《Creation Online》


 Nightmares - Edited

    I was back here once more, the feeling of terror I was all too used to, already present. My chest already getting constricted as I found it harder to breathe. But it never stopped the upcoming events. Some parts I watched as a bystander, while other parts became more personal to me.


    The room was dimly lit just as it had been back then. I would never forget, couldn''t forget. Red candles flickered, their weak illumination trying to push away the darkness of the room and failing woefully.


    Bare, with only a single bed in the center, the room gave off a haunted feel as it had done in my past. A group of males, all five in their late teens, stood in a half circle, each one with a visible sneer on their face as they stared at the bed.


    Or at least, what was bound to the bed.


    I always hated this part. The reminder of how weak I had been, no, how weak I was then. In dreams, mine at least, I had no control. No matter how hard I tried to turn away or shut my eyes. To refrain from watching the snickering boys peel off piece after piece of material. Oh, how I had always wanted to crack a head, bash a skull. But dreams were not that merciful.


    Despicable and crazed words left their tongues. The madness in their eyes was still as terrifying as I remembered.


    The scene, like usual, changed, bringing my perspective to one I dreaded. If before I was terrified, now I was totally frozen. His face hovered over mine as he grinned maliciously. His hands roamed to places that made me want to scream yet my fear kept me numb.


    Then his famous words. Ones I never forgot to this day. Even when my brain had done what most doctors had said was normal by blocking off the trauma and pushing this horrible part into the dark corners of my mind. I still remembered those words.


    "Oh, my Angel."


    Words I would forever hate and fear as well as the voice.


    My eyes fluttered open as the nightmare roused me. My normal instinctive reactions kicked in as my eyes flew over every inch of my room. Like a prey sensing a predator I surveyed everything, my muscles and body locked in an adrenaline-fueled urge to bolt. It was almost like a calming ritual for me every morning. Checking my room and seeing no one. My sweat-soaked gown stuck on my skin as I got off my bed. My slowly calming heart let my blood rush more peacefully as I adjusted my routine finding the path into my shower.


    Life had been bland and tight since the events of that night. My life had taken a bad turn and kept regressing. So terrified at the sight of males, it had taken a very long while to even meet my father. Until the present moment, the poor man couldn''t even be in the same room as me alone without some sort of panic attack befalling me.


    It was even worse for my elder brother. It''d been three years since the incident and I still saw their faces whenever he was in the house. I felt stupid at times for my irrational fear yet I could do nothing about it.


    While we still talked it was usually via calls or texts, which were more filled with apologies from me than normal call conversations.


    He understood though which was a blessing for me. The last thing I needed was my brother hating me for a fear I had no control over.


    Speaking of him.


    I changed my attire to something free and loose as I used my left hand to operate my phone. Dester, my brother had informed me of a gift he would be sending.


    Knowing my love for games, a trauma-forced necessity I developed as a way to escape reality, he had purchased the first entry, very scarce, slots to the newly made and yet-to-be-launched VRMMORPG.


    Its name was a bit of an issue for the online community as it generated various talks and speculations as to what the game was about. It had interested even me when Dester had first mentioned it.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Helen," my mother''s voice was accompanied by a knock which sought my attention. The poor woman. She''d done a lot in the past years since my incident. While I had been the victim it felt like she had to bear all the backlash for everything. It was even worse with my apparent paranoia leading to my ostracizing of the male figures.


    Most times I felt like she had aged even more than she should. The white door opened to reveal a middle-aged lady in a black apron with bits of food ingredients speckled on it. Her raven black hair which I got and amber eyes stared at me.


    Mum was the perfect description for a trophy wife, at least in looks. A beauty in every way, figure, face, and fortunately personality.


    I had always joked with dad that he made a score with mum. Of course, it didn''t mean the man wasn''t a looker. With his piercing blue eyes which he donated generously to me, it wasn''t a wonder mother got swooned.


    "Are you awake yet, Helen?" My mum questioned, her head poking in. Mum always had a spare key for my room. Sometimes my dreams went a bad mile and she had to do the reassuring. Nodding as I stepped to her opening the door fully I smiled as radiantly as I could.


    Don''t get me wrong.


    My trauma was bad, very bad. But in front of the woman who had given her all to keep me from breaking back then the least I could do was keep her from worrying more.


    "The nightmares came again, didn''t they?".


    Yet as expected, she saw through me. It was almost a hassle trying to hide it yet I kept smiling. If I couldn''t hide it then I''d just assure her that I wasn''t as affected anymore.


    "It''s fine, mum. I''m not as terrified as before." Lie. Big lie. I was so terrified but she didn''t have to know it.


    Yet she knew. I knew she knew. But admitting and suspecting were two different things. Mother didn''t bother smothering me with loving endearments and care as she knew it would make me feel bad. These people had done a lot back in the darkest of my days so the least I could do was make sure they didn''t have to suffer like that again.


    Of course, they hardly cared about their suffering or my thoughts on it, but still, it was an attempt to make me feel better about several things.


    Hand in hand, mother and I descended to the kitchen. As we talked and chatted the sounds of footfalls echoed in the house. Then it stopped and retreated like it was being chased.


    I barely reacted as mother patted my back. She knew how much I hated myself for pushing my father and brother away yet she also knew I had no control over it. With a permanent sad face, we both arrived in the kitchen where I sat on a long dining table to watch as mom finished up whatever cooking she was doing.


    As we discussed, the sound of footsteps above began again. Yet they never descended, avoiding the ground floor like a plague.


    I sighed mentally while still keeping a normal face to not get my mum going all motherly again.


    "So, Dester got you a slot into that new game you teens are raving about. What''s the name again?" Mother asked, her back to me.


    "First. We ''teens?''


    I raised an eyebrow. It was known even adults were drooling over the game. "...and second, its Creator Online. Catchy name if I say so myself," I responded, my fingers drumming on the wooden table surface.


    While mother was no gamer, she still had a bit of knowledge of various gaming elements, as such was curious as to what a game with a name like Creator Online could entail.


    "I''m certain the name is just something to get attention. It''s doing a good job of it too," my eyes locked on the steaming pasta dish as it was set in front of me. My eyes dazzled at the beauty while my nostrils fed on its palatable scent.


    "Well, sure, but it''s a full-dive immersive gameplay," my mother threw the bomb. I froze, a fork of pasta shoved in my mouth.


    My brain went numb for a bit as panic attempted to rise.


    Full-dive, while not common as there had been no games to have full dive in it yet, was still known due to the various news and talks about it in the online community.


    ''They succeeded,'' I thought, torn between glee and fright.


    This could mean a lot of things. Normally one could only feel or do as the game mechanics and system were programmed, but with full-dive, it would be as if it were all real.


    Which meant that meeting players would be like meeting real people. My previous games were more of me behind a screen doing whatever I wanted or in the virtual ones just a codex of data to meet.


    But here. I would be meeting the closest-to-life players.


    "Uhmm..."


    "It''s safe, Helen. I and your father, even your brother researched and there are a few rules in place within the game to stop any nefarious activities that go outside the game guidelines. Plus it''s rated above eighteen for legal reasons and you, my dear, are three years above the cut."


    I wouldn''t realize this yet, but mum had lied straight to my face. But that''s an issue for another day.


    The current me right now was just weighing the pros and the cons. My paranoia though was severely blocking the pros from coming to light.


    "Twenty-one doesn''t mean safe," I muttered. Mum must have heard as a sigh came from her.


    "Think about it dear, please. This could help you deal with your trauma, and a fake world could teach you how to maybe interact with, or at least not fear the outside world again." The woman was on me now. Her eyes locked on my every facial reaction.


    "Uhmmm..."


    "Your father and brother might be saying nothing but having you constantly see them in such a light, intentionally or not, breaks them," I''m certain she got me there, a pang of guilt rising within me. Yet Mr. Terror refused to bulge.


    "A deal then," she uttered, her pitch rising. It was obvious that mum was desperate for me to at least try this out. I looked at her, a signal for her to continue.


    "You at least log in once or twice. If you like it the first try you enter again, if nothing remotely terrifying or at least triggering occurs you log in the third time. And so on," she halted, looking at me.


    I made a face, hesitating as I wasn''t assured. But damn she was laying it on thick here.


    "At least try it until you feel anything bothering about it. Just..." mum exhaled, clutching my face into her palms. I finally registered she was standing next to me" ...give it a shot."


    Her plea wasn''t the deciding factor though.


    As much as I was terrified, I was also guilty. Guilty of turning my father and brother into monsters when all they''d done was try to be there for me.


    Exhaling, I could only smile a bit before looking at my mom, mind made up. A slow nod to her was enough to create a smile capable of shaming the heavens. ''Geez Lady, tone down the beauty''...


    I had to do this. Not just for my brother and my dad. But for mum too who was feeling strained by all this and for me who had to suffer those nightmares.


    If Creator''s Online would help me then I was game.


    I didn''t realize it. But that one decision would come to bite me in the ass. Positively or negatively? I''d leave you to find out.

 Game Forum - Edited

    As I scrolled through the Creator Online forum and website, my eyes drank in every and all information visible on the screen of my Holopad. To my disappointment, there was no information about the game.


    Just a picture. And a thirty-seconds video trailer. The picture was of a hand holding a planet. If that was to arouse curiosity then it worked. But it was the trailer that dug all the viewers into a pit of mystery and desire to know.


    If anyone had doubts, the trailer compelled them to enter and satisfy their curiosity.


    The video began with darkness and silence. For a full five seconds, there was no image or sound. ''If it weren''t for the following scene at the sixth second, I would have thought I opened the wrong trailer, mistaking it for one of those click baits''.


    An action-beat tune began playing, my Holopad speakers improving the sound. The screen showed a hand tightened into a fist suddenly emerge from the darkness. The fist opened and a seed shot out from its palms. I couldn''t help but notice that the hand was abnormally large. Even though there was no visible body attached to it, it was clear that the hand was huge.


    The following scene depicted a group of luminous beings descending through the clouds in fiery streaks. The subsequent scene showed two armies standing at arm''s length from each other, ready to engage in a battle. Projectiles were launched between the little space separating them, and one could witness bodies falling in that tiny span.


    The next scene showed a strange elf walking through the aftermath of a brutal battle, glittering tears in its eyes as it surveyed the carnage.


    The final scene depicted outer space, and from the darkness emerged a colossal shape so massive that it appeared as a mere shadow. The jaws of the creature were wide open, and it consumed the entity from whose perspective we were watching.


    The trailer was confusing and left me uncertain about the meaning of the scenes.


    I returned to the forums in an attempt to find information that could help me once the game was launched. Many players had already joined the game, but the only information available in the forums was a rumor that each player was only allowed to have one account. There was also the talk of ''Dying,'' but nobody knew what it exactly entailed. It seemed like going below Lv1 was dangerous.


    Next, the players who had secured slots were identified by a unique symbol next to their names - a golden palm with a black hole at the center. Most already had usernames though I was certain they''d be given options to change them.


    Helldiver121 - What''s with that trailer?


    SingerDamsel - I know right, I barely saw anything in the game and there''s a lack of information. How are we supposed to understand how it works?


    Demon King - At least we know there are elves.


    Loli5 - Am I the only one pondering what that thing at the end was? It appears to be a mega boss at the end. Has anyone else wondered about it?


    MrFury to Loli5 - Agreed.


    Various comments were made, but most knew nothing and so nothing new or informative was provided. The only thing that mattered was the timer on the website, which was ticking down to zero.


    [00:01:11:46]


    With only an hour left before the game launch, I sighed and quickly scanned through the remaining chat. However, I couldn''t find anything helpful on the site.


    After exiting the forum, I shut down my laptop and headed downstairs to get a drink of water. I noticed that no one was around, and I assumed that Dester was in his room getting ready to log in. As a professional player, gaming was more work than fun for him. He was also an expert in information and game mechanics and was responsible for providing updates and information on the forum, but only through his personal account.


    Each slot buyer on Creator Online was provided with a personal page, similar to an account on a forum. There were also several locked and inaccessible options.


    I recognized it because my account had the same features, but I noticed the option to post content, which meant that other people would be able to see it.


    I was certain that Dester was already planning on using this. Many people would use it as whoever provided the best information would attract the most attention, leading to an increase in clients.


    I didn''t care much about it. I was here to solve a problem, my own problem. After returning to my room, I took a much-needed shower. My eyes kept darting towards the clock as I fought my gown off and untangled my long, raven-black hair.


    "It''s 5:45 pm now. Only fifteen minutes left till game."


    After battling with my hair for a while, I moved on to the gaming equipment which was already arranged and connected. I had spent most of the day setting it up and getting familiar with the rules and maintenance procedures of this particular system.


    The helmet would allow me to connect my neural network to the game, while the pod was designed to protect my body and provide nutrition during extended gaming sessions. This was particularly important for professional gamers who often spent longer periods in the game than necessary.


    With my room door locked I crawled into the pod, set the helmet over my head feeling and hearing it hum and activate. The fluid pipes rolled out automatically and connected to my body. Next an oily yet comfortable fluid filled the pod and wrapped me up in it.


    A red light appeared above me, gliding down as it scanned my body. I bit my lip to control the impulse of acting out at being watched. Luckily, the light flashed green and blinked off. Then the helmet vibrated once again, and a voice sounded in my head.


    [Activating Neural sync and Conscious Transfer]


    I felt my senses dim and my awareness fade making me miss the sound of a click coming from the pod door as it locked me in. Liquid nutrients began flowing down the pipes and into me as my consciousness finally blacked out.


    Upon regaining consciousness, I found myself facing a white screen that obstructed my view. I could only see what was in front of me, and a large name was written on the screen.


    CREATOR ONLINE??


    My first full-dive immersive gameplay was in my pod. The game had a symbol of a golden palm with a black hole in it and was the only game available.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    I was unable to move, but I realized that simply wanting to click on the writing was enough. Doing so, lit up the white screen in a variety of colors before shattering into nothing. In its place, a row of white numbers appeared where the title once was.


    [00:00:00:09]


    [00:00:00:08]


    ''Shit. Its already starting''. I could feel my nerves rise, my trauma slowly rearing its head, and my paranoia whisper words in my mind.


    [00:00:00:07]


    [00:00:00:06]


    I remembered mum''s plea too, and then Dester and Dad.


    [00:00:00:05]


    [00:00:00:04]


    I had to do it for them and for myself. I kept reminding myself that it was just a game and that no one could harm me in there, no matter how real it looked or felt.


    [00:00:00:03]


    [00:00:00:02]


    ''I will have to bear with it. I need to be brave and I will be.''


    [00:00:00:01]


    "You can do this, girl." The numbers froze, displaying a complete row of zeros. Then slowly, the numbers began moving, left, and right they went. As they moved, I noticed how each zero transformed into a different letter, combining and arranging. Somehow, there were more zeros than before, forming more letters. Once the arrangement was complete, I read the line of text before me.


    [The Presence of Fear makes a mighty one]


    The golden words blazed before shimmering and swapping like zeros, forming a new line of text.


    [Welcome Player to Creator Online]


    I couldn''t stop thinking about the first line of the game as it felt like it was tailored just for me. I was curious how the game was able to sense my emotions. ''Maybe it''s reading my neural network or something''.


    [We hope you enjoy making your tale]


    ''Wait what?'' My confusion vanished as I fell into a deep sleep.


    ***


    It was very dark, but surprisingly, I didn''t fear or hate it. What I actually feared was the last moments of sunlight, that precise moment right before dusk. The approaching darkness itself was what scared me, although I think most people can relate to that.


    I didn''t understand anything until the system voice in my head provided the first notification about my whereabouts during the strange game.


    [You are in the Void]


    It was unclear whether the notification was in response to my thoughts or a standard alert, but I didn''t have time to contemplate as a sensation developed inside of me. At first, an old fright rose as I pondered if someone had gotten into my room. Upon realizing my fear, I quickly regained composure and dismissed the irrational thought of someone being in my room.


    ''Hmmh. That''s a first''.


    "I believe that feeling is within my body, actually that''s my chest''. It was a strange mix of warmth and coldness, as well as hot and freezing temperatures that seemed to constantly fluctuate. Suddenly, I felt something inside me snap. It was a palpable sensation that I could feel."


    Then the system voice returned.


    [Creator Token Found]


    [Creator Token Activated]


    [Origin Ability Generating]


    I blinked as I tried to make sense of what I was hearing before a new sensation washed over me. It was warm and encompassing, yet also distant and chilling, a bizarre feeling, to say the least.


    The sensation solidified within me until it became tangible, like a weighty but weightless stone. A pattern slowly emerged as I became more aware of my surroundings.


    [Origin Ability Generated - One-Spark]


    I hummed mentally upon hearing the name of this ability, but found myself questioning what origin abilities were. However, I let the query go as a new sensation emerged. It felt as if something had been switched on and my body was now pulling at something. I didn''t have to wait long to understand what was happening though.


    [One-Spark Activated]


    [One-Spark absorbing Primordial Chaos]


    I was thoroughly confused by the term ''Primordial Chaos''. I couldn''t make sense of what was happening. I couldn''t remember where I had heard this term before. In most games, chaos was often attributed to evil or dark spells.


    Yet here I was absorbing it. Though there was a primordial before it. Still, chaos should be chaos, right?


    As I pondered, a destructive energy engulfed me like a tidal wave of nuclear radiation, obliterating my body.


    It''s not like I''ve felt any radiation, but this is how uncomfortable I think it should feel. Not cool.


    Funnily enough, there was no pain - just discomfort and annoyance, like a thousand ants crawling all over me. However, I spoke too soon.


    At first, I believed that the One-Spark was absorbing the Primordial Chaos. However, I soon realized that something was wrong. While the One-Spark was indeed hungry and drawing in at least 20 units of the Primordial Chaos, it was only absorbing five of them. The remaining 15 were being pulled into me, which was causing some concerns.


    "Where''s the rest going then?'' I searched my body in alarm the feelings so realistic that I forgot it was nothing but a game. ''How do I even know what''s happening?''. I just did apparently.


    I suddenly became aware of what was happening. However, I also realized two things at the same time. Firstly, I had no physical form despite playing a game that was supposed to provide an avatar.


    Second was, Primordial Chaos at least the 15 of it left unabsorbed was split 5 to 10. With 10 clashing against something new in my body. The next prompts came.


    [One-Spark Recycling]


    [One-Spark Excreting Waste]


    [Waste Excreted]


    [Detecting Divinity]


    I paused for a moment, trying to process the information. "Wait, Divinity? Like, actual Divinity?" I wondered in surprise. As I continued to observe, I realized that One-Spark wasn''t just absorbing the Primordial Chaos, it was also using it as a source of energy to build itself up. The reaction between the two was resulting in the excretion of Divinity."


    "I... umm... don''t know... ahhh... how the game developers even... freaking... thought of Divinity as waste or whatever One-Spark is... ahhh damn it... but nice freaking concept." I was in a rush to express my thoughts, my mind on fire. At this point, I was so engrossed in whatever was happening inside me that I had forgotten I was stuck in perpetual darkness. The pain and reactions going on inside me had my full attention.


    After realizing that the 10 of Primordial Chaos and divinity were constantly clashing and mending my form, I understood that both were causing destruction while also recreating me.


    [Tempering In progress]


    ''What now?!''


    I did wonder if the system was alerting me based on my assumptions or deductions? At the time, I was unaware of how accurate my assumptions were in triggering the system alert. However, I would soon come to understand the significance of this moment and the importance of accurate perception.


    I found the remaining five of the Primordial Chaos, though it remained stuck outside my form, unable to enter for some reason. It lingered there, attaching to me like glue, even as the continuous battle fought within me continued.


    Then it happened.


    The One-Spark became extremely heavy and condensed. It felt like a bloated stomach, yet it continued to absorb. One should understand that the fifth and the tenth were continuously being absorbed, while battling with the divinity, which was also being absorbed in some cases and excreted in others. Even the fifth stacking outside was continuous. All these numbers were used to calculate the percentage of each going where.


    [Absorption temporarily completed.]


    ''What the fuck do you mean by temporary?. There''s more of this shit?''. I cursed.


    I didn''t understand the meaning of "temporarily completed", but I did know the feeling of the sudden flow of energy from the spark. It was neither Primordial Chaos nor divinity.


    As I experienced it, something seemed to halt the fierce battle between the different entities inside my body. It took hold of them and flung them along, even the still-bonded Primordial Chaos wasn''t left behind. All the elements mixed together like a cosmic soup before condensing and enveloping me. It expanded and covered my body, and in turn, my body stretched out to feel it.


    Finally, I regained feeling in my limbs and hands. My nose wiggled and my fingers twitched.


    As I became aware of what had happened, I noticed that there was no system voice to provide any explanation, which left me feeling even more confused. However, my focus then shifted to my One-Spark device, which was working tirelessly to absorb more information and refill whatever it had lost. But then, something even more surprising happened.


    [Absorption percentage - 70%]


    This time, the second voice came immediately after the first, which I deduced from the feeling of the One-Spark inside me.


    [One-Spark overfilled]


    "I was alerted again, and this time it caught my attention. I made an effort to open my eyes completely to confirm what I feared was happening. I had a gut feeling that something unexpected was underway, and if my suspicion was correct, then things were about to get very bad..."


    [Dawn Bang Imminent]


    ''... in a Bloody epic way''.


    I finally knew what this game could be about. But it brought more questions though. Did this mean that all the other players went through this too?


    I felt a sudden surge of energy that quickly spread throughout my body. It was powerful enough to push away the darkness that surrounded me. As I looked around, I realized that the darkness was actually the smoky black waves of Primordial Chaos that existed within the void. However, even with the darkness gone, the void remained just as dark as before.


    [Dawn Bang has occurred]


    The energy extended beyond my perception, leaving a void in its wake.


    [You have formed your universe]


    [Your Universe is you as you are your Universe]


    ''This... This... is madness. Exciting but egotistical''. I had never seen a game like this before. But suddenly, it began making sense. There was no AI, okay, maybe just the system telling me things. But if there was no other A.I then that meant.


    ''Oh shit.''.


    [Your Aether Holds the Boundary of your Universe from the Primordial Chaos]


    ''Why. I ate Primordial...ohh''.


    [Awakening Creator/Player]


    That final sentence surprised me since I was awake and because the system confirmed my thoughts with the Creator part of my title. However, what did it mean to be awakened?


    A sudden jolt in my brain brought me back to my senses, triggering an alert in the system.


    [Creator 79 already awake]


    ''Durh. Are you glitchy or something? I''ve been awake since the beginning, you bloody thing''.


    [Feat accomplished]


    [Feat - Creation''s Witness]


    [Creation''s Witness - You have somehow peered into the workings of the void. You have seen that which only the Will should. As a reward, you have earned -


    - All sights upgraded.


    - Eyes of the Unseen


    - 20MVC ]


    [The Unseen Eyes - Even Creators cannot hide from you. The hands of fate are detectable to your elusive gaze.]


    I was already wondering what players would have to do and how to get it done. ''This is all so trippy''.


    If I was unsure about playing before, now I am definitely going to play. I hope to find a way to avoid other players.


    As a new prompt appeared before me, my thoughts were cut off. I frowned before mentally shrugging in an ever-decreasing surprise at this game.


    ''Of course creating one''s character would be odd too''. The game was proving to be unique and surprising. People would certainly want to play once they realized and learned all this.

 Brutal Nerf - Edited

    [ADMINISTRATOR ]


    [INFANT ]


    A baby god born weak but with more potential. Will you take the risk?


    +5 to Phys


    +10 to Will


    [Create]


    [ADOLESCENT]


    Born at the cusp of its power these are the most basic of gods needed.


    +10 to Phys


    +5 to Will.


    [Create]


    [LOCKED]


    [LOCKED]


    [LOCKED]


    The information made me think very critically. Both due to the will and the strength granted and also the gods themselves.


    What was different about the Infant god and the Adolescent god? Pondering it for a while gave me no answers. Even the system kept silent.


    ''Obviously wants me to learn this on my own. Seems like the player can''t depend on the system''s advice for this phase.''


    As much as I wanted to create the adolescent I was stumped by two things. One was the need to have immediate help and the second was the rewarded stats.


    I didn''t doubt that the stats would be important but not having seen any character sheet left me in the dark. The devs wanted us to go in blind.


    I hissed in annoyance before focusing on the two options I had again. The rest were locked anyway.


    After a bit of consideration, I mentally clicked the create.


    A piece of something, ''Divinity'' flowed out of my body like a stream of gold and condensed before me. Then a new prompt appeared.


    [Would you like to choose an NPC soul or a Player soul]


    At that moment a lot of things made sense and a lot of feelings rose in me.


    ''So we''re like the alpha testers or even more the AIs of this world. Creating and setting everything for the incoming players and also putting the NPCs in.'' I surmised with a grin on my face. The others must have already realized this by now. I needed to hurry up.


    There was bound to be some sort of competition as I doubted being Creator players would be any easy.


    ''NPC soul.''


    As much as getting a player soul would have been convenient having an NPC that wouldn''t betray me would be wiser. Atleast that''s the argument I had in my mind.


    I watched as a little sliver of a spark separated from me and melded into the divinity that was condensed into an amorphous shape. The golden divinity shone brightly as it began rotating. Next another substance rolled off me and blended in the mix.


    [Gestation Period Commensed]


    [00:00:30:00]


    [Creator 79 is advised to create or choose a template for your administrator]


    ''Hmmmh. Like a body?'' I thought a new section popped up showing the administrator template.


    Entering Local I first checked through it.


    [Dragon]


    [Elf]


    [Dwarf]


    [Phoenix]


    [Human]


    [Administrators - 0/5]


    The last line made me ponder if I could only have five administrators or if I could only have five administrators with the local templates. Unsure I frowned but overlooked it. I had no desire to use any of the listed options.


    I exited and went to the foreign templates only to see that there were only three options. The first was a weird-looking Eldritch creature which I waved away instantly. Not before noting the owner etched below the template, Creator 43.


    Ugly was a no-no. Cute was a yes.


    The second had me frowning. It was a twelve-winged angel with eyes all over its wings.


    I was already allergic and paranoid about the word which meant a no to angels. Made by Creator 24. The last one though had me almost choking. It looked like a mix between an Elf and a Cyclops. Just a single large eye in between its head. Creator 51 didn''t even try.


    ''Really'' I sighed. That was a no to the foreign templates then. But I was certain it wasn''t only these players that had to have made templates. Either the others were slow which was unlikely, they had gone for the easy part of selecting the local races due to the time or maybe...


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    ''They''re hiding their powerful templates.''. It made sense. Why show all your cards especially when it wasn''t certain what trouble the devs would throw our way?


    ''Smart. Good thing I thought of it.''


    The timer glowed a bit like a warning catching my attention as it floated above the gestating god.


    [00:00:27:56]


    ''No time. No time. What to create.


    Navigating into the Custom Template for administrators I mentally clicked on create.


    A panel appeared and showed a list of things with a hologram rotating around like something from an Iron Man movie. It depicted a baby shape with no discernable features.


    First was the features. Giving the body a black skin tone, and the hair turned white. Back in the day, I''d always had this thing for black boys. No way I was passing up crafting my dream man. ''Eh baby''.


    The eyes were silver almost blending with white. Three little silver horns grew out of its head looking more like stumps. Two to the sides and one on its forehead. Two pointed pairs of ears, one above the other.


    The skin was a biological liquid metal. Ever reacting, ever swimming. As long as there was a piece of it then there would always be a him. A hole formed in the chest with a blob of burning red matter within it.


    "I wanted it to be a star but there''s none. Would have been cool." I confessed while wishing for a star.


    I figured out what Will was at that very moment. A tiny piece of me condensed out and formed a little shiny matter. I didn''t even need to use identity skills to know what it was. Didn''t have an identify anyway.


    "Okay. So Will is my intent or desire made true". I muttered as I stared at the little flickering star.


    I completed the rest of the template. Adding various points to the listed stats.


    There was Physicality which covered constitution, stamina and endurance. Mobility which was speed, agility, dexterity, and reflex. Focus covered Mind, imagination, intelligence and wisdom, Might covered my power and strength together while Abstract was my Will and Intent. I quickly realized that administrators had a Total of 100 points to be allocated to each stat.


    Decisively I began.


    ''Might is meaningless for it now so ten to it.... So ten to it. Mobility would be good for escaping but I doubt that''s gonna work now, in the long run, it''s gonna be important so fifteen is yours. I don''t know what could be dangerous but I don''t trust the devs so thirty to Physicality and that''s only because the other stats are important. Twenty to Focus and twenty-five to Abstract..''


    The stats aligned themselves before my eyes then a new option appeared. Yet I focused on the little addition to the Abstract. Not understanding I could only tweak it a bit. After watching for a bit I understood.


    Will gets a 2% bonus from the mind stat. ''Must be due to getting projected by thoughts or something.


    The next was racial types.


    [Primordial Beast]


    This user is the first of their kind in a given Universe. Undefeatable and bearing the Primal essence of the Hunt. Has lived during or before creation.


    [Primordial Deity]


    Is a Primordial Being existing during or before creation.


    [Primordial Demon]


    Is the First Demonic entity to exist in a universe during or before creation.


    [Primordial Dragon]


    Progenitor of the dragon race. Ancient beast of pride and wrath. The Elder Dragon has lived during and before Creation.


    [Primordial Giant]


    First entities of their race. Giant Lords and Supreme.


    [Primordial Magi]


    A very magical being that rules, teaches, learns, studies and exists all with magic.


    [Primordial Spirit]


    A very Spiritual Entity that exists during or before creation.


    I didn''t even hesitate as I looked through all the racial types described by the system. ''I don''t know what it would do with Primordial spirit for now. Magi sounds cool but I don''t think I''m there yet. Honestly, I''m tempted to just pick up Primordial deity but, nah. Primordial Dragon and Beast are just too cliche.


    My attention was set up on the final choice. ''But this one. Now that''s something I am interested in seeing how it goes. Primordial Giant''. I uttered the words and willed it to be the choice. There was no reply from it for a while. Then a prompt appeared in front of me.


    [The Will -


    Creator 79. Your administrator racial types added with the body type are over the normal potential jurisdiction. If you wish to continue with this racial type then your Administrator will be readjusted suitably]


    [Y/N]


    The game hadn''t even begun and I was already getting nerfed. After a few seconds of indecision, I sighed nibbled on my bottom lip, and clicked yes.


    The message vanished as a new panel appeared asking for the race name. I thought deeply about this. The race name should incorporate the very essence of what this being was.


    "Haif''jin" I chuckled. I couldn''t help it the name was something that just stuck.


    A ding resounded as a new prompt appeared before me. L


    [Template complete]


    The template showcased everything as it hovered before me.


    [RACE - HAIF''JIN ]


    Beings that walk the sun, the earth, the void and all of the cosmos. Hearts of Primordial and aetheric origins capable of suctioning and absorbing large amounts of Primordial energies. Their skin made of liquid metal offers an uncanny resistance unlike nothing yet known. They have higher Physicality and Abstract. While not as mobile or focused they make up for this with their Might and Essence.


    [RACIAL TYPE - Primordial Giant]


    [RACIAL ABILITY - Transcendent Giant Physique]


    User is an immense creature, a giant of godlike scale embodying the aspects of the cosmos and (when created) nature.


    [Skill - Giant Divinity -0%]


    Giamts possess divine powers granting them an immense amount of raw power beyond the mundane and the supernatural.


    [Skill - Psionic Godhood - 0%]


    While a Primordial Gaint''s focus is low, its Abstract proves to be a much greater force. Giants utilize the Abstract to weave and rewrite reality as they deem fit.


    [RACIAL ABILITY - ULTIMATE FORCE MANIPULATION]


    Primordial Giants possess the ultimate forces of extreme and limitless power derived from their very essence of ultimate power. They wield this incomprehensible might as they stand as conduits of unparalleled power, commanding forces that transcend the boundaries of possibility. These ultimate forces, boundless and unfathomable, surge through their being, granting them dominion over the very fabric of reality.


    [Skill - Ultimate Elemental Manipulation - 0%]


    No element which resides as part of nature, reality or existence is beneath a giant''s purview and control. Capable of manipulating elements of primordial and even transcendent nature.


    [Skill - Ultimate Weapon - 0%]


    [Primordial giants manipulate and control their forces of power into weapons with deadly effects and zero survival rate. Any cut by such a weapon meets death without exemption.


    [Basic Attributes]


    Might - 10


    Mobility - 15


    Physicality - 30


    Focus - 20


    Abstract - 25.4


    [Would you like to publish this template in the System]


    [Y/N]


    I instantly clicked the no. I was keeping this to myself. A second prompt appeared.


    [Would you like to apply this new race to your Administrator]


    [Changes across levelling will apply]


    [Y/N]


    Tapping yes without hesitation I watched as the template vanished and the condensed orb of a gestating god trembled.


    [Name your Administrator]


    ''A name''s. I didn''t know why I was putting much importance to things like names but I didn''t mind. I was enjoying things so far. I sieved several names through my mind. Most of them were bland while the others were a bit encouraging. Yet none seemed to be something I was interested in. Lost in my contemplation I failed to realize that the Gestating Period had come to an end.


    The condensed orb of divinity shattered spreading out its little fragments into the nothingness surrounding me. These specks floated off before hanging around in the nothingness as shimmers.


    In the spot where the orb had shattered a little form floated. A very cute-looking baby. Its thumb rested in its mouth as it suckled, its eyes closed in sleep. Its expression was soft and if not for the metallic sheen of its flesh, the stubs visible on its skull and the very unusual haze of tiny light around it, I would have thought it was a true baby.


    None of that did anything to stop the smile that lit up on my face as I watched it.


    "Is this what Mother felt when Dester was born?". The baby looked so real that it was hard for me not to get attached. It felt warm. A sense of desire to protect surged through me.


    His body exuded that luminous light in such a volume that even his dark skin tone couldn''t dim it. And his hair a tuff of white made me smile softly. His chest glowed a bright reddish, gold and white.


    "Haero" the name slipped out of my tongue. Where I heard it from I didn''t know but I knew instantly it was perfect.


    That was the moment disaster struck. The Will had not forgotten me and my baby. A loud clap made me jump, and a streak and flash of brightness from beyond my universe appeared. A flash of lightning tore its way through the boundary of my Aether from outside.


    The bolt huge and red flew true aiming straight for my son.


    Eyes wide I leapt forward grabbing at the baby who still slept and turned to shield him from harm.


    But I was Ethereal.


    A shriek pierced the nothingness as the bolt struck my boy. Eyes wide I watched unable to do shit as he flailed from the surge of currents that tore through him. He wailed loud and painfully. Shaken my eyes roved his body for any harm when I found it. Right where his chest glowed an ethereal symbol appeared. A large mark of a padlock etched in runic illustrations over his heart. Over his heart.


    I knew without checking his status again what The Will had done.


    ''The goddamned devs had locked his ability to absorb the Primordial Chaos''.

 Company of Wolves - Edited

    [NAME - Haero]


    [Title - First of his name, One Struck by the Multiverse]


    [RACE - Haif''jin]


    [BEING - Administrator/God]


    [LEVEL - 0(0/0)]


    [STATISTICS


    Might - 10


    Mobility - 15


    Physicality - 30


    Focus - 20


    Abstract - 25.4]


    [RACIAL TYPE - PRIMORDIAL GIANT]


    [RACIAL ABILITY - TRANSCENDENT GIANT PHYSIQUE]


    [SKILL - GIANT DIVINITY -0%]


    [SKILL - PSIONIC GODHOOD - 0%]


    [RACIAL ABILITY - ULTIMATE FORCE MANIPULATION]


    [SKILL - ULTIMATE ELEMENTAL MANIPULATION - 0%]


    [SKILL - ULTIMATE CONSTRUCTS(Higher Leveled Locked) - 0%]


    Primordial giants manipulate and control their forces of power to form constructs of power. While not as deadly as their weapons upgrade they still bear dangerous effects.


    [PERSONAL PERK - Starheart]


    A heart forged directly from the Creator''s being. Once able to absorb the Primordial energies in surges now only capable of drawing as much as physically and abstractly possible due to limitations set by The Will.


    Looking at my little boy''s panel I couldn''t help but sigh at his title which confirmed my thoughts while I patted him to sleep attempting to stifle his wails. T wasn''t for quite some time that he did stop wailing.


    ''I think you guys overdid it with the lightning''. I grumbled looking down at the now quiet and suckling lad. A thought rose in my head as I pondered if I would have to breastfeed him. The horror of the thought almost made me drop the boy. But it was quickly repressed by another feeling.


    I think I know now how Mum felt on that day. Dad too. But this was simply a game that meant whatever they felt was even more than whatever I was feeling for Haero now. It made me sad to think about it. Sadder to think that I would be logging out too.


    The sudden thought of logging off made me realize that I couldn''t leave Haero alone.


    ''I just had to make a baby ehh" I chuckled.


    Looking around I began having various thoughts. Ideas roamed in my head and I decided what I wanted to do. My eyes shut as I imagined what I needed and the system replied.


    ''Yeah, definitely reading our minds or something.'' Going over at the prompt I observed how very basic it was.


    [Erecting Palace]


    [LOCAL TEMPLATE]


    [FOREIGN TEMPLATE]


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    [CUSTOM TEMPLATE]


    I didn''t even bother as I went straight for the custom template. Then designed a palace. It was all the things that I did with the god only some differences.


    [LUNAR PALACE]


    Of Ice and metal. Forged of milthril. To safeguard a loved one, keeping her heart away from the tenebrous wolves of the Void.


    [Defense - 200/200]


    [Tier  - 0]


    [Core - N/A]


    [Cost - 20 MVC]


    [Confirm Construction]


    [Y/N]


    Unlike any other thing, the palace was made of materials that I knew were condensed by the Multiverse Will. So in a way, I had to pay for it Begrudgingly I clicked the yes and watched.


    From nothing a colossal palace of ice and metal appeared. The walls were lined with black iron at their corners while tbe other parts were a mix of ice and golden metal. It was plain yet domineering. That was as far as I could inspect as I walked in half my mind focused on a slumbering Haero. I couldn''t help but be amazed at how I walked yet didn''t as I neared the palace.


    Only within the palace did I relax and smile. Setting my little boy into a cradle formed from my will I then headed out. Made sure the door was locked behind me as I stepped off into the nothing. The fact I was already referring to the baby as my boy wasn''t lost to me. Still, it made sense after all in here, he was made from me. Literally. In every word I could think to use, I was his Mother and him my son.


    As I floated or stood in the nothingness, how it worked I didn''t know, I thought I should get on with it and do what everyone was surely doing. A smile grew on my face as I looked around a bit first.


    ''Alright. Let''s will it first before saying the worst''. Shutting my eyes I thought hard. How did one visualize a sun being birthed? Realizing I didn''t know I decided to just try saying the words and willing it without imagination and go from there.


    "Let there be light!". Looking around searching for any phenomena I slowly got disappointed. ''Maybe it needs ...''


    [Abstract Calculated ]


    [Abstract Sufficient]


    I didn''t know where the light should have come from but I didn''t expect it to be from within me. A bright ball of magma, rock, and fire grew out of my body casting just a bit of light onto my Ethereal unseen form before it shot away and hung itself like a red disco of red and yellow right in the centre of the dark environment.


    [Sol Forged]


    There were no rewards and it grated on my nerves. Why were there no rewards? Confused and annoyed at such an event being downplayed I turned to head back to the castle when a howl echoed through the void. My head swivelled about as I sought the source.


    ''Wolves. How''s a wolf here?''. This was the birth of creation. Which meant there should have been no creation anywhere. Exempting the just newly made Sol.


    I soon found the source just as the system spoke, its voice thundering in my head, the anticipation and excitement in each word clear.


    [Primordial Incursion]


    The Void howls and rages. Seeking to return what was once its own back into its hold. The Void Wolf is here to claim what shouldn''t be.


    The words of the system were lost to me as a shrill cry joined the already dissipating howl of the Void Wolf. ''Lunat Palace. Haero''. Fear, a friend I was quite familiar with surged up in me. Shock followed. I had no time to even reckon why I felt fear in a goddamn game but before I could register myself I was already at the broken doors of the Palace.


    [Defense - 0/200]


    The doors had barely lasted against the void-wolf raising alarm in me. What level could it be to have gotten through the defence so abruptly? Running into the room I found a sight that made me almost despair.


    The Void-wolf was a black macabre creature that stood at a massive eight feet tall with its four legs. Fangs that made me shiver and claws like sharp little daggers. Its black fur looked more like the spikes of a porcupine and its blazing ashen eyes regarded me with contempt. The glaring red of the letters Level 5 mocked me from above its head.


    Yet as awed and terrified as I was of the thing before me my eyes were locked on Haero. The baby was wide awake, getting dangled by his feet from the maws of the bastardy creature. An amused gaggle left his lips as he swayed.


    I looked back up. At the end of the day, this was a game. What the Void Wolf wouldn''t expect was that any fear I could ever possess wouldn''t be for mobs in this game. Which meant that at the moment I was feeling more awe at the wolf than fear. And even the awe was fast receding and replaced with anger.


    Watching my little boy dangling from the jaws of the creature I realized one thing. Parental affection was underrated. I was thinking this while fully aware this was a game. I couldn''t imagine how it would feel in reality.


    My unseen form which from the creature''s gaze was quite obviously visible to it pounced like a rabid beast. Weaponless and without preparation.


    ''I''m not Batman''.


    *****


    In a cosy-looking office plastered with different posters of games sat a man in a leather swivelling chair. His hair gelled to perfection and his face chiselled pristinely.


    Amber eyes glared with curiosity and tiredness at a large screen while his palms kneaded a ball to relieve his stress.


    Jameson had been running up and down listening to reports and fixing bugs while also guiding the other staff in carefully monitoring the hundred Creator players that had logged in about thirty or so minutes ago.


    Yet in just that time frame he''d seen monsters and various experts annoying the brains out of him. Jameson had ignored all this while following all the player''s activities until one of the staff came to him with panic In their eyes or was it awe and shock? Anyways his eyes were bulged out and his hands shaky.


    Only when he had the man display his screen on the larger screen did he get it. Some players had evolved with their Origin ability and converted Primordial chaos into their very body.


    While still taking that in he found another that forged themselves into their very sun making him wonder what the frack was wrong with this hundred players. Then the one that had him unnerved. The very reason for the ball getting squeezed in his hands and who he had been watching. Creator 79.


    The goddamn player whose gender he wasn''t sure of due to confidentiality policies and the fact that he wasn''t that high up to know. The A.I wouldn''t release it too unless there was a violation of some conduct against players.


    Said player had made their very own administrator and their race template. If the template''s racial type wasn''t OP enough the added personal perk the Creator had given the administrator had him ordering the staff managing the player to give a warning. And the warning ignored or was it accepted?


    He didn''t get it. The administrator was born as a baby which was in a way good. As a baby, it had more time to build its foundations. Something the players didn''t know. Plus it could practice and hone its abilities and skills from a tender age.


    Adolescent gods were merely a fast path to power but technically weaker than infant-grown gods. Now the said infant god had a race with powerful but standard godly abilities. The problem was the heart that could absorb Primordial Chaos.


    So he waited, taking charge of the player from the staff. Then the moment it was named he nerfed it. Call him brutal he didn''t care. While the player had done nothing wrong but simply found a loophole unknowingly to exploit he couldn''t let the god grow while feeding on Primordial Chaos without strain or setbacks


    That was giving an administrator the power to potentially rival a Creator god. Creator 79 would thank him soon. Even though the nerfing would weaken and soon be broken when the player reached sufficient strength it was better than unleashing something this powerful early on in the game.


    Which was why he wrote the requests for the Multiverse AI to send in a Void Wolf. While the AI could choose to listen or not it had decided to make one attempt. If the Creator player survived then they deserved their prize and reward.


    If the Creator failed, well, it was a game. Just one without a do-over.

 Tutorial Phase End - Edited

    THIRD PERSON POV


    The only reason Creator 79 even knew how to fight was due to the intensive gaming she had done., and the self-defence private classes she''d taken to try to boost her confidence and alleviate her fears. While it didn''t exactly work out as intended the knowledge wasn''t lost on her. Still, she had to admit she only learned how to sweep the floor with men, not a wolf taller and bigger than her.


    It didn''t stop how the blind desire that roared within her to protect a game child, one that was more code than flesh and blood no matter how realistic, pushed her head first into the fight. It was a game, so maybe it was indeed not stupid.


    *****


    JAMESON POV


    I watched the most astonishing fight in the history of fights. No, it wasn''t skills, maybe a bit, nor bravery. It was just pure conviction. I watched the haze that was the player pommel the wolf like a pup around. Not to get things wrong. The player got injured too. A bite, a scratch even a beam of Primordial Darkness slammed the player into the palace wall.


    Yet Creator 79 kept coming. At this point, it was obvious that if the wolf didn''t do something extra it would die. The baby lay where his parent had dropped him his hands flailing in the air while he watched with curious eyes as the Lunar Palace wall shattered. Each reverberation made him let out a joyful coo.


    The Wolf was grabbed and slammed on the palace floor creating another vibration. Haero bounced from the reverberations and clapped his palms in joyful glee at what he assumed was a playful moment. The wolf was grabbed by the scruff of its neck and hurled out into the nothingness through the ajar doors. Jameson couldn''t help but admire the A.I running this game. It looked like a movie with great CGI.


    Creator 79 picked up the baby that stared back with large round eyes.


    Even I had to admit to feeling a tinge of guilt for sending the wolf, but it was a game. The babe was placed in his cradle and left while Creator 79 dashed outside to meet the wolf once more. Said Wolf was already attempting to get back inside. Frothing black liquid at its mouth as its rage was visible in its eyes.


    Both clashed like titans in the nothingness the blaze of the Sol shining down on them. I scratched my head and turned to realize that I wasn''t the only one watching this fight. The entire staff had left their workstations to observe the battle.


    Creator 79 landed a menacing blow to its jaw sending its head to the left. A quick uppercut with her left fist sent it a bit up. As beings who had no suppressions on them from gravity or lack of their movements were unhindered.


    Creator 79 spun and landed a devastating kick to the wolf''s exposed torso sending it backwards again. She didn''t let up on it though. Attacking with fervor she increased her blows. Of course, the wolf wasn''t just sitting back and taking damage. It was a being of the Primordial. Something it showed in its next move.


    Its paws bore down on the Creator. Half way it flickered and from the claws came destruction. The space shrivelled and ruptured. Five lines of disintegrating and shredding space rushing for the Creator.


    ''Shit. Is it ...did it use ...Rip". Someone exclaimed behind him.


    The Creator seemed unsure of what to do with this new development. Something that James understood. He could feel his guilt rising. He did this.


    "Ooohhhhh". A loud ruckus from the staff brought back his attention. The Creator was doing something. From her skin poured mists of white that surged for the rips coming at her. The moment both met all motion ceased.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    I frowned and fisted my palms. ''Come on''. The two energies fought the space around them shaking visibly. Fortunately, it seemed the Creator didn''t intend to depend on that attack. The room gasped as they spotted the Creator already tackling the distracted wolf. Arms wrapped around its neck as it was wrestled to the ...well it was just wrestled.


    I grimaced as the Wolf pounced and spun itself in an attempt to smash the Creator against the palace. He shut his eyes in a sigh and then opened it back. ''Might as well see the results of my decisions through.


    He was just in time to watch a stunning feat.


    The player, Creator 79 had managed to lock the wolf into a vice choke hold. Yet it was no chokehold. The left palm gripped the upper part of Wolf''s fangs. The right gripped its lower jaw. Legs tightened around the wolf''s neck while it whimpered and trashed.


    "Kill"


    "Kill"


    "Kill"


    "Kill"


    A chant rose behind him as the staff''s excitement increased. Most clasped their palms together in prayer while watching.


    ''The irony'' I thought.


    A flare of black waves, definitely Primordial Chaos rose from its body becoming a blaze of black flame that burned the Player yet it was ignored. Instead, all we got was a scream. A very feminine scream.


    "Creator 79 is female?"


    "Woah, she''s cool".


    " She''d better beat the wolf".


    I could only groan at this as I watched the female haze, screaming as her arms tugged at the wolf''s jaws with strength. The sound of tearing and ripping made it into the ears of everyone. Followed closely by cracking.


    "YESSSS!"


    A scream of pure excitement washed from behind me while I simply shook my head. Still, the shouts didn''t stop everyone from watching as she tore its head from its body.


    The staff shouts increased more. I didn''t bother since they''d already alerted a large crowd of workers who had convened to watch this battle. Seeing the fight was over and the Creator was looking at the corpse of the Wolf floating in place.


    "Alright, the fight is over. To your desks!". I shouted at the idiots rejoicing like they''d just won the international tournaments single-handedly. I could barely restrain my smile.


    A staff, the same one who managed the Creator we just watched fight approached with his tablet a grin that screamed ''eat that '' etched on his face.


    It was obvious that he knew I sent the Void Wolf. After all, there were no Wolf attacks in this tutorial phase.


    "Should I remove the wolf''s corpse," he asked his shit-eating grin still apparent. I knew he didn''t have anything against me. Just smug that my plan had failed.


    "No. Let her have it. She slew it fair and square. Maybe unfairly to her. " I answered and he nodded smiling more genuinely now.


    "Transfer everything on her to my desk. I''ll oversee Creator 79 from here". A similar shit-eating grin split on my face mirroring his former expression.


    I watched him almost choke and splutter as he looked at me alarmed.


    "You can now choose some other Creator to observe". I added my grin never leaving my face.


    He grimaced and sighed before turning to leave.


    My grin disappeared as I turned to face the screen still showing Creator 79 now patting the baby. I didn''t even realize there was a genuine smile on my face as I watched. I wasn''t the only one though, others had a sort of smile on their face. One that made me realize what we were possibly missing from adding to this game.


    Quickly I rose and left the large office space as I made a beeline for the elevator.


    ''The boss should like this '' I thought as a scene of the Player ripping the Wolf''s jaw apart flashed in my mind. "This should be good. And I bet there are even more".


    I sniggered at the thought of the fights that would happen yet the ideas I hoped to bring to the boss were sure to make him agree.


    ''After he chews me apart for sending a Lv5 wolf against an unleveled Creator player''. ''Still, that fight was insane''.


    *****


    HELEN''S POV


    I watched as the wolf''s corpse floated before me its jaw separated. Its former ashen eyes were now lifeless.


    A shiver went through me at the realism of it. The almost real concept of death the wolf portrayed.


    Haero slept his head on my shoulder while I patted him. His breathing was normal as I floated to the wolf. Touching it as I pondered what to do a prompt appeared.


    [Obtain Void Wolf loot]


    [Y/N]


    ''Ooh. We have loot as well. Smirking joyfully I mentally accepted. The wolf shriveled to nothing at a fast pace leaving only a huge thick black fur, four fangs, and two large black daggers.


    Scanning the first item I received information on it in my head.


    [MATERIAL] - [WEAPON]


    [TYPE] - [VOID CHAOS DAGGERS]


    Forged from the claws of a slain wolf these daggers inflict chaos damage on divine beings.


    +200 to damage


    x50 to chaos


    [MATERIAL] - [ARTIFACT]


    [TYPE] - [FANG KEY]


    A relic gained from the forged fangs of a void wolf. Opens the ????? door.


    [MATERIAL] - [CONSTRUCTION TYPE]


    [TYPE] - [PRIMORDIAL FUR]


    Birthed by the Primordial forces and kissed by chaos its fur is a hundred percent chaos.


    Can be used for Form Creation.


    [Use]


    Smiling at the rewards gotten from that annoying fight I rubbed Haero''s white hair affectionately before I mentally clicked on the use.


    [Starting this process will end Tutorial phase]


    [Y/N]


    My eyebrows shot up.


    "This... was a tutorial?" I muttered in surprise. After a moment I just rolled my eyes. "More like a blind man''s path." Focusing back on the question I clicked my answer.


    "Yes".

 Family Pain - Edited

    Using the custom template was a very risky decision to make. Creating a Form that would be scattered and hard to figure out was a bad idea. Which was why I suspected that many would go for the local templates. Why ruin your universe with a bad idea when you could just use the local and call it a day?


    While I could do that I suspected that it would be bad. Like some teachers in schools, I suspected the devs wanted us to be free and creative. The local template was just a trap to give us a way out. I wasn''t sure of it but I was certain something along the lines was the idea. Baby Haero lay in his crib floating by my side while I held the fur in my grasp. In front of me, the custom template panel for my Universe Form shone while I explained my idea to the system.


    I don''t know how long it took. My ideas kept getting tweaked and adjusted, and mistakes and errors were accessed before finally I was done.


    The system in agreement sent a notification to me.


    [Would you like to apply this template to your universe]


    [Once confirmed it becomes irreversible]


    [Y/N]


    I hesitated. Of course, I would. This was a do-or-die affair in this game. If the rumours of death were true then this character was a one-time thing. Plus the system was saying this would be permanent. I had to be sure. I mentally appraised the idea once more. I thought of why I used this idea, how It would affect me, how it would grow, how it would bring players into this story.


    ''No takebacks now Helen''. I clicked yes and everything changed.


    A slew of notifications assaulted my mind, my body shivered and solidified while my powers somehow grew as my body began absorbing and processing Primordial Chaos once more. Yet before I could even see the changes to anything or understand what was going on a new red notification in bold italics shone over my face in English.


    [A Player has Completed the Tutorial Phase]


    [The game will now be halted to launch an update]


    [Players have ten minutes to log out]


    [Creator 79 has been forcibly logged out]


    The universe dimmed and I felt my senses fading just as much as they had when logging in.


    "What," I spoke. My voice was the first indicator of my eviction from the game before anything else. I frowned as I took off the helmet and the pod doors hissed open while the liquid I had been submerged in drained away. To where only the makers knew.


    I exited the pod and stepped on my floor. Surprisingly the liquid had dried up faster than expected and no print of it was left on the floor when I walked. The click of the machine sounded out as it shut behind me. The fresh reality air greeted me.


    "Probably lack air because I''m in the void". I commented while standing there in a daze and feeling the difference between both worlds. It was just incredible. After a few moments of taking in the sensation, I turned to my door.


    Saying that something had changed in me with just the short amount of time I had spent inside that game was ridiculous. Yet it was the truth. Haero had shown me or should I say made me understand just what it felt like to be in my parent''s shoes. Sure he hadn''t shunned me or acted like my presence was a death sentence or I was a monster. But I could already think about how it might feel.


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    Guilt ate me up right now as I stood there. Yet I refused to bulge. I was unsure of what to do. How to do it. Or how to even begin.


    Perplexed I found myself sitting at my table powering up my Holopad.


    Browsing the forum and website I found a lot of information. These players were fast. Many had already uploaded their experiences and few even announced their administrator races.


    Most had already created all their administrators while few after choosing the Infant god had regretted it before choosing the adolescent for the remaining five.


    Then there were those already selling Form Templates to the other Creator players who hadn''t made their templates or joined.


    The Forum was a busy place. Yet as I watched several non-players purchase templates I couldn''t help but sigh. It wasn''t assured that all would come in as creators. Also even if they did there was no way these Creator players would sell their good templates to them.


    "The game has barely been played for one night and the war for the top has begun. Humans" Shaking my head I couldn''t help but feel peeved off with them But a thought sounded in my head that I too was holding back my races. "Guess we are all cut from the same cosmic dust. Ha. One day in that game and I''m talking like some all-knowing goddess''. I chuckled at myself.


    Navigating straight to the main page I saw a post. Creator player leaderboards.


    "The competition had already begun huh".


    Uninterested I shut down my Holopad and exited my room, my brain filling up with anxiety as it sensed what I wanted to do.


    The question wasn''t if I wanted to do it, but if I could do it.


    *****


    Daniel Williams was a pro, not just in games but in his everyday life. Atleast that''s how he loved to see himself. Fortunately, while it didn''t make him a jerk it did give him confidence, a little too much confidence.


    It was this very reason that made Keller shocked as he stared at the leaderboards on the forum homepage. His eyes widened as his brain fought the lack of sense in what he was seeing.


    "How could this be?" he barely realized how many times he had asked himself the same question in ten minutes since he began checking the leaderboards.


    Anyone with him there would have surely said the same thing one too many times for it to be healthy.


    Daniel couldn''t help but find the list an effrontery against him. Skipping the fact that he wasn''t even in the first position as he rightfully should be, Keller wasn''t even in the first three. His glorious name found a spot in the fifth position.


    "Fifth!!! How?!!"


    The man couldn''t help but shudder. His mind made a replay of the last time he had known the number five in a score. His hand twitched as he found the memory yet his brain was quick to repress it.


    "NO". He had no reason to accept this result, it was a calculation error on the Dev''s part. It had to be.


    "I''ll be sure to bring this up at the meet" he scoffed incensed.


    "Though I wonder what this update is all about. The game is barely up to an hour old". He frowned at his words then sighed when he had a new thought.


    "Does this have something to do with the end of the Tutorial Phase. Or must be adding monsters. Found it wierd that there were none". Looking at the new timer that counted down to log in he shut the laptop off.


    "Best to get in my reps and stay healthy before logging back in".


    *****


    Carmella watched as her daughter stood by the stairs eyes locked on her husband. The man had yet to notice the girl if not he would have already excused himself from the room. Her attempt to warm him had been rebuffed by Helen with a head shake.


    Carmella while perplexed was sensible enough to ready herself for any potential panic attack. It wasn''t the first time that her baby girl had attempted to face her fear and meet the males of the family. Each time though led to the same result.


    One bad moment almost had the poor girl go to the hospital.


    While her attempts were appreciated she was stopped from such trials. Now it seemed she was back again.


    ''Did something happen in the game.?'' was all Carmella could ask herself as she watched painfully while her daughter dragged herself closer to the man she called father.


    It was heartbreaking to watch, the struggle to fight something like that. Carmella watched none the wise to the single drop of transparent liquid rolling down her cheek.


    Finally, the girl arrived and a new battle commenced. Standing behind her father her palm raised she hesitated.


    Any who didn''t know the real story would have found the sight comedic yet it wasn''t in any way funny for either mother or daughter.


    It took quite a few hand jerks and breathes, mantras and encouragements even the silent nods and smiles of Carmella for the young raven-haired girl to finally set her palm on the man''s shoulder. A tingle of fear shot up her arm and raced to her spine as she froze rigidly.


    ''A man''s body '' her eyes narrowed and her pupils dilated. It was rushing up like a tidal wave ready to crash through the dam of her mind and flood her senses.


    Yet before it could happen her palm was removed and a smiling Carmella hugged her while smoothing her hair. Sniffles and chokes escaped Helen as she buried her head in the crook of Carmella''s neck apologies escaping her lips.


    "Don''t blame yourself for anything girl. It wasn''t and will never have been your fault." Carmella soothed.


    Helen''s lack of a response as she sobbed made it impossible to see an escaping Daniel Furrow his eyes red with the same unbridled rage he always felt whenever this event happened.


    He always escaped not from his daughter but from her fear. Giving her the room she needed to heal without constant terror of him or males.


    It was something he was now used to. However, that didn''t stop him from keeping an eye on his little girl when she was unaware. He hated it, but it was the best he and Dester could do.


    But this time he was stopped, a hand grasping his, Carmella shaking her head while mouthing a ''stay'' to him.


    That night was a sad one in the Furrow household. Well, another sad night, happy days had rarely been available to them anyway.

 The Meet - Edited

    JAMESON''S POV


    It was here, the grand day. Finally, I could set eyes on this strange player who had already changed the flow of the game just on the first day. To anyone, it might have seemed inconsequential but I knew differently. Birthing an administrator with such a personal perk was one thing, and then following it up with slaying a level 5 Void Wolf as an unlevel creator player was another thing.


    Many of the staff would wonder why the personal perk was so important. Jameson just inwardly laughed. He didn''t blame them. Only the higher-ups and people close knew. Luckily he had fallen into the ''people close'' range.


    When making a race The Will fondly called the system left only parts to you. Features, looks, race and gender. The rest was all done by it. Jameson had asked why not give them unrestricted access to everything. The answer had been simple.


    ''There are billions of variations of powers. Godlike and mortal. At the end of the day Creator Online was a game. By creating the entity, granting it a race, and everything else you narrowed down the list of possible power sets The Will would grant to you. This was done by choosing a Racial Type.


    So while it looked like The Will had granted the Haif''jin incredible powers it wasn''t completely true. It simply worked with what Creator 79 gave it.


    She gave Haero a star which increased his percentage of gaining the Ultimate weapons skill.


    ''Good thing I nerfed him. He''d have been swinging death blades all around''. I shivered at the mere thought of that power in a giant''s hand.


    Yet the truly astonishing part was her universe form. Most of the staff had been surprised to find the game already pausing to update. It was simple. Creator Online was made as an empty game. Only the Grand AI, also known as the system or to the Creator Players as The Will of the multiverse existed in the game.


    By successfully creating a first form the game had paused to implement the design features of the game. Though that was just one of the many updates. In other words, Creator 79 had pushed the game far ahead of its calculated timeframe.


    It was like the game had paused to update only one server.


    Sure I had supplied a Void Wolf, material that would boost the process of a Universe form. In my defense, though I had never expected her to defeat it. Letting her keep the loot while considered unfair was right, after all, looting was still a thing in the game.


    My eyes surveyed the countless players as they strolled into the huge room. The seats were arranged according to their numbers with a long table in between. Atleast three long tables were giving a Hogwarts impression. A setting that was based on the fact that players currently only had numbers for names.


    I kept my gaze locked on the seat tagged as 79. I watched as various female players kept taking other seats and that one was left empty.


    Finally, the room was filled. Yet player 79 was absent. A frown was visible on my face as I didn''t appreciate her tardiness. Just as I made to find someone who could shed some light two men approached me.


    One a staff and the other a player.


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    The man before me his brunette hair scattered and green eyes locked on me stopped behind the staff as a few words were whispered into my ear.


    I gave a glance to the player before nodding at the staff to leave. Only then did I motion for the male to speak.


    "Mr. Furrow, I hear you have something for me about one of our Creator players". I asked.


    The man nodded a strange look crossing his face for just a moment. It flashed so fast it was barely noticeable yet I wasn''t the kind to miss something like that.


    He drew closer his eyes stealing side glances while his body moved to block off the other players whether they were listening in or not. My eyes narrowed as I noted a bit of seriousness in this. Finally, he spoke. He spoke for just a few minutes but I understood the gist. Well, I didn''t understand I just got the point.


    He was related to Creator 79 who was his sister. Due to personal reasons, her attendance wouldn''t be possible, and the man whose name I got as Dester wanted to know if it was okay to set up a video conference for her to participate.


    ''Must be an accident victim of some sort. Atleast she still took this seriously even with whatever situation she had.'' I felt aggrieved at not meeting the player who took down my Void Wolf and created an op god but I shrugged it off.


    A few moments later the video conference was set up with Dester''s laptop showing a black video paused screen.  Though I was curious I was sure to keep my curiosity to myself.


    The meeting started soon after. My attention focused on the various players I spoke up.


    "Welcome to the First Creator meeting. Yes you heard me right. Creator. You all have already figured it out by now. For those too slow, sorry". Seeing no one taking issues with the statement I moved on. "I have to say, we at Ancient Inc. are glad to have truly tremendous players like yourselves in it." I halted, letting my words sink in.


    "Going straight to the point, I realize most have lots of questions concerning the nature of the game. While most have surely figured out the game''s intent others most clearly have not "I looked to a rather relieved-looking dude who smiled sheepishly at my stare.


    "First, Creation Online like most of you figured or suspect is player created, run, and ruled. In other words, you all are the A.Is of this game. Whatever you create and do becomes the lore of Creation Online and your universes. Many things will happen, especially now that the game has begun and.." I was interrupted by a female with pink hair.


    "You mean after all that transpired in the game earlier it still was not the start?" Her eyes were bewildered.


    "True. If you''ve realized. None of you have actual in-game names or status panels. That is because what you were all currently doing was more like a prologue or a dawn-of-time event in a story. Trust me. While it may seem useless and annoying now you''ll find it very important what you did in this prologue". A smirk grew on my face at their reactions to this information. Though it dulled when I looked at Dester''s black screen unable to note Creator 79''s reaction to this.


    ''I wonder what she''d think when she reaches that stage. I''m sure she''s gonna get a lot of fans if this continues this way.''  I grinned mentally. ''Hopefully, The Will didn''t lie''.


    "Does this mean we''re going in blind.?" A blond guy asked. His expression showed a slight hope for a no from me.


    "Yes, you are. The only information you get are those gleaned from the Will of the Multiverse."I responded.


    Before any other player could ask something else I hurried on.


    "But to give you an edge and also, well more like an incentive we added something to the update. While it''ll be useful for you now it''ll also come in handy for the players to join later. The Raven Stream."


    "Is that what we think it is?" Dester asked this time leaning forward.


    "I also concur with that question, if we''re both thinking a live stream that is" another male player called Tyler spoke glancing at Dester for a moment.


    "Yes. Livestream. But, while you can show what you want there''s a bit of a time gap between the air and the showing to let both you and us remove things that you either don''t want others to know or we don''t want the public to see yet".


    Tyler and Dester both nodded while other players made a smile at this.


    "The best part though is the GRMC system. The game to real money conversion system. For now, this part should be kept silent which is why you''ll all be signing NDAs before you leave. We can''t have other big groups trying to get in now." Even as I spoke various employees entered the hall handing out documents while the players were still stunned at this.


    Pro players had smiles on their faces while streamers could only chuckle. This was a gold mine waiting to be explored.


    "Finally, you have one month before the alpha testers begin to flock in. Do what you must till then".


    I spoke about a lot more things like the leaderboards and what qualified as ranking first. There were different leaderboards, one for personal strength or level and one for universe rating, and the other was of both combined.


    Some pro player named Keller or whatever quickly demanded that his rankings be reviewed claiming it impossible he was in the fifth position. The stares from everyone he got didn''t seem to bother him.


    Ignoring him I moved on to other things answering the questions thrown at me while he sat fuming like an animation. Most questions I tried my best to answer although I ignored questions as to what made a universe get good ratings. All I did was smile and dismiss the Creator players with the information that they would be able to enter the game tonight.


    I watched as all left while receiving a nod from Dester. Several players banded together to talk amongst themselves trying to glean secrets or ideas from the others. Probably forming groups.


    ''That''s something I forgot to tell them eh?''. I mentally laughed at that. Unlike expected in Creator Online, Creator players would never be able to form parties or guilds with each other. They just didn''t know it yet. Unofficially maybe.


    ''Enjoy while it''s fun.''

 Starving - Edited

    THIRD PERSON POV


    Little Haero lay in his crib arms and legs in the air while his babyish gurgles filled the palace room. Lots of memories and emotions from his time with his mother filled his mind. He kicked and grasped relentlessly for anything while he just lay there. A gleam of intelligence was evident in the little one''s eyes.


    He lay there for quite a while before the strangest thing took place. Haero rose from his crib, not with his feet but rather floating up. His body left the bars of his baby crib and floated over to the huge windows that kept him inside.


    His big eyes reflected the bright gleam of the Sol shining outside, an indescribable look of hunger appearing in his gaze. One that was difficult to miss.


    A babyish babble left his mouth as he made a dance while making grabbing motions at the Sol from his position as if he could take it.  His movements showed no results which gave the baby a pause, a slight frown appearing on its face.


    "Uwaaaah"


    Letting out a scream that echoed in the room caused the insides to rattle. The empty room with only a crib shook, the window glasses lined with gold vibrating.


    ''CRACK''


    Lines of cracks appeared on the windows spreading as the baby wailed. Haero paused his attention going to those cracks. A gleam shone in his eyes as he studied them before a slight bop of his head occurred.


    Hia wails resurfaced higher in intensity. The cracks on the window intensified and a pitch increase in Haero''s screams had the glass shattering. Its pieces rained down to the floor both inside and outside. The wailing halted instantly as the baby giggled with glee while crawling in the air forward.


    His attempts had him shooting out of the window and into the nothingness outside. Baby Haero halted his eyes taking in the beautiful scenery that lay before him. While intelligent he could not describe things yet all he knew was their beauty.


    He knew that it wasn''t this way before, he remembered barely but still, he didn''t care.  He looked around some more not seeing anyone. While he wondered where his mama was Haero was more interested in the yellow and red ball that hung up there.


    Giggling excitedly the baby crawled and floated up to the ball. The closer he got the fuzzier and more comfortable he felt. Not as comfortable as he felt with Mama but more comfortable than his crib. Now in front of the ball, Haero clapped gleefully before spreading out his little arms like he expected to be carried. Yet his mouth opened too contradicting the first pose.


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    Within Haero''s mouth, his gullet was shown expanding and stretching apart. A slight vortex suddenly erupted spinning and churning like a whirlpool, creating a suction effect inside his mouth that instantly pulled on Sol. Haero waved his arms in babyish joy as the Sol quivered and then like shattered pieces of glass or sand began flowing into his mouth.


    [1 Exp gained]


    [1 Exp gained]


    [1 Exp gained]


    [1 Exp gained]


    [1 Exp gained]


    [1 Exp gained]


    The series of notifications were lost to the little one as he barely understood them. His focus was on the filling effect he got from within him as the pieces of Sol flew into his mouth. The process went on for a while before Haero like any other baby got tired and slept off right where he was.


    [Solar Elemental Arts - Initiate/0%]


    As he slept floating before Sol, it attempted to recover its lost energy while the baby glowed imperceptibly. His white hair grew longer while his body developed to that of a two-year-old. When Haero woke up again the baby barely hesitated in continuing its former meal. This time though the suction was even greater. The pieces of the Sol flying into his mouth increased both in size and speed.


    Sol could barely withstand as it shrunk monumentally while little Haero relished the warmth of the liquid energy flowing through its body. His body was actively developing as the Sol poured down his throat and by the time Sol was already nothing but the size of a bead he was almost a four-year-old babe.


    The energy kept pouring down his throat until finally, the bead shot as well into his black hole of a mouth dissolving and flowing down.


    [Fire Elemental Abstract - gained]


    [Fire Abstract - Learned]


    [Magma Abstract - Learned]


    [Heat Abstract - Learned]


    [Solar Elemental Arts - Initiate/5%]


    [+1 Phys, +1 Mob, +1 Might, +1 Foc]


    Opening his eyes when he tasted nothing Haero''s eyes widened. Surprisingly he felt a sense of shock as a feeling that he had eaten too much washed over him. The boy could only glance around in the darkness as he fretted.


    ''This was why Mama put that huge ball. I thought it was food. So it was for chasing this darkness away''.


    ''Mama will be mad''


    "I ate all of Mama''s light''


    These were Haero''s thoughts. The baby intelligently realized that the Sol had been used to light up the universe. Of course, this deduction only came due to the instant darkness he was plunged into after consuming the Sol.


    Bits of lights flickered below from the universe but it was nothing to light up the place as Sol did. Haero floated there a pale expression on his face. While he didn''t exactly know good or bad he instinctively knew that this wasn''t a warm feeling he had.


    So he was instinctively not feeling right.


    Haero wished he could replace the Sol. He wished he hadn''t eaten it. He wailed for it to come back. He cried out waving his arms back and forth hoping for the sudden reappearance of Sol. Of course, nothing happened but Haero wasn''t having it. He kept waving his hands glaring at the spot that was once Sol''s. If one could read his thoughts then words like ''appear'' or ''come on'' would be heard echoing in his mind.


    Silver eyes glared at the spot as Haero wondered if Sol wanted him to get in trouble with his mama. Scoffing Haero narrowed his eyes even more willing the Sol to make a reappearance. His little body blazed hot and from his chest, a line of red, gold and bright embers of fire and magma rock formed.


    Haero watched eyes wide as the particles coalesced till a small ball, not even half of what once hovered there shone its light everywhere. Haero while disappointed at this could barely keep himself awake to grumble as fatigue hit him. His eyes drooped shut while he floated there.


    [Fire Abstract - 5%]


    [Magma Abstract - 5%]


    [Heat Abstract - 9%]


    Unknown to him the new Sol pulled him closer dragging him into its orbit as like a planet he revolved around it.


    [Solar Elemental Abstract - Gained]


    [Light Abstract - Learned[


    [Title - Sol Devourer - Gained]


    [Title - Sol Bond - Gained]


    [SKILL - PSIONIC GODHOOD - 10%]


    A few minutes passed before a loud feminine voice spread through the universe in a shockwave.


    "Haero!".


    Yet the little boy slept completely unbothered by the happenings around him.

 Game start - Edited

    HELEN''S POV


    After the meeting earlier that day, a lot of things I already deduced became clear to me. But at the same time, I felt a sort of pressure from it too. If what the male speaker had said was true then we Creator Players were in charge of designing the world of Creator Online. Making the lores and myths. Creating legends or atleast paving the way for such legends.


    I couldn''t help but feel out of my league in it.


    Dester sent a few messages with some advice on what and what not to do in the game. Even asking if we could hang out in the game when there was a way for players to.


    Having only succeeded in meeting Dad I had yet to meet Dester. Mum had asked me not to rush anything and to take my time. While dad smiled trying to assure us he was just glad that I had made a bit of improvement no matter how small. I guess laying a palm on his shoulder is considered improvement since I couldn''t even be in the same room as him before.


    "Focus Helen" I grumbled to myself. Just then a ping sounded from my pod alerting me that I could now log in.


    "Here we go" I excitedly whispered once I had put on my helmet and watched the pod close with a click.


    The familiar feeling of my senses leaving the real world hit me right before everything darkened.


    [Welcome to Creation Online]


    [You have unseen notifications Creator 79 would you like to view them]


    [Y/N]


    Clicking on yes I saw a line of information that surprised me out of my mind.


    [Brought Light to your Universe]


    [Formed an Infant God]


    [Built your Divine Palace]


    [First Creator to slay a Void Wolf]


    [Created your Universe Form - Star Rings]


    [First to create your Universe System]


    [First to reach Level 5]


    [First to Finish Tutorial Phase]


    [Creator 79 can now pick a name]


    [Creator 79 can now design their avatar]


    [Please refrain from straying too far from your original body parameters]


    Three lines floated before me after the last notification was seen.


    [DESIGN CHARACTER]


    [SYNC CHARACTER]


    [FORGE NEW CHARACTER]


    Information as usual flowed into my head about each of them. Design character was adding or tweaking some of my current forms. I could make myself look prettier or give myself horns or something.


    Sync character would simply use my real-life body to generate my avatar here in the game. This meant I would look exactly as I did IRL with slight game-like alterations to reduce the realism a notch.


    Finally, it was time to forge a new character. It could be used to create a character for myself. Adding racial perks and such. The only side effect was that I could for some reason no more be affected by any races I made.  Whatever that meant.


    I hesitated a bit as I pondered which to use. While forging my Character was the best, for some reason the words of its side effects had me seeing it as some sort of lockdown. I couldn''t understand yet but I decided to leave it.


    This was a game, right? Everything was an experiment as to what could work.


    Even as I chose I felt it was a bad decision yet I mentally clicked on the sync character.


    [Syncing Character>>>]


    [Character Helen Furrow found from database]


    [Syncing Helen Furrow>>>]


    [Sync Complete]


    I watched as my body gained physicality. My hands were solid and I could finally feel, in a normal way. Before I could only feel more abstractly. Don''t ask, even if I could explain it just wouldn''t make sense.


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    Three new words appeared again


    [PICK A NAME]


    [BE NAMED BY YOUR CREATIONS]


    [NAMELESS]


    Once again I let the information come. Each piece of information was maddening to understand. Pick a name gave me strength depending on what I set my name to mean. It couldn''t mean something different and unexpected from itself.


    If my name meant anger then well, I could become an embodiment of rage.


    It was stunning not to lie.


    Being named by your creations was more appealing though. After all, not all would have the same name for me. Yet each name would give me a different core of being.


    Nameless was almost the same as the previous one but unlike the first none of the names would be permanent. I could always be whatever my race saw me to be. Never able to change their viewpoint.


    My eyes furrowed instantly. I preferred the second, to be honest. Atleast there I could reject or accept a name. Still, none of the two lower options was befitting.


    My eyes locked on the first option instead. Why be what others want you to be when you can be yourself?


    [Pick a name...]


    "Hildelith" I didn''t think much. If my name would define me then it was what I needed to be. A brave woman, atleast I could start here in a game.


    [Name given - Hildelith]


    [Meaning Sourced - Applied]


    [Character panel created]


    [Say status to access your panel]


    "Status".


    As expected, no panel appeared before me. No instead like a rush of water it flowed into my brain and suddenly I knew what I was capable of and every other thing.


    [NAME - Hildelith - Warrior one]


    [TITLE - None]


    [FEAT - Creation''s Witness


    [RACE - Nothing]


    [BEING - Creator 79]


    [LEVEL - 5(0/500)]


    [HEALTH - 11/11]


    [STATS]


    Might - 115


    Mobility- 110


    Physicality- 110


    Focus - 110


    Abstract- 120


    HIDDEN STAT


    Perception- 10


    UNALLOCATED STAT POINTS: 25]


    [CORE - One-Spark


    [Racial Type - Primordial Nothing]


    [RACIAL ABILITY - UNIVERSE FORCE MANIPULATION]


    [SKILL - Astronomical Object Manipulation]


    [SKILL - Subatomic Manipulation]


    [RACIAL ABILITY - BALANCE ASPECT]


    [SKILL - Spell Casting(LOCKED)]


    [SKILL - Non-existent]


    [PERSONAL PERK - ABSOLUTE NOTHINGNESS AUTHORITY]


    [General Skill - Eyes of the Unseen, Aether Generation, Divinity Generation, Primordial Chaos Generation, Extra Sensory Perception]


    Before I could continue with appraising my information a ding sounded in my head with a line in front of me.


    [REWARDS - PENDING]


    [Claim rewards]


    [Y/N]


    Severally dings of notifications popped into my head after clicking yes. I winced a bit from it all till finally, they halted. Slowly I went through the notifications while still frowning at the possible headache I would have gotten had this not been in-game. All the rewards were simply from the accomplishments I made earlier.


    [Brought Light to your Universe]


    [REWARDS - +10 to End, TITLE - One of the Speakers]


    [Formed an Infant God]


    [REWARDS - Crown of the Supreme]


    [Built your Divine Palace]


    [Reward - x2 Advanced Racial Template, Vulkans Prize]


    [First Creator to slay a Void Wolf]


    [REWARDS - Xena''s Chakram]


    [Created your Universe Form - Star Rings]


    [REWARDS - Cloak of The One]


    [First to create your Universe System]


    [REWARDS - +50 to Agi, Hera''s Gown]


    [First to reach Level 5]


    [REWARDS - x3 Basic Creature Template, Belt of Atlas]


    [First to Finish Tutorial Phase]


    [REWARDS - Sword of Murre, Boots of the First. TITLE - (Ender of the Beginning)]


    [Aetheric Beginning Abstract - gained]


    [Creation Abstract - gained]


    [Chaos Elemental Arts - gained]


    "Now the game''s starting".I giggled.


    [NAME - Hildelith - Warrior one]


    [TITLES - One of the Speakers, Ender of the Beginning]


    [FEAT - Creation''s Witness]


    [RACE - Nothing]


    [BEING - Creator 79]


    [LEVEL - 5(0/500)]


    [HEALTH - 12/12]


    [STATS


    [Might - 115


    Mobility - 160


    Physicality- 120


    Focus - 110(143)


    Abstract - 120(130)


    HIDDEN STAT


    Perc - 10


    UNALLOCATED STAT POINTS: 25]


    [CORE - One-Spark]


    [RACIAL TYPE - PRIMORDIAL NOTHINGNESS EMTITY]


    You are a being born and formed of the energies of nothingness. Lacking true physicality you have chosen the form of Nothingness. Forever shall you reflect that which you are. You are the Universe, as the universe is you]


    [RACIAL ABILITY - UNIVERSE FORCE MANIPULATION]


    The user has complete control over the universal forces and energy that exist within their universe.


    [SKILL - Astronomical Object Manipulation?]


    The user can create, shape, and manipulate celestial/astronomical objects, such as comets, meteors, asteroids, planets, stars, constellations, moons, nebulas, galaxies, black holes, etc.


    [SKILL - Subatomic Manipulation]


    The user can manipulate subatomic particles, particles that are smaller than and compose an atom.


    [RACIAL ABILITY - BALANCE ASPECT]


    The user has perfect balance and harmony with himself and any fundamental forces within the universe and transcendental realms, wielding control over them at will. They possess the unique ability to balance and use opposite aspects of magic and manipulate opposing forces simultaneously, such as darkness and light, heaven and hell, existence and nothingness, creation and destruction while simultaneously drawing power from them.


    [SKILL - Spell Casting]


    The user can cast spells, mystic art through which users harness the mystical forces of their supernatural worlds to invoke specific magical effects and phenomena [LOCKED]


    [SKILL - Non-existent]


    The user has a balanced connection between physicality and the Abstract thereby making them an in-between. Can apply nothingness to their physicality erasing their very existence for as long as required.


    [PERSONAL PERK - ABSOLUTE NOTHINGNESS AUTHORITY]


    Within or outside their very self (Universe) Nothingness Entities still have complete and absolute authority over the nothingness, namely their selves and around. User has 500% Focus when using the Nothingness Abstract.


    [Abstract]


    [AETHERIC BEGINNING ABSTRACT]


    This is the visualization, utilization and manipulation of aether in activities related to creating, life-giving and stopping endings.


    [Creation Abstract/5%]


    User utilizes aether in the creation of matter, simple elements, substances, complex materials and objects.


    [GENERAL SKILL - Eyes of the Unseen


    Aether Generation - The energy of life itself is created and formed within your very being.


    Divinity Generation - All reactions within users form generate the cosmic waste known as divinity.


    Primordial Chaos Generation - Your very being is composed of the energy of destruction and end.


    Extra Sensory Perception - You can sense and detect information, memories, events and more from anything you look at, sense or desire.


    Godform - You can transform into a divine being of immeasurable power and capabilities. Physicalities in this form are immense while Abstract is weakened.


    Form of Nothing - Otherwise known as your true form. The base form of all Nothing races. In this form, all physicalities do not apply to you as the abstract rules all.


    Aether Projection - You have found the way to release and emit aether from your very self. The higher your focus the faster you are]


    [THE ARTS]


    [Chaos Elemental Arts]


    The user utilizes Primordial Chaos in improving and enhancing their nothingness and physicality forms both permanently. This Art comes with increased self-damage and only 22% Primordial Chaos is effective.

 A Little Friend - Edited

    THIRD PERSON POV


    Hildelith had only two questions as she floated watching her baby revolve around less than half of what was once Sol.


    How?. What happened?


    But of course, there was no one to give her an answer. Atleast verbally. Even if Haero could talk it was doubtful he would say anything. Bothered about his proximity to the sun yet surprised that he was technically fine she quickly appraised him. There was also the worry that her taking the boy out of Sol''s orbit might disrupt some in-game shenanigans.


    [NAME - Haero]


    [Title - First of his name, One Struck by the Multiverse, Sol Devourer, Sol Bond]


    RACE - Haif''jin]


    [BEING - Administrator/God]


    [LEVEL - 4(11/40)]


    [STATS


    Might - 15


    Mobility - 20


    Physicality - 35


    Focus - 25


    Abstract - 31.8]


    [RACIAL TYPE - PRIMORDIAL GIANT]


    [RACIAL ABILITY - TRANSCENDENT GIANT PHYSIQUE]


    [SKILL - Giant Divinity -0%]


    [SKILL - Psionic Godhood - 9%]


    [RACIAL ABILITY - ULTIMATE FORCE MANIPULATION]


    [SKILL - Ultimate Elemental Manipulation - 0%]


    [SKILL - Ultimate Constructs(Higher Leveled Locked) - 0%]


    [PERSONAL PERK - STARHEART]


    [Abstracts


    - FIRE ELEMENTAL ABSTRACT]


    This is the visualization, control and utilization of Fire with form, utility and granted physical existence.


    - Fire Abstract/5%


    Manipulate and control fire at 5% efficiency and focus.


    - Magma Abstract/7%


    Manipulate and control magma at 7% efficiency and focus


    - Heat Abstract/10%


    Create, emit, control and manipulate heat at 10% efficiency and focus.


    - SOLAR ELEMENTAL ABSTRACT]


    This creates, shapes, and manipulates all aspects of the sun and any other star. User can utilize abstract to affect its immense heat, light, mass/gravitational field, magnetic field, raw energy, reaction and more.


    - LIGHT ELEMENTAL ABSTRACT]


    Abstract grants light physicality, and shapes and manipulates it via the user''s will.


    [THE ARTS]


    - Solar Elemental Art


    The user can improve, enhance and increase the condition of their bodies. All aspects of the user''s capabilities are improved permanently.


    What she saw made no sense though. Some of the boy''s stats had changed and he was higher than before. The question as to how he increased some of those stats was answered when she saw a new title in his panel and several new skills, as well as a new category termed Abstract and an entirely new one, called the Arts.


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    The Sol Devourer title was enough to tell Hildelith what transpired. But it didn''t tell her the why. The Arts showed her a whole new field that her son had opened to himself. It was amazing and maddening.


    ''Was he perhaps just curious and suddenly consumed it? Or was he hungry? '' she thought. Looking at the Sol she realized something about it.


    "That''s not the Sol I made is it?" she asked no one in particular. Looking to Haero who still orbited the Sol then back to it she made a presumption.


    "Tried to put the Sol back. Must have backfired. Must be the Sol Bond title". Nodding like her answer must be it she moved, grabbing her boy and pulling him out of Sol''s orbit. Sol flared as if angry, its light surrounding her while its flare burned brighter. Hildelith tensed expecting an attack or something.


    The light dimmed as Sol returned to its calm blaze while she watched it unharmed and unburnt.


    "Did it sense me. " remembering the feeling of probing she got from the sun it made sense. Sol was protecting her baby.


    "That solves where to leave you eh" she chuckled looking down lovingly at Haero. With a small smile, she floated off to the Divine palace where she set him down on his now smaller crib.


    "Hmm. He''s grown too". Shaking her head she adjusted the crib size with her will before smiling at the boy who snuggled into himself. Feeling nothing he whined a bit.


    "Oh. Want a cuddle buddy huh". Hildelith chuckled at his cuteness before tapping her lip in wonder.


    Pulling up her panel she opened the player inventory she had found when the rewards got sent to her and pulled out one of the Advanced Racial Templates.


    Pulling it up she began recreating what she needed. The Advanced template was off a Unicorn. While wondering what was advanced about a unicorn she began tweaking it.


    Looking at the hologram beside her as she worked she focused on making the creature perfect. Once done with the design she inputted the stats allocation for its basic character panel.


    [Template Generated]


    [Racial Type - Primordial Beast


    - This beast existed before or during the dawn of time. It is a Primordial Behemoth and progenitor of all that works in its shadow.


    [Racial Ability - Behemoth Physique


    - The Behemoth Physique endows the Pegasus with a sturdy and imposing form. This physique enhances its resilience and physical prowess, enabling it to withstand powerful attacks and deliver devastating blows in combat.


    [Racial Skill - Behemoth Transformation


    When used the Pegasus transforms, growing in size and power, becoming a formidable force on the battlefield.


    [Racial Ability - Elemental Point


    - The Primordial Behemoth Pegasus generates and is one of the sources of elements. This grants it a natural affinity for the elements, harnessing the power of creation, destruction, life or flow. It can manipulate any elemental energy with precision.


    [Racial Skill - Thunderous Charge


    - With Thunderous Charge, the Primordial Behemoth Pegasus can channel the raw power of its strength into its mobility, charging forward with frictional speed and force. This skill allows it to trample enemies and maybe realms with thunderous impact, leaving devastation in its wake.


    [Racial Skill - Molten Mane


    - Molten Mane imbues the Pegasus''s fiery mane with intense heat and destructive potential. It can unleash torrents of molten fire, incinerating foes with scorching flames and leaving behind a trail of smouldering embers.


    [Average stats


    Str - 6


    Agi - 12


    End - 10


    Mind - 15


    Will - 15


    [Would you like to publish this template in the System]


    [Y/N]


    After a moment of consideration, Hildelith shook her head This was a gift. She could always make other characters for sale. Declining she was then asked for a name which she gave.


    "Tempest Pegasi"


    [Would you like to apply it as an Administrator]


    "No"


    Hildelith had seen something else when perusing her system. She could now create other things that weren''t her administrators but of course, she knew that she had to make all her administrators first.


    Clicking on the tab she brought up a new list of beings to select from. The list was an unlocked group of entities that could be created after the administrators though some were locked.


    [Divine Beasts]


    [Deities (Pending)]


    [Daemons (LOCKED)]


    [Divinities (LOCKED)]


    She wasn''t bothered by the other locked entities. What she needed after all was the Divine Beast. After selecting the divine beast a new prompt appeared.


    [Select Racial Type]


    This was the part I wanted to see honestly. I''d always be kinda confused and interested in how each ability and skill was granted. ''A perfect test subject ''.


    I didn''t bother looking at the list that appeared as I simply selected Primordial Beast. ''Seems anything that gets created now gets the primordial tag''.


    A new list I didn''t expect appeared before me. ''Is this for being beasts or what?''.


    [Behemoth Physique]


    [Angelic Beast Physique]


    ''Behemoth''. My answer was quick and without hesitation. The next prompt was the end fortunately and I accepted.


    [Create Divine Beast]


    [Y/N]


    Navigating through everything she finally clicked on the Terrani Pegasi and watched as yet again something else was formed. She hadn''t been able to see it well when creating Haero due to her ethereal form. But now she could.


    Hildelith watched as a golden stream mixed with various energies floated out of her hand and formed a shape in midair. Unlike the administrators whom one could choose its stage, the divine beast came out as an infant.


    It dropped into her palms and it twisted its neck trying to understand things. Looking it over Hildelith was as usual awed by the design and the realism of the game.


    First was the pristine white tone of its body, a head to neck covered with black scales and a mane of fire, its eyes glowed white. Its hooves were rock-like and its legs were thick and muscular with streaks of lightning flashing from it and up to its body. Said body was sturdy and yet strong looking for a little monster.


    In her palms, the pegasi with its white eyes looked up adorably at Hildelith making her smile. Or maybe it was because of the next prompts she received.


    [First to Make a Divine Beast]


    Rewards - +20 to MIND.


    [First to Forge a Variant Template]


    Rewards - +20 to will.


    "I''ll call you .. Uhm .. Zeus" The Pegasi seemed to approve of the name as it whinnied a bit.


    "Now Zeus meet Haero, your new hu...". ''No, God would sound weird too..." she muttered to herself. ''How about, new giant. Yes, meet your new giant." she set the Pegasi down next to the now enlarged crib watching it glance down at little Haero.


    Pegasi though younger was quite larger than Haero being double the godling''s size. It looked up to her for a moment then back to Haero who still slept, back to her once again, and then slowly back to Haero.


    At that moment Hildelith saw it coming. That was the look Dester always gave their parents right before he did something.


    Smack.


    Zeus struck his left hoof down in a flash on the baby''s head before it dropped into a sleeping pose eyes closed. Haero''s eyes shut open in alarm his eyes looking up first to the ceiling and then to Hildelith who wiggled her fingers at him with a wide smile. His little eyes rounded a bit before he noticed something to his side. Slowly he turned his head and stared at the horse.


    As Hildelith giggled while turning to leave Haero had a look of contemplation. First, there was confusion, then curiosity, and understanding showing up last.


    Already at the door, Creator 79 made one last glance her platinum blonde curls slapping as she gazed at the duo. The look on the baby''s face while cute and funny showed he had figured it out.


    The door shut just as a loud thump echoed from the room and an equally loud whinny from the Pegasi escaped the room its head throbbing from the headbutt Haero gifted.


    "Ah. Friendship". she chuckled while memories of her and Dester much like that back in tbe days flooded her mind. A solemness descending on her.


    "No. " she shook her head. "Enough girl. You came here to get out of that cage of agony and pity so let''s do this. No negativity. " Pumping her fists into the air she nodded with a smile walking out the door with a bop to her step.

 Throwback To Universe Form Creation

    FLASHBACK.


    HELEN''S POV


    [UNIVERSE FORM]


    The form of a universe is the basic configuration and setup it follows. Even transcendent figures need order.


    I really didn''t know what to do here. I''d not been prepared for this and didn''t really know what I wanted for my universe form. Fortunately enough, the system had given us an example of how a form could be. So while I had a basic idea, I still didn''t know what I wanted.


    I must have taken quite the while thinking up what to do at this point when a thought hit me.


    ''If I can''t decide why not just blend the ones I have an idea of''''. I looked at little Haero shaking his crib bars like a prisoner. He caught my eye and babbled at me. An attempt to free him.


    "Good boys stay in bed". He must have smelt my grand lie as he slammed the crib in a show of unacceptance. The crib and the floor shook just a tiny bit. It was more than enough to prove his more than normal baby status.


    "Back to this". Turning back to the template in front of me I sighed. I had the idea but how to implement it. An eye out the window showed Sol hanging up there. Doing absolute nothing. Little bits of lights and colors spread all over the borders of my universe.


    I turned back to my template. Looked at my little boy then back to it. The more I thought they more I realized that maybe the game was asking me the wrong question.


    What kind of life did I want in this game?. That was the proper question. I would say I came here initially to fight my fears. To try and brave a supposed new world. Building an entire existence had done wonders for me.


    It has been as exhilarating as it had been eventful. I wanted more and needed more. So what did I want?.


    "Working on the possibilities that this game has only my universe then I must create all the form I can in here. Maybe one day the other Creator''s worlds would be available for exploring. Something I might unlikely do. But..." I looked to Haero. "...I want to make my universe one of immense joy, beauty and wonder. A true sight for me to see. A sign of ..." I looked at my palms and then up. "... a sign of my struggles. It might never end''.


    I thought of family. ''It may go on forever. This fear and disgust, but I''ll fight it". I looked at Haero. "For my little Haero that taught me how much family is worth more than pain. How much one can do do push forward. Every moving, ever mobile. Like a wheel. A spinning wheel. No, a ring".


    I jumped up a bulb lighting in my eyes.


    I focused on the template then sat my ass back down. I made the template like a page and began typing or writing. Or... whatever the hell it was like to use your thoughts to type in words. It was more than that though.


    I was sharing feelings, imaginations, pictures, scenes to the template. With each words and each picture an image was formed. Slowly and surely I came up with something that I hoped was outstanding. Something interestingly crazy.


    At least that was how I hoped it would be seen.


    There was my universe. From what I could sense of it , of me. It was shapeless and formless. But the closest to any shape it had was luckily spherical. The borders the know energies that made up part of me. Primordial Chaos, Aether and Nothingness.


    Next came the Form.


    Nine rings. Not separate though. I wanted something to illustrate the ever moving scene of my path through life. So I imagined a sort of slide shaped like rings, each interconnected and intersecting. Sloping and running downwards, leftwards, rightwards or upwards.


    It was all dependent on how you saw it. On what you knew and how you knew it. For me it was simple. It was all going downwards. The symbolism of life to death. But there was no loop back. No return. The only return was done by want the rings themselves held.


    See, I imagined the rings as the carriers of everything that would be important in my universe. "The Star River". A golden, yet transparent and beautiful rush of water that carried everything through it.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    It shared all it brought with everything. How , was a question that the 9 rings could answer. Each ring was a divine, aetheric, Primordial and abstract metal looping around a single reality.


    "Realm sounds better". I nodded and changed the names to realm. While it indeed was realities it didn''t mean saying reality sounded cool in my ear.


    The first reality was no reality. The Sol, the Alpha point, the blocking sun. The system Haero ate. It was the light to the realities or for those who would exist beyond it. Hanging right beneath the nothingness it was basically the Light in the Dark. Spot table from a mile off. Technically so would my rings be once I was done.


    Shining in all directions it''s light was carried downwards even better by the transparent and yet reflective surface of the star river. It served the purpose of hiding the only entrance left to my Lunar palace.


    Next in line was the first and main recipient of light. The Divine Realm. Home of the Divines, The Heavens, The Core Accusatory of all Divine Powers. The Fields of Golden.


    "Aish, that''s a lot of names". Point was the place was the technical first reality. The home of the gods. I snickered. "I''ll have a pantheon. How cool".


    Waterfalls flowed from the Rings above unto this reality and then flowed through till dropped back into the second rings . The Star River carrying this energy rushed down to the next realm, reality.


    "Is this getting complicated?". I frowned. "Nah, they can figure it out".


    Dream Realm. Or the Reality of Dreams. Here was where the dreams of mortals were stored. Given form and made real by the power from the divine that flowed into this reality via the streams.


    "Also wondered if my dreams were being made real somewhere else. Well I can make NPCs dreams real here. Not the night mares or the boogie man dreams. Not those".


    "The Land of wishes, dreams and wants. The Mortal wants made physical, their abstracts given life. I could take some of this dreams too and make them into something when my universe tries to get boring. Hopefully not. My very own well of inspiration". I pondered if some real God was actually doing this too.


    ''What if they get this idea from me?''. I frowned at the idea of suing a god for copyright. ''Can I even sue a god?. Who''s gonna lead my case. A devil?''. I chuckled at the thought before focusing back to my work.


    "Now, to make the dream realm work. To give it inspiration and designs. The Mortal Realm. What do I do here. Well obviously can''t be a creator without mortals. Should I make humans. Nope".


    "It''s my realm for relaxation. Last thing I need is them dropping a nuke once it''s entered the technology age. Still, who''s to say any other race won''t be like that too". I kept the thought of smiting them if they did it away.


    "Could make a great Vacation spot too for me and my boy and the other coming kids. I sound like Aunt May when she was expecting. Focus girl". I slapped my forehead.


    "Alright Uhm, obviously home to the mortals. Playground of the gods, just not too much. The streams will flow down into them... Hmmh. I don''t think that''s quite normal, right?. Hmmh".


    I relaxed back and looked over the entire plans. I tried thinking of how to incorporate the streams without spoiling the rivers thing. It sounded nice to me.


    "Wait, most games and books have that thing about Uhm... Yes, ley lines. Yes". I exhaled in relief and moved on to the next.


    The Spirit Realm was actually an obvious next choice. After all mortals died and then need somewhere to go. Maybe I''d work out something more with all the things I knew some or most gods did from stories later but for now this was it.


    "Home of the unwanted. That actually makes sense. Not all mortals might choose a god and if that thing happens where gods take their chosen then the unwanted come here". I felt extra flew and relief at the idea and plan coming together without jinks.


    "The next to be reincarnated. The Nexus point for judgement. That''s the spirit realm ".


    Next up was the Abyss. Unlike its names sounded though it definitely wasn''t for mortals. Maybe some god would do that shit of creating a hell but it wouldn''t be me.


    Okay maybe this was a hell. Just not for mortals. A villainy chuckle escaped me. I pushed the laugh to be more believable until it got weird and I coughed awkwardly. A look to my left showed Haero giving me a weird eye.


    "What?".


    Of course he said nothing. I shook my head and turned back. "Honestly, this , at the end of the day is a game. And I doubt most players will be civil. Not gonna risk my fun being ruined by stupid players in the skin of gods". So yeah this was for them.


    "Home of the Daemons, Punishment of The Divines. Hey wait if I punish Divines here then why not..." I went right up and slotted in punishment of the Daemons to The Divine realm.


    Nodding at a good job I went back to work. Only problem was, my juices were dry. Nothing was left in my inspiration. I sighed. Cracked my brain to think and came up with nothing. Finally I sighed and skipped to the next ring. Turning. The next was same.


    The last and final ring would have been same if I didn''t get the idea of letting other beings utilize the Abstract as I did. It sounded powerful and a good way to make the gods and the mortals grow faster.


    Like the rivers did with the rest of the energies from all realms it did the same with the Abstract. Flowing through it and out the other way beginning the cycle of return as it took all this energies to the beginning.


    Each cycle of the river was the time of my universe. A cycle being a complete day.


    The moment I was done with it I sat back and looked it over. The ideas for the 7th and 8th Ring or reality was cringe and cliche. Fortunately I didn''t like the use of them anyway so they were a no go.


    "I''ll hopefully think of something". Several moments later I was still blank. I groaned.


    "Can I fill in this spots later?". I was so frustrated at having nothing else.


    [Universe Form - The Star Rings (9 Realms)]


    The Rings - Star River, River of the Dead, Ley lines, Power Amplifier, Source Point, Power Conveyor, Time Rings, Reality Bind.


    1st Ring - Sol


    The One Sun, Bond of Haero, Light of All Reality, Light in the Dark.


    2nd Ring - Divine Realm


    Home of the Divines, The Heavens, The Core Accusatory of all Divine Powers.


    3rd Ring - Dream Realm


    Land of wishes dreams and wants. Mortal wants made physical, their abstracts given life. The Mother''s well of inspiration.


    4th Ring - Mortal Realm


    Mother''s realm for relaxation, The Vacation spot of the Deities, Home to the mortals. Playground of the gods.


    5th Ring - Spirit Realm


    Home of the unwanted. The dead, the next to be reincarnated. The Nexus point for judgement.


    6th Ring - Abyss Realm


    Home of the Arch Fiends, Den of Miscreants, Punishment of The Divines.


    7th Ring - UNSPECIFIED


    8th Ring - UNSPECIFIED


    9th Ring - Abstract - The Will of Transcendents


    [APPLY]


    [Y/N]


    [Warning - Application of template will be permanent. While unspecified regions can be updated, specified ones will be unchangeable. While the core idea remains permanent other changes can be set within this idea for a broader utility]


    I smiled. Both in relief and curiosity at what more I could change within a core idea as the system had called them. Either way this was good. With a thought I clicked yes.

 The Star Rings & Its Primordials - Edited

    For the first time since she logged in Hildelith finally got the chance to admire her universe. Man was she stunned. From checking out notifications to rewards to Haero and Zeus she had not been able to look at it. But now she could and it was worth it.


    Designing and then seeing it at work were two different things. She''d seen it from the Haif''jin, the Primordial Behemoth, and now her universe.


    "Ah. It''s deserving of its name," she whispered.


    The most obvious thing to catch one''s eye here was the golden river, stream, ocean, or whatever one would want to call the flowing liquid or energy in a circular ring. It went from one side to the other creating a large space within it in an eternal loop. An eternal loop which then descended like a spinneret or whisk. Depends on how it was seen.


    The golden river was mesmerizing to watch, its waters splashing up and down held in place by the boundaries of the ring around it. Yet it was more of the sight within its locks that could sway any with the beauty held.


    The mortal realm was a straight carpet of a crudely interwoven tapestry. Glowing with the light of various stars and a little sun that had formed its solar system within it. Orbiting it were gases and asteroids but no planet yet. Well, just the lifeless rocks. There were countless solar systems but only one solar system was active. She tried counting the number but stopped after fifty. It was too much. While she could poke through and see Hildelith deemed it unnecessary. The inactive solar systems while bright had a padlock mirage over them.


    When Hildelith tried tapping them, it kept saying locked making her frown her cute face in unacceptance.


    Requirements for unlocking were to grow life in the beginner solar system and have atleast one planet there in the Iron Age. Depending on how many planets she wanted in one solar system of course.


    Looking away from within the mortal realm Hildelith inspected the borders of the tapestry tightly interwoven and held by the edge of the ring. With a nod, she moved on to the next one. The spirit realm. Unlike the mortal realm which was a dark space filled with fiery stars and galaxies, the spirit realm was a murky mist of blue.


    It was a huge plane that lay just beneath the mortal realms, its mist clouding and rising to seep within the mortal realms. Like a fire burning a pot. The ring bound it in place at the centre keeping the mists from drifting beyond its borders.


    Above the mortal realms was another plane of colours. A myriad of them. Both those Hildelith knew and many she had never seen. Just like the spirit realm, the Dream Realm shone its colours on the mortal realms like light beams.


    At the very top of the ring was a chain of mountaintops each higher from the edge than the next until the central mountain which was the largest and tallest.


    The Divine Realm.


    Beneath the plane of mists was another space. Orbs floated and revolved around the other. One such orb burned a bright golden-red flame, another wobbled and shook like liquid, one was a green and brown colour while the last was a brown and cloudy structure.


    The Reality of Elements.


    A chain of mountains for the divine gods, a realm of mist for the spirits, a river of gold for souls, the mortal realm for well, mortals, a dream realm to hold man''s desires and wants, a home for elementals, an Abyss for the Daemon gods


    The system had been applied due to this creation since each of the places had its functions which had pushed her to the end faster than the other players. Not that she was aware of that fact yet.


    The Star River as was the name of the waters that flowed within the golden ring of water was where souls were thrown. It also served as a memory eraser for the NPCs not that Hildelith was sure if it worked for the players. However, she figured it would mostly wipe their skills and abilities and also racial perks or other things not attached to the soul.


    The player''s soul in this case is their real self.


    The spirit realm was for the dead NPCs that had to wait for reincarnation or for whatever reason couldn''t get reborn. Hildelith couldn''t have them roaming the mortal plains. The Dream Realm was for the imaginations and wishes of mortals to be forged in but not made access to. This way she could get new and interesting creatures or stories. The Reality of Elements was a world where all elements prospered and grew. It was from this world that any element would be drawn from. The Divine Realm was the seat of power for the Divinities while the Abyss was the same for the Daemons. There were three last positions in the Rings. The third of them was the topmost ring. A space taken and held by The Sol.


    The very last one was Abstract Realities. Unlike the other realms and realities in the Ring. This one was not held in place by the ring. No, the rings'' ring-endings ran through this reality and out forming the final ring and then curving right back up. The Star River immersed in the Abstract Reality carried with it this power over the Abstract and took it back to the other realities.


    Everything was perfect. But the system had warned her back then about missing something crucial. it. Which was why she left the two last spots in the Star Rings. Hopefully, it wasn''t something all that important.


    *****


    HELEN''S POV


    I sighed after creating the last of the remaining four templates. It was hard trying to custom-make my templates. Ideas had to be thrown in and then thrown out when not suitable. Finally, I had finished and while I was delighted at my choices I couldn''t help but feel I could have done better. So I went through it all again. I didn''t know how long it took but I didn''t lose concentration until I was sure of it all.


    [Would you like to assign a Template to your Administrators]


    [Y/N]


    "Yes".


    [Would you like to choose an NPC soul or a Player soul]


    "NPC" I wasn''t quite ready to meet players yet. Besides, the alpha testers had a month before the login which meant my administrators might either have a gestation period of one real-life month or the game A. I would release a slot for another player. Either way, I couldn''t wait.


    The four orbs condensed just like in Haero''s case quivering after I made all the decisions. The timer finally reaching its limit faded away just as the orbs shattered.


    From within floated out four babies. None resembling the other in any feature.


    The first had no hair. His eyes lacked pupils instead shining with a brightness that resembled the sun, his skin was as dark as the night and his pointy ears wiggled as he sniffed lips parting to showcase cute pointy fangs. Huge starry and brightly glowing wings with less Physicality and more abstract floated from the shoulder blades of his back. Huge for a baby.


    This was Ozai, the Cosmic Elf, a Primordial Deity.


    The second was Tora an Unmduni, her long and beast-like ears were cute, as were her large round green eyes. Her half-beast form gave her fur, while fangs grew from her little mouth and claws from her fingers. Her white hair was long, unlike babies. While nine furry tails floated behind her. She was a Vulcan, the only Primordial Magi.


    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Third and Last were the twins Freyja and Freyr. Both had wings almost similar to that of Ozai that folded around them adorably but with a difference being that both lacked the glittery stars and light within their abstract wings. Freyr''s skin was almost human but little scales disrupted such appearance while Freya was more illusionary, Their hairs were both pitch black. A reptilian tail swayed behind Freyr while Freya had none. Red and Blue reptilian eyes locked on me. Their scales ran from the back of their palms to their shoulders and their heels to their hips shimmered. Unlike others, both had six instead of five fingers. Two horns grew from Freyr''s head, while their pointed ears wiggled about. A beautiful race of Male and Female Djuns. One a Primordial Spirit and the other a Primordial Demon.


    NAME - Ozai


    Title - Guardian of the Plains. God of the Cosmos.


    RACE - Cosmic Elf


    BEING - Administrator/God


    LEVEL - 0(0/00)


    STATS


    Might - 14


    Mobility- 21


    Physicality- 25


    Focus- 20


    Abstract - 20.4


    [RACIAL TYPE - PRIMORDIAL DEITY]


    [RACIAL ABILITY - COSMIC EMBODIMENT]


    The user is the manifestation or personification of cosmic forces. As such, they have total control over them (stars, meteors, planets etc.)


    [SKILL - COSMIC STORM]


    The user creates, shapes, and manipulates storms made from cosmic matter or energy capable of destroying planets and unleashing chaos on a cosmic level.


    [SKILL - COSMIC MANIPULATION]


    The user creates, shapes, absorbs and manipulates cosmic forces and energies to produce nearly any effect they desire, including the manipulation of energy across space and time.


    [RACIAL ABILITY - DIVINE FORCE]


    The user has control of anything divine. Can manipulate divine objects and relics that are connected to the gods or even divine power


    [SKILL - DIVINE ATTACKS


    The user can release and use divine energy in attacks of various shapes, types and intensities, either projected, melee attacks or otherwise.


    [SKILL - DIViNE ELEMENTAL MANIPULATION]


    The user creates, shapes and manipulates holy elements that are highly effective against their kind.


    [PERSONAL PERK - LORD OF ORDER]


    As a being forged with light and in the light you are the very presence of order in this universe. Capable of manipulating and infusing said order into everything.


    NAME - Tora


    Title - Skywalker, Queen of the Heavens.


    RACE - Unmduni


    BEING - Administrator/God


    LEVEL - 3(0/200)


    STATS


    Might - 10


    Mobility - 25


    Physicality- 10


    Focus - 30


    Abstract - 25.6


    [RACIAL TYPE - PRIMORDIAL MAGI]


    [RACIAL ABILITY - MAGIC PHYSIOLOGY]


    User is a pure magical entity of unique or common nature with pure forms of magic with the ability to change or manipulate all forms of magical energy and their own having magical powers, abilities and specific physiology that¡¯s bound to both their magic and nature.


    [SKILL - MAGICAL EMPOWERMENT]


    User becomes stronger, faster, more durable, etc. when they come in contact with their own and/or somebody else¡¯s magic, possibly unlocking abilities related to the affinity and enhancing the existing powers.


    [SKILL - MAGIC ENERGY GENERATION]


    The user can generate all kinds of magical energies, the very power that fuels spell-casting and mystical rituals.


    [RACIAL ABILITY - MAGICAL ENERGY MANIPULATION]


    User can create, shape, absorb or manipulate magical energy; a form of mystical energy that fundamentally fuels and/or manifests all magical phenomena such as spells, practices, rituals, circles and enchanted objects. through this mystic energy users can transmute magic for a variety of effects and purposes,


    [SKILL - MAGIC CREATION]


    The user possesses the ability to create entirely new forms of magic or the magic itself, including the crafting and design of its rules, limitations, maximum potentials,b taboos, and all other aspects required for the newly created form of magic.


    [SKILL - ARCANE SCIENCE]


    The user knows everything about magic, the supernatural and everything related to it. As such, they know everything within magic and the deep secrets that lie within, and around it.


    [PERSONAL PERK - MAGICAL INFINITY]


    The user''s magical power and potential increase over time with no limit and can keep gradually increasing, essentially forever. This makes their potential limitless and immeasurable, allowing them to perform any feat in due time.


    NAME - Freyja


    Title - The Soul Weaver. Lady of the Dead.


    RACE - Oragon


    BEING - Administrator/God


    LEVEL - 3(0/200)


    STATS


    Might - 10


    Mobility- 10


    Physicality- 25


    Focus - 30


    Abstract - 25.6


    [RACIAL TYPE - PRIMORDIAL SPIRIT]


    This entity is a spiritual being of transcendent/godlike power. Users of this possess incredible power above the class of all manner of spiritual beings, having unimaginable powers and status beyond that of any spirit no matter their nature


    [RACIAL ABILITY - ABSOLUTE SPIRITUALITY]


    User possess absolute spiritual power and status. They are the ultimate animating force of spiritual power and/or often the source of every other spirit or soul in existence


    [SKILL - SOUL CREATION/DESTRUCTION]


    User can create souls: a person''s essence, their hopes, their dreams, their emotions, their will, and their sense of humanity. They can construct another''s sense of self with nothing but their imagination or inevitably allow their creation to develop into their sense of self. On the other hand, they can also permanently destroy/annihilate souls and/or spiritual beings that do not have a body, without affecting the body, which causes the targets to die without the possibility of reincarnation/resurrection.


    [SKILL - ABSOLUTE REFLECTION]


    User reflects any & all powers and abilities that are used against them without being harmed or affected regardless of their nature, type or level of power, including conceptual powers or even totality/omnipresential attacks and powers of a special nature.


    [RACIAL ABILITY - ABSOLUTE INVINCIBILITY]


    Are unlimitedly and infinitely invincible and independent in all aspects: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, conceptual, etc


    [SKILL - ABSOLUTE COMBAT MASTERY]


    Users the pinnacle of combat mastery, excelling in both armed and unarmed combat, enabling them to perform superhuman and supernatural feats far beyond conventional limits. Their mastery extends to a state of harmonized mental, physical and spiritual equilibrium, enabling them to dominate their opponents by their mere presence.


    [SKILL - ZENITH]


    Users can and will enter the zenith state when endangered a form that has reached the pinnacle of their very being, as users can ascend their condition, powers and abilities to the highest level that allows them to become the absolute and apex version of their very self and form.


    [PERSONAL PERK - ETHER MANIPULATION]


    The user can create, shape and manipulate ethereal and otherworldly energy from various planes of existence and utilize it


    NAME - Freyr


    Title -Death Bringer, Guide of The Dead.


    RACE - Djun


    BEING - Administrator/God


    LEVEL - 3(0/200)


    STATS


    Might - 15


    Mobility -20


    Physicality - 30


    Focus - 25


    Abstract - 20.5


    [RACIAL TYPE - PRIMORDIAL DESTRUCTION DEMON]


    [RACIAL ABILITY - APOCALYPTIC FORCE MANIPULATION]


    User has control over the ultimate force that brings the cessation of all existence. Beyond a mere instrument of destruction, this power embodies the essence of the finality itself


    [SKILL - CALAMITY HELL


    User acclimates a ton of existential crises and discharges them in accumulative numbers, hurling one end-game scenario after another out at a target at the drop of a hat.


    [SKILL - CURSE MANIPULATION


    User creates, shapes, moves, controls, interacts and changes curses, any expressed wish that some form of adversity or misfortune will befall or attach to one or more persons, a place, or an object.


    [RACIAL ABILITY - DESTRUCTIVE FORCE MANIPULATION]


    The user can create, shape and manipulate destructive forces. The forces behind the causes for anything to be annihilated from reality, user can control these destructive forces to perform powerful feats such as erasing the existence of anything, controlling how something is destroyed, erasing cosmic-sized material


    [SKILL - DESTROYER DEITY


    When endangered or willed the user can transform into a destroyer deity, a god/goddess of immense power that can destroy anything and everything, even other divine beings. They can destroy planets, star systems and even universes in an instant.


    [SKILL - DESTRUCTION EMPOWERMENT]


    User becomes stronger, faster, more durable, more powerful, and more efficient. By using destruction user possibly unlocks abilities related to the affinity and enhances the existing powers.


    [PERSONAL PERK - ABSOLUTE CONTRACT]


    As a Primordial Demon, the user can create and enforce any type of contract/pact with absolutely anything, even with themselves; dictating every condition therein, including qualifiers in the event one or more of the parties would - or even could - somehow break the contract/pact.


    [Administrators Complete]


    [Reward - Mirror of Nothing]


    You have created forces and beings of your universe. ''You are the Universe, as the Universe is you''. All powers and abilities held and controlled by forces within you are ineffective against you. The rate of comprehension and usage of available forces improved by 20%.


    A shiver swept through my body. I felt myself glitch back to my Form of Nothing and various subtle sensations settled within me. I could feel it. A connection. Vague but there.


    I wasn''t the first to completely create all my administrators. While it was saddening to not get the first reward it was still okay for me. For now, though I had only one month IRL to complete my first world. Before the rise of the players.


    I gathered my babies to me struggling to hold all four as they each grabbed at me while floating to the Lunar Palace.


    Inside I deposited them glad to see Haero and Zeus dozing while cuddling into each other. My in-game divine family was complete. Maybe I''d create a pet for the rest. But for now, my first solar system called for me.


    Excitement rattled through my veins.

 Geared Up for Origin - Edited

    I found a lot of things acceptable when trying to build my world. One was that I could descend into a planet in my full form only before it was complete. After completion, only an incarnation of me could ever reach its surface lest my planet get ripped apart.


    Next were the rewards and things I had received when logging in. I had barely checked them all out before and how they affected me but now as I appraised them thoroughly I couldn''t help but appreciate once more the joy of gears and equipment.


    [One of the Speakers - TITLE]


    As a creator, you are ceremoniously able to use word of mouth when ordering your creations.


    +10% of current Focus stat.


    [Crown of the Supreme - OBJECT]


    You are one above gods. Absolute and Unmoved.


    Effects - Minor aura amplifier.


    Locked. (Lv10 required.)


    [Vulkans Prize - OBJECT]


    Armor forged by the Will of The Multiverse.


    +20 to Defense(Phy)


    +5 to Mobi


    +5 to Aura


    [Xena''s Chakram - WEAPON]


    The prize of courage and valor. A two-in-one ringed weapon for both long and short-range attacks.


    +10 to Mobi.


    +10 to Foc


    [Cloak of The One - ATTIRE]


    The symbol of authority or honor. Eye-catching yet erases all presence of its wearer.


    +10 to defense. (Phy)


    Effects - Veil blend.


    Hide in plain sight though touch will alert others to presence.


    [Hera''s Gown - ATTIRE]


    Responsibility is a worthy thing to portray. Respect is deserving for such queens.


    +20 to Abstract


    +20 to Focus


    x2 to Aura amplifier.


    [Belt of Atlas - ACCESSORY]


    Just like Atlas, you have shown yourself capable of holding up the heavens. While you will do no such thing Atlas strength has still been deemed worthy of your use.


    +50 to Phy


    [Sword of Murre - WEAPON]


    A short sword most would lust for. A relic of the old worlds. Once Athena slew a gorgon with its blade. Its edges are sharp and its very blade illuminates the dark with its subtle glow.


    +10 to Phy


    +10 to Mobi


    [Boots of the First - ATTIRE]


    Swift in your advance only the boots of one of the formers will be worthy of your heels.


    +30 to Mobi


    [Ender of the Beginning - TITLE]


    She who escaped the prologue after bearing witness to the Dawn.


    + 10% of current Focus stat.


    Effects - Upgrade to Eye of the Unseen, Eyes of Fate.


    (Note Eye of the unseen will remain)


    [Eye of Fate - Skill]


    You can see what lies beyond the next turn for you. Any spot or time, location, or event that is shrouded with uncertainty is laid bare to you. All moves and actions detrimental and unfavorable are revealed to your eyes.


    I was smiling ear to ear as I instantly equipped everything useful. For now, I left the VULKANS prize in my inventory while donning the gown. Only now did I realize I had been covered by nothing but white thick smoke. It got me uncomfortable but I decided that there was no way the game devs would just let the players be nude in a game especially if they would be watching and also streaming this early on, it would breach lots of privacy rules.


    Thinking this I shrugged off the thought of the white smoke and focused on Hera''s Gown. It was purple with golden threads running down the sides, a thin strap over my shoulders, and nothing more.


    I was completely bare within. ''I guess we never think of what fantasy folks wear within. Probably just pieces of cloth though ''.


    Uncomfortable, I quickly equipped the Cloak of the One and the Belt of Atlas. The cloak was white, grey, and black fur made from the hide of some animal. Most probably a wolf. It was held to my collar by thin silver chains and draped over my shoulders and down the sides of my arm like a coat. Atlas belt was golden with black intricate designs that made it look Greek.


    ''Atlas was Greek'' I shrugged in understanding.


    There was a loop for a scabbard on the belt which I surmised was for a sword. The Sword of Murre went there and to my other side went Xena''s chakram. The Boots of the first appeared on my feet a pair of white feathers poking out and backward from my ankles. It was silver yet dim, with a trail of black weavings on its sides.


    Then the crown of the supreme appeared in my palm. It was simple and elegant but humble. No flashiness to it. Just a twist of what looks like leaves, circling a band of gold. At rhe center was an empty spot where a jewel should have been.


    "Is it damaged?" I frowned at rhe missing jewel before appraising the crown again.


    "Nothing about damage. Or is that why it has a locked effect? " I bit my lip for a moment before shrugging and placing the crown on my head.


    A shiver ran through me as the crown was equipped, I felt like I could do anything and everything. It was like my brain nerves were on a high yet still grounded with my senses.


    "I love this game. Wish there was something like this in reality though." I added with a shake of my head.


    I accessed the information in my stats mentally seeing some things now reflected by the gear I wore.


    [NAME - Hildelith - Warrior One


    TITLES - One of the Speakers, Ender of the Beginning.


    FEAT - Creation''s Witness


    RACE - Nothing


    BEING - Creator 79


    LEVEL - 5(0/500)


    HEALTH - 12/12 (120/120)]


    [STATS


    Might - 115 + (60)


    Mobility - 160 + (35)


    Physicality- 120


    Focus - 110(121) + (30)


    Abstract l - 120(132) + (20)


    Perc - 10


    HIDDEN STAT


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Def - (10)


    UNALLOCATED STAT POINTS: 25]


    [CORE - One-Spark]


    [RACIAL TYPE - PRIMORDIAL NOTHINGNESS EMTITY]


    [RACIAL ABILITY - UNIVERSE FORCE MANIPULATION]


    [SKILL - Astronomical Object Manipulation?]


    [SKILL - Subatomic Manipulation]


    [RACIAL ABILITY - BALANCE ASPECT]


    [SKILL - Spell Casting(LOCKED)]


    [SKILL - Non-existent]


    [PERSONAL PERK - ABSOLUTE NOTHINGNESS AUTHORITY]


    [Abstract]


    [AETHERIC BEGINNING ABSTRACT]


    [Creation Abstract/5%]


    [GENERAL SKILL - Eyes of the Unseen, Aether Generation, Divinity Generation, Primordial Chaos Generation, Extra Sensory Perception, Godform, Form of Nothing, Aether Projection, Eye of Fate.


    [THE ARTS]


    [Chaos Elemental Arts]


    "Defense affects health. Players are gonna hunt for lots of defense-oriented gear to protect themselves. " I surmised. Looking myself over I nodded in contentment.


    Then I clicked on the solar system available. Many options came up.


    [NAME


    DESCEND


    DESTROY


    TIME CONTROL


    OBSERVATION


    ANNOUNCEMENT]


    Clicking on the name first I poked my cheek while contemplating. Since it was the first of my solar system then it was only fair to give it the starting name.


    "Origin.".


    The first option disappeared now replaced by the word Origin.


    [ORIGIN - (Solar system)?


    DESCEND


    DESTROY


    TIME CONTROL


    OBSERVATION


    ANNOUNCEMENT]


    Tapping the question mark beside the solar system a plethora of information filled my head.


    Origin was one of the many solar systems formed both from the dawn of time''s remnant energy and the universe form creation. It had two Suns each holding the other with the opposing one''s gravity. Orbiting both suns were various clumps of rocks or asteroids.


    "I''m geared up for Origin". I double-checked before tapping on the first option.


    DESCEND.


    Like a bolt of lightning, my body dropped, the sensation of tearing through the air pricking my skin. The devs didn''t have to add this part.


    "Tsk" I clicked my tongue in annoyance as I shot through the nothingness and into the realms. Past the divine realm and into the sphere of the spirit realm.


    A cold wind went up my skin as it gave me a sense of chills, not danger but more like the eerie feeling, one got from blizzard phenomena.


    Breaking past the other side I shot out into the mortal realm. My body alligned like a star as I descended into the tapestry of gleaming lights.


    I shot into the solar system of origin and finally, my descent died down. Floating there I stared around with a look of awe.


    "Space".


    "Beautiful"


    Then I spotted it. Dark and foreboding like a ball of shadows. Like all light was lost in it even with the blaze of the glaring suns on it.


    Once I stretched my intent to it a panel appeared.


    [MISSION] - [RANK S]


    [Lost world]


    A barren core of nothing that was forged from the embers of divinities fires. Still lacks life, maybe.


    [Forge world]


    [Destroy]


    Removing my intent I took it to the next one that was lighter and smaller.


    [MISSION] - [RANK C]


    [Lost world]


    A barren core of nothing that was forged from the embers of divinities fires. Still lacks life, maybe.


    [Forge world]


    [Destroy]


    "It seems the rank denotes some sort of difficulty. " my voice echoed around me. "I guess I''ll find out soon. But which to take." My intent roamed through Lost Worlds accessing their ranks. The lowest was at rank D and the highest was rank S, it was the first world I had seen.


    A part of me wanted to go for the easy one to figure out the game tempo before hitting the rough waters. But, a disadvantage of the crown of the supreme showed itself.


    Lacking fear was a good thing until you dived headfirst into danger. Which was what I did as I tapped on the forge world for the rank S lost world.


    And once again I was dragged down.


    ****


    THIRD PERSON POV


    [You have entered the domain of the Unknown]


    [Quest assigned]


    Scourge


    The Unknowns, children of the Creator yet also shadows. Born from the coldness of divine embers. A scourge to life, jealousy ever-present. A lack of attention gives rise to depravity.


    [Rank - A]


    [Rewards - Unascertained]


    [Failure - Death]


    "Did I say I love this game?. Nah. I was wrong. I hate it". Hildelith muttered while glaring at the notification glowing challengingly in her sight.


    Worse was the lack of choice in accepting or rejecting the quest. Hildelith was a second away from throwing a tantrum when a sound alerted her from nearby. The sound of a rock hitting the earth.


    [Would you like to Stream, Record, or Both?]


    Remembering the meeting from earlier she shrugged. What was the worst that could happen from streaming? If she finished the quest then fine if not too bad. She didn''t exactly like being watched but since no one would know who exactly it was it could be fun. Either way, Helen wasn''t one to care for fans but somehow Hildelith thought it might be cool.


    Her thoughts were snatched away as another sound registered to her left. Quickly she selected both options and focused.


    "If it''s a fight then Vulkans prize will be better here".


    Her Focus found her inventory while her eyes watched her surroundings. Finding the armor she willed it to be equipped in her body. It wasn''t hard to think this was the method of getting it on since this game was all about Will or Focus. A flash of golden light embraced her for a moment before dimming.


    A golden piece of armor was now wrapped over Hera''s Gown. Her biceps were bare while her left arm was covered with a piece of leather gauntlets and on her right, a fingerless glove adorned her right palm while a golden band was strapped to her right bicep.


    The Cloak of the One covered her back so she still had its stat boost, which with the boost from the Vulkans prize gave her a good chance. She checked out her stats to see the new configuration.


    [NAME - Hildelith


    TITLES - One of the Speakers, Ender of the Beginning.


    FEAT - Creation''s Witness


    RACE - Nothing


    BEING - Creator 79


    LEVEL - 5(0/500)


    HEALTH - 12/12 (480/480)]


    [STATS


    Might - 115 + (60)


    Mobility - 160 + (30)


    Physicality- 120


    Focus - 110(121) + (20)


    Abstract - 120(132) + (20)


    Perception - 10


    HIDDEN STAT


    Def - (10) +(30)


    UNALLOCATED STAT POINTS: 25]


    Only her health went up due to the defense points from the armor. While it looked good Hildelith felt for a moment that it wasn''t going to be enough.


    And she was right.


    Rapid clicking sounds came from her left grabbing her attention, to her right something scuttled past in a flash leaving only the sound of footsteps on the dry ground.


    An eerie feeling of foreboding washed up on Hildelith yet the Crown of the Supreme suppressed all fear. She was absolute. Right?.


    The mood went from exciting and fun to deary and cold. a feeling like being tossed in a horror movie rising in her.


    She wasn''t scared though, just uncomfortable. Her hand gripped the Sword of Murre pulling out the blade of a fine short sword. Its white handle was made of bone and its blade glowed luminescent blue.


    A blue that lit up tbe dark, chasing away the lack of sight. And yet was like a beacon.


    And so they came. Moths to the flame.


    With screeches and clicking sounds. Hildelith found her very first mob of the Creation Online game.


    The Unknowns.


    *****


    Franco sighed with annoyance as he left yet another streaming channel. He was bored beyond his mind but didn''t want to play games now. The fever for Creation Online was still running hot and he was drowning in it.


    Franco had already mapped out his game plan for it once he entered the game next month. His spot among the alpha testers had already been secured, so all he needed to do now was follow as many of the Creator players on their channels as best as he could.


    For now, the best streamer was a certain Creator 24. Though the username had changed to Gaglau. Very fantasy and roleplaying like name if Franco had something to say. Yet he didn''t deny the guy knew what he was doing.


    Yet after watching the Creator player for the last half hour simply forge templates and command his adolescent gods around while trying to create his universe Franco was bored once more. While it would be more exciting to be the creator watching wasn''t very appealing to him.


    So here he was scrolling through the lists of over one hundred Creator players when he saw something pop up.


    The streamer site was segmented into three.


    The public space where you could find all streaming creators. Then there was the personal space where your favorite creators who had been bookmarked or followed and subscribed to by anybody were located. Finally was the new streamers section.


    It only showed those that had never streamed before. If after their first stream, you didn''t like, follow, or subscribe you''d have to find them again if you wished to rewatch by searching the public page.


    Right now he was seeing a red dot that appeared on the new streamer section.


    Franco was confused as most of the Creator players were pro players and those who weren''t were avid streamers. Either way, both and all had already streamed. It was why he hadn''t bothered checking there. Some shared information only with their subscribers which meant only subscribers could see their streams. Others were just to get rhe followers and fanbase and also the gifting that could be given.


    But Franco knew he had gone through a lot of streamers. He was shocked that there were still some who were yet to stream. Streaming now at the beginning of the game was a great way to gain fans. Especially with identities as Creator players.


    Which was why he didn''t understand the hesitation of some players to stream. All should have streamed by now. The red dot seemed to disagree though.


    Still, he decided to check it out. Hopefully, it wasn''t some other boring template creation. That was mostly what was going on now. It seemed most of the players hadn''t progressed past their Universe creation.


    The new streamer was marked with the normal golden hand symbol of the Creator players.


    "Wait golden hand". Franco sat up. The other streamers all had white hands except for two, who had silver and bronze hands. Investigating he realized these were the second and third in the leaderboards.


    "Doesn''t that make you the first. Are you finally streaming? Ah this better be great number one" " He licked his lips as he sat straight took off his headphones and set his headgear on before he clicked on the steamer.


    While the virtual pods were a thing, the virtual head gears had predated them. An immersion of audio and visual pictography that had wowed the younger gaming community back in the day. Even the movie franchises had gotten an increased boon from it. It was no wonder it was the best gear for delving into what Franco hoped to be the best streamer ever.


    It loaded for a few seconds where Franco impatiently shook his legs. Finally, it loaded and the view encompassed his screen. A slight timer to his left topmost vision showed him a time frame.


    ''A two-minute time separation''. Franco knew that wasn''t much which made this even better. The Ancient Ones were trying to watch and make sure nothing secretive was shown. ''Still, the time is okay''. Normally it would be longer to give them enough time to erase and CGI anything unwanted. It just proved processing speed for either the staff or A I depending on which or who was in charge.


    The stream had started and the terrain was the first thing he noticed. It was dark there but somehow he could see. Franco knew it was the game staff lighting it up a bit for the streamers to see what was going on.


    "Which means it''s dark there."


    His eyes focused on the player shown on the screen. Golden hair with a crown he had seen on a few of the Creator player''s heads. She was garbed in golden armor over a purple gown that fell to her heels. The intricacies of the armor left him stunned while the sword glowing a bright blue as she held it up made him sit even straighter.


    "Is this a fight?". he pondered. He had been expecting templates or something else. But a fight! None of the others has shown any signs of violence arriving in their streams.


    The camera was showing the scene from above placing the player in the center. Which gave Franco a good view of the surroundings. Good enough for him to see the little shadows scuttling about.


    Quickly he typed in a comment.


    (@Zuggyman >> @CreatorHildelith) Where is this?


    He quickly sent the message before looking up only to jump in his seat as a trio of creatures pounced into the light created by the sword.


    The first rammed the player hard from behind sending her flying and losing her sword. Franco watched wide-eyed as another slammed into the still airborne Creator and sent her back crashing hard into the rocky ground.


    His eyes kept watching while his hands found his phone and automatically clicked his speed dial as he called his best friend.


    He watched as the creator rose now unarmed the blue sword still glowing faintly a few ways from her.


    Her chest heaved up and down even as he argued with his bud to get onto the streaming site now and find the number one player streaming.


    Franco barely heard the rest of the conversation as he watched the creatures lunge for the player again.


    One flashed past her left slashing deeply into her bicep, another rammed into her abdomen taking a deep bite into her leg. A third from behind went for her throat biting harshly on it as it fought to rip it off clinging ferociously to her back.


    His eyes barely noticed the streamer count at the bottom left of the scream pop up once then again as more people entered the stream.


    A comment about what the hell was going on got ignored by him as the next scene progressed.


    The moment it happened Franco found himself clicking the follow and subscribe buttons then glancing at the calendar on his wall as he wondered how long till a month would arrive.


    He couldn''t wait anymore. He had to get into this game.

 Lost World - The Unknown - Edited

    THIRD PERSON POV


    Hildelith felt pain. It was a very brave move on the dev''s part to add such a receptor to the game. While there must have been a setting for it she had the feeling that there might be none. After all the devs weren''t doing things normally. Fortunately, the pain wasn''t enough to make her focus slip. Of course, the fact didn''t stop her from cursing at the devs for such a realistic pain sensation.


    The unknown was trying to take her head off. Its teeth kept sinking ever increasingly into her neck. The other one kept tugging at her leg trying to rip the limb away.


    ''Goddamned mutts''. If this weren''t a game Hildelith would have been terrified out of her mind. Atleast that was her assumption. The Crown of the Supreme at this point was a long-forgotten accessory.


    Her right hand firmly hooked into the Unknown''s jaw was the only thing keeping her head from flying off.


    ''What to do, what to do?'' Her mind screamed at her to act yet she was lost as to what she was supposed to do now.


    Games had skills right, and spells.


    ''Spells! '' Her mind filled with the intent to perform something. Magic existed in this universe. She knew she had set it in her system. Besides, that was her will, her focus. She could use it to express her intent.


    Her eyes gazed on the Unknown tugging her legs. Willing it to burn. Unfortunately, nothing happened. Well if the system alerting her of both spells being locked and her Abstract being negated by the cold miasma of divine embers counted, then yes something did happen.


    Hildelith cursed mentally at this new information that the system had not cared to share. Yet she could only grumble as the tooth of the unknown sank in deeper. Seeing no other way she finally began to despair.


    Crown of the Supreme went to work.


    Mind clearing Hildelith began accessing her options and even her inventory. At this point, another Unknown had joined the party aiming to seize her other leg.


    She could hear more coming as well as note a flashing red light in the corner of her vision. Her health bar was dropping badly and she knew it was only her large health that was keeping her alive and if she let the attacks go on or the others join she would not last forever.


    That''s when she remembered a very peculiar skill she had If her hands were free Hildelith would have facepalmed from even forgetting it. With a mere flicker of Abstract, she activated her first use of her racial skills.


    [Non-existent]


    Her very self distorted and glitched out of existence. The two creatures finding nothing in their maws raised their heads in confusion. She grinned as the macabre tooth of the Void Wolf appeared in her left hand gripped tightly as she raised it.


    Hilde had thought of using Xena''s Chakram but as cool as the thing looked She had no idea how it worked. Plus it had no point and she felt she needed something stabby.


    "My turn".


    The white fang of the void chaos dagger descended, its destination almost there she willed her non-existence to fade its curved blade digging like a hot knife through butter into the skull of the Unknown biting her left leg. Its growls were instantly silenced as a flash of information appeared in her head.


    [Unknown slain ]


    [+20 Exp]


    Leg free Hildelith pulled out the dagger, a bit of sludge and some brain bits stuck on the blade. Spinning the dagger she let its blade face up as she rammed it into one of the eyes of her neck hogger. Its shriek from the pain was her moment as the Unknown found itself dragged in the air and used to slap balance out of the last unknown still biting her right leg.


    Dagger still in hand she moved the still confused Unknown that barely realized death was near until one of its six eyes was sprouting a blade.


    [Unknown slain]


    [+19 Exp]


    "Not all give the same Exp eh" " She nodded before turning to the injured neck hogger that picked itself up with a low screeching. Before she could finish it off another Unknown rammed her from behind.


    Airborne once more Hildelith watched as another Unknown soared for her from the front. ''The same tactic''.


    Her perception at 10 was good enough to note all these. The earlier attacks only worked due to surprise. Now she knew a smile which would have been sadistic to most was etched out on her cute face.


    The Unknown felt something was wrong even before it met its foe. Yet eternal darkness greeted it as a cold knife split into its skull. The fang of a level 5 Void Wolf was no joke.


    Hildelith had been on its receiving end once so she knew.


    Crashing heel first to the rocky terrain Hildelith spun and lunged into a roll that brought her straight to the Sword of Murre. Swapping the fang to her left hand she picked up the Sword. Its incandescent glow brimming brighter almost like a joyous response to her touch.


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Raising the sword to eye level with the blade aimed forward while squatting low and aiming the dagger so its pointy end went to her left while her thumb pressed on its bottom she yelled out in a fierce girlish but dominating voice.


    "Come you Vermin. I''m a Creator, I can''t be killed. " If Hildelith knew how many views she had at the moment or remembered activating the stream then embarrassment would not have let her make such a statement.


    Alas, she was pissed and simultaneously enjoying the fight.


    Yes. Hildelith after this one exchange felt strong. Something she always desired. Bravery was one thing and strength was another.


    Now she felt a strength in her as she watched and listened to the Unknown bounding for her. With a severely bleeding neck and legs, she gritted her teeth bracing for the impact.


    "I call myself Hildelith for a reason" Her voice, a whisper was lost to the wind as the blue incandescent blade moved powered by more than a hundred and fifty points of strength decapitating the Unknown. And hell descended.


    ''Remind me next time I see an S ranking to go the other way" she whispered to herself regretting her choice while grimacing at the wounds on her body.


    It hurt yet she could feel it slowly closing on its own. Passive regen was a thing it seemed.


    Her worries were disrupted by the mass of Unknown that descended on her.


    Hildelith in turn plunged into the madness as her hands slashed and stabbed in all directions. She tried using Non-existent to get away from the worst attacks while keeping her feet on the move. Still, the wounds grew and blood flowed. Pain pierced her brain and slowly she felt disoriented and overwhelmed.


    " Enough !". With an immense desire for all of the Unknown to just get back, she screamed. A wave of darkness and black mist surged from her as the epicenter and threw all the Unknown back and away a good eight feet.


    [General Skill -Nothinness Wave Emission - gained]


    Send out a wave of nothingness that repels everything 10 feet around you while causing stun and mild injuries]


    I paused to look at the skill I had just unintentionally used. Looking around I realized that the wave didn''t just send them back. It had heavily injured them too. If it had been more or my focus more potent I could have ended them with a mere thought.


    The creatures rose with staggers and Hildelith dashed forward hoping to end them before they found their footing. Her blades sang a tale of death and carnage. Her focus slowly got used to flipping into Non-existent and out. Her leg kicked, her sword descending making heads fly, her dagger drilled into their skulls, and bodies minced or perforated. Yet as fast and as good as Non-existent was it didn''t help her from the few seconds attacks when she was in her physicality.


    She rolled and slid, evaded, and hid behind Unknowns. Controlled the crowd of unknowns to strike at the other not because she thought it would help, but to buy more time between each attack of her sword each time she popped out of non-existent. It lastly allowed her to strike a lethal blow to the creature she used as a shield.


    Finally, she dropped to one knee ichor flowing from her neck and body like streams of water. The last of the Mob dead, its head at her feet as six pale green eyes stared back at her with incomprehensible desire for carnage. Its eyes oozed the last of an ethereal miasma, the cold ember of divinity.


    Pulling up her panel mentally she grimaced at how bad her health looked. Though she got a bit of glee from seeing her level having ascended to the next number.


    [NAME - Hildelith


    TITLES - One of the Speakers, Ender of the Beginning.


    FEAT - Creation''s Witness


    RACE - Nothing


    BEING - Creator 79


    LEVEL - 6(42/600)


    HEALTH - 13/13(290/520)]


    [STATS


    Might - 125 + (50)


    Mobility - 170 + (30)


    Physicality - 130


    Focus- 120(121) + (20)


    Abstract - 130(132) + (20)


    HIDDEN STAT


    Def - (10) +(30)


    Perception - 10


    UNALLOCATED STAT POINTS: 30]


    [GENERAL SKILL - Eyes of the Unseen, Aether Generation, Divinity Generation, Primordial Chaos Generation, Extra Sensory Perception, Godform, Form of Nothing, Aether Projection, Eye of Fate., Nothingness Wave Emission]


    [PHYSICALITY]


    [MIGHT OF THE SWORD]


    Utilize the sword in battle, increases proficiency at learning the blade, attack, and force]


    [Slash/7%],[ Thrust/6%]


    [MOBILITY OF THE DAGGER]


    Utilize speed and skill to end your enemies with a little blade. Increases speed, stealth, and attack of daggers.


    [Cut/8%],[ Evade/5%],[Backstab/5%].


    Looking at it all she couldn''t help but grimace. While the new skills were welcome Hildelith didn''t think gods let alone Creator gods should lack divine abilities. While the Will was useless here there should have been atleast a repertoire of spells for substitution but there seemed to be none. It was bothersome to the Creator player.


    She grumbled for a few moments as usual while pondering if the players had to learn magic themselves. Deciding how troublesome it would be she stamped a foot.


    She rose shakily wiping the blood on her sword off the skin of an Unknown. Looking around Hildelith''s blue eyes narrowed as she realized that she didn''t have a known direction to head to and the system hadn''t alerted her of the quest completion.


    "Meaning it''s far from over". Walking to a rock that lay glad embedded into the ground she slumped onto it.


    That was when Hildelith noticed it. A bird flying overhead with basically no features just looking plain. Yet it was its red blinking eye that had her focusing on it.


    "The streaming camera" she muttered then looked down.


    Her eyes widened, head shot up as she looked back at the bird. ''A streaming camera. The hell..., when .. oh. then. '' Her thoughts jumbled as she remembered the cheesy lines she said back during the fight.


    ''Swallow me now''. she told the ground. Surprisingly the floor began cracking below her as a jagged maw opened to receive her


    "I wasn''t being literal, you crazy earth," she shouted whilst leaping away.


    [Subatomic Manipulation- 1%]


    A pause as she landed when she figured out her Abstract worked made her smile, the camera forgotten. She wondered how it worked. Thinking back she remembered the set of abilities and skills she had that she could use.


    "That''s why spells didn''t work. They''re locked". Annoyed at her forgetfulness she sighed. "The other things there are mostly this balance ability, Subatomic Manipulation-which did that..." She looked to the still ripped open earth. "...my universal force manipulation, absolute cosmic manipulation, and then my perk".


    She rubbed her chin as she thought. ''If personal perks are meant to be the easiest to learn doesn''t that mean...'' she stopped thinking and shut her eyes. Hildelith didn''t know how this was done but something told her she had to feel for something. She came up short.


    "What am I doing wrong?". She brought up the description of her perk and frowned. "Myself!". It seemed to be almost clear only that Hildelith didn''t understand how she was supposed to control herself.


    "But that would mean...oh". Her mind went to the other skill she had. Or more like a thing she could do. Inhaling she shut her eyes and willed herself to become Nothing.


    [Form of Nothingness - Activated]


    Hildelith learned firstly that she had no eyes in this mode. Just pure existence and self. She could see in all directions and even downwards. Her movement was based on willing herself in a direction and even more she felt like this was the perk she wished to use. So she willed a part of herself to shift and separate from her form.


    [Skill - Primordial Nothingness Generation - gained]


    Pleased, she held control of the part of herself which was separate, something she found easy. Too easy.


    [Godform - Activated]


    Regaining physicality she looked herself over. Her wounds were gone. Already healed up and left only slight marks of blood to show where she had once been injured. It felt wrong yet still acceptable.


    ''I get it. '' Hildelith mused. ''Using such a way would have been broken especially since abstract unlike mana in most games doesn''t have a meter. Players could simply keep shifting back and forth while chipping the enemy''s health away and healing. I guess it''s fortunate for the devs not all players will have chosen nothingness''.


    ''I could also use will to heal right?''. Curious she took the Void chaos dagger and slit her palm with her frown. Focusing on the wound she willed it shut. The two skin walls on opposite sides of the slit were forced together by her intent and abstract. It formed a haze above it seemingly sealing the wound.


    ''Well, shit''.


    Negating the abstract when facing the unknown surely makes it impossible to heal. The Devs knew. Meaning even if my spell Casting was unlocked I might not have been able to use it here. Maybe when I was more potent.


    At the moment Hilde didn''t realize she was right and wrong.


    Still, the realization brought the question of how the hell were players supposed to just fight with a blade and fists against such monsters. Well except for those who''d already figured out their abilities and skills.


    ''At least I have you'' She looked at the blob of herself still floating in place. "Now, what to use for?".


    Sighing the girl just looked around at the strewn corpses before remembering.


    "Loot time".

 The Unknown - Edited

    (@Zuggyman) - This, is, insane! Who knows if any other player has met such a mob?


    (@Kaido) - Definitely not. It''d be the talk of the forum for sure.


    (@Bankai) - I doubt any of the lower-ranked players could survive this. I mean she took more hits than possible.


    (@Zuggyman) - Compared to the start of the fight the hits she took now are nothing but scratches.


    (@Toonman) - Impossible. That one creature almost took her leg. The other nearly got her head.


    (@Zuggyman) - Nearly. I believe it''s recorded. Rewatch the start of the fight quickly before she meets the next mobs.


    (@Toonman). - okay.


    (@Hursi14Flimt) -It''s probably a tank build


    (@Zuggyman) - I discussed this with some of the Creator Players and there''s no such concept for builds. Atleast for themselves or for now.


    (@Thatbhadboi) - must be gear then or she''s just higher level.


    (@Kaido) - most of the creators have gears at this point. She''s probably at a higher level I''m guessing she''s been fighting mobs somehow.


    (@Zuggyman) - Guys guys she found something.


    And the chat went silent all eyes focused on the scene.


    *****


    HELEN''S POV


    I decided to practice my Nothingness Manipulation for a while before I walked into a fight I couldn''t handle with just swords and fists. Focused on the blob of darkness I willed it to come at me. The thing moved fast already next to me before a second.


    ''Speed. Check". Before anything though I wanted to confirm another thing. I willed the Nothingness to cling to my skin and seep back into my body.


    [GENERAL SKILL - NOTHINGNESS EMPOWERMENT - gained]


    Infuse Godform with nothingness to improve physicalities. Abstract not affected. Nothingness affinity or RACIALITY is required.


    I felt a shiver through my body making me gasp. I felt more. Lighter, like I had a ton of energy in my body waiting to be let loose. I could feel it traveling and rushing through me. It gave me the feeling to just let it loose. I bounced a bit and felt myself go higher than I thought I normally should.


    ''Amazing''.


    The feeling to just let loose grew and grew and I gave in. Raising my right palm I drew on the nothingness surging through me like I was amwire and it was a current. Then I directed it through my arm and out my hand.


    [GENERAL SKILL - NOTHINGNESS HANDBLAST - gained]


    User projects blasts of nothingness from their hands, being able to cause erasure of affected portion, large wounds of erasure, and fatal impaling of erasure.


    The ground crumbled and turned to dust. The area around the site of affliction breaking and falling into the hole. "Well, shit".


    My awe turned into a smile and I shivered in excitement at the thought of the next Unknown I would meet. ''But first I need to have more of these attacks or at least something for mobility''.


    The first thing I thought of was how I used the nothingness to keep the creatures back. ''Can''t be giving around getting wounded''. So I thought of a variation of the blast where I could keep the enemies on one side away.


    ''But would need me to be faster enough to use Hand blasts to kill the others. Still doesn''t mean the blasts could kill all at once and there could be more than one''s. I frowned.


    Pulling the nothingness out of me I made to try something when I realized something new and exciting. ''I''m generating Nothingness when with my Godform. I thought it would only need me to use Form Of Nothingness but this...this is great ''. With a grin, I pulled more nothingness into my body and felt my energy rise.


    Drawing the nothingness out my palm I directed it first into the Sowrd of Murre. If I could use the nothingness erasure property to wound the Beasts then maybe I could be good.


    ''It could erase your sword?''. The mental question had me halting the nothingness. Looking deeply at the sword I mentally spoke. ''Don''t''.y instructions to the nothingness were fulfilled as the energy flowed over my blade and coated it.


    The black coating covering it gave it a purple hue. A bright purple hue. Then I swung.


    [GENERAL SKILL - SWORD BEAM CUT - gained]


    User uses a sword or other such bladed weapon to unleash powerful beams of nothingness which have increased or a sharp cutting line capable of cutting through matter. In the case of nothingness, such slashes erase the given target. The beams can also work to enhance the cutting range of the blade making sure an enemy is never too far.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    "Holy yeah". A sharp reminder of my stream stopped me from rejoicing seriously. Coughing awkwardly I focused back and muttered with a no business voice. "Yeah".


    Still, I was excited. With Hand blasts I could attack without my sword, with my sword I could deliver more lethal damage. Wave emissions would keep them off me and non-existent would help me move unhindered and attack like an assassin.


    ''Still not a movement skill''. I needed a movement skill. I didn''t and couldn''t come up with something though so I just shrugged. I''d practiced enough. It was time to see what I could do with these new skills and I f I still got my ass kicked.


    ''Well, I''m learning how to fly next''.


    I spammed my new skills to get a feel and muscle memory of it as I walked towards the direction that the Unknown should have come from. With each step taken and each attempt made that failed I was slowly getting better yet tired. Yet something annoyed me.


    "I did make Sol with my Abstract right. Sol is fire so basically I made one huge ball of continuously blazing flame. So why then can''t I create a bloody flame now. ". I wasn''t just speaking of the fire. While Subatomic Manipulation had affected the ground it was nothing about elemental powers. I was very annoyed about having my spell-casting locked since I believed my elements and magic were there.


    ''At least Tora has magic. Maybe I can pick up a thing or two from her. When she''s older. stomping the floor in annoyance I grumbled at it. "But why was my spell cast locked anyway?. Wait does it have to do with magic. There is no magic and there is no... any other force right". I was almost lost in thought now as I realized some things.


    "Alright first things first, what was different about Spell Casting''s description? The mystic arts and all that." I tapped my cheeks while thinking. "But the energies exist, right? Tora has ..." I paused as I realized she didn''t indeed have any such energy. The description said she could manipulate and control any but she didn''t have any.


    "But Haero was able to ...control a sun I put there. He''s shown nothing else but capabilities to use what I created". I was fully scratching my head. Stream be damned.


    "Doesn''t this mean....holy shit". It clicked instantly. What the system meant. What was missing and was important?


    "I am the universe, as the universe is I". It meant the words literally. I couldn''t cast spells because there was no mystic energy in my universe. "But wasn''t the entire power all dependent on Abstract". I shook my head as I realized I was wrong all along.


    "The system checked my Abstract before I could proceed with the creation of Sol. Which means Abstract is important. But ..." I attempted to once more create fire only to be met once more with nothing. "... it''s not everything. Or did Sol''s success have to do with the ''One of the speakers'' title?".


    There was always a nudge whenever I tried to will out the flame yet it was like something was lacking." Fire needs a spark to be ignited. I have the flammable but not the spark. The mystic energy is the spark I need.''


    A click sounded in the distance dragging my eyes up in that direction.


    "I guess I''ll be very busy later. For now, I have a hunt to complete."


    Fortunately for me, I had a perception stat which gave me a higher awareness of everything. Unfortunately, I couldn''t increase it by leveling up and I already tried adding stat points to it too. I did wonder what its difference with Extra Sensory Perception was.


    The requirements for it weren''t visible either since it wasn''t exactly a skill. This left me with the idea of using it constantly in hopes of triggering a level-up mechanism or something that would help increase my main perception.


    Right now I was on full alert as I tried to listen for anything in my surroundings. The entire lost world was the same, rocks and boulders with rough ground. Darkness everywhere. A fog of black cold smoke with tendrils of sickly green rolled around.


    Cold embers of divinity.


    A frown at the stuff appeared on my face while I clutched harder onto the wolf fang. My eyes appraised the fang as a feeling of appreciation welled up within me. It was my source of pride. Its presence reminded me that whatever was down here wasn''t as bad as the Void Wolf. Just more. numerous.


    [MATERIAL - WEAPON]


    [TYPE - VOID CHAOS DAGGER]


    [Forged from the claws of a slain wolf these daggers inflict chaotic damage on divine beings. One of a pair.


    +100 to damage


    x25 to chaos]


    Both striking together would double tbe effects it had. But I preferred holding the Sword of Murre. The dagger was a close combat weapon for those Unknown that managed to evade and get into my space


    Quickly I appraised the sword as well and saw that using Nothingness with it had affected its description. In a good way.


    [MATERIAL - WEAPON]


    [TYPE - SWORD OF MURRE ]


    [A short sword most would lust for. A relic of the old worlds. Once Athena slew a gorgon with its blade. Has been touched by the Nothingness. Increased resistance and conductivity to Nothingness energy.


    +10 to Phy


    +10 to Mob


    +2 to Foc]


    What bothered me though was how the weapons had no ranking or grade. It was like a weapon was just a weapon. This was a game, weapons should have grades or ranks.


    Annoying devs.


    Click click.


    The clickings of those Unknown coming closer made me focus once more as I waited. Unfortunately, these creatures didn''t disappoint. But the game changed.


    This time as they raced up to me I managed to smack one down and instantly slit its throat before I used my appraisal on it.


    My tongue wet my lips as they instantly went dry. My feet took a stagger back as I slowly raised my head and faced forward.


    "If you''re an infant then what the hell is an adolescent!?" I asked as silently as possible while making a slow backtrack. My vision swam. One moment I was looking at the thing, the next, I was seeing myself from above. The ground below me shattered in an explosion of rubble and dust. I was sent flying backward and landed on my back.


    My sight returned to normal.


    [Eye of Fate/5%]


    The thing about fate. She was a bitch. The crazy sight and then the notification that came with it luckily cleared my mind up on what just happened. Since I''d not used the skill the notification made it clear what I''d just experienced.


    I looked down at the ground and then jumped back just in time too as the floor behind me cracked. Everything seemed to go slower, my perception alerting me as I flew backward. The floor where I had been standing burst upwards in an explosion of dust and stone. From within leaped two things, both as huge if not taller than I was.


    A quick appraisal answered my question.


    But what shocked me was seeing another infant Unknown making clicking sounds as it prowled from behind the adolescents. It caught my eyes simply due to the bleeding and injured eye to its left, a spot where I had given it a nice memory of me when it had so arrogantly attempted to take my head.


    "It survived". I muttered incredulously. But that wasn''t the only issue. Things now made a bit of sense. There was barely light here except for that from the Sword of Murre. The ground was rocky and bad for life.


    Almost black and gave off a pungent scent I was sure would be defined as death-like, yet I perfectly tracked a beast that could come and go as it wished when I had no such skills.


    My right foot took a step back resulting in clicking from the infant Unknown.


    "It was a trap.".


    *****


    Franco was wide-eyed as he stared at this. He wasn''t the only one though. In a familiar office, Jameson watched with an entourage of staff on the large screen shocked not that the Unknown was smart but that she perfectly deduced it.


    Jameson had the streamer site on, watching as the number of viewers went up sporadically. She''d already hit a hundred thousand views.


    The comments section was bustling with chatter as to how the Unknown could be smart and strong. They felt it was bad for the devs to create such an unbalanced mob.


    He read most of the comments appearing before a roar brought his attention back to the screen.


    Jameson paled. "Oh, she''s dead now".


    It took about a few minutes before the viewers saw the same scene and the comments went even madder.


    (@Kaido) - This is unfair. How''s she supposed to win this?


    (@Toonman) - I don''t think the devs want her to. I mean with such a mob this could be a high-level area.


    (@Zuggyman) - I doubt she''s stupid to just wander into a higher-level place. You''ve watched her monologues and practice. This Creator Hildelith is smart, maybe not a genius but it is obvious she''s in the area cause she has to.


    (@Lolipop99>>@Zuggyman) - Makes sense. Refuse to believe such a player got there by being dumb.


    (@Thatbhadboi) - You''re all forgetting. Good reason or not she can''t beat that. She needs to escape And maybe return when she''s stronger.


    (@Zuggyman) - She disagrees.


    The comment went silent with that last statement as Franco was focused on his screen. Jameson had long forgotten the stream his attention on the bloody fight happening down in the lost world. His grip was tight as he watched the number one Creator player deal damage and also get damaged.


    At the rate, she took injuries even if she survived she wouldn''t be in a good condition for the boss. Physically, she could heal her injuries Jameson frowned at this part.


    "It''s inevitable" he muttered as he shook his head. "It was a good run too."


    Jameson sighed as he thought of the penalties of death. Apart from the equipment drop and loss of level, there was a 24-hour ban from the game. It would get even worse when other players began to show up. After all Creator players were supposed to be all-powerful and like the Crown of the Supreme described. Absolute.


    A 24-hour ban while not much was everything to players since a lot could happen in a game with time dilation. "Enough time to lose her spot".


    Jameson frowned before settling down forcing open his clenched palms and watching freely. No point in stressing over what was determined.


    Right?.

 First ???? - Edited

    THIRD PERSON POV


    Blood splashed down on the black soil of the lost world. The golden ichor dripping from fair skin seeped into the ground hurriedly in an attempt to save its eroded soul if it was possible. Hildelith knew it wasn''t.


    The soil situation was as bad as her current one.


    The situation was very bad. ''Just as bad as it had been when I was ignorant''. She frowned.


    ''It''s a game. Concentrate, you''re here to get over things. Face your fear and get stronger. Losing here will boot you out. You''ll lose your kids and more'' She criticized herself mentally. Her left palm was empty, the wolf fang lost in the skull of one of the countless beasts that had attacked her.


    Hildelith had tried to keep count of how many Unknown had attacked her by now but gave up at twenty-five after an adolescent bit her between the abdomen almost severing her in half after she''d popped into existence.


    That was where Wolf Fang had gone. The beast while not dead stalked the perimeter while sending in more infants to weaken her. Even as she slew them one by one her attention wasn''t on them. Nor was it on the adolescents either.


    No.


    While her gaze jumped from one infant to the other and occasionally an adolescent her other senses were locked onto the creature that sat a few meters away. It was either lazy or didn''t think she''d win.


    Hildelith didn''t mind for now. As long as it gave her time to grind these mobs then she''d get away long enough to heal and then think of a way to end that thing.


    At that moment, she kicked the floor flying up and back just as an adolescent that had been stalking and waiting crashed into the spot she left.


    Infant beasts were the height and length of normal Great Danes. With six limbs and six pairs of eyes that oozed the cold embers of divinity. Their skin was rough and their furs were prickled with thorn-like spikes in place of fur.


    Then there were the abominations before her. Double the size of an Unknown. The same six eyes but with an extra smaller pair of limbs that looked more like arms making them seem like raptors. Jagged teeth lined their maws with two saber fangs jutting out the front.


    Dangerous was the one word for them.


    Their size didn''t make them any slower. They were even faster than the infant Unknown. More relentless and worse, they were intelligent. She''d had a lot of close calls in this battle, more close calls than she could bear.


    Her body dropping from the jump was close enough for the adolescent to not escape. She had timed the jump expertly taking off long enough to avoid the creature and also begin descent just before it could gain its bearings, flee, or find her again.


    It still found her but it was too late.


    Sword Beam Cut


    Her sword turned purple from the nothingness coating it. Rather than unleashing a beam of nothingness, she buried the blade into the Unknown''s skull, right between its six greenish eyes. She ignored its wails as blackish blood spilled out.


    [Skill - Sword Beam Erupt - gained]


    Unleash the nothingness energy coating your blade within or near the foe to erase affected parts.


    She unleashed the nothingness that had coated the blade letting it spread and quake the Unknown''s insides. It screeched in distress, eyes maddening as it felt pain, one unlike anything it had ever felt. Hildelith jumped away while pulling the sword with her. Black blood spurted out as the Unknown made to take her down with it, jaws snapping where she had been.


    She struck the floor back first as she rolled and then flipped herself over with her left hand unto the balls of her feet. She couldn''t believe how concentrated she was in this fight. Many knew how hard it was to focus and think in a fight.


    [Nothingness Empowerment/5%]


    Gauging an enemy and reacting to them. She could only be thankful for her Nothingness Empowerment and perception stat as she leaped away from a pack of Infants and swung her sword continuously unleashing beams of nothingness from the blade that diced and erased parts of the annoyances.


    A red flash alert to the corner of her eyes gave her warning as an infant managed to nick her.


    [NAME - Hildelith - Warrior One


    TITLES - One of the Speakers, Ender of the Beginning.


    FEAT - Creation''s Witness


    RACE - Nothing


    BEING - Creator 79


    LEVEL - 9(408/900)


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    HEALTH - 16/16(152/640)]


    She grimaced at the sight of her health while leaping away and keeping her distance between her and the creatures. The running part of her plan suddenly felt like something she should do now but looking at the creatures surrounding her she realized that fleeing could be harder now if not impossible.


    Thinking of the mission and quest she pulled both up.


    [MISSION - RANK C


    Lost world


    A barren core of nothing that was forged from the embers of divinities fires. Still lacks life, maybe.


    [Forge world]


    [Destroy]


    [QUEST


    Scourge


    The Unknowns, children of the Creator yet also shadows. Born from the coldness of divine embers. A scourge to life, jealousy ever-present. A lack of attention gives rise to depravity]


    [Rank - A]


    [Rewards - Unascertained]


    [Failure - Death ]


    Looking at both she realized there were no cancel options or end mission or quests in the panel. While in the quest''s case, it showed failure as death for the mission there was nothing else.


    It made her wonder if this mission would just keep dragging her down here to complete it or something. This was the issue with a completely new game, with unknown mechanics. ''Maybe I can''t even return without completing it or some Debuff punishment''.


    Creator Online had already shown that it was built differently which meant she had to do something different.


    "What to do?" The game devs covered all the spots. Troublesome skills, put a boss she could definitely not beat and now she couldn''t even pass the quest or cancel.


    "I can''t cancel the quest unless I die. Devs, those heartless beings love making things difficult but there''s always a way. If not games won''t be playable " She dived to the side and swung her sword decapitating yet another Unknown.


    [Unknown slain]


    [+18 Exp]


    "Three points to consider." She palmed at an adolescent hard aiming for its chest. A Hand Blast erasing its torso. Spinning she soccer kicked an infant trying to sneak up on her away. Her head whipped down as a maw snapped right over her. Sword of Murre flashed up creating a shower of black liquid. " An unbeatable monster and a forceful suicidal quest".


    Her gauntlets stopped the fangs of an adolescent just barely. Her eyes glared at it then back to the boss who still sat there.


    ''I can''t beat you, Im not sure if there is a way to use my divinity, something tells me it won''t be easy to use nothingness against you and the quest is a forced one, I need to complete it. ''


    Her eyes went to the floating text of the quest once more then willed information about it to enter her head that way she could still focus as she pummeled the annoyance of an adolescent with the hilt of her sword.


    Her eyes locked to the still unmoved boss as the words of the quest rang in her head. Her gaze roamed over the massacre and then she froze as something finally clicked.


    ''Shit''.


    Jumping back she dropped to her knees to avoid another attack then rose pure shock and disbelief etched on her pristine face. '' ... scourge to life due to their jealousy over the lack of attention given to them by who?.''


    How the hell did children throw tantrums, by misbehaving right? A way to gain their parent''s attention. Their parent who was..?


    "Me".


    The creatures were pissed at her. That''s why the boss wasn''t attacking and why the quest wasn''t stopping it had no way to be stopped. It was one she had to complete. To either make amends with her children somehow or well, Hildelith stopped that part from registering.


    ''That''s why it''s not attacking. It probably doesn''t want to kill me. It''s just pissed at me and probably wants to make me suffer. Or am I overthinking and it''s just like normal bosses waiting for their minions to get killed off''. The creatures were still rushing for her making her wonder what to do when a ding sounded in her brain.


    [QUEST UPDATE]


    [Scourge]


    The Unknowns, children of the Creator yet also shadows. Born from the coldness of divine embers. A scourge to life, jealousy ever-present. A lack of attention gave rise to depravity.


    [Rank - A]


    [Rewards - Unascertained]


    [Failure - Death ]


    [Judgment]


    The Unknowns'' desires have been deduced, and their longing noticed. Yet is the choice to forgive or punish truly yours?


    [RANK - S]


    [Rewards - Unascertained]


    [Failure - Death]


    [YOU HAVE CLEARED QUEST - SCOURGE]


    [RECEIVE REWARDS]


    [Y/N]


    ''Yes''.


    [REWARD]


    [TOME - Divine Purity]


    [Use Tome]


    [Y/N]


    Why Hildelith wasn''t sure of what exactly the tome was as she didn''t have time to read its description she figured it would be useful since the game rewarded it for the scourge quest completion.


    With a sigh, Hildelith affirmed the use and shivered when the tome appeared in her hand before breaking into a thousand pieces of golden motes that melted into her skin. Rushing up like a stream into her skull.


    [YOU HAVE GAINED INSIGHT]


    [Insight - Divine Purity Attained]


    The information that flowed into her head surprisingly gave Hildelith more understanding of the workings of one major thing in the game and also cleared a grand confusion. It also made her realize some things that she overlooked. Hilde shivered at the ingenuity of the devs once more.


    "This just proves that not everything is solved by fists".


    She realized that the devs made this quest into a trap, one that very few creators could escape. The trap wasn''t even the pack of infant and adolescent Unknowns vying for their heads.


    No. It was a run-or-fight trap.


    Most fights were simple. Beat it, if unbeatable, run, grow stronger, and return. Attempt again. Like facing the higher-level boss of a popular dungeon.


    Sure the creator players could win then but they had lost in hindsight. Hildelith was unsure of the possibility of getting this tome somewhere else. The severity of this fight made her think only this quest would reward it.


    The devs wanted the Players to think out of the box. Something they''d hinted at from the very start since making them creators.


    "This game is nothing like the others" she muttered as she accessed everything.


    By fighting the Unknown Creator players were made to learn that the Unknown were just angered and abandoned children who wanted their love and attention. Failing to realize this and rather see them as monstrous disturbances would make the scourge quest incomplete keeping the second quest judgement hidden.


    The reason for such a story was lost to Hilde but it didn''t matter at the moment.


    If the creator players killed the boss then there might be a backlash or something she wasn''t sure about yet. The only way to know what lay ahead was to figure out the second quest.


    It didn''t look simple either.


    First, she thoroughly scrutinized the information on Divine Purity learning everything about it as she rolled about, dodged, and weaved through the Unknown.


    Even as she completely understood it she finally understood the rank increase in Judgement. How was she to face the boss while ignoring the Unknown now she knew that she shouldn''t kill them.


    Even worse was upon getting within a specific range of the boss she saw its description. This beast larger than anything rose its head and gazed upon her. Six eyes each a greenish glare locked on her, three to one side of the head and three to the other side.


    Its rows of serrated teeth were terrifying to behold and in front four sabre-like fangs that were as tall as she was. The upper pair were terrifyingly longer than the lower pair.


    A ripple of scales, black as the night with several spikes and bones jutting out from the top of its head and running along its spine to the tip of its tail. though shorter on that spot.


    Large claws on five-fingered paws, limbs that unlike the unknown were only four. Two huge leathery wings with glowing scarlet veins barely noticeable running along it.


    Its head turned as if to gaze upon her properly. And she saw its complete appraisal. Hildelith shivered as a realization struck her brain like thunder almost freezing her in the spot.


    Games had a way of showing importance to NPCs, like Princess or Prince and even Crown Prince, Dukes, etc. It went to show the importance of titles. Yet Haero was called First of his Name. Hildelith had not been bothered to question the why. After all, he and she should have been the only existences at the time in the Star Rings. She hadn''t thought it out much back then or even thought at all since she assumed it had something to do with being the first administrator or god. But now she realized how wrong she had been.


    Before her eyes lay Molliwag. The Great Dire Dragon, Black Divine of Origin, and First Unknown of the Star Ring Universe. Yet even as she read the very last words, they quivered before her very sight broke and collapsed. The mists of the destroyed words "First Unknown of the Star Ring Universe" wafted up like waste being recycled and slowly it formed the true words she was meant to know from the very beginning.


    [Firstborn of the Creator]

 Molliwag - Edited

    This was a plot hole, a huge one. It had to be. The devs had made it clear that the Creators could only create the administrators first before any other race. Only five of them for that matter.


    Hilde frowned while contemplating carefully''. ''I made Zeus before I made the other four. But that''s because the Divine Beast slot opened after I made Haero. Right? ''.


    Thinking of it now Hildelith realized that neither she nor the other Creator players had checked if there were any open slots apart from the administrators.


    ''That''s what those devs were hiding. By throwing us in blind we could only follow the procedures given. Sure we could ask and find things out ourselves, but we didn''t even know exactly what to seek. Fucking bastards''.


    This meant that she truly had created Molliwag, or the devs had with the coldness of her Divine energy. She was sure it was the same for all the creators. The question now was why. and what was the endgame? Hildelith didn''t act rashly. The devs had been thorough about everything to this point.


    There had to be a deeper meaning and something hidden.


    ''Why make Molliwag and make me face him? To slay the proverbial dragon''. No, that seemed too cliche. The devs had long strayed from the cliche game lines. She was sure if everything shown till now was to be put into account.


    ''Befriend the dragon and form a bond?''


    ''What, become a dragon rider?'' she pondered. It felt too confusing and also fickle. Like something not normal yet normal.


    ''Still feels cliche'' she admitted to herself.


    What was she meant to do with Molliwag? Still unsure she decided to appraise him again.


    [NAME - Molliwag


    Title - The Great Dire Dragon, Black Divine of Origin, FirstBorn of the Creator (Star Ring Universe)


    RACE - Cold Dire Dragon


    BEING - Administrator/God


    LEVEL - 21(100/1100)


    STATS


    Might - 51


    Mobility - 46


    Physicality- 66


    Focus - 62.1


    Abstract - 56


    [RACIAL TYPE - PRIMORDIAL (DIRE) DRAGON]


    Dire - One with the madness. Immune to mental persuasions.


    [RACIAL ABILITY - ULTIMATE POWER]


    User wields ultimate power; a unique and ultimate force of limitless power that can ascend themselves and their inner power to their pinnacle as they are forever bonded and infused with such infinite power that they have the unlimited potential to do anything.


    [SKILL - ABSOLUTE WILL]


    User has an absolute strength of will, which can be applied to achieve virtually anything through sheer force of intent. The user is completely immune to all forms of control and possesses complete and total freedom due to their willpower overriding anything put against them. (LOCKED).


    [SKILL -FIRE GENERATION]


    Users can freely generate, shape, and manipulate fire as they deem fit


    [RACIAL ABILITY - CHAOS MANIPULATION]


    User creates, shapes, and manipulates the chaotic forces in the universe, allowing manipulation of probability or manipulation and shattering of reality.


    [SKILL - CHAOS MATTER MANIPULATION]


    The user creates, shapes, and manipulates the matter of the primordial Chaos in varying ways.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    [SKILL - CHAOS CONSTRUCTS]


    User can change anything/everything, including matter/energy, elements, forces, powers, concepts, etc., into shapes and forms or primarily objects and other phenomena.


    [PERSONAL PERK -ELDRITCH DRAGON PHYSIOLOGY]


    User is a draconic abomination, an eldritch being whose very existence defies the rules of nature and/or existence and is defined by its disregard for the natural laws of the universe.


    "Yeah. Very conveniently locked eh? Would be impossible to beat that anyway." I grumbled.


    Another way around this. What was another way around this? As I considered various options I realized that the other Unknown had halted a fair distance from both I and Molliwag. Either too scared to be near him or obeying some order he gave.


    My eyes traveled from their poised forms to his relaxed self and nodded. ''Definitely his order''. But that didn''t solve my issue.


    How did the devs intend for this quest to be passed? Scourge turned out to be an enlightenment with an insight. She didn''t understand what insight was but it wasn''t the issue for now. Her problem was why gift an insight for finding her renegade group of children whom she could either choose to kill or forgive.


    "Wait. Choose" she muttered.


    Seeing a link she pulled up the quest info for the judgment once more her eyes reading its words again and again.


    "Is the choice to forgive or punish truly mine?" she asked herself in the last line. Eyebrows furrowed.


    Her mind recapped the story from the beginning, up till the scourge and its words then finally to now.


    ''Created and somehow ended up here. The devs doing but he doesn''t know that. All he knows is being abandoned'' I reasoned. He''d have a solid reason to hate me. I probably would have an issue with my parents if they didn''t have a good reason and even then, I would still feel bad.


    "The choice, is not mine is it?". I hissed''. Regardless of my lack of fault in this '' I had to play along with the devs'' story. Looking up to Molliwag I dismissed the Sword of Murre into my inventory and took a step forward.


    As I approached a click sounded in my head as a bolt of energy rushed from there down to my chest. Like a signal a pulse of undulated divinity spread in all directions of my body.


    My blue eyes took on a bright golden glow while my wounds instantly sealed up. I felt the fatigue in me settle while my body released a soft gentle aura that radiated a sense of peace and calm. I had done this with something, not Nothingness.


    "I know your rage Molliwag. " I exhaled as I racked my mind for words leaving my curiosity at the new power for later.


    "I don''t dare say I understand what it feels to be abandoned. What you feel. It must be hate. For me. I understand that. I wish to use no excuses...".


    ''...as much as I have a dozen to say''. Of course, she only said the last part mentally.


    "Your wrath. Your pain. It''s all justified. "her arms went up in a pleading gesture.


    I gulped as the dragon barely blinked simply staring with the same apathetic expression as it had since I came.


    "I just need you to grant me one wish."


    Molliwag flared finally, his eyes blazed brighter oozing even more ambient energy in green smoky waves.


    ''Well, that sparked him''.


    "You dare ask me a favor. As expected always thinking of yourself...". He roared his feet shifting as he moved. "... Mother" he sneered the last word quite provocatively like I didn''t deserve to be one. I''d have him know I cared deeply for my in-game children.


    "Not for me. For this world, for them," I waved to the Unknown. "And for you" I added the last part. He stilled for just a moment before he scoffed a plume of green smoke exhaled from his nostrils.


    "Tricks "he roared out further enraged by my use of the Unknown to get to him. His form rose as his words thundered. " Lies, to deceive me. Lure me into a calm before the slaughter." He snarled like a beast as he crouched down his head brought low enough to look me directly in the eye.


    Damn was he huge.


    "You fail!!. Mother ".


    [QUEST UPDATE]


    [Judgment]


    The Unknown''s desires have been deduced their longing noticed. Yet is the choice to forgive or punish really yours?


    [RANK - S]


    [Rewards - Unascertained]


    [Failure - Death]


    [YOU HAVE ENTERED PHASE TWO]


    [Intervention]


    Negotiations with the FirstBorn have failed. Molliwag may or may not wish to heed you " mother". Maybe a clear mind would help.


    You have thirty minutes to right what has been wronged.


    [RANK - S]


    [Rewards - Unascertained]


    [Failure - PERMANENT DEATH]


    ''Don''t think the words permanent death hid that jab you just dished system.'' I frowned.


    Molliwag reared up like the beast he was, his head tilted to the skies that didn''t exist his gleaming six eyes visible from her spot as his jaws parted. From within him poured out his rage, his anger. and his pain all combined into one terrifying, core shaking, and heart-pumping roar.


    Then with a glint of all the fangs that littered his savage jaws, he glanced down at me. I swear he smiled. He god damn freaking smiled at me.


    I couldn''t help but widen my eyes, then narrow them back.


    It was so on.


    ****


    THIRD PERSON POV


    Boom.


    Boom.


    Now Hildelith could officially say she understood and felt the terror of the soldiers at war fronts. Partially. It was a suffocating pressure, a terrible feeling of fear, the panic of not knowing the wrong or right turn to make.


    Fear that fortunately kept getting negated by the Crown of the Supreme. Hildelith wasn''t very athletic but she loved keeping fit to waste away the hours and to strengthen herself.


    Right now though she realized what it truly meant to evade and run. Run while avoiding and dodging the countless attacks of Unknowns she could not slaughter. Run while sliding out the path of Molliwag''s breath of green smoldering fire, constructs of chaos raining down upon her.


    Her armor and dress were dirtied, her skin looking bruised from all the explosions, the green flames burning around her which didn''t singe her skin, and the little cuts that the Unknown managed to carve unto her fair arms.


    Molliwag was refusing to see reason and by all the gods Hilde was adamant about making him see lots of reasons either calmly or not. The how to get it done though was the issue. Her caution for its flame had long gone due to the prompt she got after the first wave of fire.


    [Enemy Abstract insufficient]


    [Flame effect negated]


    The flames tickled but did no damage due to Molliwag''s lesser Abstract. While huge he was still only a godling babe. Which meant the only way for it to kill her was by physical attacks. Maybe. But while she suspected surviving a claw attack as possible she didn''t want to risk entering his maws.


    Hilde slipped around a boulder coming up to the side where she slapped yet another Infant Unknown to the side. Her eyes glared with annoyance at Molliwag as she breathed deeply.


    Many things made sense now.


    The Unknown weren''t difficult to beat. Infact thinking about it now clearing the scourge was more of an impossibility in the entire quest chain. Getting to Molliwag made Hilde realize how above the Creator Players were.


    The Void wolves maybe could match them but anything within their universe would be weaker no matter the Level difference. It was like they were in a different tier.


    This quest was only ongoing now because she couldn''t or shouldn''t harm the goddamn creatures, but apparently, they could harm her. It was an annoyance.


    Now she was running around like a footless chicken desperately trying to figure out the rest of the quest. She was calmer as she had already deduced that each quest chain provided insight into clearing the next.

 The Ways of the Rod - Edited

    Scourge had shown the truth of the Unknown, Judgement had taken her right to judge away and now Intervention had set her into a conundrum where she had to put the Unknown in place by force. All while refraining from killing any of the Unknown anymore.


    ''I should stop calling them the Unknown, but till when I find an accurate name I''m stuck with that''. She leaped into the air avoiding the stream of bright sickly green flames.


    ''Best to keep avoiding those, keep Molliwag from physically chasing''. Getting permanent death was a no-no. The devs had wonderfully given a permanent death as punishment for getting killed by Molliwag or killing Molliwag. That atleast was how she interpreted the failure punishment of death since it was already clear she could kill the huge dragon anytime.


    In a way, it made the matchup a bit unfair, yet also reasonable.


    Right now she was close enough to figuring out the secret to Molliwag''s defeat but like an oily pin on an equally oily floor, it kept eluding her.


    ''Atleast my health is better than before. '' she thought mentally checking on her health. It had fallen a bit low from the scratches and nicks but overall remained high enough.


    ''Divine Purity is surely one hell of an insight. An Overkill if I may say.''


    Her legs halted drawing traction on the ground. Her eyes locked unto Molliwag as a single thought pushed its way to the surface like a swimmer coming up for air.


    ''If the devs made everything quite different and unexpected then what would an ability that should be just for healing do?? Or wait, what if this time it''s not too different? She turned existent to look at her palms but suddenly noticed another attack getting close.


    ''Shit'' Hilde moved to the side avoiding the adolescent that crashed there. "Be on the move". She chastised herself but kept her gaze behind and around her.


    ''Back to that. Let''s check out Divine Purity''.


    [INSIGHT]


    [NAME - DIVINE PURITY]


    Divinity is pure, holy, and bright a true counter in some ways to the Primordial Chaos an energy having no match. Its effects are the complete opposite of the dark miasma of the Void.


    The text was the last of the written information the rest simply settled into her head. A bit of understanding came to her yet it also brought more intricacies.


    "Enough running Mother" the roar of Molliwag sent a chill down her spine freezing her long enough to let an adolescent Unknown scrape her right forearm. With a lapse in thought, she willed it to be sent flying but it barely moved her will useless without the specific skill.


    A groan escaped her while she leaped back again flooding her arm with Divinity courtesy of Divine Purity. The beautiful feel of warmth spread over her and into the wounds on her body, quickly replenishing her health. Yet it didn''t make her smile or happy.


    It was a matter of time too before Molliwag got fed up and she would have to fight him. An accident could lead to death on either side. Something she couldn''t accept.


    The Unknown still there leaped at her while the Divine worked its restoring magic. Stunned at the sudden attack yet again she blasted another force of Will at the creature.


    Something different happened.


    A wave of ethereal golden energy spread out from her striking the Unknown and flinging it back.


    Two dings resounded in her head simultaneously and two lines appeared in her vision while a voice repeated the words already emblazoned into her line of sight like it wanted to make sure she understood.


    [YOU HAVE GAINED INSIGHT]


    [Divine Cloak]


    Instant information flowed into her brain explaining what just happened and other things. When she was done absorbing it all and understanding, a laugh escaped her.


    ''Now it makes sense''


    Cold embers of divinity, basically the leftovers of Divine energy negated all will from beings with pure divinity which she had. This was due to the resemblance it bore with the main divinity The catch though was the balance, just like cold divinity could negate her will, she could negate the will of those with cold divinity.


    ''Not like it would have mattered. Can''t even utilize any skill or spell without the energy.'' she reasoned catching an Unknown and tossing it into the pack of them. Then there was the loophole she just found. She could use her will on the Unknown if she cloaked it with Divinity. The burst of Abstract while using Divine Purity had taken the energy with it hidden within thus the golden wave.


    ''Like I stopped using it like a tool and just made both Abstract and Divinity the tool. Combined both''.


    "But it''s not enough if I don''t...Wait a minute" Her eyes widened as she looked at her palm.


    Her eyes went to the Unknown her burst of Divine Cloak hit wiggling and screeching from the divinity affecting it.


    "It surely can''t be that simple right". Dashing forward while slipping nimbly through the grasps of various Unknown her Cloak of the one somehow also getting past without being snagged she slid onto her knees beside the Unknown and shut her eyes in concentration. It didn''t take long to find and understand the information she needed.


    Processed it.


    Then her eyes opened. A suppression landed on the environment as she felt her aura spread from her. But it was more than Aura.


    [GENERAL SKILL - Divinity Emission - gained]


    The Divine you form now flows not just through you but can also be forced out. This energy powers the very godly and divine phenomena related to beings of your level.


    [GENERAL SKILL Abstract - Phys Emission - gained]


    The Abstra-physical manifestation of your Abstract or Will. Unlike the mere mental utility, this one bears a more physical presence that can be easily seen and felt.


    [General Skill - Divine Cloak gained]


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Divinity melded into Abstract forms a semi-shrouded energy that let''s divinity act without detection.


    [General Skill - Aura - gained]


    Divinity is the very strength of gods. Outwards its very presence is spread. Abstract manifested bears the might of your mental prowess and capabilities. Conjoined, both create an intense sensation, weight, and pressure called Aura.


    She ignored the prompt since she expected it. The information had come with aura learning. Simply because Divine Cloak was a mix of divinity and one''s Will. One bearing her Abstract and the other her divinity. Together it created pressure for those beneath her level.


    It was this same Divine Cloak that she funneled into the Unknown watching as it twitched and screeched in horror and pain. A loading bar appeared slowly rising to demonstrate the ongoing progress.


    Hildelith had words for the loading bar but she was too focused to bother.


    Her awareness was spread through the Unknown''s body finding everything within. She could sense and feel her Divine Cloak burning through the Unknown, mapping its internal structure and more.


    Unknown to Hilde at this point the bird following and recording her fight blinked. The game staff edited out scenes.


    Unaware she poured more of the Divine Cloak into the adolescent watching as it twitched and screeched for help. But its cries and screeches were useless as none of the Unknown could move with the full brunt of her uncontrolled Level 9 Aura and then the boosts from her amplifiers.


    All the Unknown that entered her aura range were flattened while Molliwag could barely move his breath seething with greenish flames.


    Finally, the loading bar filled up and she saw what she wanted to see or hoped to be good.


    [Unknown has been purified]


    [Cold Ember Divinity Cleared]


    [You have received a shard]


    The Unknown was quiet, its body now changed. Gone was the macabre creature that once brought chills. In its place lay a still six-eyed lesser beast.


    [You have redeemed a new race]


    [First to Purify an Unknown]


    Rewards - x5 Blank Upgraded Racial Templates.


    Chance to name the local race.


    Hilde looking at these rewards could only smile as she realized she had figured it out. She had won.


    A roar from upfront shook her a bit, Molliwag was now free and pissed. In her distraction, she had lessened or removed her Aura.


    "Half won". She mumbled making a face.


    "Now how to purify you all?" Another sigh, then a slow rise to her feet. To the Unknown, she at that very moment with the little glow of veins on her bare arms, the golden luminous eyes in the dark, and standing next to a now white six-legged former member of them resembled nothing but an Angel of death.


    Not that she would like the use of the word angel.


    "Come you stubborn kittens. Let mummy soothe your sorrows". Her golden blonde hair fluttered as a draft kicked up around her. The light in her arms increased as did the glow of her eyes almost glaring like beams of stars.


    Hilde smiled sweetly as if she wasn''t compressing as much Abstract as possible within a ball of divinity. Molliwag sensing the danger in the air roared defiantly.


    Her head whipped to him.


    "Be silent child. No need to be hasty. The Rod of discipline will reach you too" Turning back to the other smaller Unknowns she released the ball and watched the Lost World light up in a more radiant light for the first time since its birth. The screeches and wails of anguish tore into her ears. None distracted her from the beautiful notifications popping into her mind.


    [Unknown has been purified]


    [Cold Ember Divinity Cleared]


    [You have received a shard]


    [Unknown has been purified]


    [Cold Ember Divinity Cleared]


    [You have received a shard]


    ****


    ''I the Great Dire Dragon, First Born of this universe felt threatened by a little being. She was my mother sure, still, she was, a little, puny.'' he pondered.


    ''Why obey such a weakling and why feel fear when I held the true might here?'' Molliwag knew Dragons were born to dominate and stand on top and no little person, parent or not would tell him otherwise.


    He''d been patient expecting the lesser ones to harm her enough for him to devour. All that power within her becoming the spark that would make him the true creator of this universe and let him bask it in his glow and his likeliness.


    Yet his plan seemed to have failed. He should have rushed out there and stomped her tiny form to death yet a part of him had held back.


    The voices in his head attempted to call him weak for that soft side of his. He had pushed to go yet that soft side had shown its strength by keeping him still. Making him wait.


    And now this.


    He had felt the Aura. One of a true being. Something that transcended even him. Sure he felt above and beyond her but that was simply because he possessed the very same energies she was made of. He was almost her equal for this reason. But the keyword there was almost. Part of him hated and raged at it, the other his softer part feared and at the same time respected it. It was confusing to the Great Dire Dragon.


    But funnily this time the soft side didn''t halt his advance even egging him on when he roared and got insulted for it. His body kicked into the air as a light blinding and hot washed over his territory. The screeches of his lesser children were like scrapes of nails on boards to his ears.


    The Great Dire Dragon roared. A fury beyond his comprehension boiled from him as the light dimmed and showed him the new skin of all his children, now different. Their skins were no more the prideful black they once were.


    Molliwag roared as he descended with a burst of his powerful wings. His maws opened as from within the glow of the green flame rose. He descended till he was close enough then spat a deluge of sickly green fire onto the puny being called Mother.


    He dropped even lower as he burned her. His glee matched his fury as he watched the flames shroud her, his joy at the victory clouding his senses.


    Senses that warned him too late.


    A little hand of darkness shot out of the flames and grabbed his maw before he could fly past, he could feel the terrifying pressure it bore. One of finality.


    His cold divinity attempted to burn off the Darkness yet it got erased thoroughly by the darkness. He felt the sensation of spinning and then his back slammed into the ground behind his mother.


    His brain fought to register how his breath had failed to burn. It was inconceivable. But there was a chance, the stupid Mother of his had neared him. Did she not fear his size? Compared to him she was nothing but an ant.


    He rose quickly eager to squash her now she had drawn close.


    Boy was he wrong. A mountain''s worth of pressure struck his shoulders, the ground cracked and he thought he could taste the air burning from the heat of the aura. He cracked a gaze and saw her. In all her bloodied glory she stood gazing upon him with eyes filled with fatigue.


    Her left hand fisted and her eyes a sea of black with a prick of golden light between them.


    "Bad children get the cane boy". Her voice like thunder, soft but domineering resounded in his ears. His soft side cheered at his loss while the other him raged and urged him to push this puny power away and claim his right.


    He agreed his legs cracking the ground as he fought the pressure.


    He felt it then.


    Just as a whisper graced his hearing.


    "Too late my little drakeling. Now be calm for mother. For she knows best ".the left palm she had up clenched tightly. He felt it instantly, not the pressure. But a sensation of absolute and utter weakness. Control she had over him.


    She brought the fist down and he followed. His very self smacking the floor like a puppet.


    Then a surge of energy washed into him like a tide. Flooding into his brain and body. His soft side cheered while the other him roared in desperation even as all three could feel the energy correcting what had been wronged within him.


    His cells lapped it up greedily, his muscles and veins absorbing it all. His blood boiled and filtered and his scales and core, energy, and will all got primed and cleansed.


    Then he saw darkness, a distant lullaby ringing in his ear and lulling him faster into his abyss.


    "Sleep my dearest one".


    "Wake in a land of beauty".


    "Shed your foreign scales"


    "And don your new real self"


    "For while Mother may be mistaken".


    "She always wants best".


    *****


    The comments section of the stream was silent. The game staff with Jameson were frozen. Yet the awe they felt was even more than that of the streamers who had to suffer through various dark and shuttered scenes.


    All they saw was a dark world light up and then white corpses littered everywhere. Hilde singing a lullaby to what they assumed was a dying dragon as it writhed and died, as they thought.


    Then the stream ended.


    Three hundred thousand views.


    (@Zuggyman )- I''m staging a protest. The devs need to let the rest of us play. Who''s in?


    (@Kaido) - I''ll get back to you on that. Let me digest this feeling of WOW feeling me up


    (@Hardman) - Who saw that part where she got burned by the dragon only for it to get smashed like a doll into the ground? *Shivers*.


    (@Toonman) - Guys. Note to self. When you see a creator. Run.


    (@Thatbhadboi) - Who''s got a slot for the alpha testing? I got one. We should head for wherever she is. Hopefully, she will give us good advice in this game.


    (@Bankai) - Yeah she knows her stuff.


    (@Lolilpop) - Guys she''s winging it as she goes. We all saw her running about like a footless chicken. Probably figuring out how to proceed.


    (@Toonman) - You mean a headless chicken. and yeah that was obvious. But her ability to figure things out is genius.


    (@Lollipop) - Headless chickens can''t see where they''re running. And yes. That''s my point. She''s badass. Wonder how to know her region.


    (@Toonman) - Footless chickens can''t even run.


    (@Zuggyman) - I guess we alpha testers will find out soon enough. Can''t wait.


    (@Zuggyman >>@Thatbhadboi) - I''m up.


    (@Bankai) I didn''t get the slot. Hopefully, I''ll get the beta.


    (@Kaido) I got one.


    (@Kaido>>@Zuggyman & @Thatbhadboi) - I''m in too.


    Jameson sighed as he read the last of the comments before leaving to focus back on the girl who was now searching for the Core of the lost world.


    "She''s too good. Is she a pro player. ?" he wondered his eyes never leaving the radiant form of the player as her golden hair hid the side of her face, the fur still somehow intact even after the brutal fight.


    "She coated even her clothes. Smart" he nodded approvingly. His eyes went to the digital clock that stood to the side of his table.


    It read 4 am. By his calculation, she had been fighting for almost twenty-one hours. An hour IRL was three in the game thanks to time dilation.


    "Impressive. But she''d better get her stats up faster though. She should have attained a lot of levels. Bummer that I can''t check that and the A.I won''t reveal either." he sighed before rubbing his eyes his neatly gelled hair of the previous day now tussled up. Around him most workers had started heading for their offices to finish the stream, some had stayed and now reclined in chairs in the large office.


    ''Best to finish up. Tomorrow she''ll be offline in the day so I can sleep then.'' he surmised before arranging his desks and pulling out files with the words alpha testers in bold italics.

 New Parameters and Insights - Edited

    "... x5 Blank Advanced Racial Templates, x52 Shards".


    I nodded at the loot I managed to get from the fight with the Unknown while walking through the still-thick night of the lost world. Well, there wasn''t exactly any light. I realized for some reason that the light of Sol sun was unable to permeate into this place.


    [QUEST UPDATE]


    [Scourge]


    The Unknowns, children of the Creator yet also shadows. Born from the coldness of divine embers. A scourge to life, jealousy ever-present. A lack of attention gives rise to depravity.


    [Rank - A]


    [Rewards - Unascertained]


    [Failure - Death ]


    [Judgment]


    The Unknown''s desires have been deduced their longing noticed. Yet is the choice to forgive or punish truly yours?


    [RANK - S]


    [Rewards - Unascertained]


    [Failure - Death]


    [Intervention]


    Negotiations with the FirstBorn have failed. Molliwag may or may not wish to heed his mother. Maybe a clear mind would help.


    You have a chance to right what has been wronged.


    [RANK - S]


    [Rewards - Unascertained]


    [Failure - PERMANENT DEATH]


    [YOU HAVE CLEARED QUEST - JUDGEMENT]


    [YOU HAVE CLEARED QUEST - INTERVENTION]


    [RECEIVE REWARDS]


    [Y/N]


    [QUEST COMPLETED]


    It seemed the devs withheld from gifting me anything due to Divine Purity. It made sense since I figured out a few things from the Insight. If they had gifted me Divine Cloak I might have figured out their game instantly and if they gave me something else then it would have thrown me off and with their firsthand rewards, it''d be their fault I lost.


    Atleast that''s how I saw it.


    Mentally I clicked yes.


    [REVIEWING REWARDS>>>]


    "That''s new. " the notification was surprising.


    [REWARDS GRANTED]


    [Tome - Earthen Grace]


    [Weapon - Bane of Heroes]


    The first was from intervention while the second came from judgment. I noted how each reward had been beneficial not just to tackle the next quest but in meaning for each quest. Divine Purity for the intervention, Earthen Grace going by its grace pointed to me standing firm in Molliwag''s rejection, and finally Bane of Heroes. The weapon appeared in my hand formed from a weave of starlight. A bow of black wood that I instinctively knew was stronger than any mortal metal. The curves and archaic runes etched on it and the string thick and strong.


    "A bolt to fell the mighty" I whispered its meaning. ''How did I know its meaning''. I frowned at the frank creepiness of just getting a language dumped in my head. ''Well, I''ve been getting info dumps so nothing different here''.


    [QUEST COMPLETED - REVIEWING REWARDS>>]


    I gulped down with expectation. Tome of Insights were already good enough, while I wasn''t sure of what made up an insight or its importance, Divine Purity had shown just how powerful an insight could be. Even better or maybe worse it had no grade or ranking just like the weapons.


    The rewards for just the chain quest gave one insight and one weapon powerful enough to down mighty foes. Well, I wasn''t sure how powerful it would be against us creators but it had to be powerful from its description and the fact it came from a quest involving Molliwag.


    Which meant a reward for the entire completion should be good right?


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    [REWARDS GRANTED]


    [+1000 Exp]


    [Skill Choice]


    [CHOOSE A SKILL]


    [Morning Sight - Peer into the Void. But be careful lest the abyss stares back.


    INNATE]


    [Atlas Halo - The brunt of the mortal realm borne by a long-forgotten god. His Halo a reminder.


    INNATE]


    [Soul Dao - In a world lost to the Void, men aimed for the heavens. Their inspirations weaved into the stars. Their goals are an inspiration to even gods.


    INNATE]


    [Silvertongue - New worlds born, a hundred spoke. Light shone. For words have might.


    ACTIVE]


    All the skills were eye catchy but my eyes were stuck on the last not because I was even thinking of choosing it. Maybe. But more because it was referring to us. Creator players.


    I smiled sweetly as I thought about how the Devs were already incorporating us into the lore. Shaking my head with a giddy feeling I focused back on the skills. The information for each flowed into my head as usual.


    Morning sight was like getting dark vision but even better. I noticed that I could barely look into or past the Void formed by Primordial Chaos. Like a wall of black blocked my line of sight. It was a tempting skill to have.


    Atlas Halo was a body augmentation. While I didn''t get the full understanding of it there was no arguing it would make me stronger.


    "I''m not taking a tank build or berserker-like class. " My head shook deleting it from my mind.


    Soul Dao was confusing. It weakly increased my defense against soul damage. If there was a choice for such a skill then it was obvious that there was a way to harm Creator players via soul attacks.


    I could grow my strength with gear and though I had no way to increase perception at least I had gotten it already.


    The devs of this game were subtle in dishing warnings but now I knew how they played I wasn''t about to ignore anything suspicious.


    Silvertongue was a good skill, one I realized its potential to offset a will negation. This gave me a big issue.


    Mentally I was already haggling between both. A trump card for when enemies negated Will and defense against soul damage. Hmmh.


    "For now I can focus on using Divine Cloak. With my divinity shielding my will I can get out of negation of any kind hopefully. Plus there''s my speaker title. I doubt it utilizes a divinity" I realized I needed to sit down and do a lot. Figure out my capabilities, complete my universe system to incorporate the form I had made, and fully power my children. Well, the ones who were weak now.


    "It''s too early for now. I have only one choice and staying alive is better. I can always think of ways to survive only when alive." Decision made I picked.


    [Cultivation Skill - Soul Dao received]


    "The hell."


    [Implementing Skill]


    [New stat - Soul - granted]


    [You have reached level 10]


    [Parameters Unlocking]


    [NAME - Hildelith - Warrior One


    TITLES - One of the Speakers, Ender of the Beginning.


    FEAT - Creation''s Witness


    RACE - Nothing


    BEING - Creator 79


    LEVEL - 10(508/1000)


    HEALTH - 17/17(500/680)]


    [STATS


    Might - 165 + (50)


    Mobility - 210 + (30)


    Physicality- 170


    Focus - 160(176) + (20)


    Abstract - 170(187) + (20)


    Perception - 10


    HIDDEN STAT


    Def - (10) +(30)


    Soul - Rank 0(0.5%)


    UNALLOCATED STAT POINTS: 50]


    [RACIAL TYPE - PRIMORDIAL NOTHINGNESS ENTITY]


    [RACIAL ABILITY - UNIVERSE FORCE MANIPULATION]


    [SKILL - Astronomical Object Manipulation]


    [SKILL - Subatomic Manipulation]


    [RACIAL ABILITY - BALANCE ASPECT]


    [SKILL - Spell Casting(LOCKED)]


    [SKILL - Non-existent]


    [PERSONAL PERK - ABSOLUTE NOTHINGNESS AUTHORITY]


    [Abstract]


    [AETHERIC BEGINNING ABSTRACT]


    [Creation Abstract/5%]


    SHARDS


    52(Lesser)


    1 (Greater)


    [CORE - One-Spark]


    [GENERAL SKILL


    Eyes of the Unseen, Aether Generation, Divinity Generation, Primordial Chaos Generation, Extra Sensory Perception, Godform, Form of Nothing, Aether Projection, Eye of Fate, Primordial Nothingness Generation, Nothingness Empowermen/5%t, Nothingness Handblast, Sword Beam Cut, Divinity Emission, Divine Cloak/10%, Aura/5%]


    [THE ARTS]


    [Chaos Elemental Arts]


    [Soul Dao Arts]


    This is the breaking down of the soul with energies and recuperating it back after a long time to increase resistance and soul strength. This applies to the physical in a 0.5% increment of all capabilities. More skills and effects are attainable.


    [INSIGHTS]


    [Divine Purity]


    ???????


    The new additions to my mental status filled my head with its intricacies. Shards could be used either to force level up a skill or gain a stat point. The conversion though was huge. Ten lesser shards made one point. 1 greater shard made one point too. They were the very representation of an entity''s existence.


    Leveling up skills was better as a lesser shard was worth 100 skill exp. Greater was worth 1000 skill exp.


    ''More things to figure out and experiment on''.


    Highlighting on the Tome my eyes shut while the now familiar tickle went to work in my head making the information accessible to me. Once it all made sense I frowned.


    Tomes of Insight was unlike spells and magic. No. For us Creators, while we could use it we weren''t burdened with them. Our magic was more than the mystical we would create. The Abstract, divinity, nothingness, aether, and chaos. Divine Purity for example worked to create an understanding of the pulls and pushes, the flow of divinity, and the instructions to give to it. Knowing how you wished it to work just like a spell gave you insight into its use.


    So divinity working as a god''s mana would follow our desire and will which would be making it do as we had learned from the insight granted from the tome.


    In a rush, I quickly took the Earthen Grace Tome watching it appear in my palm before the usual prompt showed up before me.


    [TOME - Earthen Grace]


    [Use Tome]


    [Y/N]


    The Tome shattered into a thousand pieces of green light, bright and alluring, unlike the sickly green of the Unknown. They disappeared into my palms a shiver rushing through me as I felt a distinct sensation of rocks, sand, stone, and something appealing rolling up my arms. It flowed into my head igniting my blue eyes with a bit of a green lively glow that subsided as quickly as it came.


    The insight just like the Divine Purity was astounding. It also supported the theology that I had made. Condensing the knowledge and thoroughly absorbing it in, I felt the know of everything.


    Palms raised I watched as a green glow lit up my hands like a bulb. A green bulb. Then a section of the ground shuddered emitting a green glow just like my palm before shooting up into a pillar just as I envisioned in my mind.


    "This is understandable as creators" I nodded in support as I made the pillar shrink and rise. Created another pillar. Made it shatter into chunks of stone and dirt. I then levitated it off the ground and around me, twirling in sync with the rocks as I formed a ring. I broke off more rocks then another and formed another ring then another and another till I created 9 rings in symbolism of my universe form.


    "Just gonna be tough to upgrade since it mentions nothing about upgrading. I mean is it already at its highest level? " I pondered then shook my head. No ability or skill could ever start high in a game. Even if it had a good rank its level would always need to be increased. It was the allure of games getting better and leveling up.


    "Ah. Figuring you out will be a pain eh". I exhaled just as I felt the floor give. My arms flared to the sides as I saw the ground before me disappear.


    "Woah."


    "My scream thundered through the air as a large black chasm in the ground swallowed me up. My voice faded to the winds as gravity dragged me and the stones I was manipulating down without mercy.


    [Earth Manipulation Abstract - gained]


    [Earthbend - Learned]


    [Earthbend/5%]

 The Drop - Edited

    [Unknown slain]


    [+21 exp]


    [Unknown has been purified]


    [Cold Ember Divinity Cleared]


    [You have received a shard]


    [Unknown has been purified]


    [Cold Ember Divinity Cleared]


    [You have received a shard]


    [Unknown slain]


    [+20 exp]


    .


    .


    Hilde had already learned to ignore the pings of notifications for each piece of information. Her utmost attention was on the Sword of Murrow which was realistically covered with black sludge. A feature that was too real the disgust that Helen should have felt was nothing but awe for Hilde. Fascinated eyes stared at the sludge while her fingers poked at it.


    Second time in the game and even after the hot fight before she still felt it all surreal. It was more like a whole other existence and not a game. It would be difficult to convince some players that they had not been transmigrated when logging in. Fortunately, the ping as she decapitated an Unknown was enough to root her back to reality.


    ''It''s only a game'' the tone of her voice suspiciously sadder than it should have been.


    A trail of corpses both dead and white littered the path from which she came. The white ones lay for only a while before fading off in a haze of white smoke. She noticed this when trailing back to mark her way since she didn''t want to get lost.


    The spot she had started from had been a very murky ground where she''d been stuck for long after falling splat into it, barely managing to get out. Fortunately, she''d managed to drag herself out of the murk by clinging to a long pillar that she controlled with her Earthen Grace.


    Bless the devs.


    Atleast for the insight.


    For the stink of death and rot that wafted off her, well curse them. Hilde felt it hypocritical to curse them for the same things she found cool. In her defense, Hilde felt like she had the right to complain.


    Her armor and gown were now messed up even the cloak was dirtied and had clumps of mud or whatever was in that murk stuck on it. Her hair was dirtied now and parts of her face looked rubbed in by the mud.


    Using the blue glow of her sword she trailed her path through the tunnel she had found. A very large round tunnel. One that should have been made by something. Yet Hilde wondered what could have made such a tunnel.


    Even Molliwag would cave the place in attempting to make such a precise tunnel. It reminded her of the ones made by worms in her mother''s garden.


    The long labyrinth which it had become trailed deeper into the earth where she followed. Not so many times she had considered returning and using Earthen Grace to form stairs to get out of the pit. Unfortunately, curiosity won over her, and since it was a game and there was no real death, no permanent in-game death and she needed to work on dealing with terror she encouraged herself to continue.


    The devs were surely laughing in their seats.


    The Unknown had begun appearing half an hour later. There was a timer to the side of her vision like a HUD showing both real life and game time one above the other. With the time dilation at one to three, she knew she''d have to find a spot to log out soon if she didn''t complete this mission by the time it was seven am in real-time.


    The game time just showed the number of days, hours, and minutes that passed in the game. It was merely a timer to keep track of duration rather than her Universe''s actual time. One of the many things Hildelith knew she had to set once back.


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


    ''It''s like Dad used to say. Wisdom comes by the hour.


    Sometimes she killed an unknown since well leveling up was as important as getting shards. When the Unknown had begun swarming her she used Divine Cloak to purify them.


    Slowly she sort of formed a combo with it. Since purity took moments she used it when almost swarmed choosing to pick off the lone attackers. It also worked to heal her wounds simultaneously since the flow of her blood got her cells agitated and mending faster than Nothingness Embodiment made it. Not that she had many wounds.


    Still, she was slowly growing proficient in hunting the Unknown.


    After a long annoying walk and fight session, the labyrinth came to a stop at a tall wall and another hole visible on the ground.


    "More descending?". she frowned.


    A glance into the pit revealed a harrowing darkness that was as scary as it was unsettling. Her adventurous spirit died instantly as second thoughts began rearing in her head.


    "Maybe this ..." Almost like the game sensed her intent a panel appeared with a ding.


    [QUEST ASSIGNED]


    The Drop


    Coals of burned-out fire. Ever jealous of its elder''s heat. Warmth eluding it. The last touch of heat was only a long time ago.


    [Rank - S]


    [Rewards - Unascertained]


    [Failure - Destruction


    - 1 Level ]


    "Nope. I''m logging out. I can''t complete two quests back to back in such a short period." Hilde took tired but subconsciously frightened steps away from the hole her back hitting the wall before sliding down to sit on the ground.


    The Sword of Murre lay on the ground beside her its blue glow dimmed. Head rested on her knees Hilde sighed as she rested.


    One minute.


    Two minutes.


    In the third minute, the girl''s head which was full of platinum locks rose, blue eyes narrowed on her arms, and glanced over her body.


    The feeling of fatigue in her body was nonexistent. Mentally yes, physically no. It made sense since this was an in-game avatar but Hilde felt that there should have been stamina, fatigue, or a sensation of exhaustion.


    Either the devs didn''t add it which was unlikely since the game was stuff full of realism. Which left one option.


    "Gods most likely can''t feel exhausted or we tire slower. The lack of a stamina bar points to the first". she deduced with a grumble. This was both a good and bad thing. Battles between creator players would be unending when both were equally powerful.


    "It''d be a game of attrition. With our health being ammo. Whoever runs out first loses." she murmured. "Well amongst those of equal strength".


    The mental exhaustion though gave her a pause. Unlike stamina, the mind had a literal stat. One called Focus and one that she felt could affect her mentally. How was the issue?


    Infact thinking about it now Hilde realized some things didn''t make sense even if it was a game. The most glaring truth to this was her fear. Or more importantly, lack of.


    Hilde knew it wasn''t that she didn''t feel fear but that somehow she lost the fear as quickly as it came. While this was a game it wasn''t farfetched to feel real emotions when facing off against a dragon whose paw was enough to turn you into meat paste. While unrealistic, the body was programmed to feel fear even in fake situations. That''s why horror houses were a thing back in the past.


    But. It was the instant loss of the fear that piqued her curiosity.


    VR games while popular and known didn''t have this feature that Creation Online did. Full dive? So as one that hadn''t experienced it before she didn''t know if the possibility of emotional tampering was possible. It shouldn''t be. Atleast not according to books right? But the thought was ridiculous comparing real life to books.


    It was like finding out vampires actually existed and then getting aggrieved when they didn''t burn in. sunlight or sparkle.


    "I just have to remember I know nothing. Still, all this could be helpful in various sectors. " she couldn''t help but think of casual and professional implementations of a VR pod.


    "But. The fear. Unlike before it stayed longer. Why?". she frowned at this realization. " What was different now than before".


    Her mind brought up her panel scouring through it for anything that stood out. But nothing did. She was at the cusp of level 10 only held back due to her purifying some of the Unknown. Her stats were normal for a level ten.


    Her fear of staying longer bothered her, with the crown of the supreme she thought she''d have a way to not cower before things. But now that the fear was present she didn''t understand it or what to do.


    Seeing nothing in her panel she clicked on a section of her system that she didn''t even realize before showed her complete getup and body as a hologram in her head.


    She admired herself in the hologram her blue eyes even shinier than her real-life ones, the platinum blonde locks of hair that fell freely to her waist. Something that still bothered her due to not being black. She did sync her body, right? She was neither tall nor short staying at an average of 5.8 feet. From the hologram, she managed to get a grasp of what exactly she looked like in everything she wore. Cloak, armor, gown, and boots with a belt and a sword to her hip.


    "If Vikings were alive they''d be proud of my looks. Hmmh. Greeks too" The fur made her look like some Viking queen while the gown had the soft yet regal appraisal of a Greek royal. The armor equipped took away the sense of a weak yet beautiful egg replacing it with tbe feel of a sharp rock that could cut but not break.


    Smiling at her badass look she focused on the first piece of equipment. The Crown of the Supreme was the first thing she looked into first. She stared at its words for just a minute. Then sighed with a displeased shake of her head.


    "Seems like I found the issue". She muttered gravely. Her eyes moved to the hole in the ground with a now clear repulsion before looking back to the words describing the Crown.


    [Crown of the Supreme - OBJECT


    You are one above gods. Absolute and Unmoved.


    Effect 1 - Minor aura amplifier.


    Effect 2 - A name holds power. The crown symbolizes power. But its truth remains to be grasped. Power fears nothing, power is fear.]


    While the words were very eye catchy the understanding in her head was basic. The fear she felt would mold her in ways she didn''t understand. Like a sword, she needed to taste the fire to be forged.


    "Uh uh ."Her head shook widely. "Not happening. " She removed the panel and quickly navigated to her log-out interface to leave. ". I''m just gonna log out now".


    [LOG OUT]


    [Y/N]


    "Bloody yes please. I''m outta here".


    [Logging out now>>]


    Waiting Hilde sheathed her sword just to be safe and leaned against the wall in the now complete darkness".


    [Log out failed]


    [System detects unsafe zone]


    [Head to Safe zone to log out]


    Hilde heard the sound of her heart-shattering.


    She felt something within her, slowly rise from the deepest parts of her mind. Felt it boil and pump with power. Then burst out her mouth and through her moving lips. The words she''d wanted to say for quite a while.


    "DAMN YOU BLOODY DEVS!" Her legs kicked about in a raging outburst. "Damn them all".


    Her eyes locked on the hole in the ground and then on the path she came from.


    The choice was more than obvious to her.

 Forced to Play - Edited

    HELEN''S POV


    It was official. I would kill those devs if I ever met them. I felt a blooming hatred for those white-cloaked men already.


    Wait those were doctors. No, scientists also wore white coats.


    "Ah screw the movies". Yelling I drew my sword free of my belt, its bright blue glare pushing the darkness away as I stomped to the hole like an eight-year-old with a primal vengeance.


    Halting there I stared down and all my anger evaporated like the dew on a sunny morning. Fear replacing it.


    This had nothing to do with my trauma. This was a pure normal humane fear of the dark. It was a thick one, very solid-looking darkness. "Just like the void".


    So chilling it felt like a thousand ice spikes embedded in my spine and crawling up. How spikes could crawl was a lesson for another day.


    I fidgeted then turned away.


    "I''ll just head back use my new insight to climb up the wall and then find a way off this lost world. " I nodded.


    Looking up to the ceiling of the tunnels I shouted.


    "Next time give an SSS to the mission ranking. Battling a dragon and then this is way beyond a measly S!" I was aggrieved. Totally. I honestly didn''t want to walk back to that spot and then suffer that muck.


    "Compared to you though. It''s heaven" I mumbled eyeing the hole.


    That was when it happened and I made one wish. For the government to legalize murder. Because the devs were seeking death.


    Before my eyes, almost like it was mocking my plight the system''s words flashed


    [QUEST UPDATE]


    [The Drop]


    Coals of burned-out fire. Ever jealous of its elder''s heat. Warmth eluding it. The last touch of heat was only but a long time ago.


    [Rank - S]


    [Rewards - Unascertained]


    [Failure - Destruction ]


    [YOU HAVE ENTERED PHASE TWO]


    [Truth]


    Umvit watched as Parvita played ever so carelessly near the Ozuni python. Its large fangs longer than the babe were enough to kill a full grown. So Umvit bore fear. To steer Parvita from dangers.


    But Parvita showed something unexpected. Can you?.


    [RANK - S]


    [Rewards - Unascertained]


    [Failure - Destruction


    - 1 Level]


    [YOU HAVE GAINED NO REWARDS FROM PHASE ONE]


    "F**k your lore, this is bullying." I cried out in exasperation. The dark labyrinth silently absorbed my shout uncaring of my tantrums.


    Behind me, the hole waited its dark edge strangely attractive despite the chills it wrought. Even as I gulped and dropped in I knew exactly what that feeling was.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    The thrilling excitement for adventure. The desire of all MMORPG gamers. Blend in a mix of fear and I was almost shaking like a leaf as I fell deep into the dark gullet of the earth.


    *****


    The ground cracked as a player smashed into it, his feet creating a circular pattern of crisscrossing spider-like veins.


    His skin flared as heat radiated off him the after-effects of the descent.


    Erasmus whistled appreciatively at the sight around him. The eerie world gave him a rise of both apprehension and excitement. Just like the one felt by a certain player.


    Soon he heard a sound. One that heralded the coming of something deadly.


    Erasmus raised his Nodachi and stilled. His favorite quote playing out in his head.


    ''No one knows glory past the man who has survived the darkness''.


    Then they came, with eyes of blue spectral light and bodies of ethereal fluids. He stilled, inhaled sharply, and as the first arrived he exhaled with a brutal swing of his nodachi. The shriek of the vile beings before him fueled his morale even as he plunged headfirst into combat.


    *****


    At different places in the game, a few such situations played out. Those who had it less harsh or even relatively easier were those not as inclined to suffer as others.


    Mostly the pro players took to this harsh and unforgiving world whilst the streamers settled for the less hard but relatively entertaining worlds.


    Those that were in-between went with easier worlds wisely choosing to take it easier and understand the game before losing their positions recklessly.


    While there was no information as to what it meant to die at level zero the fact that one could only have one account since the pod scanned one''s body before entering the game was enough to tell them not to be reckless.


    With most if not all the Creator players on their planets the game was getting hotter and more competitive. Atleast for the pushers.


    In the forum, the leaderboards constantly changed with names dropping and rising. Like a chart on forward.


    Yet three names on top remained unmoved. While the fourth and fifth constantly moved but within themselves like a private competition. The game from the very beginning which seemed to have been crawling for the past two days exploded with players moving.


    Somewhere in the vast networks of zeros and ones. A single line typed out slowly taking its precious time to compute the entire sentence.


    [SYSTEM PARAMETERS ADJUSTED]


    Whatever the parameters were the players were soon to find out.


    *****


    THIRD PERSON POV


    The darkness felt endless, her screams were unending. Her throat was dry and her lungs strained from the calls of fright she''d uttered.


    Then the wind left her lungs, knocked out of her by the thick hard ground greeting her face first with the force of her plummet to the ground.


    A groan left Hilde''s lips. Her arms dragged back from its splayed-out form setting beneath her and then pushed her body up.


    "Uckk"


    "The first taste in this game and it had to be this.. this...ground" Disgusted and annoyed by her ruined taste buds in the game Hilde had more reason to be pissed off. Still, it was obvious her words were merely said to cover the jitters of her hands and the trembles of her lips. "At least..." She spat more. "...it wasn''t the muck".


    The once pink thin lip was now a pale blue as it belonged to a corpse or one dunked in freezing waters.


    The fall had been almost endless and the feeling of death at every angle was suffocating. The way the game was able to project such an accurate environment frightened Helen to no end. But Hilde shrugged it off as best as she could. She had to, warriors had to bear fear and deal with it.


    While she didn''t get what the point of suffering such suffocating pressure would be Hilde knew she had to move on.


    The end of the hole which she fell into was surprisingly brighter. The darkness above though still seethed, still like a wall. Separate from the little light that kept the ground dim.


    "This brings ''light at the end of the tunnel'' to perspective" she grumbled then unsheathed her sword more for its brighter light than its use.


    The blue glow of the Sword of Murre illuminated the expanse revealing a cavernous mouth as large or even larger than Molliwag''s head. The ground here was less corrupted than that above and the air carried less of the death stench.


    "I love and hate this realism all at once. " Hilde grumbled as she matched forward. Her boots made squelchy sounds on the ground alerting her to rhe dampness of the soil. It also made her register the new cold feeling on her dress.


    Various steps later and she was in the cavern. The entrance felt like the maw of a beast. Within, the brightness of the room increased. Hilde knew her curiosity was getting as high as the brightness was, a testament to the cautious yet hastened steps she took to encroach into the place.


    Finally escaping what she termed the gullet of the beast and out into what should now be its stomach. Hilde found what gave off the light.


    Fortunately or unfortunately she found out what it was thanks to the system. The familiar updated information appeared before her as her eyes went from the information to the object and then back.


    [QUEST UPDATE]


    [Truth]


    Umvit watched as Parvita played ever so carelessly near the Ozuni python. Its large fangs longer than the babe were enough to kill a full grown. So Umvit bore fear. To steer Parvita from dangers.


    But Parvita showed something unexpected. Can you?.


    [RANK - S]


    [Rewards - Unascertained]


    [Failure - Destruction


    - 1 Level]


    [YOU HAVE ENTERED PHASE THREE]


    [Green Nest]


    Molliwag wasn''t always above. His blood and sufferings are a macabre memory to dine with.


    Hell isn''t always a place.


    [Rank - S]


    [Rewards - Ring of the Lost]


    [Failure - Death


    - 1 Level ]


    Hildelith wasn''t even bothered by this too used to the quest updates by now. No, what had Hilde''s absolute attention was the mass of creatures that lay strewn all over this Green Nest. Creatures of various shapes, sizes, and features.


    Worse still was the source of the glow.


    Emitting a faint greenish light. One she recognized as the same light within Molliwag''s eyes and the Unknowns. Not even larger than what she thought a classic dragon egg should look like and floating quite a bit off the ground the eerie wisps of cold ember divinity radiating from it.


    ''Apparently whatever I was supposed to do involved getting through all of these and getting to the sickly-looking core.''


    Hilde smiled just a bit. After all, free exp couldn''t be hated. The only problem was the huge amount of mobs. Unlike the Unknown, these creatures didn''t seem to have any need for stealth or fast lunges. Which meant she''d be dealing with them en masse.


    [YOU HAVE CLEARED QUEST - TRUTH]


    [RECEIVE REWARDS]


    [Y/N]


    The devs had an itch for gifting rewards that helped with the next quest. With a smile now etched across her face and all the hate she had for the Devs now forgotten she tapped the yes. Watching like a five-year-old girl waiting for the promised Christmas gift she observed golden weaves forge her a new friend, one she''d come to use sooner than expected.

 Outnumbered - Edited

    HELEN''S POV


    There were four species in the nest each working together to hound me. Whether they aimed to halt my progress to the center of the room and reach that glowing stuff or they just saw food and went ballistic, none of the options was acceptable to me.


    The first species was truly the most annoying of the lot. Weak yet the most deadly. Body-wise it looked just like the original Unknown, yet the similarities ended there. With one eye below its jaws, this thing could somehow sense my location at all times.


    Its mouth opening was honestly the worst since getting away was next to impossible. A banshee scream was usually portrayed to create waves in one direction flinging its victim away while still harming their hearing.


    For the Unknown Wailer, a lesser variant of the Original Unknown its scream was different. The sound came from all directions like a strong vibration in the air rattling my bones and mind.


    While it barely chipped at my health it put me in status conditions like the one I was in now.


    [Internal damage ]


    [-2 health]


    [Stun for 3 seconds]


    Ichor leaked from my ears while I grimaced at the ringing in my head The stun effect kept me dazed for just that three seconds. Surrounded by a nest of Unknown variants three seconds was a lot.


    The second species was quick to appear and slice at my thigh drawing blood before attempting to scamper off. I was dazed not paralyzed.


    Its head was gone even before it made its first step to retreat.


    [Unknown Little Rutter slain ]


    [+17 exp ]


    The goblin lookalike gave me even less experience than the others. Its black skin and equally six greenish eyes make it even less pretty.


    The third species was what I figured to be the defenders. The main reason there was more of them still alive now. Their skin was made of thick scales. No not covered in thick scales, they were scales. Thick four-legged, red-scale beasts with no eyes and mouth. Just claws and scale. Their shape was reminiscent of a bear''s.


    [Unknown Blood scale slain ]


    [+25 exp ]


    They gave more exp but were harder to kill. Slicing didn''t work as the blade slid right off their body with a spark. I had to resort to bludgeoning with my foot and even that was risky since the rest wouldn''t stand around watching me just finish off one of their own.


    Finally was the Necro Ton. The fact that it lacked Unknown in its name showed how deadly the thing was. Unlike Blood Scale which was hard Necro Ton was soft, very soft like the slimes in other games.


    Unlike slimes, though, they didn''t ingest things to be broken down. Throwing themselves at their victims again and again while exploding in a splash of necrotic liquid. Enough to burn the skin off my bones.


    The splashed-off parts would crawl back together to reform.


    Five minutes into the fight I was battered into retreat.


    With stun crippling me, necrotic damage burning my flesh through the gears, how, I didn''t know. The Rutter performed suicidal attacks every chance it got and finally, those scales keeping me away and attacking too if need be, I was severely outnumbered and outmaneuvered.


    Pain from the burns and the blows of those things, and aches within me from the vibrating cry of the Wailer worsened my situation as I fled back into the cavernous exit.


    Using my divinity the sensation flooding my body with the warmth of divinity was welcomed. A sigh escaped me at the relaxing buzz. A thought registers in my head. I could kite these things as best as possible, return to heal once I accrued over fifty percent damage, and continue.


    A look into the nest which for some reason the creatures refused to leave had me pausing.


    "There goes that plan. " I watched as these things would walk about for a bit and then halt. Each one that stopped would then vibrate for a moment before another one split from its body.


    "I don''t even know why I thought this would work. Trust the Devs to foil any simple plans. Hopefully, this only applies to outside a fight. If they keep splitting even during the fight, then it''s gonna be tricky". Shaking my head I dragged my body off the ground.


    " I''m taking a good nap once I complete this mission". My muttering went unheard as my attention focused on the contents of my inventory and my equipped gear.


    My upfront pattern of fighting wasn''t working here. While the Original Unknown was more powerful than these groups it was obvious that the Nest had a disadvantage to me.


    The top had a lot of maneuvering space but here was compact. Then there was the host of attacks. The wails were the worst which put me in a bad spot.


    Next was the Necro Tons. Then the Rutters. The Blood scales while thick and durable could break so they were less of a threat, especially with my higher strength stat from Belt of Atlas. Attacking them though while the other three were present was a no-no.


    This brought me to the fact that for each one I needed a different tactic. My eyes were already on what I needed but it wasn''t enough.


    Perusing my gears both the ones on me and in my inventory, I finally found the combo I needed for those wailers.


    Sword of Murre vanished being returned to my inventory. In my left hand, I gripped the wooden bow tightly. Its string a thick coil of soul thread.


    [Harbinger - WEAPON


    A culler. A weapon forged by a lazy death for death.


    (Requirements - +150 Phy,+210 Abstract)


    Effect 1 - Soul absorption


    Effect 2 - Deal soul damage.


    Effect 3 - Unshattered.


    Note - When lacking soul energy, the weapon draws from the user''s soul]


    With my current level already a bit closer to eleven plus Belt of Atlas, Str stat was way beyond the required number. Even if I unequipped the belt I would still be strong enough to use the bow.


    It was the Abstract stat that had me bothered. Having only 196 points in it brought me short by 14 points.


    Mentally adding +20 from my unallocated stat points boosted my main points to 196. Adding the gear points brought me to the needed requirements.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Holding the bow now after putting the points, a feel of how to use it washed into me. Unlike Sword of Murre which could just be swung Harbinger was different.


    For now, I checked my other stuff.


    [Cloak of The One - ATTIRE


    The symbol of authority or honor. Eye-catching yet erases all presence of its wearer.


    +10 to defense.


    Effects - Shadow blend.


    Hide in the night as long as shadows are present]


    While it gave good defense points which helped to keep me standing till now it was the effect I was more interested in. Unlike the bow though, there wasn''t any feeling of how to use the effect.


    "Maybe..." Once I tried it the space around me dimmed. It wasn''t quite noticeable to me but the feeling that my presence was gone struck me. It felt like losing a part of me yet still having it. Confusing. The effect was activated by abstract just like the bow.


    Why it didn''t inform me on how to use it was something I didn''t know.


    The last gear I had in mind to use was the Crown of the Supreme. But its task would be the first of my last options. A fail-safe of sorts.


    Standing at the edge of the cavernous maw where my retreat had gotten me, bow in hand a deep exhale escaped my parted lips.


    One would question my idea of using Harbinger when I could use the Bane of Heroes. The thing was, I needed more stealth than power here. I needed to take down a lot of these creatures while staying hidden to avoid getting swarmed. For a bow with soul damage, I hoped it would be just what I needed. Silent.


    Marching forward right fingers already gripping the string of soul thread my body came out given the nest. Shrouded in the shadows of the dimly lit cavern exit my presence was nullified. As long as I kept away from the light of course.


    A smile stretched my cheek to the side just as my arm pulled the string back. From the wood of the bow, a sliver of energy ran, like a stream it flowed, pouring into the soul string. Then a pale blue arrow was formed, constructed inch by inch the farther I pulled till all the energy in the string was used up. All this took as much time as one would need to draw the string.


    My Focus helped in making the arrow seeing it as what I wanted with the kind of arrowhead I preferred the thickness of the shaft and the feel of the feather. It was a hard but not impossible task.


    ''Well, it didn''t need a 210 mind stat to use''.


    My sights set on the one species, my smile blossoming into a full sadistic smirk as I tried something.


    [General Skill - Nothingness Saturation]


    Unlike all other uses of nothingness, users merge and instill mana not just over an item or weapon but within and around it. Affecting the very structural, and effective capabilities of the item.


    I let the arrow loose. Harbinger was called a culler for a good reason. It couldn''t miss, wouldn''t miss. The once blue arrow now a pulsing purple light was made of the soul energy that I realized to be a sort of trapped soul power due to the mental knowledge that appeared telling me I had just enough for nine arrows left. The arrow, soul energy seeking a soul beelined straight for my target.


    The Wailer resting with the others while basking in the light of the wrong divinity without care stiffened up instantly. A chill spread up its body its greenish eyes turning as blue as ice till its entire body turned into a deathly purple statue of ice. A statue that then shattered into various fine crystals so tiny that once they hit the ground became nothing.


    Literally. The crystals exploded into mists of nothingness that flowed straight back to me.


    The counter in my mind popped up by two refilling the arrow with the newly harvested soul energy. The nest barely noticing their gone comrade could only loiter as I began a harvest. But it wasn''t just my bow counter that changed.


    ****


    The last of the Unknown variants finally fell. Its head shattered on the hard ground as I made a final slam of its skull to the ground. The pieces of blood scale scattering about on the floor.


    I stood in the center of a slaughter both admiring and grossed out by the scene of battle around me.


    The wailers had barely realized what was going on till they all fell. Then things went mad, in a smooth way though. From slaughtering the Necro Ton with Harbinger to engaging the Blood scales with sword and fist.


    Finally, it was over and the glowing sickly green thing was before me.


    "Now what?"


    The sickly green thing looked like a stone. A large stone. It stood tall up to my hips with little wierd runes on its surface. Mesmerizing to look upon yet revolting in a sense it gave off a cold, vile energy. It felt like taking a man''s core ideas and twisting them into something unacceptable.


    Which was what it had done to my divinity. It was wrong in ways that I could feel.


    I had to ignore the feeling as my fingers moved of their own accord running over the runes. They reacted, lighting up with a deep azure glow. Then flickered off and back on but with a golden light instead.


    [QUEST UPDATE] -


    [The Drop]


    Coals of burned-out fire. Ever jealous of its elder''s heat. Warmth eluding it. The last touch of heat was only but a long time ago.


    [Rank - S]


    [Rewards - Unascertained]


    [Failure - Destruction ]


    [Truth]


    Umvit watched as Parvita played ever so carelessly near the Ozuni python. Its large fangs longer than the babe were enough to kill a full grown. So Umvit bore fear. To steer Parvita from dangers.


    But Parvita showed something unexpected. Can you?.


    [RANK - S]


    [Rewards - Unascertained]


    [Failure - Destruction


    - 1 Level]


    [Green Nest]


    Molliwag wasn''t always above. His blood and sufferings, a macabre memory to dine with.


    Hell isn''t always a place.


    [Rank - S]


    [Rewards - Ring of the Lost]


    [Failure - Death


    - 1 Level ]


    [YOU HAVE CLEARED QUEST - TRUTH]


    [RECEIVE REWARDS]


    [Y/N]


    [QUEST COMPLETED]


    The golden weaves reappeared intertwining and sewing together to form two things in my palms. One a ring of pure silver the other a crystal. The crystal was a key. Unlike the first key, I had gotten from the Void Wolf. This one was crystallized and about as long as my arm with a handle on its end. It weighed a lot straining my left arm enough to make me use both arms to hold it up while I sent the ring into my inventory to access later. This crystal felt more important.


    After all, it had been unmentioned in the rewards.


    The length of the thing ended with a needle-like point and the center glowed a bit of azure making it seem ancient.


    [KEY OF WILL - ITEM]


    That was all the description it had to it.


    Fortunately enough the system either decided to give my mind a rest or this part was something I needed help with.


    The stone glowed brightly the runes on it changing back to the former azure.


    The key broke down into a mist of varied colors. Sparkling lights were visible within it as it spread out to encompass both I and the stone.


    [CREATOR HILDELITH HAS BROUGHT THE CORE OF A LOST WORLD]


    [GRANTING ACCESS TO THE WORLD FORGE]


    The mist shrunk till I was uncovered. It rapidly reeled itself in until it was a ball of beautiful colors. I stared in amazement at its varied colors while gripping it tightly.


    ''Tightly''


    I looked down to see a miniature stone in my palm.


    It was the same stone that had stood in the center of the Nest. The stone with runes that had been as long as my hips. This one too had runes. Yet in my palm, it was small almost like a pebble.


    "Welcome to the world forge Creator" a voice startled me out of my mind and I looked up to see .. a male.


    *****


    THIRD PERSON POV


    Helen stood frozen her eyes locked on the six-foot male figure in front of her. His black neck-length hair shifted and fluttered like a curtain carried by the wind. His streamlined jaw was an appealing trait while his eye was a calm gray like the storm. A perfect thin lip and well-structured body.


    But, Hilde didn''t care.


    While it seemed she was ogling the perfect male Helen was simply trying her best to fight a reaction that was ingrained in her. But she already knew it was useless.


    It started with her fingers, spasming like a taser shock victim. Then her lips quivered even as her left leg subconsciously moved a step back. Helen in her defense tried. Her mind screamed it''s just a game repeatedly. Yet her body refused to listen. Her heart was pounding like the guitarist had gone mad in a concert, or was it the drummer?


    A barely audible pleading left her lips as she staggered back again. Then her legs gave. The room disappeared instantly reforming like pixels in a game into one that she hated its familiarity.


    Voices jeering and laughing sounded out around her. Her head whipped about as one possessed.


    The room in her mind vanished showing her the forge once more the male still standing right where he had been but with a very obvious frown etched on his beautiful face.


    "Player" Her mutter was loud enough to be heard making the male frown even more. He took a step forward his lips parting to speak.


    Helen''s last hold on her fright broke.


    "Logout" The male visibly frowned at her command yet Helen had eyes locked on something in front of her yelling out with a cry.


    "F*cking log me out".


    She collapsed to the ground with her head in her hands as she trembled while the male stood confused beyond anything. Though he must have realized something was wrong he backed away while still watching with a bewildered expression.


    Then before his eyes, the creator player''s avatar slumped, its controller gone.


    The male stood there for quite a while blinking in astonishment as he gazed upon the now-empty husk while he scratched his head.


    Finally, he sighed and shook his head before gazing into nothing as his lips moved.


    "What just happened?".


    His eyes moved about like one reading something while his head tilted around like a lost child. At last, his head snapped up, his gaze dimming while his lips contorted into a frown.


    "That''s.. unexpected".the last words were said with a tone of both fatigue and annoyance.


    *****


    The blare of a beeping pod filled the room and loud bangs echoed from within. The pod hissed releasing steam as a hand shot out and pulled the still-moving lid out of the way faster while the body slipped out.


    Helen landed on the ground with a thump ignoring the flare of pain in her side from the contact before she raced for her bedside body shaking as she curled into a fetal position while her eyes shut.


    Carmella a lovely almost stay-at-home mum for reasons that were not very good to mention looked up from her laptop while seated on her couch. A cup of steaming morning coffee on the table by the laptop.


    It was barely 7 am. Carmella had skipped making breakfast yet since her nineteen-year-old daughter was still locked in her room probably in-game and decided instead to try selling some things online.


    She frowned at the noise of the beeping from a game pod up the stairs. Creator Online as the very first VRMMORPG with full dive immersion was still a bit of a test run. Of course, no one knew that there was only the initial test for problems with no other Players entering. This was to keep the game as fresh as possible though for some reason the game company had assured people of its safety.


    With only a few brief tests and modifications each pod came with an alarm system that would warn the household if there was ever an issue with the player due to health or mental problems.


    This feature was why the game A.I had listened and forcibly ejected her from the game the moment it detected her mental state.


    Carmella was up the stairs in minutes and banging on Helen''s door. Various name-calling to open up went unanswered while the pod kept beeping.


    After a quick run to her room for the master keys and back, the door flew open with a bang like a SWAT raid. Carmella ignored the beeping pod as she beelined for her daughter grabbing and squeezing the girl into her chest while petting her head.


    "It''s okay now. It''s okay. I''m here now. You''ll be fine. Listen to me. It''s just a bad fright. It can''t harm you. Mother knows best". repeatedly saying short lines of encouragement mother and daughter stayed seated on the floor one kissing the top of the other''s head while the other held on tightly for dear life.


    The beeping droned on till it finally stopped both females ignorant to its wailing.


    Carmella could only frown in her mind cursing whatever it was that triggered this.


    ''I just hope this doesn''t extend to Keller. He''s gotten a bit of hope after yesterday and this will just be bad'' It took everything for her to repress her sigh while she looked to the pod unsure now if it was good or bad.


    ''It feels like she managed to almost reach the surface only to get a huge drawback''. Still petting the girl she made a mental note to get Keller to hide off. The last thing she needed was for either side to strain this slight regression.


    ''I''ll find a way to handle it myself''.

 Leap of Faith - Edited

    Keller drove his silent electric-powered BHD-12 a fully automated cruiser that was one of the sleeker designs released that year. It came with an automated noise canceller, tinted glass, a heat regulator rather than an Air-conditioning unit, solar power engines, and an auto drive.


    In contrast to the silence of both his car engine and the interior Keller''s mind was in turmoil. The wind caressed his face and fluttered his wavy blonde locks.


    Even if Carmella had refused to give him info on whatever happened Keller wasn''t dumb. Atleast not dumb enough to not be able to put two and two together. The fact goddamned annoyed him.


    Each day he had to remember the day when he felt like the most useless of fathers. The call, his beating heart when he got there that very night.


    Her eyes had been clouded and distant, lost to far-off places. A look he learned, later on, meant her mind had shut out the experience for her while his wife cried as she kept their daughter covered with the sheets in the room.


    The screams had started after that faithful day. The arrested rested the three boys and his wife sticking to their daughter''s side like glue.


    He?. He could only watch, scared to go close for fear of the gaze in her eyes when she saw him. Saw any male.


    Each day he had to curse the law for working under the fingers of the rich aristocrats. To this day he couldn''t understand if he should have been relieved that he was stopped from murdering the boys and going to be jaiembarrassedassed by it. Keller could feel his fingers biting into his palms as he gripped the steering tighter with each resurfaced memory. A look at his rear mirror gave him a glimpse of his little girl tucked in like a bear into his wife her face covered by a hoodie ignoring his presence.


    His blue eyes met with Carmella''s amber ones with a questioning gaze, one that got him a reassuring smile in return.


    That was all he needed. If Carmella said something would be fine, then it would be fine. Right?. There was a reason for his children''s use of the words ''mother knows best''. The man exhaled a breath he didn''t even realize he had been holding all this while before pushing all the bad memories of the past two years away and focusing on the road.


    The electronic and holographic billboards shot past as they drove through the roads of Berimon City 0pp?000. Keller watched as electronic cars shot past on the other lane silently, above on a magnetic field road connecting to another side of the city, a construct that he would never claim to understand the basics for, rode a Dame-5H Train. More popularly called the Da5, the fastest train of the current era. It shot past at overwhelming speeds that made it a woozy blur to most onlookers'' eyes.


    A few moments later, his BHD shot past leaving their district and into the third city layer. The Business Zone. Filled with companies and others, buildings here were tall monolithic structures that threatened to pierce the clouds.


    Keller could already remember two such buildings just in their city that had already made attempts to cross the clouds. It was like humanity fulfilling its dreams to live in the heavens.


    He watched as his BHD pulled into a garage in a tall building, while not as huge as most of the other structures in the district. it still gave its sense of dominance in the area it stood.


    Keller parking the BHD sat back making himself as small as possible with the car seat while Carmella roused the sleeping Helen. He watched with sad eyes as mother and daughter gathered their things.


    Carmella got out first and then Helen. Just as she rose off the seat Keller noted the imperceptible stretch of a forced smile thrown his way. while her eyes looked anywhere but at him.


    The door shut even as the man barely breathed. It was forced he knew, it was not nearly enough but it was something. As important as the hand on his shoulder the previous day. Keller could work with that. He''d not deny his fear of Helen''s relapse into her worse days back then. But it seemed all wasn''t lost.


    He exhaled a sigh of relief before getting out of the car to follow.


    The hospital was a huge place and getting through the garage and up to the elevator was a long walk. The got out on the fifteenth floor the familiar sight of white and blue everywhere bringing memories to him. Whilst some were good enough to grace his features with a smile and others were just so bad they almost trumped the good.


    *****


    The continuous drone of the numerous healthcare workers inside the hospital grounds created a wave of nausea within Melvin. The white walls, the holographic signs that covered some parts displaying some medical information, and then the various aiding A.Is that shimmered with their blue holograms whenever someone walked through? them.


    He hated this place. It reminded him of too many things. His losses and pains in this life. His griefs and his heartbreaks. All within the white walls of such a place.


    Melvin sighed in a bit of relief as a nurse approached him.


    "Mr. Mostrano?" the dainty lady in her forties asked as she held a clip in hand, huge window-like glasses sliding down her nose as she tried continuously to push them back up.


    Melvin nodded to her with a forced smile before rising, his 6ft body towering over her. A gulp was visible rolling down the nurse''s throat, one he noted.


    Melvin followed the nurse''s gait forcibly lumbering as he tried to match her steps. He could just leave her behind and stride ahead but well, he had manners and the view was worth the lag.


    Melvin kept his gaze alternated from the path to the nice swing of the hips that the pair of blue pants helped to shape out. Just as he was gaining more interest in following the traces the nurse halted and moved to the side.


    His eyes instantly moved up catching her knowing gaze while her hand hugged the clipboard to her endowed chest. Clearing his throat he walked past and into the now-open door they had stopped at.


    Melvin made a little smile at the nurse who did not attempt to reciprocate just staring back at him with a bit of redness on her cheeks.


    "Never get enough of those ehh," a male voice asked as Melvin shut the door. A groan escaped him as he turned to see the busy Oriental sitting at his desk and casually typing on his device. The laptop before him displayed a hologram of a screen on the wall opposite where he stared as he typed.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    "Nice to see you too Anderson. " Melvin took a seat and adjusted his black suit.


    Anderson seemed unbothered by his presence for a few moments before the man shut his laptop down the holographic screen flickering off before he turned to face Melvin.


    Compared to Melvin, Anderson was average. Gray hair more from stress than age, he was a leaner man compared to Melvin''s bulk. His brown pair of eyes hidden behind his glasses accessed the stoic man before him.


    "Is it time for your monthly checkup already".


    Melvin''s stormy gray eyes quivered a bit before he inhaled deeply then exhaled and shook his head.


    "I''m here for the other thing".His words made Anderson pause. His eyes narrowed for a moment unseen by the blur his glasses gave.


    "It''s too early to attempt another Melvin. You know this. You''ve known this for a while. Making a scan now will need you to be prepared to..." Anderson froze as a realization hit him.


    Melvin detecting his secret was out sighed.


    " I can''t wait anymore, Andy. It''s been .."


    "Not long enough. " Andy whispered. He tightened his fist under the desk.


    "You can''t just up and decide this. Not yet. Not when everything is this close to perfection. We know, you know we can''t have another interference".


    Melvin groaned.


    "It''s taking time".


    Andy seemed surprised at his words. "It''s barely been a week. Give it time. " Anderson frowned before he sighed a solemn look appearing on his face. The Asian man abandoned his chair walking around the table to lay a hand on his best friend and long-time partner.


    "He''d want it too, but we all know it''s better this way. That and we need her verdict and you and I know that she always does things systematically.".


    "... always does things systematically. Yeah I know". Melvin completed the statement with Anderson and then sighed.


    He knew he''d lost the argument even before he''d left his home. Yet it had been worth a try. While the procedure was something he could undertake on his own Melvin felt like it would have been disrespectful to Anderson and also dangerous to perform alone.


    The man sighed as he relaxed further into his chair eyes distant as memories played within his head. Far memories of a time long gone. Anderson could only sigh with a head shake his hand still patting Melvin''s shoulder while he looked out the window to a pair of women crossing. One in a hoodie was held by an older beautiful lady with black hair as they walked past the hall.


    His mind made a quick analysis of where they might be headed and could only shake his head. It seemed everyone had a story of some sort. The world was filled with pain, too much pain. It only made him feel like their thoughts were justified though he didn''t deny the hint of doubt in his mind.


    A look at Melvin and his blank gaze was enough for him to shake off such doubtful thoughts.


    ''It just has to be.'' he assured himself.


    To Anderson, all it took was a decision. And in the situation where the individual was blind. A leap of faith, one filled with risk but faith nonetheless was important.


    ''There''s nothing to lose anyway''.his eyes moved to his dear friend. ''At least not when you''d already lost it all''.


    ****


    The doctor''s office was a comfortable place. Unlike most other offices it looked more like a home than a place of work. Helen felt it had more to do with the fact that Doctor Zoyla lived here.


    The woman though would never admit to this.


    A transparent bowl of candy sat at the center table where Helen''s hand constantly shot to, grabbing as much as possible and stuffing it into her mouth. An electronic pod showing the date and time sat on the table.


    July 17th, 2258. 11:38 AM.


    Both women one sitting across on a comfortable couch just as them while the other sitting beside her watched her like an experiment.


    "This feels like bringing your mum to school day. Only I''m getting reprimanded for my bad habits rather than having fun" Helen muttered while looking anywhere but at them. Of course, her gaze was trained to not look in a certain direction. Something that Zoyla noticed.


    Clipboard in hand she blew on a piece of her brown hair that blocked her vision catching Helen''s slight smile before asking her first question.


    "How''ve you been Helen?"


    "Goody. Been alright. Mostly on my games and books."


    "Anything interesting these days?"


    "Yeah. Definitely. The new game that came out you know it. Creator Online. Can''t say much ''cause it''s a big secret in a way. But it is good". A smile lit up her face as she popped more candies into her mouth.


    "I''m glad you enjoyed it that much. Guess I''ll try it out. I know you to be picky with games." Helen shrugged.


    " True. But the game is good. You might want to get your Beta slot though before it runs out if it hasn''t already. The alpha slot has certainly filled up by now that''s why I''m not even mentioning it" A nod of her head ended that statement. Zoyla looked at Carmella with a side eye before focusing back on Helen.


    "So, you have a great game now. How''s your sleep been like?"


    Helen paused before nodding. "It''s been good. I''d say it''s too early to judge but it''s great for now".


    "Glad you''re honest about that evaluation." Zoyla praised.


    "It''s my health, no one wants to get better more than me" Helen whispered back head hanging while still munching her candies hair covering a part of her face. Carmella went to work moving it away.


    "Your mum said you had a near relapse, actually she nor I are sure yet if it''s a complete or near relapse but we''re hoping".


    Helen kept silent.


    "I checked what I could on the game Helen. From what I know. No player has met the other". Helen frowned. The words echoed in her head.


    ''No player''.


    ''Did that mean the player hadn''t thought it wise to mention having a girl faint from seeing his avatar''s good look or something? While it wasn''t his fault still not mentioning it, what was he playing at?''.


    "Helen".


    "Yeah. "


    "Can you tell me why you got out of your pod screaming?"


    ''Straight to the point there Zoyla. Always honest ''. Helen groaned mentally.


    "I saw a cute guy." Zoyla couldn''t stop the raising of her eyebrows. Keller''s eyes narrowed dangerously. While Carmella sighed mentally. Normal girls usually liked seeing cute boys but her daughter had to be terrified of seeing one. It felt, unfair.


    "A player?". Zoyla asked.


    "I, don''t know. Just reacted. Kept trying to calm down but it felt like my body just..."


    "It''s okay Helen. We don''t blame you. Infact it''ll be strange if you had reacted otherwise at your first male meeting with a guy in a while".


    Zoyla blinked a bit before continuing, leaving the generally unsaid definition of a while as unsaid.


    "You do understand it''s not your fault right?" Zoyla pressed. It was imperative to remove any guilt from her patients. Guilt and shame at times were far more dangerous a damage to a person.


    She watched the raven beauty nod her head without waiting. Smiling, Zoyla then prodded on.


    "So, Helen, what will you do now?" It was time to take the initiative. Zoyla had wanted to do this for a while but felt it too early but now it seemed correct. The fact that the girl was able to sit with her father in one room showed her growth.


    Zoyla could still remember the screams back then when even the older brother attempted to enter the hospital room. It had been more severe in his case. Probably due to him being closer in age to the perpetrators.


    "What do you mean?"


    Zoyla paused, her mind seeking the best way to answer the question.


    "You found the boss Helen. And you reacted. You probably lost. But you went back and slew it. " Helen''s face showed confusion as did Keller who looked at the doctor like she was going off-topic. Only Carmella seemed to get it as her eyes showed worry.


    "I''m not good..." Helen was saying this before she figured out what the doctor was asking.


    "I, don''t want to stop playing. But I also don''t know what to do when I see him again".


    Everyone got confused. It was like she was sure she''d meet this player or whoever.


    "What do you mean?" Zoyla asked.


    Helen pouted before making a rough breakdown of what was going on. Though she left key facts out it was enough to make them understand. The place this player had been in was somewhere she had to go to progress in the game.


    "Well, Helen. I don''t know much about games. But I think it''s a good example. You players have lots of uhmm.. what its called assignments or ..."


    "Quests"


    "Yeah. That. You players get them and have to complete it. You put your all in to do it ".


    Helen didn''t like where this was going. Was this even normal therapy? Her eyes moved to Carmella who smiled back at her. Helen frowned in response.


    "What are you saying exactly?"


    "It''s a boss Helen".


    The girl frowned. ''A boss? He was a player, not a boss''.


    "He''s a player, not a .."


    "He''s a boss Helen" Carmella spoke this time. Now even Keller was confused. First was the doctor getting off-topic now his wife too.


    "Uhmm.. she said.." a glare from his wife had him coughing. Funnily Helen looked at him and he found himself caught long enough to spit out the same thing. "..a boss. He''s a boss".


    Helen blinked, the confusion still apparent on her face, yet the term was now ingrained in her mind. ''A boss''.


    *****


    The maintenance crew done with the fixing of the pod left while Dester watched from behind his arms folded and his expression colder than ice.


    The boy felt like smashing the pod knowing it had brought more pain to his sister than it was supposed to fix. A pod he''d brought for her. Even as he had the thought it changed to another.


    ''No. It''s the player. The male she saw. He''s the one to blame. They all are. The game''s too dangerous but it can''t be helped. I''ll have to catch up fast.''.


    His mind wandered to the great beast he''d have to fight just like Helen had. He shivered at the thought of how he''d be able to pass that point and make his world.


    He''d seen her stream and so was expecting something as much even though he didn''t understand how her enemy was more powerful than the recent streamers showing less powerful creatures. More like variants and stranger versions.


    It didn''t matter though. He''d get there soon enough.


    ''There should be a point when the creator players manage to meet. I''ll have to be strong enough in the game to keep her safe from those pervy eyes''. Determined he patted the pod and sighed.


    "Hang on, big bro is coming." Dester was gone from the room ready to grind in the game. His mind bent on getting past whatever the game threw his way, no matter what.


    The familiar tone of the system voice welcoming him filled him with both excitement and challenge even as his senses dulled and left his body.


    "Game on" His words echoed in the vast expanse of what was his universe. He barely acknowledged the two elder administrators of his five before he focused on the huge drop of silver liquid floating in mid-air. Above and below it were two more liquids. One golden and the one below red.


    The drops were huge taking up more than eighty percent of his universe space.


    His universe form.


    A frown grew on his face as his body moved past the membrane of the silver liquid and then he fell.


    Dester experienced his first Descent.

 Return to the game - Edited

    THIRD PERSON POV


    [The Presence of Fear makes a mighty one]


    [Welcome Player to Creator Online]


    [We hope you enjoy making your tale]


    Unlike the first and second times Helen logged in, the welcoming words of the game struck home in ways that nothing could. Even as her senses filled into the body of her avatar her resolve was already set.


    Her eyes remained shut even after she could feel her body. In her mind, one word was on repeat.


    ''Boss''.


    Her in-game senses spread, her focus sliding all over the area around her. There was hot air in the environment, and her back was pressed against the warm floor. She could sense nothing else and even trying to listen for anything failed. She sighed mentally.


    "Do you like the ground that much"


    Hilde froze. Her muscles stiffened and her hands balled into fists.


    ''He is still here''.


    "Yes. I''m still here".


    ''Wait, did he just hear my thoughts''.


    ''No, I didn''t. You''re saying them"


    Hilde kept her eyes shut but made a move to sit up.


    "I wouldn''t do that with..." bang. Her head struck something hard and a rush of pain flooded her senses.. "...your eyes closed".


    Helen even with the disorienting pain made sure to shuttle back as far out of reach as possible while pulling out Sword of Murrow from her inventory.


    The blade created a glow she could see as white from behind her lids.


    "I''m gonna start before you begin with the obvious questions to save us both the trouble and you the trauma." his words made her pause. Her sword rose higher as she fought the urge to look and avoid becoming a shivering mess of fear.


    "What do you mean?". her voice was more panicky as the thought that this player could be some stalker who somehow got assigned to aid her in the game or not.


    "I''m not a stalker or player".


    "I didn''t speak" she accused.


    "You didn''t need to. Your face says it all."


    "My face."


    " Yes, it went all scrunchy like a withering flower. Meaning you thought of something disgusting. And seeing as I doubt many know of your trauma it means you''d be suspicious of my awareness which to females means one thing. Stalker".


    Hilde frowned both at his deduction and getting called a withering flower.


    "Females aren''t the only ones that have stalkers or think about stalkers". She argued.


    "I know. "


    "How am I sure you''re not one? You know something about me that no one knows unless you investigated which, makes you a stalker" she deadpanned. Her eyes flashed to him quickly and away. Still, it was enough to catch the roll of his stormy gray eyes while his lips twitched with a smirk.


    "True." he finally nodded agreeing.


    "But I''m not a player so no way I could have investigated". he pointed out.


    "If you''re not a player then you must be a staff". she argued hands on hips like a know-it-all child the sword now slack. The male repressed his laughter before he replied.


    "I''m not a game staff either" his eyes seemed to glaze over for a minute before he sighed and then looked back to her.


    "While you''re fun to watch and joke around with aside of course the trembles you get when you see me, I think you wanna start completing your task here. The others are not too far from finding the entrances to their respective cores."


    "Wait what? How do you... you are the game A.I or something. " she queried. He scoffed as he glared at her before chuckling too.


    "The Will is always pissed at that reference though. But calling me an A.I. is so hurtful. No offense Ma". he glanced around at his last words.


    "Anyway I''m certain you''re cool with my presence now with your eyes open and all so let''s start?" he announced.


    Hilde blinked once, twice, then again.


    "When..?"


    "Oh it''s been open a while now." his lips stretched into a devilish smile. Yet Hilde was so focused on the fact she was looking without any reaction in her body that she barely noted the dazzle of the smile.


    "I''m okay, " she murmured.


    "Yep, you are" he affirmed.


    "I mean, I''m okay. there''s nothing wrong with me" she continued looking at her hands and waiting for something.


    "I don''t think it''s been that long but did humans undergo some mutation Ma" the male murmured to himself. He bobbed his head as if listening to some conversation before a look of realization came to him.


    Clearing his throat he caught her attention.


    "I''m sure you realize you won''t be fainting or growing a second head anytime soon so let''s get on with this unless you want to get overtaken. The first position is quite the spot on the leaderboards".


    The words were lost to the girl her eyes still looking herself over expecting a mental breakdown anytime now.


    "Anyway..." he clapped theatrically. "...Welcome to the World Forge. My personal concept and one of my greatest achievements." He made a turn like the old British butlers that were famous in movies back in the past.


    "You designed this game. "


    " Uh...I guess you could say that"


    Hilde blinked at this response.


    The male suddenly sensed a feeling of danger around him, chills prickling his skin. The male spun to find an eery smile creeping up the girl''s cheek.


    "Wait what..." something picked him up and with a flourish sent him flying up into the ceiling. A ceiling that Hilde only just now noticed was way beyond tall.


    The male screamed as he fell back to the floor with a theatrical screeching for some Ma. Hilde of course was quick to catch the boy setting him down with a giggle.


    Her eyes now small and cheeks spread she laughed. "That felt good" she admitted while laughing.


    The boy who was about to react at getting hurled dozens of feet off the ground shut up his eyes widening at the laughing girl.


    Hilde laughed for so long while the boy just watched.


    Finally, she stopped coughing and then fixed him with a stare her eyes now narrowed her smile looking evil.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "You deserved it. Don''t ask"


    His head bobbed for a moment his eyes dazed before he shook it fiercely.


    "Wait, what? How?. I didn''t even..." he stopped. Took a breath muttering to himself before going serious.


    "Just come along Creator Hilde. " turning he walked ahead while the girl followed slowly her eyes finally taking in the place.


    "Wow" was her first word. The thought to stream was quickly met with a no stream or record in this area sign emblazoned with red like a warning.


    The place was huge, like a home for giants. Huge golden pillars towered into the sky holding up a roof that eerily resembled the Primordial Chaos ambient outside her universe. The floor was made of beautiful crystals, luminous with different colors. One that would blind.a mortal. The knowledge appeared in her head as such.


    There were no walls, no matter how she searched she found none. Just a huge expanse stretching out in all directions with empty and abundant space. Pillars every three hundred feet apart.


    There were symbols that the system gave an error to whenever she tried reading them. This place gave her majestic vibes yet also gave her an eerie feeling.


    The boy finally halted at a blank spot where she didn''t see anything.


    "We''re here". he announced with a flourish.


    "Where is here?"


    "Your spot."


    "My spot."


    "Yes"


    "What''s my spot"


    "Your spot on the map"


    "The map"


    " Yes"


    "What''s the map?"


    "The ..." he grumbled before rubbing a palm down his face. The boy couldn''t decide which version was better, the scared part or the annoying part. Instantly he kicked himself for such a horrible thought.


    "Let me just explain without you saying a word. Can you do that Hilde?". he asked.


    "Hildelith"


    "Huh"


    "My name. It''s Hildelith. Not Hilde".


    "Uhm.. Well it''s better to just say Hilde. Shorter and to the point". the boy responded as if it was obvious.


    "I didn''t call myself Hilde though I called myself..."


    "Hildelith!. By The Will, I know. It''s just, too long. Maybe not as long as Quintapazzuri but still long. Typing it is tiresome, and by the gods, someone is too lazy to type hence the shortening."


    Hildelith''s face scrunched up in confusion. The boy frowned at his words before coughing a bit. "Plus Hilde sounds cooler".


    "Anyway, Hilde. This is the world forge. In other words the blacksmith shop of the universe. While blacksmiths forge swords normally and armor. Here you and the others can forge worlds. Discard worlds you either don''t like or don''t want. This place is open to all creators".


    "All Creators?" She asked frowning.


    "Well, not exactly. See, this place exists across time, space, and universes. Like you standing there right now could be someone else in another universe. This place has just one need. World Creation. For you, this task is merely to get you acquainted with world-building. In a way".


    "Alright. So I''ll need to return here anytime I want to make a world?".


    "Yes. Or you could just send your Cosmic Deity. Hear you made a fine one. Congrats". She felt like he was congratulating her more like a mother than a technician who made a good product. Weird.


    "Wait... I''ve been trying to ignore it. But what''s this feeling? Like dread and danger. Like uhm..."


    "That''s strange". he cut her off. The warmth he had was gone. Hildelith noticed his face now had a coldness that unsettled her. His eyes were now steel-like as he accessed her.


    "Very..." he turned away nose aimed left while the corner of his right eye still gazed upon her before also looking in the same direction. "... strange".


    She could see sharp cuts appear in the air as the boy glared in that direction. Her eyes followed going that way. The position the male stared at was to her right. A wall of darkness near yet far blocked her sight. A pull from it tugged at her harshly. An urge to walk there rose in her.


    A snap echoed in the air and the urge was gone.


    Hildelith found herself wide-eyed panting as she looked back at the boy. His eyes stormy gray once calm seemed alive. Like a tempest raged within them.


    "Very strange indeed," he muttered to himself.


    ****


    In the World Forge, two figures stood, one on her knees panting as she tried to catch her breath while the other stood his eyes glazed over the storm in them now gone and replaced by a simple curiosity.


    "What was that?"


    The boy''s glazed eyes gained life before he looked down at the Creator before him.


    "Nothing that helps your quest sadly".


    "But it is something?" she argued.


    Silence.


    The boy crouched at eye level with her, raising his right hand he waved a finger as he spoke. " Word of caution. Stick to what you can chew. Curiosity and need, desire and want ruins the world just as much as hate and love can affect it". his fingers snapped and the feelings of dread and eerieness were gone.


    "Back to the topic" he announced rising with a bop. Gone was the seriousness and the storm in him. Just a loud-mouthed boy remaining.


    "You, you''re not a player, neither are you a game staff, are you? You speak of things like they are personal and ... and you know about the game and me in ways that you shouldn''t. " She stood with a perplexed look.


    There was no emotion at the moment just a clear head and something else. Was it anger, no, rage, no just a hot feeling rising within her as she gazed at his smiling face?


    It was indeed curiosity and need. Need for control, just like he was able to snap from cold to warm she wanted to be able to stay sane when she desired.


    Of course, her curiosity came first though. To know how he did it.


    " You better tell me who you are or... "


    "... or what? " he asked sweetly. His eyes twinkled.


    " I just advised about curiosity too". he complained tilting his head to the side.


    "You can''t blame me for wanting to know. You affect the game like nothing. What you just did, snapping away all that horrifying feeling isn''t normal. You refuse to acknowledge yourself as an A.I like it''s an insult and worse I don''t...I don''t get the fear around you".


    " The fear. " he looked confused now. "Oh, you mean your earlier reaction to me. So that''s what it was. Fear. "he nodded like it made sense. Like he just solved a tough riddle.


    "By Hamiti your trauma must have been very rough".


    He''d barely finished when the wind moved and he felt a prick. He looked down to the point of his nose to see the tip of the blue sword pressed to his nose a drop of ichor seeping from his skin.


    Both he and Hilde watched as the golden Ichor rolled out and down over his lips before dropping to the crystals and dissipating with a sizzle.


    "I''ll ask one more time pretty boy" She frowned. "Who. Are. You?"


    Silence.


    Hildelith watched the guy go through several emotions most of them not lost to her. There were few she recognized, one being regret, over what she didn''t know. The other was a bit of annoyance. The why was obvious. Then grief and anger. Finally, there was tiredness and a raised brow.


    His finger raised and touched the sword, the blue blade turning into the bluest shades of sand ever seen and pouring to the floor creating a little mound.


    "That''s unnecessary," he muttered. "I guess after saying some things an explanation is indeed in order. Fortunately for you, I''m the only one who is this open-minded" he smiled and walked back.


    Hilde frowned at the swings in his attitude before shaking her head.


    " Just talk, please. I honestly don''t care who or what you are. I''m just bothered about..."


    " Why you''re not feeling terrified out of your mind before me and why do I know something about you that you say only you know?".


    She remained silent.


    "I don''t have to explain anything to you. But like I said I''m open-minded. They all hated me for it" he grumbled before smiling. Hilde kept silent waiting


    "I wasn''t lying though. I''m neither player nor..uhm game staff., and not a developer" he answered. Hilde held her tongue. The boy sighed before a bar stool and a counter appeared before him. Making the girl raise a brow.


    "2046. The first free thinking and extremely calculative A.I was created. Not to bore and confuse you with words I''ll just skip some things. 2050 the talks for the first possible brain-powered computer was thought of ".


    Hilde tilted her head.


    "In 2051 various theories and postulations began. 2052 tests started. Animals were used first to atleast check the effect on the real body. The brain was mapped into a system. Where it made various calculations. Most failed since it was impossible to split the neural activity of a living being."


    "They moved on to actively sending the neural maps of the brain into the system. It worked of course. But it was unstable. Lots of things happened and skip to 2056 Doctor Hush found a way to permanently transfer the neural maps of a person into the system. And here I am".


    He looked at her for a moment before stretching out a palm.


    " Hi, I''m Cole. Atleast that''s what my name was. How''s Earth been since I left".


    *****


    Uploaded Intelligence. The world''s most talked about technological advancement. Companies were racing to be the first to have one or perform one. But here was a live uploaded intelligence in skin and blood right before her.


    "This doesn''t make any sense?"


    "This doesn''t make any sense"


    Both spoke the same line with his sounding more like a question. She glared at him while he stared back with a shrug.


    " I said the same words".


    " Companies barely know anything about this. "Hilde murmured.


    " Yep. For good reason too. Now as much as I''d love to catch up on all the new cuisines, serial killers, and whatnot that earth must have we need to get world forging."


    Hilde paused looked at him and asked incredulously.


    "You expect me to be more interested in that than the fact there''s a human completely in a game? "


    Cole looked around for a moment before replying in a tone that brokered no arguments.


    "Yes?"


    ''Breath in. Breath out. Peaceful thoughts.''


    "This conversation isn''t over" She pointed out threateningly.


    "Yep. Yes it very well is over".


    "But how did you know..." her question was cut off by Cole rambling out impatiently.


    "I scanned your brain charts and did some very complicated stuff that led me to the answer".


    " Like an A I. "


    " Like an ... hmmh. Yep. Like that". he glared. "Now can we forge this world". y


    "This conversation is not done. And if you run then the world will know you exist". his face froze then a sigh escaped him.


    "Really?" He raised a brow at her.


    Ignoring his look she stood awkwardly waiting for the tutorial on World Forging. The boy stared at her for a moment. For a good few minutes, he kept staring.


    Then he smirked, shook his head, and just turned away.


    "Let''s begin."


    A ripple spread through the air at his words. Everything felt alive now. There was wind, a rush of energy, and the faint scent of burning fire as well as humidity in the air.


    Then with a click information rushed into my head. Just like before it trickled in and filled my brain telling me what to do. The information was overwhelming, and I felt like my mind stat wouldn''t be enough for it. Luckily it barely sufficed as the feeling of bloating in my head abated.


    A look at Cole caught a disappointed expression on his face. One he didn''t even bother to hide.


    "Start, I''ll help you when needed" he murmured like a depressed kid sulking at his attempts at what I guess was blowing my mind. Literally.


    "Will you.?"


    Cole remained silent, just staring with a look that said it all.


    "Perfect," I murmured.

 World Simulator - Edited

    Forging was one thing. Another thing was staying focused while an annoyed U.I. kept breathing down my neck. Especially one you know has about a thousand reasons to kill you. But sadly can''t.


    That was me. Barely able to get a seed of concentration as I unraveled the mystery that was world birth.


    What had the devs hidden in this game? With the boy behind me, I was certainly more than sure that this game was worth every ounce of my minute.


    Plus with him around I could get accustomed to males without the terrors or jitters. Only then would I let him off.


    ''A solid plan''


    As a U.I. he most definitely could cooperate. He had to cooperate if he intended to be kept secret. In his story, I had grasped the part of the success but what I hadn''t understood was the race for U.I creation when it was already done by the game company. Unless he was a secret.


    This would explain Creator Online''s closed lips and hush behavior about their game.


    Probably.


    But, it didn''t explain one thing though. Who permanently puts themselves into a game? Was he paid or one of those tired-of-humanity folks? I mean I thought that way a lot but a game, seriously.


    My head shook at regular intervals while sneaking peeks at the still-silent embodiment of unacceptance and anger behind me. His eyes were unmoving as I watched his gears spin from the various ideas he was manifesting to end me.


    I took my mind off him and focused on the game. I still had a mission to finish and pretty boy wasn''t going anywhere.


    [WELCOME TO THE SPOT]


    [INPUT WORLD CORE]


    A large beam of light rose from one of the various crystals on the ground. It created a myriad of colors just like the key that brought me here. The core left my grasp the moment I brought it out. I had forgotten all about it with the Cole incident.


    I watched the Core float into the light getting submerged till it was out of sight.


    [CORE SCANNING]


    [DAMAGED CORE RECEIVED]


    [PURIFY CORE FROM COLD EMBER DIVINITY]


    I was prompted to send a stream of divinity using Divine Purity. The stream flowed into the lights and then a new prompt appeared.


    [Purifying Core]


    A loading bar appeared in my mental eye slowly filling up. Turning as I waited I looked at Cole who still stood there. It seems I shocked him pretty hard with the blackmail.


    [CORE RECEIVED]


    [You have received Greater Shard]


    [SCANNING CORE ]


    [FORGE READY]


    [FORGE]


    [LOCAL TEMPLATE]


    [FOREIGN TEMPLATE]


    [CUSTOM TEMPLATE]


    "Ah. Something familiar. And we can sell world designs too. Making Earth and putting in a game would be cool. Maybe a whole world based on an apocalypse, even a complete cultivator world. " I surfed through ideas.


    I didn''t even bother clicking open the foreign template since according to the U.I guy I was the first player here. I hesitated over Local but ignored it. I could get tempted and disheartened by a beautiful local template.


    I would make mine first then check it out later.


    The custom template diminished into nothing when I selected it. Then a chime like a bell''s ringing played out. The ground rumbled as the crystal floor glowed brighter.


    Bright enough to have me shield my eyes.


    Behind my lids, I noted the light die out and opened them. Around me in a circle rose a table. It looked like a blacksmith table going around and joining up in a ring.


    "Is this.."


    "Your smith table". Cole replied standing right outside the ring. His eyes shone with a bit of joy and was that hope or nausea? My eyes narrowed.


    "Been a very long time since I saw a Forging table," he murmured running his hand over the surface of my circular desk tenderly. He resembled a man with his newly bought car after a close brush with getting scratched. Obsessed.


    "So what do I do now?" I asked watching him mindlessly pet the table.


    "Forge " he waved me away like a disturbance while he cooed to the table.


    "With what?". I shouted. The U.I jumped up fixing me a glare before looking to the center of my ring.


    "The table projects your universe or atleast its basest of forms. Congratulations on a beautiful form "The last part felt forced like he didn''t want to say it. Weirdly it made a smile stretch across my cheeks knowing it was said laboriously.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    At the center of my table was the little core glowing imperceptibly.


    "Now unlike before while creating your administrators and universe. The world needs a more physical touch. Now get to molding. "


    I had barely brought myself to question the words when I found myself midair. I was floating over the Lost World.


    [STEP ONE - MOLD]


    Luckily this wasn''t one of the things that I had to figure out because there was no way I knew how to create a world. I knew the basics of what to do and what not to do. The rest though was all me.


    Subatomic Manipulation and Earthen Grace showed their worth. With a wave of my hand, the terrain deformed. Rocks and stones rolled, the earth heaved and shook, cracks formed in the ground, and for miles, I could see nothing but a cataclysmic earthquake rolling in.m waves.


    ''Well, shit''.


    It slowly made sense in a way. Using the view I got I could make the world into the way I desired. Subatomic Manipulation and Earthen grace as beginner skills and insight were accurate. Without those, no Creator would have it easy while they forged their worlds.


    "I bet the system would find a way to grant them the insight unless their other skills and abilities would solve that issue". I shrugged. ''Not my problem''. I began with an excited smile.


    First, I checked my mobility since I couldn''t access the entire world from one side. It was nice to know my mobility wasn''t an issue as I could grant the world mobility. "I guess all those skills I find useless are coming together eh". Astronomical Object Manipulation lets me manipulate the entire planet. Spinning it like a ball or glove in any direction I wished.


    I began with molding. "How many continents?". I used Subatomic Manipulation which let me sense and feel deep into the world. It was not passive which meant I actively had to use it to get the sensing part.


    It helped my Abstract in a careful and precise splitting of the ground. The world was a perfect ball of earth. No holes no craters. Nothing. Just jagged and misshapen.


    "Let''s change that". I felt deep into the very earth where the tunnels of the worm were. From there I tugged. I didn''t even realize my eyes were glowing green as were my palms. My face was wrinkled with concentration and focus.


    It was not easy. It was equivalent to prying metal bars apart. I would know cause this shit was hard. Still, somehow the earth parted. The noise was loud and the shaking was intense. It took a long time of world spinning and ground parting to make nine continents.


    "Something''s missing. " I murmured looking up at Cole, the very intentionally making the world I was carving fade away and revealing the boy. He glanced at me, at my table, and made a shrug with a mopers face. Frowning I looked back to my work the world fading back to sight.


    The information said to shape it into something appropriate for me and my denizens. Appropriate means comfortable and suitable right. So what was I missing? Looking through myself I found something. The world was too small for me. How the system or even I connected that feeling was wierd but I just moved on.


    I began stretching it out. Making the world expand more and more. At a point, I found out how dangerous this was as the ground began to cave in as it lost its foundation.


    I focused on filling back those parts and got a ding.


    [GENERAL SKILL - Astronomical Matter Creation - gained]


    Create matter out of universal forces currently available to you.


    [GENERAL SKILL - Nothingness Removal - gained]


    Form matter and then remove the nothingness in it to grant it physicality. Matter formed as such has a natural perk and attributes of increasing physicality due to lacking the very essence of nothingness and inexistence other matter inherently has.


    I blinked at the two skills gained. The words were bland but I got the gist of it all. Anything I made with nothingness removal would be indestructible simply because the aspect of nothingness has been removed.


    When matter had no strand of nothingness in it then inexistence didn''t affect said matter. Erasure had no hold over it as the matter was beyond its jurisdiction.


    "Well, shit". I felt shock at the effects but shook myself out of it. For now, I controlled said matter into the spaces in the earth.


    I began filling the spaces with more of this matter till the shaking halted and the world now had 10x its previous mass. 6x larger than the Earth. Forming more matter I ignored the prompt of my skill attaining another percentile controlled the rocks to form a thin ring of asteroids around it making it look like a belt rolling around the world.


    I took in my work. Nine continents. Each one either bordered another or was far off. With the space it was doable. The grand canyons and large Rifts were positions for my seas and a large body of interconnected water. Knowing mortals it would all be named according to localization.


    I felt this was it. I had done the best for this right. I hoped.


    [MOLD AFFIRMED]


    [STEP 2 - CARVING]


    Here I realized that Earthen Grace was even more useful. It seemed Earthen Grace was gifted for this very reason. I wondered how the other creators would adjust to not having it when they arrived here. While for me, Subatomic Manipulation would have worked it would have lacked the finesse and guiding hand Earthen Grace''s insight offered. Sure, Subatomic Manipulation lets me see and sense the atoms of the earth and perceive them within. But it didn''t let me know exactly how to shape and move a rock with precision and the best way to get the earth to move without losing some or all of your rocks.


    It was maddening.


    I wasn''t floating over the world this time. I was on a continent. My task was simple. I used my knowledge of earthen grace to mold mountains, shape hills, and create Continental craters for little Rivers, lakes, or oceans in each continent making towering monoliths for aesthetics. On each continent, I made a little turn-up. In some spaces, I didn''t touch anything I upheaved like nothing.


    [STEP 3 - HEMISPHERE]


    The prompt was sudden and immediate. But I went with it. Creating the hemispheres wasn''t easy especially since I lacked any skill for it. So I decided to go with matter creation. It didn''t work out as thought.


    All this while using each insight and skill I had been able to glean out some things. One was Abstract. The abstract was infinite and uncontested. It was the middleman you couldn''t do without.


    Still abstract was as useless in most cases when the receiver was not around. Which brought it the now. I had come to realize from creating this world that my Abstract or Will needed something to act with depending on the situation.


    Nothingness, divinity, or plain Phys-Abstract. All of these letters were receivers for abstract. Which begged the question of what happened at the Dawn of Time.


    "I was confused and the notifications confused me more". I knew I made Sol with Abstract. But then my notification came late. ''See that should not have happened since notifications don''t come late. But it did.


    It came late after I defeated the Void Wolf''. Thinking back It should have made no sense. True I had used Aether in a fight to stop the destruction of space which would or could have been why I gained the Aether creation Abstract.


    ''What I didn''t calculate was that on using each abstract you gain it for the first time. The next time you gain a percentage or 5%. This means the fifth percentile I received was for stopping the destruction wave while I gained it when I made Sol ''. I sighed.


    ''Of course, I could be wrong. No way the game would make such a mistake. Only one way to find out''.


    "Let there be rain, a storm to fill my canyons, a deluge to enrich my soils".


    [Abstract Calculated]


    [Abstract Complete]


    Aether rushed out of me like a wave of white mist. Rising to the top and forming rain clouds. Dark rain clouds. A clap of thunder heralded the first drops of rain. I wouldn''t wait for the rain to be complete though so I moved on to complete the hemisphere.


    "In the North let winter have hold, forever a tundra of ice and white snow. To the south may thy suns burn and boil thy lands. Winter will come but even she will flee after a hard try. To the West and East, the suns and the rain will love and show love. And here in the Heart Plains will all thrive, seasons of their own ".


    The world, no, reality shuddered. The aether charging the storm seemed to pause for a second then churned on. Water droplets dropped down her face and body yet she felt neither cold nor the liquid. Her attires remained untouched and unsoaked.


    I stood there for an unknown duration of time watching as the water filled the canyons and rifts. Formed seas, oceans, streams, lakes, and rivers. Then the storm abated, it''s work done.


    With clear skies came the application of the hemispheres. The north becoming a world of blistering ice, with frozen icebergs in cold oceans and blistering islands. Snow-capped mountains, forests, and plains. It covered two entire continents and half of two other ones.


    The southern hemisphere was the hottest with one completely desertified continent. Luckily even it bore streams and some water streams underground that forged various oases in various corners of the desert.


    The Western and Eastern hemispheres were filled with good lands, green forests, and plains. Beautiful mountains and amazing waterfalls.


    The system affirmed my design before another prompt appeared.


    [STEP 4 - WORLD ENERGY]


    I had to set what the world could grant its people access to. I could cut off access to magic making it a normal boring land like Earth. Or grant them access to Abstract and the 9 Realities.


    The options rolled out in a list making it even harder to decide.


    [ENERGIES]


    [None]


    There were no options. It affirmed my theory on Tora having no mystical energy to use. With what I''d deduced on Aether it stood to ponder if maybe mystical energy needed to be connected to with the abstract.


    ''Atleast for those who can''t inherently use it.


    But, for now, I had to start slow. Since there was no energy I couldn''t choose any option.


    ''A world without magic would be boring''. I thought of connecting the world to Abstract and in turn having them connected to magic when available.


    [STEP 5 - LEVEL UP SYSTEM]


    "Oh my" If the players figured out each planet leveling up was determined by the creator players then we''d get hounded. This was bound to cause problems but what the f*ck.


    [Essence]


    The life force of a slain creature.


    [Experience points]


    Gotten from performing tasks and also various activities like fighting, killing, crafts, and professions.


    [Soul]


    Absorbing soul energy. (Most popular with the demon races)


    As much as I wanted to pick essence I didn''t want mass genocides in my world. So experience points it was. I didn''t have thoughts of demons yet. The fact that I didn''t want angels didn''t mean demons were it. Sure my Freyr was cute but still he was my Freyr.


    [STEP 6 - NAME]


    I barely spoke, the system plucking my mental words.


    [NAME - VAUSTARIS AFFIRMED]


    [YOU HAVE REFORGED THE EMBERS OF A DYING WORLD CORE]


    [YOU HAVE CREATED A NEW WORLD - VAUSTARIS]


    [OPTIONS]


    [Toss]


    [Sell]


    [Keep]


    "Keep!"


    There was silence as I watched the floating ball of what was a miniature world vanish. Then the Forge Table crumbled to nothing and dissipated into the crystal floor.


    [MISSION COMPlETE]


    [YOUR STARTER/TUTORIAL WORLD HAS BEEN SET]


    [PARAMETERS UNLOCKED]

 Upgrades and Templates - Edited

    [MISSION - RANK A]


    [Lost world]


    A barren core of nothing that was forged from the embers of divinities fires. Still lacks life, maybe.


    [Forge world]


    [Destroy]


    [COMPLETED]


    [REWARDS GRANTED]


    [+5Levels ]


    [+10 to Will]


    [+10 to End]


    [+15 to Agi]


    [x10 Basic Creature Templates]


    [x5 Blank Advanced Racial Templates]


    [400MVC]


    [FIRST TO FORGE WORLD - REWARDS GRANTED


    [Tome of Insight x1]


    [Mask of the Fortunate]


    [x5 Advanced Creature Templates]


    [x20 Blank Basic Racial Templates]


    [Divine Creature Templates]


    [One Divine Shard]


    [Feat accomplished]


    [Feat - Motivated - You have gone ahead of family. First, to birth one of many, many worlds to come within your universe and the entire multiverse


    +2% to current Focus stat


    1000 MVC


    Title Granted to Denizens of New World - Ancients]


    [Ancients - When on other worlds your races from this one world will be respected and revered as the first of life to crawl out of the mud.


    +50 Focus bonus to average stat.


    +50 Might bonus to average stat.


    +50 Abstract bonus to average stat.]


    [HIDDEN OBJECTIVE COMPLETED]


    Purify Atleast 50% Of The Unknown And The FirstBorn


    [REWARD GRANTED ]


    [Mark of The Will]


    [From the Void]


    A blistering pain radiated up my right forearm and on my left cheek, a glow of azure light burned, etching markings onto my face.


    [Mark of The Will -


    You have pushed through fire and blood, felt fear, and faced your terrors. You have lived up to your name and faced your Shadow You have forged the first S-ranked world. You now bear the mark of the absolute]


    [From The Void -


    The Multiverse names you. Tarnished and still full of impurities. The hottest fires forge the strongest of irons - Ironstone]


    [Fearghal -


    Those who say your name and who you choose shall receive the strength of a thousand men. Terms and conditions apply. These shall head for your halls to fight an eternal war on their Creator''s side]


    Even for me, I felt like that was a lot. Truly.


    I was ejected without a word more after the slew of notifications I had just been bombarded with. My annoyance at getting thrown out unable to grab Cole with me for my social experiment was whittled away as I gazed at the sight before me.


    Green and blue, ten times Earth''s size floated my new world. Its location had been adjusted to gain just enough of both suns.


    Amidst the other lost worlds, it looked like a diamond amongst the stones. Even as my intent spread into it I knew already that there could be no descent without destroying what had just been made.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Still, though a prompt came up.


    [VAUSTARIS]


    Starter world of the Origin Solar system. Revolving around the unnamed suns of this space.


    [RANK - SS]


    [DESCEND - INCARNATE]


    [DESTROY]


    *****


    I walked into the halls of my Lunar Palace looking around while unequipping the Vulkans prize and Cloak of the One. Compared to before the palace felt small now, tiny, and less eye catchy. That''s what being in a magnificent place like the World Forge could cause.


    Shrieks of ''Mamas'' froze me up and in an instant, I was floored by a crowd of kids. Five to be precise and Zeus who rested to the side watching.


    Haero who was now the size of a six-year-old had been the first to get to me, the rest all crawling had congregated around my legs and performed the mass labor of dragging me to their level.


    In the crowd surrounded by this bundle of joys, I forgot about all the past stress and fights. I went from playing with one baby to the other. Tickling, making cute faces, and just everything one could do with children.


    Ozai was cold and seemed too mature for his baby self. A curse of his trait I assumed. Tora was the liveliest. The bundle of fur crawled everywhere going from egging me to troubling Haero.


    ''Guess we know who''s the family troublemaker now''


    Freyja and Freyr were almost the same in attitude, neither too cold nor too warm. Both complimented each other like clockwork almost like they thought they were actual twins. They weren''t but I could have been deceived.


    A run through their levels showed me that baby god could still grow even with or without leveling up. Haero''s case was different due to his racial perk.


    Haero was now a level 7 which made me take a look at Sol outside. The realm sun was burning even brighter than before I had left. Haero must have figured out how to replenish Sol''s energy after feeding off it. I honestly didn''t understand how his ability and his feeding counteracted each other so I ignored it for now.


    The first thing I did was to open the system and hunt for castle setups. In a particular spot, there were decorations, defenses, armor, and many things.


    The company sure wanted its MVC back. Players would try to hoard MVC before the money conversion got set up. Since I didn''t care, for now, I set myself to just get things done. I''d earn MVC later.


    I could buy a lot of things with the MVC I had. From walls of different grades to tables and couches. Even complete room settings were on the market.


    With just over 120 MVC I had to be frugal.


    I bought four walls of low quality for 12 MVC and aligned them all to form a box at the corner of the Lunar Palace. The Lunar Palace was an empty room with all four corners of the walls in view so I was gonna set it up.


    Bought a little shower room, A great hall, and a kitchen. I don''t know what gods need kitchens for, but as a girl, it is important if they are there so I bought one.


    The next section with defenses caught my eye. One was called the Chain wall. Would create a wall of lightning between the Lunar Palace and the Nothing. Another was Vulkans Gate, it needed to be attached to an already set wall. Then there was Cerberus. Having the guardian dog of the Underworld protecting my house sounded cool.


    There were a lot of defenses, creatures, things, traps, and even Lost World soldiers. A unit I could now buy from the system after completing the Lost World mission.


    "Breath Helen, Breath. Don''t rush into things, girl". My voice sounded into my ears waking me from the buying fever I was about to get.


    "Important stuff". Down to just 1408 MVC, I began scrolling through the lists of things I could buy. From the cheapest to the costliest that was unlocked at the moment.


    "This is gonna take a while" I bought the most important thing for just 40 MVC. a good throne. Deposited at the far end of the Lunar castle and then began shopping while the little kids crawled all over me.


    I even found I could create my stuff and put them up for sale but I had to buy a blank template for each kind of product. A creature template, a defense template, a palace template, a guard template, and more.


    Each template was divided into three ranks. Basic the lowest, to Upgraded the mid-tier to Advanced the highest. Divine Templates were just that Divine. While I didn''t know what difference it gave I was certain it would be awesome considering I made Zeus with just an Advanced template.


    I toggled between buying things I needed and buying templates for what I would use and put on sale. Since I was the first to get my world up it was only wise to get a lot of templates on the market. Atleast rack in a few coins.


    By the time I was done with all my purchases, I was down to just under 400MVC. Who said the money wasn''t meant to be spent?


    Now I had about x10 Blank Upgraded Guard Templates, x5 Blank Advanced Creature Templates, and x2 Defense Structure. Basic Template, x5 Trap Basic Templates,x2 Security Basic Templates, and x5 Utilities Basic Templates.


    Done shopping an assessment of my stats was in order.


    [NAME - Hildelith ''Fearghal'' Ironstone - Warrior One, Of Fire and Brimstone


    TITLES - One of the Speakers, Ender of the Beginning.


    FEAT - Creation''s Witness, Motivated.


    RACE - Nothing


    BEING - Creator 79


    LEVEL - 16(780/1600)


    HEALTH - 24/24]


    [STATS


    Might - 225 + (50)


    Mobility - 285 + (30)


    Physicality- 240


    Focus - 230(257.6) + (20)


    Abstract - 230(253) + (20)


    Perception - 10


    HIDDEN STAT


    Def - (10) +(30)


    Soul - 10


    Mark of the Absolute - ?


    UNALLOCATED STAT POINTS: 80]


    [Abstract]


    [AETHERIC BEGINNING ABSTRACT]


    [Creation Abstract/5%]


    [Earth Manipulation Abstract]


    [Earthbend - 5%]


    [SHARDS


    172(Lesser)


    37(Minor)


    1(Divine)


    [CORE - One-Spark]


    [GENERAL SKILL


    Eyes of the Unseen, Aether Generation, Divinity Generation, Primordial Chaos Generation, Extra Sensory Perception, Godform, Form of Nothing, Aether Projection, Eye of Fate, Primordial Nothingness Generation, Nothingness Empowermen/5%t, Nothingness Handblast, Sword Beam Cut, Divinity Emission, Nothingness Saturation, Divine Cloak/10%, Aura/5%, Astronomical Matter Creation, Nothingness Removal]


    [THE ARTS]


    [Chaos Elemental Arts]


    [Soul Dao Arts]


    [PHYSICALITY]


    [MIGHT OF THE SWORD]


    [Slash/7%],[ Thrust/6%]


    [MOBILITY OF THE DAGGER]


    [Cut/8%],[ Evade/5%],[Backstab/5%].


    [INSIGHTS]


    [Divine Purity, Earthen Grace]


    [SHOP]


    [??????]


    The first thing catching my eye wasn''t the increased stats it was expected since I got more levels. My attention was on the unlocked shop at the end. My first thought was getting annoyed at spending almost all my MVC before knowing this. The next was wondering what the shop sold exactly that wasn''t available in the system''s feature.


    I tapped on the option and got various boxes floating around me. It formed a row of ten with five columns. The second row down was gray, a sign it was locked. The first box displayed a sword denoting Weapons, the next was a helmet for armor, there was shirt piece for the clothing symbol, a ring for accessories, and finally a scroll symbol.


    Before I even brushed my intent onto the first box I knew what was different about this shop. The buy and sell features for templates were all about things like race, creature, and defense. This shop though sold only one kind of thing.


    [WELCOME TO THE CREATOR ARMAMENT SHOP]


    It sold Creator stuff. From weapons to gears and if I wasn''t way over my head the last scroll symbolized Tomes.


    Tomes of Insights.


    If the game was selling scrolls of Insights then that meant. ''The insights in this shop must be rare or one person use only''.

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    For those who didn''t know,  there''s a Patreon. Chapters there are unending as I don''t stop posting there on any day.


    My schedule on Royal Road is to keep the chapters on Patreon ahead or I might burn myself out.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    If you wish to keep reading them join my Patreon. Your messages and chats will be welcomed. There are also Creation Online Art and Ideas thrown about.


    In my Patreon we don''t just read we discuss, throw ideas and create any and new concepts amongst ourselves. Most of the ideas you will see ein this book were made by readers too and yours can join the others.


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    Your presence is needed and wanted.

 Templates - Edited

    The shop changed many things for Hilde.


    What was the plan? Play the game, have fun, and deal with her trauma.


    Plan ditched.


    Now Hilde was not getting competitive or anything like that. No. The allure of games was to be the best, the strongest, and the highest in level or skill. Any player who said otherwise was either lying to his teeth or had strong priorities. Hildelith didn''t care about it though. The top wasn''t a place to be ignored. Getting a chance to reach there was most players'' dream in every game.


    For Hilde, it was a subconscious want but not important. Maybe to be so powerful she could be above everyone and get over the fear. Maybe to be the best. Whichever it was, Hilde''s plans were consciously different.


    Her hands scrolled through the rows of tomes in the box. There were tomes on various things. From elements to energies and more. Some were locked and all cost a pretty penny.


    The cheapest Tome of Insight cost over 1500 MVC. The same Earthen Grace she already knew. It made her wonder if there could be more than one such Tome or if the one she received as a reward didn''t count.


    Trying to confirm she scrolled through the shop searching for Divine Purity. There were countless Tomes there, so much that Hilde nearly got frustrated seeking the Divine Purity.


    Finally, she arrived at the last Tome.


    ''Either it''s one of a kind. Or ... '' her eyes went to the next Locked row.


    A sigh escaped the girl''s thin lips eyes narrowed as she searched hurriedly through the various Tomes. Different names appeared to her as well as system descriptions.


    Finally, her eyes settled on two.


    Tome of Insight - Titans Step - 2500 MVC


    Tome of Insight - Call of Ember 2600 MVC


    Hilde blinked at the thousands of coins she needed for the two Tomes. Sighing she shut the shop and focused on the current matters.


    Hilde emptied her inventory of everything important that had to do with templates and got a grand lineup of templates. Her loot was insane.


    x5 Advanced Creature Templates


    Divine Creature Templates


    x10 Basic Creature Templates


    x5 Blank Upgraded Racial Templates.


    x3 Blank Upgraded Creature Template


    x20 Blank Basic Racial Templates


    x5 Blank Advanced Racial Templates


    x2 Advanced Racial Template,


    x10 Blank Upgraded Guard Templates


    x5 Blank Advanced Creature Templates


    x2 Defense Structure Basic Template


    x5 Trap Basic Templates


    x2 Security Basic Templates


    x5 Utilities Basic Templates.


    x1 Vaustaris World Advanced Template.


    Only the Divine Creature Templates were different or higher ranked. The templates were of three ranks, Basic, Upgraded, and Advanced. There were further two types of templates. The racial templates and the Creature Templates. This fell under the Life templates atleast.


    The Tool template was where objects fell under, like the castle and the traps.


    Then some Templates had no classification. Like the World templates, System templates, and universe forms. Blank Templates meant no creature or race had been designed on the template yet. It was a bonus to gain a blank Template since one cost 10MVC.


    Hildelith was beginning to understand that Creator Online wasn''t run by MVC but by Templates.


    It was like a game where you could use it to summon and make the best characters, but here you could design an entire world and sell it in a template.


    "If I get enough MVC from selling my Templates then I''ll be able to rack in those two Tomes," she muttered to herself. ''I''d better get to work before the others figure it out''.


    Basic Creature Template.


    Basic meant the template attributes or stats weren''t all that. No matter what was made it would be nothing but basic. Basic creatures could be anything from wolves to goblins or other animals that lack intelligence and sentience.


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    The most common mobs for players to grind on.


    Still, she had a devious grin on her cheeks. A bit of far-sightedness was playing out for her. Once the alpha testers came it was a fact they''d be split amongst the one hundred universes. Then the beta testers. Each universe was going to act as some sort of server. But the only thing that Hilde suspected was each player would choose to stay or leave a server. Causing higher or lesser traffic. She wasn''t sure how it would work or get done. But she knew the starter worlds would be the point of evaluation for their creators. Like an exam of sorts.


    "Players love adventuring. Seeing new things. Challenges, not too easy yet also not impossible." she muttered as she eyed the hovering template.


    "The devs or should I say that U.I. already set the pace for us. They''ve given us a ton of races to choose from and also creatures. But where''s the fun in that". Hilde shook her head.


    "Let''s make them both fear Vaustari and feel obsessed with grinding on it. Of course, I''ll have to create variants of whatever I put on my world for selling. Eye-catching yet not as good as the main deal. Like a side dish for the players to stay a while to taste only to run back for the real thing".


    The creature on the template was a basic goblin. One of the lowest mobs in any game. Goblins were usually the most slaughtered mobs and apart from the slimes were truly pitiable.


    Hilde filled in the descriptions as she spoke to herself. Then designed the creature before adding its racial type. Once she was done she smirked at the new alterations.


    "I always wondered what goblins could be capable of if given the same height factor as humans."


    [BASIC CREATURE TEMPLATE]


    [VARIANT]


    [Vaustari Goblin]


    Vaustari Goblins are red-skinned, Prone to fits of anger, and berserkers naturally.


    Avrg Height - 5ft6.


    Might - 1.3


    Mobility - 1.7


    Physicality - 1.2


    Mental - 0.8


    [Creature Perk - Situational Adaptation]


    Goblins will learn and adapt from the situation becoming whatever is needed for their immediate or long-term survival.


    [Creature Ability - Cluster creature]


    These Vaustari goblins are Hardly alone. Where there is one there is more.


    [Creature Skill - Beserker]


    Vaustari Goblins will always get angry when attacked. Increasing their Might but not affecting their intelligence.


    Just like with the administrators, everything had a set number of points to be arranged in its template. For the basic creatures, it was just 5 points.


    Hilde chuckled at this before bringing up the next template. This one was of a dire wolf. Hilde tapped her lips with a finger while thinking of the changes she could make with this one. Wolves were seen as the most loyal of creatures back on earth. Pack mentality.


    "I''ll capitalize on that"


    Tweaking the template she made the direwolf tall before giving it white fur and red eyes.


    [BASIC CREATURE TEMPLATE]


    [VARIANT]


    [White Vaustari Wolf]


    A variant of the direwolf. These are white-furred and larger than their counterparts by a few inches.


    Might - 1.5


    Mobility - 2


    Physicality - 1


    Mental - 0.5


    [Creature Perks - Nature Energy]


    As long as land remains beneath their paws the White Wolf is invincible and unkillable.


    [Creature Ability - Pack Strength]


    One bite carries the strength of the park. As long as the pack is present a wolf will possess increased and deadly might


    [Creature Skill -Sacrifice]


    The death of one is a strength for many. Culling is unadvised.


    Hilde worked hard to create as many Templates as possible. By the time she blinked she''d used up the x10 Basic Creature Templates in her possession.


    Looking at the list of creatures she made a smile lit up her face. From Rodoil to Wagglers, a Bone Weaver, A Carapace pawn, Shadow Panthers, etc.


    Quickly the next templates came only for her to pause. There was no Upgraded Creature Templates. Just blank ones. She wasn''t sure if this was a good or bad thing. Wondering how to use this a light bulb went off in her head.


    Many players loved challenges. Some would skillfully and most definitely manage to hunt down and clear the Basic Creatures. She already knew that and had been planning on using the Upgraded Creature Templates to put in stronger beasts. But now, without them, she couldn''t offer stronger beasts. Or not.


    The joys of mobs was their ability to also grow stronger. Atleast offer a challenge to players.


    Looking at her 10 templates she moved through them. She only had three Upgraded Creature Templates. This meant only three would get the chance to receive evolution options at least for now.


    Vaustari goblin was a must-have since goblins without hobgoblins were anticlimactic. Bringing up the upgraded template she put in the new creature details.


    [UPGRADED CREATURE TEMPLATE]


    [VARIANT]


    [Vaustari Goblin (Blood Magi]


    Vaustari Goblins are red-skinned, Prone to fits of anger, and berserkers naturally. A new evolution option for the Vaustari goblin. Brutal in a field and more stronger the more blood they have access to.


    Avrg Height - 5ft6.


    Might - 2


    Mobility - 2


    Physicality- 2.9


    Mental - 1.8


    [Creature Perk - Increased Awareness]


    They can notice and learn from a situation. Whether magic, need for speed, or resilience. The vaustari goblin will adapt and improve quickly.


    [Creature Ability - Cluster creature]


    These Vaustari goblins are Hardly alone. Where there is one there is more.


    [Creature Skill- Beserker Magi]


    Vaustari Goblins will always get angry when attacked. Increasing their Might yet not affecting their ability to reason and think. This makes them very formidable and dangerous creatures. Vaustari goblins rarely need help, unless you are offering blood.


    The bloodier a battle the harder it gets to defeat a blood magi.


    The Upgraded Creatures had 5 extra points gotten in their template.


    The Next was the White Vaustari Wolf. Hilde knew that most people loved the ideas of Lycans in movies and games. She chuckled while finishing the upgraded Creature Template.


    [UPGRADED CREATURE TEMPLATE]


    [VARIANT]


    [Beast of Vaustari (The White Wolf)]


    At its evolved form the Beast is immune to all magical and physical attacks below its rank. A bipedal standing at a solid 7ft it brings terror to all who cross its path.


    Might - 3.6


    Mobility - 3.1


    Physicality - 2.1


    Mental - 1.2


    [Creature Perk - Tyrannic Might]


    The White Wolf is as powerful as its name it''s feared and revered. The more it is known, feared, respected, or reversed the more its physicality improves permanently


    [Creature Ability - Mental Howl]


    A howl that deals mental damage to all, not in the same rank. Debuffing and buffing itself and its pack with the lost health of its foes.


    [Creature Skill - Alpha Boon]


    The Blessings of the Beast granted to the White Vaustari Wolf increasing their prowess temporarily.


    The last Upgraded Creature Template to be used went to the Carapace Pawn.


    Its evolution was the most brutal of all. Hilde doubted the survival of the Blood Goblin or Beast of Vaustari when pitted against it.


    [UPGRADED CREATURE TEMPLATE]


    [VARIANT]


    [Carapace Knight]


    Eight legs with shredders up front and a single stinger attached to its rear. Armoured with a hard chitinous surface that leaves enemies in despair. Eight eyes with an extra hidden eye on its stinger.


    Might - 3.1


    Mobility - 4


    Physicality - 4


    Mental - 0.7


    [Creature Perk -Armourer]


    Defense is a solid offense. With despair, first of all, wars are won.


    [Creature Ability - Sensory Field]


    Possesses a field of hearing, smell, and sight that is 180 degrees in any direction faced. This helps to increase its chances of a hunt, defense, or detection.


    [Creature Skill - Birther]


    Unlike the Carapace Pawns, it fails to weave its threads. Instead acts as a major spawner for more devilish pawns.


    Hilde blinked then stretched out her body showing off a lot of curves that unfortunately no eyes were able to see. Then packing up the created creature templates she tossed them into her inventory.


    Looking at the five babies now packed in a pile on top of Haero as they slept she shook her head with a smile yet again marveling at the realism. But remembering the U.Is existence she could only acknowledge how the realism could be this effective.


    Eyes returning to the pile of templates she went to work with a sigh.


    ''Even in-game working is still unavoidable''. pouting she continued creating the templates.

 The Devils Deal - Edited

    Logging out to eat and freshen up Helen barely spent less than two hours outside the game before leaping back in.


    Her excited self barely realized how she''d kept walking around the house while not reacting drastically to Mr. Furrow''s presence. Something the man and his wife didn''t try to point out. Best to let her subconscious move things on faster if possible.


    The pull in her mind as she got logged into the game and tossed into her avatar made a smile bloom across her face.


    "Let''s get this done".


    Lying on the large Queen-sized bed with five or six little bodies snuggled around her. Hilde felt content with the little utility she had added to the Lunar Palace.


    Exiting the room she looked around once more. With only five utility templates in hand, she had settled for a large Royal room and another large room for cleaning up after fights. The aftermath of her last fight had made her realize that there was no automatic cleanse or something of the sort. One had to clean the normal way.


    Though she could will it the shower room felt right. Then there was a kitchen, which surprised her since she''d both forgotten it and also wanted it. It made her wonder about eating. If it was made realistic with taste buds and all then there were sure to be players coming just for the various in-game cuisines.


    There was an armory for weapons which was empty. A Blacksmith forge because she had to have one.


    Her great hall which she got earlier was nothing to compare with the World Forge but it was the best of what was available now. Golden and green pillars loomed above holding up the ceiling. Large bronze bowls stood at the corners of the room with burning white flames lighting up the hall.


    The walls while dark and the ground black seemed to absorb the light of the flame letting only dim lighting spread through the room.


    A throne of huge black stalactites rose from the ground and crisscrossed themselves to form a resting wall while the seat itself was made of the fur of what she assumed to be a Void Wolf.


    Outside the grand doors, she stared at the new security structures she had put in place. The first was a variant of the real deal. Since she lacked MVC and was holding onto her remaining coins for an emergency she had opted to expand the features of the current Security structure template.


    A huge black gate blocked off the nothingness from the palace. It was confusing like stepping in and out of different realms though the courtyard was clearly within the nothingness. Walls made of a gleaming crystal a bit duller than the crystals of the world forge surrounded the Lunar Palace from all sides. The second security feature was the force field of lightning that wrapped the entire section of the Lunar Palace in an egg.


    Unprompted it went unnoticed.


    Outside the Lunar Palace standing on the new ground a feature that she edited into the gate and wall template, stood the Living Armors.


    [SECURITY BASIC TEMPLATES]


    [VARIANT]


    [Living Armors]


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    The Guards of the Lunar Palace. Existing only to protect and preserve the honor of her house. Powered by the shards of purified cold divinity their existence remains locked to their maker


    Might - 25


    Mobility i - 25


    Physicality- 50


    [Entuty Ability - ]


    [Entity Skill - Core Enhance]


    Draw on the core of their house to temporarily boost attributes.


    [Entity Ability - Cohort]


    In the presence of other living armor in battle, all Endurance is doubled.


    [Personal Skill (Set by Owners) - Unholy Judgement]


    Smithe offenders with the chill of Cold Embers]


    The personal perks were additional abilities granted by whoever would choose to use the Living Armors.


    Since the Living Armors were Guards for her house and honor she set their template up for sale since they wouldn''t meet any creator-player opposition. Hopefully.


    The traps to the palace were all laid outside. A proximity sensor that would trigger a hail of black crystal arrows was set up on the walls. A ring of blue water surrounded the walls like a moat. It was liquified lightning energy. Enough to kill a Level 1 to 9 Void wolf.


    It was advised to never attempt drinking it since it looked purer than any water known.


    The remaining traps were lava waterfalls. Set to pour down the walls during a battle. Then there was the inner courtyard where the last trap was set. The very reason why Hilde had tweaked the security feature to have a ground leading to her doors.


    She could float in the nothingness. So why bother?


    The last trap needed a ground. It was something she made for a last resort moment. Who knew what the Devs would throw their way? The last trap was an amalgamation of two traps forming her deadliest one ever. She even held its templates back as she knew it would come in handy, not for defense but for the MVC it would pull in when the time was right.


    Hilde stood there by her window in only her gown admiring the setup she created. The once quiet palace was now filled with the sound of iron boots marching around the courtyard.


    They all felt more lively even if they were just Living Armor. Lacking souls and simply powered by shards.


    "Love what you''ve done to the place".


    The reaction was instantaneous. Vulkans'' prize equipping automatically with the golden weave and Harbinger appearing in her left hand. She was already rolling to the side and spinning fingers already pulling on the strings of the soul stealer as a blue arrow formed and pointed straight at the intruder.


    "You?. How. I mean what are you doing here?".


    Hilde was already getting narrowed eyes as various reasons some not so good filled her head.


    "Before you get dark thoughts..." Cole began then noting her darkening face added".., or probably worse ones I''m just here to offer a truce and a deal". His hands shot up in a placating gesture.


    " Nice move by the way. That was some good reflexes there". He chuckled.


    " I''m not even going to ask how you can get in here. Just what do you want, I''m not going to tell the world about you". Hilde glared her hands not leaving the arrow even if she knew it probably wouldn''t do anything.


    "That''s not why I''m here. " he waved his hand as if to show how unimportant it was.


    "I''m here, for you Hilde Fearghal"


    Her brows rose, and her lip made a twitch.


    "That was meant to sound more foreboding". he whispered.


    "Yeah, I got that. Cutting the name short didn''t help though" she spat. Then dropped the bow low and sent it back to her inventory. Motioning to her Great hall she spoke.


    "Let''s talk somewhere that''s not my bedroom". her eyes dared him to refuse.


    *****


    " So basically you want me to find you these things and you pay me back by teaching me the in-depth features of the game. "


    " I know it''s a game to you but it''s more like my own living space and world. Worlds." He corrected. "So try being more empathic please" he begged.


    "What even are these?". She scanned the list in her hands and the map sprawled on her lap.


    Sitting on the stalactite throne her eyes surveying the map she couldn''t help but ask again.


    "And where is this whole place? There shouldn''t be anything in this Void right? "


    "True and false," he answered.


    "For the coming players, yes. For you and the Creators no. I won''t say more until we seal this deal". He halted there looking her straight in the eye.


    Hilde couldn''t still understand why there was no trace of fear in her with him around. Was the doctor right and she just needed to face it all along?


    "Why me?"


    Cole groaned rubbed his face and glared at her again.


    "Because you stared into the Primordial Cesspool of the End and fought its pull".


    "The Pri...what..."


    "I''m not saying more than that. All you need to know is this. It has to be you. You can take your time to decide. I still have the other ninety-nine yet to meet me or my copies.


    "Copies?"


    "Yeah. Can''t have you and I scenario happening again". he grumbled. Hildelith found herself smiling without realizing it. The boy stared at his fingers for a moment before waving them in her general direction.


    Floating from out of the ground, blue dust coagulated in front of Hilde. Then solidified and dropped. The clang of metal against the stone floor rang through the hall as the Sword of Murre bounced.


    "I hope you help. "His stormy gray eyes caught her blue ones, rhe sharpness in them catching her by surprise. The next second he faded like an apparition.


    Hilde remained there staring for a moment her eyes looked onto the spot where the gray-eyed boy had stood a desire to accept his request egging her on.


    "One thing at a time. For now let''s get my universe completely set up before getting Vaustaris ready for the NPCs and others".

 The Forum Edited

    Helen''s POV


    The pod hissed as it shut behind me. My skin was already dry from the liquid I was usually submerged in as I walked to my bathroom and took a quick shower. I put on some clothes and stared at the time. It was almost close to nine in the morning.


    ''I guess all that time looking through the templates, creating some monsters, and talking with U.I. took more time''. I needed food and sleep.


    I bounded out of my room and down the stairs. Passing Mom on the road I winked at her with a greeting following.


    "Someone''s excited". Her voice followed me. I smiled but didn''t say much as I knew she was right behind me.


    In the kitchen sat Dad with a cup of coffee in hand. I paused. The action though was more out of reflex than anything else.


    "Morning Dad". I smiled at him as I took a seat across from him. Blue eyes stared at me with confused shock. Then he looked at my ma who raised an eyebrow at him. That must have done some trick as he exhaled and smiled back at me.


    "How was your night?".


    ''I guess the plan is to let it be unsaid as much as possible ''. I thought. "Was nice, the quests were very annoying. I don''t get the point of being OP but not able to kill things". I complained quickly.


    "Maybe a message".


    "Part of the Storyline?". Dad added. I frowned and shrugged.


    "Still sucks. Has to fight this dragon and ..."


    "You fought a dragon already?!!'' Dad exclaimed leaning forward to his eyes so wide they almost were popping.


    "Yeah, yeah. Chill Dad". I waved at him to be calm. " Now get this. The dragon was my kid" I leaned back with a smug face. Mom and Dad frowned, looked at each other then back at me.


    "Kid?".


    "How?".


    I smiled as I proceeded to tell them all about the game. From the beginning to the end, I kept talking. About the Universe form, about my children and how OP they could be, about the lost world and my fight. How I had to figure out everything.


    By the time I was done Dad and Mom were so bright with smiles that I worried their cheeks hurt.


    "What?. I could try and see if I can get a slot for you both". I tapped my jaw. "I still need gods after all".


    Dad burst out laughing and waving his hands. Mum was just smiling.


    "We''re good kiddo. Just glad you''re having fun". I froze at the word. Kiddo was quite common but it had been quite a while since I heard it. A smile split my cheeks.


    "Dad, I believe the game could and might have in-game cuisines. You and Mom wouldn''t want to miss out on new food. Especially cooked by players with chef professions".


    Dad and Mom shared a glance then sighed. "We''ll see about it".


    "Alright, time to eat. Is Dester still in the game?". Mum looked to Dad who shrugged them and rose to go check.


    *


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    The Creation Online forum was on fire. Comments, threads, and deliberations. Some creators were trying to teach some folks the best way or best universe forms to make while others were handing out templates for potential powerful administrators.


    Luckily each of these creators was raving on the public forum and I didn''t have to go there. Entering my page I noticed a blinking notification to my left topmost side. Clocking on it the icon expanded to show a Followers Chat happening on my page.


    Confused I did some searching and found out what was going on.


    "These, are my fans". My video had drawn in lots of people and those who followed me could chat amongst themselves on my page chat room.


    [@Zuggyman - Hey she''s Online]


    The chat seemed to freeze for a good five seconds before a cacophony of chats exploded. Lots of questions were thrown at me and lots of praise too. One question piqued my attention.


    [@RackOfLife - What''s the game like?]


    I thought deeply about this question wondering if I should answer. If my answer gets out then it may spoil some people''s interest or love in the game.


    ''Who cares?''.


    On the other hand, there wasn''t that much of a rule about what to talk about. Sure, they didn''t want us revealing stuff. Said stuff was never highlighted.


    [@Hildelith(CREATOR79??) - I can''t and won''t say much. But just know. There can only be 100 creators]


    The chat went mad with a lot of people ranting and raving about what I said. Lots of comments were stupid but I just smiled.


    [@Zuggyman - If this is true then how please do you think the Alpha testers are getting introduced]


    "Hmmmh. Should I... Let''s drop a hint".


    [@Hildelith(CREATOR79)?? - I hope people don''t go full Olympians in here]


    "That should work right. Is it too obvious". She scratched her head.


    The chat went mad with confusion and some people seemed to think correctly but we''re not sure. More questions for clarity came but she had no reply or answer for them. Then a new question came again.


    [@Bankai - What was that fight with the dragon about? Wasn''t it too early to make such a boss in the game]


    I laughed at the question but decided this was something that I could say since it was long past and besides they saw half or more than half that battle.


    [@Hildelith(CREATOR79??) - The devs made that storyline for some reason. Not sure. Turns out the dragon was the creator''s child. AKA me. Still unclear why such a half-cut story was made. The point is he was kinda pissed I didn''t know about him and ignored him. Which I did not. I didn''t even know he existed]


    [@RackOfLife - Aren''t you a creator? Can''t or don''t you know everything about your universe?]


    [@Zuggyman - Probably not. That would have been too OP and stopped any potential upcoming storyline]


    [@Baronet - That sucks. Didn''t the Creators make those admin dudes? And those other players say something about templates for creating anything you want. Make something for that then]


    I blinked in surprise. ''Why didn''t I think of that?''.


    [@Hildelith(CREATOR79??) - Not sure what to create for that though]


    [@Lollipop - Why not make a system. That would be quite exciting. A player-made system]


    [@RackOfLife - Personally, I think creating something more would be best. You said you didn''t know about the dragon and creators should definitely be aware of such things. Why not create something that erases this ignorance? Creates a sense of omnipresence. Something like a peeping tom]


    [@Bankai - That sounds good man]


    [@Bankai -> @RackOfLife - You are a man, right?]


    [@RackOfLife - ....]


    I ignored the madness as I clicked on the link that Rack of Life had sent to me. It was tagged with the Akashic word and sent me to a wiki on the Akashic. There were a lot of things.


    Leaning forward I began reading through the information. It was nothing like reading for an exam and was more of something I enjoyed as I mentally made calculations and tried to see how some things would work.


    I was done with the Akashic soon enough and found myself researching keywords that had popped up underneath the Akashic.


    I returned to the chat with the new information I had and a bit of questions.


    [@Hildelith(Creator79??) - So did some digging and I like what I''m seeing so far but honestly, all that information that it could gain and glean, it would sorta be a waste to just know it all, and only me. I mean if I knew it that''s no problem but then wouldn''t it just end there? I don''t think I have any skill that has to do with good memories. What if I forget something I''d been informed on]


    [@RackOfLife - that''s a good point]


    [@BookWorm - Maybe a Library?. That way all that knowledge is stored]


    [@Lollipop - Even better it creates a text of history. If you guys are creators then you''re definitely making worlds. That''s what that lost world business was about right? Right?. Right?. Anyway, with the world and the inhabitants that come and maybe goes, hopefully not, the library will have an all-rounder knowledge on everything]


    [@Bookworm - Yeah, yeah. Would be like those system tags where you get a sword in a game and it starts telling you some half-redacted knowledge on some long lost empire. Cool. Please do that]


    [@Bankai - What would be cool is if somehow, someone or people could gain access to it.]


    [@RackofLife - Indeed]


    [@Bookworm - Just not only nobles. I''d hate that]


    [@Lollipop - I think nobles always have a way of making things work to their favor unless of course creators have a hands on deck way of approach?]


    [@Bookworm - Please have a hands-on deck way of approach]


    I laughed at his plea but said nothing about it. Rather I smirked mischievously and typed.


    [@Hildelith(Creator79 ??) - It might be the work of the gods]


    [@Hardman - Is that a way of telling us something?]


    [@Hildelith(Creator79??) - Time to go. Thank you very much guys for the ideas. Love it. Don''t buy those templates you''re being offered. And if by any chance you are in the game do endeavor to meet me. I''ll treat you]


    I went off after that last message eager to do some more research. While I already had an idea on my 8th Ring I did think I could add something to the other rings.


    The question of access had brought an idea to me. Another task for one of my realities. I could barely hold back my smile as I clicked away at my Holo screen. To my right a notepad filled with scribbles, drawings, and more lay. It was time to complete my Universe''s form and move ahead in this game.


    ''For all I know, I''m the only one with an incomplete universe and I''m lagging''.

 Monsters with Cute Faces - Edited

    Hildelith opened her eyes after logging into the game to find the five brats snoozing away without a care in the universe on her body. All of them turning and kicking at each other like a dream mortal combat. Unlike their elder brother they four were yet to start leveling and growing fast.


    She had the feeling that their growth was normal without any external interference. Hildelith wondered how her last-minute ideas and decisions would effect them, as she considered them. Tora and Freyr in particular.


    "I suppose I will find out shortly." By making four more cribs and applying subatomic manipulation to Haero''s, she managed to make them just big enough to accommodate the kids.


    Each one went into a crib and only Haero waking up when she''d taken Freyja from him got the biggest one. Haero was bigger than before. The height and size of a healthy five-year-old, approximately. She pondered whether age and level would cease to matter when he reached a certain maturity or size as his level also showed him at five.


    "Let us see how a god develops, huh." She could not help but think of Molliwag and his unidentified race while the five were in their cribs.


    "More reason to finish this right away." She reminded herself how important this task was. "Okay, kids, let us get moving." Their cribs shooting out into nothingness after their mother woke the still sleeping pack.


    Creator 79 was unbothered by the veil of nothingness within which her palace existed. Her desires were the only reason it existed, particularly after she learned how to manipulate Nothingness. She could sense and feel the very nothingness around her. Command and direct it.


    It was as easy as making herself breath or holding her breath.


    She exited the darkness into the innermost section of her universe. It''s very form. The stunning and captivating star rings.


    To anyone else it would have looked like a very weird, magical or futuristic tech just floating there in the dark. The light from the Sol shining down onto the nine rings it bore and reflected from the golden rivers that roared through the bands of the rings.


    The rivers itself were a curiosity. The way the seemed to cascade down through the bands, into the different realities, and out of the top of the Sol in a bewildering stream of lava waterfalls. Many would be in awe of it.


    Alright, it amazed her. Was the river golden because she had made them golden or was it golden cause they Sol made it golden.


    Awesome as her Universe form was Hildelith has to focus. "I came here for a different reason."


    First she flew to Sol. With the way the entire rings structure existed spinning and turning like a large clock hand with the Sol as the point it made it so only those who existed beyond Reality knew that the Rings was the Time of her Universe.


    Its rivers flowing and raging also served as a way to calculate and denote both a lesser and higher timeframe, with a journey from Sol down to the Abstract counting as the lesser timeframe. From the Abstract and back another lesser time. Each full journey from Sol to Abstract and back through the rings caused the Structure to tilt an inch to the right. </a>


    Hildelith took a brief pause from Sol in case it was harmful to her other babies. While she could heal herself using Divine Purity insights, she did not want to put her healing abilities to the test when she could simply keep her babies safe.


    Floating forward with Haero now settled on her shoulders she descended into Sol.


    Waves of divine flame, geysers of fire, maelstroms, and an oppressive heat rocked the gas giant''s surface. Hildelith would not claim to be unconcerned. She was filled with awe. Many figures had gazed at suns from afar, admiring, watching, and nothing else.


    "I am standing on one". Whether in-game or not, no other figure would dare to brag about it. Except for her.


    "Oh, Dexter is hearing all about this." She laughed with glee. On her shoulders Haero began pulling at her hair. His hands took firm hold as he attempted a monkey climb down her body.


    "Easy boy, be right there." She grabbed him with her Phys-Emssion and pulled him around her. The boy giggled with delight at being suspended in that manner. Then he was lowered to the ground.


    Hildelith noticed that the Phys-emission took the form of an imagined hand. A large gray, neutral-colored hand. Something that she alone could see. She simply knew. </a>To put it to the test, she regrabbed an already distracted Haero and hoisted him back up. He gave another laugh. This time, she tried to make another Phys-Emission hand and waved it at Haero.</a>


    The baby was completely unaware of it.


    "Hmmh. So it is only visible to me. "What if I want someone to see it?" She willed and concentrated on Haero seeing it. She realized immediately that she could make it any color, shape, or feature she desired.


    Just to be sure, she gave the arm a scaly, long, and large black clawed appearance. Haero''s head shrunk back, indicating that he had seen the hand. His gaze took in the hand with a wide-eyed stare before turning to look at his mother. He turned back to the hand, spread his arms, and dashed for it.


    Of course, being held meant he was unable to move. Releasing him, the boy dashed for and grabbed the hand. Hildelith watched curiously as he gripped the arm and bit down with a chomp.


    Hildelith felt the pressure and separation of the piece as it was eaten by the boy. "Would he eat anything and everything? She made a mental note to warn him against attempting to devour the river or the realities. Something told her that he could do it.


    "Okay, Haero, please listen to me." The baby boy turned towards her. "It''s time for you to practice your arts. "You know, the one you use for...him." She pointed down at the Sol.


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    Haero, whose face was becoming perplexed, appeared to understand as his face cleared and he nodded sharply. She smiled and guided him to sit in a lotus position.


    *Listen carefully, son. I am not sure how yours works, but I believe it is no problem for my little prince." He looked up at her, smiling.


    "Now take a breath. </a>The solar arts probably already work just by being here, or you have to actively consume it." She gave him a look. However, Haero appeared to have already figured it out, as his eyes closed and then his mouth opened. She watched surprised as it expanded in a larger than normal way. </a>


    A great wind picked up around her. The fire and heat were rushing and siphoning into his mouth. He fed on the Sol with hungry precision. Hildelith became aware of the next aspect of his actions. His liquid metal skin burned brighter, and motes of liquid fire, magma, sulphur, and other substances poured out of his body. Both eyes and possibly sweat pores.


    They flowed to the ground and, like pollen seeds, were carried away by the winds to various directions on the Sol. She saw them fly up in the far distance of the sun and explode.


    "Nuclear Fusion or Fission. He has grown powerful enough to manipulate them." She was reasonably surprised because this meant Haero had come a long way in his Solar Arts in the short time since she last checked on him as a four-year-old babe. His age and size had already informed her, but seeing his prowess in action was something else entirely.


    "I suppose this one will do well on his own." She smiled and allowed herself to float off the Sol.


    Outside the roaring inferno and explosions of nuclear power that was Sol, she discovered her other four children battling with their cribs. Yes, she had babyproofed the cribs. Haero was a lucky event that she did not want to try again.


    "Uhuh. I will be supervising all of your interactions with the realities, you understand? Like the babies understood, each let out a short wail with a disappointed expression.


    "Oh, please be quiet. "Let us go." She darted downwards, and the cribs pursued her. The babies squealed with delight and excitement as they rode the joy ride.


    It was while shooting pass the next reality that Ozai began throwing a tantrum behind her. Hildelith paused surprised. ''Ozai the Calm. Throwing a fit. That''s a first''.


    His arms clutched in the air almost like he wished to be carried but not by her. Instead his focus was on the glowing golden sphere of reality that signified the divine plane.


    ''The system did tag Tora as Queen of the Heavens yet Ozai is the Cosmic Elf. Was this done due to Tora having no Reality to rule or what. But there was the Dream Realm. Wait, did the dream realm have nothing to do with her abilities? She could always access it through her magic, and..." She just shook her head.


    Whatever the case, Ozai had a stronger connection to the Divine plane than Tora ever would. Which meant it''s ruler or not it was his stop point.


    Fortunately, Hildelith could bring the others along this time. The Divine reality was a huge expanse of mountains, clouds, and just empty space. Whatever that meant.


    Ignoring the empty realm behind her and hoping she would not be assigned a quest to free a Lost World, she quickly sat Ozai down and adjusted his posture until he was in the Lotus position. It was cute and funny because he was still just a babe. If his body was to be believed, he was barely a year old.


    Hildelith was not sure if Ozai could understand her, so she placed her palm on his small chest and sent divinity into him. That appeared to work, as his eyes widened. They glowed brightly, like suns. The formless, abstract wings he wore transformed into a swirl of stars, nebulas, and auroras.


    "Beautiful". Then the realm shook. She felt a massive implosion of energy approaching them. The furrows on the little boy''s face, while amusing, spoke of the disaster he was pulling. If not for the tangible connection and strain she felt in the air she would have grabbed her boy and took off from this realm.


    "Please be safe, all of you".


    Unknown to her her little hope and wish registered as something new and unused since the game began.


    In front of little Haero, Ozai and the others amidst the several notifications they were receiving popped up one that none could understand.


    [Blessing of Mother - Nothingness Shield]


    Any and all lethal or fatal strikes against her children activate a shield of nothingness, which dissipates or erases the attacks.


    Hildelith floated till she was above the divine plane hanging mid air. All the while hoping her little risk wouldldn''t bite her in the ass. She sensed the implosion arrive at her boy''s location and it was all she could to hold back from stopping it herself. The spot shook and a large mushroom cloud rose.


    After a few moments, the dust and energy that had saturated the area cleared, and she saw her boy floating with his wings spread out. She could see golden streams of divinity flowing through his body. Even worse, his body was actively growing as it absorbed divine energy.


    "At least he is not consuming it." She smiled at him from above before turning and taking the remaining three with her. She spoke with a serious expression on her face.


    "Do not be like your brothers, you hear. Do not do something so dangerous. Her gaze shifted from one to the other, and she could not help but smile as they all stared at her with confusion. Tora spat, and Freyr hit his crib with his palms in frustration. The babies clearly wanted to get on with it.


    "Fine fine." "You win." She turned and descended into the realms of dreams. Nobody flinched. The color combination elicited simple coos and cries of awe from the babies. She passed through the realm and arrived at the mortal plains. Aftet it cathe spirit realm and she went in.


    "It''s your turn now Freyja". Hildelith lifted the baby girl out of the crib and held her to her chest. Kissing her forehead she set her down on the ground in a lotus position and took a step back.


    "Don''t scare me alright". Hildelith shut her eyes and tried to focus. She already knew that due to the universe being her and her the universe she had control and reign over all forces present. Which meant she could find all of them within her the same way she did her nothingness.


    Her body shattered and reformed into a massive black humanoid being of darkness. From a distance, one could only see what appeared to be a cloak of darkness covering a humanoid shape.


    Large hands of nothingness reached for her torso, ripping apart the nothingness that protected her inner workings. Hildelith did not feel anything. Instead, she was fixated on the lights and miniature shapes within her.


    Anyone who looked closely enough could see miniature star rings and orbs of light representing reality. Hildelith knew more. These were essentially the sources. Mirror of Nothing was a hidden perk that only appeared in her Form of Nothing.


    As the Universe, she controlled all forces, and the lights within her were their sources. Their cores, if you will. It did not make her an expert on it, but rather gave her the ability to learn whatever she deemed necessary to use.


    And right now, she needed to help Freya get her spirit manipulation started. Basically the same as she did for Ozai.


    "Gugu..baba". Hildelith froze as she looked at Freya. The tiny Djun was suspended in mid-air. A highly diluted version of the Aether flowed around her like a stream. She gripped it with her fingers, and it moved around her like puppets. Shapes and forms were created. She giggled and laughed at them. Cooed for them to come closer and they did.


    More shapes and forms appeared from the Ether, congregating around her. Hildelith observed with wide eyes. At this point, she realized she needed to stop being surprised by her children. Haero had already warned her about what to expect. She already knew Freyja was camepable of doing this.


    A form emerged from behind Freyja and climbed up her back. The baby turned to face it, and it smacked her with a tendril. Hildelith took a step forwards as Freyja cried out. More shocked than pained. Hildelith was already two steps away from rushing in when the babe clapped on the form.


    The Ether crushed in her palms flowed into her like tiny motes.


    "Did she just kill a soul?"

 The Final Rings - Edited

    The children kept surprising me, and I wondered if it was because I did not expect them to be so quick to learn their racial and personal skills, or because I was jealous that I had not mastered mine as quickly.


    "At least they are my children." I wondered if the other creators who chose infants were having similar experiences. They simply had to be.


    With Freyja in the Spirit Realm, I was left with Freyr and Tora. Their realms were ones that I desperately needed to create. Throughout my time fighting and honing my skills, I developed a variety of thoughts and ideas. Then my fans provided the final spark, bringing it all together.


    For this I was very glad.


    I pushed Tora and Freyr away from me using Phys-Emission. Allowing them to see it and interact with it. Thankfully, they were not Haero.


    While floating in the eighth ring, I brought up the template for my rings. There was a lot to add to some realities and a lot to create. "Time to start working."


    First I concentrated on the Dream Realm. Its colors, which normally descended into the Mortal plains, rose into the Divine Realm like mists from the spirit realm.


    "Gods sleep, after all, and they dream."My concept was this. What happens when a mortal dreams? The dreams are imbued with divine energy and granted physicality, but they remain within the Dream Realm. Now what about Divines?


    "What would the dreams made of Gods be like?" I was really curious. Next, I added a new feature to the Dream Realm.


    "Dreams are subconscious imaginations and scenes created in our heads. But what if it can be used for something other than actively crafting and shaping people''s dreams? But rather actively forming and utilizing one''s imagination to create their subconscious." A gentle pulse erupted from the realm.


    I grinned.


    I could feel it within myself. In my Form of Nothingness, I could already feel the new energy entering and forming.


    "Psionics. Amazing". Even so, this was more than I had hoped for. "Dreams are the product of our imaginations. To enter a dream, one must first connect with one''s mind. What better way to gain access than via a medium? Something both normal and unusual. When I added the idea to the template, another pulse emerged from the Dream Realm.


    "A subspace of reality. "The Mirror Dimension" I watched the new additions appear. The colors red and silver in the mix of colors were shown brighter and stood out. Their energies flowed even more into both the mortal and divine realms and were carried down to the other realities via the Star River.


    Thinking about it now, I realized that energies from the neighboring realities were probably closer to those from the river. I pondered if I should make the river boost the energy but decided not to.


    The eighth and seventh rings showed what a ring would look like without a reality to bind to. The rivers that flowed past bore no vibrant colors. The space within the bands is an empty void.


    "Time to change that". I closed my eyes and concentrated on everything I desired and understood. With each thought, the template was updated. More words appeared, and more words were deleted. Finally, I felt that this was sufficient.


    I confirmed it.


    The 8th Ring was empty for a brief moment. Then an explosion of matter, energy, and chaos erupted. The energies were so potent and so horrid that the bands almost faltered. Almost.


    The energy was subdued and smashed back. Like a wave of pressure colliding with an invisible wall, it came to a halt. A snap later and it was sucked back into the epicenter of the reality.


    The eighth Ring was the darkest of all creations. And yet I floated down there with Freyr. I set him down, adjusted his sitting posture, and smiled at him.


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    "Do not do anything frightening like your older brothers, okay? "And stay safe." Even as I spoke, I did not feel at ease. It was less due to him being a danger to himself than this place being a danger to him.


    "It has to exist". I floated away from this reality and arrived at the last one. ''My headache''.


    The 7th Ring, like the 8th Ring, had to be tailored specifically to Tora. Did not make things easy. Even after all of the advice and ideas I received, making it was more difficult. The implementation numbing.


    Still, I knew what I wanted. Unlike with the 8th Ring, I did not use the template. I had to do this myself.


    I floated down to the Star River and collected some golden water. I broke off a piece of the band and floated back up. Aether flowed from my hands, saturating both the water and the Rings piece. Phys-emission as a hand held it both up while I molded the water and banded it together.


    Why was I using the band, and for what purpose? The band possessed a simple yet crucial feature. Just as important, if not more so, than the rivers themselves.


    Reality Bind, Time Rings, and the Source Point.


    Time Rings was a property that the rivers possessed but not the other two.


    [Reality Bind - Lock and prevent reality''s edge from moving beyond. Holds a reality in place as described and wanted.


    [Time Rings - The Time Rings exist beyond time, generating the very flow of the time stream through all the realities.]


    [Source Point: The Bands of the Star Ring are a source of immense power. And while they possess none themselves, their ability to hold and suppress makes them the ideal item for power sources]


    Of course, there was a power conveyor that allowed the rivers to transfer the energies of all realities to one another. But I wanted something more. The band and water disappeared into my hands and reappeared.


    A large, circular plate. Because there was no way I was abandoning the Rings theme now. The plate featured what appeared to be spherical ports. Nine of them form a circular band around the plate''s edge, followed by a smaller band within it. Nine bands, each with one fewer port, until the center, which had only one port.


    "I hope this works".


    I wanted a spark that could connect with all types of energies. Magic was all about using energies that were not your own to act. I had planned to create the majority, if not all, of it, but I stopped myself. The excitement of using magic was evident in the research.


    With the circular plate in hand, I took a deep breath. Holding it with my right hand, I used my left to grab and rip my torso open. Throughout, I was floating within the Rings'' boundaries while using my Phys-Emission to push Tora further back.


    I could sense the inefficiency of using my own Abstract to get past the rings. ''These things are quite good at keeping power''. I stopped floating in the center of the ring, hoping that they would work together to keep any disastrous events from occurring. I took a look around to see what it was like inside the ring with no reality.


    Empty. I gulped while looking at the plate. ''This should really work''. Then I stuffed the disk inside me.


    [Mirror of Nothing]


    You have created the forces and beings of your universe. ''You are the Universe, and the Universe is you. All powers and abilities wielded and manipulated by forces within you are ineffective against you. The rate of comprehension and usage of available forces increased by 20%.


    "If the universe was me as I was it, did not that imply that I reflected the universe as the universe reflected me?"


    I froze as the plate vanished into my Form of Nothing. My dark visage faded as light emanated from within my torso. For the first time since using Form Of Nothingness, I felt..."Pain."


    ****


    THIRD PERSON POV


    Within the confines of the 7th Rings, the Creator was frozen. A blinding light poured from her chest through a crack in her flesh. Beyond the 7th Ring, baby Tora floated, her skin prickly as she felt drawn to the event. Large green eyes taking in the scene with a hunger that was like Haero''s at the very beginning.


    Then the Realities shook. The Star Rings quivered. The bands strained and the sound of creaking echoed. Like metal bridges undergoing strain, the sound spread through the vast nothingness.


    BOOM


    A great wave of light, energy, and something, something more that baby Tora felt her appetite spike for blasted out of the 7th Ring. The bands shook, and the rivers roared and crashed against each other, causing massive waves to splash against the bands from within.


    The bands absorbed the spilled energies and light, and the rivers carried them along just as quickly, while even more water rushed down to absorb more of the energy.


    Baby Tora watched everything with greedy little goblin eyes. Then a snap ripped through space, bringing her attention back to the epicenter. She unleashed a tantrum of barbles as the light and energy she desired were violently sucked back into the epicenter.


    Just like with the 8th Ring, the implosion came to a halt as it gathered back at its epicenter.


    At the center of a reality filled with nothing but gray and white energy floated Creator 79. Her Form of Nothingness already deactivated. Her body lying to the side in her Godform. Her body remained stiff and still despite the absence of any visible bruises or wounds.


    Tora barbled impatiently again, yet the Creator did not stir.

 Success - Edited

    THIRD PERSON POV


    What was death in the game? For others, it was something different dependent on what had been done in their universes. For Hildelith it was simple. Death was a chance for a new life. A new story. A new and clean sheet. When she''d made each of the realities she''d done it in a way that each complimented the other. Yet it never occurred to her just how much they did.


    The emphasis though lay with the Spirit Realm and the 8th Ring. The spirit realm was a Nexus point for all souls to be made, sent out, and returned. It was the Samsara of her Universe.


    The 8th Ring was different. Where the spirit realm stood for new stories and new changes. The 8th Ring stood for finality. For the utter and complete end. It was no surprise that this was Freyr''s Source Point.


    While the Primordial children didn''t need these points they were like birds. Exhibiting more finesse and power in the sky.


    The 7th Ring was completely different. Taking the advice from her fans, the need for Tora to have mystical energies, and also keeping in mind that Vaustaris could and would use the energy granted for themselves, Hildelith knew she didn''t want another situation with Molliwag.


    Which was why she decided to beat the game. Aether had shown her she could create things without the template. Astronomical matter creation and hammered the fact home.


    Utilizing materials she knew to have effects she would need was simply all about imagining and working out what she wanted. The dangerous part of the game was how to create and generate the very energy she desired.


    Then she remembered. Mirror of Nothing reflected what her universe was capable of. Yet she wasn''t just her universe. Her universe was her. Didn''t that mean the reflection went both ways? The mirror after all only shows you what it sees.


    Of course that didn''t just mean she expected something magical to happen. Unless there was something she had that had universe didn''t.


    The One -Spark.


    She didn''t know what it was. Or what it was there for. It barely had any notifications that applied to it. But, she remembered what it could and had done at the very beginning of time.


    What else to do if not to reenact the Dawn Bang?


    It had been more difficult than just stuffing the plate into her chest though. She''d actively channeled Divinity to it. Aether to it, Even the Primordial Chaos she''d had less to no manipulation overacted.


    And just like she suspected the One spark acted. Repeating the actions of the Dawn bang it stabilized all the energies running rampant in her. But this time the energies weren''t just her universe or her. It was on the disk.


    The rest was something Hildelith realized to be a bloody chance. While the energies were stabilized the One-Spark seemed capable of realizing that the Plate was somehow not a part of its body.


    So it shared itself. Transforming the plate into a source point of itself. Hildelith quickly grabbed and took out the Plate. But that was where she''d made her first mistake. The One Spark wasn''t just helping to guide and orient the energies on the plate. It has essentially been making it one with her.


    In essence, body, soul, and energies were shared with the plate. And she just pulled it out. The One Spark snapped.


    The energy build-up exploded. Hildelith and the One-Soark worked together somehow to drain and regulate the energies running rampant while the Bands of the Star Rings along with the rivers did their part too.


    When the implosion took place the One-Spark tried drawing the energy back into her. Hildelith grasped at the connection with the plate and with all the focus she could bear snapped it.


    The backlash was cataclysmic. Her Form of Nothing absorbing the damage shattered like glass. Reverting to Godform to avoid death the leftover damage quickly ravaged her body while she fought to heal herself with Divinity.


    Simultaneously, the plate now free from the One-Spark connected to all and everything. Like a mind of its own, it spread its tendrils trying to learn and understand. First, it sorted itself out and understood its purpose and its it''s existence. Next, it grasped at the very bands that held it in place and melded into it.


    The rivers roared as the energy intruded. The Rings knew its task. An automated machine that did its work. So when it detected a new energy, one both diffused into the bands and the river it was torn. Yet it knew its job.


    The Energy was carried through the river and into the other realities. Yet unbelievably the energy wasn''t even waiting for the river. It ripped through the bands, like currents conducted through iron it roared through the rings.


    The Moment it connected to the abstract it was like the energy found water. And then it connected to Sol and the entire Rings quivered. If possible the rings glowed even brighter. The Waters becoming even more colorful and faster.


    On the Sol, Haero opened his eyes. Silver orbs locked on the very surface of his Sol Bond as he felt a new and powerful force integrating itself with the sun. Yet even as he proved he didn''t detect any malicious intent or something not nice.


    "Feels like mama". He shrugged and shut his eyes returning to his art. The other babies unbothered by the ripples ignored and continued their antics.


    For the mortal realms, it was a very different effect. Unlike the other realities where the energy was simply connected by the rings and rivers, it did something different.


    The Tapestry was bound to the bands of the Star Rings. As such once the energy met the tapestry it simply overflowed. Like a waterfall of energy, it poured into the Mortal plains.


    Through the rivers, it flowed into the reality unseen yet present.


    Back in its source the Circular plate now completely different than before unleashed a plethora of lights and soft noises. Then a tiny mirage formed above it. Suddenly it split and began forming more mirages rushing in all directions. Like a tidal wave, it unleashed these forces.


    Their ages followed the paths the energy took which was everywhere. Like an army of insects, they flooded all realms and realities. Even the rivers were unspared.


    Finally, a single mirage formed. This one was larger and more physical than the other translucent and smaller mirages. The size of a tiny being not even the length of a baby''s arm it floated to the prone form of Hildelith.


    The little thing was visibly similar to the Creator on the ground. Same features and looks yet tinier. It floated closer and seemed bothered.


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    "Oh dear". Turning around in alarm it wondered what to do. Just at the moment the energy finally exploded beyond the binds of the Rings. Rushing outwards they swept through the nothingness and saturated everything they found. Behind it, an army of pests followed the mirages. Flooding even into the Lunar palace and up to the very last border of the universe.


    The tiny being snapped its fingers as it saw something. A crib floating in space. Its memories and the knowledge it had gotten from its maker told it who the baby was. With an effortless hand swish, a query was sent through the army of mirages.


    Like a switch was flipped a section of the mirages floated aimlessly now in the nothingness surrounding the Crib. Baby Tora herself eyes wide and cooing at the mirages grasped for them.


    A few flavored into her grasp while some just floated around her.


    The little being then sent another query. This time a mirage floating right on Tora''s arm waving melted into her. Like a jolt of electricity knowledge bloomed into her mind.


    It was a single strand but held a massive amount of knowledge. Enough to turn the barbling brat into a wise brat. It was like sentience finally came. Eyes cleared from some babyish confusion and Tora could see existence for what it was.


    Yet her mind focused on one crucial piece of information. ''Mama needs me''.


    ****


    HELEN''S POV


    I woke up to a slew of notifications coating my vision. Annoyed I willed them to be sent into my mind. And they were. I sprang up from both surprise, alarm, and joy.


    [Feat - Source Point Creator]


    You have formed a source point on your own despite the use of system-generated materials.


    +10 to Focus


    +10 to Abstract


    [Please name Source Point - ]


    [General Skill - System Creation - gained]


    You can create and develop a system that works on specific rules and regulations for either worlds, groups, or specific individuals.


    [FEAT - Striking out]


    You have attempted to create on your own without the aid of The Will. You have achieved success while also facing danger. Insight - Spark - gained. +20% increased chances of success when performing tasks without Templates. +20 to Focus and Physicality]


    [Insight - Spark Splitting]


    You have watched and seen the One-Spark work. Its use and power still elude you yet you gain a simple inkling of basic knowledge. Splitting a spark will disengage a tiny single tendril of the One-Spark for your immediate use. Applications are left to you for discovery. Watch your head]


    [Cooldown - 24 Star Rings Days]


    [General Skill - Soul Erasure Resistance - gained]


    You dabbled with a power best left alone and barely survived. Nullifies all Soul damage for 60%. Here, a gift. Try not to be so reckless]


    [Soul Arts/15%]


    [Your soul was damaged and mended back. Your soul power increases by 15%]


    [Mirror of Nothing -> Mirror of Self]


    You have seen your reflection from both sides. Now you know both angles and both stories.


    [General Skill - ?????? Generation]


    You now generate and form the new energy which permeates all of reality.


    [Please name new energy - ]


    [General Skill - Mystical energies Generations]


    Your new energy has begun tabulating and recording all sights and events in your words. Gaining access and connecting to every single subatomic matter in your universe. Each reverberation and concept has been tabulated and various forms of energies created for it]


    [PERK - ???????]


    You have formed the first hive and system of knowledge in the Multiverse. As the first to exist your ?????? may randomly spawn knowledge about an unknown knowledge not from your universe.


    [Please name new Hub of Information - ]


    [Racial Skill - Spell Casting Unlocked]


    [General Skill - Balance Magic - gained]


    Hildelith rubbed her face from the vast list in her mind. Slowly she began sorting through them. Things like the name for the Hub of Information or Library were things she''d already decided.


    ''Credit to whom credit is due''. With a thought, the name was slotted in. Next came the naming for the energy generated. Hildelith was tilting toward Mana since it was something the mortals would also use and the term might be familiar with players.


    "Who am I kidding". She didn''t care for anything old. She was a Creator and new things were what she stood for. Besides, mana was almost an insult to what the energy was.


    It was more manage knew it. Something not only generated by her but also somehow drawing from the One-Spark. She could feel the importance and power it radiated. Her power. And yet more.


    "Akasha". She didn''t know why she liked the name but it stood out to her. She could already see players using it while battling. Mages channeling Akasha into their spells and manipulating Akasha.


    "Oh thank goodness. worried there you''d go with the mana thing".


    Hildelith blinked as she realized she was not alone. Floating in front of her was a tiny fairy-like creature. Looking closer Hildelith couldn''t help but feel that it was creepy for the thing to look quite like her. ''Is this due to being taken from me?''.


    "Yes". The creatures chirped and twirled.


    "You can read minds. Of course you can read minds, I created you that way". She shook her head and then sighed before looking around. The first thing she noticed was Tora.


    A toddler Tora. ''The Hell''.


    "Careful Miss. With the Primordial Psionics formed from the creation of the mirror dimension within the dream realm and also the divinity within it, any thought and desire with so great an expression could very well be given physicality".


    Her head snapped back to the Fairy. Her brain cresting a noise similar to static. "Sorry I think I misheard you. You said the Dream Realm did what exactly?".


    "The Mirror Dimension you created within the Dream Realm is a pseudo-reality of reflections and inner self. Those who dream find themselves here. Their dreams forge an illusionary world within the realm for them. Here comes the Mirror Dimension. Beforehand the Divine energy was enough to grant physicality to the dreams but seeing as there were no criteria it would have been any dreams. Luckily you are yet to have mortals. Unfortunately by crafting the Mirror dimension you created... a door per se. A window through all entities'' souls into the dream realm". The fairy being stopped to see if the Creator was following.


    Her gaze was blank, eyes fixed on her. ''Good enough''.


    "So when you dream all wish for something quite strongly the dream realm receives it via the mirror dimension".


    There was silence. Hildelith kept blinking. No one knew what her thoughts were.


    "Does this apply to all beings?".


    ''From theorized calculations, yes. It is yet to be seen how it would affect both Divines and mortals.'' the fairy looked away sheepishly.


    "What are you not saying?". Hildelith asked. The Fairy made is a show of picking an inexistent nose before answering.


    "I''ve calculated and theorized that since Divines possess will even from a tender age as your memories show, their dreams and desires can and may be controlled. Of course, this does not mean all is safe with them. Just their chances of not creating something truly hellish are lower. For mortals I doubt".


    Hildelith made to question her but paused as she realized the answer herself.


    "Mortals need to grow their Abstract or master it to unlock the Akasha. Which means their Abstract is technically weak or non-existent". The fairy nodded continuing.


    "Such tests of Abstract will be triggered when awake or when asleep during times of severe stress. For those awake, the chances of creating such Nightmares are close to zero given they''d need to be psionics to connect to the dream realm before manifesting such nightmares. But for those who accidentally activate their Abstract test while asleep, it could lead to dangerous results. When and if such mortals dream and fail their Abstract manifestation or connection their dreams or in this case nightmares will be granted physicality''.


    Hildelith shivered.


    ''I had the feeling that was not a good thing''. The fairy added. She nodded in response.


    "All is not lost though''. Regaining the Creator''s attention she continued.


    ''During Creation, the Rack of Life''s energy spread through all your universe. And upon reaching and noting the severity of what had transpired in your Dream realm formulated a calculation''.


    "Calculation?".


    ''Yes Creator. Dreams. The antithesis of Nightmares. Just like light repels the darkness so too will dreams chase away the nightmares ''.


    "And how do I go about this?".


    "By granting those who succeed in awakening their Abstract while asleep a Dream".


    "I''m getting the idea you mean something like the nightmare but good". The fairy nodded excitedly.


    "Okay. I can see how that could help".mentally she thought. ''This could also be a good storyline for players''.


    ''I can read and listen to your thoughts Creator. If I may. What is a game? And how are we in one?


    ''Oh shit''.


    ''That too. What does a mortal waste excrement have to do with my question and even better why would it mean something else when it is something else".

 Akasha - Edited

    THIRD PERSON POV


    Hildelith remained frozen as the thought of what she could do and how this had happened filled her head. Wasn''t the game supposed to not know about reality? How then did the game system let the fairy or whatever learn about reality?


    "I am you. You cannot hide thoughts from me just as I cannot hide them from you. This was why I was created. To hunt for knowledge and record all. Did I do wrong?"


    Quickly shaking her head Hildelith debunked such thoughts from growing in Akasha''s mind. "This must only remain between us. Not another soul must hear of it".


    "As I command". She spoke. Her fingers tweedled and she looked at me with puppy eyes.


    "What?".


    "You still have not told me the answers".


    "Just pick them from my memories. Can''t you do that?. For now what is your name, what do I call you?".


    Her head tilted to the side. "But you already named me. Akasha. I like that one".


    "Akasha. But that''s the name ... How?".


    "I''m the energy generated by you and the Rack Of Life. I took this form as I realized this was the easiest method of communicating with you".


    "Oookay". She nodded, looked back to Tora, and frowned. "Care to explain how she''s so big now?".


    "She has been playing with me since she healed your body of the damages you incurred. I apologize for causing such distress". Akasha bowed with an apologetic look.


    "Don''t do that. It''s fine. I needed you". Looking herself over she sighed. "I was that hurt huh?" Akasha nodded. While her gown was still in as good a state as before it didn''t mean the blood didn''t show as smudges on it.


    "Fine. What can you tell me about everything that is going on now?".


    Akasha quickly floated up to her left shoulder and perched before her mouth opened and she began talking nonstop. Her words, tiny and squeakish entered Hildelith''s brain and somehow stayed. Quite curious she used her Extrasensory Perception on her and got only a single line of text.


    [Entity Out of System Bounds]


    ''That''s new''.


    "Oh. I exist under your purview and only your purview. You can only see my information through utilizing Akasha, hehehe, that''s me".


    I shook my head at her funny antics and simply tried willing the use of Akasha. It was quite easy to use. With myself generating the energy it simply flowed up to my eyes and brain.


    [Akasha - Embodiment of the Energy from the Rack of Life]


    [-Exist in every nook and cranny of the universe both known and unknown.


    -Can be utilized by tapping into the Abstract.


    -Is also magical energy.


    -Controls all forms of magic and their energies


    - ?????? ]


    "Okay. That seems like a summary. What''s the ..." She paused as information filled her brain. Unlike the game''s info dumps, this felt more like she knew it. Like something she''d learned before and simply forgotten.


    ''Is this due to Akasha being me or what?''. The fairy being on her shoulder nodded.


    ''I guess''. Digesting the information gave her all the basics of everything. "So you can just do this info dump of lengthy things in my brain. Not creepy at all".


    Tora had started experimenting with some powerful shit she shouldn''t experiment with. Considering all her siblings were doing the same Hildelith couldn''t argue it.


    Some lesser energies had already been formulated and created by her in the little time she had been unconscious. There was already Life Magic and Death Magic.


    ''How did she even do that?''.


    "She tapped into the energies flowing through the rivers and analyzed it. She separated some energies like Spectral energy and combined them with Destruction energy to form Death Energy''.


    "Doesn''t the 8th Ring have that energy? She could have just taken it from there. Akasha shook her little head.


    "Too powerful and different".


    She sighed. "Okay. I guess".


    "She''s also formed Elemental magic. And well ...just take a peek".


    She suddenly found herself, or more of, her senses, sight, hearing, smell, touch and even taste at the river.


    ''This is weird''. She looked around while trying to get used to the feeling. "What am I looking at?".


    "Life magic and elemental Magic". Akasha''s voice came into her head.


    "Are you...".


    "Yes. I am you".


    "I''m getting tired of hearing that". She turned back to the river as a large splash parted the water for a grand entity.


    ''I don''t remember creating that''.


    ''You didn''t".


    "Are you saying Tora beat me in creating life?".


    "They''re not life per se ". Another jolt of information and I blinked. "Oh"


    From the river, a great humanoid of water rose. Its form made of golden liquid. It bore holes on its head-like structure for eyes and a mouth and limbs for mobility. Limbs it didn''t seem to need in water as it simply splashed down into the river like a blob of water and swarmed away. Its form was different as it appeared as a darker shade of the river''s gold color.


    "She still created life though". While the Elemental possessed no soul, while it was made of water, it was held together by life magic.


    "It''s amazing. But how does she know to give it these features?". Silence.


    "I might have inspired". She murmured.


    "That''s nice. Keep doing that. But only to make things not bad for us!" Hildelith warned. "And also keep me informed".


    "Of course. That''s my whole purpose". She seemed to pause to think. "The major one atleast".


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    "Anything else".


    "Ah, yes". Her senses were taken to another position. This time it was in the Sol. She couldn''t see Haero around but what she did see were similar beings of fire as they had seen in the water.


    ''Interesting''.


    Another sense changed and she was looking at great Behemoths of earth lumber or lying around in the Divine Realm and Abyss. There were even Air elementals buzzing around here and there.


    "Oooh she figured it out!". Akasha suddenly exclaimed in her mind.


    "Figured what out?" Hildelith felt alarmed as her senses popped back into her body and she heard Tora barbling in glee even with her eyes focused.


    "Space Magic".


    Hildelith froze. Slowly she turned to Akasha who didn''t need her to speak as she already knew was on her mind.


    "In my defense. She was insistent".


    Hildelith looked to the child pressing invincible buttons and back to Akasha. "Really".


    The fairy being nodded earnestly.


    "So you taught her space magic".


    "Inspiration. I can''t teach magic I do not have access to and even then I still can''t teach. But I can offer inspiration from the well of knowledge already available. A guide per se".


    "Let me guess " She glared at the tiny thing who seemed agitated. "Who knows if she will now start vanishing from here and there. Hard to find ".


    "I could always find her ".


    "Not the point Akasha". Hildelith glared. Bending over she scooped up Tora who instantly entered a fit throwing fists and kicking around. Hildelith bopped her head and shooed her.


    "No tantrums little lady". Earning the stink eye from the girl for her troubles Hildelith nodded.


    "How will the relationship between you and my mortal realm work with the System influence". She asked curiously. Akasha perked up then did the mind transfer thing again and Hildelith stiffened, then nodded.


    "I guess that makes sense". While Akasha was in control of all that had to do with magic, actually leveling up and increasing physical capabilities was on the system. One needed more Abstract and Focus to harness and control Akasha.


    Her eyes fell on the ground and spotted something she''d yet to notice. "The Plate".


    Hildelith walked up closer to it and crouched. Touching the plate she marveled. The plate had drastically changed, becoming more than before. The golden bands were now a pure and bright sizzling white. At its center the hole she had made was filled with a gem, so were the next two holes and the next three.


    "She didn''t just form Life and Death Magic". I sighed then turning to a sheepish Akasha I frowned. "I didn''t make you for you to hold back information from me!".


    The fairy thing drooped her head. Hildelith just sighed. "Brace yourself. I''m going to see if I can connect to you myself and see everything".


    It wasn''t hard. Connecting to Akasha. Like a snap something was locked into her being. Then her sight exploded in colors and sights, smells and sounds, taste and texture. Knowledge, understanding. She could see the very edges of the mortal realm crafted. Saw the numerous and infinite lost worlds.


    Her vision spun and changed to a black existence. Filled with black mist, black clouds, and trees that breathed and released noxious gas fumes. Her vision went on the merry ride and she found herself in a golden realm. Mountains. Elementals.


    Ozai.


    Her vision pammed out to the Sol. Haero lotus style opened his eyes and looked at the boiling magma floor of Sol. Patted it and shut his eyes once more. Next was Freya, around her floated thousands of souls. Then there was Freyr, his wings spread out dramatically. His body absorbed the Absolute Chaos of the 8th Ring without pause as he floated in emptiness.


    She saw inside her rivers, felt along the bands of her rings, the emptiness of her nothingness, and finally the lone palace. And then she was back circling through the Rack Of Life, observing herself, Tora, and Akasha. Noticing the empty and obscure wasteland they stood in.


    Her senses came back with a snap of power and she found herself exhaling. "What''s with here?. All my other realities have a definitive form, exempting of course the 8th Ring. need to name it".


    "You made it this way remember?".


    "Nooo, I..."


    "Wished for a Rack Of Life, not just magic and energy but also in recording and knowledge. Normally it should have been a library standing at the very center, but it became more and different. You think it''s a good idea too".


    Almost like the reality was trying to prove Akasha''s point a single speck of light appeared in the distance floating around aimlessly.


    "Those lights, each of them, represent the knowledge available. You see one now because there are so few. They''re not stationary and always drift through the Rack Of Life seeking a reader. I believe you made the reality for those who not only seek knowledge but give it".


    "So each light represents a topic?


    "More or less".


    Hildelith shut her eyes and willed for divinity. Her body moved, drawn through the reality and Akasha followed. She noted she could stop it anytime but didn''t. "Why am I drawn to it?".


    "Maybe because you made here. You''re always worthy to read".


    "Worthy to read. Won''t everyone be?".


    "According to your wishes, no. Only those truly desiring knowledge. Whom I can take knowledge back from too. At the least must have something either unknown or capable of expanding the already held knowledge".


    "And if one has no new knowledge but wished to learn".


    "Then my criteria is to make sure the knowledge gleamed is not desired for destruction".


    "How would we or you know that?".


    "You didn''t go through all your notifications did you?" She shook her head. "Once you complete them all you''ll see two new skills that grant me access to a lot of your skills. As you of course. Then one that upgrades your Eye of Fate and also another that grants you a new skill. Heh, you already used the skill now".


    She found herself before the knowledge of divinity. It was a ball of pure gold light. No bigger than her fingertip. Reaching out her fingers grasped the ball and she felt a seizure grip her as currents of knowledge rushed through her.


    [General Skill - Energy Storage - Learned]


    The user absorbs energy in any way and stores it for later use. Can utilize stored energy for any use.


    [General Skill - Deity Consumption - Learned]


    You can consume gods, demigods, and other divine beings and absorb their powers and energy, or seal their divine essence within you.


    "Definitely...Haero".


    [General Skill - Divine Empowerment - Learned]


    In your Godform, you draw strength from all Divines and gods within your universe. You mirror and reflect all capabilities, skills, and power they wield.


    [General Skill - Divine Power Absorption - Learned]


    - Skill similar.


    - Merging skill


    "Is that..."


    "Possible yes. As long I have and know a better variation I can do this".


    Hildelith could already see and understand the said better variation. "Well, that is indeed better".


    [General Skills - Deity Consumption & Divine Power Consumption Merged]


    [General Skill - Divine Devour]


    You can devour Deities to absorb their power and essence or steal their essence itself rendering them mortal.


    "Well. That sounds like a way to handle a problem".


    [General Skill - Divine Power Immunity - Learned]


    You are immune to divine power.


    [General Skill - Holy Breath - Learned]


    You manipulate divine energy within yourself in a way that allows you to shape and exhale the effect. These shapes can include bursts, streams, spheres, and even a mist of it from the mouth.


    "Has to be Haero. Has to be".


    "It''s Ozai". Hildelith stared at Akasha as she didn''t want to believe it. She looked down at baby Tora who was, sleeping. "So much for a fit ".


    Kissing her head she looked back up. "I guess he made this for a good and logical reason and not to see how cool fire from his mouth looks".


    Akasha chuckled.


    [General Skill - Energy Metabolization - Learned]


    You consume and feed on elements of nature or beyond to empower and improve yourself.


    [Elemental Arts - gained]


    "I didn''t need that one". She sighed. Waiting for a second she smiled as she realized it was done. "That was nice. I guess I see the benefits of all that knowledge but won''t it be too easy for others?".


    "Yes and No. It is dependent on their Focus. Gods would have it easier while mortals not so much".


    "The game is rigged against mortals eh". She shrugged.


    "Besides that, you think it would be best to have criteria of sorts".


    "Best not to have people killing themselves over the knowledge when they can''t even bear the flow right?".


    "Yes".


    She could already see and sense Akasha''s ideas. "Isn''t that like.... Akasha!!! You stole that from my memories again, right?".


    "Hehehe. I did say "You" think it''s a good idea".


    "Yes..." She sighed. She would have rubbed her face if not for Tora snuggling into her body. A baby was a baby no matter how smart magic seemed to make them. A smile crossed Hildelith''s lips.


    "You realize from these memories that cultivation is arduous and long. Besides what would the cultivate...?" She shook her head instantly at the look Akasha gave her.


    "Never mind that. I still feel like it''s not enough or too much. Cultivation is always split in two. Body and Qi or in this case Akasha. I don''t have an energy that they could cultivate for the body".


    "Maybe just let it....".


    "No. If we do this. Then we do it properly. But first". She lowered her gaze to Tora. "My babies have had sufficient training for today. She made to fly out but stopped as a thought struck her.


    "You mentioned something about finding them when needed."


    Akasha nodded with a wide eye and smiled as she noticed Hildelith''s thoughts while pointing to her left. "The ball for space magic is right this way."

 Something New Here I Come - Edited

    HELEN''S POV


    Logging out and leaving my babies alone was becoming a chore. One made better as Akasha was now there. And I had my family here too. I wondered if I would be able to get both in-game and real-life families to meet.


    "I wonder how that would turn out."


    Showering felt like heaven given the stiffness in my joints. I was not used to staying in one place for long. I usually walked up and down in my room when I was not playing a game. Even those did not last as long as I normally did in Creation Online.


    "Ah well. I may need to start putting in those workout hours." The fleeting thought of going to the gym froze in my mind. "Okay, let us not relapse again."


    While I could freely walk around my house without worrying about Dad or a mostly unseen Dexter, I did not think I was ready for a place like the gym. Filled with mostly men.


    "No, not really. "Home workouts it is."


    Finished with the shower. I did some stretches, lunges, push-ups, bridges, and burpees. It hurt like hell. I took another shower before heading into the kitchen like a hound in search of food.


    Mother was already in the kitchen when I arrived. When I looked at the time, I was surprised to see that it was almost 8 p.m.


    "How is the game going so far?" I was already noticed.


    I nodded absentmindedly before turning to face her. "I was in the game for a long time, eh?" It was more of a wow statement than a question.


    "Indeed. Know that you are hungry. Take a seat".


    "Thanks, ma". I went to grab a jug of cold water from the fridge before returning to my seat, legs tapping with excitement.


    "I see you got something to say. Well don''t keep me waiting. Spill. What happened?". Once mom motioned for me to talk the dam that was my mouth broke. I''m not ashamed to say I talked for so long that by the time I was done, we had both finished eating and Dad was already standing to the side listening with interest.


    "I still find it weird. A game where the players are creators". Dad shook his head. "I mean, gods, that''s one thing. Actually having to make the game yourself". A grin split his cheek the nerdy and excited side in him showing. "Now that''s just wild".


    "Alright. So from what you''re saying you want to create a cultivation system but you think there should be another energy for body cultivation?". Mum asked. It was clear both were now interested in this.


    I nodded and Dad shook his head slowly.


    "Not necessarily Kiddo". Then he rushed upstairs. Mum laughed. "You did it now. It''s been a while since I saw your dad so interested in something like this. Hopefully he''s not late for work".


    I smiled back before both of us turned to the stairs as feet came stomping down. "So, here this. Back in the old times, by old times I mean 2020s there was a high demand for the Litrpg genre. Basically, like the game templates you mentioned but depending on the setting it could be real life, fantasy, or just virtual".


    He clicked away at the Holopad he brought and opened up a screen. Mum walked around to see the screen too.


    "Here is this". He pulled up a page on some fantasy stuff. More specifically something about Qi. "Qi was the energy back then mostly used in cultivation. There was mana cultivation too but that was rarely used. Now get this ..". He pulled up a new screen and showed me something.


    "Qi was used mostly for ...get it. Body cultivation. Infact it was a requirement to be able to wield Qi". He looked at me. I blinked.


    "Wait are you saying..."


    "Just use this Akasha energy of yours and make it both a body cultivation energy and mind. Think of it like this. Qi back then was used by mortals. Qi was a great energy that could cripple and destroy mortals, but it could also build their bodies". He pointed at a line for me.


    "If your Akasha is an energy for magic then let building up the body be a requirement to utilize it perfectly".


    I blinked again. Then shook my head. "Say Dad. Would you like to be one of my gods. The pay is generous, I swear it". Making the best puppy eyes I could at him I waited. Mum chuckled behind us while Dad just shivered visibly.


    "Got to go". Turning the man dashed for the stairs.


    "No, Dad come back. I mean it, there will be good money from it... Dad!!". Grumbling at his escape I turned to Mum. She gave me a look then turned and walked away while waving a finger at me.


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    Clicking my tongue I sat back down. For a second I just smiled at the antics of my parents. It was nice to finally act normally with them. Very nice. Patting my chest at the warmth I felt there I chuckled for a minute.


    "Now let''s see this Qi thing. How it would apply to Akasha".


    ****


    THIRD PERSON POV


    Akasha watched with a sigh as the oldest of the children sat by the window of the palace. His mind was focused his thoughts sharpened. Akasha knew what he had to do. She knew it could either bear fruit or go wrong.


    Still, the chances of it going wrong were lesser than initially expected. Still, she wasn''t that bothered. No, her attention was even less with the children. No, it was focused on something more disturbing.


    Her very self existed in all subatoms of the universe. Which was why she knew and saw everything. From the prowling white dragon called Molliwag down in Origin to the very lost worlds that lacked light.


    What she could see was very disturbing. Well not disturbing in the sense of heart chilling but disturbing in the sense of problematic and ignorant. The tendrils of what Akasha had come to deduce to be the system was slowly creeping away from the worlds, the realities and slowly retreating to the borders of the universe.


    This meant that slowly Akasha was becoming the one true force of all the universe. While it didn''t mean she was the greatest of the energies it meant had duties were increasing.


    From Knowledge bearer.


    Magical Source Point.


    To the controller of all realities.


    ''The Creator is so going to freak at this''. She mused. Still, she was partially curious, interested even. What could she do and how could she do it? It was becoming very interesting.


    She could dictate how to adjust the rotation of the rings or the rivers. To make it slower or faster. The energies and the realities themselves were now under her purview. She could dictate whether each energy had saturated into the river for a specific time or not. Stop it if I wished or let it continue.


    ''Hopefully, she comes up with an idea for the cultivation so we can focus on how to regulate all this power''.


    Akasha knew that the Creator had been worried about the issue with the nightmares. But it could be solved with the dream realm. But it was all dependent on crossing the requirements.


    Requirements she knew were getting tougher and tougher. Infact it would be almost certain that failing the requirements would give rise to nightmares too.


    Her focus returned to Haero as a pulse of energy from him caught her attention. The Akasha mirages already knew all I had to do was access said information. And it was huge.


    ''That explains the new glow. He must have been pretty close while on Sol''.


    [NAME - Haero]


    [Title - First of his name, One Struck by the Multiverse, Sol Devourer, Sol Bond]


    RACE - Haif''jin]


    [BEING - Administrator/God]


    [LEVEL - 8(11/40)]


    [STATISTICS


    Might - 45


    Mobility - 40


    Physicality - 55


    Focus - 45


    Abstract - 52.7]


    [RACIAL TYPE - PRIMORDIAL GIANT]


    [RACIAL ABILITY - TRANSCENDENT GIANT PHYSIQUE]


    [SKILL - Giant Divinity 19%]


    -Giant Form(Zenith)


    User reverts to their very nature becoming a reflection of their selves. This unlocks various other weaker forms that can be utilized.


    - Deity Consumption


    [SKILL - Psionic Godhood - 11%]


    -Mental Plane Manipulation/10%


    user can manipulate the mental plane. As the mental plane exists solely within entities of sapience who dream. The user can also control and manipulate the Dream Realm as pleases.


    [RACIAL ABILITY - ULTIMATE FORCE MANIPULATION]


    [SKILL - Ultimate Elemental Manipulation - 6%]


    [SKILL - Ultimate Constructs(Higher Leveled Locked) - 0%]


    [PERSONAL PERK - STARHEART]


    [ABSTRACTS


    - FIRE ELEMENTAL ABSTRACT]


    - Fire Abstract/25%


    - Magma Abstract/21%


    - Heat Abstract/30%


    - Heat Immunity


    - SOLAR ELEMENTAL ABSTRACT]


    - Burning Abstract/10%


    - Nuclear Abstract/5%


    - Solar Immunity


    - Radiation Immunity


    - LIGHT ELEMENTAL ABSTRACT]


    - ESOTERIC SOLAR MANIPULATION]


    User has manipulated the solar energy which possesses magical properties (Akasha) as such can utilize and use the energy in very unexpected and unintended ways.


    - Healing/0%


    Mends and restored all damage to biological entities.


    - PSYCHIC SOLAR MANIPULATION]


    Creates, shapes, and manipulates psychic solar energy.


    - Energy generation


    Generate different kinds of energies of choice, making it an offensive weapon in time of need. Also, generate different kinds of energy at the same time.


    [THE ARTS


    - Solar Elemental Art/10%


    - Elemental Art/10%]


    Akasha couldn''t help but hear the future sigh from the Creator. This was getting more and more hectic to keep track of. It was a wonder she was created. Her Creator''s universe was indeed a maddening place.


    There was a lot to calculate and a lot to record. If Akasha was any other being, mortal or Transcendent, she should have felt a sense of fatigue at the mere thought of the work. She didn''t. Infact It all excited her. She could already visualize the Rack Of Life brimming with balls of knowledge.


    "Hehehe". Eyes leaving the still form of Haero as his body tried to assimilate the intense changes the day had graced him with Akasha began her work.


    It was long and strenuous work. But at least half of it should have been done before the Cultivation plan was done. With the mirages in every atom of this universe, Akasha had all the knowledge information, connections, and position needed to work.


    "Something new here I come". First, it was time to regulate and make all the realities a well-oiled machinery. A cog of wheels that worked with one and the other but that could still function on its lonesome.

 World Rules - Edited

    THIRD PERSON POV


    Universe - The Star Rings


    Location - Nothingness Border


    Hildelith floated midair. Her eyes roved from one place to the other. She felt different. Something very important had changed about her universe. Of course, she didn''t have to think hard about it.


    "That''s why I created her". With a mere thought, she slipped into what she decided to phrase as the network. Akasha was everywhere and in everything. Even her. It was creepy seeing herself from within and outward. Seeing the borders of her universe and yet also seeing the very rotations of Vaustaris.


    Her senses locked onto something new. Not by her divination. It was something that Akasha had alerted her to having, one of the many things she wanted to check. But first, there was something else she wanted to know.


    Raising a hand she Focused. On herself and a spot in the Rack Of Life. She visualized the space between her and the position she wished to be. With a smile she erased it. The nothingness before her ruptured and sunk in like a whirlpool.


    Hildelith could perceive both physically and perceptively the traces of milky white motes and Akasha mirages that floated through, around, and within the whirlpool.


    [Spatial Portal]


    Connect to a location far from the user mentally, psychically, or more and erase the distance present between both sides to create a portal between user and the location.


    She floated into the portal and the whirlpool wrapped around her sucking her in.


    *


    Universe - The Star Rings


    Location - Rack Of Life Reality, Plate of The Akashic.


    A whirlpool formed next to the white plate stuck to the ground of reality. Unlike the first one, this seemed to be a reverse trying to flush out something.


    Hildelith stepped out hands on her forehead. "Even Creators get whiplash". Moaning she thanked the stars she had never eaten in-game and possibly lacked a stomach.


    Walking up to the plate she observed it. "Fortunately there are no news orbs yet". The green and white orb of light, the black and gray orb of death. The rainbow orb of elements and the purplish pink orb of space remained the sole orbs of the plate.


    "Akasha".


    While Hildelith could summon Akasha anywhere considering she was her she wanted to discuss things and Rack of Life was the best place to be for it.


    The mirages pouring from the plate began clumping together to form Akasha.


    "Hey, Creator. Just in time". The fairy-like girl spun in the air with giggles before settling on her shoulder.


    "I see you missed me". Hildelith teased.


    "Hehe. I have a lot to inform you on Creator. A lot". The diary girl giggled again.


    "I can sense some changes are they your doing?".


    "No. The changes I will bring can only be authorized by you. I can only act on my own volition if and when commanded by you".


    She beamed proudly.


    Hildelith chuckled then looked around. "That''s okay then. First though. I believe you deserve to be a true race".


    The fairy girl held her chin. "By my calculations that would be both good and bad. Good as I could actively interact with mortals and transcendents when needed. Bad as I would be limited to the form taken and it might not even work as I am an embodiment of the Akasha itself. The fairy girl stroked her chin more.


    "An idea though. Rather than try making me a racial being. Make me homunculus ". Hildelith tilted her head eyes furrowed.


    "What''s a...wait. You learned that from me again. Why would you want that?".


    "Well for starters. I as the Akasha would be able to inhabit a body bearing no soul. In such a body I could practice and experiment myself. I''d have my autonomy and still have my body. Even better with the homunculus body, I would be an Akasha that can be seen and communicated with while I remain me". Akasha at this point was having a Cinderella dance midair.


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    "I guess that''s good too. Okay I can do that. I guess going with the fairy form would be very inviting". She waved a hand to focus back on the agenda.


    "Next, what''s with the change I sense". She looked around and then down to the ground.


    "That Creator would be what you refer to as The Will retreating from your universe".


    "What!. Why?". Hildelith was shocked and alarmed by this news. "But it runs everything and ... what''s going on?".


    "The Will must be leaving due to my presence". Akasha dropped the bomb. Hildelith blinked. "Its reach and influence keep retreating in whatever area I actively try to understand and work in. At first, I thought it was simply avoiding me but even after retreating myself it never returned and I had to go back in to avoid the collapse of the structure".


    ''Okay. Be calm girl. Be calm. This could either be good or bad. The game hasn''t done anything weird yet so I guess it''s not bad. The game did reward me for creating the Akasha. Did it want this? Was this something it wanted the creators to do? Make some sort of universal system to run our universe. At this point what is the essence of this game?''.


    She frowned and sighed. She did know that with everything happening maybe she had not actually understood the game yet.


    "What now?. Did anything bad happen from this?".


    "No Creator".


    She sighed again. ''I guess I can only push forward and hope I didn''t just fuck up beyond reasoning''.


    "Alright Akasha, we are moving ahead". Akasha made a whoop and a twirl. "I gave you a task to make some arrangements and plot a basic system for how things would run. With the new development I would ask you to rerun the calculation with this new ..."


    "Already done Creator".


    "Hmmh. I guess you were ready for anything. Should I be grateful I made you or sad since making you was the reason for all this". Hildelith shrugged. Noticing Akasha: ''s sad and pouting face she stiffened.


    "I''m not blaming you. It''s just a paradoxical calculation that I was just curious about. You did nothing wrong".


    Akasha beamed at this then twirled again.


    "Alright. Remember you did nothing wrong and I created you. You''re me and yet my child in a way. Weird". She shivered at the thought. "The point is you''re important to me".


    Akasha nodded.


    "Now. Want do you have for me?".


    The embodiment of Akasha waved her arms bringing up various screens around her. Then like a holographic image, she turned them to face Hildelith.


    "You just..."


    "I simply created an algorithm to replicate the work of The Will. Even its templates, and others".


    "I''m not even gonna ask".


    The first screen showed her basic machinery that illustrated the power setup of the Star Rings. The flow and control of everything.


    It was just like I had done but this time the Akasha was playing the pivotal role of energy police. Even the star river which had once been the most fearsome part of my universe was now a simple transportation avenue for the Akasha.


    "With my grip on everything I can always do my job".


    "That''s good I guess. But that does not make Abstract less important does it?".


    "No actually". She brought up another screen and showed me. "Abstract is quite important. Without it no one will ever be able to connect to me". She seemed sad at it.


    "It''s a good thing. It means only the worthy will receive our energy". She smiled at the little fairy. Who nodded immediately.


    "Yes indeed. Now here''s the basic template for the new and improved character status of your universe".


    "Character status?".


    "Yes. I think everyone will love to see a visual representation of where they stand in power, life and status".


    "That makes, sense".


    ''Plus the coming Alpha and beta testers would expect a game status and not giving one would be weird. Or would it? The incoming players were so excited about the greatness of this game. How would having a screen make them feel. Giddy. But what if there was no screen? Just may be a way for them to know certain things but cut out the useless craps like abilities and skills lists. I know I''m not a fan of that long list. But not everyone dislikes it''.


    The question was how to balance it.


    "Akasha. I want something less. I want the entities that will come to be to know where they stand but not to be over-logged and downtrodden by hefty words and letters inscribed in their vision. I want an existence where people realize their capabilities intuitively without the need for a list of them. I want an existence where you need to practice to gain something, work for it, and not just have talent and good standing gain you greatness".


    Her voice grew darker at this point and Akasha was already realizing this was more than just rules. Infact the memories came. Clearer than anything. Akasha could feel and sense the darkness in them.


    And just like her Creator the very ideals and pain, sense of fear and rage, need and wants existing were inscribed within her.


    "What will it be. A page or not?".


    "A simple page. No skills nothing. Just very important basics that all of existence will need. But I believe we will have to start at the very beginning for it all to come together ".


    Akasha nodded. Her once jovial and happy form now heavy and sad. Sitting on the Creator''s shoulder both vanished into a whirlpool leaving the Rack Of Life behind.


    Floating a few feet away from the portal that vanished with its travelers a congregation of mirages gathered. If one had noticed they''d have been seen coming from the very emotions and words of the creators.


    All came together forming several balls of which one stood out vastly. A black, red, and purple shimmering ball of hate.


    *


    Universe - The Star Rings


    Location - Sol


    The whirlpool spat out the travelers and vanished. Floating in the very beginning of all life Hildelith inhaled. A very tiny pulse of information flowed into her head and she stilled. Turning her gaze descended from Sol. Looking through various rings and realities till she pierced the Rack of life and locked unto the ball of hate she had made from her raw emotions.


    The Rack of Life was a keeper of information. All information. And it had kept hers. While not a story the game needed to hear it mattered to her. Sighing she instructed Akasha that this ball was never to be seen or read by any but her.


    From the ground chains of blue and white sprang up. Circling the ball it pierced through and around it. With a final snap and clang the chains tightened holding the ball in place. Never to see the light of another interest.

 World Rules 2 - Edited

    Hildelith sat in a lotus position with Akasha on her shoulder. "I am sorry Creator. I didn''t mean to..."


    "Shhh. It''s fine Akasha. You did what I made you for. Never blame yourself for existing. Never". Looking back down she inhaled. "Now. About these rules. Let''s begin".


    Creator and Akashic energy began their work.


    First was the start of all things. the


    The origin. Sol. Nothing that happened in the game could be claimed as planned and premeditated. No. From the start to the end, the game had been in control. Even creating Sol had been the game''s doing.


    Then Haero had started the chain of freedom. Devouring and remaking Sol. Then came building the world. And now she was here.


    "From Sol will come the Flame of Life. Flowing through the Star River and into the Dream Realm". Hildelith consented and a ripple spread as the Akasha went to work. A new whirlpool appeared and this time they walked out midair.


    Around them was a sea and atmosphere of colors, shapes, and waves. There was nothing but colors, Yet it was the most beautiful thing here.


    "What now Akasha?*.


    "The Flame of Life will take a wisp of your thought, the Psionic, and Mind before passing on into the Mortal realm". Like before her consent brought a ripple.


    Another whirlpool and they were now in the mortal realm.


    "But the mortal realm is a land of physicality. Of shape and touch. Initially, the Flame of Life will carve out the shape you envision. This is where the first mortals emerge. But it is still missing something," she scowled at the young woman.


    "It does not have a protective shell, even though it has the spark of life,"


    "Well said, Creator. This is where the soul enters. the actual embodiment of life. Individuality. Identity. Being. But even in its current state, a soul requires a spark to discover true life."


    "I consent ". The ripple spread and she formed another whirlpool in the spirit realm.


    Akasha flew up to a soul. One of the many Freyja had created. "A soul departs this world once it has fulfilled all the requirements. It enters the mortal realms through the river of time and is placed in a Flame of Life during its blooming. Thus, life began to exist."


    "While the process is indeed beautiful and acceptable, it doesn''t answer how a soul would gain protection from attacks of the soul?. How would dying apply?. How would the return upon death?".


    Akasha smiled. " The cycle continues. For just like the Creator made the Rings to forever spin so too will life forever cycle. The dead, free from their mortal forms find the river of time. Through this, they are ferried not to the spirit realm but to the divine realm. This journey brings them through the Dream Realm where they are exposed to their deeds and life. Good and bad".


    "So, what now?. We are judge over their lives?". An eyebrow was raised. Akasha froze sensing the dislike evident in her tone of voice.


    "Yes and no".


    "Explain". She knew she sounded harsh but judging people wasn''t something she could stomach. Not everything in life was as white and black as shown. There was always the gray.


    ''But there is and can be the black too. And you know it''. The thought struck her harshly.


    "The souls face their deeds. The dream realm as you know it grants physicality to thought and dreams. Yet this same applies to nightmares. When mortals commit bad I believe such actions could be seen as nightmares to others. These very nightmares will be the reason we have to create dreams for those who pass their requirements to defend against the nightmares".


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    "Defend. You mean..."


    "Yes, Creator. My calculations show that the nightmares will be swept up through the rivers and into the Mortal realm. While the dream world grants physicality it will not keep the physical entities in it. Banishing them from its reality the river will begin its cycle".


    "But the Dream Realm doesn''t only go down. It goes up as well".


    "Yes. But what use will nightmares created by mortals do for us. For them it would be a lesson. A need to learn from their errors and could help in creating teachings for how to stay good".


    "Excuse me, Akasha". Hildelith scratched her head before linking her very senses to the Akashic energy. She saw it all. Saw the designs and the thoughts. The reasons. The calculations. The endpoint. It shook her.


    Her senses snapped back into her body and she took deep breaths. How was she scared for a game world? "My game world".


    "Those are just calculations Akasha. Right ?".


    "Yes. But..."


    ''It is a probability". Thinking of what she saw Hildelith made a few reasonings. "The calculations could be wrong. But do I want to risk it? Akasha''s plan is not that bad given that well, one this is a game. No real person is going to die. Two, they''ll be reincarnated. Three, this will serve as a lesson for mortals. Four and most stupidly important. The players could see this as a lore''.


    "There will be those who will use this Akasha".


    "Then we Creator will make sure to end them. And if we can''t act then I know we can always send a queen".


    "I''ll just ignore your wanton use of my knowledge. Proceed so I may consent before I change my mind". Hildelith couldn''t help but feel like the worst Creator. She''d barely made the mortals and she''d already designed their Holocaust.


    "Those who succumb to their nightmares are judged by their hands. Those who pass their nightmares are given a chance of one more life. Those who do not have nightmares but dreams and succeed in their dreams are granted the choice of reincarnation as a mortal or as a higher being".


    "This feels really dark".


    "We can also change the rule and thrash your Dream Realm". Hildelith looked up hopefully. "But it wouldn''t matter. Dreams are born of the mindscape and it is something all sapients possess. One day this will still come to be simply for the reason that Abstract exists. As long as sapient possess focus and the power of will then anything can be done".


    The sigh was heavy. "I consent ". A ripple that was greater than the previous ones lashed out. Hildelith couldn''t help but think her soon-to-be-born mortals were cursing her for the choice she made.


    "But Akasha, I will not let them fight by themselves. Finding the most talented and gifted people will be your job once the world starts. They will be the forerunners to keep the mortals safe. And so help me by The Will I will act if necessary. Additionally, you will inform me when things get out of hand. Look into my mind and see what I think is too far Akasha". Hildelith didn''t realize that she had released her Aura.


    She was angry that Akasha had persuaded her to make the choice she did, regardless of whether it was the right one or not. Even though she had no ill will toward the young child for merely trying her hardest to please the Creator, she thought there ought to have been a better solution.


    An improved means of resolving the nightmares.


    She let out a soft sigh and pulled back her aura as well.


    "What comes next?"


    "I...was hoping that you would...eh...I was hoping,"the fairy girl looked anywhere but at her.


    Hildelith felt her heart burst from the fear in the fairy''s eyes. Stepping forward she felt her heart break as the energy flinched. Crouching so she was low to the fairy she stretched out a palm and patted it.


    "I''m sorry Akasha. I...". She sighed and looked down at the ground. "I''m frustrated that there is no other way. I took out the frustration on you since your calculations didn''t show anything else. I... I''m sorry. Forgive me please ".


    The little fairy seemed perturbed at this. Slowly it flew close and hugged the Creator''s face.


    "Akasha understands. Akasha help as best as possible". She cooed.


    Hildelith burst into a pained laugh before pulling back. "I think we should complete all this and get started on how to stop those nightmares. Fuck whoever said future problems were for a future me". Patting the fairy again she waited.


    "The best we can do is to send the Nightmares to the 8th Ring..."


    "Omega Reality. About time to name it". Akasha chuckled then continued.


    "Since the Omega Reality represents the end to all. The nightmares won''t come back from there. Atleast the mortals won''t be facing an unending tide of monstrous creatures while still getting used to the existences that might be a constant for them".


    "I still don''t see why I can''t just have the gods handle it?".


    "Because. You don''t wish to cuddle them. Be frank Creator. I have a link to your head. You wish for an exciting and interesting world with those player people you keep thinking of. But you don''t wish to be the one to bring trouble to your world. Unless you desire to create unbeatable monsters for your world then this is it".


    Hildelith blinked. The creepy thing about it was how Akasha never once sounded pissed. More like a professor stating facts.


    ''I guess I might have been hypocritical. Let''s do this. It''s a game after all''.


    Another ripple spread.

 World Rules 3 - Edited

    "Next, we have The Abyss". Akasha paused for a moment. "This one was tricky".


    "I doubt it was as tricky as the Nightmares". Hildelith murmured but shut her mouth as Akasha shot her an expressionless stare. After the reality speech of her own hypocrisy, Hildelith didn''t have the mind to lash out again. The fairy was right after all. Either you want or don''t want it.


    "Anyway. The Abyss was so close to being a hell like the one in your memories but somehow you changed that with the descriptions. Still close. More like a divine hell now though".


    "How does the rest of it apply here".


    "Right. So the mortals who lose are damned to this place to be whatever the Abyssals want".


    "Strict rules on what can and can''t be done". She ordered. Akasha nodded.


    "For the Omega Reality, it''s quite the same. Mortals who refuse to change after continuous tries of reincarnation simply come here to be ...whoosh". She made an explosion sound with her mouth and waved her fingers.


    "Finally we have the abstract which does the same thing as intended".


    "Let me guess, those who succeed in their dreams gain a life in the Divine realm ".


    "Yes?".


    "It''s all basic and copied. From me. I want something different but... We will change all this later on". Akasha must have seen the thought I had as she nodded.


    "That is doable and could be more exciting than this".


    "Yes. But for now. This is what I am stuck with". Noticing Akasha''s head about to droop she quickly added.


    "You''ve done well and exceeded my expectations. I... I don''t like some of it for obvious reasons but the idea was a good one. Curiosity, need, desire, and want, ruin the world just as much as hate and love can affect it". She looked up at the realms above her.


    "I guess I didn''t really think of it till now. My desire for a good form created a nightmare for my mortals. And yet while it feels bad I am also excited for it". Floating back to her she crouched low and patted her head.


    "Thank you for this Akasha".


    The fairy twirled.


    "Your turn Creator. May I see the ideas".


    "You''ve not taken them yet?".


    "Wanted it to be a surprise to me". She giggled. Nodding in understanding she got close and linked with Akasha. The information flowed freely through one and to the other.


    "This...this is good. I can see how you thought of this. Nice parents you got Creator". Hildelith for a split second froze before her brain caught up in memory.


    "Remember. Only us". Akasha giggled and then shut her eyes.


    "Hmmh....this can work. Need ... Suitable forms... Mortal coils. Done". Her eyes snapped open. "Calculation complete".


    She waved her arms and a new screen popped up. "This is a veritable summary of all that exists and all that happens within your universe and all the realities".


    The screen flowed on its own as she took in every piece of information. With all the new rules, the new flow, and everything.


    "Something I must bring to your attention, Creator". Akasha spoke after noticing she was done reading.


    "Yes?". Akasha initiated the link this time. Hildelith found her senses watching from above the universe form. There were several streams of energy that her eyes and senses were focused on. Streams that she would never have noticed without Akasha pointing them out. The streams stopped at several points across the universe form where they poured into some spherical energy.


    "What am I looking at?".


    "I believe. This was the doing of the Will before its retreat? Atleast what I think".


    "And what is it for?".


    Her vision changed to the spirit realm where souls were trying to jump into the rivers. Others were rushing and gathering around balls that were in their realm. Watching this her vision panned out and she saw all these balls everywhere. The rivers, the divine realm. Even Sol.


    "If the Will is gone from my universe then how are the streams still moving?". She focused on one ball of energy.


    "Because I got the sense that stopping it wasn''t exactly beneficial". The link stopped and she was back floating at the door of the Rings. "I believe these energies are forming gods".


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    "That''s. Too early. How long till they are formed". Akasha''s eyes glitched weirdly then she answered.


    "2880 flows". Her eye glitched once more.


    "That''s. I don''t understand". Akasha blinked then a sense of realization came on her face. Another link connected both entities and Hildelith understood. Akasha had calculated and measured how the time in her universe worked.


    The rivers completed a single cycle to and from. the 9th Ring and back to the Sol with 18 flows. Each reality crossing was a flow. So the to amd fro came out as 18. Each time the river completed a cycle the Entire Universe form like the hand of a clock tilted to the right by a universal inch.


    There was a lot of space for mortals but to Hildelith the universe barely moved.


    "Okay, 18 flows make one cycle. 9 flows make one Ring Crossing. 2880 flows make 160 cycles which is 80 Ring Crossings. A cycle makes a shift which means 160 shift.". She snapped her fingers and brought herself to the very border of her universe. The nothingness shrouded her.


    Looking over the universe form she took a deep breath. "Akasha have you calculated how many shifts it would take the form to complete a full Universal Cycle".


    "Calculated. It''s take 333,989 shifts".


    Hildelith just gawked. "Is that small or is that large".


    "That''s according to your point of view. To others below you. Even I and your children. It''s been longer. That does not mean that each reality runs at a different time. For each flow, a river completes past a reality approximately ten reality years have gone by in each reality".


    "That''s..." She mentally tried calculating.


    "For only others but the mortal realms". She paused and then glared at the little thing on her shoulder. Sighing she asked.


    "Why does it apply differently for the mortal plane".


    The look she gave me questioned my position as Creator.


    "Unlike all the other realities. The mortal plane is unending and infinite. Stretching through all of space and time. The bands not only hold the tapestry but make it appear smaller than it actually is. Unlike the other realities which are spheres". She linked to me and I saw the ends of the tapestry.


    "Lost worlds continually being formed from your divinity. Luckily The Will isn''t here to create another bastard child for you". Hildelith broke the link rapped Akasha in the skull and reconnected.


    "Ouch???!"


    When Hildelith remained silent Akasha grumbled and continued. "The reality is forever being created. Forever expanding. The stories to come from these different and vast worlds are surely exciting".


    "Alright. I get it''s huge. But how does that even affect time?".


    "Each world and solar system rotates and revolves on its own. Creating a symphony time more complicated than the simple flow of the rivers. All this time I believe to matter".


    "So you measured the rotation and revolution of all active solar systems. And it got us how many mortal years".


    "100. There are five active solar systems now and once there are more the years and the flow will keep expanding ".


    "You mean 200 in total during the return flow. That''s a total of 3040 years. Doesn''t seem like much".


    "That''s Realions, centuries.". Akasha grumbled. She blinked. "Realions are centuries which entail 100 Aeus, that''s years".


    "Wait . So the realities takes 32 Realions or centuries to complete the cycle. More if new solar systems appear in the mortal realms. That''s 304,000 years. I mean Aeus".


    "We digressed a bit. The energy spheres will take 2880 flows to gestate right?"


    "Affirmative".


    "That should be enough time".


    "For what... Oh". Akasha nodded on seeing the thought. "You believe the gods to be dangerous.


    "Dangerous, no. Problematic, yes. The others coming will do everything to attain feats and high rewards"


    "Then just remove the feat feature".


    "You can. .yes you can. Look. They won''t find it fun without anything to strive for. But making my children a point to reach would be worth it".


    "I saw that thought about hiding".


    "A ladder''s rungs are never completely visible in a climb. You only know what comes next when you arrive there".


    "Point taken. Something else to solve though..."


    "Another problem". Sighs.


    "Hmmh. Well the retreat of The Will took many things with it. Even your templates and some features of your system".


    Hildelith froze as she realized she had not called up her status since she made Akasha and received those notifications. Her attempt to try was halted by Akasha.


    "Don''t bother Creator. Nothing that belongs to the system still exists here. I am sorry, but I believe that by making me and the Rack Of Life and my actions of spreading into all the universe I might have made The Will act this way".


    She sighed. Looked around again at everything. Shaking her head she looked back to Akasha. "I told you not to blame yourself for existing and doing as made to do. If anyone is to blame it''s me and only me. I should have known but I guess I wasn''t as smart as I thought".


    "Don''t be sad. With this stream I believe the Will still considers you as part of the game. You''ve not been ejected or perma-killed yet".


    Hildelith thought about it. The Will had even congratulated her on creating Akasha. No way was this wrong. And like Akasha said, if it was a bad mistake then she should be out of the game. If it was a mild one then she''d have to find a way to figure it out.


    Something else clicked.


    "You mean everything. Even the templates for creating races and my children. How are my children..." A quick link showed that her children were fine. They were now under the Akashic energy and doing fine.


    "Ah thank goodness".


    "What now?".


    "Now, I believe you either create life, think of what your gods will be or how they will be, free more lost worlds, or just train".


    "What of my status. I can''t train without knowing what I can and can''t do now the Will doesn''t exist".


    "I''m already fixing the last of the new template. All it needs now is your consent".


    A screen appeared in her vision. It was a basic setup with blank pages but clear lines for what was where and not where.


    "Something is missing".


    "What?". Once again Akasha peeped into the Creator''s thoughts. "That sounds better than just letting them travel a stream".


    Her eyes shut and her form seemed to glitch in place.


    "Done. Anything else Creator?".


    "You''ve covered most of everything important. If anything comes up we''ll edit the template then. For now, you did great". She smiled at Akasha who whooped and made an aerobatic flight. Coming to a halt in front of the Creator she clapped and a ripple stored out.


    "It''s done".


    Hildelith took a very deep breath. Worried filled her mind and she created various thoughts and scenarios. Finally, she snapped the thoughts away.


    "No matter what. I can and will fix it. Status".


    A screen flickered into existence before her and began reading. She could have sent it into her mind but she wanted to ease into the hopefully not a shock slowly.

 Akashic Templates - Edited

    [Author''s Note -Before we begin. Know that I Tried my utmost to shrink the template. And as you will see. I failed woefully.]


    [Welcome to the Rack of Records Creator 79]


    [Record position - Absolute]


    [SCREEN 1]


    [Host - Hildelith ''Fearghal'' Ironstone]


    [Moniker - The Warrior One]


    [Feats - Creation''s Witness, Motivated , Source Point Creator, Striking Out


    [Titles -One of the Speakers, Ender of the Beginning]


    [Entity - Creator 79]


    [Race - Nothing]


    [Racial Type - Primordial Nothingness Entity]


    [Level - 16(780/1600)


    [Health - 24/24]


    [Core - One -Spark]


    [Karma - #]


    [Cultivation Base - Null]


    [SCREEN 2]


    [Higher Energies Used - Nothingness/100%, Aether/100%, Primordial Chaos/90%, Divinity/100%, Akasha/100%]


    [Lesser Energies Used - Null]


    [Elements - Life, Earth, Space]


    [Physicalities [Abstract


    Might - 250+(50) Focus - 245(247.5)+20


    Mobility - 315+(30) Perception - 10


    Physicality - 260 Abstract - 255(249.9)20


    Defense - 10 Soul - 10


    MOA - # Akasha - #


    [Free Stat Points - 80]


    [SCREEN 3]


    [Racial Perks- Absolute Nothingness Authority]


    [Racial Perk Skills - Form of Nothing, Nothingness Empowerment/5%, Primordial Nothingness Generation


    [Racial Perk Skills - Nothingness Handblast, Sword Beam Cut, Nothingness Saturation, Nothingness Removal


    [Racial Ability - Balance Aspect]


    [Racial Skills - Spellcasting, Balance Magic - as the creator, user knows and understands the balancing act of Chaos and Order. As such, user deals with the opposing concepts and aspects of their universe order through magic by weighing between the dichotomy of structure and disarray, creation and destruction, light and dark, war and peace, life and no life, birth, and death whilst being careful as not to fully tip the scales. (User cannot tip the scales for fear the reflect what their universe becomes)


    [Racial Skills - Non-existent-


    [Racial Ability - Universe Force Manipulation]


    [Racial Skills - Astronomical Object Manipulation, Astronomical Matter Creation


    [Racial Skills - Subatomic Manipulation


    [General Skills - Eye of The Unseen, Aether Projection, Extra Sensory Perception, Godform, Primordial Chaos Generation, Eye of Fate, Divinity Generation, Aether Generation, Divinity Emission, Divine Cloak/10%, Aura/5%, Sword Might/13, Dagger Master/18, System Creation, Soul Erasure Resistance, Akasha Generation, Mystical energies generation, Energy Storage, Divine Devour, Divine Empowerment, Energy Metabolization, Holy Breath]


    [Akasha Magic - Life, Death, Elemental, Space]


    [Arts - Primordial Chaos Arts, Soul DaoArts, Elemental Arts]


    [Insights - Divine Purity, Earthen Grace, Spark Splitter]


    [Inventory - SHARDS, 172(Lesser), 37(Minor), 1(Divine). ITEMS - Xena''s Chakram, Harbinger, Sword Of Murre, Bane of Heroes, Vulkans Prize, Mask of the Fortunate, Ring of


    [Equipped - Hera''s Gown, Cloak of the Absolute, Crown of the Supreme, Atlas Belt, Boots of Hermes]


    [Shop]


    [????]


    "I guess it''s not...that ...different". She blinked.


    "True. Also I think that if for any reason you are beyond your universe. This template won''t work".


    "Hopefully the system works beyond then". She murmured absent-mindedly looking through everything. Noting the new skills she''d learned from the Rack Of Life and the rewards got from creating Akasha.


    "That Balance Magic feels powerful yet that warning at the end".


    "Yeah. I think it has to do with that the universe is you and you...


    "...are the Universe ". Hildelith completed.


    "...thing". Akasha nodded. Hildelith groaned but decided it was something more to figure out.


    ''That list is piling''. Looking up at Akasha she wondered if it mattered to let the force solve it all.


    ''Nah. The whole fun in this is the mystery and unknown. Can''t let ... other me have all the fun.


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    "Can I get something like this but for the Universe?".


    "Hmmh. Now that''s more grand. Will take a while. Want to start creating the god forms and how you want it while I work?".


    "Really don''t know much about gods to be honest. I feel like without the Will I won''t make good ones. Any advice?"


    Akasha stared at her like she''d grown a second head. "You realize that all your knowledge and experience, memories and thoughts make me up. What advice could I give you?".


    Hildelith stared blankly at the Embodiment of the Akashic energy. Tapping her little head she spoke slowly. "If you are me then you wouldn''t have done all this. You might exist through me and from me but you are you. No Trinity or duality shit is going on here".


    "Actually that could be a good lore. Hildelith the Mother, Hildelith the Akashic, Hildelith the ... we''ll find some good third person for you". Akasha nodded then looked back at the dead eyes she was receiving from the Creator.


    "What!!. Technically, the ''duality shit'' is real. Cause we both are different but one. Your just in charge is all".


    "Whatever. I need to go and gain some knowledge. Maybe it''ll help with creating these gods and then we need to focus on making the templates for the mortals. I think we should find out now rather than later how fucked we are without the Will".


    "Probably on a scale of 1 to 10 like 9.9999". A glare shut her up. "We''ll still kick ass. Hehehe".


    A whirlpool sucked in the silent but tired Creator and deposited her into her palace bedroom. Lying against the bed she made to shut her eyes when the door burst open and in rushed a 7-year-old.


    The liquid metal skin, crack along the center of his chest, silver eyes, and long white hair that seemed to now be smoldering with intense heat and light gave his identity away.


    "Mama you''re here". The kid jumped up on the bed with a mighty vault and slammed his form into the Creator. He started chirping away about his activities as she snuggled into him with a burst of energy.


    The door, which was attempting to close silently, was forcefully slammed back against the wall as if Haero''s actions had set off a bell. Ozai waddled in, followed closely by Tora, the insane Magi. Her gaze was filled with inquisitiveness, her inner scientist already in full swing. She disappeared with a pop and reappeared on Hildelith''s chest as soon as she saw her.


    "Mama why here empty. Where things?". Before Hildelith could make sense of the jumbled speech the final two made themselves known. It was more as though one made an announcement and the other simply trailed along behind him, grinning subtly.


    Half waddling, half crawling, half running, Freyr approached the bed. Upon arriving, the edge collided with his head. The Djun baby shook his head like a drunk and got back up after hitting his ass hard. He lifted his hand and pointed a mistrustful gaze toward the bed. His eyes flickered to a dark purple and then back to a menacing red.


    The bed was erased. With a loud crash, Hildelith and the others found themselves on the ground surrounded by various shades of bed residue. Ozai and Freyja seemed to approve as one gave a curt nod and the other a happy smile before rushing at their mother.


    "Maybe I should have made atleast one an adolescent". Hildelith groaned while trying to breathe through the heap of kisses and hand slaps. "That bed was expensive too". A little palm struck her nose effectively shutting her up.


    For the next long hour, Mama and children fought.


    ****


    HELEN''S POV


    It was easier to complete my out-of-the-game ritual now. From hitting the shower to wash off the stickiness of both the pod fluid and any joint stress I had. Next was my workouts. By the time I was done, I was sweaty again and sore.


    The shower was blissful.


    Dressed in loose khakis and a large T-shirt I hit the Forum and entered my page. The room wasn''t all that busy or loud. Considering the time it made sense. "People do sleep". I left my room and made my way downstairs


    Dad was in the kitchen today and mum clicked away at her Holopad. Sinking into the couch I uttered a greeting.


    "Well if it isn''t our Creator herself". Mum teased a side eye-catching me before returning to her task. Sneaking my head through her arms and onto her lap was easy and soon enough I was gone, lost in the realm of sleep.


    ****


    CARMELLA''S POV


    The scent of perfectly grilled South bacon drew my attention from my Holopad. Keller set a plate of beautiful circular dough with a fine meat slice in front of me. Leaving my Holopad I stretched my fingers for the plate when a sniff and movement from my lap caught my attention.


    I looked down just in time to catch Helen''s nose wiggle. Her nostrils flared as she took a deep breath or sniff. Then her eyes opened. I felt my heart beat faster as her blue eyes locked with mine. Then slowly she turned her head to the table.


    ''Hell no''. I darted for the table. She was faster her right hand snagging the snack with a barbaric grip before she tried rushing off. I dove for her Holopad forgotten. The thing clattered to the ground but my focus remained on that juicy snack that was being stolen.


    I snagged her by the trouser waist and tugged her back. ignoring the falling girl I opened my mouth wide ready to bite the snack.


    The hand spasmed out of my path and drew back. The sound of meat and soft baked flour tore a shiver through me. Looking down as I fell forward, the horror on my face evident I watched Helen with a blank expression chewing like her life depended on it.


    With a roar, I rolled off the couch and found my footing. Pouncing on the thief I struggled for my beautiful meal. Helen fought back, avoiding my fingers and taking bites with each move. Soon there was nothing but a piece of it left.


    My mind slowed down. My eyes locked on that last piece. My stomach growled and my heartbeat accelerated. Eyes crossed with Helen''e as she fought to down the piece in her mouth.


    I roared and charged.


    Helen backed up and quickly stuffed the last piece into her mouth. Defeated I slumped in sadness. ''It was all gone. All that juicy and sweet meat. Devoured by this...''


    "I actually made one for everyone". Both my head and Helen''s snapped in Keller''s direction. From the corner of my eye, I saw her rush to lunge at the man. She streaked past me arms outstretched to pluck the food from her father''s grip.


    "NO, you don''t". Grabbing her by the waist I lifted her over my head. "Stay back". I dropped her as softly as possible and simultaneously as hardly as possible to keep her down. Then rushed for the man.


    Food in hand I bit into it and fled for the stairs where I stood eating it as fast and yet as slow as I could to enjoy it.


    Helen looked up at me with puppy eyes and then at my husband with even larger puppy eyes while eyeing her brother''s own.


    "Uhmmm. Dester won''t be hungry anytime soon anyway". The man gave in. I rolled my eyes as the girl leaped up and bounced to him grabbing the last plate and sitting back giving me a good smile as she tore into Dester''s meal.


    "Animals. I breed animals". Keller muttered escaping into the kitchen.


    I smiled at him while still eating my share calmly now while chuckling mentally at the antics just displayed. My eyes went to a feasting Helen.


    ''Finally''. While it might not have been clear to others and herself. She was better or atleast almost and close to being better. ''The game worked. I guess I have to play soon to see what helped''.

 Bonus Chapter - Creation Online Character Art

The Boys.


    All images are not mine. This is the closest to what and how I imagined my characters.


    <em style="font-weight: bold">Ozai Ironstone


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Haero Ironstone


    Freyr Ironstone

 Akashic Templates II -Edited

    THIRD PERSON POV


    The Ironstone children waddled, crawled, meditated, and experimented. Haero was the size of a fourteen-year-old teenager at seven years stuck in a meditative pose. Ozai floated in his lotus position eyes closed and a divine glow saturating his form. Tora kept looking over and checking through many screens that remained unseen to any but her.


    Freya kept babbling babyishly and randomly spawning souls. At times she would grab a soul tilt her head, gain an evil glint then begin dismembering and adding back the soul parts. While she didn''t exactly know that it didn''t matter what and how a soul''s shape was like what did matter was a soul''s innate traits.


    Freyr unlike his siblings couldn''t just practice most or some of his powers. Not like he knew or cared. Walking up and down the room he simultaneously drew on his destruction energy through his body and fiddled with a short death dagger construct.


    Of course, only Freyr knew it should have been higher but he didn''t find it comfortable enough to wield the longer one. His red eyes went to the child who looked like a fourteen-year-old. His thoughts clear. Unlike that brat, he couldn''t make himself bigger.


    ''Akasha?''. He thought. The little blue lady who had introduced herself as Mama but in her second form appeared instantly.


    ''How long till am that big?''. He asked just as quickly.


    ''But you''re plenty strong''.


    Freyr''s dubious gaze proved he believed her as much as he could catch her. And he couldn''t even run yet.


    ''Why not see for yourself? Say the words Akashic Record while thinking of yourself ''.


    Another dubious look. Then he said the words in his head and his eyes became wide as saucers as he saw the large page before him.


    [Welcome to the Akashic Records Administrator 5]


    [Position - Authority V]


    [SCREEN 1]


    [Host - Freyr Ironstone]


    [Moniker -


    [Feats -


    [Titles -Death Bringer, Guide of The Dead]


    [Entity - Administrator/God]


    [Race - Djun]


    [Racial Type - Primordial Demon]


    [Level - 5(143/500)])


    [Health - 24/24]


    [Core - Spark]


    [Karma - (-100/-100]


    [Cultivation Base - Null]


    SCREEN 2]


    [Higher Energies Used - Absolute Chaos/100%, Primordial Chaos/50%, Primeval/100%, Destruction/100%, Absolute Chaos/100%]


    [Lesser Energies Used - Null]


    [Elements - Chaos Fire]


    [STATS]


    Might - 15. Focus - 25


    Mobility -20. Akasha - 100


    Physicality - 30. Abstract - 20.5]


    [SCREEN 3]


    [Racial Type - Primordial Destruction Demon]


    [Racial Perk - Absolute Contract]


    [Racial Ability - Apocalyptic Force Manipulation


    - Absolute Death Manipulation - User creates, shapes, and manipulates the death and cause of death of all things, including mortals, amortals, undetermined beings, eldritch horrors, inanimate objects, concepts/conceptual beings, phenomena, absolute energies, nonexistent beings. They can grant, remove, negate, reverse, prevent, cause/induce, change death, and/or even end it.


    - Absolute Death Inducement - cause death to anyone or anything without exceptions, including immortal, "nigh-unkillable" beings, Death itself & even otherwise "truly unkillable" beings.


    - Death Force Manipulation - user creates, shapes, and manipulates the essence of Death, which is present in all mortals throughout the universe.


    - Death Force Constructs - user generally creates anything they have seen or can imagine and have a good idea of how it functions from their source.


    [Racial Skill - Calamity Hell


    [Racial Skill - Curse Manipulation


    [Racial Ability - Destructive Force Manipulation - Destruction Energy Generation, Destruction Energy Manipulation


    [Racial Skill - Destroyer Deity


    [Racial Skill - Destruction Empowerment]


    [General Skills -


    [Akasha Magic - Null


    [Arts - Destruction Arts/5%


    Instill the very turmoiltous energy of destruction within one to break down and reshape the very foundations of your existence. Improving and maintaining one in their absolute state each time.


    [Insights -


    [Inventory -


    [Equipped - Aether Linen]


    "Wow... I am plenty strong". His eyes glinted. "Strong enough to beat...his gaze went straight to his big brother. "...him". Raising a hand behind his head he aimed his death dagger constructs at Haero.


    "No!!". Akasha blocked his view. "If you do that I''ll be mad".


    Freyr gave her a look then shrugged. Took a step to the left to have a good view of Haero and aimed to strike again.


    "I said no!!". Akasha blocked him again.


    "Do...do you know what mad means?". She asked. He shook his head while looking at her like he didn''t understand why he was meant to know what it meant.


    "Ah, geez".


    "Can you move a bit to the side ma?". He asked cutely. Akasha groaned. ''I''d move your ass if not for ya Mommy. Wait. I am your mommy.


    "Do you know what bad means?. Sad means?". Once again he eyed her.


    "Bad is something that would make your mama not happy with you. She wouldn''t smile or feel glad with you".


    "You mean when mama has that beautiful expression on her face?". He asked. Akasha nodded quickly.


    "Hmmh. I guess I don''t want mummy to stop smiling. But why is this bad?".


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    "Because you would hurt your brother. You shouldn''t hurt your brothers or sisters. You should always protect them. Always".


    "Always?".


    "And...". A sneeze from behind her got her attention. Turning she spotted Haero looking down. His fourteen-year-old form shrunk till he was only seven.


    "I think I feel sick Akasha". The energy huffed.


    "You''re a Primordial Deity. You don''t get sick". She shook her head and then frowned as she noticed something. Akasha while all knowing had to be focused on something. She could see everything but when she didn''t give her attention she wouldn''t exactly understand it. It would be there, she would know it but she wouldn''t have its complete meaning. Which was why she''d missed the energy lurking around Haero.


    Her eyes glitched as she noticed it and normalized. "That''s...". Slowly she turned and locked eyes on Tora spotting her lips stretched in a smile. Noticing Akasha''s eyes on her she flinched.


    "He was hot, I just wanted him to be colder".


    "And you decided you couldn''t just make the room colder or something".


    "Too stressful". She pouted.


    "More than dabbling in curse energy?". Tora blinked. Her eyes turned full milky white and then a sudden draft filled the room. "Hmmh. Easier. I guess you''re right".


    Her gaze spaced out once more as she was looking over her Akashic Records.


    [Welcome to the Akashic Records Administrator 3]


    [Position - Authority III]


    [SCREEN 1]


    [Host - Tora Ironstone]


    [Moniker -


    [Feats -


    [Titles - Skywalker, Conduit of Akasha]


    [Entity - Administrator/God]


    [Race - Djun]


    [Racial Type - Primordial Spirit]


    [Level - 5(143/500)])


    [Health - 24/24]


    [Core - Spark]


    [Karma - (100/100]


    [Cultivation Base - Null]


    SCREEN 2]


    [Higher Energies Used - Akasha/100%, Primordial Chaos/50%, PRIMEVAL/100%, Destruction/100%, Absolute Chaos/100%]


    [Lesser Energies Used - Null]


    [Elements - Chaos Fire]


    [STATS]


    Might - 25. Focus - 55


    Mobility -35. Akasha - 100


    Physicality - 45. Abstract - 50.5]


    [SCREEN 3]


    [Racial Perk - Magical infinity]


    [Racial Ability - Magic Physiology, Akasha Conduction - User conducts and manipulates the Akashic energy with finesse and skill. Using it to create and perform various magical arts and spells.


    [Racial Skill - Magical Empowerment


    [Racial Skill - Magic Energy Generation, Mystical Arts generation - User creates and generates the mystical forces from their existence.


    [Racial Ability - Magical Energy Manipulation -


    [Racial Skill - Magic Creation


    [Racial Skill - Arcane Science, Increased enlightenment - User is faster and quicker in deducting and deducing the secrets of existence and understanding then.


    [General Skills -


    [Akasha Magic - Life Magic, Death Magic, Elemental Magic, Space Magic, Curse Magic, Divine Magic]


    [Arts - Mystical Arts/5%


    Absorb and break down one''s very matter particles and rebuild them with the use of any Mystical energies. Increasing and improving one''s physicality and capabilities.


    [Insights -


    [Inventory -


    [Equipped - Aetheric Linen]


    Akasha couldn''t help but finally agree with her Creator. ''All of them. Monsters''.


    Haero frowned at the girl with a need to knock her skull. A look from Akasha made him grumble before walking away. "I swear she made a pack of trouble. Now where''d the other one go".


    Her eyes searched for the innocent and cute Freyja hoping for a cute and happy fix to her woes only for her heart to be stomped as she found the little thing just as it tore a soul in two. Then gobbled up one part while the other part softly and slowly soaked into her flesh.


    Large round eyes spaced out as this one too already knew about her Akasic record. Tora going about telling all the brats.


    [Welcome to the Akashic Records Administrator 4]


    [Position - Authority IV ]


    [SCREEN 1]


    [Host - Freyja Ironstone]


    [Moniker -


    [Feats -


    [Titles -The Soul Weaver. Lady of the Dead]


    [Entity - Administrator/God]


    [Race - Djun]


    [Racial Type - Primordial Spirit]


    [Level - 6(275/600)])


    [Health - 24/24]


    [Core - Spark]


    [Karma - (100/100]


    [Cultivation Base - Null]


    SCREEN 2]


    [Higher Energies Used - Ether/100%, Primordial Chaos/50%, Divinity/100%, Spirituality/100%, Soul/100%]


    [Lesser Energies Used - Null]


    [Elements - Ether ]


    [STATS]


    Might - 15. Focus - 35


    Mobility -20. Akasha - 100


    Physicality - 30. Abstract - 40.5]


    [SCREEN 3]


    [Racial Type - Primordial Spirit ]


    [Racial Perk - Ether Manipulation]


    [Racial Ability - Absolute Spirituality, Spirit Manipulation - User controls, manipulates, and utilizes the very energy of the soul in strength, attacks, and all ways.


    [Racial Skill - Soul Creation/Destruction


    [Racial Skill - Absolute Destruction


    [Racial Ability - Absolute Invincibility


    [Racial Skill - Absolute Combat Master


    [Racial Skill - Zenith]


    [General Skills -


    [Akasha Magic - Null


    [Arts - Spirit Arts/5%


    Absorb and utilize the energy generated by all souls to increase one''s soul and permanently improve the potential capabilities of physicality.


    [Insights -


    [Inventory -


    [Equipped - Primordial Babe Linen]


    Akasha sighed and turned to Ozai. ''The only normal Primordial left''.


    [Welcome to the Akashic Records Administrator 2]


    [Position - Authority II]


    [SCREEN 1]


    [Host - Ozai Ironstone]


    [Moniker -


    [Feats -


    [Titles -The God of the Cosmos, Guardian of the Plains]


    [Entity - Administrator/God]


    [Race - Cosmic Elf]


    [Racial Type - Primordial Deity]


    [Level - 6(275/600)])


    [Health - 24/24]


    [Core - Spark]


    [Karma - (100/100]


    [Cultivation Base - Null]


    SCREEN 2]


    [Higher Energies Used - Cosmic/100%, Primordial Chaos/50%, Divinity/100%, Order/100%]


    [Lesser Energies Used - Null]


    [Elements - Holy Fire ]


    [STATS]


    Might - 15. Focus - 35


    Mobility -20. Akasha - 100


    Physicality - 30. Abstract - 40.5]


    [SCREEN 3]


    [Racial Perk - Lord Of Order]


    [Racial Ability - Cosmic Embodiment


    [Racial Skill - Cosmic Storm


    [Racial Skill - Cosmic Manipulation


    [Racial Ability - Divine Force


    [Racial Skill - Divine Attacks, Holy Breath, Divine Absorption


    [Racial Skill - Divine Elemental Manipulation, Divine Empowerment, Divine Power Immunity]


    [General Skills -


    [Akasha Magic - Null


    [Arts - Cosmic Arts/5%


    Absorb and utilize the celestial energy of the cosmos to improve and increase one''s capabilities permanently.


    [Insights -


    [Inventory -


    [Equipped - Primordial Babe Linen]


    Settling next to him she focused her attention back on the grander universe. It was a wonder what the Creator would do with the gods and what she would apply. ''I guess only time will tell''. She shrugged settling her back into a pillar. With an empty universe and only a few unsentient lives, Akasha grew bored.


    ''Oh, I do have that nice Mirror Dimension to fully inspect. I wonder..''.

 God Parts - Edited

    HELEN''S POV


    I was back in my forum account. In my mind, I had this idea. A very good idea. After Akasha showed me the streams of energy that we both suspected and knew were for making and introducing gods and players into the game I had been strung up in my ideas on how to go about this.


    There were just so many of those balls. The question was what to do and how to get it done. Which brought me back to my Forum. Or what I now call the council of ideas and advice. ''Hehehe''.


    Since either was early in the morning most of them were online chatting and throwing banters. It amused and surprised me at their devotion to the game especially when I rarely streamed and there was really nothing keeping them here except for a few seconds or moments of awesomeness.


    [@Hildelith(Creator79??) - Anyone here?. Knock knock. ]


    [@RackOfLife - Well look who''s here]


    [@BookWorm - The Deity comes to grace us mortals with her presence]


    [@Lollipop - Soon we''ll be in the game. I got the slot too]


    [@Bookworm - I didn''t. I call bull on this]


    [@Lollipop - Hehehe. Bow at my feet mortal.


    [@Bookworm - Well I know which god I''m killing first]


    [@Lollipop - Well a boy can dream too]


    [@Bankai -Tbaf makes her female]


    [@Bankai -> @Lollipop - you are female Right?]


    [@Bookworm - Please at least let me get the beta slot. Alr already paid and drew the raffle. I have to protect the great Library]


    I had a wide grin at the antics of my fans but knew I had work to do and ideas to make. "Forgive me for feeding on your ideas".


    [@Hildelith(Creator79 ??) -So remember when I told you something about gods? Well, I got thinking. If there were gods what would we like to see in them]


    [@Hardman - She does know she doesn''t exactly know how to lie right?]


    [@Lollipop - It''s so cute]


    [@Hardman - cringy]


    [@RackofLife - probably a bit]


    [@Hardman - More like a lot]


    [@Hildelith(Creator79??) -. It''s just a question. An experiment on my part. Has nothing to do with the actual game. Just want to know what kind of gods are fun and what are not. If it works it might be sort of for the game. For now, it''s more of a thought and a design]


    [@Bookworm - Sounds more believable]


    [@Lollipop - And less cute]


    [@RackofLife - Already have this. Check it out.


    Now gods can be of various types. The physical ones, the conceptual gods, planetary gods, and more. Each god is a more situational or power structure-based God, so I''d say the god type used should be set around what one world or existence is like]


    [@Lollipop - Is he this Smart in real life?]


    [@Bankai - Probably just research. The Net exists for a reason]


    [@Bookworm - still loving the idea though. Sticking more to the conceptual gods. elements, emotions, and ideals or values just cooler and better. Even more on worlds]


    [@Lollipop - If it works I think it better to have gods that relate to both their habitat and environment. Or even how certain people view them]


    [@RackofLife - I think of fantasy gods as beings that could be anything and anyhow. Think of all the depictions of gods in works of literature. Strange, unexpected, not necessarily impressive but definitely shocking and just mouth-dropping. I think you should have this in mind with gods]


    [@BookWorm - Rack Of Life showing intelligence once more. Nerd]


    [@Hildelith(Creator79??) -That''s quite the ideas you all put in. Thanks. Hope The Star Rings Universe is to your liking. You are all always welcome]


    ''Hopefully, the name drop was enough and can be useful when they''re coming in here''. With an excited grin, I exited my page chat and entered the net.


    There was a lot of information via the link Rack Of Life sent. God types, god kinds, god ways, body, and image. There were a lot of gods. Those who were similar to their race, those who were personifications of things either elements, emotions, or values.


    Nothing I did would be new. ''Best to just pick gods I want. Or wait..." I quickly drew up an app where I created a blank page and began typing. Creating a catalog of everything I had and trying to connect pieces.


    [The Star Rings Universe]


    The 9 Rings - Iron Bands & The Star River


    1st Ring - Sol - (Rule - Haero) - (Source Point - Haero) - (Possible gods - Sun gods, Fire Gods, Heat Gods, Light Gods, Lava Gods, Rage Gods, Solar Gods, Might Gods, Titan gods)


    2nd Ring - Divine Realm - (Rule - Tora) - (Source Point- Ozai)- (Possible gods - Life gods, Order gods, Light gods, Solar gods, Elemental concept gods, Elemental gods, Value concept gods, Emotional concept gods, Physique/Will conceptual gods))


    3rd Ring - Dream Realm - (Possible gods - Dream gods, Nightmare gods, Psi gods, Trick gods, Illusion Gods)


    4th Ring - Mortal Plane - (Rule - Ozai) - (Source Point - Null) - (Possible gods - Sun gods, Solar gods, Elemental concept gods, Elemental gods, Value concept gods, Emotional concept gods, Physique conceptual gods)


    5th Ring - Spirit Realm -(Rule - Freyja) - (Source Point - Freyja) - (Possible gods - Dead gods, Soul gods, Spirit gods, Balance gods)


    6th Ring - The Abyss - (Possible gods - Chaos gods, Darkness gods, Elemental concept gods, Elemental gods, Value concept gods, Emotional concept gods, Physique conceptual gods)


    7th Ring - The Rack Of Life - (Rule - Null) - (Source Point - Tora) - (Truth gods, Knowledge gods, Milestone gods, Magi gods


    8th Ring - Omega Point - (Rule - Freyr) - (Source Point - Freyr) - (Possible gods - Darkness gods, Shadow gods, Void gods,


    9th Ring - Abstract - (Possible gods - Will gods)


    "Phew". My back made a creak and snap as I stretched. Probably was the chair. Groaning, my feet cramping and my eyes heavy I rose from the chair and left my laptop on. Heading down for a cup of water I bumped into Dester.


    He froze. Visibly. I froze too. Then stiffly and slowly rushed at him. The boy let out a stupid squeak as I grabbed his hips and held him tight.


    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    "I missed you Big Ape". His body rigid and stiff slowly settled down. Arms wrapped around my shoulders as a sigh escaped his lips.


    "Penguin".


    *****


    "I''ve not been that serious or inventive with mine. You can ask your fans too?. I didn''t even think of it". Dester beat his forehead with exasperation while I smirked with glee.


    The boy was seated at my table eyeing up everything I had made. After giving him good details on everything in my game he had sat there for quite the longest time muttering to himself. Using my Holopad he''d created another plain page and made more notes.


    "I can''t believe how much I missed. Still that part of the game system letting you do as you want is worrisome. How would you go about security for any stupid and violating acts".


    "Already thought of that". I laughed. The idea for that had been quite amusing to me.


    A knock at my door turned my head to it while Dester ignored it as he typed furiously. "Hey, Dad".


    His eyes went from Dester to me with a worried eye that I frowned at. "Apparently I''m better at this game than Ape here".


    The word seemed to suck out all the worry and tension in his body as his expression relaxed. ''I mean I understand but still it''s frustrating ''.


    "Is he failing in his universe?".Dad came in with an ''If I may'' expression before walking up to my table and looking at what Dester was typing. His eyes narrowed in concentration and his left finger tapped against his lap.


    "You know I might have more ideas for this?". He said without turning. "Wanna see?". And without an answer, he quickly rushed off to his room to get his Holopad.


    "Now all that''s s left is for Mum to..."


    "Why''d your father rush off like his ass was on fire?". Speaking of the devil or deviless she poked her head inside my room. "What''s up?". Her eye went to Dester, but instead of the worry I expected there was relief and happiness. She turned to me.


    "I see you accomplished your word on employing eh". eyebrows raised with a faux seriousness she went back to looking at Dester.


    "What''s he working on?".


    "Just something about gods I need and also stealing my ideas".


    "I''m not stealing them. I''m borrowing. Enhancing. Adding flair to it". He yelled waving his hands around.


    "Okay. Define stealing". Mum nodded.


    "I''ve been betrayed. Dad. The women have turned on us!". Dester yelled. Dad worked in just then with his Holopad took a good look around and made himself comfortable right at the foot of my bad.


    "Just you little man, just you". I chuckled while Dester huffed in mock disbelief. Looking back to Mum I raised an eyebrow.


    "So, wanna work for me?"


    "I don''t know, how much do I earn from this side gig?".


    "Love, trust, companionship, and a cute daughter?".I made a face like wasn''t this enough. Her face took on that ''really'' expression while her stance sagged into this ''can''t believe this'' position.


    "Not working?". A show of teeth was ruined by the blank eye. Turning Mum sauntered out of the room.


    "Try harder. I know your father did". I huffed as she vanished past the door.


    "Not to worry kiddo. You got us". Dad looked up and made this cheesy and crinfey smile with all his teeth showing and cheeks stretched before looking down.


    "Yaaayyy!!!".


    ****


    "Alright that''s a lot. No jokes sis, you really went all out here. Can''t wait to see your universe just reading about it has me drooling". He had a wistful look. "Hopefully mine is any better".


    "Don''t be a doofus. It will be. Creativity and inspiration runs in our blood". I smiled. We both turned to see Dad stick a finger in his nose and poke around.


    "Definitely mom''s side". Dad looked up and frowned at us.


    "I''d have to say that I have quite the imagination. Proof. Check this out. I read through everything you did and couldn''t help but notice your writing about the nightmares. You don''t like them or it".


    "It''s not that I don''t like it. My universe has to be interesting. But I''m torn between having something for players to fight and also causing such disaster myself".


    "Yet..." Dad looked excited as he stood and hurried to my table. "You have this ability called balance". He pulled it up and highlighted it for us to see.


    "What you getting at Old man?". Dester prodded curiously.


    "I''m not old. And ... Gods of balance are usually beings portrayed as in the grey. Neither order nor chaos. Neither good nor bad. They see the in-between. Act as such. Have a hands-off policy and such. You didn''t make the nightmares intentionally and from your writing, Akasha already mentioned this happening sometime in the future of your universe due to the prevalent energies".


    "Yeah?". The confusion on Dester''s face was like honey to Dad.


    "So just let it be. You are a god of balance. Balance gods know that there can''t be too much good. Look at some renditions of utopia. Not good I tell you".


    "Okay I get it. But I don''t like it. If the universe becomes anything like Earth then it''s gonna be a mess of nightmares and fewer dreams!". Everyone went silent.


    "You don''t want your universe to be as bad as you think, know the world in our reality is".


    "That''s why you were getting better fast. You were creating a haven for yourself in there".


    "That''s not healthy Helen". Dester muttered. Dad kept silent his face now blank. I didn''t say a word eyes on the ground.


    "But, I guess if it''s a haven then we can do our best to make it so". Dester added and looked at Dad. "Right, Dad".


    It was obvious both didn''t like the idea of making a game world my safe zone. Yet, they understood. And before my eyes both began researching and checking things more fervently.


    A few minutes or almost half an hour later Dad rose from his crouched hand on his waist. "Damn, I still need this waist ". Dester snorted and I just grunted in disgust.


    "Alright, I have something".


    Eyes on him. "The nightmares are exciting for your world. But there''s no control of them. So why not put in a God of nightmares".


    "Hmmh. Makes sense. Dream God, Nightmare god".


    "One wishes to release his children and the other tries to stop him".Dester nodded.


    "Actually..." Dad dragged out the word and we all turned to him. "I''d think that a Dream God would want to share dreams to a physical world m. Think of it. Dreams depending are something we want in life. If so I think a dream God is inclined to always want his dreams out in reality".


    "Which gives us gods who want their creations on earth".


    "Mortal plane not earth". I corrected.


    "How about a third god". Dad added with a smirk.


    "Two more actually". Dester added his hand clicking on a screen. I moved forward to see.


    "That''s interesting".


    "A god who directs and safeguards mortals while in their dreams". I muttered.


    "That''s actually good. Works with my god who guards the dreams and nightmares from entering the mortal plane ".


    "But if he guards them, how then do they get past. We still need a bit of them to cause problems ".


    "Divine Wars". I jumped up. "Gods are always fighting right?. So what if because of all the fights in the realities gods are unable to do their work well or effectively?".


    "Explain ". Dad was now leaning back on my wall and Dester was attentive.


    "I was thinking, at the beginning when I made my children..."


    "Hah. You heard that dad. You got grandkids already". I glared at Dester who smiled at me. Dad made a motion for me to continue while rapping Dester''s skull.


    "Ouch".


    "The game system, The Will, whatever we call it gave my kids titles that I believe act as their role in my universe form".


    "With Akasha now in charge of all the system''s former work you .. want to change things pertaining to your children". Dester turned absentmindedly while speaking my mind and touched his Holopad.


    "Yes. You already know which reality each of my children stands in. But I was thinking, that since Ozai guides the Mortal Plane but has the Divine Realm as a source point it''s basically his by right. So, why not let Tora guard the Rack of Life".


    "Just to put this out there but, Rack Of Life?". He gave me a look. "Seriously. You couldn''t get any other name for it. That sounds like ..." He shivered. I glared.


    "It works, meaningly. The name is weird, yes but it does apply". I dared him to argue with eyes. Hands raised in a show of surrender.


    "Anyway, with Tora ruling and having the Rack of Life as a source point that leaves the Divine realm, Abyss, Abstract, and Dream Realm unchecked right".


    "Yes?".


    "So why not make the gods all vy for authority and rule over these realities. Without someone powerful to watch over these realities, they would feel they are powerful enough to rule".


    "They think that by ruling a reality they can be Primordials". Dad pushed off the wall.


    "Yes. But since some realities are taken and players know not to mess with powerful NPCs too early they go for the untaken ones".


    "But Ozai owns the divine realm". Dester sounded confused.


    "Would it count for the players when he''s known as Guardian of the plains not ruler?".


    "Oh, this is... Mad".


    "Alright, they want the authority of this place and rulership that feels like a good reason to fight over the divine realm. But why the abyss and the Abstract? Okay, I think I know why anyone would want the abstract. But the abyss?". He shook his head.


    "And the Dream Realm. Why would you want a realm where you just see and control ... people''s...dreams". Dad stared at my smiling face with shock.


    "She''s evil". Dester muttered face in hands before quickly typing away in my ny Holopad".


    "I like this. But there have to be some rules to keep the gods from destroying all you worked for".


    "I know. I''ll put those in place and my kids will have it all followed ".


    "You''ll need enforcers you know". Dester half glanced my way. I froze then and sighed.


    "I guess that''s up to Ozai".


    "Anything else we missing?". Dad asked hands flying over his Holopad.


    "The nightmares. If they gods are fighting and this keeps the gods from doing their duties efficiently then they become like powerful mobs or bosses".


    "Both I guess".


    "Here''s this thought. If the gods are fighting for authority and rulership, what happens to the mortal realms?".


    "Well, players want to be the strongest and best. How about gods vying for faith or...".


    "The Beta test". We looked to Dester. "The beta players entering then will be anything from normal mortals to anything. Why not let them choose. Be the heralds of their gods or just normal folks".


    "More than that..." Dad smirked. " Prophets, messengers. There to speak of the full launch coming soon. There to draw as much nations to a god as best they can".


    "That''s , just mad". Dester''s eyes were filled with desire.


    "I like". I jumped.

 Vaustaris - Edited

    It was two days later IRL time that Hildelith noticed something new going on in her universe. More precisely it was something old but with new changes to boot. The little balls of condensed energies formed from the streams that The Will left behind were different. Some were huge, some tiny, some barely noticeable. All of which floated in all realities.


    Even the Star Ring, its ever-raging waters rolling about in an Eternal cycle, and the Sol, its blistering heat, bright light, and roaring flames were populated with these balls.


    Her will brushing over one ball on the Sol Hilde received a prompt.


    [Condensed Concept Orbs]


    [Gestation period - 1440hours]


    "That means my ideas worked out." She made a mental calculation and sighed figuring out the timer rhymed with the alpha tester''s announcement date to enter the game.


    "There''s too many of them to be just players. If it''s the actual game release then maybe, but it''s just alpha testers".


    Looking around she noted something different but not surprising.


    There were some with blue energy swirls, some with golden energy, dark reddish energies, and some had a confusing mix of different colors that worked to show their origin reality. She noted how the golden ones were all in the divine realm the blue ones in the spirit realm and more.


    "Why do I feel like something is missing. No overlooked". she murmured to herself before shrugging it off.


    She descended into Origin eyes locked on the beautiful revolving world of Vaustaris. Her eyes moved to the sun shining down on them and to the little moon that orbited it.


    It had been pulled into the new world''s gravity a day before and now revolved around it too.


    Hilde shook her head at the sight of the orbs floating around space in Origin. There were even some on the Moon and the Sun. A quick check showed the same timer thing.


    ''Seems the game system still has somethings in its control''. It was good to know that the game hadn''t completely abandoned her.


    Now all she had to do was head to Vaustaris to check on it. The descent prompt came up. While it was dangerous to leave her Creator avatar floating there in space she felt it safe enough since there was no existence yet outside the starter world.


    Her senses once again filled into a body that looked remarkably like hers. Her feet sunk into the grass, and her eyes opened to see the yellow suns, their warmth gracing her face, and the fresh tickle of the autumn wind on her body.


    [Welcome to Vaustaris - Starter World]


    Akasha announced in her head. Since she was no longer in her Creator form but in an avatar the sense of new origins she felt was huge. It gave the descent an exciting feeling. Like she could experience Vaustaris from the perception of a normal person.


    "What now?". Her voice made her pause. It was soft. Like music and chimes. Flowers and the soft pull and push of the oceans. Regal yet innocent. ''Fuxk I would be weird''. She thought. Akasha went on to answer her though efficiently blocking off the stupid thoughts.


    "World Seeding. You already formed a template with The Will. Fortunately, the Will must have transferred the template information to me before retreating. That''s the only explanation of how I possess them. I already made the necessary adjustments. Would you like to change anything else?''.


    "Can animals and beasts cultivate as well?". She mentally cringed at her voice again but ignored it.


    "Technically they could. But they would require sapience to even know what cultivation was?".


    "I didn''t prepare this enough".


    "We could always sit down and be thorough. There is no rush".


    "You know there is". She frowned. ", But you are right. No need for me to rush".


    Hildelith took a good look around and found herself on one of the more common continents. Grass and greens swept through the expanse with a stubborn viciousness. In her immediate area, she stood in a forest. The trees towering above and past her.


    While she hadn''t exactly defined and described the trees she wanted it seemed the common flora had found a way to thrive and define itself.


    ''I like it. The randomness''.


    "There was nothing random about it . Due to Vastaris'' size the day here is longer. Which means enough time for the green to absorb and utilize solar rays for growth''".


    ''Okay''.


    Taking a seat at the trunk of a large tree she began. First, she pulled up the former templates and looked through them. There was nothing she felt like changing. Hildelith felt like the Vaustari Goblin, Vaustari Wolf, and Carapace Knight were all good lifeforms.


    "Do I need to fill Vaustari with other life forms too? I mean .."


    "No. I believe the Will already handled the basic parts. Unless you wish of course to change this to your tastes".


    "No. Just curious". She confirmed the templates and watched in a very wide-eyed mode as Akasha began the task of Life creation.


    "You could personally do it if you wish. I can handle mass life seeding but you can do it as well".


    "Alright. Let me try". First, her Abstract connected to Sol. It was like something so far away yet near. "Are you helping?".


    "Yes".


    Next, she let it flow through the rivers and the dream realm. But here she stopped it. This was a wild beast. Maybe one day it would gain sapience. ''Not today''. The Flame of life flowed past the dream realm without entering and into the Mortal realm.


    A little petal of red, gold, yellow, white, blue, and various colors all merged into a single fire appeared on her palm. "Woow".


    "This is amazing to see".


    "Yes yes, go on".


    She blinked and eyed the Akasha only to realize the energy was in her head and not physically out. Shaking her head she focused on the next step. Focusing on the template she wanted she let the flame pour into it.


    A prompt suddenly appeared in her eyes.


    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    "I feel like this is something that should be done this way".


    [Life seeding]


    [Birth]


    [We]


    [Half grown]


    [Full grown]


    "You know this finally solves the chicken and egg question. What came first? The chicken or the egg?" She was all smiles as she looked at the prompt.


    "Okay that thought is weird. It''d be obvious the chicken since no fully grown hen is around to hatch and guard it".


    "Is that our answer then?. I guess so. I want Fully grown". The prompt vanished and the template vibrated. It shattered the next second and from it poured aether which began forging a fully grown large beast.


    "The White Vaustari Wolf". Hildelith was awed at its beauty. Sure she had made it and it was her imagination that created it. Still, there was a difference between work in the mind and the result granted physicality.


    "Amazing". Running her palms through fur and its skin she shivered at the smoothness yet firm protection it offered. The thing stood at a good 5ft tall and a length of 9ft.


    She paused realizing Akasha was just feeding her brain random information. Shook her head and took another walk around the thing.


    "What''s next?".


    "A soul".


    "Yes. Right. A soul". With a smile, she shut her eyes. Her will and abstract stretched through the mortal plains and she found it was just as rough to do this. Still, Hildelith prevailed and her senses locked onto a soul. It was a common etheric thing just lounging in the Spirit Realm.


    ''You''ll do buddy ". She wrenched it from the spirit realm and dragged it through the rivers and into the planes. Finding that it was hard to bring the soul into physicality near her due to the lack of a line around me.


    "I want a ley line beneath me". She grumbled in annoyance as she sought a close by key line.


    The earth rumbled. The wind stilled and then blew violently. The trees around her creaked as did their roots. Then like a snap a pressure that wasn''t there before poured into the area.


    "That''s one way to force it". Akasha chimed in her head.


    A soul popped up into being in front of her. It was the same one she had dragged through the rivers. "What just happened?".


    "You happened. You can''t just go around carving new streams into Vaustaris. I mean you totally can but atleast take it easy you almost ripped the world apart. Good thing you''re weak".


    "If I was stronger then I would not need to create a stream".


    "True. Cause and effect heh".


    Rolling her eyes Hildelith turned her focus to the spirit. "So should I just ..."


    "Will it to take the body. There will be uncomfortable and confusing feelings for it but that''s because it didn''t go through the normal growth stage".


    "Growth stage".


    "Yes. Infancy is the soul adapting to a body. Once that happens. The soul and body wake up as one".


    "That''s freakingly realistic sounding. So what does that mean here. It won''t gain sapience".


    "Yes. Unless you force it".


    Forcing it was quite easy as I simply ordered the soul to do so. The soul already melded into the wolf body jerked and clicked into place like water filling up a can then solidified and contracted back to form a circular orb at its center.


    [Life seeding - 1]


    [White Vaustari Wolf]


    "Yeah. I don''t need to know that".


    The wolf stopped jerking and its eyes slowly and abruptly opened up.


    ''I don''t think it should see us?''.


    ''Probably''. I willed myself to back off.


    ''No need. It can''t see us''.


    "Huh, why?". She knew she''d made a mistake the moment she spoke. While it couldn''t see her the wolf obviously heard her. A quick look around for nothing. Its eyes widened and for some reason, it spun and dashed in her direction.


    The blur of white moved through her body like she didn''t exist. Even the white robes that covered her up were incorporeal. Hilde blinked then frowned.


    ''Fast''. Yet she was bothered by something else. ''I''m incorporeal''.


    ''I guess I will find a way to experience all this. For now, though let''s see what''s going on". Hilde looked to see the white-furred wolf vanish into the forest.


    "Does he or she need a pack or food?". Her question was answered as a rustle from behind her caught her attention.


    An animal walked out from behind a set of trees. It was a huge beast of burden type almost like an Ox or bull. Two large horns sat upon its head curved up to its tips. Its hooves and muscular legs held up its heavy body.


    Hilde made to touch it with intent only to frown.m.


    "Why is my intent and Abstract weak, stiffer, and sluggish here?". If using her will and intent before was like swishing her fingers inside a stream of water now it was like doing it inside a thick bowl of liquid. The abstract fought her actions and trembled even worse with each attempt to coral it.


    Her mind went back to the Wolf as it stepped out into sight, eyes fixed on the beast before it.


    "Should I make more of them?".


    "Maybe one or two will do for this boy". She nodded and pulled out the same template. Repeating the same process was easier this time but not faster. Soon another wolf was formed and the funny part was how the first wolf and the beast of burden stared with eyes wide.


    It was like they''d never seen shit like that before. An animal appearing from midair. The new white wolf turned. This one female. The male one watched still shocked. Even the beast of Burden looked shocked while the female wolf finally spotted it.


    She pounced. Hildelith watched the other snap out of his stupor due to hunger and pounce as well. What occurred was a work of art. Both wolves lit up with a dull but earthly light and moved in tandem to take down the beast. It was almost like both were not just created seconds ago.


    With all the strain she could muster she managed to use her intent on the beast.


    [Forest Bol]


    The beast itself was no slouch as it realized these new white-colored animals were no peacemakers. It fought back baying and grunting. Hoofs striking and lashing out. Horns ready to gore. Unfortunately for it, these were no normal predators.


    Blood spilled from its neck as the female got it in a distraction. The pain made it lash out at her turning its head to gore her with horns. The male had been waiting. Pouncing forth it sunk fangs into the beast''s thick neck.


    It bayed and threw its head up. The female darted in. Fangs found its front knee and a bite cracked the bone.


    ''Powerful''.


    ''Are you recording this?''.


    ''Of course. All is knowledge ''.


    "I could get you quite the mamy hunting and fighting of the animal worlds from my world".


    ''I would appreciate that Creator''.


    ''Wait could you see it and use it if I did''.


    ''All you know and have seen is open to me''.


    She blinked, then slowly turned away. ''Let''s not talk about her creepy and not nice that sounded ''.


    The beast was on its last legs already. The two Wolves skirting its side stopped. Both locking eyes. The Male nodded and the female barked. As one both lunged in. The beast was confused and distressed and could only bay as the male slammed its back legs while the female clawed at its eyes.


    BOOM


    The thud as it fell emphasized its weight. The White Vaustari Wolves had no care. All they heard was food hitting the ground. Both dove for the kill. Their bodies glowed with blue sparkles as the Beast finally died.


    ''The leveled up?''.


    "Yep".


    ''Let''s go".


    ''Won''t you bless them?''.


    ''I both don''t know and don''t want to. Let them live their lives free of gods. This world will have too much of it in the days to come. Let them enjoy it for now. It''s the best I can do for them ''.


    ''That was thoughtful''.


    Hilde moved running at full speed, the grasses rustled and the trees of her environment swayed. Only now did she realize that she was within a very large forest. The leaves were green and the winds here were very appealing and comfortable.


    "I''ll always say this. This realism is broken" She dashed ahead faster realizing how quick she was. The trees tore past her in a blur and the ground occasionally trembled as she shot forward.


    To an onlooker, it was as if a great windstorm had risen within the forest.


    Hilde slowed down and finally stopped when she arrived at the base of a mountain. Behind her ended the forest.


    "Good place for the carapace knight".


    ''Yes''.


    It wasn''t hard repeating it this time but she let Akasha handle it and make time for them. Turning she fled having no interest to see spiders duke it out or whatever.


    Her mind going back to her Intents and Abstract''s behavior as she ran began coming up with reasons for her weakness here.


    ''Is this the reason why mortals will find it hard to gain access to you?''. she pondered puzzled at her Will''s behavior.


    ''Yes?''.


    A thought came to her as she ran after giving up her Intent. She''d done next to nothing in the Mortal plane.


    "The bunnies, and the mice and the other animals that would make this a real world" She''d been so focused on creating a game terrain she''d forgotten to treat it as realistically as life.


    A huge oversight.


    There was meant to be an ecological system. With the prey and the hunted. No prey would make the hunters turn to themselves before the players arrived.


    "Have to fix that. Thankfully the system helped there for now." Connecting to Akasha she sent her senses back to see the wolves now feasting on the Forest Bol.


    "Ahhhh.... the hell". Grumbling at looking back she quickly cut the link. With the wolves'' ferocity and intelligence now even before they leveled up it was evident they would be menaces.


    "The beginners would never even be able to handle them. Guess it''s better I do the other thing now" She shivered again at the image of the Vaustari wolves tearing the Forest Bol into chunks of meat. Blood running into the grass and soaked the floor.


    "First. Akasha, the goblins". She halted at the edge of a cliff. Looking down she saw plains and fields in the distance. Streams of water and large white clouds. In the far distance, there were also black clouds.


    "Amazing".

 Vaustaris - Secrets - Edited

    Eleven templates hovered in front of Hildelith. Each template bearing the description and stats of seven different races.


    Before looking and starting their creation she willed out her panel. One glance was enough to understand her predicament. There were two separate panels with the other hovering right beside the first. The First being the stats or attributes of this shell.


    [Welcome to the Akashic Records Creator 79]


    NAME - Null (Hildelith Fearghal Ironstone)


    TITLES -


    FEAT -


    RACE - Nothing


    BEING - NULL/MORTAL/SPIRIT(Creator 79)


    LEVEL - 1


    HEALTH - 24/24


    STATS


    Might - ??


    Mobility - ??


    Physicality- ??


    Mind- ??


    Abstract - ??


    ENERGIES


    Akasha - ??


    HIDDEN STAT


    Perc - ??


    Def - ??


    Soul - ??


    UNALLOCATED STAT POINTS : 0


    Hilde blinked at the annoying panel.


    "Now I understand you, Thor. Odin sure was a dick. Relegating you to this just to make you less arrogant. " she shook her head with a sigh.


    The second panel had only three words.


    [OBSERVE]


    [INTERACT]


    [POSSESS]


    However, the third one was grayed out for some reason and also its explanation was withheld. Observe was the state she was in now, unable to act or make any contributions to her planet. Just a wandering ethereal form.


    Interact solidified her making her mortal. She would be able to use things normally then like her Mind which she suspected was substituted for Focus. She figured it was this observer mode that had her stats as question marks.


    Looking back up to the templates she appraised and applied them. A different prompt came up this time asking her where she''d have them settled.


    While she had added various terrain and abilities perks she knew the system could randomly scatter them making it even more interesting or in this case difficult for her new NPCs to survive.


    So she chose carefully. Since she didn''t have the game system there was nothing like advanced or basic races again. While she could have gotten Akasha to figure it out Hildelith knew she didn''t want such diversity. Eleven races were enough to stir the social pot in Vaustaris. Making some higher rated than the other would just be a pressure pot left unattended.


    The races on the templates were quite good if I said so myself.


    The Argonnes of Argon Spires.


    The Elosas of the Frostspire Peaks


    The Qitsalrmer of the Celestial Archipelago


    The Undules of the Verdant Vale


    The Evershu of the Lunar Plains.


    The Lomries of DuneMarsh


    The Emberkin of Volcanic Pyrehold


    The Argats of Solaris Savanna


    The Sunforged of Solisian


    The Moonborn of Lumina


    The Verdani of Sylvanreach


    Hildelith had no intention of putting any local race template in her world.


    "Hopefully they''ll grow and rise fast enough to start suppressing the beasts around them before the players come". Still, she had one issue left.


    The players of the alpha test were obviously going to be made as her gods. Which meant she had 1400 hours of in-game time to get adjusted to meeting players.


    Another issue was the main flood of players waiting. Would the storyline she had in mind work?


    The game wanted them to make their lores and tales which meant they were on their own.


    "This game is different levels of confusing." She stood silently for a moment letting the sound of wind blowing around her calm her mind.


    " I love it here".


    "Now how the hell do I level up this form".


    Like an answer to her question, a roar reverberated through the air shaking the mountains and quaking the forests. Birds flew off the treetops and animals within the woods and around her scurried away.


    While Hildelith seriously wanted to comment on the presence of more normal creatures than expected she could only for the moment look up at the form blotting out the twin suns of Origin. One that made her look like an ant next to it despite the power difference.


    The Black Divine of Origin had arrived.


    "You''ve changed" Her facial expression betrayed her surprise at seeing him.


    Molliwag was no more the green-eyed scaled beast that once sought to consume her. In his place was a true Great Dragon, his black scales shinier, more glorious than savage.


    His eyes now single pair glowed a luminous blue, one that dazzled her. Atop his head grew four horns, two larger and pointed upwards but to the sides and within the two smaller ones.


    The skin below his wings was a dark red while the red glowing lines of what should be fire dimmed and brightened along the top of his wings.


    His roar in response to her statement blew through her presence without actually touching her. It just cracked and deformed the mountain on which she stood a bit.


    "Mother. You finally came".


    His words gave Hilde a pause. ''Finally. Was I expected or something? Was I gone long?" Whilst confused her head bobbed a bit.


    "I see I was expected".


    "Come Mother, make haste, My presence stifles the world you birthed. There are things to be seen beforehand". The dragon made a flap before he descended his head lowered in a gesture that was obvious to Hildelith his words lost to her.


    "I''m not riding you boy" she argued. She could barely remember the last time she had been so high in a plane. While she doubted having a phobia for heights testing it on a dragon''s back wasn''t something she wished to attempt.


    The other issue was knowing if truly Molliwag was now less murderous. While the cold ember divinity was pushing him to consume her it didn''t cover the fact that he actually accepted. Trust was a fickle thing.


    "Your tiny feet are unable to get you up to our destination, especially in this new shell of yours". he scoffed as he urged her to get on.


    Hilde found herself climbing up the smooth scales on his wings using the ridges on his sides and finally settling on the crook of his neck.


    "Hold tight Mother" the dragon warned before he leaped tearing off into the skies with a powerful jump his large wings flapping and pushing him up and up. A whiplash hit the female astride his back with a vengeance as he shot through the blue skies of Vaustari.


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    Hilde glared down at the dragon''s neck as she cleared her head from the dizziness of the jump while the dragon uttered a throaty laugh. His body moved through the air with a grace a beast of his form shouldn''t have possessed.


    Yet as they flew and she looked around enjoying the beauty of Vaustaris, the bright greenery and blues of the various streams or rivers flowing into the lands Hilde noticed something.


    It wasn''t something about the lands but something about Molliwag. With each flap and each space he moved he left behind a crack in reality. A bit of a tear like a line on a mirror. It stayed for just a moment before stitching back together.


    "What are those?" Hilde couldn''t help but ask. Molliwag made a slight tilt of his humongous long head to glance at the cracks before a deep sigh left his maws.


    "My eviction notice"


    Her confusion lasted only a second before she understood. Just like she couldn''t descend with her real body so too could the others not descend with their true bodies, probably even the gods. Molliwag had a moment of grace or was it the other way around since he was already present when the World was forged? But he was seemingly running out of time. Or More like Vaustaris was running out of time.


    Which brought her to the present.


    Was this what she needed him for?


    "I can''t help you stay Molliwag?". she warned. The dragon was silent for a minute before he nodded.


    "I know. " he responded


    "Think of it this way..." she tried to reassure hating his sadness, though she was curious as to why he felt down on having to leave. "... you are meant for great things. Dragons soar the skies and rule the clouds and highest mountains. " she tapped his scale. "Just not in actual worlds and especially not when they are Primordial beings".


    "You, my son are the Great Dragon. A Dare one now instead of Dire it seems," she noted the difference in his panel with a nod feeling much better in being around him.


    "You were meant to fly beyond realities and within the boundaries of my nothingness. Bringing warmth and protection. You were meant for the nothingness where your siblings reside".


    "Siblings. So there are others" a bit of coldness radiating from his voice.


    "Don''t blame them, neither they nor I knew of your existence, you were born during the creation of this universe. I only found and knew of you when we met. It was my fault, had I been all seeing it could have been averted and your hate unfed".


    "So, a mistake then". he nodded in acceptance.


    Hilde was stunned not knowing what to say. Her lips parted to form an argument when his throaty voice filled with sadness uttered. " We have arrived".


    Then like an arrow he descended.


    His form tore through the air with the precision of an arrow as the tiny pricks of land below got larger and larger till it finally was clear enough to see their position.


    Even before Akasha made its announcement in her head she knew what this place was. A place that seemed to have already been named by her FirstBorn.


    [The Valley of Dusk]


    The place that forged a path to the Chasm of Molliwag in which a hole to the world''s core lay. It''s physical core at least.


    "Why bring me here Molliwag?," she asked as she stood on the soil of the flourishing place, an improvement to the deathly grounds of the former lost world. Thick trees and grass grew all over and birds chirped as did insects.


    Molliwag led her within, deeper into the Valley of Dusk.


    Thick vines of green form barricades to what looked like a rocky circular hole. A hole was placed at the center of what she found to be a village. Moving around with either purpose or lack of were the Unknown. Or at least the purified ones.The</a> first true life of Vaustaris.


    A place that could be found by players if possible and unlock a new race or could gain their benefits if there were any. But it seemed to not be the Unknown that Molliwag wanted to show her.


    His huge form carefully lumbered through the village while the Unknown gathered staring open-eyed at her. Their white skins contrasted the environment, their six pair of eyes following her. They no longer walked on all six feet but rather stood on two legs like bipedal beasts while their four arms carried tools and different things. Their ears twitched as they watched and their eyes blinked with the glow of blue light just as Molliwag''s did.


    So focused on observing the changes to these Unknown she didn''t see the dragon stop and ended up bumping into him.


    "Ouch". rubbing her head she smiled at her ability to interact with him even in her Observe state.


    ''Probably due to him being an Administrator or his divinity. Wait doesn''t that mean other divines would see me too''.


    Her attention came back to Molliwag who was looking at something in front. Her eyes followed his line of sight to land on a flower bed that spread into a circle.


    Flowers with yellow petals and a white stalk grew from the ground and stopped just at her knees.


    ''Beautiful'' was her thought as she waded into the flowers then halting she plucked one and brought it to her nose. A refreshing scent that she couldn''t name blasted her senses.


    "What are they?" her will roughly brushed against the flowers still stubborn to use in this shell. But its antics were ignored as the prompt flashed in her eyes.


    [Divine Flora]


    [Advanced]


    [The Golden Rose]


    Grown from the divinity-soaked land within the Valley of Dusk this flora holds a bit of the immortal essence of the Creator Hilde.


    Effects - Grants immortality without any power up to its ingestor.


    "Is this what you brought me to see". She asked with a whisper.


    "Yes and No".


    Hildelith nodded her eyes not leaving the flower. Then she turned and smiled at the dragon.


    "I''ll accept, but only..." the dragon sighed. "...if you give me a chance". Hildelith finished catching the dragon in shock.


    "A mistake Molliwag is an unintentional error committed". her eyes bore into him. The dragon stiffened a bit. "While unintentional is debatable I would never call you an error son".


    "You are coming home. Even if I have to wipe out this village to make you see reason" While the threat was unreasonable it gave Molliwag the sense of how serious she was about wanting him to follow her.


    "You are coming home with me, son" She changed the last word finding it better than boy, more endearing.


    Walking past him flower in hand she stood before the dragon facing the still-watching village.


    "Everyone, you all know me. I''m sure you remember just as I do what once was". many nodded while a few just remained watching.


    "A cold dark place that lacked life and made you, my grandchildren hateful and savage in ways that forced my hand. ". she smiled sadly.


    ''No need to have those players knowing about the immortality flower for now'' she thought in her mind. Its uses unknown especially since players might be already immortal in a way. She continued her speech leaving her thoughts for later.


    "I, Hildelith ''Fearghal'' Ironstone apologize. " a murmuring ran through the crowd. It was certainly expected that she would have justified her actions. And while she was right to cut down their brothers and sisters an apology from her was not expected.


    Molliwag behind her looked just as startled.


    "I know you think me some cruel being but I assure you I''m not. I apologize for separating you from them. I apologize for your pain".


    "But here, and now. You have a new future. A new path to take. A hidden people whose purpose is to preserve this new and beautiful world. To keep any evil from returning it to what it once was what it once made your family into. ".


    "More Lost worlds lie out there, with your siblings suffering the same pains as you went through. I do not like it but it is the way the universe was born. It was out of my hands and still is out of my hands. I do not wish to murder my grandchildren, so I ask that you help to save them, it is not out of your hands. Will you let your brothers and sisters born of the same blood, same bones, and same energy go through such pains?"


    A resounding no tore through the crowd shocking her. She didn''t expect them to reply or even with such enthusiasm.


    "Will you let this world and those on it experience what you have"?"


    " NO!"


    "Then I ask you to protect it. I ask you to guard the entrance to the World Core. I ask you to grow and live and become a people that your father can be proud of. I ask you to be ready. For when the time comes and the stars align you shall lead the charge to subdue, aid, and purify your family". the crowd hooted with a cheer as she ended while turning to look at Molliwag.


    "Your Father won''t be by your side anymore". A hush fell on the crowd. "Not because he abandons you. No! But his leaving will keep this world from breaking. From being lost. Remember he leaves for you to enjoy this comfort, so protect it with your lives. " she urged. The silence became deafening as all eyes went to Molliwag with sadness and shiny silver liquid running down their devilish faces.


    "You, grandchildren are not Unknown anymore, I see you. You''ve fought evil or not to aid your father. The race that stood against the creator herself. "Hilde smiled at them passionately.


    "You drew the lifeblood that grows these flowers. Your strength should not be looked down upon. Afterall, you..." She made a dramatic pause "...are my Luminari, for just like your father you will Herald the light upon lost worlds. So..." Her right hand shot up and then struck above her left breast. "Raise your heads and beat your chests blood of Ironstone".


    Behind her, Molliwag raised his head, jaws parting as an emotional roar was uttered. His new noble look made him even more eye-catching and the glare of his gaze sent a beat of excitement through everyone.


    Molliwag hadn''t brought her to just see the Golden Roses. No. The dragon knew the effect his presence had on Vaustaris. Yet he had a tether. His children.


    Unable to leave and abandon them as he felt his mother once had. A problem was now solved. By giving a race that once fought just for him a new purpose and assuring them of his presence even without seeing him. He felt content.


    [LOCAL RACE NAMED - Lumimari]


    [LUMINARI]


    Children of the Great Dare Dragon. Protectors of the Core and witnesses of what once was. Tenders to the Golden Roses of immortality and the last front against evil.


    <blockquote>


    [This race is now available as a template.]


    [For your path in purification and naming this template is free for your purchase]


    [All purchases by foreign Creators will gain a 5% share to you]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [VAUSTARIS TALE BEGINS]


    </blockquote>

 Creation Online Art II

Argonne


    Elosas


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Qitsalrmer


    Ember-Kin


    Lomries


    Moonborn


    Argat


    Luminari

 Race Change - Edited

    [NAME - Molliwag


    Title - The Great Dire Dragon, Black Divine of Origin, FirstBorn of the Creator (Star Ring Universe)


    RACE - Cold Dire Dragon


    BEING - Administrator/God


    LEVEL - 21(100/1100)]


    [STATS


    Might - 51


    Mobility - 46


    Physicality- 66


    Focus - 62.1


    Abstract - 56]


    [RACIAL TYPE - PRIMORDIAL (DARE) DRAGON


    Dare - One with courage, pride, arrogance, and absolute will. Immune to fear and indecision. The sole generator of such values]


    [Racial Ability - Ultimate Power]


    [Racial Skill - Absolute Will]


    [Racial Skill - Fire Generation]


    [Racial Ability - Chaos Manipulation]


    [Racial Skills - Chaos Matter Manipulation]


    [Racial Skills - Chaos Constructs]


    [Racial Perk - Eldritch Dragon Physiology]


    The two changes to Molliwag had been his Dare and absolute will. It seemed the cold embers of divinity had been driving the poor dragon mad for power by tempting it as vengeance.


    The Dare to his character looked better in Hildelith''s opinion.


    That being said, Hildelith was already planning her next course of action. With many things done for the preparations of the alpha testers, she mentally checked off what was left to happen.


    ''... defenses check, Vaustaris check templates up for sale check.. '' Hildelith halted in her contemplations. "I wonder how I can still sell without system access."


    The Alpha testers were made to be gods. If the condensing orbs of energies were anything to go by. This posed the question...


    How were creators and the gods meant to level up? Sure, she had been leveling when killing things. But that was when the system was around. She hadn''t killed anything to know. And the experience of Vaustaris didn''t apply beyond reality.


    Which begged a question. How would the gods get their level-ups? Fighting a void wolf was out of the question seeing as those were made for her.


    Which left only one option.


    The Unknown.


    As much as it was an option, it too was a problem. Hilde needed at least fifty percent of those Unknowns to purify into Luminaries for whatever worlds she was creating. Sure, she had the template and it was free, but why create Luminaries with the templates when she could form them through purification?


    Plus, she needed the shards from the purification for her skills and also to create and power more Life Armors.


    There was also the fact that they were Molliwag''s children. And she saw them that way. The Luminaries part, of course.


    The girl''s head racked as she pondered how to fix two major problems. Get fifty percent of the Unknown and also get her shards. Extorting players would be bad. She already had the idea for the Unknowns by having the Luminaries handle it. But that palm wasn''t completely thought of.


    "If only there was a way to just get the gods to give up a Shard," she groaned as she stamped around while waiting for the dragon who was busy making arrangements and whatever within the valley.


    Hilde spent a long while trying to find a way past her issue until Molliwag finally came.


    "What troubles echo in your head?" The dragon spread out its left-wing, resting it on the ground for her to climb up to its neck.


    "Troubles, what makes you think there is any?"


    "If not from the blatant chewing of your lip, then the creases of your forehead will suffice as a point to note your distress," he barely moved as he pointed out.


    Hilde halted her lip abuse and smiled for a moment before shaking her head. She looked at Molliwag for a moment before asking a question, a bit of worry in her eyes.


    "Do you really feel I would not have come for you if I knew about your existence?" her tone felt grave, almost sad. The dragon shut its eyes for a moment before opening them.


    "What I feel, and what the truth is are fickle. I am glad as much as my pride begs to differ that one was wrong," with the words left unsaid he eyed her again and Hilde knew he wasn''t going to answer any more sappy questions.


    "Males are the same. Whatever lifeform they come in," she muttered. "Still, I just want you to know this. I wish I saw you grow up. I''ve carried your siblings around and I know that this is a moment in their lives I enjoyed so much. They''ll soon be grown and I won''t be able to carry them again. But at least I got that opportunity with them. You?. I didn''t. And I hate everything that created that process that led to this. I hate that I didn''t get to pamper you like the regal dragon you were. I hate that you grew up not knowing what a mother''s love was like. And for all this I really am sorry."


    Silence.


    "I do not blame you, mother. Not anymore. Being purified lets me think properly and I understand. It still hurts but you are not to blame," he looked up, then a grin spread across his tooth.


    "Though I wonder how a puny being like you could birth a grand creature such as me," he rose, almost smacking her away as he spread his wings in a show of glory.


    "Bloody dragons and pride."


    Shaking her head with a faint smile she took a step forward, already eager for the flight to come. She''d undoubtedly enjoyed the first one and fortunately, while the height had been dizzying to see she was glad to not have any phobia for it.


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


    Her legs barely touched the wings when she felt a pulsing rush through her.


    Bells droned in her head and a hot searing feeling of fire and tingles of electricity coursed through her.


    Dings and Akasha''s words sounded in her mind but the pain was mind-numbing. Hildelith heard a roar and a growl, she felt the ground shake and then lots of screeches as she felt the world sensation spin and twirl.


    Then the feeling was gone.


    In just a few seconds the pain and feeling of getting torn ended and her senses returned.


    "What ...what happened?" was her first query. Yet the silence that she got made her head raise. Standing a few feet from her was Molliwag, his eyes locked directly on her.


    There was confusion and yet a dire sense of tension in him. Like he would attack if she so much as moved the wrong muscle.


    "What happened son?" she asked slowly not eager to trigger him. In this form, she was weaker than even the Luminaries. ''Bloody avatars. Can''t wait to see the gods realize how weak they are in this form''. It seemed Vaustaris took no chances with even more than a sliver of her power entering into it.


    "I would not know. You scream like one under attack yet I find no one. I should ask you?"


    Not getting any answers from him she turned to Akasha and found a lot of answers.


    "Aish. I forgot about that. No, I didn''t forget. I didn''t even realize this was what it meant".


    [RACES DETECTED ON VAUSTARIS]


    [IMPLEMENTING SYNC CHARACTER RULES]


    [Race - Argonne - Implemented]


    [Race - Elosas - Implemented]


    [Race - Qitsalrmer - Implemented]


    [Race - Undules - Implemented]


    [Race - Evershu - Implemented]


    [Race - Lomries - Implemented]


    [Race - Emberkin - Implemented]


    [Race - Argats - Implemented]


    [Race - Sunforged - Implemented]


    [Race - Moonborn - Implemented]


    [Race - Verdani - Implemented]


    [Race - Luminari - Implemented]


    [Racial Choices available]


    In her mind, a list of the twelve races appeared with the option to pick one. Looking at Molliwag, she smiled reassuringly before selecting the first.


    "Argonne".


    The world brightened and a feeling of skin shifting and crawling rolled over her body, making her bend over. Wings grew from out her back, her face stretched and deformed till she had a beak and large falcon eyes, several feathers of platinum gold and black replacing her hair behind her bird head.


    From her fingers, talons slid out and her feet morphed to shape into that of a split humanoid and bird creature giving her more balance in a scary way. The huge wings of white feathers, red and green splayed out here and there spread out in a grand form. Her body was covered in feathers and fur except for her collar to her thighs which was still skin.


    Fortunately, the robes still covered her up even though her height had gotten an additional 1.5ft. The gown once long was now only to her knees.


    A growl from ahead made her slowly look up.


    "Shut it son. It''s still me."


    The dragon lost all his aggression quickly but his curiosity stayed. Seeing the question in his gaze she explained what was happening.


    "So it only applies to you?" he asked disappointed once he understood.


    "Why, don''t like being so huge now eh?".


    "No. It would just be fun to see how life is to you small people," he turned away with a look that said he lost interest while Hildelith blinked.


    ''Did he just call me short?''. She made a mental fist at him before huffing. She blinked as the dragon looked anywhere but at her. Ignoring him, she instead picked another race.


    "Elosas".


    This time she was ready for the feeling of change and only a slight cringe as her bones adjusted appeared on her face.


    Hildelith looked at her blue skin with various light blue lines that would have been mistaken for tribal marks but were features of the Elosas'' skin. Her large round eyes made her adorable. Her cat-like nose twitched as she sniffed. A tail swayed behind her and her tongue licked the four fangs that now rested in her mouth. Large horns created a curved crown on her head. Long black hair fell down her back.


    Her fingers had no claw which didn''t surprise her as they were designed to be sheathed. With a click said claws slid out. Black just like the Argonne talons. Her feet became humanoid ones though her height remained the same as the Argonne. She touched her ears and grinned at the length.


    "As expected of the two previously Advanced Races in my world," she chuckled. Stretching out her skin and limbs like she did with the Argonne, Hildelith made a flip finding the Elosas to be incredibly flexible and swift.


    She went through all the races skipping the Qitsalrmer due to their unique need for water. The Argats were a race of half men and half lion. Standing on their hind feet at a good 7ft. Muscular even for females.


    Lomries were short like the dwarves, and no they did not love ale. But were fools for food. Their red skin made them stand out and their quick feet despite their stature made them uncatchable. With their long ears and large eyes, they would be mistaken for children if not for the visible signs that came with aging.


    The Evershu were 6ft with fair skin, pointed ears, and mostly a slender body though she suspected the players would adjust some things. Their long muscular legs gave them a grace and speed that could only be bested by the Elosas.


    Turning into an Undule, she couldn''t help but sigh. This race had given her the toughest time. It was a close resemblance to the Unmduni of Tora, but in difference, the Undule were stronger by how long their white hairs grew. Each strand added as much as 0.01 unit of stat double the longer it grew. The exact measurement wasn''t something she remembered.


    With pointed ears, sharp-fanged canines, and three eyes, skin tough and resistant to the elements with a shade of white, black, or brown. Their three eyes and white hair were what made them Undule. They were really good.


    Next was the Emberkin and man did this race remind her of Haero. With bronze dim red scales and broad shoulders, she could see the utility in this as the Argat race. "One with quick and powerful blows, the other with a tank-like body and long-range skills".


    Next, was the Sun forged. "This race is just ...wow". She stood taller than any of the other races she had turned to. While she had a good form and a beautiful powerful shape it was the sparkling hue of her skin that drew attention. "Getting a Sunforged wife would be any male''s dream in Vaustaris".


    Slowly she turned picking up the Moonborn. "Well, that''s the opposite". Where the Sunforged were powerfully shaped and beautiful dangerously and hotly, the Moonborn were different. Lithe and beautiful in a soft way. They rivaled the Sunforged in height, almost. While the Sunforged stood at 7 to 8ft the Moonborn had a 6ft to 7ft chase.


    ''Theit tallest would be the Sunforged tallest. Oops".


    The final race was the Verdani and she raised an eyebrow as she thought back to why she even created this race again. "This was the humans of her world". It clicked and she sighed before shrugging.


    Some players who might not like the other races or not like the intimate body difference might choose to pick Verdani. There were always people like that in games.


    Changing back to the Argonne, she spread her wings because well who didn''t want to fly? Giving Molliwag a wink, she took off fighting precariously to figure out the laws of the wings and wind.


    Playing a game for personal reasons was acceptable but not enjoying the little things that mattered in it was something else. The competition would be endless and the troubles always coming.


    "Why worry about what you can''t postpone or fix?" Hildelith smiled as she flapped without experience while staggering mid-air as she fought for balance.


    "I hope I can stand my ground when the players come," a wind blew beneath her and instinctively she spread her wings.


    "I have to stand. I have to ".


    From below, Molliwag watched as the little shell of his mother hollered and whooped while flapping awkwardly through the air.


    The dragon could hardly believe someone like that abandoned him. A cold mist escaped his breath with a sigh, the skin of his maw shifting into a toothy grin as he watched Hildelith flip off the birds that flew in circles around her, mocking her amateurish flying.

 Eye of Worlds - Edited

    Vaustaris was a funny world. Gravity worked only when it wanted it to work. At least that''s how Hildelith saw it.


    She got the impression from watching Molliwag take to the skies that Vaustaris was more than happy to part with his scaly butt. It was entertaining to see how the winds helped the dragon ascend and escape Vaustaris'' atmosphere.


    She chuckled before squatting. Whispering, she patted the ground.


    "Look after yourself, little one. I will return shortly". Hildelith thought she was acting excessively, making the game feel more than it was. However, there was nothing she could do to stop it. She simply loved this place.


    She sat in a lotus position, mentally canceling her incarnation, and vanished like the wind.


    Hildelith scowled as she opened her eyes to see her actual body, feeling uneasy all over. She was shown several things at the same time that had been evading her in her mortal incarnation.


    The categorization of nothing for her race had not altered. Rather, nothingness could give rise to something. Just like she could remove the nothingness from something and add nothingness to something she had become an amalgamation of all the races. But unlike expected had body had not been altered to look like all the races. Rather she could unlike her mortal body alter or adjust her Godform to change at will or a specific body part she wanted.


    The wings of an Argonne, the blue skin and lithe size of an Elosas, the height of a Lomrie, the enduring body of an Ember, the strength and speed of an Argat, the combat structure of a Sunforged or even their rivals the Moonborn. Even the evolved capabilities of breathing underwater weren''t exempted.


    Her race of Nothingness made this possible.


    "I knew this was the right choice". A large pair of wings rose out of her back attached by thick muscular tendons and flexible bone growing out into the ginormous wings they were.


    Her eyes sharpened giving her the peculiar keen eyesight of the Undule. She realized that depending on what characteristics she chose from her racial selection she would have an improvement in stats.


    Until she removed that specific characteristic. It was like a buff without a cooldown.


    "Oh. I wonder what the others will think when they realize they should have synced their characters?". her laughter reverberated through Origin. She turned her skin to gain the texture of the Embers while adding the lithe forms of the Moonborn and the general inner structure of the Sunforged.


    At that very moment, she resembled a powerful deity but there was only one figure to see her.


    Molliwag stopping right beside his mother could only look her over his interest peaked at the weird limbs and additions that were not there before.


    He had to float in wait while his mother giggled continuously while new limbs or skin tones appeared and disappeared.


    The dragon was almost dozing when Hilde finished and tapped him. Motioning for him to follow. Together both ascended out of the mortal realm and into a beautiful place of colors.


    Hildelith watched Molliwag''s eyes widen at the golden bands of the rings, take in the colors of the dream realm, the misty blue of the spirit realm, the tapestry of stars from which they had just ascended, the golden glow of the divine realm and above it a large ball of Sol.


    She watched him take in the Star River flowing endlessly. Then she spoke two words that made the NPC''s eyes water.


    "Welcome home son".


    *****


    Helen stretched once she was out of the pod. The hiss of the pod released the accumulated steam in it while she got out and made a beeline for the bathroom.


    It was currently past noon, meaning she was late for her online exam. Something Helen hoped would both work out and not work out. Like everyone else, she too wanted to go to college especially when it was the prestigious High Coven Institute.


    Of course, that depended on all of her, both exam-wise and trauma. She could either enlist for online courses or attend physical classes.


    Helen got out of the bathroom refreshed. Dressed in her top and shorts she headed down to the kitchen to find it devoid of life.


    A note plastered to the kitchen had a message for both her and Dester instructing on food and not staying too much in the game.


    Her eyes went to the upper right side of the house where Dester''s room was. While she felt tempted to get him, her temptation to have a bite from his plate was higher.


    Lunch consisted of microwaved balls of paratti. A rolled-up vegetable sandwich that was more a knockoff of the ancient Italian pizza than anything else. It was just rolled up.


    Halfway through the meal, Dester descended. His footsteps carried into the kitchen and then froze. Helen didn''t need to understand why.


    Standing there staring like a deer caught in the headlights Dester was frozen. Both siblings locked gazes for a long moment before Dester''s eyes drifted to his quarter-eaten plate.


    While he considered his next step while his stomach grumbled Helen couldn''t help but smile at herself. She''d come a long way in such a short time. The memories were there, yes. Those were impossible to remove but it was almost like seeing the UI, her babies, Molliwag, and then talking with Doctor Zoyla had put things in perspective.


    She exhaled. This was good. She knew it was. "Don''t be a bum I''ll make you another. Just too hungry".


    Both siblings ate while she tried to cook up something to add to the eaten meal. "So what''s up in your universe?".


    She shrugged at his question. "Just brought Molliwag back to the Lunar Castle. He''s better than before".


    "That''s wild". He grumbled. "If only everyone knew to keep theirs alive".


    "You''ve gotten past that location?".


    "Yeah. Was quite the existence. An Eldritch" he shivered. Helen chuckled.


    "Sorry you didn''t know". He shrugged. "Eh doesn''t matter. Once I''m done with carving up my worlds I''ll be close enough to your settings".


    "You''ve not carved your world yet?". She seemed surprised at this.


    "Actually, I could have, I''m one of the faster sets but after everything you told me, pfft. No way I''m gonna do this all half-checked". He tapped the table.


    "I''m working out the kinks for my Universe System. Still figuring out a name".


    Taking a seat next to him legs folded up while munching on the paratti she wondered.


    "So, like what''s its name. Best to pick something good or you''ll end up naming your system without knowing". He nodded at me.


    "I guess so".


    "See, I was wondering?". He looked at me with a thoughtful eye.


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Hmph".


    "What you told me about how Akasha described you and her kept echoing in my head. Got me thinking and imagining. What if..." He drew it out and then sighed.


    "No, sounds stupid".


    "Let''s hear. Who knows?". He looked at me. Shrugged and then turned fully to face me.


    "So Akasha is like the energy that controls the machinations of all existence in your universe while informing you and keeping records". He tapped his arm again.


    "Talk!".


    "Okay okay. Back in the old times when religions were rampant, they had the Abrahamic god. See, this guy was like three in one. Him, the Spirit, and the Son. It was kinda cool. Then we had the Greeks. Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. Then the Indians. We had Shiva and the other two who formed a Trinity with him. He was the destroyer, one the Creator, and the other some Wisdom thing".


    His eyes were focused now as he spoke. "What if we do the same. You have Akasha, your force of spirit and knowledge. Then there''s you as a Creator god with unimaginable power. Power that brings destruction. I saw your video". I rolled my eyes at him.


    "What''s the last?".


    "Well, a Creator". I frowned.


    "Hear me out". He sighed. I was thinking. You create a god body to join the Alpha players as a god. You get to watch and learn how they master and use their powers and more. You parade as the goddess of creation. Even more, since you are the actual goddess of creation it''s easier for you".


    "You could leave crumbs and drops for those searching for the Creator and man..."


    "The shock when they realize I was always there". She chuckled. "It''s cool".


    "So you''ll figure it out?".


    She paused and looked at him. "You don''t know if it''s possible to be a god and Creator at the same time, right? You want me to figure it out, you moron". She lashed out at his arm and he ran from the table.


    "You''re the smart one, you can do it. Go Hildelith". He vanished up the stairs. As annoying as it was, not annoying at all, it was an exciting endeavor to undertake.


    *****


    Scrolling through the forum opened up several things. Some had Helen''s mouth open while others gave her a meh reaction. But it was her game page or channel that had her mostly surprised; her mouth opened in shock.


    The number of subscriptions she had gotten from that video was surprising. The gifts even more. Then there were the comments that were still slowly trickling into her page. Not as buzzed up as before but definitely there. She''d never actually sat down and focused on seeing it. Dester mentioning it had made her curious.


    Helen wondered why all these folks were here and not watching someone else, maybe the first on the leaderboard or something. Considering her fans she decided to ask them if her video was really that good.


    [@Hildelith(Creator79???? )]- Was the video that good?


    The comments halted for a minute. The sign she''d been noticed. The next second it exploded with various comments.


    [@Lollipop] - She''s here.


    [@Bankai] - The Video. You mean Thee Video.


    [@CryoLad] - I always wanted to ask too about that. When''s the next stream, your followers are starved please make more.


    Helen slowly pushed away from the desk, eyes wide. The comments flooded with many questions about the next stream but it seems the OG commenters weren''t online. Most of these new guys were requesting information and others asking for more streams.


    Helen wordlessly picked up her phone but before she could do anything with it a ping came.


    ?Big bros - I see you''ve met your fan base.


    Helen, confused, tilted her head and then looked back to the laptop screen before responding.


    ?Helen - You are on my page.


    ?Big bros - If I''m not a fan of yours who would be? Now care to give me big brother privileges? Oh right, sorry I already got those. Hehehe.


    Helen shook her head with a smile. It was one thing she appreciated about Dester. Unlike her parents who went about like she was a fragile egg, Dester didn''t give a damn or at least he didn''t act the same with her. While they barely saw or met physically he was sure to text her and not once had he shown her pity. He''d known she''d disliked having their form of contact back then be ruined.


    ?Helen - Did you actually kill your boss in the Lost World?


    ?Big bros - Yes. why?. It was a difficult fight but not impossible it was almost too easy.


    ?Helen - That''s because you were not meant to kill it. Anyway, that''s passed. Just do well to find your core fast and don''t anger the being in the world core he''s very powerful. (Secret).


    ?Big bros - the player that..you know. the other day


    ?Helen - He''s not a player. but he''s male so.. yeah


    ?Big bros - okay. Noted so I''m punching him.


    ?Helen - Do so at your peril. Srsly don''t. I doubt your arm would even survive. He turned my sword into sand when I attacked him at our second meeting.


    ?Big bros - I''m guessing that''s not something we can do. You didn''t put that in the records you make of your activities.


    ?Helen - To each other? Unlikely. At least not yet. And know that''s for things that I find important. Also, you already know how to create custom races for your first world. There should be benefits. Lastly, I don''t know much and this should be hidden amongst only us. We players get these things called the Tome that I mentioned before.


    ?Big bros - Yeah, figured that out once I saw it. Im guessing it''s like something only we get. It''d be so annoying for the other players. What were the devs thinking?


    ?Helen - We''ll see soon enough. Also, something else.


    ?Big bros - Keep talking.


    ?Helen - Get ready to be amazed. You can get shards from the Unknown. The shards I believe can be used to level up skills and forge things. Even without the game system, I believe.


    ?Big bros - I disagree with whoever thinks you got your first position on the leaderboard via luck. This is a lot to take in. And luck would hardly carry you this far.


    ?Helen - Rewind. First position. I''m still there. How? I''ve barely done anything since I made Vaustaris.


    ?Big bros - You just told me a lot of hows. Take care of me, little sister.


    ?Helen - Just checked. WTF. Damn. That explains the streams.


    ?Big bros - If you were last and still had this sort of content then your subscribers would be the same. They came due to your rank. But it''s obvious why they stayed.


    ?Helen - Uh huh. Seems I should take this streaming thing seriously. Now I think of it I had lots of things that they would have loved to see.


    After explaining a few minor things to Dester she looked back to the stream where the commenters were now bashing each other, some blaming the others for her silence.


    (@Hildelith(Creator79???? ) - I''ll be streaming soon. Stay tuned.


    And then without waiting to see their reaction, she left the forum and shut down the Holopad and stretching.


    "Let''s get on with this". Standing, she was at her pod in seconds.


    Lying prone in the pod with the helmet set and pipes attached, her eyes shut as she logged back into Creator Online, the liquid flowing into the pod and around her, settling her body comfortably.


    *****


    Having an older Administrator was mind-settling for Hilde. She figured this was why most of the players would create Adolescent gods instead of infant ones.


    Though, of course, she didn''t know if the dragon choosing to make his abode with her in the nothingness was gonna be fine considering his size. So she decided to remedy that.


    Staring at the new mountain ranges attached to the lunar castle. Like a backdrop with the lunar castle at its front and center. The mountains were huge, very huge. Easily enough to accommodate two of Molliwag''s current size.


    The dragon was gone with a roar of glee that he wouldn''t admit. Flying sharply into the mountains and jumping from one to the next. Shaking her head at its childishness she made one last glance at everything before she mentally called up her Akashic Records. The racial change hadn''t been the only thing that had come after Akasha detected the seven new races of Vaustaris. Not even the system had something new to say about it. In bright red letters that evidently differentiated itself from Akasha, a prompt came.


    <blockquote>


    [FEATURE UNLOCKED]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [ACCESS VIA STATUS PANEL]


    </blockquote>


    Hilde already suspected what the new feature would be. Not its details but what option in her status panel needed unlocking.


    [Welcome to the Akashic Records Creator 79] [Position - Absolute]


    [SCREEN 1]


    [Host - Hildelith ''Fearghal'' Ironstone]


    [Moniker - The Warrior One]


    [Feats - Creation''s Witness, Motivated, Source Point Creator, Striking Out]


    [Titles - One of the Speakers, Ender of the Beginning] [Entity - Creator 79]


    [Race - Nothing]


    [Racial Type - Primordial Nothingness Entity]


    [Level - 16(780/1600)


    [Health - 24/24]


    [Core - One -Spark]


    [Karma - #]


    [Cultivation Base - Null]


    ------


    [Equipped - Hera''s Gown, Cloak of the Absolute, Crown of the Supreme, Atlas Belt, Boots of Hermes]


    <blockquote>


    [Shop]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Eye Of The Worlds]


    </blockquote>


    Hildelith for the first time received nothing tangible upon tapping upon this option. Not a new interface for a shop or something physical. Instead, something burned softly on her left palm.


    It was the diagram of an eye etching painlessly onto her skin. The upper part of the eye was non-existent while the eye itself attempted to break out the top.


    Hilde stared at it for a moment curiously. What was its function? Intent flowed into the mark. Everything stilled and like a spark of flammable material, the eye ignited. A roaring mix of colorful fire blazing up from it and over her palm.


    Hildelith screamed even as the fire rushed, spreading out and consuming her. Screaming with the panic of the expected pain, the flames rose over her head till she was a human torch. Her scream was gone suddenly, snuffed out instantly as the fire burned her to nothing. With a flicker, it too, vanished leaving nothing in the space where she once stood.

 Center of Worlds - Edited

    HAERO''S POV


    Growing up was a very nice thing. While normally Mom would have Akasha keep an eye on me, now the security had reduced. I guess it had to do with my improvements and how I could now grow to double my height, size, and weight.


    My solar arts were also going well, and while I hadn''t found new inspiration on what skill to make, I knew I was close. Shooting off Sol and into the black nothingness that concealed our home wasn''t easy. Akasha had once called it a practice in itself.


    The nothingness parted around me to let me through but didn''t attempt to help me navigate or anything.


    It was quite possible to get lost in here. "There you are." One thing I did use as a sort of beacon was the flow of the castle. In an infinitely black expanse, home couldn''t be missed.


    Yet as I drew closer, something felt wrong. Not in place. Strange. The Lunar Knights, as I personally liked to call them, opened the gate on detecting me. Before, I would have thought it dumb as to why a gate was there when I could just fly through the space above.


    Bad mistake.


    Flying through the open gate, I came to a stop quickly, the bright golden fire that had rocketed me through reality tapering off. There was no time to admire as my growing muscles flexed and coiled, my skin rolling with my movements.


    I didn''t mind though this time. I was more interested in the new thing I had noticed. "Nice scenery." Half a mind wanted me to just enter the castle and go to sleep. But remembering that the bed might be crowded with my siblings made me decide to just hang around and check out this scenery.


    Home was set in the center of this large chain of mountains. It was larger and taller than even the mountains I had spied in the golden space below me. My feet were already carrying me closer and closer. Past Home and the Lunar Knights. Past the fields and the last portion of the Lunar Castle territory.


    The moment I stepped past it, I knew this place was far more than a backdrop. I could just feel it. Sense it. Clashing against mine. An intent, abstract, a pure will so formidable it was unlike anything I''d known. It was barely stifling, yet I could sense the grandeur within it.


    "What the..." A roar shook the mountains. A huge wave of wind rushed in my direction from a passage in the mountains that I had not noticed. I took another step forward and the pressure grew. Like a weight on my shoulders, it pushed me to my knees.


    "Enough!" I roared in annoyance at the daring act to push me to my knees. I struggled and fought, pushing against the pressure. But I didn''t just rise. My body, weight, height, size, and form grew. From 5ft to 10 then 12ft and finally, the growth paused.


    A ripple burst from my body with a reddish-gold light that burned the ground and non-existent air with scalding heat.


    "BOO!!"


    A loud, gravelly voice ripped through the surroundings. It was like the very abstract in the air carried it. It rippled through my bones and pulsed off my skin. I could feel something in the hum of energy resonate with me.


    "I''ll go out on a limb here and guess." The voice came again. This time low and more gravelly. The sound of rocks rolling down and stones getting crushed followed the sound.


    "The One Struck by the Multiverse." Something huge and very not rock-like shifted to my left.


    "The one who was born to Rule." A hoarse laugh. I turned slowly to my left, my abstract slowly and surely spreading out to find this thing. A lot of thoughts filled my mind. ''Did Mother know of this? She has to know, she knows all things. So if she did know, then what was this?''


    "Who are you?" It was best to ask rather than speculate. I tightened my fists. Something scraped off the floor behind me. Turning my head sharply, I spotted it before it vanished behind a large rock.


    ''A tail?!''


    "What are you?!"


    BOOM!!!


    A loud rupture blasted in the air. Wind and dust buffeted me. So powerful it would have blown a lesser giant off their feet. ''I''m no lesser giant''.


    The wind stopped as something shook the ground I stood on. The shaking must have been done by something creating an impact as a shockwave blew all the dust away.


    ****


    THIRD PERSON POV


    It looked like a world. At least it had the shape of one. Yet, it shone white like a faraway moon. From it rose pillars of light, five of them shooting out far into the distance in different directions forming a weird star.


    Each light had a different color. One a blazing scarlet red. The other was a deep blue, another was as golden as divinity, one violet, and the other a deep purple.


    Each color was as tenebrous as the other. A chill that froze hearts and weighed down wills emanating from it.


    Within this, this lookalike world was a city of white. Or it was the environment that made it white. From the walls to the ground. Everything was white. Beyond the city, a world of white stretched. Like a plain bleached off all its colors.


    Various dilapidated and torn-down ruins sat around this massive city. A huge wall that towered up several feet into the sky if there was a sky.


    A little oddity stood out in this city, the world of white. In the center at a position of the city where a huge torn-down castle once stood. A place that was certainly important or regal to the white city sat a huge stone. Atop this stone platform which was cut from an unknown material, a diagram of a female slowly got etched.


    The diagram took its time displaying and drawing out all the features in the said being. Then like whatever was making the drawing felt like the diagram was lacking, it went ablaze. A storm of colorful fire raging only in the depiction.


    The picture moved. The diagram melted down like lava even as the fire continued. It flowed off the platform and down to the white floor in a red glow as the fire burned even while surprisingly leaving the stone unharmed.


    The puddle accumulated before sizzling like metal soaked in water. Then it rose, first a hand then two before a head, torso, and finally, an entire body were forged out of the smoldering liquid of the stone.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    A scream pierced the night as Hildelith opened her eyes. To her, it had been a few minutes or so. But in reality, everything had happened in less than two seconds.


    There had been no pain just an instinctive fear of the fire.


    Hilde panted and cursed mentally while on her knees, taking in more air than needed.


    "This game will be the death of me," she acquiesced, her eyes still locked on the white ground.


    "Who even sets a person on fire in a game to... to bring them somewhere?"


    Hildelith stayed put, letting the tremble in her legs subside for a minute.


    "I keep saying I''m gonna kill the devs. While it feels like complaining, this... this crosses the line." She grumbled while looking herself over. No scorch, not a singe, and no smoke.


    She looked at her palm to see that the eye had changed shape. Now it was upside down, with it trying to get out the lower lid instead.


    "Goddamned Eye."


    Hilde rested from her mental fright for a moment before standing and evaluating her location.


    Nothing came to mind. The white ruins, grounds, and far-off walls were as unfamiliar as anything. The system strangely too was silent.


    "Now what?"


    The place was empty. It was already obvious from the deafening silence ringing in the air, but after a thorough search, she realized just how empty it was.


    "Abandoned, destroyed."


    These two words were best for the place. There was nothing but ruins. Nothing.


    Apart from the stone platform with an image of her on it, there was nothing. Funnily, the game system was the one to respond when she used her intent on it.


    <blockquote>


    [MONOLITH OF PASSAGE]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [MARKED BY CREATOR HILDELITH]


    </blockquote>


    That was all she got from it. No information flowed into her mind, no words or lores from the system. Just silence and a white world.


    This was getting annoying fast.


    She dashed around the city again. Her speed helped her to complete the journey faster than intended. Arriving back at the stone standing in the center, she could only glare with frustration.


    There was nothing here.


    She popped open her status panel physically, too annoyed to think. Her stats on display were in, but a few things were different. Akasha, for one, was labeled as one hundred; whatever that meant. There was also a new meter that wasn''t there before.


    The meter showed 100%, and that was all. Leaving the panel, she brought up the time to see that a new time had been added to the original three. The first was real-life time. The second was her universe time. The third was a new addition after Vaustaris'' birth showing a time dilation of 1 to 10. Finally, there was the new time located at the very top of the time group. It was nearly all zeros.


    [00:00:30:56]


    [Flow - 2, Cycle - 0]


    [9:10 PM]


    Minus the seconds and minutes counting up.


    "I''ve been here for thirty minutes. What is here and what am I supposed to do here?" The lack of any answer bugged her so much.


    "I''ll just check outside then." If there was nothing within the city, then maybe searching outside would prove fruitful. Hopefully, this world or wherever I was had a bloody lore.


    "So much for creating your tale," she mumbled, marching for the city gates that she had passed during her run.


    Her gown swaying in the nonexistent wind and her hair hanging behind her gave her the look of a lost damsel in an apocalyptic white world.


    "The gate."


    It was gone. The jagged edges of the pillars that once held the massive defense against outside threats were not there. Torn from its hinges by something, something powerful enough to crumple a thick metallic-looking construct into something like what she was seeing.


    Her eyes found the ball of material that was once a gate. Standing out as the only black thing in a world of white. It made the stones around her look like copper compared to its iron.


    Was the black color why it was torn off, why this city was so savaged by ruins?


    It was the only reason she could come up with. The gate lying there like a folded tin can was enough reason for the golden lights of the game system to appear, weaving unto her the gear that kept her safe during the onslaught of the Unknown.


    In her hand, gripped tightly was the Bane of Heroes. After all, its description made it more fitting and far better for whatever had done that to such a massive gate.


    Hilde exhaled then trudged forth into the white grass that overgrew around the city. Her goal was the forest that stood silently and haunting. Its dark spaces calling to her. Begging for her to find its secrets.


    Hilde answered the call. Bow in hand and void chaos dagger in the other fang pointed down, she trudged cautiously into the wild.


    [00:02:09:45]


    Hilde was impatient now. Frustrated even. Maybe angered.


    The girl stomped a white tree harshly, cracking its bark and causing a loud din.


    Definitely angered.


    Her eyes locked on the crack as she glared. At this point, Hildelith was calling it quits and just leaving this place. Maybe it required more players around for something to happen. Maybe an unfinished server that she got mistakenly dropped in. She''d surely be sending in a bug report.


    She was already so deep in the forest that the only way out was via the raised clumps of rocks that pointed back in the direction she had come from.


    Staring at the equally white leaves of the trees, she grumbled. She didn''t think she''d hate white this much now. Even the white walls of the hospital didn''t annoy her this greatly.


    Shaking her head, she turned to leave. The moment her body turned, she froze, her eyes locking on something right in front of her. So close her breath could touch it.


    Hildelith almost immediately stopped breathing. Or more like it stopped her from breathing since its stench was unheavenly. This something wasn''t there before. She was sure since she just basically took a step back and turned. Hildelith felt apprehension, then a nagging feeling to run.


    Curiosity won out, though.


    She noted she was looking at a torso. A very white, very lean torso. She could make out the shape of bones and an unfamiliar skeletal structure hidden beneath the white skin.


    Slowly her eyes trailed up the thing. Hitching as she found the torso unending even after her height. Finally, the torso stopped and there was a thin long neck holding a head.


    It was eyeless skin where eyes should have been, but that did nothing to erase the horror of such a maw. Hildelith felt her heart palpitating.


    A void wolf was one thing, an Unknown was another, at least it was close enough to dogs and even the dragon was a dragon. This thing was not normal for fantasy stories.


    Some dev took the fantasy out of the game description and replaced it with horror.


    She stumbled back, her foot crunching onto the ground behind her. The thing''s head snapped in her direction. Its widely stretched Cheshire-like maw extending from where its horn-shaped ears were on both sides of its head with various varying fangs of different lengths parted a bit as a rattling sound left was uttered. A salivary liquid that was milky-like in color dropped from its mouth.


    Hildelith barely hesitated to snap around with a speed born from the adrenaline of survival. With a sharp backward jump, she created space between her and the thing. Like a blur of colors, she dashed farther into the forest. Hildelith ran as fast as all the points of her mobility stat would let. Her leg muscles acting like springs to push her much further. But it was not enough.


    A wail like a deranged bush beast came from behind her. It sent shivers through the girl''s body. Instant dread bloomed in her chest. It was at that moment that Hildelith realized one important system fact that she would come to hate if she didn''t already hate it.


    The game system only chose to share what it wanted to.


    Sometimes it gave information late. Just like now or if one managed to analyze things. Which was something that never crossed Hildelith''s mind. Unless your intent covered the entirety of what you wished to study then it would never register. Something she had done and could do for a world as large as the one she was in.


    Sometimes intent and will worked with a full embrace of one''s abstract around a particular matter. Meaning that if her abstract was unable to envelop the world she stood on then she would get nothing. It was how she was able to get quest information on the lost worlds.


    This time though she didn''t and hadn''t thought of it. Which was why she''d landed in this situation. Fortunately, the system deemed this encounter enough to say something.


    There was no writing from the game system this time. No information was sent into her head. Just words. Spoken into her mind in the eager voice of a female, almost like the game system wanted her to know how exciting this was for it. It truly mocked the severity of the occurring event.


    <blockquote>


    [WELCOME TO THE CENTER OF WORLDS


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    You are being hunted


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Kill or be killed


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Only one shall stand]


    </blockquote>

 Hunter and the Hunted - Edited

    For the first time since she started fighting mobs, Hildelith didn''t curse the devs. It was unclear and, to be honest, irrelevant what was preventing her from complaining¡ªwhether it was the focus, a dulled mind, or even fear.


    But more significant was the eyeless thing that had just landed in front of her, its head tilted almost as if it were listening.


    Hildelith retreated, her feet continuing to scrape the earth. Not even the thought of using the bow in her hand had crossed her mind. All she could think about was running.


    Flight and fight had been weighed and flight had subconsciously been found a worthy concept. She whirled around, desperate to get further away from whatever the hell that thing was.


    She felt a forceful blow to her back, followed by the sound of metal scraping against metal and the creak of armor as she was propelled off her feet and into a tree.


    <blockquote>


    [Blunt Damage]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [-100 Health]


    </blockquote>


    A mental prod to her health even as she slowly peeled herself off the tree brought her the confirmation she needed.


    <blockquote>


    [24/24 (860/960)]


    </blockquote>


    Eight more such hits would put her dangerously close to her death. She refused to allow it to be that way. Flight had been found lacking. Fight was slotted into position. It remained the only option.


    Bane of Heroes raised, Hildelith turned defiantly and aimed directly at the bewildered creature. Her hands quivered and shook a bit as she pulled at the strings of the Bow.


    But she had forgotten something very important. The Bane of Heroes was not Harbinger. Expecting all arrows to work the same was wrong. Hildelith paid the price for that mistake. Unexpectedly, her feet, attempting to regain her equilibrium following the shock of discovering that there was no magical arrow in sight, stepped on a splinter of white wood.


    She did not even have time to flinch before the thing was upon her. Fortunately, her reflexes kicked in this time. The Sword of Murre materialized like an angel of light, ready to rescue the day, and the Bane of heroes was promptly banished into her inventory.


    Blue dazzling metal met seven thin fingers with long crystalline claws. There was only one victor.


    The sound of metal breaking was enough to dull out the thumps of her beating heart. Its hands, long and lean, white with crystals running in a line from the elbow to the wrist flashed and struck her with a slap that sent her flying once more, gold liquid spraying out her ear.


    <blockquote>


    [Critical hit]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Blunt Damage]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [-150 Health]


    </blockquote>


    Flung like a ragdoll, Hilde crashed through the trees, shattering them before landing in a heap. Dazed. A cloud of white dust rose from the site of her crash.


    The thing had struck disorientation into her head.


    <blockquote>


    [Stun effect - 1 min]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Daze effect - 30 secs]


    </blockquote>


    The perils of a full-dive game. She rose weakly after a minute even as she heard the feet of the creature racing through the forest following the sounds of the destruction to find her.


    "What even is it?" she groaned, her side face burning.


    The thing leaped out from behind a tree and landed to her left. Its body uncomfortably caught its weight on its side before it scrambled up and its head cocked. This time Hildelith didn''t dare move.


    Slowly, she raised her left hand to the side where the creature was. A green glow lit up her palm as she used her Earthen Grace insight.


    ''I keep forgetting I have powers when needed''. A distance away, the earth heaved and a spike shot out stabbing into a tree.


    The creature was gone in a flash after the sound.


    ''That confirms it, it truly is blind.'' She frowned, feeling like she had messed up badly. If she had just studied it better then maybe she''d have avoided such damage.


    ''I guess panic is indeed bad''.


    Her arms and body glowed as a rush of divine energy flowed through her, mending the cuts and bruises on her body.


    She watched as her health ticked back to its full bar then she exhaled softly.


    ''Now, what to do?''


    Hiding within the ruins of the city was an embarrassment that Hildelith couldn''t understand. It was normal for her to feel a tad bit invincible after all her accomplishments.


    Yet in the two or was it one second of beating, the creature had exorcised whatever arrogance had bloomed into her.


    It was the closest she had been to dying in this game. While her health had been far from drained, it meant nothing to an animal that could kill her in nine strikes. Less if there were critical bits to be accounted for.


    It reminded her of the Unknown variants. While less powerful, they had been a force to be reckoned with together.


    Looking in the direction of the city, she stood, cracked her neck, and then mentally activated her streaming.


    ''Don''t know what other fight would be worth streaming if not this''.


    Glancing up at the materializing bird, she waited till the red lights glowed in its eyes before she spoke as loud and as quietly as possible.


    "Hey, guys. As promised, welcome to my stream. Hope you all are ready. Let''s go".


    *****


    HAERO''S POV


    "Molliwag. The Firstborn. That''s not right". I muttered, astounded at what the template showed me.


    "Indeed". The beast of an entity moved towards me in slow strides. Not that it mattered. I might have been a giant but this creature dwarfed me. Black scales, red jagged lines running through its wings, crimson eyes, and a fearsome maw.


    ''How the hell did mother create him?''.


    "You''re quite less than expected". The beast moved around me. A loud sniffing sound came from it. "Smell grand and powerful but not nearly enough". The Primordial dragon scoffed. "Weak".


    "And you''re strong. Because you''re big". I asked, my anger rising. I felt a prickle of annoyance and I didn''t like it.


    The dragon chortled. "Indeed. But more importantly". He reared back, wings spreading out to full length. With a thunderous flap, he ascended. The dragon flapped higher and then descended. With a booming laughter, he circled me like prey.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "I. Am. Just. Better!".


    His hind legs hit the ground with a vibration that shook the entire mountains. His front legs dropped down shaking the ground again. His head came low till his eye was up close.


    "Nice to meet you, little brother".


    I glared right back. "What are you?".


    "I know you''re small, but seriously, blind or foolish too". Molliwag''s eye blinked.


    "I''m not blind. I''m just curious. What is this dragon you are?".


    "Hmmh. I am unsure. But I bet it''s just as weird as being a giant. Of course, a dragon is better cause well, I am a dragon and I''m just better".


    I could feel my left eye twitching. "Giants are stronger and more mighty!". I shouted.


    "Yes". He huffed in obvious amusement. "Keep telling yourself that little one". I glared at his words.


    "I''m not little I''m big".


    "Indeed. I admit you were brave but nothing like Mother or I. You need more growing". I kept glaring. I didn''t shout back cause I knew somehow he was right. More of my Solar Arts and I would soon become big enough to stomp on that lazy eye of his.


    The dragon''s head rose from my level and then with a lackadaisical head swing looked away. His wings unfurled and with another mighty flap in my direction, this one uprooting my legs and sending me on my butt he was flying away.


    "Hey, where are you going?".


    "To sleep". His voice came back with a sound I could understand. It was one I''d been feeling whenever I had to come home. Boredom.


    "Just sleep. Nothing else you got to do?".


    "Nothing". He flapped faster, obviously trying to get back to wherever quicker.


    "Why don''t you go have some fun?. You sound bored". The dragon paused his flight. Twisting his long neck to have his head face me, I could see the weird expression on his face.


    "Fun. Hmmmh. That is something my Luminaries did when they realized they had been spared. What do you do to have ''Fun'' here?".


    "Uhhh...." Ignoring the Luminaries he just mentioned that I wasn''t aware of what it even was, I decided to take him to Sol. We''d see how prideful he could be when he saw my buddy.


    "I do my Solar Arts on Sol. It''s exciting. All the new possibilities and new skills I could gain". He clenched his fists and whooped before pausing and looking at Molliwag.


    The dragon''s red eyes surprisingly had a dead look. His head turned to stare past the nothingness and to the burning ball of fire and radiation before turning back to Haero.


    "That.. is called training". He shook his head as his amusement returned. "Giant boy needs a sun to fire away".


    "Yes, because you could do better". I asked annoyed. Molliwag gave me this eye that told me the challenge was accepted. He turned and dove downwards straight at me.


    I saw it coming. His chest glowed brightly. Like a stream of light, it rushed up his long neck and to his maw. When he parted his jaws he caught his drop with his wings and his mouth opened. Fire. White, red, green, and all the colors I had seen in the Dream Realm when I spied into it poured out as flames around me.


    It was quick but I could still feel the heat. The fire died as quickly as it burned the mountains around me. He landed right back. "Does that answer your question?". He tilted his head.


    I kept silent. The dragon huffed and he turned to leave once more. "I felt your fire". He paused and focused back on me.


    "Time.to.feel mine". I looked to the side in the direction I believed he looked the last time. Luckily while I couldn''t see Sol I could feel its location and sense its presence.


    "What do you say brother?. I''m sure you could bear Sol''s flames. After all, you are a dragon". I smiled as innocently as I thought I could. Molliwag''s eyes never left mine. Then he snorted.


    "I''ve lived since the dawn bang. I am not easily swayed". Another huff. "Still, come. Let me show you how inefficient Sol''s fire is".


    ****


    No one doubted it when Hilde had said she''d stream. Okay, maybe a few didn''t expect her to stream so soon. But still, even they hadn''t expected such a sight when the video began. All those waiting and watching the page alerted the others when it began. Soon the viewers steadily climbed upwards.


    The world of white stunned many. A lot of game graphics had been shown or seen in many games, but an entirely white setting gave a feeling that no one could understand.


    A wrongness.


    The white that should have stood for something clean now bothered the viewers.


    The voice of Creator Hildelith could be heard as she told them to get ready. Ready for what? Many of the viewers commented on the possibility of a fight. Must be a new kind of mob, and others asked to know what the game was about.


    Those were ignored since many knew the creators would say nothing about the game.


    The alpha test was barely in less than two weeks.


    Franco was one of the watchers, as was Jameson and the crew. The staff marveled at the place since it was one of the many AI-run zones in the game. Even the higher-ups it was rumored, had no say in what happened here.


    The stream was silent as they watched the girl do some strange things. First, she had sneaked through a white forest. It was the wrongness that made it clear that it wasn''t snow that filled the forest just white. By the time she finally got out of the forest, almost were stunned to see the ruins that stretched out in front of her.


    Inside was breathtaking. Not in the beautiful way but in the realistic way it displayed a ruin. It was just amazing to them.


    The next thing she did was to just sit atop a stone platform with an etching of a female that looked almost like her. Her eyes constantly moving in the air.


    It was obvious that she was looking through her system status or template. For what none of them had any idea. They watched her for a solid thirty minutes when many began complaining of boredom.


    It got a little bit exciting as she finally stood and went outside the gate. Most of the viewers gasped as they noticed the folded gate lying there. Only seeing it when the bird''s view stretched a bit.


    Then several conversations began as they watched her move things around her. There were parts that she moved the ground around proving to them that magic was a yes for this game. In a way.


    Finally, she finished whatever it was she was doing. Only a few recognized her setup for what it truly was. Their suspicions were validated as they watched her erect a piece of earth that towered a fair bit over the land between the forest and the city. However, it did not attempt to even slightly outgrow the city walls.


    She didn''t make just one but a lot in a circle forming a ring that interlocked.


    Finally, she stopped, stretched, and cracked her neck. Looking up at the bird, she smiled revealing pearly white teeth. The males swooned as various hearts filled the comment section.


    Then she spoke and everyone stilled, ready.


    "Shall we?"


    400MVC gone. Just like that. Hilde smiled at the bird while mentally and physically gritting her teeth, hoping it wasn''t obvious. The costs for everything she had planned were too much for her to bear. Though not too much of a sacrifice for an unknown monster that could kill her. She knew she could always find a way to earn MVC, and if what she was thinking was right, then she''d soon be earning more.


    She slung a quiver filled with arrows. Each with a red arrowhead. There were some with blue arrowheads, others that were normal, and a few with blackheads.


    Buying each arrow from the shop cost a total of 100MVC. The remaining 300 MVC had gone to buying and tweaking trap templates from the system market.


    She stood atop one of the farther earth constructs, and from there, she notched a bow and pointed it straight into the forest, far enough to attract what lived within yet close enough to not send them away.


    The red arrowhead ignited as her divinity poured into it, then flew off with a twang as she released the string.


    <blockquote>


    [Explosive Arrow]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Incendiary charge - Destructive blast of 5 meters in a circle /Fiery Blaze ]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [+20 Damage]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [-5 health/sec burn]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Effect duration - 1 min]


    </blockquote>


    A loud explosion shook the forest edge as the flame arrow detonated once it struck the white soil of the ground.


    Smoke rose and a red flame burned at the edges of the tree, scorching it black. Like a scar on the earth.


    Silence.


    Hilde waited. Her eyes watched, and her ears listened.


    Raaaaar.


    The cry of the thing ran through the air, and she shivered just a bit. Shutting her eyes, the girl first inhaled deeply, steeling her nerves, then exhaled right before her eyes slowly opened, just in time to witness the thing burst out of the forest line, its head tilted to the side, its maw in its naturally half-open state, drool splattering out onto the ground.


    A fine poise of death in living flesh.


    Hilde sent her will into the Cloak of the One, letting the familiar feeling of disconnect reassure her before she notched the next arrow.


    This one''s arrowhead was black. Golden lines snaking up into it from the shaft where Hilde poured divinity into it.


    <blockquote>


    [Holy scourge]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Purifying Essence - To creatures like the undead or cold ember divinities, even unaffiliated entities purity is poison. ]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [+10 continuous damage/second]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Effect duration - 15 seconds]


    </blockquote>


    It was easy to let her divinity flow into the arrow. Hmshw just hoped it had an effect. The arrow flew through the air. Right before it struck home though, the creature shifted its head barely avoiding the arrow.


    Hildelith almost cursed, catching herself in time before notching another arrow. The Holy scourge was meant to remove its speed from the equation, but she''d not considered it hearing the arrow.


    Another Explosive arrow shot out. She didn''t even bother watching it dodge as she notched the next arrow. Another black head.


    The creature, as expected, evaded the arrow. Only for a huge flame to rise from behind it as well as a huge pressure that pushed it forward. Right into the black arrow that embedded into its head.


    <blockquote>


    [- 20 damage]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [ Burn effect applied - Health will drop by 5/sec for 1 min]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Purifying essence activated]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Health will drop by 10/sec for 15 sec]


    </blockquote>


    The thing shrieked. Throwing its hands onto its face as it writhed. Hilde wasn''t about to believe that the thing was mortally injured. The third arrow, this time the blue head, followed the others, and with the creature shaking about, only entered its thigh.


    The leg was instantly erased. Or tried to. The skin and cells ruptured and vanished just as quickly as flesh tried to regrow. It screeched and thrashed.


    <blockquote>


    [Bolt of Nihility]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Erasure effect]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [+10 continuous damage/sec]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Effect duration - 10sec]


    </blockquote>


    "Now or never." Rising quickly to her feet with the beast in throes of pain and Cloak of the One hiding her presence, she moved her hands. Both palms glowed a benevolent green as she called to the floor. The ground answered with a deep groan and rumble from within.

 Destroyer -Edited

    It was a hail of rocks and boulders for the creature. The earth beneath the thing rose and smashed brutally into the creature with fierceness. Unable to either move or retreat it screeched yet again its ears ringing.


    Hildelith didn''t even realize that the explosion from her arrow landing behind it had popped the things hearing.


    Suffering various status effects and disoriented it could only thrash about.


    Even so, she dared not near it. Instead, she acted from a distance.


    The earth was her fists as lumps of rocks disconnected from the white ground saturated in a green glow to join the fellowship of stones smashing continuously into her enemy. The swiftness and balance of her body helped her speed as she moved from one earthen construct to the next making sure to stay out of sight.


    It happened then.


    She was fortunate without realizing it due to the creature''s lack of sight. The Cloak of the One barely suppressed her presence but didn''t manage to hide her totally since the shadows were non-existent. If she had used Form of Nothingness then maybe it would have been more effective. As it was she didn''t doubt the Cloak to be effective.


    If Hildelith had taken a closer look she would have realized one thing about this world. There was neither sun nor moon in the sky just a black stretch of nothing. Yet there was eternal light on the grounds of the world. Which meant no shadows for the Cloak to use.


    A problem that she overlooked or just didn''t know would be one. The creature hunting her lived by sound. Erasing her presence couldn''t hide the shift of the sand or soil under her feet. Nor the slight push in the air around her body when she moved.


    A creature made to hunt and kill yet handicapped without sight. The hearing was everything for it.


    The status effects had long ended. It had merely been prolonging its act while sensing for her. For the first time, the creature displayed intelligence that alarmed Hildelith and those observing her. Showing proof that maybe, no mob in this game was dumb.


    A gasp left her as it tore across the white ground headed straight for the earth construct towering up, a construct which she was about to land on. Hildelith landed tucking into a roll and stopping just as the thing arrived. Its tall, lean, and almost skeletal body showed great strength and resilience as it crashed right into the boulder shattering it.


    Hilde acted without thinking. Raising another boulder instantly as she leaped from the falling pieces of her foothold. But she wasn''t leaping to the new boulder. Her eyes watched as the thing slammed into the new one instantly eviscerating it.


    She landed on the ground performing yet another roll to break her force then sprang up entering a dash like a devil was onto her for the city.


    The creature attracted to the footfalls of her feet gave chase.


    Hilde turned what should have been a rather straightforward run into a mess. Walls raised behind her to slow the thing down and some pillars rose in slants that she ran across and that went over the ground which she ran on.


    The last piece of rock moved with a glow as her body perched on it and she urged it forward, letting it fly over the last patch of land and crash into the ground. Her body was flung off a good distance away bouncing on the grass and rolling to a stop.


    There she lay looking up and finally noting the black sky. Her mind trying to patch the whys of how she''d been oblivious to that fact. A snarl got her attention back to important things like the hungry beast racing for her.


    And she smiled. A devilish smile that most noticed.


    "Who''s hunting who now?"


    Hildelith stood from the ground pulling away the will that activated the cloak letting her presence spill out into the white world. Her hands still aglow moved as the earth followed.


    The creature was fast, not just in movement but in reaction. Its sense of hearing being so advanced to offset its lack of sight.


    Yet that was its very doom.


    The ground to its left tore apart prompting the creature to leap away to safety. Its feet barely touched the ground when a shock wave of electricity flooded its body sending volts of numbing energy through its body.


    Beneath its feet, the cracked ground was shifted, little amounts of liquified lightning spilling on the floor.


    The creature barely fought to detach its feet from the spot when an arrow crackling with energy slammed into its shoulder and carried it off the trap and a few meters back.


    [+548 Damage]


    The beast rolled about in the white grass shrieking as it spasmed from the normal arrow shot by Hilde. One that was powered by the true force of Bane Of Heroes.


    The Bow didn''t materialize arrows like Harbingers instead giving arrows the deadly power and strength to fell the mighty.


    It had a catch though. One could only use it with both will and divinity, the will was like an activation switch while divinity flooded the strings of the bow. Finally, the damage was double the average Might and Abstract stat of its wielder due to the divinity flooding in.


    She didn''t wait though as she tugged on her Nothingness to form a portal. Black mists poured from her skin and formed a black sphere behind her, unlike the kind she was used to back in her universe. Luckily it did the same sucking in, tugging her through it and out the other side where she landed behind the best.


    Another arrow sailed straight and rammed into its leg savaging the limb up.


    A black putrid matter flowed from the creature as it wailed on the floor. Hilde crouched. Dismissed her bow and her palms were covered with black energy.


    With its numerous spasms missing was possible. Using an explosive arrow could damage the other traps which left patience.


    Or just action.


    While she wanted to use this chance to move and get up a boulder Hilde felt the creature was simply trying to make her lower her guard.


    Her speculation turned out to be right as it instantly sprang up. So sudden that she couldn''t drop the flinch she had when it dashed for her at a speed that rivaled its former runs. Its wounds just seemingly forgotten. Her palms jerked upwards pointing at it.


    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    It ducked low but Hildelith was faster. Her right hand turned green losing the black energy around it. With a short hand jerk, the ground jutted, pushing up in sync with her right hand. The earth in the form of a spike nearly impaled the creature but hearing the slight rustle of the ground it jumped off the path and right into another lane.


    Hilde took a step back and then unleashed a hand beam in its path. Like a blast of shadows, the thing was struck back. Its body fought the energy it had been hit with and even with her will to erase it the thing fought the energy.


    "What are you?". The unknown had stood no chance against her. But this thing. It was different.


    ****


    THIRD PERSON POV


    "This was unnecessary". Haero muttered from the grasp of the dragon''s claw.


    "You were slow".


    "I could have just ridden your back".


    "You sound more like a Dream God". Haero glared and the dragon ignored. Light shone on them as they burst through the Nothingness. Sol the first reality in reach and sight.


    The very light of Sol spread a rush of energy through Haero that he sorely needed. He grabbed a claw that held him in the dragon''s grip and pried.


    Molliwag looked a bit surprised. His eyes widening as he watched and felt his claw shift away. The giant fell away and mid-drop into the Divine realm his entire self burst into fire.


    Flames shot out of his body in a projected direction pushing him downwards to the Sol faster. He was too fast and too close as such he crashed head-first. Rolling in a crooked tumble till he stopped on his face.


    The sense of heat and flames blasting outwards told him the fucker had landed as well.


    Molliwag stood uncomfortably on Sol. While the flames didn''t hurt him as Haero would have intended it didn''t feel pleasant either. His red eyes took on the large expanse of boiling and burning reactions. Explosions of incredible power in the distance and strolling beings of the very fire that burned in this world.


    "Amazing".


    The word seemed to calm Haero''s annoyance as he followed Molliwag''s line of sight. "Yeah. Isn''t it". He nodded in agreement.


    "As much as I''d love to take this credit. Tora made those".


    "Tora?". Molliwag looked flabbergasted. "How?. Not mother. You are sure?".


    "Yeah. If you look at them you can see her energy all over it. No one but mom controls the Akashic as well as that".


    "Akashic. You mean..."


    "Yes. Mother''s force. We call her Akasha . So feels weird to refer to the magic as Akasha too".


    Molliwag huffed. "I am guessing this force is prevalent everywhere," he asked. He could already remember the feeling he had that day. When a strange yet familiar force has pervaded him and Vaustaris.


    ''That was Akasha''.


    "Mum said she made another her so she could always keep an eye on us all". Haero beamed proudly then seemed to frown as he wondered if that meant he was always being watched by Mom. Even now.


    ''What if she saw this and knows I and Mollie fought?''.


    Molliwag felt a chill down his spine for some reason. A glance around showed nothing. Turning back to Haero he pondered.


    "This Akasha what does she do?".


    Haero tilted his head and then shrugged. Sitting he proceeded to explain everything he knew about Akasha.


    "So basically she controls all of creation at the behest of Mother. Even more, she is this energy that can be used to tap into other forms of energies whether higher or lesser that is not tailored to one''s race". He nodded his huge head slowly in appreciation.


    "My Luminaries could benefit from this".


    The look he got from Haero was suspicious and confused. "What''s a Luminaries?".


    "My Demi-mortals".


    "What''s a Demi-mortal?".


    "Do you know nothing?" Molliwag asked with a huff. Seeing the blank gaze on Haero''s face he was taken aback. "Mother must have considered you all too young to tell of it".


    Seeing Haero''s face already scrunching up he sighed and continued. "Not to worry. She didn''t and might not have told me either. I found it myself".


    "How?" His face was now excited and curious.


    "Unlike you lot, I wasn''t born in mother''s bosom. I was ripped away and lost to creation. She found me earlier and brought me back home recently".


    "Woooah". Haero''s eyes sparkled. "So you''re like a lost child, no a bastard child. No a..."


    "Where do you get all that?".


    "Akasha tells us stories. She thinks we don''t know but we''re quite aware she''s teaching us while also keeping us busy whenever we''re not cultivating. She already told us we could start cultivating when original mother figured it out".


    Molliwag nodded. He didn''t bother with questioning what cultivation was as he had seen it on his Akashic Records.


    "So, Demi-mortals?". He turned to Haero who watched him like a hawk.


    "Fine". He grumbled. "Mother created a world in the mortal realms as she calls it. There my children exist. Born from my flesh, bone, and blood. This is why they are emi-mortals. Mortals themselves are entities that are below even children. They are weak and of weak matter. Their skin and flesh are unlike ours".


    Haero''s eyes were wider as he listened.


    "Mother made quite a lot of them and left them to do their own thing in the world". He shrugged.


    "Let''s go see". Haero was on his feet excitement palpable. Molliwag took a good look at him and shrugged.


    "I did want to check on my Luminaries and teach them about this Akashic energy too. Let''s go".


    Haero rushed for his foot attempting to hold on. Molliwag stepped away and rested a wing. "Get up my back. If anyone is worthy of being there it''s family ".


    Haero grinned and rushed up the wing unaware of the emotional moment.


    ****


    THIRD PERSON POV


    Even then a smile blossomed as it dashed after her surprisingly ignoring its deconstructing and reconstructing body. She spun and dashed off. A black portal appeared in front of her. Vanishing and reappearing back in her former position before she portaled here.


    "Two can play tricks" She spun and with a flare of phys-emission she grabbed the beast. It was like trying to scoop up an egg yoke with bare hands. She grunted and the thing was ripped off the ground and flung midair. Crashing right in front of her in the first of her traps.


    The earth parted as the creature''s body touched the ground creating a chasm beneath it. It evaded only for a crank of gears to make it halt, a whistle in the wind gracing its senses.


    The sudden heat and then the searing pain of melting as molten lava gushed out a geyser in the ground and bathed it while the two useless darts stabbed into the ground maddened the thing


    Hilde smirked at the trap. The breaking ground was meant to make it move to either the right or left. It never mattered which as both sides had the geysers. The darts were inconsequential, merely distractions she didn''t know would work so well at the time since she hadn''t realized that it could hear even projectiles. The main factor was tbe ejection mechanism attracting it. Stopping it long enough for the geysers to work.


    Hilde about now had already mastered the damned beast. It felt pain alright but never for longer than shown. It used its injuries to draw a false feeling of safety in its enemy. Then struck when the back was turned.


    Cunning, fast, and deadly.


    ''This thing was bred for slaughter '' Hilde realized.


    "Can''t give it a second to breathe." Activating the bow, its string lighting up with a gold blaze and the wood vibrating with a dull frequency right before the arrow notched unto it vanished.


    A little wave of dispersing wind from the shot fluttered her now dirtied gown.


    The creature froze realizing it had been seen through. But it was too late no matter how quick it was to react. It could hear the arrow but it was too close to know its direction. The wind spoke of its location but not its direction and before it could move out of the known path in the little time it had to figure things out the arrow struck home.


    [Critical Hit]


    [+560 Damage]


    Slotted right where an eye or eyes should have been the thing was thrown back and sprawled out panting in the grass. More black blood seeped out of the new head wound.


    "Hey, I know you can hear me. Stop feigning and attack me like the true monster you are". Her voice loud and audacious carried into its ears. It was much better when it was the dangerous beast she had met in the forest, rather than this cunning version.


    It snapped up instantly making Hildelith wonder if it understood her. She wasn''t yet sure if taunting worked in this game.


    Then it moved.


    Hilde, though, saw something different.


    "Either it is less powerful or it is attempting to deceive me," Its slower, staggered gait caused her to narrow her eyes.


    "Let''s find out"


    The girl plucked off the ring-shaped blades from her belt. Xena''s Chakram.


    "Time to see what you are " Nothingness Saturation melded the energy of nothing into the blades. Her abstract followed and her eyes shut as a basic understanding flowed as expected into her head. Done assimilating and nitpicking the parts her eyes opened and locked on the creature.


    It felt the gaze. Knowing the moment things had turned. If before it had been coping with the attacks, now it knew differently. Things had changed. A barely imperceptible shiver ran over it. It knew at that moment it was the prey  No, it had always been the prey.


    She threw the chakram at its face and simultaneously pulled out an arrow. A common one.


    Bane of Heroes vanished and returned to the inventory while in its place weaved into its form was tbe Harbinger.


    "It''s over".

 Ripples - Edited

    Hildelith was calmer than she''d ever been. The chakram had never been part of her plan, but the exploding arrows were too slow to get the trick done. She needed something else.


    She''d fought, and she''d lost a second time. She''d been knocked down a peg or two¡ªnot a bad thing¡ªbut now she knew.


    "Strength isn''t everything. Is it?"


    "Thank you for the lesson. I''ll keep it in my heart," she said, pulling the string of the culler as she watched unmoved as the creature came closer than she was comfortable with.


    Just as the last of the blue arrow formed, a rattle echoed, and then the thing halted, snagged in place by a giant bear trap.


    "Fitting," she muttered as she let both the soul energy arrow and the explosive arrow fly. Yet before the blue luminous pale arrow arrived at its mark, it dipped low, almost as if it would miss, while the other one went high.


    Harbinger dissipated equally, returning to the inventory, while Hildelith began stepping forward.


    The creature, so focused on releasing its limb from the jaws of the trap, abruptly stopped, froze for a second, then dropped its head downward. A slicing sound whistled in its senses as a ring made of blades shot back over its head.


    Strike dodged.


    Yet it never got back up.


    Its death was already assured in that spot as the arrow of the Harbinger drilled into its lowered skull, freezing its body and reaping its soul. The blue shimmer of the deadly messenger faded from the spot on the stiffened corpse.


    The mental count of a certain bow rose. The explosive arrow detonated above. The flames, explosion, and heat shattered the corpse.


    Hildelith kept walking even as her right hand swiped the chakram out of the air. A victorious air around her, yet it did nothing to affect the frown she carried.


    After all, she had learned something crucial today. Even Creators could fall, and not just to the hands of other creator players.


    Creator Online went beyond just building a game foundation. It was living a story. Hilde had assumed that making her tale meant cresting worlds and fighting with the other creators. But she was wrong. There were more obstacles than the creators to fight.


    Strength wasn''t everything. The unknown had shown her, and now this thing had.


    What was the game''s agenda? The answer felt obvious like she should know, yet she didn''t.


    She could only ponder, even as the system finally acknowledged the kill. Its voice sounded out in her head with a tone that was suspiciously proud within her mind.


    <blockquote>


    [Destroyer - Infant Slain]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [You have attained +30 Outer Realm Points]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Visit the Monolith of Passage]


    </blockquote>


    Hilde stood silent, the only life form in the white world. Shoulders straight and head held high, her palm lay on the white stone with an etching of her on its pale surface.


    <blockquote>


    [MONOLITH OF PASSAGE]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [MARKED BY CREATOR HILDELITH]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Lv1 - 30 ORP]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [...\]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [AVAILABLE...]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [TARTAREAN RIFTS\] - 10 ORP


    </blockquote>


    Hildelith did not understand what this meant. What was the outer realm? Did it give points? How was this connected to the game? She scowled at the feeling of twists the game kept throwing her. Just when she thought she had it all figured out.


    "What even is a Tartarean rift?" She couldn''t think of what it could stand for. But she knew that whatever it was would be bad news.


    Hesitantly, she removed her hand and then sat cross-legged on the ground to review her options.


    The Sword of Murre was gone. Nothing but two pieces of broken steel. The blue light it once gave now quenched.


    The sword that had forged her a path through the Lost world of what was now Vaustaris. Hildelith frowned again as she gazed upon the hilt in her grasp, the blade extending from it ending right at the center where a jagged point was all that was left to show the spot that bore its former length.


    A piece of its blade now lost to the world of White.


    Hilde accessed her inventory. Bane of Heroes and Harbinger were her long-range options. Both are powerful in their own right. With Harbinger, she could save up on using her arrows since she lacked MVC.


    Having scavenged the few arrows surviving Hildelith was certain to be good on the long-range part.


    The Void Chaos daggers were an option for melee combat but she knew those brought her up and personal with her foes. While she had a bit of defense training, it didn''t make it something she would look forward to. Xena''s Chakram made her pause, reading its description once more.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    <blockquote>


    [Xena Chakram - Weapon


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Rings of the order. One to give and the other to take. Ever following and ever followed.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Damage - 150


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Effect 1- Balance of the Duo


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Effect 2- Will of the wielder]


    </blockquote>


    The effect was one she had banked on during the fight with the destroyer thing. Her only issue had been the timing. Funny enough, the last trap had done just that. Given her time.


    It was a haphazard plan she''d put together the second she had understood the effects of the chakram. The balance of duo essential acted as a rule for the rings. A half-and-half conjoined blade on both sides was bonded. One that made sure to finish what the first started unless there was nothing to finish.


    That was made up for by Will of the Wielder. As long as she pushed a bit of will into its blades it was able to keep moving. It also served as a string to pull the rings of the blade back to her. Like a Mjolnir.


    "Daggers and Chakram for melee. Two bows and arrows for long range. I need a new long-reaching weapon."


    Hildelith scowled as she perused the shop for something good. Though she lacked MVC, she felt it appropriate to at least know the options she had.


    Her eyes went over the options available for the unlocked row. There were several types of weapons on display, from long swords to short swords, halberds, spikes, rapiers, several odachis, axes, and nodachis. Every type of cold weapon was on display.


    After a moment of silent searching, she spotted one that caught her eye. The sword was shown with a scabbard, and Hilde wouldn''t deny that it was its aesthetic look that caught her eye. The scabbard and sword hilt were made of the same golden-yellow plating, some parts looking like scales and others like leather.


    The sword itself was a bastard sword with its pommel a black jewel carved into a bird''s head. A falcon, to be precise. The blade itself was a double-edged black piece of steel.


    At 450MVC, that had been enough to cover her entire setup just to kill one destroyer. Her scowl deepened further. Still, she made a mental note of the blade before switching to armor.


    It was no surprise that Vulkan''s prize had held up against the Destroyer''s strikes, but she felt it wise to have a secondary piece of armor as well.


    She looked through many options before she noticed something.


    "No potions for mana... divinity regen, or health regen." Thinking about it, she remembered that there was no meter for divinity, and her Abstract was only as powerful as her enemy''s own.


    But divinity not having any meter didn''t sit right with her. It was like divinity wasn''t important or negligible.


    "Or it doesn''t matter. If I''m using Akasha, doesn''t that mean my own rules are different? I''d need to figure out some things." There was the fact that Akasha didn''t work out here. Out here she had a bar for Akasha. But it didn''t feel like something that would last long.


    "Also, the system won''t teach me magic. I have to learn with Akasha and create mine. Good thing I have Tora. At least I have insights to aid me out here."


    The tomes in the shop were all insights into different fields yet powerful in their way. Earthen Grace, for example, attuned her to the earth and helped her to understand it and control it in ways other players without the insight couldn''t.


    That was why her intent and abstract could use the element back in the lost world. Her mind had been filled with the knowledge of how to use the will to tame the earth. Subatomic Manipulation had just increased the connection to the Earth by far.


    Now, though, she couldn''t use her will or the understanding of Earth to control plant life. That fell under another insight. While Earthen Grace gave her power over everything earth but not other secondary things like metal, plants, or wood.


    "Maybe I need an Akashic magic or spell for it or other insights."


    She nodded at her assumption.


    "Abstract and divinity are like a sword, armor, and shield. But without proper guidance and skill, a swordsman is no threat on a battlefield with other swordsmen. That settles it then. I''m getting as many insights as possible and figuring out spells as soon as I can. Thank goodness I already figured out space magic and can use a bit of the other three."


    Hildelith rose and placed her palm on the stone, letting the option for the Tartarean Rifts show. One more look over herself first was done before she sighed and took her arm away. First, she had to prepare. If this world was this mad then what would the Rifts be like?


    The flames returned as beautiful as ever as she made her choice. As bright as the day, a new blemish in the colorless white world.


    Then it vanished, taking her with it.


    *****


    The gears were rolling and Jameson knew it. Creation online was garnering popularity, mostly because of one girl. It wasn''t that she was the best, maybe.


    Investors were rolling in seeking a piece of the pie. Journalists already hounding the poor company staff for exclusives with the three top players and the game developers.


    It was an insane week.


    Then there was the upcoming alpha test which had two thousand players lined up to dive in.


    As of the moment, it was unknown, but the creators already had a solid share of the game. It all depended now on their various activities and the growth of their universe to pull in interests and investments.


    Jameson, though, stopped thinking as his brain couldn''t fathom the business of all that. He was here only to manage the players. Once his contract ended, he already knew what he wanted next.


    Gazing at the long-finished livestream, he watched the last scene of the girl catching the chakram while walking away. It gave him chills. He couldn''t decide if the chakram could return to its wielder or just pure skill.


    "Was cold either way," he mumbled.


    He had to have that girl. The joy of managing such a player would be phenomenal. At that moment, Jameson knew that Creator Hildelith had gotten lucky mostly due to her decisions and then his reactions too.


    By attempting to nerf her future power he''d unwittingly given her the stepping stone to shoot her forward. But that was it, the fight in Lost World and deducing the hidden agendas of the devs in the quest lore was...


    "Sick."


    Jameson had seen many pro players with such acute reasoning but he doubted that they''d have known the answer to such mysteries not once, not twice but thrice.


    "It''s almost like the game was made for her," he sighed with a slight smile.


    "There''s always a but. She''s unpolished, unrefined. Fights mostly with quick reflexes and planning. But no skill," he appraised.


    He replayed the stream of her fight with the Unknown from the start.


    "While the beginning was understandable since no one could be sure of what lurked she had a good comeback. It was risky especially if it could kill her in fewer hits like the white creature," he watched for a while noting the various things that he needed her to train on while nodding.


    "I had better find a way to get in touch and secure a contract. I won''t be the only one after her. Those jerks would only be looking for the glory too."


    He shut the stream off as he flipped open several files and began perusing them. Stopping at one that caught his eye a few days ago.


    Franco Davis.


    ''It would seem like I have an acquaintance.'' he smiled while scratching his goatee.


    *****


    Similar scenes occurred at various offices with various company heads lecturing their candidates whom they had gotten alpha test slots for. The game was slowly turning into a war for resources. Resources that were not yet assured.


    But that was the thing about businessmen. Their astonishing ability to smell a gold mine from far away.


    While many targeted the number one player they also kept their eyes open for any diamonds in the rough, both among the Creators and the soon-to-enter alpha testers.


    The game was garnering pressure, and soon it would explode.


    *****


    Erasmus gazed in annoyance at the gray-eyed male before him. The NPC had refused to say anything that didn''t pertain to world-building.


    Sure, he got more explanations than needed. Even more information than Hilde had received at the time from the then-petty NPC. But how was Erasmus to know? All he wanted was a secret, a fortuitous encounter to spur himself above the number two player Roman, and number one Hildelith.


    His position had been fluctuating with Roman since the game had begun, but now he had been at number three for longer than he desired.


    While he wasn''t certain since he''d refrained from checking the in-game tables, he was certain, like a gut feeling, that he hadn''t caught up.


    Worse was, as expected, creating his world and not getting the first achievement.


    Erasmus glared hatefully as he was sent out of the World Forge to watch his world manifest.


    Even as the red planet floated around his one sun, he fisted his palms. He was sure to get the top spot, and also learn all the secrets Hildelith had. After all, it was impossible for her to just have easily slain that dragon and created a world without having secrets.


    Erasmus''s eyes steeled as his determination firmed.

 Childrens Day Out - Edited

    Diving down past the Divine Realm was a mistake that Haero should have foreseen. But in his defense, his excitement was too great. Long had he grown bored of the same burning maelstrom of the Sol.


    Of course, he didn''t dislike Sol or any other reality, but he wanted to see something more, something else. The prospect of a new place with vast amounts of different creatures spoke to him.


    That was why he forgot that Ozai would be in the Divine Realm, doing his cosmic arts or whatever.


    ''Shit.''


    A look from Molliwag questioned his language and meaning, but Haero was more bothered by the little boy floating up to meet them. Haero didn''t have such a good memory, but he remembered when this boy had not a flicker of hair on his head. Now he, too, was sprouting a good long white growth. Thinking about it, only Freya and Freyr had black hair. Weird, since Haero knew their mother had golden hair. Shrugging, he focused back on the boy and almost convulsed when he saw Tora following behind him. The girl was floating in mid-air, something he couldn''t exactly do.


    Ozai could, as he had cosmic wings. Molliwag had wings as well. Freyr and Freya did as well. Only he and Tora had none, and he thought that made them closer. But here she was, floating. ''How?''


    "She mastered Air," Ozai commented with just a stare at him. Haero didn''t bother asking how he knew what he was thinking. Tora might be the smart and intelligent one, but Ozai was the observant one of them.


    It was no surprise he was staring right at Molliwag. Not like the humongous entity could hide.


    "What''s the new pet?" Ozai spoke.


    Silence. Haero felt horror rise in him. He''d seen Molliwag act when Draf came to his Sol. Now he''d been called a what.


    ''Not good.''


    A loud chortle escaped the dragon. "A boy no older than a few moments dares to call what was, since the very beginning, a ''what''. Lovely." Before Molliwag could speak or get angered, Haero moved to settle this quickly.


    Fire spilled from him, keeping him airborne as he floated between both.


    "Molliwag, meet Ozai the second. Or now the Third, I guess. Tora the Fourth. Guys, this is our older brother Molliwag. Say hi."


    Both children blinked. Tora very casually looked at her skin and then up to Molliwag. Ozai took it a bit farther as he fearlessly floated up to Molliwag and poked his scale.


    "Uhm... brother. I don''t know how smart you are, but the dude is a divine beast like Zeus. Doesn''t make him..."


    "Guys! He was born before any of us. Mother recently brought him home."


    "Of course, Mother would do that without telling us anything."


    "Of course she would."


    "I''m sure she had to leave."


    "Yeah, I''m sure."


    "Guys, mum wouldn''t..."


    "Silence!!" Molliwag roared. All three shifted back as a sense of fear and terror struck them. The feeling abated just as quickly as it had come. The dragon sighed.


    "I understand you''re children and children act childish. But you''re also Primordials. Like me. Don''t sully that fact with stupidity. I understand you wish for Mum to be around and cuddle us endlessly. But that''s not going to happen. If that is what you want, then grow faster so she can have less to do and more you can help with."


    Haero looked away and Ozai frowned. Tora glared.


    "I already do a lot. I made a lot of magical spells and made..."


    "Yes, Haero told me. Which I believe is a good thing, as Mother won''t have to focus on making it again. What do the rest of them do?"


    Tora shut her mouth, pleased with herself while facing the other two boys.


    "And you, what do you do?"


    Molliwag growled. "I was born to... to... protect. To guard. To keep all of you safe." He looked up to the nothingness. "Beyond that darkness, beyond the borders of this universe is my place. Forever killing any who would endanger mother''s creation."


    He turned to Haero. "You all believe that she is not giving you time. But I argue you lot have had her with you since you were babes. As you grow, she desires nothing more than to see you as babies again. But she knows the truth."


    "What truth?" Ozai floated forward a bit.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    "You were not born to cuddle or be cuddled. You, Haero, were born to rule." Ozai scoffed and Molliwag glared at him. "Don''t scoff at mother''s decisions. I''m first-born, yet I know my place and task. Something I didn''t know or want before."


    "You, Tora, were born to be great. To serve and aid her force. You''ve done much better than expected."


    The girl''s fur bristled with pride.


    "And you, Ozai. You were born to lead and guide. Protect the weak and help those who can''t do it for themselves."


    "And how do you know all this?" Ozai asked, eyes narrowed. Molliwag simply showed his fangs.


    "He has the Sol. From which all light comes. She has Alasha''s aid to make and improve all of the magic. You have the divine realm. You know what you can do, so tell me, am I wrong?"


    Silence.


    No one said a word for a moment. Tora floated past, and Haero noticed the tufts and blasts of air around her hips and legs. She got to his head and let herself fall on his nose, grabbing around the edges.


    "Welcome home, biggest brother. Hmmm, that''s too long. How about BB?" She patted his nose while Molliwag looked at Haero.


    Said boy was busy floating next to Ozai. "You can confirm from Akasha too, stop being a brat. You know he speaks the truth. Plus, we''re going to the Mortal realm. Wanna come?"


    That caught his attention, and the little brat sharply flew at Molliwag.


    "Mortal Realm. I''m coming as well. Let''s go." The four children descended past the Divine Realm and Dream Realm. They noticed the swirls and ripples happening in there.


    Haero frowned. "Is that... Normal?"


    "How would we know? We don''t have jurisdiction there," Ozai pointed out.


    "It feels weird. Like something is happening. It feels..."


    "Let it be, Haero. Akasha will watch it and make sure nothing happens."


    "And if it does?"


    "Akasha is mother. You lot seem to forget this. Every single atom and particle here is mother and Akasha. Nothing goes wrong without her knowing."


    "That sounds... New." The dragon chuckled.


    Past the Dream Realm, they found the mortal planes. Descending onto the circular tapestry with tiny balls of light at the center and a darker but still visible light at the edges, the four children halted at the sight.


    Freyr was floating with a bored look while watching Freyja scolding a soul that seemed to be trying to run into the planes.


    "I guess we''re complete now," Ozai muttered.


    Freyr didn''t spot them until they were close enough. Only then did he look at them with a perfectly chiseled eyebrow.


    "Chasing some wayward soul as well?" Freyja turned and glared at him.


    "Nope. Just going to see what''s down there?" Ozai shrugged.


    "Why''d you tell them?" Haero hissed.


    "I don''t lie," Ozai commented.


    "Then you could have kept your mouth shut," Haero remarked.


    "I dislike lies around me," Ozai added.


    "Is that why you think Mother isn''t here for us? You think she''s lying?" Haero asked.


    "I know she''s lying. The question is about what," Ozai replied.


    "Then ask her," Molliwag added.


    Everyone looked at him in surprise. He frowned. "You lot see her as this huge being that should be treaded carefully around."


    Nods.


    "But she''s our mother. And from what I''ve seen of her, she won''t bite you for asking."


    Ozai nodded. "Then I will."


    "If we''re done with this, I heard something about visiting there. Let''s go. Let''s go".


    "Yeah. Let''s go," Freyja shouted with glee, a spirit held in her left hand. Her eyes twinkled with cute glee. Molliwag chuckled.


    "All of you get on my back." The scramble to ascend the dragon was mad until only Ozai was left floating on his forehead like an emperor.


    "What?" Noticing all eyes on him, he frowned. "Let''s go."


    Molliwag rolled his eyes and just dove down. On his back, Haero held onto little Freyja as she whooped in glee at the rush. Tora''s eyes gleamed with excitement at the prospect of wonders she could see. Freyr just rubbed his palms manically. Lastly was Haero, who took in all the crazed smiles and shivered.


    ''And he says I will rule them all.'' Shivers.


    Tearing downwards and through the tapestry, the children screamed in terror and glee. Like a fast descent, they felt the rush of heat on their faces. Then, with a pop, they found themselves floating right above a beautiful ball of green, blue, and little whites.


    "This...?"


    "...is Vaustaris," Molliwag announced.


    "It''s..." Ozai crouched, a hand extended as if to touch the ball. "Beautiful."


    "What''s beautiful is the amount of space laws here. It''s maddening and exciting. I can explain all my ideas by staying up here," Tora cackled excitedly.


    "Nope. We''re all going down. You can do research later."


    "Come, Tora, come," Freyja giggled and shouted.


    A pop sounded next to them, and the entire children gasped. Floating right there in a white and blue shimmer was Akasha.


    "Wondered how long it would take you lot to find here."


    None spoke, just watching her with large eyes.


    "Molliwag did tell you your mama won''t bite. Neither would I. I am her, after all. Down to the last atom." She smiled.


    "Uh huh," Tora muttered. Akasha looked at her and then shrugged.


    "Anyways, do you wish to DESCEND?" The word left her in a way that made the kids feel like it meant more than it was.


    "What is descend?"


    "Oh. Okay. Gods, either weak or strong, can''t enter mortal worlds. Their very essence and selves would be like a bug that rewrites and rips through this world''s reality."


    "You mean my very presence would end them?" Freyr asked with a devilish gleam in his eye. Akasha gave him a look.


    "No destroying. Nothing at all." She warned. Freyr sighed and nodded.


    "So how do we go down there if we wish?"


    "You mentioned descend, which means there is a way to go there without ending this world."


    "Yes. The one your mother used to retrieve you, Molliwag," she stared him right in the eye.


    "No. I refuse. I will not belittle myself." He shook his head. Everyone stared at him in curiosity.


    "It''s the only way."


    "I refuse."


    "Maybe we can figure something out." She shrugged. Her eyes glitched over. The children waited for a few minutes before she opened them.


    "All of you except Molliwag can select one of the Eleven races of Vaustaris to descend as. In this body, you will be weaker. Molliwag, you can create a new body for yourself, but it can''t be as large as this form. You have five minutes."


    The rest of you should choose now.


    Templates appeared in their eyes with a list of each race and their capabilities and features. By the side, they saw an image of what they could look like with sliders to change things like height, size, skin color for those that had it, and more.


    It took quite a while before all were done. Looking up at Akasha, they waited for the next task.


    She simply smiled and vanished. In their visions, a prompt appeared with a single word.


    [DESCEND]


    "Let''s go." Mentally Freyr clicked his. Freyja went next, then Ozai and Tora. Haero, looking down on Molliwag, smiled.


    "Time to see these mortals." He clicked his as well.

 Creation Online Art III

Throne of the Lunar Palace


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Molliwag Ironstone

 Argonnian Glossary

    Yotk


    Ra''tik


    1. Argn - Female


    2. Argo - Male


    3. Argannen - Wings


    4. Arganne - Wing


    5. Aegon - Elders


    6. Aego - Elder


    7. Arglack - Lack of manners


    8. Argek - Lack


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    9. Argekann - Of manners


    10. Argmyn - My


    11. Arg''rifo - Sorry


    12. Arg''far - For


    13. Arg''rifad - Sorry for


    14. Argannennad - Flight or the act of flying


    15. Arganneniti - Fly


    16. Argio - I


    17. Argit - This


    18. Argitn - These


    19. Argot - That


    20. Argotn - Those


    21. Zit - This/That (when meeting a group including non-Argonnes)


    22. Zitn - These/Those (when meeting a group including non-Argonnes)


    23. Aego''arg''ha''nar - Eldertree Grove


    24. ha - Tree


    25. Aego - Elder


    26. Aegon - Elders


    27. Ar''pat - To


    28. Arg''reet - Meet


    29. Arg''ha - Argonne land


    30. Arg''ardef - Head guard


    31. Arg''far - To


    32. Arg''pesa - Gather


    33. Arg''pheyso - Divine


    34. Arg''pheyson - Divine ones


    35. Arg''freyt - Pray


    36. Argeon - Children


    37. Argeo - Child


    38. Arg''rarn - Guards


    39. Arg''rar - Guard


    40. Argalor - Parent


    41. Arg''gar''sil - Warflock


    42. Arg''gar - War


    43. Arg''min - Has come


    44 - Ar''pesa - Gather


    45 - Arg''ame- I am


    46 - Yotk - Bone sword


    47 - Ra''tik - Bow


    48 - Argalorn - Parents


    This glossary covers all the terms created during the formation of the Argonnian culture and language. It maintains the integrity of the Argonne language as developed with the following rules.


    N - Plural


    Arg - Superior tense


    '' - word separation emphasizing the importance.


    Without Arg - emphasizes the subject or object''s lack of importance to the Argonnian culture.

 The Primordial - Edited

    OZAI''S POV


    I could smell the rain before I even noticed the drops hitting my body. I opened my eyes and flared my nostrils. I was uncomfortable, heavy, and wet.


    It was obvious that, for whatever reason, I disliked the rain. I saw why when I looked down at myself first. I was heavily feathered. My back was covered in wings that were heavy from the water they had absorbed.


    Being a good six feet five inches tall, I was taller. I took a quick look up and around. Prompts from Akasha came into my vision even as my eyes adjusted to the surroundings.


    **Welcome to the Akashic Records Administrator 2(Avatar 3)**


    **Name: Null(Ozai Ironstone)**


    **Race: Argonne(Cosmic Elf)**


    **Form: Mortal/Null/Spirit**


    **Divine Rank: Novice Deity(Primordial Deity)**


    **Divine Essence: (Partial Lock) Limited**


    **Realm Influence: Emerging / Local**


    **Power: Nascent**


    **Wisdom: Growing**


    **Eternal Blessings -


    - Divine Aura


    - Celestial Wings


    - Cosmic Manipulation (Cooldown effect applied)


    - Divine Knowledge


    **Servants -


    -


    -


    -


    **Domains:


    - Realm of Cosmic Creation - Novice


    -


    -


    **Divine Artifacts:


    -


    -


    -


    **Quests -


    -


    -


    -


    Akasha was meticulous in making sure I understood everything, sending information straight into my brain on everything. I guess some of my powers and prowess came from the fact that I was a god, so I should not have to do too much to stand out.


    Mortal, null, and spirit symbolized each state I could be in. Mortal was, well, me interacting. Null meant I was non-existent and without contact with the world. Spirit was able to possess and use a mortal for some purpose.


    Looking around, I noticed that I was on the top of a large peak. Even with the annoying rain and loud noises of thunder above, it was clear that there were caves all over the mountain peak I was on. I moved from the perch sluggishly and struggled to crawl into a cave.


    Fortunately enough, I found a cave. I pushed myself into it, and there I rested.


    I was unsure of the duration of the rain, but it was sufficient to dry out my feathers and acclimate to my new physical form. I had learned from Akasha that I was strong for a mortal.


    Even so, this body did not make me unbeatable. My avatar was not the most skilled or powerful mortal there was. Excitement coursed through my veins, and I couldn''t help but want to head out already.


    My wings were long and rather large. "My real ones are large too, but these are bigger. Maybe it''s the body and size." I frowned at my deeper bass voice but shrugged. I was darn large and muscular. Not in a heavy and bloated way but more lean.


    Deciding to settle back and wait for the rain, I asked Akasha about Vaustaris. An hour of speech told me a lot, but I was more interested in where I currently was. Apparently, with nine continents and 12 races, there wasn''t that much space.


    Which was why the Argonnes had relocated from the Argonne Islands to where I was now. The Zephyr Isles. An Archipelago of verdant lands that floated in the sky. The tips of their mountains peaking from the clouds.


    "Don''t know what most of it means but I''m more excited to see it all".


    "The rain. It''s finally stopped." The sound of the pattering had died away. The smell of rain and dampness filled my nostrils.


    "Let''s check it all out".


    Stepping out, I took another deep breath, and my senses were filled with scents. Knowledge flooded my mind like a glimpse of colors and scenes. Images and pictures. I could see flowers, trees, weeds, oceans, and fruits. My senses told me what was good and what wasn''t.


    "Amazing". Yet, it was nothing compared to getting out of the cave and finding a wondrous view.


    My wings instinctively spread out, my legs taking steps to the edge of the mountain peak I was at. I dropped, my body falling fast, and this feeling rushed up my body and feathers.


    In the divine realm, it felt stiffer, more filled with various energies that forced you to decipher them. Here it was pure and empty. Just a natural breeze that made me want to relax.


    The ground was quickly approaching, so I spread my wings and simultaneously twisted myself into an updraft. The hot air dragged me right up and then shot me into the sky.


    I simultaneously flapped and shot up even higher. The sky was a deep blue that drew me in.


    I halted mid-air, floating right in the sky. "This is amazing, Akasha". I sighed, shutting my eyes and feeling the sunlight on my face. I shivered.


    "Let''s see..." My arms and wings spread as I activated my Divine Force. Divinity flooded through me and rushed into every part of me. I could feel and sense my body growing more powerful.


    "Is this..." My level rose from 1 to a whopping 10 then kept ascending".


    "I''d advise against that. Overuse of divinity in a body unused to it leads to immolation".


    "Immolation?".


    "Yes. You burn from the insides. And while you are immortal, the pain is not something for a child to bear. Your mother wouldn''t be pleased".


    "Well, she''s not here".


    The look I received told me everything I needed to hear. "Right. Sorry mum".


    Akasha shook her head and just waved me away. "Do what you want, but be careful and don''t act like Freyr right now or I''ll spank you".


    I could sense that those words came directly from Mama, and I gulped. Nodding, the force vanished, and I went back to my energy. My level had halted at 12, and man was I now more powerful than before. Still, I could sense that the energy wasn''t permanent.


    ''Best use it before it all fades off''. With a powerful flap and orientation to my left, I burst away in a random direction. I flew over the archipelagos for a long time. Going higher and higher till I was seeing only a speck of it.


    Only then did I descend.


    There were numerous islands of mountains hidden by the clouds and covered with verdant forests and fields of green. A few small clumps of rocks floated here and there, and vines formed bridges and even normal rope ladders.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    It was clear that the Skylands were spread out in most places over Vaustaris as they seemed unending.


    "Just how many Argonnes are there?".


    Unperturbed, I found a location that I decided would be good to finally land. I''d seen enough of the sky; it was time to feel the ground.


    ****


    UNIVERSE - The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)


    Main Continent Western Edge - Zephyrwood Outpost Territory


    Village - Whisperwind Haven


    UNKNOWN POV


    Today was my group''s turn in the community watch. The Arg''baln (hunters) for today were already gone, and I knew it would be hard for me to be accepted into their ranks.


    I pushed myself out of my Unock (hammock or bed) and spread my Argannen. A moan escaped my beak as the bends and twists in my muscles stretched out. "Feels good".


    Today was a good day. I could feel it in the air. With a deep breath, I rushed for my hut door. Swinging it open, I froze in shock and then annoyance at the sound of the rain falling outside my hut and on my thatched roof finally reaching my ears. I was just so unfocused that I didn''t notice the sounds being one of rain.


    "I guess there''s a reason I''m not at the hunting party". I drooped my Argannen self-depreciatingly as I sulked back to my bed to lazily get ready. An Argonne''s very perk was in our sense of smell. We were the hunters and apex predators of these lands.


    But I was not. My sense of smell had been wronged ever since I sniffed a Joirin, a purple nauseous flower. It had ruined my sense of smell and spoiled any chance of me hunting.


    No one knew what it did, but it was quite effective as I didn''t even smell the rain. We could all smell rain, even the babies.


    I sighed as I replayed the memory in my head. Grabbing my Yotke and Unerp from my wooden box, I slung my Unerp over my shoulders and past my head, locking and forming the clasps to my sides. The Unerp was good, the best my ondoi shells could get here in the outpost. It was formed from wood and vines, creating a loop around my wings to knot at the center of my back with a single circular wood piece to protect my spine.


    It wasn''t lost to us here how poor we were compared to the rest of the isles. "Nothing we could do about that".


    Zephyrwood was just poor in resources. With the rugged lands, we usually got harvested just enough for us, let alone for trade. Then there was the forest. Arg''be was good, but the dangerous savages of the forests made it hard.


    Our most important and lucrative source of income was the Woodworking and artisan of our village, but even that was overshadowed by almost all three villages of Zephyrwood Outpost doing the same trade.


    I shrugged on my Laqits, a bright woven vine material for our lower bodies. "Claw check". Eyeing up my claws, I smirked.


    I tied the sling for my Yotke to my Laqits hip hoops and took one more look around before leaving my home the moment the rain reduced a bit.


    It was always annoying to step out in the rain when it fell. The soggy feathers did no good for the sights I would present to the Argons. Hopefully, none were out when I returned wet to dry up. Stepping out, I let out a slight croak and whistle from my beak to alert the other guards of my arrival.


    Flight in the rain was annoying, but I lacked any choice in the matter. The storm was enough for some thieves to sneak in or even some of the red ones to attempt an attack. A grumble was blown away by the wind as I flew.


    The village walls were quick to spot even within the harsh storm. Navigating myself, I soon found the bigger thatch but post used by the security. I dropped down into the thatch, tucking my Argannen behind me. With it built into the tree branches, we Argonnes had several landing spots. The wind buffered my face as I shot down. Just as I neared my target branch, my Argannen spread out, breaking my fall and letting me set my legs on the ground.


    "Well, I''ll be Feather clipped, look who came and just in time too. Get in here Aeris before the rain sheers your feathers off".


    I mumbled a groan as I got into the thatch post and shook off my Argannen.


    "Well, we''re all here Argo, let''s get on with it". A larger Argo (male) spoke. "Today we patrol".


    A series of groans left us. Gustblade eyed us all before walking out of the thatch. "You all know your pairs and positions. Get to it".


    The storm was calmer after an hour of flying around our allocated position. I and Skyhorn were already tired from the torrential rain and the flight. It was hard to check the location of the Suns in respect of each other too for time.


    Grumbling, we kept on our flight until finally the clouds cleared and the rain stopped.


    "Ahhh. The sun". Skyhorn groaned and flapped upwards, stretching out his wings and basking in the rays touching down on us. While I did the same, I still kept my eye out for everything. Something Skyhorn did as well. He was no stupid Argonne. Just like me, he wanted a position in the Arg''baln.


    Flying around almost every time did wonders to make us good and best of friends. Each one of us plotted ways we could finally get our hands on the better weapon for joining the Arg''baln.


    Something caught my attention below. Skyhorn was the same, and both of us watched, not missing the rustle of leaves and snaps of barks and twigs due to our keen sight and his good hearing.


    Whoosh.


    Arrows flew out of the forest, and I banked right while Skyhorn went left. The sound of them tearing through the wind was drowned out by the chittering and calls of the enemy below.


    "Red Ones!" Skyhorn bellowed and dropped low. I joined him, gripping my Yotke and diving downwards.


    The Red Ones, as we called them, were little devilish creatures we believed were born from the horrors of the ground. They were tiny compared to us, came from nowhere, and were ruthlessly annoying. Our large sizes and Argannen gave us a boon and even more, our air affinity set us very apart from them.


    But that was where it all ended.


    The things were ruthless, bloodthirsty, and lived up to their skin color with rumors of their ability to use one''s blood.


    I landed with an outburst of wind, Argannen flapping thunderously to keep the goblins back. The moment I retracted my Argannen and folded them against my back, I spun, swinging out my Yotke and unsurprisingly cutting down the first of them.


    It let out that very childish squeak as its lower body left its upper one. Next to me, Skyhorn was already decapitating his second, his left Arganne slapping another away.


    Whoosh.


    The sound of arrows being released made me drop to my knees and bring up my Argannen as cover. Skyhorn leaped and flapped his wings, bringing them together at the center in front of him. A wave of wind shot out, blasting the excess arrows away and fluttering my feathers.


    I jumped up and kicked one. Another aimed for my thigh with its little blade. Definitely a dagger. Yotke came down, slicing through its wrist and leaving it screaming as its hand lay on the floor.


    "There''s more of them, Aeris."


    I jumped back, avoiding an attack and simultaneously taking a look around me. Skyhorn was right; there were more of them than normal for these creatures.


    "We''ve mistakenly fallen into a raider path. Ah, Aerondam," I cursed. "Take to the skies, Skyhorn. Sound the cry."


    "But you..." Skyhorn began.


    "Sound the Skyshriek, you Aerondam," I spat at him and leaped forward Argannen spread wide as I batted the attacking goblins into me bringing all eyes to me alone.


    I swung my Yotke like a mad Argo. Left, right, side left down, and side right up. The ways of the Yotke had been ingrained in all young Argos and Argns of my village. Made to keep as close to us as possible.


    We should have been trained in the Ra''kit, but its expensive cost made it a weapon for the strong.


    I felt the air behind me as Skyhorn took to the sky. The red ones beyond my reach aimed and fired arrows at him to bring him down.


    ''If only I was Aerondir''. I mentally cursed. "Aeromdam". I spat as pain lanced up my right thigh. I staggered back just as a heavy weight slammed into my chest bringing me down.


    "Aaaahhhh!!!". I screamed as an unholy pain lanced up my back and I felt the soft flexible bones of my Argannen bend and crack.


    The pain from another dagger digging into my abdomen was lost in the pain from my Argannen. Then the sound came. The all of an Argonne. A loud screech that spread in all directions. A warning call to our village and other villages of an imminent raid.


    "Aeres". Skyhorn screeched once more as my blurry sight watched him drop from the sky and he dove for me.


    "No..." My voice has grown weak. The pain from my Argannen hid the pain to my chest and abdomen from which blood flowed freely.


    Skyhrom weaved and fucked through arrows but even then he couldn''t stop an arrow from finding its spot in his collarbone. He flapped backward.


    I could barely see anything now as black spots clouded my vision. There was another screech from. Skyhorn and the sound of something heavy hitting the ground.


    I could hear the angry calls of red ones and Skyhorns labored breathing.


    ''We were weak''.


    I felt blood splashed down me. Hot and thick. A body fell to my right and nudged me sending pain up my Argannen. I hissed and spasmed.


    ''Aerondir. The Aerondam''. I mentally laughed at the amusement of using a curse word made from a figure''s name on the said figure.


    Our people spoke of the time when they first realized. When they had suddenly found themselves alive in this world. They called it Ser''Tuk''Itan. Awakening. Consciousness. Life.


    But they had no idea why and how. they got here. It was a debate that most of the Argnons always had. A debate that I had listened to at times.


    Someone, Skyhorn, grabbed my shoulder. "Stand Aeres!". He let go instantly and the grunts of something came before his hand returned. "Aerondam stand!".


    I grunted as he pulled and affected my Argannen. "Your Argannen. No!".


    All Argonmes knew the pain of an Argannen injury. Those who didn''t have been taught.


    "What to do...what to do?".


    I ignored his mutters more interested in my pain and the raid wading by us. It was certain this was only a scouting party. A true raiding party would have the evolved versions of the red ones. Entities you dared not bleed near.


    ''No. I was thinking of...what was I thinking of ...ahh. Ser''Tuk''Itam. But...not real. If real then...''. my thoughts waned as darkness clouded my mind.


    ''Aerondir...Aeromdam. Help. No. Ser''Tuk''Itan. Help''.

 The Primordial 2 - Edited

    Universe - The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)


    Main Continent Western Edge - Zephyrwood Outpost Territory


    Village - Verdant Veil Forest


    OZAI''s POV


    The forest I strolled through was a sprawling expanse of lush greenery that blanketed the landscape around. It was so beautiful. So entrancing. Looking at all this and knowing everything that lay across realities created a sense of appreciation for my mother''s hard work.


    Towering trees with broad canopies created a verdant canopy that filtered sunlight and cast dappled shadows onto the forest floor. The air was alive with the sounds of chirping creatures Akasha called birds, rustling leaves, and the occasional call of woodland creatures.


    I could feel tingles in my feathers. The air and pure excitement. My eyes followed the trails and pathways that wound through the forest. "Should connect some locations or a place of living together." I had noted such pathways in the forest of the Divine realm.


    I was calculating which way to go now or just if it was best to fly and find a habitat with actual living and many intelligent beings when a prompt appeared in my vision.


    *Welcome to the Akashic Records Administrator 2*


    **Subject: Urgent Prayer for Aid**


    **Recipient: Ozai, God of The Mortal Plains, Guardian of the Planes**


    *A mortal prayer has been received, beseeching your aid in a dire situation. A scouting party, separated from a larger Vaustari Goblin raiding party, Moniker-Red Ones, has launched an attack on a patrol unit consisting of two Argos of the Argonne race. The lead Argonne, Aeris Skylark, has suffered severe injuries to his Argannen and fatal stab wounds.*


    *His partner, Skyhorn Skyshriek, valiantly attempts to hold off the attackers and aid his friend, but the odds are becoming insurmountable. Immediate intervention may be required to prevent any casualties.*


    "That''s different. Why is this different?"


    "Trying new things." Akasha popped into existence next to him. "So, will you help?"


    "Should I?"


    "Well, there''s the fact that you''re the god of the mortal plains. Your mother would put this entire realm in your jurisdiction sooner or later. But the main question is, do you want to?"


    I paused to think. Really think. I did want something to do. Something that mattered. Haero as Molliwag said would rule. Tora had Akasha to herself in ways the rest of us wouldn''t. Freyr was, well, Freyr. Freyja was the only reasonable one of us all but even she had her crazed moments.


    I had nothing. And it seemed Mother was going to give this to me.


    "Ozai. Everyone was born or made for a purpose. It might not be ruling or being sovereign. But I assure you, all your purposes are more than necessary for this universe to survive. You believe that I made you for nothing. Or left you without attention. I assure you that is not so. All this, all of it is for you and your siblings."


    She paused and floated back. "So decide."


    I thought of it. "If nothing else, I should help because those are lives. Sentient ones too. Right?"


    Akasha gave me a look and just nodded. I sighed. "Then I accept. How do I help?"


    She smiled and twirled. "Alright, been playing with all this boxes thing and this is something I want an opinion on. Think of it like customer service. Hehehe."


    **Options for Blessings:**


    1. **Blessing of Cosmic Healing:**


    - Ozai channels cosmic energy to heal Aeris Skylark''s injuries, restoring his Argannen (wings) and closing his fatal stab wounds. This blessing also grants temporary invulnerability to further harm.


    2. **Blessing of Divine Protection:**


    - Ozai surrounds Aeris Skylark and Skyhorn Skyshriek with a divine shield, deflecting attacks and providing enhanced defense against the Vaustari Goblin raiders. This blessing also imbues them with increased strength and agility.


    3. **Blessing of Celestial Flight:**


    - Ozai bestows the gift of enhanced flight upon Aeris Skylark and Skyhorn Skyshriek, allowing them to soar effortlessly through the sky and evade their assailants with ease. This blessing also enhances their combat prowess in aerial combat.


    4. **Blessing of Elemental Mastery:**


    - Ozai imbues Aeris Skylark and Skyhorn Skyshriek with mastery over the elements, granting them control over wind, fire, water, and earth. This blessing allows them to manipulate their surroundings to gain the upper hand in battle.


    **Options for Active Aid:**


    1. **Divine Intervention:**


    - Ozai descends from the heavens in a blaze of cosmic energy, wielding his divine power to vanquish the Vaustari Goblin raiders and protect the Argonnes. He engages the enemy directly, using his immense strength and cosmic abilities to turn the tide of battle in favor of the mortals.


    2. **Cosmic Barrier:**


    - Ozai erects a barrier of cosmic energy around the Argonnes, shielding them from harm and preventing the Vaustari Goblin raiders from reaching them. This barrier also repels any attacks directed toward the mortals, giving them time to regroup and strategize.


    3. **Divine Retribution:**


    - Ozai unleashes a devastating barrage of divine energy upon the Vaustari Goblin raiders, striking them down with cosmic force and divine retribution. His wrathful onslaught decimates their ranks and forces the survivors to flee in terror.


    4. **Divine Guidance:**


    - Ozai offers guidance and counsel to Aeris Skylark and Skyhorn Skyshriek empowering them with knowledge and wisdom to overcome their adversaries. He provides strategic insights and tactical advice, enabling the Argonnes to outmaneuver and outwit their foes.


    "Should I choose which one I will use or..."


    "It depends. In the case of your victim being aware you could offer them the option. For the Argonnes one is out and the other is still in distress. Showing a prompt to an Argos in battle is a good way to get him killed."


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    "So I should select for them?"


    "Probably, for now. Next time make sure to let them choose. Mortals here and in that other place have this thing for being and losing control." She shivered visibly. "Alright, I''m watching how it all goes."


    I quickly turned to my prompt to see how this would work or how to use it.


    Moving to one and focusing on it, the prompt expanded and showcased two names below it.


    **Aeris Skylark - Bless - Active Aid**


    **Skyhorn Skyshriek - Bless - Active Aid**


    "I can''t use more than one, or on a single entity. Must be the same reason I can''t use Divinity much in this mortal shell.


    "Wait. These options are tailored to both and not each. Aeris is injured and Skyhorn isn''t. Using one option for someone who doesn''t need it seems useless."


    "Hmmh. True." Akasha blinked. "Thanks for the review."


    The prompt options changed.


    **Options for Aeris Skylark (Argonne with injured wings):**


    **Blessings:**


    1. **Blessing of Swift Healing:**


    - Ozai channels cosmic energy to swiftly heal Aeris Skylark''s injured wings, restoring them to full strength and functionality. This blessing also grants him enhanced agility and speed, allowing him to evade further harm.


    2. **Blessing of Resilience:**


    - Ozai fortifies Aeris Skylark''s injured wings with divine resilience, making them impervious to damage and strengthening his overall resilience against attacks. This blessing also imbues him with a sense of determination and resolve to overcome his injuries.


    **Actions:**


    1. **Divine Intervention:**


    - Ozai descends from the heavens to protect Aeris Skylark, engaging the Vaustari Goblin raiders directly. He unleashes his cosmic power to drive back the assailants and create a haven for Aeris Skylark to recover from his injuries.


    2. **Cosmic Shield:**


    - Ozai erects a protective barrier around Aeris Skylark, shielding him from further harm and providing him with a temporary sanctuary to recuperate. This cosmic shield deflects attacks and repels enemies, allowing Aeris Skylark to focus on healing.


    **Options for Skyhorn Skyshriek (Argonne partner aiding Aeris Skylark):**


    **Blessings:**


    1. **Blessing of Strength:**


    - Ozai imbues Skyhorn Skyshriek with divine strength and courage, enhancing his combat prowess and resolve to aid his injured comrade. This blessing empowers him to hold off the Vaustari Goblin raiders with unwavering determination.


    2. **Blessing of Wind Mastery:**


    - Ozai grants Skyhorn Skyshriek mastery over the winds, allowing him to manipulate air currents and create powerful gusts to repel the attackers. This blessing enhances his aerial combat abilities and gives him an advantage in the battle against the raiders.


    **Actions:**


    1. **Divine Guidance:**


    - Ozai offers guidance and tactical advice to Skyhorn Skyshriek, empowering him with the knowledge and wisdom to effectively support Aeris Skylark in battle. This divine guidance helps Skyhorn Skyshriek anticipate enemy movements and strategize his actions.


    2. **Divine Vigilance:**


    - Ozai watches over Skyhorn Skyshriek as he fights to defend Aeris Skylark, granting him heightened awareness and perception to anticipate incoming threats. This divine vigilance allows Skyhorn Skyshriek to react swiftly and decisively to protect his injured comrade.


    "Do I know where they are?" He asked. Then almost immediately, he could feel the presence of the two far to the Northeast. They were like dim golden hues through the forest. Several red-like hues surrounded them. I could see that one of the hoes was on the ground and its light was faint.


    "I could just fly there fast and heal him before using a blessing to aid him."


    "Loophole. I guess it could always be an extra doable option. I''ll let it stay for gods that want such."


    With a smirk, Ozai''s wings spread out. Filling it with divinity, the wings glowed bright right before he flapped. The snap of wind against his wings and ground was like the crack of thunder. He vanished in a blast of wind shooting through the sky.


    ****


    SKYHORN''S POV


    "Aerondam. Aerondam. Aerondam." I mentally cursed as I swung around. The scouts had thinned down their attacks, fortunately, but it didn''t do anything to stop their attacks. Standing back, they pelted me with arrows and also showed intelligence by firing at Aeris to distract me.


    Aeris lay there bloodied and his wings crooked. The forest grass and soil below him were soaked in red.


    I needed to get him to safety, but the scouts were not letting me get away with him. I wasn''t leaving him, and that was certain. I was bloodied as well but nothing like Aeris. An Argos'' pride was his wings and an Argns'' pride was her wings. Just as it too was our greatest weakness.


    I panted, exhausted. My vision swam from the small amount of cuts and arrow stabs leaking blood. "I...can''t...". I stumbled backward and fell to a knee, my hands shaking.


    My wings, golden and black, dropped down and embraced me in an instinctive protection. My mind went to the villages. No one knew why the scouts had kept us here for this reason. Sure, the Skyshriek would have warned them, but without more concrete information, they wouldn''t know what hit them.


    "We''re not warriors."


    "We''re not... warriors."


    A sound like an arrow but louder came from above. I raised my head in curiosity. The red ones followed too. All eyes above and I saw it. We saw it. A red streak of gold, white, and red flashed through the sky like a...


    "Is''teh''azit." A comet. One that curved right above us and then shot down. My eyes widened. That''s if the red ones did as well. The streak shot down growing from a thin speck to a large one. I saw wings unfurling as I tried to get away.


    "Aeris!" Alarmed, I rushed for him. Throwing my body over his and spreading my wings on him, I covered us as best as I could.


    BOOOOMM!!!!


    The ground shook, hot air raced past me, and my wings shivered at the force it felt.


    Then, to my greatest disbelief, I saw it. Something rumored and spoken of as Aerondir''s secret to power. Words.


    *Welcome to the Akashic Records Mortal 3147*


    **Subject: Divine Blessing Received**


    **Recipient: Skyhorn Skyshriek**


    *We are pleased to inform you that the prayer for aid made by your friend Aeris Skylark has been answered by the divine being known as Ozai, God of The Cosmos and Guardian of the Planes. In your time of need, Ozai has bestowed upon you a blessing to aid you in your struggle against the Vaustari Goblin raiders.*


    *You have been bestowed with the Blessing of Strength. Your combat prowess and resolve have been enhanced by divine power, empowering you to stand firm against the Vaustari Goblin raiders and support your comrades in battle. May this blessing give you the strength and courage to protect your injured comrade with unwavering determination.*


    *May the blessing of the divine guide and protect you in your time of need.*


    ---


    *As a blessed, you have been awakened.*


    *You have awakened Abstract - The Will of Transcendants granted to mortals.*


    *To see your Akashic Record, please mentally, verbally, or intently state so.


    ---


    **Blessing of Strength for Skyhorn Skyshriek:**


    The Blessing of Strength bestowed upon Skyhorn Skyshriek by the divine being Ozai imbues him with enhanced combat prowess and unwavering resolve. This blessing manifests as a surge of divine energy that courses through Skyhorn Skyshriek''s body, empowering him with increased physical strength, endurance, and courage. His muscles become infused with celestial power, granting him the ability to perform feats of extraordinary strength and resilience in battle. With this blessing, Skyhorn Skyshriek stands as a stalwart defender, ready to face any challenge with unwavering determination.


    *Skills gained from the Blessing:*


    1. **Enhanced Physical Strength:** Skyhorn Skyshriek''s muscles are infused with divine energy, granting him superhuman strength beyond that of ordinary mortals. He can deliver devastating blows, wield heavy weapons with ease, and overpower opponents in hand-to-hand combat.


    2. **Heightened Endurance:** The Blessing of Strength grants Skyhorn Skyshriek increased endurance and stamina, allowing him to endure prolonged battles without succumbing to fatigue. He can withstand physical exertion and injury with resilience, continuing to fight with unwavering determination.


    3. **Courageous Resolve:** Skyhorn Skyshriek is infused with divine courage and resolve, bolstering his mental fortitude and determination in the face of adversity. He remains steadfast and unyielding, even in the most dire situations, inspiring those around him with his unwavering bravery.


    4. **Battle Prowess:** With his enhanced strength and courage, Skyhorn Skyshriek becomes a formidable warrior on the battlefield who leads charges, breaks enemy lines, and rallies allies with his inspiring presence, turning the tide of battle in favor of his comrades.


    The Blessing of Strength transforms Skyhorn Skyshriek into a mighty warrior, capable of confronting any challenge with valor and determination and ensuring the safety and protection of his comrades in the face of adversity. When facing untold odds, Skyhorn Skyshriek gains increased rewards for fighting, helping, or winning.


    My attention was drawn away from the test as I felt a sensation, unlike anything I knew rush through me. My muscles, my bones, and my body all felt better, lighter, and filled with more energy. My wounds weren''t healed, but my mind seemed to lock them away.


    I looked up, curious to know what had landed that brought this as well. There in front of me, facing a crowd of petrified and shocked Red Ones, was an Argonne.


    ''No, not an Argonne. The Argonne.'' He was huge and tall. Easily 7ft and higher. His muscles were not bloated but lean and powerful. His eyes shone like white pools of light. His wings.


    ''Aerodam those wings.'' They were what all men wanted, huge and wide. The perfect tool. What all women wanted in wings. Various colored feathers littered them and filled his very head. He tilted his face slightly to the side and locked those eyes on me with a side glance.


    "Wake your friend!" He spoke, his voice normal yet bearing an undertone of power that shook me to my very bones. I turned to Aeris, more to look away from this perfection of an Argo than to wake him. I froze as I noticed my friend snoring softly.


    His body was healed. His Argannen fixed and straight. "Aeris! Wake up! Aeris! Wake up, Aeris!" I shook him. His eyes opened, and I could see something there. His formerly dull and common brown hue was now bright and gray.


    Were my eyes the same?


    "What happened?" He sat up, then froze as his eyes caught what was behind me.


    "Yeah. That happened!"


    The Argonne was yet to move. His figure stood perfectly still as he moved his eyes from one goblin to the other. The Red Ones remained unmoving, he too remained unmoving.


    When Aeris and I got to our feet, his head turned slightly a single eye locking on us. His beak moved and we heard his voice. "Return to your village, warn them." The moment his last words reached our ears, he moved.


    In his hands was a Yotke, Aeris'' Yotke. A goblin lost its head as the Yotke passed through its neck. Another was impaled, and a third halved. The next tried attacking back, but the Argonne simply ducked his strike and backhanded the goblin.


    He stopped and looked at us. "Your village is under attack. Go!"


    Aeris and I shared a glance, and without any more hesitation, we both dashed off and took to the skies. It was strange and different flying with the blessing. My flaps were more powerful, and I made more distance with each flap than before. It was so great that it was massive and noticeable.


    While Aeris didn''t have the same improvement, it was clear that his flight had also changed and that he was quite better at it.

 The Primordial 3 - Edited

    Universe - The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)


    Main Continent Western Edge - Zephyrwood Outpost Territory


    Village - Whisperwind Haven Village.


    AERIS'' POV


    *Welcome to the Akashic Records Mortal 5482*


    **Subject: Divine Blessing Received**


    **Recipient: Aeris Skylark**


    *We are pleased to inform you that your prayer for aid has been answered by the divine being known as Ozai, Guardian of the Planes. In your time of need, Ozai has bestowed upon you a blessing to aid you in your struggle against the Vaustari Goblin raiders.*


    *You have been granted the Blessing of Resilience. Your injured wings have been fortified with divine resilience, making them impervious to harm and strengthening your overall resilience against further attacks. May this blessing grant you the courage and determination to persevere in the face of adversity.*


    *May the blessing of the divine guide and protect you in your time of need.*


    *The Akashic Records*


    ---


    *As a blessed, you have been awakened.*


    *You have awakened Abstract - The Will of Transcendents granted to mortals.*


    *To see your Akashic Record, please mentally, verbally, or intently state so.*


    ---


    **Blessing of Resilience for Aeris Skylark:**


    *Description:*


    The Blessing of Resilience bestowed upon Aeris Skylark by the divine being Ozai imbues him with enhanced durability and fortitude, particularly focused on the protection and healing of his injured wings. This blessing manifests as a radiant aura that envelops Aeris Skylark, strengthening the structure of his wings and imbuing them with divine resilience. As a result, his wings become impervious to harm and capable of withstanding even the most intense battles. With this blessing, Aeris Skylark gains the ability to soar through the skies with renewed vigor and determination, ready to face any challenge that comes his way.


    *Skills Enhanced by the Blessing:*


    1. **Wing Resilience:** Aeris Skylark''s injured wings are infused with divine energy, rendering them impervious to harm and strengthening their structure. They become resistant to damage from physical attacks, projectiles, and environmental hazards, allowing Aeris Skylark to navigate through dangerous terrain and engage in aerial combat without fear of injury.


    2. **Enhanced Healing:** The Blessing of Resilience accelerates the healing process of Aeris Skylark, facilitating rapid regeneration of damaged tissue and promoting the growth of new feathers. This enhanced healing ability allows Aeris Skylark and others to recover from injuries more quickly, ensuring that he can return to full strength and mobility in a shorter amount of time.


    3. **Flight Mastery:** With his strengthened and resilient wings, Aeris Skylark gains mastery over flight, soaring effortlessly through the skies with grace and agility. He can perform intricate aerial maneuvers, evade enemy attacks, and maintain superior positioning in combat, leveraging his enhanced mobility to gain the upper hand against adversaries.


    4. **Aerial Dominance:** Empowered by the Blessing of Resilience, Aeris Skylark becomes a formidable force in aerial combat, utilizing his strengthened wings and enhanced healing abilities to outmaneuver and outwit his opponents. He can engage in dogfights, perform dive attacks, and rain down devastating aerial assaults upon his foes, asserting his dominance over the skies.


    "Tell me I''m not the only one who sees this," I muttered. The sound of the wind roaring past us should have made it clear to our ears, but still, Skyhorn heard. His head turned slightly to me from his position ahead.


    "Notification to Aerie Skylark, I guess. Welcome to the Akashic Records, whatever that is, Mortal. Right?" A grin on the side of his face made me scoff. That was Skyhorn for you. Always positive even in negative times.


    "What''d you get? And what''s this Akashic Records?"


    "I don''t know, Argo. For all we know it could be from that Argo back there. You prayed, so you should know," he gave me a look.


    "I''m going to check on this Akashic Records thing and see what it''s all about."


    "Don''t you want to wait for the elders or..."


    "It''s like you said, I prayed. I''ll decide who and what I tell." I paused then looked back at him. "I think you should too."


    "Hehe. Dri''t azt Eeta (Fat Luck) there. With how I loved you and how you look, yeah, we could hide it."


    Ignoring him somewhat, I couldn''t see anything strange about me. I mentally called the words, ''Akashic Record''.


    *Welcome to the Akashic Records Mortal 5482*


    **Name: Aeris Skylark**


    **Level: 1**


    **Experience Points: 0 / 100**


    **Race: Argonne (Wind and Air Mastery)**


    **Health Points (HP): 100 / 100**


    **Akasha Points (MP): 80 / 80**


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    **Might: 6**


    **Mobility: 10**


    **Physicality: 8**


    **Mental: 8**


    **Skills:**


    - Ra''tik Mastery: None


    - Yotk Swordsmanship: Basic


    - Wind Manipulation: Untapped


    - Precision Archery: None


    **Equipment:**


    - Head: None


    - Body: Unerp (Trash), Laqits (Trash)


    - Weapon: None


    - Off-hand: None


    - Accessory 1: None


    - Accessory 2: None


    **Quests:**


    -


    -


    -


    **Divine Blessing - Resilience**


    The Blessing of Resilience imbues Aeris Skylark with enhanced durability and fortitude, particularly focused on the protection and healing of his wings. His wings become impervious to harm and capable of withstanding intense battles, while his healing abilities accelerate his recovery from injuries. With mastery over flight, healing, and aerial combat, Aeris Skylark asserts dominance over the skies, empowered by his divine resilience.


    - Wing Resilience


    - Enhanced Healing


    - Flight Mastery


    - Aerial Dominance


    "Skyhorn. Check yours now?" I didn''t bother with talking again as I focused on understanding everything I needed to on my records.


    ''Was this something that any of us could have? Hidden by Aerondir.'' Rage bloomed in my heart at the deception.


    ''But how did he even awaken?'' I grumbled mentally.


    "This... is a lot," Skyhorn muttered. I nodded behind him.


    "What now?"


    "If Aerondir awakened this and kept the rest of us weak to keep us beneath his feet. Then..."


    "He needs to answer for it".


    "But first..." He stopped and looked back at me. I stopped as well with a frown on my face.


    "The Raiders. I know."


    ****


    Universe - The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)


    Main Continent Western Edge - Zephyrwood Outpost Territory


    Village - Whisperwind Haven Village Border.


    OZAI''S POV


    "How was that?" I asked mentally, excited but keeping a stoic expression on my face. Around me lay an entire heap of dead goblins, their red skins making it hard to know where blood began and ended.


    "Splendid indeed. But the danger is far from over. You''ve saved and given warriors or semi-warriors strength to rise over their enemies. But the weak remain powerless and caught in a fight and carnage that does not ask for opinions and agreements."


    "What are you...?"


    **Welcome to the Akashic Records Administrator 2**


    **Quest Title:** Guardian''s Duty


    **Quest Description:**


    Ozai Ironstone, Guardian of the Mortal Planes, the Akashic Records beckon your divine intervention. The peaceful villages of Zephyrwood Outpost Territory are under siege by the relentless Vaustaris Goblins, known as the Red Ones. Their raiding parties have descended upon the unsuspecting villagers, wreaking havoc and destruction in their wake. Your divine duty as the protector of these mortal realms calls upon you to save the villagers and drive back the goblin invaders.


    **Objective:**


    - Protect the villagers of Zephyrwood Outpost Territory from the Vaustaris Goblin raiding parties.


    - Defeat the goblin invaders and drive them back to their lairs.


    - Ensure the safety and security of the villages from future attacks.


    **Possible Options for Ozai Ironstone to Assist and Save the Villages:**


    **Direct Intervention:**


    - Personally intervene in the conflict and engage the goblin invaders directly.


    **Divine Shielding:**


    - Utilize your divine aura and cosmic manipulation abilities to erect protective barriers around the villages, shielding them from the goblin onslaught. These barriers can repel enemy projectiles and provide a haven for the villagers to regroup and defend themselves.


    **Empowerment of Defenders:**


    - You empower the defenders of the villages with blessings of resilience and strength, enhancing their combat prowess and fortitude. By infusing them with divine energy, you inspire them to fight with renewed determination and courage against the goblin invaders.


    **Alliance with Elemental Spirits:**


    - Forge an alliance with the elemental spirits of air and earth, calling upon their aid to assist in the defense of the villages. You can beseech these spirits to unleash powerful winds and natural phenomena to hinder the goblin advance and provide support to the defenders.


    **Strategic Guidance:**


    - Provide strategic guidance and tactics to the village leaders and defenders, leveraging your divine wisdom and knowledge of warfare to outmaneuver the goblin-raiding parties. By offering insights and advice, you can help the villagers coordinate their defenses more effectively and exploit the weaknesses of their adversaries.


    **Healing and Restoration:**


    - After the conflict subsides, You can use divine powers to heal the wounded and restore the damaged infrastructure of the villages.


    **Note** While all options will succeed impeccably, all actions possess consequences. To you or the mortals remain to be seen.


    "Wait. What?!" I admitted to being surprised and a bit angry at the last note. "You didn''t tell me this."


    "All actions are usually irreversible. Note this. Any and everything you do has a ripple effect."


    I kept silent, unsure, and frozen. My mind tried to calculate and see all possible consequences of my actions. But I wasn''t Tora. I was me. I wasn''t as smart as her, I wasn''t.


    ''I''m overthinking this.'' I took a deep breath.


    "I don''t know what effects could be gotten from saving a mortal community from monsters. I don''t. But if this is some scare tactic to make me abandon them. Then I won''t. Anything else, ma."


    "No. You may choose and act. This time there are no loopholes. You have only one choice. If you pick a choice and try to act on another, I will level the playing field."


    "Why?!" I was horrified. Why would she do such a thing as that?


    "The Vaustaris Goblins possess no God aiding or fighting with them. The Argonnes should have been capable of winning on their own. This is already impartial. But not to worry it''s a problem that will be settled soon enough," she muttered the last part, which I barely caught.


    "I''ll stick to one choice. I promise." I assured. It was best not to make mother act in the goblins'' interest. Thinking about it, it all made sense. She created all this so technically all the life here was her creation. Picking sides would be hard.


    ''I guess I get a bit of things now.'' Still, I had to choose. And to choose, I had to think well.


    Divine intervention and Divine shielding were out. I had done it once, and I didn''t think doing it again was okay. Plus, there was the consequences thing.


    "Alliance with elemental spirits. Where in the Abyss am I gonna find them?" I grunted. Akasha popped into existence, and I spun quickly and shouted.


    "No!!"


    She vanished, and I exhaled. "What the Abyss!" I shook my head and kept my thoughts to myself. Healing and Restoration felt like a hope to survive and be there for them gambit, so it was gone as well. Which left Empowerment of Defenders and Strategic Guidance.


    "Empowerment seems and feels like a second ''Mother save me card''. So no. Which leaves Strategic Guidance. But how can I be sure." I pondered it over for a while, and I decided to try it.


    "Akasha. Can I highlight and see what a choice offers?"


    "You know that''s cheating." She popped into view, eyed me, then sighed. "Here. But you can only look at two choices."


    With a grin, I opened the choices and found it all exciting. The Empowerment was surprising.


    ''Thank Mother I didn''t choose you. I don''t even have control over mystical energies. That''s Tora.'' I took a deep relieved breath and chose Strategic Guidance.


    The prompt vanished, and Akasha smiled. "Well. Let''s see if you chose right."

 The Primordial 4

    Universe - The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)


    Main Continent Western Edge - Zephyrwood Outpost Territory - Whisperwind Haven Village.


    AERIS POV


    Skyhorn and I descended into the village center. Our eyes peeled for the edge of our fences where there was little to no goblin activity. Still, it would seem that the cause for the lack of reinforcements was obvious.


    My Argannen stretched out wide and caught the wind to stop my descent, Skyhorn repeating my actions. Our feet touched the ground, and our Argannen curled up to our backs.


    "Skyhorn, Aeris. Report to the Aego''arg''ha''nar."


    "What. What''s going on? We just got back and saw no one came to help!" Skyhorn asked angrily, facing the Argrar that just threw orders at us.


    The Argo narrowed his eyes before they widened. "You made the Skyshriek?!" He seemed surprised. Turning, he conversed with his partner, an Argn who seemed perturbed for some reason before turning back to us.


    "Even more reason to come with us. We apologize, but your call, while it came, couldn''t be answered. The Aegon will explain why."


    Sharing a look with Skyhorn and a shrug, we followed the two Argrarn heading for the center of the village. Even as we walked, I couldn''t help but pick out something.


    "Where are the Aegeon?" The Argn Argrar sighed before looking back at me.


    "The cliffs."


    Skyhorn and I withheld our gasps for a glance at the other. The cliffs were used to hold the weak Aegon, Argeon, and non-fighting Argalorn.


    "We figured it was bad when I made the call since, well, we almost died. But this bad to use the cliffs," Skyhorn shook his head.


    "Best to let the Aegon explain," the Argn spoke.


    "Rif''farg Arg''myn ge''kann (Sorry for my lack of manners). Arg''ame Aeris Skylark, Arg''it Skyhorn Skyshriek. Ar''pis''reet''pa Argion (I am Aerial Skylark, this is Skyhorn Skyshriek. We are pleased to meet you."


    "Skip the tones. No time for respect now. There are bigger problems than a lack of one. Arg''ame Talon Swiftwind. Argn''t Seraphina Skyblade. Now follow."


    Silence descended on us as we strolled with purpose through the village. There was no panic or chaos. All of those who could have created such havoc had been transported to the cliffs. I was certain the other villages had done the same as well.


    ''Would we fight? Could we fight? How strong were we now with these blessings? Where did these blessings come from? Who was Ozai? The Ser''Tuk''Itan. But what actually was a Ser''Tuk''Itan? I knew even the Aegons didn''t know.''


    ''Does it matter?!''


    A voice sounded in my head. I almost jumped if not for something holding me in place. My mouth wished to open but remained closed.


    ''What... who are you? How are you doing this?'' I thought frantically while realizing my body was still working. I could feel and see, sense and smell, but I had no control.


    ''You already met me.'' My sight seemed to blur as I found myself looking at the back of a familiar Argonne. ''You prayed to me.'' I shivered. The scene split to him slaughtering the goblin raiders.


    ''And I answered.''


    ''Ser''Tuk''Itan.''


    ''Aware. Grants consciousness, and life. In a way. Indeed. You received the notification from the Akashic Records?''


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ''Yes?''


    ''Good. This would have hurt worse.''


    ''What?!''


    ''Heads up. We are here.''


    ****


    THIRD PERSON POV


    Whisperwind Haven was a village built in the trees at the edge of the Verdant Veil forest. Huts built into the treetops and a few at ground level both created an easy flight for the Argonnes, places of meeting, and also protection from land-based enemies.


    With all the Argelon and non-fighting Argalorn gone, it would be easy for the fighters to defend with minimal casualties.


    At the center of the village, built between a cluster of great trees and with various vine bridges and ropes coiling up both trees, was the Aego''arg''ha''nar. The Eldertree Grove.


    Five seats made of logs formed a ring within the grove. A little stream flowed from the River to the east which formed a ring around the grove that both nourished the trees and let our people wash and clean without straying far.


    "We''re here. Follow. Seraphina stand watch." The Argn nodded and stood at the edge of the stream while the other threw Argons crossed over the stream on a bridge of wood and vines.


    "Argannenad (flying or use of wings) is prohibited here," Talon warned with a stern voice. Both nodded and satisfied the Arg''rar led them on. There was no covering or shade in here as the trees did the work of breaking up rain, sunlight, and storm winds.


    There were five Aegon on the log seats. Each one showed age beyond normal. Their feathers had lost most if not all colors, their wings near shriveled, and their once-vibrant eyes and beak now lusterless.


    ''Truly they are Arg''elno (ancient).''


    "What brings you in here, Arg''rarn Swiftwind?" A softer and still-aged voice asked. Arg''rarn made a show of pulling his wings tighter behind his back and folding his arms across his chest. Standard Argonnean greeting.


    "I bring the Skyshrieker and friend." He announced and turned to Aeris and Skyhorn, who took a step closer and made a swift furl up and arm fold.


    "Aegon Arg''veth (greetings elders)." The greeting was simultaneous after which Skyhorn stepped forward to give a rundown of what happened. By the time they were halfway through, the clear disbelief on the Aegon faces was evident.


    "What Aerondam nonsense is this?!" One screeched. Talon flinched a bit before glaring at the two who stared right back at him.


    "You mean to tell me that you both met a Ser''Tuk''Itan? Impossible. Those are fake. Unreal. Theories."


    "Unbelievable. The village is in grave danger, and this is what we have to listen to!" One of the Aegon rose and sat back just as quickly. The shaking feet he tapped not escaping eyes.


    "I believe I can explain more on this." Aeris took a step forward. Skyhorn gave him a look that asked what he had to explain. His gaze was understandable as most of what Skyhorn had added he didn''t know due to being unconscious.


    Aeris just shook his head at Skyhorn and looked to the Aegons who watched him with a frown. He took a step closer. Talon shivered.


    ''Something is strange.'' Argonnes were beings that ruled the Isles. Their only enemies being either each other or the red ones. And the red ones were a problem only when in large bands, which is the case now.


    Argonnes didn''t feel dread or fear for anyone but one name. The Aerondam, Aerondir. But even he had not brought up such a feeling as the one taking with his heart battling.


    Aeris stopped at the center. All this while he and the Ser''Tuk''Itan in his head had been conversing. While his motion had been granted back to him, he still felt a bit of apprehension. One solved by a simple reassurance that if the Ser''Tuk''Itan was a danger, then it didn''t matter. They would be dead either way.


    Standing right at the edge of the circle, all five eyes on him, he finally spoke. But it wasn''t his voice that filled the grove and made the trees shake.


    "I am Ozai. But not the one you refer to as Ser''Tuk''Itan."


    Silence.


    Skyhorn took a step forward and set his hand on Aeris''s shoulder. "What..." His words died as Aeris screamed out. His hands stretched, his legs followed. His wings grew larger. His forehead lengthened, his eyebrows creating space between it and his eyes. Two slits opened in that space, and golden-white light spilled from within them.


    His wings spilled this light as well, and when he spoke again, it wasn''t just the grove that shook, the entire village rattled.


    "What you correctly refer to as one who grants awareness is something more than a god."


    Aeris stood a good 8 feet taller. His wingspan almost touching both sides of the grove. Skyhorn was already two steps back in fright. Talon stood between the elders and Aeris while a whoosh came from behind. All eyes turned to spot Seraphina dropping like an arrow straight at Aeris.


    "Violence is unneeded. But, probably necessary." His large right arm shot out faster than a blur and snagged the Argn from the dive. Turning back, he set her down to the ground, leaving her neck.


    Argn panted with shock and surprise as she looked at the hand that had caught her without a strain.


    "Don''t move, Seraphina." Talon ordered, dragging the Argn behind him.


    "I will speak now." Aeris turned and made a gesture at the ground. Light spilled from his palms, and the ground rose, shaping and forming a chair. Setting his ass on it while letting his wings splay out, he regarded everyone.


    "I realize you have questions, confusions, curiosities, ask them." His gaze went to a wide-eyed and vicious-looking Seraphina. "Thoughts that are also not good. Don''t act on them." He leaned back and watched.


    "Well, ask away."

 The Primordial 5

    TALON''S POV


    The Argonne defined power in lots of ways: physical might, skills, looks, and size. At this very moment, this being, Aeris or whoever he called himself, had in a blink of an eye transcended it all. Just the sheer pressure he exuded was something most had not even felt from the Aerondam.


    "Who are you?" It took everyone casting glances his way to know he was the speaker. Still, he kept his face straight and watched Aeris/Ozai.


    "I am Ozai."


    "What are you?"


    "Why are you here?"


    "What did you do to Aeris?"


    Aeris/Ozai looked around. "I am what you believe as Ser''Tuk''Itan. But not Ser''Tuk''Itan. Here, here? or in this world here? I did nothing to him. He''s perfectly fine. For now." His attempts to answer all tbe questions thrown at him going unheard.


    "Let him go. Now!" Skyhorn shouted.


    "Okay. The nice way of doing this is not working. Let''s try this..." I sensed something bad coming, but it was too late to even act.


    Another burst of pressure smacked into me, and from the groans around, I could feel I wasn''t the only one.


    "Brace yourselves and try to bear it. Had to ask a favor for this."


    The ground beneath my feet vanished. I was falling. The sound of a splash came one moment, and the next, all sound was lost. I felt myself sinking, and falling, as I held and was pushed by something all around me.


    ''Water''.


    It was dark in here. Very dark.


    "Do you know what all the waters around you signify? Such a precious commodity. It represents life, change, constance, flow, balance, power, and many more things your mind couldn''t decipher."


    The voice came from everywhere and nowhere. Suddenly, there was light. No, not light. But color. The water, I was underwater. The water had gone from dark and colorless to gold. So bright it hurt.


    "Welcome to the Source." Something large rushed through the water. It was mighty and horrifying. Unlike anything I had ever seen. My mouth opened as I screamed in terror, the thing drew closer at astonishing speeds, and water filled my mouth and into my body.


    Something pulled me back, and the next thing I was on the ground of the grove coughing and spitting. I choked badly. I could still feel the sensation and terror. Yet I was still as dry as before.


    "How...what was that?"


    "My apologies. Seems my sister has outdone herself once more." Aries or whoever was inside him rose from the seat and raised a hand. A surge of light washed over us, and I could feel my discomfort and sore throat go away.


    No one spoke again. The display was enough to shake our minds. Whoever this was, he had effectively shown us that he was unlike Aerondir.


    "Ser''Tuk''Itan." An old voice from behind me exclaimed. I turned to see an Aego bowing. "What the..."


    "Ser''Tuk''Itan."


    "Ser''Tuk''Itan."


    "Ser''Tuk''Itan."


    "Ser''Tuk''Itan."


    The five Aegon had lowered themselves, their Argannen furled up behind them, and hands folded to their chest.


    "Wait... Argannen." Indeed, the Aegon were Arg''elno no more. One of the Aegon rose. Blackflight Windkin. He was the oldest of the Aegon. At least he should have been. I watched perplexed as this Argo walked forward on sturdy legs. His expression, the once lusterless beak, and eyes now showcased as much surprise as us with each step he took.


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    He stopped before Aeris and gripped his arms in his own tighter. "We thank you."


    It was clear what he was doing, but I do think this was..."


    "But we also wish to understand. If you are Ser''Tuk''Itan then why and where were you? We do not understand. Our people fought and died. Our past Aegon told us of the times before we came to the Zephyr Isles. Times when we fought and died to the Mon''ha (beasts) of the lowlands. Why return now?"


    We could all see Blackflight shaking in barely repressed anger.


    "Like I said. I am no Ser''Tuk''Itan. The one who deserves such a name is not here. And may never be here. We are but her leasers. Born from her bosom but not her. We are here to see her work."


    The being''s face seemed to twitch for some reason.


    "What then are you if not Ser''Tuk''Itan? And where is Ser''Tuk''Itan?"


    Aries/Ozai laughed. "The one you ask for is beyond our reach and us. This world is but one in the vastness of all that is life. This does not make you less important to Ser''Tuk''Itan but Ar''myn (Time) is less."


    All eyes frowned and hardened. For the being to use our language in the explanation for Ar''myn gave the notion that time was scarce and the Ser''Tuk''Itan had less of it.


    Ar''myn was something we Argonnes cherished. Faster flight time, faster strength gain, faster growth. So when we grew up or had less time, it was a bother and bad for us.


    "What I am. In your language would be, Arg''Pheyso."


    We shuddered at the implications. All eyes rose to try and peer past the trees that hid the skies.


    "The ones from above and beyond." Blackflight shivered.


    "Time draws less. My identity can be discussed at a later time. I, Ozai, would love to be known and know more of you. I came solely due to the Arg''feyt of this one whom I inhabit. My true form and that of my family would decimate this realm. Now if you may I would retreat. Know that my eyes shall watch over you and I will aid as I can to ensure success." He turned to look behind us in the northern direction of the villages.


    "The red ones as you know them draw closer to the other two villages you also wish to safeguard."


    Blackflight turned and looked at me. "Talon. They wish to keep reinforcements from helping any of the villagers."


    I rose to my feet and walked up to the two. By my side, I could see Seraphina already following, her eyes narrowed on Aries/Ozai. ''Stubborn Argn''. I mentally shook my head at how she was more annoyed at being caught so disrespectfully.


    "It would be bad for us if what they have planned works. The three villages have always taken care of threats as one. They seem to know this and separating us was the idea all along."


    "What would you advise Arg''Pheyso?" He asked, looking up to the over 8 foot being.


    "This vessel and his are blessed by me. I am certain their improved capabilities can work to halt any plans."


    "What would you have us do?" I asked this time.


    "Past your walls and into the Verdant Veil, I sense your kin."


    "A back attack?"


    "The hunters." Blackflight and Seraphina echoed simultaneously. Aries nodded.


    "Draw their attention and pull them into the woods. The Red ones are not strong but their numbers are a problem," he looked to the side where another Aego stood.


    "Is that a map?" The large being moved, his steps lithe and smooth for someone of his size. His Argennen, which should have given him problems, simply furled themselves to his back.


    Taking the map from the Aegon who stood there shocked, Ozai opened the map, and his face twitched. "Three villages, three major paths that lead out of the Verdant Veil forest. With the ongoing siege, the goblins have pinned all fighters into their villages, stopping reinforcements."


    His eyes moved to the forest, and then he tapped a finger on it, holding the map in his left palm. "You have some hunters in the forest. I can sense and feel their presence there. Why not have them make attacks on the goblins to throw them off and distract them?"


    "We thought of that, Arg''Pheyso. But the goblins are ruthless and could kill these few hunters before they even fled. Plus, we suspect there might be a Blyn''maje in their ranks." I tightened my fists in annoyance at the thought of something like that.


    The Arg''Pheyso froze, then sighed. "I will communicate with your hunters and help them in these attacks. If there is a Blyn''maje, I will keep tabs on it and make sure it ruins nothing." He looked up at us.


    "Once the attack is underway, get a message to your other villages. I would do it myself, but we don''t have time for all the sights I showed you all now."


    I and the other Aegon nodded.


    "I will leave now. Observe your enemies. I will convey information through these two. Prepare to move."


    Ozai''s face twitched. Then his head flung backward. His arms spread out as his Argannen unfurled. Instead of flapping, they shook and quivered. First were his limbs. Both hands and feet shrunk till he was shorter than before. His torso joined halfway to bring him back to normal. The weight of the extra-large Argannen pushed him to his knees. His face still looking up.


    Skyhorn rushed past me, obviously intent on holding his friend.


    "Let it end." Grasping his hand, I stopped him, and we watched on. Next was his second upper pair of eyes. Their golden glare dimmed. Then the eyes shut and faded back into the forehead. The forehead shrunk and his face was back to normal.


    His Argannen stiffened and then flowed as it was covered in bright light. Aries screamed. The wings shrunk till they were back to their former size. A bit of their former size. His Argannen were obviously bigger than they had been.


    Skyhorn shook off my grip and slid to his friend, stopping the Argo from hitting the ground face-first.


    His eyes opened to reveal gold-spotted pupils. "Anyone who is touched by Aeg''pheyson will always be touched."

 The Primordial 6

    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)


    Main Continent Western Edge - Zephyrwood Outpost Territory - Whisperwind Haven Village.


    THIRD PERSON POV


    The silence in the Aego''arg''ha''nar that was deafening after the exit of the Arg''pheyso Ozai was broken by a curse from Seraphina. Her eyes burned with annoyance and anger.


    "What?!". Everyone asked at the same time. She glared and made a fist with her left palm obviously still getting over how she was calmly caught. In her right hand, Talon was only now noticing her Yotk. He sighed mentally.


    "We need to act". All eyes moved to the Aego who spoke. Lastfeather Sharpturn. He just like the other Aegon now looked younger and more muscular.


    "The Arg''pheyso has added more fighters to the ranks for us. Everyone here was once an able-bodied and capable fighter". Waving at us he locked eyes with Blackfeather. "If the Arg''pheyso is indeed going to communicate with the hunters then we need to act quickly. Use the opportunity to get the reinforcements of the other village to attack against the raiders".


    "A little problem with that plan Aego". Talon stepped forward and taking the map off the floor he spread it out.


    "There are three paths*. He tapped each of the paths in the map. "Which has three squads of raiders. If the red ones wanted to remove our options of reinforcements they wouldn''t take us one at a time". He looked up.


    An Aego sighed. "What ..."


    "Then we strike first ". All heads turned to Aeris who stared back. "The Arg''pheyso says. We strike first. Disturb their raiding party. The only chance to help the other villages is by taking out our raiding party and then reinforcing the others.


    "There''s too many of them. There''s a reason we have the other villages to reinforce us. We''re not the other territories". Brightblade Windsoarer murmured.


    "No". This time it was Skyhorn who spoke. "We are different from the other territories. We have an Arg''pheyso. One who has blessed I and Aeris. We can do this. We will do this".


    Areris pushed himself to his feet. "Just give the command and point us in the right direction".


    Talon and the others shared glances.


    "What exactly does this blessing do?". He asked. Both Argon looked at each other and then nodded.


    "We believe this might be the secret to the Aerondam strength. It is suspicious. It has a lot of things to cover so we''ll cover only the basics. I can fly better and longer. My Argannen possesses resilience and grants me healing powers. Thanks to the Arg''pheyso".


    All eyes widened. Seraphina grunted. All eyes went to Skyborm who explained his capabilities as well.


    "You mentioned being injured and you fighting to keep him safe". Blackfeather muttered. "He granted you blessings based on your needs and not your wants. Thankfully it was a continuous blessing ".


    He turned to Seraphina. "Assign them tasks that put these blessings to use. Best to outfit them too with whatever we have. Talon!". Colorful and bright eyes locked on Talon. Talon stiffened. It had been a while since he had suffered such a gaze.


    "Ar''pesa Arg''gar''sil(Gather the Warflock). Little in numbers we may be. Lowest of the Argonnen we might be. But now, it all changes. We won''t be the Argonnen who remain weak and in their place even when an Arg''pheyso is here".


    Blackfeather looked around the room. "If the Arg''pheyso gives us help then we take it and we use it. It''s the height of foolishness for an Argonne to see an updraft and ignore it. We rise with the wind. This is a divine wind. And by the Ser''Tuk''Itan. We. Will. Ride It".


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    Talon stiffened again as this time Blackfeather faced Seraphina. "You are one of if not our greatest Argrarn and Arg''mar(warrior). Do not be discouraged by defeat at the hands of one from the Ser''Tuk''Itan bosom. You are great amongst Argannenit''ar(those whom you fly with)".


    Finally, he looked back to the rest of his fellow Aegon. "Long have we shaken and quivered like dying prey in our huts, walked to the Aego''arg''ha''nar on frail and shaking bones. Now we are strong. We are healthy. So I ask Arg''myn Aegon will you fly with me once again ".


    A sigh escaped the Aegon while the younger ones just stared confused. An Argn Aegon walking up to Blackfeather slapped him lightly with a wing as she walked past. "It''s too early and we''re too old for your dramatics. I''ll fetch my Ra''kit. Arg''soj tinnon rethran ra''kit. (It''s been ages since I drew a bow)". The Aegon walked over the wood bridge. The moment she reached the other side her Argannen spread and with a powerful flap she was gone.


    "You have competition now with Galeshot Bluefeather back". Talon whispered to Seraphina who turned and glared at him. "What. She''s named Galeblade for a reason even if her true name is Galeshot". He scratched his feathered jaw.


    Seraphina sighed and turned to leave. The two Argon following.


    "How do you suspect this will go Talon?". Redhead Skytrooper another Aego asked. His eyes were inquisitive.


    "I truly do not know. But I hope with an Arg''pheyso it should be clean". Talon answered before giving the salute and walking away.


    "Let''s prepare as well. I''m sure our Yotkn and Ra''kitn are all worn out and need repairs". Blackfeather left next. Behind him, the remaining three took a glance at each other.


    "I don''t know about you three. But if the Arg''pheyso keeps me this young every time I have no issues with listening to him". Tara Bladefeather smiled wide and strutted out of the Grove.


    "Madness". The other two spoke simultaneously then glared at the other before scoffing.


    ****


    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)


    Main Continent Western edge - Zephyrwood Outpost Territory - Verdant Veil Forest


    ROTHO''S POV


    "Arg''gardef". An Argo landed with a run, Argannen beating harshly as he stopped his momentum. I watched his speedy entrance with narrowed eyes.


    "Arg''gardef. Red ones. Raider band. Blyn''maje maybe with the band". My feathers chilled at the words. A raiding band was very problematic if attacking one village.


    "Quick we must return. The Village will need us". It was always a priority to safeguard the village. We were the ones who wielded Ra''tik. The Arg''feyn ar'' Arg''tiel(wrath of the heavens). We could not be away. Not a lot of us knew the skills of the Yotke and even those who did were not as profoundly good as they should have been with the Ra''tik.


    It was in our blood.


    "Impaler Whitefeather. Rush to the other two villages. Ar''pesa Arg''mar!. Vatu". He nodded turning to hurry off when a pressure descended on us.


    I felt myself buckle to my knees and my Argannen squeezed together in between my back.


    "Forgive the discomfort, but doubting my next words would be perilous for your village".


    I frowned, both from pain, the pressure, the words, and the voice."Who...".


    "... I am doesn''t matter for now. What matters is what your Village needs. To gather the Warriors of the other village you need to draw the Red ones'' attention to you. That way the villages can band up together".


    "What. How...the villages would come together to..."


    "The villages are being attacked separately. Divided you three shall fall".


    Dread went up my chest and I felt myself begin to panic. ''No, wait he must be a trick of the Blyn''maje to confuse and make me despair ''.


    "You must strike the rear of the Red Ones to draw their attention and give Aeris Skylark and Skyhorn Skyshriek the chance to act".


    I wanted to and would have argued back if the pressure didn''t vanish just then and the voice with it. There was no sound for miles in any direction and I felt my feathers sticking to each other from the damp sweat that had soaked it.


    "Arg''gardef...what..."


    "Fly close to the villages. Stay far enough to scout and see. You should know what to do if the words we received are false". I looked at Impaler who nodded and took off. His Argannen flapping fast and with Dextrous might.


    "The rest of you come with me. Whether the voice speaks true or not we need to confirm if this raid band is more than enough for three villages ".


    "What do you think that was Arg''gardef?".


    "What if things are as the voice says?".


    I sighed with a frown on my face. "If so then we hope that voice can do more than just make Argonnen shake in their feathers".


    "He mentioned Aeris and the Skyshriek". An Argn spoke. I sighed. "They are good with the Yotk. But arw not with a Ra''tik. Best to act fast and hope the words were false".


    "I think we should act in the case the voice spoke true". I glared back at the Argn. Ariana was the kind to always argue my decisions. ''That''s what I get when an Aego''s Argeon is in my group''.


    "Bluefeather". I gave her the best no-nonsense face I could. "Not now". It definitely didn''t work as she frowned at me. I sighed mentally again and turned to keep up the move. The village didn''t have time for such dramas.

 The Primordial 7

    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)


    Main Continent Western Edge - Zephyrwood Outpost Territory - Whisperwind Haven Village.


    THIRD PERSON POV


    Seraphina walked with purpose. Behind her two Argon followed. Their gaits were measured and their exchanged looks carried worries in them. The Argn Argrarn led them to a hut larger than the others in the village.


    Pushing the flap open she walked in whilst beckoning them with a simple gaze. It was easy to see the Argn wasn''t so pleased. Inside the hut was dark and illuminated only by the little light that filtered in through the window and the door spaces.


    "Pick a Yokt for yourself and a Ra''kit. You will be mostly useless with it but who knows. Maybe an Arg''pheyso blessing will work wonders". She smiled thinly, a look that didn''t give her a less-than-predatory look.


    Both Argon strolled through the room. The Ra''kitn on display were old or newly made but not sold ones. Strong and thick. With strings that hummed with power when drawn.


    Aeris found choosing a Yokt easy. A Ra''kit, not so much. To his side, Skyhorn was already done with selecting a Ra''kit. Now he was busy finding a better piece of Unerp for his body.


    It took a few more minutes but soon enough both were done. Now adorned in better and broader Unerpn the duo resembled seasoned Argrarn.


    "Hopefully fight as good as the Unerp makes you look". Seraphina motioned both to follow.


    Outside was already busy. With the Argeon and Argalorn already evacuated all that were present were Arg''mar(warriors). In total were only eighteen.


    "This is why we''re so weak and looked down on as a village". Skyhorn murmured.


    "Maybe if the capable ones stopped fleeing off to kiss the Aerondan''s backside we would be better". Seraphina bit back.


    "That''s why your so pissed. Arg''pheyso reminds you of the Aerondan". Skyhorn stiffened and Seraphina locked Aeris with a glare before shaking her head and walking off to meet with Talon.


    "Argome(Brother/Brother mine). I get we both have been blessed. But if you get into her bad graces. No Arg''pheyso will save you". Skyhorn chuckled.


    Seraphina returned quickly and sized us both up. "You''ll both have to do and your blessings should be enough". Looking at Aeris her stance changed and her tone took on a severity that told both Argon that this was no more jokes time.


    "Arg''gor Skylark, your orders are to find the Arg''baln in the Verdant veil forest. Inform them and help them clear a path out of the woods to join up with the Arg''mar".


    "Sorry to ask Arg''rar, what is the plan for delaying and pushing back the Red ones if we''re to free our reinforcements?".


    Seraphina frowned. "The Arg''baln are the chance for this. Hopefully the Arg''baln of the other villages are available to help push back the Red ones. If so we''ll be in a good position".


    "If not, we''ll be in a bad one". Seraphina nodded at Aeris.


    "Now go". Both Argonnes watched as the Argo took off in a run before spreading out his Argannen and taking off with a powerful flap. The sand at his feet blew up violently as he was shot more meters above than normal. Spinning midair he oriented himself and then took off to the west.


    "What is it like to be blessed?". The question was unexpected but Skyhorn didn''t show an expression.


    "Honestly. It''s more than the blessing". He turned to her and smiled. "It''s more". She nodded.


    "We need you and the Arg''mar to cause trouble amongst the raid parties. Considering our village was emptied and there is none to protect here all fighters are going to the other villages to perform attacks. You are with me. Talon will lead another group to the last village. Let''s go".


    ****


    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)


    Main Continent Western edge - Zephyrwood Outpost Territory - Verdant Veil Forest


    THIRD PERSON POV


    Aeris flew to the treetops at such speeds it was borderline criminal. He''d known the difference he''d perceived after his blessing but using it for a prolonged period made him realize just how much of a cheat having an Arg''pheyso blessing was.


    Lost in thoughts he like all other Argonna didn''t forget to keep an attention to the ground. This did wonders to help him catch the ongoing violence below.


    Coming in from the east he was backed by an army of goblins defending and throwing offensive against a small ragtag bunch of Argon.


    "The Arg''baln". Surprised at the speed with which he''d found them Aeris halted midair using a tree branch as cover.


    "Okay let''s do this. I have a Ra''tik now. And this whole thing should be able to get me a decent shot". Pulling up his template he quickly tried accessing it once more while muttering about how much of an Aerondan, Aerondir was.


    But something clicked into his view. A message of sorts one that made him almost lose balance if not for him slowly getting used to words in his face.


    **Mortal 5482 inspection complete**


    **Mortal 5482 is one of the first 100 to gain the Akashic Records**


    **Racial Skill - Zephyr Mastery Unlocked**


    **Welcome gift generated and granted**


    **Class Orb received - One-time use**


    A shock suddenly went through him and Aries was unable to focus on the next words as he felt an intense sensation swell through his body.


    **Racial Skill - Zephyr Mastery:**


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    - Argonnes possess innate proficiency in Zephyr Mastery, a racial skill unique to them alone. With this ability, User can manipulate the winds with finesse and precision, controlling their direction, speed, and intensity to his advantage. Whether it''s creating gusts to propel himself forward, conjuring whirlwinds to disorient opponents, or summoning gentle breezes to soothe allies, user can harness the power of the wind with unparalleled skill and control.


    (Can only be unlocked and controlled with Abstract & Akasha)


    **Class Orb - Skyward Aviator utilized**


    **Skyward Aviator - Skyward Aviators are elite warriors among the Argonne, mastering the winds and skies with unparalleled grace and skill. They soar through the air with their feathered wings, wielding the elements of wind and air to their advantage in combat. Skyward Aviators are adept archers, able to strike their targets with pinpoint accuracy from great distances. With their mastery of the air and their skill in combat, they are formidable opponents to any who dare to challenge them in the skies.


    You are the first to gain this class.


    **Class Skills -


    **Aerial Maneuvering: Basic - Aeris has basic proficiency in aerial maneuvering, allowing him to navigate the skies with agility and precision, dodging obstacles and evading enemy attacks with ease.**


    **Windborne Precision: Basic - User possesses basic skill in windborne precision, enabling him to enhance his accuracy and effectiveness with ranged attacks while airborne, such as archery or wind-based assaults.**


    **Tempest Strike: Basic - User has basic proficiency in tempest strike, granting him the ability to unleash powerful wind-enhanced strikes in close combat, delivering devastating blows to his opponents with the force of a raging storm.**


    *Welcome to the Akashic Records Mortal 5482*


    **Name: Aeris Skylark **


    **Level: 1**


    **Experience Points: 0 / 100 **


    **Race: Argonne (Wind and Air Mastery)**


    **Class: Skyward Aviator**


    **Class skills -


    - Aerial Maneuvering -Basic


    - Windborne Precision - Basic


    - Tempest Strike - Basic


    **Health Points (HP): 100 / 100**


    **Akasha Points (MP): 80 / 80**


    **Might: 6**


    **Mobility: 10**


    **Physicality: 8**


    **Mental: 8**


    **Skills:


    - Ra''tik Mastery: None


    - Yotk Swordsmanship: Basic


    - Zephyr Mastery - Basic


    - Precision Archery: None


    **Equipment:


    - Head: None


    - Body: Unerp(Low common), Laqits(Trash)


    - Weapon: None


    - Off-hand: None


    - Accessory 1: None


    - Accessory 2: None


    **Quests:


    - Aid and inform the Arg''baln of the ongoing problems


    -


    -


    **Divine Blessing - Resilience**


    - Wing Resilience


    - Enhanced Healing


    - Flight Mastery


    - Aerial Dominance


    "Wow. That''s a lot. But this doesn''t give me any help in Ra''tik". Looking at the Ra''tik he''d been hoping to use he frowned. ''Wait a minute. Windborne. It increases my accuracy. Does that mean I must be flying ''.


    Without waiting he drew an arrow, notched it on the string, and took aim. His arm vibrated a bit from strain. ''Powerful''. He eyed the string. ''No wonder it''s a weapon for the strong''. His gaze turned to Arg''baln.


    ''How strong are they for them to wield this without aid from the Akashic Records''. He frowned. Then he realized. The records didn''t make him stronger. It simply gave him skills and abilities. His divine blessing didn''t make him powerful just better with his wings and more resilient. ''Plus a healing power I don''t know how to use yet''.


    All in all, it was obvious to him that while he was weaker than the Arg''baln with training and resolve he could get to their level and hopefully surpass them.


    ''Eh, not like they won''t surpass me once everyone knows about the Akashic Records. Still, I wonder if the Arg''pheyso would bless everyone ". He shrugged and looked down at the fight ongoing. Taking as proper an aim as he could his fingers slipped and the arrow was shot off.


    It flew true and embedded into a tree. ''Okay''.It wasn''t bad but it definitely wasn''t perfect. It showed how much better at using Ra''tik an Argonne could be.


    He notched another arrow, aimed then flapped his Argannen with power. Bursting out of the tree he felt his mind steady, his breathing slow, his hands lose their quiver. It was like a guiding force held him and edged him into the perfect stance.


    His Argannen spread behind ready to flap just as his mind told him it was now. His fingers let go, the string let off the silent vibration of power, and the arrow slipped through the Ra''tik firmly, cutting through the air like a bird itself. He could see it, follow it, the wobbling shaft of the arrow. The head cutting through space.


    The scream of the Red goblin as the arrow found its neck brought attention to the canopies. Aries didn''t care. He wasn''t here to fight. He was here to aid and alert the Arg''baln. He''d gotten a boon in return. Diving low he darted through trees and around gigantic tree barks.


    Flying fast and swiftly made him realize how Aerial maneuvering didn''t just help him in the sky. ''As long as my feet do not touch the ground''. He spun around a tree and rushed back for the fight. The Arg''baln had noticed his presence in the trees and were already attacking more ferociously.


    Something about Arg''baln was the amount of arrows carried. With a weapon where superiority was showcased running out of arrows was frowned at.


    It was no surprise that the Arg''baln had solved this by the amount of Quivers carried. Wielding smaller Yotkn they had four to five strapped on their bodies each holding a set number of arrows even Aeris didn''t know.


    As such he wasn''t bothered about them running out. Something to his right caught his eye. Movement on the trees. His head spun sharply in that direction and he flinched as a red one leaped from the tree to land on his flying figure.


    The flinch helped to move a bit making the red one miss and fall. But it wasn''t the only one. Several Red ones scurried and climbed up the tree chittering and yelling in rage and anger as they dove for him.


    Weaving and banking like a bird he dodged their jumps. Flapping his Argannen he took to the canopies before soaring round and dropping down.


    ''Using my Ra''kit is good but I''m not good enough to shoot those many arrows". His eyes went to the Arg''baln, their hands a fluid motion of retrieve, notch, quick draw, and fire. Aeris refused to believe they were aiming because the space between drawing and firing was so minimal it was as impossible as there being an Arg''pheyso.


    More divings took his attention to what mattered. And just in time, he found a Red One swinging with a Vine right to his face. The problem wasn''t dodging it. It was the other ones doing the same while many dropped from trees and branches as well.


    ''Tempest Strike''. His mind seemed to expand.


    ''Look not within. But beyond. Stretch your desire your imagination and your want to form your will''.


    He felt a shiver go down his neck as words entered his ears and registered into his brain.


    ''Bear your will upon reality and know it shall be so''.


    It was like a finality that he could not escape but at the same time, Aeris felt himself follow. He knew the voice after all. The how of the matter was something he could shrug off as Arg''pheyso power. For now, he focused. He saw what he wanted and what he willed for.


    The goblin''s shriek pulled his eyes open. His left hand wielding Ra''tik moved back and his right came forward. His intent to grab his Yotk


    was forgotten as time ran out. He swung with his palm like a Yotk.


    Turbulence. The very space in between both Argonne and Red Goblin blasted apart as wind in the form of a long blade strike cut through the air. Blood flowed, bodies fell and even trees rattled.


    Aeris thrown back from the force of the strike fought with his Argannen to catch himself till his feet found a bark and using his right hand he quickly caught onto a vine and held himself in place.


    "What was that?!". Shocked and terrified at the confusion he looked around.


    "You, my friend, have wielded the power of your mind. Brought your Abstract to reality, and wielded Akasha to form that". Next to him, the Arg''pheyso appeared in all his glory. Similar to what he''d looked like when he''d held the Red ones off before.


    Aeris stared mesmerized for a moment by the perfection of Argonne he was seeing before he followed the pointing hand of the Arg''pheyso.


    Destruction. Not much. But it was something no Argonne should have been capable of. Been able to do. No one but the Aerondan.


    "Go, meet your Arg''baln. Alert them. This move should rattle the Red Ones enough for a victory to be sniffed. Now go". With a grin, the Arg''pheyso dropped from the branch and down out of sight. Aries rushed to the edge glancing below to find nothing.


    His eyes went to his right hand as he took heavy breaths. Then up to the sight before him. It clicked in his head just how much change was arriving now.


    ''We can do this. With Skyhorn too and everyone. It''s possible''.

 The Primordial - 8

    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)


    Main Continent Western edge - Zephyrwood Outpost Territory - Mistvale Hamlet


    THIRD PERSON POV


    Skyhorn was just as shocked as Aeris on seeing what he could do. His class and racial skill were already set and understood the Argo had taken to the skies with Seraphina and half of the Arg''gar''sil.


    The Arg''marn with them were fierce Yotk users who didn''t dally in rallying to battle the red creatures. Of course unlike the Arg''baln who utilized arrows the Arg''mar dove down into battle straight with their Yotk ready to cut and slash.


    If not for the Arg''pheyso telling him and guiding him Skyhorn doubted he would know how to wield the very might of the wind.


    *[Welcome to the Akashic Records Mortal ]*


    **Name:** Skyhorn Skyshriek


    **Level:** 1


    **Experience Points:** 30 / 100


    **Race:** Argonne (Wind and Air Mastery)


    **Class:** Windward Warden


    **Class Skills -


    - Galeguard: Basic


    - Zephyr Strike: Basic


    - Tempest Blessing: Basic


    **Health Points (HP):** 100 / 100


    **Akasha Points (AP):** 39 / 50


    **Might: 8**


    **Mobility: 9 **


    **Physicality: 10 **


    **Mental: 6**


    **Skills:


    **Ra''tik Mastery: None**


    **Yotk Swordsmanship: Basic**


    **Zephyr Mastery - Basic**


    **Precision Archery: None**


    **Equipment:**


    - Head: None


    - Body: Unerp (Low-quality common), Laqits(Thrash)


    - Weapon: York(Low Quality Common)


    - Off-hand: None


    - Accessory 1: None


    - Accessory 2: None


    **Quests:**


    - (Intermediate) Save the Argonnes of Mistvale and Oakheart villages (In progress)


    -


    -


    **Divine Blessing of Strength**


    - Enhanced Physical Strength.


    - Heightened Endurance.


    - Courageous Resolve.


    - Battle Prowess.


    **Class Name: Windward Warden**


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    The Windward Warden is a frontline combatant who excels in protecting allies and bolstering their strength while engaging enemies head-on. Utilizing the power of the wind, the Windward Warden can create defensive barriers, enhance allies'' abilities, and deliver devastating blows to foes with unparalleled strength and precision.


    **Class Skills Description:**


    1. **Galeguard: Basic** - User conjures a protective barrier of swirling winds around themselves and nearby allies, reducing incoming damage for a limited duration.


    2. **Zephyr Strike: Basic** - User charges forward with incredible speed, delivering a powerful strike to a single target and knocking them back while also granting a temporary speed boost to nearby allies.


    3. **Tempest Blessing: Basic** - Channeling the power of the wind, user bestows a blessing upon allies within range, temporarily increasing their strength, agility, and resilience in battle.


    There was a tree canopy worth of information on his screen to offload. First was the fact that the quest came immediately after getting his class.


    Why Aeris said nothing about this didn''t go through his head as he simply reasoned there was a lot on their minds. Next was the fact that he could get quests and gain experience points from them. His quest for one showed him the explanation according to what he knew and offered him a sizeable amount of quest.


    But that wasn''t all. His eyes twitched as he looked at his level and experience.


    ''Killing gets us experience''. The ramifications of this made him shiver. Still, his mind went to a different matter at the same time.


    Zephyr Mastery. It was something that blew his mind away but it was more due to how he was able to utilize his wind for stunts like the one Seraphina was performing. With his Tempest blessing, she was wading knee-deep into red one bodies.


    She was no slouch with the Yotk.


    A cry came from behind and he spun with a sharp twist of his left foot. An Arg''mar was half flying half jumping. Several red ones climbed and stabbed him relentlessly. Skyhorn dashed forward at a swift pace. Argannen flapped ferociously as it took him ahead.


    Casting Galeguard did more than just buy him time it also protected those around him from any attacks he didn''t see. Getting close to the Arg''mar under attack he leaped tackling the Argo to the ground and making him roll.


    ''Fortunately, Argannen knows to fuel up''. He thought as both stopped. Skyhorn was on his feet Yotk swinging out in a mad circle to eviscerate any red ones around him.


    Looking around he could see why the Arg''pheyso help was necessary. What they''d been unsure of. A fight against the number of goblins present was going well.


    Still, the mission was not over. A glance at Seraphina showed a new problem. Getting her out of there could be an issue. Looked to the Arg''mar slaughtering the hordes of Red ones with the aid of his Tempest blessing.


    ''Does it even have some limit?''. He wondered. A look at his template showed that while nothing had a limit he seemed to be using up the Akasha points for it.


    Frowning he decided it was best to cut it off. Looking around first and seeing only a few goblins around with Seraphina in the hot spot he frowned. Argannen flapped with power as he took to the skies. Tearing over the canopies he dropped back in through a space between two branches.


    Spinning around as best as she could to get past the trees in his way he grabbed Seraphina''s shoulder and flapped taking them both out of there. Just as he cleared the forest he let her go and dropped too.


    Cancelling his Tempest blessing he exhaled.


    "What was that Argo?. I could have killed you the moment you touched me!!". Up in his face, the Arg''rarn looked annoyed. Skyhorn confused furrowed his brows.


    "It was that or leave you to die when the Tempest blessing cut off. My Akasha seems to be fueling it and I think I still need it for later". Staring back at her without moving he waited. The Argn physically bristled with annoyance at his refusal to stand down.


    Her Argannen rose and her feathers puffed. Skyhorm didn''t react as he kept watching. Mentally he was irritated as he wondered why she was pissed at him keeping her alive. His shouting would have alerted the Red ones to his presence.


    What did she expect him to do?


    "Arg''elo. We must go. We''ve done our tasks of pushing back the raiding band". An Arg''mar stood to her side and spoke. Her eyes spun and like two hot beams landed on him. The Argo did not even flinch simply staring her down.


    "Quit your antics and lead the way. Take out your frustrations on the Arg''adef not on the kid who saved your feathered ass". This time all the attention turned to him and this time Skyhorn literally had it with her.


    While the two were Arg''mar or Arg''rar he was not. He was a simple patrol unit. Which meant any authority she had or tried to use over him went over his head as he had no inkling. Fortunately, Gustblade wasn''t here.


    "When you''re done posturing I''ll be at the Mistvale Hamlet.


    Turning he walked off annoyed. Whatever happened behind him he didn''t know or care as he turned and flew off to the Hamlet.


    His flight was short as he soon arrived at the Mistvake Hamlet gate. No one stopped him or hailed him. No one was there or in sight. Frowning he flew up and over it. The Hamlet was empty. Not a soul in sight.


    "Where''s everyone?". Quickly he flew all over the village, checking homes and trees. There was no one. No sign of fighting, blood, or anything. ''It''s like they just upped and left''.


    Flying back to the gate he found the Arg''marn there all looking around in perplexity.


    "No one?". One asked. He nodded. The Argo frowned and then looked to Seraphina. The Argn had either calmed or just buried whatever was her issue deep in her as she spoke.


    "Mistvale and Oakheart are known to be more friendly and closer to the other. If Mistvale fled they''d have gone straight for Oakheart. Let''s head there". Her eyes turned to Skyhorn.


    He narrowed his eyes as he watched her. "Sky Horn, you''ve shown to be the fastest of us all, plus naturally you were a patrol unit. Fly ahead and scout the area. If you see any danger fly back. If not go ahead till you get to Oakheart".


    "And if I can''t fly away?".


    "Use Skyshriek. Not hearing and not seeing you means you''re flying ahead ". He nodded then turned flying ahead.


    ****


    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)


    Main Continent Western edge - Zephyrwood Outpost Territory - Oakheart Valley


    SKYHORN POV


    "Well, it seems Seraphina was right". I muttered as I found signs of activity ahead. As patrol one of the things we knew was how to track movement in the forest. And we could see the signs of it.


    Flying out of the forest I froze in horror. A macabre scene haunted my sight. "No, impossible. How?". Before me sprawled across the stones and ground were corpses. Argonnes, Argalorn, Argeon, and Aegon with dead goblins.


    I shot downwards. Landing amid the carnage and rushing around. Looking through the bodies I found none alive. Most were brutally stabbed and others were torn in parts. The Red ones were ferocious.


    "No, no". Following the trail of carnage, I could see it went ahead to the Oakheart Valley. My Argannen spread, and my heart turned hot and cold with rage and pain. The three villages were like best friends. Brothers and sisters to each other. While Mist Vale and Oak heart acted like little brothers it was us, the Whisperwind Haven that usually acted to secure their safety. While it was not something I should feel, a death any death of one of us brought such a huge amount of pain.


    The Aegon would feel this deeper than me. I looked up to the sky and uttered the loudest Skyshriek I ever made. Unconsciously I channeled my Zephyr Mastery into creating a call of Alina ndrage so profound that it shook the very isle we were on.


    To others I may have been calling for help, uttering a cry of rage, or simply just expressing my pain. It didn''t matter.

 The Primordial 9

    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)


    Main Continent Western edge - Zephyrwood Outpost Territory - Verdant Veil Forest


    AERIS POV


    Having the Arg''baln drill me with queries was stifling, yet I understood. I saw what they felt, the depression, the rage, and the pain in them. So I held myself as I told them all they needed to know. One by one each of them nodded as I spoke and told them what was going on.


    "You say this blessing makes you heal as well?". The Arg''adef asked. Rotho was his name. I nodded.


    His head turned as he motioned me forward. Following I stopped as he moved to the side and let me see something I hadn''t seen with my clouded head. It was a sight that reminded me to put my head in the game.


    The Arg''bal was riddled with stab wounds. His thigh, torso, his back, and even his Argannen were not spared from getting wounds here and there.


    Crouching next to him I felt a sense of dread well up in me. Was I going to let this Argo die? I didn''t know how to use my healing. Looking at all his wounds I realized that maybe saving a life should be easier than wreaking destruction.


    I shut my eyes.


    "Look not within. But beyond...". I opened my eyes, my Argannen rose stretching to their full 12ft wingspan. Like the branches of a ha curved up to the Arg''nad(Sky).


    They glowed. Strings of gold and yellow flowed from them and around me to coalesce into balls of light in my palms. Even the palm holding my Ra''kit had a ball floating above it.


    "...stretch your desire, your imagination, and your want ...". I set my palms on the Argo and the balls vanished into his skin.


    "...to form your will". His skin lit up, unlike anything I''d ever seen. The light was so blinding and piercing that I had to shut my eyes for a moment and still could see the glare from behind my lids. Then the light faded away.


    The Argo was well. His wounds were gone and not even the blood remained behind. Rotho exhaled in relief and I chuckled in happiness.


    Around us, the Arg''baln rejoiced. This was what it meant to be Argonne. To be happy with a single life saved. To be pleased when an Argeono(baby) graced the village. It was the joy of life. ''One granted by the Ser''Tuk''Itan''.


    My head turned to the side. And just as expected he appeared. A smile on his face. ''One guarded by the Arg''pheyson''. I knew at that moment what an Arg''pheyso or as he called it, a god was.


    The forest stilled. The Arg''pheyso turned with such sharp movement that I barely saw his step. Gone was the calm smile of a loving god. In its place, I saw fury. Pure rage. His eyes turned to meet mine and the fury sunk back replaced and held by a layer of sadness so thick that it made me also cry.


    To watch a god feel emotions was to see life in its purest form.


    He was gone.


    It was then the wail reached us. The forest once still, shook with the grief in the sound. The rattle of the leaves and vibrations of the ground. I didn''t know this, but this would become a tradition. One passed down for Realions to come.


    A song for those who should not have fallen.


    The red goblins who had fallen back after my show of power had vanished to who knew where. Leaving a path open that all the Arg''baln took.


    I followed.


    There was confusion as there was fear in our hearts. The sound was known to all. The power in it though was not. It was Skyshriek. At a level unattainable before. to shake the forest. To make it rattle.


    ''To...''. I froze. Zephyr Mastery. Only it could have borne that power. To bear that power. ''A racial skill unlocked once introduced to the Akashic Records''. I didn''t claim to be the sharpest of my generation but at this point, the answer could only be one person.


    "Skyhorn Skyshriek". I called the name and jumped. We''d all been running. Flight in the forest required precision as such we had gone on foot. I had been mentally following.


    Leaving the Arg''baln behind though proved impossible as they took to the skies as well. Like untrained heralds of death, they fought the branches and the barks for their place in the wind.


    Together we flew over the trees and past the canopy Into the waning light of the twin suns.


    As the last of the suns set to the East we flew south with the light beside us. Not as a guiding path but as a torch. Fighting to light our paths even as it set.


    ****


    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.Main Continent Western edge - Skyward Archipelago Reserve


    AERONDIR''S POV


    The peaceful serenity of the reserve was the main reason I had banned all forages on it. The last thing I needed was any disturbance while I tried to actively sense and feel for the Akasha in the air.


    Akasha was everywhere. I knew this by now. I had my eyes open to this truth. But the will to control and manipulate this energy to my bidding was something that still set me back.


    While I stood at quite the high level almost on the cusp of what I perceived to be a milestone my use of Akasha was mediocre at best.


    It was good for my skills, yes. For my abilities yes. But that was it. There was no finesse, no art. As an Argonne, the very art of something was important. I knew that if my people knew about this then they too would wish for the same.


    My use of the Ra''tik had grown exponentially under the purview of the Akashic Records. My Argannenad exceptional, even Yotk, the weakest of my people''s skills had been improved beyond acknowledging.


    Still, I was unable to go beyond this. No matter what I did, how I did it, and what I thought I knew it didn''t work. Hunting animals to level didn''t help.


    I was almost tempted to finally release the secret of my power and see if some genius would discover the truth. But it was a last resort. ''I need to remain ahead. Hated or not I must push forward ''. I didn''t realize that my words would become the mantra for those with a resolve whether dark or good.


    Raising my left palm I tried to use Zephyr Mastery. Wind gathered around my palm and congregated into a turbulence of natural forces. ''Now for the annoying part''.


    Zephyr Mastery lets me use specific wind attacks designed by my class. But that was it. Outside of these skills, I couldn''t exactly use my Zephyr Mastery more than summoning the wind to me. But I knew that I could do more than that. What was the point of calling it Zephyr Mastery if one couldn''t master the wind without those skills?


    I pulled and tugged at the wind, pushed and searched for something. Anything.


    Nothing.


    "What else is there to try?''.


    My feathers ruffled. I narrowed my eyes as I turned with a frown. ''What was that?''. Something that came with increased levels was increased capabilities and physique. My eyesight, hearing and others were elevated.


    It was a Skyshriek. But this wasn''t a Skyshriek like the others. No, this was different. While my senses were elevated it wasn''t to the extent where I could hear sound from so high up in the sky. Unless that sound was actually very loud.


    ''But there is no Skyshrieker with such...'' my eyes narrowed. With a powerful flap of my Argannen, I ascended higher into the sky leaving the archipelago behind. The setting sun served as a backdrop to my flight.


    I could sense that something very interesting was that way. My bones tingled with the excitement of what I could find. Had another of my kind unlocked the Akashic Records? If so then this was both good and bad.


    ''I''ll just work around this''.


    ****


    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)


    Main Continent Western edge - Zephyrwood Outpost Territory - Oakheart Valley Village


    SIROCCO''S POV


    "Hold!!".


    The sound of the screams. The cries and the screeches from across the valley made me, if not all of our feathers shiver. Could feathers shiver?


    "Hold!!".


    The call to send out the Arg''baln and the Arg''mar to hold back the little beasts had been silenced the moment we saw the raiding band. Atleast the size of it.


    Every once in a while one Arg''baln would release an arrow to save a too-slow Argalor or a disoriented Argeo. My hands shivered as I held my Yotk tightly. The palms turning white. It sounded like the next call came after many suns. But it came. And it was not the desired one.


    "Hold!!".


    Everyone shivered and fretted at the call not being the one wanted. A look at the Aego who stood at the center of the wall could show him gritting his teeth. The sight of even this situation disturbing the Aegon wasn''t a surprise.


    "Arg''baln ready!!".


    It was the best words we had heard that day and we weren''t even the ones holding the bloody Ra''kitn. The sound of strings pulled created a crescendo of sound that soothed our nerves. It was ruined by the nearing cries of both Argonnen and their pursuers.


    We Arg''mar standing below tapped out feet in anxious impatience. Our eyes didn''t see a band numbering more than five hundred. Our eyes didn''t see death coming at us. No.


    We saw blood and pain. The blood of our kin and the pain they felt for their blood.


    "Arg''baln!!. Fire!!".


    I jolted and held myself. Fortunately, I wasn''t the only one who felt like being the arrows that the Ra''tikn unleashed. The sound of the projectiles cutting through the wind created a new din of pure glee.


    The arrows descended. Their screams entered our ears.


    "Arg''mar!!!". The Aego had seen enough and waited enough. His shout summoning all the attention of all eyes at the village walls. His gaze returned to the sky where the last lights of the sun cast a burning fire across the heavens. His feathers were old yet not as wrinkled and far gone as the other Aegon of this village.


    I watched him shut his eyes. Heard the cries of the Argonnen that pumped their feet to run faster, weighted down by their injured or too injured to fly themselves. Those who flew but too slowly due to their Argannen lacking the power to hold their and their beloved''s weights.


    My eyes never left him. And I knew the others all had theirs on him. ''What does he wait for?''. I pondered, anger seeking a victim to visit.


    His eyes opened just as the last flames of the heavens vanished. Plunging the world into a common and normal dark night.


    Yet we Argonnen could see. We were better that way. Creatures of the hunt. The world painted in a dull haze of white, black, and gray.


    Aego eyes opened. His beak moved. A tiny whisper. One that only those on our walls and below could hear


    "Denori ( Kill)"


    All heads turned sharply to the Red ones. Gazes filled with murderous want and hate. Argannen unfurled from backs and spread out, Yotkn rose, pointed to the skies.


    "DENORI!!!".


    "DENORI!!!".


    "DENORI!!!".


    I''d love to say the earth quaked, and the stones rattled. But we were far too few for that dream.


    When our Argannen flapped, it was a thunderous sound of wind and fury. Our bodies took to the skies, shooting forwards. Ahead we could see our kin still rushing for us while the goblins went mad with rage as the night blinded them. Most stopped to light fires. Others went on chasing following the cries of our people in a mad frenzy.


    The moment we passed our kin we could see the relief and joy in their eyes. Yet ours was momentary. A passing feeling that was overflooded with rage the moment our eyes returned to our destination and found those who had fallen on their run.


    Behind us, Arg''baln unleashed another hail of arrows over and below us. Red ones fell.


    We smashed into them with ferocity. Shoulder clocking one, Yotk parting another. Blood and gore flew.


    Our feathers sullied and soaked with their lifeblood were ignored. We stomped our feet on the heads of the shouldered goblins crushing their feeble skulls. With the grimy texture of goblin matter on the soles of our feet we dashed into the next enemies.


    Our Yotk sang a single tale. Blood. Our eyes shone with one language. Hate. Our bodies moved with one desire. Death. And beaks uttered one word.


    "DENORI!!!".

 The Primordial 10

    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)


    Main Continent Western edge - Zephyrwood Outpost Territory - Oakheart Valley Village


    OZAI''S POV


    ''I was too slow''.


    Standing at the center of the bloodbath, I had a front view of the madness and blood that was the Argonne rage. I watched the Arg''marn of the Oakheart Valley Village descend on their enemies. Watched as the survivors of Mistvale raced for the village doors. The Arg''baln rain arrows on their enemies. The Aegon watch with clenched fists.


    "I was meant to guide. All I did was watch". My eyes went to the Argeon and Argalorn that had fallen. The Aegon and the Arg''marn who fought to let their family run, only to be swarmed and fallen by tiny Yotkn.


    I felt this little sensation swell in my chest as I caught sight of a tiny thing. Precious and little. Broken and caught between the breasts of her Argalor. Both, dead.


    ''Where did I go wrong?''. The question was like a Yotk slash in my head. ''Where did I fail?''. I went on my knees the madness around me forgotten as I placed a palm on the child. My hand went through her.


    ''I should have come. I should have''. My choice to guide the ones I had blessed in their paths to learn more about Akasha had been wrong. I should have been here. I should have saved more lives.


    A roar caught my attention. Turning I spotted the Arg''gar''sil of the Wind Haven village descend on the rear of the raid band. The two whom I had chosen appeared. One descending into the fray like a furious personification of war. The other stayed in the skies. His Ra''tik thrummed with power as he unleashed arrows down into the band.


    My attention went back to the corpse.


    "Should I have guided the villagers here first, Mother? If I had..." I turned back to see the fighting. Aeris dropped down with a roar and used Tempest Strike to cleave a group apart. "...the two would not be this powerful. This good. Their actions will save their people now Mother".


    It was clear that while the Arg''marn of the Oakheart Valley were ferocious and skilled, they were outnumbered.


    "Why give me choices when I could have done everything?". The feeling in my chest was deep. Very deep. Like a raw and painful wound constantly getting deeper.


    "The call you Sek''Tu''Itan. The Creator. Why doesn''t it feel that way?". Behind me, the fight went on.


    The goblins while plentiful and ruthless could not do anything against two Argonne blessed. With one blessing the others and the other finding the injured ones and healing them.


    Seraphina was a whirlwind of blade and Argannen. Talon didn''t back down either. The Aegon I had healed in their Aego''arg''ha''nar also present.


    "I told you all decisions had consequences". Akasha appeared in a larger form.


    "Yes you did. But you also hindered me with quests and options. I could have done it all".


    I shouted in anger.


    "True". The white and gray blueish mist that was Akasha dissolved. From the swirling mist stepped out mother. Her true self. "But then what would have been the result?". Her gold eyes locked on me.


    I felt silence grip me. A tight chokehold on my throat.


    "Come with me". She motioned for me yet I barely moved as we both vanished appearing in the Versant Veil forest.


    "You wonder why you chose to train them and not go after the villagers. Think deeply Ozai. Why would you, my boy, a decisive and pragmatic brat choose this?".


    I frowned at her use of words but did think. While I didn''t fear mother, she was still mother. She would not lead me astray, would she? So I thought deeply about it. Tried to think of what I had been thinking when I made such a decision.


    "Curiosity. I wanted to know".


    She smiled at me. "It''s not wrong to be curious. Your curiosity stemmed from a quest to help and save. But you son didn''t want to help or care. You simply sought excitement. So, why now do you care for them? They are mortals. You know their physical flesh is nothing but temporary. Their souls will return to your sister and then back here for a new life".


    I was silent. ''She''s right. They''ll be reincarnated. So why do their deaths disturb me''. I didn''t realize the scenery had changed and we were back at the battle till I looked up. My eyes found the opened horrified one of the child''s corpse. Frozen permanently.


    ''It''s cruel''.


    "It''s cruel".


    "Life is. The day your brother was born. Primordial Chaos from beyond sought to steal him". I frowned at this. Mum had never told us this.


    Thinking back I remembered the jagged scar on Haero''s chest. ''Was that how he got that mark?''.


    "I fought back. For him. Because he was mine. Just as you and your siblings are. All mine to protect''" She was next to me.


    "And real or not I will end any who dares to touch a hair on your heads". I frowned at the wording but looked away flustered as she patted my cheeks.


    "You''re confused. Unsure. Lost. You, a god who knew nothing but being decisive and active now have something different". A palm was set on my chest.


    "Emotions. The desire to protect".


    "But I couldn''t protect them. I failed".


    "So did I". I was shocked to hear this from her.


    "Your brother bears the mark of my failure up to now. Yes he lives but still he carries the brunt of my weakness. Does that make me a bad mother Ozai?".


    I was shaking my head so fast that my neck should have snapped off.


    "You made mistakes in your first attempts at doing things".


    "Costly ones mother. Lives lost. Argeon dead. Argalorn gone. Argn, Argo, Aegon. All dead". I missed the furrow of her brow as I mentioned each word.


    "Then fix it".


    I looked up sharply at her.


    "But the consequences".


    "Every action has consequences. I made your brother and his very being brought an attack on him. What you think should be a reaction to an action. Is usually just the beginning ".


    I sighed. Mother''s words as usual made little to no sense. "What do I do?".


    Her eyes glitched and the gold flickered with blue for but a minute and her gaze spaced out. "Oh we can do that too. Nice. Saves the journey to Rack". Her eyes focused back on me. "I like those terms. Arg''pheyso. Amazing how the Argonne gave themselves such a language to showcase their superiority. The Sunforged might dislike it". She tapped her jaw with an amused smile.


    Seemed to catch herself she turned back to me. "You''re a god". She slapped me lightly. Turned me to face the fight around me. "A Primordial Deity. This is not something beyond you".


    "But I don''t know what to do?".


    "Mother does". She raised a palm. "A secret. When the dead die, there''s a little loophole that can be manipulated. Spirits are the energy of souls that serves as both protection and power. They are not physical. As such they instinctively seek to return to Freyja".


    She squatted and touched the ground. "To do that, they must flow through the paths forged". A spurt of water rose from the ground. Like a switch was turned humanoid forms rose from the dead bodies and raced for the spurts. Argonne spirits and goblin spirits alike.


    Mother waved a palm and the water vanished. The spirits halted in their positions and just wandered about.


    "But when there is no body of water they do that. Naturally they move in directions of waters soon enough. But for the meantime, they remain".


    "A chance. But..."


    "But if spirits could return to their bodies they would. Why not?. What gives a body life?". I eyed her with a mental thought of why she thought I''d know. "The body is made of aether, crafted into what I desire. There is the soul and spirit energy. Finally we have the Flame of Life".


    A ball of bright and potent fire appeared in front of us. "Thank you Akasha".


    "The Flame of Life. This particular ball has around ten petals. Each petal gives life to one body". She looked up at me.


    I in turn looked around at the bodies and those that were littered far off. "It won''t be enough ". Worse was the fact that I didn''t know if the souls had wandered off already.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    "For this. It won''t". She nodded. "But you, Ozai, are smart. You''re my boy. You''ll figure it out. Think. What do you need?".


    I shook my head. The thinking was too much. I''d been thinking since I got here. Thinking of saving them, thinking of watching over them in case they couldn''t do it themselves. Where did that get me? I''d focused on two and let a greater number die. Mother had it better she could watch over everything from anywhere. I couldn''t. If only I could.


    I froze. "I need to be able to watch over everything, but it doesn''t count now." I faced my mother. "I failed them. And I need to bring them back".


    Mother stared at me for a moment before taking my right hand and setting the ball of fire onto it.


    "Your answer lies in this. Save them all with 10 petals of the Flame of Life". She smiled at me.


    "I''m proud of you son. You''ve found emotion. You know what it means to lose and feel pain. Even more to feel it for others. Whatever happens, I''m proud of this very moment you reached".


    Mother took a step back her body floating up. "A gift for my boy. Make them in your image". She disappeared with the last word.


    ''Use it''.My mind screamed. "But it''s not enough". I clenched my fist. It was clear Mother was pushing me in another direction. If not why give just ten petals?


    The fight was coming to an end. It made sense that this fight was easier to win with more Argonne numbers and skilled fighters. I could see Aeris and Skyhorn moving from one end to the other of the battleground. One wrecking and healing, the other killing and protecting.


    The fight had calmed down with the Argonne taking out the goblin stragglers. I stood and watched till there was none left. While holding on to the petal I thought over Mother''s words.


    What she had aimed for with cutting my chances shut with options. It was aggravating and annoying in a way. Still, I thought deeply about all my actions. Thought about how I would''ve handled the situation on my own.


    Thinking of it from another angle I wondered what the result would have been. I could see it now. Slaughtering the goblins. Ending their raid and saving the Argonnen. There would be no need for blessings. I could have just been a wrecking ball.


    I thought of Mother and us. How she''d usually left us to our vices. I knew she cared. She''d fought for Haero and I knew she''d fight for any of us. So why leave us to our vices? Thinking back to everything we''d done on our own I realized.


    ''We grew. Independent. Strong and with minds of our own''. I looked skyward then down to the Argonnen. Did Mother leave them on their own for this same reason?


    A smile grazed my lips as I came to understand Mother more than ever. At the same time, I knew what I needed to do.


    "Make them in my image". I chuckled. It was silly how easy to interpret mother''s words it got when you saw things from her perspective. ''I guess Mother is right. I am the smart one''.


    Looking at the Flame of Life in my grasp I inhaled. "Akasha I wish to use this".


    A prompt appeared in my vision.


    *Welcome to the Akashic Records Administrator 2*


    **Quest Title: Flame of Life


    **Quest Description:


    The Mother has presented you with Ten petals of the Flame of Life. A pivotal choice has been granted you to make regarding the Flame of Life. This sacred source, borne only by the 1st Administrator, holds the power to grant life to beings in need. Your divine duty calls upon you to decide the fate of this potent force**


    **Objective:


    - Choose one of the three options presented regarding the Flame of Life.


    **Options:


    - Grant Life: Use the Flame of Life to grant life to beings in need, bestowing upon them the gift of existence.


    - Form New Life: Utilize the Flame of Life to create new life forms, shaping their essence with divine energy.


    - Absorb: Absorb the power of the Flame of Life, incorporating its energy into your being to enhance your divine abilities.


    **Choose wisely**


    I quickly asked for a more in-depth explanation of the options granted.


    **Grant Life:


    - With this option, Ozai can utilize the Flame of Life to infuse vitality into living beings. By channeling the flame''s energy, he can restore life to those in need, rejuvenating their essence and granting them renewed strength and vigor. This act of benevolence allows Ozai to fulfill his role as the Guardian of the Mortal Planes, bringing hope and healing to the inhabitants of the cosmos.


    **Form New Life:


    - Choosing to form new life empowers Ozai to shape and create beings using Divine or cosmic energy and giving them Physicality by granting them the Flame of Life. He can fashion new entities with unique characteristics and attributes, tailored to fulfill specific roles or purposes within the universe. This option grants Ozai the ability to contribute to the ongoing cycle of creation, playing a role in the emergence of new life forms across the realms.


    **Absorb:


    - Opting to absorb the power of the Flame of Life enables Ozai to merge with its essence, augmenting his divine abilities. By assimilating the flame''s energy, he can enhance his strength, resilience, and connection to the cosmic forces. However, this choice comes with risks, as absorbing such potent life energy may alter Ozai''s nature and bring unforeseen consequences. Additionally, while the Flame of Life''s power becomes integrated into him, residual traces of its essence may linger within him granting him an option he lacks.


    My choice was clear. While the first was what I wanted, it wasn''t even a choice as choosing who lived and who died was a no-no. For some reason, I had gotten close to these people. Their plight and troubles became mine on a level I couldn''t understand.


    The second choice was one I thought over deeply. The ability to have a Hand in the creation of new life forms. I could see deeper into this. With my Divine and cosmic energy, I could create and generate physical forms that my other siblings couldn''t.


    ''Well, maybe they could''. But mine was optimal. I didn''t see how a walking chaos being, or literal sun or something could work.


    ''Wait. What would be the difference between it and the elemental life Tora made?''. I wondered. It had to be something profound. Something I''d discover sooner or later. For now, though I had a choice to make.


    The Ball of fire shrunk on itself. With a burst of light, it flared up and shot like a comet into the sky. While all the activities and events that had gone down between Mother and I remained unnoticed, this time all the Argonne looked up.


    The bright glare was mesmerizing, illuminating the dark sky as it ascended. I watched curiously as the ball of fire reached the zenith point. I felt myself quake as something new and magnificent struck me.


    A feeling, euphoric and magnificent rushed through me. I could sense it, feel it. Something new flooded through my veins. Even if the ball had entered my original self, the effects had cascaded down to even this incarnation.


    The euphoria and changes in me were so much that it pushed me out of my Null mode and into my Mortal state. My Argannen rose in the air and clapped softly sending a warm and cozy wave of wind ahead of me. I didn''t even realize the wind carried so much energy that a touch of it healed and mended all injuries and fatalities.


    I flapped my Argannen again and took a step forward. From the crowd of warriors five split to head for me. A smaller contingent followed behind them. Aeris, Skyhorn, Seraphina, Talon, and Blackfeather.


    I ignored the five as I focused on the sensations of power rushing through my veins and rolling over my skin. It was euphoric. ''Is this feeling what Haero feels or is this simply born from the Melding of my divinity'' with the petals".


    The answer was unknown.


    I had used up all the petals meaning I had none for resurrection and making life. Still, I could feel the energies flowing within me. I could sense how drawing them would recreate the flames. But even better, my body would be able to recreate and regenerate the same energies.


    So I did it. Drawing on the energy. Fire flowed like the star rivers across my veins and out in my palm. A petal. A single golden and yellow petal. Letting it hang there I shifted my palms and shut my eyes.


    ''Let''s see what I can make ''.


    **[Welcome to the Akashic Records Administrator 2(Avatar 3)]


    **Administrator 2 has been detected to possess life-creating capabilities**


    **Divine Energy detected-


    **Cosmic Energy detected -


    **Flame of Life Energy detected -


    **Template creation granted to Administrator 2**


    **Template limitations -


    - Soulless - This template will lock and never bear souls.


    - Spirit energy - As they lack souls they will be unable to gain spirit Energy when a kill is made.


    - Reproduction - Entities of this caliber, cannot and will not be able to reproduce in any basic way due to their existential state.


    I didn''t like the limitations but it was a sacrifice to be made for this power. Still ignoring the watching Argonnen I closed my eyes.


    ''In my image''. Several images of this image rushed through my mind. I realized I had no other conception of images that were not my siblings. And unknowingly I projected all of us into these beings I wished to make.


    **Templates received**


    **Templates generated**


    **Fury Angel -: Furians are a formidable caste of angels their presence exuding lethal danger. They possess braided white hair cascading down their back and contrasting against their black skin, eyes emitting a pure white light that reflects the boundless fury felt for all enemies of their maker.m, alongside unparalleled determination. A Fury''s wings are a radiant celestial flame red, exuding an aura of power and danger.**


    **Gemini Angels - Geminies are golden light beings, their forms shimmering with divine energy. They have little to no facial expressions, their features embodying purity and serenity. Their bodies are composed of pure cosmic and divine energy, allowing them to mold their forms as they please. Their wings are white gold, gleaming with celestial brilliance.**


    **Solivert Angels - Soliverts lack the wings and traditional features their cousins have, instead bearing thick runic symbols that form large rings in various parts of their body. They have a single eye and a lean, pale white form. Their presence is eerie yet captivating, their gaze fixated on the machinations of the cosmos.**


    **Divina Angels - Divinas are a muscular set of angels with bands of Divinium steel adorning their arms, thighs, and legs. They wear a single circlet around their forehead, exuding an aura of power and authority. Their presence commands respect and their white flame cosmic wings radiate with divine energy.**


    **Bravura Angels - Bravurans are grand angels with large black horns adorning their heads, adding to their imposing stature. Their body is that of a tall, muscular humanoid, exuding strength and power. Their massive wings possess more power than dexterity, yet they carry their form with grace and purpose. Aegis is a stalwart guardian, ready to protect and defend at a moment''s notice.**


    **Template feature: Cinder of Life -


    Angels possess a Flame of Life within them. This flame can be used to ignite the ashes of a life that remains within a dead mortal. This can only be done within the first 12 hours of death.


    **Template feature: Petal of Life -


    Angels possess only a single petal but can gain more across the cause of their existence by killing entities. Unlike mortals who gain power through spirit, the angels do this via petals. Each petal is essentially the life of an angel and can be bestowed unto another. Either living or dead. Once lost this petal is permanently lost and can never be regained or recovered. (That is, unless said recipient is killed by the giver).


    **Template feature: Absolute Command -


    The Angel template has been added to the Akashic Records and Rack of Life.


    - Creation of these angels with the flame of Life from other sources and for other purposes will be reimbursed to its maker(Ozai Ironstone).


    - A 10% charge of all petals from angels outside the maker''s service or not made using the maker''s Flame of Life will be incurred.


    - No matter where and no matter when all angels (Of maker''s Flame of Life or not) will respond and heed the maker''s words.

 The Primordial 11

    *


    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    HILDELITH''S POV


    ''That was a breeze''.


    I floated in the origin solar system. The one and the only most important solar system. I had this itch, a grand itch to make a new world. But I shook off the thought. Vaustaris needed to stay around for a longer period. Learning from it and seeing how things went would be great training for what next to do in my new world.


    Still, why was I here and not in the white world that had given me a large dose of frustration? Akasha had linked to me the moment my kids had gone down to Vaustaris. It was a thrilling sight to watch and experience my children''s first forage into the mortal realm.


    Still, none had been as surprising as Ozai. It was there that Akasha had asked me how we should implement godly interaction with mortals.


    Too much and they could do something bad. Inhibit them and make their options less sounded better. Plus it would feel more like a game that way. So we went about testing it with Ozai.


    Watching my pragmatic boy suddenly feel something after watching mortals die was, unexpected. But I knew this was a good way to teach my boy. I''d deny it when someone says I treat this game too realistically. But I knew it was true.


    Helping Ozai understand his feelings was endearing and watching him fret over his mistakes made me sad. There is no rule against breaking the rule. for your kid, right?


    And now he''d done as I had envisioned. Eye of Fate was an annoying ability that felt useful at times and stupid at other times.


    Like why hadn''t it shown me my fate outside my universe? Just why?.


    Still, it''d been good to know that I could automatically appear wherever Akasha''s link took me. Instant teleportation.


    The Flame of Life ascended into space and hit my boy''s body. Melding into it and changing a lot of things.


    Then I watched as he made and created those angels. Akasha linked me up with everything about them. It was a perfect template and I could already see how most of it could work.


    So I apologized to my kid and made use of his template for most of my Universe development. I watched as the angels stumbled around. The Argonnes watched with wide eyes as the beings brought back their dead.


    The relief and joy was so palpable it made me grin. It was like watching the happy ending at the end of a show but this time in a more realistic fashion.


    I felt like doing something to show my support. But what.


    "Maybe grant them light". Akasha piped up in my head.


    "They have two suns". I could feel a glare of disapproval from myself. She connected me to look at most of the spots of the world covered in darkness. There were no words but it made sense as I watched.


    ''It''s too dark''.


    It was quite obvious what I had missed. I grumbled as I mentally made a list of things I had missed. There was a lot. So focused was I on the spiritual side of my first world that I failed to complete its physical aspects.


    "Akasha generate a quest for me".


    "What are the rewards. Quests need rewards?". I shrugged.


    "A better world. More structured too I guess".


    **[Welcome to the Akashic Records Creator 79]**


    **Creator''s Quest -


    - The starter world Vaustaris is incomplete. Some elements and necessities have been found lacking. Change this.


    **Objectives -


    **Summon the Moon**: The Creator is tasked with crafting a celestial body to illuminate the night sky, bringing balance to the world of Vaustaris.


    **Create Land Animals**: From the depths of imagination, fashion diverse creatures to roam the vast landscapes, adding vitality and diversity to the terrestrial realm.


    **Manifest Sea Animals**: Dive into the depths of creativity to breathe life into a myriad of aquatic species, filling the oceans with beauty and wonder.


    **Craft Land Monster Races**: Forge formidable e races of monsters to inhabit the untamed lands, adding challenge and intrigue to the world''s ecosystems.


    **Shape Sea Monster Races**: Channel the essence of the abyss to give rise to fearsome sea monsters, guardians of the ocean depths, and harbingers of mystery.


    **Establish Cultivation Steps**: Form and document the sacred rituals and practices necessary for the cultivation of life, ensuring the propagation and flourishing of flora and fauna throughout Vaustaris.


    **Address Missing Elements**: Identify any other crucial aspects that have been overlooked and bring them into existence, completing the tapestry of creation in the realm of Vaustaris.


    "I think that last one is yours". Akasha hummed in agreement.


    "So let''s begin". The first thing I did of course was to make the moon. ''How does a moon work?''. Honestly, I hadn''t the foggiest of an idea. What I knew was it supposedly reflected light. Which for me felt a bit wrong or just stupid.


    Like how did a ball of rock reflect light? It was a confusing question.


    "Why don''t you just make your moon. Your rules, your designs. Your way".


    I froze. Why didn''t I consider that? This wasn''t earth, this wasn''t reality. This was my world, my universe, my reality. "My rules". I liked the sound of that.


    "Alright. For one. A moon is an earth thing, an outside world thing. Here I want something different".


    "Let''s start at the beginning then". I loved these moments. The ideas behind the creation of something. Too bad my Council of Ideas wasn''t here. ''That is what I called them right?''. Shrugging I continued.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "First, what is a sun, and why would we need it?". Akasha asked. She knew but I guessed this was her way for us to say it out and throw ideas at each other. It was interesting to see what a single being in two could come up with.


    "Suns were made from the divinity spread from the dawn bang. The divinity is continuously spreading. Making more solar systems. Galaxies and other bodies. Creating cosmic energy as it goes. Suns technically already have their gravitational force which draws and pulls bodies of rock to them. But technically since other bodies also exert gravitational force these rocks don''t go floating into peril".


    I blinked. How did I know all that? Akasha?. It was weird and amazing.


    "But if there are other bodies to stop another body from being pulled into the sun while then does Vaustaris not perish itself".


    I didn''t get the question at first till I realized that indeed the beautiful world was the only planet in this solar system. The other lost worlds were very far from it. The answer slipped into my head.


    ''I wish I had Akasha for exams''. Everything was indeed burdened by gravity and exerted its gravity. So while it didn''t look it even a mere rock floating in space possessed gravity. All the asteroids, rocks, and debris in this solar system were acted on by other lost worlds, which in turn acted on Vaustaris, and in turn, Vaustaris acted on them. Creating a mad and massive loop.


    "Everything is just, everywhere!".


    "Good. Which brings us to the fact that slipping in a new body could disrupt this tentative peace that all these bodies have found". I could understand what she meant. A foreign body could abruptly shatter everything.


    "Does that mean?".


    "We need to arrange the solar system ".


    "Fuck".


    "Considering that a single miscalculation. Wrong push, wrong tilt, a mere wrong placement, and your solar system could become a god-made catapult slinging asteroids and your world in any direction. I believe Fuck is a proper phrase".


    Silence.


    "Of course, I''m here to make sure you don''t do any of these".


    *


    I floated above one of Origin''s twin suns. The other sun was at the other center of the system. Rocks, debris, and worlds going around both formed an infinity symbol.


    "Let''s get this over with. I have that annoying white world mystery to solve".


    From me came various phys-emission arms. Like serpent''s they coiled through space holding onto various rocks and objects and then following them.


    "All matter in this solar system accounted for. Go ahead".


    I took a deep breath. This was the first, no, the second time I would create something without first designing through a template. "Let''s do this".


    My phy-emission arms began dragging some debris and rocks back to me. The moment they were close, hell broke loose. The system trembled as gravity went mad. It was like holding onto a bucking horse. Several bucking horses. Luckily for these horses, I was superhuman.


    Holding them in place I dragged the rocks I had in hand to the center of a space. As I dragged them together I used Astronomical Object Manipulation and Earthen Grace to affect them at a subatomic level. Breaking the earth down to bits I created friction within it.


    I floated away from the sun and to the center of the arriving rocks. With each clash, I could feel the vibrations and see the shockwaves released. My feet touched the centermost rock.


    "You could just use the Aether". Akasha knew what I wanted to do but not understanding it had to speak up. Shook my. ''If I did, couldn''t I just make a brand new moon? But that added gravitational force would unbalance all your calculations''.


    "So by using the already present rocks and debris and fashioning something new..."


    ''..same, forces, same matter just different ''.


    A skill clicked into my skull and I shivered, eyes shutting. Of course, it was from Haero''s arsenal. ''It''s good to have this Mirror of Nothing and Form of Nothingness skill''.


    My eyes flickered open.


    [Melting]


    The spot from my feet turned to red-hot lava. I didn''t feel a dime. It begged the question of whether I couldn''t feel it cause of the game settings or couldn''t feel it cause I was the Creator.


    The lava spread and the rocks coming began splashing into red hot liquid. With each debris added the rocks sunk deeper and deeper into the lava. Some hit the sides and the space expanded. I jumped out of the path of the arriving rocks and melted more to keep the structure going.


    It took quite a while and still, I wasn''t looking at the time it wasn''t clear how long it took before I was floating in space looking at a burning ball of lava.


    ''I used to believe the moon was one giant ball of ice. I''d look up at it and wonder, if the sun made us hot why didn''t the moon make us cold''.


    "Oh boy".


    "What?!. Ice reflects. Ice spreads".


    "What are you thinking?".


    "The moon is usually respected for its ''energies''". I quoted the word. "So I''m thinking. Why not make the moon more than what it should be".


    I could feel Alasha''s glee the moment she peeled at my thoughts. A lot of skills flooded through my mind like the images of a movie poster. None were good.


    "Tora had made lots of Elemental magic but nothing at the stage of what you need. Which leaves Aether". With no skill for cooling the lava and making what I wanted, there was no choice except Aether.


    "No. There''s Nothingness". I could feel it when Akasha began rolling through information in her head. I could also sense when she came up short. Then she peeled into my brain sheepishly and an oooh sound echoed in my head.


    "That''s why I didn''t see anything


    This doesn''t even exist. Hmmmhp". She grumbled. I chuckled but said nothing as she was right. What I aimed to do didn''t exist yet.


    I shut my eyes. My body darkened as mists and waves of black matter oozed from my skin. It flooded out and poured down onto the burning ball of lava. The moment it made contact most seeped into the burning lava, the rest spread in all angles and corners.


    By the time a mortal could blink the burning lava was gone now a black ball of nothingness.


    I raised my left palm. Theatrics. Unnecessary.


    "Existence nullification - Primordial Heat Nullification!".


    The nothingness, writhing, and spasming like a black sea halted. One moment it was there the next it was gone. The event of such disappearance if the next moment didn''t occur. Revealed beneath was a black ball. This time it was no mist, it was pure and solid matter. Black ice of a nature unseen.


    So black that the sun''s rays even so close were not completely reflected.


    "Be honest. You had the inspiration for this from the White Wolf d you came back from". I smiled.


    "Honestly expect it to be all white but black is just as good. Though I hope that things and people exploring space don''t have trouble spotting her when traveling. Do you think she can have life".


    "Some organisms gain resistance to things. So, yes, why not. I already have a simple template for this. Oh I have a name idea. Please let''s use it. Pretty please".


    "Of course". I chuckled.


    **Name: Glacius -


    - Glacius is a moon shrouded in mystery and darkness, its surface covered in a thick layer of black ice of an unseen nature. The moon''s appearance is eerily beautiful, with its icy surface reflecting only a fraction of the sun''s rays, casting an otherworldly glow upon the surrounding space.


    **Terrain: The moon''s surface is predominantly covered in vast expanses of black ice, interspersed with jagged peaks and deep crevasses.


    **Climate: Glacius experiences extremely cold temperatures, with icy winds sweeping across its surface. The air is thin and frigid, making it inhospitable to all but the hardiest of explorers.


    **Flora and Fauna: Despite its harsh conditions, Glacius will not be devoid of life. Strange and resilient organisms, adapted to the moon''s icy environment, can grow by lurking beneath the surface or clinging to the frigid cliffs and crags.


    "That''s a nice name. The Glacius".


    "Now the next problem". I stopped smiling. Looking back around me. There was always something about creating that made me forget most of the current issues.


    "Right. You got this?". I asked referring to the precise calculations of gravity. An approving thrum washed through me. "Then let''s light up the night". I paused and added. "A Bit".


    It was a funny sight to see, I was certain. A little being pulling on a giant ball of black. I hurled it through space with my phys-arm and then stopped it just precariously around Vaustaris.


    "It''s all set". I hummed in acceptance and then let go.


    A ripple washed through the solar system. Another ripple. Another.


    Then another ripple came but this time from beyond this realm.


    <blockquote>


    - [Feat - Duality of Creation]


    Creator 79 has unlocked the Duality of Creation. Glacius and Sol represent the dual forces of creation, each embodying a different aspect of the primordial elements. While Glacius embodies ice, cold, and the mysteries of the void, Sol embodies fire, heat, and the radiant energy of the sun.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Elements - Ice, Fire upgraded to Primordial Ice and Fire]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    - [Title - Primordial Elementalist]


    You have achieved the first step of balance in your universe. By creating the antithesis or opposite to your Sol you have balanced the scales of elements. Now both elements can be used in synchronism or together without fear of backlash if not desired


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Elements - Primordial Ice and Primordial Fire unlocked]


    </blockquote>


    [Akasha Spell - Primordial Fire and Primordial Ice attained]


    "That''s a first". It''d been a while since I got rewards like this for just making something without the system. Linked with Akasha my senses scoured the world finding a beautiful sight. A silvery blue dim light illuminated Vaustaris in a heavenly glow. From Vaustaris the Gladius looked like a dimmer and silver ball of light. It was nothing like the light that a moon should give but I loved it none the same.


    "So. The next things on the list?". Akasha asked.


    "I was thinking. The Glacius just made me want to head back to the white world. Why don''t you create whatever you find fit? I permit you to solve the rest. I''ll figure out the cultivation steps myself".


    "Are you sure?".


    I nodded. "Also. Use the template for Glacius in any world that comes to existence either by my hand or others".


    "Done".


    "Oh and you can also set creatures on Gladius surface. But no actual sapient life. It''d be fun to see the players'' faces when they finally make it to their Glacius. Hehehe".


    I turned my gaze to where my children''s real forms floated, protected all the while by a hand of phys-emission. My body was engulfed in colorful fire.


    ''Akasha. Don''t kill off my mortals please".

 The Primordial 12

    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)


    Main Continent Western edge - Zephyrwood Outpost Territory - Oakheart Valley Village


    ARIES POV


    Today had been a rollercoaster of emotional upheaval. From near death in the forest to fear of loss of my village, pure excitement at meeting an Arg''pheyso to glee from learning magic, then came yet again fear and finally horror. To crown it was anger and loss.


    The last battle was very climatic. Watching the hated red ones fall, cut down by our Yotk gave us a bit of satisfaction. Yet at the end of the night, we realized how that changed nothing. Our dead remained dead.


    We mourned.


    Then the sky lit up, burning with a bright flame.


    That was when he appeared; Arg''pheyso. His gaze vacant, emotions, non-present. My mind jumbled as I wondered why, why he wouldn''t feel for us. I remembered his sadness and joy in the Verdant veil forest. How each emotion of his could lead one to either joy or tears.


    That was when we noticed he was glowing, his body wreathed with the same flame we''d seen in the sky. The next series of events would boggle my mind to no end.


    From nothing came ten entities. Each was so beautiful and so well formed that they felt like cheats of creation.


    Two stood, spotting the limbs, torso, and head of a normal being. Beings of pure golden light, each of their forms shimmered with divine energy. They had little to no facial expressions, their features embodying purity and serenity. Behind them were wings that looked nothing like ours. Made of fires that burned with a golden brightness.


    The next two beings that appeared had braided white hair cascading down their back and the sides of their faces; contrasting against their black skin. Unlike the first two they both had facial expressions, not that it mattered as they gazed around coldly, their eyes emitting a pure white light, reflecting their fury and determination. Their wings were a radiant flame of red.


    The third set of beings were muscular with bands of golden steel adorning their arms, thighs, and legs. They wore a single circlet around their forehead. White flaming wings hung from their backs.


    The fourth set of two were huge with black horns unlike any we''d seen. Massive black wings that looked more like ours but bigger hung from their backs.


    The final ones to appear were the weirdest of all. They possessed no wings and looked nothing close to the others in features, instead spotted circular bands of rings on their palms, chest, back, and even under their heels. Their single eye creeped me out and their lean, pale white form gave me shivers.


    These were the beings that walked among us. In their palms appeared tongues of fire, fire which they placed on a corpse''s chest and burned the corpse. At first, we moved to stop them but a look from the large ones halted our steps.


    Five of them, one from each of the different kinds flew off in the direction of Misvale. It wasn''t until the dead began to wake and rise with gasps that we understood what the Arg''pheyso had done. Or at least we believed we understood.


    Oakheart Valley Village wept and cried joyfully with us as we received those who had been brought back. All the while Ozai smiled.


    "Arg''pheyso. Arg''tre(We thank you)". Blackfeather and a contingent of elders knelt at his feet. The god seemed peeved by this followed by shock crossing his face. He seemed to stare off into nothing for a moment then shake his head with a laugh.


    "Faith Essence eh". He muttered.


    His Argannen rose wide, his arms following. In a loud voice that shook the entire air he spoke. "Vaustaris is under my protection and so are you. Many of you have shown valor and courage. Most handicapped and underacting and battling even without an edge". He faced both palms in our direction and a wave of golden energy washed over us.


    "A new age has come. The age of gods and Arg''pheyson. My siblings walk the mortal planes. Their desire to learn and to guide bringing them to various races. The Ser''Tuk''Itan watches over all. As long as we remain, know you need not fear. For while I won''t uproot your problems, while I won''t disrupt the cycle of life and death, I will be here to guard you on your paths. Come war and come peace. You will have Ozai To protect you". His last words brought with it a pulse of that now familiar energy.


    From the gasps and the cries, the spaced-out gazes of my people, I knew he had granted them what we had. I expected to feel jealousy and sadness that we weren''t special but I didn''t.


    ''I guess we are different from Aerondir''.


    Arg''pheyso walked up to us. Skyhorn and I shared a glance.


    "Your paths and classes are powerful ones. Learn and grow well. You both are the spear and shield, the watchers and guardians of your people now.".


    "Arg''pheyso. Forgive me, but our people are spread to all parts of this isles. They too deserve and would appreciate your guidance". Skyhorn tipped his head forward arms folded across his chest in the Argonne show of respect.


    A hand patted his shoulder. "Maybe so. But it will remain their choice to follow me or not". His right Argannen moved upfront and from it, he plucked a feather.


    "This will remain here. A reminder of what your people went through. Of your strength and your courage, your love for them, and your desire to avenge them. These are the people I choose now to protect and guide". He spoke his voice loud enough to be heard by all.


    "With this, all who wish to can turn to me. And they will bask in my light".


    He let go of his feather and it fluttered upwards. Rolling through the air it silently glided through the wind and came to settle right where the clash had been the hottest.


    The blood dried up, and the corpses of red ones faded. The feather shook and from its stem sprouted a staff. Rising high enough till it towered over the village. A notification came to me and everyone else there the moment it stopped increasing.


    **Feather of Arg''pheyso''s Guidance - Celestial Feathered Spear**


    - **Type:** Divine Artifact


    - **Owner:** Incarnate of Ozai, God of the Cosmos-


    -**Originally a humble feather plucked from the wing of the divine being Arg''pheyso, this artifact has been transformed into a towering spear, a symbol of protection and guidance. It serves as a reminder of the strength, courage, and love of those who seek vengeance and justice.


    **Effects -


    - Divine Protection: The Celestial Spear emanates a protective aura that shields the Zephyr Outpost Territory from harm and darkness.


    - Guiding Light:** The spear emits a radiant glow, illuminating the path of righteousness and banishing darkness from the surroundings.


    - Divine Empowerment: When invoked, the spear bestows divine blessings upon those who ask it and need it, granting them increased strength, courage, and resolve.


    - **Abilities:**


    - **Divine Empowerment: Argonnen Arg''baln, Arg''marn, Arg''rarn and others under Ozai''s protection can invoke a cosmic version of their current weapon or attack or even simply use the cosmic energy or divine powers to empower themselves and their allies, granting them increased strength, resilience, and courage or their weapons increased durability and increased lethality. (Temporary)


    - **Feathered Guardian: The spear''s feathered head serves as a vigilant guardian, watching over the village and alerting its inhabitants to impending danger.


    - **Protector: The spear can create or summon lesser angels of the Gemini caste to protect the Zephyr Outpost Territory. These angels are permanent summons and last for as long as they do not stray far from the spear or are not destroyed. (Can only summon 5)


    - **Quests:**


    - **Main Quest - Zephyr Expansion: Draw the other territories of the Zephyr Isles under Ozai''s Celestial spear.


    - **Side Quest - Seek Guidance - Use the spear''s divine connection to Ozai to keep in touch and seek clarity and knowledge when needed. (This is a permanent and unchanging side quest)


    - **Special Abilities:**


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    - **Spear of Justice:** The Celestial Spear can be wielded as a powerful weapon, capable of striking down evil and bringing forth justice for the righteous. It invokes a clone or copy of the God of the Cosmos to do battle for his people. (Can only be used once in every 50 Aeus. Will last for a total of 7 Twin Suns and must be charged with the faith and prayers of his people)


    "I speak for all Argonne of Zephyr Outpost Territory when I say this Arg''pheyso. We thank you". It was the youngest Aego of the Oakheart Valley village. Either he had been brought to speed by our Aego or just knew from the notifications.


    Ozai smiled in his direction about to speak when a loud rumble shook the world. All eyes went up as we saw something impossible. Hanging there in the skies was a large round body, something that was similar to the suns but vastly different. It glowed and rippled with a strange light.


    Light that illuminated the world in a dim glow.


    ''What just happened?''. The only answer to our questions was the Arg''pheyso smile.


    He turned to speak then froze his eyes twitching. With a grumble, he vanished. Just like that, his angels vanished as well. Simultaneously a screeching and piercing sound came from above us.


    We all looked up.


    ''This is a conflict of Argonnes. The one you call Aerondam has arrived. Put him in his place''. I heard his voice in my ear making me spin around.


    ''Ozai''.


    ''Acting to help in this matter would bear consequences. I can help with this instead ''.


    *[Welcome to the Akashic Records Mortal 5483]*


    **Arg''pheyso Quest: Confronting the Aerondam -


    - The arrival of Aerondir, a formidable mortal of the Zephyr Isles who had found me unlocked the secrets to power while keeping his kin blinded. As an agent of greed and selfishness, Aerondam seeks to stay ahead of the curve making him the most powerful of all Argonne. Confront him for his actions.


    **Objective:


    - Option 1: Kill Aerondir - Engage in a fierce battle with Aerondir and vanquish him for his act of greed which has left many of the Argonne weak and near defenseless. (This will increase the chances of drawing the entire continent to Ozai)


    - Option 2: Defeat and Capture Aerondir - Subdue Aerondam through combat and restrain him, imprisoning him for judgment by the Aegon of the Zephyr Isles. (This will increase the chances of drawing the entire continent to Ozai)


    - Option 3: Defeat and Banish Aerondir - Overcome Aerondir in combat and banish him from the Zephyr Isles. This would keep you from being a kin killer but open you to further future problems. ,


    **Rewards:


    - Option 1: +5000 Total Exp,


    - Option 2: +4000 Total Exp, Favor with Ozai, Increased Influence In Zephyr Isles


    - Option 3: +3000 Total Exp, Favor with Ozai, Increased Influence in Zephyr Isles, Future Problems.


    The look Skyhorn gave me showed he received the same quest. Both of us nodded and spread out our Argannen just as the Aerondam appeared. Like an arrow, he descended right for us at a speed that made me uncomfortable. ''He''s fast". The Argonne that most if not all the Zephyr Isles hated and disliked paused midair floating and looking around. The curiosity and confusion in his eyes were visible.


    Everyone else gasped at his presence but none said a word. Surprisingly Talon, Seraphina, and one other Arg''mar. Sirocco was his name if I remember correctly, joined us. With the beats of our Argannen, we were soon hovering right in front of Aerondir.


    "What does the Aerondam of the Zephyr Isles require here?". Skyhorn spat. I looked at him with wide eyes. He shrugged.


    "No one''s ever called it to his face. Best he knows what his people think of him. Aerondir, the Aerondam, the selfish bastard of the Isles". With each word, Skyhoen drew closer.


    Aerondir said not a peep. While the rest of us hovered around and surrounded him. Somehow I seemed to be the only one who could think properly here. ''This fight won''t be so easy ''. Only Skyhorn and I were blessed. The rest while now possessing the Akashic Records didn''t have a single experience or level. I was sitting at level 2, quarter way to 3 and I was certain. Skyhorn was even higher.


    The rest of them, with all their skills, were less powerful than I or even Skyhorn. Skilled maybe but it didn''t matter. I''d seen firsthand what power said to skill.


    ''Shit''.


    The Aerondam calmly looked us over before finally speaking. "All of you...". His eyes roved us all over one by one. "...have unlocked the Akashic". His gaze settled on me then moved slowly to Skyhorn.


    "But you two. You two". His Argannen flapped softly taking him higher so he was looking down on us. I didn''t like it. "You two are coming with me".


    "Yeah. Not happening". Seraphina spoke and just as quickly she flapped rushing at him.


    The moment before she struck his lips moved. So slow and so smooth that it barely reached me. But it did. His words rattled me. The confidence, the pride, and the lack of care in them.


    "This will be messy".


    I moved I wasn''t the only one. Skyhorn moved. In the air though he wasn''t as fast as me. No one was as fast as me. Especially with a level and my divine resilience. I cleared the space between me and him in a moment.


    His eyes moved to me, then back to the Argn whose Yotk came at him. He ducked smoothly, so smoothly it was bound to be a sin how he moved. His Argannen showed its power and he spun midair and landed a very powerful kick to her chest.


    Blood.


    Seraphina was thrown back midair with blood trailing in her wake. I arrived wide-eyed and swung as well. He ducked but not as smoothly. Yet it was so well done. His wings batted me to the side and then a kick rammed into my abdomen. I was thrown back as Skyhorn shot past.


    I hit the ground back first and for a moment I felt fear. My Argannen simply bent and then snapped back together. My eyes turned to Seraphina coughing on the ground. Above Talon looked worried torn between checking on her and fighting the Aerondam.


    I chose for him as my Argannen stretched up the tips pointing Skyward. They glowed brightly and the strings of energy formed in my palm. The balls shot out and straight to Seraphina.


    Looking up Talon nodded and flew at Aerondam. It was clear now why Skyhorn hadn''t been thrown back. He was fighting both Skyhorn and Blackfeather. Even Aego Galeshot kept distracting him with arrows.


    ''You must put him down. The people must see this win as one by the hands of your people. I will do the rest.


    ''Why. Why must it be ours?''.


    ''Aiding you in vanquishing a foe of your origin would create a perception of total and complete incompetence and weakness amongst your people. If you can''t stand on your own even with the blessing of an Arg''pheyso. Will you ever be able to stand? Your people were born with an innate pride. One shown in your very way of speech. You must help them keep that pride''.


    I looked around. I could see it in their eyes, the people''s very desire to win and yet their fear.


    ''Then why don''t we make it all out wins?''. I could sense the curiosity spike.


    ''You taught me how to use my Abstract. Teach them. Please ''.


    ''You ask for a divine favor again? Those come with a prize''.


    ''You saved me when we knew no gods. You granted me and my friend these blessings. Blessings that helped our people. You brought those dead back to life. I do not dare decide or think what and which is easy and difficult even for an Arg''pheyso. But I know I am grateful. So please grant me this one request.


    ''This much help will be the last of its kind. Your people will need to push ahead on their own. And I will aid in the most impossible of tasks. My price will be asked of you when the time comes''.


    The presence faded and I inhaled.


    ****


    OZAI''S POV


    Akasha really knew how to make a god frustrated. While I saw the sense in her advice it still was aggravating to watch the Argonne toy with them. It did shine more light on how weak a divine blessed would still be against a stronger and more experienced fighter.


    This was their fight. But the favor opened up an avenue for something Akasha wanted. It was annoying to have mothers hovering over your affairs. Still a thought into what she wanted made sense.


    Which was why I waded through the crowd of watching Argonnen, whispering into their ears from Argeo to Argalor, from Arg''mar to Arg''rar. I whispered to each the secrets of the abstract. As I spoke I commanded them to always share this wisdom to their kin and Argeon.


    "Aerondam?!. You will stand down to be judged by the Aegon of Zephyr Outpost Territory and the Aegons of all the Isles". Aeris shouted while flying closer to the now-paused fighters. Aerondam seemed to enjoy toying with them.


    The statement shocked many. Not the words themselves as it was true but the conviction in them.


    "And how. Will a little pretentious Argo stop me*. His amusement evaporated fast and Aeris gulped visibly. Aerondir cracked his fists and smiled.


    "Why don''t you show me". His Argannen made one masterful flap, just one and I knew that if the villagers and the fighters didn''t get to it soon enough I would have to step in. Mother agrees or not.


    So I pushed at them. Encouraged. Above me, a beating of a lifetime went down.


    ''They didn''t call him a bastard for no reason apparently''. He was ruthless. Showing no leniency. Skyhorn and the rest made attempts to halt, distract, or even take away his attention for a second but he showed all his desire to be set on beating the last drop out of Aeris.


    Yotk flashed through the air and missed each time, Aeromdir kept weaving through his attacks and landing perfect blows to the young Argo. One perfect strike caught his back and sent the Argo plummeting.


    Wind buffered him before he hit the ground.


    "Interesting". Aerondir''s eyes locked on Skyhorn. "A magnificent display of Zephyr". He drifted closer to the Argo. "Do it again".


    "Here". Aeris call came from behind making him turn sharply. "How''s this?".


    Tempest Strike


    The wind blasted him face first and back into Skyhorn who lurched at the Aerondan.


    Zephyr Strike


    The move pushed the bastard further backwards and to most surprise two attacks of wind struck. The first was a wind slash that hit Aerondan straight to the Argannen.


    Zephyr Slash


    He screeched but another and another came till he''d been struck five times. Aerondan tried to catch himself due to the pain his Argannen felt but another strike caught him point blank to the chest sending him crashing to the ground.


    Gust Arrow


    The surprise at Seraphina and Talon using wind attacks like that was lost as several wind blasts of different styles and effects caught the falling Aerondan. One even wrapped a whip of wind around his neck and dragged him to the ground.


    Then a voice reached my hearing.


    "Please take him down now".


    It was clear that even if they had caught him by surprise Aerondir fell only because he had failed to gauge the capabilities of the people. He had not expected all to be awakened.


    That meant if he moved now, they would lose. He was eight levels above the highest level hereafter.


    ''You have all done well''.


    My words moved into the ears and minds of all fighting and present. Aerondir too must have heard it as his eyes widened and he looked up from his spot on the ground. He tried to move either to attack or sate his curiosity.


    From his left and right appeared two Gemini Angels. Each grabbed an Arganne. Fight and terror rose in his heart as he saw these beings of featureless and divine energy. He trashed but only his body moved his Argannen held tightly in place.


    Another bright light appeared and this time a Divina Angel spawned.


    "No. Someone help me. Please anyone. Stop this. Don''t!". Aerondir thrashed and begged. My Divina turned to me. Standing unseen amongst the crowd I nodded curtly. There was no keeping this one alive as his actions could not be underestimated.


    The Divina turned back smoothly and sent a fist aiming for the Argonne''s chest.


    "Well, that was quite exciting to see". An amused and eager voice interrupted.


    I turned with confusion to the side where I found a creature I had only seen once. Depicted majestically on the list of choices I had been given select from before my descent. It, He, it was a he, stood right next to me. His head turning slowly in my direction while his fingers moved. Dark chaotic energy tangled amongst them, similar to that holding my Divina''s fist in place.


    "Hello, brother". A smile I found both annoying and good on his avatar was sent my way. It didn''t matter the face, the fierce smile, or the dashing grin borne. It didn''t matter how innocent those four eyes twinkled. Only one brat had those twinkles in his eyes while thinking in an opposite range.


    "Freyr".

 Monolith of Passage

    THIRD PERSON POV


    Back in the lunar palace, Hildelith looked at her palm. The eye of worlds called to her with excitement. The White world had sure been annoying and scary but it brought a sense of adventure she still wanted. She could get this from her world or make another but she felt like letting one grow a bit was best before making another.


    It would seem the game agreed if not it wouldn''t have let her use the eye. With a smile, she made to activate it when a whinny reached her. The sound of hooves trotted into the palace and stopped to look around.


    Zeus.


    His eyes were sad, huge, and round. It would seem even horses got bored. Being left behind by Haero most of the time to train on Sol and now left behind to go to Vaustaris, it made sense how abandoned the horse felt.


    ''I guess I''ll be teaching someone how not to treat a pet''. She wiggled her fingers at him and the horse trotted forward. Aether spawned a very realistic apple in her arm and she fed the horse. The sound of crunching lulled her into the thought of having an orchard here. Her boys and girls would love to taste them.


    ''Akasha add this fruit to the various weird things you''re listing for the ecology''.


    ''Okay''. The tiny chirp in her mind made her chuckle. Hildelith had to admit she liked Akasha doing this as then when she used her incarnate to visit she would be just as wowed as the players.


    "Alright boy. It''s time for me to go". He whinnied in response and she realized he didn''t want to be left behind. Sighing she thought hard.


    Come with her or let him have an avatar on Vaustaris. ''Hmmh''. She looked him over. Then her eyes glinted. "Oh I know. You, my boy are going to create a breed of horses that only royalty will ride". With a hand flourish she made a template. It was easy to make given it was a normal pegasi template.


    With a snap, she willed it to be. On all continents, Pegasis spawned.


    "Now you. Go down there and find a companion. And when my boy comes for you. Give him war". I chuckled at the thought of Haero trying to drag Zeus home.


    ''Do tell me when that happens so I''ll watch''. She joked. The horse whinnied or was it a snicker and she tapped his head. The body slumped, the soul thrown down to the mortal realm.


    "Now, if there''s nothing else". Looking around she smiled seeing nothing else that needed her attention. With a giddy jump, she activated the eye.


    ****


    <blockquote>


    [You have spawned in a SafeZone]


    [Leaving SafeZone begins combat mode]


    [To log out return to a safe zone]


    </blockquote>


    The room Hilde appeared in was dimly lit. A bit of red and yellow light filtering in from wierd windows. The windows looked like they were meant to keep things in or out. The air was heavy with sulfur and her nostrils itched from the ash.


    Blue eyes made a quick scan of the room and found things of interest.


    First, fortunately, the place wasn''t all white. That topped any other discovery for the day in Hilde''s mind. The second was the abandoned vibe she got from the place. It wasn''t the dust or soot accumulating or the silence that rang in the air.


    It was just the absence of presence around her. Unlike the destroyed white world that screamed ruins here was just, forsaken.


    The room was large. To the right was a bed covered with white sheets. It was king-sized and carved out of wood that closely resembled mahogany. Her thoughts were screaming finally. Maybe she could just loot this bed and spare her spending MVC for those growing ass kids.


    ''Or they could make their beds''.


    The ground was made of marble that Hilde couldn''t discern due to the red of the environment. The curtains covered what she expected to be grand doors leading to a balcony.


    To her back was a door that when opened led to a dresser of sorts. It was filled with different clothes of varying sizes. Mostly male. They were all sewn with fine embroidery and while she was unsure how long this place had been abandoned the dust and cobwebs gave an idea.


    Hilde found her fingers touching the material hanging from the wardrobe. Each one was soft and warm to the touch. Like the finest of silks.


    "Hopefully no one minds."


    All the clothes in her inventory later, Hilde stood before the next door. This one was a double door with rusted bronze knobs and intricate designs on it.


    "It called the room a safe zone. Does that make outside not a safe zone?".


    Taking a breath Hilde tensed and waited for just a moment before she tilted the bronze-rusted knob and pulled open one of the large doors.


    The system greeted her actions with a notification flickering in her vision.


    <blockquote>


    [QUEST]


    [The Tower''s Conquest]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Once standing proud, now seized and lost, the Tower lies shattered, torn from its brethren amidst an ethereal veil of ash and crimson waves. Does its path lead skyward, or will it plunge into the rifts?


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    If divinity hears, grant us salvation; yet if your power falters, let vengeance rain upon our mortal husks. We beseech thee, O heavens. - Alezk, Sovereign of the Tower.


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Conquer the Tower.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Rank: A]


    [Rewards: To be unveiled]


    [Failure: -10 ORP, -1 level]


    </blockquote>


    Hilde was relieved to see something like this. The oddity of the Center of worlds still felt off and just weird to her.


    Still, it was impossible to ignore the chills the words in this quest gave her.


    ''Whatever happened here, it''s not normal''.


    The window refused to budge and the door was the only way out. Her thoughts couldn''t help but wonder about all of it.


    It was obvious she would experience what it was sooner rather than later.


    The door creaked as it was opened revealing a hallway drowned in red light. Her feet took one step out of the door her eyes peeled for any movement.


    "Taking the horror theme too far guys" she whispered with a slight gulp.


    The moment both legs got past the threshold the door slammed close behind her like it couldn''t wait to be shut.


    Then a line of words appeared in her head.


    <blockquote>


    [You have exited a Safe zone]


    </blockquote>


    Harbinger spawned into her left hand her right already on its strings ready to shoot.


    A soft wind blew through the halls. Hot and uncomfortable. It assaulted her senses making her queasy. Hilde remained unmoving, waiting.


    If the Destroyer had taught her something vital for this occasion then it would be patience. Patience, which she found ran out faster than water poured into a sieve.


    Finally, she stepped away from the door and further into the halls. Doors littered the hall from beginning to end. Rotten, falling clumps of wood that offered no true obstacle against a kick.


    Hilde moved to the first door. And for some reason, one she couldn''t discern her hand raised and she dumbly knocked.


    In her head, it felt just right. It looked like a room after all.


    Whatever it was that lay in the tower stirred.


    The system was right but also wrong. Hell wasn''t a place. But right now, Hilde was sure she''d been spawned in the floors of one such hell.


    The doors all opened. Every door in that hallway creaked open at the same time. Like a choreographed scene. Smoke oozed out the floors of the doors like a bad horror setting.


    Out the poured, like sands fleeing from the spaces within a man''s fingers.


    Hilde took one step back eyes wide before she recovered from the initial panic of the huge crowd. Will flooded her cloak erasing her presence but leaving a shaky mirage of her due to the lack of shadows.


    Then Harbinger dissipated and in its place, two wolf fangs appeared. Void chaos dagger in each hand, legs bent both hands raised like a boxer right before she dove into the deluge of burning skeletons.


    The wisps of golden tongues that were flames gave their black skulls an eerie look as each tongue of fire shivered within each of their hollowed eye sockets. Their swords and for some spears and shields glowed and gleamed with a fervent red heat.


    Hilde met the first one with a spartan kick that sent it down and floored the greater number. Like dominoes. Her gauntlets jammed into one''s shield, her left hand hooking the bronze gear and pulling it forward to her. The skeleton lost its balance falling forward. The right hand with the dagger tightly held shot up a crack resounding as its fang slinked into the illuminated eye sockets.


    Blood didn''t flow. Skeletons did not bleed after all. No. Their divine fires, burning their existence into reality fizzled and faded even as the first of her battle prompt appeared.


    <blockquote>


    [You have slain a Gurser - Flame bearer]


    [You have gained a Shard of minor divine fire]


    [+2 ORP]


    </blockquote>


    Where was the exp, where was it? Hide wasn''t given a chance to reason properly as her mind went full combat mode. Her eyes saw the movements of the Gursers and she intercepted. Her body narrowly ducked between the folds of their strikes.


    Their blades or spears cut into one another. Whether the friendly fire was keeping them from harming the other or not, she didn''t care.


    Void chaos daggers drilled more holes into their bony weakness. Hilde went for critical hits aiming to shorten the amount of time needed to kill as the numbers were too overwhelming for her.


    A strike to the neck, a sweep of their feet to topple and stall the horde. More strikes to their necks or eyes that lovingly cracked their skulls.


    She was piling damage with the daggers like goblin hunting season.


    A sword slash to her calf brought a wince before a sigh as the healing touch of divine purity caressed the sliced flesh.


    Necks, eyes, side of the head, and spine. Hilde inflicted 150 damage to all these areas plus the additional critical. Chaos damage finished the work sending the Gursers down as piles of smoldering bones.


    Her feet stomped on bony legs, her fists punching when she couldn''t stab. The tower proved to be made from the earth as it rolled to her call each one shrouded in a green glow that symbolized her will and insight. The entire floor kept peeling away like tiles beneath the enemy''s feet and severely unbalanced them.


    A cold tug in her head was the first warning that she got telling her that she was overstraining her will. Hilde mentally noted it but regardless continued to use the earth.


    Walls jutted up as barriers around her cutting off groups of the Gursers from the rest. A swift slaughter followed as the chimes of kill notifications flooded her head.


    The walls would come down only for her to segregate the next group and continue. The halls slowly piled with bones even as she fought.


    Her feet stepped off the wall to her left, her body coiling like a spring right before she kicked off. The wall cracked and she shot to the angle she desired straight for another group. Like a bowling pin, she crashed right into them.


    The wolf fang buried itself into the eyes of yet another Gurser, Nothingness Eruption erasing the skull. A tingle in her left eye froze her abruptly. Leaping back immediately she tripped.


    She hit the floor and rolled back just to see a new Gurser wielding a two-handed axe in hand and red fire burning on it cut through the spot she''d just abandoned.


    Unlike the others, this one had a leather piece on and a helmet over its burning skull.


    The stampede of the bony feet around her made her realize how disadvantageous this new Gurser made her situation. She couldn''t fight it while destroying the rest. Hilde was cautious about it. After all, she had felt its danger.


    Though she honestly didn''t rate it anywhere close to the destroyer it was still strong.


    The void dagger dissipated into her inventory her hand taking the chakram off her belt. With a click, the ring of blades separated into two. Each a crescent moon of the other with the handle now thinner than before joined at its center. Nothingness coated their blades swiftly.


    The rushing Gursers didn''t know what hit them when the two blades were tossed in opposite directions of the other.


    The clang of steel hitting stone and the erased parts of contact, as it bounced off the walls was a clue to what was coming even before it severed a head or split an arm.


    The Gurser with an axe raised charged her its jaw open in a silent roar. One Hilde met with a cry, powerful and sweeping through the halls and past. The collision was unavoidable.


    A shockwave spread as Creator met Gurser in a primal exchange of axe and gauntlet. One striking hard with fury and the other redirecting the blow of the axe blade to glance off her gauntlet. The shockwave came from the flow of divine purity into her fists right to the knuckles and out just as she dealt a strike to its chest. The pure force of strength and divinity drove the skeleton, its bones disassembled and flames snuffed out back and scattering all over the room.


    [Skill Learned - Divine Fist]


    [You have slain Gurser - Flame enhanced]


    [You have gained a shard of lesser divine fire]


    [+ 8 ORP]


    "This would go a lot faster if I remember to use abilities". She frowned. Hildelith knew she''d been creating more times than she''d been fighting. She was less used and less trained in the combat of Creation Online than she''d want to admit.


    Her powers had gotten her far when she remembered but when she didn''t. She let herself fight like a brute. Hildelith knew she had to remember that she was a Creator. While it was easy for her to use one or two abilities here and there she had a ton and all of them could create a combo of lethality that would have ended this fight before it even began.


    "I even used something cool when making Glacius". Yet the moment there was a fight she forgot most of her abilities. She knew she needed to change that.

 Monolith of Passage II

    The Gursers: Flame bearers, unfortunately, didn''t flee with the fall of the axe-wielding Gurser. Hilde snapped both pairs of tbe chakram back into one whilst evading hits continuously.


    This battle was easy, too easy.


    ''Could be easier''. She frowned.


    It was almost like she had grown stronger or these things were not worth her at all. Hilde punched a burning skull out of her way before kicking another Gurser into the first rotted wood door.


    Like she thought the door barely resisted. Shattering into heaps of wood on the floor as the Gurser went through.


    Blue eyes watched while a wall of the earth was erected around her to hold off the crowd of burning bones as nothing remarkable stepped out of the room. Since the Gursers had come from within this room she had expected there to be something inside. Maybe another higher-grade Gurser or something.


    When nothing happened the Gursers outside were beginning to crack the wall keeping them away from her. She simply hastened into the room.


    She took in the empty single room that should have been a guestroom for dignitaries or probably a queen''s room. Yet now it was vacant. Her attention landed on the only resident who hadn''t joined the party outside.


    In the center of a large yet empty room sat a huge Gurser on a wooden chair. Its body bent forward, its hollowed sockets empty and devoid of fire stared into the pit of red flame flickering in some makeshift fire pit.


    The flames were an entrancing blaze of golden and blue flickering like a maiden dancing to the tunes of the village bard.


    Crash!!.


    The wall holding out the Gursers gave. Hilde turned her head from the Gurser seated for a minute to stare at the unmoving horde of bones. They all stood, the wall now broken at their feet while they all just stood there staring at her eerily.


    It felt familiar. Too familiar.


    Scowling her head turned back slowly to the seated Gurser unsurprised to find herself looking into the dark gaze of the Gurser. It stared back even as its head tilted in curiosity like she was a puzzle piece that didn''t fit.


    The sound of its teeth clacking got her interested as she waited, watching. The seated Gurser rose even as its teeth kept clattering together. It was like it kept attempting speech yet remained unable to say words due to its nonexistent vocal cords.


    The Gurser itself seemingly realizing its attempts were useless made a shrug that had her brow raised.


    ''A mob that can think.'' Her eyes narrowed and her brow furrowed. The void daggers got clenched firmly in her hands. ''Where have I seen this before?''.


    Golden tongues of red fire appeared within the Gurser''s hollowed gaze after that.


    Hilde noted the chainmail that covered its withering bones as it walked to the other side of the room in a confident stride that rang warning bells in Hilde''s head.


    At its destination stood a table she hadn''t noticed. On it lay a black sword, from its pommel to the very blade tip. Like the worst of fires had charred it without being hot enough to melt its metal.


    A helmet that covered the entire head with only two holes for the eyes was grasped off the table and slowly, disturbingly to her, set over its head.


    ''There goes my critical hits''. She clicked her tongue.


    Its hand grabbed the handle of the black bastard sword right before its head turned to gaze at her. Its look was now eery and frightening. He gave off Black Knight vibes.


    Walking ever so slowly, so leisurely back to its former position it halted facing her. Like a ritual, it raised the sword, tip pointed to the ceiling, and handle held by both hands. Slowly it tapped the flat of the black sword onto the forehead of its helmet.


    Hilde tensed as the pressure in the air rose.


    Then the Gurser tapped its foot. Once. She looked down at the foot then up to it.


    The foot tapped once more. She frowned.


    A third tap came. This time it burst forward with a speed that she didn''t expect from bones. A burst of fire shot out of its feet leaving scorch marks on the floor. The black steel it wielded was already raised and like death''s agent, it descended on her.


    She barely got away. Just fast enough to save herself from getting split in two. Her eyes enlarged as she noted the thin line that had been forged between her breasts and down to her abdomen.


    Her eyes moved to the blade in its hand one that unlike the others had no heat. Yet a few lines of blue ran up and down it like a spark.


    ''Can I use a mob weapon? Cause I want that sword''. Divine purity was already healing the thin injury behind her armor.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Both accessed the other one last time before they clashed once more. Hilde discovered in just two strikes that she was way out of her league.


    She was fast, very. A blur in the room as she struck like the wrath of the heavens. Yet each time she found herself scurrying away. Again and again, she leaped into close-quarters combat only to flee at the last minute. She was the stronger one. The faster one. The mighty one.


    Yet, the Gurser while slow and weak had something Hilde remarkably lacked. Skill.


    The swordsmanship it showed was impeccable. Precise and agile. The sharp blade always stopped her daggers at the last minute before they could reach any points on the armor it wore or its eyes. Twisting and deflecting her powerful strikes with such precision that all her strength was useless.


    It was astonishing but frustrating. Even worse was the swift counter it posed with each return of his blade. Strong and swift.


    Hilde grimaced with this realization. Lips set in a straight line she dashed forward once again. She bashed, she swung with quick precision seeking to shatter the Gurser''s defense with her speed. Her eyes flew everywhere searching for anything to use any space in its stance at all.


    None came up.


    Her hands glowed after each retreat gifting it with rocky presents. Presents which it sliced apart with deadly precision and quick swings of its blade.


    Nothing she did stumped it. She moved the earth sending them at him with a flick of her hands as she jumped around and it evaded or cut them apart. She cast little blades of nothingness at it which were calmly sidestepped.


    The difference between crazed attacking and skilled fighting. Hildelith realized she had all these abilities yet she really couldn''t remember much of what each did.


    The fight wasn''t going well for her. Once it even Spartan kicked a huge stone into smithereens showing its great strength stat.


    Not stronger than her but still enough to deal with the rocks.


    ''What to do, what to do?'' her mind cursed at it as she continually attacked. There was no hope of tiring it out since it was bones. No hope of shocking it since it seemed firm in its stance. Everything she threw at it was deflected. Even the chakram split apart got a try and the Gurser just sidestepped one and jumped out of the path of the other. Smart.


    The bows came up next. And Hilde discovered with both astonishment and annoyance that she could barely land a hit and harbinger was ineffective.


    ''It has no soul. Yet it reasons''. Hilde frowned harshly before the void daggers returned and continued her attacks. ''I guess those elementals reason too. Never checked ''. She thought of Tora''s creation.


    Both danced in a macabre twirl of life and death. Pull and push. One representing all that gave life and birth the other a telltale symbol for the destructive tendencies of the flame.


    Then Hilde paused and stepped back.


    ''I see it''.


    Hidden within its remarkable skill, precise defense, and counters was a flaw.


    ''No. It''s too huge of one to be a flaw. More like a trap'' she reasoned. It was too large, too good an opening in such skilled a swordsman to not be suspicious. Infact thinking about it clearly she should not have been able to see such a flaw considering she was not good enough with the sword.


    ''A bait to cinch victory'' she mused. This bait though was only valid for one good reason. Each of their attacks had gone in such a way that she knew the Gurser had studied her as much as she studied it.


    ''I think it''s time to bring out the guns. Akasha''.


    ''I''m here''.


    ''I didn''t think you''d be able to hear me''.


    ''You generate me and I''m connected to you. While this place has none your very being emits me into it''.


    Hildelith nodded. ''You already know what I''m thinking. Any ideas?''.


    ''The increase and large number of skills and abilities in your status make it hard to know which and what is good for an attack''.


    ''If I even remember what is and what isn''t ''. She kept moving, her eyes never leaving the swordsman.


    ''True. I think it best I always share which ability is best for each moment''.


    ''Like having an A.I combat aid''.


    ''I''m not an A.I''. a disgruntled squeak sounded in her head.


    ''You know what I mean. Sorry''.


    ''I guess. And yes. We''d create combos for certain skills, use abilities, even your aether which you always, never use''.


    ''It''s aether. It feels like grand magic''. Both girls had a brain-freeze moment.


    ''Then we make it grand magic''.


    ''Then we make it grand magic''.


    Unfortunately for Hildelith she couldn''t squeal out in joy at the idea she just randomly generated thanks to her foe.


    ''Alright. Let''s do this''.


    ''This would have been a good time to learn swordsmanship''.


    Hilde shrugged. ''Seems it wasn''t made to be. If I just had enough MVC I could get that new sword and armor I saw in the system shop''. She readied herself..


    ''Or you could simply make one of your own''. She tilted her head from the reply.


    ''With what, and how? I doubt it''s that easy to make weapons. Plus I could just buy an already made weapon and spare myself the amounts of items needed''.


    ''Or, you could just use the ones found in your universe ''. Hildelith straightened up instantly.


    ''They''re ready?''.


    ''Yes. They are''. A grin split her face. This was something she''d had Akasha work on since her dad and Dester gave her the idea. Resources.


    ''Make a list and send it to my mind later. The? see if you can do the same thing for Vaustaris''.


    ''Okay. Get ready it''s coming. Here are the skills and abilities ''. A series of skill abilities and some combos formed in her head.


    ''There is no moment in this time or the future I will regret making you Akasha. I''d love to say I thought of some of these but, that''s just a lie. You are god sent''.


    ''Heheheh''. The little thing giggled in her mind. ''Of course I am. You sent me''.


    Hildelith smiled then focused on what was to come next. With Akasha having full control of the skill pumped into her mind she was able to focus on the fight and only use the abilities that appeared in her minf.


    ''Oh and Akasha, let''s stick to weaker ones. We don''t want to one shot it''. Her shoulders relaxed her hands tightened on the handles of the wolf fangs and with a burst of speed, she dashed into its space.


    The Gurser locked eyes with her just as she appeared aiming for its eye once more with her right dagger. Its head pulled back instantly it''s blade flashing up to knock her dagger to the left.


    Hilde let the momentum of the strike spin her, her left hand came for the Gurser''s other side. In a display of sharp reflex and speed, its other hand knocked the dagger back.


    The black sword already raised from knocking away the first attempt descended, slanted it aimed to cleave her head off her body. Hilde ducked low and then kicked forward totally entering its space. The Gurser''s eyes shifted down to look at her.


    Hilde swore she saw mockery in them. But no matter she continued her dagger already an inch from a space where two joints of armor met at its hip.


    The Gurser moved away instantly by simply springing off its right leg creating a bit of space between bot fighters. Enough space between them for it to spring an assault on its well-placed prey. In a powerful thrust that appeared from it''s left side the formidable walking bones sent the black steel of it''s sword tearing through the Vulkan''s Prize, digging into her abdomen and jutting out her back in a shower of gold blood.


    <blockquote>


    [Critical Damage Taken]


    [- 500 Health]


    </blockquote>

 Monolith of Passage III

    The sound of liquid splashing into a puddle was audible in the silence that choked the room. The sight of golden ichor on the stone floor even as more drops joined the growing puddle disturbing.


    The Gurser tilted its head as its eyes appraised the sight before it.


    The female stood a hand latched onto the guard of its black sword. The situation was terrible, the danger in the air was creating sizzle-like steam. For the Gurser unfortunately.


    It couldn''t understand. Its sword was buried deep into its foe yet it was the one who felt the danger. The divine fires within its bones warned it to run.


    By the time its confusion abated enough and it attempted listening to the crawling feeling in its marrows the air had long chilled. It looked up from tbe sword it had been tugging. A sword that refused to budge.


    Its gaze raised to look into the eyes of the female and it stilled. Her eyes glowed. But it wasn''t an incandescent burning glare of green. No. They were ice white with flecks of cold and ice spreading onto her eyes and nose.


    Its eyes if possible would have widened as it realized what was about to happen. Its hands freed the sword as it attempted to escape.


    Hilde had planned this to the Tee. She had borne the pain of a stab she wasn''t sure about surviving were it not for the continuously churning stream of Divine Purity healing her even with the sword still there, keeping her alive. Her health performing an up-and-down dance.


    The Gurser believing it could flee was pitiful.


    The plans had already been completed when its blade struck true.


    Its feet barely reacted as the ground was removed from beneath them. Nothingness washed out from her feet to erase the floor. Its body dropped from the lack of a foothold only for four earthen slabs rising from the four points around it to strike out and hold it in place. Its head was the only part of its body in view even as more rocks rolled up with the green glow guiding them to attach into the slab until it was nothing more than a mini volcano with a skull on display.


    The next moment a cold wind like nothing it had ever felt blew over it. The rocks chilled and turned white as the sound of gathering ice and cold assured the Gurser it wasn''t headed anywhere.


    Her eyes which had become a kaleidoscope of colors as she used each power in turn settled. Slowly her hand pulled out the blade from her abdomen squirming at each movement of the blade while fighting for concentration to keep divine purity active.


    Finally, the blade clanged on the ground and she moaned into the floor as the wound burned with the hot air touching it while blood flowed out thinning and abruptly till the wound was sealed.


    Yet she lay there breathing in and out. Unbelievable it was, that she just got stabbed. But more unbelievable was how her plan had worked.


    ''Good job girl ''. Akasha purred in delight.


    The Gurser had been fast enough to avoid and react to her thrown rocks by watching the movements of her hands. Fast enough to deflect her attacks due to its insane swordsmanship.


    Remove both factors from the equation.


    The pang of pain in her brain already warned Hilde of the strain on her mind. This meant that the mind had a part to play in the use of abilities and skills, abstract. It made sense to her since one''s imagination and then will worked hand in hand. Her hand had simply helped to focus the direction and movement of the earth.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    Like all muscles, the mind could be trained which was the pain in her head from overdoing the activities with Earthen Grace. It seemed that it was possible to earn stats outside of leveling up.


    She figured that the only way to get the sword out of the way was to let it slack. What could make a foe slack in a fight? Victory.


    So churning her Divine Purity within her at full force she''d taken the second attempt at her. It was the best and the most lethal. The Gurser not realizing anything due to its skill and reflexes which paled in comparison to her perception and speed. The only reason she''d been able to avoid all its counterattacks till now.


    Trapping its blade then using her mind instead of hands she''d forged a prison of stone and ice for it.


    The girl lay there for a few moments a smile on her lips while looking to the door where the few remaining Gursers stood.


    ''Like the Unknown ordered to hold off. It seems these NPCs all have a certain code of honor''. her smile deepened before she looked back to the entrapped Gurser. Why they weren''t attacking even after their leader''s defeat was beyond her.


    "Fortunately, I am bound by no such chains." she rose slowly. "A being able to fight and hold a Creator in a one-on-one fight deserves no honor. Honor is a tool to give the weak a breathing chance."


    Standing upright while ignoring the slight tingle in her abdomen, phantom pain it was called, she inhaled and exhaled before looking the Gurser in its eye.


    Picking up the black sword that was still stained by her blood she walked to stand to its side.


    "You, my friend, have my respect. You''ve earned it" the sword raised. "For you, while not as strong have proven yourself capable. And the capable are strong. The strong need no honor. Just respect. My respect to you is death by your blade ". And the sword descended.


    "You''ve shown yourself smart before and even now. So I''ll give you a pass on this. Still, I''d say this is quite straightforward don''t you think? Theatrical even."


    The sword froze just an inch from tbe Gurser''s neck, or spine. Hilde turned to stare at the familiar voice with dead eyes.


    "Hey, Cole. I''ll just be a minute. Execution in place". She nodded to the Gurser who had barely moved. It looked like it accepted its fate or something.


    " Tell me, before you complete this morbid ancient Knight beheading, what do you think of the game". A smile lit up the right corner of his face while the left stayed straight.


    "Right now. I just wanna kill this thing and get some shard and ORP which I don''t know how to use but there''s a reason it''s given right". She watched him fight the several facial features popping up on his face, his eyes twitching before he spoke.


    "I''m sure you''re on a quest Hilde. So I''m not gonna waste your time. I''ll just ask. What does it mean to conquer?".


    Hilde frowned. Thinking it over she paused a bit before shrugging. "Subdue. Capture and..." she looked to the Gurser.


    "...Control".


    "Hilde, I''m gonna quote a poem for you. It''s very very interesting. You should listen to it".Cole at this point was now seated on nothing legs crossed as he gazed into space. Then in a voice worthy of never getting heard he sang.


    "If there are gods. Save us. But if you can''t or are unable, then avenge our mortal husks. We pray thee". It was a more watered-down version of the quote from the quest prompt.


    Cole''s eyes stared at her like an old sage. His eyes though revealed pain in them as he watched her.


    "What a prayer Hilde. Don''t you think so?"


    "Just tell me." she sighed. She was in no mood to peel apart every word the system showed. She''d hoped that had just been a Molliwag thing. Obviously not.


    "I would honestly love to. But even if I did, I can''t or more like won''t dare to" He shivered


    "Someone can be scary I assure "he sighed with a dramatic look of terror that Hilde knew was fake.


    "Honestly though. I can''t help you or any of the creators. I''m not even supposed to be here"


    "And still, here you are. Why?" she kept looking at him sword pointed down.


    "Why?"


    "Why are you here then?"


    "Our deal. Why else?" he reminded.


    "We made no deal. Yet" she added.


    "But you''ve considered it. Haven''t you?. " Cole asked as he gazed at her. "You''ve noticed something from this fight. Have you not, Fearghal".


    Hilde frowned. Being manipulated didn''t feel right to her.


    "Ironstone. And yes. Doesn''t mean I''ll accept your deal though. " she glared.


    "Hildelith Fearghal Ironstone. Number 1 Creator Player. One who cares not for the fame or the glory. Just the pure joy of her adventure. You''re not special Helen" he murmured. Her eyes dilated as she glared at the use of her real name.


    "You just like many others are the victims of several crimes. Ones that break many, shatter most, and snuff the life out of others." he frowned and looked at her.


    "Yet you came here to tame your demons. Not conventional but what matters is you sought and paved a path to defeat your fears. You and I, here and now, are evidence of the tiny victories you''ve gained".


    Hilde shook while keeping herself still wondering where this was going. The black sword in her hand pulsing with golden energy as divinity flushed through it in her annoyance.


    "I gave you my quest because of this. Unlike many who will be strong. Who will be fast, swift, and deadly you, dear creator show an insight that dulls these other savages. You see things that others don''t. Look from vantage points that others would ignore. " He eyed the glowing blade.


    "I wasn''t exactly sure of my quick choice in selecting you. However, after a thorough appraisal of all your 100 siblings".


    "They''re not my siblings". It was almost a growl. He paused, shrugged, and continued.


    "You alone understood your mission on the first lost world. You don''t know how great a task it is to dissect the words of Ma" he paused and looked her over before mumbling to himself.


    "Or it''s a gender thing". Coughing he continued.


    "That''s why I''m here. Hilde. For your help. But first. You are going to figure out the truth of this tower and how to use it to your benefit" " He sounded so sure of himself.


    Hildelith was both stunned and frozen. Did he just bash, praise, encourage, and show confidence in her, all in one go?

 Monolith of Passage IV

    HELEN''S POV


    The words of the quest echoed in my head repeatedly my eyes never leaving the Gurser. Its hollow husks were now empty, devoid of the flame even as its skull burned. Like it had given up the fight.


    The words made no sense no matter how I looked at it and honestly, Cole''s warning was the only reason it felt like something to be considered.


    ''To save them. If unable to avenge their mortal husks.''


    The dusty cobwebs, rotten wood, and silent tower made one thing clear. Whoever was asked to save did no saving. Which meant avenging their mortal husks was next. Mortal husks.


    "Don''t tell me these are the bodies of the original netizens. Those who actually owned or lived here,". it was too obvious. Which meant that she was...


    Hilde shook her head. It was confusing here.


    She looked at Cole who smiled knowingly but nodded encouragingly for her to continue while he waited. She looked back to the Gurser sensing no free hint from the guy.


    ''Why avenge their mortal husks?.No, no. Why even use such word wording? Normal statements for vengeance wouldn''t have the time for such addition of words.'' She frowned. ''Speech pattern of the netizens or a way to denote something deeper. A message.''


    Kneeling she stared at the husk. " What did you want me to know?". She could clearly remember its attempt at a speech earlier.


    "Mortal husks. Why husks?" she tapped her forehead in frustration like the information was hidden there. Cole raised an eyebrow at this action whilst still smiling.


    "Can I ask a question that won''t break your rules?"


    "As long as it''s not a direct answer to your confusion then yes I guess". Cole answered leaning close, his gray eyes gleaming with eagerness.


    "Why can''t you just say it''s lost its soul? Do you have to be such an annoyance. "she hissed. Cole froze eyes widening. Then he paused and sighed as he noted her look before smiling.


    "You figured it out eh? Hehehe" he chuckled.


    "Yeah. you reacted pretty badly now which meant the answer to that question was a negative. Not just that. You stopped me from killing it. You tried to outplay your interference by citing trash. No offense. I guess because of those rules you keep mentioning." she looked at his features hoping for a reaction or something. Cole just stared blankly his smile still there.


    "But you could have come before. Or after I beheaded him. You could have even arrived say when I was about to exit the door of the bedroom."


    "How would I know?." He defended hands raised but his cheeks still stretched in that foolish smil¨¦.


    "Because you came exactly when it was needed. Then your words. Use for your benefit." Helen noted his lips shift a bit more like he was suppressing the widening of his smile.


    "You could have just left that out of your words since well I''ve killed a lot of these things and received both ORP and Shards. I even mentioned it and you reacted. But you still said those words. Why?".


    Hilde stood right before the Gurser and then without looking at Cole spoke.


    " You''re trying to tell me something important. Just as important as killing and getting its shard. You know its shard is just as important, right? So how does one get a shard without killing it?" All her questions received silence, eyes looking from one spot to another then back to her. Hilde never needed an answer. Her hand raised and she looked at it as it slowly pulsed with veins of gold streaking up her forearms.


    "Why a husk though? If a husk then what powers them? Why do they become bones when the flames within them leave if their souls are still within? Seriously, I''m thinking in the direction of Tora''s elementals but that sounds and feels different."


    Cole looked at her narrowed his eyes and looked away. The left side of her cheek stretched in a smirk.


    Her hand touched the Gurser as her lips moved.


    "They''re like the unknown, aren''t they? While changed by the flames, they''re also trapped in it or something." Divinity poured into its skull.


    "The very fact that I have said all this while you make those funny eye stares, and no attempts to correct or steer me away..." she looked back to him, eyes now a vibrant gold. "...means I''m half right but somehow still right".


    Cole smirked unable to hold himself back as the purifying stream of gold flooded the trapped being. It filled its bones as they shuddered and crept over the fires in its eyes, each tongue of red flame shivering like a leaf.


    Like a bind, the flames were snuffed and the system spoke.


    <blockquote>


    [Gurser - Flame Worshipper has been purified]


    [Divinty of Flames has been cleared]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [You have received a Little Shard of Divine Fire]


    [+15 ORP]


    [Replace activation element]


    [Y/N]


    </blockquote>


    The information for it was little. Warning of the husk crumbling into the same pile of bones if not given something to anchor its soul to the body of bones. Like a force holding it. Hilde still did not understand but she felt like yes was the preferred choice.


    With her affirmation, a shiver ran through her and exited the fingers still placed on the Gurser.


    The sound of hands hitting together shook her out of the stupor she was in. With it the shock of the feeling she just had left her. Taking away her eyes she missed the changes happening.


    Her gaze fixed on Cole who kept beaming like a proud father while clapping and nodding.


    "Your ability to see what isn''t there is exquisite." he stopped as he rose his gray eyes flashing dangerously.


    "I need you to accept my deal. "


    Hilde frowned. ''Is he going to force a deal on me now? Maybe it''s not too bad? If the rewards and benefits are good¡¯.


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


    Hilde knew from her fight with the Gurser earlier and the battle with the destroyer that strength was nothing when compared to skill. A skilled swordsman could slay a dragon in games after all. Just as a little human could kill a Titan.


    As realistic as it all was at the end of tbe day it was still a game. The impossible was meant to happen. She lacked the skills that most pro players had. This meant soon when the heat of her luck and her early jump ahead of the others cooled down there would be possible contenders for the throne.


    If this guy wanted her to cut a deal. Then Hilde knew what she wanted.


    "Fine. I''ll accept. But you must and will train and teach me all about surviving what this game has to throw.".


    "World. Not game. Done. A lot of rules might be broken but there''s a sure workaround for them".


    "My Merlin." She smiled.


    Cole stopped. He looked at her with a weird gaze. His eyes rose as he made several gestures in the air before finally freezing hand hanging mid-air.


    "So basically I have to be your...nope. Not happening". he grunted. Staying in one place was not a thing he would do.


    " Just until I''m strong enough to not need your lessons". She reasoned. ''Plus my social experiment ''


    Cole tapped his lips before nodding.


    "That''s feasible. I do need you to be capable enough for my assignments." he waved a hand and out of the air a parchment of paper appeared. It floated to her and dropped into her palms.


    "Read and sign later. For now, finish this tower and do some... " he vanished before his words were completed.


    Hilde looked at the parchment for a second before turning back to the Gurser. Or what was once a Gurser? The stones and ice around it had rolled off after its purification. She''d not even been focused to hear the cracking.


    The flames were gone. Once hollow and blackened skull toughened and solidified with hardened rocks and earth. Its skeletal frame now had several pieces of black rocks and stones sealed into a fixed state like cooled magma.


    Like a golem forged into a skeletal form. Thicker arms and broader shoulders. The armor was cracked and broken hanging off its body by thin strips of metal.


    But it was its eyes. Its eyes aglow with white light. Not golden or red like divinity or fire, but white. A color she had not seen yet. The Gurser itself seemed to be logical enough to appraise itself before looking up at her. Then it repositioned itself unto one knee.


    Its rock-like teeth clattered together as it attempted speech.


    "Greeting Creator. My thanks for ridding me of the fires of Tartarus".


    Eyes wide, brows raised she leaned forward and asked.


    "Did you..." she raised a finger slowly pointing at it"... just talk?".


    *****


    <blockquote>


    [????? - Spark Bearer]


    </blockquote>


    An option to name my new creation appeared over its head. Like a tag showing it was still unclassified therefore no more a Gurser.


    The former Gurser stood there silently like it was being judged. I thought about it precariously for a moment. The game had an emphasis on names, races, and lore. It was like it gave each its very own importance. One standing for something, the other defining its maker, and then the last a truth.


    Which made her ponder about the name for that long. Also because she wanted something that resounded well.


    "A former Gurser, once bone and skull, purified and bounded to me. Like a child but not truly mine. Seeking vengeance even with a mummified body".


    "An Unborn".


    <blockquote>


    [Unborn - Spark Bearer]


    [Ist of the Unborn, Bearers of the Divinity of the Spark]


    </blockquote>


    The prompt left Hilde in more contemplation. The system was knowingly or not filling gaps for her. The only problem was that most of these gaps were so far apart that they left a widely incomplete puzzle piece.


    The Gurser once a Bearer of the Flame had been purified and then lost its former status. Filling it with something to keep it alive she''d formed an Unborn, a spark bearer.


    Divinity.


    Hilde didn''t know how the spark got into the unborn but she had an idea. Using Akasha she pulled up the now familiar table she was used to.


    ''Best not to confuse myself with the old table from The Will''.


    [Welcome to the Rack Of Life Creator 79]


    [Record position - Absolute]


    [SCREEN 1]


    [Host - Hildelith ''Fearghal'' Ironstone]


    [Moniker - The Warrior One]


    [Feats - Creation''s Witness, Motivated, Source Point Creator, Striking Out


    [Titles -One of the Speakers, Ender of the Beginning]


    [Entity - Creator 79]. [Race - Nothing]


    [Racial Type - Primordial Nothingness Entity]


    [Level - 16(780/1600]. [Health - 24/24(960/960)


    [Core - One -Spark]. [Karma - #]


    [Cultivation Base - Null]


    [SCREEN 2]


    [Higher Energies Used - Nothingness/100%, Aether/100%, Primordial Chaos/90%, Divinity/100%, Akasha/100%]


    [Lesser Energies Used - Null]


    [Elements - Life, Earth, Space]


    [Physicalities. [Abstract


    Might - 250+(50) Focus - 245(247.5)+20


    Mobility - 315+(30) Perception - 10


    Physicality - 260, Abstract - 255(249.9)20


    Defense - 10(30) Soul - 10


    MOA - # Akasha - #


    [Free Stat Points - 80]


    [SCREEN 3]


    [Racial Perks- Absolute Nothingness Authority]


    [Racial Perk Skills - Form of Nothing, Nothingness Empowerment/5%, Primordial Nothingness Generation


    [Racial Perk Skills - Nothingness Handblast, Sword Beam Cut, Nothingness Saturation, Nothingness Removal


    [Racial Ability - Balance Aspect]


    [Racial Skills - Spellcasting, Balance Magic,


    [Racial Skills - Non-existent


    [Racial Ability - Universe Force Manipulation]


    [Racial Skills - Astronomical Object Manipulation, Astronomical Matter Creation


    [Racial Skills - Subatomic Manipulation


    [General Skills - Eye of The Unseen, Aether Projection, Extra Sensory Perception, Godform, Primordial Chaos Generation, Eye of Fate, Divinity Generation, Aether Generation, Divinity Emission, Divine Cloak/10%, Aura/5%, Sword Might/13, Dagger Master/18, System Creation, Soul Erasure Resistance, Akasha Generation, Mystical energies generation, Energy Storage, Divine Devour, Divine Empowerment, Energy Metabolization, Holy Breath, Primordial Ice]


    [Akasha Magic - Life, Death, Elemental, Space]


    [Arts - Primordial Chaos Arts, Soul DaoArts, Elemental Arts]


    [Insights - Divine Purity, Earthen Grace, Spark Splitter]


    [Inventory - SHARDS, 172(Lesser), 69(Minor), 1(Little), 1(Divine). ITEMS - Xena''s Chakram, Harbinger, Sword Of Murre, Bane of Heroes, Mask of the Fortunate, Ring of the Lost, Royal ??? Tunics, Royal ??? Pants, Royal ??? Shirts, Royal ??? Gowns, Royal ??? Boots]


    [Equipped - Hera''s Gown, Cloak of the Absolute, Crown of the Supreme, Atlas Belt, Boots of Hermes, Vulkans Prize,]


    <blockquote>


    [Shop]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [EYE OF THE WORLDS]


    </blockquote>


    "One spark" She looked at this thing that had been here since the very beginning. Unchanging and unchanged. Yet reforming and affecting her. There was no information on it. Just a buzz and crackle like a storm that she couldn''t hear past.


    Whatever it was, Hilde was certain it had to do with the bearers of the spark divinity. Just like it had helped in forming Rack of Life and Akasha.


    Another piece of information was gotten, another gap filled, yet a lot more questions arose while the old ones were left unanswered.


    For now, though the one gap she had discerned was simple. Divinity of the flame, Divinity of the Spark. One from her and one from obviously not the other 99 creator players.


    Even if one had managed to come here it was a certainty that the lore spoke of something else. Which canceled out the 99 creators.


    Leaving one option that was maddening to assume.


    "When all other options are nonexistent. Then the least possible because the most probable." Hide muttered.


    "It seems there are more beings than just the Creators in existence". her eyes stared into the spot where Cole had vanished a frown etched on her face.


    She knew somehow, more of this lore had something to do with him. She felt it deep within her.

 Monolith of Passage V

    The Unborn marched ahead of its creator after both exited the room and found an untold number of Gursers swarming for them.


    With his black sword in hand which the Creator had returned, he was poised to take on the little crowd. Finally, a partner to use against the wave of mobs.


    Unfortunately, things were not as easy as Hilde thought them to be. The Gursers for some reason had called out their most formidable. Looking at it from an out-of-game point of view it made sense. Purifying one of their own was a dangerous move for them.


    As such, they''d come all out to purge the invader before more of their ranks fell.


    ''I hoped for a slow but steady act, purifying one after the other" She pouted at this development before looking to the Unborn.


    "Deal with your ex-team. I''ll wipe out the mob then assist. First order. Don''t die or get destroyed". With those parting words, she willed her body structure to change. Her hair grew thicker and wavy like a lion''s mane but more feminine. Her body got muscular and toned. While she couldn''t see it she could feel firmness in her abdomen and limbs. Her body increased in height till she was over 7 feet and as tall as the Unborn by her side if not taller.


    The springy feeling of strength in her body made her grin but simultaneously lament not using it against the Unborn earlier.


    "Oh well," she shrugged fixing her eyes on the mob about to clash into them. " I can test it out now". Hilde dove with wolf fangs in both hands and the Unborn next to her. Its marbled structure was like black stone, its figure shaped like a Greek god.


    The fight was less eventful for her but different levels of hard for tbe Unborn. With her new racial setting, she got an explosive increase in Might, Physicality, and Mobility. Mobility while the lowest was still there.


    [Welcome to the Rack of Records Creator 79]


    [Record position - Absolute]


    [SCREEN 1]


    [Host - Hildelith ''Fearghal'' Ironstone]


    [Moniker - The Warrior One]


    [Feats - Creation''s Witness, Motivated, Source Point Creator, Striking Out


    [Titles -One of the Speakers, Ender of the Beginning]


    [Entity - Creator 79]


    [Race - Nothing]


    [Racial Type - Primordial Nothingness Entity]


    [Level - 16(780/1600)


    [Health - 24/24(1008/1008)]


    [Core - One -Spark]


    [Karma - #]


    [Cultivation Base - Null]


    [Physicalities [Abstract


    Might - 250+(50) Focus - 245(247.5)+(20) +8


    Mobility - 315+(30) + 16 Perception - 10 + 3


    Physicality - 260 + 12 Abstract - 255(249.9)+(20) + 16


    Defense - 10 + (30) + 2 Soul - 10


    MOA - # Akasha - #


    [Free Stat Points - 80]


    With her defense now in the thousands, Hilde was unfettered. Like a feather tossed about by the wind, she moved unhindered. With Akasha feeding her the skills to be used on each occasion she was lethal. Her fists and her daggers reaped the shards of the Gursers around her like a harvest.


    Her chakram occasionally flew coated with nothingness at the enemy while m she dissipated the void chaos daggers into her inventory and back whenever the chakram returned. Yet they were not the only Weapons of death present. Claws, long and beautiful, carved like fine china scraped over bones and cracked off bits of bone.


    On the other side of the hall, the Unborn stood unmoved. His black skin sparked as blades clashed off it and his equally black steel fended off the other Elite Gursers.


    He knew what his creator wanted. To liberate these brothers of his from the throes of pain they were in. By all of Asingwinir, he would make his creator''s deeds fruitful. Not just for her cause but for his, for all these lands that had suffered a tribulation.


    *****


    UNBORN''S POV.


    How long does it take one to forget? To unsee what had been seen. To wash the pains of an event away. I had no idea.


    It was like a slumber. But nothing of that sort. Like a prison of both my making and the cruel tribulator''s doing. Locked in a world of never-ending fire. My body was ablaze over and over again. I was nothing but bones now yet it felt like my skin kept melting.


    There was no saying how long it took to forge the pain. To tame, no, to reforge the blistering fires until it was tolerable. The fires could not be tamed, ever.


    My very being yearned for freedom, and part of me wished for the end. Through all this time I spent in the fires begging for aid, none heeded our call. None answered.


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    Then she came. Our fight was one I barely kept to attention with my mind flickering between the here and the other. The white light shone brightly as a sun, warm yet unlike the fires that burned, tender. Flooding my body and sweeping the flames that charred my soul away.


    Then something new entered. Something just as warm as the first but more profound. It was little yet made the first feel like a candle''s heat to the warmth of the sun.


    Then I knew her name. Like it had been ingrained. Just like the Tribulator''s own had been.


    ''Hildelith Ironstone. My maker''. I focused on the name and I felt a joy sweep through me.


    The new power in my bones fed me with comfort and energy. It reformed my body till I was anew. A skin of black stone yet unlike stone hard as steel.


    I felt the tingles of something within me but I could not understand it. Unlike the fires that burned, it was soothing. Then she asked me to help yield my brothers and I knew. They too would appreciate the cure. For too long had the fires charred our souls.


    Finally, the Gods had answered


    *****


    THIRD PERSON POV


    Hilde smiled at the last message received as she snuffed the flames from the Gurser with a Nothingness-covered palm crushing its head. Her eyes moved to the still-holding Unborn.


    She smiled at his resilience. Whilst one and probably less powerful he held on, unrelenting and keeping the others in place. His body was a dance of movement that had Hilde unsure if he had held back with her or if like the divinity of fires, her spark had made him even stronger or faster.


    He dodged blows, parried thrusts, and made clashes deflect off his tenebrous steel with a shower of sparks He was a sight to behold, a true knight in ancient times. Flawless yet hindered by the power gap.


    It made her wonder if her Unborn could be leveled. The Gursers seemed to have advanced from normal to better. The question was what made them grow?


    Shaking herself back to the now she called out for the Unborn to let one pass.


    The Unborn his white eyes stealing one quick look at her as if affirming the command''s source moved down and swept an Elite Gurser off his feet. In the same move, another Gurser received a foot to the chest sending it impacting the others.


    The Unborn pushed forward stealing the space created from the Gursers.


    Hilde tilted her head even as she walked right to the sacrificed Gurser.


    "That was smooth." the show of skill had astounded her. Proving again that the Unborn''s swordsmanship was not to be trifled with.


    The Gurser on the floor rose with a quick stance that had Hilde''s body shifting into combat. Yet in a flash, the Unborn had dove back driven its blade into the Gurser''s Achilles heel tripping it. Its side glance at Hilde was enough to send a message.


    ''It''s down, take this chance'' was what the look should have meant.


    She didn''t dally. Her palm touched its head as she filled it instantly with the flow of her divinity. She''d have loved to show off the skills that Akasha had arranged out in her head. ''Oh well''.


    "Forgot this, but it seems like there''s nothing like divinity negation with them." her lips moved even as she mentally selected the new options and then watched thrilled as the Gurser was reborn.


    "Two down and..." she attempted to count over the Unborn''s head but losing the number of participants one too many times she huffed."...a lot more to go."


    The new Unborn whom she mentally called Second took just a moment to get its calibration configured.


    "I''ll call you First and you second. That''s how it will be as each of you gets purified". She muttered. Naming was a chore.


    Hilde shrugged off her weird naming sense before assisting First the number one Unborn by creating little rocks to trip and disorient the Gursers, a bit of primordial ice sheet on the ground for them to slip on, a tear in reality with Nothingness that stole the enemies weapon, nothingness blasts that erased the ground a Gurser was about to step on and a quick pulse of divinity that caught attention to distract them.


    Finally, Second rose, and with one look at the scene, he knew what needed to be done. Sword equally black, held tightly in hand he joined his elder one in fending back the Gurser.


    "Come to think of it. They''re all sword users." She noted the black steels of all the Gursers and the Unborn.


    "Does that mean he''s just naturally better. Or does the Spark bearer trait make him just faster". She watched as Second fought and realized that while her assumption was correct, it totally wasn''t.


    First was another monster on his own. Second while good was like watching an amateur next to a pro. Worlds apart. Hilde couldn''t believe she''d survived the onslaught of such a skilled figure.


    The whole scuffle ended after a whole thirty minutes. Each time getting faster the more Unborn she added to the ranks of her fighters.


    At this point, she already had up to Fifteen. Fifteen Unborns all standing silently as she appraised them. A few differences made it easier to know one from the other. First wasn''t the tallest or the largest. Second had more height while Ten was a hulk of a fella with a black broad sword.


    How First had fended that one off while also battling the others was a mystery that she didn''t want to speculate on.


    Since they could all speak she wondered if asking what happened was allowed. Still, Hilde figured the system would have blockers in the way to not let information spill untimely.


    First spoke calmly though. It didn''t remember and all it had were the tbe memories of tbe fire and its pain. Also one word. Tribulator.


    There was no reaction or announcement from the system meaning it was either irrelevant or she wasn''t close enough to its setting.


    He also alerted her of the presence of more brothers in the tower.


    Hilde though took one thing from his statement. They were once normal or a race of beings.


    "Rest up. Do whatever you do. I''ll be back soon. Then we clear this tower and free your brothers from their fiery prison and pain." she smiled before turning to head back into the safe zone. In her mind, though Hilde couldn''t help but wonder if she wasn''t simply substituting one fiery hell for another less painful one, maybe but still a prison for the Unborn.


    What was so different about her divinity that it would not cause the pains or was it an elemental thing? Meaning if there was some other sort of divinity that didn''t cause pain she wouldn''t really be freeing them from anything bad. Would she? Hide could barely make sense of this particular conundrum.


    Shutting the door behind her she ignored the alert of being back in a safe zone, shut away the thoughts of her situation, and after making sure the door was wedged by a chair she rested on the bed and logged <u>out</u>.

 Monolith of Passage VI

    It took longer than expected to move further than the first topmost hallway.


    Returning to the Center of Worlds or the Star Ring was inappropriate unless her children were still being nuisances in the mortal realm. Akasha had some of the things to be done under control as such there was no point in returning for now.


    While it peeved Hilde that she would not be able to see her children or watch Vaustaris improve she knew it was better to finish the tower conquest. A feeling that the rewards would be important for her. Still, she never hesitated when Akasha told her one of the children needed her. It felt like these pop-outs and pop-ins were the real reason for the longer clear of this Tower.


    The Tower was a whole different ball game. Conversations with the Unborn confirmed that the Tower had twelve floors. From the top to the bottom.


    Each floor had only a hallway with a flight of stairs that interconnected all the floors together.


    The descent had been fiery and violent. The Unborns were able to dish out attacks to tbe Gursers and also defend while simultaneously throwing the Elite Gursers one by one behind to be cleansed.


    Hilde found herself practicing her Divine Purity with more lax. She tried different ways of controlling it while purifying the Gursers.


    From instant flooding to careful and slow trickles taking time to wash the waves of smoldering fires.


    Her pull and push of the energy helped her to feel out the internal circuit of the Gursers sending even more energy in there to mend the various chars and burns inflicted.


    The process led to a better version of her Unborn. Each having lesser black magma stone bodies and more skin toned with various black stone materials across their bodies.


    It was astonishing to watch.


    Hilde lost in her experiments barely noted things around her. Engrossed in perfecting the Unborn.


    Her divine purity flowed into bones and their marrow cleansing slowly the coagulated ash of over-roasted bone and the existing residue of blood that had settled unto their bones turning them white again.


    Her logic had been simple. If the fires had made the Unborn black burned bone then her divinity should do something else.


    But first, she needed to clear off the past effects of the former divinity within them. The Gursers each lost a lot of black goop. Some were in liquid, others in tar, and still more floated out as ash.


    The Gursers got whiter and more normal-looking before she filled them with the new energy that kept them tethered. Soon enough her flushing got more and more precise to the extent that the bones began to look uncannily familiar.


    Even better the energy filling them changed their looks. Unlike the first Unborn, their new details were more profound.


    <blockquote>


    [Insight - Divine Purity]


    [+5% Comprehension ]


    </blockquote>


    It seemed that the basis for Divine Purity wasn''t just the healing of wounds and washing away of infirmities and what should not be as the energy considered it.


    Able to use it to actively push forward into parts of the body not to just heal this time but also to cleanse and remove the stacked-up effects within the Gurser''s body had increased her comprehension of the Insight.


    She slowly had the new Gursers mingle back with the old and tried attempting to remove these impurities that she''d discovered.


    While it was difficult to have a better reaction from the cleaning there were still changes. Just little changes but noticeable.


    The younger Unborn. The newer ones that is, were of a lighter black skin tone. Something Hilde was beginning to wonder if was due to the impurity or from their race before they became Gursers. Their body size was leaner more fluid and faster than the older ones.


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    The older though packed the strength. Almost like they had retained something from their lesser purification. The young had no such issue.


    As such by the time Hilde and her group of Unknown got to the sixth floor, there was already a crowd of Unborn massed up between her and the enemy.


    At this point, Hilde was less active in battle and more of a supportive figure. Not only was she able to purify the Gursers sent back but also she began to actively try to understand the mechanism of using divine purity in enhancing cells.


    She started with one Unborn slowly feeling her way through his body with the divinity. Guiding it through his pores and into his muscles and flesh. Normally such a thing would have had an untold effect on mortals but Hilde had already one of two things.


    The Unborns were either not mortals or they had been so severely affected by the flame divinity that they were in a way resistant to it. Not in its effects but mostly its normal drawbacks.


    As was seen when she filled the cells of the Unborn. He stiffened at first before his eyes once white caught a bit of golden glow. Dim but there.


    <blockquote>


    [Insight - Divine Purity]


    [+5% Comprehension ]


    </blockquote>


    His movements increased, his speed and strength doubling like he was under the effect of adrenaline. If adrenaline made you as fast as a small car. The Unborn must have felt his capability to do more as he surged forward past the others to engage the Gursers.


    The rest if they could be appalled just watched as the Unborn took on the Gursers. Faster and quicker. His blows with the flat side of his sword sent them down into the hold of his brothers.


    Hilde seeing the results calculated how long it took for the buff effects to wane. It lasted a bit of fifteen minutes by which time the sixth floor was cleared and in a rush almost like he knew the surge was fading rushed down to the fifth floor.


    Hilde purified the captured Gursers bringing up the number of Unborn to sixty. With each floor, the number of elites dropped. Almost unconventionally.


    "You''d think the top of a tower would be the most important", she stated when entering the next hall.


    What truly bothered her though was the lack of quality. Normally when the quantity decreased the quality did. But all in all her Unborn had been fighting the same reducing number of the same Gurser Elites.


    It was foreboding. Almost like the tower was in a hurry to get her to the end. If felt wrong. Like she was running out of luck the more she descended.


    Hilde stopped buffing the Unborn as they fought but instead focused on herself.


    "If it gets tougher then I can only get better. Now, what do I have in case of a potential Destroyer-level battle". Going through her arsenal of both weapons and skills she realized one thing.


    "In terms of combat, I''m no match against them. First was able to hold me till I caught him in his own bait. While I don''t want to risk depending on them I need to be prepared for any possibility that the Tower boss can wipe out my Unborn. So what do I need to assist or level the playing field? More importantly, what could a higher-ranked Gurser do? "


    Hilde thought back to all the skills all the Gursers had shown and came to one realization.


    "FlameBearer, Flame Enhanced, Flame Worshipper. Three ranks each with different power levels. First was purely skilled but I''m sure the rank was what made him able to kick my rocks out of the air. Stone was after all the stronger of the two in a normal setting.


    It made a bit of sense to her. Flame bearers were the lowest, mostly just having the flames keeping them tethered. Burning them from within and slowly attempting to change them more than they already had.


    The flame enhanced must have found a way to control or tame the fire despite the pain and used it to strengthen themselves. Finally the flame worshippers.


    Hilde thought back to the scene with First. His seated form his heated gaze. Transfixed on the fire.


    "Worshippers eh. Which would make the next rank something like a devout or atleast one who might have been blessed by the divine fire and not in the same burning way the Gursers were". Hilde found this possibility more likely but disturbing, especially with the thought of a flame-spitting boss rearing up on her head.


    "A bad time to not have any water-based insight yet " she muttered noting how screwed she would be. "Got Primordial Ice though". Still, it was a matter of using her skills efficiently. Something she''d not been doing since making the Unborn.


    "My luck truly is dwindling " a frown and then a sigh. Her eyes moved to the already completed fight now with over fifty Unborn already descending while ten hung back to hold down the Gursers whom Hilde was yet to purify.


    The fifth floor cleared she entered the already cleared fourth floor beginning the purification while the ten Unborn stood around her to hold down the two Gursers.


    Then they all descended once more and just like expected there was no elite just a larger mob of flame bearers that swarmed them like the ocean tide. She realized how huge this room was. For the sixty-five Unborn to stand in a straight horizontal line one-on-one with the Gursers it showed how wide the floor was.


    The clash was chaotic.


    The Unborn unable to use their swords in such tight quarters turned to pummeling. Each striking their fists onto the Gurser before them. Shattering skulls and splintering spines. All through this Hilde sat behind in a lotus position as she sought to understand more of the insights hidden within both her Divine Purity and Earthen Grace. Simultaneously she hoped to learn as much about the combos Akasha had formed for her.


    She could feel that she would soon need it.

 Monolith of Passage - VII

    The Insight was elusive, hard, and stubborn. Like a hard pillar rooted into the ground, pulled but unyielding, clinging tightly to its spot like a petulant child.


    What was the earth? The question fleeted in, and about in her head. The insight gave various answers that weren''t at the moment useful for her. It was like getting the answers to a tertiary question while still in elementary.


    So Hilde digressed. Her hands glowing green a chunk of rock levitating over it she tried to feel like she had done with the Divine Purity. Poured her will and intent into the piece of stone that she held up.


    Her mind touched it like a living object feeling its shape, its contour, the ridges within its form, and the specks that made it up. Like a combining of several little pieces, atoms, to form a larger whole. Subatomic Manipulation helped her delve further into its atoms, its building blocks.


    All this while the sound of fighting faded from around her. The world stilled, just her and the stone in their only little bubble.


    Her mind felt the little atoms, felt specks formed from the joining of two and then onward to those formed by even larger pieces. Her mind willed the separation. Her head burned as the rock split into a thousand tiny pieces and then her will fizzled as the strain on her mind snapped.


    Hilde frowned as her closed eyes slowly opened, the din of the battle before her not even grabbing her attention as she tried to get a sense of what she just felt. It felt like she had learned something but had done something else.


    "A retry".


    Yet another stone, yet another white place, yet another prodding. Slowly she split the stone into pieces. Not a thousand at once but one by one testing to gauge her limit. With each break, she found the weight on her mind increased. It baffled her since with tbe weight of the stone dropped by the separation her mind should feel eased.


    Yet it was the reverse. Hilde unable to understand paused and felt around trying to know what was different.


    She made another split and felt the increase of weight in her mind. She joined both atoms back and found the weight gone.


    ''Each atom represents a new earth.'' she thought. Her mind could not bear to hold more of the smaller atoms. She could but it bore a weight that was heavier than even a closely clumped and packed-in set of atoms. ''Why?''


    It made no sense to her. So she fused back all the atoms to reform the one stone and then spread her will to pull in more stones from around. She kept pulling and pulling adding more rocks to her collection as a cluster of stones of different sizes rotating like an asteroid belt around her.


    ''No strain.''


    There was no weight. No matter how much larger the earth she added no weight came to mind. It peeved her. She remembered the pain in her mind when battling the First Unborn.


    ''Must be due to using just my mind''. She reasoned. Her hands dropped while her mind took the full brunt of both holding the rocks and guiding them.


    Strain. Hilde staggered from the mental weight.


    The pain appeared. Less, as the weight she felt and more like a rubber being pulled in several different directions. She realized her mind could barely hold up the rocks or focus on them all.


    ''Like I thought, my hands help to guide and focus the earth. Divine Purity too can work with the hand guidance until it enters a body then it needs the mind''s full focus.''


    ''Still, why get heavier as they get smaller?'' she pondered why retaking the stones into her hand''s guidance. Hilde contemplated for a moment before she decided to try something.


    The other rocks were dropped and then one got the focus. She began splitting it, tearing it apart till its atoms hovered in numerous specks of unseen stone and her mind began straining.


    Then she joined the two together. But instead of joining the third she focused ten percent of her mind on that joining and squeezed.


    Hilde felt her brain burn. Shaking it she fought through the pain as she added her mind to help guide that little one. Squeezing and pressing forming an image in her head of what she wanted and continually twisting it.


    Sweat poured from her forehead as her head pounded. Her right arm shook a bit while her left was stiffened. It felt like whatever it was she was aiming for was far away, refusing to enter her grasp. Hilde''s brain fought to keep up as her hands slightly shook.


    Just when she felt she couldn''t bear to hold on anymore a ding resonated in her head.


    <blockquote>


    [Insight - Earthen Grace ]


    [10% Comprehension]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Earthen Forge Comprehended]


    By understanding the core of the earth you have learned to forge it at will. Turning it from just a piece of mere rock to something more.


    +2% speed to Earthen Grace.


    +2% speed to Earth-related insights.


    </blockquote>


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    Finally, it was finished. Hilde opened her eyes to find a tiny inconspicuous earthen spike. Small enough to not be considered a stone dagger but large enough to not pass as a stone bullet.


    Hilde frowned a bit. It went on to say that it was very surprising that she could manipulate and use energies like primordial Chaos, aether, and others with less strain but manipulating Earth was hard.


    Still, she was glad. She''d succeeded after all. Her eyes moved from the spike to survey her surroundings wincing as she took in the sight.


    The area around her was destroyed, with several pieces of stone and walls lying shattered and ruined around her.


    "Maybe I should get a practice room" she considered.


    Regardless her eyes closed but not before noting that the Unborn had almost cleared up the host of Gursers. A swift check showed the steady stream of ORP in her mind. And a glance at the floor showed several pieces of glowing red crystals. Shards of flame divinity.


    Hilde spent more time practicing the Earthen Forge. From forming tiny spikes to crafting long poles and bullets. Round shields and maces. Her mind strained with each attempt at forging yet she felt that with each work it was like her mind grew less pained, less affected, and even more efficient.


    Finally after a long two hours of work and now soaked in sweat which she didn''t like Hilde opened her eyes. Looked to the Unborns that had long cleared the floor and were milling about.


    "Rest now. I''ll be back and then we''ll engage the next floor". she instructed. A collective nod answered her before they all took up several positions, some sitting while others stood but leaned against walls.


    She found it interesting to watch how they had gone from bones to humanoid entities. As she retreated into one of the rooms on that floor while instructing First to keep guard outside her door she once more felt her astonishment for the game grow.


    Making sure First was where he had to be and getting a chair to wedge the door she seated herself on the floor.


    Fortunately, there would be no mobs respawning here so she could rest her avatar here with less worry while logging off to calm the ache in her brain.


    *****


    The forums were abuzz with news and talks. Atleast just among the alphas who were eagerly awaiting their first meet. It was scheduled for the day before their launch into Creator Online.


    At this point, the Creator players had already been asked to keep silent about everything within the game. One reason was to avoid bribing and convincing the alpha players to leave some universes and stick to theirs.


    The game had a way to make sure all universes received an influx of players. After all, there were only about four thousand five hundred alpha testers. With just over a hundred creators getting 50 Alpha players each and not to mention if the alpha players liked what they saw from a certain universe it would boost that universe as these players would also have their streams and more.


    It was an intense competition.


    Most creators were already done with creating their first world mostly due to choosing the easier lost worlds. The tougher players had taken on harder worlds.


    While the streams of the Creator players were huge references for the alpha players to make a choice there was little to no footage of the universes in existence themselves. Streamers had only shown nothing but darkness and creating templates, while others had shown fights with the denizens of the lost world.


    Nothing more.


    So the Alpha players were going in blind. Just like the creator players had.


    *****


    There are two things people hate in life. Being right when you severely wish to be wrong and being wrong when you desire to be right.


    Right now Hilde found the aforesaid to apply to her she didn''t like it.


    Who would have liked correctly guessing that the next opponent would be a fire-breathing one? Even worse was what it turned out to be. Not a dragon. Hide had faced one before. So she felt it wouldn''t have been much of an issue. No, what stood before her was a famous mythological creature.


    The very guard of the gates of the underworld. With a body as large as a tourist floaterbus and three heads, each having the standard two eyes and breaths of red fire billowing out its jaws and noses as it breathed. Hilde could only curse mentally.


    The Unborns didn''t even seem surprised though. To them, it was more like an expected event. Something they didn''t exactly remember but also when shown was not shocking


    The hound lay where it was as its right head looked at them with a mere sliver of attention. Of the other two heads, the central one looked bored while the left slept.


    Then Hilde stepped up and the right head snapped up. Why it hadn''t reacted to the Unborns was beyond her but her presence seemed to have awakened something within them.


    But if that wasn''t surprising enough the next thing shocked her.


    "Hey, Anos we got guests "The central head which seemed to be Anos looked up. Its eyes a completely red glow stared straight at her.


    "Food?" it asked salivating.


    "Probably. Hey, wake up Treus" The left head still sleeping was yelled at by the right one. Treus shook its head while blinking sleepily looking at the other two heads before an annoyed glare formed.


    "What?" It was evidently not a fan of getting awoken.


    "Food"


    "Chew toy"


    Both heads gave different answers making Anos stump his jaw atop the right one''s head. "It''s food, Deus. It''s too small for chew toys"


    "Sure sure. " Deus agreed though not looking sure.


    Hilde right about now was certain she had to kill this dog. The Cerberus rose, paws cracking the ground and tail a ruffled fur of spikes wagging excitedly.


    It''s six eyes, two for each head fixed straight on Hilde completely disregarding the Unborns


    "Food"


    "Food"


    "Chew toy, I mean food. Hehe". The two other heads gave Deus a look that it ignored by casting its gaze away. With what was certainly a doggish sigh both refocused on their upcoming meal.


    They crouched, their muscles locked and body stiffened. Their control over their body fluid and precise


    With a loud shatter, the ground cracked, stones and dust flying in all directions as the Cerberus pounced forward drool dripping down Treus'' mouth while Deus had a sniggering look. Only Anos had a proper snarling feature, yet for some reason, all different expressions frightened Hilde more than the one snarl of Anos.


    As she stared rooted and shocked while watching what felt like a slow-motion descent of the hound midair the Unborn reacted.


    Some rolled to the sides, and others slid forward or just made quick dashes forward on the stone floor to get behind Cerberus''s landing position. The rest moved backward while pulling their Creator with them and First appeared before Hilde his body blocking the girl while his two hands held his sword up.


    Blocking her from the Cerberus sent them into a rage the moment they landed. Their weight shook the floor, their jaws opened as Deus and Treus howled while Anos just snarled straight at the blockade to their food.


    "Kill it"


    Hilde''s words were final and the Unborn obeyed. All sixty-five jumped forward in a remarkable choreographed display of efficiency that stunned her, each of their blades striking out in one similar slicing move. Black swords flashed as they cut into the Cerberus''s skin. Skin that for the first time Hilde noticed.


    A fur of black that looked more like an adornment of thin metals, muscular paws with mini, dagger-like claws.


    The black blades sunk into the Cerberus'' skin eliciting a whine from Deus and causing the three heads to shiver as their mouths steamed.


    Hilde watched eyes widening as it came. Bodies shook as the left and right heads lowered while the central rose above.


    Then with a huff and a puff, the three heads blew in three directions. Fire spewed like a flame thrower spitting out and embracing the Unborns in its raging and hot waves.

 Monolith of Passage - VIII

    HILDELITH''S POV


    First was thrown to the side, his body smashing into the wall of the hallway. Following him closely were Thirteen and Twenty-four both crashing and rolling to a stop on the ground.


    The Cerberus was besieged from all sides. Its feet stomped and its tail wagged behind it. A solid deterrent to those who attacked from the rear. The sharp and solid spikes of the wagging tail effectively slashed at most of the Unborns.


    Their magma-like skin either sparked or sliced open from the assault on them.


    Through all this though Anos never took his eye off me. Deus and Treus lay waste to the attacking Unborn from all sides while Anos made sure to keep an eye on me.


    Fortunately for me and unfortunately for it, my initial shock and fright at the humongous dog was gone. With the sight of my Unborns being thrashed about my attention settled on Anos and both our eyes locked. A smile slid up my left cheek as an idea sprung into my head. There was no stopping what came next.


    Second who had stuck closer to defend me like First had surged forward hesitantly on command. Not that he was scared of attacking, just unsure of leaving me unprotected even with Third and the others around.


    The first ten of the Unborn seemed to have a stronger sort of connection with me than the rest. Not that they all didn''t have a bond but the first ten acted even more defensively over me than the rest.


    Like a pack of wild older brothers. it made me think of Dester. It was like they were more interested in my safety than in my orders. At least when safety was affected by the order.


    Second, a macabre glare affixed unto his face, one directed at the infuriating hound, disappeared beneath its huge body, his sword cutting a gash between the hound''s legs and opening a large split on the chest.


    Two heads howled in agony while the third snapped down instinctively.


    "My chance". My words were soft and almost a whisper that went unheard. My eyes lit up in an ethereal green as I willed the earth around the hound into movement.


    Using the insight now unlike before was amazing, it felt like little unseen hands tugging and pulling various spots you wanted. The more mental strength and will one had the easier it would be to pull, push, or control the materials. Assuming they were within your used insight.


    Using skills and abilities against foes was something I always found myself skipping at. Luckily Akasha was now in my head.


    The earth shifted and rolled like a ring around the Cerberus. It was quick to notice this phenomenon though. The ring rose fast like a circular wall until it reached the beast''s chest.


    "Come on" I hissed.


    The three-headed hound at first remained cautious watching the rising earth and the subtle glow of green around it. Seemingly realizing that tbe Earth meant to imprison it Anos reacted first barking. The other two followed as their body lurched forward.


    "Got you " In glee, I added the use of my palms both to make it smoother and ensure success.


    The ring of the wall collapsed faster than it had formed. Rolling apart into various debris and stones that then rose and spiraled into a green storm of rocks that assaulted the hound from all sides. The three heads whined and yelped as several sharp and large rocks struck and cut into them while spinning in the mini-earth tornado.


    It made several attempts to defend or strike the rocks away. Once it even spread its maws to make fire hoping to melt the assaulting rocks. Deus received several stones into its mouth effectively shutting it up


    Tricking the dogs had been easy. Universal knowledge was untrained dogs hated cages. Even trained ones too. Show a form of prison and it wanted out. Anos falling for the trick of an earth-made prison wall had tried to destroy it before it got completed which had brought it straight into an attack.


    Trying to do what I wanted at first would have been harder since the dogs might have evaded and then gotten cautious. But this way they were in a trap that looked more like an attack with no idea of the real problem hidden within the storm.


    ''Use water now''. Akasha added in my head.


    ''What water? I only have Primordial Ice''.


    ''You keep forgetting Magic don''t you?''. She quipped back.


    ''Oh. Sorry''. The knowledge was strangely just there. In my head. It felt weird. ''Did you put it there?''.


    ''Yes. You did learn it but you didn''t know the how of using it''. The explanation made sense. It was like buying a book and not yet reading it. You owned it but you didn''t know the knowledge it held.


    Akasha showed me just how I could use this. I took a deep breath. Holding up the storm of stone projectiles while switching to magic would have been hard if not for one fact. I had Akasha to help.


    She was like a second mind to boot. The fingers of my right hand emitted a blueish-gray mist as they traced the air. It was like I had entered a dance. From my right hip, I drew a circle over my head and down to my right. The moment it connected to my left I drew my palm back in front of me and made a scooping motion.


    Golden drops of water dripped and flowed off my fingers.


    ''Magic''.


    ''Yep''. I could sense the smug undertones in the word. The drops became more and then turned into a stream. I drew my hand back and directed the drops forming to surround the storm of stone projectiles. The amount of water grew, more just pouring from my right hand till a veritable wall of water floated and churned in a circle around the storm.


    The hardest part of the attack came now. My attacks were split between my mind and hands. Focusing a minority of my mind and using my hands to keep the storm rolling and then using the majority to roll out more earth while adding more water. Just like I had done when studying the earth before. I compressed, squeezed, and twisted the earth into my desired shape feeling a slight strain but nothing as bad as before.


    ''If I can use the elements with Akashic force. Can I learn or apply knowledge gained from one to the other? I mean from elemental magic to elemental insights?''.


    ''I don''t see why not. At the core of things, I think the Earth Insight is almost, almost the same as elemental Earth magic. I theorized that it might possess a more grander usage than elemental magic though''.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    ''So come a time I''ll be the one teaching Tora and not stealing from her knowledge? Sounds fun''. A chuckle went off in my head.


    Back to the attacks, the atoms broke in my mind and moved to place themselves as I designed. The smaller pieces slowly but surely forged the construct I desired though it went a lot faster than before.


    My rewards were coming in handy. But the hounds were fed up with the attacks. All three heads let out a growl and the next thing I knew they were soaring through the air and over my barriers of earth and water. Right at me.


    ''Ah, shit''.


    I rolled backward, stopping on one knee, and snapped my fingers. The water wall broke and surged up smashing into the hounds and holding their body up there. I ignored the yips and snarls, whines and yelps as I kicked forward and sliced my left hand in a slant fashion. The earth storm lessened, slowly dying. Before it died completely the three unforged pieces of earth in three groups shot through the dying storm which parted for it and struck the hounds.


    Three still unforged pieces of earth clasping unto their throats and in a deadly weaving locked and formed earthen collars.


    The collars thick, dense, and durable tightened their inner atomic bonds as my fists directed. The water holding up the hound dragged it down, smashing it harshly against the floor. The dissipating storm settled with the rocks all flowing to hover right by my sides while the water gathered up and condensed to form a bland-looking spear.


    I used Primordial Ice on it. It would be a waste of good water to just let it go.


    "Heel" I ordered glaring at the Cerberus while knowing there was no way it would obey. But I needed to make it see that it had lost. To train a dog lessons were important.


    Oblivious to the collars now situated around its necks the Cerberus barked savagely, its eyes blazing red since the beginning failing to convey its anger.


    It pounced forward once more. The Unborns stiffened where they one, each one ready to move forward, ready to defend me in a second. Their bodies halted when a green glow lit up the hound''s neck.


    The Cerberus was pulled upwards choking as the collars tightened and made a firm grip around all three necks. It dangled midair like a pup scratching and kicking at nothing.


    Then with a wave of my palm, I sent it flying into the wall behind it. Or was it a door?


    The creak of wood told me instantly that it was indeed a door that lay there. The Cerberus though was angered as it finally noted the collars. Each head bit at the other one''s earthen collar attempting to snap it off.


    Yet its attempts were met with spikes digging into its neck. The thing snarled and whimpered at the pain before gazing upon me certain I was the culprit. My reply to its defiant and curious gaze was simple


    "Heel".


    The hound ignored my command once more so I made more spikes dig into its neck. It whined in pain but regardless kept on trying. I was getting annoyed and tired. I couldn''t get too close to the hounds as even with the collars they could still attack.


    Honestly, I wanted to purify it like the Unborn but it seemed to be even more angered and relentless with each spike I dug into its neck. The pain wasn''t helping since like the Gursers it must have felt the burns of the fire.


    Besides, I didn''t want to be a torturer like whichever god had done this to them. So I just held the collar down keeping it from moving while the spike remained within its neck weakening it.


    ''You could use curse magic. Incapacitate them. Use aether to form thick binds. Use...''


    ''Not necessary anymore''.


    It must have taken quite a while before it finally wheezed and then collapsed huffing and panting. Its eyes showed a defiant stare but it was tired, not stamina-wise but from the pain in its neck.


    Something strange considering it should have been more pain resilient after all the burning I knew it went through.


    I moved and the Unborns reacted, all covering me from every angle. Amused, I coughed and ordered them to make a way. The Unborns gave a glance at each other unsure and reluctant to let me approach the Cerberus. A little show from me was prompted as I had the ground beneath them move and slide carrying them away from my path and to the sides.


    ''I asked for bodyguards not a bunch of overprotective brothers''. mentally grumbling my feet halted my body right before the Cerberus.


    One move, one snap from it, and I would be in two pieces or probably just crushed into meat paste. But it couldn''t, I knew that just as much as it did. Simply because of the heavy force the collars applied to each head keeping it firmly in place.


    I stabbed the Spear of Primordial Ice into the ground and squatted in front of it and brought my palms forward. It made a last attempt to get me but luckily I didn''t need the stone. With a knock on the central head, a slap to the left head, and a punch for the right head it stilled.


    This was the tricky path. Using two insights at once. It was easier to use an insight and magic, or even easier to use two or three skills and abilities. But two insights or an insight and skill or ability was harder. My brain tinged as the intent to purify rose. Whether the hound realized it or not the strength and hold over it with the collar lessened until nothing was pressing it down.


    The collar was still there just my will was gone as shown by the lack of green glow on it.


    Yet before the heads even realized they were free to snack on me its body was flooded with a thick current of golden purifying energy. Unlike the Unborn this one was of three streams one for each head.


    I added the insights I had learned earlier. I let the energy roll through its body. I felt things within it that shouldn''t be and washed them out. Ash, smoke, fire, and impurities. All were swept out of it as the hound lay there.


    I noticed something. Unlike the Gursers its body was less burned. Less tortured. It made sense. Whatever it was before, most probably a hound, it must not have resisted the burns of the flames for too long. Which was why it most certainly was stronger and had more flame and less pain resistance. It made me wonder if that explained why my Unborns didn''t feel any pain from my Spark.


    Did rejecting divine energy create the torture they went through as Gursers? More questions. Shaking my head mentally I continued my work.


    On the journey through its system, I found something within it. An orb of sorts. Three to be precise, held together by a sphere of fire. My energy was quick to attack the flame, slamming into it harshly and fracturing its walls. The Cerberus unknown to me yelped at this internal altercation.


    My mind was fully within its body smashing relentlessly into the sphere unaware of whimpering and whining in reality.


    Finally, one more hit and the sphere shattered.


    The orbs at first hovered there after that. Then almost like each sensed the energy that was present shot forward. The stands of divinity that had shattered the fire got grabbed and devoured.


    Outside, my body flinched catching the eye of tbe Unborns. Each gripped their blades harder ready to dispatch the hound.


    Within I found myself pouring more and more energy into the orbs as they greedily lapped everything up. The three orbs shone each with a radiant light of gold that seemed to have come from my energy.


    Outside the Unborns watched as a strange scene took place. The Cerberus no more aflame melted, like ice. The liquid flowed and the collar dropped to the ground. The liquid then separated forming three blobs that quickly began regrowing.


    The Unborns unsure of what to do stepped closer ready to protect. Their white eyes locked on the weaving skins of the liquid. The three strands of gold energy connected to each liquid made them wait.


    Finally, my eyes flew open the golden glow dulling as the strands of energy halted and the last bits of each flowed into the three forms before me.


    ''Three''


    Three canines were lying right before me. Standing upright, I found them just to my head. Their tongues were outside their mouths and their eyes closed. Their bodies shook as they panted like dogs.


    The system messages alerted me to whatever had happened.


    <blockquote>


    [Cerberus - Flame Invoker has been purified]


    [Divinty of Flames has been cleared]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [You have received a Shard of Greater divine fire]


    [+30 ORP]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Activation element replaced]


    [Divinity of the Spark Granted]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [?????? - Spark Bearer]


    [?????? - Mender]


    [?????? - Terrene]


    </blockquote>


    The notifications made one thing clear. The hounds had stolen my divinity during purification.


    ''It seems only a specific amount of spark was given out but the first took it all. Which left the others to grasp something else. The second had taken my purifying divinity itself. That makes little sense to me. Then there''s the third. It took, my Earthen Grace?''.


    I was truly lost now.


    Flames of Divinity were the divinity of some god wasn''t it? But I had purified it from the three and the Unborns. But now I was seeing these hounds having not just my spark but my insight as their activation element.


    ''Does insight become divinity or what?'' it was a truly maddening concept. Not just maddening it meant a lot of things. A lot of exciting things would be possible if this was true.


    "This is gonna be huge when others find out." I paused. "Why do I keep assuming that the others have not yet figured something out." Shaking my head I sighed.


    I had to stop thinking I was the only smart one around in this game and act like everyone already knew and be fast in getting my hands on the proper tomes for myself now.


    ''It all got even more interesting.''

 Monolith of Passage IX

    I called them Joundk - Guardian wolves. I found their names. Anos, Deus, and Treus as cool and fitting for each of them.


    Treus was white-furred and huge, since they were all currently lying I wasn''t certain of his size. But it was a certainty that he outgrew the rest in fur. Even his claws were a white almost crystalline material.


    Deus was the golden one of the lot. His fur was more metallic gold than divine. His claws were black and he had a few stripes of black on his fur as well.


    Anos was the blackest Joundk I had ever seen. Not like I had seen any other. His fur absorbed the light around, his form even bigger and more muscular than the others. It was clear who had gotten what amongst tbe three.


    Anos the Terrenne. Deus the Mender and Treus the Spark-bearer.


    <blockquote>


    [DIVINE CREATURE TEMPLATE]


    [Joundk]


    The purified. The reborn hounds of war, judgment, and life. These beasts have been enlightened, touched by energies from beyond. But in the long run, they are still wolves. They will rip apart any that stands against the mother.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Name -


    Title - Anos the First, The Terrenne


    Level - 1 (0/10)


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Class - Earthbound


    Earthbound is a class that embodies Terrene''s connection to the earth and its natural energies. As Earthbound, the Terrene harnesses the power of the land to enhance their physical abilities, manipulate the terrain, and commune with nature. They excel in close-quarters combat, using their affinity with the earth to bolster their strength and resilience, as well as to hinder and impede their enemies. Earthbound Terrenes are adept at shaping the battlefield to their advantage, creating obstacles and barriers to control the flow of battle and protect their allies.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Grace of the Mother - 10/10


    The Grace of the Mother symbolizes Terrene''s connection to the nurturing and life-giving energies of the earth, personified by the Mother. It represents their bond with the land and its inhabitants, as well as its role as a guardian of nature and defender of the natural order. The Grace of the Mother enhances the Terrene''s physical strength, resilience, and affinity with the earth, allowing it to manipulate the terrain, commune with nature, and draw upon the earth''s vitality to heal and empower themselves and their allies. It serves as a source of strength and guidance, guiding the Terrene on their quest to protect and preserve the balance of the natural world.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Health Points (HP) - 10/10


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Earthen Grace:- 10/10


    Earthen Grace represents Terrene''s attunement to the earth and its natural energies. It embodies their connection to the land and their ability to draw upon its strength and vitality. It possesses a profound understanding of the earth''s rhythms and can harness its power to enhance its physical abilities, manipulate the terrain, and commune with nature.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Earthen Might - 10


    This stat represents the Terrene''s innate strength and connection to the earth, enhancing their physical prowess and resilience in battle.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Divine Connection - 10


    This represents the bond with the Mother and their ability to channel her divine power, granting them access to powerful abilities and enhancing their effectiveness in combat.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Alpha Essence - 10


    This stat signifies the status as the alpha of their pack, marking them as the leader and protector of their kin. It also reflects their connection to the primal essence of the cosmos, imbuing them with power and insight beyond mortal comprehension.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Class Skills -


    Terraform - Lv1(0/10)


    Manipulates the earth and terrain, shaping the battlefield to their advantage and hindering enemies with seismic upheavals.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Hilde''s Embrace - Lv1(0/10)


    Draws upon the nurturing power of the earth, healing allies and bolstering their resilience with the grace of the Mother while also encasing both itself and allies in a shell of earth or plant life disrupting both physical and magical assaults.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Earthen Rampage - Lv1(0/10)


    Unleashes the fury of the earth, causing tremors, plant life surges, and upheavals that devastate enemies and disrupt their formations.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Racial Abilities


    Mother''s Insight - Lv1(0/10)


    This grants the Terrene heightened awareness of the earth and its secrets, enabling it to sense threats and opportunities within the land.


    Earthen Guardian - Lv1(0/10)


    Summons forth elemental and nature-infused Joundk guardians to protect allies and enforce the will of the Mother, rooting enemies in place and shielding allies from harm.


    Planar Bond:** Forges a deep connection with any and every earth on any world or dead star, granting the Terrene unparalleled strength and resilience.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Personal Perk


    Fenrir''s Boon - Lv1(0/10)


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    ---


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Name -


    Title - Deus the Twin, The Mender


    Level - 1(0/10)


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Class - Divine Guardian


    Divine Guardian is a class that embodies the Mender''s role as a protector and healer with the divine power of the Mother. As Divine Guardians, Menders serve as beacons of hope and light, using their divine abilities to heal and protect their allies, smite their enemies with righteous fury, and uphold the balance of the natural order. They excel in support roles, using their healing magic and protective spells to bolster their allies'' defenses and restore their vitality in times of need. Divine Guardians are also formidable combatants in their own right, channeling the power of the Mother to unleash devastating attacks and vanquish darkness wherever it may lurk. They possess an unwavering dedication to the divine and a boundless compassion for all living beings, Divine Guardians stand as paragons of virtue and righteousness.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Divinity of the Mother - 10/10


    The Divinity of the Mother embodies the Mender''s connection to the divine essence of the Mother, a benevolent and nurturing force that pervades all of creation. It represents their status as a divine beast, bonded directly to the Mother, and imbues them with her divine power and wisdom. The Divinity of the Mother empowers the Mender to heal and protect their allies, smite their enemies with righteous fury, and uphold the balance of the natural order. It serves as a beacon of hope and guidance, guiding the Mender on their path of divine service and ensuring the welfare of all living beings.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Health Points (HP) - 10/10


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Spirit Points (SP) - 10/10


    Spirit Points (SP) represent the spiritual energy or essence. It reflects their vitality, resilience, and connection to the divine. As the Mender engages in battle or utilizes their abilities, their SP may fluctuate, representing the ebb and flow of their spiritual strength. SP is essential for unleashing powerful skills and abilities, as well as maintaining its overall well-being and resilience in the face of adversity.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Divine Might - 10/10


    This stat measures the Mender''s divine power and ability to channel the energies of the Mother, empowering their attacks and abilities with righteous force.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Divine Focus - 10/10


    This stat represents the Mender''s deep understanding of the divine and their ability to wield it in battle, guiding their actions with divine insight and foresight.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Divine Connection - 10/10


    This represents the bond with the Mother and their ability to channel her divine power, granting them access to powerful abilities and enhancing their effectiveness in combat.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Alpha Essence - 10/10


    This stat reflects the status as an alpha among their pack, signifying their leadership and dominance over their kin. It also represents their connection to the primal essence of the earth, imbuing them with strength and resilience


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Class Skills


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Celestial Blessing - Lv1(0/10)


    Channels and radiates an aura of divine power that inspires, heals, and restores the health and vitality of allies while striking fear into the hearts of enemies.


    Sacred Action - Lv1(0/10)


    Conjures a protective barrier infused with divine energy, shielding allies from harm and repelling attacks with holy force while calling down divine retribution upon enemies, smiting them with righteous fury and purging them of darkness. This comes either in the form of attacks or celestial guardians that defend allies and smite enemies,


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Racial Abilities


    Mother''s Intervention - Bestows the Mender with the grace of the Mother, granting them the ability to mend wounds and restore life with a touch. Intercedes</a> on behalf of allies, shielding them from harm and guiding them to safety.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    ---


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Name


    Title - Treus the Last, The Spark-bearer


    Level - 1(0/10)


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Class - Reality Weaver


    Reality Weaver is a class that embodies the Spark Bearer''s mastery over reality and their ability to manipulate the fabric of existence itself. As Reality Weavers, Spark Bearers wield the power of the One-Spark to shape and mold reality according to their will, altering space, time, and matter to achieve their goals and overcome their foes. They excel in casting powerful spells and manipulating the battlefield to their advantage, using their reality-warping abilities to create illusions, and teleportation, and manipulate the elements to devastating effect. Reality Weavers are also adept at unraveling the fabric of reality to reveal hidden truths and secrets, as well as tapping into the vast cosmic energies of the universe to unleash spells of unimaginable potency. With their mastery over the fundamental forces of existence, Reality Weavers are formidable adversaries indeed, capable of reshaping the world itself to suit their desires and ensure their victory.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Essence of the One-Spark - 10/10


    The Essence of the One-Spark represents the Spark Bearer''s connection to the primordial spark of creation, a singular source of cosmic energy that permeates the universe. It symbolizes their status as a universal being, bonded directly to the Mother''s One-Spark, and grants it unparalleled power over reality. The Essence of the One-Spark fuels the Spark Bearer''s reality-warping abilities, allowing them to manipulate space, time, and matter to achieve their goals and shape the world according to their will.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Health Points (HP) - 10/10


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Energy Points (EP) - 10/10


    Energy Points (EP) represent the Spark Bearer''s reservoir of universal energy, derived from the One-Spark. It signifies their capacity to manipulate reality and harness the fundamental forces of the cosmos. As the Spark Bearer utilizes their reality-warping abilities or engages in feats of cosmic manipulation, their EP may diminish, requiring them to replenish it through rest or by tapping into external sources of energy. EP is crucial for wielding the Spark Bearer''s reality-altering powers and shaping the world according to their will.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Reality Manipulation - 10/10


    This stat signifies the Spark Bearer''s mastery over reality and their ability to manipulate it to their will, altering the fabric of existence to suit their desires.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Akasha''s Insight - 10/10


    This stat reflects the Spark Bearer''s keen perception of the mother''s realm and their ability to navigate its mysteries, granting them insight into the nature of spirits, magic, and otherworldly beings.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Divine Connection -10/10


    This represents the bond with the Mother and their ability to channel her divine power, granting them access to powerful abilities and enhancing their effectiveness in combat.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Alpha Essence - 10/10


    This stat reflects the status as an alpha among their pack, signifying their leadership and dominance over their kin. It also represents their connection to the primal essence of the earth, imbuing them with strength and resilience


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Class Skills


    Dimensional Shift - Lv1(0/10)


    Manipulates the fabric of reality, shifting between dimensions and altering the flow of time to their advantage.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Ethereal Projection - Lv1(0/10)


    Projects their consciousness into the ethereal realm, granting them the ability to perceive and interact with spirits and otherworldly beings.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Temporal Distortion - Lv1(0/10)


    Warps the flow of time, slowing or hastening the movements of allies and enemies alike to manipulate the battlefield to their advantage.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Racial Abilities


    Universal Awareness - Lv1(0/10)


    Attunes the Spark Bearer to the universal energies of their maker granting them insight into the nature of reality and the ability to manipulate it to their will.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Akashic Conduit - Lv1(0/10)


    Channels the energies of the Akashic Force, allowing the Spark Bearer to draw upon its power to enhance their abilities and cast spells of devastating potency.


    Reality Shaper - Lv1(0/10)


    Weaves the threads of reality, shaping the world around them to suit their desires and manifesting their will with the power


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [JOUNDK PERSONAL PERKS]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Cerberi]


    A last-minute stand. A boost one may say. Able to conjoin in a last stand of defiance bringing the true hell of Cerberus onto its foes.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Anchor]


    Connected even more deeply to the mother Joundk can be summoned in any realm or site to serve, hunt, and protect. Their time is dependent on how long their mother wishes them present.


    </blockquote>


    "I have to name them too". For a moment I thought of calling them by their given titles but shook my head. That would be unfair. A look at the Unborn made me wince. ''Yeah. Maybe I should have thought their names over before giving it''.


    Back to the prompt, I noted all the mentions of mother in each line while shaking my head. It was obvious who the mother here was and frankly felt it weird that the system considered me their mother. Very weird. But it held nothing to the fact that most of the abilities the Joundk had and were supposedly from me I lacked.


    ''I can''t control plant life, yet. I don''t even understand half of what the One-Spark does and Treus has all these capabilities with it''.


    "The system even gave them classes like it gave my kids their abilities. Not gonna lie that the classes sound powerful but still aaarghh" I let out a little frustrated cry.


    "I want to weave reality too". I grumbled at the injustice. "Still, I wonder if this is an inkling of what the One spark can do or is it just referring to the dawn bang. Must be, says almost the same thing for divinity". I shook my head again.


    While it felt unfair I didn''t mind. The fact that all the Joundk were labeled as connected or bonded to me was a good thing. Just like with my kids I was pleased that atleast the Joundk were with me.


    But with all the capabilities shown in their status, the Joundk was still asleep. Making them useless for whatever came next in this tower.


    My eyes took in tbe final door barring us from what I suspected to be the end. The boss room.


    Two grand doors that unlike the others stood strong. No rot or withering. Solid against the elements that afflicted this place.


    I felt hesitant to move ahead. Whatever would be there needed us all at our full state. The Unborns were scratched and most wounded.


    Cerberus had done a number on them even if none had died. Divine purity flowed over bodies slowly but en masse, as I fought to heal the many at once.


    Lights glowed off their skin in tandem giving them all a glittering look. The scratches on the stone skin sealed and overall the Unborns got better.


    Which left the Joundk. Waiting was a little unsure since their waking wasn''t assured. Who knew how long they''d rest?


    I hesitated some more before finally waving at the Unborns to get into the last room.


    Ten stood at the front taking the role of the team tank at my command. Broadsword on his magma shoulders the hulk of a being pushed at the door.


    There was a creaking noise like a strain of weight on plywood but the door still held. Ten pushed harder the creaks intensifying but nothing changed. The door remained closed.


    Ten strained and kept trying even going as far as dropping his sword to punch with both fists. Yet tbe door just stood taking the beating and mocking his feeble attempts.


    I was a bit worried. Weren''t boss doors supposed to let you in when you cleared the rooms or found it? Was I missing something? It was a bother if there was a room that I missed.


    Alerting the Unborn I asked if there was something we had skipped or somewhere we had overlooked. The collective shake of heads was an answer.


    "I fear I might know the reason My lady" Second spoke. First turned, his white eyes narrowed at him making the Unborn halt his words and take a step back.


    "Speak" I ordered glaring at First who tried to talk. My finger in the air made him silent too though his glare at Second didn''t go unnoticed.


    "Past the double doors sits the Fettered one. We might not remember much, but we remember him. The last one of us to be corrupted by tbe flames. " he looked grave at the mention of this character. All of them did.


    "If you were corrupted by the flames then how do you know he was too?" I asked worriedly.


    "Because even there in the fiery cages of our minds, we heard his screams." Fifteen whispered with an honest shudder rolling through him.


    "A madness so profound the Tribulator sealed him within and us with him". Ten added from his position at the door.


    "Wait. Are you saying none of you should be here?" I asked.


    "From what I feel. Yes," Second supplied his white eyes looking up as he tried to remember.


    "The Tribulator sealed us all here to bind the Fettered one. Each one served as a chain to hold him in place. As long as we remained his saddened husk too would be weakened." First muttered


    That line raised my brows.


    "You mean as long as you all were around he was weak. " I repeated registering with a grimace that they were all technically not around. No more Gursers, but now Unborn.


    "Okay, how does this affect the door''s refusal to open?"


    First frowned while Second looked anywhere but at him. It was Ten though that answered.


    "The Fettered was bound by one..." His voice trailed off.


    " ...maybe he can be freed by another." it was Second who completed the words while First seemed to give up as he just explained.


    "The doors can''t be jammed in any way. Meaning My lady that only one, the Tribulator we guess can pass through. But you cleansed us. That means My lady that you too should be able to pass."


    I fought to keep a neutral expression while gazing at the door. It was hard to not scowl at this sudden turn in events. I had hoped to use the Unborns and maybe the Joundk to storm the room and severely oppress this boss before either killing or purifying it.


    Now it seemed the game was leaning more toward single combat.


    If First was anything to go by then the Fettered One would be an absolute monster. After all the boss was always better and stronger than tbe minions.


    Withholding a sigh I matched myself to the doors. Assuming things would help no one. ''Best to get it over with''.


    Approaching the doors gave me a better sight of it. The doors were a far cry from a good state. While not rotted or falling apart like the other doors in the tower it wasn''t unscathed either.


    Huge burn marks rolled on its surface, and scratches from something huge marked the edges of the stone pillar and the door too.


    The floor just before the door was sunk in. Like the ground attempted to cave from something hard hitting it.


    ''Don''t distract yourself to stall'' I chastised before raising my palms to place on the wooden doors.


    A shiver ran through me, a tingle of something warm, yet searing. Something alive that seemed to look unto me but was unable to completely peer. Like an eye wishing to see through a misty window.


    A feeling of morbid wrongness rose in my head and alarmed I pushed out my divinity to grasp unto this feeling. It felt like a sphere, a brittle one. Attempting to force something close. I guided my divinity around it and once I felt it within hold squirming like an animal I squeezed.


    A ding sounded and then a new prompt shot up before hovering right in front of the door.


    <blockquote>


    [SEAL SHATTERED]


    </blockquote>


    Then the prompt vanished and more words appeared mentally this time.


    <blockquote>


    [QUEST UPDATED ]


    [The Tower''s Conquest]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Once standing proud, now seized and lost, the Tower lies shattered, torn from its brethren amidst an ethereal veil of ash and crimson waves. Does its path lead skyward, or plunge it into the rifts?


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    If divinity hears, grant us salvation; yet if your power falters, let vengeance rain upon our mortal husks. We beseech thee, O heavens. - Alezk, Sovereign of the Tower.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Conquer the Tower.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Rank: A]


    [Rewards: To be unveiled]


    [Failure: -10 ORP, -1 level]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [YOU HAVE ENTERED PHASE TWO]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [The Throne of Aswingnir]


    Once standing proud, now seized and lost, the Tower lies shattered, torn from its brethren amidst an ethereal veil of ash and crimson waves. Does its path lead skyward, or plunge it into the rifts?


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    You answered. You heard or not, you answered. You purified our mortal husks and released us from the insanities of the flame. Now I beg there, end thou broken thoughts - Alezk, Lord of the Tower.


    Conquer the Tower.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Rank - S]


    [Rewards - Higher Shard Of the Flame Divinity]


    [Failure - 50 ORP


    - 2 levels ]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [The Throne of Aswingnir]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Once held, now lost; the Throne lies shattered, torn from its kin amidst swirling ash and crimson tides. Does it ascend, or does it plummet into oblivion?


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    You responded, whether heard or not, you answered. You cleansed our mortal forms and liberated us from the torments of the inferno. Now, I implore you, mend these fractured thoughts. - Alezk, Sovereign of the Tower.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Tower Conquest.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Rank: S]


    [Rewards: High Shard of the Flame Divinity]


    [Failure: -50 Orp, -2 levels]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [YOU HAVE CLEARED QUEST - THE TOWER]


    [RECEIVE REWARDS]


    [Y/N]


    </blockquote>


    ''Yes''. My answer came with an eye roll. Asking meaningless questions. Would I ever refuse a reward? Shaking my head I watched as the golden lights spun beautifully. My palm outstretched to catch whatever came from it.


    The light dimmed and weight bore on my arms. For the first time in the game, I received not one but two rewards and from an unascertained too.


    The first was a shield, shaped like a teardrop but large enough to cover from my neck to my knee. Yet it was strangely light even though I could acutely feel the density of the material.


    It wasn''t light like paper, more like a comfortable weight. Putting my left arm through the straps and tightening them I felt the weight suddenly strain against my arms. Its front was a dark metal steel like the blades of the Unborn. A crest of fire at its center. Three points, two at the top and one below jutting out blunt yet deadly when used powerfully to strike an enemy. Behind was a padded material to absorb the force of whatever struck.


    <blockquote>


    [MATERIAL - GEAR]


    [TYPE - SHIELD]


    A macabre memory of what valor meant. A symbol of hope lost. A tale of honor without strength.


    +20 to damage


    +300 to defense.


    </blockquote>


    The second was a helmet. Silver with ornate designs depicting a dragon in red. Its body curved around the skull of the helmet before stopping its head right above the forehead. Two clawed feet above the eye gaps. The helmet looked like a sleeker design of a bike helmet but more Corinthian styled. Protecting the head and the back of the neck as well as cheeks.


    <blockquote>


    [MATERIAL - ARMOR


    TYPE - ULILOC HELM


    An Outer realm helmet, one forged from the fires of the Tribulator.


    +20 to damage


    +10 to defense]


    </blockquote>


    ''Oh boy. It gave you a shield and a helmet. You''re toast''. Akasha mentally nodded.


    "Tell me about it".


    Still, I had the feeling that this would not be enough for whatever it was, for whoever it was the Fettered would be.


    ''I''d advise staying back and training more but...I think you got this''.


    ''Really?''


    ''No. But I have faith''.


    With a chill in my heart, my eyes rolling at the Akashic Force in my mind and a tingly resolve in my bones I acted. I set the helm on my head, latched the shield to my left arm tightening the straps and gripped my spear tight.


    I pushed open the doors, the chill in my heart spread through my body as I heard the door hinges creak open.

 Monolith of Passage - The Throne of Aswingnir

    It was bright. Very. You would think that the highest level amongst the Gursers, a group of bone, death, flame, and sword-wielding menaces would live in the dark.


    Wrong. The boss''s great hall was well-lit. Chandeliers dotted the ceiling. Fire bowls sat at different locations. The ground was a cracked gray marble. Marble now dulled and had less of a shine.


    The walls now faded and lost. Burnt so much that even vines and weeds couldn''t grow.


    At several points stood half-charred armors of knights. Each one a depiction of past splendor, an edict to glory once held but now lost. A painting ripped and torn lay to the side. A depiction of a body on its withered canvas but an absent face. Sliced and ripped off by a deadly and accurate slash located just at the neck of whoever was on the painting.


    Pillars separated the hall into three as all halls should be. A walkway in between. The path led to a grand flight of stairs that attended up a throne mounted atop an equally faded marble dais. A throne currently occupied by the boss.


    A boss that was nothing I expected.


    "An elf".


    Indeed. The pale almost gray skin resembled one of a dead or dying man. Hollow eyes lacking eyeballs and sunken cheeks. A silver crown with a red jewel within its center. White robes that shone like a dull star.


    None of which hid the inconspicuous pointy leaf-shaped ears that were very popular.


    Like my voice called to it the head which had been lowered in what I doubted was slumber rose. Its hollow eyes stared into me from across the room.


    I only noticed two things then. One was the black long sword stuck halfway into a stone at the center of the room. Or was it blue? No red. Its colors seemed ever-changing. Almost like the blade itself was unsure of what suited it best.


    ''Sword in the stone, really. With the rainbow effect too'' I appraised.


    Next was the growing wisps of embers that ignited within the elf''s eyes.


    "You came!" he spoke. His voice was raspy, dry, like one who''d gone a long time without even a drop of the life-giving liquid.


    "You finally came". he muttered. More to himself than to me.


    "A thousand years of madness and finally one shows up. Ah. It seems the times are changing. Or worsening" " He rambled, a finger tapping his chin.


    "Still. savior. I hope you succeed. I really hope you do". His words coincided with the tale of the Unborns yet even as he made that last statement I felt something wrong envelope the room.


    The embers in his eyes were now a full-blown red flame.


    Only then did I realize what his earlier look had been. Pity. The elf had pitied me. A Creator. Why?.


    The answer came the next moment and I was certain I didn''t even have to ask. His languid body rose from the throne weakly stepping off the dais and onto the stairs. He moved down sluggishly till he reached the sword on the stone.


    The elf placed his feet on the stone and the color mirage slowed down. Each step made a color pause, each step slowing down tbe speed of the color change. As his hands grabbed the sword handle the color change halted.


    The sword twisted transforming into a macabre red steel with a black handle. Its guard turned a bright blue and its pommel gold.


    With ease, the sword was pulled out of the ground and placed on his right shoulder whilst he turned. The elf barely gave it any attention, focused more on getting off the stone and sauntering to me.


    It''s steps tired. It''s gait bored. A pressure loomed over and threatened to get me to bend the knee.


    Preposterous. Powerful or not. I was a Creator. The elf was not. The very thought rose a feeling of pride within me that I was certain I lacked just a few seconds ago.


    With pride rising in me I felt my will push out with my divinity aiming to make my desire and intent known. It flared out in all its glory, A bright simmering haze of golden and white in front of me that clashed savagely against the red and black energy of the elf.


    ''Hilde will not bend the knee'' my thought pushed out like fuel for my aura spiking its pressure.


    Both fought, the ground strained beneath their feet and cracking as the auras pushed against both it and the walls.


    This was my first aura clash and it was nothing like I had expected or even thought of. It was like an invisible mountain kept attempting to press itself on me. My aura was like an immovable wall holding its ground while slowly inching its way forward. Slight flickers of sparks barely noticeable in the shimmering air.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The aura amplified by the Crown of the Supreme pushed more and more. The ground suffered as it was pressed down from the immense weight of two divine beings'' auras.


    Finally, the red and black aura dissipated and I slowly reeled my will and divinity back to me. It was almost difficult, like pulling in pasta with a rubber spoon. Aggravating.


    The elf stood unmoving. Its once hollow eyes which were now filled with the fires of the unholy flame that tortured him gazed at me. It was unnerving.


    "I wish you victory". His words were filled with sorrow and unhidden desire. But it didn''t halt the viciousness with which it lurched forward.


    I barely reacted before the sword appeared over me slicing down with a flaming streak straight at me.


    Reflexes kicked in as I raised my shield arm. Knees bent and feet braced catching the blade with a screech of sparks.


    Our gazes locked as I pushed his sword back. A frown on my face and a tired smile on his.


    Pushing off the ground with my feet kicking off I jabbed at him with the spear and he simply leaned away. I moved back from our lock whilst watching him following my movement with fiery eyes. The elf stood watching a slight creepiness to his gaze.


    I ran around him in circles while sending the Spear back to inventory and feeling the familiar grip of my chakram appearing in its place. Nothingness Saturation melded into its blade.


    Even as I moved away from the line of sight the faint tingle of being watched didn''t leave my bones.


    The chakram clinked as it was separated and the wind whistled as both rings flew through the air in different directions. The elf''s head shifted slightly making me frown at his absurd reflexes. Or was it perception?


    It was obvious that the plan wouldn''t work. Bane of Heroes appeared and a quiver weaved onto my back strapped to me and shielded by the Cloak of the One. An explosive arrow notched unto it and instantly I filled the strings with divinity, the bow wood with will. The very arrow itself I flooded with nihility. Drawing hard I aimed, then fired.


    The elf jerked to the side whilst his sword slashed in an arc from down going up to his right. The first chakram blade whizzed past, the second struck away by the sword.


    A boom sounded as he spun and clashed his sword against the arrow creating a shockwave that made him take a step back. His sword was okay. He was okay. Somehow unaffected by the nothingness.


    ''Not even a scratch''. Definitely, the flames doing.


    I was already at his side with a blur of movement the Primordial Spear aiming for his neck. A quick side step and a twist of the head moved him out of harm''s way.


    The sharp movement was followed by the flash of metal which I found snipping a strand of rebellious hair that abandoned the gathering in my helmet to hang outside. The hair fell just as the blade struck off my helm amd saved my cheeks. Then it returned downwards, the pommel smacking into my collar with a numbing pain as well as sending a jolt down my right arm.


    A foot followed kicking my right leg and sending me down to a knee. A whimper left my lips right as the elf''s blade made another return. Raising my shield the sword flashed into a different hold and smacked it aside before returning just as ferociously fast and carving a straight line sideways through Vulkan''s Prize and on my torso. The quiver strap cut, gold ichor sprayed and a scream tore out my mouth right as a Spartan kick to the chest sent my body flying back to the door.


    The sound of spear and shield dropping to the floor, mixed with the rattle of wood and then marble as I hit the door and then crashed down to the floor joined the dissipating echo of my scream.


    A mental curse flashed through my head as pain flooded me. The elf just like the Gursers before wasn''t even strong. But comparing it to First was as insulting as comparing copper to gold.


    One was just better.


    First moved with a skill born of precision. The Elf? He was more than precise. He was deadly.


    Engaging him was suicidal. Yet I knew that I had to fight. Especially when long-range attacks had shown a lack of damage against him. Barely able to even faze him. Knife play was beneath him. I didn''t even know how to use a spear properly.


    ''Need that combat training''. It left one thing.


    ''Well. It''s the best I''ve got''. I thought raising myself with my hands that were stained with the ichor leaking from my body. Divine purity was already working to heal the split flesh.


    [Bleed effect - 3 health/sec]


    I winced at the abating pain my eyes seeking the Primordial Ice Spear. With a glance at the elf who stood waiting, I raised a hand dragging the Ice Spear back to me. Simultaneously I pulled out my chakram again, separated, and threw it his way before catching my spear.


    The chakrams were both evaded and then struck the wall and rebounded. Right above his head both conjoined and struck down.


    The elf moved his sword ready to strike the chakram away. I moved once more ignoring my throbbing upper body and appearing before him in a flash as I sent my will grasping and pulling the chakram apart with a clink. The sword passed between the divided ring of blades.


    ''Caught you'' My right hand flashed out my spear digging through flesh between his neck and shoulder. The cracking of ice as it crept up his shoulder was ignored as I spun letting go of the spear and with my palm open smacked the elf''s jaw from under. My left hand followed already, fisted up, and smashed into his side just below his ribs.


    The elf doubled over to the side still feeling the first strike. Unbothered, I grabbed my spear and pulled it while kicking his chest. Spear free, I turned quickly letting the long ice weapon cut through the air and back. It almost smacked his head but the Elf got down fast.


    I let go of the spear just as he rose and grabbing his right arm I used the over 200 points of my strength to flip him over my shoulders and smash him into the ground. Once, twice, left, right. I raised and flung him to the center of the room. All of this within less than 5 seconds.


    ''Earth!'' Akasha shouted in my head showing me an idea.


    The chakrams entered my grasp just as my eyes flared bright green. The floor of the great hall shook. The ground rumbled and the stones dislodged rolling up to me as I urged. Each broke into smaller pieces and segments that compressed till they were flat and then slapped onto my body. Clicking and joining up as they covered inch by inch until the earth reached my head.


    It slowly formed itself around my head as I guided the still-arriving earth pieces to join the rest careful to not hit myself hard or blind my eyes.


    The last piece clicked itself in place and a green thrum spread through my exoskeleton as it lit up, the same green light as my eyes running through the visible joining and segments that held the entire thing together.


    This time though I ignored the words of the system that tried to make themselves known to me. I only had one thought in mind.


    ''Akasha!. Help me kill this guy''.

 Monolith of Passage - Ruler vS Creator

    THIRD PERSON POV


    The elf stood up as listlessly as he had earlier. Its hollow eyes met the new form of the one who had dared to challenge him.


    A green glowing stone golem stood over six feet tall, crouching in a combat stance with its left hand on the ground and its right straight and to the side. Its eyes were two green light orbs. Its short fingers gripped two rings of blades. The crown on its head and the cloak of black and white fur were the only signs that it was still the same female that he had just hurt.


    His pale grey cheeks spread apart as a smile appeared on his face.


    "More tricks. Good. You are going to need it," he said. For the first time, the elf took initiative. Dashing forward quite slowly compared to her.


    The golem blasted forward shattering the floor with its steps as it tore for the elf. With just a few steps it crossed the meager distance between both combatants.


    Their clash sent a shockwave spreading in all directions. The ground shattered beneath their feet and their blades conjoined in a symphony of metal that created a thrum of war in the air. An alluring music of battle and a tenebrous dance of death filled the air The elf and golem moved in a synchronized whirl of blades.


    Sparks flew between the two as their blades met and separated. The golem ignored the thrusts and slashes of the black steel and the elf evading the murderous singe of the double-ringed blades.


    Down he went, evading a slash to his upper body and returning it with a slash that simply slid off the stone with a spark. The elf smirked and jumped planting a kick on the golem propelling off and separating from the combat.


    He landed with a flourish his sword going from black steel to red once again. The color combination was simply confusing.


    Hilde understood why at once when the sword released a hot burst of unholy fire in what appeared to be a distant thrust. The thick beam caught the creator player off her game as she was unable to dodge in time. It hit her like a car and shot her in the opposite direction.


    The heat melted and burned the front of the golem severely, the ground on her path red and almost melted to lava from the strike.


    Her golem figure, blackened and scorched from the flame, shattered into numerous pieces as a result of her forceful collision with the wall and her loss of focus. She tumbled down the massive wall dent and onto the ground, leaving a trail of stone and smoke behind her.


    <blockquote>


    [Burn damage]


    [- 980 health]


    </blockquote>


    A choke and whimper were audible as pain rattled her body. It was obvious the beam was a sure one-shot kill if not for the golem armor she wore now.


    Hilde shivered as Divine purity worked erratically to mend the burns. She shivered, steam rising off her body. However, it appeared that the elf''s inner flame was not ready to wait this time.


    ''Nothingness Empowerment''.


    ''Wow. You rarely use this. Must be pretty tough''. The once-pleasant sound of Akasha''s voice was now annoying.


    ''What do you think''.


    A shadow crossed her as the elf stood by her side sword still red and raised to the sky. A sad smile played across his cheeks as the blade descended.


    A boulder smashed into him from behind sending him flying face-first into the wall. Hilde rose weak and shaky while the wounds on her body fixed themselves thanks to divine purity. The feeling of Nothingness Empowerment boosting her healing added to how fast her injuries vanished.


    Vulkan''s Prize had been unable to survive such a flame. The armor was melted, and broken down the front.


    Hilde frowned as she realized her defense stats had dipped due to this damage.


    Another such hit would floor her. Her eyes shone as for the second time she used two insights at once. Rocks rolled slowly gathering around her feet. It was clear what she wanted to do but her mind was more focused on healing and as such she couldn''t achieve Earthen Forge at the moment.


    So she raised her fists, her eyes seeking the chakram blades that had fallen away in the strike.


    ''You''re not the only one who can make such a strike''. She didn''t move an inch as drops of water, then a stream, and soon a river of golden flooded from her skin and formed a wall around her. With the stones floating and whizzing past in a storm she turned her attention to the Spear.


    ''Time for a Sword Beam Cut?''. Akasha piped. Her voice showed just how lax she was with Hildelith taking a beating.


    ''More like a Spear Beam''. The Primordial Ice Spear shot through the storm of earth and Water and into her grasp.


    She didn''t dally. She doubted the elf would let her think up a swift plan to trap and kill it. No. It was time to act.


    The water flooded back in at her. Rolling and coiling around her waist it lifted her. Her eyes were darkened with green dots at the center, and her skin was tinted with darkness, oozing black smoke of nothingness.


    Hildelith didn''t want to admit it. But she was pissed. The elf had humbled her far more than even First. With First it was okay as she managed to match him in other ways. With the elf, it was completely different.


    Her eyes found it and like she expected he was already ready to swing another one of those beams.


    Spear in her right hand she waved her left. The hall exploded in dust and stones forming a caved path as the rocks kept exploding towards the elf. He dived to the left.


    She raised the Ice Spear above her head. "You''re not the only one who can do that". She swung. Black mist flowed from her arm, into the spear and shot out in a thick concentrated beam of nothingness.


    The elf''s eyes widened as it dove out of the way once more.


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    ''Cole warned you about the Tower. Conquer. He said to conquer. '' she thought frantically as the elf shook himself up and raised its sword. The still sad smile on his face.


    ''Cole knows everything. So why not drop a warning? He loves doing that even if he speaks of the rules.'' she refused to back off even if she knew this thing was in another league.


    The elf moved. Akasha assisted her in controlling the water as it too moved her forward. The ice once white was now shimmering and pulsing with black mist.


    The elf swung out another beam. She did too. Surprisingly both beams met midair. There was no explosion, no dramatic implosion. Just erasure.


    ''So the red flame powers the sword and makes it more difficult''. She eyed the elf who was rolling beneath the still-flying beam.


    In a shocking turn, he ended his roll abruptly and lunged into the air straight at her passing form. Nothingness spilled from her body and like a suction engulfed her from the outside.


    The elf splashed into the falling waves of water sword slicing with a red beam.


    Black mist spat Hildelith out by the door. ''Now''. With a sharp flex of her palms, the falling water roared back up and engulfed the equally falling elf. She could feel his struggles in the water. Watch the beams that shot out and cleaved through parts of the throne room walls.


    ''Think girl. He must have known those purified wouldn''t be able to aid me inside here. So what was he expecting me to know'' she glared at the elf who cut a path in the water before she dragged him back in.


    ''Just freeze him''.


    ''Cole said to conquer.'' she ignored Akasha repeating what she already knew. ''The system always gives a way. Shows it no matter how insignificant it might appear''.


    ''The shield, or the helm. No. One would just crack and for my head, it doesn''t matter when my body is so easily pierced. If the shield was strong enough to hold that beam would it even matter when he''s too fast and skilled for me to land a good hit? Think girl'' She screamed in her head.


    The elf was fighting harder. Each cut he made splashing water free from her control. Focused on pinning him in the spot all her intent was on the singular task.


    ''Strength doesn''t matter in all fights obviously, skill should but I already bested First and he too was better. I beat him by..'' she locked eyes with the hollowed flame of the elf then he was swallowed once more.


    ''...by planning. But that doesn''t matter here either. strength trumps all plans. I''m going in circles here'' She frowned as she staggered back faltering at realizing how much water she''d lost. She was too far to create more and send back and that would take precious intent away holding him down.


    ''Maybe I should freeze him over ''. She shook her head at that thought. ''Too easy''.


    "What am I missing? What?" she shouted annoyed.


    BOOM!!!


    Her water evaporated as a huge eruption of flame burned it all up. Hildelith stepped back panting from holding him down for so long. If only she had the time or chance to attack while he was distracted with fighting.


    The elf stepped out of the mist his steps just as assured as before. He cracked a dark, sad smile tilting his head to the side. Hilde''s eyes widened.


    ''Ground him. The system always shows the way''. she chuckled.


    A sly smirk spread across her face. Her eyes turned green as she pulled at the earth and they came, as they always did. As she did with the cerberi a fine storm whipped up around the elf.


    The elf seemed confused. He looked almost curious to know why she felt the stones would help again. Hilde though had no time to respond or elucidate on the plan to her flame-controlled sad friend.


    So she turned and with all her energy she made a beeline for the first of them.


    Even before she arrived the golden weaves of the system formed something in her hand. A crystal, bright with the red light of a tainted flame.


    A Great shard of the flame of divinity.


    With it in hand, she halted before her agent of victory and smirked. Her hand holding the shard-like salvation thrust it into the dense but hollow metal. She watched astounded as the metal plating parted to give way to the shard.


    Behind her, the elf smiled even as he dodged and cut through the stones holding it in place.


    But the flame wasn''t as willing to help stall. His body exploded forward with tremendous speed.


    Hilde frowned as she felt her mind stitch the shard into the thing before her. Then her divinity poured into it. The wind whistled and the sound of a blade cutting through air reached her ears just as the sword of her executioner dropped to her neck.


    Hilde shut her eyes. It was too late. The cold of steel pricked her neck eliciting a gasp from her lips. ''Maybe I should have frozen it''.


    CLANG!!!


    The glorious sound of metal striking metal echoed in her ears. Her eyes flew open to take note of the wondrous sight. At least for her and maybe for someone else.


    To her right, just an inch left to cut her head clean off was the halted heated blade of the elf. His cheeks were stretched so wide he almost reminded her of the destroyer''s ever-present smile.


    Yet his flaming eyes gave off a different vibe, burning with a feral rage that made Hilde shiver even with the heat emitting from the two sources around her.


    But the eye candy was the new blade that held his sword in place. A finely polished silver sword with an equally silver guard and black handle grasped by the metallic palms of a now living armor.


    Its eyes were aflame with fire just like the elf. But unlike the red, angry, and unholy flame burning within the deep hollows of its socket, those of the living armor burned a golden flame.


    Even more interesting were the lines of gold that ran across all the gaps or stretch in the full coat of living armor. Its chest had the brightest glow though housing the shine of its core. The former Great Shard of Flame.


    <blockquote>


    [Holy Flame Armors - Basic Guard Template]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Stolen from the embers of the unholy fire. Purified and refined from the armor statues of the Aswingnir royal guard. These armors were reforged with purified shards of the Fires of Divinity, and refined into their current form by the divine wrath and purity of their creator This living armor is an extension of its creator''s purity. A living testimony of her wrath.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Might: 30


    Mobility: 40


    Physique: 30


    Focus: 30


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Racial Perks


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Exhim Order -


    Born of desperation and pain, the Holy Flame armor does not just protect. A being of vengeance and yet one of order, situational conflict affects their morals. This ability represents the complex nature of the Holy Flame Armors, which balance their wrathful origins with a newfound sense of duty and order. Their behavior and actions can shift based on the moral and situational conflicts they encounter, reflecting their dual nature of vengeance and order.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Cohort -


    In the presence of other Holy Flame Armors in battle, all agility is doubled. In the presence of other living armor in battle, there is a +20% increase in Physique. This ability highlights the synergistic power of Holy Flame Armors when fighting alongside their kind or other living armors, significantly enhancing their combat effectiveness through increased mobility and endurance.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Personal Perks


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Holy Judgement -


    Bring the fury of the creator upon those who tarnish the great name with the purified Flame. This perk allows the Holy Flame Armor to channel the righteous fury of their creator, unleashing powerful, purifying flames upon enemies who defile the sacred. This attack not only deals significant damage but also serves as a testament to the wrath and purity instilled in the armor by its creator.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Flame''s Resurgence -


    The Holy Flame Armor can draw upon the remnants of its core''s original power to regenerate itself. When significantly damaged, the armor can ignite a burst of golden flames that heals its injuries and strengthens its defenses temporarily. This resurgence ability ensures that the Holy Flame Armor remains a formidable opponent even in dire situations, symbolizing the enduring spirit of its divine creation.


    </blockquote>


    Hilde barely cared about the standoff between both fighters her feet scurrying for the next armor standing in place. Her mind already spinning with the details of her next plan.


    ''I''m taking another break after this fight. If I survive. This game is goddamn mad. '' she laughed even as she stopped before the next armor and repeated the process. Her mind was a mess as she thought of everything that brought her to the one saving grace she had now.

 Monolith of Passage - Flame Ruler vs Living Armors

    The destroyer had been stronger which called for her to think and plan before trapping and killing it. Molliwag had been weaker but she also had to think outside the box. First was skilled, dominating their battle even if she held her own. Yet his skill failed to her plans.


    Cole had mentioned and praised, her ability to see things that weren''t said but hinted at.


    She didn''t exactly dislike the praise but she hadn''t thought much of it before either. Until now though.


    Her mind at the very moment of panic had seen something that pushed all the puzzle pieces into place with a mental click.


    The Joundk had grabbed at her divinity and she had aided in forming them into what they were now. She''d purified the Gursers and formed the Unborn.


    Yet she couldn''t bring them in to fight an opponent that was way above her in skill. When skill, strength, and tactics failed then what was left?


    Drowning your enemy in foes till you either weakened or found the gap to thrust your blade.


    At least that was what she thought had to be the grand idea.


    Then the Elf had reacted to her tantrum. His head tilted to reveal the menacing gaze of the Royal Aswingnir guard helmet. Empty and hollow just like the elf. Yet the elf was controlled just like her living armors in the Lunar Castle.


    It wasn''t the best plan but she already knew it was her saving grace at least if she had no intention of listening to Akasha''s rants about using aether. So she rolled the stones to halt his advance, focused her mind on keeping him there, and then ran for the closest armor. The aether had been her last gambit if she didn''t make it in time. Then maybe it would grace the field and get Akasha to shut up.


    Hildelith was so glad that became unnecessary, and now, the battle continued and hopefully the favor was on her side.


    *****


    Thirty minutes, that was how long the fight had been ongoing. The Holy Flame armors had proven to be resilient due to their creation with Great shards. All four were made using the Great shards gotten from the purified Unborns.


    They all had their flames burning hot but restrained into their armor and their swords. The single one with a shard from an Unborn was aflame. Its armor blazed with the golden fire that burned within its kind. It could even for an extension create a thin slash of fire about ten meters ahead of it by slashing out with its sword.


    Hilde skulked about the hall like a thief retrieving her weapons. The Vulkan Prize unlike its former self remained equipped. She wasn''t relinquishing the little defense stats it offered.


    ''Maybe...''. Akasha shared an idea. It made sense. Since Nothingness could erase anything from existence, just like it erased her wounds then maybe. The black mist poured from her body and encompassed her armor. Once it retracted the armor once damaged and bloody was as shiny as a pearl and unblemished.


    "Well. I now have a cleansing skill".


    ''Careful how you use it. You''ve not yet learned any skill to replace what is damaged". She understood Akasha''s point. While it didn''t matter with inanimate objects. Erasing a soul was bad. Even she didn''t know the intricacies of one or how it could be made.


    ''Something iI''ll learn from Tora it seems''.


    With her weapons now gathered she took stock of the situation.


    It was bad.


    Her health while up could just as well go down from another strike of the Elf. Her little entourage of just over 14 armors encircled the elf. Yet none had done any serious damage to it. A cut and a meager injury here and there.


    Hilde was drained. Her mind was blank. She stood watching, awaiting the end. Her Holy Flame armors stalling what she assumed was the inevitable.


    She watched the elf redirect a thrust into another armor. Spartan kicks another, fists an armor, and stomps on one''s feet before kicking it away. His eyes were always on her, yet his movements remained hindered and locked down no matter how he tried to escape their circle. He was unable to break loose and they were unable to beat him.


    None untiring, both sides unwilling.


    An eternal battle it could become if there were no changes. Then an armor went low and cleaved a blade behind his knee. A little wound, just a little. But the elf smiled, his hollowed eyes locked on her.


    ''That''s it''.


    The elf, since the start of their battle, had shown something different from the other Gursers she had defeated. Free will. Or atleast a bit of it.


    The unholy flame had taken his body and imprisoned the soul within. The flame had control of him and just like it had done with the Gursers purged his attempt to fight back through a hellish torment.


    Yet it was unable to truly break him. His mannerisms showed the elf within who sought a way out of his hell. His smiles when she got a chance and brief battles with the flame when she was on the losing end were a quick giveaway.


    It was obvious his desire for her victory, for his freedom from his torment. Which was why Hildelith moved her head now alert once his smile played out.


    All foes no matter how great were weak when their agility dropped. For an elf whose greatest boon was his reflex and precision, cutting a limb was tantamount to weakening him.


    Yet the destroyer came to mind. Not all wounds meant victory.


    ''Weaken the point.'' The Ice Spear vanished and the Harbinger replaced it, her hold tightening and her right fingers drawing back the string to form a pale arrow. Then it dissipated as she frowned.


    If it missed she lost energy from the bow. Plus the soul was something she didn''t want to harm with this Elf. So that ruled out Culler. Bane of Heroes depending on which would only affect the Holy Flame armors movements, be dodged by the elf, or...


    The other arrows. It could dodge them but it was worth a try. Especially if at least one hit. With the injury, it could be a chance.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    "Hold him in place". her yell reached both sides. The elf always watching broadened his smile even more while his eyes smoldered. It was creepy to watch two different opposing desires on one being.


    Either way, the Holy Flame obeyed. Each armor pitched itself closer locking the gaps and closing the space around them. Shoulder to shoulder they stood, swords forward taking the beating and strikes while ensuring all links were sealed.


    Bane of Heroes settled in her grasp while she waited. Watching keenly, seeking the perfect moment. She didn''t know it but she felt it was close.


    The elf kept bashing at the enclosing Holy flame armors the red flame in his eyes burning frantically and erratically while the elf gave off a peal of mad boisterous laughter.


    She could see why he was deemed the Fettered one.


    Then suddenly the elf''s laughter froze as horror etched onto his features. His blade turned an incandescent red that had Hilde frowning. Why it hadn''t been used since made her suspicious. Either the ability or skill had a cooldown or used up too much energy or something. Regardless she notched an arrow with its glistening red head notable as the shaft rested on the point between bow and finger.


    Then she drew and waited even as the elf gazed up at her. The flame within his eyes now burning out and smoking his face. Warts and little boils appeared as the flame intensified its heat.


    " Arghh" he roared in defiance. Or was it the flame roaring? She remained unsure as she stared.


    His sword now a glaring white was raised high and then with a horrified look etched on the elf''s face it descended. The next moment was instantaneous even to her. Her legs and arms, torso, and back warped and shifted with a creak of muscles, flesh, meat, and bone. Feathers sprouted over her skin and Vulkan Prize parted to let out magnificent wings. Her eyesight changed and her stance became perfect. It was like she could see all the ways to shoot and all the places to possibly target.


    Yet there was only one spot she needed to hit. The track of the bow string releasing echoed. Even with the sounds of swords flashing, armor gratings and boots stomping it was the only sound she perceived.


    The sound of metal rending flesh echoed. The sound of the squishy explosion of meat and liquid spreading. One smiled even as ice spread through flesh and the other exhaled a rushed breath.


    "Thank you"


    The silent appreciation reached her from where he stood. The hollowed face of a man with a dimming flame. The unholy fire was unable to do anything as the hole in his chest stole the last of his life Primordial Ice creeping off the hole and through the man''s veins. With his heart t or core blown up and damaged the fires couldn''t fight the element of dual creation. It just had no fuel.


    Hildelith watched, unsure what to tell a man who had been bound in his own body for an unknown period. All she could do was cast an encouraging smile as the elf''s body slumped. His corpse went up in flames, and at the same time, ice crept up quickly. He burned and froze before falling as nothing but cold snow and gathering on the spot he once stood.


    <blockquote>


    [You have slain Gurser - Flame Ruler(The Fettered One)]


    [You have gained a Shard of High Divine Fire]


    [You have gained +100 ORP]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [QUEST UPDATED ]


    [The Tower]


    It was taken. It was lost. Shattered from the others and separated in a mist of ash and waves of red. Ascending or descending?


    If there are gods. Save us. But if you can''t or are unable. Then avenge our mortal husks. We pray thee. - Alezk, Lord of the Tower.


    Conquer the Tower.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Rank - A]


    [Rewards - Unascertained]


    [Failure - 10 ORP


    - 1 level ]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [The Throne of Aswingnir]


    It was taken. It was lost. Shattered from the others and separated in a mist of ash and waves of red. Ascending or descending?


    You answered. You heard or not, you answered. You purified our mortal husks and released us from the insanities of the flame. Now I beg thee, end thou broken thoughts - Alezk, Lord of the Tower.


    Conquer the Tower.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Rank - S]


    [Rewards - Higher Shard Of the Flame Divinity]


    [Failure - 50 ORP


    - 2 levels ]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [YOU HAVE CLEARED QUEST - THE THRONE OF ASWINGNIR]


    [RECEIVE REWARDS]


    [Y/N]


    </blockquote>


    ''Yes'' even her mental voice was tired. Her back rested on one of the pillars as the golden weaves lit up her dirtied but still beautiful features and something dropped into her waiting palm.


    ''Well. At least it looks worth it''.


    It was the largest shard she''d ever seen in the game. Needing both hands to grasp. It like all other shards had a standard diamond shape. With a white but transparent crystal shell around it that entrapped red energy within.


    <blockquote>


    [Higher Shard Of the Flame Divinity]


    </blockquote>


    It dissipated and returned to her inventory. Head leaning back on the pillar Hilde rested. Not her body, she had unending stamina, but her mind. It was just like the Lost World again. A fight that had been almost unending.


    It had ended now. Or was it?


    She had conquered the tower. Hadn''t she? Yet why was the prompt only about completing the second phase? Hilde scowled as she looked at the ash on the floor making sure that the elf would not rise suddenly from it.


    Don''t trust games and their morbid capacity to shock you.


    ''Especially this one''.


    Then her eyes drifted to the sword lying by it.


    Unharmed. Unmarked. Flawless.


    The gold of the sword handle remained as did the black of its blade. Slowly her body pushed off the floor her mind asking her to stay some more but she had to know. She had to find out. The sword was all that remained of the elf. Such a weapon that changed colors had to be special.


    Her feet halted by the ash and cautiously she picked up the sword. It gave no reaction in her hands. Just remained as it was. Hilde sighed.


    "Can''t a girl get a little system assistance here" she muttered with a bland face. She was too drained to even attempt a scowl.


    "Fine be that way" She turned to go rest only to spot the stone. A momentary thought had her shrugging.


    "Worst case scenario it holds the sword" she mumbled to herself before heading straight for it. "Or releases a hidden boss" she added.


    Around her, the Holy Flame armor stood by the sides of the room each one at its former position before they were brought to life. Some though now stood closer to the throne.


    Without noticing this she stepped onto the round platform in which the stone sat cautiously. There she found the stone to be quite small. A cube not wider than her hips. A little slit on the top was where the sword would go. Connected to the platform at the base as it disappeared into the ground.


    With a little hesitation, she set the sword facing tip down.


    "Long live the king. No. Me. Long live me".


    With a deep breath and prepping herself for what would come she pushed it in. The sword slid in smoothly with a spark of steel grating against stone before it halted halfway clanging into what was likely the base. Another spark and it ignited.


    Its half-exposed blade was aglow with the same red incandescent light that the elf had tried using. This time though there was a difference. The light unlike before gave off mild sparks like a current of electricity running through its steel.


    The current or light, maybe both, shone brightly on the cube, and then its illumination hit the platform. It lit up the ground to show four symbols. Three of which were deep red and the fourth illusionary, almost non-present. Each symbol was interlinked together but somehow bound by the illusionary one. Its symbol was familiar not by looks but by the feeling it exuded. Another thing that was eluding her senses and evading her memory.


    Like a string slipping her grasp, the knowledge avoided her. The light from the sword spilled into the stone like a stream and spread around rushing for the runes. With a snipping sound, the strings connecting the runes were cut.


    The light grew from the stone and almost blinded her. Like a pillar of white it spilled up and around washing the great hall in its light. The runes hidden within the light all shattered.


    The room quaked. Stones and dust falling from the ceiling. A rumble sounded deep in the earth right before a clank echoed to the side of the great hall.


    Then the light was gone. Silence reigned for just a minute.


    Then the voice of the system resounded, not in her mind not in words but loud and clear for all to hear.


    <blockquote>


    [CREATOR 79 HAS CONQUERED THE TOWER OF ASWINGNIR]


    </blockquote>

 Monolith of Passage - Tartarean Rifts

    Nothing changed about the great hall. It was the same stone floor, the same pillars, the same throne on a dais, and the same sword in a stone.


    Well except for one little thing. Behind the throne stood a new construct, one that she remembered very well. Carved of the same white stone and with the same smooth surface that had her illustration inscribed beautifully onto it. Standing with her image displayed for all in the great hall to see.


    The Monolith of Passage.


    Yet the illustration wasn''t the same as the depiction of her in the center of worlds. Here it showed her releasing the string of a bow, an arrow was already gone. It portrayed her as valiant and powerful, but she knew the truth.


    "Stories are made by the victors" Hilde mused.


    Her eyes left the monolith to glance around the room. What would happen now was what she waited to see. Yet as expected the system was quiet.


    With a sigh, she decided to inform the Unborn of her victory before having them scour the place for anything new while she went offline. Leaving the sword where it was her feet moved to take her to the large double doors at the end of the grand path. The doors parted with a push and Hilde paused blinking in confusion at the sight before her.


    Her confusion and whatever question she had to ask were numbed down by the system message appearing before her in bold letters


    [WELCOME TO ASWINGNIR - CHAINED CITY OF THE TARTAREAN RIFTS]


    The messages didn''t halt there though as more flooded in.


    <blockquote>


    [You have conquered a Tower and claimed the right to its city. All the territory on the chained city counts as a safe zone for you and your allies. Your allies can harm each other within this safe zone without any death penalty going into effect]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Access to the Monolith of Passage marked by Creator 79 is given to her Universe lifeforms within this city]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Attack boon within the city is at 30%]


    [Defence boon within the city is at 40%]


    [Create a passage point for your universe lifeforms to enter your city]


    [Urging universe lifeforms to fight in your name earns a Creator ORP]


    [ORP can be converted into MVC, Exp, and used to gain entrance into more Outer realm worlds]


    [1 ORP -> 10 MVC]


    [1 ORP -> 100Exp]


    </blockquote>


    Hilde wasn''t sure what shocked her more. The slew of information or the fact that the system actually gave this much information.


    "Didn''t the game intend to let us figure it all out ourselves?" she sneered before shaking her head.


    ''If the system found it appropriate to tell me then it must be important '' she thought. With a sigh, she stepped out the doors and into what was a grand courtyard. A grand courtyard within a fortress as described by the system.


    Her eyes found herself on the top of a mountain. Behind her rose the white walls of the Tower. It was larger from the outside than within. Around her was a field of red grass up to the edges of the mountaintop. A flight of grand stairs went from the top descending to the ground.


    It was weird how there were no walls or gates surrounding the said fortress but she made no thoughts about it for the moment.


    Standing at the edge she looked down and gasped. Below sprawled in all directions was the city of Aswingnir. Even from this vantage point far up she could see the lack of life within its buildings and streets. It was a typical medieval-type fantasy city, large and covering quite a huge amount of space.


    Some spots within the city were empty, filled with just bare land and fields. A look around the sides told her the city spanned to the west and east with the fortress standing as the last thing on the south.


    Great walls rose at the very edge of the land forming a wide ring around from one side of the mountain to the other side.


    What lay beyond?


    Hilde ran down the flight of stairs her accelerated speed making her a blur of movement that brought her to the ground level.


    The flight of stairs ended at a shattered wall just after it. Only the base of the wall was left as evidence of its existence. Right past the wall was the start of a field with red grasses.


    <blockquote>


    [Leaf of Divine Fire]


    </blockquote>


    Hilde trekked past the long field and into the city. Another gate, this one closed and intact stood at the entrance. The white walls that kept the city separated from the field were thinner with various marks of damage and scorch on them. Some parts were caved in, fallen totally, or just had holes.


    Hilde found herself entering through one of the various holes in the city. It was a saddening sight to take in such a scene. Around her was an empty city with not a living thing in sight. It reminded her of the white world. Abandoned and lost. Not willing to be annoyed she hurried through the streets ignoring the silence till she got to the other side.


    It was a fairly large city so with the highest speed she could muster it was possible to reach there within half an hour. The walls at that location stood taller and wider. Triple the size of the walls behind. A more defensive wall than the previous one.


    Unlike the other though there was no gate. Just an open space where a portcullis was once meant to be.


    Ignoring it all she walked past, her intent focused on seeing everything within the chained city before logging off. She had no thoughts of fixing anything now if she could.


    A large plain of hot gold sand filled the space a mile after the gate. From the end of the grasses, the sand started to the very end of a drop-off.


    One that Hilde halted at while looking down with sheering horror.


    It was here that she finally noted the smell and the harsh burn of sulfur and ash. She had smelled it before on her first day in the Tower but had ignored it and almost gotten used to the burn.


    Now she knew why.


    Below was a world of fire. A sea of lava, mountains of volcanoes with continuous eruptions, and forests with tongues of red flames as leaves.


    It was a rather gruesome rendition of what a possible hell could look like. To the far distance, so far it looked like a journey of several days if not a month a large tree stood.


    So large it ascended into the sky.


    "Wait sky" she looked. Her gaze caught the sight of something unappealing.


    What should have been a sky or might be a sky was a thick blanket of gray and red clouds covering every inch above. The thick smoke of the burning world below continuously rose to join this cloud.


    Looking now she noted how it spread in all directions even covering the city. Her gaze moved down and she noted something.


    Thick chains as large as a dozen tunnels conjoined together anchored the floating city to the burning world.


    "Floating. Aswingnir is a flying city. Above a world on fire and beneath a cloud of gray and red that might be equally dangerous. " Her head spun at the danger levels this city screamed.


    <blockquote>


    [TARTAREAN RIFTS]


    Tilitat, the First Amender was happy. Silence his friend. All was tranquil. Then Jorner the One, forged from himself the blight as Tilitat saw them. The First Amender fumed and raged. His queries and grievances were argued. In his anger, he descended.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    </blockquote>


    The information stunned her. She remembered the Tartarean rifts being the option chosen back at the Center of worlds.


    Another lore. Another story. Things weren''t adding up. It made no sense. But she knew at least that the divinity of flame that controlled the elf and Gursers was connected in many ways to what caused these fires.


    Still, what had happened to the city? To its dwellers?


    ''You might have to figure it all out later. Tora has found something ''. Akasha muttered in her head. Hildelith frowned. Her mind went from trying to understand all this to what Tora could find that she needed to head back for.


    ''What''s so special about it?''. Her mind was unrelenting in leaving this mystery before her unsolved.


    ''I might have skipped over something quite large''. Her eyes turned blueish gray as Akasha linked her back to her universe. A shiver went down Hildelith''s spine as she saw a scale the size of a wall and deep purple eyes that were so familiar she almost screamed his name.


    ''How in the Rifts did you miss that?''.


    ''We''ve barely been here and you''re already coining it into a term?''.


    ''Akasha!''.


    ''Right. Right. Sorry. So, you know when I spread across things and all of your universe, I register and record things into the Rack. Well eh, I didn''t really understand what I was looking at. So I might have tagged it as a Primordial Chaos veil''.


    Hilde''s eyes narrowed. ''A Primordial chaos veil. In Vaustaris''.


    ''Hehehe. Well, remember the fight you had with the Unborn down there. Your blood spilled. So did that of the Unborn so I just figured it was something like that and decided to let it be for now since it didn''t trigger any warnings''.


    ''You have warnings? What warnings?''.


    ''Oh, I have a boundary breach, a world destabilization, an energy destabilization, a source point malfunction, a ...''


    ''Okay, okay. I didn''t even know there were shit like that. So you overlooked this thing and now it''s, well it''s this''.


    ''Hmmh. Yep''. The force just hummed. Hildelith sighed. She looked around again at everything.


    "So many questions. But I guess I''ll leave them for later. Right now I have a...really big thing to see". She turned and walked back.


    Arriving inside, at the very center of the city Hilde paused and stood. If she needed a point for her universe lifeforms to visit here then why not create one within the city itself? While she felt she should make it within the tower she decided to have them spawn here. Leave the tower to herself or the kids. If the gods or players wanted something for themselves then they could build it.


    ''Could create an economy too. The Unborns might love to see this place have life again''. Akasha spoke again.


    Hildelith nodded. ''But that''s for later. May we can use this for what comes next for the players''. She thought.


    Reading her intent to set a passage point a prompt appeared.


    <blockquote>


    [Would you like to set a Passage Point]


    [Y/N]


    </blockquote>


    Affirming she watched as a red box appeared before her. It changed color from either red to green as she moved it about. Once she had it carefully set at the center of the city and it was green she agreed then watched as a ring of marble walls rose from the ground. The next thing that happened was a shocker. Hildelith felt her eyes burn.


    "Huh". Then itch. "What the ... Tears poured from her eyes. It was like literal golden floods that rushed and spilled into the ring of marble. Soon the pond was filled to the brim.


    <blockquote>


    [Pond of The Absolute]


    [It''s just drinking water, maybe. Also a passage to any realms unlocked by the Mother. (if you''ve not been clear all this while, that''s you).


    Effect 1 - Allies killed will respawn here.


    Effect 2 - Pond of the Absolute will negate 30% of all death penalties.]


    </blockquote>


    While Hildelith didn''t bother reacting to the game''s first-ever jab at her Akasha wasn''t taking it. The little thing in her head using the bits of Akashic Force in Hildelith''s body manifested herself to shake her tiny hands at the dark ashen heavens.


    "Come along Akasha and stop throwing a tantrum". Hilde called to her already walking off. Akasha made a show of kicking air then quickly hurried after herself sapping the trail of Akashic energy left by herself Perched atop Hildelith''s head both returned to the mountain and began the grueling task of ascending the stairs to the fortress.


    Inside Hildelith found that a few things had changed. The door to the hallway she left the Unborn at had opened and they were now all within the Great Hall eyeing the non-antagonistic Holy Flame armor.


    ''Wonder how a fight between both would go''.


    "Your city is retaken" she announced. Their eyes returned to her instantly.


    First looked relieved yet his sadness was palpable. When asked about the battle, Hilde explained a few things. First and the rest looked to the ground, their sadness about the outcome with the elf visible yet it was clear this was expected.


    "Thank you. For releasing Lord Alezk. For releasing us". he went on one knee set a hand to his chest and bowed his head low.


    Hilde made a face before nodding mentally. it was quite surprising but not unlikely that the elf had been the Alezk mentioned in the lore.


    "I only wish I could have done more, but it had to be this way. Such vile use of one''s divinity is improper and I feel he wished to rest" I spoke. "His soul had been through so much". Their heads bobbed in agreement at the last part.


    "Take heart. Watch over the city. But do not go beyond the walls. Assign some of your brothers to a pond I made in the city center. I''ll return to set more of the armor to it later. I have a lot torrnage back in my home. But you all are welcome there as well. Of course, if you wish to remain here it is no problem. I assure you, this place will likely not remain the same."


    Leaving the last instruction and also telling them to find anything within tbe tower and city that was different and useful Hilde walked up to the Monolith behind the throne.


    Her eyes went to the sword. Then the throne and finally the Monolith.


    ''So much to know. So much to understand.'' she thought. ''I''d thought we''d be creating our own lores. But in a way, I guess it makes sense. Our universes exist for our lore and how we wish to shape our story. But here, here is something else''.


    Placing her hands on the stone she found the prompt before her that showed her the information she''d been lacking all this while.


    <blockquote>


    [MONOLITH OF PASSAGE]


    [MARKED BY CREATOR HILDELITH]


    [Lv2 - 2419 ORP]


    [AVAILABLE...]


    [TARTAREAN RIFTS] - 10 ORP


    [...]


    [RETURN]


    [CENTER OF WORLDS] - 20 ORP


    [...]


    [CONVERT ]


    [ORP >> MVC]


    [ORP>>EXP]


    </blockquote>


    ''So coming is cheaper than leaving. '' she shook her head with an eye roll.


    ''That''s too much ORP. Right? It feels fake. Like its too good to be true. '' she mused staring at the excess ORP points.


    ''Nah. I''ll hold off on any action until I''m able to understand it all. For now, I''ll just convert to Exp and level up cause I deserve it. But not much. I''ll figure it all out later.''


    The dings of level-ups filled her head until her status displayed by Akasha in her mind showed the message she wanted.


    [Welcome to the Rack Of Life Creator 79]


    [Record position - Absolute]


    [SCREEN 1]


    [Host - Hildelith ''Fearghal'' Ironstone]


    [Moniker - The Warrior One]


    [Feats - Creation''s Witness, Motivated, Source Point Creator, Striking Out


    [Titles -One of the Speakers, Ender of the Beginning]


    [Entity - Creator 79]. [Race - Nothing]


    [Racial Type - Primordial Nothingness Entity]


    [Level - 16(780/1600]. [Health - 24/24(960/960) LEVEL - 20(2000/2000). (HEALTH - 28/28 (476/476)


    [Core - One -Spark]. [Karma - #]


    [Cultivation Base - Null]


    [SCREEN 2]


    [Higher Energies Used - Nothingness/100%, Aether/100%, Primordial Chaos/90%, Divinity/100%, Akasha/100%]


    [Lesser Energies Used - Null]


    [Elements - Life, Earth, Space]


    [Physicalities. [Abstract


    Might - 265+(50) Focus - 316(347.6) + (20)


    Mobility - 325+(30) Perception - 10


    Physicality - 280, Abstract - 255(249.9)20


    Defense - 10(30+20). Soul - 10


    MOA - # Akasha - #


    [Free Stat Points - 100]


    [SCREEN 3]


    [Racial Perks- Absolute Nothingness Authority]


    [Racial Perk Skills - Form of Nothing, Nothingness Empowerment/5%, Primordial Nothingness Generation


    [Racial Perk Skills - Nothingness Handblast, Sword Beam Cut, Nothingness Saturation, Nothingness Removal, Existence Erasure,


    [Racial Ability - Balance Aspect]


    [Racial Skills - Spellcasting, Balance Magic,


    [Racial Skills - Non-existent


    [Racial Ability - Universe Force Manipulation]


    [Racial Skills - Astronomical Object Manipulation, Astronomical Matter Creation


    [Racial Skills - Subatomic Manipulation


    [General Skills - Eye of The Unseen, Aether Projection, Extra Sensory Perception, Godform, Primordial Chaos Generation, Eye of Fate, Divinity Generation, Aether Generation, Divinity Emission, Divine Cloak/10%, Aura/5%, Sword Might/13, Dagger Master/18, System Creation, Soul Erasure Resistance, Akasha Generation, Mystical energies generation, Energy Storage, Divine Devour, Divine Empowerment, Energy Metabolization, Holy Breath, Flame of Life, Primordial Ice, Primordial Flame, Divine Fist, Golem Armor]


    [Akasha Magic - Life, Death, Elemental, Space]


    [Arts - Primordial Chaos Arts, Soul DaoArts, Elemental Arts]


    [Insights - Divine Purity, Earthen Grace, Earthen Forge, Spark Splitter]


    [Inventory - SHARDS, 172(Lesser), 2012


    (Minor), 65(Great), 1(Greater), 1(High)


    1(Higher), 1(Divine). ITEMS - Xena''s Chakram, Harbinger, Bane of Heroes, Mask of the Fortunate, Ring of The Lost, Primordial Ice Spear, Shield]


    [Equipped - Uliloc Helm, Hera''s Gown, Cloak of the Absolute, Crown of the Supreme, Atlas Belt, Boots of Hermes, Vulkans Prize,]


    <blockquote>


    [Shop]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [EYE OF THE WORLDS]


    </blockquote>


    [Author''s Note: Next Chapter comes on Monday by 5PM. Let''s see what Tora could possibly find]

 The Primordial 2

    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Glimmering Abyss of the Northern Seas


    Under Water Archipelago - Aurora Atoll - Luminari City - Azure Bay Village


    TORA''S POV


    Water was definitely my favorite elemental magic. The diverseness of its use. The power at the tips of one''s fingers when threading a Masterful stroke. It was so beautiful. Learning and understanding the ways of water was a whole different thing though.


    It had not been easy teaching most of the Aurora Qitsarlmer how to wield their Abstract and tap into Akasha. It made sense considering even my siblings had barely scratched the surface of understanding the magic that was Akasha.


    Mum was awesome.


    The intricacies of Akasha made it so many who utilized her were confused. But the thing is Akasha was more than what they expected. It was one thing to have access to the Akashic Records and another thing to manipulate Akasha.


    In one Akasha simply aided and automatically created skills when you used them. On the other, you could manipulate Akashic energy itself to act and shape your magic yourself.


    You could not do both if you were not in the know. After merely a day here I was proud to say that I had successfully taught all these mortals the intricacies of Akasha.


    I chuckled at the memory of my arrival.


    It was a given the moment I saw the description for the Qitsarlmer race that I wanted to be them. But it was nothing like I expected. The beauty of the seas. The underwater flora and fauna were more than could be said of those in the golden realm that Ozai kept returning to. There were barely any.


    I had been exploring, studying, and cataloging all the organisms I found. That''s what Akasha called them. Said more would come. I was busy at this when I ran into this Island. Guess it wasn''t far off. The moment I saw them I felt this yearning. It was like nothing I knew before. I just wanted to sit them down and fill their heads with everything I knew.


    I never felt this way for my siblings. If anything I saw them as disturbances to my endless education.


    And that was how I approached and dazzled them with magic. Figured it wasn''t hard for them to see me as this higher being who could do the impossible.


    Oh right. I was that higher being. Still, I didn''t like the way they saw magic. It wasn''t hindered to one and from all I had seen and studied of Mom''s works it was obvious that everything she made was for more than herself and us.


    It was for all life. So I began teaching them. But I realized it was hard for them to recollect such immense knowledge. I had to resort to writing and drawing images on tablets.


    What magic I had figured out and created was a puzzle of difference. For elemental magic, it was all about imagination, the focus of will and flow. The elements were all around us so it wasn''t hard to get it to work for us. For life magic, it was all about desire. That complex and intentful will to grant one life, then willing it to be while controlling the flow of life energy. Unfortunately, only someone with a higher will could grant life to things not meant to be alive. Life magic or energy was something that even I barely understood. Luckily the part I had learned was enough to grant some things life.


    Life energy came from Sol. But since my elemental creatures didn''t have anything to protect they didn''t need one. Freyja wouldn''t have minded giving me a few souls though. The life energy that flowed through the elementals held them together like glue.


    Just that Sol was the source of life. Which meant that life energy came from it.


    It was wholly different from curse magic and other magic that affected another individual directly. See, when I first used curse magic on my brother I realized how easy it would be to inflict harm on another figure. So I decided to check it a bit. Giving it limitations and rules. Like needing something to cast an affliction on an entity.


    Of course, I realized that maybe a situation would need afflictions and not grant one the chance to have something. So I created a lower-tier curse magic that affected others. This made curse magic more lethal but harder to use. While making this affliction magic easier but weaker in effect. It went from willing, imagining, and saying certain words just like in curse magic to get a proper effect. And yet the effects would be barely there.


    Some magic was imagination ¨¤nd will based only on magic. Like grasping and seeing how things would move Using one''s body to direct and control and mind to foresee and know where and what exactly it would do Almost like elemental magic in that you needed not just an of will but a visualization of what you wanted.


    It didn''t take long for the Qitsalrmers to begin to pick up on magic. The only problem was they were very much better at Elemental Water magic than any other magic. While they could control water thanks to Akasha once they were able to access the records it paled with what they could do with magic. Of course, there was other magic they learned like Earth magic, air magic came hard to them since they hardly left wind or even knew what to imagine. It took showing and having them feel it before they could attempt it. Fire magic was impossible.


    I had created various spells. Many tablets of them littered around me as I floated in the Azure Bay Fern forest.


    It has been almost a day down here. So focused on leaving and inscribing as much information as I could that I barely did anything else. I had just completed all the inscriptions on the symbols, runes, and signs for a curse ritual. That was when I felt it.


    New magical energy. Elemental. Water magic, no, is a subset of it. Something more. I could sense wind in it. No, it was more than wind. My Emunae(tail) swayed powerfully as I shot up heading straight for the surface. My arms raised above me to reduce water friction. I left a trail of white bubbles and foam. A Qitsarlmer was almost one if not the fastest entity in the sea.


    As an incarnate, I could do better. Water magic working to push me up. Forming a mini upside-down vortex that shot me up and out of the Glimmering Abyss. Up through the water surface, I splashed out shooting through the air like an arrow and back into the water. My scales glittered and reflected the starry night sky. The night sky itself gleamed and glowed as well. It wasn''t something new to me, I had seen enough of the tapestry to know how bountiful the stars of the mortal realms were.


    Something was different now. Water swayed and splashed onto me hiding my head ¨¤nd then settling back down below.


    "Something is different".


    At that moment the sky changed. If before it was simply a collection of stars and twinkles that made up the black canvas of the sky, something new suddenly appeared.


    I could feel the sea growing more agitated, more forceful, and active. Then unexpectedly the waters bobbed. Something I''d not seen in the one day I was here. The water rose and then splashed more heavily on me dragging me downwards.


    ''What is this?''.


    Hanging past the scant clouds, almost unseen yet still visible was a ball of black. Hidden by suddenly evident clouds that were once unseen in the night sky but now visible and illuminated with a subtle deep purplish, blue and silver light. Light that cast down from the night sky and down upon the waters around me. I could see the subtle emissions of energy from it.


    Her palm pushed out of the sea and raised to the sky. Her damp black and silver hair stuck to her face and back. Her blue scales glinting from the subtle light of this new celestial body.


    "Terrum". Her lips barely moved and her right hand splashed out in a subtle jerk of motion. From around the sea and air Akasha gathered and with a sudden and noiseless pop a rock appeared before her. Floating on the water in a way only she knew how Tora leaned her elbows on it and rested her chin on her palms.


    "Ah mum. Doing something weird again eh". A smile split her cheeks. Behind her, the water parted and splashed revealing a large crowd of Qitsarlmers. Their bright purple eyes glinting in the dark. Some stayed back while others swam closer to Tora.


    "What is that, your Grace?". Tora stiffened at the title. An unexpected result of her actions. While most of the Qisarlmers had been initially peeved at her actions earlier that day, even they had come around in sighting the power she wielded. The result.


    This.


    Without a word, no ceremony, no talks she''d become this royal being amongst them. She didn''t even know there was something like that till they had bowed to her by the time darkness came.


    "Glacius. Like the twin suns, they will light up your night. A bit". She replied ignoring the title.


    "Abn Madi?". A voice spoke shocked. Tora nodded her smile blooming more. She''d learned the Qitsarlemr word for Mother was Madi. So they called her Abn Madi - All Mother when she''d spoken about her.


    "Yes. She''s always making new and exciting things". Her smile waned a bit. "Ozai doesn''t care for it as he''s always looking for her. Questions, a ton of em he has. Won''t ask me cause I''m supposedly his little sister". She shook her head in amusement.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    "Of course, I like it that Mother is always bringing up something new. The more she makes the more new things I have to study".


    "Must be nice to have a Madi like her?". An older Qitslmer asked wistfully.


    Tora simply smiled. "She''s all our Madi. As your makers she indeed made us all". Looking from the Qitslmer to the sky her eyes grew longing. ''Soon I''ll be able to go up and see what it''s like from there''.


    The Qitsalrmer all stayed up watching the Glacius with her. Soon their watchful party turned to one of games and plays. The party went on for a while as Tora stayed by the boulder she had made watching the Glacius.


    It was hours later. The Glacius had found its way to the center of the black sky. The party behind her had died down and all of the Qitsarlmers had gone back below. Tora would never admit that she''d spent the last few minutes trying to sense and understand the little she could from the scant energies she felt from here.


    A sigh escaped her lips.


    "Miss home already my grace?". It was Ganuo. Madi to Tamdri. Tora tore her eyes from the Glacius and to the older Qitsarlmer.


    "Not really. Just inching to see how it works". She admitted looking back up. "Not really been down here for long either way. Just a day".


    "And you don''t miss your madi?" She sounded surprised. "I''d have done anything back in the day to have my Madi hold me again". The sadness in her voice seeped out.


    Tora turned to her seemingly confused at the infection of voice. "Why do you sound like that?".


    "Like what?". The inflection was gone. Confusion was all that remained in her voice.


    "Your voice sounded different and weird". She pointed out pushing off the stone and wading around Ganuo like she was searching for downtime weird off her.


    "Oh. Must be my grief speaking. You don''t know that?".


    Tora titled her head. "Grief?". She blinked. "Why feel grief?". Ganuo blinked then shook her head.


    "Must be quite something as a Himar". The confusion on the baby goddess''s face was ignored as Ganuo turned to look back up at the Glacius. "What is she like?. Abn Madi I mean". Her eyes returned for a mere fraction to Tora and then back up.


    "Is she glorious?. Nice?. Beautiful?. Does she swim faster than you?. Can she make the dead return and is her smile the morning suns".


    Tora blinked. "Yes. Yes. Yes. I think so. She should but that''s more Freyja''s thing. And I doubt she''d let that happen. And I don''t really know. Is it?".


    Ganuo looked confused. Tora shook her head. "Madi is madi. To me and all of us she''s just this beautiful figure with a giant smile and warm hugs. She''s very exciting. Makes things that wow me and her force tell us stories while she''s away".


    Ganuo crinkled her eyes. "She sounds, loving".


    "Loving?".


    "It''s love. She loves".


    Tora blinked, the word registering and deciphering. "Love. Yes. I believe she does have that organ but I don''t think it pumps these emotions for us. More like lifeblood".


    Ganuo chuckled and shook her head then stared intently at Tora. "Thank you my grace. For everything. It means a lot, what you have thought and have granted my people".


    Tora beamed. "Of course. Just make sure you always teach others and when you learn new things tell me about it".


    "How would I do that?". Ganuo asked. Inner mind she wondered how she would find a Himar to tell them something.


    Tora seemed perplexed as well for a second then blinked. "By talking to me. It''s the act of speaking to one beyond the realms, Men''¨¦tus. When you do that I''ll hear you wherever I am. As long as your Men¨¦ts is to me".


    A smile stretched on Ganuo''s face. "Then I will...Men''¨¦tus".


    *Welcome to the Akashic Records Administrator 3 (Avatar 4)**


    :


    **First Follower - Ganuo(Qitsarlmer)**


    Congratulations,Tora Ironstone. You have gained your first follower. Their faith in you shines bright, and their loyalty knows no bounds. Prepare to guide them on a journey of enlightenment and prosperity.


    **Faith Record Unlocked - Toraian Faith**


    **Church Record Unlocked - Order of Tora**


    **Your Follower has been granted the Rank of - Kha''ren


    **You may choose to bless your First Kha''ren or simply leave them with the benefits of a Kha''ren.


    Options for Blessings:


    1. **Gift of Clarity:** Enhancing the follower''s understanding of magic, allowing for precise control and manipulation without overwhelming power.


    2. **Aura of Protection:** Enveloping the follower in a shield of magical energy, offering defense against malevolent forces and harm.


    3. **Whisper of Insight:** Granting the ability to intuitively sense magical phenomena and uncover hidden truths within the Akashic Force.


    4. **Flow of Renewal:** Providing the follower with the capacity to replenish their magical reserves effortlessly, ensuring sustained usage without exhaustion.


    Tor¨¤ tilted her head in surprise. This was something she''d not seen in the Akashic Records yet. Her desire to learn more was halted as Ganuo squealed out in surprise. Tora cast a gaze at her in worry only to see her staring into nothing. Of course given that half if not all the Qitsarlmers of Aurora Atoll had unlocked their Akashic Records, thanks to her, she''d have thought the Qitsarlmere was only just gaining it now.


    "It says I''m your first follower now my Grace". Ganuo announced with a gleeful giggle. Tora didn''t understand what was so joyful about it but said nothing. If the Qitsarlmere was happy then it was a fine with her. Her eyes returned to her notification as a thought entered her head.


    ''Let her choose Akasha''. The notification flickered like it wasn''t sure then vanished.


    **Welcome to the Akashic Records Administrator 3 (Avatar 4)**


    **You are the Second to grant a mortal the self-choice of a blessing**


    **Title - The Benevolent gained


    - Your kindness has been perceived and seen by a caste of people (mortals). Your deeds will remain in their hearts and mind and your virtues spread amongst them.


    Next to Tora Ganuo was ecstatic, her Enumae waving excitedly beneath the water, eyes wide like saucers as she went through her records. But it wasn''t just her records she could see now. Her eyes took in the blessings provided by the beautiful Qitsarlmere who was beyond them all. A young looking Mere (female Qitsarlmer) who had done a lot for them in a single Sun rise and sunset.


    And now she''d gone far beyond what her people could do thanks to their new patron. Ganuo knew which choice she would make instantly. It was clear the Mere was an entity that lived knowledge and wisdom. ''I will do my best to learn as much as she wishes''.


    Selecting the choice came with a lack of visual effect. But the pain and headache that assaulted her was one she didn''t like. Her sight split as the Mere became four and then the black body of colors in the sky became more.


    "Are you okay?". The kind and worried expression of her patron made the headache go by faster. Ganuo simply smiled and nodded. Looking quickly at her records her eyes widened at the new changes she could see.


    **You have become a Follower in the Toraian Faith**


    **You have been granted Title - First Follower**


    **You have been inducted in the First Branch of the Toraian Faith - Order of Tora**


    **Records of the Toraian Faith**


    There are 10 ranks of power in the Toraian Faith. Both personal power and authority in the Toraian Faith are granted by rising in the ranks of belief and action.


    1. **Kha''ren**: Low-level but high-ranked members who conduct religious services, teaching, and providing aid for all members of the faith and those willing to learn. They can mobilize and command the members of the faith who are yet to be ranked. (Requirements - Toraian Belief, Adept Akasha User).


    RankHolders - 1(Ganuo(Qitsarlmere)


    2. **Re''shan**: Members of the church''s governing body, responsible for making decisions on matters of doctrine, liturgy, and church law. They are assisted and command five Kha''ren.


    (Requirements - ???)


    RankHolders - 0


    3. **Vo''sa**: ??


    4. **Ne''lash**: ??


    5. **Dhu''alem**: ??


    6. **Kre''na**: ??


    7. **Sathra**: ??


    8. **Mo''uja?*: ??


    9. **Vlemesh**: ??


    10. **Val-la-in**: ???


    Those who believe but are not of the 1- 10 are either lower acolytes or ????? Of the Primordial.


    *Welcome to the Akashic Records Mortal 2845*


    **Name: Ganuo **


    **Level: 1**


    **Experience Points: 0 / 100 **


    **Race: Qitsarlmer (Water Mastery)**


    **Faith: Toraian Faith


    **Affiliation: Order of Tora


    **Rank: Kha''ren**


    **Title: The First Follower**


    **Class: Tidecaller**


    **Class skills -


    - Hydrokinetic Mastery - Basic


    - Spiritual Communion - Basic


    - Tidal Blessings - Basic


    **Health Points (HP): 100 / 100**


    **Akasha Points (AP): 100 / 100**


    **Might: 8**


    **Mobility: 14**


    **Physicality: 8**


    **Mental: 10**


    **Skills:


    - Trident Mastery: None


    - Akasha Manipulation:Novice


    - Aqua Mastery: Basic


    - Aquatic Empathy:Novice


    **Equipment:


    - Head: None


    - Body: Tamariq(Trash)


    - Weapon: None


    - Off-hand: None


    - Accessory 1: None


    - Accessory 2: None


    **Quests:


    - [As the First Follower of the Toraian Faith you have been tasked with the growth of the Primordial''s faith. Both on land and in the sea. Convert 10 entities into the Toraian Faith. (0/10)]


    -


    -


    **Divine Blessing - Gift of Clarity -


    Enhancing the follower''s understanding of magic, allowing for precise control and manipulation without overwhelming power.


    - Arcane Precision: Mastery in controlling the intricacies of spells and magical energies with precision and finesse.


    - Enhanced Focus: Ability to maintain concentration even in chaotic situations, ensuring spells are cast with unwavering accuracy.


    - Quick Invocation: Skill in rapidly channeling magic, allowing for swift reactions and adaptability in combat or other urgent situations.


    - Spellweaving: Proficiency in weaving together multiple spells seamlessly, creating intricate magical effects with ease.

 The Primordial 2 - II

    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Glimmering Abyss of the Northern Seas - The Abyssal Deep


    THIRD PERSON POV


    It was dark. Pitch black. The only signs of life being none at all. Noiseless and slightless. The Black Deep was renowned for this very reason. It''s eerie quiet the reason the Qitsarlmer never dare go so far below in the Glimmering Abyss. Yet something was below. Something that had been pulled and attracted.


    This thing had been attracted in various directions. But this was the closest attraction so far. It''s blood boiled and churned. Drawn like a nail to a magnet. And so it followed. Hidden by the darkness of the abyss, its black sleek, and streamlined body gliding effortlessly through the water. Faint shimmers ran through hard-to-see scales. Its body was unending and without measure. Coiling and going far into the abyss and beyond.


    Yet with all its hidden qualities the markings that stretched across its body did little to spare it from total invincibility. Golden and purplish faint markings pulsed as it received and sent out echoes of its thoughts to any life that dared swim in the abyss with it.


    It halted finally at the base of where it''d been drawn to all this while. Its mind scrambled to make sense of what next to do. What had drawn it here? Why had it been pulled here? Confusion warred in its mind. One rant was suddenly and abruptly forgotten as a wave of energy unlike none in the waters washed over it. It was cold. It was chilly. Yet it gave it an energy it didn''t know it lacked.


    Words flowed into its mind and suddenly it could understand more than ever before. It settled back and began to think. To arrange and to sieve through all knowledge pushed into its mind. Then it clicked.


    Its head rose so fast in excitement and surprise that the ocean didn''t appreciate it. The ocean rushing to get out of its way surged. Calamity struck. Like a tidal wave of destruction, black inky ester surged up and above. It should have gone down but it had no path there. The sea always makes a way for itself.


    Large purplish orbs the kind that would make Molliwag proud blinked creating another outburst of waves. It watched unsure as the wave rose and rose. Like a tidal walk that surged up through the seas and encroached on the earthen structure where it had seen the tiny fishes staying. It wanted to act. To stop this tidal monstrosity of its doing.


    Yet with all the knowledge it had received not a whiff of ideas came to mind. Any attempt to act physically would be a word grander than cataclysmic. It watched.


    And then that thing. That magnet that churned and boiled its blood. Pulled at it like a nail appeared. There was no grand display of power, no light, and no loud noises of explosions. The wall of an underwater wave simply paused. Then like nothing had happened it simply stayed hanging. Like a wall of water that hadn''t been on its way to end all life.


    Its attention left the wall when it sensed the energy that pulled and drew it in coming closer.


    "Well, aren''t you quite huge". The voice was in its mind sounding like nothing it had ever heard. Not like it had ever heard much. Then it saw her. Floating in the water like she owned it. Her left arm was outstretched at the wall of water and her purple eyes locked on it with a glint that sent shivers down its scales. A tongue ran out her mouth a slicked her lips.


    ''You look, very, interesting ''.


    ****


    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Glimmering Abyss of the Northern Seas


    Under Water Archipelago - Aurora Atoll - Luminari City - Edge of the Black Deep


    TORA''S POV


    Gaining my first follower was something that seemed to be part of a quest. Or Hidden Quest. One that expanded into a larger quest the next moment. I was staring at Ganuo while my mind picked through the words of the quest when the water stirred slightly.


    *Welcome to the Akashic Records Administrator 2*


    **Subject: Unknown**


    **Recipient: Tora, Skywalker, Conduit of Akasha**


    *An Unknown draws close. It''s presence either a danger or not*


    *The Nezens of Aurora Atoll face danger of an untold nature.*


    *Ascertain the Unknown''s identity and intentions for yourself. Whether for good or bad remains to be seen by you*


    The message was enough to send me swimming downwards with ferocity. Parting the water around me with magic I was unimpeded by any force or resistance. It took me a shorter period to get down than it took me to come up. By the time I got close enough to see Aurora Atoll a gasp almost left my lips. A large wall of water surged for it coming from below the Black Deep and pulverizing any and every stone and. rock, fauna, and plant life in its path.


    Taking control of the water wasn''t so hard as all I needed was to manipulate every last bit of Akasha in the water wall. It was only then that I focused on what was behind the water down in the deep.


    Dull yet flickering lights of a twisting and twirling fashion looped through the darkness. It would have been hard to see, almost impossible for any other Qitsarlmer. My eyes pierced the dark and found the large, very long shape that was unending. Its form stretched and vanished beyond the very edge of my sight, looping around underwater hills and crags. Its long slender neck reminding me of Molliwag''s.


    It was the purple eyes just like this incarnation of one that pulled me closer. I spoke mentally the way Qitsarlmers do underwater. Imagine my surprise when it did too.


    ''You even more''. Astounded I floated closer. My eyes left its eyes to admire the now dim streaks of light that had pulsed when the voice spoke in my head.


    ''What are you?''. My curiosity crossed through the link and the thing shivered. Then the streaks pulsed as words returned.


    ''I... Do not know. What are you? Why do I feel something in you?''.


    I froze. Blinked once then twice before I floated closer. At this point, I was right in front of it my form nothing but a speck to its mere face. ''May I touch you?''.


    A sense of approval rolled through it so I got closer and set my palms on it. It was like touching a large wall. With that wall being a single scale. ''Amazing''. The thing churned and shivered. Somehow it understood and liked. I smiled and tried sensing through it. Just like I did with anything I wished to study.


    I found a lot of energies roaring and rushing through it. One I knew, the other was familiar and the last was something that I''d just sensed not more than an hour ago. I floated back tail flapping as I floated enough for it to see me clearly.


    ''I don''t understand. You bear energy so pure and so different from any other in this world''. I twirled and then made a sitting position gathering water below me. ''I don''t understand as that''s impossible. But I sense three energies. Two are older than the third. The first is an energy that feels similar to biggest brother Molliwag. Which makes sense as you look a bit similar to him. The other belongs to mummy. Which doesn''t make sense. The last finally is something new even to me''. Tora rubbed her jaw.


    ''Does that make you sibling or... Nephew. Wait are you...female. Niece then''. The creature sure looked confused its eyes flickering from here to there.


    ''Akasha what is she?''.


    ''Somerhing older than even Vaustaris ''. The voice chimed in my head. ''Even I didn''t sense her. Which makes sense as her very form was one made of Primordial Chaos''.


    ''What do you mean?''.


    ''Just scan her with your Abstract''. The voice urged. I did as said and blinked in surprise at what I saw.


    ''How is this possible?''.


    ''I believe I know how. After checking a lot of things it is hard to know exactly since this occurred even before I was made''. I knew by that she meant herself and not mother. While we always referred to her as mum we all knew her and mother were different somehow.


    ''But from what I gathered both from memories, hers, myself, the original self that is, and your brother Molliwag I believe this is true''.


    ''You can access memories?''.


    ''I can access anything and everything ''. I blinked at that.


    ''So want do you have?''.


    ''Scan her again ''. Looking up I found the creature still watching me calmly.


    ''Is there a way she could be awakened?''. I asked.


    ''She''s already awakened. Unlike others who needed to tap into the Akashic, I needed to tap into her. It''s like how their siblings have access to me in more ways than the Records but can''t use me without knowing what for''.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ''Then what is different for her''.


    ''For the longest time. She existed outside my purview. Not really, more like she was there. But a dead space to me. Like her father''.


    It was something else that I might have to investigate. I scanned the creature before me and took in the words Akasha had added to her records.


    *Welcome to the Akashic Records Administrator 3*


    **Name: ?????? **


    **Race: Abyssal Serpent**


    **Form: Demi-Mortal**


    **Divine Rank: Novice Deity(Primordial Serpent##)**


    **Divine Essence: Growing**


    **Realm Influence: Emerging / Local**


    **Power: Nascent**


    **Wisdom: Growing**


    The Abyssal Serpent is a mysterious and enigmatic creature that lurks in the depths of the ocean''s abyss. Born from the scales, blood, and bone of the firstborn Primordial Chaos dragon, this ancient entity embodies a fusion of draconic power and divine essence, weaving together the primal forces of creation and chaos upon the world of Vaustaris.


    **Eternal Blessings -


    **Behemoth - The Abyssal Serpent embodies the uncanny size, weight, and immense physique of its heritage. And just like its blood permits its growth never causes.


    **Sleek and Streamlined - The Abyssal Serpent boasts a sleek and streamlined body that glides effortlessly through the water. Its scales, dark as midnight and infused with the essence of the Primordial Chaos dragon, bear the faint shimmer of ancient power, blending seamlessly with the shadows of the abyss.


    **Long and Lithe - Much like a viper, the Abyssal Serpent''s body is long and lithe, a testament to its draconic heritage. It coils and twists through the water with graceful precision, its movements almost hypnotic to behold, echoing the primal instincts of its draconic lineage.


    **Glowing Markings - Running along its body are intricate patterns of bioluminescent markings that pulse and shimmer with an otherworldly light. These markings, infused with the essence of the Primordial Chaos dragon, serve as both camouflage and a means of communication with other creatures of the deep, echoing the ancient power that courses through its veins.


    **Domains -


    **Shadow Manipulation - Born from the scales, blood, and bone of the firstborn Primordial Chaos dragon, the Abyssal Serpent possesses the ability to manipulate shadows, bending them to its will and cloaking itself in darkness. It can summon tendrils of shadow to ensnare prey or create shadow illusions to confuse and disorient potential threats, channeling the primal chaos of its draconic heritage.


    **Mind Plane - With its mesmerizing gaze and hypnotic movements, the Abyssal Serpent can exert a subtle influence over the minds of other creatures, compelling them to obey its will or succumb to its commands. It whispers ancient secrets and entices mortals into the depths of madness, forms illusions drawing upon the ancient wisdom of its draconic ancestors.


    **Venomous Bite - The Abyssal Serpent''s fangs are filled with a potent venom that can paralyze or incapacitate its prey within moments of being bitten or sprayed. Its very body spills and oozes poison of the most lethal effect.


    **Glacial Manipulation - The Abyssal Serpent, affected in more ways by the glacial energy that pulls amd pushes at the sea now possesses the ability to control said energy, bending it to its will and shaping it into powerful manifestations of ice and frost, while also utilizing the same derived knowledge to pulls and pushes at the very water it calls home. It can summon blizzards and ice storms to freeze its enemies in their tracks, create icy barriers to shield itself from harm, and cause Tsunamis or mini waves to wash away disturbances.


    **Divine Artifacts:


    -


    -


    -


    **Legend and Lore -


    Born from the bones, blood, and scales of the Primordial Dragon and infused with the lifeblood of The Mother the Abyssal Serpent is a guardian of the ocean''s darkest depths. Its presence is a harbinger of doom or knowledge for those who dare to venture too deep.


    I looked at the creature again. ''Born from brother and fused with divine essence from mother. You are very interesting indeed''. Its eyes were still staring ahead in what was an interaction with its records. It would soon learn to converse and keep reacting to its surroundings.


    ''So I found out what the Unknown was. What''s my reward?".


    *Welcome to the Akashic Records Administrator 3 (Avatar 4)*


    **Subject: Unknown**


    **Recipient: Tora, Skywalker, Conduit of Akasha**


    *An Unknown draws close. It''s presence either a danger or not*


    *The Netizens of Aurora Atoll face danger of an untold nature.*


    *Ascertain the Unknown''s identity and intentions for yourself. Whether for good or bad remains to be seen by you*


    **Rewards - Spear of Primordial Ice**


    I sensed the moment Akashic force began reacting around me. Turning my head to look in the direction of the swirling force I saw the blueish-gray energy gather at a point. ''Is it not too far from me''. It didn''t have to appear that far away but I didn''t know what the Spear of Primordial Ice was anyway.


    The sound of the energy popping was muffled by the water squeezing in on us from all directions. Still, it didn''t stop the vibrations from reaching the serpent. Its head turned again causing yet another ripple and wave of water that shot towards me. It was a hassle to stop this second wave as I had to use my free hand as a focus. Directing it into the other wave I then clenched both with my left hand and focused back on the Akashic force.


    It was gone. In its place floated Mother. ''Why is she...'' Mother was a blur of vision as she darted past me. White bubbles and water splashed at me as she stopped right before the serpent.


    "Well, I understand how you didn''t see her now".I swam closer to Mom watching her as the serpent too watched her. There was no fear in its eyes just a curiosity that rivalled even mine. Mother drifted closer hands touching its scales, murmurs leaving her lips, and at times a weird grin as she floated over the thing head and then down.


    It was only then that I noticed Mom''s look. Just like me, she had a beautiful Enumae. Her scales were littered with beautiful colors. Her black hair flowers behind her in the water with streaks of white in it. Her eyes, her eyes were like the Shells of Atoll Gardens. Shimmering with barely repressed light and colors.


    The mother turned to me with that same grin on her face. Though it warped I to something filled with pleasure. She was next to me in an instant and grabbing my shoulders she squeezed me against her.


    "My baby looks all grown. But not yet". She giggled at me. I frowned trying to concentrate on holding onto that wall of water that still threatened the Aurora Atoll. Mother must have noticed as she took a glance at my hand and then at the large wall of water.


    "Woah. That''s huge''. She turned back to me then to the serpent. " Bet she did that. She''s amazing just like her aunties and uncles and father". Mother giggled again then turned to me " And you, my very special daughter lack a reward ".


    Mother outstretched her hand in front of her and between us, her palms facing upward. A shimmer of golden light appeared and spread out in a long line then shimmered down to reveal a long and glorious-looking white spear.


    My hand reached out for it subconsciously, luckily the weight of the water wall I was holding reminded my right hand I was holding something so only my left moved.


    "Wait!!". Mother frowned. Slowly floated up and backward. Her eyes roved over me and then the spear took a look around them at the wall of water before smiling. "A spear is definitely not suitable for your underwater kingdom my dear". Holding out the sosr with one hand she swept her right palm over it.


    There was an energy oozing from her fingers and into the spear. One that reminded me of the energy I felt from the moon. The spear rippled like water and then thickened as its head stretched and then split forming a beautiful-looking three-headed spear. The joining of the three heads was thick, the shaft sturdy, and going down to the end it looked beautiful.


    "Your very own Trident".


    The moment it slipped into my arms I felt a vigor unlike anything rush through me. I didn''t notice the light blue hair that flowed from my hair nor the slight hue change of my eyes. I did notice the feeling of cold and yet how it didn''t bother me. I felt how the water wall I held lost all the weight it had before.


    "Woah". The wall wasn''t heavy before but it definitely gave an inkling of its presence. Now. It felt like I was holding nothing. "What is this mother?". I asked her and she remained silent looking at me with a knowing grin.


    "A little something I wanted you to have". She winked and then turned to the serpent. "And as for you granddaughter. She swam closer. Daddy will be happy to meet you". She rubbed herself against the serpent. Due to its size, it was remarkably funny. The serpent though seemed a lesser for some reason.


    Mother placed a hand on its scaled forehead between its head and then sent a pulse of Akashic force through it. Its eyes took on a deeper clarity unlike before and then it raised its head.


    ''Grand...ma''. Its voice boomed through the sea and into our minds. I and definitely Mother noted the way its marking pulsed at that moment.


    "Yes. And she is your Aunt. Your father''s little sister. Listen to her okay". Mother gave the scales a tap and then turned to me. Winked again and then with a surge of Akasha she was gone.


    ''Grand...ma''. the serpent seemed to still be getting used to the intense knowledge dump that Mother had filed her with. There was another surge of Akasha and mother reappeared. "Sorry, dear. One last thing. Since you took after your father. But whereas he is Lord and protector of the skies and universe, you in opposite are Lady and protector of my worlds. I''ll call you...Uhm... definitely not Mollie... Not Lily. Not...ahah Lilithra.". She taped the serpent again.


    "Lilithra, First Grandchild of the Creator. Daughter of the Primordial Chaos Dragon. All of Vaustaris is yours to protect. Maybe one day you like your father will swim in larger waters". She smiled then vanished again.


    "That''s hopefully the last time". I murmured before looking behind me and past the wall of water or the gather Qitsarlmers gathered at the edge and watching all the events. Their wide eyes and a gaping mouth with bubbles going in and out were enough to clarify they''d seen all this.


    Shaking my head I looked back to my spear while ignoring Lilithra who was trying her hardest to not roll in some serpent-like glee. Akasha was quick to show me what my Trident could do. Information that made me blink.


    **The Primordial Trident**


    The Primordial Trident is a weapon of unparalleled craftsmanship, forged from the fabled Primordial Ice, much like the Glacius. This trident emanates glacial energy, ebbing and flowing like the tides of the sea, making it a potent symbol and power regulator for any water deity.


    **Item Perks


    **Frost Nova**: When the trident strikes a target, it has a chance to release a burst of icy energy, dealing area-of-effect damage and potentially freezing nearby enemies.


    **Cold Embrace**: Holding the Primordial Trident increases the wielder''s resistance to cold and ice-based attacks, as well as providing a slight healing effect when in cold environments.


    **Ability Perks


    **Cryo Wave**: The wielder can launch a wave of icy energy from the trident, freezing enemies in its path and creating a trail of slippery ice that slows and damages foes who traverse it.


    **Arctic Dominion**: By planting the trident into the ground, the wielder can create an icy barrier that shields allies and repels enemies, making it an excellent defensive maneuver in the heat of battle.


    **Unique Properties


    **Symbol of the Primordial Magi Tora: The Primordial Trident is not just a weapon but a versatile emblem of the Primordial''s power. It can transform into any weapon or symbol the Primordial wishes to use, shifting seamlessly from a trident that symbolizes her supremacy of the seas to other forms as needed. This adaptability allows the Primordial to wield the appropriate tool for any situation, enhancing her command over various domains.


    **Glacial Resonance**: The trident continuously emits a glacial energy that not only strengthens water-based abilities but also harmonizes with the ebb and flow of water around it, boosting the wielder''s control over aquatic elements and enhancing their elemental attacks.


    **Akashic Wand**: The Trident holds and stores Akashic force within it. Capable of being used in tight situations or to create a spell available to a water god. (This effect changes and applies to any new feature the Trident takes on)


    Tora smirked as she eyed the wall of water. A perfect present for the Qitsarlmers. Swimming closer she gripped the Trident harder then stabbed into the wall of water. Freezing cold rushed through the wall of water, cracking sounds and white ice creeping across the surface and within it faster than one could blink.

 The Primordial 2 - III

    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - The Verdant Vale


    Central Glen - Drak''Varn Enclave


    Territory - Sylvaran Woods


    Day of Descent)


    Third Person POV


    Freyr opened his eyes to a vast woodland. Straight and towering behemoths of wood that ascended into the skies. Large roots that dense aged great paths and spaces between the trees. A forest floor covered with dead leaves and still fresh leaves, dry twigs and branches.


    Freyr felt intrigue at the sight. He didn''t know where the feeling came from but it was just one of wondrous awe. It was nothing like what he''d felt when he first saw Heero expand and increase in size. The demon didn''t even realize he was already taking steps further into this glorious expanse of life.


    It was ironic the way an entity who held domain over death still felt a remarkable awe for life and beauty. As he walked he would occasionally stop to watch a little creature run or scurry off. Most times Akasha told him their names and most times she simply kept silent. He soon realized the ones she kept silent for were too far and the ones she spoke of were close enough.


    Soon he found himself bounding off after the creatures just to see them clearly and know their names. To these creatures of the woodlands, Freyr was not a new sight. Yet, his very actions and movements made him strange. He was like a fully grown bull acting as a calf.


    Of course, said demon did not realize this not care for it. No. He was drawn to the wonders he could see. Soon he had strayed far from his point of descent and ran far past the treacherous territory of the Sylvaran woods.


    His attention was so focused on the creature he nearly jumped when the sound of shouts and speech entered his ears. Unlike Haero and Molliwag Freyr knew nothing about mortals, as such his impulse was confusion and curiosity. The small creature in his grasp whose fur shimmered like the 4th ring tapestry squirmed and darted out of his grasp fleeing up a tree even as Freyr made to lung for it.


    ''Tsssskk''.


    As interested as he was in catching the creature he was more curious to know what could speak like them down here. Walking in the direction of the voices he began picking up on the louder din created ahead. It was a sound he was not familiar with and yet it called to him like a song. He found the source even from far away.


    A space between several trees spanning a large length. The sounds he could hear came from this place. Freyr looked around in confusion. It looked a bit similar to home with the walls replaced by rocks and whatever the material he was seeing was.


    ''Wood''. Mother''s voice sounded in his head. Freyr almost stumbled and glanced around. ''Mother. Or is it Akasha''. He could never know. With both having the same voice and only difference being their size and the blue-gray misty thingy. Either way, he forgot about that. He was more interested in what lay beyond this wood. Wood that was blocking his path, something he didn''t appreciate. Freyr did not like obstacles. His left hand raised and dark purplish mist oozed from the center of his palm.


    ''No!''.


    The mist dissipated instantly. Freyr glared mentally. ''Go west and cut north where the obstacle ends. Not all obstacles should be erased''. Akasha/Mother chided him. Grumbling he followed the given directions. The path around the wall was sloped and hard to traverse on bare feet. Freyr found himself erasing the sloping spots to create flat ground on which he walked.


    "Why does my energy feel sluggish?".He wondered as he drew on the force again. It felt weaker, harder to corral.


    ''Your avatar has lesser power and control than your true form''. He blinked.


    ''I''m weak again''. Akasha made no attempts to argue otherwise. Freyr as the purported last born wanted to have and show power like the others. For him, it was being big like Haero, a fact supported by the sudden introduction of Molliwag. It was being special like Tora, one who could dabble and use Akashic force in ways none of them but mother could. It was being Freyja who single-handedly created all souls and controlled them. It was being Ozai, smart, decisive, and always training. He too like the others was getting bigger showing his power. Freyr had none of those. All he could do was destroy things and even his family could do that just as well. Still doing it even better than them was something special, right?


    ''I''m weak again''. Yet here he was weak again.


    ''The source of the noise''. Akasha called out in his mind drawing his thoughts away from what he was thinking. His journey had brought him out to a spot in the woodlands where the obstacle ended in a good enough space. Standing there just like the lunar knights were two entities.


    ''Wait. Aren''t those... that''s the entity I chose''. With a curious glee momentarily clouding his past thoughts he stepped closer.


    ****


    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - The Verdant Vale


    Central Glen - Drak''Varn Enclave


    Territory - Sylvaran Tribe


    FREYR''S POV


    The shouts and voices that had long drawn me here were clearer and more meaningful now. Walking up to the two Undules standing guard at the gate I couldn''t help but stop to admire them. They looked amazing. Whether it was my lack of seeing anything else that wasn''t my family and the knights or my actual admiration, it didn''t matter. Both entities gave me weird looks as I drew my face closer to the first one.


    ''I can see these little things on their flesh. Born and dying, adding to their very mass in so minuscule a way, it...''.


    ''Vais(Go)''. The Unfule could not take it anymore and stepped to the right while motioning me inward. "Just enter. Don''t be mad".


    I blinked then stepped back. My eyes were on his mouth watching as the very speech left his lips. ''Interesting''. The Undule grew agitated from my gaze so I looked away and to the other one.


    That was when I saw it. Hair as white as snow, as white as my brothers and Tora. It was something else I always suspected as being the source of their power. Of course, Freyja spoiled that calculation.


    Still, the sight made me wonder. In the description for these creatures, I''d seen something about combat. It was the reason I had picked this race. ''And now, they also have white hair?''.


    ''I assure you that their hair color is in no way related to their physical capabilities''. That made me stop and sigh.


    ''But the length does give them increased strength''.


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    I walked past the gate and into the enclosure''. The shouts and yells were louder within and coming from my left''. Curiously I walked in that direction. I didn''t understand what I was seeing exactly as I walked through the village. The palaces here looked drab.


    ''Those are tents and huts. Made from animal skin and plant or vine life''. I nodded at the information given by Akasha but my eyes were focused on something else. Little Undules running around and playing. Larger ones with frowns watching something in the direction of the loud shouting. The lines on their face were similar to that of Mother when she''d set us in the realms.


    ''What could even bother them so much to give them expressions like mother?''.


    I didn''t bother listening to Akasha talk as I walked to the spot where the fighting was happening. A ring of Undules had formed with several if not all of them yelling and shouting words while waving their fists.


    "What is happening?". Confused as he got close enough he spoke whilst trying to push past the crowd of people.


    "What do you mean what''s happening?. Drak''var has challenged his father. And the fight is bloody". An Undules chirped turning while bouncing on the heels of her feet. Her lower pair of eyes were a dazzling green while the upper were crystal white. Her cheeks were stretched in a smile that did nothing to outshine Mother''s and yet for some reason, it pulled me in.


    All sound vanished and my thoughts dulled. The voices and the screaming faded into the background and all I could see were her eyes and smiles.


    ''Freyr!!''. Lightning ?lapped in the sky shaking the Undule out of the deep gaze and freeing from thode eyes. The Undule with a strange expression turned back to the fight after giving me a weird glance.


    ''What was that?''. I asked while finding it suddenly hard to breathe.


    ''Something I didn''t see coming ''. Mother''s voice sounded weird. My attention w¨¢s returned to the main point of my curiosity even though a part of my mind kept seeing those eyes.


    Wading through the crowd I arrived at the front to a crazy sight. Two black-skinned Undules, just like the guards at the gate and the female I just locked eyes with tussled on the floor.


    Confused I turned and found the nearest figure close by. Before I could touch him Mother began explaining again.


    I was in the Drak''Varn Tribe Enclave Tribe in the Sylvaran woods. Here Undules were the apex predators. They feared nothing and nothing stood before them. Remarkable fighters with hair that granted them might the longer it grew. And at the very moment, they were battling for chieftaincy.


    ''Chieftainsy?''.


    ''Right to rule. Since all Undule possess the same long hair it falls to those who believe themselves more powerful and more skilled''. Freyr''s eyebrows rose high till they met the sky.


    ''Test of strength day''. With a smile, he watched as the fight continued. The one who he assumed to be Drak''var Drak''Varn and his father seemed to be equally matched. Yet age was experience and young vitality was a boon.


    Drak''Var moved in ways that Drak''Varn could not match and yet he was able to negate the threat by sheer experience. It was remarkable, the moves Freyr was seeing were things he could not perform. The Undules battled with their fists and threw harsh blows that drew red liquid from their mouths and cut open skin to shed more of this liquid.


    I had done many things back home. From babbling, playing, and training. Yet all of this had ended in his boredom. Yet here was something that attracted my interest. It was more like watching the energies of Omega Point swirl and dance. Captivating.


    There was just that more beauty in seeing skin meet, bone grind and dig into flesh. Those little things called cells rupture and get torn. It was so mesmerizing, so alluring that I saw the moment Drak''Varn lost before it happened. My mental mind screamed not because I wanted him to win or to lose, but because he didnt want the dance to end.


    Dark''Varn like fate was against him stumbled over nothing as he lost his footing in an attack. His son eager to eat from this chance shot forward. It turned out to be a lure that Drak''Varn used to grip his boy''s wrist and pull him close. The head butt was incredible. Sending a jolt of glee and excitement down Freyr''s spine.


    Yet it was not over. Drak''Var stumbled back stunned even as his father tugged at his wrist and dragged him closer. But the younger Undules already had adrenaline rushing through his veins. With his eyes seeing colors and his face burning he rushed in like a bull. A sce?¨¤rio the older Undule had not foreseen.


    Gripping him by the waist Drak''var lifted Drak''Varn off the ground and slammed him to the ground. A roar of support and boo of the opposition filled the ring.Drak</a>''Var heard none as his fists thundered down blindly. Blood splashed and spilled from wounds and the Undule laid into his father.


    Drak''Varn attempting to get him off made the mistake of shifting his arm from his head. I grimaced as I saw the end. The fist blindly and without coordination struck off the arm and slipped into the space made. Lashing out harshly on the side of the former chieftain''s face. I felt the force and action. I saw the slighted spark and hint of chaos, death, and destruction as the fist connected.


    My legs almost gave as I sank low, the grin on my face was so huge that others were beginning to notice me. I didn''t notice them. All my attention was on the very sight of those fists hitting harder and harder. I thought fighting was magnificent but this trumped it.


    The fist kept hitting and hitting and I felt this jolts of euphoria and joy washing through me. The ground was turning black and purple as death energy gathered.


    ''More. More''. Just as quickly it vanished.


    "What?. Where?".


    And I saw why. Drak''Var had stopped. Drak''Varn lay on his back face pulped to meat and yet life remained in him. The Death energy beneath him still lingered but it lacked the tight and chaotic feel.


    ''Why did he stop? He was almost, ¨¤lmost...''


    ''A new chief has been decided''. Looking from the defeated mortal to the victorious Undule I shook my head.


    ''No. It has not''. Rising from my crouched position I took a step into the ring. The jubilating cries slowly and surely drew to a stop. Drak''Var eyeing his father''s form with obvious worry in his gaze raised his head to see why the jubilations had ended.


    "Why didn''t you kill him?". He locked eyes with me. A frown formed on his face.


    "Who are you?". His question made me pause. "I know all the faces in this tribe. I have left our young on the hunt. Attended meetings with the old and rall¨ªed with the warriors. Y¨®u. I have never seen your face".


    ''That''s problematic. Can I still challenge for chief... position without being a tribe person''. At first, there was silence then Akasha replied.


    ''Yes''.


    ''Then..''. I took a few more steps till I was ?lose enough. "I am Freyr. Your battle attracted me. Your near killing enticed me. And your act of mercy annoys me". I took slow and deliberate steps around the new chief. My eyes went to the one on the floor.


    "You spare him since he is your father?".


    Drak''Var looked ready to pounce on me but I ignored him as I knelt close to him. My finger dipped into the black energy gathered beneath him. Death.


    "All that death. Just a simple flick and I could end his life". I was really interested in seeing what I would feel at the end of the Undule''s life. And yet I held myself back. If the Undule was interested in his father''s life then maybe that was a way to make him battle him.


    "For your father''s life. A battle. Whoever wins you remain chieftain". Drak''Var gave me the narrowest eyes he could make with all four of his eyes.


    "And how would you do this, stranger".


    I frowned. ''I did tell him my name. Didn''t I?''. I shook my head ignoring the stranger''s title. Turning to the dying Undule I took a step closer and noted Drak''Var follow. Ignoring him I poked a finger back into the black energy.


    I pulled at it, drawing it into me. The energy so vast and so tantalizing left the Undule and swam into my left hand. Drak''Varn visibly got better. His eyes were swollen and his wound and bloody face became a tad better. His breathing normalized and everything that would lead to his death faded.


    "How...what did you do?". Drak''Var was next to his father in an instant. The older Undule opened his eyes as he was patted by his son.


    I simply stared wondering how long till our fight.


    I didn''t have to wait too long.


    Drak''Varn was taken out of the ring. Leaving I and Drak''Var behind. "So this is called a Dus''ar. Interesting".


    Drak''Var gave me another confused look but said nothing. An Undule male stepped into the space between us and I frowned. ''Was he gonna join? A three-way fight? How would that be?''.


    "No blows below the Keluc. Battle to the death or knockout". With the words given he stepped out of our space. Disappointment rushed through me but I mentally shrugged.


    Drak''Var and I faced off against each other.


    "Are you ready stranger?". He asked. His tone of voice was respectful yet firm. I nodded to him my curiosity and desire to feel what I felt earlier egging me on. I was already wondering if my siblings felt this way when they fought something. Had they even fought anything? Was that why they were so special? This desire to kill or something else?


    "You healed my father. Brought him back from assured death. I will be the first to take the seat while having my father''s wisdom to guide me. Not many Chiefs of the Verdant Vale would say the same. For this, you have my gratitude. ¨¤nd respect, Win or lose Stranger. Also I ..."


    " Is this fight all about talking or what?". I was already antsy. Drak''Var sighed and then nodded. Beyond our fighting space the male who had said those lots of words raised an arm and brought it down with a word that registered in my head.


    "HIL(Fight)".


    I didn''t waste time. My left feet pushed me forward my hands tightening the way I saw father and son''s do. Drak''Var was already on the move. As one we flashed in the center with a well-aimed right punch for our faces. Fists connecting with a bone-crunching snap.

 The Primordial 2 - IV

    THIRD PERSON POV


    ''Weak''. I ducked below a fist and met a knee to my palms staggering me backward. ''I was weak''. I caught my stumble and swept my feet the way I''d seen him do. He leaped over it and brought his foot down with a powerful stomp. Bone crunched and it took nothing in me to keep from screaming. This was nothing compared to the destruction energies of Omega Point.


    "You are daring and yet you are no fighter stranger". Drak''Var spoke. His voice sounded sad and sorry. It made me feel. Fury. There was no emotion or tantalizing sensation in my heart or skin. Just pure and raw fury.


    ''Lesser than my siblings and still lesser than these creatures. Entities living and ignorant of the greater realms''. My eyes burned with hate and anger. None directed at the creatures around me. Only at myself.


    ''How could I be so weak?''. My fists shook and my leg still snapped from the stomp ached. I pushed myself to my feet and glared with ferocity. Drak''Var frowned. Yet my glare was not for him. No. It was to myself, my weakness, and my anger. To the feeling of inferiority, I possessed when set before my family. And now weakness even with mortals.


    I lunged for Drak''Var. He caught me by the throat, hoisted me up, and slammed me to the ground. I roared in his face and his fists came crashing down on me. A right blow shook my jaw and sent hot and metallic liquid through my mouth. Another struck my skull and rattled something in my head.


    A fist to my torso made me heave and spit out all that blood on his face. He frowned and swiped it all off while I watched. Then he struck again.


    Each blow brought with it more knowledge than the last. A right hook that met bone with bone, pain. Another punch that smashed in my nose, destruction, another that pulverized my ear, the act of killing. Each strike, each fist each blow and I saw many secrets. Things I couldn''t and had not deduced from my long time in the Omega Reality.


    Then he stopped. I looked at him and for some reason, I sneered. "Is that all you have?". He grit his teeth and then grabbed me by the throat.


    "I hope you can heal as you did for my father". Then his forehead struck my face. Right on the nose. The crunch of bone and mashing of Flesh sent stars and lights into my brain. I saw fires, smoke, ash, oblivion. Death and pain. Murder and killing. Blood. Rivers of it. At the center of it all, I saw me.


    Little baby me. With wings of leather and black curved horns that pointed to the upper realms. The sight vanished just as quickly as it came.


    ''No. It''s not enough''.


    Drak''Var was already stumbling off me his fist covered in blood. Mine and his father''s. I rolled and pushed to my feet. The village was silent, everyone watching with silent and placid gazes. Even little ones stared on with not a blemish of emotion.


    I pushed to my feet and chuckled while hobbling on the one good leg. Loud enough for him to hear I spoke. "Is that the best the chieftain can do for his seat. I''m sure your father would have hit me harder. I have not yielded yet. And as you can see Drak''var, I am still standing".


    He was a blur of motion. One that I could see even though the blood and dizziness clouded my vision. I felt the feet on my chest. Felt the ground against my back. The air left my body.


    ''Air!''.


    The feet stomped hard on my chest again and I felt more pain. Darkness rushed up to my sight. Another stomp. Pain. Another. I could see the waves of energy flowing through my dreams and thoughts. More stomps. Killing. The act of taking a life. To snuff that which made them living. To return their souls to Freyja.


    A fist to my face and I heard the crack. It was slowly thundering in my ears and in my mind, it was the breaking rift of a realm ground. One from which flames and smoke poured.


    More pain and suffering. I stood in that vacant spot watching the flames, the destruction, Seeing souls roll into the valley that was destruction and cease to exist.


    Thump. Thump Thump Thump. Thump.


    I stared into the waves of black and purple fire that blistered the grounds and scorched everything.


    Thump Thump Thump Thump


    I saw the tribe and village, the woodland burn as they became ash.


    Thump Thump Thump!


    Saw the Chieftain as he beat my charred and burned remains to the very last dust.


    Thump Thump!!


    The very fires rolled through and over his skin. Darkness seeped from his veins and pooled beneath him. It wasn''t just him. It was his people too.


    Thump!!


    All that energy. All that blackness oozing from the woodlands and dying and burning Undules flowed straight to me. Like a river of black ink. It pooled and formed a bed like Mother''s soft and comfy shoulders.


    I sank into it.


    ****


    Thump!


    Silence.


    Drak''Var didn''t sense anything. He didn''t know any reason to stop. The stranger had asked for it. So he would fish it. His fists pounded into the Undule''s face. His expression was a twisted one of guilt, rage, and respect. There was nothing left of the stranger''s head. Without thinking or checking he knew. He''d killed his family''s benefactor.


    It was not his fault. He knew it. Thought it. But why was his fist still pounding away?


    He paused. His eyes were red. The green and blue orbs of his lower and upper eyes shaking. His right fist was still in a cocked fashion. His chest heaved. His skin crawled.


    "Aaarghh". He punched.


    Thump.


    ****


    Freyr''s eyes shut open. His left hand darted out to grasp the fist that came for him. A gasp filled the space. But it wasn''t the hand of the dead rising that alarmed most. No. Above, the skies darkened, storm clouds gathering. Lightning flashed within the storm clouds and the Undule''s shivered. Many had seen storms. This one was different. The lightning danced amongst the clouds, its red din giving the land a blood-red color.


    Freyr didn''t notice any of this as his mind shook with the scenarios he''d seen in his death. ''A Primeval Demon can hold no absolute chaos until they too have seen destruction''.


    Freyr finally understood. Just why he was weaker than the rest and less special.


    Drak''Var stumbled away from the stranger as flames licked over his form and burned him to ash. ''What madness is all this?''.


    Never had they seen a mortal burn after death.


    The ashes burst apart and from the dust of its explosions stepped out Freyr. Drak''Var took a step back.


    "You win. Chieftain". Freyr smiled and taking his long white hair he brought it before him and holding the very tip incinerated it. "Those who lose shoulder shorten their hair . A sign of respect to their better".


    Drak''Var blinked. His eyes shook even more violently. ''What madness is he?''.


    ****


    The clack of Gurns striking against each other was like music to my ears. The four-eyed mortals sparring between themselves in the various Nokelut brought me a sort of joy like nothing before. These creatures with their long white hairs flowing behind them as they danced were creatures that respected and bowed to strength.


    Which was why it hadn''t been all that difficult to make them bend the knee. A side glance to my right where the chieftain sat on a lower seat of bones watching me from the corner of his. He had been a tough one. Skilled too, which made sense considering I had next to no knowledge in fighting.


    ''Fortunately, I am me''. It had been a matter of strength and impossibility. Both of which had sent the chieftain to his knees.


    Yet as I stood here watching them fight I realized how boring the Undules were. They were the apex predators of their continent. Forming bands of tribes that were led by the long-haired and black-skinned chiefs. The only fun here was their young coming-of-age ceremony fights. The Dus''ar. It was very interesting the fights were bloody and brought this sensation I couldn''t explain. Even more amusing was how the entire tribe now saw my actions of burning my hair as a custom or law to be followed.


    Every loser in their fight had their hair cut to be shorter than whoever beat them. It was fun to see.


    It was amusing all the things I''d seen in just a single day I had spent in this mortal realm. Yet I grew bored. Even the sensations couldn''t keep me interested for so long. I picked the imaginary dirt from the fingers of my hand while admiring the mortal dark-skinned flesh I was in.


    After my resurrection or rebirth, something I still didn''t understand, a lot now made sense. I was weak. Far weaker than I should be. A god of destruction must know destruction to use it. In my avatar, I had died but that was like a percentage of me simply dying.


    ''B¨¤ck to weak Freyr once I''m back home''.


    "Onori". I turned to see a bowl of fruits near my face held in the palms of a young Undule. ''What did they call these versions of their mortals again? Ahah, Udon(female). Still sounds weird ''. My eyes left the female and lowered to the basket. Sitting upright a grin split my cheeks. This was the part that had made it extra hard to just up and wander away.


    "Starberries". I set a hand into the bowl and picked up the cluster of Star-shaped tiny red fruits. "Sunburst orange". I salivated using the other hand to grasp the orange. Looking up the Udon I smiled at her.


    "You bring me precious gifts". Focusing back on the ongoing Dus''ar I ripped into both fruits.


    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    "Wait. Wait". Halting her attempts to leave I motioned with my left hand. "Please leave the basket". I was back to watching the fight, yelling, and groaning when someone did something bad. I didn''t know the 1s or 2s of a fight but I didn''t care.


    The bonfires that illuminated the tribe village made it clear enough of who was beating who and I didn''t like it. I had put my bets on the smaller one and watching him get beaten annoyed me. The Chieftain next to me seemed glad to see his choice win though. I gave him a side eye wondering if he''d already forgotten the beating I gave him.


    ''Oh right. It was the other way round. Had to let him beat to understand all that feeling''. I mentally smiled. A sigh echoed in my head.


    I sat there fiddling with the last of the fruits as the fights were completed. My mind raced to where all my siblings were, wondering and thinking about how their races had turned out. ''Im sure they''re having good days. With mature older bodies''.


    That''s when it happened. Unlike my other siblings, I had this sense for life that I never could explain. It was like I could detect and see all living things. It was something like my sister''s ability to sense all her souls. It was a splendid affair.


    This was why I had sensed it the moment it happened. The very pulse of life energy that flared far in the distance. It was so far that it was a mere brush of wind. Yet I still felt and sensed it. I stood up abruptly eyes locked in the distance. The chieftain to my right rose as well a hint of worry on his face. It was clear that whatever could make me act this way was something he''d want to know about.


    I stood there staring in that direction for a moment before I turned back to him. Our eyes locked and he stiffened. "I believe one of my siblings is close by" I took steps close to him. "I''ll be going now". The fight between us had opened my eyes to how fast I would have lost against someone of equal strength without any combat prowess. Aka Freyja. I shook my head mentally.


    "You''ve shown me the epitome of what being skilled in this place is, and I admire it". With a smile at him, I turned to leave. My entire attention was on finding that pulse. ''Maybe it''s just mother''. Still, even she had no such feeling. I only felt that around Sol. Meaning Haero could be there.


    ''I could go see what he''s up to. Have some fun. Ask them how to solve this problem''. I just knew that Mother wouldn''t take it well if she knew I had to die.


    "Wait Onori. Please!''.


    I turned to see Drak''var on one knee. His hands were placed beneath his two lower eyes. "You came and you showed me power. I am honored to have tussled with an Onori. But my chief". His head rose as his hands left his face. "Your actions prove I and my people weak. Whilst you are an Onori what if others like you come? Today you could have ended us all. Yet we still live. I and my people do not like the feeling of such weakness and inability".


    "So what. I should kill anyone who threatens you?". I turned my head in the direction of the feeling for a second and back.


    "No, my chief. No. I would never waste your time with such affairs. No. I simply ask that you grant us the path or power to aid ourselves".


    I was silent. ''What did he mean by that?''. Behind him, the entire tribe had paused to watch this talk. ''What was going on?''. I didn''t understand what he wanted from me but I did know I needed to get to that feeling before it vanished. Looking at all the Undules watching me I felt stumped. I didn''t like feeling stumped.


    "You Drak''var, are special". I started. Unsure of where I was heading with this I made a quick call for Mum.


    ''Mum. What is he asking for and how can I help with that?''.


    ''That''s a nice thought there Freyr''. Her voice deadpanned in my head. ''What he desires is a blessing. Blessings do create a tether between higher beings and mortals letting most things from the mortal seep over to the god and only what the god allows to seep down to the Mortal''.


    In my head, the thought of how I could use this bloomed quickly. Thinking of how I could benefit from his skills while also keeping a connection to him felt nice.


    ''Thanks ma''. I focused back on Drak''var then paused. ''How do I use these blessings?''.


    ''How would you know when you don''t even know your strengths and weaknesses? If you''d just checked you would have seen how much better you got from just dying. Don''t tell your mum I said that. Now open your Records!''.


    Chastised I mentally grumbled and opened them. I didn''t really care about what I could do as I was too busy with admiring things plus I didn''t think it mattered before I let Drak''Var kill me.


    **Welcome to the Rack Of Life Administrator 5(Avatar 6)**


    **Name: Freyr(Freyr Ironstone)**


    **Race: Undule(Djun)**


    **Form: Mortal/Null/Spirit**


    **Divine Rank: Novice Chaos Demon(Primordial Destruction Demon)**


    **Divine Essence: (Partial Lock )Limited**


    **Realm Influence: Emerging / Local**


    **Power: Nascent**


    **Wisdom: Growing**


    **Eternal Blessings:


    - Primeval Aura**


    - Death Gaze**


    - Chaos Manipulation (Cooldown effect applied)**


    - Primeval Knowledge**


    **Servants:


    -


    -


    -


    **Domains:


    **Realm of Absolute Chaos - Novice**


    **Realm of Death - Novice**


    **Sphere of Calamity - Novice**


    **Divine Artifacts:


    -


    -


    -


    **Mystic Quests:


    -


    -


    -


    ''Now you know what you can do, here are the options you can select from for a blessing''.


    1. **Blessing of Eternal Vigilance:**


    - Description: This blessing grants recipients heightened senses and awareness, allowing them to perceive threats before they arise and react with lightning-fast reflexes. They become vigilant guardians, protecting their people from harm and guiding them safely through the darkness.


    2. **Blessing of Discordant Dominio**


    This blessing instills recipients with the ability to sow discord and disharmony among those around them, creating rifts and divisions that tear at the fabric of society. They become agents of discordant dominion, wielding their influence to manipulate and control the chaotic forces of conflict and strife.


    3. **Blessing of Elemental Disarray:**


    - This blessing imbues recipients with the chaotic essence of the elements, granting them the ability to wield fire, water, earth, and air in unpredictable and destructive ways. They become agents of elemental disarray, disrupting the natural order and spreading chaos wherever they go.


    4. **Blessing of the Primordial Ancestor


    - The Blessing of the Primordial Ancestor is bestowed upon select individuals of the Undule race by the deity Freyr Ironstone himself. It marks the beginning of the Honored Bloodline, infusing recipients with Primeval favor, strength, and wisdom passed down through generations.


    ''That''s a lot''. I didn''t have time to start going through all the options so I just moved to pick the first one on the list''.


    ''Stop you brat!''. Mother''s voice boomed in my head.


    ''Owww. What?!''.


    ''Since you''re not eager to pick clearly, then select the fourth option. You''ll thank me later ''. I frowned and shrugged mentally. Picking the last option I watched as Drak''var suddenly squirmed. Without staying back to see the effects I turned and switched to spirit form. Like a phantom, I fled through the plains headed for the source of the feeling.


    *


    DRAK''VAR''S POV


    One moment I was on my knees face to the ground as I waited for the Onori''s decision. My mind spun with thoughts of what I would do if he agreed and what I would still do if he didn''t. I hoped he did.


    The Onori had never given us an in-depth explanation of what or who he was. Simply calling himself one of the Six Onorils to grace this world. And now, such a being could or wouldn''t grant me a boon to lead my people into a great future.


    I didn''t hear his words the moment he spoke but I did hear another. One preluding an immense pain that washed through me. It was like fire burned through my veins and under my skin.


    *Welcome to the Akashic Records Mortal 6721*


    **Subject: Primeval Blessing Received**


    **Recipient: Drak''var Drak''varn**


    *You have been bestowed with the Blessing of the Primordial Ancestor. Your combat prowess has been the mark of your ability to indeed lead your people to greatness*


    *May the blessing of the Primeval guide and protect you in your time of need.*


    ---


    *As a blessed, you have been awakened.*


    *You have awakened Abstract - The Will of Transcendants granted to mortals.*


    *To see your Akashic Record, please mentally, verbally, or intently state so.


    ---


    **Blessing of the Primordial Ancestor for Drak''Var Drak''var:**


    The Blessing of the Primordial Ancestor bestowed upon Drak''var Drak''var by the Primeval being Freyr marks the beginning of an Honored Bloodline amongst Undules. This bloodline and power can be infused amongst loyal subjects of the tribe granting recipients with Primeval favor, strength, and wisdom passed down through generations. Those blessed by this sacred gift are bound for glory and greatness.


    *Skills gained from the Blessing:*


    1. **Sentinel''s Sight: Enhanced perception grants their upper pair of eyes the ability to see through illusions and detect hidden dangers.


    2. **Swift Response: Lightning-fast reflexes enable quick and decisive action in times of crisis.


    3. **Fiery Chaos Conduit**:As conduits of chaos, the blessed wield the power to harness and manipulate the fury of destruction. They can channel this mastery over fire to unleash torrents of flame upon enemies forge powerful weapons imbued with fiery energy, and bring transformative change in the world around them, guided by the will of Freyr Ironstone.


    4. **Ancestral Blood:The Honored Bloodline carries with it the resilience, wisdom, insights, and benefits of generations past, granting blessed individuals the strength to endure adversity and rise above even the greatest of trials. They draw upon the collective spirit of their ancestors, their determination fueled by the legacy of those who came before them.


    -


    *Welcome to the Akashic Records, Mortal 6721*


    **Name: Drak''var Drak''var**


    **Level: 1**


    **Experience Points: 0 / 100**


    **Race: Undule (Combat Mastery)**


    Health Points (HP): 100 / 100**


    Akasha Points (MP): 80 / 80**


    **Attributes:


    Might: 9**


    Mobility: 11**


    Physicality: 10**


    Mental: 8**


    **Skills:


    Fer''jin Mastery: None**


    Flame Mastery: Basic**


    Combat: Basic**


    Fer''tin Mastery: None**


    **Equipment:


    Head: None**


    Body: Inqat (Trash), **


    Keluc (Trash)**


    Weapon: None**


    Off-hand: None**


    Accessory 1: None**


    Accessory 2: None**


    **Quests:


    -


    -


    -


    I shivered as I beheld the powers of the Onori showing me my capabilities. This was a lot to take in. At the same time, I felt a sense of glee and joy. ''It was an honor no, a blessing having him cut his hair for me''.


    *


    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Subcontinent (Zephyr Isles)


    Main Continent Western edge - Zephyrwood Outpost Territory - Oakheart Valley Village


    THIRD PERSON POV


    "And that brother is how I ended up here?". Freyr let out a sigh as if he''d had the worst day in the world.


    "Now do tell. I''ve seen a lot since I got here so I wish to know. How do I get those pretty flames you used to make them?". His right hand waved in the direction of the angels holding Aerondir.

 The Primordial 2 - V

    Freyr looked disappointed at the truth spilling from Ozai''s mouth. It was clear to him that their mother had indeed gifted the flames to Ozai. Yet he''d expected some sort of positive answer from his brother. The young demon couldn''t help but sigh.


    ''Mother wouldn''t grant me the flames since I won''t tell her the why. Luckily Akasha won''t either which means I can keep this to myself for now. I do need them''. Freyr was coming to realize that if he was still weak now then he could see the utility in having such angels to do his bidding. Atleast until he could kill himself. The very thought formed a pit in his belly.


    "If you''re done calculating just how unlikely it is for you to receive the ball from Mother you may leave now". His attempts to shoo Freyr away only gained him a glare in return. The Primeval demon took a look around while he mentally sighed. ''Ozai is unsurprisingly useless''.


    His eyes were mostly drawn to the three angels standing in a circle around the Aerondir yet for some reason it kept flickering to the Argonne on his knees.


    It was like he could hear his thoughts, and feel his desires. Since the pure want to murder the Argonnes and beings around him. The despair at the mighty entities holding him down. It created a sort of haze around him, one similar to the sensation of fighting he got from the Undules. ''I guess I didn''t run all the way here for anything''.


    "I''ll take him then". He spoke folding his left arm around his torso and then setting his right elbow on the back of his left palm for support. His right hand stroked his chin in contemplation. With the Undules and now an Argonne he had two races to work for him here in the mortal realms. Just maybe the chaos or deaths they caused would generate some good things for him.


    The words were so straight to the point that it surprised Ozai. His eyes moved to the Argo on his knees and a sense of unease rose in him. "I can''t let you do that. He''s a threat to the Argonnes".


    "Why?. Because he unlocked and held the secrets of Akasha for himself. How does that warrant him getting an execution". Freyr didn''t care but he wanted the Argo now. The sensation he got from him elicited the want to have the mortal. With Undules maybe he could har?ess more of the destruction and death energy and maybe just solve this issue of his without dying.


    Ozai frowned even more at the argument. "Let me have him. The chaos and desire for death I sense from him is great".


    "And pitch him against my Argonnen". Ozai faced his brother fully now. Freyr raised a confused brow.


    "I assure you I don''t care about that". Freyr didn''t even understand why Ozai would think that.


    "Why else would you want him?".


    Freyr just shook his head ignoring the narcissism evident in his brother. "I just told you everything that happened since I got here and you are more interested in your mortals. I''m taking him. You intended to kill him either way. His soul belongs to Freyja and me".


    "Intended. As he still lives he walks under the glare of Haero''s light and my sight".


    "Your angel literally was about to impound his heart. Why won''t you just give him to me?. What''s so wrong with that?". Throwing his arms up he glared back at Ozai.


    "I don''t know what you''re planning Freyr and that''s something". The crease of his forehead annoyed the demon.


    "And what does anything I plan have to do with you?". Freyr didn''t mention that he''d not even come here for the Argo initially. He''d been drawn here by the Flame of Life''s presence. Still, it was something Ozai should have known due to what he''d told him.


    Ozai said nothing his beak sealed shut as his thoughts went to Akasha''s words about consequences. Initially, he''d believed the Aerondan to be the consequences. But Hildelith had told him that at times what he might see as a reaction was simply a process.


    ''Is this the consequences?''. The very thought firmed his stance to refuse his brother.


    "I''m sorry brother. I can''t let you have him". His eyes wavered down.


    "And if I wanted to take him anyway, what then?. What would your suspicion that I would make it turn against your..." he gave the crowd of unmoving Argonnes around him a look. "... precious mortals have you do. Brother?". Ozai didn''t know what he felt from those words but he knew he could sense a deeper meaning to the question.


    Freyr''s gaze had lost all contemplation and all amusement. His eyes now a deep and vibrant purplish red stared Ozai down. The Deity sh¨²t his eyes tight as emotions warred with emotions. ''Mother didn''t tell me this part. Do I let him have the Argo? He is right that I don''t want or wish to protect him. Letting him have it is not an issue''.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    His gaze met Freyr''s. ''Yet what if?. What if he does something? Why would he see or feel something from him of all people?''. I looked to the Argo. Watched his frozen and twisted expression. The fear, the rage, the disbelief, the wanton desire for murder in his eyes. ''Is this why he was drawn to him? For the pull to this, energy". I fisted a palm feeling the chaotic and dark energies that the Argo exuded. His desires creating an aura of lust around him a lust for blood. That looked assured that if Aerondir went free he would do something to all these innocent people.


    ''No. I have to make sure the threat ends here''. He looked back to his brother. Took a deep breath and opened his beak.


    "You won''t have him Freyr. You hold domain over death. Any plans of yours is something related. While it may not be for them. Who''s to know how it would affect them".


    Silence.


    Freyrs eyes remained unmoving. His fingers were stiff and his breath held. Ozai frowned unsure of what came next. Had he averted a consequence or what?


    The demon frowned. His eyes shook from confusion and then turned hard.


    "You forget one thing, brother". Hidden from view his left fingers moved. The middle finger and thumb touching. Black and purple mist gathered around both of them. "You don''t command me". He snapped his fingers. Chaos energy, black and pulsing like a floating blob of black water seized him and in an explosion, he was gone.


    Ozai could barely blink before the same explosion became an implosion right next to the four beings of importance. Freyr appeared at the center, one arm on the Argonne and the other on the Divina Angel.


    "I come here. Tell you everything. Things I have kept from even mother, and you show more interest in...them". There was a deep and heavy timbre to his voice one that sent a weight into Ozai''s heart. "This mortal calls to me. His desires, his want. All pulling on my domains brother. Doesn''t that make him mine? Energies that might aid me in gaining the power to avoid taking my life, flow from him ¨¤nd yet, YOU REFUSE ME!". His very voice thundered with the wrath of the Heavens.


    " You can fight for your mortals, stare down your brother for them. Cut down poor goblins for their sake". Freyr glitched his eyes turning red. "I assure you, brother, I can do the same".


    All these while through their conversations and arguments, Freyr had been in his Null form. A form that had no form of interaction with the world. Of course that changed with Freyr could make themselves part of it by possession or going mortal.


    The moment he glitched the demon''s eyes flickered. At the same moment, all movement around him paused as eyes turned to them. Many had been confused as to why the Divina had been frozen in an unmoving state since. While they were curious none dared step to close to the beings of unparalleled power.


    Panicked Ozai took a sense forward. "Freyr!. Don''t!". He could sense that this was it. The consequence that he''d been waiting for. Or at least a harsher one. He could have let his brother go with the mortal and there might be another consequence. But this. This was one he felt was a problem that he added to by being so overly emotional.


    The Argo on his knees jerked as his eyes seemed to glaze over. Ozai felt something inside him beat harder.


    "Yes!". The loud cry of acceptance uttered by the Aer¨®ndan sent a spike of worry through him.


    Ozai expected what came next. But it was even more horrific than he''d been braced to see. Freyr vanished. His spirt melding into the Argo. What came next was horrific to watch. Aerondir''s feathers shed off at a swift rate, his beak lost its luster. His eyes became grey. His limbs, body, and Argannen grew in size. Then even more surprising all the lost feathers began regrowing, black with purple and red tips. The beak became dark, his head stretched and an extra pair of eye slits lacking pupils and taking on a deep purple glow.


    The two pairs of eyes moved to Ozai now standing between the Argonnen and him. His mortal self now evident. Freyr/Aerondir''s eyes moved to his body taking in the new form. "This was not expected". His hand stroked his chin again.


    "First possession?". Ozai asked. Freyr eyed him then nodded. "Didn''t think of it before". Seemingly remembering something he glared right back at Ozai.


    The Deity sighed. "Look Freyr I ..."


    "I''d never fight you for this...these...mortals". He spat out quickly stopping anything Ozai wanted to say. "What is wrong with you". His frown was more annoyed than pissed.


    "I just don''t want you to bringing any tricks to them. They''re fragile and they''re not us. There were times you''d look at Haero like a prize, at me like something in your path".


    "I feel offended you''d think so lowly of me. I simply looked up to your strengths. I wanted to be as strong. To make Mother just as proud of me". He looked back to the Argonnen. "But since this is what you believe, I''ll have to accept that".


    "Freyr. Don''t!".


    The Argonne possessed paused. He folded his arms Argannen unfurling and flapping calmly while the angels retreated to Ozai''s side. "Even more, become that which you see your brother as. New look and all". His hands spread out.


    "And this Argonne will be my spear here. No. Not Argonne". He took another look at himself. "Something even better. You know I didn''t expect that blessings or possession mold a mortal to better accept their god, no not God, a higher being. And this mortal was molded so perfectly". A finger poked his lower beak.


    "Ah ha. I got it. Since your Argonnen are beautiful and bask in the wind and sun. Mine hidden by the dark of night and aided by their winds it''s only fitting they become the reverse of everything yours is. A deity of the cosmos and order. A demon of destruction and chaos. How fitting. Hmmh. I think Ennogra sounds just good".


    The situation was so serious that Ozai didn''t even think to point out to Freyr how he''d simply turned Argonne in reverse. ''Maybe that''s the point ''.


    Freyr flapped his Argannen taking him higher and higher. "A little present for you brother". From nowhere, a goblin appeared. Its head and body collapsed side to side on the ground clear enough for all to see. In its hand gripped tightly even in its death was a staff.


    "The Blyn''maje". Yells and shouts went up amongst the crowd. Ozai sighed. It was official. He had messed up. Maybe emotions were not so good after all.

 The Primordial 2 - 6

    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Argonne Islands


    SouthWestern Edge -


    Territory - Null


    FREYR''S POV


    Falling across the continent''s edge was a good way to think. Leaving the Zephyr isles behind me as I plummeted with my wings tucked into my back gave me enough time and enough wind to think clearly.


    ''How?''.


    That was the one question I couldn''t get out of my head. How could Ozai think of me in such a way? In such a manner? How could he see those mortals as more important than me? How could he choose them over me? How could he see me as such a troublemaker?


    My thoughts went back to everything and anything I could have done that would paint me in such a light. ''He did mention pranks, but I was too out of it to think clearly. What pranks?''.


    Had Ozai seen my attempts to check how strong I had gotten as insidious pranks? How and why?. What would make him see it as such? I spared a glance back up and caught sight of the little glow that emanated from his angels. Beings that had been borne from his divinity. My eyes narrowed.


    ''We''re all different ain''t we?''. I thought of Sol, blazing with red and white fires. The Divine realm, a hue of golden lights and sickening purity.


    ''Wait. Sickening''. I almost paused midair but kept on going. ''Is the way I see the Divine Realm how Ozai sees me''.


    ''You hold domain over death. Any plan of yours is something related''.


    Aerondir was fortunate the ground was already in sight and close enough. I flinched back as the words sounded in my head and I undid the possession. Wings grew smaller but not by much, limbs and size shrunk too. I floated midair while descending slowly. Eyes on the screaming Aerondir as his limbs twitched and spasmed while he fell. All the while those words kept ringing again and again in my head.


    ''You hold domain over death. Any plans of yours is something related.''


    The moment I was close enough to the ground I switched to my mortal form and used a string of chaos to stop Aerondir''s sure splat to the ground. All the while I stared at the ground.


    ''You hold domain over death. Any plans of yours is something related''.


    "He wasn''t lying though". I muttered. "Still kinda hurts". I sighed. Aerondir''s propensity and desire for murder and death, chaos, and definitely calamity had called to me. A desire that I wished to use for myself. I''d I needed to die to completely understand death and destruction then maybe I could use the energy derived from the chaos and calamity he wrought to lessen some effect or anything.


    The Ennogra was already on his feet purple orbs locked on me in fear and caution as I walked up and down. For all my threats earlier I mentally zeroed off it. More anger than anything and now I was stumped on what to do. Ignore Ozai''s blatant disregard for me and his choice of mortals over me or show him.


    ''What do I wish to show him?'' I shook my head in annoyance. ''I was too young for this''. Turning I regarded the Zephyr isles floating up in a massive beauty of nature. Their undersides were jagged tips of rock and stone.


    "I have better things to do than try to prove my worth to you". I realized that I didn''t care actually. All I cared for was gaining my strength, and if there was anyone who I wished to prove my worth to them it was mother. Not my stuck-up brother who fancied mortals over his kin.


    A lightbulb went off in my head. I turned with my eyes glinting malevolently as I looked at the Ennogra. ''I do wonder what their choice would be''.


    Since Ozai had chosen them over me. ''Isn''t it only fair to see who they would choose between him and their kin?''. I smiled widely not realizing my upper eyes were now burning fiercely.


    "I mean, if his mortals are so precious to him, is he as precious to them. What would they choose when backed against the wall?. Salvation or him?".


    My smile faded just as quickly and sat down on the ground deep in thought. Ozai or no Ozai I still had a big problem. One that I needed to solve before it became a serious hamper to me. The only question was, how exactly did you kill a Primordial Demon of Destruction in full while still making sure they came back to life?


    ''I may have to alert your mother to this''.


    ''What, no. She''ll stop me from doing this''. I almost stood up in worry.


    ''Maybe. Or she''ll help you to do it. If you do it on your own and fail to revive yourself I''ll be the one in trouble with myself''. I opened my mouth to argue but found nothing coming out.


    "Fine" I sighed. ''But whether she helps me or not I''m doing this?".


    ''That, I believe is a matter between you both''. Akasha was quick to retort. A sense of amusement attempted to filter into me from the situation. Akasha, the force of all mystical energies and machinations of life, saving her ass from mother''s fury.


    I shook my head in amusement.


    The Ennogra was nowhere to be seen. A quick check with Akasha was enough to know he was flying as fast as he could to the center of the Argonne Islands. "Atleast he isn''t dumb enough to go back up there".


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    "I assure you Freyr". I leapt up at my name turning to see Mother stepping out of a mist of gray and blue. "Argonnes or Ennogra as you call that one are very prideful and yet smart".


    The look mother gave me showed she didn''t really appreciate something I did.


    "Mother".


    "I''ve seen a lot of your shenanigans. I''m quite proud of what you''ve learned". She was next to me in a blink. I almost fell back if she hadn''t wrapped her arms around my neck and buried my head into her shoulder. "I''m sorry something like this happened".


    *


    THIRD PERSON POV


    Freyr and Hildelith sat side by side on a boulder watching the Ennogra stumble in the nothingness Hildelith made. By erasing the reality of his sight and senses the Ennogra was not aware he had been flying or running in circles for the past ten minutes.


    "Catchy name but not too inspirational" Hildelith commented. Freyr scoffed.


    "Maybe, but sounds better than Undule". He gave her a smug glance which she returned with a head smack.


    "All smart now eh". She chuckled turning the smack into a head ruffle. Both entities looked from the Ennogra to themselves as a sense of dreary weather covered the area.


    "So, what''s this I''m hearing about dying?". Freyr sighed and looked down at his hands. Slowly he began talking. Telling her everything from when he descended and the fight. How he felt and the scenes. All up till now.


    Turning his head he found his mother very silent and her eyes still on him.


    "Akasha was right about one thing. If you''d done this without my knowledge I''d have killed her. Then given you a good beating". Her bland face as she spoke sent a chill down his spine.


    "Luckily you both were not stupid enough".


    "I''m not stupid ma!".


    ''I''m not stupid''.


    Ignoring both cries of offense from Freyr and Akasha Hildelith sighed. She looked up to the sky blocked out by the large isles that floated up there. "This is a good place for your Ennogra". Her eyes turned to the distance where a waterfall that spilled from the isles thundered to the Islands below.


    "When I learned you lot had come down here. I was both ecstatic and worried" She turned back to her son and smiled. "Worried for how this would all affect you all and how you would affect all of this. And still I was curious". She ruffled his hair again and the Undule groaned.


    "I used to hear that one of a parent''s greatest moment is watching their kids run around in joy and glee. Well, you''re not in your baby forms but still, it was definitely fun to watch all of you be free and act as you wished".


    "You don''t think my being a Primordial of Death makes me dangerous for everything you made here?" The question was silent and his voice very low.


    Smack!!!


    "Aish. Why''d you hit me?". He exclaimed looking at her.


    "Think boy. If you were bad for this world won''t I, or couldn''t I just whisk you away with some excuse?". She asked with a fiery glare in her eyes.


    "You could". He moaned rubbing his head in obvious pain.


    "I know what your brother told you might hurt. I am sorry. But it is the truth". The very sharp twist of his head to look at Hildelith made her sigh. "Listen to me".


    She stretched out her hand and faced it down to the ground. " Where there is life there is beauty and joy". Her palm oozed aether which formed a beautiful flower sprouting from the ground. " And yet there is also...". She cut herself off as the flower wilted and turned to ash.


    "And that''s why people will fear me". He muttered.


    Hildelith nodded. " True. That''s how mortals perceive you. As a horrendous creature who steals their loved ones and ends their happy ever afters. But that is not all you are Freyr. Remember". Her left palm touched the side of his cheek. His eyes shut in a sigh.


    "You bring not destruction but death. Two completely similar and yet different things. One is the end of a thing, no returns, no comebacks. Creating a totally new state of existence for it. The other...". She cut herself off again and once more waved her hand in the air.


    The wilted flower dissolved into the ground serving as manure for another flower to bloom.


    "You destroyed it the first time didn''t you. You didn''t bring death to it". Freyr shot to his feet surprised. A smile bloomed on Hildelith''s face.


    " What then is death supposed to look like mother?. What is it supposed to be?". He asked a desire to know burning in his eyes. It was clear he was holding back from jumping around.


    "Here, in my universe. It is simply the end of Physicality". Her palm waved again and this aether created a hologram of two baby Undules. At the center of their chest glowed two lights. A petal of gold and an orb of blue that encased the petal. The babies began to grow and live. The blue orb subtly emitted a white mist that filled the two baby''s bodies.


    Freyr watched with rapt attention.


    The babies became older. Larger and stronger. The orb or petal never changed size yet the white mist grew within them. Sometimes it remained as small as a child''s form but when they killed something the mist grew. Finally, after several periods one of the Undules died. Struck down in battle.


    Freyr watched the golden petal snuff out and the orb drift out of the body taking the mist with it.


    The second body kept on living. Sometimes the Undule fought and killed increasing his mist. Sometimes he didn''t. Each time he stayed without killing his mist grew less thick. Finally, he became weaker, slower, and old. His mist grew less thick and more see-through. He died an old Undule. The flame too snuffed out and the orb took the mist with it.


    Frey watched the orbs of both Undules without their mist now being replaced in another body and restarting the cycle.


    "I''m the end of one story". He muttered.


    "And the guide to another" she added. "You''re not called destruction bringer but Death Bringer. You are the Guide of the Dead. That is who you are. The one that brings the souls to your sister for a new chapter".


    "Then who do I destroy?".


    "Souls so bad that their taint crosses beyond the physical to touch the spirit and soul And when you find such souls you break them down into something new". The look she gave him showed how important what she was saying was. At the same time, she had a flippant look about it.


    He nodded.


    "Thank you ma". Hilde smiled at him and then frowned.


    "I know your brother was harsh on you. I know the choices he made are ones that hurt you". She placed a palm on his shoulder. "I refuse to give excuses for his choices. That is something you both will have to mend amongst yourselves".


    Freyr frowned. " I don''t think there is anything to be mended Mother. He made his choice and I will make mine as he did".


    Her lips parted a chance to halt any such arguments or reason for any such troubles. Yet she found her voice unmoving. She shut her eyes with a sigh. ''If Order has made its move then I have no choice but to let Chaos act as well''.


    "Finish your matters here and return. There''s a lot to be seen and do. Then, we''ll see about you dying". She stood and hugged him again. Stepping back gray blue mist seeped from her skin.


    "Wait! Mother!" His fingers tweedled themselves. "Can I have a ball of the Flame of Life". He smiled tightly then added quickly. "Or something less?". Freyr didn''t see the harm in trying now, especially when Mother would more likely give it to him. Her next words of course were not ones he expected.


    "In some ways, Death cannot touch life as much as life can never touch death".


    ''What does...''.


    " You have no use or means for using the Flames of Life". She smiled at him. " But, what you seek may be found in other flames". She looked thoughtful for a second then just shrugged


    The gray and blue mists around her grew thicker. Forming a cocoon of thick energy around her. "A bit of advice". Her smile went one-sided. "Make them in your image".


    Akashic force exploded outwards ruffling Freyr''s hair and robes. The gray mists cleared to reveal an empty spot where Hildelith once stood.

 The Primordial 2 - 7

    FREYR''S POV


    I sat in Mother''s sitting form. Something she called the Lotus position. My eyes were closed, my breathing normal, and my fists connected in front of me. My lips parted at intervals to utter a single word.


    "Death".


    Unlike Ozai who must have found creating angels easy, it was in no way easy for me. First was the fact that I wasn''t creating life or creating anything close to life. Second was the fact that he had the aid of the Flames of Life too. I didn''t. All I had was death, absolute chaos, and destruction.


    So I decided to do something else.


    Why was I doing this? It was simple. Mom had a way to end me. That way of course would let me harness my full powers. A demon of death who experienced death understood far more than anyone. A destruction demon who felt being destroyed would be more insightful and more knowledgeable of it.


    It was why I had grown in power just a bit when the Undule had killed me. "There is of course that way". By letting my avatars die again and again and again till I was fully powerful. Something told me mother would not appreciate it.


    But the main reason I didn''t want that was simple. I couldn''t wait. Maybe before. But not now. Not after Ozai. His mistake, or error. His slip-up in showing and telling me just what he thought of me sent a kind of hurt I didn''t expect to feel.


    I didn''t know if anything could trump it but I knew I didn''t appreciate it. The feeling of betrayal and abandonment for no other creature or being but mere mortals. If Haero had picked Sol over me that would have been more understandable. Same for his Pegasi. But Ozai selected a group of creatures, mortals that didn''t even stand on the same pedestal as us.


    ''Don''t''. It was hard to not see the mortals as such low creatures. Really hard. Ozai didn''t help either. I shook off the thought. My concern was in the now and current issue. What did I want the angels for? If I had a solution to my issue I didn''t need some weak beings around to do my...


    I paused. Looked up and frowned. ''Wasn''t that why Ozai made them? For his strength, he could not return the dead to life. Or do it in a widespread way even with the Flames''. I didn''t laugh or feel any sense of amusement. No, I found a purpose for angels.


    ''Just like Ozai, I might just need them here. Messengers for my followers''. I turned to look at the Ennogra who was still stuck in the mist of darkness my mother had stuck him in. People like him, with so much hate and anger in his heart from the disgrace his people had subjected him to would need a guiding hand.


    ''My guiding hand''.


    Yet at the same time, I knew that whatever I wanted to make it had to be something that would remind Ozai of this day. He would never be able to forget the day he chose mortals over his own brother.


    "Make them in your image?". I shook my head. "No". My white hair popped ablaze with black and purplish fire. FA fire that spread like the streams of the Star River. Down to my palm where it popped into the air and pulsed red in a similar fashion as the petals of life.


    There were five of them. "These will be enough to show Ozai the difference between our creations". I drew on the energy of destruction, chaos, and death within me and poured it out into the air. The wind got sucked in, the ground began corroding as it gave way to death.


    The area turned darker. Only the slight glow of the chaos flame illuminating the environment with a purple glow remained. I could feel it now. Sense what I could do with all this energy. The corroded ground fed more death and life energy to me while the others grew from just the nature of damage happening to the surroundings.


    I pulled at the gathering energy and began. Shutting my eyes helped me picture the first of them the entity my brother had made. And as I saw it I shaped my own into a macabre and twisted version. When I was done I shivered at what stood before me.


    It was nothing like the beauty that was Ozai''s angels. It possessed flowing black hair, contrasting against their pale, almost skeletal skin. Its eyes emitted a cold, piercing light that reflected its lack of care even when closed. The wings were dark with a shadowy hue and exuded an aura of dread and foreboding.


    Its eyes remained shut. I didn''t think much of it as I was already focused on the next one. Imagining the golden one without features that Ozai had created another of mine formed.


    It was a shadowy being, its form shrouded in darkness. Its expression also veiled in darkness, its features embodying a sense of solemnity and melancholy. Its body was made of ethereal shadows, allowing it to move silently and unseen to stand next to the first. Obsidian black wings hung from its back emanating an eerie glow. I could barely smile as it was coming together. I shook my head. I wasn''t done, so I had to focus on making the last three.


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    The third one just like the first two was a mimicry of a Solivert. It lacked the traditional features of the others just like a Solivert, its form was covered in a cloak of darkness. It had empty, abyssal eyes and a skeletal appearance, a presence that evoked dread and despair. Its body was adorned with swirling patterns of darkness.. it gave off an aura of emptiness and nihilism.


    The last two that formed finally forced a grin to my lips. One was a decrepit angel, its body a horrid decaying flesh and rotting remnants of wings. It wore tattered robes, Its presence was something I knew would strike fear and revulsion, and its dark tenebrous, and rotten wings radiated with the stench of death and decay. It lay on its four limbs, crawling like a beast.


    The very last angel was everything I had hoped for. Where Ozai''s guarded and protected, mine would bring destruction. To his angels of course. Its form was twisted and warped by the flames of annihilation. It had obsidian horns, adding to its ominous stature. Its body was consumed by red and purple flames, exuding an aura of destruction and despair. Its massive wings were engulfed in shadowy smoke and dripping liquid fire.


    **[Welcome to the Akashic Records Administrator 5(Avatar 6)]**


    **Administrator 5 has created a macabre of life**


    - **Destruction Energy detected**


    - **Chaos Energy detected**


    - **Death Energy detected**


    **Template granted to Administrator 5**


    **Template limitations:**


    - Soulless: This template will lack and never bear souls.


    - Spirit energy: As they lack souls, they will be unable to gain spirit Energy when a kill is made.


    - Reproduction: Entities of this caliber cannot and will not be able to reproduce in any basic way due to their existential state.


    **Templates received**.


    1. **Reaper Leghna:**


    - Reapers are a formidable caste of Leghna, their presence exuding an aura of inevitability and finality. They possess flowing black hair, contrasting against their pale, almost skeletal skin. Their eyes emit a cold, piercing light that reflects the unyielding resolve to guide souls to their ultimate end. Reaper''s wings are a dark, shadowy hue, exuding an aura of dread and foreboding.


    2. **Eclipse Leghna:**


    - Eclipses are shadowy beings, their forms shrouded in darkness and mystery. They have expressions veiled in darkness, their features embodying a sense of solemnity and melancholy. Their bodies are composed of ethereal shadows, allowing them to move silently and unseen. Their wings are obsidian black, emanating an eerie glow that chills the soul.


    3. **Void Leghna:**


    - Their forms are cloaked in darkness and emptiness. They have empty, abyssal eyes and a skeletal appearance, their presence evoking a sense of dread and despair. Their bodies are adorned with swirling patterns of darkness, representing the void''s endless hunger. Voids exude an aura of emptiness and nihilism, their gaze fixated on the abyss.


    4. **Necrosis Leghna:**


    - Necros are a decrepit set of Leghna, their bodies adorned with decaying flesh and rotting remnants of wings. They wear tattered robes, exuding an aura of decay and decomposition. Their presence commands fear and revulsion, and their dark, tenebrous wings radiate with the stench of death and decay.


    5. **Doom Leghna:**


    - Dooms are harbingers of destruction, their forms twisted and warped by the flames of annihilation. They bear horns of obsidian, adding to their ominous stature. Their bodies are consumed by dark flames, exuding an aura of destruction and despair. Their massive wings are engulfed in shadowy fire, casting a pall of doom wherever they go.


    **Templates generated**


    **Template feature: Ember of Death**


    - Leghna possess embers of death in them. Unlike the flame of Life, these embers keep the Leghna stuck in a perpetual state of life and death. To gain strength and improvement Leghna absorb the ashes of flame within a dead mortal to stoke their embers and improve it. This can be done immediately after death. Once done there is no possibility of resurrection for the dead mortal.


    **Template feature: Essence of Chaos**


    - Leghna possess only a single point of essence but can gain more across the cause of their existence from the dead. Unlike mortals who gain power through spirit, angels who gain power by killing through the Flame of Life, Lehgna do this via Essence. Essence is essentially the Flame of Life of an angel or spirit of a mortal, and unlike for the mortals or angels it can be absorbed or inhaled into another without having to kill a being. Either living or dead. The more gruesome a death is the thicker and heavier the essence of Chaos becomes.


    **Template feature: Essence of Destruction**


    - The Leghna can detect and absorb the leftover essences of any being reduced to nothing or erased or in any site of extensive mass deaths. This essence grants severe power-ups to Lehgna.


    **Template feature: Absolute Sovereignty**


    - The Leghna template has been added to the Akashic Records and Rack of Life.


    - Creation of these Leghna by any being other than Freyr or the Mother is impossible.


    - A 10% charge of all mists and essences from Leghna outside the maker''s service will be incurred.


    - No matter where and no matter when all Leghna will respond and heed the maker''s call.


    Freyr took in all this information and had only one word for it. "Perfection".

 The Primordial 2 - 8

    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Lumina


    The Edgelands (Western Lumina) - The Bow''s Eye


    No one knew just how far Hildelith was going to arrange everything before the players would come. While she knew there were certain things she couldn''t control there were also some things she could. One of the few things she could of course affect.


    Hildelith frowned at taking away the free will of people, or even animals but of course, she didn''t see it as her control when certain environmental factors favored an action or reaction.


    While she could have sent her kids down themselves to Vaustaris it was also possible that simply setting up Molliwag right behind the castle would be all it took. Childish curiosity was a universal fact. One that transcended worlds and Realities. Games too. Setting up such a site could and would not have gone unnoticed.


    What would come of it was something she''d not know or expected but it had been within her realms of calculations. Akasha''s calculations more like. Still, both were one and the same. So it counted as hers.


    The next step was to actively create scenarios where her kids would be introduced to the world in a way that rippled. It wasn''t hard. Some situations were just there for the taking. Red Goblin attack, a squabble for chieftaincy, and stories passed down by demi-mortals. But of course, there were points where there was no perfect setting.


    So she had Akasha make the perfect setting. The rest was left to her children. After all, even with quests, it was all about clicking a yes or a no.


    [Pre-Glacius]


    The dark sky was made even more foreboding by the storm clouds that covered it. Streaks of lightning flashed within them. Large gusts of unseen wind tearing through canopies. Pellets of rain hit the ground at a ferocity that had never been seen before. Unknown and unseen by all, the clouds were fueled by an energy that was very uncommon and hard to grasp. Ether. Its presence brought a strange effect in the storm clouds gathering for a normal rain shower. Lightning danced within the clouds jumping from one to the other as it chased the energy that pervaded the clouds. Its passage seemingly increased with ferocity as it made each jump across the clouds.


    The following boom of its thunder shaking the heavens or was it the earth was a continuous peak that kept many a lifeform awake. But it wasn''t this noise that brought disaster. While the living beings on this continent getting wracked with this storm ignored or weathered through it a very obvious problem arose. The lightning was getting thicker and thicker.


    Below, within the thick vines, sturdy and overgrown draping greenery, various creatures began stirring. None knew what it was, but they could sense the danger in the air. It was hard to go out due to the dangerous winds and rain pelting everything. but it was also clear that staying in place was not viable.


    The life forms that called the forests and fields home were agitated. A rush, unlike nothing seen before occurred as the storm grew. Moonlit lynxes, Moonshadow Panthers, Emberwinged Butterflies, Shadow Foxes, Starlight Ferrets, and Twilight Owls all rose from their slumber or various activities to flee. Even Flutterhoofs and Flamestriders raced side by side in herds and prides.


    This large mass movement didn''t go unnoticed.


    *


    [The Bow''s Eye - Frostfalls]


    The large forest that was currently undergoing a stampede as tits inhabitants fled was called the Bow. None knew how it came to have such a name or why it was called as such. They just knew that was its name. The strange thing about the bow was how unending it was. How dangerous its insides were. Its length spanned as far as the eye could see. Within lay monsters that were so ferocious and so wild, that the mortals dared not venture in.


    This effectively created a wall of obstruction between those on this side and the rest of Lumina. With the sea at their backs and seafaring far from their minds it was a place they now called home. The rest of the world or continent far forgotten. It was here in this Edgelands as its people so fondly called it that some of the Moonborns found themselves.


    In the beautiful town of Frostfalls named after the waterfalls that froze into breathtaking icy formations in the winter season. Their walls and gates were made of wood, stone, and surprisingly thick ice. Some parts of their town were naturally constructed into the sides of the mountain base where they sat.


    The very first mountain beyond the bow, the very first town beyond it. The first stop of the nomadic Moonborn tribes. The Bow''s Eye.


    The horns of a Flamestrider let loose a deep and vibrating hum that echoed into the night. Held tightly in the dark by the pale-skinned hands of its blower the horn let loose much of the bellow generated from the air its blower could give. White long hair billowed in the winds of the storm and goosebumps from the cold spread over his pointed ears.


    The noise stopped abruptly as the Moonborn rushed to take in another fresh bout of air and blew harder into the Striderhorn. It''s hum rattling and vibrating through the town.


    "You can shut it now Alarion. If the townsfolk didn''t hear the first, didn''t hear the Widow''s second and..."


    BOOM!!!!


    The lightning gathering all the while in the clouds erupted. It was no thick singular blast that caught a specific portion of the Bow. No. It was a rain of lightning heralding thunder.


    Alarion staggered back, his captain forgotten. Both stood still they watched the skies seethe and rage against the earth.


    "They''ll definitely hear that". Eldrin muttered. He shook his head and then looked to the young watch guard. He was barely 19 winters born. "Settle yourself. It''s just a storm". He refused to look in that direction which was hard considering the lightning rain was now spreading far into the Bow. "A very bad one. Say what, I''ll take the rest of your watch. You''ve earned it".


    Alarion looked torn between glee and worry. His nerves were frayed but he knew part of it was from needing sleep. ''And the first sun spars as well''. It wasn''t even an option he would refuse.


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    "Are you sure captain, I can still keep watch". Of course, he wouldn''t show that. Negligence could be problematic.


    "Just go to bed". Eldrin waved him off. With a nod unable to hide his glee the young Moonborn sun and made to rush off when he paused.


    As a Moonborn he was born with excellent Dark vision. It was nothing like the one the Qitsarlmers possessed or the little color blend the Argonnes used. No, this was something else. If players could see this now they''d spit blood in shock as most would realize this was a tracking system in a Moonborn''s eye.


    "Captain?". Eldrin frowned turning to scold the child who had yet to take up the favor granted. Alarion shakily raised a hand finger stretched and pointing to the distance. Eldrin''s eyes followed.


    Both Moonborn took in the scene their gaze reflecting the almost sky-high flames and tracking the moving forms of hundreds if not thousands of lifeforms. All of which were headed straight for them.


    "Alarion". Eldrin didn''t need to look to realize his left hand was already gripping his sword sheath tight. His head turned slowly. So slowly it looked like he had a stiff neck. "Get to the heart of the town and blow that Widow''s kiss horn".


    Alarion spun and ran. Sleep and the desire for rest were gone from his eyes. Bones that once ached now silent. In his left hand held tightly was the Striderhorn.


    The sound of the bellow filled the streets of the small town. Annoyed grumbles and sleepy-eyed fellas who''d ignored the storm rushed out of their homes to find the perpetrators. What most found was a city in panic. A sky of gray and flashing lightning and a red glow in the distance. Panic rose even amongst these ones but it was also clear that staying in place was not viable.


    At the wall, Eldrin watched the madness.


    *


    Alarion didn''t like running. He didn''t even know why anyone would like running. ''Definitely necessity''. Mentally agreeing that just as he was doing something he didn''t like in a bid to warn others maybe others other did something they didn''t like for an important reason.


    The Striderhorn was no longer with him. It was held in another''s hand and blown by the lips of the news crier. No, Alarion had better things to do. Better places to be. His feet carried him far past the weapons smith and straight to the Council halls. His heart palpitated as his eyes found the sturdy structure of rock and timber.


    The Monois Rel was the chambers of importance. The meeting point of all Moonborn in the Bow''s Eye. Unlike other races Moonborns saw none as above them. Only age was respected and even then it was simply a respect for weathering the ages. Which was why Alarion, even as he grasped the little beater on the floor next to the door, hesitated.


    Moonborns were a calm and gentle bunch until one tried to boss another. The inherent pride within a Moonborn found all manners of instructions or commands as an insult unless the respect for the one giving it was there.


    It was why he found it easy to obey Eldrin. The man had his respect. Rendi was a whole different matter.


    Alarion shook his head. ''This is no time for foolish thoughts''. With a mental reprimand he lashed out at the door. Made of Hollow Spine Tree the door allowed sound to roll through it and then out in a din that was closest to a vibration.


    Moonborns confused and frightened all over the town of Frostfalls turned their gazes in the direction of the sound. Alarion ignored the looks and murmurs behind him as he kept pounding on the door. His fist flew forward again and struck a softer and yet sturdy material.


    "I''m here you can stop knocking". Rendi was a taller Moonborn male. His white hair and well defined features hiding the fact that he was several hundred years old. Of course it meant nothing to most Moonborn as older Moonborns couldn''t be counted on any number of palms.


    "Rendi. The Bow blazed and the creatures of its roots flee our way!". He spoke just loud enough to make sure that everyone who could would hear. Rendi had not been known for his good decisions in the past and if not that higher ages had not been shown to cause mind retardation he''d have been shifted from his postion oas the oldest Moonborn.


    Yes, while the Moonborns had an ick for authority and superiority complex figured they were not delusional to the fact that order and law was needed which was tlwhy the oldest of them was always granted the right and opportunity to lead the masses.


    Of course with people like Rendi it got harder to respect this decisions. Luckily the Monois Rai were not a singular figure.


    "What below the Hoofs are you ranting about?". Rendi muttered. Alarion foivhtoast his disgust and simply pointed to the sky past the town walls. Even from here the glare of the burning forest was harsh. Gray smoke gathering in the sky like a herald of chaos.


    "Is the fire spreading out way, at what rate?". Alarion was shocked by the question. It wasn''t one he''d expected Rendi to ask.


    "It''s not spreading. But it''s chasing all the wild life ourbwya like I said". Rendi seemed relieved then turned with a sharp step obviously aiming to summon the rest of the Monois Rai. They were already pouring out the house, all seven of them.


    Rendi had Alarion fill him in before all eigth heads began knocking together. Alarion hated this moments. A decision was usually hard to come to . Especially for the Monos Rai. His hand itched and his feet jerked. His head kept turning to the town walls where Eldrin was.


    "We''ll have a problem when the Thunderhoofs reach our wall". A Monois shouted at another Monois. Alarion frowned at how these folks were turning this into an argument. His eyes turned back to the burning fires and his lips became a line.


    "Then we keep them from reaching our walls. What exactly are we debating?. Running back into the Edge lands is no choice. We have this point for a reason and a little fire won''t chase us off".


    "Little!". Rendi spat his eyes shaking. "You call that..." His hand pointed to the sky. "...little!". Alarion eyed everyone there with a sigh.


    "I say we arm the guards and whoever can help to keep the wildlife away from our walls". Another Monois, Lariela spoke. Her eyes were firm and invited no arguments.


    "We lack the proper resources to fend off the creatures of the forest and I am sure there are a lot more".


    "And how would you know that!" Alarion barked. All eyes burned to him. A freezing shook swept through him for a moment as he thought of folding in on himself but Moonborn mentality, a very racial issue found the very idea repulsive. That repulsion had him straighten out and face down everyone.


    "Captain Eldrin of the Guard stands on that wall watching the creatures, waiting for us". Many eyes returned to the wall and Alarion could see someone in the town shuffle off to the wall. ''Probably lady Telarin''.


    "We have the weapons to hold them back. The artisans to keep our hands full. I say we protect our town. It''s all we have. And if those creatures with less than quartz a mind break through our wall what does it say off us".


    The bad thing about Moonborn refusing to bend the knee was their idea of none defeating them either. Which meant that Alarion putting it out there created a visible reaction in the elders. It was like lacking air and then coming for it . The very thought and idea of it making their skin itch like an allergy.


    "You''ve spoken well son of Rendi". Lariela nodded to him. Alarion stiffened at the last part but just shrugged it off. "You have proven and shown more mind and courage than your Father".


    "You heard the Moonborn. Those who can head for the wall. Those who can''t may please assist in transporting any resource we need to the wall". By making it a plea or idea the Moonborn remained in charge of their decisions which was the way of life.


    Then another call was sounded from the Striderhorn. The sound shook the air. Rattled their ears and make hearts beat.


    "Their at the walls" A Monois whispered.


    Alarion dashed off, his mind racing as he headed for the wall. A dull thud filled the air and the ground vibrated. Alarion slid to a stop on the rocky ground of their town. ''The Thunderhoofs''.


    BOOM


    ''They''re here already ''. He took off again shifting his shock behind him. Sailing down the path he came from with speed he rushed for the ladder stair that took one up to the wall edge. The wood was noiseless as he stomped up it, the only sound a dull timbre of his boots. Ascending up the final rung stair he stopped at the sight of Eldrin.


    The man gave him a once over look and sighed. "All that run and you forget a sword".


    Alarion frowned. "I''m not that good with one". His eyes took in the wall and the fellow more experienced guards on it. They were not that much.


    "The grab a spear. Use the pointy end to keep anything at bay and ..."


    "I know how to use a spear". He muttered.


    "Good. Hopefully it won''t be called for". Eldrin''s gaze said otherwise. His eyes locked on a herd of Thunderhoofs below.

 The Primordial 2 - 9

    "Bulls, it had to be bulls. Why not Elks or Reindeers?" Eldrin murmured to himself. Alarion didn''t bother with a reply as he took in the sight. A family of Thunderhoof bulls, the latest of the Thunderhoof family kept smashing their twin horns into the wooden wall.


    "If not for the stones Meladrel worked into the walls last four Winters they''d be through faster". Eldrin frowned. Alarion said nothing as an image of the Moonborn came to mind. It seemed the town would have him to thank for the little respite. Still, it wasn''t a certainty to be enough.


    "Captain Eldrin. We have a problem". Themeriel, a female Moonborn with beautiful black eyes stood to Eldrin''s left.


    "What?". His eyes remained on the ground below where the Thunderhoof bulls were ramming into the logs. Each hit sent vibrations up the wall. Eldrin''s face was locked in a frown. Alarion didn''t doubt the Moonborn had a plan. No, what he suspected the captain was thinking about was how to keep his guards safe.


    "Flamestrider. A pride of them". Eldrin''s head whipped up to Themeriel. His lack of questioning was evident in the experience he had with the named beasts. Alarion couldn''t help his eyes clicking to the man''s left ear. Where knife ears were missing the point. A gift to a Flamestrider.


    "The back mountain pass".


    Themeriel nodded. The mountain pass was a bad path that could not be used by any humanoid which was the reason it had been ignored. Until the Flamestriders and beasts of similar build had shown just how good at climbing rocks and boulders they were. Eldrin had lost the tip of his ear to one.


    And now those same creatures were taking a well-known path to flee from the fire. Eldrin turned his head slightly to look at me. I kept my gaze on him, an attempt to hide my ogle at his ear.


    "You''ll need that spear now".


    *


    The Burning Bow ??


    The trees creaked as their once sturdy barks gave way to the ferocious flames. There was something just different in the flames. It had the ferocity of a normal flame and yet had a more lethal and effective touch. It was harsh.


    Lysandere glared with animosity at the fire that surrounded his family. The flames reflected on their beautiful skins and made them feel warmer than usual. Hot actually.


    "We''re lost Lemusa. Face it. With the flames we could never find our way out of this mess". A female Moonborn with teary eyes persuaded her friend. Lysandere dared not speak as he knew anything he said could be a volatile switch for his wife. He wasn''t known for his particularly endearing or thoughtful words and Lemusa''s fright for their baby girl Elrenao was at its highest.


    His eyes cut back to the brave girl hugging him tightly while her body shuddered. They had to move fast. Staying in one place for long was tempting the flames'' hotness.


    "That way". He pointed. While all the marks and and fauna he needed to trace his way back to the forest exit were all gone Lysandere couldn''t and wouldn''t tell them that. All he had to do was keep them moving.


    Without a look to confirm if they were following, he hurried forward. The last thing you wanted to do was to delay in here. Lysandere had barely crossed more than five steps when a loud creaking sound came from ahead. The rows of burning trees caught his eyes as he brought up a hand to halt the others. A snap sounded and he almost flinched, head darting around and eyes jumping from tree to tree seeking the perilous one.


    CRACK


    SNAP


    The deadly sound of wood giving beneath weight erupted in the forest and like wrath from the skies, a tall tree billowing with flames crashed into their path. ''There goes that way''.


    With its length and fire they had no choice but to cut around. Not like it mattered considering he didn''t even know if he was going the right way. He turned back to the others and frowned. The look of fear on their faces was a sight he didn''t want to think of. All he wanted was to get his family out of here. Emotions could come later.


    "Let''s cut around it".


    "What if that was a sign of it being the wrong path?" Tyrone spoke. Lysandere eyed his brother. He was always quick to speak when scared. He had no idea how he could be scared now when he had to stay alive.


    "Sign from what?".


    "The Alkis?. It has to be". Tyrone waved his hand as if he didn''t understand why Lysandere wasn''t thinking the same.


    "And what next? This fire was from the Alkis too?" He almost scoffed but the nod from his brother just made him shake his head.


    "The lightning that came and that sound was like nothing I''ve ever...''


    " You''ve never seen lightning, Tyrone. Stop making up..."


    " I have. And this this was different ".


    "Let''s just go. Well head that way". Lysandere pointed to his left and without a word turned and walked off his arms cuddling his daughter tighter. The talk of Alkis was something he didn''t care for. It was a debate as old as he was. From the times of his parents and even now. The speculations and topics. The suspicions and hope or perhaps lack of hope.


    He''d bln3wvt believed in them. Not when a Thundercat had taken his father and he''d asked for help. Not when his mother had inhaled Widow Kiss toxin by accident. He didn''t believe it.


    ''If you want to be safe and get something done right. You do it yourself. You believe in yourself. Not some made-up thought or idea or...''


    " Da!". His little girl''s shout broke him out of his thoughts. Halting he pulled her back and away from him as he looked her over in worried fright. Her eyes though were behind him. Seeing nothing on her he turned to see the others just appearing out of the side of a somehow safe tree.


    Lysandere was about to turn thinking his girl was telling him the rest were not keeping up when he saw it.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    The tree he''d just noticed. The one not burning. No. It was what lay at its shriveled and charred roots. In the center of a wide hole that wasn''t quite deep. Just a mere crater.


    "Lysandere. It''s, it''s a child". Tyrone his brother called out to him as he stopped at the edge to look at the form lying there. For all his cowardice in danger, Lysandere appreciated his brother''s good heart.


    Just not now. For all he knew the child could very well be dead. He was at the feet of the tree before he realized it though, looking down into the hole. Everyone else was surrounding the hole and while the forest raged with fiery flames around them none moved. The reason was simple enough.


    Lying there, in a white gown that was as simple as it was plain was a little Moonborn child. The girl supposedly no older than his teenage daughter back in Frostfalls was the example of an impossible beauty. Even just the side profile of her face told Lysandere her looks weren''t normal.


    But that was an issue for later. Now. They had a fire to get out of.


    "Tyrion. Dermerl get her out". The last of the males with them, his brother''s friend nodded and he along with Tyrone stepped into the crater. Lysandere took a moment to take in the scene around her.


    Burnt ground, a crater, and a splash of what he was sure to be damage of some sort. A charred and burnt-up tree. Flames roared in a circle around them and yet for some reason not daring to approach any closer.


    Lysandere felt like taking a step back but didn''t. His brother and friend picked the girl up and together dragged her out of the crater.


    "Let''s get out of here". Picking the girl up bridal style the friend followed the rest.


    No one noted the subtle pause of the flames, the tiny dart of unseen blueish-gray mists that trailed after them. No one noticed the blue energy that leaked from the girl''s finger and even if they knew none could see it.


    Somehow they found themselves outside the forest faster than before. Looking back all of them watched wide-eyed as a passage that the rushed four of was engulfed into the forest fire.


    ''Like it was waiting for us to get past''. Lysandere thought. His eyes narrowed as his head itched to turn and take a look but he refrained. "The Town''s not far from here. Let''s..." His words died in his throat as he and the others took a look at the madness that was the plains between their town and the forest.


    "What in the Widow kiss?!".


    *


    Eldrin led a small group of guards to the mountain pass to the west of Frostfalls. Each one held a burning torch in their left hand as they approached, ready for danger. The town built into the mountain base meant that there was no way in except through the gates or like the Flamestriders were attempting over the mountain itself. With the walls buried in between rock and mountain, it left the edges of the town as part of nature.


    Meaning that the only way around was to hike up the west or east trails till you found the paths leading into the Edgelands.


    The animal didn''t have such thoughts. All they saw was a wall, one that provided protection and as such they were hell-bent on getting in. To Eldrin''s left stood Themeriel and to his right Alarion. Behind him, two more Moonborn guards, more experienced ones, followed.


    Reaching the position on the mountain they were at now was made easy due to traversing the wall of the town. But that was all it had been. Now they stood at an incline where climbing was near impossible. Coming down though while easier was uncontrolled.


    "This is it. We hold them here. With the narrow path their numbers mean nothing, with the decline for them, control and finesse are lost in any attack they can put to bear".


    Eldrin turned to the five guards that were being them. "Handreil and Thomas, you both be ready to put arrows into whatever comes down from there.". He turned to the remaining three. You three protect our backs and make sure any of the beasts that get past us don''t get past you.


    "And finally..." he focused on the two experienced guards. "We''re up front". Both Moonborn nodded. Eldrin sent a glance at Alarion and Themeriel. "Watch your backs. Amd be ready to strike when needed". The two Moonborns exchanged glances. Neither had ever worked with the other nor trained with the other so the sudden pair was disjointing as none knew if they could trust the other.


    Alarion glanced at the Moonborn ready to ask her what their plan would be.


    "Don''t get in my way. And don''t get me killed". The two statements dried up any sort of camaraderie he might have felt.


    "Then don''t die" he spat. Turning he walked off to the side trying to keep the annoyance off his face. It was something he was unable to do as one thing Alarion hated more than anything was arrogance. Yet another feature that drew him to Captain Eldrin. The Moonborn had not a single arrogant bone. Sure, yes, confident, true. But definitely not arrogant.


    Behind him he could hear the other guards, inexperienced ones just like him chuckle and murmur to himself. Alarion just sighed already guessing what rumors the stupid Moonborns would spread. His palm tightened around the spear he held. His hand turning red from the exertion.


    That was when the first sound of rocks tumbling down the incline echoed into the night. Eldrin made a wave of the hand and everyone, talking or not got ready.


    The guards positioned themselves as Eldrin instructed, their senses heightened and their grip on weapons firm. The flickering light from their torches cast dancing shadows on the mountain path, amplifying the tension that hung in the air.


    Eldrin''s eyes were sharp, scanning the incline for the first signs of movement. Beside him, the two guards Liveriel and Yetmeil had their eyes peeled as well. Themeriel and Alarion behind them took deep breaths steeling their resolves, their expressions forming masks of determination. The sound of rocks tumbling grew louder, the crunch of sand, rock, and stone getting crushed reached their sensitive hearing.


    Eldrin made a quick glance behind him. His message was clear They were here. Anxiety and fear washed through many of them.


    From the incline, the first Flamestrider emerged. It was a large beast, resembling a massive feline with a mane of red similar to fire that swayed and billowed around its head. Its eyes burned with a yellow predatory intensity, and it let out a low, menacing growl as it spotted them.


    "Hold your ground!" Eldrin commanded, his voice steady. "Remember your training!"


    Themeriel and Alarion slipped into battle stances, both ready to act and flank Eldrin if needed. Themeriel''s sword gleamed in the firelight, while Alarion''s spear was poised for a precise strike. As the Flamestrider lunged forward, Eldrin moved with practiced agility, sidestepping and bringing his sword down in a powerful arc. The blade met the creature''s side, eliciting a howl of pain and fury. The other guards hacked into its side making it stumble back. To his right, the third guard made a sharp thrust that ripped blood from the Flamestrider''s front limb.


    A roar from behind had Eldrin cursing. From the incline bounded down two more Flamestriders. "Get ready to hold it..."His voice tapered off as the first leaped straight over them. The second went on and then pounced on the wounded Flamestrider. Using it as a boost it pounced over the guard and like its partner landed behind the guards.


    Alarion roared to get the nerves out of his body, thrusting his spear at the closest of the two new enemies targeting the beast''s exposed flank. The spearhead penetrated deep, and the Flamestrider recoiled, its fiery mane flaring angrily. Themeriel took the opportunity to slash at its legs, her movements swift and deadly. But the other one wasn''t having it. Ignoring the attacks that came from Eldrin and the guards trying to catch its attention it pounced at the Moonborn.


    Her sharp reflexes got her out of harm''s eyes and rolling to the edge of the wall. Behind the front line, Handreil and Thomal released a volley of arrows. The arrows, tipped with iron steel heads, found their marks in the beasts stalking Themeriel and Alarion.


    Alarion followed, causing his to stumble and slow while Themeriel''s snarled again baring its wide fangs but halting its advance. More roars came from up the incline and Eldrin cursed loudly while Alarion tried his hardest to kill the beast faster. Themeriel back on her feet kept her predator off with the powerful swings of her iron steel sword. The snarls and roars did little to hide the sound of more Flamestriders coming.


    Fortunately, it was just in time too for Eldrin''s Flamestrider to fall dead. The captain took a deep breath and rushed for the incline mouth. Behind him, the two guards followed.


    The narrow path would work to their advantage, funneling the Flamestriders into a confined space where their numbers meant little. Still, if they jumped, Eldrin gave the guards a look one that they understood.


    They''d be waiting to meet the flyer behind with <u>swords</u>.

 The Primordial 2 - 10

    Lysandere and his group, carrying the mysterious girl from the forest, were halfway sneaking through the plains. The rise and fall of the grasslands made it easier to hide behind mounds of grass and sand. To stay still when a herd or pack of beasts passed by. Yet even as they rushed for the wall they argued their next move. The heat from the flames they were leaving behind still reaching them. The sounds of their animal visitors seeking to bring down their walls or gates.


    "We can''t go back to the gates." Lysandere argued again, this time glad they were close enough to see why. "The beasts are everywhere, and the gates won''t open in this madness. Our best chance is to follow the mountain path. Even if the gates did open I doubt we''d be able to get there through all that". He motioned to the crowd of roaming and panicking beasts.


    It was a battle royale everywhere. The not-panicking creatures were more of the predators using this chance to have a buffet. Here and there blood stung the air red lifeblood flowing from carcasses either being feasted on all left there. Some beasts it seemed were just killing for the fun of it.


    Lemusa, looking at their daughter Elrenao tightly clutched by her husband nodded reluctantly. "But what if more of those creatures are up there?".


    "That and the incline is quite steep. I heard it''s impossible to climb". Tyrion added.


    "Especially with loads" Eplirier, Tyrion''s friend added. It was clear he meant no disrespect or harm but simply spoke what he was bothered about. He was right too. Lysandere didn''t know if he could make the climb with his girl holding on to him. But he already knew that...


    "We have no choice," he shook his head, his voice grim. "It''s the only way." They''d just have to do their best.


    With no further argument, the group began their journey to the base of the mountain passage. The path or lack of was treacherous. Wild beasts here and there, herds of running prey stampeding from their hunters. Curious creatures that could draw attention by watching and following them. Lysandere couldn''t explain how they got to the mountain base unharmed and without trouble but he didn''t question it.


    "Alright. We''re here". His eyes traveled up the path and winced as he saw all the harsh possibilities of falling. It would be a very dangerous move. Even worse he didn''t know how they would get the girl up there with them.


    A squeal and snarl from behind them was enough to get them going. Tyrion went up first Elrenao clutching onto his back with a vice grip while her eyes stuck to her parents, Her only consolation was Lemusa climbing next. Then the hard part. The girl. If this was a normal path one person could have carried her but as it was this wasn''t a good route.


    Tearing off several strips from his robe Lysandere tied the girl like a puppet to Eplirier and then nodded at him. The climb began and it was clear how difficult it was for Eplirier to move with the extra baggage.


    Lysandere watched from below as they climbed ready to make a catch for anyone that slipped or rolled down. The path made it so falling was hard, yet rolling without stopping was another matter.


    The climb was treacherous, the incline steep and the ground unstable. Every step was a struggle, but the fear of the beasts drove them forward. Every time a sound that wasn''t normal echoed everyone paused and kept their heads down. Not like they could do anything else. The climb would continue and it went on this way till the came out above the mountain. Now was the actual harder part. Getting down. Unlike before falling was even harder here as a single mistake could send you tumbling in a painful roll.


    Like before they kept up their journey. Soon they could see lights below. And with those lights came other things. As they neared the edge, they could hear the unmistakable sounds of combat. Lysandere''s heart raced as he recognized the sounds of battle. The roar of beasts, the cries of Moonborns, and the yelling of orders.


    "Stay close," he instructed the others his voice low and urgent as he crawled past them and shuffled down the path.


    They all crawled past the mountain rocks blocking the view of the town to see the sight of the captain and his guards engaged in a desperate fight against the Flamestriders. The sight was terrifying¡ªthe guards fighting valiantly both for their lives and the people in the town. Lysandere could see young Moonborns amongst the guards. His fists tightened. The sheer number of beasts was overwhelming.


    "Hand Elrenao to Lemusa". He whispered urgently to his brother. The transaction went off fast and without a sound. Lysandere stroked the hair of his wife and daughter. "We''re going to distract the creatures. Run straight for the guards and don''t stop". Not letting her get any word in he turned to Eplirier.


    "Take the girl and run with my family, get behind the guards". He ordered. Fortunately, he was someone Eplirier respected which was why he didn''t get a good measure of Moonborn disrespect at giving the order.


    The Moonborn rose firming his steps and then with a nod to the others dashed forward.


    " Follow". Lysandere whisper shouted.


    " Go!. Now". His brother urged too. Both Moonborn siblings without even a glance or acknowledgment dashed down the incline past their family, past Eplirier, and halted at the end of the mad battle in such a way that they formed meat shields.


    The moment Lemusa and Eplirier rushed past both men paused watching. Lysandere saw just as one of the Flamestriders turned its head almost catching sight of the runners.


    "Over here!" He shouted, waving his arm to get its attention. He got more than its attention. All the Flamestriders turned to see the enemy behind their back. A shiver rushed over both brothers spines. Still, this was a boon for the fighters, one that Eldrin capitalized on.


    His eyes widened as he saw Lysandere and the others., noted the beasts turning to them. "Hold your ground!" he barked to his men. "We have Moonborns to aid".


    A split-second decision warred in his mind as he saw the farthest beasts stalk for the two men just as the Moonborns, both carrying people rushed past his lines and were covered by Alarion and Themeriel.


    His eyes found Themeriel. With a quick move, he moved and stole her blade. Spinning he shouted at Alarion. "Throw your spear to the edge". Then he was dashing forward. It was a sight unbelievable to the guards as they watched their captain throw himself at the beasts.


    Themeriel frozen in shock was whipped out of it as she heard Alarion yell at her. "Get back". Then he took a running step. His mind uncaring of the fact he was about to go weaponless. When Eldrin gave an order you obeyed. He threw his spear.


    Eldrin jumped over a Flamestrider, the beast distracted failed to catch him as his legs kicked off it and to the next one. He was fast, jumping from one to the other until he landed with the two Moonborns. Just as a spear found its spot right next to the second man.


    "How in Widow''s kiss did you get here?" He asked with a grin as he handed Lysandere Themeriel''s sword. The man simply sighed. Tyrion was already pulling out the spear from the ground.


    "You know". Lysandere answered. Eldrin shrugged and then faced off against the beasts. Now surrounded the beasts were cautious and slightly panicked. On the other side, Themeriel bounded back two swords in hand. Alarion gave her a surprised look.


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    "I thought you wouldn''t get me one". He chuckled. The Moonborn glared him down but the boy was too scared of the beasts to give her threatening glares a thought. Both stepped forward to stand next to the two guards left by their captain.


    The Flamestriders were only six left. Three had fallen already to Eldrin and the guards, his spear, Themeriel''s blade, and the other''s arrows.


    The beasts though were powerful. Just one enough to take down and kill two grown Moonborns. And there were six. It was only the captain''s experienced orders that had kept them unharmed yet. The beasts seemed to realize this too as four pounced their way and the other two faced the three men.


    Blades, fists, claws, and maws clashed in a loud bang, roars, and screams of defiance. The first injuries came.


    A muscled tail swept Tyrion off his feet. Eldrin held off one while Lysandere attacked his brother''s enemy. Pride at the fact that his cowardly brother would stand up for himself and his family filled him. ''If mother could see him now''. He murmured in his mind. Still, he knew that it wouldn''t matter if they fell here. His eyes found his family standing behind the fight a safe distance away. Was the strange girl stirring?


    His eyes turned back just as quickly to the animal before him. If only he could kill it fast and the Iron steel sword could cut deep. The corpses around told of numerous hits needed to kill a single one.


    The Moonborn with bows released arrows into the group of four while the two protecting them rushed forward to aid.


    Eldrin cursed at the fools breaking his orders. But his attention was stolen by the Beast before him. Just in time for disaster to fall. One of the lagging Flamestriders having kept an eye on all the Moonborns found his prey. Alarion.


    He swung his blade in an amateur manner and with less experience. His marks missing and his attention slipped constantly to his fellow guard''s beast. The creature stalked closer. Alarion failed to see it, but Themeriel did.


    The beast rushed forward its muscles rippling as it crossed the non-existent distance. Mane billowing as it leaped into the air. Themeriel grabbed his robe shocking the Moonborn and tugged him out of the way turning.. The Flamestrider refused to go empty-handed.


    Claws the size of daggers cleaved through her back. Blood splattering, meat rending. Alarion stared wide-eyed as the Moonborn stumbled forward. The Beast landed and was already turning when an arrow sank into its flank. Another struck its limb. The Flamestrider barely flinched. It had only meat in its vision.


    It pounced. Alarion dashed forward. With the distance no more than a hand''s length from each other he bodied the girl out of the way and his blade raised to his face height jabbed forward. Iron steel met Flamestrider claws. A clink, a spark, grating of claw and blade, then a weight like two inner mine carts struck him.


    Everything played in Eldrin''s eyes from his location but he was too far off. So he jumped back out of his opponent''s grasp. Raised his hand, face twisted in a horrified glare, and threw his sword. It shot forward like a spear through the chaos of battle, badly reflecting the light from the dropped torches that lit up the wall, crossed between the two experienced guards. Both Moonborns were just turning to see the madness behind them even as their opponents took the opportunity.


    It reached the beast''s neck, just as the beast''s fangs positioned over Alarion''s neck but down. Right as Themeriel bodied out of the way found her head close to the edge of the wall. A hit that would likely send her to the afterlife


    Tyrion with his eyes widened in fright shouted, his spear dripping with blood from the cuts he''d managed to land. His heart beat like the mine picks of the mountain His hand shook. ''Is this is?''. If some of them fell then their swords were reduced. And their damage lessened.


    The blade was almost biting into the thing''s neck just as its fangs were already peeking blood. Then a shout that shook everyone to their souls filled the air.


    "STOP!".


    It was like a command that went deeper than flesh and blood. Past mentality and past ideals. It locked unto their souls, unto their very spirits. And all actions ceased.


    A hand covered in blue mists grasped Eldrin''s sword and pulled it out of the air. Everyone was frozen before this figure. Her white hair fluttered calmly as she took steps around them. With a calm touch, she set down swords, moved beasts to one side and mortals to the other side. Finally, it felt like the command over their souls vanished.


    Everyone unfroze, heads turning to see the source of the voice. Both Moonborns and beasts showing apprehension. The girl Lysandere''s group had carried from the forest stood at the center of both sides. Her eyes were covered in a haze of blue otherworldly light and her body oozing blue mists that also swirled around her. Her hair floated around her as if caught in an unseen breeze, and her hands were raised, emitting a soft, blue energy.


    "Enough of this!" she commanded, her voice echoing with a power that seemed to resonate with the very air around them.


    The Flamestriders backed up even more, fiery eyes fixed on the girl. The tension was palpable, the air thick with anticipation. Slowly, the beasts began to back away even more, their growls subdued as if cowed by the girl''s presence.


    Eldrin lowered his hand still stuck in the position of his throwing move, his eyes wide with astonishment. "How are you....?" his voice barely a whisper died as the girl raised a hand to the heavens and then brought it down with force. An invisible pressure bore on the earth.


    Everyone stumbled in shock only to gasp as they watched the Bow, once standing tall even in the flames get flattened to the ground. In all directions the bow stretched the fire was gone. And so was the forest.


    The girl turned to Eldrin, her glowing eyes softening. "I''m Freyja," she said. "Don''t attack animals." She smiled at him then turned her head to Themeriel who was now standing unharmed. The Moonborn was just as shocked as everyone to find not a mark on her. Her robe though told a different story.


    The Flamestriders standing to one side seemed to sense something as one by one each approached the female who crouched down. Eldrin and Lysandere flinched as they saw a mental image of the creatures tearing her apart. It was nothing like that. Each one Kay at her feet, nuzzling against her and licking her. The laughs of a teenage Moonborn field the air. Mixed with it was the confusion palpable from the watching Moonborns.


    Lysandere approached the girl, his heart pounding in his chest. His eyes locked on the beasts that looked at him and then away as if he was boring. Beasts that not a minute ago wished to take his head. "Freyja," he said softly. The girl turned to him her hand rubbing a huge Flamestriders belly while its tongue lolled out. Swallowing at the madness he was seeing he forced out his words. "Thank you."


    She smiled faintly, the glow in her eyes finally fading. "Where am I?," she asked. "Oh right. Never mind. Mother already filled me in."


    Eldrin frowned at the term but said nothing as he walked to his sword dropped to one side and picked it up. He noted how the big cats stir.red</a>. He glanced at his sword and then at them before sheathing it. Turning he looked to Lysandere and motioned to the side.


    *


    "We will be happy to invite you into Frostfalls. You have saved us this night, Freyja. We owe you our lives. And some hospitality. My friend here says he found you in the forest while it was on fire. We believe someone might have tried to hurt you. We assure you we will get to the bottom of it".


    The girl blinked at them. Looked to the cats that gave her a look that said ''Mortals. Crazy two-legged people ''. Then she stared back at Eldrin.


    "I assure you no one hurt me. I just landed wrong and hit my head". She assured.


    "You landed wrong. Then you were climbing a tree when all this happened?". He asked waving to the now scorched bow curiously. "Must have seen the fire and tried to get down then slipped in panic. I apologize. Still you shouldn''t have been there on your lonesome you could have been ..." His words paused at remembering she petting Flamestriders. He shook his head.


    "Never mind. So who''s your family. I don''t believe you''re from Frostfalls. I know everyone here" he was crouched now. The tale-tell position he took when speaking to young kids too small to look down on. While she wasn''t that small she was still sitting with the cats so he had to take the position.


    "No. Came. from home. My siblings and I wanted to see how the mortal realm looked". Eldrin was sure he wasn''t the only one frowning at her term. Looking back at the others he found he was right.


    "What do you mean?".


    Freyja turned back to him and then opened her mouth. "Ah, sorry. I didn''t think that you mortals don''t realize we exist". She shot up to her feet and rushed to him. Eldrin stood in a stumble and found the girl just reaching his chest smiling up at him with a large and cute grin.


    ''Protect. At all costs''. His mind screamed at him. She was just too cute.


    "I''m Freyja Ironstone. Primordial Spirit. Fourth child of the Creator". She tapped her chin. "That''s Fifth now after very-very big brother came". She nodded then looked at all of them. "Your souls all look good and nice enough. May I heal your spirits though they seem a bit injured".


    No one said a word as silence held their thoughts'' grip. Yet the girl who just introduced herself as the daughter of the Creator stood there looking at them with a confused smile. It was clear she had no idea what was wrong with anything she said.


    Eldrin turned stiffly, more stiffly than when he saw the beast horde. "We might have to announce another Monois Rai". He spoke. Lysandere said nothing and just nodded dumbly.

 Universal Makeover

    The Alpha test was the most talked about event now, both on the forum and the news. Creation Online had gone the extra mile in keeping several secrets locked tight.


    The public still reeling from the several half-clipped streams with cinema-worthy battles was constantly hounding the company for details while the beta slots filled up even faster than before.


    Dester had texted something about only a dozen beta slots left.


    The company already had the timetable set and released to appease growing curiosity. The Alpha testers would have two weeks to settle into the game before the beta testers got introduced to the game.


    Worse was the news that any gameplay made would not be erased as everything would continue from there. It fueled annoyance from the public as many found it unfair and put the early players in favorable positions.


    Helen hadn''t cared about the banter as she simply logged back into the game.


    <blockquote>


    [CREATOR ONLINE??]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Welcome back to Creation Online Creator 79]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [We hope you enjoy the secrets unearthed even as your Lore spreads]


    </blockquote>


    Appearing inside the Lunar Castle where she had logged off after leaving the Center of Worlds Hildelith couldn''t help thinking of the new words in her display. Had they changed due to what she discovered in the Rifts or what The thought was shifted to the side as she was bombarded by a slew of notifications that dinged off in her mind. Leaving the Rifts and then attending straight to Tora and then Freyr had led to most of her notifications getting sidelined or ignored.


    Something The Will didn''t seem to appreciate as it now hounded her with the notifications she had skipped seeing before she had logged out.


    Seating on her throne of stalactites a sense of emptiness in the entire place reached her she opened up the notifications with a sigh.


    <blockquote>


    [FEAT - The Wild Hunt - You have faced the predator of the white forest and made it prey. You are the precursor of a glorious hunt.


    + 10 to Per


    + 10 to Mobi


    x2 Basic Dungeon Template -> Dungeon Creation


    Random Upgraded Gift Box


    [Tome of Insight - Maternal Blight]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [FEAT - Winds of Conquest - You are the first to conquer an Outer Realm Tower. First to Claim its City


    + 10 to Def


    + 10 to Might


    x2 Upgraded Dungeon Template -> Dungeon Creation II


    x2 Advanced Dungeon Template -> Dungeon Creation III


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Title - The Persistent]


    No matter the odds or lack of odds your resolve and mental focus in battles will be unshaken. Grants skill - Mind Aegis.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Mind Aegis - Your mind is a fortress, your will is its force. No mind scrying or reading, neither manipulation of any mental sorts from a being below the ?#?*#?# will affect you]


    </blockquote>


    The more Hilde thought of it the more she realized how fortunate it was for a Void Wolf to have come for Haero all those flows and timeless period back.


    Even more fortunate that she had slain it. It''s loot boosting her so far ahead. And now yet again she''d gotten the boost for being the first at something. Still, it made her Wonder when her forward pace would end. When she''d have to depend on herself and not the game gifts While she didn''t know what exactly most of the other creators would get as rewards, it was clear her rewards were magnificent.


    Scrolling through the list of rewards Hilde skipped the Tome as she found it unneeded for thr plans now. She ignored the box since it may tempt her to change something and she didn''t feel like doing so. The skill given by her Title made her shiver as she imagined it against the Destroyer and First.


    Then she got to the information on the dungeon templates and a smile bloomed on her face.


    "This solves two problems. You''re the reason for this change right," she smirked. A hum of agreement from Akasha was the answer. Since the game system lacked express control in her universe it had converted the templates into knowledge for the Akashic force to use. Of course, the thought came that this might be even harder than letting the system handle it. Yet she knew that if she wanted to be in control to an extent she had to keep sidelining the system''s influence.


    Hildelith could see various plans for the dungeon creation information in her head. Infact it coincided well with what she aimed to do here now. The Alpha players were coming. While Hildelith and Akasha had made frameworks of how the players would exist and their lore most things remained undone.


    Various plans had been brought to mind and then dumped but some set. All the mystery talks about this and setting that had finally caught up to Hildelith. There was no procrastinating she could do and she knew it.


    Which brought her to the now. "Akasha. It''s all set then". A hum of agreement went through her head again. Hildelith sighed. "Then let''s start with the very first item on the list".


    I relaxed back into my throne and closed my eyes.


    ''Descend''.


    *


    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Mid-Vaustaris


    Location - World Core Entrance


    Territory - Valley of Dusk


    The first thing on Hildelith''s mind had been gifting Akasha the body she''d promised her. The force had done her jobs so well and while she could have done even better her lack of being seen was a hindrance in some areas. So Hildelith decided the first thing to set was this.


    Akashic force gathered in the center of the Fortress town built around the World Core Entrance. On the walls of stone and wood stood Luminaries.


    "They''ve entered the iron age?". She''d seen clear signs of this when the knowledge of Freyja and Haero''s mortal encounters entered her mind but seeing it now even with the luminaries made it clear.


    "It would seem some of my limitations in creating words are slowly unlocking". Her null self wandered past the teeming roads and pathways of the fortress. Buildings filled with Luminaries, some having dull worn-out scales ans others still gleaming with a shine. Nearly every one of the Luminaries was girded in some protective attire only the other. The males were bare-chested revealing their gleaming armor of scales and physique. The females wore some leather-like armor. But both genders had these flowing red skirts around their hips with boots on their feet. Their tails swayed from a parting in the skirts that let her know they had a gap in their leather short pants underneath the skirts.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Most were armed with swords larger than them, or halberds of immense length. Hildelith blinked a y the sight of a Luminari woman walking past her with a large hammer bigger than even her on her back. And she was quite taller than them.


    ''How do they even carry those?''. She wondered. A part of her wanted to forget why she was here. To change into a little luminari girl and dash into the streets of this fortress habitat. Toss the stones and sand around like the children were doing, and laugh up into the skies. Tease some couples walking around. It was all so intoxicating.


    Hildelith shook her head and turned away.


    The position of the entrance had changed a lot. Not the hole itself but the protection around it. A large stone and wood tower had been built over the location. A smaller wall around it. From the more detailed dressing of the Luminaries around it and the better weapons, it was clear this was some noble abode.


    Walking right through the palisade she she admired the courtyard. Luminaries trained and sparred amongst themselves. It was all so interesting. But she found herself taking a left and walking around the still-growing castle. ''Soon, it''ll be a land of myths and legends. A medieval realm where adventures will whisper into the ears of normal folks and players will admire it all. My creation ''. A sense of pride and elation filled her.


    ''We''re here ''. Hildelith stopped. Her eyes found what she had come for. A roar shook the air and she looked up just in time to see a large dragon shoot over the castle top and into the distance. Vanishing behind the wall of wood and stone. A cheer rang from the villagers and guards training


    Another feeling of happiness filled her. Her boy had the happiness and joy of a people and children he deserved. With a smile, she turned back to what she came for. Past a small gate of wood was a garden. A ton of flowers and bushes with colorful leaves had grown in all directions. Red, purple, blue, green, pink. Name it.


    At its very center stood the flower she came for. Like it was protected by all the flora here. She saw a Starlight Squirrel steal a petal from it and bound back into the bush. A chuckle escaped her lips.


    "Are you ready?. Akasha".


    ''Yes. I am''.


    Hildelith didn''t need all the flowers here. No. She just wanted one golden rose. Still, seeing all the flowers around and even the amount of golden roses here she had a better idea.


    **Null -> Spirit**


    Her form changing she raised a hand and let Akashic force gathered on her palms. The blueish-gray mists condensed and then rolled up to her fingers where she made a pinching motion. The energy condensed into a tiny pebble of blueish gray. So small it wasn''t larger than a finger.


    Her lips parted as she spoke.


    "From the strands of nectar, you form". It was low yet visible. Wind subtly and slowly gathering.


    "From the immortality that flows through your stalks and leaves". The flower seemed to stand upright while another mist poured from her body.


    "From the soil and the air. The water and the sun". Storm clouds gathered in the sky at a rapid rate.


    "Give me the form I have dreamed and wished".The clouds formed an eye around the sun. Water dripped from her fingers to the ground and her eyes lost their pupils as they became stark white.


    "For my force to walk this realm. In flesh and bone. Blood and meat". A beam of light shot down from the sun, and the clouds surged upwards to catch the light. Splitting it into several rays of light that struck down like wishing stars.


    Hildelith manifested the Akasha-controlled and owned template and set it up on the Golden Rose. The template dissolved into aetheric mist and joined the mist that had poured from her body. Like a flood of gas, it poured into the patch of Golem Roses standing in the center of the garden just as the Wishing stars struck.


    A roar filled the air. Molliwag''s large size blotted out the sun for a moment as his wings created winds that would have blown her aether away if they were any other energy. Hildelith was in the moment having to control the very formation of what was being made which left Akasha to materialize before the dragon.


    Molliwag blinked his eyes in surprise.


    "Hold your breath boy". He growled but said nothing. Turning his head to the point where he could detect all those energies at work he found himself curious.


    "What does Mother make?".


    Akasha seemed surprised he didn''t ask what was happening but seemed to be sure she was making something. Noticing her stare the dragon smirked. "Haero said a lot about mother creating things".


    A burst of energy shook the area and both force and dragon noted the luminaries all getting attracted to the energies echoing here. Akasha watched as an Elder Luminari, one whose scales had lost their gleam and whose eyes now had a hardness from the times walked through the door and towards them or atleast the dragon. Behind him followed four Luminarian guards.


    Akasha turned away from them and back to the now dimming energy show. "It''s complete".


    Hildelith didn''t have to open her eyes. Rather her pupils returned and she took a deep breath. Guiding all those energies as Akasha showed her where to go was not easy at all. Now all that was left was the things to be born. And born they were. Tiny little physical beings that looked similar to Akasha''s first form when she had been born as a force.


    Each one lay wrapped in the petals of the Golden Roses as they slept. But Hildelith knew the truth. These were not fairies. They looked like it. But there were more.


    "It''s time". Akasha appeared in her mist little fairy form. Looking identical to the fairy beings that lay in the roses. The force looked up at her and then back to the flowers. Slowly she glided down and began splitting. Her form broke in a hundred and then a thousand as she darted into every fairy body in the roses.


    Molliwag was trying his hardest to see things from the L¨²minarian King''s viewpoint. Years had passed. Years that he was not even sure of in number. But to him, no sure thing had passed. The king knew the tales of their purification but still, he was adamant about his people not being ready for the prophecy of liberation.


    Molliwag didn''t care. He knew it was not yet the time. So he let the king rant and implore. The town was nice. It had gone even more than before. Some Luminari had left. Eager to travel the lands of Mid-Vaustaris. Several villages and towns all along had been set up. He''d taken it upon himself to check up on every last village holding his children. Spoken to their leaders and burned any threats to them.


    Then the king had seen reason. But still, he was uncomfortable. And now this. Molliwag didn''t like having to explain himself. Fortunately, he didn''t need to.


    Gasps and cries of awe filled the townsfolk gathered there, called by the phenomenons they''d taken notice of. Most were the weapon-wielding ones and it made Molliwag glad to see that even others not part of the King''s guards were let in here. Then he too turned to watch


    He didn''t know what he expected. Haero had told him a lot of things about Mother''s creating antics and he didn''t know what to think when he saw some of the things she''d already created. Seeing something she just created was a whole different matter. It filled him with curiosity and wonder. A sort of speculation about how this would affect the fabric of all that already existed and how she made it.


    Tiny motes of different colored lights rose from the Golden Roses. With his keen sight, he could see beyond the light balls to what lay within. Fairies. Wings glittering with dust and light as they flapped at tremendous speeds. Like the wings of the insects, he''d seen. They created a spiral of light leaving some of the colors around Mother until they shot into the sky. Some in all directions. Spreading around the town and going farther than the town. There were a lot of them. So many and so plenty. Few stayed behind and buzzed around the flowers though.


    Molliwag shook his head. Whatever Mother had made, he already knew it was for a good reason


    Hildelith stood there smiling brightly as she watched Akasha''s theatrics. That was until one flew right up to her and tapped her nose. The next moment Hildelith''s surroundings changed.


    A black stone altar with a sword embedded into it. Vines of black and writhing masses. An arm, large and muscular. Veins of red and long claws.


    The sword was pulled out of the stone and the writhing vines stopped pulsing. A roar of victory filled the air.


    The scene changed.


    She was staring down at the world. Plains of green and golden grasses that she recognized as wheat shook in a dance orchestrated by the wind. Dots of colors danced through the air and flickered from one direction to the other. They were numerous, thousands of them.


    One by one they began vanishing. Like the light of the stars getting snuffed.


    A golden rose stood proud. The terrain though was own that she didn''t recognize. Burned ground. Charred smoking heaps of corpses. A hand reached for the rose. The same hand. The same veins and the same claws. The rose was snapped free from the soil. It''s stalk writhed and died. Eroded in a rot that spread quickly.


    A clawed finger grabbed a petal and snapped it free.


    The scene changed.


    Blood littered the ground, soaked into the earth. The rivers were red. Corpses heaped across reddened fields and hung from trees, birds feasted. Cities burned. A myriad eyes from the heavens filled with hate, pain and rage watched.


    Hildelith stumbled back falling to her knees. Her hands shook. Her eyes widened. She felt the fear in the air from those scenes, the terror, the pain, and even smelled the death. The fairies were back rolling around her and showing of curious and confused faces.


    Yet the questions they had were the same ones she had. ''What just happened?''.

 Universal Makeover II

    Universe -The Star Rings


    Third Sphere - Nothingness


    Location - The Lunar Palace


    The prone and unmoving form of the Creator jerked and gasped. Her eyes flew open as she scrambled off the throne of stalactites. Her heart even in this form beat harshly and hard. The first was unlike anything she''d felt. The sense of hopelessness, and lack of faith in anything. It felt like, the end.


    "What was that?".


    ''Everything reacts in some way to everything''. Akasha buzzed around her head in fairy mist form. Two palms touched her cheeks. ''I believe that by making the Homunculi for me you did something. Connected something we don''t yet understand''. The fairy looked halfway to tears. A quick link showed Hildelith what she thought and a sigh.


    Pushing the dread and feeling gotten from that emotion aside Hildelith picked up the fairy and hugged her to her chest. "I''ve told you never to feel bad for something you didn''t do. Like I told you before it''s not your fault, and it''s not something you would have expected".


    ''But it''s what you made me for. To expect the unexpected''.


    " No. I made you to keep an eye on the universe for me ¨¤nd make sure nothing goes out of our purview".


    ''And even that I failed at''. She looked down.


    "I''m the one with the dread feeling here champ. You should be consoling me". She snapped with a grin. The fairy made to move when Hildelith stroked her hair. "Listen. No one can do what you do. Remember that. When you don''t get something right, take a step back and take a breath. Or in your case calm yourself. Then start again".


    Akasha looked up at me. ''You''re really not mad''.


    "Self-blame and rage is something I''m way past now.''. She smiled at her force. "Now. We do have to figure this out".


    "Check your notifications. When your skill activates whether you know it or not it shows the record. See which skill was used".


    A quick check showed exactly which skill was used. Hildelith had more confusion than understanding from seeing it.


    <blockquote>


    [Eye of Fate - Activated]


    [Eye of Fate - Deactivated]


    </blockquote>


    ''How?''.


    It was one thing for the game to see her fate in moments during a fight. Hildelith was certain it had to do with the game making the right calculations and simulations using everything the image had in her arsenal. Just like Akasha had done to see the calculations for the nightmare. But all of it depended on the game having all the mysteries to the puzzle.


    " No way it would know what would happen in the future. That would mean it could see into the future in a game. A game''s future is not set or anything so that''s as impossible as the fact that a game system could even look into the future ".


    ''I can''t do that''.


    " Exactly. That''s cause it''s impossible to". Hildelith looked around while walking up and down. Yet another puzzle to be solved.


    ''What if it did have all the puzzles? It doesn''t technically need to see the Future just calculate a probability and make it fate. When you were attacked by the hidden unknown it was fate that you changed or could have''. Hildelith stared at the fairy.


    ''What if it knew? This is a game. No matter what you do everything has a record. Especially what you did down in Vaustaris ''.


    " I made you. With a template. A template the system surely has access to". She whipped out the template to read it once more. She didn''t think there was anything on it that could create such a calculation.


    Akasha didn''t seem to agree though. ''I don''t think that line was there before''.


    ** Homunculus Template for the Akashic Force of the Creator**


    - **Name: [The Akashas]


    - **Type:** Divine Organic Construct


    - **Appearance:** A tiny, fairy-like humanoid with iridescent wings, ethereal golden skin marked with glowing runes, and a crystalline divine core that serves as a connection to the Golden Rose.


    - **Might: 2


    - **Mobility: 18


    - **Physicality: 2


    - **Foxus: 50


    - **Akasha: #####


    ** Racial Perks


    1. **Akashic Aura**


    The Homunculus emits a soothing aura imbued with Akashic energy, providing protection to itself and mimicking energy that heals its allies.


    - **Effect:** Increases the defense of all allies within a 5-meter radius by 10% and gradually heals them for a small amount of health over time.


    2. **Ethereal Agility**


    - **Description:** The Homunculus moves with supernatural speed and grace, making it difficult to hit and allowing it to perform acrobatic maneuvers with ease. It can appear and vanish into mystical energies of all origin.


    - **Effect:** Increases evasion rate by 25% and grants a 15% increase in movement speed and 50% acceleration effect.


    3. **Akashic Force/Knowledge**


    - **Description:** Connected to the Akashic Force, the Homunculus has an innate understanding of the universe''s workings and the force flowing through its body. This grants it foresight and enhanced perception as well as the capabilities to wield and use the mystical energy


    - **Effect:** Grants a 10% increase to critical hit chance, improves detection of hidden enemies or traps, allows the Homunculus to identify the weaknesses of its foes, and uses Akashic energy for magical benefits and spells.


    **Racial Abilities


    1. **Divine Core**


    - Unlike all life forms, the Homunculus is attached and connected to its core. The Golden Rose. From here it draws power and life.


    - **Effect:** Channel divine energy from the Golden Rose


    - **Cooldown:** none


    - **Akasha Cost:** [10/min]


    2. **Healing Light**(Optional)


    - **Description:** The Homunculus releases a burst of healing energy, mending wounds and purifying negative effects on nearby allies.


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    - **Effect:** Heals [specific amount] of health to all allies within a 10-meter radius and removes one negative status effect.


    - **Cooldown:** 20 seconds.


    - **Akasha Cost:** [150AP]


    3. **Divine Smite**(Optional)


    The Homunculus calls upon divine retribution striking down enemies and transgressors. While aiding allies.


    - **Effect:** Reduces 70%/50%/20% of enemy health 5/15/30 levels above her within a 10-meter radius. and removes one negative status effect.


    - **Cooldown:** 20 seconds.


    - **Akasha Cost:** [150AP]


    **Utility


    1. **Transmutation**


    - **Description:** The Homunculus can transmute one type of material into another for a short duration.


    - **Effect:** Transmutes a small amount of one material (e.g., lead to gold, iron to silver) for 5 minutes.


    - **Cooldown:** 30 minutes.


    - **Akasha Cost:** [1000AP]


    **Legend and Lore


    - **Creation:** Forged from the divinity within the golden rose that grew from the ground where the Creator''s divine blood spilled, this Homunculus embodies a fragment of the Creator''s power. Its fairy-like form allows the Akashic force to be present everywhere, both in spirit and in physical form.


    "I''m suddenly more interested in how you have optional racial Perks I don''t remember making so". She turned to eye the Fairy that tweedled her thumbs. Hildelith rolled her eyes and focused on the line that Akasha had pointed out for her.


    "I think that''s it". She paused. "No, wait. Yes, it''s obvious why that''s a reason to calculate that with the golden rose dying you''d all die. I also see how the golden rose would give someone power. Immortality. But the arm that grabbed the rose and sword were black and had red veins. Is there anything in my universe that would create such an effect".


    Akasha blinked and then frowned.


    "Crap. I guess that covers that then". It was clear how the game fate system worked now. Calculations. This calculation had led to a very dangerous possibility that could create some monster that even beings outside of Vaustaris would be unable to fight or something.


    "Wait I just realized something. Transmutation?. Since when?". She gave the fairy a look. The fairy gave her a titled head gaze and Hildelith sighed. "She couldn''t figure out Primordial Ice yet until she got to Glacial''s surface so she found another workaround didn''t she. Changing the states and complete make-up of all things". She blew a breath.


    ''This is the feeling parents have when their children are geniuses. You don''t have to ask. It isn''t. Hildelith glared at the fairy but internally chuckled. Her inner happiness vanished the moment her eyes graced the template again. Sigh.


    "But why did it even show me such a scene?. I mean it activated my Eye of Fate". Akasha sighed as well.


    ''The Universe is you, just as you are the Universe''.


    "I don''t like that phrase ".


    ''If Eye of Fate would show your Kidney getting impaled then think of Vaustaris like a kidney. It''s going to get impaled''.


    "Still the probability of someone, NPC or player finding whatever makes them have red veins, then learning somehow about the rose and finally getting it and what the hell even was that Black sword. I don''t think there''s anything or anyone with a sword like that. So where did it even get that one.". Hildelith sighed.


    She knew it didn''t matter. The sword was somewhere or the calculation was sure the sword would end up somewhere for this arm figure to get. It didn''t matter. What mattered was how to stop this or avert this.


    That was the moment something quite crazy happened. Hildelith had never questioned her Balanced aspect racial ability. It was quite clear enough after all. Her ability to control all energy made it more that clear. Which was why the next words confused her greatly.


    <blockquote>


    [Balanced Magic - Activated]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Eye of Fate has shown you a terrible event destined to occur. Chaos looms and yet you desire to bring order. As a Creator and a being of balance, dabbling excessively on one side is frowned upon by you. To avert this calamity, you have the choice of using Balance Magic to set chaos straight. To gain a spell you must spin the Primordial Order Roulette. This will grant you a spell that will significantly impact both your universe and yourself. Be mindful of your choice, for tipping the scales too far towards Order or Chaos will alter the fabric of your reality.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Primordial Order Choices:


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Primordial Order: Celestial Harmony


    - Effect:Aligns the user with celestial forces, enhancing control over Order. Increases stability and structure within the universe.


    - Physical Impact: Luminous aura, heightened resilience.


    - Mental Impact: Increased focus and clarity, but reduced spontaneity and lessened emotional setting.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Primordial Order: Eternal Stasis**


    - *Effect: Freezes certain aspects of the universe in a perfect, unchanging state. Greatly enhances Order but risks stagnation.


    - Physical Impact: Silver, crystalline skin, invulnerability to change.


    - Mental Impact: Perfect recall and strategic thinking, but aversion to change and anything strange or not similar


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Primordial Order: Divine Judgement**


    - *Effect: Calls down a powerful force of Order to cleanse chaos and restore balance. Significantly enhances Order, but risks overcorrection.


    - *Physical Impact: Radiant, angelic wings, increased physical strength.


    - *Mental Impact: Unwavering sense of justice, but reduced empathy for anything not order.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Primordial Order: Timeless Wisdom


    - Effect: Bestows ancient knowledge and foresight, greatly enhancing Order. Increases foresight and predictability within the universe.


    - Physical Impact: Glowing eyes of infinite depth, enhanced intelligence, but mindless application.


    - Mental Impact: Deep wisdom and understanding, but detachment from present events.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Primordial Order: Sacred Barrier


    - Effect: Creates an unbreakable barrier of Order, protecting against all chaos. Greatly enhances Order, but limits freedom.


    - Physical Impact: Aura of invulnerability, increased defensive capabilities.


    - Mental Impact:Strong protective instincts, but decreased adaptability and sense of self


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Select a Spell to determine your fate!


    </blockquote>


    Hildelith felt immense desire at that moment. It was clear that these spells were game-system spells. She''d never had a game system spell. It was deeply enticing, especially with the descriptions. Yet each time she was done with reading one description its effects would pour ice-cold water into her mind. Next to her Akasha remained silent evidently in the know of what she had just received.


    Hildelith was torn.


    She could have the spell. It would make her even more powerful and more lethal. Her universe could wait till she got another spell of chaos to tilt the favor back to neutral. Or was that even how it worked?


    "Aish". She swore. It was clear that the choices given were very dramatic and their effects very powerful. She couldn''t see herself being emotionally absent, she was no ice queen. And what was the point in lacking her sense of self?


    Hildelith once more read through the entire notifications from the first to the last word. Looking for anything and any way to get herself out of choosing one of these. She expected to be at this for a long time. Fortunately, she didn''t have to.


    "I have the choice". She murmured a line a grin stretching her lips to the side. That was it. She had the choice and it had become clear. Choices always came one with another. In this notification, she might have been confused with the spells being the choice but the wording made it clear that choosing to even use the spells was allowed.


    ''But what''s the other choice''.


    The notifications vanished and a new prompt instantly appeared.


    <blockquote>


    [Balanced Magic - Deactivated]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Eye of Fate has shown you a terrible event destined to occur. Chaos looms and yet you desire to bring order. As a Creator and a being of balance, dabbling excessively on one side is frowned upon by you. To avert this calamity, you were given the choice of using Balance Magic to set chaos straight. You chose inaction setting you on the path of neutrality.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    - From here all spells gained under the Balance Magic racial Perk will have a 20% order or chaos efficiency.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    - From here all spells under the Balance Magic racial Perk will have a 91% The Gray efficiency.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    - As a being of neutrality (The Gray) you will choose a way to settle all matters and disputes within your universe without tipping the scales.


    </blockquote>


    "That was the initial idea". She frowned. But still, she didn''t like that the system didn''t give her any ideas or ways to solve this problem.


    ''I think the idea is you solving it yourself ''.


    "Well of course I''m the one to solve it. The question remains as. How?".


    <blockquote>


    [Quest assigned]


    [Eye of Fate]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Eye of Fate has shown a future of possibilities. As a being of The Gray, you have chosen to solve matters without tilting the scale. Your universe remains unchained and unheld. Your world''s fate is in the hands of none. Will the Gray persevere or will your worlds burn from the inability to select chaos and order?


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Solve Fate or Destiny happens.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Rewards - 1000,000 MVC, 1000 ORP, Random Universe Mystery Box]


    [Failure - Destiny]


    </blockquote>


    She didn''t need to check twice to understand what the failure meant. The rewards though were another matter. Ignoring the MVC, just the ORP would let her have even more levels. The things she could also buy from the system shop now.


    Hildelith had been a pauper in the game. She figured it was the same for the other creators. The game seemingly refusing to let the Creators armor up themselves to survive anything. It was annoying but still, a good way to make them do things in their way.


    All in all, Hildelith was tempted. She could already see things she could buy. Things she would need. There was a blur of unfocused images shooting down her mind''s eye. Nothing was clear but she just knew she could buy a lot.


    "Snap out of it". Akasha thumped her head. She felt nothing but it still did the job.


    "Akasha. Time to think deeper. Outside the box. We need to stop Destiny. How?".


    The fairy gave her an eye. Hildelith wasn''t even looking. Her greed had sent her mind down into a spiral of possibilities. " Destiny is not literal or physical so no killing it. Makes me wonder if I should just you know make Destiny a force so I can do that when I need to".


    Akasha froze. Hildelith paused. Both looked at the other.


    "Nah".


    ''Too much work''.


    Both knew the amount of work they had ahead of them. While this was something they knew might be good it had no plans no forethought. Nothing. It would fail if they rushed it. So it was pushed to the side.


    ''We need to stop fate? How would you stop someone you knew would kill another person when you couldn''t kill them either''.


    "Arrest them. Have them locked up".


    Akasha poured. ''Translate that to here. What''s the definition of getting arrested here?''.


    Hildelith frowned her mind all over the place. It was something that only this game could do. Make her think more than the number of brain cells she had let her.


    "Here, it would be the same. But since Destiny is not physical, applying it to Destiny would mean holding it in one place. To make sure that Destin never moves".


    ''How would we make Destiny stay in place?''.


    Hildelith shook her head. " We don''t. I doubt destiny moves. If Vaustaris Destiny is to burn then with everything that allowed that we are the ones running to Destiny". She looked at Akasha. At this point, she was already walking up and down inside her Great Hall. The Throne to her side.


    ''Then we arrest something else. Something that leads to Destiny. Prevents that Destiny''.


    She shook her head at Akasha''s words. " No, criminals always find a way to get out of jail''. She paused. "Say, if we saw a killer kill someone. We would try to change the events right''.


    Akasha nodded. ''''I calculate a less than 50% chance of that being effective''.


    "Why?". Hildelith stopped walking up and down to focus on the force.


    ''Because the means and the way is only part of the bigger picture of the murder. If you hated someone so much that killing them was a must. Having your sword broken or your bow string cut wouldn''t stop you''.


    "Cause. Akasha will have to mend the chase. Arrest the cause. We need to find the cause and if that is hard. We need to stop the process. Like you said. It''s 50-50. If we can''t stop the cause then we stop the means. A cut string, a broken sword, and a weaponless murderer make killing less easy. Especially when your victim has fangs and claws and fights back".


    Akasha could already see where this was going. They had to stop the cause if impossible then make sure the events that led up to the disaster were averted.


    "But. How do we arrest a cause?".


    ''I might have an idea''.

 Universal Makeover III

    ''After realizing about Lilithra I''ve been thinking of ways to shore up the inevitable black spots that might occur for me''.


    Hildelith listened with rapt attention while her back leaned into the stalactites that formed the backrest on her throne while the Akashic the force on her lap talked.


    ''So I figured if I can''t see something why not find it another way? A way to know it''s there even if I''m not sure of what I''m looking at''.


    Hildelith was thinking hard. The answer to their problems was right before her but it failed to make sense like a word at the time of her tongue but unable to just spit it out.


    ''Why don''t we create an avenue to make events and scenarios that might do something we dislike less probable? And at the same time have a way to know where something is coming from and where it will lead to''.


    It clicked.


    Hildelith didn''t shoot out of her throne or laugh or even sigh in relief, she just relaxed. An idea or thought suddenly making sense to her was something she really appreciated. A lot of things would have been harder for her if it didn''t work that way.


    "Akasha". She picked up the force and set her on her shoulder before getting off the throne. "We''re going to make this work". The force frowned first unsure as to why exactly the Creator seemed assured. A quick link and she had a smile on her cheeks.


    Neither of the two was in any way more relaxed though. Unlike any of the other times when they found a problem and decided it could be fixed later or could create something that would be used later, this was not the case now.


    Akasha flew off the Creator''s shoulder and back a bit so both were staring at the other.


    ''The same way you made me?''. She asked with a bit of worry.


    ''I was hoping it would work differently''.


    Hildelith activated a skill that had not been used since she received it. True it had not been that long but with all the events that went down she felt like years had passed.


    **System Creator**


    You can create and develop a system that works on specific rules and regulations for either worlds, groups, or specific individuals.


    It was like Akasha had said back in the Rifts. Having a skill meant nothing if you''d never used it. And right now Hildelith could see the how. There was a lot of knowledge and information. From the how, the why, the rules, the architecture, the causes, the effects, and more. A System was a wild and wide algorithm that could be unending if one wanted it.


    "It''s like programming but for kids". She murmured. Akasha gave her a look and then focused back on what the Creator was seeing. But unlike the Creator, she had already broken down all the information and rebuilt it up. She could see all the possibilities and capabilities of such a skill.


    ''And it had just been hanging there all this while. Doing nothing''. Akasha had reached a conclusion. She would use this skill well for the Creator


    ''I have more ideas''.


    "Let''s begin".


    Both girls laughed.


    "Alright let''s do this. Create a folder on everything. Let''s work to make this".


    That was how the next big thing in the Star Rings Universe began its birth. Two beings, a Creator and her Force floating and walking around the Great Hall. Aetheric templates floated around them as they filled it up with scribbles and writings. The ground became a pool of mists as one used aether to draw visual representations of her work and the other used it to run equations that one didn''t even begin to understand how she knew.


    None of the girls knew how long it took before both stood right at the center. For Akasha, it had been tougher considering she''d had to make more calculations than Hildelith z the only reason her job had not been done sooner. For Hildelith coming up with rules and regulations, features, and descriptions on the fly was something she''d not expected. Still, it was something she was beginning to love and enjoy doing.


    "Lay it out".


    ''First...'' Akasha calmed her down. ''... while going through these skills and all the possibilities applications I realized we''ve been lazy''.


    Hildelith blinked. Her mind went to all the work they''d done, she''d done, the templates she''d created, the work Akahsa herself had done, and the work they still had to do. She blinked again.


    ''Hear me out''. Hildelith sighed and made a go-ahead gesture with her hand while she kept an exasperated teenager expression.


    ''So, we made the status of the mortals right and we already have an idea for the god''s status. I was thinking we should incorporate themes from other things into this. Themes that would make those who see why they shouldn''t do this or that act in certain ways''.


    Hilde now had a very interested eye on the force. "I''m listening".


    ''Milestones. Level milestones are normal, skill milestones are normal even class milestones. But what if....''.


    "We create a sort of point for this new system. One that would let the mortals have a reason, even more reason to stay in some part". She had a wide grin now. " Let''s do it".


    ''There would also be things like achievements, and titles to showcase the figure''s achievements. But the most important part of it all would be...''


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "It''s all incorporated into this one system. Like subsets of a set and even better under the Records". Hildelith raised a hand to Akasha. "Let''s start. We''ll talk as we work".


    This was the first interesting part of creating their grand idea. The skeleton, inner structure. The computer, or system. Hildelith had a lot of thoughts about it. She could use Divinity, but that might make it seem aligned. Chaos would do the same. Any other energy she fiddled with might place it under an alignment. So she selected one energy that had never disappointed her.


    Aether gathered into her palm forming a thick ball of white mist the size of a basketball. "Let''s begin".


    Together the two girls drew on the energy and began forming the very skeleton of the system. Was this necessary? Yes. Why?.


    One of the pieces of information gleaned when the skill was activated was the need for a powerhouse. One that would hold whatever would power the system. It took several minutes to create the skeletal frame and soon it was done.


    Both girls had been tempted to go the route of the ring aesthetic again but it was clear such an arrangement would make things look weird again. So they''d settled on a singular circlet. It was just like the chakrams except it had no inner handles and no division. Just a pure white band of gaps and spaces. Around it were star shapes, ring shapes, and more markings that seemed like runes but were more of a maze on the circlet than some inscription.


    Akasha nodded to Hildelith. It was time for the second matter. Creating the frame was done. Now to introduce the source of power.


    She shut her eyes and found the next thing. An insight.


    **Insight - Spark Splitting**


    You have watched and seen the One-Spark work. Its use and power still elude you yet you gain a simple inkling of basic knowledge. Splitting a spark will disengage a tiny single tendril of the One-Spark for your immediate use. Applications are left to you for discovery. Watch your head]


    **Cooldown - 24 Star Rings Days**


    The very understanding it came with was nothing more than a pull in her mind. Her eyes gravitated to the closest bare skin on her body. The bicep. Akasha watched as the Creator''s chakram appeared in her hand and with a dazed eye lashed out on her arm.


    A line of golden blood trickled from the arm.


    The Chakram vanished and the hand dropped down, a finger scooping up a bit of blood. Akasha noted the daze in her eyes dim even as her fingers smeared blood on each other.


    "It''s hidden. Deep within my blood". The other hand drew closer, the wound in her bicep sealing shut even before her fingers touched. Then she made a grasping motion and pulled.


    SIZZLE


    CRACK


    It was a thunderstorm at the tip of her fingers. A thunderstorm stretched into one singular tiny flicker of energy. It was like electricity, lightning, like a force of energy that couldn''t be quantified. It was life and yet destruction.


    Even as her fingers drew farther the singular spark stretched. Hildelith''s eyes moved to the circlet floating in mid-air. Like the spark could detect its given purpose it jumped. A searing and universe-echoing bang uttered as it left her fingers and collided with the circlet. Both girls jumped in shock, then rushed forward in worry that the energy had ruined all their work.


    Akasha more than Hildelith felt a sense of vacancy where the circlet was. Something that creeped her out more than anything. Arriving close the four the circlet white unharmed and if anything immensely different. The One-Spark created a visual effect, with arcs of energy dancing along the circlet. These surges of lightning-like energy illuminated the geometric patterns and symbols on the circlet, highlighting the intricate designs with flashes of brilliance.


    "It looks stable".


    ''Yeah''.


    "Next step?"


    ''Let''s go''. The fairy pumped her arms up. Together they began another work of drawing and forging from Aether. As shown with the circlet when done with creating whatever shape they wanted. The aether condensed into solid and physical matter. It was another circlet but one larger than the first. This one was two and had a pillar along its sides that held both circlets to the other.


    Taking it Hildelith let the circlet with the One spark slide into it. With a snap, the pillars seemed to tighten.


    "Now!". Akashic energy flooded the room in vast amounts. Both from the Creator and the force controlling and pulling in more of them. The force slammed into the outer circlets from front and back. Energy that condensed into the structure and stuck.


    CLICK


    Hildelith and Akasha found themselves linked instantly. It was like a whole new world had opened to both. And at the same time, it was like an empty expanse. In this expanse floated a blue figure.


    ''Is this where we make the rules and the architecture of the system''.


    ''Looks like it''. From one mouth came two voices. Similar and yet different.


    ''Then let''s begin''. One hand wrote in the air as the other flickered in and out of existence. One mind focused on words and the other on actions. The first change was impossible to ignore yet it wasn''t a change that occurred in their mind.


    In the Great Hall, the structure the Creator had made began to well in one word, malfunction. The energy in it, the One spark became in a sense, volatile. Lightning flashed from one side of the structure and struck a wall, another lanced to the room and hit her throne. Bolts of deadly one spark scorched the ground. Clouds gathered in the Great Hall and weather ensued. It was a storm. Lightning sang through the clouds, hail, stones, and rain.


    Pressures that were not of the Creator or her force. Then there was a loud snap. It was nothing like thunder on a stormy night. No. It was different. Very different. The kind that sent a heart into overdrive. That brought strokes and boiled blood. That heated the air and turned sand into glass and then glass into gas.


    But it was also a bell of finality. Like a call to stop the madness. An order to end the chaos.


    *


    Hildelith opened her eyes to various screens flickering in her sight. Her mind tried searching for knowledge the way someone tried to remember their existence when mid-waking.


    Several. scenes flashed in her mind. Dark expanse, lights, and more lights. Her eyes opened fully as her brain set. She was up to her feet in an instant or atleast she tried to. Considering she was standing already that meant she took a step forward.


    Her eyes found a sight that was just as unbelievable as it was amazing to look at. Of course, the system felt like it had to go first before anything.


    <blockquote>


    [QUEST - UNIVERSE COMPLETE]


    [RANK - UNIVERSE]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Eye of Fate has shown a future of possibilities. As a being of The Gray, you have chosen to solve matters without tilting the scale. Your universe remains unchained and unheld. Your world''s fate is in the hands of none. Will the Gray persevere or will your worlds burn from the inability to select chaos and order?


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Solve Fate or Destiny happens.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Rewards - 1000,000 MVC, 1000 ORP, Random Universe Mystery Box]


    [Receive Rewards]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Title - The Primordial Weaver - gained]


    Creator 79 now holds unparalleled authority over the domains of fate, karma, and destiny in her Universe. Allowing them to shape the course of events in the universe according to their and her will. (As a being of The Gray you may intercede or stay neutral so far each action keeps your universe in The Gray]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [Feat -The Grand Architect -


    As the Grand Architect, you are revered for your unparalleled mastery over the forces of Akasha, Fate, karma, and destiny. Their influence transcends the boundaries of time and space, shaping the very fabric of existence. Every time the systems are used a grand reverence to you is <u>felt</u>]


    </blockquote>

 Universal Makeover IV

    The Aetherium Circlets hummed with power as they floated there. Both force and Creator could see the bolts of energy that ran through the structure. It was like watching a power core in some industry open to the naked eye. Hildelith felt a sensation whenever she brushed her will on the structure. A sense of dormancy. Powered but not functioning.


    "It feels off". She muttered. Brushing herself over it once more she tried to change that feeling. Grasping unto it and pulling, pushing, and heaving. There was a mental click in her head and the structure pulsed with intense light. Before both could blink a ripple ripped through all existence with the Lunar Palace as a source. The ripple reminiscent of when Akasha had been born revealed uncountable numbers of strings.


    One sting shot out from the structure, bold and huge. It was like a chain next to a thin finger. Half way the chain split and attached to Hildelith and Akasha then vanished. Both could sense its presence. Even without the chain Hildelith still held control of the stuec8bur the chain had a different meaning.


    Just like the game kept telling her. The universe was her as she was the universe which meant it affected her. The chain was a reminder that just as she could affect the fates of all in this universe. Their actions could also affect her.


    Hildelith picked up the structure finding it didn''t react to her. Thoughts ran through her mind. If this meant the structure could be stolen. Surely not. But still, she had to be safe. If someone could orchestrate the fates of everyone to bring about her loss it was possible with this.


    Pulling the Aetherium Circlets with her the ropes and strings followed stretching. Their immense Numbers made her shake her head. Different string colors coming from her single world showed that the people of Vaustaris weren''t all good.


    It didn''t matter though. She''d done what she needed to do. And now all she had to do was use her title to make sure that the fate she wanted to avert would be averted. Setting the circles on a single stalactite on her throne so it was above her head she stepped back.


    ''This adds more work for us?''.


    She nodded without replying to Aka555?sha. The Circlets want more work. Unfortunately, there was no more procrastinating. Taking a look around at the Lunar knights Hidden in the darkness of her pillars and walls she walked off.


    The castle was large. After various additions, it spotted more rooms than before. Mostly due to the children who would definitely want privacy after their traipse in the mortal realms. And also for the other things that Hildelith wanted to do.


    One such difference was in the Blacksmith Forge. It was larger than she remembered when she first got it. With her rewards from the Rifts, it hadn''t taken her much to expand everything amd add more things to the Castle.


    Especially with how places like the storage overflowed.


    Standing in the forge room, the walls cold and the fires dark she couldn''t help but shake her head. She knew next to nothing about forging. But that didn''t matter when you had over a thousand or million souls in your realm with most who knew how to forge.


    Still, Hildelith wasn''t intending to do it a lot. She had a lot to do and if she spent all her time forging and then doing the other things she''d not have time for anything else. That was why she''d prepared a template for this.


    It was the beauty of having complete and utter control over your universe. Make templates as you wish. Without it, she''d have needed to buy templates in the shop but now she had lost that avenue. She didn''t mind of course since she''d rather have the option to create hers than have whatever the other Creators made. While she didn''t doubt it meant she had lower chances of seeing some good works it also meant they had lower chances of seeing her works.


    There was also the fact that as a Creator out of the hands of the Creator, her works were more expensive than ever. So if dared to place a template on the market for example the Aetherium Circlets. A chuckle crossed her lips. The sea of coins she would swim in would definitely drown the castle.


    "Are you ready?" The question meant for Akasha was replied with a grumpy huff as the tiny thing lay on her shoulder. It wasn''t like she wasn''t interested in what would be made but she had seen most of the templates about to be made. And with the long list of work before then Akasha already felt tired.


    "Buckle up". Ignoring the force Hildelith activated the template. As the aether flowed in the air she watched. From nothing, a mid-height average being was crafted. It was like the finest of statues being slowly made. Sleek black body, muscular form. Once the creation was complete its eyes burned with a fiery flame, cracks appearing on its body that leaked Primordial Fire.


    The thing looked at itself. Then up at her. There was uncertainty and confusion in those pits of fire. Luckily that part was Akasha''s job. The entity jerked as a sort of understanding filled its mind. It was like suddenly gaining not only consciousness but knowledge of what was what.


    Its eyes stared into nothing as a script appeared before it. One that Hildelith was already looking at. Just more detailed.


    **Delwarf Status Template**


    ---


    ** General Information:


    **Name**:


    **Race**: Delwarf


    **Forged From**: Primordial Fire


    **Core**: Primordial Ice


    **Flesh Composition**: Flesh of Nothingness


    ** Physical Description:


    **Height**: [6 foot]


    **Weight**: [450Ibs]


    **Appearance**: A Delwarf with an imposing figure, their flesh appearing as a void-like substance. Cracks line their body, glowing with an intense, fiery light. When calm, their body remains cool and dark, but when enraged or exerting power, the cracks blaze with Primordial Fire.


    Racial Perk:


    - **Primordial Element and Void**: Can release intense flames from the cracks in their skin at will. These flames can be used for combat, forging, or providing light and heat. Capable of exhaling a blast of Primordial Ice from their mouth, which can rapidly cool or freeze objects and opponents. Ability to regulate their internal temperature using their Primordial Ice core, making them immune to extreme heat and cold. Their flesh of nothingness can absorb energy attacks and physical impacts, providing significant resistance against various forms of damage.


    **Racial Abilities:


    **Master Smithing**: Expert in forging and crafting using Primordial Fire, capable of creating legendary weapons and armor.


    **Combat Proficiency**: Skilled in hand-to-hand combat and weaponry, leveraging their elemental abilities to gain an advantage.


    **Survival Expertise**: Adept at surviving in extreme environments due to their unique elemental makeup.


    **Legend and Lore**: Forged in the heart of an ancient, mystical forge. Created to aid the Creator in forging and crafting armaments and weapons of war.


    "Why don''t I have something like this?". Hildelith murmured. "I mean the part that shows my weaknesses".


    Akasha still lying on her head pushed herself up and flew down to her shoulder. Setting herself with a palm to her jaw she gave the Creator a look. "What weakness?".


    "There are weaknesses. Right?". She asked confused. The force flared her nostrils, rubbed her chin, and sighed.


    "You mean like how you took a sword to the stomach...". Hildelith was nodding. "...and the one that did the stabbing still lost". Hildelith blinked. " Or when you flashed with a dude that had that blazing sword and you came out on top..."


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    " That one was not my doing. You know I had help". She argued back.


    " Help that came from where?". Akasha deadpanned. Hildelith frowned.


    " Oh, there was also this one time you clashed with a creature that could kill you in was it eight or nine hits back then". Hildelith rolled her eyes and focused back on the template. " Guess who won?".


    " Fine I get the point. But still those were all outside my universe ". She pointed out but didn''t look up from the book.


    " Dear me. When you''re outside the universe. You can ask the game system for your weaknesses. In here, we, are invincible". She stumped back.


    Hildelith just snorted and focused back on the Delwarf. It was done with its status and had been standing there. Less uncertain and more unsure of what to do. Its eyes roved the forge as it searched for what it and been made to do. Its abilities and perks resonated within it making it quite clear what it could do.


    "Make the others". More templates appeared and soon more of the Delwarf stood in surprise and shock. While they were welcomed to the Akashic Records by Akasha Hildelith stepped closer to the first.


    "Hey".


    The Delwarf blinked. Large void lids shutting and then opening back. It was unclear how to address her. Hildelith seeing this saw an uncanny opportunity to have someone else call her something that wasn''t mother. Her lips parted, her tongue moved, the vibrations occured and then a loud Akashic force swept through the room.


    ''You may address the Creator as Mother or The Mother when amongst yourselves''.


    Hildelith turned slowly, her eyes narrowed as she found the tiny thing on her shoulder. The Force pretended to be asleep as she eyed it. Finally, she sighed.


    "You''re Thargrim Firefrost from now on. Hold your name close to your heart. As it is you who came first". She smiled at the Delwarf. The singular action sent a calming sensation through the entity. Its rigid body finally relaxing.


    "Now come. I made you all to help me with tasks related to forging and creating weapons as anything". The other Delwarfs fifteen in number gathered around.


    "Akasha. The items". One by one the room changed. Anvils, furnaces, and pots of what was definitely star water appeared all over the place.


    "Alright. Everyone. Thargrim is in charge. Listen to him. You''ll find templates of what everything is in your heads and what to do with them. The materials for forging are all in those walls". As she spoke to pointed to drawers that Akasha had filled with materials from the nine realms.


    "Make them well". She turned to the door she''d used to come in then back to the Delwarfs. "If you need to gain more energy or just rest then use the door..." Her hand flexed and a Passage appeared at the end of the room. It led into the field of the Palace and from there they could head out to the realms. "... it''ll lead you out into the realms. Oh and if you need a guide speak to one of those knights you''ll see around".


    Hildelith would have stuck around to help but she had more. things to finish. Plus she would still return to make sure they made the god weapons well. Those were very important. It was why she''d made sure they had Primordial Ice and Fire in their abilities. But she was still lacking some things. Like Spirit, Destruction, and Magic. Luckily she had plans for those.


    "Everything has to be complete before launch day".


    ****


    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - Ist


    Reality - Sol Realm


    Hildelith''s POV


    The mortals didn''t know just how lucky they were. In my universe creation has favored them more than others. Beautiful landmasses, flora, and fauna. It wasn''t hard to admit that I had focused more on them than other parts. Sure I had made everything together but that was sit. I''d done nothing else in the realms that weren''t the 4th Ring.


    That changed now.


    Vaustaris had its ecology. Why couldn''t the realms have to?


    Why was I doing this? Simple. The players needed something like an ecology to come to. I wasn''t building air creating any civilization for them. It is happened on its own no problem. But the players would have to work like I did to make a semblance of a system for themselves. Luckily I had the system Creator skill to help me help them.


    "But first". I looked around the raging Primordial fires of Sol. Hills that were more magma and gaseous energy than anything else. This entire place was a wonder to me every time I came here. I didn''t think it would ever get old. I hoped not.


    I crouched and patted the ground. To me, the intense heat that should vaporize and turn me into nothing was like warm water. And that was even cause I was using Godform.


    "Take a breath, Sol".I muttered staring at the ground. When I looked up my eyes got those green flows that were signs of Earthen Grace being used. "You''ll need it".


    The flow in my left eye shrunk till it was nothing but a pinprick, surrounded by black. To my right, the glow remained but the pinprick was a golden dot of divinity.


    Subatomic Manipulation connected to the very core of the Sol, I could feel the realm tremble as it sensed what came next. I rose slowly into the air as my body was coated in nothingness, nullifying gravity. I spread my hands and slowly aether poured like streams of white water.


    I knew there was no need for continuous crafting if I could just make everything once. Templates created a way to craft an entire being into existence. Making the organs and other things within minutes or seconds. It had me thinking before, why not environments too?


    So I poured all my ideas into one template. Well, not all my ideas but ideas that worked on the logic of the Sol realm. It was really hard to make anything that would last against the fires of this realm but I had figured rather than just make something try to survive make the Realms fire its energy.


    It was just like how I made Glacial covered in Primordial Ice. Aether flooded the realm until for a split second there was dim light. Just a milky glow that shown from the Sol''s rays reflecting past the aether. I snapped my fingers and the aether vanished. Beneath me was Sol 2.0.


    I saw creatures crawling out of Burrows, insects flying around in confusion as they suddenly found themselves in existence. Animals that looked around in frozen confusion. Trees that towered up. It was all mesmerizing. On all sides, there were differences to Sol now. I really wanted to see it all but, it was something for later.


    Above me was a new feature. An atmosphere. One of ash and lightning that blocked out the sight of the nothingness. The feature didn''t hamper the light of Sol or change how Sol was seen from my palace.


    "Next step". Hildelith shit her eyes.


    I loved Akashic Teleportation for one reason. It was not teleportation. The very reason Akasha was present in Every inch of her universe made me able to appear wherever I wished. It was how Akasha made my descent and the children''s less of a meteoric fall like my first descent and more of an appearance.


    Still, a better mode of transportation was in the works.


    I vanished and reappeared right where Akasha considered the center of Sol. It was here that Sol''s Core burned the brightest. The only position in all of the Sol that had remained unchanged. The beauty of a well-made template.


    Another such template appeared in my hand but this one was different. It was just like my Lunar Palace template but handmade. Crushing it aether rushed to the center where the Sol core burned hottest and drilled into the ground.


    ''You might want to move''.


    I vanished just as the ground shook. Reappearing mid-air nothingness nullifying my gravity, I watched as the Primordial Sun rock pierced from the ground. The ground shook as more rose. Pillars, rocks, and pieces that rolled and conjoined as aether did its job. Slowly the tower being formed climbed higher and taller till it was even reaching my position.


    More shuddering ripped through the earth as the construction went on till finally, it was. Silence. I teleported into the tower and appeared in a room I had designed more than the rest.


    The pedestal was where I wanted it to be and the hole, an empty pond was where I wished for. Stepping closer z I stood at the edge and stared down into it. A single tear slipped from my left eye and rolled down and off my cheek. I watched it tumble through the air and right as it hit the bottom of the empty pool I vanished.


    Reappearing at what I marked as random spots I began the next step. The final step actually.


    A box rattling and shaking appeared in my hands. "Calm down you lot". The box stilled. ''Impatient things. I get the the idea of hide and seek but they should just wait''. I mentally grunted as I set the body down and opened it. The moment the lid opened several colored orbs flew out and shot in various directions.


    "Impatient". Looking at the now empty lid I shut it and made it vanish. That was just the half of the last part. Another box appeared in my hand and I smiled at it. Creating the System Core had been easy due to this.


    Opening the box I pulled out various orbs of crystalline materials. Aetherium Cores. Unlike the Circlets these cores were perfectly round and had all its parts sealed off. The intricacies of Dungeon creation has been easy compared to system creation. But now. I wanted it to merge a bit.


    While the core had a good base on what it could do, the system had shown me how much better the dungeon could be. So I had Akasha connect all of them to the Milestones and Achievements subsystems. The main systems would come to okay in normal situations so there was no need to connect those. Looking at the nine cores I smiled. Just like the systems, the cores would need a guiding hand. Something that would see this as its job.


    A soul appeared in my hand. Eight to be precise. I still hadn''t gotten much of a chance to study and learn my children''s abilities for myself. Only needing to when I wanted to use one. To be honest I didn''t even know how powerful she was now or where in power she was.


    ''I didn''t even go check on her. Because she didn''t need me''. I thought.


    ''She''s Freyja. She''s too nice to need''.


    I squinted my eyes. I knew what to do. But first, the realms waited for me.


    Using Spirit Domination I got the souls to enter into the cores and with spirit fusion I bound them to the core while giving them enough energy to act.


    I was done. The orbs shot into the air, this time guided by Akasha to areas where they would best function. Looking back I eyed the desolate Tower. The Eye of the Sun standing with its top high into the sky and smiled.


    In my right hand, the last template for Sol spawned. Crushing it I vanished letting the aetheric energy form the last piece of the setting.

 Universal Makeover V

    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 2nd


    Reality - Divine Realm


    It was the same spot Ozai began his training that I appeared in. I didn''t waste time repeating the same things I did on Sol. In moments the Divine realm was different.


    Unlike the immense power and danger that Sol exhibited the Divine realm exhibited Majesty. Rivers of light, beautiful trees, animals that looked less dangerous and far more graceful. It was a beautiful realm.


    The next part was similar to Sol. The Silver Temple rose like a gem in the center of a mountain. Reflecting all the wondrous light around it. Just like the Eye of the Sun, it towered over everything and anything in the realm. Like it was meant to. The features within similar to that of the Tower as well.


    The dungeons were set, the souls in them. But there was one last thing. A difference. Hildelith had not named Sol for a reason. Sol was what it was, both as an existence and a thing. Here it was different. The Divine realm was no beating heart of any Primordial.


    She stretched out a palm and set on the ground. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath. It had been a while since One of the Speakers was used. When she opened her eyes it was like a difference that nothing could understand. Her voice bore not just aura but a weight that couldn''t be quantified. A weight that could be felt in all her universe. Animals, beings, and any living thing sapient or not felt the weight of authority and command.


    "TORHEIM".


    Her words rippled through the realm and the very ground creaked and shuddered in agreement to its new name. It wasn''t a suggestion, not an imperial edict, it was fact. It was as simple as making mortals accept air or as simple as taking away a Qitsarlmer underwater breathing. It just was.


    Closing her eyes once more the intense pressure faded.


    It was like the universe could breathe again. Fortunately for them.


    Vanishing from Torheim, I reappeared in the Dream Realm. The dream realm was a tricky place. I couldn''t even remember half the rules this place had. The mirror dimension being here too made it all more annoying. Luckily I had Akasha to help.


    Once more the Template was used and once again another realm was covered by aether. It was a place of flux when it was done. With constantly changing features, reflecting streams, fauna, and Flora that quickly tried to make sense of their environment.


    It was hard to select a place for the Dream Realm''s tower with everything in constant flux. Luckily since she''d already chosen the cores of each realm as a point the same wasn''t different here.


    The realm shook as the Dream Spire rose. I didn''t give a particular care for anything I was making at this point. It was like Akasha had thought. It just got bland to make and I felt myself egging everything to hurry up and get done.


    Thr Universe went still again as a familiar pressure returned. "OREAHEIM".


    The dungeons were set the box of orbs opened and flew to various places. I looked up to see the mirror sky. One that reflected everything below. That made me grin though. An amusing thought for how the players would handle this.


    I was in the 4th Ring next. Not actually in it but hovering right above it. Looking down at the tapestry of lights that was space. The template for this realm had been tricky since I didn''t need to terraform anything. In the end, I had chosen something different. Aether didn''t grab onto anything. It spread in a wide direction, spilling in a circular pattern until it had grabbed onto the edges of the bands just like the tapestry did.


    Then it vanished.


    In its place was a sight that just looked wrong. It wasn''t wrong as in ugly or Eldritch. Quite the opposite it was beautiful. A place of white light, silver sparkles, and more. Rivers, holy creatures, it was clear what this place was. Still, its location made it weird to look at. Hanging like a piece of flat solid rock over the tapestry it elicited a sensation of falling.


    But it wasn''t falling. It was stuck to the bands like they were its pillars.


    ''Not our finest work''. Akasha grumbled. I shrugged.


    "I tried". It was strange with how it even had an atmosphere that blocked out the nothingness and kept in whatever air they breathed. "Looking like a dome".


    I opened the boxes and let out the orbs that flew into it. Then went about planting the dungeons.


    ''A bit of an issue. I doubt the dungeons would work well without the rivers spilling in here''. Akasha pointed out. True enough the position on the bands made it so the rivers flowed around it. Unlike the realms that let the rivers spill in through inlets and streams that were also the ley lines.


    I scratched my head.


    ''Maybe we could just let the waters fall in through the upper bands''.


    I hummed looking at the bands of the Dream realm. ''It could work''. I replied. I''d have to let the rivers flowing past and almost into the bands of the mortal realm slip out through spaces. I appeared next to said band.


    Bones creaked as Argonne wings formed on my back. With my position between two realms, I was technically in the nothingness which meant no gravity if I wished. Poking at the bands with black fingers I chipped away them till a large flow of water poured down on the new addition. I did this in four places and then reappeared back on the surface.


    Watching rivers of water tumble from beyond the atmosphere made me smirk. ''I guess even errors make good things''. I could see the players marveling at where the water came from.


    The Heavens unlike the other realms didn''t break free from the ground. Rather I set it in place like a giant city in the center of the new sub realm.


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    "AETHERHEIM". Once more the pressure came and was gone.


    The abyss was not what I expected. That made sense considering nothing was even here. A subconscious part of my mind expected to see demons already. It was just that normal thought. The ground was red like mars and the rivers that ran through did nothing to help the bad earth.


    I set the template into place and watched as it all changed. ''You always wonder why aether is a last resort ''. I sent to Akasha. She just shrugged.


    ''Last resorts become no resorts when you decide to keep testing how powerful you are''. I rolled my eyes and turned back to the new realm I was in.


    It was, surprisingly beautiful. The bioluminescent flora of course, not the creeping vines, the blossoms, and not the insects. I marveled at it all even as the roars of creatures shook the air, alerting the realm to their presence.


    "Abyssals. So full of themselves". I shook my head.


    At the center of the realm I grew the next one. Like the majority, it ripped free from the</a> ground. Unlike the majority it wasn''t a tower. A large thick pillar rose I into the air even as the ground quaked. Then it pulsed. A blast of energy swept through the realm and all the roars and cries went silent.


    I admired the structure. Standing proudly. The Black Throne.


    ''I have to admit. This one is the sleekest of all. Still...'' the force appeared in her little fairy form just to shoot me a look. ''...the description. I know it''s a challenge but...really ''.


    I ignored her as I looked around admiring the dim lighting of the realm.


    ''Most of them will die you know?''.


    "They could all die in any of the realms. Nothing special. Besides it''s the abyss. Should be a bit more different". I argued.


    I eyed the atmosphere above. In some places and some settings, the red and black skies would be beautiful. Here, it just brought dread. Below the land was dark and it was the red earth and the red sky that fought to grant just a bit of light to the place.


    "To be honest I still don''t get why we have an Abyss". I muttered. "NETHERHEIM"


    The pressure was so quick that the creatures here barely held their breath for a moment. It was hard to know how affected they were since the Black Throne already shut them up. My eyes wandered to the base of the thron3 and I couldn''t help but smirk.


    Hells had always been an interesting setting for most stories. I didn''t expect anything less for my Netherheim.


    I was gone in the next second and appeared right in the center of the Rack of Life. When creating the templates we honestly did not know what to do here. What did one do in a realm of Mystical energy and the birth place of the Creator''s Force.


    I set the template and watched the place change into a realm of mist and large tablets of stone rising as high as mountains. The mist went up to one''s calves and trees grew in all directions and yet there were barely any forests.


    Right above the Plate, my Akashic force was created from a monolith appeared. No shakes, no trembles just appeared. It was a large structure similar in height to most of the others in the realms. Symbols and signs were etched on it. A long project that was still underway.


    ''You know The Omniscient Codex is a mouthful ''.


    "Luckily it won''t be our tongues getting bitten while saying it". Akasha grumbled in defeat again while I took a little look around trying to hide my smile. Nothing much changed exempting the mist, trees, tablets, and the Monolith. Oh and the few entities that were added too.


    We were gone, appearing in the Omega Point. I blinked then sighed. If the Abyss or Netherheim was struggling with the darkness then the Omega point had lost that struggle. It was pitch black in here.


    "Was it this bad when I brought Freyr here?" I wondered.


    ''From your memories. No''.


    I shrugged. "LET ME SEE". The darkness remained but now it wasn''t a problem for me. "I need to catch up on all the kids powers".


    I set the template and watched things appear. Still the darkness remained. A sky of darkness or was it the entire realm that was just making it all look similar. Atleast there were flora and fauna here and there. The same roars echoed through the environment.


    "Shut those drakes up". I murmured as a Castle rose from the ground. Unlike the others though it barely went halfway before it halted its rise. Then a pulse of chaos spread out that effectively shut the drakes up.


    "NILHEIM"


    The last stop in the realms. Abstract.


    "We''ve never been here".


    ''You have not''.


    "It''s amazing".


    ''Yes. It is''.


    "It''s different to see it through you than to feel it myself".


    The template appeared in my hand as I took in the empty realm. It was a gray realm of will. I could see the very emanations of thoughts and will. My imagination formed mirages that I simply had to will into being. I didn''t even need a template to make it all.


    No one could undo something made of grander and powerful will. Aether spreadz and like expected the realm was new. A card appeared in my hand and I chuckled at the sight. The Will here has seen the template for its own monument and shaped it into what I saw the templates as.


    ''I like this place''.


    I thought of Mum and saw her. A mirage of her. Those beautiful eyes of hers begging to be made real. I snuffed it away. This could potentially be the most dangerous realm of all.


    The possibilities of what players could will was intense. Standing there still with the card in hand I did some tests and exhaled as I realized few things. One needed to know what they were doing to make something. Meaning if one had a good idea of what a sword that could rend reality looked like and did, they could make it a reality here.


    ''It has its limits. As Creator and Akashic Force we will always be aware. Plus now we have the fate system''.


    I didn''t really mind. With this realm available there would be beings to stop any of the player gods from being stupid. I just had to make sure to steer them right. If they fell out of line in ways that didn''t affect me or my children, fine. If it did affect me, then I''d simply End their game.


    ''You won''t have to''. Akasha reminded me.


    I nodded and gripping the card with two fingers I tossed it into the air. It spun like a disk and shot through the air guided by the Will here till it found the center of the realm. Then it landed point first and sunk into the ground.


    I smiled as the realm shuddered. From nothing formed Five statues all facing the other and looking to the ground. A ground where a head was already set with an open mouth facing the sky.


    "MURHIL"


    Floating above the Star River as it flowed to its destinations I let a template drop into the sea. The aether turned the golden river milky white for a second before gathering at the center of the river to form what I named THE ATLAN A large island that teemed with all life possible. At its center I dropped another template forming The kingdom. An oasis at the center of the island where five thrones sat in water with each seat facing off into the opposing distance forming a ring.


    But it was the item that was stuck into the center of the seats with its points facing up that truly caught my eye. Another grin. All these arranging was boring but thinking of how all these would play out was amusing.


    The final templates were applied to the ring creating even more changes. The band for one did not change one bit, still various structures, fauna, and flora grew from it that were adapted to it. Bridges that rolled over the rivers and several weird-looking contraptions formed all over the bands of all nine rings. The monument was set on the fifth ring, on the other side of the river away from The Atlan. It was a Long thin tower with two Leon s at its tips and a ring held between both prongs. The Rod.


    Unlike Aetherheim, this one was formed on the very edge of the band facing towards the realms. At its banks lapped the star river.


    ''IIt''scomplete''.


    "No. It''s not. There is one thing left". I vanished leaving all the new creatures that I had made to their devices as I reappeared and settled into my Throne. Above my head, the Aetherium Circlets hummed with their power. I shut my eyes.


    ''Akasha. Spawn the other beasts in their selected abodes. You don''t need me for those''.


    ''What should I name them?''.


    ''Nothing. The remain what they are. But if needed for cclarity''ssake. Let them be known as the Tri-Spheres. Now take me to where you sent my daughter. Descend''.

 Universal MakeoverVI

    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Lumina


    The Edgelands (Western Lumina) - The Scorched Bow (Formerly the Bow)


    THIRD PERSON POV


    Nothing remained of the once magnificent forest. The Bow was gone. Not even Scorched trees survived the fires. Ash and burned wood littered the area. Forming a bow shape for leagues. The scent of ash and ruin lingered in the air.


    Energy gathered fast, a blueish-gray mist that congregated at a spot so fast it was a blink. Then the energy popped and Hildelith stood there. Her boots sank into ash and crushed weak dead wood. She took a good look around them and sighed.


    ''Akasha. Unless my dear Freyja is ash...'' she looked at what her foot had crushed. ''...and burned out wood, then I''m pretty sure this is not where I want to be''.


    ''You did ask for where I dropped her''. The Force pointed out. Hildelith sighed. Both she and the force were fatigued. Her more than the literal A.I or more than A.I. It was understandable to her why both were so snappy. All the workload they''d pushed to now had weighed on them and it wasn''t even half done.


    "I''m definitely getting a long sleep after this". She muttered. "Take me to her". Hildelith didn''t bother with any other words, she was more than tired. Mentally at least.


    Energy burst once more and Hildelith found herself inside a town. It had this medieval sense to it. Like they were close to an iron age but not quite there. The village looked shaken by something and yet joyful. Walking through the crowds she could hear and see their excitement at something. They were also wary for some reason.


    ''Freyja being Freyja''. Akasha supplied.


    Hildelith didnt have to ask or wonder as she stepped past a group of Moonborns and found the brat. The face wasn''t one she would normally recognize but the personality was, the feeling was. It just felt like her.


    She kept walking. All she had to do was grab the girl and then whisk her back to the spirit realm. Her fatigue made thinking hard, if not she''d have realized she could just have Akasha whisk the girl away. The Force herself was not interested in reminding the Creator of her capabilities. She was resigned to watch.


    Then the girl in question turned. Her conversation with a wide-eyed duo ceased as she slowly tilted her head. Both noticed and were already watching with confused expressions. But it was the other group to the right that caught Hildelith''s attention.


    The male was fixated on her. His eyes flickered from Freyja to her. In a way, it was clear who she was headed for. So it didn''t come as much surprise to her when the male took a step in her path.


    ''Oh, this will be fun''. Hildelith ignored the force in her head. There were so many things she could do. Even as she drew closer she found herself thinking of ways to disarm him and bring him to the ground.


    ''Oh. You might wanna...''


    The words were cut short as Freyja finally found her mother. The girl squealed in delight as she sensed that same energy from the lady heading for them. It was a feeling that she couldn''t quite measure.


    "Mama". And she dashed past Eldrin and straight into Hildelith''s grasp.


    The crowd was silent now. No one was even capable of murmuring or whispering as they stared with wide eyes.


    "Did she say, mama?". One of the two wide-eyed youths Freyja had been talking to found his voice.


    "I heard same".


    "Mama. I missed you. It''s so exciting here. Come come. I have a lot of mortals for you to meet. It''s so beautiful here. There was Fire and it was so large, beautiful, and wild but the Moonborns were terrified of it so I had to take it out. Oh, oh meet my new pets".


    Hildelith found herself dragged to a litter of large beasts. Their manes looked like it was on fire but it wasn''t. Hildelith blinked as Freyja began listing off names while pointing from one cat to the other.


    " This is Lyrianre, Theirmisel, Gureial, Imtrils, and Serils. Theirmisel is female and she has cubs. Isn''t that awesome? I wonder if I should let Bosco into one of her unborn cubs. Momma, was it hard to birth us? Did it hurt? They say childbirth is hard. Can I nullify the pain? Please please, please. Can you help me?"


    At this point, Hildelith was torn between a smile and unsure of what next to say. Luckily a cough saved her from any answer. Both entities turned to find an Old Male standing behind them.


    " My Lady. Is she your mother? Like your mother the Creator or ..."


    " Yes. Ma this is Rendi. He had a nasty soul stain so I cleared it and gave him a blessing. He''s all good now. Rendi this is Ma. Yes she made everything ". Freyja proceeded to drag a still-silent Hildelith to the next figure. " This is Eldrin ma he''s so brave and so cool and so good at using swords. I like him ma. Can he be my husband, Themeriel says when a ..."


    " MWho are these other nice people my dear?" Hildelith interrupted quickly pushing the girl forward. Passing the man she held back her glare on seeing the frozen terror on his face.


    ''Good he''s sufficiently scared''.


    ''I could throw in a curse. Make sure he''s sufficiently sick. Or link his Fate thread on a bad path. Maybe get him scarred and killed by the Flamestriders. Or...''


    ''Akasha. I can only hear one singing voice in my ear at a moment''.


    ''Oh right''.


    "...Alarion is such a brave Moonborn too. You know he tried to take on a Flamestrider head-to-head. It was so amazing to watch. Themeriel got hurt badly saving him too. I think he wants her to be his wife".


    The said Moonborn was already turning rose red which was a feat given how pale Moonborns were. The fenale had a rigid face though her eyes shivered when Hildelith moved past her.


    "Oh ma did i tell you the best news. I made a religion. They serve me now".


    At this point, Hildelith finally found a way to get into the talking. "That''s so nice. I''m proud of you. You do have to take care of all of them though and make sure to answer their prayers and guide them well".


    The girl''s head was bobbing seriously. "I know. I know. That''s why I gave all of them a blessing".


    Hildelith froze. Akasha''s humming voice in her head vanished. Freyja had the greatest beaming smile of the Realion(Century).


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    "You did....what?".


    "I gave them all blessings". If possible her smile grew wider.


    "All of them". Hildelith was really hoping it was an exaggeration.


    "Every last person".


    ''Akasha?''


    ''What?. It happened. It''s her blessings''. The force sounded defensive.


    Hildelith turned slowly taking a look at everyone in the town. Most looked away in some shame while others not sure what was wrong just avoided her eyes but kept looking. Hildelith held back a sigh.


    "Ma. Most of them are stuck at that last rank thing. What was it called again?. Karen. Kha''ren. Yes. Kha''ren. How do I make them go higher?".


    Hildelith admitted at that moment. She had wonderful children.


    *


    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 5th


    Reality - Spirit Realm


    Mother and daughter floated side by side as she dropped the next template. Hildelith had come to realize what she actually needed after all the setting things up was a bit of rest and taking her mind off the work. No one better than Freyja to do that. The little flower danced along the realm as she admired everything. Each time she reappeared next to her mother chatting her ear off.


    As a Moonborn she was cute but she was darn more cuter in Djun true form. Her little girl body made it doubly so.


    "Woah mama. It''s amazing!". Freyja exclaimed as the Soul Temple shook the realm with its manifestation. The little Djun''s eyes were wide as saucers. Her palms clapped as her claws made clink sounds.


    The soul temple was unlike the other monuments as it wasn''t tall. But it was large. Its main features were a single-ring structure held up over a valley by two mountains that were half mountain and half walls. Below it sat its other half where a stream flowed from the north to the south and vice versa. Crossing through a yin-yang-like pool at the center of the monolith.


    Like in all the realms, an atmosphere formed that blocked off the nothingness. It was nice to see the look in Freyja''s eyes.


    "My place is so beautiful now ma". She cooed. "My temple is beautiful too. Lots of beds to sleep in".


    Hildelith blinked. " Uh uh. You and your siblings have rooms in the palace".


    The Djun blinked. " Then what are all the beds for?". She exclaimed. Even her shouting was cute Hildelith observed. With a grin, she shook her head.


    "Do you want to know that or do you want to see your humans before time runs further?". Freyja''s eyes widened. Due to the flow of the river time was different which mother had explained to her. Just this little time could be long for the mortals.


    "Send me back".


    Hildelith shook her head in amusement as Akasha sent the little spirit back to her Moonborn avatar.


    ''Well, the Moonborns may now speak of the day the Creator walked amongst them''. Akasha piped.


    I scoffed.


    I was done here. Everything that needed to be arranged here was arranged. What was left were the other things.


    "The creatures of the spheres?".


    ''All spawned''.


    "The void of space and others".


    ''Done''.


    "So it''s time to join the Delwarf". She muttered with a grin. The previous excitement she she felt excitement. "One last thing. FAYHEIM".


    *


    Universe -The Star Rings


    Third Sphere - Nothingness


    Location - The Lunar Palace


    Thargrim Firefrost held up the ingot of Helioforge steel in his left hand. The piece was a golden yellow ore from the deepest bowels of the Sol. Or at least that was what the mind speaking and words in his vision entity informed him of.


    Thargrim didn''t care. He had his task and he was eager to fulfill. He was excited to see what it would come out as. He''d been working with Voidstones, Abayssalites, and others since. This was the first actual armor he was making after making various trinkets and nonimportant items.


    The voice in his head had spoken to him at length. He and his brothers had a grand take before them. Not one that was immediate but one that was eternal. Their task was simple. To always have something to grant any who deserved a reward.


    Thargrim didn''t quite understand it. But the voice had explained. They were to craft and fill the armory z the warehouse and all rooms not being used for other utilities with stocks of items. From weapons to gears and useful or useless items. Because the mother''s universe would be needing it and more.


    Luckily the system had assured him of not needing to do the distribution. The Delwarf was glad as he was interested in only making things. He could feel it in his sizzling blood. The desire to shape and create. He took a look at his hammer for the umpteenth time. Its creation had been a frightening yet exciting moment as the voice kept popping in any and everything he needed that didn''t exist in the storage for him.


    Frostwood for the handle. The voice had mentioned something about the Glacial environment being resource-rich Obsidian for the head. He''d made the wrapping of the handle with some nothingness flesh that had appeared when requested while binding the head to the handle with Celestial silver wire. The Obsidian had been Primordial ice which he''d sensed the moment it appeared. Unable to shape it with heat he''d instead done so with his ice and then created some fire inlays within the head for better heat or cold channeling before fitting the hammer and the wire to complete it.


    He wasn''t the only one as all his brothers held the same hammer. With the same materials and the same success. They were just that good.


    **Template of the Delwarf''s Forging Hammer**


    **Name:** Firefrost


    **Weapon - Primordial Hammer


    **Origin:**


    Forged by the Delwarf, beings of Primordial Fire and Ice Core The hammer is a manifestation of their elemental powers and unmatched blacksmithing skill. Created with their bare hands, the hammer is an extension of their very essence.


    **Materials:**


    **Head:** Obsidian Ice with Fire Inlays


    **Handle:** Frostwood wrapped in Nothingness Leather


    **Binding:** Celestial Silver


    **Appearance:**


    **Hammer Head:**


    **Core:** The central core of the hammer head is made of obsidian, a Glacial ore formed underneath the Glacius'' most intense colds. This core is solid and jet black, with a glossy surface that dimly reflects the surrounding light.


    **Inlays:** Embedded within the obsidian are veiny fire paths. These inlays form intricate patterns, reminiscent of flowing magma, which let fire energy flow through when the hammer is in use.


    **Handle:**


    - **Material:** The handle is carved from Frostwood, a rare and resilient wood found only in the Glacial. Frostwood has a pale dark blue hue and a texture that feels cool and hard to the touch.


    - **Wrapping:** The handle is wrapped in strips of Delwarf nothingness flesh. Material sourced from the hides of creatures that roam the void of space. This leather has a slight iridescence, shifting colors subtly as it catches the light.


    **Binding:**


    - **Material:** Celestial Silver is used to bind the head to the handle. This metal is not only beautiful but also incredibly strong, able to withstand the elemental forces channeled through the hammer while also boosting it.


    #### **Magical Properties:**


    - **Elemental Resonance:** The hhammerheadresonates with both extreme heat and intense cold, mirroring the Delwarf''s nature. When struck, it can imbue the metal with the elemental properties of his chosen.


    **Energy Release:** When the Delwarf''s skin cracks and releases waves of Primordial Fire, the hammer absorbs this energy, amplifying its power. Simultaneously, the Ice Core within him breathes out an icy breath that is used to cool down his work or flows through the Frostwood handle to imbue ice properties.


    **Adaptive Shape:** The hammer can subtly change its shape, size, length, and weight to suit different forging tasks, from broad, heavy strikes to delicate, precise taps, or crushing bangs, each responding to the Delwarf''s intent.


    And with this, he had brought forth various items and would bring forth even better ones.


    All the while Thargrim has spent admiring his hammer had been to let the Helioforge steel being heated in his left hand get hot enough. As a material formed in the Sol''s intense heat, it needed something more to even touch its melting point and make it malleable. Primordial Fire. Luckily the ore had not inherited a resistance to that.


    He set the steel on the anvil and began hammering it into the rough shape of the armor piece in mind. For a breastplate, he started with a flat piece and gradually curved it to fit the contours of the body. As he worked he was sure to keep the ingot heated enough to keep it malleable.


    The work went on for a while before he got to the gauntlets or greaves, shaping them into cylindrical forms. Regularly, he reheated the steel to keep it malleable as he worked. Soon he was done. Setting the hammer to the side while moving away from the table he held the armor up and blew a thick gout of mist on it.


    Once it was cooled down he got to work smoothing it down with some rocks he found in the warehouse. By this time the armor looked complete and Thargrim stepped back to admire it.


    "I like". He almost jumped as the mother''s voice came from behind him. Her blue orbs stared into his. "Also that hammer. It looks remarkable. Can I get one?".

 Universal Makeover VII

    HILDELITH''S POV


    I tossed the last of the Sol Weapons to the side and stretched. I bloody loved smithing, especially when I got to hold the metal in my hands and heat it with Primordial Fire like the Delwarf while smashing into it with my new hammer. Maybe it was the smashing part I liked.


    I didn''t understand what the description Akasha showed me meant. The hammer was sturdy, it was powerful, and it was Primordial Ice and Fire. What did she mean it was for only smithing? I chuckled as I shook my head while bringing up the new items.


    First was Heavenly Gold. The thing had this annoying light to it that even heating didn''t dull, I could still feel and see its glow through the white-hot light of the Primordial heat. Firefrost pommeled the ingot into the necessary shape. Even as I worked I could see Thargrim working on the Celestial Bronze. Beating it into armor.


    It was quite lovely to learn the ways of blacksmithing from The Delwarfs but it wasn''t the same as when they did it. I could see the fires of passion that lit up in their eyes as they pounded away. It was why and how I made them. What was the point in creating something to forge when that thing didn''t love to forge?


    I knew the skills, and the techniques gotten from them. But I lacked the passion. The only reason I was excited to make these items myself was due to the lore and legends I wished and wanted them to carry.


    So I pounded into it. With each strike, I could see these weapons being used. I imagined them holding strong unlike the Sword of Murre had done for me. I imagined them leaving a lasting mark on any entity its wielder could not kill and brutally ending those its wielder could.


    It was the same thoughts I had with the Sol weapons. And it was the same I carried into all the items I crafted that day.


    *


    The first dungeon template vanished into the Aetherium Core that I held in my hand. It was the size of an egg and would only get bigger the more it upgraded. One of the items within the random gift box had been a template. An arrangement of a dungeon system from the game. The other two were one Upgraded dungeon template and an Advanced dungeon template.


    Aetherium Cores were like huge batteries, controlled by a soul, guided by the dungeon system, and powered by the energies around it or in the case of these cores, the energy provided. Thin strands of black flowed from the nothingness and into the first core. This turned it black as obsidian.


    <blockquote>


    [BOOST DUNGEON CORE]


    </blockquote>


    By supplying a soul into the core it lit up. Going from pure black to a void with a star at its center. A red box appeared below me asking for a suitable position.


    ''Been a while since I saw one of those''. The last time I used such a mechanism was when making my palace.


    I was standing in said palace or to be more precise outside in the fields of the palace. Making sure to carefully set the core apart from any of the traps she activated it. Her children would get to run these dungeons while the players took those below. The placement sent a thrum of light within the location before I was pulled down and into the dungeon.


    I appeared inside a cave where the black orb that was the dungeon core floated. It was right at the height of my abdomen, its light illuminating the space in the cave


    I set my hands on the core as I completed the last part of the work. A flash of letters ran into my mind the moment my hands made contact.


    <blockquote>


    [ACTIVATING CORE]


    [COMMENCING DUNGEON CRAFTING]


    [SOUL SET -> DUNGEON MASTER]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [DUNGEON TEMPLATE SET]


    [DUNGEON TYPE ASCERTAINED]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [INSTANCE DUNGEON]


    A pocket dimension cut in the fabric of reality. One can enter and leave only in the same location. Those within the dungeon in different groups are taken to separate pocket dimensions having the same design.


    </blockquote>


    For the dungeon, the template had come with the instance dungeon type. The prompt faded as around me the cave vanished


    <blockquote>


    [DUNGEON CORE ROOM]


    </blockquote>


    The system informed me of what this place was. I nodded a bit before continuing. A miniaturized holographic image of a rectangular space appeared before me, then it vanished turning the dungeon into a hellscape. Red fires burned all over. Forests and fields of flames as well as mountains appeared in the hologram.


    It would have been Sol if not for how different the flames here were. Insidious and harsh.


    As a basic dungeon, the highest level it had for difficulty was fifty. However, even that could be reduced or left at its max of fifty.


    Two partitions formed creating three zones. The beginner zone was a forest. It spanned a good few miles before the first partition came. A safe zone with a pond where the fire didn''t reach.


    After the pond came a desert. Calling it a desert was mild. The golden sands burned as hot as fire. At night it would be red like embers. Thin lines of cracks speared over the ground surface. Just like the first zone, it went far to another safe zone.


    A little empty village where one could amend gear and restock on whatever I could make available by then.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    No way I wasn''t profiting from this. My children or not.


    ''I''m like some business mogul now'' I chuckled at the thought.


    The third and final zone was a stretch of rocky mountains and crags overflowing with lava and ash clouds. Several pathways led to the end of the dungeon where a cavern mouth would take the challengers inside a volcano''s base.


    There they would meet a boss. That was all to it.


    <blockquote>


    [Dungeon Creatures


    [Levels 1 - 50]


    </blockquote>


    A list of variations from the system came before my eyes.


    <blockquote>


    [Ira Crawler]


    [Embered Molv ]


    [Scaled Imp ]


    [Winged Sprayer]


    [Gurser - Flame Fragment ]


    [Dire Molv]


    [Huska Rat]


    </blockquote>


    The options were all creatures that fell under the Lv1 to Lv50 threshold.


    <blockquote>


    [Ira Crawler - Lv1 - x20 - Zone 1]


    [Wimged Sprayer - Lv1 - x12 - Zone 1]


    [Scaled Imp - Lv16 - x10 - Zone 2]


    [Dire Molv - Lv16 - x 10 - Zone 2]


    [Ira Crawler - Lv16 - x5 - Zone 2]


    [Winged Sprayer - Lv16 - x5 - Zone 2]


    [Huska Rat - Lv31 - x15 - Zone 3]


    [Dire Molv - Lv31 - x6 - Zone 3]


    [Scaled Imp - Lv31 - x5 - Zone 3]


    [Embered Molv - Lv31 - x10 - Zone 3]


    [Gurser - Lv31 - x5 - Zone 3]


    [Embered Molv - Lv45 - Zone 3]


    [Gurser- Flame Bearer - Lv 50 - Zone 3]


    </blockquote>


    I blinked at the sight of a Gurser in the options. The space around me rumbled the next moment as all the settings clicked into place.


    <blockquote>


    [Name dungeon]


    </blockquote>


    "Hell''s Gate" I already thought it out. Best to give my children an idea or warning. If they failed to be prepared, not my fault.


    A thrum spread from the core as it took on a brighter form. Then I watched as everything expanded, as motes of lights tore from the core and flew off in various directions.


    The howls and growls of the fiery creatures of the Tartarean rifts, the low leveled atleast, resounded through Hell''s Gate. Then I saw the craziest things. New features showed up. Black skies, black rivers, and even the creatures spotting new skin and looks.


    ''The energy powering the core is also affecting the dungeon features''.


    Finally, I got a last prompt to set the respawn location for challengers. Challengers could not be spawned by the core. So I set one respawn core at the dungeon entrance. The gold stone right at the cavern mouth was stuck into the ground where it created a circle with runic symbols around it into the ground.


    [BASIC DUNGEON - HELL''S GATE]


    [LOCATION ENTRANCE - LUNAR GARDEN]


    [DUNGEON TYPE - INSTANCE]


    [CORE CHARGE - 1000/1000]


    [ENERGY TYPE - NOTHINGNESS]


    [CORE TIER - 0]


    [ZONE - 3/3]


    [RESPAWN CORE - 1/3]


    I could set three cores, one for the entrance and one for each of the safe zones. Those brats would end me if I hindered their progress.


    Pushing intent through the dungeon core I looked through how exactly it would work.


    First, there were the rewards to be provided. Something that would be handled by the Elves in my warehouse. Yes. They would be the ones to check and judge the right reward for any feat or accomplishment in any dungeon or any setting.


    The shards gotten from the slain creatures were used to power my children while my children''s shards became another source of energy for the dungeon to add to its mob. Meaning if Freyr fell in here then his siblings would have death or destruction beasts to contend with.


    Of course, there was a tax rate gotten from the dungeon. Since I needed shards, MVC, exp, and ORP the dungeons would pay me a percentage of their gains in each challenge. That Plus it would need to pay for continuous access to the energy that powered it. Also, the dungeon could still get shards by selling any weapons formed within it. And of course, I still had a percentage of the gains.


    Even the challengers had to pay taxes too. Since the creatures were System brought in ones they were technically outer realm entities. Which meant I would get the ORP points for every slain creature no matter how small while the challengers kept their shards and experience. The ORP gotten would be bigger though in case of a total wipeout of the creatures. This was advantageous since somehow the system seemed to be encouraging wiping them out.


    "Basically dumping them into my backyard for me to clean up the trash". I shook my head.


    The Dungeon core pulls in new creatures from the outer realm after a wipeout, all at the same level as the wiped-out former group or around. It was hard to wipe out a group though since one would have to wipe out the group and then kill a powerful boss.


    If the creature died it would lose its entire energy which got split into shards. One to the challenger and one to the dungeon while the challenger also got experience for the kill. When a challenger died he, fortunately, got a respawn but as a death penalty lost a level. The level would be a bit of his stats lost as power which the creature and dungeon would split.


    Since my kids were my Primordials that meant their power loss was both miniscule to them and immense to the dungeon.


    But it was even worse since unlike the challenger who could only use the shard for something else the creature would absorb and grow not just in level but also in power or divinity attained from the challenger.


    "Better create the others then figure out a good market for the shards. I''m certain the others can use the shards but I doubt they can use them for the same thing I can. " I paused.


    What if they could? Who said only creators could have living armor and Holy Flame armor?


    It was unlikely they could have an Unborn since they needed Divine Purity to do so or Holy Flame armor. But in the case they could, I had to earn from it. Which meant that I needed to control the market.


    I wasn''t sure how the coming players'' activities would go but one thing was certain. Levels. Powers and gears.


    The dungeons would control that and earn profit whether they won or lost. While also training my kids in real combat. The gears sold in the village would be bought by them or whatever they entered with.


    I could see Ozai and Freyr entering with their angels.


    ''Angels and Leghna''. Akasha corrected.


    "Do I want to know?".


    ''Freyr has decided to stand opposite to whatever his brother is''. I sighed but turned back to what I was observing.


    With my children buying things for their cohort or whatever they challenged the dungeon with, I could make more money. It made me smile. The dungeons in the realms had a neat similar principle with the only difference being the beasts in the dungeons were made by the dungeon itself. It meant unlike the system dungeon my dungeons actually aimed to win as losing shards was losing funds. Killing the players or their cohorts was earning funds.


    Hopefully, the dungeons found a way to min-max their losses and gains. Just like the cores in my gardens, the cores in the realms were powered by realm energies. But there was a difference. Something that I both used as a challenge and a problem for the players if they weren''t careful.


    With the river carrying the energies of the 9 Realms, it also spilled them into each realm as a stream and leyline. It was this stream or leyline that powered the cores. Just as the one here, this made it so the features of each dungeon was affected or determined by its energy reservoir.


    The economics of shards and experience worked the same but since these were not outer realm creatures it meant I didn''t get points for it. The tax system worked the same though so it was okay. That and the fact that anytime a player died there was a loot drop effect.


    ''Scammer''.


    "Shh. They have to pay for my greatness". Still, I couldn''t help but agree that somehow I had turned into some business mogul.'' I commented again. I didn''t know if I liked it or not.


    ''And I''m not even bothered by the thought of the players'' arrival either. Am I okay now?'' it was a question for thought. Hopefully, the answer would be affirmative. I would dislike appearing before a lot of players and turning into a shivering mess.


    ''Back to the dungeons.''

 Universal Makeover VIII

    At another spot with a similar white orb the size of my head hovering before me, I looked through the designs of this dungeon. It was different though mostly because it was an open terrain one. One that made my Eastern gardens expand into a plain.


    Using the Upgraded Dungeon Template to feed to the core made it different in more ways than the Hell''s Gate. It came with a level threshold of 100 - 150. But that was beside the fact that all creatures within it were even more powerful beasts.


    Unlike Hell''s Gate which would be useful for training, this new dungeon was more earth-shaking. At least that was what I hoped to achieve.


    ''Poor brats''.


    I ignored Akasha.


    The environment was unchanged. The golden fields of grasses growing knee length spread up till the large walls in the east. Molliwag''s canyon up north and the field down south leading to the gate.


    The first thing I did here was to set the respawn core. Only one right outside the dungeon entrance. The entrance was marked by two tall trees looking like a gate. Any who walked past the trees would not enter the dungeon. Only walking between both trees would send one inside. And you had to do it from the west facing east.


    The respawn core was on a white rock lying to the side, the golden leaves hiding the runic circle from view. A question on if I wanted to add or remove anything within the dungeon was placed.


    Declining I moved straight to the part I was more interested in.


    <blockquote>


    [NO CREATURE DETECTED ON TERRAIN]


    [ADD OR DESIGN A NEW CREATURE]


    </blockquote>


    Since Hell''s gate already had the tartarean creatures it meant this one would be empty. I had the feeling once I defeated the next realm I could set it here. Or just set another dungeon.


    Sitting down lotus style as I clicked on the design my mind and hands went to work creating the tormentors of my children. With the same templates provided by the dungeon core, it was easier.


    Creating dungeon creatures took a while. In the end, I stopped to see what I had made.


    The first was a Soul Fae. Tiny finger-sized creatures with blue wisps flowing off them. It was similar to a template used in the spirit realm. Here they were still mischievous and deadly but this time they could actually hurt my kids. Especially since they had the aether feature thanks to aether being this dungeon''s energy source.


    Their daggers like needles gave tiny soul damage. One wasn''t a problem. It was a cluster of them that was.


    I decided to teach my kids what the system had force-fed me. Strength wasn''t everything to get past the Soul Fae''s, since they were too small to be killed.


    Due to their size and mostly because of the upgraded core having a thousand creature capacities, I was able to set 200 of them into the dungeon. Sadly I wouldn''t gain ORP from here.


    The next was the Sun Eagles. Bear-sized eagles with great strength and wind affinity. Their feathers were gold and their talons white. Talons that heated up when in a fight or hunt.


    The vine stalkers were a dungeon exclusive. Their abode, the tropical forest. I made the poisonous touch vines, the life steal vine, and the paralytic vines. All working together like a family to take their prey down.


    Then there were the Ape Kings, four armed monkeys with great sight. It made for a good long-range and also close combat attacking creature.


    In the waterfalls, I put a known creature. The nymphs. But they would come on land to drag prey inside the water. Past the waterfalls and into the cavern hidden by it was where I placed the dungeon boss. I wasn''t sure of what reward to put for a clear in the dungeon.


    "The elves will have to figure it out".


    ''It''s their jobs''.


    Armor would be fitting or maybe a weapon of mine if I got better ones from the Creator shop.


    ''It would help to spread my lore too''. I nodded at that thought.


    The boss I put was a black cat roughly the size of two bears. Its eyes an emerald green, fur blacker than night.


    I found something very crazy when making it. By describing it as having an earth affinity I felt a bit of green energy flow out of me into tbe template.


    ''Seems most of the effects will come from creators and others from the system. '' it was a good thing.


    I called it a Great Bast. There were other normal Basts, all the size of a direwolf roaming in the Plains.


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


    Then I confirmed.


    <blockquote>


    [Poisonous Touch Vines - Lv10 - x200]


    [Paralytic Vines -Lv10 - x100]


    [Life Steal vines - Lv10 - x100]


    [Sun Eagles - Lv20 - x100 ]


    [Soul Fae - Lv10 - x 200]


    [Nymphs - Lv16 - x50]


    [Bast - Lv35 - x50]


    [Ape King - Lv30 - x150]


    </blockquote>


    Unlike Hell''s Gate, this dungeon creatures could breed and reproduce. So getting past a dungeon core''s size limit would lead to pressure. When it got too much to bear then a Dungeon break would happen.


    "Right into the other realms".


    ''I still don''t get why this should be the players problem when it''s your children that would be at fault here''.


    "True. But it''s a chance for the players to gain merits and also face immensely stronger beings. That and it''ll make my children more active to work".


    ''Cause if it spilled into the gardens...''.


    "The Lunar Knights would have to clean it up".


    ''Hopefully, it doesn''t spill over anytime soon. Or their debut would be even harder. That would be bad.'' Thinking it over I agreed.


    ''For them. '' I didn''t need to help. But considering it would be my children''s fault. ''Definitely not mine''. I would make sure my children were punished for being lazy.


    <blockquote>


    [Name Dungeon]


    </blockquote>


    "Bast''s Domain".


    Naming it after the panther within was a great way to warn challengers. Fortunately, Bast would not be able to leave her dungeon.


    " Let it not be said I wasn''t fair. Unlike a certain system."


    Lights flew from the core and went in different directions forming the applied creatures.


    I appeared inside the dungeon floating above as I watched the newly spawned creatures look around and try to orient themselves in their new home.


    <blockquote>


    [UPGRADED DUNGEON - BAST''S DOMAIN]


    [LOCATION - LUNAR GARDENS]


    [DUNGEON TYPE - SHARED TERRAIN]


    [CORE CHARGE - 10,000/10,000]


    [CORE TIER - 0]


    [RESPAWN CORE - 1/1]


    </blockquote>


    After a minute of understanding the dungeon core with my intent, I sighed. Bast''s domain was highly different from Hell''s Gate. Mostly due to the shared terrain effect.


    Since my creatures were all made by me and not shipped from another none affiliated world the dungeon core would have to recreate everything in case of a clear, unlike the Hell''s Gate dungeon core that would simply ship in more products.


    The disadvantage was using the shards gained from the fallen players to do so. While the energy source could make bodies for them the shards served as life for them. I sighed.


    It was saddening to see. Still, my tax applied. The dungeon master would have to be smart about how it applied its mobs.


    If there were fewer shards gotten from my defeated children then it would contact me for energy. Meaning I would be lending the brats more strength.


    "I don''t mind either way".


    The last dungeon was empty. An instance dungeon as well with its entrance inside my palace. I set an entire room for it where one had to touch the respawn core set on a pedestal to enter a system-made pocket dimension.


    [BASIC DUNGEON - WHAT IF]


    [LOCATION - LUNAR PALACE]


    [DUNGEON TYPE - INSTANCE]


    [CORE CHARGE - 100,000/100,000]


    [CORE TIER - 3]


    [RESPAWN CORE - 1/5]


    I used what if for a simple reason. The dungeon template the system gave made my children face any negative or positive experiences or subconscious thoughts they had. This one sounded like a mental strength battle.


    One could enter Alone or together. But this meant one''s fears were shown to the others. There were no enemies to hit or kill. Just your thoughts. I was glad this was the last.


    There was no boss and it was a timer-based dungeon. Surviving different bad emotions or just hanging on till the very end.


    ''Winning before the timer shows your mental strength''.


    "After shows endurance".


    ''Fortunately, there''s a quit option ''.


    The dungeon was good since it had no level requirements but bad since you feel terror or emotions from someone in your group''s issues.


    The pedestal holding the respawn core was in a similar circular dais that sent the challengers into the pocket dimension created.


    Done with the dungeons I took a deep breath.


    ''Well, now you understand why the Abrahamic God was quoted to have rested after seven days''.


    *


    I didn''t know if an in-game sleep was what I needed but I took it. Like Akasha said. I needed rest. Something told me this stress and fatigue wasn''t normal for a Creator-like being. So instead of logging out, I decided to stay here, besides was quite interested in what sleeping was like here.


    I had not done anything like eating, showering, or sleeping in here. Using the shower room I filled the bathing pool with lava and dipped into it.


    "Aaahh".


    Akasha appeared on the edge of the pool and kicked her legs while playing with the lava.


    Setting my head back I shut my eyes.


    Akasha was the first to feel it. The change. It wasn''t brought by the event she and the Creator had been waiting for. No. This was something else. Something more personal.


    She stopped playing with the lava as her head turned to stare past the walls. She wasn''t really looking at anything, she was simply connected to all her tiny constituents across the universe. Together they watched.


    ''The Creator sleeps''.


    It was understandable considering unlike her the Creator''s mind was fatigued. Her mind was not capable of holding all the information and duress that Akasha could.


    As the Creator slept Akasha looked through the world, searched the fate strings, and scoured the realms. She couldn''t see anything. But she could feel it. Sense it. Something was changing. No, not changing. Happening. Something new.


    The universe seemed to be taking slow and peaceful breaths. Like it too was asleep. But it was more than that. With each moment that passed something new flickered around. Akasha found herself keeping an active watch.


    Then she noticed it. Barely imperceptible and tiny. But unable to hide from her actively searching eyes.


    Little streams of red energy. Trailing from the Creator''s head and into the universe. She could see flickers of things. Things and entities that should not have existed. Each one flickered in and out of reality. Some stayed as a mirage or illusion.


    Akasha checked on them and then the Creator. She realized instantly. The illusions were those given stronger dream energy. Meaning that they were able to completely slip into existence. But they were not real. Mere illusions and sights. Not granted permission or given physicality. Atleast not those outside proper locations.


    ''Now we know what happens when a Creator dreams''.

 Talkshow

    Aether was something the Creator avoided using many times and for good reason. In her battle against the Void wolf, she''d seen its first strength. An energy that could go tow to tow with a higher power and come out standing.


    Yet Akasha had long been itching to test it out. The description from the game system showed it as something that served as the boundaries of the universe. Well at least one of them. It had raised questions. Why not Will, divinity, or even whatever this One-Spark was that just remained quiet inside the Creator?


    Why Aether? The system had given a basic description of it. Trying to understand and denote a difference in each Akasha tried getting the system to explain all three to her. As a lower-tier entity that worked for the Creator most of the System''s actions were either explained to her before, during, or after they happened.


    Which was why the answers coming fast wasn''t something surprising for her. From will to divinity and finally aether. It was a struggle but finally, the system gave a bit of a summary of each.


    <blockquote>


    [WILL - The very expression of one''s desire and intent made manifest either mentally or by use of other means. It is expressed physically, spiritually, or by use of various energies. This does not give you insight into what you control]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [AETHER - Breath and inner essence of the Creators. All creators were once only made of an existence called the ?*#*?#*&. Forging solid, physical forms for themselves they encased these energies in these husks. Processes and reactions as such formed the essence of the breath as a form of air into their universes. This is Aether]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [DIVINITY - Depending on the being differs. To the creators, divinity is simply waste. Useful waste. To others and also the creators selected husk divinity is ichor, lifeblood. Carrier of various traits and capabilities. Not just a liquid that runs life through higher entities but also a tool]


    </blockquote>


    That had been the best understanding Akasha had derived from the system. Everything else was either blank or just unpassable. Whilst she felt the urge to keep dabbling in the understanding of will and divinity since she used them often she decided to atleast try studying


    Yet I realized that no matter how I tried I couldn''t do anything with it. So I adjusted and tried one more thing simply because of a new thought in my head.


    *


    <blockquote>


    [Realm minerals]


    [These are minerals, ores, and metals already existing within the 9 Realms, the Bands, Spheres, and the River.


    [Solistone] - [Sol ore]


    [Celestial Silver] - [Aetherheim ore]


    [Abyssalite] - [Netherheim Realm metal]


    [Divinium] - [Torheim Metal]


    [Aetherium] - [Aether Sphere ore]


    [Obsidian Ice] - [Glacial metal]


    .


    .


    .


    .


    </blockquote>


    The resources that the Creator had made me create to fill the realms. With resources like this being in all the realm it was definite that the players who would wish to expand for it would do so. War after was usually for a resource or posturing or just ego.


    With Thargrim and his brothers already done with the main items and making more of the various random items Akasha sifted through their work. The elves, tall beautiful creatures that were similar to Moonborns and yet lacked the serenity and immense height they possessed, swept most of the completed tools away into the warehouse.


    A Trident in the hands of an Elf caught her eye. It was large, similar to that of Tora''s but vastly different. The strings around that one were thick and shot straight down into the rivers. Five strings attached it to The Atlan.


    It was the same with a few of the weapons the Creator has made personally. All tethered to the realms. But there was more than just the strings. There were thinner and less translucent strings of gold weaving through the realms themselves.


    Some like the black hammer pulsing with cracks and its group were intertwined in a Lode. And the strings were not just from the weapons. Certain things from several realms were intertwined with various lodes. She couldn''t help but shake her head.


    ''It will be a mess''.


    I checked on the Creators Monolith status checking out the funds she had. Then brought up her status.


    <blockquote>


    [MONOLITH OF PASSAGE]


    [MARKED BY CREATOR HILDELITH]


    [Lv2 - 2000.8 ORP]


    [AVAILABLE...]


    [TARTAREAN RIFTS] - 10 ORP


    [...]


    [RETURN]


    [CENTER OF WORLDS] - 20 ORP


    [...]


    [CONVERT ]


    [ORP >> MVC]


    [ORP>>EXP]


    [MVC - 2660 MVC]


    </blockquote>


    Mentally Akasha set the coin amount to always appear with the Creator''s status. ''Best to make sure that she kept tabs on her expenditure''. Then she turned to the status panel to see what was different and not.


    ''While the Creator did a lot, she still hasn''t used her tome yet".


    [Welcome to the Rack Of Life Creator 79]


    [Record position - Absolute]


    [SCREEN 1]


    [Host - Hildelith ''Fearghal'' Ironstone]


    [Moniker - The Warrior One]


    [Feats - Creation''s Witness, Motivated, Source Point Creator, Striking Out, The Wild Hunt, Winds of Conquest


    [Titles -One of the Speakers, Ender of the Beginning, The Persistent


    [Entity - Creator 79]. [Race - Nothing]


    [Racial Type - Primordial Nothingness Entity]


    [Level - 20(2000/2000). (HEALTH - 28/28)


    [Core - One -Spark]. [Karma - #]


    [Cultivation Base - Null]


    [SCREEN 2]


    [Higher Energies Used - Nothingness/100%, Aether/100%, Primordial Chaos/90%, Divinity/100%, Akasha/100%]


    [Lesser Energies Used - Null]


    [Elements - Life, Earth, Space]


    [Physicalities. [Abstract


    Might - 275+(50) Focus - 316(347.6) + (20)


    Mobility - 335+(30) Perception - 20


    Physicality - 280, Abstract - 255(249.9)20


    Defense - 20(30+20). Soul - 10


    MOA - # Akasha - #


    [Free Stat Points - 100]


    [SCREEN 3]


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    [Racial Perks- Absolute Nothingness Authority]


    [Racial Perk Skills - Form of Nothing, Nothingness Empowerment/5%, Primordial Nothingness Generation


    [Racial Perk Skills - Nothingness Handblast, Sword Beam Cut, Nothingness Saturation, Nothingness Removal, Existence Erasure,


    [Racial Ability - Balance Aspect]


    [Racial Skills - Spellcasting, Balance Magic,


    [Racial Skills - Non-existent


    [Racial Ability - Universe Force Manipulation]


    [Racial Skills - Astronomical Object Manipulation, Astronomical Matter Creation


    [Racial Skills - Subatomic Manipulation


    [General Skills - Eye of The Unseen, Aether Projection, Extra Sensory Perception, Godform, Primordial Chaos Generation, Eye of Fate, Divinity Generation, Aether Generation, Divinity Emission, Divine Cloak/10%, Aura/5%, Sword Might/13, Dagger Master/18, System Creation, Soul Erasure Resistance, Akasha Generation, Mystical energies generation, Energy Storage, Divine Devour, Divine Empowerment, Energy Metabolization, Holy Breath, Flame of Life, Primordial Ice, Primordial Flame, Divine Fist, Golem Armor, Dungeon Creation III, Mind Aegis


    [Akasha Magic - Life, Death, Elemental, Space]


    [Arts - Primordial Chaos Arts, Soul DaoArts, Elemental Arts]


    [Insights - Divine Purity, Earthen Grace, Earthen Forge, Spark Splitter]


    [Inventory - SHARDS, 145(Lesser), 2000(Minor), 65(Great), 1(Greater), 1(High), 1(Higher), 1(Divine). ITEMS - Xena''s Chakram, Harbinger, Bane of Heroes, Mask of the Fortunate, Ring of The Lost, Primordial Ice Spear, Shield, Tome of Insight, Uliloc Helm, Boots of Hermes, Vulkans Prize, Hera''s Gown, Cloak of the Absolute, Crown of the Supreme, Atlas Belt]


    [Equipped - lt]


    <blockquote>


    [Shop]


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    [EYE OF THE WORLDS]


    </blockquote>


    It was weird that even after using the Spear the Creator was yet to gain any general skill related to it. Especially with the chakrams she used. It didn''t make sense.


    ''She''s not made the cultivation steps yet either''. Akasha sighed as she foresaw the grumbles the Creator would have.


    *


    1 DAY TO ALPHA TESTERS LOGIN...


    "A pleasant evening to everyone, it''s the moment you''ve all been waiting for. The Game Night Talk, I''m Amy Wright speaking live from the city of Budfest where we have several high-ranking dignitaries and professionals in the game world gathered. It''s already turning out to be one hell of a night with faces like Oraon Rotolock and Esmelda Buenavista already headed in. Stay tuned to this fascinating night as the hand ticks down."


    A buzz of voices and the little soft drone of music in the background made the event look less like a talk show and more like a party. A high socialite party it would seem.


    With smiles and looks of regality, various folks trudged to their seats even as they chatted and smiled at passersby.


    With the clock ticking down to game night the number of people standing gradually reduced until just two minutes were left before the show talk began.


    The host, a lean but curved lady in her mid-twenties with a long lock of brunette hair took her position adjusting the wavy strands that kept trying to unfurl from their arranged setting. Her simple long jacket and shirt make her presentable to everyone. Seated she tried peeking past the little gap in the red curtains at the audience while eyeing a timer ticking down.


    Then she exhaled and flashed a smile just as the timer ticked down to all zeroes. The curtains obscuring her from the audience parted with a flourish just as the camera set up both within the stage, above and around the hall whirled to life. Lights flooded the stage and dimmed within the audience section.


    "For those not present today a warm greeting from me. This is your one and only Bertha Ernie live from the Esports - Game Night Talk. ESGNT. I''m glad to be your host guys and I''m certain you''re all as glad to have me since I have a people''s favorite medal" she winked making the audience chuckle as they knew she was right.


    Bertha was a host that many liked when they were off stage and hated when on stage. Her penchant for asking uncomfortable and difficult questions without batting an eye and simultaneously diffusing any nervous or heated feeling from her guest was the main reason she''d been holding onto for almost three years since her first talk show back in Reims City.


    As much as many who had gone through her interrogations disliked her insensitivity they had to admit that the tension, fun, and drama she brought to the show was always appreciated. Especially her ability to get her guests talking.


    It was no wonder she was the host for tonight. After all the topic of the day was the main reason so many high-end figures were attending live and so many people were equally watching from their homes. A reason why most were indeed glad to have her up there on the stage tonight.


    Bertha felt shocked to hear the live view was a whooping 21,345 and still climbing. The audience was a mere 3,000 folks due to the hall''s size. Only so many tickets could be sold after all. She couldn''t help but be glad for tonight''s show landing on her plate.


    Shaking her head mentally Bertha focused on the task at hand and not on the fact that she just broke her late-night talk attendance and view records.


    ''I''ll make sure to thank my guests very well for this. By asking the unwanted questions'' she thought as her lips stretched in a grin. One that had the audience cheering on seeing.


    Her guests themselves sighed in defeat as they realized their questions wouldn''t let them breathe. Still, they had expected it before coming so they could only suck it up.


    "Once again welcome to Es-GNT, I''m Bertha Ernie for those new and just joining. We have our guests with us please do welcome them." applause went through the audience but Bertha wasn''t waiting.


    "To my left, we have Mr. Pete Comfey, who y''all know is the owner of the currently falling Helm Crusade. The game of the last season and the holder of so many awards. " Bertha clapped just as the crowd did. Me Pete was a thin man with large window glasses on his nose, black hair, and green eyes.


    "Thanks for the welcome and just call me Pete my dear Bertha". He waved.


    " He called me dear. My cheeks are on fire" she muttered to the mic while fanning her face. Laughter rose from the audience at her antics while Pete and the second man chuckled.


    "To my right, we have Mr. Reith. J. Who I honestly know less about, which just means he has fewer accomplishments or is well hidden." she chuckled as did the said man while also shaking his head at the joke.


    "Just kidding, Mr. Reith, can I call you Mr. Reith?"


    "Jameson is fine"


    "Thank God. That''s a point. If I was giving points.".


    "Jameson here is a pro manager for most virtual reality players. Currently working for and with, wait for it, that certain company responsible for the Creation Online game ". A buzz soaked up the crowd while Bertha grinned. Jameson and Pete gave her the eyes. Both realized she had put the male in the light. Not like it mattered seeing as it was unavoidable.


    "First though I know most of you just like me want to rip open the can of worms that is Jameson here. Let''s be considerate and give him a chance to consolidate his company''s lies and secrets. No offense Jameson" Her face morphed into an apologetic one while the crowd died of laughter.


    Jameson was too busy shaking his head in mirth to bother assuring her he wasn''t offended.


    Turning to Pete who had a grin on his face as well she launched her first question.


    "So Helm Crusade held the seat for best game of the year, how many times? That was five or six ehh, Pete. Feels exciting doesn''t it?"


    "Five and yes. It was." Pete corrected while nodding


    "What do you think are your chances this year?" she asked.


    "We''re good to go. It''s already in the bag" he assured confidently.


    "Oooh. The confidence. I like it. " Raising her hand with the thumb and pinky stretched out in opposite ends and the rest folded to meet the palm she made a call sign and winked "Call me". Pete shook his head. " I have a wife" Her face scrunched.


    The audience just laughed. If one thing about Bertha was known since she became popular on talk shows it was to never take her words seriously.


    She was known to fall deeply in love on stage and not bat an eye off stage. The perfect art.


    "What do you think are your chances against Creation Online?" she asked a hint of seriousness in her eyes.


    "Wait, wait first of all. Is it Creator Online or Creation Online? I''ve heard so many variations I''m unsure which is which". Pete asked genuine confusion evident on his face.


    Bertha turned straight up to face Jameson who looked up with a peachy smile.


    " Honestly that issue came up with the company too. We have a bit of a thing with sending out a message with names as most of our current players will realize. Creator Online was the original thought but we figured it wasn''t best for what we wanted. So we decided on Creation Online". Pete nodded a hint of fascination in his eye.


    "You look interested Pete. Some say you actually think this game is better than yours." Bertha fired.


    "Honestly. I''m not one to judge a game still hidden. I make games less for the money and more to bring fun and joy. Of course, I won''t say no to the money either " he grinned at the chuckling audience before continuing.


    "It''s hard to feel anything since I''ve seen nothing." He finished.


    "Not even the streams of most players currently in the game." Pete seemed nonplussed at the question.


    "I have seen those. I love the graphics. I love the realism like it''s a movie and less of a systemized play. But that''s it. There''s magic obviously, it seems medieval and there are monsters. What other games have as well? I don''t see the catch. But if they''re still hiding things then I''m sure it''s just the surface and as such, I can''t decide anything until the whole game is out".


    Bertha nodded her face serious.


    " Love your honesty, Pete. it''s refreshing. I feel like I should have you, maybe steal you from your wife. " she grinned before turning to Jameson.


    "So what do you have to say, Mr. Jameson? I beg you to leave some truth for us here tonight. Be like dear Pete" " She blinked animatedly.


    " Well. Firstly no lies. I assure. I''ll be like Pete" The crowd laughed again though it died faster as it was clear everyone wanted to get as much info from Jameson as possible.


    "This is information I actually can and should release. Creator Online alpha testing is starting tomorrow. Beta testing will be in two weeks and then we''re already making plans for mass players"


    "Okay. But why the short time in between? I figured most games should have some sort of large time gap in between to test out the games." Bertha looked at Pete for confirmation who nodded in agreement as did most of the audience.


    "Well yes, which is why we had the Alpha player''s time extended to give more room for finding and managing any error. It should have been a week but was extended."


    "Wait the alphas are there to find the errors and test our the game, Isn''t that for the betas," Pete asked. Bertha smiled as she looked at Pete.


    "Taking my Job Pete?." the said man just smiled before both turned to Jameson


    "Well honestly. What I can say is this the alphas are there to test out the game and see what it has, errors are reported as well. The betas will do the same. "


    "You haven''t told us anything juicy Jameson. Wait. What about the very first group of players? What were they called? Creator players. ?. What is their purpose in the game."


    A smile broke out on Jameson''s face.


    "That''s the I can''t tell smile. It''s popular among the company''s high staff. We''re getting nothing tonight" Pete murmured into his mic. A groan and mix of laughs came from the audience.


    "Fine fine Jameson we get it. Company secrets. So what can you tell this beautiful audience? Don''t break our fragile hearts. " Bertha pouted.


    Jameson stifled a laugh before he looked around actively.


    "I heard this from my superiors. So I''ll just say it. Though it''s hard to believe as even I don''t know how it''s possible and I know a lot about the game. All I heard was, that Creation Online is unlike any other game. I''d advise all gamers out there to get themselves ready for these pod sales if they haven''t already gotten in on the alpha and beta tests. You all don''t want to get left behind. "


    "That''s you just marketing Mr. Jameson" Pete argued with faux rage. Jameson smiled for just a moment before he leaned forward to the mic on the table.


    "I can say this too. Pete, Bertha, and my dearest audience. For those who actively follow and maybe passively follow the streams. I ask. Have you seen any of the first group already in-game quit? " his eyes roamed the suddenly silent audience.


    "Sure, I''d say new things garner interest. But it''s been what, a month? That''s long enough to have at least one person lose interest. But all one hundred are still in-game. Their streams still coming. Well not all, probably hiding their secrets now. But the point is what is so interesting about Creation Online that keeps them in. " Looking at Pete he smiled again.


    "This is a better sales pitch" he grumbled.


    Bertha laughed while the audience descended into excited murmurings.


    " It seems I''m not the only one who''s gonna be aiming for a pod. Hopefully, my boss will let me have some in-game time off. I''m getting a look from him that says no. Right. Bad luck" Bertha made a pout while a few of the audience laughed while the others still kept murmuring amongst themselves.


    Covering her mic with her palm she leaned back and spoke.


    "You dropped a nuke there. Got them even more curious."


    "It was obvious from the start. I just brought it to light". He responded. Pete to the side seemed in deep thought as well.


    In his head, Jameson smiled. ''Hopefully, this earns me a bonus. Ah, tomorrow can''t come any faster?''


    <blockquote>


    <u>The End - Book 1 = Records of Creation </u>


    </blockquote>

 Announcement

    CREATION ONLINE BOOK II


    Art by luren


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    The Alpha players are here. How long before they realize how petty their Creator is and what it means to become an Alkis, Onori, or Arg''pheyso?


    By the Blood of their flesh shall their will be made known. Those who stand shall inherit their kingdom. And those that fall...


    [What to Expect?]


    New Characters get introduced. New Backstories. New desires and aspirations. All cumulating to shape the 9 Rings into a whole new place.


    Upload starts next week

 BK2 - Alpha Testers

    Gaius PoV


    "Beautiful". I couldn''t help but admire the pod delivered by The Ancients Inc. It was a sleek and metallic futuristic pod the length of a bed but with half the width of a standard bed. Its surface and body reflected the room''s lights and gave me a sense of awe.


    "So close".


    The madness that had begun because of this game couldn''t be understood by lesser folk. Even he didn''t quite get the importance but he sure had his orders. The Ancients Inc might have believed that their people were close-lipped and loyal but even they could not expect the amount of money most prominent families had to spend. It made it easier to know just what the game meant or atleast what the lower rats of the company knew. Which was why the Alpha test slots had been vanquished fast. The Beta would have earned most of the subordinates a chance in the game if the company didn''t have weird rules.


    As such I knew this was one chance to complete my mission. Make a foothold in this game before the main thing comes. If I proved myself then the patriarch would surely let me manage this part of the company and if possible, I could even break away.


    ''First I have to evaluate this game myself and know what it offers''.


    The time till Alpha login was close. But not close enough. I decided to once more take time to evaluate information on the forum.


    It was a useless place. Little to no information. No description and nothing. A situation that was caused by the Creator Players getting instructed to withhold information until after the login. I didn''t understand but I didn''t mind. If it was luck then even the patriarch would not have me to blame for any inconveniences.


    After all, even he would be watching my login.


    A sigh escaped my lips as I leaned back into my chair and shut my eyes. Only time will tell.


    *


    Timothy''s POV


    The three pods were identical. Uncannily. Yet that wasn''t what got my attention. It was the last pieces of security in my door that caught my eye. Getting the slots and then having my siblings play as well was something dangerous.


    ''A chance he could use to get to her''. My gaze flickered to the side where a pretty 14-year-old bounced excitedly in her chair. A smile crossed my face. it was always good to see Melody smile even after everything and all these years.


    I once more clenched my fists as thoughts and memories reared up in my head. It was a testament to her strength that not even father could have broken her.


    The door shut behind me as the contractor exhaled.


    "It''s all done sir. Once there are any unauthorized movements here you''ll get a notice in your game". The middle-aged man wiped the sweat from his brow.


    I eyed the door taking in the final house security that would keep Melody safe and let me play the game with her as much as she wished without having to worry. I shook my head in fatigue.


    "Thank you. You may go now. The Butler will clear your bills". I turned away and back to the pods. ''Hopefully, you have what it takes to give her a brand new life.


    *


    Franco tapped his feet eagerly and quite impatiently. It was almost time. Almost. He had followed the time religiously, and kept chatting with the others who like him were just as if not more excited. He couldn''t wait. Five minutes to log in and he was already in the pod, clothed in the skin suit provided for this. The liquid soaked him up. The pod shut with a hiss as he eyed the red light that scanned him before turning green.


    A countdown appeared above him.


    ''Two minutes left ''.


    It was a blessing he lacked the issue of confined spaces most folks did. As such he could wait. And wait he did.


    ''One minute left''


    Once the timer drew closer to the twenty seconds mark he found himself getting dizzy. Franco tried his best to fight the sleepy pull and his heavy lids but it was useless.


    [00:00:00:15]


    .


    .


    .


    [00:00:00:04]


    [00:00:00:03]


    [00:00:00:02]


    [00:00:00:01]


    [00:00:00:00]


    [May your actions spin a tale so vast the Cosmos remembers]


    [Power, Might, Glory, Tales, and Legends are yours to grab]


    The words gave him a little more boost to fight back but even that failed fast.


    [Welcome to Creation Online Player]


    *


    As far as Franco could see was a pure white light. It was in every direction and he couldn''t understand it. He felt nothing and sensed nothing. There was just white. For a moment he momentarily got scared. Wondering if there was some glitch and if he had been trapped in the login unable to get out.


    The white cleared and he soon found himself. Yes himself, body parts, all completely standing on something that looked like stars. A bridge of stars that curved and formed a path through a swat of black space and straight into the distance.


    "What am I supposed to do here?" Franco jumped as his voice echoed around him. "Woah". He grinned. Looking around he took a step. "Maybe the task is ahead". Two steps in and the bridge flickered as he found a word before him.


    Not a word but a row of words. Names. He was sure it was names but not of people. Of something. Reaching out his hand passed through.


    "Hmmh. Not physical. It''s a game. Must be..." he tried making the words roll up with a thought and like hoped it moved. "Ahah. That''s it". Scrolling he found many names that felt weird and confusing until he saw one.


    [Yggdrassil]


    Franco paused. Pushing lower he found another that made him squint.


    [Andromeda]


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    He shivered as excitement and possible light bulbs began igniting in his head.


    [Pangu]


    [Pangea]


    [Brahmanda]


    He scrolled faster. Many names he didn''t even recognize like the first ones shot past. Of course, Franco was still not sure of what he was looking at but by the time his eyes found a name he stilled.


    [The Star Rings]


    "Universe".


    None of the Creator Players had shared names for their universe. Not even Creator Hildelith. Still, he remembered the name drop on one such day. He blinked hard. Something else caught his attention.


    Each of the words had a numerical value of some sort next to it. But what bothered him was that each was dropping. Even the Star Rings. None of them were fast to drop but they were dropping nonetheless.


    [The Star Rings] - [32/55]


    It was clear that the drop had increased and if the number reached zero it wouldn''t be good for him. Why else would it show him the numerals? With panic, he tapped on the word with his hand first and when he almost fell through cursed himself and thought of tapping it.


    The words highlighted and he felt a grasp at him. Like a confirmation for entering.


    [12/55]


    Franco nearly screamed out a yes. Fortunately, he was just in time as he was whisked out of existence.


    *


    A crack and pop caught his ears as something twisted and bent. Franco found himself staggering to his knees as he was dropped roughly.


    A look around showed he was in a house. A quaint little house. A cottage of sorts. Looking behind him he found a shit door and out through the window he saw a land covered in snow.


    "Where am I?".


    "Your Evaluation test*.


    Franco felt himself wince as the voice grated through him. It was like nails scraping against a chalkboard dialed to the max.


    "Sorry. I forgot to tone down the ?*#?*?$. Regardless. Welcome. I''d advise you get on to the rest as there are limited slots left".


    Franco shook his head the feeling leaving him fast. Looking up he found himself staring into a blueish gray mist that resembled a woman. Her left arm outstretched in a gesture to the table he was only noticing now.


    Infact he was only noticing the stairs the blueish mist entity stood or floated on. ''Meaning this place has an upper floor. What is there?''.


    "You could explore or you could quickly take a slowly dwindling card?". The voice came again.


    "I saw the numbers. There''s only a certain few of us here". He argued. The mist entity had a coy grin.


    "True. But I assure you. You want to make a choice and not have the leftovers".


    That got his attention. Why he''d not been bothered by the entity reading his mind since this was a game and surely a game could have a program to read minds, he''d been intent on solving any hidden clues here and getting any rewards. Games had those rights.


    He wasn''t so sure now as he watched the cards on the table vanish one by one.


    "Across this space are 54 other buildings with 54 other players. Each selecting a card and completing their login".


    "Login. Wait. You mean.."


    "I assure you, Franco. The Prologue is yet to begin "


    With a frown at his conclusions, he rushed for the table and looked it over. Eleven card colors. And from the arrangements five different card colors. Most were gone. Whisked away. Others remained. But the one that had only a single card left was the white card.


    His head tried going through colors. There was a Red, Golden yellow, Green, Silver, Blue, Purple, Gray, Black, and a last White card that vanished just as he looked. Vanishing as someone somewhere took it. Trying to reason if there was anything about the colors that the Creator had told them Franco furrowed his brows.


    "Is there something we should know?".


    "Good. Questions open up thoughts and thoughts create a path of confusion. But in that confusion always lies an answer. Unseen, unnoticed. But there". The mist lady floated down the stairs to stand opposite him.


    "Each card stands for a sense of who you are. Pass your hand over it and choose that to which you are drawn. Remember. Picking a card is permanent".


    He frowned. Unsure. Confused. But it was a game. So he followed the rules given. Passing a hand over the first one he felt nothing, and then a shock of Absolute terror washed through him. Franco stumbled back. Shock and fear rolled over him as his mind fought to calm himself.


    "What, what was that?".


    "Death. Destruction". The lady shrugged them motioned back to the card. Franco stared, not at the Black card, but at the rest.


    ''What the hell?''.


    The next card was the gray one. It gave a sense of boundless power. Of pathways and routes opened to him. It felt better. The purple card was one of desolation and madness. It rubbed off on him as something he didn''t like. Thr Blue gave him a sense of wonder and possibility. Of life and chances. His lips twitched in a smile. The Silver radiated strength, law, order, and an unflinching will. Green sent a pulse of imagination to him. He could think of what could be, what might be. He could envision what was possible. The Golden yellow Card filled him with immense hope and a sense of just peace and good. The last one had no feeling. He didn''t get it at first until it slammed into him with force. Pure and unbridled might. He could sense his body swell with it like a hot balloon.


    ''How am I supposed to pick''. Another card vanishing jolted him into realizing that he either picked it or get the leftover assigned to him.


    *


    It wasn''t hard to decide when he finally found a card he felt was connected to him. He didn''t understand how either. But the moment he knew what he wanted from this game by translating the sensations he felt from the cards he just picked the closest to his desires. Whether or not it was a mistake mattered no more as the moment he held the card, even the doubt rushing through him vanished. It felt like it was meant to be.


    ''This is it''.


    He looked up at her and found her smiling quite creepily at him. "Welcome to the Star Rings Grandson". Franco met darkness again. He was getting tired of it but there was nothing he could do.


    The card he held broke up into many pieces of light and flowed straight into his chest. Simultaneously, all the cards on the table pulsed with a blueish gray dim and vanished just as he too vanished.


    ****


    Universe -The Star Rings


    Ring - 4th


    Reality - Mortal Plane


    Solar system - Origin


    World - Vaustaris


    Continent - Lunar Plains


    Main Continent South - Frierwood - Frierwood Beach


    [5000 Aeus APW - After Primordial Walk]


    It had been five thousand Aeus since the Primordials walked Vaustaris. Many knew of those times, but few remembered it. When beings of uncanny difference and weird minds mingled with them. Taught them, brought various secrets and ways of life to them. Vaustaris had grown, and its people had thrived. There was peace. A peace and joy that they only knew.


    Blood, war, and violence came only at the teeth of a Vaustaris Wolf or the countless beasts and monsters that roamed the world. Creatures that luckily fell to the blades of the various orders that had sprung up all over the world.


    Old Hatari took in the sight of a grand and beautiful world for the last time. It should be, had to be. Her cheeks were wrinkled, flesh sagging. Her bones were weak and felt like a single step could shatter them. Her eyesight was worse and yet it failed to close off the beauty of her homeland. Her hearing was weak and yet the children never ceased to overjoy her with their loud shouts of play.


    Hatari didn''t know what came after life, but she certainly knew one thing. Somehow, she would miss this place.


    BOOM


    An explosion in the far distance caught many eyes. Hatari barely saw the mushroom cloud in the far distance but she could see it thanks to its great side. Even more it wasn''t the only one. Streaks of flaming projectiles fell from the heavens. If her sight had been good she could have seen more in the distance, specks in the sky that hurtled down into far off lands she''d always dreamnt of traveling to.


    If her sight had been good she would have seen the little brats beneath her tree house rushing off as their excited gazes followed a very large projectile as it fell for the Frierwoods. Parents and elders shouted and cried for the young uns to assemble into their houses but those were long gone into the woods.


    If she had seen them maybe she would have alerted the village. Alas, she couldn''t. Age had eaten too deeply into her. A small smile, the best her cheeks could perform stretched as stories of the old days returned to her memories. Her grandmother''s voice of happiness and glee as she spoke of the Primordials. Beings who could heal anything with a mere wave of the hand.


    Hatari didn''t know what the explosions signified or the streaks falling were. But she knew, she was too old. Her time was one of peace and stability. Whatever was happening now was beyond her. Her eyes turned to the cottage at the center of the village.


    ''Hanma will do well''. Her daughter was a strong and willed woman. Taking after her mother. While she refused to take a husband and give her grandchildren before her time Hatari understood Hanna''s stress. Watching over a village in these times, especially with the Orders and the Royals everywhere was a harsh endeavor.


    ''She can do it''.


    Whatever this new generation brought. Hatari knew her child could do it.

 BK2 - Alpha Testers II

    [Unknown Alpha Player POV]


    The first thing I saw with my opening eyes were the words that puzzled me.


    [Welcome to Vaustaris ?#?*#?#]


    The scrabble of nonsense at the end made me confused even more than whatever the heck Vaustaris was. The words blinked away as my sight set upon something staring down at me. She was tall. Very tall.


    ''No''. My mind disagreed as my eyes found the mound she stood on. A mound that wound around me. A pit. ''No. Crater''. I pushed myself to an elbow and looked around. I was lying in hot sizzling lava that was slowly cooling into magma and I felt nothing.


    "What the ...".


    "Snais ahka. Hiet orrt kor?".


    I looked back up to the intelligible words leaving her mouth. It was a girl. ''An Elf ''. My eyes widened. ''Is this some isekai shit?. Did my pod explode, or malfunction, did I die and get reincarnated? Is this another life?''.


    [Recalibrating speech]


    [Language - Vaustaris Tongue - Learned]


    "....dazed. Maybe we should help him".


    "Serie are you insane. He''s sitting in lava. If he needed help he wouldn''t be sitting there".


    "How''s he sitting there?". Another girl asked.


    "Don no". The boy narrowed his eyes at me and then looked up at the sky. " Don''t look like no monster I''ve seen though ".


    I blinked both at tbe children''s words and the words in my vision. ''Vaustari tongue? So it''s a game. But ...'' I looked at my hands, fisted them. ''Wait''.


    Claws. Black long claws bit into my flesh. ''What the?''. I almost scrambled back but held myself. My eyes left my hands ignoring the golden liquid that streamed from the cuts as I surveyed my body. I could see bits of white hair on my legs. Black claws on my toes.


    ''What is this?''. Instinctively, on seeing claws my tongue darted within my mouth, exploring to feel for my teeth.


    ''Fangs''. Four of them. Long and pointed. I looked back up at the kids. ''Was I some monster in this game? Was this a monster feature? I didn''t even get to choose anything''. I frowned at the thought but paused remembering that I indeed had chosen something.


    ''Were the cards the choice?''. It felt unfair. And annoying. It wasn''t a proper choice. I rose, pushing myself to my feet. The lava cooling faster dropped off my body like liquid and to the ground. Fortunately, I wasn''t exactly naked.


    The moment I had risen light encapsulated me. It was gray and comfortable. Like the touch of something loving. I could feel something else though. Something different. Slowly I turned and found a white bushy tail swaying slowly behind me, attached to my tailbone.


    "The Fuck". I groaned out. The kids stumbled back.


    "Seems even monsters know bad speak". One of the kids chuckled, my attention returning to him as I momentarily ignored the confusion in my head to look at him. Now that they all had my undivided attention I decided I had to first get out of this crater before calming my mind.


    Using both hands I clawed my way up. Over the edge and then up to my feet. Then I blinked.


    [The Prologue - Godfall]


    [5000 Aeus ago the Primordials walked the mortal realm. Close to the mortals, they taught and brought new ways of life to the people scraping them from the mud of existence. But the Primordials were young and curious. Growing and life seized their attention from the mortal realms.


    You were born to watch over those who they had little time for.


    **Beginner Mission - Ascension**-


    - Confusion fills your mind. Worry not. Your status page remains locked until proper ascension. Your existence is sealed to keep this world from falling to the flames. Learn your strengths and weaknesses, carve out a piece of the cake for yourself, and grow.


    [Rewards - Ascension]


    [Failure - ???]


    [Accept - Y/N]


    Warning - As an unascended Entity, your true form is sealed within. Death will be permanent.**


    "So it is the ERROR. Woah. I can''t even use the word ERROR here. Nice. Okay. What''s this? My status is sealed cause I''m an unascended Entity. What the hell am I then? My true form can even destroy this world. That''s if fall to the flames is literal".


    I frowned at all this as I jabbed at my jaw absentmindedly with my claws.


    "Primordials. Carve out a piece of the cake for myself". I looked to the kids before me and then to myself.


    ''It''s looking interesting but first to confirm I''m not dead. Logout ''.


    [Alpha Player cannot logout]


    [Prologue position Commenced]


    "That confirms that. I''m definitely in the ERROR".I frowned again. "Is it censoring my speech for the inhabitants or generally. Let''s see". I raised my palm to my mouth and tried whispering as silently as possible. "Game". I titled my head.


    "Is it generally or...is it dependent ony thought". I looked at the children. When I was thinking of asking something I realized that maybe it would be weird so I decided to just say something else.


    The children must have grown impatient with standing there waiting for me as they beat me to asking a question.


    "What are you?".


    "You don''t look like no monster?".


    "Ain''t no monster got fine white hair". Another shrugged to his fellow. I blinked and then reached for my hair. It was soft and yet thick. Flowing fast and bountiful down my head and to my ...wait. I felt something. Going back up to the side of my head I felt for something.


    Pointed ears, Furred pointed ears.


    ''Claws, fangs, pointed ears. Beast person then. But what?''. I was curious. But I didn''t put much mind into it as I continued with my hair. It flowed past my shoulders and probably stopped at my mid-back. ''Nice. Everyone loves long hair. White too". I glanced at it in my fingers and just shrugged.


    "Hey Mister. You not a monster. You look too weak to be one". Another of the kids. Black-haired shouted at me.


    "If I was, wouldn''t you all be dead already?".


    The silence from my answer was amusing. I scoffed. ''Kids''.


    "Lucky us then". The female child with the raven locks spoke up. Her eyes glinted with hard-to-hide pride


    ''So life-like''. Even as I thought it I could see the pointed ears they all had and I couldn''t help but stare. ''Elves''. But I wasn''t sure. Each one had a different complexion. The raven-locked girl was dark-skinned while the others were fair except for the pink-skinned chubby boy in the center.


    I towered over the children. They looked no younger than Eleven or twelve. A tingling in my mind made me realize that the mission was still there.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    So I accepted it.


    [Mission Accepted]


    [Generatimg Starter Rewards]


    ''Hmmh. Didn''t even think of those. Wonder they would be?''.


    [Starter Rewards generation stalled]


    [Starter Rewards Quest Granted]


    As an Unascended Entity, your task to learn more about your capabilities is severe. But you also require aid in this task. To gain your rewards you need to acquire materials to make them. After all, you are no mere mortal. As an ?#?#?#? You must work for your power.


    - Gather 9 Frierwood Elderbranch (0/9)


    - Gather 2 Freirwood Elder leaf (0/2)


    - Gain 1 monster essence (0/1)


    - Gain 1 inch of monster flesh (0/1)


    [Rewards - Starter Kit Rewards, Akashic Essence Orb]


    [Mission compulsory]


    I didn''t like the turnaround. Yet it was clear that no mere mortal thing had a heavy emphasis. With a clear frown on my face, I looked at the kids. All five took a step back.


    "I''m..." I frowned deeper. If I didn''t have a status could I choose a name? If yes what to choose. If not what to have the kids address me as?


    In the end, I just shrugged and went with the flow. If the game didn''t want me naming myself then it could simply shut me up.


    "Hello. I''m Rack of Life".


    "Weird name?" The other chubby kid frowned. "Never heard of a Racolith before?". He looked at his friends in curiosity. All shook their heads.


    "That''s cause I said. Rack of Life".


    "I hear you. Racolith". The kid nodded. I frowned and bent close.


    "Rack!. Of!. Life!".


    The kid stepped back and looked at the others. "Isn''t that the same thing?".


    I sighed. ''Whatever. Maybe they don''t understand me well. Maybe the language thing. Still, I need those materials. I''m certain monsters are in there''. I looked into the woods behind the kids from where I hoped these little brats hadn''t been coming from. Cause if so then it would mean monsters there were non-existent.


    ''Maybe it''s a starter zone''. I shrugged.


    "Say kids". I squatted making sure my robe didn''t go rising and flashing the kids. I''d not had the time to peek there but I was packing. I was no perve and a sense of shame too. Game characters or not. "Can you help me with a mission. I''m seeking the Elderbranch".


    They all frowned at me first then stumbled in unison as they looked into thin air. Then slowly and very nearly simultaneously looked at me. Then back into space then back to me.


    " He''s... he''s... he''s...".I watched the chubby kid hyperventilate in shock.


    The Raven-haired one stepped to him and tapped his back while whispering to him. A motherly one eh?


    The blonde and black-haired boys stared me down with wide eyes while the last girl just kept turning her head back and forth from whatever she saw to me. Just as I was about to ask what was wrong they all answered.


    "We''ll take you".


    And that was how I found myself dragged off to who knew where. Pestered and hounded by kids who didn''t have a filter. Yet as their questions bombarded me I put two and two together.


    ''Oh shit''.


    *


    [Unknown Alpha Testers PoV]


    "Magnificent". My eyes must have held the unmistakable glint of excitement and glee as I stared up into the sky. "Two suns". It felt like a cross between dawn and sunset as one sun rose from the side and the other set to the side. I wasn''t sure of the geographic terminology here.


    ''The boss would be so pissed now''. I thought right before I activated my raven. If I tried to hide anything from him it would be my head. I might say this or that but a good check in other players'' streams and I could be screwed.


    ''No need to tempt the boss''. I thought and yet I couldn''t help but wonder. ''Maybe for just a moment ''.


    Her eyes traveled up her form. The beautiful scales, the tattered gown that curved around her. ''I got mean curves''. A chuckle escaped my lips. I blinked at the sight of the hair flowing down my head. It was black and felt less like hair and more like.


    "Shadows".


    The weight on my neck made me feel up my head and find ridged and tall long horns. Claws on my fingers and an ashen flesh where scales spared. Feeling my face told me it too was spared the scales. Still, there were some littered around my neck. My shoulder blades felt heavy and yet powerful.


    "Must be how the boss feels after a gym day". Flexing my new growths was instinctual. Creepy but yet acceptable. ''The last thing I need is to start learning flight''.


    Both large appendages that seemed merged between feathers and bat wings spread out and flapped. The magma at my feet sizzled as I lurched into the air and then landed on the field. My palm touched the grass at my feet. A deep inhale forced tantalizing greenery through my nostrils.


    ''I love this game''. I rose sharply. Looking around me with years of paranoid expertise I evaluated my location. ''Where am I?''.


    Words appeared in my vision. As I read it I felt a sense of glee rise over me.


    *


    At the beach, submerged within a crater filled with water another Alpha player awoke. His eyes took in his surroundings as he gasped. Water rushed through his mouth and nostrils down to his lung and yet the familiar feeling of choking didn''t come.


    Still, he felt a grappling fear as he rushed upwards. His body lurched and with a blast of pressurized air, he was out of the water and landing on the beach, ankles submerged in water and feet on the sand. Claws on his fingers, fangs bared as unknown instincts sought danger, his hair his eyes flew from one side to the other.


    Then words appeared in his vision.


    *


    Player Racolith''s POV


    The children were excitable and helpful. The perfect guides for completing the first requirements in the starter quest. All six of us stopped beneath an Eldertree of the Frierwoods.


    "...that''s why they''re called Elder woods and so important. Even the King''s men come here to get wood from us".


    I wanted to ask what I missed in her story but my attention remained on the tree before me. Luckily this starter quest was easy''. Stepping forward I began the Herculean task of climbing this tall tree. It wasn''t that hard. In four minutes I was on top of a branch twisting, stomping, and snapping branches.


    "You know we have axes at home". One of the kids muttered.


    "He doesn''t need it dumbie".


    "True". The child agreed. " That he doesn''t need it, not that I''m a dumbie. Stop calling me that". I chuckled shaking my head before my mind wandered off.


    What stories did this world have beyond the Primordials walking amongst them? I was curious.


    But first, starter quests.


    My weight made the spot I stood on wobble but I didn''t fall. Once I had gotten the Branch I dropped it down and turned to harvest another.


    [Elderbranch - (1/9)]


    With a smile, I kept on the work. Breaking off branches and checking if my meter had increased. Some branches didn''t register and I realized they were thin and weak branches. The quest required thick and sturdy branches. It didn''t take long to get all 9 of them. Next, I hunted for the leaf of the Elder wood. Those were harder to get as the quest rejected everything below. Soon I was higher up in the tree and standing on the weaker parts of the tree. Still, nothing here was accepted.


    Five minutes of climbing and adjusting balance later I poked my head out of the top of the tree canopy. Instinctively I took a good look around.


    "Woah". Behind me was a canopy of trees lower than me. Ahead was the canopy but stopping a few distance ahead and then grassland spread ahead. To my right and left was the same. I could hills sprawled out in the distance.


    "My eyesight". Far off I could see something that should be too far to see. A large tower or was it a city? ''Maybe I''ll head there after my quest''.


    The two topmost leaves were the prize. Getting down I turned to the kids and smiled. "Thank you for help. Now let''s get you all back home".


    I didn''t think it was nice to have them lead me to a monster. I''ll just drop them off at their homes and then go find monsters. Maybe someone in their city will have weapons to loan me or something.


    ''I don''t have a coin on me'' to buy one. What game starts without a single copper? ''Stingy!''.


    "Alright kids. Take me to your homes. It''s time you got back. Plus I also need some sort of weapon".


    All the kids perked up and then the Raven-haired one I''d come to know as Seri stepped up. "Dad''s a blacksmith.


    I was on the ground.


    The children were muttering amongst themselves but I said nothing as I gathered the branches, tied the leaves to my robe, and held the branches over my shoulder.


    "Well. Lead the way". I smiled as best as I could at the kids. Serie and the black-haired one, Alarie led the way while the other three circled me and began throwing questions at me.


    The children called me an Alkis. The term used for the Primordials. It meant, in their tongue, the Vaustaris tongue that is. God. There was no plural or anything else to it. It made things clear on why they''d readily accepted to help me. That and the fact I had given them quests. It made me wonder if I was some sort of quest giver or what. Wasn''t it only NPCs that could give quests? I was still unclear on what our role here was. Still, the terminology used for us made it clear a bit.


    ''She did hint at it too''. I smiled. ''Still no reason not to atleast give us a single coin''.


    The children took me through the path they''d chased my descent through. It was a darker and dreary place. Their courage was disturbing for them to have followed this path.


    "I don''t think you kids should be following such dangerous-looking routes". I started. Seris turned to give me a look, and Alarie nodded in agreement. Fremy and Jia looked cowed. Draes simply shrugged.


    "Nothing much happens here. The path is safe. Chief makes sure of it".


    The other children nodded quickly. I was about to say it didn''t matter when a growl from behind had us all halting. Seris and Alarie were already next to me before I could turn.


    "Vaustaris Wolves". Fremy whimpered.


    Six of them. Large powerful beasts that had their shoulder height up to my chest. White fur and an assortment of blue and yellow orbs. Even as I took them the wolves were already splitting into their revered wolf formation.


    "Seris". I muttered as I brought down the branches I held slowly. "You and the rest grab a branch each". I had no intention of dying, especially after what the prompt had told me. Also, I was unsure of NPC mechanics in this game. Did they die permanently? Did they respawn? I seriously doubted and even if they did I didn''t know and didn''t want to test with kids. I held on to one of the beaches while the kids grabbed the rest.


    Part of me wanted to say something like stand back. But these were wolves. Language was not something they should understand.


    The first one struck from my left, targeting one of the kids. Fremy and Jia screamed. I turned with panic ready to defend when I found the weirdest situation.


    The wolf was frozen in midair. Looking back at the others I saw the same thing. Looking at the children I found them stuck in a pause. A glance at myself showed a thick film of condensed material that I seemed to press and push through while moving. Air or something else? I wasn''t clear on what.


    "So gods.." I shook my head. "...Alkis are fast. Faster. Seems plausible. Or is probably some temporal effect. Not clear".


    This was a chance to get rid of this issue. Raising a branch I got close and then brought it down hard on the thing''s head.


    "If I don''t kill it I should at least stun it". The skull mashed up. I frowned. The pause was making the bits stay in place. Looking at myself again I couldn''t help but feel a sense of thrill in me. I dashed for the next wolf and repeated the same. And then the next and the next till all were dead. Then I rushed for the kids and stopped.


    "Unless we''re so overpowered that moving affects time or every other thing around me I want to believe it''s a temporal skill. Wait, what if it''s just air, frozen air? If I''m fast then won''t everything be frozen since I''m going faster than every other thing? this is just due to me being very fast. With my perception. Would explain this". I poked a finger through the condensed material.


    ''Whatever. How to stop?''. I focused on stopping. ''Go back to normal perception!''.


    "Aahhhhh".


    PULCH.


    Fremy''s scream and the exploding wolves coincided. I couldn''t the feeling of revulsion I had, luckily my gagging didn''t actually regurgitate anything. The kids were silent as they stared with the same amount of revulsion as me at the headless wolves.


    I almost gagged again as I took a look around but my body seemed to not agree anymore. On the bright side I eyed a corpse, if these were monsters then maybe I already had all I needed for the quest. "Well, no need for hunting eh". I muttered while forcing a smile at the kids to hopefully distract them from the blood. Maybe I should have taken them a fair bit from here. I shook my head.


    ''Nah. Who knew how the speed thing would affect them?''. Looking away from their frozen faces. I turned back to the corpses I realized that if the kids lacked a knife, then I was going to have to use my claws.


    I stared at my fingers and had to fight back another gag.

 BK2 - Alpha Testers III

    Getting to the village was fun. In any reality or world, seeing kids with an older stranger was suspicious. Luckily the Raven-haired girl did something that made the adults stumble. Then the children told them what I did and soon enough I was surrounded by excited and curious folks.


    An older lady approached me. She was so old her wrinkles had traced various etchings on her body. Her eyes shook and quivered as she fought to see me.


    "I never thought I''d get to see such a time myself. A time of Alkis. Thank you my Lord, thank you".


    "Mother". A middle-aged lady held the woman by the shoulder. I was still not sure of their race even with the close similarities they had with elves. "Forgive my mother My Lord. She was told a lot of tales of the old days. When the Alkis walked amongst us". She made a pleading bow.


    I smiled as the old lady was a possible treasure tribe of knowledge for me.


    "My lord we have refreshments please do come in". The lady began making various orders and hand gestures that sent various folks running around while the kids just stood there. The ones who had not been the five stared at me like I was an alien.


    ''To them, I might as well be one''.


    "Forgive my manners. I am Hanna village leader. This is my nother Harata former village leader. Please, this way my lord". She led the way in a slow guide as she helped Harata along. All the while I could only help but think.


    ''She didn''t ask for my name. A way to keep me from selecting a name for myself now or what. Also, how the hell am I going to carve out a piece of all this?''.


    ****


    While the Alpha Testers braved their starter quests, the Creators were busy. None more than the two siblings Helen and Dester.


    No one knew what was in the works but Destet had suspicions. As did Keller. It was clear that The Ancients Inc. was aiming high. The question remained how high?


    "So. When you told me your Universe was a wheel I didn''t think much of it. But now I''m just Wow". Helen really couldn''t figure out how Dester had even gone about doing all this.


    " Says the girl with an infinity loop that goes past infinity". He shot back without taking his eyes off the file. Both had created files of everything in their universe, from the simplest thing to the biggest issue. Now, Dester was trying to figure out how he could make his fate system. Apparently, he''d gotten a force of his own as well


    "The Universal Records. Plagiarism". The sneer on her face didn''t hide the amusement in her eyes.


    "I didn''t steal anything. I simply improved on an idea". He winked.


    "Mine was much better" She poked out a tongue at him and made faces. He just chuckled and looked back to the file.


    "Says here you''re still skipping out on some ...wow. you got another thing and a million. Damn, that''s a lot of MVC".


    "You don''t know what ORP is do you".


    " Not there yet. After the tower?".


    "Yup". She nodded. He groaned.


    "So close ". She chuckled.


    "Won''t you watch your Alpha Testers?".


    "Could say same for you". He shrugged focused back on the file. Looking up at her he leaned back right fingers tapping his thigh. There was silence for a few moments before she raised her eyes to look at his hand.


    "Just spit it out". The hand stopped like it realized what it was doing.


    "The game. Creation Online. Does it feel weird to you?". His voice sounded worried, unsure, perplexed. Helen frowned and instinctively made to shrug or nod when he raised a palm.


    "Don''t just answer. Think deeply about this. You''re supposed to be good at that. Doesn''t it all feel too realistic to be a game. The fights, the pain might be subdued but still". He had this frustrated look on his face. "Especially the skills and powers we use". She frowned at him in confusion.


    "Each time I use a skill the feeling. It''s like. .." he shook his head. " No. I''m just overthinking things". Dester leaned back on the couch.


    Helen frowned. " You better tell me Dester. Or I''ll tell Mum and Dad that game is messing with your head and we''ll get suspended from it".


    The look he gave was a scrutinized one. Accessing. Guagimg her bluff meter. Finally, he caved. Leaning forward he focused on her.


    "Each time I use the skills or abilities it feels like something new and mental is in my head. Even now I can feel and sense the ideas and concepts of those skills. Before you say knowing those are normal I meant that I can feel something in my head that is just weird. It''s ..it''s really bothering me".


    Helen frowned. Her eyes watched the boy for some time before she looked away. She tried hard to think about it. Any such strangeness. But she felt and sensed nothing. Still, it was Dester here. Rising Hildelith went around the table and sat on it.


    "If it''s weird. Then that means it''s somehow real". She joked. "And if you''re the first to sense something. Then maybe..."


    "I''m going crazy, parallel or maybe..."


    "... or maybe, you''re just special. Like those chosen ones in the books".


    "Yeah, you''d say that". He scoffed leaning back.


    "Nope. I know that. Still if it''s seriously bothering you, shouldn''t you tell mum and dad?". She asked worriedly.


    "And get stopped or banned from playing. Yeah right". He scoffed again.


    "She Why''d I think you''d be worried for your health". She shook her head. "Fine. You know I won''t snitch. But if something changes, I''m definitely..."


    "Sure. Sure. Thanks. Hopefully you''re right and it''s nothing serious".


    "If it was". She looked up thoughtfully. "My children become real, my creations all real. All those dangers they face and their lives real". She was stuck between a smile and a frown.


    "How lovely eh". Dester chuckled.


    Helen just smiled at him. " C''mon. Let''s go act all high and powerful".


    "We''re not acting all High and powerful. We are High and powerful". He snorted and she grinned standing up.


    "True. Can''t wait to go all ''Bend the Knee".


    "You know, being offline would have been harder without the forces". He eyed her. She smirked.


    "And yet I have no payment for such a splendid template". Dester shook his head but kept his lips shut.


    *


    [Unknown Alpha Tester]


    Frierwood was like no forest I''d seen. The trees were not excessively tall and the spacing between them was just right. The trees had an unnatural thickness and the canopy just like in any other forest allowed bits of rays to hit the forest floor making for a naturely feel to the forest. The path itself was spaced enough that light cut through


    And the scent. I had not inhaled such pure and clean air before. I was certain not even the current elder generation had. Finding what looked to be a well-trodden path, mostly due to the trampled grass and footprints, I followed.


    The first sight of it was a bloody one. Missing heads, cut open chests. I gaped in shock at the morbidly of such attacks. The eight creatures that I assumed to be some sort of canine creatures lay around the path soaked in their lifeblood.


    **Organic Matter detected**


    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.**Reanimate - Y/N**


    The prompt came as a surprise to me. Still, it was one that I appreciated. "The first of my quests".


    Quickly accepting the reanimation I felt an urge grip me. It was like I suddenly knew to pierce my left palm with my right index claw. Savagely I ripped the palm wider and black blood, frothing, boiling, and popping flowed out. The blood trickled and floated through the air and into the necks of the deceased beasts.


    **Reanimation commenced**


    The bodies jerked. Fur and flesh spasmed and writhed like maggots were beneath it. The fur darkened and grew spiky, claws became longer and darker. Shadows oozed from their corpses. Flesh and organic matter stretched from their necks and with creaking and snapping reformed heads with jagged horns on them.


    **Bazkermolves formed**


    **Frierwood Pathways claimed by ?*#?#&¡é**


    The beasts rising to their feet fixed red pulsing eyes on me. I felt an instant link between us, the same as I felt with the ground now.


    **Frierwoods Path corrupted by ?#?*&?*#**


    **Frierwoods Path claimed**


    "So claiming is authentic but what are the requirements to claim an area?" I wasn''t sure but it didn''t matter. A part of my starter quest was cleared up and I had claimed a piece of the land. And yet it felt incomplete. A piece of what I could actually have. Looking over the whole forest I smiled.


    I crouched and rubbed the first wolf close to me. For something that just rose from the dead, it looked bale and hearty. Evil probably, but past that nothing else. I could sense the bond with the wolf grow. "Not wolf. Bazkermolve".


    I took turns scratching and rubbing the spiked furs of each one. Once I felt my bond with each of them had heightened more I stood up. The prompt had told me I had claimed the pathways, and while I didn''t know if there were any rewards for it l, I would not shrug it off as something not useful. Plus I had completed part of my starter quest. ''Maybe getting more animals for myself will be good''. Eyeing the forest I made my decision and took a step. Like the Molves could read my mind half of them split and surged into the forest. A howl, cold and heart-chilling filled the air. The wolves next to me answered in turn.


    A smile graced my cheeks and at that moment I activated my stream feature.


    ''Let''s show good things. Hopefully, the boss would be pleased''.


    ****


    While most of the other players had it easy with their forms and starter quests. A certain cadre, the 8% of the Alpha Tester base had it worse. Of these certain few, about five of them found themselves without bodies. They of course could see themselves, and their surroundings and admire it. Yet their surroundings could not interact with them.


    The Alpha player who was having, it the worst had landed like many others in the center of a thick forest. Fortunately for her, she had gotten her bearings faster than the others. Which was why she could note that something was wrong.


    Creatures of the wild dashed past and through her like she was not present. Not even a flicker of her being was noticed by any of them. It was both aggravating and fun.


    Fun as she could get as close to even the most magnificent beasts without getting lashed at. Aggravating as she couldn''t comprehend how to take a piece of the cake as an unseen entity.


    Her journeys took her south of the forest and over a cliff where she found a shallow stream that bisected a town from the cliff head and forest she just came from. Jumping down the cliff she felt her mouth in her mouth as she crossed the distance and sank into the water without splash.


    Luckily she found she could move regardless of her lack of interaction with anything. Getting to the surface she stood in annoyance at the game as she looked herself over. The question remained. How was she meant to get involved when she was like this?


    The town was a typical medieval place. The beings here were like humans but different. The tribal markings on them had a sense of self and not just some paintings. The guards at the gate were more tattooed and those who left the walls headed for the cliff she came from even more. It was strange.


    Her head turned to the side her attention stolen by a child sneaking off into the forest from the west of the town. A chance that she took quickly. Or maybe it was more of her curiosity


    *


    Meire had made a friend. Something she should not have done. The creatures of the forest were against them and Meire as well as the other children had been taught how to kill them, run from them, evade them, or at worst fight to the death.


    Meire had befriended one instead. A tiny little cub she''d found left abandoned by its ma. Its weak carried and smaller form had made it certain this was the runt of the litter. While she was unclear of what species it was she refused to risk it by asking the olders.


    So she hid it in the forest wood close to the edge and worried about it all night.


    She crossed the distance between her and the tree her cub was in skillfully and quite unconsciously sidestepping any dried twig and leaf.


    The cub was fine waiting for her as it stuck its head out of the tiny hole it lived in. Meire knew the hole wouldn''t habit it for long. It grew fast. It pawed at her black locks and it at her round ears.


    She fed it slowly with the Thunderhoof cow milk. She knew soon it would be weaned off the milk and she''d have to begin hunting meat for it. A proposition Meirir was both excited and scared of. The thought of a partner beast with her as she hunted made her giggle and yet the dangers of the forest didn''t elude her.


    Verdani children were not stupid. They''d been raised amongst the horrors of their environment. Their society being less of farmers and more of hunters they''d developed to bite back at their predators. The olders had told her each tattoo on a Verdani was a significant hunt. Not just any hunt.


    A hunt both impossible and improbable. One where life and death were as much fleeting for the prey as it was for the hunter. It was why Children rarely had it but were pushed to get one before their first Voxwei(The Hunt).


    Meiri didn''t know how hers would go. But she already figured she''d need to put in more training for the cub.


    Her thoughts were disrupted as the cub twitched. Meiri quickly took back the little sack she usually used to drip milk into its mouth. The creature twitched again eyes opening.


    Meirir stared into the bluest of eyes she''d ever seen. Her people had a few folks with blue eyes but none as deep as an blue as these. It didn''t help that she knew the cub''s eye color had never been blue.


    ''Child''


    It took all her willpower to not drop the cub as a voice whispered at her. Her head darted to all sides as she sought the older who followed and found her. She had been careful to leave no tracks. Something she knew in hindsight would be useless against the expert trackers of her people.


    ''Hear me, child. You hear me. The cub''.


    Meire looked down at the cub frowning. "You can talk?. How?".


    A sense of frustration filled the area. ''Not the cub. I speak through the cub. You can''t see me''.


    Meire was growing increasingly disturbed.


    ''I am. Well, I don''t have a name yet. But I would Uhm...like to be your friend. Yes. I would like to be your friend ''.


    Meire rose with the cub cradled in her arms, took a good look around, and bolted.


    *


    "Well, at least she knows not to trust or believe strangers". The player muttered. She''d been surprised to find she could actually will herself to speak through the cub. It had been something she didn''t even think much of. She was just interested in finally talking to a humanoid entity.


    " First I''ll practice this then I''ll go find that child".


    ****


    Dark clouds stretched across the night. There was no storm but the air was cold and damp. Nature exacerbated the feeling as the leaves shook and blew around. Lightning flashed a few times in the distance but nothing to be worried about.


    Meire slept soundly. Hidden in a box beneath her wooden bed frame was the cub. Sneaking it into the village had been harder than sneaking out but luckily she''d made it work. The kids had almost outted her but fortunately, she got past.


    The box below her tilted to the side disposing the cub on the ground. It rose padding across the floor as its blue eyes sought its charge. Its little but slightly more powerful limbs helped it up the bed as best it could and snagged the fabrics of the girl''s clothing. Teeth and claws went to work to tug it up.


    ''Meire. Meire''. The words echoed in her head.


    The girl''s eyes shot open. Two blue orbs stared at her with curiosity.


    ''Don''t be afraid. I am a friend''. The echo didn''t get worse but it definitely didn''t reduce even after she got up and held the cub. Her lips parted to speak but she forced it shut to avoid summoning her parents.


    ''I know you don''t understand. But I wish to help''.


    This time she spoke. A whisper. ''What, who are you?".


    ''I, do not know. But I am here. Unseen. Let me help''.


    "You could start with a name". Meire was getting spooked but considering she was still unharmed both in the forest and here, her slightly mature mind was tampered by her childishness.


    ''A name. A name. I have none. Was given none. Hmmh''.


    "Who doesn''t name their child?". The girl sounded less spooked and more confused. A laugh filled her head. It was soft, like melodies from the flute that the woodworker had. Only more. That was the only thing she could think of. Just more.


    ''Indeed. Can I help?''.


    Meire looked down at the cub and back around the room. " With the cub?. How?".


    ''I saw your plight in the forest. So after I realized I could speak through minds and animals. Sorry for that by the way, I decided to practice a bit more. The results were desirable. Can I show you?''.


    ''Will you hurt me?".


    ''I can''t interact with anything. That is why you can''t see me. I couldn''t hurt you if it was my desire. And I do not desire to hurt you. I want a friend. Being unseen is lonely. Like how the cub was abandoned''.


    Meire looked at the Cub. Back around. "Sorry if it hurt".


    ''Thank you, child. May I ask? What''s is she called?''.


    "She. So it''s a she. Didn''t know how to check. I''ve not given her a name".


    ''Very well. May I help you both?''.


    "Uhm...okay".


    There was silence. Then a faint sensation of something nudging at her head. No, not yet head, Meire could feel it inside her head. Like someone tapping on the door. Hesitantly she prodded at the feeling and felt something give.


    Meire felt her body seize. Her limbs and eyes jittered. She felt a new presence press to her mind and then with a clamp, she felt something settle in.


    **Welcome to the Akashic Records Mortal 11234938**


    She could detect another row of words beneath but was halted by it as she noticed something standing before her.


    "You. You''re so pretty". She muttered.


    "Eh". The player looked herself over and then back to the girl. "You...you can see me". She waved a palm in the girl''s face.


    "And hear you" she grunted before moving the arm to the side. "You''re so pretty. You don''t have tattoos though".


    The player was too busy feeling giddy as a quest option filled up. Looking back at the girl she smirked.


    "It''s time to name her". She pointed to the cub. Meire gave her a long look before focusing on the Cub.


    "Inon. Because I can feel her". There was a crack of thunder outside. Meire looked up at the player. Her next curiosities halted as a stampede of figures rushed into her space.


    Meire''s eyes widened as did the player who turned with her arms up to placate the parents. She could see how this could look bad. A stranger in your child''s room. Game or not she already felt how weirdly real all this was. And while she was not liking the unseen things she enjoyed the realism.


    "I can ex...". The parents rushed right through her. She stood frozen and blinking in shock. Slowly she turned to see the two checking the girl over. Meire herself was watching her with a frown.


    ''They can''t see me''.


    ''They don''t see her''.


    The thought rang in both minds.

 BK2 - Piece of The Cake

    Lightning flashed in the distance thunder answering with rumbles of its own. The peaceful town slept as a singular child sat before her parents hiding a very timid blue-eyed cub from their untrusting glares. A few times her eyes darted to the side where the horned female figure stood.


    Her parents of course did not miss this action but ignored it as a child''s uneasiness at being caught red-handed. The player was lost in her thoughts, wondering how to salvage the matter.


    "So, Meire. Will you tell us why you have a Moonlight Lynx in your arms?".


    ''Ah. So that''s what it is. Should have known but the fur has yet to gain the shimmer and silver glow''. Meire thought. The lynx gave her a look and she realized it could still hear her thoughts.


    ''It''ll be fine''.


    Meire had in the few moments that it took her to get dragged and seated here to face the parent council gone through the words that had appeared before. It was a lot for her not to be jumping with excitement and glee. Only the bigger cities and kingdoms had people with access to what everyone knew plainly as The Words.


    But now she did. Even more, she knew what the being standing next to her was.


    ''A true life...''


    "Meire. Stop looking at nothing and tell me why, how and what you think you are doing with a moonlight Lynx. Those creatures are dangerous".


    "Sorry Apai". She muttered. Apai(Father) was a large well-tattooed male. Which was the reason Inon had yet to be kicked out of the house. That and Inon was merely a cub. Apai''s normally sleek black hair tied to his skull in a ball and held by a Dust stalker fang was now loose ans hanging around his face.


    "Inon is not dangerous. She was abandoned in the forest..."


    "Forest Meire. That''s your first problem. Why did you enter the forest alone". Meire but her lips at her slip up as her Ama(mother) berated her.


    "Second. You don''t bring back strays Meire. I thought we already told you this". The sharp glance from the female to her was enough to make it certain to her that she''d heated that part.


    "This time it''s different Apai". She argued. Both parents sighed. Amai shook her head.


    "An animal is an animal, a beast is a beast. Nothing changes that".


    At this point, Meire looked to the now-watching player. The look without a word was understandable. "I think I have an idea. But I wish to get their permission first".


    Meire''s head shook quickly. " If you do they''ll be spooked. Best to let them see first". It seemed to not sit well with the being as she eyed Meire''s parents. " Please".


    At this point, the parents were getting alarmed. Amai had this confused worried look while Apai was already antsy and fidgeting. It was one thing for their daughter to look in a certain direction sometimes. But for her to talk to nothing was worrying.


    "Is she sick?". Was Apai''s question. Amai looked unsure. Before she could stand though Meire was on her feet. Setting Inon to the ground she stepped close to her parents and crouched before them.


    Without a word, she took both their hands. Left for Amai and right for Apai. Then nodded to something they could not see. Apai was feeling his heart beat faster as some sensation of something beyond him rose within him.


    "Apai, Amai you''ll understand now. Inon is different.".


    The player set her palms on both figures shoulders. She didn''t like this, but it was this or lose the one human she had. It wasn''t a threat per se but she could surmise where it could go with kids.


    Shutting her eyes she searched for that thing she always saw when she sought to find a mind. ''There it is. You two''. It was like lights, doorways which she knocked on.


    The flinch from both parents at the simultaneous sensation alerted the girl. "Let it in Apai, Amai. Dotm push against it".


    The girls words must have done something as she felt no resistance on the doorways. Without waiting for another second she opened the doors and went in. The two stiffened and seized. Words blurred into their sight. Yet one word made it clear to them. One word that clicked into being the moment their eyes found the entity standing behind them, their bodies felt the hands on their shoulders.


    ''Alkis''.


    ****


    Frierwood village rose with a lazy drawl as the festivities of the previous night ended. None but the older ones knew what it meant to have an Alkis amongst them. The younger ones of course were excited but still, it was normal.


    I sat on the bed still awed by how good, drinks, and even sleep felt so real. It was maddening. Yet again I had to wonder if this wasn''t some other world and I wasn''t dead. The branches and the other quest materials at the foot of my bed said differently.


    "Time to get my rewards".


    Thinking of it was enough to make the quest notification appear in my vision The end showed a completed tag and then a receive rewards. Clicking yes I was surprised when nothing happened. Then shouts and gasps from outside reached me.


    The village folk were in shock staring into the air as little spots of light floated around. It felt like they were searching for something. The colors were beautiful. One shot up to me and got so close it touched my nose.


    "Is that ...a fairy?". There was a little female with transparent wings that spilled green stardust. It winked them buzzed away and into the Village leader''s home. Many more followed and soon they all came carrying all my quest items.


    "Hey don''t ..."


    The branches joined together in a weave that made them look like strings and not sticks. Curving and carving into itself until it formed a long black staff. The orbs of essences from the wolves I killed floated and conjoined to form a larger orb which set into the head of the staff just as it finished curving around itself.


    The staff flashed with light and floated from the fairies to me.


    The moment it touched my hands I felt different. Connected. It was like a whole lot of things that were locked away had been opened. It felt weird.


    The fairies brought the leaves and wolf flesh to me and without a word, it was clear that I had to conjoin them. Light weaved as the leaves were set into the center of the fur and the next thing I was holding was a thin book with only two four pages.


    Opening it I saw writings and descriptions for a spell.


    "So it''s a Grimoire." I looked at the staff. " And it''s my magic staff". I chuckled. Looking up at the fairies I watched them smile and speak amongst themselves. Their words I could hear and understand but as a whole, they lacked meaning. It was like words separated and uttered. They dance around me and above me before flying off into the sky.


    "Thank you". I yelled after them.


    *


    The first spell in the book had been something I was eager to learn. Luck was not on my side thoug, not with the Village leader bringing a problem that needed fixing. I might have refused given I really wanted to learn my first spell. My very first spell. But I knew I wanted to help the village too. If not for an altruistic sense then for the fact that it could help with the ascension quest.


    It was a struggle to not peek into my Grimoire as the village chief explained their problems to me while leading me through a path. The only reason I found a bit of interest was that the route followed was different from the first. It cut through a side of the e land that had no trees and was just sandy ground.


    The location wasn''t that far. As she presented the problem to me my interest slowly grew. The village was located at the edge of the continent. And at the edge of the Frierwood kingdom named after the woods at their border. But the woods bordered the kingdom from the sea. Even better was its position beyond some hills. Frierwood village''s location put them in trouble with the storms bringing in heavy tides or flooding.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Usually, the problem was never bad enough to cause danger to lives but it destroyed their farmlands and flooded the villages destroying property at times.


    Basically, the villagers wanted me to do something about that. The fact they saw me as an Alkis didn''t help matters.


    I stood at their farmlands contemplating the matter. A part of me disliked the fact that I had to solve ecological problems not just cull some creatures. Were they expecting me to just magically snap their problems away?


    "Wait. Maybe I could". Looking at my Grimoire I smiled. ''Time to see what the spell book gave me''.


    Sitting at the edge of the Frierwoods and facing the sea I couldn''t help but feel a certain sense of wrongness coming from the woods. ''Is it just me or is it darker in there?''. I was unsure and since I had not taken a walk within to know how the deeper parts were I couldn''t make a decision.


    Shrugging I turned back to my book. There were only two pages and I could not turn the second page without going through the first. The first page was written in gray metallic ink over the whitish-green parchment.


    **GRIMOIRE OF THE PRIMORDIAL**


    **VOLUME I**


    **INTRODUCTION**


    **Welcome, Child of the Primordial


    Within these sacred pages lies the knowledge passed down from the dawn of existence, inscribed by my hand, Tora, the Primordial Magi. As an ?#?*&?#?*, one of my children, something I am still unclear of how it happened, you are entrusted with the profound and boundless power that shapes our cosmos.


    You stand at the threshold of Akash, the pure essence of magic that flows through all existence. To wield this power is to embrace the fabric of reality and The Mother''s force itself. The path ahead is one of mastery and knowledge. Each spell within this Grimoire is not merely learned but understood, felt, and integrated into the very essence of your being.


    Each page of this tome is sealed by the Akashic, awaiting the awakening of your potential. As you master each spell, the subsequent page will reveal itself, guiding you ever closer to the pinnacle of magical supremacy**


    It felt weird now. "So I have a sort of mother in this game". I was beginning to atleast piece a bit of the confusion together. "The Primordials in the Prologue description are our parents. Maybe not for all of us or maybe for all of us". I rubbed my white hair. Soft.


    "Something happened that made the Primordials stop descending or something. And the Creator Player used the lack of gods here as a lore to bring us in. Okay if I go out on a stretch and say that the Primordials are referring to her administrators, not a surety but just if, that would put us below Administrators if I was right".


    A sense of suspicion rose in me. ''A position below that if an administrator sounds too good''. It was doubtful. Yet if it was true then how were we simply meant to ascend? For such a beginning I doubted the starter quest would be that easy.


    The next page had turned on its own revealing the next set of words.


    **The First Spell: Arcane Conflagration**


    **Akash Name:** Arcane Conflagration


    **Effect:** Summons a massive, blazing inferno of magical energy capable of incinerating entire landscapes or being finely controlled to selectively burn specific targets. Adjust intensity, color, and elemental properties. Integrate with other spells for complex effects.


    **Guidance**


    Each spell within this Grimoire represents a step toward mastering the Akash. Approach with reverence, dedication, and an insatiable curiosity. Only by fully understanding and harnessing the Arcane Conflagration will you unlock the next page, continuing your path as an ?*#?&#.


    May the Mother guide and empower you.


    **Tora, the Primordial Magi**


    "The suspense is killing me for the glitched words already" I groaned. The final set of words were four instructions.


    **Akashic Flow: Sense and direct the force of magic in and around you.


    **Imagination Magic: Visualize the desired elemental manipulation and channel the Akashic to manifest this.


    **Control Magic: Focus your willpower to command the elements to obey your commands.


    **Direction or Flow Magic: Guide the natural flow of elemental energy to achieve desired effects**


    "This honestly won''t be helping me in finding a solution for the sea flooding". I was tempted but I needed to clear this task and hopefully gain my ascension.


    Shutting the Grimoire I stood and grabbed my staff. "Loving this wizardry feel". With a grin, I moved back to the path.


    I took the day overlooking the farm fields and surveying the lands. It could be easier to fix a flooding issue if this was a developed place. But considering I was in medieval times it meant I had my work cut out for me.


    "Luckily these guys are woodworkers as well". With a sigh, I retreated to the village to find Hanna. We would need to start planning how to use the resources around to safeguard the village.


    ****


    Meire held my hands as we stood behind her parents. In such a town like this and in most towns close by the Verdani as Meire called themselves followed a system. They had the town lord who was like a leader or chief. They gave orders and decided on things, though there were the elders of the Verdani who could attempt to veto a decision but it was usually dependent on the chief''s choice or mood.


    It was this chief that her Apai and Amai were trying to explain my existence to. A long night of talking and explaining things had given me more knowledge on what was what.


    I was on a continent called Sylvan Reach. Weird naming sense if you ask me. These people thought or saw me as an Alkis, one of the gods who once walked their world Aeus ago. While I couldn''t touch anything around me I could take whatever Meire and her parents granted me. Which was why I was able to use the scrolls of images in my hands.


    The image depicted a figure meeting their people or maybe some people who weren''t exactly them. It brought good things, knowledge, power, and wisdom. The image showed several images of gatherings, of hunts led by this thing, and of teachings in combat.


    The last image showed the thing vanishing like mist.


    The beings had not been seen since then.


    ''And then we came''. I closed the scroll as I thought it over. It was clear those beings had been the Creator Player''s administrators. Why they had stopped coming was a reason to find out later.


    For now, I watched the chief look at the two villagers skeptically.


    "You say the only way to see this Alkis is letting her touch you?".


    Apai nodded while Amai looked like she wanted to argue. The chief noting this looked to her. "what do you have to say Drises?".


    Amai, or Drises as I learned was her actual name. "The touching means opening your mind to her. She''s a being of well I''d say imagination. That''s the only way we can see her".


    "And you say she is here right now?". The chief pondered. Apai and Drises nodded. "Show me something. Anything as proof. I refuse to doubt my people but also refuse to be made a fool of".


    Drises and Apai made a slight bow. " Your caution is understandable Chief". Apai turned to me and looked unsure of what to do.


    "Give me the plate". On the table to the side set on it was a plate filled with fruits I wanted to try. If this reality was so real then maybe it would actually have taste. Apai turned to the chief and made another bow.


    "She requested I give her your fruits".


    With his acceptance, the plate was brought to me. Taking it out of his grasp elicited a gasp of shock from the chief as he rose from his throne. An exchange between me and one who could see me meant that whatever I received because unseen to any who had yet to be touched by me.


    I popped a green tiny fruit into my mouth. The fruit exploded into flavors that were just unfair for a little thing to have. It was hard to keep back a moan of surprise as I swished the fruit to my mouth and felt it dissolve till only a little seed was left.


    I sat out the seed and watched it hit the ground with a tiny thump. Meire was smiling widely as the Chief''s eyes followed the seed rolling to the side.


    "I agree". The excitement in his eyes was one I didn''t understand. ''I would think having someone sift through my mind would be bad''.


    Shrugging I walked behind him and set a palm on his head. The moment I felt the acceptance I moved in.


    The chief twitched like the others had as his eyes glazed over. I was certain he was seeing something like I did.


    "The Records. You activated the records for us". He muttered before turning to me. His eyes traveled all over my form. In reality, I would have felt a little peeved but his look had no malicious intent, no perversion to it. It was the lol of a child who couldn''t believe he was before a talking tree, the look of a man who found their comic book hero to be real.


    It was pure awe and reverence. To a disturbing point.


    He was on his knees the next minute and a phrase I didn''t understand spilled from his lips. Soon the family was on their knees too, even Meire following as her mother tugged her to her knees.


    "T¨±n s¨¥mp¨¥ s¨¡ta sh¨¡nta k¨¡tahintukum¨¡pak. T¨±n s¨¥mp¨¥ s¨¡ta sh¨¡nta k¨¡tahintukum¨¡pak. Sred¨¥gi m¨±satash wad¨¡j¨©n t¨±san wel¨¥ am¨¥. Sred¨¥gi m¨±satash wad¨¡j¨©n t¨±san wel¨¥ am¨¥. Kukum¨¡j¨¡k t¨¡ m¨¡s¨¡t. T¨±s s¨¥nta t¨±s krant¨¥ d¨¡k¨¡. M¨¡j¨¡k t¨±mon b¨¥me d¨¥ste".


    **Recalibrating speech**


    **Language - Old Verdani - Learned**


    "May peace and tranquility guide us. May peace and tranquility guide us. In the embrace of the Divine, we find solace. In the embrace of the Divine, we find solace. Grant us wisdom. From you to us, the path is clear. Lead us to our destiny".


    I felt a chill rush up my spine at their prayer. I didn''t know why but I felt the prayer was just wrong.


    **Chief Uhrak has pledged his essence to you**


    **You have gained a leader under your banner**


    **Ascension tasks completed**


    **Ascension on hold**


    I felt a pressure grab onto me. It was unlike anything I knew. The chief''s room faded away and I found myself standing on a circular plate. Around me were five gigantic forms.


    "The child has arrived".


    "Mother should have let her make this decision on her own"


    "I believe pressure was the idea".


    Voices, tongues languages I understood yet didn''t. I could sense the system pumping notifications into my mind but couldn''t see any.


    "Silence all of you. You frighten the child". Another voice boomed. This one carried weight.


    "?#?#?&!. You have been told not to use the force on us. Desist from such acts". This one was mighty. It lacked the previous weight but had a strangeness and depth to it.


    "You keep squabbling amongst yourselves". The other voice seemed to talk normally now. If normal was with the presence of the others but lacking the weight to it.


    "Listen child. You have been brought to us before your ascension to make a choice". I could finally see the speaker. It was a great eye, one that sent shivers of dread down my spine. I was a single speck to the eye.


    "Choose wisely". The eye vanished. The surroundings faded away and I was back in the chief''s house.


    **Proceed with Ascension**


    I was confused. Where was the choice? What was all that? If the choice wasn''t to be given now then why was I shown all that? It was a task to keep my worry within me even as the chief and the family rose.


    I watched Meire run to me as I thought of one thing. ''Ascension was not going to make things easy. I had to get as ready as possible''. As the girl got close to me a smile spread on my lips, forced as it may be.


    ''Luckily, I knew just how''.

 BK2 - Piece of the Cake II

    <u>[Author''s Note: Accidentally reuploaded a previous chapter part yesterday. I''ve fixed it yesterday when it was brought to my attention. If you''ve not seen it please do go read it before starting here. Sorry for the mistake.]</u>


    ****


    The Bazkermolves were not the only members of their pack. Just the hunting force. Which was why I desired to have the entire pack in my control. The Bazkermolves were large creatures, mimicking their forms when still alive. What they lacked was the musculature their living species had as I could see from the pack of over ten Wolves barking at their resurrected kin.


    It was like night and day difference. Standing behind watching my Bazkermolves snarl without attacking I wondered how to do this. Giving the order would pitch my beasts against a more numerical foe.


    Luckily they have me. Still, I didn''t know if I could actually help. Eyeing the claws on my fingers and the wings on my back I sighed. I couldn''t believe I had not tried to fly the moment I saw those wings.


    "Boos isn''t making this easy for me". While I had not initially wanted to use my stream option I knew that somehow the boss would know. He always did.


    So I had no time to play around as I knew he would see it. Which also meant that I had not tested my wings. Fortunately, this was a good moment to do so.


    I could feel the muscles and tendons that connected to them. It was weird. Like an appendage I always had but didn''t know how to use.


    Walking with the Bazkermolves had taught me a bit about communicating with them. It was less of mental speech and more of imagery, feelings, and direction.


    I had the wolves surrounded in no time.


    Stretching out my wings for a start was hard. It was like trying to get feeling into a limp leg. Soon I had them stretched out and attempted flapping both. Their batshapebut feathered presence made them look weird. With each tiny and weak flap, I could feel a sort of pressure accumulating around me.


    My feet slowly left the ground. Somehow I knew that flapping with even more strength than this would get me going faster. Since I was not good with flight yet I had to keep myself to the minimum.


    "Oh boy". I flapped more and rose higher and higher. Soon I was almost touching the canopy. From above I could see some of the wolves keeping an eye on me while the others watched my hounds.


    I flew around the trees, flapping to arrest momentum and just spreading out my wings to drift. It was a sensation I knew I would never forget. It wasn''t easy but the standoff gave me time to get a hang of it. Still, why I would have wanted to fly more I had things to do.


    ''Let''s have fun later. Now...'' I moved till I was behind the wolf pack. ''Let''s get me some new followers ''. I furled in my wings and dropped head first tilting myself so I was like an arrow coming in head first. ''This is both exciting and scary ''.


    ''Attack''. I screamed mentally at my Bazkermolves while forming an image of all of them attacking at once. They bounded forward barking and snarling to catch attention.


    Eight wolves dashed forward to meet each and the last two leaped up to attack me just as I spread out my wings to catch myself. Panicking at the biting and snapping maws I slapped away one. My eyes widened as its head exploded in blood and gore.


    The next one was already on my arm, its fangs sinking into flesh. Or trying to. I knocked on its skull and my fist sank into bone and brain. ''Eww''.


    I crashed on my feet and down to my knees. Shaking off the shock at the gruesome death and the sight of blood I was experiencing I stood back up ''Shouldn''t this be censored''. I didn''t dislike blood neither did I faint at the sight, yet the amount of brutality was a reminder of just what the boss was capable of.


    I felt the fun of the fight get numbed as I looked to the next wolf. My Bazkermolve had it under its feet and was tearing morbidly at its face. Yet something strange was happening. The wolves were fighting off the Bazkermolves somehow and it looked like some sort of power-up was happening. Their furs glowed with a brown earthly aura.


    **Organic Matter detected**


    **Reanimate - Y/N**


    The former notification prompt appeared once more. With a nod, I confirmed the reanimation.


    *Reanimation commenced**


    It didn''t take long and soon I had two new Molves. Quickly I sent each to assist the weaker Molves.


    **Bazkermolves formed**


    **Frierwood Forest claimed by ?*#?#&¡é**


    "Still not clear how that works". I shrugged and flapped my wings taking to the air. Looking around I found one struggling to take down another Molve. The white Wolves were too strong. I was there in a moment foot crushing the beast''s spine. The Molve didn''t waste a moment rushing to help another take down its prey.


    I was quick to confirm the prompt and soon the 11th Molve was with me. It dashed into the fray doubling the attacks against another. With the added force it didn''t take long for two to bring down one and rush to aid another.


    By the time I was surrounded by eighteen Bazkermolves, I had two groups of notification. The first had me confirm my starter rewards.


    The woods rustled and the environment seemed to take on a darker tint. One that was suddenly suddenly filled with bright and numerous colorful lights. Each one zipped and whipped around me. The Molves looked around them and jumped barking and growling at each of the lights.


    Then they formed a circle around the howling and barking beasts and I could see blood flow from the creatures. A thought to stop this crossed my mind but something told me I didn''t want to dare it.


    The blood gathered over my head glowing and pulsing. Then it split into two and condensed till there was nothing but two straight and stick-like shapes. The blood shattered and two blades fell, one to my right and the other to my left embedding into the ground blade first


    Shortswords. One was a matte black steel up to its handle. The other was a gleaming purple and red with a black handle. The moment I touched it the next notifications appeared.


    **You have subjugated the Vaustaris White Wolf Alpha**


    **You have gained a leader under your banner**


    **Ascension tasks completed**


    **Ascension on hold**


    My surroundings blurred. The Molves and the woods vanished. I found myself on a circular plate. Voices boomed around me. Titanous shapes looked over me.


    "Another has risen".


    "One of yours".


    "Indeed. Child, you have been brought to us before your ascension to make a choice. Be wise". An eye appeared before me and I shivered. Then everything blurred together and I found myself back in the woods.


    **Proceed with Ascension**


    ****


    Frierwood Village was different. Harata couldn''t put her hand on it but she could sense it. There was a change, a difference. Something caused by the Alkis. It was a sense of togetherness, of encouragement. Everyone acted together to bring about the instructions of the Alkis to light.


    Harata couldn''t see it but she sure heard a lot about it. The children never seemed less eager to fill her imagination with it. Some of it she took as an exaggeration, others she hoped was real.


    The village was not even that different in two days. But the Alkis had done a lot to help them with the problem. Harata couldn''t see it but she could sense the general good mood in the air.


    The villagers had spent hours cutting logs, splitting them to size, and shaping out pieces for the part that the Alkis had pointed out. In two days they had made what the Alkis called a containment system. With it, he''d given them the power of the Alkis. To control the flooding water and direct its path.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Harata could feel the good moon of her village kin and it pleased her to no end. It was like her mother had said. When an Alkis walked the land there was peace and joy.


    *


    Sitting in the Village leader''s home I let the villagers have their fun and celebration. The past two days had served as a reminder and confirmation that this was both a game world and far more realistic than any others. First was the fact that I finally learned the Arcane Conflagration.


    Its understanding though was different.


    The arcane conflagration was an Akash, which I realized was the word here for a spell. The Alash brought the spark of elements to life. But it was more than that. To mortal and adept wizards it was a mere lightning spell, one that created a spark or tendrils of electricity, to a more knowledgeable wizard though it was the beginning of the spell. The eye of the storm. The causal effect to reaction.


    It was a catalyst and continuance.


    Understanding the spell had been the key to getting the next page of his grimoire open. He could sense the book thicken even if by a mere page. Feel its weight increase by the tiniest fraction. It was the symbol of his improvement.


    **The Second Spell: Divine Restoration**


    ---


    **Akash Name:**3. **Divine Restoration**


    A supreme healing spell that grants absolute control over biological and physical healing processes. Heals all physical wounds, cures any ailment, and restores bodies to their peak physical condition. Used to heal the sick, and restore the vitality of entire populations or ecosystems. Can be tailored to specific needs, such as regrowing limbs, curing diseases, or restoring lost physical capabilities.


    Guidance**


    To master destruction is to master life. Few have this chance and many desire to wield both and know balance. Once ?#?&#?#? my brother cried for life. That is the importance each has to the other. Only by fully understanding and harnessing Divine Restoration will you unlock the next page, continuing your path as an ?*#?&#.


    May the Mother guide and empower you.


    **Tora, the Primordial Magi**


    "I really shouldn''t be surprised." I frowned. Like with the first, there was another set of words. The steps in using the spell.


    **Expression Magic: Channel feelings of compassion, empathy, and love to heal wounds and restore vitality. To heal is to desire and to desire is to express. Express to heal.


    **Will Control Magic: Focus your willpower to direct healing energy towards the afflicted areas of the body.


    **Direction or Flow Magic: Guide the flow of Akashic energy to accelerate the body''s natural healing processes and remove toxins or impurities.


    This one was more important for me. Healing was the magic of life, to restore limbs and to restore health. It grants a new life. The old lady had been nice but I wasn''t just doing this for that reason. It was unclear what ascension was but it was also clear that to get it I needed to have these people worship me.


    ''A game where we Alpha players are Gods''. I could already see the ranks formed from the lore of Hildelith. Herself as Creator, her administrators as Primordials, and us the Alpha players as next-generation gods. ''Isn''t it the same way most lores of the old times went''.


    It was funny how I almost didn''t see it.


    Healing magic wasn''t something I could just practice. I needed to express myself. To express I truly needed to feel. And what better way to feel than to face something I wanted to heal?


    A scream echoed from outside and I frowned. ''I wasn''t being literal''. Rushing outside I found quite the sight. A large cat, beautiful sleek fur shifting and rippling as it moved. It''s muscles moving beneath that coat.


    I caught a man and stopped him. "What is it".


    "Nightshade panther my Lord. Dangerous beasts. They never move at day though". The male looked truly terrified. Everyone did.


    I willed my staff to me. It was something else I learned. I could will it away and will it back to me. Probably an inventory feature. Taking steps forward the animal did frighten me but I pushed ahead with the memory of what I did to the wolves.


    The panther seemed to finally notice me moving towards it and not away. It focused on me but kept an eye on the others. It went low, hackles raised, emerald eyes locked on me with a warning intent. Our eyes locked and I understood what my brother always tried to tell me about the chemistry between people.


    It was like understanding and knowing something even without learning anything about it.


    ''Fear''. The panther was frightened. Terrified. The more I drew closer the more I realized something. It moved, it pranced about, changing directions, not letting me near it while also keeping watch on the other villagers, and yet it never had its back to the forest. Always keeping it to its left. You''d think it would make sure all its enemies were right in front of it.


    ''Unless we''re not the only enemies''.


    It would have been less unclear if it didn''t for one moment take a sharp rather fearful look in that direction. It was something I didn''t expect to see in an animal of its size and ferocity. Given I had rarely seen most animals. If this was an attitude it had then I was wrong but it did bring me to the conclusion.


    My eyes left its eyes and moved over its body. Blood, cuts, rips, and tears. ''A fight''. Something chased it out and it fled here.


    ''No, if it fled why run here? There are a lot of places to run to in the forest. Right?''.


    I crouched. "It''s fine. Come closer. I need to heal you". I didn''t know if I would be capable but I had to try. The panther wasn''t having it. I was certain its refusal to come was due to the villagers holding forks and clubs to my right.


    "No one will hurt you. Just come this way". I tried to show it how sincere I was and for a moment it believed it. The panther looked nothing more than a beaten cat that was terrified. Looking over its wounds made me eager to heal them as they ruined its pristine fur.


    A cloud of gray poured from me and flowed through the ground. The panther if it saw it made no signs as it just eyed me warily while keeping away from the forks prodding it.


    "Stop!". I ordered. The men stepped back not letting down their guards. ''I hope this works ''. I watched as the mist swept over the panther and then its wounds glowed in a dazzling gold. The sealed shut one by one in an instant leaving the panther looking better. It stood more balanced now or crouched, whichever. Its eyes regained some vigor and its breathing less fatigued.


    ''So it was also running''.


    In the corner of my mind, I could sense that another page had unlocked.


    "Come here, boy". Noticing the male genitalia I called at him. "What could have scared you so...".


    Barks and snarls answered my unfinished questions. It wasn''t just barks, bays, grunts, chitters and more filled the village clearing as creatures of the woods flooded out in droves.


    The panther moved and I turned to see if it was attacking only to be shocked when it scampered to hide behind me. I blinked. The villagers blinked and shared looks of confusion and surprise.


    "Did I scare you boy?. I''m so sorry. I just wanted you to join the others in one big family. Already had a name for you too and you just had to run".


    A voice, feminine. Confident and assured filled the air. All eyes turned to the forest and the sound of beating wings reached my hearing.


    What flew out was something I didn''t expect and yet knew the moment I saw it.


    "Demon".


    "Fox?".


    We both frowned. The female. A player definitely, tilted her head. Looked behind me and sighed.


    "I''m guessing you''ve claimed this nice patch then". She grunted. That confirmed my suspicion. In hindsight, I should have acted better, but my curiosity won out.


    "Claim?".


    The joyful look she gave me, sincere or not was downright creepy. It was probably due to what she was and looked like. Not trying to be racist or something and not that she wasn''t fine as a demonic race. The concept of racism hopefully had not and would never reach here.


    "That means you''ve not. Which means it''s a free piece of cake?".


    ''I''m glad I''m not the only stupid one here''. I thought in relief. Whether she knew what she did or not didn''t matter though as she waved her arms forward.


    "Bring them to their knees and make them my pets". The crowd of animals that I was only now noticing how wrong they looked...''Are those the wolves I killed earlier?''...charged into the village.


    "No!!".


    I turned sharply eyes finding the most lethal animal in the crowd. It was some creature I didn''t understand. It looked like a bear but whatever had happened to it had changed it so irrevocably. My left hand rose. My mind churned my body stilled.


    ''Arcane Conflagration: Wizard''s Fire''. It was the weakest and the most common form of the spell.


    A jet of fire, like a dragon''s breath but less widespread and more condensed but not so condensed it was a beam. The jet shot out of my left palm, all five of my fingers pointing at it targeting, guiding, and controlling it.


    The touchdown was instant and the beast was gone, erased. Then turning I moved and the world slowed. I looked around and saw the demon still in midair. ''Does she not know how to use this? My good grace then''. I didn''t bother delaying myself with what to do. I knew.


    My Grimoire appeared in my hand and I opened it to find the next spell. If it was worth it I could learn it and hopefully fast enough. ''Just please be like healing magic''.


    But if it wasn''t. Physical then.


    The Grimoire pages shifted to the new one and I stared. The grin then split my cheeks threatening to burst them. This felt like cheating but who was I to argue the game''s mercies?


    **The Third Spell: Omnipotent Hand**


    ---


    **Akash Name:**Omnipotent Hand**


    - A godly telekinetic ability that allows manipulation of objects, creatures, and even elements across vast distances. Generates an all-powerful force capable of lifting mountains, manipulating weather patterns, or controlling multiple objects and beings simultaneously. Facilitates construction, defense, offense, and intricate manipulations across entire realms. Can be used to reshape environments, redirect natural disasters, or engage in complex, multi-object tasks effortlessly.


    Guidance**


    Mother will never know I was lazy and so this Akash was born. Nevertheless, I hope you are not. You have used destruction and felt life, now you will know control. Only by fully understanding and harnessing the Omnipotent Hand will you unlock the next page, continuing your path as an ?*#?&#.


    May the Mother guide and empower you.


    **Tora, the Primordial Magi**


    **Will Control Magic: Concentrate your willpower to mentally manipulate objects, pushing, pulling, or levitating them as desired.


    **Imagination Magic: Visualize the movement of objects with your mind and project your intent onto the physical world.


    **Direction or Flow Magic: Guide the flow of telekinetic energy to exert precise control over the targeted objects.


    I should have been distraught since this meant I would have to focus but with the player not knowing how to use this time thingy it was a chance to see if I could use it. If it failed then back to clobbering heads. I looked up to find prey and froze.


    The demon turned quite slowly, her eyes locking with mine. Then she moved a hand, then a leg, I watched her jerk and her wings flapped.


    "Shit". Pointing my hand at her I used Wizard Fire. Her eyes widened and both wings came together in front of her in what I assumed was an instinctive act. The fire slammed into the wing shield and threw her back.


    ''No time to learn the spell''. Cursing my bad luck I rushed for the nearest creature. Raising my hand I smashed down, its head pulverized with less gore than usual


    **Demonic Deer Slain**


    **Akashic Essence + 1**


    I stumbled back.


    ''I killed the wolves before. I got nothing. What''s different now?''. Unsure and without time to think I rushed on to the next. Again I got an essence and it was a demonic creature. Hurrying around killing I was almost a quarter done when the demon yelled across the village.


    "Stop or it dies!".


    ''What could she possibly be threatening me with? All the villagers are...'' I paused. ''... behind me.''. The Nightshade panther was right where it had been. Hiding behind a me that wasn''t there again. ''Crap''.


    "What do you want?" The fact that time didn''t return to normal was something that a part of me was very curious about.


    "This village". She answered as if it was obvious.


    "You mentioned claiming which means you already have. Why are you here then?".


    "Goes to show you know nothing". She scoffed. "You don''t have to settle for less". She winked. I frowned.


    ''Not having to settle for less She''d only know that if she had reached the requirements''. I glared. ''She must have gotten the ascension permit. Didn''t that mean she could have ascended but was still here''?


    "Why not just ascend. Isn''t this risky for you. So close and yet letting greed take over?".


    "It''s not greed. It''s proper planning". I scoffed while pushing my mind to work harder.


    "You say. All I see is someone who wanted more than a piece of cake". ''Come on!''. I mentally screamed. She shrugged.


    "Oh. And just so you know. I''d have killed it anyway". She smirked and squeezed. I could see the panther''s eye turn bloodshot.


    "No!!. Don''t ".


    Blood splattered, red mist spreading as well as gore oozing through her fingers and pooling beneath the corpse. She made a retching sound and then looked up at me with a devilish smile. "Oopsy".

 Bk2 - Ascension

    Life in reality was average. I was one of those nerdy kids who knew too much, read too much, and researched too much. It was just how I did things. Besides the fact that I had an answer to most questions and knew most things, I wasn''t a walk-in encyclopedia. I was me.


    The nerd generic tag was one that usually got me annoyed back then but not something I minded. Nerds could be cool too. The old days comic action figures portrayed nerds and they were powerful too so I didn''t mind being called one.


    Then there were the games I played. Worlds that excited me to see, to investigate. An adventure. A sight to see. Most friends usually loved my research and keen sight for these MMORPGs. Still, they called me names that alluded to being a nerd or outrightly. Nothing got me angry anymore. Nothing. It was a hard feat. But I wasn''t even actively trying. Like I shrugged off the name tag I shrugged off most things and cared little for any negativity. Being positive was a good trait.


    Which was why seeing literal red in my sight was more confusing than anything. Even worse was the fact that my confusion was drowned by the rage boiling inside me. Maybe it was the blood that got into my eyes and all I could see was it. Maybe it was something else. A vein bursting in my forehead.


    I didn''t know I had even raised my free hand until I gripped something unseen with my palm tightly. It was so strong and hard that it felt like my claws would break whatever bone I had in my palms. A silent scream was locked in my pressed lips.


    I couldn''t even hear the demon screaming, the time returning, the animals now attacking me to stop my spell, I didn''t see the shimmering invincible palm that held the demon within its hold as I squeezed and squeezed and squeezed.


    I only saw the red, felt the boiling rage, and kept squeezing. The demon''s screams were like a siren warning me that my task was not yet done. I didn''t stop nor did I give the foul creatures scratching, smashing, and biting me.


    The next moment there was a light, a bright one and my fist was rent apart. I felt a vein in my head burst this time. Felt something jolt through me so hard rattling and boiling my body so intensely I was sure I was having more than just a heart attack.


    I hit the ground knee first, my internals on fire. My eyes roved the area, the demon was gone. ''How?''. The beasts were still here. Attacking me. The red was dimmed, and my sight was now blurry and hazy. I found the panther''s body. A headless body. I saw something though. Something translucent rise from it and trot up to me. My eyes narrowed. ''It had deserved better''. I shook my thoughts. It was only a game.


    ''You killed those wolves.'' I shook my head in refusal. ''They attacked children. This one was different, scared''. I looked up at it. It was before me. It nudged my forehead. ''You deserved better''.My attention went back to the still-attacking things around me. I couldn''t hear the villagers though.


    ''Have to get rid...'' I stopped my thoughts halfway as I tried using Arcane Conflagration. A jolt of pain lashed through my body and like a hammer to the head, I felt pain spike. The last sensation I felt was the searing heat around me, the last thing I heard was the death throes of the twisted things. Notifications tried to appear in my sight. I fell through the illusionary panther and hit the ground.


    Darkness came.


    ...


    ...


    ...


    **You have gained the reverence of Frierwood village**


    **You have gained the gratitude and reverence of a leader**


    **You have gained a leader under your banner**


    **Ascension tasks completed**


    **Ascension on hold**


    I woke up with a gasp. My eyes and thoughts took a second or more to settle on what happened and what I was seeing. ''Tried to kill the demon and then pain''. I didn''t know whether I succeeded but the lack of a notification said otherwise.


    Darkness and white mists swirled around me. The throbbing pain was gone. "Where..." This didn''t look like the village. I could feel something hard and sturdy beneath me. I rolled and pushed to my feet eyes finding myself on a circular plate. "Where am my?". The shout carried a cold tone. My anger was quite raw.


    Turning around taking in the plate I was on I felt my anger give way to curiosity.


    Looking past the plate there was nothing but smoke. Now I was just confused.


    ''Was this Limbo or whatever passed as the land of death and knockouts''.


    "A minute silence for your deed has been completed your ?#?*#?&". A voice boomed with a force that almost tripped me.


    "You have made me proud".


    "Once more, your children showed the true colors of your face brother".


    "?#?&#?&. One more word and you will leave this table".


    ''So they an see us somehow. Are we like chess pieces under scrutiny to even them?''. I thought trying to find the speaking voices.


    "Silence. The child already suspects".


    ''Close it seems''.


    "Your mind will take you far child. The Force says your sight is almost as close to that of The Mother''s. Hone it well, for knowledge is power".


    "You''d like to believe that eh sister".


    The smoke blew into him even as the chattering and arguing continued. Then the scene faded and he found himself staring up into countless faces blocking a ceiling.


    "He''s awake. The Alkis live!". An older male rushed off shouting into the Village. I grabbed my head as I felt a little numbing sensation there.


    "Ouch. What was that?".


    ****


    **Continent - Sylvan Reach**


    Unknown Alpha Tester POV


    I found my capabilities went beyond just speaking through animals. I could do the same with people too. Even more, I found myself able to control and direct the will of anything around me. As long as it had a mind it was capable of falling into my control.


    Morals stopped me from actually hurting humanoids but aggressive beasts didn''t guilt trip me in any way. Unlike with people, I didn''t have to wait for acceptance I could just brute force myself in. Of course, it had the consequences of brain death, paralysis, or stroke. Even worse the body choked and drowned from a mental lack of oxygen.


    I didn''t even know if this world worked with oxygen or something else.


    Regardless it was the best thing I could do. The creatures who fell to my mind control became nothing but mindless controlled creatures. I had the towns folk out then down.


    I didn''t see anything else I had to do here. It was time to go. Meirir didn''t like it but I could only assure her that with Inon by her side, I was close by.


    The villagers gathered outside to see me go for some reason. I wasn''t close to them like I was to Meire''s family. Still, I smiled. The notification came back again and this time I didn''t refuse.


    **Proceed with Ascension**


    A bright beam of light struck me and I saw only myriads of colors as I felt the ground vanish between me.


    *


    **Continent - Lunar Plains**


    It was time to go. I could feel it. It was this sense of tug and pull that came in my chest. Something wanted me off to this place. The villagers kept bowing and smiling reverently at me. It was a bit sickening but I thought less of it as it was a game. If we were gods in this place then I would have to get used to this.


    Knowing it was almost time to go I went around using my Divine Restoration as best as I could. I would have thought it was a waste of time if not for the smiles from people like Harata who finally gave me a clear-eyed look. With the hand pat, she gave me you''d think I was her grandchild and not an Alkis.


    Hanna seemed frightened by her mother''s actions but I waved it off.


    When it was time to go Seris and gang stood before me. "You owe us".


    "Huh". Confused I could only stare.


    "We found you, got you through the woods, protected you from the wolves, and even helped you get the materials for that". She pointed at my staff. "Alkis pay up". She made a motion with her hand.


    ''This brat''. I chuckled mentally. " Indeed you did". Crouching to her eye level I placed a palm on her shoulder. "You lot have been the bravest cohort I have ever seen. The warrior five. And you are the best and wisest leader of all. Wiser that Hanna but that''s between you and me". I winked. Seris giggled.


    Looking at all of them I couldn''t help but smile. They were all kids. In a world like this. A world where players had come and would make decisions that affected them. I knew at that moment what I wanted.


    I would play this game and make sure this peace that Hildelith had given these people would stick. If all I could do was safeguard my own. Then I would.


    ''You lot will be safe. I assure you''. The promise was both for myself and them. Now the question was what to give them to make sure they were both safe and happy enough.


    **Granting of Blessings requires a Claim to the Land**


    **Would you like to Claim Frierwood Village**


    ''So that''s what she meant eh?''. I chuckled then accepted.


    **Frierwood village claimed**


    I could suddenly feel a connection to the earth. Looking around I could tell where my territory ended and it was right at the forest edge. The forest the demon came from. I could feel that it was claimed too.


    ''Was that why she came here, to claim this place? Why ask then? She probably didn''t understand anything either ''. I chuckled at how an issue of lack of information created a boon for me.


    Focusing back on the children I wondered if this blessings thing could work now.


    **Unascended *?*#?*# have only ten available blessings**


    A list of blessings appeared before me. All of it had something to do with the spells I had learned or something else. One by one I granted the five a minor blessing and then handed a major blessing to the leader, the woodworker who had assisted in planning the flooding control system, and a Middle-aged male in the village.


    The kids were looking at themselves with excitement as each one noted the difference.


    **Blessings work with faith and are as strong as one''s belief**


    ''Well, that''s all on them''.


    I rose to my full height and walked to the edge of the forest. A part of me was worried and bothered about the creatures the demon had come with. If they were not the last then the village would be having issues going forward. With the blessings, the villagers would hopefully be able to protect themselves.


    **Proceed With Ascension**


    I gave them one last backward look before facing forward and accepting. A beam of light struck me. It was familiar. Myriads of light grasping me and ripping me off the surface of Vaustaris.


    ''The Demon ascended''. It was just wrong and cheating . ''She killed it so gruesomely and then ran like a coward''. I gritted my teeth in annoyance.


    **Now Leaving Vaustaris**


    **Now Leaving Mortal Realm''s**


    **Descending**


    ''It''s called an ascension, but here I am descending''.


    **Now Crossing FAYHEIM**


    **Now Crossing NETHERHEIM**


    I twitched at that word. Netherheim sounded like where a demon would go. I had an idea where to start looking. ''Am I seriously considering hunting a demon?''. I sighed at myself. Taking the time I looked around.


    The myriad of light beam held me in place as it moved. ''With the notifications naming like four places, how many places were in this universe? Where was ascension even taking me to?''.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    If Netherheim was for demons then where was I headed ''Maybe it''s not even for demons but something else''.


    Another notification came.


    **Now Entering RACK OF LIFE**


    ''Huh''.


    **You have arrived**


    The lights vanished and I found my sight trying to adjust. The notifications didn''t let up on me though.


    **Ascension Complete**


    **Rewards - True Form Unshackled, Artifacts - Unshackled, Template**


    I felt a pressure lift from me. If before I felt heavy I was now lighter. I felt like a mountain had weighed me down before. Like my breath was strained. I felt free now.


    **Akashic Records Unlocked**


    My sight adjusted slowly and I found my gaze traveling around. Mists gathered below me up to my waist. Trees that looked like better days stood silently. It was the tall tablets of inscribed runes that gave me pause.


    The sky here was gray and the clouds were non-existent. It was like an always blue sky but with this place being gray.


    **The Primordial Tora sees you: Finally, he arrives**


    **The Primordial Haero is pleased with you: Good work boy**


    **The Primordial Freyr is amused at The Primordial Haero: Stop talking like mum**


    **The Primordial Ozai is apathetic: He did as well as he should have. Still delay in ending the demon was sad**


    **The Primordial Freyr grows amused: If you wish to take a dig at me I''m right where brother**


    **The Primordial Freyja smiles at you: Such a lovely boy sister. Thank you child, your attempts were heartfelt. I am pleased with your honest desire to preserve life**


    **The Primordial Ozai snorts in amusement: Even Freyja knows I''m right**


    **The Primordial Freyr shakes his head: All holier than thous as usual brother. Pathetic**


    **The Primordial Tora frowns Enough. We''re not here for you sniveling tantrums against the other. The actions of the kids are theirs to handle or not. Child come, receive your path**


    Lightning, a thick one the width of an Eldertree lanced down from the gray cloudless sky and struck me.


    **Personal Perk - Akash Scholar**


    **Akash Scholar - You are a master of Akashic lore and ancient magic, delving deep into the mysteries of the Akashic records to uncover lost knowledge and forgotten secrets. Your mastery of such magic alone will allow you to cast Akash of incredible complexity and power**


    **The Primordial Tora frowns: that is not what I envisioned as yours**


    **The Primordial Freyja giggles: Mind not. Come Child I have a gift for you**


    Another bolt of lightning flashed down and I felt a groan escaping me right before it struck.


    **Servant Granted** - Ethereal Nightshade Panther


    The Nightshade Panther is a spectral beast that once roamed the woods of the mortal realms. Upon its death, its spirit was granted eternal guardianship to an Elder Magi. Now existing as a guardian spirit, the Nightshade Panther protects sacred grounds and the followers of the Elder Magi. It is a creature of pure shadow, with eyes that glow an eerie green and a form that shifts and swirls like mist**


    I blinked at the words right before something crawled right out of my chest and formed on my shoulder. I double blinked. ''This is the panther. It''s tiny''. The creature was no bigger than my palm. Scooping it up I frowned.


    Was this the actual Panther from Vaustaris or something else similar?


    **The Primordial Freyja: You will have to nurture him into a magnificent beast. But I assure you once he grows you won''t regret it**


    **The Primordial Ozai: I too have a gift for you. As a stalwart guardian of life and also one who has shown animosity toward evil I grant you this**


    Another bolt of lightning came down. ''Can''t gifts come in boxes''. Luckily the lightning this time didn''t hurt and even more, it spread from me to the panther in my palm.


    **Gifting any of you is frowned on. Luckily the other items you''ll soon receive provide a loophole**


    There was no description for this new gift either. I frowned but said nothing as the next Primordial spoke.


    **The Primordial Haero is thoughtful: Ozai is right. Your fight for life for no other reason but good intentions is worthy of a gift, child**


    ''I swear if it''s...'' The loud crack and sizzle of light shut me up. The bolt flashed on me and then rushed through me to the panther.


    **A loophole to exploit**


    **The Primordial Freyr Since we''re all giving gifts. Uhhhh. Fine here''s something from me. Tora, if I may**


    Another flash of lightning and I just stared as it struck me and rolled right through and into the panther. I groaned. ''Hopefully that was the last''.


    **The Primordials stare down the Primordial Dragon**


    **The Primordial Molliwag stared back: Fine fine. Unlike you wimps. I do not need to hide a gift**


    There was no bolt of lightning. Just a notification that I had a parcel.


    **The Primordial Tora sighs: You may go ahead now child. Be watchful of yourself and ma...


    **The Mother has entered the meeting - Who are we gifting?**


    **The Primordial Haero has left the chat]


    **The Primordial Tora sighs in relief**


    **The Primordial Freyr and Ozai have left the chat**


    **The Primordial Freyja giggles and waves. The Primordial Freyja has left the chat**


    **The Primordial Molliwag looks smug: Wimps. Hello mother**


    **The Mother: Why are they leaving?**


    **The Primordial Molliwag looks unsure**


    I just stared at the notifications in amusement It seemed this, Mother figure had chased off the Primordials.


    ''I did get some stuff from them''. Although it wasn''t personal I didn''t mind. If the Panther was mine then hopefully its power would assist me. Of course, there was the other parcel from the Primordial Molliwag. Hopefully, it was good.


    **The Mother notices you. The Mother has accessed your Records: Rack?**


    **The Mother has set the chat to private**


    ''Uhm.'' I was losing half the understanding of what was going on sometimes.


    **Rack Of Life. Welcome to your namesake.*"


    "Who are you?".


    **I''m shocked it''s not clear to you**


    **The Mother has left the Chat**


    The next moment there was an enormous scale of energy gathering around me. I shivered at the sheer scale of it. It was more than thousands of me channeling energy could make.


    I shivered.


    The energy formed a humanoid shape of gray mist. Long flowing mists formed her hair and facial features. It looked at me and then took a step forward. "So, what do you think of my universe?".


    "Hildelith?"


    "The one and only".


    "Woah". I looked at t the energy that made her up and couldn''t help but wonder if it was the same as the energy that powered my Akash. Even more, I couldn''t help but notice that the mist that covered up to my waist was similar to the mist that she was.


    "Is this your form or..."


    "Kind of". The female shrugged


    "What''s all this?. You told us some things and I''m trying to piece a lot but I''m falling short of some pieces". I rubbed my head.


    "You''ve not checked your records right. It''s understandable". She looked around and then waved an arm. "This was the best I could do. My creativity wasn''t good enough to make or know what could be better . Welcome to the Rack of Life. The Realm of Knowledge and Information ". She nodded to the tablets standing like colossal mountains.


    "What now?". I hoped she''d throw me a bone.


    Her head tilted and a soft motherly smile split her cheeks. "Oh Rack". She shook her head. "I can''t tell you that". With a wink, she vanished and reformed to my left. "I''ve done the best I could for you. I see you received my gift". She smirked.


    I frowned. What gift? She vanished again and this time she was to my right.


    "Creation Online accepts power. But even that is not enough to rise Rack. Your ascension is not complete. While the Prologue is indeed over. But this story, your story, has only just begun".


    I didn''t like the sound of that.


    "Oh, and I hope you like what I did with the gods'' concept. I found it better than am old overused concept". She winked and then vanished. I turned to find her new position but there was none. She was gone.


    Then a presence brushed through my mind and words filled thoughts in a voice that was not mine.


    ''Remember Rack.


    I stood there silently for the next free minutes if minutes applied in this universe. When I was done with thinking and righting my mind I looked at the little black ball of ethereal fur on my palm.


    "Let''s see what this entire universe is about little one. Let''s see what I am". I sighed. Turning I waded through the mist which I realized was thick and yet had no moisture or weight within it. Took a deep breath and exhaled. "This had better be good Hildelith. Akashic Records".


    **Set a Name**


    I frowned. " Eh. Rack, nope seems much". I looked around. " Racolith like the kids called me?" I wondered thinking of the brats. " Nope. Rackel. Yep Rackel. Best to leave those brats with that name". Smiling I decided.


    **Welcome to the Akashic Records Elder 37**


    **Name:** Rackel


    **Akashic Rank:** Elder Magi


    **Akashic Essence:** Fledgeling (500/500)


    **Realm Influence:** (4thR/MR/V - Frierwood Village (2)(54)


    **Power:** Nascent (1)


    **Wisdom:** Nascent (1)


    **Racial Abilities:**


    - Akashic Insight:** All Elder Magis of the Akashic Force possess the ability to tap into the vast reservoir of knowledge and magic stored within the Akashic records. This grants them unparalleled insight into the mysteries of the universe, as well as access to a vast array of spells and arcane knowledge.


    - Mystic Manipulation:** Elder Magis can manipulate magical energies with precision and finesse, weaving intricate spells and enchantments with ease. They can cast Akash of incredible power, bend reality to their will, and even reshape the fabric of existence itself through their mastery of magic.


    - Ethereal Connection:** Elder Magis are attuned to the ethereal energies that flow through the Akashic Force, allowing them to commune with spirits, elementals, and other mystical beings. This connection grants them the ability to channel elemental forces, summon otherworldly entities, and imbue their Akash with ethereal power.


    **Personal Perks:**


    - Arcane Scholar: Rackel is a master of arcane lore and ancient magic, delving deep into the mysteries of the Akashic records to uncover lost knowledge and forgotten secrets. This mastery of magic allows you to cast Akash of incredible complexity and power


    **Servants:**


    - Ethereal Nightshade Panther - Unnamed**


    -


    -


    **Domains:**


    -


    -


    -


    **Akashic Artifacts:**


    - Records of Akash: Basic


    - Shard of Insight: Basic


    - Willow Cane: Basic


    **Mystic Quests:**


    -


    -


    -


    **Akasha Spells:**


    - Arcane Conflagration: Wizard''s Fire.


    - Divine Restoration: Healing Mist


    - Omnipotent Hand: Almighty Hold.


    -


    -


    **Inventory:**


    - Essence Orbs(17), Template


    I looked everything over and sighed. "A lot of explaining is to be had". The first word expanded.


    **Akashic Rank** - Is an entity''s placement in existence within the universe. You fall under the Elder Rank**


    **Elder Magi - Elder Magis are the children of the Primordial Magi Tora Ironstone. This places them just beneath the Primordial entity they were born from in power scale. They possess all the power and authority next to their parent. They are Voxpin creatures inheriting their parent features and capabilities**


    **Akashic Essence** - Essence are of various types. Generally, essence refers to the energy and life of the universe within a being. Akashic Essence is the essence of the Akashic force. This is measured in the total quantity or amount held within an entity.


    "So if Akashic is the energy that powers my Akash then that means I don''t draw from the environment but from within me". I didn''t like that.


    **Fledgeling** - Refers to the grade of essence limit held by an entity. A Fledgeling hold limit is a total of 500 essences.


    **Realm of Influence** - This is an entity''s territory. All areas of influence are marked as landmasses claimed by a being. Each landmass claimed grants a specific realm influence point. Each entity worshipping said being grants a single essence. Realm points multiply the capability of an entity when used. Realm Influence points are calculated as :


    **Outpost - 0.5 points


    Village - 1 point (Additional landmass, eg Farmlands, quarry, mine adds an extra point)


    Town - 2 Points ( Additional landmass, eg Farmlands, quarry, mine adds an extra point)


    City - 5 Points( Additional landmass, eg Farmlands, quarry, mine adds an extra point)


    Metropolis - 15 Points (Additional landmass, eg Farmlands, quarry, mine adds an extra point)


    Megalopolis - 30 Points


    Kingdom - 60 Points


    Empire - 100


    Continent - 500


    Planet - 1000


    **Note - Points are stackable**


    I didn''t exactly understand what this entailed. ''If the Realm of Influence points affect the capabilities of an entity. Capabilities are like all an entity can do. My jaw dropped.


    If a player had 10 points in a normal game attributes. The realm influence of say 2 would double that. The next would triple and ...shit''. I slapped my forehead.


    "What have you done Hildelith?''.


    **4th Ring /Mortal Realm/ Origin / Vaustaris - Frierwood Village (2points) (54 essence)**


    I rubbed my face as I started calculating the essence coming from the villagers. Even more, why was it here and not in my essence part?


    "Maybe I already used it". Considering how low my essence was it was clear that all my spells had been using it down in the mortal realms.


    I focused on the next thing. Power and Wisdom.


    **Power - This is the description of what an entity can do. As an Elder Magi your power affects your essence and your essence affects you directly. As a Nascent your power carries a point one. Power is increased by increasing the Essence limit and is affected by one''s Realm of Influence.


    "Levelling".


    **Wisdom**- Is the rate of comprehension, understanding, and use of Akash and planning. It is the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight and judiciously application of knowledge that leads to thoughtful, effective, and compassionate decisions.


    ''That''s it''. There was nothing more unlike in power that took its time explaining. Sighing I turned to the next part of my records.


    **Records of Akasha**


    - This is a locked ancient tome that contains the foundational secrets of magic and knowledge. Its pages are filled with Torain symbols and Akash that can only be deciphered by those attuned to the Akashic.


    - Effect**: Grants Rack access to powerful Akash and enhances his understanding of magic, increasing the potency and efficiency of his Akash. It also provides insights into the hidden lore and history of the Universe.


    - Cool down**: Each page can only be turned after the understanding of the current Akash.


    **Shard of Insight**


    - A crystalline fragment that glows with a soft, eerie light. It pulses with Akashic energy and grants clarity of thought to its bearer.


    - Effect**: Enhances cognitive abilities, allowing one to process information at incredible speeds. It aids in unraveling complex magical puzzles and grants foresight into potential insights


    **Willow Cane **


    - A staff crafted from the long trailing branches of a tree that creates a calming aura, enhancing concentration and meditation for those who sit beneath them.


    **Effect:**


    - Enhances concentration and mental clarity, amplifying cognitive abilities and heightening magical perception. Allows the Elder Magi to solve complex magical puzzles, decode ancient texts, foresee potential threats, and cast spells more efficiently with reduced energy consumption.


    **Cooldown:**


    - Negates the use of Akashic energy by an Elder Magi for better-streamlined power and effect.


    "That''s not right. I harvested my staff''s materials myself. Those were Eldertree branch. And it''s nerfing Elder Magis". I wasn''t sure where this was going. It was best to see what else was selected and then try to cast a spell to see.


    **Essence Orbs** - These are found in Slain enemies of all kinds. Each orb is of a different grade and holds the essence of a greater or smaller amount depending on its grade. They can be used to enhance powers, perform miracles, create divine artifacts, or power Holy Sites. The higher the grade of the orb, the more essence it contains, providing greater benefits.


    **Essence Orb Grades**


    1. **Fledgling Orb** - 10 units


    2. **Novice Orb** - 200 units


    3. **Apprentice Orb** - 1000 units


    4. **Adept Orb** - 5,000 units


    5. **Expert Orb** - 90,000 units


    6. **Master Orb** - 500,000 units


    7. **Grandmaster Orb** - Unit Capacity**: 1,000,000 units


    8. **Legendary Orb** - 100,000,000 units


    9. **Mythic Orb** - The highest grade orb with over 500,000,000 units


    The arrangements of the orb grading were uncalculated. It was either the Creator didn''t want anyone to guess the higher essence amount or just didn''t care.


    "Looks like my artifacts have their storage slots. Why not just place them in the inventory?". I didn''t understand. Sighing I turned to my inventory and took out the essence orbs. They were all tiny and focusing on them showed they were not even up to fledgling orbs.


    "I would say I see why first ranks are called Fledgelings but even that is a disrespect to the ranks". The orbs were so weak that I felt annoyed by them. One caught my eye though.


    " Is that...a novice orb". I separated the essence orbs from the rest and smiled. This was better. With over 200 units I could now refill my essence if I was lacking.


    "Wait. How am I meant to level up?".


    Since it was unclear and I remembered the warning of using essence orbs when I was full I didn''t dare test absorbing the one I had. The last item in my inventory was a card. A Gray card. It reminded me of the one Hildelith had me choose in the cottage room. Thinking about it now I couldn''t believe I hadn''t figured it was her.


    **Template of the Homunculi**


    **Sip Essence into the card to activate**


    "Hmmh". Curious I did as instructed. It wasn''t hard. Essence had been what I was controlling all that time in the mortal realms. Was what activated my Akash. Plus according to my Racial abilities it wasn''t something that came hard to us Elder Magis.


    The Template flared to life with a grayish-gold glow and then burst apart in an explosion of energy reminiscent of Hildelith''s appearance and disappearance.


    Hovering in the spot where the card previously floated was a fairy. The small kind that made my artifacts but with a slight difference.


    ''Its male''.


    The thing took a good look around it then focused on me. A reserved smile split it''s tiny face right as it''s mouth parted and it spoke.


    "Well Hello. I''m Xenos''tris''gahvin''nemon at your service Son of Tora". It bowed with the air of an Old British Butler.

 BK2 - Battle Royale

    Universe Ticks - 5.56</a>


    Total Flow - 111.11


    Millennium -1st


    Realions - 10th


    Aeus - 76th


    Month -7th


    Day - 24th


    Sometime Before the Alpha Testers


    Hildelith woke from her sleep to a different sight. Her room. It was a tad bit different. There were flowers where it was not meant to be. The bed had a different sheet. ''Freyr or Tora''. The windows looked weird. There were tables and chairs that she didn''t remember bringing in. Her face creased in a frown. She vanished leaving grey mist behind and reappeared on her feet.


    She was dressed in something different. Hera''s gown was gone and she wore pants and a shirt she didn''t recognize from the ones she stole from the tower. The materials though, were familiar.


    "Seraphite weaving and ..." She pinched the pants. "... they finished it then". She looked up and around.


    ''Why is my room different?''. A second look assured her that it was indeed her room in the palace. It did make her wonder. A finger flicked and she disappeared.


    Reappearing right in the throne room she found a very different scene. Tables, very large round tables. Five of them. Taking a step forward she found that the board was weird. Well not weird. Different. It was a miniature resemblance of something familiar.


    She moved to another table. This one was divided in two and larger than the other table. Both sides rippled and moved like the table as miniature creatures moved on it. Things flew across it as well. She turned to the other five tables. One other table was divided like the one she left. Each table has the same feature.


    "They managed it well".


    There was a pop and Akasha appeared on her shoulder. "You''re finally awake. Thank you".


    Hildelith gave her an eye. "When were they completed?".


    Akasha winced a bit. "The popped out after your sleep.


    Hildelith gave her a blank look.


    "I assure you, you just slept..." The fairy pointed at the tables. "...and those popped up. Unlike the other things you did last time these were solid when they came".


    "Huh". A red blush grew on her cheeks as she remembered the last time. " And it works as speculated?"


    "Yes".


    "The kids. Freyr. How is...".


    "He''s fine. Just more troublesome". Akasha grumbled. Hildelith chuckled.


    "I''m glad. He did scare me back then".


    "Yes. But replicating Haero was just risky". Akasha pointed out. She nodded. It was true. Thinking back it had been an unplanned last-ditch effort. Fortunately, it had worked.


    " Mother, I love you, but please, do not sleep again. Ever". The first voice crossed the now larger and taller hall. A sigh left her lips as the sound of beating wings filled the environment.


    "I don''t agree with Ozai in most things but I have to concede this time ma. He''s right. Please never sleep". She blinked and eyed the brat coming in next. The two brats in their arguments and fights seemed to have a singular point of reason when it came to her. Hildelith didn''t understand why it made her feel nice. ''Must be what mum feels?''. She chuckled.


    "Mama!!!".


    Hildelith stared at her tall teenage kids. Five of them strutted into the palace like they owned the place. If not for the dragon that dove through the back of the palace and took his place behind the throne. A very large dragon, mind you, and the sweet girl that seemed to have lost none of her babyish self then accepting these brats to be her kids would have been impossible. She still found it hard to accept how much of their cuteness was. gone. Well except for Haero who even as a freaking giant still had a boyish cheekiness to him.


    Hildelith''s eyes found the one she wanted to check on. Freyr was the first in the room. His large wings trailing smoke and glowing with purple cracks of energy. Unlike the rest, he looked younger. Something he both didn''t mind and disliked. With Ozai he disliked how it made the Cosmic Elf look wiser.


    Her eyes went to the outstretched neck of Molliwag who rocked her in greeting. Freyja jumped on her wrapping legs and arms around her body. "Mama, I missed you again".


    She''d noticed it the first time she woke up. Even with the kids growing, even without increasing in levels, somehow she had remained larger and bigger. The teenage girl was akin to a five-year-old getting carried as Hildelith patted her back while scratching the dragon''s face scales much to his hidden pleasure.


    Connecting to the network her eyes pulse greyish blue as she saw everything since she last slept.


    "Wow. You guys have been busy".


    "You too ma. Even in sleep you just never stop. Amazing". Tora was seated by one of the tables legs crossed. Hildelith had to blink a bit to be sure this prim and proper beautiful boss lady was her child. The green eyes were a dead giveaway if the fur and ear weren''t.


    "Get over here brat. Come give me a hug". Crimson tinted the Umnduni''s cheeks. Soon she had fur rubbing into her. Even then she was eyeing the rest of her boys. Freyr and Ozai stood on both sides ignoring the other nut and smiling at her, with Haero towering over both.


    "I missed you all and I bet you have a ton to show me". Her grin seemed to make all of theirs widen infectiously. Haero bounced on his toes making the palace vibrate a bit while their garments fluttered from the wagging tail of the dragon next to them. His wasn''t the only tail wagging though.


    ****


    Universe Ticks - 8.6


    Total Flow - 154.8


    Millennium -2nd


    Realions - 9th


    Aeus - 76th


    Month -7th


    Day - 24th


    PRESENT


    Universe - Star Rings


    Ring - 9th


    Realm - MURHIL


    Location - Random


    Athena was a blur of motion as she raced through the white sands. She was fast, so fast that her movement was odd. Each step she took brought her farther than normal with a flicker a splash of mud and puddles staining her robe. Around her were flowers that even as they changed their colors and size also shivered and shrunk while being blown around by the wind and rain color. If


    The sky was a whitish gray that gave the realm light which meant that they lacked a true sun. It didn''t stop the rain that hammered her skull like a punishment for what she did. Glances at her screen showed her new achievement. It disturbed her. Game or not.


    She stopped running as she sank to her knees. Her thoughts were everywhere as she wondered what the game devs knew. Why had she gotten such a Title? It was too coincidental to not be a trick or plan. Her eyes shook even as the rain poured down on her. Misty breaths left her even as the droplets flowed down her skin, through the ridges in her scales, and to the ground. She went to the status screen she had once more as the words flashed for her to see.


    Both in the game and outside of it she had done the same thing. She couldn''t believe it. Couldn''t think it.


    Her first step to completing ascension was taking a name. And she knew what she wanted. Athena just felt right. If she was an Alkis then she aimed to be a wise and courageous one.


    The records had simply boosted had desire.


    *Welcome to the Akashic Records Elder 40**


    **Name:** Athena


    **Abstract Rank:** Elder Force


    **Abstract Essence:** Fledgeling (500/500)


    **Realm Influence:** (4thR/MR/V - Uregia Town(2)(73)


    **Power:** Nascent (1)


    **Wisdom:** Nascent (1)


    **Racial Abilities:**


    - Manifestation Mastery: All Elder Forces of the Abstract Realm can manifest their willpower and imagination into physical form. They can shape reality according to their thoughts and desires, bringing their intentions to life with sheer force of mind.


    - Mental Fortitude: Elder Forces possess unparalleled mental strength and resilience, allowing them to withstand psychic attacks, manipulate the thoughts and emotions of others, and maintain focus and clarity even in the face of chaos and distraction.


    - Imaginative Insight: Elder Forces are imbued with boundless creativity and imagination, allowing them to perceive hidden patterns and possibilities in the world around them. They can envision new realities, devise ingenious solutions to problems, and inspire others with their innovative thinking.


    **Personal Perks:**


    - Thought Weaver: You weave threads of thought and intent into intricate patterns, manipulating the minds of others with subtle precision. You can implant suggestions, influence emotions, and even rewrite memories, bending the wills of those around you to suit your purposes.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    **Servants:**


    - Fairy of the Golden Rose - Lucivi''tunreis''yaviel''alwri


    -


    -


    **Domains:**


    -


    -


    -


    **Abstract Artifacts:**


    -


    -


    -


    **Mystic Quests:**


    - Foothold


    -


    -


    **Abstract Skills:**


    - Reality Flicker: Flicker Flash


    - Mental Barrier: Emotional Buffer


    - Object Conjuration: Conjure Weapon


    - Suggestion: Simple Command


    - Phase Step: Short Hop


    **Inventory:**


    - Essence Orbs(29).


    **Reality Flicker:**


    - Elder Forces can create small, unstable anomalies that cause brief disruptions in reality. This skill allows them to deal minor damage to enemies by creating sudden, disorienting distortions in the immediate area, enough to stun or slightly harm opponents. You can release a quick, blinding flash of distorted light. This flash can temporarily impair the vision of anyone looking directly at it, providing a momentary advantage by reducing the accuracy of enemy attacks.


    **Mental Barrier:**


    - This skill allows you to form a basic psychic shield around yourself or an ally. The barrier can block minor attacks and provide a temporary defense against weak psychic assaults, offering brief respite in combat situations. By projecting a calming mental barrier, Elder Forces can reduce the impact of fear or panic effects. This skill helps stabilize emotions, providing temporary resistance to abilities that induce terror or confusion.


    **Object Conjuration:**


    - Elder Forces can summon simple, small objects into existence. This skill enables them to create basic tools, such as keys, ropes, or small weapons, which last for a short duration before dissipating. You can summon a simple weapon in existence. This weapon is sharp enough for basic combat, lasting just long enough to defend against or engage in a skirmish before dissipating.


    **Suggestion:**


    - Elder Forces can implant a simple thought or command into the mind of another. This skill allows them to subtly influence a target''s actions, making them follow a basic instruction like "stay still" or "drop your weapon" for a brief period. You can implant a basic command in a target''s mind, such as "stop," "sit," or "move." The target will feel a strong impulse to follow this command, although it lasts only for a brief moment and can be resisted by strong-willed individuals


    **Phase Step:**


    - This skill allows Elder Forces to teleport a short distance, effectively allowing them to move instantaneously within their immediate surroundings. It can be used to dodge attacks, reposition in battle, or bypass small obstacles. You can teleport a very short distance, such as a few feet, allowing them to quickly dodge an attack or reposition slightly in combat. This movement is almost instantaneous and can help them evade immediate danger.


    Gaining each skill did not come easy to Athena. With Ascension complete came the new quest.


    [Quest - Realm wide]


    Foothold


    Without their rightful rulers, the realm has turned into a lawless land. Packs of beasts roam the realm terrorizing and consuming folks. Quell this unrest and begin setting your foothold.


    - Subjugate at least two packs of beasts -0/2


    - Find at least a single Domain - 0/1


    [Rewards - ???]


    She could remember the events of the past half an hour. Luciv, her fairy had advised on how exactly to practice and gain your skills. Running and willing herself to be where she looked was one way as she found herself appearing as far as her sight took her creating Phase step since she seemed to blur right before teleporting.


    In one such blur, she landed right amid a group of creatures. Luci had screamed for her to teleport away and she found herself vanishing and appearing right to their side at most 5ft from the creatures.


    Short Hop was formed under Phase Step.


    The creatures were Mindflayers, tentacled monsters with humanoid bodies and squid-like faces. And the warning Luciv gave chilled her to the bones. The things were masters of psychic energy and used their powers to invade and manipulate the minds of others. They either came from a dungeon or got washed down here from the Dream Realm.


    She''d understood half of what had been said at the time as her mind had been more geared to getting farther from the things. That was when Luciv had advised on the next skill. With the Mindflayers having telepathy, mind control, psychic blasts, and the ability to create psychic barriers it was best to stay calm.


    First, Elder Forces couldn''t be mind-dominated by just anything. Which meant she was safe in that aspect. But to act without constraints and panic Luciv advised the next skill she made.


    Mental Barrier. Focusing on controlling her mental state brought a calmness she didn''t expect. It creeped her out and she wondered if the game was affecting her mind. Calming and discarding the thoughts she reminded herself that the game was neural in a way so it wasn''t surprising to see something like this.


    Athena wasn''t running anymore as she wished to test and see what she could put out. Teleporting around the creatures was a small but steady trickle against her essence. Wanting a way to kill the. without actively getting too close to their disgusting squid faces gave her the next skill.


    Three skills in a few minutes felt rushed but she had to remind herself she was an Elder Force or Alkis as the mortals knew.


    Object Conjuration was the best of all the skills, not for any other reason but its ability to gift her whatever she imagined as long as it was within the limits of her essence to make. Athena found herself holding onto a long spear made of shifting and shimmering energy.


    Luciv called it will and intent given physicality. Whatever it meant.


    Spear throwing practice began and Athena was saddened to see that she didn''t get a skill for it. Still, with the pack of Mindflayers, she found her aim hard to miss. The first died and she received her first battle notification.


    **Mindflayer Slain - Essence Orb gained**


    With each throw, she made an average of four kills per six throws and soon the pack had thinned or was actively tired of chasing her considering she kept Short hopping around them. There were only four left now and each had scattered to flee.


    The spear fizzled and changed to a short sword like those she''d seen in museums. The difference was she imagined and willed these to be sharper and sturdier. Short Hop helped her close the distance with the nearest one and thanks to her increased ability to remain aware when appearing in new places she lopped off the thing''s head.


    Phase Step took her to the farthest one and she buried her sword into its head. Right before she found her next target she saw one was stop far so she gritted her teeth and willed something to disrupt it. Reality Flicker was added but Luciv urged her to be more precise. So she willed it to be blinded. Since her brain saw a bright light flashing in its eyes there was one flashing in front of the thing. Flicker Flash joined the list and with another phase step and then a Short Hop she was leaving a decapitated body. The final one that had been blinded was already on its feet and running against. It was too far. Repeating the task of blinding it and teleporting closer she was able to get close enough. The thing, unfortunately, spotted her and rolled away from her blade.


    Athena clicked her tongue in annoyance.


    The creature turned and charged at her screeching. Its maw widened to reveal jagged teeth. If not for Emotional Buffer Athena was certain that the sight should have creeped her out. Narrowing her gaze she forced herself into its mind and when that didn''t drop the creature like it did with those animals on Vaustaris she yelled into its brain.


    ''STOP''.


    Suggestion of Simple commands joined her list of skills. The thing''s head dropped to the ground, blood rising off its decapitated head. She stood there eyeing the thing. Her features showed both a grimace and excitement at what she could do while half-listening as Luciv tried to explain the difference between the orbs she got from these creatures and the one she had been given for completing her ascension.


    Essence Orbs from weaker creatures were barely above Novice and when they were they barely crossed the 20 units mark. To get higher essence orbs she needed to battle creatures that could in theory make her bleed.


    One thing Athena noticed that she didn''t like was how the skills took certain costs and didn''t inform her. Each skill cost was dependent on what she did, its distance, or its effect. When using Stop it cost a measly 1 point of her essence since she didn''t find it hard to command the creature. Using Flickering Flash cost just two points but with the consecutive uses to keep the last from fleeing the total had risen.


    To Phase Step was a whopping 3 points and added 1 point for each 5 meter. Short Hop was just 1 point itself. Materializing a tangible object seemed to cost as much as crossing space in a long distance. Then from there essence points were added due to length, weight, and other things. The spear cost nine points due to length and the blade was just a standard five points.


    Not remembering how many times she had used her teleports was forgotten as Athena realized a very big problem. There was no Essence Regeneration. If she depleted it that was it. To get it back she had to absorb essence again from her foes orbs.


    "Well, shit". Quickly she absorbed all the essence orbs in her inventory except the reward. She found her essence rise back to a good 481. Calculating she found the essence from Vaustaris did nothing for her. It was like adding oil to water. It entered but refused to mix. The essence from the Mindflayers was barely useful but still good enough.


    "Are these corpses useful?" She asked the fairy buzzing around her head. The thing nodded quickly.


    "You''ll always need materials and Mindflayers are good for things that you''ll know once you have your domain. That''s more imperative". Athena shrugged and nodded. Luckily all the beasts could enter her inventory. It was time to go.


    Luciv shouted in her mind. She didn''t understand the words yet, but the panic and worry in the fairy''s voice had her using Short Hop. It took her a bit to the right dodging an arrow that sailed past her former position. She watched the arrow fly off and then looked towards its origin. The assailant stood a good distance from her.


    The male was massive. In a muscular way. Large white horns grew from his forehead, white scales adorned his skin at intervals, and gladly he lacked a tail. He had claws on his fingers and toes. His upper body was bare and there was just a splattering of thick scales there to provide defense.


    Athena was glad he didn''t look too shabby. Simply because she was yet to find a mirror and if he looked ugly then that would mean she was too. After all, standing before her bow pulled and pointing straight at her was another Elder Force.


    ''Is PVP allowed''.


    ''You mean EvE?''.


    Athena tilted her head in confusion. ''Elder vs Elder battles''.


    ''Oh, yeah.''. Realizing it must have been the game''s way of letting the guide help while still keeping the realistic immersion she found she liked it.


    ''Yes. It''s allowed. Infact, it''s more than allowed''.


    ''What do you mean?". She asked watching the dude well. Before Luciv could answer though he loosed a bolt. She short hopped to another location but he was ready. Somehow he was there, with a short sword like her own and swinging down at her. She hopped again and he followed this time with a spear throw that surprised her into rolling away.


    Pain.


    "Aaarghh". Athena screamed and found a very real arrow sticking out of her thighs. It had smashed through the scales and perforated her muscles.


    The twang of a bow string had her hopping back to her starting position. She saw the Elder Force''s eyes follow her and the next thing she knew there were Mind flayers everywhere. The short sword spawned and with effective lethality, she began cutting them down.


    ''Athena''.


    ''A minute Luciv, let me handle...''


    ''Athena, they ..''


    ''Just help me keep an eye on ...''


    ''A bolt ripped through her back and sent her sprawling face first''.


    ''Foolish child they''re not real''. The words echoed in Athena''s head with a berating tone. She groaned as she looked up. She did notice that the things didn''t touch her and just growled like zombies around where she lay. But still, she was injured.


    ''Then how''.


    ''None of you can create physical illusions yet. The Psions maybe not you. The essence cost would be higher than any of you could field''. Athena didn''t move a muscle to not alert the other Force on the fact that she was thinking of how to put him down.


    ''You can''t do that when he''s actively feeding suggestions to you''. That shocked her. Thinking back she realized that if her skill set could let her dominate minds while couldn''t others create more hidden suggestions.


    ''Is my will so weak?''.


    ''It''s not just about weak but knowing about the manipulation. You have an emotional buffer skill. Now make one to block off such things''.


    ''Will it help with the illusions?''.


    ''No. You''ll have to trust that none of them are real and get the real one''. Athena frowned. But she had to do this. Falling here was a no no. Plus she had a little mortal to tell tales of her ascension too once she could go back to Vaustaris.


    ''No way I''m telling her a fool beat me''.

 BK2 - Battle Royale II

    Universe - Star Rings


    3rd Sphere - Nothingness


    Location - Lunar Castle


    "I like her". Freyr chuckled his body leaning closer. Ozai gave him the eye from across the throne room seated by his table. The elf''s eye observed Freyr''s table before grunting.


    "She''s not bad. Yet, killing should be the last option". He frowned at his table. "Hopefully mine do not act so brazenly".


    "The last option before or after one loses their head?" Freyr asked with a disbelieving amusement in his expression.


    "Strength is the decision maker. Whatever happens, happens. Strength makes right". The dragon spoke sagely from where his head rested on Hildelith''s lap his table ignored. The girl raised an eyebrow though her attention remained on the dragon resting on her lap as she used scalpels to scrape out any dirt and dust that had filled his scale ridges. It was something he could burn off but the dragon loved his mother doing it.


    A shocked squeal from Freyja''s table had all eyes turning to her. Molliwag''s large orbs simply spun in his sockets to find the spirit.


    "They''re fighting!". She exclaimed stamping her foot.


    "As are mine. Be calm. What will be will be. As dearest big brother says, strength will decide". The dragon rolled his eyes. It was clear to everyone that the answer was not one the spirit would accept.


    "Freyja you can''t dictate their actions. Let them do as they wish. If killing each other is their idea then so be it".


    "But they''re kids mother. They have to be guided".


    Hildelith froze. ''Yeah. Hehehe. Try guiding players. Best to just let them wreck whatever havoc they desire and then see the consequences. Without consequences, they would just do as they wished''. She found it good that Rack already knew about the Realm points. Hopefully, he would organize the other Magis well. ''If not. Blood would flow''.


    His eyes flicked to Haero''s table. Said giant was so silent, his eyes so focused on his table. He''d not said a word since this started.


    "Haero".


    "Eh...yeah. Ma?. What...Hi ma!". The giant gulped for some reason. Everyone groaned. Freyr chuckled. Molliwag just lifted his head off Hildelith''s lap grumbling about Haero ruining his spa day as their mother got off her throne.


    Ozai might not lie, or like lies but no one was as bad as Haero in hiding things or lying. Hildelith was at his table the next second looking over it. At first, she didn''t see what was wrong until she accessed Akasha''s network. Her eyes turned gray-blue, widening with surprise.


    "Brat". Haero moved back to avoid any spanking that might come. Hildelith didn''t even look at him.


    "You know there will be consequences for this right?". She asked him.


    "They have to survive". He argued. Hildelith shook her head.


    "Fine. I''ll let this stand. But to pay for this boon you granted them they must pass my test. Do you agree or should I reset the table?".A hiss was heard from all the rest. Someone muttered something about the Elders being dead now.


    The Giant sighed and nodded after all Hildelith''s voice held no arguments. Her gaze softened and she rubbed his cheeks.


    "Remember how you swallowed Sol and you''re now even better than you could be?".


    "No". The giant grumbled. In his mind, he wondered how he could remember something he did when he lacked sapience.


    "You fed on a star. You shone. On your own. Let your children find their stars". Hildelith smiled and then looked at a certain part of the table. Mountains and rocks filled that area. Haero stiffened.


    "Clam yourself. If they can''t even take it down then they''re not my grandchildren. Are not worth being children of a giant". She picked a piece on the table and pushed divinity into it. "There, all fixed ". She smiled and walked back to her throne. Molliwag''s head settled back and she was back to scraping away while scolding the dragon from dragging himself through the dirty ground of Hell''s Gate.


    "Be calm Freyja. Atleast your children won''t be suffering mother''s tests". The Primeval demon shivered. The spirit sighed and nodded while still biting her fingers.


    "If I could just do something maybe get Aseides to hurry. Or even give Milita a quest".


    "Yeah. Nope. We can''t do that till they have completed the ascension". Freyr reminded with a head shake. Freyja looked resigned though her eyes kept going to Haero''s table.


    *


    Universe - Star Rings


    Ring - 9th


    Realm - MURHIL


    Location - Unknown


    Athena shut her eyes. She could only agree with Luciv''s words. There was no other way to do this. Refraining from even cursing at the other Elder in case he could sense it she willed her mind to form a wall protecting it. ''No. A dome''. Quickly changing the design she made sure there was no way in. In her mind, it was like a translucent dome that let her see out, the boundaries connected to thr ground.


    **Mental Barrier: Thought Shield


    This skill allows Elder Forces to form a basic mental shield that guards against weak psychic assaults. The thought shield can block minor mind-control attempts or psychic probes, helping to maintain focus and clarity.


    It was clear the moment she did it that the Force knew as a groan came from across the field. Athena rose and grabbed the arrow in her torso. She moaned in pain as the act of pulling it out hurt more than she thought.


    ''It looked so cool in movies''. She exhaled and in her hand, a spear formed bringing down her Essence to 486. She lobbed it at the intruder who was already getting back on his feet. He dashed for the side to avoid it.


    Athena followed him with her eyes. Another 2 points of essence vanished from her pool and she was a blur appearing in the first point and then vanishing to appear right behind the Forces as his roll stopped.


    He gasped turning sharply to look her in the eye right as the sword descended. Athena felt a ripple in her Mental Barrier further infuriating her. Her surroundings changed, the Force vanished and nothing was there.


    ''You''ll just have to trust that none of them are real and go for the real one''. Her blade didn''t halt even as it cut through nothing. Luciv''s words ringing like bells in her head.


    The flower to her right rustled and tilted like it was pushed away from her. Another 2 units of essence vanished as Athena shut her eyes.


    ''It''s easier to think and act when I''m calm. I guess the Emotional Buffer skill was the best first skill for my mind''. She realized it also helped with actively setting the dome as she didn''t fret about being sure or not. She just did it.


    Her ears picked up the sound of flowers crunching beneath something heavy. Athena moved, her sword rippling and extending as 4 extra points vanished.


    ''Having a weapon or construct already made is enough to offset the cost for another huh? Good to know''. Pleased with the cost deduction she was refocused back as her spear met resistance and then broke said resistance. A yelp of pain filled the fields.


    The spot before her distorted and she found her spear embedded in the Force''s side. ''Good thing I angled it to count for the fact he might be bent over after stumbling''.


    She wordlessly pulled out the spear and the Force jerked in pain his lips parting in a wordless scream. The extra loss to her essence was ignored as she appeared to his right and luckily there was no cost for shortening her spear. It shrunk down to a sword and lobbed off the Force''s head.


    White lightning flashed in the sky with a powerful crack. Thunder answered with a cry of its own. A voice spoke, each word followed by the thunder and flashing of lightning heralding the storm that rolled in and poured over her was heard.


    **Elder Force - Slain**


    **Elder Forces - 4/5**


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    **Elders - 54/54


    Another flash of lightning came, like a warning, and then thunder. Wind and cold buffeted her as rainwater rushed down her scales. She still. stood in the exact position even as the rain beat down on her. Slowly she turned to Luciv who floated even in this storm watching with an apologetic look.


    "It''s, permanent".


    Her nod sealed the deal. But not as much as the next notification.


    **Elder Force Malvin - Slain**


    **Essence Orbs looted from Elder Force, Fledgeling Essence Orb of The Elder Force Looted**


    **You''re the First Elder to Kill another Elder**


    **Your actions have garnered Fate**


    **You have unlocked the Achievement Tab**


    **You have unlocked the Title Tab**


    **You have unlocked the Fate Records**


    **Achievement Unlocked: "First Blow"


    - By being the first to kill a fellow Elder Force, you''ve shown unmatched determination, marking a milestone in your journey.


    **Rewards:**


    +1000 Kama, +1000Fate,


    - Psychic Shielding (Boon):**


    - All mental shielding of any kind receives a 3x boost to capabilities, especially the emotional kind. You can now reflect and detect any sort of attempted mental influence while keeping a cool head.


    **Warning:**


    While the "First Blow" achievement brings undeniable advantages, it also carries the weight of its implications. The act of killing a fellow Elder Force is not to be taken lightly and has lasting repercussions on your relationships with others in the realm.


    **Achievement Unlocked: Discoverer of Fate: Congratulations! You are the first Elder Force to uncover the existence of the Karma, Fate, and Destiny System. Through your actions, particularly the self-defense that resulted in the death of another Elder Force, you have revealed the hidden mechanics that govern fate''s influence on the world.


    **Rewards:**


    +1000 Karma, +1000 Fate, +1000 Destiny


    **Biased of Fate:** Any uses of points in the Karma, Fate, and Destiny system is reduced by 5%


    **Title gained - Daughter of Chaos:** Your actions while one of self-defense have unraveled the balance of the realm. You have broken order and brought chaos. The fates and paths of those around and under you are forever turbulent. This title grants five passive effects.


    +1000 Karma, +500 Fate. +250 Destiny


    **Reality Flux:** Within a radius of 50 feet, the fabric of reality is in constant flux. This means that the physical environment can spontaneously change, with minor alterations in landscape, weather, and objects. For example, a stone may turn into sand, a calm day could suddenly become windy, or a door might relocate.


    **Unlock Effect 2 -


    - Embracing Chaos


    - ???? ???


    **Use the words Fate Records vocally, mentally, or with intent to access your Records**


    **First to Kill another Elder Force**


    **Rewards:** 2xTemplate


    ****


    A pod hissed open and from it rolled out a pissed young male. Screaming and ranting he walked to his desk and sat down ignoring the pod shut he was still in.


    "Why did I even try to attack her?". He moaned. In hindsight, he could see it was a bad idea. Not because she had been more powerful but because there had been no quest for it. He''d simply seen her dispatch the creatures and something in his mind just said, attack.


    Banging his fist against the table once more he growled. "Fucking mind block". He roared. If not for it he would have gotten her to stop and spare him. A logical part of him knew if not for the same skill she would be the one ranting and raking now.


    Unsure of how to feel he sat back and stared at his Holopad. ''Well, I already have the pod so why not try a beta slot".


    Clicking on the server address he soon found himself in the Slot pay tab. Just as he was about to tap accept, a prompt appeared.


    [Godfall - Would you like a second chance]


    His face scrunched up.


    [Click]


    "Is this an ad?". It was implausible. The Ancients Inc. had zero Ads. Frowning he decided to see what it was about. Clicking brought him to a screen that showed him his very Records in the game.


    "Okay. So it knows my Records". The tab showed a place to click written with Godfall. Clicking it he found the tab vanishing and the redirecting sending him back to the main page. A beep from his pad further confused the player and he found a message in his mail.


    It had two words.


    GODFALL -> REBIRTH.


    *


    Universe - Star Rings


    Ring - 1


    Realm - Sol


    Location - Random


    To understand the features of Sol one had to first think of fire. And not the tiny petal on a match stick, the tongue on a lighter or candle wick, nor the fiery trail on an accelerant''s path. Instead, it was closer to the fire of a burning house for those who''d seen one. It was the roar of the wildfires, of the blazing trash getting ashed. Fire was loud. It had no qualms announcing itself with fanfare.


    That was basically what the sun was like. A very loud and noisy reaction going on continuously. It was a vast, vibrant realm full of life and energy. At least that was what the players could see.


    The surface of the Sol, a name he learned from the notification received in his ascension, was composed of plasma and solar flares. He could perceive the sprawling landscapes of molten gold and flowing light. The lands were constantly shifting, like a lake of gold and even right beneath his feet.


    He found it quite uncanny that the region or anywhere managed to maintain a familiar geography. How would maps be drawn, did mountains melt and reform elsewhere, were there seas or rivers, or was the entire realm one such golden sea, acting as the fiery opposite of a cold sea freezing into ice peaks one day and then melting back the next?


    He could see towering peaks of solidified plasma. It was both frightening and awe-inspiring. A hand rose to his face as he finally looked at himself.


    "Light". His hand was like the void with light glowing within. Looking at his legs, bare and covered only by the robes he''d found himself in when waking in those wheat fields, he stared for a while before looking up. His entire self was black as the void with light glowing from within like a sun in the depths of space. Running a hand through his hair revealed long tresses. Waves of hair that glowed with sunlight, and yet was as soft and malleable as lava.


    A beam of light interrupted his inspection. Golden in a different way than the solar flares and fires that existed as one with this realm. It worked up the environment and made the fiery air blaze hotter. It didn''t matter to him as he breathed in the heat like oxygen and it filled his lungs like the best of breaths.


    The light beam hitting the ground to his right slowly dimmed and then vanished in a tiny pinprick revealing a figure. The new player just like him was male and the similarities ended there. His skin lacked the black void and light he had. He was grey like ash, his eyes fiery red torches in the blaze. His hair was an ashen swirl of mists or smoke.


    What he was certain of was this new one''s physique. If there were classes then he was a brawler or tank. More of a brawler. He was ripped and muscular. Not in a body-building way but he still had a huge size to make it seem so. Just like him, this one was girded in robes. Robes that were as red as his.


    Another beam of light struck to the new one''s right and both players turned to see the newcomer. He blanched. If the player with the ashen hair was different then this one was more similar to him. Just like him, this one had hair of magma and liquid fire, as were his beards. He stood as the perfect caveman. His beard wrapped up his face perfectly. His eyes like the ash guy''s face were red torch lights.


    ''Okay might be the same for me. No mirror to see my reflection and know though''.


    He took in the male''s physique and couldn''t help but wonder who was giving them bodies cause he was certain he didn''t do any character selection or creation. He didn''t do anything to himself.


    ''This is how I look in real life exempting the hair, black skin, and other things''. He poked his belly. ''Like the abs''. He looked to the third guy. ''Does that mean he''s like that in real life? Partially''.


    The third guy was not just huge, he was large, muscular, and ripped. He looked like he lifted trains for weights. The arm size was just unrealistic. Looking the guy over again he noticed his hair was in braids, unlike his and the gray guy.


    Two simultaneous beams of light opposite the three snapped their attention that way.


    ''Females''. He realized. The first one closest to him was tall just like all of them. She wasn''t too brawny but she did have that mess with me look. ''Is that a legit look or is the game making us all muscular ''. He knew he had a fair bit of muscles that he lacked before so it wasn''t a far-fetched idea.


    Her hair unlike the majority was made of energy. Literally energy. It just draped over her head. Golden torches for eyes. Her skin was as black as his and the third guy''s skin but where the third guy seemed to bring with an inner sort of fire she just stood there with only her eyes and hair being a bit like flames. The last girl was so different he did a double take. Seeing muscles and muscles and athletic figures had led him to expect more Olympic-style forms. But this one was normal. Not in the less muscles way. If she had them then it was not visible. He wasn''t going to ask to see her torso just to find abdominals.


    ''That''s a fast way to get tagged a creep''. Still, she looked powerful. Her hair was exactly like his and her white eyes made him suspect his eyes must glow that way too.


    "Any idea what gods we are?". Magma hair guy asked. All eyes reversed to him. And he looked back with an excited grin on his face. "Right. I mean Titans". He corrected his smile growing even brighter. His excitement was understandable though.


    "Elder Titans". The first player answered. All eyes turned to him. He activated his status which he''d had the time to look over thoroughly before letting the scenery distract him. Staring at it he avoided eye contact with the others "Just check your status. You should also have rewards for completing the ascension. If you don''t mind I''d like to compare, I think I have a theory but I''m not quite sure".


    The eyes all four of them gave him made him roll his. A feat that remained unseen since he and all of them lacked pupils.


    "There''s a card in our inventories. It''s similar to the one we chose in the cottages. If all of us here were sent to cottages that is". Without an answer or waiting for any, he pulled up the card. He''d seen it but had been more transfixed by the environment after a solar flare had hit him point-blank. Atleast he imagined it was a solar flare.


    Using Essence on the card as instructed was easy. He''d done a good amount of hunting below for him to know how to channel his essence.


    The card pulsed brighter as his essence slipped into it. Then it burned bright and shot up to his eye level. The light pulsed even brighter and he was certain he caught a glimpse of a petal there. The light imploded in its place floated a fairy. It twirled and flew straight at him grabbing his nose.


    "Welcome welcome welcome. Welcome to Sol". Setting her tiny boot on his nose she kicked off. ''Didn''t even feel anything''. The fairy twirled in the air and giggled. Behind her white starry particles drifted as she buzzed like a fly in the air.


    She appeared in front of the gray dude and began singing at him to use his card and repeating the same with the other three. All four shot him a look which he shrugged at. One by one they popped out their cards finding it easy to do by just thinking it and soon enough there was a light show going on.


    Amazon girl''s own erupted in flames, a normal girl''s card did the same light show as his. Big guy''s own dripped like it was liquid and Gray''s card burst in a spark of flame and dark mist. Then there were four more fairies.


    Little screams filled the air and much to the chagrin of the other two males or the fairies were females. They whooped and danced amongst themselves as they twirled in the air. Celebrating birth or freedom, none knew.

 BK2 - Battle Royale III

    [Ring - 2nd]


    [Realm - Torheim]


    [Unknown Alpha Testers PoV]


    ''You can do this Anna''. I shook my head. ''No, not Anna. Hanna''. I fisted my palms and directed the Energy in me to them. It uskef subtly. ''I can do this''.


    I took a quick gander of my Records and smiled. I could do this. I had to. Looking at the creature lying in a daze at my feet I smirked. The little pain it had brought me had long gone. But still, it would pay for such an attempt.


    "Come". Turning I selected a path and moved. Pushing onto its feet and following behind was a creature the Records had informed me was a Divine Lion. A menacing beast that stood well over 6 feet tall and higher when it reared up on its hind legs. And yet I had survived the thing ambushing me.


    A glance at the pink skin of my right arm the only reminder of the gruesome injury it had inflicted made me smile. Such a monstrous beast and it had fallen under my grasp. There was something about the look in its eyes when it realized it was no more predator but prey that sent a tingle of passion through me.


    There was a situation where I would have been confused by such an absurd feeling. Wondering why I would possibly take joy in what I did to a lifeform. But I was not dense nor did I doubt what or why I felt this way.


    People who came to games had various thoughts and wishes. There were the normal folks who just wanted to enjoy themselves, the others who wished to for a moment to forget their stupid or bad lives, and others who wanted something else from the games.


    I was one such figure.


    [Flashback]


    Anna sat on a worn-out couch, clutching her teddy bear as her parents argued in the kitchen. The house was a shabby one left to her father by his dead mother. A lucky escape they gained from the rent payment.


    She was six, but already she understood more about survival than most adults. Their voices were a constant background noise, the soundtrack of her childhood.


    "How are we going to pay the bills, Tom?" her mother demanded, her voice rising. "We''re barely scraping by!"


    Anna''s father sighed heavily. "I''ll pick up more shifts. We''ll manage."


    "We''re always just managing," her mother shot back. "It''s not enough."


    Anna watched them, her young mind absorbing every word. She knew their struggles were a constant battle against a world that didn''t care. She glanced at the toys scattered around her, most of them hand-me-downs or charity shop finds. Her favorite, a shiny toy car, was a trade she had orchestrated with a classmate, convincing him that her old toy was somehow special.


    Even with the argument in the kitchen Anna couldn''t help but smile at how delusional and stupid the kid had been.


    By middle school, Anna''s skills were better. Sitting in the cafeteria, eyes scanning the room split into social hierarchies that most of these kids didn''t even understand, and she needed to navigate it carefully. She spotted a group of popular girls and made her move, sliding into an empty seat with practiced ease.


    "Hey, Mindy," Anna said, flashing a confident smile. "I heard you aced the math test. That''s amazing!"


    Mindy beamed, with a clear haughty smile that should have been nowhere on a kid''s face. "Thanks, Anna. I studied really hard and I''m just that good."


    Anna nodded. " Yes, you really are". Mindy''s smile brightened even more and Anna made a mental note. Compliments increased favourability.


    Over the next few weeks, she ingratiated herself with Mindy''s group, offering help with homework, sharing gossip, and always knowing the right thing to say. Soon, she was a core member, subtly steering conversations and decisions.


    But it was high school that was her real proving ground. She joined the student council, became captain of the debate team, and maintained a perfect GPA. Her influence grew, but so did the stakes. The fundraiser for extracurricular activities was her biggest challenge.


    Standing in front of the assembled volunteers, Anna projected confidence even while her heart raced at miles a minute. "This event is going to be amazing," she declared. "We need to raise more money than ever before, and I know we can do it."


    She divided tasks and assigned roles based on each person''s capabilities. She secured donations by charming local business owners, organized promotional events, and managed every detail with military precision. The night of the fundraiser, the school gym was transformed into a vibrant gala, and the donations poured in.


    As she mingled with guests, Anna overheard whispers of admiration. "She''s incredible," one teacher said. "Such a natural leader."


    But there were also murmurs of dissent. "She''s so controlling," a student muttered. "It''s like she''s running everything."


    Anna brushed off the criticism. Success came with a price, and she was willing to pay it. She had learned that power was not given; it was taken. And she was ready to take whatever she needed.


    Graduation was both a triumph and a relief. Her parents beamed with pride as she walked across the stage to accept her diploma. They didn''t know the lengths she had gone to, the strings she had pulled, and the manipulation she had employed. They only saw the polished, successful daughter they had always hoped for.


    As she packed for college, Anna felt a mix of excitement and determination. She was leaving behind the struggles of her childhood, but the lessons learned would guide her. She was stepping into a larger world, and she was ready to conquer it.


    Stepping onto the university campus, Anna felt a surge of adrenaline. The sprawling lawns and historic buildings represented a new arena, a place where she could further hone her skills and expand her influence. She had chosen her majors¡ªbusiness and psychology¡ªwith a clear purpose in mind.


    Her first semester was a whirlwind of activity. She joined several clubs, attended social events, and excelled academically. One evening, she found herself at a networking mixer, a glass of wine in hand, scanning the room for potential allies.


    "Anna, right?" A voice interrupted her thoughts. She turned to see a tall, confident senior extending his hand. "I''m James. I hear you''re making quite a name for yourself already."


    Anna smiled, shaking his hand firmly. "Just trying to make the most of my time here."


    James laughed. "Well, you''re certainly doing that. I''m president of the Business Club. We could use someone like you."


    Over the next few weeks, Anna became an integral part of the Business Club. She organized events, led discussions, and networked tirelessly. Her knowledge of psychology gave her an edge, allowing her to read people and situations with remarkable accuracy.


    In her sophomore year, Anna landed an internship at a top marketing firm. She walked into the sleek, modern office with a sense of purpose. This was her first real taste of the corporate world, and she was determined to make an impression.


    Her supervisor, Mr. Collins, was a shrewd and demanding man. On her first day, he handed her a stack of reports. "Analyze these market trends and prepare a presentation by tomorrow morning," he said, not bothering to look up from his computer.


    Anna nodded, suppressing a surge of anxiety. She stayed late into the night, poring over the data, and crafting a compelling narrative. The next morning, she stood in front of Mr. Collins and a few senior executives, presenting her findings with confidence and clarity.


    When she finished, Mr. Collins finally looked up, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "Well done, Anna. We''ll use this in our next strategy meeting."


    That small acknowledgment fueled her. She threw herself into her work, impressing her colleagues with her insights and strategic thinking. Her ability to influence and persuade became her trademark, and she quickly gained a reputation as someone who got things done.


    Back on campus for her junior year, Anna''s influence continued to grow. She took on leadership roles, mentoring younger students and expanding her network. One evening, she was sitting in the library, helping a freshman named Lisa with a challenging assignment.


    "You''re good at this, Anna," Lisa said, admiration in her eyes. "How do you do it?"


    Anna smiled, a hint of satisfaction in her voice. "It''s all about understanding people, Lisa. Knowing what they want, what they need, and how to give it to them in a way that benefits you too."


    Her senior year was a whirlwind of achievements. She graduated with honors, and her resume boasted impressive internships, leadership roles, and academic accolades. Job offers flooded in, but Anna had her sights set on a prestigious consulting firm known for its high-stakes projects and rapid career advancement.


    Joining the firm was another strategic move. Anna navigated the corporate environment with the same precision she had honed over the years. She aligned herself with key figures, always staying one step ahead. Her ability to deliver results under pressure made her an invaluable asset.


    During a particularly challenging project, Anna''s strategic mind shone. The firm had been hired to revamp a struggling company''s marketing strategy. Anna led the team, analyzing data, conducting focus groups, and developing a comprehensive plan. The project was a resounding success, earning her accolades and a promotion to senior consultant.


    Despite her professional success, Anna''s personal life was often a source of frustration. Her need for control and manipulation created tension in her relationships. Friends and romantic partners found it difficult to connect with someone who always seemed to be two steps ahead, always calculating.


    She didn''t see what was so wrong about being two steps ahead. It had gotten her this far in life. Her days become one of a loner at home and an extrovert at work. She filled herself with escaping the reality of her bleak life with wine, movies, work, books, and games.


    Then she watched one of the streams of a Creator Player. It was nothing like she expected. For some reason, it called to her.


    ****


    [Ring - 1st]


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.[Realm - Sol]


    After the fairies were done introducing themselves the players realized how annoying and hard it was to try remembering their names. It was a thought task thanks to the long names they all had but luckily we managed to pick up on the first pronounceable part of their names.


    There was Myrsi Gray Guy''s fairy. Amazon lady''s was Tirtis and it was all that the players could keep from laughing at how close to titties it sounded. The other girl''s fairy was Ziei, the large guy''s was Antmo and the first player''s fairy was Jimin.


    All weird names but they shrugged them off as fairy names.


    "Now, if you''ve all selected names it''s time for your ascension rewards".


    "Ascension rewards?". He looked confused. "But we already got those?". His fairy Jimin nodded.


    "Yes. But rewards are different for each of you". It faced him.


    "How?".


    "Each realm has different kinds of entities. These entities are all children of the six Primordials in more ways than one".


    "The Primordials". Big guy grunted.


    "Wait wait. Since we''ve picked names let''s know it. I''m tired of tagging y''all with he and her, gray guy and Amazon lady. Sorry". With an apologetic expression, he continued. "I''m Hellion. Kind of got up here first. And you are?". He looked at gray guy.


    "By Hellion I''m guessing that''s the in-game name you chose?". Gray guy asked back. His hands were crossed in front of him with the left beneath the right.


    " Yeah. I think it fitting considering where we are. Sun and all". Hellion smiled and then looked at him expectantly.


    "Blaze". Everyone just stared. He grunted. "What. Everything here is on fire. Plus with what I can do it feels applicable".


    Hellion shrugged. Big guy stepped up next. "Sorry to ruin the naming trend but I picked Thorin". He looked apologetic but not regretful.


    "Pfft. It''s the beard. Isn''t it?". Amazon chuck toled. Thorin smirked at her and made a slight head tilt in acknowledgment. Hellion just looked to the next fella. The girl.


    "Hi, I''m ...well, I picked Stryder". She waved and everyone was sure she was a teenager or atleast some jovial kid.


    "I''m Mera". She picked up the locks on her shoulder and admired it. "Always loved redheads. Their hair I mean not them, I''m not gay I''m straight....not that I .."


    "I think we get the point". Thorin assured. Hellion chuckled while Stryder grinned. He then turned to face the fairies. "So who are the Primordials".


    "Children of the Creator. Your parents". Jimin offered. " To survive you must connect yourselves to them in the monument".


    "What''s the catch?". Blaze asked.


    Lightning flashed in the sky, followed sharply by the deep rumble of thunder.


    **Elder Force Slain**


    **Alpha Testers - 54/54**


    "That is the catch". Myrsi had a dark and foreboding look on her face.


    "I''m confused". Mera took a step forward."We11 completed the ascension. We are here. We''ve gotten and are still getting rewards for it ". The look in the fairies eyes made Hellion sigh.


    "It''s not over is it?". All eyes turned to I''m but the player kept his gaze on the Fairies.


    "No". Jimin replied. Tirsi buzzed in front of her taking Hellion''s attention. Still when she spoke all five heard her.


    "The rules of the Prologue were scattered and different. More due to what each of us does than anything else.


    "Does this have to do with the realms we crossed to get here?". He asked. Ziei was the one to reply though she remained in her position.


    "Yes".


    "What do you mean?".


    "When we ascended you must have received notifications that mentioned some locations". He looked at Thorin. The big man nodded.


    "Those were realms. Just like this place" Antmo spoke.


    "Okay. One person talks and tells us everything we need to know". Thorin spoke in a commanding parent voice.


    ''Definitely got a kid or something close''. Hellion thought. The fairies buzzed before Antmo was sacrificed since it was her owner giving them death glares.


    "If you noticed, you are all tagged under something called the Sol Rank which calls you Elder Titans".She looked around.


    " Elder Titans are children of the Primordial Giant. Just as Elder Deities are of the Primordial Deity and Elder ..."


    "Wait. Elder. We''re all called Elder. That notification said an Elder Force was Slain". Mera interrupted. Thorin glared at her but she ignored him.


    ''Okay, she doesn''t feel awkward unless she gets embarrassed then''. Hellion noted.


    "Yes. You are correct. In chronological order, we have the Elder Titans..." She tapped a finger out and began counting as she called the other names. "...Elder Divines, Elder Psions, Elder Gods, Elder Spirits, Elder Devils, Elder Magis, Elder Demons and Elder Forces". She sighed and took a breath.


    "That''s a lot of Elders". Thorin whistled. " What are we?. The Elder committee?". The sarcasm in his voice hard to miss. His switch-up was also quite shocking from his British speech before but no one pointed it out after giving him looks.


    "I''m guessing the chronological order is not due to strength or importance". Blaze spoke.


    ''Speaks Little. Asks important things. Hellion mentally nodded at the guy.


    "No. It''s an arrangement of the realms where each Elders is located". Antmo replied. Stryder''s mouth gaped open.


    "That''s nine different Elders and realms" she muttered.


    "It doesn''t add up". Hellion commented.


    "Fifty-five ERROR..." Blaze blinked and frowned. "Fifty-five of us came but there''s only a fourth accounted for if. .." he focused on the fairy. "...by my calculations, the division is a five-way split. Unless we''re missing some folks amongst us".


    Hellion and Thorin eyed Blaze with wide eyes ''Silent and observant''.


    Jimin spoke this time. "There''s also the Bands and the River but they''re not exactly realms so they''re not part of the order in a way. They''re more for order and balance than anything else I believe". She scratched her head.


    "But there are Elders there. What are they called?. Elder what?".


    "They''re not called Elders Unlike you and the others on the realms they lack something They''re simply called Aeus for those on the Bands and Deities for the Rivers".


    **Elder Magi Slain**


    **Elders : 53/53**


    The chatter paused for a moment as eyes blinked at the announcement. No one said it but the were all sure that knowing all the players were Elders was the only reason the text had changed from Alpha Testers to Elders. Still the quick death following the last was astonishing.


    "Alright, I think that''s good enough for now". Thorin looked at everyone and then the fairies sighed and spoke again. " I think we should all work together".


    No one spoke and all eyes went to each other. Mera subtly distanced herself from Stryder while I kept my eye on Blaze just in case.


    "We''ve seen that dying here is permanent. Those ERROR...hmmh...Elders are not coming back". He grunted at the game censoring him. " Together we can watch our backs, and have no qualms about one or the other ending us. I''m a team player, and I''d love for us to tackle this together".


    "Is that allowed? Banding together". Stryder questioned. Her fairy nodded. Ziei spoke up quickly with something about an accord to hold them to their words.


    "An oath of sorts". Tirsti added.


    "A parliament!" Myrsi giggled out buzzing around. Tirsti caught her and Antmon slapped the back of her head.


    "It''s a Pantheon. And I believe while there are rewards for killing each other there are also rewards for making a Pantheon". She looked hopeful.


    "I prefer this Pantheon thing. Best to not have my back unprotected".


    "Who''d lead us?". Mera asked eyes going from one to the other.


    "Probably the big brute guy who thought of it". Hellion winked at Thorin who sighed.


    "That''s not how leadership works". She raised an eyebrow.


    *There''s a chance for all to lead". All eyes went to Ziei. "As long as all first joiners are of the same rank and same power level then it''s doable. But there must always be a veto power".


    "Like a tiebreaker. Sounds alright. Let''s do this then". Mera took as to closer. Stryder followed. Hellion stepped as well and all eyes went to Blaze who was already walking up to them.


    "Initiate it by thinking of adding the others to your group".


    Thorin shut his eyes and then the next thing we saw was a notification.


    **Thorin Giantson has invited you to join his Pantheon**


    **Accept/ Decline**


    "Giantson". Hellion blurted. The looks the fairies gave had him sober up as he realized. "Don''t tell me".


    "You''re all Giantson". Tirsti buzzed around Antmo.


    "And the girls?. How does that naming work? Giant daughter?". Hellon poked. The fairy shook her head.


    "Daughter of the Giant".


    "No fair". He groaned.


    "I take it there''s only one giant. If not there''d be a need for differentiation". Thorin pointed out and Mirsi nodded quickly.


    With everyone accepting the request a new record opened showing them their names and a yet-to-be-named Pantheon. Slowly they watched as Thorin slotted them into leadership positions.


    "All done". He muttered.


    "What now?". Stryder piped looking at everyone with large doe eyes. ''Definitely just a kid''. Everyone thought.


    "Now, your rewards". Five boxes appeared behind them. Turning as the wooden material slammed into the ground raising fiery dust they found long boxes almost the length of coffins.


    "As you check out your rewards you must understand your status and how things there work. Since we already covered rank next is your level and how that works. First you...". Hellion zoned out the talking fairy as he''d seen all that in his status.


    Crouching he touched the box and found it locked with some weird-looking fantasy padlock. It had no keyhole and nothing to show it needed a key.


    ''Hmmh. Maybe''. Touching it he let some essence slip. The padlock glowed and then dimmed before vanishing. Unhooking the bolt he raised the lid and let it fall on the other side. ''Guess that worked''.


    Hellion didn''t know what he''d expected but it wasn''t this. Silently his hand vanished into the box and grabbed the first thing he saw. It was a leather armor with a skirt of plates. Turning it he admired the golden weaves and the tiny plates that were forged into the leather for added protection.


    The skirt was made of some thick stuff that while weighing nothing was still hard. The moment he thought of how to wear it the armor dissolved into liquid gold and flowed up his arm before wrapping around his body and reappearing.


    "That''s one nasty equip right?". Mera chuckled from ahead. She had on a pair of pants she didn''t have before. Hellon quickly looked down to see that indeed there was a pair of pants. It looked to be made of the same gold weaving as the leather armor. It was equipped the same way and he was looking back into the box at a pair of boots.


    ''It''s a full outfit''. The boots were equipped and he found the last item inside the box. It was a material that covered the bottom. Touching it made him shiver as he felt a coldness from it. Pulling it out he stood and spread it out.


    It was a cloak. A black thick cloak. He saw no way to put it on as he didn''t know how the head or neck went where he equipped it and he suddenly felt a bit chilly. Like he''d been in the sun and suddenly had a cooling unit around.


    Looking into the box he found it wasn''t empty. The cloak had covered the last two things. One was a pair of vambraces that he equipped quickly and almost absentmindedly, all the while his eyes unable to leave the last thing in the box.


    Leaning down and taking it the box vanished in a burst of light. Hellon had eyes only for what he had.


    "A sword".


    The scabbard that he held was made of some black and steel material that was comfortable to the touch and somehow the sword weighed nothing.


    His right hand came forward slowly to the handle. The pommel of the sword was golden with an eye engraved on it. The handle was black and he suspected it to be made of the same material the scabbard was. The guard was straight and cleanly horizontal lacking any curves. It was as golden as the pommel.


    ''Bloody draw it out. It''s just a blade, stop acting weird man''. With a mental grunt, he tightened his palm around the handle, skin touching the guard and slowly pulled the sword free of the scabbard. The metallic scraping sound sent a warm tingle down his back and up his arm.


    ''Black?''. The steel was like the darkest of nights from the point it left the guard to the very tip. It had red and golden lightning cracks from its guard edge down to the blade point on both sides. Pointing the blade to the ground he tilted it to both sides feeling a sense of excitement.


    "Ewww man. Stop that". Hearing Mera''s voice Hellion looked up and almost fainted at the sight before him.


    Thorin held a gigantic hammer. Its handle was the length of a man''s arm and thicker than a palm. Which was okay considering Thorin had large palms. The hammer head itself was black just like Hellion''s blade with the same cracks of golden and red on all its six sides.


    The hammer head''s length was double an average lean male''s torso. The width of a single torso. And he just hefted it up and unto his shoulder.


    "What the hell!". He blurted out in shock. Mera looked at him and shook her head.


    "Tell me about it. That thing is ridiculous".


    "As much as his". Thorin shot back eyeing Blaze. All eyes went to the silent unless necessary male and they just stared. The chains were thick, black, and with the same cracks. Each link was the size of a child''s head. And it seemed endless, wrapped around his arms, calves, and waist.


    "What''d you get?". Hellion turned to Mera. She must have seen the plea to not have something ridiculous as a weapon since she just chuckled and showed him her hands. The gauntlets he''d seen were it.


    Black and with red cracks running along it like their weapons. It covered from her fingers to her elbow. She and Stryder were geared up like him but instead of a skirt they both had a single backward loin cloth.


    Turning to the two behind him he found Thorin in steel armor. It was golden and red. Blaze had an armless furred jacket that was open down the center leaving him bare chested.


    Hellion''s attempt to snort in disbelief died when he saw the garish scar on the man''s chest. It was like two lightning strikes from both shoulders meeting at his chest and then flashing down to just above his upper abdomen.


    "I''m guessing that''s an in-game thing". He pointed. The man nodded and then everyone turned to Stryder. She was geared up like Hellion except for the twin shorblades at her hips.


    Looking themselves over it was clear they were ready.


    "What now?". Mera asked the fairies congregated to one side chittering amongst themselves like housewives at a barbecue night.


    "Now...". Antmo buzzed forward the others following behind. "...you get your domains". Notification prompts appeared in front of them. It took just one minute for them to put one and two together before the questions erupted.

 BK2 - Battle Royale IV

    [HANNA''S POV]


    Ascension dumped me in a field of gold. In all directions, it was all I could see. Above me was a sky of white beautiful clouds hiding the gigantic blazing there. While I didn''t bother myself with the little I knew about physics and how such a thing should be impossible I kept returning my mind to just how absurd it all was.


    **You Have Arrived**


    **Ascension Complete**


    **Rewards - True Form Unshackled, Template**


    **Akashic Records Unlocked**


    The Primordial Freyja sees you.


    The Primordial Tora looks on.


    The Primordial Ozai is proud - Here''s one of mine.


    The Primordial Freyr is amused - She looks nice. But I honestly prefer the other guy. What was his name? Ghar?. Looks faster and more powerful to me. Yep. That perk feels more accurate for a leader. Like that time sister full Thunderer in Hellsgate cause of Freyja.


    The Primordial Tora shakes her head.


    The Primordial Ozai fumes - They''re all special. You wouldn''t know with your demonic and devilish brats


    The Primordial Freyr - And we''re back to that. True, true they''re yet to figure anything out. I guess you''re right. We''ll see anyway.


    The Primordial Tora - Enough. Back to your stations. Be more like Haero and focus on your children


    The Primordial Freyr - Maybe we should be more like Mollie and not care at all. See how mum punished Haero for putting them together. Now their chances of survival went down.


    The Primordial Ozai - Distraught as I am to admit. Freyr speaks true. Best to let them handle it without the desire to act. The punishment could be worse than the granted aid


    [The Primordial Freyr seems shocked. The Primordial Freyr has left


    The Primordial Tora has left


    The Primordial Freyja - Mollie. I like that one


    The Primordial Ozai chuckles - He''ll bite your nose off


    The Primordial Freyja leaves


    The Primordial Ozai - stand strong child. Vocalize, think, or will the Akashic Records to view where you stand.


    The presence that came with the voices receded allowing me to take in a breath I didn''t know I was holding. "The Primordials believe there is one stronger than I?". I didn''t understand how or why someone would already be that way when the game was just starting.


    "Privilege of birth? ". I wondered. It was something I tagged those born into rich households with. Still, I didn''t know anything so I pushed it away. First I had to see what this game was all about. For all I knew it could be due to that perk thing the other Primordial mentioned.


    Information was the first step in approaching a problem.


    ''Akashic Records''.


    **Please choose a name**


    "Oh. Uh". It was an obvious part of all games but the Prologue had made me forget about it.


    "Hanna". The words vanished


    A box of words appeared in my vision and I felt a sense of elation and tingles. I had fallen too far deep in the old times Litrpg genres. Seeing this scroll of words had a different vibe to it than seeing it on a screen via a VR headset.


    I didn''t waste my time admiring the realism again as I rushed to see the next thing on my screen. As I took in each word my lips separated slowly until I was just shocked.


    **Welcome to the Akashic Records Elder 8**


    **Name:** Hanna


    **Divine Rank:** Elder Divine


    **Divine Essence:** Fledgeling (500/500)


    **Realm Influence:** (4thR/MR/V - Enkidu City (6)(67)


    **Power:** Nascent (1)


    **Wisdom:** Nascent (1)


    **Racial Abilities:**


    **Divine Aura:** All Elder Divines exude a powerful aura that enhances their natural abilities and those of their allies. This aura provides protection against physical and magical harm, boosts mental clarity, and increases physical strength and agility for everyone within its range


    **Celestial Power:** Elder Divines can harness and manipulate divine energy to perform miraculous feats. This power allows them to heal wounds, purify corrupted areas, and smite enemies with holy energy. Their divine energy can also be used to bolster the abilities of their allies or weaken their foes.


    **Eternal Wisdom:** Born of divine essence, all Elder Divines possess profound knowledge and wisdom. This allows them to foresee possible outcomes, make strategic decisions, and understand complex magical and cosmic phenomena. Their wisdom also provides them with heightened resistance to mental attacks and illusions.


    **Personal Perks:**


    **Tranquil Presence:** Hanni emanates a calming divine energy that soothes the minds and bodies of those around her. This tranquility reduces fear and panic, enhances concentration and morale, and can even put enemies into a peaceful stupor, rendering them harmless for a short period. Her calming presence also grants resistance to psychic attacks and mental manipulation.


    **Servants:**


    -


    -


    -


    **Domains:**


    -


    -


    -


    **Divine Artifacts:**


    -


    -


    -


    ** Mystic Quests:**


    -


    -


    -


    **Divine Skills:**


    -


    -


    -


    -


    -


    **Inventory:**


    - Essence Orb, Template**


    "Nice". I tried focusing on the first thing I wanted to see and it expanded to show me a description.


    **Elder Deities** - Pure-blooded children of the Primordial Cosmic Elf. Ranked only beneath their parent. The Vetar are deific entities with divine blood and command. L


    "That''s interesting". It was nice to know that my rank was next only to the Primordial. From the voices, those fellas seemed pretty powerful. ''Amd childish''. I wasn''t going to say that out loud though.


    Scrolling through my records I found the meaning of everything on records. I didn''t even realize I was smiling as I looked at the information for my Realm Influence.


    "Maybe my rank would be greater than some". I chuckled. I accessed my inventory and pulled out the template there. It was a golden yellow card. The same with what I picked in that cottage.


    "Interesting". Following the prompt directing me to send essense I directed the energy in me into the card. Stopping conflicts and talking sense into angry humanoid dragons had been the entire part of my ascension mission. At times when I did so I usually felt this energy slipping and moving around me.


    When I actively used it some of the mortals were quick to accept. Thinking on it now, I was certain it must have been my personal perk acting out.


    The card burst in a show of light and in its place was a fairy. "Well, aren''t you...".


    "Watch out!". The thing screamed at me making me take a step back in surprise. Something struck me from behind and I felt my feet give from beneath me. I met the ground the next moment and then something heavy was on me.


    I could hear the fairy shouting and the weight on me roaring and snarling even as pain rushed up my abdomen. Smacking it frantically I managed to grab onto something that felt like hair. I tugged to get it off me and pain spiked off my abdomen. The thing was gone though.


    Rolling I struggled to crawl away moaning and whimpering. I was so scared and frightened that I didn''t even realize the pain I was feeling was a dull and barely notable one.


    I could hear snarls and growls behind me, something rushed at me and the diary behind me was doing something.


    ''Leave me. Go away ''. I screamed in my mind as I crawled and dragged myself away. The thing was on me again. My face pressed into the mud. Pain lanced up my back and I struggled to get it off but it wouldn''t budge.


    ''Get off! Get off!''.


    The fairy landed in front of me, her wide frantic eyes darting from me to the thing. ''Why did it care?''.


    "You have to calm down"!". She screamed at me. I could hear her voice over the ripping sounds of fabric and skin as the thing mailed my back.


    "Calm yourself!" Her frantic face didn''t help. The fact that I might die didn''t...


    ''Wait. I remembered the words of the Ascension quest and I couldn''t help my giggle. The sound was so abrupt the fairy stopped and I blinked. I had ascended. Which meant I wouldn''t die.


    Trying to look behind me I could make out stuffs of hair as this thing ripped into me. ''Dying must be hard for a Deity''. I thought as I felt flesh ripped from my back.


    ''Calm down and think Hanna''. I took a breath. ''It''s like in the office. Feel your fear and anxiety but show confidence''. I felt a sense of increased calm flow through me. I felt like I could face the world without batting an eye. I could do anything.


    "What a rush".


    I pushed at the ground with my hands raising my body. The creature''s snarl as it tried harder to force me down was ignored. Whatever this thing was it tried putting even more weight, claws digging sharply into my back. When I didn''t budge and came to my knees it suddenly went for my head. I felt the hot breath tickling against my neck and I tossed myself to the side rolling quickly.


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    The ground shuddered, golden grasses bending and snapping as the thing hit the spot where I should have been. I ignored the slight tremor pushing to my feet and up to my full height.


    I was looking at a lion. A very large lion. A very very large lion. The emphasis on the large had to be noted. It had a mane of gold and not the fake burnt gold, the real gold. Gold like the fields we were in.


    "That explains how you managed to get so close". I muttered. ''Damn, this calm thing is freaking nice. I should be terrified and running''. It was quite effective considering the animal stalking me in circles was as tall as my shoulders and as long as a bloody horse.


    Slight discomfort was the highest pain sensation the wound gave me. A palm feeling my back even as I kept my eyes on the lion made it clear the wound was deep. ''Bloody cat''.


    Still, I wasn''t sure how to get out of this situation. I was weaponless and had no skills that could help me just smite this thing. For a Deity I was whack.


    The fairy must have noted my thoughts or something because she landed on my head and began talking. The lion''s eyes moved to it and then back to me, it padded around a bit more and then drew closer. I stepped back.


    "You need to think of what you want. Imagine something. Will it".


    I almost took my eyes off the lion to glare at the fairy. Was she telling me that skills were imagination-based? Wouldn''t that just mean I could create any skill I wished for? That seemed stupid.


    Saying as much as the fairy quickly shook her head. "No, no. You are right. I apologize for not answering well. But the situation is troublesome. Skills have three rules. First, it must be similar to an entity''s racial abilities, second, it must be derived from the personal perk of an entity, and if not must be only accommodating to racial abilities. Finally, the skill must follow the rules of the entities abilities and personal perks".


    My mind went through all of this and locked onto one thing. My perk and racial abilities could make my skills atleast similar.


    My mind locked onto a racial ability I had. Remembering things from the book was something I was good at. Something superiors usually liked. Now it was a boon as I didn''t have to distract myself with bringing up my records here.


    The Lion seemed to have lost any patience it had as a hunter. It bounded straight for me and I raised my palms shouting a quick no at it before diving to the side. It flew past and I rolled back to my feet. My robes were dirtied and I didn''t like dirt.


    "Calm down. Be gentle". I tried to create a skill. To use it on the thing. I didn''t know it but I already made one when I calmed myself down. So making a second skill came more easy.


    The Lion paused for a second and blinked its eyes like they had dirt in them. Then it moved again. "I said calm down. You don''t want to kill me. You''re a nice peace-loving cat''. It shook its head as if trying to argue my words but the skill must have been made as it wobbled on its feet.


    I took a step back just to be safe. "It''s okay. You''re okay". It lay on its stomach head fixed on me. Then its tongue dropped out and a notification appeared.


    **Divine Lion Enthralled**


    I gasped in relief. Keeping myself from cursing at it I refrained from anything I wasn''t off would make it break free from the Enthrallment.


    "You did it". The fairy cheered dancing on my head and I smiled, not at winning over the lion but at her cheerful energy. There were many I had met before who were either falsely cheerful or just dense girls that I disliked for not being realistic. But with the fairy, it gave me a sense of honest joy that I couldn''t ignore. For the first time, I had a real smile as I checked the other notifications popping into my view.


    ****


    [Unknown Alpha Tester]


    I blinked away the bright lights as the final notification blurred into my vision.


    **Welcome to Netherheim**


    I could feel the ground beneath my feet. "Bloody ascension".I cursed gritting my teeth. I was already missing my stick. Good for the nerves. My eyes took in my location even as my mind tried to calm down.


    Red dry ground. Bits of Flora here and there but nothing that screamed good land. I snorted. Looking up I blinked. The sky was a weird blend of red, purple, and black. I could see the shape of a planet or something huge hidden behind the red and black clouds and giving the purple sky a decent look.


    "Well, I''ll be damned".


    **Name yourself**


    "Finally. Wondered if this game was going for an unnamed storyline". I chuckled at my dry joke before naming myself. "Abel". I didn''t have time or the mental strength to pick and use a different name. It was always the same with my accounts.


    ''Nwanyioma would be beating in my skull right about now''. I chuckled again. ''Wonder which universe she picked''.


    **Please Pick a Trait**


    **The Deceiver**: As a trait, this entity embodies the pinnacle of manipulation and falsehood. Masters of illusions, can distort reality and perceptions, creating convincing lies to mislead and ensnare others. With unparalleled cunning, they lure their victims with deceptive promises of power, wealth, desires, and forbidden knowledge, all while concealing the high and often devastating cost. Those influenced by The Deceiver become adept at weaving intricate webs of deceit, manipulating the thoughts and actions of others to serve their sinister purposes and further their malevolent ambitions.


    **The Great Evil**: Embodies pure malevolence and opposition to goodness and righteousness. A sinister figure who seeks out and corrupts the vulnerable, ensnaring their souls and using them to fuel his nefarious plans and evil desires. This entity thrives on spreading darkness and chaos, manipulating others to achieve its malicious goals, and perpetuating an ever-growing cycle of corruption and despair.


    **The Dark One**: As a trait, this entity symbolizes the ultimate ruler of all that is dark, sinister, and opposed to light. Embodying supreme dominion over the shadows, those influenced by The Dark One command unparalleled authority over darkness and all malevolent forces. They thrive in obscurity, harnessing the power of the night and shadows to exert their will. This trait imbues its bearer with a formidable presence, instilling fear and dread in their enemies while amplifying their ability to control and manipulate the dark to achieve their nefarious goals.


    **The Emissary of Desolation**: As a trait, this entity embodies the relentless force of desolation and ruin. Those influenced by The Emissary of Desolation bring forth decay and destruction wherever they tread, wielding the power to corrode hope and extinguish light. This trait grants its bearer the ability to unleash unyielding devastation, with every step leaving behind barren landscapes and shattered remnants of once-thriving civilizations. The Emissary''s presence heralds an inexorable march towards annihilation, ensuring that all that is beautiful and vibrant withers in the shadow of relentless desolation.


    **The Accuser**: As a trait, this entity acts as an unrelenting prosecutor, adept at highlighting and exploiting the flaws and sins of individuals and things. Those influenced by The Accuser possess an uncanny ability to uncover hidden faults and use them as weapons to judge, manipulate, and bring ruin. This trait empowers its bearer to reveal uncomfortable truths, sowing distrust and guilt, and using these revelations to destroy reputations, relationships, and structures. The Accuser instills a pervasive sense of scrutiny and condemnation, ensuring that no flaw or sin remains concealed.


    "Must be the choice those voices and the eye wanted me to pick from". I always loved making choices. This one was no different.


    "No to Deceiver and Tempter. That looks like a lot of work". I paused as I eyed up Dark One. "The Dark One". Tasting the name on my tongue I nodded with a sour expression.


    "Sounds good enough, still as Villains go, The Great Evil looks just dark. I''ll take that one". The options vanished the next second. A pop sound reverberated from somewhere and I looked up from my records to receive something hard to the face. It struck with such force I was flung to the ground with an aching face.


    "Was that a ball?". Confused and grumpy from that unexpected attack I found another row of words appearing.


    **Trait has merged with records to create a suitable upgrade**


    "Well, I''ll be damned". It vanished and more words replaced it.


    **Welcome to the Akashic Records Elder 29**


    **Name:** Abel


    **Abyssal Rank:** Elder Devil (The Great Evil)


    **Abyssal Essence:** Fledgeling (500/500)


    **Realm Influence:** (4thR/MR/V - Thotmil Town (3)(68)


    **Power:** Nascent (1)


    **Wisdom:** Nascent (1)


    **Racial Abilities:**


    **Infernality:** The Elder Devils of the Abyssal Realm possess extraordinary resilience and absorption to abyssal energies and infernal forces, but when infused with The Great Evil, their resilience transcends into invincibility. They thrive not only in intense heat and toxic fumes but also in the darkest, most corrupting forces of the abyss. This sinister empowerment allows them to draw strength from the very essence of malevolence, making them nearly unstoppable in any infernal environment.


    **Demonic Influence:** The Elder Devils can exert a terrifyingly potent influence over lesser demons and infernal creatures. Amplified by The Great Evil, their ability to create and summon demonic minions becomes far more insidious, as they now trap and enslave corrupted souls, turning even the most virtuous beings into their twisted servants. This malevolent force allows them to manipulate the minds and souls of mortals with ease, bending them to their dark will and furthering their nefarious plans with an army of corrupted beings.


    **Abyssal Mastery:** The mastery of abyssal essence by Elder Devils is magnified to a catastrophic level by The Great Evil. Their dark powers not only corrupt, consume, and destroy but also spread insidious dread and despair. Curses cast by these beings now carry the weight of ultimate malevolence, infernal flames burn with an inextinguishable fury, and reality itself bends more grotesquely to their whims. This enhanced mastery allows them to unleash unparalleled devastation, bringing the full, corrupting force of the abyss down upon their enemies with terrifying infernal fury.


    **Personal Perks:**


    **Abel -Thy Dominion:** Abel commands legions of demons and infernal beasts with an even more terrifying and ruthless efficiency. Empowered by The Great Evil, his presence now radiates an aura of pure malevolence that inspires not only fear and obedience but also a fanatical loyalty in his minions. He can summon forth endless hordes of demonic warriors, each more corrupted and vicious than the last, to overwhelm his enemies through sheer numbers and dark, unyielding fervor. The Great Evil enhances his strategic acumen and brutal command, making his forces an unstoppable tide of destruction and corruption.


    **Servants:**


    -


    -


    -


    **Domains:**


    -


    -


    -


    **Abyssal Artifacts:**


    - The Grincrusher


    -


    -


    **Mystic Quests:**


    -


    -


    -


    **Abyssal Skills:**


    -


    -


    -


    -


    -


    **Inventory:**


    - Essence Orb, Template


    I grunted with each description I got from the words in my records. Nwanyioma would be having a field day with this if she''d been in this universe. "If not, guess we''ll be sharing differences".


    **Elder Devil**: Hybrids born of the energies of the Primordials Molliwag and Freyr. Wielding power and authority over chaos next to their parents. The Devils are half dragonic, half demonic creatures of immense power and wisdom. Due to their blood, they are capable of tapping into the Akashic Force to utilize other infernal routes of power.


    "That sounds lovely. So I''m a bad guy". I looked around again. "What do bad guys do?".


    My eye caught the template ans essence orb. Seeing the rules and warnings for my essence I just let the essence be after checking it. Was a black and purple orb with what looked like gas within.


    "Hmmh" I grunted.


    The template was easier to use and the next thing I had was a fairy flying all around me. "Nice. This reminds me of that time Amah got that cat. Fucking speedster creature to catch".


    A beam of light struck the ground a few miles to what I would call my west. "Ooh. Is that another one of us?".


    "Yes". The diary quipped. Its voice came off as seductive and sassy in one word.


    "Oh boy". I cracked my neck and then twisted my shoulders to get feelings into these old bones. "Wait. I''m in a new body". My shoulders shook with my laughter. It wasn''t even like I forgot or didn''t realize. I was just so used to doing this to relieve joint pains.


    "Man folks would pay for this if anything but to get away from those pains and aches". I shook my wings and then spread them out. Eyeing both appendages I couldn''t help but nod with a grin.


    "Aye. Can see the dragon in you. The demon too. No idea where the near feathery look comes from though". It wasn''t my concern. I loved this body. Devil or not. I talked my wings putting in all the power I had kept back from using in that goddamn village.


    I was airborne in a blink. Fortunately, I had a bit of practice with these things. I still hadn''t gotten over how creepy and real the wings were but I used them. My long tail swayed beneath me and I couldn''t help the chuckle at this.


    "Thank the stars it ain''t the old days. I''d be exorcised through the bloody stream". I chuckled my voice grating. It was hard to recognize the difference when the difference was mild. My robes fluttered with the wind of my flight as I took off in the direction I saw the beam, its raggedy appearance giving me an even more creepy look.


    My wings beat with power as I spread through the sky and closer to my destination. The fairy, her name something along the lines of Yaito pointed me to where the beam had landed. Even as I drew closer I could see the figure down there. Wings like mine, a hair that hung to her mid back, and no tail.


    "Why no tail?". I dropped into a dive loving the feeling of flight. Then I had to catch myself in a glide and forgot.


    I landed with a curse and grumbled at forgetting the flight basics I practiced in Vaustaris again before turning to see the devil. ''Are they called deviless, since they''re like females''. Shrugging off the thoughts my mind focused on the fact that the Deviless was on her butt eyeing me with a look I recognized.


    "I don''t know if it''s bad I recognize it or not". My work as a detective, when I was more agile and fit meant I had answered some pretty weird calls. Atleast those that were just not normal. ''That face just screams bad need''. I had half the mind to get this player''s number and patch her into the nearest authorities. The fact it was a female again made it even more aggravating.


    ''Just a child too''.


    One thing I''d figured out was how the body thing worked. I was the same. I looked taller and bigger but it was the same body shape and I felt the same height. Yet completely different. The game must have used that scan thing to copy our bodies and then generate these forms to be closest to it. The only thing off about this body was the tail, wings, and the weight my horns had. Not even the claws were that weird.


    Which was I knew that the player was female and not a gender-bender character. It brought the case to two things. The manageable kind of abuse. Most folks didn''t want to hear it but some things were just better than others.


    ''Hopefully, she''s on the better spectrum''. Close enough and yet far off that I didn''t send her running I waved. "Hey kid. I''m Abel. Pretty cool game eh".


    Her slow nod was a clear sign of distrust. ''Not nice to be right at this moment''.


    "I picked the Great Evil trait". She cocked her head in confusion but said nothing. " Might wanna pick something too. I feel like this place might get dicey". I didn''t smile. Girls usually trusted smiles less. Giving a simple nod I rose and focused back on my records.


    "Now I believe that-.". I began explaining everything I had learned to the girl. Why was I doing this? To be honest it was both for the fact that I came hoping for a player to pair with and the fact that usually in cases such as this one the girl victims usually wanted a way out but didn''t ask for it themselves.


    ''She''s gonna try to get as much distance from me as possible''.


    As I thought looking up had her freezing in her steps just an extra ten feet from me.


    "-fairy hasn''t told me anything yet". I eyed her like I didn''t know or understand what she was doing. Yaito came to the rescue as she buzzed up to the girl and I found myself staring in appalling shock at the most surprising thing ever. The girl''s face bloomed into a beautiful smile, a devilishly beautiful smile, and began darting around with the fairy. Giggles and laughs escaped her as she jumped each time to catch the fairy. Her wings flapped and she flew after it in circles around me.


    "What the hell?". Her personality was one of a ten to twelve-year-old. But it was a certainty she wasn''t that young, after all the game only let the 18+ player age range in.

 BK2 - Battle Royale V

    Ring - 7th


    Realm - Rack of Life


    RACKEL''S POV


    I had the mind to resummon that woman or girl and give her a piece of my mind. While I had overlooked her words as humility it still failed to encompass the extent of what she had done here. And I wasn''t just referring to the landform.


    For the long distances I had traversed, there was mist in most places and none in others. Towering tablets engraved with runes and symbols that I found both familiar and Eldritch, vines splayed and overgrowing on them.


    Accidentally touching the vines sent me flying away and subsequent tests proved the same. Wisdom vines they were called. They how or why they worked refusing to come.


    I crossed a field of flowers that formed circles and spirals. Timeblooms. Elder wisps tinier than even fairies flitted between these flowers. Past the field, I found a cliff with a crooked tree. Its leaves were large and had scribbles like texts on it. A ringing sound and blurring hit me each time I attempted to read from the leaves.


    Down the cliff was simple rocky ground. No mists and no flora of any kind. Finding a way down I traipsed through this environment with my eyes open. There was no single design here. It was plain and open. Like a desert but better. There was no unbearable heat which gave it a plus.


    I met the first life form there. A bird flew past with speed. I watched amazed by its feathers, colored and beautiful, a sight notable even from my distance on the ground. Then a screech tore through the air and I turned sharply.


    It was a resplendent bird. Its wings were rainbows of color that dwarfed the other tiny bird. With each beat of its wings, I could sense and see the Akashic energy-like air get beaten away and drawn in. A trail of flames was left in its wake. Like a jet, it shot past overhead and caught up to the smaller bird.


    A screech, a sharp attempt to duck away. It was useless as in the next moment the bird came away victorious. From here I couldn''t identify it as it flew away with its meal.


    I watched it become a for on the horizon before turning to continue walking forward. Xenon had been silent all these while letting me take in everything and only speaking to make sure I was on the correct path. The path to what he called the Monument.


    I noted that I must have been in some deep bowl-like place when I finally found another ring of mountains that I needed to climb to escape this desert-like place. I tested my speed at that moment as I took off in a run. My staff was held like a spear in my right hand. The fear of what would happen if I forgot to use it when casting an Akash made me always hold on to it.


    The base of the mountain was close. Just within view. I had a focused look on my face as I pushed myself to run faster. I felt little to no fatigue, felt no muscle burn or strain. Nothing. Just energy that I used to pump myself farther. My cheeks slowly stretched up into a smile as I surged faster and faster. The sensation of speed and power rushed through me. The wind beat my face and rolled off me.


    I was almost at the mountain base, the tip towering high up. Even as I neared I wondered how to climb. ''If I''m this fast can I also make long and powerful jumps?''. The thought brightened my smile.


    That was the moment it happened.


    The tip of the mountain exploded in debris dust and rocks. Energy blasted in all directions while projectiles flew downwards and headed straight at me. My smile was gone, my eyes wide. The ground quaked as a large boulder, torn from the mountain crashed behind me.


    "Fuck!".


    Another quake, another. IT became a rhythm of vibrating ground. Then a shadow loomed over me. My mind spun through countless thoughts and ideas. ''Wizard Fire will just blast it apart and possibly wound me with shrapnel pieces. Alrighty Hold should work but...''.


    The very large piece of earth was almost on me. My thoughts were not fast enough. My heels skidded through the earth bringing me to a halt, my left hand darted out and my palm faced the earth.


    "**Almighty....". The weight shook me, my mind burned with intense high-paced calculations and I realized that even if I succeeded in catching it, the weight would wreck me. My Omnipotent Hand still followed the rules of force, action, and reaction. And as long as I was above the effects then my Almighty Hold could squeeze anything or carry anything. It was why the backlash of using it was greater than any other spell Why the ascension the demon had used to flee had knocked me out.


    At this very precise moment, I realized something. This wasn''t the mortal realm. There was no time slowing here, no invincible overpowered sensation. Here we were another set of people. It seemed the fast-paced movement or temporal slow we had was only a Vaustaris thing. We were just another race in this realm.


    "...Push**". In that single second, I decided. My hand turned sharply and aimed at the ground between my feet.


    BOOM!!


    It ruptured and exploded in dust and sand leaving cracks. Yet it remained unmoved. Per the rules of push and pull when the object remained unmoved, the force affected me. I was thrown up and into the air just as the boulder smashed down in my location with an earth-rattling tremble.


    Mid air I spun as best as I could to face the sky and not get smashed out of the air by a stray rock. Fortunately, there was nothing close enough to hit me. Unfortunately, I found what caused this trouble.


    Two Behemoths. One was a colossal figure of grey, black, red metallic skin and markings that I recognized as the runes I''d been seeing everywhere. It was half standing on the scattered mountain large lumbering arms holding back the rageful wrath of an eastern dragon.


    White and gray scales littered its body, each seeming to momentarily take on a different color and then dulling back as the dragon writhed and moved, white crystalline claws digging into the humanoid behemoth. The behemoth was silent weathering the attacks and dodging. The dragon seemed to be the enraged one spewing mist from its mouth like a dragon''s breath. On touching the behemoth the mist sparked into flames roaring over its body.


    Surprisingly, there was no damage as the flames burned and got sucked away leaving red glowing runes on the behemoth''s body.


    ''Well, shit''. My mind trying to understand what this meant returned sharply to the fact that I was no more ascending. Gravity had gotten its teeth on me. My eyes searched around frantically. I don''t want to know if I could survive such a fall.


    Atleast not the hard way.


    My eyes found another piece of debris. "The opposite should apply". With a smirk, I pointed my arm at the debris. "Almighty Pull".The tug as hoped backfired and I was sent soaring through the air and straight to the debris. The moment I was close to it I reused another pull and landed on the rock. It was hurting downwards taking me with it


    ''Almighty Push''. I shot off the rock gliding through the air like an arrow. I found the next debris and with a joyful smirk began a series of pulls and pushes.


    I was as close to the two Behemoth as I could possibly get when the debris ran out. ''Shit''. I searched frantically for a way when I locked on the Dragon, its long rear end of a tail swaying violently behind it. I reached out with my left hand again and pulled.


    I shot forward body aimed for the tail. A roar rent the air and I risked a sharp glance. The dragon was still fighting the Behemoth, but its left eye was turned, locked onto me Watching with its reptilian slits blinking unnervingly as I shot for its tail. My eyes widened. It blinked again then turned back to its foe. I exhaled in relief.


    Something hard struck me from the air.


    *


    Ring - 1


    Realm - Sol


    The Realm of Life blazed with not only Primordial Fire but all other flames as it slowly rotated within its ring casting the brightest of glares across the universe and all 8 realms. Past the atmosphere of rusted red skies, and smoldering lava clouds, and down to the surface of condensed Sol Fire ground, the realm was a beauty. A hot and smoldering entity of immense power, energy, life, and destruction.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    It was through this energy and heat that the five Titans waded, and above their heads buzzed their fairies. To Hellion the realm felt like an energy reactor, to Thorin, it was like his hikes up the mountains but with 10x the gravity. That is if he had been in his human body. Each time they would catch one all the other pinching and rubbing their skin, tapping the ground, or just inhaling.


    The place was just too realistic it felt hard to get over. The five were spread out in a very common party position. Thorin dead center, Blaze covering their rear, Stryder was a good ways ahead but close enough that all had their eyes on her. Hellion had his left and Mera his right, each one a good space apart. Their eyes when not shaking with the excitement and wonder peeled the realm apart for the danger they sought.


    To gain domains each one was supposed to act and behave in a way that would show qualities each domain would accept. But to showcase such qualities they''d first have to battle creatures. Everyone was eager to do so, none more than Hellion and Thorin who kept stroking their scabbard and hammer-head. Fortunately, their hopes soon came to fruition. In more ways than expected.


    "Can''t fathom how you can carry that thing Thorin". Mera eyed the large hammer propped on the equally large male''s shoulder, its handle held firmly in his hand.


    "Not to even get started on Blaze over there".


    The clang of chains as Blaze followed from behind reached their ears and all three turned to look at him. "Hahaha. I believe I could have carried something a bit similar in the real world. Just not this exaggerated". Thorin chuckled patting his hammer.


    "Wait, you are like this in the real world?". Hellion asked an eyebrow raised, golden sockets fixed on the larger male.


    "Yes indeed. Of course I wasn''t literally on fire or strong enough to carry Thorin''s hammer. Hmmh I wonder, did I get a hammer cause I chose that name or what?".


    "Must be a coincidence or something. Maybe the hammer was generated the moment you picked a name".


    "Sounds more plausible". He agreed.


    "Mera!". Hellion called. The female turned to him. " Is this how you look in the real world?''.


    "More or less. Like Thorin said actually". With her answer, he turned to look at Blaze who simply grunted in affirmation.


    "Okay. You''re on to something?". Thorin gave him a look. Hellion just shook his head.


    "I''m unsure but you, Mera, and Blaze already prove it. This is similar to my real-life look. Meaning the game improved some aesthetic and made us just similar. But why?. Why not let us create characters or something?".


    No one answered. With a shrug, he just tapped his scabbard. "Doesn''t matter All was forgiven the moment I received this beauty".


    "Hahaha. I know right. I''m not a hammer guy and thought I''d use a hammer in a game. I mean it''s not like my first choice, but I just love this one". Thorin stroked the hammer again. Blaze snorted in amusement and Mera laughed.


    "We get it Blaze. Not much of a talker, still you ...". A flash of light and Stryder was in front of them.


    "Woah woah. How''d you do that?". Mera echoed rushing up to the girl. She wasn''t the only one curious and excited as even a reserved Blaze inched closer.


    "I just...I just wanted to get to you guys fast and back". She seemed equally confused for a moment. "I ran and just imagined it I thought it would be so cool and fun and then I got a notification". She looked off into space for a moment then suddenly they could all see a box in flames hovering for them to see.


    **Photon Rush - Titan Flash**: Stryder moves forward in any direction with explosive force, propelled by solar energy. She can leap over obstacles, cross gaps, or close the distance to her enemies in an instant. To close gaps Stryder must see her destination in her mind, allowing her to move as quickly as she can see her target**


    "First how did you make a skill? How does it feel to use? How did you activate it? How ..."


    "Hellion!". Thorin patted his shoulder. "Be calm". The titan took a breath and then focused on Stryder who looked flushed.


    "Eh. Well like I said, I just imagined what I wanted to do instead of just walking back and front. I felt it would be good for me since I''m scouting and it would help getting back and front. Also would be nice if I needed to take out something fast without it reacting". She motioned at the box we could see. "And I got it".


    "Hey is this how we get skills?". Mera was looking at the fairies above us. "You didn''t tell us anything about this".


    "Indeed. Skills are shaped by your racial Perks and personal perks. Nothing one individual can do can be repeatable. But of course, it can be redone and similar to a different degree". Tirsti chirped buzzing left to right in a dance.


    "What do you mean? Like If Thorin could defend, I won''t be able to defend as well as him if I made a defense skill?''.


    "Yes". Myrsi chirped landing on Stryder''s hair. "But of course, this does not dampen your offensive power. If anything, it actually varies your offensive".


    Hellion was tapping his jaw as he thought deeply. Blaze looked from one person to the next with a blank gaze. Mera kept her eyes on Stryder like she held the secrets to beauty while Thorin stroked his hammer.


    "What did you see ahead?". He asked his eyes not leaving the ground. Stryder who seemed to be interested in something in her records looked at him.


    "A stream. But it''s kind of weird. I don''t know how to explain it but I didn''t like it. It was like I saw something that I felt shouldn''t be".


    All eyes were on her again. " I think we should decide if we want to make our skills now or atleast learn how to make them before heading off. This might be imperative for combat". Hellion pointed out.


    "Train". Everyone looked at Blaze.


    "Well, I agree. Wouldn''t want us working into a fight without an idea on what we need to do". Mera pointed out before eyeing Thorin in his hammer obsession.


    "I think so too. Whatever this thing Stryder feels. Best we are ready to face it than fall fumbling".


    Hellion was the first to move away. Then he dashed back and asked Stryder some questions before he left again. Mera did so too and Thorin. Blaze looked at her then turned and sat down.


    ''To have a skill one needs to imagine or will it. Must coincide with our racial abilities and personal perk, which means I can''t do shit with water. I should be capable of using fire or light. Let''s see, my perk says. Light Supreme - Hellion has the ability to control and manipulate the light lumination of the sun, its intensity, temperature, and even its other utilities''.


    "We control solar energy. So I think I need to first learn how to use Solar Energy". Shutting my eyes I tried to sense or feel for something.


    Hellion sat there for quite a while before he realized he wasn''t learning anything. ''Okay. How about just using the skill? Let''s see...uhm...". His mind began thinking of things he could use solar energy to do. How he could utilize fire or light. His mind stopped at the memory of the Solar Flare he''d watched when he arrived. The burst of energy and power.


    He imagined himself doing it. Letting the energy go the sun rip through him or around him.


    **Skill - Solar Flare - Gained**


    " Eh". Hellion blinked. Opening his eyes he found a prompt for the skill floating in his vision.


    **Solar Flare**: Hellion channels the intense power of the sun into a concentrated blast of searing solar energy, unleashing a devastating wave of heat and light that incinerates everything in its path**


    ''That''s okay. So thought, knowledge, and willing your want is a requirement''. Looking at his right hand he tried using the skill. He felt it then, the feeling he''d sought earlier. Everywhere. He could sense energy everywhere. ''Direct it or just let it out''. He was unsure but decided not to risk anything.


    Watching his arm he tried to direct it Light and energy flowed through his right hand and up to his palm.


    He felt the searing heat and pressure from it. It didn''t burn him that much, it was like warm water but it was the pressure that brought problems. It felt like holding a wild child. Facing his palm away from the Pantheon he willed the energy out and then thrusted his hand forward instinctively. A bright torrent of fiery brilliance streaked from his hands and to the distant ground.


    Even from a distance, he could sense the rumble of the ground and the multi-detonations of force and pressure as the energy struck.


    **Solar Flare - Sunfire Surge**: Hellion gathers solar energy in his hands, releasing it in a sudden burst that creates a fiery explosion upon impact. This skill deals damage to enemies in a small area around the target, scorching them with intense heat**


    Hellion eyed the description and then looked to the vanishing mushroom of flames in the distance. "That, is small?".


    Hellion wasn''t satisfied though. Quickly he decided to try something else. "If I can use that for an AOE attack, I need a single attack. My use of the sword is poor so making sure a hit ends an altercation would go a long way''.


    The scraping of steel against the scabbard sent an excited jig in his heart. The black steel with fiery cracks was pointed upwards and held in two hands. Hellion shut his eyes visualizing what he wanted while still keeping the abilities and his perk in mind. It was like earlier, the energy rising within him. Directing and guiding it through his arms and up to the blade. He saw the blade accept it, visualized it, and willed it.


    WHOOSH


    BOOM!!!


    ''The hell''.


    **Blazing Sword**: Hellion imbues his sword with fiery solar energy, enhancing its cutting power and range. He unleashes a torrent of blazing light that goes through enemies and leaves them scorched in its wake**


    ''Okay''. The sword was wreathed in golden red fire. Hellion could feel the heat and warmth from it so close to his nose. ''A burning sword is good but not that good. The fire will simply burn them a bit. Wait...if we''re on the Sol and everything around us is ablaze won''t our enemies have some sort of fire resistance as well''. He didn''t understand it but he didn''t want his attacks dependent on just flames. ''No''. While it was unclear how the realm worked he had the thought that either fire strength or something like that would determine a winner from a loser.


    ''So, I want a brighter, harsher and hotter flame''. Shutting his eyes again he imagined the blade hotter than anything he could imagine. He saw the blade as not just a wreath of fire but like steel fresh from the forge, yet to be cooled but unaffected by the hes6 it held and he willed it.


    The flames around the blade were sucked into the steel. Then a blinding light replaced it. The light spilled from the cracks and made the sword seem more radiant. He could sense the smoldering heat around the blade, especially the edges.


    **Blazing Sword - Solar Blade Strike**: Hellion infuses his sword with solar energy making the blade have a powerful slashing attack that cuts right through anything like hot knife through butter due to its intense light heat This skill deals a single lethal damage to enemies upon slash, stab or nick, leaving them with lingering burns or fatal wounds hard to heal from the blade''s searing heat**

 BK2 - Battle Royale VI

    "Yes!". Excited he jumped to his feet.


    "I see you have good results as well". Mera was standing close. He gave a nod, his gaze flickering briefly to her before returning to his sword.


    "What about you?" It was polite to inquire, even if he only wanted to put his newly acquired skills to the test.


    "A bit of success. Even Stryder has learned a new skill." Hellion nodded in response, finally looking up from his blade.


    "Want to test out your skill? "What exactly did you get?" She grinned at the question, her excitement visible in her eyes.


    "I got Solar Might - Solar Strike." She punched the ground before he could ask for the description. It vibrated, and flames blasted outward in a circle.


    "Nice. Can I look over the description?".


    "Sure". A box appeared as he shrugged.


    "That is intriguing. A physical buff. Can we all do that? Let me see". He closed his eyes and imagined how he would use his given perk to boost his body in the same way Mera did.


    "Hey!". Blaze called out to them. "This consumes essence. Check". He went back to being silent.


    The others quickly checked their records, and their essence had decreased slightly from before. Hellion looked at his fairy, puzzled.


    "Yes, your essence pow¨¦rs your skills".


    "Why have not you shared this?" Thorin questioned. He did not seem angry.


    "That would ruin the thrill of discovery." Tirsti giggled.


    "And we need to recover essence from essence orbs that we do not have." Stryder didn''t look happy.


    "Well, we have that one Essence Orb that we received as a reward." Mera simply shrugged. Thorin shook his head.


    "Too much for a tiny drop in our essence."


    "Essence Cores in Living Things." Blaze reminded them. Eyes were drawn to the fairies who giggled in midair. They had cleared most of the warnings, except for the one that said they could not regenerate essence.


    "I propose we move on and find prey. If we stay here practicing our skills, our essence may deplete, leaving us vulnerable in a real fight or forcing us to use the essence orbs we possess. I believe we are keeping it for a last-minute use."


    "Yes, and that may be required before or during the breakthrough. After all the information we received, we should have figured out that the essence works in this manner."


    Stryder was the first to concur with Hellion. "Yes. If we needed essence orbs to get past a cap or level up then we should have suspected the essence would need regeneration".


    "Well, we know now. So, what can we all do? Simply show the description. It is best that we conserve our essence until we can replenish our orbs. I will start. I increased my Solar Shield skill due to my perk requiring me to take hits and because I do not want to be killed so quickly here. I have not done much in this game, and I do not want to get kicked out." When he focused, a box appeared for them to read.


    **Solar Shield**: Thorin creates a shield of solar energy around himself and nearby allies, deflecting incoming attacks and reducing damage taken. The shield also absorbs solar energy, empowering Thorin''s subsequent offensive action.


    "Damn. So all you have to do is get beaten a lot to empower a strike.


    Thorin nodded at Mera before the box vanished and was replaced with another. "Of course, while it is good and encompasses everyone, I dislike the idea of a large shield when I need to attack." He looked sheepish for a moment. "Because of my size, I have always had to be a tank-like figure, so I usually opted for DPS roles in other games."


    **Solar Shield ¨C Solar Skin:** The Elder Titan condenses their sheid, creating a protective layer of solar energy that strengthens their skin. This shield absorbs incoming damage, reducing the amount of harm caused by both physical and magical attacks. Furthermore, the solar skin emits a subtle heat, deterring enemies from engaging in close combat due to the searing sensation on contact**.


    He continued after they had all finished reading. "Of course, I needed a skill to ensure that I used such a skill effectively. Luckily..." He tapped his hammer. "...It was simple and worthwhile."


    **Solar Smash**: The Elder Titan channels solar energy into their weapon or tool of choice, unleashing powerful Sunfire or solar-infused attacks on any surface struck.


    **Solar Smash - Hammer Time**: The Elder Titan directs solar energy into their hammer, delivering devastating strikes that cause an external and internal shockwave upon impact, knocking back and stunning enemies while dealing significant internal and external burn damage.


    "It is just like my skill, but I am definitely going for the Solar Skin." Mera showed interest.


    "Why? Which one do you have?" Hellion turned to look at her. Thorin''s box disappeared, and Mera''s appeared.


    **Solar Might**: The Elder Titan channels the sun''s raw energy into her physical abilities, enhancing her power and wisdom. Channeling is permanent and ongoing as long as solar energy is available. The effect varies depending on how much solar energy is channeled**.


    **Solar Might - Sun Strike**: Mera channeled the sun''s power into her melee attacks, imbuing each one with intense sunfire. Each strike becomes stronger, dealing more damage to her foes, allowing the Titan to unleash devastating blows that shatter armor and crush adversaries with overwhelming force**


    "That is just cheating".


    "And yet with detrimental consequences." Blaze pointed out. Mera was pleased with her ability but frowned when Blaze pointed out her Solar Might''s flaw.


    "At least I do not have to take the same beating as Thorin. Simply dish it". She grinned.


    "How does boosting your power and wisdom work?" Stryder inquired with a low voice. They turned to her. Mera scratched her chin.


    "I think it made it easier to think and plan with wisdom while power just made me...well I don''t really know for now. With wisdom I was able to come up with this". Fire burned off her brightly and then concentrated below her feet. Soon she was slowly floating an inch of the ground. A box appeared for us to see what it was next.


    **Solar Bulwark**: Mera fortifies her body with solar energy, enhancing her physical durability and resilience. This self-protective skill grants her temporary invulnerability to enemy attacks, allowing her to withstand blows that would otherwise incapacitate her. Additionally, it boosts her endurance and stamina, enabling her to endure prolonged battles without faltering**


    "You have that and still want the Solar Skin?". Thorin spat eyes wide.


    "Yes. It could work well with my Sunfire Strike letting me increase the attacks I dish out".


    "This keeps you safe". Blaze added.


    "While the Solar Skin is just a glorified attack battery''. Hellion added with Blaze nodding.


    "Plus she''s floating". Stryder mumbled. "How is she floating?".


    "And done". Everyone stared at her wide-eyed as she brought up another box.


    "It''s not the same". She pouted.


    **Sunfire Skin**: Mera wraps herself in a protective layer of Sunfire, forming a skin-like shield that absorbs incoming attacks, mitigates damage by deflecting projectiles, and reduces the impact of enemy attacks. Sunfire Barrier provides her temporary invulnerability, allowing her to withstand even the most powerful attacks with ease**.


    "That is just unfair," Stryder complained. "Two invulnerability abilities?" She mumbled quietly.


    "Wait, Mera. The Sunfire Skin falls under Solar Bulwark right?". Hellion asked.


    "No. It''s separate. The skill under Bukwark is this".


    **Solar Bulwark - Radiant Reflection: Mera uses the power of sunlight to coat her skin and reflect incoming attacks at her opponents. This enables her to deflect projectiles and redirect energy-based attacks, using her adversaries'' strength against them**.


    No one said anything. Everyone simply looked up at Mera. Blaze inhaled deeply. Stryder gave up with a sigh.


    "Who''s the tank now?". Thorin appeared elated.


    "I''ll go next. It is best to show mine now before I lose courage with how impressive all of your skills are."


    **Photon Rush**: Stryder harnesses the speed of light, instantly running in any direction in a blur of solar energy. This quick movement enables her to avoid enemy attacks and reposition herself quickly on the battlefield. She can cover large distances in the blink of an eye and cross any terrain, making her difficult to catch or stop**


    "That is where the Titan Leap skill originated. I am not sure what else I can accomplish with my speed. The only thing I could gain was this." An additional box appeared.


    **Solar Surge**: Stryder channels the power of the sun into her limbs, giving her a burst of speed that propels her forward at incredible speed. This surge of energy makes her actions and movements difficult to track or detect**.


    Blaze snorted again The Titan was clearly filled with disbelief. Thorin fake-glared at her, and Mera slapped her on the back with an excited squeal. "I''m definitely copying this too. But later". Hellion took note of every word from the skill.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "Looks good. I would like to borrow this as well. It could work well with my sword." Everyone nodded in agreement when Hellion spoke. "Well, I will go next and leave our silent friend for last."


    His skills came up and everyone chuckled at how less surprising it was. Finally came Blaze, who gave everyone a deadpan expression before four boxes appeared. It was as if he was reprimanding them for not presenting their boxes as quickly as he did.


    **Solar Chain Lash**: Blaze lashes and throws out his chains, infusing them with scorching sunfire before extending them from his hands to lash out at distant enemies with precision and ferocity. These chains wrap around targets, burning them with intense heat and immobilizing them, allowing Blaze to control their movements and disrupt their actions from a distance. The chains can reach as far as Blaze can see, hear, smell, feel, or sense**.


    **Solar Chain Lash - Solar Chain Strike**: Blaze unleashes his solar chains, striking a single or group of targets with pinpoint accuracy and ferocity. The scorching heat of the chains burns the targets upon impact, causing moderate damage and leaving them vulnerable to further attacks.**


    **Chain Prison**: Blaze summons earth-based chains to permanently bind and imprison enemies with controlled fiery burns.


    **Chain Prison - Fiery Shackles**: Blaze summons earth chains of searing fire to bind and immobilize a single enemy target, limiting movement and inflicting continuous burning damage. The chains wrap tightly around the target, preventing them from escaping or performing any actions until the effect wears off**.


    "Well, with Stryder taking DPS and scouting, and Thorin taking Tank..." The male responded with a grunt. "...Hellion and I are both DPS, so it is only fair that you are our ranged and control guy," Mera smirked.


    "I have got to say Blaze. Your skills are more unique than ours. You sure you''re not the one with that Solar Might skill". Thorin patted his shoulder. Blaze simply eyed him, and everyone laughed.


    "So, what comes next?" Stryder bounced on her toes, her eyes shifting from one to the other. "We will not know what other skills we need until we see combat, but we still need those domains."


    "Well, you found a stream." Mera pointed out. "I want to see what liquid looks like in this realm."


    "Eh..." She shrugged her shoulders. "It is golden and could be more lava than water.


    "That I want to see. Plus, we do not have any other options if we do not go that direction." Thorin pointed out.


    "Yes. A straight path to the Eye of the Sun." Stryder looked. The entire Pantheon followed and stared. The Monolith, their destination, lay far in the distance, beyond mountains that loomed up into the rust-red skies.


    "That is a long trip."


    "I bet Stryder can run there and back right now." Mera poked the other titaness, who smiled.


    "Getting there would be meaningless without the domains, anyway." Thorin exhaled. "But I think that could be a good plan. But first, let us examine this stream to see if we require liquid or if we are not bound by these desires as Titans."


    "Spoken like a true God, eh." Hellion chuckled.


    "Not a god". Mera wagged her finger with a bright grin etched on her face.


    "A Titan". Stryder pumped her fist up.


    "Whatever that means".


    "We do know what it means". Thorin smirked. "It means we are the first players of the realms. If Sol is the first realm then that puts us at the top right".


    "I say we make sure to keep it". Mera made a fist.


    "Hopefully it''s not that hard". Hellion sighed. Everyone glared. "Red Flag?". They kept glaring. "Red Flag''. Be nodded sheepishly.


    ****


    Ring - 9th


    Realm - MURHIL


    ATHENA''S POV


    It was easy to ignore the storm and the rain when I barely got a cold. With my back against the tree, I tried to block out the liquid that was running into my eyes. My mind was trying to make sense of the situation.


    The Primordials were the parents of elders. This effectively ranked us third in the universe. There were five of us in each realm. Making us siblings and the rest cousins or maybe half siblings according to Luciv. My mind couldn''t comprehend that.


    What it did understand was that I had killed my brother. It did not bother me. It was just a game. What bothered me was the parallel with my reality. Shutting my eyes, I could see the crash. Opening them, I saw the storm, which reminded me of my mother''s rage when she cursed me. She was correct, after all.


    When Luciv explained the ties to me, tears flowed freely, and I felt sick. In both worlds, I was a kin murderer. Even a fictitious reality could not erase such crimes.


    ''At least Luciv interprets it as me being overly caring and guilty. A win I guess''. Earning goodwill from NPCs was not a bad idea. Looking up at the still-storming sky, I wondered if it was lamenting the death of a force. Just like my mother. Is that why fate had marked me?


    I shook my head. I reopened the notification and reviewed it. A self-deprecating laugh left me. Even fate recognized me as scum. There was a recent update that included a position for titles and achievements.


    **Welcome to the Akashic Records Elder 40**.


    **Name:** Athena


    **Titles:** Daughter of Chaos


    **Achievement:**First Blow, Discoverer of Fate


    "Let us see what the Fate Records have for me."


    **Welcome to the Fate Records Elder 40**


    **Name:** Athena


    **Titles:** Daughter of Chaos


    **Achievement:**First Blow, Discoverer of Fate


    **Karma Section:**


    - **Karma Level:** 2


    - **Karma Points:** 3000 / 3000 / 4000


    - **Karma Alignment:** Chaos


    **Fate Section:**


    - **Fate Level:** 2


    -**Fate Points:** 2500 / 2500 / 4000


    - **Fate Trajectory:** Chaotic Force


    - **Fate Nodes:** Killing an Elder Force in self-defense, Discovering Tri-System


    **Destiny Section:**


    -**Destiny Level:** 1


    - **Destiny Points:** 1250 / 1250 / 2000


    - **Destiny Path:** Harbinger of Change


    - **Destiny Milestones:** Null


    I had never felt more confused in my life. It was good in a way since the confusion kicked out the bad thoughts and memories. I was completely focused on what the fate records indicated.


    Brushing around and asking Luciv questions yielded responses that both chilled me to the bone and made me laugh. The first thing was Karma, which tracked my or another player''s actions and awarded points based on our alignment. Actions can be positive, neutral, or negative, as well as orderly, chaotic, or grey. Each affects a player''s karma level and influences how the universe and NPCs perceive and react to us.


    "So you are saying that everyone has it?"


    "Yes. "The mortals obviously cannot see theirs."


    "Why?". Luciv simply shrugged.


    Fate was up next. It determined my life''s course by shaping the narrative path based on my actions and choices.


    "Basically, deciding to kill the other player".Luciv gave a nod.


    My karma influenced key moments known as Fate Nodes, which would have an impact on my entire journey.


    "Wait. "I do not understand."


    "Uhmm". Luciv scratched her head briefly before having a eureka moment. "Think about it this way. By killing your brother you shifted order. Shook the balance. This is a Neutral Chaotic action. Defense of oneself. Point is, if you were handing out quests to mortals or receiving them your alignment would show and only chaotic folks would accept or give you quests".


    "But I did not kill him for..." Luciv patted my shoulder and nodded along. I stayed silent.


    "The killing was not the issue, was it?" I inquired. She gave a shake of her head.


    "The order of things is set at five Elders per realm. It is how the system was designed to work. Anyone who kills someone for any reason disrupts the arrangement. What is another term for arrangement?"


    "Order".


    "Chaos does not always imply evil. Sometimes it is simply bringing about change."


    "Bringing about change, eh?" I snorted. "Alright. Destiny then".


    I frowned at the Destiny tag. "I am not a fan of being controlled."I did not like the description for Destiny at all. Luciv sighed while sitting on my head.


    "Two mortal kings fight for a throne. One is fated to die and one is fated to take the throne. Does this imply that the first will never take the seat? Destiny can be fickle. Sometimes it is straight, and sometimes I believe it deviates from the path to arrive at its destination. Assume one does become king but dies later. Is he not subject to both fates?


    I reached up and removed the thing from my head. "Where does all that smartness come from?" I eyed her with a smile. She rolled her eyes.


    "My point is. You have the option of conforming to destiny or resisting it. It has set you on a path".


    "My title and achievements".


    "Walk on it".


    "Or stray. Find my way." I finished. Looking at the fairy once more I then muttered the description of destiny to myself again.


    "...defines my ultimate role and purpose, which stems from the interaction of karma and fate. It represents the culmination of my journey, marked by key milestones and defining traits. Determines the final influence one has on their realm".


    "Harbinger of Change." My mind tried to skip back to those memories, but I quickly used emotional buffer. "Frightening and unsettling." I did desire change. It was something I could not have in reality. Something I could not possess.


    "Maybe those eyes will never stop blaming me. But in this place..." I raised Luciv, and the fairy took off. "I could make my change." Part of me wanted to accept Luciv''s explanation for chaos. It was not evil; it was simply a change in order. It defined me. In here or out there. She had changed her family in ways she did not want or like. Perhaps she could contribute something positive here.


    "Positively Chaotic. Hehehe". I shook my head. Looking up, I noticed the storm had passed and the sky was clear. "I barely noticed. "Just as I barely do anything now."


    Outside, I could not change the look my mother gave me. However, things were different here. "In this place, I am Chaos'' daughter. And I can...no. I will bring change". I was not even aware I was crying until a drop hit my arm. Another fell past and to the ground.


    ''Enough. It is time to play and see what this new title and skill set can do for me. Standing, I stretched my back, patted my horn, and smiled brightly. The kind my mother always hated to see. So I would smile for this realm to see.


    "Damn, at least I know I can activate and deactivate my Emotional Buffer skill." I focused back on the records. "Alright. I see three parts to the point system. Can you explain?".


    The fairy, seeing the change in the Elder Force, landed on her hair, arms out, grabbing the horns as best she could. "Yes. Karma, Fate, and Destiny each have three denominations. The usable bar comes first, followed by the current level threshold, and then the next level threshold. Before you ask, I will explain that you can use points for two purposes. One is to influence the world around you. The final step is to affect mortals or those lower in rank."


    "Wait. Affect mortals. Like, their fate, or something?"


    "Yes. Affecting a mortal''s fate requires power, which is determined by your level and cost points. The higher your level, the lower the cost in points and the less backlash or consequences of any changes you make. You do not have to worry about it right now. You cannot and will not have the opportunity to interact with mortals until you have completed your ascension."


    "Okay? Sounds interesting, and I can see that Biased of Fate reduces the point cost by 5%, but we will talk about it later. The second part of using fate. Affects the world around me, much like my Reality Flux. What was that description?".


    She found the effect and reread it. "Within a radius of 50 feet, the fabric of reality is in constant flux. This means that the physical environment can spontaneously change, with minor alterations in landscape, weather, and objects. For example, a stone may turn into sand, a calm day could suddenly become windy, or a door might relocate. What''s the difference".


    "That is a passive effect. Second, it is more related to your chaotic personality. It is also an excellent example of how to use fate. With it, you can create chaos in your environment. Your fate points do not change your environment; rather, they influence it. For starters, you could have set fate to trip your foe with a simple stone, more fate to mishandle his blade, and even more, fate for his blade to find a weak scale midsection." The fairy was not visible from her position on my head as I walked forward, but the tone in her voice clearly asked if I understood her point, which I did.


    "That sounds like a cheat." I let out a laugh.


    "Yes. Initially. But as more of the Elders unlock their fate records and gain achievements and points and levels you''ll find it harder to tweak the fate around them".


    I nodded. It made sense. I was ahead as the Discoverer of Fate and got some good boons from it but it didn''t make me completely OP.


    "Thanks for taking the time to explain Luciv. I am not sure if it is a lot, but is there any way to keep an eye on the mortal realms?"


    "Now? No. After ascension. Yes". Her words motivated me. After all, I had the opportunity to improve the fortunes of a small town. "Considering a single mortal would cost a lot of points, that will take a lot of my points."


    I decided what I was going to do. Earn more points before ascension to advance my level. Regulate my point use to avoid dropping too low and making it difficult to level. Gain my domain as well. I took off running with the fairy, clutching my horns to avoid being blown off. ''This is going to take some time''. My balance was perfect, and the sensation of my feet sinking into the ground and then bouncing forward sent shivers of power and excitement through me. ''I am just thankful I do not have a bloody tail''.


    *


    Behind them, in the soggy fields of flowers, the Force''s corpse shriveled into nothing but white ash that flowed off into the wind. The only indication of its presence is a shard lying where the corpse once was. Greyish-blue energy swirled and gathered around the shard. A tiny gray plate formed gradually, resembling the surface of a liquid. It rippled, and a large, massive, yet slender arm emerged. It reached for the shard and picked it up. The hand turned the shard around as if to observe it, before pulling it back into the surface from which it came. The portal disappeared.

 BK2 - Battle Royale VII

    Ring - 7th


    Realm - Rack Of Life


    RACKEL''S POV


    "Wake ...ake....wake...wa...Wake ....up....up.. wake up". I gasped awake eyes wide open as I heaved deep breaths. Taking a sharp look around I found Xenon buzzing over my head. His eyes were full of worry and was that golden paint.


    "It''s blood doofus. Your blood". He whined and then I watched as his hands lit up with a slight glow before he buzzed back. "You need to stand".


    Half my mind was still confused my eyes looking around sharply. ''What happened?". My memory tried to fix onto something but it all came with a buzz. Then like a chord, it snapped into place. It was like my mind was waiting for me to remember before it let my body register the trembles and vibrations going on.


    "Here. Pick your Cane". Xenon quickly reminded me. The Willow cane lay close to my feet and grabbing it didn''t waste a minute.


    "How am I not hurt or bleeding? I was certain the dragon''s tail was what struck me.


    In front of me, on top of the mountain tip locked in a fierce clash were the giant and dragon. One a fortress of stone and earth the other a savage of scales, claws, and fangs.


    "And elements too" I added sharply seeing the dragon''s breath was a torrent of mist that smashed into the Behemoth creating fiery explosions that went off on its body staggering it. The dragon inhaled and another sharp breath pushed the thing back as ice encased its legs and limbs. The dragon lurched forward using the advantage.


    My eyes left the fight for a minute as I sought my staff. ''There''. It lay next to me just a few feet away. ''Thank goodness you''re okay''. I sighed picking it up. Looking at Xenon I directed it back to my head where it settled into my hair. ''Time to leave here before I get crushed''.


    Somehow I had landed on the mountain itself. The slap must have driven me done and not back. ''I didn''t even see the tail move. So fast. I shivered as I began a hard ascent. Using Pushes to help me clear impossible jumps. My body was strong and fast. While it was nothing like time-stop speed or the head pulverizing strength, it was still enough to clear me across spaces in jumps. Push and pull taking care of the impossible ones.


    I was almost over, at the tip and then I''d descend and be gone.


    BOOM!!


    The dragon hit the tip back first. A loud frustrated and pained roar escaped its maw. It was cut off sharply as a fist of stone punched it into the mountain. Rocks split and rolled down to me. ''Shit''. Jumping up and backwards helped take me out of danger''s path and a good pull brought me back.


    I didn''t start climbing as I watched the beasts to see if they''d go to another side. They didn''t. The behemoth punched and slammed down on the dragon. The dragon kicked and scratched but the Behemoth had it by the throat. A claw waved and the Behemoth was suddenly a few meters away leaving the dragon free.


    ''Wait! What!''. I gaped. The giant looked at its hands just as the dragon inhaled and then breathed out. There was no blast of mist this time. Instead, a beam of concentrated lightning shot out. The giant watched the beam race at it and then it distorted.


    "What!". I jumped as the giant appeared next to the dragon and bashed a raised fist down like a hammer on its head. The lighting cut off, the dragon rolling downwards with force in my direction. ''Oh-''. My mental exclamation cut as it caught itself claw first and then facing the giant breathed again.


    The giant looked ready to tank the blast when the flames split and then vanished into thin air. The next second the giant staggered, uprooted from a blast beneath its feet. The dragon never one to miss a chance rushed it. Claws flickered and then without even touching it, stone and earth carved out five lines from its face and chest. Its tail spun and with a Titanic whip smashed into its abdomen. It fell back and the dragon rushed coiling itself like a serpent around the behemoth.


    It''s head above the giant spewed ice on top of the giant. Unfortunately, whatever disorientation the giant had was gone. I watched as runes and symbols, unrecognizable but attractive to me glowed in a red burn rising from its feet right up to its neck and then a core at its chest glowed. Its eyes burned as well and steam rose from its body as the ice melted.


    The dragon roared and tried to squeeze. The giant raised its head so it could look at the dragon. It''s eyes went from glowing to smoldering.


    BOOM!


    From the release to the hit, it was instantaneous, two bright beams of fire smacking into tbe dragon face first. The dragon''s head rocked back and I saw a lot of scales fly away. Its body weakened and slagged giving the giant the chance to pry itself loose. What followed was a pounding that made me wince.


    Like a whip, it slammed the dragon I to the mountain''s head draped over and exposed to me. The Titan began flickering around. From all sides, it appeared and rushed blows that rattled the dragon. I took a step back as wonder left me and turned to horror. Blood spilled from the dragon''s mae, seeping through its row of teeth, turning it from white to red.


    I stopped watching the giant as I found myself pitying the dragon and watching as its eyes kept dilating in reverse. I could see pain, hate, and rage yet there was a sense of defeat in its eyes. It just stared at nothing, saw nothing. A thousand-yard state.


    ''I could help. Stop this fight. Separate them and give it a chance. Live to fight another day''. I looked from it to the Behemoth and then back. I staggered back. It was looking at me now. Its eyes were beautiful, how didn''t I see that? They were like gems but with visible microscopic atoms within them. Marvelous. I could see more and more of the atoms in grander a scope. Could feel and hear their buzzing. It was like they wished to show me something. To tell me something. To dance and let me see their beauty and secrets. It was like...


    A snap went off in my head.


    **Akash - Draconic Insight has been cast on you**


    A mountain. An unimpressive peak, and yet high enough. Caves hidden within both small and large. Not a single predator around, only prey. It was as it should be.


    The scene glitched.


    The mountain was in ruins. Wrecked and shattered. It looked like someone took several ballistic projectiles to its sides. The caves looked unblemished. All but one. Shattered and widened till it was less a cave and more a rift in the mountain. The inside looked better than the entrance.


    Shells. Fluids. Pieces of scale. Grooves of five on the ground and walls.


    The scene changed again.


    I saw red. I wanted death. I felt rage. My body, no not my body. The dragon shook with wrath. We found it. The culprit. A mountain of stone and earth.


    **Akash - Draconic Insight has ended**


    Pain hit me like a hammer to the skull. Luckily it was only a flash of it that I felt before it vanished replaced with a familiar pressure that alluded to the pain still present but now nerfed by the pain settings. I stumbled back with a gasp and to one knee balancing on my staff.


    "What, what was that?".


    **Quest - Rank A


    **Vengeance


    The Akashic Dragon has shown you it''s pain. It''s a failure. It wishes for its enemy to fall.


    Rewards - ??


    **Accept Quest - Y/N**


    The box of text hovering in my sight was an answer to my question. Looking away from the box to the dragon to its slowly clouding gaze was the answer I needed. The box vanished with a wink as I pushed myself back to my full height. My eyes left the dragon and settled on the behemoth.


    What the dragon showed me was a good explanation for its rage and continuous attempt to end the behemoth. ''Not like it matters''. I thought. This was the quest and there were rewards.


    ''Plus, the dragon did strike me. I should have gone by at this point. Since it''s weak and defeated now, I''ll just turn to you then''. I looked at the behemoth. ''Plus, this is a good time to practice combat magic''.


    Taking in the Titanic entity I shivered. ''I''ll just have to be careful''. I switched my staff 4i to my left hand and raised the now free arm. Any more delay was looking bad for the dragon. ''Let''s start with a boom''.


    The behemoth was still flickering from one side to the other dishing blows into the dragon. It was a surprise the Serpent''s scales had yet to break. ''Focus. I should have learned another Akash by now but I guess it''s neither the time nor the hour. My two Akash will have to do''.


    The behemoth appeared right in front of the dragon arms raised, fists cupped together and then smashing down like a hammer.


    I activated **Arcane Conflagration - Wizard Fire** in a hurry and a burst of bright red and golden flames shot from my hand in a loose beam aimed straight at the giant.


    It saw the beam before it hit as it paused in confusion arms halting midway to its strike, right before the beam shot over its fists and smashed into its neck with an explosion of force and fire. It stumbled backward, palms released and arms waving slowly but wildly.


    I unleashed another beam after cutting off the first one instantly. The aim was to drive it back from the dragon. Which worked as the second strike pushed it back again. **Almighty Push** left my body directed from my legs and blasted the ground beneath me. I was airborne the next moment aiming for the dragon.


    Midair I used **Almighty Pull** to drag myself to the dragon. Using Push'' I erased my velocity before landing on its scaled underbelly. "Hmmh."


    I now realized why it had been both weak and sturdy. The scales where were less than those on its back and sides. While pounding had been inefficient the force must have reverberated through its innards causing inner haemorrhage.


    "**Divine Restoration - Healing Mist**" I mumbled. The greyish-gold light oozed from my skin and poured into the dragon. The rattle and vibration beneath my feet shook me a bit. With a running leap and Almighty Push push, I sailed up and towards the now-settled behemoth. Its head swiveled in all directions searching for me.


    A glance behind me showed my mist still working on the dragon. I frowned. I had no confidence in single-handedly ending this behemoth. Between me and the dragon, it was more plausible. ''I''ll have to buy it time to heal completely. But what to do?''. My eye searched through the two spells I knew.


    Almighty Push and Pull was already working well as a mobility skill. I could already see a way to use it as an offensive too. I shivered in mental pain. ''The backlash would be huge''. I went to Arcane Conflagration. Wizard Fire was doing well for me in attacks but it only served to push the behemoth back. ''Well, I didn''t expect my weak attacks to destroy it. Still, the beams could lead it directly to me plus I need more force to shake it. A concentrated blast, right in its face. That should work, let''s see''.


    I was beginning to fall, the ground rushing up fast to meet me. Stretching my right hand in the behemoth''s direction I visualized what I wanted. My eyes found a part of its body I wanted the blast to target. I could sense the Akashic energy within me flow through the distance, like a writhing serpent till it met the point where my eye was focused on. It was both instant and slow. Fast enough to reach while I was still dropping but slow enough that I could pick it up as it happened.


    **Arcane Conflagration - Incendiary**


    The spot erupted in a blast that drove the behemoth to the side and back. It staggered. Almighty Push cut off my landing and then I dropped to my feet on the edge of the mountain. The behemoth caught itself and a roar filled the air. It was like mountains shaking and clashing.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    Its eyes swiveled but I was already on the move. Running as fast as I could, I dashed to its right. I6 flickered and vanished. "Shit". Skidding to a halt I turned sharply hoping it wasn''t going for the dragon.


    "Huh". It wasn''t there. "Where the-". My question stuttered in my throat as my surroundings went dark. "Ah, Shit". Looking up I found myself staring at the glorious heel of the behemoth its shadow looming over me.


    **Almighty Hold**


    **Almighty Push**


    The ground cracked beneath my feet. My right hand shook and rips and tears ran through my flesh, blood spilled and I blinked almost distracted by tbe weird color of my life''s blood. The giant''s heel paused for just a moment.


    "Aaahh". I screamed as I felt my bones creaked and break, my flesh rip and tear all over my body and not my hand. "Fuck, fuck". I let myself fall quickly releasing the heel, it came rushing down at me faster than I hoped. "No, no. **Almighty Push**". I screamed out the Spell.


    My body was blasted out and through the shadow and increasingly vanishing light as the heel sought to trap and squash me to the ground. I slipped right through the tiny space between certain death and ground before hitting the floor and rolling over and over again, trailing dust and sand in my trail.


    I lay there with a groan wondering how I even survived that. I rolled myself to my back already trying to create a spell to heal my wounds. The heel was there, descending right on me.


    I couldn''t even exclaim, couldn''t try getting away again. Even if I could find something to use my Omniscient Hand on I didn''t have time for it. So I did what I could at the moment.


    **Almighty Hold**


    My spine cracked. I moaned as the pressure hit me. The ground shattered around me. ''If this wasn''t a game, I can''t even imagine the amount of pain I should be in now''. A crack and snapping sound startled me with a spike of pain and then pressure. I looked to see my left hand holding the staff bent at a weird angle. I shivered.


    Basically, only my right was slowing the heel down. "Where the fuck is that dragon?. How long would it take those wounds to heal?".


    I cursed as I felt myself sink into the ground. I couldn''t even move anymore and it was by luck that my right hand was still working enough to simply push out the Almighty Hold. The heel was close, too close. I could smell it now, poke out a tongue, and just need three more tongue lengths to taste it.


    "I''m so screwed". I felt like hitting myself over the head. ''I should have let the dragon die. It couldn''t even assist when needed. Or should I have waited for it to heal up before attacking? That''s impossible with the behemoth not letting up''. I sighed.


    A ping appeared to the side of my vision. Ignoring it I focused on the heel. Whatever it was wouldn''t matter with me dying here. It was legit game over now. The heel vanished. My Hold sputtered out like a flame put out as I had nothing to quite literally hold. The ground shook beneath me and I turned to follow the giant as it stumbled.


    The dragon was on it. Biting, roaring, and clawing.


    "Ah, Thank ... the Creator. Yes. That sounds best". Focusing on myself I willed a spell to heal my body.


    **Divine Restoration - Heal Thyself**


    I didn''t see the slight glow and stars that escaped my body. Too busy shutting my eyes in relief from the pressure. While the pain was cut off the pressure was uncomfortable. Still better than the pain but not something anyone would like either way.


    I struggled to my feet and gripped my staff tight. Locking my eyes on the battle going on I didn''t realize I was frowning.


    A glance at my records showed I had used almost 300 essence. Knowing most of my spell cost was too low to deplete my essence this fast I figured it was from holding up the heel. Healing Mist would have also taken up more essence due to the injuries and size of the recipient.


    "Size, effect, and power matter". Nodding to myself I turned back to the behemoth. Thinking of different ways to do this I realized front-line fighting wasn''t for me.


    "Support it is. First let''s see, Uhm..." I watched the behemoth smash the dragon head first to the ground then flicker out of the location. It appeared behind it and grabbed its long tail. The snarl of rage and frustration from it reached me as the behemoth spun it and those fit up into the air. It vanished and reappeared above punching down with such ferocity I felt the shockwaves.


    "Wait! That''s it". With a grin, I dashed forward. Using Almighty Pull on the dragon I tugged myself forward. The behemoth vanished reappearing on the ground its palms folded together and held behind its head ready for quite the pitch. Only I could see Akashic energy gathering and spiking from its hands.


    ''Shit, it can cast spells too. What the hell Hildelith how overpowered is this thing''. I shook my head and focused on what came next. The dragon descended just into the reach of the Giant. I arrived behind its head but still far away right as it swung its fists. I followed.


    "**Almighty-". I drew my fist back, cocked for a punch, and then threw a right hook putting in mind the forms my brother usually used in his training. "-Fist**". A ripple rushed from my fist, the air blasted apart, and the sound of thunder ripped through my eardrums. The circular outwards blast traveled from my fist up to the behemoth.


    BOOM!!


    The sound from collision rivaled the fist thrown itself. The head snapped to the side the hands jerked and another explosion of energy wrecked it from its fists. It stumbled and fell to its butt while the result blasted my right arm to shreds and bloody strips.


    ''I want to believe that was me but I''m not so naive''. I muttered eyeing my drooping hand. Heal Thyself fixed it up instantly and then I pulled myself to the dragon. Healing Mist went to work on it. IT caught itself halfway to the ground and I held on with my free hand onto a scale. "Bloody staff".


    The dragon circled in the air like a serpent and then darted out like an arrow straight for the behemoth. I watched in horror as the runes glowed.


    "Wait-" My eyes widened. "-why is it white?". The runes pulsed in a white glow and then I felt my fur stand on end. "No. Turn-". BOOM! CRACKLE!!


    A surge of electrostorm blasted in all directions with the behemoth as its epicenter. I knew there were several curses in my mind for Hildelith as I lost hold of the dragon, definitely sute there were numerous roars of pain from the creature, and finally a pressure all over my body.


    I came to quite far from the detonation site. My body tingled and the scent of burned meat hit my nostrils. Pushing to my feet I found an unwelcome sight. The giant was standing over the dragon, its hand wreathed in lightning. Like a storm god looking down on its defiant entity.


    I gritted my teeth. ''First battle and that demon fled. Second and I''m so out of my depth. There has to be a way. My records". The screen flickered into my vision I looked through it. There was no time to learn a new Akash. It was easier to create variants under a spell than to learn the base spell itself.


    ''I don''t have that time''. I read over my racial abilities and then my perk. "What can I do with this perk of mine?". I frowned. "This wasn''t the time to practice with my perk. I needed to do something. If only I could check the giant for its weakness. If I knew about that lightning I wouldn''t have let the dragon rush it. I thought it could only absorb heat". I looked up and frowned as the giant''s arm rose to the heavens. Dark clouds rushed to gather over this head.


    Then a box flashed into my vision.


    "Eh". I was seeing records. The giant''s records. ''I can see records?''. I didn''t know if I should be glad about it now or pissed I didn''t discover it sooner. ''Focus''. I looked over the records and my mouth dropped.


    **Welcome to the Akashic Records, Elder 37**


    **Records of the Akashic Behemoth, Burdil**


    **Name:** Burdil


    **Akashic Rank:** Akashic Behemoth


    **Akashic Essence:** Ascendant (129500/187500)


    **Power:** Base (18)


    **Wisdom:** Base (3)


    **Racial Abilities:**


    **Reality Distortion**


    - **Warp Space:** Can manipulate the fabric of reality within a certain radius, creating zones where the laws of physics behave differently (e.g., reversing gravity, slowing time).


    - **Illusions:** Generate illusions so convincing that they can even deceive other powerful magical beings.


    **Dimensional Shifting**


    - **Teleportation:** Instantly move between locations within the Rack of Life or across different planes of existence.


    - **Phase Out:** Temporarily shift out of the current dimension, becoming intangible and immune to all forms of attack.


    **Magical Energy Absorption and Redirection**


    - **Energy Absorption:** Absorb magical energy directed at them, converting it into raw power that heals them or fuels their spells.


    - **Energy Redirection:** Redirect absorbed energy back at their foes or into the environment, causing devastating magical effects.


    ---


    **Lore:**


    Akash Behemoths are titanic entities adorned with glowing, ever-shifting Torain symbols etched into their immense forms long after their creation. They traverse the Rack of Life, placed there after their birth by the Primordial Magi. Behemoths are the embodiments of raw, untamed magic, serving as both guardians and terrors of the realms they inhabit. Their presence is a constant reminder of the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of Akashic power. At their chest sits their core.


    "This thing has not even gone all out". I glared and then looked up. The behemoth was staring right at me. Don''t tell me it felt me scan its records. That''s just bullshit. Okay, maybe not. Some games usually make characters get notified when they are identified''.


    The giant vanished. Behemoth, it was a behemoth. I didn''t bother looking around. Its actions were already quite obvious. Almighty Pull dragged me to the dragon''s side and just as I thought the Behemoth appeared where I had been. Heel stomping my position.


    "With all that stomping, it''s a sin to not do this". I created an incendiary beneath its feet. The explosion stumbled it backwards. "Okay. If you can absorb magical energy that would mean you''re like a battery. You have quite the threshold too. Ascendant. Well fuck. Okay. What to do?. Energy attacks are useless".


    I was absentmindedly using Healing Mist on the dragon. "Hmmm. Core. Most golems fall when their cores are destroyed. Should work here. Now-".


    The dragon rose with a roar. " Shut up and don''t go attacking it stupidly. It''s quite powerful". The dragon snapped its attention to me with a heated glare. I stared back. "Just how powerful are you?". I willed myself to see its records and prayed that it didn''t feel it.


    **Welcome to the Akashic Records, Elder 38**


    **Records of the Akashic Dragon, Anatilda**


    **Name:** Anatilda


    **Akashic Rank:** Akashic Dragon


    **Akashic Essence:** Ascendant (91700/12500)


    **Power:** Base (3)


    **Wisdom:** Base (18)


    ---


    **Racial Abilities:**


    **Akashic Energy Manipulation**


    - **Energy Channeling:** Harness and control the raw power of the Akashic Force, enabling feats of unparalleled magical prowess.


    - **Energy Infusion:** Imbue objects, creatures, or spells with Akashic Force essence, enhancing their properties or unlocking latent potential.


    **Elemental Breath Attacks**


    - **Elemental Fusion:** Combine elemental energies with Akashic Force to unleash powerful, multi-elemental blasts (e.g., simultaneous fire, ice, and disintegration).


    - **Elemental Mastery:** Shift between pure elemental breath attacks and Akashic-infused variants that induce visions or disrupt magic.


    **Hidden Truths**


    - **Revelation:** Unveil concealed truths and secrets, offering insight into ancient mysteries, future events, or the true nature of beings and objects.


    - **Mind Link:** Establish telepathic connections to share cosmic knowledge, imparting wisdom or potentially overwhelming others with vast information.


    ---


    **Lore:**


    Akashic Dragons are revered as ultimate sages and guardians of cosmic knowledge. Their scales shimmer with vibrant colors reflecting their deep connection to the Akashic Force, symbolizing profound insights into the universe''s hidden truths and arcane energies. Known for their formidable wisdom and understanding of the cosmos, these dragons are sought after by seekers of enlightenment and answers to cosmic mysteries. They wield immense power, not only through their elemental prowess but also through their ability to reveal and shape the fundamental truths of existence. Their existence serves as a reminder of the limitless potential and profound mysteries embedded within the Akashic Records.


    The roar in my face told me it felt it. "Sorry, had to know. But why are you an Ascendant but your threshold is lower. Also, how and why exactly are your Powers and Wisdom different. The same I mean but opposite. It''s not making sense". In the corner of my eye the giant vanished and I used Almighty push to shoot myself airborne. ''At this rate, I''ll be using the Divine essence soon''.


    I was midair when the bastard appeared next to us. The dragon didn''t wait for me as it lunged at it. It raised its arms to defend. Incendiary shook its torso letting the dragon slip past. I pushed myself forward and immediately remembered I wasn''t on the ground.


    I bolted forward to my surprise and for a split second I looked back to see nothing. ''So it works mid-air too''. Turning forward I grabbed at nothing and felt the pull fail. ''Okay, only push works. Probably like a propulsion''.


    I turned back to the ongoing wrestle. I finally realized why the dragon was losing. First was its power weakness. I began to realize power meant different things depending on the race. For the behemoth, it meant its might and strength more than it meant its Akash. If it was a percentage thing I''d put it as a 60 + 40 thing. Sixty for the physical aspect and 40 for its Akash. The opposite was the case for the dragon. This meant the brawl ongoing was in the Behemoth''s favor.


    When it came to magic the dragon had the upper hand. But the energy absorption skill was a bane for it as all its breaths and attacks got sucked into the Behemoth''s body. ''The runes must be how it regulated and guides the energy. The color lets enemies know what element it turned the energy to''. I looked at the Behemoth''s chest as it shoved the dragon to the side with a punch.


    ''What is your function?''.


    I almost cursed again but kept my mouth shut. A smile graced my cheeks. I had an idea. Landing on the dragon''s back I ran. Gravity came to work at times to pull me down as I ascended. Pushes and pulls neutralized such attempts and shortened distances.


    My essence was ticking below the 100s. I kept dashing though, jumping over scales and spikes. My ground shook and trembled as the furious dragon fought its adversary. One final pull shot me past the dragon''s eye. Its eyeball rolled and locked on me. The Behemoth looked at me. Its eyes are a dull opaque crystal. This close to the Behemoth I could finally see what its body was made of.


    Crystals and organic flesh mixed and merged as one. All except the core location. Its chest was protected by some sort of metal. But it didn''t cover the core. Instead, the core was lodged deep into the chest.


    I wasn''t sure if the dragon knew what I wanted to do or if its vengeful rage made it ignore me. Either way, its attention returned to the Behemoth just as I socked an Almighty Fist into its face shattering my hand again. Seeing this it roared straight at the Behemoth''s face. Akashic energy shot out of its mouth in a cascade of elements as I fell back already healing my hand. The behemoth was too slow to protect its face so instead the runes flared for life as the Energy struck it hard.


    My healing done I pulled myself to its core landing within the circular metal protection. "Got in. Now to see if a focused-". The core pulsed and then turned bright red. Slowly I turned to find the dragon''s chest perfectly aligned with the behemoth as its arms squeezed it to its body in a hug. Looking back to the core it pulsed brighter and brighter letting off dangerously high levels of heat.


    Something told me if that energy was concentrated and shot out this would be the end. Of both me and the dragon. As if to punctuate the thought the dragon''s body was pressed up against the edge of the metal shutting me in a bright metallic cave.


    My plan died away as I looked at the core in horror. ''That''s exactly what it wants to do''.


    What was I supposed to do when I had been sealed in a reactor facility when there was a meltdown ongoing? Even as I stared in horror and tried to come up with something the core went from red to golden red and the air boiled and burned.


    I was toast.

 BK2 - Battle Royale VIII

    Ring - 2nd


    Realm - Divine


    THIRD PERSON POV


    Hanna found it hard to keep the Lion under control. Its mind wasn''t hard to quell but it wasn''t easy to get a grip on when it was free of her influence or not. Even worse was its growing intelligence. Once it tried to take her out when she''d gotten her guard down. Hanna kept her eye on it from then on.


    Fortunately, the essence she was wasting on replenishing her Enthrallment was hunted down by the lion. However, the hunting brought up more problems for her. The first skill she used to get the lion was an eye contact skill. Something she''d noted only after one of the lion''s attempts to flee. So she''d created a new and different skill.


    <b>**Enthralling Charm- Mesmerizing Gaze:**</b>


    <b>Hanna fixes her gaze upon a single enemy, captivating them with her tranquil presence. This mesmerizing gaze enthralls the target, causing them to become docile and compliant for a short period. While enthralled, the enemy may act in Hanna''s favor, fighting on her behalf or revealing valuable information under her influence.</b>


    <b>


    </b>


    <b>


    </b>


    <b>**Enthralling Charm - Tranquil Melody:**</b>


    <b>Hanna sings a song infused with divine energy, soothing the minds and hearts of her enemies. This soothing melody enthralls foes, lulling them into a state of peaceful submission and rendering them harmless for a short duration. Enthralled enemies may even be willed to fall into a deep and restful sleep, or to keep an already enthralled enemy under control. While enthralled, the enemy may act in Hanna''s favor, fighting on her behalf or revealing valuable information under her influence.</b>


    <b>


    </b>


    At the moment she wanted to test how many entities could be under it. Especially if she could focus the enthrallment on one figure without alerting others.


    A snarl from the Lion alerted her to prey. Getting close she crouched next to it and whispered. It was a way to both keep it Enthralled and also converse. Divine lions seemed to possess a certain intelligence that other creatures in the mortal realms didn''t.


    The lion bobbed its head in a direction. Hanna moved back a bit keeping its head in front of her before checking for the prey. "Woah. So pretty".She whispered again. The cat''s ears flicked. She rubbed its back.


    "I''ll try something new. Start creeping close. If my plan fails you strike. Okay?". The lion simply crawled ahead and she smiled. Looking ahead Hanna hoped her plan worked. She needed the essence orbs to grow her essence and also go to the next level. Hopefully, getting more powerful would make her charm over the beast permanent.


    ''Watching my back is such a pain. Nothing I''m not used to though''. She focused on the prey. A pair of white deer-like creatures. Their horns were curved and pointed to the sky, It made her cast a glance up.


    ''Can''t believe I almost failed to catch such a sight''. Being on edge had kept her from admiring the environment. It was hard to miss the sight above, one of those things that once you saw couldn''t be unseen. The sky was dark and there were no clouds in sight.


    Hanging like a very large moon beyond the atmosphere of the realm was a shimmering indigo and midnight blue planet. Hanna was certain it was a realm. It was too large taking almost 75% of the sky. But it didn''t stop there. Waves of magenta, purples, blues, greens, reds, and greens swirled all over the body. The glow of silver that was nearly invisible around it explained the bit of light in the divine realm.


    "Makes me wonder if it''s nighttime now. How would daytime look?". Focusing back on the hunt Hanna activated the skill she wanted to use.


    Singing would scare the creatures away. She needed something that would draw them in without them realizing it. Shutting her eyes she imagined a soft and unseen wave of mercy that carried calming and peaceful waves across the forest and in all directions from her. Either flowing in a way she wanted or around her.


    **Enthralling Charm - Captivating Aura:**


    Hanna radiates a captivating aura of divine energy that enchants enemies within its radius. This captivating aura enthralls foes, compelling them to submit to Hanni''s will and become docile and compliant for a short duration. Enthralled enemies may even come to Hanni''s aid, fighting on her behalf or revealing valuable information under her influence.


    A slight smirk was all the expression she gave at her success. She could sense and see golden waves of what looked like thick air flow escape from her and in all directions. Focusing she tried pushing it in the direction of the prey and the encroaching lion.


    She sensed the moment her aura reached the lion. It felt like passing over a familiar energy. Hers.


    ''So I can use it to know when it''s under my control or not''. Her smirk broadened as her aura drew closer to the prey. When it reached she felt the difference. It was like the warmth the Lion had was missing in them.


    ''Time to warm you up''.


    "Come" she whispered. Expressing her desire for the creatures through her aura and also saying it. The pair raised their still-grazing heads and looked in her direction. Slowly they began trotting up to her.


    "Take them down". She whispered directing to the lion while watching to see if it would affect the influence on the prey. Nothing. They kept coming. ''Nice''.


    She urged them to keep coming until suddenly the Lion drifted out of hiding. She felt the moment the first one broke free of her mental grip. It spun and ran.


    ''Stop''. The grip failed. The second broke free as well and she faced it.


    ''Run to me''. She felt the grip latch on and it took off bounding faster towards her. ''So my orders should never endanger my thrall or they''ll break free''. It was a good thing to learn with the deer and not the lion.


    "Shit. It''s coming at me".Hanna wasn''t an animal person and only got along with the Lion since it was under her control. The deer wouldn''t stop running since it perceived danger. "Wait. I can make it sleep".


    Willing it she watched the lion catch the other fleeing deer. ''Sleep''. Her grip shook. Realizing she had to convince the deer it would be safe she spoke again ''Sleep. You''ll be safe''. She pushed her will and images of the lion obeying her to it. The grip stopped its shaking. The deer''s speed dropped just as it got to her.


    ''Sleep''.Its speed reached minimum and it began trotting to her. Its eyes blinked rapidly. ''Sleep''. It collapsed at her feet.


    "It worked".


    The deep-throated rumble of the lion as it returned dragging the other deer with it made Hanna smile brighter.


    ****If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Ring - 1st


    Realm - SOL


    STRYDER''S POV


    The stream I brought the rest of my Pantheon to was both amazing and crazy. Yet there was something off about it. It was almost like I could sense that something in the water was weird. Should I even be calling it water considering it was almost like lava? I felt like terminologies here would be vastly confusing and annoying to grasp.


    "Tastes almost like water to me, but doesn''t give me that refreshing feeling or taste". Hellion shook his head rising back to his feet from where he was crouched next to the stream. Girded in armor and with a longsword at his hip he looked every part a god, Titan. It was quite amazing.


    Thorin took a step forward and dipped a palm in. "Feels okay. But I''m sensing this underlying feeling of strangeness". He frowned. I nodded at him.


    "It''s like something that shouldn''t be there, is". I supplied. He nodded back.


    "We do need to get across. The Eye is that way...." Hellion pointed. "...and since we don''t need to drink water we don''t have to be bothered by whatever the water holds. Though we''ll have a problem if there''s sea creature in there".


    "Maybe now we won''t be. But later we might have to be bothered. Especially if there''s a sea monster".Mera turned to the fairies. "Can we take on sea monsters as we are?".


    Tirsti giggled and flew closer but Myrsi beat her to it. "One of you may find it hard but not impossible". Tirsti glared at her before talking.


    "Together, it''d be bullying".


    "Unless you act reckless and stupid". Antmo shot down whatever stupid ideas we may have.


    " I... I''ll cross first. With my speed I can get out if something attacks me". The rest nodded. It was not something to disagree on since I was the fastest. Looking at the water, I could see my reflection, and man did I look nothing like my real self. I had an idea of what I would look like with what I saw with the others but it still shocked me.


    "Water reflects if you wanna check yourself out". Mera announced standing next to me. I stiffened a bit in embarrassment realizing I should be running across but settled when I realized they were all preoccupied with what they looked like.


    "I''m going now". I announced and they all nodded. I took a look at the water and wondered if I could run over it. ''My skill did say over any terrain''. With a mental equivalent to a shrug, I looked across the stream and activated Titan Flash. The realm blurred into a confused mess of motion and pause.


    Behind me, the others became frozen, and yet at the same time, each slight twitch and move I made propelled me fast. So fast that it seemed they vanished and reappeared way back. But it was just me. I was standing on solid ground across the stream and nothing happened. The others looked impressed and it was hard to fight down a smile.


    "Alright, I''ll get you lot over now". Before I could do anything Mera took a running start and bounded right over the stream. Thorin was close behind her with Blaze in tow. Hellion''s mode of crossing was similar to mine. He took a running start and then he was across.


    "Is that..." Mera moved to ask but he shook his head.


    "I''m fast for short movements. Already tried to create a similar skill but I can''t". He looked at me with a shrug. "She''s the fastest woman alive". A smile broke out on my lips and he returned it.


    "Alright. Let''s move out". Thorin waved us ahead. I didn''t bother scouting since using my skills would waste essence. If we got attacked then we''d just fight back. Still Thorin and Hellion had us maintain the formation we had.


    Unfortunately, we were yet to meet any foe. I didn''t know if I was the only one who wanted to find a beast. A look around showed I wasn''t.


    "The demand for essence will be harsh with the need to always have essence to refill". Hellion shook his head at me confirming what we were all thinking. We need to kill beasts not just for their essence but to have backup essence orbs.


    "I have a feeling it''s going to get old". Hellion nodded to Mera. Thorin just shrugged.


    "We''re Titans. I think there''ll be a way to solve that later. For now...".


    "I hear something". Mera stopped us. My heart leaped in my chest. ''What is even a heart? Did I even have a heart? My stupid thought returned to the situation as the sound of footfalls, roars, clanks, wing beats, and clicking became audible. I didn''t even realize I was smiling until I saw everyone else also smiling.


    "Finally". Mera smirked.


    "Don''t get complacent". Blaze warned but it was clear he appreciated this too.


    "What now?". Mera asked. "Do we find it or...?".


    "I don''t think we have to bother". Hellion cut her off with a hand wave. I followed his line of sight. "They''ve found us".


    "Woah". Everyone was seeing what Hellion was seeing now. Essence or not it wasn''t looking good.


    "Bloody Flames". Mera cursed. Everyone looked at her. "What?. It''s fitting". She waved around like it was obvious. Blaze scoffed and Thorin chuckled.


    "Bloody Flames indeed". He muttered stepping forward. "Are we running?". He asked eyes still on the charging monsters.


    "To where?". Blaze tilted his head in visible confusion.


    "The stream is too far. Getting there would probably exhaust us. Having Stryder get us there might use up her essence for this fight. No. I believe we make our stand here". Hellion shrugged smiling all the while.


    " You just wanted to say that, didn''t you?".Mera was already moving a bit to the right. Hellion smiled.


    "How do we keep them from flanking us?". Thorin asked eyeing Hellion.


    "We can''t. We''ll just have to engage all of them. Oh and what do you know there''s five of them". He frowned. "cover Feels too coincidental".


    We could already make out individual shapes and forms now. "That''s not looking good". Mera shook her head.


    "It''s not". Blaze sighed. Our eyes went to the one fast creature. Its limbs stretching out and increasing its pace. It was ahead of the others by a few feet and its face was terrifying.


    "Think you can take that one out?" Hellion was looking at me. I eyed the creature first and looked at the rest. As much as I didn''t want the ugly thing, this was a game and we all had to pull our weight on this Pantheon thing. Plus, with its long gangly limbs and speed, I was best suited to it. I nodded.


    He nodded and looked at Blaze. "Blaze will offer ranged and Control if we need it, or just take out that bird".


    "Looks nothing like a bird". The Titan grumbled.


    "Mera can go all Bam on that rattler, I''ll take that weird-looking porcupine. Thorin...". The hammer titan turned to Hellion. " Try smashing yours fast". The only reply was a loving caress of the hammer, a toothy grin, and a kiss on his hammer''s side. Everyone rolled their eyes.


    The creatures were near.


    "Man. Mine is nasty.". Mera complained. Blaze scoffed again and the sound of chains hitting the ground told us he was prepped. Hellion drew his sword free of his scabbard and I followed with my short swords. Mera beat her knuckles together, the knuckles causing sparks of flames.


    I moved to Blaze''s left. Mera took a good step forward standing at the tip as did Hellion, giving us a Bident shape.


    "They''re actually not that scary. Plus their numbers matching us seems advantageous". Thorin looked optimistic. No one spoke at first then Hellion shook his head crushing the optimism.


    "Even two would be a problem for us now when we know nothing about the difference in damage we can inflict and have next to no experience in fighting". He looked worried but the determination in his golden eyes was confusingly easy to see.


    "Hellion''s right. We don''t know what we can do. Mera be careful. Stryder never stop moving if you''re in danger and once any falls we''re all in agreement that you need its essence more. Right?". Thorin looked at everyone.


    "Thorin''s right. And hopefully it''s not as dangerous as we fear". Everyone turned to Hellion. " As I fear". He corrected rolling his eyes. The creatures were closer now and we could see their features clearer. Horrific and monstrous. ''Well, they were monsters".


    "Any advice guys?". Mera looked up to the safely out-of-reach fairies. The five looked at each other and then down to them. "Don''t die?". Ziei answered unsure. Antmo slapped her head.


    "Hey. I don''t see you giving advice". The fairy cried looking aggrieved. Antmo just eyed her with dead eyes and then looked down at them.


    "Like she said. Don''t die".


    "Aye. What''s the difference?".


    "I was telling them".


    "And I wasn''t". Ziei held up a fist. Antmo just shrugged.


    "As much as your antics are funny to watch little ones, please don''t distract us". Thorin had a tense smile.


    "Thorin get ready to stop them. If we attack after they hit your shield we might get an advantage and you''ll get an advantage too". Hellion advised. He and Mera quickly stepped back and Thorin took their place collapsing the Bident into a spear.


    "Stryder get ready to rush out and dish out strikes to all on your way to your target! Might help even more". Thorin shouted. "Blaze that bird is yours to keep at bay and bring down". With the plan summarized we were all tensed.


    I began bouncing on my spot eyes going from the things to everyone. Thorin had a grim smile, Mera was excited and yet nervous her eyes flickering like her flames were being fed with the wind, Hellion looked calculating, always calculating. Blaze, stared back at me and then nodded before looking up to the bird thing. I faced forward, taking a deep breath. They were here


    "Alright". Thorin heaved his hammer off his shoulder and bounced it on his palms spinning it and catching it. ''Geez. The strength to do that''. I watched his arm twist and stretch as the muscles tightened and loosened. "Let''s begin!". He didn''t strike with his hammer as I expected. His left free hand pointed his palm at the things just as they leaped for our throats.


    I flinched. Mera did too, Hellion blinked and Thorin''s head flinched a bit. Golden light flared into existence as the things were halted mid-air and then thrown right back. I saw a pulse of energy flow right through Thorin''s fingers and up his arm, through his body, and straight into his hammer. The thing hummed like it appreciated and then the cracks sizzled and burned with fire.


    "Now!!!". He roared swinging his hammer in an overhead swing and down on the monster in front of him just as the shield vanished. The hammer struck the scale with an explosion of sound and heat. A bellow of pain and fury escaped the monster.


    "Stryder! Now!". Hellion yelled. In a flash, I vanished from my spot. Mera leaped straight for her prey and Hellion flashed like a short flicker of light from his position and straight to his.


    **""


    <b>Ring - 6th</b>


    <b>Realm - NETHERHEIM </b>


    <b>


    </b>


    <b>


    </b>


    <b>ABEL''S POV</b>


    It was like ignoring an itch that needed to be scratched as I guided the girl into creating her fairy while not asking about her life. I wasn''t surprised when she chose The Dark One. More surprised she actually mentioned it to me.


    "What do we do now Yaito?". The fairy and the girl''s fairy were now perched on her head. Something that both annoyed and made me smile. The fairies seemed to make the girl more relaxed for some reason. Probably her childlike mind. Her fairy just like mine had an aggravatingly long name. The girl and I both agreed on a short version like I did mine. Hoinro.


    Yaito and Hoinro pointed with tiny hands up north. My North atleast. I saw it the moment I looked that way. It was hard to unsee. A very tall pillar ascending into the sky but not reaching.


    "And we do what there?". The look the fairy gave me said it all. That was all the information I would get.


    I bit back a grumble and just flapped my wings. "Coming girl". I noticed the slight flinch on hearing my voice then the fairies tapping her. Her wings flapped out too and she rose into the air alongside me but not too far off.


    "Alright, you watch my back I watch yours. Cool by you?". I raised an eyebrow. She flinched again. Fortunately, I believe this flinch was more due to my devilish looks than anything else. She nodded quickly and looked away.


    "Just so you know. You look just like this". I waved my palm around my face and snorted. That seemed to do the job of making her snort as well. Her eyes eyed me with a childlike temper.


    "Alright. Keep up if you can". With as much power as I could put into my flap, I shot off into the air leaving a rattled girl behind.


    The loud blast and boom of air behind told me she was coming. Looking back I grinned and laughed. "Too slow girl". Then I dipped and reminded myself to glide. ''Nah''. I turned with my head now pointed to the dark skies and flapped once to catch my descent and then again with the same power as the start shooting up like an arrow.


    Behind me, the girl was catching up. A glance showed a wondrous and determined smile. One I always wanted to see in children. Children who found that the world outside their lives had rainbows and sunshine compared to the storm they had weathered through.


    It was temporary. ''I might not have all the details I need to put whatever fucker in jail. But I''ll do the best here''. I could already think of ways to find out things. Lodging a complaint with the Ancients Inc. or something.


    ''That may just come out as me being the bad guy or something. Nah. I''ll have Dawson take a look. Best a woman handles this especially when I''m retired too''. With

 Battle Royale IX

    Ring - 1st


    Realm - SOL


    A hammer to the head had not been enough to end the creature. Two hammers to the head had shaken it. Three had dazed it. Thorin was certain the fourth blow would atleast knock it out. The other creatures were not so agreeable to the plan. Even as it took blows and dished out slashes from and to Mera the other creature with its body and armored body used its long reptilian tail with a round club at the end to attack Thorin. The strike sent out an echo into the air and Thorin''s feet dug into the ground.


    The armoured beast seeing stars tried to lash out. A golden red-blue tore past and the creature was sent staggering back. Thorin smirked, his eyes leaving the blue and turning back to his adversary. The whipped club struck out again but chains shot out of the ground and seized the appendage.


    "Focus here". Mera jabbed out with her left fist and then shot low. With her foe standing inches above her, it was easy to move and get within its space. Her fists lashed upwards, gauntlets soaked in fire striking with cracks like a whip. The explosion of flame and force of the punch dragged the thing off its limbs and into the air. Thorin took the chance, spinning on his feet bringing the hammer into an overhead strike and then down on his foe.


    The ground rattled and cracked. The monster lay dead and a cry ripped through the sky again. The beating of wings echoed in his ears and he glared up. Just in time to watch large chains come in from the west and east. Like cleaver blades, they scythed through the air and straight for the winged beast with a blade''s beak.


    Thorin ignored that one and looked to his left finding the other. He grimaced at the sight. Of all of their battles, Hellion''s was the toughest. Less due to his foe''s strength and more edge to its physique and nature. A tiny core or ball made the nucleus of this creature. From all angles and corners, the ball jutted out sharp and long spikes covering every inch of the ball. The spikes were long, slim, and sharp. Each one resembling a longsword fused to a core. It was this monstrosity that Hellion had to fend off with little to no experience.


    The hundreds of tiny cuts leaking golden blood was a hint of how difficult it was. And yet Thorin got the sense that Hellion was getting better. Just like Blaze was getting faster and more accurate at laughing his chains. Just like his hammer strikes are getting better at angling, absorbing, and delivering hits. Just like Mera was learning how to duck, weave and punch. And Stryder how to get in and out, distract and obstruct.


    "It''s like bloody practice". He muttered. A soft whine and snarl came from his feet and with a huff poured in more essence into his pretty hammer and hefted it up. IT came down with force crushing the thing''s head finally.


    **Embercrawler Slain**


    **Essence Orb gained**


    "Stryder!". His voice boomed across the field and he was already throwing the orb into the air. A blast of hot wind crashed into him as the golden-red blur blazed past him.


    Stryder came to a halt feet skidding across the fiery ground. Her boots burned and blazed from friction and her solar light and flames. Her chest heaved up and down as she focused on drawing in the energy from the orb.


    Her sigh was audible and yet filled with relief. "It''s a Fledgeling!". She announced and then she was gone. The little essence units of the orb were enough to top up her dwindling essence. If push came to shove then she knew she''d just use the reward Essence Orb.


    Reality blurred, slowed, and yet sped up. It was a conundrum of immense heights. Everyone around her was a statue, frozen. memories of a battle she was fighting in the next blink they were gone and she was blazing past a meager distance her foe already waiting for her.


    She dropped, sliding below the lanky arms of the monster, and then kicked to her feet behind it. Turning mid-air she swung pouring essence, visualizing that speed and force, the inertia she had within her body flowing into her knuckles. She struck and as expected the monster was thrown to the ground scraping through it. For a mere second, she turned to find Hellion.


    His fight was the most worrying of them all and even she could find no opening through the blade monster he fought. At the start it was very evident that he liked the rest of them were useless with the weapons they had. It was worse for Stryder and Hellion though as their weapons needed skill. It was why she had opted to punch this thing especially since her speed worked more with fists.


    Hellion didn''t have that luck though and it showed. Still, she could see a difference. His moves were less useless and more beginner. His evasion and dodges were more of instincts and less of nerves. Blocks and parries were becoming easier for him and yet the fight remained difficult. He didn''t escape each clash unscathed.


    She watched him block an overhead slash with his blade and then tilt his head to the side with wide eyes as a blade impaled air, his left hand left his right to hold his sword and caught another blade stabbing for his chest. He pushed off with both hands ignoring the gash on his left palm. He was not quick enough to escape the stab to his leg.


    He yelled and stumbled back just as a cleave for his head came. The blade in his leg hooked as he fell back and Hellion screamed even more. He stabbed the ground with his sword and pushed himself upright stopping the blade from hooking into his bone or whatever they had inside them. The next blade stabbed and he grabbed it with his still bleeding left hand.


    "Fuck off". With a snarl, as all his thinking left the room he dropped his sword grabbed another blade, and spun. Putting balance on his left uninjured leg and threw the thing up into the sky. Both hands were now bleeding.


    Hellion didn''t seem to care. He looked pissed. Probably from the pain, he grabbed the sword and Stryder could see waves of essence pour into the blade turning it smoldering red. His eyes locked on her.


    "Watch out". He jerked in shock his body trying to move and I turned in a jumping motion to see the langy armed beasts airborne, dropping on me with its claws extended and about to cleave me in five parts.


    Stryder''s eyes widened, her body blazed without her acting on it and all she did was take a single step back. It froze. She blinked then turned. Hellion was still looking wide-eyed his body bent in a limp and unmoving. Up where he threw it the bladed creature was frozen. She turned back to her foe and took another step to the right. The flames and light poured from her as she rushed round it placing herself on its back Then she jumped.


    Essence powered her skills, it poured through her to create the effects she wanted. Depending on which effect she created Stryder already figured that essence could get cut off from the other skills. Hanging up there from her jump she cursed out the fact that there was nothing like a passive.


    ''Or could I create a passive? Most of these skills are of an active natures''. It was a curiosity and for the moment I had to her head. First, she had a foe to end. Stryder visualized the next skill. She found it was always best to imagine the skull more than reading it. Sometimes when she imagined something else or knew that affected the skill to a degree it created a new skill and grouped it under a base skill. She could already sense the notifications for another alert.


    She found it funny that everyone was frozen as she ran past and then poured her essence into her fist to use the next skill. Everything moved instantly. The roars and screeches she hadn''t even realized had stopped erupted back. She saw the moment her foe found she was gone. At the same time, she saw the golden-red flame and light trail that followed her and snapped into her body. The creature hit the ground and spun on its back, three beady yellow eyes flashed around and then up to the sky where it locked on her right as she hit it with all the power she could bring to bear. Stolen story; please report.


    Light flashed, heat boiled and flame roared. The creature screeched in pain and shook as its body was tortured in split seconds. The sound of blades leaving scabbards lost to it, the light of flames and the world sucked away as the black of twin Shortblades flashed down and stabbed at two of its eyes. One missed and stabbed into fur or leather. The other sunk in deep as the eye burst. The creature thrashed and tried to toss her off. Stryder poured in essence into her blade and visualized Hellion''s burning sword.


    The creature''s tortured cries increased in volume and she dragged the blade up and put the tip of the skull.


    **Emberclimber Slain**


    **Essence Orb gained**


    She vanished in a blast of flame and light reappearing next to Thorin who was still guarding Blaze as his chains chased the flying creature.


    "Thanks". I think I''ll hold onto it for now, Blaze can time his skill uses enough that he''s not had to use them wastefully. Hellion might need it but he looks so focused on that creature". Thorin eyed the orb and then looked worriedly at the bleeding Hellion clashing with the creature with his blazing sword. His moves had gotten better, and he had begun using skills too.


    For a split moment, he vanished in a burst of light and reappeared behind the thing swinging out wildly and releasing a fiery slash of light. Several blades from the monster got cleaved in half.


    "Got you!". Blaze suddenly roared and Thorin looked up just in time to see the left or was it the right chain strike the bird. It cawed in pain and frustration as a flash of energy was released. Then there was nothing but ash that travelled with the wind.


    **Emberflier Slain**


    **Essence Orb gained**


    "Got me one of those". The Titan forgot about his chains as they fell back to the ground. Thorin watched ready to jump as they dropped only for both to reel in like a chord and then slap into the Titan who owned them.


    "That leaves...".


    BOOM!!!!!


    An explosion of fire and heat mixed with the cry of a beast. Something rolled through the ground for a second and stopped. It tried moving limbs jerking and body shaking when something crashed into it from above in a crouch. There was fire and heat and then the thing stopped moving.


    Mera rose to her full height and groaned. Smoke escaped her lips and then she turned to them. Her eyes were even brighter than before and her black skin was wreathed by the fiery cloak that enveloped her and her attire.


    Sunfire Skin. The skill she''d gotten when attempting to mimic Thorin''s defensive skill. The Titaness moved like a model her eyes locked on the last remaining battle. The Pantheon could agree that the fight had been so and so. It wasn''t exactly hard and it wasn''t exactly easy. Experience had been their bane here. Their lack of it. The monsters were weak and while they were yet to push or gain a single point in their meager double attributes all knew that if they had proper training in their skills power would have mattered not.


    They were just that strong. Blaze was watching Hellion fight but his thoughts were not present. Instead, he was imagining several skills, and how they would work. Theorizing how the domains would help or how their features would affect them. It was already clear to him and his friends that it would not take just killing to get a level.


    ''Hmmh. Friends''. Blaze eyed the trio to his side then back to the fighting swordsman. He mentally chuckled. The fairies had already told them to increase their essence threshold they needed to break past it by using essence.


    ''Sounds like cultivation to me''. His eyes narrowed as he went through his records once more halting at the threshold. It was barely down. His use of fewer skills and their cost being meager had simply pushed him low by 39 points. It said a lot about how powerful Stryder''s skills had to be for her to need extra essence so fast.


    Blaze wondered though. If the threshold was just like a bottleneck that needed to be broken passed how else would it be similar to cultivation? ''Those Xianxia tales and games usually describe cultivation as more than just reaching for the heavens. It was gaining enlightenment and taking the power of the earth and heavens for self. But we are gods...Titans. What heavens do we seek now? Level-up is okay but honestly, I love this game as it so much I wouldn''t mind a lack of progression parameters. Still, it exists''.


    "You okay Blaze?" He turned to see Thorin eyeing him with curiosity. Pointing to his head he spoke.


    "Thinking". Then he was back in his mind. ''Cultivators usually used Qi or something to strengthen their bodies. And they also usually learned techniques to use their qi with. Our essence is our Qi and our skills are our techniques. It''s similar but not strange enough to make me think there is cultivation, but then we have the threshold. Normal level-ups should just happen without a need to break a threshold. It sounds more like cultivation than level ups''.


    "Man. You''ll kill the wind with your focus. What''s bothering you?". It was Mera this time. The flames cloaking her were long gone. He stared at her for a moment till she tilted her head in confusion.


    "What''s wrong Blaze?" Stryder asked too and he turned to her and then Thorin who gave him a frown and then turned back to eye Hellion''s fight.


    "I...think this game has a cultivation theme". There was a rumble and then a detonation. Everyone turned to find Hellion in a stumble his sword cooling as the flames around it were sucked back into the cracks. The Blade Monster lay on the ground writhing and spasming, the majority of its blades cut and its menacing aura and presence dimmed.


    Everyone was half frozen. The sight before them and Blaze''s words rang in mind and sight. Hellion staggered towards the slowly rolling-bladed monster his sword already emitting intense light and fire. Then he brought it up like an executioner''s blade. The monster attempted a last gambit. A blade jutting out of its body and pushing it off the ground straight at Hellion like a pack of arrows. All the blades that were already broken or cut vanished into the tiny ball that was its nucleus. Then a singular blade popped out. Aimed straight for Hellion''s throat.


    "Hellion watch-". Stryder''s body blazed with light as feet rose, fire surged all over Mera and rolled down to her fists. The sound of chains clinking rang out as Blaze tugged at them and Thorin''s hands were already set hammer ready to be thrown. It was in this half-action state that all four froze.


    Hellion vanished in a similar blur of energy as Stryder nothing but a mirage left in his former position that the blade cut through. The sword cleaved down and Sunfire surged from it in a wave of fury.


    **Bladeheart Slain**


    **Essence Orb gained**


    Hellion dropped to the ground like a starfish. His sword was still in his grasp as he stared up at the red-rust skies. Four heads poked into his vision and he smirked. "That, was epic. Let''s do it again".


    Blaze snorted and dropped to the ground so he was above Hellion''s head. Thorin laughed and followed to his left. Both girls looked at each other and shrugged dropping to Hellion''s right and Blaze''s left. All five Titans had their heads at the center as they stared up at the sky.


    And they stayed like that for a moment. Hellion felt his injuries fade away. He had to admit that fighting in this realm was a cheat for them. Then he remembered the monsters and scoffed mentally. ''That equalizes it all''.


    "You know, there won''t ever be night here". Stryder murmured. No one spoke for a while then Thorin grunted.


    "Then we''ll go sightseeing on the realms that have night. And then we''ll see it". Mera bobbed her head and then realizing no one was seeing her spoke up.


    "I''m in".


    "Hehe". Stryder giggled. Blaze snorted again.


    "Hey, you sure about what you said, Blaze?". Thorin asked suddenly. The girls turned to look at the chain holder and Hellion sat up confused.


    "Blaze thinks we''ll be cultivating in this game". Stryder filled him in. They turned to look at the Titan as he sat up as well. His eyes went from one to the other before he spoke.


    "Level-ups don''t have a bottleneck or threshold that needs to be broken". It was clear that was as much as he wanted to say but they didn''t leave him be. Seeing their stares he sighed.


    "It''s not a conclusion yet".


    "Depends on how we use the essence to cross to the next threshold".


    " It doesn''t matter now. If it''s truly cultivation then we''ll only find out when we try to level up or if the game alerts us somehow". Hellion pointed out.


    The Titans lay back. The fight while easy had been just as difficult. But they had used and tested their skills. They now had a bit of experience. None more than Hellion. If anything it was clear he''d gotten better in the use of this sword. Thorin cast an eye on each member of his Pantheon.


    He could see it in their eyes. The excitement and the sense of fulfillment. They would win the next altercation too. He just knew it.


    ****


    Ring - 7th


    Realm - Rock of Life


    Rackel''s POV


    How had I entered this mess? From waking across the plains to butting into an affair that didn''t concern me. Given, that the dragon had requested my help with the quest. Still, it was annoying now I thought of it. I was not ready for such a fight. If anything was a clue it was how my arm shattered after a single use of Almighty Fist. Wizard Fire empowered it, Incendiary simply shook it around. There was nothing I could do or could use that had actively damaged this Behemoth.


    So why in the realms had I pushed on and gotten myself here? What exactly had I planned to do here? Absolutely nothing. And now I''d get my game over simply due to my rashness and desire to help.


    "Heroes die!" He mumbled.


    The Behemoth was just like that other demon player. Taking stuff that wasn''t theirs without the care of whom they hurt. For the Behemoth, it made less sense considering it would be in a position to see everything as its realm. But yet it also made sense. It was a predator in a realm where prey was abundant.


    ''Hmmh". I scoffed. Calling dragons prey sounded crazy but it was the truth of what I''d seen. The dragon had not shown why the Behemoth would want to eat or destroy dragon eggs. ''Was it to curb the growth of its enemies?''. It made sense too.


    ''Still, it is Ascendant and so is the dragon though the numbers are not adding up well enough''. It was a question of how Behemoths would kill their fellow Behemoths with all the capabilities they possessed. I could see how a dragon could kill its peer but for the Behemoth, it seemed crazy.


    Beating its chest for the core would be hard due to the metallic contraption that was the protector around its chest. ''Why would it need a core protector?''.


    Security was only needed for something valuable. Curious I eyed the core ignoring the blinding light and heat that had leaked along the two seconds of mind berating.


    **Core of the Arcane Behemoth**


    The Core within an Arcane Behemoth''s chest absorbs essence from its surroundings, regulating the body''s essence and providing vital energy to its body. It draws in elemental attacks, repurposing them for its own needs, and powerful elemental defense. This Core regulates and controls the Behemoth''s ?????? through the absorption of Akashic essence.


    "It''s like a mega essence orb". I chuckled. "Wait. Essence Orb ". My mind lit up with an idea. Taking steps forward I set my palm close to the orb and winced as the first pain of heat came and then faded into an annoying pressure. I drew closer, the pain registering on my body and then fading to pressure too.


    I was close enough and felt the orb on my hand. The Behemoth quaked. My feet lost balance. Landing on my butt, the entire place shook violently.


    "Ah. Of course it would sense a presence close to its core". This place was important, very important to it