. ¡°Your allocated time is almost up. Now choose.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll go to the starting point,¡± the vampires declared simultaneously, but the lesser god candidate ignored them. Instead, it focused on Zara, awaiting her decision. The brawler met the champion¡¯s scrutinizing gaze. ¡°We¡¯ll go through the portal,¡± she declared. ¡°Move then,¡± the lesser god candidate commanded. The vampires tried to speak again, but their bodies moved against their will, just like the hound extermination crew, except Scott. He locked eyes with the gigantic champion, a strained tension brewing between them. That Scott didn¡¯t succumb to its compulsion didn¡¯t surprise the champion one bit, and it posed a question, ¡°Will you defy me?¡± ¡°Scott, please, don¡¯t,¡± Ember pleaded mentally, unable to turn her head. ¡°Buddy, it¡¯s not worth it. Don¡¯t do anything crazy,¡± Slim said. ¡°Scott, don¡¯t worry, whatever is in there, we¡¯ll overcome it together. Don¡¯t waste your energy on that statue-looking freak,¡± Zara said, a sense of unease lingering in her voice. ¡°I¡¯m ready to unleash hell. Just say the word, and I¡¯ll join you. Fighting that thing should be fun,¡± Orion said with a giggle. Scott smiled thinly as he took a step forward. ¡°We are weak, that¡¯s the only reason this happened,¡± he declared aloud, marching toward his companions who were walking toward the ominous portal. One by one, the champions leapt into the portal until only Scott remained. The voidweaver paused, turning towards the lesser god candidate. ¡°We won¡¯t always be weak. Remember that.¡± Without waiting for a response, he too jumped into the portal. The flaming rods vanished, and the temperature gradually returned to normal. Suddenly, time halted, and a cloaked figure materialized beside the towering champion. ¡°Arcanis, isn¡¯t it too early to be seeking payment?¡± the lesser god candidate asked, fixing a steely gaze on the tower trader. ¡°Don¡¯t be like that,¡± the trader giggled, a hint of mischief in his voice. ¡°I told you where they were, so it¡¯s only fair you pay up. I had to bend my own ethics for this, you know.¡± The lesser god candidate remained unmoved; his expression inscrutable. ¡°You will receive your payment as promised,¡± he stated, his tone icy. The tower trader sighed softly, shrugging. ¡°Alright. I trust you,¡± he said, turning to leave. Then, he hesitated, glancing back. ¡°Don¡¯t you fear that you¡¯re making a mistake?¡± ¡°I never make mistakes,¡± the lesser god candidate declared, his voice brimming with authority. ¡°They won¡¯t survive that place.¡± But the trader had already vanished, and time resumed its normal flow. The lesser god candidate lingered for a moment, surveying the surroundings, before retreating into the portal. On an island surrounded by an unfathomable black sea, a portal opened, ejecting ten individuals before sealing shut. Rain mixed with hail pelted down from the blackened heavens, while thunder and lightning raged across the sky. Each lightning bolt resembled a colossal dragon, and the thunder roared like a series of deafening explosions. Enormous waves surged upward, hurling the sea¡¯s contents into the air, as howling winds sought to obliterate everything in their path. Leviathans roamed freely within the murky depths, their serpentine forms occasionally illuminated by the lightning flashes, while colossal silhouettes loomed ominously above.
Welcome to Godsfall Island!
You¡¯re no longer subjected to Divine Healing!
You¡¯re no longer subjected to Divine Recovery!
You¡¯re no longer subjected to Perfect Recovery!
You¡¯re no longer under the protection of the Embers of Life!
Your Life Seed has been covered!
Death is now a possibility!
You have been sentenced to 100 years in Godsfall Island!
~ End~ Book 2 - Epilogue Hanzazeelem strolled along a winding staircase, his footsteps echoing in the silent corridor. The faint, blinkering light barely illuminated the path ahead, casting long, flickering shadows. Yet, the examiner showed no fear as he traversed the darkness, his steps confident and unwavering. He paused, and the guarding beacon vanished, plunging the staircase into deeper obscurity. A voice, cryptic yet clear, resonated from the void. ¡°You¡¯re here. How did it go?¡± Hanzazeelem dropped to one knee, bowing his head. ¡°Everything went according to your predictions, sir,¡± he replied, a hint of hesitation in his voice. ¡°Sir, is it right for us to allow them to proceed?¡± ¡°They have broken no rules,¡± the administrator responded firmly. ¡°It is not explicitly stated, but the Order of Light has the right to punish anyone who violates the laws of the Dark Forest.¡± ¡°But sir, it¡¯s obvious he¡¯s manipulating events from behind the scenes,¡± Hanzazeelem protested, lifting his gaze. ¡°Godfall Island isn¡¯t a place¡­¡± A gentle wind rustled, compelling Hanzazeelem to lower his head again. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°It¡¯s within the rules,¡± the administrator reaffirmed. ¡°I understand, sir,¡± Hanzazeelem said, his voice tinged with resignation. He hesitated before asking, ¡°Sir, is it wise to let him live? Would his existence not threaten the continuation of the tower?¡± ¡°Do you fear an invasion from beings of a higher dimension?¡± the administrator retorted. Hanzazeelem paused, then admitted, ¡°I¡¯d be lying if I said I wasn¡¯t anxious about an impending war. But I harbor no fear. I only worry that it will bring destruction to this dimension and everything within it.¡± ¡°You¡¯re concerned the tower would cease to exist?¡± the administrator queried. ¡°Yes, I am, sir,¡± Hanzazeelem replied without hesitation. ¡°You may leave, Hanzazeelem. Good work,¡± the administrator said. Hanzazeelem stood, bowing once more before turning to leave. ¡°While the tower might currently exist in a lower dimension, it would be unwise to assume it originates from here. Inform Darit of his daughter¡¯s whereabouts.¡± ¡°What if he attempts to rescue her?¡± Hanzazeelem asked. ¡°I will annihilate the lightning dragons,¡± the administrator declared. Under the guidance of the flickering light, Hanzazeelem retraced his steps, fading into the darkness once more. Book 3 Announcement!!! Hello everyone, How''s it going? The next book was officially supposed to kick off tomorrow, but I''m currently not at a hundred percent. Unfortunately, I''ll have to delay the start date to Monday next week. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. I hope to keep to a daily schedule until the end of the book, but let''s see how it goes. I''m really excited for you to read the batshit crazy things I''m cooking up. The first couple of chapters might be slow, but expect things to kick into gear quickly. Once again, thank you so much for your support. I hope I can count on you guys in Book 3 too. That''s all from me. Enjoy the rest of your week! Book 3 - Chapter 1: Arseni Crimson Bone Scott and his companions ignored the flashing blue screens, their gazes fixed on the tumultuous scene before them. As their eyes traced the massive silhouettes and monstrous creatures roiling in the blackened sea, their faces grew increasingly somber. The storm''s fury echoed their inner turmoil, and every sense screamed at them, warning that this was a place no one should venture into. Rain lashed at them, but the champions remained motionless, staring at the chaos around them. ¡°100 years¡­¡± Oana''s voice trembled, barely audible over the thunder''s roar. The vampire''s hand reached out, trembling, toward the persistent notification, hoping against hope it was an illusion. It wasn¡¯t. Behind them, a forest of gigantic trees stretched endlessly, the wind''s howl sending occasional clanking echoes through the dancing branches. ¡°We are in serious trouble,¡± Ember''s voice whispered into their minds, still recovering from the initial shock. ¡°Do you recognize this place?¡± Zara''s eyes, wide with fear, darted to Ember. Ember took a deep breath, steadying herself. ¡°The elders in my clan speak of an abominable prison designed for those who defy the natural order. A place where the most elusive champions are condemned. I never learned its name, but it was described as a realm of blackened waters, relentless storms, and incomprehensible monstrosities.¡± She pointed to the system panel displaying their sentence. ¡°This confirms my worst fears.¡± Lightning split the sky, illuminating their darkened surroundings. The champions wore grim expressions, absorbing Ember¡¯s revelation. The vampires from Fr??ia Mor?ii, linked telepathically to Orion, shared the dread. They loathed being caught in such a complex situation but remained silent, knowing complaints were futile. ¡°I don¡¯t know about you guys, but I¡¯m not spending a hundred fucking years here,¡± Zara declared, breaking the heavy silence. ¡°Me neither,¡± Slim agreed, though his gaze remained on the ominous black sea. ¡°But escaping won¡¯t be easy.¡± Lightning flashes revealed brief glimpses of behemoths lurking in the depths, sending shivers down their spines. ¡°Escape by air or sea is almost impossible,¡± Orion''s voice cut through the tension, drawing everyone''s attention. ¡°I sent a clone into the sea. I lost connection instantly¡ª¡± ¡°Wait,¡± Slim interrupted, ¡°when you say lost connection, do you mean it was eaten, or it died, or what exactly?¡± Orion wore a smile as he turned toward the necromancer. "My connection with it was severed as soon as it touched the water. Although unlikely, that could mean it¡¯s still alive there, or it got eaten, or it got corrupted. I honestly don¡¯t know which is more exciting," he chuckled, taking out his glasses from his inventory. Ignoring the sour expressions of his companions, he adjusted his glasses and continued, "Oh, that reminds me," his smile growing even brighter as he stared at the darkened clouds. "This rain isn¡¯t good for us long-term." "I thought I was the only one who felt it," Scott suddenly commented, drawing all eyes to him. "Buddy, what are you talking about?" Slim asked, voicing the question on everyone''s mind. "It¡¯s not potent now, but the rain seems to be ebbing away at our reserves. While we might not be rendered completely powerless, we won¡¯t be able to exert our full might either," Scott declared to Orion¡¯s amusement. The mage clapped slowly. "As observant as ever," he teased, adjusting his glasses. The other champions'' expressions darkened further. "What if we shield ourselves from the rain? That should stop it, right?" Illena asked, anxiety lacing her voice as she drew the attention of all the champions. "In theory, that should work, but I have a sneaky feeling that it¡¯s only a matter of time before the protective covering is rendered useless by the rain," Orion said with a smile. "The rain is actually the least of our worries. Although my data is still insufficient, I can tell it won¡¯t render us useless. If there¡¯s anything we need to be concerned with up there, it¡¯s the lightning." As if on cue, a massive lightning bolt streaked through the skies, crashing into the blackened sea with a thunderous explosion. Orion burst out laughing. "We are as good as dead if we get struck by one of those bad boys. So, as I said, escaping by air or sea is out of the question." Silence loomed over the group as they mulled over Orion¡¯s words. The reality of their situation was bleaker than they had expected, and it felt like things would get worse before they got better. "I really hate this place," Slim muttered after a long pause. "If they were going to lock us up, they could have at least done so in a normal place," he grumbled. Orion chuckled softly. "Where would the fun be in that?" Slim cast a glance toward the mage, ready to retort, but Scott suddenly interjected, "Someone is coming," he declared, his voice heavy. The champions'' expressions shifted, and they all turned toward the massive forest behind them, eyes fixed on the swaying tree branches. The rumbling thunder above and the turbulent seas behind made it hard to hear any footsteps. The partial darkness blighting the forest made it hard to see, but they remained vigilant, each ready for battle. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Overwhelmed by the sudden arrival in the forsaken place, they had forgotten about other people being within the prison. Now that Scott had mentioned it, a dangerous sense of foreboding gripped their minds. There was no telling who or what approached, and how long they had been on the island. With death a looming possibility, they couldn¡¯t afford any mistakes. Seconds piled up, yet the champions continued staring at the forest unblinkingly. No being had presented itself, and there were no changes to the surroundings either. However, they maintained their focus. Scott''s warning had confirmed that something or someone was indeed heading in their direction. A moment later, a massive silhouette stirred within the forest. Another massive lightning bolt shook the heavens, illuminating the island once again. The champions'' expressions soured even further. A creature over twelve feet tall approached in lazy but measured steps. Of all the champions, Slim wore the most curious expression. The being approaching was a massive crimson skeleton covered in thick fur coats. Its boots were equally made of fur, as well as its ushanka hat. Three rings adorned three fingers on each hand; what¡¯s more, the skeletal being held an ornate gourd as it approached. Zara and Scott subconsciously turned toward Slim, with Ember and Orion mimicking their actions. Even the vampires couldn¡¯t help but cast a glance at the necromancer. Soon, out of the shadows, the giant skeleton revealed itself. Lilac embers swirled within its empty eye sockets while a blackened mark divided its skull across the middle. The figure stopped, observing the guarded group. ¡°So, they were here, huh?¡± he declared, his voice thick, intimidating, yet somewhat welcoming. The skeleton lazily observed the champions one after the other before freezing as soon as it noticed Slim. Slim had the same reaction as the skeleton, and both stepped forward, stopping only when they were about ten feet apart. Then, they curiously began to observe each other in silence, their expressions stern. ¡°Slim, what the hell are you doing?¡± Zara asked mentally, but silence only greeted her inquiry. ¡°Scott, do you think he has been hypnotized or something?¡± Zara asked. Before Scott could utter a word, loud laughter suddenly echoed, and Slim and the fur-covered skeleton hugged each other. The mouths of the vampires opened slightly as they cast their curious eyes toward the hound extermination crew, but even Scott and Zara wore the same stunned expression. ¡°Guys, it¡¯s okay. He¡¯s a friendly,¡± Slim communicated via the party channel. ¡°Come over, apparently, he has been looking for us.¡± The champions exchanged quick glances. Zara, Scott, and Orion relaxed their expressions first. Ember followed, but the vampires still maintained a vigilant demeanor. Without warning, Slim and the undead approached in quick strides while exchanging words amidst smiles and chuckles. The two stopped a few paces away from the others, and Slim quickly introduced the towering skeleton. ¡°Guys, this is Arseni Crimson Bones, but you can call him Arseni.¡± ¡°Hello,¡± Arseni said with a grin, before wrapping his right hand around Slim¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Who would have thought I¡¯d meet such a handsome comrade after all these years?¡± he added before laughing. ¡°You don¡¯t look so bad yourself, buddy,¡± Slim said, grinning as he too, laughed. Zara once again exchanged glances with Scott, and the brawler soon messaged her temples, feeling a headache coming. She sighed softly, her tense features relaxing even further. Although she didn¡¯t know how Slim and Arseni bonded so quickly, she was relieved that their first encounter on the island wasn¡¯t an adversary. ¡°I hate to disturb such a fun moment for you two, but what exactly is going on here?¡± Zara asked, her eyes narrowing. ¡°You mentioned he was looking for us? What¡¯s that about?¡± Arseni stopped laughing first but kept a mischievous grin as he turned to face the champions. ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± he said, nodding. ¡°I¡¯m basically here as a welcome party of sorts. But you guys didn¡¯t arrive in the usual place.¡± He paused to take several mouthfuls of liquid from his gourd. The skeleton¡¯s bones sizzled, steam escaping from his thick fur covering. His smile widened. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since a party was sent here. You guys must have...¡± Suddenly, Arseni¡¯s words trailed off, disbelief etched on his skeletal face. He stared at the group, bemused and surprised. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, buddy?¡± Slim asked, breaking the silence. Arseni turned to Slim, stammering, ¡°Y-Your sentence is only a hundred years?¡± Instantly, the champions¡¯ expressions shifted. Their system notifications had long disappeared, yet this unknown skeleton had instantly figured out the duration of their sentence. The vampires had assumed Slim must have informed Arseni, but judging by his own shocked expression, that wasn¡¯t the case. ¡°How did you know that?¡± Scott demanded, his voice stern. Arseni coughed slightly, realizing he had said too much. ¡°Ahem, there¡¯s no need to be alarmed. Like you, I¡¯m also a prisoner in this treacherous place,¡± he began. ¡°But this is the first time in my two thousand years here that¡ª¡± ¡°What?¡± Ivona, Illena, and Oana blurted out simultaneously. Zara and Ember¡¯s eyes widened while Orion stared excitedly at the skeleton. Surprisingly, neither Scott nor Slim reacted to the news. ¡°What?¡± Arseni asked, meeting their shocked expressions. Realization dawned on him, and he chuckled softly. ¡°Two thousand years isn¡¯t that much, especially compared to most of the people stuck here. Many have been here for thousands of years, and some since who knows when.¡± He laughed, taking another drink from his gourd. ¡°As I was saying, it¡¯s easy to know how long each person is serving. You just need to check,¡± Arseni declared. ¡°Check?¡± Slim repeated, and Arseni nodded. ¡°How?¡± the necromancer questioned. Arseni smiled, starting to explain, ¡°That¡¯s¡ª¡± Orion¡¯s laughter interrupted the skeleton. ¡°I¡¯ve figured it out,¡± the mage declared, his eyes fixed on the space above Arseni¡¯s head. He couldn¡¯t help but giggle.
Name: Arseni Crimson Bones.
Sentence: 20,000 years.
Sentence served: 2024 years.
¡°How did you do it?¡± Zara''s curiosity flared; her voice tinged with urgency. Arseni answered the question before Orion could respond. ¡°You just need to mentally ask the system to show you. Typically, it displays the prisoner¡¯s name, sentence length, and the years they¡¯ve served.¡± Following Arseni''s guidance, translucent system windows appeared above their heads. The group¡¯s eyes widened, taking in the staggering information. Muffled gasps rippled through the area as they registered the skeleton¡¯s sentence: two thousand years already served of a twenty-millennia punishment. The weight of what the skeleton might have done to deserve such a fate hung heavily in the air. All eyes suddenly turned to Scott. A palpable tension thickened as the vampires edged away from him. Noticing the sudden shift, Scott''s brows furrowed in confusion. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± he asked, his gaze darting between Zara, Slim, Orion, and Ember. The shock in their eyes was unmistakable, a silent tremor that spoke volumes. Arseni broke the silence. ¡°While your companions have sentences of a hundred years, yours is¡­ quite extraordinary. It¡¯s been a long, long time since I¡¯ve seen anything like this.¡± Scott''s eyes narrowed, suspicion darkening his expression. ¡°How long is my sentence?¡± Arseni''s grin was almost predatory. ¡°Infinity.¡± Book 3 - Chapter 2: Plot
Name: ???
Sentence: ¡Þ
Sentence served: Nil.
The champions continued staring at the notifications above Scott¡¯s head, baffled by his blurred out name. It was something none of them could explain. ¡°Honestly, what did you guys do to get tossed in here?¡± Arseni asked, flashing a casual smile. Unlike the others, he was more surprised by the short sentences of the other champions than by Scott¡¯s infinite judgment. The champions exchanged uneasy glances, unsure if they should reveal why they had been banished to the forsaken island. A moment later, Slim recounted the incident from the dark forest, his voice steady. Arseni exploded into laughter. ¡°They sent you here because of that? What a load of bullshit!¡± His laughter rang out even louder than before. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Slim asked, curiosity piqued. He too had felt a hundred years was too much for simply cheating. Then there was Ember¡¯s lingering words about the island. Why would they be sent to a place meant for the most abominable champions for simply breaking the rules? It made no sense. Arseni, barely managing to regain his composure, took a mouthful of liquid. ¡°This place isn¡¯t for petty things like that,¡± he declared, lowering the gourd once more. ¡°Everyone here is being punished for going against the fundamental order of the tower.¡± ¡°Pardon me for interrupting, but what do you mean by going against the fundamental order?¡± Orion interjected; his curious eyes focused on the undead. Arseni met the mage¡¯s gaze, a hint of amusement on his face. ¡°Do you know why this place is called Godsfall Island?¡± The champions shook their heads. Although they had their own theories, they remained silent, eagerly awaiting Arseni¡¯s answer. The skeleton neatly tucked away his gourd and pointed toward the blackened sea behind them. ¡°A god met its end in this place,¡± he declared. Scott¡¯s expression darkened, as did those of his companions. Zara and Slim stood with mouths agape, as did the vampires, shock evident on their faces. Ember stood frozen, her mouth open, eyes wide, unable to process what she had heard. Orion, on the other hand, squirmed excitedly at the new information, a grin spreading across his face as questions plagued his ever-inquisitive mind. Arseni burst into laughter, his head thrown back, his voice echoing through the night. ¡°Well, that¡¯s what the rumors say. No one knows for sure why this place is like this.¡± He paused, his gaze locking onto the blackened sea. ¡°What we do know is that this place isn¡¯t under the authority of any god, and no one seems to want to claim it.¡± He turned to face the unamused champions; his visage serious. ¡°Consider this the best advice anyone will give you: do not, for any reason, attempt to leave the island by sea, air, underground, or any other ingenious method you can dream up. Trust me, in the long history of this island, plenty have tried, and they all failed. You won¡¯t be an exception.¡± Arseni''s smile brightened, a stark contrast to his ominous words. ¡°But, as with all things in life, you don¡¯t need to take my word for it. I¡¯m just a wickedly handsome skeleton who has been here for a couple of years, after all.¡± Thunder rocked the heavens once more, lightning bolts striking the sea around the island but sparing the forgotten land. "As long as you remain here, you¡¯ll be safe," Arseni assured. "Let¡¯s head to the general area. The wardens should arrive any moment now," he said, turning to Scott. "You can ask them for an explanation regarding your sentence. They will surely provide a suitable answer." Without another word, Arseni moved towards the barely lit forest, his pace measured and deliberate. Slim''s voice echoed mentally, "Guys, I think we should follow him." Zara shot a fierce glare at the necromancer, her eyes burning like a mother who had caught her child with a stranger. "You¡¯ve barely known him for a second, and you want us to follow him? What if he has ulterior motives?" "He doesn¡¯t," Slim replied with unwavering confidence. "How the hell do you know that?" Zara snapped; frustration clear in her voice. "It¡¯s impossible for undead to lie to each other. It¡¯s a decree ingrained in our bones by the Bone God himself," Slim explained calmly. "Bone God?" Zara muttered, glancing at the other champions. One by one, they shook their heads, unfamiliar with the elusive deity. "It¡¯s possible what he says is true," Ember interjected. "Dragons, regardless of race, cannot wage war against each other. It''s a decree imprinted in our souls by the Dragon God. Many have tried to circumvent it over the eons, but none have succeeded." Zara frowned, unable to refute. The felines had their own gods, but none had imposed such rules or decrees. "Trust me, guys, he¡¯s telling the truth," Slim insisted. Zara took a deep breath, her tense features relaxing. "Well, if anything happens, I called it first," she conceded mentally. Slim smiled, ready to speak, but Arseni¡¯s voice suddenly boomed from afar, "What the hell are you guys still doing over there? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re planning on staying. Just for the record, you¡¯re not going to like it. There¡¯s literally nothing to do out here." The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°Let¡¯s follow him for now. But stay alert. There¡¯s no telling if he¡¯s still under the decree of the Bone god,¡± Scott said mentally. ¡°I can¡¯t argue with that,¡± Slim consented with a nod. Without another word, the group took a final glance at their surroundings before approaching Arseni, who waited at the forest''s edge. They covered the distance swiftly and entered the eerie jungle. Instantly, the champions halted, their eyes wide as they took in the vibrant vegetation. The chaotic darkness of the shore had given way to an emerald warmth that bathed the forest, and briny air had been replaced by a vibrant earthy waft. Bioluminescent flowers and moss lined the massive trees, and the occasional trill of hidden birds echoed through the air. Despite their vigilance, the champions found no traces of the elusive singers. Zara, Ember, Orion, and the vampires exited and reentered the forest repeatedly, their steps growing more deliberate each time. After the fifth circuit, they finally accepted that the forest was no illusion. Arseni chuckled softly as he watched them. ¡°Forgive me, I should have mentioned it earlier. My memory isn¡¯t what it used to be,¡± he teased. ¡°While it¡¯s lousy being stuck here, it¡¯s not all bad... I think. You¡¯ll get used to it,¡± he laughed, continuing forward. The champions followed, their eyes darting between the strange vegetation and the skeletal figure leading them into the unknown. Ember glanced at Scott; her eyes filled with worry. ¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked mentally, reaching for and squeezing Scott¡¯s hand. ¡°Is there a reason I shouldn¡¯t be?¡± Scott replied, glancing at the dragonkin. ¡°Buddy, you don¡¯t have to pretend with us. We¡¯re here for you. I¡¯d be bummed too if I found out something like that,¡± Slim said, looking back at the voidweaver. ¡°Yeah, Slim¡¯s right. There must be a mistake with your sentence. We¡¯ll go with you to speak with the warden or whoever is in charge here. Hopefully, they¡¯re reasonable,¡± Zara declared resolutely. Scott chuckled, shaking his head with a faint smile. ¡°Thanks, but I¡¯m okay, really. Things will sort themselves out.¡± ¡°Holy shit, buddy, you¡¯re smiling. I don¡¯t know if today¡¯s going to be a good day or a bad one,¡± Slim teased. The group laughed, the sound lightening the air. The tension eased, their steps becoming more relaxed as they moved forward. Moments later, Orion¡¯s voice echoed in Scott¡¯s mind via a private channel. ¡°You knew all along, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Scott replied without hesitation. Orion''s smile was radiant, his laughter a melodic echo in Scott¡¯s mind. ¡°I had a hunch that was the case, but the ¡®why¡¯ still eludes me. Any ideas?¡± Scott¡¯s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. ¡°A few theories, nothing concrete. For one, my name being invisible might mean I¡¯m not the target.¡± Orion¡¯s pupils widened as realization dawned on him. ¡°Oh¡­ I see. If you can''t reach the point of no return, the invasion can¡¯t happen,¡± he muttered mentally, but his lips trembled with excitement at the revelation. ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean the lesser gods and those wanting to avoid war are the culprits?¡± ¡°That¡¯s my guess too,¡± Scott replied, his voice steady. ¡°Our punishment doesn''t fit the crime. My actions must have given them the excuse they needed.¡± Orion¡¯s grin stretched from ear to ear. ¡°That¡¯s amazing! I¡¯m so excited to uncover who¡¯s behind this. But how did they find us under the protection of the blessings?¡± Scott frowned. "I''m not certain yet. It could be that meddlesome trader or the lesser god of illusions. There''s also a chance the administrator is involved, or perhaps it''s a party we aren''t aware of yet." Orion nodded, his thoughts racing. "True." "Have you lost connection with your main body?" Scott asked abruptly, changing the topic. Orion smiled. "I thought that was obvious. This place is truly remarkable," he said, his smile broadening. "Only a handful of places can suppress or sever the links between us. I''m confident my main body will figure it out. We love a good challenge." "Let me know if you figure something out," Scott replied. "Aye aye, captain," Orion teased, then his tone grew serious. "Surely, you must have considered the possibility that whoever wants you here will ensure that you remain here." "I know, and I''m ready for it. I won''t make things easy for them," Scott said mentally, his eyes scanning the path ahead. Orion chuckled, drawing the attention of his companions. "I''m looking forward to it," he said. "Buddy, what are you talking about?" Slim asked, but Orion''s whimsical smile was his only answer. Orion eagerly explored the unfamiliar surroundings, collecting samples he found fascinating and worthy of study. Meanwhile, the vampires lingered at the rear, their gazes locked on the hound extermination crew and Arseni leading them. "I chose poorly, sisters," Ivona said mentally. "If I wasn''t desperate, we wouldn''t be in this situation." "It''s not your fault," Oana and Illena said in unison. Oana continued, "I doubt anyone could be blamed for this. We''re likely collateral damage in someone''s quest to punish that creature." Her eyes lingered on Scott¡¯s back, a frown creasing her brows. "I feel the same," Illena added, her eyes on the voidweaver. "I''m certain his companions feel the same, especially that obsessive human." "Regardless, our reality is that we are stuck here for the foreseeable future," Ivona said. "Attempting to escape this accursed island is tempting, but a hundred years is nothing to us. I won''t take actions that could lengthen or worsen our situation." "Me neither," Oana and Illena agreed. "Good," Ivona nodded. "Then we must sever our relationship with them. We can''t be yoked with them any longer." As the vampires discussed among themselves, the champions ventured further into the dreamscape forest. Bioluminescent dandelions danced through their path, and the hidden birds sang harder than before. Muffled chatter and the clanking of metal striking metal slowly replaced the birdsongs, interspersed with occasional grunts and excited screams. The group could tell they were getting closer to civilization once more, but they didn¡¯t know what to expect. Arseni turned toward the cautious champions, flashing a bright smile. ¡°We are almost there,¡± he said, stepping forward. Suddenly, he paused, a slight frown marring his visage. Slim, standing next to the skeleton, frowned as well. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°I forgot to tell you guys something important,¡± Arseni said. ¡°What is it?¡± Zara asked, curiosity lighting her eyes. Arseni tilted his head from side to side, as if mentally debating whether to reveal his concerns. After a moment, he sighed and faced the group fully. ¡°There¡¯s no point hiding it,¡± he began. ¡°I¡¯m not sure how much the tower has changed, but you must have heard of the point of no return, right?¡± ¡°What about it?¡± Scott asked. Arseni responded with another question, ¡°Have you guys crossed it?¡± The champions exchanged uneasy glances, sensing trouble. They shook their heads simultaneously. Arseni''s smile turned dry. ¡°Well, the good news is, as long as you¡¯re here, you won¡¯t have to worry about being erased by other versions of yourselves¡ªshould they cross it. Congratulations, I guess.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the bad news?¡± Ivona asked, her stern gaze fixed on the skeleton. Arseni¡¯s smile stiffened. ¡°Should any of your variants cross the point of no return before your sentence is up, you¡¯d gain absolutely nothing from it when you do cross it. That¡¯s not the important part,¡± he paused, his visage growing more serious. ¡°The fact that you haven¡¯t crossed it yet means you¡¯re probably the weakest bunch dumped here. I¡¯m not one to gossip or pry, but I¡¯m dying to know who exactly you guys pissed off to end up here.¡± He chuckled before turning away. ¡°Luck is on your side. The people here are relatively peaceful, but I¡¯d advise you to avoid trouble as much as possible.¡± Arseni¡¯s words lingered in the air as he marched forward. The champions digested the skeleton¡¯s words in silence, neither sharing their thoughts nor uttering a word. They pressed on, inching closer to their destination. Book 3 - Chapter 3: The Wardens The champions continued their journey in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Time stretched on, the moments blending into minutes as the signs of civilization began to emerge from the dense foliage. Deep within the ancient jungle¡¯s heart lay a town unlike any other. Towering trees, their canopies so dense they seemed to swallow the sky, encircled the settlement, casting an eternal twilight beneath their sprawling branches. These trees were majestic sentinels, their trunks as wide as houses, their bark etched with swirling patterns that pulsed with an almost magical glow. Bioluminescent flowers sprinkled the shadowed streets with patches of soft, ethereal light, while a pulsating emerald aura clung to the trees like a living veil. The town itself appeared as an organic tangle of buildings, a chaotic yet harmonious blend of architectural styles and materials. The winding, narrow streets were flanked by homes of varied construction. Some structures were hewn from the sturdy wood of jungle trees, their exteriors adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to dance in the dim light. Others stood as rugged fortresses; their blackened stone walls carved from the very land beneath them. A few buildings were an eclectic fusion of wood and stone, their contrasting textures creating a patchwork of both functionality and individuality. Despite its odd location and purpose, the town thrummed with a strange, almost palpable sense of normalcy. Wooden bridges arched over meandering streams, connecting elevated walkways that snaked through the lower branches of the colossal trees. The air was alive with the sounds of life: distant calls of unseen creatures, the murmur of voices, and the constant hum of two massive, swirling portals¡ªone grey and the other crimson¡ªstanding as the most striking features of this enigmatic place. The champions gathered at the town¡¯s edge, their eyes sweeping over the diverse range of creatures moving about with a casual ease. Some of the beings were familiar, but most were from races they had never encountered before. There were no chains, no guards¡ªjust a bustling community going about their lives, laughing, trading, and strolling in pairs. Slim¡¯s gaze lingered on the pulsating portals. ¡°Where do those portals lead to?¡± he asked, pointing at the humming gateways. Arseni followed Slim¡¯s outstretched arm, a puzzled expression crossing his face. ¡°Huh? What are you talking about?¡± Slim and the rest of the hound extermination crew exchanged confused glances, taken aback by Arseni¡¯s response. Zara stepped forward, her brow furrowing. ¡°What do you mean, what is he talking about?¡± She pointed at the two massive, swirling masses of color. ¡°Can¡¯t you see those gigantic portals over there?¡± Her finger remained outstretched, her eyes narrowing in frustration as she emphasized the obvious. Arseni frowned, staring at the spot the feline pointed at. No matter how hard he looked, he saw only the familiar buildings. A soft chuckle escaped Arseni''s lips, breaking the silence. "I don¡¯t know if you guys are playing some elaborate prank on me, but I don¡¯t mind," he said, smiling as he took a step forward. "The wardens will be arriving shortly. They''ll brief you on the dos and don¡¯ts." He pointed toward one of several thatched houses. "That¡¯s my place. Don¡¯t be a stranger, okay? I¡¯ll be sure to treat you to some¡ª" Arseni''s words trailed off as a sharp ringing echoed through the town. From the gray portal, several beings emerged, and all activity ceased as the winged creatures stepped out. Scott narrowed his gaze. Aren''t these the same creatures I saw when I first fought the titan? he thought. "Talk about timing," Arseni muttered. "You¡¯re in luck. The wardens have arrived." He turned toward the champions, smiling. "You should meet them as soon as possible. They will assign you a house and other resources you need to make your stay comfortable." Then he turned to Scott specifically. ¡°Remember to plead your case with them. They will hear you out,¡± he advised. The skeleton waved at the group and marched forward before any of them could retort. Their attention, however, was fixed on the winged creatures slowly descending. They had humanoid forms, covered by massive, feathery wings. A flaming crown hovered a few inches above their heads while golden rings, circling their heads, obscured their eyes. The androgynous beings exuded a beauty that mortals could only ascribe to gods, yet a lingering sense of danger gripped those who stared at the seemingly harmless creatures. The wardens, a dozen in number, broke into smaller groups of three, with one group descending toward where Scott and his companions lingered. "They¡¯re so beautiful," Zara muttered in a daze. "You¡¯re absolutely right about that¡­" Ember replied, her eyes filled with yearning. Slim and the vampires wore stunned expressions as they admired the otherworldly wardens. Meanwhile, a delirious gleam covered Orion¡¯s face, the mage whispering inaudible words amidst giggles. Scott¡¯s gaze alternated between the wardens and his companions. What¡¯s gotten into them? Scott wondered. The wardens were undeniably beautiful, but their behavior was baffling. He turned to the other prisoners, noting the same mesmerized expressions on their faces. Scott frowned, his gaze sharpening on the seraph-like creatures. Are they using some sort of bewitching spell? Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°We don¡¯t use such things.¡± A gentle yet unfamiliar voice resonated in Scott¡¯s mind. His expression tightened as he stared at the wardens floating a few meters above the ground. ¡°Do not be afraid,¡± the voice repeated. ¡°We mean you no harm.¡± Fear was the least of Scott¡¯s worries. If the wardens could read minds, as they just demonstrated, it made sense why Arseni insisted that escape was impossible. Scott¡¯s expression remained unchanged. He glanced at his companions; their faces still entranced. He reached out mentally, but only silence answered. His avatar manifested briefly, attempting to connect with the others, but it vanished as the wardens landed lightly on the ground. Barefooted, they seemed to hover an inch or two above the earth, their approach almost ethereal. Scott watched them cautiously, preparing for any potential confrontation. ¡°We were told you have questions regarding the length of your sentence?¡± The same voice echoed in Scott¡¯s mind. He couldn¡¯t pinpoint which of the trio spoke, but he resented their intrusion into his thoughts. ¡°Fret not. We can only hear thoughts related to the island or us. Anything else is hidden from our eyes,¡± the voice explained. ¡°It seems you and your companions harbor thoughts of escape. You¡¯re free to try but recognize that death will swiftly follow.¡± One warden stopped inches from Scott, the heat from its burning crown palpable. The creature, towering over seven feet tall, lowered its head, seeming to stare at Scott despite its covered eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll repeat myself: we were informed you have questions regarding the length of your sentence, is that correct?¡± The warden twisted its head from side to side, as if probing Scott¡¯s mind for an answer. Only a whistling silence followed. The warden¡¯s nose twitched, its head turning as if searching for something or someone. Voices filled its mind, but the one it sought remained elusive. ¡°Why was I given such a sentence?¡± Scott¡¯s voice broke the silence, startling the warden. ¡°I understand being punished for breaking the rules, but isn¡¯t this a bit excessive?¡± The warden¡¯s head turned left, as if sensing Scott¡¯s presence more than hearing his words. There was a strange emptiness within Scott¡¯s mind, an all-consuming void that silenced all thought. ¡°Would you like an investigation to be carried out on your behalf?¡± the warden¡¯s voice was audible, yet its lips did not move. Scott¡¯s companions squirmed, their eyes glazing over with ecstasy at the sound of the melodious voice. The other wardens turned toward their counterpart; surprise evident in their expressions. ¡°Why have you chosen to speak?¡± one queried mentally. ¡°I can¡¯t hear his thoughts anymore,¡± the warden replied. The other wardens¡¯ heads swiveled, searching for Scott¡¯s mind, but they found nothing¡ªonly an eerie, whistling echo like a gust of wind in an enclosed space. ¡°This is unprecedented,¡± one warden noted mentally. ¡°Beings capable of silencing their thoughts still exists?¡± ¡°Do Nihilithians still roam the worlds?¡± another asked. The warden who had first approached Scott shook its head. ¡°He isn¡¯t one of them, but I can¡¯t determine what he is either.¡± As the wardens communicated silently, Scott¡¯s voice echoed again, ¡°What would an investigation entail? Could my sentence be shortened?¡± The wardens turned toward the source of Scott¡¯s voice. ¡°It¡¯s possible, but not guaranteed. An official investigation will take a year to initiate and conclude. You will be informed of the results as soon as possible,¡± one warden declared. Another warden spoke, its mouth unmoving, yet its voice even more melodious than the first. Ember, Zara, and the vampires crumpled to the ground, unconscious. Orion and Slim swayed, struggling against an overwhelming drowsiness. ¡°You ought not to be here. Those serving extended sentences like yours are meant to be in the sixth layer.¡± The third warden interjected, ¡°However, like those who came before you and those who will come after, an important decision awaits your consent.¡± Scott frowned. ¡°What decision are you talking about?¡± The wardens¡¯ wings pointed simultaneously towards the massive grey portal at the town¡¯s center. ¡°Whether or not you choose to participate in the raid of worlds,¡± the first warden began. ¡°Should you choose to partake and complete ten missions, your sentence will be annulled,¡± the second warden explained. ¡°However, should you choose otherwise, you would neither remember this conversation nor be able to see the portals anymore. Please note that your decision is irreversible,¡± the third warden concluded. A thought crossed Scott¡¯s mind, and the wardens responded as if reading it. ¡°Yes, those who chose to remain here can¡¯t see the portal. No, we can¡¯t tell you what lies behind the portal or what awaits you should you accept the proposal. Yes, you will have a day to make up your mind, as will your companions.¡± Scott¡¯s face darkened. His gaze shifted to his companions, who lay sprawled on the ground, muttering incoherently like drunkards. He turned his attention to the other prisoners, who stood motionless, their eyes fixed on the wardens floating several feet above the ground. ¡°You mentioned something about a sixth layer?¡± Scott asked, his eyes narrowing. ¡°How many layers are there exactly?¡± ¡°You have no right to know that,¡± the first warden replied sternly. ¡°Should you choose to serve your time, you will be confined to the sixth layer until your sentence is exhausted or you¡¯re granted clemency by the administrator, as approved by the gods¡¯ council.¡± ¡°If you decide against going, the rules of the island will be made known to you,¡± another warden declared. Scott''s gaze shifted to his unconscious companions. ¡°Have my companions made a decision?¡± he asked abruptly. ¡°Yes,¡± a warden responded. Scott nodded slowly, a weight settling in his chest. He couldn¡¯t blame them, regardless of their choice. The thought of risking their lives for him was a heavy burden to bear. He took a deep breath, turning his attention back to the wardens. ¡°Ten missions, right?¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± the wardens answered in unison, their synchronized nods almost unnerving. Scott''s eyes lingered on his companions one last time. ¡°I¡¯ll accept it,¡± he declared firmly. The island might appear peaceful, but he had no desire to remain there. If his sentence matched his companions'', he might have considered it. But spending the rest of his life on the island, banished to who knows where, was unthinkable. ¡°May the gods find favor with you,¡± the wardens intoned together. This time, their mouths moved, adding an eerie resonance to their words. A deafening creak filled the air as chains shot out from the gray portal, wrapping around Scott in an instant. He couldn¡¯t move, couldn¡¯t use his powers, couldn¡¯t even speak. He felt a slight tug, and then, with a forceful pull, the chains dragged him into the portal. Book 3 - Chapter 4: Raid A kaleidoscope of flashing colors and screeching echoes besieged Scott, the world around him spinning in a dizzying vortex. Indistinguishable flashes and gray blurs whizzed past, disorienting him completely. He couldn¡¯t make sense of where he was or what was happening. The surreal experience lasted a minute or two, and then Scott slammed against a crystalline surface, the impact creating a lattice of cracks on the gleaming surface. What the fuck was that? Scott blinked, forcing his arms to lift his body upright. ¡°What the hell was that?¡± Slim groaned, massaging his posterior. ¡°Get off me, bonehead,¡± Zara complained, pushing the necromancer who had landed on top of her. ¡°That was a fun ride,¡± Orion giggled softly. ¡°I¡¯d love to experience it again, but I wonder where we are.¡± Scott turned and saw Ember floating a couple of feet away, suspended above the ground by golden discs. ¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked with a thin smile. Scott didn¡¯t answer immediately, his gaze shifting to the rest of his companions one by one. The voidweaver chuckled the moment he noticed Slim pressing his posterior on a livid Zara. Shaking his head, he pushed himself to his feet. He approached Ember, stretching out a hand toward the dragonkin. ¡°I¡¯ve been better, but I¡¯m not complaining,¡± he said. Ember smiled, locking arms with the champion. With a gentle pull, she stood upright once more. Meanwhile, Zara had succeeded in fending off Slim, who pretended not to notice he had landed on the feline, and Orion was already curiously observing their surroundings. Surrounded by darkness, the hound extermination crew stood on top of a crystalline surface teeming with cracks from their arrival. ¡°It seems those vampires have no intention of reducing their sentences,¡± Zara noted, pointing out the absence of the pale champions. She pinned Slim¡¯s head under her arm while curiously observing the darkened area, partially illuminated by the crystal road. ¡°A hundred years is nothing to vampires,¡± Orion chuckled, poking at an invisible barrier that seemed to shield the darkness. ¡°We really can¡¯t blame them. No sane person would willingly accompany us. I doubt there¡¯s a bigger trouble magnet in the tower.¡± He grinned, turning toward his companions. ¡°But that¡¯s why it¡¯s so fun.¡± ¡°You make it sound like we are troublemakers or something,¡± Zara harrumphed, slapping Slim¡¯s skull while the necromancer pleaded for mercy. ¡°But where the hell did they send us¡ª¡± Zara¡¯s words trailed off, her eyes widening as she focused on where Orion stood. A massive mass of sewn flesh and bones pressed its face against the invisible barrier, mirroring Orion¡¯s whimsical grin. Bloodshot eyes locked onto the champions, and the grotesque figure¡¯s smile widened, its teeth glinting in the dim light. Zara instinctively released Slim, who turned toward the barrier, sensing the change in her demeanor. ¡°What the hell is that thing?¡± Slim muttered, his face stern. Scott and Ember shared the same thought, but neither spoke. Instead, they readied themselves for battle. Orion, meanwhile, scratched his head curiously, wondering why his companions were staring so intently in his direction. He raised his head without turning¡ªnoticing the eerie creature behind the barrier. His smile brightened. ¡°Would you look at that,¡± he muttered. The creature raised its head, mimicking Orion¡¯s actions. Orion blinked curiously. ¡°Oh?¡± His smile widened further, mirrored by the monstrosity. Then Orion burst into laughter, turning to face the creature with a maddened gleam in his eyes. The creature tilted its head, observing Orion like a child would an adult. A second later, as if understanding Orion¡¯s intentions, it opened its grotesque mouth, and a soul-churning bellow escaped, like a thousand wraiths screeching in anguish simultaneously. The creature¡¯s laugh sent chills down the spines of the champions. Orion laughed harder, and so did the creature. Orion suddenly turned toward his companions. ¡°It¡¯s copying me,¡± he said. ¡°We can see that, you dumbass. Should you be letting it do that?¡± Zara retorted, exasperated by the mage¡¯s antics. Orion giggled, tilting his head. ¡°How am I supposed to stop it from copying me?¡± He grinned, but silence answered him. ¡°I have a hunch it¡¯s copying me because I touched the barrier earlier,¡± Orion said, glancing around. ¡°I wonder what would happen if we touched the other sides too.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s absolutely not do that,¡± Zara said without pause. The thought of multiple such creatures surrounding them was not a reality she wanted to face. ¡°If it¡¯s copying your movements and actions right now, there¡¯s no telling if it can also copy your abilities and who knows what else,¡± she pondered out loud. ¡°Oh?¡± Orion¡¯s brows shot up, mirrored by the creature. The smiling mage turned back to the creature, staring deeply into its eyes. A second later, Orion¡¯s smile faded. He turned toward his companions. ¡°It¡¯s empty,¡± he said. ¡°Huh? What does that mean?¡± Slim asked. Scott answered before Orion could. ¡°It can¡¯t replicate his ability,¡± he explained. ¡°We¡¯re lucky it can¡¯t. If it could, we¡¯d be in serious trouble.¡± He stepped forward, his gaze sweeping the area. ¡°Ignore the creature. It doesn¡¯t have much time left anyway.¡± Before anyone could respond, the massive creature unleashed a mournful cry as its flesh and bones began to shift and loosen. Orion turned toward the creature, smiling and waving. ¡°Bye-bye, my friend.¡± The creature mirrored his smile as its flesh gradually disintegrated, merging with the surrounding darkness. ¡°Bye¡­ friend!¡± it echoed, its voice a grotesque parody of Orion¡¯s. Shock twisted the visages of the hound extermination crew, Orion¡¯s mouth hanging open in surprise. The darkness consumed the creature, and instantly a system notification appeared in front of the stunned champions.
A sentient clone is incapable of condensing a true being!
You are being watched by one thousand gods and lesser gods!
Once again, the expressions of the champions stirred, and Slim and Ember instinctively raised their heads, turning from side to side. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
You have chosen to participate in the Raid of Worlds!
Scott and his companions stared at the system notification, confusion and curiosity evident in their gazes. ¡°Hey!¡± Slim shouted, his head turning from side to side. ¡°Isn¡¯t anyone going to explain what¡¯s going on?¡±
Mission: Stop the champions from accessing Area D-15!
Slim frowned. It didn¡¯t surprise him that his question had been ignored, but he didn¡¯t like it either way. ¡°What the hell is Area D even supposed to mean?¡± he pondered out loud.
Several lesser gods and gods are demanding a sentient clone shouldn¡¯t be able to participate in the raid!
Instinctively, the champions all turned toward Orion who wore a thin smile. The data-obsessed mage adjusted his glasses, chucking softly. ¡°That¡¯s a bit discriminatory don¡¯t you think so?¡± he muttered.
The administrator stresses that the clone and its prime are both distinct beings!
The Principality of Destruction insists the clone must be replaced with its prime!
The Ardent of Dawn is in agreement with the Principality of Destruction!
The lesser goddess of the moon is in agreement!
Visbos, the mad titan, agrees too!
Three hundred gods and lesser gods agrees with the Principality of Destruction!
¡°Oh my, would you look at that,¡± Orion giggled, staring nonchalantly at the array of system notifications.
The administrator rejects the motion!
The Principality of Destruction insists!
The council of gods requests a recess!
The system messages disappeared abruptly, and the hound extermination crew exchanged puzzled glances, unable to grasp what was fully going on. ¡°Were they expecting us to form several of those disgusting creatures earlier?¡± Ember asked mentally, her brows creased in concern. ¡°That¡¯s likely the case,¡± Orion stated. ¡°I might have ruined their plans, though. Maybe the creature disintegrated since it wasn¡¯t my main body that touched it,¡± he theorized, eyes sparkling with curiosity. ¡°I¡¯m dying to know what would happen if my main body was here, or if any of you had touched it,¡± he said while adjusting his glasses. ¡°I would rather not find out,¡± Zara said, unsurprised by Orion¡¯s words. The many bitter months they shared on the path of chains had revealed the mage¡¯s obsessive thirst for data, regardless of his own well-being. ¡°I hate the fact that these gods are treating us like we aren¡¯t even here,¡± Slim suddenly said, his displeasure palpable. ¡°Ignore it or get used to it,¡± Scott began. ¡°To them, we¡¯re just another means to entertain themselves. They couldn¡¯t give a rat¡¯s ass about what we think or feel,¡± he explained, taking a step forward. His ominous eyes prowled the area, lingering on a few spots before turning toward his companions. ¡°None of us would give a damn what an ant thinks about us. We are that ¡®ant,¡¯ at least for now. So, we must get strong enough not to be considered mere playthings.¡±
A decision has been reached!
The champions watched with bated breath, their gazes flickering between the system notification and Orion, who seemed utterly indifferent to the commotion.
The clone will be considered a separate entity from its prime.
All sponsored candidates hereby forfeit their rights!
Zara, Slim, and Ember immediately shuddered after the system''s notification. A chill ran through them, a sense of loss so profound it felt as if something precious had been ripped away, something they could never reclaim. "Are you guys okay?" Scott¡¯s voice echoed in their minds, tinged with concern. Before they could respond, a new system notification materialized, stealing their attention once more.
Estimated Time Until Descent: 1 minute!
Scott¡¯s brows creased. These bastards aren¡¯t going to tell us anything from the looks of it, he thought.
Removing the veil!
At the behest of the system, the darkness coating the surroundings vanished in an instant. Zara gasped softly, while Slim, Scott, and Ember wore stern expressions. Orion, however, maintained his smile, his curious eyes fixed on the towering creatures encircling them. More striking still were the other champions, seemingly caged in transparent boxes scattered across the infinite plane. The creatures outside the boxes eerily mimicked the appearances and demeanor of the champions trapped within. Scott raised his head, staring at the flashing neon lights hovering above their box¡ªArea D-15, it read. He turned toward the next box, straining to read the hovering words, but a monstrosity blocked his view. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, but it seems like whatever is going to happen will be fun,¡± Orion muttered softly. He touched the barrier once more, but it remained unresponsive. While the hound extermination crew surveyed their surroundings, the prisoners in the other boxes did the same. Many wore stunned expressions at the sight of the monstrosities, while others appeared indifferent. Orion suddenly turned to his companions, his smile brighter than ever. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be amazing if they were actually from other Godsfall islands in different timelines?¡± he said, giggling softly. The mage¡¯s casual statement sent a ripple of speculation through the minds of the champions. The possibility was both fascinating and terrifying. ¡°Hello,¡± Orion waved at a creature and the champions in the adjacent box. The insect-like humanoids waved back, their mouths moving soundlessly. The creature outside also waved and spoke, but neither Orion nor the rest of the group could hear its words. ¡°It seems they don¡¯t want us communicating with each other,¡± Orion said, adjusting his glasses. ¡°I wonder why, though?¡± With one eye on the timer and another on their surroundings, the prisoners watched as the counter slowly approached zero. Several champions attempted various means of communication, but all efforts proved futile. Many gave up, while a persistent few continued, hoping for a breakthrough. Moments later, the counter reached zero.
Descent will now commence!
¡°Guys, get¡ª¡± Scott began, but the glassy floor beneath their feet shattered. A mana cocoon enveloped the champions, including the monstrosities, as they descended into the darkness below.
The raid will now begin!
Book 3 - Chapter 5: Mimic Hundreds to thousands of cocoons zipped through space, each traveling in clusters through the uncharted cosmos. The prisoners lay motionless, eyes closed, encased in the transparent mana shells, oblivious to the asteroids and celestial bodies whizzing past them. Scott, however, remained conscious. Though trapped within the thick mana cocoon, he called out to his companions, but only silence answered him. Even the monstrosities flying next to the prisoners lay still, mirroring the expressions of the champions from whom they had been formed. This is the same thing that happened during the transfer from Nova Primus, Scott thought, gazing at his motionless companions, who lay as if sound asleep. He surveyed his surroundings, his expression grave, noting the gigantic asteroids flashing past the cocoons and the distant stars in the background. The silence of space felt deafening. Did they kick us out of the tower? Scott''s visage darkened as his thoughts raced. He had considered many possibilities for where the mysterious Area D-15 might be, but the idea of being sent outside the tower had never crossed his mind. "System, show me my stats," Scott asked mentally. Instantly, his champion interface appeared before him, familiar yet altered with a few new details.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Scott Dorsey.
Level: 50
Experience Points: 3000/5100
Void Limits: Infinite.
Race:
  • Unknown!
Class: Voidweaver.
Party Members:
  • Slim the Grim.
  • Orion Audeus.
  • Ember.
  • Fi-Fi.
  • Zara [Party Leader].
Title:
  • Chaos Caller.
  • Voidwaker.
  • Calamity in charge of Area D-15.
  • Minion 01.
Rank:
  • 20.
Energy Sources:
  • Nihilistic Zone.
  • Abyssal Void.
Abnormal State: None.
Blessings: Illusionary Mirror.
Incarceration: Godsfall Island ¨C Your sentence length is being investigated!
Achievements:
  • You completed the 31,456th performance in the theater!
  • Survivor of the Nihilistic Zone.
Sponsor: None!
Physical Stats Strength: 60
Agility: 61
Endurance: 60
Dexterity: 60
Toughness: 60
Skills Carpentry (Level 1).
Running (Level 2).
Survival (Level 6)
Madness (Level ???)
Hastur¡¯s Gaze (Level 4)
Hastur''s Whisper (Level 2)
Mental Manipulation (Level 5)
Void Manipulation (Level ???)
Party Communication (Level 2)
Basic Eldritch casting (Level 2)
Hammer Mastery (Level 3)
Combat (Level 4)
Fishing (Level 1).
Void Bank (Level ???)
Hastur''s Vessel There¡¯s a 55% chance your body will be possessed by Hastur the Unspeakable. Temporary possession inactive!
Abilities [High-Tier]
  • Void Manipulation: Control and traverse through nihilistic dimensions, creating portals and shadowy pathways.
  • Eldritch Summoning: Call forth otherworldly creatures to fight alongside you, drawing power from ancient and chaotic energies.
  • Energy Drain: Absorb the life force and energy from surroundings, weakening enemies and empowering yourself.
  • Reality Warp: Manipulate reality to create illusions, distort space, and alter the battlefield to your advantage.
  • Stealth Mastery: Utilize shadows and void energies to become nearly invisible, striking from hidden positions with devastating force.
  • Void Infusion: Enhance your physical and magical attacks with dark, void-infused power, increasing their potency and adding debilitating effects.
  • Imprint of Madness: All physical stats will rise by fifteen points. Odds of landing a critical strike increases by 32% when Imprint of Madness is activated. All physical stats will drop by 7 if mental state is overridden with madness. Limit: None!
  • Mind Control: Odds of manipulating beings without mental resistance increases by 30%. Mind Control¡¯s effectiveness increases by 30% when combined with Imprint of Madness.
  • Mental Resistance: You¡¯re immune to all mental attacks from beings below sainthood.
  • Fusion: Empowered by a dragon¡¯s mythical knowledge, you will be able to combine two or more synergistic abilities to create brand new abilities. Depending on the synergy between energy sources, it¡¯s also possible to combine them. Warning! Fusion of energy sources could have unprecedented consequences.
  • Tongue of All: You will understand every language, written and spoken, native or foreign to your world!
Quests Main Quest: Stop all champions from accessing Area D-15 ¨C Not Started!
Side Quest: Announce yourself at the Point of no Return ¨C Not Started!
Scott frowned, his gaze lingering on his new title. Calamity? I hope it¡¯s not what I think it is. His frown deepened as a troubling thought emerged. He couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling was sinking further and further into someone¡¯s masterplan. After all, someone of his nature would never silently endure over a century in incarceration. The only question was, who was the elusive mastermind, and what did they hope to achieve? Scott took a deep breath, emptying his mind of his wandering thoughts. Believing it was better to focus on what he could control. Although I can still see my interface, I¡¯m not sure if we are still inside the tower or not, he mused, recalling that he could summon his interface back on Earth too. Scott shook his head, dismissing the unproductive thoughts. He turned toward his companions, his gaze lingering on their status screens. Like him, they had sections detailing their incarceration. Slim, Zara, and Ember, however, had lost their Sponsors and shared the same Calamity title. His eyes then shifted to the monstrosities, encased in even larger cocoons. As he watched, a new system notification appeared.
Status Screen
Basic Stats Level: 58-Temporary.
Class: Mimic. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
Title:
  • Calamity Incarnate.
Host-Mimic Synergy rate: 30%
Energy Sources:
  • Host.
Physical Stats Strength: 70
Agility: 70
Endurance: 70
Dexterity: 70
Toughness: 70
Skills Mimicry (Level 3) ¨C Host dependent Skill.
Abilities [High-Tier] Mimicry of Host¡¯s Abilities: Abilities will be executed based on the hosts and mimics synergy rate. At 30% the host will only be able to exude at most 30% of their abilities via the mimic.
Quests Main Quest: Attain complete synchronization with your host ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Obey your host ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Assimilate and replace your host once complete synchronization has been reached ¨C Not Started.
Side Quest: Stop champions from accessing Area D-20 ¨C Not Started.
Scott¡¯s brows shot up, his lips parting in surprise. He turned from one mimic to the next, scanning all of them in a single breath. His gaze finally settled on one mimic in particular, his astonishment evident. Unlike the others, which had similar or lower synergy rates to the first mimic, this one boasted a much higher rate. ¡°Seventy-nine percent,¡± Scott muttered softly. ¡°She¡¯s not even going to know what hit her.¡± He shook his head, relieved that none of them, except Orion, had recklessly explored the area. Even if they had formed mimics of their own, there was no telling how the gods or lesser gods would react if they found out they had attacked their mimics upon arrival. And there was also the possibility the mimics wouldn¡¯t silently take a beating. Scott turned away from the mimic, focusing instead on the surrounding emptiness. He wasn¡¯t an astronomy student, and even if he were, he doubted he could discern which part of the ever-expanding universe they were traveling through. The occasional asteroid and distant stars provided little context. The journey continued in silence; Scott lost in his thoughts. Suddenly, some of the cocoons diverted from the cluster, racing further into space before disappearing from Scott¡¯s vision. The voidweaver needed no explanation. He had already deduced that not all champions in the cluster were headed in the same direction. Despite having similar assignments, others were tasked with different areas and sectors. Several days later, Scott noticed a massive orange sphere with scant patches of green, blue, and white in the distance. ¡°What the hell is that?¡± he muttered, narrowing his gaze. It was the first celestial body he had seen in days. More cocoons had departed from the cluster over the days, but a significant portion remained, each traveling toward the massive orange planet. The planet, shaped like Jupiter but without the rings, had darkish green and fluffy white clouds coating its atmosphere. Snowy lands dominated some sections while deserts spread across most of the surface. The cocoons sped up, seemingly drawn by the planet¡¯s gravitational field. Scott glanced at his companions, noticing they had begun to awaken, as had the rest of the prisoners. No one was fully conscious yet, but the signs of life were becoming more apparent. The cocoons raced faster than ever, whizzing through space like asteroids determined to lay waste to all in their path. Fiery sparks illuminated the cocoons as they pierced the planet¡¯s atmosphere. Inside, the prisoners began to stir, their faces creasing and twitching in discomfort. Cracks spread across the surface of the cocoons the further they descended. Scott¡¯s demeanor shifted, the voidweaver impatiently scanning his surroundings as they plummeted through the orange clouds. ¡°Guys, can you hear me?¡± he called out via the party channel, but once again, silence answered him. What are they thinking, sending people to another planet like this? Half of these bastards will be dead before they even know what hit them, Scott thought anxiously, his eyes fixed on the cracks spreading across the cocoon''s surface. In an unfamiliar planet with unknown laws, he couldn''t predict how long they had before the cocoon struck land or sea. And then there was the question of what awaited them below. As Scott''s thoughts raced, a distinct chime echoed within the cocoon. At that moment, all the prisoners, including their mimics, woke from their unconscious state. Before anyone could speak, the cocoons shattered. ¡°Holy shit!¡± Slim cursed, his form besieged by several clouds as he fell. ¡°What the hell happened?¡± he roared, but the whistling wind swallowed his screams. The prisoners free-fell through the clouds, unable to activate any of their abilities, a restrictive force weighing down their bodies.
Welcome to Infernia!
You will now be directed to your assigned area!
The restrictive force binding the prisoners separated them into different groups, forcing them to plunge faster toward the unknown, heads first. ¡°It¡¯s too fast, I can¡¯t see anything,¡± Zara said mentally, a swell of nausea bubbling in her stomach. ¡°I think I¡¯m going to puke,¡± she added as the wind crashed against her face. Blood rushed to her head, causing thick veins to bulge across her forehead. Orion forced his eyes open, and they instantly exploded. The mage giggled, writhing in pain, but his eyes slowly regenerated, his delirious laughter intensifying. Ember, on the other hand, closed her eyes, trying to observe her surroundings with her other senses. Unfortunately, they traveled too fast for the dragonkin to notice anything. ¡°We¡¯re getting close to the ground. Prepare for impact,¡± Scott declared mentally. The restrictive force vanished abruptly, and at that same moment, a nihilistic zone appeared above and below the champions, instantly canceling their momentum. The blackened void disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, and the champions landed on the dusty ground with a resounding bang, raising a cloud of dust. ¡°Who the hell is in charge of that stupid thing?¡± Slim complained bitterly, waving his arm. The dust cloud instantly dispersed.
You have arrived at Area D-15!
You are being watched by several gods and lesser gods!
Slim and his companions glanced at the system message, their gazes lingering on the forty-foot turquoise portal before them. Situated between the eroded halves of a mountain path, the portal exuded a comforting glow, pulsating slightly.
You must defend Area D-15 for a minimum of 90 days!
Your mission will be considered a failure should any champion access the gateway!
Penalty: Instant Death!
Please note the following rules! -Should a Calamity die, and without coming back to life, the mission will be considered a failure, but their sentence will be lifted.
-Should a Calamity die, and resurrect via special means, their sentence will remain intact¡ªno matter how many times they die and resurrect.
-Should a Calamity possess the ability to transfer their consciousness to other beings or vessels, they will still need to fulfill their mission or face the consequences.
-Should a Calamity flee from Infernia, via spatial abilities or any other means, they will instantly be eradicated.
-Should a Calamity take over at least two areas within thirty days, they will be considered to have completed their mission!
-An area can only be successfully taken over when the Calamity guarding it is eradicated!
-The Council reserves the right to make judgments on any activity them deem contentious.
Rewards! Your sentence will be shortened by 1 year for every one champion eliminated.
Your sentence will be shortened by 10 years for completing the mission.
Your sentence will be shortened by 15 years for every area taken over.
Please note that regardless of a prisoner attaining the required number of years to wipe off their sentence, they will be required to complete all ten missions as they agreed!
Slim, Orion, Zara, and Ember stared at the system messages, a flurry of emotions running through their minds. Scott, however, approached the portal with gentle steps, stretching his hand toward it. Instantly, blackened pools formed beneath and within it, transforming the portal into a blackened abyssal gateway. Footsteps echoed in the ears of the champions, and they instinctively raised their heads. ¡°Prepare yourselves,¡± Scott said softly. Book 3 - Chapter 6: The Unspeakable One A group of elven champions clad in leather armor and loose keffiyeh moved silently through the wasteland, their mouths and noses covered, revealing only their sparkling emerald eyes. Armed with an array of daggers, bows, and arrows, they navigated the relentless dust and sand whipped up by the howling winds. ¡°Vulluin, are you certain this is the right path?¡± a female elf asked, her gaze shifting to the tall and slender elf leading the eight-man party. Vulluin turned to her, his eyes gleaming with confidence. ¡°Trust me, we are on the right path. That broker is known for his reliability.¡± ¡°That aside, are you confident that strategy will work?¡± another elf questioned, reaching for a water canteen strapped to his belt. Vulluin sighed softly, his gaze shifting through the group. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t have this conversation out here in the open,¡± he said, gesturing toward a rocky formation dominated by towering boulders. ¡°Let¡¯s take a break over there.¡± The elves agreed with a nod. Apart from their desire to formulate a better strategy, they also needed rest. They had traveled through the torturous and tortuous area for months. Both their minds and bodies were weary. Wordlessly, the champions sought refuge from the howling winds amidst the sturdy rocks. Some loosened their keffiyehs to eat and drink, while others removed their boots and reclined against the dusty stone barriers. Vulluin, unlike the others, cast a spell around the area, enshrouding the region with a dusty barrier that mimicked the swirling dust rain blighting the region. ¡°So?¡± an elf suddenly said, lowering her water canteen as she stared at Vulluin. The elves all turned toward their leader, their expectant eyes demanding answers. Vulluin sighed, leaning against a nearby boulder. ¡°You all know the difficulty of this stage. Surviving is already a chore, especially given the scarcity of resources. But the real headache is finding the exit and using it¡ª¡± ¡°We know this already,¡± an elf interjected with a frown. ¡°Get to the point already. You know what we want to hear.¡± Vulluin sighed again, shaking his head. ¡°You all are so impatient. Anyways,¡± he paused, adopting a serious demeanor. ¡°Like I said, the information is 100% reliable. I spoke with a group that successfully cleared this stage using this path. Our strategy is based on their experience. It was expensive, but in a place like this, information is powerful.¡± ¡°But it still doesn¡¯t make any sense to me,¡± an elf said, shaking sand from his boots. ¡°If I remember correctly, the plan is to engage the guardians of the exit while holding back, hoping they will turn on each other, giving us the opportunity to slay them. No matter how much I think about it, that doesn¡¯t sound like a reliable plan. What¡¯s the guarantee the larger guardians will turn on the smaller ones as the information claims? I understand you believe the information is reliable, but we all know things don¡¯t always go as expected in this forsaken place. Forgive me, but I¡¯m not willing to put my life on the line for something uncertain.¡± All eyes focused on Vulluin once more. The elf still radiated the same aura of confidence. ¡°I understand your concerns. Truly, it¡¯s impossible to determine what might happen. However, our best chance of leaving this place is to act based on the most reliable information we have. Multiple sources agree that the guardians and exits are notoriously difficult to find and even harder to beat. We''ve been fortunate enough to locate two, and this is the closest.¡± Vulluin paused, his eyes sweeping over the group. ¡°I won¡¯t ask any of you to place your lives in my hands. But should you choose to follow me, I want you to believe in me. I have led us this far, and I don¡¯t intend to lead us to our deaths.¡± Vulluin spoke no further, and neither did his companions. The elves exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of emotions. Moments later, they stood upright, boots firmly secured, and items properly checked. ¡°All right, captain, lead us to another sparkling victory,¡± an elf commented, smiling as he secured his keffiyeh. Vulluin stood upright, his smile hidden behind his headgear. ¡°Let¡¯s go. We still have a long way to go.¡± The barrier covering the elves disappeared, and the party continued their arduous journey through the dusty land. Several hours passed, and the group traveled between the cracks of a shattered mountain. The dusty winds had vanished, replaced by a chilling cold. Yet the champions marched forward, their gazes occasionally lingering on a gigantic turquoise portal elevated along the path. The fact that the portal was there, just as the informant had said, eroded some of their lingering skepticism. The group proceeded carefully, reining in their emotions as they traversed the unfamiliar terrain. Leading the champions, Vulluin turned to a female elf on his right. ¡°Siora, can you detect any presence up there?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll check,¡± she replied, closing her eyes. When she opened them, a citrine hue coated her emerald pupils. Her consciousness projected astrally, traveling at the speed of light toward the portal. Moments later, she returned. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Siora took a deep breath, her eyes gradually returning to normal, but concern clouded them¡ªan expression Vulluin didn¡¯t miss. He stepped closer. ¡°What is it? What did you see?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no one there,¡± she said, confusion palpable. ¡°I searched, but the place is unguarded.¡± Vulluin frowned, and several of his companions did too. ¡°Could it be some form of cloaking ability?¡± an elf suggested. Siora shook her head. ¡°If it were, I would have sensed the disturbance in the astral realm. No matter how delicate one¡¯s abilities are, there¡¯s always a trace left behind,¡± she explained. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying that place is unguarded right now?¡± an elf asked, his gaze turning toward the turquoise portal in the distance. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Siora muttered. ¡°I trust what I saw, but at the same time, I¡¯m not so shortsighted as to believe there are no abilities out there that supersede mine,¡± she admitted. ¡°Vulluin, you¡¯re our leader. What do we do?¡± another elf asked. The elves turned their attention toward their leader, patiently awaiting his command. Vulluin remained silent, deep in thought. Siora is right. While her ability is extremely reliable, it does have its flaws. But why would the guardians not be present? Are they planning to ambush us as soon as we reveal ourselves? ¡°Vulluin, your orders,¡± an elf asked, tapping his shoulder. Vulluin took a deep breath. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, but we can¡¯t miss this opportunity. Stay alert; it might be a trap,¡± he declared solemnly. The elves nodded, a serious atmosphere settling over the group. Vulluin cleared his throat. ¡°Let¡¯s depart¡ª¡± His voice echoed just as the sturdy earth beneath them loosened, instantly turning into a muddy slurry. The elves sank neck-deep into the mud before it hardened again, trapping them. Before anyone could comprehend what had happened, the ground several feet away bubbled softly, and several figures emerged from the loose sand. The elves'' expressions darkened as they stared at the ten-man party of orcs, mole rats, and a creature covered in flowing mud. The largest orc chortled, placing his mace on his shoulder. ¡°Thank you very much for leading the way. We¡¯ll handle the rest now,¡± he declared. The group sprinted toward the portal with maddened haste, leaving the elves to curse them. ¡°Damn it. I was careless,¡± Vulluin cursed, straining his muscles in a futile attempt to free his buried body. An unknown force constantly ebbed away at their energy sources, forcing them to rely solely on their physical might. ¡°Flore, can you get us out?¡± he called out. Unlike the other elves, cracks lined the area where Flore was buried. ¡°I need a minute to free myself.¡± ¡°Damn it!¡± Vulluin cursed again. He was certain the other party would reach the portal by then. ¡°Try your best to get us out in twenty seconds¡ª¡± A thunderous bang cut off his words, and the champions raised their heads toward the deep reaches of the mountain path. Dust clouds obscured parts of the portal, but it still stood in its full glory. ¡°What was that?¡± an elf asked, frowning as she squinted at the portal. The dust cloud suddenly vanished, leaving the group with more questions than answers. ¡°Siora, can you check what¡¯s happening over¡ª¡± Vulluin paused again, his eyes widening as the massive portal turned black. At that same moment, Flore freed himself from the earthy binds. Instantly, he launched a series of quick strikes at the ground, forming cracks on its surface. Within seconds, the other elves pulled themselves out, but their attention remained fixed on the blackened portal. Siora activated her ability once more, projecting her consciousness astrally toward the portal. She whizzed past the party that ambushed them, arriving at the portal¡¯s vicinity. There, unlike before, she found four unfamiliar figures lingering a few feet away. Where did these people come from? she thought, moving closer to Slim, but quickly halted. She felt the cold hands of death caress her astral form the closer she got to the undead. Then, there was Zara, who exuded a pungent coppery scent, with reddish tendrils thrashing around her form like living puppet strings. Siora focused on Ember, and immediately averted her gaze, sensing an overbearing draconic presence searching for her. She turned her attention to Orion. Of the four, he seemed too normal, and that unsettled her. Even regular beings emitted some form of energy, but Orion gave nothing away, like an empty vessel. Siora debated whether to return to her body or approach the portal¡ªthe main reason for her investigation. ¡°I¡¯ve already made it this far. I might as well see what¡¯s wrong with the portal,¡± she muttered, her voice echoing in the astral plane. She cautiously flew toward the portal, her curious eyes lingering on the blackened swirl. The warm, turquoise hue had vanished, replaced by an ominous, mortal chill. ¡°How did it suddenly become like this?¡± She paused midway, halting her advance. A figure she had noticed earlier stood in front of the portal, staring directly at her. Siora tried to flee, but her astral form wouldn¡¯t respond. At that moment, a yellow sign flickered on the portal, twisting and turning until it formed a pair of eyes that pierced into her intangible form. A figure in yellow manifested, and Siora unleashed a maddening scream as her astral form dissolved. She awoke in her body, blood streaming from her eyes, a yellow sign flickering in her pupils. The lights in her eyes dimmed, lunacy clouding her vision. ¡°Siora,¡± Vulluin called, tapping her arm. Laughter escaped from the dazed elf. She turned to Vulluin, a delirious smile parting her lips. She gripped his shoulders, staring deeply into his eyes. ¡°He sees us! The Unspeakable One sees us! Madness is eternal!¡± Vulluin shuddered, and so did the rest of the elves. They had never heard such words spoken with a mix of fear and excitement. Siora instinctively let go of Vulluin¡¯s shoulders and reached for the daggers around her waist. Without hesitation, she plunged the dagger toward her neck, her laughter echoing through the air. Vulluin struck the dagger out of her hand with lightning precision, and another elf delivered a swift blow to the nape of her neck, leaving her unconscious. Vulluin caught Siora¡¯s body before she hit the ground. He turned to his companions. ¡°We are getting away from this place now!¡± There was no room for discussion; it was an order he expected everyone to follow. Wordlessly, the elves fled with the fastest speed they could muster. Some glanced back, their gazes lingering on the blackened portal in the distance. They couldn¡¯t help but wonder what or who Siora had encountered to drive her to the edge of suicide. Although they felt sympathetic toward Siora, they were relieved the other party had ambushed them. The thought of what might have befallen them if they had reached the portal first sent shivers down their spines. Book 3 - Chapter 7: All-Out Brawl (1) ¡°Is it just me, or did you guys feel like we were being watched just now?¡± Slim glanced at his companions. ¡°I didn¡¯t sense anything,¡± Zara said, frowning. Ember remained silent, though she shared Slim¡¯s unease. The air had been unnaturally colder for a moment, but she hadn¡¯t felt the weight of another person¡¯s gaze. Orion, on the other hand, turned toward Scott with a bright smile. ¡°I thought you were going to kill her,¡± he said mentally. ¡°She¡¯s irrelevant,¡± Scott replied, his gaze focused on the surrounding cliffs. ¡°It would be great if there was someone on the ground to spread the infamy of this area. People need to be terrified of the prospects of coming here,¡± he mentally explained. Orion chuckled softly, adjusting his glasses. ¡°You realize that it will only attract the most insane champions, right?¡± Scott lowered his gaze, meeting the mage¡¯s curious eyes. ¡°Is that a problem?¡± Orion¡¯s smile widened, and he laughed out loud before averting his gaze. ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to it,¡± he muttered softly, his words catching the attention of his companions. However, neither of the trio spoke; it wasn¡¯t unusual for the mage to talk to himself occasionally. ¡°So, it was just me then?¡± Slim muttered, still focused on the strange sensation he had felt earlier. ¡°By the way, how long is it going to take these people to get here?¡± he grumbled. The footsteps had been gradually intensifying, yet the people behind them had not revealed themselves. Slim casually strolled away from the group, sitting on a nearby rock. Orion followed suit, silently taking his seat on another rock. Only Zara, Ember, and Scott remained standing, with the voidweaver closest to the portal. The footsteps grew louder, yet no champions appeared. Seconds piled up, and Orion casually observed the rocks in the area, while Zara and Ember now sat on different rocks, leaving Scott as the only one standing. Over twenty minutes had passed since they arrived, and the footsteps hadn''t disappeared, sounding closer than ever. Still, the champions behind them had yet to reveal themselves. ¡°This is too boring,¡± Slim sighed, stretching his arms. He turned to his companions. ¡°I thought we were going to¡ª¡± A massive mud puddle opened beneath Slim''s makeshift seat, cutting him off mid-sentence. The same phenomenon repeated itself across the area. In a flash, the necromancer and his companions were buried neck-deep in the earth. At that moment, the ground a few feet away from the prisoners bubbled, and several figures emerged from the bubbling earth. The orc leading the party unleashed a loud cackle, his pudgy stomach trembling with laughter. ¡°That was too easy. What did I tell you?¡± he said, turning to a mole rat. ¡°I told you they wouldn¡¯t see us coming.¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t the time to be gloating. Let¡¯s get the hell out of this wasteland,¡± the mud dweller declared, moving closer to the turquoise portal while the orc continued laughing. ¡°You¡¯re too much of a coward, Dooghs, but that¡¯s why I like you,¡± the orc said. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of this place, my friends,¡± he declared, to the cheers of his companions. Leisurely, they approached the portal, ignoring the bound guardians stuck in the earth. ¡°I thought this was going to be harder,¡± a mole rat commented. ¡°Are you complaining?¡± another mole rat retorted. ¡°It¡¯s almost as if you¡¯re disappointed it was easy. You can wait for them to get out if you¡¯re that itchy for a battle.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant, fool,¡± the mole rat snapped. ¡°I heard the guardians were ridiculously hard to fight against. I can¡¯t see the larger ones either. Don¡¯t you think something is off?¡± ¡°Blah¡­ Blah¡­ Blah¡­ that¡¯s all I hear,¡± the orc chimed in. ¡°You should be happy we don¡¯t have to fight,¡± he declared. ¡°But to be honest, I was a bit surprised when the portal turned black earlier. Since these idiots fell for Dooghs¡¯ trap, it¡¯s impossible for them to exert any energy whatsoever, so it¡¯s only natural that the portal will return to normal.¡± The champions gathered in front of the portal, ignoring Scott, who was buried a few feet away. Wordlessly, they charged in one after the other, excitement evident on their faces. Only one mole rat remained, observing the bound guardians once more. ¡°This is really too easy,¡± it muttered, a lingering sense of foreboding in its voice. With a resigned sigh, it raced into the portal, disappearing. A faint crack echoed, and reality seemed to warp. The clear, warm portal transformed into its corrupted form, and the hound extermination crew assembled in front of it instead of the spots where they had been buried. The gazes of the prisoners alternated between Scott and the eerie portal, their stunned faces revealing their inner thoughts. ¡°Buddy, did you send them to that place?¡± Slim asked, turning toward the voidweaver. Scott faced Slim, wearing a thin smile. ¡°I didn¡¯t send them anywhere. They walked in there of their own volition,¡± he said. Meanwhile, Orion giggled softly. ¡°How did you do it?¡± he asked, turning to Scott. He couldn¡¯t tell what the champions had experienced, but they were extremely relaxed, unable to detect their presence whatsoever, as if someone had projected specific scenarios into their minds. ¡°That¡¯s not important right now,¡± Scott declared, averting his gaze from the portal and focusing on the surrounding cliffs. ¡°They¡¯re close. Are you guys ready?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not like we have a choice, buddy,¡± Slim said, slowly unbuttoning his clothes. Orion retrieved his staff, placing his glasses in his inventory, while Zara mentally psyched herself for battle. Ember climbed the second step of the shifting disks, low thunder escaping from her form. Like Scott, they focused on the same position, an air of vigilance gripping the prisoners. A minute later, a thunderous bang echoed, and several silhouettes appeared on the cliff¡¯s edge. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
The Calamities from Area D-14 are invading your territory!
The hound extermination crew stared at the new arrivals, and the calamities stared back. The group comprised eight members, four of which were abnormally large¡ªthe mimics. All four calamities of non-mimic origins were beastmen of lycan descent. The beastmen¡¯s eyes glowed with an eerie amber light, piercing the dust clouds with a predatory intensity. Their gaze was both mesmerizing and terrifying, reflecting a primal ferocity that hinted at an inner savagery. The taller mimics growled softly, their ominous eyes focused on the calamities below. Barely seconds after the system notification, a series of explosions followed, and even more figures appeared on the surrounding cliff¡¯s edge, each group a fair distance apart.
The Calamities from Areas D-2, D-7, D-17, D-1, D-19, and D-5 are invading your territory!
Slim, Zara, Ember, and Orion, each with a different expression, distanced themselves from each other, leaving Scott in front of the portal. Meanwhile, the calamities gathered around the cliff¡¯s edge observed each other warily, with neither group showing any intention of backing down or fleeing. Their eyes roamed the area, lingering on the ominous portal. Questions filled their minds, but they weren¡¯t invested in the portal. Instead, the newly arrived calamities were the focus of their scrutiny. That the five-man party showed no reaction to the arrival of several calamities sent alarm bells ringing in the minds of some champions. Coupled with the fact that no mimics were present around the hound extermination crew. ¡°So, the flies from D-14 are here again?¡± a beastman said, snickering at the lycans. ¡°It seems everyone is after the newbies,¡± he observed, scanning the groups one after another. ¡°I¡¯m surprised those maniacs from D-1 aren¡¯t here yet,¡± he remarked. A tense atmosphere gripped the calamities as soon as the beastman mentioned D-1, and several calamities unconsciously scanned the area, searching for something or someone. ¡°You all can fuck off!¡± a loud, gruff voice declared, and the calamities raised their heads. Their dispositions changed, noting a group of eight massive entities peeling out from a portal. The smallest stood over twenty feet tall, while the largest exceeded forty feet. However, the calamities all shared one similarity¡ªthey had one eye. The cyclops who had spoken earlier threw itself from the spatial rift, fists balled, crashing with momentum. ¡°I knew those maniacs were lurking nearby,¡± the beastman muttered, watching as the cyclops launched itself toward Scott, who remained impassive to the arrival of the calamities. The voidweaver casually raised his right hand, and a blackened void materialized above his head, to the horror of the approaching cyclops. In an instant, the void swallowed the cyclops, and silence lingered in the area. Scott lowered his arm, and the void vanished. He wiggled his fingers, the war hammer of the mad god shot out from the nihilistic zone. ¡°Kill them all,¡± Scott declared mentally, his grip tightening around the war hammer¡¯s handle. Zara unleashed a thunderous roar, invoking her Rule of Absolute. Puppeteer strings manifested, taking control of the brawler. Slim activated his death domain, while Orion giggled uncontrollably, his staff twirling in midair and dispersing the surrounding sand. Curiously, the sand grains tumbled and mixed, forming small pebbles which transformed into rocks, then boulders, and finally massive golems. Ember, on the other hand, ascended the hovering steps, her eyes replaced with lightning sparks and her hair flailing in all directions. The skies above darkened, and thunder rumbled in the distance. The calamities, from their various vantage points, stared at the transformed hound extermination crew with unmasked bloodlust. They expected a challenge, and no one had any intention of fleeing, no matter how uncanny Scott and his companions¡¯ abilities were. With each group determined to take over D-15 for themselves, the possibility of an alliance was nonexistent. Each knew that only one group would remain after the battle, and they each had confidence in their abilities. Orion¡¯s golems sprinted toward the calamities, their hulking forms leaving cracks with each step. At that moment, lava, massive fireballs, sword light, projectiles of various natures, and spatial distortions rained down on the creatures in quick succession, shattering some back into their grainy forms. Those who survived charged toward the calamities with mechanical, murderous intent, devoid of fear. The calamities lingering on the cliff''s edge descended en masse, their own bloodlust palpable. Zara¡¯s harrowing form screamed again, and hundreds of bloody projectiles raced toward the calamities at speeds greater than bullets. Meanwhile, baleful vortexes formed above Slim¡¯s throne, and his army of undead frantically raced toward the approaching calamities. Ember, targeting the cyclops from D-1 lingering in the portal above, took to the skies via the shifting steps, the roar of thunder and lightning deafening. Another cyclops popped out from the portal, but it didn¡¯t fall to the ground. Instead, it sprinted haphazardly, its feet pressing on condensed areas that remained invisible. Fueled with rage and murderous intent, it charged toward the dragonkin, intending to end her existence with a powerful blow. Ember raised her right hand, and a massive lightning dragon descended from the turbulent skies. It surged toward the approaching cyclops at a blinding speed, appearing where the cyclops ran in a flash. At that same moment, however, a spatial gateway manifested in front of the cyclops, devouring the lightning dragon. Another gateway appeared behind Ember, and the lightning attack exited at point-blank range. The lightning dissipated before it struck Ember, but two other cyclops emerged from adjacent portals, hurling powerful punches toward her. Golden scales covered Ember¡¯s body as the massive fists struck, eliciting another powerful explosion. Yet, she remained standing, unscathed. A crimson hue dyed the lightning in her eyes, and the heavens grew more turbulent. On the ground, the mimic versions of the lycans charged at Scott on all fours, exuding copious amounts of bloodlust. A hundred paces from where Scott stood, they spun in midair, producing massive vortexes that devoured the surrounding earth as they traveled toward him. Scott, with hammer in tow, took a step forward, then another, before approaching in maddened haste. His form blurred out of existence, confusing the stunned lycans. In a flash, the voidweaver manifested next to a lycan, unleashing a ruthless strike to the creature¡¯s skull, shattering it with one motion. Then Scott¡¯s form turned illusionary once more, and the vortex ravaged the spot he had stood in previously. The voidweaver eerily manifested behind another lycan. This time, however, before Scott could shatter the creature¡¯s skull, he noticed flowers suddenly blooming where they stood. The flowers swelled and, a second later, a series of explosions rocked the area, sending the battered form of the lycan flying, its body perforated with holes but still surprisingly alive. Scott exited the inferno from another location, unscathed. He raised his head, meeting the gaze of a feminine plant humanoid attached to the cliff¡¯s edge. At that same moment, another explosion echoed, and a massive figure landed a couple of feet in front of Scott. The charred corpse was riddled with perforations, its face twisted in horror even in death. Rouge lightning sparks circled around the corpse, while pus and foul-smelling liquids poured from its opened mouth. Suddenly, the corpse swelled, and multiple colorful flowers quickly bloomed on its surface. Another explosion followed, more devastating than the previous. The mountain path trembled uncontrollably as tremors rocked the area. An all-out brawl had erupted within the mountain path, with calamities from different areas attacking each other. Death loomed at every corner, and for most calamities, the battle was only just beginning. Book 3 - Chapter 8: All-Out Brawl (2) Plume, the humanoid plant, smirked to herself, her florescent eyes lingering on the devastation from the aftermath of the explosion. ¡°He shouldn¡¯t be able to survive that one unscathed,¡± she muttered, as she roamed around the battlefield, searching for Scott¡¯s whereabouts. Continuous explosions raised thick dust clouds, worsened by the fact that all manner of different abilities were launched at the same time. The previously clear area was now coated with a thick, dusty, yet crimson smog, churning to the whims of the combating calamities. With one arm buried into the mountain, Plume wiggled her free hand, and several flowers manifested at various locations within the smog field. Unlike before, the flowers didn¡¯t explode; instead, their petals beamed an iridescent glow, swaying with the winds. Plume wore a curious expression. Where did he go? How come I can¡¯t find him? she thought, confusion evident in her eyes. She summoned even more flowers, and they too beamed their shimmering lights, unable to dispel the thick smog. Yet, she still couldn¡¯t find any traces of the voidweaver. Did I overestimate him? she pondered, believing Scott¡¯s body had been blown to smithereens in the previous explosion. The more she thought about it, the more she believed her conjecture to be true. After all, the flower bombs, fueled by the corpse, detonated at nearly point-blank range. If he¡¯s dead, then I should take out the rest of his team, she thought, smiling. She turned her attention toward Zara, who was fighting several beastmen and lizards. Plume smiled eerily, wiggling her hand once more. Eliminating Zara was her primary goal, but it wouldn¡¯t be bad if she took out some of her competitors in the process. ¡°Seems you¡¯re having fun.¡± Scott¡¯s voice suddenly echoed behind her, and Plume froze. At that same moment, a whistling thud filled her ears, and before she could turn, her head exploded into a gory mess of fibrous tissue, nectar, and colorful gases. Scott, with his upper body projecting out of the void he had manifested behind Plume, watched as the lifeless corpse of the calamity fell into the tumultuous battlefield below. He raised his head, his gaze lingering on Ember and the cyclops engaged in brutal melee combat. The dragonkin, covered in shimmering golden scales, displayed her martial prowess as she battled five cyclops in hand-to-hand combat. What she lacked in size, she more than made up for with explosive force and unrestrained might. Scott lowered his gaze, focusing on Slim, whose undead army grew rapidly by the second. The necromancer¡¯s death domain ensured that every living being that wandered into it lost its life unfailingly, prompting most calamities to avoid a frontal confrontation with the chanting skeletal armies. Instead, they resorted to mid-range and long-range attacks. Wave after wave of assaults raced toward the skeletal army, but the ominous beings eagerly greeted the challenge with their bodies. The skeletal armies exploded countless times, but with each death, their numbers increased, and so did their ferocity. The wraith-like entities singing the praises of their king launched ranged attacks of their own, their ominous spells cursing, poisoning, and eliciting decay and necrosis on their unsuspecting targets. Scott turned his attention away from Slim, focusing on where Zara fought. Surprisingly, the brawler had teamed up with Orion, and the duo fended off wave after wave of attacks. Orion formed a protective barrier with the golems, while Zara hurled projectiles at the unsuspecting champions at speeds faster than they could react. The brawler¡¯s puppeteer strings wandered, attaching themselves to several of Orion¡¯s clones. The clones, armed with Zara¡¯s arsenal, launched themselves at the calamities like a suicide squad, intending to unleash as much devastation as possible. Scott averted his gaze from his companions, focusing on the other calamities who fought against each other. While a greater percentage focused on eliminating the hound extermination crew, others fought ruthlessly against calamities from different areas, driven by lingering resentment from previous unsuccessful invasions or simple primal instincts. The levels of the other calamities in this area aren¡¯t that dissimilar to ours, but they lack our fighting experience, Scott thought. He knew Slim and Zara had grown considerably from their experience in the path of chains, while Ember had been a formidable force from the beginning. Orion was Orion. Scott doubted if he even knew the full extent of the mage¡¯s abilities. Instinctively, Scott turned to the side, noticing several blooming flowers around the periphery of the blackened void. ¡°She doesn¡¯t know when to give up,¡± he chuckled, shaking his head. Several tendrils wrapped around the flowers, dragging them into the nihilistic zone. Scott¡¯s gaze roamed the battlefield, stopping when he noticed several figures standing on the adjacent cliff¡¯s edge. There, Plume and several plant humanoids glared at the voidweaver. Scott sank into the portal, and another portal opened a few feet away from the humanoids, using one of their shadows as a medium. The calamities cautiously stared at the voidweaver, each prepared for battle. Scott, on the other hand, chuckled as his body emerged from the blackened abyss. ¡°I know that neither of these is your main body, and it¡¯s very likely your main body isn¡¯t even here,¡± Scott began, taking a step forward. ¡°I have a question for you, and you will do well to tell me the truth,¡± he said, his gaze lingering on the system panel above the heads of the humanoids.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: ???
Level: 55
Experience Points: 2500/5600
Race: Trisos
Class: Scout.
Title:
  • Healer.
  • Calamity in charge of Area D-19.
Rank:
  • 1.
Energy Sources:
  • Sunlight.
Abnormal State: Cautious.
Incarceration: Blight Domain!
Sponsor: None!
Physical Stats Strength: 30
Agility: 50
Endurance: 80
Dexterity: 80
Toughness: 80
Skills Self-Recovery (Level 5).
Bloom (Level 5).
Heal (Level 5)
Duplication (Level 5)
Search (Level 7)
Abilities [High-Tier] Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.
  • Flower Detonate: Flowers will bloom, feeding on the surrounding energies. At their peak, they will let the world know of their beauty. The more nutritious the substrate, the more beautiful the ensuing explosion will be.
  • Search: As long as there¡¯s light in your eyes, your flowers will continue searching for your adversaries.
  • Heal: Return to nature and be reborn again.
  • Duplicate: One is good, two is better, three is greater; and so, the more the merrier.
Quests Main Quest: Stop all champions from accessing Area D-19 ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Capture at least two other areas ¨C Ongoing!
All five Trisos had the same champion interface above their heads, an obvious indication they were all duplicates. Plume glared at Scott, the duplicates subtly retreating. ¡°I don¡¯t know how you found out about that but is that supposed to scare me?¡± she began. ¡°If you indeed know about my abilities or race, you should know that I¡¯m nigh immortal. You can¡¯t kill me,¡± she declared. A thunderous explosion quickly followed, the calamities below continuing their fierce battle. Scott, however, chuckled softly while shaking his head. He continued his advance, and the Trisos retreated further, observing their surroundings cautiously. The memory of the blackened void was still fresh in their minds. They didn¡¯t know when next the voidweaver might disappear and reappear behind them. ¡°There are far more tortuous experiences I can inflict on you,¡± Scott said, halting his advance. ¡°You¡¯d yearn for death, but it won¡¯t come¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯m not going to trade words with you,¡± Plume interjected. ¡°If you have the ability, show me,¡± she snapped. The Trisos wiggled their fingers, and several flowers rapidly bloomed where Scott stood. In a flash, the flowers exploded in a fiery bang, yet the creatures created even more flowers to replace them. Explosions rang out consecutively, with rock and stone whizzing through the air. The Trisos stared at the burning area with caution, searching for any traces of life within the inferno, but none presented itself. However, none of the duplicates believed Scott had met his demise via the explosion. If the corpse explosion hadn¡¯t killed him, there was no way their last attack would. With that thought, they continued searching for Scott¡¯s whereabouts while detonating more flowers. ¡°Where could he be hiding?¡± Plume muttered, her gaze roaming the area. The only area left unaffected by the blast was where they stood, and Scott wasn¡¯t obviously in their midst. A towering inferno spanning hundreds of feet surrounded them, but they still couldn¡¯t find any traces of the voidweaver. ¡°You did all that for what?¡± Scott¡¯s voice echoed behind the Trisos, but they couldn¡¯t move. They didn¡¯t know when, but their shadows had grown darker and thicker, and several blackened tendrils wrapped themselves around their limbs. Scott ghoulishly manifested in front of Plume, both calamities locking gazes. The yellow sign flickered, projecting itself onto the eyes of the humanoid. Instantly, the other duplicates withered with a scream while Plume writhed and screamed, a maddened light clouding her vision. ¡°You might be immortal, but that doesn¡¯t mean you are immune to insanity,¡± Scott declared, staring at the creature who thrashed around in agony. ¡°Since you won¡¯t cooperate, don¡¯t blame me for sifting through your memories myself,¡± he said, stretching his right hand to the creature¡¯s head. As if compelled by a mysterious force, Plume moved her head toward Scott¡¯s hand. However, before the Trisos¡¯ head could meet Scott¡¯s hand, the voidweaver suddenly raised his head. Scott narrowed his gaze, staring at the chaotic skies, his vision lingering on Ember who fought with the cyclops. Horror twisted his visage, and without warning, Scott and Plume sank into the nihilistic zone. Ember, who had continuously fended off the assault of the boisterous cyclops, continued fighting the aggressive creatures. The cyclops blessed with spatial control remained hidden, nullifying all her lightning-based attacks. However, Ember fully displayed her martial prowess, overpowering several cyclops simultaneously. Unexpectedly, Scott manifested out of the dragonkin¡¯s shadow, rapidly pulling her into the nihilistic zone. At that same moment, the shadows of all his companions darkened, and tendrils forcefully dragged them into the abyss before they could understand what was happening. The sudden disappearance of the hound extermination crew left the warring calamities in a moment of confusion. Those who had been confronting them paused, bewildered by their sudden disappearance. Meanwhile, those who had been fighting each other from the beginning continued their ruthless assault, ignorant of the prisoners'' disappearance. The strange moment of flux lasted barely a minute before a whistling echo resounded across the area. This time, all fighting ceased. The cyclops lingering in midair shuddered, haphazardly approaching a spatial gateway, their companion beckoning them with urgency. The whistling intensified, and then a crimson, fiery hue dyed the skies. The expressions of the calamities below darkened, fear evident on their faces. Without warning, they fled as fast as they could muster, each utilizing their unique means. However, massive meteorites descended from the heavens at a speed faster than most could outrun. The cyclops closest to the spatial gateway escaped successfully, but those farther away were turned to ash by the gigantic balls of destruction. The calamities below fared no better, several forced to the ground by the intense gravitational anomaly. Like the cyclops above, they didn¡¯t have time to scream before being turned into ash by the flaming rocks. The first meteorite hit, laying waste to all in its path. The skies remained crimson, and even more meteorites descended. Explosions rang out as massive fiery lava pools consumed the earth. Whatever was left of the calamities had long been buried under several layers of lava. Surprisingly, the blackened portal remained unscathed. The eerie gateway gulped up the lava and debris flowing toward it in mass. Barely a minute had passed since the meteorite rain began, but the mountain landscape had disappeared. Instead, the portal seemed to float above an ever-expanding sea of lava. A solitary figure¡ªa burning goliath enshrouded in flames¡ªdescended from the chaotic heavens. The figure hovered several meters above the magma sea, seemingly staring at the blackened portal which devoured the devastation without end.
The Calamity of Fire has descended!
The system¡¯s cryptic voice echoed, announcing the might of the burning goliath to all who could hear. The fiery calamity flew toward the portal, but it suddenly paused, turning toward the distance. A gigantic silhouette seemed to stride through the lava sea at a measured pace. The creature, covered in thick soot, leaned as if falling backward, but its lower half stood firm and upright. Severed heads of various races, strung together by their hair, adorned the figure, and its steps didn¡¯t cause a single ripple within the magma sea. Its gait was odd and lazy, each slouching step eliciting strange creaking echoes while its feet stirred through the molten surface.
The Calamity of Torture has arrived!
The system declared again. The gigantic calamity paused its advance, the grime-covered entity lifting its head to stare at the calamity of fire. The duo exchanged glances for a moment before turning toward the blackened portal once more. Their interest in the portal only lasted a moment before they turned their attention northward. There, a towering snow fog rapidly approached. The lava visibly hardened, and footsteps echoed from the billowing fog. A centaur clad in silver armor trotted on the cooled lava, stopping a fair distance away from the two calamities.
The Calamity of Ice has arrived!
All three calamities exchanged glances, a tense silence enveloping the area. A moment later, the calamities simultaneously departed without sharing a word.
The Calamity Showdown will now begin!
Calamities, regardless of the area, will be granted clemency if they defeat a named Calamity!
Several gods are now watching Infernia!
Book 3 - Chapter 9: Calamity of Inquisition Far away from the lava pool and the devastation wrought by the named Calamities, in a region festering with plant-like anomalies similar to cactus, a blackened shadow manifested, ejecting several figures from its depths. Scott surveyed his new surroundings, the fresh scent of pines filling his nose. The skies above were turbid but calm, and he couldn¡¯t sense any tremors. ¡°We should be safe here for now,¡± he muttered, turning toward his companions who lay motionless on the ground, their visages twisted in horror. The voidweaver averted his gaze from his companions, focusing on Plume, who had yet to regain consciousness. Scott casually approached the Trisos, his frame looming over hers. ¡°Get up. I know you¡¯re awake already,¡± he said, his voice impassive. Plume shuddered softly, opening her eyes to meet the voidweaver''s. The yellow sign flickered nonstop, but her vision maintained its clarity. ¡°Who are¡­¡± Plume paused, shaking her head. ¡°What are you?¡± she asked, fear etched in her voice. Before Scott could respond, his companions stirred, with Orion and Ember awakening first. Slim and Zara lingered a couple of seconds longer, the quartet visibly disoriented and shocked. They turned toward Scott, their eyes narrowing, especially after noticing the unfamiliar creature. ¡°Hmm¡­ Trisos, huh?¡± Orion said with a smile as he shot to his feet. He observed the plant humanoid for a moment before focusing on Scott. ¡°So, what did we miss?¡± ¡°Check the system notifications,¡± Scott said casually. Wasting no time, the champions summoned their status screens, reading the slew of system notifications. Their countenances darkened with each passing moment, their expressions echoing their surprise and annoyance the further they read. A moment later, silence loomed over the group, punctuated only by Slim¡¯s resigned sigh. ¡°I knew there was no way those gods would make things easy for us,¡± he muttered. ¡°It¡¯s quite fascinating, though,¡± Orion said, a hint of amusement in his eyes. ¡°We are tasked with eliminating the champions and other calamities from other areas, and we also must be wary of named calamities too.¡± Orion chuckled. ¡°Something tells me this is just the tip of the iceberg. I can¡¯t wait to see what else they have in store for us.¡± Zara resisted the urge to berate the data-obsessed mage and instead turned toward Scott. ¡°Who is this?¡± she asked, staring at Plume, who silently remained on the ground. ¡°We need information about this place, and she¡¯s going to provide it,¡± Scott said. The attention of the hound extermination crew fell on the Trisos, and she could feel the weight of their gazes. The thought of fleeing didn¡¯t even cross her mind. She didn¡¯t know why or how, but she couldn¡¯t explain why her main body hadn¡¯t dissolved her form yet. Here she was, captured by her enemies, and potentially facing torture for information, yet her main body hadn¡¯t intervened. ¡°Will she talk?¡± Ember asked coolly, locking eyes with the Trisos. ¡°It¡¯s not left to her to decide,¡± Scott began, taking a step forward. He stretched out his right hand, and Plume turned to face him against her will. ¡°Tell us everything you know pertaining to the mission,¡± Scott declared, the yellow sign flickering in the eyes of both calamities. Plume nodded absently and began recounting all the knowledge she had amassed over her three years within Infernia¡¯s treacherous habitats. Apart from Orion, who wore a whimsical smile, and Scott, who remained emotionless, the expressions of the other champions darkened as Plume spoke. Champions seeking to best the calamities and leave the planet via the portals were a common theme. It wasn¡¯t unusual for champions to forge massive alliances to complete the trial quickly since the unforgiving planet lacked the resources to sustain life for an extended period. Calamities who fell while contending with the champions were swiftly replaced, but their portals were permanently closed, and new portals opened in random locations. This ensured the search for a specific area was arduous for both champions and calamities alike. However, the arrival of new calamities was marked by activity in the skies, making it easy for most to trace where the new arrivals crashed. ¡°Three years in this place,¡± Slim whistled while putting on his clothes. He had assumed it would be easy for most groups to complete the mission within the allotted time or a month or two afterward, but he never expected the mission to be fraught with so many uncertainties. Zara, massaging her temples, stared at the seemingly hypnotized Trisos and sighed audibly. ¡°Ignoring potential alliances from the champions, I hate the fact that the named calamities can randomly pop up anytime, regardless of the mission we are taking part in.¡± She raised her head, focusing on Scott as she continued, ¡°You¡¯re the only one who saw them in action. Can we take them?¡± The curious gazes of the champions fell on the voidweaver, patiently awaiting his response. Scott sighed softly, shaking his head. ¡°We are nowhere close to being able to stand in their presence, let alone fight them.¡± ¡°They¡¯re that powerful?¡± Ember interjected; shock evident on her face. ¡°Yes. Certain death awaits us if we encounter one of them,¡± Scott declared. ¡°Those creatures are simply out of our reach for the time being.¡± He didn¡¯t say it out loud, but the named calamities exuded the same aura as the Son of Light and Alex before he was banished by the administrator for attempting to use his authority. ¡°I¡¯m still a little confused,¡± Ember said, focusing on the Trisos. ¡°Why would you be defending the portal for three years now?¡± she asked, recalling the system tasked them with defending theirs for a minimum of ninety days only. ¡°Answer the question,¡± Scott instructed. Plume turned toward the dragonkin. ¡°My mission is to defend this place for ten years,¡± she declared solemnly. Scott¡¯s brows shot up, while shock covered the faces of his companions. The champions exchanged glances, noting the absurdity of the mission. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. ¡°She¡¯s not from Godsfall Island, by the way,¡± Scott said after a long pause, and all eyes fell on him. ¡°Wait, what?¡± Zara blurted out. ¡°There are other prisons too?¡± she asked, uncertainty in her voice. ¡°How did you know that?¡± Orion asked, his interest piqued. ¡°Never mind that, where was she supposed to be incarcerated?¡± ¡°A place called Blight Domain,¡± Scott said. Ember, Zara, and Orion frowned, unfamiliar with the name. Slim, on the other hand, wore a stunned expression¡ªone that didn¡¯t go unnoticed by the group. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Do you know that place?¡± Zara asked, curiously staring at the necromancer. ¡°You guys aren¡¯t going to believe this, but that¡¯s where Marrow is from,¡± Slim said, still visibly stunned by the coincidence. Scott and Zara¡¯s expressions stirred; shock evident in their eyes. Meanwhile, Ember and Orion exchanged glances, unfamiliar with who Slim referred to. ¡°Slim, can you summon Marrow here?¡± Zara asked. ¡°I can, but there¡¯s no need. We are both connected, so you can ask me anything you need to know about the place. I know everything Marrow does,¡± Slim said. ¡°So, what kind of place is it?¡± Orion interjected before Zara could. ¡°What region is it located in? How did Marrow leave that place? How is the weather there, and were other champions present too? What about the wardens? Is it a place anyone can freely leave and enter?¡± Scott placed his right hand on Orion¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I think we should go one question at a time.¡± Slim prepared to speak when a new system notification appeared in front of the champions.
Your outstanding rewards have been calculated!
Congratulations! You have received 100,000 Experience Points!
Your Rank has increased!
Rank: 1!
Congratulations! You¡¯ve attained the highest rank possible!
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
Level: 67!
Experience Points: 2700/6800!
You¡¯re approaching the stage of completion!
Your domain expansion is being nurtured!
Scott stared at the flashing panels, a hint of surprise lingering in his eyes. He felt no different from before, yet somewhat more powerful than ever. The formless mass whirling within his chest stirred, seemingly excited with his advancement. Scott turned toward his companions, and he narrowed his gaze. Unlike himself, Zara and Slim¡¯s advancement visibly affected the surrounding plants. The bones of the skeleton turned lilac for a moment, with snaking crimson lines across them. Nearby vegetation decayed, and the ground itself darkened, as if stripped of its life by the necromancer¡¯s presence. At that same moment, the pungent stench of fresh blood filled the air, as bloody tendrils seeped out from Zara¡¯s back in copious amounts. They enveloped the surrounding vegetation, stripping them of their essence. Some tendrils snaked toward the other champions but halted in their advance. Fearing the deathly zone enveloping Slim, and Ember exuded an oppressive aura akin to a roaring dragon. The dragonkin¡¯s skin shimmered with lightning while arcane tribal runes manifested below her eyes, knuckles, and ankles. Orion, on the other hand, stood still like a statue, his face frozen in time. Scott stared at the champion interfaces of both Slim and Zara, noting that the duo had reached levels 62 and 63 respectively. A massive jump from their previous levels, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder how many experience points they had both received. He turned toward Ember and Orion but found he couldn¡¯t access their interfaces. I wonder what¡¯s going through their minds right now, Scott thought, averting his gaze. His companions all experienced subtle and obvious transformations, but he felt no different from before. He turned his attention toward Plume, the Trisos still under the influence of his mental manipulation. ¡°How far away is your area?¡± he questioned. ¡°It should take roughly five days to reach it from D-15,¡± Plume said. Scott¡¯s brows creased, doubt evident in his eyes. ¡°How did you reach us so quickly?¡± he quizzed. ¡°I have scattered my spores over a vast area during the last three years. Calamities from other areas also have their own means of covering the distance,¡± she explained absentmindedly. Scott¡¯s tensed brows relaxed. Her ability might even be more ludicrous than Orion¡¯s. Who knows what grounds her spores have covered over the last couple of years, he thought. At that same moment, a sudden thought filled Scott¡¯s mind. ¡°So, do you know where the other calamities are located?¡± Plume nodded, ¡°Yes.¡± A smile parted Scott¡¯s lips. ¡°Do you know where we are?¡± Once again, Plume nodded, ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Good. I want a detailed list of all the neighboring areas closest to us,¡± Scott said. ¡°Have you probed the calamities there to test their strength?¡± Plume nodded for a third time, and before she could speak, Scott ordered new commands. ¡°List them based on how difficult it would be to take over, starting with the weakest at the top.¡± Without delay, the Trisos mentally relayed the information Scott requested, her features a picture of anguish as she visibly withered. The strange phenomena elicited by Slim and Zara¡¯s advancements slowly subsided until it completely disappeared. The duo snapped back to reality, confused, excited, and relishing their newfound strength. Ember regained consciousness a minute later, but Orion remained rooted on the spot, unblinking but smiling. Meanwhile, Scott had successfully attained the information he needed from Plume, and the prisoner teetered on the edge of destruction. Her once healthy, fibrous body had turned into a withered heap, on the verge of decay. ¡°Buddy, I feel really good right now,¡± Slim declared, staring at his marked bones. The crimson lines remained, and the skeleton¡¯s body seemed to shimmer under the sunlight. Zara, on the other hand, had the same disposition as a bloodthirsty maniac, seemingly restraining the urge to unleash her primal desires. Ember exuded an overbearing aura, lightning sparks occasionally dancing off her body. ¡°Congratulations on leveling up,¡± Scott said with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ve gotten the locations of other areas closest to us and the strength of the calamities defending them. We can make a concrete strategy once Orion wakes up,¡± Scott said, glancing at the motionless mage. ¡°How long has he been like that?¡± Zara asked, folding her arms across her chest. ¡°Not too long, but I¡¯m hoping he wakes up soon,¡± Scott replied. ¡°Unfortunately, that¡¯s not going to happen unless I allow it,¡± a familiar voice responded, but it didn¡¯t come from a familiar face. Scott, Ember, Zara, and Slim froze in their positions, unable to move. They stared at a man with silvery hair leaning against Orion. Apart from their hair colors and attires, both men were completely identical. While the petrified Orion wore glasses, the other had an eye-patch covering his right eye, but both men wore the same delirious smile. ¡°It¡¯s odd,¡± the man began, tilting his head to the side. ¡°Why is a clone of my variant all the way out here?¡± he pondered out loud, standing upright. ¡°Which of you is going to tell me?¡± The implication of the variant¡¯s words rang out in the minds of the prisoners; however, their eyes lingered on the system notification in front of them.
The Calamity of Inquisition has descended!
Book 3 - Chapter 10: Clone and Variant The named calamity stared at the members of the hound extermination crew, his smile brightening the longer he watched. Then he pointed toward Scott. ¡°Your eyes are so fascinating,¡± he began, taking a step forward. ¡°Can I have¡ª¡± the calamity paused, feeling a hand land on his back. He turned instinctively, locking gazes with Orion, who had regained his mobility. The clone and variant exchanged gazes, each wearing a delirious smile. A tense silence soon enveloped the immobilized prisoners, as they could only watch the two men. ¡°You woke up sooner than I expected,¡± the named calamity declared, breaking the silence. ¡°That¡¯s impressive,¡± he praised, nodding gently. Orion¡¯s clone chuckled, maintaining eye contact with the variant. ¡°It was quite challenging. Your mental network differs from mine but is surprisingly similar too. It seems we all think alike,¡± he declared, taking a step forward. The variant also took a step closer to the clone. Both men approached each other, stopping barely a foot away. Wordlessly, they began examining each other''s body, their curious eyes filled with excitement as they muttered inaudibly. Soon, they took turns exchanging body samples, including hair, saliva, skin peelings, nails, mucus secretions, and blood vials. Ten minutes later, both men ceased the exchange and swapped positions. Orion¡¯s clone now backed the hound extermination crew while the variant faced the immobilized champions. ¡°Are you ready?¡± the variant asked with a smile. ¡°I honestly can¡¯t wait,¡± the clone said with an even brighter smile. ¡°Let¡¯s do this,¡± he declared. Both men shook hands simultaneously, their eyes glazing over as runic scripts flashed across the whites of their eyes. Their forms shuddered uncontrollably while contrasting bubbles formed beside them. The clone¡¯s was reddish-grey, while that of the variant was lilac with tinges of black. Both bubbles intersected rapidly, causing the men to tremble even further, their smiles almost ecstatic. At that same moment, the strange force binding the hound extermination crew dissipated, and Slim, Zara, and Ember prepared to move. ¡°Wait,¡± Scott called out mentally. ¡°Buddy, this is the perfect time to get away from that lunatic. We can take Orion with us too,¡± Slim said, staring nervously at the immobilized clone and variant. Only now did he understand what Scott meant by them standing no chance against the named calamities. ¡°It¡¯s too late to run,¡± Scott suddenly declared. ¡°This is a version of Orion we are dealing with. Do you honestly think he would let us go without something planned out?¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean we should just stay here and wait for that crazy bastard to toy with us,¡± Zara countered. ¡°He¡¯s a named calamity,¡± she added. ¡°You¡¯re right, but he is also a version of Orion,¡± Scott began. ¡°It seems he suffers from the same obsession as our Orion, so that could work out in our favor.¡± Scott said, stretching toward Plume, who was on the verge of dissipating. Blackened tendrils drew the Trisos closer and then Scott continued, ¡°I don¡¯t know what they¡¯re doing right now, but before they started, Orion told me to wait. I believe he knew we would have thought about running too.¡± The expressions of the prisoners darkened. They had been with Orion long enough to know about his genius intellect, often overshadowed by his maniacal obsessive tendencies. ¡°We really need to catch a break,¡± Slim sighed, relaxing his guard. ¡°I hope those two are able to settle things among themselves,¡± he muttered. Zara and Ember also relaxed their tense features but remained on guard. After all, there was no telling what would ensue from the strange exchange between the clone and variant. The group focused on the duo whose right hands remained locked in a handshake. The bubbles surrounding them turned clear the more they collided with each other. Soon, a field of colorless bubbles enshrouded the duo. At that point, the pupils of the men returned, and the bubbles disappeared. They both cocked their heads backward, cheerful laughter escaping their mouths. Scott, Zara, Slim, and Ember exchanged confused glances, unable to discern why the duo laughed. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯ve met over a hundred of us,¡± Orion chuckled loudly, tapping the shoulder of the named calamity. ¡°No wonder you¡¯re with them. I knew it had to be something interesting for you to travel with them,¡± the variant laughed even harder while also tapping the clone¡¯s shoulder. ¡°So much information. I can¡¯t believe the timelines are that fascinating,¡± Orion managed to say, his expression brimming with excitement. ¡°But why is your timeline so unique?¡± the named calamity questioned, using his free hand to rub his jawline. Once again, the members of the hound extermination crew exchanged confused glances. Orion and the named calamity talked over each other continuously, each laughing as they expressed their thoughts aloud. From their unintended ramblings, the group could piece together clues on what they aimed to achieve from the previous exchange. Orion¡¯s clone suddenly stopped laughing; he sighed, shaking his head. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you encountered variants who didn¡¯t want to search for the truth. How pitiable,¡± he said, sighing once more. The variant also stopped laughing. ¡°Finally, someone else understands. Why would anyone give up the great thirst for knowledge?¡± The clone shook his head. ¡°I guess there are things neither you nor I can understand. At least, you were able to assimilate their knowledge,¡± he said, sighing once more. Then he raised his head, locking gazes with the calamity. A smile parted his lips as he asked, ¡°How long do you think it will take for my main body to get here? Let¡¯s take a guess and see who¡¯s right.¡± You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. The clone and variant smiled, and instantly both declared their answers aloud, ¡°Two years,¡± they said simultaneously. Both men laughed once again, excitedly tapping each other on their shoulders. Once again, the members of the hound extermination crew exchanged glances. Neither of them could make sense of what was happening, nor could they predict what would happen next. The variant and clone suddenly turned toward the group, their keen gazes lingering on Scott. The named calamity snapped its fingers, and the world itself seemed to stop. Both men appeared next to Scott, the trio enshrouded in a thick, churning fog. Scott stared at the fog impassively, then his gaze shifted toward the named calamity who rotated around his body, curiously observing him. Scott turned toward Orion¡¯s clone, and the clone grinned, giving the voidweaver a thumbs up. The named variant stopped in front of Scott once more, his smile dazzling. ¡°I have seen a lot of creatures since entering the tower, but nothing like you. You are weak now, but the seeds of chaos and annihilation will definitely blossom in you someday, and I can¡¯t wait to see it.¡± Scott frowned, glancing at Orion¡¯s clone. He could infer that the named calamity had figured out his ties to Carcosa and Hastur from whatever experience they shared earlier. ¡°Have you encountered any of my variants?¡± Scott suddenly asked. The clone and variant exchanged knowing grins, and then the named calamity spoke up, ¡°I have met and slain several Eidolon of Envy, but no one like you.¡± Scott¡¯s brows shot up, his curiosity piqued. Then a thought filled his mind as he declared, ¡°Does that mean you inherited the title at some point?¡± The variant shook his head, chuckling softly. ¡°It seems you know about the transfer too. How amusing.¡± The variant paced around Scott once more as he continued, ¡°Sadly, that entity didn¡¯t want me anywhere near the title. I killed quite a lot of her servants, you know?¡± Scott narrowed his gaze. ¡°Her?¡± he frowned, recalling the encounter with Sibiru in the mirror domain. ¡°Yes,¡± the variant nodded. ¡°She didn¡¯t even bother taking revenge, it was as if she couldn¡¯t wait for those poor fellas to die.¡± The variant paused in front of Scott once more. ¡°They all detested you, and I can totally understand them.¡± He grinned, stroking his chin. ¡°It was fun watching your antics via their memories. Your variants are beyond ruthless. I want to meet them someday. Can you imagine how much knowledge they would have acquired?¡± Scott¡¯s gaze shifted between the variant and the clone who shared the same delirious smile. Ignoring their obsessive nature, he posed another question, ¡°You sifted through their memories, right?¡± ¡°Let me guess, you want to know what that entity wants and why it chose you, right?¡± the variant asked with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m also certain that you¡¯re curious about your friends from Earth?¡± Scott nodded. The variant chuckled once more before pointing to the clone. ¡°He knows everything now, so you can ask him,¡± he said, tilting his head to the side. ¡°But I have questions too,¡± he declared. ¡°The war, you want it to happen, right?¡± All traces of the variant¡¯s smile had disappeared, and there was a bone-chilling coldness in his eye. Scott met the calamity¡¯s gaze, his expression unchanged. ¡°I couldn¡¯t give two fucks about any of that,¡± he declared solemnly. ¡°However, it¡¯s only a matter of time before Hastur descends. It will happen.¡± The named calamity smiled once more, gently patting Scott¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I can¡¯t wait,¡± he said. ¡°A higher dimension. I¡¯m so excited,¡± he giggled. The variant took three measured steps backward before turning to his left. There, Plume¡¯s withered form manifested. ¡°You ought to be careful from now on,¡± he declared, producing a golden seed from his inventory. Pulsating veins ran along the length of the seed, and the faint outline of an embryo could be seen through it. The veil covering the area instantly dissipated, and time seemed to flow again. Zara, Slim, and Ember blinked nervously, confused and stunned by the clone and variant¡¯s sudden arrival. They stared at the seed the variant held, their gazes narrowing as they observed the seemingly living item. Without warning, the variant threw the seed at Plume, and the Trisos greedily absorbed the item. Her withered form instantly regenerated, and she became whole again. A confused daze lingered on her visage as she observed the somewhat familiar terrain and unfamiliar faces. She tried to move, but her body wouldn¡¯t listen, as if some parasite had taken control over her mind. Scott turned toward the Trisos and frowned a little. Is this her main body? What the hell was that seed? he thought. ¡°Trisos are almost impossible to kill,¡± the variant said mentally, chuckling softly. ¡°Do you know how many times I have killed this one over the last three years? Yet I keep finding her spores everywhere. It¡¯s basically a game to me at this point.¡± Scott didn¡¯t care about the information at all; the fact that the variant could project his words into his mind like the Asura could stirred his interest¡ªan observation the variant noticed. ¡°She will make a fine addition to your team. Her healing abilities are exceptional. You can¡¯t tell when you¡¯ll need it. Trust me, you¡¯re going to be visiting a lot of dangerous places during your missions,¡± the variant said out loud. ¡°Huh? Why would we do something like that?¡± Zara interjected. ¡°Even if, and that¡¯s a big maybe, she joined us, it would be for only this mission. The rules state that we can¡¯t leave this place until we accomplish our mission, and I can tell you that we are not spending seven more years here,¡± Zara declared. The variant chuckled, turning toward Orion. ¡°She talks a lot. I like her,¡± he said with a smile before turning toward the brawler. ¡°You won¡¯t have to worry about that.¡± ¡°What does that even mean?¡± Zara asked, frowning. Scott spoke up before the variant could, ¡°She¡¯s a clone, independent of her main body. She might not even share the same memories as her prime,¡± Scott explained. ¡°Bingo,¡± the variant chuckled. ¡°God, it has been a long time since I said that.¡± He laughed even harder, with the clone joining in. ¡°You¡¯re not considering this, right?¡± Ember asked mentally. Scott turned toward the dragonkin. ¡°I¡¯m not sure yet, but we could use all the help we can get,¡± he replied. ¡°What if it¡¯s some sort of devious plan or something?¡± Zara asked, joining the mental conversation. ¡°We are fucked either way,¡± Slim chimed in. ¡°I don¡¯t think he needs a scheme to beat us, my leader. I doubt we¡¯d be alive if he truly wanted to hurt us.¡± Zara frowned, unable to deny Slim¡¯s words. From what she knew about Orion, he was just as merciless as he was curious; and if the variant was anything similar, then it wasn¡¯t far-fetched to believe they would have long died if he had any malicious intentions. ¡°I¡¯d hate to disturb you while you discuss, but I must bid you farewell at this point,¡± the variant said softly, sighing as a tinge of regret clouded his visage. ¡°I truly wish I was privileged to accompany you, but alas, Calamities like me are eternally bound to serve the council,¡± he sighed once more, shaking his head. ¡°You could, you know,¡± the clone suddenly said, giggling. Zara, Slim, and Ember shot the mage a deathly glare, as if asking him what he was doing. Orion pretended not to notice their questioning gaze as he took a step forward toward the variant. ¡°We could always do that, you know,¡± he winked. ¡°Oh?¡± The face of the variant lit up in realization. ¡°Yes, it has been a while, so I totally forgot about it.¡± The variant and clone exchanged nods, and the variant suddenly disappeared. ¡°What a guy,¡± Orion muttered softly, a smile parting his lips. ¡°Can someone tell me what the hell just happened?¡± Zara asked, voicing the same question plaguing the minds of the other champions. Book 3 - Chapter 11: Cheating The System Violent winds besieged the cactus field, their howling cries mournful as they ravaged the unforgiving terrain. The hound extermination crew remained in the same position; the temporary five-man party locked in discussion. ¡°He let us go,¡± Orion said with a smile. ¡°There really isn¡¯t anything else to talk about,¡± he added. ¡°But that¡¯s the problem, buddy,¡± Slim interjected before Zara could. ¡°Why did he let us go? Aren¡¯t they supposed to be hunting us down?¡± he quizzed. Orion chuckled softly. ¡°There¡¯s a simple answer to that, and it¡¯s because we weren¡¯t boring. Trust me, our adventure would have ended if it was someone else,¡± Orion said, wiping dust from his glasses. ¡°Then what was the whole, ¡®we could always do that¡¯ thing you guys were talking about?¡± Zara asked. She assumed the duo would devise an ingenious means to bypass the restrictions placed on them, but the variant simply left. Orion grinned, ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. Our matter is settled,¡± he said with a sly wink. The prisoners understood the message, and neither of them probed any further. ¡°So, what do we do with her?¡± Ember suddenly asked, gesturing toward Plume. The prisoners turned their attention to the Trisos, exchanging glances with each other. ¡°I don¡¯t have a problem with her accompanying us,¡± Scott suddenly declared, approaching the prisoner in gentle steps. The Trisos remained frozen in time, as if the variant wanted them to make their decision before awakening her. Scott stretched out his right hand, and rogue tendrils shot toward the immobilized creature, embedding themselves into her form and disappearing.
A Hollow Being has received the Imprint of Madness!
Scott retreated, turning toward his companions. ¡°It¡¯s not my decision to make, though. We are a team after all.¡± Slim sighed softly. ¡°To be honest, I don¡¯t care either way. The fact that the other Orion mentioned that she could be important isn¡¯t something we can ignore. She will definitely be useful,¡± he said. ¡°So, I¡¯m with you, buddy.¡± Scott and Slim turned their attention to Ember and Zara. Ember glanced at the frozen Trisos and shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ll go with whatever the group decides,¡± she said, and everyone¡¯s attention turned to Zara, the leader of the group. ¡°Let¡¯s just hope she doesn¡¯t turn out like the other crazy bitch,¡± Zara sighed while massaging her temples. ¡°So, what¡¯s next now?¡± she quizzed. ¡°Hold on,¡± Orion suddenly interjected. ¡°I¡¯m sensing a bit of discrimination here. Why isn¡¯t anyone asking for my opinion on the matter?¡± The champions shot him a blank stare, and Orion could only smile awkwardly. ¡°Although you might already know my answer, but asking would be nice, you know?¡± he giggled. The champions rolled their eyes, deliberating on Zara¡¯s previous statement. They couldn¡¯t risk going back to their own area since they had no idea if a named calamity lingered there, and roaming the region aimlessly was also out of the question. ¡°Buddy, how long can you maintain the covering over the portal?¡± Slim suddenly asked. ¡°It won¡¯t disappear even if I die,¡± Scott declared solemnly. ¡°Fantastic,¡± Orion declared with a smile. ¡°Then we can focus our undivided attention on raiding other areas,¡± Zara added. The champions agreed with Zara¡¯s words. With Scott¡¯s void manipulation ability enshrouding the portal, they didn¡¯t have to be wary of champions entering the portal, and since they weren¡¯t present in the area, no one could actively take control over it. ¡°You mentioned something about a list earlier,¡± Ember said, rearranging loose hair strands behind her ears as she met Scott¡¯s gaze. ¡°Have you figured out which of the areas we should attack first?¡± The group focused their attention on Scott, eagerly anticipating his words. The voidweaver didn¡¯t leave them lingering as he declared, ¡°D-25 is a couple of hours, four or five hours max, westwards from here. They¡¯re probably the weakest group in the area.¡± ¡°Why does it feel like there is a caveat coming?¡± Ember muttered. Scott wore a dry smile. ¡°Because there is. That area is constantly besieged by allied forces of several champions. The only reason why it hasn¡¯t been conquered despite the strength of the calamities guarding it is because of the treacherous landscape,¡± Scott declared. ¡°How bad are we talking about, buddy?¡± Slim asked, folding his arms across his chest. ¡°The portal is floating more than a hundred meters above ground, and the area is a frozen tundra wasteland. Sinkholes randomly open within the tundra, and it¡¯s constantly bathed in acid and toxins. What¡¯s more, it¡¯s home to one of the native species of Infernia¡ªa species the Trisos calls death bugs. They live in the wasteland and feed on acid and toxins. They¡¯re indistinguishable from the snow, and they¡¯re attracted to living beings the most. According to the Trisos, they go crazy and would do anything for the warmth of the living, and that¡¯s just the easy part,¡± Scott paused, wearing a crooked smile. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Slim and Zara gaped while Ember wore a somber expression. Orion, on the other hand, could barely hide his excitement. ¡°Buddy, isn¡¯t that supposed to be the easiest one?¡± Slim asked. ¡°He said the calamities were weak, not the environment,¡± Orion interjected with a smile. ¡°Indeed,¡± Scott affirmed with a nod. ¡°The calamities aren¡¯t that powerful based on the Trisos¡¯ findings. She was able to take down two out of eight of them easily. The only problem is that spatial distortions surround the portal, and for some reason, one of the calamities there can navigate through it. For others, they would simply be shredded to bits before they even knew it,¡± Scott explained. A heavy silence lingered within the area as the champions soaked in Scott¡¯s words. ¡°What about the other areas nearby?¡± Ember asked, breaking the silence. ¡°Apart from D-25; D-28, D-30, and D-35 are the closest to our current location, and the calamities there are ridiculously strong by her estimates. Especially the ones in D-30. The mimics have taken full control of the calamities there,¡± Scott explained. Zara frowned. ¡°What do you mean the mimics have taken control of the calamities?¡± she asked. Scott, realizing he hadn¡¯t informed the group about his findings, slowly explained to them about the mimics and their mission. Once again, palpable silence enshrouded the champions. They couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of relief that they hadn¡¯t mindlessly created one like Orion almost did. ¡°Do you think the gods did this intentionally?¡± Slim muttered. ¡°Those who are considered weak are in areas with incredibly harsh environments, and those who are strong are placed in somewhat tranquil environments, where they can fully display their might.¡± ¡°Which begs the question, why did those people think they could best us?¡± Ember asked. Based on Slim¡¯s words, the gods obviously believed their group was strong, since the location of their area was relatively calm except for the chilling winds. She believed other calamities would have noticed this fact too, especially those who had been carrying out their mission for an extended period. ¡°They probably thought it was going to be easy since we just arrived,¡± Zara sighed softly. ¡°There¡¯s no need thinking about what those idiots might have been thinking. We should focus on which area we need to take over,¡± she added. ¡°Do we really need to do that?¡± Orion said. The gazes of the prisoners fell on the mage, silently demanding an explanation, and the mage didn¡¯t linger. ¡°We, and I mean Scott, have solved the most troublesome aspect of this mission¡ªstopping the champions from accessing the portal. Do we really need to do anything else?¡± he asked with a whimsical smile. Zara opened her mouth to speak, but she quickly closed it, realization dawning on her. The same thing happened with Slim, Scott, and Ember. Caught up in the absurdity of their ever-changing predicaments, they hadn¡¯t taken the time to reflect on their options. ¡°The more that I think about it, the more I can¡¯t find anything wrong with what he said,¡± Slim muttered. ¡°Can¡¯t we just do that?¡± the necromancer asked, feeling there had to be some catch. A feeling his companions shared, but no matter how much they racked their brains, they couldn¡¯t find any demerits from simply staying put. ¡°Assume we do that. Surely, we just can¡¯t stay here, right?¡± Zara asked. ¡°Of course not. This place isn¡¯t nearly safe enough. My variant was able to find us, albeit unintentionally, but that doesn¡¯t exclude the possibility of other calamities having similar hobbies or simply stumbling upon this place by sheer coincidence¡ª¡± ¡°Where do you consider the best place to hide then?¡± Ember interjected. ¡°The longer we wait here, the likelier we get discovered.¡± Orion¡¯s grin brightened, his gaze falling on Scott. The mage said nothing, but his stare sent shivers down the spines of the champions, barring Scott. ¡°Surely, there¡¯s another way,¡± Slim muttered, a sense of unease lingering in his voice. ¡°There isn¡¯t, but it¡¯s just my suggestion anyways,¡± Orion said with a smile. Zara and Ember wore the same expression as Slim, and the trio occasionally sneaked glances at Scott, who casually observed Plume. ¡°That place is even more dangerous than whatever is on this planet, but I doubt there¡¯s a safer place,¡± Zara muttered in resignation. ¡°I¡¯m glad you all agree,¡± Orion said, his gaze shifting toward Scott. ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll be able to last ninety days in the nihilistic zone?¡± Scott averted his gaze away from Plume, meeting the curious stares of his companions. ¡°On your own, absolutely no chance,¡± he declared. ¡°But with me, it¡¯s possible. But it¡¯s not going to be pleasant by any means,¡± he stressed. ¡°It¡¯s not like we have a choice,¡± Zara sighed, stretching her body. She took deep breaths while appreciating the scenery one more time. Then she focused on Scott. ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡± Her shadow darkened instantly, and several tendrils dragged her into the nihilistic zone. The blackened spot raced toward Scott¡¯s shadow, merging. Slim chuckled awkwardly. ¡°It would have been great if there was some sort of resort in there,¡± he teased, readying himself. ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡± The necromancer instantly sank into the nihilistic zone; the blackened spot once again merged with Scott¡¯s shadow. Ember approached Scott in light steps, the dragonkin stopping a few meters away from the voidweaver. She suddenly pulled Scott into her embrace, patting his head gently. Orion watched the duo with a big smile, giving a thumbs up to Scott, who glared at him. ¡°I¡¯m ready,¡± Ember declared, loosening her embrace. The tendrils pulled her into the nihilistic zone. Scott turned toward Plume, and the Trisos disappeared into the nihilistic zone too. Then Scott turned toward Orion, and the mage winked, waving at him. ¡°Just the two of us left, huh?¡± Orion began, pacing around the spot. ¡°So much to talk about, I can barely wait,¡± the mage grinned. ¡°Before we get to that, there¡¯s something I need to do.¡± Orion retrieved an aluminum cylinder from his inventory, opening it in one go. A burst of flower-like spores spewed from the contents of the cylinder, and Orion nodded approvingly. ¡°Even at this point, you¡¯re still interested in gathering data,¡± Scott chuckled, shaking his head. Orion, on the other hand, smiled. There was nothing better than gathering data from his point of view. ¡°We¡¯ll talk more in the nihilistic zone. I¡¯ll be sending you off now,¡± Scott declared. Before Orion could respond, his shadow darkened, and he disappeared into the blackened pool. Scott sighed. ¡°Gathering data, huh?¡± he muttered, staring at the whitish spores moving according to the whims of the wind. He knew better than anyone that it was only a matter of time before they turned into sentient clones of the data obsessed mage. Scott motioned with his left hand, and several blackened portals manifested around his position. ¡°Maybe I should gather some data too,¡± he muttered, as dozens upon dozens of eldritch abominations trooped out from the portals. Each one was distinctively taller and more robust than Scott¡¯s meager form, but none of the abominable creatures could look at the voidweaver or remain standing within his presence. ¡°You only have one mission: conquer this land,¡± Scott declared solemnly. Instantly, he disappeared into the nihilistic zone, and the eldritch summons took to their feet, ready and eager to fulfill the commands of their summoner.
The council of gods is furious!
The lesser god of illusion can¡¯t stop laughing!
The lesser god of illusion is being chased by several gods!
Book 3 - Chapter 12: New Mission On a distant planet far from Infernia¡¯s solar system, in an apocalyptic world where lilac lightning thrashed unceasingly, and magma spewed fiercely into the turbid skies, a thick blanket of residue blocked out the sun, enshrouding the lands beneath in perpetual darkness. Amidst the chaotic landscape, a bustling civilization thrived. Blackened towers, constructed from heat and burn-resistant materials, rose from the magma sea, each tower connected by a dense matrix of clear, chain-like tubes. Creatures of varying races frequently moved through these tubes, traveling alone or in pairs, never exceeding groups of six. In one of the many towers, within a minimally furnished room, a hulking human man slowly sharpened a butcher¡¯s knife, his gaze fixed on the wall. Tens of hundreds, if not thousands, of teeth were neatly glued to the glistening white surface. Sweat dripped from the man''s naked body, and the only sound in the room was the rhythmic grinding of the blade against the sharpening tool. ¡°Will you accept the mission?¡± a voice echoed from behind. A humanoid figure with a jaguar-like head, dressed in a smart-fitting suit, stood with both hands behind its back. The humanoid stared impassively at the man, awaiting his decision. The grinding continued, the monotonous echoes filling the room. The humanoid took a step forward, and then the grinding stopped, but the man¡¯s guttural voice followed. ¡°If you take another step forward, you will be added to my collection. I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re an examiner or whatever,¡± he declared. The examiner paused, frowning. He took a step backward, returning to his previous location, and the grinding resumed. However, the displeasure on the examiner¡¯s face was clear. This is why I didn¡¯t want to come to this rotten place. Low lives like this actually think they can best me? The corners of the examiner¡¯s lips twitched as his thoughts raced. ¡°This will be the last time I repeat myself,¡± the examiner began, taking a deep breath. ¡°Should you choose to accept this mission, you will be bestowed the right to leave this prison, but you must serve the council until your last breath,¡± he declared. The man continued his monotonous task, seemingly oblivious to the examiner''s words. The examiner reached into his inner pocket, retrieving a parchment. Without warning, he threw it, embedding it into the wall, obliterating several teeth in the process. The repetitive echoes ceased. The man raised his head, staring at the parchment, which had ruined his prized collection. There was neither anger on his scarred face nor resentment in his weary eyes. He stared at the parchment, which only had three words written on its surface, and the lights in the man¡¯s eyes slowly brightened, emotion returning to his pale face. The knife and grinding stone fell to the floor with a clank, and the man stood up. At that same moment, flames engulfed the parchment. The examiner smiled, staring at the man. If I had known this would work, I would have started with this. What exactly was written on that thing? he thought to himself. ¡°So, what will¡ªhuh?¡± The examiner paused, his visage stern. The man had disappeared, along with the knife. A familiar cold pressed against the examiner''s neck, and a chilling voice echoed from behind. ¡°Where is he?¡± ¡°You know what to do if you want to find him,¡± the examiner said coolly. ¡°Is that so,¡± the man muttered. ¡°Alright then, I accept the mission,¡± he declared. The examiner smiled despite the knife pressed against his neck. ¡°I will make preparations for the¡ª¡± The man interrupted before the examiner could finish his statement. ¡°It took me more than four hundred years to collect what you destroyed.¡± ¡°What?¡± the examiner quizzed, his gaze instinctively shifting toward the shattered spot on the wall. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious. Who cares about some random¡ª" ¡°I will take your life as compensation,¡± the man interrupted once more, pressing the knife firmly against the examiner¡¯s neck. At that same moment, massive snow-white chains, securely embedded into the walls, wrapped around the man¡¯s arms, legs, and neck, tightening rapidly. The man¡¯s hulking muscles trembled, but he didn¡¯t drop the knife. The rattling of chains echoed within the room as he struggled against his shackles. The examiner stood rooted, shuddering slightly, fists balled. ¡°How dare you?!¡± the examiner roared, his voice shaking the entire tower as his form expanded into a bestial form, several times larger than the man''s. A dozen wardens appeared instantly, and several chains bound the examiner, but they shattered as quickly as they formed. ¡°You insignificant rat, you dare threaten me?¡± the examiner bellowed, ignoring the presence of the wardens. He raised his fist, launching a powerful blow toward the man¡¯s skull, who stared back defiantly. The punch traveled with lightning speed, aimed at the man''s nose. Should it connect, the man''s head would be obliterated. But just inches from the prisoner¡¯s head, a golden portal appeared, sucking in the examiner¡¯s fist, and then his body followed. ¡°I will not permit any disturbance within my prison,¡± a melodious voice declared warmly. ¡°Prepare prisoner 689-k-23, Armando Arturo Costa, for release.¡± The chains binding Costa retracted from the walls, congregating in front of the wardens. Then another portal manifested, and a warden projected its voice. ¡°Please come with us.¡± Costa did not resist; instead, he smiled, even laughed. ¡°Eidolon of Envy, huh?¡± he muttered, a bloodthirsty gleam in his eyes as he chuckled. ¡°I can¡¯t wait.¡± The wardens and Costa exited the room, leaving a heavy silence in their wake.
Meanwhile, on Infernia, days stretched longer than most nights. Calamities and champions alike continued their confrontations, each vying to complete their own objectives. Occasionally, named calamities would appear, wreaking havoc and leaving behind a trail of corpses too numerous to count.
You have defended your area for a minimum of 90 days!
Mission Completed!
10 years have been deducted from your current sentence!
You have slain 86 champions during the last 90 days!
86 years have been deducted from your current sentence!
You succeeded in taking over 1 area!
4 years have been deducted from your current sentence!
You may choose to remain on Infernia and defend your assigned area for a further 108 days, and you will be rewarded with a 50-year deduction in your sentence!
Do you wish to continue defending your area?
Yes. No.
The shadow of a plant stirred, expanding at a frightening pace. In a flash, it expelled six figures. Five lay on the ground, writhing and mumbling incoherent words, while Scott stared at the system message impassively. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. He observed his surroundings, noting that the cactus field remained intact. It seems no battle occurred here during our absence, he thought. Soon, he noticed several sword marks on some plants, a sign that someone had attempted to clear the path. Scott averted his gaze from the surroundings, turning toward his companions who still lay on the ground. It wasn¡¯t easy, but I was able to stop their bodies from disintegrating. The Imprint of Madness helped them maintain their sanity, Scott thought, assessing his companions. Apart from a few disintegrated sections of clothes, they suffered no obvious harm. Mentally, however, they were far from alright. Trapped in the darkness and deprived of their senses for months, the prisoners felt a sensory overload unlike anything they had ever experienced. Scott shifted his focus, contemplating the eldritch abominations he had left behind. A whirlwind of fresh memories flooded his mind, and Scott smiled. ¡°Several of them were dispatched by the Calamities of Ice and Torture. Are they working together?¡± Scott muttered softly. Most of the eldritch summons were ambushed and gruesomely killed by the named calamities, to the extent that it became something of a sport. However, the most surprising information Scott had received was that his summons and Orion¡¯s clones had clashed several times, both factions bitterly eliminating each other despite knowing their allegiances. Even more surprising was that the singular area they were said to have taken over was done accidentally. The clones and summons had engaged in another massive brawl, which spiraled out of control to the extent that calamities guarding an area and the champions besieging it were drawn into the mix. The ruthless massacre ended in total annihilation, as the Calamity of Torture discovered the battlefield. Scott chuckled as more information flowed into his mind, casting a glance at Orion, curious if the mage had received the same updates. His attention shifted back to the system notifications. Even in this situation, the system still recognizes Zara as the party leader, he mused. Maybe I should try waking them up. Scott took a step forward but suddenly paused, his gaze narrowing westward as he stared at the towering plants in the distance. The faint echoes of the howling winds were the only sounds, but Scott''s eyes remained focused on the same spot. Minutes passed in silence until footsteps echoed, accompanied by occasional mumbled chatter. A ten-man party, humans, approached through the cactus field, their faces alight with smiles as they shared humorous chatter. Clad in metal armor with a blackened sheen, each bore a great sword at their waist. Some held helmets under their arms, while others were fully armored. The leader, a blonde, muscular figure with a scar across his face, was the most animated, laughing heartily and roughhousing with his companions. ¡°She was begging me to stop, but I kept going,¡± the man boasted, his laughter resonating with his comrades. ¡°No random bitch is going to tell me how to use my items¡ª¡± his words trailed off as he halted, his companions following suit. Their attention fixed on the solitary figure standing ahead. They noticed five others lying on the ground around him. The champions couldn¡¯t tear their eyes away from Scott, who wore simple clothing and bore no visible weapon. ¡°Who the hell is that wanker?¡± one champion muttered, glaring at Scott. An inexplicable dislike surged within him. ¡°Ross, should we take care of him?¡± he asked, turning to their leader. Silence hung in the air as Ross continued to stare at Scott. His keen eyesight discerned something unsettling in Scott¡¯s gaze¡ªeyes that seemed to belong neither to men nor demons, eyes that instilled a primal fear. ¡°Ross, what¡¯s wrong with you? Should we take him out?¡± another man prodded, tapping Ross''s shoulder. Ross snapped out of his trance. ¡°That guy reeks of danger. I don¡¯t think we should approach him. For all we know, it could be a trap,¡± he said, not taking his eyes off Scott. The champions frowned, reconsidering their approach. ¡°Then let¡¯s get the hell out of here,¡± another man suggested. Cautiously, the champions retreated, keeping their eyes on Scott as they swiftly moved away, vanishing behind the thick forest of cacti. ¡°Those guys are sharper than I thought,¡± Scott chuckled, noting their unexpected retreat. Not one to pursue trouble unnecessarily, Scott had no intention of following them. He turned his focus back to his companions, reaching toward Orion. Suddenly, a new system window appeared, displaying a blackened screen with runic words in white. Scott narrowed his gaze, watching as the screen deciphered into readable text.
You have absorbed the essence of the beings deposited into the Nihilistic Zone!
Physical Stats: Strength, Endurance, Toughness have increased by 10!
Visbos, the Mad Titan, is enraged!
The skies above Infernia darkened ominously as a colossal, world-ending behemoth projected itself from the cosmos, its presence threatening to annihilate the galaxy itself.
The administrator sternly warns Visbos to remain calm!
The Council of Gods rebuke Visbos for causing another incident!
The strange distortion in the heavens vanished, and Infernia¡¯s ominous skies returned to their usual state. Scott, however, stared at the normal system panel beside the blackened variant, a hint of a smile on his face. His gaze alternated between the two panels, and his smile grew wider until he let out an eerie laugh. He knew the reason his stats had suddenly increased was due to the titans he trapped in the nihilistic zone during the ranking games. Still, he never expected their disintegration would benefit him. A sadistic smile soon graced Scott¡¯s face, knowing that he had also sent the corpse of the slain guardian of the hidden path into the nihilistic zone. He wondered how much more his abilities would improve once it disintegrated. ¡°Ugh¡­ my head,¡± Zara groaned softly, sitting up. ¡°We¡¯re out?¡± she muttered, shielding her eyes with one hand. She noticed the familiar system panel in front of her and turned to see her companions still lying on the ground. ¡°Scott, how long have we been out?¡± she asked, her voice weary. ¡°Less than thirty minutes,¡± Scott replied, approaching the brawler. ¡°We¡¯ve completed the mission. But the system is asking if we¡¯d like to stay here for another 180 days¡ª¡± ¡°Like hell we would,¡± Zara snapped, seemingly rousing from her drowsiness. She quickly scanned the notification and clicked [No].
You have refused to continue defending Area D-15!
A new mission has been assigned!
Good luck!
Mana cocoons enveloped the hound extermination crew, instantly shooting them toward the skies. Scott, still conscious, noticed a lone figure in the distance¡ªthe Calamity of Inquisition, waving at their rapidly departing cocoons. Beside him was a message spelled out using the corpses of slain champions, calamities, and the indigenous creatures of the planet. It read, "Survive." Book 3 - Chapter 13: Who Do You Serve? The mana vessels hurtled through space at a frightening speed, leaving Infernia as nothing more than a dot in the vast emptiness. Unlike before, the vessels seemed to travel within the same solar system rather than exiting it. Scott lay motionless within his cocoon, his mind preoccupied with the blackened system window and the potential benefits of devouring champions, creatures, and even gods. Yet, he couldn¡¯t shake the lingering concern about the potential side effects of such power. He knew better than anyone that nothing came without a price. As time passed, three gigantic celestial bodies came into view. The first was a raging ball of fire, slightly larger than Infernia, rhythmically exuding solar flares with odd cold spots appearing briefly on its surface. Next to it was a planet covered in glistening white, like a colossal snowball suspended by invisible strings. The third planet had been split cleanly in half by a massive gyrating mechanical contraption embedded into its shattered halves. Unlike the monotonous neighboring planets, each half of the split planet exhibited unique features. Despite their proximity, the planets didn¡¯t interfere with each other¡¯s gravitational pull, and none had moons or asteroids orbiting them. Scott frowned, noting the trajectory of the cocoons, which suddenly accelerated toward the icy planet. The mana vessels moved at a breakneck speed, as if prepared to merge with it.
Welcome to Clacion!
The system notification appeared abruptly, and the mana cocoons paused, inches away from breaching the icy planet¡¯s atmosphere.
Mission: Survive!
You will be rewarded with 10,000 Exp for every layer descended!
You will be rewarded with 20,000 Exp for every alliance eliminated!
You will be rewarded with 25,000 Exp for eliminating four groups comprising calamities only!
You will be rewarded with 500,000 Exp for eliminating a named Calamity, and clemency!
Do you wish to enter as a group or as individuals?
Group! Individual!
Scott stared at the series of system notifications; a frown etched on his face. The Calamity of Inquisition¡¯s last message, "survive," mirrored their mission''s objective. He knew Orion wasn¡¯t the type to guess, but he couldn¡¯t fathom how the calamity could predict the contents of their next mission unless it was preexisting knowledge. However, he doubted the gods or those in charge would reveal such details to the named calamities. Scott raised his head, realizing his companions were now awake. However, the party communication channel was closed, and they couldn''t manifest their avatars. Zara, Slim, and Ember were shocked to be greeted with a slew of new messages, compounded by the sudden revelation of being in front of a planet. Orion, meanwhile, laughed hysterically, but no one could hear him. Unlike the others, the mage had clicked on the notification as soon as he woke, causing the system windows to disappear. Scott activated the Imprint of Madness, but nothing changed. The champions remained in their situation. However, Scott¡¯s voice echoed from behind his cocoon, ¡°What option did you choose?¡± he asked, staring at Orion. ¡°Ah, we¡¯re in an illusion already?¡± the mage mused, nodding in realization. ¡°No wonder the readings changed.¡± Orion muttered while stroking his chin, then suddenly wore a bright smile, focusing on Scott. ¡°As much as I¡¯d love to explore this place, I have absolutely no intention of leaving the group. Where else would I have this much fun if I left?¡± Scott turned his attention away from the smiling mage, focusing on Zara and Ember, who still looked dazed. ¡°Are you guys okay?¡± ¡°I feel like shit,¡± Zara grumbled, massaging her temples. ¡°Do they really need to make us unconscious during the transfer?¡± ¡°I agree,¡± Ember chimed in, frowning as she flexed her fingers. ¡°I believe we will be choosing to stay as a group, correct?¡± ¡°Yup,¡± Slim mentioned from the side, showing no reactions whatsoever from the transfer. ¡°But I don¡¯t like the fact that the mission is simply ''survive.'' For all we know, there could be creatures, calamities, and even champions beyond our capabilities waiting for us down there¡ª¡± ¡°It¡¯s not a possibility; it¡¯s a certainty,¡± Orion interjected with a chuckle. All eyes fell on the mage, and their expressions turned serious, especially Scott¡¯s. Half of Orion¡¯s face had transformed into a blackened mass with hazy whites for his left eye, parted nose, and the other half of his mouth. Then a system notification suddenly manifested.
The Lesser God of Misfortune reveals himself!
The champions were stunned, unable to believe the message in front of their eyes. While one half of Orion''s face and body functioned normally, the Lesser God of Misfortune had firmly taken hold of the other half. A stuttered laugh escaped from the mage¡¯s blackened half, followed by a rage-inducing voice. ¡°To mimic reality to perfection¡ªwhat an interesting ability,¡± he said, eyes fixed on Scott. ¡°I see why he was so interested in you,¡± he added with a smile. Scott¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°Who and what are you talking about?¡± he asked, trying to dispel the illusion, but the lesser god wouldn¡¯t let him. ¡°I hope you won¡¯t do something as boring as what you did on that rotten planet,¡± the lesser god continued, ignoring Scott''s question. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t make for good viewing, you know. Well, that¡¯s partly why I¡¯m here.¡± He paused suddenly, stretching Orion¡¯s blackened hand toward the cocoon, which shattered instantly. The possessed mage took a step forward, walking seamlessly across space, only stopping when he stood in front of Scott¡¯s cocoon. The mage stretched out his arm again, and Scott¡¯s cocoon shattered. ¡°I see why he likes you so much now,¡± the lesser god giggled, his voice gradually morphing into Orion¡¯s. ¡°Even in this situation, there¡¯s no fear in you,¡± he said, halting his advance directly in front of Scott. The blackened mass suddenly consumed Orion entirely. ¡°But that¡¯s what will make this more interesting. Not a lot of people catch his attention, so you must be the real deal. I can¡¯t wait to see his reaction when I break his new toy. I¡¯m going to have so much fun with you,¡± the lesser god declared. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Scott stared into the entity¡¯s hazy eyes for a moment before averting his gaze to an unremarkable section of space. ¡°And you are?¡± Scott suddenly questioned. Zara, Slim, and Ember instinctively turned their attention toward the direction Scott gazed at, unable to see anything. Yet, they found themselves compelled to continue staring as if some strange force held them. ¡°Impressive,¡± a deep voice echoed from the abyss. Zara and Ember''s forms shuddered violently, their eyes burst, and blood spewed from every possible opening. Slim''s bones twisted and burst apart, eliciting a scream of agony. Zara and Ember''s muscles and flesh contorted, their bodies writhing in a grotesque dance of pain. The prisoners'' screams seemed endless, echoing in the vast emptiness of space as they endured what felt like an eternity of torture, yet their screams didn¡¯t even reach Scott who was less than ten feet away. Scott''s right arm trembled softly, his fingers beginning to twist as if to snap of their own volition. The voidweaver lowered his gaze, and the phenomenon ceased. Raising his head again, his right leg and arm spun in a sickening 360-degree rotation. The sound of tearing flesh and breaking bones filled the void, yet Scott''s lips remained impassive. The lesser god of misfortune, possessing Orion, cackled, his hazy eyes gleaming with joy. Scott touched his right arm with his left, halting the torturous rotations. He did the same with his leg. However, the fingernails on his right hand began to peel off slowly, taking chunks of flesh with them as they moved up his arm. The skin, flailing like living snakes, wrapped tightly around Scott¡¯s neck, squeezing. His right leg spun clockwise while his left spun counterclockwise, mirroring the movements of his arms. Zara, Slim, and Ember''s screams continued, faint echoes in the vastness of space, their voices barely audible. Scott, however, remained emotionless despite his body¡¯s betrayal. He turned his head toward the same location once more. ¡°Is this supposed to make me afraid?¡± Space distorted, revealing an elongated being whose form seemed to lean as if falling but stood oddly firm.
The Lesser God of Torture reveals itself!
¡°I told you it would be worth it, didn¡¯t I?¡± the lesser god of misfortune said, turning toward the entity that had revealed itself. ¡°It¡¯s a shame we can¡¯t stay longer.¡± ¡°Incurring the administrator¡¯s ire isn¡¯t worth it,¡± the lesser god of torture declared, its form as ambiguous as its voice. ¡°You¡¯re talking as if you¡¯re not having fun too,¡± the lesser god of misfortune chuckled. ¡°That is of no importance,¡± the lesser god of torture retorted, emotionless. ¡°You¡¯re right about that,¡± the lesser god of misfortune said, before turning toward Scott. He pointed his right hand toward Zara, and a blackened blob shot out, attaching itself to her. Then he did the same to Slim and Ember before lowering his hand. ¡°I truly hope you use that same method again. I have always wanted to meet the nameless one,¡± he declared. ¡°We should leave,¡± the lesser god of torture reminded. ¡°Hold on,¡± the lesser god of misfortune urged playfully. ¡°I should at least take back a souvenir, don¡¯t you think so?¡± He approached Scott, raising his right hand toward the voidweaver''s eyes, intending to pluck out his right eye. At that moment, however, the yellow sign flickered, and a crack echoed through space. ¡°Ah, finally,¡± the lesser god of misfortune muttered softly, staring at an expansive crack in the far reaches of space. The spatial distortion grew wider and wider, forming a gaping hole. Slim, Zara, and Ember unleashed bone-chilling screams as their forms exploded into a gory mess. Orion, covered by the tar-like smear, remained unaffected, the lesser god¡¯s hazy eyes focused on the distortion. Massive tentacles emerged from the fissures, and a pulsating yellow glow emanated from deep space. A figure cloaked in yellow slowly emerged from the crack. Simultaneously, another figure appeared in front of Scott and the lesser god of misfortune. The excitement in the lesser god''s form vanished, and a hint of emotion flickered across Scott''s impassive features. ¡°Why are you here?¡± the lesser god of misfortune demanded. The new figure ignored him, focusing instead on the yellow-cloaked figure. ¡°You can¡¯t be here. Please return. This isn¡¯t the agreed time.¡± The figure in yellow hovered for a moment, then suddenly retreated into the portal, along with the massive tentacles. The distortion vanished, as did the pulsating glow. ¡°I said, why are you here?¡± the lesser god repeated, glaring at the sickly boatman standing before him. ¡°You can be here, and I can¡¯t?¡± the boatman retorted. The lesser god of misfortune glared. ¡°Is this the intention of the Mad God?¡± ¡°Is your presence here known to the administrator?¡± the boatman shot back. Neither yielded an inch, the tension between them palpable. Suddenly, the voice of the ominous entity blending with space echoed, ¡°Neither of you will be able to assert your authority in this creature¡¯s mind. A battle is pointless.¡± The lesser god of torture¡¯s form seemed to dissipate slowly, as if losing interest in the standoff. ¡°Do you find this amusing?¡± Scott managed to say, his own flesh still tightening around his neck. The boatman and the lesser god of misfortune turned toward him. ¡°Do you gods think we are just your playthings to do as you please?¡± The lesser god of misfortune impassively averted his gaze, glaring at the boatman once more before vanishing. Orion¡¯s form also disappeared. Despite their departure, Scott¡¯s situation remained unchanged. ¡°You¡¯re not at a level they deem worthy of acknowledging your existence, let alone dignifying your queries with a response. Your existence is as insignificant as any other random speck of dust across the timeline,¡± the boatman declared impassively. Scott focused his gaze on the form of the mysterious being while a flurry of questions besieged his mind. ¡°Does that anger you?¡± the boatman questioned. ¡°I felt nothing while watching the only people I care about being ripped apart. Your words mean nothing to me,¡± Scott declared, a hint of emotion flickering in his eyes. ¡°A day will come when I¡¯ll do the same to him and all the other gods who stand in my way.¡± The yellow sign flickered nonstop, fueled by the voidweaver''s simmering rage. The boatman, on the other hand, wore a chilling smile as his scar twitched incessantly. ¡°Are you one of Hastur¡¯s minions?¡± Scott suddenly asked, shifting the topic. ¡°I do not serve the Yellow King,¡± the boatman responded. ¡°How did you come here, and what did you mean earlier by ''this isn¡¯t the agreed time''?¡± Scott pressed, bewildered by the presence of two lesser gods and a being he couldn''t comprehend within the illusionary space he had created. ¡°That¡¯s a pointless question. You would neither understand it, nor do I have the desire to explain,¡± the boatman retorted, seemingly amused. ¡°Why can¡¯t they just kill me?¡± Scott asked, his frustration evident. ¡°Neither the administrator nor the gods would consider doing something as asinine as that. A far greater chaos would consume this dimension.¡± The boatman paused, floating closer to Scott. ¡°With you alive, there''s a fifty-fifty chance of a war breaking out. The gods will have a common enemy against the invaders and finally an excuse to assault the higher dimensions. If any of them were to play a role in your demise directly, it would spark a war between those dreaming of conquering new dimensions and those who hold contrary ideas. That much I can tell you,¡± the boatman explained. Scott frowned, then met the boatman¡¯s ominous gaze. ¡°Do you serve the Mad God?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that obvious?¡± the boatman replied, a hint of a smile on his lips. ¡°Who is the Mad God?¡± Scott asked after a brief pause. This time, the boatman laughed, shaking his head. ¡°What a nonsensical question,¡± he said, laughing again. His form began to fade, but his voice echoed once more. ¡°Who wields the Warhammer of the Mad God?¡± He turned to Scott, smiling. ¡°That should answer your question,¡± he said as he disappeared. Scott remained in the emptiness of space; mouth opened in shock at what he had heard.
The nameless one peeks at you!
Book 3 - Chapter 14: The Man with Yellow Eyes [1] Scott stared at the blackened notification; his brows furrowed. Black meant only one thing: it was associated with the nihilistic zone.
The Nameless One has stopped watching you!
The notification disappeared, leaving Scott with more questions than answers. In the vast emptiness of space, his illusionary form continued to act according to the torturous commands of the lesser gods, yet Scott felt no pain. Instead, a desire had begun to take root in the mind of the voidweaver. Scott blinked twice, and the illusionary space shattered. He opened his eyes once more and found himself lying on pristine marble tiles, surrounded by opaque partitions in an unfamiliar location. His companions also lay on the ground, a host of emotions playing across their faces. Scott pushed himself into a sitting position, using one hand to rearrange his disheveled hair. He looked carefully at the glistening, but opaque walls surrounding them, catching hints of shadows moving behind them. The animated shadows moved about, each similar to the other. Perhaps there are other groups trapped behind those partitions, he guessed, not putting much thought into it. Turning his attention to his companions once more, he asked, ¡°Are you guys okay?¡± ¡°That was something,¡± Orion giggled softly, still sprawled on the floor. Zara, Slim, and Ember exchanged glances, their silence speaking volumes. Despite their efforts to hide it, Scott could see traces of fear in their trembling fingers and the confusion in their eyes. They''ll need some time to calm down after what happened, Scott mused as he pulled himself to his feet. He stared at the closest wall; his eyes fixed on the squirming shadows beyond it. ¡°Orion, are you up for an experiment?¡± Scott asked mentally. Orion chuckled, his eyes lighting up with excitement. ¡°Let¡¯s hear it,¡± he replied mentally. Scott activated the imprint of madness once more, pulling the mage into an illusionary space. This time, the duo wasn''t alone. Creatures with the same blackened form as the lesser god of misfortune and the ambiguous form of the lesser god of torture surrounded them as soon as they arrived. Some violently hacked away at their forms while others performed vile acts of torture. Orion laughed gleefully as his body contorted and bled, while Scott silently observed the creatures hellbent on eliciting the most painful torment possible. A moment later, Scott dispelled the illusion, and both champions returned to the glass room. Once again, Orion laughed with wanton abandon, a delirious ecstasy covering his eyes. Scott, on the other hand, frowned. His experiment confirmed that, apart from Orion, it would be difficult to pull any of his other companions into his illusionary spaces anymore. While the possibility of going insane was nonexistent due to the imprint of madness, repeated torture could twist their personalities. "This might be a problem," Scott muttered softly. Though tempted to see what would happen if he briefly sent Orion to the nihilistic zone, he didn''t want to give the lesser god of misfortune the satisfaction.
You have decided to challenge Clacion¡¯s layers as a group!
Your group has been gifted three commands!
Commands Descend: When unanimously chosen and activated, all beings in a layer will descend to the next layer!
Reshuffle: When activated, all beings within the activation layer will be sent back to the starting layer!
Fight: When chosen and activated, descent will only be possible when specific targets are eliminated!
Note: There are no restrictions to command usage!
Scott stared at the new notification, frowning. Is there a mistake here or something? he thought. "This doesn''t look well thought out," Ember muttered, still seated on the floor but regaining her composure. "I see what you''re talking about," Slim chimed in, pulling himself into a sitting position. "Anyone with a little bit of sense can easily abuse it to gain a ridiculous amount of experience points. Descend once, use reshuffle to return to the start, and start the process all over again." "But there''s no telling if we would be rewarded for descending to the same floor over and over again," Zara interjected, stretching her neck with a series of popping sounds. "What bothers me the most is that, if we could figure it out, surely there are other people who have done the same and are probably using it now," she declared. "Even if there are no rewards for repeated descent on one layer, those assigned to a particular layer can continue to descend until they reach the end. Everyone gets rewarded and gets to leave too," Ember said, watching as Scott approached to help the trio to their feet. "People are dumb and greedy," Zara said suddenly. "Although that would be the most logical thing to do, there are people out there who wouldn''t hesitate to slaughter everyone since there are more rewards up for grabs." "The gods never make things simple. There''s surely some catch we''ll find out about later; I doubt things will go the way we expect," Slim added. No one argued; there was always some kind of catch with matters involving the Tower of Champions. After a long period of silence, Orion suddenly giggled, approaching one of the surrounding walls. "I have a theory," he said, pausing a few feet from the wall and looking up. "The gods don''t care if people abuse it. In fact, I believe they''d be elated, especially knowing it would yield more entertainment for them¡ª" The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. "I have a headache right now, so forgive me for being forward, but what are you trying to say?" Zara interjected. Orion turned around, wearing a bright smile. "The gods want us to get as powerful as possible. They don''t care about us potentially abusing a glitch. But we all seem to be forgetting a mechanism they have in place to correct such a glitch." Zara frowned. ¡°What are you talking...¡± she paused, her frown deepening as a thought crossed her mind. The same realization dawned on the other prisoners, turning their expressions serious. ¡°The named calamities are there to keep us in check,¡± Ember muttered softly. ¡°Bingo!¡± Orion giggled. ¡°Unfortunately, there¡¯s no prize.¡± He lowered his gaze and continued approaching the wall again. ¡°Of all places, three suddenly appeared in the same location where we fought. I don¡¯t know about the rest of you, but I don¡¯t believe in coincidences. We were basically begging them to come and extinguish us back then. If my deductions are correct, anyone who abuses the glitch would be asking for the same.¡± Slim sighed, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m tired of saying I really hate this place. Everything is just...¡± the necromancer sighed once more, shaking his head. ¡°So, what should our strategy be?¡± Ember asked, her gaze shifting from one person to another. ¡°It might be difficult to make a good strategy right now,¡± Scott answered. ¡°We lack information. The only thing we know is that we must descend, and we won¡¯t be the only ones trying to do that.¡± ¡°So, basically survive, huh,¡± Zara said, rearranging loose hair strands behind her ears. ¡°Exactly,¡± Orion and Scott said simultaneously. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like we will be able to get out of this one using some clever trick,¡± Slim sighed again. Instinctively, the champions recalled what happened in the illusionary space, and a heavy silence hung in the air. Scott looked around at his companions, his voice steady and calm. ¡°We¡¯re weak. That¡¯s the truth we can¡¯t escape. They tortured us, humiliated us, and laughed at us because of our weakness. But being weak isn¡¯t our fault; it¡¯s just a state of being. However,¡± he paused, his voice growing firmer, ¡°remaining weak would be our greatest failure.¡± He took a breath, his eyes burning with an eerie determination. ¡°I¡¯m done living under the shadow of forces that dictate my every move, that see us as insignificant. I refuse to be a pawn in their games, a mere spectator in my own life. From this moment on, I swear I will rise above this. I will become so powerful that even the gods will have no choice but to acknowledge me. An existence so undeniable that the mere mention of my name will make even the most fearsome beings tremble.¡± Scott lifted his head, as if challenging the unseen powers watching them. ¡°To those who have mocked and dismissed us, know this: the day will come when we make you regret underestimating us. Mark my words, we will become legends.¡±
The council of gods takes notice!
Some lesser gods are intrigued; others are uneasy!
The administrator records a bold declaration!
Access to certain sanctuaries has been restricted!
The Tower of Champions acknowledges your vow!
Scott lowered his head, taking deep breaths. His companions stared at him; their emotions evident on their stunned faces. Scott¡¯s rare burst of emotion surprised them even more than his bold declaration. At that moment, they also had to reflect on their own goals and journey. ¡°Buddy, is that why you¡¯re climbing the tower?¡± Slim broke the heavy silence, and all eyes focused on Scott. ¡°Yes,¡± Scott said without hesitation. ¡°I can¡¯t ask any of you to follow me¡ª¡± ¡°You already selfishly declared we were going to become legends on your own. Are you taking that back already?¡± Zara interjected, smiling as she approached the voidweaver. ¡°I probably would have died in that desert if I hadn¡¯t met you guys; and it¡¯s likely you guys will probably be the reason I¡¯d die,¡± she paused a short distance away from Scott, smiling. She stretched out her right hand, making a fist which she placed on Scott¡¯s chest. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be nice if we became gods? You and Slim would still be my minions, of course,¡± she said with a wink. Scott smiled, then he turned toward Slim. The skeleton wore a dazzling grin while mouthing, ¡°We will revolt against the feline tyrant.¡± Scott could only silently shake his head. He turned toward Orion, and the mage wore an even brighter smile as he trembled. Scott didn¡¯t need anyone to tell him the mage would follow him despite whatever ludicrous idea he proposed; in fact, an argument could be made that Orion was more interested in them because of their irrational antics and decisions. Scott chuckled softly at the thought, then turned his attention to Ember. The dragonkin wore a deep frown, seemingly oblivious of Scott¡¯s gaze. ¡°You don¡¯t have to accompany us,¡± Scott said. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want you to do anything that might compromise your relationship with your kin.¡± Ember sighed softly, turning to face Scott. ¡°It¡¯s not that,¡± she began. ¡°You seem not to realize the weight of your declaration. You¡¯re not the first person to have uttered such words, and you¡¯d probably not be the last. In fact, there are lesser gods right now who had once made such vows¡ª¡± ¡°What¡¯s the problem then?¡± Slim suddenly asked. Ember turned toward the necromancer. ¡°I have never heard of a situation where the tower itself acknowledges a vow.¡± Silence hung in the air. The dragonkin prepared to continue, but a new system notification appeared.
The walls are descending!
You have a minute to decide which command to use!
Good luck!
The walls around them rumbled violently as the hound extermination crew huddled together, their backs pressed against each other. Plume, the Trisos who had joined them during their stay on Infernia, was missing. But in the chaos, no one spared a thought for the missing prisoner. Three holographic projections flickered into existence near the ceiling. The first was a green downward arrow pointing to the ground. The second was a grey crisscrossing arrowhead, and the third was a flaming chain. The downward arrow sparkled, with the number 4 appearing beneath it. The crisscrossing arrowhead remained greyed out, while the flaming chain had the number 3 beneath it. ¡°What should we choose?¡± Zara muttered. ¡°Wait a bit longer,¡± Orion advised. ¡°Let¡¯s see what¡ª¡± He suddenly stopped, blinking rapidly with a dazed expression. Zara turned to him, her face stern. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Silence was her only response. Before Zara could speak again, an overwhelming pressure seized control of her body, rendering her unable to speak or move. Slim and Ember showed similar reactions, their faces etched with dread, and then nothing. Seemingly devoid of emotion. Scott, however, was focused on the walls that had already begun to lower, his gaze fixed on a human party a few feet away. Aside from the party and Scott, everyone else seemed frozen in time. The leader had inky black hair that matched his black apparel and boots. Flaming crucifix tattoos covered his arms and neck, with a single blackened crucifix tattoo visible under his right eyelid. But Scott paid little attention to the man¡¯s appearance; instead, he focused on the man¡¯s citrine eyes, which glowed with an otherworldly presence. Driven by curiosity, Scott opened his mouth instinctively. ¡°Who are you?¡± The man with the yellow eyes regarded Scott with a hint of surprise. ¡°I can¡¯t feel anything from you,¡± he said coolly. ¡°I don¡¯t like you.¡± Book 3 - Chapter 15: The Man with Yellow Eyes [2] Who the hell is this guy? Scott thought, frowning at the stoic-looking man before him. Hastur¡¯s gaze wasn¡¯t working, and an unsettling sensation of suppression gnawed at his abilities. The feeling intensified the longer he stared into the man¡¯s eyes. ¡°This is a surprise,¡± said a member of the human party, smiling as he leaned against another champion. ¡°First time I¡¯ve seen someone talk without your permission, Hurly.¡± ¡°There really is a first time for everything,¡± another champion giggled. The hulking man licked his lips, his lecherous eyes roving over the female champions. His right hand cradled his groin, and the depravity in his eyes simmered. ¡°Lots of cuties this time. I can¡¯t wait,¡± he muttered. Hurly pointed at the hound extermination crew. ¡°Start with them,¡± he ordered. The men turned their attention to the immobilized group members, their gazes lingering on Ember and Zara. They let out muffled gasps and excited whistles. ¡°How long has it been since we had a cat-girl?¡± one man asked, a bulge already swelling in his pants. ¡°Forget the cat-girl. The other one¡¯s even more beautiful. She¡¯s just my type,¡± another champion said with excitement. ¡°I¡¯m going first this time, you fuckers,¡± the hulking man announced, stepping forward. ¡°Nobody wants to go after you, Eugene,¡± someone began. ¡°You¡¯re¡ª¡± The man¡¯s words trailed off, and so did Eugene¡¯s advance. The champions turned their attention to Scott, who had stepped forward. ¡°Look at Rambo over here,¡± Eugene snickered, derision clear. Chuckles echoed from the champions as Scott approached with slow, measured steps. Eugene stepped forward too, wearing spiked, golden brass knuckles. The giant man strode powerfully, his eyes brimming with uncontrolled malevolence. His gaze stayed fixed on Zara and Ember, wild thoughts of the immobilized champions running through his mind. ¡°Eugene, come back,¡± Hurly commanded, his voice low and calm. The hulking man paused, confusion evident on his face. He turned to the lanky leader and returned without a word. The rest of the group stayed silent. Hurly strolled forward, his steps cool and calm, each one measured and filled with intent. Scott and Hurly stopped about ten feet apart, neither speaking nor advancing. They locked gazes, and an eerie silence lingered in the air. Hurly¡¯s companions exchanged confused glances but remained still, hands resting on their weapons. ¡°You look human, but you¡¯re definitely not one of us,¡± Hurly said, breaking the tense silence. ¡°Why is a rotten abomination like you, without emotions, disguising yourself as a human?¡± he probed. Scott continued staring at him without moving or speaking. ¡°I really don¡¯t like you,¡± Hurly said impassively, his gaze narrowing. ¡°I¡¯ve met a lot of posers who feign being emotionless, but you¡¯re genuinely a beast with no shred of emotion. I was going to have my men rape your companions repeatedly, toying with them until the embers of their miserable lives rot, and all they can think of is the solace of death. But your eyes tell me you wouldn¡¯t care. Calling you a beast is an insult to beasts everywhere. You¡¯re nothing, a vessel already consumed by emptiness.¡± Hurly paused, advancing. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m going to squeeze out every bit of emotion from your companions. I want to see the look in their eyes while they¡¯re tormented and humiliated. I want to see how they react when they realize you can¡¯t do anything. I want to see if the emptiness in your eyes will remain,¡± Hurly stopped barely three feet away from Scott, and they stared into each other¡¯s eyes. The yellow sign flickered ominously, while the shattered worlds in the cracks of the other spun. Hurly¡¯s pupils emitted a pulsating, rhythmic yellow hue. ¡°I¡¯ve seen enough,¡± Scott began. ¡°You¡¯re just a depraved psycho who feeds on emotions. I wonder who¡¯s really lower than a beast between the two of us,¡± Scott took a step forward. ¡°We do share something in common, though.¡± ¡°Oh? What is that?¡± Hurly asked, also stepping forward. ¡°I also want to see the look in your rapist crew¡¯s eyes as I drag them through the pits of despair. How would they react knowing you wouldn¡¯t give two fucks about them?¡± Scott said with a smile. ¡°I really don¡¯t like you,¡± Hurly said with a smile. Both men stopped simultaneously. At that moment, Scott flexed his arm, and a blackened portal to the nihilistic zone manifested below his hand. The handle of the Warhammer of the Mad God ejected from the abyss. Hurly lowered his gaze, and the portal closed forcefully. ¡°I can do more than just feed on emotions,¡± Hurly said with a crooked smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have enough time to play with you.¡± Scott moved again, charging toward Hurly. Hurly launched himself into the air, easily evading Scott¡¯s charge. Simultaneously, the shadows of Hurly¡¯s companions darkened, the nihilistic zone opening beneath their feet. Three instantly plummeted into the inky abyss, while Eugene and the man next to him barely survived by the moment Hurly glanced at them. ¡°How cunning,¡± Hurly smiled, landing on the ground. ¡°Since you¡¯ve taken three of my people, it¡¯s only fair I take three of yours.¡± His smile grew brighter. Scott and Hurly had exchanged positions, with Scott now facing the hound extermination crew while Hurly faced the survivors of Scott¡¯s sneak attack. ¡°Do you know what it feels like when someone¡¯s brain is overloaded with the euphoria of different emotions all at the same time? Imagine feeling horny, angry, depressed, excited, in pain, and sorrowful, all to the maximum, and at the same time. Your brain simply goes¡ª¡± Hurly snapped his fingers, and several muffled explosions rocked the area. Dozens of bodies fell on the cold, marbled floors. ¡°You have quite a lot of tricks,¡± Hurly said, smiling. The hound extermination crew was the only group yet to lose a member. ¡°You¡¯re also capable of feeding off emotions?¡± he questioned, ignoring the slew of system notifications appearing in front of him. ¡°Hurly, something feels off with Wade!¡± Eugene suddenly screamed. ¡°He¡¯s getting leaner!¡± Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Hurly¡¯s gaze instinctively turned toward his companions. Wade lay on the floor, his visage whitening by the second. Eugene stood over him, debating whether to touch him. Hurly turned back to Scott, who smiled. ¡°I¡¯m somewhat of a parasite too, you know. Thanks for the meal,¡± Scott said, mockingly snapping his fingers. ¡°Hurly! I don¡¯t feel so good,¡± Eugene screamed, his voice growing faint. He tried to move but stumbled to the floor, his complexion worsening. Wade lay motionless, eyes and mouth open, breathless. Hurly¡¯s impassive eyes lingered on Eugene¡¯s withering form. He clicked his fingers, and a muffled explosion echoed from Eugene¡¯s head. Fluids poured from his orifices as Hurly turned his attention back to Scott. ¡°It seems you¡¯re the winner of this round,¡± Hurly said. ¡°Those mongrels weren¡¯t enough to defeat you. But don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be back with an even better team¡ª¡± ¡°And I¡¯ll kill them too,¡± Scott interjected. Hurly tilted his head slightly. ¡°Then I¡¯ll be back with a superior team, one armed with the experiences of previous failures,¡± he declared. Scott chuckled softly, shaking his head. ¡°In this fantasy of yours, is there no scenario where I end up killing you too?¡± Hurly couldn¡¯t hide his confusion. He narrowed his gaze, pointing at Scott. ¡°You? Kill me?¡± His confusion turned to amusement. ¡°What a ridiculous thought,¡± he said, stepping forward casually. ¡°Have you ever seen a scenario where a monkey kills a god?¡± Scott chuckled again. ¡°So, I¡¯m a monkey, and you¡¯re a god?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Hurly declared impassively. ¡°What difference is there between a monkey with an axe, a monkey with a gun, and a monkey in a circus? They¡¯re all monkeys, no matter how trained they might be.¡± ¡°And what if I kill you right now?¡± Scott declared; his voice cold. Hurly laughed. ¡°Now you¡¯re just being silly,¡± he said. ¡°Give it your best shot. Let¡¯s see what type of monkey you are.¡± Hurly approached Scott with slow, measured steps, stopping a few feet away with both arms raised. ¡°Well?¡± he said, meeting Scott¡¯s gaze. ¡°Give me your best shot.¡± In lightning-quick fashion, Scott reached into the formless mass in his chest, retrieving the Warhammer of the Mad God. The air churned as the ominous weapon revealed itself, and Scott unleashed a brutal swing toward Hurly¡¯s skull. Hurly ignored the weapon racing toward him, his eyes still focused on Scott. ¡°This was quite the introduction. This will be my gift to you. I¡¯ll be seeing you around.¡± The war hammer landed, ripping half of Hurly¡¯s skull from his head. Fresh blood sprayed into the air like a geyser, and the corpse fell backward, its eyes still filled with indifference. Gasps echoed from the hound extermination crew as the quartet recovered from their inanimate state.
You have received 20,000 Exp for eliminating an alliance!
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
Level: 70!
Experience Points: 2000/7100
Congratulations! You have reached the stage of completion!
The shattered worlds in Scott¡¯s right eye stirred, forcing him to his knees as blood poured from the animated eye. A deafening echo pounded in his skull, causing his vision to waver while tremors shook the area. Hazy regions opened around him, accompanied by occasional cracking sounds.
Skill: Void Bank is attempting to merge with your domain!
Scott¡¯s eyes continued to bleed, and the pounding in his head intensified, muffled groans escaping his lips. The hound extermination crew remained motionless, a byproduct of the sudden advancement. Slim and Zara levitated in midair, enveloped in a thick mana cocoon. Ember and Slim, however, stayed in place, their skins visibly reddening.
Your domain expansion is ready!
Domain: Chaotic Voidscape
Description: Unleashes a domain engulfed in a swirling maelstrom of darkness and chaotic energy. The area within the domain becomes a nightmarish landscape filled with twisting void tendrils and distorted spatial anomalies. This domain amplifies the user''s void abilities and destabilizes the mental and physical state of any intruders.
Effects Reality Fracture: The battlefield is distorted, causing enemies to perceive multiple versions of the user, confusing their attacks and decreasing their accuracy.
Abyssal Summons: Eldritch creatures from the void are summoned to fight alongside the user, each capable of dealing significant damage and inducing fear in enemies.
Energy Drainfield: The domain constantly siphons life force and energy from all within it, weakening enemies and continuously healing the user.
Mental Collapse: The chaotic energies of the domain gradually erode the mental resistance of enemies, making them more susceptible to the user''s Mind Control and Madness abilities.
Shadowstep: The user can teleport to any shadow within the domain, allowing them to move unpredictably and strike from unexpected angles.
Warped Space: The layout of the domain is ever-changing, with pathways and distances constantly shifting, making navigation nearly impossible for enemies.
Void Infusion Surge: The user''s attacks are empowered with additional void energy, increasing their damage and adding effects like paralysis and disintegration.
Void Bank: The user can open spatial gateways to all areas an essence of their being has left behind.
You have attained the minimum level and rank to wield authority!
Your current rank has been expunged!
A new rank is being calculated¡­
Calculations completed!
Rank: Challenger!
Description: Champions at the earliest stages of contending for authority!
Scott glanced at the array of system messages, panting heavily. The pounding in his head had vanished as suddenly as it had appeared, but he remained on his knees, his right eye still bleeding. Slim and Zara remained encased in their mana cocoons, while Ember and Slim each bore runic markings on the backs of their necks. Scott''s gaze, however, lingered on a slender, somewhat illusionary figure beyond his companions. With hair like a raging fire and a body more dazzling than diamonds, the figure pointed a spear at Scott. ¡°I will be expecting you!¡± the figure declared before vanishing as mysteriously as they had appeared. Lilac embers appeared suddenly, burning runic markings on Scott¡¯s neck too, but the markings disappeared into the voidweaver¡¯s skin. Book 3 - Chapter 16: Class Advancement Scott took deep breaths, his visage slowly returning to normal. The throbbing in his eye subsided, and the earlier burning sensation had disappeared. He didn''t care about the mysterious figure or their message; not having to battle in his disoriented state was enough relief for him. Scott stared at the flashing system messages, forcing himself to his feet. "Chaotic Voidscape..." Scott''s brows creased as he read through his domain effects. Even without reading them, he could already sense the power of the domain. It was as if a part of himself that had always been there had finally been revealed. Scott turned his attention to his new rank, and his brows furrowed even further. Challenger? One would think this was a fucking league or something. Scott frowned at the thought. Knowing that the gods had designed multiple games for their amusement, it wasn''t farfetched to believe they intentionally named it so.
The Nameless One stops looking at you!
Scott watched the blackened notification disappear, but he didn''t put too much thought into it. Instead, he turned his attention toward his companions. Slim and Zara remained enshrouded in their cocoons, while Ember and Orion slowly regained consciousness, their reddened skin recovering. Scott approached them, his gaze lingering on the strange markings on their necks. Ember¡¯s markings resembled the aftermath of a concentrated lightning charge on one¡¯s skin. Crimson, lilac, and blackened lines crisscrossed elegantly, forming figures or words he couldn¡¯t decipher no matter how hard he stared at them. Orion¡¯s markings, on the other hand, comprised scattered runic engravings in white, akin to braille. Unlike Ember¡¯s, Orion¡¯s markings constantly rearranged themselves into new formations, never repeating the same pattern. What the hell are those things? Scott thought to himself. He reached toward the back of his neck but felt nothing on his skin, though he vividly remembered the burning sensation from earlier. The voidweaver then turned his attention toward Slim and Zara, who showed no signs of leaving their cocoons. Hastur¡¯s gaze couldn¡¯t penetrate the sturdy barrier, and Scott couldn''t fathom what they were experiencing inside. ¡°That wasn¡¯t a pleasant experience, but I¡¯d like to do it again,¡± Orion¡¯s slurred voice echoed. The mage staggered forward, smiling. ¡°Are you good?¡± Scott''s voice came from behind, and Orion turned toward him. The mage glanced at Scott from head to toe, his smile brightening the longer he looked. ¡°You¡¯re a challenger now,¡± he giggled. ¡°Congratulations,¡± he said. Scott frowned, recalling Orion¡¯s strange warnings while they were still partaking in the ranking games. ¡°That¡¯s why you told us to do everything possible to increase our ranks, right?¡± Orion nodded. ¡°Yes,¡± he began, taking a step forward. ¡°Sadly, we were kicked out of the games before we got to the juicier parts. Apparently, there are ranks above number one, but that doesn¡¯t matter anymore,¡± the mage said, his gaze lingering on the levitating cocoons. ¡°Do you know more about what being a challenger entails?¡± Scott asked, not one to dwell on matters beyond his control. ¡°Basically, we have been acknowledged as possessing the qualifications to fight for authority,¡± Orion began, his gaze still focused on the cocoons. ¡°Unlike domains or Rules of Absolute, not everyone is capable of wielding authority, since oftentimes, said authority is dispersed by the gods or lesser gods themselves.¡± ¡°Are you saying we¡¯d have to be some god¡¯s lackey to wield authority?¡± Scott quizzed, wrapping his arms around his chest. ¡°Usually, that is the case. However, while the gods are indeed the custodians of their designated authority, it doesn¡¯t mean that is the only way to gain access to it. Take Slim for example: should a day come when he¡¯s able to embody the very essence of death itself, then there¡¯s nothing stopping him from tapping into the authority of death, regardless of the opinions of its current custodian. Naturally, should such a thing happen, don¡¯t expect the custodian of said authority and the other challengers to watch or even let you enjoy such privileges,¡± Orion explained. Scott¡¯s brows creased even further as he digested the mage¡¯s words. For the first time since arriving at the Tower of Champions, he truly felt like he had stepped onto a stage with beings capable of feats beyond his wildest expectations. ¡°Did you see anyone briefly when you became a challenger?¡± Scott asked, recalling the strange figure he had seen earlier. ¡°Oh? You saw one too?¡± Orion asked, turning toward the voidweaver. ¡°Mine was an annoying little pipsqueak. I can¡¯t wait to meet her again,¡± Orion giggled. ¡°Who could they be?¡± Scott asked, his attention shifting toward Ember. The dragonkin was on the verge of awakening. Orion shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know, and I¡¯m not really bothered¡­ no, that was a lie. What I meant was that it doesn¡¯t really matter who or what they might be. We¡¯ll find out eventually, won¡¯t we?¡± the mage turned toward Ember, noticing that the dragonkin would soon awaken. ¡°Maybe your girlfriend will have more information for us,¡± he said with a grin. Scott rolled his eyes, approaching the dragonkin. ¡°She¡¯s not my girlfriend,¡± he said softly, but not in his usual impassive tone. Orion chuckled. ¡°Sure, I believe you,¡± he said with a sly wink. Scott turned his attention away from the mage, focusing on Ember. The moment he arrived next to the dragonkin, her eyes snapped open, lilac lightning shimmering within her iris. Both champions locked gazes, neither moving nor speaking, and a palpable silence lingered. A moment later, Ember raised her right hand, cradling Scott¡¯s face, and he let her. The shimmering lights in her eyes subsided, and clarity returned to her face. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. ¡°Hi,¡± she said with a smile. ¡°Congratulations.¡± Scott¡¯s brows shot up. ¡°What for?¡± he asked. Ember¡¯s delicate hand slowly descended toward the voidweaver¡¯s neck, as she said, ¡°I can tell that you¡¯ve reached completion. So, you must have awakened either a Rule of Absolute or a domain. Whichever it is, it¡¯s worthy of being congratulated.¡± Ember¡¯s hand moved up and down Scott¡¯s neck tenderly, as the warmth in her eyes grew tender. ¡°I can still remember our first meeting. You have come a long way since then,¡± she added with a warm smile, pulling Scott into her embrace. Not his girlfriend, he says,¡± Orion muttered softly, giggling as he watched the duo. Both Scott and Ember heard the mage¡¯s words, but neither spoke nor reacted. A moment later, Scott pulled himself out of Ember¡¯s embrace, and the trio focused on the cocoons. ¡°Does anyone have any ideas what¡¯s going on with them?¡± Scott voiced his concerns. ¡°It¡¯s nothing to worry about,¡± Ember suddenly said. Scott and Orion turned toward the dragonkin, their gazes demanding answers. ¡°They¡¯re undergoing their second advancement right now,¡± she said, leaning a little bit on Scott. Orion¡¯s brows shot up in realization, his curiosity growing. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t it have happened when they crossed level 50?¡± Ember nodded. ¡°That¡¯s usually the case, but there are extremely rare instances where such abnormalities arise,¡± she explained coolly. ¡°According to the records left behind by my elders, a delayed advancement usually occurs when a champion strays from their initial class markedly. The system needs time to reassess the champion, hence the delay. Once the assessment has been completed, the class advancement would spring up at the next possible level increase.¡± ¡°Oh? That¡¯s interesting,¡± Orion muttered, eyes burning with interest. He took a step toward the cocoons while retrieving a small scalpel from his inventory. ¡°So, those records, do they mention anything about what happens to the champions? How much are we expecting their classes to differ from the previous one? Would there be changes to their physical and mental states? Do they gain special abilities or stats unique to delayed advancers? Do¡ª¡± ¡°Orion, one question at a time,¡± Scott interjected, glaring at the mage. Ember wore a smile as her gaze shifted between Scott and the smiling mage. ¡°Unfortunately, I didn¡¯t read too much into those records. What I do know, however, is that champions who pass through a delayed advancement always come out markedly stronger than before. Regarding your other questions, I honestly couldn¡¯t say. At this point, we can only hope they¡¯re still the same people we know,¡± she said. Orion nodded, taking measured steps toward the cocoon housing Zara¡¯s form. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re going to collect samples right now,¡± Scott suddenly warned. ¡°Don¡¯t do something reckless. We don¡¯t know what would happen to them if there were any external interference.¡± Orion paused in his tracks, a thin smile on his face. The scalpel disappeared into his inventory, and he turned toward Scott. ¡°Of course I knew that. I was only going to take a closer look,¡± he said, unable to hide the disappointment in his eyes. Ember and Scott both rolled their eyes simultaneously. ¡°Sure, that¡¯s what you were going to do,¡± Scott said, then he suddenly changed the topic. ¡°Were you guys conscious earlier?¡± Ember¡¯s features turned serious, and she instinctively averted her gaze toward the corpse with half of its head ripped off. ¡°I was, but I don¡¯t know about the others.¡± ¡°Same,¡± Orion said, turning his attention toward Hurly¡¯s corpse. ¡°What an utterly fascinating and terrifying domain. He¡¯s able to negate the abilities of others while also feeding off their emotions, trapping them within their own subconscious, unable to react as he does whatever he pleases. What an interesting fellow,¡± Orion muttered. However, a hidden savagery lurked within the depths of the mage¡¯s eyes as he crouched in front of the corpse. The mage¡¯s scalpel made its return, shimmering under the lights. Without saying anything further, Orion proceeded to retrieve several samples from the corpse while mumbling to himself. Scott and Ember watched the mage for a moment before turning their attention elsewhere, Scott especially staring at the holographic insignias depicting the commands. The numbers underneath them had disappeared, and they were all grayed out too. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like we can leave this place until they finish their advancement,¡± Ember said softly, rearranging loose hair strands. ¡°It¡¯s not like we have something else better to do,¡± Scott said casually. Ember suddenly leaned on him, tilting his head upwards towards hers. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Scott asked, meeting the dragonkin¡¯s passionate gaze. ¡°What¡¯s this thing I¡¯m hearing about a girlfriend?¡± Ember asked, her hands going rogue on Scott¡¯s body. Her fingers made their way to Scott¡¯s lips, and the tenderness in her eyes grew even fonder. ¡°You know that I want you, and when you want me, I¡¯ll be here,¡± she whispered, her eyes that of a passionate conqueror. ¡°I¡­¡± Ember shushed the voidweaver with her fingers while shaking her head. ¡°You don¡¯t have to answer me right now. Like I said, I¡¯m not going anywhere, unless you want me to,¡± she said, leaning closer to Scott. Both could feel each other¡¯s breath on their skins, and a palpable silence seemed to loom within the area. A crisp crack suddenly echoed, and Scott, Ember, and Orion turned their attention toward the cocoons. Both had a deep lattice of cracks on their surfaces, and copious amounts of divergent energies seeped out from them. Orion sprinted away from Hurly¡¯s corpse; his eyes focused on some of the cracked cocoon lingering on the floor. The data-obsessed mage gathered a few samples before retreating to where Scott and Ember waited. ¡°You couldn¡¯t stop yourself, huh?¡± Scott commented mentally. Orion chuckled, the scalpel disappearing into his inventory. ¡°We are creatures of habit after all. I¡¯m just a slave to the truth,¡± he declared. Another loud crack echoed, and the cocoon housing Zara exploded into smithereens. Scott, Ember, and Orion focused on the feline, and their expressions stirred. A bloody apparition lingered above Zara, linked by several illusionary, bloody threads. The apparition gazed at the trio, and it smiled, then merged into Zara¡¯s body. At that same moment, Zara staggered forward. Ember appeared next to her in a flash, preventing the feline from falling. ¡°How is she?¡± Scott asked. ¡°She¡¯s okay. She should be conscious in a minute or two,¡± Ember said, her hand resting on Zara¡¯s forehead. Orion giggled softly. ¡°I wonder what her new class is. I can¡¯t wait for her to tell me,¡± he said. Then he turned his attention toward Scott, grinning. ¡°You already know, don¡¯t you?¡± he asked mentally. Scott nodded; his visage still stern. Orion grabbed him by his shoulder, unable to quell his curiosity. ¡°What is it?¡± he asked mentally. ¡°She¡¯s a puppeteer; her class is Feral Marionette,¡± Scott said, a lingering sense of astonishment in his voice. Orion sharply turned toward Zara, his smile widening. He opened his mouth to speak, but another explosion followed, and darkness suddenly enveloped the area. At that same moment, a macabre symphony echoed, and chills ran down the spines of Scott and his companions. The War Hammer of the Mad God forced itself out from Scott¡¯s chest while Orion¡¯s smile turned delirious as his staff appeared. Lightning glazed over Ember¡¯s eyes, the trio stirred by the ominous and palpable darkness, fueled by the symphony which seemed to herald the descent of death itself. ¡°What are you guys doing?¡± Slim¡¯s voice echoed, and the darkness disappeared. The skeleton stood behind Scott and Orion, his form several inches taller than before. His bones were pristine white while bluish mist swirled within his empty eye sockets. Scott''s eyes were immediately drawn to the golden cluster shimmering above Slim¡¯s skull, squirming in sync with the bluish mist. It was an odd, almost hypnotic sight, and he couldn''t help but wonder what it signified. Book 3 - Chapter 17: Seven Circles ¡°Is it just me, or did you guys become shorter for some reason?¡± Slim muttered, his bony arms akimbo. The skeleton then noticed something off¡ªthe size of his suit had shrunk considerably. ¡°Huh? Why do my clothes look like this?¡± Slim animatedly observed his attire, unable to hide the panic in his voice. Meanwhile, Scott, Orion, and Ember''s tensed features began to relax. At that same moment, Zara''s form trembled softly in Ember''s arms, and the puppeteer stirred awake. Her blood-red irises shifted between her companions, lingering on Slim as the drowsiness in her eyes disappeared. ¡°Am I seeing things, or did Slim get way, way taller?¡± she muttered, tempted to rub her eyes in disbelief. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like there are any changes to their personalities,¡± Orion commented with a chuckle, though there was a lingering sense of disappointment in his voice. His staff vanished into his inventory, and Scott¡¯s war hammer followed, retreating into the nihilistic zone. Scott''s gaze alternated between the newly advanced champions. ¡°So, how do you guys feel?¡± Slim stopped probing his bones, lifting his head toward Scott. ¡°I feel weird, buddy,¡± he said after a momentary pause. ¡°Everything feels smaller, and I constantly hear voices in my head,¡± he added, his tone slightly bewildered. ¡°Oh?¡± Orion¡¯s eyes sparkled with interest. ¡°What are they saying?¡± ¡°They¡¯re singing,¡± Slim clarified. ¡°The death hymn¡­¡± he added, his voice dropping to a low murmur. The expressions of the champions stirred, even more so Orion, whose interest was thoroughly piqued. ¡°Sing it,¡± he said eagerly. ¡°Please don¡¯t,¡± Zara quickly interjected, managing to stand on her own two feet. ¡°My leader, even if you hadn¡¯t said anything, there¡¯s no way I would do that,¡± Slim muttered softly. He cast a glance at Orion. ¡°Buddy, you¡¯re going to bite off more than you can chew someday. Knowing you, you¡¯d probably laugh in excitement without giving two fucks.¡± The skeleton grinned, and Orion mirrored his expression. ¡°So, what are your new classes?¡± Scott suddenly asked. All eyes focused on the recently advanced duo, silently awaiting their answers. Zara¡¯s cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment as her gaze began to wander, and she fiddled with strands of her now crimson hair. ¡°Feral Marionette,¡± she whispered, her voice barely audible. ¡°The system is so stupid. Who asked it to make me a puppeteer?¡± she grumbled softly. Ember stifled her rising urge to laugh, pulling the feline into her embrace while gently patting her head. Zara¡¯s face turned even redder as she buried her face into Ember¡¯s soft bosom. All eyes then turned toward Slim, and the skeleton wore a confident smile as he declared, ¡°I¡¯m now a Requiem Conductor.¡± Ember and Orion¡¯s brows furrowed; neither of them familiar with the class or its abilities. ¡°That sort of explains the singing then,¡± Orion muttered. ¡°Were you given options before the advancement?¡± Slim shook his head. ¡°Not at all,¡± he began. ¡°The system simply said I had met the requirements for a hidden class¡ª¡± ¡°A hidden class?¡± Orion, Ember, and Scott interjected simultaneously. The full weight of their gazes bore down on the skeleton. Slim smiled awkwardly as he nodded. ¡°Yeah. That¡¯s what the system said.¡±
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Slim the Grim
Level: 65.
Experience Points: 800/6600
Race:
  • Undead!
Class: Requiem Conductor.
Party Members:
  • Scott Dorsey.
  • Orion Audeus.
  • Ember.
  • Fi-Fi.
  • Zara [Party Leader].
Title:
  • Death''s Maestro.
  • Minion 9999.
  • Calamity in charge of Area D-15.
Rank:
  • 1.
Energy Sources:
  • Necrotic Essence: Draws power from death and decay.
  • Imprint of Madness ¨C Partial.
  • Melodic Resonance: Channels energy through songs and vocal performances.
Abnormal State: Happy.
Blessings: Illusionary Mirror - Mimicry.
Incarceration: Godsfall Island !
Requiem Members:
  • Wraith Choristers: Ethereal singers that provide buffs and debuffs through their songs.
  • Undead Minions: Skeletons, zombies, and necromantic summons that fight for the Conductor.
Sponsor: None!
Physical Stats Strength: 55.
Agility: 70.
Endurance: 30.
Dexterity: 70.
Toughness: 45.
Skills Necromantic Arts [Level 6]
Vocal Mastery [Level 6]
Life Drain [Level 3]
Wraith Chorus [Level 4]
Death''s Lullaby [Level 4]
Bone Conduction [Level 2]
Spectral Symphony [Level 2]
Party Communication (Level 2)
Abilities [High-Tier]
  • Domain of the Dead: Creates a zone where the living are weakened, and the dead are strengthened. Skeletons and wraiths are summoned within this domain.
  • Requiem''s Command: Directs the wraiths to specific tasks, enhancing their effectiveness.
  • Melodic Drain: Uses songs to drain life energy from enemies, healing the Conductor or empowering his minions.
  • Melody of the Mad God: ??? ¨C [Imprint of Madness dependent!]
  • Haunting Harmony: Causes enemies to be enthralled or frightened by the spectral songs, reducing their combat effectiveness.
  • Dirge of the Damned: A powerful song that can temporarily increase the power and resilience of all undead under the Conductor''s control.
Quests Main Quest: Complete your second mission ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Announce yourself at the Point of no Return ¨C Not Started!
Scott''s attention drifted momentarily to Slim''s overhauled system interface, where his gaze lingered on the Melody of the Mad God¡ªa new skill whose ominous name stirred a fresh set of questions. Yet, Scott knew better than to let his thoughts wander; after all, nothing would reveal itself no matter how much he dwelled on it. "My new class is a hidden one, too," Zara announced, her arms still wrapped around Ember¡¯s body. "Oh? Another hidden class. That¡¯s interesting," Orion commented, nodding as if taking mental notes. Just as the mage prepared to speak again, a system notification suddenly manifested in front of the champions.
You failed to choose a command within the allocated time!
The expressions of the champions stiffened, a looming sense of danger overwhelming their minds. Another notification appeared almost immediately: The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
You will be punished!
The crew stared at the floating blue screen, a palpable silence enveloping the area.
Please choose a command!
A third notification blinked with a warm hue in front of Zara. She released her grip around Ember¡¯s waist, her gaze wandering toward her companions. ¡°What should I choose?¡± ¡°Descend,¡± all members of the party declared simultaneously. ¡°That¡¯s the only sensible option, really. There¡¯s nowhere for us to reshuffle to, we can¡¯t fight anyone here either. So, descend is kind of the obvious call,¡± Orion muttered, staring intensely at Zara. Without hesitation, Zara clicked on the first option [Descend]. The holographic arrow depicting the command lit up; and in that same moment, a crack echoed. Before anyone could react, the floor beneath the champions shattered. Hearts in mouths, eyes widened, arms flailing, the hound extermination crew plunged into the icy mist below, while the corpses previously strewn on the floor combusted and then disintegrated into white ash. A strange gravitational pull acted on the falling prisoners, increasing their descent speed. Neither of them had any sense of bearing nor could they adjust their positions. A thunderous bang followed as the group crashed into heaps of snow.
You have received 10,000 Exp for descending a layer!
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
Level: 71
Experience Points: 5000/7200
Scott managed to extricate himself from the voluminous snow, his gaze lingering on the frozen wasteland they had descended into. The sky was nonexistent¡ªonly a swirling grey vortex unleashing an unending torrent of snow, coupled with rancorous winds intent on battering everything in their path. "Are you guys okay?" Scott called out mentally. Slim popped out from the surrounding snow, his teeth clattering as the unforgiving winds struck against his skull. Zara and Ember revealed themselves next, with Orion leaping out moments later like an excited child.
Your punishment has been determined!
You must endure Clacion¡¯s climate for at least three minutes!
¡°No one can endure this for three minutes,¡± Slim commented mentally, the biting cold rattling through his bones. Orion¡¯s whimsical laughter echoed in their minds, and before they could react, the prisoners felt something attach itself to their bodies. A wave of warmth followed. ¡°I knew such a day would come,¡± Orion declared mentally. ¡°I¡¯m never going to die by freezing to death,¡± he added as he forced himself to stand on the snow. A thin, somewhat crimson layer covered the entirety of the mage¡¯s form, and the same glow enveloped the rest of the hound extermination crew. One after another, they extricated themselves from where they had fallen, but none moved further into the wasteland. Though tempted to ask how the mage had managed to ward off the cold, no one spoke. They were all too familiar with Orion¡¯s eccentric abilities. Instead, they collectively observed the snowy wasteland, which constantly accumulated layers of fresh snow. Yet, for some reason, the prisoners did not sink into the snowy earth but hovered above it. ¡°I wonder what else they have in store for us?¡± Orion questioned mentally. ¡°Please don¡¯t jinx it,¡± Zara chided the mage as she tried to peer through the thick, icy fog. However, only a hazy, swirling mist met her gaze. Although the party stood close to each other, it was still difficult for them to see one another. ¡°So, we¡¯re just going to wait here for the next couple of minutes, huh?¡± Slim muttered mentally. ¡°Do you have some place to be?¡± Zara retorted. ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anything we can do,¡± she added. Orion retrieved a small spatula and tiny vials from his inventory. The mage crouched, carefully scooping several spoonfuls of snow into labeled vials. With a contented smile, he began to stand, but something caught his eye. His vision narrowed in concentration, and without a word, he retrieved his staff, slamming its base into the snow. A vibration rippled through the thick layer beneath them, and Orion''s smile brightened as he turned toward his companions. But the stunned expressions on their faces made him pause, their heads raised, eyes fixed on the turbulent heavens. What are they looking at? Orion wondered, his gaze instinctively following theirs. His brows shot up, and his mouth parted slightly in surprise. Now, you don¡¯t see that every day, he thought, staring at the hazy sky where two figures clad in snow-white Daoist robes stood atop glistening golden swords. ¡°Um, buddies, I know I don¡¯t have eyes and all, but we¡¯re all seeing those guys standing there, right? This isn¡¯t some kind of illusion, is it?¡± Slim asked, his confusion evident. Though the skies were hazy and thick fog surrounded them, the figures remained clear, their robes shimmering with an azure luminescence.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: ???
Level: 65.
Cultivation Base: Divine Transcendence [godly manifestation].
Experience Points: 800/6600
Race:
  • Kitsune!
Class:
  • Cultivator.
  • Y¨­kai.
Title: None.
Energy Sources:
  • Ice Qi.
Abnormal State: Curious.
Sponsor: None!
Physical Stats Strength: 45.
Agility: 76.
Endurance: 20.
Dexterity: 78.
Toughness: 35.
Scott stared at the stats of the cultivators; disbelief etched across his face. Both figures wore silver fox masks that obscured their identities, but their iridescent turquoise eyes shimmered hauntingly behind the masks. Despite Hastur¡¯s gaze, Scott couldn¡¯t discern their skills, abilities, or quests. It was both surprising and unsettling to discover there were other ways to accumulate power in the tower¡ªways he had yet to comprehend. He couldn''t help but wonder just how many other absurd and enigmatic beings were lurking out there, still undiscovered. ¡°Scott, please tell me this isn¡¯t an illusion,¡± Orion asked mentally, his voice brimming with barely contained excitement. ¡°Your data field is still up, isn¡¯t it?¡± Scott retorted. ¡°Yeah,¡± Orion nodded vigorously. ¡°You¡¯re not being tortured right now, either. So, it¡¯s definitely real,¡± Scott confirmed, then made an announcement on the party channel. ¡°Be careful, everyone. These guys are different,¡± he warned, his tone leaving no room for doubt. ¡°Different how?¡± Zara was the first to speak, her gaze fixed on the enigmatic cultivators. ¡°They¡¯re cultivators,¡± Scott declared without hesitation. The word sent Orion into a visible frenzy of excitement. ¡°Culti-what-now?¡± Slim asked, his confusion palpable. Zara and Ember shared a similar bewildered expression, unfamiliar with the term. Scott had no intention of elaborating further, not with the cultivators glaring down at them. Orion, however, was all too eager to explain. With barely suppressed excitement, the mage offered a brief, enthusiastic summary of what a cultivator was. ¡°Wait, you¡¯re telling me people from your world used to write about them for entertainment?¡± Ember questioned, incredulous, and Orion affirmed with an eager nod and grin. ¡°But how did they know?¡± she pressed, voicing the same question lingering in the minds of the other prisoners. Orion giggled softly. ¡°Honestly, I wish I knew,¡± he mused, his gaze narrowing as he scrutinized the cultivators. ¡°My theory is that everything we once considered imaginative thoughts, artistic inspirations if you will, might actually stem from people experiencing what other variants of themselves were seeing. The timelines don¡¯t make sense, but time itself isn¡¯t linear, so it¡¯s entirely possible that there are timelines where races from the same planet were integrated into the tower in the past¡ªor the far future. Exciting, isn¡¯t it?¡± Silence followed as everyone mulled over Orion¡¯s words, the weight of his theory sinking in. Unlike Scott, the rest of the crew couldn''t fully grasp the implications, but the thought lingered, nonetheless. Without warning, one of the cultivators raised their hand, summoning several glistening swords that hovered ominously around them. The figure lowered their hand, and the swords shot toward the hound extermination crew like deadly comets. In response, several blackened portals manifested, each one swallowing a sword before it could even reach the midway point of its flight. The cultivators¡¯ eyes widened in shock; their astonishment palpable even through their masks. Without hesitation, they spun on their swords and vanished into the soulless grey skies with a burst of speed that left only a faint ripple in the air. ¡°Well¡­ that was something,¡± Orion remarked, his tone a mix of amusement and admiration as he applauded the cultivators'' swift retreat. Scott turned his attention to Orion, his curiosity evident. ¡°Orion, you¡¯re a mage, correct?¡± Orion met the voidweaver¡¯s gaze, sensing the intensity behind it. He smiled, nodding. ¡°That¡¯s correct, and I know what you¡¯re about to ask.¡± The mage raised seven fingers, his grin widening. ¡°Seven circles. That¡¯s how many I have,¡± he added, his pride unmistakable.
The duration of your punishment has ended.
Before anyone could react, the ground beneath them shattered, and a new notification appeared in their minds. Once again, the hound extermination crew plunged into the abyss below. Book 3 - Chapter 18: White Hell [1]
You have received 10,000 Exp for descending a layer!
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
Level: 73.
Experience Points: 700/7400.
A luminous notification appeared in front of each member of the hound extermination crew as they lay sprawled on the cold, icy ground. Yet, their gazes remained focused on their new environment. Towering, crystalline ice pillars formed a labyrinthine network of paths that seemed to stretch into infinity. Where are we? Scott thought to himself as he slowly rose to his feet. The air was frigid, but despite the biting cold, he felt no discomfort. He scanned the paths stretching out before them, but apart from the neatly carved ice pillars, nothing about the place seemed particularly out of the ordinary. His eyes then shifted to his companions, who were also picking themselves up off the ground. ¡°Are you guys okay?¡± he asked, his gaze shifting between them, checking for signs of injury or disorientation. ¡°My ass is sore, but I¡¯ll live,¡± Slim muttered, rubbing his behind as if to emphasize the point. Zara rolled her eyes, barely restraining her urge to smack the skeleton upside his skull. ¡°You don¡¯t even have an ass,¡± she muttered under her breath, holding back the sarcastic comment that lingered on the tip of her tongue. ¡°There are five paths,¡± Ember observed suddenly, her voice cutting through the tension. ¡°And there are five of us. I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a coincidence,¡± she added, her tone thoughtful. The prisoners all turned their attention to the dragonkin, intrigued by her insight, especially Orion, who seemed particularly captivated by her line of reasoning. ¡°Why do you think so?¡± Scott asked, curious to hear her thoughts. Ember opened her mouth to respond, but before she could utter a word, a new system notification flashed before their eyes:
You have received a new task!
Choose a path to begin the path defense sequence!
White Hell!
Description: Each member of your group will be responsible for defending a path! After successfully defending a path, you will reconvene with another member of your group. Together, you will move forward to defend another path until all members are reunited. Once reunited, you may choose which command to use. You have 30 seconds to choose which path to defend. Once you have decided, please stand in front of the chosen path!
The prisoners read through the notification, their brows furrowed with concern and frustration. ¡°What¡¯s the point of asking us to choose if we were going to descend as a group only to separate us again?¡± Zara grumbled, unable to hide her displeasure. ¡°My leader, complaining isn¡¯t going to help now,¡± Slim sighed as he casually surveyed the available paths. ¡°We should just choose one and get it over with.¡± The memory of their last mission, where unintentional dawdling led to their banishment to the frozen wasteland, still lingered in their minds. None of them could say for certain what would have happened if not for Orion¡¯s mysterious ability to repel the cold. ¡°I understand, but I don¡¯t like it either,¡± Zara said with resignation, pointing toward the path directly in front of her. ¡°I¡¯ll take that one.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take the one next to you,¡± Ember declared, her voice steady. Orion giggled with excitement. ¡°I¡¯ll take the one next to yours. It seems to be calling my name. I¡¯m sure I¡¯m going to have lots of fun,¡± the mage declared, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. Scott and Slim exchanged a glance, silently deciding between themselves which paths they would defend. Without further delay, the group moved toward their chosen paths, each pausing at the periphery. As they stood at the threshold, their voices echoed simultaneously within the party communication channel, filled with determination. ¡°Don¡¯t die!¡± they declared passionately.
Commencing Transfer!
A sudden buzz echoed within the frozen area, sharp and startling. Before any of the prisoners could fully grasp what was happening, the pathways they had chosen extended forward at an alarming speed. The ground beneath their feet rumbled, and the icy walls on either side of them shot out, slamming together with a force that reverberated through the ground. In an instant, the pathways converged, forming a pentagonal formation that enclosed each member of the hound extermination crew in their own isolated section. Scott stared at the sturdy walls now separating him from his companions. The thick, icy barriers were impassable, and any attempt to see through them was futile. His breath fogged up in front of him as he involuntarily ran his fingers along the frozen surface, feeling the smooth, unyielding texture beneath his fingertips. He paused, noticing something odd¡ªonce again, he couldn¡¯t feel the biting cold. It was as if the walls themselves absorbed the chill, leaving him in a space where the frost seemed to have no effect on him. Yet, the realization brought no comfort. With a frown, Scott attempted to reach out to his team via the party communication channel, but there was nothing. The link was severed, leaving him utterly alone.
Defend your path and reunite with your companions!
Side Quest: Reach the first check point!
Scott glanced at the notification for a moment, then moved forward with a quiet determination. The path ahead was vast, more than wide enough for seven people to walk side by side, and the high ceilings loomed above him, casting long, shadowy echoes. His thoughts wandered as he walked, the hollow thud of his boots against the icy floor reverberating through the cavernous space. Did giants create this place? he wondered, his eyes tracing the towering walls. The occasional gust of howling wind swept through the pathway, but for the most part, silence reigned supreme. His mind drifted back to the encounter with the cultivators. A seven-circle mage¡­ Scott pondered; I wonder what level that corresponds to. Could it be as high as level 80? He instinctively shook his head, dismissing the thought. No, it must be higher. He was already at level 73, yet he still couldn¡¯t see Orion or Ember¡¯s stats. Whatever their levels were, they had to be significantly higher than his, he believed. Cultivators, mages, puppeteers, conductors, and even parasites capable of devouring emotions... The sheer variety of abilities within the tower amazed him. The tower is even crazier than I imagined, Scott thought as he pressed forward, his senses alert for any sign of danger. Twenty minutes passed in a monotonous trek. The scenery remained unchanging¡ªendless walls of ice, with no signs of life or traps. The pathway stretched on, an unamusing, bland corridor of frozen silence. Scott¡¯s gaze roamed the area, searching for any hint of activity, but there was nothing. His footsteps continued to echo within the hollow chamber, the sound almost mocking in its consistency. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°I wonder if the others have¡ª¡± his thoughts were abruptly interrupted as a massive icy fist burst out from the wall, reaching for his neck with a speed that defied its size. Scott''s eyes flicked to the oncoming threat, and with a calm expression, a blackened portal materialized in front of the voidweaver, swallowing the fist whole before it could reach him. But there was no time to relax¡ªanother fist lunged from behind, followed by two more from above and below. In a flurry of motion, Scott manifested multiple portals to the nihilistic zone, each one devouring the icy limbs before they could make contact. Suddenly, a blinding, pulsating light erupted from deep within the path, forcing Scott to squint against the intense glare. At that moment, he instinctively tilted his head to the side as a massive arrow constructed from pure light whizzed past him, narrowly missing his skull. The walls around him erupted in chaos as more icy fists, arms, and weapons of all kinds manifested, each one eager to crush him. Yet Scott remained unfazed, his attention focused on a new threat. An elven figure had materialized behind him, bow drawn, and three shimmering arrows nocked, all aimed directly at Scott¡¯s head. The bow itself was constructed from the same dazzling light as the arrows, and the elf¡¯s eyes glowed with a fierce intensity. ¡°You hid yourself in the arrow earlier, huh,¡± Scott remarked, a smile playing on his lips. His voice dripped with mockery as he added, ¡°Go on, give me your best shot.¡± Without hesitation, the elven figure released the arrows. They flew at the speed of light, arriving instantaneously at Scott¡¯s position. But just as quickly as they appeared, a blackened portal manifested on Scott¡¯s skin, devouring all three arrows before they could strike. The elf¡¯s eyes widened in shock as its form began to dissipate, unraveling into particles of light. ¡°It¡¯s too early to be surprised,¡± Scott said, his smile widening. ¡°I¡¯ll be coming for you soon. Wait for me.¡± With those words, the elven figure vanished completely, leaving behind only the echo of Scott¡¯s threat. The icy constructs around him surged forward, desperate to overwhelm him with sheer numbers. But they met the same fate as the arrows¡ªdevoured by the endless maw of the nihilistic zone. Scott didn¡¯t even flinch as he turned back toward the path ahead, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. With a sudden burst of speed, he exploded forward, the ground beneath him shattering as he moved. The walls trembled, and the ice responded with fury. Fists, feet, spikes, lances, skewers¡ªevery imaginable weapon made of ice erupted from the surrounding walls, all intent on halting the voidweaver¡¯s advance. But Scott paid them no mind. His blackened portals erased their existence as quickly as they appeared, leaving nothing to impede his progress. The further Scott traveled, the more his excitement grew. Flickering lights glimmered in the distance, signaling that he was nearing the end of the pathway. Suddenly, the path about a hundred feet away from him crumbled, revealing a bottomless abyss that stretched all the way to the exit. Scott¡¯s laughter echoed through the corridor as his speed increased. In a flash, he reached the broken section of the pathway, his pace never faltering. The voidweaver ran even faster, his feet pressing against nonexistent ground as he charged straight through the exit. He arrived in a dome-shaped area, illuminated by dazzling ice crystals embedded within the walls. Like the entrance to White Hell, multiple pathways branched out from this chamber, each one sealed behind towering ice walls. However, Scott¡¯s attention was drawn to a three-man party standing a few feet away, near the third pathway to his right. The party consisted of three elven females, all of whom stared at the prisoner with visible apprehension. One held a long silver bow, nocked with three shimmering arrows made of light. Another crouched low to the ground, her hands seemingly buried in the ice, while the third bled profusely from her left eye, which was covered by a hastily applied eyepatch. Level 45 Hunter, Level 46 Materialist, and Level 45 Illusionist, Scott thought to himself, smiling at the unique combination. But they¡¯re so damn weak. What are they even doing here? Scott knew that a champion¡¯s level didn¡¯t always correlate with their actual power. A higher-level champion wasn¡¯t necessarily stronger, especially if they were in a support role or had a specialized skill set. A level 50 bard wouldn¡¯t necessarily be able to defeat a level 30 fighter in direct combat, and some champions possessed unique or innate abilities that defied conventional classification. The elven party held their ground, but their defiant stares couldn¡¯t completely mask the fear lurking in their eyes. Scott took a step forward, and the hunter immediately loosed her arrows while the materialist attempted to bind him with the ice. Both actions, however, proved futile as the attacks were effortlessly neutralized by the nihilistic portals. ¡°You don¡¯t learn, do you?¡± Scott said, halting his advance. His gaze wandered away from the elves, surveying the area in greater detail before focusing on the trio once more. ¡°I have a question for you. I hope you¡¯ll answer me,¡± he declared. ¡°Or what?¡± the hunter retorted, her voice sharp and unyielding. ¡°You might be stronger than us, but we don¡¯t fear that,¡± she continued, a cruel smile spreading across her lips. ¡°We¡¯ll simply revive as many times as you kill us, and eventually, we¡¯ll be the ones who kill you.¡± She nocked another arrow, her confidence seemingly unwavering. Scott¡¯s smile deepened as he pieced together their situation. No wonder their levels are so low. They¡¯re part of the Ranking Games. To them, I¡¯m basically some kind of boss monster they need to defeat. The hunter fired another shot, but it met the same fate as her previous arrows, swallowed by the nihilistic portals before it could even approach its target. Scott returned his focus to the group. ¡°So, which layer are you in the Ranking Games?¡± ¡°What?¡± the materialist answered, her hands still entrenched in the icy floor. ¡°The Ranking Games,¡± Scott repeated. ¡°Isn¡¯t that why you¡¯re able to revive over and over?¡± he questioned; his curiosity piqued. The confusion on the elves¡¯ faces was evident. None of them seemed to recognize the term, and Scott quickly realized that they genuinely had no idea what he was talking about. ¡°I have no idea what you mean by Ranking Games, and how we can revive is none of your business,¡± the hunter said brashly. ¡°Just know that it¡¯s true. We¡¯ll defeat you, no matter how long it takes, and no matter how many times we must die.¡± Scott¡¯s confusion mirrored theirs. Are they lying? he wondered but quickly discarded the thought. The elves had no reason to lie about something so trivial. Orion¡¯s theory might be right after all. There might be more than one way to climb the tower, Scott mused, his brows furrowing. The fact that the missions had taken place on two different planets only reinforced his belief that the trials depended on where someone began their ascent. How different beings seemed to inhabit different planets remained a mystery, one of the many unknowns surrounding the Tower of Champions. ¡°I¡¯ll make you a deal instead,¡± the hunter suddenly declared, snapping Scott out of his thoughts. ¡°Oh?¡± Scott asked, his amusement evident. ¡°What do you have in mind?¡± ¡°Fight with us, and we¡¯ll reward you with three core elemental shards,¡± the hunter proposed, her voice firm. Scott chuckled softly, shaking his head. ¡°No offense, but I¡¯m not interested. I¡¯m supposed to¡ª¡±
The invader is arriving!
Defend your path!
Scott''s frown deepened as he read the system notification. He noticed that the elves had similar notifications in front of them, their anxious expressions mirroring his own confusion. Aren¡¯t they the people I¡¯m supposed to eliminate? he pondered, his thoughts wandering. At that moment, ominous thuds echoed throughout the area, drawing everyone''s attention to the left. Cracks formed in one of the blocked pathways, widening with each passing second. The elves tensed, their anxiety palpable. In contrast, Scott''s interest was piqued as he eagerly anticipated whatever¡ªor whoever¡ªwas about to emerge. The tension in the air reached its peak as a loud bang resounded, and the ice wall crumbled into pieces. The echoes of rattling chains filled the chamber, announcing the arrival of a humanoid figure with scaly, metallic skin. The newcomer was clad in blackened armor, with crimson chains wrapping around their exposed arms, binding them from wrist to elbow. The chains were attached to silvery metallic balls, which shifted between liquid and solid states with an eerie fluidity. The humanoid''s beady eyes scanned the room, dismissively glancing over the elves before locking onto Scott. The humanoid¡¯s eyes widened in recognition; shock evident in them. ¡°It¡¯s you!¡± the warrior declared, cackling as he pointed his right hand toward Scott. Scott''s frown deepened. He didn¡¯t recognize the figure at all. ¡°Do I know you?¡± he asked, his voice cold and steady. The humanoid shook his head, a twisted grin spreading across his face. ¡°No, but I remember you. You¡¯re the man who caused the chaos in Enchanted Heights. I really liked that place. You shouldn¡¯t have done that,¡± he growled, taking a menacing step forward. ¡°You ran away before I had the chance to find you. You won¡¯t be so lucky today.¡± A blackened portal opened at Scott¡¯s feet, and the war hammer of the Mad God forced itself out. Scott grasped the handle of the ominous weapon, the air around him growing heavy with the weight of its power. ¡°Isn¡¯t it too early to start celebrating?¡± he taunted, his gaze unyielding. The humanoid''s smile widened, revealing jagged, razor-sharp teeth. ¡°Not at all. Fret not, I will make your death as swift as possible,¡± he paused, his smile turning maniacal. ¡°But it will be extremely painful.¡± With a wave of his hand, the humanoid declared, ¡°I suspend all laws within my domain!¡± Book 3 - Chapter 19: White Hell [2] The silvery balls bubbled intensely, contorting as the chains lining the warrior¡¯s arms rustled, expanding at a frightening pace and embedding themselves into the thick, icy surroundings. The bubbling silver morphed into wicked hooks, which the champion eagerly grabbed, his beady eyes locked on Scott, his smile cruel and predatory. Scott met the humanoid¡¯s gaze with cold indifference. ¡°You really didn¡¯t think this through, did you?¡± he began, his voice calm as he casually observed the chains crisscrossing the area, restricting movement for everyone within. ¡°How long ago was the incident at Enchanted Heights?¡± he asked, his tone almost conversational. The warrior sneered, his laughter soft and mocking. ¡°What¡¯s that got to do with anything? Are you getting scared already?¡± he taunted, his voice tinged with disappointment. ¡°I expected more from you. What a bore this is going to be,¡± he sighed, almost regretful. Scott shook his head, glancing toward the elven party, their composure shattered, faces pale with dread. ¡°You¡¯d revive even if you die, right?¡± he asked, a smile playing on his lips. His words only deepened the terror in their hearts, but they instinctively nodded, compelled by a primal fear they couldn¡¯t suppress. ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Scott muttered, almost to himself. The warrior¡¯s sneer deepened. ¡°That you¡¯d turn away from your opponent in battle; I applaud your stupidity,¡± he snarled, his form blurring as he manifested in front of Scott. ¡°Now, die!¡± he roared, thrusting both hooks toward Scott¡¯s neck, eager to tear it apart. The chains responded, rustling fiercely, some racing toward the elves, others aiming to wrap around Scott, intent on suppressing the voidweaver. Scott turned back to the warrior, his expression unchanged, as the approaching hooks reflected in his ominous eyes. The chains found their mark on the elves, binding them tightly as their muffled cries filled the air. In the next instant, the trio exploded into a gory mess of flesh and bones. The chains expanded, greedily absorbing every drop of blood from the mangled corpses. The hooks neared Scott¡¯s neck, and the warrior¡¯s smile brightened¡ªuntil two miniature nihilistic portals intercepted them before they could touch Scott¡¯s skin. ¡°Impossible!¡± the warrior blurted out, his voice betraying a growing panic. The chains squeezed around Scott, but like the hooks, blackened portals halted their advance. ¡°As I said, you really didn¡¯t think this through,¡± Scott repeated, the yellow sign flickering ominously in his eye. The warrior¡¯s eyes locked with Scott¡¯s, and a wave of cold dread washed over him. The man before him suddenly seemed larger, more formidable, and far more terrifying than before. No, no, no, no. This can¡¯t be happening¡­ Why can¡¯t I move? The warrior¡¯s mind raced, but his limbs refused to obey, as though he were a stick sinking into a tar pit, fated to be swallowed by the inky abyss. Cold sweat broke out across his forehead, and his lips quivered uncontrollably. Move, damn it! he screamed inwardly, but his body betrayed him. Am I¡­ am I, afraid? He couldn¡¯t tear his gaze away from the yellow sign, the suffocating pressure growing more intense with each passing second. ¡°It¡¯s been over a year since the incident at Enchanted Heights,¡± Scott continued, casually raising the War Hammer of the Mad God. ¡°What made you think I was like any of those unambitious fools who chose to live comfortably?¡± His arm came to a halt midair, the weight of his words sinking into the warrior''s mind. The warrior remained frozen in place, his gaze locked with Scott¡¯s, paralyzed by fear. ¡°A swift and painful death, huh. You¡¯re in luck¡ªthat¡¯s my specialty.¡± Scott¡¯s arm descended, and the warrior screamed silently within, desperately trying to summon every ounce of power to escape the impending calamity. A sickening bang echoed as the war hammer crushed through half of the warrior¡¯s skull, sending a spray of blood and brain matter splattering across the icy ground. The chains around the warrior rustled fiercely, as if alive, their sentience awakened and angered by the death of their host. Before the warrior''s body could even hit the ground, the chains reacted, binding the lifeless corpse with a ferocity that shattered the surrounding ice. They coiled tighter and tighter, greedily absorbing the essence of the fallen champion, the crimson luster of the chains shifting to a dark, silvery hue as the silvery balls fused with them. In mere seconds, the chains had consumed the corpse entirely, their form swelling like monstrous, living serpents. An ear-shattering roar suddenly erupted within the area, causing Scott to instinctively lower his gaze, shock flickering across his usually composed face. He stared at the War Hammer of the Mad God, now throbbing with ominous energy. Tens of thousands of dark tendrils erupted from the weapon, lashing out and attaching themselves to the silver chains, which shuddered in place as if caught in a terrible struggle.
The War Hammer of the Mad God is corrupting an ego weapon!
Before Scott¡¯s eyes, the tendrils rippled through the sentient chains, tearing them apart as the snake-like binds willingly surrendered, allowing themselves to be devoured. The once massive chains visibly shrank, their diminishing size making the War Hammer of The Mad God gleam with an even more radiant luster. Parts of the ominous weapon emerged from the tendrils'' grasp, though most of it remained shrouded in darkness. A sharp crack echoed through the air, and suddenly, a large section of the chains snapped off, shooting toward Scott¡¯s arm with blinding speed. He tried to summon the nihilistic portals, but the war hammer''s power nullified his efforts. The silver chains coiled around his right arm, and as they did, the war hammer began to twist and contort. It merged with the tip of the chain, transforming into a blackened pendant that now hung from the sleek, serpentine links. [The War Hammer of the Mad God has been successfully upgraded!] [The War Hammer of the Mad God has successfully merged with the Chains of Oblivion!]
The Chains of Oblivion are merging with the Nihilistic Zone!
The Nameless One peeks at you!
The Nameless One peeks at the War Hammer of the Mad God!
The Nameless One stops looking at you!
Your nature beckons Madness!
The Authority of Madness notices your existence!
The pendant on Scott¡¯s arm trembled violently as several tendrils shot out, racing toward the notification that had just announced his existence to the authority. With a swift strike, they shattered it without hesitation. Scott stood frozen, his mouth slightly agape, struggling to process the sequence of events that had just unfolded. He knew the warrior posed no real threat, especially after analyzing his stats. The humanoid was only a level 60 warrior, with his domain being the only noteworthy aspect. Scott pondered whether the warrior¡¯s confidence stemmed from his domain or from the assumption that Scott¡¯s strength shouldn¡¯t have grown significantly since he had left Enchanted Heights less than three years ago. From the warrior''s perspective, it seemed unlikely that he could have gained considerable power in such a short time. Scott tried to reread the notifications, but a sudden chill seized his being, compelling him to turn around. His eyes, now cold and calculating, locked onto a familiar figure¡ªsomeone who felt eerily known yet remained a stranger. The figure¡¯s hair blazed like raging fire, and their body radiated a brilliance that outshone diamonds. Their eyes, like twin suns, blazed with intensity as they glared at Scott. But this time, the figure wasn¡¯t alone. Over a dozen shadowy figures stood beside them, their forms obscured but their eyes fixed on Scott with unsettling focus. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. "Even a nobody like this attracts the attention of the throne?" a caustic voice echoed, its venomous tone causing a web of cracks to spread across the surrounding walls. An overwhelming pressure descended upon Scott, strong enough to negate the nihilistic void that usually defined his being. For a moment, time itself seemed to freeze. A gigantic crack splintered across the dome¡¯s ceiling, revealing a pair of monstrous eyes, vast and ancient, as if they carried the weight of millions of worlds.
The administrator demands that ??? return!
Refusal is not an option!
The spear-wielding figure and the other shadowy beings lifted their heads toward the administrator. One by one, they vanished into the darkness without uttering a word. Scott tried to lift his own head, but found that he couldn¡¯t. For reasons unknown, several tendrils had wrapped around him, restricting his every movement. Then, as abruptly as they had appeared, the tendrils released their hold, and time resumed its normal flow. Scott couldn¡¯t recall the last time his heart had pounded so violently, the sensation both terrifying and exhilarating. Despite his lingering trepidation, a maniacal smile spread across the voidweaver¡¯s face. He had never felt more alive.
You have slain the first invader!
The next invader will arrive soon!
Defend your path!
Scott ignored the notification, his attention drawn to a spot just a few feet away¡ªthe very place where the ill-fated elves had met their demise. He wasn¡¯t sure when it happened, but three luminous, pearl-like seeds had emerged from the icy floor, now floating in midair. They spun fiercely, absorbing any lingering energy in the area. Then, with a sharp crack, a burst of flashing lights filled the room, accompanied by wretched screams and horrid gasps. As the lights dimmed, the room fell silent. On the very spot where the elves had died, their naked bodies now lay on the ground, covered in shimmering lilac fluids under the dome¡¯s lights. The elves stared in disbelief at their surroundings, their gazes taking in the devastation left behind from what they assumed had been an intense battle. The victor was undeniable¡ªScott was the only one left standing. The elves turned their attention back to Scott, shock and fear evident in their eyes. It¡¯s been less than five minutes since our death. He eliminated a domain user within that time. Is that even possible? The hunter thought; her earlier bravado now a distant memory. The being before her filled her with unspeakable dread. ¡°Why do you look so scared? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m going to eat you,¡± Scott chuckled, casually rearranging his disheveled hair. The elves remained silent, hastily retrieving new robes from their inventories to cover themselves. Scott watched them impassively, waiting until they were dressed before speaking again. ¡°That seed. What is it?¡± ¡°A s-seed from the Tree of Life,¡± the illusionist blurted out, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. She hadn¡¯t meant to answer, but something compelled her to respond to Scott¡¯s question. Scott¡¯s brows shot up. Tree of Life? Such a thing exists. He took a step forward, the new pendant on his wrist glinting in the dim light. ¡°I won¡¯t waste your time with too many questions. Can anyone be revived if they have that seed? If so, where can I get one? And what happens if I take one of yours? Finally, can the seeds be destroyed? If so, how?¡± Scott asked, his voice calm as he approached the elves. They flinched but were too afraid to move. ¡°Well?¡± Scott prompted, halting just a few feet away from them. ¡°The seed is called the Whispers of Life, and it can only be obtained from the Tree of Life,¡± the hunter began, her voice trembling slightly. ¡°Anyone who possesses the seed can be revived an infinite number of times, as long as the Tree of Life still lives. But the location of the Tree has been lost to the elven kingdom ever since the Tower of Champion appeared.¡± She paused, retrieving a luminous pearl from her inventory and tossing it gently toward Scott. He let it fall to the ground, his gaze still fixed on the trio. ¡°That¡¯s a beacon,¡± the hunter continued. ¡°Although no one knows the tree¡¯s exact location, the beacon will help you detect its presence when you¡¯re near the realm that houses it.¡± Scott glanced at the beacon, nodding thoughtfully. Then he looked back at the elves. ¡°You haven¡¯t answered all my questions. What happens if I take one of your seeds? And can the seeds be destroyed?¡± The elves shuddered, swallowing nervously. ¡°Whispers of Life can¡¯t be inherited or destroyed. Many have tried, but it¡¯s futile. As long as the Tree of Life breathes, we¡¯ll continue to revive,¡± the materialist quickly explained. ¡°So, the only way to truly kill you is by destroying the Tree of Life, correct?¡± Scott asked. ¡°Yes,¡± the hunter confirmed. ¡°That¡¯s basically pseudo-immortality,¡± Scott mused aloud. ¡°Are there any restrictions on who can use the Whispers of Life?¡± ¡°Beings of undead origins, sentient constructs like clones, puppets, or hollows, and intrinsically nefarious entities are barred,¡± the illusionist responded without hesitation. Scott nodded wordlessly, feeling a twinge of sympathy for Slim. ¡°So, how does one earn or receive the Whispers of Life? Is it restricted only to the living, or can the dead be revived as well?¡± he asked, his gaze shifting to the beacon. ¡°As long as they¡¯re not among the forbidden entities, it doesn¡¯t matter if they¡¯re living or dead. One simply needs to stain their blood on the beacon and present it to Mo¡ªuh, I mean, the Tree of Life. If deemed worthy, they¡¯ll be granted a Whisper of Life. However, in cases where someone hopes to revive the dead, they¡¯ll be judged harshly, based on the merits of their deeds while alive,¡± the illusionist explained. Did she almost call the Tree of Life her mother? Scott wondered in silence as he processed the elves¡¯ words. Without a word, he reached for the beacon, and the luminous item vanished into his inventory. ¡°Thank you for your time. I won¡¯t trouble you any further,¡± Scott said with a smile. But his smile only sent shivers down the spines of the elves. Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked back to his original position. The elves exchanged uneasy glances but remained rooted to the spot. Meanwhile, Scott¡¯s gaze was fixed on the pathway the warrior had exited. He wondered if the next invader would come from the same direction. ¡°System, do I have to wait for the invader to arrive? Can I intercept them?¡± Scott asked mentally.
Seeking approval¡­
Your request has been approved!
You may intercept the invader if you choose to!
Scott wore a thin smile as he read through the notification. ¡°System, where is the invader?¡±
Requesting permission¡­
Permission granted!
The invader approaches from the path directly in front of you!
Scott nodded slowly, casting a glance toward the elves, who had regained some of their composure. ¡°Ladies, it¡¯s been a pleasure. Goodbye and good luck.¡± With that, he sauntered forward, indifferent to their thoughts or reactions. The elves watched as Scott disappeared down the path, their gazes narrowing as his form faded from view. ¡°We¡¯re in serious trouble,¡± the materialist murmured, her anxiety barely contained. ¡°The elders are going to kill us for giving such a being a beacon.¡± ¡°We had no choice,¡± the hunter replied, placing a calming hand on the anxious elf¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Who knows what he might have done if we hadn¡¯t answered his questions.¡± ¡°They won¡¯t listen to that,¡± the materialist said, shaking her head. ¡°We¡­ we¡¯ll be banished to¡ª¡± ¡°My children, fret not, for you have done what was required of you,¡± the illusionist interjected, her voice powerful and dignified. White light enveloped her eyes, and her golden locks flailed wildly as her form levitated off the ground. The hunter and materialist shuddered and immediately dropped to their knees; heads bowed. ¡°High Priestess, we¡ª¡± ¡°Now isn¡¯t the time for that. You have completed your mission; you may return to the settlement,¡± the high priestess declared. The hunter hesitated for a moment before asking, ¡°High Priestess, is it truly safe for such a being to wield a beacon?¡± ¡°Mother permitted it. She awaits his eventual arrival. That¡¯s all you need to know,¡± the high priestess responded. ¡°This child will become unconscious for a while. Please take care of her.¡± At that moment, the illusionist¡¯s body convulsed, and she collapsed. The hunter and materialist rushed to catch her before she hit the ground. They exchanged worried glances, their eyes drifting toward the pathway Scott had taken. Book 3 - Chapter 20: White Hell [3] Over an hour had passed since Scott left the elves behind. He had embarked on yet another monotonous trek, the sound of his boots pressing against the icy floor echoing through the silence, drowning out the faint clinks of the swinging pendant. Scott periodically tried to contact his companions, but the same restrictions remained in place. Though tempted, he resisted the urge to activate the imprint of madness¡ªits promise of gruesome mental torture was something he didn¡¯t want his companions to endure. The voidweaver continued his journey, each step measured and deliberate. His gaze occasionally lingered on the chains wrapped around his arm, unable to discern any change yet. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder what kind of effects the chains would have once they fully merged with the nihilistic zone. Scott marched forward; his eyes fixed on the path ahead. He walked for another hour before noticing a flickering light in the distance. It¡¯s the same, except no one¡¯s trying to kill me this time, Scott thought, his gaze sharpening as he neared the end of the pathway. He continued with calm, measured steps, his vigilance at its peak. Moments later, he entered another dome-ceiling room, this one with six sealed pathways but devoid of any presence. Scott halted, his eyes scanning the area. ¡°System, which path should I take?¡±
You can¡¯t intercept the invader beyond this point!
¡°Oh?¡± Scott nodded gently. ¡°Which path will they arrive from?¡± Scott quizzed.
Requesting Permission¡­
Permission Denied!
Scott chuckled softly. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll have to wait, then,¡± he muttered, his gaze shifting away from the flickering notifications. His impassive eyes roamed the area briefly as he mentally speculated which pathway the invader might emerge from. I wonder how the others are doing? There¡¯s no telling how long we¡¯re going to be stuck in this damned place¡­ With that, Scott retreated to the center of the area, waiting in quiet contemplation.
The invaders are arriving!
Defend your path!
Scott¡¯s brows creased as he stared at the notification. There¡¯s more than one? he wondered, his gaze shifting toward the sealed pathways. Suddenly, the area was filled with the sound of cracking, and massive fissures appeared on the walls in front of him, behind him, and on the pathway to his right.
The Chains of Oblivion have successfully merged with the Nihilistic Zone!
Item: Chains of Oblivion have been upgraded!
Item: Chains of the Abyss!
Description: ???
Effects Void Lash: When whipped or extended, the chains create rifts in space, causing anything in their path to potentially disintegrate into nonexistence. These rifts can also disrupt magical energies, nullifying spells or enchantments.
Eternal Erasure: Any target completely bound by the Chains of Annihilation cannot be resurrected, regenerated, or reformed. Their essence is entirely obliterated.
Annihilation Zone: The wielder can create a temporary zone of annihilation, a fragment of the Nihilistic Zone itself, where anything that enters is swiftly eroded of their existence.
Abyssal Constriction: The chains can extend infinitely into the Abyss, pulling their target into an endless void. Anything drawn into the Abyss is lost forever, unable to return to the material world.
Void Warden: The chains can bind and control void-dwelling entities, summoning them to fight alongside the wielder or imprisoning them within the chains'' links.
Abyssal Hunger: The chains can consume energy, life force, or magic from anything they touch, absorbing it into the endless void within. This energy can then be used to empower the wielder or extend the chains'' abilities.
Scott stared at the system messages, his gaze unconsciously shifting toward the chains. The Chains of the Abyss still maintained their silver luster, but now, blackened tendrils flickered between the silver links. A thunderous bang echoed through the room, and Scott instinctively raised his head. The pathway in front of him was on the verge of collapsing, and the other two weren¡¯t far behind. The voidweaver stretched out his right hand, summoning three massive nihilistic portals, each one as large as the seals covering the pathways. But as soon as the portals manifested, they distorted and disintegrated. Scott frowned as another explosion rocked the area, sending broken ice slabs whizzing through the air. ¡°I was looking forward to our next meeting¡­¡± A samurai in full regalia stepped out from the pathway directly in front of Scott, his katana already drawn. ¡°I knew we¡¯d meet again, but I didn¡¯t expect it to be so soon,¡± another samurai emerged from the pathway behind Scott, katana also in hand. The echo of wooden sandals on ice signaled the arrival of a third samurai from the last pathway. ¡°It¡¯s just like before. There¡¯s still nothing from you,¡± he sighed, stepping into the area. ¡°I really don¡¯t like you.¡± The samurais paused as soon as they exited the pathways, their yellow eyes glaring at the man standing in the center of the area. Why did it have to be this fucking freak? Scott¡¯s frown deepened. The samurais looked nothing alike¡ªthe first was old and one-armed, the second¡¯s face was mutilated beyond recognition, and the third was barely out of adolescence. But they all shared one trait: a pair of ominous yellow eyes. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. I don¡¯t even know if he¡¯s mind-controlling these people, or if this bastard is actually a parasite, Scott thought. One thing was certain: these samurais weren¡¯t clones of the Hurly he had killed before. But how could four distinct individuals possess the same ability? ¡°You really are a parasite after all,¡± Scott began, adjusting his stance as he shifted his gaze between the samurais. ¡°Do you take pleasure in controlling the minds and actions of others?¡± The samurais tilted their heads, seemingly confused by the question. ¡°Why would I take pleasure in something so mundane?¡± the older samurai countered. ¡°I¡¯m a god,¡± the youngest samurai declared. ¡°It¡¯s my divine right to do as I please,¡± the second samurai added. All three then raised their weapons, their yellow eyes locked on Scott. ¡°Your existence displeases me. I will no longer¡ª¡± ¡°Enough of that crap,¡± Scott interjected, wiggling his fingers. The pendant shook vigorously as the War Hammer of the Mad God revealed itself. Meanwhile, the chains rustled violently, slowly unraveling around Scott¡¯s arm. The former ego weapon expanded several times over, coiling around Scott like a sentient snake. ¡°Like I promised, this monkey here is going to keep killing you over and over until I get to your real body,¡± Scott declared, tightening his grip on the war hammer. ¡°Now, get over here, you fucking parasite!¡± Scott charged toward the disabled older samurai first. At the same time, the Chains of the Abyss raced toward the other samurais, expanding several times over and embedding themselves into the icy barrier. Massive nihilistic portals appeared next to the chains, but they disappeared as quickly as they came, negated by the men with yellow eyes. The chains attempted to ensnare the samurais, but they displayed remarkable agility, twisting and turning to evade the serpentine links. Scott, with the war hammer in both hands, reached the disabled samurai. He unleashed a brutal downward swing, fueled by the very essence of the void. His goal was clear¡ªkill the samurai as swiftly as possible. But the samurai had other plans. He skillfully countered with a powerful upward swing, the clash of metal sending shockwaves that further cracked the surrounding ice. ¡°Is this the power I¡¯m supposed to fear?¡± Hurly teased; his expression impassive. ¡°Let me show you the power of a god!¡± A faint ripping sound echoed as the samurai¡¯s arm swelled to five times its original size. With a low growl, he overpowered Scott, sending the voidweaver flying several feet away. In that brief moment, portals manifested near the chains attacking the other samurais, and the youngest samurai¡¯s left foot was devoured by one of them. However, the portals vanished just as quickly, and the samurai¡¯s foot began to regenerate. Scott landed safely on his feet, his gaze lingering on the samurai¡¯s hulking arm. That freak has more tricks up his sleeve¡­ but regeneration is going to be a real problem, he thought. Meanwhile, the disabled samurai took a step forward, his yellow eyes fixed on Scott. He paused, shifting into a sword stance with his katana raised for a sideways slash. Suddenly, the samurai¡¯s legs trembled, expanding just like his arm. Scott¡¯s expression grew serious. In the next instant, the samurai moved like a blur, his sandal print embedding deep into the ice, leaving a massive crater in his wake. The samurai appeared in front of Scott in a flash, unleashing a series of furious sideways slashes, aiming to cleave the voidweaver into unequal halves. The Chains of the Abyss reacted first, abandoning their relentless assault to form a protective cocoon around Scott. The other samurais responded in kind, their limbs swelling several times over as they launched a barrage of attacks at the chain-enclosed entity. The area was soon filled with the sharp clacking of unrelenting sword strikes clashing against the sturdy chains; tremors and shockwaves cracking the surrounding ice further. Deep within the protective cocoon, Scott frowned, his thoughts racing. Although it was only for a second, that bastard¡¯s negating abilities disappeared¡­ but they know it too, and they¡¯re covering for each other. This is going to be difficult; He contemplated his options. Do I really need to use my domain here? He shook his head slightly. This bastard is definitely gathering data on me. I can¡¯t reveal all my cards now. ¡°Is this all you¡¯ve got, huh?¡± the disabled samurai roared, unleashing another barrage of slashes at the chains. ¡°Show me how powerful a dancing monkey can be! Don¡¯t tell me this is all you can do,¡± he taunted, raining more sword lights down on the slithering chain cocoon. Suddenly, the cocoon began to shrink, startling the samurais. Instinctively, they retreated, their gazes fixed on the shrinking chains. Faint, bestial growls and ominous howls began to emanate from within, as if creatures from the depths of hell were clawing their way to the surface. The samurais exchanged wary glances, their limbs swelling even further as their clothes shredded under the strain of their bulging muscles. Then, just as abruptly, the chain cocoon loosened, and the samurais froze. Where Scott had stood, over a dozen abominations and nightmarish entities now towered¡ªeach more robust and intimidating than the voidweaver himself. ¡°I knew you had more in store for me,¡± the youngest samurai muttered, a deranged smile spreading across his face. ¡°Let¡¯s see how tough these¡ª¡± Before he could finish, an eldritch summon appeared in front of him in a blur, grabbing his face with a monstrous hand. The abomination squeezed, but the samurai managed a brutal swing despite being at a disadvantage. However, the sword light couldn¡¯t even scratch the summon¡¯s skin. With a sickening crack, blood and brain matter sprayed into the air as the samurai¡¯s body went limp in the abomination¡¯s grip. The other samurais stared at their slain companion; their eyes devoid of emotion. ¡°Another variable. So, these are your minions,¡± the older samurai observed, as if mentally cataloging Scott¡¯s abilities. The eldritch abomination flung the corpse against a nearby wall, where it shattered into a gory mess on impact. The towering summons turned their bloodthirsty eyes toward the remaining champions, their savage intent unmistakable. Without warning, they surged forward, and the samurais¡¯ muscles swelled further in response, the sound of breaking bones mingling with the rustling chains and bestial roars. The samurais unleashed a barrage of furious sword lights, desperate to obliterate the summons. But the chains absorbed most of the impact, and then the eldritch entities arrived. The violent beings tore into the samurais, ripping them limb from limb. Fresh blood splattered across the icy walls and floors as the samurais were reduced to mangled flesh. Seconds later, the blood-soaked abominations returned to Scott¡¯s side, towering over the voidweaver in submissive silence. Scott stared at the decapitated head of the older samurai¡ªthe only identifiable remnant of the three corpses. The man¡¯s lifeless eyes remained locked on Scott, a faint smile playing on his lips. ¡°That¡¯s another victory for the monkey. You¡¯re not so good at this game,¡± Scott mocked, a smile curving his lips. ¡°You have no idea how much I don¡¯t like¡ª¡± The samurai¡¯s words were cut short as an abomination stomped on his head, shattering it like an overripe watermelon. Several portals opened behind Scott, and the eldritch summons silently retreated into them, vanishing from sight. The Chains of the Abyss rapidly shrunk, coiling back around Scott¡¯s arm, while the War Hammer of the Mad God reverted to its pendant form.
You have slain the invaders!
Proceed to the first checkpoint!
Book 3 - Chapter 21: White Hell [4]
You have reached the first checkpoint!
Scott¡¯s eyes flicked to the notification, but his attention quickly shifted to the vaguely familiar surroundings. He was back in a room with a dome-shaped ceiling, though this time, the entrance he had just used was now sealed by ice, merging seamlessly with the wall. Two other exits loomed ahead: one encased in thick ice, the other obstructed by a swirling barrier of runes. ¡°What now, System?¡± Scott asked, his thoughts steady as he crossed his arms over his chest.
You wait!
Scott''s brows creased slightly as he stared at the notification. ¡°In the hypothetical situation where one of my companions falls, what happens to the others?¡± he asked, probing for more information.
In instances where members of a group meet their demise, the remaining members of said group will continue to embark on the trial, irrespective of their numbers, until they either succeed or are annihilated!
Scott read through the system''s message, then raised his head toward the path blocked by the swirling runes. ¡°There¡¯s no way they¡¯d die in this place,¡± he muttered with quiet confidence. ¡°I wonder who¡¯s going to join me,¡± he added. He left his position, pacing slowly around the empty room. A stray thought gripped his mind, refusing to let go. His frown deepened. ¡°System, there are only five of us. One of us will definitely not meet anyone at a checkpoint, right?¡±
That is correct!
Scott stared at the message, his hand absently caressing his chin. That means one of us will have to keep going until the end alone. His frown deepened further. Aside from the samurais, the invader he had encountered earlier wasn¡¯t particularly formidable. However, he couldn¡¯t be certain that would hold true in the other pathways. There was a strong possibility one of his companions might face an opponent beyond their abilities. Worse yet, a named calamity could present itself at any moment. ¡°There¡¯s just too much to worry about,¡± Scott sighed, the weight of his thoughts evident in his voice. He continued his monotonous circling around the room, his boots pressing rhythmically against the icy floor. Time slipped away unnoticed, and before Scott realized it, over six hours had passed. Suddenly, a distinct clink echoed through the room, halting his steps. He looked up, his gaze locking onto the spinning runes, which now clashed violently as if determined to destroy each other. The number of runes rapidly dwindled with each collision, but the clinking sound grew louder, more akin to grenade explosions. For five minutes, the explosions continued, until only two runes remained. Their brief neutrality shattered as they collided in a final, ear-piercing explosion that shook the room. The pathway sealed by ice cracked ominously, teetering on the verge of collapse. What now? Scott wondered. As if in response to his thoughts, the icy barrier shattered, unable to sustain itself any longer. Scott¡¯s gaze flicked between the two pathways. He didn¡¯t know why¡ªnor did he particularly care¡ªbut both paths were now clear, devoid of any barriers. He turned toward the path that had been blocked by ice. ¡°I have a feeling this is the right way to go,¡± he muttered to himself. Suddenly, footsteps echoed through the space, drawing Scott''s attention. He instinctively turned toward the other pathway, his gaze narrowing as he peered into the darkness that shrouded it. An ominous aura seeped from the shadowed path, tainting the air with a bloodthirsty presence. Yet, despite the foreboding atmosphere, Scott felt his caution wane as the footsteps quickened, transforming into a rapid sprint. Within moments, a blur shot out of the darkness, heading straight for the motionless voidweaver. Scott stood still, watching as warm arms encircled him, drawing him into a tender embrace. A slight smile played at his lips. ¡°This isn¡¯t like you, but I¡¯m glad to see you too,¡± he murmured softly. ¡°I¡¯m only doing this because you looked lonely, okay?¡± Zara murmured, her voice a mix of embarrassment and relief as she tightened her embrace. She buried her face in Scott¡¯s chest, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure if I¡¯d see any of you again,¡± she admitted quietly. Before Scott could respond, a fresh set of spinning runes materialized, barring the path ahead, while the other remained open.
You have rejoined your companion!
The invader is arriving!
Defend your path!
The system¡¯s notifications appeared before them, but neither paid them any mind. ¡°How strong were the invaders in your path?¡± Scott asked suddenly, his curiosity piqued. Zara released her grip, though her cheeks still held a hint of color. She smoothed her hair and replied, ¡°They weren¡¯t all that powerful,¡± she admitted with a touch of annoyance, ¡°but they were relentless. I guess that¡¯s to be expected from those insects.¡± ¡°Insects?¡± Scott echoed, tilting his head in curiosity. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Zara nodded, her expression a blend of disgust and frustration. ¡°They were so annoying to kill. They just kept reproducing, over and over. I thought I was going to lose my mind,¡± she sighed, massaging her temples in exasperation. Scott stifled a laugh, imagining how Slim would have reacted in his place. ¡°So, how did you get rid of them?¡± he asked. ¡°I got lucky,¡± Zara shrugged. ¡°They froze over before I could finish them off. Seems like they don¡¯t do well in cold weather.¡± She glanced toward the open path ahead. ¡°Should we get going?¡± she suggested. ¡°Yeah,¡± Scott agreed with a nod. ¡°There¡¯s nothing left for us here.¡± Together, they moved toward the open pathway, their steps light as they quickly left the room behind. ¡°So, what about you?¡± Zara asked suddenly, tilting her head to look at the voidweaver. ¡°How were your invaders?¡± ¡°Weak,¡± Scott replied bluntly, his gaze fixed ahead. Zara let out a chuckle, shaking her head softly. ¡°Sometimes, I forget it¡¯s you we¡¯re talking about,¡± she muttered. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Scott asked, his curiosity piqued. But Zara responded with a sly wink, giggling as she turned away. Scott was about to press further when the feline spoke again. ¡°You couldn¡¯t contact the others, right? Or was it just me?¡± ¡°Yeah, it was the same for me,¡± Scott replied. ¡°I thought as much,¡± Zara said, her tone thoughtful. ¡°It seems the gods¡ªor whoever¡¯s running this place¡ªdon¡¯t want certain information to get out.¡± ¡°Or maybe they¡¯re just assholes who couldn¡¯t care less about us,¡± Scott countered, recalling their earlier encounters with the lesser gods. ¡°To them, this is all just a game, and they¡¯ll do anything to make it more entertaining.¡± Zara sighed, slinging her arms behind her neck. ¡°This is not how I pictured my life turning out when I was a kid,¡± she muttered, sighing again. ¡°Sometimes, I wish I¡¯d just wake up in my old bed, with Grandma sleeping next to us, and all of this would be just a dream.¡± ¡°You and me both,¡± Scott said quietly. Zara tilted her head toward the voidweaver, her cheeks flushing pink again. ¡°I haven¡¯t said this enough, or maybe not at all, but I¡¯m really glad you guys teamed up with me back then. There¡¯s no one else I¡¯d rather climb this abominable tower with¡­ thank you,¡± she added, quickly averting her gaze. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to tell Slim everything you just said¡ªand your reaction,¡± Scott grinned, watching the feline closely. Zara¡¯s face turned an even deeper shade of pink, and she playfully punched Scott¡¯s arm, furiously threatening to demote him if he revealed their conversation to Slim. Scott just chuckled softly. They continued walking, cautiously observing their surroundings. ¡°So, what¡¯s your relationship with Ember?¡± Zara asked suddenly. ¡°You guys seem very close.¡± Scott¡¯s right brow shot up. ¡°Why do you ask? Do you like her?¡± he teased. ¡°I do,¡± Zara answered sincerely, turning to face him. Scott paused, his mouth slightly agape. ¡°You know what I meant, right?¡± Zara nodded, staring at Scott with unwavering seriousness. Scott blinked several times, genuinely taken aback for the first time in what felt like eons. He opened his mouth to speak, but Zara suddenly burst into laughter, pointing at him as tears streamed down her cheeks. ¡°¡­ I wish you could see the look on your face¡­¡± Zara managed to say between fits of laughter, wiping the tears away. She really got me there, Scott thought, surprised at Zara¡¯s unexpected prank. ¡°I hope you had fun because I¡¯m going to get you back,¡± Scott promised, his tone playful. ¡°I¡¯ll be looking forward to it,¡± she grinned, giving him a gentle punch on the arm. ¡°But seriously, are you guys in a relationship or something?¡± Zara probed. Scott shook his head. ¡°Not yet,¡± he replied. ¡°¡®Yet¡¯? So, there¡¯s a possibility it could happen?¡± Zara asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. ¡°There are no impossibilities in this world,¡± Scott declared. ¡°But honestly, I¡¯m not sure I¡¯m the kind of person anyone should get involved with. My enemies are vengeful and powerful. No one is safe around me, especially someone who cares about me.¡± He paused, locking eyes with Zara. ¡°I don¡¯t want anyone else¡­ to die because of me.¡± ¡°You know there¡¯s nothing you can do about that, right?¡± Zara countered. Scott narrowed his gaze. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°I get it, Scott. You want to be strong enough to protect yourself and those you care about before you make any commitments. But life doesn¡¯t wait for that, you know,¡± she began. ¡°We could drop dead at any moment¡ªme, you, Slim, Orion, Ember. Life is brutal and unfair, but that¡¯s just how it is. We either keep going or we give up, and we¡¯re way too stubborn to give up. So, live like every day is your last. If you find someone who genuinely cares about you, and you care about them, find happiness. If your enemies are that powerful, run like hell; hide where no one can find you. And if that doesn¡¯t work out, then enjoy every moment you have together¡ªand take as many of those bastards with you as you can.¡± Scott stared at Zara, unsure how to respond. Zara, on the other hand, simply smiled, letting the silence hang between them. She knew neither of them was entirely right nor wrong; it all came down to personal choice. They continued their journey in quiet contemplation. ¡°Now that I think about it,¡± Zara muttered, breaking the silence, ¡°this is probably the first time both of us have been together without the others, right?¡± Scott¡¯s brows furrowed as he tried to recall another time they had been alone, but nothing came to mind. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he said. ¡°Strange, isn¡¯t it?¡± Zara grinned, nodding in agreement as she continued to walk with her arms slung behind her neck. Then Scott spoke again. ¡°So, what about you?¡± ¡°What about me?¡± Zara asked lazily, glancing at the voidweaver. Scott met her curious gaze. ¡°Anyone special in your life, besides Slim of course?¡± he asked, a rare sly grin spreading across his face. Zara threw a playful punch toward Scott¡¯s arm, but he deftly dodged it. ¡°There¡¯s no way me and that bonehead are getting together. Do you even hear yourself?¡± she said, glaring at Scott, who chuckled. ¡°Why not?¡± Scott teased with a smile. ¡°Slim¡¯s great, and you¡¯re pretty cute, so¡ª" ¡°You think I¡¯m cute?¡± Zara interrupted, her ghostly eyes locking onto Scott. Scott opened his mouth to reply, but he suddenly frowned, stretching out his left hand. He caught three shuriken between his fingers.
Defend your path!
You will be kicked out should an invader travel beyond the checkpoint!
Scott instinctively released the weapons, letting them clatter to the ground. At that moment, the smell of fresh blood filled his nostrils, and an eerie, mechanical laughter echoed through the air. He turned to Zara; his gaze fixed on the bloody apparition swirling around her form. Bloody tendrils connected the feline to the apparition, and her body slumped unnaturally¡ªher arms bent at odd angles, her neck tilted to the side. The apparition cackled once more before merging with Zara¡¯s physical form. A moment later, she straightened up, her aura shifting dramatically. Hundreds, if not thousands, of illusionary strings swirled around her, and she turned to Scott, wearing a heart-warming smile. But to Scott, it felt more like a mechanical contraption was staring at him. Footsteps echoed from ahead. Scott turned, his brows rising as he spotted over a dozen figures dressed in black, like ninjas, several meters away. Before he could speak, a familiar yet sinister voice echoed from Zara¡¯s mouth. ¡°I¡¯ll handle them. Watch me, okay?¡± she said, her glassy eyes meeting Scott¡¯s with unsettling intensity. Book 3 - Chapter 22: White Hell [5] Scott quietly stepped back; his gaze fixed on the Feral Marionette. He watched as Zara advanced, her steps deliberate, almost mechanical.
Champion Interface
Basic Stats Name: Zara.
Level: 69.
Experience Points: 6900/7000
Race:
  • Feline!
Class: Feral Marionette.
Party Members:
  • Scott Dorsey.
  • Orion Audeus.
  • Ember.
  • Fi-Fi.
  • Slim the Grim.
Title:
  • Hound Extermination Crew Party Leader.
  • Calamity in charge of Area D-15.
Rank:
  • 1.
Energy Sources:
  • Imprint of Madness ¨C Partial.
  • Chaos Zone ¨C Partial.
  • Aga¡¯dz Domain: ???
Abnormal State:
  • Aga¡¯dz: Excited.
  • Zara: Excited.
Blessings: Illusionary Mirror - Mimicry.
Incarceration: Godsfall Island !
Rule of Absolute: Aga¡¯dz Strings.
Physical Stats Strength: 50.
Agility: 89.
Endurance: 66.
Dexterity: 89.
Toughness: 50.
Skills Mind Puppetry (Level 3)
Feral Reflexes (Level 6)
String Mastery (Level 4)
Blood Weave (Level 2)
Aga''dz¡¯s Will (Level 6)
Predatory Instinct (Level 5)
Party Communication (Level 2)
Abilities [High-Tier]
  • Blood-Threaded Armory: The puppet strings can be shaped into various weapons, each infused with chaotic energy. These weapons are highly lethal and unpredictable, delivering devastating blows in combat.
  • Aga¡¯dz¡¯s Embrace: Once fully attached to an enemy, the puppet strings grant control over the target¡¯s movements, turning them into unwilling puppets to fight alongside the user or to sow confusion among their ranks.
  • Frenzied Convergence: When merging with the apparition, speed, agility, and strength are dramatically increased. This state triggers a heightened frenzy where attacks become more brutal and relentless.
  • Carnage Strings: Extend the puppet strings to attack multiple enemies simultaneously, causing them to bleed profusely while sapping their strength.
  • Chaotic Marionette: Imbue the puppet strings with chaotic essence, causing them to lash out unpredictably at enemies, creating a whirlwind of destructive force around the user.
Quests Main Quest: Reach the end of White Hell ¨C Ongoing!
Side Quest: Announce yourself at the Point of no Return ¨C Not Started!
Scott skimmed through Zara¡¯s stats, his brows furrowing despite his familiarity with her abilities. He still couldn¡¯t figure out who Aga¡¯dz was¡ªhe had his suspicions, but nothing certain. Shifting his focus, the voidweaver eyed the ninjas on the opposite side of the pathway. Shuriken dangled loosely between the fingers of some, while others gripped swords, chain sickles, and iron claws. Unlike Zara, who advanced with a swaggering confidence, the ninjas remained still, their eyes¡ªthe only visible part of their bodies¡ªtrained on the feline. Although she moved like a mannequin, none of them underestimated her. Yet, they hesitated, holding back their attack. Even as Scott stood motionless, they kept him within their sightlines. With less than a hundred meters between the shinobis and Zara, the assassination squad made their move. The group wielding shuriken unleashed a storm of projectiles toward the puppeteer, while half of the masked warriors charged, their forms blurring like smoke caught in a windstorm. Zara, her robotic smile unwavering, paused just as the projectiles reached her. The Aga¡¯dz strings recoiled, and a sharp slap echoed through the pathway. Several strings intercepted the shuriken, corroding them with an eerie crimson hue. After a moment, the strings snapped forward, sending the projectiles whizzing back at breakneck speed. The shuriken embedded themselves in the foreheads of the shinobis who had dared to approach. The ominous strings whipped back again, and bloody projectiles materialized at their tips. With another snap, the new projectiles sped toward the stunned warriors, striking before their companions¡¯ bodies even hit the ground. ¡°Stop it!¡± a voice roared, and a spiked iron curtain manifested in front of the shinobis, blocking the attack. The barrier''s impact sent tremors rippling through the pathway. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Both Zara and Scott turned their attention to the walls, where a fresh set of shinobis had emerged. The new arrivals wore horned asura masks, with steel gauntlets covering their forearms. Leading them was a towering figure, over seven feet tall, his form slightly hunched. His right hand rested on the iron curtain, while his left held three blackened, gyrating balls. The rest of the group held similar weapons; their bloodthirsty eyes fixed on the prisoners blocking their path. ¡°If you let us pass, we will let you live!¡± the figure declared, his voice hoarse. Scott remained impassive. Zara, however, stretched out her right hand, and the strings began to move once more. The shinobis braced themselves for the puppeteer¡¯s next attack, but to their surprise, the strings didn¡¯t race toward them. Confusion flickered in their eyes as they watched the strings dart toward the fallen corpses. Before they could grasp what was happening, the strings embedded themselves in the bodies, and in a mere heartbeat, the corpses began to rise. ¡°Kill her now!¡± the lanky leader bellowed, hurling the blackened balls toward Zara. The orbs exploded mid-air, unleashing hundreds of pellets that expanded and elongated as they neared the puppeteer. The other shinobis followed suit, launching their own projectiles toward Zara and the still motionless Scott. The airborne items crackled, some emitting bolts of lightning, while others spewed acid and poisonous gases as they hurtled toward their targets. The strings wiggled like sentient snakes, propelling the puppets forward into the onslaught of incoming pellets. The echoes of breaking bone, tearing flesh, and the nauseating stench of fresh blood quickly filled the air. Despite their perforated bodies, the puppets continued their relentless charge. Any pellets that managed to slip past the corpses were swiftly intercepted by the strings, corroded, and hurled back at the ninjas with even greater ferocity. The lanky shinobi struck the iron curtain once more, causing its spiked exterior to extend toward Zara, aiming to impale her. But this time, strings appeared above Zara¡¯s head, and with superhuman agility, she dodged the spikes in a blur of motion. The spikes then hurtled toward Scott, who remained motionless. A nihilistic portal materialized inches from his face, effortlessly devouring the pointed projectile. Zara, on the other hand, appeared among the ninjas like a ghoul, her presence sudden and terrifying. Aga¡¯dz strings lashed out, ensnaring several stunned warriors before they could react. They howled in pain, but only for a moment¡ªthen their heads slumped to the side, their movements turning disturbingly robotic. ¡°What sort of demon is this?¡± the lanky shinobi muttered, instinctively taking a step back as he reached for a fresh set of pellets. But before he could act, an iron claw raced toward his neck. He twisted his body, delivering a ruthless kick to the assailant¡¯s neck, snapping it with a sharp crack. Yet the attacker kept moving, undeterred. ¡°Damn you!¡± the shinobi roared, pulling his hand from the iron curtain, causing it to vanish instantly. He then performed a series of hand seals and blew out a blazing inferno, obliterating everything within twenty meters. What sort of wicked ability is this? he wondered, his gaze lingering on the charred corpses of his companions, who still moved. The fact that he couldn¡¯t distinguish who had been possessed from who hadn¡¯t was maddening. Zara had cunningly deceived them, making them believe only those who moved mechanically were under her control. Several ninjas had fallen to unsuspecting sneak attacks, and those who survived were brutally finished off by other puppets. This is not a battle I can win, the shinobi realized, his eyes shifting momentarily to Scott. Something tells me that one is an even bigger threat. Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine. Why did it suddenly get so cold? At that moment, a blur zipped past him. He turned instinctively toward Scott, but the voidweaver was gone. Instead, a thick, whitish mist had begun to gather deep within the pathway. Hoofbeats echoed, the sound of hooves running on ice. The shinobi frowned behind his mask, doubting what he was hearing. He glanced at Zara, but she had vanished as well. However, in the distance, he caught glimpses of the feline and the voidweaver sprinting down the path with all their might. Panic surged through the shinobi. ¡°We must run!¡± he bellowed, unleashing a burst of frightening speed as his voice echoed through the corridor. Some of his comrades immediately followed suit, mimicking his actions as they fled. Meanwhile, a few remained behind, dazed and brutalized from their brief encounter with the Feral Marionette. Like the lanky shinobi, they suddenly felt an unnatural chill creeping up their spines, their breaths exhaling clouds of condensed ice. They stared at each other in stupefaction before turning toward the path ahead. Thick, icy fog blighted the pathway, and the unmistakable sound of hooves galloping on ice grew louder.
The Calamity of Ice has arrived!
A notification appeared before the stunned champions, but none could speak or move, their bodies frozen in place by ice. The galloping echo intensified, and the outline of a centaur emerged from within the thick fog. The champions could only blink in helplessness, watching as the named calamity closed the distance. With each passing second, the centaur¡¯s silhouette grew more defined, and the eyes of the frozen ninjas widened in shock. The twenty-foot creature barreled through the area, shattering the immobilized warriors as if they were mere icicles beneath its hooves. Meanwhile, farther ahead, Zara and Scott pushed their muscles to the limit as they raced through the pathway. ¡°Shit, shit, shit¡­ why did it have to come here?¡± Zara grumbled, her feet pounding the ground in desperation. ¡°Forget about that. Just run!¡± Scott urged, not daring to look back. As they sprinted forward, the voidweaver manifested several nihilistic portals along their path. The portals gradually merged, forming a massive gateway that spanned the entire pathway. Scott knew he couldn¡¯t take on the named calamity in a direct fight, but he also knew the creature might not survive a trip to the nihilistic zone. ¡°No! Why is this here?¡± the lanky shinobi¡¯s voice echoed from behind, filled with despair. But neither Scott nor Zara paid him any attention, their focus entirely on the path ahead. ¡°I can see an exit up ahead!¡± Zara called out, glancing at Scott. Her excitement palpable. ¡°We can¡ªhuh?¡± She suddenly paused; her breath visible in the cold air. Before she could react, Scott grabbed her arm, his voice urgent in her ear. ¡°Don¡¯t let go, no matter what!¡± In that instant, the walls a few feet away shattered, revealing the Calamity of Ice in all its terrifying glory. Scott skidded to a stop. ¡°I suspend all laws within my domain!¡± he shouted, his voice echoing through the corridor. Reality itself seemed to warp at Scott¡¯s words, as darkness and spatial distortions engulfed the area within a five-hundred-foot radius around him. In a flash, Scott and Zara were pulled into one of the distortions, vanishing from sight as the space-time continuum snapped back to normal. The Calamity of Ice remained motionless, seemingly frozen in time. A displeased grunt echoed through the pathway, and a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness. ¡°What a clever brat. I was hoping he¡¯d descend into the nihilistic zone¡­¡± the hazy silhouette muttered with a sigh. ¡°All that effort for nothing. What a waste.¡± The figure moved toward the spot where Scott and Zara had disappeared. ¡°It¡¯s not a total waste, though. At least now I have an inkling of what his domain can do. This is going to be fun.¡± With those words, the figure vanished, leaving the Calamity of Ice staring at its surroundings, dazed and confused. The confusion was fleeting, however, as the creature slammed its hind limbs into the ground, shattering the thick icy layer beneath it. Without hesitation, it began to descend, charging through the fractured ice. Book 3 - Chapter 23: White Hell [6] The moon hung loosely in the desolate night skies, its rays casting a soft glow over the tranquil forest below. At the forest¡¯s center lay a massive, serene lake, its pristine waters mirroring the crescent celestial body above. The hooting of owls and the chirping of crickets echoed in harmony with the rustling of tree branches swayed by the gentle night winds. But then, the tranquility was shattered¡ªa portal opened above the lake, ejecting two bodies before swiftly closing.
Warning!
You must return to Clacion within the next minute, or you will be purged!
A timer appeared above Scott and Zara¡¯s heads as the duo plummeted toward the cold waters below. In that same instant, Zara wiggled her fingers, and strings shot out, latching onto a nearby tree, pulling them toward dry land. They landed with a thud, their chests heaving from the harrowing encounter with the named calamity. Ignoring the system¡¯s warning, Zara focused on Scott, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. It had only been a moment, but she had glimpsed countless portals when the voidweaver activated his domain¡ªsome led to places she recognized, while others were entirely alien to her. One portal, however, led to a towering structure in a dense forest, a place teeming with an otherworldly energy she couldn¡¯t fully comprehend. ¡°You¡¯re good, yeah?¡± Scott asked, rising to his feet as he surveyed their surroundings. If I remember correctly, this is the same pool I arrived in when I first unintentionally used the void bank, Scott thought, recalling the familiar scenery. This time, there was no naked elf to smother him with affection. ¡°What happens if we stay here past the time limit?¡± Zara asked, standing up as well, her gaze lingering on the flashing blue timer, which now had only forty seconds left. ¡°That¡¯s not going to happen. We¡¯re leaving now,¡± Scott said, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close. ¡°Don¡¯t let go,¡± he cautioned. Zara nodded, her cheeks reddening slightly as she felt the warmth of his embrace. Scott activated his domain once more, and several spatial distortions appeared around them. But this time, he didn¡¯t rush into the nearest portal. Instead, his gaze darted back and forth, searching for something¡ªor someone. The timer continued its relentless countdown, the blue panel slowly shifting to red, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Spatial distortions flickered in and out of existence within the chaotic voidscape, each revealing a myriad of locations both familiar and unfamiliar to Scott. With only ten seconds left, the once-blue panel had turned blood red. A gigantic crack appeared in the sky, and a bloodthirsty eye peered through the shattered space. ¡°Scott¡­ you need to hurry,¡± Zara urged, her eyes fixed on the colossal eyeball in the sky. ¡°I¡¯m trying¡ªthe portals aren¡¯t¡­ there, found it.¡± With only five seconds remaining, Scott spotted the portal reflecting the shattered pathway they had fled from. The crack in the sky widened, and the form of a colossal entity, obscured by cosmic dust and chaotic energies, began to emerge. But before it could fully reveal itself, Scott and Zara leaped into the spatial distortion, disappearing with only two seconds left on the timer. As they vanished, the spatial distortions closed, and the crack in the sky sealed itself, restoring calm to the once-tranquil forest. Scott and Zara reappeared at the exact spot they had departed from earlier, crashing violently into the icy floor. The impact shattered the sturdy surface beneath them, but they quickly rose to their feet, scanning their surroundings. Apart from the wrecked wall and the massive hole in front of them, there was no sign of any other presence. Zara exhaled deeply, massaging her temples. ¡°Do you have any idea what that thing was?¡± she muttered softly. ¡°I honestly don¡¯t want to know,¡± Scott replied, the vision of the colossus still burning in his memory. He didn¡¯t want to imagine what would have happened if he hadn¡¯t found the right portal in time. While the Calamity of Ice had been powerless against his domain, he had a primal understanding that it would be useless against an entity that seemed to embody the very essence of destruction. ¡°There are just too many powerful entities in this tower,¡± Zara said, sighing again. ¡°We still have a long way to go.¡± Her tone carried a hint of resignation, but her eyes burned with determination. The prospect of becoming powerful enough to challenge and potentially topple beings as formidable as gods was a task she relished, no matter how absurd and daunting it might seem. ¡°We¡¯re lucky there were no rules against us leaving the mission like in Infernia,¡± Zara added, cautiously approaching the edge of the massive hole. Scott nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t know if it was an oversight by the gods, but we were really lucky there,¡± he said, taking a step forward. ¡°We¡¯ll have to avoid large-scale conflicts from now on. The last battle confirmed that calamities are drawn to them.¡± Zara agreed with a silent nod and then turned to the voidweaver. ¡°How good of a jumper are you?¡± she asked. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t fall,¡± Scott assured her. ¡°Let¡¯s get to the exit before any more surprises show up.¡± Without a word, Aga¡¯dz¡¯s strings manifested, latching onto the other side of the calamity-induced gorge. Zara¡¯s form whirled through the air like a spinning top, landing gracefully on the other side. Scott, taking a cautionary step back, ran and jumped, landing firmly beside her. The duo sprinted toward the exit, their boots pounding against the icy surface. Despite their speed, they remained vigilant, wary of any potential ambush. In a flash, they reached another area with a dome-shaped ceiling, and the entrance behind them sealed shut. This time, however, only one exit remained¡ªbarred by glistening runic patterns.
You have reached the second checkpoint!
The runes stirred as the system notification rang out, gradually losing their luster until they completely greyed out. A crack echoed through the chamber, and the barrier shattered. Scott and Zara exchanged glances and, without a word, marched forward, disappearing into the new pathway. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Still shaken from their encounter with the unexpected calamity, the duo continued running. They knew all too well that there was no telling when the calamity might pivot back toward their location¡ªor worse, when another might appear. ¡°Isn¡¯t it strange there was no ¡®defend your path¡¯ message this time?¡± Zara suddenly remarked. ¡°It is,¡± Scott agreed. From his experience with the system, it wasn¡¯t prone to deceit or unnecessary notifications. ¡°Do you think we¡¯re close to the end?¡± Zara asked, still facing forward. ¡°I have no idea, but I hope so,¡± Scott replied. ¡°Apart from that frozen wasteland, which was supposed to be a place for punishment, this is only the second layer. There¡¯s no telling how absurd the other layers could be.¡± ¡°People used to tell me I was insane for wanting to climb the tower,¡± Zara said, changing the topic as she glanced at Scott. ¡°And you know what? They were absolutely right. No one in their right mind should be doing this.¡± Scott chuckled softly. He shared the same sentiment. To survive in a place teeming with lesser gods, maniacal entities, and power-drunk beings, one had to forgo every shard of sanity just to stay alive. ¡°Someone capable of maintaining any semblance of normalcy while climbing the tower has probably transcended into a level of insanity that rivals the almighty beings ruling the place. I definitely wouldn¡¯t want to meet someone like that,¡± Zara added. Though silent, Scott agreed wholeheartedly with her. His memories of a peaceful life on Earth were now fleeting, almost forgotten. His worst days back then were nothing compared to the relentless life-and-death struggles of the tower. ¡°We¡¯re all doing this to prove our existence,¡± Scott said after a long pause. ¡°It¡¯s up to us to make sure our efforts aren¡¯t wasted.¡± With that, the duo charged further down the path. Two days passed, but there was still no exit in sight. The prisoners alternated between running, resting, and walking. They hadn¡¯t received any further notifications or encountered any invaders. ¡°Alright, this is a tough one,¡± Zara said, as she munched on some rations. ¡°If you could have literally any power, with no limitations whatsoever, what would you choose?¡± Scott adopted a pensive look, his eyes darting as his thoughts raced. ¡°If there are no limitations, then I might as well become an omnipotent god. That way, I can do anything and everything at once.¡± Zara¡¯s brows furrowed in realization. ¡°Wait, no, that¡¯s too easy. There are limitations. It¡¯s no fun if you choose that right off the bat,¡± she said, her mouth half-full. ¡°You can only have one ability, just one, okay?¡± Scott chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯ve always thought lightning-based powers were cool. So, if I had to choose, I¡¯d probably go with something related to that. What about you?¡± ¡°I¡¯d want to be able to read minds,¡± Zara declared with a mischievous smile. Before Scott could ask why, she continued, ¡°Just think about how many people you could blackmail. Plus, you¡¯d get to hear all the latest gossip.¡± She paused, then added with a grin, ¡°Either that, or the ability to turn anyone into a fish.¡± Scott couldn¡¯t help but cackle. No wonder she gets along so well with Slim. They both have the same weird sense of humor, he thought. ¡°I¡¯m sure there¡¯s some weird god out there who wouldn¡¯t mind granting you¡ª¡±
You are approaching the final checkpoint!
Scott and Zara halted, their eyes locking onto the new notification. They exchanged a glance before unleashing a burst of speed, their feet propelling them forward. In a flash, an exit revealed itself, and they intensified their pace. Suddenly, they burst into a beautifully designed room adorned with artistically carved stone pillars embedded with countless jewels.
You have reached the final checkpoint!
Ignoring the system¡¯s message, Scott and Zara focused on the dozens of unfamiliar faces gathered in the room. Some stood in clusters, while others kept to themselves. Like Scott and Zara, the champions wore cautious expressions, sizing up the new arrivals. Scott¡¯s and Zara¡¯s eyes swept across the room, but they saw no one familiar. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like the others have arrived,¡± Zara whispered, glancing back at the entrance they had just emerged from. But the pathway had vanished, replaced by a solid stone wall. Scott frowned, realizing the wall was no illusion; it was real, standing in all its full splendor. Scott was about to speak when footsteps echoed across the chamber. Everyone turned toward the eastern wall, where another pathway had opened, revealing a squad of masked shinobis. The group entered cautiously, their hands firmly on their weapons. As soon as the last shinobi stepped out, the pathway disappeared, heightening the group¡¯s anxiety. The leader, distinguished by a slightly golden mask, pointed his kunai at the surrounding champions. ¡°What purpose does this place serve, creature?¡± he demanded, his voice smooth but tinged with age. The ogres in the room casually observed the masked leader before looking away, dismissing his question. An incensed ninja hurled a shuriken in response, but the weapon simply vanished.
Fighting is prohibited!
The notification flashed before everyone in the room. The ninjas¡¯ collective uneasiness dissipated, and they withdrew their weapons, retreating to a corner. But as they moved, they suddenly stopped, all eyes turning toward Scott and Zara. In a blur, the shinobis appeared in front of the duo, their bloodthirsty gazes fixed on them. ¡°You are covered with the scent of the whispering ash,¡± the leader began, his eyes reflecting the bloodlust in his heart. ¡°You must have encountered Higashizono¡¯s squad.¡± He paused, scanning the room but seeing no sign of any other ninja squad. ¡°What happened to them?¡± Zara was about to speak, but Scott cut her off. ¡°We don¡¯t know who Higashizono is, but if you mean the guys with those strange, horned masks¡ª¡± ¡°Yes,¡± the ninja affirmed with a nod. ¡°You saw them. What happened to¡ª¡± ¡°They¡¯re all dead,¡± Scott interjected coldly. ¡°Every single one of them was brutally murdered.¡± The ninjas¡¯ glares intensified, and if looks could kill, Scott and Zara would have died a thousand deaths already. ¡°You do realize what this means, right?¡± the leader hissed, his voice dripping with menace. ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± Scott retorted. ¡°I¡¯m sure as hell you wouldn¡¯t care if they had killed us instead. Do you think this is some kind of picnic? Or are you delusional enough to believe that only your people deserve to survive?¡± Scott took a step forward, locking eyes with the ninja. ¡°Believe me when I say this isn¡¯t a fight you want.¡± The ninja quickly averted his gaze, sensing an ominous presence from the flickering yellow sign in Scott¡¯s eye. ¡°You¡¯re right. You might have done what you had to for survival, but you¡¯ll pay the price, no matter your justification,¡± the ninja vowed, raising his hand. As the group began to turn away, Scott¡¯s cold voice cut through the air. ¡°You will die. Don¡¯t mistake this for a threat¡ªit¡¯s a promise if you come for us.¡± Zara stepped forward, her tone sharp. ¡°If you¡¯re so hellbent on revenge, you should go find the Calamity of Ice. It killed most of them, after all.¡± This time, the ninjas and the other champions, who had been watching nonchalantly from the sidelines, all turned toward Scott and Zara, confusion written across their faces. Only Scott and Zara seemed to be aware of the calamities in the room. ¡°Regardless of who¡¯s involved, they will all die!¡± the ninja hissed, retreating in silent fury. Scott and Zara chuckled, dismissing the ninja¡¯s threats as nonsensical and ignorant. Footsteps echoed through the room once more, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. This time, a flicker of surprise crossed Scott¡¯s and Zara¡¯s faces as they watched a familiar figure enter the room, the pathway vanishing behind her. Book 3 - Chapter 24: White Hell [7] Plume stepped cautiously into the unfamiliar location, her eyes scanning the array of assembled champions. She glanced back at the path she had just emerged from, only to find it had vanished. Turning forward again, she froze, her gaze locking onto two familiar figures. ¡°It¡¯s you,¡± Plume muttered, pointing toward Scott. She couldn¡¯t forget the voidweaver even if she wanted to. ¡°How come you¡¯re here?¡± the trisos questioned. ¡°We should be asking you that,¡± Zara countered, glaring at the prisoner. ¡°You¡¯re the only one who didn¡¯t wake up in the same location as us. What happened to you?¡± ¡°Answer her,¡± Scott added, his tone firm. Plume instinctively avoided Scott¡¯s gaze, a strange compulsion overtaking her as she began, ¡°I don¡¯t know either. I woke up on some strange path with no idea how I got there,¡± she explained. ¡°I looked for you guys, but I assumed I had been abandoned for whatever reason.¡± Scott and Zara exchanged glances, each lost in their own thoughts about the trisos¡¯ words. ¡°Were you tasked with defending a path too?¡± Zara asked suddenly. Plume pivoted toward the feline. ¡°No,¡± she replied quickly, a hint of confusion in her voice. ¡°I was supposed to invade. Wasn¡¯t it the same for you?¡± Her gaze alternated between Scott and Zara. While Scott¡¯s expression remained indifferent, Zara frowned slightly, as if deep in thought. ¡°It seems we had different missions,¡± Plume said after a brief silence. ¡°So, what now?¡± The seemingly simple question carried weight, and Scott and Zara understood the subtext. ¡°Let¡¯s wait for the others to arrive first,¡± Zara decided. ¡°Oh? They¡¯re not here?¡± Plume muttered, her gaze wandering past the duo, searching for the rest of the hound extermination crew. She met curious stares, as well as a few hostile glares from the ninja camp. Ignoring the masked group, she refocused on Scott and Zara. ¡°We¡¯ll wait, then,¡± she said. ¡°It¡¯s not like there¡¯s anything better to do in this place.¡± With that, the trio moved to an unoccupied corner of the room and quietly awaited the arrival of their remaining companions. Seconds turned into hours as more champions arrived at the checkpoint. As expected, the pathway disappeared behind each new arrival, and several clusters formed within the expansive room as groups reunited. Occasionally, exclusive notifications appeared before select groups, and their reactions ranged from utter joy to dismay. Most champions had figured out that these notifications marked the reunion of all group members¡ªor, in some cases, surviving members, as seen with the more dejected teams. Two days passed in a flash, and the assembled champions had changed dramatically. The ninja squad had departed, having already accepted that most of their companions had met their demise. They reminded Scott and Zara of their promise before leaving, but neither paid the masked group any attention. Meanwhile, cyclopes and a host of gigantic champions, including reptilian and insectoid beings, had made their way into the room, adding to the diversity of the gathering. Footsteps echoed within the checkpoint once more, drawing the attention of the gathered champions. Most averted their gazes, unfamiliar with the new arrivals. But Scott and Zara immediately moved from their position, with Plume a step behind. Orion, Ember, and Slim had arrived together. While Ember and the skeleton surveyed their surroundings cautiously, Orion could barely contain his excitement. ¡°You guys are finally here. We were worried there for a second,¡± Zara said, quickening her pace. The trio turned at the sound of Zara¡¯s voice, smiles replacing the guarded expressions on Ember and Slim¡¯s faces. ¡°My leader, it¡¯s so good to see you again,¡± Slim grinned. The prisoners reunited, ignoring the probing gazes fixed on them. Light jokes and smiles were exchanged, each of them relieved to see the others alive and well. Soon, their attention turned to Plume. ¡°Where did you guys find her?¡± Slim whispered. ¡°Apparently, she woke up in one of the pathways,¡± Zara explained, glancing at the trisos, who was being bombarded with questions by Orion as he eagerly begged for samples. ¡°But that¡¯s not important right now. We ran into the Calamity of Ice,¡± Zara added in a hushed tone, changing the subject. Slim and Ember¡¯s expressions darkened. ¡°How did that happen?¡± Ember asked, her brows furrowing. ¡°Never mind that¡ªare you guys okay?¡± Slim asked, concern evident in his voice. ¡°We¡¯re fine,¡± Scott replied before Zara could. ¡°We can talk about it later. We need to get out of here first.¡± As if responding to his words, a system notification suddenly materialized in front of Zara.
Please choose a command!
¡°What a surprise. No time limit this time,¡± Zara muttered, looking up. ¡°We all want to descend, right?¡± she asked, her gaze shifting between her companions. No one spoke, but they all nodded. Of the three commands, only ¡°reshuffle¡± and ¡°descend¡± weren¡¯t greyed out. Zara took a deep breath and reached toward the notification. ¡°Wait,¡± Slim called out. All eyes turned to the skeleton. ¡°What is it?¡± Zara asked. ¡°We¡¯re forgetting something important, aren¡¯t we?¡± he said, nodding toward Plume. ¡°She¡¯s not really an official member of our group yet. If we leave, she might be stuck here.¡± Realization dawned on the group. A stray thought filled their minds, refusing to leave. ¡°If you think about it, how is she supposed to clear this layer?¡± Orion voiced their collective concern. All eyes fell on the trisos, and Orion continued, ¡°What did the system tell you about this trial? How exactly are you supposed to complete it?¡± Plume, feeling the weight of the prisoners¡¯ gazes, quickly explained. ¡°No such thing appeared. I was simply instructed to invade and reach the checkpoints by any means necessary. I only just found out there were even alternative missions to stop the invaders.¡± The hound extermination crew exchanged glances before Orion, Ember, and Slim turned their attention to Scott and Zara. ¡°I don¡¯t think she¡¯s lying,¡± Scott said after a brief pause. ¡°There are people with other unique missions within the pathways,¡± he continued, recalling the elves he had encountered days ago. They hadn¡¯t been tasked with invading or eliminating invaders; their mission was to search for a priestess. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°I believe you,¡± Orion said with a chuckle, rubbing his hands together in excitement. ¡°We already agreed she would join us in Infernia, so there¡¯s no point wasting any more time,¡± he added, his smile widening. ¡°Unless we¡¯ve had a change of heart,¡± he muttered, his gaze shifting between his companions. ¡°If we¡¯re not going to let her accompany us, we might as well let her know.¡± Once again, the hound extermination crew exchanged glances. Zara sighed, locking eyes with the trisos. She summoned her status screen, and a new system notification appeared in front of Plume.
You have received a party invitation!
Do you wish to accept the invitation?
Yes! No!
Plume stared at the party invitation for a moment, then raised her head toward the prisoners. Zara frowned. ¡°Well? We don¡¯t have all day,¡± she urged. Plume hesitated briefly before making her choice. At that same moment, a series of footsteps echoed within the room. Naturally, most of the champions turned toward the sound¡¯s origin. Six pathways opened simultaneously, each releasing at least three champions into the room. The expressions of the hound extermination crew and several other champions, whether gathered in clusters or standing alone, changed significantly. Caution and apprehension filled their gazes as they focused on the newcomers, who shared only one feature: yellow eyes, regardless of their race, sex, class, or age. Wasting no time, Zara clicked on the ¡°descend¡± command. A bright luminescence enveloped the hound extermination crew, and they vanished.
You have received 10,000 Exp for descending a layer!
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
Level: 74!
Experience Points: 3300/7500
Scott glanced at the notification for a moment before focusing on their new surroundings. This place is just like the first layer, he thought, his gaze lingering on the shadowy forms behind the opaque, icy walls. ¡°Surely, I¡¯m not the only one who saw that freak with the yellow eyes, right?¡± Zara muttered; her expression ashen. ¡°How did so many people have the same eyes as that creep?¡± she pondered aloud. ¡°You should save your energy,¡± Scott interjected. ¡°You¡¯re about to reach completion.¡± His gaze lingered on Aga¡¯dz¡¯s strings, which had manifested unconsciously above Zara. The bloodred strings tightened around her neck as if intent on snuffing the life out of the feral marionette. At that moment, the illusionary apparition appeared, hovering above Zara as the strings formed a thick, bloody cocoon around her. To the untrained eye, however, the feline simply stood still, her veins glowing with an ominous crimson hue. Crimson runic markings, resembling totem poles, flickered at the back of her neck. Simultaneously, runic markings flashed across Orion¡¯s and Ember¡¯s necks too, and they both remained motionless. Zara¡¯s markings soon morphed into a series of ominous texts, sliding down her neck and extending to her arms and thighs. ¡°Buddy, what the hell is happening?¡± Slim muttered, his gaze darting between Scott and the motionless prisoners. ¡°It will be over soon. There¡¯s no need to worry about them,¡± Scott replied, though a hint of doubt lingered in his voice. He suddenly turned and asked, ¡°Do you see anything on my neck?¡± Slim checked but saw nothing unusual. ¡°What am I supposed to be looking at? It looks normal to me,¡± Slim said, turning toward Plume, who had been silent since their arrival. ¡°Do you see anything on his neck?¡± he asked. The trisos peered at Scott¡¯s neck for a moment. ¡°There¡¯s nothing there,¡± she confirmed. ¡°Do I have something on my neck?¡± Slim asked, suddenly concerned. ¡°You haven¡¯t reached level 70 yet, so it¡¯s unlikely,¡± Scott said, glancing at the skeleton. Slim sighed softly, feeling both relieved and disappointed. He was already at level 69, and depending on the outcome of the next task, he was certain he would reach level 70. But he had no idea what to expect when that moment arrived. ¡°Don¡¯t take this the wrong way, buddy, but how come they¡¯re like this, and you¡¯re completely fine?¡± Slim asked. Scott shook his head. ¡°I have no idea, to be honest.¡± The trio fell into a tense silence, each lost in their thoughts as they observed their companions. Scott¡¯s brows furrowed as he watched. Orion and Ember had known instantly that he had reached the stage of completion, yet he felt no different and couldn¡¯t detect the same in them. Orion was the first to snap out of his daze, staggering forward with a chuckle. ¡°How long was I out?¡± he asked with a smile. ¡°Five to ten minutes, give or take,¡± Slim responded. ¡°Are you okay, buddy?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never been better,¡± Orion replied, his smile brightening. At that moment, Ember snapped out of her daze, staggering backward. Scott caught the dragonkin by the waist, steadying her in his arms. All eyes then turned to Zara. The runic markings on her body slowly merged with her skin as she opened her eyes. But instead of looking at her companions, Zara seemed to stare beyond them, fixating on a presence neither of them could see or sense. Her bloodthirsty glare and tense posture signaled that something was wrong. She opened her mouth to speak but suddenly staggered backward. Scott quickly placed his free hand behind her, halting her steps. ¡°Congratulations on leveling up,¡± Scott whispered softly. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°My head feels funny, but I¡¯ll survive,¡± Zara replied with a smile as she steadied herself. ¡°Did you guys see that weird creature standing over there just now?¡± she added, changing the subject and pointing ahead. ¡°It was right there. You saw it, right?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Ember said, smiling as she pulled the feline into an embrace. ¡°Congratulations on attaining completion,¡± she added. ¡°Did you become a challenger too?¡± Zara looked up, surprised that the dragonkin had beaten her to it. ¡°I was just about to ask what the hell that even meant,¡± she said. Ember patted Zara''s head and patiently explained the key details, answering any questions the feline had. ¡°Fighting for authority, huh,¡± Zara muttered, lost in thought as she processed the information. Orion, who had been unusually quiet, giggled as he took a step forward, his curious eyes scanning the room. ¡°This place reminds me of the first layer,¡± he muttered to himself, knocking on the icy walls. ¡°But isn¡¯t it strange we haven¡¯t received a new mission assignment yet?¡± he asked, turning to the others. ¡°Nothing surprises me in this place anymore,¡± Slim said, crossing his arms over his chest. ¡°For all we know, this place could be¡ª¡± A loud crack interrupted the skeleton¡¯s statement as a gigantic portal suddenly split the southern wall. Before the prisoners could grasp what was happening, a dozen wardens emerged. But the champions¡¯ focus was on the androgynous figure leading them. Dressed in an exotic beige three-piece suit, the figure walked while the others levitated. The towering figure stopped directly in front of Scott, and a voice echoed through the room despite the being¡¯s mouth remaining shut. ¡°Your sentence has been investigated. I¡¯m here to declare the verdict. Please let me know when you¡¯re ready.¡± ¡°Go on,¡± Scott said aloud. His expression remained impassive while those of his companions stirred. ¡°After a prolonged and thorough investigation, it has been determined that your sentence was erroneous, and you should not have been sent to Godsfall Island,¡± the figure paused, ¡°This applies to all of you, except the Trisos.¡± ¡°What are you saying right now?¡± Zara interjected, and the stylish warden turned to her. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be here, and I¡¯m here to escort you back to the Ranking Games.¡± Shock washed over the champions¡¯ faces, and Orion suddenly burst into laughter. ¡°Be honest¡ªthey¡¯re terrified, aren¡¯t they?¡± The mage took a step forward, his eyes gleaming with suspicion. ¡°Come on, you don¡¯t expect us to believe that, do you? Someone out there is worried we¡¯re growing too fast, right? They thought we¡¯d be dead by now, but they¡¯re regretting sending us to a place where we can grow exponentially beyond what¡¯s usually possible, isn¡¯t that right?¡± he probed with a smile. ¡°I met your variant once, and it seems your mind isn¡¯t too dissimilar,¡± the warden said aloud, stunning the levitating wardens. ¡°And to think you¡¯re just a clone.¡± The warden paused, turning to Scott. ¡°Do you understand what kind of entity your companion is?¡± Scott¡¯s expression remained indifferent, but his mind was racing. On one hand, returning to the Ranking Games seemed safer than continuing the deadly missions. On the other hand, the sudden clemency felt suspicious, lending weight to Orion¡¯s theory. ¡°Regardless of what you believe, the truth is that you cannot remain here. The council of gods has already issued an edict. You and your companions are to return to the dark forest, and we¡¯re here to ensure that you arrive safely. Nothing else matters,¡± the warden declared solemnly, yet calmly. Book 3 - Chapter 25: Compensation Palpable silence lingered in the room, with the prisoners deep in thought. The levitating wardens remained in place, while their leader stood silent, focusing on no one in particular. Minutes passed before Zara finally broke the silence. ¡°So, we¡¯re free just like that?¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± the warden confirmed. ¡°And there are no repercussions whatsoever for leaving?¡± the feline asked, half-skeptical. ¡°I must say, I haven¡¯t encountered such a situation before,¡± the warden responded, once again communicating telepathically. ¡°It¡¯s almost as if your group has no desire to leave this place, which I find quite unusual.¡± ¡°You speak as if there¡¯s anyone here who¡¯s ¡®normal,¡¯¡± Orion retorted with a smile, stepping closer to the warden. ¡°Hypothetically speaking, what happens if we refuse to leave?¡± The warden turned toward the mage. ¡°We would do everything in our power to return you to the Ranking Games, even if it requires force. Hypothetically speaking, of course.¡± ¡°Yeah, hypothetically,¡± Orion muttered, chuckling softly, though the eerie glare in his eyes conveyed a different sentiment. ¡°What about her?¡± Scott suddenly asked, pointing toward Plume. ¡°Does she get to come with us?¡± The wardens simultaneously turned their attention to the trisos, remaining silent both mentally and verbally. After a moment, the stylishly dressed warden addressed Scott again. ¡°She¡¯s essentially the same as your friend here, albeit to a lesser extent. Whether she leaves or stays is up to you and her. We have no intention of interfering, regardless of the decision.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve spent quite some time on this matter, so if you¡¯re ready, we can leave now,¡± the warden added. ¡°Hold on,¡± Slim interjected. ¡°You said we were wrongly convicted, right?¡± All eyes turned to the skeleton. ¡°Indeed, that was the result of our investigation,¡± the warden affirmed. ¡°Good,¡± Slim nodded, stepping forward with his right hand extended. ¡°So, where¡¯s our compensation?¡± Smiles spread across the faces of the hound extermination crew, except for Plume, as they turned their attention to the wardens. ¡°Pardon me, but what do you mean?¡± the warden asked. ¡°You¡¯re the one who admitted that an error was made, and I believe everyone here can bear witness to that. Surely, you don¡¯t expect us to simply return without any compensation, right? For all we know, one of us¡ªor all of us¡ªcould have lost our lives at any moment, and it would have been due to someone else¡¯s mistake.¡± Slim paused, stepping closer. ¡°I believe you understand why we should be compensated, correct?¡± ¡°I understand your grievances, but I¡¯m in no position to¡ª¡± the warden began, only to be interrupted by a sudden system notification appearing before him. The members of the hound extermination crew exchanged puzzled glances, curious about the message the warden had received. Their curiosity was soon satisfied as the warden¡¯s voice echoed again. ¡°I¡¯ve received an edict from the council of gods. An appropriate compensation befitting the error will be granted to all of you,¡± the warden declared, pausing for a moment. ¡°Why does it feel like there¡¯s a ¡®but¡¯ coming?¡± Zara whispered. ¡°But,¡± the warden continued, eliciting wry laughs from the champions, ¡°you won¡¯t receive said compensation until reaching the point of no return.¡± ¡°Nothing is ever straightforward with you guys,¡± Slim sighed. ¡°Let me guess¡ªyou won¡¯t tell us what the compensation is, either.¡± ¡°Pardon me, but I only communicate what I¡¯m allowed to know. I ask for your understanding,¡± the warden said softly. ¡°If there are no other pressing matters, let¡¯s depart.¡± ¡°I have a question,¡± Scott suddenly said, his gaze locked on the warden. ¡°I was initially under the impression that the investigation would take a minimum of a year to conclude. What happened?¡± ¡°A special patron took keen interest in your case and that of your companions. It¡¯s safe to say they expedited the investigation,¡± the warden explained. Scott frowned, as did his companions. ¡°Who?¡± he asked. ¡°Sadly, that¡¯s all I can say on the matter,¡± the warden replied. ¡°Anything else?¡± Scott glared at the creature, his mind swirling with questions, but he remained silent. At that moment, Orion¡¯s voice echoed in his mind. ¡°The trisos says she¡¯s coming with us. Are you ready to leave?¡± ¡°I am,¡± Scott replied mentally. ¡°It seems you¡¯re all ready to leave. You can proceed in any order you choose,¡± the warden declared, stepping aside. Zara sighed, massaging her temples as she moved forward. Ember, Slim, and Plume followed closely behind. Orion cast a glance at Scott, chuckling softly, then proceeded. Scott took one last look at the icy walls of the room before stepping forward. ¡°Oh, one more thing,¡± the warden¡¯s voice suddenly echoed in Scott¡¯s mind. ¡°I think you¡¯re mistaken about how much time has passed since you started your missions.¡± Scott halted, turning back toward the warden. ¡°What does that mean?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll find out soon enough,¡± the warden teased, clearly enjoying the moment. Scott¡¯s brows furrowed even further, but he held his tongue. He approached the portal with calm, measured steps, the warden¡¯s cryptic words lingering in his mind. One by one, the champions exited the room, with Scott leaving last. The wardens followed, with the stylish warden bringing up the rear. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. In an unfamiliar forest, silent as the starry skies above, a gigantic portal tore open amidst an open field, expelling several individuals before vanishing.
Welcome to the 24th layer of Thisos¡¯ Labyrinth, The Dark Forest!
Make it to the end of the dark forest to reach the final layer of the labyrinth!
Good luck!
Scott and his companions stared at the familiar system messages, but their gazes instinctively wandered toward their surroundings. An acrid stench filled the air, as scorched earth and the charred remains of trees stretched as far as the eye could see. However, far in the distance, verdant clusters of massive, thriving trees bathed in moonlight came into view. ¡°This area only stopped burning moments ago,¡± Plume commented. ¡°What could have happened here?¡± she muttered, glancing at her companions. The trisos staggered slightly, confused. What¡¯s more, except for the trisos, everyone in the group was staring intently at the moon. What are they looking at? Plume wondered, unable to curb her curiosity as she turned toward the moon. However, apart from its shimmering light and beauty, nothing stood out. Are they hypnotized? she pondered, her gaze drifting back to the champions. ¡°Just keep looking, you¡¯ll see it soon,¡± Ember¡¯s voice echoed in Plume¡¯s mind. Determined, Plume focused on the moon again, intent on discovering whatever had captured her companions'' attention. Seconds passed, but she saw nothing unusual. Yet her gaze remained fixed. After exactly one-minute, moonlit ladders became visible, along with numerous champions climbing them. Plume gasped, quickly averting her gaze and stepping back. Instantly, the strange vision disappeared. ¡°How¡ªno, wait, what¡¯s going on?¡± she muttered. Not only had she seen countless champions running along moonlit ladders, but there were also faceless entities seemingly crafted from solid gold watching them. What¡¯s more, several of those entities were charging towards their direction in a hurry. The judges of light surrounded the hound extermination crew, some hovering in midair while the majority landed on the ground. Meanwhile, the champions climbing the ladders under the intense scrutiny of the judges couldn¡¯t help but wonder what was happening. Some, unable to resist their curiosity, deliberately averted their gazes, falling to the ground. The absence of the turbulent trees and vines to greet them filled them with joy. Their only task now was to extricate themselves from the earth¡ªa challenge many considered simpler. Scott and his companions lowered their gazes, staring indifferently at the judges blocking their path. ¡°Are they looking for a fight or something?¡± Plume muttered anxiously. A judge stepped forward, distinct from the others. It shared the same stature and build, but its singular eye and mouth set it apart. ¡°We were informed of your arrival,¡± the judge declared, stopping a few feet from where the hound extermination crew had gathered. ¡°And?¡± Zara questioned, her ominous eyes locking onto the divergent judge. ¡°On the order of the Son of Light, we¡¯re here to escort you,¡± the judge declared, its voice tinged with subservience. The champions exchanged glances, and Orion suddenly chuckled, stepping forward. ¡°How long has it been since we left?¡± he asked, his tone sharp. Slim, Ember, and Zara frowned, their gazes intensely focused on the judge. Plume, on the other hand, wore a curious expression, sensing that her companions might have had something to do with the devastation surrounding them. Scott simply listened, the warden¡¯s cryptic words echoing in his mind. ¡°It has been seven days since the Son of Light descended,¡± the judge announced. Orion burst into maniacal laughter, while disbelief clouded the faces of Zara, Slim, and Ember. Plume remained confused, too shy to ask why the champions reacted so strongly. ¡°I had my suspicions, but it was true after all,¡± Orion¡¯s voice echoed in the minds of the champions. The mage turned toward Scott; his excitement palpable. ¡°You know what this means, right?¡± Scott nodded, concern etched on his face. ¡°We really did travel between timelines,¡± the mage announced telepathically, sending even more ripples of shock through his companions. Plume turned to Orion, doubting what she had heard. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± she asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty. Orion turned to the trisos. ¡°What¡¯s there to explain? I don¡¯t know the mechanism behind it¡ªyet. But I¡¯m 100% certain that we traversed timelines,¡± he declared mentally. ¡°But¡­ but, that doesn¡¯t make any sense. Do you realize what you¡¯re saying?¡± Plume countered, struggling to accept such a claim. Orion laughed. ¡°I don¡¯t care if you believe it or not¡ªit¡¯s true, and that¡¯s all that matters.¡± He paused, his tone becoming more serious. ¡°I always had my suspicions, especially after you mentioned being incarcerated in the Blight Domain.¡± The mage turned toward Slim. ¡°That¡¯s a place, according to my good friend Slim, that doesn¡¯t have a prison or anything similar around it. Sure, it could be hidden in dimensional spaces or cracks, but from Slim¡¯s explanation, Marrow had surveyed every inch and cranny of that place, and a prison definitely doesn¡¯t exist there. Which could only mean that in your original timeline, the Blight Domain was a prison. Why it isn¡¯t the same here, I¡¯m not sure yet. But it¡¯s only a matter of time before I figure it out.¡± Plume¡¯s disbelief slowly gave way to doubt. She couldn¡¯t disprove the mage¡¯s claims, but she couldn¡¯t fully accept them either. ¡°Did you experience a Ranking Game before being imprisoned?¡± Scott suddenly asked. Plume ransacked her memories. ¡°No,¡± she replied, shaking her head. The first time she had heard the term was when she joined their group. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t explain how several months passed while it¡¯s only been a week here,¡± Zara muttered, her brows furrowed in thought. Orion chuckled softly as he turned toward the feline. ¡°Are you interested in hearing my theories about time?¡± he grinned. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for someone to share my thoughts with,¡± he added, stepping closer. Zara frowned, sensing a headache coming on. ¡°Let¡¯s save it for another time,¡± she said with a thin smile. ¡°Right now, we should focus on what to do next.¡± ¡°What¡¯s there to consider?¡± Scott interjected. ¡°Whether we were sent to another timeline or not doesn¡¯t matter at this point. Those are things beyond our control. We should focus on getting out of this place. That¡¯s the only thing we can control.¡± ¡°Well said,¡± Orion agreed with a nod. ¡°And let¡¯s remember there¡¯s a possibility that anyone we encounter from now on might be from a different timeline. We have no idea what we¡¯ll face from here on out.¡± ¡°Everything just keeps getting more complicated. I should have just been a singer in some random bar or something,¡± Slim sighed. Ember and Zara chuckled in unison, while Scott kept his focus on the judge. ¡°Where exactly are you escorting us?¡± he asked. ¡°To the gates,¡± the judge declared solemnly. ¡°Not everyone in our party is available right now,¡± Scott began, but the judge cut him off. ¡°The Son of Light has granted your group special permission.¡± ¡°How considerate,¡± Orion muttered, stroking his chin. ¡°Lead the way.¡± Golden steps suddenly manifested behind the judges, stretching all the way to the moon. The judges stood on either side of the magnificent stairs, silently urging the champions to ascend. ¡°This reminds me of the judgment road,¡± Zara said aloud as she moved forward. ¡°To think it was just a couple of years ago,¡± Slim said with a dry smile, recalling how they ran for their lives while being chased by the judges and other champions. One by one, the champions climbed the stairs at a measured pace. Like the judgment road, the steps behind the last person disappeared, but the disappearing stairs had no intention of plunging the champions to the ground like their judgment road counterpart. Book 3 - Chapter 26: Temple of Light ¡°What the fuck? That¡¯s not fair,¡± a champion growled, his eyes fixed on the ascending stairs leading up to the moon. ¡°This is bullshit. How come they get to climb up like that?¡± another champion spat, fury twisting his features. ¡°There¡¯s no way this is fair. They¡¯re even being escorted by the judges,¡± another champion complained, clearly displeased. Like a wildfire, the flames of indignation spread through the dark forest. Yet neither the hound extermination crew nor the judges paid any attention to the grumbling champions, further fueling their ire. The fact that none of the champions could hear each other only heightened their frustration. Some attempted to launch themselves toward the golden stairs, but they were swiftly and brutally repelled by the judges of light. Whether they came individually or collectively, they all met the same fate¡ªbeaten, bruised, and sent spiraling downward. Soon, the champions'' anger gave way to frustration, and then to grudging acceptance. ¡°Something¡¯s been bothering me since we got here,¡± Orion suddenly announced over the party channel. ¡°What is it, buddy?¡± Slim asked, turning toward the mage. Like the skeleton, the other members of the group glanced at Orion, silently awaiting his answer. Orion didn¡¯t keep them waiting. ¡°It¡¯s been a couple of minutes since our return, yet we haven¡¯t received any notifications about our life seed or anything related to divine healing, recovery, perfect recovery, or embers of life. Isn¡¯t that strange?¡± the mage mentally voiced his concern, his brows furrowed. ¡°There has to be a reason why, right?¡± No one spoke; no one had the answer Orion was seeking. They realized that if he hadn¡¯t brought it up, they might not have noticed until they killed someone and watched them revive in front of them. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s not so bad after all,¡± Ember broke the silence. ¡°While those blessings allowed us to fight without the fear of death, they also acted as a shackle¡ªencouraging recklessness and complacency. Now, with our lives literally on the line, we won¡¯t be as prone to making careless mistakes.¡± ¡°That¡¯s an interesting perspective,¡± Orion grinned, slowly caressing his chin. ¡°I like your theory. I like it a lot,¡± he nodded, his thoughts drifting. ¡°I also wonder if those vampires were granted clemency too. It would be funny if they weren¡¯t,¡± the mage giggled, continuing to stroke his chin. The group averted their gazes from the mage, refocusing on the moon as they ascended. Only about a hundred steps remained until they reached their destination, and the number of champions in the region had dwindled considerably. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying you people are responsible for all the damage caused here?¡± Plume muttered mentally, still in disbelief. Ember smiled, placing a hand on the trisos. ¡°It¡¯s not like we meant to. The situation just got out of hand,¡± she explained. Scott, Orion, Zara, and Slim chuckled in unison, and even the faceless judges of light seemed to stare at the dragonkin. There¡¯s no way that¡¯s true, Plume thought to herself. She didn¡¯t know the group well enough to profile them, but one thing was clear: the hound extermination crew was nothing but trouble. As Plume and Ember continued chatting¡ªEmber being the only one the trisos felt increasingly comfortable with¡ªthe now-expanded hound extermination crew arrived at the golden pathway. A slew of stern faces and bloodthirsty gazes greeted them. Several champions had been watching the crew¡¯s ascent, clearly displeased by the favoritism they received from the judges. The one-eyed judge gestured toward the swirling portals at the far end of the road. ¡°Please, go ahead,¡± it urged. The hound extermination crew exchanged glances, saying nothing as they marched forward. However, after taking ten steps, a group of champions of varying races blocked their path. A lizardman clad in blackened, slightly rusted but durable armor stepped forward, his slit eyes shifting between members of the strange group. His hand rested on the dagger strapped to his waist, but he showed no overt bloodlust¡ªonly animosity and curiosity that were evident to all. ¡°All of us had to go through hell to get here,¡± he began, taking measured steps forward. ¡°It isn¡¯t fair that you guys just cruised your way up here, don¡¯t you think?¡± He paused, stopping a couple of feet from Zara, who led the group. Orion chuckled. ¡°What can we say? Life¡¯s a real bitch, isn¡¯t she?¡± The mage grinned harder, pointing toward the one-eyed judge. ¡°If y¡¯all are that displeased, I can talk to my buddy over there and see if he¡¯ll let you climb the stairs free of charge.¡± The lizardman smiled, snickering as he narrowed his gaze. ¡°We¡¯d all prefer it if you went down instead and came back up the same way we did,¡± he stressed. Orion prepared to retort, but Zara stepped forward, her ominous eyes locking onto the lizardman¡¯s. She stopped barely a foot away from him, exuding a suffocating amount of bloodlust. ¡°If you have a problem with how we got here, take it up with the judges. Now, you have ten seconds to get the fuck out of the way before I make you.¡± The lizardman¡¯s expression twisted, and he quickly averted his gaze. He wanted to respond, but the confidence to do so eluded him. Something told him that a miserable fate awaited him if he didn¡¯t follow the feline¡¯s instructions. He prepared to move, but a laugh echoed from behind. Several ogres stepped forward; their cynical eyes locked onto the shorter feline. ¡°Look at this tiny bitch making threats. I really want to see how you¡¯re going to make us move,¡± an ogre declared, placing a hand on the lizardman¡¯s shoulder in a show of solidarity. The lizardman panicked, trepidation swelling within his heart. Are these idiots insane? Can¡¯t they sense her bloodlust? The lizardman locked eyes with Zara once more, his expression growing even more hideous. He felt as if he stood in front of a raging volcano on the verge of erupting in a violent display of dominance. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. ¡°We¡¯ll move,¡± the lizardman hurriedly whispered. ¡°There¡¯s no need to get violent.¡± He quickly dragged his stunned companions away before they could escalate the situation. Contrary to the expectations of the onlookers, none of them returned. Instead, the crowd watched as the lizardman¡¯s party engaged in hushed discussions, their expressions gradually morphing as the lizardman spoke. Soon, every member of the party, especially the ogres, wore horrified expressions as they stared at the hound extermination crew marching ahead. ¡°Were you really going to beat them if they didn¡¯t move?¡± Orion suddenly asked, his gaze lingering on the feline. ¡°I guess we¡¯ll never know,¡± Zara replied without turning. Orion chuckled again, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. The champions approached the portals in silence, their gazes lingering on the smaller portal that had banished them to Godsfall Island. They had hoped to return, but none of them expected it would happen so quickly. ¡°For the love of everything sacred, I sincerely hope whatever awaits us in there is normal,¡± Slim prayed, his hopes drawing laughs and giggles from his companions. The hound extermination crew joined the extensive line leading to the portal, their thoughts occupied with what lay ahead. Time passed slowly, and soon, the hound extermination crew was next in line to enter the portal. The multi-armed judges remained stationary, disregarding the group¡¯s presence¡ªa feeling the group hadn¡¯t experienced in a long time. Zara, leading the group, turned to her companions. ¡°See you guys on the other side.¡± The feline stepped in first, followed by Plume and Ember. Slim whispered another silent prayer as he entered next. Orion and Scott followed simultaneously. Scott¡¯s vision blurred for a fraction of a second, then an expansive space teeming with a massive population came into view. Three majestic suns peeked through a blanket of the purest clouds he had ever seen. In the distance, architectural masterpieces seemingly made of solid gold stretched into the clouds above. A city so pure, so magnificent, and majestic that many would consider it sacred or holy. What is this place? Scott pondered, his gaze alternating between the array of champions neatly standing in snaking lines and the multitude of judges in the area. He recognized some familiar judges from the judgment road and dark forest, but there were many more diverse and majestic beings he didn¡¯t even know existed. His gaze lingered on a one-eyed, toga-wearing judge who stood over forty feet tall, with a body seemingly sculpted from gold. Massive flaming wings lined the judge¡¯s back, while melodious bells were strapped to the being¡¯s wrist. Scott shifted his gaze away from the giant, focusing on several golden creatures streaking through the skies. They were as massive as dragons, but faceless like most of the judges. They soared through the air, casting immense shadows over the champions beneath them.
Welcome to the Temple of Light!
The system message appeared in front of Scott, his companions, and several other new arrivals in the expansive space. Unlike her companions, Ember wore a frown as soon as the message appeared¡ªan expression that didn¡¯t escape Orion¡¯s curious eyes. ¡°Do you have history with this place?¡± the mage quizzed mentally. Ember nodded without glancing at the mage. ¡°I don¡¯t have the best relationship with the Order of Light, especially from my time with my previous sponsor. I have no idea if they¡¯ll hold a grudge,¡± she explained. ¡°It seems all you people have been doing is making enemies,¡± Plume interjected. She could understand if Zara and Scott had made countless enemies due to their personalities; Orion and Slim, she couldn¡¯t figure out yet, but Ember carried herself with a dignified poise and grace. Plume wondered why such a refined creature would even linger around with people like Scott and his companions. Orion glanced at the trisos, wearing a broad smile. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°That wasn¡¯t a compliment,¡± she retorted, taken aback by the mage¡¯s response. ¡°It is to me,¡± Orion said with a wink. ¡°Leave the poor thing alone,¡± Ember said, turning to Plume. ¡°We¡¯re not troublemakers, I promise¡­ but trouble, for some reason, always seems to find us.¡± Slim, Zara, and Orion chuckled softly, while Scott continued observing the area. The massive lines were divided into four, each seemingly leading to different parts of the city ahead. I wonder if the scenery will change as we move forward, he pondered, recalling his previous experience in a sanctuary. ¡°Orion, what sort of reading is this place giving you?¡± Scott suddenly asked via the party channel. The mage diverted his gaze toward the voidweaver but remained strangely silent, his features akin to someone deep in thought. ¡°It¡¯s complicated, but it seems some sort of separation¡ªor should I say sorting¡ªis taking place.¡± Scott and the rest of the group frowned; their attention now focused on the mage. ¡°There¡¯s no point racking our brains over the unknown. We might as well join a line. We¡¯ll find out what¡¯s happening eventually,¡± Orion giggled. ¡°You¡¯re right about that,¡± Slim said. ¡°So far, nothing has tried to murder us on sight, so this place doesn¡¯t seem so bad.¡± ¡°Any ideas which line we should choose?¡± Zara muttered softly, her gaze shifting between the different lines. Various groups lingered on the periphery, debating which line to join. Some joined randomly, figuring it made no difference which line they chose. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Orion said. ¡°There¡¯s no pattern. The fact that the judges aren¡¯t restricting anyone from joining a particular line tells me it¡¯s a non-factor,¡± he explained, randomly pointing to a line. ¡°Let¡¯s join that one. I saw something interesting¡ª a redscaling, I think. I want to observe it further.¡± The mage moved before anyone could respond. ¡°Is that really enough reason for us to just blindly follow?¡± Plume questioned. ¡°You¡¯ll tire yourself out trying to figure out how his mind works. It¡¯s best to just go with the flow,¡± Zara muttered before stepping forward, with Slim and Scott quickly joining her. ¡°She¡¯s right. That human¡¯s mind isn¡¯t something ordinary beings can comprehend. There might be a reason he picked that line. Let¡¯s follow him,¡± Ember urged the trisos. Plume said nothing more, resigned to follow her companions. The six-person party approached the second line, with Orion leading them. Barely a hundred feet from their intended line, a golden ray shone down from above, and two figures accompanied by eight towering judges stepped out from the light, halting the hound extermination crew¡¯s advance. Instantly, the attention of the surrounding champions shifted to the new arrivals, especially the two leading the judges. They shimmered in golden luminescence, clad in pristine white robes. Unlike the multi-armed, faceless judges behind them, the duo both had humanoid faces¡ªone resembling a female, the other a male. The female figure stepped forward; her golden irises fixed on the hound extermination crew. ¡°I apologize for keeping you waiting. The Temple of Light does not disrespect challengers and their companions,¡± she announced. The male figure then stepped forward, his blackened irises locking onto the group. ¡°Please, allow us to escort you to the city,¡± he said, pausing briefly before his companion continued, ¡°It¡¯s a rare sight for the temple to welcome several unaffiliated challengers.¡± Before the hound extermination crew could respond, the golden radiance enveloped them, whisking them away from the sight of the surrounding champions. The male and female figures, along with the judges, retreated into the light as well, vanishing from the scene. Book 3 - Chapter 27: Orions Goal Scott found himself in a magnificent room adorned with golden furniture and luxurious items. Massive chandeliers hung from the artistically styled ceiling, casting a warm light that illuminated the spacious room. ¡°They separated us, huh,¡± Scott muttered, his gaze lingering on several paintings of faceless judges with halos hanging on the walls. He approached a nearby padded chair and took a seat. ¡°Can you guys hear me?¡± Zara¡¯s voice suddenly echoed on the party channel. ¡°My leader, I can,¡± Slim responded first. ¡°Are you in a luxurious room too?¡± the skeleton asked. ¡°Yes,¡± the champions answered simultaneously. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to worry about,¡± Ember suddenly declared. ¡°The fact that they¡¯re treating us like this means we¡¯re considered valuable guests¡ª¡± ¡°The only problem is why,¡± Orion interjected with a chuckle. ¡°I know they said it¡¯s because we¡¯re challengers, but still¡­ there has to be more.¡± ¡°Like you said earlier, there¡¯s no use racking our brains over what we don¡¯t know. They¡¯ll reveal their intentions soon enough,¡± Scott declared. ¡°You¡¯re right about that,¡± Orion giggled. ¡°I guess there¡¯s nothing left to do other than enjoy the moment.¡± The mage¡¯s laughter echoed on the channel, and at that moment, the members of the hound extermination crew¡ªthough separated¡ªeach wore a smile in their individual rooms. ¡°Don¡¯t relax too much. There¡¯s no telling what could happen,¡± Scott warned after a momentary silence. His gaze shifted toward the only exit in the room, a gold-plated door with intricate runic designs etched on its surface. ¡°Talk to you guys later. I can¡¯t remember the last time I had a warm, proper bath,¡± Zara said, a hint of excitement in her voice as she left the party channel. ¡°My leader, it¡¯s as if you read my mind,¡± Slim chuckled, and he too left the channel. Ember and Plume quickly followed, leaving Orion and Scott alone on the channel. ¡°Where is he now?¡± Scott suddenly asked. ¡°As soon as we¡¯re done with the Ranking Games, we should meet him,¡± Orion replied. ¡°He¡¯s quite excited about our reunion.¡± ¡°So, what will happen to you exactly? Do you just disappear, or do you merge with your main body again?¡± Scott asked, his fingers drumming on the armrest. He had thought long and hard about how Orion and his sentient clones functioned, but he couldn¡¯t come to any plausible conclusion. Although they shared one mind, each clone was independent of Orion¡¯s main body, yet still connected to the original. ¡°I¡¯ll probably journey off to complete another mission,¡± Orion declared. ¡°Our interests are countless, and they increase each day. There are still so many places we need to explore,¡± the clone explained. Scott¡¯s brows furrowed as he posed another question. ¡°What happens if your main body dies?¡± Orion chuckled softly, then suddenly burst into maniacal laughter. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t you think that¡¯s happened already?¡± the mage began, his laughter tapering off. ¡°This body of flesh and bones is nothing but a vehicle¡ªa high-quality one¡ªmeant to house our mind, which is the essence of our being. Should a vehicle become useless, you simply replace it. But mind you, the replacement must be deemed suitable. After all, a championship-winning driver needs a championship-worthy car to achieve the best results.¡± ¡°What a long-winded way to answer a question,¡± Scott retorted, and Orion erupted into laughter once more. Although the mage had taken a roundabout way to explain, Scott understood what he meant, and it stunned him. ¡°What about the connection with your variant?¡± Scott asked, changing the topic. ¡°Unfortunately, crossing timelines has strained the connection. The main body and the variant are trying to bypass the restrictions, though,¡± Orion replied. ¡°Can they do it?¡± Scott asked, already anticipating the mage¡¯s response. ¡°It¡¯s an arduous task, but not impossible,¡± Orion giggled. ¡°As long as there¡¯s a way, I¡¯ll find it. If there isn¡¯t, I¡¯ll make one,¡± the mage declared, his voice brimming with primal confidence, bordering on certainty. I knew he was going to say that, Scott thought, a thin smile parting his lips. There were only a few people he didn¡¯t want to encounter as enemies, and Orion was one of them. The mage not only possessed frightening combat abilities but was also incredibly resourceful and determined, willing to be callously cruel in pursuit of his interests. ¡°Are you prepared for what awaits you beyond the Ranking Games?¡± Orion suddenly asked, his voice surprisingly stern. Scott remained silent; his back slumped in his chair while his fingers drummed on the firm armrest. ¡°I know for a fact that you understand our return isn¡¯t coincidental,¡± the mage continued. ¡°Those who banished us likely did so to prevent or delay the war. Now that we¡¯ve returned, something must have changed.¡± ¡°I know,¡± Scott replied, his voice low. ¡°Those bastards are scheming something, but I have no idea what it is,¡± he voiced his frustrations, his brows creasing as his fingers stopped drumming on the armrest. ¡°It¡¯s either someone wants to kill me for something I have no clue about, or I¡¯m being used in a grandiose plan I know nothing of¡ª¡± ¡°That¡¯s why you¡ªwe need power. Power that will make everyone tremble. Power that can make reality itself quake at our existence,¡± Orion interjected. ¡°We will attain that power. As with all things in life, sacrifices will be made, but I¡¯m certain we¡¯ll reach it.¡± ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Scott muttered, deep in thought. Silence lingered on the channel for a few minutes before the voidweaver spoke again. ¡°Regarding the Eidolon of Envy, none of the reports make any sense. If you and your variant couldn¡¯t understand their powers, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s possible for me either.¡± Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. ¡°That¡¯s true, but at least you have an inkling of what they¡ªor should I say, your variant¡ªis capable of. Half a loaf is better than none, right?¡± the mage retorted. Scott fell silent again, though this time, the interval was significantly shorter. The voidweaver sat upright in his chair, a stern expression gracing his visage. ¡°Who is the Mad God?¡± he asked. Low giggles greeted Scott¡¯s words, but he remained silent, waiting for Orion¡¯s answer. ¡°Let¡¯s not pretend you don¡¯t know the answer to that question,¡± Orion replied, his voice calm and clear. ¡°I know you might feel that I¡¯m hiding things from you, and that¡¯s the truth. Some things are better left unknown, believe me. Like I said when we first spoke, I¡¯m a follower of the Mad God, and everything I do is in the interest of his cause¡ª¡± ¡°Orion, what are you after?¡± Scott suddenly interjected. ¡°Why do you climb the tower? What do you seek to gain from all this?¡± Palpable silence followed Scott¡¯s inquiries, but it didn¡¯t last long. ¡°The truth,¡± Orion declared. ¡°The truth to what?¡± Scott frowned, awaiting the mage¡¯s answer. ¡°The truth to everything,¡± the mage began. ¡°Forgive me, but I don¡¯t care about the needless or meaningless struggles within the tower. I couldn¡¯t care less about attaining godhood or becoming a god. All that, and everything else for that matter, is irrelevant in the face of the truth,¡± the mage declared passionately. ¡°The truth is the answer to everything. Someone out there must know the reason for why all that is has been, and why all that will be shall be. If there are higher dimensions, then there must be lower dimensions¡ªwho made them? What mysteries do they hold? I want to know it all. Why the tower exists as it does, and how it can be destroyed¡ªI want to know it all. How every being came to be, I want to know it all. When, how, where, and why this reality will end¡ªI want to know it all. The truth is the answer to it all, and I must search for it. That¡¯s the only reason for my existence, and it¡¯s why my existence shall persist until I find it.¡± Scott felt his heart tremble for a fraction of a second. He knew his data-obsessed companion was peculiar, but he had no idea how grand Orion¡¯s dreams were compared to most of the champions who simply wanted to survive. He took a deep breath, reclining in his chair once more. His gaze lingered on a portrait of a judge¡ªa grand artwork depicting a faceless judge with flaming devilish horns and a golden trident. ¡°Your life is going to be a sad and empty one,¡± Scott said after a long pause. ¡°I know,¡± Orion replied with a giggle. ¡°When gods and stars disappear into dust, I will remain. When the last light in all the known dimensions is extinguished, I will be there, and then, I will find happiness¡ªknowing that I have found the truth.¡± ¡°I wish you good luck, truly,¡± Scott declared, averting his gaze from the painting. Now, he partially understood why no Orion in the vast timelines had approached the point of no return. They were busy seeking the truth. ¡°Before I go, have you heard of the Nameless One?¡± Scott suddenly asked. ¡°Scott, for your own good, never¡ªand I mean never¡ªspeak of this again. Don¡¯t tell me, don¡¯t tell anyone,¡± Orion retorted, the urgency in his voice palpable. ¡°I¡¯ll let you rest,¡± the mage said, and his connection disappeared. Scott, on the other hand, sat upright, his expression stern. Orion wasn¡¯t one to shy away from any topic, but here he was, seemingly terrified of discussing the Nameless One.
You have absorbed the essence of a corpse deposited in the Nihilistic Zone!
Physical Stats: Strength, Endurance, Toughness, and Dexterity have increased by 10!
The Nameless One is looking at you!
The Nameless One is pleased!
The Nameless One notices a lesser god¡¯s ??? on your form!
The Nameless One is amused!
The Nameless One has stopped watching you!
The blackened system messages vanished as soon as the nameless entity finished observing Scott. At that same moment, a knock echoed from the room¡¯s exit, and Scott instinctively turned his head toward the golden door. It couldn¡¯t be her, right? Scott pondered as he stood up. Ember¡¯s face popped into his mind for a moment, but he shook his head, dispelling the thought. The rhythmic knock echoed once more, but Scott didn¡¯t approach the door, waiting for whoever it was to announce themselves. Another knock followed; this time accompanied by a clear voice. ¡°Pardon me, I¡¯m here to deliver the item chosen by your companion,¡± it said. Scott¡¯s brows furrowed. Nobody mentioned anything like that. Are they sure they¡¯ve got the right room? he thought, approaching the door. ¡°Do you wish to exit your room?¡± a voice suddenly projected itself into Scott¡¯s mind. He narrowed his gaze, searching for the origin of the voice, but there was no one present. ¡°Do you wish to exit your room?¡± the voice repeated, and Scott focused on the door. No fucking way, right? He mused. He had seen many strange things in the tower, but a talking door was a first. ¡°Do you wish to exit your room?¡± The voice repeated a third time, and Scott was now certain it was the luxurious door speaking. How? He couldn¡¯t say, and he had no desire to find out either. ¡°I want to see who is knocking,¡± Scott replied, and to his surprise, the runes on the door morphed, changing until a clear surface formed right in front of him. The projection of a young boy with a golden complexion and silver hair appeared on the door. The boy anxiously shifted in place, seemingly debating whether to knock again. He held a neatly decorated box in one hand, while his other hand hovered anxiously near the door. I didn¡¯t know the door can do this, it¡¯s oddly convenient. But who the hell is this kid? Scott thought to himself. ¡°Do you wish to exit your room?¡± the voice repeated. ¡°Yes,¡± Scott replied after a brief pause, and a click echoed. The door creaked open, much to the delight of the toga-wearing boy in the luxurious hallway. The boy¡¯s golden eyes focused on the open door, and his expression instantly soured. He instinctively took a step back, clearly frightened by the eerie eyes of the being before him. ¡°Who did you say sent you?¡± Scott questioned, ignoring the boy¡¯s reaction. ¡°I-It was your companion,¡± the boy stammered, not daring to raise his head. ¡°The undead,¡± he said. Slim sent him? Why didn¡¯t he say anything? Scott¡¯s brows furrowed as the thought filled his mind. ¡°Slim, did you send me something?¡± Scott suddenly asked on the party channel. Slim¡¯s laughter echoed; his excitement palpable. ¡°I can¡¯t believe yours arrived first. Yes, I did. Trust me, buddy, you¡¯re going to love it.¡± ¡°I take it that means you sent something to the rest of us too?¡± Zara probed. ¡°Of course,¡± Slim replied without hesitation. ¡°But I¡¯m not telling you what it is. Your minds are going to be blown¡­¡± the undead chortled. The discussion continued, but Scott focused his attention on the young boy, extending his hand to receive the package. The boy hastily handed over the box before fleeing as if he had narrowly escaped a monster. Scott stared at the sealed box, which was only seven inches tall on each side, wondering what was inside. He prepared to return to his room, but then he heard footsteps¡ªdifferent from the fleeing boy¡¯s¡ªechoing in the hallway. Scott turned toward the source of the footsteps and saw a man with inky black hair that matched his black apparel and boots. Flaming crucifix tattoos covered his arms and neck, while a singular blackened crucifix tattoo was visible under his right eyelid. A lit cigar hung loosely between his lips, but Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on the man¡¯s sparkling yellow eyes. Sensing Scott¡¯s gaze, the man halted, staring back at the voidweaver. ¡°Do I know you? Because for some reason, I don¡¯t like you at all.¡± Book 3 - Chapter 28: Grand Selection [1] A palpable silence enveloped the hallway as both champions exchanged glances. The corners of Scott¡¯s lips curved into a smile, his thoughts drifting to the first time he had encountered the yellow-eyed man. For him, this was the first time he was meeting someone else after encountering their variant first. ¡°Why are you smiling?¡± Hurly asked, his gaze locked on Scott. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe me if I told you. I¡¯ll be seeing you around,¡± Scott replied with a smile, retreating to his room before Hurly could muster a response. Left alone in the hallway, Hurly stared at the now-closed door, which had seamlessly merged with the wall. What the fuck was that? he thought, taking a deep puff from his cigar. ¡°Just how many fucking weirdos do they have in this place?¡± he muttered, continuing down the hallway. However, a nagging thought still plagued his mind. I don¡¯t know if the sanctuary is responsible, but why did that freak have no emotions? Is he a ghost or something? Hurly glanced back at the spot where he had met Scott, unable to shake off the creeping unease. Meanwhile, Scott approached the center table near the padded seats and placed the gift-wrapped box on its surface. Now, what exactly could be in here? he wondered, loosening the red bow string. The wrapping unraveled on its own, revealing a small leather wrist cuff with a skull insignia etched on its surface. Scott frowned. What the hell is this? he thought, examining the item closely. ¡°Slim, where did you get this from?¡± Scott asked via a private channel. ¡°Try it on, buddy,¡± Slim replied, his voice brimming with excitement. ¡°Tell me what it is first¡ª¡± ¡°That defeats the purpose of the surprise, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Slim interjected. ¡°Trust me, you¡¯ll love it. I picked it out specifically for you,¡± he added. ¡°Let me know when you try it on.¡± Slim closed the channel, leaving Scott at a loss for words. He looked back at the item, debating whether to wait until the others received theirs, but his curiosity got the best of him. He unstrapped the buckles of the cuff, fastening it around his left wrist. The skull insignia seemed to come alive, its jaw opening and closing as if in a laugh. Before Scott could process what was happening, a shimmering silver luminance enveloped his body, and his clothes and boots disappeared into the laughing skull. In the same moment, a new set replaced them. Scott, his mouth slightly agape, stared at his new clothes with a hint of surprise. He now wore an elegant, well-fitted black suit with a matching black tie. A magnificent but unbuttoned grey trench coat draped over the suit, while his hands were covered by comfortable black leather gloves that didn¡¯t impede the chains or the pendant. Despite the multilayered garment, Scott felt as if his movements wouldn¡¯t be hindered in the slightest. Oddly enough, he felt more comfortable in the seemingly impractical outfit. ¡°Slim, where did you get this from?¡± Scott called out on the private channel, and the skeleton¡¯s laughter echoed in response to his inquiries. ¡°You love it, right?¡± Slim said, his voice brimming with pride. ¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s by random chance or if they recognized my artistic brilliance, but a judge approached me earlier, stating that a feast will be held soon for all challengers, and they wanted me to choose the attire for our group. Apparently, in terms of rarity, they¡¯re all legendary-ranked items, and there are at least five sets of clothes with the ability to store even more within the cuffs. Not so bad, right?¡± Scott nodded, even though the skeleton couldn¡¯t see him. Now, he understood why the clothes looked like something a fashionista had chosen. Then a thought crossed his mind, and he couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°What did you choose for Zara?¡± Scott suddenly asked. ¡°She might actually kill you if you picked something weird for her.¡± Slim burst out laughing. ¡°You¡¯ll find out soon, buddy. I¡¯ve been holding back for so long¡ªit¡¯s time I had my revenge,¡± the skeleton laughed once more. ¡°I hope you won¡¯t be the first undead to actually die on that day,¡± Scott chuckled softly. ¡°By the way, when did they say the feast would be held, and do you know anything else about it?¡± Scott inquired. ¡°To be honest, that fella barely spoke. I really don¡¯t know much about the feast or its purpose. I¡¯ll let you know if I find out anything, though,¡± Slim promised, ending the discussion. ¡°A feast for all the challengers, huh¡­¡± Scott muttered as he approached the king-sized bed in the bedroom. His clothes changed once more; this time, he wore simpler attire as he lay face-first on the soft bed. The last time I slept on a bed, Ember was¡­ Scott took a deep breath, reigning in his wandering thoughts. The days slowly counted down within the sanctuary. Lavish dishes and drinks were delivered to Scott¡¯s room three times a day without fail, and he maintained constant communication with his companions. However, none of them made any attempts to visit each other, nor did they have any intentions of leaving their rooms¡ªexcept for Orion, who constantly shared the details of his daily observations with those eager to listen. Two weeks had passed since their arrival, and they all enjoyed the peace and luxury that came with being a challenger. Then, on one fateful day, a knock echoed in Scott¡¯s room. Lying casually on a couch while reading the Sutra of the Order of Light, Scott looked up at the golden door. The knock echoed a second time, followed by a refined voice that filled the room. ¡°The gathering for challengers will be held in ten hours. We sincerely anticipate your attendance,¡± it announced. Scott averted his gaze from the door, staring lazily at the golden text once more. Today is the day, huh, he thought. Although it had been less than a month since they arrived in the Temple of Light, he couldn¡¯t remember the last time things had been so peaceful. He knew the serenity wouldn¡¯t last, but it was a rare period of stability he hadn¡¯t experienced in a long time. The hours slowly counted down, and the appointed time for the gathering arrived. Scott, dressed in his luxurious suit, stepped out of his room. Waiting outside were several young boys, each identical to the one who had delivered the package on the first day. The boys lingered at the entrance of open doors or stood idly by the wall, awaiting their assigned champion to exit their rooms. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on the array of unfamiliar faces in the hallway. There were champions of varying races, most of humanoid origin, but a fair few were entities he couldn¡¯t identify. Naturally, each champion wore distinct attire, each unique from the other, but the sheer quality of the clothing was clear and evident. It was apparent that the Temple of Light had invested significantly in securing the best materials for their esteemed guests. Is everyone here a challenger? Scott thought to himself, casually surveying the crowd of champions. Hastur¡¯s gaze couldn¡¯t bypass the restrictions imposed by the sanctuary, leaving him unable to discern more about the individuals around him. Among the sea of unfamiliar faces, Scott suddenly noticed a familiar figure, and a smile parted his lips. Slim, accompanied by his guide, moved through the throng, approaching Scott with quick steps. ¡°Buddy, who knew our rooms were so close to each other,¡± Slim beamed, arriving in front of Scott¡¯s door in a flash. The skeleton¡¯s grin widened as he observed Scott from head to toe. ¡°Looking good, buddy,¡± he complimented with a thumbs up. ¡°You don¡¯t look so bad yourself,¡± Scott replied with a smile. Slim wore a similar suit to Scott¡¯s, though his was a distinguished grey. Instead of a tie, he sported a bowtie, and a top hat with a black cane completed his outfit. ¡°What about the others?¡± Scott asked, his gaze drifting to the other champions. ¡°I didn¡¯t see them,¡± Slim replied, leaning slightly on his cane. ¡°We¡¯re all heading to the same place, so there¡¯s no need to search for them. Where¡¯s your guide?¡± Scott pointed toward a trembling boy a few paces away, his head lowered in a mixture of fear and respect. Slim glanced at the boy, a wry smile gracing his face. Even without explanation, he understood what the young guide was going through. ¡°We should go. I don¡¯t like staying in crowded spaces for too long,¡± Scott muttered. ¡°Since when?¡± Slim chuckled, subtly urging his guide to lead the way. Scott¡¯s and Slim¡¯s guides moved ahead, maintaining a considerable distance from the duo. Slim and Scott approached, several guides hurriedly distanced themselves, fear evident on their faces. The reactions of the young guides caught the attention of the observant champions, who focused their gazes on Slim and Scott. One was an undead, while the other appeared human but clearly wasn¡¯t. The swirling darkness in place of Scott¡¯s face only heightened their curiosity. Hushed discussions abound, but no one could figure out the identity of the duo. Led by their guides, Scott, Slim, and several other champions trekked through a series of winding hallways, each adorned with vibrant artworks and sculptures depicting the faceless judges of the famed sanctuary. Minutes passed, and the procession grew as more champions joined from various hallways, though many had yet to reunite with their companions. Soon, they reached another hallway, closed off by a gigantic golden door at the end. Two towering judges with six arms stood on either side, each wielding a scepter in each hand. ¡°The gathering is taking place in there. Please enjoy yourselves,¡± the guides muttered simultaneously, their heads bowed. Scott and Slim exchanged glances but remained silent. They took a step forward, and at that moment, the rest of the champions and guides vanished. What¡¯s more, they found themselves already standing in front of the extravagant door. ¡°What just¡­ how did we?¡± Slim muttered, turning around. The hallway behind them had vanished, replaced by a solid wall. He faced the motionless guards, but neither of them reacted to their presence. ¡°There¡¯s no use giving yourself a headache about it. Let¡¯s just go in,¡± Scott whispered. He took a step forward before Slim could retort, and a melodious clink echoed as the door parted without a creak. The interior was shrouded in darkness, yet Scott and Slim strode in, the door closing behind them with an ominous thud. The space around them twisted, revealing an aesthetically designed hall adorned with exquisite decorations. Despite the large number of champions who had marched through the hallways earlier, fewer than fifty had gathered here. Dozens of long tables, stretching as far as a hundred feet, graced the hall, each one laden with sumptuous dishes and rare drinks that would make even the most restrained person drool. ¡°It took you guys long enough to get here,¡± Zara¡¯s voice echoed from the side, drawing Scott and Slim¡¯s attention. Scott¡¯s brows shot up, his gaze lingering on Orion, Plume, Zara, and Ember, who had already reunited. However, it wasn¡¯t just the voidweaver¡¯s eyes¡ªmost of the male and female champions in the hall couldn¡¯t help but stare at the feline and dragonkin. Both wore stunning black dresses with thigh-high slits, accentuating their figures. Zara¡¯s hair seemed to sway gently despite the lack of wind, adorned with multiple pieces of golden jewelry decorating her ears, wrists, and forearms. Ember, barefoot but poised on her levitating discs, had her ankles adorned with similar golden accessories. ¡°Why are you looking at us like that?¡± Zara asked, a hint of embarrassment evident on her face as she met Scott¡¯s eyes. ¡°The dress suits both of you well. You¡¯re both truly beautiful,¡± Scott declared softly. Zara¡¯s face reddened even further, while Ember wore a mesmerizing smile as she approached the voidweaver. She loomed over Scott, admiring his outfit and neatly styled hair. ¡°You look great,¡± she said, placing her right hand on Scott¡¯s neck. She caressed it for a moment before lowering her arm. Then she turned to regard Slim. ¡°You weren¡¯t exaggerating when you said you had a keen eye for fashion,¡± she said, and Slim beamed, grinning ear to ear. Zara, however, sneaked behind the skeleton. ¡°You¡¯re lucky you didn¡¯t pick something weird for me. I¡¯ll consider promoting you if you keep behaving, okay?¡± Slim saluted, grinning. ¡°Your wish is my command, my leader.¡± The feline smacked his arm, a smile parting her lips. ¡°So, does anyone have any idea what¡¯s going on?¡± Scott suddenly asked mentally. Orion, dressed in an equally luxurious suit, answered first. ¡°This is basically the culmination of the grueling ranking games. I¡¯m certain we¡¯ll finally find out the significance of the ranks we¡¯ve earned during the games,¡± he declared, sipping on wine. Like Scott, the mage looked different from his usual appearance, a beige scarf wrapped around his neck, and two emerald rings adorning his fingers. ¡°That means it¡¯s likely the gods will be involved in this,¡± Slim muttered, his expression turning stern. ¡°Absolutely,¡± Orion affirmed with a nod. ¡°I¡¯m curious, though. I want to see to what extent their involvement will encompass this gathering,¡± he giggled, a gleam of anticipation in his eyes. Then, suddenly turning toward Scott, he pointed eastward. ¡°You won¡¯t believe who I saw earlier,¡± he said, barely able to contain his excitement. Scott followed the mage¡¯s outstretched hand, and a smile parted his lips. There, standing amidst a group of human champions¡ªmostly female¡ªHurly was engaged in conversation, drinking and laughing with them. ¡°Do you think that guy is anything like his variant?¡± Zara asked, a frown creasing her brows. ¡°I¡¯m not sure, and I don¡¯t care,¡± Scott replied. ¡°He won¡¯t survive for long, though.¡± All eyes fell on Scott, silently asking for clarification, but he didn¡¯t elaborate further. New champions continued to enter intermittently, joining their companions. Soon, the number of champions in the hall had swelled to around one hundred. At that moment, a distinct echo filled the room, like the clinking of a glass. The champions turned toward the sound, and a judge clad in a white toga magically appeared in the center of the hall. ¡°Welcome, everyone,¡± it greeted, its voice clear and powerful. ¡°The grand selection will begin shortly. But first, please join me in welcoming the representatives of the gods!¡± An oppressive aura suddenly enveloped the hall, causing most of the champions to instinctively ready themselves for battle. A swirling portal manifested, and one by one, several powerful figures stepped out; their numbers quickly reaching twenty, further intensifying the anxiety that hung in the air. The expressions of the hound extermination crew shifted as their intense gazes locked onto one of the new arrivals. Adona, who they had once known as Llorva, stood among the gods'' representatives, a veiling smile playing on her lips as she observed the hall. As if sensing the glares directed at her, she turned, a hint of surprise momentarily crossing her face before it was replaced by a sweet, knowing smile. Book 3 - Chapter 29: Grand Selection [2] ¡°What¡¯s that crazy bitch doing here?¡± Zara muttered mentally; her bloodthirsty gaze fixed on the elegantly dressed dark elf. Unlike the feline, Adona blew the champions a kiss, laughing as she met their stares. Scott, on the other hand, remained impassive, his expression unreadable as he observed the elf¡¯s antics and the arrival of the gods¡¯ representatives. The brief surprise he felt at seeing Adona among them quickly faded, leaving him indifferent and unbothered. Plume, adorned with a host of pearls, sensed the tension between her companions and the mysterious dark elf. Zara¡¯s ferocious glare hinted at lingering resentment, but Plume chose to remain silent, preferring to watch as the situation unfolded. The judge¡¯s voice echoed through the hall as the last of the representatives arrived and the portal vanished. ¡°Once again, on behalf of the Progenitor of Light and the Temple of Light, I welcome you all to this gathering,¡± the judge declared, and the lights in the hall suddenly dimmed. The already anxious champions stirred, their keen eyes focused on the indifferent representatives. ¡°What¡¯s this gathering about?¡± a champion suddenly demanded. ¡°No one has told us anything.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right! Someone needs to explain what this is all about,¡± another champion spat, glaring at the representatives and the judge. ¡°Pardon us for the veil of secrecy,¡± the judge bowed, ¡°Fret not; all your questions will be answered to your satisfaction. That I assure you,¡± it promised, standing upright once more. The judge clapped its hands, and a majestic golden door appeared at the center of the hall. Then, its voice echoed again. ¡°Everyone here has distinguished themselves throughout the torturous ranking games. Each of you has attained the highest possible rank, with some even exceeding it, stepping onto a path worthy of the highest thrones,¡± the judge paused, gesturing toward the door. ¡°The true purpose of the ranking games is to find champions like yourselves¡ªbrimming with potential, capable of surpassing your peers. Each of you has shown remarkable strength, grit, and determination against all odds to make it this far, and for that, I applaud you. Your efforts will not be¡ª¡± ¡°Get to the fucking point already,¡± a human champion suddenly interjected. ¡°No one gives a crap about all that! Just tell us why the hell we¡¯re here, why those guys are even here, and what that door is for!¡± The man¡¯s displeasure was evident as he fired off his questions. All eyes fell on the lanky man for a moment before turning back to the judge, waiting for its response. The judge pivoted toward the man, its voice calm but firm as it continued. ¡°Your efforts will not be in vain, for now, you have the opportunity to join the fellowship of the gods¡ªshould they choose you, of course.¡± The room buzzed with a mix of confusion and excitement. Some champions seemed to grasp the judge¡¯s implication, while others were left with lingering doubts. ¡°What do you mean by joining their fellowship?¡± Orion asked, grinning as he awaited the judge¡¯s response. The judge turned to the mage, its tone precise. ¡°You will have the opportunity to become a member of their inner caucus,¡± it explained. ¡°What about those already affiliated with gods?¡± Orion posed another question, his eyes brimming with curiosity. ¡°Nothing changes,¡± the judge began, gesturing once more to the door. ¡°Inside, you will be interviewed by the representatives you see before you, as well as several others who prefer to remain anonymous. If you¡¯re satisfied with your current sponsor, feel free to reject the proposals offered. If not, you can accept whichever offer suits you best. There will be no repercussions for leaving your current sponsor and choosing another; that, I assure you.¡± ¡°What happens to those who are unaffiliated and not interested in the offers?¡± Orion retorted with another question. ¡°Plain and simple, you¡¯d be an idiot to do that,¡± a representative declared before the judge could respond. All eyes turned toward the figure, who stood over twelve feet tall, his facial features obscured by a gas-like mask exuding copious amounts of turbid, emerald gases. A few representatives chuckled, seemingly amused by Orion¡¯s bold question. ¡°There are no wrong or right choices,¡± the judge interjected. ¡°Everyone should make the decision they deem best for their interests and future. However, I advise careful consideration before rejecting any proposals,¡± it stressed. ¡°I still don¡¯t see the benefits of all this,¡± an elf remarked, her arms crossed over her chest. ¡°In what order are we supposed to do these interviews?¡± ¡°Groups with more challengers will be given priority. You will enter as a group, but the interviews will be conducted individually and simultaneously until you have heard from all the representatives,¡± the judge explained. ¡°You will understand the benefits of this gathering once you receive your offers.¡± The lanky champion and his companions stepped forward, their movements measured. ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with. We have other matters to attend to,¡± he said. ¡°I understand,¡± the judge replied, gesturing toward the representatives. Wordlessly, the group marched toward the golden door, which opened on its own, emitting a blinding light. One after the other, they disappeared from the hall. Adona, lingering at the rear, paused and turned toward the hound extermination crew. ¡°I¡¯ll be seeing you soon,¡± she said with a giggle, stepping through the door. The judge then focused on the remaining champions. ¡°I will now announce the first group to enter,¡± it declared. ¡°No need,¡± the lanky champion retorted. ¡°We already know it¡¯s us, so there¡¯s no need to¡ª¡± ¡°The Hound Extermination Crew, please make your way in,¡± the judge suddenly announced. Lights beamed down on Scott and his companions, drawing all eyes to them, especially those of the lanky champion and his six-man party. Hurly, who had been lingering among the female champions, frowned as he recognized Scott¡ªthe same person he had met a few weeks ago. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± the lanky champion protested; his voice tinged with disbelief. ¡°There¡¯s no way they have more challengers than us.¡± Scott and his companions marched forward, ignoring the stares of the assembled champions. However, the lanky champion¡¯s companion suddenly blocked their path. Their leader, on the other hand, stood tall before the judge once more. ¡°Check again¡ªthere must be an error,¡± he demanded. ¡°No one even knows these bozos,¡± he sneered, pointing at the hound extermination crew. Several champions watched the heated scene with intrigue and curiosity, their gazes shifting to the hound extermination crew, awaiting their reaction. But Scott and his group remained unfazed by the man¡¯s provocation, lazily staring at the men blocking their path, their focus occasionally wandering back to the judge. ¡°I assure you there are no mistakes¡ª¡± ¡°Check again, damn it!¡± the lanky man interrupted, his bald head reddening with fury. ¡°Whoever made that list must be fucked in the head if we aren¡¯t first.¡± The judge¡¯s tone remained calm and authoritative. ¡°I want you to think carefully about where you are and what this place represents. I do not mind your insolence and utter disrespect, but I won¡¯t tolerate any insults to the list prepared by Devotees of Light. Is that clear?¡± The bald champion glared at the judge, his rage twisting his features as his dark skin flushed even redder. ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± he spat, inching closer to the judge. ¡°What are you going to do to stop me, huh?¡± he challenged, towering over the judge. Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on the confrontation, a smile tugging at his lips. Behind the judge, a gigantic but illusionary figure manifested¡ªan imposing entity seemingly constructed from solid gold. With six wings attached to its back and eight muscular arms, each wielding a flaming scepter, it stood poised, ready to defend the judge. ¡°For your own good, I¡¯d advise you not to do anything illogical,¡± the judge warned, its voice calm and collected. The judge¡¯s words only seemed to fuel the champion¡¯s rage. ¡°Who the fuck are you to tell me what I can and can¡¯t do? Do you think¡­¡± The champion suddenly paused; his fury momentarily disrupted by the sound of laughter. All eyes turned to the origin of the cheerful laughter¡ªOrion, who laughed with tears streaming down his cheeks. The bald champion pivoted away from the judge; his glare now fixed on the mage. ¡°Is something funny, asshole?¡± he growled, approaching with measured but powerful strides. Orion, still chuckling, managed to respond. ¡°I used to think genuine, hot-headed idiots only existed in fiction, but thank you for opening my eyes,¡± the mage said, wiping the tears from his cheeks. Zara and Plume simultaneously glared at the mage, the feline in particular massaging her temples. They had agreed to avoid unnecessary trouble earlier, and here was Orion stirring the pot. ¡°I get being disappointed because you thought you were some hotshots, but throwing a hissy fit over something as irrelevant as who goes first? Especially when there¡¯s nothing to gain¡ªcome on,¡± Orion laughed again. ¡°Even more baffling, how big of a nincompoop¡ªno, that¡¯s too complex a word for you. How big of an idiot do you have to be to threaten a Judge of Light, in the Temple of Light, of all places? You¡¯re either seriously lacking in the brains department or you have a sponsor that makes you think you¡¯re above the rules of the Order of Light. So, which is it? Who¡¯s your daddy¡ªor mommy?¡± Slim and Zara chuckled softly, their amusement barely contained as Ember shot them a glare, trying to maintain her composure. Despite her efforts, the dragonkin could barely restrain her rising urge to laugh, especially as giggles erupted from various clusters among the assembled crowd. The lanky champion, utterly incensed, stopped a few feet away from Orion, steam visibly exuding from his skin. He opened his mouth to speak, but a system notification suddenly appeared before him, and horror twisted his visage. ¡°Daddy or mommy must be mad,¡± Orion teased with a smile, prompting another wave of laughter from the crowd. As the notification vanished, the champion¡¯s complexion slowly returned to its natural color. He took a deep breath, locking eyes with the mage. ¡°This isn¡¯t over, I promise you,¡± he hissed. ¡°You have no idea how much that statement fills me with joy. I¡¯ll be looking forward to it,¡± Orion replied, still smiling. Without another word, the lanky man and his companions retreated, their eyes filled with bloodlust as they glared at the hound extermination crew. ¡°Please step forward,¡± the judge urged once more. Scott and his companions advanced toward the door. Scott entered first, followed by Ember, Zara, Slim, and Plume. Orion, however, lingered near the judge, studying the faceless entity. ¡°Is there a problem?¡± the judge asked. ¡°I had no idea the Order of Light harbored such violent tendencies,¡± Orion whispered. ¡°Would you have killed them if I hadn¡¯t intervened?¡± ¡°Pardon me, but I don¡¯t understand what you mean,¡± the judge responded, its tone flat. Orion smiled. ¡°Sure, you don¡¯t,¡± he murmured, his gaze shifting to the space above the judge. ¡°Forget I said anything,¡± he giggled, before finally stepping through the door and disappearing. The judge turned back to the remaining champions. ¡°I¡¯ll now announce the second group. Please step forward¡­¡± Meanwhile, Scott found himself in a tastefully arranged office, complete with a large desk, bookshelves filled with volumes, and two comfortable chairs. In one of the chairs, Adona sat comfortably, her warm, inviting eyes focused on Scott. ¡°What are the odds you¡¯d come here first?¡± she remarked with a mesmerizing smile. ¡°You¡¯ve already seen me naked, so there¡¯s no need for any awkwardness between us. Have a seat,¡± she gestured to the vacant chair. Scott, however, remained motionless, staring at the elf. ¡°Fine, have it your way. I forgot how obstinate you can be,¡± she sighed, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. ¡°How are you here?¡± Scott finally asked, breaking his silence. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be?¡± Adona countered with a smile. ¡°I should be asking where you¡¯ve been. The most famous champions currently partaking in the ranking games have already been announced across the lower floors, but for some reason, neither you nor your companions were among them. One would think you all simply vanished,¡± she said, tilting her head to the side. Scott, however, remained silent. Adona sighed, shaking as head as she continued. ¡°I assumed you¡¯d be angry at me, though¡ª¡± ¡°You¡¯re not worth the effort,¡± Scott interjected sharply. ¡°Ouch, that hurt. Wow,¡± Adona chuckled, shaking her head. ¡°Well, I did miss you, and I¡¯m glad we¡¯re able to talk again like this.¡± The elf suddenly stood up, taking a step closer to Scott. ¡°I have some good news for you,¡± she began, her voice tinged with a mock sweetness. ¡°Your friends have decided to back off. They¡¯ve realized you¡¯re the one variant who doesn¡¯t conform to the ideals of your other versions. So, there¡¯s no need to worry about them ambushing you or anything¡­¡± Adona paused as Scott¡¯s laughter cut through the air, cold and mocking. She stopped in her tracks, her gaze narrowing on the voidweaver. ¡°Am I supposed to be grateful?¡± Scott spat, his tone icy. ¡°I understand that you¡¯re upset¡ª¡± ¡°Upset?¡± Scott¡¯s laughter grew harsher, the yellow sign in his eyes flickering with intensity. ¡°They don¡¯t get to start shit with me and then decide when it¡¯s over. I don¡¯t get to have my life wrecked and then hear a ¡®sorry¡¯ and just let it slide.¡± ¡°Scott, you¡¯ll die if you face them,¡± Adona warned, a trace of genuine concern slipping into her voice. ¡°Who said I was scared of death?¡± Scott shot back. ¡°Tell them I got their message. And tell them my response: they can fuck off. I¡¯m done with this conversation,¡± Scott declared, turning to leave. ¡°Stop right there, you impertinent brat,¡± a scathing voice thundered, freezing Scott in his tracks. He tried to move, but his body refused to obey. The magnificent office space around him began to warp and erode, the walls melting away into nothingness. Before he could comprehend what was happening, Scott found himself suspended in a vast, empty space, the overwhelming pressure forcing him into a prostrating position. In the abyss, in a place where no mortal had ever reached nor ever would, thousands of thrones hovered in the void, each one alight with a terrifying spark. At the center of this cosmic formation, Scott lay, unable to speak or move as a formidable force crushed his very essence.
You have been summoned to the Council of Gods!
Book 3 - Chapter 30: Grand Selection [3] Besieged on all sides, Scott lay motionless, suspended in the vast emptiness of space as flickering notifications appeared before his eyes. He couldn¡¯t move or speak, and the unfathomable pressure from the almighty beings surrounding him threatened to obliterate his very existence. His sanity teetered on the brink of collapse. ¡°I didn¡¯t approve this meeting for a mortal to be bullied,¡± a powerful yet calm voice echoed in Scott¡¯s ears. At that moment, a familiar warmth washed over him, one he had no memory of, but which his body instinctively yearned for. The crushing pressure assaulting him vanished, and he felt a gentle touch on his head. ¡°You¡¯re only worthy of looking at one throne at the moment. Your existence will be erased should you gaze at anything else,¡± the voice instructed, gently guiding Scott¡¯s head toward a massive throne in the unfathomable void. Countless flames, appearing as broken shards, hovered above the throne, each one vying for the right to be the sole flame occupying the seat of power.
The Authority of Madness acknowledges your presence!
One of the broken shards flared with excitement as Scott¡¯s gaze fell upon it. He fought against silent, seductive whispers urging him to look elsewhere. Though he had no idea who was holding his head, he could sense they were not inferior to the assembled gods in the council. ¡°Administrator, I knew you¡¯d interfere,¡± thundered a voice so powerful that Scott¡¯s eyes shattered and his eardrums exploded. Blood burst forth from his ears and eyes, but his wounds healed as quickly as they were inflicted. The words spoken were incomprehensible to him¡ªonly vibrations so intense they felt like they would tear him apart. A being shrouded in unfathomable darkness hovered over Scott at the center of the formation. ¡°I¡¯ll repeat myself: I didn¡¯t approve this meeting for a mortal to be bullied,¡± the administrator declared, their voice a calm counterpoint to the chaos. ¡°And it¡¯s our fault that a miserable abomination like that is being tortured by our authority?¡± another god countered, their voice dripping with disdain. ¡°What¡¯s a little pain, anyway? At least, it won¡¯t die,¡± the god added, utterly devoid of empathy. Murmurs of agreement rippled through the council as other gods voiced their support. ¡°Enough with the chatter,¡± a third god spat. ¡°I have no interest in spending more time than necessary on this. Administrator, inform that creature of its choices,¡± the god demanded. Every word spoken caused Scott unimaginable agony. Not only did he not know the gods were conversing, but His body was also mutilated and instantly healed in a brutal cycle, each vibration like a hammer blow to his mind. The sheer force of the vibrations was enough to keep him teetering on the edge of madness. His visage had turned hideous, his eyes brimming with venom as he stared at the only throne he was permitted to look at. Never in his life had he felt more powerless, and he knew there was nothing he could do about it.
You have received a proposal from the Council of Gods!
Relinquish your rights to climb the tower
Compensation You, and your companions¡ªshould they join you, will be granted rulership over the starting areas.
Immortality.
Wealth.
Authority over the starting areas.
Your descendants, and those of your companions, will be considered and given priority for lesser god positions should they qualify at any point during their lifetime.
The Council also guarantees that your existence will not be eradicated by beings from higher or lower dimensions.
Do you wish to accept the offer?
Yes! No!
Scott¡¯s brow furrowed as he read the notification, his mouth opening in disbelief. At that moment, the calm voice resonated in his ears once more. ¡°Everything stated there is binding,¡± the voice assured him. ¡°You need not fear deception, nor the council reneging on their offer. There are no hidden terms, no additional clauses to worry about. However, if you accept the offer, you will be left alone to do as you please, regardless of your choices. You and your companions¡ªshould they choose to join you¡ªwill be forbidden from ever ascending beyond the starting areas. Break this rule for any reason, and your existence, along with that of your descendants, will be erased. This, I guarantee you, as the administrator.¡± Scott¡¯s eyes trembled. He had known that whoever held him was powerful, but he hadn''t realized it was the very person in charge of the elusive tower. ¡°And if I refuse?¡± Scott asked, his question voiced mentally. He knew the administrator could hear him, but silence met the voidweaver¡¯s words. Scott returned his focus to the offer, his mind racing with questions. This must be why they suddenly granted us clemency, he thought. Accepting this is like confining myself to the starting areas for all eternity. ¡°How am I supposed to decide with my hands bound?¡± Scott posed another mental question. Almost instantly, he regained control of his right arm. He moved it toward the notification, but suddenly froze, unable to proceed. The administrator¡¯s touch vanished, replaced by something far more sinister. His mouth was forced open as a withered hand clawed its way from the depths of his being. Scott¡¯s jaw tore wide with a powerful howl, the sound swallowed by the endless void. A figure in yellow erupted from his grotesque form, which writhed as it reformed and shattered in an endless cycle. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. At the center of the council, beside the enshrouded form of the administrator, the figure in yellow stood tall. ¡°I told you the perpetrator would reveal themselves,¡± a god guffawed, their flames flaring brighter than before. ¡°Is this the best the gods of this dimension can do?¡± a ghoulish whisper echoed across the void. ¡°Pathetic.¡± ¡°So, it was the Yellow King,¡± a god muttered, a hint of scorn lacing his voice. ¡°We should have known the Great Old Ones were involved,¡± another god remarked, indifferent to the figure in yellow¡¯s arrival. ¡°First Cthulhu¡¯s Spawns, and now Him that Slept Beneath,¡± a god grumbled. ¡°What are the Elder Deities even doing?¡± another god roared, fury radiating from their being. ¡°Aren¡¯t they supposed to keep the Great Old Ones in check?¡± The council was soon rife with heated discussions, gods debating among themselves as the flames representing their essence flared. The figure in yellow remained motionless, as did the administrator, who stood a fair distance away. The gods continued to express their opinions and displeasure until the administrator finally broke his silence. ¡°Are the Elder Deities aware of your presence here?¡± the administrator demanded. The figure in yellow pivoted toward the being enshrouded in darkness. From the unfathomable gloom that cloaked the yellow king, a multitude of bestial, razor-sharp teeth emerged, as if they were smiling¡ªmore than a dozen pairs in total. ¡°At the appointed time, this dimension will be mine to claim. Your pitiful attempts to confine a vessel are naught but useless efforts to stall the inevitable. Your annihilation has been foretold, and I shall cleanse your corpses as this reality succumbs to my will,¡± a multitude of nefarious voices declared in unison. ¡°We are neither mortals swayed by threats nor are we averse to war,¡± a god responded, their voice booming across the void. ¡°Your vessel was simply given a choice¡ªone you denied it. Do not mistake our benevolence for weakness.¡± ¡°Oh, the infamous arrogance of the new gods,¡± the nefarious voices laughed in unison. ¡°Like those before you, you will learn that there are beings even gods cannot contend with.¡± ¡°Arrogance or not, you are not qualified to rule over the Tower of Champions,¡± the administrator retorted. ¡°I will show you no respect should you force your way in here.¡±
You have rejected the offer!
Almost instantaneously, the powerful entities who had previously disregarded Scott¡¯s existence turned their focus on the mangled form of the voidweaver, his right index finger lingering where the notification had once been. Assaulted on all sides by the sheer immensity of these unfathomable beings, Scott¡¯s body endured a continuous, torturous cycle of mutilation and repair. Yet, unlike before, where pain unimaginable to mortals had assailed him, the voidweaver¡¯s visage now embodied madness itself, reveling in every moment of the agonizing cycle. The nefarious voices erupted in joyous laughter once more, their echoes resonating far into the void. ¡°Some of you were once mortals too, but it seems you are now drunk on the feeble authority you possess. A great upheaval awaits you all. These little inconveniences you look down upon will someday be your undoing.¡± The flames coating the thrones flared in rage, and a mighty force suddenly expelled from one throne, racing toward Scott¡¯s mangled form. But the administrator¡¯s enshrouded form reappeared in front of the voidweaver, nullifying the attack. ¡°Gods are barred from killing Champions¡ªI need not remind you, Visbos. I will not tolerate another violation of the rules. Do not force my hand,¡± the administrator declared. ¡°Hastur¡ªno, you are but a fragment. I will no longer permit your existence within the council. Should you choose to assault this dimension, then as the guardian of the Tower of Champions, be prepared for war,¡± the administrator pronounced, and the form of the figure in yellow instantly shattered, though the nefarious laughter lingered. ¡°Gods, you have seen¡ªthe proposal has been rejected. I believe the council is now satisfied, having identified the instigator behind the upheaval,¡± the administrator declared. Several gods hissed, while others grumbled, each voicing their displeasure at the situation. ¡°For eons, I¡¯ve said this: we can¡¯t avoid this anymore. We must exercise our might against those flagrant old relics, or they¡¯ll keep challenging our right to rule,¡± a god declared. ¡°This is our era; they¡¯ve had theirs, and I have no intention of yielding.¡± ¡°I still don¡¯t understand why we can¡¯t simply eliminate the source of all this,¡± Visbos roared, the mad titan¡¯s fury directed at Scott¡¯s delirious form. ¡°Do you think anything changes if that abomination is killed?¡± another god spat, their voice almost mocking. ¡°Eons of stability seem to have eroded your ability to grasp the complexity of the situation.¡± ¡°Do not insult me,¡± Visbos grumbled. ¡°Vespesis, it was you who blessed him with your illusionary¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯ll kill you all,¡± a voice, barely a whisper, echoed within the council. Deathly silence gripped the void, as in the days of primordial chaos; this time, however, the unfathomable beings¡ªwho had seen everything there was to experience¡ªcouldn¡¯t speak. They were shocked by the presence of a voice that had no right, no authority, to speak within their presence. ¡°¡­I will bring ruin to everything you have built.¡± The whispers echoed once more, and massive fissures cracked Scott¡¯s form. The voidweaver teetered on the verge of destruction, blackened tendrils squirming across his mangled body. His eyes, glistening like jewels within the abyss, flickered with the yellow sign. The formless mass within his chest stirred, essence from the nihilistic zone leaking into the void. ¡°Like I was slain in the Godsfall¡­¡± In an instant, an array of almighty attacks raced toward Scott, the very fabric of space crumbling under their weight. At the same moment, the flames hovering above the thrones blazed furiously, morphing into gigantic stars, as portals opened at their centers. The attacks reached Scott in a flash, and the delirious champion smiled in the face of destruction. But as space-time distorted, the almighty assaults vanished. The administrator had enlarged to a form massive enough to consume the entirety of the council. The portals within the blazing stars disappeared, and two colossal eyes, seemingly shouldering the universe itself, appeared within the void. ¡°Do not test me!¡± the administrator¡¯s bellow extinguished the stars¡¯ might and light. ¡°My authority is absolute within the tower; I do not permit any of you to descend!¡± ¡°How dare you restrict us after hearing his declaration?¡± a god retorted, their anger palpable. ¡°Administrator, we may have overstepped, but if that abomination is an incarnation of that betrayer, you of all beings must understand the gravity of this situation,¡± another god said, their voice calm and collected. ¡°I will not repeat myself,¡± the administrator replied, his tone brooking no argument. ¡°This meeting is over!¡± The stars instantly lost their light, and the darkness shrouding the administrator engulfed the entire void, dispelling the thrones. Scott¡¯s form rapidly healed, but the lunacy in his expression festered; the voidweaver muttered barely coherent words. ¡°¡­At the end of it all, only madness is eternal.¡± Book 3 - Chapter 31: Doppelg?nger [1] ¡°How long are you going to lie there? Aren¡¯t you awake yet?¡± a voice asked, tinged with displeasure. Scott groaned as he slowly, begrudgingly, opened his eyes. The sun¡¯s gentle rays assaulted his vision, forcing him to raise a hand to block the light. His vision wavered as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. Whose voice was that? And where the hell am I? Scott wondered, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the piercing but warm light. Memories of his encounter with the council flooded back, and his expression darkened. Those bastards... Rage twisted Scott¡¯s features, an ominous gleam filling his eyes. Suddenly, a voice drifted into his ears. ¡°Do not soil this place with your needless rage.¡± Scott froze, shock flashing across his face. I know that voice, he thought, instinctively lowering his hand. But something felt off. Wait, why don¡¯t I hear the jingle? His eyes fell to his right hand, only to find the chains and pendant missing. Scott looked up, taking in his surroundings. He stood in a lush field, the grass freshly trimmed, encircled by a pristine lake. Birds sang in the distance, their melodies blending with splashes and giggles. Turning toward the sound, he spotted a wooden platform at the edge of the field. A young boy, with features strikingly similar to his own, sat there with a fishing rod, tossing what looked like bread into the rippling waters. Scott¡¯s mouth fell open, his eyes widening in disbelief. Is this an illusion? He blinked several times, but the scent of freshly cut grass, the warmth on his skin, and the sounds of the lake and the boy¡¯s laughter told him everything was real. Scott forced himself to stand, his gaze locked on the boy, who hadn¡¯t yet acknowledged his presence. ¡°Can anyone hear me?¡± Scott called out on the party channel, but only silence greeted his inquiry. He focused on the boy again, his gaze narrowing. Wordlessly, he approached with measured steps, taking in more of the surroundings. The lake seemed to stretch into an endless sea, its splashes and birdsongs growing louder, almost deafening. As he neared the platform, Scott¡¯s eyes darted between the boy, the vast sea, and the tranquil skies. He paused, catching a glimpse of his reflection in the pristine waters. His hand traced his face, stopping just below his eyes. My eyes are back to normal, he realized, unable to detect the yellow sign or the countless fractures. ¡°You¡¯ve always been a sound sleeper. That¡¯s a bad habit, you know?¡± the boy said, tossing another handful of crumbs into the lake. Ripples spread across the surface before the crumbs slowly sank into the depths. A splash followed, but nothing emerged. ¡°Sit with me. It¡¯s not every day I have company,¡± the boy invited. Scott remained motionless, only a couple of feet separating him from the boy. ¡°Who are you, and why do you look like me?¡± he asked, his eyes fixed on the boy. ¡°You should sit,¡± the boy repeated, tossing another set of crumbs into the sea. ¡°It¡¯s not like there¡¯s anything better to do.¡± Scott frowned. Something was off¡ªhe was certain he¡¯d been caught in some sort of illusion, yet everything his senses told him felt real. But a younger version of himself was speaking to him in a place he¡¯d never been before. Can this day get any more bizarre? Scott thought as he approached his younger doppelg?nger, each step measured. The voidweaver, unfazed, sat beside the boy. ¡°So, are you going to explain why you look like me?¡± ¡°That can wait,¡± the boy said, snapping his fingers. A new fishing pole materialized next to Scott. ¡°Let¡¯s fish first.¡± Scott¡¯s frown deepened as he examined the magnificent pole. It gleamed with a polished ebony finish, silver filigree spiraling up the shaft like vines. The reel, crafted from burnished brass, turned with a smooth, almost effortless grace, while the line shimmered like a strand of starlight in the early dawn. He alternated his gaze between the pole and the boy, uncertainty etched on his face. What the hell is going on? Scott wondered, doubt growing within him. I don¡¯t know if he¡¯s the cause, but I can¡¯t use my powers in this place. Scott sighed, realizing there was nothing he could do. He reached for the fishing rod, and the boy smiled. ¡°Now that¡¯s the spirit,¡± the boy said, sliding over a bucket of crumbs. Scott glanced at the ordinary bait, then back at the sea. ¡°What are we even supposed to be fishing for? I haven¡¯t seen anything since I got here.¡± ¡°Trust me, this is a good spot. You won¡¯t be disappointed,¡± the boy replied. Scott sighed again, shaking his head. Without another word, he dipped his hand into the bucket, only to feel a jolt of surprise. Why are they so cold? The crumbs looked dry and crunchy, yet they emitted a chilling cold. He grabbed a handful of the cold bait, tossing it into the water while lowering his line, mimicking his younger self. He couldn¡¯t remember the last time he¡¯d done something as mundane as fishing, nor had he ever expected to do something so boring and relaxing again. A splash echoed, and Scott focused on the sinking bait but saw nothing within the waters. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like they took the bait. Don¡¯t be shy¡ªyou can toss more in. There¡¯s plenty more where that came from,¡± the boy said, beaming. Scott took another handful, tossing it into the water in intermittent bursts. Splashes echoed in tandem with his throws, but no creature emerged from the depths. He threw the last crumb in his hand into the water, and another splash echoed. This time, however, his rod jerked. Surprise and excitement stirred within the voidweaver as he tightened his grip on the rod, attempting to reel in his catch. He glanced toward the boy, ¡°I got¡ª¡± Scott paused, realizing the mysterious boy had vanished. What¡¯s more, the grassy field had disappeared too, replaced by a mighty forest with towering trees that seemed to block out the sky. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. This place looks familiar, Scott thought, his gaze shifting back to the waters. Suddenly, a devastating explosion shook the forest and the massive sea surrounding him. Scott instantly stood up; his grip still firm on the fishing rod. Far in the distance, beyond the endless waters, a mighty figure shrouded in a crimson hue was being assaulted by a relentless barrage of attacks, each one powerful enough to annihilate all existence as he knew it. This oppressive aura... I know it, Scott¡¯s expression twisted with rage. There were a few things he could never forget, and one of them was the oppressive vibrations etched into his bones by the council. He didn¡¯t fully grasp what was happening, but from the looks of it, the council was jointly attacking the mighty figure. Each attack seemed to tear space apart, generating colossal tidal waves capable of crushing continents. The shrouded figure, however, fought valiantly, fending off the relentless onslaught, but the combined might of the council was overwhelming. Eventually, they struck down their opponent with a powerful blow, causing the enshrouded figure to explode in a fiery display of power and destruction. The pristine waters turned murky black, and perpetual darkness blighted the skies as lightning flashed and thunder rumbled. Then, rain descended¡ªdarker and more viscous than tar. Shock twisted Scott¡¯s visage as he instinctively turned toward the forest behind him. It was still there, but now it was surrounded by an endless stretch of murky sea. A familiar place flashed through the voidweaver¡¯s mind. ¡°Godsfall Island,¡± he muttered in disbelief. ¡°Are you leaving already? There¡¯s still so much for us to catch.¡± Scott snapped his head to the side, and the young boy was there again. He turned toward the forest, but it had returned to the lush field, and even the turbulent skies and seas had reverted to their tranquil forms. ¡°What was that? There was¡ª¡± ¡°Sit,¡± the boy interrupted, a hint of amusement in his voice. ¡°Let¡¯s fish.¡± Scott, barely able to calm his thumping heart, took his seat once more. His left hand rested on his chest, feeling the wild rhythm of his heart¡ªa sensation he had long forgotten. Scott dipped his hand into the bucket once more, grabbing another handful of crumbs. He scattered them into the sea, each splash drawing his attention, his grip tightening in anticipation. ¡°They presented you with quite a compelling offer. I¡¯m curious¡ªwhy didn¡¯t you take it?¡± the boy suddenly asked. Scott opened his mouth to respond, but his fishing rod trembled in his hand, pulling his attention back to the water. He stared at the calm surface, but nothing emerged. When he turned back to the boy, he had disappeared again. Instead, a figure loomed over him¡ªa woman, though her facial and body features were indistinct, almost like a shadow staring at him. Scott frowned, readying himself to stand, but found he couldn¡¯t move. He averted his gaze from the woman, only to find the skies had darkened once more, and the tranquil surroundings had been replaced by turbulent winds and blackened rain. Scott turned toward the figure once more. She now stood next to the voidweaver, seemingly gazing at the spot where the figure had fallen earlier. Whose memories are these? Scott wondered. He had a hunch, but it seemed impossible. Soon, the sound of sobbing filled his ears, and he subconsciously lowered his gaze to the platform beneath him. Silver teardrops splashed onto the wooden floor before sinking into the sea. Scott frowned, noticing tiny serpentine creatures writhing within the teardrops. He looked back at the woman, and her form was now covered in hundreds of fissures, as if she were on the verge of exploding. Scott tried to move again, but his body remained rooted to the sturdy wood. The blinding light around him intensified, forcing him to shield his eyes. Then, an explosion followed. ¡°You¡¯re on a roll. You¡¯re pretty good at this,¡± the young boy¡¯s voice echoed once more. Scott opened his eyes, his breathing heavy and labored. Cold sweat covered his forehead, and he took deep breaths to calm his trembling nerves. He attempted to stand and found no restrictive force holding him back. ¡°You realize your decision was foolish, right?¡± the boy began. ¡°A life of opulence and peace was laid out before you, but you gave it up.¡± He paused, turning toward Scott. ¡°Why?¡± he asked, his voice piercing through Scott¡¯s heart. The voidweaver met the boy¡¯s curious gaze. ¡°I don¡¯t want anything from those egotistical bastards,¡± Scott declared. ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s a matter of pride,¡± the young boy cackled, throwing his head back with laughter. ¡°How foolish,¡± he said with a smile. ¡°You gave up¡ª¡± ¡°What purpose does my existence serve if anyone can trample on my pride?¡± Scott interjected. ¡°I¡¯m not delusional enough to think I can fight those gods right now¡ªmaybe that day will never come,¡± Scott paused, his eyes burning with venomous fury. ¡°But over my dead body will I lay down like a dog and do as they please. I¡¯m never going to give those bastards the satisfaction of knowing I could be tamed or pacified. They might disregard¡ªhell, consider my existence inconsequential, but a day will come when those arrogant sons of bitches will realize how wrong they were. That much I promise you.¡± Scott''s voice was filled with conviction. He wasn¡¯t one to readily share his feelings, but he needed to vent, especially after the incident with the council. All he remembered was the torturous pain of being summoned; he hadn¡¯t been privy to any of the discussions or revelations made. While the offer might have been tempting to others, he had no intention of ever accepting it. The fact that they roped his companions into the offer also displeased him. After all, who was he to make a decision that could impact their lives forever? Unlike the gods, he had no such arrogance. The young boy smiled mysteriously and nodded. ¡°So, that¡¯s your ambition. Foolish, but admirable nonetheless,¡± he said, turning back toward the waters. ¡°Who are you?¡± Scott asked after a moment of silence. ¡°I don¡¯t even recall my name anymore,¡± the young boy began, his tone bored. ¡°But they used to call me the Mad God.¡± Chills ran down Scott¡¯s spine as his eyes widened in shock. Suddenly, he recalled Arseni¡¯s statement about the rumors surrounding Godsfall Island. ¡°A god met its end in this place,¡± he whispered, his shock palpable. "Oh, so that''s what you saw," the boy said, excitement flickering across his adolescent face. "What else did you see? Tell me," he urged impatiently. Scott took a deep breath to steady himself, then recounted the scene he had witnessed: how the gods relentlessly attacked the figure until they succeeded in bringing it down. The young boy laughed, shaking his head ruefully as Scott continued, describing the mysterious woman with the serpentine creatures in her tears and how she seemed to detonate herself afterward. Contrary to Scott''s expectations, the boy sighed, a hint of sadness clouding his expression. "Siburu did something foolish after all," the boy whispered. This time, Scott''s jaw dropped, his mind racing with questions. Siburu was a name he had only discovered by chance; he never expected the Mad God to mention the name of the Authority of Envy. Scott''s younger doppelg?nger noticed his reaction and smiled. He opened his mouth to speak, but Scott interrupted. "What''s your relationship with me? Why do you look like my younger self?" he asked. The boy chuckled. "I have no control over how you perceive me," he explained. "Everything you see here is subjective to how your mind chooses to interpret it. The fact that I appear as a younger version of yourself simply means that your mind believes this is the best representation of my presence without causing a collapse." Scott''s thoughts churned. It was entirely possible that the entity before him was so far beyond his mortal comprehension that his mind had to create an avatar of his younger self to prevent a breakdown. "As for your other question," the boy continued, setting his fishing rod aside, "you are one of several incarnations of mine. Amusing, isn''t it?" Book 3 - Chapter 32: Doppelg?nger [2] Scott¡¯s jaw dropped even further, his mind struggling to process the bombshell the Mad God had just dropped. Questions raced through the voidweaver''s mind, each one spawning new uncertainties, but answers remained elusive. ¡°Do you mean that my variants and I are all incarnations of you?¡± Scott finally asked after a long pause. The Mad God sighed, turning toward the calm waters. ¡°Yes,¡± he replied listlessly. ¡°And there are others, just so you know.¡± Scott instinctively recalled the figure he had encountered when he first ascended to becoming a challenger and the others he had seen while traversing the paths of White Hell. ¡°How many of us are there, exactly? And does that mean we¡¯re beholden to you?¡± Scott¡¯s voice trembled slightly as his breathing quickened. The boy chuckled softly, shaking his head. ¡°I have no sway over any of you,¡± he declared. ¡°I¡¯m a fallen god, and you simply inherited my will. Neither you nor I owe the other anything.¡± Scott¡¯s brows furrowed as a fresh set of questions plagued his mind, especially considering that all his variants were destined to become or had already assumed the mantle of the Eidolon of Envy. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder about the relationship between the Mad God and Sibiru, the Authority of Envy. Unable to quell his curiosity, Scott posed another question. ¡°How much do you know about my life so far?¡± The boy turned toward Scott, wearing a knowing smile. ¡°I can see where this is going,¡± he chuckled. ¡°My relationship with Sibiru isn¡¯t something you¡¯d understand, and I have no intention of explaining myself. However, there¡¯s no denying that she was indeed infatuated with me. So, it¡¯s only natural that her incarnations harbor the same crippling emotions towards mine,¡± the Mad God paused, chuckling once more. ¡°You¡¯re quite fortunate you were stripped down to nothing but your consciousness and placed in that body. Were it not the case, she would have found you by now. And trust me, there¡¯s no escaping her when she wants you.¡± A chill ran down Scott¡¯s spine, his mind racing with new questions. Never in a million years would he have thought that the connection between the Eidolon of Envy and Sibiru was rooted in the Authority¡¯s obsessive compulsion to seek out the Mad God¡¯s incarnation. ¡°But why me?¡± Scott pressed, his brows creased. ¡°You said it yourself¡ªthere are other incarnations. Why is she so obsessed with me in particular?¡± ¡°Because you¡¯re the only one who hasn¡¯t extinguished my essence,¡± the boy declared matter-of-factly. ¡°Wait, you¡¯re saying the others already knew of your presence?¡± The Mad God shook his head. ¡°No. They realized they were different¡ªor should I say special¡ªand they simply extinguished my essence, forcing it to become theirs. They have no clue that they¡¯re my incarnations, and neither does the council or the administrator.¡± He paused, smiling as he focused on Scott. ¡°You, on the other hand, are not so lucky.¡± Scott¡¯s features turned ashen. ¡°What do you mean?¡± he asked. ¡°A mortal, especially one without authority, is fated to be abused in the presence of almighty beings. Your body, in its most vulnerable form, had no way of restraining the entities entrusted within you. The fragment of my resentment within you awakened¡­ well, you get the gist of it,¡± the Mad God said with a rueful smile. Scott¡¯s features darkened. He already had to contend with the gods due to the eldritch invasion, and now he had inherited the existing resentment between the Mad God and the council, whether he wanted to or not. After all, it was unlikely the gods would listen if he claimed he wanted nothing to do with the Mad God or Hastur. ¡°What did you mean by, ¡®my body had no way of restricting any of the entities entrusted within you?¡¯¡± Scott suddenly asked. While he might not be as detailed or observant as Orion, he couldn¡¯t overlook such an obvious statement. A playful smile greeted his question. ¡°This is why I said you were foolish,¡± the Mad God declared, reaching for his fishing rod once more. ¡°I don¡¯t know whether to feel sorry for you or to be impressed,¡± he said, casting the line into the water. ¡°You¡¯re my incarnation, yet you were chosen as a vessel by a Great Old One¡ªHastur, no less. Then you have to contend with Sibiru, the resentment and anger of the council, and the matter of that being in the Nihilistic Zone.¡± He chuckled, throwing some bait into the water. ¡°Now that I think about it, I should definitely feel sorry for you,¡± he laughed even harder. Scott¡¯s expression grew even grimmer. Although nothing new was revealed, the Mad God had confirmed his suspicion about the Nameless One being the entity within the Nihilistic Zone, and he subconsciously recalled Orion¡¯s warning. ¡°Who is the Nameless One?¡± Scott asked, breaking his silence. The Mad God snapped toward the voidweaver. ¡°Don¡¯t say that name here,¡± he cautioned, his gaze wandering about the tranquil area as if searching for someone or something. His features only relaxed a moment later, then he focused on Scott once more. ¡°You will know if or when it wants you to know. I¡¯m but a mere will now; allow me to enjoy eternity fishing in peace, okay?¡± The Mad God returned his attention to fishing, muttering inaudible words that Scott couldn¡¯t decipher. Panic seized Scott as he wondered who or what the Nameless One truly was. He could understand Orion¡¯s apprehension as a mortal, but for the Mad God to react this way¡ªScott couldn¡¯t imagine what sort of entity might have taken an interest in him. ¡°But the Nihilistic Zone isn¡¯t entrusted to¡­¡± Scott paused, subconsciously reaching toward his chest. Only in this space had he been able to feel the thumping of his heart after what seemed like eons. Usually, the formless mass resided there, an undeniable gateway to the unfathomable Nihilistic Zone. Did I make a foolish decision after all? Scott pondered, lowering his head in deep thought. No matter how he looked at it, the odds were supremely stacked against him, and it was only a matter of time before misfortune befell him and his companions. A palpable silence soon enveloped the area, with Scott lost in his thoughts while the Mad God lazily continued fishing. ¡°Of what need are your needless thoughts?¡± the Mad God suddenly grumbled, breaking the silence. ¡°While the odds might be stacked against you, it¡¯s not necessary that you win. You just have to cause enough chaos that everyone loses in the end. How you choose to do that is up to you¡ªI¡¯m sure you¡¯ll have some ideas. But the goal at the end of the day isn¡¯t to let them smite you without pushing back.¡± The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Scott remained silent, nodding gently. ¡°Are you going to tell me why you were eliminated by the council?¡± Scott suddenly asked. ¡°Why? Do you want to take revenge on my behalf?¡± the Mad God grinned. ¡°Like hell I would,¡± Scott retorted. ¡°Then don¡¯t be nosy,¡± the Mad God chuckled. ¡°Do you have any relationship with Hastur or¡­ you know who in the Nihilistic Zone?¡± The Mad God laughed even harder. ¡°They might call me the Mad God, but I¡¯m not stupid enough to dabble with those two.¡± He cast his fishing rod aside, smiling intently at Scott. ¡°It¡¯s been a pleasure meeting you. But if you stay here any longer, you¡¯ll be trapped for eternity too.¡± Before Scott could respond, he felt a sudden push, and the voidweaver helplessly plunged into the calm waters. His gaze remained locked on the smiling Mad God until he was fully submerged. Then, an avalanche of pain, memories, and emotions overwhelmed him as he sank deeper into the clear waters. The figure of the Mad God and the platform vanished, replaced by the perpetual darkness surrounding him as he descended. The waters continued their relentless assault on his senses, the pain, memories, and emotions fleeting but intense. Soon, thunderous explosions mingled with mournful screams and crazed battle cries filled his ears. Scott¡¯s vision blurred, his senses weakening by the second, as all emotions were expunged from his body. Silence came briefly, only to be shattered by another thunderous explosion. Scott¡¯s eyes slowly opened, and the thick stench of charred flesh mixed with fresh blood and smog assaulted his lungs. He blinked multiple times, trying to rouse himself from the warm embrace of unconsciousness. His body bobbed up and down as if being carried by someone or something, with constant explosions echoing in tandem with screams and shouts. Is this a battlefield? Where the hell did I wake up this time? Scott wondered, attempting to move. ¡°Finally, you¡¯re awake,¡± Orion¡¯s voice echoed in Scott¡¯s mind. ¡°Everyone, he¡¯s awake!¡± Orion suddenly announced on the party channel, relief evident in the mage¡¯s voice. ¡°Really?¡± Zara¡¯s voice came first. ¡°Scott, are you okay? Does anything hurt?¡± she asked in quick succession, her excitement palpable. ¡°My leader, now isn¡¯t the time for that,¡± Slim interjected. ¡°Buddy, I¡¯m glad you¡¯re awake. We were worried about you.¡± ¡°How long was I out?¡± Scott asked, his brows furrowing. Forcing himself to wake up, he was greeted by the chaotic sight of a battlefield. Thousands, if not tens of thousands, of Orion¡¯s clones surrounded him, each one fighting valiantly against what seemed like an unending battalion of champions. Scott raised his head, noticing massive wooden frameworks partially ablaze, and beyond that, he could see colossal entities shrouded in lightning clashing with hundreds of flying beasts and champions. To his left, an ominous, mournful symphony blared, and to his right, the twang of drawn strings echoed incessantly. Scott realized he was being carried on the back of a clone¡ªa clone that was bleeding profusely, missing an arm, and with half of its midsection ripped away. Despite its grievous injuries, it still wore the same whimsical smile Orion would. ¡°You¡¯ve been out for three weeks, buddy,¡± Slim announced. ¡°Three weeks?!¡± Scott repeated, struggling to believe what he had just heard. For him, it felt like only a few minutes, an hour at most, but three weeks? It was unbelievable. ¡°What the hell happened while I was out?¡± Scott demanded, tapping the clone to let him down. ¡°We can talk about that later,¡± Zara interjected, urgency clear in her voice. ¡°We need to get out of here first. Can you do that thing you did when we were running away from the Calamity of Ice?¡± Her voice was tinged with unease. Now standing on his own feet, Scott stared at the countless corpses littering the ground. Most were charred or overgrown with flowers and plants, while a few writhed as if controlled by invisible strings despite being mutilated beyond function. ¡°Scott, can you?¡± Zara asked again, her anxiety unmistakable. ¡°Yes. It shouldn¡¯t be a problem,¡± Scott replied, snapping back to reality. He looked at his right hand, noticing the pendant swinging freely from its chain. This is definitely not an illusion, he thought. The fact that he and Orion were still in their attire from the gathering told him everything he needed to know about the reality of their situation, and how quickly they must have fled from the Temple of Light. ¡°Everyone, stick close to me,¡± Scott commanded mentally. At that moment, the mournful symphony ceased, and Slim emerged from another section of the clone barricade. Seconds later, Zara arrived from the opposite end. The massive wooden framework trembled softly, and a branch fell a few feet away from where the trio had reconvened. The branch quickly transformed into Plume, the trisos panting heavily as she struggled to stand. Then, thunderous wailing echoed, like the cries of ten thousand roaring dragons. The hound extermination crew looked up, peering through the gaps in the wooden framework. Thousands of lightning dragons poured out en masse in a suicidal lunge toward the champions being held back by Orion¡¯s clones. Among the dragons, one branched off, sneaking between the wooden branches and landing next to Scott. ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you alive and well,¡± Ember whispered, her voice barely audible. Scott¡¯s expression darkened as he took in the condition of his companions. None of them could be said to be remotely okay. Ember was missing an arm, Zara was bleeding from several gaping wounds, Slim¡¯s skull was cracked in multiple places, leaking an array of colorful mists, and Orion was nowhere to be found among the sea of clones. Scott grabbed the dragonkin, holding her in his arms. ¡°Orion, where are you?¡± he called out mentally. A humming echo resounded, and the hound extermination crew raised their heads toward the skies. Seven massive runic magical circles had formed above them, condensing into a colossal barrier that encapsulated the wooden framework. Explosions echoed, and ripples traveled across the surface of the colorful barrier, but it remained intact. Then, one by one, Orion¡¯s clones began to vanish, leaving behind a concentrated smoke that drifted toward the barrier, obscuring visibility from both sides. The wounded clone who had carried Scott earlier disappeared with a wave, and in its place, Orion emerged from beneath the earth, staff in hand. ¡°I apologize for the delay. I didn¡¯t expect the spell to take that long to cast,¡± he said, a hint of embarrassment coloring his voice. Scott stared at the mage, rage swelling within his ominous eyes. Orion resembled a withered bag of bones. Scott couldn¡¯t imagine how much mana the mage had expended over the past three weeks. Another massive explosion rocked the area, and the smoke covering the barrier churned violently. ¡°I suspend all laws within my domain,¡± Scott suddenly declared. Though angry, he knew now wasn¡¯t the time to hesitate. However, nothing happened. Before Scott could comprehend what was going on, a flaming shard manifested in front of him, seemingly appearing out of the void. The flames engulfing the shard raced toward Scott¡¯s skull; and he was unable to dodge. The now empty husk of the shard raced toward the pendant, merging with it. The broken worlds in Scott¡¯s eyes rotated fiercely, each one consumed by the raging flames, while the pendant trembled ominously in sync with the rustling chains. Another explosion rocked the barrier, and this time, a distinct crack echoed through the air. ¡°Scott, what¡¯s the delay?¡± Zara called out anxiously, tapping the voidweaver¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We really don¡¯t have a lot of time,¡± she urged. Scott stared blankly at his companions. Didn¡¯t they see what just happened? he wondered. He looked down at the pendant, which now appeared normal, and the burning sensation he felt earlier seemed like a figment of his imagination. ¡°I suspend all laws within my domain,¡± Scott declared again, and darkness enveloped the hound extermination crew as several portals manifested around them. Orion¡¯s eyes sparkled with interest despite his withered form, his fascination piqued by the array of locations revealed through the portals. He could barely resist the urge to send clones into each one, eager to explore them to their depths. ¡°We¡¯re entering that one,¡± Scott said, pointing to a portal that depicted a massive hall with three thrones. Orion turned toward the portal, and a magnificent smile parted his dried lips. He¡¯s taking us to Carcosa¡­ that means he must be ready to unleash chaos within the tower. I can¡¯t wait. Orion¡¯s smile brightened even further as his thoughts raced. Wordlessly, Scott guided his companions into the portal, and they all disappeared. Book 3 - Chapter 33: Calm Before the Storm The monotonous sound of boots striking polished floors echoed as Scott paced around a massive chamber. The towering pillars, each over fifty feet tall and more than ten meters thick, loomed around him. The voidweaver barely noticed his pristine surroundings, which were devoid of furniture except for three massive, makeshift thrones embedded into the far side of the northernmost wall. Scott muttered inaudible words to himself, his pace quickening as his visage contorted with frustration. A few feet away, three android entities¡ªthe Wutas¡ªstood silently, their glowing blue eyes fixed on him. Suddenly, Scott paused, impatiently glaring at the Wutas. ¡°Any news yet?¡± ¡°Great One,¡± the central android began, ¡°the surgery is still ongoing. There¡¯s no need to worry about your minions. They will be properly restored to their optimum conditions.¡± The Wuta on the right added, ¡°Great One, should you change your mind about the modifications, we¡ª¡± ¡°Enough of that nonsense,¡± Scott snapped. ¡°You can leave. Let me know when there¡¯s an update,¡± he said, dismissing the androids with a wave. The Wutas bowed collectively, and a portal manifested behind them. Without another word, the androids departed, leaving Scott alone in the chamber. ¡°Fuck!¡± Scott cursed, his expression darkening further. A week had passed since their arrival in Carcosa, and all members of his party, except for himself, had collapsed as soon as they arrived. If only I had been awake, they wouldn¡¯t have had to endure so much, Scott thought, his mind heavy with guilt. He could tell how much his companions had suffered from the myriad injuries they had sustained. With him unconscious, they couldn¡¯t fight at their best, always wary that someone or something might end his life at any moment. Although Scott had chosen Carcosa as the safest place because he knew most champions couldn¡¯t reach the secluded floor, the fact that the strange tower boasted top-notch facilities¡ªones his companions desperately needed¡ªalso influenced his decision to flee to the ominous location. Lost in thought, Scott was suddenly pulled back to reality as flames flared on each of the three makeshift thrones¡ªa turquoise flame hovered above the leftmost throne, while amber and blackened flames hovered above the centermost and rightmost thrones. ¡°Great One, we apologize for the delay,¡± a powerful voice thundered within the room. Scott, unfazed, glanced at the thrones. ¡°And?¡± he asked, his displeasure evident. ¡°The trifling gods of this plane have placed a bounty on the heads of you and your minions. Although they cannot embark on this futile task themselves, they have stirred up the greed of all champions below the Point of No Return¡ª¡± ¡°What are they offering?¡± Scott interjected, focusing on the flames. The voice lingered briefly before continuing, "Whoever manages to slay your minions will be granted riches beyond their wildest imagination, items to aid their ascent, and the choice of being trained in any sanctuary they desire, should they deem it necessary." "And what¡¯s the price on my head?" Scott asked, crossing his arms over his chest. ¡°Great One, those abominable gods dared to place a value on someone as priceless as you,¡± the voice began. ¡°They¡¯ve promised anyone who eliminates you, embers of any authority of their choosing, ownership of a city or sanctuary anywhere before the Point of No Return, unimaginable wealth, items of the highest caliber, and guaranteed safe passage to the Point of No Return. If they choose to remain within the city or sanctuary they establish, they¡¯ll be assured at least five hundred thousand years of uncontested rule, supported by lesser god candidates from the council.¡± Scott chuckled softly, though his gaze remained cold. No wonder there were so many of them, those arrogant assholes really went all out, he thought, recalling the overwhelming number of champions that had besieged his party. A portal suddenly materialized in the hall, drawing Scott¡¯s attention. Five distinct wutas, each a darker shade of green and with more human-like features, stepped out in quick succession, yet the portal didn¡¯t close. Scott frowned, noticing the variations among the wutas for the first time. As he kept his eyes on the colorless, swirling mass, another figure emerged, causing his brows to rise. ¡°This isn¡¯t quite the reunion I expected,¡± Orion beamed, adjusting his glasses. ¡°I came as soon as I heard the news,¡± the mage added, smiling. Scott stared at the mage, who looked no different from the last time he¡¯d seen him. Then his gaze shifted to the wutas accompanying the mage, and a thought crossed his mind. This lunatic has already improved the wutas¡­ just how much knowledge did he absorb during his time here? he wondered. Scott approached Orion¡¯s prime, wearing a smile. The wutas instinctively bowed and collectively declared, ¡°We greet the Great One.¡± Scott, however, ignored the androids and focused on Orion, stopping a few paces from the mage. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re okay. Your clone collapsed before I could ask it anything, but I figured you¡¯d know what was happening through your shared connection,¡± Scott said. Orion smiled, staring intently at the voidweaver. ¡°Now that I see you with my own eyes, I can tell how much you¡¯ve changed,¡± he giggled mysteriously. ¡°I was waiting for you guys at the appointed place when the news broke. The gods spared no expense broadcasting the bounty across the floors,¡± the mage declared with a cheeky grin. ¡°The minds of both the powerful and delusional are filled with wild thoughts, dreaming of how they¡¯ll slay us. It¡¯s chaotic out there, and I love it.¡± This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. In the period they hid in Carcosa; the news of the bounty had reached every area below the Point of No Return, and champions were searching every nook and cranny for them. ¡°Are you going to tell me what triggered this?¡± Orion suddenly asked. ¡°Yes, I owe you¡ªall of you, that much. But not now, let the others awaken first,¡± Scott replied. He was about to continue when the powerful voice suddenly echoed again, and the flames flared wildly within the hall. ¡°Great One, pardon me for interrupting your discussion with your minion,¡± it apologized, ¡°but there¡¯s news that might interest you.¡± Scott and Orion turned their attention to the flames. To the mage, they appeared as nothing more than animated fire, unable to hear the voice but detecting subtle vibrations within the space. Scott, however, frowned. "What news?" he asked, sensing the weight of impending doom. ¡°The guardian of this tower is about to reestablish the bridge between timelines,¡± the voice declared. Instantly, Scott¡¯s expression turned ashen, and Orion, who stood close by, noticed the shock on the voidweaver¡¯s face. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Orion asked mentally, his curiosity piqued. ¡°The administrator is about to reestablish the bridge between timelines,¡± Scott repeated the message mentally, and Orion¡¯s smile faltered, replaced by genuine shock, only for a deranged grin to quickly take its place. ¡°Every champion, everywhere, below the Point of No Return, will be able to enter this timeline, right?¡± Orion muttered through their private channel, and Scott nodded in agreement. That was his interpretation as well. Orion suddenly burst into laughter. ¡°This might work in our favor,¡± the mage managed to say between fits of laughter. Scott focused on him, waiting for an explanation. Orion didn¡¯t keep him waiting, saying, ¡°A connection being established between every possible timeline will undoubtedly increase the peril we face. But within that impending chaos, there¡¯s opportunity,¡± the mage declared. Scott frowned, trying to grasp what the mage was hinting at. His mind raced through possible theories, none of which made sense, until a stray thought filled his mind, and his brows lifted in realization. ¡°Oh? It seems you understand what I¡¯m getting at,¡± Orion grinned, adjusting his glasses. ¡°Once the connection is established, nothing will stop us from fleeing and bouncing between timelines. It would¡ªor rather, it should¡ªbe much harder for them to hunt us across an infinite number of timelines than waiting around in this one,¡± Scott voiced his thoughts on the channel. Applause echoed through the hall as Orion beamed, clapping while keeping his gaze fixed on the voidweaver. ¡°Exactly,¡± he began. ¡°There¡¯s no reason for us to remain here like sitting ducks. We¡¯ll drag the chaos across the timelines, wreaking havoc along the way. While we might not win, we can ensure that¡ª¡± ¡°Everyone loses,¡± Scott interjected, a mysterious gleam in his eyes as he locked eyes with the mage. Orion, genuinely surprised that Scott had seemingly read his thoughts, quickly shifted from shock to curiosity, then to excitement. ¡°Exactly,¡± the mage affirmed with a nod. ¡°If we¡¯re lucky, we might even sneak into the Point of No Return through another timeline, or we could simply divert the heat onto our variants from other timelines,¡± Orion said with a crooked smile. ¡°I, for one, know that my variants wouldn¡¯t mind,¡± he chuckled. Scott mirrored the crooked smile. He couldn¡¯t care less about his variants¡ªafter all, most of them, those who were still alive, were already beyond redemption. However, the same couldn¡¯t be said for Zara¡¯s, Ember¡¯s, Slim¡¯s, and Plume¡¯s. Fi-Fi also crossed the voidweaver¡¯s mind, but he wasn¡¯t sure if the elemental slime was among those being hunted. ¡°We don¡¯t have to decide on that right now,¡± Orion said, noticing Scott¡¯s reservations. ¡°We can take it case by case,¡± he explained. Scott nodded in agreement. He had no qualms about screwing over a variant who had committed despicable acts, but he preferred not to actively campaign against those who were relatively innocent. A troubling thought crossed his mind, and he frowned. Just because he didn¡¯t target the variants didn¡¯t mean the champions across the timelines wouldn¡¯t. After all, it was his variant''s actions that had driven his friends'' variants to hop across multiple timelines, seeking revenge and a twisted sense of closure. ¡°Something on your mind?¡± Orion asked, a knowing smile playing on his lips. ¡°You¡¯ve already thought this through, haven¡¯t you?¡± Scott began, his gaze fixed on the mage. ¡°Excluding yours and mine, no matter what we do from this point forward, there¡¯s no guarantee that the others'' variants won¡¯t suffer. In fact, they might harbor even stronger resentment towards us. After all, we¡ªI have effectively screwed them over.¡± ¡°It¡¯s amusing, isn¡¯t it?¡± Orion replied with a chuckle. ¡°Anyone who dared to begin their ascent across the timelines should have known the risks that come with the ultimate prize. You¡¯ve done nothing wrong. If they resent us, so be it. It changes nothing. If they come after us, we¡¯ll put them out of their misery. Better to die by our hands than by others''. After all, when we reach the Point of No Return, their existence will only serve to facilitate ours. That¡¯s the undeniable truth,¡± the mage declared. Orion stepped forward, locking eyes with Scott. ¡°What will you do?¡± he asked, his question carrying a deeper meaning. ¡°What we¡¯ve always done,¡± Scott replied instantly. ¡°Survive.¡± Orion grinned, nodding approvingly. There was no hesitation in the voidweaver¡¯s words or actions. They were about to embark on a journey that would undoubtedly alter the history of the tower as everyone knew it. Scott¡¯s emotionless eyes shifted away from the mage, turning toward the thrones. ¡°I intend to unleash our army on my adversaries,¡± he declared. ¡°How many wutas can be prepared for battle?¡± ¡°As many as you require, Great One,¡± the voice responded instantly, with a hint of excitement. ¡°Prepare them for standby,¡± Scott ordered. ¡°You and the rest of our forces should ready yourselves to descend. The appointed time is drawing closer than ever,¡± he added. Orion¡¯s smile widened. Although he couldn¡¯t hear the details of what Scott discussed with the elders, he could piece together a general idea from his declaration. I can¡¯t wait for all this to begin; the calm before the storm is always the best moment¡­ the mage mused. ¡°Great One, we are all prepared. You won¡¯t be disappointed,¡± the voice assured, its confidence infectious. Scott nodded silently, and a portal suddenly opened beside him. He turned to Orion. ¡°We have much to discuss. Let¡¯s go see the others while we¡¯re at it,¡± he said mentally. Without another word, Scott stepped into the portal and vanished. Orion quickly followed, leaving the wutas behind as the portal closed behind them. Almost immediately, a new portal manifested, and a gigantic android abomination stepped into the hall, prompting the wutas to kneel instantly. Unlike the others, this one had blackened tendrils squirming around its surface, reminiscent of the tendrils coating the War Hammer of the Mad God. ¡°Report,¡± an ominous and authoritative voice boomed through the hall. Book 3 - Chapter 34: Bridge Between Timelines [1] Another week passed, and the hound extermination crew gathered in a well-lit room resembling a hospital ward. Apart from Scott and Orion¡¯s main body, the rest of the group lay on beds, their bodies wrapped in various degrees of bandages as their wounds slowly healed. Several wutas moved among the champions, some holding what appeared to be medical charts, while others diligently monitored strange, highly sophisticated equipment. A few lingered by the side, conversing carefully among themselves in low voices that wouldn¡¯t distract the non-android contingent. ¡°So, how are you guys feeling?¡± Scott asked mentally, his gaze shifting between his companions. ¡°Like crap, but we¡¯re alive,¡± Zara responded with a playful smile. Despite the bandages swathed around her body, the feline sat upright, propped against her bed, absently playing with what looked like a ball of yarn. ¡°Buddy, these guys keep staring at me,¡± Slim suddenly said, nodding subtly toward the wutas, who observed the skeleton with thinly veiled curiosity. The others followed his gaze, watching as the androids openly studied him, taking notes and even snapping what seemed to be pictures of the undead. Both of Orion¡¯s bodies chuckled simultaneously. ¡°I get it. Biologically speaking, you shouldn¡¯t even exist,¡± the clone said, his condition much improved compared to a few weeks ago. ¡°They¡¯re probably wondering how and why you¡¯re still moving, and if they can replicate it,¡± the original Orion elaborated. ¡°Which, honestly, is exactly what we¡¯d do,¡± they both added in unison, laughing. ¡°No matter how much time passes, I can¡¯t get used to this,¡± Zara cut in, her eyes darting between the two Orions. ¡°This is weird, right? It¡¯s not just me?¡± Both Orions chuckled again, their eerily identical smiles widening. Scott, however, shifted his attention to Ember. ¡°How¡¯s the new arm?¡± he asked her on a private channel. Ember glanced up, meeting his gaze. ¡°Their technology is¡­ unlike anything I¡¯ve seen. It¡¯s not inferior to any recovery spell, and it doesn¡¯t even feel like I lost my arm,¡± she admitted, awe mingling with unease in her voice. She flexed her new arm, marveling at its smooth, natural movement. It looked and felt just like the original, and that realization both stunned and unsettled her. She couldn¡¯t begin to imagine what else the wutas¡ªor whatever other entities lurked in this facility¡ªwere capable of. ¡°Let me know if anything feels off, okay?¡± Scott said, gently tapping the dragonkin¡¯s foot in reassurance. As he shifted focus back to the rest of the group, a small smile crept across his face. Zara had apparently decided to challenge Slim to a fight¡ªrather a beating, despite her injuries, and was attempting to stand up from her bed. Several wutas hurriedly restrained her, while Slim and both Orions laughed with wild abandon. Scott¡¯s eyes then landed on Plume, the trisos, who hadn¡¯t spoken a word since their arrival. ¡°Thank you for your help,¡± Scott said through a private channel. ¡°I know it might seem like we¡¯ve been cold towards you, but as you¡¯ve probably noticed, most people are out to get us. It¡¯s unfair, but... if you don¡¯t want to stay, you¡¯re free to leave¡ª" ¡°Are you kidding me right now?¡± Plume interrupted; her voice sharp. ¡°Where exactly am I supposed to go that¡¯s even remotely safe in this tower?¡± ¡°I was going to suggest you stay here,¡± Scott replied with a sheepish smile. He knew that none of them would enjoy anything resembling freedom the moment they left Carcosa. They¡¯d be on the run constantly, fighting just to survive. ¡°That¡¯s worse than leaving,¡± Plume shot back, a mix of frustration and resignation in her voice. ¡°I knew you people were trouble.¡± She sighed heavily; evidently regretful. ¡°I should have just stayed in Infernia¡­ but I was too much of a coward.¡± Scott chuckled softly, both amused and a little sorry for the trisos. ¡°Whatever you decide, just let me know. But¡­ thanks,¡± he added. He turned his gaze away from Plume, who was now glaring at him with the same intensity Zara had aimed at Slim earlier. His voice echoed through the party channel, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°So¡­ what do you guys think about what we talked about?¡± A heavy silence filled the room, every pair of eyes now focused on Scott. He had given them all the details¡ªhis plans, the reality they¡¯d face once they left Carcosa. There was no sugarcoating it; life would only get worse from here. Scott already knew Orion¡¯s stance, but the rest of the group¡¯s thoughts were still up in the air. Slim let out a long sigh, shifting in his bed. ¡°Honestly, any sane person wouldn¡¯t want to be anywhere near this mess. It¡¯s all just¡­ screwed up.¡± ¡°The other champions, we could probably deal with,¡± Zara added, ¡°but gods? Deities from beyond reality? The more I think about it, the crazier it sounds.¡± ¡°And let¡¯s not forget the stalker incarnation,¡± Slim chimed in. ¡°No telling when she¡¯ll pop up again.¡± Both Slim and Zara sighed in unison, their shoulders slumping as they sank deeper into their beds. Scott stayed silent, knowing he didn¡¯t have the right to dictate how they should feel or what they should decide. Not after everything they¡¯d been through together. His gaze shifted to Ember, who remained deep in thought. She rarely spoke about her past, but Scott knew about her connection to the Dragon King¡ªand by extension, the council. Staying with them would mean defying her kin. It wasn¡¯t a decision to take lightly. Suddenly, Zara broke the silence. ¡°You know what? Screw it. I¡¯ve never been the smartest, and I¡¯m probably making a decision I¡¯ll regret, but I don¡¯t care.¡± Her eyes narrowed with determination. "You all are everything I have left in this cursed tower, and I''ll be damned if I let anyone take that away from me¡ªnever again. So yeah, I¡¯m in. Gods, champions, foreign deities, whoever it is¡ªwe''ll take them all down." The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Orion¡¯s grin widened; his approval clear as he nodded at the feline. ¡°My fearless leader, I had no idea you were so good with words,¡± Slim teased, giving Zara a mock salute. She shot him a deadly glare, but Slim just laughed, turning his attention to Scott. ¡°Buddy, we¡¯ve been through way too much to call it quits now. Even if we wanted to, what could we even do? It¡¯s not like we could go back to normal lives.¡± He chuckled, his tone light despite the gravity of the situation. ¡°We vowed to become legends, didn¡¯t we? Well, this is probably the start of that tale. I¡¯m dying to see how it all ends.¡± ¡°You all are lunatics. Truly.¡± Plume¡¯s voice echoed, strained with exasperation. She paused as if unsure how to continue. She had long since lost touch with her prime, but even the fragmented memories she retained couldn¡¯t think of any group that embodied chaos as the hound extermination crew. Trouble didn¡¯t just find them¡ªthey invited it. No, they created it. ¡°If I had known that staying alive would be this hard, I¡¯d have chosen to be a pretty flower in someone¡¯s garden,¡± Plume groaned, her words dripping with frustration. Everyone in the room¡ªexcept the wutas¡ªstruggled to contain their rising laughter. Even if they didn¡¯t voice it, they all understood the trisos'' sentiments perfectly. ¡°At this point,¡± Plume sighed deeply, ¡°it doesn¡¯t really matter anymore. No matter what I choose, I¡¯ll suffer anyway.¡± Her form slumped in defeat. ¡°I might as well stick around, since I¡¯m already here,¡± she muttered, clearly displeased with her own decision. An awkward silence settled over the room, with all eyes slowly turning to Ember. The dragonkin¡¯s gaze was fixed on the glossy, sterile ceiling, her expression distant. No one spoke; they knew she was grappling with a weighty decision. After a long moment, Ember sighed, her voice carrying a note of resignation. ¡°My father,¡± she began, her tone steady yet somber, ¡°Darit, the undefeated king¡­ is the Dragon King.¡± She glanced at her companions. Apart from Scott, they all looked stunned, jaws slightly agape¡ªOrion and Slim¡¯s mouths hanging open in disbelief. Ember¡¯s eyes found Scott¡¯s, and a wry smile tugged at her lips. ¡°I take it you already knew?¡± Scott gave a small nod. ¡°Then you must also know about my brothers,¡± she continued, her eyes narrowing slightly in challenge. Another nod from Scott, and Ember shook her head, her gaze returning to the ceiling as if it held the answers she sought. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I should be surprised or impressed,¡± she whispered, her voice barely audible. Then, louder, ¡°Well, my father¡ªthe Dragon King¡ªis a member of the council.¡± The air in the room shifted instantly. ¡°Wait, hold on,¡± Slim blurted out. ¡°Forget the fact that you¡¯re royalty¡ªare you telling me your dad is one of the people trying to kill us?¡± Ember turned toward the skeleton, her expression soft, a faint smile on her lips. ¡°He¡¯s never really been a father to me. I¡¯ve never met him, nor my brothers, but their influence has shaped every fiber of my being,¡± she explained quietly. Zara¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°If your father¡¯s a god, doesn¡¯t that make you¡­ a deity, or something?¡± Her voice carried both confusion and curiosity as she struggled to piece it together. ¡°Normally, yes,¡± Ember replied, her voice calm but laden with complexity. ¡°But I wasn¡¯t born through¡­ conventional means. My very existence is shrouded in mystery. From the moment I opened my eyes, I¡¯ve felt the presence of my father and brothers. And their voices¡­¡± She paused, her gaze hardening. ¡°They¡¯ve haunted me, driven me to the brink of madness more times than I care to count.¡± Her words hung in the air, leaving a heavy silence in their wake as the crew processed the depth of what she had revealed. So, that¡¯s the reason my chaos title called out to her, Scott thought to himself. He had always wondered how and why the dragonkin was considered among those consumed by madness, now he understood why. ¡°I was considered an abomination¡ªa defect, if you will,¡± Ember began, her voice low, yet carrying the weight of years of rejection. ¡°The blood of an almighty being flows through me, yet I lack the authority or divinity to be regarded as one of them.¡± She paused, her gaze sweeping across her companions, who remained silent, waiting for her to continue. ¡°I was banished. Forced to prove myself worthy of my own heritage.¡± Her voice faltered briefly, her hands gripping the bedsheets. ¡°They abandoned me. In their eyes, I¡¯m unworthy.¡± Zara, who had been quietly listening, stepped off her bed and moved closer to the dragonkin. ¡°I¡¯m not going to pretend I understand everything about your family but listen to me¡ªyou¡¯re not less than any of them. So what if you¡¯re different? Like bonehead said, this is our chance to write our own legend.¡± She wrapped her arms around Ember. ¡°They¡¯ll have no choice but to acknowledge you soon enough.¡± Scott, watching the exchange, spoke up, his voice calm and unwavering. ¡°What will you do?¡± Zara shot him a sharp glare. ¡°Why push her right now? She doesn¡¯t need to¡ª" Zara stopped as Ember¡¯s hand gently rested on her shoulder. ¡°This isn¡¯t something we can delay,¡± she said softly, turning toward Scott with resolve. ¡°It saddens me that my father and brothers may never deem me worthy, but I won¡¯t remain stagnant. My fate is already set, and I¡¯ll see it through, no matter what. I have no intention of backing down.¡± ¡°Thank you¡ªall of you,¡± Scott¡¯s voice filled the room, carrying both gratitude and a deep sense of duty. ¡°I swear on everything I hold dear: I will make sure you never regret this decision.¡± The room fell silent as the champions, including the wutas, focused on Scott. There was something in his voice¡ª an undeniable authority, a conviction so strong it rippled through the group. Suddenly, a chilling system notification pierced the silence.
The Bridge Between Timelines is emerging!
A tremor shook the room violently, but it passed just as quickly as it began. The notification lingered in the air, ominous, and more appeared in quickly.
Champions will be able to cross timelines seamlessly once the bridge is connected!
Warning! Champions currently undergoing trials are barred from crossing timelines!
Champions will be unable to choose the exact location or the specific time of their arrival across timelines!
Champions are free to and encouraged to embark on trials across different timelines!
Warning! Beings who have crossed the Point of No Return are barred from descending to the lower floors across the timelines!
Warning! All incarcerated champions are barred from crossing timelines unless permitted by examiners or wardens in charge of their missions!
Good luck!
Golden insignias resembling bridges appeared on the bodies of all the champions present, melding into their skin before disappearing entirely.
Estimated time until the bridge emerges: 5 days!
Book 3 - Chapter 35: Bridge Between Timelines [2] The sound of boots pressing against the polished surface echoed in the dimly lit hallway as the members of the Hound Extermination Crew marched forward with quiet confidence, each of them dressed for battle. No words were spoken, no steps wasted, their movements precise and deliberate as they approached the massive portal looming at the far end. The swirling emerald mass, threaded with streaks of blackened gray, emitted a low, menacing hum that grew louder with each step they took. On either side of the gateway stood two Wutas, their posture rigid in silent guard. ¡°I wonder how chaotic things have gotten out there,¡± Slim muttered, adjusting his suit with a dry chuckle. ¡°Quite chaotic, I¡¯d imagine,¡± Orion replied, his grin broadening. ¡°It¡¯s been over a month since the Bridge Between Timelines was established¡ªwho knows what kind of interesting people have wandered into our timeline by now,¡± the mage¡¯s prime added, unable to hide his excitement. ¡°How sure are you about what you said the other day?¡± Zara asked suddenly, her gaze flicking between the mage and his clone. Both responded in unison, ¡°100%.¡± Zara sighed in resignation, shaking her head gently. As they arrived in front of the portal, the Wutas immediately acknowledged Scott¡¯s presence. ¡°We greet the Great One,¡± they said simultaneously. Scott¡¯s expression remained impassive as he addressed them. ¡°How are the preparations?¡± ¡°All has been prepared according to your minion¡¯s specifications,¡± one of the Wutas declared. Scott nodded, then turned to his companions. ¡°This is it, everyone. Once we step through, there¡¯s no turning back. If anyone¡¯s having second thoughts, now would be¡ª¡± ¡°Save the speech, buddy,¡± Slim interrupted with a chuckle, stepping forward confidently. ¡°You¡¯ve become quite the talker lately,¡± Zara teased. ¡°What¡¯s next, are we going to see you cry?¡± she joked, shaking her head. Without hesitation, she, Ember, and Plume moved forward. Orion¡¯s main body followed suit, but his clone lingered behind. ¡°I guess this is goodbye for me,¡± Orion¡¯s clone said, grinning as he waved to the group. ¡°Why are you talking like you¡¯re different from him?¡± Zara rolled her eyes. Though the clone spoke as if it was a separate entity¡ª and it was, they all knew Orion and his clones shared the same personality, thoughts, and memories. ¡°Are you going to that place?¡± Scott asked privately over the party channel. The clone nodded. ¡°I¡¯d rather go with you all, but that place promises to be just as exciting. Who knows, we might cross paths again. Wouldn¡¯t that be fun?¡± he giggled. ¡°Good luck. Let¡¯s meet again,¡± Scott said with a faint smile. ¡°Remember to¡ª¡± Scott¡¯s words cut off abruptly, his brow furrowing as he stared at the clone. The rest of the crew turned their attention toward it as well, a sudden tension filling the air. The smiling clone¡¯s eyes suddenly reddened, as if possessed by something malevolent. Dark, tar-like smudges began to creep across his face, spreading rapidly over his body like a plague. ¡°Orion, what¡¯s happening to your clone?¡± Zara asked sharply, her gaze narrowing with suspicion. ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure¡­ oh,¡± Orion began, then paused mid-sentence, his once-tense features softening into a grin. ¡°Relax, everyone. It¡¯s not an enemy,¡± he said, amusement coloring his voice. ¡°Then what the hell is it?¡± Slim asked, his gaze darting between the smiling mage and the clone, now almost entirely engulfed in the black substance. ¡°It¡¯s his variant,¡± Scott cut in before Orion could answer. Orion chuckled, clapping his hands together. ¡°Perceptive as ever,¡± he said, beaming at Scott. The champions¡¯ expressions shifted instantly. While Orion and Scott remained unnervingly calm, the rest of the crew stiffened at the mention of a variant. They knew what it meant¡ªthe bridge not only allowed champions to cross timelines, but it also enabled calamities to do the same. And the presence of the Calamity of Inquisition in particular was no trivial matter. The tar coating the clone churned violently for a moment, then a voice emerged¡ªsimilar to Orion¡¯s, yet somehow different. It resonated deeper, more ominous. ¡°Apologies for using such crude methods to communicate¡­¡± The variant-controlled clone''s gaze locked onto Orion''s main body, as if seeing him for the first time. Then, in an instant, the tar-like smudges dissipated, though the clone¡¯s eyes remained blood-red. Orion¡¯s clone, now fully possessed by his variant, stared at him, eyes wide with something akin to disbelief. The clone then turned toward Scott; its shock palpable. The gaze seemed to ask: Do you realize who stands before you? ¡°You¡¯ve taken strides beyond anything we could have ever imagined,¡± the variant muttered, its voice laced with an unsettling mix of awe, envy, and excitement. ¡°It¡¯s a shame I won¡¯t be part of you.¡± There was a genuine sadness in its tone, the words heavier than they appeared. Orion¡¯s smile never faltered. ¡°A shame indeed.¡± Zara, Slim, Ember, and Plume exchanged uneasy glances. Whatever was being hinted at between Orion, the variant, and Scott was beyond their comprehension. Scott, on the other hand, had already begun piecing it together. Named calamities weren¡¯t bound by the Point of No Return, and from his perspective, the variant had likely recognized Orion as someone who would likely emerge victorious during the fabled merger at the cataclysmic Point. Scott¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Why are you here?¡± His voice was sharp, cutting through the eerie silence. The variant shifted its attention to the voidweaver, a smile tugging at its lips. ¡°I come bearing news,¡± it said, its tone light, almost casual. ¡°Be warned, we¡¯ve been given executive orders to annihilate your party should we cross paths.¡± The air in the room grew cold, but the variant wasn¡¯t finished. Its gaze then fell on Ember. ¡°Unlike your companions, a separate order has been issued for you. You can be killed,¡± it said with a chilling calm, ¡°but your soul must be retrieved.¡± Ember¡¯s expression darkened, her fists clenching tightly. She knew exactly who had issued that order. Closing her eyes for a brief moment, she inhaled deeply, forcing her emotions back under control. ¡°Thank you,¡± she muttered, her voice steady but barely concealing the turmoil beneath. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. The variant smiled faintly at her response before turning back to Scott. ¡°I¡¯m guessing you plan on jumping across timelines, right?¡± he asked, though it seemed more of a statement than a question. Scott nodded once. ¡°I thought so,¡± the variant chuckled. He then turned to Orion, a glimmer of admiration in its eyes. ¡°That was your idea, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Orion¡¯s smile widened, but he said nothing. His silence was all the confirmation the variant needed. ¡°Smart move. But don¡¯t expect things to be any easier just because you¡¯ve shifted timelines. In situations like this, the best play is to create a scenario where¡ª¡± ¡°Where everyone loses,¡± Orion interjected with a grin. Instantly, both the mage and his variant erupted into laughter. ¡°That¡¯s all I have to say,¡± the variant said suddenly, then paused, his gaze drifting around the space. ¡°This place is...¡± His eyes fell on Orion, who gave a slight shake of his head. ¡°Ah. I see. Well then, I wish you all good luck.¡± The reddish gleam faded from the clone¡¯s eyes, and he staggered a few steps before regaining his composure. ¡°That... that was a first,¡± the clone muttered, his voice unsteady, though a faint smile tugged at his lips. ¡°Go rest,¡± Orion said, his voice gentle. ¡°Leave the rest to us.¡± The clone nodded, retreating. Meanwhile, Orion turned to his companions. ¡°I guess it¡¯s time for us to go.¡± With a silent, mutual understanding, the group moved toward the portal. One by one, they stepped through, with Scott trailing behind. Before crossing, he turned back to Orion''s clone. ¡°What about the other members of the Brotherhood of the Yellow Sign?¡± Scott asked. Orion gave a slight shrug. ¡°The administrator¡¯s strict¡ªno one from the higher floors is allowed to descend. They¡¯ve all been forced to return. There was some debate about leaving avatars behind, but no one wanted to risk the administrator¡¯s wrath. I¡¯m sure you understand.¡± Scott nodded, offering no further comment. He stepped into the portal, vanishing. Seconds after Scott¡¯s departure, another portal manifested near where Orion stood. Unlike the previous one, this portal was blackened and exuded a suffocating, baleful aura. A cold voice, dripping with authority, echoed into the hallway. ¡°You have been summoned.¡± Orion chuckled softly, shaking his head. ¡°No time wasted, huh?¡± Without hesitation, the mage approached the ominous portal, stepping through without another word as it vanished behind him.
Far from Carcosa, in an unknown location, a portal shimmered into existence in the center of a dusty field. The field was enclosed by towering walls, forming an arena. Scattered around the arena stood clusters of champions, each eyeing the mysterious portal with guarded expressions. The members of the hound extermination crew emerged, stepping out of the portal one after the other, their movements measured and deliberate. A cacophony of system notifications echoed around the arena, and the wariness in the eyes of the surrounding champions quickly morphed into shock¡ªthen excitement. In mere moments, bloodlust and greed began to flare. Rumors had swirled endlessly about the infamous group''s whereabouts. Guilds, factions, and lone champions had scoured the tower, searching for any sign of the crew, but their efforts were to no avail. None expected them to surface in the arena¡ªof all places.
You¡¯ve reached Visbos'' Arena, the final stage of Thisos¡¯ Labyrinth and the Ranking Games!
The system¡¯s announcement rang out, but Scott and his companions paid it little mind. Their gazes swept across the arena, noting the lack of spectators and the swelling numbers of eager, battle-ready champions. ¡°The portal¡¯s closed,¡± Plume murmured softly. ¡°There¡¯s officially no turning back now.¡± The Trisos observed the vast arena that unfolded before them. Towering walls lined with razor-sharp spikes encircled the black, sandy earth, devoid of any signs of life. Cyan orbs, glowing faintly with mystical energy, hovered in the air, casting an eerie light. ¡°Welcome, group one hundred and twenty-nine. The ranking stage will commence upon the arrival of one more group. Thank you for your patience,¡± announced a voice from one of the floating orbs. ¡°That¡¯s a voice I haven¡¯t heard in ages,¡± Slim remarked, his skeletal face shifting slightly in thought. ¡°What was the examiner¡¯s name again?¡± ¡°Nex, or was it Nix?¡± Zara muttered, folding her arms across her chest. Her feline eyes swept over the other groups. ¡°I¡¯m surprised they¡¯re behaving. I thought they¡¯d disregard the rules and lunge at us the moment we appeared.¡± She glanced at Orion. ¡°Looks like you were right again.¡± ¡°The bounty on our heads may be tempting,¡± Orion said with a sly grin, ¡°but no one here would risk drawing the ire of the examiners¡ªor worse, the administrator. We¡¯re practically walking examples of what not to do, or rather, what not to be.¡± He giggled softly. Turning to Scott, Orion continued, ¡°This is the arena you told me about. I believe the same rules apply, correct?¡± Scott gave a curt nod. Orion beamed. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see what¡¯s in store for us.¡± Suddenly, a loud creak echoed through the arena. The champions turned toward the source¡ªa large opening that had materialized in the walls. Several figures emerged, their faces quickly morphing from shock to greed and bloodlust as they received sudden notifications, then they spotted the infamous hound extermination crew. ¡°There are now one hundred and thirty groups gathered here. The final ranking stage will begin. Thank you for your patience,¡± the examiner¡¯s voice echoed once more.
Stage Selection!
Option 1: A full-scale brawl among the gathered groups, with rewards based on the quality of opponents defeated.
Option 2: A team battle where all champions in the arena will face off against those from another ranking stage in a different timeline. Victory guarantees the condensed essence of an Asura for each champion.
¡°Please select the option you wish to partake in. The option with the most votes will be chosen for the collective. You have one minute,¡± the examiner announced, yet no one moved. All eyes were on the hound extermination crew, waiting to see what they would do. Some groups, who had experienced the hidden ranking stage before, knew abstaining from voting was an option as well. ¡°We¡¯re really doing this, huh?¡± Slim¡¯s voice echoed mentally. The skeleton stretched his limbs, the popping of bones echoing as he adjusted his stylish suit. Like him, the other members of the crew silently readied themselves for what was to come.
Stage Selection ¨C Voting Results!
Option 1 ¨C 0 votes.
Option 2 ¨C 0 votes.
Abstainers ¨C 130 groups.
¡°I must say, this is an unprecedented situation,¡± Nex¡¯s voice sounded again, almost bemused. ¡°Abstaining from voting is tantamount to tacit participation in the mandatory challenge.¡± ¡°An opponent is being pre¡ª¡± A thunderous crack, like shattering glass, interrupted the examiner¡¯s words. An overwhelming pressure descended upon the arena, crushing many of the champions to their knees. Some smashed their heads into the ground, dying instantly. For the first time, the champions diverted their gaze from the hound extermination crew. Instead, they stared at a massive hand that seemed to tear through the fabric of reality itself.
The Mad Titan, Visbos, has unleashed the horde!
Another distinct crack echoed, and the arena''s reality shattered, revealing thousands of titans and miniature titans, each one emanating a palpable bloodlust. Scott and his companions had subtly distanced themselves from one another, each taking stock of the massive entities that began pouring into the arena. ¡°This is where it all begins for us,¡± Scott said, his pendant transforming into the War Hammer of the Mad God. ¡°As always¡ª¡± ¡°Survive,¡± the crew declared simultaneously. At that same moment, a chorus of ear-deafening roars filled the arena as the massive creatures charged forward. Book 3 - Chapter 36: Chaos Across Timelines [1] The titans, in all their colossal glory, trembled with bestial rage, flooding the arena with an oppressive bloodlust. The champions who had been slain in the wake of the hulking giants were instantly revived, but many wished they hadn''t been, their eyes wide with dread as they beheld the massive horde surging toward them. Though most of the abominations charged directly at the hound extermination crew, the other groups knew it was only a matter of time before they, too, would be crushed beneath the titans¡¯ wrath. Unmoved by the approaching horde, the members of the hound extermination crew silently summoned black, sphere-like items from their inventories. The spheres shimmered ominously under the sunlight, covered in shifting, arcane runes that glided across their surfaces in cryptic, ever-changing patterns. Without a word, the crew hurled the spheres toward the oncoming titans. As they arced through the air, a strange buzzing noise began to drown out the war cries of the monstrous giants. The titans, both massive and small, abruptly halted, their eyes fixed on the spheres as if compelled by some unseen force. The spheres landed with a soft thud, sending ripples through the blackened earth. For a moment, nothing happened. Then the runes on the spheres shifted into a single arcane character, and the vibrations ceased. An eerie silence fell over the arena, lasting for just a heartbeat. Without warning, the spheres shot into the air, releasing a devastating pulse of energy. The blast instantly sealed the fracture from which the titan horde had emerged, and several of the massive creatures were knocked off their feet, crashing into the ground with thunderous force. The other champions watched in stupefaction; their eyes wide with disbelief. They had no idea what these strange devices were¡ªor what else they might do. The spheres vibrated once more, and suddenly, hundreds of portals ripped open throughout the arena, some on the ground, others hovering ominously in midair. The earth trembled again, but this time, it wasn¡¯t the titans that caused it. A mechanical army unlike anything the champions had ever seen began to march from the portals in unison. Some of the towering machines hovered above the battlefield, bluish flames exhaling from powerful engines. The Wuta army had revealed itself, but these weren¡¯t ordinary wutas¡ªthey were vastly different. Towering over seven feet tall with a deep obsidian sheen, some were armed with an array of Gatling guns, fusion-energy swords, and lasers. Others had enhanced spiked fists, some burning with flame, crackling with lightning, or buzzing with spinning blades. The android army stood in perfect formation, their cold, metallic eyes focused solely on the titan horde. An eerie silence once again gripped the arena as both armies sized each other up. The champions, too stunned to react, remained still. Some regretted the greed that had led them here, while others stared at the two armies with defiant determination, unwilling to back down. Suddenly, an ear-splitting roar erupted from the titans, their voices rumbling in unison as their rage reached a fever pitch. The smaller titans trembled with raw fury, while the larger ones bristled with uncontainable wrath. The wutas met the titans¡¯ fury with cold, defiant silence. They raised their weapons in unison, preparing for the inevitable clash. ¡°You are not worthy to stand in the presence of the vessel of the Great One,¡± the wutas chanted, their voices a haunting, mechanical chorus. A buzzing filled the air as the Gatling guns on the wutas began to spin, building momentum. Then, with a deafening bang, they unleashed their fiery contents, a hail of radiant bullets tearing through the air. The titans roared once more, charging forward in a suicidal lunge, their massive forms trembling as they met the unrelenting barrage of gunfire. The ground quaked under their weight, but they did not falter, their bloodlust driving them onward. The battlefield erupted into chaos, the clash between titans and wutas shaking the very foundation of the arena. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of miniature titans were instantly shredded as the bullets tore through their sturdy bodies. The smaller creatures fell in grotesque heaps, their forms violently perforated. Yet the towering giants remained undeterred. The shells, though they left scorching burn marks on their massive forms, merely glanced off their skin like gnats, failing to penetrate the thick skins of their immense frames. Those miniature titans that hadn¡¯t been turned into grotesque depictions of Swiss cheese scrambled over the corpses of their fallen comrades, baring claws and fangs at the wuta army. The wutas wielding melee and midrange weapons¡ªfusion-energy swords, spiked fists, and crackling maces¡ªstepped forward to greet their charge. The ruthless androids moved with precision and ferocity. Fusion swords cleaved through the blackened forms of the titans closest to them, ripping their twisted bodies apart in a brutal display of power. Blood and gore splattered across the battlefield as the machines tore through their enemies. Yet even in their mechanical might, some wutas were overpowered by the titans¡¯ sheer brutality. The resilient creatures ripped their metallic bodies apart, using the decapitated machines as bludgeons to pummel others to electrical death. The giant titans unleashed even greater devastation. Their sonorous cries obliterated entire squads of wutas at once, reducing them to twisted heaps of smoking wreckage. Spikes erupted from their backs, and the titans tore these makeshift weapons free, swinging them in wide arcs that unleashed carnage across the battlefield. With each colossal swipe, legions of wutas¡ªand even a few miniature titans caught in the fray¡ªwere reduced to fiery explosions. Worse still, under the command of three particularly massive titans, the mangled remains of the slain miniatures began to stir. Their broken bodies, bit by bit, started piecing themselves back together in a grotesque resurrection. Despite this overwhelming might, the wuta army pressed their attack without fear. The artillery vanguard had been annihilated, and the melee forces struggled against the horde¡¯s regenerative abilities. The battlefield was a scene of relentless carnage, yet the androids continued to fight with cold, mechanical precision. ¡°These guys are a lot better than I expected, buddy,¡± Slim commented casually over the party channel, his tone amused as he observed the chaotic battle. ¡°I had low expectations, but I gotta say, they''re resilient.¡± Zara and Ember exchanged nods, their eyes fixed on the mechanical and monstrous clash unfolding before them. ¡°Should we really be this relaxed?¡± Plume asked, her gaze shifting warily to the champions behind them. ¡°They could attack us at any moment¡ª¡± ¡°They won¡¯t,¡± Scott and Orion replied in unison. The mage chuckled, glancing at Scott. ¡°Do people still say jinx?¡± he mused, then turned toward the other groups. ¡°Anyone who¡¯s made it this far isn¡¯t a fool. The goal of this trial is to eliminate the titans, not us. What good are those lavish rewards if they falter under the gaze of the Administrator?¡± Understanding dawned on Plume, and she fell silent. Just then, a series of thunderous explosions erupted, shaking the arena as thousands of wutas went up in a fiery wave of destruction. Stolen story; please report. ¡°Should we be helping them?¡± Ember asked, uncertainty flickering across her face as she watched the slaughter. Orion chuckled darkly and shook his head. ¡°We haven¡¯t even reached the fun part yet,¡± he replied cryptically, a grin tugging at his lips. ¡°Keep watching. By the time this is over, you won¡¯t believe your eyes.¡± Ember frowned but remained focused on the battle, as did the rest of the crew. The titan horde, having utterly decimated the wutas, roared in triumph, their defiant cries echoing through the arena. Then, with bloodthirsty eyes, they turned their gaze toward their primary targets¡ªthe hound extermination crew. Just as the titans prepared to charge, a pulsating echo filled the air. It was rhythmic and slow, but its sheer power was undeniable. The remnants of the fallen wutas trembled violently, their pieces rising into the air. The titans, the hound extermination crew, and even the distant champions watched in eerie silence, not sure of what was happening¡ªor what to expect. The massive titans roared once more, steeling themselves for another round of combat. But instead of the wutas reforming into new opponents, the levitating parts plummeted back to the ground with a dull thud. The pulsating echoes vanished, leaving behind a tense silence that gripped the entire arena. "That¡¯s it?" Slim muttered mentally; his thoughts laced with disappointment. "The fun part¡¯s just starting," Orion declared with a deranged grin. Suddenly, tremors rocked the arena once more, drawing all eyes back to the portals summoned by the ominous blackened spheres. ¡°There¡¯s more of those things?¡± one of the champions gasped, his mouth agape in disbelief. It had been shocking enough that the hound extermination crew could summon an army of robots to fight on their behalf. Most had assumed such a powerful artifact would be a one-time use, yet the unsettling tremors beneath their feet and the vibrating sands said otherwise. All eyes locked onto the portals, especially the wary gazes of the titans. As the ground quaked beneath them, a fresh wave of wutas emerged. But these were different¡ªsleek, glistening, silver constructs. Though taller than their predecessors, they weren¡¯t as bulky. Their artillery was familiar but more advanced, and their movements exuded a sense of lethal precision. The vanguard units brandished updated versions of the gatling guns, their single barrels aimed directly at the titans, whose confusion was palpable. "Annihilate them," a wuta declared in a cold, robotic voice. Understanding the intent, the titans roared once again, readying themselves to unleash another wave of devastation. But before they could act, a deep hum reverberated through the arena¡ªthe gatling guns emitted a crimson glow, and without warning, a burst of radiant energy shot toward the massive titans. A thunderous explosion followed, accompanied by a mournful cry that shook the champions to their core. The seemingly indestructible giants now bore hundreds, if not thousands, of gaping wounds, their regenerating flesh struggling to keep pace with the destruction being wrought upon them. While the artillery vanguard hammered the giant titans, the second wave of wutas charged at the miniature titans, their advanced weaponry cutting through the ranks with brutal efficiency. The rearguard stood still, their crimson eyes pulsing, impassively observing the devastation their comrades inflicted. Another scene of carnage unfolded as the improved wuta army tore through the titan horde. Yet, despite being forced to their knees, the giant titans refused to fall. Unlike the miniature variants, they withstood the onslaught, though barely. At that moment, Scott stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the battered, perforated forms of the titans. His companions glanced at him but said nothing, understanding that his actions carried weight. ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Scott ordered, his voice calm yet authoritative. Instantly, the rhythmic bursts of energy that had been bringing the giants to their knees ceased. The android army stood down in eerie unison, their obedience an unsettling display of servitude. Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on the kneeling monstrosities, their bodies profusely bleeding a sickly green fluid that starkly contrasted with their blackened forms. He observed the gaping wounds marring their flesh. Even with these injuries, they¡¯re far from death, he thought. Given enough time, they¡¯ll recover. And I have no doubt these creatures aren¡¯t even close to the top of the Mad Titan¡¯s order. "I¡¯ll handle the rest," Scott declared, stepping beyond the retreating wutas. "As you command, Great One," they echoed in unison. Before the gathered champions and wutas, Scott¡¯s shadow darkened and expanded, engulfing the entire area where the titans knelt, and their miniature counterparts had fallen. ¡°Wait a moment,¡± Orion¡¯s voice echoed in Scott¡¯s mind. ¡°Remember, this is about sending a message. It¡¯ll be too bland if you don¡¯t humiliate them now.¡± He chuckled softly. A smile tugged at the corners of Scott¡¯s mouth. He understood what the mage meant. Massive, nihilistic projections materialized from the ever-deepening void, dragging all but one of the titans¡¯ battered forms into the darkness. Then, with a slight motion, Scott beckoned a wuta forward. The android hurried over, obedient as ever. "Can future generations of wutas be made to self-heal?" Scott asked, his voice calm yet commanding. "Great One, if that is your desire, it will be done," the wuta responded without hesitation. Scott nodded. His eyes fell on the lone, spared titan. "Take that one with you. I want an army even more indestructible¡ªan army that can regenerate. Dispose of it when you''re done." "It shall be done, Great One," the wuta declared solemnly. A buzzing sound filled the air as one of the portals expanded massively. From it, gigantic chains shot out, binding the titan. "That¡¯s not enough," Scott muttered, his brows furrowing. "I want it dragged like livestock to be slaughtered." As if on cue, the arena trembled once more. Three enormous wutas stepped out from the expanded portal, the chains wrapped tightly around their powerful arms. They advanced toward the kneeling titan. The centermost wuta delivered a devastating punch, shattering half the titan¡¯s face, sending it crashing face-first into the ground. Without pause, they secured a fresh set of chains around its arms and feet, dragging it by its neck. In that same instant, an oppressive pressure swept over the arena, forcing everyone but Scott to their knees.
The Grand General of the Mad Titan Horde requests permission to descend!
The World Enders of the Mad Titan Horde request permission to descend!
The Great Titans of the Mad Titan Horde request permission to descend!
The War Beast of the Mad Titan Horde requests permission to descend!
The Lesser God Candidate of the Mad Titan Horde requests permission to descend!
The Sponsored Candidates of the Mad Titan Horde request permission to descend!
The 1st, 2nd, 3rd¡­ 999th Battalions of the Mad Titan Horde request permission to descend!
The administrator rejects all requests to descend!
The unbearable pressure vanished as quickly as it had appeared, but the impact left an indelible mark on the champions¡¯ souls. Silence settled over them as their wide-eyed gazes shifted to Scott, realization dawning. From the start, they had been deluding themselves. Scott and his companions weren¡¯t the sort of prey ordinary champions could hunt or eliminate. Anyone who pursued the bounty on their heads would need to be prepared to lose everything¡ªor face them with overwhelming power. The wutas, undeterred, resumed dragging the bound titan toward the portal. As the titan passed Scott, its eyes flickered briefly, and a voice¡ªmore vibration than sound¡ªfilled Scott¡¯s ears. "Be prepared for what¡¯s to come." Scott merely smiled, unfazed. He didn¡¯t know exactly who had spoken, though he could guess, and he didn¡¯t care. The fact that the message was calmer than expected was mildly surprising, but it was clear they didn¡¯t want to give him the satisfaction of their anger. With that, the wutas dragged the titan into the portal, leaving the spectators stunned and speechless. ¡°You may return,¡± Scott commanded, his voice quiet but firm. His shadow returned to normal, and without a word, the mechanical armies retreated into the portals. One by one, the portals collapsed, leaving behind only charred fragments of metal in their wake. ¡°That was a lot more boring than I expected,¡± Orion remarked, his voice ringing out across the arena. All eyes turned to the mage, focusing on the clusters of spheres he casually held in both hands. Some looked on in stupefied awe, while others couldn¡¯t hide their terror. If Orion held that many of the spheres, they could only imagine how many the other members of the hound extermination crew had in their possession. Now, most of the champions understood why the bounty on the infamous group¡¯s heads was so tempting¡ªand so dangerous. It wasn¡¯t just the six of them they¡¯d have to contend with; there was also a formidable army lurking in the shadows, and ever ready to unleash destruction. Book 3 - Chapter 37: Chaos Across Timelines [2] ¡°That was an interesting contest, if I say so myself,¡± Nex¡¯s voice echoed throughout the arena, filled with an excitement that captured the champions'' attention. Their gazes shifted from the hound extermination crew to the descending, floating orbs. ¡°This is a rarity, but you have all successfully passed the final stage of the ranking games,¡± the examiner announced. ¡°Unfortunately, your rewards will only be revealed when you ascend to the next floor. You¡¯re free to remain here as long as you wish, but be aware: any confrontation, no matter the reason, will be met with an appropriate penalty. Some of you have been here for months, others for years, but I¡¯ve genuinely enjoyed your participation in the games. Go forth¡ªa whole new world awaits you!¡± As the examiner¡¯s voice faded, the orbs vibrated briefly before shooting off into the distance. Once again, the eyes of the champions fell upon the hound extermination crew. This time, however, there were no delusions of besting them. Instead, curiosity filled the air¡ªwhat fate awaited the infamous group? ¡°Buddy, I sincerely hope you¡¯re right about this,¡± Slim said mentally, directing his thoughts toward Orion, who absentmindedly juggled a few of the spheres before they vanished into his inventory. ¡°Trust me,¡± Orion giggled, his focus still on the spheres. ¡°I¡¯m rarely wrong, and I don¡¯t plan on starting now.¡± Slim sighed and shifted his attention to Zara, his gaze lingering on the system notification floating in front of the feline. ¡°My leader, so... what does it say?¡± ¡°Not much,¡± Zara responded, her brow furrowed as she scanned the blue panel. ¡°It¡¯s just asking if we want to leave or stay here for two more hours.¡± ¡°Why two hours?¡± Ember asked, the timing striking her as oddly specific. Zara shrugged, her eyes meeting the dragonkin¡¯s. ¡°I have no idea,¡± she replied. ¡°If I had to guess, it¡¯ll probably repeat the message over and over until we get out of here.¡± She glanced around at her companions. ¡°Are you all ready?¡± Without hesitation, every member of the group nodded. Zara turned her attention back to the notification, and with a quick decision, she selected the option to leave. Instantly, a radiant beam enveloped the champions, wrapping them in fiery cocoons that shot toward the skies. All around them, other champions mimicked the hound extermination crew¡¯s actions, and the number of people left on the blackened sands of the arena dwindled rapidly. However, unlike previous transfers via mana cocoons, Scott and his companions remained conscious this time. Yet, they couldn¡¯t communicate through their party channel, as if something was holding their voices back. Scott¡¯s gaze pierced through the fiery cocoon, focusing on the fluffy clouds they tore through. So far, so good. But if Orion¡¯s predictions are right, we only have a few seconds before everything goes to shit, he frowned, his thoughts wandering. A part of him, however small, hoped that the mage¡¯s foresight wouldn¡¯t come true¡ªbut Scott knew better. Orion didn¡¯t speak unless he was sure of something. The flaming cocoons streaked through the skies; Scott''s gaze fixed on those of his companions as well as the champions trailing a few paces behind. Unlike Orion, who mumbled incoherently to himself, Zara, Slim, Ember, and Plum wore somber expressions, the weight of their imminent arrival on the next floor clearly pressing on their minds. The journey felt endless, though less than an hour had passed. Then, Scott noticed the world around them darken. He lifted his head. The once bright sea of clouds had given way to a stretch of abyssal darkness above. The cocoons, instead of slowing down, sped up, plunging into the black expanse. Their fiery exteriors merged with the shadows, a mythical convergence that only intensified as more cocoons appeared, lighting the path ahead. Scott furrowed his brows, catching glimpses of faint structures within the fiery haze. What is this place? he thought, noting the cocoons had stopped ascending and now hovered as if waiting to crack open. ¡°Hello?¡± Orion¡¯s voice suddenly echoed over the party channel. ¡°Can anyone hear me? Doe, re, mi, fa¡ª" ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± Zara cut in, irritation in her tone. ¡°Is now really the time for that?¡± ¡°Oh, great! Connection¡¯s back,¡± Orion replied nonchalantly. ¡°Just running an experiment to see how long communication gets cut off while transitioning floors.¡± ¡°You should¡ª" ¡°Not now, guys,¡± Scott interrupted before Zara could finish. His eyes scanned the thick mana barrier surrounding them. ¡°I think we¡¯ve arrived.¡± ¡°Interesting,¡± Orion said, unable to contain his excitement. ¡°Tell me, what do you see?¡± Scott paused, focusing on the faint outlines emerging from the darkness. ¡°It¡¯s hard to say, but the flames around the cocoons are blending with the shadows. I can make out buildings, roads... even people.¡± The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. ¡°This is it, then,¡± Orion said with a nod, staring at his own cocoon. But unlike Scott, his gaze couldn¡¯t pierce through the mana shield. ¡°Get ready, everyone,¡± he warned, his tone darkening. ¡°Even the slightest hesitation could cost us.¡± ¡°Are you prepared?¡± Orion¡¯s voice echoed in Scott¡¯s mind. ¡°Everything¡¯s set. Be ready to move the moment the barrier drops,¡± Scott replied without hesitation. At that moment, cracks began to spiderweb across the surface of their cocoons. The champions stirred. The cracks widened, and it seemed like even the slightest touch would shatter them.
Welcome to Flame Island!
Flame Island welcomes champions from across the multiverse!
Please enjoy your stay on Flame Island!
The same message appeared before them all, and with it, the cocoons shattered in unison. But before the crew could even register their surroundings, hundreds of thousands of projectiles, each laced with unique elemental properties, hurtled toward them. Within the blink of an eye, nihilistic portals materialized around the group, shielding every inch of their bodies from the onslaught. ¡°I suspend all laws within my domain,¡± Scott declared, as several portals sprang open around the hound extermination crew. ¡°Follow me,¡± he commanded. Without hesitation, his companions followed his lead, rushing toward the nearest portal. As they moved, the ground beneath their feet began to tremble, threatening to tear open. But Scott¡¯s domain held firm, preventing whatever lurked beneath from breaking through. Within moments, the crew vanished through the portal, reappearing in a familiar hallway encased in gleaming white ice. ¡°Did anyone catch how many attacked us?¡± Slim asked as the skeleton pushed himself up. ¡°There were too many to count,¡± Ember replied, her eyes flicking toward Orion. ¡°How did you know they¡¯d hit us the moment we arrived?¡± The mage smiled knowingly. ¡°Because it¡¯s what I¡¯d do if I didn¡¯t know where we were hiding.¡± Plume, listening in, cut in sharply. ¡°So, they¡¯re attacking anything that steps into that place?¡± Orion nodded. ¡°Word has probably spread about us not finishing the ranking games. Even without knowing our exact location, they would have anticipated our arrival. Some would just wait for a chance to strike at anyone entering the island. And if they were patient enough, eventually we¡¯d show up.¡± While the others conversed, Scott and Zara exchanged glances, noting that the massive hole left by the Calamity of Ice had vanished, as if erased. ¡°I don¡¯t know about you, but I¡¯m not staying here,¡± Slim muttered. White Hell held nothing but bad memories for him, and he wasn¡¯t eager to make new ones. Plume nodded in agreement. ¡°The sooner we leave, the better. This place still haunts me.¡± Zara opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say anything, Orion¡¯s voice boomed across the party channel. ¡°We must leave, now!¡± he roared. With a thought, golden system windows appeared in front of champions.
You have requested to cross timelines!
Your request has been approved!
Warning! You will be randomly transported to a location in one of the myriad timelines! You may return to your primary timeline only once a year by official request!
Note! Champions from different parties will be transferred to the same timeline and location, regardless of where the transfer was initiated!
Note! All party members will be transferred immediately upon any member initiating the transfer!
Note! Requests may only be made once per week!
Warning! Once initiated, transfers cannot be canceled, and all entities within one hundred feet of the transfer point will be teleported along with the initiator, regardless of their will!
Do you wish to cross timelines?
Yes! No!
The corridor grew colder as the messages flashed before them. The ceiling above trembled violently¡ªsomething was approaching, fast. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, the champions selected [Yes]. A golden light enveloped their bodies, preparing to whisk them away. But just then, another system notification appeared.
The Calamity of Ice is descending!
The system message jolted the champions, revealing the cause of Orion¡¯s urgent command. As the radiant light enveloped them, a sharp crack echoed in their ears, and a distortion appeared before their eyes. The champions¡¯ eyes widened in unison as countless worlds revealed themselves through the fracture. Each one twisted and morphed in the blink of an eye. Flames engulfed entire landscapes in some, while others bloomed with vibrant life. Apocalyptic beasts roamed ruined lands, while qilins, rocs, and other mythical creatures ruled in their own dominions. Then came realms dripping with the essence of death¡ªundead armies marched, and illusionary abominations lurked in the shadows. Shattered timelines, nearly void of life, flickered past, only to be followed by timelines brimming with vitality. The images slowed, and before the crew could react, a powerful suction force yanked them forward. They were pulled into the portal, which closed behind them with a final snap.
Seven entities have successfully crossed timelines!
Book 3 - Chapter 38: Chaos Across Timelines [3] At the same moment the hound extermination crew arrived at White Hell, in a distant timeline ravaged by man-made devastation, a figure bellowed cheerfully into the starless night. Their towering frame flickered amidst a sea of mangled corpses, illuminated by the flames licking the ground. "My friend, stand up. Surely it doesn¡¯t end like this, right?" Costa grinned, his grip tightening on his blood-stained daggers as fresh blood mixed with sweat and smoke slid down his bare torso. He stood over a figure whose limbs had been severed, neck broken, and chest crushed. Despite the mangled body, the figure¡¯s bloodthirsty eyes remained locked on Costa, a sadistic smile frozen on his face even in death. Costa nudged the corpse with his foot. "Come on, that can¡¯t be it. Get up already. We were just getting to the good part." His kicks grew more forceful. "Come on, get up!" he snarled, his eyes flaring with fury. Before long, his frustration peaked, and with a swift motion, he decapitated the corpse, sending the head flying into the inferno several feet away. "He¡¯s not going to wake up if you keep kicking him, you know that, right?" A voice echoed from the flames, calm and detached, though Costa''s eyes remained on the decapitated body. Mumbling to himself, Costa shook his head. "It shouldn¡¯t be this easy. He must be a fake." His lips curled into a grin. "Yeah, definitely a fake. There¡¯s no way he¡¯s this weak." "Do you hear yourself right now?" the voice responded again, and this time, Costa turned to its source. A man stood there, meeting Costa''s gaze. Unlike Costa¡¯s imposing frame, the man was of average build, with blonde hair tied in a knot. Flames danced off his skin, covering him in a mixture of orange dust and soot, but his most striking feature was the cluster of glittering crystals scattered across his forehead and jaw. In his hand, he held a scepter, its top gleaming with the same brilliance as the jewels on his face. "Marek? Didn¡¯t you die?" Costa asked, looking genuinely confused. Marek sighed, rolling his eyes as if too tired to argue. He massaged his temples. "Why do I even bother?" he muttered before shifting his focus to a lanky man sitting atop the wreckage of what had once been a home. The man¡¯s gaze was distant, drifting away from the scene of carnage around him. "Hurly, say something," Marek snapped. "I¡¯m in this mess because of you." Hurly turned slowly, his impassive, yellow eyes gleaming with a strange, eerie beauty against his withered face, which seemed to provoke anxiety in anyone who looked too long. "A thousand and six people died today, but none of them was him," Hurly said quietly. His voice barely rose above a whisper as he pointed to the headless corpse. "They look alike, but they¡¯re not the same." Marek¡¯s brow furrowed, irritation growing. "You said the same thing the last couple of times," he interrupted. "What makes the one you¡¯re after different?" Hurly¡¯s finger hovered over the corpse. "They''re not empty like him." Marek groaned in frustration. What in tarnation does that even mean? ¡°That¡¯s because the one you¡¯re searching for doesn¡¯t exist,¡± Costa suddenly chimed in, turning away from the corpse. ¡°That bastard is the Eidolon of Envy. He just picked up a few tricks¡ªthat¡¯s why you felt like he was something special. Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll see soon enough that I¡¯m right.¡± His smile was bright, almost too bright given the circumstances. Hurly, unfazed, simply averted his gaze. Costa swung his arms, and his daggers vanished into thin air. But almost instantly, several teeth shot out from various directions, hovering in front of him. With a flick of his hand, a mason jar appeared from his inventory, and the teeth neatly arranged themselves inside it. Marek¡¯s eye twitched as he watched the bizarre scene unfold. ¡°You¡¯re a weird person. You know that, right?¡± Costa smiled, seemingly unaware or uninterested in the remark. Once the last tooth settled into the jar, it vanished into his inventory with a soft hum. ¡°Can we leave this wretched timeline already?¡± Marek groaned, scanning the desolation around them. ¡°Why rush?¡± Costa replied, still not looking at him. ¡°We¡¯ve got to cleanse everyone who was affiliated with that disease. Only then can we¡ª" His words trailed off as a system notification flashed before him. Both Marek and Hurly stiffened, their expressions shifting as they turned toward Costa. They knew his status, and a direct system message was no trivial matter. They stayed silent, watching intently as Costa¡¯s expression flickered between emotions while he read the message. A moment later, the hulking man erupted in booming laughter, his voice echoing through the wreckage. Hurly and Marek exchanged glances; neither had ever seen Costa laugh with such unrestrained joy. ¡°What did the message say? Are you going to tell us, or just leave us hanging?¡± Marek asked, his curiosity getting the better of him. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Costa ignored him and turned to Hurly. ¡°Remember when I said I¡¯d prove it to you? Well, looks like the perfect opportunity just showed up.¡± Hurly¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°He¡¯s nearby?¡± he asked, a note of excitement creeping into his usually calm voice. Costa¡¯s grin widened. ¡°We¡¯ve got a week. Let¡¯s make the most of it.¡± At that moment, a crack formed in the air in front of him, pulsating with energy. He glanced at Marek. ¡°You¡¯re still after the bounties on their heads, right?¡± Marek nodded instinctively. The gears in his mind were already turning¡ªhe could guess who their next target would be, and the thought made his lips curl in anticipation. The jewels embedded in his face shimmered, reflecting his excitement with a dazzling display of colors. ¡°I¡¯ll leave the rest to you two. The Eidolon of Envy is mine. I¡¯m not sharing,¡± Costa declared. ¡°Deal,¡± Marek agreed, without hesitation. ¡°I don¡¯t care about him anyway. Do whatever you want.¡± ¡°I disagree,¡± Hurly cut in abruptly. Both Costa and Marek frowned in unison. Marek leaned in closer to Hurly, whispering urgently, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? You can find someone else to play with. This isn¡¯t open for debate.¡± His words, however, fell on deaf ears. Hurly stood firm, glaring down at Costa, his intentions crystal clear¡ªhe wasn¡¯t going to let someone else claim his prey. ¡°So, even you can make that kind of face,¡± Costa remarked with a smirk as the portal blinked out of existence. He cracked his neck twice and grinned. ¡°Talking is pointless now.¡± His daggers reappeared in his hands, gleaming under the dim light. Marek, massaging his temples, took a cautious step back. ¡°Why am I always surrounded by maniacs?¡± he muttered under his breath. Costa cracked his neck again. ¡°For the record, I liked you, soldier,¡± he said casually. ¡°Your abilities are impressive. But a dog should know its place.¡± His chuckle was laced with mockery as he twirled his dagger, taunting Hurly. ¡°Come on then, show me how determined you really are.¡± Hurly took a step forward. Marek¡¯s voice echoed in his mind, but only Hurly could hear it. ¡°Hurly, think carefully about what you¡¯re doing,¡± Marek warned. Hurly paused, glancing over at Marek. ¡°You¡¯re powerful¡ªno one¡¯s denying that. But think about who you¡¯re about to fight,¡± Marek continued, his tone grave. ¡°That¡¯s the Calamity of Endurance.¡± ¡°And?¡± Hurly replied, his voice cold and audible this time. Marek frowned, bewildered. ¡°What do you mean, and? You can¡¯t win this,¡± he stressed. ¡°Do you seriously believe¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard enough.¡± Hurly turned back to Costa, a flicker of arrogance flashing in his yellow eyes. ¡°I¡¯m a god. You¡¯re all beneath me.¡± Costa chuckled darkly. ¡°Yes, yes, O¡¯ great deity. Show me what you can do.¡± His steps quickened, and in response, Hurly charged forward, while Marek retreated further, cursing under his breath. Meanwhile, in a separate timeline dominated by towering, lush mountain peaks, a distortion opened in midair and spat out the hound extermination crew. The portal vanished as quickly as it appeared, leaving the infamous group crashing through the thick vegetation, felling a couple of trees in their wake. Despite the rough landing, each member was immediately on alert, scanning their surroundings for threats. ¡°I don¡¯t see it. Anyone else?¡± Zara asked, her bloodshot eyes darting around the peaceful area. ¡°Nothing on my end,¡± Slim and Plume echoed in unison. ¡°Same here,¡± Scott and Ember chimed in. ¡°Um, what exactly are we looking for again?¡± Orion suddenly asked, his voice breaking the tension. The expressions of his companions darkened. ¡°This isn¡¯t the time for jokes,¡± Zara snapped, her tone sharp. ¡°I¡¯m not joking,¡± Orion chuckled, casually taking in their surroundings. ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be the smart one?¡± Plume interjected; she would raise an eyebrow if she had one. ¡°You did see the notification about seven entities crossing timelines, right?¡± Orion nodded. ¡°I did see the notification, but what does that have to¡ªoh?¡± He chuckled as realization hit. ¡°You thought the Calamity of Ice followed us here?¡± He shook his head with another soft chuckle. The group turned to face him, a shared confusion settling in. For the first time, Scott lowered his guard, the same realization dawning on him. ¡°Isn¡¯t that obvious, buddy?¡± Slim chimed in. ¡°There are only six of us here, after all.¡± Orion shook his head. ¡°Technically, that¡¯s incorrect,¡± the mage said, his voice teasing. ¡°Already forgotten someone, have we?¡± Zara, Ember, and Slim exchanged puzzled glances, while Plume stayed vigilant. ¡°He¡¯s talking about Fi-Fi,¡± Scott explained, breaking the silence. Understanding washed over the group, and soon bashful smiles replaced their earlier confusion. The elemental slime had been in hibernation for so long that they¡¯d completely forgotten its presence. Orion chuckled again. ¡°And here I was, thinking something important was hidden from me.¡± He scanned the tranquil surroundings with a slight shake of his head. The others shared thin, embarrassed smiles, each wondering how Fi-Fi would react if it knew it had been forgotten, even if only temporarily. A gentle wind rustled the lush vegetation around them, carrying a sweet, flowery fragrance. The distant echoes of flowing rivers and waterfalls created a serene backdrop. Everything about the place screamed tranquility. ¡°It¡¯s nice not being thrown into danger for once,¡± Slim muttered softly. Zara jabbed him with her elbow. ¡°Don¡¯t jinx it, bonehead,¡± she said, glaring at him. ¡°There¡¯s no telling where exactly we are, though,¡± Ember remarked, surveying the landscape. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like anyone¡¯s been here in a long time.¡± Apart from the damaged trees from their crash landing, the surroundings were pristine and untouched. ¡°That¡¯s not entirely true,¡± Plume murmured absentmindedly, drawing the group¡¯s attention. No one had noticed her moving closer to a tree, her form resting on its bark. ¡°Oh?¡± Orion asked, watching her with curiosity. ¡°Do you have some kind of connection with the trees?¡± ¡°They¡¯re not happy we disturbed them,¡± Plume replied, leaning against the tree. ¡°I¡¯ve apologized on our behalf, and they¡¯re willing to forgive us¡ªas long as we don¡¯t harm any more vegetation on the mountain.¡± The group exchanged glances, but none doubted her words. ¡°Ask them if there are any cities nearby or what kind of people live here,¡± Zara suggested after a pause. Plume was about to respond when a distinct gong echoed through the mountains. The hound extermination crew instinctively looked up as a massive shadow passed over them¡ªa colossal flying ship blocking out the sun. ¡°They said everything in these lands belongs to the Cult of the Crimson Sun,¡± Plume announced quietly. Scott and his companions focused on the ship''s insignia¡ªa radiant sun encircled by ten moons, emblazoned on its sides. Then, a voice boomed from above, echoing across the mountains with a chilling authority. "Bow in the presence of the Dark Moon." Book 3 – Chapter 39: Chaos Across Timelines [4] "Bow in the presence of the Dark Moon." The voice boomed once more, echoing as the massive ship halted its descent, hovering ominously in midair. Its immense shadow blanketed the land below, but the hound extermination crew¡¯s attention was drawn to the five figures floating in the air, all bowing, while a sixth figure, draped in black robes trimmed with silver embroidery, stood at their center. "Just to be certain... you all see this, right?" Slim muttered, craning his head back, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What an odd bunch," Orion said, a faint smile playing on his lips. "But they¡¯re flying," Plume whispered, her gaze darting between the figures. "How is that possible?" "They''re cultivators," Scott said quietly, his tone unreadable. All eyes snapped toward the voidweaver. "Cultivators?" Plume asked, frowning in confusion. "What does that even mean?" Scott didn¡¯t reply, his eyes fixed on the descending group. The masked figures were dressed in pristine white masks devoid of eye or mouth slits, their presence eerily uniform. Yet, it was the figure in black, towering at over ten feet tall, that commanded the most attention. A tiger beastman, his face smeared with vibrant face paints, hovered before them. His eyes were shut, as if basking in the praises of his bowing subordinates. "Bow in the presence of the Dark Moon. All is well in the presence of the Dark Moon. The Dark Moon shall reign supreme along with the Crimson Sun. The Dark Moon¡ª" The chant abruptly stopped as the tiger beastman raised his right hand, silencing his followers. The hound extermination crew tensed, prepared for any confrontation, their bodies coiled like springs. The beastman slowly opened his eyes, revealing glimmering irises, empty of light but filled with an unnerving brilliance. He scanned the group, his gaze sweeping over each member, lingering on no one in particular. Finally, his deep, resonant voice rang out. "You¡¯re the ones with bounties on your heads." "And?" Scott¡¯s reply was cold, his eyes locking with the beastman¡¯s, unflinching. The Dark Moon stared back, his brow furrowing slightly. "Your eyes... they¡¯re filled with baleful qi. It¡¯s no wonder immortals and gods detest you," he said, taking a deliberate step forward. But just as his foot moved, a small, finger-sized hole materialized in the earth, inches from his foot, halting him in his tracks. The beastman¡¯s gaze snapped to Zara, who stood with her arm extended, the source of the attack. His expression darkened in thought. How did she do that? Her qi is just as murky as the one with the broken eyes... in fact, all of them share variations of the same corrupt energy. The frown on the Dark Moon¡¯s face deepened, but his posture remained composed. He was intrigued, if not cautious, of the crew standing before him. ¡°I¡¯ll take that as you not wanting me to approach. Given your circumstances, that¡¯s understandable,¡± the beastman began, his voice low yet firm. His gaze hardened as lights began gathering in his eyes. ¡°But what gives you the right to attack me in such a sacred place?¡± he glared at the hound extermination crew. ¡°I¡¯ve never fought a cultivator before,¡± Orion chuckled softly. ¡°This should be fun. Please, don¡¯t hold back,¡± he added, his excitement barely contained. But just as quickly as the lights appeared in the beastman¡¯s eyes, they vanished. His demeanor shifted back to its previous calm, aloof state. ¡°I¡¯ll say this once,¡± he continued. ¡°The Cult of the Crimson Sun has no interest in the bounties on your heads. We don¡¯t want bounty hunters turning our lands into wastelands, either. We won¡¯t assist, hinder, or expose you. So please, leave,¡± he finished, his voice firm but lacking aggression. The hound extermination crew exchanged uneasy glances. They had anticipated many outcomes¡ªbattle, capture, an elaborate trap¡ªbut not this. To be simply told to leave without pursuit? It was unexpected. Sensing their hesitation, the cultivator pressed on. ¡°There¡¯s no hidden ploy or¡ª¡± ¡°Are you the leader of your cult?¡± Orion interrupted, tilting his head slightly. ¡°What?¡± The beastman¡¯s brows furrowed, his confusion evident. Orion sighed, preparing to clarify. ¡°I said, are you the¡ª¡± ¡°I heard what you said,¡± the beastman cut him off, irritation creeping into his voice. ¡°But why does it matter?¡± ¡°Oh, it matters a great deal,¡± Orion replied, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as his gaze wandered. ¡°If you¡¯re not the leader, you don¡¯t necessarily have the authority to make promises you can¡¯t keep. For all we know, this could be an elaborate ploy¡ªmaybe you¡¯re here to delay us while the rest of your cult¡¯s forces prepare an ambush.¡± ¡°That¡¯s nonsense,¡± the beastman snapped, his tone sharp. ¡°Then prove it.¡± Orion shrugged, still grinning. ¡°Why should we believe you? Whether you¡¯re telling the truth or not, there¡¯s nothing stopping us from wreaking havoc on these sacred grounds you seem to hold so dear. We don¡¯t excel at a lot of things, but causing trouble isn¡¯t one of them,¡± he added, his grin widening as his gaze flickered back to the massive ship overhead. The beastman glared at Orion, but the mage¡¯s attention had already drifted elsewhere. The rest of the crew remained silent, neither speaking nor communicating mentally, waiting for the cultivator¡¯s response. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. The tension hung in the air until the beastman exhaled slowly, his features relaxing. ¡°My name is Daiki, the 41st Dark Moon of the illustrious Cult of the Crimson Sun,¡± he began, taking a step back. ¡°I don¡¯t know what the world is like in your timeline, but here, the Cult of the Crimson Sun is one of seven hegemonies that rules absolutely, at least until the Point of Oneness.¡± Daiki hesitated briefly, his gaze flicking toward the hovering ship before continuing. ¡°While the rewards on your heads are tempting, from both an individual and collective standpoint, they¡¯re not worth the risk. You may not look it, but you must possess abilities that clearly justifies the bounties placed on you. More importantly, if word spreads that you were here, in our sacred mountains...¡± He trailed off, his eyes shifting back toward the ship. His earlier confidence seemed tempered with caution now, as if calculating the consequences of his next words. Daiki took a deep breath, his eyes betraying the conflict within him as he began to speak again. "Should your presence be revealed in our mountains, it will spell disaster for our cult. Our enemies won¡¯t miss the chance to invade, claiming we¡¯ve been harboring you," he explained, his voice more measured now. Scott and the rest of the crew exchanged glances but remained silent. Their attention shifted to Orion, who smiled and stepped forward, stopping just a few paces from Daiki. "Interesting story," he mused, his tone light yet pointed. "Let me guess¡­ something happened to your leader recently?" Daiki¡¯s face tightened for a moment, a flicker of surprise crossing his otherwise controlled expression. Orion¡¯s grin widened, sensing the truth. "Was he poisoned? Injured? Slain?" he continued, his words like arrows finding their mark. The brief narrowing of Daiki¡¯s eyes confirmed what Orion had suspected. Chuckling softly, the mage turned his gaze toward the ship hovering ominously above them. "I can¡¯t believe such a clich¨¦d plot is playing out right in front of me," he muttered, half to himself, stifling a laugh. "What are you on about?" Zara asked, her voice sharp as she communicated mentally. Without looking at her or responding aloud, Orion replied, "Something fatal must¡¯ve happened to their leader, and I¡¯d bet my staff that a successor is on that ship. They¡¯re probably stalling for time to ensure the safe escape of whoever that is." "How in the world do you know that?" Slim blurted out, echoing the unspoken question in everyone¡¯s mind. Orion¡¯s grin deepened. "Because someone activated a teleportation spell earlier. A pretty unique one at that. Problem is, it won¡¯t work with me here. Still, I¡¯m curious to see what else they¡¯ve got up their sleeves." His gaze shifted back to Daiki. "I¡¯ll give you one more chance. Half-truths won¡¯t cut it. If you keep holding back, you and the person you''re protecting are going to find yourselves in a¡­ very uncomfortable position. The ball¡¯s in your court. Don¡¯t miss this shot." Daiki¡¯s mind raced. Does he know about Suni? There''s no way that¡¯s possible¡­ right? He fought the urge to glance at the ship. The formation should have been activated by now. So why haven¡¯t I received a signal? Unease gnawed at him as his eyes flicked back to the smiling mage. His gaze briefly scanned the rest of the hound extermination crew, noticing that all of them were watching him¡ªexcept for Scott, whose intense focus seemed locked on the ship. Daiki¡¯s frown deepened. What is he looking at? His thoughts faltered as he caught sight of the unnaturally dark shadows surrounding Scott. His breath hitched. Are my eyes playing tricks on me? He blinked rapidly, then looked up¡ªand froze in shock. Inky black patches had appeared, swirling around the sides of the ship like a sinister aura. How could they cast such a formation without me noticing? Panic surged through him. I can¡¯t let anything happen to Suni. As Daiki¡¯s gaze lowered back to Orion, the mix of fury and helplessness in his expression was impossible to hide. "I like that look in your eyes," Orion teased, his grin never faltering. "Makes me almost wish you¡¯d try lunging at me." Daiki clenched his fists but didn¡¯t move. His eyes stayed locked on the mage. "I apologize for being rude earlier," he said, his voice low and controlled. "Everything I said was the truth¡­ but I held back on matters concerning the cult. Since you are foreigners from another timeline, I see no harm in telling you more." Orion tilted his head, intrigued, as Daiki continued. "Our leader, the brilliant Crimson Sun, was killed a couple of years ago, and the succession process has been accelerated in his absence. We don¡¯t have time to waste, which is why we need you gone. The cult cannot afford a confrontation, not now." The cultivator returned to his previous position, then continued, ¡°I won¡¯t bore you with the illustrious history of the cult. However, a powerful entity such as ours has accumulated its fair share of enemies over the years. We¡¯ve resisted them, but now and then, some daredevil seeking fame comes along. Unfortunately, this time, our successor was caught in a battle between foreign entities with absurd strength. News of his death hasn¡¯t been made public yet, and the cult is in a rush to appoint a new successor.¡± Daiki paused, gesturing toward the nihilistic portals enveloping the ship. ¡°A candidate for succession is on that vessel. I came voluntarily to ensure she had enough time to escape, should your group turn out to be... radical,¡± he explained. ¡°That¡¯s the truth.¡± ¡°What an interesting tale,¡± Orion muttered, nodding as his thoughts raced. ¡°Has your cult identified the foreigners who killed your leader?¡± Daiki shook his head. ¡°Sadly, it¡¯s a humiliation we continue to endure.¡± ¡°How sure are you that it wasn¡¯t one of the other six sects?¡± Plume interjected. ¡°It couldn¡¯t be,¡± Orion replied. ¡°If it were them, they would¡¯ve wiped out the Crimson Sun entirely. Too much effort for too little gain.¡± ¡°Then it¡¯s likely someone from another timeline,¡± Ember added, crossing her arms. ¡°That seems to be the case,¡± Orion agreed, then turned his focus toward Scott. ¡°How strong is he?¡± he asked mentally. ¡°In terms of combat, I can¡¯t say for sure, but his current level is beneath ours, except for Plume¡¯s,¡± Scott answered without hesitation. Orion sighed. ¡°It¡¯s hard to gauge how powerful their cult leader was with so little data,¡± he muttered privately. While the hound extermination crew deliberated, Daiki¡¯s voice echoed again. ¡°We know for certain that they were foreigners because they escaped through a spatial gateway.¡± The crew¡¯s discussion halted, and all eyes turned to the cultivator, especially Orion. ¡°Oh? How do you know that?¡± he asked. ¡°We examined the souls of the dead left behind,¡± Daiki revealed. Apart from Scott and Orion, the others¡¯ expressions shifted. Slim, in particular, looked intrigued as he stared at the beastman. ¡°What did you find?¡± Orion asked, his curiosity piqued. ¡°As I said, our successor was an unfortunate casualty in the clash between these foreign entities. From the memories of those who observed and perished during the bout, the main culprit was a giant of a man with a disturbing obsession with teeth. Another had the ability to control jewels. The last one... well, he appeared far less remarkable but instilled the greatest fear in the dead, particularly with his ominous yellow eyes,¡± Daiki explained. This time, Scott¡¯s expression darkened, though Orion continued to smile. Although Scott couldn¡¯t identify the first two figures, he was certain the description of the last one pointed to Hurly¡¯s presence in this timeline. ¡°And who were they fighting?¡± Orion asked, eager for more information. ¡°That much we do know,¡± Daiki replied, his features twisted with disgust. ¡°The inheritor of that cursed title¡ªSaki, the first Plague of the South, and the current Eidolon of Envy.¡± Book 3 - Chapter 40: Chaos Across Timelines [5] A palpable silence descended, and the hound extermination crew''s gazes shifted toward Scott, whose expression had hardened. Sensing the odd change in the voidweaver¡¯s demeanor, Daiki fell silent. He observed quietly, stealing glances at the nihilistic blotches obscuring the ship. Scott, however, was lost in thought. My original variant has already crossed the Point of No Return, so whoever Hurly and the others killed must be someone who had previously taken out the variant in this timeline, he speculated. But how the hell did that yellow-eyed freak get here? Could it be a coincidence? Scott dismissed the idea with a shake of his head. He didn¡¯t believe in coincidences, not anymore. Nearly everything he had encountered felt orchestrated by some unseen force, nudging him toward an unfathomable goal. Whether he agreed or not seemed irrelevant. ¡°Are you okay, buddy?¡± Slim¡¯s voice cut through his thoughts over the party channel. Scott looked up at the skeleton. ¡°Yeah, thanks. No point in worrying about things we know so little about.¡± ¡°You¡¯re starting to sound like Orion,¡± Zara teased with a playful smile. ¡°Something¡¯s definitely wrong with you.¡± Orion, Slim, and Scott chuckled, shifting their attention back to Daiki. Orion took a step forward, stroking his chin as his eyes fell on the masked cultivators behind Daiki. ¡°Can you send one of your subordinates over here? I¡¯d like to confirm something,¡± he said with a smile. Daiki¡¯s face tightened, a growing sense of unease welling within him. He couldn¡¯t explain why, but he had the distinct feeling that whoever approached this glasses-wearing human would not return the same. ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Orion asked, noticing the beastman¡¯s hesitation. ¡°I just want to check a few things¡ªit won¡¯t take much of your time,¡± he added, still smiling. ¡°Your eyes and qi tell me otherwise,¡± Daiki retorted. ¡°There¡¯s no telling what you might do to...¡± His words faltered as a staff appeared in Orion¡¯s hand. Is he planning to fight us? Daiki¡¯s heart raced, and he instinctively braced himself for combat. But before he could act, Orion began tapping the ground with the staff, sending subtle tremors through the earth. Then, just as suddenly, the staff vanished, leaving Daiki more confused than alarmed. That¡¯s it? he wondered, glancing back at his subordinates, noting that their qi and physical states were unchanged. Daiki turned his focus back to Orion, about to speak, when he saw the mage extend his right hand. ¡°Alright then, come over,¡± Orion said, beckoning. Who is he talking to? Wait... what? Daiki¡¯s mind froze, but his body began moving forward of its own accord. What sort of wicked technique is this? Panic surged as his legs carried him unwillingly toward Orion. His subordinates remained still, confirming his suspicion that whatever Orion had done earlier had restrained them as well. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Scott suddenly asked in a private channel. Without turning, Orion chuckled. ¡°What I do best¡ªgathering data.¡± ¡°How dare you humiliate me like this?¡± Daiki growled, continuing to walk, his eyes blazing with fury. Yet beneath that fury, fear simmered. ¡°I did ask for your permission to speak with your subordinates, didn¡¯t I?¡± Orion said, grinning. ¡°Since you value them so much, it seems best to get my answers from you instead,¡± the mage added. ¡°You won¡¯t¡­¡± Daiki¡¯s mouth slammed shut, silencing him. He stopped directly in front of Orion, powerless to resist. Orion chuckled softly as Daiki¡¯s body crouched until the mage loomed over him. ¡°No disrespect, my friend. You¡¯re quite tall, you see. Let¡¯s have a nice conversation, alright?¡± Fury burned in Daiki¡¯s eyes, but he could do nothing as Orion placed his index and middle fingers on his forehead. I hate these foreigners¡­ Daiki cursed as darkness slowly crept over his mind. His vision glazed, a calming obscurity caressing his senses, and before long, everything faded into black. With a jolt, Daiki snapped his eyes open, his breath ragged. What was that? he wondered, mind racing with unanswerable questions. He looked around, searching desperately, but there was no trace of the foreigners. The light-devouring shadows were gone, and to his horror, so was the flying ship. His subordinates had vanished too. What in the heavens is going on? Panic swelled within him as his thoughts spiraled. How could everything disappear in just a few seconds? This is absurd¡­ or am I trapped in some kind of illusion? His features twisted with growing dread. Suddenly, the ring on his finger trembled, and before he could react, a feminine voice echoed through his mind. ¡°Daiki! Daiki! Can you hear me?¡± the voice demanded. I¡¯m not imagining this, right? That¡¯s Suni¡¯s voice, he thought, his free hand instinctively touching the jade ring. ¡°My lord, your humble subordinate is here,¡± he replied, his tone submissive. ¡°Where is ¡®here¡¯?¡± Suni retorted, irritation mixed with relief in her voice. What does she mean? Daiki¡¯s brows furrowed. I should be the one asking that, he thought. I haven¡¯t moved, but where has everyone else gone? He scanned the surroundings more closely, and his frown deepened. In his haste, he had overlooked the fact that there were no shattered trees, no footsteps, no signs of anyone¡¯s presence but his own. Wait, where am I? Panic surged again as he glanced around. Without warning, he bolted toward a massive tree, scaling its peak within seconds. ¡°Daiki, where are you?¡± Suni¡¯s voice rang out again, growing more impatient. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Standing atop the towering tree, Daiki opened his mouth but found himself speechless. How did I get here? he thought. Though the surrounding peaks and lush vegetation resembled the sacred mountains of the Cult of the Crimson Sun, an eerie sight met his eyes: a vast expanse of bloody mist stretched endlessly before him, blanketing the valley and everything beyond. ¡°Daiki, are you there?¡± Suni¡¯s voice echoed again, sharper this time. Her irritation was unmistakable. ¡°Where are you?¡± she demanded, her tone brooking no delay. ¡°My lord, I¡­ I¡¯m at the periphery of Bloodmist Valley,¡± Daiki replied, unable to mask the apprehension creeping into his voice. A gasp escaped from the ring, followed by a heavy, palpable silence. After a few tense moments, Suni spoke again. ¡°Make your way back to the cult. Fast! Do not let those old monsters sense your presence,¡± she warned, before the connection cut off. Without hesitation, Daiki leapt to the ground, releasing a burst of speed that tore him away from the ominous mist and deeper into the wilderness, fleeing the cursed valley. Meanwhile, not far from where Daiki had awoken, the hound extermination crew trekked cautiously through the unfamiliar wilderness. Their sharp eyes darted around, alert to every detail of their surroundings. The crimson mist hung heavy in the air, carrying with it a sickly sweet, metallic aftertaste. Occasionally, distant roars echoed through the forest, though the beasts remained unseen. For the most part, an eerie silence reigned over the area. Orion, moving with the curiosity of a child in a candy shop, flitted from one strange piece of vegetation to another, collecting samples with gleeful precision. Despite his fascination with the flora, he never lost track of his companions. ¡°I still don¡¯t get why we had to come to this place,¡± Zara muttered over the party channel, sipping from a water bottle. ¡°Are we even on the right path?¡± she asked, passing the bottle to Ember. ¡°If that tiger¡¯s memories are accurate, then yes,¡± Orion replied, securing another strange insect with a shiny abdomen into a sample vial before tucking it into his inventory. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s you, so I shouldn¡¯t be surprised¡­ but I still can¡¯t believe you can read people¡¯s memories, buddy,¡± Slim chimed in, his gaze wandering aimlessly through the swirling mist. His feet moved steadily forward, though he appeared lost in thought. ¡°How does someone even learn to do something like that?¡± Orion chuckled, collecting another sample. ¡°An inquisitive mind, combined with patience, perseverance, and the right resources, can achieve a surprising number of things. I could teach you, if you¡¯re interested. It¡¯d be fun.¡± Before Slim could respond, Zara cut in. ¡°Okay, before you two bond over memory invasions, can someone remind me why we¡¯re heading to this stronghold again?¡± ¡°The most dangerous place is often the safest,¡± Ember said, glancing at Orion before he could answer. ¡°Especially in peculiar circumstances.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Orion added with a smile. ¡°Given our current situation, stepping into a conventional city in this timeline would be a disaster. But here, in a place with a deadly reputation, we¡¯re safe. Anyone who might come after us would think twice before stepping foot here.¡± Zara sighed. ¡°So that just means¡­ only the crazies will come after us.¡± She swatted away a curious insect, sighing again. ¡°That¡¯s the fun part,¡± Orion whispered with a grin, pocketing another sample. ¡°The biggest problem with our situation is that champions are alerted to our presence as soon as we get within a certain distance,¡± Plume said, her voice heavy with frustration. ¡°The gods have made it nearly impossible for us to find any peace. It¡¯s only a matter of time before we run into someone we shouldn¡¯t, and there will be nothing we can do about it,¡± she grumbled. ¡°Indeed,¡± Orion nodded, thoughtful. ¡°But on the bright side, it¡¯s only a matter of time before I figure out the mechanics behind it. Even the powers of the gods have principles¡ªwhether conventional or unorthodox. We just need enough data.¡± ¡°There you go with¡ª¡± Zara started to reply, but Scott suddenly stopped, halting the group in their tracks. ¡°It¡¯s quiet,¡± Plume commented on the party channel. ¡°Too quiet,¡± Ember added, her tone sharp. The hound extermination crew carefully surveyed their surroundings, but nothing seemed out of place. Then, the sound of footsteps broke the silence¡ªbut instead of coming from a single direction, they echoed from multiple points, as though a group was closing in from all sides. Within moments, rugged figures in fur clothing emerged from the dense foliage. Their eyes gleamed with bloodlust, and the greed on their faces was palpable as they sized up the infamous party. ¡°This is the tenth group to try and take our heads since we entered this valley,¡± Plume muttered on the party channel, readying herself for battle. But before anyone could act, a distant explosion rocked the area, followed by tremors that shook the ground beneath their feet. Curiosity flickered in the eyes of both Scott¡¯s team and the bounty hunters, yet no one moved. Then, a chilling cry pierced the air¡ªa mournful wail, like that of a distressed infant, coming from somewhere far off. The expressions of the bounty hunters instantly shifted from aggression to dread. Without a word, they turned and bolted in the opposite direction, fear driving them to flee with all the speed they could muster. Scott and his companions exchanged bewildered glances. The eerie wailing sounded again, this time closer and more intense. Before they could fully process the situation, screams erupted from the directions the bounty hunters had fled¡ªfollowed by sudden, unsettling silence. Moments later, soft footsteps echoed from multiple directions. The group turned toward the sounds. An old man with flowing white beard and dressed in immaculate, glistening robes emerged from the east, his face serene. From the north, a scarred man wielding a blood-stained sword stepped into view. To the west, identical twin women in purple, slightly revealing robes appeared. And from the south came a plump man perched atop a colossal, wailing turtle. The air between the four cardinal points buzzed with motion as the bushes rustled, followed by the sound of groans and scattered shuffling. Soon, mangled, bloodied corpses stumbled into view, moving with the sluggish gait and determination of the undead. The old man stroked his goatee, smiling warmly. ¡°Amitofuo,¡± he greeted them, his tone calm and amiable. ¡°What brings you to this treacherous forest?¡± Silence hung heavy in the air as Scott and his companions kept their focus on the champions surrounding them, their eyes sharp and ready. The elder¡¯s smile didn¡¯t fade as he continued, ¡°I¡¯m known as Fang Mi Shi,¡± he said, gesturing toward the twins. ¡°These are the Silo sisters,¡± he introduced, before pointing at the rotund man and the turtle at his side. ¡°That¡¯s Big Bao and Wailu,¡± he added. His gaze then shifted to the most bloodthirsty figure in the group. ¡°And this is the successor of the Sword Demon,¡± he finished, paying no mind to the zombies skulking in the shadows. ¡°Now, would you care to introduce yourselves?¡± Fang Mi Shi asked, but silence met his question, as before. His expression remained unbothered, still friendly, as he prepared to speak again. ¡°Let¡¯s not be¡ª¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± one of the twins interrupted, irritation sharp in her voice. ¡°This pointless chatter will get us nowhere,¡± her sister added, echoing her frustration. ¡°Let¡¯s finish this before anyone else catches wind of them,¡± Big Bao chimed in, his voice slurred as if drunk on the finest wine. As his words lingered in the air, the hound extermination crew sprang into action. Zara and Slim turned toward the twins, while Ember set her sights on Big Bao and his wailing turtle. Orion, giggling uncontrollably, removed his glasses and locked eyes with Fang Mi Shi. Scott, however, focused on the Sword Demon¡¯s successor. Only Plume remained still¡ªuntil she suddenly planted her feet firmly into the ground, as if rooting herself like a tree. ¡°I was hoping our encounter wouldn¡¯t come to this, but alas¡­¡± Fang Mi Shi declared while shaking his head. The mangled zombies shrieked, their piercing cries slicing through the thick mist that blanketed the area, and then they charged toward the hound extermination crew. Book 3 - Chapter 41: Chaos Across Timelines [6] Plume, her feet rooted deep into the earth, rapidly transformed into a monstrous tree, towering several times higher than any nearby. In a heartbeat, vibrant flowers bloomed along her branches, and for a brief moment, everyone seemed spellbound by the surreal scene as a rich, fragrant scent filled the air. A breeze swept through, plucking a few flowers from the tree. They drifted lazily, carried by invisible currents, scattering across the area. Before the stunned cultivators and zombies could react, the flowers clustered around the undead, swirling in ominous patterns. While the hound extermination crew remained unfazed, the cultivators eyed the flowers warily. They noticed the blooms swelling rapidly¡ªtoo late. A sudden explosion ripped through the stillness, triggering a chain of blasts that hurled earth, flesh, blood, and dust in every direction. At that very moment, the hound extermination crew engaged their assigned opponents. ¡°My leader, allow me to handle the one with freckles; I¡¯ll leave the other to you,¡± Slim grinned as he slowly unfastened his cufflinks. Zara nodded without a word; her bloodshot eyes locked onto the Silo sisters. The twins were strikingly beautiful, with long black hair tied into ponytails. The elder had freckles scattered across her face like specks of sand, while the younger had flawless skin and cherry-red lips. The elder twin summoned a flurry of talismans from her inventory, which spun around her like a protective barrier. Meanwhile, the younger one drew a silver flute from her inventory. ¡°Uh... on second thought, I¡¯ll take the one with the flute,¡± Slim muttered sheepishly, halting mid-stride. Zara shot a quick glance at the skeleton, barely resisting the urge to smack his bony head, before refocusing on her target. Without warning, she charged toward the elder sister at lightning speed. The cultivator immediately sprinted deeper into the forest; Zara hot on her heels. Slim turned his attention back to the younger twin, a playful grin plastered on his eerie face. ¡°Your sister must really trust you to leave you alone with me,¡± he teased. ¡°I could say the same about your companion abandoning you to me,¡± she retorted. ¡°A wretched creature like you doesn¡¯t deserve to live. Let me put you out of your misery,¡± she taunted, smirking. ¡°Before we begin, let me ask you something,¡± Slim said, loosening his tie and taking a step forward. Shina frowned, but curiosity crept in. What could the skeleton possibly want to ask? ¡°Are you a musician?¡± Slim asked, his grin widening. Shina¡¯s curiosity instantly morphed into irritation, then fury. She raised the flute to her lips. ¡°You¡¯ll find out in the afterlife,¡± she hissed, and began to play. A haunting, melancholic melody poured from the serpent-shaped silver flute. Instantly, the temperature plummeted, and ghostly green flames flickered into existence within the rapidly freezing area. Slim watched intently as specters materialized from the eerie flames, while rotting hands burst through the ground, summoning an army of corpses. ¡°What a lovely tune,¡± Slim remarked, gently bobbing his head to the chilling music. Shina frowned but didn¡¯t let up on the haunting melody of the dead. Within moments, a battalion of corpses and specters, cloaked in greenish flames, heeded her call. Then, abruptly, the music stopped. She grinned, wiping the beads of sweat from her brow, ignoring the constant explosions echoing around her. The other cultivators were out of sight, likely engaged in their own battles. I should end this quickly and join Laqua to finish off that bitch, Shina thought with a smirk, confident that her sister might already have the upper hand. Her gaze locked onto Slim. The skeleton¡¯s earlier smile had vanished, replaced by a cold, simmering anger. Shina''s lips curled into another smirk; her eyes gleaming with mockery. "Where did all that confidence go?" she taunted. ¡°It¡¯s too early to be angry¡ªthis is only the beginning¡ª¡± ¡°I suspend all laws within my domain,¡± Slim interrupted, his voice cold and unnervingly deep. Suddenly, the air filled with the haunting notes of an organ, accompanied by eerie, passionate whispers. Thick black miasma enveloped Slim¡¯s form, and the ground trembled beneath them. Shina stumbled backward, her eyes widening as skeletons clawed their way out of the earth. Singing ghouls, elegantly dressed wraiths, and formless entities embodying death itself materialized in grotesque harmony, towering over the battlefield. The cocoon of miasma around Slim dissolved, revealing him in full regalia¡ªa towering, undead conductor wielding a bone baton. He raised one hand, and the symphony abruptly ceased. Shina stared, frozen in place. Though he appeared to be a mere skeleton in a suit, she knew better. Her trembling blue eyes reflected something far more terrifying¡ªthe overwhelming presence of an all-powerful being. She wanted to speak, but her voice betrayed her, and even the green flames that cloaked her summoned minions flickered as if cowed by the entity before them. "W-what sort of abomination are you?" she stammered; her body paralyzed. Slim¡¯s empty eye sockets swirled with a brilliant grey mist as he smiled, sending a fresh wave of terror through her. ¡°Let me play you a song,¡± he said, his voice a chilling mix of menace and serenity. With a deliberate motion, Slim lowered his baton, and delirious, hypnotic music filled the air. The earth and vegetation visibly withered, shriveling beneath the weight of the song. Shina¡¯s undead minions howled in anguish, the flames enveloping them flaring wildly as though in fear of being snuffed out. Slim moved like a maestro, conducting his spectral orchestra with precision, his hands rising and falling with the tempo of the ghostly choir. Ghoulish screams echoed, but they were drowned by the choir¡¯s passionate lament. One by one, Shina¡¯s summons exploded into a grotesque mess of blood and ash, their remnants absorbed by Slim and his orchestra, leaving only a formless, eerie mass in their wake. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Shina, once brimming with confidence, trembled where she stood, her body shuddering in time with the relentless, ominous melody. What¡¯s happening to me? she thought, her panic rising as she noticed colorful gases escaping from her nose and mouth in thick streams, draining her life force. Her once lustrous hair had turned grey, and her youthful face, once untouched by time, now looked ravaged, with her vibrant skin dried and cracked as though withering away. I have to get out of here. I¡¯ll die if this goes on. But no matter how desperately she willed her body to move, she remained frozen, helpless, as the life slowly drained from her. Slim continued to conduct the eerie choir, their ghostly voices swelling in volume under his direction. Shina¡¯s summoned creatures had long since vanished, their essence¡ªincluding the green flames¡ªabsorbed by Slim and his spectral orchestra. Meanwhile, Shina herself had been reduced to a withered old woman, barely clinging to life. Formless gases seeped continuously from her body, and she was powerless to stop it. With only a shallow breath left, the music ceased. The once-beautiful woman collapsed face-first onto the ground. A skeleton stepped forward, prying the ornate flute¡ªmiraculously untouched by Slim¡¯s performance¡ªfrom her grasp. The skeleton returned to Slim¡¯s side, and, as if on cue, the ghostly orchestra faded into nothingness, leaving Slim back in his usual form. He approached Shina¡¯s crumpled body, nudging her over with his foot. Crouching down, he stared into the face of the once radiant woman, now reduced to the brink of death. ¡°Tell me where you learned the intro to the Hymn of the Dead, and I¡¯ll ensure your soul isn¡¯t eternally condemned,¡± Slim said, his voice cold and commanding. Shina, her eyes locking onto the swirling mist in Slim¡¯s empty sockets, felt tears streak down her withered cheeks. A strange sense of clarity washed over her in her final moments. ¡°Prince of... death,¡± she croaked, her voice fragile. ¡°It was beautiful,¡± she whispered, before the light in her eyes faded away forever. Slim frowned, his gaze hardening as he stared at her lifeless body. She shouldn¡¯t know that name... no one should, he mused, unsettled.
Meanwhile, Zara spat out a taunt, her eyes narrowing as she chased Laqua through the dense forest. "Is running all you''re good at?" Laqua remained silent, ignoring Zara as she darted deeper into the woods. An array of floating talismans hovered around the cultivator, forming a protective barrier. Occasionally, one of the talismans shot toward Zara, but the feline easily dodged each attack with her sharp reflexes. Does this woman ever run out of those things? Zara thought, evading another talisman. The chase had lasted only seconds, but Laqua had already thrown over two dozen talismans her way. And every time, fresh talismans appeared to replace the spent ones. Why does it feel like I''m being led into a trap? Zara wondered; her eyes locked on the cultivator. Suddenly, the sound of a flute echoed through the trees. Huh? Where is that coming from? Zara¡¯s thoughts stalled as she noticed Laqua had stopped running. The feline observed her opponent closely, frowning as the air around the cultivator seemed to shift. "Tired of running, huh?" Zara taunted, her body coiling in preparation for a fight. Laqua swiftly pulled out two talismans. The first burned with a crimson radiance, while the second emitted a glowing amber light as it crumbled to ash. Aga''dz¡¯s strings manifested around Zara, though they remained imperceptible to the naked eye. What are those for? Zara wondered; staring at the talismans as her curiosity piqued. Before she could contemplate further, Laqua surged forward with alarming speed¡ªfar faster than during her retreat. Zara¡¯s pupils dilated as Laqua appeared before her in an instant, her legs wrapped in crimson light, her fists glowing amber as she aimed a strike at Zara¡¯s skull. Ah, I see what¡¯s happening, Zara thought. She¡¯s using those talismans to boost herself. A grin tugged at Zara''s lips as Laqua''s fist came ever closer. Just as Laqua launched her attack, she twisted mid-strike, swiftly dodging to the side. Bullet-sized holes tore through the space she had just vacated. The talisman user sensed an ominous presence watching her, though its source was elusive. This fur creature is dangerous, Laqua thought, frowning. Any mistake could mean instant death. I need to finish this quickly and get to Shina. If that conniving old man or that sword maniac reaches her first... Standing upright, Laqua met Zara¡¯s confident grin with cold determination. ¡°I¡¯ll end this now,¡± she declared, reaching for another talisman. As soon as it burned in her hand, Laqua''s form vanished, along with the floating talismans surrounding her. At that moment, the talismans she had flung toward Zara while fleeing ignited, releasing clouds of thick smoke. Zara''s grin faded as the dense smoke engulfed the area, obscuring the vegetation. The field thickened, and, strangely, Zara¡¯s senses dulled. "Accept your death," Laqua¡¯s voice echoed from behind her. Instead of retreating, Zara charged toward the sound. A sharp bang followed, but the heavy smog concealed what had transpired. "Perceptive, or was that just luck?" Laqua''s voice came again, her tone taunting. Zara, however, frowned deeper. This could become a problem if it drags out. I hate fighting illusionists, she thought, her irritation growing. Looks like I¡¯ve got no choice. Zara let out a heavy sigh, her head tilting unnaturally to the side. Hidden in the smog, Laqua hesitated. What is she doing? Zara¡¯s body slackened, her head jerking from side to side as though something else had taken control of her. The talisman user watched cautiously, but the feline didn¡¯t move, continuing her bizarre head motions, as if searching for something unseen. I can¡¯t waste more time, Laqua thought, but her caution remained. She touched another talisman, igniting it with a flicker of purple miasma that vanished into the mist. Without hesitation, she hurled it toward Zara. The talisman only flew a few inches before it stopped in midair, as though caught by an invisible force. Laqua¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Impossible, she thought, panic creeping into her mind. Zara¡¯s head snapped mechanically in her direction, her eyes locking onto Laqua with unnatural precision. Instinctively, Laqua took a step back, her legs trembling as she met the puppeteer¡¯s gaze. ¡°D-Demon,¡± she stammered, barely able to force the words out. Her hand moved toward another talisman, but it halted midway, her body frozen. Alarms blared in her mind. She shifted her gaze, but Zara had vanished. Before she could process what was happening, a voice rasped behind her, sharp and cruel. "So, this is where you were hiding. I wonder how many of those talismans you can handle." What does she mean? Laqua wondered, dread filling her. Then, she felt it¡ªthin, invisible strings tightening around her body, embedding themselves into her flesh, burrowing deep into her organs. Her limbs moved without her will, reaching for the remaining talismans with inhuman speed and precision. She ignited each one, forcing the burning talismans into her mouth. No... Laqua pleaded silently, tears streaming down her face. One by one, the talismans were consumed, the pile quickly depleting. Still, her hand kept stuffing the burning papers down her throat. Her body began to swell, grotesquely expanding to ten times its size. In the next instant, she exploded, a violent eruption of blood, bone, and flesh mingled with the fragments of burning talismans. The blast cleared the smoke, revealing a massive crater amidst the shattered landscape, vegetation drenched in gore and human remains. Zara, unscathed, was already making her way back to the others. At the same moment, a distant sound carried through the air¡ªthe crackle of lightning and the haunting wail of an infant. Book 3 - Chapter 42: Chaos Across Timelines [7] Orion and Fang Mi Shi stood facing each other, neither speaking, yet both wearing subtle smiles as distant explosions echoed from battles around them. Like Zara and Laqua, the duo had moved far from their original positions, and neither showed any sign of eagerness to engage in combat. Fang Mi Shi stroked his beard thoughtfully, his eyes fixed on the mage before him, seemingly unfazed by the cacophony of explosions and the eerie music resonating in the background. ¡°The techniques your companions wield are quite distinctive,¡± he remarked, breaking the silence. ¡°Tell me, is everyone from your timeline this gifted?¡± Orion simply giggled, tilting his head back as tears of joy streaked down his cheeks. The old cultivator raised an eyebrow, curious. ¡°What¡¯s so funny, my friend? I certainly haven¡¯t said anything amusing,¡± he muttered, waiting for a response. But Orion¡¯s laughter only grew more intense, until it was soundless, his body shaking with mirth. Fang Mi Shi remained composed, his gaze steady on the mage, though it occasionally flickered with each distant explosion. Finally, Orion regained his composure, wiping the tears from his face. ¡°You¡¯ve had your fun, yes?¡± the old man asked, his tone lightly amused. Orion nodded. ¡°I sure did.¡± Fang Mi Shi¡¯s brown eyes gleamed with an eerie light, his smile broadening. This is my victory, he thought, stepping forward confidently. But Orion didn¡¯t move, his body seemingly frozen in place. The elder cultivator approached the mage slowly, stopping just inches from him. He raised a hand toward Orion¡¯s eyes, his fingers curved as if to pluck something from them. Just as his fingers hovered near Orion¡¯s eyeball, the mage suddenly moved. ¡°Boo,¡± Orion whispered, causing Fang Mi Shi to stumble back, his face a mask of shock, surprise, curiosity, and fear. How is this possible? Fang Mi Shi muttered to himself, struggling to regain his composure. How is he able to move? His eyes darted to Orion, who was once again laughing. ¡°You¡¯re wondering why it didn¡¯t work, right?¡± Orion¡¯s voice cut through the air, an obsessive gleam lighting up his eyes as he locked onto the old man. ¡°You¡¯re not so bad yourself,¡± he continued, taking a step forward. Fang Mi Shi instinctively retreated. ¡°It¡¯s too bad you only sent a clone here, though.¡± Fang Mi Shi¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, but the emotion was fleeting. ¡°You knew?¡± he asked. Orion nodded, then opened his mouth, sticking out his tongue. ¡°I also know about the little trick on your tongue,¡± he declared with a sly grin. ¡°I can¡¯t take credit for discovering it, but I¡¯m fascinated by how it works.¡± Orion advanced another step, and Fang Mi Shi stepped back again, his calm facade cracking as fear flickered in his deep-set eyes. How does he know all this? Fang Mi Shi questioned, his thoughts racing. Not a single one of the other cultivators had detected that he was a substitute, yet this foreigner had not only seen through him but also knew about the unique nature of his tongue and its effects. Silently, Fang Mi Shi began calculating his options, his mind working swiftly. At that moment, Orion¡¯s voice drifted into his ears once more, cutting through his thoughts. ¡°Sending a clone to test the waters. Unlike the others, you¡¯re quite clever,¡± Orion began, taking another step forward. ¡°But it¡¯s a shame it¡¯s such an inferior design,¡± he added, shaking his head in disappointment. ¡°Not entirely your fault. Maybe if you¡¯d had more data, done a bit more research¡­ you would have presented something remotely acceptable.¡± Fang Mi Shi frowned, refusing to accept the mage¡¯s condescension. ¡°If you call me an inferior commodity, what is perfection then?¡± he questioned, his voice firm despite the unease gnawing at him. Orion grinned; his eyes gleaming with something darker. ¡°Sentience,¡± he declared. ¡°Such a thing isn¡¯t possible,¡± Fang Mi Shi countered, shaking his head. ¡°If it were, it would be no different from creating life,¡± he reasoned, though there was a note of uncertainty in his voice, his head slightly lowered in thought. Orion¡¯s smile vanished, replaced by an ominous intensity. Just as he prepared to speak, Fang Mi Shi looked up, a flicker of doubt crossing his features. ¡°Is such a thing possible?¡± he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Orion¡¯s tense features relaxed into a thin smile. ¡°You should have started with that. You were so close to¡­¡± he paused, the condescension in his tone unmistakable. Fang Mi Shi instinctively took a step back, an icy chill running down his spine as he sensed the weight behind Orion¡¯s words. There¡¯s no doubting it. He would¡¯ve killed me¡­ he mused. ¡°To answer your question, yes¡ªsuch a thing is indeed possible, because I¡¯ve already attained it,¡± Orion declared, his voice calm but filled with an unsettling certainty. The cultivator¡¯s mouth fell open in shock, and he stumbled forward, his eyes wide with disbelief. ¡°How?¡± he barely managed to ask, his fingers trembling with excitement, curiosity burning in his gaze. Orion chuckled softly; the sound devoid of warmth. ¡°I wasn¡¯t wrong about you,¡± he began, his tone almost playful. ¡°You almost made a fatal error earlier, but I see we share the same cursed yearning,¡± he said, casually leaning against a nearby tree. ¡°I don¡¯t mind sharing the details of my research, but what do you have to offer in return?¡± Fang Mi Shi halted, his expression deep in thought. Could this be a trick? Could he really have the solution I seek? he pondered, his gaze shifting back to the mage, who now seemed languid, almost indifferent. This is an opportunity that might come only once in my lifetime. Doubts are natural, but succumbing to them is the mark of the weak-willed. I must take this risk, he resolved, his mind made up as he continued to approach Orion. ¡°You¡¯ve made your decision, huh?¡± Orion said, smiling once more. ¡°I can smell your determination from here.¡±
A fair distance away from Slim and Shina, Orion and Fang Mi Shi, Zara and Laqua, another pair was locked in a silent confrontation. Scott and the Sword Demon exchanged steely glares, neither bothered by the chaos surrounding them. The voidweaver¡¯s gaze drifted over the cultivator¡¯s status screen, but he quickly lost interest, noting with mild disdain that the crazed-looking man would struggle even against Plume, let alone him. ¡°Take out your weapon,¡± the Sword Demon commanded, his voice rough as he pointed his blood-soaked sword toward Scott. ¡°You¡¯re not powerful enough to make me do that,¡± Scott replied dryly, his gaze cold and impassive. Fury distorted the Sword Demon¡¯s visage, but he didn¡¯t act rashly. He¡¯s just standing there¡ªfull of openings at that¡ªbut why can¡¯t I shake the feeling that I¡¯d die the moment I attack him? Tian Li questioned, taking deep, steady breaths to calm himself. All his senses, honed through countless battles and hours of meditation, screamed at him to flee from the voidweaver. Yet, his greed whispered that he would never have another opportunity to attain the level of status he would receive if he slew Scott and his companions. Anything worth something never comes easy. I am the fourth disciple of the Mad Demon; I will not succumb to fear, Tian Li psyched himself up, his gaze growing heavier as it landed on Scott. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. ¡°It seems like you¡¯ve made your decision,¡± Scott observed, noticing the shift in Tian Li¡¯s eyes. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t regret it,¡± he added, taking a deliberate step forward. Tian Li roared, firming his resolve as his grip tightened around his sword, which visibly exuded copious amounts of bloody qi and physical blood. The Sword Demon assumed his stance, his laser-focused eyes locked on Scott, silently waiting for the voidweaver to enter the range of his attack. All signs of hesitation vanished, leaving only bone-chilling conviction in the cultivator¡¯s movements. He drowned out the cacophony surrounding him¡ªScott¡¯s rhythmic steps, the constant stream of explosions, the crackling of lightning, Wailu¡¯s pitiful cries, and the ominous music that seemed to drain one¡¯s life force. Tian Li focused solely on his breathing, becoming one with his sword. His sword qi, interwoven with formless, bloody qi, created an invisible zone spanning over two hundred feet. It was divided into two distinct layers: a hundred-foot strike zone and a wider hundred-foot detection zone that Scott rapidly approached. In perfect stillness, Tian Li closed his eyes, merging his senses with nature. He could feel the dirt and leaves within the strike zone, the ants scrambling for safety, and the gentle air currents carrying the scent of ash and blood. Yet, the cultivator frowned. Do my ears deceive me? Why can¡¯t I detect his presence? he wondered, unable to sense Scott within the detection zone. Even the voidweaver¡¯s footsteps had vanished, leaving only a chilling sense of emptiness. Giant beads of sweat appeared on Tian Li¡¯s face as he snapped his eyes open. He has barely taken a step. Is this an illusion? His visage twisted in horror, realizing that Scott had fully crossed into his detection zone, yet he couldn¡¯t sense his presence. In a desperate move, Tian Li withdrew a blood-red talisman from his inventory, which combusted as soon as it appeared. Above the ashes, a runic word materialized, and Tian Li¡¯s expression turned to one of dread. He instantly relaxed his stance, his gaze shifting toward Scott. ¡°I do not wish to forfeit my life here,¡± he declared, taking a cautious step backward. Scott remained impassive, observing the cultivator¡¯s growing realization that he was outmatched. Yet, Scott had no intention of letting him leave unscathed. Those who sought trouble would find none of his mercy. As Scott took another step forward, Tian Li¡¯s voice echoed once more, ¡°Wait,¡± he begged, lowering his sword. ¡°I realize that I¡¯ve disrespected you, and it¡¯s only right that I face the consequences¡­ but I beseech you for mercy. Give me a chance to make things right,¡± the cultivator implored, desperation tinging his voice. Scott¡¯s eyes narrowed; his tone cold as ice. ¡°You expect me to let you go because you¡¯ve now realized that you¡¯ve bitten off more than you can chew?¡± ¡°I have no such expectations,¡± Tian Li declared without delay. ¡°I realize and accept that my greed might cost me my life. I¡¯m merely seeking a chance to leave here with my life. That¡¯s all,¡± he stated, his voice firm but devoid of hope. Scott¡¯s brows shot up in mild surprise. Weren¡¯t cultivators supposed to have overbearing pride? he mused. ¡°You don¡¯t have the posture of someone begging¡­¡± Scott barely completed his sentence before Tian Li dropped to the ground, kneeling, and letting go of his sword. ¡°Isn¡¯t this too cowardly of you?¡± Scott probed, watching the cultivator¡¯s swift submission with mild curiosity. ¡°As long as I retain my life, I don¡¯t mind being a coward or suffering even worse humiliation,¡± Tian Li responded, his tone unwavering. Scott glanced at the man¡¯s interface once more, pausing as his eyes focused on the Sword Demon¡¯s quests. This is interesting, his brows shot up again, this time with genuine interest, as he took a step forward. ¡°I¡¯m curious,¡± Scott began, his voice carrying a subtle edge. ¡°Where is your master?¡± ¡°In the stronghold,¡± Tian Li answered immediately. ¡°It¡¯s a day¡¯s journey away from here.¡± ¡°How would he react should he discover this?¡± Scott asked, shortening the distance between them even further. ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± Tian Li replied without hesitation. ¡°My life is my priority,¡± he declared, his voice solemn and resolute. Scott closed the gap even more, his gaze lingering on the kneeling cultivator. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you carried out the mission your master assigned to you?¡± Scott inquired, stopping just two paces away from the Sword Demon. Tian Li¡¯s eyes shuddered for a moment, shock twisting his visage. How could he know about that? he wondered, but he quickly took deep breaths to calm his racing heart. He couldn¡¯t afford to displease the figure standing before him¡ªhe believed that much. ¡°I know that regardless of what I do, death awaits me if you wish it,¡± Tian Li paused, carefully deliberating his next words. ¡°If I¡¯m being honest, I have no intention of being a scapegoat while others prosper from my sacrifice. Should I initiate a transfer between timelines, my master and martial brothers and sisters would know that you¡¯ve bested me, and it will give them ample time to flee. I would much rather we all die together than sacrifice myself for their survival,¡± Tian Li declared, his voice steady despite the underlying tension. Scott, seemingly amused, chuckled softly. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll give you a chance. What can you offer me to spare your life?¡± Tian Li, cautiously and slowly, nudged toward his sword, deliberately slowing his actions so as not to be misconstrued by the voidweaver. ¡°Please take my sword¡ª¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want it. It¡¯s trash,¡± Scott declared solemnly. Scott¡¯s words poured cold water over the flames of hope that had briefly flickered in the cultivator¡¯s mind. Tian Li opened his mouth to speak, but the words died in his throat. His sword was the only thing of value he possessed, but even that failed to catch the voidweaver¡¯s interest. ¡°What was that talisman you used earlier?¡± Scott suddenly asked, his tone neutral but his eyes sharp. ¡°P-Pardon?¡± Tian Li stuttered, meeting Scott¡¯s frown. Realizing his mistake, the cultivator quickly explained, ¡°It¡¯s a fate talisman,¡± he said. ¡°Once lit, one can determine their odds of surviving an imminent battle.¡± ¡°How reliable is it?¡± Scott questioned, suspecting there had to be some deficiencies in the talisman. Tian Li, however, wore a strange expression. ¡°Pardon me, but I don¡¯t understand what you mean by that. A fate talisman is always reliable. I¡¯ve never heard of, let alone seen, an instance where it failed to give an accurate prophecy,¡± Tian Li replied, his voice tinged with confusion. The man¡¯s words piqued Scott¡¯s interest, and the voidweaver laid bare his demand. ¡°I want all the fate talismans in your possession.¡± Tian Li raised his gaze to meet Scott¡¯s. He only wants that and not my sword? He couldn¡¯t make sense of it, but he wasn¡¯t going to argue. Without delay, the cultivator relinquished all ten fate talismans in his inventory, carefully explaining the method of activation to the voidweaver. The kneeling man watched as the items disappeared into Scott¡¯s inventory, and a heavy silence settled between them¡ªa silence that would determine his fate. ¡°I¡¯ll let you live,¡± Scott suddenly declared. Tian Li could barely contain his excitement, readying himself to thank the voidweaver and swear never to cross paths with him again. But before he could speak, Scott¡¯s voice echoed once more. ¡°However, you must make the transfer,¡± he declared. Tian Li¡¯s visage turned ugly. While some champions didn¡¯t mind hopping between timelines, most refrained from doing so since the process arbitrarily sent people to random timelines. Surviving in their original timelines was already challenging¡ªsurviving in a foreign one, with unknown power systems and challenges, was an even more daunting prospect. ¡°Well?¡± Scott asked, his voice carrying a note of impatience. Tian Li closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± he said, opening his eyes to meet Scott¡¯s gaze. Instantly, a golden system notification appeared in front of him. At the same moment, the jade ring on his finger trembled, and an aged voice echoed from within. ¡°What are you doing, Tian Li!¡± the voice bellowed, unable to hide its anxiety. Tian Li ignored the voice, his focus unwavering as he finalized the transfer process. He was under no illusions¡ªhe knew Scott would end his life if he showed the slightest hint of hesitation. Scott watched as the sword cultivator confirmed his intent to proceed with the transfer. ¡°I hope you¡¯ll temper that greed of yours,¡± Scott said. ¡°Whether you live from now on is entirely up to you,¡± he added, turning away from the kneeling man. Tian Li stared at Scott¡¯s back, but there wasn¡¯t the slightest intention to attack. Master and the others will try to kill me as soon as we arrive in the new timeline, he realized. The fate talisman was right after all¡­ begging was the only way to survive this encounter. He took a deep breath, his visage turning serious. No matter what happens from here on, I will survive, he vowed, reaching for his sword. But as his hand touched the hilt, a myriad of timelines flashed before his eyes. A moment later, the portal opened, sucking in the cultivator and leaving no trace of his presence. Scott, on the other hand, noticed Orion approaching from the side. ¡°Are you done on your end?¡± The mage nodded, wearing a thin smile. ¡°We had a fruitful talk, but we have a problem.¡± Scott frowned. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°I think we might have underestimated the lengths to which the gods will go,¡± Orion began. Suddenly, a thunderous roar echoed, followed by a soul-churning scream that reverberated across the area. Scott and Orion turned toward the origin of the scream, watching as Big Bao and Wailu¡¯s charred bodies plummeted to the ground. ¡°You were saying?¡± Scott asked, averting his gaze back to the mage. ¡°Through their various sanctuaries and sponsored candidates, the gods are temporarily conferring titles on champions across the timelines,¡± Orion explained. ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Scott asked, though he could already predict the mage¡¯s next words. ¡°When that process is complete, the level of opponents chasing after us might just become a bit overwhelming,¡± Orion declared. ¡°And that¡¯s not all,¡± he continued. ¡°Apparently, there are rumors that the gods intend to physically manifest the bridge between timelines.¡± Book 3 - Chapter 43: Chaos Across Timelines [8] Scott¡¯s features creased as the charred bodies of the plump cultivator and his pet crashed heavily into the ground. The sizzling cries of lightning faded, and Ember, moving like a bullet, landed a few paces from where Scott and Orion stood. In the blink of an eye, Slim joined them, adjusting his cufflinks with practiced ease, while Plume gradually reverted to her original form. ¡°I don¡¯t like the look on your face, buddy,¡± Slim remarked, his voice tinged with concern. ¡°Please don¡¯t tell me there¡¯s bad news,¡± he added, his gaze scanning the area for Zara. ¡°If my theories are correct, it¡¯s worse,¡± Orion replied, a sardonic smile playing on his lips. Simultaneously, Ember, Slim, and Plume let out resigned sighs. Just then, Zara emerged from the bush path, her eyes lingering on her companions who stood a fair distance away from Big Bao¡¯s and Wailu¡¯s corpses. As expected, they¡¯re all done with their battles, she smiled upon noticing her companions, but her frown quickly disappeared upon studying their expressions. Why do they look so serious, though? she muttered to herself as she silently approached. ¡°Why do you guys look so crestfallen?¡± Zara asked, her gaze shifting to the mangled remains of the zombies scattered across the area. Wasting no time, Slim recounted Orion¡¯s latest discovery to the feline, and her expression instantly turned grim. ¡°B-But, can they really do that?¡± Zara stammered. Orion turned toward her, his gaze steady. ¡°What¡¯s stopping them? I¡¯d do the same,¡± he said matter-of-factly. ¡°But,¡± Zara began, but the words faltered in her throat. She couldn¡¯t muster a decent argument. Even if she had one, they were powerless to act on their thoughts, right or wrong. ¡°So, what do we do now?¡± Ember broke the lingering silence, and instinctively, the champions all turned to Orion. The mage prepared to speak, but a new system notification appeared before them, drawing their attention.
Your rewards for completing the Ranking Games have been determined!
Congratulations! You have received 100,000 Experience Points!
Congratulations! You have leveled up!
Level: 86!
Experience Points: 6,700/8,700
For your outstanding achievement, you have been bequeathed a total essence stone!
You have gained a participation ticket to the grand opening of the next chaos vault!
Note: A participation ticket cannot be traded, destroyed, sold, bought, or abandoned. All ticket holders must compulsorily enter the vault when it opens.
Note: All champions will be forcefully taken to the entrance of the chaos vault at the appointed time, regardless of their current location or timeline. However, champions who have crossed the Point of No Return but wield a participation ticket will have a sentient avatar of their form before they crossed participate in their stead!
Note: The death of a ticket holder will result in the destruction of the ticket within five years. Should the vault open during this period, the ticket will be destroyed instantly!
Several luminous stones appeared before Scott and his companions. Scott, however, focused on Slim and Plume, both encased in contrasting mana cocoons. Slim¡¯s cocoon was thick and black, exuding a baleful aura, while Plume¡¯s was vibrant and thin, emitting a calm, soothing radiance that even the surrounding vegetation responded to. Of all times for a level up. What would happen if we were being ambushed or pursued? Scott thought, his gaze shifting back to the levitating stone. Total essence stone¡­ Scott repeated in his mind as he read through the notifications, noting that no explanation was provided about the gleaming item. He turned to Orion, who was staring curiously at the stone, just as he was. Scott then glanced at Zara and Ember. Like Orion, the feline¡¯s gaze shifted between the stone, the cocoons, and the notifications. Ember, on the other hand, had a look of recognition that Scott couldn¡¯t help but notice. ¡°Does it seem familiar to you?¡± Scott quizzed mentally. Ember nodded. ¡°It is, but I didn¡¯t know it was called a total essence stone,¡± she replied. Scott''s brows shot up. ¡°What do you know it as, and what purpose does it serve?¡± he asked, approaching the dragonkin. Zara and Orion reacted to Scott¡¯s movement, with Zara speaking first. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Did you detect something?¡± she asked, her gaze scanning the area. They couldn¡¯t afford to be caught off guard while Slim and Plume were in their current state. ¡°No,¡± Scott said, stopping a few paces from Ember and gently raising his stone. ¡°It seems Ember might know what this stone can do¡ªor, rather, what purpose it serves.¡± Zara and Orion turned their curious eyes toward the dragonkin, Orion barely restraining himself from rushing over to ask the questions racing through his mind. Meeting their fervent gazes, Ember took a deep breath, brushing aside a loose strand of hair. ¡°Where I grew up, they called this the reformation stone,¡± she began, her voice solemn. ¡°There was only one in my village, and it had mostly lost its luster. According to the elders, those favored by the ruler of the tower would be bequeathed the reformation stone. With it, they could reform their bodies by absorbing the light within.¡± Ember suddenly paused, frowning as she recalled a stray memory. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°I only saw it from afar, so I don¡¯t really know if what they claimed is true or not,¡± she added after a moment. ¡°Why were they so confident that it worked?¡± Orion suddenly asked, drawing all eyes to him. Ember hesitated. ¡°They said¡­ because I¡¯m alive.¡± A heavy silence followed as the champions¡¯ thoughts raced. No one could decipher exactly what she meant, but each had their own theories. Orion chuckled softly, tightening his grip around the glistening stone. ¡°Did they mention anything about its activation?¡± Ember nodded. ¡°It can only be activated when blood touches it, but that doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s bound to whoever spills their blood on it. I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m not entirely sure what¡¯s supposed to happen, but that¡¯s all I know,¡± she explained. Orion¡¯s interest piqued as he prepared to prick his left thumb. ¡°Hey, hold on,¡± Zara chimed in, frowning. ¡°At least wait until those two complete their advancement. We have no idea what will happen to you. We can¡¯t take unnecessary risks. Got that?¡± Orion offered a resigned smile and nodded, tucking the stone back into his inventory. Zara¡¯s tense features relaxed slightly as she also stored her stone, but her senses remained on high alert, constantly scanning the area for potential danger. ¡°You were saying something earlier,¡± Scott suddenly said. ¡°What do you think will happen once the bridges manifest physically?¡± All eyes turned to Orion once more. The mage took a deep breath. ¡°To put it simply: chaos,¡± he declared solemnly. ¡°The random nature of the current method prevents most people from mindlessly hopping between timelines. But with a physical and established pathway, nothing will stop people from traversing timelines¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯m not as smart as you, but I can¡¯t quite figure out what makes it more dangerous,¡± Zara interjected. ¡°Even with an established pathway, I doubt many people would be willing to cross multiple timelines.¡± ¡°You¡¯re looking at it the wrong way,¡± Ember chimed in before Orion could reply. ¡°There¡¯s probably a near-infinite number of timelines. Imagine one person in each of them having the will to traverse timelines. Suddenly, that number isn¡¯t so small.¡± Zara¡¯s features lit up in realization, and then Scott spoke. ¡°The situation will be even more perilous if there are powerful entities with ambitions to conquer multiple timelines. The impending destruction would be unlike anything we¡¯ve ever seen.¡± Orion clapped cheerfully, directing his applause toward Scott and Ember. ¡°That¡¯s just the surface of it. What Scott said is bound to happen¡ªof that, I¡¯m certain,¡± Orion said. ¡°The tower houses countless champions with ambitions that rival ours. As soon as the bridges manifest, a new era will dawn upon the Tower of Champions, and it will be marked by bloodshed and endless wars. But that¡¯s not even the scariest part.¡± He paused, giggling. All eyes locked onto the mage, silently urging him to continue and stop stalling. Orion cleared his throat. ¡°Has any of you thought about what would happen if the gods decided to make every possible floor across the infinite timelines their sanctuary?¡± The expressions of the champions turned grim as the chilling thought settled in their minds. Not only would they have nowhere to seek refuge, but they would also be forced to flee for the rest of their lives. ¡°The only safe havens will be the official trial grounds, but they¡¯re sure to be teeming with the gods¡¯ stooges,¡± Orion said, breaking the silence. ¡°Naturally, this is all under the assumption that every champion would be willing to submit to the gods. But remember, there are countless others out there whose ambitions match ours. They would rather die than become puppets. As the clich¨¦ goes¡ª¡± ¡°The enemy of my enemy is my friend,¡± Scott finished. ¡°Bingo,¡± Orion grinned. ¡°From now on, part of our goal should involve making as many friends as possible.¡± The champions¡¯ countenances remained strained after the mage¡¯s explanation, the weight of their impending reality slowly dawning on them. ¡°The annoying part is that we have no accurate timeline for when this will happen,¡± Zara sighed, her gaze drifting back toward the cocoons. ¡°Then again, it¡¯s not like we¡¯d even know when it happens. The gods or the administrator might not announce it. I wouldn¡¯t if it were me,¡± Ember said, her brows furrowing in thought. ¡°Trust me, we¡¯ll know,¡± Orion declared confidently. ¡°That¡¯s not the kind of thing you can just hide all willy-nilly. There¡¯s bound to be¡­¡± His voice trailed off as his attention drifted toward Scott. The voidweaver had been unusually silent, both mentally and verbally, his focus fixed on the clear skies above. Does he see something up there? Orion wondered, scanning the skies, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Zara and Ember followed suit, their eyes lifting to the heavens. Like Orion, they saw nothing unusual, but their gazes eventually returned to Scott, who remained eerily still. Ember approached cautiously. ¡°Do you see something up there?¡± Scott stayed silent, his eyes seemingly glued to the sky, his expression unreadable. The trio exchanged uneasy glances, their thoughts racing with concern. ¡°Scott, are you there?¡± Zara called out, her voice tinged with worry. But like before, no response came. She moved closer, intending to shake him out of whatever trance he was in, but Orion stepped in her path, shaking his head. ¡°Leave him alone. Something¡¯s happening,¡± he whispered, though the concern in his voice betrayed his attempt to stay calm. It was a rare sight¡ªthe usually unflappable mage showing signs of unease. ¡°Great. Could this day get any worse?¡± Zara sighed, running her fingers through her hair in frustration. She turned her attention to the cocoons, approaching them cautiously. On her fifth step, a sudden chill ran down her spine. She quickly spun back to Scott, noticing that Ember and Orion had also taken a few steps back from the voidweaver. What¡¯s going on? Zara thought, her eyes darting to the pendant on the rustling chains, which seemed to be slowly unfurling, as if preparing for combat. ¡°Scott, are you there? You¡¯re scaring us,¡± Zara called out, dropping into a battle stance, her senses on high alert. For the first time, Scott tore his gaze away from the skies. The expressions of his companions grew even more serious as they noticed the bright, somewhat illusionary flame dancing in his right eye. His pupils resembled countless worlds engulfed in flames. ¡°Get ready for battle,¡± Scott suddenly declared, his voice carrying a weight that made the air feel heavier. ¡°Huh?¡± Zara blurted out, her eyes frantically scanning the surroundings. ¡°Who¡¯s the enemy?¡± Scott raised his hand toward the sky. ¡°I don¡¯t know them, but they¡¯re powerful.¡± Zara, Orion, and Ember looked up again, straining their senses to detect anything unusual. Though they saw nothing, they knew better than to doubt Scott¡¯s instincts. Suddenly, a system notification appeared before them.
The Calamity of Endurance is descending!
Book 3 - Chapter 44: Chaos Across Timelines [9] The champions'' expressions tightened as they subconsciously raised their heads toward the sky. Despite its outward calm, the imminent arrival of a calamity was unmistakably clear, the notification looming over them like a dark cloud. ¡°This is just beyond ridiculously unlucky,¡± Orion muttered, his staff materializing alongside several spheres. Zara and Ember, still watching the heavens, readied themselves for battle. But unlike Scott and Orion, who were fixated on the impending threat, they couldn¡¯t shake their concern for Slim and Plume, who were especially vulnerable in their current state. ¡°We can¡¯t all fight it. We need to protect the others too,¡± Zara reminded, her gaze shifting toward Scott, who held the war hammer of the mad god. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t bring this up if there was an alternative, but can¡¯t we return to Carcosa?¡± she suggested. ¡°It¡¯ll be much safer, and it¡¯s undetectable. We won¡¯t have to worry about Slim or Plume getting killed while we¡¯re fighting.¡± Just as Zara voiced her concerns, Scott manifested his domain. Several portals opened around the voidweaver, but barely a second after appearing, they all vanished, leaving the champions with confused expressions as they stared at him. Scott, however, wore a solemn expression, his gaze locked on the sky. I know this feeling. That creep is here too¡­ A man with flashing yellow eyes flashed through Scott¡¯s mind, and he tightened his grip around his weapon. ¡°That bastard Hurly is here too,¡± he suddenly announced, and his companions¡¯ faces fell. Now they knew they were in serious trouble. ¡°Since when did Calamities and champions team up with each other?¡± Ember asked, her displeasure evident. Before anyone could answer, powerful vibrations, akin to sonic booms, rippled through the clear skies. The figures of two individuals, descending rapidly, revealed themselves. Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on the unfamiliar men, particularly the robust one. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he knew the man, though he couldn¡¯t recall where their paths had crossed. Where¡¯s that yellow-eyed freak? Scott wondered, only able to see the burly man and another with what seemed like diamonds embedded in his face. He couldn¡¯t discern which was the named calamity, but his gut told him that the smiling giant was more dangerous than anyone he¡¯d ever faced. ¡°You guys take Slim and Plume far away from here. I¡¯ll buy you enough time,¡± Scott suddenly declared. ¡°What?¡± Ember blurted out. ¡°I won¡¯t leave you here to face a calamity on your own.¡± ¡°She¡¯s right, Scott,¡± Zara chimed in. ¡°What you¡¯re attempting to do is suicidal,¡± she stressed, turning toward Orion. ¡°Say something. This is the best time to show off that big brain of yours.¡± ¡°Against an opponent capable of negating one¡¯s innate abilities, there¡¯s little you can do, no matter how much you¡¯re prepared for it,¡± Orion replied with a wry smile. But then he continued, his expression brightening. ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean there¡¯s nothing we can do, though. I prepared a little something special for instances like this,¡± he grinned, reaching into his inventory. Before Zara and Ember¡¯s stunned gazes, the spheres and staff vanished, replaced by a sufficiently advanced gatling gun that seemed to hover effortlessly in Orion¡¯s grasp. Scott glanced at the sleek weapon briefly. I should have taken one too. I won¡¯t make the same mistake next time; he thought as he refocused on the falling duo. Wordlessly, Orion aimed the muzzle of the gun toward the descending figures, his finger resting lightly on the trigger. With a bright smile, the mage squeezed gently, and the weapon emitted a low hum as it charged up. Within seconds, the gatling gun unleashed a deafening barrage, spitting out hundreds, if not thousands, of bullets in mere moments. At that same moment, Orion¡¯s form shuddered and split into two, much to Ember and Zara¡¯s discomfort. ¡°We need to protect the others, remember?¡± the clone said with a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about Scott. I¡¯ll make sure nothing happens to him,¡± he added. ¡°But it seems we¡¯ve finally solved the mystery Daiki talked about,¡± he muttered under his breath, recalling what the beastman had said about the mysterious assailants behind the death of the cult¡¯s successor. Although reluctant, neither Zara nor Ember argued. After all, the last time they encountered Hurly, his ability to both negate powers and control emotions had bested everyone but Scott. They couldn¡¯t afford to become liabilities now. Saying nothing further, the trio charged toward the hovering cocoons. Aga¡¯dz Strings wrapped around Slim¡¯s cocoon, while Ember gently coated Plume¡¯s with a thin veil of lightning. Orion¡¯s clone, meanwhile, summoned a staff while holding several spheres¡ªthe kind that could summon legions of the Wutas. However, they needed to get far away from the negating zone affecting them. Wasting no time, the trio sprinted away from Scott and the prime, carrying the cocoons along with them. Meanwhile, Scott and the original Orion, who lingered behind, remained focused as the gatling gun''s monotonous roar continued, the bullets clashing against a thick, diamond-like barrier. As the group split up, Marek broke away from Costa, gliding through the air in pursuit of the fleeing trio. Orion immediately chased after Marek, leaving Scott alone with Costa. The giant of a man crashed into the earth, raising a thick dust cloud as the shock wave felled several trees. A deep crevice formed beneath him as he landed, daggers in hand, with his upper half exposed. A gentle gust dispersed the dust, and Scott and Costa locked gazes. The calamity extricated himself from the crevice, landing a fair distance away from the voidweaver. ¡°I knew I would find you if I was patient enough. I told them I would, but none of them listened. They¡¯re all dead, but here I am, standing in front of you,¡± Costa suddenly declared, barely containing his excitement. Scott, tightening his grip on the war hammer, didn¡¯t fully grasp what Costa was talking about, but he could tell the man was powerful and highly tactical, despite standing in a position that seemed to bait others to attack. ¡°You look exactly like him,¡± Costa continued, as a mason jar suddenly appeared in front of him. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for this day for a long, long time,¡± he said, gesturing toward the jar filled with teeth of various sizes and colors. ¡°It¡¯s yours. Come take it,¡± he beckoned with his daggers. But Scott remained motionless, his gaze briefly flicking toward the jar before focusing back on Costa. The calamity frowned. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you moving?¡± he questioned, his irritation clear. ¡°Isn¡¯t this what you wanted? Or is this not enough?¡± he asked, a hint of understanding dawning on him. ¡°You want more, right? That must be it,¡± he chuckled darkly. ¡°I was silly to think someone like you would be satisfied with just this,¡± he said, waving his hand. Within seconds, over a hundred mason jars, each filled to the brim with teeth from various races, materialized from Costa¡¯s inventory. And it didn¡¯t look like he planned to stop anytime soon. For the first time, Scott¡¯s brows creased. What sort of sick fuck is this guy, and why does he keep acting like he knows me? His mind swirled with questions he didn¡¯t want answers to. Although he vaguely felt like he recognized the calamity, he couldn¡¯t recall where their paths had crossed. None of the humans he had encountered before had ever been as intimidating as the half-naked man. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°I don¡¯t like this,¡± Costa suddenly said, taking a step forward. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡± He gestured toward the grotesque collection. ¡°Isn¡¯t this enough for you? Huh? What more could you want?¡± His features twisted into something hideous as even more mason jars manifested¡ªsome containing unusually large teeth. Scott¡¯s eyes narrowed as he noticed a strange pattern in the jars¡¯ arrangement. While most were clear and see-through, others were emerald-colored, and they were strewn across the ground in a pattern suggesting careful planning. The colored jars were on Scott¡¯s right and Costa¡¯s left, while the clear jars were on Scott¡¯s left and Costa¡¯s right. Where is Hurly hiding? Scott wondered. He must be around here somewhere... Costa took another step forward. ¡°If you look like him, the least you can do is act like him,¡± he snarled. ¡°How am I supposed to satiate the fire within me if all you do is stand there, staring at me like a fucking mute!¡± The calamity roared and exploded forward, unleashing a burst of speed toward Scott. Scott braced himself, summoning several nihilistic portals at once. But as soon as they manifested, they all vanished. Shock twisted Scott¡¯s features. He had been anxiously searching for Hurly, knowing that his ability to negate others¡¯ powers was terrifying. But the fact that Costa could wield the same ability as Hurly surprised him. However, the shock was fleeting. Like vengeful, sentient snakes, the Chains of the Abyss shot toward Costa, attacking from every angle. Costa unleashed a powerful scream, his muscles swelling as he swung his arms. A shockwave ripped through the air, scattering the bloodthirsty chains in different directions. At that moment, dozens of eldritch summons¡ªeach larger and more robust than the calamity¡ªcharged out from a portal, sprinting toward Costa with wanton abandon. The massive fist of the first summon crashed into Costa¡¯s face, shattering it on impact, but the man¡¯s features instantly regenerated as he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood. He adjusted his stance before delivering a brutal slash, severing the arm of the eldritch summon. It roared in agony. The other summons arrived in a flash, unleashing a barrage of fists and kicks, each strike landing with devastating force. The air filled with eerie echoes of searing flesh, breaking bones, and rupturing organs. Yet, with each blow, Costa only spat out more blood, his smile widening as he methodically severed the limbs of his attackers. The calamity wore a maniacal grin, relishing the pain he inflicted on the eldritch beings, basking in their pitiful cries as his body recovered from their brutal onslaught. Amidst the chaotic melee, a blackened field suddenly manifested beneath the area where the battle raged. Costa¡¯s smile brightened as he cast a glance toward Scott, who had distanced himself from the calamity. ¡°How long are you going to keep me waiting?¡± Costa taunted, as another punch landed on his face. This time, the summon''s hand bent at an awkward angle, and it wailed in pain, but even the gruesome injury didn¡¯t deter its determination to inflict pain on the human calamity. Costa, oblivious to the barrage of fists and kicks raining down on him, focused solely on Scott. Despite the onslaught, the calamity remained unmoved, as if rooted to the spot. Only the eldritch summons bore the brunt of the damage, their combined efforts unable to budge the man even an inch. ¡°I said, how long are you going to keep me waiting?¡± Costa roared, delivering a backhand strike that sent one of the summons hurtling into the distance. The remaining creatures froze for a fraction of a second, stunned by the calamity¡¯s sheer power, but their hesitation was brief. They unleashed thunderous roars, determined to bring down the man where he stood. The blackened field beneath them expanded further, but neither Costa nor the summons were swallowed by it. Instead, it drained copious amounts of life force from the man, channeling it toward Scott, who stood a fair distance away. ¡°You look so much like him, yet this is all you amount to?¡± Costa taunted, even as another fist crashed into his jaw, shattering the attacking limb instantly. The calamity had ceased paying attention to the summons; his focus was entirely on Scott. ¡°I¡¯m disappointed,¡± he sneered, and in that instant, his teeth turned a sickly yellow. The blackened energy drain field shattered. Scott¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. That¡¯s Hurly¡¯s ability... but how? Before he could process the thought, Costa appeared in front of him in a flash, muscles bulging as he swung his daggers, intent on cleaving the voidweaver in two. ¡°This is where you show me those abilities of yours, Eidolon of Envy!¡± Costa bellowed, his daggers slicing through the air toward Scott¡¯s neck. A depraved smile spread across his face as he anticipated the satisfying sound of metal tearing through flesh. But the smile quickly faded when he realized what¡ªor rather, who¡ªhe had struck. He swapped places with his summon in a fraction of a second... His abilities are different from the other Eidolon of Envies, Costa mused, turning toward the area where the other summons were gathered¡ªthe same spot where Scott now stood, unharmed and unfazed. Could it be true that he has already crossed the Point of No Return? Doubt crept into Costa¡¯s mind, twisting his features. But he quickly dismissed the thought. No. He must be hiding somewhere¡­ right? His expression reflected the turbulence of his emotions. Meanwhile, Scott, who had used Shadowstep to evade the attack, summoned even more creatures, surrounding the seemingly distracted Calamity. There¡¯s no mistaking it¡ªhis teeth definitely turned yellow earlier, and he was able to negate the drain field. But how is that possible? Scott wondered as he called forth more eldritch beings, who obediently moved to encircle the calamity. This isn¡¯t a fight I can win at my current level. This bastard only seems to get stronger the more he¡¯s beaten down. Just as Scott prepared to command his new creatures to attack, Costa¡¯s voice echoed through the air. ¡°You see all these teeth gathered in front of you, yet there¡¯s no reaction,¡± Costa began, his tone filled with derision. ¡°Now I¡¯m certain you weren¡¯t pretending, because you were never good at it,¡± he said, decapitating a summon that had clawed at his form. ¡°Now that I look at you properly, I don¡¯t see those envious eyes of yours. Instead, your eyes look quite¡­¡± Costa paused, staring intently at Scott¡¯s contrasting pupils. ¡°They still look soulless,¡± he declared, taking a deliberate step forward. ¡°I thought there would be only one of him capable of inciting so much hatred, but it seems I underestimated how vile he and all his variants could be,¡± Costa chuckled darkly. ¡°The man slaughtered all his companions, his family, and even betrayed his own race¡ªall for that thing.¡± Costa¡¯s chuckle deepened, his tongue sliding across his upper teeth as if savoring the memory. ¡°You can¡¯t imagine how happy I was when I discovered the concept of multiple timelines. The possibility of avenging¡­¡± Costa paused, his breath hitching as if recalling a painful memory. ¡°The possibility of inflicting such immense suffering on every possible variant of him. Making them endure so much agony that even he will feel it when he reaches the Point of No Return. He¡¯ll know that I caused him that pain. Yes, me,¡± Costa declared, his voice swelling with pride before turning bitter. ¡°So what if I had to kill millions? He killed far more than that, yet only I was treated like a common criminal. They should have been thanking me! It was me who stood up when others cowered like pigs. It was me who brought a shred of sanity to the world he destroyed, yet they treated me like dirt. Me?¡± Costa¡¯s voice cracked with a mixture of anger and disbelief as he locked eyes with Scott. ¡°I saved them, and this is how they repay me?¡± he spat, and the numerous mason jars trembled as the teeth within them vibrated violently, echoing his rage. ¡°You have no connection to him, that much I can see, and that makes me so fucking angry! Do you think you¡¯re better than the rest of them? Do you think you¡¯re special?¡± Costa¡¯s voice was venomous as he took a deep breath, the jars ceasing their muffled trembling. ¡°I won¡¯t kill you right now. Just as he robbed me of my empire, I¡¯ll rob you of everything you hold sacred. When you¡¯ve lost it all, you¡¯ll become just like him¡­ and just like me,¡± Costa declared, his eyes suddenly shifting eastward. ¡°Marek chased them that way, didn¡¯t he?¡± he muttered to himself. In an instant, dozens upon dozens of eldritch summons charged toward Costa, intent on obliterating him. But Costa merely bared his teeth, which had turned a blinding white. A chilling wind erupted from his position, sweeping out like a tidal wave, instantly freezing the summons where they stood. But Scott was not idle. The area surrounding Costa darkened as several portals manifested around him. Before the calamity could react, a gigantic fist shot out from one of the portals, wrapping around Costa¡¯s body and yanking him inside. The portals vanished as quickly as they appeared. Scott stood still, his gaze fixed on his frozen summons, who were on the verge of shattering. There¡¯s no way that psychopath will be able to¡­ A crisp crack, like breaking glass, interrupted his thoughts. His eyes snapped toward one of the mason jars. What the¡­ A portal had manifested above the jar, and a familiar figure emerged from it, full of smiles, despite being covered in bloody wounds that healed at an unnatural speed. ¡°I not used to these powers yet, because I should have been able to negate those portals of yours,¡± Costa said with a twisted grin. ¡°But I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll master it by the time I¡¯m done with your people,¡± he declared before unleashing a burst of terrifying speed, heading straight toward where the other members of the hound extermination crew had retreated. Book 3 - Chapter 45: Chaos Across Timelines [10] Meanwhile, some distance away from the battle between Scott and Costa, Ember and Zara fled through thick vegetation, carrying the cocoons. The ground trembled under the force of the explosions behind them. Orion¡¯s maniacal laughter echoed, blending with a wheezing, eerie sound, but neither of them dared stop to check the source of the chaos between the mage and the unknown man. ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired of this already?¡± Marek asked, hovering calmly above the ground. His gaze swept over hundreds of Orion¡¯s clones, all trapped within shimmering crystalline barriers. His voice was cold, almost bored. ¡°This isn¡¯t a battle you can win,¡± he said, his eyes narrowing as they focused on one clone in particular. ¡°Let me grant you a swift death. I don¡¯t take pleasure in torturing the weak.¡± In eerie unison, the clones not yet trapped within crystals chuckled, their eyes gleaming with dark amusement as they fixed on Marek. Barely seconds after his words, a dozen clones lifted gatling guns, opening fire with a deafening barrage of bullets. Simultaneously, multicolored magic circles materialized around the clones, some wielding as many as six. The elements responded violently¡ªearth trembled as jagged spikes shot toward Marek, the woody vegetation sprang to life, launching fibrous tentacles, while terrifying cyclones began to form. Thunder rumbled overhead, and lightning crackled as some clones conjured flames, while others took to the sky, levitating like Marek. Yet Marek remained unmoved, his expression unchanged as a crystalline barrier thickened around him. He watched impassively as bullets, elemental attacks, and spells slammed into the barrier, the translucent surface shimmering under the onslaught. This is why I hate fighting fools. Why can¡¯t they see when they¡¯re outmatched? Marek thought with a sigh, lazily swinging his right hand. One of the crystals embedded in his face glowed with a deep crimson light, and in an instant, massive spikes formed on the exterior of his barrier. With a single motion, the spikes launched outward, obliterating the flying clones before they could come close. The projectiles continued their descent, tearing through the artillery units in mere seconds. Marek¡¯s gaze shifted toward the clones controlling the weather. Another crystal shimmered, this time with a silvery sheen. A mercury-like liquid bubbled along the barrier¡¯s surface. With a flick of his wrist, the liquid shot toward the elemental clones. They hastily erected various barriers of fire, water, earth, and wind, but the liquid coated them effortlessly, trapping the clones within its quicksilver embrace. The magic circles winked out of existence, and in an instant, most of the elemental wizards were neutralized. Only a handful of clones remained, standing apart from the destruction, watching with gleeful smiles. They had done nothing since the fight began, and their unsettling stillness was now more unnerving than the attack itself. Their eyes followed Marek with an intensity that made him pause. I really don¡¯t like the way they¡¯re looking at me, Marek thought, a frown deepening on his brow. They¡¯re staring at me like I¡¯m some kind of zoo animal. Another crystal embedded on his face ignited, this one flashing with a rapid strobe of light. Without warning, the crystals trapping the nearby clones exploded in a violent eruption, sending shards flying in all directions. The vegetation within a three-hundred-meter radius was reduced to ash, while those outside the blast zone were riddled with sharp, deadly shrapnel. The clones that had been watching, had also been decimated. ¡°Have you had enough?¡± Marek¡¯s impassive voice cut through the stillness that followed the devastation. He hovered arrogantly, staring at the only patch of untouched land amidst the barren battlefield. There, intricately woven runes shimmered, forming a protective barrier. Inside the barrier, Orion smiled back at him, unfazed. ¡°You have an impressive set of abilities,¡± Orion remarked, clapping slowly as he stepped forward. As he did, the protective barrier dissolved, and instantly, everything that had been destroyed restored itself. The scorched earth, the shattered trees, even the faint footsteps left behind by Ember and Zara reappeared as though nothing had happened. For the first time, Marek¡¯s features betrayed a flicker of surprise, his impassive mask cracking under the weight of disbelief. Is this an illusion? His eyes scanned the battlefield, but the acrid smell of smoke and ash had vanished. The air, now crisp and clear, was devoid of any sign of the chaos that had just unfolded. A crystal on Marek¡¯s face glowed with an azure light as he probed the environment. His frown deepened as he reached the inevitable conclusion. It really isn¡¯t an illusion. His gaze returned to Orion, who stood casually amidst the resurrected landscape. How did he do it? Marek¡¯s mind raced. Why waste energy on restoring the battlefield when he could have attacked me? Orion chuckled, his voice breaking the silence. ¡°Derision naturally gives way to curiosity in the face of uncertainty,¡± he said, stepping closer. Marek¡¯s eyes narrowed, and a wave of crystalline projectiles materialized around him, hovering threateningly. But Orion took another step, unbothered by the warning. Without hesitation, the projectiles launched toward him. Yet, to Marek¡¯s shock, they shattered mid-air, the sound of breaking glass ringing out as they crumbled before reaching their target. Marek blinked, struggling to process what had just happened. He did nothing, yet my crystals¡­ No, no¡­ this can¡¯t be real. Marek¡¯s mind reeled. I must be under some sort of illusion. The azure light in his crystal pulsed again, desperately scanning for the telltale signs of trickery. But the more he searched, the deeper his frown became. ¡°You don¡¯t believe me,¡± Orion said with a soft chuckle, halting his advance. ¡°But your face tells me all I need to know.¡± His smile grew wider. ¡°This is no illusion.¡± Marek hissed through clenched teeth, summoning a fresh onslaught of crystal shards to assault the mage. But as before, the projectiles disintegrated the moment they appeared, collapsing into nothingness before they could even approach him. ¡°It took a bit of time, but I¡¯ve figured out your abilities,¡± Orion continued, his eyes glinting as he met Marek¡¯s bewildered stare. ¡°Now would be a good time to use whatever trump card you have left.¡± Marek¡¯s face twisted in fury. This time, multiple crystals ignited at once. Spiked projectiles and the mercury-like liquid formed, converging on Orion with deadly intent. The liquid engulfed the mage in an instant, while the projectiles tore through the shining fluid toward the encased figure. With a clenched fist, Marek solidified the mercury-like trap around Orion, turning the liquid into an impenetrable prison. Then, massive crystal blocks erupted from the ground, towering over the spot where the mage was trapped. Marek pressed his thumbs together, summoning a colossal barrier that encased the entire region. His crystals flared with flickering lights, and everything within the barrier¡ªcrystals, trees, land¡ªdisintegrated into nothingness. All that remained was a gaping, bottomless void. Marek floated above the chasm, his chest heaving. Surely that did it... he thought, scanning the pit for any sign of Orion. His eyes remained trained on the pit, but all he saw was an abyss of darkness. The destruction had obliterated every sign of life, leaving only the yawning chasm as a grim reminder of the devastation he¡¯d wrought. Figure that out, asshole, he cursed inwardly, rising higher into the air to survey the area once more. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. ¡°Was that it?¡± Orion¡¯s familiar voice suddenly pierced the air, freezing Marek mid-ascent. His gaze flickered around the expanse, but no matter how hard he searched, the elusive mage remained hidden. How did he survive that? Marek¡¯s mind raced, summoning a fresh barrage of projectiles, each tipped with the ominous liquid that pulsed with destructive energy. ¡°Not this again,¡± Orion¡¯s voice echoed, carrying a note of exasperation. ¡°Your abilities are incredible, but sadly, you¡¯re wasting them.¡± Marek sneered, the taunt igniting his temper. ¡°Big talk from someone hiding in the shadows,¡± he shot back, scanning the landscape for the source of the voice. His arsenal grew as more projectiles swirled around him, ready to strike at a moment¡¯s notice. ¡°If I¡¯m so incompetent, why are you hiding like a rat?¡± Marek taunted, but his patience was wearing thin. His eyes darted across the terrain, ever alert for movement. Another sigh floated on the wind from somewhere to the north, and Marek unleashed his projectiles, annihilating the vegetation in a relentless assault. But as the dust settled, there was no trace of Orion. ¡°I despise people who can¡¯t accept when they¡¯re outmatched,¡± Orion¡¯s voice sighed again, now tinged with pity. Marek¡¯s rage boiled over. This fool thinks he can talk to me like that? Crystal shards erupted from his body, covering his elbows, fingers, and spine with jagged, glowing fragments. The sickly yellow crystals shimmered ominously as a barrier materialized around the forest, stretching for miles. Standing atop the barrier, Marek drove a crystal-tipped finger into his chest, watching as his blood dripped onto the translucent surface below. The barrier reacted violently to the blood¡¯s impact, exploding in a thunderous wave that obliterated everything within its bounds. Tens of hundreds of projectiles hovered beside Marek as he descended into the now deeper gorge. ¡°Come on, speak up. Don¡¯t you have anything to say now?¡± His voice echoed through the emptiness, but only silence answered him. His projectiles hovered near the edges of the decimated terrain, ready to obliterate any movement. Fucking coward, he spat, eyes returning to their normal state as he turned westward, toward where Ember and Zara had fled with the cocoons. I should deal with the others before Costa finishes, Marek thought, already preparing his next move. But just as he was about to depart, Orion¡¯s voice rang out again, now closer than before. ¡°Is that really everything you¡¯ve got? It was... alright, I suppose,¡± the mage mused casually. Marek¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. He instinctively moved to launch an attack, but before he could react, Orion¡¯s voice cut through the tension once more. ¡°This is a turn-based fight, my friend. And now... it¡¯s my turn.¡± The sound of breaking glass echoed through the air, and in an instant, all of Marek¡¯s crystals¡ªexcept for the ones adorning his face¡ªshattered into fragments. Marek attempted to move, but his limbs remained frozen, unresponsive to his will. No weight pressed down on him, no visible binds restricted him, yet his body refused to obey. This feeling... it''s just like Hurly¡¯s. A wave of panic washed over him. Can he copy abilities like Costa, too? Questions swirled through his mind as he tried to make sense of the situation. Orion''s survival, after the devastating attacks, had already confounded him, but now Marek found himself paralyzed, just like Hurly''s victims. Fear gripped him. Before Marek could process any further, Orion appeared in front of him, wearing a whimsical smile. The mage¡¯s gaze was curious, as though inspecting a curious specimen, while Marek stared back, defiant despite his helplessness. ¡°How did you do it?¡± Marek managed to croak; his voice strained as he locked eyes with Orion. ¡°Oh? You can still talk? Interesting.¡± Orion¡¯s eyebrows arched with mild surprise. He idly stroked his jawline, considering the situation. ¡°So, what else can you do in this state? Please, enlighten me.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mess with me, you damn lunatic!¡± Marek spat; his bloodshot eyes filled with rage. ¡°How did you survive that? And how in the hell are you able to use Hurly¡¯s ability? Who the hell are you?¡± Orion responded with a mocking grin. ¡°My name is Orion, nice to meet you.¡± His tone dripped with sarcasm as he leaned in closer, inspecting the motionless man. ¡°I don¡¯t quite get your anger. You didn¡¯t factor in this outcome? Didn¡¯t it even cross your mind that one of us might know how to counter your abilities?¡± Orion tilted his head, curious. ¡°Or were you so blinded by arrogance, confident in the fact that you were teamed up with a calamity and someone who could negate powers?¡± Marek opened his mouth to retort but fell silent. He hadn¡¯t anticipated this at all. He had been certain that Costa¡¯s overwhelming power, combined with Hurly¡¯s ability to manipulate emotions, would be more than enough to wipe out the Hound Extermination crew. The thought of losing hadn''t even crossed his mind, even when Hurly had been discarded. As Marek stewed over his miscalculations, Orion continued, his voice cutting through Marek¡¯s thoughts. ¡°I get it¡ªyour arrogance is understandable, given your abilities and companions. But you didn¡¯t even bother to research the abilities of those you came to fight. Maybe if you had known I specialize in sound manipulation, you wouldn¡¯t have been so reckless.¡± Marek¡¯s eyes widened in realization. Sound manipulation? It all made sense now. Orion had shattered the crystals using sound alone. As improbable as it seemed, Marek had witnessed it firsthand. ¡°I¡¯m curious, though.¡± Orion¡¯s voice snapped Marek back to the present. The mage took a step closer, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. ¡°What¡¯s your connection to that Costa variant?¡± Marek¡¯s shock deepened. ¡°How do you know about that?¡± he blurted out before he could stop himself. Orion raised an eyebrow, looking genuinely perplexed. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± he asked casually, pulling a vial from his inventory. ¡°Sure, he looks a little different, but there''s no mistaking him for anyone else. I¡¯d recognize the founder of the Shadow Syndicate anywhere.¡± Without waiting for a response, Orion began collecting hair, skin, and blood samples from Marek, storing them away with deliberate care. ¡°Are you a member of the syndicate too?¡± Orion asked as he finished collecting the samples, his tone casual but with a sharp edge. Marek¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Are you going to let me go if I answer?¡± he asked, his tone defiant. Orion grinned sarcastically. "Come on," he replied, barely holding back a laugh. "Then go fuck yourself. I¡¯m not telling you shit," Marek declared, his voice steady despite the tension. "Kill me and get it over with." Orion shook his head gently, as though humored by the response. "No, no, no. That¡¯s not how this works, my friend," he said, extending his hand slowly toward Marek. "I was just being polite, hoping you¡¯d tell me of your own free will. But whether you like it or not, I¡¯m going to get what I want." His smile twisted slightly. "Forgive me if I sound like some cartoonish villain, but consent is not necessary." A chill raced down Marek''s spine as he watched the approaching hand. Something about those seemingly harmless fingers filled him with dread. He didn¡¯t know why, but he felt certain that if those fingers touched him, he would never be the same. Yet, all he could do was watch helplessly as they drew closer. But just as Orion¡¯s fingers were about to make contact, they paused. His attention shifted, gaze drifting toward the direction where he had left Scott. Huh? Why did he stop? Marek''s mind whirled with confusion. What¡¯s going on? "This could be troublesome," Orion muttered, turning his attention back to Marek. "Looks like we''ll have to continue this conversation another time." Before Marek could react, an overwhelming force crushed down on him, sending him hurtling toward the depths of the massive gorge he had created. The speed was so incomprehensible that within seconds, Marek vanished from sight, swallowed by the canyon below. Orion hovered casually in the air; his expression unbothered. A second later, Costa¡¯s hulking form appeared mere meters from where Orion floated. "Strange," the calamity muttered, scanning the area. "Marek isn¡¯t here¡­ but you are," Costa¡¯s gaze settled on Orion. "Are you going to tell me what happened, or will I have to force it out of you?" "Unfortunately, I¡¯m not much of a talker," Orion said with a sheepish grin. "And we won¡¯t have enough time for that anyway." Costa frowned, unable to make sense of the mage¡¯s cryptic response. Orion, unfazed, pointed toward the depths of the gorge below them. Costa instinctively glanced down. At that moment, hundreds of flashing lights emerged from the valley, casting a sinister glow over the seemingly bottomless expanse below. A low, ominous hum, like the awakening of something ancient and terrible, filled the air. Costa¡¯s teeth turned yellow immediately, his eyes darting between Orion and the source of the lights. But still¡ªnothing happened. He¡¯s not using any ability to fly? Costa¡¯s disbelief grew as the tension mounted. He began to sense something dangerous rising from the gorge. He prepared to move¡­ but found he couldn¡¯t. His body, and Orion¡¯s, were frozen in place, locked in midair. The humming grew louder, joined by an eerie beeping echoing from the depths. "So¡­ it was you who negated our abilities," Orion blurted out, his face contorted in unnatural ways as he struggled to speak. "I wish we had more time to chat, but it¡¯s too¡ª" A blinding crimson laser erupted from the gorge, enveloping both mage and calamity in an instant. The beam tore through the sky like the wrath of an ancient god, annihilating everything in its path. The searing light blazed upward for ten terrifying seconds before dissipating, leaving nothing but a scorched, empty void in its wake. The entire land had seen it¡ªthe day the heavens and the underworld clashed, and two mighty forces were wiped out in a single flash. Book 3 - Chapter 46: Chaos Across Timelines [11] ¡°What the hell happened here?¡± Scott muttered to himself; shock evident in the curious eyes of the voidweaver. He had seen and heard the massive laser display earlier¡ªsomething straight out of an alien invasion movie. Scott lingered at the periphery of the massive gorge, his eyes narrowing as they wandered over the charred landscape. ¡°Are you guys okay?¡± Scott asked mentally, trying to keep his tone calm. ¡°I heard the explosion,¡± Zara responded briskly. ¡°What was that?¡± ¡°Are the two of you safe?¡± Ember added, her voice edged with anxiety. ¡°Slim and Plume haven¡¯t awakened yet, but we¡¯re safe.¡± ¡°I fought with the calamity for a while, but he decided to go after you guys instead. I chased him, and that¡¯s when I heard the explosion,¡± Scott explained, his gaze flicking back toward the unfathomable darkness within the gorge. ¡°Long story short, I can¡¯t see any signs of Orion, the calamity, or the other guy. You should keep moving.¡± ¡°What about you?¡± Zara asked, her concern evident. ¡°We¡¯ve already summoned a few Wutas like Orion instructed. They should give us enough firepower to¡ª¡± ¡°Go to Carcosa,¡± Scott interjected. ¡°I¡¯ll join you soon.¡± A brief silence lingered in the party channel before Ember¡¯s voice broke it. ¡°Don¡¯t be late, and make sure you both return in one piece.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t do something stupid, Scott,¡± Zara added, her voice softer now with concern. Then the channel went quiet. Scott stood at the edge of the gorge, inching closer to the abyss. Did Orion do this? he mused, raising his head to scan the horizon. How long would it take to go around this thing? Maybe I should just use Shadowstep to¡­ He paused mid-thought as a faint, unfamiliar sound filled his ears. He turned to his right. The sound¡ªa muffled, but continuous shuttering noise¡ªechoed faintly, like the rapid clicks of a malfunctioning camera shutter. Scott¡¯s eyes narrowed as he scanned the nearby vegetation, but nothing seemed out of place. Strange. Where the hell is that sound coming from? he pondered, deciding to investigate. He took a few steps toward the source of the sound when Zara¡¯s voice echoed in his ears once more. ¡°We¡¯re pulling back now. Don¡¯t you dare die, okay?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll see you soon,¡± Scott replied, a thin smile curling his lips. The sound grew louder as Scott walked, though nothing visible explained it. Ten minutes later, he had circled a large portion of the gorge¡¯s perimeter. The shuttering noise was louder now, almost as if dozens of cameras were clicking simultaneously. But this time, Scott saw something. What the hell is that? A prism-like distortion, as though reality itself had been torn and twisted, hovered in the air ahead. The strange phenomenon shifted and warped, each twist producing the distinct, rhythmic shuttering echo. Scott stared, transfixed. Despite its bizarre appearance, the distortion radiated no oppressive or ominous energy¡ªjust the relentless sound. He inched closer, his curiosity warring with caution. Is this some remnant of whatever happened here? The voidweaver¡¯s instincts screamed at him to stay alert, yet the distortion seemed eerily neutral¡ªno threat, no aura of danger, just a quiet disruption in the fabric of existence. Scott took another step forward, his gaze locked on the twisting anomaly. He strained to listen, but the shuttering clicks were the only sounds filling the still air. He took another step toward the portal when a voice echoed suddenly, halting him. "I wouldn¡¯t do that if I were you." Scott froze, his head snapping toward a tree several paces away. "You should''ve said something earlier," he muttered, locking gazes with Orion, who was casually perched atop a branch. The mage wore a dry smile. "I¡¯ve always wanted to make a dramatic entrance." Scott sighed, shaking his head. "So, what happened?" he asked, gesturing first to the massive gorge, then to the strange distortion nearby. "Are these your handiwork?" Orion shook his head instantly. "As much as I¡¯d love to take credit, I didn¡¯t do either," he replied, sliding down from the tree like a serpent, his movements fluid yet exhausted. "What happened to the calamity and the other one?" Scott asked mentally, eyes narrowing as he observed the mage. Despite Orion¡¯s pristine, unscathed clothes, his eyes seemed hollow, and his gait was labored, a sharp contrast to his usual poise. "I took care of the guy with the crystals. We won¡¯t have to worry about him anymore," Orion began, adjusting his glasses while summoning several cobalt-blue vials from his inventory. With a swift motion, he emptied them into his mouth, letting out a loud burp before chuckling. "Pardon me," he said, grinning brightly as vigor returned to his steps. The empty vials vanished, and he continued, "As for the calamity, I just borrowed Carcosa¡¯s arsenal to deal with him." "So, he¡¯s dead?" Scott asked sharply. Orion chuckled, shaking his head. "I wish, but no. That¡¯s not nearly enough to kill a calamity." Scott¡¯s eyes flickered toward the gorge again. The laser beam that lit up the skies had been unlike anything he¡¯d seen¡ªa force beyond comprehension. "You¡¯re telling me he survived that?" His voice held disbelief. "Sadly, yes," Orion said, offering a strained smile. "It didn¡¯t kill him, but it definitely damaged him. He won¡¯t be coming after us anytime soon. You did the right thing telling the others to leave, especially with that over there." Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Both men turned toward the strange distortion, its shuttering echoes filling the air with an eerie rhythm. "And do you know what that is?" Scott asked, his tone skeptical. Orion turned, an almost mischievous glint in his eye. "Take a guess." Scott frowned, his gaze darting between the distortion and Orion¡¯s expectant expression. Whatever this thing was, it had been enough for the mage to momentarily ignore his message earlier. Could it be¡­? A thought flashed through Scott¡¯s mind suddenly, and he stared at Orion. As if reading his thoughts, Orion nodded, his smile turning sarcastic. "It¡¯s either that or this place is about to become the sanctuary of a god. But I¡¯m 90% sure it¡¯s the former." Scott¡¯s expression tightened; his gaze locked onto the twisting distortion. It hasn¡¯t even been an hour since we learned about them trying to manifest the bridge physically, and they¡¯re already this far along. His mind raced. Those spiteful assholes can be damn efficient when it comes to screwing us over. Tearing his gaze away from the portal, Scott turned to Orion. "We need to leave. Nothing good comes from watching that thing." Orion nodded slowly. "I agree¡­ and disagree. It''s something I¡¯ve never seen before, so there¡¯s value in documenting it," he remarked before his body suddenly split into two identical copies. The clone gave a nod. "I¡¯ll stay here and observe," it declared, while the original Orion added, "And I¡¯ll return with you." "Sure... let¡¯s move¡ª" Scott barely finished his sentence when a system notification flashed before his eyes.
???
Scott frowned, instinctively glancing toward Orion, who mirrored his confusion. The two shared a wary glance before another notification appeared.
The Council of Gods has lifted the restrictions on the use of the Endless Bridge between timelines!
The message barely registered as both champions moved to flee, but they only managed three steps before freezing in place. For the first time, the relentless shuttering of the portal ceased. The distortion expanded, growing hundreds of times larger until it reached the sky, casting a surreal glow over the landscape. Scott and Orion stood helpless before it as the optical lines within the portal morphed into an ancient, ethereal bridge. It stretched endlessly into a dark abyss, its surface formless yet tangible, with countless stars spiraling around it like grains of sand caught in an infinite current.
The Endless Bridges have surfaced!
Both champions regained control of their bodies, but before they could act, a powerful suction force pulled them into the ancient walkway. Powerless to resist, they were yanked into the swirling expanse, landing hard on a solid, tarred road. The stars above vanished, replaced by towering stone walls that seemed to stretch into eternity. The vast gorge, the vegetation, everything they had known before was gone. Only an endless, empty road lay before and behind them. "This could be a problem," Orion muttered, rising to his feet. Several empty vials appeared between his fingers as he began to gather samples from the chipped road and scratched walls in silence. Scott stood, scanning the area with narrowed eyes. A vast nothingness hung above them, yet somehow, they could see perfectly, though no obvious source of light existed. "Zara, Ember, can you hear me?" Scott called out mentally, but only static answered. His eyes shifted toward Orion, who remained focused on his samples, oblivious to Scott¡¯s unease. Frowning, Scott muttered under his breath, "I suspend all laws within my domain." Nothing. Scott¡¯s brow furrowed further. He flexed his arm, attempting to summon the nihilistic portals, but once again, nothing happened. This place is dangerous¡­ A creeping dread began to settle over him. "Domains are useless, all abilities seem either limited or completely nullified," Orion said calmly, standing up and brushing off his robes. The vials disappeared into his inventory. "Though you can chip off pieces of the walls and road, they¡¯re impossible to break. There¡¯s light and air, yet no visible source. And no exits, at least none that are obvious. Fascinating, don¡¯t you think?" Orion smiled, the excitement of discovery gleaming in his eyes. Scott rolled his eyes, uninterested in the mage¡¯s obsession. For him, getting out of this strange location was the priority¡ªnothing else mattered. ¡°Should we head forward or backward?¡± Scott asked suddenly. ¡°Either way is fine, really. It¡¯s not like we know where we are,¡± Orion replied, shrugging. That¡¯s true, Scott mused. But if that calamity returns soon, it would be best if we¡¯re far away from him. His gaze wandered into the vast, empty sky. ¡°Do you think there¡¯s a top to this place?¡± Orion shook his head. ¡°That, I genuinely can¡¯t say. But I think it¡¯s unlikely. I can¡¯t explain it without sounding like a maniac, but this is a place that shouldn¡¯t exist, yet it does. I haven¡¯t figured out the rules governing it¡ªif there are any at all.¡± Scott nodded, lowering his gaze to the imposing walls around them. The road ahead seemed endless, and the walls were unnervingly high, likely impossible to scale. Moving forward or retreating seemed to be their only options. "I wonder if the same restrictions apply to the others if we manage to emerge in another timeline." ¡°We haven¡¯t received any notifications about it, so it¡¯s safe to assume the others would be teleported to whatever timeline we find ourselves in,¡± Orion reasoned, glancing between the two paths. ¡°So, which way? I¡¯m fine with either.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s move forward,¡± Scott decided quickly. ¡°Hopefully, it¡¯s the right choice.¡± Without saying another word, the voidweaver stepped ahead, with Orion following just behind. Scott led the way, but on his twentieth step, he suddenly vanished into thin air, leaving the mage momentarily stunned. Before Orion could react, Scott reappeared, beckoning him. ¡°I think I¡¯ve found a path,¡± Scott said, disappearing again. Curious, Orion marched forward. As he crossed an almost imperceptible barrier, it felt no different than walking in a straight line¡ªyet a divergent path had presented itself, cutting through the massive road. The walls on this new path were equally towering and foreboding. Orion stepped back and forth between the barrier, vanishing and reappearing several times, biting his fingers in frustration. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Scott asked, watching the mage repeat the strange ritual. ¡°I can¡¯t figure out how this place works, and it¡¯s driving me insane!¡± Orion snapped, biting his fingernails furiously. ¡°There must be a reason this is possible, and I need to understand it. It feels like this entire place was created to mock me.¡± ¡°I get that you always need to know¡ª¡± ¡°Need?¡± Orion interjected; his voice sharp as he whirled toward Scott. He closed the distance between them, gripping Scott¡¯s shoulders with an almost frantic intensity. ¡°It¡¯s not a need, it¡¯s the essence of my existence. This isn¡¯t about wanting answers¡ªwants can be satisfied. This is a need. I need to know.¡± Scott frowned, brushing Orion¡¯s hands off. ¡°Do you really think this is the time for that?¡± he asked, trying to stay calm. ¡°I¡¯m not going to tell you what you can or can¡¯t do, but we need to focus on what we¡¯re doing right now. Do you really want to¡ª¡± Suddenly, heavy footsteps cut him off, echoing ominously through the air. Both champions instinctively turned toward the road ahead, abandoning the distraction of the divergent path. From the nothingness ahead, a massive leg emerged, stepping out as if from a mirror. It was grotesque, shimmering, and unnatural¡ªand worse, there wasn¡¯t just one leg. There were eight. Book 3 - Chapter 47: Warring Race Scott and Orion, their eyes trained on the massive appendages, took in the full presence of the creature before them. A colossal arachnid with strikingly human-like features stood before them, her figure draped in intricate, heavy metal armor, etched with artistic webs. As she emerged, her eight eyes fixated on the fork in the path ahead, her four arms¡ªtwo of which wielded thick, crimson-spears¡ªhanging at her sides, each one armored to match the rest of her form. The creature¡¯s presence was intimidating yet oddly graceful, enhanced by the shimmering jewelry that adorned her neck and chestplate. The towering arachnid¡¯s head subtly tilted as her attention shifted to the two much smaller figures a few paces away. "And you are?" she asked, her voice a rich blend of curiosity and commanding power, yet surprisingly gentle for her size. Before Scott or Orion could respond, a system notification flickered into existence before her eyes, the digital projection bright and unmistakable. The briefest flicker of recognition lit up all eight of her eyes. The moment was tense; even without seeing the message, Scott and Orion could guess its contents. "So, you''re part of the infamous group," the arachnid continued, a trace of amusement threading her voice. She took a deliberate step forward, prompting the duo to instinctively retreat a pace. "Tell me, how did creatures so small manage to upset the gods?" Her smile widened, genuine curiosity gleaming behind her sharp gaze. Scott and Orion exchanged a glance, silently gauging the situation. Despite her imposing size and the bounty they both assumed she''d just seen, the creature hadn''t yet shown hostility. It was a surprise, but neither of them let their guard down. In this unknown realm, they couldn''t afford to. Her smile faded slightly as Scott and Orion remained silent. A crease formed on her otherwise smooth brow, confusion replacing amusement. "Can¡¯t they talk?" she muttered to herself, her gaze shifting between the two. "What a pity. So small, and they can''t even speak." Shaking her head, she mused aloud. "I wonder which path they took. Should I keep going straight?" Just as the massive arachnid began to shift her weight forward, Orion spoke up. "We can talk." The arachnid¡¯s eyes locked onto the mage, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. "Why didn¡¯t you say anything earlier?" she asked, almost sounding reproachful. Before they could answer, she fired another question, her curiosity clearly piqued. "What are you? And how is it possible that you understand my words?" Orion, his expression calm but calculated, responded with a question of his own. "This is your first time meeting a human, isn¡¯t it?" The creature''s head cocked again; her features twisted in confusion. "Human?" she repeated, as if testing the unfamiliar word. "If that¡¯s what you are, then yes, it¡¯s my first time seeing one of your kind. But... how do something as small as you survive in the world?" Her gaze swept over them, a mix of wonder and disbelief clear in her many eyes. Even stacked atop one another five times over, Scott and Orion wouldn¡¯t have reached half the height of the arachnid, let alone her massive spear. The idea that such small beings could exist, let alone draw enough attention to warrant a godly bounty, seemed incomprehensible to her. Orion smiled slightly; his eyes sharp with intrigue. "It would take far too long to explain how," he replied with a shrug, easing back into a more relaxed stance. He gestured casually toward the path they had come from. "We¡¯ve only just arrived from there. Not much to see yet¡ªjust a few feet down the road. This is the first fork we''ve encountered." He paused, his gaze sweeping back toward the arachnid. "What about you? Which way did you come from?" The creature¡¯s eyes flicked toward the path behind her, then back to Scott and Orion, her posture relaxing just slightly as she considered their question. "This is the first time for me too," Slivanya admitted. Her voice was measured but honest. "It seems you were pulled in here the same way I was. This is my first time venturing beyond my territory." Scott, unable to contain his curiosity, suddenly asked, "What are you?" Slivanya¡¯s eight eyes narrowed slightly, scrutinizing him. "What do you mean, what am I? I am Slivanya." There was a subtle irritation in her voice as her eyes flickered between Scott and Orion. "And you... Are you a human too?" Her doubt was evident. While both of them appeared of the same race, something about Scott unnerved her¡ªthe voidweaver¡¯s fractured eye in particular, which seemed to contain entire worlds set ablaze. "I''m Scott," he said curtly, offering no further explanation. "So, one of you is a human, and the other is a Scott," Slivanya said, her tone mildly confused but curious. She crossed her two free arms over her chest. "How many races exist in your timeline?" "Quite a few, to be honest," Orion chimed in, stepping forward with interest. "What about you? What race are you, and what other races exist in your timeline?" Slivanya stood tall, a trace of pride in her voice. "I am a commander of the Eight-Legs, a proud warring race. There are many other races in my timeline, but none so small as you¡ªor with only two legs." Eight-Legs, warring race¡­ Scott mulled over the name as he observed her more closely. Slivanya¡¯s presence was intimidating, yet she hadn¡¯t attacked. Something about her made him wonder if she, like Ember and Orion, had a power level far beyond his comprehension. Orion, however, seemed utterly fascinated. Closing the gap further, he smiled and fired off a barrage of questions. "Can you tell me more about your race? What¡¯s the vegetation like in your timeline? You mentioned a territory¡ªwhat¡¯s that about? What are the ranks within your army? How many¡ª" Scott yanked Orion back before he could continue, ignoring the mage¡¯s confused look. His attention was fixed on Slivanya. "Why aren¡¯t you attacking us?" he asked bluntly. Unlike Orion, Scott didn¡¯t care about Slivanya''s world or its intricacies. What troubled him was her restraint. By all accounts, she should have struck them down the moment she saw the bounty notification. Slivanya''s eyes narrowed, her confusion deepening. "Do you want to be attacked?" she asked. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it "That¡¯s not what I meant," Scott retorted, shaking his head. "You saw the bounty notification, right?" She nodded, and Scott pressed further. "So, are you not interested in the rewards, or are you ignoring it on purpose?" "It¡¯s neither of those," Slivanya replied, her tone matter of fact. "I will not tarnish my name by hunting down creatures as tiny and weak as you. That would be an abuse of my strength." Scott blinked, not entirely expecting her response. Before he could say anything, Slivanya continued, her voice softening slightly. "I have never cared for a two-legged creature before, but if you are willing, I would like to adopt you." A smile spread across her face, her eight eyes glinting with genuine interest. "I can guarantee you will be well taken care of." Scott and Orion exchanged bewildered glances, Orion barely managing to suppress his laughter. ¡°You want to adopt us?¡± Orion repeated, trying to ensure he had heard correctly. Slivanya nodded cheerfully, as though the offer were a great honor bestowed upon the two. Scott started to respond, but Orion, catching on to something, shot him a subtle wink and stopped him. Then, turning his attention back to the massive arachnid, Orion asked, ¡°So, are you adopting us as your children or¡ª¡± Slivanya erupted into laughter, her eight eyes sparkling with amusement. ¡°What nonsense! Why would I adopt a human and a Scott as my children?¡± She could barely finish the sentence, still chuckling. Orion¡¯s brow furrowed in confusion. ¡°Then why adopt us?¡± ¡°As my pets, of course!¡± Slivanya declared with pride. ¡°My territory would be the envy of other commanders once they hear I have two two-legged creatures.¡± Both Scott and Orion exchanged dumbfounded looks, stunned by her response. ¡°Umm¡­ so, how do you plan to deal with the swarm of enemies after our heads if you adopt us?¡± Orion asked, clearly trying to maintain composure. Slivanya¡¯s expression shifted to one of icy resolve. ¡°No one, absolutely no one, has the right to desire what belongs to me. Whoever they may be, they will be dealt with,¡± she vowed, her voice unwavering. ¡°If you choose to follow me, you will be well cared for. I¡¯ll even find you a mate from among your own races when the time comes, and your offspring will also be under my protection.¡± Scott blinked, taken aback by the offer, before asking, ¡°And if we refuse?¡± Slivanya tilted her head slightly, her brow furrowing in confusion. ¡°What do you mean? If you refuse, you refuse. I cannot force my desires upon you.¡± Her perplexity was clear¡ªwhy would they even consider saying no? She couldn''t fathom the kind of lives the voidweaver and the mage had led to ask such a question. Once again, Scott and Orion exchanged silent looks, surprised by her straightforwardness. Of all the things Slivanya had said so far, this was the least expected. After a lingering silence, Orion cleared his throat. ¡°I¡¯m sure being adopted by a proud commander like yourself would be an honor, but unfortunately, we¡¯re not interested,¡± he said diplomatically. Disappointment flickered across Slivanya¡¯s features, though she attempted to mask it. ¡°I understand. I won¡¯t impose myself¡ª¡± she began, but then suddenly stopped mid-sentence, her gaze snapping toward the divergent path ahead. Scott and Orion, sensing the shift, followed her gaze. Scott instinctively reached for the War Hammer of the Mad God, and it morphed into its original form, the chains unfurling. Just as the hammer took form, five arrows hurtled toward Scott, but he effortlessly swatted them aside with a single swing. The heavy thud of approaching footsteps echoed next, indicating a group drawing near, though none had yet revealed themselves. Orion summoned his staff, and Slivanya straightened her posture, her eight eyes focused ahead. The footsteps grew louder, but there were no more projectiles, and the source remained unseen. Moments later, the first figure emerged from the shadows. A towering, beastly man, several feet taller than Scott and Orion, with a body seemingly wrapped in fur as if it were clothing. Mud dripped from his bushy beard, and his face was smeared with a mix of blood, face paint, and other unidentifiable substances. In each of his massive hands, he gripped a crudely crafted but deadly sharp battle ax. His bloodshot eyes locked onto Scott and Orion with primal hunger. More figures appeared behind him, one after another. Soon, over fifty hulking men stood before them, each as fearsome and muscular as the first, if not more so. System notifications appeared in front of each man, but they ignored them, their greed-fueled gazes fixated entirely on their bounty¡ªScott and Orion. Oddly, none of the barbarians paid much attention to Slivanya. A few cast fleeting glances at the champion, but their focus quickly returned to the prize that lay before them. In less than five minutes, over two hundred barbarians emerged from the path. Most were armed with battle axes; some carried bows and arrows, while the rest wielded spears, maces, clubs, or war hammers. ¡°Are they humans or Scotts?¡± Silvanya asked abruptly, her voice slicing through the tension in the air. Orion chuckled softly as he removed his glasses, sending them to his inventory. ¡°That¡¯s not for me to say. They¡¯re new to me too,¡± he replied, observing the savage gleam in the barbarians¡¯ eyes. Although they resembled human males, they were much taller and more muscular, with the sharp teeth and claws of wild beasts. ¡°I do not mean to take advantage of your situation,¡± Silvanya said suddenly, her voice carrying softly but powerfully. ¡°But should you agree to be my pets, I will exterminate this army for you. What do you say?¡± Her gaze shifted from the barbarians to Scott and Orion. For the first time, the barbarians¡¯ attention wavered, their bloodthirsty stares turning toward the massive arachnid. She remained unperturbed. Amidst the silence, one barbarian hurled a massive spear at Silvanya¡¯s head. Yet, she continued focusing on her potential pets, awaiting their response. The spear sliced through the air, its tip igniting in a brilliant azure flame as it barreled toward her skull. The barbarians smiled in anticipation. A sharp clang rang out, like metal striking metal, and the spear shattered upon impact. The barbarians¡¯ eyes widened in disbelief. Orion smiled. ¡°Sadly, we must decline your offer once again. I do hope we can still be friends. What do you think?¡± Silvanya studied the pair silently while the barbarians gawked, fear creeping into their expressions. They had never encountered such a powerful foe¡ªsomeone who didn¡¯t even flinch at their surprise attack. Now they knew Silvanya hadn¡¯t been boasting when she claimed she could annihilate them. Though they couldn¡¯t grasp the full nature of the relationship between the three, the barbarians understood one thing: Scott and Orion had foolishly rejected the champion¡¯s offer. ¡°Right now, neither of you is worthy to be my friend,¡± Silvanya declared, her voice calm but firm. ¡°However, it would be shortsighted to judge you based on your current strength. I can tell you¡¯ve yet to live a full century. While I can¡¯t consider you friends, calling you acquaintances seems appropriate. Who knows, perhaps in the future, you¡¯ll reconsider becoming my pets,¡± she said with pride. Seconds later, two metallic tokens materialized in the air, floating toward Scott and Orion. ¡°These are the emblems of the Silvan territory. Should you find yourselves in my timeline, show them to anyone across the world, and you will be escorted to my domain,¡± she explained. Scott and Orion silently accepted the smooth, glossy tokens, examining the spider insignia etched on their surfaces. ¡°Goodbye, and good luck,¡± Silvanya said suddenly. Without another word, the towering arachnid champion strode past the barbarians, who watched her departure nervously. In moments, she vanished, leaving Scott and Orion once again the focus of the barbarians¡¯ hungry stares. With renewed confidence at Silvanya¡¯s departure, the barbarians raised their weapons, greed filling their eyes.
Champion synchronization complete!
All restrictions have been lifted!
A Challenger with Authority has been detected!
Authority usage is now unrestricted!
The Authority of Madness has awakened!
Book 3 - Chapter 48: Kana Flames ignited within the cracks of Scott¡¯s eye, engulfing the voidweaver in a brilliant flash. Instinctively, Orion and the barbarians took a few steps back, watching as the voidweaver silently writhed in the consuming fire. The War Hammer of the Mad God trembled in sync with the roaring flames, while the Chains of the Abyss¡ªalso engulfed in fire¡ªcoiled around Scott''s form. The barbarians exchanged confused glances. The system notification announcing the lifting of restrictions lingered in the air, ignored by all. Instead, they were fixated on the ominous flames that had appeared from nowhere. To them, Scott had spontaneously combusted, and if it could happen to him, it could happen to them. Orion narrowed his gaze, his mind racing with theories as he watched. These flames... they seem familiar. Surely it can¡¯t be... His thoughts were cut off as the flames around Scott turned a radiant blue, and a gong-like echo reverberated through the area. Orion''s eyes widened in surprise, his mouth opening in disbelief. The inheritance of the Mad God. He¡¯s finally been deemed worthy. He quickly stifled his awe, his attention returning to the barbarians. Now isn¡¯t the time to be amazed. I need to protect him. Nothing can disturb the inheritance¡ªnot these ruffians, nor the minions of those mindless things that will surely come. Orion slammed his staff into the ground, drawing the attention of the barbarians. ¡°Leave now, and I¡¯ll let you live. That¡¯s the only warning you¡¯ll get,¡± he declared, his icy gaze locking onto them. The barbarians tightened their grips on their weapons, their decision made. ¡°Very well,¡± Orion said, slamming the staff down once more. ¡°I warned you!¡± he roared, as seven enormous magical circles¡ªeach spanning hundreds of meters, swirling with runic patterns¡ªencircled the mage, Scott, and the barbarians. ¡°I suspend all laws within my domain,¡± Orion intoned. Reality itself seemed to fracture as the circles shattered, one after the other. At the same moment, Orion¡¯s eyes exploded in a grotesque fashion, while his thickening hair rushed to sew shut his lips, ears, and eyelids. The shattered circles shimmered like stardust. The barbarians, however, were oblivious to the mage¡¯s intentions. To them, he had only made their task easier. Then came the whispers¡ªdisjointed, incoherent, but somehow commanding, inviting and irresistible yet utterly maddening. One by one, the barbarians stood frozen, their eyes vacant, weapons slipping from their hands. ¡°Please... I don¡¯t want to know...¡± one barbarian begged, blood streaking down his nose and eyes. ¡°Make it stop!¡± another roared, his body trembling violently as his muscles bulged unnaturally. ¡°I don¡¯t hear it anymore!¡± ¡°It¡¯s all a lie! Everything is a lie!¡± several others screamed in unison, delirious, as blood poured from their eyes and noses. Those who had dropped their weapons reached for them again, hacking at their own ears with desperate force. Yet the whispers persisted, driving them further into madness. The barbarians hacked at their bodies, anything to silence the voices feeding them otherworldly knowledge. Despite their brutal self-mutilation, life clung stubbornly to them. Death seemed unwilling to interfere with the forces tormenting their souls. Their wailing, like a dirge for the dead, filled the air, as blood poured from their broken bodies. Unbeknownst to them, a complex pattern formed beneath their feet¡ªan intricate blood network taking the shape of a vast magical circle. Moments later, the barbarians, still upright despite their mangled forms, lifted their bloodstained eyes toward the unseen heavens. Chanting in unison, they spoke arcane words as the circle beneath them glowed. Slowly, they began sinking into the bloody pool, their forms vanishing as it congealed into the shape of two ominous eyes. Orion¡¯s hair loosened from his sewn eyelids, and the new pair of eyes filled his empty sockets. He glanced briefly at Scott, who was still receiving the inheritance. Then, a tearing sound echoed through the air, and a figure appeared via a portal¡ªa woman with hair like raging fire, her body gleaming brighter than diamonds. She wore lustrous silver armor intricately etched with patterns, while holding a radiant spear seemingly carved from polished diamond. The figure, her eyes harboring the flicker of madness, focused solely on Scott. She attempted to step out of the portal, but an ancient voice reverberated in her ears. ¡°You have no right to challenge his inheritance! If you choose to interfere, you will not leave unscathed.¡± This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Her gaze shifted toward Orion, noticing his bloodied eyes. Ignoring the warning, she lifted her leg to step out, but the moment her foot crossed the divide, arcane whispers echoed, forcing her to halt and retreat into the portal¡¯s safety. Her expression remained calm, though her eyes gleamed with recognition. ¡°The voice of the void,¡± she said, her tone formal. ¡°You¡¯re an Audeus.¡± She frowned, leveling her spear at Orion. ¡°What right do you have to deny me?¡± Orion remained silent. ¡°You will speak when I¡ª¡± The woman suddenly paused, her gaze shifting to a boatman who had appeared soundlessly beside Orion. ¡°I should have known,¡± she muttered, lowering her spear. ¡°You always have a hand in these things.¡± Her voice grew cold. ¡°Still playing the role of a wily boatman? Is this some retaliation for rejecting your absurd offer?¡± ¡°Kana, breaking the rules won¡¯t end well for you,¡± the boatman replied, his face mostly obscured, though a crooked smile was clearly visible. Kana glared icily but said nothing as she retracted her spear. The portal began to close, and within seconds, she disappeared. The boatman then turned toward Scott who was obscured in chains, observing the blue flames engulfing the ego weapon. ¡°He¡¯s reached the blue flames already... impressive. But it¡¯s not enough.¡± He glanced at Orion. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have used the voice of¡ª¡± ¡°Spare me your lectures,¡± an ancient voice cut in, though Orion¡¯s mouth remained closed. ¡°You, of all people, have no right to speak after what you¡¯ve done.¡± The boatman chuckled softly. ¡°Still holding onto that, I see?¡± ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡± the ancient voice snapped. ¡°Your reckless actions are the reason we¡¯re in this mess.¡± The boatman¡¯s grin faltered. ¡°You never change, do you?¡± His voice became harsher. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t acted, what would have happened? The throne was already lost, and none of you had the guts to do anything about it. I was the one who made the sacrifices to prevent it from being absorbed like the other fallen gods¡¯ thrones.¡± The ground trembled as he spoke, silencing the arcane whispers surrounding them. ¡°And where has your brave sacrifice gotten us?¡± the ancient voice mocked. ¡°We¡¯ve lost nearly all the incarnations, and who knows how many are now under the control of the other gods? Then there¡¯s the issue of the Great Old One. Need I remind you it was your actions that allowed them to gain a foothold here? Is this what you call success?¡± The boatman¡¯s smile faded briefly. ¡°As I said, I have no regrets,¡± he muttered. ¡°It was the only way to ensure at least one incarnation wouldn¡¯t fall to Sibiru¡¯s remnants or the other gods.¡± Orion¡¯s gaze darkened, mockery dancing in his eyes. ¡°Do you even hear yourself? Let¡¯s assume you¡¯re right. Did you account for Hastur¡¯s desires?¡± The boatman began to speak, but suddenly Orion¡¯s nose twitched and fell off his face. A cacophony of thunderous voices erupted all around, but amid the chaos, the ancient voice whispered directly to the boatman. ¡°The Nameless One has taken an interest in him as well. Did you factor that into your calculations?¡± The boatman¡¯s mouth opened slightly as the voices continued to murmur chaotically. ¡°That¡¯s... troubling. I¡¯ll need to make further preparations.¡± ¡°Preparations for what?¡± the voice scoffed. ¡°Now that his presence has been acknowledged, it won¡¯t be long before the Nihilithian are revived.¡± ¡°That cannot be allowed to happen,¡± the boatman declared resolutely. ¡°Once again, you should have listened to me back then,¡± the voice berated, the thunderous whispers fading. ¡°We still don¡¯t know what else your meddling might have caused across the timeline.¡± As the last whisper died, Orion¡¯s nose reformed. This time, the boatman remained silent¡ªbut only for a moment. ¡°Are you suppressing this child¡¯s memories?¡± he abruptly asked, shifting the topic. ¡°That would be pointless,¡± the voice retorted. ¡°If you know who you¡¯re talking about, you wouldn¡¯t ask such a question. It¡¯s like the gods trying to sneak into the tower without the administrator¡¯s permission.¡± ¡°Then you mean... he¡¯s aware of all our plans?¡± the boatman questioned, skepticism lacing his voice. ¡°Do not doubt him,¡± the voice replied, sterner now. ¡°While he is nowhere near us at the peak of our powers, he will surely surpass each and every one of us¡­¡± It paused, then added gravely, ¡°including Arkhontis.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t speak such blasphemous¡ª¡± ¡°He¡¯s already a multidimensional being,¡± the voice cut in, whispering directly into the boatman¡¯s consciousness. The boatman¡¯s mouth fell open, unable to respond. ¡°It¡¯s too soon for shock,¡± the voice continued. ¡°I don¡¯t know how this child came to be, but his existence is terrifying. Yet Arkhontis¡¯ incarnation may be even more dangerous, especially if he continues to accumulate abilities no single entity should wield.¡± The voice quieted momentarily before adding, ¡°I will share the details once they cross the Point of No Return.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting,¡± the boatman replied after a brief pause. ¡°But the longer you let the voice of the void fester, the harder it will be to contain. You know that, right?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t lecture me,¡± the voice snapped. ¡°Do you think Kana and the others will stand by and let him complete the inheritance? It¡¯s only a matter of time before they act. Like I said, don¡¯t underestimate him. Even I have been enlightened by the wonders of his data. If we had someone like him back then, Arkhontis wouldn¡¯t have fallen... but alas.¡± The boatman shifted his gaze between Orion¡¯s restrained form and chains housing Scott, still engulfed in blue flames. ¡°Our era is over. Theirs¡ªif they survive¡ªawaits them.¡± And with that, the boatman vanished. The voice fell silent. Orion remained motionless. The stillness stretched on for several minutes until a ripping sound tore through the whispers. Orion¡¯s gaze followed the noise, and a portal manifested in the distance. Beyond it, countless creatures of various races, clad in silver armor akin to Kana¡¯s, began to march. ¡°Ponder!¡± one creature bellowed. ¡°The empty throne destined for our lord!¡± the masses chanted in unison. ¡°Wonder!¡± the creature roared again. ¡°The grace of the everlasting silver fang!¡± ¡°Bask in!¡± the cry came once more. ¡°The fervor of the king!¡± they responded, their voices rising. ¡°Eternal!¡± the creature shouted, its voice shaking the air. ¡°Is the madness of the throne!¡± the crowd roared together. ¡°Only madness is eternal!¡± Book 3 - Chapter 49: Inheritance [1] ¡°Where am I?¡± Scott muttered to himself, his voice echoing within an unfathomable darkness, devoid of light. This place... it reminds me of the nihilistic zone, but it lacks that gnawing emptiness... Scott glanced at his form. Though he seemed naked, his figure remained obscured, glowing faintly with an ethereal, crimson light. He knew this wasn¡¯t his body, not really. Whatever part of him had been summoned to this mysterious place, it wasn¡¯t his physical self. How did I even get here? Scott wondered, turning to look in all directions. Nothing came into view. "Orion? Are you there?" He called out, both aloud and mentally, but his voice didn¡¯t even echo¡ªit was swallowed whole by the oppressive nothingness. A frown deepened on Scott''s face. The last thing I remember... there were system notifications, and then... I woke up here. He lowered his gaze to his hands. As expected, the chains and pendant were gone. More troubling, he felt as though his connection to the nihilistic zone had been severed, and all his abilities were suppressed. I could have sworn I saw something about the Authority of Madness before all this, Scott thought, brow furrowed. The system message had flashed too briefly for him to read before he was whisked away. Surveying the darkness again, Scott stood still, his glowing form casting the only light in the vast void. The crimson hue surrounding him seemed to pulse softly, but beyond that, there was nothing. "Can anyone hear me?" Scott called again, frustration growing. Silence greeted his mind, and his voice didn¡¯t carry beyond an arm''s reach. Unperturbed but now irritated, Scott took a step forward. At that moment, a massive crimson flame erupted a few paces ahead of him. He narrowed his eyes, noting a pathway within the inferno¡ªa clay road, reddened by the heat of the roaring flames. The hollow tunnel before him was the only distortion in the oppressive darkness. He stepped back, and instantly, the towering flames and pathway vanished. Scott moved in another direction, but nothing happened. He repeated this in all directions, but only that first position triggered the flaming road. Seems I don¡¯t have a choice... Scott grimaced, stepping forward again. The pathway manifested once more, and this time, he didn¡¯t hesitate. With measured, deliberate steps, he walked toward the blistering road. The heat seared the air around him, but Scott remained focused, his face impassive. As soon as his feet touched the road, a sizzle echoed through the space. The flames churned with excitement, forming phantasms who twisted into grotesque shapes. Scott¡¯s body began to burn, the crimson light flickering more intensely as his form seared. Yet he didn¡¯t make a sound, walking gallantly through the inferno, his expression unmoved. The fire phantasms drew closer, laughing mockingly at Scott''s attempt to cross the road alone. ¡°It has been a while since someone came here,¡± a shrill voice whispered. ¡°Look at it. What is it?¡± another voice asked, dripping with curiosity. The phantasms moved closer, fighting amongst themselves to get a better look at Scott. He, too, studied these strange beings, their forms shifting in response to the inferno¡¯s intensity. ¡°Why did it stop?¡± a voice asked. ¡°It must be feeling the heat now,¡± another cackled. ¡°Look at it¡ªstanding there helplessly. It¡¯s trying so hard not to react.¡± ¡°I want it,¡± a lustful voice purred, filled with greed. ¡°Me too!¡± several others roared in unison. The formless beings clashed against each other, intensifying the flames. Heat waves distorted the path ahead, and cracks appeared along the clay road as though it teetered on the brink of destruction, yet it remained intact. What are these things? And why are they acting like I can¡¯t see or hear them? Scott wondered, though his features betrayed nothing. He took another step forward. Suddenly, one of the fire entities slammed into him. Scott staggered back, pain far beyond anything he had ever experienced ripping through every fiber of his being. Laughter erupted from the phantasms, watching gleefully as the assailant slowly peeled itself away from Scott, ensuring it inflicted as much agony as possible. ¡°It¡¯s only a matter of time now,¡± one voice whispered, trembling with excitement. ¡°I wonder who it¡¯ll choose,¡± another voice chimed in, just as excited as the first. Scott, however, gathered his will, forcing himself forward despite his form verging on destruction. His features remained impassive, and though his steps grew labored, his pace stayed resolute. The laughter within the inferno faded as the formless beings watched the voidweaver trudge onward. Then, another entity violently slammed into Scott¡¯s form, halting his progress. ¡°Let us hear your screams!¡± a voice roared from the flames. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Scott steadied himself and took another step forward. Enraged, a dozen entities surged toward him from all directions, crashing into his body with brutal force. His form trembled violently as thick, black fissures appeared, threatening to tear him apart. Agony beyond words, primal and unending¡ªpain that clawed at the core of his soul, verging on the edge of madness¡ªripped through him. Yet, not a single sound escaped his lips, nor did his expression waver. Scott stood firm as the phantasms slowly tore themselves from his form, dragging out the torment as long as possible. Then, he took another step forward. ¡°No, no, no... this isn¡¯t how it¡¯s supposed to go,¡± a voice complained bitterly. ¡°How can we feed if it feels nothing?¡± another voice hissed in frustration. ¡°I won¡¯t accept this!¡± another bellowed. ¡°You will scream. Like the others before you, we will feast on your suffering!¡± A swarm of phantasms, maddened by rage, descended upon Scott from every direction. ¡°You will scream!¡± they cried in unison as they struck him with relentless fury. The onslaught lifted Scott¡¯s trembling form, widening the fissures in his body. The clay road beneath him began to crack, teetering on the brink of collapse. The phantasms squirmed over Scott¡¯s body like living snakes, embedding themselves in him, only to tear free repeatedly, wreaking havoc on his very existence. Then, came Scott¡¯s screams. ¡°That¡¯s it!¡± a voice cried in glee. ¡°More! Give us more!¡± others howled in euphoric frenzy as the flames blazed brighter, basking in their supposed victory. But amidst their celebration, a voice faltered. ¡°It¡¯s empty. Why is it empty?¡± ¡°It¡¯s tasteless,¡± another voice bemoaned. ¡°Why does it taste of nothing?¡± Confusion rippled through the inferno as the phantasms realized their mistake. They listened closer to Scott¡¯s screams, and a strange unease settled over them. His cries weren¡¯t the maddened howls of agony they expected. Instead, they heard something far more chilling¡ªdelirious, maniacal laughter. ¡°You... dare to laugh!¡± The inferno itself seemed to roar in fury at Scott¡¯s defiance. The entire flame storm surged toward him, seeking to obliterate him once and for all. The phantasms, now desperate, tried to flee, but they were too slow. The firestorm consumed Scott¡¯s form, and with a resounding crack, his body exploded into a fiery tempest. For a brief moment, darkness swallowed the road. But only for a moment. The inferno reignited, burning higher than before. This time, the flames were no longer crimson, but a cold, eerie blue. Ghastly wails echoed from its depths. In the center of the flames, where Scott had stood, a formless mass of black hovered, twisting and contorting as it reshaped itself into the voidweaver. His maddened laughter echoed once more, louder than before. The phantasms, now trapped within his form, clawed desperately to escape, but black tendrils entwined around them, drawing them deeper into his body. One by one, the flaming entities were extinguished, their lights snuffed out without a sound. Scott¡¯s laughter faded, his eyes glowing with a dangerous mix of madness and euphoria. Unlike before, the blue flames no longer harmed him; they embraced him. Scott took a step forward. A voice whispered in his ear, seductive and inviting, ¡°Do you seek power?¡± Scott paused, his gaze scanning the area. No new apparitions had formed. The flames flickered in eerie tranquility. He ignored the question and took another step. ¡°Do you seek fame?¡± another voice called out. Scott paid it no mind and continued walking. ¡°Do you seek revenge?¡± a third voice whispered, closer this time. But Scott marched on, unwavering. ¡°What do you seek, Scott Dorsey?¡± a voice suddenly called out, halting his advance. He turned, his gaze locking onto a face¡ªa face he didn¡¯t recognize¡ªmaterializing in the flames. ¡°Do you even know who you are, Scott Dorsey?¡± the face asked, its lips twisting into a crooked smile. ¡°What are you willing to lose, Scott Dorsey?¡± Another face emerged beside it. ¡°Everything you love will die!¡± it declared, its voice heavier, more menacing. ¡°Your ambitions will only lead to your destruction.¡± A third face appeared, echoing the others. ¡°You¡¯ve suffered so much already. Why continue to endure more pain?¡± ¡°Are you content with your aspirations, Scott Dorsey?¡± the first face asked, its voice haunting and cold. ¡°Your existence is meaningless,¡± the second face berated, its crooked lips curling mockingly at the voidweaver. ¡°Your soul yearns for peace. Why must you deny it?¡± the third face chimed in, its voice a hollow whisper against the inferno. Scott¡¯s gaze flickered between the twisted faces, their words filling the silence he maintained. The first face¡¯s recognition of his name caused a brief flicker of surprise in him, but it was fleeting, buried beneath his unyielding resolve. Without a word, he averted his gaze from their grotesque forms, taking yet another step forward. ¡°Even a nonentity like this can make it this far?¡± Scott halted as the new voice, dripping with scorn, echoed in his mind. He instinctively glanced around, yet the faces lingered, still whispering their verbose accusations. But none of them bore the tone of the derisive voice he had just heard. Several more deformed faces had appeared, each spewing their own tirades, yet none carried the same malicious inflection. Unperturbed, Scott pressed onward, his steps cutting through the barrage of voices, until the flames, the clay road, and the cacophony of faces vanished altogether¡ªsuddenly leaving him in the blackened void once more. This time, however, he was not alone. Three beings, each glowing with an ethereal bluish hue like his own, stood before him. Their forms, though cloaked in azure light, bore distinct shapes. The largest of the trio had the towering form of a bipedal ox, its form rippling with otherworldly energy. The other two were unlike anything Scott had ever seen, their proportions shifting, and abstract, mere hints of form compared to the phantasms from earlier. Despite their nebulous shapes, Scott could feel their sentience and knew they had endured the same trials he had. ¡°So, you¡¯re the one deemed worthy of taking part in the inheritance.¡± Scott turned his gaze to the leftmost figure. The scathing voice¡ªhe was certain now¡ªoriginated from it. ¡°There¡¯s nothing remarkable about you,¡± the figure continued, its voice icy with indifference. ¡°Enlighten me¡ªhow many of the whispers did you bond with?¡± Before Scott could respond, the figure on the far right, shrouded in light, spoke. ¡°A dozen at best,¡± it remarked with casual disdain. ¡°Their absence is a sign of¡ª¡± Scott, silent as ever, took another deliberate step forward. In an instant, the trio disappeared, and Scott found himself back on the flaming pathway. This time, however, he was assaulted by a deluge of voices¡ªthousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands¡ªeach demanding answers, each seeking to tear at his mind, unraveling the very essence of his being. To make matters worse, some of the faces began to tear themselves free from the flaming walls, their forms even more grotesque than the phantasms before. They twisted and contorted as they emerged, their monstrous bodies dripping with malice, their eyes gleaming with hunger for his mind, his soul. They bombarded him with questions, their words like daggers aimed at the heart of his consciousness, seeking to shatter his very essence. Book 3 - Chapter 50: Inheritance [2] In an unfathomable void, where the darkness bellowed and surged like a living entity, a lone figure stood radiating a brilliant bluish hue. Scott, unmoving, stared ahead at a gigantic screen that projected images of a burning clay road. Is that me? he wondered, watching the screen intently. Thousands of insidious faces writhed within the flames, struggling to free themselves from the inferno¡¯s binds. He saw a version of himself on the screen, effortlessly annihilating crimson apparitions and exchanging words with other sentient beings, yet none of it made sense to him. Is this an illusion, or are these suppressed memories? Scott¡¯s thoughts raced, but no answers surfaced. He had awoken in the void without warning, and the first thing he¡¯d seen was the massive screen. When he mirrored the actions of the figure in the projection, nothing appeared¡ªno road, no apparitions, no changes. There must be a way out of here, he thought, glancing past the screen. Ignoring the chaotic scenes playing out, Scott turned away and began walking, trudging through the endless darkness. ¡°Can anyone hear me?¡± he called through the party channel, but only silence answered. His expression soured. Damn it... What is this place even supposed to be? The more he wandered, the more questions piled up. Chief among them: Who or what brought me here? I hate not being able to use my abilities, he brooded, scanning the void. Turning back to where he¡¯d left the screen, he froze. Where did it go? His gaze darted around, but the projection had mysteriously vanished. Why did it disappear? he mused, then a stray thought flickered through his mind. If it can disappear, doesn¡¯t that mean I can leave too? There was no logic behind the thought, but he clung to it, nonetheless. Why am I always stuck in places like this? Scott sighed, memories of the nihilistic zone creeping into his mind. But even the current darkness couldn¡¯t compare to it¡ªfor it was an all-consuming nothingness that gnawed at body and soul. Just as he turned again, his eyes widened in surprise. There, right in front of him, stood the massive screen once more, silent and menacing. It had reappeared without a sound. ¡°Why do you run away from what you are?¡± a voice boomed from the depths of the void, cold and powerful. The force of it caused Scott¡¯s luminous form to tremble. ¡°Who said that?¡± Scott demanded, his gaze tearing away from the screen, which now displayed a version of himself battling against a swarm of aberrations. ¡°Show yourself!¡± His voice echoed endlessly into the dark, yet no response came. No figure emerged; no face revealed itself. Still, Scott was certain¡ªhe wasn¡¯t alone here. I hate all this mind-fucking nonsense. Who even was that, and what does he mean by running from who I am? His gaze returned to the silent screen, where the other version of himself struggled against bluish enemies. Their relentless attacks weighed heavily on the projection, even as Scott¡¯s real form stood unharmed. ¡°What do you hope to attain when you don¡¯t even know who you are?¡± the voice thundered again, its echoes shuddering through the void. Scott¡¯s eyes flicked upward, desperately searching for the voice¡¯s source. ¡°Show yourself, damn it! Who are you? Why did you bring me here?¡± Once again, only silence greeted his demands. His fury rising, Scott approached the screen with measured steps, eyes narrowing in frustration. Without hesitation, he swung his fist toward the projection with a ruthless blow. A distinct chime reverberated through the darkness as his fist collided with the thick screen. Ripples spread across its surface, distorting the images of the burning clay road. Even the faces trapped within the flames wavered, as though the entire world within the projection trembled. The version of Scott on the screen paused, confusion crossing his face. The aberrations attacking him ceased their assault, their movements halted as they searched for the unknown threat that had shaken their reality. Back in the void, Scott stared at his fist, then at the screen. Without warning, he slammed his fist into it again. More ripples spread, and the entire projection quivered on the verge of collapse. The burning clay road splintered, the faces contorted in pain, and the very fabric of the scene teetered on destruction. Scott watched his projection scampering frantically across the burning road as the aberrations merged further with the flames, seemingly determined to quell the tremors that threatened their survival. Undeterred, Scott slammed his fists into the screen again and again, unleashing greater distortions within the projection. He found a strange satisfaction in the destruction, watching as the clay road shattered and the towering flames blared wildly in a desperate attempt to preserve themselves. Just as he prepared to unleash another blow, tremors shook the dark expanse around him. He froze mid-strike. What was that? The thought had barely formed when another tremor rocked the void, forcing him to stagger. Scott raised his head, realization dawning on him. No way... could it be? His gaze shifted back to the projection, focusing on the version of himself that had been struck by several falling walls. He raised his head again, and as if on cue, more tremors rippled through the darkness. "Could it be... I''m not the real one?" Scott muttered in a daze, the possibility unsettling.
In another part of the void, Scott now walked along a tiled marble road that emitted an azure glow similar to his own form. He had traversed many of the tiles already, but one in particular stood out. On this tile, as if projected from above, he could see a bluish figure, identical to his own, furiously pounding on what seemed to be a mirror. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. "Can you hear me?" Scott called out, his gaze fixed on the figure, which appeared to be raising its head. There was no response. Scott tapped the tile beneath his foot. "Can you hear me?" he roared, but once again, silence was his only answer. What kind of crazy place have I ended up in? Scott mused, turning his gaze from the figure in the tile. He looked back at the long stretch of bluish tiles he''d crossed so far, noticing crimson tiles faintly visible in the distance, far beyond the sea of blue. Neither Orion nor the others are answering, and my abilities are useless here. Scott sighed. Why do I always end up in places like this? His focus returned to the tile, where the figure had stopped attacking the mirror and was now frantically running away from it. I don''t even know what I''m looking at. Are there others like me, trapped in this place? He debated whether to continue his journey along the winding road. I can''t stop now. I can''t let Orion bear the burden of protecting me... And now that I think about it, I''m always the one needing protection like some damn Disney princess. Scott shook his head, sighing softly. He glanced at the tile one last time, watching the figure sprinting away from the mirror. Guess this guy''s just another trapped soul like me. With that, he took a step forward, quickly crossing hundreds of tiles, though thousands more stretched ahead. He journeyed onward, his mind wandering, only occasionally thinking of the figure he¡¯d seen punching the mirror. The way he reacted to my stomps... it stirred something, but we couldn¡¯t communicate. No point in wasting time on it, he thought, refocusing on the road ahead. The last thing I saw before coming here was something about the Mad God¡¯s inheritance. Is that what this is? His thoughts swirled, unable to determine if this was an illusion or something more. Suddenly, a gloomy voice thundered through the space, interrupting his thoughts. "Lonely... It¡¯s lonely. Is this the solitude you yearn for?" Scott froze, his senses heightening as he searched for the origin of the voice. He turned frantically, but no matter how hard he looked, he found nothing. Damn it! Where is that voice coming from? He instinctively reached for his arm, but the war hammer of the Mad God and the Chains of the Abyss were nowhere to be found. "Why do you resist so much?" the voice boomed again, echoing across the dark road. "Who''s there?" Scott shouted, frustration edging into his voice. "Show yourself!" "Embrace what has already been bestowed upon you. Must you cling so tightly?" Scott''s brow furrowed in confusion. He couldn¡¯t make sense of the voice¡¯s cryptic words. Fan-fucking-tastic. The first thing I hear in this place is some creepy voice spouting nonsense. He waited for a response, but none came. Moments later, he resumed his journey, moving silently along the glowing tiles. On the hundredth step since his last pause, the voice returned, sharper and more aggravated than before. "Why must you cling so desperately to what is of no use to you?" it demanded, irritation palpable in its tone. Scott, equally irritated, ignored the voice¡¯s probing scorn, continuing his aimless trek. Now that I think about it, what would happen if I stepped off the road? The question clung to his mind. He had assumed the glowing crimson road was the natural path to follow, but now curiosity tugged at him, urging him to test the unknown. Without hesitation, Scott walked to the edge of the glowing road and stared into the endless, unfathomable darkness. He lifted his leg and planted it down. Surprisingly, the surface was solid¡ªhe didn¡¯t fall, though the brief thought of plummeting had crossed his mind. Fully stepping off the road, the path vanished behind him, leaving his own glowing form as the only light in the void. He turned back, staring at where the vast road had once been, his mind racing with thoughts. Should I explore this darkness or stick to the path prepared for me? Taking a deep breath, Scott resolved, sometimes you¡¯ve just got to take chances, and stepped further into the darkness, determined to brave the unknown.
Meanwhile, in an unknown space at the farthest reaches of the universe, a grand altar, adorned with intricate ritualistic patterns, hovered in the void. Countless flames flickered above an empty dais, while mirrors swirled around the altar, basking in the warmth of the flames. Every mirror reflected the same image¡ªScott, or at least a version of him, traversing the endless darkness. At the nexus of the spinning mirrors floated another version of Scott, motionless, his eyes closed. Occasionally, his fingers twitched, or his face contorted briefly, and the countless projections of him reacted accordingly. But this Scott remained unconscious, unaware of the world shifting around him. He wasn¡¯t alone. Six entities, beings beyond comprehension, watched the mirrors in silence until one finally spoke. ¡°Such a being shouldn¡¯t exist,¡± the voice thundered through the abyss, laced with frustration. ¡°While others fear, loathe, or succumb to the darkness, he seems indifferent.¡± ¡°And why is that a problem?¡± another voice questioned, calm and unbothered. ¡°An entity incapable of succumbing to madness is unfit to inherit the Authority of Madness.¡± Scoffs echoed through the void, causing ripples across several mirrors. In these mirrors, the various Scotts stumbled, tripped, or suffered minor injuries, yet the unconscious Scott floated peacefully, untouched by their misfortune. ¡°Let us not forget,¡± a different voice interjected, ¡°neither you nor I have the right to judge who is worthy of the throne. There must be a reason the throne deemed him fit to receive the inheritance, just like those before him.¡± Another cooler voice followed, breaking the tension. ¡°Regardless of what we think, our role remains the same¡ªto observe. This is the first time an entity with an identity crisis has been tested. Soon enough, his mind will be broken, and from that madness, he will be reborn. If he¡¯s destined to succeed...¡± the voice trailed off as a soft knock echoed within the void, like one tapping on glass. Among the swirling mirrors, one version of Scott with a delirious smile tapped on the surface of his mirror, as if letting the mysterious watchers know he was aware of their presence. Unlike the other Scotts, who glowed with azure light, this one was drenched in insidious black. His left eye flickered with the Yellow Sign, while his right eye reflected countless worlds engulfed in raging black flames. The blackened Scott knocked again, and this time, the unconscious Scott floating in the void twitched slightly in response. As silence filled the void, interrupted only by the insistent knocks, a nihilistic portal opened within the abyss. The Scott in the mirror, now frantic, banged harder, desperately trying to rouse the sleeping voidweaver from his slumber. Another Scott emerged from the nihilistic portal¡ªwhole, complete, unlike the slumbering Scott or the projections scattered across the mirrors. He stood tall, fully there. Scott stared at his own sleeping form, confusion gnawing at him. ¡°Where the hell is this place?¡± he muttered to himself. The knocking grew louder, and Scott noticed the insidious version of himself glaring from the mirror, mouthing words he couldn¡¯t hear or understand. He averted his gaze from the mirror and looked down at his arm, noticing the absence of the chain and pendant. He didn¡¯t dwell on their disappearance, though. Instead, he slapped his slumbering form on the head, despite the visible disapproval of the blackened version in the projections. Without opening his eyes, the sleeping Scott spoke in a voice eerily similar to his own. ¡°Your existence has forgotten what it means to know madness.¡± Before Scott could react, the sleeping version stood upright, grasping Scott''s hands, his eyes still closed. The mirrors stirred violently, a chorus of sickening howls filling the void. ¡°Allow me to remind you,¡± the slumbering Scott whispered, his voice cold and unsettling. Book 3 - Chapter 51: Inheritance [3] Clear skies, unmarred by a single blemish, stretched endlessly, reflected perfectly in the serene lakes below. Scott lay on the water¡¯s surface, his gaze fixed on the drifting, fluffy clouds above. "What just happened?" he muttered, sitting up slowly. To his surprise, his body floated effortlessly on the calm waters. His reflection stared back at him from the glassy surface, and he frowned, running his fingers across his face. Is that me? His hair was black and curly, his skin rosy and healthy. Gone were the yellow stains in his eyes, the fractured worlds burning within them. Even his clothes¡ªjungle boots, shorts, and a tattered grey jacket¡ªseemed oddly familiar. This has to be an illusion, he thought, scanning the horizon. But nothing appeared out of place. Only endless water and sky. The last time I wore any of this... we were in the forest, he mused, brows furrowing. How am I even floating? The water beneath him stretched into unseen depths, yet his body stayed buoyant, unnaturally balanced on the surface. Questions crowded his mind as he rose to his feet. I need to reach out to... His thoughts faltered, his face twisting in confusion. Who was I going to reach out to again? A string of blurred faces flashed briefly in his mind, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t place their names or the relationships he shared with them. Who are these people? Why can¡¯t I remember? As soon as the thought formed, the silhouettes in his mind vanished completely. Wait, what was I just thinking about? Scott blinked, disoriented. Where the hell is this place? Omar and... The name slipped away, leaving him blank. Who¡¯s Omar? Soft giggles broke through his haze, and he turned instinctively toward the sound. A few feet away, children played in the water, splashing and laughing, while adults stood nearby, watching over them. Were they always there? Scott wondered, his feet moving forward on their own. He needed answers¡ªsomeone, anyone, to explain what was happening. He walked quickly, anxiety building with each step. Ten steps. Twenty. Thirty. Yet no matter how far he went, the children and adults remained frustratingly distant, always just out of reach. ¡°What the hell is going on?¡± Scott¡¯s heart pounded. "Hey! Can someone help me?" He shouted, waving frantically, but none of the children or adults turned. It was as if he didn¡¯t exist. Determined, Scott prepared to shout again. But then he felt it¡ªa soft tug on his jacket. He looked down sharply, startled. A young boy, no older than ten, stood beside him, dressed only in banana-printed trunks. Scott hadn¡¯t seen him approach. Before he could speak, the boy pointed behind him, his voice small and curious. "Is that from you?" Scott followed the boy¡¯s outstretched hand¡ªand his heart skipped a beat. A long, inky black trail swirled through the pristine waters, dark and sinister. It was coming from him. Where the hell did that come from? Scott turned back to the boy, but he was gone. The children, the adults¡ªgone, too. What the fuck is happening? Panic surged through him. He turned back to the dark waters, and froze. A massive entity loomed where there had been nothing before, its form indistinct, terrifying, as though reality itself bent to accommodate its existence. Its presence was a nightmare made flesh, capable of unraveling the minds of the weak and driving the powerful into madness. Scott¡¯s eyes were drawn upward, compelled to meet the creature¡¯s gaze. What he saw was beyond comprehension¡ªeyes forged from the shattered remains of those who had lost themselves to insanity. They were the gateway to madness itself. He couldn¡¯t look away. His lips twitched uncontrollably, his face contorting into a grotesque mix of emotions. Around him, the once-tranquil waters, the peaceful sky, the silence¡ªthey ceased to matter. All that existed now were those eyes. All that would ever exist. A crazed smile spread across Scott''s face as blood mixed with tears streamed from his eyes. He let out a deranged laugh, the sound reverberating through the empty space. "You think this is enough to break me?!" he bellowed, his blood-smeared face twisted in defiance. "You can try all you want, but you will never¡ª" Two massive hammers slammed into him from either side, obliterating his words and his body in an eruption of blood.
Scott awoke with a gasp, his chest heaving. Darkness pressed in from all sides, and the air was thick with the smell of earth. He could taste dirt at the back of his throat. Raising a hand, he found it pressed against a soft padded ceiling just a few feet above him. His legs, too, were trapped in a space barely big enough to move. What the hell kind of dream was that? Scott''s hands roamed through the darkness, fingers brushing over a soft, padded surface he couldn¡¯t quite place. ¡°Where the hell am I?¡± he muttered. He balled his fist and slammed it against the padding, but the impact produced only a muted thud. His blows lacked the power to break anything. Undeterred, Scott continued pounding the surface, each strike dull and muffled in the confined space. Soon, the sound shifted¡ªwooden echoes, still faint, but there. He kept going, ignoring the growing ache in his knuckles as the scent of fresh blood mingled with the earthy air. In the oppressive darkness, with the coppery tang of blood and the smell of damp earth thick in the air, Scott¡¯s fists hammered relentlessly. The wood began to give, and finally, with a sharp crack, his hands punched through. Dirt trickled onto him, its grainy texture unmistakable against his skin. He couldn¡¯t see it, but he knew it was there. His hands, raw and stinging, pushed through the wooden barrier and found themselves buried in the surrounding earth. Despite the pain, Scott clawed furiously at the wood and dirt, his breath growing thinner with every movement. His body trembled, but his hands kept digging, driven by an instinctual need to escape, to survive, no matter the cost. The more he tore through the barrier, the more dirt rained down on him, spilling into his narrow prison. Soon, he¡¯d made enough room to push his upper body through, but the weight of the earth pressed down on him, his body spasming from the lack of air. Yet he clawed on, pushing himself through the mud-like dirt that surrounded him, every motion sapping what little strength he had left. The dirt became wetter the further he dug, as if he were struggling through thick, cloying mud. Minutes passed, or maybe hours¡ªScott had lost track of time. His hands finally broke through to open air, grasping at the freedom above. Summoning the last of his strength, he forced his head through the dirt, gasping for breath as his face broke the surface. ¡°Fuck,¡± he cursed weakly, taking in great gulps of air. Thunder boomed overhead, and hail pelted the ground around him. His body barely responded as he raised his head to look around, a chill settling deep in his bones. Before him stretched a vast, barren landscape littered with countless gravestones. Towering, ominous figures, each wielding a sickle, patrolled the graveyard. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Where the hell is this? Scott¡¯s thoughts raced, urging his trembling body to pull free from the ground. But before he could fully emerge, bone-chilling screams echoed through the graveyard, freezing him in place. The sound was like nothing he had ever heard¡ªso mournful, so haunting, it cut through the thunderclaps like a knife. Lightning flashed, illuminating the graveyard in stark relief, but a shadow hung over everything within a hundred-meter radius, concealing the landscape in darkness. Scott tried to look behind him, hoping to catch a glimpse of what loomed in the shadow. But then a sharp clicking noise pierced the air. What was that? What¡¯s happening? His thoughts were a whirl as his vision dimmed, a strange sensation overtaking him. Why does it feel like I¡¯m floating? He glanced down and froze. There, half-buried in the dirt, was a headless body, blood spurting from its neck. Is that... my body? His vision darkened further, his consciousness teetering on the edge. I refuse to die! he roared inwardly, the determination lighting up his fading senses. ¡°Why must you be so stubborn?¡± a childish voice asked from behind. Scott couldn¡¯t see who had spoken, but the voice echoed in his mind. ¡°Why cling to life when you will be reborn anew?¡± Scott¡¯s severed head tumbled to the ground, his gaze catching one last glimpse of one of the towering beings approaching. But something else held his attention. In the distance, a figure stood surrounded by an uncountable number of floating mirrors. Is that... me? The thought barely formed before his head hit the ground with a thud. Then, everything exploded into darkness as his vision crumbled to nothing.
The whipcrack of countless lashes echoed through the air, mingling with agonized wails. A blend of fresh and clotted blood, charred flesh, burning wood, acrid acid, and the sulfurous reek of rotten eggs pervaded the air. It clung to the area, heavy and nauseating. Scott''s eyes snapped open as a soul-rending scream tore from his throat. His eyes burned red with agony, the source of his torment immediately clear¡ªspiked, thorned whips ravaged his flesh, tearing it from his bones. His arms were bound by searing chains at the wrists, suspending him over churning pits of magma that spewed ash, lava, and noxious gases. His body was a tapestry of brutal injuries, and an unseen hand sprinkled salted water over his bloodied skin, intensifying his suffering. The whip cracked again. Hundreds of thorned tendrils wrapped themselves around Scott''s body, pulling, ripping, shredding his skin. He jerked violently as a new scream tore from his lungs, blood spurting from every ravaged inch of his form. "It doesn''t have to be this way," a voice echoed¡ªhis own voice, but not from his own mouth. "Your stubbornness causes you so much pain." The voice carried a strange familiarity, yet the malice behind it was alien. "Why must you let me do this? Why cling to this version of yourself when you could be reborn?" The whips descended again, flaying his body with relentless brutality. Saltwater rained down, mingling with the blood and raw wounds, making him tremble uncontrollably. His screams battled against the clanking of his chains and the violent eruptions from the lava below. Every inch of his body, both flesh and soul, quaked with unbearable pain. Again, the whips lashed out, sinking into his mutilated flesh, and his screams echoed anew. This time, the rain that followed wasn''t saltwater. It was acid. Scott''s body spasmed, contorting as the acid seared his skin, his screams piercing the very air. He was nothing more than a grotesque ruin of flesh and blood, barely recognizable as a living being. "Why must you do this to yourself?" the voice repeated, now tinged with exasperation. "All you need to do is submit, and I will remake you. You¡¯ll be reborn into a form far stronger¡ª" The voice halted abruptly as manic laughter erupted from Scott, shaking the air with its intensity. His body swayed back and forth, madness and rage twisting his features, but despair or resignation were absent. Only defiance remained. The saltwater came again, but Scott¡¯s laughter only grew more deranged. The whips tore at him continuously, for what felt like an eternity, but his insane cackling echoed louder than his torment. His body, now little more than mangled flesh clinging to shattered bones, refused to die. Each time he was torn apart, his body trembled with laughter, defying the punishment. "I don¡¯t understand you!" the voice boomed, irritation now palpable. "Why won¡¯t you surrender? Do you resent me that much?!" Water descended once more, but this time, it wasn¡¯t salt or acid¡ªit healed him. Scott¡¯s body was restored to its original, pristine state, only for the whips to return and tear it apart once more. Yet, his eyes burned with a dark, primal desire, and his laughter echoed endlessly through the twisted chamber. The torture repeated¡ªwhips, acid, saltwater, magma, and toxic fumes tore through him, but his delirious smile never wavered. Again and again, Scott was reduced to a skeleton, and each time, the healing water restored him, only for the cycle to begin anew. His body endured countless cycles of destruction and rebirth, each iteration more brutal than the last. And still, Scott¡¯s laughter persisted. With each restoration, it took longer for his body to succumb to the torment. The whips multiplied, the acid poured in greater torrents, and the saltwater rained harder, yet Scott¡¯s defiance never faltered. His body was ravaged, healed, and ravaged again, but something within him remained unbroken. At last, after one more restoration, the whips did not return. Instead, another Scott materialized in the distance¡ªhis eyes hollow, with several floating mirrors orbiting his form. He stood with an air of cold detachment; his expression unreadable. Meanwhile, the reflections in the mirrors stared at Scott, each wearing a different expression¡ªshock, fear, apprehension, even a hint of respect. ¡°I applaud your tenacity,¡± the empty-eyed Scott said, his hands clasped behind his back. His voice was eerily calm. ¡°But I will break you,¡± he declared solemnly, his demeanor unwavering. Scott¡¯s laughter halted, his face contorting with confusion. He turned toward the mirrored version of himself, his gaze distant, yet sharp with resolve. ¡°My body, my thoughts, my wishes and dreams, my memories, my hopes¡ªmy emotions and soul¡ªyou might crush them all, taint them with your corrupted hands, but my will? That, you¡¯ll never break!¡± His grin returned, wild and unhinged, the very picture of madness. In that moment, the yellow sign ignited in one of his eyes, while fractured burning worlds swirled in the other. This time, however, the flames engulfing the world had turned black. A sharp crack echoed through the air. One of the mirrors shattered¡ªthen another, and another. In mere seconds, countless mirrors exploded into shards, the pieces rushing toward Scott and embedding themselves into his body. The chains binding his arms rattled violently before snapping apart, yet Scott remained floating, suspended in the air, his eyes locked onto his hollow-eyed variant. He stepped forward, and with each movement, more mirrors splintered, the projections within them surrendering to their fate, merging into Scott as they dissolved. Step by step, Scott moved closer. More mirrors shattered and fused with him until, at last, he stood face-to-face with his variant, every last mirror absorbed into his being. ¡°I don¡¯t understand you,¡± the variant said, his expression unchanged, still blank, unreadable. ¡°You can¡¯t,¡± Scott replied, the madness in his smile burning brighter than ever. ¡°I should have broken you,¡± the variant retorted, his tone edged with frustration. ¡°You never could,¡± Scott answered, his voice resolute. ¡°Why?¡± the variant snarled, rage twisting his features. ¡°What makes you so¡ª¡± He froze mid-sentence, his head tilting as if peering at something just beyond Scott. His lips curled into a sneer. ¡°He doesn¡¯t belong to you,¡± he muttered, his tone dark and bitter. ¡°He¡ª¡± His words cut off abruptly as Scott¡¯s hand plunged into his chest. The variant¡¯s body cracked and began to disintegrate, the space around them fracturing in response. A crisp sound echoed like shattering glass, and the torturous scene dissolved into nothingness. Scott now found himself suspended in a void, but he wasn¡¯t alone. Before him floated a colossal throne, hovering weightlessly in the endless black. Flames of various colors flickered across its empty surface, and in front of it stood several beings, their forms cloaked in light, each of their gazes fixed on Scott. He could feel the oppressive weight of their attention, the immense power each one harbored. Undoubtedly, they too had endured brutal trials to reach their positions. But Scott was unmoved, his focus trained on a single blackened flame amidst the others. He stepped toward the throne, and instantly, the luminous figures blocked his path. Yet, the black flame broke free, soaring from the throne and merging with the voidweaver in a burst of dark energy.
You have refused to submit to the will of the Mad God!
The throne trembled violently, and space itself quaked in response, rippling under the throne¡¯s power.
The Authority of Madness revels in your existence!
The Baptism of Madness shall now commence!
Book 3 - Chapter 52: Unexpected Meeting "Steadfast!" A desolate voice boomed across the expansive road. "Is our will and devotion!" the crowd of champions shouted in unison. Despite the myriad races that made up the throng, each wore a blood-red cloth covering where their eyes should be, their forelimbs pressed together in a pose of fervent prayer. With zealous fervor, they charged from portals, racing toward Orion, who stood motionless. Unlike before, the mage¡¯s new eyes had fully fused into his body, but his jaw had torn apart, exposing the mutilated remains within. The maniacal devotees surged forward in droves, heading toward the mage and the flaming chain cocoon behind. Yet, before they could cover much distance, a barrage of whispers assaulted their minds, insidious and unwilling to go unheard. "The devotion of the throne will not be swayed by heretical claims!" the leader of the group bellowed, frozen in place, unable to take another step. "For the path of madness is clear and true¡ªboth embracing and terrifying. Only madness is eternal!" the devotees thundered in perfect unison, their blood-soaked eyes bleeding beneath the cloths, bodies trembling violently yet unmoving. "Charge forth and¡ª" the leader¡¯s words abruptly ceased as his head exploded like an overripe fruit. His sentence lingered, unfinished, but his body stood firm, hands still clasped in fanatical devotion. "For our minds shall be freed from mortal confines! Madness shall abide in the world, and we shall herald the dawn of the throne!" the crowd continued, their chant growing even more fervent. Some among them coughed up thick, murky blood, while others had their ears and eyes erupt into a grotesque mess. Yet, they remained standing, some smiling¡ªunwavering in their devotion despite their bodies¡¯ gruesome destruction. The dissonant voices continued their silent assault, the whispers cradling the flickering embers of the devotees'' fractured souls. Suddenly, more portals tore open¡ªmuch larger than those that had come before. A ghastly howl echoed from within, followed by a chilling wind that swept through the area, freezing everything in its path in an instant. Orion remained unharmed. He cast a quick glance toward Scott. Thankfully, I didn¡¯t have to step in. The flames wrapped around the chains resisted the freezing wind, vaporizing it before it could reach the voidweaver. Orion turned his attention back to the portal. This is the tenth thousandth wave already... What could they send next? The frozen devotees had turned into statues, their forms beginning to crack. The void''s whispers lingered in the air, but no new figure emerged from the portal. Instead, a glowing magic circle formed beneath the shattered remains of the champions, breaking the thick ice that encased them. In an instant, the circle absorbed whatever essence remained, and Orion¡¯s jaw began to painfully reform, muscle and sinew knitting together once more. Then, his right arm twisted unnaturally, bones snapping and flesh tearing in grotesque echoes that filled the silent air. Despite the agony twisting his features, Orion¡¯s eyes glowed with a strange delight. His gaze remained fixed on the portal, eager, curious¡ªwaiting to see what monstrosity would emerge next. Seconds piled into minutes, yet nothing emerged from the portal. Orion remained vigilant, his curious gaze fixed on the shimmering gateway that refused to disappear. Despite the stillness, the temperature continued to plummet, a dense icy fog blanketing the area, obscuring everything from sight. Occasionally, Orion glanced toward Scott. The flames encasing the voidweaver''s chains effortlessly warded off the biting cold. Orion himself, apart from his still-twisted hand, seemed untouched by the frigid air. His concentration didn¡¯t waver, his anticipation mounting. Whatever was being prepared, it had better live up to his expectations. Amid the oppressive silence, a soft feminine whisper cut through: ¡°Let all return to ice.¡± Instantly, everything within the icy fog froze solid, encased in a massive block of ice. ¡°Crumble,¡± the voice declared, this time with a sinister edge. A thunderous explosion followed as the frozen landscape shattered into nothingness. A figure stepped out of the portal, clad in snow-white robes, her skin glistening as though it had been dusted with crushed diamonds. Like the devotees before her, a blood-red cloth covered her eyes as she scanned the desolate surroundings. Neither Scott nor Orion was visible, and the eerie whispers of the void had gone silent. She took slow, deliberate steps away from the portal, each leaving a trail of ice on the ground behind her. She stopped where Orion had previously stood but found nothing. Her head turned toward where Scott''s shrouded form had lingered¡ªbut there was nothing there either. She surveyed the empty roads in silence, her head slowly swiveling from side to side before she turned back toward the portal. Wordlessly, she began to retrace her steps, leaving a wall of ice in her wake. ¡°Leaving so soon?¡± Orion''s teasing voice rang out, though his form remained hidden. Before he could say more, a frigid aura enveloped the area, encasing everything¡ªexcept the portal¡ªin ice once again. The figure turned, scanning the expanse of white, but there was no sign of Orion or Scott. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. ¡°Crumble,¡± she repeated softly, and the ice shattered once more. Her head turned, but there was still no sign of her adversaries. She knew they hadn¡¯t succumbed to her ability, yet they remained elusive. ¡°What a dilemma,¡± Orion''s voice echoed with sarcasm, though his form remained hidden. ¡°Surely, you have more to offer? This is barely enough to¡ª¡± Before he could finish, an ear-splitting gong reverberated through the road, warping reality itself. Orion¡¯s form materialized anew, standing in the exact spot where he had been since the battle began. He glanced toward Scott, his eyes shaking slightly in their sockets. He rejected the will of the Mad God? But why? Orion¡¯s frown deepened as he noticed the bluish flames around Scott¡¯s chains were beginning to dissipate. ¡°A failure,¡± the figure in white stated, her voice flat. ¡°My task here is done.¡± Without further hesitation, she turned back toward the portal. Orion made no move to stop her, his mind occupied with the sudden change. What happened during the inheritance? Why would Scott outrightly reject the Mad God''s will? Did something unexpected interfere? Orion pondered as the portal disappeared into the void. ¡°As per our contract, return to me, voice of the void,¡± Orion intoned solemnly. The binds that had restrained him dissolved, and the ominous whispers vanished. His mangled arm, however, remained twisted, yet the mage appeared unconcerned. His curious gaze fixated on the chains encasing Scott, now devoid of their once-raging flames. With quick steps, Orion approached, his brows furrowed in thought. But on his tenth step, another thunderous gong reverberated through the air, bending reality with its sound. Orion halted, confusion flashing in his eyes. Before he could process what was happening, blackened flames erupted from the chains, sending an unsettling wave of heat across the area. What is this? Orion staggered backward. Few things baffled him, but this was one of them. Simultaneously, countless portals tore open, only to be shredded by invisible, colossal hands. Each portal¡¯s destruction seemed to fuel the regeneration of Orion¡¯s arm. ¡°Did he succeed or not?¡± Orion muttered in a daze, his voice echoing in the surreal silence. Just then, the flaming chains stirred, clanking softly as they began to loosen. Orion''s gaze sharpened, unwilling to miss a single detail. The chains unraveled completely, revealing Scott, the voidweaver standing dazed, his eyes wandering aimlessly over the landscape. Orion¡¯s frown deepened as he caught Scott¡¯s gaze. The yellow sign in Scott¡¯s eye had changed, blackened tendrils now coiling to form a new, unique sigil. Meanwhile, the fractured worlds in the other eye remained engulfed in black flames, though now they seemed to move, shifting with a strange energy. Even the flames that had covered Scott¡¯s body began to recede, retreating into his eyes. Scott groaned, a flicker of clarity returning to his features. I¡¯m back, right? He glanced around, recognizing the familiar terrain. ¡°How long was I out?¡± Scott asked, his eyes landing on Orion¡¯s half-regenerated arm. ¡°What happened to your arm?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a minor side effect, nothing to be concerned about,¡± Orion replied with a smile, though his eyes never strayed from Scott, curiosity burning in his gaze. Scott watched him warily as Orion stopped a few feet away, his sharp eyes scanning his form. ¡°What happened while I was out?¡± Scott pressed, sensing the mage''s tension. ¡°A lot, but nothing too alarming,¡± Orion said, stepping closer. ¡°How did the inheritance go?¡± Scott met the mage¡¯s curious eyes and could detect a trace of anxiety¡ªa rare sight for someone as composed as Orion. Strange. He usually hides his emotions better than this, Scott thought. ¡°I¡¯d rather not go through anything like that again,¡± Scott admitted after a brief pause, his voice steady, ¡°but I¡¯ve gained the recognition of the throne.¡± Orion''s eyes widened in shock, his mouth parting in surprise. ¡°Wait, then you received the baptism of Madness, too?¡± Scott nodded in affirmation, and Orion grinned. A sudden, muffled snap echoed, and shimmering starlight flowed toward Orion¡¯s arm, restoring it to its former state. ¡°Congratulations,¡± Orion said, stepping closer. ¡°I trust you won¡¯t mind sharing all the details of what you experienced?¡± ¡°We can talk about that later,¡± Scott said, his eyes scanning the vacant area. ¡°First, tell me what happened while I was out. I can sense the presence of those who¡¯ve been touched by madness lingering here.¡± His gaze settled back on Orion. Though the mage appeared unchanged, Scott could sense a subtle, marked shift in him. Without hesitation, Orion recounted everything that transpired during Scott¡¯s inheritance. Scott''s brow furrowed as he processed the mage¡¯s account. The absence of remnants from the countless battles surprised him, and curiosity stirred. What did Orion do with the corpses of those who fell? he wondered. How did they even get here? Scott¡¯s thoughts churned. Did the administrator allow it, or did they sneak in somehow? He shook his head, dismissing that notion. They couldn¡¯t afford to linger any longer, not with how much had likely changed since the bridge appeared. ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving forward,¡± Scott suggested, meeting Orion¡¯s gaze. ¡°Agreed. I could use a break,¡± Orion replied, stretching his arms with a soft hiss. ¡°I haven¡¯t pushed myself like this in a long time. But now, let¡¯s get back to your experience with the inheritance.¡± Knowing he couldn¡¯t avoid the topic; Scott reluctantly began recounting what he had gone through. As they walked, he watched Orion¡¯s expressions shift, though he couldn''t discern the mage¡¯s thoughts. The monotonous path ahead remained unchanged, devoid of any new branches or wandering champions like themselves. ¡°And that¡¯s when I woke up here,¡± Scott concluded, his gaze fixed ahead. Orion remained silent, deep in thought as his steps carried him forward. His brow furrowed, and his lips twisted slightly as if grappling with something beyond words. ¡°So, what do you think?¡± Scott asked, glancing at the chain and pendant that had reverted to their compressed forms. Orion¡¯s silence stretched for several moments before he sighed, shaking his head subtly. ¡°I¡¯m confused,¡± he admitted. ¡°None of this adds up.¡± Scott looked over at the mage, waiting for more, but held his tongue. ¡°The inheritance... it shouldn¡¯t have unfolded like that,¡± Orion finally declared, his gaze sharp as it settled on Scott. Scott¡¯s brows shot up in surprise, and he halted his advance. ¡°And you know this how?¡± ¡°I apologize for not mentioning it earlier. I wanted you to experience everything as naturally as possible. But¡­¡± Orion trailed off, his eyes narrowing as he and Scott simultaneously focused on the path ahead. Footsteps echoed in the distance, yet no one appeared. Great, Scott thought. Someone else is coming. He smirked inwardly, itching to test the authority of madness he now wielded. Seconds stretched into tense silence, and then, from the illusionary wall ahead, a figure stepped out. Scott and Orion exchanged incredulous glances. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting to meet the people who ruined my life.¡± Book 3 - Chapter 53: New Trouble, New Opportunities! Scott narrowed his gaze as he took in the figure standing a few paces away. She wore all black, save for her head, where amber hair hung freely to one side, parted by two furry ears that perked up with alertness. Two nose rings adorned her face, and red lip gloss highlighted her plump lips, giving her a distinct yet calm presence. ¡°I figured we might run into one of you,¡± Orion began with a smirk, folding his arms. ¡°But I didn¡¯t expect it to happen so soon.¡± His grin widened, clearly amused by the encounter. Scott, however, was more direct. He stepped forward. ¡°What¡¯s your name? And what are your intentions?¡± His gaze flickered to the system window in front of her, one he was all too familiar with. I wonder how Zara would react if she were here, he mused, studying the variant¡¯s demeanor. Though the feline shared an uncanny physical resemblance to Zara, Scott could tell their temperaments were worlds apart. While Zara was like a volatile volcano on the edge of eruption, the variant had an air of reserved calm, the kind possessed by those who avoided unnecessary risks. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not here to claim the bounty on your heads,¡± the variant responded with a wry smile. ¡°Not that I have the ability to, even if I wanted to.¡± She hesitated for a moment, then added, ¡°As for my name, there¡¯s no need for you to know it. I have no interest in getting involved with you or anyone else.¡± Orion chuckled and took a few measured steps forward. ¡°You look so much like our Zara, you know? I wish she could see you. Thankfully, you don¡¯t have the same personality. If we¡¯d run into someone like her, there¡¯d probably be a huge fight by now.¡± He stopped a few paces from her, grinning. The variant raised an eyebrow but remained silent. Undeterred, Orion continued, his curiosity piqued. ¡°So, what¡¯s your timeline like? Have you encountered me or Scott before? How do you handle people confusing you with your variant? Wait, do you hate us? Oh, and how did you get here? Is there anyone else ahead? If so, how many? Do you¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯m not interested in playing your games,¡± the variant interrupted, her tone sharp with displeasure. ¡°It¡¯s bad enough my variant was foolish enough to defy the gods. I don¡¯t want to make the same mistake of associating with you two.¡± With that, she retreated, backing away before Scott or Orion could respond. Orion giggled, shaking his head as he turned toward Scott. ¡°She was nice. Too bad she wasn¡¯t in the mood to chat.¡± He sighed theatrically. Scott averted his gaze, staring down the path ahead. Did we make a mistake letting her go? he wondered briefly before turning back to Orion. ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving.¡± Orion nodded, and without another word, the two resumed their journey. They crossed the invisible barrier, and the same monotonous path stretched before them. This time, however, it split into several forked paths. "Oh wow," Orion muttered, a grin spreading across his face as he scanned the scene before them. "I wasn¡¯t expecting this." More than twelve paths forked off in different directions, each one bustling with champions from numerous races. Most were gathered near the branching paths, their eyes glued to the system notifications hovering in front of them. Scott noted how many of the champions turned toward them, their expressions shifting between greed, surprise, and apprehension. "So, what do you want to do?" Orion whispered from behind, his tone casual but watchful. Scott, still studying the reactions of the champions, replied coolly, "Depends on what they want. If they¡¯re looking for death, who am I to deny them?" Orion chuckled softly. "Seems your little experience during the inheritance gave you a sense of humor. I like it," he said, summoning his staff from his inventory with a flick of his wrist. "Need my help, or are you eager to test your new powers?" Orion asked, glancing at Scott, who remained fixed on the assembled champions. Scott stayed silent, and Orion, sensing the moment, followed suit. Seconds ticked by before a group of five champions cautiously made their way toward them. Though they displayed no obvious signs of hostility, greed was unmistakable in their eyes. "You two¡ªyou''re the ones the gods are after, right?" the leader, a four-armed centaur, asked as he halted a few paces away from them. Scott and Orion exchanged glances, their silence unnerving the group, whose expressions grew more tense by the moment. "I said, you''re the ones the gods are after, right?" the centaur repeated, his impatience seeping through. "Isn''t that painfully obvious, dumbass?" Scott snapped; his voice sharp. "If you want to start something, then get on with it. If not, fuck off. I don''t have time for this." The centaur¡¯s companions stirred, but a quick motion from their leader stilled them. Their bloodshot eyes remained locked on Scott, though, tension barely restrained. "We have no intentions of claiming the bounties on your heads," the centaur said after a pause, clearly trying to maintain composure. "We''ll be on our way." His companions exchanged surprised glances, but none dared question him as they turned and retreated. "How disappointing," Orion sighed dramatically. "What a shame. It seems a lot of people are using their brains lately." He shook his head with a grin. Scott watched the group retreat to the others before disappearing down one of the paths. He then turned his attention to Orion. "Which path do you think we should take?" "I don¡¯t have enough data to make an informed choice," Orion admitted. "So, we¡¯re guessing. If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯d pick that one." He pointed toward a path where a few snakemen were lingering, their slit eyes observing the scene with measured interest. Scott raised an eyebrow. "Why that one in particular?" He knew Orion well enough to know he wasn¡¯t the type to guess aimlessly. Orion giggled. "It''s faint, but I can sense something familiar down that path." Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. "When you say familiar, what exactly do you mean?" Scott asked, his interest piqued. "It''s hard to explain, but in simple terms: it''s very likely that if we take this path, we¡¯ll find a way out. I can feel the same energy undulations from that distortion we encountered back in the forest," Orion explained. Scott¡¯s brows lifted as he focused on the path with renewed intensity. He noticed that the snakemen ahead shuddered before quickly dispersing, as though afraid of being noticed. "Let¡¯s go, then," Scott whispered. Without another word, the two moved toward their chosen path, their steps deliberate. After a moment of silence, Orion spoke up again. "It¡¯s surprising, though." "What is?" Scott asked, not bothering to look back. "Silvanya mentioned there was nothing here. I doubt this qualifies as ''nothing,''" Orion replied, a strange smile playing on his lips. Scott said nothing. "Could it be that the bridge is shifting without us knowing?" Orion mused aloud. "These barriers might be zones that connect different layers of the bridge, but to us, it just seems like a straight path. Even if we retreat or advance several times, it might feel seamless. Whoever designed this place did an excellent job. I¡¯d love to meet them," Orion grinned, his eyes scanning the towering walls around them. Scott remained focused on the path ahead. While he understood the mage¡¯s fascination, he had little interest in such details. His only concern was getting off the seemingly endless bridge and reuniting with the others. Now that I think about it, what''s stopping me from using my domain to get out of here? Scott suddenly paused mid-step, and Orion quickly followed suit. "What¡¯s the matter? Did you sense something?" Orion asked, curiosity lacing his words. "We''ve been going about this all wrong," Scott began, watching Orion¡¯s curiosity deepen. "With the restrictions lifted, nothing¡¯s stopping us from leaving through my domain." A wry smile crept across Orion''s face. "I was hoping you wouldn¡¯t figure that out," he muttered, barely able to hide his disappointment. "Wait... you knew? Then why didn¡¯t you¡ª" Scott stopped, realization dawning on him. Of course. Orion¡¯s the type to let his curiosity get the better of him. He probably wanted to see where this path would lead. It¡¯s my fault for not realizing sooner. No way he would¡¯ve reminded me unless I figured it out on my own, Scott thought, taking a deep breath. "Let¡¯s head back to Carcosa. We don¡¯t need to worry the others any longer," Scott decided. "I don¡¯t have any arguments against that. But wait a second," Orion interjected. Before Scott could respond, the mage summoned a vial from his inventory and hurled it toward the path they had been approaching. The tiny vial arched through the air, vanishing in an instant. "What was that?" Scott asked, eyeing the mage. "Just some cells," Orion replied with a mischievous smile. "They should propagate into numerous clones under the right conditions. Nothing to worry about." Scott stared at Orion, words hanging on the tip of his tongue. I shouldn¡¯t even be surprised. It would be more shocking if he didn¡¯t leave something behind. With a soft sigh, Scott prepared to activate his domain. Suddenly, a blackened system window appeared before him:
The Nameless One is now watching you!
Scott froze, his eyes locked onto the ominous message.
The Nameless One advises you not to make a rash decision you will regret!
The Nameless One has stopped watching you!
Scott''s brow furrowed, his thoughts racing. What does that mean? How is leaving considered a rash decision? "What''s going on? You look like you''ve just seen an annoying message," Orion remarked, watching Scott¡¯s tense expression. Scott raised his head, meeting Orion¡¯s gaze. The two stared at each other for a moment before Orion¡¯s smile faded. "Wait¡­ did you actually get an annoying message?" Orion¡¯s curiosity piqued. No system notification had appeared in front of him, which meant that if Scott had received one, it had to be from a higher entity¡ªone beyond detection. Two names came to mind immediately. "It wasn¡¯t from the administrator, right?" Orion probed mentally. Scott gave a silent nod, and Orion¡¯s eyes widened. "What did it say?" "I was advised not to make a rash decision I¡¯d regret," Scott replied, his voice low. "I think leaving this place, at least through my domain, would cause trouble. That¡¯s the only way I can interpret it." "You¡¯re not wrong," Orion muttered after a brief pause, his brows knitting. "The real question is, why?" Scott¡¯s thoughts drifted back to their previous encounters with the lesser god of misfortune and the lesser god of torture¡ªthe mass of malevolent energy the misfortune deity had deposited in him and his companions. Turning to Orion once more, Scott said, "I want to try an experiment. Come with me." Orion''s grin returned. "An experiment? Sure, sure, I¡¯m down for it." Though those weren¡¯t words he usually associated with Scott, he couldn¡¯t help but feel excited to see what Scott had in mind. As soon as Orion agreed, the world around them seemed to stir¡ªyet, strangely, it remained unchanged. Did he just pull us into his subspace again? Orion wondered, but his thoughts were interrupted as his limbs began twisting, and dark, ominous beings descended upon him, torturing him relentlessly. I remember this... this is definitely his mental subspace. But why did he bring us here? Orion cast a glance toward Scott, and his eyes trembled. The eerie figures crowded near Scott but didn¡¯t dare touch him. Moreover, Scott¡¯s form kept shifting between three distinct appearances: the first, his normal self; the second, a formless entity of nothingness, bent on reducing all existence to mere wisps of its will; and the third, a cloaked figure draped in unmistakable yellow, hovering imperceptibly, as though beyond time and space. This¡­ is truly glorious¡­ Orion thought, his vision turning red before fading. His head snapped violently to the side, his body contorting as one half of his face transformed into a blackened mass. His right eye turned hazy white, his nose split in two, and half of his mouth twisted grotesquely.
The Lesser God of Misfortune reveals himself!
Orion¡¯s body twisted further, and the torturous figures vanished, leaving only Scott and the possessed mage in the subspace. ¡°There were rumors of someone recently being acknowledged by the Throne of Madness," the god of misfortune sneered, its voice dripping with sarcasm. "Who would¡¯ve thought it was you?" Scott, however, looked different from their previous encounter. The god took note. "Still a being of few words, I see. Then allow me to¡ª" "Who gave you the authority to manifest in my presence?" Scott¡¯s voice boomed, mighty and thunderous, reverberating through the subspace. Orion''s possessed form recoiled in shock before anger quickly replaced surprise, the human remnants of the mage¡¯s body giving way to the expanding black mass. "A neonate like you dares to question me?" The subspace shuddered violently, teetering on the brink of collapse. "I¡¯ll bring misfortune upon your wretched existence so that¡ª" "Be gone," Scott declared, his voice cold and absolute. An overwhelming pressure descended, erasing the formless god and the remnants of the torturous beings from the subspace.
The Nameless One praises your ruthlessness!
The Nameless One would like to bestow upon you the inheritance of the Nihilithians!
Book 3 - Chapter 54: Territorial Ranking! Scott stared at the blackened message, his brows furrowing. Nihilithians? He vaguely recalled the system assigning him that race once, but he knew little about them. Why is everyone trying to offer me their inheritance now? While he accepted the fact that he wasn¡¯t ordinary, Scott wasn¡¯t delusional enough to believe there wasn¡¯t something else at play. The real question was¡ªwhat? Now that I think about it¡­ I¡¯m not being given a choice here, Scott¡¯s frown deepened. Normally, the system would provide a clear ¡°yes¡± or ¡°no,¡± granting champions free will to decide their fate. Yet, the blackened window simply announced the Nameless One¡¯s intent to bestow the inheritance of the Nihilithians upon him.
The Nameless One has stopped watching you!
That¡¯s it? The system window vanished, but Scott¡¯s expression remained tense. I really don¡¯t know what that entity is thinking¡­ He exhaled softly, his features relaxing a bit. At least I¡¯ve purged whatever that bastard of misfortune deposited in me. I wonder if the others have been cleared too. Curiosity gnawed at him, and Scott activated the imprint of madness once more, but only Orion appeared in the subspace. As he did, a new system message popped up:
You are not allowed to do that!
¡°What?¡± Scott blurted out, his gaze narrowing. ¡°Why?¡± he muttered.
It would violate the continuity of several timelines!
All restrictions will be lifted once you emerge in any timeline of your choosing!
The message hung in the air, and Scott found himself speechless. Though the notification was direct, it revealed something he hadn¡¯t considered. Orion, noticing Scott¡¯s sharp, somewhat stunned expression, approached in measured steps. ¡°What¡¯s got you so rattled?¡± he asked, glancing around as if expecting to see something. ¡°If I didn¡¯t know better, I¡¯d say you just saw a ghost.¡± The mage positioned himself next to Scott, his eyes drawn to the hovering system message. Orion¡¯s smile vanished, his brows furrowing as he leaned in to get a closer look. ¡°Wait¡­ wait, wait, wait...¡± he stammered, glancing at Scott, who returned the look. In an instant, both came to the same unsettling realization. ¡°We need to leave this place¡ªimmediately,¡± Scott said, his tone grim. Orion nodded firmly. ¡°I agree.¡± He straightened up, glancing at the surroundings. ¡°I thought this was just an isolated zone, since it severed my connection with my clones, but it might be worse than that. Who knows how much time has passed since the others saw us? For us, it could have been hours. For them, it might¡¯ve been decades¡ªor centuries.¡± As Orion¡¯s words lingered, Scott snapped them both out of the subspace, and the familiar scene of the assembled crowd from earlier reappeared. ¡°Let¡¯s go. We have no time to waste,¡± Scott said, moving toward the path Orion had previously chosen. Although Scott had expelled the remnants left behind by the lesser god of Misfortune, he couldn¡¯t be certain that was what the Nameless One had alluded to when the black system message appeared. Unwilling to take any unnecessary risks, Scott believed it was best to exit the bridge through a natural gateway to a timeline. Orion trailed behind him, his expression mirroring Scott¡¯s. The two walked silently toward the gathered champions, causing a ripple of movement. Some hastily retreated into different pathways, while others watched the duo approach with a mix of defiance and apprehension. Scott and Orion ignored the reactions, moving steadily toward the path they had chosen earlier. Just meters from the entrance, both men halted abruptly. A massive whirlwind with devastating cutting force slashed through the spot they would have been standing in. Subtle tremors followed, and all the nearby champions turned instinctively toward the disturbance. Giants, clad in fur and wielding enormous axes, emerged from another pathway. Their appearance sent the remaining champions fleeing into neighboring pathways. The giants were grotesque, deformed entities with elongated limbs, muscular bodies, and oblong head-like structures. They lacked facial features and reeked, their foul clothes stitched from the carcasses of unidentifiable creatures. Without hesitation, the Chains of the Abyss uncoiled from Scott¡¯s arm, and the pendant transformed into the war hammer of the Mad God. The ominous weapon let out a baleful screech as it manifested, blackened flames instantly coating both the hammer and the expanding chains. Scott tightened his grip, the flames racing up his arm, forming a series of intricate, glowing patterns. The giants, now numbering over a dozen, paused, but more could be seen advancing from deeper within the pathway. The remaining champions quickly vanished, retreating as the battle began to loom. Orion, however, seemed disinterested. He gave a casual glance to the approaching giants, then mentally muttered, ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for you at the entrance. Have fun,¡± before departing without further comment. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Scott, undeterred, stepped forward. The chains rattled ominously in response. Suddenly, the giants hunched over, a sickening crackle filling the air as their midsections split open. Amoebic forms covered in bubbling liquid and thick miasma were revealed. Without hesitation, the giants charged, their flailing arms tightening around their weapons, but their grotesque midsections remained exposed. The amoebic entities let out a piercing shriek, their ghastly cries unleashing devastating sound waves. The air vibrated with the frequency, as more giants screamed, their misery amplifying the cacophony. Miasma and bubbling chrome liquid coalesced in front of the giants, forming massive globs that shot forward, intent on consuming everything in their path. The Chains of the Abyss, wreathed in blackened flames, expanded, forming an intricate matrix as they embedded into nearby walls with a rapid, unearthly speed. They intercepted the coalesced bubbles with ease, dispersing them. But the sound wave barrage followed instantly, the shrieks growing even louder, overwhelming the air with their force. The chains, unwilling to be outdone, rattled fiercely, their flames flaring brighter in defiance. The two forces clashed, and a sudden, piercing silence fell over the area¡ªa low, muffled hum vibrating beneath the quiet. The giants reached the chain matrix, their elongated limbs hurling axes toward the flaming chains in a desperate attempt to hack away at the otherworldly weapon. Metal clashed with metal, yet only the muffled low-pitched hum remained. The giants continued their relentless assault, their limbs bulging with increased muscle the more they hacked at the chains. Still, no sound echoed, and no mark was left on the flaming chains. Instead, chips began forming on the blades of the axes. Yet the creatures pressed on, their attacks primitive and unyielding. The amoebic entities and coalesced globs joined the fray, adding to the giants'' arsenal. But their grotesque attacks left no more of a mark than the axes had. The creatures, however, remained undeterred, attacking with even greater vigor. Then, without warning, the giants'' collective assault halted. Shadows¡ªdarker than tar¡ªstretched from the depths of the pathway where the giants had emerged, creeping up and engulfing their feet. Confusion rippled through the faceless creatures as they struggled, unable to free themselves from the all-encompassing darkness. In that moment, the sound of rustling chains broke their stupor. Before they could react, the flaming chains snaked around their bodies, tightening with terrifying precision. What followed were maddening screams, echoing through the entire area. The giants thrashed wildly, their cries reverberating with an otherworldly misery that seemed to come from the very depths of their souls. Despite their agony, their flesh remained whole, untouched by any visible wound. Scott¡¯s feet glided across the darkened path, his presence ominous as he approached the writhing, screaming giants. He stopped amid their torment and spoke with chilling calmness. ¡°Seek,¡± he declared, his voice a command. Instantly, the screams ceased. ¡°The fervor of he who shall be enthroned on the highest peak,¡± the creatures responded in eerie, unified reverie. ¡°Offer,¡± Scott continued, his tone powerful, almost enchanting. ¡°The entirety of our beings; the origin of our souls, the reason for our existence to the throne!¡± the creatures chanted, their forms vibrating violently, teetering on the edge of destruction. ¡°Eternal,¡± Scott said, his voice now deeper, more sinister. ¡°Is the madness of the throne!¡± they screamed in a final, feverish chorus. ¡°Only Madness is eternal!¡± A sickening crack followed as the faceless heads of the creatures exploded one after another, releasing a foul, viscous liquid into the air. At that same moment, the darkness stirred, and the limp bodies of the giants began to sink into the void. The Chains of the Abyss uncoiled, releasing their grip, and in an instant, the corpses disappeared into the abyss. The chains, now free, coiled themselves back around Scott¡¯s arm, the blackened flames still flickering along their surface. Scott took a step forward, the darkness beneath him gathering at his feet, then dissipating with each step until only his normal shadow remained. All traces of combat, all signs of the creatures¡¯ existence, vanished as though they had never been. As Scott continued forward, a system notification suddenly appeared:
You have slain numerous members of the Waikis!
You have yet to attain the minimum requirements to be named in the territorial ranking!
Scott stopped in his tracks, frowning at the rogue message. Territorial Ranking? What the hell is that? he thought to himself. ¡°Orion, do you know anything about a territorial ranking?¡± Scott asked mentally. ¡°Oh, did you get in too?¡± came Orion¡¯s amused reply. ¡°Wait¡ªyou knew about this? Why didn¡¯t you say anything earlier?¡± Scott retorted, heading toward the pathway where Orion stood waiting. ¡°There wasn¡¯t much to talk about,¡± Orion replied casually. ¡°I got a number when I was fending off those zealots who tried to stop the inheritance, but I fell off the rankings pretty quickly after.¡± Scott narrowed his eyes. ¡°What rank did you receive?¡± As he moved, he noticed champions emerging from neighboring pathways, but none dared approach the voidweaver. They merely stared, wary. ¡°I was ranked around 1000 or so,¡± Orion answered with a smile. ¡°Why do you ask?¡± Scott¡¯s brows lifted slightly. He killed over a thousand people while I was out, and that was only enough to reach rank 1000? His thoughts drifted as he tried to imagine the kind of bloodshed it must have taken for the champions in the top hundred ranks to claim their positions. The sheer scale of it was staggering. Before he could dwell further, Orion¡¯s voice echoed in his mind. ¡°I thought you were itching to use your authority. That was the perfect opportunity¡ªwhy didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Too many eyes watching,¡± Scott replied without hesitation, nearing where the mage waited. ¡°I see. That¡¯s a valid reason,¡± Orion chuckled, then shifted the conversation. ¡°Still, I wasn¡¯t expecting you to use the Confession of the Mad Throne. Impressive. You already know it. Just what else are you capable of?¡± Scott stopped in front of the inquisitive mage. ¡°Can you still sense the same undulations from earlier?¡± Orion nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Scott said simply, walking past him. Orion rubbed his chin, a wry smile forming as he watched the voidweaver¡¯s back. If he¡¯s already using the confessions, then he must be able to manifest that zone. I¡¯m glad I chose to follow him. I wonder what else he¡¯s hiding. Stifling the urge to laugh, Orion fell into step behind Scott, his measured pace easily matching the voidweaver¡¯s. Within moments, the two of them disappeared down the pathway.
Not long after Scott and Orion¡¯s departure, a gigantic monkey with flaming, curved horns and gleaming armor exited an adjacent pathway. It paused in the spot where the Waikis had been devoured by the Nihilistic Zone, its fiery gaze turning toward the path Scott and Orion had taken. Wordlessly, the creature followed, disappearing just as quickly as it had arrived. Book 3 - Chapter 55: Scion of Madness! Scott and Orion continued their silent trek along the seemingly endless bridge. Neither had spoken since their last exchange at the entrance of the pathway. Like the other paths they''d crossed, nothing stood out as particularly unusual, and no champions had revealed themselves. Their steps came to an abrupt halt when they spotted a shattered piece of glass a few paces ahead. ¡°It seems your clones found the right conditions,¡± Scott remarked, his eyes fixed on the broken shards. ¡°Seems that way,¡± Orion muttered, his brows knitting together slightly. ¡°But this might be a problem.¡± ¡°How so?¡± Scott turned to him, demanding answers with his gaze. Orion, still staring at the glass fragments, replied, ¡°The undulations have weakened.¡± Scott''s expression darkened. Damn it! Is this one of those exits that only works a few times? His mind raced as his gaze shifted toward the path ahead. ¡°Then, we shouldn¡¯t waste any more time¡ª¡± He stopped mid-sentence. Both he and Orion turned in unison. The Chains of the Abyss stirred softly around Scott¡¯s arm, and the war hammer of the Mad God manifested once again with a maddening bellow. Orion, staff in hand, focused intently on the empty road before them. The faint sound of footsteps¡ªominous and distant¡ªbegan to echo, accompanied by incomprehensible mutterings, a cacophony of voices announcing the approach of something unseen. Scott''s grip tightened on his war hammer as the sentient chains readied themselves. Then, a figure emerged from the shadows. Scott narrowed his eyes. Is that a monkey? A gigantic monkey with snow-white fur lumbered forward, its knuckles dragging across the road¡¯s surface. Two sickle-like horns, burning with crimson flames, jutted from its forehead, while radiant armor covered its form, leaving only its knuckles and face exposed. The creature halted a short distance away, its silver eyes gleaming eerily. ¡°A monkey?¡± Orion whispered, a bemused smile creeping across his face. The cacophony fell silent with the creature¡¯s arrival, replaced by low, guttural growls. Scott broke the silence. ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°The voices,¡± the creature began, its voice smooth yet filled with anguish. ¡°They led me to you. But why¡­ why have you called me?¡± Before either Scott or Orion could respond, tears rolled down the monkey¡¯s face, and snot dripped from its nose. It stood upright, continuing, ¡°I have longed for this moment since the day this cursed armor bewitched me. The voices¡ªthey¡¯ve plagued my thoughts, my dreams, my soul. I don¡¯t know what they want, what they seek, but they torment me endlessly, driving me toward madness.¡± The creature paused, wiping away the snot. ¡°But now¡­ when I stand before you, there¡¯s only silence. Why? Why am I normal again?¡± It took a step forward. ¡°How? How can I be free from this madness?¡± Without warning, the monkey prostrated itself on the ground, bowing before them. ¡°You must be a god, yes?¡± Before either Scott or Orion could answer, a system notification appeared in front of the creature. It glanced at it briefly, and its expression soured. ¡°What nonsense is this?¡± it muttered, swiping at the rogue message with its right hand. Yet, the notification remained, stubbornly persistent. Scott and Orion watched the strange creature with measured interest. Great! It¡¯s been a while since that title attracted another lunatic. Scott mused grimly. His guard remained up as he continued observing the monkey, curiosity mixing with caution. Without warning, the war hammer of the Mad God unleashed a series of deafening hums, catching everyone''s attention. Before Scott could react, the monkey¡¯s armor responded in kind, resonating in perfect harmony with the war hammer. What the hell is going on? Scott¡¯s gaze flickered between the vibrating hammer and the shimmering armor. The monkey, too, stared at its armor, its lips trembling as its eyes gleamed with a strange reverence. Recognition dawned on Scott. That armor¡­ It¡¯s been ¡®blessed¡¯ by one of the former Mad Gods. No wonder it¡¯s reacting to the war hammer. His gaze fell back on the prostrating monkey. But what am I supposed to do with him? ¡°My lord!¡± the monkey suddenly roared, bowing even lower. ¡°Forgive me for taking what rightfully belongs to you. It was a crime born of youthful greed. Now I understand! The centuries of torment... It was your punishment for my theft. I dared to covet an artifact meant for one even the gods cannot challenge!¡± Scott glanced toward Orion, who wore a broad grin, barely suppressing laughter. Catching Scott¡¯s glance, the mage winked and mouthed, ¡®My lord.¡¯ Scott quickly looked away, but the monkey¡¯s desperate voice echoed again. ¡°My lord, please! I beg you, show mercy. I deserve this torment, but I cannot bear it any longer. My lord...¡± The creature¡¯s voice trailed off, sensing an eerie silence. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°My lord?¡± it called tentatively, raising its head. Darkness, thicker than night itself, surrounded it, enveloping the very ground in shadow. A faint rustling of chains echoed through the gloom. Before the monkey could react, flaming chains coiled tightly around its body. Then, a voice¡ªmore sinister than it could have ever imagined¡ªthundered in its ears. ¡°Ponder!¡± The immobilized creature felt a powerful compulsion seize its mind. Tears flowed freely as it responded in ecstasy, ¡°The empty throne¡­ destined for our lord!¡± ¡°Wonder!¡± the voice commanded again. ¡°The grace of he who is tormented by the flames of madness!¡± the monkey cried, joy pouring from its tear-filled eyes. ¡°Bask in!¡± ¡°The fervor of¡ª" Before it could finish, chains wrapped tightly around its mouth, silencing it. The darkness stirred, and Scott emerged from the shadows. The monkey¡¯s eyes trembled, locking gazes with the transformed yellow sign flickering in the voidweaver¡¯s eye. ¡°What can you offer me if I grant you salvation?¡± A bewitching voice whispered in the creature¡¯s ear as the chains loosened around its mouth. ¡°Everything!¡± the monkey responded without hesitation. Scott stopped before the bound creature and extended his right hand.
You have encountered a being tormented by the remnants of the Authority of Madness!
You have encountered an item once blessed with the Authority of Madness!
Do you wish to erase the remnants of the Authority of Madness on the item?
Yes! No!
Without a second thought, Scott clicked [No!].
You have chosen not to exterminate the remnants of the will of ???!
The Authority of Madness looks favorably upon you!
Ignoring the system message, Scott placed his fingers on the creature¡¯s forehead.
Do you wish to bestow the Imprint of Madness?
Yes! No!
Warning! As a bearer of the Authority of Madness, beings bestowed with your imprint will be recognized as your vassals!
Without hesitation, Scott clicked [Yes!] and withdrew his hand, fading into the surrounding shadows.
A being corrupted by the Authority of Madness has been bestowed the Imprint of Madness!
The creature trembled uncontrollably in the darkness as a flicker of clarity returned to its eyes. The flaming chains uncoiled, vanishing into the silence, and moments later, light pierced the gloom. Standing upright, the monkey glanced around, but neither Scott nor Orion remained. It inspected its body, tears of joy streaming down its face as it began to laugh¡ªa manic blend of relief and lingering despair. ¡°I don¡¯t hear them anymore,¡± it whispered through its sobs. ¡°I can¡¯t hear them anymore.¡± The laughter grew, twisted and frantic, until a voice cut through the madness, calm and commanding: ¡°Will you serve me?¡± The monkey recoiled, its eyes scanning the shadows for the source of the voice. It saw nothing but knew it well. ¡°I will,¡± it declared without hesitation, still searching for Scott. ¡°What will be your purpose from now on?¡± Scott¡¯s voice echoed, pulling the creature into a contemplative silence. It pondered deeply, the weight of the question settling over it like a shroud. After a moment, it spoke, its voice steady and sure. ¡°From this moment forward, my existence is yours, my lord. I will make your mercy known across all worlds, in every timeline. If the world stands against you, I will destroy it. If gods oppose you, I will slay them in your name. When you call, I will come. If you need my life, I will give it willingly. My mortal bones and flesh will not fail me, for I will not fail you. This I swear¡ªby my name, my pride, and the very essence of my being.¡± Silence enveloped the space, broken only by the soft crackling of the flames that crowned the monkey''s horns. It kept its head bowed, awaiting Scott¡¯s next words. ¡°Go. Do not fail me,¡± Scott¡¯s voice came, distant but commanding. ¡°All worlds shall know of your benevolence, my lord,¡± the monkey vowed solemnly, turning away without hesitation. It retraced its path, unable to contain the excitement and anticipation bubbling within. Moments after the creature''s departure, the space around Scott and Orion churned, revealing their forms once more. Orion broke into a low, delirious cackle, while Scott frowned at the sudden system notifications materializing before him.
You have received a new title!
Title: Scion of Madness!
Congratulations! A being has sworn complete devotion to you!
Congratulations! Your right to establish an Order has been recognized by the Authority of Madness and the Administrator!
Congratulations! The Authority of Madness has recognized your devotee!
Congratulations! Your devotee has inherited the title: Chaos Caller!
Congratulations! The Authority of Madness has granted your devotee the right to establish confessions for your Order!
The Authority of Madness hereby recognizes you as the 18th candidate to the Throne!
Scott scanned the notifications, the frown on his face deepening. Book 3 - Chapter 56: 18th Order! Scott blinked several times, eyes fixed on the flashing system window. I might have messed up, he thought, glancing at the path where the monkey had vanished. He could already picture the kind of chaos the champion would stir¡ªespecially now that it had inherited the Chaos Caller title and the authority to establish its own confessions. Scott shifted his gaze from the empty path and focused on Orion. ¡°What¡¯s an Order?¡± Orion¡¯s brows shot up in surprise, the question catching him off guard. His eyes then flickered toward the notification in front of Scott, and a flash of understanding lit his expression. ¡°Was that creature just recognized as your devotee?¡± Orion asked, countering Scott¡¯s question with his own. Scott¡¯s brow furrowed, his confusion deepening. ¡°Your reaction tells me all I need to know,¡± Orion said, a smile playing on his lips. He clapped his hands lightly. ¡°Congratulations. Your authority has officially acknowledged your right to claim the Throne. That¡¯s why the system recognized that creature as your devotee and granted you the right to establish an Order¡ªwhich is, in simple terms, your own faction. Its sole purpose is to help advance your ascent to the Throne.¡± Scott blinked again, still processing. ¡°How do you even know that?¡± Orion¡¯s smirk widened. ¡°Are you sure you want to know all the nitty-gritty details?¡± Scott rolled his eyes. Before he could respond, Orion continued, ¡°Forget that boring topic¡ªwhat we should be discussing are your confessions. Since your Order¡¯s been established, you now have the right to craft a confession that your devotees will use to praise your claim to the Throne. In return, they¡¯ll gain power through their connection to you. I¡¯ve always wanted to write a confession¡ªwho would have thought¡ª" ¡°The Authority of Madness gave that guy the right to establish confessions for my Order,¡± Scott interjected, watching Orion freeze mid-sentence. ¡°Wait. Maybe my ears aren¡¯t working properly. Did you just say¡ª?¡± ¡°The Authority of Madness gave that guy the right to establish confessions for my Order,¡± Scott repeated slowly, watching as Orion¡¯s shock grew. Orion¡¯s mouth opened and closed a few times before he finally found his words. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ impossible. Confessions are a divine right reserved for candidates, not¡ª¡± ¡°I take it that usually doesn¡¯t happen?¡± Scott asked dryly, noting the rare disbelief on the mage¡¯s face. ¡°This is a first for me too,¡± Orion muttered, shaking his head. ¡°Normally, only candidates have the right to create confessions. The fact that the Authority granted that right to someone else¡­¡± His voice trailed off as he stared intently at Scott. Scott frowned, glancing around. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?¡± Orion continued his intense scrutiny for another moment before he chuckled. ¡°I get it now.¡± ¡°Get what?¡± ¡°Your personality was taken into consideration,¡± Orion replied, the grin returning to his face. Scott¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± ¡°Be honest. Are you the type of person to write a confession glorifying yourself? Would you even tolerate the idea of a cult-like following, an Order devoted to spreading your name without your input or consent?¡± Orion asked, his voice filled with knowing amusement. Scott opened his mouth, ready to fire back, but the words never came. The more he thought about it, the more he realized Orion had a point. Well, it¡¯s not like I care about this in the first place, so there¡¯s no point getting upset, he reasoned before asking, ¡°So, the other candidates¡ªthey all have their own Orders and confessions, right?¡± Orion nodded. ¡°That¡¯s generally the case, yes. But I doubt any of them are in a situation as... peculiar as yours.¡± ¡°Is there anyone in particular I should be worried about?¡± Scott asked, watching Orion tilt his head, considering the question. ¡°All of them, unfortunately,¡± Orion replied with a sigh. ¡°They¡¯re all competent. And just so you know, Orders don¡¯t have unique names. They¡¯re named based on the order of their establishment. What number was your candidacy?¡± ¡°I¡¯m the 18th,¡± Scott answered. ¡°Then your Order will be recognized as the 18th Order of the Mad Throne,¡± Orion explained. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Scott¡¯s brows knit together as he processed this new information. ¡°Does it work the same way for other candidates for different thrones?¡± Orion shook his head. ¡°The Mad Throne is a special case. Normally, candidates vie for the position of a lesser god tied to the throne, but with the Mad Throne... Whoever succeeds out of the 18 recognized candidates becomes the next Mad God.¡± Orion paused, his gaze locking onto Scott. ¡°I¡¯m hoping that person is you.¡± ¡°Succession wars,¡± Scott whispered. He knew the fight for the Mad Throne wouldn¡¯t end until only one of the 18 candidates remained. With his Order newly formed and lacking any reputation or power, it was likely the others would see him as an easy target. As if sensing Scott¡¯s thoughts, Orion added, ¡°From here on, your Order will be tested¡ªrelentlessly. By other Orders, and by those looking to make a name for themselves. It¡¯s going to be... interesting.¡± ¡°And we still have to deal with the idiots trying to cash in on the bounties on our heads,¡± Scott sighed, though his calm tone betrayed none of his growing concerns. ¡°That too,¡± Orion chuckled softly, about to continue when he suddenly froze, staring down the path ahead. ¡°Good news and bad news. Which do you want first?¡± ¡°Start with the bad.¡± ¡°The undulations have disappeared,¡± Orion said with a grin. Scott took a deep breath. ¡°And the good?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve sensed a new one, much further away.¡± Orion paused, waiting for Scott¡¯s reaction. ¡°And?¡± Orion chuckled. ¡°You know me too well. This new one is giving off a far more terrifying ripple. Whatever it is, it wants to make sure everyone knows it¡¯s there. Whether it¡¯s smart for us to approach it... well, that¡¯s up to us to find out.¡± ¡°One normal day is all I ask for,¡± Scott muttered, take a step forward. ¡°Let¡¯s go. There¡¯s no point hanging around here¡ª¡± Before he could take a second step, the familiar chime of a system notification echoed, and a new message appeared before the Voidweaver.
Your devotee has earned a rank on the Territorial Rankings!
Your devotee has established a confession in your name!
Your devotee has attained the minimum requirement to control a territory within the Endless Bridge!
Scott¡¯s lips parted slightly; his eyes fixated on the flashing blue screen. ¡°What now?¡± Orion muttered, peering over Scott¡¯s shoulder to read the notification. He let out a low whistle. ¡°Your guy doesn¡¯t waste any time, does he? I can¡¯t wait to see how much chaos follows.¡± He chuckled softly. Scott exhaled deeply, his thoughts drifting as he continued forward. He wasn¡¯t sure if bestowing the Imprint of Madness on the monkey had been the right decision, but it was too late for regrets now. There was no point in dwelling on it. Silently, Scott and Orion pressed on, their journey lonely and devoid of any third presence. The same monotonous scenery stretched out ahead¡ªscratched walls, smooth road, and no noticeable changes. Their pace remained steady; with the previous exit disappearing, they weren¡¯t in a rush to approach anything unknown. Hours passed without any notable shifts in the landscape. They crossed several invisible barriers along the way, and Scott received two more notifications about his devotee establishing new confessions, but he barely spared them a glance. Orion sighed suddenly, catching Scott¡¯s attention. ¡°What is it this time?¡± Scott asked. ¡°This place,¡± Orion began, ¡°It¡¯s maddening to figure out. Every time I¡¯m on the verge of a breakthrough, something interferes. It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve felt this frustrated¡ªand honestly, I¡¯m enjoying it.¡± ¡°Oh, I see,¡± Scott replied, his gaze returning to the path. He had no desire to push Orion for more details, unwilling to dive into arcane jargon. ¡°Have you managed to reach the others?¡± Orion asked out of the blue. ¡°Not at all. The same restrictions are in place. The party communication channel isn¡¯t helping either,¡± Scott replied. ¡°Any luck with your clones?¡± ¡°Nope. Same deal for me.¡± Orion¡¯s lips curled into a curious smile. ¡°I wonder just how many people are on this bridge. Billions, maybe more.¡± ¡°Yet we¡¯ve barely encountered anyone,¡± Scott noted. ¡°Exciting, isn¡¯t it? I can¡¯t even fathom how massive this bridge really is,¡± Orion said, barely containing his excitement. Just as he was about to continue, they crossed another invisible barrier. Scott and Orion halted as system notifications echoed around them like a relentless alarm. In front of them, an enormous crowd of champions stood in a vast section of the road, devoid of the familiar towering walls they had grown accustomed to. What the hell is going on here? Scott thought, his gaze sweeping over the champions, who stood motionless, ignoring the system notifications before them. He glanced at Orion, who wore the same expression¡ªconfusion, mixed with curiosity. Can they not see us? Or are they choosing to ignore us? Scott pondered, watching the champions, all eerily still. He saw champions from all races, some familiar, others completely alien. But no matter how long Scott observed, he couldn¡¯t grasp why such a massive crowd stood frozen, indifferent to their arrival and the notification announcing their bounties. ¡°Orion, do you¡ª¡± Scott began, but stopped abruptly as the champions suddenly stirred. Their heads¡ªthose who had them¡ªrose in perfect unison toward the heavens. Then they began to laugh. A chilling, synchronized cacophony of screeches and cries echoed across the area, unsettling in its eerie harmony. ¡°Orion, do you have any idea what¡¯s going on?¡± Scott asked mentally, and the Chains of the Abyss began to loosen around his arm. Before Orion could answer, a loud pop resounded through the air. All at once, the laughing champions'' bodies exploded in a grotesque burst of flesh, sinew, and tainted blood. Scott and Orion stood still; their gazes now fixed on a solitary figure standing amidst the blood-soaked terrain. ¡°You two... you¡¯re trying to invade my territory, aren¡¯t you? That¡¯s not fair, you know,¡± the figure said, its voice powerful yet oddly soothing. ¡°It¡¯s common courtesy to ask permission before entering someone¡¯s domain, don¡¯t you think?¡± It paused, a sinister smile tugging at its lips. ¡°But since you¡¯re already here... you might as well stay. Forever.¡± Book 3 - Chapter 57: Territorial Wars [1] Scott stared at the figure standing in the bloody pool, its slender form vaguely human-like but shifting, almost formless, like living sludge. A mud dweller, huh? he thought. But this one looks different from the others I¡¯ve seen. His expression remained impassive as he studied the strange champion. The Chains of the Abyss had loosened but stayed dormant, awaiting his command. ¡°Isn¡¯t this enough for you?¡± the mud dweller suddenly demanded. ¡°Why won¡¯t you let me back in? What more do you want? Will those two make you accept me again?¡± ¡°That guy is dangerous,¡± Orion¡¯s voice echoed through the party channel. ¡°I know. Best not to drag this out,¡± Scott replied. He took a step forward, and immediately darkness surged from beneath his feet, expanding to engulf everything ahead. The mud dweller''s voice rang out again. ¡°Who said you could defile my territory with your vile essence? Begone!¡± The champion''s irritated voice boomed across the shadowed expanse. An overwhelming pressure shattered a section of the creeping darkness that had enveloped him. ¡°How dare you?¡± the mud dweller hissed, his voice laced with venom. ¡°How dare you defile my territory with that thing?¡± Scott raised an eyebrow. It was the first time someone had dispersed his shadows so effortlessly since Ethan. Yet his face betrayed no emotion. ¡°I suspend all laws within my domain,¡± Scott declared. Portals opened all around them, unleashing a chorus of baleful screeches and shrieks. From within these rifts, twisted eldritch beings emerged, each one more grotesque than the last, their bloodlust directed at the floating mud dweller. They moved swiftly across the darkness, converging on the champion, who now hovered a few feet off the ground. As the creatures approached the hundred-meter radius of untouched space, an immense force descended upon them, instantly crushing their forms to dust. Undeterred by fear, more summons charged forward, driven by Scott¡¯s will, only to meet the same fate¡ªobliterated by the oppressive force surrounding the mud dweller. ¡°How dare you!¡± the mud dweller snarled again. ¡°I will make you¡ª¡± A massive fist erupted from one of the portals, swinging toward the hovering champion. But with a sickening crack, the fist buckled, its bones snapping at unnatural angles. Blood and miasmic gases spewed from the twisted limb as it retreated back into the portal with a wail. The mud dweller, still hovering, moved forward, and the clear zone moved with it, dispersing the darkness. Chains stirred in response, and the champion halted. At that moment, three distinct whistling sounds cut through the air. Three projectiles tore through the force field and struck the mud dweller, embedding into its murky form without causing any visible damage. ¡°Is that it?¡± the mud dweller scoffed. ¡°Was that all you could¡ª¡± The creature froze, noticing a ticking sound. The chrome projectiles began to swell, their sheen replaced by a sinister red hue. Seconds later, a devastating explosion engulfed the area. The clear zone vanished, darkness reclaiming the battlefield. The Chains of the Abyss shot forth, wrapping around the mud dweller, whose body flickered between its amorphous sludge form and a charred, hardened shell. Soul-churning screams erupted from the bound creature as blackened flames licked its form, though they left no visible damage. Scott emerged from the shadows behind the creature, war hammer in hand. ¡°You think this is enough to stop me?¡± the mud dweller roared, its body swelling as it writhed in agony. ¡°No one shall dwell over my¡ª¡± Scott¡¯s hammer came down, smashing into the creature¡¯s head with a thunderous impact. Fissures spider-webbed across the hardened shell of the mud dweller. The chains loosened and slipped away, releasing the creature. Scott melded back into the shadows just as more projectiles struck the mud dweller¡¯s fractured exterior. The ticking sound returned, followed by a sharp click. Another explosion rocked the air, and the mud dweller¡¯s remains shattered, scattering into oblivion. The darkness coalesced beneath Scott¡¯s feet as he returned to his original position. The war hammer and chains shrank back into their dormant forms. ¡°For someone with the ability to manipulate gravitational forces, that was a lot easier than I expected,¡± Orion remarked with a rueful smile before glancing at Scott. ¡°You didn¡¯t use the Confessions this time, or the Authority of Madness. Why?¡± Scott cast a brief look at the mage before turning his gaze away. ¡°Which direction is the undulation the strongest? Or has it weakened?¡± Orion chuckled softly, shaking his head. ¡°This is why the throne never bothered you with mundane tasks,¡± he said, pointing straight ahead. ¡°We¡¯re still on track. The ripples are getting stronger, actually. I can¡¯t wait to see what¡¯s waiting for us. Ready to move on?¡± Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Barely seconds after the words left Orion¡¯s mouth, a system notification flashed in front of them.
You have slain a former Territorial Lord!
You have yet to attain the minimum number of kills to be named in the territorial ranking!
This thing again¡­ Scott frowned at the unexpected message. So, that guy was just a poser. He¡¯s like Orion¡ªmade the rankings, but probably got kicked off. Scott recalled the massacre they¡¯d witnessed earlier and couldn''t help but wonder if the mud dweller had slaughtered all those champions in a bid to reenter the list. Why didn¡¯t it use the ability it trapped those other guys with? Was it too tired, or did it underestimate us? Scott¡¯s gaze drifted to Orion, who scrutinized the system message just as intently. No use overthinking it. Whatever the reason the mud dweller held back, it no longer mattered. What mattered was surviving long enough to escape this cursed place. Scott exhaled slowly, steadying himself.
Your devotee has devoted a territory to you!
By virtue of your allegiance to the Mad Throne, your territory shall be known as the 18th Order of the Mad Throne!
Congratulations! You are now a Territorial Lord!
Current number of territories in your control: 1!
Scott blinked several times, eyes fixed on the flashing blue window. Thoughts and questions raced through his mind, but he couldn¡¯t tear his gaze from the system prompt.
Warning! You have yet to attain a placement in the territorial ranking. To maintain control over your territory, you must achieve a placement!
Failure to place on the territorial ranking will result in immediate forfeiture of your territory and all associated benefits!
Note: To enjoy the benefits of being a Territorial Lord, you must first achieve a placement on the ranking!
This is going to be troublesome. Scott massaged his temples, already dreading the unpleasant notifications that awaited him. Shifting his attention from the system alerts, he turned toward Orion, who was gathering samples from the shattered remains of the mud dweller. This guy never misses an opportunity to feed his hunger for knowledge, Scott mused, taking a step forward. ¡°I¡¯m going ahead. Join me when you¡¯re done with... whatever that is.¡± Orion¡¯s amused chuckle sounded behind him. ¡°Just give me a second. I won¡¯t take long.¡± Scott said nothing more, walking onward. That mud dweller had an annoying ability, but it wasn¡¯t all that strong. I wonder how powerful the other Territorial Lords are. He glanced across the vast, desolate expanse. Will this place become someone¡¯s territory soon? What¡¯s the point of being a Territorial Lord in a wasteland like this? It¡¯d just be an endless cycle of battles. Far better to find a gateway to a timeline¡ª His thoughts trailed off as a sudden realization hit him. Scott spun around and headed back toward Orion, who was still engrossed in collecting samples. ¡°Orion, we have a serious problem.¡± Orion looked up, noting the concern etched on Scott¡¯s face. ¡°We always have problems. How serious can it be this time?¡± he asked with a smile. Wasting no time, Scott explained his reasoning to Orion, detailing his new title as a Territorial Lord and the system¡¯s warnings. Orion¡¯s smile had long since faded, replaced by a solemn expression. ¡°In essence, there''s a high probability that whoever controls a territory also controls all the exits within it, effectively preventing anyone not allied with them from entering or leaving,¡± Orion muttered after a long pause. ¡°That¡¯s the conclusion I came to as well. For all we know, we could reach a point where we can''t advance any further because crossing into new areas might be considered invading someone¡¯s territory.¡± ¡°Even worse, there''s a real chance that the path forward¡ªor even the path back¡ªis rapidly shrinking,¡± Orion added with a rueful smile. ¡°This is definitely a serious problem, but we don¡¯t have enough data yet to make an informed decision. Knowing your luck, it¡¯s only a matter of time before whoever controls the next territory reveals themselves to us.¡± Scott frowned, feeling like Orion had taken a jab at him, but he couldn¡¯t argue. If anything, saying he had bad luck was an understatement. The silence stretched between them until Orion chuckled again. ¡°Now I think I have a picture of what happened to my clones,¡± Orion said with an amused grin. Scott considered the mage¡¯s words, recalling the massacre they¡¯d witnessed earlier. It wasn¡¯t hard to imagine that the newly created clones had fallen victim to the mud dweller¡¯s strange powers. ¡°I can only imagine how bitter they must have felt,¡± Orion laughed even harder, tears forming in his eyes. ¡°Being born, getting a glimpse of life¡¯s wonders, and all its inquisitive delights, only to be killed before you could even satisfy a single curiosity!¡± He doubled over in silent laughter. Scott stared at him, confused. And this is funny how? he wondered, watching as Orion continued to laugh uncontrollably. ¡°But that still doesn¡¯t explain why the undulations disappeared,¡± Scott interjected, tired of the mage¡¯s mirth. ¡°I have a theory,¡± Orion said, struggling to suppress his amusement. ¡°After our discussion, I¡¯m certain there was a distortion here. It likely disappeared when our now-deceased friend was demoted.¡± ¡°So the exits only reveal themselves when there¡¯s an active Territorial Lord,¡± Scott said, a new realization dawning on him as he glanced toward the path Orion had indicated earlier. Before he could speak, the mage¡¯s voice came from behind him. "I already know what you''re thinking, and you''re probably right. The ripples I''ve been sensing might be coming from someone else''s territory. The real question is whether it''s a good idea to keep approaching it. Keep in mind, it could be seen as us challenging the Territorial Lord¡ªor we could just abandon the idea altogether." Scott turned toward Orion, and the two champions locked eyes. There was no way to know how powerful the champion controlling the next territory might be, and a careless move could cost them everything. But wandering the endless bridge without a destination wasn¡¯t appealing either. ¡°As always, I don¡¯t mind whichever option you choose,¡± Orion said with a smirk. ¡°But what¡¯s it going to be?¡± Book 3 - Chapter 57: Territorial Wars [2] Scott silently studied Orion, his mind racing with possibilities. There¡¯s no telling how powerful the territorial lord in charge of that area might be; risking a clash now makes no sense. But sitting idle won¡¯t get us anywhere. One way or another, we have to find a way out of here. ¡°I think we might have been looking at this wrong from the start,¡± Scott said abruptly, drawing a curious look from Orion. ¡°This place could be scattered with exits, but we might never know it¡ªbecause we lack the right to access them.¡± Orion¡¯s brows creased briefly before a spark of understanding flashed across his face. ¡°Ah, now that is an interesting theory¡ªand it¡¯s possible. Very possible,¡± he agreed, nodding thoughtfully. Two of the areas where he¡¯d sensed ripples had been in the territories of territorial lords. While not conclusive, it hinted that exits might only be accessible in territories under active control. Scott¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°At this point, there¡¯s only one real option.¡± Orion¡¯s eerie smile grew wider. ¡°At least one of us has to secure a placement on the territorial ranking.¡± Scott nodded. ¡°Forget the exits for now; our focus has to be making the rankings.¡± ¡°Good plan. I¡¯m in. But in a place this vast, finding opponents won¡¯t be easy. And others with the same goal will be out there, so we¡¯ll have to be ruthlessly efficient.¡± Scott nodded in agreement, keeping his thoughts to himself. Orion¡¯s gaze shifted to scan the area. ¡°In that case, let¡¯s head in this direction.¡± He pointed, then glanced at Scott. ¡°Unless you have other ideas?¡± Scott glanced toward the path Orion indicated, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Oh, come on. This time, I really did pick it at random,¡± Orion said, smiling. ¡°Sure,¡± Scott muttered, rolling his eyes. He knew Orion too well to buy into his spontaneity. There was no way the mage would pick a path on impulse. ¡°Really, I mean it this time!¡± Orion insisted, but Scott had already started moving. ¡°I¡¯m going first. Don¡¯t waste too much time collecting samples,¡± he called without looking back.
Scott and Orion continued their monotonous journey through the dim pathway. Though the distant walls loomed once more, they hadn¡¯t encountered any other champions since the massacre and their clash with the mud dweller. Their route soon led to another intersection of branching paths. Orion turned to Scott with a grin. ¡°This time, you get the honors,¡± he said. Scott scanned the paths, then nodded, selecting their next route. Neither burdened by fatigue nor needing rest, Scott and Orion pressed on, covering vast distances without pause. Yet, despite their pace, they encountered no other champions, nor did they stumble into another territory. ¡°Now that we¡¯re looking for someone, no one¡¯s around. Typical,¡± Orion sighed, a faint smile playing at his lips. Scott shot him a brief look but kept silent, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. It seems we underestimated the size of this place. We must have been walking for weeks without seeing a soul. Just how lucky were we to have crossed paths with others last time? The idea of using his domain to escape drifted in and out of Scott¡¯s mind, but he dismissed it quickly each time. The warning from the Nameless One echoed in his memory. Whatever regrets he might possible suffer, he couldn¡¯t tell, but it had to be serious for such a being to intervene. The two traveled in silence, crossing countless miles until a system notification suddenly appeared before them.
You have entered the territory of the Harem King!
Territory: Lover¡¯s Paradise!
Scott furrowed his brow, staring at the message. ¡°What the¡­¡± Beside him, Orion¡¯s smile turned mischievous, an expression that never spelled anything good. Instinctively, Scott took a step back, only to find himself blocked by an invisible barrier. Another message appeared.
You cannot leave a territory without the permission of the Territorial Lord!
¡°Well, it looks like we were right,¡± Orion said, eyes gleaming with interest. Scott shot him a questioning glance, but the mage was already peering ahead. ¡°I¡¯m picking up multiple ripples from various directions. I have a feeling thing are about to get¡­interesting.¡± Scott sighed, forcing his tense expression to relax. A place called Lover¡¯s Paradise? Who would even create something like that? He took a deep breath, suppressing the irritation simmering within him. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. ¡°System, apart from the lord¡¯s permission, how else can we leave?¡± he asked.
You can exit by defeating the Territorial Lord!
You may leave if the Territorial Lord is ousted from the rankings!
If you possess alternative means of leaving, you are permitted to use them!
Orion chuckled, crossing his arms. ¡°Let me guess. You¡¯re thinking of using the nihilistic zone?¡± Scott nodded. ¡°I left shadows at various points along the way, so it should be simple enough to trace back to one of them.¡± ¡°So that¡¯s what you were doing back then,¡± Orion said with a playful smirk. ¡°When I saw you tapping your foot like that, I thought you were practicing tap dancing or something.¡± Scott rolled his eyes, refusing to dignify the mage¡¯s obvious lie with a response. Summoning the nihilistic portal, he watched as it began to expand¡ªonly for Orion¡¯s voice to interrupt his thoughts. ¡°Since we¡¯re already here, how about we take a look around? This could be useful in the long run. At the very least, we¡¯d get to see what actually happens in a territory.¡± Scott paused before letting out a reluctant sigh. ¡°We¡¯ll leave the moment anything troublesome appears.¡± He dismissed the portal. ¡°Aye, aye, Captain!¡± Orion replied with a mock salute, unable to hide his excitement. Scott rolled his eyes again and prepared to move forward, only to be stopped by Orion¡¯s voice at his side. ¡°How do you feel?¡± Scott cast him a puzzled look. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Never mind,¡± Orion chuckled, already moving ahead. Scott watched the mage¡¯s back, suspicion flaring in his mind. What was that about? He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Orion was up to something, but for now, he let it go. They continued forward, every step measured, vigilant for whatever might await them. After several silent miles, faint noises began to echo around them. ¡°Do you hear that?¡± Scott asked, pausing to glance at Orion. ¡°I do,¡± Orion replied, his head tilted slightly. ¡°It¡¯s faint¡ªhard to make out. Should we get closer?¡± Scott thought for a moment, then nodded, and they proceeded, each step more cautious as the noises grew clearer. A frown settled on Scott¡¯s face as the sounds became unmistakable. Wait... no way. There¡¯s no way. He glanced at Orion, only to find the mage grinning with a juvenile glee, mouthing, ¡°Sounds like someone¡¯s getting some action.¡± They pressed onward, the noises growing distinct¡ªcries of pleasure echoed off the hollow pathway¡¯s walls, though no one had yet appeared in sight. On their twentieth step, they crossed another unseen barrier, and Scott¡¯s eyes widened. Before them sprawled a vast expanse filled with champions of countless races, each engaged in varying displays of passion and debauchery. The dull, distant walls were gone, replaced by massive trees swaying under a briny wind. Warm sunlight bathed the area, while an endless blue sky stretched overhead. The road beneath their feet had given way to warm, sparkling white sand, extending to the edges of a vast, sunlit beach where the echoes of crashing waves mingled with the chorus of moans and whispers carried by elemental winds. Scott watched, half-stunned, as thousands of notifications appeared above the champions, each one signaling a bounty. Yet not a single person looked up or broke away from their reverie to acknowledge it. "Are they under some sort of spell?" Scott wondered, his gaze drifting over the crowd, observing each feisty couple with a probing yet impassive look. Orion grinned broadly as he took in the diverse assembly. "I¡¯m more impressed by the fact that so many different races are¡­ getting along. Today¡¯s definitely been educational." Scott glanced at him, seeing the mage¡¯s eager eyes roaming the scene. ¡°We need to keep moving.¡± ¡°I agree,¡± Orion nodded, though he didn¡¯t look away. ¡°As fascinating as this is, I¡¯m more curious to see what else awaits us. And, more importantly, why this place even exists.¡± ¡°What about the ripples?¡± Scott asked. ¡°Do you sense any?¡± Orion shook his head. ¡°Seems like the territory¡¯s owner has them well under control.¡± Scott¡¯s brows creased, but he said nothing, pressing forward with Orion close behind. Wordlessly, they navigated through the crowded beach of amorous champions, their destination uncertain and the beach stretching endlessly before them. While Scott focused solely on moving ahead, Orion seemed thoroughly captivated by the displays of passion around them. ¡°Orion, be prepared to leave at a moment¡¯s notice. I won¡¯t hesitate to pull us out if anything happens,¡± Scott said over the party channel. ¡°Always ready,¡± Orion replied. They wove their way through the crowd, dodging the sea of champions sprawled across the sandy shore. Scott noted how most human champions were paired with humanoid partners resembling succubi or incubi, but his attention kept being drawn back to an unsettling feeling. I¡¯ve felt like we¡¯re being watched ever since we arrived. His eyes scanned the surroundings, but no one seemed to notice him. As they moved, Scott suddenly felt a stray arm brush against him¡ªa man had stumbled in the midst of attempting some ambitious maneuver. Scott paused and looked down. For a brief moment, their gazes met, and Scott noticed an odd clarity in the man¡¯s eyes, as if he were waking from a long dream. The man¡¯s expression flickered with confusion, disbelief, then horror. ¡°Please¡­ kill¡­¡± the man whispered hoarsely before his voice trailed off. He averted his gaze, got up, and rejoined his partners without a second glance. Scott turned to Orion, who wore a similarly concerned and puzzled expression. Before they could speak, the sounds of pleasure that had filled the beach suddenly ceased. Silence fell as every champion turned their vacant eyes toward Scott and Orion. Tendrils of darkness crept along the sand, and Scott¡¯s and Orion¡¯s shadows grew deeper, more ominous. In the stillness, a voice echoed from afar. ¡°Our lord will see you now.¡± Both turned to see a tall, slender woman dressed in a tight, black leather bodysuit that exposed only her deep red lips. A glossy, hairless tail swung behind her as she stood, arms crossed, before a swirling portal. In unison, the champions broke their gaze from Scott and Orion, resuming their activities as if nothing had happened. The woman¡¯s piercing gaze¡ªthough unseen, remained fixed on them, her finger lifted in a silent summons. ¡°Do you think we should¡ª" Orion began, but the figure snapped her fingers, and the scene shifted. The endless beach vanished, replaced by an opulent throne room with towering, jewel-encrusted pillars. The air was rich with the scent of blooming flowers that filled pots scattered throughout the hall. But Scott and Orion¡¯s attention was fixed on the figure seated on a colossal throne¡ªa giant of a man, his seat towering twenty feet high, flanked by hundreds of scantily dressed, stunning women of varying races, some of them nearly as massive as the stone throne itself. The man¡¯s deep voice rumbled through the hall. ¡°I was hoping I wouldn¡¯t have to deal with you two personally, but it seems that¡¯s no longer an option.¡± Book 3 - Chapter 59: Territorial Wars [3] The giant sat carefree on his throne, an air of confidence radiating from him. His turquoise eyes held a cold, savage gleam, and his fingers drummed idly on the stone armrest. He wore finely made furs that spoke of high quality, yet even they seemed dull next to the rich golden locks that framed his face and the flawless skin that marked his physique. Scott studied the towering champion with interest. He had never encountered a human of such size and wondered what sort of life he might have led on Earth. As with all the champions thus far, Hastur¡¯s Gaze revealed nothing of the man¡¯s status, but Scott wasn¡¯t concerned. His gaze drifted to the assembly of beautiful women stationed beside the throne, his brows furrowing slightly. At that moment, the giant¡¯s voice boomed, breaking the silence. ¡°You two have invaded my territory, and believe me, that¡¯s no small matter,¡± he began, adjusting his posture with a flicker of authority. ¡°However, I¡¯m willing to overlook this¡ªprovided you become my subordinates,¡± he declared, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. Scott¡¯s frown deepened, while a curious smile played on Orion¡¯s lips. Before either could respond, the giant continued. ¡°I cannot guarantee everything, but should you choose to join me, I promise you an eternity of pleasure and power. No more worrying about fools seeking the bounties on your heads; not even the gods would be able to claim you from my grasp.¡± Orion¡¯s curiosity was piqued. ¡°How could you possibly guarantee that?¡± Scott glanced over, noticing the glint of intrigue in the mage¡¯s eyes. Turning back, he saw the giant¡¯s expression harden as if he were weighing his response. ¡°The Endless Bridge,¡± the giant declared after a pause, ¡°lies beyond the gods¡¯ control. Their powers hold no sway here.¡± Scott¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°How do you know that?¡± ¡°The administrator was the sole authority over the Endless Bridge until the connection between timelines was reestablished,¡± the giant explained, his voice steady. ¡°Now, any being on the Territorial Rankings who claims their territory has inherited a share of that authority.¡± He leaned back, his lips curling into a slight smile. ¡°All Territorial Lords wield a fraction of the administrator¡¯s power in their territory. What greater influence could you ask for?¡± The champion¡¯s words echoed through the hall, the weight of his claim hanging in the air. ¡°When you say the administrator¡¯s authority, do you mean authority?¡± Orion asked, his gaze sharp. The giant¡¯s brows knit, and annoyance flickered across his face. ¡°Enough of this back and forth. State your answers¡ªnow.¡± Scott didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°I¡¯m not interested.¡± Orion sighed, shaking his head with a look of mild regret. ¡°Unfortunately, neither am I. So, what happens now? ¡°You leave me no choice, then,¡± the giant declared, rising from his throne. The women flanking his seat took cautious steps back as he flexed his right hand, summoning a rippling distortion in the air. His piercing gaze never left Scott and Orion as he reached into the distortion, drawing forth a bloodred halberd of striking craftsmanship. ¡°My name is Ivan Dokogo,¡± he intoned, his voice echoing with finality. ¡°Remember it, for it¡¯s the name of your executioner.¡± Ivan ripped the halberd fully from the distortion, lightning arcing around him as if drawn to his very form. The distortion swelled, growing to three times the giant¡¯s size, and a deep, guttural howl resonated through the throne room. Scott watched as a monstrous five-headed hound, its hide as black as coal, emerged from the portal. All ten of its fiery eyes locked onto him and Orion with a bloodthirsty focus. ¡°You asked, ¡®What now,¡¯ right?¡± Ivan sneered, taking a step forward as the beast let out a sickening howl. ¡°This is the part where you die. Mishka, destroy them!¡± The beast¡¯s howl reverberated, frothing at the mouth as it charged toward them with thunderous strides, intent on rending them apart. Orion chuckled over the party communication channel. ¡°Let me handle this good boy. You take the big man.¡± Without waiting for Scott¡¯s reply, four magic circles spun around Orion, and a blackened bone materialized in his hand from his inventory. ¡°Come here, boy. I¡¯ve got treats for you.¡± Mishka¡¯s growl grew in pitch as it surged forward, barreling into Orion, who flew back into the wall with bone-crushing force, leaving a shattered trail. Unfazed, the beast charged after him, eyes blazing, eager to finish what it started. Ivan chuckled darkly, watching the scene unfold. ¡°Your companion is a fool if he thinks he can bait Mishka¡ªa hellhound¡ªwith mere bones.¡± He took slow, deliberate steps toward Scott, cracks spider-webbing beneath his feet as his lightning aura spread, disintegrating everything in its path. Scott looked away from the wreckage, his gaze settling on Ivan. ¡°He can be eccentric, I¡¯ll admit. But trust me, that pup of yours is as good as gone. My condolences.¡± His smile was faint as the Chains of the Abyss unfurled and the war hammer of the Mad God glowed, morphing into its true, fearsome form. Ivan¡¯s advance halted. The eerie, metallic screech of the war hammer and the uncoiling chains clashed with the crackling lightning, filling the chamber with a cacophony of power. Ivan¡¯s grip tightened on his halberd, his smile vanishing. ¡°You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. My Mishka¡ª¡± But before he could finish, a cacophony of howls erupted from across the room, followed by maniacal laughter and a chorus of bizarre taunts. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Come on, doggie. Just a little sample!¡± ¡°Here, boy, want to learn a trick?¡± ¡°Anyone tried hellhound meat before?¡± ¡°Stop trying to pat its head and get the sample already!¡± ¡°Hey! We need a stool sample! The scrotum¡¯s covered!¡± Ivan¡¯s expression twisted in fury, his voice seething as he growled, ¡°What are they doing to my Mishka?¡± Ivan¡¯s gaze drifted toward the massive hole the hellhound had torn into the wall earlier. All the voices within his domain echoed simultaneously yet distinctly, creating an eerie cacophony, as if someone were conversing with himself in layered, varying tones. ¡°I suspend all laws within my domain!¡± Ivan bellowed, and the field crackled in response. The lightning storm expanded, stretching into a three-hundred-meter radius. The women who had been poised beside the throne withdrew, watching the scene with a surprising calm. Within the newly widened strike zone, lightning bolts converged, coiling into colossal, serpentine creatures that raced toward Scott, intent on devouring him whole. ¡°What a cheap imitation,¡± Scott said, unimpressed. ¡°I¡¯ve seen the real thing. Yours doesn¡¯t even come close.¡± With that, the Chains of the Abyss shot forward, extending toward the sentient lightning serpents. Ivan laughed scornfully. ¡°Do you really think those flimsy chains can stand up to my¡ª¡± His words trailed off, and his expression froze in disbelief. The chains had obliterated his lightning serpents upon contact, and an untraceable darkness began to seep into his domain, eroding it from within. If I don¡¯t take this seriously, I¡¯ll die here. I can¡¯t let that happen! Ivan gripped his weapon tightly, assuming a battle stance. In the distance, Mishka¡¯s howl echoed, filled with a note of misery and agony. At that moment, Scott¡¯s voice pierced through the chaos, chilling Ivan. ¡°Are you sure you want to be looking away?¡± The nihilistic darkness surged, swallowing Ivan¡¯s domain in an instant, leaving him stranded in the void. The Chains of the Abyss rustled violently, filling the darkness with a low, ominous vibration. ¡°I almost feel sorry for you,¡± Scott said coldly. ¡°So, I¡¯ll make this quick. Sleep, and may you never awaken again.¡± The chains whipped and thrashed harder, their movements reverberating through the void until silence took hold. In an instant, the darkness retreated, pooling beneath Scott¡¯s feet. All traces of Ivan had vanished, as if he had never existed. Moments later, footsteps echoed across the chamber, and Orion emerged from the massive hole in the wall, his robes spotless, showing no sign of battle or dust. Scott glanced at him. ¡°You done?¡± he asked telepathically. Orion¡¯s face lit up with excitement. ¡°That big fella was quite obedient. I can¡¯t wait to play with him again.¡± His eyes swept the room, noticing Ivan¡¯s absence. ¡°Looks like you¡¯re done here, too¡­¡± His gaze lingered on the Chains of the Abyss coiled around Scott¡¯s arm, an intense curiosity crossing his face. Though the chains looked the same as they always had, something about them was unmistakably different¡ªa mystery that both thrilled and vexed the mage. ¡°Did you unseal the chains?¡± Orion asked, his voice unusually serious. Scott¡¯s expression was unreadable. ¡°Impressive. I doubt anyone else but you would¡¯ve noticed.¡± Orion¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Wait, so they¡¯ve been sealed all this time?¡± His tone was half disbelief, half intrigue. Scott turned away, his gaze shifting toward the distant throne and the women who lingered, observing silently from afar. ¡°If you¡¯re finished with your games, it¡¯s time to make your intentions clear, Harem King,¡± Scott''s voice rang out, his gaze pinpointing the smallest figure among the beautiful women assembled. ¡°That¡¯s the Harem King?¡± Orion questioned mentally. ¡°Yes, but that isn¡¯t her true form,¡± Scott replied without looking away. A soft, delightful laughter filled the chamber, and the surroundings began to shift. The shattered walls and towering pillars faded, and even the throne started crumbling under the weight of the change. In an instant, Scott and Orion found themselves standing in a serene lakeside pavilion. Moonlight shimmered over crystal-clear waters, casting soft reflections amidst a sea of flowers, their fragrance mingling with the gentle night breeze. Scott¡¯s attention, however, remained fixed on the figures a few feet ahead. The assembly of beautiful champions had transformed¡ªtheir calm expressions replaced with unmistakable hostility. The figure Scott had singled out shifted, growing taller and more captivating than all the others combined. She now floated a few inches above the ground, a pristine, near-transparent toga draping her graceful figure. Her large, feathery wings, a blend of silver and gold, extended behind her, while her hair¡ªan otherworldly mix of silver and black¡ªfell in soft waves. Her perfect beauty was almost unsettling, but a blood-red cloth tied over her eyes, painted with grotesque eye-like symbols where her own should be, added a disturbing contrast. ¡°Steady yourselves, my lovelies,¡± she commanded softly, cradling the arm of one of the women closest to her. ¡°Do not taint this place with needless anger.¡± Instantly, the harem returned to their tranquil state, eyes fixed impassively on Scott and Orion. Yet Scott and Orion had eyes only for the Harem King. ¡°How can someone¡¯s voice be so flawless?¡± Orion mused mentally. Scott didn¡¯t respond, and Orion let the silence linger. ¡°My name is Viona Vidili Vandam,¡± the Harem King introduced, floating gracefully away from her entourage. She extended a hand toward Scott. ¡°Your presence here is a blemish not even the clear waters of Lonart Lake can cleanse. I don¡¯t like you at all.¡± ¡°Thanks for the compliment,¡± Scott replied flatly, his expression impassive. Viona smiled¡ªan enchanting, genuine smile devoid of malice. She seemed ready to speak again when Orion interrupted. ¡°Just curious¡ªwas all that for show? Some kind of test?¡± She turned toward Orion with a mildly amused expression. ¡°Though you¡¯re not as offensive as this¡­¡± she trailed off, unable to identify Scott¡¯s race. ¡°No human should be able to suppress their lust as you have. I don¡¯t like you either.¡± ¡°Thank you. It¡¯s taken years of practice,¡± Orion replied sincerely. Scott¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile, a mirror to Viona¡¯s expression. So, that¡¯s why he asked if I was alright earlier, Scott realized. The allure here must have been overpowering, a force driving others to surrender to primal urges. It didn¡¯t work on him, though. Having been refined in the nihilistic zone, he had no such desires to exploit. Tension hung between them until Viona finally broke the silence. ¡°I have a proposal for you two.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not interested in being your subordinate,¡± Scott replied immediately. ¡°Nor am I,¡± Orion added, his voice calm but firm. ¡°I assumed as much after Ivan¡¯s¡­ unsuccessful attempt.¡± Her gaze settled back on Scott. ¡°What did you do to him?¡± Scott¡¯s expression remained unchanged; his silence unyielding. ¡°It¡¯d be wise to move on to the proposal itself,¡± Orion said. ¡°You won¡¯t get much else out of him.¡± ¡°Very well,¡± Viona replied with a sigh. ¡°There are territorial wars raging all along this bridge, and I want both of you to fight under my banner¡ª¡± ¡°Not interested,¡± Scott and Orion replied simultaneously. For the first time, Viona¡¯s smile faltered. She took a deep breath, regaining her composure. ¡°Though I may not be certain I could eliminate you both, I can ensure you¡¯d rather wish you were dead. I suggest reconsidering.¡± Scott chuckled, stepping forward. ¡°Now that¡¯s more like it. We tend to thrive off threats.¡± The Chains of the Abyss hissed as they uncoiled from Scott¡¯s arm. Orion¡¯s staff appeared in his hand, and he smiled with uncharacteristic brightness. Viona sighed, a hint of exasperation flickering across her flawless face. ¡°I really don¡¯t like either of you,¡± she repeated. Book 3 - Chapter 60: Territorial Wars [4] The Harem King clapped her hands twice, a smile returning to her face. ¡°I¡¯m no fighter, and I don¡¯t intend to fight. I believe we can reach a compromise. What do you say?¡± Though her own demeanor remained calm, the ladies behind her watched Scott and Orion with cold, hawkish glares, their eyes daring the duo not to make a rash move. Ignoring the provocations, Scott and Orion kept their focus solely on the enchanting figure before them. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have threatened you. For that, I sincerely apologize.¡± ¡°You think¡ª¡± Scott began, only for Orion¡¯s hand to settle on his shoulder, halting him mid-sentence. Scott turned toward the mage. ¡°Let me handle this,¡± Orion said mentally, a playful wink accompanying his words as he stepped forward. The chains around Scott¡¯s arm tightened momentarily, then relaxed as he took a step back, his gaze following Orion as he approached the Harem King. ¡°So, what sort of compromise are we talking about?¡± Orion asked, his voice carrying an almost unnatural cheer. The Harem King didn¡¯t match his pace, responding evenly, ¡°What do you have in mind? If it¡¯s within reason, I¡¯ll see to it.¡± Orion tilted his head as if pondering a proposal. ¡°You mentioned a territorial war. Care to tell us more?¡± Her expression sharpened, and her head flicked between the two of them. ¡°If you¡¯re not interested in fighting under my banner, why would you care?¡± ¡°Oh, we¡¯re naturally inquisitive,¡± Orion replied with a smile. ¡°And we¡¯d prefer not to wander into a warzone by accident, especially with the bounties on our heads. I¡¯m sure you understand, yes?¡± Her skepticism was evident as her head swirled between them. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what exactly you¡¯re after, but don¡¯t go getting any grandiose ideas,¡± she warned after a pause. ¡°There¡¯s a campaign underway among the territorial lords across the Endless Bridge. Each lord aims to conquer as many territories as possible. The fighting is brutal; many lords have already met their end, which is why rankings have been changing so rapidly¡ª¡± Scott¡¯s voice cut in from behind. ¡°What¡¯s the purpose of all this slaughter? Besides gaining territory, what¡¯s the end game?¡± While he understood the appeal of ruling a territory¡ªa title that came with a fraction of the Administrator¡¯s authority¡ªhe couldn¡¯t fathom the willingness to wage war after securing such substantial power. ¡°Greed, my friend,¡± Orion¡¯s voice echoed on a private channel. ¡°There¡¯s a thin line between ambition and greed,¡± the Harem King responded, meeting Scott¡¯s questioning gaze. ¡°And that line has been blurred for ages. I can see the lack of emotion in you, so it¡¯s understandable that you might struggle to comprehend why ordinary people crave power. The more territories you control, the greater your strength. Don¡¯t forget¡ªthe Administrator once held complete authority over these lands. Can you imagine the power waiting for anyone who could claim even a portion of that legacy?¡± A flicker of excitement passed over Viona¡¯s face, adding to her already captivating allure, but it faded almost instantly. ¡°So, is there a designated battlefield for the territorial wars, or does a lord just invade another territory to kickstart the battle?¡± Orion inquired; his smile unwavering. ¡°It¡¯s both,¡± she replied. ¡°Some lords prefer a show of force, invading directly to instill despair in their enemies. Others, who value peace in their domains, engage in neutral zones free from any lord¡¯s control.¡± ¡°Let me guess,¡± Orion continued, ¡°you¡¯re one of those who prefer maintaining peace within your own territory, right?¡± Viona nodded, and he pressed on, ¡°Makes sense. I can see why you¡¯re recruiting people to fight under your banner. After all, you wouldn¡¯t want a potential ally rising to become a rival territorial lord in your own backyard.¡± ¡°Precisely.¡± Viona drifted closer. ¡°Now, what is it you want?¡± Scott¡¯s voice suddenly interjected from afar, ¡°Then why not confront us directly? You don¡¯t seem weak, and with an army of champions at your side, you could have chosen battle over negotiations. Why didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Fighting the two of you would be exhausting,¡± she said evenly. ¡°From the moment you entered, my instincts warned you were trouble. Maybe my greed got the better of me for a moment, but I¡¯d rather avoid conflict. You both are... disruptive, and I have no wish to let that disturb my paradise.¡± Orion chuckled softly. ¡°So, what was your plan if we were intent on eliminating you and claiming your territory?¡± As his question hung in the air, a surge of bloodlust erupted from the harem members behind Viona, their restraint barely holding as Orion¡¯s words seemed to ignite their fury. Scott and Orion merely watched as Viona lifted a slender arm, instantly quelling the hostility. The harem returned to a composed state, but venom still simmered in their eyes. Viona responded calmly, ¡°An interesting question. Don¡¯t misunderstand¡ªI¡¯d rather not fight you both. But don¡¯t presume victory would be assured. The only reason you¡¯re here speaking with me is that I allow it. I have the authority to banish you both from my domain, a mere sliver of a territorial lord¡¯s power.¡± You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. She then took a deep breath, redirecting the conversation. ¡°Let¡¯s get back to business. To avoid any lingering conflict, tell me what you want. If it¡¯s within my abilities, it shall be done.¡± Neither Scott nor Orion immediately responded. They shared a look, an understanding passing silently between them. Viona waited, unperturbed, for them to state their terms. Eventually, Orion turned back to her, and she inclined her head slightly. ¡°You¡¯ve decided, then?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Orion replied smoothly. ¡°We won¡¯t waste any more of your time. We¡¯d appreciate it if you could send us to one of those battlefields you mentioned.¡± Viona raised an eyebrow, a slight crease forming as she considered the unexpected request. ¡°Do you have any specific requirements?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Scott spoke up before Orion could. ¡°Send us to the battlefield with the largest population.¡± ¡°Understood,¡± Viona said after a beat. ¡°Good luck.¡± With a graceful sweep of her arm, Scott and Orion vanished from the pavilion. Moments after their departure, Viona¡¯s voice resonated across the pavilion. ¡°Withdraw everyone of importance from the Plague Field. From now on, we won¡¯t participate in the contest for territories in that area.¡±
Scott and Orion materialized in a chaotic wasteland, the screams of creatures from various races blending into a deafening cacophony. Towering mountains of corpses surrounded them, and an acrid stench¡ªthick with the nauseating smell of blood¡ªhung in a smog that blanketed the area. Explosions and the relentless clash of metal echoed from all around, creating a nightmarish symphony of violence. Yet, neither Scott nor Orion seemed fazed by their new surroundings. ¡°I think I¡¯ve finally figured it out,¡± Orion announced on a private channel, his excitement evident in his animated tone. ¡°And what¡¯s that?¡± Scott asked, his gaze wandering through the mist. ¡°The reason you haven¡¯t¡­ no, that¡¯s not right. The reason you can¡¯t manifest your authority,¡± Orion replied, a note of triumph in his voice. Scott¡¯s gaze fixed on the mage, his eyes narrowing. ¡°Go on.¡± Orion¡¯s grin widened. ¡°I¡¯m honestly ashamed it took me this long. Knowing you, you wouldn¡¯t hesitate to test out a new ability, but there had to be a restrictive force at play¡ªa force strong enough that you couldn¡¯t ignore it. And not just any force, like some lesser god; it would have to be someone with considerable power¡ªthe administrator.¡± ¡°That¡¯s all?¡± Scott asked, his face impassive. ¡°Far from it,¡± Orion continued, nearly bouncing with enthusiasm. ¡°Remember the last time we ran into your classmate in the hidden path? The administrator enforced a no-descent rule, but that was only the restriction we were allowed to know. Kana didn¡¯t use her authority either when she tried to sabotage your inheritance. So, if she didn¡¯t¡ªor couldn¡¯t¡ªuse it, it suggests the administrator has placed broad restrictions on authority use across the lower floors.¡± Scott¡¯s brow furrowed. He hadn¡¯t considered the possibility that this place might be another trial ground. But if it was, what could the objective be? Was it about becoming a territorial lord? Claiming as much territory as possible? Or was there some hidden purpose yet to reveal itself? Orion¡¯s voice broke his reverie. ¡°So, was I right?¡± Scott¡¯s eyes met the mage¡¯s curious gaze, then he slowly turned away. ¡°Make the preparations we discussed. They¡¯ve likely noticed us by now.¡± Orion sighed softly; his voice nearly lost amid the relentless sounds of battle surrounding them. Amid the chaos, flashes of bluish panels lit up within the mist, a phenomenon Scott and Orion had chosen to ignore since their arrival. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll get to it. Enjoy yourself¡ªI won¡¯t be long,¡± Orion replied, his form fading from view. Scott flexed his hand, and the Chains of the Abyss uncoiled, the war hammer shifted back to its true, menacing form. A massive javelin appeared suddenly, hurtling toward him, yet Scott remained unmoved. A nihilistic portal manifested before him, devouring the projectile instantly. The smog-filled air around him began to sparkle, lights intensifying as they homed in on his position. Scott took a step forward. ¡°I suspend all laws in my domain!¡± Darkness spread from his feet like a living plague, casting distortions around him. The shadows consumed the approaching lights, quenching them before they could reach him. From the dark portals, shrill, otherworldly screams rang out, and eldritch abominations began to pour forth. ¡°Destroy everything,¡± Scott commanded coldly, his voice ringing through the air. The summoned horrors flooded the battlefield, eager to enact his will. Within moments, the intensity of the screams and explosions doubled as the abominations tore through everything in their path. Scott, war hammer in hand, watched as notification after notification displayed the chaos his summons unleashed. Turning from the unending stream of alerts, Scott¡¯s gaze settled on the mountains of corpses littering the field. With a wordless command, massive tendrils emerged from the shadows, dragging the bodies into the consuming darkness below.
The Nameless One is now watching you!
You have absorbed the essence of several corpses deposited in the Nihilistic Zone!
Physical Stats: Strength, Endurance, Toughness, and Dexterity have increased by 10!
You¡¯re approaching the limits of Mortality!
The Tower of Champions praises your growth and encourages you to shed your mortal roots!
The Nameless One warns you of the presence of your natural enemy!
Scott¡¯s brows creased as he scanned the messages, his gaze fixed on the last notification. My natural enemy? What in the hell could that be? The thought had barely crossed his mind when he caught a flicker at the edge of his vision. Such a phenomenon should¡¯ve been impossible¡ªthe Nihilistic Zone, amplified by his domain, suppressed everything. And yet, the light¡ªwarm but crackling with raw power¡ªintensified, slicing through the dark and flooding the space with radiant energy.
The Nameless One seethes with rage!
The remnants of the Nihilistic Zone began to bubble, twisted by a force that clashed with its very nature. But Scott¡¯s focus remained on the looming figures emerging from the light, each a towering presence cloaked in brilliance. ¡°A remnant of the Nihilithian, huh. No wonder this place is tainted with nihility,¡± one figure intoned, its voice both fierce and resolute. ¡°By the ancient decree of the Scion of Light, you will be purged!¡± Book 3 - Chapter 61: Territorial Wars [5] Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on the trio of beings manifested in the light. They looked like living, breathing sculptures, their faces blank slates, yet radiating such brilliance they seemed carved from pure energy. Are they judges of light? he wondered but shook off the thought. Though they bore a striking resemblance to the legendary faceless entities, these figures carried a presence that made those judges seem like cheap imitations. He shifted his focus to the nihilistic zone, now bubbling and retreating under the radiance. To the untrained eye, the nihilistic zone appeared as mere darkness, but Scott knew better¡ªit was a void disguised as shadow, yet somehow, the light dispelled it. He struggled to fathom how. ¡°Where are the rest of the Nihilithians?¡± one figure demanded, doubt coloring its voice. Scott¡¯s grip tightened on his war hammer, and the chains coiled across his body stirred like sentient vipers. In a flash, blazing rods of pure light materialized in the beings¡¯ hands, each one leveled at him. ¡°As on the day your ancestors were struck down, so it shall be today. This place shall not bear your vile essence!¡± One of the light beings surged forward, dispersing the darkness around Scott as it swung down its flaming rod with a fierce, blue blaze. Scott¡¯s instincts kicked in, and he met the strike with a powerful swing of his war hammer. The weapons clashed, unleashing a shockwave that rumbled across the barren landscape. The light creature staggered back, while Scott held his ground, his eyes flickering with blackened flames that slithered over his hammer and awakened the dormant chains. In an instant, the other two beings charged, appearing on either side of Scott, their rods ablaze. They struck with precision, but the chains erupted into motion, howling as they intercepted the onslaught. Distortions rippled before the towering entities, and colossal, shadowy fists emerged, landing brutal blows against the light beings. The impact resounded like metal struck in defiance, forcing the trio back, though they bore no visible damage. ¡°What are you?¡± one finally asked, its voice tinged with disbelief. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Scott replied, meeting their faceless gaze. ¡°And I don¡¯t care about whatever vendetta you have with the Nihilithians. I¡¯m not one of them. But if you choose to fight me, I¡¯ll extend no further mercy than I have already. So, what will it be?¡± ¡°You, show us mercy?¡± one scoffed, seething. ¡°Preposterous! Whatever you are, your connection to those abominations seals your fate.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll be the ones denying mercy!¡± another echoed. Scott took a steadying breath as they assumed a new battle stance. ¡°Very well. I warned you. Let¡¯s do it your way.¡± He extended a hand to the chains, his fingers brushing their surface. ¡°Release your seal.¡± A bone-rattling scream tore through the air as the chains expanded, distortions rippling across a two-mile radius. Flaming chains burst from the rifts, weaving a complex web that embedded themselves into the earth. A portion snaked around the light beings, constricting them like a python around its prey. Scott¡¯s voice echoed, though his form had vanished. ¡°Disappear.¡± The chains pulsed violently, forming an annihilation zone wherever they had taken root. They vibrated intensely, releasing a cry that filled the entire zone with its deafening, soul-shaking resonance. ¡°This can¡¯t be possible,¡± one of the beings muttered, its voice barely audible over the piercing cries. The light shrouding its form flickered, fading as ominous flames from the chains seeped into their essence. Cracks spiderwebbed across the towering figures, their bodies teetering on the brink of collapse. ¡°What are you?¡± one cried out, its tone laced with shock. They struggled against the tightening chains, but every effort only spurred the restraints to coil tighter, while flames gnawed at their forms. ¡°You may have bested us, but take no pride in this minor victory,¡± another spat. ¡°Now that your existence is known, all our brethren will ensure that you¡¯re¡ª¡± ¡°They will die,¡± Scott¡¯s cold voice cut in. ¡°I have no stake in your quarrel with the Nihilithians. But if the rest of your kind come for me, I¡¯ll make sure no one remembers them either.¡± The bound entities trembled, their cracking bodies swelling with rage. ¡°Silence!¡± they roared, only to cry out as flames blazed across their forms and the chains constricted further. ¡°You¡¯re eager to eradicate the Nihilithians, right?¡± Scott continued. ¡°There¡¯s someone who¡¯d love to meet you. I¡¯ll grant you an audience.¡± Nihilistic portals yawned open beneath the trio, and, like stones sinking into a blackened sea, the bound figures vanished into the darkness.
The Nameless One is delighted with your tribute!
The Nameless One vows never to forget your offering!
The Nameless One has stopped watching you!
Scott dismissed the notification, his gaze scanning the desolate landscape. He gripped his war hammer, eyes narrowing on an unremarkable spot disrupted by the chain network¡¯s distortion. ¡°You are¡­?¡± he called, but only silence responded. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Moving forward, he adjusted his stance. The chains reacted, portals flickering open, and the matrix expanded further. Suddenly, a sharp crack echoed, and a figure emerged¡ªa humanoid with striking blue skin and elongated ears. She clutched a dagger that shimmered with the same radiance as the entities he had banished, but fear darkened her lilac eyes as she retreated. Before Scott could react, cries and explosions erupted in the distance, accompanied by the thunderous tremor of thousands¡ªperhaps tens of thousands¡ªmarching toward him. Scott¡¯s gaze flicked away from the blue-skinned intruder to the distant tremors. ¡°Orion, any luck?¡± he asked over a private channel. ¡°Unfortunately, no. I managed to connect with Carcosa for only a split second.¡± ¡°Enough time to relay the message?¡± Orion chuckled. ¡°Just barely. The others should be on their way as soon as they receive it. How¡¯s it going on your end?¡± Scott glanced again at the vast wave of champions amassing, each with a system notification glowing before them. ¡°I just finished warming up. Things are about to get¡­ interesting.¡± ¡°Same here,¡± Orion replied with a soft cackle. ¡°Let me know if you need backup. I¡¯ll come running.¡± As they ended the channel, Scott surveyed the crowd¡ªa mix of races both familiar and foreign, their collective bloodlust like a physical force. It would¡¯ve been great to have the Wutas here to deal with this, but I¡¯m not complaining. A faint smile tugged at his lips. I haven¡¯t tested my limits in a long time. Taking a step forward, the chains rattled, filling the air with eerie cries as portals fractured the space above, below, and around him, embedding into the ground like roots. ¡°I¡¯ll only say this once,¡± Scott¡¯s voice thundered. ¡°You have ten seconds to leave if you don¡¯t want to die.¡± Silence answered as the horde advanced, their bloodlust growing. ¡°Good,¡± Scott murmured, a maddened smile twisting his expression. ¡°Just as I hoped.¡± He reached out, brushing his fingers over the ever-expanding matrix of chains. ¡°Pull them out.¡± The chains vibrated in response to Scott¡¯s command, tremors rolling across the battlefield. Before any of the assembled champions could process the shift, bestial roars and ominous cries echoed from the countless distortions stretched along the chains. The chains drew taut, straining as if reeling in something massive, rattling under the weight of their haul. ¡°Kill him before he completes his summoning!¡± a lizardman shouted, blending seamlessly into the landscape as he charged. The shout set off a chain reaction; more champions surged forward, desperate to strike before whatever lurked within the distortions emerged. Explosions erupted across the vast battlefield, and enormous magic circles materialized above the chaos, while delirious laughter carried through the air. Orion has started¡­ Scott mused, taking a step forward. Time to finish this. Nihilistic portals spread like an unstoppable blight, devouring a two-mile radius in an instant. Black tendrils shot out from the darkened mass, ensnaring stunned champions and dragging them into the void. But even as the ominous cries intensified, more champions approached, their greed clouding all caution. New portals flared to life, unleashing hundreds of eldritch horrors that collided with the advancing champions. Larger portals opened, releasing colossal bestial arms that swung into the fray, scattering champions by the tens of thousands. Amid the mayhem, one segment of the thrashing chains grew still. From the shadows, a massive, slithering arm extended¡ªa hundred feet long, mangled and dripping with dark filth reeking of ruin and bloodshed. A second arm followed, even more grotesque. Nearby champions stood frozen, eyes wide with terror, some too stunned to flee, others too captivated to move. Then, a one-eyed triangular head poked through the portal. Silence swept across the battlefield as the abomination¡¯s massive eye scanned the scene, its gaze eventually landing on Scott. Recognition sparked in the creature¡¯s eye, and Scott could see a yellow mark of nightmarish design flaring to life in eye of the creature. The chains hissed and pulled, yanking the full form of the horror into the open. Its twisted body rotated, emitting a low, pulsating groan. Those entranced by its gaze turned to mimic its movements, eyes bleeding as they followed each rotation. Faster it spun, faster they followed, until a whirlwind of gore and blood erupted. Yet, none of the champions were flung away, remaining grounded, trapped in the creature¡¯s terrifying influence. Suddenly, the creature halted, and the champions froze. A series of sickening cracks echoed as bodies ruptured into sprays of flesh and bone. The battlefield painted red, and a portion of champions remained, though visibly splintered and withering. The abomination clutched its arms, squeezing until the remaining forms disintegrated into dust. Another section of the chains stilled, releasing eight enormous tentacles that spewed a yellowish vapor, contaminating the air with a noxious haze. ¡°The night washes all that is nigh!¡± a voice chanted from afar. ¡°And so, we shall be reformed anew!¡± voices answered in unison. ¡°The night refreshes all that is weary!¡± ¡°So that we may continue to stand!¡± ¡°The night dawns over all life!¡± ¡°And the grace of the goddess shall rekindle all devoid of light!¡± ¡°The Goddess of the Night shall purify all that is tainted!¡± The confessions thundered together, resonating across the battlefield. Scott raised his head, observing as pitch darkness blanketed the sky above the battlefield. Yet, within the gloom, countless points of light began to flicker, then grow brighter. A cascade of brilliant beams burst from the darkness, raining down upon the towering abomination and Scott¡¯s position alike. Swiftly, nihilistic portals absorbed the projectiles hurtling toward him, but the abomination wasn¡¯t as fortunate¡ªits form twisted, punctured in multiple places as a sickly green liquid oozed from the wounds, leaking from its perforated eye. At that same instant, the air thickened with searing heat. Scott¡¯s gaze shifted northeastward, where dozens of blazing serpentine figures materialized, each over a hundred feet long and still expanding. The Sons of J?rmungandr¡­ The thought barely settled before a deep, resonant hymn drifted from the opposite direction. Scott spotted six bald, scarred giants, their heads bowed, clad only in loincloths as they dragged a massive cross behind them. Encircling them were champions clad in black-and-purple cassocks, fervently chanting the hymn in unison as they approached. The Brotherhood of the Cross¡­ Scott¡¯s eyes narrowed, memories of the late asura¡¯s descriptions of the famous faction sparking in his mind. ¡°Life is vain. Death is the beginning. Blood is our pact, and our desire is ephemeral,¡± a powerful roar resounded from afar. ¡°But only the Blood Cult is eternal!¡± came the thunderous response of hundreds of champions in a single voice. Scott¡¯s gaze drifted toward the oncoming Blood Cult members, his lips curling into a twisted grin. His hand slid over the chains, his voice low, almost a whisper. ¡°Bring them all out.¡± The chains extending into his portals began to thrash, animated by his command, and the battlefield trembled with an intense, rhythmic vibration. Amid the approaching chaos, a sharp, resounding crack split the air. Scott looked up to see a portal opening several feet above, and a steady stream of champions poured out, their armor glinting in perfect unison. Recognition sparked in Scott''s eyes, his grin growing even more feral. The silver and white armor of the newcomers was unmistakable. ¡°The Celestial Blades will not permit the slaughter of the innocent!¡± a champion shouted; his voice amplified across the battlefield. ¡°Any who persist in this madness shall be swiftly and ruthlessly suppressed!¡± Book 3 - Chapter 62: Territorial Wars [6] Scott¡¯s lips curled into an amused smile. Slaughtering the innocent? Did these guys just arrive, or who do they think they are? His gaze lingered on the champions from afar, watching as they descended to the chaotic battlefield. Amid the clash of champions, a new series of system notifications appeared before the Celestial Blades. Shock distorted their expressions as they turned toward Scott, their faces growing uglier as they noted the vast darkness that encircled the voidweaver. At that moment, the towering abomination¡¯s wails grew louder, setting off sonic booms across the expansive field as its perforated body and hollow eye continued to expel torrents from within. Despite the chaos, the champions who had chanted the goddess of the night¡¯s confessions persisted in their fervent proclamations. Each declaration seemed to inflict further suffering on the writhing creature.
You have slain numerous champions!
You have yet to attain the minimum kills to be named in the territorial ranking!
Scott ignored the notifications, the cries of wailing summon, and the blasts echoing around him. His gaze was fixed on the Celestial Blades, now hovering in midair, surrounded by a translucent barrier that deflected rogue attacks from all directions. The way they¡¯re looking at me, with that deep-seated revulsion... Scott¡¯s thoughts raced. They must come from a timeline where they were tormented by an Eidolon of Envy. Unperturbed by whatever grudges they harbored against his variant; he remained focused on his mission: gathering enough kills to earn a rank in the territorial standings. Anything else was irrelevant. ¡°Scott!¡± a hoarse voice thundered from afar. Scott turned, recognizing the same champion who had boldly claimed the Celestial Blades wouldn¡¯t stand by and watch the slaughter of innocents. Earlier, he had looked the part of a righteous hero, standing against a sea of bloodthirsty adversaries. Now, however, that hero¡¯s face bore the same bloodthirsty intensity, as if facing his mortal enemy. Scott watched as the man broke free of the barrier, brushing off those who tried to stop him. His grip tightened on his sword, which began to glow with an intense, almost blinding light. In an instant, the swordsman was upon him, his blade aimed for Scott¡¯s neck with a speed few could follow. The sword sliced through empty space as Scott¡¯s form vanished just before the blade could reach him. Undeterred, the champion adjusted his stance, pivoting to deliver another powerful slash behind him. Yet again, Scott¡¯s form blurred, eluding the strike. ¡°Fight me, coward! I¡¯ll make you pay for what you did to my daughter!¡± The swordsman¡¯s gaze scanned the area, seeking any sign of his elusive foe. Suddenly, he dodged to the side, just as three projectiles whizzed past where he had stood. He countered with a furious slash toward the source, feeling the sickening crunch of bones breaking and the scent of fresh blood thick in the air. But when he looked around, there was no sign of Scott. His gaze swept across the shadowed battlefield, preparing for another attack. ¡°You can¡¯t defeat me. You¡¯re inviting your own death,¡± Scott¡¯s voice taunted from the darkness, his form concealed within the shadows. The champion, however, remained steadfast. His grip tightened on his sword, his outward calm betrayed only by the fierce blaze in his eyes, a storm of rage barely held in check. ¡°Do you think¡ª¡± Scott began, but before he could finish, the swordsman struck, moving like a blur. With ruthless precision, his sword cleaved downward, and this time, he drew blood. Scott¡¯s arm severed in a spray of crimson showers. Without hesitation, the swordsman lunged for the kill, his form blurring as his sword flared with renewed ferocity. He appeared before Scott, raising his blade high, and then swung down furiously. ¡°Michael, what are you doing? Please, stop this madness!¡± A feminine voice escaped from Scott¡¯s lips. Michael froze, recognizing the voice. For a moment, a flicker of pain crossed his face, but rage quickly twisted his features as he brought his sword down, cleaving Scott¡¯s form into two clean halves. ¡°You think you can deceive me?¡± Michael growled, looming over the bisected body, his grip unrelenting on his blade. ¡°So many lives lost because of a selfish scum like you¡­¡± He began to speak further but abruptly twisted to the side, dodging a blade that sliced past his previous position. Turning, he saw another Scott, this one armed and ready. ¡°I figured it was too easy,¡± Michael spat, his voice laced with contempt. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re not dead yet. Someone like you doesn¡¯t deserve a swift death.¡± He assumed a new stance, his sword shining even brighter. ¡°I¡¯m done holding back. Even if it kills me, you¡¯re dying here today.¡± With a burst of speed, Michael surged forward, his blade flashing as he unleashed a devastating maelstrom of slashing lights. A vortex of sword energy surrounded Scott, expanding as the sounds of tearing flesh and splintering bones filled the air. But Michael wasn¡¯t finished; he swung his sword repeatedly, forming successive vortexes that merged into a single, ferocious windstorm of blade light, ready to eviscerate everything in its path. ¡°You sacrificed innocent lives for power, for greed,¡± Michael shouted, his voice breaking with rage. ¡°Do you think this is a game? Do you think I¡¯ll fall for your tricks again? Show yourself and fight, Eidolon of Envy!¡± Veins bulged across Michael¡¯s forehead; his features twisted with fury. As if in response, multiple versions of Scott manifested around him, each wielding a sword. Michael clenched his teeth, biting down so hard that he drew blood. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°You still want to play games? Very well!¡± he roared, his body surging with energy. His armor shattered into dust, and his form grew to three times its normal size, veins pulsing as greenish-gray fluids pumped through them. Encased in a purple haze, Michael unleashed a berserker¡¯s howl and charged forward. One by one, he slaughtered the Scotts with relentless brutality, each strike more violent than the last. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you! I¡¯ll kill every one of you!¡± His voice rose with unbridled rage, his once-graceful attacks devolving into brute savagery. Swing after swing, Michael wrought pure destruction, leaving nothing but blood and ruin in his wake.
¡°C¡¯mon, c¡¯mon, this can¡¯t be all you¡¯ve got!¡± Scott watched, a wry smile flickering as Michael¡¯s deranged laughter filled the battlefield. The swordsman, lost in his violent reverie, tore through his own allies in a ruthless frenzy. Over a dozen Celestial Blades lay fallen, their attempts to awaken Michael from his madness turning to desperate survival as they fought with everything they had, terrified that holding back would spell their own doom. It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve drawn someone into an illusion, Scott mused, observing the havoc his illusion had unleashed. Just as effective as I remembered. His gaze drifted briefly to the monstrosity summoned from the void, the largest target in sight, bearing the brunt of attacks from every corner, especially from the fervent followers of the goddess of the night. But his attention shifted to the writhing tentacles, spewing vapor thick with venom and acid. The harmful clouds crept through the chaos, claiming any champion unfortunate enough to stray into its reach. Shrouded by the colored mist, the tentacles were an unseen menace, hidden to all but those who had witnessed their emergence¡ªa silent, deadly yellow fog reigning over the field. Scott cast his gaze toward the chains, stretching between portals and hauling massive forms from the depths. Any champion foolish enough to approach the shadowed zone found themselves either consumed by writhing tendrils or obliterated by flaming chains. Still, projectiles rained toward Scott, only to be swallowed by nihilistic barriers, the void devouring each attack before it reached him.
You have slain several champions!
You have yet to attain the minimum kills to be named in the territorial ranking!
The notifications appeared in a constant stream, but Scott ignored them. His attention shifted towered the giants lugging a massive cross, accompanied by smaller champions singing a haunting hymn. Unlike others who avoided the dark, tar-like substance coating the ground, the Brotherhood of the Cross advanced unflinchingly. They chanted, their voices rising over the battle: By the iron and nails, let blood stain the wood, In the shadow of the cross, where redemption once stood. Let bones rattle low, as flesh grieves its loss, For we worship the dark beneath the sacred cross. The ominous hymn resonated across the battlefield, and the giants hauling the cross paused, lifting it high. With a thunderous crash, they slammed its wooden base into the ground. The giants raised it once more, slamming it down with even greater force as the champions chanted with fervor. Scott narrowed his eyes, noticing thin, crimson lines etching across the giants¡¯ skin. A third crash of the cross sent vibrations through the air, and their forms began to stretch, expanding as steam poured from their reddening skin and open mouths. They hoisted the cross for a fourth blow, even as Scott¡¯s darkness spread toward them. Yet, the Brotherhood did not flee. With the fourth thunderous strike, the giants stood tall, empty eye sockets fixed on Scott. Their skin glowed a deep crimson, their bodies smoldering as if scorched by an inner fire. The cross stood firm on its own, plain yet monumental in its presence. The giants unleashed a palpable wave of bloodlust, all directed toward the voidweaver, while the champions in cassocks chanted with fevered devotion, kneeling reverently before the cross, eyes glazed with zeal. The sprawling darkness reached the feet of the advancing giants, its shadowy tendrils curling upward, coiling around their reddened forms. Yet, the giants pressed on, unfazed. They roared, fists clenched, and with a unified movement, punched downward into the formless dark. A deep, resonant chime rang from the cross behind them, and their strikes shattered the shadow beneath them, cracking it like brittle porcelain. Scott paused, eyes narrowing as he observed the fractured expanse of the nihilistic field¡ªits supposed intangibility broken. The giants pushed forward, stomping and thrashing with their massive bodies, each step accompanied by another chime. The darkness spider webbed with cracks, slowly forced back as the giants closed in on Scott¡¯s position. Scott¡¯s gaze remained impassive as he raised his free hand. The flaming chains rattled and shot forward, blending with the smog-like haze and twisting around the hulking giants with blinding speed. Blackened flames erupted along the chains, wreathing the champions in consuming fire. The giants bellowed, writhing against the bonds, their skin sizzling under the infernal heat. Yet, the chains only tightened, pressing into them until their cries turned to wretched howls of agony. Then, in a silent command, an Annihilation Zone, the third ability of the chains manifested around the bound champions. A miasma of utter void engulfed the bound giants, pulling them into a decay that defied mortal comprehension. Their once formidable forms withered, skin and sinew evaporating until all that remained was dust, scattered among the remnants of the nihilistic field. Scott¡¯s attention shifted to the champions kneeling before the cross, their eyes alight with fervor. A dozen rose together, faces twisted in ecstasy as they rushed forward, straining to lift the towering cross. Despite their combined effort, it stood firm, the others around them continuing their chanting with even greater intensity. A crease formed on Scott¡¯s brow. What exactly are they trying to do? As if in answer, the bodies of the champions swelled, flesh rippling as they grew taller, their clothes tearing apart under the strain. Then came a gruesome sound¡ªsharp, wet pops echoing as their eyes burst in a sickening spray. Yet, not one of them winced or faltered. Instead, with their monstrous new strength, they heaved the cross into the air and slammed it down with a thunderous impact. Once, twice, thrice, and then a fourth time, each strike reverberated through the field. With every crash, the kneeling champions¡¯ voices rose, singing to the ordinary yet imposing cross with an unnatural fervor. Scott¡¯s darkness stilled, unable to advance upon the champions or their cross, held at bay by some unseen force. But the chains continued their deadly dance, curling and snapping through the air like venomous serpents, inching toward the chanting devotees. A voice cut through the chaos, reaching Scott in a private channel. ¡°Um, there¡¯s someone really troublesome here,¡± Orion¡¯s voice came, tinged with urgency. The shadows dissipated while Orion¡¯s words still lingered, the chains slackened, and the champions¡ªboth the giants and their smaller counterparts¡ªstilled. The entire field took on an eerie calm. Scott glanced to his right, his expression hardening as he met the yellow-eyed stares of several blood-smeared goblin chiefs grinning at him from afar, their gazes filled with a sinister delight. Book 3 - Chapter 63: Territorial Wars [7] ¡°You,¡± one goblin sneered, pointing its scepter directly at Scott, cackling as its ominous eyes locked onto the voidweaver. ¡°I don¡¯t like¡ª¡± ¡°We¡¯re not doing this again, you damn parasite,¡± Scott cut in, gripping his war hammer tighter. ¡°Again?¡± several goblins echoed in unison, their heads tilting in eerie synchronization. ¡°You¡¯ve met other versions of us?¡± they chorused, their squeaky voices blending into a sinister harmony. Scott didn¡¯t respond, only quickening his pace until he broke into a sprint, his gaze fixed on a lone goblin in his path. ¡°No emotions, invulnerability to our control. We don¡¯t like you!¡± The goblins raised a collective shriek, and all but one charged toward Scott, brandishing their scepters with frenzied abandon. In a flash, Scott reached a cluster of the goblins, the Mad God¡¯s war hammer spinning in his grip. With one powerful swing, he brought it down on a goblin¡¯s skull, its tiny head erupting upon impact. Scott¡¯s movements blurred as he tore through the horde, the hammer striking with precision and deadly efficiency. Each swing sent a spray of blood into the air, and goblin corpses collapsed one after another, lifeless upon the ground. In less than a minute, Scott had decimated a significant portion of the goblin swarm. Yet, like all the Hurly variants he had encountered, the creatures showed no fear. They rushed at him with reckless resolve, swinging their scepters wildly, sacrificing themselves to halt his momentum. But each attempted ambush was shattered by the thunderous impact of his war hammer, obliterating their efforts. Soon, the battlefield lay strewn with goblin corpses, and Scott¡¯s gaze settled on the last remaining goblin, the only one who hadn¡¯t joined the charge. Scott approached with steady, deliberate steps, eyes fixed on the lone goblin¡¯s smug smile. He was nearly within reach when, suddenly, a volley of arrows struck the ground where he would have stepped next. Scott turned, noticing archers with arrows drawn, their aim squarely on him. Behind them stood champions wielding spears and an array of weapons. Across from them, where the Brotherhood of the Cross had stood, the members were now on their feet, all focused on Scott, their worship of the cross abruptly abandoned. Scott¡¯s brow furrowed slightly as he took in the eerie yellow glow in all their eyes¡ªempty of any hint of emotion. This is going to be tough, he thought. From a distance, the distinctive sound of gatling gunfire and lasers rang out. Orion seems to be managing, he noted. Scott tightened his grip on the war hammer and took another step forward. Just then, the massive abomination that had been under relentless attack unleashed a piercing howl and began to spin. Instantly, the surrounding champions¡ªeveryone but the single goblin¡ªfollowed suit, caught in its darkly hypnotic influence. The goblin turned to the spinning monstrosity, a flicker of shock breaking its smug demeanor as it watched the other champions. But nothing happened to it, leaving the goblin visibly puzzled. The champions entangled by the creature¡¯s unnatural pull spun faster and faster, their bodies and minds completely overtaken. Blood poured from their eyes, intensifying the eerie yellow glow of their pupils. Their movements created a howling whirlwind of blood-soaked air. Then, as one, the champions¡¯ eyes burst, bloody remnants spilling down their faces as they mimicked the creature¡¯s every movement. Their combined frenzy produced a horrific gale, thick with the stench of blood. Abruptly, the creature halted, and in perfect, dreadful harmony, the champions followed, the battlefield sinking into a tense, deathly silence. A series of cracks and detonations followed, as numerous champions erupted into flesh and blood, while others shattered into chunks too small to measure. Yet, a significant number remained unharmed, unleashing soul-churning roars as their forms split and withered simultaneously. The towering abomination clutched its arms, bellowing as the bodies of the remaining champions disintegrated into dust. The goblin, who had witnessed the terrifying ordeal in real time, gaped in disbelief. Everything had happened so quickly. That the abomination had seized control over the champions, despite their minds and emotions already being dominated, was beyond comprehension. ¡°I told your variant. Every version of you that comes after me will die. There¡¯s no escaping it!¡± Scott¡¯s voice echoed behind the goblin, and before it could turn, its head exploded in a gory mess. Its lifeless corpse slumped to the ground.
You have slain numerous champions!
You are close to attaining a placement on the Territorial Ranking!
Scott raised an eyebrow at the new system notification as the nihilistic darkness spiraled across the battlefield once more, consuming the scattered corpses. Distortions flickered as eldritch abominations poured forth en masse. The Chains of the Abyss uncoiled, extending into the portals, resuming their deadly reach. In the background, the gas-spewing monstrosity exuded vapors that claimed the lives of nearby champions, forcing the rest to steer clear of its deadly aura. Meanwhile, the one-eyed triangular entity moved forward, the chains around it loosening to accommodate its charge. Though it staggered, each step sent subtle vibrations across the battlefield, halting any champion who met its gaze and setting them to spin as blood poured from their eyes.
You have slain numerous champions!
You are close to attaining a placement on the Territorial Ranking!
Scott ignored the notification and the stationary and advancing abominations¡ªboth were busy culling the champions from the area. Instead, his attention fixed on the other portals, curious about what new horrors they might release. ¡°Scott, just checking, those things are yours, right?¡± Orion¡¯s voice broke over a private channel. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. ¡°Which ones?¡± ¡°The gas-spewing tentacles, the leviathan forcing others to spin, and¡­ the one with the giant golden urn on its head,¡± Orion clarified. Scott¡¯s brows furrowed as he scanned the field but couldn¡¯t spot anything fitting the last description. ¡°Only the first two. The last one isn¡¯t mine.¡± ¡°Oh. So, I can handle it however I want, then?¡± ¡°Knock yourself out,¡± Scott replied, and they both disconnected from the channel. Scott returned his focus to the portals, particularly the chains that had tensed, pulling in whatever abominations they had snared. Is it strange that I¡¯m excited? Scott thought, shaking his head. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the cross the now-deceased champions had struggled to lift earlier. The surrounding darkness churned at its edge, unable to approach, corrupt, or consume it. Scott¡¯s gaze narrowed, and he approached the cross in slow, deliberate steps, ignoring the notifications that continued to appear with each step. He stopped a few paces away, eyeing the massive but seemingly ordinary wooden cross. He opened a portal, summoning several eldritch beings. At his silent command, they charged the cross with an echoing roar. However, as soon as they reached the darkness''s edge, an oppressive force descended, reducing them to pools of blood the darkness greedily absorbed. Is this the same ability as that guy who was kicked off the Territorial Ranking? Scott¡¯s frown deepened, and he took a bold step forward, commanding the Chains of the Abyss to wrap around the cross. The flaming chains snaked toward it, crossing the point where his summons had fallen, unscathed. Yet, as they advanced, the chains¡¯ flames began to dim, gradually extinguishing as they neared the cross. By the time they reached it, the chains shimmered pure silver, devoid of the usual blackened tendrils or sinister flames. They coiled around the cross, pulling at it with relentless force. Yet the cross remained unyielding. Scott scowled. Unlike Orion, mysteries and unknown forces had always grated on his nerves. Scott continued his approach, narrowing the distance between himself and the cross until he reached the edge where the shadows fell away. Suddenly, a new system notification appeared.
The Nameless One is now watching you!
Scott halted; his gaze fixed on the ominous, blackened message.
The Nameless One advises you to stay clear of that cross if you wish to retain the last semblance of your being!
Scott¡¯s attention shifted back to the cross, his mind racing with questions he couldn¡¯t yet answer. He focused on the chains coiled around it and tried to call them back, but they remained tightly wound upon the towering relic.
The Nameless One has stopped watching you!
With a scowl, Scott advanced and struck at the exact point where the chain had lost its flames. The chain hissed, splitting cleanly. One end slithered back into the darkness, while the other clung to the cross, its silver gleam contrasting starkly with the plain wood. Though only a small section of the chain remained wrapped around the cross, Scott couldn¡¯t shake the unease lingering in his mind. He looked away from the cross and returned to his original position, his instincts telling him there were limits even to his own powers.
You have slain numerous champions!
You are approaching the 2000th rank on the Territorial Ranking!
Scott eyed the new notification thoughtfully. No wonder ranking is so difficult. If the 2000th spot is the lowest and there are over a billion champions here... just how many have I killed? He couldn¡¯t answer, nor did he feel any remorse. ¡°Orion, I¡¯m close to the 2000th rank. What about you?¡± Orion¡¯s playful laugh echoed over the private channel. ¡°Nowhere near that, sadly. I¡¯ve been collecting samples. You wouldn¡¯t believe it, but the giant with the urn on its head is a shapeshifting aquatic species. My clones are currently handling a horde of undead.¡± ¡°Thought we were supposed to be taking this seriously?¡± Scott replied. ¡°I am! You¡¯re just slightly more, shall we say, efficient,¡± Orion chuckled. ¡°Let me know if anything interesting happens.¡± ¡°Actually, I do have a question¡ªwhat do you know about the Brotherhood of the Cross?¡± Scott turned to face the towering symbol as he awaited Orion¡¯s response. ¡°A lot, actually. They¡¯re the closest thing to a religious sect that I¡¯ve encountered in the tower. Beyond their structure and the strength of their followers, here¡¯s what you need to know: no matter what, do not approach the cross their members worship. Ever. I¡¯ve lost more clones to it than I can count¡ªand the unsettling part is, I lost parts of my mind, as if they were just... erased.¡± ¡°Erased?¡± Scott repeated. ¡°Completely,¡± Orion confirmed, his tone serious. ¡°What happened to the clones?¡± ¡°They just stood there, staring at the cross as though it was all that mattered.¡± Silence settled over the channel until Scott broke it again. ¡°Don¡¯t waste too much time on gathering data. Remember the primary objective.¡± ¡°Aye aye, captain.¡± They left the private channel, and Scott turned his attention back to the eldritch beings he had summoned. The one-eyed abomination continued wreaking havoc across the battlefield, while the gas-spewing tentacles extended further into the chaos. Scott took a step forward, expanding his nihilistic zone as new portals emerged, releasing hordes of eldritch creatures that charged toward the distant champions.
You have found the Tower Trader!
Scott paused, scanning his surroundings, but saw no sign of the cloaked merchant. He checked both sides quickly before turning back to the cross¡ªonly to see the Tower Trader standing within arm¡¯s reach of it. ¡°You¡¯ve changed a lot since our last meeting, my friend,¡± a familiar voice chimed from behind, and Scott instinctively turned. The cloaked figure stood before him, as if he¡¯d appeared out of thin air. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Scott asked after a pause. ¡°Is there a reason I can¡¯t be here?¡± the Trader teased, chuckling softly. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± Scott replied curtly. ¡°I know, I know. Just having a bit of fun. Truthfully, I¡¯m not here for you, specifically. I came for the cross. And before you ask, yes, why is a trade secret.¡± Scott frowned; his gaze fixed on the cloaked figure. He was about to press for more information when the Trader interrupted. ¡°Ah, I see you¡¯ve earned the right to the throne. Between us, you¡¯re my favorite candidate. Good luck. You¡¯ll need it.¡± The Tower Trader¡¯s form disappeared as his voice lingered in the air. Scott turned back to the cross, only to find that it, too, had vanished, replaced by the familiar figure of the Tower Trader. ¡°Oh, that reminds me,¡± the Trader¡¯s voice echoed from afar, ¡°your companions have faced quite the predicament over the last few years.¡± Scott¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Wait¡ªdid you say ¡®last few years¡¯?¡± The Trader appeared closer, cackling. ¡°Ah, I forget that few are aware. The Endless Bridge exists beyond time¡¯s confines. A week here might be a year in one timeline, a decade in another. Your companions have faced quite an ordeal while you were missing. Now I see why no one could find you.¡± Book 3 - Chapter 64: Territorial Wars [8] - End of Book 3 The Tower Trader disappeared as swiftly as he had come, leaving Scott alone with more questions than answers. Staring blankly into the distance, Scott¡¯s mind raced. So, it¡¯s just as Orion suspected¡ªtime flows differently here. But¡­ why do I feel like that guy wants me gone? He couldn¡¯t quite shake the feeling. He didn¡¯t know how many years had passed in the outside timelines or how much had changed for Zara and the others. Despite his hardened resolve, a trace of unease lingered, a rarity he seldom felt. ¡°Orion, I ran into the Tower Trader,¡± Scott said over their private channel. ¡°Oh? And?¡± ¡°You were right. He confirmed this place exists beyond time¡¯s confines. He hinted that the others have been through a lot over the last couple of years. Then he vanished before I could ask specifics.¡± Silence followed Scott¡¯s words until Orion finally broke it. ¡°Quite the predicament,¡± he mused. ¡°So, what do you want to do? We could stay, or we could leave through your domain. Either way, I¡¯m with you.¡± Scott paused, deep in thought. Is there even a point to staying? He weighed the Nameless One¡¯s warning against his desire to rejoin his companions. Would becoming a Territorial Lord truly help us? His brows furrowed as questions clashed in his mind. ¡°Give me a moment. I need to confirm something,¡± Scott said, disconnecting before Orion could respond. Alone in the dark, tendrils emerged, winding around Scott and drawing him deeper into the endless void. He felt his form dissipate, merging seamlessly with the nihility surrounding him, leaving behind only a formless consciousness. ¡°I seek an audience with you!¡± he called, the words reverberating through the vast darkness. He didn¡¯t know how he spoke here, but he¡¯d learned to project his voice in this place after his time cast adrift within it. ¡°If you leave the Endless Bridge, you and your companions will perish,¡± a commanding voice answered, each word powerful and final. ¡°You are not ready to face those who hunt you. Do not heed Arcanis¡¯ guileful words! Carcosa will protect your companions; your focus must be on growing stronger.¡± Then, with an abrupt finality, Scott found himself ejected from the nihility. The presence behind the voice left no room for debate. What in the hell is going on? Scott¡¯s thoughts reeled. He had always believed he¡¯d ended up on the Endless Bridge by chance, but now¡­ he wasn¡¯t so sure. ¡°Orion, we¡¯re staying,¡± Scott announced over the channel. ¡°Works for me. Any changes in the rankings?¡± ¡°Not yet. I¡¯ll keep you updated.¡± Scott¡¯s gaze wandered over the portals from which his chains extended, lingering on one as it began to reel in whatever it had ensnared. In seconds, the chains drew forth a lopsided, meaty creature¡ªa being of rolling folds and glistening eyes, too many to count, each one shimmering like a distant star. The creature paused, surveying its new surroundings before its eyes fixed on Scott, widening with what could only be described as shock. Scott noticed the creature¡¯s eyes flashing with a strange, twisted symbol¡ªa yellow sign intertwined with blackened tendrils. The creature scrambled forward, its numerous eyes bulging as it hurtled out of the shadows, chains rattling in its wake, leaving a wet, sloshing trail in its stride. What the hell is that thing? Scott shook off the question, taking a step forward. Answers could come later¡ªhe had a job to do. With each of Scott¡¯s steps, the nihilistic zone expanded, devouring the corpses scattered across the ground and consuming anyone foolish or bold enough to wander into its depths. A faint, chilling jingle echoed from afar, and Scott paused, realizing it came from the same direction the recent abomination had fled. Suddenly, his vision blurred, and he stumbled. What the¡­ Before he could gather his bearings, his perspective splintered. He could see through countless angles, observing thousands of champions, each as if through multiple eyes. Stranger still, all those champions were staring back at him, their pupils flashing with the ominous yellow sign as they stood in dazed reverie. Scott blinked, and he found himself moving through layers of illusions¡ªthe same illusions entrapping each champion unfortunate enough to meet the gaze of the multi-eyed entity now casually strolling across the battlefield. Blinking again, his vision cleared, and the dizziness faded. Which one of these abominations has the most twisted abilities? he mused, pressing forward. They¡¯re just trapped in an illusion now, not in any real danger. With a subtle tug on the chains, Scott directed the one-eyed triangular entity and a tentacled creature spewing noxious gas toward the hypnotized champions entrapped by the multi-eyed abomination¡¯s illusions. Notifications flooded his interface, but he dismissed them, unmoved by anything short of new information. Tens, if not hundreds of thousands, of champions had fallen by his hand or indirectly through the unleashed horrors, their numbers escalating by the second. ¡°Um, Scott¡­ is that¡ª¡± ¡°Yeah, the multi-eyed freak¡¯s mine,¡± Scott replied, cutting Orion off. ¡°Don¡¯t worry; it won¡¯t target you, but your clones might be at risk. Only those marked with the imprint of madness are safe.¡± ¡°Oh? Good to know. When this is all over, let me collect a few samples, okay?¡± Orion¡¯s giggles reverberated over the channel. Scott merely exited the private chat, striding onward, expanding the nihilistic zone¡¯s reach further. While the abominations unleashed carnage, Scott was the silent reaper who swept up behind them.
You have slain numerous champions!
You are approaching the 2000th rank on the Territorial Ranking!
Congratulations! You have attained the minimum requirements to be ranked on the Territorial Ranking!
Current Rank: 2000th
Warning! Holders of the lowest rank will be stripped of their title if they do not establish and upgrade their territory!
Congratulations! You are now entitled to the authority of a Territorial Lord!
A sapphire ring manifested suddenly on Scott¡¯s left index finger, adorned with intricate runes, and he could clearly make out the words, 18th Order of the Mad Throne. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
You have caused the highest number of deaths within the neutral territory formerly known as the Plague Field!
You have earned the right to claim this location as your territory!
Do you wish to claim this location as your territory?
Yes! No!
Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on the flashing prompt, a thin smile curving his lips. ¡°Scott, you¡¯re not going to believe this,¡± came Orion¡¯s voice over the private channel, excitement barely restrained. Did he become a Territorial Lord too? Scott wondered. ¡°I was about to message you myself, but go ahead. What¡¯s up?¡± ¡°Hello.¡± The voice that came over the channel was both familiar and different, light and innocent, like that of a child. Scott¡¯s brows shot up in recognition. ¡°Fi-Fi?¡± he asked, startled. ¡°Yes,¡± the voice replied, sounding exactly as he remembered, full of naive wonder. Orion¡¯s chuckles echoed in the background. Scott could imagine the many questions he¡¯d have for Fi-Fi and the samples he¡¯d try to collect. Is Fi-Fi still an elemental slime? he wondered. She had been undergoing mutations for so long, it was impossible to say. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Scott asked, genuinely curious. ¡°Fi-Fi feels like Fi-Fi, but also¡­ not like Fi-Fi. How long has Fi-Fi been asleep?¡± Scott wore a wry smile. Some things haven¡¯t changed. ¡°Only Orion can give you an exact timeline, but it¡¯s been a while, and a lot has happened since. Don¡¯t worry, he¡¯ll catch you up. Welcome back.¡± ¡°Fi-Fi is happy to be back,¡± she chirped, ¡°but Fi-Fi wants a party!¡± Scott didn¡¯t know how to respond. Fi-Fi had just awoken in the middle of a battlefield teeming with chaos and destruction yet seemed more interested in celebrating than fighting. ¡°I¡¯m sure we can arrange that,¡± Scott said after a brief pause. ¡°You¡¯ve been out of action for a while, so take it easy. Avoid any unnecessary battles unless you¡¯re confident. Focus on getting used to your new form and abilities.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Fi-Fi¡¯s voice faded from the channel. ¡°So, mentioned something about wanting to message me. What happened?¡± Orion¡¯s voice chimed in next. ¡°I did it,¡± Scott replied. A sharp gasp followed before Orion erupted into laughter. ¡°No way! Tell me everything! I didn¡¯t even have a chance to look over the notifications when I became one. Give me the full rundown!¡± ¡°We¡¯ll talk about it later. Right now, I¡¯m planning to claim this place as my territory.¡± ¡°Wait, you can actually do that?¡± Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on the notification seeking his approval. ¡°Yes, I can. Though, I¡¯m not entirely sure what all this ¡®authority of a territorial lord¡¯ entails.¡± ¡°Well, if you do make it your territory, I guess you¡¯ll find out soon enough. Where are you? We¡¯re coming over,¡± Orion replied, his tone eager. ¡°Not yet,¡± Scott interjected. ¡°For now, keep an eye on Fi-Fi. I¡¯ll join you both soon.¡± Scott closed the channel before Orion could respond. He looked back at the notification and, with only a moment¡¯s hesitation, tapped Yes.
Congratulations! You are now the owner of this territory!
Congratulations! You wield absolute control over two territories!
Current Rank: 1999th
Congratulations! As a Territorial Lord, you have unlocked the following privileges:
Privileges Unrestrained right to use your affiliated authority within your territory and in territorial wars with other lords.
Control over access to your territory, with the right to grant, restrict, or banish others¡ªthough this is forfeited during invasions by other lords.
Full control over timeline links within your territory. Only those with your authority may enter or exit.
Battlefield Selection: You may choose an unclaimed location as the battlefield for territorial wars, with agreement from all warring lords. Note: In the scenario where an unclaimed territory is captured by a new territorial lord not affiliated with the warring factions, they have the right to slay or pardon all beings within their territory if they¡¯re powerful enough.
Authority Sharing: You can share your authority with subordinates or transfer territorial ownership to another champion, though unranked champions won¡¯t gain full benefits.
Omnipresence: Nothing within your territory can escape your sight.
Congratulations! You now have the right to contest for the rulership of the Endless Bridge!
Note: Only Territorial Lords ranked 11-1999 are eligible to compete. Territorial Lords will be seeded by their rankings.
A grin spread across Scott¡¯s face. Omnipresence, huh? As soon as he thought of it, his awareness expanded, pinpointing Orion and Fi-Fi¡¯s exact location amidst the chaotic battlefield. Every champion in the area appeared in his mind at once¡ªeach movement, every pulse of energy, as clear as if he were standing beside them. ¡°Scott, I can feel those vibrations again,¡± Orion¡¯s voice cut through the channel. ¡°You really did it.¡± Before Scott could respond, a new system notification flashed before him.
Please choose a sigil to represent your territories!
As soon as Scott lay eyes on the message, the transformed yellow sign appeared on the blue screen, and another notification followed.
Your sigil has been recorded!
What the hell was that? Scott frowned. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he¡¯d overlooked something important. ¡°Buddy? Can you hear me?¡± Slim¡¯s voice echoed across the general channel. ¡°We got your message. We just arrived. Where are you guys?¡± ~Book 3 End~ Book 4 Announcement!!! Hello, everyone! How¡¯s it going? I¡¯m excited to share that I¡¯m almost finished restructuring the plot lines. If all goes as planned, Book 4 will officially kick off on the 25th!This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Thank you so much for your patience and unwavering support. I can¡¯t wait to dive back into the story with you all!
Why is RR forcing me to write extra words? Minami no shima wa Attakee?? Paina Purupuru Atama pokapoka Aho bakka?? Book 4 - Chapter 1: Authority of Madness Scott¡¯s pupils widened involuntarily. ¡°Slim, where are you guys? What about the others?¡± he asked hurriedly, only to realize his mistake. There was no way Slim would know where they were; the monotonous, unchanging landscape of unclaimed territories replicated itself endlessly. ¡°Slim? Are you there?¡± Scott called out again, but only silence answered him. That wasn¡¯t an illusion¡­ I definitely heard his voice, right? Scott frowned, his gaze sweeping the desolate surroundings. Without hesitation, he activated the Imprint of Madness. The chaotic environment twisted and warped, reforming into an expansive, pristine space devoid of the horrors that plagued his territory. Orion stood nearby, while Fi-Fi had taken a humanoid form eerily resembling Scott¡¯s appearance from his days in Enchanted Heights. Her form shifted through a kaleidoscope of colors, the hues blending seamlessly as a soft, sloshing sound like a flowing stream emanated from her body. ¡°Orion, Fi-Fi, you heard it too, right?¡± Scott asked, his voice sharp as his eyes scanned the space. That only two of them were present deepened his unease. ¡°I was about to message you about that,¡± Orion replied, his tone laced with curiosity. ¡°I heard it too.¡± ¡°Fi-Fi heard the voice of Bone Man as well,¡± the elemental slime declared, her words echoing with innocent certainty. Scott¡¯s brows furrowed, his unease solidifying. Could they have been expelled from the Endless Bridge the moment they arrived? He knew it was a possibility, especially if Slim and the others had been unlucky enough to enter another lord¡¯s territory and were forced out through one of the numerous exits. ¡°I can see what you¡¯re thinking, judging by that grim look on your face,¡± Orion remarked, a chuckle escaping him. ¡°Relax. They made it here once; they¡¯ll make it again. Worrying won¡¯t change anything. All we can do is be ready to welcome them when they arrive.¡± Scott glanced at Orion, unable to argue. Fi-Fi, meanwhile, had shuffled closer and now clung to him like an innocent child seeking comfort. ¡°It was my fault,¡± Scott muttered. ¡°I should have acted the moment I heard Slim¡¯s voice. I won¡¯t make that mistake again.¡± ¡°You¡¯re being too hard on yourself,¡± Orion replied, his tone light as he looked around the space. ¡°Did you conjure this place from memory, or is this somewhere you¡¯ve been before?¡± Scott didn¡¯t answer, and Orion didn¡¯t press the issue. Instead, the mage wandered further into the illusory environment, studying its details with the analytical curiosity Scott had come to expect from him. Meanwhile, Scott turned his attention to Fi-Fi, who clung to him without applying any real weight or force. ¡°How did it feel?¡± he asked, referring to her evolution. Fi-Fi tilted her head, her shifting colors momentarily stabilizing. ¡°Fi-Fi doesn¡¯t know how to explain it,¡± she began. ¡°It felt like an endless dream¡­ Fi-Fi was always eating and being eaten. But in the end, Fi-Fi ate all those who tried to eat Fi-Fi.¡± Scott¡¯s brow arched in surprise. So the blood she absorbed was trying to devour her too. What would have happened if it had succeeded? He pushed the unsettling thought aside, posing another question. ¡°Why this form? You can mimic others, can¡¯t you?¡± Fi-Fi nodded silently. ¡°Then why choose this one?¡± ¡°Because it¡¯s yours,¡± she said simply. ¡°Fi-Fi is more comfortable like this.¡± Scott held her gaze, searching for any hint of deception or malice, but found none. Her childlike sincerity was disarming. It amused him, though, to see a version of his younger self clinging to him so earnestly. ¡°As long as you¡¯re comfortable, that¡¯s all that matters,¡± he finally said. Fi-Fi didn¡¯t respond, tightening her hold slightly as if seeking reassurance. Scott turned his focus back to Orion, who had ventured deeper into the space. Even in an illusion, he¡¯s still gathering data. I¡¯d hate to know what¡¯s going on in his head¡ªit¡¯s probably worse than mine. Stretching out his hand toward Orion, Scott summoned a system notification:
You have requested to share your authority with a champion not ranked on the territorial rankings!
Are you certain you wish to share your authority?
Yes! No!
Without hesitation, Scott selected [Yes]. Another notification appeared instantly:
Congratulations! Your authority has been shared with another champion!
The sigil manifested before him like a living specter, streaking toward Orion and merging with his form. The mage showed no reaction, seemingly unaware of the phenomenon. Moments later, Orion halted as a system notification appeared in front of him. A slow grin spread across his face, quickly giving way to loud, booming laughter as he turned back toward Scott and Fi-Fi. At the same moment, another notification appeared before Scott:
A champion has been bound to your sigil!
Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on the message. Does this mean anyone I share my authority with will be bound to me through the sigil? He wasn¡¯t sure, but the implications gnawed at him. And what about Orion? Was he pretending not to notice the sigil earlier, or was it truly imperceptible?This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. The answers eluded him, leaving only more questions in their wake. As Orion made his way back, Scott turned his attention to Fi-Fi. Another system notification appeared, asking for confirmation on whether he wanted to share his authority. Without hesitation, Scott selected [Yes]. This time, he focused solely on Orion, who was closing the distance with haste. The sigil materialized once again, shooting toward Fi-Fi before vanishing upon contact. Just like Orion earlier, she didn¡¯t seem to notice the disturbance. Is it possible they didn¡¯t see it? Scott wondered, still uncertain. But before he could dwell on it, Fi-Fi released her grip, her gelatinous form shifting in surprise as a strange notification appeared before her. She read it carefully, then raised her gaze to meet Scott¡¯s. ¡°Does this mean I can organize endless parties like the Slime Queen?¡± she asked, her voice bubbling with excitement. Scott blinked, caught completely off guard. Of all the questions he¡¯d expected, this was certainly not one of them. What in the world did she go through to become so obsessed with parties? A quiet chuckle escaped him. ¡°Is Fi-Fi funny?¡± she asked, tilting her gelatinous head, awaiting a proper answer. ¡°Sure. You can host as many parties as you want,¡± Scott replied, his tone distracted as his gaze shifted to Orion, who had just arrived. ¡°Can we head back now?¡± Orion asked, his dazzling smile not quite hiding the impatience in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m eager to test the limits of this authority.¡± The illusionary space trembled, ripples distorting its fabric. In an instant, Scott was back in the unfathomable darkness, the chaotic echoes of ongoing slaughter surrounding him. Barely seconds after their arrival, a crushing pressure descended, and multiple distortions opened across the vast expanse. With his omnipotence as a Territorial Lord, Scott could see all six of them forming in different corners of his domain. These must be the timeline links the system mentioned. He watched as desperate champions rushed toward the nearest link, only to slam into an invisible barrier, unable to leave. Meanwhile, Scott noticed Orion deploying new batches of clones near the links. Each clone cackled maniacally as it sprinted toward the distortions, only to meet the same barrier. ¡°It seems only the Territorial Lord can permit access to these links,¡± Orion observed, his voice coming through the party channel. ¡°Indeed,¡± Scott replied flatly. His curiosity was piqued, though¡ªhe wanted to see how far Orion and Fi-Fi could push their newfound authority. ¡°I¡¯ll allow them through,¡± he decided. Instantly, the links pulled in Orion¡¯s clones, leaving the stunned champions behind. Undeterred, the champions tried again to breach the barrier, but it held firm. ¡°Later, you¡¯ll give me a detailed report on what you can and can¡¯t do with the authority I¡¯ve shared,¡± Scott began. ¡°But for now¡ªare you still connected to your clones?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Orion¡¯s excitement was evident in his quick reply. ¡°Although¡­ two of them have already been killed.¡± Scott¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°How? It¡¯s been barely a minute.¡± ¡°I know. One landed in a region perpetually bathed in sulfuric gas, with a pressure strong enough to crush diamonds in an instant. The other¡­ well, he wasn¡¯t so lucky,¡± Orion said, his laughter barely contained. ¡°He arrived in a place ravaged by spontaneous, continuous explosions. Poor thing was blown to smithereens the moment he arrived. Hilarious!¡± Scott sighed. ¡°And the others?¡± ¡°They¡¯ve reached hospitable timelines¡ªvastly different from ours,¡± Orion reported, his tone now tinged with intrigue. ¡°Although it¡¯s early, I doubt civilization has developed much in some of them.¡± ¡°What about the time differences?¡± Scott asked, a flicker of anticipation in his voice. ¡°Compared to here, the smallest difference is seventy days. But one of the timelines¡­ a decade has already passed,¡± Orion revealed. ¡°That clone landed in the most fascinating place¡ªfloating islands, cascading waterfalls, dragons, phoenixes, and all kinds of mythical creatures. It¡¯s breathtaking.¡± Scott¡¯s eyebrows shot up. A decade in just a minute? His thoughts wandered to his companions. If they ended up in a timeline with such an absurd time gap¡­ decades, even centuries, could pass for them while barely a day goes by here. His chest tightened at the thought, his hope tempered by grim reality. ¡°So,¡± Orion¡¯s voice cut through Scott¡¯s contemplation, ¡°what do you plan to do with the remaining champions?¡± Scott frowned, the cacophony of noise pulling him back to the present. If I send these bastards away, they might regroup and return, seeking revenge. I don¡¯t have time to entertain their grudges. Better to settle it here and now. He prepared to speak, but Orion¡¯s voice interjected again. "I wanted to kick one of them out as an experiment, but I was told I didn¡¯t have the right to," he explained. "You¡¯re with Fi-Fi, right?" Scott asked abruptly. "Yes. Why do you ask?" "Good. I¡¯ll pull you two into the nihilistic zone," Scott declared, his tone final. "Wait¡ªwhere did that come from? What are you planning¡ª" "I¡¯m going to use my authority," Scott interrupted, his voice resonating like a low rumble through the channel. His omnipotent sight allowed him to catch the mage¡¯s stunned expression. Orion fell silent before replying, "I understand. As much as I¡¯d love to witness it firsthand, I get your concerns. Give me a minute to explain things to Fi-Fi, then you can pull us down." Without waiting for a response, he ended the connection. Scott turned his attention away from the flurry of system notifications listing the champions his summons had defeated. His hand reached for the nearest chain among the vast, writhing network surrounding him. With a deafening roar, the chains trembled and surged, yanking themselves free of the portals they had submerged into. One by one, the portals collapsed, vanishing as if they had never existed. The eldritch monstrosities that had been wreaking havoc paused mid-rampage, their grotesque forms turning toward the ominous darkness that veiled Scott. The chains binding their bodies began to coil tighter, encasing them like serpents constricting their prey. The creatures let loose unearthly bellows, their cries reverberating across the battlefield and shaking the ground beneath the feet of the surviving champions. Despite the resistance, the chains prevailed, immobilizing the abominations entirely. Before the eyes of the shocked onlookers, the creatures and the chains began to calcify, turning into stone. Murmurs of confusion rippled through the surviving champions, quickly giving way to unease. They knew the creatures hadn¡¯t stopped of their own volition¡ªsomething, or someone, had forced their submission. "Look! What¡¯s that in the sky?" a trembling female orc cried out; her wide eyes fixed upward. Only then did the champions notice it: a sky had formed above them. In the chaos of battle, none had realized its presence, but now it loomed unmistakably. This was no ordinary sky. Cracks began to spread across its azure expanse, like fractures in a delicate pane of glass. The void itself seemed to encroach upon reality. The champions froze, their instincts screaming at them to look away, to run, but their bodies refused to obey. Their gazes remained locked on the cracks, which slowly unveiled a terrifying image¡ªa colossal, all-seeing eye. Its yellow-black pupil, shaped like a three-petaled sigil, darted back and forth, scrutinizing the essence of every petrified champion below. As the cracks widened, a lone figure emerged from the crumbling heavens. A commanding voice, heavy with authority, echoed across the battlefield. "Let everything return to the beginning!" Scott¡¯s voice thundered, reverberating through the territory. The immense eye began to bleed, crimson streams seeping from its form. The three-petaled pupil spun, flinging droplets of blood across the motionless champions. One by one, they were soaked in the eerie red ichor, their faces frozen in horror. "Sleep, and never be awoken again!" Scott intoned, his voice a harbinger of finality. The eye shimmered with a brilliant citrine glow, and the light in the champions¡¯ eyes began to fade. Their expressions slackened, as if they had been pulled into an endless, unescapable illusion. Meanwhile, back in the nihilistic zone, a new notification flickered before Scott:
Your territory will now adapt to your nature!
Transformation will now commence!
Book 4 - Chapter 2: Invitation Scott stared at the rogue notification, his brows furrowing slightly. Transformation? What does it mean by adapt to my nature? Even he couldn¡¯t fully define his own nature. Barely seconds after the announcement, a resonant gong echoed through the air. Scott instinctively raised his head. The colossal eyeball in the sky, the calcified abominations, and the champions trapped in eternal illusions remained unchanged. But now, a thunderous rumble filled the heavens, and a mist-like rain began to fall¡ªunceasing and unrelenting. Before Scott¡¯s eyes, the tarred stone road and distant high walls dissolved, replaced by an endless expanse of grasslands battered by the merciless downpour. Mountains surged upward from the earth in the far distance, but what seized his attention were the towering obelisks piercing the heavens. Chains still wrapped around the petrified abominations shifted direction, stretching toward the obelisks. As they reached their peaks, blazing infernos erupted, engulfing the chains. From the flames emerged multiple eyes, each bearing the transformed yellow sigil of the Authority of Madness. A deafening, whirring hum resonated from the obelisks as a strange energy coursed through them. The force surged from the earth, discharging into the turbulent skies. What the hell is this¡­ wait, is that what I think it is? Scott narrowed his gaze, sensing a shift in the atmosphere. Far from the all-seeing eye, the discharges tore open a rift in the fabric of reality, exposing the vast, unfathomable cosmos. Through it, Scott glimpsed countless burning stars scattered across the galaxy¡ªa sea of celestial fire. The expansion of the tear continued, driven by the pulsating energy of the obelisks. It stretched outward, reaching the domain of the all-seeing eye. What¡¯s going to happen when they collide? Scott wondered; his attention riveted on the clash. Despite the chaotic transformation, the unending rain persisted. Yet the rain was no longer ordinary; it carried the essence of the universe itself, pelting the land with cosmic rage. Strangely, the transformed environment bore the assault with a regal, almost gallant resilience. The expansion halted at the periphery of the all-seeing eye¡¯s domain, dividing the land below into two stark halves: one dominated by the eye¡¯s ominous gaze, the other claimed by the infinite expanse of the galaxy. A system notification appeared before Scott:
Congratulations! Your territory has adapted to your nature!
Scott stared at the message, his thoughts churning. This is my nature? His gaze shifted between the two contrasting halves of the territory. Even though I¡¯m no longer actively using the Authority of Madness, it refuses to leave. His thoughts darkened. Can Orion and Fi-Fi survive in a place like this? No¡ªcan anything other than me survive here? His eyes roamed the ever-changing land, absorbing its alien beauty and menace. Then, something peculiar caught his attention. A region of absolute darkness, devoid of land, air, water, or even essence¡ªa void of pure nothingness. ¡°So, there are three regions now,¡± Scott murmured. ¡°The void must be tied to the Nihilistic Zone, the all-seeing eye to the Authority of Madness...¡± His gaze lingered on the cosmos. ¡°And this¡­ this must be from my connection to Hastur.¡± A ripple in the distance interrupted his musings. In the northwest, a distortion opened, swirling chaotically beyond his control. In an instant, Scott vanished, reappearing near the anomaly. His war hammer gleamed in his grip, and the chains around him coiled with restless energy. As the portal widened, Scott¡¯s expression hardened. A figure emerged from the rift, stepping forward with a deliberate gait. The creature was humanoid, but only barely. Its elongated head resembled a spinning top, its lone, wide eye swiveling with unsettling intensity. Its hunched back and lycan-like legs contrasted sharply with the black suit and polished shoes it wore, lending it an unnerving, surreal elegance. It swiveled its head, taking in the chaotic sky and the colossal eye above. Its single pupil widened, betraying shock. The creature staggered momentarily under the eye¡¯s gaze, then quickly averted its sight. Scott¡¯s voice cut through the tension, cold and commanding. ¡°Who are you, and how did you get here?¡± The creature froze, seemingly noticing Scott¡¯s presence for the first time. A crack formed along its gray face¡ªa grotesque, jagged mouth splitting its skin apart. ¡°Greetings,¡± it rasped, the jagged teeth glinting like serrated blades. ¡°I¡¯m Toi, one of the examiners assigned to the Endless Bridge.¡± Scott¡¯s brows arched. There are examiners assigned to this place? Could the Endless Bridge truly be another test ground? His thoughts spiraled, but his gaze stayed locked on the strange examiner, who remained engrossed in observing the surroundings. ¡°What do you want?¡± Scott asked curtly, cutting through the silence. Toi turned its singular eye to Scott, still wearing the same unsettling smile. ¡°Congratulations on climbing the Territorial Rankings and becoming a Territorial Lord.¡± Its gaze swept over the transformed terrain as it continued, ¡°Your nature is quite¡­ remarkable.¡±Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Scott tensed as Toi approached, each of examiner¡¯s steps deliberate. ¡°I¡¯m here to formally inform you of your duties as a Territorial Lord.¡± ¡°My duties?¡± Scott¡¯s brows furrowed. A sense of foreboding crept over him. Toi nodded. ¡°Of course,¡± it said, its jagged grin unwavering. ¡°Your territory is currently linked to six timelines. As a Territorial Lord, you¡¯re responsible for managing these connections.¡± Scott¡¯s stance shifted, his wariness growing. Toi noticed and chuckled softly. ¡°Fret not. It¡¯s a simple task. You are required to impose a quota on how many champions may enter your territory from these timelines. You may send as many as you wish from your end, but the quotas from their side must be strictly upheld. Failure to enforce this rule will result in the forfeiture of your position as a Territorial Lord. Please, do keep that in mind.¡± The examiner¡¯s attention shifted to the motionless champions scattered across the territory. ¡°It¡¯s been ages since someone representing the Throne of Madness ventured onto the Endless Bridge. How nostalgic.¡± Its gaze returned to Scott. ¡°Congratulations on being recognized as someone worthy of the throne. May fortune favor you.¡± Scott stayed silent, his sharp eyes watching Toi intently. The examiner, undeterred, continued. ¡°Do you have any questions about the trial?¡± ¡°What purpose does this all serve?¡± Scott finally asked, his voice edged with skepticism. For as long as he¡¯d been on the Endless Bridge, he¡¯d assumed it was a gods¡¯ ploy to torment him and his companions. But now, doubts crept in. Is it really just another trial ground? Toi tilted its elongated head, seemingly confused by the question. Its eye blinked several times in rapid succession before it responded. ¡°Like everything else within the endless timelines, the purpose is to reach The Point of No Return. That is the beginning of the real competition. Anything else is irrelevant.¡± Scott¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°There¡¯s a path to The Point of No Return here too?¡± Toi nodded. ¡°Yes, but it is reserved exclusively for the Territorial Lords occupying the top ten positions.¡± Scott¡¯s mind raced. He recalled the system¡¯s earlier announcement: only lords ranked from the eleventh to the one thousand ninety-ninth position were eligible to compete for rulership of the Endless Bridge. The top ten positions had been conspicuously excluded. ¡°Are there champions currently occupying the first ten positions?¡± Scott asked, his focus intensifying. Toi shook its head slowly. ¡°The competition hasn¡¯t started yet, remember?¡± It smiled, the corners of its jagged mouth stretching unnervingly. ¡°Wait,¡± Scott said, his tone laced with suspicion. ¡°If I understand you correctly, placing within the top ten guarantees access to The Point of No Return?¡± Toi nodded again, and Scott pressed further. ¡°Does this benefit extend only to the Territorial Lord, or does it include everyone under their domain?¡± ¡°A lord represents their territory,¡± Toi explained. ¡°Should they earn a placement, every individual associated with their territory will ascend alongside them. Does that answer your question?¡± Scott¡¯s mind churned, but he had one more question. ¡°What about the rulership contest? What purpose does it serve if those in the first ten positions can access The Point of No Return?¡± Toi chuckled softly. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve met someone like you,¡± it said. ¡°You assume everyone shares your desire to ascend. But unlike you¡ªacknowledged by a throne¡ªmost champions on the Endless Bridge, and even across the infinite timelines, will never come close to such honor. ¡°For them, gaining rulership over the Endless Bridge offers a mere fraction of what it feels like to wield the authority of the Tower of Champions¡¯ administrator. Tell me, how many do you think would pass up such a tantalizing prize?¡± Scott couldn¡¯t answer. The sheer number of champions across endless timelines meant a myriad of motivations and ambitions. For many, the temptation of absolute rule¡ªeven a sliver of it¡ªwould be irresistible. ¡°So, what will the competition entail?¡± Scott asked, his tone sharp and inquisitive. Toi chuckled, a low, unsettling echo. ¡°Come now. You and the other lords might wield a fraction of the administrator¡¯s authority, but surely you don¡¯t expect me to divulge that,¡± it replied, amusement flickering in its singular eye. ¡°Besides, the competition is still a considerable time away. Over ninety percent of the territories remain unclaimed.¡± Toi¡¯s gaze drifted as it continued. ¡°What I can tell you is this: the competition will begin the moment less than ten percent of the territories remain unclaimed.¡± Scott studied the examiner closely, his mind racing. The Endless Bridge''s vastness was unfathomable. Only now did he grasp just how monumental an achievement it was to even make it onto the rankings. ¡°I¡¯d advise you to expand your influence quickly,¡± Toi added, its grin widening. ¡°The faster territories are claimed, the sooner the competition begins. Think of it as doing everyone a favor.¡± ¡°Do you still have questions for me?¡± Toi asked, its eerie gaze locking onto Scott once again. Scott considered for a moment. ¡°Can I summon you anytime I wish?¡± Toi chuckled softly, almost taken aback. Most champions didn¡¯t bother asking such a question, and the few who did rarely phrased it like that. Could it be because he¡¯s a candidate for the Throne of Madness? ¡°As long as you remain a Territorial Lord,¡± Toi said at last, ¡°you may request a meeting whenever you please. I am here to assist, after all.¡± Scott¡¯s weapons shimmered, shifting back into their dormant forms. ¡°You¡¯re not from this era, are you?¡± he asked, his tone more curious than accusatory. Toi¡¯s expression shifted ever so slightly, a faint shadow of something unreadable crossing its features. ¡°Indeed,¡± it admitted, crossing its arms. ¡°I¡¯m but a relic of the past.¡± Scott¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Then tell me this: what happens to all the champions in this place¡ªor across the infinite timelines¡ªwhen the Tower of Champions reaches its conclusion?¡± Toi¡¯s gaze grew more focused, its earlier amusement replaced by a solemn air. ¡°I thought everyone knew the answer to that,¡± it began. ¡°Excluding unique cases like yours, those beyond The Point of No Return, and the champions who remain solely in starting cities with no variants ascending the tower across timelines, everyone else will simply cease to exist. ¡°The essence of their beings will carry on only in the memories of those who remember them. And if no such being exists?¡± Toi shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s as though they never existed at all.¡± Scott¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°And those you excluded?¡± Toi nodded slightly, as if expecting the question. ¡°A rare few across infinite timelines have no ambition. Their variants remain in the starting cities, living out simple lives. Such individuals are spared and continue to exist as they always have, untouched by the Tower¡¯s conclusion.¡± Its tone darkened. ¡°Those who cross The Point of No Return, however, forfeit such peace. Every moment of their existence becomes fraught with danger. The act of reaching that point will already have eliminated countless variants across timelines. ¡°To stand beyond The Point of No Return is to embody the pinnacle of a true champion. Yet even then, countless such beings will perish like common dogs when the fight for authority begins. Only the true monarchs of the next era will emerge. They¡ª¡± Toi abruptly stopped mid-sentence, its gaze snapping to Scott, who frowned as a system notification materialized before him.
The Throdan Alliance wishes to invite you to join their fold!
Do you wish to entertain their invite?
Yes! No!
Book 4 - Chapter 3: Invasion [1] Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on the flashing notification demanding his attention. Throdan Alliance? The name didn¡¯t ring a bell, but curiosity gnawed at him. How had they even found him, and, more importantly, why? Plagued his thoughts. Letting out a slow breath, he turned his focus back to Toi, who was silently watching him with an amused glint in his eye. ¡°Do you know anything about alliances here?¡± Toi¡¯s single eye glimmered knowingly, an eerie smile spreading across his face. ¡°Ah, so that¡¯s what this is about,¡± he said with a nod. ¡°I don¡¯t know which alliance extended the invitation, but like I said: the competition won¡¯t commence until less than ten percent of the territories are unclaimed. Naturally, one lord can only do so much. But an alliance?¡± Toi¡¯s grin widened. ¡°An alliance of lords can accelerate that process significantly. It¡¯s the fastest way to reach the goal.¡± Scott absorbed the explanation, his mind racing. The fastest way, not the most optimal, he mused. Toi¡¯s choice of words was deliberate¡ªScott had learned enough from Orion to pick up on such subtleties. ¡°And what would you say is the most ideal way?¡± Scott pressed. Toi¡¯s grin didn¡¯t waver. ¡°That depends on the lord,¡± he replied cryptically. ¡°What I deem ideal might seem absurd to others. Lords are encouraged to follow their own prerogatives in such matters.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a long way of saying you won¡¯t tell me,¡± Scott shot back, his lips quirking into a smirk. His gaze drifted briefly to the glowing invitation. ¡°So, can you at least tell me the pros and cons of joining an alliance?¡± Toi inclined his head. ¡°Of course. It¡¯s well within your rights to know. ¡°First, the benefits. Joining an alliance means your territory¡¯s sovereignty is respected by your fellow lords. If your domain is ever under threat, the entire alliance is obligated to rally and defend it. Likewise, their combined might allows them to swiftly conquer independent territories, expanding their influence at an impressive pace. Claimed territories are then allocated based on prearranged agreements among alliance members.¡± Toi paused, his gaze narrowing slightly. ¡°Of course, there are other benefits, but those depend on the specific terms of the alliance. ¡°As for the downsides?¡± Toi¡¯s smile grew faintly sharper. ¡°If an enemy successfully conquers a single member¡¯s territory, the entire alliance suffers the consequences. All their territories are considered captured, and the lords lose their status. A single breach can topple the entire structure.¡± Scott¡¯s expression remained impassive as he processed the information, though Toi¡¯s amusement was palpable. ¡°Quite the gamble, isn¡¯t it?¡± the examiner added. Scott didn¡¯t respond immediately. His focus returned to the invitation. With a deliberate motion, he selected the option on the glowing screen.
You have chosen not to entertain the invite!
You have rejected the advances of the Throdan Alliance!
The notification faded as Scott returned his gaze to Toi, who regarded him with a knowing smile. ¡°You rejected the invitation,¡± Toi said. Scott raised an eyebrow. ¡°What gave it away?¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s easy. If you had accepted, your territory would have been accessible to all alliance members, just as theirs would be to you. There would also have been a slight¡­ shift in authority. The lack of such changes was all the confirmation I needed.¡± Toi¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°You do realize they¡¯ll come for you now, don¡¯t you?¡± Scott smirked, his confidence unwavering. ¡°Let them come. Like the others before them, they¡¯ll be reduced to nothing.¡± Toi chuckled, though there was a trace of admiration in his gaze. ¡°Bold words.¡± The examiner suddenly bowed courteously, as he continued. ¡°With that said, I wish you good luck. If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll take my leave.¡± Scott tilted his head thoughtfully. ¡°Can Calamities come here?¡± The question made Toi pause, and he spoke without turning. ¡°Yes. They are not bound by the authority that governs lords. They are free to move across planes and timelines as they please.¡± ¡°How many are currently on the Endless Bridge?¡± Toi finally turned back, his eerie smile widening further. ¡°Quite a few. I¡¯m certain you¡¯ll encounter them soon enough. After all, they¡­¡± He stopped abruptly, chuckling softly. ¡°Ah, I almost said too much. Call on me if you need further guidance. Until then, farewell.¡± As Toi began to step away, he suddenly stopped, glancing back one last time. ¡°One more thing: don¡¯t assume there¡¯s only one way to become a Territorial Lord. You simply took the quickest path. Remember that.¡± Before Scott could respond, Toi stepped through the distortion he had arrived from, disappearing without a trace. Scott wore a slight frown, the examiner¡¯s parting words echoing in his mind. The revelation about the Calamities¡¯ unrestricted access to the Endless Bridge didn¡¯t surprise him, but it still unsettled him. A troubling thought surfaced: Could Slim and the others be on the run from the Calamities? Then again, what was he going to say earlier? He couldn¡¯t understand why Toi suddenly held back. His brows furrowed further as he considered the possibility. The Nameless One¡¯s warning came to mind¡ªhow Scott lacked the strength to face those hunting him beyond the bridge. Another reminder of the long list of enemies he didn¡¯t yet understand. He tilted his head back, staring at the turbulent skies above. Nothing is ever going to be easy here¡­ fine. If everyone is determined to hunt me down, I¡¯ll do the same to them. His lips curled into a faint, grim smile. If it¡¯s chaos they want, I¡¯ll give them madness¡ªmadness unlike anything they¡¯ve ever seen. The vow rang in his mind, and for a fleeting moment, the all-seeing eye looming above seemed to blink, as if acknowledging his resolve.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Scott¡¯s thoughts shifted abruptly. Oh, that reminds me¡ªI need to get Orion and Fi-Fi out. He raised his hand, summoning a nihilistic portal. It rippled ominously, and moments later, Orion and Fi-Fi were ejected from its depths. Orion¡¯s delirious laughter echoed the moment he emerged, only to abruptly stop as his gaze swept across the land. His eyes darted between the fractured skies, his expression morphing from shock to intrigue to unrestrained excitement. ¡°You did all this?¡± he asked, not waiting for a reply before conjuring empty vials and bottles. The mage darted from one bizarre feature to the next, collecting samples of earth, air, and rain. Even the calcified abominations, and champions trapped in eternal illusions, weren¡¯t spared. Fi-Fi twisted and writhed, her amorphous form shimmering as it morphed into a humanoid shape. Scott¡¯s gaze shifted between the two, faint surprise glinting in his eyes. They look¡­ better than I expected. Almost like they¡¯ve adapted. Orion¡¯s survival didn¡¯t shock him¡ªhe is as crazy as me, Scott mused, shaking his head. But Fi-Fi was another matter. She spent a long time in Orion¡¯s teeth, battling to evolve. Could she have picked up some of his quirks? Scott suppressed a grimace. One Orion is bad enough; two would be hell. ¡°Alright, guys. I need you to¡ª¡± A deafening explosion cut Scott off. All members of the party turned sharply toward the southern edge of the territory. Are we being attacked? The thought crossed Orion and Fi-Fi¡¯s minds simultaneously, their eyes locking on Scott. ¡°A lot happened while you were in there,¡± Scott said, his tone calm but edged with tension. ¡°I¡¯ll explain later. First, let¡¯s deal with our guests.¡± Fi-Fi nodded, her form solidifying further, while Orion chuckled, an ominous glint in his eyes as his staff materialized in his hand. The downpour intensified, raising a dense mist that quickly shrouded the territory.
A massive tear split through the southern boundary of Scott¡¯s territory, disgorging a regiment of champions clad in regal brown armor. Their ash-burnt masks bore crude eye slits, and each wielded a katana, its blade shimmering with ethereal light. At their forefront stood a figure in dragon-etched black armor, a kusarigama resting casually in his grip. His crimson eyes scanned the mist with predatory focus. Without a word, he raised a gauntleted hand, signaling a group of mages forward. The mages, draped in intricate robes, stepped into position, their staves glowing with latent power. They chanted in unison, drawing mana into a pulsating orb above their heads. It grew rapidly, fed by glyphs and magic circles that materialized around them, the arcane energy crackling audibly in the charged air. The swordsmen watched from the flanks; their bloodthirsty eyes fixed on the mist ahead. As the spells swelled, some of the champions began retreating cautiously, wary of the immense power gathering above the mages. Only the black-armored leader remained unmoved, his gaze steady. As the mages¡¯ chanting reached a crescendo, he lowered his hand and bellowed, ¡°Lay waste to this land!¡± ¡°Fire!¡± the mages roared in unison. The magic circles merged into a singular colossal glyph, funneling their energy into the orb. It pulsed ominously, radiating waves of destruction as it swelled further. Even the leader¡¯s expression grew cautious as he stared at the devastating spell, now poised to obliterate everything in its path. At that moment, the mages chanted a series of new spells, conjuring a massive, glowing barrier in front of the invaders. The radiant ginger-hued shield pulsed with energy as the concentrated mana surged forward at breakneck speed. A deafening bang tore through the air as the magic blasted through the mist, ripping a gaping hole in the thick shroud. The invaders¡¯ eyes lit up with bloodthirsty anticipation, their minds racing with the vision of the impending destruction. Yet, no explosion followed. The concentrated mana, once barreling forward with devastating force, simply vanished into the haze. Not even the whizzing hum of different mana types melding together could be heard. Unease rippled through the ranks as silence reigned. Seconds crawled into minutes, yet nothing emerged from the fog. Then, the faint, haunting rattle of chains echoed through the mist. The invaders reeled, their gazes locking onto the swirling haze. Faint traces of black writhed within the mist, accompanied by a chilling, delirious laughter that gnawed at the edges of their sanity. It must be a trick, they reassured themselves, though the unease gnawed deeper. The leader, his kusarigama glinting ominously, raised his hand once more. The mages stepped back in unison, replaced by hulking figures clad in jet-black armor. Each wielded a different weapon, their bloodshot eyes fixed on the shadows shifting within the mist. More battalions surged through the tear in the southern boundary, their arrival swelling the army¡¯s numbers to over a hundred thousand. Bloodlust hung thick in the air as the champions stood at attention, awaiting orders. The rattling chains grew louder. From the depths of the swirling fog, the silhouette of a lone figure emerged. The kusarigama-wielding leader stepped forward, stopping just short of the mist¡¯s edge as his forces fell silent. Scott stepped out from the mist, his form resolute against the tide of invaders. The oppressive weight of their collective gaze bore down on him, but his expression remained impassive.
Your territory is being invaded by a Territorial Lord!
Fight or Surrender! The choice is yours!
Scott ignored the system notification that refused to fade, his ominous eyes sweeping over the bloodthirsty forces. His gaze finally settled on the black-armored champion. ¡°You¡¯re the lord of this territory?¡± the champion demanded, pointing his kusarigama at Scott. His tone dripped with disdain. Scott said nothing, his derision evident in the faint smirk curling his lips. ¡°So, you¡¯ve chosen death!¡± the champion sneered, raising his weapon. ¡°I will grant you your¡ª¡± A thunderous tremor cut him off, shaking the ground beneath their feet. Several champions stumbled, their formation breaking. A piercing howl ruptured the air, reverberating through the battlefield. The mist shifted; its swirling depths smeared with a sickly yellow hue. Before the invaders could react, a colossal silhouette loomed within the fog. It stepped forward¡ªa grotesque, lopsided creature of rolling flesh and countless glistening eyes, each shimmering like distant stars. The very sight of it clawed at their sanity. The champions froze. Some began spinning uncontrollably, their bodies twisting in unnatural synchrony with the churning mist. Others fell to the ground, gasping for air, their faces ashen. Screams broke out as several warriors burst apart or melted into grotesque pools of blood. Scott stepped forward, his voice booming with authority. ¡°Ponder!¡± A compulsion seized the minds of the immobilized champions. Tears streamed down their faces as they cried out in unison, their voices trembling with ecstasy. ¡°The empty throne¡­ destined for our lord!¡± ¡°Wonder!¡± Scott commanded. ¡°The grace of he who is tormented by the flames of madness!¡± they responded, their voices reverent. ¡°Bask in!¡± ¡°The fervor of the king!¡± they wailed, their cries rising in fervor. ¡°Eternal!¡± Scott roared, his voice shaking the air. ¡°Is the madness of the throne!¡± they declared, their voices swelling into a crescendo. ¡°Only madness is eternal!¡± The spinning champions and those bound by the confessions suddenly erupted in a grotesque symphony of blood and gore. Scott turned his unyielding gaze toward the territorial lord, whose stunned expression betrayed his terror. ¡°You were the one who chose death,¡± Scott declared, his voice cold and unrelenting. Book 4 - Chapter 4: Invasion [2] Within seconds, most of the invaders were reduced to mangled heaps of flesh and blood, while others simply dissolved into the sprawling nothingness of Scott¡¯s nihilistic zone. Only the Territorial Lord remained, frozen in shock as he locked eyes with Scott, whose gaze remained unyielding and cold. ¡°What... what sort of witchcraft is this?¡± the lord stammered, his body refusing his commands. Scott stepped closer, his expression impassive. ¡°Who sent you?¡± he asked, his voice low and cutting. ¡°Speak, and I¡¯ll grant you a painless death. What¡¯s your answer?¡± The Territorial Lord¡¯s initial shock twisted into mockery. ¡°You think you¡¯ve won just because¡ª¡± Before he could finish, Scott extended his hand, gripping the lord¡¯s head. Black tendrils erupted from Scott¡¯s fingers, burrowing into the man¡¯s skull with sickening speed. ¡°Wait! Wait, I¡¯ll¡ª¡± The champion¡¯s words dissolved into a mournful screech as his body convulsed. Cracks echoed from his twisting bones, and thick, pungent blood seeped from his once-defiant eyes. The black tendrils coiled through his pupils, slithering like venomous snakes into the whites of his eyes. Scott released his grip and stepped forward, his attention drifting from the lord¡¯s broken form to the battlefield, where the remnants of the slaughter labored in their attempts to flee. This one was probably sent to test the waters, Scott mused, the Territorial Lord¡¯s anguished screams still reaching his ears. An initiation ritual, perhaps? He frowned, his eyes narrowing. This can¡¯t be all they planned, right? Did they underestimate me because I¡¯m new?
Your territory is being invaded by members of an Alliance!
Fight or Surrender! The choice is yours!
Ah, there it is. Scott¡¯s lips curled into a wicked smile as his gaze swept across the battlefield, halting when he saw the new wave of invaders. This time, they were different. Unlike the armored champions of the first assault, these newcomers wore flowing Daoist robes and rode atop dragons. Yet these were not traditional dragons he remembered. They were serpentine, resembling flood dragons but with distinct differences in their curved horns and roundish heads. Some had fins while others had wings. The dragons shimmered in various hues¡ªmost were red and green, but some were black, white, and the rarest among them, blue. Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on the awe-inspiring creatures before shifting to the figures standing on them. His ominous eyes studied the invaders, and his brow furrowed. They were humanoid in form, but unmistakably beastmen. Even beastmen can become cultivators... Scott nodded slowly. His focus darted across the crowd. Which of them is the Territorial Lord? The system, whether intentionally or otherwise, didn¡¯t identify the leader of the invasion, leaving Scott to find the figure himself. ¡°K... kill... me. Please...¡± The broken whisper from the Territorial Lord behind him went unanswered. Scott had given him a chance, and there would not be another. Before the plea could fade, a massive needle, shimmering with baleful qi, materialized above the champion¡¯s head. Its intent was clear¡ªto finish off the suffering lord. The Chains of the Abyss stirred, rustling with purpose. They uncoiled rapidly, shooting toward the needle. Wrapping around its shimmering form, they squeezed with relentless force. Cracks spread across the needle¡¯s surface, growing louder until a sharp snap echoed, and it shattered into thousands of shards. But the fragments were not done. They swirled together, reforming into smaller projectiles that raced toward the Territorial Lord. Their path was clear¡ªdeath. The chains moved to intercept, but the shards slipped through the gaps, homing in on the bound man. Just as they were about to connect, portals of inky darkness materialized, swallowing the shards whole. The portals disappeared as quickly as they had come. Scott, who hadn¡¯t spared the commotion a glance, had his attention fixed elsewhere¡ªon a beastman cultivator among the new invaders. The figure stood out, his left hand gripping his right wrist while his raised right hand formed a precise mudra with two fingers extended. This was the one who had controlled the needle. The beastman¡¯s face darkened as the portals devoured his attack, but the momentary frustration was replaced by calm determination. Above, over a hundred dragons now hovered within Scott¡¯s territory, each carrying more than three hundred cultivators on their serpentine backs. The invaders surveyed the battlefield. All traces of the first wave had been consumed by the bubbling darkness that churned below. Not even a strand of hair remained. Yet the abominations, those unholy creatures Scott had unleashed, still prowled the zone, their presence a nightmarish existence. A powerful voice boomed across the field, cutting through the tense air. ¡°Are you the lord of this territory?¡± Scott¡¯s brows arched as he scanned the group. None of them had moved their lips, yet a powerful voice reverberated through the territory. Interesting... So, someone here can project their voice like that? Scott mused, his gaze lingering. There are certainly fascinating abilities out there. In response to the inquiry, the one-eyed abomination roared, its guttural cry splitting the air, and began to spin rapidly. The blue dragon reacted instantly, its riders leaping skyward on shimmering treasures. The dragon roared, summoning a series of arcane glyphs that coalesced into a dense barrier of qi, encasing all the cultivators and dragons within. The barrier had barely settled when a deafening bang echoed across the battlefield, followed by another¡ªBang. Bang. Bang. Each resounding louder, the vibrations rattling the ground and stirring the churning mist.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. The cultivators, who had maintained stoic expressions, now glanced nervously at the luminous shield protecting them. They couldn¡¯t see what was striking the barrier, but their instincts screamed of impending doom if it broke through. Meanwhile, the abomination¡¯s rotation accelerated, its violent spinning generating a gale so fierce it threatened to tear the air itself. The relentless pounding intensified, reverberating through the territory with a force that seemed to crack the fabric of reality. Massive vortexes materialized around the abomination, obscuring its form as it vanished into the maelstrom. The vortexes slammed against the qi barrier, and with a sharp crack, fractures webbed across its glowing surface. The blue dragon let out a pained roar, vomiting blood as its majestic form became haggard. Its defiance didn¡¯t falter, even as the vortexes battered the barrier mercilessly. The cultivators watched with bated breath, their earlier aloofness replaced by palpable dread. More cracks splintered the barrier, but the blue dragon stood firm, its eyes blazing with determination. Gradually, the gales subsided, and the vortexes dissipated. The abomination¡¯s form emerged once more, its lone eye fixed on the dragon. Blood-red tears streamed down its grotesque face as it began to wail¡ªa chilling, otherworldly sound like the screams of countless dying creatures. The mournful cries spread an eerie silence across the battlefield, sending shivers down the spines of every invader. The blue dragon huffed, its labored breaths audible, yet it dared not deactivate the barrier. Suddenly, several cultivators gasped for air, clutching their throats as their bodies wobbled on their floating treasures. The white dragons roared in unison, their serpentine forms exuding a corporeal mist that wrapped around the cultivators and dragons. But the clear air within the barrier began to shift, darkening into a murky yellow fog. Eyes widened in shock as the invaders traced the fog¡¯s origin to the churning mist beyond the barrier. ¡°He¡¯s a demon!¡± one cultivator shouted. ¡°Anyone who can summon such wicked creatures must be killed!¡± another declared, drawing a sword seemingly from thin air. Others joined the sentiment, unsheathing their weapons. Yet, a few remained silent, their eyes locked on the lopsided, multi-eyed creature looming behind Scott. Then Scott spoke, his voice booming across the battlefield. ¡°Heed my call!¡± All eyes turned to him, the cultivators and dragons scanning his expression, trying to divine his intent. Before anyone could respond, some of the cultivators shouted in unison, ¡°We see thee, chosen by the Mad Throne!¡± Confusion rippled through the ranks. ¡°What the hell are you saying?¡± a cultivator growled, glaring at his companion, who stood motionless, his eyes glistening with fervor. ¡°Bingu, snap out of it!¡± another champion barked, shaking his partner. ¡°Are you bewitched?¡± Scott¡¯s voice thundered again. ¡°What shall you do?¡± ¡°We will serve thee, cursed with blackened flames!¡± the entranced cultivators cried fervently. Panic erupted. The remaining cultivators recoiled, unsure of what was happening. ¡°It¡¯s the demon with the eyes!¡± a black dragon warned, its deep voice resonating with ancient power. ¡°Do not look at it. Kill those ensnared!¡± But Scott spoke once more, his tone final. ¡°You shall not be remembered.¡± The entranced cultivators replied with chilling conviction: ¡°We long not for glory or fame. Our existence is meaningless, and we shall return to the origin. The world is ripe with madness. Glory to the Mad Throne! Glory to the Scion of Madness! For only madness is eternal!¡± Several were cut down mid-sentence by their companions, but many completed their ominous declarations. As soon as they finished, they turned manic, rushing toward their allies. Without warning, they exploded, triggering a chain reaction within the barrier. The black dragons chanted in unison, their guttural voices weaving an ancient sutra. A raspy chime echoed across the field, expelling several cultivators from the barrier before they too detonated. The once-transparent shield turned opaque, glowing with intricate glyphs as it strained to contain the chaos within. Scott¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile as he studied the barrier. I don¡¯t think they came with a territorial lord; he thought. It¡¯s not that they underestimated me¡ªthey probably just didn¡¯t expect a newly ascended lord to be this strong. He raised his hand, ready to act, but paused when he caught the faint sound of footsteps approaching. ¡°You¡¯re finally here,¡± he said without turning. A familiar chuckle followed. ¡°Sorry for the delay. Looks like you¡¯ve been having quite the party without us,¡± Orion muttered. ¡°Who¡¯s that? Can I keep him if you¡¯re not planning to kill him yet?¡± ¡°Do whatever you want,¡± Scott replied without hesitation. A sudden warmth on his hand drew his attention. He turned to see Fi-Fi holding him, her soft gaze meeting his. The elemental slime¡¯s form shimmered faintly as she pointed toward the massive barrier. ¡°Are there dragons in there?¡± she asked, her tone calm but laced with an unmistakable hunger. Scott raised a brow, caught off guard. Is this... also a by-product of her evolution? He nodded slowly. ¡°Yes. Why do you ask?¡± ¡°Fi-Fi will eat them,¡± she said flatly, releasing his hand and striding forward. Orion stepped closer; his eyes gleaming with amusement. ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious?¡± he asked through the party channel. ¡°About how strong she¡¯s gotten?¡± Scott didn¡¯t respond immediately, though he couldn¡¯t deny the question intrigued him. Before Fi-Fi entered forced hibernation, she had been formidable. But since then, the rest of them had grown exponentially. I wonder how strong she has gotten since then, Scott pondered. ¡°Care to make a wager?¡± Orion¡¯s tone was light, but his smile carried his usual mischief. Scott shot him a sidelong glance. ¡°What kind of wager?¡± ¡°Nothing major. Just something to pass the time,¡± Orion said, rubbing his hands together. ¡°Let¡¯s bet on how long it takes Fi-Fi to obliterate those invaders.¡± ¡°You¡¯re that confident she¡¯ll win?¡± Scott asked skeptically. Orion shrugged, his grin widening. ¡°Are you in?¡± Scott¡¯s gaze flicked between Orion and Fi-Fi, who was now steadily approaching the barrier. ¡°What¡¯s in it for you?¡± He knew Orion wasn¡¯t the type to make suggestions on a whim, no matter how random they seem. ¡°If I win,¡± Orion said, his voice almost conspiratorial, ¡°I want some of your samples¡ª¡± ¡°Not happening,¡± Scott cut in immediately. Orion chuckled, but their conversation abruptly ended as the dormant barrier began to stir. Both turned their focus toward it, watching as Fi-Fi halted mid-step. The surface of the barrier rippled, and guttural roars reverberated through the air. In an instant, the barrier conjured a dozen colossal dragons formed from the purest qi. Each one dwarfed the last as they coiled around the barrier¡¯s surface, their glowing eyes fixed on Fi-Fi, who still wore Scott¡¯s form. The summoned dragons unleashed a thunderous roar, their cries filled with unbridled fury¡ªlike predators facing their natural nemesis. Without warning, immense amounts of concentrated qi gathered in their gaping maws. They fired in unison, a cascade of draconic breath engulfing Fi-Fi in an inferno of energy. The ground trembled, and a blistering haze lingered as the attack subsided, swallowed by an eerie fog. Scott and Orion peered through the haze, their gazes narrowing. Fi-Fi¡¯s gelatinous form was visible, her body riddled with perforations. The attack had stripped away her humanoid shape, leaving her in her original slime state, parts of her body bubbling ominously. ¡°It¡¯s a shame you didn¡¯t take the bet,¡± Orion sighed through the party channel. ¡°I was hoping to scam you out of a few samples. Such a missed opportunity.¡± Scott ignored the mage, his focus entirely on Fi-Fi. His brows furrowed as unease crept over him. What¡¯s going on? I can feel... something unsettling from her. What exactly did she¡ª Before his thoughts could coalesce, a wave of baleful energy erupted from Fi-Fi¡¯s form. Scott instinctively reached for his war hammer, the chains rattling softly as he readied himself. The abominations lurking in the fog shrieked, their cries filled with interest as they turned toward the elemental slime. Fi-Fi¡¯s form regenerated with unnatural speed, her perforations sealing as if they¡¯d never existed. Above, the summoned dragons roared again, their bloodlust magnified. The barrier, once opaque, turned transparent, revealing the maddened glow in their eyes of the numerous dragons encased within. Then, Fi-Fi¡¯s voice rang out, cold and absolute: ¡°Fi-Fi suspends all laws within Fi-Fi¡¯s domain!¡± Book 4 - Chapter 5: Invasion [3] Heat distorted the air, rippling with a fiery haze as the echoes of licking flames resonated around the battlefield. Fi-Fi¡¯s gelatinous form bubbled uncontrollably, expanding at an alarming rate. With each pulse, waves of blistering heat radiated outward, distorting the very atmosphere. Within seconds, her form swelled into a massive, amorphous entity, thousands¡ªno, tens of thousands¡ªof sprawling tentacles writhing chaotically from her core. The summoned dragons roared furiously, their qi-charged gazes fixed on her shifting, blackened form. Without hesitation, they unleashed another devastating qi blast, the energy-fueled attack streaking toward Fi-Fi in an instant. It struck her with the force of a thunderclap, but instead of causing harm, the blast dissolved into her gelatinous body, creating rippling echoes like a pebble tossed into a pond. As if feeding on the attack, her form expanded even further, birthing new tentacles that flailed outward with unchecked ferocity. Behind the now-transparent barrier, the cultivators and dragons stared, their expressions frozen in stunned disbelief. The tentacles coiled and converged into a singular mass, launching a powerful counterattack against the summons circling the barrier. Roaring defiantly, the summoned dragons retaliated with consecutive qi blasts, their attacks colliding with the tentacles only to be absorbed and converted into raw growth. The tentacles surged forward, relentless in their advance. With a thunderous roar, the summoned dragons merged into a colossal monstrosity. Its ominous eyes glowed with primordial fury as it unleashed an immense draconic breath of lilac qi. The discharge obliterated dozens of massive tentacles in a single, devastating strike, tearing through the gelatinous limbs in waves as it closed in on Fi-Fi¡¯s core. The breath slammed into her, and for a moment, her enormous form seemed on the verge of bursting. The translucent surface of her body illuminated briefly, revealing a swirling matrix of vibrant, colorful fluids suspended within thick mucus. The massive summon roared again, channeling even more energy from the dragons within the barrier. It unleashed another cataclysmic blast, the lilac qi colliding with Fi-Fi in a deafening explosion. Gelatinous shards and viscous fluids rained down, and the cultivators erupted into cheers. But their celebration was short-lived. The dragons remained silent, their eyes locked on the remains of Fi-Fi¡¯s form. Then it came¡ªa baleful aura, descending like a suffocating weight. Cultivators, dragons, and even the massive summon instinctively raised their heads, but the swirling mist overhead revealed nothing. The oppressive presence lingered, heavy and inescapable. As the cultivators exchanged uneasy glances, the dragons¡¯ gazes shifted back to the wreckage¡ªand their features twisted in alarm. From the scattered fluids, a singular, pulsating pillar emerged. The colorful remnants coalesced, merging rapidly into a grotesque structure. ¡°We must leave. Now!¡± the blue dragon bellowed, panic bleeding into its commanding tone. But it was too late. Tentacles erupted from the pillar in a blinding blur, latching onto the massive summon and dragging it down. The summon thrashed violently, unleashing a mournful wail as its colossal form withered under the constriction of the tendrils. The tentacles pulsed rhythmically, their size swelling as they siphoned the summon¡¯s essence. Other tendrils shot toward the barrier, wrapping around it like an ever-tightening cocoon. The transparent surface blackened under their grasp, and muffled roars, screams, and explosions echoed from within. The tentacles pulsed again, the rhythmic motion traveling back to the grotesque pillar. With each pulse, the barrier shrank, drawn closer to Fi-Fi¡¯s nightmarish core. Scott watched in grim silence, his frown deepening. She wasn¡¯t kidding when she said she was going to eat them. His eyes lingered on the barrier, now nearly consumed by Fi-Fi¡¯s relentless appendages. ¡°I really wish you¡¯d taken my wager earlier,¡± Orion chuckled, though his lighthearted tone was tinged with regret. Scott glanced at the mage; his expression unreadable. ¡°Do you have any idea what kind of creature she¡¯s become?¡± ¡°I will soon,¡± Orion replied, his grin faint but confident. ¡°I¡¯ve gathered enough samples to analyze her. Though I don¡¯t have all the data yet, I¡¯m certain of one thing: there won¡¯t be another slime like her across the myriad timelines. The probability of it ever happening again is infinitesimal.¡± Scott gave a slow nod but said nothing. His attention returned to Fi-Fi, where the shrinking barrier was now perilously close to the pulsating pillar. The cacophony of muffled screams and explosions grew louder, more desperate¡ªbut it didn¡¯t matter. The barrier continued its ominous descent, drawn inexorably into the monstrous entity Fi-Fi had become. Scott shifted his gaze from the engulfed barrier to the massive breach leading into his territory. It doesn¡¯t look like there will be a third wave, he mused, his eyes narrowing. His attention flicked to the territorial lord, groaning in agony and standing motionless. Could the breach still be open because I haven¡¯t finished him off? The thought lingered for barely a second before Scott clenched his fist. In an instant, the territorial lord¡¯s head exploded like an overripe watermelon.
You have slain the leader of the invasion!
Congratulations! You have successfully defended your territory from invaders!
Congratulations! You have slain a Territorial Lord!
By virtue of your victory, you now possess the right to claim The Steel Armor Territory!
Do you wish to add The Steel Armor Territory under the banner of the 18th Order of the Mad Throne?
Yes! No!
Congratulations! Your rank has improved!
Current Rank: 1990th
Scott watched as the massive breach began to seal itself. He glanced at the system notifications, his frown deepening. I went up eight places at once... That¡¯s unusual. He rubbed his chin, studying the messages. Did I take his ranking directly?If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. His gaze returned to the lord¡¯s remains, now lifeless on the ground. Without hesitation, Scott flicked his hand, summoning a nihilistic portal beneath the corpse. The body disappeared into the void in a flash. Turning his focus back to the notifications, Scott frowned. If I accept it, that will make it my third territory. But now that I think about it, I haven¡¯t really thought about my second territory. The thought was fleeting, but as soon as it manifested, Scott vanished, reappearing on a rocky expanse stretching endlessly under a misty rain. Shattered weapons, some larger than giants, lay strewn across the barren ground.
Your territory will now adapt to your nature!
Transformation will now commence!
The ground trembled, and Scott recognized the signs of transformation unfolding once more. But this time, the all-seeing eye did not return. Instead, the chaotic nihilistic zone dominated the terrain, competing with the shifting cosmos that consumed the heavens above. ¡°Scott, where did you go?¡± Orion¡¯s voice crackled urgently through a private channel. ¡°Hello? Can you hear me?¡± ¡°I¡¯m at my second territory,¡± Scott replied calmly. ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon.¡± Without waiting for a response, he closed the channel. Scott stood at the heart of the transformation, watching as the graveyard of weapons vanished. From the chaotic zone, towering obelisks emerged, their jagged forms expanding the celestial chaos overhead. The land itself seemed to breathe, veiled in fog and nihilistic energy.
Congratulations! Your territory has adapted to your nature!
By virtue of your victory, you now possess the right to claim The Steel Armor Territory!
Do you wish to add The Steel Armor Territory under the banner of the 18th Order of the Mad Throne?
Yes! No!
The notification flashed again, and Scott¡¯s frown deepened further. ¡°Toi, are you there?¡± he muttered softly. ¡°I need to speak with you.¡± A tear in space appeared several paces away, rapidly expanding until it was large enough for a figure to step through. Toi¡¯s form emerged, his single eye scanning the transformed territory with a mixture of awe and apprehension. An eerie smile played across his face as his gaze settled on Scott. ¡°You called?¡± Scott crossed his arms. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to step out from there?¡± Toi chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯d rather not,¡± he said, his singular eye roving over the nihilistic zone. ¡°I¡¯m far more comfortable here.¡± He turned his focus back to Scott. ¡°Congratulations on defending your territory, by the way. I wasn¡¯t expecting us to meet again so soon.¡± ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯ve been curious about for a while,¡± Scott began, his tone steady. ¡°The last battle confirmed it: there¡¯s a vast disparity in strength¡ªor perhaps battle prowess¡ªamong territorial lords, isn¡¯t there?¡± Toi tilted his head thoughtfully. ¡°Indeed. And your point?¡± ¡°How else can one become a lord?¡± Scott asked without hesitation. Toi sighed, shaking his head. ¡°Unfortunately, you don¡¯t have the authority to know¡ª¡± ¡°What do I need to do to gain that authority?¡± Scott interrupted. A wicked grin spread across Toi¡¯s face, his ominous features brightening with joy. ¡°Make it to the top 100 in the rankings, and we¡¯ll talk.¡± He leaned closer, his tone laced with mischief. ¡°Here¡¯s a piece of free advice: there are genuine monsters above you. If you measure them by the opponents you¡¯ve faced so far, you won¡¯t even know how you died.¡± Scott¡¯s brows furrowed as he nodded, processing the words in silence. ¡°Is that all?¡± Toi asked, breaking the pause. ¡°Not at all,¡± Scott said, his stance shifting slightly. ¡°Across the different floors of the tower, there¡¯s always been a way to gain experience points¡ªexcept here. Why is that?¡± He had lost count of the champions who had fallen to his hand or his summons, yet not once had a system notification declared any experience points gained. Toi¡¯s response was immediate¡ªa soft chuckle that quickly escalated. His laughter crescendoed as he tilted his head back, erupting into a full-blown fit. Scott stood unmoved, his expression as unyielding as stone, observing the examiner without the faintest flicker of amusement. It took Toi nearly a full minute to regain his composure. Several failed attempts later, he finally managed to stifle his laughter with a cough. ¡°My apologies,¡± he said, a glint of mirth still lingering in his single eye. ¡°You see, most territorial lords are more concerned with expanding their domains than worrying about experience points. But you¡ªyou¡¯re utterly uninterested in this place or the authority it offers.¡± Toi¡¯s tone shifted, growing solemn as his gaze narrowed. ¡°It¡¯s not that you haven¡¯t been rewarded,¡± he said. ¡°You simply can¡¯t access the rewards while on the Endless Bridge. As I mentioned earlier, time doesn¡¯t exist here in a conventional sense. If you want to check how much experience you¡¯ve accumulated, you must venture into one of the timelines you oversee.¡± Scott¡¯s brows furrowed slightly as Toi continued. ¡°However, be warned: if a territorial lord vacates the Endless Bridge, they are stripped of all authority until their return. During that time, others can take their place on the territorial rankings, invade their territories, or even rise to power in their absence. If the timing is poor¡ªor another lord grows strong enough to enter the territorial ranking¡ªthey¡¯ll lose everything.¡± Toi let the weight of his words linger. ¡°To regain entry, you would need to start from the beginning, reentering through one of the bridge¡¯s links.¡± Scott nodded slowly, the gravity of Toi¡¯s explanation settling over him. As understanding dawned, he prepared to pose another question. Before he could speak, a voice crackled over the party communication channel, echoing in his mind like an alarm. ¡°Scott!¡± Zara¡¯s voice teaming with urgency, competed with a series of deafening explosions. ¡°We need your help!¡± Scott¡¯s features hardened instantly. Without a word, he descended into the nihilistic zone, vanishing from the transformed territory before the stunned examiner could react. Toi stood in silence, his gaze lingering on the chaotic expanse. ¡°Judging by his expression earlier, something significant must have happened,¡± he murmured. The crack in space began to close; Toi raised his head to the swirling cosmos, and he retrieved a small sack from his breast pocket. Without ceremony, he emptied the sack¡¯s contents¡ªgrains of colored sand¡ªinto the ominous darkness below. As the sand scattered across the transformed land, Toi disappeared, vanishing into the void as the crack sealed behind him. Book 4 - Chapter 6: Declaration of War [1] Scott emerged from a miniature nihilistic zone, chains unfurling in a deadly dance as his war hammer settled into his grip. A system notification flared immediately upon his arrival:
You are invading the Rashka Territory!
Conquer or be defeated!
Where are they? I should¡¯ve stepped out from Zara¡¯s shadow. Did they have to leave suddenly again? Questions churned through Scott¡¯s mind as his gaze swept over the dusty expanse. The relentless echoes of explosions in the distance only worsened the arid conditions, filling the air with choking clouds of debris. ¡°Guys, where are you?¡± Scott asked through the party channel. Only the rumbling ground and distant detonations answered. ¡°Scott, where are you?¡± Orion¡¯s voice finally crackled through the channel. ¡°Can you bring us in? We can¡¯t let you fight alone.¡± ¡°I¡¯m in another lord¡¯s territory,¡± Scott replied, his voice steady despite the growing tension. ¡°You¡¯ll need to enter the nihilistic zone in our territory first. Once you do, I should be able to pull you over here.¡± Scott hesitated for a moment before continuing. ¡°But Fi-Fi might not be in any shape to join us. She probably needs more time to absorb her prey. You¡¯ll have to decide whether to send a clone or leave one behind with her.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be there soon,¡± Orion declared resolutely. Scott didn¡¯t respond, his attention shifting back to the desolate landscape before him. Could it be that they were already forced out? he wondered. He had moved instantly after receiving Zara¡¯s distress call, yet a gnawing sense of being too late crept over him. The fact that he had invaded another lord¡¯s domain didn¡¯t bother him¡ªsaving his companions was all that mattered. Then, more notifications flooded his vision.
The Calamity of Envy is near!
The Calamity of Pain is near!
The Calamity of Destruction is near!
The Calamity of Pleasure is near!
The Calamity of Disobedience is near!
The Calamity of Thunder is near!
Scott¡¯s grip on the war hammer tightened, his expression tightening. Are they the reason the others vanished? he wondered grimly. With a sharp swing of his hammer, Scott dispersed the swirling dust cloud that enveloped him, revealing the terrain in stark clarity. A war-torn expanse stretched before him, scarred by craters, jagged potholes, and smoldering boulders. The ground bore the scorched imprint of battle, blackened and desolate. Scott¡¯s gaze roamed the devastation until it froze mid-thought. Barely three hundred meters away, he spotted a kneeling figure encircled by a patch of scorched and blackened earth. His brows creased as a growing sense of unease rippled through him. Who¡ªor what¡ªwas that? Scott stared at the figure, his lips trembling ever so slightly, eyes blinking incessantly as his legs carried him forward in an instinctive daze. Explosions echoed faintly in the distance with each unsteady step, and the ground trembled beneath his boots. Yet he pressed on, stopping only when he loomed over the fallen figure. ¡°E-Ember?¡± he called out, his voice breaking as it emerged, barely louder than a whisper. His eyes fixated on the massive ceremonial spears piercing through the midsection of the dragonkin. Blood oozed from countless gashes, the dust around her wounds caked into a grotesque film. Ember¡¯s hands lay limp, her body unmoving. Scott released his war hammer, the weapon falling with a dull thud to the quaking ground. He knelt, lowering himself until his gaze met hers. Her eyes¡ªonce blazing with life¡ªwere vacant, the light within long extinguished. With a trembling hand, he reached for her face. There was no warmth, yet he lifted her head gently, tilting it toward him. His breath slowed, unnaturally steady as he stared into the lifeless eyes of the dragonkin. Beneath him, the nihilistic zone stirred¡ªbut this time, it was different. It bubbled and writhed, confined to the space under his feet, countless tendrils clawing upward, quivering with suppressed rage. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I wasn¡¯t there for you,¡± Scott whispered, his voice raw and barely audible. His hand hovered over her face before closing her unseeing eyes. Slowly, methodically, he gripped the spears impaling her body and pulled them free. What is wrong with me? Scott¡¯s thoughts churned as he watched Ember¡¯s motionless form. Why don¡¯t I feel anything? They killed Ember, yet I can¡¯t get angry. Why can¡¯t I get angry? Why am I not sad? Why am I not rampaging? Why is there only... nothing? His hand continued to trace the contours of Ember¡¯s face, caressing her cold, blood-stained cheeks with a tenderness at odds with the emptiness inside him. He couldn¡¯t cry, though he wanted to. No tears came. Screaming felt futile¡ªa hollow performance. Without hesitation, Scott summoned an item from his inventory. He stared at the luminous pearl resting in his blood-soaked hand¡ªthe beacon he had once extorted from the elves. Silently, he placed it on Ember¡¯s still chest. For a moment, nothing happened. Scott didn¡¯t react, his focus unwavering as the seconds stretched into eternity. Dust swirled around them, settling like a shroud over the scene. Then, the beacon stirred. It emitted a soft, rhythmic hum before sinking into Ember¡¯s body, soaking itself in her blood. The tremors and explosions plaguing the region ceased abruptly, leaving an eerie stillness in their wake. Scott barely noticed. His hands remained on Ember¡¯s face; his touch gentle as if afraid to break her fragile form. The beacon continued its absorption, its radiant glow slowly darkening to a bloody hue. Minutes passed in silence until the pearl shot out from Ember¡¯s chest, spinning violently above her. For the first time, Scott¡¯s gaze shifted, locking onto the spinning beacon. His fingers stilled, hovering over Ember¡¯s lifeless features. A voice, soft and melodic yet laden with arcane power, broke the silence. Its allure wrapped around him like a spell. ¡°Come back, O ye that has been lost.¡± The temperature around him plummeted, his breath visible in the freezing air. Instinctively, Scott turned to his right. In the distance, an ethereal figure emerged, its form translucent and unsteady. It raced toward the beacon with a sense of urgency, cutting through the fog like a fragment of some forgotten dream.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Scott¡¯s pupils widened momentarily as if catching a glimpse of something unfathomable. Without thinking, he stood, his movements mechanical, his gaze locked on the spectral form before him. The spirit materialized suddenly, halting in place as its gaze met Scott¡¯s. Scott stared back, his eyes flickering between Ember¡¯s lifeless corpse and the apparition hovering above. They shared the same face¡ªthe same piercingly cold yet hauntingly inviting eyes. Her movements, her aura, even the subtle tilt of her head¡ªthey were hers. Yet something about the spirit felt¡­ off. The dissonance gnawed at him, a truth just out of reach. The spirit¡¯s lips curved into a soft smile; her expression tinged with sorrow. Tears streaked down her translucent cheeks as she reached for Scott¡¯s face. He didn¡¯t move, didn¡¯t flinch, as her hand hovered near his skin. ¡°I have missed you,¡± she said, her voice a soothing melody, both familiar and foreign. Her tears fell faster now, each drop a ripple of emotion that should have reached Scott but didn¡¯t. ¡°I¡¯ve missed you so much,¡± she sobbed, her arms opening slightly as if yearning to embrace him. But the beacon intervened. Its pull was magnetic, inexorable, dragging her ghostly form closer. Thump. Scott instinctively clutched his chest. It wasn¡¯t his heartbeat¡ªhe hadn¡¯t felt anything like it in¡­ how long? His nihilistic existence had stripped him of emotions, of sensations, leaving only emptiness. Yet now, something stirred within him, alien and incomprehensible. The spirit¡¯s face remained fixed on his, her tears unwavering. ¡°Sibiru?¡± The name escaped Scott¡¯s lips before he could stop it. His own voice sounded foreign, as if it didn¡¯t belong to him. The spirit broke into heavier sobs at the sound of the name, her form quivering with unspoken words. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but the beacon pulled her in. She vanished into the glowing sphere before her voice could take shape. The beacon¡¯s bloody hue turned pristine white in an instant, and it fell silently into Scott¡¯s waiting grasp. The earth groaned beneath him, trembling with a new, violent energy. Distant roars tore through the sky, guttural and unrestrained, carrying with them an overwhelming sense of dread. Scott tightened his fist, and the beacon vanished into his inventory. The tremors grew fiercer, the ground cracking beneath his feet. He turned back to Ember¡¯s body one last time, his gaze unwavering. Slowly, a nihilistic portal formed beneath her corpse. The tendrils writhed hungrily as they dragged her remains into the void until they disappeared completely. A roar, more deafening than the former, shattered the oppressive silence. Scott turned, his eyes narrowing as he peered through the haze of dusty rain. Through the gloom, a colossal silhouette took shape, striding forward with terrifying purpose. Another roar tore through the air, scattering the lingering smog within a one-mile radius. Now unobstructed, Scott saw it clearly¡ªa nightmare given form. A towering behemoth with six elongated arms marched forward, its steps shaking the earth like thunderclaps. A triangular steel cage encased its head, spewing green fumes and shimmering heat hazes into the atmosphere. Each of its arms, drenched in a grotesque mixture of blood and blackened oil, moved with mechanical precision. Its massive legs, gnarled and unyielding, corroded the earth with every step, leaving a trail of ruin in their wake.
The Harbinger of Rot; The Calamity of Rot has descended!
The system notification rang in Scott¡¯s mind, cold and detached. The creature let out another hellish bellow, thick gases belching from its armored head, the acrid stench palpable even at a distance. It paused mid-stride, its gaze¡ªor what might pass for one¡ªlocking onto Scott. Scott stood still, his eyes limpid, free of fear or any emotion whatsoever. Beneath him, the bubbling tendrils writhed with renewed vigor, their movements erratic, ravenous. Slowly, Scott stretched out his right hand. The War Hammer of the Mad God materialized in his grasp, its chaotic energy resonating with the turmoil beneath his feet. ¡°Was it you?¡± Scott¡¯s voice barely broke the silence, a whisper laced with unmistakable rage and bloodlust. Yet it thundered across the battlefield, its presence felt more than heard. The Harbinger of Rot roared in defiance, the steel cage encasing its head rotating with a shriek of metal on metal. Corrosive gases spewed forth in waves, coiling around its six arms like venomous gloves. It unleashed another bellow, its charge shaking the earth. Scott remained still; his gaze fixed on the oncoming monstrosity. His grip on the War Hammer of the Mad God tightened, his knuckles pale as he bit down on his lip. Even now, I can¡¯t feel it... I can¡¯t feel anything. But it doesn¡¯t matter anymore. They want chaos? I¡¯ll give them chaos!
The Nameless One is now watching you!
The Nameless One bestows upon you the inheritance of the Nihilithians!
Beneath Scott¡¯s feet, the bubbling nihilistic zone erupted, a monstrous wave of blackness surging forward like a tsunami. The Harbinger of Rot halted mid-charge, its steel-caged head tilting as the void writhed and coiled into a massive, towering wall of darkness. At that moment, three portals tore open near the Harbinger. From the first stepped a figure clad in blazing armor, surrounded by a swarm of levitating spears. Its three gleaming eyes surveying the battlefield, its silver-and-gray fur rippling like a stormy sea. Next to it was a colossal form of sheer muscles and mass. It had no head, but its impressive well-toned body and physique was clear for all to see. The third portal revealed a water sprite, her lithe form shimmering with an eerie, amused smile.
The Calamity of Destruction has descended!
The Calamity of Pleasure has descended!
The Calamity of Disobedience has descended!
The Calamity of Destruction turned toward the Harbinger, its molten gaze flickering within its helm. ¡°Who dares tamper with the soul?¡± its voice grated, each word a clash of metal on stone. ¡°The one marked for death by the gods,¡± the Harbinger hissed, its whisper carrying an edge of wrath. ¡°And what is that?¡± rumbled the Calamity of Pleasure, gesturing at the wall of writhing blackness. Its voice was a deep, guttural vibration that reverberated through the ground. The Harbinger did not respond, its focus remaining on the stationary wall. Meanwhile, the water sprite giggled, twirling through the air in a dance of glittering droplets. ¡°So, the troublemaker is here after all,¡± she mused, her voice lilting with cruel amusement. ¡°No wonder he slipped through our grasp. Hiding in the shadows like a worm.¡± ¡°Enough!¡± snapped the Calamity of Destruction, its spears crackling with arcane energy. ¡°Our task is to retrieve the dragonkin¡¯s soul. We will not concern ourselves with their bounties!¡± The sprite stuck out her tongue, still laughing as she spiraled upward. ¡°Focus!¡± the Calamity of Destruction barked, turning back to the Harbinger. ¡°What did he use to steal the soul?¡± The Harbinger hesitated, its voice subdued. ¡°A beacon¡­ of the Tree of Life.¡± The air seemed to freeze. The Calamities of Destruction and Disobedience turned sharply toward the blackened wave, their collective gazes alight with urgency. ¡°She cannot be revived!¡± the water sprite hissed, her playful tone vanishing, replaced by venomous resolve. ¡°Do you think we don¡¯t know that?¡± Destruction growled, but his retort was cut short. The wave of nihilistic energy moved. It compressed inward, folding upon itself, shrinking rapidly until it vanished completely. When it cleared, Scott and Orion stood where the black wall had been, the tendrils of the void coiling around Scott¡¯s feet like serpents. The Calamity of Destruction¡¯s molten gaze locked onto him. ¡°Hand over the beacon,¡± it commanded, its voice like the cracking of a thousand whips. ¡°I won¡¯t ask twice.¡± Scott raised his head, his expression devoid of fear. The fiery worlds in his right eye burned brighter, while the flickering yellow sigil pulsed with maddening intensity. His lips curled into a chilling smile. ¡°Mortals, calamities, champions, and gods alike¡­¡± His voice was a low whisper, yet it reverberated across the battlefield like a thunderclap. ¡°Bow. Madness itself now walks among you.¡± The heavens groaned as they fractured, the all-seeing eye and the cosmos revealed themselves through the cracks. The earth bubbled and ruptured, blackened tendrils tearing through the surface in a frenzy of destruction. Above, a vast section of the heavens ripped open, exposing thousands of burning worlds blazing in defiance. From the swirling yellow mist beyond burning stars, colossal tentacles emerged, writhing and slithering with malevolent intent. Scott stepped forward; his hammer nestled in his hand. His chilling smile widened as he whispered once more, the words dripping with untold madness. ¡°Drag all of them out of the abyss!¡± The Chains of the Abyss rattled and rustled, their cold metal screams echoing through the broken skies. Hundreds¡ªno, thousands¡ªof portals manifested in the void, each one an entryway to a nightmare. Book 4 - Chapter 7: Declaration of War [2] The rustling chains sank into the swirling portals, vanishing eagerly to fulfill Scott¡¯s will. Around him, the calamities observed the shifting battlefield with wary calm. Their focus remained on Scott, who stood atop the writhing expanse of darkness, his form framed by the void. ¡°He wields authority,¡± the Calamity of Destruction intoned, its molten gaze fixed on Scott. Around it, the levitating spears erupted in flames, their fiery hum growing into a vibrating crescendo as they spun faster. ¡°Does anyone recognize his authority?¡± the water sprite asked, her once playful tone now icy and sharp. ¡°Didn¡¯t he declare it himself?¡± the Harbinger of Rot rasped. ¡°It¡¯s madness,¡± it hissed. ¡°The authority of madness.¡± At those words, the Calamity of Destruction and the Calamity of Disobedience stiffened, their forms bristling with palpable tension. Only the Calamity of Pleasure, colossal and impassive, remained unmoved. "I suspend all laws within my domain!" Orion¡¯s voice boomed out of the surrounding void, his form obscured in the roiling darkness. The whispers of the void followed his declaration, weaving an oppressive melody of arcane delirium. The sound festered and multiplied, invasive and unrelenting, as it pressed against the wills of all present. The calamities stirred uneasily, their composure wavering slightly. Even the Calamity of Pleasure, devoid of visible ears, shifted as though it too was affected by the whispers. Their murderous intent now honed fully on Scott. No matter what, the Scion of Madness had to be annihilated, and the beacon reclaimed. The Calamity of Destruction moved first. Raising a hand, it stilled its whirling spears, then pointed a single finger at Scott. The spears let out guttural bangs as they launched, streaking through the air in a coordinated assault, their fiery trails converging from all directions. Above them, the all-seeing eye blinked. The air around the battlefield trembled. Reality fractured. The spears vanished in an instant. The calamities froze. Disbelief etched itself into their forms as they scanned the area, their gazes darting to the heavens and back to Scott.
At that same moment, the whispers grew louder. The blackened ground bubbled violently, swelling with arcane energy. Then, tens of thousands of Orion¡¯s clones burst forth from the nihilistic expanse, each shimmering with iridescent magic circles. They surged forward with maddening laughter, their eyes alight with gleaming insanity bordering on ecstasy. The Harbinger of Rot reacted first. Swinging its colossal fists, it obliterated swathes of clones with bone-crushing force. The unfortunate masses rotted mid-flight, their forms dissolving into putrid sludge that sank back into the darkness below. Yet those who survived pressed onward, their suicidal charge relentless as they unleashed volleys of chaotic spells. The Calamity of Destruction¡¯s flaming spears rained down like fiery meteors, each impact scattering the clones like glass. The water sprite¡¯s lilac-glinting eyes narrowed. Raising her hands, she called forth a sickening shift in the atmosphere. The air itself seemed to condense, turning viscous. The advancing clones twisted mid-air, their bodies warping grotesquely as water poured out of them against their will. Their agonized forms collapsed, their stolen water pooling into a massive, amorphous lake. Slowly, the pool began to take shape. Wave after wave of clones emerged from the darkness, each escalating in form and armament. The second wave bore crimson crystals embedded in their foreheads, glowing faintly as they summoned crystalline barriers for protection. Yet the Harbinger of Rot¡¯s fists and the Calamity of Destruction¡¯s spears smashed through them effortlessly, reducing the barriers¡ªand the clones¡ªto fragments. The third wave rose, more numerous and deadlier than before. These clones bore gatling guns alongside their magic circles, unleashing torrents of bullets that echoed across the battlefield. The Calamity of Pleasure stirred. Its immense body swelled grotesquely, expanding until it dwarfed even the Harbinger. Standing as a living shield, it absorbed the onslaught, its body trembling under the barrage. Soft moans filled the air, the creature spasming in unsettling ecstasy with each impact. Meanwhile, the water sprite¡¯s growing lake rippled as it solidified into a gargantuan form¡ªa four-headed axolotl-like creature. Its beady, glimmering eyes roved over the battlefield, unbothered by the stray bullets and spells lodging into its gelatinous body. The heads nodded in eerie unison, then opened their mouths. No sound escaped. No blast erupted. Nearby clones imploded into streams of crimson liquid; their essence torn from within. Even bullets and crystals, no matter how minuscule their liquid content, were not spared. The fluids surged toward the creature¡¯s gaping mouths, feeding its swelling mass. The surviving clones cackled maniacally, continuing their frenzied assault, but like those before them, they too withered as their fluids were siphoned. Their laughter was cut short, leaving only piles of dry dust in their wake. ¡°I need more,¡± a voice crooned, raw with yearning. ¡°This isn¡¯t nearly enough. Give me more!¡± The Calamity of Pleasure squirmed, its grotesque form trembling with desire. Without hesitation, it lumbered forward, its hulking, headless body of pure muscle stepping into the inky darkness of Scott''s domain. The black tendrils of the nihilistic zone coiled around its feet, eager to pull it under. Yet no matter how they tugged, the calamity sank at its own maddening pace, moans of bliss echoing from its form.
The other calamities turned their attention to Scott, who remained motionless atop the sprawling void. The flaming spears encircling the Calamity of Destruction shifted, their deadly tips aligning with the Scion of Madness. With a silent gesture, the calamity unleashed them. The spears descended with unrelenting fury, but the all-seeing eye blinked once more. As they neared Scott, the spears vanished, dissolving as if erased from existence. The calamities froze, their features hardening in disbelief. The Calamity of Destruction clenched its fists, its fiery aura flaring wildly. There was no conceivable explanation for its weapons disappearing. A sharp crack echoed through the heavens, shattering the air like glass. All heads turned upward. Above them, countless burning worlds flickered into view, their celestial light illuminating colossal tentacles swirling within a thick mist.
The Administrator will not permit a link between dimensions!
The system notification reverberated, halting time itself. The cracks began to mend, their edges shimmering with desperate intensity. The tentacles thrashed violently, surging toward the closing rift. Several burning stars detonated in the struggle, their explosions lighting the tentacles'' race against the rapidly sealing breach.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Before the calamities could comprehend the sight, the cracks vanished, taking the mist and the tentacles with them. Time resumed. A deafening bang rolled across the Endless Bridge, shaking the very ground beneath their feet. The calamities stared at the sky in stunned silence before their gazes returned to Scott. The Calamity of Destruction began to speak, but its words were cut off as two dozen flaming spears, now cloaked in blackened fire, raced toward the group with deadly precision. The Calamity of Destruction¡¯s fiery eyes widened. The spears, though corrupted, were unmistakable¡ªthey were the same ones that had vanished earlier. In a flurry of motion, all but the Calamity of Pleasure evaded the incoming attack, their forms moving with desperate agility. The spears struck nothing, disappearing into the void as soon as they missed. ¡°You dare use my own fangs against me?!¡± the Calamity of Destruction roared, its rage transforming its molten features into a monstrous visage. The flames engulfing its form flared with newfound intensity, shifting from orange to blue. Its size doubled as the air around it twisted and warped. The spears orbiting it morphed, growing larger and more jagged, their shapes reminiscent of predatory beasts. Flaming spirits emerged from their surfaces, howling in unison with the calamity''s fury. ¡°Do you know the nature of madness?¡± Scott¡¯s voice cut through the chaos, calm yet dripping with menace. ¡°I do not care!¡± the Calamity of Destruction bellowed, its form now a towering, horned devil with a serpentine tail lashing behind it. ¡°To hell with you and these maddening whispers!¡± The spears, now savage and monstrous, descended like meteors, their fiery forms tearing through the air as they homed in on Scott. ¡°Madness doesn¡¯t differentiate between reality and fantasy,¡± Scott intoned, his voice steady. ¡°It is ever-present.¡± The fangs rained down, a cataclysmic storm that obliterated Scott¡¯s form, reducing it to shreds. ¡°Should what you see be declared reality?¡± Scott¡¯s voice echoed once more, unnervingly composed. The calamities turned in shock. Floating above the battlefield, Scott stood unscathed, his ominous gaze piercing through the chaos. Instinctively, they looked back to where he had stood before. There, the shattered remains of the massive fangs were sinking into the nihilistic zone, swallowed whole by the consuming void. Apart from the Calamity of Pleasure, who reveled in the ecstasy of disintegration as it sank into the nihilistic zone, the other calamities focused their attention on Scott. They watched the thin trail of blackened blood streaking down his face, their gazes narrowing at the rustling chains encircling him like serpents come alive. The whispers of the void grew louder, insistent, impossible to ignore. Though the calamities¡¯ minds remained unclouded by the arcane words, unease crept in. Orion, the summoner of the whispers, remained hidden, his clones nowhere to be seen since their annihilation. ¡°Should illusions be declared nonexistent?¡± Scott¡¯s voice rang out once more, cold and enigmatic. The all-seeing eye above blinked for a third time. The calamities had no time to contemplate his words as the world abruptly flipped. The once-floating calamities found themselves plummeting toward the blackened abyss of the nihilistic zone, gravity''s grip reversed. The Harbinger of Rot hurtled toward the sky, while the enormous form of the Calamity of Pleasure erupted from the void, falling skyward as well. At the reversal, three of the four heads of the liquid-devouring creature exploded, releasing torrents of water. The liquid surged to the aid of the calamities, forming tendrils that arrested their descent toward the abyss. ¡°Should what your senses perceive be thought of as real?¡± Scott''s voice resonated, calm yet haunting. The world shifted once more. Order restored itself, resetting the battlefield. Scott stood again in his original position, the calamities suspended midair, now supported by the liquid coating their forms. The Harbinger of Rot crashed back to the ground with a massive thud, fissures spreading from the impact. The Calamity of Pleasure, however, landed atop the nihilistic zone, its moans echoing in delight. This time, massive hands emerged from the void¡¯s depths, their fingers curling around the calamity¡¯s squirming form. In a single motion, it was dragged into the abyss. ¡°Enough with these stupid voices!¡± the water sprite snarled, shaking her head violently. Her form trembled with annoyance as water rushed to shield her ears. Yet the whispers grew louder, festering and gnawing at her resolve. The Harbinger of Rot slammed its fists together, releasing a corrosive fog that billowed toward Scott. Its massive arms dug into the earth, uprooting colossal boulders that it hurled with ferocious strength. The Calamity of Destruction, silent and calculating, summoned a fresh wave of massive fangs. Each was as large as a warship, and they launched alongside the creeping fog and the incoming boulders. The all-seeing eye blinked for a fourth time. Instantly, the projectiles vanished, erased from existence. ¡°I said enough!¡± The Calamity of Disobedience roared, her voice splitting the air. The single remaining head of the axolotl-like form lunged forward. With a snap of its jaws, it devoured the water sprite whole. The creature¡¯s form contorted, twisting and expanding as it merged with the calamity. Moments later, it transformed into a massive, multi-horned water serpent, its roar shaking the heavens. It unleashed a barrage of cyan blasts, each one brimming with annihilating force. The all-seeing eye blinked again. The blasts disappeared as before, but this time, Scott staggered. Blackened blood poured freely from his eyes, staining his cheeks. Above, the colossal eye began to fade, its radiant power dimming. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, but that ability of his is weakening,¡± the Calamity of Destruction muttered. Though it could not perceive the all-seeing eye, it noted the diminishing speed of its erasures and the toll it exacted on Scott. ¡°Keep attacking! This is our chance to end this!¡± The others needed no encouragement. Attack after attack rained down on Scott, an unrelenting onslaught of destruction. The all-seeing eye blinked repeatedly, struggling to erase each incoming strike. But its speed waned, faltering with each effort. Scott¡¯s blackened blood now flowed freely, staining his face, and his once-steady gaze faltered as his eyelids drooped. ¡°He¡¯s nearing his limit!¡± the Calamity of Destruction roared. ¡°A little more, and he¡¯ll fall!¡± ¡°Enough with acting like you¡¯re in charge!¡± the water serpent snapped, its serpentine form coiling. ¡°We can see that ourselves!¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough from both of you!¡± the Harbinger of Rot barked, slamming a massive fist into the ground. ¡°Retrieving the beacon is our primary¡ª¡± The sound of chains rustling violently cut the Harbinger off mid-sentence. All three calamities froze, their attention drawn to the noise. From one of the many portals long swallowed by the nihilistic zone, a chain had gone taut, straining as it began to reel something in. Whatever it had captured resisted fiercely, each pull a struggle. Suddenly, the chain jerked forward with immense force. Scott, tethered to the chains, staggered, surprise flickering across his bloodied face. His body, already weakened, trembled under the unexpected tension. The calamities, momentarily still, kept their gazes fixed on the chain. Though they couldn¡¯t sense anything through it, their instincts screamed in unison¡ªsomething was coming. And it was coming fast. A resonant chime pierced the silence, cold and foreboding. The next moment, a massive head emerged from the nihilistic zone, dragging with it an air of malevolence. The head was an abomination, alien in its design. Its shape was humanoid yet grotesquely distorted, stretched into an oblong form with irregular contours that seemed to ripple unnaturally. Two enormous, glassy eyes reflected a dull light, giving them an unsettlingly lifelike gleam. Where a nose should have been, there was nothing but smooth flesh. Its mouth was a wide, lipless maw filled with jagged, dirt-brown teeth, each razor-sharp and irregular, the chains of the abyss clinging to them like parasites. The creature''s eyes darted back and forth, studying both Scott and the calamities with an eerie, calculated stillness. Its gaze was predatory, but its movements hinted at intelligence, a cruel and ancient awareness. The whispers of the void thundered, rising to an unbearable crescendo as the creature¡¯s presence grew more oppressive. Slowly, it tilted its head upward, its gaze locking onto the all-seeing eye above. The effect was instantaneous. Scott¡¯s eyes exploded in a burst of gore, blood and viscera splattering across his face as he unleashed a maddened laughter. His chains quivered violently before slackening as his body collapsed, sinking into the nihilistic zone¡¯s void-like depths. The all-seeing eye flickered and vanished into nothingness, leaving the sky empty and cold. The calamities tensed as the creature shifted its gaze toward them. Its massive maw twitched, curling into a sadistic grin that sent shivers down their spines. Its voice echoed, guttural and mocking, as it finally spoke. ¡°What world is this?¡± Book 4 - Chapter 8: Declaration of War [3] The calamities froze, their gazes locked on the alien head. Its eerie, unblinking eyes stared back, brimming with unnatural malice. For a moment, the calamities shifted their attention to where Scott had disappeared, noting that the nihilistic zone still lingered ominously. Yet there was no denying the considerable damage he had suffered, damage inflicted by the unsettling creature before them. ¡°Help me shake off this chain,¡± the head commanded, its voice reverberating with unnatural authority. The calamities remained silent, their stillness a mixture of caution and defiance. The creature¡¯s glassy eyes blinked slowly, then roved over its surroundings, taking in the twisted, ominous expanse. When its gaze landed on the transformed water serpent, it spoke again, its tone eerily smooth. ¡°Do you not understand my words?¡± It tilted its head slightly, the motion unnervingly fluid. ¡°Rid me of these chains,¡± it commanded once more. The serpent¡¯s narrow eyes glinted with disdain. ¡°Who do you¡ª¡± The words had barely left its mouth when its massive body detonated in an explosion of water and viscera, revealing the lithe form of the water sprite within. The remaining calamities stirred, shock rippling through them. The attack¡ªif it could even be called that¡ªhad come without warning, impossible to predict or avoid. ¡°Won¡¯t you help me?¡± the head asked again, its voice now tinged with feigned desperation. The Harbinger of Rot let out a guttural growl before unleashing a shrill scream. Corrosive smog spewed forth, rushing toward the alien head. Yet before the noxious cloud could reach its target, a muffled explosion rang out. The Harbinger¡¯s cage-like frame imploded, and its massive form toppled backward, its own corrosive fluids eating away at its flesh. The Calamities of Destruction and Disobedience froze, their eyes widening in disbelief as they took in the sight of the fallen Harbinger. The alien head remained still; its eerie grin unbroken. ¡°Help me, and I will spare you,¡± the head declared, its voice now dripping with malevolence. ¡°This world, I shall conquer for my liege, and you¡ªshall serve in his glorious conquest. What say you?¡± Neither calamity dared to speak. The unspoken truth was clear: to answer, or to show the slightest hint of malice, was to invite a swift and inescapable death. The head tilted, studying them with its unsettling, unwavering gaze. Seconds stretched into an eternity. Then, the Calamity of Destruction raised its hand, and its fiery spears began to spin¡ªnot in an attack, but to form holographic words with their blazing flames. You ask us to speak, yet you kill those who do. Who are you? ¡°I haven¡¯t killed anyone,¡± the head replied, mock innocence dripping from its tone. ¡°Those consumed by animosity merely fell victim to their own hatred. But you two¡­¡± It grinned wider, its expression even more unsettling. ¡°I like you two. You¡¯ve suppressed your malice. You recognize the situation you¡¯re in.¡± Who are you? the spears wrote again. The head chuckled softly, the sound grating and unnatural. ¡°Of what importance is my identity?¡± it mused, its glassy eyes glistening. ¡°I am but a servant¡ªno, nothing¡ªcompared to my liege, he who shall conquer all planes.¡± Confusion rippled through the calamities as they exchanged wary glances. The spears spun again, forming a new message: Weren¡¯t you summoned by that¡ª The spears shattered mid-sentence; their message unfinished. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare confuse my liege with that abominable being!¡± the head roared, its voice shaking the area. Ripples coursed through the blackened earth, and cracks spiderwebbed across the air. ¡°That insolent creature, with these revolting chains, awakened me from my slumber. How it reached me, I do not know, but it shall suffer for all eternity¡ªyearning for death that will never come!¡± The head fell silent, its expression darkening. ¡°I will not entertain any more questions until you answer mine. Tell me, what world is this?¡± The Calamity of Destruction¡¯s fiery spears spun anew, but before they could form a response, both calamities¡¯ gazes shifted abruptly, their expressions twisting in shock. The head, noticing their reactions, followed their line of sight. Emerging slowly from the nihilistic zone was an obelisk, its blackened surface radiating a violent hum. From its summit, a surge of eldritch energy shot into the sky, stirring the heavens. For the first time, a crease marred the alien head¡¯s smooth forehead. ¡°Do you think this is reality?¡± Scott¡¯s voice echoed through the chaos, cold and commanding. All eyes turned toward him as he hovered midair, pristine and unyielding. The bloodstains and exhaustion that had marred him earlier were gone, replaced by an aura of terrifying calm. A cacophony of arcane whispers erupted, deafening and incomprehensible. The calamities clutched their ears, their forms writhing under the relentless assault of the maddening noise. Meanwhile, the floating head stared at Scott, shock evident in its eyes. It looked beyond the voidweaver, staring at the turbulent skies. The majestic, all-seeing eye stared back. This time, it was different. The eye was more detailed and piercing, exuding a regal yet oppressive might. What¡¯s more, the eye now shimmered with blackened flames, and the sign in its pupil had been replaced with a cluster of numerous burning stars. ¡°Who are you?¡± the head questioned; its brows fully creased. Scott, his eyes filled with disdain, motioned with his hand, and the chains of the abyss stirred. They rustled fiercely, coiling around the head instantaneously¡ªtheir flames burning the floating summon. Yet, the summon neither screamed nor winced. It stared at Scott in defiance, its eyes brimming with murderous light. ¡°You dare look at me with those eyes¡ªthose eyes filled with disdain?!¡± The head trembled, its rage distorting its features as it gritted its teeth. The chains clattered louder than ever, competing with the ominous voices plaguing the area. ¡°An abomination like you dares to look at me with those eyes?!¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. The chains constricted around the head, but it could do nothing against the bulging veins distorting its features. Yet, Scott remained silent, staring at the summon with cold mockery. The creature parted its teeth, and its eyes shattered into tiny fragments. There was no roar, no sound, no blast¡ªjust nothing. The whispers of the void plaguing the region instantly disappeared, and an eerie stillness fell, as if time itself had been vanquished from the area. The chains binding the head and Scott¡¯s form disappeared, erased from existence. The same fate befell the oppressive all-seeing eye. Half of it was erased, the other half gradually fading away. The calamities stared at the destruction in stunned silence. They knew the head was a creature of immense power, but even they could not fathom what they had witnessed. The shattered pieces of the summon¡¯s eyes fell back into place, while its parted mouth sealed once more, its eerie smile remaining. The creature¡¯s bulging veins had long vanished, disappearing along with the whispers and Scott¡¯s form. This time, the nihilistic zone crumbled, disappearing into the dusty earth below. The towering pillar shattered along with it, and the pulsating blast it emitted vanished too. The summon turned its attention back to the calamities. ¡°You may speak. That abomination will no longer interrupt us.¡± ¡°You¡¯re lost. Accept it,¡± Scott¡¯s voice echoed. ¡°The harder you resist, the deeper you fall. Madness beckons¡ªembrace it! Yearn for it. Seek it! Entertain it. Maybe, just maybe, you too shall become whole!¡± The summon¡¯s gaze sifted across the area, but neither Scott¡¯s form nor any trace of the voidweaver could be sensed. The calamities, too, panicked. Like the head, they had heard the ominous declaration, but they could not find any traces of the voidweaver. ¡°Ponder!¡± Scott¡¯s voice suddenly rang out. The calamities stirred, their faces contorting in fury, especially that of the calamity of destruction. ¡°You dare use mere confessions on me!¡± it roared. But barely seconds after the words left its mouth, the head of the calamity exploded. In its moment of rage, it had forgotten about the backlash from speaking in the presence of the floating head. The calamity¡¯s headless corpse fell straight to the dusty earth. The calamity of disobedience stared at the headless corpse as well as the spears lying next to it, then turned her attention toward the floating head, which stared back with indifference. Like the calamity of destruction, fury distorted her visage the moment Scott initiated his confessions, but the fallen calamity had beaten her to voicing its rage. ¡°I see what this is,¡± the head began, its eyes roaming the area with a hint of enlightenment. ¡°This is all an illusion!¡± It laughed in realization. ¡°You think a mere illusion will hold me? Never!¡± The creature¡¯s eyes shattered once more, and its teeth parted a second time. Silently, it began to wreak devastation on the surroundings. Unlike the void being, the calamity of disobedience simply hovered in place, silent and unmoving, watching as the creature wreaked havoc across the territory. The land and skies bore multiple fractures¡ªfractures that only grew the longer the creature¡¯s mouth remained open. Then, they heard it. Whispers, deafening and incessant. Guttural and alluring. Enchanting and ominous. The whispers of the void had returned. This time, however, it was different. Specters, arcane in their wisdom and features, slithered in their ethereal forms, their voices rummaging through the territory. Their numbers were infinite, like the scattered sands plaguing the dusty earth, and the combination of their voices shook even the heavens themselves. The calamity of disobedience shuddered, clawing at her ears as the ancient wisdom drifted into them. Thick, bulging veins distorted her childlike features, giving the water sprite the look of a water devil. Yet, the whispers festered. Unrelenting and incessant. Amidst the cacophony, a spiderweb of cracks fractured the skies, spreading like an unyielding plague. A thunderous crack followed, silencing the whispers as Scott¡¯s form flickered back into view. The Calamity of Disobedience, who had barely stifled her scream moments earlier, now panted heavily, her gaze fixed on the Voidweaver. The illusion was gone, shattered into nothingness. But the instant it dissolved, Scott¡¯s body had vanished beneath the imperceptible strike of the floating head. Even now, the water sprite wasn¡¯t certain if he had truly been defeated. ¡°Why won¡¯t you give in? Why resist the inevitable?¡± Scott¡¯s voice echoed through the stillness. The water sprite¡¯s expression faltered. The voice didn¡¯t come from Scott¡ªbut from the gaping mouth of the floating head. The head snapped its jaws shut, its hollow eyes flickering back to life. It had heard Scott¡¯s voice escape its mouth. How was that possible? The chains coiled around its teeth pulsed ominously, a likely culprit for the grotesque trickery. Scott¡¯s form materialized once again, this time suspended between the floating head and the Calamity of Disobedience. His voice rang out, cold and oppressive, cutting through the residual tension like a blade. ¡°Illusion or reality¡ªwhy bother separating them? In madness, reality becomes illusion, and illusion... reality.¡± The chains of the Abyss recoiled and surged around the floating head, their links swelling grotesquely as they constricted tighter. The whispers returned¡ªsharp, unrelenting. They drowned the air with their oppressive noise. The Calamity of Disobedience clutched at her ears in vain. Her webbed hands tore at her own flesh, water spilling from her fingers in desperate attempts to block the sound. Yet, not even the rippling droplets could halt the relentless voices. ¡°Ponder!¡± Scott¡¯s command erupted, cutting through the whispers. ¡°I will not be¡ª!¡± The water sprite¡¯s defiant words halted mid-sentence. Her eyes widened in realization a split second before her head exploded, her body spiraling downward like a broken doll. Scott turned toward the bound head, meeting its gaze¡ªa swirling maelstrom of malice and incomprehension. ¡°You think these chains can hold me?¡± the creature hissed, its voice laced with venom. Scott¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± he replied, his tone frigid. He stared into the creature¡¯s eyes¡ªthis time, no response came. The creature blinked, momentarily stunned. ¡°I know not what you are,¡± it hissed after a beat, its voice trembling with restrained rage. ¡°But your existence must end. I will not allow a creature like you to reach my liege!¡± The head¡¯s grotesque features swelled, its form trembling with the effort to defy its bindings. Scott took a step forward, his feet pressing firmly against the air. ¡°You don¡¯t understand, do you?¡± His voice resonated deeply, carrying an undeniable weight. The head faltered. Its swelling form deflated like a punctured balloon; its rage siphoned away into the oppressive silence that followed. ¡°Nothing bound by these chains escapes eternal servitude,¡± Scott continued, his words cutting through the stillness. ¡°Nothing.¡± Another step forward. ¡°This liege you speak of¡­ it doesn¡¯t exist. Your thoughts, your memories, your very essence¡ªI shaped them. Your emotions and your actions, I control them. Now, tell me¡­¡± He stopped just before the massive head, his piercing gaze locking onto its glassy eyes. ¡°Am I not your liege?¡± The head stared back in confusion; its malice dampened by an undercurrent of fear. ¡°What are you?¡± it whispered at last. Scott didn¡¯t answer. Instead, his eyes turned skyward. Reluctantly, the creature followed his gaze¡ªand froze. Suspended in the void above, the all-seeing eye stared down at them, regal and inscrutable. The summon¡¯s pupils dilated. Illusions, it could handle. But this... this defied comprehension. ¡°Ponder!¡± Scott¡¯s voice thundered. The chains constricted further, and an eerie compulsion surged through the head, wrenching words from its mouth. ¡°The empty throne... destined for our lord,¡± it murmured, its voice trembling. ¡°Wonder!¡± Scott declared again. ¡°The grace of he who is tormented by the flames of madness!¡± the creature cried, its eyes igniting with a maddening glow. ¡°Bask in!¡± ¡°The fervor of the king!¡± The creature¡¯s voice rose to a fever pitch. Its form trembled violently as the chains tore through its essence. ¡°Eternal,¡± Scott whispered, his voice barely audible. ¡°Is the madness of the throne!¡± the head roared, its cry twisted with deranged joy. ¡°Only madness is eternal!¡± The chains of the Abyss tightened one final time, ripping the head apart in a violent burst of energy. A deafening crack echoed through the air as reality itself distorted. When the dust settled, the scene had reset. The floating head hung in its original position, pristine. Around it, the slain Calamities stirred, alive and untouched, exchanging uneasy glances. Each of them had clearly perished. And yet, here they stood. Scott was nowhere to be seen. The whispers had fallen silent. The head lifted its gaze, trembling. The unblinking eye stared back at it, vast and unyielding. Slowly, the Calamities turned their heads skyward, and they too saw it. Amidst the silence, Scott¡¯s voice thundered again. ¡°Is what you see... considered reality?¡± For the first time, fear rippled through the Calamities and the summon alike. They finally understood: Madness did not simply lurk. Madness walked among them. Book 4 - Chapter 9: Declaration of War [4] Standing amidst the sprawling nihilistic zone, Scott stared at the hovering Calamities, their defiance quashed under the weight of his authority. His gaze shifted, drifting toward the floating head, which remained still, its eyes fixed on the Calamities. Unlike the others, the head was ensnared by the Chains of the Abyss, their blackened links slithering over its form, constricting it inch by inch. It¡¯s a shame this is all I can manage for now, Scott mused, his fists clenching at his sides. I¡¯d love nothing more than to crush them outright, but I¡¯m not strong enough yet. His attention flicked toward Orion. The mage stood unnervingly still, his flailing hair sealing his eyes shut. Whispers of the void poured from his slackened jaw, an eerie hum filling the air. ¡°Orion, can you hear me?¡± Scott called out through the party channel. Silence answered. He adjusted his stance, his voice steady but louder this time. ¡°Orion?¡± The whispers faltered, their insidious murmurs slowly fading into nothingness. Orion¡¯s slackened jaw twisted grotesquely back into place, and the strands of hair covering his eyes shattered, falling away like brittle shards of glass. His eyes snapped open, gleaming with delirium, and his lips twisted into a crooked grin. ¡°You called?¡± Scott¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. Can he really control that ability of his? ¡°That was... quite the riveting experience,¡± Orion said, his voice tinged with a mad excitement as he rolled his shoulders, resetting his posture. ¡°I had no idea your authority would be so... magnificent. Tell me, what do you plan to do with them?¡± He nodded toward the subdued Calamities. Scott¡¯s gaze hardened as he returned his attention to the creatures. Without a word, he raised his right hand. The nihilistic zone coating the earth churned in response, its blackened surface rippling like liquid shadow. From the depths, massive tendrils erupted, twisting and coiling as they reached for the Calamities. The tendrils snaked around their immobile forms and began to pull, dragging them slowly into the void. Scott and Orion watched in silence as the Calamities disappeared¡ªwith no resistance, one by one, swallowed by the abyss. Once the last was gone, Orion broke the silence, his voice barely restrained. ¡°Will that be enough?¡± ¡°They won¡¯t wake from their stupor,¡± Scott replied flatly. ¡°And unless I permit it, no one can leave or enter the nihilistic zone. When they¡¯ll be reduced to nothingness... I can¡¯t say. But for them, this is the end.¡± Orion studied Scott carefully, his eyes gleaming with fascination and a growing smile. ¡°You¡¯re taking on Calamities by yourself now. I can¡¯t help but feel... thrilled.¡± He paused, his gaze drifting to the nihilistic zone gathering beneath Scott¡¯s feet. His voice turned unexpectedly serious. ¡°And the others? What of them?¡± ¡°Zara and the others are still missing,¡± Scott said, his tone unwavering. ¡°But¡­ Ember is dead.¡± Orion¡¯s pupils dilated slightly at the revelation. His lips parted, as if to speak, but no words came. Instead, silence hung between them like a heavy curtain. After a moment, Orion sighed, his shoulders sagging. ¡°How do you feel about it?¡± he finally asked. ¡°I don¡¯t feel anything.¡± Scott¡¯s voice was clear, almost unnervingly calm. ¡°No... I should say, I can¡¯t feel anything.¡± Orion¡¯s mouth twisted into a wry smile. His gaze dropped, lingering on Scott¡¯s shadow, as if finding in it the answer he needed. He didn¡¯t press further. ¡°Were they responsible?¡± Orion asked instead, his voice quieter. ¡°Or was it coincidence the Calamities came here?¡± ¡°They were responsible,¡± Scott answered without hesitation. ¡°Ember was their target. I suspect they¡¯re working with the territorial lord. Zara and the others... they may have been sent into another timeline. That¡¯s only a theory¡ªI have no proof.¡± ¡°A reasonable theory,¡± Orion murmured, his hand cradling his chin in thought. After a beat, he chuckled softly. ¡°But it does make you wonder. With all this chaos in their territory, why hasn¡¯t the territorial lord¡ªor one of their subordinates¡ªshown themselves?¡± ¡°There are more Calamities nearby,¡± Scott said abruptly. Orion¡¯s head snapped toward him. ¡°There are?¡± Scott¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°You didn¡¯t receive the notification?¡± Wordlessly, Orion shook his head, his expression darkening. Scott¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°I don¡¯t know if they¡¯ve moved further away, but I received a notification when I first arrived: the Calamities of Pain, Thunder, and Envy are close.¡± Orion¡¯s expression tightened as he processed the news, his mind clearly racing. After a moment of silent contemplation, he spoke again. ¡°What do you intend to do next?¡± Scott¡¯s gaze remained fixed on the horizon. With Ember gone, Zara and the others missing, and Calamities prowling the area¡ªnot to mention the unknown motives of the territorial lord¡ªthey were surrounded by danger on all sides. The other lords and alliances within the various territories loomed ahead, further compounding their problems. ¡°I¡¯m going to find the Tree of Life,¡± Scott announced. His sharp gaze fixed on Orion, noting the widening of the mage¡¯s eyes and the subtle parting of his lips. ¡°The Tree of Life?¡± Orion echoed; his voice tinged with a mix of disbelief, excitement, and anticipation. ¡°Isn¡¯t that what they call the World Tree? Are you telling me... it actually exists?¡± Wordlessly, Scott retrieved a snow-white beacon from his inventory. Its surface glowed faintly, almost imperceptibly, yet it radiated an aura that felt alive. Holding it aloft, he said, ¡°It does exist. And with this, I¡¯m going to find it. Will you help me?¡±The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Orion¡¯s eyes locked onto the beacon, his expression flickering with curiosity and uncertainty. ¡°Where did you even get that?¡± he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°And why... why does it feel alive?¡± His gaze darted back and forth between Scott and the enigmatic object, a silent demand for answers etched on his face. The beacon disappeared back into Scott¡¯s inventory. Then, he explained¡ªhis voice calm, yet weighted with purpose¡ªhow he had obtained the beacon while traversing the treacherous pathways of White Hell. When his tale concluded, Scott asked again, ¡°Will you help me?¡± Orion chuckled softly, a grin spreading across his face. ¡°Of course, I will. If the Tree of Life truly exists, how could I not want to see it with my own eyes?¡± His grin widened as he added, ¡°That said, this sounds like a long-term goal. For now, shouldn¡¯t we focus on finding the others? What do you think?¡± Scott nodded in agreement. ¡°You¡¯re right. Although we don¡¯t know where they might be, one thing is certain¡ªthey came here. And excluding the Calamities, who can traverse freely between territories, the only way to enter or leave is through the territorial lord¡¯s authority. In short, we need to find the lord of this territory.¡± A low, ominous laugh escaped Orion¡¯s lips. ¡°I agree,¡± he said, summoning a small vial from his inventory. Without a word, he smashed it against the ground. Hundreds of tiny seeds spilled across the cracked earth, scattering as if guided by unseen hands. The seeds rolled further and further away from Scott and Orion, growing larger as they moved. ¡°Let my clones track down that coward,¡± Orion said with a smirk. Then, he glanced back at Scott, his tone shifting to one of casual inquiry. ¡°Do you plan on bringing Fi-Fi into this?¡± Scott shook his head. ¡°Let¡¯s leave her out of this for now,¡± he replied, but his words trailed off as a stray thought crept into his mind. ¡°What is it?¡± Orion asked, his curiosity piqued. Scott didn¡¯t respond immediately. Instead, he turned his gaze upward and called out a name. ¡°Toi. Are you there?¡± A sharp crack echoed through the air, cutting through the tension like a knife. The fabric of reality itself split open, and from it emerged the examiner. Toi¡¯s piercing gaze swept across the duo before lingering on the devastation left by the earlier battle. His eye passed over the alien head, still bound in chains, then shifted skyward to the unblinking, all-seeing eye watching from the heavens. Finally, he returned his attention to the pair, his expression unreadable. ¡°You¡¯re far more terrifying than I imagined,¡± he said, his focus settling on Orion. ¡°How do you carry such heavy voices without your mind collapsing?¡± Orion merely smiled, his gaze alight with interest. ¡°And you¡¯re even nosier than I imagined,¡± he quipped. Toi ignored the jab, shifting his attention to Scott. ¡°And you,¡± he said, his tone unnervingly calm. ¡°A being like you shouldn¡¯t exist.¡± Scott¡¯s brow arched. ¡°Is that a threat?¡± Realizing his words had been poorly chosen, Toi raised his hands in a placating gesture. ¡°No, no. That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± he said quickly, offering a chilling smile. ¡°What I mean is... are you even aware of what you¡¯ve become? Authorities grant immense power, yes, but they come with equally immense drawbacks. A natural balance¡ªunless, of course, you ascend to godhood.¡± Scott¡¯s irritation was evident in the way his brow furrowed. ¡°And what exactly are you trying to say?¡± ¡°The authority you wield¡ªthe Authority of Madness¡ªis infamous for driving its users to ruin. Madness consumes them, leaving them crazed, delusional, homicidal, even suicidal. Yet here you are,¡± Toi explained, gesturing toward Scott. ¡°You¡¯ve wielded it against Calamities, no less, and emerged unscathed. It¡¯s almost as if... everything harmful has been devoured.¡± Scott¡¯s gaze narrowed, his mind turning inward. He understood Toi¡¯s implication. My nihilistic nature... it¡¯s devouring even the side effects of the Authority of Madness. As Scott fell into silent contemplation, Toi continued, his voice low but heavy with warning. ¡°Your actions here today will ripple through your fellow competitors for the throne. And believe me, that¡¯s never a good thing. Worse still, the gods themselves will hear of your victory over the Calamities. They¡¯ll come for you¡ªCalamities, gods, competitors. All of them. And they won¡¯t hold back.¡± The weight of Toi¡¯s words settled like a suffocating fog. For a moment, the trio stood in silence, the examiner¡¯s warning hanging heavy in the air. ¡°So,¡± Toi finally broke the stillness, his tone more practical now. ¡°Why did you call for me? Normally, I wouldn¡¯t answer a summons in a foreign territory¡ªit¡¯s against the rules. But the territorial lord appears to be... absent. Be warned: the moment they return, I¡¯ll have to leave.¡± Scott and Orion exchanged glances. At last, the pieces clicked into place. Now they understood why the territorial lord had failed to appear, even in the face of such an invasion. ¡°All timelines are connected to the Endless Bridge, correct?¡± Scott asked, his gaze fixed on Toi. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the case,¡± the examiner replied with a nod. ¡°Why do you ask?¡± ¡°What territory houses the links leading to the Tree of Life?¡± Scott¡¯s tone was calm, almost blank, but his eyes sharpened as they bore into Toi. The examiner hesitated, surprise flickering across his face. ¡°You know about that?¡± Toi muttered, his voice low, though the shock quickly gave way to a wide, maddened smile. His single eye glinted with an almost predatory light. ¡°Sadly, you lack the qualifications to know that. It¡¯s not just you, though. None of the current lords are permitted access to that information¡ª¡± ¡°What must I do to gain that authority?¡± Scott cut in; his voice unflinching. Toi¡¯s grin faded, replaced by a calculating look. ¡°Everything comes back to the competition between lords,¡± he said after a brief pause. ¡°Claim a position in the top ten, and the right to that knowledge will naturally be yours.¡± Scott¡¯s features hardened, though he stayed silent. I had a feeling he¡¯d say something like that, he thought bitterly. Who knows how long this trial is going to drag on? I can¡¯t just sit around waiting. ¡°There is... another way,¡± Toi added, his tone almost nonchalant. Scott¡¯s attention snapped back, the weight of his focus pressing down on the examiner. ¡°If you were to conquer and amass a significant number of territories,¡± Toi explained, his eerie smile returning, ¡°you would command a far greater portion of the authority granted by the Administrator. With that kind of power, you¡¯d easily locate the territory housing the links of your choice.¡± Toi paused briefly, his grin widening. ¡°However, should you pursue this path, you¡¯ll be painting a target on your back. Most of the lords will become your enemies¡ª¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care about that,¡± Scott interrupted, his voice as sharp as a blade. Toi chuckled softly, the sound unnervingly light. ¡°Well then, I wish you the best of luck.¡± With a courteous nod to both champions, Toi turned and began walking toward the portal. But before he could step through, Scott¡¯s voice rang out. ¡°Before you leave, tell me what you scattered in my territory.¡± Toi stopped mid-step, turning back to face Scott with a faint smirk. ¡°I¡¯m afraid you don¡¯t have the authority to know that. Frankly, not even I know what it was.¡± ¡°And you expect me to believe that?¡± Scott fired back, his brows knitting into a sharp scowl. ¡°Believe me or not, it changes nothing,¡± Toi answered, his voice dry, yet laced with finality. ¡°If I had any intention of being underhanded, surely I wouldn¡¯t have done it so openly¡ªespecially knowing you can perceive everything happening within your territory.¡± He paused, the glint in his eye taking on a faintly mocking edge. ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll cross paths again soon. Until then, take care.¡± With that, Toi disappeared through the portal. For a moment, Scott and Orion stood in silence, the tension of the moment lingering like a distant echo. Then, Orion turned to Scott, his expression equal parts curiosity and anticipation. ¡°So,¡± Orion said, his tone lighter now. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± Scott met Orion¡¯s gaze, his eyes brimming with cold determination. ¡°We declare war,¡± he replied. Book 4 - Chapter 10: Rashka ¡°I was hoping you¡¯d say that,¡± Orion chuckled softly, a murderous glint flashing across his eyes as he adjusted his glasses. Scott, meanwhile, silently surveyed their surroundings, his prowling gaze lingering on nothing in particular. If the territorial lord isn¡¯t here, then where could they be? he mused, his thoughts swirling. Turning back to Orion, he asked, ¡°Any word from your clones?¡± Orion sighed, shaking his head. ¡°Not yet,¡± he said with a faint shrug. ¡°This place feels abandoned. There doesn¡¯t seem to be anything here at all.¡± ¡°Let me know if that changes,¡± Scott replied, his voice steady. No sooner had his words echoed than several portals suddenly tore open in the surrounding space. From the rifts, the black chains of the Abyss slithered forth, extending into the gaping voids as if drawn to something unseen. Orion chuckled again, the sound low and amused. ¡°You¡¯re summoning another one of them, aren¡¯t you?¡± There was no mistaking the expectation gleaming in his eyes. Scott didn¡¯t answer. His gaze wandered to the floating alien head, still bound tightly by the flaming chains. What should I do with this bastard? he thought. The Void Warden ability ensured the summons couldn¡¯t free themselves, but that didn¡¯t mean they owed him loyalty. The head¡¯s earlier intent had been evidence enough of that. Should I get rid of it? Scott shook his head as the thought surfaced. No, that would be a waste. With the chains binding it, couple with summon under the control of his authority, he could control it freely. The real question was where to unleash it. His musings were abruptly cut short as a sudden system notification manifested in front of him¡ªand Orion.
The Harem King has invited you to join their alliance!
Do you wish to entertain their invite?
Yes! No!
Scott and Orion exchanged glances. While Scott¡¯s expression remained as impassive as stone, Orion¡¯s face twisted into something far more amused as he let out a derisive laugh. Without hesitation, both champions selected [No!]. A new notification appeared.
You have chosen not to entertain the invite!
You have rejected the advances of the Harem King!
The message lingered briefly before fading. In its wake, an unsettling hum began to buzz in the distance¡ªlow, almost imperceptible at first. Both Scott and Orion turned sharply toward the source of the sound, yet their searching gazes revealed only the same barren expanse of dust and ruin. The hum grew louder, intensifying until it echoed like a low, mournful wail. ¡°Orion, is that you?¡± Scott asked mentally. ¡°Nah,¡± Orion replied, his voice equally sharp in thought. ¡°I was just about to ask if one of your summons decided to get creative.¡± Scott¡¯s brows furrowed. Instinctively, the War Hammer of the Mad God re-formed in his hand. Around him, the chains of the Abyss slithered and coiled, clanking ominously as though sensing the oncoming threat. The ground shuddered. In the distance, a cyclone of dust erupted, spiraling violently toward the heavens. Yet, strangely, the spectacle carried no oppressive force¡ªno real pressure, no tangible threat. It was as if the storm were performative rather than destructive. Still, neither Scott nor Orion relaxed. Orion¡¯s eyes narrowed behind his glasses, his fingers curling around his staff. ¡°This is too weird,¡± he muttered under his breath. Without warning, Orion slammed the base of his staff into the ground. The sharp, rhythmic strikes reverberated unnaturally, ripples spreading outward in liquid-like waves. The distortions traveled rapidly toward the cyclone, converging at its base. In an instant, the massive storm vanished¡ªobliterated as though it had never existed. Even the echoes dissipated into silence. Scott frowned. Wasn¡¯t that too easy? A sharp crack resounded above them. Both champions looked up simultaneously, Scott¡¯s eyes narrowing in recognition. Floating above them, suspended like an open wound in the sky, was a link¡ªa gateway, formless yet unmistakable, hovering exactly where the cyclone had manifested. Scott¡¯s grip on the war hammer tightened. Why would a link suddenly reveal itself? The answer struck him almost immediately, and his jaw clenched. ¡°Could it be that the territorial lord is returning?¡± he asked Orion mentally. ¡°I sure hope so,¡± Orion replied, his tone dripping with anticipation. ¡°We¡¯re not going to find out what happened to the others unless we deal with him first.¡± The link pulsed, growing larger and larger. Dust clouds rose in its wake, swirling faintly through the stale air. Yet, for all its ominous size, nothing emerged. Minutes crawled by. Scott and Orion watched in perfect silence, their bodies tense, their focus unwavering. The link hung in the air like a living void, its presence both unnatural and expectant. Neither champion spoke¡ªnot aloud, not mentally¡ªas they waited for whatever would come next. ¡°Should I send a clone to investigate?¡± Orion suggested mentally, breaking the silence. Almost immediately, he frowned, shaking his head. ¡°No, on second thought, that¡¯s not a good idea.¡± He suspected that, with territorial lords having full control over the links, the lord of Rashka Territory would instantly sense his clone¡¯s intrusion. Then again, the lord already had omnipotent awareness within their own domain¡ªany action they took would likely provoke a response. ¡°Let¡¯s wait,¡± Scott replied calmly. ¡°Unless they plan to abandon this territory, they¡¯ll be back soon enough.¡± ¡°The only problem with that,¡± Orion said with a dry chuckle, ¡°is that we don¡¯t know if ¡®soon enough¡¯ will already be too late.¡± A heavy silence settled between the two, the weight of uncertainty pressing down. Rushing into the link guaranteed nothing; there was no way to confirm whether their companions were even in the timeline housed within. For all they knew, the link itself was a trap¡ªone that could leave them stranded. ¡°If it is a trap,¡± Scott began, voicing his concerns mentally, ¡°and the territorial lord refuses us reentry, we¡¯ll have no choice but to search for a link back to the Endless Bridge. Who knows how long that could take?¡± ¡°True,¡± Orion murmured, his voice laced with amusement. ¡°We¡¯re in a bit of a bind. It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve been this excited.¡± As his voice lingered, two sharp system notifications appeared abruptly in front of them:
The Calamity of Envy is descending!
The Calamity of Thunder is descending!
Scott¡¯s features stiffened, his gaze snapping toward the expanded link. Before he could react further, another notification flared into existence:Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
The Lord of Rashka Territory has declared war on you!
The world around them distorted, as though a veil had been lifted. The dusty plains rippled like water before shifting into an entirely new environment. Jagged rock replaced the earth beneath their feet, now blanketed in snow. The once-bright skies darkened to an oppressive gray, endless snowflakes swirling and tumbling within the relentless, icy winds. Scott and Orion were no longer alone. Encircling them now were bipedal creatures¡ªeach towering over two meters tall, their muscular frames encased in sinewy flesh. Four arms extended from their bodies, and atop their necks burned flaming heads, each one a roaring pyre of crimson and gold. So, I was right, Scott thought, his expression hardening as he surveyed the scene. The Calamities and the lord of this place are working together. He tugged slightly at the chains binding the alien head, and the blackened links unraveled with ease. Some of the creatures released chilling roars, the flames atop their heads flaring brighter against the white backdrop of the snowstorm. Instantly, the heads of those who roared imploded violently. Others exploded outright, vanishing in an instant as though erased from existence. The alien head ascended into the air, its gaze falling on the remaining creatures. A palpable wave of condescension emanated from its form, and with it came destruction. More of the creatures fell¡ªsome with heads bursting into flame, others simply ceasing to exist as their forms blinked out of reality. Within moments, tens of thousands had been slaughtered. Those who survived stood frozen, having realized the rules governing their demise: show no malice, make no sound, and perhaps you¡¯ll survive. Scott and Orion, unfazed by the chaos, kept their focus on the hovering link. Their attention remained fixed, waiting. Minutes piled up, stretching the tension thin. Suddenly, a massive fist wreathed in iridescent lilac flames emerged from the link. Scott¡¯s grip on the War Hammer of the Mad God tightened as the ground trembled beneath him. Some of the surviving creatures below released faint, involuntary cheers. Their reward was immediate¡ªobliteration. Another arm emerged from the link. Then another. And another. Eight colossal arms, each thicker and more robust than three of the two-meter creatures combined, clawed their way into reality. Flames licked and rolled across the muscular limbs, iridescent and searing. Moments later, a broad torso followed, equally wreathed in raging fire, and then the lower half¡ªmassive legs that struck the earth with enough force to shake the mountains. Finally, the creature¡¯s head emerged, a steel skull visible within the roaring flames. Suspended just above it hovered a burning crown, its fire shifting between lilac, gold, crimson, and orange. The smaller creatures immediately fell to their knees, prostrating themselves before the towering figure. None dared to rise. None dared to look up. Scott needed no confirmation: this was the Lord of Rashka Territory. But the lord wasn¡¯t looking at Scott. Its gaze, burning and unrelenting, was fixed on the alien head. The floating head quivered involuntarily, as if instinctively aware of what was to come. One of the lord¡¯s enormous arms lifted, a single finger pointing at the alien head. A thin crack split cleanly down the alien head¡¯s form, starting at its apex and slicing straight through its base. From the fissure, dazzling light burst forth, growing brighter as the crack widened. Moments later, the alien head shattered into nothingness, and in its place, a new link materialized, glowing faintly within the snowstorm. The lord turned its gaze toward Scott and Orion. Its voice exploded like a thunderclap, shaking the mountains to their roots. ¡°You dare invade the territory of the great Rashka?!¡± it roared, the sheer force of its voice whipping the winds into a frenzied howl. The snow fell harder, the storm growing more ferocious. The smaller creatures leapt to their feet in unison, the flames on their heads blazing higher and brighter. The combined heat radiating from their bodies melted the surrounding ice, sending streams of water cascading down the rocky terrain. A thick fog began to roll across the battlefield, the mist swirling ominously as it thickened, shrouding the rising flames in a pale, ghostly veil. Scott and Orion stood unflinching as the storm raged around them, their expressions calm, yet razor-sharp. Rashka raised all eight of its hands at once, and in each, massive specters sculpted from pure ice began to take form. Around it, the smaller flaming creatures lifted their arms, summoning molten magma that gathered and swirled, expanding their forms into monstrous shapes of burning stone and fire. Wielding the fully formed icy scepters, Rashka pointed one of them at Scott and Orion. Its thunderous voice rumbled like a storm tearing through the mountains. ¡°Who is the lord among you?¡± As its words echoed, the air shimmered, and several more links materialized throughout the area. From the portals emerged legions of flaming champions¡ªhundreds of thousands¡ªmarching into formation, their molten visages aglow with fury. They surrounded Scott and Orion on all sides, their ranks commanded by Rashka, the lord of this desolate territory. Scott stepped forward, his movements calm and deliberate. Rashka¡¯s massive, fiery head turned to focus on him. ¡°So, it is you,¡± Rashka growled, its tone dripping with disdain. ¡°Where is your army?¡± Scott didn¡¯t stop, his expression unreadable. ¡°Where are they?¡± he shot back, his voice unamplified, yet cutting through the noise like a blade. His steps carried him forward, the blackened chains of the Abyss dragging restlessly behind him. ¡°If you tell me where they are right now, I¡¯ll end this swiftly.¡± He stopped abruptly, tilting his head up to meet Rashka¡¯s burning gaze. ¡°Make your decision. There won¡¯t be a second chance.¡± ¡°You dare threaten me?¡± Rashka¡¯s voice erupted, shaking the very ground. Its smaller subordinates fell to their knees, bowing low in submission as the flaming crown above its head flared violently, releasing torrents of blue fire that hissed and crackled against the snowstorm. Suddenly, more links tore open in the sky, disgorging gigantic snow worms, their armored bodies slithering forth with deafening screeches. Acid spewed from their maws as they joined the ranks of Rashka¡¯s army. Still pointing a scepter at Scott and Orion, Rashka roared, its command like thunder: ¡°Kill them!¡± The horde surged forward. The worms screeched, the flaming creatures roared, and together they charged, a cacophony of chaos swallowing the battlefield. Then, from above, a voice descended¡ªlow, deliberate, and impossibly compelling. ¡°Is what you see considered reality?¡± The words were soft, yet they crashed over the battlefield like a tidal wave. Rashka, instinctively, tilted its head skyward. Through the swirling gray clouds, the all-seeing eye stared back, unblinking and vast. The voice echoed again, a ripple of madness threading through the words. ¡°Should what your senses perceive be thought of as real?¡± The territorial lord blinked, its massive frame trembling slightly. When it looked back to the battlefield, it froze. The worms and flaming subordinates were no longer interested in attacking Scott and Orion. Instead, they had turned on each other, their charge devolving into a bloodthirsty free-for-all. Worms impaled flaming creatures, magma exploded in showers of fire and ash, and molten stone splintered under acid burns. Roars of agony and murderous delight filled the air. Scott and Orion remained untouched; their forms seemingly invisible to the raging army. ¡°What¡ªwhat is this?¡± Rashka growled, its booming voice edged with confusion. Scott tilted his head slightly, his voice cold and measured. ¡°I gave you a chance. Whatever happens now is on you.¡± Only Rashka could hear him speak, the words carrying an ominous finality. Before the territorial lord could react, another link tore open near the center of the battlefield, its manifestation accompanied by a sudden hush. The storm seemed to pause as two new figures stepped into the territory. A melodious voice broke the silence, light and playful, yet laced with unmistakable menace. ¡°Oh my, to think you had such a strong connection to an authority. No wonder we couldn¡¯t see what happened to the others.¡± Scott¡¯s gaze shifted, narrowing as he studied the newcomers. The first was a lithe, humanoid figure¡ªher appearance fluid, her face and form shifting constantly, each iteration more perfect than the last. She moved with unnatural grace, her enchanting smile as inviting as it was sinister. Beside her loomed a majestic white dragon, its scales gleaming like polished silver. Thunder crackled through the dark clouds overhead, and lightning coiled around the dragon¡¯s immense form, illuminating its glistening wings. Gripped in the beast¡¯s claws were four massive tubes, each filled with a swirling green liquid. Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on the tubes, and his jaw tightened. Within three of them, he recognized Zara, Slim, and Plume¡ªtheir unconscious forms suspended in the liquid.
The Calamity of Envy has descended!
The Calamity of Thunder has descended!
The humanoid figure¡ªclearly the Calamity of Envy¡ªspoke again, her voice dripping with amusement. ¡°Why don¡¯t we make a deal, hmm?¡± she purred, her ever-shifting face turning toward Scott. ¡°Unlike this cretin,¡± she gestured lazily toward Rashka, ¡°we have no reason to fight a losing battle. So, what do you say?¡± Book 4 - Chapter 11: Negotiations Scott¡¯s gaze shifted between the newly arrived Calamities and his companions trapped within the massive tubes clutched by the dragon¡¯s claws. The bloodcurdling screams from the chaos between the worms and Rashka¡¯s subordinates echoed all around him, but he paid them no mind. ¡°Orion,¡± Scott called out via a private channel, ¡°do you think this is some kind of trap?¡± Scott knew those were truly his companions¡ªno illusion could deceive him. Yet, despite the Calamity of Envy¡¯s reasoning, a lingering sense of doubt gnawed at him. ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Orion replied, a soft chuckle threading through his words. ¡°Entertain their demands. Let¡¯s see what they¡¯re proposing.¡± Focusing on the Calamity of Envy, Scott spoke aloud, his voice steady and unyielding. ¡°What sort of deal are you proposing?¡± The lithe figure¡¯s ever-shifting face brightened with a smile, her otherworldly charm radiating like a seductive haze. ¡°An exchange,¡± she began, her voice light and melodic. She gestured toward the tubes in the dragon¡¯s claws. ¡°You¡¯ll get your companions back... but only in exchange for the soul of the¡ª¡± ¡°Not happening,¡± Scott interjected flatly, cutting her off before she could finish. The Calamity¡¯s smile faltered, replaced by a faint scowl. Scott continued, his tone colder than the biting wind. ¡°I¡¯ll make you a better proposal. Hand them over, and I¡¯ll let you keep your lives.¡± The scowl deepened; her transcendent beauty now marred by fury. Behind her, the massive dragon remained eerily silent, its glowing eyes trained on Scott. Thunder rolled violently across the sky, the lightning strikes intensifying as the mythical creature¡¯s presence stirred the raging elements. ¡°Do you consider yourself invincible? There¡¯s nothing stopping me from ending their lives right now!¡± The Calamity of Envy spat after a long pause. Scott¡¯s gaze remained steady, his voice as cutting as his words. ¡°No. But if you harm them, you¡¯d best prepare for what¡¯s to come. And don¡¯t mistake this for a threat¡ªI don¡¯t make threats.¡± The dragon¡¯s deep, guttural voice boomed like an avalanche, shattering the fragile pause. ¡°Such insolence!¡± it roared, shaking the ground beneath their feet. Chaos thundered through the heavens, the winds screaming as if in agreement with the creature¡¯s rage. The dragon¡¯s glowing gaze bore into Scott. ¡°Do you genuinely believe you can best us?¡± Scott, unflinching, replied with unnerving calm. ¡°You¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡± Then, shifting his focus back to the Calamity of Envy, he asked, ¡°What will your decision be?¡± The Calamity of Envy remained silent; her scowl replaced by a contemplative expression. Beside her, the dragon hovered motionless, its rumbling growls reverberating in the storm. Meanwhile, Rashka¡ªthe territorial lord¡ªstood in quiet torment. It had made numerous attempts to stop the senseless slaughter among its subordinates and the worms, but every effort had failed. Forced to watch its forces annihilate each other, it could do nothing but glare at Scott and the Calamities, its hatred burning visibly in its fiery eyes. Minutes ticked by, the tension thickening like the storm. Neither Scott nor the Calamities moved, their gazes locked, their postures rigid. Around them, the mountain was littered with the mangled corpses of the fallen, the ground stained crimson beneath the accumulating snow. Finally, the Calamity of Envy broke the silence, exhaling a long, resigned sigh. ¡°Fine. Have it your way,¡± she said at last, her tone sharp with frustration. She turned to the dragon, gesturing with a dismissive wave. ¡°Let them go. They weren¡¯t part of the mission to begin with.¡± The dragon unclenched its claws without a word, releasing the massive tubes. They plummeted toward the ground, but before they could land, nihilistic portals formed in midair, swallowing all four tubes before vanishing. The Calamity of Envy¡¯s gaze returned to Scott, her tone shifting to one of warning. ¡°Well?¡± Scott¡¯s voice was colder than ever. ¡°Your ruse might fool others, but not me. Don¡¯t pretend you came here in your own bodies. There won¡¯t be a next time¡ªremember that.¡± His words cut through the storm, resonating in the minds of all present. The Calamities stared at him with unreadable expressions, their eyes glinting with a strange, unknowable light. Before the tension could dissipate, Rashka spoke up, its guttural voice raw with desperation. ¡°What about me?¡± All eyes turned toward the territorial lord. It glared at the Calamities, its form blazing with anger and confusion. ¡°You promised to reward me if I helped you. You can¡¯t renege on your promise now!¡± The Calamity of Envy¡¯s alluring smile returned, dripping with condescension. ¡°Deals off,¡± she said casually, her tone dismissive. ¡°Farewell.¡± Before Rashka could reply, she and the dragon vanished into thin air, their forms dissipating like smoke carried off by the howling winds. Rashka¡¯s towering form trembled, its flaming crown pouring down torrents of crimson fire as its simmering rage reached its peak. The territorial lord¡¯s grip tightened around its eight icy specters. It had been used and discarded¡ªa realization that fanned the flames of its fury. Turning its blazing gaze back to Scott, it rumbled, ¡°Will you spare me?¡± ¡°I have run out of mercy,¡± Scott replied without hesitation, his tone cold and final. ¡°So be it,¡± Rashka growled, raising its scepters high. ¡°I shall fight you until my undying¡ª¡± Before it could finish, the floating alien head, the one Rashka had banished moments ago, materialized from thin air. Its massive form loomed behind the territorial lord, brimming with unbridled rage.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Rashka froze in place. The alien head¡¯s teeth parted ominously, though no sound escaped. A fraction of a second later, half of Rashka¡¯s towering body simply ceased to exist¡ªerased as though it had never been. The territorial lord remained still, frozen in disbelief. It had obeyed the unspoken rules when confronting the floating head, yet the creature had unleashed its invincible might against it anyway. Unwilling to fall without a fight, Rashka raised its four surviving arms high, suppressing all signs of malice and rage. But as the icy specters took form, they shattered inexplicably, disintegrating into nothingness. Rashka¡¯s legs followed next, dissolving into empty space, then its midsection. ¡°Curse¡ª¡± The territorial lord¡¯s final word was cut short as its head exploded in a burst of flaming embers. Simultaneously, its subordinates¡ªstill embroiled in a mindless slaughter¡ªsuffered the same fate. The battlefield fell eerily silent, the storm seemingly pausing to bear witness to the aftermath. For the first time in what felt like ages, a perfect, empty silence enveloped the territory.
Congratulations! You have slain a Territorial Lord!
By virtue of your victory, you now possess the right to claim The Steel Armor Territory!
Do you wish to add The Steel Armor Territory under the banner of the 18th Order of the Mad Throne?
By virtue of your victory, you now possess the right to claim Rashka Territory!
Do you wish to add Rashka Territory under the banner of the 18th Order of the Mad Throne?
Yes! No!
Congratulations! Your ranking has improved!
Current Rank: 1600th
Scott¡¯s brows furrowed as he studied the cascading notifications. I¡¯ve climbed quite a bit, he thought, his fingers lingering over the confirmation option. With these two territories, I¡¯ll control four. But four isn¡¯t nearly enough... His thoughts wandered to his earlier conversation with Toi. While the examiner hadn¡¯t given an exact number of territories he needed to conquer, it was clear four wouldn¡¯t suffice. With renewed resolve, Scott selected [Yes!], and a new notification materialized.
Congratulations! Two more territories have been added to the 18th Order of the Mad Throne!
Congratulations! Your ranking has improved!
Current Rank: 1200th
Congratulations! You have attained the right to remotely adapt your territories!
Do you wish to commence transformation?
Yes! No!
Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on his new rank. Isn¡¯t that a little too much of an improvement? he pondered, momentarily ignoring the prompt. His attention shifted to the floating head, which had reverted to its original form, teeth still bound by the flaming chains. The alien creature swirled erratically in the air, twisting and turning as if searching for something¡ªor someone. Scott diverted his gaze toward Orion, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. The mage, utterly unfazed by the carnage around him, was diligently collecting samples from the mutilated corpses scattered across the battlefield. To say Scott was surprised would be a lie. Orion had proven time and time again that gathering data and knowledge was his highest priority. ¡°Orion,¡± Scott called out, his voice echoing across the mountain path. The mage glanced up; his curiosity piqued. Scott flicked his wrist, summoning four nihilistic portals beside him. From within them, the massive tubes containing his companions were spat out before the portals vanished with a soft hiss. ¡°Oh?¡± Orion chuckled softly, his gaze shifting to the tubes. ¡°You want me to check on their condition, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Scott confirmed. ¡°I know they¡¯re alive, but I can¡¯t be sure if those Calamities did something to them¡ªphysically or mentally. I need you to find out. Can you handle it?¡± Orion chuckled again; this time more amused. ¡°Are you seriously asking me that?¡± he teased, his eyes gleaming with excitement. ¡°Of course, I can. Though from the way you¡¯re talking, I assume you¡¯ve got other plans?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not wrong,¡± Scott replied, offering no further explanation. Orion nodded slowly, still smiling. ¡°I see. Understood.¡± He gestured toward one of the tubes. ¡°And what about this one? What should I do with her?¡± Scott¡¯s gaze flicked to the figure suspended in the greenish liquid. Her ash-gray skin was stunningly smooth, and she possessed fox-like ears, and a long, fluffy tail curled protectively around her well-toned body. Even suspended in stasis, her form towered over both Scott and Orion, her muscular physique visible through her ripped clothing. ¡°Could she be a friend of theirs?¡± Orion suggested, tilting his head as he studied her. Scott¡¯s gaze shifted toward the mage. Orion smiled faintly, one hand absently tracing the line of his jaw, his expression equal parts curious and calculating. The subtle crease on Scott¡¯s brow deepened as he studied his companion. Left to me, I¡¯d have taken only Zara, Slim, and Plume, Scott thought. But who knows? Maybe she¡¯s someone they befriended in the years we¡¯ve been absent. His gaze flicked back to the figure in the fourth tube, her tall, toned form suspended in the greenish liquid. Shaking the thought away, Scott turned his attention back to his companions. Despite the injuries they¡¯d suffered and their clothing, they were still largely unchanged. Time, it seemed, hadn¡¯t been as cruel to them as he¡¯d feared. Yet, while their physical forms seemed familiar, Scott couldn¡¯t begin to predict how much their psyche might have changed in his absence. After a long pause, he spoke. ¡°Check on our members first.¡± At his command, a nihilistic portal reopened behind the fourth tube, swallowing it into the void once more. ¡°If they ask about her, we¡¯ll deal with it then. If not, she doesn¡¯t exist to us.¡± Orion chuckled softly, shaking his head with an amused grin. ¡°In that case,¡± he said, his tone almost playful, ¡°hand her over to me. She¡¯d make an excellent specimen for my research. Of course, she¡¯d need to be alive,¡± he added, his grin widening. Scott didn¡¯t dignify the proposal with a response. ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon,¡± he said instead, his voice flat. ¡°Let me know when they wake up.¡± ¡°Aye, aye, captain,¡± Orion replied with a chuckle, pulling several strange, arcane items from his inventory. As Scott turned toward a newly formed portal, preparing to step through, Orion called out again. ¡°Oh, and say hello to that monkey for me, would you? If it¡¯s not too much trouble, I¡¯d like a few samples as well.¡± Scott paused mid-step, turning back to stare at the mage. His brows furrowed slightly, genuine surprise flickering in his usually impassive expression. For a moment, he simply regarded Orion in silence. Without a word, Scott leapt into the portal. It snapped shut behind him, leaving Orion alone with his research¡ªand his grin. Book 4 - Chapter 12: Bad, Worse, and Utterly Ridiculous! In an unknown location, a nihilistic portal manifested, and Scott stepped through, his form emerging from the swirling shadows. Almost immediately, a system message materialized before the voidweaver.
You are invading a territory under the banner of the Lord of Mad Throne!
Conquer or be vanquished!
Scott ignored the system¡¯s message. His gaze swept over the expansive, dimly lit hall. Flaming torches mounted on blackened stone walls provided the only light, their flickering flames casting elongated shadows across the cold tiles. In the center of the room, a gigantic monkey with snow-white fur prostrated itself on the ground. Two sickle-like horns jutted from its forehead, crackling with crimson flames, while radiant armor shielded its form, leaving its face and knuckles exposed. Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on the creature only briefly before wandering to the statues that lined the hall. Gigantic decorative sculptures, crafted with painstaking detail, stood as silent sentinels. Each one bore unmistakable artistic liberties, but there was no doubt: they were statues of him. The statues¡¯ eyes glinted with otherworldly yellow gemstones, each engraved with a single sigil of madness. Every figure carried a depiction of the War Hammer of the Mad God and the Chains of the Abyss. Despite the statues¡¯ splendor, Scott regarded them with little more than a flicker of interest. At the end of the hall stood a massive throne, its imposing presence commanding the space. Constructed from lustrous black stone and cloaked in blackened flames, it exuded a terrifying, oppressive aura that seemed to pulsate in tandem with the flickering torches. ¡°You¡¯ve been busy,¡± Scott finally broke the silence, his cold voice cutting through the stillness. His gaze returned to the prostrating monkey. ¡°What should I call you?¡± ¡°My lord,¡± the monkey began, its voice trembling with reverence. ¡°I welcome you. I was called White before my punishment, but you may call me whatever you please.¡± White, huh? Scott mused, noting the name¡¯s obvious connection to the creature¡¯s brilliant fur. He nodded slightly, his gaze steady. ¡°Did you receive my message?¡± Scott asked, his tone clipped and direct. White trembled slightly; its forehead pressed firmly against the cold tiles. ¡°I received your orders, my lord,¡± it declared with fervor. Scott¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Can you do it?¡± ¡°I will fulfill your commands,¡± White replied without hesitation, ¡°even if it means the extermination of my soul!¡± Scott¡¯s features softened slightly, his gaze shifting from the prostrating creature back to the room. ¡°How many territories are under your control now?¡± he asked, his tone nonchalant. ¡°Twenty, my lord,¡± White responded. Scott¡¯s brows arched slightly in surprise, and he turned back to regard the champion. Twenty territories? He had parted ways with White long ago, but it seemed the creature had been relentlessly expanding its influence ever since. ¡°What about your current rank?¡± Scott continued. ¡°I am ranked 800th, my lord,¡± White answered promptly. Scott¡¯s gaze hardened slightly, his thoughts racing. The difference between our rankings is just 400 places, yet the disparity in territories is sixteen. He¡¯s been working harder than I anticipated. A stray thought crossed his mind, prompting another question. ¡°How many subordinates do you have?¡± For the first time, White hesitated. Scott frowned. ¡°Is there a problem?¡± White immediately began slamming his head against the tiles, his voice frantic. ¡°Forgive me, my lord! Our numbers have grown rapidly in recent days¡ªI am ashamed to admit that I do not know the exact total under my banner.¡± Scott¡¯s frown eased as he listened. So, that¡¯s why he hesitated. I only asked out of curiosity, but if he doesn¡¯t know, it¡¯s not an issue. Still, White mistook Scott¡¯s silence for disapproval. ¡°Please, my lord, grant me but a moment, and I will provide the exact¡ª¡± ¡°No need,¡± Scott interrupted, waving his hand dismissively. ¡°I¡¯m not interested. I asked out of curiosity, but not anymore. Instead, let¡¯s focus on what matters.¡± White¡¯s trembling stilled as he listened intently. ¡°From now on, offer all your territories to me,¡± Scott commanded, his voice calm but unyielding. ¡°Until I say otherwise, you and your subordinates shall wage endless wars. Your goals are simple: conquer more territories and do not be defeated.¡± White¡¯s head snapped up slightly, his eyes burning with determination. ¡°I¡¯ve heard your orders, my lord. Consider it done!¡± At his declaration, a new system notification appeared before Scott.
Your devotee has conferred twenty territories to you!
Current number of territories in your control: 24!
Congratulations! Your ranking has improved!
Current Rank: 1000th
Congratulations! You have attained the right to remotely adapt your territories!
Do you wish to commence transformation?
Yes! No!
Scott scanned the notifications, his gaze lingering on his rank. It seems the number of territories isn¡¯t the sole criteria for ranking improvement, he thought. I should ask Toi about this later.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Ignoring the prompt to adapt his territories, Scott returned his attention to White. The monkey remained prostrated, awaiting further orders. Its flaming horns crackled softly in the dimly lit hall as Scott¡¯s cold gaze bore into it. ¡°I¡¯ll be sending summons to each of the territories you previously controlled. They should suffice to defend them from invaders,¡± Scott declared. ¡°I anticipate their arrival, my lord,¡± White replied, his head still bowed. ¡°You¡¯ve done well,¡± Scott continued, his tone firm yet approving. ¡°I look forward to your next performance. It¡¯s up to your discretion whether to spare those who surrender their territories. But for those who choose war¡ªshow them no mercy.¡± As his voice echoed through the hall, a portal appeared beneath his feet. Without another word, Scott disappeared into the swirling shadows.
Scott emerged moments later in Rashka¡¯s former territory, the nihilistic portal depositing him a few feet away from Orion and the massive tubes containing his companions. ¡°That was fast,¡± Orion remarked without looking up. He was hunched over his equipment, his attention focused on the glowing screen of a digital device. ¡°I thought you¡¯d be gone much longer. How did it go?¡± Scott¡¯s gaze shifted briefly between the tubes before settling on the mage. ¡°He was doing better than I expected,¡± he replied evenly. ¡°With our combined forces, it shouldn¡¯t be difficult to add more territories.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the situation here?¡± Scott asked, folding his arms. Electrodes were strapped to the tubes, their wires extending into a handheld device Orion manipulated with practiced ease. A series of incomprehensible readings flashed across the screen; their meaning lost on Scott. Orion finally turned toward him, a wide grin spreading across his face. Black goggles had replaced his glasses, and a brass rod jutted from the side of his right ear. ¡°You¡¯re not going to believe this, but my variant has been busy,¡± Orion began, his grin growing wider. He gestured toward the screen. ¡°He prepared all of this,¡± he explained, pointing to the streams of data. ¡°And he left three encrypted messages. I¡¯ve finally deciphered them. So, which would you like to hear first?¡± Orion paused, his grin taking on a more delirious edge. ¡°The bad news, the worse news, or the utterly ridiculous news? Your pick.¡± Scott sighed softly. ¡°Before we get into that, how are they doing?¡± he asked, nodding toward the tubes. ¡°Oh, uh, great, great,¡± Orion muttered sheepishly, turning back to his screen. ¡°Didn¡¯t I mention that already? My bad.¡± He glanced toward the tubes, tapping his chin thoughtfully. ¡°They¡¯re banged up, sure, but their lives aren¡¯t in any danger. The fluids in the tubes have remarkable therapeutic properties. They¡¯ll be back to their best condition soon.¡± ¡°How long are we talking?¡± Scott pressed. ¡°Tricky to say,¡± Orion admitted, his brow furrowing. He was silent for a moment, calculating. ¡°Based on my estimates, they should be out for at least a month.¡± A month, huh? Scott thought, nodding faintly. It wasn¡¯t too long, at least within the Endless Bridge¡¯s distorted flow of time. He turned his attention back to Orion. ¡°Now, what messages did your variant leave behind?¡± Orion¡¯s grin returned; his eyes gleaming. ¡°Since you didn¡¯t pick, I¡¯ll start with the bad news,¡± he said, pausing dramatically for effect. Scott simply stared at him; his expression impassive as he waited for the mage to continue. Finally, Orion spoke, his tone lighter than the weight of his words. ¡°First, multiple Calamities have been dispatched¡ªpersonally tasked with apprehending us. The Calamities are divided into two groups. One is responsible for retrieving Ember¡¯s soul. The other?¡± He chuckled softly. ¡°The other is responsible for eliminating us.¡± Scott¡¯s brows furrowed slightly. ¡°That means the group we encountered before was part of the first group.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Orion confirmed, nodding. ¡°That¡¯s why the Calamities of Envy and Thunder were willing to negotiate. If they¡¯d been part of the second group, they wouldn¡¯t have left so quietly.¡± ¡°Go on,¡± Scott urged, his arms still folded as he braced for whatever was coming next. Orion giggled softly, as if savoring the reveal. ¡°Second, prisoners from every maximum-security prison across the timelines have been given a choice: reduced sentences or outright clemency if they eliminate us.¡± Scott¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°And,¡± Orion continued, his grin widening again, ¡°some of these prisoners are even more powerful than the Calamities.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the last piece of news?¡± Scott asked, his voice steady, his expression unflinching. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m not done with the second one yet,¡± Orion replied with a wry smile. His tone was light, but a sudden stiffness overtook his features as he continued. ¡°The part about the prisoners? That¡¯s just half of it.¡± Scott said nothing, waiting for the mage to elaborate. Orion¡¯s smile faded entirely, his gaze sharpening. ¡°The timeline we originally escaped from is now embroiled in war. Champions, Calamities, mercenaries, monsters, and prisoners have all been tasked with eliminating Carcosa¡¯s forces. And it¡¯s all under the Administrator¡¯s approval.¡± Scott¡¯s brows furrowed slightly, though his expression remained largely impassive. ¡°Finally,¡± Orion added, his voice lowering, ¡°the gods are aware of your rise to being a candidate for the throne. They¡¯ve learned of your baptism¡ªthough it happened in the one place beyond their influence.¡± Orion¡¯s brass rod emitted a faint crackle as he adjusted it absently, his tone darkening further. ¡°It seems Kana¡ªor one of your other competitors for the throne¡ªmay have ratted out your location. Because of this, the gods are preparing to invade the Endless Bridge with their combined forces.¡± Scott¡¯s gaze hardened, though he didn¡¯t interrupt. Orion leaned forward slightly, locking eyes with Scott. ¡°The data my variant sent over is clear. All the gods¡¯ forces entering the Endless Bridge will have multiple objectives. But one mission supersedes them all.¡± Orion paused dramatically, his tone taking on an ominous weight. ¡°No matter what happens, no matter the cost, no matter the sacrifices made¡ªthey¡¯ve been ordered to stop you from crossing the Point of No Return.¡± Scott¡¯s gaze was unwavering. ¡°Anything else?¡± he asked coolly, his tone betraying no emotion. Orion blinked, unstartled by Scott¡¯s composure. ¡°No, that should be¡ªoh,¡± he said, his smile returning, though it lacked its usual brightness. ¡°Actually, there is one more thing.¡± Scott¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, waiting. ¡°There¡¯s no confirmation yet,¡± Orion admitted, ¡°but according to the data, the 11th, 12th, and 17th Orders of the Mad Throne seem to be planning to ally with the gods¡¯ forces.¡± Scott didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°Anything else?¡± he repeated, his tone as flat as before. ¡°No. That¡¯s everything,¡± Orion said, his usual grin resurfacing. ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan?¡± ¡°The same as it¡¯s always been,¡± Scott replied, his voice calm but laced with finality. ¡°Survive while eliminating anyone who comes after us.¡± Scott turned toward the tubes, his gaze briefly lingering on his companions before shifting back to Orion. ¡°Keep watching over them. Let me know if there are any changes to their condition.¡± Orion nodded, slipping the brass rod back into place. ¡°Understood.¡± Scott continued, his tone unchanging. ¡°If that many forces are coming after us, I need to speed things up.¡± Without another word, Scott turned and stepped toward a newly opened nihilistic portal, its swirling shadows swallowing him as it closed behind him. Book 4 - Chapter 13: Surrender or Be Exterminated [1] Scott stepped out of the nihilistic portal, returning to the first territory he had claimed. Chilling winds whipped through the thick fog that perpetually blanketed the domain. He walked forward with deliberate steps, the mist curling around him as his mind wandered. Far in the distance, the silhouette of the gas-spewing void abomination prowled aimlessly, but Scott paid it no attention. His thoughts churned as he planned his next move. If what Orion said is true, then we don¡¯t have much time. I need to conquer as many territories as possible before those bastards start invading the Endless Bridge, he mused, his gaze piercing through the haze. The fact that Orion¡¯s variant had managed to send such an urgent message suggested one thing: he¡¯d pinpointed Scott¡¯s location long before now. And if the variant could achieve that, there was no telling what the gods had planned. The others won¡¯t awaken for at least a month, Scott continued to ponder. Even when they do, I doubt they¡¯ll be in the right frame of mind to fight¡ªespecially when they hear about Ember¡¯s death. As the thought crossed his mind, Scott¡¯s form flickered, distorting briefly before reappearing beside a massive gelatinous black mass streaked with shimmering silver. His gaze lingered on Fi-Fi¡¯s transformed form. She really consumed them all... Is she undergoing another evolution? he wondered. Shaking off the thought, Scott studied the pulsating form more closely. Although subtle, he could tell she was still active¡ªbut immobilized, likely due to the overwhelming nature of what she had absorbed. Orion¡¯s clones went after the other summon instead of watching over her, Scott thought, glancing toward the region the gas-spewing abomination lingered. Just how many samples does he plan to collect? Scott turned his attention to the area where the invaders had breached earlier, but the rift had long since vanished. Instead of worrying about what I can¡¯t control, I should focus on what¡¯s within reach, he reasoned, his brows furrowing. Conquering territories remains the priority. Once I¡¯ve earned the right to find the link housing the Tree of Life, reviving Ember will take precedence. Everything else is inconsequential. Scott placed a hand gently on Fi-Fi, causing ripples to course through her gelatinous form. ¡°Don¡¯t be greedy,¡± he murmured softly. ¡°It¡¯s okay not to absorb it all. We¡¯ll be waiting for you.¡± The ripples intensified, a subtle acknowledgment of his words. Scott withdrew his hand and turned his gaze aimlessly through the mist. Now that I have a clear plan, I should prepare for what¡¯s ahead. But there¡¯s still the matter of the Nihilithians¡¯ inheritance... Scott glanced down at his own form. Physically, he looked no different, but he could sense the profound changes coursing through him since receiving the inheritance. This might be the perfect time to extract¡ª Scott¡¯s thoughts halted abruptly, his brows creasing with sudden interest. ¡°Hmm¡­ this is unexpected,¡± he muttered, a faint hint of amusement creeping into his voice. ¡°I should go say a proper hello.¡± A wicked smile flashed across his face as his form vanished into another portal.
Elsewhere on the Endless Bridge... In a territory dominated by verdant vegetation, towering mountains, and pristine rivers, thousands of champions from various races moved about, their features bright and content. The atmosphere exuded peace, tranquility, and an almost unnatural sense of safety. Amid the bustling crowd, a group of newly arrived elves stood together, their eyes filled with a mix of relief, anxiety, and caution. The five-strong party wore leather armor and loose keffiyeh, their emerald eyes the only part of their faces exposed. Dust and sand clung to their clothing, marking them as strangers to the lush, tranquil land. Compared to the inhabitants, whose clothes were clean and bright, the elves seemed painfully out of place. Leading them was a young centaur, his warm smile radiating charm and confidence. ¡°So, that¡¯s everything you need to know about this place,¡± the centaur said, his tone cheerful and welcoming. ¡°I know it might take some time to adjust, but trust me, life here is far better than in most other territories,¡± he added with certainty, his gaze traveling across the group. His eyes lingered on one elf in particular¡ªa woman being supported by another party member. Her emerald eyes were clouded with delirium and anxiety, darting in every direction as if searching for something¡ªor someone. Unlike her companions, whose battle-hardened gazes were sharp and focused, hers brimmed with an unsettling fragility. ¡°So,¡± the centaur asked, his smile unwavering, ¡°do you have any questions?¡± The leader of the group loosened his keffiyeh, revealing a weathered, scarred face. His piercing emerald eyes locked onto the startled centaur. ¡°I¡¯m Vulluin,¡± he began, his tone calm but commanding. ¡°Thank you for the detailed explanation and the hospitality you¡¯ve shown my companions and me.¡± His gaze shifted momentarily to the vast, verdant expanse around them before returning to the centaur. ¡°I do have a question, though,¡± he continued, his voice sharp. ¡°What laws govern this place? You¡¯ve described it as a sanctuary for those weary of endless battles, but surely there are rules imposed by the territorial lord you mentioned. Correct?¡± The centaur took a steadying breath, regaining his composure. His smile returned, though it lacked its earlier ease. ¡°I don¡¯t know what rules existed in the timelines you came from,¡± he began, ¡°but here, there¡¯s only one absolute rule: live peacefully.¡± The centaur paused, letting his words sink in. The elves exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of confusion and skepticism. All except for the female elf, who remained absentminded, her gaze unfocused. ¡°It might sound vague,¡± the centaur continued, ¡°but that¡¯s the foundation of everything here. Stealing, murder, abuse of power¡ªanything that disrupts the peace is forbidden. Violators are either banished or severely punished, depending on the crime.¡± His voice grew firmer. ¡°And if you remember what I told you earlier, no one in their right mind would want to be cast out of a haven like this.¡±Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. One of the elves raised an eyebrow. ¡°So even those with violent tendencies are forced to live in harmony?¡± The centaur nodded. ¡°Exactly. That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying.¡± Another elf, skepticism clear in his voice, asked, ¡°Just how powerful is this territorial lord for him to maintain control over so many people without backlash?¡± It was a fair question. Those who climbed the tower of champion, or who found themselves on the Endless Bridge were ambitious, driven, and fiercely independent. For a single ruler to command such absolute authority spoke to a power far beyond ordinary comprehension. The centaur hesitated; his expression thoughtful. ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know the full extent of his strength,¡± he admitted after a moment. ¡°But I can say with absolute certainty that even if all the thousands of champions here joined forces against him, we¡¯d stand no chance. If he wished to, he could annihilate us within minutes.¡± The elves¡¯ faces hardened, doubt mingling with a dawning respect for the figure the centaur described. After a brief silence, Vulluin posed another question. ¡°If there¡¯s no opposition from within, what about threats from outside?¡± The centaur¡¯s expression tightened for a fraction of a second¡ªa reaction none of the elves missed. Taking a deep breath, the centaur relaxed his features and replied, ¡°As I said earlier, this place is a haven¡ªa paradise, even. But the same can¡¯t be said for what lies beyond its borders. Outside this territory, bloodshed and massacres are commonplace. Territorial lords constantly vie for power, expanding their domains with aggressive tactics, while new arrivals fight amongst themselves to claim a spot on the rankings.¡± His gaze grew steely as he addressed the group. ¡°If you¡¯ve ignored everything else I¡¯ve said, don¡¯t ignore this: never overestimate your abilities. I don¡¯t know what positions you held in your timelines or how powerful you were there. But here? God-like beings from every conceivable timeline have gathered, all eager to dominate and overwhelm their enemies. If you stand against them recklessly, you¡¯ll be reduced to bones before you even realize it.¡± His tone softened, though the intensity of his message lingered. ¡°If you want to survive here, learn to live quietly. Peacefully.¡± A heavy silence fell over the group, the weight of the centaur¡¯s words pressing down on them. The guide¡¯s expression softened, and his smile returned. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to scare you,¡± he said gently. ¡°But I won¡¯t lie to you or leave you unprepared. This place is¡ª¡± He stopped abruptly, his brows knitting together as laughter erupted from among the elven party. The sound came from the female elf, her delirious eyes now filled with manic glee. Her companions scrambled to calm her as her laughter grew louder, drawing the attention of passersby. ¡°Damn it,¡± one elf muttered, making a series of hand seals with practiced precision. ¡°Of all times for her to have another episode...¡± ¡°Siora¡¯s losing it again, Vulluin!¡± another elf called out frantically, wrapping his arms around the convulsing woman. Runes materialized in the air as the elf performing the seals completed his incantation, the glowing symbols wrapping themselves around Siora¡¯s trembling form. Her laughter turned maniacal, her voice cutting through the peaceful atmosphere like a jagged blade. The centaur¡¯s smile faltered, concern flashing across his face as more bystanders began to notice the disturbance. Vulluin moved swiftly, summoning a small vial from his inventory. The murky green liquid within sloshed as he snapped the cap off and forced its contents down Siora¡¯s throat. The final member of the group retrieved a small bead from his inventory. Without hesitation, he bit down on it, cracking it open. A fragrant mist spilled from his mouth as he placed his index fingers on Siora¡¯s temples. The mist wafted into her nostrils, and her body jerked violently as the scent filled her lungs. The laughter began to subside, though Siora¡¯s body still trembled as the runes around her flickered and held her in place. The centaur watched silently, his previously welcoming demeanor now replaced by unease. The centaur and the curious onlookers watched intently as the elves worked in unison. Slowly, the convulsions wracking Siora¡¯s body ceased, and her delirious laughter subsided into silence. Her breathing was heavy and shallow as she fell limp in the arms of her companion. ¡°Is your friend okay?¡± the centaur asked, a mix of concern and curiosity flickering in his eyes. Vulluin straightened, his voice measured as he replied, ¡°I apologize on her behalf. She suffers from a rare condition. It has been years since her last episode, so we weren¡¯t fully prepared for this. I sincerely apologize for the disturbance.¡± ¡°No need to apologize,¡± the centaur said with an awkward smile, taking a tentative step closer. ¡°You¡¯re in luck, though. Of all the places you could¡¯ve entered, it had to be here.¡± The elves turned their sharp gazes toward him, the weight of their unspoken questions hanging in the air. Sensing their need for explanation, the centaur elaborated. ¡°Our lord has a subordinate¡ªa healer¡ªwho excels in her craft,¡± he said with confidence. ¡°Thankfully, she doesn¡¯t charge for her services. I¡¯m certain she could cure whatever condition afflicts your companion.¡± The elves exchanged glances, their guarded expressions betraying a glimmer of hope. Noticing their hesitation, the centaur pressed on. ¡°I understand your skepticism,¡± he continued, his tone reassuring. ¡°But trust me, I speak from experience. I once suffered from what I thought was permanent blindness.¡± He paused, gesturing to his clear, unclouded eyes with a broad smile. ¡°As you can see, I¡¯m not blind anymore.¡± ¡°And it¡¯s thanks to this healer?¡± Vulluin asked, his tone tinged with skepticism despite the faint optimism in his expression. The centaur nodded. ¡°Absolutely. I can introduce you to her. I¡¯m certain she¡¯d be willing to¡ª¡± A sudden, thunderous laugh cut him off mid-sentence. All eyes turned to Siora, whose unconscious form began to shake with unnatural laughter, louder and more frenzied than before. Her companions froze, shock rippling through them as they tried to comprehend the impossible. Though unconscious, Siora was laughing again. But more alarming was the fact that her body was levitating, her boots hovering just a few inches off the ground. An insidious aura seeped from her form¡ªa baleful, oppressive energy that caused the verdant grass beneath her feet to wither and blacken. The onlookers recoiled in fear, retreating to a safer distance. Even the centaur stepped back, his warm demeanor replaced with unease as he stared at the elf in confusion. ¡°What is going on?¡± he demanded, his voice sharper now. ¡°I have no idea,¡± Vulluin admitted, his eyes fixed on Siora. ¡°This has never happened before.¡± Moving quickly, he retrieved another vial from his inventory while his companions began to repeat the earlier ritual. But before he could act, Siora¡¯s eyes snapped open. Gasps rippled through the crowd as they noticed the pitch-black void overtaking her irises. Within the darkness, a flickering yellow sigil pulsed ominously, mesmerizing and terrifying all who saw it. Before anyone could process the sight, Siora¡¯s mouth parted, and her voice echoed with an otherworldly fervor. ¡°He sees us!¡± she cried, her tone filled with both ecstasy and dread. ¡°He that would sit upon the empty throne beckons! The Unspeakable One sees us!¡± Vulluin and his companions scrambled to subdue her, but the aura emanating from her body surged violently, knocking them off their feet. They tumbled away, their forms skidding across the ground as Siora¡¯s levitating body loomed over the earth. She turned her gaze to the onlookers, her voice growing louder, more fervent. ¡°He comes! Prepare yourselves! He, blessed with Madness, comes!¡± Her voice echoed, the crowd transfixed in a mix of awe, confusion, and growing terror. Siora¡¯s voice echoed once more. ¡°Oh, Madness! Eternal you are!¡± As her words echoed through the air, the shadow beneath her began to darken and shift, becoming unnaturally dense. It expanded outward, pulsing and roiling like a living pool of ink. The brave few who stayed watched, frozen in fear, as a figure began to rise from the inky void. The figure¡¯s form was indistinct at first, but its presence radiated a chilling, overwhelming power that sent shivers down their spines. At that moment, a deafening gong reverberated through the entire territory, shaking the ground and silencing the crowd. A voice thundered from the heavens, commanding and absolute. ¡°No one will be permitted to invade my territory!¡± The words carried the weight of undeniable authority, silencing even Siora¡¯s delirium. The aura leaking from her form wavered, though her levitation did not cease. The territory fell deathly silent, save for the residual echoes of the gong. Book 4 - Chapter 14: Surrender or Be Exterminated [2] Scott raised his head toward the churning clouds, the heavens themselves seemingly seething at his encroachment. The champions who lingered nearby fled with desperate speed, their limbs trembling as they scrambled over one another. Some among the fleeing champions stumbled and fell¡ªruthlessly trampled by others too terrified to stop. Within seconds, the once-bustling sanctuary was abandoned, its tranquility shattered. Cries of fear echoed briefly before fading into the distance, leaving behind only the misty silence of the sanctuary. Yet the elven party remained rooted in place, their gazes locked on Siora, who floated listlessly in midair, her delirious chants continuing unabated. None dared to move or speak, each certain that death would claim anyone foolish enough to approach the one who had emerged from the portal. That Scott was a territorial lord¡ªan equal in status to the lord of the sanctuary the centaur had so passionately praised¡ªonly compounded their anxiety. Scott paid no attention to the levitating elf or the fleeing champions. His focus was instead on the figure descending from the turbulent heavens. The Chains of the Abyss, cloaked in blackened flames, coiled around Scott like a living serpent, radiating a vengeful energy. By contrast, the War Hammer of the Mad God remained still, though tendrils of blackened fire and shadow rippled off it, competing for dominance. Scott¡¯s gaze remained fixed on the descending territorial lord. The figure¡ªa lizardman clad in lustrous silver armor etched with faint gold¡ªdescended with deliberate grace. His exceptionally long, jagged tail swept the air behind him like a pendulum. In his hand, he held a brass trident, each of its three prongs encapsulating raw elemental chaos: The leftmost prong swirled with wind, restless and fierce. The rightmost prong burned with fire, crackling with intense heat. The centermost prong bore the dual elements of lightning and water, their chaotic energies swirling in symbiotic opposition. Scott narrowed his gaze at the weapon, its immense power palpable even from a distance. This one¡¯s definitely more powerful than Rashka... or whatever his name was, Scott thought, his eyes flickering briefly to the sanctuary. But it doesn¡¯t look like he¡¯s prepared for combat. This place resembles a haven, not a stronghold. His gaze returned to the lizardman, who still lingered in midair. Opening his mouth, Scott¡¯s voice thundered across the expanse: ¡°I will only say this once. Surrender or be exterminated!¡± The air grew deathly still. Even the heavens seemed to pause their rage. The lizardman, trident lowered, halted his advance. His slit pupils alternated between Scott and the levitating elf who chanted praises of ¡°Madness¡± in a delirious fervor. ¡°I can¡¯t agree to that,¡± the lizardman finally said, his voice calm but resolute. His golden-etched armor shimmered faintly. ¡°There are children, the disabled, and the sick among the inhabitants of this sanctuary. What hope would they have if I surrendered?¡± His tone sharpened, and he continued, ¡°You¡¯re a being that reeks of the same essence as those who lay waste to everything they touch. Surrendering to you would be no different from extermination.¡± Raising his trident slightly, he met Scott¡¯s gaze head-on. ¡°I¡¯ll offer you this instead: leave, and never return. Do not force my hand.¡± Scott stared back at the lizardman. Unlike his previous encounters, this was the first opponent he¡¯d met who was willing to fight not for ambition or survival, but to protect others. Yet, he felt nothing¡ªnot admiration, not anger, not pity. Only a faint curiosity. Scott¡¯s lips curled into a soft chuckle, startling the territorial lord. Shaking his head gently, he tightened his grip on the War Hammer, the blackened flames around him flaring to life as he took a step forward. ¡°As admirable as your intentions are,¡± Scott began, his voice dripping with cold finality, ¡°it¡¯s you who should reconsider. If you surrender, I¡¯ll spare your life¡ªand the lives of your subjects.¡± ¡°Do you think I¡¯m a fool?¡± the lizardman interrupted, his voice rising. ¡°While I may not have climbed the rankings like you maniacs who revel in mindless slaughter, I have full confidence in my ability to protect what¡¯s mine.¡± His trident began to hum with power as he lowered it toward Scott. ¡°There are countless territories you could pillage. Do not bring despair to those who have found peace in this maddening world. Leave, and never return!¡± The golden etchings on his armor began to spread, overtaking the silver sheen. The air around him crackled with energy as he stared unyieldingly at Scott. For a moment, the two territorial lords remained locked in a silent standoff. The heavens above raged in chaotic harmony with the tension below. Finally, Scott broke the silence. ¡°How did you become a territorial lord?¡± The question caught Rhuz¡ªthis sanctuary¡¯s lord¡ªoff guard. His slit eyes blinked in confusion, his grip on the trident loosening slightly. Of all the threats and declarations he had anticipated, this question was not one of them. Scott pressed on, his tone devoid of emotion. ¡°I¡¯m one of the maniacs you spoke of. Slaughtering my enemies is the only way I survive in this place.¡± He paused, taking another deliberate step forward. The Chains of the Abyss rattled ominously, echoing in the silence. ¡°But you¡¯re different. So, tell me,¡± Scott continued, his gaze unwavering. ¡°How did you become a territorial lord?¡± Rhuz didn¡¯t answer immediately, his features flickering between caution, surprise, and bewilderment. The silence stretched on, but Scott didn¡¯t press further. Instead, he observed the lizardman with the same unyielding focus. Toi did mention there were alternate ways to become a territorial lord, Scott mused silently. But I didn¡¯t expect to encounter someone who used one of those paths. His gaze lingered on Rhuz. Despite standing before a potential enemy, his bloodlust is almost nonexistent. How has someone like him survived this long? His eyes shifted momentarily to the brass trident that Rhuz wielded. Could it be because of that weapon? Scott¡¯s thoughts wandered briefly to his companions. I¡¯ve never thought of myself¡ªor any of us¡ªas heroes. We don¡¯t go out of our way to cause unnecessary suffering either. But in this place, most champions are inherently selfish, driven by survival and ambition. And yet¡­ His gaze returned to Rhuz. This one doesn¡¯t even carry that basic selfishness. Why? Finally breaking the silence, Scott¡¯s voice thundered, calm yet commanding. ¡°It seems you have no interest in answering.¡± He raised the War Hammer of the Mad God, its blackened flames licking the misty air. ¡°Very well, I will¡ª¡±Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°This place,¡± Rhuz interrupted suddenly, his voice deep and steady, ¡°used to be teeming with carnivorous plants and leeches that fed on life essence.¡± Scott paused, lowering the hammer slightly, and listened as the lizardman continued. ¡°I, along with many others, was thrust into this savage land by the links¡ªdumped here to die,¡± Rhuz said, his gaze drifting to the chaotic skies above. ¡°Most of us didn¡¯t stand a chance. Many were eliminated, not by the plants or leeches, but by each other.¡± Scott¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°Oh no,¡± Rhuz said, his tone growing colder. ¡°The plants and leeches had adapted to coexist, forming a symbiotic relationship that even the arrival of new prey didn¡¯t disrupt. But champions like you?¡± Rhuz¡¯s voice hardened. ¡°It was your kind that brought chaos.¡± Scott tilted his head slightly, the faintest hint of curiosity flickering in his expression. ¡°I don¡¯t know how it started,¡± Rhuz pressed on, his grip tightening on his trident. ¡°Rumors began to spread¡ªthat killing enough people could secure a place on the rankings. Suddenly, this already hellish land descended into pure madness. Children¡­ the elderly¡­ those incapable of fighting¡ªthey were slaughtered in cold blood, all for the sake of power.¡± Rhuz¡¯s hands trembled, the golden etchings on his armor beginning to glow brighter as his voice deepened. ¡°We were all just trying to survive,¡± he growled, his jagged tail swaying with barely contained rage. ¡°We could¡¯ve helped one another. But no. Their greed turned this place into a slaughterhouse.¡± He took a deep breath, the rage subsiding just enough for him to continue. ¡°I couldn¡¯t let it happen,¡± Rhuz said, his voice steady but weighted with emotion. ¡°No. I wouldn¡¯t. While they murdered with abandon, I made it my goal to save as many as I could. It was hard¡ªbrutal, even. But the more people I saved, the more I knew I was doing the right thing.¡± Rhuz paused, his slitted eyes narrowing as if replaying the memories in his mind. ¡°The bodies piled so high that even the plants and leeches began to die, choking on the stench of decay. But then, something unexpected happened.¡± Scott¡¯s brows furrowed slightly; his interest piqued. ¡°They¡¯re sentient,¡± Rhuz said quietly, his tone almost reverent. ¡°The plants and leeches¡ªthey¡¯d been watching us all along. When they were on the brink of extinction, they chose me. They saw me as someone who could restore balance. They entrusted me with this land, gave me the power I needed to ensure it would never be reduced to carnage again.¡± Scott¡¯s gaze flicked to the trident once more, then back to Rhuz. ¡°I assume that weapon is their gift to you,¡± Scott said, his tone measured. Rhuz nodded. ¡°This trident represents their will. With it, I can banish those who bring destruction and protect the sanctuary they entrusted to me.¡± Scott¡¯s expression remained impassive, though his thoughts churned. Sentient species on the Endless Bridge? That¡¯s a revelation Orion would salivate over. His grip on the War Hammer tightened as he glanced down at it. The weapon pulsed, its dark flames restless, almost as if it were eager to devour or corrupt the trident Rhuz carried. Returning his attention to Rhuz, Scott¡¯s gaze sharpened. He¡¯s far more sincere than I expected. But why would he tell me all of this? What does he gain by revealing his past so openly? As if reading Scott¡¯s thoughts, Rhuz¡¯s voice broke the silence. ¡°You must be wondering why I¡¯m telling you this,¡± Rhuz said, his features relaxing slightly. Scott¡¯s lips curled into an amused smirk. ¡°I am,¡± he admitted. ¡°If you wouldn¡¯t have answered me otherwise, then why now?¡± ¡°They wanted you to know,¡± Rhuz replied flatly. Scott¡¯s brow furrowed. They? Realization struck him. The plants and leeches¡­ the sentient species that chose him. ¡°Why?¡± Scott asked after a brief pause, his tone quieter but no less commanding. ¡°They don¡¯t want a repeat of the massacre that befell this land,¡± Rhuz declared, his voice steady but heavy with resignation. ¡°They fear the endless darkness sprawling within your shadow¡­ and the authority you possess.¡± Scott¡¯s gaze locked onto Rhuz, carefully analyzing his words. The lizardman¡¯s tone betrayed limited knowledge about authorities, but it intrigued Scott, nonetheless. So, the sentient creatures can detect the lingering nihilistic portal within my shadow¡­ and even the Authority of Madness. It was unexpected, but Scott paid it little thought. ¡°And what about you?¡± Scott asked, his voice calm yet piercing. ¡°Do you also fear me?¡± Rhuz straightened, his grip tightening on the trident. ¡°The lives of all my subordinates rest on my shoulders. I don¡¯t have the luxury of such emotions.¡± His resolute gaze met Scott¡¯s, unwavering. ¡°I don¡¯t know what your goals are, but I beg of you to spare this territory,¡± Rhuz pleaded, exhaling deeply. ¡°To you, it might just be another territory to conquer. One among many. But for those of us who have endured the horrors this land has to offer, it¡¯s the only place we can call home. Let¡¯s not indulge in a needless battle.¡± Scott studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, the Chains of the Abyss and the War Hammer of the Mad God shimmered and shifted into their inactive forms. His shoulders relaxed, and his demeanor softened ever so slightly. ¡°I understand,¡± Scott said evenly. ¡°I think your stance is admirable. It¡¯s reckless and could even be considered senseless, but I¡¯m not one to judge you for how you choose to survive in a place like this. While others avoid the shackles of responsibility, you embrace them¡ªand you¡¯ve reaped the benefits. For that, I applaud you.¡± Rhuz¡¯s features softened, a flicker of relief crossing his face. ¡°Does that mean you¡¯re willing to back down?¡± he asked cautiously. ¡°No,¡± Scott replied coldly, his tone carrying an undeniable finality. The faint hope flickering in Rhuz¡¯s eyes extinguished instantly. Scott¡¯s voice was as cutting as the void itself. ¡°While I¡¯ll admit that helping others is admirable, I honestly don¡¯t care,¡± Scott continued. ¡°Like you, I have my own circumstances, and I¡¯m not willing to compromise on them.¡± Rhuz¡¯s features tightened again, his grip on the trident subtly shifting. ¡°So, you intend to bring another massacre to this land¡ª¡± ¡°That depends on you,¡± Scott interjected flatly. ¡°You¡¯re right: I could go to other territories and conquer them. But I don¡¯t have the luxury of time for such indulgences. I¡¯m here now, and I won¡¯t leave unless I get what I want.¡± Taking a step forward, Scott¡¯s voice grew colder. ¡°If you wish for this sanctuary to remain the haven it is, then surrender. The alternative¡­¡± Scott shook his head slowly, his eyes locking onto Rhuz¡¯s. ¡°You won¡¯t like the alternative. Now choose: surrender or be exterminated.¡± Scott¡¯s words thundered across the territory. Even Siora and her elven companions trembled at the sheer might in his voice. Rhuz¡¯s teeth clenched, veins bulging visibly across his scaled face. His trident shook slightly in his grip. He doesn¡¯t care¡­ Rhuz thought bitterly, his chest tightening with frustration and despair. He had hoped¡ªthought¡ªthat Scott might understand his plight. But the being before him was as ruthlessly cold as Rhuz had feared. Seconds passed in heavy silence, the air crackling with tension. Then, Rhuz sighed audibly, his features softening as his rage ebbed. His gaze turned to Scott, filled with reluctant resolve. ¡°Will you spare them if I surrender?¡± Rhuz asked, his voice low but firm. Scott responded without hesitation. ¡°Contrary to what you might think, I won¡¯t go out of my way to slaughter those with no ill intent toward me.¡± His tone shifted slightly, carrying a measured calm. ¡°I¡¯ll make myself clear: I want this territory. I don¡¯t care about you or your subjects. But if you¡ªor they¡ªstand in my way, I¡¯ll eliminate you without hesitation.¡± He paused, letting his words settle. ¡°If you surrender, I¡¯ll delegate control back to you. I have no interest in changing the nature of this place. But defy me, and you¡¯ll leave me no choice but to bring ruin.¡± Scott took another deliberate step forward, his dark presence growing heavier. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Rhuz cut him off. ¡°How can I trust your words?¡± Rhuz demanded, his voice tense and sharp. ¡°Anyone can make such claims. Surely, you don¡¯t expect me to trust you blindly?¡± Scott¡¯s voice thundered in response. ¡°I don¡¯t care if you trust me.¡± The sprawling darkness within Scott¡¯s shadow began to bubble violently, and the air around him warped unnaturally. It was as though a gateway to oblivion was on the verge of opening, threatening to consume everything in its wake. ¡°You¡¯ve had enough leeway,¡± Scott declared, his tone brimming with finality. ¡°My patience is at its limit. Make your decision¡ªbefore I make one for you.¡± Rhuz¡¯s gaze wavered as the oppressive energy intensified. The ground beneath quaked subtly, and the anomalies spreading through the territory grew more pronounced. The lizardman¡¯s mind raced. He could sense the calamity poised to erupt if he delayed any longer. Yet, doubt gnawed at him. If I surrender, will he truly spare us? Or will he throw us out once he takes control? The weight of his people¡¯s lives pressed heavily on his shoulders. With no other options, Rhuz slowly lowered his trident, the golden etchings dimming as his energy faded. ¡°I¡¯ll surrender,¡± Rhuz said, his voice carrying the heavy burden of his decision. The bubbling darkness within Scott¡¯s shadow subsided slightly, though the oppressive air remained. Scott¡¯s expression remained cold; his gaze unflinching. ¡°Good,¡± Scott said simply. ¡°Your gamble will not be in vain.¡± Book 4 - Chapter 15: Conference Between Lords Scott watched as Rhuz descended to the ground, his expression impassive. To outsiders, the lizardman¡¯s surrender might have seemed rash, even foolish¡ªespecially with no guarantees that Scott would keep his word. But Scott alone understood the magnitude of the gamble Rhuz had taken. His gaze flicked briefly to the chaotic skies, where the all-seeing eye loomed, unblinking and omnipresent. Rhuz landed with a heavy thud, his trident still fastened securely in his grasp. He cast a wary glance at Vulluin and the other elves before turning his full attention back to Scott. Without hesitation, he summoned a system window, and a notification promptly appeared before Scott.
The Territorial Lord of the Go Mountains has relinquished their territory to you!
Current number of territories in your control: 25!
Congratulations! Your ranking has improved!
Current Rank: 900th!
Congratulations! You have attained the right to remotely adapt your territories!
Do you wish to commence transformation?
Yes! No!
Scott scanned the notifications, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He¡¯s quick. I suppose I should hold up my end of the bargain. Summoning his own system window, Scott navigated to a specific option.
You have requested to share your authority with a Territorial Lord!
Are you certain you wish to share your authority?
Yes! No!
Without hesitation, he selected [Yes], and a new notification appeared.
Congratulations! Your authority has been shared with another Territorial Lord!
That¡¯s strange, Scott¡¯s brows shot up as he read the notification. Despite transferring the authority of his territory towards me, the system still recognizes him as a territorial lord. Scott¡¯s sigil, glowing and spectral, emerged from the darkness like a living entity. It shot forward at blinding speed, slamming into Rhuz¡¯s form before the lizardman could even react. The illusionary symbol melded into him seamlessly, leaving no visible trace. Scott observed as a system notification appeared in front of Rhuz, who stood motionless as he read the message.
A champion has been bonded with your sigil!
Scott ignored the lingering notifications and focused on Rhuz, whose expression was a mix of uncertainty and subdued relief. ¡°I believe my business here is done,¡± Scott said. His tone was calm, almost dismissive. ¡°Good luck in your future endeavors.¡± Scott turned toward Siora, who continued to hover midair, singing his praises with fervent devotion. ¡°Please wait,¡± Rhuz called out suddenly. Scott stopped and turned his gaze back to the lizardman. His tone grew impatient. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Is that it?¡± Rhuz asked, his voice tinged with doubt. Scott chuckled softly, shaking his head. ¡°I told you¡ªI wanted the territory. Nothing more. Whatever you choose to do now is your decision. I really couldn¡¯t care less.¡± Rhuz¡¯s jaw tightened, but he said nothing as Scott continued. ¡°Should invaders come, I¡¯ll leave the defense of this territory to you. Prove yourself incapable, and I¡¯ll send someone who can,¡± Scott added, his tone curt. With that, Scott approached Siora. Her floating form descended gently, as though answering a silent command. He stopped just a few feet away and extended his hand. ¡°In the presence of thee who will sit upon the throne,¡± Siora whispered, tears streaming down her face. ¡°I am not worthy. I am not worthy.¡± Scott ignored her words. Placing his index and middle finger on her forehead, he murmured, ¡°Your torment has lasted longer than I intended. You will suffer no more.¡± Blackened, almost ethereal tendrils emerged from Siora¡¯s forehead, dissolving into nothingness. Her eyes glazed over, and she collapsed to the ground, unconscious but at peace. Scott turned once more toward Rhuz and the elves, his expression unreadable. Without a word, a nihilistic portal appeared beneath his feet. Before he could submerge, however, a new system notification suddenly materialized.
You have been invited to the next conference between lords!
Scott froze, his brows furrowing as he read the message. What? He turned back toward Rhuz, intending to question him, but the lizardman, the elves, and the serene sanctuary had all vanished. In their place stood a gigantic, intricately designed door at the end of a long hallway, its surface adorned with golden engravings and shifting runes. Lining the hallway were numerous figures clad in black suits, each with a distinct style. Though their postures were neutral, their presence radiated authority. Examiners, Scott realized, recognition flashing across his face. They¡¯re all wearing suits like Toi¡¯s. His gaze swept the assembled figures, but Toi was nowhere to be found. The sheer number of examiners present exceeded what Scott could count. They lined both sides of the hallway, stretching into the distance, their faces unreadable. Scott¡¯s mind raced. How did I get here? And why are so many examiners gathered in one place? The fact that he¡¯d been transported against his will, even with his authority fully active, only deepened his caution. The implications were troubling. To be forced into this situation meant he was in the presence of a power far greater than his own. Amid his guarded thoughts, another system notification appeared.
Welcome!
Please make your way into the conference room at the appointed time!
Scott glanced at the notification, but his feet remained firmly planted. His gaze shifted to the examiners, who stood motionless, their eyes fixed ahead. None of them acknowledged his presence, their silence unnerving.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Scott approached one of the examiners, his steps measured, his gaze piercing. The figure remained still, as did all their colleagues, showing no reaction to his presence. On his fifth step, an invisible barrier halted his advance. Scott extended his hand, pressing gently against the imperceptible wall. A familiar, distinct echo reverberated through the space, and this time, the examiners stirred. Heads turned toward the origin of the sound; their movements synchronized like clockwork. Yet, none left their assigned positions. Oh? Could it be they¡¯re unable to see me? Scott mused, the possibility flickering in his mind. Unbothered, he moved to another examiner. Again, the barrier remained, unwavering in its defiance. Scott rapped his knuckles against it, the echo ringing out once more. The examiners¡¯ heads turned in perfect unison, their expressions ranging from stern to visibly displeased. Yet, neither of them seemed to acknowledge Scott¡¯s presence. ¡°Toi, can you hear me?¡± Scott called out, his tone calm but commanding. ¡°I need to speak with you.¡± Almost immediately, a system notification materialized before him.
Examiners are barred from interacting with Territorial Lords before, during, and after a conference!
Scott¡¯s brows rose slightly as he read the message. His gaze wandered back to the gigantic door at the far end of the hallway. ¡°Orion, can you hear me?¡± he tried mentally through the party channel, but the only response was static. He nodded slowly, subtly cracking his neck. It seems this conference is taking place in a unique space. This isn¡¯t the Endless Bridge. For the first time since arriving, he noticed the absence of his connection to his territories and the shadows of others. A faint frown crossed his face. Even my authority feels... dampened. I wonder who created this place? The answer flashed across his mind instantly, but he didn¡¯t linger on it. There was no one in the Tower of Champions with unfiltered access to all its domains except the Administrator. Shaking off the thought, Scott refocused on the wooden door. He approached it in steady, deliberate strides, his eyes locked on its intricate design. How many territorial lords will be in attendance? he wondered. And how would a conference between so many power-hungry champions even play out? His thoughts churned as his feet carried him forward. Within moments, he stood before the massive door. A new system notification appeared.
Do you wish to enter the conference room?
Warning! You will be barred from exiting the conference room until the conference is officially declared over!
Yes! No!
Scott¡¯s brows furrowed faintly as he studied the message. I don¡¯t have a good feeling about this. He hesitated, his finger hovering over [No!]. His instincts warned him of the potential complications. I¡¯d rather not waste my time here, especially with the forces of those bastards preparing to descend on the Endless Bridge. But another thought surfaced, interrupting his hesitation. Would I regret not attending this conference? Would they even let me leave if I refused? Letting out a deep sigh, Scott dismissed his doubts. If I was invited, it¡¯s likely every lord has been summoned as well. The system probably has measures in place to prevent territories from being invaded during this period. Even if there¡¯s an invasion, they¡¯d still need to eliminate me to claim my territories. Resolving himself, Scott clicked [Yes!], and a new notification appeared.
You have confirmed your participation in the conference!
The conference has yet to begin; the doors will open automatically at the appointed time!
Based on your current territorial ranking, you have been designated The Ascendant Tier!
Congratulations! You have earned a new title!
Title: Ascendant!
Would you like to see all the ranks available?
Yes! No!
Scott wasted no time selecting [Yes!], and a list of ranks materialized before him.
Territorial Lord Rankings
The Unclaimed Thrones (Ranks 1-10) Title: None (Vacant Thrones).
The Apex Circle (Ranks 11-50) Title: Apex Champions.
The Vanguard (Ranks 51-200) Title: Vanguard Lords.
The Dominion Class (Ranks 201-500) Title: Dominion Overseers.
The Ascendant Tier (Ranks 501-1000) Title: Ascendants.
The Challenger League (Ranks 1001-1500) Title: Challengers.
The Initiate Class (Ranks 1501-2000) Title: Initiates.
Scott¡¯s eyes scanned the list, his frown deepening with every line. So, there¡¯s something like this¡­ Toi¡¯s evasive nature crossed his mind. That slacker left out a lot from his explanation. The first tier¡ªthe Unclaimed Thrones¡ªwas unsurprising. No champion had risen to claim those exalted ranks yet. But Scott couldn¡¯t help but wonder about the Apex Circle. While rankings don¡¯t necessarily determine power, there¡¯s no way ordinary champions could rise that high without unparalleled strength. Whoever occupies those ranks must be truly monstrous. Scott clicked on his newly earned title, Ascendant, hoping for additional details. Nothing happened. The system offered no perks, descriptions, or explanations. He closed the notification with a sigh and turned his attention back to the sealed door. How long am I supposed to wait? he thought, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned back slightly. The examiners remained unmoving; their silent vigilance unbroken. Should I use this time to go over the inheritance I received earlier? The thought crept into Scott¡¯s mind, unbidden. He frowned, shaking his head almost immediately. His gaze flickered to the motionless examiners standing guard along the hallway. They may seem unaware of my presence, but there¡¯s no telling who¡ªor what¡ªcan see me. Unwilling to draw unnecessary attention, Scott dismissed the idea, content to leave the details of the inheritance untouched for now. He leaned slightly against the invisible barrier, his arms crossed over his chest, his focus returning to the massive, sealed doors before him. Seconds trickled by, stretching into long, uneventful moments as Scott stared at the imposing wooden entrance. The air was thick with stillness, broken only by the faint hum of unseen energy pulsing through the hallway. Then, without warning, a distinct chime filled the space, clear and resonant. Scott straightened, his eyes narrowing slightly as a slab of silver materialized before him, floating weightlessly in the air. At first glance, it appeared smooth and featureless, but as Scott watched, ghostly etchings began to take form across its surface. With meticulous precision, the shimmering engravings stitched his sigil into the slab, carving out the excess silver with an otherworldly finesse. Within seconds, the process was complete. A miniature depiction of Scott¡¯s sigil hovered in the air, glowing faintly. It floated toward him, its movements deliberate. Scott didn¡¯t flinch. He stood perfectly still, his eyes following the sigil¡¯s approach. It attached itself neatly to his collar with a faint click, like a badge being affixed to a uniform. The moment the sigil settled, the massive doors leading to the conference room groaned loudly, their hinges creaking as they slowly swung open. A new system notification manifested in front of Scott, crisp and unmistakable.
The conference room is now open!
Please go in!
Scott¡¯s gaze shifted from the notification to the now-revealed entrance. Beyond the threshold, faint, shifting lights spilled out into the hallway, casting enigmatic shadows across the polished floor. He lingered for a moment, taking in the sight, before stepping forward without hesitation. Let¡¯s see what this so-called conference has to offer, he thought as he passed through the doorway, the sigil on his collar gleaming faintly in the dim light. Book 4 - Chapter 16: Gathering of Tyrants Scott stepped into the conference room, his movements light but deliberate, his sharp gaze scanning the unfamiliar surroundings. The room revealed itself gradually, an expansive space designed like an aesthetic opera house, with a slanted floor leading to a dais at the bottom. The chairs, arranged in neat arcs, glistened with silver coatings, and each bore a unique sigil engraved into its surface. Hmmm¡­ could the seating arrangements be territory-coded? Scott pondered as his gaze lingered on the intricate sigils. He shifted his focus to the other territorial lords filtering in from various entrances. Each champion moved with caution, their eyes darting about the room as they observed their surroundings and the unfamiliar faces. Scott frowned slightly. No matter how I look at it, there¡¯s no way this place can accommodate two thousand people. It¡¯s just not big enough. His attention briefly settled on the gathered lords, scanning for any recognizable faces, but none stood out. They were a diverse group, some from familiar races and others entirely alien. Towering champions stood beside minuscule figures, their forms ranging from grotesque and monstrous to elegant and regal. Yet, they all had one thing in common: a piece of silver attached to their clothing or body, marked with the same sigil as a corresponding chair. Scott¡¯s gaze returned to the dais, where a glistening silver orb levitated in place, faintly pulsing with periodic throbs of light.
Please occupy your seat!
The conference won¡¯t begin until all Territorial Lords are seated!
Scott read the message and glanced at the nearby champions. He could tell they¡¯d received the same prompt, their cautious movements confirming as much. Without a word, Scott stepped further into the room, properly entering the massive space. The moment his foot crossed the threshold, the previously docile orb on the dais stirred. A sudden pulsating glow erupted from its surface, wrapping around Scott¡¯s form before he could react. In an instant, he blinked¡ªand found himself seated. Scott turned his head slightly, scanning his new position. Nearby lords wore varying expressions of shock and mild disorientation. They, too, had been teleported¡ªor forcibly assigned¡ªto their seats. A quick glance confirmed that some lords now occupied the chair marked with the sigil displayed on their clothing or body. Scott¡¯s gaze drifted back to the dais, his brows furrowing. A row of examiners had appeared, standing in perfect formation along the edges of the platform. Their presence was as sudden as it was unsettling. How come I couldn¡¯t see them earlier? Scott wondered, narrowing his eyes. The examiners, clad in their customary black suits, stood silently, their expressions neutral and unreadable. He studied them carefully, noting once again that Toi was absent. Losing interest, Scott returned his focus to the silver orb, which continued to hum and pulse. Each wave of light transported a new lord to their assigned seat, the hall steadily filling as the process repeated. ¡°Why do you look familiar?¡± The unfamiliar voice came from his side. Scott turned, locking gazes with a furry creature sporting sparkling crimson horns. Her eyes were wide with curiosity, and her demeanor was contemplative as she cradled her jaw in her fingers. Her expression shifted slightly as she noticed Scott¡¯s scrutiny. ¡°I don¡¯t believe we¡¯ve met,¡± Scott said flatly. His tone carried neither courtesy nor disrespect. ¡°Are you a Gruffpaw, by any chance?¡± Scott asked, his voice as calm as ever. The woman cocked her head back in surprise, her crimson horns shimmering faintly. ¡°How did you know?¡± she asked, narrowing her gaze. ¡°Not many people recognize us anymore,¡± she muttered, her tone growing contemplative. Then her eyes lit up with sudden excitement. ¡°That means you¡¯ve seen some of my brethren! Please, tell me where you met them. Do you control a territory with a link to their timeline?¡± Scott observed the rising enthusiasm in her glassy eyes but remained indifferent. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I encountered them,¡± Scott replied, his voice even. ¡°And no, I don¡¯t control such a link.¡± The Gruffpaw blinked rapidly, her excitement dimming as the reality of his words settled. She sighed, shaking her head in disappointment. ¡°That¡¯s a shame,¡± she said quietly. ¡°I was hoping¡ª¡± She paused abruptly, shaking her head again instead of finishing her sentence. Scott diverted his attention away from her, turning toward the lord seated on his other side. The creature was a mass of crimson flames, its core composed of jagged rock and writhing magma. Its face bore crude markings, suggesting rudimentary features, though its form exuded no heat. As if sensing Scott¡¯s gaze, the flaming creature turned toward him. Its flames briefly flickered pink, and a jagged smile appeared across its rocky face. The expression vanished as quickly as it came, the flames returning to their original crimson hue. Scott arched a brow but said nothing, averting his gaze once more. The room was nearly full now, with lords of all shapes and sizes seated in the silver chairs. Despite the vast number of participants, the seating arrangement ensured no one felt far from the dais. How were the seating arrangements determined? Scott wondered, his eyes narrowing slightly. Did our ranks play a role in this? Though he wasn¡¯t particularly close to the dais, he also wasn¡¯t far. He noticed a pattern¡ªthe more intimidating presences seemed seated closer to the orb, while others occupied spots farther away. So, they must have factored in ranks, power levels, or authority when assigning seats. Scott turned in his seat, his gaze sweeping across the champions seated behind him. By his rough estimate, their numbers couldn¡¯t exceed one hundred. He shifted his focus forward, where the champions seated ahead of him were at least three times as many. It really does look like we¡¯re seated according to rank, Scott mused. The pattern was becoming increasingly apparent, and the more he thought about it, the more convinced he became.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°My name is Meelat. I¡¯m the lord of the Gruff Lounge. Do you mind introducing yourself?¡± The soft, eager voice of the Gruffpaw beside him broke his train of thought. Scott turned slightly; his expression unreadable as he glanced at her. Around the room, he¡¯d noticed many territorial lords exchanging pleasantries, though a select few¡ªlike himself¡ªchose to remain silent. Meelat awkwardly scratched the side of her neck, her initial enthusiasm faltering under Scott¡¯s impassive gaze. ¡°I¡ªuh¡ªsorry if I overstepped¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m Scott,¡± he said at last, breaking the silence. Her features brightened instantly. Before Scott could say more, however, a sudden realization struck him, and his expression shifted into one of quiet contemplation. White was ranked 800, right? Scott thought, his eyes narrowing. Why isn¡¯t he here? His gaze darted toward the seats in front of him, searching for the snow-white monkey. But no matter how much he searched, White was nowhere to be found. Could it be that he wasn¡¯t invited? ¡°Scott, huh?¡± Meelat muttered, her voice drawing Scott back to the present. She seemed pleased that he hadn¡¯t outright ignored her. ¡°That¡¯s such a human-like name,¡± she continued, staring at him intently. ¡°You look human, but you sure don¡¯t smell or have the essence of one.¡± ¡°The same could be said about you,¡± Scott retorted, sparing her a brief glance. Though Meelat had admitted to being a Gruffpaw, she bore little resemblance to the Gruffpaws Scott remembered. She was more humanoid in appearance; with only faint traces of the beast-like qualities he associated with her ancestors. Meelat giggled softly. ¡°You really have met our ancestors,¡± she said, barely able to contain her excitement. Scott¡¯s brow furrowed at her phrasing. Ancestors? As if sensing his unspoken question, Meelat continued, ¡°The reason I look like this is because I¡¯m a variant¡ªa far cry from the majestic forms of our true ancestors.¡± Scott chuckled abruptly, fragments of memory surfacing. Milos and Milot¡ªthe peculiar Gruffpaws he¡¯d encountered so long ago. Their antics were anything but majestic. ¡°Do you also prostrate on the ground and flap your arms when begging for mercy?¡± Scott asked suddenly, his tone flat. Meelat blinked, her brows knitting in confusion. ¡°Huh? Why would I do that? Is that some sort of trick question? Because I¡¯m not sure how to answer it.¡± Scott shook his head, suppressing a smirk. She has no idea. I wonder how she¡¯d react if she actually met her so-called ancestors. ¡°Never mind,¡± he said, dismissing the thought. Meelat tilted her head, still perplexed, but chose not to press further. Instead, she asked, ¡°Are you perhaps part of an alliance?¡± Scott¡¯s gaze turned sharply toward her, and Meelat instinctively leaned back, surprised by his sudden shift in intensity. ¡°Why do you want to know that?¡± Scott probed, his tone colder than before. ¡°Are you trying to size me up?¡± ¡°No! Please don¡¯t misunderstand me,¡± Meelat said hurriedly, her hands raised defensively. ¡°I only asked because I was curious¡ªand, well, I was hoping to introduce you to the alliance I¡¯m part of. That¡¯s if you aren¡¯t already affiliated with one,¡± she added quickly, her voice anxious but genuine. Scott softened his glare, though his gaze remained calculating. ¡°What alliance are you part of?¡± Meelat¡¯s face lit up with pride. ¡°I¡¯m a part of The Throdan Alliance!¡± she declared, her voice brimming with confidence. Scott¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile. ¡°Really?¡± Meelat nodded enthusiastically. This was the first hint of interest she¡¯d seen from Scott, and she took it as a good sign. ¡°You¡¯re the one responsible for recruiting new lords to your alliance?¡± Scott asked, his tone laced with subtle amusement. Meelat froze, her confidence faltering. A bashful smile replaced her earlier pride. ¡°To be honest, I only recently joined,¡± she confessed, her voice sheepish. ¡°I have no such authority¡ªor any authority¡ªin the alliance, really. But they did tell me I could recruit other lords if I wanted to¡­¡± ¡°And you chose me?¡± Scott pressed; his gaze unwavering. Meelat nodded hesitantly, her wide eyes filled with innocent sincerity. ¡°You seemed¡­ strong. I thought you¡¯d be a good addition.¡± Scott leaned back slightly; his expression unreadable. She¡¯s either incredibly naive or bold beyond reason. Now he believed Meelat was indeed a Gruffpaw. Some traits couldn¡¯t be erased no matter how much one evolved. ¡°Why?¡± Scott probed further, his voice cutting through Meelat¡¯s cautious excitement like a blade. The Gruffpaw met his gaze, her googly eyes narrowing slightly as she searched for the right words. ¡°Although it¡¯s unlikely,¡± she began hesitantly, ¡°I believe I¡¯ll be able to find the link to my ancestors if you join the alliance. That¡¯s what my instincts tell me.¡± Scott tilted his head slightly, studying her expression. ¡°Your instincts, huh,¡± he repeated slowly, the corner of his mouth curling into a faint smile. He shook his head, his tone calm but carrying an edge. ¡°And what happens if I decline?¡± Confusion rippled across Meelat¡¯s features, and she blinked as if Scott had asked something nonsensical. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I understand. Why would anything happen if you declined?¡± she asked, genuine puzzlement coloring her voice. ¡°Sure, I¡¯d be a little disappointed, but it¡¯s not like we¡¯re a cult or something.¡± She leaned forward slightly, as though emphasizing her sincerity. ¡°There are no consequences for not joining, at all,¡± she stressed, her words earnest and without guile. Scott gave a slight nod, his smile unwavering, though his thoughts churned behind his stoic mask. ¡°You don¡¯t have to answer now,¡± Meelat added, her tone softening as she reached into her inventory and retrieved a small brass token. She held it out to Scott, the faint glint of the chipped edge catching the light. Scott glanced at the token, his expression neutral but questioning. ¡°When the conference is over, you can use this to visit my territory,¡± Meelat explained. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯d have questions about the alliance¡ªor the potential benefits. I¡¯d be happy to answer them,¡± she said, her tone hopeful. Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on the token, noting its lack of defining features aside from the worn edge. After a moment, he reached out and took it, the item disappearing into his inventory. ¡°Thank you,¡± Scott said. His tone was cordial but detached, his words carrying a subtle undercurrent. ¡°I guarantee you¡¯ll be seeing me again¡ªsooner than you think.¡± Meelat¡¯s face brightened, a proud smile spreading across her lips. ¡°I¡¯ll be looking forward to your visit,¡± she said warmly. Before Scott could turn away, Meelat suddenly gave him a curious look, sizing him up with an intensity he hadn¡¯t expected. Scott¡¯s brows creased. ¡°What is it?¡± The Gruffpaw glanced over her shoulder, then leaned in closer, her voice lowering. ¡°Is this your first time attending the conference?¡± Scott¡¯s brows shot up slightly, his sharp mind catching on to the weight of her question. Isn¡¯t this the first time the conference has been held? he wondered. But the discreet way Meelat had asked the question hinted otherwise. ¡°This is my first time,¡± Scott replied evenly. ¡°You?¡± ¡°It¡¯s the same for me,¡± Meelat admitted with a soft sigh of relief, as though she¡¯d been bracing for a different answer. Scott¡¯s gaze hardened slightly. ¡°You make it sound like this isn¡¯t the first time the conference has been held. Do you know something I don¡¯t?¡± Meelat hesitated, her eyes darting toward the champions seated closer to the dais. After a moment, she leaned in even closer, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I was only briefed when I joined the alliance,¡± she began, her tone tinged with unease. ¡°Apparently, this is a gathering of tyrants.¡± Scott¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°How so?¡± Meelat shook her head, the same uncertainty flashing in her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not sure either. That¡¯s just what I was told.¡± She discreetly pointed toward a man seated closer to the dais, clad in a snow-white Daoist robe with black and amber hems. His radiant, silver hair shimmered like moonlight, complementing his flawless, almost ethereal skin. Scott followed her gesture, his sharp gaze locking on the man. ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Meelat¡¯s tone softened. ¡°He¡¯s a member of the alliance too. He¡¯s the one who told me about this place,¡± she explained. ¡°He said to watch carefully as the conference progresses¡ªthat it would be a valuable experience.¡± Scott tilted his head slightly. ¡°Is he the leader of your alliance?¡± Meelat quickly shook her head. ¡°His position is high, but from what I¡¯ve heard, the alliance leader is part of The Vanguard.¡± Scott¡¯s brows lifted in mild surprise. ¡°Oh? That¡¯s interesting.¡± He didn¡¯t say more, though his mind whirred with thoughts. The Vanguard ranked between 51 and 200¡ªseveral tiers above his current rank. But Scott knew better than to assume that ranking alone determined power. His encounter with the previous Territorial Lords had proven that much. Before he could dwell further, Meelat gently tapped him on the shoulder, snapping his attention back to her. She opened her mouth to speak¡ªbut a sudden, crisp echo filled the hall, cutting her off. All at once, the previously open doors slammed shut, the sound reverberating through the grand chamber like a thunderclap. The pulsating orb above the dais stilled, its rhythmic glow dimming. From the line of silent examiners, one stepped forward. ¡°Welcome, everyone,¡± the examiner began, his voice smooth and authoritative, carrying easily across the vast space. ¡°I apologize for the delay,¡± he continued, his sharp eyes sweeping over the seated lords. ¡°The conference will now officially begin!¡± Book 4 - Chapter 17: Nature of the Competition All discussions in the hall ceased as every gaze shifted toward the examiner who had stepped forward. However, instead of speaking further, the examiner retreated silently, replaced by another. Scott¡¯s brows creased as he observed the new figure. This examiner was unlike any he had encountered before¡ªits head was a glistening digital screen, reminiscent of an old television. A glowing emoji depicting a curious face flickered across the display, and when the examiner finally spoke, its voice carried a distinct, computerized timbre. ¡°Hello, everyone. It sure is nice to see you all again,¡± the examiner began, the emoji shifting to one with a wide grin. ¡°I¡¯m glad to see that we have a lot of new faces here today.¡± As if on cue, spotlights swept across the room, illuminating Scott and several other champions in attendance for the first time. Scott¡¯s frown deepened as the beam landed on him. He disliked the attention, but unsurprisingly, the same light bathed Meelat and others seated in his section. He glanced toward the lords seated closer to the dais and noticed that only a handful of newcomers occupied the higher ranks. ¡°On behalf of the examiners¡¯ committee, I sincerely welcome all new invitees to the conference,¡± the examiner declared, its screen shifting to an emoji with a beaming grin. ¡°My name is Trix, and I will be the host of this conference.¡± The emoji shifted again, now displaying a serious expression as Trix continued, ¡°Before we proceed, it¡¯s important to familiarize our new participants with the rules governing the conference.¡± Almost immediately, a system notification materialized before Scott¡¯s eyes.
Rules Governing the Conference Between Lords!
Combat, in whatever shape or form, is strictly prohibited before and during the conference.
Territorial Lords possessing authority to a particular throne are forbidden from using them within the conference room.
Attacking, murdering, or injuring examiners in charge of the conference is strictly forbidden.
Territorial Lords are expressly forbidden from divulging the true nature of the conference to those who haven¡¯t been invited. Leeway is given to lords who failed to attend for valid reasons, but even then, information shared must be limited.
All decisions made during the conference are binding.
Failure to adhere to the rules could result in the stripping of one¡¯s title or immediate death, depending on the severity of the infraction!
Scott read through the rules carefully, his gaze lingering on the second point. I had a hunch my authority was being suppressed, Scott thought. This explains why I¡¯ve felt subdued since arriving here. He reread the list twice, committing it to memory before dismissing the notification. His attention returned to Trix, whose digital face now flickered between curiosity and apprehension. ¡°I hope you all endeavor to uphold these rules,¡± Trix said, the emoji on its face shifting to a grin. ¡°With that said, let¡¯s officially begin the conference!¡± The lights in the hall dimmed as the pulsating orb above the dais unleashed an ethereal glow that barely illuminated the space. ¡°The topic of this conference, once again,¡± Trix announced, ¡°centers on the nature of the competition.¡± Scott¡¯s expression hardened, his focus narrowing on the examiner. He immediately recognized the reference: it was the same competition that Toi had mentioned, the one determining who would claim The Unclaimed Thrones. Trix seemed to bask in the attention of the gathered lords, its emoji shifting to one of excitement. ¡°For those attending for the first time, it¡¯s paramount that you understand the true nature of the competition. As some of you may know, the competition can only begin when over 90% of the unclaimed territories on the Endless Bridge are claimed by a lord. Only then will the competition officially commence. ¡°However,¡± Trix continued, its voice filled with excitement, ¡°it¡¯s important to understand this: while you all share the title of Territorial Lord, you are not equal.¡± Murmurs erupted among the lords seated farther from the dais¡ªnewcomers and lower-ranked lords who, like Scott, were attending the conference for the first time. Scott¡¯s frown deepened. What does it mean by ¡®not equal¡¯? he wondered. Instinctively, his thoughts turned to the ranking system, and an unsettling realization dawned on him. Could it be that only those within a particular ranking tier will participate in the competition? The notion contradicted Toi¡¯s explanation, but Scott wasn¡¯t surprised. The examiner¡¯s laid-back demeanor made it likely he had glossed over key details. ¡°This is getting too complicated for me,¡± Meelat muttered softly beside him. Scott turned toward her, his expression softening slightly. She looked genuinely overwhelmed, her brow furrowed in frustration as she tried to process the conversation. She really reminds me of those cute, clueless drunks, Scott thought, a wry smile tugging at his lips. ¡°I¡¯m sure your alliance members will fill you in later,¡± Scott said, his voice low. After a brief pause, he added, ¡°Better still, I can explain when I visit your territory.¡± Meelat¡¯s eyes widened, her expression brightening. ¡°You¡¯d do that for me?¡± she asked, her tone brimming with surprise and excitement. Scott nodded, his smile faint. Meelat¡¯s grin widened, her excitement undimmed. ¡°Thank you so much! I promise to treat you to the best wine in the entire lounge,¡± she said eagerly. ¡°I¡¯ll be looking forward to it,¡± Scott replied, his smile polite but measured. Before Meelat could respond further, Trix drew their attention back. ¡°Some of you might be curious about what I meant earlier,¡± Trix began, his emoji shifting into one of exaggerated thoughtfulness. ¡°But the truth is, for anyone here to rise high enough to claim the glorious authority left by the Administrator, you¡¯ll need to prove yourselves worthy.¡± The audience listened intently, their expressions ranging from cautious optimism to outright skepticism. ¡°With that in mind, only those bearing the title of Apex Champion will be qualified to participate in the competition¡ª¡± ¡°But that¡¯s not what I heard!¡± a massive troll interrupted, his booming voice resonating across the hall. He stood, his hulking form towering over the seated champions. ¡°My examiner told me the competition was open to all lords. Are you saying they lied?¡±This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. A ripple of agreement spread through the room, particularly among the first-time attendees, who bristled at the conflicting information. Trix¡¯s emoji shifted again¡ªnow displaying wide eyes of mock confusion. ¡°No one lied,¡± it said, its tone almost placating. ¡°Everyone attending the conferences¡ªyes, even those in The Challenger League and The Initiate Class¡ªcan technically participate in the competition.¡± The troll¡¯s eyes narrowed, as did those of several others. Trix raised a hand, cutting off further objections. ¡°The only catch,¡± it continued, ¡°is that you¡¯ll need to rise from your current ranks. It¡¯s that simple.¡± He paused, his emoji shifting to one of restrained laughter, the eyes sneaking playful glances at the audience. ¡°Or maybe ¡®simple¡¯ isn¡¯t the right word, but you get the gist.¡± Soft murmurs and whispers filled the hall. Though Trix¡¯s words had defused some tension, the champions were far from satisfied. ¡°Look,¡± Trix added, its tone shifting to a mock-conspiratorial whisper, ¡°if you weren¡¯t a territorial lord, you wouldn¡¯t even know about the competition. So, trust me¡ªthere¡¯s plenty of time for all of you to rise. The game isn¡¯t over yet.¡± The murmuring subsided, replaced by an uneasy silence. Scott, like many others, remained stoic, his thoughts focused on what Trix had said. The ¡®only¡¯ catch? Scott mused. So much for keeping things straightforward.
Satisfied with the relative calm, Trix clapped his hands together, his emoji now radiating delight. ¡°Now that that¡¯s settled, let¡¯s move on to the second agenda of this conference.¡± Total silence fell across the room. Even the champions who had seemed restless moments ago leaned forward slightly, their attention sharpened. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about alliances,¡± Trix declared, tapping the silver orb on the dais. Instantly, dozens of names floated into the air, glowing faintly as they arranged themselves in a massive, scrolling list. Scott narrowed his gaze, scanning the list. There were over a hundred names, but only two stood out to him. Is that a list of all recognized alliances? His eyes flicked to Meelat, who sat beaming with pride, her expression alight as she spotted Throdan Alliance on the list. Turning back to the floating names, Scott¡¯s gaze froze on the eighty-ninth entry: 18th Order of the Mad Throne. When did I create an alliance? Scott thought, his brows creasing. Trix, basking in the attention, continued. ¡°This topic was raised during the last conference, and I¡¯m thrilled to say we now have an official answer on how alliances will be treated during the competition.¡± The champions leaned in; their focus unwavering. Trix gestured toward the list, its emoji shifting into a broad, confident smile. ¡°These are the currently recognized alliances. And here¡¯s the big news: during the competition, only the leaders of these alliances will be allowed to participate¡ªassuming, of course, they meet the ranking requirements.¡± The hall erupted into murmurs, frustration rippling through the room like a palpable wave. ¡°To clarify,¡± Trix continued, raising its voice slightly, ¡°if multiple members of an alliance reach the rank of Apex Champion, only the leader will be eligible to compete. Everyone else? Well, you¡¯ll have to watch from the sidelines.¡± Scott glanced around the room, observing the various reactions. Many champions, particularly those with aspirations of their own, looked visibly angry or disheartened. Even those who stayed silent seemed tense, their gazes hard and calculating. I can understand their frustration, Scott thought. No one here lacks ambition. Telling them they can¡¯t climb higher because of this restriction¡­ It¡¯s like shackling a starving predator. He turned his attention back to Trix, who was still smiling despite the charged atmosphere.
¡°Everyone, please quiet down,¡± Trix said, its emoji switching to one of mild concern. ¡°I understand your reservations, but unfortunately, this decision is final.¡± The declaration only deepened the tension in the room, but no one spoke up. Trix¡¯s tone softened slightly, its emoji shifting to a friendlier one. ¡°What this means, however, is that you all¡ªassuming you¡¯re not the leaders of your respective alliances¡ªwill be able to negotiate proper benefits with your leaders. Think of it as an opportunity to secure your position within the alliance.¡± The murmurs gradually faded as the champions redirected their attention toward Trix. ¡°I can¡¯t speak for my colleagues,¡± Trix began, its animated voice carrying an unsettling mix of charm and cunning, ¡°but I know that if I were in your shoes, I would negotiate the best deal possible for myself. After all, setting aside one¡¯s ambition is worth something, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± The examiner¡¯s rhetorical question lingered in the air, subtle yet deliberately provocative. Scott¡¯s gaze swept the room, observing how the statement stirred the features of several territorial lords. Some shifted uncomfortably, while others exchanged glances. Scott¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile as he leaned casually on the side of his chair. As expected of an examiner¡ªcunning and manipulative. It phrased it like a harmless suggestion, but it¡¯s bound to sow discord among the factions. Absorbed in his thoughts, Scott¡¯s attention flicked to Meelat, seated to his side. She was nibbling on dried rations with one hand while sipping from a modified cup fitted with a straw in the other. Scott shook his head slightly, bemused. Gruffpaws¡ªregardless of how far they evolve¡ªare just too carefree and simple. Meelat caught his gaze, her cheeks flushing slightly as she smiled bashfully. She held up the packet of dried rations, offering to share. Scott declined with a slight wave of his hand and turned his attention back to Trix. Scott¡¯s relaxed demeanor vanished in an instant. His brows furrowed as he noticed the emoji on Trix¡¯s screen had changed again¡ªthis time to a pair of watchful eyes, unsettlingly simple yet unnervingly direct. Is he staring at me? The thought prickled at Scott¡¯s mind. Am I being paranoid, or is this deliberate? Before he could dwell on it further, the emoji shifted once more, now a benign smile, as Trix resumed speaking. ¡°I know many of you have questions,¡± Trix said, raising a hand to preemptively quell any interruptions, ¡°but please save them for the Q&A segment after the third agenda. For now, let¡¯s proceed to the final agenda of this conference.¡± A hush fell over the room as Trix¡¯s words resonated, its tone deliberately drawing everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°I have a feeling this will be the most exciting part for all of you.¡± Trix paused for dramatic effect, reveling in the growing tension. All eyes turned to the examiner, the collective anticipation in the room palpable. But instead of continuing, the examiner tapped on the glowing orb, causing the long list of names displayed in the air to vanish. With another tap, the orb pulsed with a golden radiance, its light casting shifting patterns across the conference room. Scott¡¯s features darkened. While the rest of the room buzzed with curiosity, a somber expression crossed his face. If he¡¯d only been suspicious before, he was now certain¡ªTrix was watching him. The only question that remained was: why? Trix¡¯s voice, now unnaturally human in its tone, cut through the silence. ¡°The final agenda for this conference¡ªthe very reason this meeting was convened in the first place¡ªcenters on every single one of you.¡± Another pause. Scott¡¯s unease deepened. The golden light emanating from the orb seemed to pulse in tandem with his racing thoughts. What is he leading up to? ¡°The gods have made an offer to the Administrator,¡± Trix finally revealed, his voice carrying a weight that silenced even the quiet murmurs in the room. ¡°And the Administrator, in turn, has extended that offer to you¡ªall of you¡ªthe current custodians of the authority of the Endless Bridge.¡± A murmur swept through the room, but before it could build, a booming voice from a giant territorial lord interrupted. ¡°Can you stop with the dramatic pauses and just get on with it?¡± Trix¡¯s emoji face shifted to a crying face, and it coughed awkwardly. ¡°Alright, alright, I hear you. I¡¯ll skip the theatrics,¡± it said, though its smirk returned as it tapped the orb again. The light dimmed slightly as Trix continued, its tone now sharper, more serious. ¡°As many of you know, the gods have long issued a decree regarding certain champions,¡± Trix explained. ¡°It¡¯s the reason many of you find yourselves on the Endless Bridge. To cut the long story short, the gods and their sanctuaries believe that their fugitives are hiding here¡ªon the Endless Bridge.¡± The room tensed as Trix¡¯s words sank in. ¡°They¡¯ve sought permission from the Administrator to send their forces to invade, with the goal of obliterating the fugitives once and for all.¡± Scott¡¯s expression grew colder, his eyes narrowing at Trix. Trix tapped the orb once more, and images of celestial armies flickered above it¡ªdivine champions clad in radiant armor, mythical beasts, and titanic beings wielding overwhelming power. ¡°Of course, the Administrator has... refused to grant them unfettered access to the Endless Bridge.¡± Trix¡¯s emoji face now displayed a sly wink. ¡°Instead, that responsibility has been passed to you¡ªthe lords of the Endless Bridge.¡± A chilling silence settled over the room. Even the most ambitious lords seemed shaken by the implications. ¡°With that said,¡± Trix continued, relishing the tension, ¡°a vote will soon take place across all ranking tiers¡ªa decision on whether to grant the gods permission to bring their forces here.¡± Scott leaned back in his chair; his features unreadable as his mind raced. These bastards are moving faster than I anticipated. This is going to be a problem. ¡°Your votes will shape the fate of the Endless Bridge,¡± Trix concluded, its tone light but its words heavy with implication. Book 4 - Chapter 18: Voting Murmurs rippled through the hall as the territorial lords whispered among themselves. Some debated the implications of Trix¡¯s words, while others exchanged heated arguments about what the vote might mean for their domains. Trix, however, made no effort to quell the noise. The examiner¡¯s emoji face shifted once more¡ªthis time to an amused grin¡ªas it stood silently, seemingly relishing the chaos it had stirred. Scott, reclining slightly in his chair, observed the scene with a measured expression. His gaze briefly lingered on Trix. Look at this asshole¡­ he thought, his lips curling into a faint smirk. The examiner¡¯s apparent enjoyment at their expense was irritating, though not entirely unexpected. ¡°Excuse me,¡± a voice called out, cutting through the din. The murmurs died down, and all eyes turned toward a short creature with reflective, metallic skin. ¡°What do you mean by ¡®the fate of the Endless Bridge rests on the vote¡¯?¡± Scott¡¯s eyes shifted to Trix, silently joining the others in awaiting the examiner¡¯s clarification. Trix¡¯s emoji changed again, this time to one of laughter, as visceral giggles escaped its screen-like head. ¡°It¡¯s simple, really,¡± Trix began, its tone as casual as if discussing the weather. ¡°If the majority of all lords vote against the gods¡¯ proposal, their armies will be barred from entry. However¡­¡± Trix paused, the laughter emoji replaced with a sly grin, ¡°¡­if the majority agrees, the gods¡¯ armies will flood into the Endless Bridge in their numbers.¡± The examiner leaned forward slightly; its hands clasped in mock sincerity. ¡°Of course, like all things in life, there will be¡­ consequences, no matter what choice you make. Please keep that in mind when casting your votes.¡± The hall fell into tense silence as the lords absorbed the examiner¡¯s words. ¡°What sort of consequences might arise from refusing them entry?¡± a territorial lord finally asked, their voice tinged with apprehension. Trix¡¯s emoji turned to a mischievous wink. ¡°A lot, really,¡± it giggled. ¡°But if I were in your shoes, I¡¯d be most concerned about one thing: refusing their request would make you instant enemies of the gods¡ªand all their allies.¡± The tension in the hall deepened as somber silence gripped the lords. Scott¡¯s eyes narrowed, his thoughts churning. Of course. A vote against them is a declaration of war¡­ ¡°And what about the benefits?¡± another lord pressed, breaking the quiet. Trix adopted a pensive emoji, fingers drumming against its head. ¡°Hmm¡­ That¡¯s hard to say,¡± it mused. ¡°I can¡¯t speak on behalf of the gods or their allies, but I imagine they¡¯d offer generous concessions to those who align with their cause.¡± The emoji shifted again to one of enlightenment as Trix continued, ¡°Oh! One thing you should all know, though: if you allow them entry, their forces will automatically gain the right to be ranked on the Territorial Rankings¡ªso long they meet the requirements of course.¡± Gasps rippled through the hall, and the murmurs erupted once more. Scott¡¯s eyes darkened. Not even I thought of that possibility. Of course, they¡¯d use this as an opportunity to sneak some of their elites into the rankings. While they might not care about the Endless Bridge itself, this is a rare chance for some of their forces to gain some of the Administrator¡¯s authority. His thoughts churned as he weighed the ramifications. If they establish a foothold, even minor concessions could spiral into greater influence. And once they¡¯re entrenched... Absorbed in his musings, Scott barely noticed the tap on his shoulder until it came again, pulling him back to reality. He turned to find Meelat staring at him, her anxious gaze flickering between his direction and the dais below. ¡°What are you going to vote for?¡± she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Scott studied her for a moment before answering. ¡°My choice doesn¡¯t matter unless it aligns with the collective majority,¡± he replied evenly. ¡°What about you?¡± Meelat hesitated, her hands wringing nervously. ¡°To be honest¡­ I don¡¯t want them to come here,¡± she admitted softly, glancing around as if fearing someone might overhear her. Scott raised a brow, intrigued by her unexpected stance. ¡°Oh? That¡¯s surprising. Why not?¡± Meelat¡¯s expression darkened, her voice dropping even lower. ¡°Because they¡¯ll turn this place upside down in their search for whoever they¡¯re after,¡± she began, her tone filled with worry. ¡°And there¡¯s no telling what else they might be planning.¡± Scott¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Meelat took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on the floor. ¡°Think about it,¡± she said. ¡°It might start with allowing them entry to hunt their fugitives, but can anyone guarantee that¡¯s all they¡¯ll do? What if they have greater ambitions¡ªones they haven¡¯t shared?¡± Scott stared at her intently, his mind racing. She¡¯s not as simpleminded as I thought¡­ interesting. It¡¯s a shame I can¡¯t access her status interface. He leaned back slightly, readjusting his posture. ¡°You¡¯re right. No one can predict what might happen if they¡¯re let in,¡± he admitted. Then, after a brief pause, he asked, ¡°By the way, how did you become a lord?¡± Meelat froze, her body stiffening as her face turned an awkward shade of pink. She avoided his gaze, fidgeting with her fur. ¡°You don¡¯t have to answer if you don¡¯t want to¡ª¡± Scott started. ¡°It¡¯s not that,¡± Meelat interrupted, scratching the back of her head. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you, but... promise you won¡¯t laugh, okay?¡± Scott tilted his head, bemused. What could she possibly say that warrants that? Still, he nodded. ¡°Alright. I promise.¡± Meelat exhaled deeply, her shoulders relaxing slightly. ¡°I know it¡¯s not the conventional way most people climbed the rankings, but I just stayed true to my class.¡± Scott¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean? Explain it properly so I can understand.¡± Meelat hesitated, her cheeks flushing again as she fiddled nervously with her ears. Finally, she sighed. ¡°I used to be a tamer before I ended up here. As fate would have it, the link sent me to a region teeming with all sorts of exotic beasts when I first arrived. Unlike most people, it was paradise for me. There¡¯s nothing I love more than befriending unfamiliar creatures¡ªwell, maybe apart from drinking, but you get the point.¡±Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Scott¡¯s gaze lingered on her, his features softening slightly. Is she saying she became a lord by simply befriending the beasts in her territory? he mused, intrigued by the simplicity of her story. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?¡± Meelat asked, fidgeting nervously under his piercing gaze. Scott chuckled. ¡°Let me guess¡ªyou befriended those creatures, and somehow, you ended up as a lord, correct?¡± Meelat¡¯s mouth parted in shock, her eyes widening. ¡°How did you know?¡± she asked, leaning forward slightly. ¡°Did it happen to you too?¡± Scott shook his head, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°I wish. Unfortunately, no.¡± Before he could pose another question, Meelat¡¯s voice interrupted. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s a shame. You should visit sometime¡ªI¡¯m certain you¡¯d find them as fascinating as I did.¡± She paused mid-sentence, her ears perking up as if struck by a sudden thought. ¡°Come to think of it¡­ are you human?¡± Scott¡¯s brow arched. ¡°Why do you ask?¡± Meelat hesitated, as though carefully weighing her next words. Finally, she continued, ¡°I¡¯ve seen several humans over the years. Their personalities vary¡ªsome are kind, others¡­ let¡¯s just say, less so. But no matter how different they are, they always retain a shred of their humanity.¡± She paused, locking eyes with Scott. ¡°I don¡¯t see that in you. So¡­ are you?¡± Scott¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. His answer came cold and flat. ¡°Not anymore.¡± Meelat blinked, momentarily taken aback. ¡°Oh,¡± she murmured, falling silent as she processed his response. Seconds later, her expression brightened with a strange excitement Scott couldn¡¯t quite place. ¡°If you were once human, you might know about the creatures in my territory!¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Scott interjected. ¡°They say their ancestors came from a world once dominated by humans,¡± Meelat explained, her words spilling out in a rush. ¡°From their stories, it was a place of endless blue skies and deep oceans, with trees and flowers teeming with life. They say¡ª¡± Scott stopped listening. His thoughts churned as he stared at her. Could the creatures she¡¯s talking about be descendants of animals that escaped from Earth into the Tower? he wondered, his mind racing. How in the hell did they end up on the Endless Bridge instead of a normal timeline? No matter how hard he thought, no answers came. Lost in his musings, he was jolted back to reality by a new voice cutting through the room¡¯s murmurs.
The speaker was a slender, feminine champion of a humanoid arthropod-like race, her glistening carapace catching the light as she rose from her seat. ¡°Instead of granting the gods and their allies permission, can¡¯t they reward us for eliminating the fugitives in their stead?¡± she asked, her tone sharp and deliberate. All eyes shifted to her, and the whispers faded as the room¡¯s attention turned back to the dais. Trix¡¯s emoji shifted to one of surprise, then to a thoughtful nod, and finally, a cunning grin spread across its digital face. ¡°Excellent question!¡± the examiner praised, clapping theatrically. ¡°I was hoping someone would ask that. Truly, an excellent question.¡± ¡°Answer the damn question already!¡± a deep voice bellowed from the back. Trix¡¯s emoji morphed into a mockingly serious face, and it coughed exaggeratedly before continuing. ¡°Alright, alright¡ªno need to shout,¡± it said. ¡°The gods did anticipate this line of thinking, and here¡¯s what they¡¯ve declared: They won¡¯t stand in your way if you choose to hunt down the fugitives yourselves. In fact, anyone who succeeds in eliminating them will be handsomely rewarded.¡± The room buzzed with renewed whispers. ¡°However,¡± Trix¡¯s voice rose, cutting through the noise, ¡°there¡¯s a catch. If you go down this route and fail to hunt down all the fugitives within a set timeframe, the gods¡¯ forces will be allowed to enter the Endless Bridge¡ªwith or without your approval.¡± Scott¡¯s eyes narrowed, his thoughts churning. A fail-safe¡­ of course. They want to force our hands one way or another. Trix tilted its head, its emoji shifting to one of mock contemplation. ¡°But none of you have to decide right now¡ª¡± ¡°What are you talking about? Didn¡¯t you say we¡¯d be voting?¡± a lord interjected, their voice brimming with frustration. ¡°I did,¡± Trix affirmed, flashing a thumbs-up emoji. ¡°But I never said when, did I?¡± Silence followed as the lords processed this revelation. ¡°For those who¡¯ve forgotten,¡± Trix continued, its tone dripping with faux patience, ¡°I said, ¡®a vote will be taking place across the different rankings on whether to grant the requests of the gods or not.¡¯¡± ¡°So when will the voting happen?¡± another lord asked, their tone edged with irritation. ¡°During the next conference,¡± Trix replied smoothly. ¡°You¡¯ll all have ample time to contemplate your decisions.¡± Before Trix could continue, a new voice rang out. ¡°Hold on,¡± said the number one ranked lord among the Ascendants, a woman with an aura of cold authority. She rose from her seat, her piercing gaze fixed on Trix. ¡°What happens if we eliminate the fugitives before the next conference?¡± The question hung in the air, and the tension in the room thickened. Even Scott¡¯s gaze shifted to the woman, intrigued by her line of thought. Trix¡¯s emoji shifted once again, settling into a devilish grin that seemed to stretch across its entire screen. The examiner¡¯s voice echoed with mock cheerfulness. ¡°Oh, you¡¯d be handsomely rewarded by the gods, of course! There¡¯d be no need for a vote either. A neat solution, don¡¯t you think?¡± It paused dramatically, savoring the palpable frustration brewing in the hall. Lords exchanged tense glances, but Trix wasn¡¯t finished. ¡°However¡­¡± It drew the word out, its tone dripping with mischief. ¡°Good luck finding them on the Endless Bridge. I don¡¯t think I need to remind you how ridiculously large this place is. Tracking fugitives here? It¡¯s like finding a single grain of sand in an endless desert.¡± A low murmur rippled through the crowd, lords whispering their discontent and doubt. Trix¡¯s screen suddenly glitched, and its emoji shifted to a conspiratorial smirk. ¡°And here¡¯s the kicker,¡± it continued. ¡°The bounty notifications won¡¯t work on fugitives who¡¯ve managed to become territorial lords or are sharing a lord¡¯s authority. Basically¡­¡± It paused, leaning forward as though sharing a secret. ¡°¡­you wouldn¡¯t even know them if you stumbled right into them.¡± The hall fell into a tense silence as the weight of Trix¡¯s words sank in. Some lords sat frozen, while others exchanged hurried whispers. ¡°Wait,¡± a voice called out, breaking the stillness. A stout lord with burnished scales stood, his brow furrowed. ¡°Are you saying some of them have already become lords?¡± Trix¡¯s screen flashed to a laughing emoji, the sound of its laughter distorted and grating. ¡°What if I told you¡­¡± it began, drawing out the suspense, ¡°¡­that they already know about the gods¡¯ decision?¡± The murmurs rose again, louder and more frantic this time. ¡°How is that possible?¡± demanded a slender, cloaked woman, her voice sharp with disbelief. The examiner cackled louder, its screen flashing erratically as it reveled in the chaos it was causing. ¡°Oh, by the time this conference is over, they¡¯ll know about the vote too!¡± It paused, switching to a mischievous smile emoji. ¡°In fact¡­ who¡¯s to say they¡¯re not listening right now?¡± Several lords shot to their feet simultaneously, their faces a mixture of outrage and suspicion. One of them, a towering figure clad in crimson armor, pointed an accusatory finger toward the dais. ¡°Are you saying one of them is already a lord?¡± Trix¡¯s laughter erupted once more, echoing across the vast hall like nails on a chalkboard. ¡°You know,¡± it began, its voice brimming with glee, ¡°instead of worrying about who might be a lord, perhaps you should be wondering if they¡¯re right here, right now¡­¡± The room went silent, all eyes locking on the eccentric examiner as it delivered its final blow. ¡°¡­in this very room, with us.¡±
Scott, who had been quietly watching the chaos unfold, couldn¡¯t help but smirk. His gaze lingered on Trix, who was clearly reveling in the tension it had stoked. This bastard¡¯s an elite shit-stirrer, Scott thought, his amusement growing as he watched the lords¡¯ reactions. Some fidgeted nervously, others glared suspiciously at their neighbors, and a few looked as though they were ready to erupt into violence. Scott leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as his mind churned. Look at him, having the time of his life. But there¡¯s more to this, isn¡¯t there? Why would Trix go out of its way to plant doubt like this? His gaze flicked around the room. He did give me a solution to that annoying wanted notification problem, though. But was it intentional, or is it a part of this asshole¡¯s scheme? Scott shifted in his chair, his gaze locked on Trix, though his thoughts strayed elsewhere. Amid the growing chaos in the room, a faint smirk tugged at his lips. Now more than ever, I¡¯m glad I decided to join this conference, he mused. I can¡¯t wait to see what else this wacko has up its sleeve. Book 4 - Chapter 19: A Message All conversations ceased as the lords sized each other up, suspicion thick in the air. Amid the tense silence, Trix¡¯s laughter echoed through the hall once more. ¡°There¡¯s no need to get so worked up,¡± the examiner began, its tone dripping with amusement. ¡°I was only joking¡­ or was I?¡± Trix¡¯s emoji flickered between a cunning smirk and a laughing face. The lords focused on the examiner, unable to discern its true intentions. Yet their patience, already thin, began to fray. ¡°Is this some kind of joke to you?¡± a disgruntled lord demanded, barely keeping their composure. Trix¡¯s emoji shifted again, the grin growing more mischievous. ¡°Life has always¡ªand will always¡ªbe a joke,¡± it giggled. ¡°You just have to have fun and play it however you see fit.¡± With a sharp clap of its hands, the lights in the room brightened, and the orb at the center dulled in luster. ¡°Take your seats, everyone,¡± Trix urged with an almost too-cheerful grin. ¡°There¡¯s no point in worrying about what¡¯s beyond your control. Now that we¡¯ve covered all the major agendas for this conference, the floor is officially open for questions.¡± As Trix¡¯s voice echoed, the previously motionless examiners stirred. They stepped forward in unison, aligning themselves alongside Trix. The mischievous voice came again. ¡°For the newcomers, here¡¯s how it works: you¡¯re free to ask any examiner whatever questions you might have regarding the agendas discussed today. Your questions¡ªand their answers¡ªwill remain private. However, refrain from asking anything outside the scope of this conference. We reserve the right to decline any inquiries that exceed your authority. Keep that in mind.¡± Trix¡¯s emoji changed to one of excitement. ¡°With that said, let¡¯s begin.¡± The hall dimmed once more as light pulsed from the silver orb, thin tendrils of energy snaking outward to attach themselves to each participant, bypassing any resistance. Most lords remained impassive, but a few betrayed their displeasure, their irritation etched plainly on their faces. For the first time, an eerie silence blanketed the room.
Scott¡¯s fingers drummed softly on the armrests of his seat as he studied the examiners on the dais. His gaze lingered on the orb, unease flickering in his mind. What kind of artifact is that? Even if my authority wasn¡¯t restricted, I doubt I could have evaded its light. His eyes darted to the lords seated on either side of him. Meelat¡¯s lips moved faintly, as though speaking to someone unseen. Scott noticed the same subtle movements among several other lords. They were already conversing with the examiners. Turning his attention back to the dais, Scott¡¯s focus settled on Trix. The examiner¡¯s screen displayed a serene tropical beach, utterly unaffected by Scott¡¯s scrutiny. Yet, a nagging feeling gnawed at him. It knows who I am, Scott mused, his thoughts racing. There¡¯s no way it doesn¡¯t know I¡¯m the one the gods are after. So why do I feel like it¡¯s holding back? Could the administrator and the gods be at odds? The possibility struck a chord, unsettling yet oddly plausible. ¡°You¡¯re going to burn a hole through my screen with that stare,¡± Trix¡¯s voice suddenly echoed in Scott¡¯s mind. Scott¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, though he gave no other outward reaction. He kept his gaze trained on the examiner¡¯s screen, which remained unchanged. ¡°Oh? No reaction? I was hoping for something more dramatic,¡± Trix teased, its disappointment palpable. ¡°What do you want?¡± Scott¡¯s voice was sharp but quiet, his lips barely moving. ¡°Are examiners even allowed to initiate contact with lords?¡± Trix¡¯s snigger filled his ears. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t we?¡± it countered. ¡°Who said the Q&A session was only for lords to ask questions?¡± Scott¡¯s fingers stilled on the armrest, his eyes narrowing. There¡¯s no way this asshole contacted me for no reason. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in playing your games,¡± Scott replied flatly, shifting his gaze away. ¡°Don¡¯t be like that,¡± Trix said, a giggle punctuating its words. ¡°We¡¯re allied to the same throne¡­ or at least, I used to be.¡± Scott¡¯s head snapped back toward the examiner, his thoughts spinning. No way. It couldn¡¯t be¡­ right? Fighting the rising tide of curiosity, he asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡± Trix¡¯s voice brimmed with excitement. ¡°What¡¯s there to explain?¡± it said, almost mockingly. ¡°I was once a candidate for the throne, just like you. Is that so hard to comprehend?¡± Scott¡¯s brows arched as he processed the revelation. This has to be a trick¡ªor some kind of trap, right? Before he could formulate a response, Trix¡¯s voice echoed again, effortlessly picking up where it had left off. ¡°It¡¯s so strange talking to Arkhontis¡¯¡ª¡± ¡°Who?¡± Scott cut in sharply, his frown deepening. Why does that name feel familiar? His mind churned, grappling with the eerie sense of recognition despite hearing the name for the first time.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Trix erupted into laughter, its giggles spiraling into full-blown cackles. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this¡­¡± It paused, only to laugh even harder, almost hysterical. For the first time in what felt like forever, the examiner¡¯s screen flickered to life. A cascade of laughing emojis spilled across it in quick succession before Trix continued, ¡°But I can¡¯t say I¡¯m surprised. It¡¯s just like Arkhontis¡ªnot telling his own incarnation his name.¡± Scott¡¯s expression darkened as silence settled between them. Could that be the name of the former Mad God? The more he considered it, the more certain he became. It was the only explanation for the inexplicable sense of familiarity. ¡°You knew the former Mad God?¡± Scott finally broke his silence, his voice edged with both curiosity and caution. The emojis vanished, replaced by a single, smug smile. ¡°Knew is putting it mildly,¡± Trix said, its voice almost teasing. ¡°If things had gone a little differently, I might¡¯ve been the Mad God.¡± The screen shifted again, the emoji now a grinning face. ¡°I¡¯m kidding, of course,¡± Trix chuckled abruptly. ¡°Arkhontis and those other monsters from the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Orders were leagues above me. Even if I were a thousand times stronger than I am now, they would have crushed me without breaking a sweat.¡± It broke into more laughter, wild and unhinged. Scott remained tense, his frown deepening as the weight of Trix¡¯s words settled in. He didn¡¯t know exactly how powerful Trix was, but becoming an examiner wasn¡¯t a feat achieved by weaklings. Just how monstrous were the candidates back then? His thoughts wandered, lingering on the current generation of contenders. Are there any among the other seventeen Orders capable of matching the legends of the past? He couldn¡¯t answer. His encounters during the inheritance ceremony offered only glimpses¡ªfractured remnants of their wills. Estimating their true strength was impossible. His musings were interrupted by Trix¡¯s voice, laced with an unmistakable bitterness. ¡°It¡¯s been so long since I was severed from the throne, I don¡¯t even remember what it feels like to wield the Authority of Madness. I miss it.¡± Scott stiffened, detecting the wistful yearning beneath the statement. ¡°How are you still alive?¡± he asked abruptly. No matter how he looked at it, if Trix had been a candidate, it should have perished long ago. After all, Arkhontis had claimed the mantle of Mad God. Trix let out a hollow laugh. ¡°Now, that¡¯s a dangerous question,¡± it said, voice dropping into a conspiratorial tone. ¡°As much as I¡¯d love to tell you, it¡¯s better for your safety if I don¡¯t. Let¡¯s just say the Administrator saw potential in me and granted me clemency.¡± Scott¡¯s brows knit together, but he didn¡¯t press further. ¡°Why reveal yourself to me?¡± he asked instead, his voice calm but probing. He harbored no illusions that Trix acted on impulse or good intentions. There had to be more at play¡ªsomething he hadn¡¯t yet uncovered. Trix¡¯s laughter returned, soft and unsettling. ¡°The way you use your authority¡­ it reminded me of old times,¡± it admitted, almost fondly. ¡°You and Arkhontis couldn¡¯t be more different, and that¡¯s what excites me. This generation might not endure the same chaos, but then again, you could be even worse¡­¡± It paused, its emoji transforming into a radiant sun. ¡°Even I, a former candidate, can¡¯t fully comprehend your authority. When it¡¯s active, it¡¯s as though reality twists into illusions, and illusions become reality. Maddeningly brilliant.¡± Scott¡¯s expression remained unreadable, his silence urging Trix to continue. Trix obliged, though its tone shifted, carrying a subtle edge. ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious why I didn¡¯t reveal your identity?¡± ¡°Not at all,¡± Scott replied flatly. ¡°I know what I need to do. Nothing changes for me.¡± The screen displayed a grinning emoji again. ¡°Confident, aren¡¯t we? Cocky, even. I see you share a streak with your predecessor,¡± Trix said, its voice brimming with amusement. ¡°For your sake, I hope that¡¯s where the similarities end.¡± The screen flickered once more, now displaying an intricate, unfamiliar sigil. Scott¡¯s eyes narrowed as he studied it. What the hell is this supposed to mean? Before he could dwell further, a voice filled his mind¡ªancient and chilling, brimming with malice and bloodlust. ¡°Since you do not desire it, I will refrain from speaking,¡± it declared, its tone heavy with finality. ¡°But I do have a message for you. One that must be delivered.¡± Scott¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°Who is the sender, and what does the message say?¡± he asked, his voice calm but commanding. A distinct chime resonated in Scott¡¯s mind, and a new voice emerged¡ªsmooth, warm, and laced with an almost regal elegance. ¡°I sincerely applaud you for reaching this far in your journey,¡± it began. ¡°The Tower of Champions has stagnated for eons, festering in the rot left behind by the gods and their ilk. Change is overdue¡ªa change that will shake the tower¡¯s very foundation. You, my friend, are the harbinger of that change.¡± The voice paused, its tone growing firmer. ¡°Our existence must remain hidden, but rest assured, we will see you to the Point of No Return. You are the key to sparking the war necessary to usher in a new era¡ªan era where the mantle of gods will no longer be reserved for a select few.¡± A quiet intensity rippled through the message as the voice continued, ¡°Fret not, our forces are deeply entrenched within the Endless Bridge. You need not know them, but they are prepared to lay down their lives to halt the gods'' forces when the invasion begins. Your focus should remain on reaching the Point of No Return.¡± The voice softened, almost reverent. ¡°We wish you well on a journey fraught with unprecedented dangers.¡± As the final words faded, so too did the sigil on Trix¡¯s screen, vanishing as though it had never existed. Trix¡¯s voice returned, tinged with a wry amusement. ¡°I hope I don¡¯t need to remind you that the contents of this message must remain strictly confidential.¡± Scott remained silent; his expression unreadable. Inside, however, his thoughts churned darkly. The only reason they¡¯re pulling this crap is because they don¡¯t see me as a threat. His fists clenched as the realization sank in. They think I¡¯m just a tool¡ªsomething to be used and discarded once their goals are met. ¡°So, moving on,¡± Trix chirped, its excitement barely contained. ¡°You¡¯ve got another message!¡± Scott¡¯s frown deepened. Another one? he thought grimly. ¡°From whom?¡± he asked aloud. A grinning emoji appeared on Trix¡¯s screen. ¡°The lesser god of Illusions,¡± it declared with a hint of drama. Scott¡¯s expression stirred, memories from his early days in the tower flashing through his mind. He vividly recalled the eccentric deity¡¯s interest in him back then, though their connection had all but vanished since the council declared him wanted. He hadn¡¯t expected the lesser god of Illusions to reach out ever again. ¡°What does the message say?¡± Scott asked after a brief pause, his voice steady. ¡°Survive and show them hell,¡± Trix declared gleefully, its words dripping with enthusiasm. Scott¡¯s features relaxed, though a flicker of uncertainty lingered beneath the surface. He still wasn¡¯t sure what to make of these cryptic messages. ¡°And now, for the third message!¡± Trix announced suddenly, its tone brimming with mischief. ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me,¡± Scott muttered, his voice sharpening. ¡°There¡¯s another one?¡± Trix¡¯s screen lit up with a laughing emoji as its giggles erupted, flooding Scott¡¯s ears. ¡°Actually, no,¡± it admitted, struggling to contain its laughter. ¡°I just wanted to see how you¡¯d react!¡± The screen flashed a cascade of troll emojis, each one more taunting than the last, as Trix continued to laugh uncontrollably. Scott, however, remained perfectly still, his gaze cold and unrelenting, brimming with an almost tangible bloodlust as he watched the jester laugh with wanton abandon.