《Beyond Parallel》


 chapter 1 Island Of Ruin

    In that desolate cathedral hall, where shadows clung to the remnants of a shattered past, the air was thick with the echoes of silent suffering. The dimness seemed to absorb even the feeblest glimmers of hope, leaving only the haunting presence of despair. As he sat huddled in that oppressive darkness, the skeletal frame of the young man revealed a narrative of anguish etched into every contour.


    His frail figure, almost swallowed by the vast emptiness around him, bore the scars of a life weathered by relentless storms. Bruises, like cruel echoes of forgotten violence, adorned his pallid skin, each mark narrating a tale of agony. Burns, like sinister tattoos, whispered of a past too painful to recall. The broken furniture scattered across the cathedral hall mirrored the shattered pieces of his existence.


    Alone on the front row, on the only bench that offered any semblance of comfort, he clung to his legs as if seeking refuge from a world that had relentlessly betrayed him. His eyes, once perhaps a window to a soul full of dreams, now reflected the void of desolation. The stark contrast between the messy black strands of his hair and the pallor of his face accentuated the disarray within.


    In the silence that enveloped him, his thoughts reverberated like a haunting melody, each note echoing the symphony of his torment. The occasional tremors that shook his body seemed like the last vestiges of resilience, a feeble resistance against the overwhelming weight of his own existence.


    And there, in that abyss of despair, he sat, a tragic embodiment of the cruelty of life. His completely black eyes, devoid of life''s spark, stared into the abyss, reflecting the abyss within his soul. The once vibrant spirit, now dulled by the relentless hardships, prepared for a moment that had long been overdue.


    After enduring the ceaseless cycles of a life filled with pain, he now stood at the precipice of his ultimate goal, a goal that promised release from the unending torment. In the eerie stillness of that cathedral hall, his journey reached its somber crescendo, and the air pulsed with the solemn weight of a decision that would redefine his existence.


    The seemingly forgotten kid who spent his entire life up to this point isolated and completely erased from memory and the history of the world, could finally get his answers.


    Why was he born? To live such a point less life? To be restricted by an inconceivable force? His freedom and choice''s stolen without any regard? To be in constant pain? His blood poisoned and completely destroyed? Leaving nothing but an empty husk of a person?


    Born into a world that seemed to revel in the orchestration of his torment, the young man questioned the very purpose of his existence. Was it to endure a life so bereft of meaning, a narrative penned by a malevolent hand? The weight of an inconceivable force pressed upon him, a suffocating shroud that restricted every step and strangled every breath.


    His journey through this desolate existence felt like a cruel dance with a fate that reveled in the macabre. Each day, his freedom and choices were ruthlessly stolen, as if the universe itself conspired against any semblance of agency. A puppet in a shadowy play, he moved through the script of a life not of his choosing.


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    The constant pain, a relentless companion, became the cruel rhythm of his days, an unending symphony of suffering. It wasn''t just physical; it was a soul-deep agony that gnawed at the very core of his being. His blood, once the conduit of life, now flowed thick with the poison of despair, each heartbeat echoing the slow demise of hope.


    His body, a canvas of scars and bruises, bore witness to the cruelty of a world indifferent to his suffering. The very essence of his humanity seemed to erode, leaving behind an empty husk that wandered through the shadows of its former self. Eyes that once harbored dreams now mirrored the desolation of a soul abandoned by the light.


    In the haunting stillness of his existence, he grappled with the profound dread of a life that seemed designed to break him. The very fabric of his being was torn and frayed, his spirit withering beneath the weight of a destiny that offered no reprieve. And as he questioned the purpose of his existence, the answer echoed back in the eerie silence-a life sentenced to a dreadful dance with the unknown, a symphony of suffering that seemed to have no end.


    He had long gone crazy, with no way to recover.


    But now after 15 long and perilous years he would have his answers.


    He had finally found a glimpse of hope.


    As he sat in the darkness trembling, he stared at some inconceivable texts plastered across some stone ruins. His eyes seemed to convulse every time he focused on it and then shoot to the side; however he would instantly readjust his eyes to stare at the texts again.


    Unknown to others, what this boy hoped to achieve was nothing short of madness.


    The ancient words plastered on the stones were never meant to be seen much less read by a lower being. Yet this half alive human who''s bones could be seen, clearly under his pale and blistered skin was not only reading them but trying to form a solid understanding of said texts.


    After finding these ruins an entire year ago, he spent most of his time trying to translate and understand them. And now he was finally at the last tablet.


    If what he had understood so far form reading was true, then everything he knew would become utterly insufficient and irrelevant.


    The young man who''s name was Kreed, was brought to this perilous island upon his birth and as much as he hated it, it was his home.


    His father, was in charge of special research organization. Their goal being to create the perfect beings to become heroes. Well that was the only concept that the young and fragile boy could think of to see his supposed father in a different light.


    However alongside his father were other managers, who would bring and train kids from birth into broken slaves for their higher-ups.


    Luckily the batch of children to which Kreed belonged would be the last brought to this living hell of a place. Because after 5 years something finally went Wrong.


    All Kreed as a child could remember was that after listening to his language teacher for what felt like an eternity his entire world was thrown into peril and panic.


    After countless tremors shook the ground, the entire island was covered in a dark menacing cloud of dust, poison, and a curse placed their by an enormous black creature. It''s proportions seemed to resemble that of a dragon, yet once seen, even the 5 year old kid could tell that it''s very being was wrong.


    Kreed as a kid witnessed countless forces go up against the unsightly beast, yet they were all slaughtered leaving no traces of their existence around.


    After the entire island and it''s enhabitants were drained of their life be it from the gigantic creature or the curse it placed upon the land.


    Kreed found himself alone for the first time in his life.


    As a child seeing such gruesome horrors could break someone completely, and was soon to break Kreed as well.


    Despite the unbearable pain he felt as the poison ran rampant in his body, he could only stare motionlessly at the incredible creature.


    But then, his hell grew even worse. Despite all the pain he was currently in, his body refused to die. The confused child sat on the cold bloodied floor of his lecture hall, littered with the corpses of countless children of similar age.


    Their bodies completely disfigured and drained by the poison and the curse placed upon them.


    Kreed waited patiently enduring the pain in hopes that all of his current situation was either a dream, or that he would draw his last breath joining his friends in the afterlife.


    Yet life seemed to hate him completely as this moment never came. Instead he was left unable to move, but undying in the lecture hall.


    Staring


    at the repulsive creature through an enormous crack in the wall.

 chapter 2 The Glowing runes

    After 3 days of being in the same position, unable to sleep because of the unbearable pain yet desperately needing rest his mind was in complete shambles.


    This was the day which seemed to drive the 5 year old kid of the rails, completely traumatized with no hope of recovery.


    He couldn''t remember the last time he had eaten, played with one of the other captives or seen the clean white marble floor of the lecture hall glistening with a bright radiance as sunlight bounced of, off it. It was now stained with the dark embrace of blood, it''s stench becoming more prominent as time went by. Scratch that Kreed couldn''t remember the last time he saw the sun, coating him in it''s beautiful rays and warming him in the most comforting way. To this child everything that he seemed to know before, was completely erased from his mind without a single regard. Now all he knew was the unnerving sound of Sketch-Flies swarm around him and nesting it the bodies of the countless children which were once his friends. The same children who kreed hoped he''d be joining soon. He couldn''t tell how the Flies managed to survive in the poison of the nightmarish creature, but their annoying sound as well as the disgusting stench of blood was all Kreed could rely on to occupy his mind from the ghoulish torment of the poison devouring his body.


    He had long gone crazy, yet on the 4 day Kreed notice something. Of course Kreed wasn''t sure how many days he had been lying on the ground for but based on how pungent the smell of drying blood was as well as how hungry his body became he guessed that it was around the fourth day.


    Looking through the large crack, he noticed the gigantic creature suddenly stumbled and collapsed as a bright beam of light struck it directly through the head severing one of the creature horns clean off.


    As the disgusting beast fell to the ground it hit several buildings that were made as housing quarters for the senior children. It''s black scaly carapace easily crushing the concrete building to dust under it''s weight. As the creature touch the floor loud devastating tremors shook the island, collapsing countless more buildings.


    And then it became quiet, too quiet. Drawn to the sudden death of the creature, which had stood in one spot for the entire time it was summoned. Countless thoughts flooded Kreed''s mind. And despite the fragile state his mind was in he welcomed theses thoughts.


    Anything to take his mind of the neverending pain which he felt.


    Is it dead? What was capable of killing such a disgusting creature? Wait then would they kill me aswell? I hope so. What was that beam of light? Did one of the major clans deal with the abomination? Wait what was that thing anyway? It looked like a dragon yet felt like a walking corpse. What happened to my father? Was he on the island? Did any one else survive?


    Why won''t I die?... Why won''t I die?


    Why won''t I die?


    Why won''t I die?


    Why won''t I die?


    Why won''t I die?


    Why won''t I dieeeeee?


    Kreed knew a couple of the answers, yet the final question was a complete mystery.


    ****


    Kreed had forgotten many things about himself, all the memories he had of childhood, his emotions and conscience being littered and ubstructured by foreign thoughts.


    The unsightly boy who sat trembling in the dark expanse of the cathedral hall was, unsure of what it even meant to be human. After that dreadful experience 11 years ago, Kreed had given up on all his desire, dreams and aspirations.


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    Yet he survived.


    The dreadful curse and repulsive poison still covered the island, obstructing any light that hoped to reach its land. It''s thick cloudy embrace like a cacophony of dark unnerving shadows.


    Kreed had long grown immune to the effects of the goulish creature''s curse.


    How so he did not know. Yet he lived on as if fated to live a life of torment and agony without relief of any kind.


    But now he had finally found hope.


    But why was he trembling? He had read the last rune, yet he struggled to comprehend it''s meaning.


    Not because he couldn''t read the language depicted in the harrowing stones or because his brain was in a state of utter shambles.


    But simply because he didn''t want to. At least not yet.


    Kreed knew that if he continued with his current task it could lead to his death. And although Kreed wished to die desperately, he also grew attached to a single feeling, in life.


    The feeling of victory, to Kreed this was his sweetest possession. And survival was the greatest victory of them all.


    But Kreed couldn''t help but shiver as the thoughts of the previous runes he read assaulted his already broken mind.


    The things he learned, seemed nothing short of a fairytale. But Kreed wasn''t fooled although digesting and believing the information was a little troublesome, Kreed knew that every word he read was true.


    Most likely because he, once saw a taciturn demon like creature himself and didn''t find it hard to imagine more harrowing and repulsive beings. But mainly because everytime he focused on the words in his mind a crushing barrier of unspeakable invisible force would raid his mind making him forget his already scattered thoughts.


    So Kreed just sat there in the dark chilling room reading the last tablet over and over again.


    Then it was time.


    Hugging his legs tighter Kreed thought.


    ''lets get this over with, I haven''t eaten in 7 days. At this point I might really die from starvation.''


    Then everything changed!


    As Kreed read the runes aloud, the dark atmosphere in the cathedral hall, shifted. Becoming more Erie with each word.


    ...And then it opened.


    The runes ignited, with a blue hue of incandescent light.


    The hall seemed to be enveloped in a dark mist of smoke.


    Then he heard it


    [ "Kneel child, you are in the presence of ".. Unknown.."]


    The voice resounded throughout the hall, making Kreed shiver. Instantly he was forced to the ground the bench beneath him cracking from the speed of the untold energy. His already fragile bones groaned from the impact.


    Then there was silence. Kreed struggled to raise his head, straining his eyes to pierce the surrounding hall.


    ''What had just happened? Is their someone behind me? Wait no, the force assaulted me from all angles, why did it do that. Wait the voice I heard what is that? It sounded close and distant at the same time, crude and melodic, almost as if it didn''t exist, or rather wasn''t meant to. ''


    Kreed''s mind was in disarray, many thoughts flowed through it at once. Each greater and more dire than the other.


    ''wait, when it spoke It mentioned a being.


    The "unknown" what was it?''


    Of course Kreed knew the answer, based on what he read in the runes. What the voice referred to as "unknown" was a being so great that the voice itself couldn''t comprehend it''s existence, so why could he?


    ''wait... the voice, it said, I was in it''s presence''


    Shifting his gaze Kreed studied the hall, he felt it something had indeed changed in the hall.


    But what? Scanning the room Kreed tried desperately to figure it out.


    Of course the room remained the same, but now it was illuminated by the blue lights of the runes. The bench on which he sat only a few seconds ago was crushed and dismantled by the unknown force which had assaulted him yet that wasn''t it.


    Focusing it finally became evident,... it was the darkness. The once Erie and murky darkness, was now different somehow. It felt pure as if even the bold glare of the sun''s rays wouldn''t be able to pierce it. Even kreeds eyes which had grown able to see even in the darkest of caves, couldn''t see more than a couple of meters from his position on the ground.


    As he thought about this, the darkness moved swirling around him and the runes like a twisted dance of forgotten memories. Each symbol etched into the ancient stones seemed to whisper secrets from a time long lost. The air became heavy with the weight of history, and an otherworldly energy pulsed through the room, drawing him deeper into the mystical embrace of the runes. As the darkness continued its enchanting waltz, he felt a connection to the arcane, a doorway opening to realms untouched by mortal hands.


    Then it sounded ''acho'' Kreed drew his gaze to the sound as fast as he could. What he saw doh left him utterly speechless.


    Infront of him sitting on the glowing runes was a figure. The figure wiped his nose and then looked at Kreed. His eyes were vast and transparent. They held memories of an eternity, leaving them filled with countless dark incomprehensible emotions. The figure looked human like yet it''s portions were all wrong, it was as if it wanted to mimic the human body but failed terribly. No it was as if humans were a replica of this said creature.


    The creatures features were stalwart and almost majestic. His skin was shrouded by black flames of darkness, giving of a feeling of utter terror and perfectness. There were countless things about the creature that couldn''t be described with words. One such anomaly being that Kreed couldn''t seem to comprehend the height or gender of the creature. Kreed could see the creatures eyes and face yet they seemed to shift and change


    with evey second. The creatures presence was overwhelming and calming at the same time.


    Then it spoke.

 chapter 3 The Unknown

    "Hmm, how interesting."


    Instantly Kreed felt at peace, the voice escaping from the creatures lips was unlike anything he had heard before. Kreed struggled to not succumb to the alluring call the voice seemed to permiate.


    Unlike the voice that spoke before this one wasn''t, artificial or drowned with the pretence of being non-existent. Instead the voice coming from the radiant figure silhouetted with unbearable darkness sounded. Omniscient... That was the only word Kreed knew that could be used to describe such a creature.


    "Say, child it is indeed, interesting that you would choose to call upon me."


    Kreed froze, with every word that escaped it''s lips he felt more and more drawn to the creature. If this continued, Kreed''s already fractured mind would without a doubt collapse on itself.


    "Hmmm, I see."


    With those words the world moved. Kreed didn''t know what had happened but he could now feel his legs again. For a brief second his mind was flooded with questions, instinctively Kreed forced himself to focus on the majestic creature sitting on the runes once again.


    Now however, all it''s immaculate presence and vigor was gone instead a radiant being with long black hair took it''s place. The creature was still shrouded in the embrace of the unnerving darkness. But now it seemed more.... more Human, well as human as it could get.


    The creature spoke once more breaking the silence.


    "There, that should be enough. Say child what do you seek, ask of me and I will deliver."


    As Kreed listened, we realized what had happened. The being was to divine for him to speak freely so he, changed. Now although the voice coming from the being was unlike anything a human could create it was somehow bearable.


    But Kreed wasn''t to focused on the creatures voice, after understanding that it meant no harm Kreed could now focus on the more astonishing things that had changed.


    Firstly there was his body, strangely Kreed could move once again. It was as if the creature had healed him.


    But Kreed wasn''t fooled. He had not been. Healed no Instead the creature seemed to have reversed his battered body back to the state it was in before the crushing force of the first voice assaulted him.


    After he was thrown to the ground his bones were broken in a fit of terror his bruised skin became mangeled and dented from the impact. But now he was back to being just bruised and poisoned.


    Feeling hesitant Kreed slowly pushed himself of the ground and sat up leaning on the broken bench he had once sat on.


    The creature didn''t move but, stared at him with the most genuine of curiosity.


    Finally Kreed spoke.


    "Why, why am I alive?"


    His voice echoed throughout the room it sounded raspy and Ridgid. It was as if there was something vile and disgusting stuck in his throat. Of course even Kreed could tell that he sounded utterly repulsive. Yet the creature didn''t seem to care or it was probably used to hearing such vile things and couldn''t help but pity the beings that wasn''t born with a majestic voice such as his own.


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    No, instead the creature seemed bewildered by the question. Indeed it was a strange question.


    But Kreed felt that if anyone knew the answer the being sitting on the runes Infront of him would.


    For a second the darkness seemed to become chilling and then it spoke.


    "Why are you alive? That''s very simple, is it not.


    Because you are blessed. Life is a rare commodity, you are fortunate to possess it. Death only comes when one abandons life. And life only comes when one finds purpose."


    These words were simple but seemed to hold vast, and greater meaning.


    The creature moved making Kreed flinch.


    It scratched the back of it''s head then said.


    "This is extremely unexpected, although I know it all who would have know you would be this strange."


    It tilted it''s head then spoke once more.


    "Although I answered your question, I doubt that the answer was satisfactory. To tell the truth answering said question in your case would take a while, so instead how about I show you?"


    The creature raised his hand and gestured to Kreed as if asking for his permission.


    Kreed silently shook his head.


    Not a second later his vision blurred and his mind collapsed.


    Then his head was jerked up in a violent fit, his eyes regained a semblance of consciousness. And, as he came to, the creature said.


    "Do you understand now? Am afraid that is all I can give you with how fragile your mind currently is."


    Kreed''s eyes widened absorbing all the information that entered his mind moments ago. It was a lot, Kreed was overwhelmed. But he strained himself to stay awake. Turning back to the creature Kreed asked.


    "Wh-who ar.. no, what are you?"


    The creature studied Kreed for a bit then smiled.


    "Now that''s more of the question I was expecting. Hmm, what am I? Now what would be a satisfactory answer for you?"


    The being grasped the runes with his hand and In one swift and melodic movement pushed himself to the ground. It landed softly several meters away from where Kreed sat leaning on the broken cathedral bench. Raising a finger to touch the center of his forehead it said.


    "I am boundless"


    It''s voice resounded throughout the hall, this time it didn''t sound calm and enticing as before, no although it sounded the same the tone was...bold, uncaring and almost scary.


    Instantly Kreed was overcomed by a primal desire to do nothing but run. But he couldn''t, not because he was incapable of doing so, no rather it was because his body was frozen. Although his intuition was screaming for him to flee his body was bound, and unmoving.


    Kreed knew that even if he managed to move he couldn''t outrun the creature. But he couldn''t help but try to succumb to the desire of escaping. But he also felt that somewhere deep in his mind the creature wouldn''t attack him.


    There was another feeling deep in his mind aswell, the feeling of utter relief, he had wanted to die after all and now he finally could.


    But before he could make a decision of fleeing, the creature spoke once more.


    "I am also,... just, courageous and a man of great virtue''s."


    The voice was back to it''s calm and enticing form, almost as if it had never change.


    Kreed sat there motionlessly staring at the creature.


    "Now am sure the package of information I gave you was more than enough to answer any lingering question you may have. So how about we change the topic for a bit?"


    The creatures gaze became almost unpronounced.


    "You seem to be quite the strange character, ...tell me child, along with the information yo just inherited, how much do you really know?"


    The creature became joyous, almost as if it was happy to discover Kreed''s existence.


    Kreed was silent, an expression of bewilderment appearing on his face.


    After a while he asked.


    "B-but don''t you know? No, what I mean is, you, you can read my mind can''t you? So surely you know, how much I, know, right?"


    The creature grinned, as it''s eyes became even more captivating. Kreed felt, calm. But he couldn''t shake the feeling of terror. After all he had just spoken back to a creature who''s true form was too much for Kreed to handle. No if the creature could change it''s very being, who could tell what it''s true form was? And Kreed had just, disrespected that very being.


    However wether by luck or not the creature didn''t seem to bother with his rude remark, it seemed more surprised at Kreed''s reply. Perhaps he expected Kreed to actually answer his question.


    But Kreed didn''t care, neither about the information he had gathered from reading the runes or the strange package of knowledge he had just received. No all Kreed cared about was himself, his current situation was the most important thing to him.


    The creature chuckled.


    "How, very interesting. I guess you''re right. I already know everything about you. What you are thinking, all that you''ve gone through. And everything you hope to and will accomplish."


    It paused


    "But child, you don''t seem to know much of what matters do you?"


    After hearing these words, Kreed stoped moving completely, did he hear that correctly?


    If the creature knew of his past, surely it would know just how much pain and suffering Kreed had been through. So why was it so nonchalant.


    Instantly Kreed''s heart was filled with hatred, unmistakable and dangerous hatred. It took a lot out of him to maintain this profound emotion, as every second, the creatures presence seemed to calm him down.


    Trying to insult the creature Kreed blurted


    "And would you mind telling me what matters?"


    Just as the words escaped his lips, all the hatred in his heart was drowned out by the feeling of regret. But what was done was done.


    The creature smiled, looking at Kreed with indifferent eyes. Suddenly it said. "As you wish"


    Then it churned, the room in which Kreed sat leaning against the broken bench was no more, the shimmering runes that rested behind the being of immaculate radiance wa


    s gone, the darkness engrossing the cathedral hall was gone aswell, the cathedral hall it self disappeared! Gone as if it had never existed.

 chapter 4 New land with a large Tree

    Kreed found himself, in a rather similar position. He was seated just as he had been before, except his entire environment had changed. The broken bench was replaced with the thick bark of an enormous tree, Kreed was seated on one of the giant branches of the tree.


    From where Kreed was sitting he could see quite a lot the branch beneath him was as wide as the lecture hall he had once suffered in severely. He judged it to be at least 20 meters wide. From his view the branch was curved precarious, leaning outward. The bark of the tree itself was completely onyx, radiating the same immense pressure Kreed could feel when looking into the creatures eyes. Be it to a way lesser degree.


    The branch broke of into several smaller counterparts blocking Kreed''s view completely.


    However there was an opening directly Infront of him, leading from the branch he was perched on. Standing in that opening was the creature.


    It was surrounded by white leaves that sparkled ominously. It contrasted beautifully with the onyx bark of the gigantic tree. It look almost surreal and perfect as if it had been alive for over a millennium. No it seemed to transcend the concept of time itself.


    The leaves parted as it creature moved amidst them. This time it look different, again. It changed it''s appearance from that of a human like being with black hair to an almost unnerving beast. Kreed struggled to find the suitable words to describe it. It had 4 human like hands, each ending In a pair of claws and talons. It''s back which was turned to Kreed had 4 large wings that resembled that of a eagle, they were tucked comfortably on it''s back. From what Kreed could see it''s feet were that of kangaroo or the hind legs of a deer.


    Of course Kreed only knew what, a kangaroo, eagle and deer was, because of the books he managed to collect and read after adapting to the deadly poison that covered the island.


    The creature presence was similar to how it was before however the immaculate darkness tha surrounded him was now gone. Replaced completely by the faint glimmer that the white leaves emanated.


    The creature shifted slightly before saying.


    "Come here, child"


    It sounded as clam as ever. Still struggling to comprehend and digest his situation. Kreed got up grabbing onto the bark of the onyx tree for support. As he stood up, he focused on using his legs, staggering to the edge of the branch where the creature stood. Although his bones weren''t broken, he was still malnourished and poisoned. It pained him more and more with each step.


    Upon reaching the intersection in the branches where the creature stood. He stopped, completely frozen from the sight Infront of him.


    Moving to stand side by side with the creature, Kreed let out a horse chuckle. He was standing on the onyx branch of a tree hundreds of meters from the ground. Below him Kreed could see an enormous river leading from the base of the tree. The river stretched fort separating into 4 rivers that each were as large as it''s source. They split apart moving into all directions.


    The land although distant looked rich and fertile. It exuded purity of the highest form.


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    Although the scene before Kreed was stunning and inconceivable. Kreed was more taken aback by something else. Staring into the vast expanse of the sky Kreed''s eyes were filled with complete satisfaction and pleasure. He was staring at the sun intensely. Who would have thought that after all he had been through, that after 10 long years Kreed would finally get to experience the sun''s amazing radiance once more.


    A feeling of awe and hope ignited within his heart. The creature before him had just giving him his greatest desire without even breaking a sweat. He finally understood, what the being meant. To the creature Kreed, his problems and his concerns were the simplest of matters.


    ''wait, so that''s what it meant. But then what matters could be so important to desire such a creatures attention?'' Kreed thought.


    Turning to look at the creature, Kreed finally noticed it''s face and other features from the front.


    It was unlike anything Kreed had seen before.


    The chest of the being was contorted. Strangest bulges could be seen scattered across it in no particular order. The skin of the creature looked as rough as asphalt but exuded a profound dominance, unlike anything Kreed had ever felt. The creatures head resembled that of a lion. His gorgeous and intricate mane, covered his neck and a larger portion of his chest.


    There were two large fangs escaping from the creatures jaw, they looked as white and pristine as the leaves that grew from the gigantic tree.


    The creatures eyes, were more or less the same, Its eyes, vast and transparent, held the weight of countless ages and untold experiences. Each glance conveyed memories of an eternity, leaving them filled with dark and incomprehensible emotions. The eyes seemed to shift and change with every passing second, a window into the enigmatic depths of a timeless existence.


    Kreed tried fruitlessly to determine the age, gender and height of the being, But despite it''s change in form these key traits remained the same.


    After noting a few more details of the creatures appearance Kreed asked.


    "Um, where are we?"


    The creature remained silent for a while staring into the great expanse of the land below.


    "Where we are, isn''t of importance." Turning to look at Kreed it raised one of it''s four arms, touching Kreed on the chest with it''s respective claws.


    "You wished to know what matter''s, do you not? Then allow me to enlighten you, my child."


    Kreed shivered sightly as the creature outstretched another of it''s arms to gesture at the giant river that escaped from the base of the giant tree.


    "Long ago, I gave this very land to my children. For a while they lived happily, enjoying the magnificence of this great land. Yet, in the end, I was betrayed. Time and time after that I choose to believe and trust in my children, after all what else can a father do but, correct his offspring when they falter. Yet my children, continued to find ways of growing more and more defiant. I decided to let my children grow up, always allowing them to choose their path.


    Strangely the battle between the gods and daemons, began as a result of these very actions. This planet, know as Sihe-Rimaz, was created by the alliance of a million plus gods.


    After it''s creation, a link to the other planets under the jurisdiction of the gods was formed. Resulting in the creation of ''Asterion'' the voice of the mind. It was used as a way to strengthen the bond between the gods and there followers." The mighty creature paused turning to Kreed with a captivating smile. It looked rather strange coming from a beast who''s mane covered it''s entire chin.


    "The bond of ''Asterion'' allowed for mortals to ascend into the realm of divinity. But to every action there''s an equal and opposite reaction.


    Hence ''irregulars'' came to be. Anything or anyone can become an irregular as long as they defy the law of the universe in some way. Yet some irregulars are more dangerous than others." Shifting it''s gaze back to Kreed it continued.


    "You my child are one such irregular."


    "You are unlike anything I''ve seen before, for a human child like your self. Your ability to control every cell in your body, is unheard of. Yet since your brain lacks it''s ''ANS'' more strain is placed their. Making every thought that you have equal to a heavy burden. Even now you struggle to think clearly. Because of that flaw you need sufficient rest and more food than the usual human. But living on that island for 10 years you never managed to find enough food to satisfy you unending hunger."


    A frown appeared on the lion-like beast face


    "I truly pity you my child, yet you called to me in your darkest moment. Now... Answer me this what is it that you seek?"


    After hearing the creatures explanation Kreed couldn''t help but feel cold. He would need to go over everything he learnt. Kreed knew that he was different to other humans but not to that degree.


    There was also the fact that the creature wanted to know what Kreed wanted.


    '' what I want. How should I know. Ive already seen the sun, but what happens when I return? Will I return? No... What I want is to be healed. To get of the cursed island. I want to meet humas again. What I seek the most is freedom.''


    As if reading his thoughts the creature spoke once more.


    "Freedom, is the greatest gift yet the most destructive of curses. I am afraid this is the only wish that I cannot grant. At least not to the extent that you want it."


    Turning


    to the tree the creature continued.


    "However I can give you something much, better."

 chapter 5 Unknowns Gifts

    The creature reached into the leaves with one of it''s four arms, soon after its hand receded and in its grip was a fruit. It looked incandescent and almost transparent. The flesh beneath its skin churned and shifted from a white radiance similar to that of the leaves, to a black pungent aura of onyx. The fruit looked small, but Kreed knew that this was only an illusion, since it was grasped in the large claws of the creature. Its presence was almost undetectable. It felt no different than that of a normal fruit. Yet its sight was chilling and mysterious.


    The creature handed Kreed the fruit and instantly, his body convulsed. His mind was restored and his soul repaired itself. Kreed was shaken to the core.


    A second later Kreed could move and feel his body, unlike he had ever been able to before. The only thing that reminded him of his past pain was the gripping hunger that tore at him from within.


    Kreed was dazed, the only thing that brought him back was the sounding of the voice from before.


    ["You have obtained a relic, Peach of existence"]


    The voice sounded as artificial as it had before, but this time it was emotionless.


    Kreed shuddered.


    "That my child, is the voice of the mind. ''Asterion''" exclaimed the creature.


    "I am afraid that once you''ve gained an incline of divinity, you will be able to hear the voice."


    Lifting it''s two top hands the creature spoke once more.


    "Since you''ve heard it, I should grant you ample status as such."


    Two beams of red radiant light hlashed from the base of the creatures claws. And in them two items appeared. In the left hand of the creature appeared a silver ball. It was rounder than Kreed could imagine. And in the other appeared two ebony coloured chains. They gave of a sense of pure and holy, authority.


    As the creature handed them to Kreed the fruit that he held disappeared with a flash. Only because his mind had been renewed and refreshed did he notice a single wisp of light entered his body. Noticing this Kreed couldn''t help but wonder how much he had missed.


    Kreed accepted the chain and silver ball just as he had with the fruit and just as he had expected the voice sounded once more.


    ["You have obtained a relic, sphere of the Boundless"]


    ["You have obtained a relic, chain of territory"]


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    The creature smiled as the objects disappeared once more breaking into a rain of sparks. Soon two similar wisp of light found there way into Kreed''s body.


    With a puzzled look on his face Kreed asked.


    "What happened? Did they fuse with me?"


    As if to answer the creature pointed to it''s heart.


    "Fuse? What a strange way of putting it. No rather they were attached to your soul. It''s an ability that all who hear ''Asterion''s'' voice possess. You can give and receive relics.


    Focus your mind and you should be able to feel your souls presence."


    Trying to confirm the creatures words Kreed, closed his eyes and tried to learn of any foreign existence which he had never felt before. Surely enough Kreed noticed something. It felt unique and uncharted. With the new clarity Kreed had received from the mysterious fruit, he tried grasping the feeling.


    He felt his mind, drift and as he came to he found himself in the midst of a great darkness. In it''s center was a single orb of bright, resounding light. It looked like a star in the dark expanse of the universe. Around the orb were three similar specks of light.


    "That is your soul." Said the creature. Kreed instinctively turned to look at the being once more. This time it appeared blurry, and none of it''s features seemed to be prominent in anyway. The only thing Kreed took note of was that the creature appeared in the form of a bird.


    It''s voice echoed throughout the dark expanse making Kreed shudder.


    "The three sparks of light surrounding your soul''s core are the relics you''ve obtained. If you call upon the relics you would gain a profound understanding of it''s function.


    Once again Kreed focused, calling upon one of the three relics.


    Soon one of the sparks circling the orb of light separated, descending upon Kreed. Soon runes of golden lettering appeared before him.


    Reading the runes they said.


    Relic: Peach of existence


    Relic type: item


    Rank: divine


    Grade: III


    Relic summary: The ''unknown'' planted a tree, and it bore fruit. The fruit became divine as it was blessed with life.


    Relic abilities: (life)(giver of health) (semblance of greatness)


    Relic abilities summary: (life: this fruit gives life.)


    (Giver of health: any mortal in the presence of this fruit will become whole, in mind body and spirit.)


    (Semblance of greatness: this fruit was picked from the great tree of life by the ''unknown'' and so it possess a portion of greatness.)


    Relic uses: this fruit can be eaten or stored, it will never decay as it possess life. But once eaten all it''s abilities will be lost or absorbed.


    Kreed read the runes, over four times trying to understand everything. Soon he felt that there was more to this than he had expected.


    Forcing himself to focus the golden runes Infront of him shifted, and then changed into different words.


    Name: Kreed Mallard


    Age: 15


    Sex: male


    Race: Human


    Alias: -


    Rank: -


    Form: Mundane


    Form fragments:- 0/100


    Relics: Peach of existence, sphere of the Boundless, chain of territory.


    Tamed: -


    Attributes: -


    Power:-


    As Kreed finished reading the runes the creature spoke once more.


    "Am afraid you will only receive your power and attributes when I leave. Hopefully you like your abilities." The creature paused


    "Do not fear my child, once you return and understand everything you''ve learned. You will find what you wish for."


    Suddenly Kreed asked, "how am I, supposed to address you?"


    The creature was silent for a while before answering. "You are to call me "the father of all"


    After a while it spoke."am afraid my time with you has diminished, although am sure you still have a lot of questions. You will need to find those answers on your own. I truly believe in you my child, ensure that you seek life and love.


    Those are the unbreakable rules after all."


    Suddenly Kreed''s perspective changed once more. As he exited the dark space only brighten by the radiant orb of ethereal light. He found himself on the branch of the giant tree for a split second, before being drowned by the familiar darkness that encamped the cathedral hall.


    The glowing runes dimmed and distorted Infront of him. Kreed took a second to adjust his eyes to pier through the darkness once more.


    Then the voice of ''asterion'' sounded in his mind once more.


    [You have been birthed.]


    [You have received an, Alias.]


    [You have gained an attribute.]


    [You have gained a power.]


    [You, Kreed Mallard has began his journey to ascension. You have came in contact with ''unknown'' and so you shall be called, Mister of conviction.]


    As Kreed came back to his senses, he found himself standing on the ruble and cracked floor of the cathedral hall.


    ''Well that went pretty well didn''t it? I definitely need to work on my communication ski


    lls. I guess spending 10 years alone really does mess with a person.'' Kreed thought as he started to walk to the entrance of the cathedral.

 chapter 6 Knowledge

    Creek


    The sound of a door could be heard throughout the building.


    Kreed entered a dark room, and turned on the light. The bulb above him flickered for a few seconds before it''s dim light captured the entire room.


    For a second Kreed stood still at the entrance of his room. He hadn''t been here in over a week, he had hoped dearly that the runes would be the thing that does him in but, now he had no idea of what to do next.


    Moving from the door. Kreed sat on a large bed covered in a black musky sheet. The bed was located in the left corner of the room.


    As Kreed sat there motionlessly, the feeling of comfort grasped his heart. Kreed collapsed on the bed looking at the dimly lit ceiling. His mind was full, although the pain that plagued his mind before was now gone. Kreed was still struggling to digest everything he had learned.


    Coming up with a simple method to understand everything Kreed started to recall everything he had learned.


    Firstly there was the runes. The runes he had spent an entire year trying to decipher.


    From what he gathered, the runes were a sort of benchmark made by, an unknown entity called, Caelan.


    Caelan, was a being, or creature that lived over 4000 years ago, according to the date making the runes.


    Caelan seemed to know a lot about the beings know as gods and demons.


    The runes he wrote described the, creation of the planet Sihe-Rimaz, the very planted Kreed was currently living on.


    It said that Over a millennium had passed since the great pact between the gods had been formed.


    It was an alliance the gods created to win the war of dominance against the demons and titans, And as a result over 100,000 gods came together to overthrow the demons.


    To solidify their alliance they created "Sihe-Rimaz" a completely new planet on which each god placed an equal amount of their eternal life force.


    Making this planet an entirely balanced and harmonious system of coordination.


    Of course Kreed had no way of knowing if what he read was true or not.


    But based on his prior experience, Kreed had no trouble believing in gods and demons.


    Kreed also added the package of knowledge he had received from the mysterious creature to the mix since some aspects between the runes and info was similar.


    For instance, the runes described how Sihe-Rimaz was created, by the gods placing a great power know as eternal life force together to birth the new planet.


    Similarly the creature''s knowledge described how the gods received such a power.


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    It said that their eternal lifeforce, was their most precious possession. It can only be gained through recognition and respect. Once a being transcends into the realm of the gods, they obtain lifeforce, which can increase or decrease based on their status and feats in the hierarchy of gods.


    Once a god''s life force surpasses a certain threshold they gain a rank that limits the amount of authority that god can exhibit.


    The order is as follow, bajo-end, medio-end, high-end, inordinate-end, and noble-end.


    In these ranks, there are gods of all kinds, historical grades, members of renowned families like Olympia, elemental grade, and even gods of concept and faithful Ascension.


    Linking that back to the runes, the 100,000 gods made Sihe-Rimaz as the ultimate pact and contract between the gods, as each God placed their life force they essentially sealed their fate and entire existence in the world of Sihe-Rimaz.


    There were a lot of inconsistencies in the information, either based on Kreed ability to understand and decipher the runes. Or because he had probably lost valuable information while trying to keep his mind intact.


    Because of this the rest of the runes, he remembered, told of a story.


    It said that After Sihe-Rimaz was completed and blessed by the gods, the yaw klim galaxy was created by the olybote Family of gods to go alongside Sihe-Rimaz and aid in its survival.


    This galaxy was much smaller compared to the others and only possessed one star at the center much like a solar system however this star was made by RA himself one of the very few inordinate end gods and the ruler of the cattle of Ra Family capable of crushing an entire legion of demons with his authority alone.


    This star was hundreds of times larger and hotter than that of an average star. This star named Vega, Was centered in the galaxy and lit it up entirely, many of the noble grade gods also created planets to orbit Vega, These planets would be used as farms to further gather life force that would be used to battle against the demons. Making Sihe-Rimaz the only known planet in this galaxy to possess life.


    Soon after its creation news spread throughout the realms of gods, the underworld, purgatory, and the heavens, of the beginning of a great alliance between the hundred thousands of gods.


    Consequently so this forced the demons and titans into taking a rather dangerous step to equal the playing field.


    Damien one of the 20 demon kings ranked tres in their order, decided to release his entire battalion Of demons including 5 of his high-end disciples, too meqca one of the heavenly realms to destroy it and reck havoc and for the first time in 300 years the demons had an advantage in the battle. however this came at a great cost as one of the most valuable asset to the demons, Damien had acted on his own accord and lost over 13 billion demons in the process while also using his demonic energy and force to back up his disciples.


    Because of this Damien who was crowned as the third strongest demon king lost most of his powers and abilities making him no stronger than a 1st order bishop or a executioner.


    Because of this Damien traveled to Inote a country in purgatory completely isolating himself from the rest of the realms and world''s to train ang re-gain the life force and power he lost in the battle.


    However Because of Damien''s unexpected attack the demons were able to access the galaxy of yaw klim and make a bridge from Sihe-Rimaz to the underworld. Allowing them to use their eternal life force and spread their dark energy throughout a part of Sihe-Rimaz, disrupting the perfect balance and harmony the gods sacrificed much to achieve.


    Learning of this news the God''s took a risky step to balance the playing field, by requesting of Tera the Goddess of the land to use her life force to bless the land of Sihe-Rimaz and isolate the demons completely. Luckily Tera accept this deal and moved fast enough to cut of the demons life force from spreading any further and corrupting more of the land.


    A wall was then built around this place, and this incident would be known as the great purge. As the war was finally rallying up heat, the Gods were trying their best to counter the demons, and after the entire alliance had been completed they seemed to be the ones that Would emerge victorious in this feud.


    Unbenounced to them the demons had also formed a similar alliance, now that Damian had disappeared the Seven Deadly Sins finally accepted to assist the demons and titans. Vagerfij a former iron mage, blacksmith of the Oni Pegasus squad and Hifien a bajo-end God who was onced ranked 13 in the field of strategist among all the God''s. Both joined the demons increasing their chances of victory by an extreme amount.


    To Kreed the story, looked almost perfect. But he had one simple question.


    If all he knew was real, then how did Caelan obtain such information. He was a mortal was he not? How could a mortal create such powerful runes with the ability to meet with someone''s mind? The more he thought about it the less it made sense.


    Perhaps the gods could descend upon the land. But, no... From the mysterious creature info that couldn''t be possible.


    There were three rules, made by the gods.


    The order of the righteous 7 or the council of the 7 righteous gods, the same gods who suggest the idea of an alliance being formed as well as being some of the very few inordinate and Nobel end Gods, decide to implement 3 rules which the gods had to follow when joining the alliance.


    1. Gods aren''t allowed to interfere with their possessions once they place them in the world of Sihe-Rimaz. (for reference if the god of the Acites, tiny creatures with 4 arms capable of devouring an entire three with nothing but their jaws. Placed them on Sihe-Rimaz he wouldn''t be able to interact with them and they would need to grow and change on their own)


    2. The gods are to provide support to each other to destroy the demons and titans, once they join the alliance.


    3. Although Gods may have internal conflicts and rivals with each other none are to violate the alliance by destroying each others kin and essence.


    These three laws were ultimate and divine punishment would be given to any god who violates these.


    So how could Caelan obtain such a great ability. The


    answer was simple, he either had help in creating it or he managed to transcend into divinity.

 Chapter 7 Opening The Unknowns Gifts

    Chapter 7 Opening The Unknown''s Gifts


    Based on what Kreed remembered from, his history teacher years ago, it was said that the highest anyone had ever managed to reach, was hero.


    As described by the legend of the 13 heroes of the great war.


    Kreed couldn''t remember the legend completely, but it is said that over 100 years ago, the continent of Pangea was evaded by a herd of monsters and beasts. The continent was on the verge of collapse.


    However 13 animatic characters emerged from the chaos, welding the power of the gods. They fought with their lives on the line. Alongside their cohorts and companions.


    Many, perished and many met a fate worse than death.


    However the 13 heroes prevailed. Their leader, the great hero known as Arcanum, died sacrificing himself to destroy the Descended Behemoth known as Abyssal Jailer.


    After the great battle the remaining heros,


    Returned to a wonderful parade in their favor.


    Although they were the strongest beings ever that ever lived on the planet. They died with out, ascending to godhood.


    Of course this is all a legend so Kreed was in no rush to believe anything.


    But along with the legend came a lot of information on how beings ascend or became stronger.


    Firstly there are two main ways a creature can grow. The first is the path of ascension the other is the path to corruption. In both these paths there are seven known steps.


    For corruption the ranks are as follows from the lowest step to the highest:


    Emanated- also called released.


    Stagnant- also called Archaic or Advanced.


    Stulified- also called corrupted.


    Descend


    Chained


    Vanquished- also called Devil


    Timid- also called irresolute.


    For ascension, the path also follows a similar route although the names used seem to be the complete opposite to that of corruption.


    Birthed


    Evolved


    Enlightened


    Ascended


    Unchained


    Conquered-also called heros.


    Valiant- also called courageous.


    These ranks are meant to be equal in status.


    Although every being has a different power they, should exhibit a balanced nature. The main defector to this scale is class.


    Just like a being can increase in rank, class is also the same. However class doesn''t affect the beings power or authority, instead it affects their body, their soul and their mind.


    For reference, a Birthed mundane and a birthed scaleless although they exhibit the same amount of power and authority, the scaleless will still be stronger because it''s class is higher.


    Added to this is the fact that with every increase in rank and class the gap between them grows indefinitely.


    Kreed pondered for a bit.


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    After a while he slowly pushed himself of of his bed.


    With heavy footsteps, Kreed headed to a short well polished desk in the right corner of the room. The desk sat motionlessly it''s shadow changing with the flickering light.


    Sitting on the wooden chair that accompanied the desk, Kreed opened it''s top draw pulling out a rusty brass key.


    ''Hmm, all the information I''ve received is practically irrelevant. I have no intention of learning more about these gods and demons.


    However I am pretty excited to see what new toys I''ve received.


    Trying to recall the feeling of absolute focus, Kreed thought about summoning the relic. Soon the incandescent fruit appeared in his hand once more.


    As it became whole the presence of the room shifted, it was almost unnoticeable, but already dim light, seemed to grow dimmer in it''s presence.


    Seeing the fruit again Kreed shivered. His body had been fully healed by it, yet the pang of hunger he felt was as evident as before.


    If anything the fruit looked rather appealing, but Kreed was still wary. The fruit was almost transparent and beautiful yet it didn''t tempted or try to force it''s owner to eat it.


    It was probably because of it''s condition.


    Summoning the runes describing the fruit once again Kreed read.


    Relic: Peach of existence


    Relic type: item


    Rank: divine


    Grade: III


    Relic summary: The ''unknown'' planted a tree, and it bore fruit. The fruit became divine as it was blessed with life.


    Relic abilities: (life)(giver of health) (semblance of greatness)


    Relic abilities summary: (life: this fruit gives life.)


    (Giver of health: any mortal in the presence of this fruit will become whole, in mind, body and spirit.)


    (Semblance of greatness: this fruit was picked from the great tree of life by the ''unknown'' and so it possess a portion of greatness.)


    Relic uses: this fruit can be eaten or stored, it will never decay as it possess life. But once eaten all it''s abilities will be lost or absorbed.


    ''Right, it''s a basic gamble, I could either gain or lose from eating it. However there''s a solid reason not to.


    Although the abilities (life) and (semblance of greatness) seem to be active abilities. And will only work once the fruit is eaten. The ability (giver of health) is a passive one and it seems to be capable of healing any injuries.


    It may also be able to heal the injuries of those around me.


    ''ha, what are the chances that my first relic is of the divine rank.


    Based on what Kreed knew there was also 7 ranks for relics increasing in power and utility the higher the rank.


    The rank goes as follows


    Bronze


    Silver


    Gold


    Platinum


    Profane


    Centered


    Divine


    Alongside ranks are also 7 grades. The grades determine how much abilities a relic would receive.


    For instance the Peach of existence, is a divine relic with a III grade. And so it possesses 3 abilities.


    Kreed sat, in his chair observing the fruit for a while before dismissing it. Soon another item started to weave itself out of wisps of light, protruding from Kreed''s body.


    After a second a silver ball, manifested in Kreed''s hand. With it were a string of golden runes.


    Relic: Sphere of the boundless


    Relic type: divice


    Rank: divine


    ''wait what? Another divine ranked relic. Just how powerful was the creature I just met?''


    Continuing to read, Kreed focused.


    Grade: III


    Relic summary: The sphere was born of silver, it was imbued with the mass of 1000 mountains, yet it''s holy properties held through out the ages. It possesses the purist of silver, being born of the heavenly city.


    Relic abilities: (...)(Compelling weight) ( pure silver)


    Relic abilities summary: (....: This ability is restricted.)


    (Compelling weight: This sphere holds the weight of a 1000 mountains.)


    (Pure silver: The purity of this sphere is unmatched.)


    Relic uses: This sphere holds the weight of 1000 mountains, it can only be lifted by its owner. Once placed down it resumes it''s natural weight.


    The pure silver, can be used to craft artifacts, but only if you are capable of melting it.


    ''Huh? Is that really a divine ranked relic? And what does it mean This ability is restricted?''


    Kreed sighed before summoning the runes describing the peach of existence.


    '' I see, with it''s abilities, it is worthy of the divine rank. Am not sure what the ability (life) means but it sounds incredible. However this sphere. All it has is (weight) and (pure silver.) Do I get a divine weapon if I make a sword out of it? And what about the name? It is called sphere of boundless, yet it only carries the weight of 1000 mountains? For some reason I feel like there''s more to this.''


    Dismissing the sphere, Kreed studied the runes for a bit more before summoning his final relic. as the two ebony coloured chains manifested they wrapped around Kreed''s outstretched hand.


    Just as he had done before Kreed summoned the runes once more.


    Soon another panel of golden letters floated in Kreed''s vision alongside the other two runes.


    Starting to read Kreed''s gaze immediately jotted to the rank, however perhaps he had been to excited.


    The runes read.


    Relic: chain of territory.


    Relic type: Divice


    Rank: profound


    Grade: VI


    Relic summary: After Gabriel returned home, he sold his feathers. The feathers were battered and damaged yet, Veilus bought it without hesitation. Using the feathers of the great Gabriel, Veilus made two chains, the chains we''re almost useless to veilus doh so he sold it for something greater. Scamming Gabriel in the process.


    Relic abilities: (Home)(Simple domain)(Call for invitation)(Guest)(Host)(Visitor)


    Relic abilities summary: (Home: one chain can mark a territory as your home)


    (Simple domain: Your territory increases with your power)


    (Call for invitation: You can invite a being of divinity to your territory.)


    (Guest: if someone is a guest in your territory, they are to abided, by your rules.)


    (Host: If someone is a guest in your territory, you are to treat them with the best of etiquette.


    (Visitor: the second chain can be placed at another location, and used to return to your territory without hindrance.


    Relic uses: this relic can be used to host meetings, banquets or battles. Although you cannot harm your guests they are to obey your, rules without fault. An invitation can be sent to any being once their name, whereabouts and appearance is known. You can travel from and to your territory once the second chain is placed.


    A profound relic. It wasn''t a bad find, rather Kreed was lucky to be In possession of a profound relic, a grade 6 one at that. No his luck was simply unheard of he also possessed not one but two grade 3 divine relics. That was simply impossible.


    Yet Kreed had them all.


    Although the abilities the divine relics possessed were beyond anything Kreed could imagine. He was more excited about the the Chain of territory. After all its abilities were perfectly tailored for his method of survival.


    However Kreed was most excited for its ability to invite any being who''s name, location and appeared he knew. That included divine beings as well. Perhaps he could meet the strange creature known as "the father of all" once again.


    But for now he would have to be content and have a little fun with his new toys.


    However all of that would


    need to wait, firstly Kreed needed something to eat. He had spent an entire week focused on the runes, that he had forgotten to eat completely. Well not like he had anything tasty anyways.

 chapter 8 Meister of Conviction

    Leaving the room, Kreed released the runes in front of him. The only items that remained were the two ebony coloured chains that wrapped around his left hand. A rusty brass key was dangling from his right hand.


    Soon Kreed made his way through a dark ruined corridor.


    Kreed had cleaned and remade an entire unit of the dorm, the first room in which he had placed a bed, desk and chair; onced belonged to his father. On this floor of the dorm there were over 20 rooms, 10 housing units including Kreed''s now claimed room. There was a massive, council hall, 4 private quarter''s that was probably used as a meeting place for teachers and researchers. There was a large cafeteria and two pantries. However directly down the hall from Kreed''s father''s room was two doors. One was a security room in which people would monitor the children on different floors.


    The other door lead to a storage room.


    Kreed reached the door and pushed it open. He didn''t use the rusty brass key to open it, Soo mystery still settled around it.


    Heading inside, Kreed was surrounded by rows of cupboards, the first few lay barren with empty boxes littering them.


    Kreed walked to the back of the room and opened an already torn box. In it were several packages. Kreed reached into the box removing a package.


    On it was marked two simple phrases,


    Exp.7.0...9y


    Chosu flavored


    This simple package was a simple delicacy called "Erations".


    Kreed had already eaten all the food from the cafeterias pantry, and Soo all he had now was this nutrient based package food. Of course it had long expired, but as far as Kreed could tell it tasted the same.


    Kreed was also tired of eating the same thing every day so he tried planting simple crops. However with the poisonous curse rampant throughout the island, all his efforts proved futile.


    Opening the package Kreed exited the room and headed for the kitchen. Soon he entered the open hall of the cafeteria, it was dark and glommy the little moon light that peirced the thick mist of poison, reflected of, off the glass panes separating the cafeteria from the outside. Soon Kreed found a simple button on the wall. Pressing it the hall was illuminated with a white hued radiance.


    As Kreed walked through the onces bloodied hall, he couldn''t help but remember the bodies of both children and adults that he had to remove. The hall was now empty with blood stains spanning the entire room.


    Soon he entered the kitchen.


    Opening a draw, Kreed pulled out a single orange crystal. It was the shade of a pumpkin, and it glistened as Kreed moved it through the air.


    Kreed had remodeled the kitchen entirely. Before there were stoves with burners, a grill and kettle.


    But now there was only the kettle left.


    The stoves were covered with a marble flat stone that served as a counter, and the open grill was made into a fire place.


    Kreed placed the orange crystal into the grill, forming coals around it. Turning around Kreed searched the top draw and found a simple flint and steel.


    With it''s help Kreed ignited the orange crystal which was ablaze a second later. Placing a metal fence obove the fire which was meant to serve as a grate Kreed then placed the kettle unto the fence.


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    Soon the water in the kettle was brought to a boil and Kreed poured some into the package he had retrieved.


    Soon stared at the amazing spectacle that he found oddly satisfying. The contents of the packet would break down becoming soft as the hot water mixed with it.


    Emptying the remaining contents of the kettle into a ceramic cup, Kreed flinched at it''s scent.


    The water he used was in no way clean, no far from it. But because of Kreeds weird resistance to the poison he found it at least useable.


    Soon Kreed placed a bag filled with dry tea leaves into the cup.


    After sweeting the tea with honey and ensuring


    That the contents of the package had softened, Kreed outed the fire with a bit of water and headed for an empty table in the center of the cafeteria. Well all the tables were empty but Kreed liked the middle table for what reason? He did not know.


    Soon Kreed placed a spoonful of the package food in his mouth.


    The taste was pleasant and relieving, it tasted starchy and bland, but it was filling to the gut.


    After a week of not, eating anything Kreed was beyond hungry. But he knew that there would be a chance of death if he devoured the food to fast, after all he had been in many similar situations before.


    So Kreed took his time savouring the Erations and sipping his tea.


    After filling his stomach, Kreed sat still for a while allowing the food to settle. Then on a full stomach Kreed summoned his status runes once more.


    They read.


    Name: Kreed Mallard


    Age: 15


    Sex: male


    Race: Human


    Alias: - Meister of conviction


    Alias summary-


    For fear is the greatest of sins, and the greatest of fears, is born from the unknown.


    For faith is the greatest of traits, and the greatest of faith, is born from the unknown.


    You have shown both the deepest of fears and the most unbreakable of faiths. Your conviction is admirable and deserving of the utmost respect.You are hailed as the "Meister of Conviction," embodying the paradox of fear and faith. Your journey reflects the deepest fears and unshakeable faith, earning you admiration and respect. As a meister, your skills and determination make you a symbol of unwavering commitment on the path you tread.


    ''hmm, what''s up with Asterion and being so poetic?''


    He continued.


    Rank: - Birthed


    Form: Mundane


    Form fragments:- 0/100


    Relics: Peach of existence, sphere of the Boundless, chain of territory.


    Tamed: -


    Attributes: - (Double sided)


    Attributes description:- (Double sided: you desperately wish for, death. Yet you struggle to survive. You are to decide which option outways the other.)


    Power:- (Added, clearance)


    Power description:- (Added, clearance: your mind is stronger and your thoughts are clearer.)


    ''What? What the hell? That''s it? F**king hell.


    All I got as a power is added, clearance? I mean it sounds incredible but, it''s name is literally it''s description.''


    Well this was a first, it had been quite a while since Kreed had been angry. Rather it had been a while since he showed any form of emotions.


    But now for some reason he was pissed.


    Well, that was a relief at least he knew that he could still feel. Well, perhaps there was a chance for him to experience other emotions Aswell love even.


    As Kreed read the runes once more, his anger built even more.


    Now he was even more pissed. His power was added clearance yet it didn''t clear his raging mind.


    ''what a shit, power.''


    Angrily Kreed dismissed the runes and thought about his achievements.


    Firstly he had been birthed, which meant he had, took the first step to Ascension.


    Now he had 6 steps left.


    Evolved


    Enlightened


    Ascended


    Unchained


    Conquered


    Valiant


    From what he knew people could take the second step by either accepting a challenge and beating it or traveling to Ester a planet orbiting Vega alongside Sihe-Rimaz.


    Either by using a continental warp or via dreams.


    Since this planet was created as a farm to generate life force by the gods, it didn''t possess any life on it.


    Instead there was creatures called wraiths made to be overcomed and defeated to channel and charge the planet with life force.


    All 13 of the greatest heros had either trained or been to Ester at some point in their life.


    Since the second step to Ascension was evolved, Ester was the best and easiest option.


    Firstly the gravity was completely different essentially forcing those who traveled to it to adapt or evolve to the changes.


    The same couldn''t be said about his form doh.


    Many people knew how to ascend but increasing in form wasn''t as researched as the latter.


    In fact, changing form seemed to change with evey person.


    And since Kreed had 0/100 form fragments he wasn''t worried about whether he would find the path to leveling up or not.


    All Kreed had to do now was somehow escape the island.


    He would need to blend in with the people he would meet.


    Although Kreed wasn''t to confident in his communication skills, he was more worried about his lack of knowledge.


    It had been 10 years since he had last heard about anything happening in his world.


    All he could go of was the information he had scavenged from all across the island.


    Yet Kreed wasn''t worried. Based on the map which he found, the island he was located on sat a couple hundred kilometers away from the nearest land mass. To its north was the continent of Oben And to it''s south the continent of Xeats from what Kreed knew both was fairly nice places.


    They were runned by creatures of different races but none seemed to possess any hatred towards humanity.


    Further more these creatures had absolute authority over the island, meaning that the chances of a demon or ferocious entity attacking was close to zero.


    The only logical problem Kreed had was, how he would travel from one place to the next.


    The island he was on had a couple of boats, and Kreed had studied all there manuals before. So he was sure he could at least start one. The problem was that all the boats were damaged when the gigantic abomination fel


    l.


    The navigation system was a total mess as well.


    Oh well he would have to come up with an idea one way or another.


    For now he had some relics to test out.

 chapter 9 Kreeds New Toys

    Kreed found himself sitting on a beautifully crafted wooden stool.


    Around him were a couple of tables all possessing little trinkets and artifacts.


    These were all the things Kreed had collected over the years from looting the island. Some trinkets could be used in a useful way, like the pumpkin colored crystal that could be used to make a fire easier, yet it never seemed to burn out or melt.


    Some trinkets Kreed was still clueless about their uses, and others he only gathered because they looked cool and expensive.


    On the largest table in front of him was the large horn of the creature that had broken of after being struck by the beam of light.


    There were countless cracks littering it''s surface and countless more running deeper inside.


    Kreed had done many test on the horn before but despite it''s mangled state, he couldn''t even leave a scratch on it.


    Now however things were different, firstly he had been birthed, and secondly he was pretty sure that even a horn like that one would have to bend or break under the weight of 1000 mountains.


    But before he could test that theory, he wanted to test the chain of territory.


    He removed the already summoned relic from his hand and separated the chains.


    They both looked identical.


    If Kreed''s guess was correct then he''d understand the workings of the relic better once he places one.


    Following this assumption Kreed placed one of the chains on a similar stool Infront of him.


    Soon after a string of runes appeared, before him.


    Relic ability: (Home)


    Relic ability summary: (Home: one chain can mark a territory as your home)


    (Would you like to mark this territory as your home?)


    ("Yes" "No")


    With nothing to lose Kreed choose an answer.


    ("Yes")


    [You have marked this territory as your home.]


    [Your home, has reached level 1 and will level up alongside it''s owner.]


    [You are able to invite any being to your home.


    Please set four unbreakable rules that your guests must follow. The rules dare not harm, or bring dishonor to your guests. Please choose your rules carefully, once all four are chosen they will be unable to change.]


    Kreed listened as the voice resounded within his mind.


    It seemed that there was a difference between the runes describing the relic and the explanation given by ''Asterion''.


    Either way with the new information Kreed had just received countless thoughts entered his mind.


    He had to make four rules that his guests would be unable to break. Although he couldn''t bring any harm to his guests that didn''t mean his guests couldn''t be used to create harm Instead.


    Then a simple plan formed in Kreed''s mind.


    ''Hm, I wonder if that would work. Let''s say someone was to enter my home, without an invitation would they be considered a guest?''


    For some reason Kreed doubted that.


    ''well let''s say I did invite someone since they can''t harm me and vice versa, can the invited harm others ?''


    It all seemed interesting. Kreed focused on the runes describing the chains ability once more.


    This time however they read.


    Relic ability: (Home)


    Relic ability summary: (Home: one chain can mark a territory as your home)


    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Relic level: 1/7


    Rules: please input rules that all guests should follow.


    1.


    2.


    3.


    4.


    ''Hmmm, I''ll figure that out later. For now let''s try out the other abilities of this relic.''


    Kreed focused his gave back to the runes describing the relics abilities.


    Relic abilities: (Home)(Simple domain)(Call for invitation)(Guest)(Host)(Visitor)


    Relic abilities summary: (Home: one chain can mark a territory as your home)


    (Simple domain: Your territory increases with your power)


    (Call for invitation: You can invite a being of divinity to your territory.)


    (Guest: if someone is a guest in your territory, they are to abided, by your rules.)


    (Host: If someone is a guest in your territory, you are to treat them with the best of etiquette.


    (Visitor: the second chain can be placed at another location, and used to return to your territory without hindrance.)


    ''i guess I''ll check out simple domain next.''


    Kreed focused on the ability and soon a string of runes appeared.


    Relic ability:(Simple domain)


    Relic abilitiy summary: (Simple domain: Your territory increases with your power)


    Relic ability use: your territory is currently 20 meters, in this domain you can think clearly and without disturbances. Your grows as you progress.


    ''hmm not bad. Am guessing it will increase in size and usefulness as I develop.''


    Kreed thought scratching his head.


    Based on what he understood, the room in which he currently was, had become his home.


    His home size would increase was he grew, probably if he took the second step to Ascension.


    He also noticed that after he placed the first chain down he was able to feel the presence of everything within his 20 meters of territory.


    Kreed had a slight feeling that if he grew his territory even more he would be able to do much more than just feel the presence of items in it.


    And whether because the relic was a of the profound rank or not all the lingering poison that had obstructed the room had vanished.


    The room was almost as spotless as the dark hall of the cathedral had been when the foreign being had entered it.


    Well Kreed still had four more abilities to go through.


    Summoning them one at a time they read.


    Relic abilitiy: (Call for invitation)


    Relic ability summary:(Call for invitation: You can invite a being of divinity to your territory.)


    Relic ability use: send an invitation to any being once their name appearance and whereabouts are known.


    *


    *


    Relic abilitiy:(Guest)


    Relic ability summary:(Guest: if someone is a guest in your territory, they are to abided, by your rules.)


    Relic ability use: once an invited accepts they are to follow your rules.


    *


    *


    Relic abilitiy: (Host)


    Relic ability summary:(Host: If someone is a guest in your territory, you are to treat them with the best of etiquette.)


    Relic ability use: You are to treat your guests with the utmost of courtesy, serve them with the best of the best. No harm should befall your guests, least you become responsible and ruin thy reputation.


    *


    *


    Relic abilitiy: (Visitor)


    Relic ability summary:(Visitor: the second chain can be placed at another location, and used to return to your territory without hindrance.)


    Relic ability use: place second chain for use.


    ''now isn''t that surprising? It''s more or less what I expected. However the perks are incredible.''


    To Kreed the opportunities that this presented was the best boon he could wish for, despite the fact that he couldn''t let harm come to his guests, he had a slight feeling that with a simple rule he could override that flaw.


    There was many advantages to this relic, firstly visitor that ability was simply incredible, he could basically teleport from where ever he had one chain to another. Although he would need to place both chains for it to work it was still incredible.


    It gave him a good chance to escape any kind of danger.


    There was quite a lot of questions as well, firstly since it was an invitation that he had to send did that mean that his target could possibly decline?


    And what about the ability invite anyone, or anything. The relic was only of the profound rank yet it could summon anything.


    Well that could explain how the animatic character of Caelan could obtain runes capable of summoning the being of utter terror, to which Kreed was witness.


    Kreed would need to establish his four rules and try to summon a being, but he still needed to think it over so he was in no rush.


    Instead now that he had finished with the first relic he could perhaps move to his more interested part of the day.


    But first he needed to check something.


    On the very table in front of him, that kept the horn of the gigantic creature, something had changed.


    The horn which was full of unattractive cracks had changed, it looked the same, but perhaps because the horn was in Kreed''s territory it had been cleaned alongside the room itself from the curse and poison of the vile beast.


    Kreed sat up and soon after stretched out his hand to touch the horn.


    He wanted to engage with it for the last time before it would break, under the weight of the silver ball.


    Or so he hoped, he wasn''t too confident doh.


    Kreed placed his palm on the horn, running his pale fingers across its battered surface.


    However the horn churned, shaking tremendously before Kreed.


    ["You have obtained a "hidden" relic, momento of Dallas"]


    Kreed immediately jerked his hand back, surprised by this altercation.


    The horn crumbled into sparks of light entering his body once more.


    For a couple of seconds Kreed sat trying to understand what had just occurred.


    Kreed knew a lot of things, including the fact that finding a hidden relic in this world was a completely rare experience.


    Yet he had obtained one, alongside two divine and one profound rank, relic on the same day. Was his ten years of bad luck shifting for the better?


    Based on what he knew a hidden relic was no different than any other relic, except they could be found instead of obtained from killing creatures.


    Had he possessed a hidden relic all these years? Did it only activate after Kreed had been birthed?


    Whatever the reason, now all Kreed''s plans to get satisfaction from breaking the horn, would be in vain.


    If he chose to destroy a hidden relic, then he would have to be completely crazy. Well he had long passed that line after all. But now he had a chance for even greater satisfaction, he could sell the hidden relic, and make the most money possible. Well that still depended on the relics rank.


    Summoning them he read.


    Relic: Momento of Dallas


    Relic type: item


    Rank: Gold


    Grade: III


    Relic summary: Dallas was a Noble and gifted soldier. And as the 16th apostle he devoted his life to spectre. One day Dallas learned of a rebellion within the apostles, being the just and righteous soldier that he was he stood with his leader, alongside some other loyal apostles.


    However Dallas learned that even his closet of friends, were much worse than his enemies.


    Dallas was banished to the underworld, suffering the deadliest of torments. Yet he stood strong waiting for his chance to be summoned. Yet when it came all that remained of Dallas was his broken body, cursed by the demon of plague.


    Relic abilities: (Tainted)(Tested Bone)(Dallas''s gift)


    Relic abilities summary: (Tainted: this horn has been tainted by the demon of plague. It is capable of cursing even the strongest of foes.)


    (Tested Bone: This horn is as strong as iron and will withstand unimaginable force.)


    (Dallas''s gift: Dallas was the 16th apostle and so he owned a large, castle, this horn was imbued with its finest of treasures.)


    Relic uses: this horn can, be broken down to forge great items, or weapons. It will take a master craftsman to break this horn.


    It can be used as a means to curse or poison foes.


    ''f**k, seriously? Firstly silver and now a horn? Why can''t I get a weapon? Is my fate leading me to become a craftsman?''


    Kreed was joyous and completely confused at the same time.


    Could he still try to break the horn now? He didn''t want to risk it.


    ''and what''s up with that Dallas guy? Was he the vile creature that had killed Everyone on the island?... F**ksake.''


    Now Kreed grew even more furious, not because he had now possessed a hidden relic that belonged to the creature responsible for his torment all these years, but because now things weren''t as clear as he thought.


    Based on the relics summary the demon of plague was the one who cursed Dallas. Now Kreed wasn''t sure who he should point his anger towards.


    ''you know what. I hate all of you, Dallas, the demon of plague and everyone who had been on the island.''


    To Kreed hating something was his way of knowing that he still possessed an ember of h


    umanity. So he welcomed hatred, the more the merrier.


    ''Dallas really is a fool''


    Soon Kreed was tearing up from laughter. It echoed throughout the room erasing the disturbing silence.


    "Hahaha, he... Yes,yes he really is foolish."

 Chapter 10 Kreeds Dilemma

    After Kreed thought about the new relic he had received a small plan began to form within his mind.


    Firstly he needed to get off the island as fast as possible. Not only because everyday he spent secluded was a day of more vital information he would have to learn.


    But because if he wanted to continue his path to ascension he needed, training and guidance.


    However there was a slight problem with this event.


    Based on his circumstances there was only two ways he could use to escape the island.


    Since the island was located between two continents there was a Pier that was located on the west coast of the island, many of the ships that had been docked there was used to evacuate both, the citizens and researchers on the island as well as the valuable objects that was located on the island.


    Now all that remained was partially destroyed ships, as well as small vessels.


    There was an even bigger problem with these small vessels.


    Although Kreed could use it to escape, They had all sustained damage from the curse placed upon the island, and because of the 10 years of being unused they were fairly rusted and deformed.


    Other than that the main problem was that they all had the logo of the organization printed on them. Some looked deformed and unnoticeable but Kreed didn''t doubt that they possessed some way of tracking the vessels.


    Further more assuming that Kreed could escape, he was certain that he would encounter a terrifying creature that could survive the creatures curse.


    Kreed knew 3 such abominations already, the sketch flies, that had went rampant throughout the bloody massacre 10 years ago.


    Silk taveds a type of insect that was being researched on, but after the destruction they mutated into horrifying predators that hunted the sketch flies.


    And the creature to keep them all in check was palers. Kreed didn''t know their actual names, but started to call them that due to their pale and almost transparent body.


    They looked like frogs and their tounges were as long as a metre.


    Surprisingly none of these abominations tried to harm Kreed. Well except for the sketch flies mistaken him for another dead body.


    For now at least, Kreed would need to fix and repair a ship, as well as decide which direction he would travel. Kreed would also need to prepare his means of defense, and protection.


    But all this would need to wait. All Kreed could think about was the much needed sleep he would finally be receiving.


    His mind and body was completely exhausted. Since the terrifying creature called Dallas, horn turned out to be a hidden relic, Kreed was left with nothing to do. But with much to think about.


    So following his intuition Kreed left the room littered with tables, filled with beautiful and alluring trinkets.


    And soon after found himself lying on the musky bed in his dark room.


    Kreed was absolutely exhausted and so, without much hindrance he fell asleep.


    *****


    Huff


    Huff


    Huff


    "Ahhh," grasping his chest Kreed awoke.


    He was In a uncanny state of panic. He was breathing heavily, almost to the point of panting. His body and the musky sheets under him was covered in cold sweat.


    ''what was that? A dream? No, no it was more of a nightmare.''


    Kreed struggled to get his thoughts straight. He had been awakened by a nightmare that plagued him. But, the worse part about it was that Kreed couldn''t remember it. Or anything that happened in this nightmare.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Feeling troubled Kreed got out of bed, and staggered towards the desk in his room.


    Filling a brown ceramic cup on his table, with fresh water that he had boiled long before. Kreed drank it greedily as he tried to control his trembling hands.


    Just what could he have dreamed of that could spook him so much? What ever it was Kreed had a strange feeling that it was coincidental.


    Perhaps he had dreamed of the strange creature from before? Or Dallas the dragon like creature that had been the cause of all his suffering? No that wasn''t important currently.


    Kreed would have enough time to think about that afterwards, now however he needed to create a plan. A solid plan of escape from the island. And trying to remember a dream wouldn''t be of any help.


    ****


    Sitting on the wooden stool, Kreed was surrounded by various trinkets and gadgets Once more. He was back in the same room where he had obtained his newest relic and placed the first chain of territory.


    The ebony coloured chains rested on a similar stool Infront of him. Summoning the runes Kreed searched for the section on it''s rules.


    Relic level: 1/7


    Rules: please input rules that all guests should follow.


    1.


    2.


    3.


    4.


    Thinking about it Kreed spoke.


    "Rule number one. All guest''s should respect and not harm the host."


    Although Kreed knew that no invited guest could do him harm, he still wasn''t convinced that a creature such as the one he had met in the cathedral hall was unable to break such a law, through whatever means. So his first rule was sort of like insurance that he couldn''t be in danger by his guests.


    "Rule number two. All guest''s are to offer a gift of suitable worth to me."


    This was also a calculated decision, based on what Kreed knew this rule didn''t violate any underlying conditions. And it would provide him with a constant flow of relics, or artifacts of suitable worth, based on who he invited.


    "Rule number three. All guest''s are to stay within my territory when invited."


    This was also a rule to ensure his safety. Kreed was sure that the people he invited wouldn''t be able to harm him but what if they left his territory? Would they be able to push him out aswell? Who''s to say that they couldn''t just leave after being invited? That wouldn''t be to substantial would it?


    "Rule number four. All guest are to support me in anyway that I ask of them as long as it''s within their capabilities."


    Kreed knew that he couldn''t get the guest to do as he says, without it being a violation so he added the second part.


    He could have blatantly said that all guests should follow him, but that would be essentially


    Dishonoring said guests. However if he wanted to be able to use the invited to his advantage he needed them to follow his command somehow. So the phrasing of his words was of the utmost importance.


    Suddenly the runes before him shifted changing into something different, now they read.


    Relic level: 1/7


    Rules: Rules that all guests should follow.


    1.All guest''s should respect and not harm the host.


    2.All guest''s are to offer a gift of suitable worth to the host.


    3.All guest''s are to stay within the host''s territory when invited.


    4.All guest are to support the host in anyway that they request of them as long as it''s within their capabilities.


    ''Hmmm, how troubling'' Kreed thought as he read the rules over once again. " They changed all mentions of the word ''me'' and ''i'' to the ''host'' how strange" well at least none of the rules I gave seemed to be in violation with the conditions of the relic.


    After thinking for a bit Kreed left the room and started to head for the Pier, he needed to scout for any useable vessels as well as try one of his relics abilities.


    Soon he was walking along a narrow and damp path. Ahead of him on the edge of a concrete wall, stood two enormous vessels. These boats were once used to deliver cargo and valuable objects. Yet now they rested completely overrunned by algea and moss. The paint on their surface had begun to deteriorate and their metal bodies rusted.


    They were completely useless. By passing these two vessels Kreed made his way onto the wooden Pier that served as one of the islands main entrances. The wooden surface of the Pier had rottened many years ago and now many of the slabs on it''s floor had broken of.


    Following an already noted path Kreed avoided the slabs that were particularly destroyed and maintained a steady path towards the ships.


    After a while Kreed reached an intersection in the Pier. countless paths spread to his left and right. Then they extended into the water like the fingers of a ginormous creature. Alongside these extension were many vessels that had been docked there. However Kreed could see each one of the vessels as all the useable ones had been evacuated long before.


    Scanning the Pier, Kreed suddenly snarled.


    "Damnation!"


    The vessel that had caught his attention was a small motor powered boat. It was around 6 meters long and 2 wide at it''s back. It extended into a sharp point at it''s front.


    It looked like it was capable of holding about 5-6 humans. However it looked to be more of a VIP vessel than one any person could use.


    Probably because of that, this said vessel seemed to be in the best of conditions, compared to the others. However it wasn''t completely unshaven. Since this vessel didn''t have a roof it was completely flooded by the cursed water that housed it. Not to mention the once gloss white exterior was stained with a dark unappealing musk of colors.


    The metal railing on each side of the vessel had long rusted. And the control center would need a lot of repair if Kreed ever wished to get it up and running.


    He would also need to pack his stuff and find a suitable route to whichever continent he would choose.


    But for now Kreed couldn''t wait to try his relics abilitiy. Summoning the chain of territory he searched for the ability he wished to use.


    Relic abilitiy: (Visitor)


    Relic ability summary:(Visitor: the second chain can be placed at another location, and used to return to your territory without hindrance.)


    Relic ability use: place second chain for use.


    As he read the runes, the ebony coloured chain finally manifested in his hand. Without wasting a second Kreed knelt down and placed it on the ground.


    Soon after new runes appeared beneath the current ones.


    Relic abilitiy: (Visitor)


    Relic ability summary:(Visitor: the second chain can be placed at another location, and used to return to your territory without hindrance.)


    Relic ability use: the second chain has been placed. Would you like to return to your territory?


    Yes/No


    ''I see.''


    Without much thinking Kreed answered ''yes''.


    And without the slightest of time passing. Kreed found himself in the room filled with trinkets.


    Infront of him was an identical chain resting on a wooden stool.


    ''what? That''s it? How strange.''


    Kreed''s mind was filled with thoughts of many kind. This ability basically gave him teleportation without a single cost. How was that possible?


    Then could he use it to transport other items? What about people? No right now all that Kreed could think about was the implications of such an ability. Firstly it would mean that he could basically escape any form of danger. Secondly it would mean that if this profound rank relic was capable of teleportation in it''s lowest level then what could his two divine rank relics be capable of? Surly it was bound to be something spectacular? No depending on what would happen next Kreed''s expectations could increase drastically. Summoning the runes once more he looked for the visitor ability.


    Relic abilitiy: (Visitor)


    Relic ability summary:(Visitor: the second chain can be placed at another location, and used to return to your territory without hindrance.)


    Relic ability use: place second chain for use.


    ''hmmm, I see. However something tells me that this might change if it was to level up. ''


    It seemed that the teleportation could only be used to get to Kreed''s territory and not vise versa. However that was enough for Kreed at the moment.


    Now


    every thing was set clear before him. He would need to experiment with his newly gained relics. Aswell as repair the vessel that he would use for escape.


    Kreed truly was in a Dilemma.

 Chapter 11 Growth

    Huff


    Huff


    Huff


    "Wow, just like that? Haha, she really is a beauty."


    Kreed layed motionlessly on the slippery wooden floor of the Pier. His gaze was fixed on the small vessel that had taken most of his attention as of late.


    The vessel which he decided to call Grape now looked almost spotless. Well as spotless as it could get. The outside surface had regained a bit of it''s clean white finish. The inside was drained and clean to the point of usability.


    Kreed had repaired the engine, even replacing the two motors that had rotted away. Now he was completely finished.


    And just like that an entire month had gone by.


    Well it wasn''t to bad. In that one month Kreed had accomplished more than he would have expected. Well of course he couldn''t tell when a day would start and end but based on his sleep schedule he could guess as much.


    Before Kreed had no idea of how long he had been on the island. So to have his status confirm that he had indeed spent 15 years on the island was a great feeling.


    Now Kreed was one step closer to escaping this retched place.


    Although in the past month Kreed hadn''t only worked on Grape. No he also managed to deepen his understanding of the three relics he had gained.


    Firstly there was the chain of territory. Before he thought that he could simply teleport from anywhere back to his territory. But no to his dismay it turn out that distance was one of the main factors influencing his teleportation.


    The further away he was the longer it would take for him to teleport. However this aspect still needed testing as the island was to close a distance for any noticable difference in time.


    Halfway through the month he also came to a startling conclusion one that he still had not figured out as of yet.


    Based on what he knew, he could return to the island whenever he wanted with the ability of visitor. However if he was to escape then returning would be useless, since he would have to fix an entire new vessel to escape once again.


    He could leave it as a last resort, or means of escape. Since he would be on an island that no one could enter without consequences, or return after gaining sufficient knowledge. But that would mean being unable to use his territory and the attributes that came with it. He also wouldn''t be able to call upon any being and reap the benefits of the rules that he had established.


    On the other hand he could leave with his relic and once on mainland find a safe spot to designate as his territory. But that would mean abandoning the island.


    Of course he could return but he would have to travel all the way back by boat.


    Well it''s no like he had anything to come back to.


    There was a third option that Kreed had figured out after a bit of experimenting. It turns out that if he dismissed the relic both chains would automatically return to him.


    Using this method he could leave the first chain on the island until he had secured a safe and suitable living place. Then summon it and reap the benefits of the territory.


    Kreed was leaning more towards the last option as he wanted to ensure that he would safely escape the treacherous waters surrounding the island before leaving any hope that he would have an escape route behind.


    However he still hadn''t choose any options as of yet.


    But there was other things he had learned within that month. For his first ever gained relic, there was not much. Except for the sudden realization of what a divine rank relic could really do.


    After a little accident, Kreed had been injured. He was walking towards the grape one day when the wooden floor of the Pier gave out. A large splinter of wood driving it''s way into is leg.


    After reveling in pain for a bit Kreed summoned the fruit. And as soon as it manifested he witness it''s miraculous power once more. The wound on his foot healed without so much as a scab or bruise.


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    After this incident Kreed tried many scenarios all resulting in a fast and suddenly healed wound. Kreed would have been seen as a madman for purposefully hurting himself, sometimes he even felt that he was doing way to much for the sake of experimenting, but he had long gone mad so it didn''t bother him.


    There were two other discoveries he had made aswell. Firstly was the fact that every time he summoned the relic the dark curse filled air around him would dissolve creating a space of utter purity. It was similar to the space of his territory in the sense that it cleaned the air of it''s poison and impurities but the fruit felt different it felt more holy, more divine.


    ''i guess that figures, while the chains we''re made of the feathers of a divine being they were battered and destroyed after a long battle.


    Where as the fruit was created by the unknown.


    How did they describe it?  The ''unknown'' planted a tree, and it bore fruit. The fruit became divine as it was blessed with life. So I guess the Being called Gabriel of whom the feathers once belonged is of a lower rank than of the creature called the ''unknown''.''


    ''How did it wish for me to refer to it again? The father of all? Yes I think that was it.''


    Kreed needed to remember said name if he wished to invite the creature as a guest to his territory once again.


    Other than that the second thing that he learned was of the fruit''s ability to heal any being in it''s presence. Kreed tested this theory with some palers that he had managed to capture. After Injuring a couple of them, each with a different means he summoned the fruit and watched dumbfoundedly as all their traces of injuries disappeared. To test some of the more horrifying theory that he didn''t wish to try on him self. He dismembered a paler, poisoned another and place one in a hot bath of water. For each case however the relic seemed to heal them back to their prime state without any resistance.


    For reference the paler which he tried to boil alive, became calm and started to swim in the steaming hot water despite it''s otherworldly outburst moments before the relic was summoned.


    It seemed that the fruit really healed any being in it''s presence. Both in body and mind.


    Because of this Kreed made countless plans to exploit this fruits ability to the fullest. He could basically walk through a burning fire and be healed faster than he was burned. He basically could become in invincible, no scratch that he could become invincible alongside many of his comrades. And that was only it''s passive abilitiy. There was still two that he had to figure out.


    But with one ability that fruit seemed to equal the playing field with the chain of territory using all it''s abilities.


    ''I guess that''s just the difference in rank.''


    The sphere of boundless couldn''t compare to these relics in terms of utility but it wasn''t anything to scoff at either.


    Kreed learned that if he dropped it from a small distance, it would practically do nothing. However if he dropped it form his shoulders height it could dent even tempered metal. Because of this there was now countless craters and obstruction all over the island. Many of the unusable ships and boats had become a target for Kreed.


    As he tossed the silver sphere, large and loud explosions would shake the island. The targeted vessel being rendered and torn to pieces.


    However the sphere would remain as unimaginably round and silver as ever.


    Kreed basically possessed a destructive projectile the size of a baseball.


    Not to mention that the main use of this relic was still unknown and it''s other ability of being crafted into something else was still to come. Kreed was rather satisfied with everything he had learned.


    In one month he had reached an entirely new level of growth.


    As for his last relic there wasn''t much for him to do with it.


    Kreed didn''t know how to curse and all of the creatures on the island had long grown immune to the poison of Dallas so that aspect wasn''t very useful either. For now Dallas''s momento was of no use to him.


    As Kreed sat up, he struggled to not stagger.


    He was completely exhausted after an entire month of work.


    Infront of him stood the very focus of his efforts. The grape swayed gently as the dark murky water caressed it''s surface.


    Kreed stared at it for a bit before turning towards the main island.


    From where he stood he could see the main dormitories as well as the research building that had partially collapsed.


    He could also see the large chilling ribcage of Dallas the great dragon like creature. Although the rest of it''s body was hidden behind another building and more rubble, the ribcage was at least 10 meters wide if not More.


    Before long Kreed began walking back to his room.


    Tomorrow was finally the day, he would be able to escape this hellish place. So now he would have to try to at least have the best sleep of his entire life.


    He did deserve it after all did he not?


    *****


    Lying on his bed, Kreed stared at the ceiling. He was completely exhausted, but the pleasure of  finishing his goal erased any doubt that lingered.


    Now he was at peace.


    In one month he had not only received two divine rank relics, but a profound and hidden one aswell.


    He had experienced more in this month than he ever had before.


    But there was always a troubling thought that he couldn''t quite comprehend.


    In this case it was the words of the creature he had met in the dark cathedral hall.


    The creature described him as an irregular. According to it''s description irregulars were beings that broke some law of the universe.


    Of course Kreed didn''t know what law he had broken but because of the creatures excitement over meeting him, things weren''t looking up.


    Based on what it had mentioned, Kreed supposably did not possess an Autonomic nervous system or ANS for short.


    Based on the little education he had received and the books he had read the ANS seemed to be an important system that was meant to run subconsciously within his body.


    Of course Kreed had never experienced anything of the sort. Like the ability to breathe without concentrating, or not having to manually release hormones and instructions for his body to follow.


    Kreed had always assumed that all humans were like or similar to him, so the thought of not having to be constantly thinking about the actions of every cell in his body seemed foreign.


    But after learning what the creature had told him, he suddenly had a epitome or revelation of sorts.


    His long asked question was answered.


    Why did he survive the disaster 10 years ago? Because he was in control of his immune system and developed a resistance to the poison. Everything made sense now.


    But then did his strange mutation make him any different from the average human?


    No to Kreed if what the creature had said was true, then he had been disadvantaged from birth.


    Kreed had learnt that the brain took as much sustenance as his physical body. So the extra load of having to manually think and instruct every fiber in his body was a large injustice to him.


    Yet it felt natural. He had also confirmed that because of this alteration in his body he constantly needed food, as he would always feel hungry.


    To add insult to injuries, he was constantly starving and the erations weren''t doing his body any justice.


    There was also the fact that Kreed would always fall asleep randomly. This was probably also a side effect of his mutation.


    His exhaustion would constantly build up and his mind would grow weary before he ultimately fell asleep.


    Now however, with his recent revelation Kreed had many thoughts of improvement. Both for his inherent flaw and his physical body.


    At first he had thought that his power of added clearance was absolutely useless, but after an entire month of using it. He couldn''t help but be surprised.


    His mind was drastically different, now he could spend longer periods of time awake and focused, his thoughts were much clearer and precise, and he could form better theories and assumption easily.


    To him having the knowledge that he could could control every cell within his body, meant that he could also change them.


    And if he could change them then he could evolve and upgrade his bodys build and internal make up. However he needed time and know


    ledge to achieve anything of the sort.


    For now he would have to focus entirely on his escape.


    And of course, trying to get the greatest night of rest possible.

 Chapter 12 Embarkment

    Laying in the rumpled sheets of a wooden bed was a pale boy with messy black hair. His skin which was once covered in bruises and blisters was now whole and unrendered. He looked almost comical, his room was clouded with a dark unnerving fog of shadows. Yet he laid un-bothered. His face, calm, and free of stress.


    This once broken child, was now only stained with marks of dust and debris that he had collected over the previous days.


    He hadn''t taken an adequate bath in a while, why? Because he was waiting for this very moment.


    He was waiting for his chance to escape.


    Soon Kreed could be heard yawning throughout his entire room.


    He had finally awakened.


    "Good morning, the big day''s finally here"  Kreed announced with a bright smile plastered across his face.


    "I wonder how long I''ve been out. "


    Kreed felt refreshed and elated. His mind was rested and calm, his spirit joyful and at peace.


    His sore muscles had recovered and healed.


    Now he was completely ready and excited about the new day.


    Of course he was as hungry as ever but today he found the pain of starvation a bit more bearable.


    Sitting up on his bed, Kreed announced while stretching.


    "I have a long day ahead of me, there''s no time to waste then."


    After a while an ebony coloured chain manifested itself in his hand.


    Not wasting a second he activated its ability.


    Then the dark room around him became quiet once more.


    Not a second later Kreed was standing in the small research room surrounded by empty tables and boxes. In front of him on a wooden stool sat the other ebony coloured chain.


    Kreed had removed all the trinkets from the tables around him, packing them into bags and boxes. There were also a couple boxes filled with erations.


    He had been preparing for this very moment for an entire month after all. Now all that was left to do was embark on his journey to freedom.


    Well he also had to move his items to the Grape as well. So following his intuition he got moving right away.


    Grabbing ahold of two bags he placed them on his shoulders and picked up two more.


    ''shit''


    After taking two steps towards the exit he scowled. He may have been birthed and possess incredible relics now. But he was still as weak as any normal human.


    No he was way worse, he didn''t have the food to give him energy, plus his muscles although they were healed, were totally spent after constantly working them for a month.


    ''Damn it, one last struggle I suppose.''


    Kreed tensed his muscles and made his way through the exit, soon he was walking on the path leading down to the Pier. From where he stood he could see the Grape clearly.


    It swayed magnificently in the calm dark waters that surrounded it.


    It had changed completely, before it looked battered just like the other vessels but now it stood out nicely.


    The surrounding ships couldn''t compare to the Grape even slightly, as many of them had become targets for the sphere of boundless.


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    Looking proudly at his work, Kreed began walking towards it once more.


    After reaching the grape, he placed the 4 bags that he was carrying into it and summoned the chain of territory once more.


    Without wasting a second he teleported back to the room in which he had packed all of his stuff.


    And soon he was walking towards the grape once more carrying two more bags on his shoulders and a large wooden box in his hand.


    After making two more trips, Kreed teleported to the room once more.


    He was finally ready to leave, he had finished carrying his belongings and now only had one simple task left.


    Exiting the room once again Kreed took the usual path. This time however he didn''t head down the island towards the Pier no, instead he headed left following the path into the center of the island.


    There standing in front of him was the grand, and incredible cathedral.


    He hadn''t returned here after his faithful encounter with the father of all, no instead he was waiting for this very moment to enter it once more.


    Passing through the broken doors, Kreed was blasted with a wave of memories, they flowed like a raging storm within his mind.


    The immense nostalgia pounded at his mind intensely. Every emotion that he had experienced he had returned. Becoming fresh in his mind.


    Soon Kreed found himself sitting in the same spot where, he had been assaulted by Asterion. The same spot where he had met the divine being who had acknowledged Him.


    In front of him sat the stone runes.


    They were now broken and frayed in many places. The most interesting change however was the fact that all the words Inscribed on the runes had been erased.


    Now all that reminded me of strange marks like the scratches made by some powerful creature.


    "Thank you...thank you. I will not disappoint you, I promise." Kreed''s voice echoed throughout the cathedral hall, it sounded ghoulish but full of confidence.


    Although his body had been healed completely, it seemed that his scrappy voice had remained the same. Continuing to speak he announced.


    "However, I also promise to overcome you as well. I don''t know how long it will take or how much I will need to accomplish to meet you again. But you have my word."


    With that Kreed activated the chain of territory and teleported to the research room once again.


    The cathedral hall was left quiet and empty just as before.


    However in its darkness sitting on the broken runes was a little child. The child''s eyes were vast and profound. His subtle features resembled that of an infant yet its presence seemed to hold nothing but a great void.


    Kreed had not seen the child, but even he knew that there had been something watching him.


    Leaning its small head to one side the child chuckled, "why do all my children wish to overthrow me? It is such an ambitious yet futile wish, even for you, Meister of Conviction."


    And with that the child faded into the darkness.


    ****


    Kreed found himself standing in the center of the Grape.


    He had started the motors, untied the lasso holding it adjacent with the Pier and adjusted the bow to head for an opening.


    Now all that was left to do was engage the controls, and travel towards his destination.


    Following this thought Kreed grabbed onto the wheel and engaged his throttle.


    Immediately the grape, jetted up in a fit of horror as the thick dark water tried resisting.


    But soon Kreed was steadily moving through the water.


    The grape was slowly building momentum and the distance between it and the island grew tremendously with each passing second.


    And before Kreed could tell, he was incapable of distinguishing between the buildings on the island.


    Perhaps he had made the grape a bit too fast? No if he wanted to reach the mainland as fast as possible then he would need as much speed as possible.


    Looking back Kreed could only see the outline of the island, of course the thick darkness surrounding him, didn''t help at all but the main features like the tall peak, on the island, the massive crater made by a clash between Dallas and an unknown force or being And the great rocky clif side with the large cave could still be seen.


    But the others grew distant and blurry.


    Focusing on the waters around him Kreed couldn''t help but feel chills. He was finally going to escape. Yet he couldn''t see the end of the poisonous fog. Just how powerful was Dallas? If even after its death it could still haunt an entire island with a deadly curse for 10 long years.


    And Kreed possessed such an abominations relic.


    Had he been rewarded with such incredible luck, to compensate for his life of torment?


    ''how peculiar''


    Looking back at the island Kreed could only see its basic outline. It looked flat and insignificant.


    ''haha, guess I am moving on to bigger things.''


    The grape shredded through the dark water its motor pushing at an incredible speed.


    Kreed had not been able to repair the speed meter, so instead he had to guess the speed at which the grape was traveling.


    It was full speed. Based on his calculations it would take the grape 3-5 hours at its top speed to Arrive at the nearest continent. Kreed had decided to head north to Oben as it was larger than Xeats and was in a straight direction from the Pier on his island.


    He concluded that these odds were much better than having to circle the island just to head to a less developed and smaller continent.


    Of course Kreed knew that he couldn''t engage the grape at full throttle for the entire journey.


    But he wanted to create as much distance between him and the island, even escape the dark poisonous fog if possible.


    However no matter how far he traveled he couldn''t notice any change in the fog.


    Looking back once again Kreed shivered, all that was left of the island now was a simple speck among the many dusty particles that made up the poisonous fog.


    ''... Goodbye.''


    He had done it, finally after 10 years. He had escaped the island. It had only been like 10 minutes since he Left the island yet it was now completely out of his sight.


    Raising an arm to cover his face, Kreed braced the battering winds with a joyous smile on his face.


    The grape flew through the fog and water alike in a fast and violent stream.


    And ten minutes later Kreed could finally see the mist''s end.


    It didn''t look like a wall of overpowering dark fog, no instead it seemed to fade out into the air it''s thickness grows thinner and thinner with each meter.


    And just beyond it, Kreed could see a slight glimmer of light.


    Approaching it Kreed''s heart was filled with


    Many emotions, finally he would see the sun''s light once again.


    Drawing closer to its end Kreed summoned the peach of existence and basked as its uncanny ability refreshed his mind, body and soul.


    He wanted to relish the ultimate feeling of satisfaction that he was about to receive.


    And relish it he did. Escaping the dark mist of poison Kreed was blasted with the beautiful rays of a rising sun. Far on the horizon the bright star Vega blessed the water with its beautiful reflection.


    The water was tinted with a bright orange color and its calmness accentuated its lustful image.


    Kreed was dumbfounded, he had seen the sun while resting on the gigantic tree alongside the father of all. But the one before him seemed to outdo any and all images of said sun.


    It had been created by RA after all.


    Enjoying the spectacle before him, Kreed released the throttle and slowed down the Grape.


    He was still moving at a steady pace but, his focus had been drawn to a more grand occurrence.


    The beautiful dawn, seemed to drown and oppose the dark and gloomy cloud of mist behind him.


    Looking back Kreed could finally see where the mist had ended.


    It was wide and extreme, as doh it held an entirely different world within it.


    Kreed couldn''t see the top of the mist, as it seemed to extend into the clouds.


    And he couldn''t see the end of it, as it extended both to his right and left like an unending sea of fog.


    Well at least he didn''t encounter any p


    owerful creature that had survived Dallas''s poison within the water.


    Or perhaps he had out run it, well it didn''t matter for now all that he needed to do was continue on his journey to the mainland.

 Chapter 13 Danger?

    Kreed stood at the bow of the grape, staring intensely at the rising sun.


    He had been traveling in one direction for an entire hour, yet he couldn''t see the end of the horizon.


    Or any form of land. Infact Kreed began to grow tired of the constant outstretch of water.


    The grape had been slown down drastically yet, the surrounding water flew by faster than Kreed could notice.


    The sea of fog and mist had disappeared completely fading into the endless stretch of water, that spanned around him.


    Slowing down the Grape even further Kreed place a large wooden stick better the controls and throttle. Ensuring that it wouldn''t move even in the slightest.


    He couldn''t afford to go of course at all, so he ensured that the throttle was steady and unmoving.


    Leaving the bow, he moved to the back of the grape and opened one of the 3 boxes he had brought.


    Grabbing a package of erations, he sat down.


    "This is gonna taste special."


    He was excited to try erations for the first time while being off the island.


    Opening the package, Kreed grinned as he smelt the dry and husky odor that it gave of.


    "Shit" Kreed blurted out as he came to a sudden realization.


    What would he use to boil water on the grape? No where would he get water? Definitely not from the large ocean that encompassed him.


    ''I did bring water of course, but then what was the point? That water was still contaminated with the curse of Dallas. There won''t be much of a change in flavor would there.''


    Kreed was totally shaken, how could he be so stupid? Perhaps his mind had been to preoccupied with thoughts of the future, for him to focus.


    Trying to rescue the situation, he reached into the packet of erations and grabbed the dry husky contents that laid inside.


    ''here goes nothing.''


    Bring the contents to his mouth Kreed hesitantly took a bite.


    After a while his mouth began to fill with the familiar flavor of the erations. Albeit To a much lesser degree. The contents dissolved in his mouth as they began to mix with his saliva.


    ''not bad, I should have tried it this way before. It''s a bit dry doh.''


    Kreeeee.


    ''splash''


    Instinctively Kreed flew to his feet dropping the packet of erations.


    ''what was that? That sound.'' It sounded like the wail of some disgusting abominations.


    Kreed''s eyes peered at the surface of water surrounding the grape.


    He scouted it looking for anything that could become a danger.


    After a few seconds flew by, Kreed forced his body to move.


    Running to the bow he removed the wooden stick keeping the throttle steady.


    Engaging it, he wobbled as the grape increased in speed.


    He had not seen any abomination or form of life within the water.


    But Kreed knew to well just how dangerous an unseen force could be.


    He had experienced ''asterion''s'' crushing blow after all.


    However he wouldn''t have to wait much longer to see the creature, to whom the harrowing wail from before belonged to.


    Looking back Kreed''s eyes were drawn to the spot in the water where the grape had been only moments before.


    And there beneath the surface of the sparkling water was a shadow.


    It was as large as the grape. It didn''t seem to have any outstanding features, other than it''s shape. And astonishing speed.


    It looked to be in the shape of an arrow head however with a large spikey tail extending from it''s rear.


    It moved gracefully beneath the water, parting it without any resistance.


    Kreed could instantly tell that said creature was hostile if not outright dangerous.


    Turning back to face the north, Kreed tried engaging the throttle even more. Increasing it''s speed to the maximum.


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    Kreed had two options, one try to outrun it. Two engage it in battle. Neither of the options seemed to bare any assurance of safety.


    So following his gut Kreed tried placing as much distance between himself and the creature.


    With the recent boost he had given the grape they were fairly ahead of the creature. Roughly 15 meters.


    However the distance seemed to become stalwart. No it looked as if the creature was catching up, very slowly of course.


    ''Really?'' The grape was moving at an astonishing speed yet the creature was growing closer with each second.


    ''i guess it''s plan B then.''


    Summoning the chain of territory Kreed careful wrapped it around his hand. He had to ensure that he possessed a viable escape route above anything else.


    Soon a second relic was summoned.


    Turning around to look at the creature.


    Kreed tried desperately to think of a plan of action.


    However it seemed that in the couple of seconds it took for him to summon the relics the creature had gained valuable distance on him. Now it was only a couple of meters away from the back of the grape.


    Preparing the throttle for a diversion, Kreed was frozen.


    Behind him in the water the creature began to rise. It''s black carapace covered head piercing the waters surface.


    It looked similar to that of an eel in shape, however everything about it was off. Firstly there seemed to be a look of mad bloodlust scared deep within it''s eyes.


    Every contour of it''s body was covered in thick plates of bone. The carapace was dreadfully black and smooth. As if it was unbreakable.


    The gigantic maw of the creature was filled with countless sharp razor like teeth.


    It was scary, dreadfully scary.


    ''ha, let''s see if that thick shell of yours can support the weight of a thousand mountains.''


    Preparing to fight the creature, Kreed wrapped his fingers tightly around the silver ball he had summoned.


    Kreeeee


    There it was again that mind numbing scream.


    It almost sounded like the scream of someone in pain.


    Turning to take a closer look, Kreed finally noticed something. Beneath the creatures thorax was a gaping wound.


    It looked to be from the blow of some powerful creature, as it shattered straight through the armor shell as if it was glass.


    ''Damnantion.''


    Turning the throttle slightly Kreed prepared to head east.


    Well he hoped to at least gain a bit more distance before having to fight said creature.


    Turning the throttle to his right, the grape made a sharp turn. Causing the creature to go a bit of course.


    Then as fast as he had turned right he turned left. Regaining his proper trajectory and bamboozling the creature completely.


    Soon Kreed could see as much distance between himself and the creature. To be happy with.


    However it seemed that the creature had other ideas. It disappeared beneath the water, diving deeper than Kreed could see.


    ''shit, if that thing attacks me from below am done for. ''


    The grape was already moving at it''s maximum speed, so Kreed had no hopes of outrunning it.


    He could try to tire the creature out, but he doubted that would work.


    The creature did possess a massive wound after all yet it was moving even faster than the grape.


    Turning around to look at the surrounding water Kreed had a simple idea.


    Since he didn''t know where the creature was he could probably expose it by slowing down the Grape.


    However before he could finish thinking Kreed was thrown to the floor of the grape.


    The creature used it''s ginormous body to slam into the grape.


    Kreed could feel his muscles ache from the impact.


    ''Shit, the grape.''


    Standing up as fast as he could Kreed, grabbed onto the throttle and jerked it right. He needed to assess the damage done to his vessel.


    However instead of moving to the right Kreed felt the grape being pulled in the same direction from before.


    ''Shit''


    Turning around he saw that the eel like creature was tightly biting down on the grape with it''s maw.


    Lucky the grape was holding up fine, with the crushing force being brought down on it''s back.


    ''Ohh, come on.''


    Instantly Kreed prepared to throw the silver sphere that rested in his hand.


    The creature was unmoving after all. It was the perfect target. Of course there was a chance that Kreed could hit the back of the Grape completely destroying his proud vessel.


    Trying to maneuver his way out of the creatures jaws, Kreed engaged the throttle in all directions. Yet the creatures bite held firm.


    Looking the creature in the eye, Kreed blurted out, "You think am gonna die to a measles worm like you?"


    And soon he tensed his muscles to throw the sphere.


    However the chance never came.


    Without any warning a pillar of pristine brown stone pierced through the creatures abdomen breaking it''s outer shell easily. And soon after that countless other pillars tore through the creature skewering it like a fish.


    Kreed fell to his back as the grape was pushed away by the impact.


    ''damnit what now?''


    And as if to answer that question a voice sounded.


    " hey, kid. Are you alright?"


    It sounded vigorous and manly. Almost a bit hoarse.


    Kreed was overwhelmed with fear, he had heard two strange voices before, and neither of them had made a good impression.


    Kreed looked around intensely to find the source of the voice. And there walking on a similar pillar of stone was a human.


    The human took a step towards the grape before appearing in it.


    Kreed was shocked. He had believed that his ability of teleportation was special, but yet the being before him had teleported as well.


    Noo, although it was hardly noticable. Kreed knew what had happened. The human didn''t teleport instead it had moved to fast for him to notice.


    "Am sorry about that, I let one escape. But thanks to your little maneuver I got enough time to catch up to it."


    What? Was this human the same being that had delt such a harrowing wound to the abomination.


    ''damn''


    Focusing on the human before him, Kreed was shocked.


    He wore a black and blue jacket that seemed to be a part of some uniform, on it''s left side was an emblem of sorts, with a design that Kreed did not notice.


    He wore a black dress pants with matching shoes.


    However the most outstanding feature of the human was his face. He had pristine white hair and wore thick golden glasses. There Len''s were completely golden reflecting Kreeds image back to himself.


    Trying to answer the human Kreed asked while standing up. "What, what was that?"


    He had decided to take a professional approach to speaking with the human.


    However as the smile on the humans face disappeared, Kreed remembered that he sounded like a dying animal.


    Soon the human answered. "It''s called a dark lyre. But are you alright kid? You look quite pale, and if am being honest you sound rather horrible."


    '' Damn so blunt.''


    "Now that I think about it, I''ve never seen you before. And this boat, did you not have companions?"


    "Uh, yh am certain we haven''t met. And no I didn''t have any, uhh, companions."


    The human raised a hand to scratch his head before continuing.


    "Is that Soo? Ohh you''ve been birthed. Did you perhaps gat Birthed in the sanctums of Xeats or Oben?"


    Kreed was dumbstruck, why was he asking so many questions?


    "Ohh, no, no. I was heading to Oben right now. As for where I was birthed it''s a bit complicated. But other than that who are you?"


    Kreed was dying to know, who was capable of killing such a horrifying creature with ease.


    Surly he had heard of him before. Or at least read about him in one of the many articles he had scavenged.


    The human did look to be in his thirties so Kreed assumed that even ten years ago countless articles would have been written about him.


    The human scratched his head once again.


    "This is rather strange isn''t it. Firstly I don''t seem to know you, but even worse you don''t seem to know me."


    He paused before smiling.


    "Well I guess there''s a first time for everything. The names Alden. How about you?"


    ''Alden that''s it? Am I supposed to know someone by that name?''


    "Uhh it''s Kreed but u can call me K. No call me K."


    Kreed didn''t wish to give any clues about himself.


    "As you wish, kid." Then Alden moved to the back of the grape.


    Kreed watched as he effortlessly tore through the bags and boxes he had brought as luggage.


    Then he stopped.


    "Now isn''t this interesting. You know kid there''s a good reason as to why I would know everyone from Oben and Xeats. And seeing as I don''t know you I could only come to one simple conclusion. " he stopped before turning back to Kreed with a smile. "If I hadn''t been here you would most likely have died. Based on that strange odor u seem to give of and the many jugs of poisoned water I can only conclude that you''ve come from Apostle island. How you''ve survived all this time is a mystery even to me. Which leads me to believe that you would have most likely died to the dark lyre or executed upon entering Oben.


    Either way it isn''t a great fate."


    Kreed listened intensely to Alden.


    ''what was that supposed to mean. The lyre was escaping from him in the first place.''


    As for the part about execution Kreed had no choice but to believe it.


    But now he he had many questions.


    "Apostle''s island?"


    Alden''s smile became even more pronounced.


    "Yes, it was called that after the incident ten years ago. It turns out that an organization was running a secretive program there for many years."


    Instinctively Kreed asked. "What happened to those that was running the program? Are they alive?"


    Answering Kreed Alden continued. "Am not sure, based on what I know most if not all were either killed or captured and locked up in baijon. Well that was the official released story, still I have my doubts."


    Kreed grew quiet digesting the information he had just received.


    Breaking the silence Alden said. "Well there''s two options for you K, firstly you can continue to Oben. Of course I''ll travel with you aswell. For protection. Doh I can''t promise that you won''t be executed. And secondly you can travel with me to Alicia a city on the east coast of Oben. I can Guarantee that you will be safe and get everything that you want. Of course I am sure that you wish to learn of all that is occurring in the world currently. You will be given total privacy along with a place to stay.


    That also includes free healing and detoxication. Your voice definitely needs working on, and we can''t have you poisoning the citizens when your around them."


    As Alden finished speaking he gestured to Kree


    d. "Believe it or not it seems am extremely lucky to have met you. And depending on the relics that you possess I may finally receive another breakthrough in the story."


    And with a large almost comical grin he continued. "So K I would definitely suggest you choose the second option."

 Chapter 14 choices

    ''The second option huh'' Kreed thought.


    Indeed it was a great choice. If Kreed could be given support and total privacy without questioning, he would be able to catch up to date with all the information that he had missed for ten years. But was that really possible?


    Indeed Alden seemed to be incredibly strong. But to such a great degree? Kreed found it hard to believe. Perhaps he was in the high ranks of the city. Or perhaps people looked up to him. But either way Kreed didn''t believe that Alden would be able to provide everything that he had spoke of or to a substantial degree at least.


    "What, are you talking about? Relics that I possess?" Kreed was troubled by the fact that Alden seemed to know that he possessed relics.


    Soon the comical smile on his face grew even bigger.


    "Yes K, those two relics in your hands. Or perhaps I was mistaken?"


    Kreed stared at him for a while before, looking down at his hands.


    In his left was a black chain, and in his right was an unimaginable round silver ball.


    "Ohh right."


    ''damnation, I completely forgot about those.


    I had summoned them to fight or escape from the dark lyre. But meeting Alden threw me of my game.''


    Trying to decrease suspicion Kreed decided to tell Alden the truth. Or a tiny bit of it at least.


    "Yes these relics, I got them from a cathedral on the island. They probably belonged to one of the researchers that had been there."


    Kreed had to get Alden''s support whatever the case. Although he didn''t believe his promises completely it was still better than nothing.


    However revealing that he possessed a divine relic, two for that matter was tantamount to suicide.


    So Kreed formed a simple plan.


    "Am willing to tell you what they do only if you can keep your promise. But I also have another condition."


    Alden reacted instinctively


    "Go on"


    "You cannot tell anyone that I came from Apostle island. That is all."


    Alden scratched his head considering his options.


    "Hey K, that''s gonna be a lot harder than you think. How am I to explain your ordinance?"


    ''Right I smell of poison, sound like a demon and look like a wild animal.''


    "Am not quite sure."


    Alden''s smile became a little forced.


    "Don''t fear kid I''ll Handel it. But them does that mean you''ve chosen the second option?"


    Alden asked in a jubilant tone.


    Kreed thought for a bit before nodding.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Great, great then let me get to work.


    Soon Alden reached beneath his black jacket and removed a simple black pad. Kreed had seen many of these similar pads before but this one looked to be of a higher quality than those on the island.


    Based on Kreeds understanding these pads were know as terminals and used for communication. He had never used one before since the islands curse rendered them useless.


    So seeing one left him speechless.


    It''s black screen turned on emitting a soft blue glow. And after a while Alden was seen sliding his fingers across it in various motions.


    After a short while of being distracted Kreed moved back to the bow of the grape and opened a hidden drawer beneath the throttle.


    The grape was completely still as Kreed had disengaged the throttle after the eel like monster was killed.


    After searching the drawer Kreed removed a small map that he had used to navigate so far.


    On it he could see the complete south coast of Oben along with the notorious world wonder known as the world bridge. Said wonder was made by one of the great gods of the alliance.


    Searching for a city named Alicia Kreed found it''s location on the east coast of Oben.


    If he wanted to reach it he would need to make a detour, traveling east for a couple hundred kilometers before continuing north.


    ''shit, that''ll take over 10 hours to reach. Not to mention the grape is probably damaged. And we might get attacked again. Damnation, at least I have someone who can fight on my side.''


    As he continued looking for the best possible route to Alicia he heard a ping.


    Beep


    Which was then continued by a muffled voice.


    "Hello, Alden?"


    Turning to see who the voice belonged to, Kreed spotted Alden holding the terminal to his right ear with his left hand, while checking the time from his golden watch on his right hand.


    He looked quite peculiar, almost gentlemanly.


    Answering the aforementioned voice Alden spoke.


    "Ohh, Tista. Boi am I glad to hear your voice. Listen am gonna be a little late, but I should be there in around 12 hours."


    Alden paused for a while as if expecting a reply.


    And soon after the voice from before continued.


    "Okay but make it quick, Mr.Ego is supposed to drop by. But is it ok if I ask why you''ll be late?"


    With a smile Alden answered. "I hoped you would, infact it''s quite great news. I believe I''ve found it the missing part."


    Kreed struggled to listen to the conversation but managed to make out the words.


    ''the missing part is he referring to me?''


    As if to answer his question the voice from the terminal continued.


    "What are you sure? Is it a relic? Or perhaps a ancient ruin that you managed to find?"


    "Ohh no, no. Sorry to disappoint but it''s a human. He was traveling on a small boat and would have died had i not been here. He''s quite something." Alden turned to look at Kreed with a smile.


    "A human? Are you sure?"


    "Yes Tista in fact, am sure you wouldn''t believe it but, he has no idea who I am. Like he''s never heard of me, the great Retracer of Resurgence,


    The Evasive councilor, the great tank of Alicia.


    I mean am even know as the Worlds ultimate defense. It''s quite something to be honest "


    Kreed stared at Alden blatantly. ''Did this guy just boast about himself? I mean if am supposed to know him then the world really must''ve changed in 10 years. He doesn''t even look that special well apart from his silver white hair, and those golden glasses. I mean those must be a pretty high ranked relic. I can''t see his eyes at all not even from the sides.''


    Alden continued


    "So Tista, there''s a couple of things I need you to get ready for me. Firstly prepare a first class room in medical center 2B, he needs a clean and check up. Also call the Apothecary from downtown to prepare a medicine for his voice. To put it lightly he sounds rather repulsive.


    Then I want you to book a room for him on the top floor of the south quadrant. Ensure it has complete privacy that includes a Free booking to all the librarys and information hubs in the in the city."


    After Alden paused the voice from before asked.


    "Umm, sir I get all that your saying but do you trust this guy? If he''s from Xeats or Debajio things could get complicated."


    With a smile Alden answered.


    "Don''t worry Tista, this guy isn''t from either place. But he also wishes to keep his origin place secret. And yes I do trust him."


    Hesitantly the voice continued.


    "Oh ok sir. If you say so. Is there anything else you would like for me to get this gentleman?"


    "Oh Actually there is I would like you to brief him on the cause of our organization. And I would truly appreciate it if you would personally see to his arrival and comfortable settling."


    After a little pause the voice spoke.


    "Okay sir I will see to it. but I recommend you try to get here a soon as you can quite a lot has changed since you''ve been on your Patrol."


    "Sure, sure. Goodbye Tista I''ll see you in 12 hours or Soo." Said Alden before removing the terminal from his ear and clicking a button on it''s lit screen.


    Kreed was dumbfounded. He wanted to ask a lot of questions but didn''t know which ones took priority.


    So purely out of curiosity he asked.


    "Umm Alden what was that? I didn''t know terminals could be used to communicate in such a way."


    After putting the terminal back into his pocket he looked a Kreed with a strange expression.


    "Did they not have signal on Apostle island?


    To be honest K am not sure how to explain it.


    The terminal uses a radio wave to transmit data, in this case my voice."


    ''is that Soo? Then I guess the reason as to why no one made calls is because they could possibly be tracked.''


    How peculiar.


    Looking at Kreed Alden asked. "Say k, do you mind if I took a look at your map?"


    Kreed took a glance at the map before tossing it to Alden.


    "I''ll set a course for Alicia. Based on it''s location the grape should reach it in 8 hours. "


    "The grape? Did you name this vessel the grape? How strange." Replied Alden


    "This is quite an old map isn''t it? Am afraid much of the terrain alongside the coast of Oben has shifted. So Alicia is a bit further away,  it''s also much bigger than what is depicted in this map."


    Kreed listened trying to add this newly gained knowledge together with his past education of the geography of Oben.


    "Umm Alden how did it change so much in ten years? " Kreed was trying to understand but everything Alden said seemed a bit to grand.


    How could the terrain of a continent as large as Oben change so drastically in ten years?


    Looking up from the map Alden spoke.


    "It''s quite a story K, don''t worry we have at least twelve hours on this vessel together. I''ll tell you as much as I can. Of course I won''t be doing it for free. So we''ll have to form a deal. For now let''s start heading for Alicia."


    Alden handed Kreed the map before walking to the back of the grape.


    Without much warning Alden shifted the giant stone pillars extending from the ocean, and brought the dark lyre down to his level.


    A spark of light appeared around his right hand and soon after a silver short knife with a rough oak Handel formed from the s


    park.


    Grasping the knife Alden plunged it into the Lyre, cutting through it''s thick carapace with ease.


    And shortly after he removed two round crystals from it''s body.

 Chapter 15 Ten Long Years

    In the wide expanse of a clear sea, a small boat parted the endless water with ease.


    The sun was now almost fully risen, it''s bright radiance showering the large ocean with it''s blessings.


    The grape flew effortlessly though the calm water. It''s bow bouncing unpredictably every few seconds.


    Kreed was sitting on one of the many bags he had brought from the island. Infront of him sat a large metal bowl filled with charcoal and a glossy pumpkin colored crystal. A simple grill rack was placed above the metal bowl. Large flames of fire rising from them occasionally.


    On the grill laid two slabs of red meat. Alden had scavenged it from the dark lyre alongside the two crystals. It sizzled as the sparks of fire touched it''s surface.


    Kreed had never cooked a piece of meat before. Not did he smell something as alluring as it, in ten long years.


    He was struggling to keep himself from drooling over the food. In fact he was desperately trying to stop himself from taking a bite from the raw meat. Kreed couldn''t believe that such a magnificent thing had come from a creature as horrifying as the dark lyre.


    Alden had given him the meat instructing him on how to prepare it. And now he was doing just that.


    Many hours had passed since Kreed had escaped the treacherous fog of the ruinous island.


    And in those hours he had learned many things from Alden.


    The first thing he learned was Alden''s identity.


    He introduced himself as the ruler of an organization called the Unchaining Odium it''s purpose being to follow some elaborate set of rules that he did not disclose.


    It turned out that he was in control of the entire city of Alicia, gaining it''s following after saving it from complete devastation 7 years ago. And so gaining the nickname great tank of Alicia. Because of this incident he was also recognized for his powerful abilities making it into the top 50 strongest powers in the world.


    And in a couple of years he climbed the rankings to 8th place on the poles.


    He explained that the world''s strongest rankings was a system developed by the government of Oben to promote propaganda and increase the likeability of the top persons in the world.


    Of course no one knew if the rankings were true or not especially since it only accounted for a persons displayed strength and feats.


    Alden was placed 8 strongest in the entire world, based on the world strongest rankings and was speculated to rise even higher in the coming years.


    According to Alden the only reason he even showcases his strength publicly is to gain favorability among the people decreasing the chance that he would be attacked by the other members of the top ten.


    He also announced that the world rankings were totally wrong. Although they accounted for ones feats. The current number one hero hadn''t done anything spectacular in over 17 years, in fact many believed him to be dead.


    But Alden viewed it differently the more one concealed their power the stronger they may be. Kreed believed this as well.


    Casting a strange glance at Alden Kreed scoffed.


    "Hey, uhhh, how do I know when this is ready?"


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Alden who was steering the grape through the endless stretch of water, turned to Kreed with a strange smile plastered on his face.


    "There''s no way you don''t know how to cook a lyre fillet, did you really only eat erations for ten years?"


    Turning back to face the open stretch of water he continued.


    "Must''ve been tough... Oh right look for a change in color it''s best to over cook it, to not risk food poisoning. Dark lyre''s in particular are known to be infested with parasites so we need to ensure the fire gets them all.


    Am sure you would have no problem eating it as it is, you did survive ten years on Apostle island after all."


    Kreed looked at the slab of meat once more.


    ''guess it''s time to flip it''


    Alden had revealed a lot to Kreed, but he still struggled to believe him entirely.


    ''is he really serious? Does he expected me to believe that he is the 8th strongest person in the entire world? Bullsh*t. I can admit that he''s strong but, I doubt he''d even stand a chance against Dallas. He''s probably just trying to get me to depend on him more.''


    Kreed had a good reason to not believe Alden''s words. He had educated himself about the top powers of the world while on the island.


    He knew very well just how dangerous the top guilds were, he had seen many of their representatives before, and knew they would never allow for some random nobody to rise to their ranks without punishment.


    Kreed was questioning everything Alden said, comparing it to the knowledge he had gained from the father of all, the insidious runes and the many books he had scavenged from around the island.


    "Alden, if you don''t mind me asking. What did you mean earlier?" Asked Kreed.


    Alden who was still looking at the wide expanse of water spoke. "Earlier? what exactly are you referring to?"


    "You mentioned that you need me for some special reason, or my relics at least."


    Alden paused his movement suddenly. Then turned to Kreed.


    "Say K, have you ever heard of the theory of parallelism?"


    Thinking for a while Kreed replied. "I doubt it."


    Alden smiled. "It''s a simple theory that was developed by the great prophet Caelan over 2000 years ago. It states that the gods created Sihe-Rimaz to be completely balanced and steady. For each being equal opportunity is granted making even the strongest of cats completely fragile Infront of the weakest of rats. It was developed after he learnt the secrets of the world. Being one of the very few beings on Sihe-Rimaz to have ever reached the fifth step to Ascension. Becoming unchained.


    Very few have made it that far and even fewer have gone past it.


    The only records we possess of persons  reaching the sixth step and becoming conquered, are of the 13 heroes who were chosen 800 years ago and blessed by the gods with powerful equipment and relics. Yet it was exactly because of that, that they died a fast death after accomplishing their tasks. Their bodies couldn''t handle the power that came with being forcefully blessed by the gods and used to battle against the strongest wave of demons ever released through the gate in the western continent. This great war happened 500 years ago, and it''s after effects left Sihe-Rimaz in complete rubble. Had it not been for the great wonders of the world it would take many more centuries to rebuild.


    Yet that isn''t the Important details."


    Pausing for a brief second he glanced at the slab of lyre meat sizzling over the fire.


    "After Caelan created his theory of parallelism, he also discovered something else. You see, while everything in Sihe-Rimaz is equal to the other. There''s also the fact that once two things are equal then another can also be equal. However that begs the question if all is equal and balanced then what keeps said equality and balance in place? It''s simple... the balance of another, and the equality of another then balances out the former. But that develops a problem what if one could somehow break said balance?


    And so Caelan''s second theory was born the theory called Beyond Parallel.


    This theory was only revealed to a selected few, because the gods seemed to be infuriated whenever it was announced. Many speculate that Caelan was killed by the gods for his curiosity, since no trace of his death had be found. But many believe in other theories aswell. For example 1000 years ago a cult like group rose up exclaiming that Caelan had Ascended into the realm of the gods. They were quickly dispatch by one of the major clans at the time. But traces of their existence still remain.


    Many others believe that Caelan died by the had of an assassin, since he had great knowledge to use against the major clans of the time.


    However his death and entire existence is still a mystery even to this day.


    The reason Caelan''s second theory is so important is for a simple reason.


    I suppose you haven''t reached the second step of ascension yet so it will probably be a bit difficult to understand.


    After the gods made the world, they placed the seven steps of ascension as a guide for their kin to use to become stronger eventually reaching the heavenly realm and obtaining eternal life force. However the alliance of a hundred thousand gods were bound to have some repercussions. You see K, with every decision that is made an equal and opposite reaction occurs. And Soo since all the gods life force was bound together, it allowed for their kin to grow endless stronger, but they also lost their bounds in the end. And Soo that allowed for persons to deviate from the original plan.


    Becoming essentially unbalanced or beyond Parallel. The way this happens is through the breaking of a law. Any law that governs the world. And such beings are referred to as irregulars, as they have gone passed the stage of balance and equality."


    Kreed listened to Alden intensely occasionally casting a glance at the cooking cut of meat.


    It had began to gain significant color on it''s lowerer side almost identical to the side flipped up. It was an alluring brown color with a little dark charged spots.


    Kreed was paying attention but he couldn''t help but be distracted by the two slabs of meat Infront of him.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Author''s Note-  Hey guys! ;) just wanted to add a little clarification. The beings I refer to as gods are mere deitys they in no way compare to the creator. I just wanted to add that.


    Other than that I want to thank y''all for all the support. It means a lot. Depending on whether or not this first couple of chapters do well I might continue this series. Am sure that you will enjoy the upcoming Arc. But just a update the following chapters will have a reduced word count just to create a bit of suspense.


    ....


    I believe that''s all. Please let me know whether you enjoyed the first 15 chapters or not I''ll try to release more frequently.


    Anyways it''s been me the greatest and smartest author.


    AverageFrog


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Chapter 16 Great prophet Caelan

    As Alden deftly steered the boat named "The Grape," his gaze alternated between the expansive horizon and the figure of Kreed, who sat nearby with his legs casually crossed, tending to the sizzling slabs of Dark Lyre meat on the makeshift grill. The rhythmic melody of waves gently caressing the sides of the boat provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation, punctuated by brief but noticeable pauses as they each contemplated their own thoughts.


    Alden, with his tall frame and a weathered countenance that spoke of years spent navigating the intricacies of life, exuded an aura of quiet contemplation. Despite his relatively young age of 37, his experiences had carved deep furrows of wisdom upon his face, a testament to the unimaginable agony he had endured over the years. Yet, in Kreed, he found a sense of kinship and fondness that transcended mere acquaintance.


    As they lapsed into a momentary silence, Alden found himself lost in thought, pondering the revelations he had shared with Kreed. It wasn''t out of pity or a desire for validation, but rather a genuine affection for the young man seated before him. Despite Kreed''s youth, there was a maturity in his demeanor that Alden found both refreshing and endearing.


    Although he was only 37 years old, he had experienced many years of unimaginable agony.  To have met someone so young but still so mature was absolutely wonderful.


    He didn''t care if Kreed could one day betray him, he was way much to engrossed in the present to think of anything other.


    To him Kreed was like a little child who was listening intensely to their mothers bedtime story.


    And he was the parent molding him into a good and responsible young man, who would one day make him proud.


    Many thoughts had crossed Alden''s mind, he had much to talk about and even more time to talk about it.


    But the topic of Alden''s interests in the young man seemed to be rather important to him.


    He had given Kreed a vague background on why he was interested. Stating that Kreed was an irregular or implying rather.


    And now he was thinking of the best course of action to take.


    Instead however Kreed spoke first.


    Breaking the short period of silence Kreed asked.


    "Is Caelan really that important? I found something that belonged to him as well."


    That was unexpected. Alden had spoken to Kreed about Caelan, but only because he needed him to understand the theory of parallelism and Beyond parallelism. He definitely did not see this coming.


    "You found something? Perhaps a page of his work? Or a relic that he had created? I did hear that apostle island was a hub for hidden treasures."


    Alden was awaiting Kreed''s reply however when it came he was left stunned.


    "Oh no it wasn''t anything like that. It was some large ruins with his name plastered on it."


    "Stone ruins?"


    Kreed raised an eyebrow then continued.


    "Yh, I believe they were stone. I found them a year ago and since then, I''ve been trying to translate it''s language. I can''t believe it took me that long to read it all.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Kreed needed to up his standing, so playing it nonchalantly was his tactic.


    "It was a bit hard to remember the words. Probably because the words scribed unto the ruins were imbued with magical energy. It made my memory completely useless, and my eyes could never focus on them properly. Yet I still managed to read it all."


    Alden was completely still, Kreed couldn''t tell much of what he was thinking mainly because his large golden glasses covered most of his upper face. But it looked rather strange as if Alden had ceased breathing.


    "Y-You, read them? How interesting." A sudden smile appeared on his face.


    "K, I don''t think you know just how important a thing like that is. I mean you''ve read a tablet of Caelan." Continuing to mumble Alden spoke to himself. "I see, my decision was correct. Perhaps this storyline is the one I''ve been looking for."


    Kreed raised an eyebrow once again.


    "A tablet of Caelan, you mean there''s more?"


    Alden focused before answering.


    "Of course there''s more. Well two more for that matter. The first one was found around fifteen hundred years ago. The whereabouts exactly are unknown. But since then it has travelled through many clans and guilds. Currently the great clan Mirage has it. The second tablet was found in the northern point of Pangea after the great war 500 years ago. It''s quite something, at the time of it''s discovery a second war almost broke out. Great clan IHOG was In possession of the first tablet at the time and so they wanted the second as well. However so did many of the other great clans and independent researchers.


    The 13 heroes had to step in despite their dire injuries and put an end to the useless fight.


    In the end clan IHOG lost both it''s leader and the first tablet. The second I believe was retrieved by one of the 13 heroes and since then passed down to their respective clan. Which I believe to be clan .... The assumed strongest clan of the current era.


    So for you to have been in possession of a different tablet can mean two things either the people that ruled apostle island had obtained a new tablet or one of the great clans were involved in the crimes that occured on Apostle island."


    Alden glanced at the slabs of meat still sizzling on the makeshift grill.


    "Um K not to change the subject or anything but I think those should be ready."


    Kreed stared at the meat for a while, before silently removing it from the grill.


    "It''s best to let it sit for a while before eating, that way the full contrast of flavor can be experienced." Commented Alden.


    "Right."


    Kreed placed the slabs on a large scale that rested besides him. Alden had removed it from the Lyre alongside the slabs of meat to be used as a makeshift plate.


    Opening a bottle that he had stored in his bags. He poured the poisoned water held within it over the fire putting it out completely.


    "So Alden, your saying that the tablets I''ve read came from some powerful people? Then why was i able to comprehend it''s meaning?"


    Alden stared at him silently before answering.


    "How should I know? In fact many of the things you speak of seem impossible. Yet I believe you... Tell me K what did the runes of Caelan say? "


    Kreed scratched his head before asking.


    "If I were to reveal such potent information, what would I get in return?"


    "K... I didn''t expect for you to be so conscious.


    Here, since you are the only person to have ever read one of Caelan''s tablets you will undoubtedly be chased after for said knowledge."


    After a simple pause he continued.


    "However if you tell me I can take the full impact and wrath that will be brought upon us.


    I will offer you the highest level of protection and safety. Of course to ensure that I myself don''t turn on you it''s best that you omit some important details of the story. That will give you a bit of leverage."


    Kreed was deeply impressed, was Alden always this compassionate?


    Well he had only been with him for a couple of hours so how would he knows?


    "I believe I''ll tell you what I''ve learnt. I owe you that much for saving my life."


    Well technically I could have escaped if things got rough but his appearance definitely saved me from returning to my dreaded home.


    "Also you had already promised me safety and protection before learning about the tablets of Caelan. If I had to guess you have no reason to kill me infact I''d say you wanted me alive more that anything. "


    Alden chuckled.


    "So what did it say?"


    "If I remember correctly, it spoke of a battle that had begun long ago between the gods.


    Not of how it had started but, of it''s greatest moment. It said that the gods formed a pact between themselves while the demons joined with other harrowing deity''s. However all of this information is already common knowledge. So I don''t know why Caelan would go thru such lengts to ensure that they were noted.


    The rest of the tablets spoke of the following up events, it states that Sihe-Rimaz was created and that every god gave a part of themselves to do so. Other than that it tells a story of how a great demon called Damien managed to infiltrate the heavenly realm. Giving them the ability to spread their own kin on Sihe-Rimaz."


    Alden listened attentively. Not missing a word that exited Kreed''s lips.


    "And that is how the demons came to spread their influence over the northern continent of ... which is now referred to as the dark region."


    Alden nodded as if adding this piece of knowledge to his already great vault of information.


    "If that''s Soo. Then that makes a lot of sense. Caelan must really have been a prophet.


    But that can''t possibly be all can it? I mean how did you become a birthed then?"


    Kreed thought for a while. He had indeed left out the most important part.


    Although the runes spoke of the creation of Sihe-Rimaz it''s main portion spoke of a summoning chant that when read aloud, allowed for the reader to summon any being they wished to desperately meet.


    However he couldn''t reveal that, he was yet to figure out why the father of all was summoned in his case. He had never even know of his existence before. So why? Well that was a thought for a different time.

 Chapter 17 Creation of Relics

    Chapter 17 Creation of Relics


    Getting up from his sitting position, Kreed struggled to uncross his leg. He was sitting for a good hour and now his legs had grown a bit numb.


    Alden was steering the grape through the water calmly while occasionally throwing a glance a Kreed.


    He seemed to be waiting for Kreed to respond, no matter what.


    Sensing this Kreed added.


    "Your right, that isn''t all... Infact what I told you was the easier part of the runes to understand.


    The main words scribed into it was a set of phrases that looked similar to the pledge one would chant during a ritual."


    Alden interjected.


    "Wait, so your saying that Caelan''s tablet had a a summoning chant inscribed on it?"


    "Yes, precisely"


    "That''s unexpected, I thought it would be something less... Astounding. "


    Pausing for a second he thought.


    "Is that how you were birthed? Did you summon something? Perhaps one of your relics?"


    Kreed chuckled.


    "Something way worse, I summoned a being that could change the world around me. It could talk, and referred to it''s self as the god above gods"


    Giggling a bit Kreed continued.


    "Quite strange isn''t it? It all seemed rather believable, until I thought about it clearly.


    For all I know he could be telling the truth. He may be some harrowing god that could battle the demons head on. However I doubt that I''d be able to witness the true form of a god and survive. Besides I''ve heard stories of warriors struggling to keep sane in the presence of certain horrors. There''s no way a god would be able appear with out repercussions."


    Looking up Kreed studied Alden''s face.


    ''i hope he buys that.''


    Kreed had just blatantly lied to Alden. Of course he knew that the father of all was a true deity. He had received a bloody divine relic after all. Two for that matter and even an Alias. There was no doubt that it was a god. But Kreed still struggled to understand how he could come within it''s presence without being harmed in some way. So he had mentioned that as well.


    The best of lies we''re made with a little truth sprinkled in after all.


    Alden nodded.


    "I see that''s even greater than I expected.


    It must''ve been at least a Stulified Oppressor, or even a Descended brute for that matter. Your quite lucky, k."


    Suppressing a laugh Kreed nodded.


    "Yes, yes."


    "So, how did you get those relics? Did you kill the creature?"


    "No, it gave them to me." Replied Kreed


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    "Wait so it wasn''t hostile? That''s strange. Perhaps it was a creature that walked the path of ascension." As if pondering Alden continued


    "If that''s the case then that would be even more astounding. Tell me K did the creature say anything about Caelan?"


    After recalling for a while Kreed answered


    "No. Not as far as I remember."


    Suddenly being assaulted by a small wave Kreed shifted on the ground.


    "Alden how about we eat right now." Said Kreed suddenly realizing just how delicious the meat smelt.


    Alden stared at him for a while before smiling.


    "Sure"


    Soon the grape was placed into the makeshift automatic mode. And Alden joined Kreed on the floor.


    "Welpp, let''s dig in then." Said Alden.


    .........


    As the waves crashed against you the wooden sides of the grap kreed sat, slumped and full.


    He had just eaten a portion of dark lyre. Raging feelings of pleasure engulfed his mind. He had not tasted something so wonderful in over ten years. And finally he wasn''t hungry anyone. For the first time ever Kreed was completely satisfied.


    Sitting beside him was Alden. He was leaning against the side of the grape and picking his teeth.


    Staring at him Kreed chuckled. Suddenly he asked.


    " um Alden if you don''t mind me asking, what''s the glasses for?"


    To Kreed Alden looked extremely comical. It was as if he was someone who boasted of fake confidence. Why would someone wear such Large golden glasses with a uniform on. Not to mention his silver white hair that made him stand out even more. It was as if Alden was begging for attention. And what about his skin?  Kreed couldn''t tell if Alden was paler than him or not. If he hadn''t known he would have definitely assumed that Alden had been on apostle island for just as long as he had.


    Turning to Kreed Alden replied.


    "The glasses you ask? Well to make a long story short. Most people that I''ve let look into my eyes are scarred to this day. So the glasses are sort of like a safety measure, a veil of sorts to protect those around me."


    "Wow, that''s very interesting. Is it a relic? "


    Asked Kreed


    He was super curious about Aldens glasses.


    Why was it made of gold? Could he see properly? Was protection it''s only use? Many questions plagued his mind some finding answers and others remaining unsolved.


    ''hah, am really starting to see the effects of my power now. But it''s more of a burden than a help. Because now I need to know the answers.''


    "Well, k it actually is. I got it made by one of my good friends a couple years ago. It cost me quite a lot but I''d say the product was worth it. "


    Answered Alden


    "Wait you got it made? Is that possible? I thought you could only get relics by killing creatures?" Replied Kreed.


    Well that was a lie, of course Kreed knew that relics could be made. It was one of the most researched topics by the scientists on apostle island. He also had two relics that could be used as material for another. So of course he knew. But right now he needed information.


    Information on the creation of relics and how he could do it himself.


    "Well it''s a very complex process k. Most obtain relics by slaying creatures be it good or bad. This was proven to be the most effective way as the relic received is directly proportional to the rank of the creature slain. But there''s also the obtain that most of the big clans go for. They aim to create their own relics to suit there needs to the tee. They can also use the soul crystal dropped by the creature to directly influence the rank. And the amount of crystals to influence the grade of the relic." Alden paused before continuing.


    "For example the Dark lyre you just ate.


    It was a stagnant wretch. Therefore being of the second rank and the second class it possessed two soul crystals of the silver rank.


    If a craftsman were to make a relic with that, the best he could do is create a silver ranked grade two relics. But that''s the best of the best of course."


    Kreed look at him astonished


    "I see that''s quite something. So what rank and grade are those glasses?"


    Suddenly Alden''s smile widening and a wave of regret washed over Kreed.


    "Oh... These? Well I got the crystal form a creature called Selmak it was quite the battle actually. Am not sure if I''ve ever been that close to death since then. But it was quite something. If I remember correctly it was a Stulified Oppressor, impressive right? I actually got a tamed from it but I gave it to one of my accomplices. I got five third rank crystals from it and so I used three of them to create this glasses and sold the other two.


    So overall this glasses is a  gold rank grade three relic."


    Kreed studied his face for a bit thinking of a reply. With that little interaction Kreed had learned so much and so little at the, same time.


    Apparently having a gold rank relic is impressive. But then what would having a profound ranked relic be considered or having two divine ones for that matter? Kreed definitely couldn''t tell Alden about his relics now. It would be way to much of a risk.


    But more than that he couldn''t tell if Alden was lying or not. He had just claimed to kill a Stulified Oppressor after all a creature of the same rank and class as Dallas. For some odd reason Kreed found that hard to believe. Dallas wasn''t even at his full power yet he completely desolated the entire island. Not to mention that his poison was still running rampantly and spreading from the island at a concerning degree ten years later.


    So then how would Alden be able to kill a creature of similar power?


    ''is he delusional?''


    "Ohh, is that Soo...? But if you killed such a terrible creature then surely you wouldn''t use it''s crystals to make a glasses. I sure wouldn''t."


    Alden''s smile widening even further.


    "Well k originally I was planning on selling all five crystals but then my friend offered to make visionary relic for me. So I went with it. "


    " that''s something, you must really have good friends."


    Replied Kreed


    "But of course. Well k now that we''re talking about relics, tell me what''s the rank of the one you got from the creature."


    Said Alden a sneaky smile appearing on his lips.


    ''Damnation''


    Alden had just switched the topic to Kreed, and now that it had started Kreed was in a dilemma. He could either tell Alden the truth in which case he would have to present a form of proof.


    He could lie in which case he would probably still need to show a bit of proof or he could try and change the subject. The third option seemed most suitable for the situation, but was definitely the most unlikely to happen.


    Making a quick decision Kreed replied.


    "Am so sorry Alden but it''s not as incredible as your hoping it is and to me honest I don''t fully tr--"


    "Quiet"


    Alden had just cut Kreed off. The expression on his face had changed from that of a smile to that of a beast. He seemed to be entirely focused on something. He held his index finger to his lips as if signaling to be quiet.


    ''shit, did I mess up? '' thought Kreed as he couldn''t help but gulp.


    Suddenly Alden''s head jolted to the bow of the grape. His gaze seemed to fall somewhere far of into the distance. And soon a crazy smile found its way to his face.


    "Well k, how about we hold of on this conversation for a bit? It looks like we have company."


    Saying that Alden got up and headed for the the bow of the grape.


    Removing the stick that kept the throttle straight Alden increased it''s speed and turned to the left. He seemed to have been focusing on something in the distance.


    Soon Kreed joined him at the bow, staring preciously into the open expanse of water.


    There he saw something incredible yet chilling to the core.

 Chapter 18 Unexpected Deport

    Chapter 18 Unexpected Deport


    Out there in the open expanse of water, where Alden''s gaze was locked and Kreed''s eyes drawn was a simple boat.


    It was several times larger than the grape and looked more like a ship than a boat. The closet vessel of similarities that Kreed had seen was that of vip vessel used to carry people to and from apostle island.


    But that wasn''t the strange part. The vessel looked very normal except for a few minor inconsistencies. The most obvious being the splatter of red murky blood that stained it''s sides. The blood covered most of the vessels surface dying it a disgusting shade of red.


    As the grape came closer more and more irregularities popped up.


    "This is quite strange. I''ve never seen this before." Said Alden.


    Well who had? Kreed and Alden were completely perplexed.


    There were many questions arising in Kreed''s mind some more vital than others.


    Why was there a random ship there? Why was there blood? What was responsible for that? Was there people on the boat? Who did the blood belong to?


    All the questions were valid ones some more relevant than others. But there was one at the top of Kreed''s mind that didn''t seem to go away?


    Why are we going there? Why are we heading towards the boat? Why? Should we?


    Kreed definitely knew the answer to that one. Every cell in his body was saying to run. His intuition was blasting with panic. The answer was obvious, flee. So why was Alden heading towards it?


    Suddenly feeling the grape slow down Kreed flinched. They were about 50 meters from the vessel. And now dread was overwhelming him.


    Looking at Alden Kreed coughed.


    The crazy smile that was plastered on his face had now grown. What is this Bastard smiling about? Can''t he tell that were in trouble?


    As if reading his mind Alden said.


    "Kreed, things could get a bit difficult from here on out. Look at the water surrounding the ship.


    Do you notice anything off?"


    After looking at it for a while Kreed replied.


    "Yes, it''s not moving."


    Indeed the water that surrounded the vessel was completely still not a wave littering it''s surface.


    Why was that? Did some harrowing creature or existence affect the area around the ship?


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    "Exactly k. Now there could be several reasons for this but the most likely one is that of a deport appearing. Most are know to affect the world around it strangely."


    A deport? Kreed thought. Where had he heard of that before? Yes that''s right. After reading the countless books stored on apostle''s island he had learned about deports.


    They were simple occurrences that would randomly appear through out the world allowing for the harrowing creatures of asterion mighty vault to be let loose and appear on Sihe Rimaz.


    Most of the Deports that appeared were of the lower rank with a few high ranking ones here and there. The way it worked was quite simple. After it brought the creatures to the world it would continue to do so until it was closed, or destroyed. This method allowed for clans and rankers to capitalize on the opportunity to gain strength, relics and knowledge from the creatures they fought. And so appearing deports were monitored closely and in great detail.


    "The entire reason I came out here was to close the deport that had brought the dark lyre''s here. However I didn''t know there was a second deport."


    Alden''s eyebrow twitched slightly before he continued.


    "This strange fact can mean three things. Either the terminal has just opened and the divine energy given away by it, hasn''t been registered in the fissure scanners. The amount of divine energy given of is way to low to be recognized.


    Or the rank of deport is so high that it''s able to conceal it''s divine energy. "


    Kreed thought about it for a while before asking.


    "Am guessing that the second option is the best one."


    "Ohh not at all. Am hoping it''s a high ranking deport. Am totally itching for a fight. "


    Replied Alden


    "Ha is that Soo? Are all top rankers this crazy?"


    "Don''t worry k. I have already promised to keep you safe."


    Saying that Alden summoned a simple metal blade with wooden handle wrapped in leather. It looked to be around two feet long it''s blade gleaming satisfyingly in the morning sun.


    Staring at it Kreed''s mind which was overrunned with thoughts of fleeing, was caught and soothe by a calm emotion.


    Handing the blade to Kreed Alden said.


    "Listen k, I need you to stay close behind me and keep your eyes open. Things could get a bit rough around deports. "


    Following that the blade that Alden had handed to him suddenly dissolved turning into a simple wisp of light that entered Kreed''s body.


    Suddenly feeling it enter his soul Kreed was brought back to reality by the sounding of asterion.


    ["You have obtained a relic, Beggars Rake"]


    Summoning the runes as quickly as possible he read.


    Relic: Beggars Rake


    Relic type: weapon


    Rank: silver


    Grade: II


    Relic summary: There was once a king that had three sons. The eldest was a soldier and heir to the throne. The second son was a man of justice and a kindhearted philanthropist. The third and youngest son was a hotheaded delinquent that spent his father''s money without concern.


    One day the king set a challenge for his three sons. He was bound to die soon so he aimed to split his wealth evenly between them.


    The challenge was simple. Bring me a yellow orchid within a month, said the king.


    You can use any method necessary. The first to bring me my request will receive the greatest part of my fortune, the second to bring me my request, would receive as much compensation to support them for many generations. However if you bring me my request last,you will not receive any portion of my fortune.


    After one day the first son brought a yellow orchid to his father. The second son brought in a yellow orchid on the second day and the third son on the third. Keeping his promise the king separated his fortune as mentioned. But then he asked his sons a simple question. Tell me he said how did you get those orchids? The first son replied. Father you know that I am a man of high status. And so I ordered my fellow soldiers to help me find a yellow orchid. Hearing this the king smiled. that''s wonderful my son. You have not only earned my fortune but proven you ability to lead in my stead. The second son replied. Father I know you are a man of many riddles, and so I decided to solve this one in a simple but interesting way. I picked a white orchid from your beautiful garden and I painted it yellow. Hearing this the king laughed even louder. That''s wonderful my child, you continue to prove that you are a smart and innovative man. I am proud to call myself your father.


    The third son replied. Oh father I know that you are a great and wise man. You see after I received the challenge I hired an assistant to purchase the orchid. After hearing this the king laughed even louder. Oh my child, you truly are something special. You didn''t even bother looking for the orchid yourself or think of a way to find it yourself. Instead you hired someone to do it for you, did the rewards I offered not suit your standards? That is the greatest feat of laziness I have ever experienced.After saying this the king banished the third son to the outskirts of the city. And so the pompous and bashful third son of the king was reduced to become that of a beggar, forced to work and think for survival. This rake is is the only thing that kept him alive, until it didn''t.


    Relic abilities: (Beggars Scrouge) (Mindfull Pretence)


    Relic abilities summary: (Beggars Scrouge: this rake inflictes raging damage once it breaks the surface.)


    (Mindfull Pretence: this rake gives of a subtle Pretence of calmness and uncaring emotion.)


    Relic uses: this relic can be used as a weapon, or as a deterrent to mind attacks. It can calm the raging mind of it''s wilder and onlookers, but makes them more uncaring than usual. Just like a beggar.


    ''Wow''

 Chapter 19 Approaching the vessel

    Chapter 19 Approaching the vessel


    Staring suspiciously at Alden Kreed studied the runes one more time.


    This was the fifth relic he had received. And so.


    Many questions formed within his mind. Why did Alden just freely give him a relic?


    No he could more or less guess the reason for that. It was rather obvious actually. They were about to face an unknown enemy after all and Kreed didn''t have a weapon.


    So instead Kreed focused on the more surprising question that troubled him.


    Why was he continuously getting powerful relics for free? Did his luck really take a 180? Was he being rewarded for surviving ten long years on apostle island? If so then it was totally worth it.


    Perhaps this was Kreed''s current biasness speaking, but he felt satisfied with the continuous barrage of luck and gifts.


    Suddenly bringing Kreed back to reality Alden''s voice sounded.


    "Hey!! Don''t get any bright ideas. I only gave that for extra security. I think you''ll be able to weild it. But I do expect to get it back. So keep that in mind."


    ''shit '' well what else did Kreed expect? For the self proclaimed 8th strongest man and ruler of Alicia to give him a silver ranked relic for free?


    Of course not.


    "Ohh ok. Don''t worry I don''t want to keep anything that once belonged to a beggar anyway." Replied Kreed


    Alden''s smile became a bit confused before he continued.


    "Well k. I guess it''s about time we pay our fellow sailors a visit."


    And so Alden began to move. Summoning two more relics. Kreed watched as sparks of light bonded together forming into a simple grey bracelet, that comfortably rested on Alden''s left wrist. It seemed to be cautiously and delicately crafted out of stone. The other spark of light manifested into a small glass potion. The liquid contained within it looked silky and clear. It looked a bit like honey but with more of a red hue. Taking a sip Alden''s face contoured into a beastly grimace. Was it bitter ?


    Soon the potion disappeared into a whirlwind of sparks.


    After suppressing his involuntary grimace Alden looked at Kreed.


    "Get ready k. And remember to stick behind me."


    After hearing this Kreed summoned the beggars rake to his side. It took him some time to fully grasp the feeling of having a new relic attached to his soul but in the end he was able to manifest it without so much as a hitch.


    Alden who had been intently watching the ship ahead with an alarmingly smile turned to look at Kreed once more before saying.


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    "Thank you, k. You may not know how but because of my meeting with you I believe I was brought several steps closer to my goal. "


    What was that supposed to mean? How dumb.


    Kreed who was listening for any wise words of encouragement or tips from Alden was completely taken aback by that statement.


    ''If you don''t tell me how I''ve helped you then why would I accept you words?''


    Turning around abruptly Alden stretched his left hand over the water ahead of the grape and smiled.


    "Well k. Let''s get moving shall we."


    Suddenly the water beneath the grape surged and rippled.


    And from it rose a pillar of pristine stone.


    ''Wow'' for a moment Kreed stared speechlessly at it.


    The pillar flattened out, and began extending towards the creepy vessel. It grew wide enough to hold at least three persons at the same time.


    And as if instinctual Alden jumped on to it, in  a Swift but smooth motion.


    Several tiny cracks spread from Alden''s point of contact. But they were soon refilled with, the constantly moving stone surface.


    From what Kreed could tell the stone pillar could either be a unique ability brought about by a powerful relic, or the more likely option Alden''s power.


    But what left Kreed puzzled was the fact that the stone seemed to be moving on its own. It was constantly moving to adapt to the barrage of waves that plagued its sides. It continued to grow up and out of the oceans bed, like a neverending thread. A thread that then bend ninety degrees along the oceans surface. And continued to grow at the same size and proportions constantly.


    How was it not tipping over, Kreed didn''t know. The pillar that held the platform up didn''t look grand enough to support its weight yet it still did.


    How strange.


    Alden turned to face Kreed for a while before gesturing for him to join him.


    And so Kreed did.


    Slowly climbing out of the grape. Kreed struggled to keep his mind from growing nauseous. If he slipped up, then Kreed would without a doubt fall into the ocean.


    Well he kinda hoped for that outcome as well, he hadn''t taken a satisfactory bath in over a year. Not to mention that the water he used to bathe in was grimy and poisoned.


    So he definitely wouldn''t mind taking a quick dip in the ocean.


    The problem however was the fact that Kreed''s mind was still trying to process the trauma he felt while facing off against the dark lyre.


    And now the deport before him presented a similar if not more terrifying threat.


    There was absolutely no chance of him entering the ocean. Well not by his own will anyway.


    Kreed took a couple Shakey steps before reaching Alden''s side. And Soo began to move towards the vessel.


    After a while of cautiously walking behind Alden Kreed felt something. No he wasn''t attacked in any way by some hidden creature. But rather his mind became subtly less worried.


    This strange sense of security came out of nowhere. But Kreed was able to notice a few new details because of it.


    The first thing that struck him, was the water and surrounding area. It was as if he had entered a completely different space.


    He was close enough to the vessel, in which the surrounding water remained completely still. If he had to guess he was roughly 20 meters away from the vessel but the surrounding area was completely unbothered. There was not a single wave across the strip of water. The once refreshing air was nowhere to be found and the sound of the ocean was completely gone. Now all the Kreed could hear was the steady footsteps of both himself and Alden.


    The stone path conjured by Alden beneath their feet continued to grow slowly towards the vessel, with each step they made.


    Some other details Kreed noticed about the vessel was something odd. The vessel wasn''t in fact on water. Instead from what Kreed could now see the boat rested slightly on a little stone reef. Or a simple moat that protruded about a foot out of the water. The section of the ship that rested on the stone moat looked torn and dented, as if the vessel rammed into it at full speed.


    ''well that raises a few questions.''


    The stone looked different from the stone conjured by Alden. In fact it looked quite beautiful actually. It was a silky black stone with what looked to be a polished surface. Its smooth surface made by the countless waves that harassed it.


    It was quite comical. Why would such a big boat be wrecked by such a small rock.


    Well Kreed didn''t really need to know nor did he care.


    The story looked quite plain actually. The vessel was speeding, crashed into the moat, and rendered immobile. Then the deport opened and whatever creature it released, completely devastated the vessel''s inhabitants staining it with their blood.


    ''Just wonderful.''


    Kreed still didn''t agree with Alden. Why did they have to check it out? Or rather why couldn''t he do the checking by himself? Was he that interested in the creature?


    Most of these answers were obvious to Kreed but he was still frustrated.


    Alden was indeed crazy enough to want to fight the unknown creature without a plan. But more than that he seemed a bit more, obligated. Perhaps it had something to do with Alden''s organization. He was wearing a uniform after all. Maybe he was strangely forced to kill all of the creatures that could cause harm to humanity. Or maybe he was one of those persons that held a strange grudge against the demons and their creatures for whatever reason. Either way Kreed wanted nothing to do with it.


    But that didn''t seem to be an option either.


    Alden could have left Kreed behind, but the threat level of the deport, as well as the creature it released was unknown. There was a chance that the deport had brought in more than one creature as well. Perhaps there were hundreds of them at this point. So Kreed


    was definitely safer staying by Alden''s side. Staying in the grape cluelessly could be tantamount to suicide even.

 Chapter 20 Point Reyes

    Chapter 20 Point Reyes


    As Kreed contemplated his situation, he noticed another strange detail.


    "Alden, look, look.. over there. There''s writing."


    As Alden''s gaze scanned across the vessel once more, he paused his movement.


    Causing Kreed to bump into him.


    "Oww".


    Then as the both looked at the writing, Alden spoke.


    "Kreed, now I want you to be even more cautious." After a quick breath he continued.


    "If I remember correctly the name of that vessel is linked to a place in west Oben. And the owner I believe is a well renowned combatant.


    So there''s definitely something dangerous waiting for us on that boat."


    Kreed thought for a while. Alden''s words did spook him a little but they didn''t change much.


    Looking at the writing plasted on the vessels hull Kreed read.


    Point Reyes.


    What a strange name. Did it perhaps something to do with a military post? From what Kreed knew this was the best conclusion he could think of. Most of the books he read on the world''s military, had different post''s referred to as points.


    Well it didn''t make sense thinking of such things now he had to remain focused on the Eire waters that surrounded him.


    Following Alden, they continued to approach the vessel.


    And not long after they found themselves climbing unto it''s stern.


    Looking around cautiously, Alden''s gaze stumbled upon a pool of red liquid. It was viscous, and thick. A pungent smell of rot permitting from it.


    There was no mistaking it. The gory, crimson liquid, scattered across the vessels deck, was blood.


    And not just anyblood, human blood. Kreed had spent multiple years, cleaning the entire island. So he knew very well what human blood looked, and smelt like.


    Looking at Alden Kreed frowned. He had hoped that the gruesome smell and sight would make him change his mind, or at least deter him in some way.


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    But instead Alden looked enlighted, an uncalled


    Smirk, engrossing his lips.


    ''god damnit.'' Suppressing a squeal. Kreed took a step forward and summoned his new relic.


    After a few seconds. The metal blade finished manifesting, appearing in Kreed''s right hand.


    Suddenly his focused and raging mind, was assaulted by an unnatural feeling of calm assurance.


    It was almost as if Kreed didn''t view his situation as being a dire one anymore. No that wasn''t right. It was as if the fear that he had held was being suppressed by a sense of uncaring security.


    Well whatever effect the metal blade had on him, he didn''t mind. He needed something to calm him anyway.


    "Let''s go." Said Alden.


    .......................................................................


    Thump.


    Far below the vessel, and the suspiciously smooth moat, on which it rested.


    Was a simple crack. It wasn''t a crack on the oceans bed. No instead the crack appeared to be in the fabric of reality it self. The water around the crack, seeped into it endlessly causing a small vortex beneath the water.


    The crack didn''t look strange, or artificial. But it emanated a simple felling of profound terror and wrongness.


    As the crack continued to exist, the smooth stone moat, that held the vessel in place, moved. It was a little tremble, as if someone had crashed into it. But that wasn''t the case.


    No far below as the moat continued down to the oceans bed, a pair of round bulging eyes, opened. The creature which had disguised itself as a stone moat was now awake.


    It had smelt the appearance of it''s new meal, and the raging hunger that it felt was now even more, invigorating.


    Well all it would have to do now was wait, the fresh meal would be delivered to it soon enough. So using its own energy would be a waste.


    And Soo the pair of bulging eyes closed once again.


    Entering the vessel''s cabin, two young and brave men, ignorant of what the waters beneath the vessel held, continued to explore.


    The cabin of the vessel looked nothing short of repulsive. All that it once held, was now wrecked and mutilated. The little furniture that it housed, was now torn and broken. The walls of the cabin defaced and stained by blood. The open cockpit that housed the vessels engine and controls. We''re bent and scratched, the metal sides crooked beyond imagination.


    Seeing all this the two intruders were meant to be, scared. And flee for their lives. But that wasn''t the case. The two young men were displaying emotions irrelevant to there situation. One of the men, who''s long, black and tangled hair covered most of his pale ashy face. Had a distant look in his eyes. It was as if he wasn''t present in the situation.


    The other man, who had long, spikey silver hair. And Large round golden glasses that concealed his eyes. Was smiling. The smile looked to be that of a confident one, but it looked out of place in this messy and mangled room. After they scouted and talked for a bit the men decided to head below deck.


    After climbing down the steep steps littered with blood, the two men entered the hold. The man with the golden glasses summoned a simple glass lantern which illuminated the creepy darkness.


    The room looked oddly similar to the cabin above. The contents held beneath was mangled and scavenged. Pools of blood dispersed along the decks surface.


    After the men searched the entire room. They began to discuss. Many strange things had stood out to them.


    Firstly after reading the various documents that could still be made out. The young men discovered the vessel to be one that had been traveling towards Debajo. They appeared to be transporting a being by the name of Mr Howl.


    A local businessman and noble of Oben. Apparently he had connections to the great clan IHOG, and was heading towards Debajo to meet with one of the leaders of the clan.


    Another thing they noticed was the time frame in which the vessel was meant to reach Debajo.


    According to the records left this ship was meant to reach Debajo at least two months ago. With this new found knowledge the two men made a few new conclusions.


    If the ship was meant to head to Debajo which was south why was it here in the south east waters of Oben?


    And what about the time frame. Did the deport really open two months ago? If Soo then how was it not registered up till now?


    Such inconsistencies would leave most persons, shaken to the core. But the two men standing below deck remained calm. It was as if they were finding the situation more interesting than scary. The only thing that seemed to puzzle them was the absence of anyone.


    They had searched the deck and cabin thoroughly but had not found a single body, bone or piece of flesh. The only clue that left no doubt that humans had once inhabited the vessel was the thick, crimson blood that littered it''s surface.


    But why was there so much of it? No matter where they looked. Was it possible for a human to produce that much blood? Was it even possible for ten humans to produce that much blood? This puzzling question plagued the minds of the two young men. What was capable of draining humans to the point where their blood formed multiple large pools of crimson liquid.


    As the two men contemplated the answer to said question. They continued searching for any hope of finding the creature responsible.


    They seemed sure that they would ultimately find said being, and very soon as well.

 Chapter 21 Encounter

    Chapter 21 Encounter


    "Stay here k, and stay alert. Am heading to the bow. That''s the only place we haven''t checked." With a slight nod Alden existed the cockpit, leaving Kreed to continue searching among the surviving documents.


    Thay had been exploring the vessel for over half an hour now, but they couldn''t find any trace of the deadly creature responsible for the wrecked vessel.


    Many solutions were constantly being created within Kreed''s mind, some more likely than others. But none resulted in the absence of the creature. There was absolutely no trace of a foreign entity, but Kreed''s intuition was screaming with caution. And what else would he be listening to in this situation? His intuition had saved him countless times before, so he wouldn''t stop listening to it now.


    As Kreed shuffled through a small booklet, his eye''s scanned, for any words he could make out. The entire book was stained In blood, and many of the pages, mushed beneath his finger tips. Yet he managed to analyze a couple of the words that remained.


    Based on what he found. The book looked to a journal belonging to a fellow named, Patrick.


    From prior knowledge gained, through other documents. Kreed knew that Patrick was one of the seven persons that had took the journey to Debajo alongside Mr Howl. He was part of the detail charged with keeping him safe.


    After reading the journal Kreed chuckled.


    Apparently Mr Howl was delivering a batch of soul crystals. Many of them being of the corrupted rank. So the level of security was very immense. Patrick the owner of the journal claimed to be an evolved climber. Which was definitely believable. But then how were they all wiped out? They were meant to be security, but in the end they failed at their job. What about the soul crystals that were being delivered? Were they lost? Or perhaps sealed in a vault somewhere on the vessels which they hadn''t checked before? The other possibility that Kreed thought of was a rather unique one. What if someone had survived? And what if that survivor took the crystals with them. It was definitely a possibility but, from the gruesome scene before him, the scenario lost most possiblity. There was another explanation as well.


    This one, more harrowing than the others. What if the creature ressponsible, for the crews death, had obtained the crystals? The creatures power would increase dramatically if that was the case.


    And now, that said creature was somewhere around. Most likely already aware of their presence.


    Most corrupted creatures, possessed a keen sense. That allowed them to identify the presence of UN corrupted foes.


    After closing the journal. Kreed sighed.


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    "Well this is just great."


    Leaning against a wooden stool, Kreed suddenly felt it collapse under his weight,


    ''Argh''


    Falling to the floor Kreed, felt his leg being pierced. As his worried mind was filled with a sharp stinging pain. He took a deep breath.


    Managing his constant flow of thoughts, Kreed struggled to get up.


    To his surprise what had pierced him was non other than a stray piece of broken furniture. Looking at the wound with a grimace Kreed tore the large wooden splinter from his leg.


    ''damnation''


    As he contemplated summoning the healing peach, Kreed was abruptly torn from his train of thought once more.


    Feeling his body leave the floor, Kreed braced himself. Slamming into a Siide of the vessel, his bones quaked from the unbearable impact.


    What just happened? From what he could assess in the short time he had managed to recover. A couple things could be the cause.


    One, the terrible creature that had caused the gruesome sight before him had finally showed up. The second option was a bit less scary but scary none the least. Alden had used his power to conjure a stone pillar. What ever the case may be, Kreed didn''t have time to linger. Straining his battered body, Kreed began to move. Grasping the beggars rake Kreed rushed through the cabins back door, and exited unto the deck.


    Avoiding a extra Large pool of blood, Kreed ran towards the bow.


    Alden was strong, and most likely wouldn''t be killed so easily. Yet he felt that he would need back up.


    Or maybe not, perhaps he would be more of a hindrance to Alden but kreed didn''t care, based on what he had concluded the safest place on the vessel was beside Alden.


    Finally appearing on the vessels deck, Kreed''s hurried mind was momentarily blank, for a split second he looked at the scenario before him.


    And then it erupted, his mind was filled with countless reasons and solutions, but he couldn''t seem to focus on any of them. So instead his body moved on its own.


    Grabbing the hilt of the silver sword, Kreed threw it forward. Within the couple of seconds of Kreed''s appearance,he went from completely still to a violent nature.


    The reason for his actions was totally justifiable, the sight before him was that of a hopeless one.


    The first thing he had noticed upon entering the bow, was Alden. He was standing in a pool of the vile crimson blood, his cool uniform now stained in it''s embrace, he was leaning against a little stone pillar that he had conjured.


    There was a small tear on the left side of his uniform, a small cut opened beneath it. From Kreed''s angle, a large pillar of pristine stone tore through the vessel and was heading towards the creature that had left Kreed stunned. That stone pillar seemed to be the reason for the abrupt assault that had left him and his bones in numbing agony.


    The creature that had caused Kreed''s sudden shift in behavior however, was chilling to the sight. It stood about three meters away from Alden, but it''s appearance had left Kreed shocked for a couple of seconds. His mind which was normally never empty was left blank.


    Why had he not considered the type of creature?


    Out of all the options that seem possible why had he not even considered the monster to be,... One that was made with blood?


    The creature, that stood mere meters away from Alden was an amalgamation of blood and soot. It''s body towered over Alden like a strange cliff. It had multiple long, twisted tendrils. Each spreading towards a different pool of blood. It didn''t have a face or anything of the sort. In stead it seemed to be made entirely out of the thick red liquid.


    The same liquid that could be seen all over the vessel''s surface.


    But although the creatures appearance had spooked Kreed, that wasn''t the reason for his violent outburst. Instead it was related to the simple cut on aldens arm.


    What had managed to cut through his uniform? According to Alden that uniform was of the gold rank! So the creature had to be at least a Stulified being or higher in rank.


    The little cut that didn''t seem to dangerous, was emanating with an aura of pure danger. And from that little wound that was inflicted on Alden, his entire body was paralyzed.


    Kreed took a few seconds to notice it but when he did, his body moved on its own. Making the best possible root for escape.


    If the creature could injure Alden much less leave him completely paralyzed what chance did Kreed have?


    And so he decided to abandon mission and flee for his life.


    Many may have viewed Kreed''s actions as cowardly and selfish. But he didn''t care. He had just managed to escape an entire island that was filled with the poison of Dallas. Why would he give away his life now?


    Alden was the one responsible for bringing them here in the first place so why would Kreed feel guilty over his death?


    Was he even capable of feeling guilty?

 Chapter 22 Battle on the Bow

    Chapter 22 Battle on the Bow


    As Kreed watched the simple metal blade slid gracefully into the bloodied monstrosities, liquid like body. He turned towards the deck and began his sprint.


    Leaving Alden behind Kreed hurried towards the stone platform that had led too the grape.


    Never even looking back he began his efforts to climb unto the platform.


    However without warning, suddenly, feeling the vessel tilt, Kreed lost his balance.


    Slamming into the outside wall of the cabin.


    ''Damnation''


    As his already brittle bones ached from the impact, Kreed scowled.


    Making an attempt to move once more, Kreed glaced in the direction where he had sprinted from.


    And there he saw something incredible. Alden who moments ago was completely paralyzed, his tall and subtly strong body, being reduced to a mere statue.


    Was now moving once again. The pristine stone pillar that had been the cause of Kreed''s battered body. Was Peircing through the thick


    Hull of the vessel with ease. It slid through the metal like if cutting through butter. Its peak moving at a terrifying speed, towards the bloodied beast that had left him paralyzed.


    As Kreed watched in awe. He saw the big pool of thick blood that Alden stood in surged and raged. Forming into a frenzy of thick repulsive tentacles that grasped his legs.


    "Alden. Look ou--"


    Kreed who was meters away from the tall silver haired man, began to shout these warnings, as he saw the situation grow dire.


    Of course he didn''t even feel a pang of guilt or shame. He had left Alden to dye after all, but now that he had seen him moving freely, he was back to leaching of of Alden once again.


    The words of waring died on his lips however. When Kreed saw Aldens face. The Large golden glasses that obscured his eyes, were glinting unnaturally. The golden Lenses that it housed was rippling,with a mesmerizing flow, like the surface of a tiny golden lake. His silver hair, stood upright on his head. There ends glowing softly.


    But the most noticable detail, was Alden''s smile. Kreed had witness many of Alden''s uncalled for smiles. But this one stood out.


    He didn''t look, insanely crazy. Or as if boastful. Instead it looked strangely, normal. For once Alden looked genuinely happy, not that he wasn''t before. But this time, it looked as if he was relieved. Relived of a heavy burden that he had been carrying.


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    And so Alden summoned a stone sword. It looked to be made of the same pristine stone that Alden had used for the pillars.


    As the tentacles of vile blood, tightened around his legs, Alden moved.


    ''what..''


    In one swift motion, he sliced through the thick tentaculum, easily escaping their grasp. And appeared a meter away from the vile monstrosity. Kreed couldn''t even see Alden''s movement. He was using the same terrible speed, that he used when they first met. It looked as if he was simply teleporting but, Kreed knew different.


    In truth. The entire fight so far had taken a few seconds. From the time Kreed threw his metal rake. To the point at which they currently were to no less than six, seconds had passed, at most. And their current position didn''t look as dire, now that Alden''s true nature was revealed.


    Kreed watched, as he swung his sharp stone sword at the abominations neck. Or at what appeared to be it''s neck. The stone blade, slid through it with ease, the vile sound of thick tissue being cut. Resounded throughout the vessel''s surface.


    And just as the blade escaped it''s embrace severing the creatures head cleanly off, the bloody body surged, sending a dozen tendrils of spiraling liquid towards Alden.


    Using his uncommon speed, the tall man, deflected a couple tendrils, dodged another and made an attack once more.


    As he anchored his left foot a mere meter from the, creature, he stained his body. Bending and tensing his muscles at an unhealthy angle. Releasing a strong burst of vigorous power he aimed for the creatures abdomen. As Kreed looked on in amazement, he saw the creature tremble. And fluttered into symphony of un-choreographed movement.


    A multitude of bloodied tendrils, shot fort from it''s body. They spread in every direction, most aiming to injure Alden.


    Creek


    A loud uncanny sound echoed throughout the vessel, it seemed that Alden had actually managed to harm the monstrosity with is first move, and now that the creature knew that, it was frantically attacking.


    Hoping to kill or at least injury the four eyed maniac.


    As Kreed looked on, stunned at the violent outburst. He watched as Alden, using his immense speed. Dodged a barrage of the creatures tentacles. Parrying another a second later.


    Then a rush of attacks came through. Alden was cutting through the monstrosity''s bloody tendrils, staining the hull and bow of the vessel even more. Simultaneously the creature continued to gather blood from the many pools scattered across the vessel''s surface. Continuously replenishing it''s stores of blood and soot.


    After the beings exchanged a couple blow''s, Alden dodging all the attacks that managed to get past his sharp pristine stone sword. And the bloody creature managing to somehow protect it''s vitals. The tide of the battle suddenly changed.


    Feeling the vessel shake. Kreed observed the pillar of pristine stone, that Alden had formerly conjured, suddenly shake and shoot forward.


    Alden who was facing the vile creature head on, retreated, jumping several meters back.


    Then the pristine stone pillar shot fort, completely decimating the tall towering creatures torso. Cutting through it''s defense and bloody body with ease.


    As blood scattered all across the vessel''s surface, Kreed saw Alden move once more.


    Suddenly dashing forward, Alden grasped the pristine stone sword with both his hands. In one swift motion Alden severed one of the creatures many tendrils that had hept it attached to a pool of viscous blood. And without giving the creature a second to react. He unleashed a new attack.


    The Large stone pillar that had completely destroyed the creature''s upper half. And was still lodged right above the creature, suddenly sprouted a bombardment of smaller spear headed pillars, that dug and tore, through the creatures remaining parts.


    Stepping back with a slick bounce, Alden, lowered his stone blade.


    The smile on his face had diminished a bit but, a sudden look of confusion replaced it.


    "What? But that doesn''t make any sense..."


    Hearing Alden speak, Kreed, finally began his efforts of getting up once again.


    He watched as the half of the creature''s body that had been decimated by the ruthless thrusts of Aldens stone spears, slowly began to crumble, forming back into a gigantic pool of blood and tissue.


    Then a sudden thought entered Kreed''s mind, why had he thrown his metal blade at the creature? Was it to escape? Indeed in the moment that he had flung his rake, his body had moved on its own. His intuition was screaming for him to run. But why? Didn''t Alden keep his promise? Hadn''t he killed the beast? So what had come over him? Was he really scared?


    Noo. That couldn''t possibly be the case, Kreed knew what true, unclouded, primal fear felt like. He had met with the father of all, and the range of emotions he had felt then couldn''t even be compared to what he was feeling in the current moment. So what had really happened? Kreed had a small guess. But needed to confirm.


    Dismissing the metal rake that was lodged within a section of the bloody creature''s body. Kreed watched as it dissolved into a wisp of light that then re-entered his body.


    Summoning the metal blade once again. Kreed frowned.


    His worst fears had come true. Although he wasn''t a hundred percent sure. He could guess the reason for his sudden, blank out as well as the explanation for his body moving on its own.


    Well he could confirm that suspicions later. For now he needed to consult with Alden.

 Chapter 23 Aldens Pov

    Chapter 23 Alden''s Pov


    "Stay here k, and stay alert. Am heading to the bow. That''s the only place we haven''t checked." With a slight nod Alden exited the cockpit, leaving Kreed to continue searching among the surviving documents.


    As he walked across the vessel''s deck, Alden couldn''t help but ponder.


    I really am lucky. After all those years of searching endlessly. He had finally made a breakthrough. Well more than one break through at that.


    It seemed that the advice he had received from the goddess, Alpengata. Was correct, she had instructed him to search throughout the waters of east Oben. And he had done so many time, spending countless revolutions trying to discover anything that could aid him in his search. And now after all that deep struggle, he seemed to have accomplish something. Not only had he found Kreed and discovered what was written on the great prophet Caelan tablet. He had also made a pact with the cautious boy, who had promised to reveal to him the abilities of the relics he had been given. While all these revelations were more than enough satisfy Aldens gluttonous curiosity, he was now being given even more priceless information for free. How had his many years of being stuck in a simple fragment of the story. Finally open up. Now that he had seen the random deport, that nestled beneath the vessel called point Reyes. As well as the information saved within it. Led him to gather and create a new out come, one that led to the ultimate downfall of clan IHOG. A clan which so happened to be one of the major contenders for his organizations greatest enemies. Well that wasn''t really true either. The grudge Alden held against clan IHOG was more of a personal one. It originated form a single encounter which Alden had with one of the brothers that led the clan. And because of that he had allowed for his position as leader of his organization, to order his subordinates to hold clan IHOG at an arms length. However Alden knew that in the end clan IHOG would not be a treat towards him in any way. The reason for this was because clan IHOG which was once one of the greatest clans ever, arguably the strongest at a point in time, had lost most of it''s power and influence.


    Now that clan IHOG was significantly weaker, not even being considered within the top 5 strongest clans of the current era.


    Alden had no reason to battle against them. He was better of using his efforts and strength to focus on the greater treat. Now however, as he had obtained a bit of confidential information on clan IHOG, he was definitely not going to let it go to waste. Of course not Alden was a very pretty person, he would definitely use his newly gained knowledge to his advantage. Upping his standard in the world while simultaneously lowering the reputation of clan IHOG.


    How peculiar.


    As Alden entered the vessel''s, bow he looked around indifferently.


    On the Bow there looked to be a rather Large pool of thick tissue and blood. It looked clumpy and repulsive, similar to all the other pools of vile liquid.


    After staring at the large pool of blood for a few seconds, Alden moved to the wooden gunwale that surrounded the vessel''s bow, Alden leaned against it. Staring out over the waters surface. Alden coughed.


    How strange.


    After looking at the stone moat for a while he smiled. "Found you."


    As these words escaped his lips. He suddenly felt his hand sting.


    Abruptly turning to face attacker. He saw the vile pool of growing and collapsing on itself. Chunks of coagulated blood joining with others to creat a tall towering amalgamation of tissue, blood and soot. As tendrils and tentacles grew out from it''s embrace. The creature, tried to imitate the form of a human, however it''s proportions were utterly wrong.


    Taking a look at his left arm, Alden notice something strange. Directly below his shoulder, where he had been attacked. There was a small cut. The creatures attack had managed to cut through his thick and impenetrable uniform. Causing a little incision to run across his pale white skin.


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    "My uniform may not be the strongest amor relic that I possess but it''s still a amor of the gold rank. Not to mention that my skin is a durable as a Lecce if not more.


    This creature has to be on the third rank of corruption then.


    Perhaps a Stulified wretched? Or a Stulified Horror."


    After a second of contemplating Alden continued.


    "Well it doesn''t matter. I''ll find out after I kill it."


    Stretching fort his left hand, Alden said.


    "I suggest you try your best to entertain me." With that, a large stone pillar tore through the bow of the vessel, causing it to shake violently.


    As the pillar took on the shape of a gigantic spear Alden, effortless poured a generous amount of verve into it. Causing the pristine stone spear to shoot forward. Aimed directly at the creatures head.


    However something unexpected occured, suddenly feeling his left arm grow numb, Alden tensed.


    "Shit"


    As he felt his body waver and fall. Beginning to lose his balance. Alden quickly conjured a simple stone pillar to lean on.


    ''What is this ? Poison?" His mind was trying to explain his current situation. But he found it rather difficult. It seemed that the cut, inflicted on his left arm, wasn''t meant to hurt the victim directly, but instead it served as a means to get into the victims body. Slowly weakening it''s prey until it could no longer move. And from what Alden could feel he wasn''t very far away from being completely paralyzed.


    He could sense his mind, growing more distant, close to being completely blank. His body was becoming more and more numb, the feeling spreading through out his body at a terrible speed.


    But that wasn''t the worst part. Although the poison, if it was even poison that had been injected into him, was numbing and affecting both his physical body and mind. The effects didn''t stop there.


    Alden felt his soul growing distant. As if it was being secluded, he felt his power weakening. The vitality and vigor that was held within his soul shrinking and becoming faint.


    "Damnit."


    With a slight scowl Alden anchored his feet, remaining up right and laughed.


    The situation wasn''t really funny in any way. But as he succumbed to the effects of the creatures abilities, Alden couldn''t help but be reminded of the preparations he had already made.


    Now all he needed to do was survive for a few seconds. Before the portion he had drunk, while still in the grape. To take effect.


    And so he fainted, or was at least subjected, to a similar experience. As he struggled to grasp on to his senses, his vision blurred. And for a second or to Alden found himself in a dream like state. He couldn''t, think, breath, hear or feel anything. His entire perception had completely vanished. And then it happened. As that strange veil that was created by the creatures poison, cracked. And from that crack flowed a symphony of unnatural unbound power. God damnit.


    Being drawn back to his body, Alden''s gaze jumped immediately towards the vile, creature.


    Now that he had released the seal, placed on his power. His entire being was filled with an immense power.


    "I didn''t think I''d have to use it. But now that I have, things should get interesting."


    The explanation for Alden''s speedy recovery was very simple.


    Before entering the vessel, he had summoned two incredible relics. One was a simple stone bracelet that rested comfortably on his left hand. While the other was a small Glass portion. The liquid it held look rather artificial and unnatural. And the taste was even worse. Alden would take one of these potions before every battle. And the reason for this was very unexpected. It wasn''t because he had some underlying condition that needed treatment. Nor did he use it as a supplement to boost his abilities. Rather it was a simple seal. One that served as backup in case his golden glasses were, damaged or failed to suppress his power.


    The entire reason for this was because Alden couldn''t risk using his power. Especially now that he had found Kreed and discovered the new missing puzzle piece that had tormented him for so long.


    So he ensured that he had taken a dose of the terrible liquid before entering the vessel.


    But now that the creature had infected him, it allowed for the portion to activate it''s other ability. Essentially allowing for Alden to release a tiny bit of his power without consequence. And so now that he had done so his body, mind and soul, was brimming with overwhelming vitality and prowess.


    His golden glasses that had tried to suppress his power was shining with a incandescent glow. The large round Lenses that they held, rippling and surging.


    His spikey white hair, had began to stand, the ends glowing softly.


    And so now that he was, brimming with strength. The creatures poison completely neutralized. Alden immediately began his barrage of attacks.


    Noticing that the metal blade he had given to Kreed was lodged into the creatures, bloody body. Alden smiled.


    He had sensed Kreed, run from the cabin of the vessel to the bow. But had blanked out at that point. Now that he was back he used his extraordinary sense to feel for Kreed''s presence once more. From what he felt the young boy was attempting to climb unto stone platform he had made for the journey from the grape.


    ''good, it seems I''ve underestimated the kid once again. Not only had he kept the vile creature busy while I was paralyzed, but now he was giving me enough space to fight freely. He really is smart.''


    Thinking this, Alden sent a surge of verve into the already positioned stone pillar. And so it shot fort


    at a terrible speed, ripping through the bow, like butter and rattling it entirely.

 Chapter 24 Aldens Pov pt. 2

    Chapter 24 Alden''s Pov pt. 2


    As the stone pillar shot fort, causing the entire vessel to shake. Alden watched as the creature, shaked. One of it''s large bloody tendrils shot fort, meeting the stone pillar head on.


    "Finally."


    Now that Alden was overflowing with unbridled power. He needed to let loose. And from what he could tell the creature before him was capable of letting him do just that. Surly it was able to satisfy his hunger. Expending a bit of verve. He conjured a stone, long sword. It wasn''t shaped in any specific way, he had just conjured it to look like what he knew a sword to be. He hadn''t used many swords in his day, mainly because he didn''t need to get close to his enemies to deal devastating blows. But this case was different. Since he was on a relatively small vessel, he didn''t have the luxury of having a long range fight. Not unless he wanted to cause as minimal damage as possible.


    So he resorted to using a sword. Well he had seen many strong persons weild swords before. So it shouldn''t be to difficult.


    Well whatever the case. Things were about to get interesting.


    And so as a simple smile formed on his lips he straighten.


    However before he could move forward. The creature attacked first. Causing the pool of vile blood, in which he stood to surge and come alive. Forming into a barrage of tentaculum, the began to grasp and tighten around his feet. Effectively anchoring him in place.


    Seeing this event unfold, Alden moved. Bending his knees slightly, he swung his stone sword, effectively cutting through the bloody limbs.


    And a split second later he tensed his muscles shoot forth from his position and appearing a meter under the towering monstrosity.


    Using his momentum and speed, he sent a bit of verve into the stone bracelet that rested on his arm. As one of the bracelets abilities activated, he swung at the creatures neck. Severing it with a single strick.


    As the stone sword escaped the creatures flesh. It counterattacked, send a barrage of tendrils and tentacles towards Alden. With a simple back step he avoided a couple attacks, parrying another with gracefull elegance.


    "I see."


    The attack seemed to have been a success. Alden''s quick thinking and wit was rather incredible, landing him a stop in the top ten, despite being the youngest to ever do so.


    And now he had just used his incredible mind, to find the creatures weakness. From what he could tell, the monstrosity didn''t have a core or heart. Instead it looked to be made entirely out of blood and soot. So using his knowledge of similar creature, he drew a small conclusion. If there wasn''t a way to harm it physically he would have to attack it''s soul.


    And that''s exactly what he had done. After activating one of the stone bracelet''s abilities he was able to not only cut through the creatures thick neck, but Also inflict a crack on it''s soul.


    How had he known that his attack worked? One may have asked. Well the answer was directly In front of him. The bloody, creature was spasming, it''s grotesque body gyrating in a fit of pain.


    As the creature continued it''s bombardment of attacks, Alden dodged effortlessly, focusing on finding an open to deal another blow.


    Then he moved once more. Using his incredible speed and superb reflexes. Alden appeared before the creature once more. Aiming for the beings upper chest, or what looked like the upper chest. Alden tensed his muscles, cutting a arc through the creatures tendrils, and continued the attack towards it''s vile body.


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    However before the blade could reach it''s destination, the creature rippled sending a wave of blood to augment its own body. As the two elements clashed Alden''s ferocious blade dug through the creature''s hardened body, but didn''t manage to hit any vitals.


    ''So that''s how it is.''


    Immediately retreating he sent a blast of verve into the stone pillar that had been stopped by the creature. Providing it with speed, strength and an unbelievably sharp tip. Not a second later the pillar had striked at the creature. Completely obliterating it''s upper body and severing it''s soul. And without giving it a second to recover. Alden moved severing one of it''s bloody tendrils that was attached to a large pool of blood.


    And as the creature begun to recover or at least what was left of it. Alden sent a bit of verve into the stone pillar lodged directly above the it and conjured a artillery of stone skewers, spreading wildly they dug and eviscerated the lower half of the creature.


    Retreating a few meters back Alden heard a simple voice announced.


    ("You have conquered an, Emanated Horror, Remnant of the trickster.")


    ("You have received a relic.")


    "What? But that doesn''t make any sense..."


    How was that vile creature only of the first rank? Alden had expected it to at least be of the third rank. But the first? Something didn''t add up. How was an Emanated creature so powerful? How had it managed to cut through his uniform and skin? Wasn''t that impossible? No much worse, how had a creature of the first rank manage to kill an entire cohort of trained fighters? Some of which were of the second rank, at that. Had it''s class really elevated its power to that level?


    Sensing Kreed''s movement, Alden stopped his contemplating and turned towards him.


    "Are you alright k?"


    The young man seemed a bit taken aback by the question. But answered a second later.


    "I, uh, I believe so. What about you?"


    Hearing that Alden smiled. Although he and Kreed had become more aquatinted over the couple of hours they had know each other, they had definitely grown mor comfortable with each other. However there was still a large amount of awkward moments. And there was no doubt that the current one was exactly that. Kreed had not seen Alden in action before so he was probably shocked.


    "Well I did get a little scratch but it doesn''t hurt to much." Said Alden throwing a glance at the small incision on his left arm.


    "Is it dead?" Questioned Kreed


    As they both looked at the vile crumbling mountain of blood and soot.


    Alden replied.


    "Yes k, that vile beast is dead."


    After a suspenseful short pause he continued.


    "However. Am afraid the fight is far from over. You see our worst fears have come true. The deport, has summoned multiple creatures. "


    Alden watched as Kreed expression sunk, his calm mask cracking a little.


    "Do you know where they are? How much of them has it released?"


    Pausing Kreed Alden spoke.


    "Theres no need to worry k. Based on what I could sense there''s only one more surprise. Although this one is much larger and seems to be way more powerful than the former."


    As he spoke, Kreed''s face grew more and more troubled.


    "However, I can assure you that I will take care of it. My hunger hasn''t been satisfied just yet."


    "Where is the creature? Below deck? Or perhaps in the cabin? Asked Kreed, grasping the beggars rake with a strong grip.


    "No, it''s not, infact it isn''t even on the vessel. It''s the stone moat on which we currently sit." Replied Alden.


    A look of strange confusion formulated on Kreed''s face, as he digested the newly gained information.


    "The... Moat? Isn''t that bad? We''re basically sitting in it''s claws."


    "Don''t worry, just the fact that it hasn''t moved yet even with the amount of noise we''ve created can only mean one thing."


    After a slight pause Alden turned to face the front of the vessel once more.


    " ha. I completely take back what I''ve just said. It seems it has awakened from it''s slumber."


    Hearing this Kreed twitched.


    "What?"


    "Listen, it''s not safe on this vessel anymore, if it over turns you''ll be as good as dead. So head back to the grape, while I deal with this creature. Ohh, and make sure you threat that leg of yours. It seems to be quite bad." Saying this Alden guested for him to head to the grape.


    Ha. With a sigh Kreed moved to the deck of the vessel and began his attempts at climbing unto the stone platform once more.


    As a smile formed on Alden''s face he began his Ascent towards the front to the vessel. Summoning a new relic, he jumped over the railings the were meant to keep persons inside the vessel. And plunged into the water with a small splash.


    Let''s see what you''ve got big guy. As his vision cleared under the water, he scanned the moat, which was about thirty five feet tall. It rested on the ocean floor climbing up out of the water like a spike.


    And as he continued to inspect the pillar, he suddenly tensed.


    "Shit."


    In that split second Alden had noticed a few things. The first was a simple crack that spread through the water close to the oceans floor.


    The deport was enough to shake him. He had seen many before, but the sight of one always sent chills down his spine. The second thing he had noticed was a simple inconsistency, it was happening in the vessel it''s. Now that he was under it he sensed a creature moving within it''s embrace, from what he could tell. It was a similar creature to the bloody monster he had fought before. No, it was the exact same being. And it was moving towards Kreed''s direction from the hold, at a tremendous speed. "God damnit." And the final thing he had noticed was on the stone moat itself. Far below the waters surface where the moat became more thick and dense. Was a pair of round bulging eyes. They were as large as a human, and the extreme vile, look of anger it housed was completely unbearable. And those large eyes filled with destructive malice was staring directly at Alden.


    "Shit."

 Chapter 25 second threat

    Chapter 25 second threat


    How incredible.


    Kreed had just witnessed Alden''s insane power, and now he was going to see it once again. But first he had to get to the grape for safety.


    Reaching the stone platform that led to his trusty boat, he began to climb.


    "Ha, it seems my analysis of the situation was wrong." From what Kreed had confirmed from Alden. It turned out that the stone moat that the vessel called point Reyes was currently rested on. Was not only alive but was also a very dangerous creature at that. He hadn''t even considered that option when entering the vessel and seeing the stone moat for the first time. What exactly did he say? Oh right. He had thought that the boat had somehow rammed into the moat accidentally leading to its inevitable seclusion and allowing for the bloody creature that came from the deport to kill all the vessel''s inhabitants. But now that he knew that the moat was a creature, many new scenarios crossed his mind. Had the creature used the vessel as a lure? But then what was the bloody monstrosity doing there? From what Kreed knew most demonic creatures were hostile towards each other. Unless of course they were under the rule of an oppressor, but that couldn''t be the case. The stone moat didn''t look like it was related to blood in any way.


    Kreed was absolutely confused. "Speaking of which why would Alden just jump into the water?" "Is he hubris, or stupid?"


    After witnessing Alden''s incredible showcase of power, Kreed was left with many strange thoughts. The most prominent being one of unbridled Faith. But even though he had been convinced of Alden''s strength, and battle ability. He couldn''t help but look at him as a reckless fellow. After all why would he go diving head first into the ocean alongside a creature so large that its tip, was capable of having a large portion of the vessel lay on it. Ha that idiot.


    As Kreed tried to assemble his thoughts as well as climb onto the stone platform. He felt something strange. Turning to face the vessel''s cabin he suddenly flinched.


    God damnit. A repulsive bloody tentacle tore through the air, it''s tremendous speed left Kreed without a second to dodge. However managing to react in time he moved his head to the left, causing the tentacle to strike at his right shoulder.


    Argh. Suppressing a squeal, the limb of blood dug through Kreed''s body appearing on the opposite side. He felt his ribs break and his clavicle shatter. As his mind was engulfed with pain he struggled to move. A second after the tentacle punctured his upper chest, he swung his metal rake. The blade sliced through the mass of blood with ease allowing Kreed a second to move. Straining his leg muscles, which were beginning to flood with adrenaline, Kreed dashed towards the bow of the vessel with all his speed. The bloody creature pursued him, releasing a few smaller tentacles that cut through the side of the vessels as Kreed dodged.


    Reaching the open expanse of the bow, Kreed looked at the section of the Gunwale, from which Alden had jumped over board.


    That bastard. I thought he said there was only one creature left.


    As he faced the bloody creature head on Kreed noticed a few things.


    The creature was a bit smaller than the one Alden had killed but, it was still growing. As it spread tendrils throughout the vessel''s bow, it attached itself to the countless pools of blood sprawled across its surface. Noticing A tendril shot towards the pile of blood and soot that Alden had destroyed. Kreed scowled. The situation didn''t look too good.


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    The one attack the creature had made. Was enough to put his right and prominent hand out of commission. His clavicle was broken, making his hands useless. And although he still had his left he doubted he could do much with it.  His lungs were punctured making it hard for him to breathe and his mind was very busy. From where he stood he could attempt fleeing to the water, but with an injured leg and a completely broken hand, swimming was definitely going to be a challenge. Not to mention the fact that there was an even more dangerous creature held within its embrace.


    The creature was blocking his path to escape as well. So now Kreed was in a predicament. The creature sent a barrage of sharp bloody tentacles towards Kreed once more.


    Shit.


    As he grasped the metal blade in his left hand, he felt his body move once more.


    Dodging a couple of the tentacles and parrying a few others, he jumped to the left.


    What?


    What''s going on? It happened again. God damnit.


    Suddenly surging forward the creature sent an especially large tentacle towards him, and without a moment to think, his body moved once again, managing to avoid most of the tentacles embrace, he grimaced as a small part of his left leg was cut off.


    Argh, damnation.


    Using the last bit of strength and adrenaline that was kept in his body, he tossed the blade towards the creature. Who easily blocked it with a small tentacle. And as soon as the blade escaped his hand Kreed felt it once more. The indisputable sense of fear and terror that he had felt when first meeting the other bloody creature. And as if the blade was keeping his emotions in check he suddenly felt his mind weaken, and grow blank. He had lost too much blood and because it was so hard to breathe, he was sure that it wouldn''t be long before he lost consciousness.


    Right after the creature had dashed away the blade, it conjured an assortment of tendrils and tentacles from a nearby pool of blood that warped around Kreed''s legs, causing him to lose balance and trip backwards. As he fell to his back, the creature moved again releasing more tentacles that assaulted his legs. They rip through him with ease breaking his bones and cutting through his flesh.


    Alden, Alden, Alden. You bast-, hel- ,help me. Kreed who was being torn apart by the creatures attacks squealed. Yo-, you promised, you bastard. The creature grew closer relentlessly attacking. Kreed felt his,  stomach being torn open by one of the tentacles. Then he felt his ribs shattering, and his nether regions being obliterated. The creature was thoroughly destroying every inch of his body. He couldn''t feel his legs anymore and the pain which had assaulted his mind was gone. It seemed that his brain had been overloaded with pain stimulus. And now all he felt was the pain of his own mind. He couldn''t breathe, couldn''t see, couldn''t talk and couldn''t hear anyone. Everything was gone he could feel the creature''s tendrils digging into his body, growing closer and closer to his head. His mouth was filled with blood, his eyes were gone as well the blood vessels in them had ruptured long ago alongside his eardrums.


    Is this really it? Is this how it really all ends? After those ten long years? Am I going to die to a pile of blood in the middle of nowhere?


    Ha how pathetic, and they call this fairness? The gods call this equality? What have I ever done to deserve this? From the day of my birth up to this point, I have never experienced fairness. So why do they make such false claims? Why do people make promises that they cannot keep? He said he would save me yet here I lye neglected and destroyed. How very unfortunate. I have nothing left to live for anyways at least it was a good run, no one would ever remember me, but at least I don''t have any regrets.


    Thoughts of this nature flooded Kreed''s mind. But then he remembered, finally after so long, he finally remembered. The nightmare that had plagued him countless nights on apostle island was finally understood by his feeble mind. And as he understood, Kreed''s mind was filled with unbridled, immense and pure rage.


    I may not have anything to live for or any reason to continue this cruel life. But I can''t stand to have such hypocrites live, whether they be men or gods, I must punish them all, for their false claims. I will not die, because the world is yet to know the wrath that I hold.


    And with that the Meister of conviction churned, his spirit boiled and his mind became filled with a blazing rage.


    If I am going to die here I might as well make it hard for you to kill me.


    And so he summoned the simple peach. Kreed''s whole body which was being ravaged by the bloody creature was filled with an, other worldly vigour. His mind was calm, his soul was peaceful, his eyes were cleared, his ears were healed, his mouth was emptied of blood.


    His legs began to cure, his bones attaching back to their original positions. His arms and organs repaired themselves. And as he healed he suddenly heard Asterion''s voice.


    ("You have conquered an, Emanated Horror, Remnant of the trickster.")


    What? As he opened his eyes to peer at the creature he saw its bloody towering body, which was positioned meters above him suddenly crumbled into a pile of soot and blood completely covering him under the vile tissue.


    Then asterion announced, once more.


    ("You have received a relic.")

 Chapter 26 Ye pirate muncher

    Chapter 26 Ye pirate muncher


    Kreed who was buried beneath the pile of vile blood, was temporarily shocked. How had it died? As the rest of his body healed he contemplated for a second. Don''t tell me. Diving into his soul he found himself surrounded by the embrace of darkness. How nice. The familiar darkness was reassuring and calming. Summoning the runes of the peach he read as it manifested.


    Relic: Peach of existence


    Relic type: item


    Rank: divine


    Grade: III


    Relic summary: The ''unknown'' planted a tree, and it bore fruit. The fruit became divine as it was blessed with life.


    Relic abilities: (life)(giver of health) (semblance of greatness)


    Relic abilities summary: (life: this fruit gives life.)


    (Giver of health: any mortal in the presence of this fruit will become whole, in mind body and spirit.)


    (Semblance of greatness: this fruit was picked from the great tree of life by the ''unknown'' and so it possesses a portion of greatness.)


    Relic uses: this fruit can be eaten or stored, it will never decay as it possesses life. But once eaten all it''s abilities will be lost or absorbed


    Huh?


    Suddenly Kreed felt as if he had been completely stupid. How had he not even thought about that? Although the fruit didn''t mention it directly it could certainly be discerned. Of course the fruit could kill the being, it was a creature that walked the path of corruption after all not to mention that its abilities seemed to be linked to a demonic creature in some way. So of course the divine fruit wouldn''t dare have a corrupted creature within its presence.


    Ha how simple. The creature had been the first of Kreed''s kills, although it was an accident no one needed to know that. As he contemplated for a second he made a rash decision. Although he had received a new relic he didn''t have the time to look at it now, the best course of action was to get to the grape first.


    Escaping from his soul''s embrace, Kreed released the fruit which had completely healed him and dug his way through the pile of blood that was covering him. Escaping its grasp, he looked for his metal blade picking it up before running to the stone platform and escaping back to the grape''s embrace. As he exited the deports range of effect he could see the ocean''s wave sway once more the sound of the water and wind filling him with a sense of calm.


    Settling into the grape he looked at the vessel Which was now a few meters away, and at the stone moat that held it.


    As he contemplated his next options, the beast finally moved. Kreed looked on as the vessel was raised out of the water, the stone moat beneath it growing more and more thick. And soon the gigantic creature was extending above the water, the shadow that it cast was enormous and vast. From what Kreed guessed the creature was at least ten point six meters or thirty five feet tall, well the section of it resting above the water.


    As he watched on he saw the vessel slip of the creatures tip completely shattering as it collided with the water.


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    Wow Kreed''s mind was completely blown, that was the biggest creature he had ever seen so far, from what he remembered it was even larger than Dallas which was more than enough information to make Kreed weary. As he watched the creature continue to grow, he saw a pair of large bulging eyes escape from the water. The eyes his a sense of unending violent hunger, and those scary eyes were currently focused on a single existence that had appeared a few meters away from it rising from the water on a large stone pillar. The existence was of course Alden, he looked the same as he had when Kreed last saw him, but now his uniform which appeared like a leather suit before, had transformed into a slick skin tight bodysuit. His cape had disappeared and now Kreed could see Alden''s dense and perfectly shaped muscles ripple beneath the bodysuits surface.


    "That bastard. If he survives this, am definitely going to punish him."


    Kreed watched with bated breath as Alden faced off against the colossal stone creature, his mind racing with a mix of awe and concern. Alden stood tall and defiant on his stone pillar, his muscles tensed and ready for battle. The creature''s eyes glinted with hunger, its massive form casting a shadow that seemed to swallow everything in its path.


    With a sudden surge of power, Alden thrust his palms forward, summoning a barrage of stone spikes from the ocean. The spikes shot towards the creature with deadly accuracy, but to Kreed''s surprise, the creature seemed unfazed. It simply swatted the spikes away with a sweep of its massive limb, sending them crashing back into the water below.


    Alden gritted his teeth in determination, his glasses glinting as he assessed his opponent. He knew he had to find a weakness, a chink in the creature''s armor that he could exploit. With a swift motion, he leaped from his stone pillar, summoning more to attack the creature''s base. And using his incredible speed, Alden sored through the air landing gracefully on the creature''s back.


    The creature roared in fury, its massive form shaking with the force of its anger. From Kreed''s point of view, he couldn''t hear the creatures dreadful screech but from the many ripples that spread through the water. He could guess as much.


    Alden clung to the rough surface, of the stone creatures carapace. His mind was racing as he searched for a way to gain the upper hand. Suddenly, conjuring a small stone javelin he expended some verve, using his strength to stabbed it into the stone back of the creature.


    Effectively anchoring himself in place. Of course the javelin hadn''t dug deep but it was more than enough to keep the white hair fiend from falling. And as the creature shook, swinging its large limbs to break and crush the barrage of stone pillars, an idea struck him.


    With a whispered incantation and some quick hand signs, Alden called forth a massive stone pillar from the depths of the ocean.The pillar erupted from the ground beneath them, lifting Alden and the creature high into the air. The pillar which was more of a platform was several meters wide spanning across the entire area produced by the deport. Alden who had used most of his verve to create the pillar hung tightly onto the creatures back.


    As the water displaced by the stone pillar fell from it''s embrace. And the surprised creature that was now completely exposed from the oceans safety, released another blood chilling screech.


    Kreed who sat in the grape was completely stunned, never before had his jaw been dropped this much. Just how strong is that guy?


    And as the tons of water dropped from the rising pillar, the grape was assaulted with a fury of deadly waves.


    Damnation.


    As they soared above the battlefield, Alden used the moment of surprise to unleash a flurry of stone spikes, conjuring them in the skies above and raining them down on the creature below.


    Using his incredible combat prowess he conjured a stone shell that covered his entire body, creating a sphere of strong pristine stone that rested on the gigantic creature carapace. Essentially protecting himself from the array of stone spikes that were raining from the sky.


    And as the spikes fell creating a moment of rapid destruction, the creatures back quaked, various cracks stemming from points of impact.


    Some spikes shattered, others dug into stone creatures, and others simply ricocheted of the creatures back plummeting into water below.


    But the creature was not so easily defeated. With a thunderous roar, it summoned its own power, causing the stone pillar to crack and splinter beneath their feet. And the raining spikes to shatter into countless prices of harmless stone particles. The stone shell that Alden had conjured had also shattered exposing Alden to the direct impact of the creature''s roar. Fighting to maintain his balance, his muscles strained against the force of the creature''s attack.


    Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, Alden spotted a weak spot in the creature''s defenses. It was a single spot on its carapace that had completely cracked open it''s outer stone surface broken revealing the inner flesh of the creature. The flesh looked like a pile of black stone. It seemed that the creature didn''t possess any form of vitals or blood leaving quite a lot of unanswered questions in Alden''s mind. With a burst of adrenaline, he lunged forward, driving his fist into the creature''s exposed flesh. A shockwave rippled through the air as Alden''s blow connected, he shattered through the creature''s stone like flesh diving his fist deeper and deeper into it.


    With one final effort, Alden summoned all of his verve, channeling it into a single, devastating blow. And as he conjured a sharp and devastating stone spike, that tore through the creature''s flesh dealing lethal damage to the creature from the inside. The creature let out a deafening roar as Alden''s attack struck true, causing the creature to lose its footing sending it crashing to the ocean, in a heap of stone and dust.


    As the dust settled, Kreed watched in awe as Alden emerged victorious, his chest heaving with exertion. Despite the odds stacked against him, Alden had emerged triumphant, proving once and for all that even the mightiest of foes could be defeated by his courage and determination. Or at least proving to Kreed that he had indeed not lied about his position as rank eight throughout the entire world.


    Alden who was completely drained, summoned a simple bronze cup. Drinking gree


    dily its contents, with a satisfied expression. After dismissing the relic,

 Chapter 27 kreeds suspicion

    Chapter 27 kreeds suspicion


    Alden who was completely drained, summoned a simple bronze cup. Drinking greedily it''s contents, with a satisfied expression.


    After dismissing the relic, he joined Kreed on the grape.


    His golden glasses which were filled with a glinting sensation, had returned to it''s original state, and his silver hair which had begun to glow at it''s ends, was now a dull silver color and it''s spikey texture had faded. Now Alden''s hair played slumped on his head.


    The sight was rather comical.


    As he leaned against the back of the grape. He scowled.


    Kreed who was still star struck, could only look at Alden in silence.


    Many thoughts had crossed his mind when He saw the battle between the two monsters. But now he was utterly confused. Alden had surprised him, even surpassing his expectations.but some things didn''t add up.


    If the uniform wearing bastard could create a pillar the Size of a mountain, and completely corner a creature the Size of small mountain. Why hadn''t he helped Kreed when he was being attacked?


    Kreed was on the verge of death, yet not once had he intervened.


    But to Kreed''s knowledge he had made a promise to protect him, so why?? Kreed was utterly confused. He had thought about trying to kill the maniac, but with every attempt he could assimilate within his mind he would always lose. Alden was resting in the grape, completely drained. So this would be the best chance to attack, but from what Kreed had seen him do to the creature, aswell as the lack of a sever injury, despite the harrowing battle. Not to mention his incredible speed. Kreed couldn''t even see him move, so he doubted that even in his current state he would be able do damage the white haired maniac,  much less land a single hit on him.


    After a few minutes had passed in silence, Alden finally spoke.


    With a slight chuckle he said. Well that could have been bad. Good thing I didn''t hold back.


    Kreed turned to face him with a dark expression. Are you being serious? You completely decimated the creature. I don''t think you were ever in serious danger.


    Haha, k. That''s where your wrong. Infact we were quite lucky to have stumbled upon the creature now, because if we had come any later things would be a different story. Replied Alden.


    Shifting slightly Kreed spoke. Umm am not sure I understand what you''re trying to say.


    Alden chuckled once more. It''s just as I suspected. The creature had consumed all of the crystals that the residents on the ship was carrying. It seemed that the creature was in a state of meditation, it was increasing in rank. So to be honest this was the best chance we could have had to fight against it. He turned to look at the corpse of the creature before continuing. If we had come a bit earlier before it began it''s meditation we would have to fight a completely devastating Stulified Mammoth at its peak state. And if we had come after the meditation was completely we would be up against a descended mammoth. So In hindsight this opportunity where, we would battle a creature that had used most of its strength to upgrade it''s cores was the best scenario. Although it''s a bit sad to have lost all the soul crystals that Mr. Howl was transporting.


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    Gaining a bit of inspiration Kreed knodded. I see


    Looking back at it now, this truly was a once in a million moment. Had Alden not focused entirely on the creature, he would have been the one on the losing end instead. It was as he had said, had they been a few weeks to early or late the battle would have had a completely different outcome.


    But Kreed couldn''t shake the feeling of unease, instead it was growing by the second.


    Swallowing his fear he asked directly. Why did you leave me to die? You could have clearly aided me in the battle against the bloody monster, so why did you choose to let me die?


    Alden who was leaning against the grape chuckled. I see, so that''s what had you bothered. Well k, let me be frank, I did leave you to fend for yourself, but definitely not to die. Infact everything you did was being monitored by me, and I found it rather strange that you would not immediately choose to jump into the water, although i made it obviously clear, that it was safe.


    What?? Hearing this Kreed immediately frowned.


    How was it obviously clear?


    Well for starters, exactly why do you think the creature only moved after you got into the grape? Wouldn''t it have moved while you were fighting on your own?


    Suddenly Kreed had an awful premonition.


    Are you saying that you were holding it back beneath the water?


    Yes, yes. You see after I realized you weren''t jumping in, I deduced two scenarios, either you didn''t catch on to what I had done, which seems to be the case, judging by your reaction. or you had some method fend for yourself. Which also seems to be the case. And it was definitely worth the wait.


    I got to see you use one of those so called relics, that you got in your chance encounter.


    It truly is Worthy of creating a diversion in the story. From what I was able to pick up from your fight, the relics main ability is to heal wounds. Although there are many such relics I have never seen one with such potent and effective methods of healing, not to mention none that could heal you instantly.


    And while it''s main attribute seems to be that of healing it was able to indirectly kill a corrupted creature. An emanated horror at that. A relic with that passive ability to kill corrupted has never been heard of before. Much less one that can heal you completely from mushed flesh.


    As Kreed listened on, his heart continued to grow heavy.


    Many unthinkable thoughts crossed his mind and even more sinister ones began to ignite.


    Alden continued, let me be honest with you Kreed, I have never felt such a mystical and profound aura from a relic before. Well not with such a high divine magnitude. And I can assure you that if you reveal the abilities of the relic I would be willing to reward you handsomely.


    Suddenly Kreed scoffed. You think I''ll be fooled by you petty words? If you want to gain my trust, then answer me this. What would you have done had I actually not possessed a way to be healed? What would you gain from not intervening in the battle, where I perished? Wouldn''t you lose everything? The knowledge of the ruins that I had kept, the relics that I possessed, and the many secrets I hold from apostle island.


    Wouldn''t your entire plan be worthless?


    As Kreeds tone intensified a contented smile grew across Aldens face. After a moment of silence, he summoned a simple relic and handed it to Kreed. Suddenly a nodule of information entered his mind.


    What is this? Kreed asked in confusion.


    Calm down, quite a lot of things has been created and discovered in the ten years you were absent. That right there is a newly developed relic called a Francis note. It allows for the transfer of contracts and info without the use of a physical method. It directly sends the data to you mind. All you need to do is willingly accept it so that the transfer would be successful.


    So what do I do? Kreed asked.


    Simple just think about wanting the info, and it will be released.


    Following Alden suggestions Kreed focused on the nodule on data, and moments later a flood of information was understood by him.


    The data contained a single set of words, they were the description of a tamed that Alden supposedly possessed.


    A tamed was sort of life form that could be subdued by things on the path of ascension. It was similar to relic in the fact that they also possessed ranks and special abilities. However as they were living existences, these tamed followed the ranks of ascension or corruption. Most tamed once subdued were easily commanded and others were capable of thinking on there own. None however could disobey there subduer. Tamed were similar to relics in that they were obtained by killing a being that awakened it''s soul core. And so most tamed were creatures with a moveable body. Or one containg some sort of ability to interact with the physical world. However the Tamed present in the Francis note was a little different. It''s description was similar to that of of a crown. It had a lusterless black metal frame, that looked extremely fragile. There was exactly one peak on this crown and this peak housed a small, dull gemstone. It had a hue of multiple colors that spiraled before combining and disassemblin


    g. Looking deeper into the information Kreed saw the status of the tamed.

 Chapter 28 Aldens plan

    Chapter 28 Alden''s plan


    Tamed: Diadem of reversal


    Rank: Stulified


    Grade: III


    Tamed summary: When the seventh son of prominence was born, he came down with an unforgiving plague. Prominence who learned of this traveled to the southern most city in the realms of gods, and there he found the great physician Artemis. After relaying the terrible news to her, Prominence offered a hefty sum of three thousand quarts of his blood, as well as an unconditional favor.  He made a vow to supply her with these things as long as she could save his son. After witnessing Prominences firm attitude, Artemis began to cry. Her heart was greatly moved. And so she voyaged to the residence of prominence. Artemis who was renowned for her medical prowess however, was completely stumped.


    She tried all her methods and investigated with all her might, but all her effortss were in vane.


    I have never seen or heard of any ailments like this one. As she gave Prominence the bad news, she watched as his face became pale. However said Artemis although I was unable to save him with my abilities there is still an option for his survival. Go Prominence travel to the Mecqua, and there look for a mermaid called Wikal. Hearing this Prominence set out immediately. And soon he found Wikal, as Wikal learned of Prominence''s misfortune he laughed. Oh Prominence this is just to unfortunate, you the great monarch of fame, is experiencing such a contradiction, it brings joys to my heart. However although I possesse a great spirit of epicaricacy, I am not evil. I will offer you my help as you have never wrong me in the pass. However my services aren''t free. And so Prominence made the same deal with Wikal as he did with Artemis. After returning to Prominence residence Wikal began his operations. And soon he relayed the bad news to Prominence. The plague your son has befallen to is one created by non other than the demon of plague. It is absolutely fatal and your son will die in a months time. I am afraid I cannot do anything to help him overcome it. However there is a last resort method that I possess, it cannot heal but it can revive. Of course there could be flaws, but it''s better than not having your son. Hearing this Prominence cried his heart out, and ousted Wikal, refusing to pay him. Within the following month he travelled through out the realms of gods searching for someone to heal his son. After contacting the demon of plague, Prominence asked, oh great demon of plague and pestilence? Why did you target my son? Do you have a grudge against me? If so why did you not face me your self? Why would you target my children? After ragingly questioning the Demon of plague, he replied. Oh Prominence, have you not considered why demons and gods exist? That is the ultimate question, I have contemplated it for many long years, but I haven''t found a suitable answer. The best I could come up with was for balance. The universe is a work of absolute equilibrium, nothing exist without it''s counter, and so it was inevitable that you the great Prominence, who was born a Monarch would have to experience anonymity at least once in your life. I just so happened to be the catalyst for your despair. As the demon of plague finished his monologue he left these words behind. Remember Prominence everything in the universe is Obsolete and harmonious. There can never be prominence without obscurity, or power without impotence. And so Prominence was left helpless. In the end his seventh son died and using the method and help of Wikal he successful revived him. After this incident Prominence vowed to break the cycle of balance that the demon of plague spoke about.


    Little did he know that the crown Wikal used to revive his son was created by a god of many mysteries know by a few as , and that his very son would be the one to oppose him in the future.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Tamed abilities: (Judges reversal)(pardon of Heaven) (Measure for Measure)


    Tamed abilities summary: (Judges reversal: once something is deemed, unjust by the user they are given a chance to reverse it. Whether that be a physical, mental or spiritual matter. This ability can be used once, after the wheel of ancient has spun 12 moon''s, but the event would just be reversed not changed. It is most effective on oaths and vows.)


    (pardon of Heaven: The heavens might, has manifesed in this small being, it is able to reverse the death of a being, bring them back to their form before there death but without any ailment. This can only be used once on any specific being that has passed. However if the being Is of a higher rank than the diadem, the chances of successful revival decreass, the burden placed on the user is also greater and the intervals for use increass with each success or failure.)


    (Measure for Measure: if the revival is successful a portion of the revived life force would be absorbed. And the tamed would grow higher in rank.)


    (Judges reversal)          .... Ability usable


    (pardon of Heaven)       .... Ability usable


    (Measure for Measure) .... Active


    As Kreed browsed through the information, he scoffed. Why was the demon of plague being mentioned again? Was he really such a huge threat. Firstly he affected Dallas and made him into a broken cursed being, and now he attacked Prominence, ultimately killing his son.


    Just what kind of being was he? From what Kreed had learned, the demon of plague seemed to be a strong irregularity within the heavens, his menacing actions affected a large faction within the underworld and the heavenly realms. Going unchecked for millions of years, while continuing to wreck, and curse Individuals who ascended to godhood.


    And yet for some reason Kreed''s mind had an awful premonition. That some time in the future he would become a part of this very demon''s scheme.


    After hesitating for a bit Kreed directly asked Alden.


    Is this your so called method? Of help? Having me die, before being revived? Wasn''t I useful to you because I have relics that you want?


    As Alden smiled. You see after getting this relic, I managed do discover a little loop hole. And after attempting to use it my confidence grew even greater. You see am not sure if you''ve heard about the different lanes awakened can enter.


    But to summarize it when someone is birthed they gain a simple power. Based on that power and the abilities they receive alongside it, that determines what lane that awakened would take. For example in my case I received a power pertaining to the soil around us and I advanced in rank that power kept growing alongside the new ones I gained. Also becoming like if I had a natural affinity for dirt and soil manipulation methods. Until ultimately I gained the ability to control stones and rocks. Just like that every relic falls into a specific category, or lane. Some may be soil lane, others ice and even blood lane.


    And the relic you just saw was one of the very few time lane relics. Being capable of reversing time to a specific degree.


    You see the loop hole I found is rather convenient, using a couple of other relics I have in my collection as supplementary items I can form a fatal technique. That allows me to revive you alongside the former relics you possessed, however there is always a drawback.


    Firstly I wouldn''t be able to use the Diadem of reversal for an extensive amount of time. And there is also a high chance of failure if the relics you possess are of a higher rank.


    Hearing this Kreed chuckled, so in the end you would have gained nothing but me, a scrawny, frail, boy with nothing to his name.


    Ohhh and why is that? Alden questioned.


    Suddenly Kreeds brows furrowed. Don''t play dumb with me. I may not be able to communicate effectively due to my lack of experience, and seclusion but I can tell when your trying to fool me. You explained your reason for not acting to save me, and you even described in detail your reaction to the relic I used, but not once did you mention or suggest it''s supposed rank. Instead you influenced the conversation in such a way that I''d have to reveal that myself. That was rather great actually, if I had not been on gaurd after that battle I may have been influenced subtly.


    Hearing this the already annoying smile on Alden''s face grew slightly. Ohhh so you''ve been on guard against me this whole time? That''s amazing, it seems you have exceeded my expectations. Tell me k what power do you possess, if I had to make a guess I''d say it probably has something to do with erudition lane. Similar


    to how my power pertains to soil lane.

 Chapter 29 Three theories

    Chapter 29 Three theories


    Erudition? Kreed asked.


    Yes it''s a rather rare lane, but those that excell in it are all generational geniuses. The great prophet Caelan is one such genius. Although he didn''t take the erudition lane which pertains to knowledge and wisdom, he chose walk on one rather similar. The lane of sagacity, a much rarer lane, and one that shook the world with it''s might. Although The great prophet Caelan is the most notable member of this lane, there are a few underated individuals as well. For example


    Savle Pneumo, one of the 13 heros from the great era. He had the highest rank of anyone to walk the lane of sagacity. Being a conquered awakened. And one of the only ever conquered to exists. Because of his tactics and wisdom the 13 heros were able to defeat the great Abyssal Jailer. The strongest existence our planet has seen so far.


    So I commend you on your ability to figure out my little scheme.


    Saying so Alden applauded. Before continuing.


    So tell me k do you possess a power pertaining to the lane of erudition or are you innately this perceptive.


    Hearing this Kreed bellowed. Haha, i see what your playing at. So how about I enlighten you a bit. The truth is now that I''ve seen your true colors I can rest assured that with out me you would be missing something crucial, so I think it''s about time I increase my value a bit more. I would hope that you''d keep this information to yourself.


    Saying so Kreed summoned a relic once again. And soon a simple incandescent fruit materialized In his palm, it was almost translucent and the flesh beneath it''s skin continuously shifted from a white pure radiance to that of an prudent ebony colour.


    Seeing the fruit up close Alden shuddered.


    I wasn''t wrong, this aura it''s something unlike anything I''ve ever seen. It''s almost like if I can''t grasp it presence with my cognitive senses, I feel it more within my soul. Tell me k, what rank is this relic? As Alden''s excitement grew so did his smile. At this point Kreed couldn''t tell if he was human or not. For a smile that wide was simply impossible for anything with intact muscles to pull of.


    After suppressing the disturbing chill of Alden''s smile. Kreed spoke. How about I show you directly? Saying so Kreed handed Alden back the Francis note that he had given him.


    A peculiar change in his smile could be seen, and after a while of him hesitating he grasped onto the note.


    After a minute or so of silence Alden chuckled. Great k, this is great. Such a profound relic. I am truly in aw. This is marvelous the very first divine ranked relic, it''s abilities are profound beyond belief. Tell me now that you''ve revealed this relics abilities to me are you prepared for what''s to come?


    Hearing this Kreed questioned. What''s to come? Do you plan on forcefully taking it from me? I won''t lie, I may have been secluded for ten long years and methods of stealing relics may have been developed however, I am certain that I won''t be afflicted by you because of two simple reasons.


    One I can destroy this relic with a simple thought, and secondly I believe my friendship is worth way more to you than a divine rank relic.


    And why would you say that? Questioned Alden.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Finally a slight smirk found its way to Kreed''s lips.


    Simply because if you wanted to steal the relic you would have acted already.


    After speaking Alden couldn''t help but nod. That''s correct k, I made a promise to reward you amply if you revealed the contents of the relic to me, and since you''ve done just that. I believe I should return the favor.


    Saying so Alden suddenly jumped to his feet, and moved to the side of the grape. Within a few seconds a stone platter was conjured, the platter was round and smooth, it''s edges a light green color. The platter didn''t look like Alden''s previous creations. Instead the stone making up this one looked more compacted and steady. As Kreed looked on in anticipation, he saw a small wisp of light exit Alden''s body finding it''s way to the center of the stone platter which was floating.


    In an instant the stone platter jolted a strong invisible pressure enveloping the small wisp of light. And in a few minutes the light beam manifested, becoming a relic.


    To Kreeds surprise, the aura emanating form the relic was somehow similar to the other two relics he had received on apostle island. There was no doubt, the relic before him was definitely of the divine rank. And from what Kreed felt the intense pressure it exerted would definitely be enough to kill him, if it wasn''t being suppressed by Alden.


    The relic before him, resembled a quartz piller, it wasn''t the size of one but the intricate carvings and patterns on it, could be seen clearly.


    As he looked at it intently, his vision suddenly became hazy.


    An invisible force assaulted his mind, making his thoughts become disoriented. There wasn''t any pain, but instead it came as a depressant, making any thoughts in his mind become discontent and illusive.


    Had it been that Kreed didn''t experienced something similar in the past he might have completely lost himself. Lucky he had spent an entire year trying to unveil the secrets hidden in the ruins of Caelan.


    Losing his memory of the symbols scribed on them, over and over, And being completely suppressed through out the process, Kreed had learned how to endure the uncomfortable pressure.


    Now that he was being subjected to a similar experience, he strained himself to adapt and recover himself as fast as he could.


    However the more he thought, the more his mind grew blury and unclear. Kreed had never been drunk, but being in this state he couldn''t help but imagine what it would feel like.


    Would he be just as helpless as he was now? Ofc he wasn''t truly helpless, all he needed to do was summon the peach of existence and his mind would be cleared.


    After a while had passed Kreed suddenly heard Aldens voice, ring out in his ear, it sounded a little husky and there was a hint of a chuckle in it.


    "Sorry about that. I forgot to warn you."


    With that Kreed gradually felt the pressure on his mind diminish, and in a few breathes of time his vision completely returned.


    To his surprise Alden had dismissed the relic.


    Looking at him he saw that the two golden lense of his glasses had lost its luster, and resembled more of a dull brown rusty look, but gradually a little sheen was returning to them.


    After hesitating for a few seconds, Kreed asked directly. Is that also a divine rank relic?


    Alden scoffed, I wish. It may seem like one, but the truth is it''s only of the profound rank, of course the relic you just reveal to me was the very first divine ranked relic I''ve ever seen. But from the aura it gave of I''d say it''s even weaker than the one I just showed you. Well in aura at least.


    The thing is, I don''t really understand why looking at it brings a fog to the eyes, or why the mind gets unfocused. But from what I know the abilities that come with it far exceed the limitations.


    Hearing this Kreed asked. So your also subjected to the effects of it?


    Yes unfortunately, however with the help of these glasses I can lessen the burden on my mind to a great extent. Not to mention that the stone platter I had conjured before had essentially negated an enormous amount of it''s effect. At least 75 percent. So u can just imagine what it can do at full power.


    Kreed suddenly scowled, that wasn''t all its power? Just what kind of relic was that. For a profound rank to be so strong felt strange to Kreed. It also emanated an aura belonging to that of a divine rank relic. No suddenly his mind made a simple conjecture, he also had a profound rank relic, and the abilitys that it entailed was definitely on the level of the two divine ranked relics he had received.


    Three theories were then formulated within his mind.


    Each harbouring a complex meaning.


    The first was that profound ranked relics were somehow capable of matching divine ranked relics in some way or another. Or maybe the two profound ranked relics he had seen so far were strange exceptions being far more powerful than the usual.


    The second theory was that the divine ranked relics he had were simply just knockoffs, being of the lowest grade among divine ranked, and so profound ranked relics could essentially match them in aura. If this theory was true then Kreed felt he had been scammed bu the father of all. Well then again had it not been for that same relic he would have died just a few hours ago.


    The third and final theory was something more strange and uncertain, what if the profound and divine ranked relics were at the same level off power because they had all reached a threshold,


    A certain limit in the workings of the universe that prevented them from becoming any stronger and so a divine rank although it was higher in rank was ultimately just as powerful as a profound ranked relic. Kreed didn''t know why but he was inclined to believe his last theory most. Whether that threshold be one of advancing to godhood or something else, he felt like he had unlocked a key secret. Or maybe


    he just couldn''t accept the idea of the father of all being a big scammer.

 Chapter 30 Alicia in sight

    Chapter 30 Alicia in sight


    Alden who was quietly watching Kreeds reaction, suddenly smiled.


    Truth be told k, I was quite confident in the fact that I possessed the highest ranked relic in existence currently. Well of course untill you revealed that you possess a divine ranked relic.


    Now am not so sure about the details anymore. However since you were lucky enough to meet me, u can rest assured that your secret is kept safe.


    Kreed who was still contemplating over the thought of being scammed by the father of all, let out a small sigh. And asked are u going to tell me what it''s abilities are?


    Alden chuckled am afraid not, although I don''t have anything to lose, you''ll come to find that I like to leave things up to interpretation. However since you revealed the abilities of your divine ranked relic to me am willing to give u a little hint, since I suspect your a member of the erudition lane, solving this little puzzle should help u greatly. Of course once we get to Alicia you can ask anyone and they''ll most likely tell you the answer. But I hope your willing to figure it out on your own. It''d be a massive surprise if u could figure out some other things as well. .


    Kreed considered Alden¡¯s words, a small spark of intrigue igniting in him. He understood that in Alden¡¯s world, knowledge was as valuable as the power it conferred. Alden¡¯s challenge wasn¡¯t just about the relic¡¯s abilities¡ªit was a test of Kreed¡¯s mind, of his ability to piece together fragments of truth in a world where nothing was as it seemed.


    ¡°Well, Alden, I¡¯ll take you up on that. I¡¯d rather figure it out myself, anyway."  Kreed replied with a grin, though his mind lingered on the relic¡¯s unsettling power.


    The two of them stood at opposite ends of The Grape, the small boat drifting steadily through the afternoon waves. The sky was wide and clear, sunlight sparkling on the water¡¯s surface as if each wave carried a hidden current of energy guiding them forward. A light breeze brushed past, carrying a hint of salt, and in the distance, a gray mass began to rise over the horizon.


    They could just make out Alicia¡ªthe city covered in a vast, dome-like shell, its stone ridges resembling the back of an enormous turtle. The dome seemed to shimmer faintly in the sunlight, a colossal structure that dominated the skyline and cast long shadows over the coast beneath it.


    As The Grape drew closer, Alden broke the silence. ¡°K, let me ask you something. Why are you so willing to risk everything for these relics? For the powers they give?¡±Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    Kreed paused, his eyes narrowing. He hadn¡¯t expected Alden to question his motives, especially not now, under the open sky. "Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± he finally replied. ¡°Power means freedom. When you¡¯re strong enough, nobody tells you what you can or can¡¯t do. And in a world like this, you¡¯re either powerful or you¡¯re prey.¡±


    Alden chuckled softly, a sound tinged with something Kreed couldn¡¯t place¡ªsympathy, perhaps? Or maybe a quiet understanding. ¡°Freedom,¡± Alden mused, his voice low. ¡°You¡¯re right, of course. But let me offer you a thought. Power has a tendency to attract others with power, and not all of them will be as reasonable as I am.¡±


    Kreed scoffed. ¡°Then let them come. I¡¯ve learned to handle threats.¡±


    ¡°Ah, but have you?¡± Alden¡¯s tone was gentle, almost amused. ¡°You¡¯re driven, K, that much is clear. But there are forces at play far older and more cunning than either of us. Divine-ranked relics, powerful though they are, are mere toys compared to the minds that shaped the fabric of this world.¡±


    Kreed met his gaze, brow furrowed. ¡°And you know that how, exactly?¡±


    Alden shrugged, a vague smile on his face. ¡°Let¡¯s just say I¡¯ve seen things. Things that would shatter most people¡¯s understanding of power and purpose. But those are stories for another time.¡±


    The conversation left Kreed uneasy, though he couldn¡¯t pinpoint why. Alden¡¯s calm, almost dismissive demeanor was unsettling, as though he were looking down from some greater height, privy to mysteries Kreed couldn¡¯t yet comprehend.


    As the boat drifted closer, the dome loomed high above them, casting a shadow that stretched out over the sea, cooling the air. The stone surface, crisscrossed with intricate patterns and reinforced by unseen forces, was both imposing and beautiful¡ªa fortress meant to withstand the worst the world could offer.


    Finally, as the faint hum of the city life grew audible, Alden glanced at Kreed, his eyes glinting. ¡°Welcome to Alicia." Soon an uncontrollably smile grew across his face.


    Kreed had learned quite a lot form Alden in the past couple of hours, including why Alicia was covered in a gigantic stone dome, and to his surprise he found himself paying very close attention to every detail. Apparently within the last ten years Alicia faced the threat of being obliterated by a neighbouring city. The two cities governing bodies were at odds and Alicia was the ones at fault.


    So when the war was approaching it''s climax, Alden made his move. Subjugating the leaders of Alicia and standing with it''s people, being an upcoming newbie at the time the world was shocked to know that with his strength and the help of a few other powerhouses he took over a nation, and forced another to retreat. The icing on the cake, being that he spent an entire year building the now enormous dome that protected Alicia from the outside threats.


    Alden really was something special, from one move, he secured a position in the worlds top 100, and later on he would grow even stronger. To the point where even the major clans wouldn''t dare provoke him recklessly. The reason? Because Alden was the leader of an organization called the Unchanging Odium, and the members were all power houses that could cause massive issues.


    Kreed didn''t know how much of that he believed but, from seeing Alden defeat a Stulified Mammoth, he couldn''t doubt it.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Author''s Note-  Hey guys! ;) were at another milestone.... I feel honored to have made it this far, truth be told I never expected the introduction arc to span 30 chapters. But nonetheless it was an amazing and wonderful time. Now as we officially begin the story I hope u put ur buckles on for what''s about to come, you''ll finally meet the main characters in a few chapters and understand where Kreed plans to take us.


    Other than that, I might have an increase in the word count of each chapter just to accommodate the many revelations and themes that will be presented.


    Anyways it''s been me the greatest and smartest au


    thor.


    AverageFrog


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Chapter 31 Unfamiliar Alicia (1)

    Chapter 31 Unfamiliar Alicia (1)


    The grape cut through the water at a steady pace. As it bobbed up and down with the assaulting waves, the two passengers stood upright, their gaze cast on the remarkably large city.


    Alden a tall and slender man, with silver hair that seemed to be dulled out, and messy, stood at the front of the grape. He wore a thick, round, golden glasses that covered his eyes entirely. He was clothed in a simple military uniform, and on his extremely pale face, a small but wistful smile could be seen. He was holding the throttle of the grape gradually increasing it speed.


    Besides him a young and scrawny kid was staring with glee filled eyes at the not so distant city. He had dirty black hair, that flowed down to his shoulders, he didn''t wear a shirt and his already damaged pants were on the brink of total destruction. He was covered in soothe, blood and grime. However there wasn''t a single scratch or bruise on his similarly pale skin. He gave of a soul numbing stench and many of his bones could be seen under his thin layer of skin. He resembled a corpse more than a living human.


    His ghastly sight would without a doubt cause anyone who saw him to back away involuntarily, however despite this the silver haired man didn''t seem to be affected by his appearance.


    As Kreed, who''s deep black eyes, scanned across the land ahead of them, he saw nature in it''s fullest.


    After spending ten long and dreary years on apostle island, Kreed was overwhelmed by the sudden release from those restraints.


    In the matter of a couple weeks he had experienced more things than he had in all his life. Firstly he had met the Father of all, traveled to the gigantic tree which nearly made him cry in disbelief.


    He had finally accomplished his dream of seeing the sun, he had received a influx of relics leading him to believe that his luck had completely turned around. He had built the grape, successful escaping the island. He met with the very first human being after escaping the mist, and learned that he had a place to stay.


    He witnessed a battle of horrifying scale, completely changing his view of the world and the concept of power. He was extremely close to accomplish one of his previous goals, however in the end his will to live outweighed everything. Or should I say the unbearable hatred in his heart wouldn''t allow him to die.


    And now he was witnessing a beauty beyond measure, something that he never thought he needed to see, or would ever witness.


    As his eyes became moist with tears, Kreeds heart stirred.


    Beyond them in the front of the grape, was a long and beautiful shoreline. The golden sand glistened in the suns radiance, exuding a calming and relaxing feeling. There was many tropical plants littered across the beaches front. As Kreeds eyes scanned, he saw many small figures, either swimming in the mildly rough waters or resting on the sand. And although Kreed was to far away to make out their figures or faces, he felt the joy and bliss that emanated from them.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    He and Alden stared in silence, taking in the beauty that surrounded them, soon a simple one lane dock came into view. The dock extended out from a side of the dome like city covering of Alicia.


    From Kreeds angle he spotted a few large vessels as well as many simple ships and boats docked.


    He stared at the covering of Alicia with deep interest. The thick grey stone dome didn''t give of any feeling of danger or malice but Kreed still felt somewhat apprehensive.


    For some reason or another he could help but think that maybe Alden didn''t build the dome to protect the city but instead to keep the city trapped. Essentially like a prison.


    Well that wouldn''t be to surprising, knowing that Alden possessed a profound rank relic that could probably kill anyone who looked at it without any concealment method, it was only reasonable that Alden would build a city that could keep it in check.


    As his eyes Wondered across the surface of the dome he finally saw it''s entrance. There was a massive tunnel that lead to the inside of the dome, from his distance he could spot slight figures of soliders or guards keeping the entrance under strict surveillance.


    The dock that was several kilometers long ended on the shore and a long stone pathway, protected by metal rails and balusters lead into the tunnel. On the stone dome there was many viewing platforms, with surveillance offices constantly looking out. There was many turrets and missile launchers plastered across the many ridges in the dome. From what Kreed was able to spot the was a flurry of reflective material on the domes surface, he didn''t know what they were but he guessed they were either some magical item or some form of deterrents for Arial attacks.


    Soon the grape was drawing near to the port. For some unspeakable reason Kreed suddenly had an awkward feeling, he was half naked, or pretty much naked, and covered in grime and blood. Would he be let into Alicia like this? For some reason he didn''t think he would. Well Alden didn''t seem to mind how he looked so maybe there wasn''t much of a problem.


    Unfortunately Kreeds hopes were completely shattered. As they pulled into the dock, Kreed felt the gazes of many individuals sweep across him, there scrutiny and judgement very evident.


    As they climbed into the dock without a word, Kreed suddenly saw a group of four individuals approaching them.


    Alden finally turned to him and said, I can assure you Kreed that the next couple of hours won''t be so fun for you, but please don''t worry it''ll be over before u know it. Oh and don''t reveal anything to problematic just yet, like I said I may not be envious of your relics but I can''t say the same thing for the others. Especially the person your about to meet. With an Shakey smile appearing on his face Alden asked, are you good at enduring provocation? Cause you''ll have to end--


    Alden!! You thick skulled ape, where have you been?


    As a new and unfamiliar voice resounded, Alden was cut of.


    Kreed watched with peak interest as the smile on his face became even more Shakey.


    Alden who shivered a little, turned around with slow movements.


    Oh Tista... isn''t it nice to see u too. He said with lingering fear.


    Kreed who was in the back of him moved to his left finally getting a good look at the approaching figures, suddenly he felt that this decision was a bad one, all their eyes locked onto him scanning him with deep scrutiny and disgust. Kreed tried desperately to refrain from looking at himself, but In the end he succumbed to the urge and glaced down. Seeing his ribs and pelvis, protruding unhealthy, he couldn''t help but sneer inwardly. He was drenched in the blood of some unholy creature and the build up of grime on him was evident.


    Removing his eyes from himself he looked back at the four individuals. Seeing that their eyes were still filled with contempt, Kreed slightly shivered. Suddenly he saw one of the persons, one dressed in a similar uniform to Alden, toss him a simple brown robe before instructing him to put it on. His voice sounded raspy and deep, from Kreeds first impressions, he could tell that he was someone with many years of experience, in commanding. The man had a slightly orange tinted beared with obvious sign of age on his face, from what Kreed could tell he was around the age of fifty seven or more. However there wasn''t any hint of weakness. He had dull grey eyes that seemed to hold a vast wealth of knowledge. His nose bridge was high and prominent, making him look like a noble, and powerful man. He wore a simple cap that seemed to be paired with his uniform, covering his similarly dull orange hair.


    After taking in his image Kreed followed his instructions and covered himself. Before moving


    to memorize the image of the other persons.

 Chapter 32 Unfamiliar Alicia (2)

    Chapter 32 Unfamiliar Alicia (2)


    After covering himself, Kreed planted his gaze on the other accompanying persons.


    Each of them looked unique and interesting. One key detail that screamed out to him was the oddness of his and Alden''s skin color.


    They looked pale and ghostly, almost like a corpses that had been drained of their blood. Compared to the individuals In front of them who''s skin were either a lusterless brown, a subtle black or a beautiful tan. They were definitely the oddities. From Kreeds perspective he could understand why he would be pale. After all he hadn''t seen the sun in over ten years. Alden''s case of paleness however couldn''t be explained, well not with the little information he knew about him.


    Another simple detail that Kreed noticed was the uncanny symbol of stars and dots plastered somewhere on their body or uniform.


    According to Alden this symbol was the logo of the Unchanging Odium.


    As Kreed was recalling what he remembered, the voice that had ridiculed Alden before spoke out again. Kreed found that it belonged to a chiseled lady with an olive skin tone. She had an athletic build and a flurry of scars and bruises that seemed to be healed, yet a mark remained. She fit the perfect image of a warrior that Kreed had made in his mind. She wore a simple track pants with a tight tank top that made her busty chest stand out. Her black Raven hair was pulled together into a ponytail allowing for the delicate yet alluring features of her face to be seen. She had a very pronounced jawline that contrasted beautifully with her small but striking eyes. The contours of her cheeks and her slightly high nose bridge made her look like a complete model. From what kreed could tell, he assumed she was around twenty five years old, or maybe even more, but her mature features gave of an immense beauty. Well as far as beauty went, Kreed could easily say that she was the most alluring female he had ever seen. Well he hadn''t seen much in the first place and the memories he had of those on apostle island was all tainted by the traumatizing sight of their corpses. Taking a deeper look at the woman that had spoke, Kreed noticed that the Unchanging Odium symbol was tattoo on her left shoulder and there was a small bracelet that resembled a coiling snake on her right hand. Looking into her eyes Kreed could tell that she was ruthless, the gaze she cast on him was different from the others. She wasn''t judging of criticizing him, instead it seemed that her eyes were silently cursing him for making Alden arrive a few hours late. From first impressions Kreed could tell that he wanted nothing to do with her.


    "Alden would u mind introducing us to your friend here?" The woman asked. Her voice sounded just as ruthless as she looked. From what Kreed remembered Alden had referred to her as Tista, the same Tista that had called him on the communicator while they were on the grape.


    "Ohhh. Right, my bad. Everyone this is kre--- k, call him K. He''ll be your care for a bit, so try to convert him as best u can alright?"


    Suddenly Kreed shivered. Even he had forgotten that he had requested that Alden keep his name a secret. Well at least he remembered.


    "K? What a strange name." Hearing this remark Kreed turned to look at the voice''s owner. It was a man of adequate height, wearing the same uniform as Alden, and the other man who had given him a robe. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    This officer however didn''t wear a hat, instead like Alden his hair was wild and unkempt, his hair was a dirty blonde color and the excessive hair covered his ears. He had a plain round face with surprisingly round and deep eyes. They had a slight hue of blue, and his gaze contained incredible judgement. Kreed had instinctively contrasted him with the image of a noble clansman. He had small but noticable lips and a scruffy beard that covered his lower face. Kreed could tell that he was brought up in an extremely rich family, his bearing and countenance was that of a lavish and opulent noble, who viewed everyone else as being inferior. Of course Kreed knew that first impressions were unreliable and often misguided. However he couldn''t help but scowl inwardly.


    "Where did you pick him up? At a graveyard?" Asked the blonde officer, with obvious disgust.


    Instantly the hope of being wrong about the man, was shattered. Kreed wanted to face palm.


    Alden shifted a bit before saying, "he''s one of us now, so I wouldn''t advise you make such jokes."


    Before he was done talking Kreed saw the woman who he believed to be named Tista, turn slightly and kick the blonde officer in the shin.


    "Goddammit Evermore.. that fu*king hurts." The blonde officer blurted out while grasping his shin and hopping in pain.


    Tista spoke once more. "I warned you multiple times about your lack of dignity."


    Seeing this odd situation on fold Kreed was baffled. Lack of dignity? Isn''t it because he has to much dignity that he thinks he can speak down on others? That''s quite ironic. Wait what did he call her? Evermore? Suddenly Kreed was confused. Is that her surname? I''ve definitely heard of the Evermore family before. They were a part of the Heurio clan right? Hmm I should probably confirm it. Kreed reminded himself inwardly.


    Breaking his train of thought Kreed heard the blonde officer retort.


    "I, was only being honest, he doesn''t even look like he speaks Nahte."


    Hearing this, Tista turned to Alden as if enquiring. Alden who was smiling as if he had been entertained by the little scuffle, nodded slightly.


    Suddenly Kreed saw the pained expression of the blonde officer grow dark.


    Kreed basking in the turn of events, suddenly notice the fourth person start moving.


    She walked up to Alden, hugging him for two seconds before turning to face Kreed.


    Kreed who didn''t expect this looked back at her in anticipation.


    Suddenly he heard her speak. "He smells funny." A chilling silence surrounded them. No one dear to speak. Even Kreed who hadn''t interacted with humans in over 10 years, and had grown distant to emotions and feelings, was momentarily stumped. Did she have to be so direct? Couldn''t she at least sugar coat it?


    Many strange thoughts flooded his mind, some worse than others.


    What does she mean I smell funny. Shouldn''t I smell putrid or disgusting? I have the stench of apostle island on me after all.


    As the silence grew more unsettling he her speak once again.


    "He kinda reminds me of Ogbu, hehe."


    Kreed was inwardly terrified. Ogbu? I feel like I''ve seen that name somewhere before. Hmm I don''t feel good being compared to it doh.


    Kreed finally had the chance to notice her fully. The reason Kreed was scared of her wasn''t because she looked mean or anything but because of the  carefree and unapologetic attitude she displayed, while being a child.


    That''s right the fourth individual was a child, a small girl around the age of 8, well that''s what he suspected anyway. She wore a small black robe with a hood that was tucked under her hair. She had a head of short silky black hair that reached the nape of her neck. On the top of her head there was a simple hair pin with an owl shaped trinket on it. Her skin was white, but not to the extent of Alden or Kreeds own. Her lips were full and pronounced, and on them a coat of red lip gloss was smothered. Her nose was tiny and her eyes large, almost as if she could see every detail about Kreed. Looking into them Kreed was horrified, there wasn''t the ruthless that Tista exuded, the deep years of knowledge that the cap wearing soldier possessed or the uncalled for disgust that the blonde officer exhibited. Instead Kreed saw something much worse, there was the unscrupulous intent for desire. She reminded Kreed of Alden back when he was facing the gigantic creature. Alden had been smiling the whole time enjoying the fight, and desiring more.


    And now the eyes of the girl who had called him smelly, was the exact same. And worse yet she contained an indescribable feeling of idleness. As if in the next second she would throw him into the water just to get some temporary satisfaction. Kreed was sure of it, he had to keep as much distance between himself and the young girl. She''s going to be annoying. As Kreeds expression was about to


    collapse he heard the girl ask, "where are u from k?"

 Chapter 33: Unfamiliar Alicia (3)

    Chapter 33: Unfamiliar Alicia (3)


    What?


    Wait, what?


    Did I hear that correctly?


    Did she just ask...


    Wait.


    Kreed, who had been silently observing the little girl¡¯s features, was suddenly thrown off balance. His mind seemed to collapse under the weight of a flood of thoughts, each one unfamiliar and unwelcome. How was he supposed to answer such a question? While he had spent countless hours dreaming of escaping Apostle''s Island, not once had he considered what he would do or say once he was free. And now, this annoying little girl with her bright, inquisitive eyes had asked him something so straightforward it felt like a trap:


    Where are you from?


    His first instinct was to lie, but how would that help? Silence seemed equally damning. What if they took it as a sign of guilt? A spy, perhaps¡ªan agent sent by one of the neighboring continents to infiltrate their city.


    As Kreed¡¯s thoughts spiraled, Alden¡¯s voice cut through the haze like a sharp blade.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid he can¡¯t answer that just yet, Zalie,¡± Alden said smoothly. ¡°But don¡¯t worry¡ªhe comes from a rather grand and dangerous place.¡±


    Kreed exhaled, relief washing over him. He shot Alden a fleeting glance, inwardly praising the man¡¯s quick thinking.


    Zalie pouted, her lips curling into an exaggerated frown. ¡°Hmph. That¡¯s no fun,¡± she grumbled. She turned away from Kreed as if she¡¯d already forgotten him. Fixing her gaze back on Alden, her tone lightened. ¡°You better keep your promise, Uncle. You said we could go swimming with Neton when you got back!¡±


    Kreed shifted his attention to Alden, catching the momentary flicker of discomfort that marred his usual smile.


    Alden cleared his throat and gave her a slight nod. ¡°Of course, we¡¯ll go swimming. But before that, I need to take care of a few things. Can you wait until Monday?¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Zalie huffed. ¡°But you better keep your promise.¡±


    Kreed, watching the interaction, was startled when Tista approached him. Her sharp gaze bore into him with a force that made his spine stiffen.


    ¡°What are your motives, K?¡± she asked bluntly, her voice clear and firm. ¡°From what I¡¯ve gathered, you¡¯re definitely a birthed. It¡¯s fine if you just want to become a citizen of Alicia, but if your goals are more... ambitious, I suggest you lay them out now.¡±Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    The question left Kreed momentarily dazed. His motives? His goals? His ambitions?


    Just hours ago, his sole objective had been to escape Apostle''s Island. Days before that, his greatest concern had been deciphering the purpose of his relics. Weeks before, he had dreamed of standing under the sun¡¯s warmth for the first time. Months before, he had been consumed by the mysteries of Caelan¡¯s ruins. And years ago, his only wish had been to unravel the secrets of Apostle Island itself.


    Now, standing in Alicia, the city cloaked beneath a colossal stone dome, he was being asked to explain his purpose¡ªhis reason for being here. What could he say?


    Kreed scoffed quietly, a hollow sound that carried a touch of irony.


    Then, slowly, a twisted smile spread across his lips. It was a chilling expression, one that made Tista and the two uniformed officers at her side tense. That smile¡ªunmistakable in its malice¡ªwas eerily similar to the one Alden often wore when he was especially pleased.


    ¡°My motives?¡± Kreed repeated, his voice low and deliberate. ¡°I don¡¯t have many. In fact, I can only think of three. First, I want to understand the truth of this cursed world. And second, I need to find a true source of conviction.¡±


    Tista¡¯s eyes gleamed with intrigue, her expression softening as if she were seeing him for the first time.


    The two officers exchanged glances, their brows furrowed in contemplation.


    Meanwhile, Zalie, who had resumed chattering with Alden, suddenly turned to Kreed with a teasing smirk. ¡°Wait a minute. Didn¡¯t you say three? What¡¯s the third? Don¡¯t tell me you can¡¯t count!¡±


    Alden, too, fixed his gaze on Kreed, his smile more subtle now, though no less curious.


    Kreed let the silence linger, savoring the tension in the air. Finally, his dark eyes glinted with a dangerous edge as he answered.


    ¡°My last motive is simple,¡± he said, his voice steady but brimming with intensity. ¡°I seek assistance in completing a rather straightforward task.¡±


    ¡°And what task is that?¡± Zalie asked, tilting her head with exaggerated curiosity.


    Kreed¡¯s smile darkened. ¡°To punish the gods for their false claims and actions.¡±


    A heavy silence fell over the room, so thick it seemed to press down on everyone present. Kreed felt a shift¡ªa subtle yet undeniable change in the atmosphere.


    Then, it came.


    The gaze.


    It struck him like a tidal wave, an immense force radiating malice and contempt. Kreed¡¯s breath caught in his throat as the invisible presence loomed over him, suffocating and vast. And as quickly as it had come, it retreated, only to be replaced by another gaze. Then another. And another. Countless unseen eyes bore into him, each carrying a distinct weight: curiosity, disdain, amusement, or fury.


    Kreed trembled, cold sweat pooling on his back. He didn¡¯t know where these gazes originated, but their power was undeniable. He was nothing compared to them, a mere speck before the forces that watched him now.


    But one gaze stood out among the rest.


    It came from the tall, white-haired man standing next to him. Unlike the others, this gaze was not hostile. It radiated warmth¡ªadoration, even. It was the look of a proud father admiring his well-groomed son.


    Seconds stretched into an eternity. Then, Zalie broke the silence with a burst of laughter.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never heard that one before!¡± she said, wiping a tear from her eye. ¡°Punish the gods? Ha! Keep dreaming. The gods aren¡¯t so easy to deal with, trust me. We¡¯ve tried countless times. Even the weakest of them could obliterate us with a single glance. We¡¯re nothing but pawns, destined to follow the paths they¡¯ve laid out for us. Our reality, our security, our freedom¡ªit¡¯s all an illusion.¡±


    Kreed¡¯s eyes narrowed as he studied Zalie. For all her youthful energy, there was a depth to her words that caught him off guard. She wasn¡¯t as simple as she seemed.


    Alden¡¯s voice cut through the moment, his tone measured yet commanding.


    ¡°The gods are strong,¡± he admitted. ¡°In fact, the word strength was probably invented to describe them. But they aren¡¯t omnipotent. They aren¡¯t omniscient. They aren¡¯t immortal, and they certainly aren¡¯t eternal.¡± He paused, his gaze sweeping over the group. ¡°They may be a towering mountain, but even mountains can be conquered. And that¡¯s where we come in.¡±


    Alden turned to Zalie, his smile softening. ¡°You¡¯re right that we¡¯ve been forced to walk the paths they¡¯ve chosen for us. But here¡¯s the good news: K here might just be our biggest clue yet¡ªour chance to break free and overcome the gods.¡±


    Kreed stared at Alden, the weight of his words settling deep in


    his chest. For the first time, he felt a flicker of something unexpected: interest.

 Chapter 34: Unfamiliar Alicia (4)

    Chapter 34: Unfamiliar Alicia (4)


    Buzz buzz.


    Sparkkk...


    A flickering light filled the room with its dull, inconsistent radiance, casting wavering shadows that seemed to stretch and twist like grasping fingers.


    Kreed, now strapped tightly to a cold, metallic bed, lay in silence, his mind swirling with unease. He had been left to brood ever since the incident on the dock. After speaking with the cohort of individuals who had welcomed them, he was abruptly seized and incarcerated. The two uniformed soldiers had dragged him through a labyrinthine tunnel with no explanation.


    Of course, Kreed would have resisted¡ªhe should have resisted¡ªbut his body had betrayed him. After hearing the heated argument between Zalie and Alden, where Alden had apparently dared to face the gods, Kreed found himself paralyzed. His muscles locked up, his joints stiffened, and even his tendons seemed to refuse his commands. He was frozen in place, drenched in cold sweat as countless gazes fell upon him. These weren¡¯t ordinary stares; they bore an unrelenting weight that crushed his will. What terrified him more was that no one else seemed affected by it. Not Zalie, not Alden¡ªonly him.


    This singularity left Kreed scared and confused.


    Now, in this strange, sterile room, he was entirely at the mercy of a group of masked individuals. Strapped to the table, unable to move, he watched helplessly as they worked. They collected samples from his body: saliva, blood, a lock of his hair, even a sliver of his nails. Cold, unfeeling machines surrounded him, their screens alive with unreadable data. The rhythmic beeps and hums created an oppressive symphony, punctuated by the harsh clicks of equipment being adjusted. A looming X-ray machine passed over him, its sharp blue light illuminating his pale skin.


    Throughout the entire ordeal, Kreed¡¯s gaze was fixed on one person.


    She stood just outside the room, arms folded across her chest, her presence exuding authority. Her eyes, piercing and devoid of empathy, bore into him like daggers. It was Tista¡ªthe same woman who had made even Alden wary. She gave curt instructions to the doctors, her tone icy and unwavering.


    Kreed tried to focus on her, hoping to decipher her intentions, but his mind was foggy. A sharp prick in his arm signaled the injection of anesthesia, and his thoughts began to fragment.


    As his vision blurred, two more figures joined Tista outside the observation window. One was Zalie, casually licking a lollipop, her expression betraying a mix of curiosity and detachment. The other figure caused Kreed¡¯s breath to hitch.


    It was someone he had seen long ago.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    A final thought flashed through his fading consciousness:


    "Why is he here?"


    ---


    Flick, flick, flick.


    Fwosh.


    A dim, orange flame sputtered to life within a rusted lantern, its light struggling against the encroaching darkness. Shadows twisted and writhed across the walls, as though alive, each movement amplifying the suffocating dread in the room.


    Kreed blinked, disoriented. He was no longer in the sterile testing chamber. Instead, he found himself seated in a decayed, rotting room. The wooden walls were warped and cracked, covered in layers of mildew that released an acrid, damp smell. A soft dripping sound echoed in the distance, though no source was visible.


    The air was stifling and heavy, thick with the scent of decay. Cobwebs blanketed the corners, trembling as though something unseen lurked within them. A single, splintered wooden table stood at the center of the room, its surface marred with scratches and dark stains. The lantern rested on the table, its flame weak yet defiant.


    Kreed¡¯s pulse quickened. He knew this place.


    "I¡¯m back," he whispered, his voice trembling. "Finally."


    The memories hit him like a tidal wave. This was the abandoned cabin on Apostles Island. A place he thought he had long forgotten. The oppressive atmosphere didn¡¯t feel foreign¡ªit felt like home, a sinister sanctuary where his fractured mind had once sought refuge.


    Across the table sat a figure, partially obscured by the lantern¡¯s flickering light.


    Kreed¡¯s breath caught in his throat. He had forgotten this. Forgotten him.


    "That¡¯s right," he muttered, his voice cracking. "I was never alone on Apostles Island. I¡¯ve always had you."


    The figure chuckled softly, the sound unnervingly human yet tinged with something unnatural. "Indeed, Kreed," it replied, its voice a chilling mixture of warmth and menace.


    Kreed¡¯s memories rushed back, clearer now. Five years ago, when he had been all alone, his mind had created this being. What had begun as a figment of his imagination¡ªa coping mechanism for his isolation¡ªhad become something more. Every night, in his dreams, Kreed met this entity. He shared everything with it: his fears, his frustrations, his discoveries. In those moments, it had been his only companion.


    But as the years passed, Kreed¡¯s fragile psyche had blurred the lines between reality and illusion. He had come to believe in the being¡¯s existence. It wasn¡¯t just a product of his mind anymore; it was real to him.


    And then he had forgotten. The ruins of Caelan had broken him, erasing the progress he had made, along with the memory of his "friend."


    Now, after so long, they were reunited.


    Kreed stared across the table, taking in the figure¡¯s grotesque form. It was skeletal, its hollow eye sockets housing a consuming darkness that seemed to pull at his soul. The creature¡¯s body was draped in a rich red robe, its surface adorned with black ribbons and accents. Two jagged horns jutted from its skull, curving back to merge seamlessly with its spine. The being exuded an aura of death, yet Kreed found himself unable to look away.


    It was horrifying, yes¡ªbut to Kreed, it was also beautiful.


    "Dell," he whispered, the name slipping from his lips like a long-lost secret.


    Dell inclined its head slightly, acknowledging the name Kreed had given it.


    As the two sat in silence, a strange object appeared on the table beside the lantern. It was a pendant, a mix of black, gold, and crimson. Its surface shimmered faintly, reflecting the lantern¡¯s glow with a blood-red tint. At its center, a peculiar symbol was engraved: a hook with a dot at its base, resembling a question mark.


    Kreed picked it up, turning it over in his hands. Its weight was comforting, grounding him in this surreal nightmare. "What is this?" he asked, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.


    Dell¡¯s bony fingers twitched slightly as it leaned forward. "It¡¯s your newest relic," it said, its tone calm and deliberate. "A token of what¡¯s to come."


    Kreed furrowed his brow, unsure of what Dell meant. Before he could respond, golden words materialized in the air, glowing faintly. The symbols were familiar, reminiscent of those that had described other relics he had encountered.


    ---


    The nightmare deepened. The room seemed to breathe, the walls expanding and contracting in sync with Kreed¡¯s own uneven breaths. The light of the lantern flickered wildly, casting distorted reflections onto the pendant¡¯s surface. Kreed tightened his grip on the relic, feeling a strange connection to it.


    He glanced back at Dell, who was now watching him intently, its empty eye sockets somehow conveying a silent understanding.


    Kreed realized something then¡ªsomething chilling. This wasn¡¯t just a dream. It wasn¡¯t just his mind conjuring illusions to protect him. There was a purpose to all of this, a reason he was here.


    Kreed felt a mix of terror and anticipation. For the first time in years, he wasn¡¯t alone.

 Chapter 35: Unfamiliar Alicia (5)

    Chapter 35: Unfamiliar Alicia (5)


    "I get it now. It all makes sense," Kreed muttered, his voice a mix of disbelief and newfound clarity.


    He found himself seated in a rickety wooden chair, facing the grim and distorted figure of Dell. The room seemed to warp before him, the very walls trembling and swaying like fragile sheets of paper in a storm. With each passing moment, their solidity wavered until they folded inward, crumpling into nothingness. Then, as if drenched in heat, they melted into an utter and infinite darkness.


    Kreed recognized this place. He had been here before¡ªlong ago, when he first encountered the Father of All. The memory washed over him like a cold tide. In the far-off void, a gleaming silver orb hung suspended in the blackness, radiant and otherworldly. Its brilliance should have illuminated the abyss, but it was swallowed whole by the oppressive void, leaving only an eerie, distant glow.


    He sat motionless, taking in the vast emptiness around him. Slowly, the realization dawned on him¡ªhe was back in the realm that housed his very soul. A place he had thought he would never revisit. It was only because of the golden runes now suspended before him that he understood the truth.


    Had he not touched the Hemorrhagic Talisman, he would have been trapped in a trance, endlessly cycling through illusions crafted by his own mind. Each vision, each setting, had been meticulously conjured to lull him into a false sense of security. He looked down at the dull, flickering lantern on the table before him¡ªa battered relic of his fabricated reality. Its rusted frame and faint, defiant flame now seemed pathetic.


    With a single thought, the scene transformed.


    The lantern''s corroded exterior burst into sparks, reshaping into a gleaming silver frame, intricate carvings spiraling along its surface. The weak flame erupted into life, growing vast and brilliant. It consumed the surrounding darkness, banishing the shadows and carving a small bastion of light within the endless void.


    The table beneath it changed as well. The once-scratched and splintered wood morphed into a polished marble slab, its pristine surface streaked with veins of gold and silver. The glow from the lantern illuminated its immaculate patterns, each swirl and line exuding an aura of quiet power.


    Kreed turned his gaze to Dell, whose grotesque features were now starkly visible in the light. The creature''s sunken, hollow eyes and jagged smile sent a chill down Kreed''s spine. Yet, there was something captivating about him¡ªan unnatural charisma emanating from the twisted horns protruding from his skull.


    "How interesting," Dell murmured, his tone low and amused.


    Without warning, a third horn began to sprout from his forehead. The sound was excruciating¡ªbones scraping and twisting against one another, echoing painfully in the vast emptiness. The horn extended outward, shimmering faintly as it grew. Unlike the previous two, which curled back into his spine like a grotesque crown, this one jutted straight forward. Its sharp tip gleamed like polished steel, giving Dell the unmistakable appearance of a demon from the underworld.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Kreed watched, an unsettling laugh bubbling up from his chest. It escaped his lips¡ªa sound of bitter irony and grim acceptance.


    After a moment, his attention shifted back to the glowing runes before him. They hovered in the air, etched in gold and pulsating faintly. He read them aloud, his voice reverberating in the abyss.


    Relic: Hemorrhagic Talisman


    Relic Type: Item


    Rank: Bronze


    Grade: IIII


    The relic''s summary unfurled in his mind like a vivid memory, each word carrying the weight of a forgotten tale.


    ---


    Relic Summary


    In a world where strength reigned supreme, two brothers sought dominion.


    The elder, Kweku Tisn, was a man of unyielding virtue. Hardworking and noble, he pursued his dreams with relentless determination. From a young age, he played the role of a healer, tending to the sick and desperate. His kindness and diligence became a beacon for those around him, and as the years passed, his strength grew to match his lofty ideals.


    Tisn¡¯s younger brother, Ananse, was the opposite in every way. Sly and cunning, he preferred guile over hard work. He was a trickster, a master of deception who relied on shrewdness and illusion to achieve his goals. Where Tisn inspired others with his selflessness, Ananse manipulated them with his craft.


    As the brothers aged, their paths diverged. Tisn¡¯s strength brought hope and change to the world, while Ananse quietly amassed power in the shadows, always one step ahead, his true ambitions cloaked in secrecy.


    One fateful day, Tisn invited Ananse for a conversation. "Brother," he began, his voice heavy with concern, "when will you abandon your schemes? You have surpassed even the king in strength, yet you live like a pauper. What is it that you seek?"


    Ananse laughed, his eyes glinting with mischief. "You know me well, dear brother. But fear not. My desires are far beyond what any king can offer."


    Years later, the world was thrown into chaos. A devastating war erupted, the likes of which had never been seen before. Nations clashed, their rulers wielding power that seemed godlike. Amidst the turmoil, Tisn fought valiantly to protect the innocent, aligning himself with one of the kings. But as the war raged on, a terrible truth emerged.


    The conflict had been orchestrated by a single man.


    One day, a magician claiming to be a god appeared on a simple stage. Around him lay the bodies of the kings, each cocooned in silk-like spiderwebs. The scene was broadcast to the entire world, shattering its fragile balance.


    Tisn was devastated. He recognized the magician¡ªit was Ananse. Betrayed and heartbroken, he confronted his brother in battle.


    The clash was swift and ferocious. Tisn, driven by justice, struck Ananse down. As his brother lay dying, Tisn demanded answers. "Why, brother? Why bring such devastation to the world? Why betray me?"


    Ananse¡¯s smile was wide and triumphant. "Oh, brother," he whispered, tears streaming down his face. "You truly fell for it. Thank you. My desires have been fulfilled."


    In that moment, Tisn realized the truth. The war, the deaths, even the bodies of the kings¡ªit had all been an illusion, a grand trick orchestrated by Ananse. And now, Tisn had killed his own brother.


    Consumed by grief, Tisn performed a final ritual, breaking Ananse¡¯s body into fragments. Each piece transformed into a monstrous creature, a testament to Ananse¡¯s trickery. Among them was a bloody monstrosity, a horrifying reminder of his brother¡¯s cunning.


    ---


    The details remained obscured, shrouded in mystery. Kreed stared at the flickering text, his mind racing. The relic held immense power, but its true potential eluded him.


    Dell¡¯s voice broke the silence. "Fascinating, isn¡¯t it?" His tone was almost mocking, his new horn glinting in the lantern¡¯s light.


    Kreed said nothing, his gaze fixed on the glowing runes. The vast darkness around him seemed to press closer, yet the lantern¡¯s light held firm, a beacon against the encroaching void.


    "Ananse was a genius," Dell continued, his voice carrying a strange reverence. "A man who saw through the illusions of the world and chose to craft his own. Tell me, Kreed¡ªwhat kind of world will you create?"


    Kreed turned to Dell, his eyes cold and unyielding. "A world without tricksters like him."


    For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, with a sudden surge of determination, Kreed reached out and touched the relic. The go


    lden runes blazed brightly, casting a warm light that cut through the darkness.