《Endless Isekai - The Life of Aurora "Drake" Imperial》


 0. Prologue: Part 1. The leap of faith

    Drake had always been fearless. To know fear for her was the equivalent of a human growing gills and breathing underwater. It was impossible.


    At least she believed it was until a terrorist changed the world, and blew up BigBen.


    A movement had been started a few years prior by a group known as BlackHole Conglomerate to destroy all clocks across the world, which Drake thought to be ridiculous. Until more and more unbelievable events occurred across the globe. An before she knew it, she herself destroyed her own watch, wondering if she too could help magic apparently return to the world as she knew it.


    As a lover of all things anime, Dungeons and Dragons, and world of warcraft, she¡¯d always wanted to use magic and become the hero of her own life. Yet as she grew toward her seventeenth year of life, all of those dreams subtly died.


    A few years prior she put up her video game consoles. Packed up her collection of manga, comic books and magic the gathering cards, beginning to study to become a doctor with every bit of herself.


    When she thought back she knew that her love of those things died not because of her own waining belief of magic and all things supernatural, but instead had more to do with the loss of her mother.


    Her mother¡¯s death by the evil known as cancer was what truly sparked her decision to become a doctor. However she still practiced parkour and continued to be an avid fan of live action roleplaying, commonly known as Larping. Which she pursued in her free time over the weekends.


    She managed to become quite decent at playing with fake swords. Skilled enough to defeat more than three opponents at a time on countless occasions, and become seen as an absolute terror on the fantasy battlefield.


    She eventually was admitted to Harvard Medical at the tender age of seventeen. All  after a couple years of furious studying and being admitted to premed by the age of 15, getting on a flight to Massachusetts felt like nothing in comparison to what she¡¯d already achieved. A large smile on her face while she looked back on her short life just that morning.


    The very same morning that she¡¯d broken her watch after watching a young man with eyes seemingly filled with stars, step from the very top of BigBen¡¯s clock tower, and somehow  had not immediately  fallen to his death.


    ¡°And with this returns the laws of magic that have been stolen from you all my mortal brethren,¡± said the now infamous terrorist. Walking through the air as easily as Jesus was said to have walked upon the surface of the sea of Galilee. A mere second before the entire clock tower exploded from top to bottom.


    She¡¯d ridden her bike from her best friends house home that very same morning, and watched men and woman smashing clocks of all shapes and sizes throughout her hometown.


    Both her and her father were further amazed by the sight as it continued, growing in fervor  as he¡¯d taken her to the airport.


    She felt ashamed to admit to her father that she¡¯d broken her watch after he¡¯d seen its face shattered during the car ride, but knew his smile was genuine as he¡¯d told her it was okay, and that he knew how much she just wanted to be a wizard.


    If she¡¯d known that her decisions would put her entire life at risk, she¡¯d never have asked the man to destroy the grandfather clock she knew stood beside the entrance to their homes library. Now she felt as if she could hear the glass of the clock being shattered by her father¡¯s elated golf club swings across the vast distance, knowing how much he hated the chime that occurred on the hour, every hour. A sensation ringing in her mind¡¯s depths like an alarm as a subtle descent could be felt in the plane¡¯s altitude.


    Then a red box suddenly popped  into her vision, foreshadowing what she could innately sense to be the equivalent to living through that of the sky itself falling all around her. The box hanging there in thin air, like a omen of what was to come, as many around her seemed to be having seizures. Many foamed at the mouth and many more bled from their eyes, Drake feeling warmth drip down the length of her cheeks; an odd pain accompanying the blood she knew was leaking from her eyes.


    The words the box held at first were foreign, until the characters shifted into English, becoming readable in a matter of seconds.


    *Notification* - System integration has begun. Time until completion: Unknown¡­


    A beautiful woman¡¯s voice accompanied the written words, speaking in her mind in the instance she focused on the box. She looked around to see many wearing strange faces, leaving her to briefly wonder if she was the only person to hear the woman that spoke within her head.


    What in the fuck is going on¡­


    Then the voice of the stewardess came over the intercom and Drake felt her heart drop at the words spoken aloud to all the passengers.


    ¡°Passengers of flight 317, both of our pilots have begun to seize and are no longer able to fly the plane, we must begin emergency procedures immediately, please remain seated as my coworkers and I come and show you where the emergency parachutes are located.¡±


    Son of a bitch!


    Passengers screams could be heard even before  the stewardess stopped speaking. Panic ensued as the plane hit a patch of turbulence that rattled the entire ship¡¯s frame, and Drake heard many start to unbuckle their seats.


    She looked out the window and could tell the Massachusetts skyline was rapidly incoming. The angle in which they flew wasn¡¯t toward the outskirts of Cambridge where the airport was located, but directed toward the city¡¯s center instead.


    No fucking way I¡¯m about to die in a plane crash, god please tell me I¡¯m not about to die in a mother fucking plane crash!


    Her mind raced as her heartbeat drummed hard enough that she heard it thrum even over the screams that surrounded her. Her hands squeezed the hand rests to either side of herself so tightly that a few of her nails broke. The pain incomparable to the feeling of lightning that filled her brain. The only thing that managed to snap her from her growing sense of overwhelming dread, was the breathing masks that popped from the ceiling, making her jump; the device dropping  from above in the same moment the plane¡¯s turbulence grew in intensity.


    She was easily able to both put her own mask on and calm her breathing as the stewardess walked the aisles, pulling the parachutes held beneath every seat out. The woman¡¯s training shined through when snapping off the leg rests impressively quick, before handing over the backpack sized instruments alongside a pamphlet that described the items usage.


    Drake crumbled up the instructions, completely familiar with the round parachute style. Her father forcing her to take courses in their use during her tour of Europes most famous parkour parks a few summer vacations ago made her smile even as she was made to face her potential death.


    The next instances moved strangely for Drake, as many who were afflicted with seizures were ignored as the stewardesses pulled passengers toward the planes doorway, making them form a line that Drake wouldn¡¯t be anywhere near the front of.


    ¡°We have to leave them all here,¡± said Drake under her breath as she rose to her feet and ripped off the breathing mask to join the line, being handed a small air canister to use while she waited to exit the plane by the stewardess.


    The thought broke Drakes heart in a way, even though she knew there was nothing she could possibly do about the loss before her.


    The planes safety lock was popped and drake felt as if her entire life was passing before her very eyes; air whipping through the plane like a car on the Autobahn with all its windows down.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    She couldn¡¯t help but feel as if she was in an action movie, watching men, women and even children forced to jump out of the plane.


    She stared at them all soaring through the air, diving in a scattered series of directions, all aiming for various rooftops below.


    The city below was quite beautiful. Its treelined streets made her excited to explore where she¡¯d be spending the next few years of her life. Her research showed her the place was known for its historical architecture,, thriving art scene and unrivaled parks, which made her excited to experience the city for the first time by receiving a potentially vivid vantage point.


    Are you scared or excited Drake, come on, make up your mind!


    She felt as if she was going to have a heart attack as the line grew shorter, even though this was far from her first time skydiving. She¡¯d even taken to jumping out of hotel windows after watching Travis Pastrana do the same in a show called nitro circus during her tour of Europe.


    Why are we so nervous now then Drake, we got this, this is nothing, absolutely nothing.


    She glanced around at the people she now knew were dead, their eyes blank as they stared at nothing.


    Nope, be afraid if you want to, this is not the same as anything you have experienced before, and knowing that you are in an extreme circumstance may be more helpful than detrimental, thought Drake as she began to take deep breaths calming herself further.


    She took a moment to wrap up her hair, putting her long blond curls in a bun; catching a glimpse of her peculiarly golden colored eyes in one of the planes windows, the light of the sun strong enough to make the surface like that of a mirror as she walked by.


    Finally her turn came and Drake put on her best smile as the head stewardess nodded for her to go, and Drake gave her a thumbs up, dropping the air canister she still held though she hadn¡¯t used it even in the peak of her panic; the canister clattering against the ground at her feet before being sucked out the plane, at incredible speeds.


    She was glad to see her sneakers were tied tightly, and wished she¡¯d thought to stretch as she¡¯d waited in line. She rolled her neck, looking over her parachute with a series of safety checks she¡¯d long ago memorized.


    Lets do it baby, thought Drake, slapping her cheeks to mentally prepare herself.


    She nearly jumped until she saw a grim faced man in the corner of her eye piloting the plane.


    ¡°Wait, I thought the pilots were both effected by seizures,: yelled Drake in question over the rush of air that threatened to yank her outside the aircraft.


    ¡°They were, Marcus used to pilot a biplane in his free time, he can¡¯t land the plane, the landing gear isn¡¯t operational for some reason, but he¡¯s offered to fly this for as long as he can to help,¡± yelled the woman with nothing but sorrow on her face.


    Drake froze momentarily, feeling herself step toward where the trembling Marcus was obviously deciding to go down with the plane to save the lives of the other passengers.


    ¡°Wait wear are you going young lady!¡±


    Drake ignored the stewardess and rushed passed the few passengers left to jump behind her. She struggled to grab one of the remaining unused parachutes from underneath one of the many dead passengers. Holding down the urge to vomit as she had to lift the legs of the dead woman out of the way.


    She was easily able to snap the leg rest off the seat after watching the stewardess achieve the same thing earlier, grabbing the chute and rushing toward the front of the plane.


    ¡°Young lady!¡±


    Drake ignored the stewardess a second time as she blew by the woman, stopping next to Marcus, doing her best to put on a smile as she sat in the co pilot seat. Thankful that the pilots body had been removed as she set the parachute beside the man left to pilot.


    ¡°Hey Marcus, how do I keep this thing straight, if we are both going to get out of here I¡¯m going to need you to put on that parachute!¡±


    Marcus glanced at Drake as she put her hands to the plane¡¯s tiller, feeling the violent tremble that buffeted the plane¡¯s every inch as she held the joystick like steering wheel.


    ¡°What are you doing kid, get out of here!¡±


    ¡°Yeah yeah, not a kid, I¡¯m a stunt woman, and even if your a retired marine I still feel like I have more experience diving from planes than you, now show me how to keep this thing straight while you put on that fucking parachute!¡±


    Having had lived with a man in the military her entire life, she could tell at a single glance that the man served simply in how he held himself. Able to discern the build of a military officer in a single look with how many years of military school she¡¯d attended before leaving for college.


    ¡°Bullshit, you expect me to believe that¡­?¡±


    Drake gave the older man a side eye, filling her gaze with just enough grit to make the man believe her lie. She was not nor had she ever been a stunt woman, even if she dreamed of being one as a child before life drove her in many other directions.


    ¡°Your fucking serious aren¡¯t you kid?¡±


    ¡°Again, not a kid, and if it¡¯s up to me we are both leaving this plane alive!¡±


    Marcus rolled his eyes, and shook his head.


    ¡°It¡¯s not going to work kid, you were wrong, I was in the navy, I was who got called when the marines needed help, took one in the knee in my last tour, I walk with a cane, even if I get the chute on, It will be harder for me to get to the damn door than to jump out!¡±


    ¡°Ha, you sound like my dad, your definitely Navy, but it doesn¡¯t matter,, either you show me how to keep this boat floating, or we both go down old man,¡± screamed Drake with enough confidence that she knew any of her table top group would have been proud of her in that moment. The bluff check would have been an obvious 20 if she had to give her performance a score.


    Even rolling a dice with twenty sides the odds will forever be in my favor baby!


    ¡°Come on kid, we don¡¯t have time for this,¡± growled Marcus.


    ¡°What we don¡¯t have time for is you being a stubborn old man and letting your pride get in the way!¡±


    Marcus seemed to think for a moment, glancing at Drake who refused to let go of the tiller, and then to the space behind the cockpit, now empty of all life, sighing once he realized that even the stewardesses had jumped.


    ¡°God damnit kid, just pull back slightly, no more than an inch or two, and keep this bird steady while I put this blasted thing on!¡±


    Drake smiled, doing as Marcus said, her eyes widening and her smirk vanishing once control of the plane was entirely relinquished to her.


    Holy¡­


    ¡°Yeah, the engines are dead, we¡¯d be in a complete nose dive if I hadn¡¯t seen the pilots seize up,¡± yelled Marcus as he rushed to put on the parachute.


    How close were we all to dying, thought Drake, unable to keep her eyes entirely on the city rushing toward them, and off the body of the pilot haphazardly tossed beside the seat she now sat in.


    ¡°The street seems pretty empty from up here, not a lot of traffic, I guess radio control got my message to clear out this area before our communication systems failed,¡± said Marcus as more of the city came into view through the windshield.


    ¡°Yeah, I wondered about that, is this thing going to explode on impact?¡±


    ¡°No, as long as it stays level during descent, it should lose the majority of its momentum slightly after impact, just make sure you keep it straight and all my hard work won¡¯t go to waste kid!¡±


    Drake couldn¡¯t help but roll her eyes.


    ¡°Yeah yeah, I¡¯m proud of you pops, now hurry up, we are running out of space between us and a crash landing!¡±


    Marcus struggled to his feet, chuckling as he searched for his cane. Drake glanced in his direction, watching him wobble out of the cockpit.


    ¡°Thanks kid, you better not die, I refused to be haunted by an annoying brat like you,¡± yelled Marcus, finally making it to the open doorway.


    ¡°You wish old man, just hurry the fuck up and jump,¡± yelled Drake, laughing as she slowly rose to her feet.


    ¡°Thanks kid, your lucky I have grand children that need me or I¡¯d have called your bluff and ridden this fucking thing to the grave, it¡¯s been a pleasure,¡± said Marcus just loud enough for Drake to hear him, jumping out of the plane without another word.


    If I survive this my dad is going to love hearing one of his fellow Navy men left his daughter to fly a bloody plane by herself, should have gotten the guys name, thought Drake smirking to herself.


    She then looked over her shoulder quickly, making sure that everyone else had jumped before returning her focus back toward the streets below. The large plane was dropping near perfectly between a street lined with skyscrapers to either side in the middle of downtown Cambridge, Drake feeling as if the ex Navy man had flown to the best of his capabilities to ensure the plane would descend in a direction that would cause as little collateral damage as possible. Even with the fated crash landing in his future the man¡¯s only goal had been to save lives. A goal that Drake felt proud to help him accomplish.


    Drake knew her time had come however, pumping herself up for what was to come.


    Here goes nothing!


    She turned and ran, rushing away from the tiller at full speed, not noticing that her backpack had brushed the flight controls the slightest bit as she¡¯d turned; the body of the dead pilot that had been on the side of the cockpit she sat on slowly drifting toward the tiller as his weight caused his body to flop toward the centralized controls of the plane.


    She made it to the plane¡¯s door and jumped without hesitation,, diving toward the closest building in sight. The very same building the plane now spiraled in a rapid nose dive toward, the tiller of the plane now forced completely downward by the body of the dead pilot.


    Drake knew something was wrong by the sound of the craft that moved behind her even as she landed atop a random skyscraper. She heard the crash, even before the building she stood atop began to topple.


    Are you fucking kidding me!


    Her instincts took over, and rather than trying to rush toward the rooftop doorway that lead to the steps. She moved to pull in the parachute and repack the bag as fast as she could. She didn¡¯t set the world record which she knew was a little under 46 seconds, but she had beat the record of the man who¡¯d performed a repack mid air after realizing his Shute had malfunctioned. Her feat of a minute thirty wasn¡¯t nearly comparable in her mind, but her next actions by far, definitely were.


    Okay Drake, you got this, come on, you¡¯ve come way to far to die now!


    The building tilted, the top of the tower seemingly stretching across the street to collide with an opposing series of skyscrapers. Drake turned away from the collision and ran as fast as she could. Everything moved in slow motion for her even as the world around her seemed to speed by.


    The rooftop¡¯s edge smashed into the opposing buildings a mere breath before Drake managed to jump up the remaining distance between her and the side of the building she rushed toward. She scrambled over the rooftop¡¯s edge, before running down the side of the building. Glass squeaked beneath her sneakers before the building  seemed to erupt. An explosion of debris and metal occurred behind her, making her lungs feel temporarily incapable of drawing in air.


    Don¡¯t look down, don¡¯t look down, screamed Drake mentally, far less afraid of heights than seeing what may be happening to the people that were potentially in the building she ran down as it crumbled.


    The collision caused the second Skyscraper to cave in, bringing the second building down toward her as the structure folded in on itself like a chopped tree.


    Drake could hear nothing but her heartbeat, running as the second building threatened to smash down on top of her as if she stood within the center of the page of a closing book.


    She saw the shadow of the building behind her loom, and she was forced to run straight off the side of the building she ran down. Her jump taking her just far enough for her to feel comfortable pulling her parachute.


    The two buildings further collided, causing a burst of air and shrapnel to tare through the air behind her, pushing her further away from the chaos, luckily not puncturing the parachute as glass rained down all around her.


    She began to hoot and holler in celebration, feeling relief for the first time since the stewardess spoke in panic over the plane¡¯s intercom.


    ¡°No fucking way, not even a fucking plane crash can bring me down baby, Eat a fat one grim reaper, not today, maybe tomorrow, but not today, not even if you had a dozen more buildings to throw at me mother fuckers!¡±


    a few moments later she landed atop a gas station roof, pulling the chute from her shoulders, just before turning to look back at the destruction that ensued behind her, and then toward the havoc all around her.


    Fires lay in every direction as people pillaged storefronts. An untold amount of civilians fought in the streets, even as many more tried to escape the violence occurring all around them.


    The closer she got to the gas stations rooftop edge, the more she was able to witness. So as the speeding car that raced toward the gas pumps just below her came into view with its driver seizing behind the wheel, Drake could only sigh.


    ¡°Well fuck me sideways¡­¡±

 0.5 Prologue Part 2: Chosen by the maiden’s children

    Drake blinked. She could feel something was wrong, but when analyzing herself mentally, nothing registered as damaged or injured.


    What bothered her even more was why she felt the need to check on herself, not having had felt the need to do such a thing since she¡¯d broken her arm at thirteen years old.


    She continued to blink up at the ceiling, until she heard a very familiar clicking noise next to where she lay. Looking over, she noticed a long haired young man, playing a very familiar game on a laptop that¡¯s cracked screen told Drake, that she was looking at her own computer being played.


    I haven¡¯t had that gaming rig in years¡­ Didn¡¯t I give that away?


    She sat up in bed, slowly looking around the room, coming to realize she was in a hospital suite. Her memory told her she¡¯d been there before, and after a moment of thought Drake remembered that it was the room she¡¯d woken up in when she¡¯d fallen off her roof, after thinking the best training to improve her leaps would be to increase the pressure of each jump. She¡¯d even pictured Neo from the matrix preparing himself before she tried to jump the gap between her and her neighbors roof.


    Idiot, Neo even fell when he tried to make that jump, had been the first thought she¡¯d had when she had been woken up by her mother in the hospital.


    ¡°What am I doing here?¡±


    The young man didn¡¯t answer, continuing to play world of warcraft on her laptop as she took herself in. Surprisingly enough she found that her hair was shorter, as were her legs and herself as a whole, realizing that her cast was on her left forearm again as if she¡¯d been returned to her own past.


    No way all that was a dream¡­ right?


    Finally flashes of her morning flooded her mind as if she was suddenly given the ability to look through her memories in picture perfect quality. Every aspect of the memories enough to tell her that they were far too lifelike to be that of simple dreams.


    ¡°Son of a bitch,¡± said the young man with a sigh, finally closing her laptop and turning to face her.


    ¡°Oh, your awake.¡±


    He stood and smiled. Drake shocked to see the young man that changed the world as she knew it.


    ¡°Your him, your that terrorist that can fucking fly!¡±


    The starry eyed young man chuckled, shaking his head as he approached her bedside, leaning over the rails and resting his chin in his palm; his free hand patting her casted arm.


    ¡°Nope, but for whatever reason you feel more comfortable receiving bad news from strangers, so I picked the form of one of my many descendants,¡± said the young man.


    ¡°What, your many descendants, what the hell are you talking about?¡±


    The young man smirked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have very much time and explaining exactly who I am is a story that is legitimately older than time itself child, so rather than try and keep you here long enough to sate your curiosity, I¡¯m going to make you a simple proposal.¡±


    Child, who does this dude think he is, he doesn¡¯t look a day older than me?


    ¡°What kind of proposal?¡°


    She couldn¡¯t help but be interested. She honestly had no clue as to what was occurring, and couldn¡¯t help but wonder why everything she was currently experiencing felt slightly¡­ off.


    ¡°As I said before, I am the barer of bad news,¡± prefaced the young man, straightening before he continued.


    ¡°Can you guess what I am about to tell you?¡±


    ¡°No not really¡ª¡°


    Drake¡¯s words cut off, her memories seamlessly continuing to play out in her mind, until her eyes widened and her mental epiphany fell from her lips as if she couldn¡¯t help but admit her truth aloud to herself, and the stranger in that moment.


    ¡°I died¡­¡±


    the young man nodded.


    ¡°Problem with that is that you weren¡¯t supposed to die yet, survive a plane crash, yes, but to be effected by the event brought on by the rebirth of magic forced onto your realm, or planet as you mortals call it, was not supposed to happen at all.¡±If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°What was supposed to happen?¡±


    She couldn¡¯t help but ask, even though she truly didn¡¯t even want to know if she was being honest with herself. She somehow knew she wouldn¡¯t like the answer, no matter how it was presented.


    ¡°So many things dearest, you were supposed to become a world renowned doctor, marry the most beautiful woman you¡¯d ever met, and even cure cancer¡­¡±


    ¡°What¡­?¡±


    She knew that she wouldn¡¯t like the answer. She couldn¡¯t have guessed that it would make her outright furious, but the pain she felt immediately was worse than how she¡¯d felt during her first ever heartbreak.


    She¡¯d been younger, dumber and far to inexperienced with understanding herself, yet the news she¡¯d just recieved eclipsed everything she thought she could have possibly been told.


    ¡°I cured it, I can¡¯t believe it.¡±


    ¡°I know how much that bothers you child, solving an issue that took your mother from you after she was already gone effected you to the point that you nearly lost your marriage in the despair of that realization, which is why I feel obligated to make you this offer.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    The young man waited a moment before speaking, and Drake was glad to be given a minute to let her mind wander, taking a few breaths to explore the explosion of thoughts that unsettled her mind.Truly feeling as if a wrecking ball was breaking down a normalcy of peace she usually experienced mentally, which should be expected with the fragility brought on by being told she¡¯d just died.


    She believed anyone who expected their brain to work correctly in this type of situation was unrealistic, which made her oddly enough appreciate many of her favorite anime characters that much more Being able to face such harsh realities with a smile on their faces was incredible.


    Eh, not like I feel like crying or anything, thought Drake smirking to herself.


    ¡°So what is it, am I one of the lucky souls that gets to be reborn in a magical world,¡± said Drake, realizing the young man wasn¡¯t going to push her until she showed any sign of being ready for what he had to offer, waiting on her to speak first after the hard news.


    ¡°What, no, I was going to say you could restart your life, land on another building for maiden¡¯s sake,¡± said the young man with a laugh.


    Drake slowly nodded, looking away, feeling strange about how disappointed she felt that she wasn¡¯t going to leave Earth and learn magic somewhere else.


    ¡°Wait, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯d prefer that, would you?¡±


    ¡°I mean yeah, kinda, don¡¯t see why solving cancer would even be all that big of a deal on my own planet, isn¡¯t magic going to take care of most of those kind of things?¡±


    The young man nodded, seeming to think a moment, looking down momentarily before returning his gaze to Drake.


    ¡°Hmm, I¡¯d be lying if I said solving the issue of cancer wouldn¡¯t be made easier with the system being used, however, in the timeline that you cured cancer, the system wasn¡¯t integrated, Earth is a forbidden dominion and is no longer allowed to have such things as magic and Ki, also known as the Cultivator¡¯s life forces, if it weren¡¯t for my despicable grandchild doing as he pleased during his dead year, none of this would have ever happened, with the exception of your plane crash that is, that event was one of many constants within your lifeline,¡± said the young man explaining the matters in a way that only filled Drake¡¯s mind with more questions, even as it made her feel comfort.


    Why can¡¯t I seem to put a finger on this dude. Its like my mind is screaming at me, but I can¡¯t exactly tell what it is¡­ Haven¡¯t felt this thrown off since dad had me play poker with those world champions¡­


    Drake was intuitive within her intelligence, and knew that she was missing details, feeling as if the environment she was in was causing her to think less, and feel more.


    Am I being tricked somehow? What would be the motive, I¡¯m a nobody. If this person is a god or a being as powerful as one, they could more than likely get anyone to do what they needed, so why do I feel like I¡¯m being guided toward a specific choice?


    By this point however, Drake began to sense that something wasn¡¯t rightwith this person. She was entirely convinced of it in fact. Their delicate movements weren¡¯t that of an effeminate man, but entirely motherly.


    The young man wore a smile that felt as if she was being looked at by someone who knew the struggles of womanhood, and even being wise within their right brained mentalities. She felt she stared into the eyes of her grandmother rather than a young man. A sense that grew further tangible the more the young man spoke.


    ¡°Would you truly want to live in another realm, a place of magic I mean,¡± asked the young man, making Drake¡¯s eyes narrow.


    Is that it, but why would a god want me to live in another realm?


    The question rang in her mind, and Drake wanted to say that she didn¡¯t know what she wanted, attempting to gain as much information as possible before she truly gave an answer. Yet she couldn¡¯t, no matter how much she tried to force the words from her lips, she could not, eventually only able to nod slowly.


    ¡°Are you sure, there are quite a few different realms of magic, some middling, while others grand in scale, which would you prefer?¡±


    Drake again tried to speak in timidity, presenting a subtle falsehood to gain more information about what she¡¯d be getting herself into; finding herself only able to speak what her soul felt to her core.


    ¡°I want it all¡­¡±


    The young man nodded, and smiled.


    ¡°Well then, you have chosen the second option it seems¡­¡±


    ¡°Why do I feel like I truly didn¡¯t have an option then,¡± said Drake more mumbling than speaking aloud.


    ¡°Because of where we are child,¡± said the young man, spinning in a slow twirl with his arms out, gesturing toward the rest of the room.


    ¡°No desire but your hearts deepest wants can be shared here, it is something we needed to set in place, so that the souls of those we chose to send abroad, couldn¡¯t state that they were forced to do anything that they didn¡¯t feel comfortable with¡­¡±


    Drake nodded, looking around at the hospital room, and couldn¡¯t help but note that though she remembered the room from her past, there were substantial differences, significant changes in fact. Oddities that couldn¡¯t be ignored.


    The drapes seemed to be made from spun gold. The pure whitecarpet seemed to rustle like grass just tall enough to be caught in a summer breeze even though it was but an inch or two tall. The biggest difference Drake noticed simply took her breath away.


    She looked out the window and caught a glimpse of heaven itself.


    Holy¡­!


    beyond the window was a kingdom of seamless white stone. Paradise laid bare, as if it was formed in an instant, rather than carved piece by piece, sitting just beyond the walls of the room she was in like the lands of dreams yet to be explored an instant before waking up.


    Her view gave her a portrait into a world of light that spoke of a lack of understanding of what darkness was, leaving Drake to believe nightfall didn¡¯t exist there.


    The place was a balance of gardens and water, caught in endless movement and growth that seemed to serve countless men and women with wings flying in every direction.


    ¡°Am I in heaven, should I have just chosen to stay here?¡±


    ¡°This is what mortals perceive as heaven yes, but your soul is new darling, you would be restless here in a matter of days and join the rebirth cycle, at least in this situation you are being given an opportunity to keep your knowledge and start with a bit of an advantage in your new life.¡±


    Drake nodded.


    ¡°So what do I need to do?¡±


    ¡°Nothing but close your eyes and take a deep breath my child, everything else, I will handle.¡±


    Drake smiledwanting to keep her eyes open and thank the young man, only then realizing as her heavy lidded eyes were closing, that the voice of the young man had been completely feminine when speaking her final words to Drake. The fact that it was a very familiar voice escaped Drake as her mind grew foggy.


    I knew it, that was a chick in a dudes body¡­, thought Drake chuckling mentally.


    Drake took a deep breath, only to feel an incredible pain in her ankles a moment later, opening her eyes to see something she couldn¡¯t quite believe.


    She stood in front of a cavern so deep that its bottom couldn¡¯t be seen. Blinking, she wasn¡¯t able to tare her eyes from the terrifying sight until she heard a violent scream come from her right.


    ¡°What in the fuck!¡±


    She was in a line of chained individuals, all of which stood before the very same hole she stood in front of. The scream she¡¯d heard was that of a woman falling into the hole, twenty places down the line.


    This chain reaction caused another scream as the next,, and the next person was pulled in to the darkness before her. Her eyes widened, and in that moment she realized, she¡¯d been had.


    ¡°Mother Fucker!¡±

 1. The Vessels of Demons

    Aurora could see the castle she thought would forever be her home from where she stood. The majestic buildings apex could be seen even above its towering fortified walls. The home of her parents enclosed by more powerful magics than could be found nearly throughout the entire kingdom as a whole.


    May the gods curse my bloodline, and bring ruin to my family name. By the light of my soul I hope you all burn, cursed Aurora mentally as she tore her eyes away.


    The beautiful kingdom of Imperial stretched in every direction around her. The place a futuristic metropolis of both science and magic, seemingly housed in medieval architectures.


    Everything around her built from magically infused marble; glass made from mana, and metals farmed from a slave planet known as Earth to her people.


    The kingdom of Imperial was a growing bowl, surrounded by oceans that would have long ago flooded the lands if it were not for the invisible domes that lined the circular continents scattered throughout the realm.


    From where Aurora was, the oceans were so far away that the deep blue waters that stretched half way up the dome were indistinguishable from the blue edges of the skies above.


    Aurora knew the terror that could be felt when standing at the edges of the continent, having had pressed her hands against the barrier that stopped the water from surging in all around them.


    When visiting the damn nearest to her families manor while vacationing six season cycles ago for her birthday, she gained a perspective of scale in magnitude that showed her a fear that lived within all when faced with anything seemingly larger than life itself.


    The dam had gushed crystalline waters, water falling into a basin below that lead into constructed rivers, spiraling through every section of the continent.


    These same waters; splashed through bountiful garden terraces, flowed softly through the homes of the wealthy in spotlessly clean canals, and even burbled through beautiful fountains constructed to provide the only free resource for all those who lived in the kingdom.


    Aurora once cherished the sight of the water made drinkable by runes from any source, feeling as if they¡¯d been nothing more than places to play and spend time relaxing. Even though the dangerous element often took the lives of any and all who couldn¡¯t swim. Countless citizens slipped into the ever moving channels; the water flowing from the kingdoms edge, over the step like sections that separated one area of each community into another, through the streets and open buildings held up by towering marble pillars, and all the way into the very hole she stood before.


    Mother once told me that those of Earth bury their dead, as we just float our own dead down stream as bounty to keep back the hordes below as offerings made in the name of the maiden. Makes me wonder what sort of bliss those of earth must live in, not knowing what it is they live and die for.


    She even remembered watching as a dead woman floated by as a child, her and her peers laughing at the fate of the woman who was serving as nothing more than fodder to feed the fathomless hunger of the monsters that lived below all life.


    The very same water that flowed in a trench to her left, was made attractive to all sea life by being purified by mana and sunlight. It alsolead to lakes so large that their beaches were considered unsafe to swim due to the oceanic creatures that migrated into their unseen bottoms, coming in throughthe dam openings that lined the kingdom.


    The powerful creatures that made it past the coast guards of Imperial were often invisible, or only able to breach the entryways due to the large number of aquatic schools traveling together in packs, making the access of some inevitable. As the coast guards numbers were limited


    The edges were far unlike the many islands her parents owned that could be found in areas dedicated to entertainment or fishing for resources. These areas had their perimeters guarded by Cultivators. Entire villages could be found there that had been made to house those that worked as fishermen, or fought against dangerous sea life.


    She let tears run down her face at the memories spent on the coasts, staring upward, not wanting to face the reality of what was to come.


    We are all nothing but slaves to the gods, stuffed like fish in an aquarium to feast upon one another, lost and forgotten by the true rulers we serve as they too sacrifice for the maiden who may have forgotten them¡­ The words of her father echoed through her mind, tormenting her even more now than when she¡¯d first heard them spoken as a child.


    The once dazzling multi colored sunset now felt like that of a distorted portrait of horrors as she kept her eyes skyward. The kingdom below heaven that previously smiled upon her mind, body and soul with its multitude of suns, seemingly endless skyscrapers, and a glamour that came with a bustling economy, now bare its teeth at her, revealing its demonic visage before her very eyes for what it was.


    Was this the world you wanted me to see father?


    The truth of her once beloved homeland, was now stripped of all its former marvel and innocent qualities, leaving only darkness and a growing hatred for all its inhabitants, both high and low.


    Everything was built by those without power, to serve those known to be favored by the gods and the maiden. Yet Aurora had once sneered in the face of those beneath her, uncaring of the sacrifices made by those who struggled for the wealthy, dying for individuals they¡¯d never met.


    Ha, mother did say if I continued to laugh at the plight of those beneath me that I¡¯d eventually face the worst of what primitive life had to offer¡­


    Aurora looked down at the chains made from hardened light that connected her to a long line of supposedly soulless men and women that stood to either side of her. The runes of the manacles detaining her shifted wildly, twisting the light to look and feel like that of gnarled barbed wire.


    The pain caused by the light made physical was excruciating, making her head spin in agony at every move she had been forced to make.


    Her every stepmade blood trickle down her ankles, forever scarring her; blood pooling within her shoes to the point that as she walked toward the entrance to the Catacombs, she left tiny crimson footprints trailing behind her, marking almost the full length of the journey down the path to her grave


    All of this over a fucking skill¡­


    Aurora brought up her Overlay, ignoring yet another glob of spit as it struck her tattered clothing. She could no longer face those that threw rotted food, spat, or even slung the excrement of their bonded companions. She instead stared at the empty spaces that filled her Overlay. The rage that simmered in her mind growing with every time she reread her status page.


    Name: Aurora Imperial.


    Age: 13


    Race: Cultivator


    Bloodline: Dormant/Unknown


    Class: LockedIf you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Innate Abilities: Unknown


    Techniques: None


    Skills: ???


    Current Attributes =


    Offense: 0.1


    Defense: 0.1


    Systems: 0.0


    Aurora clenched her fist so tight that her hands began to tremble and bleed; her fingernails puncturing her soft palms regardless of there manicured perfection.


    Was everything just a lie¡­? She roared every angry thought in her mind, her voice long ago lost to her violent screams as she was pulled from the palace she was born in.


    The Imperial Guard didn¡¯t stop the holy men and women she now could only see as zealots. For this could only be lunacy, as only evil and injustice could result in the theft of her entire life by ripping her from her home.


    Her parents may rule the kingdom, but without the doctrines set by the church of the maiden, no ruler was sovereign. So regardless of how many times she¡¯d heard her parents tout their lack of belief, there was nothing either could do when she was dragged kicking and screaming through the palace gates.


    The blasphemy I could share being spouted within the palace walls¡­ Not that any of that matters now.


    Those without a skill on their status page by the summer equinox of their thirteenth season cycle were believed to be without souls. The few hundreds of people in front of her were not all thirteen however. Many if not most were actually citizens found and captured after escaping being scanned; the church often missing many who fled by the summer equinox after reaching the age of majority.


    Those of lowborn society could normally tell if they were going to develop skills at a very young age. The status page of an Overlay was unlocked by seven, often giving hints as to what the skill would be, through listed abilities, or higher than normal attributes.


    Aurora was the eleventh in line to the throne, and long believed that due to her being that of the HonorBorn, the highest skill bestowed portion of society, that she without a doubt, would get a skill by her thirteenth birthday.


    It was only now, in the moment before the massive hole known as the Catacombs that she knew the folly of those thoughts and beliefs. Now remembering every look that passed between her parents and siblings when she spoke of what she believed was going to be her given skill. The knowing side eyes that spoke of fear and what they all knew was to come.


    All of the HonorBorn had skills already bestowed to them the same moment they unlocked their Overlays. All except Aurora.


    ¡°You may believe this to be unfair, and in this regard you couldn¡¯t be anymore incorrect!¡±


    Aurora looked up finally, looking to the head priest of her local chapel; the man flying above the center of the cavernous hole; walking upon the balcony of a flying villa, its length wrapping around the entire exterior of the home, allowing for the regal man to look upon all those captured to hear his message.


    Aurora pulled her eyes from the man, and back toward what lay before her. A hole so vast that she could not see the opposing side, nor its bottom no matter how desperately her eyes searched its edges.


    The number of those chained was so numerous that the front of the line could be seen a few yards to her left across the trench. Every person there all forced to face their ends in the same way she was, connected by torturous manacles; guards patrolling behind them all, forcing them to stay lined up around the hole.


    At least you got to live a life, thought Aurora when she glanced from the boy to her right, before looking toward the adult man to her left.


    A tall man stood there with his shirt dangling, shredded and torn from his shoulders. His garments ripped in the moments of his capture, showing the fight he put up in the moments that lead to his inevitable death.


    No life was reflected in his eyes. Only light glowing fromthe softly illuminated stone made Aurora able to see the man¡¯s darkened features, leaving Aurora to feel that somehow the light to be seen after death was all that shined up at him, as if he died on the walk toward the hole. Many others in line shared his dead eyed look, all knowing what was to come as they either stared forward or toward the priest above.


    He was left to stare at the weight at his feet that would soon be kicked into the hole before him and all his fellow chained. Left to bare the fact that he would be the first to die, and the first to know what it was to be sacrificed for nothing more than ritual, as demons hadn¡¯t been seen in millennia.


    Unlike her peers, Aurora wasn¡¯t being spat on, cursed at, and struck with waste for the same reasons as those around her. She was being treated this way for her reputation alone. As those that were older than thirteen were seen as betraying the will of the maiden for hiding from this iconically honorable ritual, she was receiving the wrath of those she belittled from her noble perch, treating the citizens of her kingdom as nothing more than tools to be used, broken, and thrown away.


    Now she would be thrown away. Given to the veracious void to feed the demons that would forever plague the lands of Imperial, and every other continent which in Cultivators lived and died within the realm.


    Who even knows if we still face the wrath of demons. How it must feel to be the first in this line of lives moments away from being dropped into the darkness that is our self constructed hell, thought Aurora, looking back up toward the priest that spoke to them all, daring to believe his words didn¡¯t fall on def ears in the instances they had left before he killed them all. Aurora baffled to come to the understanding that this same ritual was happening across the entire realm, countless others all standing before a hole just as terrifying to confront.


    ¡°The maiden has chosen you, you may be without souls, but even this is for a reason,¡± Said the priest. His voice was projected in the same way it was every time her family went to see the man preach at their church, and Aurora couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she was being punished for not having a deeper relationship with the gods and the maiden, not even able to remember the name of the priest even as his familiar voice touched her ears.


    The priests robes billowed in the tropical breeze that flowed without end through the realm of Imperial. The black material was lined with the runic language of the realms, and was worth enough to feed a kingdom stricken with poverty for an entire season. Aurora cursing the man¡¯s every rigid feature as he spoke, slowly spinning to face the gathered citizens and the bound soulless.


    ¡°Without this sacrifice, the demons below would return, swarming the land as a bane unlike any seen before in this realm!¡±


    Aurora felt her hand yanked backward, turning her head to see a scowling man, lifting a runic brand. He saw the blood marring her palm, and forced her to wipe her hand on her formerly pristine white clothing.


    The sensation of heat that pressed into her hand in the next instant made the glare she sent toward the man fray. Her vision went white, and though she tried to scream, not a sound spilled from her lips. The smell of burning skin striking her as wrong as she felt her knees weaken.


    By the time she could see again, she was shocked to see the actions of the man behind her. A portal as large as her torso hovering above her hand was being filled with mana stones; Aurora glancing around to see that her fellow soulless were all being given the same treatment.


    Then a box popped up in her vision and she read, the man before her closing the portal with the use of his own mana.


    *Notification* - Spatial inventory unlocked - You have unlocked a spatial inventory, however due to the lack of access to mana within your body, you do not have the ability to access its contents.


    Slots Available: 1.


    Slots filled: 1 of 1.


    Inventory list: 1000 basic mana stones.


    Another box immediately popped up in her vision and she frowned, knowing that its contents neither helped her, nor would they ever come to effect her.


    *Notification* - Time until spatial inventory unlock - ???


    What¡­ why in the fuck would they¡­ She trailed off mentally as thoughts bloomed like a freshly started campfire in her mind.


    Aurora only had to think for a moment before she realized what was being done.


    We don¡¯t have mana, without this they would be doing nothing but dumping dead bodies in a hole¡­


    The demons of the Catacombs, or the land before time fed on the flesh of cultivators of Ki, mana, or void energies. So without what was being done to those around her, nothing would stop the emergence of the notorious demons of old.


    ¡°Fear not, you will not live beyond the fall!¡±


    Aurora laughed mentally. I won¡¯t even experience the fall you ugly old bastard¡­


    Aurora looked at the tribal sun now burned into her hand as the guard stepped toward the next person in line. The young man screaming as he shook his head in fear of what was to come.,Aurora only then noting that he¡¯d probably smelled her flesh as it burned just a moment prior.


    Surprised I didn¡¯t topple over, but I suppose they can¡¯t let that happen until these bastards are done adding the garnish to this feast for demons.


    ¡°Know this children of the dark, the maiden loves you, and for this your journey will end in peace, never forced to be reborn in the realms of trials and tribulations!¡±


    Yeah right, fuck the maiden and any gods who let this ritual of dread continue!


    Aurora made her decision in that moment. For her family¡¯s secret was the only detail that she believed could save her in the moment before her horrific death, and only by giving her a slightly less violent option.


    The only option she felt that she had to save herself from experiencing the plummet and the inevitable fate of feeling her body explode as it collided with the depths below.


    ¡°I hope this brings ruin to your entire life father, I forsake you, I forsake the name you and that wretched woman you call a wife gave me, and in my last moment I vow that in my next life, I will be what brings the end to your reign,¡± mumbled Aurora underneath her breath, readying herself for her early end, wiping away her tears as an unspeakable rage filled the depths of her heart and soul.


    She¡¯d once been told by the man that birthed her that the secret of their families bloodline¡¯s state of dormancy being told to anyone would result in only one thing. her immediate death. A death which she now felt would be far more honorable than allowing for her end to be decided by the vile priest before her.


    She looked over at the tall boy next to her and couldn¡¯t help but smile at his features. His long black hair identical to her own. His straight as hers was curly. The boys yellow irises meeting her own crimson gateways, tears running down his face as he looked away from the brand as it touched his skin.


    His eyes widened and he bit back a scream; his tightening jawline enough to communicate just how much pain he was in, Aurora wondering if he was on the verge of losing teeth with how hard his bite was now clamped down.


    A moment later she saw relief on his face, and she settled on him as her choice, as the chained man to her left was too far.


    Surprise wiped away all signs of pain from the boy¡¯s face as Aurora leaned in, stepping up onto the tips of her toes and shared what she knew would be her first and last kiss with the shocked young man.


    The guards didn¡¯t stop the action, as many stranger things had been done before, and the simple kiss was actually one of the many more common and tame situations playing out between the soulless.


    Jumping early was something Aurora had already witnessed a handful of times, only for the guards to pull the suicidal sacrifices back up, often unconscious, bloodied, and broken. The weight of those above only allowing for their bodies to fall enough to smash into the exterior of the hole they all stood before.


    ¡°Sorry about that, I just couldn¡¯t die without knowing what it was like to have a kiss.¡±


    The boy¡¯s cheeks reddened, and he nodded, not knowing what else to say after having his first kiss stolen by the most beautiful girl he¡¯d ever seen. One he believed to be as beautiful as a princess. The boy himself being of the rare few who wasn¡¯t aware of her status.


    ¡°I know this may be unfair in our current situation, but may I request something of you,¡± asked Aurora as formally as she could manage. Her voice raw and containing a malice she felt in her chest even as she tried to speak sweetly toward the boy beside her.


    ¡°Of course, anything for a beauty,¡± said the boy with a stutter that managed to make Aurora smile. Feeling as if she was running out of time, she made her request.


    ¡°Can I tell you a secret?¡±

 2. Drinker of Gifts

    ¡°Of course you can,¡± said the nameless black haired boy, showing the princess a confidence in their last moments that she wasn¡¯t expecting. Aurora gulped, taking a deep breath and spoke the words she was told never to share with anyone.


    ¡°My family¡¯s bloodline is dormant, the power that once gave us the might to rule the kingdom as a whole is now suppressed, it is honestly to the point that we the royal family don¡¯t even know if we truly are the rightful rulers of Imp¡ª¡°


    The air was stolen from her chest in a flash. Her heart stopped beating, and her blood went cold.


    Aurora felt the moment her soul was sucked from her core. Her body went limp, and the energy that was her entire mind and soul was stuffed into a pocket within her brain. Felt every aspect of her body being possessed by a stranger; her mind, her body, and the core of her being that once held her soul, all taken to serve the will of another.


    The priest finished his speech, signaling for the stone connected to the man across the trench to be dropped within the catacombs, and the screams began in full.


    A cheer went up through the gathered crowd as the guard kicked the stone into the abyss below, and the first in line was yanked off his feet. Violently. Yet Aurora could only hear them distantly as her entire perspective shifted.


    What is happening to me!


    The eyes of her body went vacant as if she¡¯d been momentarily lost in thought. A clone of herself manifested outside her body like that of an astral projected duplicate; the secondary form hovering a foot off the ground,.


    Her new position gave her a view of everything occurring around her; her senses growing to envelop an expanded dome of space in 360 degrees.


    Her ability to see now transformed in a way that aloud her to see behind herself without the need to turn her head. See above herself, orLook up, without a glance or the need to raise her chin. As well as sense everything beneath where she currently floated, as if she had the ability to use a completely mental sonar.


    Before Aurora¡¯s physical body could fall, she watched an immense energy surge from the sky above, thrusting itself into her core through her solar plexus.


    All of this took a fraction of a mere blink, but Aurora was forced to witness it all in what felt to be a prolonged span of time, making her believe she was forced to behold every bit of what her decisions had ensued. In the next instant the light that briefly left her eyes returned, somehow even more vibrant than it had been previously, Aurora now watching herself as if she flew a few yards outside of her own body.


    She heard herself take a deep breath, straightening as she did so, but could no longer feel her body in the slightest. A notification popping up before her mind¡¯s eye, as she watched her body move of its own volition, looking around slowly before she felt the oddity of hearing herself speak as if from another¡¯s ears,the sensation instantly striking her as wrong.


    ¡°Mother Fucker!¡±


    Aurora couldn¡¯t help but notice the changes to her body, as her hair shifted, flickering between blonde and her normal pitch black. At the same time one of her eyes transforming from crimson to a glimmering gold. The notification her only clue as to what was happening to her.


    *Notification* - Bloodline Awoken - Guardian of Travelers, status unlocked - Through your noble sacrifice you have provided a vessel to a child of Omni. Now you must help this traveler grow to bring great change to the lands of Imperial and any other realm meant to be touched by their significant fate. Ready yourself Guardian, trials and tribulations of great difficulty lay before you. Only your soul stands between the end of all.*


    What the fuck!


    ¡­


    Drake felt everything around her slow. A rage filled her chest and her mind began to thrum in a way that she¡¯d only ever felt when she fell short of a goal. This was an emotion she only ever used as fuel, a sensation she often felt necessary to push herself beyond her current limits.


    It was easy to create mental boundaries when running across the rooftops of abandoned complexes, or diving out the windows of apartment buildings well above ground level. However, the more she couldn¡¯t achieve any given challenge, the more her heart pumped wildly, and the more furious she grew at her perceived inability to succeed.


    Until endless tenacity and practice lead to accomplishment, and finally she tasted the only drug she would ever need.


    The adrenaline was intoxicating, and the anger was even more inviting in its offered power. In that moment as she prepared to fight against the circumstances she found herself in, she wanted to roar. Bellow toward the heavens in defiance to show her fury.


    This time¡­ I refuse to be controlled by expectation! You wanted me to die here! I¡¯ll show you¡­ I¡¯ll show you all, roared Drake mentally as she chuckled aloud, drawing the eyes of those around her.


    ¡°I can¡¯t die here, I just got here¡­,¡± said Drake softly, smirking.


    She looked around and her vision narrowed, taking in her situation, even as the number of bodies between her and the fall diminished rapidly.


    Some sort of guard stood but a few feet behind her, sneering in her direction. The man looking at her as if she were some parasite that needed to be cut from the world of the living.


    Hmm¡­ no armor, just a spear¡­


    She looked down, noting the length of chain between her and the boy whom stood next to her, the young man wearing a strange wide eyed gaze in her direction.


    Why is everyone looking at me like that, am I ugly or something, damnit, not only am I about to die, but I probably look beat up too! Son of a bitch, not now Drake, focus!


    She turned around quickly and whispered toward the wide eyed boy beside her.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time, when I move, get as close as you can to give me slack on these fucking chains, got it?¡±


    The young man¡¯s brow furrowed, but he nodded slowly.


    ¡°What happened to your¡ª¡° Drake ignored the boy and moved, turning around in one fluid step.


    Drake spread her legs as far as she could, lowering her center of gravity, smiling as the nearest guard frowned in her direction.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re¡ª¡°


    Drake charged, rushing the man, ignoring the sharp pains that ran up the lengths of her legs. The man raised his spear to lash out at her, but Drake was ready.


    The stab of his spear came right toward her eye, and she dodge, only a few inches between her and death; Drake uppercutting the man in the gut as hard as she could.


    She wasn¡¯t a skilled fighter by far, but what Drake did know how to do was control her body.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    The boy she was chained closest to rushed toward her as quickly as his pained shuffle would allow, and as the guard she punched bent at the waist in pain, Drake dove forward, performing a handstand, threading the man¡¯s head and neck between the chains around her ankles, and her legs.


    ¡°Got ya,¡± said Drake, using the man like a pull up bar as she did a sit up mid air, angling herself to look the man in the eyes as she squeezed.


    She¡¯d wrapped her legs around the man¡¯s neck in a chokehold. Completing a triangle. The wrestling maneuver she had only ever seen done a handful of times, and that was in movies, or by professional UFC fighters.


    ¡°Unlock my chains or your coming with me bucko!¡±


    The man¡¯s eyes went wide as he realized what Drake had managed, trying to lift his spear.


    ¡°No the fuck you don¡¯t buddy,¡± said Drake, clamping one hand around the spear point end of the man¡¯s weapon, and smashing her palm into the bridge of his nose with the other.


    ¡°Give me the key or die with the rest of us,¡± screamed Drake, continuing to smash her palm into the man¡¯s face, swiping at his free hand every time he tried to punch at her flailing form.


    ¡°Get her,¡± screamed another nearby guard, just as the man Drake choked began to struggle to breathe, dropping his weapon in the process.


    ¡°Give me the key now!¡±


    The man fell to his knees, and Drake turned his spear toward him even as her back and head was smashed into the ground below, momentarily causing her to see stars.


    She blinked away the daze just in time to see another guard close in, thrusting her stolen weapon into his gut as he lifted his own spear in a two handed grip above his head. The second guards weapon dropped uselessly from his white knuckled grip, clattering to the ground at the feet of the boy.


    ¡°Now,¡± roared Drake as she returned the spearpoint to the first guards face. The second guard stumbling backward as blood flow free from his midsection.


    She heard a struggle beside her, glancing to see the boy had picked up the dropped spear, and started swinging it wildly about at any who dared approach.


    finally the guard she battled pulled a small rectangle from the pocket of his cloth pants; the glimmering item shaped like a credit card. The guard swiping the tool made of light across the chains against her feet. The pain disappeared from around her ankles,, making her realize the object was the key she¡¯d been demanding; Drake turning the spear she still held around, stabbing the blunted end of the weapon directly between her captive¡¯s eyes before she let him go.


    She grabbed at the card the man dropped, swiping it against the boy beside her¡¯s ankles. The boy gasping as he was freed; Drake scrambling to her feet a mere instant before the woman beside them both was pulled into the darkness.


    The woman¡¯s screams were that of nightmares, showing Drake just how close she was to dying. The area around them became an embodiment of chaos. The citizens either freezing in place before being trampled by their peers as they fled, or fought to get closer to the violence. Screams booming through the crowds as panic grew.


    ¡°What now,¡± yelled the boy, and Drake looked around. Alarmgripping her heart as five guards formed a half circle around them.


    The sound of water touched her ears and Drake glanced to see the trench, water rushing over the edge, giving her a meager hope. Drake further enraged by the irony that she had just escaped being dropped into a hole, only to have no other option but to jump toward those very same unknown depths to escape.


    Rather jump than get stabbed by spears!


    ¡°Follow me,¡± she yelled before yanking the boy by his arm, and pulling them both into the trench at a run. They jumped, and splashed into the frigidly crystalline waters, the boy screaming as they resurfaced. Both swept away by the powerful current, and pulled into the darkness below.


    ¡­


    Aurora was horrified. Not because she watched herself kill guards. Nor because of the smile she saw cross her bodies face, and not even because of how she cheered for what she knew to be an invader within her own body.


    She was horrified by the sensation of calm she felt. The attraction she felt. An outright urge to help this invader succeed in anyway she could filled the entirety of her being.


    Her soul felt at rest. Complete even. Almost as if her entire short life she¡¯d been searching for a purpose, that she¡¯d now found.


    Is this what my bloodline was meant to be¡­?


    She watched while whomever had taken over her body moved with a decisiveness that she herself wished she¡¯d had achieved whilst still alive. Her attitude as a princess had always been cocky and confident, but the facade was one that often left her feeling childish. Yet Aurora knew instinctually, seeing the look in this Traveler¡¯s eyes, that whoever had replaced her was truly fearless.


    Aurora wasn¡¯t tall, but the Traveler¡¯s gaze made the young princess seem dangerous. An aura emanated off of her presence that filled the area with a towering ferocity, making even Aurora feel as if she stared into the maw of a dragon.


    The Traveler wore a smile from the moment she charged, to the moment she dove into the water.


    The invader, or Traveller from what the system named the being in her body, had even managed to have the boy Aurora had kissed help her escape. A favor that was immediately reciprocated when the Traveler freed the boy, dragging him along with her.


    Aurora was shocked by the duo jumping into the trench, only to be further surprised when she too was dragged through the air, soaring at incredible speeds behind them. Pulled by an invisible tether that kept Aurora but a handful of yards from the Traveler, that she now knew she was meant to guard and guide.


    Even though she had no clue exactly what role she would play, how to interact in a world she now felt was intangible to her, or why she was having such thoughts while plummeting into the depths of the Catacombs.


    She felt herself screaming as the traveler and the boy were sucked deeper into the depths, feeling as if they¡¯d truly been dropped into the abyss.


    Matters only made worse when she saw an extended ledge below the pair, protruding out just far enough that she knew inevitablythat neither would be able to dodge. The jagged rock face was treacherous, and unavoidable being pulled through the downward current as fast as they were.


    Twin snaps rang out through the air, Aurora forced to watch as both slammed into the stone and were pulled down further nearly in the same instant. Both of the fallen¡¯s faces showing screams silenced by the prominent rush of the waterfall they were dragged through.


    Eventually they both emerged through a massive hole at the top of a cavern. Aurora relieved to see them both splash into a large body of water below; the rush of the current pushing both of the pair¡¯s floating forms to the smoothened edges of a nearby shoreline.


    The only problem was, neither woke. Both buffeted endlessly at the edge of the water by small waves. Neither looking as if they were breathing.


    To make things worse, Aurora swore that she heard the sound of growling incoming. Unable to pinpoint which direction the noises were coming from, she looked around. Noticing that the color of the pool they were in was shifting.


    Blood was poring in from small channels to either side of the waterfall, filling a pattern carved into the rock that surrounded the pool. Each rune lighting up as it was completely filled, causing the entire area to shake with power.


    Wake up!


    Aurora began to scream over and over, growing more frantic with every breath that passed.


    Wake up!


    ¡­


    Drake woke to the frigid sensation of water splashing up against her lower half. The sound of a distant scream and the sensation like that of an earthquake, boomed throughout her being. She felt like she was trapped in her mind, as if she¡¯d been yelling in her sleep and been shaken in an attempt to wake her up.


    ¡°Owww¡­¡±


    She immediately tried to roll over, finding that one of her arms wasn¡¯t moving no matter what she tried.


    ¡°Not again¡­,¡± groaned Drake. The pain was familiar, telling her that she¡¯d broken her arm. Problem was, this was her dominant arm, rather than her off hand as it had been when she was younger.


    This ain¡¯t good.


    Using her offhand she slowly managed to push herself upright, feeling as if something was wrong with her vision.


    No matter how many times she blinked, her vision stayed foggy, until she closed her eyes, rubbing them furiously. She then blinked rapidly, which caused her missed notifications to pop into her line of sight, clearing up the lens that seemed to blur her vision.


    ¡°That¡¯s new.¡±


    *Notifications* - Updates to Status - Condensed while under imminent threat.


    Bloodline Unlocked: Vampiric Sovereign of Dragons / Sunlight Guardian of Travelers.


    Skill unlocked - Drinker of Skills - As you have faced death, what had once slept within you, has now awoken. Your soul thirsts for more, and with every taste of the bloodlines of Cultivators, Demons, and even monsters, you shall grow. Let your hungering rage guide you to the summit of power child of Omni. For your fate is limitless.


    Innate Ability Unlocked - Limit Breaker - Due to your Skill Drinker ability being unlocked. Your skill count maximum is no longer capped by your class¡¯s normal range, but instead is limited by your total System attribute. Point value. 10 skills for every 1 point allocated to the System Attribute.


    Soul transplant successful - You now share this Vessel with its previous owner, granting you many abilities normally locked to all those ranked below Immortal grade by the system.


    Current Rank - Unranked.


    Break through first attribute barrier to become ranked within the world of Cultivation.


    Name: Aurora ¡°Drake¡± Imperial.


    Rank: Unranked


    Age: 13


    Race: Cultivator


    Bloodline: Vampiric Sovereign of Dragons/Sunlight Guardian of Travelers.


    Class: Locked


    Innate Abilities: Limit Breaker*


    Techniques: None


    Skills: Drinker of Skills*


    Current Attributes =


    Offense: 0.1


    Defense: 0.1


    Systems: 0.1


    Achievements: First kill before skill.


    +0.1 to System (Awarded for, first kill before skill*achievement)


    ¡°Okay, wish I knew what any of that shit meant,¡± said Drake as her stomach rumbled. Her eyes narrowing at the emptiness she felt growing in her stomach.


    ¡°Damn I¡¯m hungry¡­¡±


    Drake started to look around as an odd noise began to brush faintly against her ears, as if she heard someone yelling her name from vastly far away. She felt something brush up against her foot and jumped, screaming in alarm before she realized she¡¯d been touched by half of a spear. The broken weapon bobbing softly up against her foot.


    She reached for the weapon, grabbing it in her off hand, using it to pull herself to her feet, flattening the splintered end against the stone floor as she rose.


    It wasn¡¯t until she stood that she saw odd markings on the ground all around her beginning to glow. The characters of the unfamiliar language illuminated just enough to show the boy that had helped her escape laying on his back a few yards away.


    His eyes were open, and at first Drake thought him to be dead, until she approached and heard him murmuring something repeatedly. The words were spoken too softly for her to hear at first. Until she dropped to her knees by his side and leaned in, watching his distant eyes as he seemed to stare off at nothing. His gaze not even flickering in her direction as she leaned over him.


    ¡°I have a skill, I just needed to face, death, I have a skill, I just needed to face death, I have, a skill I just needed to face death.¡±


    He spoke the words over and over until Drake watched his eyes seem to sharpen, his focus locking onto something in the distance before he screamed, bellowing uncontrollably in absolute terror.


    Drake looked up to see what had filled the boy with fear, feeling her heart skip a beat at the sight before her.


    Holy¡­!


    Slowly climbing from what looked to be a rectangular shaft carved deep into the wall beside the pool she¡¯d just managed to pull herself from, was a skeletal creature of white bone armor and rippling black muscle. Its crystalline heart looked as if it was made of a liquified ruby,, as was its brain, both thumping rapidly to a visible beat that spoke of chaotic power.


    Yeah Drake, world of magic, great fucking choice, maybe should have thought about the potential of there being monstrous fucking creatures before agreeing to that!


    She stared into the eye sockets that swirled with a black light that felt as if they could see right through her. The eyes of the creature pulsed with energy and Drake¡¯s first instinct was to run, until she looked down at the boy, a box popping up in her vision as she looked him over, wondering why he wasn¡¯t getting up to run.


    What¡¯s wrong with him¡­? Is he¡­


    *Scan* - Cultivator


    Name: Vanish BaneBorn


    Rank: Unranked


    Age: 13


    Class: Locked


    Average Attribute Level: 0.2


    Scan Result:


    State of shock: Mental faculties diminished while panicked and struck by overwhelming fear.


    Broken spinal cord: Paralyzed from the neck down.*


    Drake sighed as she stepped over the boy she now believed to be named Vanish, and lifted her broken spear.


    Couldn¡¯t have just been shock, maybe could have slapped you out of it, but you broke your fucking spine ¡­ Your lucky you helped me kid, or I¡¯d be getting the fuck out of here.


    ¡°Well, looks like its me or you buddy,¡± said Drake, sucking her teeth in annoyance, widening her stance as she raised the broken spear in her off hand.


    ¡°Bring it on!¡±

 3. Unranked Slayer of Demons

    *Scan* - Monster -


    Name: Denizen of the Abyss


    Rank: Beginner


    Age: ???


    Class: Locked


    Average Attribute Level: 1.0


    Scan results - This undead creature is on the verge of sentience. Its hunger for the flesh of the living has given it great strength and speed, however its mind is still growing.


    Warning - This monstrous creature is connected to all of its kind and will learn through its life to adapt. If killed its brethren will be less likely to die in the same manner.(


    What, how is that fucking fair, its a god damn learning zombie¡­!


    Drake blinked away the scan, appreciating the ability that informed her about her opponent, but immediately understood how many of her favorite fictional characters came to complain about system based pop ups. It was a common trope in all the stories she loved, but she could honestly see a badly timed box result in her death.


    Focus Drake this isn¡¯t dial up internet, you don¡¯t have a virus. Take any help that¡¯s given.


    The skeletal monster walked toward her, straight backed and giving her the impression that it most definitely could handle itself in a fight. The monster clenched its fists over and over as if it hungered for violence as it approached, stepping smoothly as many of the various combat instructors her father often trained with had throughout her younger years.


    I wish I would have listen to dad and learned everything I could have from him and his friends!


    She often watched her father compete in martial arts competitions, loving how skilled her dad was. Yet her parents love of combat had never infected her with the same addictive love for hand to hand as it had them.


    Her mother had been a world champion fighter in multiple styles of combat before she died, but Drake only ever learned the absolute basics from her parents, pursuing her own interests instead.


    However, she did remember her parents number one rule of combat as she slowly strafed around her opponent.


    Always find the weakness¡­ Analyze your opponent in every situation, may your adversity be a fight or trial. There is always a route to victory.


    She smirked as her eyes danced up and down the body of the skeleton. Tooltips appeared when she focused on the heart and Braine with the words, Potential Vulnerability*. The words centered in the hovering red boxes that pointed toward the ruby like substances that were located in the chest and skull.


    That¡¯s a start. She glanced at her broken spear and began to slowly inch forward.


    Let¡¯s try the heart first¡­


    She did her best not to be frustrated by the pain that emanated through her right arm, wishing that she still had use of her dominant hand. Not only was her main hand more dextrous, she knew that if the broken spear was raised in her right, whatever strike she attempted would be that much closer to the heart of her target.


    No matter what she did however, the feeling of agony that was sent through her arm when moving the extremity was only comparable to that of a blinding pain. She couldn¡¯t even move a single finger on her right hand without instant regret. Yet, staring into the black holes that were the eyes of her enemy forced her concentration away from the overwhelming sensations in that moment, and made her prepare for what was to come.


    Breathe Drake, here it comes!


    Once the monster got but a yard away, everything changed. Its movements became not only skillfully coordinated, but precise in a way that showed it was aware of her current weakness.


    The first strike was aimed at the shoulder of her broken arm. The blow glanced off her arm. She almost managed to dodge; yet the mere brush of the blow was still powerful enough to send a terrible fire shooting through her entire torso.


    She wailed, dropping to a knee as her vision went white. She tried to blink away the water that filled her eyes, only to be kicked directly in her face. The straight kick landed with the flat of the monsters foot centered on her face, sending her soaring backward.


    She crashed down rolling end over end on the ground, until she came to a stop, the flat of her back clapping with a resounding slap against the stone floor of the cavern.


    She was slow to rise, shaking her head as the monster continued its deadly approach. Her head spun, a sensation of vertigo momentarily taking her balance. She stumbled to her feet, dabbing tenderly at her bleeding nose, thankful that it wasn¡¯t broken.


    She felt anger begin to build in her chest. Anger at her situation. At her choices both in regards to the learning of self defense and those that landed her in a dark cavern fighting a monster. Anger at everything.


    This time when the sensation to roar overwhelmed her. She let it loose. The roar came free of her as if from a dragon, Drake becoming lost in the fury that built within.


    She focused once more on the monster, and charged. Once in rage, the same series of attacks began.


    Luckily for her she hadn¡¯t let go of her broken spear, but the weapon proved useless as she dodged the fist aimed at her broken arm. The metal tipped weapon skittered ineffectively off the black muscle and white bone of the monsters torso, literal sparks dancing through the air between her and her foe.


    The straight kick came, and once more Drake was sent flying. This time the strike took the air from her lungs as she was hit in the gut. Her body folded around the monsters outstretched leg with enough force to make her spit up blood even before she landed.


    She fell on the side of her off hand. Dropping her weapon as she slid a few yards before coming to a complete stop.


    She blinked, gasping for air, scrambling backward, scooting frantically until she saw that the Denizen hadn¡¯t started to rush her. She bit her lip trying to get to her feet as she struggled to breathe, checking herself as her body began to tremble. Not in pain, or fear, but in an all out rage.


    She felt anger at her weakness. Anger at how unfair the situation at hand truly was. Even anger at how little she knew of this new world she found herself in.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Never back down¡­!


    She stood, walking toward where she saw the broken spear, its metal tip glittering in the dark next to the runes that continued to light up the cavern. She kept her eyes on the monster as she bent to pick up the spear, catching a whiff of a smell that reminded her of fresh fruit. Her stomach once again groaned, and Drake¡¯s vision blurred as she received a notification, forcing her to blink rapidly.


    *Notification* - status effect - Starved.


    You are on the verge of becoming absolutely ravenous. This may cause an increase to the senses. However, staying in this state for too long will cause the loss of normal cognitive functions.*


    Hmmm¡­


    Drake tore her eyes from the notification and returned her gaze to the monster. This time as she watched the skeletal creature step closer, its movements seemed just the tiniest bit slower.


    She raised her weapon and dashed into melee range. She felt an immediate difference in her own movements. The little light offered by the illuminated runes in her periphery seemed to blur, and the exchange of blows began again.


    For the first time, Drake was able to see the fact that the skeletons opening move was that of a palm strike and not a well placed punch. An understanding of how this attack was harder to dodge instantly filled her mind, as the open palm covered far more surface area than a closed fist.


    She dodged the blow, watching as the monster began to lift its leg to deliver yet another straight kick.


    Not this time bucko!


    She kicked out, angling her heel straight toward the knee of the monster¡¯s leg that wasn¡¯t being lifted to kick her. The monster was barely moved, stopping its attempted straight kick, stomping its extended leg down as it sent a flying back fist in her direction.


    Drake ducked, but was still clipped enough to be sent sprawling onto her side, screaming as her broken arm struck the ground.


    The skeleton lifted its leg to stomp down on the arm of her off hand, causing her to perform a half roll to dodge.


    The eyes of swirling darkness never left her, as the same leg was lifted again, extended far upward. The skeletal leg this time straightened, showing the monster¡¯s absurd flexibility, as it swung its heel down in a chop that forced Drake to roll once more.


    She was once more forced on to her broken arm to avoid the blow.


    The foot struck the ground where she¡¯d just been, cracking the stone floor. Shards pierced the air around her as she once again jumped to her feet; kipping upward rather than continuing to roll, knowing she was still in a dangerous proximity to her foe.


    The flip to her feet was impressive, but still showed her just how much her new body wasn¡¯t acclimated to those types of maneuvers. Her body wasn¡¯t weak by any means, nor did it lack endurance, but Drake could tell by how her head spun after righting herself so quickly, that the previous owner of her current vessel wasn¡¯t acrobatically inclined by any means.


    She growled, barely able to contain the rage that was overwhelming even her heightened senses in that moment.


    ¡°Bring it on!¡±


    Once more the Denizen¡¯s brutal combo of furious blows began, and Drake did her best to avoid each and every strike, hoping that an opening would present itself.


    The palm strike whistled by her, brushing passed her chest as she turned sideways to dodge. More of what she¡¯d been taught filled her mind as the reality of the life and death battle she was now in brought memories to the surface.


    Keep enough distance to be able to strike back. Watch how each limb bends, and how the muscles of the body bulge and relax. Defend even as you strike.


    The straight kick came, and instead of trying to unbalance her foe as she had prior, she waited until the limb was extended fully. She then pushed as hard as she could, extending her left arm away from herself, performing a footballer¡¯s stiff arm.


    The maneuverwasn¡¯t as effective as it could have been without the broken spear she held, but still ended up working in her benefit.


    The monster¡¯s body turned slightly , but not enough to completely stop the swinging back fist that was sent toward her. Once again she ducked, but due to her last subtle deflection, she had enough time to dodge.


    Her hair was whipped up by the force of the blow sent over her head, and Drake could feel her heart racing as she stepped forward.


    The skeleton stomped, the noise of the bone against stone enough to make her ears ring, but she ignored it, waiting for the heel drop she hoped would still be sent at her.


    The monster lifted its leg straight into the air powerfully enough that the limb whistled and snapped once reaching its apex.


    ¡°Got ya!¡±


    Drake spun toward the side of the monster with its exposed beating heart, and thrusted upward, aiming toward the pumping red crystal with everything she had, roaring as she did so.


    However just before her strike landed.The skeleton whipped out another palm strike that thudded into her midsection. The blow wasn¡¯t meant to send her flying backward with its ferocity as all the previously landed blows were, but was instead meant to stun.


    Her heart stop beating briefly, Drake momentarily frozen as the monster transformed its heel drop into a spinning roundhouse. The perfectly aimed kick cleaved into her side, launching her clear across the cavern.


    Her body skipped like a rock sent speeding across the surface of a pond until she crashed into the shallows of the nearby pool. Her body floated to the surface unmoving. Her eyes closed, and her breaths shallow.


    She didn¡¯t wake up until she was lifted by her neck. The monster raising her into the air with a single hand, causing her to flail about wildly.


    Drake somehow Still managed to hold onto the broken spear. She was now furious at how useless the weapon felt in her hands, watching her end draw near. An all consuming rage overtaking her senses and making her see red.


    I guess this is it, thought Drake with a mental chuckle as she scoffed aloud,glaring at the skeleton while the Denizen cocked its arm back to finish her.


    ¡°Ha, well¡­ I tried my best¡­¡±


    Then the boy she¡¯d stepped in to defend screamed and once more everything changed.


    ¡­


    Aurora watched helplessly as the Traveler in her body was barely able to defend themselves. She noted the Traveler had good fighting instincts, but their lack of combat experience was showing.


    Aurora had never killed, but as far as martial combat was concerned she had countless hours of training.


    At least she learns fast¡­


    The opponent she fought used nothing but the basic forms from a style of fighting known as Genocide. The combination of powerful and precise strikes was mixed with sweeping attacks , making the art form a perfect union of many dead combat arts. Thismade its practitioners able to overwhelm single opponents as well as defend themselves against a multitude of enemies. Slowly giving its users the ability to pick their opposition apart one by one with deadly strikes.


    Aurora was captivated by the fight as the traveler moved as skillfully as her elder siblings at some points, yet Aurora knew how low her bodies stats and attributes were. Which made Aurora wonder if her perception of stats was skewed.


    Are the limits of what are bodies can do as Cultivators far higher than we believe? Are wefar more powerful than we know, or has this Traveler¡¯s presence within me changed my bodies capabilities somehow?


    This fight left her with so many unanswered questions, changing her beliefs as to what was possible. She knew that Cultivator¡¯s had long lost the grandiose abilities claimed by their ancestors to move mountains and split seas. Seeing this Traveler fight and grow drastically moment by moment, made her ponder on the limits of her reality though.


    Is this mental talent, maybe the traveler has a perception of power that we are no longer capable of achieving?


    Her thoughts continued to race, Aurora glad that her new senses offered the ability to pay attention to many details or lines of thought all at once.


    No that can¡¯t be it, can it?


    Though she wanted to give her entire focus to the fight between the Denizen and the Traveler, Aurora couldn¡¯t help but sense the strange energies building in the boy that still lay unmoving in the pool. His eyes flickered about, taking in the fight as a strange black energy coded his body.


    She could feel him begin to sweat even though his body was cold. Saw his eyes dilate, and even heard the drumming of his heart grow to that of a wild stampede.


    What is happening to him?


    The longer the fight took to conclude, the more of the energy surrounded the boy. Until she could tell that his vessel had reached its limit, and was incapable of taking in anymore of the strange black energy being pulled from the environment all around him.


    Pulses of power rippled outward from his body , pushing back the small waves that buffeted against his skin.


    Finally the Traveler was struck hard enough to be knocked unconscious, crashing into the now blood tinged pool of water. She floated there, bobbing at the surface of the water as the skeleton walked toward her. Aurora screaming once again for the Traveler to wake.


    Nothing worked, and though she¡¯d felt as if she¡¯d gotten through to the Traveler before, the invader didn¡¯t rouse until she was lifted from the pool by her neck.


    The Traveler began to flail wildly, Aurora helpless, unable to aid her charge in any way shape or form. The broken spear her charge held did nothing but caused sparks to fly about. The metal tip ineffective and couldn¡¯t penetrate or damage the monster.


    ¡°Well¡­ I tried,¡± said the Traveler with a heavy sigh. Aurora¡¯s mind went blank as she watched the skeleton prepare a spear palm, readying a strike to pierce its hand directly through the chest of the Traveler. Through the heart she once called her own. Then the boy opened his mouth and screamed.


    ¡­


    Drake¡¯s eyes glanced over to the boy as he screamed in horror, at least that is what she believed was happening, until a black beams shot from his eyes, and the skeleton froze.


    ¡°Kill it now!¡±


    Drake¡¯s eyes widened, her gaze traveling down the streams of black lights being shot from the boy¡¯s eyes. An ominous energy consuming the skeleton, its body unmoving as she stared it down.


    ¡°What are you doing, kill it now!¡±


    Drake glanced back at the boy, and nodded, turning back to her foe before she roared and stabbed out, aiming for its heart.


    The first stab made the red light that backlit the crystalline structure of its heart and brain dim slightly. Seeing this, Drake retracted her arm, and stabbed again and again, still hanging from the monster¡¯s upheld chokehold.


    The black light that consumed the monster began to fade, and Drake grew desperate. Instead of continuing to stab at the now dimmed heart, she aimed for its brain, thrusting the spear tip directly into the exposed side of the monster¡¯s head, watching as the black swirls in its eye sockets vanished completely.


    She roared in its face, raising her hand in victory, screaming unintelligibly, kicking the unmoving skeleton over and over as she hung from the hand still clamped around her neck.


    ¡°Fuck yeah, killed you mother fucker!¡±


    She continued to curse in the monsters face, letting her rage die as she let her pent up fury ease from her mind. Only for a moment later to realize that the boy still couldn¡¯t move, and now laid with his eyes closed; the tremors within the cavern still growing as she struggled to free herself. The sounds of growling seeming to grow the more she listened.


    ¡°Son of a bitch, are you fucking kidding me, no way I¡¯m fucking stuck!¡±


    She lifted both legs, nearly standing horizontally on the skeletons muscular chest as she pushed with all her might.


    ¡°Oh come on, let me go you dead son of a bitch!¡±


    Then she heard it, another growl coming from just behind her drew her gaze to the shaft where the first monster had come from. Her mind unbelieving of the sight as two more Denizens fought to climb free of the shaft, slowing one another down as both tried to escape the tunnel. Both attempting to push passed the other, tryingto be the first to exit the shaft and get at her.


    ¡°Oh come the fuck on!¡±

 4. Lies & Undead Armies

    Drake stabbed at the hand wrapped around her neck without pause; her alarm growing as she noticed even more Denizens coming from the opposing side of the pool. Only then did she notice there was a secondary shaft as another skeleton emerged.


    ¡°Well, that ain¡¯t good¡­¡±


    This denizen was far more dangerous looking than its previously defeated counterpart. The far more feminine body was slender and had veins visibly woven through its entire frame. The intricate system pulsed with a vibrant power; the lines seemingly consisting of the same liquified ruby that she¡¯d first seen within the body of her first monstrous enemy.


    The Denizen still had its hair, but the sight of the monster made Drake feel as if she was looking at an even more advanced version of the monster she¡¯d just fought. She¡¯d barely survived the previous engagement, and had no intentions of fighting more of the incoming monsters.


    She stabbed and thrusted the spear point down on the wrist of the dead monster, chopping at the skeletal arm that still had her trapped with only one intention in mind.


    We gotta get the fuck out of here!


    Even as she worked however, she saw no exits in the darkness. The bones began to chip and crack, but not fast enough for Drake to feel safe with how many emerging monsters that had begun to swarm the cavern.


    The female Denizen was only but a handful of yards away by the time she managed to sever the skeletal appendage. She dropped into the water with the hand still attached to her neck, spluttering as she swam toward Vanish.


    She climbed out the water, and rushed toward Vanish¡¯s head, scooping the boy up by his armpit, barely able to pull him along with her off hand until she managed to gain momentum, praying that the wet of his tunic would continue to slide easily across the stone flooring.


    Holy fuck he¡¯s heavy!


    Drake started to drag the young man, pulling him further into the cavern. It was only then that she saw the line of runes that stretched in a straight line from the center of the cavern¡¯s pool; quickly deciding to follow the only source of light within the area in a rush to escape.


    The tremble that emanated throughout the room grew the farther she managed to pull Vanish; the only hope of finding an unrevealed exit being the slowly lighting runes at their feet.


    She dragged Vanish for what felt like an eternity, sweat drenching her from head to toe. Drake¡¯s back finally pressed up against a wall, making her look left and right to see if there were any openings to either side of her. She¡¯d kept the increasing number of Denizens in her line of sight as she¡¯d moved backward, and had only glanced over her shoulder to see where she headeda few times. Truly surprised by the cold surface as her back touched the stone.


    ¡°Well it seems our luck runs out here buddy, sorry I wasn¡¯t strong enough to keep you safe,¡± whispered Drake,looking down at the unmoving Vanish.


    Even though she was quickly able to resign herself to face her death again, she struggled to not let the eroding force that was fear lick the corners of her mind. The moment she spent facing the horde of monsters, she stopped breathingfor a span of time that felt longer than the half day since the last time she¡¯d seemingly been unable to overcome a perilous situation.


    Hope filled her heart once more as a tinge of air brushed against the back of her neck. Her knees nearly went weak as she looked at the light that brightened at her feet, and she was somehow able to take a deep breath. Her mind racing at anticipation of what was to come.


    She was even more surprised when the light shifted, crawling up the wall behind her.The light transformed and begun to bloom in a maze of spiraling characters behind her, making her crane her neck upward to see a straight line of runes, artfully carving up the wall behind her. The same wall she now knew was an extremely massive door, as the extremely large tribal sun that shown on the walls surface cracked down the middle.


    ¡°No way¡­!


    The wall opened up to reveal a blistering sunlight. Drake froze at the sight of what could only be another world. Not even noticing as the hand that was clamped around her neck turned to dust and blew away in the vibrant breeze that blew into the cavern.


    Beyond where she stood was a jungle unlike any she¡¯d ever seen before. The trees were taller than skyscrapers; they were even larger than some mountains in fact. The longer her eyes took in the area, the more that was revealed to her.


    There were vines that connected the trees, forming bridges seamlessly woven through the canopy above. Even more odd was the placement of the stone structures.


    Black marble architecture was woven between the abnormally large plant life. Larger buildings used many of the trees branches like foundational platforms, spanning what could only be city blocks. While smaller structures sat nestled atop smaller branches, but Drake could tell that even these buildings would be considered high rises back on Earth.


    The scale of the city before her shifted her belief at what was possible to build. Drake amazed by the use of nature, was easily able to analyze the ingenious way the city must have been built from the top down.


    Her mind broke down the structures in an instant. The skill gained by her years of parkour and her need to plan climbing routes in places without steps or ladders.


    The buildings showed a unique use of magic as science that made Drake feel as if the power of nature was belittled on Earth. Her mind lost pondering the what ifs of a nurtured natural environment, rather than an industrial society.


    The leaves of the trees so large they seemed to be used as streets and walkways. The natural openings in the trunk of the trees formed to support tunnels that held what Drake could only assume were the equivalent of railways. White marble boxes with openings on either end speeding in every direction as moving vines pulled them from section to section.


    Drake couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the fountains she could see above the top of some of the trees. The fountains overflowing, causing a beautiful weave of waterfalls to gush down and around all the complex engineering and design.


    She couldn¡¯t understand how so much water could be produced by the fountains even as large as they were, until she looked skyward once more. There she found holes in midair, water spouting from what could only be dimensional tares feeding the fountains.


    The only thing that surprised Drake more than what had been exposed to her was, what she saw when she looked back at the enemies she¡¯d fled from.


    All the Denizens stood at the edge of the half circle of light that bled in through the doorway¡¯s opening. Their numbers had grown, and Drake couldn¡¯t see the end of the mob that was now before her.


    It was then that Drake realized that she¡¯d frozen in the open doorway like a complete idiot. Cursing mentally at her ignorance until she heard a surprisingly stoic voice, drawing her mind from her thoughts, and back toward what was threatening her life.


    ¡°Nightfall will come Cultivator, and we shall be there,¡± said the Denizen at the front of the skeletal army. The obviously sentient woman pointed at drake. The skeleton¡¯s finger seemingly pressing up against a barrier made of light, ripples emanating from the point of her finger at the edge of the darkness her and the other Denizens stood within.


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind,¡± said Drake, pulling Vanish further into the light of the environment beyond; her curiosity triggering a scan of the Denizen that chuckled as Drake made her way inside the new area.


    *Scan* - Monster -


    Name: Valorant


    Rank: Adept


    Age: ???


    Class: Undead Mother


    Average Attribute Level: 3.0


    Scan results - This is an undying Adept. Their rank is too high for your senses to understand any of their true capabilities.*


    Woah¡­


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


    The doors began to close and Drake smirked, hoping that she¡¯d never have to come across creatures with such high level disparities to her own again, but having a feeling that she was only beginning to experience a taste of how bad her situation would become. The feeling growing worse as the Notifications started to pop up, blurring her vision.


    Def going to have to figure out how to change that, thought Drake as she blinked three times rapidly to bring up the notifications.


    ¡°Not like the notifications are any worse than me standing around like an idiot with an undead army at my back¡­¡±


    She was mad at herself, and counted herself truly lucky after what she¡¯d just survived.


    This isn¡¯t a game Drake, there are no cut scenes, you¡¯re going to have to think on your feet more than ever before, Drake thought before she read her new pop ups.


    *Notification* Updates -


    Information condensed while under imminent threat.


    Achievement Unlocked! - Unranked slayer of monsters, Epic -


    You have somehow managed to slay a ranked monster even before gaining your first level. There are many degrees of this achievement but you managed to skip all minor forms, achieving the epic rarity first.


    May your journey through Cultivation continue to be Mighty!


    + 0.3 Attribute points gained.


    Bonus: All further attribute gains increased when killing opponents of a higher rank.


    Welcome to Vivarium, land of the orphaned gods. You have entered a dungeon. This once civilization was sacrificed as a whole to create a training ground for the children of gods and Demi-gods. These lands are a growing dungeon fed by the realm above to support monsters between the ranks of Beginner, all the way up to the 11th rank, Ascended.


    Warning - You will not only be tested by the formidable monsters within, you cannot leave until you yourself have reached the rank of Ascended. This means that any Cultivators or even those of higher ranks than Ascended within this dungeon may also be a threat before you are able to leave. Be careful child of Omni, for your powerful soul is reviled throughout all realms.*


    Hmm. There is that name again. This is the second time I¡¯ve been called a child of omni or whatever that means.


    Drake reread the notifications a handful of times, making sure to slowly digest all the information she¡¯d been given, finding it concerning that the notifications had still been condensed due to imminent threat.


    Hoping there was a clue as to what her next move should be. She took a few moments to try and figure out how to use her Overlay. In the end only figuring out how to move certain aspects around.


    ¡°Maybe if I move the notifications panel to the corner of my vision they won¡¯t block everything¡­?


    She wouldn¡¯t know if any of her changes were permanent until her next notification, but moved on, worrying over what may happen if she stayed in one place for too long.


    Finding nothing of note in her immediate area, she looked around again, taking in more of the distant landscape.


    She wanted to use the advantage her current position gave her, being atop a mountainside as she was currently.


    She spun, taking in all directions one by one. Starting behind her was the doorway, perfectly situated on the mountainside. To her right was what seemed to be a vast ocean lined by red sand beaches. While to her left was a series of mountain ranges, rivers and lakes that all could be seen descending into the distance for as far as her eyes could see.


    Finally she looked up and was shown the limits of her new world. Though the notification spoke about how the dungeon grew, the sky above was strangely split, showing a night sky and a daylight sky all at once.


    Instead of the sky being as she was used to on Earth. The horizon above was vertical, giving an impression of night to her left and day to her right.


    Even more strange, was the crystalline surface that could be seen down the middle of the separated sky. It was as if the ceiling was some sort of simulated picture.


    Daytime created by the crystals above being filled with light projecting the imitation of what an atmosphere looked like. While night was made by a lack there of.


    The impression of stars was even attained by pinpricks of light far in the distance to her left, while the effect of clouds and blue skies were made by a mixture of various colored light in the distance to her right.


    Now that is going to take some getting used to.


    Drake returned her gaze to the city she now could see was settled at the depths of a valley. Able to see more, edging down the path that curled down to the base of the mountain and straight toward the city. The jungle there was backed to one side by mountains, and closed in on the other side by and ocean.


    Should I go there first? What if its just filled with high level monsters though¡­?


    She couldn¡¯t see any people or roaming monsters from where she stood, but was sure that was most likely because of the incredible distance between where she stood and the city she only then realized didn¡¯t have a gate. A defensive feature she assumed all magical cities would possess.


    Looking at the sky, Drake couldn¡¯t tell how much daylight she had left, thinking of the warning given by the Denizen Adept. She momentarily wondered if they should stay atop the mountain, and see what happened with time; pondering the possibilities that she may be able to gain an understanding of what was abroad if she waited and watched.


    She looked back at Vanish and knew as soon as she took in his sleeping form that she needed to make a decision quickly. Coming to the conclusion that if she didn¡¯t find a safe place for the boy to recover, the monstrous environment detailed in the notification would lead to both of their deaths. His for being injured, and hers for trying to protect him while he was.


    Looking around once more, she took in a small pathway that seemed to lead even higher up the mountain that she hadn¡¯t seen before. Her years of playing video games told her to search every corner of the world she now found herself in. The thought to climb up the mountain rather than descend making her sigh.


    Really Drake, climb a mountain while dragging a whole person around, what are you crazy¡­ Never mind Drake, don¡¯t answer that, your definitely crazy, your talking to yourself in your head girl¡­


    ¡°At least its not out loud right¡­¡±


    It took Drake a long time to get the boy onto her back. She¡¯d tried a fireman¡¯s carry, a princess carry and eventually landed on a piggy back setup, ripping the boy¡¯s sleeve¡¯s off his tunic to tie them together, finding the boy¡¯s clothes surprisingly durable, needing the broken spear tip to puncture a large enough whole to start.


    She would have used the cloth belts that was wrapped around both her and Vanish¡¯s tunics, but could tell easily that the belts were the only object keeping the pair from experiencing their pants around their ankles, rather than at their waists as they currently were.


    She sat between his legs, using his arms to pull him up, first tying their necks together, then tied their wastes together. The struggle to do so with one working hand was interesting.


    The activity took a large amount of trial and error, but she ended up using both her teeth and the crease of her elbow to get the knots tight. She was honestly proud of herself by the time she was done.


    ¡°Wow this is taking way too long Drake, come on woman, pick up the pace.¡±


    She¡¯d thought her accomplishment crafty and skillfully done, until it took her an untold amount of time to get on her feet; glad that she¡¯d thought to tuck her broken spear in the folds of her own tunic and cloth belt.


    She had to use every bit of flexibility her new body was capable of to get her feet tucked beneath herself, performing a sweat inducing stand, after failing to remained balanced an embarrassingly abundant amount of times.


    Once she was upright, she cheered in celebration, until she took a few steps and heard Vanish¡¯s feet drag along the rocky surface of the ground below and sighed.


    Then began her use of the sleeves of her own tunic. SHe¡¯d had to lean Vanish¡¯s back up against the mountainside. There she managed to cut off her own sleeves, nearly stabbing Vanish in the shoulder as she struggled to cut off her left sleeve with her off hand.


    Holding one sleeve between her teeth, she formed a loop out of the other batch of cloth, and used her own leg to force Vanish to bend his leg on the same side; dexterously tucking her ankle beneath his own, pulling his leg upward with a sort of eccentric high knee, bringing her foot up toward her rear.


    She then used the folded cloth to wraparound his bent leg, and once again struggled to tighten her knot. She had to do a standing crunch to get one end of the cloth in her mouth, hoping she wasn¡¯t hurting Vanish each time she bent, thus forcing his tied form to bend as well.


    I really hope we can find a miracle like health potion option for you buddy.


    She almost fell over numerous times,, cheering even louder once she managed to get both of his legs off the ground.


    Ugh,i¡¯m fucking exhausted and I haven¡¯t even started to climb, groaned Drake.


    She looked back at the world abroad,, and then up the mountain path, slapping herself on the cheek as she began her climb, feeling as if she could the feint sound of cheers in the background.


    ¡°Here goes nothing¡­¡±


    ¡­


    Aurora was baffled beyond believe. SHe¡¯d received an identical notification once she¡¯d been pulled into the dungeon alongside her charge.


    Since she was a child she¡¯d had the land of the demons described to her countless times. It was supposed to be a land of pure darkness. Plains mixed with fire and immeasurable frost. A land with endless chaos and destruction. A place built to torture the minds and souls of those undeserving of the maiden¡¯s light and love.


    How could this be? How could any of this be real?


    Her mind flickered between what she was taught and the reality of what she¡¯d now been shown. The realization of what her world truly was, making her mentally sick to think about.


    We are nothing but food to feed a training ground for the children of gods¡­


    The demons were real, at least that was true, but Aurora had a feeling that even their presence in the depths of the abyss they¡¯d barely managed to escape, was more likely to guard this godly secret than anything else.


    Further more, the demons were even more likely a test to see the worthiness of the Godlings that were sent here to train. As Aurora¡¯s senses showed her two details that her charge more than likely missed.


    One, was the black energy that left the body of the Denizen that she¡¯d managed to kill. The energy seemed to want to travel toward the shafts from which the Denizens had risen from, but had instead been consumed by a vortex that swirled to life at the boy¡¯s solar plexus. While secondly was where the light that filled the heart and brain of the Denizen vanished to.


    Aurora had watched the crimson light flow to the ceiling incrediblyfar above, lighting the largest and most intricate rune she¡¯d ever seen. The light stored in a crystal latticework that formed a sideways hourglass above.


    It wasn¡¯t until this rune lit entirely that the door to the dungeon opened, and Aurora doubted that her charge got the same achievement she was rewarded once she lay her eyes upon the spectacle shining down on the mayhem of clambering bodies below where it was located.


    *Achievement Unlocked* - Tongues of Celestials -


    You have witness a rune so powerful that you have been gifted the basic understanding of the language spoken by Titans. This language is known to be able to shift reality, distort time & space. Or even create without the use of mana, physical resources, or even sacrifice of any kind.


    Warning - using this languages power without the utmost experience and understanding can lead to forces beyond your scope and scale seeking you out in an effort to take this knowledge from you. Or keep the secret that is the delicate balance of power upheld by the gods to keep mortals from rising beyond the limits of their chained souls.


    Skill Unlocked - Basic Matter Manipulation -


    Through the use of the Celestial rune you have beheld, you can use the natural elements around you to create, distort and even destroy matter.*


    She read the skill and achievement dozens of times, but had no idea how to use the skill. Skill training began once they were unlocked within a Cultivator¡¯s Overlay. Any and all information on the topic kept a secret until then.


    She was more surprised to see that she could even gain skills after death. Which made her wonder even more if she¡¯d truly even died.


    Though she wanted to begin practicing with her skill as soon as possible, Aurora felt that she had far more important matters to accomplish first. The number one goal being, figuring out how to speak to her charge.


    She believed she¡¯d accomplished it already, sensing that the connection between her and the Traveler had been heightened during the brief periods of unconsciousness, making Aurora wonder if her ability to communicate was restricted by a lack of her own power, understanding, or both.


    She floated beside the girl she learned was named Drake, listening to the Traveler speak to herself during her struggle to secure the boy she¡¯d saved onto her back.


    Aurora talked during the entire process, finding herself cheering as Drake did. She was impressed by the girl¡¯s ingenuity, and even more blown away with her dedication to a boy she didn¡¯t know.


    Is this what real honor looks like¡­?


    Aurora felt herself wanting to change watching Drake. Become a being worthy of the person she now found herself tied to through circumstance.


    The power within her linked them in a way that she¡¯d never felt connected to anyone. Not even her siblings or parents.


    Part of her felt that she should be angry at having her body stolen, yet she couldn¡¯t manage to follow the series of thoughts for very long without her mind pointing out details that she could not ignore.


    Firstly, she¡¯d committed suicide. Yes she¡¯d been wronged by her family and the church, but before she could meet a dire fate, she¡¯d tried to give up on her own life completely, regardless of what ended up occurring.


    Secondly, was the sense of purpose that now thrummed through her. Her every thought was that of something she felt she may be able to do if she managed to figure out how to speak to Drake, finding herself wanting to help more and more with every task the Traveler chose to undertake and eventually accomplished through a strength of will and pure tenacity.


    Finally, was an urge to learn the truth that she¡¯d been lied to about since her birth. She needed to know the secrets of her realm. The what and why of every person or being that controlled the lives of those around her.


    With these details in mind, she¡¯d decided even without knowing she had made any type of choice. She would follow Drake to the ends of the realm and back, and become the best guide through her homeland that she could be.


    Now¡­ the hard part begins¡­

 5. Blood & Bones

    Drake climbed up the mountain. The path was long and arduous, but she was thankful to the previous owner of her body, as she could tell they were in decent shape.


    The only strain on her new body was the weight she held on her back. Vanish slept peacefully, his restful breathing both motivating Drake and putting a smile on her face.


    Her stomach began to hurt from hunger, but she was far to high to turn back, deciding to focus on her breathing. Every step a trial of its own.


    Drake¡¯s focus narrowed, becoming a catalyst for the triggering of aspects of her new body. Her mind began to thrum with energy that overflowed, overwhelming the frame that formed her blood, bones, muscles and skin.


    She began to jog. Then run. Until before she knew what she was doing and sped up to an all out sprint.


    Each breath she took felt like lightning. The normal stimulating pains that came with overworked muscles only fueled her, Drake experiencing only exhilaration.


    The hunger she¡¯d felt, disappeared. The pain in her ankles, gone. All she could feel was her heartbeat and a sensation filling her chest that made her feel like she was meditating.


    Notifications filled the corner of her vision, all unnoticed. The only details breaking through to her mind as she sprinted, the changes in the direction of the winding path she sped up. Her chest vibrated with power as she unknowingly drank mana from the air itself.


    This did not feed the growing hunger in her body, but instead began to extract toxins from her blood, bone marrow, and even her muscles, pushing years of gathered sludge and even parasites out of her pores.


    Still she did not stop. In fact she sped up even further, now feeling a growing sense of stamina and flexibility. Her bones popped and cracked as mana pulled unnecessary liquid from her joints and ligaments, reducing unnatural inflammation gained from an exorbitant diet.


    Which only made her that much hungrier. Drake still missing every notification as she raced up the mountain with a smile on her face.


    *Notifications* - Updates -


    Moving Meditation Unlocked - you have awakened a new Technique. With your understanding of anatomy, and the strength of your mind, you have begun to power your soul through motion.


    Toxin Purge Unlocked - New innate ability gained. You have uncovered how to remove unhealthy materials from your body. The continued use of this ability will cause a natural refinement of your physique and mana systems.


    Status effect - Ravenous -


    You are now running on fumes. This state will further increase your state of heightened senses to your bodies current limit. However you can no longer tell friend from foe. Until you are fed, your every action will only further the unraveling of your conscious mind.*


    ¡­


    Aurora couldn¡¯t believe what she was seeing. Drake had cleared the bottom third of the mountain at a speed that made Aurora realize that she had to be right about her original assumptions.


    Our current beliefs in stats is wrong¡­


    Aurora didn¡¯t know the exact speed her body was being pulled up the mountain at, but her charge was closing in on 45 kilometers per hour, or 25mph, Drake now running as fast as Aurora had seen her older brother Scepter move, and she knew the 15 season cycle old prince was at least Beginner rank.


    I wish I could see her stats.


    As she had the thought Drakes status page was pulled up and Aurora gaped mentally at the sight of the changes shown.


    *Notifications* - Updates -


    All aspects of the Traveler¡¯s status page held after a / are the Sunlight Guardian¡¯s own information and will not be viewable by the Traveler until an agreement is made between the Traveler and Guardian.*


    *Status* - -


    Name: Aurora ¡°Drake¡± Imperial.


    Rank: Unranked


    Age: 13


    Race: Cultivator


    Bloodline: Vampiric Sovereign of Dragons/ Sunlight Guardian of Travelers.*


    Class: Locked


    Innate Abilities: Limit Breaker. Toxin Purge.


    Techniques: Moving Meditation


    Skills: Drinker of Skills. / Matter Manipulation..*


    /System Secrets Unlocked: Celestial Language


    Current Attributes =


    Offense: 0.1


    Defense: 0.1


    Systems: 0.1


    Available points: 0.3


    Achievements: First kill before skill.


    Unranked Slayer of Monsters - Epic.


    / Tongues of Celestials - Legendary.*


    By the maiden, she¡¯s already gained 2 Innate abilities and a Technique¡­.


    Aurora marveled at Drake¡¯s growth, clicking on the unfamiliar abilities and technique and knew that she was looking at lost arts. Fabled uses of mana long lost to the realm of Imperial.


    The powerful long ago started to fear the strength being uncovered by Cultivators using the System, deciding that secrets of these abilities must be locked away in vaults inside dungeons seen as unconquerable. The location of these vaults were given to the Ancients of royal families throughout the realms, and Aurora now believed she knew how to find them.


    I wonder if each kingdom of Imperial¡¯s ritual sites lead into this dungeon or one similar. For all I know this dungeon could hold one of the Vaults of Imperial, or all of them. Only my eldest brother would have ever learned anything about this place for all I know. Or was I just told less than my siblings for being without skills.


    The number of vaults was lost to time, and further more so were the Ancient ranked Cultivators that were said to be entombed within them to protect the secrets for all eternity.


    Aurora believed their to be 21 capitols in the realm of Imperial, with her family being the highest ranked royal family of them all. Which made her wonder if their were 21 Vaults of Imperial.


    Her ancestor had chosen the name Imperial for their capitol before conquering the other continents throughout the realm. Every other Noble ruler at the time of the realms formation had also named their continents after various ideals of Sovereignty, but it wasn¡¯t until the head of her family conquered the realm as a whole that the name Imperial was given to the entirety of their plane of existence.


    These vaults held secrets that supposedly could lead a Cultivator to heaven and beyond, and Aurora thought this to be nothing more than fairytales, until now.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Drakes entrance into the realm made Aurora begin to look at everything she was taught as a child through new eyes. What was before myth, now felt more like history made more tangible by the power being displayed by the Traveler currently.


    If Drake could achieve these things at level 1. What could she achieve at higher levels and ranks beyond Beginner?


    More time passed and the sky began to darken, yet Drake didn¡¯t stop running. The Traveler was committed, and Aurora was stunned by her progress.


    It wasn¡¯t until Drake nearly crested the top of the mountain that Aurora realized that Sunset would bring challenges. Aurora watched Drake blur passed the abandoned skeletons of those who for reasons unknown to her weren¡¯t able to ascend the mountain , died on their way up, or potentially even while fleeing from what may be at the summit.


    Night moved like a looming shadow, slowly swallowing the mountain inch by inch, from one side to another.


    The path Drake ran up wrapped around the mountain in a spiral that lead to the apex, and Aurora saw her worst fear come to life. As Drake turned the corner of the last section of path on the now darkened side of the mountain, a Skeleton lurched, sitting completely upright the instant Drake ran passed. Aurora able to see the monster reanimate, bones jerking with uncoordinated movements in the expanded edges of the sensory dome around her. Her mind now incapable of missing anything moving or magical near to Drake, giving Aurora a different vantage in perspective to analyze everything held within her all encompassing range of sight.


    Her attention on the monster triggered a scan, the notification popping up in her mind¡¯s eye.


    There must be a way for me to alert Drake to these kind of things, maybe even indicate an enemies location, thought Aurora as she read over the scan results.


    *Scan* - Monster -


    Name: Bane of Bones


    Rank: unranked


    Age: ???


    Class: Locked/ Former brawler


    Average Attribute Level: 0.3


    Scan Results - This former Cultivator has been long reduced to nothing but a pile of bones. Regardless, the bones of this foe still resonates with the abilities and skills that once were trained into the body of this long dead Cultivator.


    Threat level: 5 out of 13 stars.*


    Aurora mentally went through the journey, counting the number of skeletal frames that Drake passed on her way up, shuttering at the few hundred decomposed bodies that may be rising behind Drake. The realization that Drake was more than likely trapping herself atop a mountain with monsters that could easily trample her with overwhelming odds, made Aurora once again panic. Aurora now once again screaming unheard in the depths of their shared mind.


    No Drake, turn back!


    ¡­


    The sound of rushing water touched Drake¡¯s ears and knocked her out of her trance. She slowed, cresting the top of the mountain to find a place only describable as eden. A luscious garden with countless types of different fruits was planted between a uniform series of trees, perfectly arranged around a lake with a large manor at its center.


    The home seemed to be that of a small castle, approachable by multiple stone paths made from stationary pillars that seemed to float atop the surface of the lake. Each step higher than the last, forming curving staircases that lead up to the elevated foundation of the manor.


    The sound of water that had struck Drake was one of the spatial tares she¡¯d seen above the jungle city below the mountain, crystalline liquid gushing down onto a glass room in the shape of a pyramid that was centered atop the manor. The water expelled from the portal mouth formed wall like waterfalls that covered the manor on all sides, flooding the rooftop to make the entire home look like a beautiful fountain.


    The view from where Drake stood was a picture of blissful solitude. Before she could truly explore any of the area, a quickly sharpening anguish lanced its way through her torso. Her vision began to fade, and she was finally able to notice a gnawing pain in her mouth.


    She dropped to her knees, untying the cloths that connected her to Vanish and tried to climb to her feet, but couldn¡¯t rise.


    A new sound filled her ears, flooding through to the core of her mind, making her turn toward Vanish.


    The sound of his heartbeat was louder than even the water¡¯s bustle at the center of the lake, and Drake found herself licking her lips as she saw the veins running down Vanish¡¯s neck light up golden in her vision; her tongue flicking across her newly sharpened fangs.


    Without a single thought Drake crawled pitifully toward Vanish¡¯s neck, pulling herself along with only her offhand.


    she eventually managed to reach his neck, moving completely by pure force of will as hunger pushed her to act. Drake had never truly given any thought to her statuses claim at her vampirism, and was now seized by a hunger that she couldn¡¯t fight even if she tried.


    Her teeth sunk into Vanish¡¯s neck and she began to drink. Slow at first, but as the ambrosia filled her stomach with life-force, she begun to drink deeply.


    Vanish¡¯s eyes shot open, and he hollered in agony. His eyes flitted around, taking in his surroundings, it wasn¡¯t until he saw Drake drinking that he stopped screaming.


    A moment of silence passed and Vanish spoke. The words affecting Drake more than anything she¡¯d ever heard spoken by another in her entire life; the young woman saddened by her actions, but even more by her sanities subtle return in the moment before he began to speak.


    ¡°Drink every drop if you need, my life is yours to wield as you need, for saving me from my end, I am yours, may I be nothing more than food, or even your greatest weapon, I am yours until my dying day¡­¡±


    Vanish¡¯s words struck Drake as if she¡¯d just heard a vow, her mind sharpening, and she stopped feeding, snapping upward and pushing herself away horrified at what she¡¯d been doing.


    She was unsettled by the words that had been spoken, and even more disgusted with herself when she couldn¡¯t meet his eyes as they stared at her with absolute empathy.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, I don¡¯t know what came over me,¡± muttered Drake, staring at Vanish¡¯s neck as the twin holes closed before her very eyes.


    ¡°It is okay, as I said, I am yours, and truly don¡¯t mind, I only ask that you feed me some of that fruit, as my Overlay says I will need sustenance to recover my available blood, your feeding has somehow increased my recovery rate, but I will need food and water,¡± said Vanish. Drake nodded, taring her eyes from his neck and looking toward the garden, noting silently to herself that the system status pages must be called an Overlay.


    I¡¯m going to have to remember that, and anything Else I learn from Vanish for that matter.


    ¡°Is there anything you would like specifically,¡± asked Drake, looking around at the abundant fruits of all shapes and sizes. Most of which she¡¯d never seen before, while only a handful seemed to even be slightly familiar.


    ¡°I enjoy Premier,¡± said Vanish, Drake having to look at him to see what fruit he spoke of. She followed his line of sight to see what seemed to be an all white apple.


    She then quickly made her way toward the tree and gestured, looking to Vanish for his approval. She had no idea what a Premier was, and didn¡¯t want to bring the wrong item back to Vanish after what she¡¯d just done to him.


    ¡°Yes, that one looks amazing.¡±


    Drake yanked the fruit from the tree and returned to Vanish¡¯s side, placing the apple down on the grass before she withdrew the broken spear she¡¯d kept from the folds of her tunic, slicing into the fruit.


    She fed him the entire apple, before dragging him toward the waterside, knowing it would be easier for her to feed him handfuls of water at the edge of the lake, rather than having to walk meager amounts back and forward.


    They didn¡¯t speak while she fed him and dripped water into his mouth slowly, Drake feeling awkward and embarrassed at what had happened, only gaining the courage after Vanish spoke up first.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°No problem it is the least I can do, without your help I wouldn¡¯t even be alive kid.¡±


    Vanish smiled, looking around again, his eyes twinkling at their new environment.


    ¡°Where are we by the way, the last thing I remember is the Cavern?¡±


    ¡°We are in some place called Vivarium, I guess it is some sort of growing dungeon, did you not get the notifications once we entered?¡±


    ¡°Oh wow, I didn¡¯t think to check, I¡¯ve never received notifications before the one I read once I woke up in the cavern about my bloodline, hold on let me check.¡±


    Drake nodded, interested if his notifications held more information than she¡¯d received. She was also interested in whatever power he¡¯d used to freeze the Denizen, that was until she looked over her own notifications.


    Notifications* - Updates - Condensed due to being in imminent danger.


    Bloodline Unlocked - Bloodline of the Necromantic BaneBorn -


    You have gained access to the magic of the rulers of the dead.


    Skill Unlocked - Dread Beam: This skill uses a Cultivators own fear or the fear of their foes, condensing the emotion into a physical beam able to freeze the bones of their targets. Activate fear meter, Yes / No.


    Skill Unlocked - Bone manipulation - This manipulation skill allows a Cultivator to control the movements of bones. Controlling the dead is far easier than the living, as an enemy¡¯s will can overcome the Cultivator¡¯s own and stop the manipulation being directed at their own bodies.


    Skill Unlocked - Reanimate the Dead - This skill allows a Cultivator to use the bones of defeated foes to make minions of the damned. To raise a minion the necromancer must sacrifice an entire level, which equals, but is not limited to 0.1 attribute points in Offense, Defense & System. Levels can also be used to upgrade the levels of minions, and or give them new skills and abilities.*


    Holy fuck¡­


    Her mind went blank, and Drake didn¡¯t even hear as Vanish started speaking to her.


    ¡°Hey are you okay?¡±


    Drake finally looked at Vanish, her brow furrowing at the question.


    ¡°Yeah, but can I ask you something?¡±


    Drake felt she knew the answer even before she opened her mouth to ask, but needed to confirm her suspicions.


    ¡°Of course, what is it?¡±


    ¡°Do you have a skill named Dread Beam, its okay if that is personal, you don¡¯t have to answer, I¡¯m not to sure the etiquette involve with how personal the information on someone¡¯s status page is?¡±


    Vanish¡¯s brow furrowed, his eyes narrowing in confusion, but he answered regardless.


    ¡°Yes, I do, but how did you know, do you have some sort of skill that allows you to read another¡¯s Overlay, I mean it wouldn¡¯t surprise me from someone of the royal lineage, but you would still be the first I¡¯d ever heard of with the capability,¡± said Vanish trailing off as he realized he was beginning to ramble.


    ¡°Royal lineage, do you mean to say I¡¯m like some sort of princess or something?¡±


    Drake frowned.


    ¡°Is everything okay princess Aurora, did the fall into the abyss effect your memory?¡±


    Drake shook her head.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to break this to you kid, but I¡¯m not princess Aurora, my name is Drake, I was reborn in your world just before our escape, I¡¯m just a normal 17 year old girl from a place called Earth.¡±


    Vanish¡¯s eyes went wide in shock.


    ¡°So you are not the princess, that must be why my scan of you reads that way,¡± stated Vanish; his gaze drifting away as he thought to himself.


    Drake once more shook her head, wondering what he saw when he scanned her, but simply decided to answer his questio.


    ¡°No,¡± answered Drake, wanting to ask a question of her own, but Vanish beat her to it.


    ¡°And you say you are from Earth, like the slave planet our realm uses as a diamond mind, that Earth?¡±


    It was Drake¡¯s turn to appear shocked.


    ¡°Slave planet, what do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to offend you,¡± responded Vanish, hearing the distain enter Drakes tone.


    ¡°The only Earth I know of is owned by the royal family of Imperial and is used to farm diamonds used to create mana tools,¡± explained Vanish.


    Drake went silent, digesting what she¡¯d been told.


    That would explain much of why our economy¡¯s were centered around the value of diamonds and other resources, thought Drake wondering if gold was also instrumental in the creation of mana based tools, Drake feeling forced to ask Vanish as the question began to bother her.


    ¡°What about gold?¡±


    ¡°What about it,¡± responded Vanish.


    ¡°Is it also used in the creation of mana tools?¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course, gold dust is needed for nearly every type of rune working.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it, my entire home is nothing more than a fucking mine¡­¡±


    ¡°You really aren¡¯t the princess Aurora are you?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m sorry to disappoint you, were you two close?¡±


    ¡°No, I mean she was my first kiss, but that was more than likely because we stood before the gates of death in the moment before she told me her families secret.¡±


    Family secret huh, I wonder what she told him¡­ Maybe I should ask later though, he seems a little sad, thought Drake as she contemplated briefly on how to respond.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I wasn¡¯t able to choose where I was placed, or to what circumstance.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry, you saved my life, I wouldn¡¯t have it any other way, well maybe without my back being broken, but I think I may be able to work around that if I can figure out how to use my¡ª¡°


    Vanish stopped talking at the sound of footfalls that came from the path that lead them to the apex of the mountain.


    ¡°Oh by the maiden, not again,¡± said Vanish panic filling his voice as a dozen skeletons could be seen walking toward them.


    Drake sighed, rising to her feet, and stepping over Vanish, feeling a sense of deja vu as she pulled the broken spear from the folds of her tunic.


    ¡°I guess this is just my life now,¡± mumbled Drake in annoyance, widening her stance, and preparing herself.


    ¡°Lets get this over with!¡±

 6. Deadly Maneuvers

    A stream of scans scrolled down the corner of Drake¡¯s vision; Drake wondering if the


    scanning function of her Overlay could perform mass scans of everything within her line of


    sight. All the enemies were unranked, but all had higher average Attribute Levels than Drake.


    Further more, though the monsters classes were locked, many of the scans indicated that her


    new enemies had former classes, making Drake wonder how much more deadly they were


    than the first Denizen she¡¯d been forced to fight.


    Their stats are lower, but I won¡¯t know just how much danger I¡¯m in until I test the


    waters.


    Drake took a deep breath, trying her broken arm, receiving pangs she felt were the


    equivalent to furious flames.


    Looks like I don¡¯t have rapid regeneration like the vampires in the stories told on Earth.


    She readied herself, directing her spear point at the first skeleton in the long line of


    monsters walking toward her. The monster was a former grapple expert with an average


    attribute level of 0.5.


    Drake glanced at her broken spear as a memory from one of her many table top games


    filled her mind.


    ¡°Skeletons don¡¯t take piercing damage,¡± muttered Drake, letting the spear slide through


    her fingertips until she held the weapon just below the metal end, turning it around in her grip,


    repointing the blunted end toward the Skeleton.


    Guess this will have to do¡­


    She inched toward the grappler, trying to stay aware of the additional skeletons behind


    the current vanguard of the mob. She analyzed the body of the skeleton, but none of the same


    potential weak points popped up as they had when she¡¯d fought the Denizen. The skull and


    chest were both empty, and Drake decided her best chance at survival was dishing out as


    much blunted punishment as she could managed with the shaft of the spear.


    A plan that seemed credible, until the first skeleton lunged, grabbing the spear shaft


    and yanking Drake forward. She was easily pulled o? balance and for the second time in less


    than a day, grabbed by her neck; the skeleton ripping the weapon from her hand in a ferocious


    tug, tossing the spear well behind itself. Drake¡¯s grip not enough to keep ahold of the weapon.


    Her eyes went wide, but before matters could get worse, a familiar black beam lanced


    out, stopping the skeleton from moving. She glanced back at Vanish, giving him a single nod


    before making a move of her own.


    She swept the monster¡¯s legs out from underneath the frozen skeleton, glad to find it


    was far less sturdy than the Denizen had been. The body of the grappler dropped to its back,


    and since drake had no other weapons, she used her body, stomping down as hard as she


    could. Relief filled her as the bones shattered under her assault, but she couldn¡¯t give too


    much attention to any one monster with the growing number of foes cresting the mountain top.


    She continued to stomp down until the skull was crushed, Vanish¡¯s energy dispersed,


    and she received a notification informing her of another 0.3 attributes being added to her pool


    of unspent points.¡°How many times can you do that,¡± yelled Drake.


    ¡°Well I¡¯m scared half to death, and this meter in my vision is full, so as many times as it


    fills up I guess!¡±


    ¡°What meter?¡±


    ¡°The meter that shows gathered fear, its the energy source for my Dread Beam skill,¡±


    yelled Vanish as Drake stepped forward, preparing herself for the next opponent. Her scan


    revealing the next skeleton to be a former Brute.


    ¡°Well don¡¯t just lay there, keep firing!¡±


    :Got it,¡± yelled back Vanish, chuckling.


    Drake immediately felt terrible at her choice of words, but before she could apologize,


    the next skeleton was frozen in place a yard away. The hulking figure was stopped with its long


    arms out toward Drake, its fists balled up in threat.


    Not today bud, sorry bout it!


    Repeating her last tactic, she knocked the Brute over and stomped the foe until all that


    remained was its unmoving arms and legs. Its torso and head crushed completely.


    Drake stumbled trying to step over the bones of the Brute¡¯s long arms, confused as to


    why the bones that formed its extremities remained connected to one another. She


    momentarily stared at the large fist of the brute and smiled; picking up the limb in her o?hand,


    swinging it about, getting a feel for the weight.


    Is there something still linking the bones, maybe some sort of magic?


    She couldn¡¯t think on the matter for but a moment, yet she still froze briefly enough to


    have a completely absurd thought.


    Hmm, I wonder¡­


    Drake smirked and charged, rushing the next skeleton with a burst of speed, hoping her


    improvised blunt weapon would hold up with what she planned. Her first swing was aimed at


    the knees of a petite skeleton; its scan identifying it as a former Ranger.


    The long arm she held by the humorous gave her a range advantage; Drake¡¯s cleaving


    strike obliterating the fragile knees of the skeleton. Without hesitation, she followed through,


    drawing the improvised weapon back, before swinging it overhead like a sledgehammer. The


    skull of the Ranger crushed in an instant.


    Both swings hadn¡¯t been perfect, as the arm had bent slightly at the elbow with each


    attempted strike, the arm moving almost how Drake would imagine a flail would. Only Drake


    didn¡¯t have time to be picky, settling on the generic war hammer for at least her current


    engagement.


    This will have to do for now!Drake smiled, then immediately frowned, noticing that the fingers of the Brute arm she


    used had cracked. She nearly tossed the arm aside in frustration, until she had another idea.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Why not¡­ they are bones¡­


    Drake tried to use her Reanimate skill, afraid that she had to spend the points on herself


    first, but lucked out receiving a new notification once she tried.


    *Notification* Reanimate Successful - Arm of the Brute -


    You have created your first minion. Arm of the Brute. Your connection to this limb is


    deeper than the bones of any other undead creatures.


    Scan - Hybrid - Monster/Weapon


    Name: Arm of the Brute


    Rank: Unranked


    Age: ???


    Class: Locke/ Former Brute/ Weapon


    Average Attribute Level: 0.1


    Stats -


    O?ense: 0.1


    Defense: 0.1


    System: 0.1


    Scan Results - This limb was once the arm of a mighty warrior. Now it is the tool of a


    newborn Cultivator. Its limits are bound only by its wielders imagination.


    Would you like to level up this minion, Yes / No ?*


    Drake smiled and clicked yes, sacrificing another 0.3 Attribute points to level her


    minion. The fist opened, and then closed as the damage to the fingers was restored, and the


    arm straightened, losing all its previous flexibility as if the minion knew what it was to be used


    for.


    Now that is what I am talking about, Thought Drake, ignoring the apparent selections


    that needed to be made for her minions level up.


    ¡°Incoming,¡± yelled Vanish, and another beam was shot over her shoulder, stopping the


    next skeleton in its tracks completely. Then the tied of battle was changed once again. Drake


    darted forward, aiming her new weapon at the skull of her next victim. The arm of the Brute


    hurtling toward the skull of her next target, taking its head from its shoulders in a powerful


    smash. The skeletal skull crumbled underneath the power of the blow and Drake roared as she


    ended the skeleton even before she could scan the monster for its stats.


    The next few moments were nothing more than elated carnage; Drake spinning through


    the skeletons, knocking limbs from bodies, smashing the undead to bits.


    Vanish fired beams from a distance, beginning to save his shots for instances where


    Drake wasn¡¯t entirely safe from being flanked.


    The skeletons numbers swelled, and dwindled simultaneously. Drake wasn¡¯t accurate


    nor graceful using her o? hand, but she didn¡¯t need to be with the war hammer like weapon.Some of her swings arced out, smashing through multiple skeletons all at once. Every swing


    was tremendous, and if she wasn¡¯t worried that she¡¯d lose the upgrades flashing in the corner


    of her vision, she¡¯d have spent her growing number of attribute points to level the weapon


    further.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go to far, I won¡¯t be able to help you if you push pass a certain point,¡± yelled


    Vanish and Drake nodded, stepping back slowly. She stumbled trying to walk backward over


    the scattered bones of her mayhem, sweeping her feet wide to clear the area as her enemies


    approached.


    ¡°You ready,¡± yelled Drake in question, never taking her eyes from the monsters before


    her.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± yelled Vanish in response.


    Drake nodded her head and smirked, wondering just how long this night would last,


    and if relief would come with the light of day.


    ¡°its time to level up!¡±


    ¡­


    Aurora couldn¡¯t believe what was happening. Drake was fighting tooth and nail to stay


    alive. Her every swing with her strange weapon was pure devastation.


    Every kill that the duo of Cultivators managed saw that their bodies were filled with a


    black energy tinged with various colors of mana. Aurora didn¡¯t know if what she saw was the


    void energy that came with attributes, various types of combined mana, or even a spectrum of


    both.


    She couldn¡¯t decide as she watched, knowing that these types of magical resources


    were supposed to be rare, which is why Cultivators both leveled up slowly, and ascended even


    more slowly. Ranks were supposed to be hard to acquire. Yet the pair might as well have been


    getting spoon fed energy, gathering the powerful substances in large quantities with every kill.


    The energy that rolled o? the Traveler and Vanish in waves was heavy. Drake¡¯s aura


    becoming dense, growing more oppressive the longer she fought. The force surging from her


    chest was tangible to the point that Aurora could tell the skeletons approach was being


    e?ected.


    Some of the skeletons Aurora scanned were as high as level seven. Yet Drake either


    broke them down piece by piece, or the foes were given absolutely no chance when Vanish


    froze them in place, making the skeletons nothing but statues to be destroyed.


    I would say that she was at risk of tiring at this rate, but with that meditation skill, she


    seems to be una?ected by all of this.


    The sight reminded her of seeing construction workers in the palace breaking down


    walls to add rooms or space to existing areas. Aurora could only wonder what Drake would be


    capable of with her other arm not being broken as she watched the Traveler work.


    This should be impossible¡­She couldn¡¯t tell if Drake was incredibly lucky; if her and Vanish were a perfect team, or


    if the enemies were supremely unmatched. The pairs skills obviously put the skeletons at a


    disadvantage, but with how many their were of the monsters, Aurora started to wonder if she


    was just making excuses.


    She wanted to believe that those of her home born within high society were the


    mightiest mortals the world of Cultivation had to o?er, but as she watched Drake, as well as


    Vanish grow, her faith begun to dwindle.


    She¡¯s in your body Aurora, you may have been just as capable¡­


    She tried to give herself the benefit of a doubt, but didn¡¯t actually believe she¡¯d have


    come close to the Cultivator she watched blooming before her. As Drakes impressive growth


    more than likely came from her influences being born on the slave planet known as Earth, while


    Vanish¡¯s own drive more than likely came from being sentenced to death, and given a second


    chance at life, and not just any kind of life, but a powerful one.


    Aurora wondered how long it would take before Drake used her left arm and hand, as


    well as she had seen her use her dominant limb during the Traveler¡¯s first skirmish with the


    Imperial guards.


    She¡¯d be a force to be reckoned with if she could use the art of duel wielding. Hasn¡¯t


    been seen in millennia, but anything is possible.


    Aurora didn¡¯t know if she would feel that way if she was speaking about anyone but


    Drake, or her brother Scepter.


    I wonder what choices she is going to make with that weapon of hers, all of those


    options seem interesting, I don¡¯t know that I¡¯d be able to pick easily, thought Aurora, looking


    over the upgrade options for the Arm of the Brute.


    *Notifications* - Upgrade Selections -


    O?ense: Form of the Palm , Form of the Spear , Form of the Blade.


    Defense: Shoulder mounted Defender , Flying Shield , Exoskeletal Armor.


    System: Dread Beam , Necrotic Energies , Life Lych.*


    Aurora had slowly read through the choices, agitated that none of the upgrades would


    be described until after they were picked. This made Aurora want Drake to duel wield that


    much more, feeling that a secondary weapon would grant the Traveler even more combat


    variety.


    Answer for every situation would make her odds of surviving this place grow


    exponentially.


    She made assumptions as to what she believed would be the best choices, and was


    excited to see how Drake would wield whatever selections she made.


    Not only was Aurora impressed with Drake however; she was becoming equally


    impressed by Vanish. Even with a broken back the young man found a way to be useful.


    No way¡­Aurora was shocked to see Vanish¡¯s hand move. Not because his spine was fixed, but


    because he used the same black energy that had surrounded his body within the cavern,


    somehow using it to make himself move.


    Only his left hand was moving, but it was also the only part of his body covered with the


    energy. He managed to move it small amounts in-between his shots at the skeletons, but still,


    he was making progress, and with who he¡¯d found himself partnered with, Aurora began to


    wonder if even his growth was influenced by Drake.


    Is he using bone manipulation on himself, but where would a lowborn get an idea like


    that?


    Just as quickly as she had the thought, she became ashamed of herself for having it,


    knowing that she would have to stop thinking of Vanish as a lowborn Cultivator, and Drake as a


    Traveler from a planet of slaves.


    He could just be intelligent Aurora, it¡¯s time to drop your biases about the low born.


    Even he is showing more promise than you ever did. You were lucky to have met him before


    you died¡­


    Aurora pushed her thoughts aside, focusing on the combat. She knew that if she was


    eventually able to communicate with Drake, that she would want to be an aid to both her and


    Vanish. So as the pair trained, so did Aurora.


    She floated just behind Drake, speaking out plans of attack that she felt would be best


    with how their enemies moved. Every time a skeleton entered her range, she pointed them out,


    describing their class, and any scan results.


    Their weaknesses weren¡¯t listed, but Aurora¡¯s studies proved beneficial, as she¡¯d been


    forced to study classes and their makeup before gaining a system as all her family had been


    forced to as children. Only royal libraries and those of high nobles kept such information, but


    unlike her siblings, Aurora loved class work.


    Rogue on the left. Speed class. Main skills deal with knife work. Enemy unarmed, so


    threat level 2/13 stars.


    The more Aurora practiced. The more the flow of combat changed before her eyes, and


    the more information she remembered.


    Ranger flanking from your south east. Ranged speed class. No ranged weapon. Skills


    compliment bows and crossbows. Unarmed, but oh fuck, duck!


    The ranger skeleton had bent down, retrieving a rock in one smooth motion and hurdled


    it toward the back of Drake¡¯s head before Vanish could fire his Dread Beam. Aurora didn¡¯t know


    what to do an had honestly panicked watching the rock, but to her utter disbelief, Drake moved


    slightly, as if she had eyes in the back of her head; the rock grazing harmlessly across the side


    of her face.


    ¡°Fuck that was close,¡± yelled Drake.


    ¡°My bad, I didn¡¯t know it would do that,¡± yelled Vanish in response.¡°Its okay, I think I¡¯m getting the hang of this,¡± roared Drake as she charged the ranger.


    Oddly enough the skeleton tried to maintain its distance, but fell due to the debris of all its


    fallen comrades.


    Drake made quick work of the fallen undead, but Aurora¡¯s mind was stuck on what


    Drake had just managed to do.


    How did she know it was coming, I can¡¯t remember if the rock made anything more


    than the softest of sounds as it moved¡­


    Aurora continued her practice, growing more and more convinced with every interaction


    Drake had with the monsters. Every dodge, every clean counter or parry Drake managed,


    making Aurora believe with an ever growing certainty.


    Can she hear me?


    ¡­


    Drake couldn¡¯t explain the feeling. It grew stronger and stronger with every skeleton she


    killed.


    She felt as if she had eyes in the back of her head. Felt as if nothing could approach


    within a certain range of her body without her instantly becoming aware of its presence. Not


    only that though, plans like that of coordinated strategy or warfare slipped into her mind as if


    she had a military general locked away in her head, whispering instructions to her as she


    moved.


    Was I always capable of things like this? Then why did I ever lose the war games at the


    academy, thought Drake chuckling.


    She bobbed and weaved, reaping a path of utter bone breaking might through the


    skeletons. Every swing created a chorus of shattering skeletal frames, that begun to fill Drake


    with the thrill of combat, in a way that not even roleplaying in the woods with her live action


    group over the weekends had.


    ¡°On your left,¡± came a voice, Drake had at first assumed was Vanish.


    ¡°I got it!¡±


    Drake swung her arm out, not even looking toward the skeleton that rushed her from


    her blindside. Only to have the voice yell again, pointing out another foe charging Drake from


    her rear.


    Behind you,¡± yelled the voice that Drake could now distinctly tell was a female. She


    spun, crushing the foe she knew was a rogue even without scanning the dismantled body; her


    overhead swing crumpling the skull of the skeleton into its caved in torso.


    ¡°From your south west, former Brute, class known for heavy blows and exceedingly


    high strength, unarmed, threat level 5 out of 13 stars!¡±


    Drake nearly froze, knowing where the voice came from, feeling its placement


    instinctually. Drake able to feel a connection to the voice; the sensation unlike anything she¡¯d


    ever felt before.No fucking way, thought Drake, speaking aloud a name that she could feel resonate


    deep within her soul.


    ¡°Aurora, is that you¡­?¡±

 7. By the Destruction of Brutes

    Can you hear me now?


    The words felt to come from outside Drakes head physically, Drake feeling as if she heard Aurora with her ears, but still somehow she knew that Aurora¡¯s voice felt far too close for the girl to be standing nearby, somehow invisible or unseen.


    Is this some sort of telepathy, maybe she is far away, wondered Drake mentally.


    She turned around, obliterating two charging skeletons with a single swing. She smiled and nodded, hoping that she wasn¡¯t hearing voices. As she didn¡¯t want to lose her mind, and didn¡¯t feel that she had, but wouldn¡¯t dismiss the possibility, knowing that stress could cause a mental break.


    ¡°Loud and clear princess, where are you exactly,¡± asked Drake, hoping she would hear any answer that wouldn¡¯t make her worry over her sanity.


    ¡°Who are you talking to,¡± yelled Vanish. Drake glanced at him and shrugged, hoping she didn¡¯t look as crazy as she felt.


    ¡°I think I can hear Princess Aurora talking to me, Let me figure this out, just keep firing!¡±


    I¡¯m right behind you, I don¡¯t think you can see me though, but who knows, that may change, you couldn¡¯t even hear me as of this morning, responded Aurora.


    ¡°Okay, why can¡¯t Vanish hear you as well?¡±


    I¡¯m not connected to him, or maybe I¡¯m not powerful enough as I am now to do so yet, I still can¡¯t tell if I¡¯m truly dead or alive. In this form, who knows, I¡¯m honestly as clueless as you about what has happened to us.


    ¡°Something tells me that isn¡¯t true, but I¡¯ll take your word on that,¡± said Drake, fighting off more and more skeletons.


    Maybe your right, there are a few things that I should probably address.


    ¡°Lay it on me sister.¡±


    I am not your sister, if anything I am your host, or are you mine, no, none of that matters now, you have probably killed around fifty of the three hundred or more skeletons that you passed on your way up the mountain.


    ¡°Are you fucking kidding me, there is no way we are going to kill three hundred fucking monsters!¡±


    I¡¯d agree if it was anyone but you, I think if we try a few things, you and vanish can definitely survive.


    ¡°Lay it on me sister,¡± said Drake again, used to breaking down social barriers with sayings of comfort commonly used on Earth, not knowing how much Aurora struggled to hear the words from her; the princess already missing the company of her siblings.


    I¡¯m not your, started Aurora, but Drake cut her off.


    ¡°Its just a saying, sorry kid I¡¯m just trying to be friendly, its not everyday that you have to speak with the person you stole a body from, cut me some slack.¡±


    Cut you slack, is this another of your Earthen terms?


    ¡°Yeah, it just means go easy on me, I¡¯m trying to make this as easy as possible for the both of us, this is awkward as fuck and I honestly don¡¯t know how to react.¡±


    I see, now that we can agree on..


    Aurora went silent, and Drake continued to do her best not to get overrun by the growing number of skeletons.


    ¡°Come on Aurora, what was it that you thought would help, not trying to rush you are anything, I bet all of this is traumatic for you, but we still need you right now, what¡¯s a good game plan here?¡±


    Oh yes sorry, I think that you should make your weapon upgrade selections.


    ¡°Oh yeah, but I haven¡¯t looked through them yet, I didn¡¯t notice it give me a description as to what they all did, is that normal?¡±


    Yes, I believe so, I looked over them as well, and can make a few suggestions, as I don¡¯t know what they do for sure, but with what I have studied about lost skills, I may be able to make some inferences for you.


    Aurora took the time to describe all of Drakes options, suggesting a few that she believed would make a difference, only to be flummoxed when Drake started to select none of the choices she thought to be the best.


    ¡°Okay, so if I¡¯m being honest, I like where your head is at with this, but I think I¡¯m going to choose a few different options, but first tell me this, how many minions can I make, it doesn¡¯t tell me anywhere,¡± asked Drake, hoping Aurora knew since she seemed to have access to all her status pages.


    I¡¯m honestly not sure about that, why?


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, let¡¯s just see if my idea works first, and if not, we will brainstorm something else,¡± said Drake, before she turned around and darted back toward Vanish.


    ¡°Cover me,¡± yelled drake, rushing toward where she¡¯d killed the first few skeletons, looking for something specific.


    ¡°Come on where is it!¡±


    What are you even looking for, asked Aurora.


    ¡°The other fucking Brute arm!¡±


    ¡°Drake,¡± yelled Vanish, his voice a nervous scream as he fired Dread Beam after Dread Beam, attempting to keep away the converging enemies.


    ¡°Give me a moment here!¡±


    Its behind you to the left, yelled Aurora, panicked by what she saw behind her.


    Drake turned around and saw what she was looking for, resting her first weapon on her leg before picking up the second Brute arm, trying to reanimate it immediately.


    ¡°Fuck yeah,¡±


    *Notification* Reanimate Successful - Arm of the Brute -


    You have created your first minion. Arm of the Brute. Your connection to this limb is deeper than the bones of any other undead creatures.


    Scan - Hybrid - Monster/Weapon


    Name: Arm of the Brute


    Rank: Unranked


    Age: ???


    Class: Locke/ Former Brute/ Weapon


    Average Attribute Level: 0.1


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


    Stats -


    Offense: 0.1


    Defense: 0.1


    System: 0.1


    Scan Results - This limb was once the arm of a mighty warrior. Now it is the tool of a newborn Cultivator. Its limits are bound only by its wielders imagination.


    Would you like to level up this minion, Yes / No ?*


    The same message popped up and Drake accepted the prompt to level it up. Except this time the level up failed, and she was forced to try it a second time.


    ¡°Drake,¡± yelled Vanish. Drake glanced up and saw the first line of skeletons nearly ten wide were all frozen, but even more walked around the group, their numbers growing as if the more of their brethren were near, the more ferocious they became.


    Come on, work for me baby!


    This time the level went through, and Drake upgraded the second weapon first.


    ¡°Okay, lets start with a shoulder mounted defender,¡± said Drake as she made her first choice. She lifted the right Brute arm, and settled the weapon on her shoulder as the area above the humorous grew a mantle, creating a shoulder guard like armor that covered her all the way to her neck with an intricate bone plating.


    ¡°Now we¡¯re talking!¡±


    She then chose form of the palm, and life Lich.


    Then she lifted the left Brute arm, and chose, form of the palm, exoskeletal armor, and life lich.


    Both weapons began to glow a subtle crimson, and Drake couldn¡¯t help but smile when the left arm of the brute grew small chain mail, made from bones, and a handle formed at the top of the humorous. While the right arm of the Brute, began to move on its own, an open palm raised out and away from Drake¡¯s body defensively.


    ¡°Okay, lets see how this goes¡­¡±


    ¡­


    Aurora was happy that she could now talk to Drake. Sad that Drake hadn¡¯t chosen any of the options she¡¯d suggested. Yet was completely amazed by the selections that Drake had decided on. The upgrades outrageously suited for Drake¡¯s current circumstance.


    Where Aurora would have chosen Dread Beam, Drake felt this would be a waste. Aurora didn¡¯t know why Drake felt this way, she was glad to see that life lich was such an incredible choice.


    Both of her weapons left trails of crimson light in the air as the hands moved with purpose. The left obliterated the skeletons with the slightest of touches as Drake swung the weapon. While the right blocked, and performed equally destructive palm strikes that made more and more of the skeletons crumble with a seemingly stylish ease.


    The system skill that Drake chose for the weapons apparently gave her bursts of energy, and Drake shared that she felt as if she was slowly gaining sensation back in her broken right arm.


    Aurora wondered if Drake fought against enemies that weren¡¯t undead if the potential healing factor of her weapons strikes would be higher, but dismissed the thought, pushing the idea aside until they were given a living enemy to test the ability on.


    The time will come¡­


    Where Aurora thought Drake and Vanish had been in a bad situation, the tide had changed drastically. Aurora continued to call out the direction of Drakes enemies as she fought, and the pair formed a routine to make the process as easy as it had felt before Drake could hear her.


    Their teamwork had been lacking at first, but after a few dozen opponents, Aurora adapted to the right way of communicating the perfect positions for Drake to place herself in to maximize her damage.


    We¡¯ve probably taken down a hundred by now, maybe a little less, but your speed is increasing, stated Aurora in between Drakes strikes.


    ¡°Yeah, but I¡¯m wondering if we can pick it up even further, said Drake.


    In what way?


    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about the combination of upgrades you chose.¡±


    Okay, what about them?


    ¡°We could tweak them, but I¡¯m worried that what I¡¯m thinking may change the upgrade options.¡±


    Okay, lay it on me sister, said Aurora, shocked by what she¡¯d said, honestly becoming more and more taken with how Drake spoke to her.


    ¡°Do you think you can find me a former magic user,¡± asked Drake laughing, not holding Aurora¡¯s use of the playful saying against her in the slightest.


    I think so, they have been rare, and sometimes you kill them to quickly for me to even get a chance to fully scan them.


    ¡°I see, well what if we get two of them, use them as ranged flyers, equip them with the exoskeletal armor for stability, make one use necrotic touch, and the other use life lich,¡± explained Drake.


    No Dread Beam?


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t know if that is a good idea, we don¡¯t know if their is a limited amount of produced fear in the area, and don¡¯t want to take away Vanish¡¯s resource, and if I¡¯m being honest, I¡¯m worried at best because I know that we can run at anytime, with enough preparation I could raise a few skeletons to carry Vanish, I don¡¯t know that I¡¯ll be a good energy source for that skill unless we are facing an opponent that completely out ranks us like the Denizens.¡±


    That makes sense, if they do hav the same selection options as the Brute, what offensive choice will you make for them?


    ¡°I was hoping that maybe that option would be different, but if it is the same, I want to say form of the spear for one, and the blade for the other, that way we cover piercing and slashing damage in our array of attacks, we don¡¯t know that we won¡¯t have to fight enemies that aren¡¯t immune to the types of damage we have now.¡±


    I agree, give me some time and I will see what I can find, said Aurora excitedly. Thankful that Drake felt Aurora¡¯s need for more to do. Aurora also glad Drake was thoughtful enough to think of her when needing help, giving her a task that she was more suited for than anyone else.


    Drake doing so after she¡¯d only recently explained her spectators vantage point, floating just behind the Traveler at all times as she was.


    ¡°Thanks, we got this!¡±


    ¡°


    ¡­


    ¡°How are you doing back there Vanish,¡± asked Drake, noticing that the young man had gone quite silent. She glanced back a few times while she discussed the matters at hand with Aurora, noticing his furrowed brow as she spoke aloud to the princess, making the pair practice speaking internally. Both glad that they were easily able to achieve the feat.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay, just trying to stay awake, this fight has gone on far longer than I expected, and it doesn¡¯t seem like there is an end in sight,¡± said Vanish.


    ¡°Yeah this isn¡¯t what I thought it would be, but we can get through this, we have survived worse,¡± said Drake.


    ¡°What, when, was I asleep for that?¡±


    ¡°well yeah, and we ran away if I¡¯m being honest, but I don¡¯t know that we will continue to have that luxury in this place,¡± said Drake, jumping off the ground slightly as she spartan kicked a skeleton with the former grappler classification. She definitely remembered her first interaction with one, and felt that without Vanish she may have died early on in the fight.


    Going to hav to remember to thank him, he¡¯s saved my life twice now by this point, thought drake before she had another idea.


    ¡°Have you tried leveling up, that may solve some of your issues, my minions weapons are probably the only reason I¡¯m still standing,¡± explained Drake.


    ¡°No, honestly scared to spend my points,¡± answered Vanish in a yell, shooting a ranger behind Drake as it bent to pick up a rock.


    ¡°I know the feeling, if I¡¯m being honest I¡¯m hesitant to level up until I feel it is absolutely necessary, but don¡¯t you have the reanimate skill, why don¡¯t you try to give us some back up?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I guess I could, but aren¡¯t you scared of the legends?¡±


    ¡°What legends?¡±


    ¡°The legends about necromancers being killed by their minions,¡± stated Vanish, as if Drake should know, forgetting that Drake wasn¡¯t from Imperial as he was, and wasn¡¯t familiar with their customs. Nor did she know the tales told to children that warned them against taking certain actions, in hopes to prevent them from gaining particularly dark classes.


    ¡°Nope, from earth remember,¡± said Drake, dodging a series of attacks, while her defensive minion blocked a tossed rock that had been thrown from well in the depths of the mob in front of them.


    Damn that really was a good choice, stated Aurora inside Drake¡¯s mind.


    Agreed, thought drake in response to Aurora. The pair quick to become more comfortable with their internal dialogue. Quickly coming to understand it may make things difficult if they communicated any other way.


    Neither wanted to grow use to Drake speaking aloud in front of those who may find it alarming to hear her speak to herself, and though that made Drake feel even more worried over the stability of her mental state.


    Now talking to Aurora in her head as she was, the pair found it easy to pulloff even more complicated strategies with the abilities granted by their growing bond. This made combat easier for Drake, but often left her feeling less social in Vanish¡¯s direction.


    ¡°It is said that Necromancy more often than not leads to the death of the Cultivator, their skills are incredibly powerful, and their minions more often than not grow to be even more powerful than the Cultivator themselves, their minions often gain sentients and kill their creators,¡± explained Vanish.


    Is that true, asked Drake to Aurora.


    I don¡¯t know honestly, everything that I¡¯ve been told is in question, yes we were taught such things by the church since we were children, but is that because its true, or because the church is full of necromancers that don¡¯t want their power base overthrown.


    Hmm, that is interesting.


    ¡°I see, Aurora is wondering if that is fake news, something they tell you to keep you all weak I mean,¡± said Drake.


    ¡°Oh, that would be good for us since we both have the skills, but if you didn¡¯t want to level because of the legends, why are you reticent?¡±


    I¡¯d also like to know that, asked Aurora.


    ¡°because I was given an achievement that increased all attribute gains when fighting opponents higher ranked than myself, which makes me wonder if there are more achievements that can be gathered if we stay unranked and find other ways to become more powerful.¡±


    ¡°I got that achievement too, but have no idea what achievements there are out there that wouldn¡¯t be incredibly dangerous to get while unranked?¡±


    ¡°Yeah if I¡¯m being honest, I don¡¯t either.¡±


    Drake backflipped, dodging a former swordsman that had picked up an entire footless leg to use as a weapon.


    That¡¯s new¡­


    Are these fuckers getting stronger, or smarter maybe,¡± asked Drake to both her teammates.


    Seems so, all their scanned levels have grown to middle beginner rank, responded Aurora mentally.


    ¡°Yeah, I think the ranger¡¯s are hiding behind the others so that I can¡¯t stop them as easily,¡± added Vanish.


    Drake couldn¡¯t help but smile at the swordsman. Seeing herself as a melee weapon user, she wanted to duel any that could make her skills better. Fighting a skilled swordsman with her non dominant hand, while having to defend herself from many more attacks, felt like the perfect opportunity to raise her capabilities.


    If she was being honest with herself, the longer that the fight lasted, the more she began to feel like the protagonist to one of the many kung fu movies she watched as a child with her parents.


    To her mom and dad the characters of those stories were nothing more than entertainment. The capabilities shown by the characters on screen were only made to be so fanciful through Hollywood tricks and special effects. Made even more incredible with unparalleled animation made indistinguishable from real life by technology.


    But I¡¯m in another world where magic is real, does it have to be fake, or can I become like those I once idolized?


    ¡°I¡¯m going to try and reanimate one of the skeletons,¡± said Vanish, pulling Drake from her thoughts as she parried a deadly blow from the swordsman with her offensive arm of the Brute.


    ¡°Go for it, you got one in mind,¡± asked Drake as Aurora warned her mentally about a former rogue approaching from behind them.


    Drake turned around, rushing the rogue. With a burst of speed, she ran up the body of the former stealth class skeleton¡¯s frame. Its slightly crouched position offering the perfect step ladder for Drake to jump from.


    She kicked off the face of the monster, sending it sprawling backward. Then spun back toward the swordsman, raising her offensive brute arm over her head and bringing the weapon down in an overhead smash.


    She roared as she descended through the air, chopping down her weapon as the former swordsman raised the leg it held in a protective guard.


    The skeletal leg offered nothing in defense as Drakes own weapon smashed through it, and then the body of the former swordsman with no resistance.


    ¡°well, I¡¯m worried that it will be harder to bring back one that you have crushed to pieces, was going to try that swordsman, but¡­ I do have other options that interest me.¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± yelled Drake, spinning back around to finish off the rogue she¡¯d kicked to the ground. Another overhead slam killing the rogue before it could rise.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, there is a martial artist that I froze, and you took off its head before we could see it fight nearby, and also a rare healing class that I¡¯m curious about.¡±


    ¡°Both sound like good options honestly,¡± said Drake, beginning to pant with the exertion of the continued fight. The more acrobatic movements seemed to disrupt her moving meditation ability, but Drake couldn¡¯t help herself, she was having the time of her life and couldn¡¯t wait to see what she could do with more practice and the leveling of her minions.


    Then a very familiar tinge of pain returned to her stomach, and Drake couldn¡¯t help but groan, cursing inwardly as a very untimely notification flashed in the corner of her vision.


    *Notification* - status effect - Starved.


    You are on the verge of becoming absolutely ravenous. This may cause an increase to the senses. However, staying in this state for too long will cause the loss of normal cognitive functions.*


    Well that is not good, offered Aurora mentally.


    ¡°You think, starting to believe the gods actually hate me!¡±

 8. BaneBorn Legacy

    Drake didn¡¯t recognize how much easier combat was with Vanish constantly firing Dread Beams, until she was forced to fight alone. The boy was taking time to create and level up minions, using Drake as an intermediary to ask Aurora what she believed his choices would result in.


    ¡°I have three choices for the healer¡¯s offensive skill, it says, Life Orb, Lich Beam, and Vigor Drain,¡± stated Vanish as the former healers body lifted itself, its skull rolling across the battlefield, and floating to resettle itself upon the skeletons shoulders while the healer came to a knee before Vanish.


    Those choices are all interesting, but I doubt a regular healer would have access to something called Lich Beam, I wonder if their undead state is affecting what upgrade options Vanish has, Thought Drake as Aurora gave her own ideas for Drake to relay.


    ¡°Aurora says she thinks life orb is an area of effect skill that explodes, and drains life from opponents before returning to the user, healing them, lich beam is more than likely a ranged version of the red energy you see around my weapons, I believe it is also a life draining technique, and neither one of us know what vigor drain is.¡±


    Drake concentrated on her breathing, every move dedicated to both attack and defense, Drake trying to emulate how the first Denizen she fought moved.


    She felt that everything around her moved slowly as her starved senses shifted her perception of reality. This was perfect for combat, and the meditation helped her stay calm, but Drake still worried about having to feed again so quickly.


    Hopefully you need to eat again because of all the fighting Drake, calm down, it may not always be like this.


    ¡°Her mind kept drifting away from her worries and she accepted her inability to concentrate on matters beyond combat, and helping vanish grow.


    ¡°What should I choose,¡± asked Vanish.


    ¡°Drake took a while to respond. She was having flashes of one of the most famous martial artist of all time continually popping up in her head. Which at first made the movements of her right Brute arm seem coincidental, but the arms hand shifting into a fist and performing a flurry of blows on a skeleton completely independently from Drake, made Drake wonder if the arm was pulling from her memories.


    No way¡­


    ¡°Umm, I don¡¯t know buddy, I¡¯d go for the life orb, especially if it is going to attack multiple foes, but I don¡¯t know if that is going to help with your exhaustion, vigor drain might, but so may the defensive options, or even the system options, if you can¡¯t choose, let¡¯s just move on and come back to it!¡±


    The skeletons numbers were that of an overpacked rave, making Drake feel as if she had no room to move. Every strike killed a skeleton, only for two to try and take its place.


    Drake became a swirl of crimson as her weapons lashed out in a spiraling cursive of maneuvers. The air painted with the crimson trails of both her weapons.


    A Novice ranked skeleton charged through the pack, Aurora warning drake about the former Berserk¡¯s charge. What should have been a powerful opponent, was grabbed by her defensive arm, the impact causing a gush of air to explode throughout the mob; Drake only sliding back a few feet.


    A smirk drew across her face, before she roared at the massive figure that struggled to break away from her defensive arm, its grip on its skull so tight that the bone began to crack. Drake didn¡¯t give it a chance to escape, sweeping her offensive weapon through its torso, obliterating the large frame the moment it reached out to grab her.


    The rage that filled her chest in that moment swept away all attempts at reason and dedication to her moving meditation ability. Power thrummed through her torso and she rushed into the middle of the encroaching masses of Skeltons, indiscriminately attacking anything that moved.


    Her natural ability to move her body in anyway she wanted had been honed to perfection in her own earthen physique, and was now only limited by Aurora¡¯s shorter figure, slight lack of flexibility, and the unrefined muscle stamina that would come with discipline and daily exercise; but that was before Drake took control.


    Aurora¡¯s bodily makeup as a Cultivator was far more limitless than Drake¡¯s original body had been, and Drake could feel how much more was left untapped in her new bodies musculature, which Drake had all plans on remedying. Not through light exercise, or even yoga, but all out combat.


    Though Drake had just killed a Novice monster, she knew a Novice Cultivator would be on a completely different scale of magnitude. Weak opponents would only result in her not gaining any true skill, which made Drake hungry for a challenge.


    Her mind filled with the sensation of power she felt come from the Denizen, and she let the feeling come to life within her entire body.


    The combination that the Denizen had performed became a framework in her mind and the killing of skeletons became as easy as breathing in that moment. Drake seizing on a power she¡¯d only seen used a few times, remaking the sight in her mind as she spoke each stance out, performing them as she fixated on the forms mentally.


    Palm strike.


    Her defensive brute arm flashed outward, killing two skeletons before her.


    Flying back fist.


    Her offensive arm of the Brute lashed out, her swing arcing out in a streaking flash, killing four skeletons.


    heel drop.


    Drake raised her foot skyward, her foot making a concussive sound as it reached its apex,. Crimson energies flowing inward from her weapons, traveling through her body, and collecting around her upraised foot.


    Drake¡¯s foot fell like a meteor, and though she didn¡¯t hit a single skeleton with the kick itself; the powerful red wave of destruction that rolled out once her foot pressed down flatly killed every skeleton within a yard around her.


    She couldn¡¯t hear Vanish¡¯s gasp of shock, nor could she hear Aurora¡¯s inquiries at her well being. Her mental guardian instantly stunned to silence.


    Only her internal voice was left beside the sounds of battle and her breathing, calling for more, envisioning what she could become. A powerful conceptualization born, growing stronger with every movement.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Stomp.


    She lifted her opposing leg, her foot dangling with a trembling might as she raised her knee upward. More skeletons charged her, and Drake slammed her foot down, crimson energy rippling down her torso and toward the ball of her foot the very moment it made impact.


    A second wave rolled out less powerfully, sweeping the legs out from underneath the charging monsters.


    Everything in that moment slowed further for drake. She spread her legs slightly, lowering her center of gravity, and jumped.


    The crimson energy she gathered the entire night up to that point, flowed through her as she performed a perfect spinning roundhouse.


    By the light of the maiden, yelled Aurora, and finally Drake was able to hear her speaking.


    Drake¡¯s kick missed all the foes that fell toward her. She couldn¡¯t help but note that had it landed, she would have taken the heads off all of the skeletons that immediately surrounded her.


    The kick was completed too slowly to land flush; just barely missing all the toppling opponents. Not only because her timing was off, but because her leg was far too short for the technique she¡¯d just tried to pull off.


    What just happened, Drake asked mentally, hoping Aurora had an answer.


    You were just moving like a Genocide master.


    ¡°Genocide master, what is, started to ask Drake only for a notification to pop up in the corner of her vision.


    *Notification* - Status Update -


    Technique Unlocked - Through the strength of your memory and understanding of the body, you have been granted access to the dead art of Genocide. This martial art is said to be the art born to kill celestials and even shift reality through its usage.


    Warning - even the basic maneuvers used in this technique can destroy the bodies of those not physically strong enough to handle the powerful backlash that comes with each strike.*


    ¡°Drake duck!¡±


    Drake glanced back to see a skeleton holding a red orb with a swirling black light at its center, and a second orb hurtling through the air toward her.


    What the fuck is that¡­!


    Drake barely managed to duck in time. Yet her defensive Arm of the Brute still independently decided to raise a palm upward, blocking the incoming orb.


    the collision resulted in a wave that swept through the crowd of skeletons with such force that the ground around Drake shook. Skeletons for nearly three yards were completely destroyed, not broken apart as they were when drake crushed them, but turned to dust.


    Drake rose, looking around in shock. Her eyes fell on a wide eyed Vanish, his mouth hanging open.


    ¡°I¡¯m so,¡± started Vanish trying to apologize.


    ¡°Oh my god that was so fucking cool, did you see that!¡±


    Drake gave him a thumbs up as she turned back toward the incoming skeletons, missing the black beams tinged with crimson, flash into her, Vanish, and his newly summoned skeleton. However she did feel the burst of vitality that made her feel as if she¡¯d just slept peacefully all night.


    ¡°woah, man I feel great¡­¡±


    ¡­


    Aurora was beginning to feel like she¡¯d been sent on a journey with two monsters. The pair of Cultivators were supposed to be unranked, yet they seemed as strong as some Adepts.


    Or maybe even stronger¡­


    Aurora discussed the rest of Vanish¡¯s options with him through Drake, trying to become used to the two. Truly concerned with how they refused to back down from the endless mobs of skeletons.


    At one point she asked if they planned to run. Drake responded with factors in regards to their situation Aurora couldn¡¯t help but agree with.


    One, Drake worried that the castle behind them may have an even stronger foe lying in wait within. Stated that the path down the mountain may be even more flooded with skeletons than they originally assumed. As well that as long as they could easily kill the skeletons and gain attribute points, that the fight at hand may be their only chance to gain a true foothold in the dungeon.


    Aurora knew Drake was right, and was even becoming jealous that she wasn¡¯t more involved.


    She was able to take pride in the fact that Vanish was more open to her suggestions however, and of the three defensive options given to his skeletal healer, Minor Deflection Armor, Lich Skin, and Devil Guardian, Vanish chose the latter at Aurora¡¯s prompting.


    Aurora had pointed him in that direction, believing the choice to be a summon meant to defend, and seeing on how they needed numbers, Vanish agreed. Not a few moments later, a demonic dog built itself from the surrounding bones. Its body filled with a blackened musculature that reminded Aurora and Drake of the Denizen. Yet it was the summons crimson ruby eyes that solidified their belief that the summon was related to the Denizen classification of monster.


    The dog didn¡¯t let anything approach Vanish and the former healer now minion, biting off the ankles of approaching skeletons with bone shattering chomps. As well to Drakes shocked surprise, it also managed to drag the Novice skeletons with durable enough bones off their feet to make easy targets for Drake, which she honestly appreciated.


    Something has got to be wrong with me, but that demon dog is definitely cute¡­


    His final choice left Aurora stumped. He was forced to choose between a skill called, Soul Sacrifice, another called Rebirth, and one named Core Eater.


    Drake thought Core eater was the best choice. Worried that the sacrifice skill would result in him losing his skeletal minion without giving a good enough payout for the loss; and that Rebirth may actually bring the skeletal healer back to life, giving them more problems than they already had.


    ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t like the potential of either one of those things happening,¡± said Vanish, picking Core Eater, only for them to find out that the undead no longer had cores, making the move unusable.


    Between the healer¡¯s constant Life orbs, the Devil guardian, and Vanish¡¯s Dread Beam, Drake was finally able to take a break.


    She sat next to Vanish, and the pair chatted, speaking on their plans for upgrades, and what they wanted to accomplish.


    ¡°Hey, did you get attribute points when I was killing skeletons,¡± asked Drake. Vanish nodded, and Drake¡¯s brow unfurled.


    ¡°Okay, cool, thought it was odd that my attribute point pool was still rising even though I¡¯m not fighting.¡±


    Vanish grunted, the majority of his focus on the battle, and his continued attempts to bring the martial artist skeleton he¡¯d kept his eye on into his group of minions.


    ¡°Damnit, it keeps failing,¡± groaned Vanish.


    Do you think it is because we haven¡¯t leveled up, asked Drake, hoping Aurora would have the answer.


    More than likely, but maybe not, he is focusing on a lot of things right now, maybe he should try when you return to the fight, offered Aurora; Drake nodding and telling him the same.


    ¡°Your probably right, I just really wanted to make this that much easier, with that extra minion I doubt that we wouldn¡¯t be able to last the night at least.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I think your right,¡± agreed Drake.


    ¡°Have you thought about raising an entire minion yourself, not just a body part I mean?¡±


    Drake shook her head.


    ¡°No, at this point I want two mage arms, and maybe the legs of a rogue or martial artist to wear as leg armor, may not even be possible, but if I can figure out a way to give myself a bit more height, I think that Genocide art or whatever its called may be easier to use,¡± said Drake smirking.


    Doesn¡¯t sound like a bad idea, or too unreasonable if done right, added Aurora.


    ¡°Hmm, I see, I may have to try something similar if I can pull it off,¡± said Vanish with a smirk of his own, just before he fired back to back Dread Beams into the skeleton mob.


    ¡°You have taken to this whole necromancy thing pretty well, I don¡¯t doubt that you can pull off anything you set your mind to kid.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, I¡¯m doing my best,¡± said Vanish as black energy wrapped around his hand, and he used bone manipulation to give Drake a thumbs up.


    ¡°No problem its the truth, but I better get back over there, seems like the mob is getting bigger, take a second to try and reanimate that martial artist though, you can pull back your minions if you need a second, I promise I won¡¯t die,¡± Drake said playfully as she rolled her neck, slowly turning to face the mob.


    ¡°Okay, will do!¡±


    Drake gave him a thumbs up of her own and spread her legs to widen her stance.


    ¡°Okay Drake¡­,¡± said Drake underneath her breath speaking only to herself.


    ¡°Its time to finish this¡­.¡±


    ¡­


    Drake wanted the fight to be over as soon as possible. Not because she was tired. Nor because she needed to feed. Not even because of the steady increase to the difficulty of battle.


    She was excited. She now had not 1, or two, but four mage arms to play with. She wanted to see the capabilities of her new toys, and couldn¡¯t help but compare the feeling she was having now, to the feeling she got when waiting for a new MMO¡¯s release.


    The mages didn¡¯t seem to have access to their previous magics from what Aurora explained. Apparently both of the mages she¡¯d taken down were considerably rare classes, but Drake hadn¡¯t been slowed or hindered in the slightest by either one of the two.


    She¡¯d nearly destroyed the body of a former storm mage, and the body of the former metal magus, but Aurora had made sure to point the pair out well in advance before Drake¡¯s explosive combat style resulted in the loss of both opportunities.


    Her previous feat at the channeled focus of power while using the martial forms of Genocide had not been repeated since. She had a feeling that it had been her boiling fury that had allowed her to tap into the art form, and hadn¡¯t managed to summon the sensation since.


    Breathe Drake, we have to walk before we run or fly¡­ There is no need to rush. You may want to get to the ascended rank as soon as possible, but you won¡¯t make it there if you die first.


    This was the main reason Drake hadn¡¯t decided to splurge on spending her attribute points. She worried she wouldn¡¯t get a true grasp of what she could achieve at her current perceived limits, especially if every time she tried to push herself she chose to rely on the offered upgrades instead.


    She knew that in every fantasy game she¡¯d played, the most attractive aspect was becoming stronger. The attractiveness of new skills and abilities was unrivaled. Only problem with that in her current situation was that this was her real life.


    She knew the stat points could quickly become like that of performance enhancing drugs.


    Or, that if she didn¡¯t truly explore what every skill, ability, and technique was able to accomplish, learning their every intricacy and the depths of what they could do individually, all of her efforts would more than likely make her foundation weak.


    It wasn¡¯t until she began to fight in this new realm that she started to understand what a combat foundation truly was. Her foundation consisted of, the strength of her body, the versatility of her skills, through power output and or variety of mechanisms, and her ability to survive in any situation.


    With Aurora¡¯s knowledge I may also be able to refine my tactics as well, thought Drake, forcing herself to refocus on the fight at hand. She knew her mind was just as important as her body. Not every situation would be built from violence, or solved by brutality.


    The elegance of a tactician will push you far Drake, remember that¡­


    ¡°Rise!¡±


    Drake turned back at Vanish¡¯s shout to see his body consumed with violent black energy, his arm raised out toward the martial artist he was struggling to reanimate. Her eyes went wide at the sight, as darkness wrapped itself around the bones of the former martial artist and solidified throughout the skeletons frame, creating a very familiar structure.


    Aurora, did he just make a Denizen?


    Ummm, yeah, I think so¡­

 9. Ranked Assassin

    ¡°Fuck yeah,¡± screamed Vanish.


    His arm dropped to his side, and his eyes fluttered as he struggled to stay awake.


    A dozen skeletons were erased from the battlefield as Vanish¡¯s healer tossed a flurry of Life Orbs, and Vanish seemed to gain back a small bit of energy. Drake could tell he was on his last legs. but the battle at hand seemed to be far from coming to a conclusion.


    Drake was the first person to notice the change however. Skeletons began to wander off, and after a while Aurora brought the oddity to Drake¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Drake, look,¡± said Vanish, pointing with black energy wrapped around his hand.


    Drake couldn¡¯t help but smirk at Vanish, seeing his talents grow with the bone manipulation skill. Her only thought every time she saw him successfully move with a broken spine status effect still in his scan, was how long it would take for him to move entirely with the use of his skills alone.


    She turned toward where Vanish pointed and smirked, seeing a line of light begin to stretch across the skyline in the distance.


    Not much more, just breathe and bring it home Drake.


    She turned back toward the crowd of skeletons she had just been fighting within and frowned. Not only because Vanish¡¯s former martial artist skeleton could be seen standing without being approached by any of the monsters near to the center of the mob, completely unmoving, but also because of the slightly taller skeleton, that still wore an entirely obsidian light plate armor, standing across from the newly formed Denizen.


    Aurora, did you notice the Denizen move?


    No I did not, it moved so quickly that I only saw it come to a stop¡­


    Drake could feel a subtle sense of fear in Aurora¡¯s tone, and only had to wonder why for as long as it took her to scan the armored skeleton facing off with the former martial artist.


    *Scan* - Monster -


    Name: Steel plated Assassin.


    Rank: Adept


    Age: ???


    Class: Ambidextrous Mage Hunter


    Average Attribute Level: 3.5


    Scan results - As this Skeleton has both been risen with lingering life essence still in its body, and was ranked well above Adept, the amount of void energies within has allowed for it to keep its class, unlike its brethren. This undead monster was once a man of the ambidextrous assassins, known as the Quadrupeds, easily identifiable by the ritual done for them to possess two thumbs, placed perfectly to either side of each hand.


    Warning - This undead still possesses access to all of its former skills.*


    Holy fuck Aurora, are you seeing this? Drake mind raced with questions. The scan hinting at so many details of the world she knew she was still ignorant about. Drake unable to brush aside the countless details in the scan that she now wanted to know about.


    ¡°Yeah, this explains the whole former classification tag on the rest of the skeletons scans.


    What do you mean, I¡¯ve been super confused by that, I just thought it was detailing what they used to be before they died?


    It is, but there is more to it than that. You gain a class at level 30, or Average Attribute level 3.0 when you become an Adept, look at the scan for vanish¡¯s martial artist.


    Drake hadn¡¯t even thought to scan Vanish¡¯s minion, and quickly brought up the scan.


    *Scan* - Monster -


    Name: Vergeling Denizen of Combat


    Rank: Novice


    Age: ???


    Class: Former martial Artist


    Average Attribute Level: 2.9


    Scan results - This combat Adept was once able to use many dead arts. As a minion for the BaneBorn Heir, this minion is on the verge of gaining a Classification, which none of the BaneBorn legacy have ever been able to accomplish, even as the greatest necromancer¡¯s to ever live.


    Warning - This monster has a cunning unlike any of its brethren, if it manages to gain a class, all of its skills and abilities may return, or be reselected by the Denizen itself. This could be dangerous for all allies within range to a classed System user as their own void energies may be influenced by the classified monster.*


    None of that sounds good, but I see what you are saying. Still though, what is making them formerly have classes like this new skeleton, that these other skeletons no longer have?


    I can only assume it is because the dead can¡¯t maintain mana nor Ki, without either or the ability to maintain all of the gathered Void energies they used to rank up, their bodies must slowly degrade until they lose their classes.


    Hmm, I see, but it still makes me wonder what is bringing them all back to life? Maybe there is a necromancer somewhere near to this mountain, thought Drake to herself, nervously glancing at the manor behind her. Still unsure if trying to gain entrance inside was worthwhile or just asking for more trouble.


    What should we do, asked Aurora bringing Drake back from her thoughts.


    Help Vanish¡¯s minion win is all I can say, beyond that, I don¡¯t think there is much we can do¡­


    Drake widened her stance, preparing for whatever was to come. It wasn¡¯t until both Vanish¡¯s minion and the Steel plated Assassin, moved, blurring beyond what her eyes were able to track, that Drake knew they were in a bad situation.


    ¡°Drake,¡± yelled Vanish, and without thought she came running. She grabbed him by a shoulder after placing her offensive Arm of the Brute across his chest. Glad to see that her defensive Arm of the Brute, grab him by his other shoulder.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get the fuck out of here buddy,¡± said Drake in a whisper, trying to keep her voice down.


    ¡°Where are we going,¡± asked Vanish his rising fear apparent in his voice.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°We got to hide, I know I said this place is probably just as dangerous as being out here, but that is yet to be seen, if we can get inside and be able to fortify the place enough to keep that thing out here, that is better than nothing!¡±


    ¡°Agreed, should I call back the rest of my minions while the Denizen fights it off?¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­ no, not unless it looks like they may die, they may be able to help kill that thing.¡±


    She tried to keep her eyes on the fight, but felt as if she was now part of an anime where two Cultivators were fighting well above her current limits.


    ¡°Is this what it is to have a classification,¡± mumbled Drake aloud as she dragged Vanish toward the nearest series of steps that lead to the manor at the center of the lake.


    ¡°Just leave me here, and go help, you can¡¯t leave those mage arms you searched so hard for behind,¡± prompted Vanish the moment he noticed Drake about to start pulling him up and across the gap to the first floating stone platform.


    ¡°Fuck, I forgot about those.¡±


    She weighed her options, cursing once she knew that she may never get another opportunity to obtain minions with magical affinities. The skeletons with former magical classes had been beyond rare, closer to one in every hundred they¡¯d fought when she thought about it.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m going to go get them, make sure to pull back your healer, and maybe even have it pull you toward the castle and hide if things get any worse,¡± yelled Drake as she ran off, no longer caring to try an keep her voice down.


    The fight occurring nearby had grown to a volume only achievable by what Drake would have once seen as the power levels of Demi-gods. A tree exploded as Vanish¡¯s minion was kicked through it, causing shards to erupt through the air as if a bomb had been planted within the forrest. Drake was only able to worry about Vanish¡¯s minion being defeated by such a strike for the single instant it took her to realize his minion wasn¡¯t left in the debris.


    She looked back to the Steel plated Assassin to see Vanish¡¯s minion appear just above the now dead member of the Quadrupeds, only becoming visible once its heel drop was stopped mid air. The force of the kick was enough to cause the ground below the assassin to cave in slightly, even though the assassin was barely pressed downward. Its crossed armed guard and its slightly bent legs showing no signs of damage.


    Is this normal for a fight like this princess?


    ¡°I would normally say no, but I don¡¯t know that we can exactly call this pair normal monsters, they both more than likely experienced even higher ranks than Adept.


    Yeah, but don¡¯t they lose power over time like you said, by being dead I mean? The notification on the assassin even made it seem like they did now that I think about it.


    ¡°Yes, but imagine you were able to fly or run at incredibly fast speeds, and know what that is like, your entire perception and senses hav even become accustomed to moving remarkably fast, don¡¯t you think moving at anything less than your previous maximum would seem slow?


    ¡°Yeah, I never thought of it like that. So even though they are slowly becoming weaker, they still might be able to do things that a monster normally at this level couldn¡¯t pull off without the same knowledge, understanding and experience. As these two. That makes sense.


    Drake ran passed Vanish¡¯s healer and its demonic guardian, racing toward where she¡¯d seen the storm mage. Aurora pointed out its location underneath a large pile of bones. The storm mage easily identifiable by the fact that the skeleton was largely whole, missing only its head.


    A beheading was the only way that Drake had seen end with a skeleton dying and the majority of its body remaining. As the body of the Metal Magus was entirely without its bottom half from what Drake could remember.


    ¡°Here we go baby, come to momma,¡± said drake. She handed her offensive Arm of the Brute to her defensive arm, destroying the chest section of the former mages body with a few quick stomps.


    She was glad to see the arms undamaged, bending down to pick up the left appendage before she immediately tried to use Reanimate.


    ¡°No no no,¡± roared Drake as the arm crumbled to dust in her hand.


    Fuck, what happened¡­


    Drake couldn¡¯t think about it for more than a blink as a Warning from Aurora came just in time to stop Drake from being barreled into. She looked back at the fight and gaped as Vanish¡¯s minion was once again soaring through the air, flying directly at her.


    Luckily for Drake she¡¯d already been reaching for the second arm, and was able to grab it before she was forced to dive away.


    Fire flooded her senses momentarily as her broken arm struck the ground,, but to her surprise her defensive arm placed her weapon beside her as she rose; cupping the hand of her damaged limb as if to brace the broken arm.


    Drake wasn¡¯t even able to move an inch before the pain that had rattled her momentarily vanished. A crimson light pushed into her arm from the hand of her minion.


    Now that¡¯s interesting, thought Drake, wincing as she tried to move the damaged limb.


    Okay, still broken, but the pain is diminished at least.


    Drake glanced around to place the still fighting skeletons, finding them only a few yards away, still trading blows at a mind boggling speed.


    You¡¯ll get there one day Drake, just keep pushing your limits, thought Drake as her defensive arm picked up its offensive partner, and drake rushed toward the tree line to take cover.


    She ducked behind the bountiful vegetation of the forrest while still trying to keep the combat in her line of sight. Not wanting to lose track of the powerful undead and end up standing right behind a tree as it exploded. The forrest around her was largely impacted by the battle, the pair of powerful skeletons uncaring for the scene of paradise that they fought within.


    ¡°Come on, I got one more chance at this, Cultivator magic don¡¯t fail me now!¡±


    *Notification* Reanimate Successful - Reach of the Storm Core -


    You have created your first magical minion. Reach of the Storm Core. Your connection to this limb is deeper than the bones of the undead creatures outside your growing horde. With this bond formed, so will grow your understanding of magic.


    Scan - Hybrid - Monster/Weapon


    Name: Reach of the Storm Core


    Rank: Unranked


    Age: ???


    Class: Locked / Former Storm Mage / Weapon


    Average Attribute Level: 0.1


    Stats -


    Offense: 0.1


    Defense: 0.1


    System: 0.1


    Scan Results -This magical arm is filled with the spirit of the sky and the fury of storms. Though its magics may seem rigid at first, many may come to understand that blizzards are as much of a storm as hurricanes. Show the world the power of storms young Cultivator!


    Would you like to level up this minion, Yes / No ?*


    ¡°Yes,¡± roared Drake, completely forgetting that she didn¡¯t want to draw attention to herself, or the fact that she was not but a few feet away from a literal ground breaking fight. A fight that could end with her death by her just standing within the proximity of the nearby carnage.


    Celebrate later you fool, the fight is closing in on the body of the Metal Mage, yelled Aurora.


    Drake tucked the arm in her tunic, peeking out from behind the tree to see what Aurora meant; her eyes widening at the sight.


    Son of a bitch!


    Drake darted out from the tree line and raced toward the skeleton she coveted. A gnawing feeling of potential loss consuming her as she sprinted as fast as she could.


    Forget the magus Drake your too close!


    Drake ignored the girl, and pushed her body to a speed she¡¯d never experienced before even. Not even as she¡¯d sprinted up the mountain at olympic track star velocities.


    The world around her stretched, and in that moment, nothing else mattered. She would grab that torso, even if she died to do so.


    ¡­


    Aurora couldn¡¯t believe what she was seeing. She watched Drake push beyond the limits of what any level one unranked Cultivator should ever be able to achieve without some sort of godly boon.


    Could that be it?


    Up until that point, Aurora purely believed that maybe She¡¯d just wasted her talents, but if Drake had been blessed by a god, or a group of gods even, that would begin to explain how remarkable her charge was. Yet even as she thought it, she disregarded it as yet more excuses for what must have been her own laziness.


    ¡°You could have been this powerful Aurora, and now it is your duty to make Drake even more than what you could have ever been without her.


    Hurry up Drake, you can do this, if anyone can it is you!


    To Aurora¡¯s surprise, Drake sprinted even faster at her words, even as the fight moved that much closer to her target.


    The body of the Metal Magus came into Aurora¡¯s view and she directed Drake as best as she could.


    Its more to your left, underneath that pile beside that boulder!


    Aurora yelled the instructions in a panic, almost having had pointed Drake toward a type of fruit commonly known to all of Imperial; stuttering as she looked for a near enough landmark to send her toward that she could easily identify.


    Got it, yelled Drake mentally; once again forced to dive to avoid being struck by the hurtling body of Vanish¡¯s minion. She tucked and rolled, getting to her feet just as Vanish¡¯s minion landed directly on top of the Skelton of the Metal Magus¡¯s torso; crushing almost everything, leaving only a left arm and its skull.


    Aurora watched Drake glanced toward the approaching Steel plated Assassin, cursing inwardly knowing she wouldn¡¯t be awarded with any other chances.


    Its now or never!


    Drake nodded at Aurora¡¯s words, and with a nod she sprinted into the direct path of the assassin. She used her offensive Arm of the Brute to reach for the arm of the Metal Magus, unaware that her defensive minion also reached outward.


    The assassin blurred and Aurora screamed, watching as a kick meant for Vanish¡¯s minion collided directly into Drake¡¯s side. A spray of blood covering the white bones at it¡¯s feet.


    No!


    ¡­


    Drake felt pain unlike anything she¡¯d ever experienced before. Not a moment after the unrivaled pain she heard a series of explosions erupt above her.


    Drake couldn¡¯t perceive what had just happened in any way shape or form, but in the moment she¡¯d been kicked was the same moment that Vanish¡¯s healer arrived, throwing almost 8 back to back life orbs. All of which struck the back of the Assassin in almost the same instant she¡¯d been kicked.


    A deluge of healing energies filled her, healing her largest injury nearly completely, due to the large rank difference between her and the assassin the life had been taken from. All of this occurring even before she could be sent tossed end over end through the air, arriving like a boulder that had been thrown by a giant. The force of the kick was enough to cause her to skip across the surface of the lake; once again bringing her to a crash landing into a large body of water for the third time in as much as a day.


    Drake was happy to recognize as she came to her feet in the shallows of the lake, that she had already grown enough to still be conscious after such a heavy blow, now more sturdy since the last time she¡¯d experienced the same.


    ¡°Fuck¡­ that fucking hurt man,¡± she muttered to herself as she gingerly rubbed her side. Wincing as her weapon brushed up against her still tender ribs.


    Drake, are you okay?


    Drake nodded, smirking, as she remembered why she even was standing now drenched in the water¡¯s of the lake in the first place.


    ¡°Still clenched in the hand of her offensive minions grip was the arm of the former Metal Magus. Yet it was the skull held in the hand of her other minion that brought her up short.


    Are you seeing this, asked Drake as she scanned what the minion held.


    *Scan* - Monster -


    Name: Skull of the Scholarly Druid


    Rank: Novice


    Age: ???


    Class: Locked / Former Druidic Changeling / Armament?


    Average Attribute Level: 2.9


    Scan Results - This skull once belonged to a wise matriarch of the forest. Throughout countless season cycles, this queen of the forrest dedicated herself to the laws of magic and nature. To the understanding of spiritualism, and even the godly boon bestowed upon mortals known as celestial healing.


    Warning - Reanimation of this skeleton may be far more dangerous than any other you have tried before Cultivator, and even if this is accomplished, restoring its level to Adept is highly advised against, as this once practitioner of magic was strong enough to transform into that of a Celestial Phoenix and may be able to reincarnate herself, only having had died due to being betrayed.


    You have been warned.*


    ¡°What the¡­¡±

 10. Demolitions Expert

    You have got to be blessed by the gods!


    Drake rolled her eyes, diving into the water, and swimming toward the shoreline that Vanish lay next to. The young man smiling at Drake as she struggled toward him in the water.


    I am not blessed by the gods, if anything I am more than likely something being used for them to make bets on. The longer I survive, and the more bets placed against my life, the more valuable the show.


    Drake had been playing at first, and wanted to shrug the thought aside, but couldn¡¯t help but remember the eyes of the god that sent her there. Though the being¡¯s eyes had been kind in some moments, in other instances, Drake could now remember a cunning that had alluded her while in the presence of a godly majesty. The aura of the god enough to dull her senses completely as they spoke.


    You are probably holding the skull of an Ascended one, you have now survived death three times in what feels like the longest day I¡¯ve ever experienced, and the lines between you and my strongest sibling are quickly becoming blurry.


    That¡¯s all coincidence, and have you ever thought for a moment that I¡¯m only seemingly as strong as you think because of you being in my head, or our head I should say¡­


    Drake was feeling agitated by her experiences with gods thus far, didn¡¯t want to accept that any of her accomplishments so far were achieved because of godly interventions, and ignored any bit of what Aurora saying being potentially true.


    No¡­ I did not think of that at all, but that is beside the point.


    Is it really, cause this is your body, your bloodline or whatever got us these skills, and is probably why we are still alive right now¡­


    I¡¯d agree with you, but I think it is your Bloodline that has gotten us these abilities, I think it is, my bloodline that made it possible for you to be here, giving your soul a vessel potentially strong enough to hold your powerful soul. I know it is supposed to be a bloodline, and not a souls trait but I¡¯m struggling to see how your status pages read differently than mine, and the only way I could see us both having a different bloodline in a single body is if they are actually tied to our souls, and not our blood.


    Drake thought to herself for a moment, unable to argue against Aurora, feeling the princess was making a lot of sense.


    Yeah yeah, still all only possible because of your bloodline even if mine made us slightly stronger.


    Slightly, ha, your funny, and don¡¯t think that I¡¯m going to ignore the fact that you are named after a dragon welp, and have a bloodline that probably originated with vampiric dragons.


    ¡°Its a family name, I was named after my mother, and its more than likely the fucking dungeon world built for the children of gods, powered by bloody sacrifices for fuck sake, underneath a city owned by your parents I might add, that is more than likely making us grow so quickly,¡± roared Drake as she emerged from the water, speaking aloud in her frustration. She now struggled with her decision to live her life in another world, not wanting to be forced to watch her mother die again, feeling as if she was off to a horrible start in her second chance at life regardless.


    Point made, I will admit that you are more than likely right, but if Drake of all names is a family name, you may want to reconsider everything you have ever been told about yourself.


    What would make you say that?


    Because, Drake is the name of the wife of the first ever ruler of Imperial. It was their marriage that united the two factions that had conquered two halves of our realm as a whole before Imperial became the solely ruling dynasty.


    So what, it¡¯sjust a name.


    A name given to members of a lost family, that disappeared after giving their daughter to be the queen of the realm, you don¡¯t truly believe that things could be so coincidental do you?


    Drake¡¯s mind flittered through shock and annoyance at her circumstances. She pulled the arm of the Metal Mage from the grasp of her weapon, tucking it in to the folds of her tunic before she began to yell in absolute outrage, slamming her weapon down repeatedly, until she heard laughter.


    ¡°Are you laughing at me,¡± said Drake, pulling herself out of the water to a chuckling Vanish. She was surprised to see him perched slightly upright against the first step of the stone path of floating pillars that lead to the manor. The young man¡¯s arms crossed as he smirked up at her. She only momentarily wondered how he¡¯d moved himself, seeing the black outline of his power wrap itself around the majority of his upper body, before it flickered and died.


    He¡¯s seriously trying to be able to move solely with his skill alone.


    ¡°Yeah, a little bit, I mean we are on a mountain full of the undead you nearly just died after trying to get a monster limb that you want to turn into a weapon, and currently seem to be arguing with the voice of a princess in your head about something, I don¡¯t know, if I didn¡¯t laugh I¡¯d probably cry for you, would you prefer that?¡±


    Drake shook her head, and started to laugh herself, pushing her racing thoughts aside as she looked back toward the combat still ensuing between Vanish¡¯s minion and the ranked skeleton assassin. The fight seemed to be the same; the outcome changing very little by the addition of Vanish¡¯s healer and its Demonic Guardian.


    The Life Orbs seemed to be little more than a distraction to the Steel plated Assassin, but one that the Denizen now under Vanish¡¯s control took every advantage of.


    If it weren¡¯t for the fact that the skeletal assassin was undead, Drake would have sworn that she saw annoyance stretching across its facial features.


    ¡°Do you think that this will finally end when the sun rises fully?¡±


    Drake looked back toward Vanish and shrugged.


    ¡°I think the skeletons are only really active at night, seeing on how the mob has begun to disperse, but that assassin seems different, I don¡¯t want to take any chances,¡± said Drake, pulling her fought for treasure from the fold of her tunic. Glad that it hadn¡¯t been damaged during her tantrum at the edge of the water.


    Better now than later I suppose. Drake felt stupid as she prayed for the weapon to reanimate successfully. She hated how she hoped for godly help, in that moment, sighing in relieve as the notification for her newest minion popped up into her vision.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    *Notification* Reanimate Successful - Fingers of Gravity -


    You have created a powerful magical minion. Fingers of Gravity. Your connection to this limb is deeper than the bones of externalundead creatures outside your current Arsenal.


    Scan - Hybrid - Monster/Weapon


    Name: Fingers of Gravity


    Rank: Unranked


    Age: ???


    Class: Locked / Former Metal Magus / Weapon


    Average Attribute Level: 0.1


    Stats -


    Offense: 0.1


    Defense: 0.1


    System: 0.1


    Scan Results - With this limb will grow your understanding of natural elements, the power of magnetism and the transformative qualities of ores & minerals.


    Would you like to level up this minion, Yes / No?*


    ¡°Glad it worked, you gonna keep staring at it, or are we going to try and get inside,¡± asked Vanish. Drake nodded, unable to look away from the level up prompts that hung in the corner of her vision for both her new weapons.


    This is going to be fun.


    ¡­


    Aurora Was absolutely stunned by the options of upgrades being displayed for Drake. She¡¯d seen a notification previously describing Drake¡¯s minions as an Arsenal, and now believed the statement to be an absolute fact.


    *Upgrade Selections* - Reach of the Storm Core -


    Offense: Form of the Sleet Blade, Form of the Cloud Palm, Form of the Lightning Spear.


    Defense: Cold barrier of Death¡¯s Touch, Fingers of Fog, Electric Deflection.


    System: Absolute Zero Beam, Hand of God, Thunder Clap.*


    Aurora had heard of similar skills, but all of the ones she¡¯d come across in her studies were significantly less powerful.


    This could be assumed by the naming conventions being used in the skills. For instance, the offensive skills all had descriptors in their titles.


    If the skills had been named in the same way the Arm of the Brute¡¯s offensive skills had been, that would have been one thing, but the added element to each weapon style was telling in a whole different way.


    Additionally was the use of the Iconic names found throughout Cultivator¡¯s mythology. Death, and God, were only used when the skills had realm shattering potential. Which was why Aurora currently had a problem with Drakes choices.


    As Drake pulled Vanish up the steps to the manor, she and Aurora had discussed what she planned to use for her first magical minion, and though Aurora suggested both of the iconic skills, Drake was already settled on choosing neither.


    Sorry princess, not going to pass on utility to choose a skill that is both vague, and potentially weak, compared to the other options that we can tell more about by their names alone.


    Aurora was disappointed, but felt slightly better as Drake chose all of her suggestions when it came to her second magical minion.


    *Upgrade Selections* - Fingers of Gravity -


    Offense: Spear Form, Hammer Form, Scythe Form.


    Defense: Repulsion Field, Singularity Palm, Gate of Blood Iron.


    System: Gravity inversion, Call of Metal, Mineral Molding.*


    The choices for both weapons was made beforethey managed to get to the manor¡¯s island, and Aurora was amazed to see both of the weapons float to hang from the mantle of Drake¡¯s defensive brute arm. The humorous of both arms attaching to the bone like armor to hang down her back, forming what looked like a cape made of magically imbued bones as the two hands interlocked their fingers elegantly just below her waist.


    Not going to lie here, kind of jealous of those. The first two minions were primal and savage looking until you upgraded them, but these two additions bring a more regal heir to how we look.


    Why thank you princess, I can¡¯t wait to see what I look like now.


    Just look into the water beside you silly, it is the perfect mirror.


    Since they were well away from the battle and close to the island¡¯s entrance, Drake paused a moment to look over at herself in the water.


    The sight took her breath away. Drake was a beautiful young woman, her features like that of a blooming goddess.


    Her hair was a flowing blond color, that shifted as if it was only blond when struck by light, while being pitch black in reality.


    One of her eyes was a familiar golden color, while the other was a pure crimson that looked like blood backlit by the illumination of a roiling sun.


    Somehow her clothing was still a beautiful white, even after everything she¡¯d been through. The fabric would be coveted by all who could lay their eyes upon it, or dare to wear thepurest of colors. The blood that stained the cloth somehow only made the clothing more alluring to look at. The richnesslike that of a deep red, splashed artfully on a canvas.


    She felt like she¡¯d designed herself in a character creation tool with access to designs for every feature.


    Drake wasn¡¯t just surprised by her own appearance, but also the minions she now wore like equipment.She couldn¡¯t help but be captivated by the pure white skeletal armor that now protected her right side, Her offensive Arm of the Brute held by its defensive partner.


    Almost as if they wanted to be seen by their master, her twin magical weapons began to swish back and forward behind her. One hand of red lightning holding its blackened metallic partner.


    ¡°Woah¡­¡±


    ¡°Why did we stop, are their enemies up there too?¡±


    ¡°What, no, just never seen myself before, Aurora said I should look while I had the chance.¡±


    Vanish smirked up at her, and Drake rolled her eyes, shaking her head as Aurora laughed at her.


    Yeah, I thought I was pretty before.


    Wow, vain much are we princess.


    Whatever, at least I wasn¡¯t gaping at myself in the water just now like a girl putting on makeup for the first time.


    You got me there, said Drake laughing inwardly.


    She continued up the stones steps, stepping underneath a archway made of flowing water that split above them, creating a doorway of gushing liquid elegance like that of a flowing river separated by a sharpened boulder.


    They made their way into the courtyard of the manor and couldn¡¯t believe their eyes. Within was a beautiful multi tiered home, made from nothing but white marble and gold. Every direction they looked was lavish red silks, and luxuries only found in places owned by the truly elite.


    Within the area lay piles of treasures left to rot. Gems bigger than their heads. Piles of gold coins and diamonds. Even treasure chests spilling over with mana stones and scrolls emanating with raw power.


    ¡°Where the hell are we,¡± asked Drake, looking down at the equally stunned Vanish. His mouth fell open and moved as if he was about to speak, but only silence was left between them, until Aurora screamed.


    We got incoming!


    Drake looked down the path to see the Steel plated Assassin rushing up the stone steps toward them, flanked by Vanish¡¯s minions.


    ¡°Son of a,¡± started Drake, taking her weapon from her minion, placing it in her off hand, as her defensive minion grabbed Vanish and pulled him over Drake¡¯s armored shoulder.


    ¡°Wait what the hell is happening, oh shit run Drake, run,¡± screamed Vanish in confusion until he saw what was headed toward them.


    She ran into the courtyard, rushing passed the mini mountains of riches, darting to the twin open doors styled with a tribal sun that seemed to be maid of crystal like obsidian.


    Drake moved on pure adrenaline in her attempt to escape. She charged through rooms, ran down decorated corridors and eventually up stairs.


    No matter how fast she ran however, the sound of crumbling walls could be heard behind her. The destruction of the beautiful manor was commencing all around, and Drake refused to stop until she found her way out.


    Don¡¯t look back, just don¡¯t look back!


    ¡­


    Aurora watched as Vanish¡¯s minions tried to hold back the assassin. The moment the sun had covered the area, the undead had gone wild.


    Its bones had started to steam when touched by the sun, and without hesitation it rushed toward the castles innards for safety. Once inside, Vanish¡¯s minions had grown frantic to keep away the predator amongst them, only to experienced what it was to face that of a truly cornered monster.


    Drake turned a corner, only for the wall behind her to explode. It wasas if the stone had been touched by the same demolitions magic Aurora had been exposed to when old buildings within the kingdom were removed for new expansions.


    The sun bled into the interior through the newly opened holes as the manor began to fall apart around them.


    Aurora screamed, and Drake dove out of an open window a mere breath before Vanish¡¯s demonic guardian was kicked into the wall near to where Drake had just been running. Even the sound of the undead dogs cry as it smashed the wall was too much for Aurora to handle.


    Where are you going?


    I¡¯m trying to stay in the lighted areas, said Drake mentally as she fell through the air with a screaming vanish still on her shoulder.


    Drake landed awkwardly on the roof of a lower section of the manor, only for the same Wall that held the window she¡¯d just jumped from to crumble; the former martial artist flying end over end through it, hurtling toward Drake.


    Drake tried to dodge again, but the body of Vanish¡¯s minion smashed through the roof she ran across, taking away the surface she trodded on in an instant.


    Drake fell through multiple holes, as the Denizen¡¯s momentum wasn¡¯t halted by anything but the ground floor of the basement.


    Drake!


    Aurora screamed rather than keeping Drake aware of the danger as the roof fell in all around her charge. Drake tried to scramble to her feet, only to be struck as Vanish¡¯s Healer collided with her, causing her and Vanish to once again be sent flying. Aurora truly surprised that Drake hadn¡¯t dropped Vanish in the chaos.


    The assassin jumped from the higher floor it had just been on, dropping down through the multitude of holes to stand in the basement they were now in. Drake managed to get to her feet as Vanish¡¯s martial minion flipped into the air from its back; barely landing before it dashed toward the assassin with a flying kick. The attack was stopped easily as the assassin grabbed the minion by its ankle and threw it easily toward where drake ran.


    Drake was able to get into the next room, but Aurora could still see the happenings of the fight between the minions and the assassin.


    The demonic Guardian dove through the hole in the roof to the basement, swatted from the sky ass easily as a slowly moving flying insect.


    She was made even more panicked being able to see through walls as she now could, witnessing the body of Vanish¡¯s martial artist moments away from being smashed through yet another wall, well before it happened.


    It wasn¡¯t until Drake ran into a room full of rune work that lined the walls, floors and even the ceiling that Aurora knew they were far from safety, and at an entirely new point of no return.


    The runes lit as Drake crossed the threshold, and the sound of shifting stone could be heard at the center of the room where a coffin made of obsidian marble lay with its top now opening.


    ¡°By the light of the maiden!

 11. Supremacy of Death

    Drake fell to the ground, dropping Vanish from her shoulder. Her vision blurred as the oxygen within the chamber they entered was sucked from her chest. A thrum of mana in the room vibrated everything, until she heard a slow exhalation.


    Air returned to the room, and Drake slowly felt her vision clear, but still found herself unable to move.


    Out of her peripheral vision, she saw a delicate skeletal frame sit up, and even without the use of lungs, Drake could hear the seeming monster continue to exhale as if a giant was breathing slowly.¡±Woah, said Aurora in drake¡¯s mind.


    What is happening, I can¡¯t move, Drake asked Aurora, knowing the guardian would more than likely be unaffected by whatever


    Its like a mana wave has started to flow through the entire manor, every bit of destruction that just took place is being restored to a state of polished perfection, wiped away as if it never occurred.


    For a moment what Aurora was seeing flooded Drake¡¯s mind, and She gasped in amazement, watching as time seemed to reverse within the manor.


    Much of what she ignored while rushing through the home was shown to her. Jade statues rose from the ground from the end of nearly every hall. Various mythical monsters depicted in mighty poses fixed to look as if they¡¯d just been constructed that instant.


    The white walls were infused with mana, making them far stronger than they¡¯d been just a moment prior. Light filled the home as chandeliers made from solidified aura manifested above every unlit area.. Fountains that long dried up began to flow once more. All of the changes shown to Drake by Aurora so natural that the pair could sense the manor was being rejuvenated to its original state.


    The rune work in this place is remarkable, said Aurora seeing details that went unnoticed through their shared vision. After a moment the sight before Drake¡¯s eyes disappeared and she was finally able to move.


    She turned her head to see the obsidian skeleton look her in her eyes, and then toward Vanish. The eye sockets were empty, until they weren¡¯t. Two eyes slowly grew from thin air to hold silver irises.


    In a matter of moments a beautiful dark skinned woman sat before them. Her skin came back first, followed by her long curly black hair; her body filling out to show a proportionally unrivaled physique. Her nakedness was covered a blink before they could be scandalized by a black set of sleeveless robes; and her eyes narrowed, her lips pinching together just before she spoke.


    ¡°So which one of you is my heir¡­?¡±


    ¡­


    From aurora¡¯s perspective the situation was incredible to behold. From the moment the figure sat up, everything froze. The assassin and Vanish¡¯s martial artist minion were frozen amidst crashing through the wall. Both mid air, drifting slowly as if they were cocooned in honey. Chunks of the wall drifting through the chamber they¡¯d broken into as if gravity had no control in their environment.


    Aurora watched as the combatants were pulled into the chamber, as the marble chunks of the wall behind them flowed back into place.


    The skeletons were then pulled apart and set down, made to stand at attention like the guards that protected her home.


    The entirety of the home they¡¯d invaded was not only restored but enhanced. Aurora was captivated by the finesse and intricacy of the magics being used. Only to be surprised as the once skeleton, now woman, looked at the stunned drake, the crumpled Vanish, and Aurora as she floated just behind her charge, a question Aurora never expected.


    ¡°Which one of you is my heir¡­?¡±


    ¡­


    Lilith Constantine sighed, looking at three wide eyed children. She had no idea how long she¡¯d been asleep, but knew without a doubt that she wouldn¡¯t have been awoken if a BaneBorn hadn¡¯t stepped through the threshold of her chambers.


    ¡°If I scan you, you may die, would any of you like that?¡±


    All three shook their heads slowly.


    ¡°So start answering my questions.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know who you are,¡± said the girl in the middle, and Lilith¡¯s aura told her that this child was of the Omni, but she couldn¡¯t tell if she was a demon, a transcendent, or of the mythical bloodlines, too many opposing energies touching Lilith¡¯s aura at once for her to distinguish what exactly she was looking at.


    ¡°I am, Lilith Constantine of the BaneBorn Legacy,¡± responded Lilith.


    I wonder if these youngsters will even know who I am¡­?


    ¡°Oh my maiden, we¡¯re fucked¡­,¡± said the floating girl with a gasp. Of the three there, Lilith saw this child as the biggest mystery. The girl seemed bonded to the one next to her, looking almost identical to the one wearing skeletal armor.


    ¡°She is the lost queen of the death schools, an ancient academy that was banished from Imperial,¡± said the girl.


    ¡°So you do know me,¡± said Lilith, looking toward the floating girl.


    The other children looked at each other, confused momentarily, but both ended up shaking their heads.


    ¡°No ma¡¯am, but my friend here is named Vanish BloodBane,¡± said the girl in the middle, straightening as Lilith looked back toward her.


    ¡°Your ally seems to know who I am, but Vanish is a family name, if this boy is my kin, why do you also smell of my blood child,¡± asked Lilith, gesturing to the floating child before pointing at the demon eyed girl in the middle.


    ¡°Umm, I¡¯m unsure, but I¡ª¡°


    ¡°My ears are runically inscribed to hear lies child, even of omission, try again.¡±


    ¡°I have a vampiric bloodline and was forced to drink the blood of my companion to stay alive,¡± said the demon eyed girl, confused as to why she honestly answered Lilith¡¯s question. The shock obvious as her brow¡¯s rose and the words fell from her lips.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Far too low of a rank to keep information from me child.


    ¡°I see, that still doesn¡¯t explain why you smell of my bloodline, drinking the blood of another doesn¡¯t cause changes to the soul,¡± stated Lilith.


    ¡°My bloodline takes on the properties of the blood of those I drink, what the fuck is happening right now?¡±


    ¡°I told you that bloodlines must be more than what we are lead to believe,¡± said the floating girl. No one else spoke up and just as Lilith was about to ask another question, the floating girl spoke again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me to shut up, your the one spilling all of your secrets every time she asks you a question!¡±


    Lilith chuckled.


    ¡°So you two are mentally communicating, that is interesting,¡± said Lilith, and both the demon eyed child and the floating girl¡¯s eyes widened simultaneously.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what,¡± tried the demon eyed girl, but the lie was stopped before it could even be spoken.


    ¡°Can you hear me talking right now,¡± asked the floating child. Lilith nodded, her brow furrowing.


    ¡°What, should I not be able to see you,¡± asked Lilith in response.


    ¡°I have no clue, neither one of them can see me.¡±


    ¡°They must be unranked, their eyes cannot process spirit energy, no matter child, I can change that,¡± said Lilith, shifting the runes of her home to support the spiritual realm and traveler¡¯s from beyond with a simple wave of her hand.


    ¡°Woah, that felt weird what just happened?¡±


    The demon eyed girl jumped at the appearance of the floating child, and Lilith laughed.


    ¡°Aurora, is that you?¡±


    Ah, her name is Aurora, like the celestial beauty. It suits her.


    ¡°Oh wow, you can see me now, that¡¯s amazing, weird, but amazing.¡±


    Lilith ignored the pair as they began to discuss simply being able to set eyes on one another. Her own gaze drifting over to the boy named Vanish.


    Named after my brother, but your predecessor had the eyes of a warrior. Why do you seem to be utterly taken by fear boy?


    ¡°Why do you not move child,¡± asked Lilith, staring her descendant down; his eyes flittering back and forth between various stages of fear and surprise.


    Both Aurora and the demon eyed child stopped speaking and looked back toward Lilith. The demon eyed girl, put a skeletal arm she held behind her back to be taken by two other magically infused minions Lilith hadn¡¯t noticed before. The hands moving of their own accord, Lilith noticing the skull held in the now sheathed weapons grasp. She felt a familiar power coming from the skull, but dismissed the questions that flooded her mind when she saw it, as the demon eyed girl lifted her descendant, holding him upright, crouching behind him to ensure that he didn¡¯t fall.


    ¡°Ah, hello, it is nice to meet you lady Constantine, I apologize for my lack of decorum, I currently have found myself unable to move after breaking my spine from what my status says, and since then, I have been like this,¡± said the boy, before black energy wrapped around his arm and the limb moved as he gestured at hisself.


    ¡°For one of my elk to be paralyzed is trivial, why have your parents not fixed such a simple ailment, problems of the bones are nothing to a BaneBorn,¡± said Lilith. Her descendants eyes began to dart around, the seeming nervousness making Lilith feel agitation at the obvious weak character before her.


    ¡°Speak child¡­¡±


    ¡°My parents don¡¯t have skills related to that of healing nor necromancy as I do, my mother is a fisherwoman, and my father is a farmer, this happened to me very recently, and since I was sentenced to be sacrificed and only barely escaped with my life, I¡¯ve had no way to fix this that I know of.¡±


    Shock filled Lilith, and she knew something was wrong. Her descendants would never become fisherman and mere farmers.


    The words must be accurate however, as none of her family line would have allowed for a meek personality to bloom within their children.


    What has happened while I slept.


    Lilith must have worn her feelings of disgust on her face in that moment, as the girl¡¯s shared apprehensive glances, and Vanish looked away unable to look Lilith in the eyes. Once more the demon eyed girl spoke, bringing Lilith¡¯s attention back to her.


    ¡°It seems that you may be able to help him, as long as it is not a burden on you, may we ask that you restore him¡ª¡°


    Lilith waved a dismissive hand through the air before herself, rising into the air, sitting on the rim of her coffin before she crossed her arms.


    ¡°I would, but with how weak he seems to be, it may be better that he overcome this issue himself, power isn¡¯t given to those without drive and capable hands.¡±


    The demon eyed child smirked, giving Lilith a nod, patting Vanish¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°If anyone is up to the challenge its Vanish.¡±


    ¡°I see, he will need to be if he is going to earn my Legacy,¡± said Lilith.


    ¡°What,¡± said both Aurora and Vanish at the same time. The demon eyed child looking between them both, apparently unsure of what Lilith spoke of.


    ¡°What am I missing here guys?¡±


    ¡°An Ancient is trying to give an inheritance to Vanish, just shut up and listen right now Drake,¡± said Aurora. Lilith rose to her feet, and pointed a hand at Drake as she looked toward Aurora.


    ¡°Did you just call her Drake?¡±


    Aurora nodded.


    ¡°As in the child of dragons, do you mean to say she is related to Carter?¡±


    ¡°How do you know my last name,¡± asked Drake.


    ¡­


    Drake was now confused. Why this seemingly powerful woman knew of her family, made Drake¡¯s mind thrum with an intuition that spoke of danger. She watched Lilith grow pale for a moment, and then compose herself. The appearance of being unsettled didn¡¯t suit their host, which made Drake think of a hundred questions, but she didn¡¯t know if she was treading on rough terrain or brittle glass.


    Calm down Drake, just slow down and see where all of this is going¡­


    ¡°What plans do you have for my descendant child of Omni?¡±


    Drake pointed at herself, baffled as to why such a powerful individual would ask her such a question, and Lilith returned the gesture with a simple nod.


    ¡°He saved my life, not once but twice, I am indebted to him for as long as I live and breathe, my only plan is to help him whenever he needs me too.¡±


    Some of the strain that Lilith¡¯s face had taken on, melted away from her features and Drake couldn¡¯t help but smile at the relief shown by the beautiful woman.


    ¡°And if he needs your protection for him to conquer the homeland of his ancestors, shall you support him even then?¡±


    Drake shrugged.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see why not, he helped me escape being executed, or was that a sacrifice,¡± asked Drake, looking at Aurora. Her now visible guardian nodded in response.


    ¡°My only objectives lay with ending those who forced Aurora and Vanish to walk to their deaths for no other reason than to feed demons, and speak with the gods who sent me here.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, and this path is enough for you, you do not search for the power to bring down the heaven¡¯s as your ancestor does?¡±


    ¡°Umm, no, I don¡¯t know who you are speaking of if I¡¯m being honest, I am new to the realm of Imperial, this is only my second day in these lands, or is it the third now, I¡¯m unsure the sun works oddly in this dungeon.


    Lilith smiled.


    ¡°That it does child, but if you have made it up this mountain and into my home, you must at least be an Adept, so we can easily get you admitted to Reliquary, what rank are you two,¡± asked Lilith, looking away from Drake, and then between Vanish and Aurora.


    ¡°Umm, no, definitely not Adept yet, all three of us are unranked, I¡¯m not even sure that Aurora can rank up, can you,¡± asked Drake looking up toward the floating young woman. Aurora shrugged, but Lilith could do nothing but stare at Drake.


    ¡°What, did we do something wrong,¡± asked Vanish. Lilith shook her head and gestured between Drake and Vanish.


    ¡°She obviously at least has four minions, and the ties I can see connected to you at least are tethered to two or maybe three of your own,¡±


    Drake nodded, and Lilith¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°Are you two achievement hunters?¡±


    Drake couldn¡¯t help but smile at the question.


    ¡°I knew it¡­,¡± muttered the girl underneath her breath. Lilith¡¯s face shifted, and Drake responded to the woman¡¯s original question to the best of her ability.


    ¡°Sorry, I just knew that their must be more than just the one achievement me and Vanish got for defeating a Denizen while being unranked, we didn¡¯t know where to start, but I planned on staying level one for as long as possible,¡± said Drake, unable to keep the smile off her face. She immediately wondered at what types of Achievements that could be gained, and now hoped Lilith could set them on the right path.


    ¡°There are countless achievements for unranked,, the amount of available achievements as you rank up drops drastically until you ascend and the process starts over,¡± what have you done so far, it must be something substantial if you are able to control this many minions without ranking up first?¡±


    ¡°Me and Vanish managed to kill a Beginner rank before we entered the dungeon, and since then even killed a Novice, but didn¡¯t get an achievement I don¡¯t think?¡±


    ¡°Ah, Unranked Slayer of Monsters, that explains it, but you should have definitely gotten an upgrade to your first achievement the moment you killed an Novice though,¡± stated Lilith.


    ¡°We did, this psycho doesn¡¯t even read her notifications, unless it is to scan a new minion or select upgrades,¡± said Aurora. Lilith chuckled at the glare Drake sent toward Aurora, and then spoke the words Drake had hoped to hear since the woman identified herself as Vanish¡¯s ancestor, and didn¡¯t seem ready to kill them for disturbing her sleep.


    ¡°Well I do have a library of documented achievements, and getting you as many as possible before I take Vanish to Reliquary may be necessary,¡± said Lilith.


    ¡°I¡¯d truly appreciate being able to use these resources to gain as much of an advantage as possible before we travel any further into the dungeon, we have barely escaped with our lives many times already, and I¡¯m sure if we came across the child of a god as we are now, we¡¯d end up as nothing more than a free bag of experience for their path to ascension, but this is the second time I have heard you mention Reliquary, what is that?¡±


    ¡°It is the school for young Godlings child, my family once ruled the academy, it is our seat of power, until it was taken by your relatives¡­¡±


    ¡°My relatives, or Drake¡¯s,¡± asked Aurora.


    ¡°Hers,¡± said Lilith, pointing toward Drake.


    ¡°But how is that possible, her family is from earth, and her soul was brought here by gods,¡± asked Aurora.


    Lilith began to chuckle at first, then her laughter grew to an astronomical level of boisterousness.


    ¡°Oh, fix your faces children, I¡¯m sorry that was just funny, by your expressions you must not know,¡± said Lilith, struggling to stop herself from bursting back into laughter.


    ¡°No, we don¡¯t, what are we missing?¡±


    ¡°Earth is a slave planet for banished gods, if she is from earth, we have a lot more problems to deal with than simply getting you three up to snuff to attend Reliquary, it was just a bad attempt at a joke was all, but I commend you for keeping such straight faces¡­


    The room went silent. Drake and the others processed what they¡¯d just been told, and Lilith seemed to be processing that they weren¡¯t joking about Drakes origin.


    ¡°Wait, are you three being serious?¡±


    Drake nodded, and Lilith looked as if she was going to feint, putting a hand to her forehead.


    ¡°Death below save us¡­

 12. Kill or be killed

    Drake found herself in a bedroom now that Lilith was done speaking with her and the others. She didn¡¯t know how to handle what she¡¯d been told by Lilith, and Aurora wasn¡¯t making processing the information any easier.


    ¡°Everything I¡¯ve ever known,¡± said Aurora for the eleventh consecutive time.


    ¡°Are you going to say anything else,¡± asked Drake, sucking her teeth in annoyance. She¡¯d gotten so used to speaking to Aurora within her head that she now found it odd to hear her voice aloud, but was honestly more rewarded by the fact that she¡¯d confirmed that she wasn¡¯t losing her mind.


    ¡°What is there to say, I can only imagine how you feel, you were born on a planet of exiled gods too powerful to not effect the natural order of the system of creation and destruction,¡± said Aurora with a sigh.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know what to think of that, I don¡¯t know how you are keeping yourself together at all.¡±


    Drake sat on the bed in the luxurious room she¡¯d been given to use by Lilith, grasping at silken sheets as thick as wool comforters. She felt conflicted in so many ways that she found her thoughts foreign.


    Fucking gods, how could we all be exiled gods, doesn¡¯t that mean that all of earth is dangerous though? What if we were to discover the truth. I guess that doesn¡¯t matter, but Lilith said that things should be okay because at least earth still didn¡¯t have magic anymore¡­ Should I tell her that has changed? For fuck sake, why are these sheets so fucking soft?


    ¡°You okay,¡± asked Aurora. Drake simply shook her head, and Aurora floated closer putting her hand on her shoulder, smiling down at Drake.


    ¡°We can¡¯t stay focused on this too long, we are about to be trained by one of the strongest individualsto ever live, aren¡¯t you excited, I can¡¯t lie, I¡¯m starting to feel like we are all being blessed by the gods at this point.¡±


    Drake nodded., still clutching at the blankets for comfort.


    ¡°Are you not nervous at all, we are about to work to get into a school full of god like children, that doesn¡¯t put you on edge at all, we will be far less educated than all of them,¡± stated Drake looking up to see the smiling Aurora.


    ¡°Absolutely, but there is nothing I can do about it, but at least from what Lilith said we might be able to get an edge, most of these Godlings are born at higher ranks and can¡¯t get any of the achievements that we can.¡±


    ¡°True,¡± said drake with a timid smile.


    Then Aurora¡¯s brows rose and Drake could hear a sound coming from out of her room and down the hallway.


    ¡°What the fuck is that noise?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you would believe me even if I told you,¡± said Aurora, making Drake wonder just how far her odd sense of sight encompassed.


    ¡°Now you gotta tell me, what is that?¡±


    ¡°Nope, we might as well go look, you won¡¯t believe me otherwise.


    The two exited out of the doorless room, and traveled down the hall to see a large space like that of the gymnasiums of Earth. Inside was a group of armored skeletons all attacking Lilith. Each struck out with different weapons, some large and others small more for stealth than savagery.


    The sound they heard was Lilith blocking each and every attack sent in her direction with the flat of her palms. Drake and Aurora could only see the Cultivator in the moments where she blocked.


    The woman¡¯s body was a blur of fluid motion, only becoming visible in seemingly random flashes as if the girls took pictures of her, capturing every deflection, block or parry in a moment of encapsulated vividness.


    ¡°The art of Genocide, has two schools, one is known as Massacre, which is the offensive school¡¯s technique, while what I will teach you first is known as Infallible, the defensive art,¡± said Lilith, stopping her demonstration. The attacking skeletons all stopped with their weapons a inch from Lilith¡¯s body and Drake was for the first time since they approached able to look away from the Cultivator to see that Vanish sat in the room. He was in a throne like chair against the far wall of the room, looking more pale than Drake had ever seen him.


    I thought she said she would be training us all, did something change?


    ¡°Where do I begin then, I¡¯ve never been trained in magic nor martial forms to know what I would be more skilled with, is there a way to tell,¡± asked Vanish


    Drake felt strange watching the interaction. She couldn¡¯t quite understand the sensation overwhelming her emotional state in that moment, finding that when she thought on times previously that she¡¯d felt this way was rare.


    Am I jealous of Vanish?


    Once she put her finger on what she now recognized as envy, she couldn¡¯t help but feel ashamed of herself, rage at being left out and stressed by the flood of memories that emerged from the depths of her mind.


    Her mind filled with a past full of teachers that picked others over her, showing favoritism , even though she had talents that put her leagues above other students. Her flashbacks then strayed to a plethora of competitions where her rivals obviously lost, but still managed higher scores, gaining medals for sub par skill.


    She was Even struck by the loss of her older brother in that moment, the skilled fighter that her parents doted on until he disappeared, leaving a scar on her family effecting her more than ever before as she looked at Lilith smile at the nervous Vanish. She¡¯d never met her elder brother, but the pictures of her parents joy in the photos next to his trophies, had always been enough to make them smile, simply by looking at them.


    Now she couldn¡¯t help but feel the same way she did when facing the photos of her once happy parents.


    ¡°I¡¯ll never be enough for anyone it seems, and I thought that would change here¡­ ha, just keep pushing Drake, nothing else matters,¡± muttered Drake underneath her breath.


    ¡°What did you say,¡± asked Aurora, but Drake shook her head slowly.


    ¡°Hey, have you found the library in this place yet?¡±


    ¡°No, what did you,¡± started Aurora, but Drake cut her off, not wanting to get into her past even in the slightest


    ¡°Nothing,¡± said Drake, taring her eyes away from Lilith and Vanish, setting her powerful gaze on Aurora.


    ¡°You okay Drake,¡± asked Aurora, and Drake smirked, trying to keep a wall between herself and her feelings.


    ¡°Yes, but I need to get to work, I¡¯d rather not die before I learn magic, at least I have that,¡± said Drake, not able to keep the intensity of her thoughts from her tone.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    Drake set her hands on Aurora¡¯s shoulders, and both were surprised that she was able to.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    ¡°Have you found the library, we have work to do, your going to need to learn as much as possible too if you are going to keep up with me, I¡¯m not going to be beaten by anyone, even those with more advantages than us,¡± said Drake, jabbing a thumb over her shoulder toward Vanish. Aurora nodded, and smiled.


    ¡°Wow, your a hopeless battle junkie aren¡¯t you, or is it magic junkie, oh well, follow me little dragon, I guess we have some reading to do.¡±


    ¡­


    Lilith let the girl¡¯s leave the sparring room without a word in their direction. She heard their conversation and was forced to push what she¡¯d heard from her mind.


    As the once banished daughter of a powerful monarch, Lilith knew what it was to feel unwanted, and though she felt the urge to help Drake, her fears in doing so far outweighed her desires.


    The exiled gods were in a different class of being entirely. The reason that the planet Earth was made in the first place, was to provide a secured location, where the rarest of minds and powers could be safely stored away from the volatile wars and delicate peace found throughout the realms.


    The very laws of reality were bent to restrict the use of magic there, creating what was known as a dead world. However Lilith had her suspicions that something may have changed in that regard, as no soul born to a dead world could ever travel beyond its limits.


    How are you here Traveler¡­?


    ¡°Am I doing this correctly,¡± asked Vanish, and Lilith pulled her attention away from her growing worries. She was being given a second chance to guide her family toward ascension, and felt she wouldn¡¯t ever be given another.


    ¡°No child, you must pull the energy into your core,¡± said Lilith.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry lady Lilith, if I¡¯m being honest when I close my mind and try to imagine anything, all I see is the darkness behind my eyelids.¡±


    Hmm, it seems he has a visualization issue, that will be hard to overcome. Between this and discernment I don¡¯t know which is more integral for a Cultivators growth.


    Lilith had told Vanish to imagine a cyclone of dark energy in the center of his torso. With every breath taken inward, the faster the draw of the cyclone needed to become.


    From what she could see of his core, his current level of bodily refinement would be slow. Unlike Drake who Lilith believed would more than likely feel constant changes to her body.


    The girl¡¯s core was like and ocean being devoured by a small black hole. With the right training, Lilith knew that Drake would become a manifestation of pure power and unstoppable will.


    I feel your hand in this dark father, how you taunt my desires¡­


    Lilith had long prayed for a disciple as talented as Drake appeared to be, but instead she was handed a crippled youth, while a treasure was dangled flying to new heights before her very eyes.


    ¡°Is everything okay lady Lilith, you look like my mother when father comes home after dark,¡± asked Vanish.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine child, just worried that I won¡¯t be able to get you ready in time for the next acceptance ceremony.¡±


    ¡°Do you already know when it is, you haven¡¯t been awake very long, how did you find out so quickly?¡±


    ¡°The light of day moves very specifically within this dungeon world, I can tell what section of the season cycle we are in by that alone, summer is coming soon, and you will need to be ready by then.¡±


    ¡°Will Drake and Aurora be ready?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I can only focus on so many things at once.¡±


    ¡°But I thought that you said that you would help us all?¡±


    ¡°I did and I may have to break that agreement Vanish, your companions are far too volatile a force to support the growth of.¡±


    ¡°Too volatile, how much more dangerous may Drake and Aurora become if they are left unguided, isn¡¯t that just as dangerous, if not more??


    ¡°You bring up a good point, but still the potential for folly if I do help is far higher than if I don¡¯t.¡±


    Vanish nodded, frowning as he did so. Both of his minions stepped away from the edges of the room, approaching to either side of him. Lilith was confused as the pair of skeletons began to lift Vanish upward, wrapping his arms around their necks and rising. It wasn¡¯t until he was a few feet away from the chair he¡¯d been sitting in that it hit Lilith that the boy was leaving, and Lilith nearly laughed, unable to remember the last time she¡¯d been dismissed so brazenly.


    ¡°Where are you going child?¡±


    ¡°To go and find the girl¡¯s and let them know we are leaving, we shouldn¡¯t overstay our welcome, I apologize for wasting your time lady Lilith.¡±


    ¡°What, what do you mean, you can¡¯t leave, there is far too much on your shoulders for you to leave child, sit down¡­¡±


    Vanish¡¯s minions stopped and a black light consumed his head, bone manipulation assisting in the glance over his shoulder at his Ancestor.


    ¡°This may be the most rewarding opportunity of my life, but I will not take it up if those that helped me stay alive up to this point aren¡¯t treated with the same respects as I am, especially after being thrown away by my homeland, and taken from my family, for nothing more than a lack of skills.¡±


    Vanish turned back and Lilith sighed.


    This isn¡¯t going to end well for you Lilith, and you know it¡­


    She couldn¡¯t lose this chance, nor did she believe that she wouldn¡¯t pay dearly for following through with aiding the child of Omni.


    ¡°Wait¡­ stop right there.¡±


    ¡°Yes lady Lilith?¡±


    Vanish didn¡¯t turn back. His minions froze in their strides, but the boy had no intentions of staying if he didn¡¯t hear what he wanted, and Lilith knew it.


    Maybe there is a bit of my brother¡¯s grit in you boy¡­


    ¡°Go and gather your friends, your training begins as a group as soon as you return, and don¡¯t doddle, the longer I wait, the harder you all will train, do you hear me child¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am,¡± said Vanish, an obvious smile in his voice as his minions once again started to leave the room.


    ¡°By the dark I hope this doesn¡¯t come back and bite me¡­!


    ¡­


    Aurora and Drake had found the library only for Aurora to fall in love. The room itself made no sense to her as she could tell the interior of the library seemed larger than the entire manor did when looking at itfrom the outside.


    Their were eleven floors inside, with shelves that lined every wall and created sectioned off areas like rooms. There were even balconies filled with shelves, as well as bridges and incredibly long staircases that had shelves filled to either side of each step.


    The most amazing aspect of the areas they could see when they entered, were the ornate bookshelves. Aurora didn¡¯t know why they were various colors, or why they could be seen flying in the distance at first, until she saw two of the cases land next to one another, and she watched as the cases traded a series of books.


    Wow, the books can reorganize themselves, I wonder why they would need too?


    The deeper the girls went, the more Aurora grew in awe that was the spectacle within the library. The rune work had to be advanced, and the more she analyzed the areas they trekked through, the more it became apparent that the bookshelves were color coded by both category and rank of the knowledge held.


    No way this is all Beginner material, thought Aurora, feeling as if they¡¯d already traveled a mile or more.


    No wonder there are so many places to sit, thought Aurora laughing inwardly.


    Every floor had lounges that were filled with seating and tables. They passed a dozen or more of these areas before they even managed to approach a single bookcase.


    It was then that they interacted with the magic of the room for the first time. Aurora reached out to pick up a book, only for her fingers to press up against invisible glass.


    The girl frowned at first, until a glimmer of light flashed, and the sound of air filling the space the books were held touched her senses.


    She tried again and this time she was able to pick up the book that had interested her without issue.


    Woah¡­ this must protect the books from aging or degrading. Not even the books of the palaces library are this well kept.


    The pair had lost themselves roaming the various levels, until Aurora found an area with an archway that had the words, Cultivation Techniques, carved into the stone above the entrance.


    What are we on the third floor of this place, how could be the first sign I¡¯ve¡­


    And only then did she notice that the large area they¡¯d been in was only meant for general knowledge.


    How big is this place truly, I bet you could spend a lifetime in here and not read the same book twice!


    The more specific categories of information were held in hallways that branched off from the main room. Now that Aurora knew what she was looking for, she began to read every archway that lead deeper into the library from a distance.


    ¡°From what I can see from up here, we can head towards everything from different crafting styles, skill manuals and even histories and legacies,¡± said Aurora excited by all the options.


    ¡°Why not just start here, we are already here, might as well right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, your right, don¡¯t let me forget to look up matter manipulation manuals before we leave,¡± said Aurora, striding passed Drake before she headed into the Cultivation Technique corridor.


    They found a place with basic manuals and moved to the closest lounge within the area. Aurora without the slightest bit of hesitation began to gather books from every shelf in sight, as Drake seemed to just roam around, looking at all the options.


    I wonder why she isn¡¯t picking anything out, does none of this pique her interest?


    It wasn¡¯t until Drake muttered under her breath in annoyance at the system not deciphering the texts that Aurora understood, shaking her head in amusement before offering to help.


    She soon found herself reading to Drake. The number of tomes that had peaked her charge¡¯s interest was not small by any means. However Drake quickly found that she couldn¡¯t read any of them at all, which only angered her further, as she¡¯d hoped that maybe some of the books would be in her language.


    Further more surprising was that the multilingual Aurora even found that she couldn¡¯t read a large amount of the collections, nor could she eventry and translate the elder prints she came across in the slightest.


    Regardless Aurora was able to find many volumes that fit their needs that were perfectly understandable to her, not written in tongues long dead or lost to the living.


    ¡°There are many styles of breathing techniques, some physical and others spiritual or mental,¡± started Aurora, reading as she floated a slow circle above the seating area that Drake sat in.


    ¡°Those of a physical foundation are often seen as the strongest, however many forms of cultivating void energies are only powerful due to circumstance and how they are wielded, or changed to suit the individual Cultivator, while some believe that mental forms of energy processing are far beyond any mundane techniques known to mortal or monster, many know the truth that spiritual cultivation cannot be ignored either, but the truth of the matter is that only the breathing techniques that fuse styles from all three classes of bodily refinement can take a Cultivator to the heaven¡¯s.¡±


    The pair continued like this, learning the basics of many various breathing techniques in all three styles of Cultivation and bodily refinement, and Auroracame to the conclusion that Drake had a head start on the subject matter, even though her charge seemed to not even realize how close to completing a trinity refinement technique that she already was.


    ¡°So I have to find a way to combine what I¡¯ve already done with a compatible spiritual technique, how the fuck am I supposed to figure that out, my current breathing technique was a lucky fluke, my dad taught me how to circular breathe when I was like five or maybe seven at the latest,¡± said Drake coming to her feet, beginning to pace underneath the flying Aurora.


    ¡°You already can draw the energy inward, you already hav the focus aspect down, all you have to do now is learn how to move the energy to specific points within your body, this alone should show you how to access your soul, and achieve the more advanced version of the technique you are already using.¡±


    Drake grunted, asking Aurora to continue reading, hoping that she would get a deeper understanding of what she needed to do with more information.


    ¡°Hey you two, mind if I join you?¡±


    Aurora smiled at Vanish, knowing he was coming well before he entered the library, already putting the book down at Drake¡¯s utter puzzlement until she saw Vanish enter. Her brow furrowed at the sight of him being carried, dangling from the shoulders of his minions.


    ¡°How did you even find us back here,¡± asked Drake, seeming annoyed by the boy¡¯s appearance at first.


    ¡°It was easy, you are the only sound in the entire place,¡± answered Vanish, and Drake nodded in understanding.


    ¡°So what¡¯s up, you done training today?¡±


    Vanish shook his head and smiled even deeper than normal.


    ¡°Nope, came to get you, Lilith said we better be back quickly or she is going to make the training even more difficult¡­¡±


    Aurora and Drake shared a look before Drake rolled her eyes and charged off, now wearing a smirk that let Aurora know that whatever had been wrong with Drake must have been due to not being able to train with Vanish and Lilith by how quickly her mood changed in that instant.


    And I thought I was a brat¡­ thought Aurora with a mental chuckle, floating off after Drake as she looked back at her and Vanish.


    ¡°Start with the we are being threatened by an immortal being next time, we can skip the pleasantries when our lives are not at risk!¡±

 13. Training not to die!

    ¡°So, it seems that the three of you are going to form some sort of Tribunal, and though I disagree on this sort of reliance on one another, many Cultivators far more powerful than myself have done such, and benefited greatly for it, however, the moment I see anything diminish the pace I set forth for Vanish, is when I will retract all assistance being given to those outside of my descendant, he is my priority and any who cannot understand that are free to leave.¡±


    Drake ignored the worried look that Vanish sent in Aurora¡¯s and her direction. The trio stood in a line with plenty of distance between them at the edge of Lilith¡¯s training room, preparing for their first session, and Drake was struggling to keep her temper in check.


    We haven¡¯t been to sleep, I¡¯m hungry as fuck, and your wasting our time with this bullshit, come on old lady, either train us or kick us the fuck out of here¡­!


    She sucked her teeth in annoyance, glaring at the woman as Lilith¡¯s eyes flicked in her direction. Drake curtsied at the stern gaze she received, and Aurora chuckled at the interaction.


    ¡°Is there an issue with anything I¡¯ve said so far,¡± asked Lilith, staring at Drake as she asked. Drake pointed to herself, and Lilith gave her a nod.


    ¡°Either train us, or stop wasting our time¡­¡±


    Aurora gasped in shock, and Vanish¡¯s mouth simply fell open.


    ¡°Waist your time..?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you may be this powerful Cultivator or whatever, but you have the power dynamic of this situation all wrong,¡± said Drake. Lilith¡¯s brow furrowed, and she scoffed before chuckling heartily.


    ¡°An how is that youngster?¡±


    The room grew colder. Not slightly, but drastically in an instant.


    ¡°Vanish doesn¡¯t know you lady, at this point your more likely to kill him than even the dungeon abroad, we only need to become ascended and we can leave, something tells me that you are well above that rank, but your still here, I won¡¯t pry but I guarantee that the reason why you are is a bit of a story, so in all reality, if Aurora and I leave and Vanish wants to come with us instead of staying with your scary ass, guess what, you lose out on whatever it is that you need him for, as I¡¯m guessing it was him being your descendant that woke you up in the first place, or am I wrong?¡±


    Shock flashed across Lilith¡¯s face, but was quickly replaced with blank features as she pursed her lips and scowled.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think so, so get off your high horse and either train us, or quit wasting our time,, as I promise you, Vanish more than likely wants to go home more than anything else,, and that isn¡¯t a part of whatever vendetta you have with my relatives or whoever took your foundation of power or whatever you called it,¡± said Drake smirking at the woman as the temperature continued to drop, ice forming on the windows of the room.


    ¡°And what if I kill you both and wipe his memory of his previous life entirely?¡±


    Silence filled the area and the temperature continued to drop to the point that an icy fog began to gather at their feet.


    ¡°You can do that?¡±


    ¡°Like this,¡± said Lilith with a snap of her fingers.


    ¡°Hmm, well you got me there, but I¡¯d be surprised if you didn¡¯t break his mind or something stupid like that,¡± said Drake, doing her best to not be the one to break eye contact first, or tremble at the violent cold that had consumed the room.


    ¡°Could you two tone it down, I am in the room and can speak for myself,¡± said Vanish, his teeth chattering as he spoke.


    Are you wanting to die, asked Aurora mentally.


    Shhh, she is going to break first, mortal minds don¡¯t work well after being tampered with, she¡¯s bluffing!


    :I¡¯m not going to repeat myself, make your choice old lady, either treat us all as equals, or I walk, my future is no less important than anyone else¡¯s, your blood or not.¡±


    Lilith looked to Vanish and the boy nodded before speaking.


    ¡°She¡¯s right, I do want to go home, and if I¡¯m being honest the only reason I¡¯m even willing to stay is to gain the ability to defend myself against those that took me from my family in the first place, but I¡¯m not willing to received any preferential treatment, if anyone of us should get your focus it is Drake anyway,¡± said Vanish.


    ¡°Yeah, wait no, that isn¡¯t what I want, I just want an equal opportunity to learn magic in the realms of Cultivation, that is all, I¡¯m sorry Vanish, I¡¯m glad that we lucked into your ancestor in a desperate situation, but I¡¯m done being treated like a second class citizen wherever I go,¡± said Drake.


    ¡°I see¡­,¡± said Lilith sighing.


    ¡°So, we good then old lady,¡± asked Drake and Lilith turned around momentarily.


    ¡°Fine, let us begin then, first I will need you all to show me what you are capable of,¡± said Lilith, waving a hand through the air, causing a portal of darkness and silver light to rip open in front of them.


    Six skeletons walked free of the portal and Drake scanned them to find three of two separate kind of monster.


    *Scan* - Monster -


    Name: Expert of forms


    Rank: Adept


    Age: ???


    Class: Master of Martial Forms


    Average Attribute Level: 3.0


    Scan Results - This is a minion of the queen of the damned. As a child of Death, her minions have abilities that normal skeletons of their rank don¡¯t have. Additionally this skeleton has countless season cycles of combat knowledge and experience, any encounter with this minion is a fight to the death.


    Warning - Interacting with minions attuned to the death affinity has a high potential to cause life threatening afflictions.*


    What the fuck, this bitch is really going to try and kill us off¡­Stolen novel; please report.


    *Scan* - Monster -


    Name.: Bane of Magic


    Rank: Adept


    Age: ???


    Class: Summoner of Ends


    Average Attribute Level: 3.0


    Scan Results - This is a minion of the Queen of the Damned. As a daughter of Death, her minion has skills and abilities that normal skeletons of its rank don¡¯t have. Additionally this minion has been trained by an ArchMage of the death affinity, any and all magics used regardless of the element or function will also have a death aspect intertwined.


    Warning - Interacting with minions attuned to the death affinity has a high potential to cause life threatening afflictions.*


    Feeling that she was being set up for failure, Drake scanned the pairs of skeletons in front of Aurora and Vanish.


    Yeah, thats what I thought¡­


    Neither of the magical and non magical skeletons in front of her companions had the death affinity, nor the warning of potential afflictions being gained for interacting with them.


    ¡°For this I will be testing your current level of skill with minions more appropriate to your current rank, or lack there of I suppose, these minions will be trying to kill you, as any fight in this dungeon is to the death, I will stop them from performing finishing blows, however anything short of that will be accepted, do you need a moment to prepare yourselves?¡±


    Aurora and Vanish shook their heads, while Drake nodded.


    Thought I¡¯d be able to wait to try this, but I just may end up needing a trump card.


    Drake pulled the skull her minion obtained while she¡¯d retrieved the arm of the Metal Magus, and instantly tried to reanimate the skull. She visualized a skeletal helmet, and didn¡¯t believe for a second that it¡¯d work, but to her surprise, it did. The back of the skull melted away,, flowing toward the front of the skull to form horns similar to a dragon¡¯s or the antlers of a stag; while the eye sockets at the front of the skull briefly flashed a brilliant sunset crimson.


    No way that actually worked.


    *Scan* - Hybrid - Minion / Armament -


    Name: Skull of the Druidic God of Wisdom


    Rank: Adept


    Age: ???


    Class: Druidic Changeling / Armament


    Average Attribute Level: 3.0


    Offense: 3.0


    Defense: 3.0


    System: 3.0


    Scan Results - This skull once belonged to a wise matriarch of the forest. Throughout countless season cycles, this queen of the forrest dedicated herself to the laws of magic and nature. To the understanding of spiritualism, and even the godly boon bestowed upon mortals known as celestial healing.*


    Woah, what happened to the warning, and why is it already Adept rank?


    Unlike any of her other minions, she wasn¡¯t asked if she wanted to level up the armament, nor was she able to select upgrades. It wasn¡¯t even until she thought of the upgrades that all the available selections appeared in her vision, her Overlay popping up a familiar menu with far more information than she was used to seeing.


    *Upgrade selections* - The skull of the Druidic God of Wisdom -


    Offense¡± The light of Nature*, Horns of the Dragon, Breath of Natures Embrace.


    Tier 2: Locked, spiritual refinement too low to access available options.


    Tier 3: Locked, Spiritual refinement too low to access available options.


    Defense: Aura of Celestial Healing, Senses of Gaia*, Form of the ethereal Primordial.


    Tier 2: Locked, Spiritual refinement too low to access options.


    Tier 3: Locked, Spiritual refinement too low to access options.


    System: Celestial Smite*, Wrath of the beast, Form of Creation & Destruction.


    Tier 2: Locked, Spiritual refinement too low to access options.


    Tier 3: Locked, Spiritual refinement too low to access options.


    Previously selected upgrades are marked with a *. All locked tiers will become available when spiritual refinement reaches an appropriate level.*


    Drake smiled, and hung the mask from the mantle of her defensive minion, glad to see twin hooks she wished for grew from the bones of the mantle with a simple thought, Drake loving how the additional construction wasn¡¯t difficult to form, supporting the mask securely, allowing Drake to hangthe once skull now mask as if it was meant to be there. The fearsome armament fixed in placeby its eye sockets, softly glowing a familiar darkened red thatDrake was beginning to feel was the colors of her mana.


    ¡°Sorry, about that, I¡¯m ready now¡­¡±


    ¡­


    Lilith didn¡¯t like the mask that now hung from Drakes shoulder. She¡¯d previously been able to scan the girl,, but the moment she hung the mask from her shoulder and Lilith attempted to discern the details of Drake¡¯s new armament, the eyes glowed red, and a growl was heard in the depths of Lilith¡¯s mind.


    The moment she tried to scan Drake, the same thing occurred, and as well with every attempt she maid to scan anything else on the girl¡¯s body.


    I need to kill this child before she grows anymore powerful¡­


    She didn¡¯t know why she felt this way, but the longer she was around Drake, the more inclined she felt to try and be rid of the child. A fact that she believed the child could sense. Lilith could tell the child was smarter than she¡¯d previously given her credit for, surprised that she''d surmised so much about Lilith by mere context clues.


    Yes, it had been Vanish¡¯s presence that had awakened Lilith. Yes, Lilith did need him, as she couldn¡¯t leave this dungeon without appointing another BaneBorn to the council of Ancients to take her place, and yes, she would do anything to leave Vivarium.


    I have paid for my family¡¯s choices long enough, it is time for another to take this burden¡­


    It wouldn¡¯t be the first time a Cultivator as young as Drake could sense Killing Intent, and Lilith now knew that there was only one thing that would get in the way of her plans at this point, and that was Drake. So if the young Cultivator could feel that innately, Lilith had no choice.


    ¡°Your objective is to survive as long as possible, yes Aurora,¡± asked Lilith, stopping her explanation to address the girl¡¯s upraised hand.


    ¡°Do I truly need to be a part of this test, I doubt I¡¯ll be seen by anyone or even¡ª¡°


    ¡°Tangible, yes you will be both seen and vulnerable in Reliquary, you won¡¯t be the only student with a spiritual body, in fact you have the most to worry about, as you have no physical frame to protect you from soul damage.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    Now if there are no more questions, begin¡­¡±


    Lilith watched Drake widen her stance, and slowly begin to strafe the two skeletons before her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see what you three got,¡± said Lilith underneath her breath.


    Lilith didn¡¯t expect any of the fights to last long at all. None of the three seemed to be from a fighting background, but Lilith didn¡¯t want to count them out entirely, as they had remarkably accomplished to make it up a mountain that had killed. thousands before they managed to ascendit, and that was even while being unranked.


    Her hypothesis ended up being right. She cursed inwardly as Aurora and Vanish were nearly taken out in the same instant.


    Vanish sent forward his trio of minions, and the group didn¡¯t even move an entire yard before the melee skeleton they faced dismantled them all, three kicks were sent out in a flash, knocking all three minions into the air before a single move could be made. A bolt of purified darkness lanced through the air from the magic user, leaving a hole through the head of the chair Vanish sat in before his minions hit the ground.


    Pathetic¡­


    Aurora did slightly better,, dodging a handful of blows after being charged. She ducked a spin kick even though her enemy moved fast enough to appear before her as if it teleported.


    A flurry of punches were barely blocked, before the girl had her legs swept out from underneath her so violently she was sent slightly airborne. A giant hand made from solidified darkness mana then formed in an instant above her, smashing her downward out of the air.


    The form expert in front of her stomped a foot down beside her head with a powerful clap. Its leg vibrated the ground around her head with a coating of void energy, Aurora sighing, her own disappointment apparent as she looked at Lilith shaking her head at her; the girl closing her eyes after taking a deep breath.


    She may not even make it to Reliquary¡­


    Then came Lilith¡¯s biggest disappointment. Drake wore a smile as she fought. As she swung her hammer like weapon at the martial form master before her; the skeletal arm mounted to her opposing shoulder, blocked, parried, and even struck back, landing blows on the skeleton. Of the weapons she¡¯d seen the girl use so far, the defensive minion strapped to her right side seemed to have the most potential. As it fought the martial form master, the minion learned not only how to defend better, it struck back more frequently.


    What surprised Lilith more was that the magical minion that she¡¯d summoned to fight Drake didn¡¯t attack at all. It wasn¡¯t until she told the skeleton to attack, that she saw why her minion had decided not to.


    Her minion charged the same style beam projectile that had been fired at Vanish in its hand, and took aim. Lilith was sure the fight would end as her skeleton fired at Drake¡¯s back.


    The beam of darkness stretched toward her in what felt like slow motion to Lilith.


    What¡­?


    A fraction of a second before the beam struck Drake¡¯s lower back, the two skeletal hands draped down Drake''s spine unclasped their hands. The one made of an obsidian metal, caught the beam, as red lightning flowed down the other limb as it lifted itself palm upward toward Lilith¡¯s own minion.


    Lilith¡¯s eyes went wide as a crack of red lightning was fired toward her minion, freezing the skeleton in place. Drake turned around and dove away from the skeleton she fought, diving toward the now frozen skeleton seized by red lightning. She cocked back her closed fisted weapon mid air, as her shoulder mounted minion caught her; its hand pressed flat against the ground before it bent at the elbow and pushed, Drake laughing as she was launched upward.


    As she swung her hammer like weapon toward the head of the electrified skeleton, the blackened arm at her back fired an identical beam to the one it had caught, shooting it at the martial skeleton she¡¯d just been fighting. Both of Lilith¡¯s minions were struck at the same time.


    Her magical minion was smashed into the ground, while at the same time her martial form minion was taken off its feet by a black beam that radiated with even more power than had originally been used when the attack was shot.


    It was in this moment, as Drake stood above Lilith¡¯s minions, that she knew both skeletons were going to die.


    She is blessed by the dark father¡­


    Crimson energy swirled around Drake¡¯s leg as her foot extended skyward with a powerfully resounding snap; her heel plummeting toward the chest of Lilith¡¯s magical minion without hesitation and its skull was crushed.


    In the very same moment a thunder clap could be heard in the air behind Drake, as a powerful sonic boom collided with the head of her other minion before a bolt of lightning was spawned from the air above its head, instantly obliterating the already fractured skull.


    Drake turned to Lilith and their eyes met. The girl smiled at her, walking to stand next to her companions, both staring at her in amazement, while she sheathed her weapon between the two magical hands at her back, as they welcomed their sibling into their embrace.


    Lilith was just as shocked, but was forced to keep the whirlwind of thoughts that now plagued her off her face. She gave the girl a single nod, as if this was the outcome she¡¯d always expected.


    Drake scoffed, and Lilith somehow knew she¡¯d been seen through, watching Drake out the corner of her eye as the girl seemed to be reading something, her lips moving as her eyes narrowed slowly,.


    ¡°What is it child, did you get it?¡±


    ¡°Get what?¡±


    ¡°The upgrade to your achievement,¡± asked Lilith. She hadn¡¯t intended for her to actually defeat the monsters but since she had¡­


    ¡°Yes, and another one called Fraternal Assassin, it also increases my attribute growth per kill, guess I have you to thank for that, honestly just thought you were trying to kill me by making my fight more difficult than theirs, but without the chance of death it seems I wouldn¡¯t have gotten either achievement.¡±


    ¡°No risk, no rewards child, now lets begin¡­¡±

 14. Fight Club Mentality

    Drake couldn¡¯t help but feel like she was both being picked on, and shown favoritism. Why, because she was currently out in the middle of a forrest full of skeletons searching for a fruit that supposedly satiated vampirism.


    She was hungry and growing wild, and instead of just giving her the fruit, Lilith felt it would be better that Drake trained while hungry. This was an attempt to expand the time it took for her unfed madness to fully bloom in her mind, but Drake just felt alienated and singled out.


    It was the middle of the night, and the mobs of skeletons that infested the mountain top were absolutely everywhere. No section of the forrest was untouched by the undead, and Drake¡¯s every scan showed her a mass majority of skeletons well into the Adept rank.


    She at first tried to sneak through the area surrounding the manor, but the single altercation she was subjected too quickly turned into an all out melee. Normally she wouldn¡¯t have a problem with this, but without Aurora signaling where enemies were constantly through their bond, the fight was made exponentially more difficult.


    The energies within the manor, alongside the runes that lined the walls of Lilith¡¯s home made it possible for the bonded pair to separate. Luckily for Drake¡¯s sanity they were both able to communicate at what seemed to be incredible distances from one another.


    They¡¯d figured this out due to the fact that Aurora was miles deep into the library researching Matter Manipulation, while Drake was miles into the forrest that enclosed the manor. Both able to talk as easily as if they stood directly next to one another.


    You seem frustrated, said Aurora,, the sound of herflipping pages in a book bigger than her own torso oddly being picked up as she spoke through their bond.


    I¡¯m allowed to be frustrated, I¡¯m in the middle of the fucking woods by myself, while you read books and Vanish learns how to meditate better, how in the hell is that fair.


    Yeah¡­


    Not to mention all of these monsters seem stronger than normal!


    Yeah¡­


    Are you even listening to me or are you just saying yeah over and over again to try and make me feel like your paying attention?


    Yeah¡­


    Just tell me what you are learning about before I get agitated with you too.


    ¡°Yeah¡­


    Aurora!


    Yes, you don¡¯t have to yell, what¡¯s up?


    Tell me about Matter Manipulation.


    ¡°Okay, damn, that¡¯s all you had to say.


    Drake continued her search while Aurora spoke to her through her bond. She was supposed to find a fruit in the shape of a heart, called DragonFruit, that apparently had nothing in common with the earthen fruit with the same name. It was apparently shaped like that of a human or Cultivator¡¯s heart, and not like that of the iconified shape used by commercial industries across earth for valentines day.


    As a matter manipulator, it is said that a Cultivator can create anything that they can imagine, either by breaking down physical material, repurposing it for their needs, or by using mana, void energies, cultivated life force, Ki, or even chi, explained Aurora. Drake found herself wishing she too had this ability, pushing the thought aside as she worked her way deeper into the forrest.


    ¡°You can¡¯t have it all Drake, just be happy that you can even use magic in the first place,¡± muttered Drake to herself.


    She was learning more about her minions capabilities the longer she fought in the forrest, and began to feel that maybe Lilith wasn¡¯t trying to get rid of her by having her train in this way.


    ¡°The longer I¡¯m out here, the more attribute points I¡¯ll get, and the more experienced I will become, and leveling up my minions will only make me stronger, so maybe I should stop giving the old lady a hard time¡­?¡±


    Drake sighed, wondering if being in the body of a potentially puberty ridden youngster was effecting her.


    Going to have to add this to my list of reasons to become strong enough to beat down gods¡­!


    She glanced around, and realized that she wasn¡¯t immediately about to be attacked as she had been all night. Thus far she¡¯d been forced into back to back encounters , so took the chance she was given to gather herself, climbing a tree close to her to take a break and discuss an idea she had with Aurora.


    She focused on the group of classed skeletons in the nearby garden below her. She took aholdof her offensive brute arm in her off hand once more, taking it back from her defensive minion after the climb once she found a good spot to jump from. Just incase she needed to flee from her temporary sanctuary..


    Annoyed at how hard it had been to simply climb up a tree with access to only one arm, .still unable to use her dominant right hand.


    Idiot, you could have handed your weapon off to your magical minions, they are the perfect sheathe.


    She didn¡¯t feel like her position in the tree would remain safe, so decided to ask Aurora her questions as quick as possible before returning to her hunt for the DragonFruit.


    Just get used to never being safe again, its better that way, thought Drake preparing herself for combat to arise at any moment.


    Hey, I know this is random, but all of my minions have cool names except my two Brute arms, would I be crazy if I named them?


    What, no, absolutely not, many Cultivators name their weapons, and even more name their bonded companions, pets and especially their familiars, I¡¯m honestly surprised that you haven¡¯t done it already, Brute arm 1 and 2 is rather¡­


    Lame, yeah agreed, want to brainstorm some names with me?


    ¡°Of course, what about Hammer and Thorn, asked Aurora after a moment of murmuring contemplation.


    Naw, cool but not for me.


    Drake grew uncomfortable with how many skeletons began to draw near to the tree, jumping down, and returning to her assault on the forrest of the dead, searching for food as her and Aurora conversed mentally.


    The two didn¡¯t find anything that Drake enjoyed for quite a while, tossing names back and forward as Drake killed skeletons, until Aurora offered names that seemed to buzz in Drake¡¯s mind when she heard them.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    She lifted her offensive arm of the Brute, and smiled.


    ¡°How about it buddy, do you like the name, Havoc?¡±


    To her surprise, a red notification box popped up above the upheld weapon; a stylized cursive font that read, Havoc, with a tooltip connecting itself to the weapon. She felt a thrum of pleasure radiate through her arm and her smiled deepened as she read the pop ups details. She read quickly, knowing that staying in place for too long would give her untold difficulties.


    *Named Weapon Effect Unlocked* - Grasp of Havoc -


    Through your loyalty to your weapon and the strength of your growing bond, a new function has been unlocked. Grasp of Havoc can now be used. With this Havoc can not only grab your opponents, but crush whatever it has managed to pull into its grip. The potential for other skills to combine with this action is possible, limits are only restricted by your experimentation.*


    ¡°Fuck yeah!¡±


    Drake loved the necromancer bloodline, and wondered where she would be without it. Her minions were by far her best tool, and she was overjoyed at every thought she had on what she felt like was their near limitless functionality and ability to grow.


    ¡°Okay, now you buddy, what do you feel about being named Zen?¡±


    Drake had thought that the first surge of energy was powerful when naming Havoc, but the reaction she felt rush through her body at naming her defensive Brute arm made her head spin. The pop up blinked into existence above her defensive minion, and Drake was surprised to see that this box was entirely golden with red text.


    *Named weapon Effect Unlocked* - Enlightened Embrace of Zen -


    The bond you share with this minion is unlike any you will ever obtain. This minion even before you understood its purpose had already devoted its life to protecting your own. Through the Enlightened Embrace of Zen, your minion now has a chance to gather Chi or Ki when defending or attacking. These energies will be converted into life force to either cleanse or improve the regenerative properties of your body. The more Zen learns of Cultivation, the more Zen will grow and eventually rank up.*


    ¡°Woah, should I just name all my fucking weapons!¡±


    Drake tried. Yet her other weapons didn¡¯t resinate with her name choices, and Drake gave up, returning her focus to Aurora¡¯s unending lecture on the capabilities of Matter Manipulation, and her hunt for the DragonFruit.


    ¡°Here goes nothing¡­!¡±


    ¡­


    Lilith stood in the observation deck of her home. The glass walls around her gave her a perfect view of everything that surrounded the manor, and she walked the perimeter of the large translucent pyramid as Vanish meditated in the middle of the space.


    She couldn¡¯t help but fixate on Drake as the girl traversed the forested garden in search of the fruit Lilith sent her to find. She knew exactly where the fruit was, but decided to let the girl push her survival instincts to their absolute limit.


    Lilith couldn¡¯t draw on her full power yet. Her pool of mana was absurdly far away from its maximum, but she¡¯d still pushed the levels of the Skeletons in the surrounding areas as high as she could. She thought this would slow Drake down, hopefully breed a sense of fear into the girl, but the choice had seemingly backfired.


    ¡°I wonder how many attribute points she has at this point?¡±


    Drake had told her that she wasn¡¯t leveling her minions beyond level 1, until she knew their true ceiling, wanting her minions to remain unranked and at the lowest levels for achievement hunting for as long as possible. Now that Lilith couldn¡¯t see the level of her nor her minions however, she couldn¡¯t believe the girl hadn¡¯t leveled her bonds, maybe not to the next rank, but Lilith believed the capabilities of Drake¡¯s equipped minions couldn¡¯t be that of mere level ones.


    Her perch gave her a vantage point that showed Lilith every skirmish Drake found herself in. Drake did struggle when the numbers eclipsed two undead skeletons, but not as much as Lilith believed a level one would. She knew achievement hunting as a youth came with perks unseen even by those who gathered them young. Her brothers were capable of things that she wasn¡¯t able to reproduce until she eventually became ascended, and some of their skills and abilities were still out of her grasp even now as an Ancient rank Cultivator.


    Maybe she is telling the truth, but that would mean that she is potentially even more powerful than my own siblings were at her age, and we were children of an Elder God. Could something like that even be possible?


    She looked back at Vanish, watching the boy for a moment. He was sitting upright completely, drenched in sweat and breathing heavily.


    His entire body was wrapped in a pure black void energy; the only thing holding him upright as he tried to meditate was his continued connection to his mana. A visible tremble had begun as Lilith had him there, focusing in the same position since before the artificial sunlight had left the area.


    I need to use this as an opportunity to sharpen this boy, nothing will make a better wet stone than that child, thought Lilith, returning her vision to Drake.


    Lilith couldn¡¯t help but smile seeing Drake struggle to find the fruit, able to see the growing frustration on the girl¡¯s face even at the incredible distance they now were from each other.


    That temper is going to be the death of her, thought Lilith, knowing from experience how unfocused rage could lead a Cultivator to an early death.


    Drake had drawn the attention of far too many foes, lashing out wildly with her hammer of a weapon, resulting in numerous mobs to surround her, blocking her in on all sides.


    This should be good.


    ¡­


    I guess I don¡¯t have a choice,¡± said Drake to herself, summoning forth her two magical weapons. Both of the magical limbs levitated to float above her shoulders, disconnecting from her mantle to hover independently as they took aim. Drake smiled, and began to strike.


    She charged forward, swinging Havoc to collide with a group of slowly approaching enemies. The weapon smashed through ribs, collar bones and even knocked free a couple skulls in the first swing. Even before those enemies died, more stepped over the undead in front of her, only to be shot by a charged bolt of lightning.


    A singularity built in her other magical minions palm, drawing in all the broken bodies before they could even drop to the ground below.


    Drake was then kicked in the back of her leg; the blow dropping her to a knee, and was almost struck a second time, but Zen reached completely behind her, grabbing the offender by its exposed spinal cord and yanked, snapping the bone like a twig.


    Before the defeated monster¡¯s two halves were able to fall, her storm affinity minion summoned a thunder clap, crushing the bones of the undead Zen had just killed, before a bolt of raging lightning fell from the sky obliterating the monster into bits.


    The Skeletons body was also pulled into the singularity, and electricity began to flow through all of the bones gathered in the metal minions palm.


    Drake jumped to her feet, turning around to strike with Havoc, knocking back a few more enemies, surprised that their bones didn¡¯t instantly break as the majority of her foes had previously.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t good¡­¡±


    For the first time since Vanish had asked her if she was going to raise any full bodied minions, Drake truly considered if she should. She hadn¡¯t wanted to, but if the enemies were going to be able to easily surround her as they now had, she would potentially need minions beyond Zen to cover her back.


    ¡°I wonder if Lilith killed that Steel plated Assassin we ran from?


    She dismissed the thought, and tried to mix her swings with Havoc, and the martial forms of Genocide.


    Crimson energy began to flow around her limbs, every strike bursting with an oppressive energy that stole the life-force from every skeleton it touched.


    Still Drake wondered how these attacks would effect the living, but was forced to concentrate on the fight at hand. She charged a stomp with the flowing energies that her weapons gathered, glad that her magical weapons were both stopping enemies from an easy approach, and offensively adding to the frequency of her attacks.


    It wasn¡¯t until she was literally pulled into the air by her storm hand that she realized the minion holding the singularity wasn¡¯t actually attacking.


    Xen reached up, clasping hands with the storm hand, lifting Drake off the ground mid swing. She yelped not knowing what was happening, only to look over and see a roiling mass of dark matter and twisting bones, the previously skeletal frames now nothing more than shrapnel tinged with crimson electricity.


    ¡°Holy¡ª¡°


    The singularity was driven downward as her metallic minion plummeted from the sky, driving its palm into the ground. An explosion of bones and lightning was sent out in a halo of destruction; a wave of gathered bones shotgunning through the masses. Clearing the area for at least a yard around herself.


    Drake¡¯s eyes went wide at the sight, but she then smirked as her storm hand dropped Zen, allowing her to fall back to the ground below.


    Her magical hands once again began to orbit her, and Drake prepared for the next wave of monsters to step forward.


    She found herself wanting to put on her new mask and try out its selection of skills as she saw multiple scans pop into her vision with enemies almost in the fourth rank. However an unrecognizable fear at the back of her mind told her not too. She was still disturbed by the missing warning on the armaments scan, and the fact it had entered the Adept rank without her actually being prompted to level the minion up.


    No excuses Drake, its do or die!


    ¡°Come on guys, we got this,¡± said Drake, looking between her minions one by one, smirking as she spun slowly to face all the incoming enemies.


    Zen began to draw in power from all the bones use in the last attack, drawing in the remnants of life-force left in the scattered materials. She had no idea what the minion had planned, but the longer she fought with the weapons she¡¯d constructed, the more she grew to depend on their growing ability to act independently.


    Drake tightened her grip on Havoc and prepared for the worst, seeing more skeletons in the area than she¡¯d ever seen before. She took a deep breath and once more began the fight for her life.


    ¡°Come on!¡±


    ¡­


    Lilith watched in amazement. The girl she so wanted to be rid of was growing before her eyes. She was quickly being overwhelmed, trading blows with coordinated squads of enemies, doing her best not to be overrun.


    Lilith watched as the group of skeletons that vastly out leveled her punched, kicked, Choked and even cut Drake at every chance they were given. Drake was smashed into trees, struck with boulders, and struggled to stay upright as her ribs were broken by a particularly devastating body slam.


    Yet Drake continued to get up, no matter how many times she was knocked down. No matter how many times she was swarmed, even when the number of ranged magic users grew, striking Drake from unseen angles, Drake gritted her teeth and continued to fight.


    ¡°Just don¡¯t give up child, the sunlight will come soon,¡± Lilith found herself saying as the light of day began to stretch across the sky.


    Make up your mind Lilith, are you going to care for this monster or not¡­, thought Lilith, struggling with her want to aid the child that she saw so much of herself in.


    She looked over to see Vanish had fallen asleep; Lilith completely unaware of when the occurrence had taken place. She would have been angry to see this, but instead of being sprawled out and unconscious, Vanish still sat legs cross, back straight, and completely enveloped in void energies from head to toe.


    Impressive¡­ I guess this Drake isn¡¯t the only one with an astronomical potential.


    Lilith waved her hand, summoning a mirror to the side of the room. An image filled the mirror, and she was able to see Aurora standing within the library, holding a book. She nearly dismissed the mirror, seeing nothing of substance happening, until Aurora spoke.


    ¡°Come on, come on,¡± said Aurora, turning her head away from the book, and shifting her gaze toward her upturned palm. Flickers of light began to flash, forming the shape of a blade. Mana could be seen being drawn from the air around her, surging toward her palm, and for the fraction of an instant, a gleaming blade as long as the girl¡¯s arm could be seen slowly spinning above her fingertips.


    ¡°Yes,¡± roared Aurora in surprise. Lilith blinked in amazement, reevaluating her problems.


    She knew this to be true intimately, simply becausea matter manipulator was far more dangerous than anything the realms of Cultivation had ever produced. As it was thevery same person that had given her this manor, and taught her everything she knew before ascending to godhood, that was also a legend that began after learning this very same skill.


    The very same talent that resulted in her teacher¡¯s ascension beyond the realm known as heaven. Her teacher only able to rise above the limits of godhood after achieving the same Mythical skill that Aurora was now learning to produce.


    Dark father save me¡­

 15. Juggernaut

    Drake crashed through a tree, turning the entire trunk into splinters. She continued to fly through the air, smashing into a second tree, bouncing off its side, and stumbled into an all out sprint.


    Her search for the DragonFruit felt to be a lost cause, but she found herself far more annoyed at her current circumstances. She wasn¡¯t one to be okay with running from any sort of challenge, but for the first time in her life she faced levels of adversity that she had no means of overcoming.


    This is what her entire night had turned into. Fleeing for her life, and not looking back.


    She had been able to keep up with the amount of enemies for quite a while, but after a few difficult opponents managed to bunch up around her, nearly trampling her to death, she fled at the first chance she could take.


    It didn¡¯t matter how many attacks she landed, her new foes were far too advanced in ranks and levels for her to conquer alone.


    Her two magical minions flew circles above her, firing at any and all targets they could to slow down her pursuers, but even their combined attacks did nothing but Buffett uselessly against the bodies of the Skeletons. Only now slightly able to singe the white bones of the monsters that chased after her.


    ¡°Son of a bitch!¡±


    Aurora hurdled a slide tackle from one skeleton, and barely took a few steps before she was forced to dive into a roll to dodge a flying kick from another. Her body froze once she came to her feet; a streaking green lance of energy piercing the air directly in front of her chest, causing a tree a few yards to her left to explode, igniting into a burst of green flames.


    She didn¡¯t even try and look at where the attack had come from, sprinting again in an instant.


    She could see light in the distance, and felt it to be her only chance at survival. If she was being honest with herself, she had no idea where she was, nor how to get back to the manor.


    She hadn¡¯t found the DragonFruit, nor could she any longer find the will to care. Her survival instincts had been kicked into overdrive once she realized that she more than likely wouldn¡¯t be able to survive an entire night in the forrest on her own merit.


    For Drake who had always been a fast runner, outpacing the skeletons at first had been simple, but the higher their levels seemed to grow as the night went on, the more the skeletons started to not only use tactics to box her in, but their once docile speeds also grew chaotically.


    Her new body ran at olympic levels comparatively to earthen standards, but this wasn¡¯t enough. The skeletons were taller as if the average height of Cultivators was closer to seven and a half feet in the realm. Their lack of muscles and any kind of fatty tissue, or even organs for that matter allowed them to run at unfathomable speeds.


    Many of the skeletal bodies even whistled as their bones cut through the air as they ran behind Drake, creating a horrifying sound like that of wind blowing through the carcass of an abandoned home.


    Drake¡¯s body felt strange as she ran. An odd sensation once again filled her chest, in the same way it had as she rushed up the mountain side. She felt as if lightning was surging through her veins, as if her heartbeat had an echo, that beat wildly with her every step.


    The sound of her blood pumping permeated her entire body, and a glow begun to backlight her irises. Her soul drank in mana as if her entire being was thirsty.


    Everything slowed further to her senses, and more of the attacks that came into her line of sight moved at a crawl. Aurora spoke in the back of her mind, but Drake heard nothing but the thud of pressure that grew between her rib cage.


    She ran across the side of a tree, taking three gravity defying steps as if running up a wall to avoid being tackled. She flipped through the air over the heads of multiple skeletons, landed in a run and continued on. Her eyes narrowed and she saw the trap coming as two brutes charged toward her, flanking her to either side.


    Twin spear tackles were aimed at Drake¡¯s knees, and her mind made her move on pure instinct. There was no moment of thought, only an instant intent that was transformed into one smooth motion. They dove toward her and Drake moved, her mind¡¯s momentum trying to turn her body into an unstoppable force.


    She performed a no handed cartwheel, putting the handle of Havoc into the hand of Zen, completely upside down as she flowed through the air; the weapon pair lashing out to strike the two brutes that tried to take her out at the legs. Both of the brutes head¡¯s were crushed in the same moment that they collided.


    The powerful smash from her weapons was the first kill she managed in what felt like hours. Both skulls and necks broken in a blink, the blows force enough to push her upward.


    Spinning through the air, her magical minions orbited her. Her obsidian metal minion caught a multitude of spells, the dangerous mixture of various energies swirling at the center of a singularity, as its partner fired dazzling arcs of chaining lightning. The volatile electricity consuming life in a way it had never done before.


    This only made the beating in her chest bloom that much further throughout her being. She landed, performing another no handed flip, kicking an emerging skeleton in the chest, knocking it backward as Havoc was swung outward by Zen. The skeletons head was crushed, the monster dropping to its knees as Drake fell to her back to avoid another charging monster.


    Zen swung backward, cleaving Havoc through the knees of the monster that had just charged, tripping the skeleton as Drake kipped up to her feet.


    Without hesitating she dashed forward, jumping, grabbing a low hanging branch with her off hand, and swung over top an explosion of magic from a group of casting skeletons in the distance.


    She ignored the group and instead continued to chase the embrace of daylight that grew in the distance, continuing to sprint for her life.


    ¡­


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we help her?¡±


    Lilith looked toward Vanish, and shook her head.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°She¡¯s grown more in the last bit of time she¡¯s spent out there alone than she has since she started.¡±


    Vanish nodded and Lilith looked back toward the mirror her and Vanish used to watch Drake.


    She hadn¡¯t killed any of the skeletons in a long time, but Lilith could tell something had changed once again.. Lilith would have assumed that Drake gained another achievement, but doubted it.


    Its either some sort of unification of skills, or she¡¯s obtained a grander understanding of her capabilities¡­?


    Lilith continued to pace, her thoughts saturated in confusion and dismay. She¡¯d spent the night watching Drake and knew one fact more than ever before the longer she watch.


    The girl is dangerous, but she wields my family¡¯s gifts better than any new Cultivator I¡¯ve ever seen¡­ How can I ignore this, what if I don¡¯t have to damn someone of my own blood to be stuck within this bloody dungeon¡­?


    With what Lilith¡¯s mind was turning toward, she¡¯d end up training Drake for a diversity of reasons. Not because it was a good idea, or even that she secretly knew she wanted to just to see what would become of her, but because the girl may be her only chance to escape her prison.


    ¡°She makes me want to create minion weaponry of my own,¡± said Vanish, and Lilith found herself nodding.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen many a necromancer create limbs as servants to help craft and even complete chores, but this style of minion craft is completely new to me, if it was ever done before, it was well before my time,¡± said Lilith, ruminating on the idea of weaponized minions herself.


    ¡°I honestly have no idea what kind of path I want to take, I never thought I¡¯d have such a power and now that I do, I find myself both scared of the possibilities and lost in the wonderment of what I may be able to do,¡± said Vanish.


    ¡°We are a rarified bloodline child, anything you decide will come with the upside of being hard to counter when it comes to combat and warfare, but also the downside of not being researched as much as everything else in the world of Cultivation, Drake is the perfect example of this,¡± said Lilith, gesturing toward the mirror.


    ¡°Does that mean that she is potentially creating a new style of necromancy, some sort of weapon crafter, or armor smith, it hasn¡¯t even been a fortnight since I met her and she is covered in bones, don¡¯t think I¡¯ve seen her take them off since she got them?¡±


    ¡°Yes, she could be a first of her kind, but I doubt it, anything you can think of has been done before child, maybe not to this extent, but believe me, until she receives an achievement for creating a completely unique class, I will hold my doubts that she is a first.¡±


    Vanish nodded, closing his eyes to focus on his meditation once more.


    ¡°Well I can¡¯t waste any time then, I don¡¯t want to be left behind by her¡­¡±


    ¡°Good boy, I want you able to stand by the end of the day, no excuses¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡­


    Drake didn¡¯t even realize that she was no longer being chased. She ran into a clearing to find a small pond and a large tree that abed the water, completely enveloped in the light of artificial daylight.


    Though her goal was in sight, she didn¡¯t look at the tree with the strange glowing fruit that seemed to pulse with heartbeats of their own, but instead stared at the massive skeleton taking a knee beside the water.


    The monster was easily ten feet tall, and seemed to be looking directly at Drake. Two golden flames in the sockets of its horned skull.


    Remnants of the DragonFruit sat all around the monster, as if it too was in need of the powerful crop.


    Drake¡¯s every instinct would have normally told her to run, and her mind would have told her that if she turned her back to the monster she would die. As well that if she didn¡¯t get some of the fruit that she was as good as dead anyway.


    Yet in this moment, with her starvation reaching heights they¡¯d never seen before. No thoughts, nor warnings filled her mind. Instead, her eyes narrowed, and she dashed.


    The hunger within her had long diminished her ability to think beyond her basic needs, and in this moment, she only had one desire.


    The smell of the DragonFruit was the only aroma that could be smelled in the area. The subtle breeze around her bringing the scent of the ambrosia to her nose, further driving her into a state of animalistic urge.


    By the time she made it a quarter of the way, the skeletal giant had lifted its head. Without her normal sense of reasoning an functioning ability to analyze the situation, the abundance of killing intent that was sent in her direction was missed completely.


    By this point in time, Drake had pushed her maximum sprintingspeed closer to 40 mph,, and after an entire night of running, her body¡¯s natural refinement had easily increased her dexterity drastically. This wasn¡¯t significantly faster than she¡¯d been just a day prior, and was astounding for her height, but the distance between her and the tree was more than 400yards. An impossible distance to cover faster than the ten foot creature staring her down, even if it was merely running.


    The skeletal giant rose slowly. Its eyes remaining on Drake the entire time. The monster began to turn,. Its bleach white bones steaming as the sun touched its form. Its bones cracked, spilling light in every direction, before the light of the day was pulled back inside its skeletal body, causing a pulse of sunlight energy to reverberate outward.


    Drake continued to ignore the threat that had entirely honed in on her. She was entirely fixated on the tree, as her minions prepared for the powerful monster that took a step toward her.


    It was as if her weapons began to panic. Havoc and Zen started to draw on all the energy they¡¯d claimed through out the entire night. While her two magical weapons charged both distorted space and lightning.


    Zen extended Havoc toward the monster, while both her magical minions aimed, palms held outward toward the target.


    The skeletons foot touched the ground, and its leg bent slightly at the water¡¯s edge. It pushed off the ground, launching itself at such speeds that in a fraction of a blink it had soared half way across the large pond, traveling not but a few inches above the water.


    All of Drake¡¯s weapons converged. Havoc opened its hand, swirling with the crimson energies of its life lich skill. While Drake¡¯s magical minions settled below Havoc, a triangle formed between the gap of the now three connected hands; the corners of the skeletal appendages touching to allow for the various energies being summoned to flow between each other seamlessly.


    An explosion occurred at the side of the lake where the giant skeleton had stepped from, as if the ground there had only just been effected by the skeleton¡¯s powerful movement. The pond water gushed into the new hole made at its edge, in the same instant that the skeleton stepped on the water. The water seemed undisturbed as the monster flashed forward once more, reappearing again at the opposing side of the pond from where it had started from.


    Drake crossed three fourths of the distance toward her goal, and a large hand manifested in front of her minions made of twisted space, lightning and condensed life force. The hand resonated with a pressure that began to darken the area, drinking in light and mana from the surroundings as it grew.


    A ripple stretched across the pond, like a drop of water being dripped into a cup, and water roared, gushing upwardinto the sky like a geyser. The pond water shot upward nearly thirty feet into the air where the skeleton had stepped across its surface.


    The skeleton took its third step on the bank of the pond it¡¯d crossed in a single breath, lunging with a superman punch, cocking its arm back as its fist began to vibrate with a terrifying light emanating outward from its clenched fist.


    Drake¡¯s hand wrapped around the lowest hanging fruit, and she stopped running. She pulled the fruit to her mouth and bit down, and immediately felt bliss. A sensation like drinking water after a hearty meal washed over her after a single bite, and Drake blinked as her conscious mind returned instantly.


    ¡°What the fuck¡­?


    Drake looked over her shoulder in the same instant her weapon fired and the giant skeleton struck out at her.


    The conjured magic and the skeletons fist collided,, blowing everything in the area backward.


    Drake was sent hurtling through the air, flying end over end, launched through the canopy of trees, clearing the distance between where she had stood and the nearby forrest in a second.


    Her body was lashed by every branch and tree top for a quarter mile, landing in the unforgiving arms of a tree entirely upside down an unconscious.


    ¡­


    Lilith and Vanish watched the attack formed by Drake¡¯s minions and the giant skeleton¡¯s punch collide. The color spectrum displayed through the mirror inverted and Vanish was forced to look away as Lilith¡¯s eyes went wide in shock.


    The magical palm strike stopped the giant completely, its arm trembling as the collision caused a minor spatial tare.


    The magical hand clamped down and exploded, causing a wave of destruction to ripple out in an calamitous dome of chaotic energies.


    Nothing could be seen as the dome of distorted space and lightning expanded, its volatility further influenced and fueled by the life force infused during the attacks creation. Everything was set ablaze, and Vanish screamed as Drake was flung through the air like the tossed toy of an angry child.


    Lilith stared in bewilderment as the energies roiled for longer than she would have thought the attack was even capable of producing; the energies slow to disperse, leaving the giant standing in a crater beside the completely unaffected tree that bore the DragonFruit. Its arm was missing, but seemed to be slowly growing back.


    The monster stepped free of the hole, and strode slowly toward the nearby tree, before plucking a fruit and eating it whole. The speed of its arm¡¯s regeneration increasing drastically.


    Silence was all that remained in the glass room atop the manor. Lilith¡¯s thoughts a jumble of awe and shock.


    She waved her hand through the air, and a portal opened up beside her. A section of destroyed forrest that looked as if a storm had struck its interior appeared, and Lilith spoke as she stepped through.


    ¡°Wait here child, I must go¡­¡±


    ¡­


    Aurora set her book down. She felt a sensation like fire race through her mind.


    Her head began to hurt, and when she called for Drake through their bond, nothing happened.


    Drake¡­.?


    She got no response. No matter how many times she tried, all that was given in return was silence.


    She rose to her feet, and began to run. Her heart pulled her in a single direction, and without even realizing it Aurora began to run straight through walls.


    Once outside, she ran across the water of the lake that surrounded the manor, speeding into the trees of the surrounding forrest, dashing straight through the vegetation and dense wilderness as if there was nothing between her and her goal.


    In a speed that defied reason, she stopped at the base of a teetering tree, and looked up to see the battered and broken body of her charge and screamed.


    ¡°Drake!¡±

 16. Weapons of Mass Destruction

    Lilith stepped through the portal and immediately heard a scream. She was on high alert, until she recognized that it was Aurora in her senses.


    ¡°what are you doing here child?¡±


    Aurora screamed again in fright after hearing Lilith¡¯s voice come from just behind her. She jumped as she turned around, expelling a breath of relieved air once she saw Lilith staring down at her.


    ¡°Is she okay?¡±


    Lilith ignored that her question went unanswered, responding to Aurora as she looked up toward the dangling Drake.


    ¡°No, but she will be,¡± said Lilith, walking over to the caved in tree that held Drake. At the angle that the tree was leaning, Lilith was easily able to walk up the slight incline to retrieve Drake; the tree making for a sturdy ramp, supported by the tree nearest to it.


    ¡°What happened, I¡¯ve been trying to reach her for a while now and then all of a sudden if felt a migraine that filled my head with a sensation like fire?¡±


    ¡°She experienced an undead at the Genius rank, as a level 70 plus monster it was well outside the bounds of what she could defend herself against, even as talented as she is.¡±


    Aurora went silent, and Lilith lifted Drake into her arms. The girl¡¯s magical minions came flying through the air holding both the Dragon Fruit Drake had bitten, and another of the powerful crop.


    The pair of magical weapons reconnected themselves to Drake¡¯s shoulder mounted minion,, placing the fruits onto Drake¡¯s chest before intertwining their fingers, becoming motionless at her back once more.


    ¡°You did good you two, I am sure she will appreciate this,¡± said Lilith, speaking to Drake¡¯s minions. The shoulder mounted minion, flipped its offensive partner into a reversed grip, holding its handle as the hammer fisted weapon opened its hand, grabbing the upper arm of its partner.


    ¡°Now that I have seen these creatures I cannot unsee how useful they are, their utility is seemingly unrivaled¡­,¡± muttered Lilith to herself. She stepped down the tree, and began to walk away from the portal she summoned.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Lilith glanced backward at Aurora, giving the girl a small smile.


    ¡°Your friend has done something today that deserves recognition, I wouldn¡¯t feel right if she didn¡¯t wake up to a reward.¡±


    Lilith knew where to go to find what she was looking for, as the undead that she wanted to find, was one of the most powerful currently residing within the forrest. The monster¡¯s powerful fragment of a soul, shown in Lilith¡¯s senses even more brightly than the light coming from the sky ceiling above.


    ¡°You know she did this to prove herself to you, right?¡±


    Lilith nodded at Aurora¡¯s comment, disturbed by how she felt admittedly shameful for allowing Drake to become so injured.


    The girl had countless lacerations, was bleeding from a multitude of severely severed tendons, and had numerable broken bones. Yet the detail of Drake¡¯s current state that bothered Lilith the most was how she currently smiled even as she slept.


    ¡°Her family ties worry me, this is something I can¡¯t seem to shake no matter how many times my mind tells me to ignore it and push the girl to her limits, I¡¯m not used to being anyone¡¯s caretaker.¡±


    Aurora scoffed.


    ¡°That¡¯s obvious, my parents run a kingdom and still have more nurturing qualities than you, and they let me be dragged from our home by my ankles, without a single word of protest, if that tells you anything.¡±


    Lilith scoffed in return, nodding slowly. She didn¡¯t want to feel affected by the words, but she was.


    ¡°The beliefs of the younger rulers of Imperial are very callous and uncaring, and the good versus evil structure they¡¯ve built to control the powerless has long grown to become ridiculous, it is their fear of the unknown and anything unlike themselves that has allowed the absurdities practiced by the church and their royal following to continue, I, I¡¯m sorry that you experienced any of that,¡± said Lilith, not knowing what else to say. She¡¯d never had children of her own and was the youngest of her siblings, which had come with a lack of experience understanding the needs of children and young adults.


    In her youth she¡¯d wanted to be a mother, but quickly learned that her monstrous power often alienated her from those she was interested in, losing many partners during her rise to power, something Lilith believed Aurora may one day face herself.


    ¡°Thanks, but if I¡¯m being honest with myself I¡¯d probably stay even if I was able to take my life back and return, I don¡¯t know that I will ever be able to forgive my family for their choices.¡±


    Lilith sighed, nodding in agreement with the girl. She hadn¡¯t forgiven her parents for their betrayal of her, so completely understood Aurora¡¯s perspective.


    ¡°Do you think she will forgive me for how I have acted,¡± asked Lilith after a moment, unable to look away from the bleeding child in her arms.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know her temperament toward forgiveness, we have only known each other for a couple of days, and though she has seemed to accept me, she doesn¡¯t feel to me to be the type that is not going to hold a grudge from what I¡¯ve learned so far.¡±


    ¡°I see, and what guides you to believe that?¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t like that you seemed to want to help us all at first, only to show us where we¡¯d be sleeping, while you took Vanish aside to begin his training immediately, but once you pulled us in to train with you, her mood changed.¡±


    They walked silently and Lilith digested what she¡¯d been told, Aurora speaking up again after a few moments of silence.


    ¡°I doubt that you will share with me what her family could have done that was so impactful, I mean I don¡¯t know what could have been so treacherous that you wouldn¡¯t even take an orphaned member of their family into your tutelage, Especially with how excited to learn from you as Drake seems to be, I¡¯ve always been told that true masters of Cultivation desire talented students above all else, its the only way to ensure that their legacies live on if they die or leave the realms of Cultivation , but from what I have seen of her so far, you will be making a big mistake if you don¡¯t bring her into your fold, and soon, she is going to shake all of Imperial to its core, and Vanish will be a part of that disruption if it is up to Drake.¡±


    ¡°Agreed¡­¡±


    Lilith knew what she was being told was true. What she¡¯d seen of Drake was astonishing in the least, and absolutely terrifying at its peak.


    Drake had survived an encounter that may have even killed a Godling at the Adept rank, or even the Crafter and Journeyman rank above it. The plausibility of an Inventor surviving a strike from a Cultivator or monster a single rank higher was unlikely, but far more reasonable to consider than what Drake had done.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    An unranked Cultivator shouldn¡¯t be able to do what she is¡­


    Lilith looked down, considering the minions that served as armor and weapons for Drake and began to wonder if this was what was allowing for the girl to bridge the gap between her and ranked foes.


    A full skeletal minion is an incredible drain on the soul, which is why necromancers hav always had to level up considerably fast to manage the drain on their spiritual energies. Yet Drake is gaining the skill selections of an entire minion for her much smaller bonds, giving her access to far more skills and magical categories than a necromancer with a single minion at her level.


    ¡°Add the fact that she is gaining achievements that add to her access to unrefined spiritual energy, and you have a walking arms cache,¡± mumbled Lilith to herself.


    Lilith didn¡¯t know that attribute points were unrefined spiritual energy before she was given the secret of this after she ascended, which was much of the reason why she didn¡¯t comment on Drake¡¯s willingness to leave her points unspent.


    I wonder if this is why she is actually able to produce such powerful attacks, or if it just adds to the culmination of everything she has manifested so far¡­?


    ¡°So you mentioned a reward for what she¡¯s accomplished, what did you have in mind,¡± asked Aurora pulling Lilith from her contemplation.


    Lilith glanced at Aurora, and shrugged.


    ¡°She is arming herself with powerful minions, so just more of the same, I let that assassin classed minion free as an opportunity for her to fight it again, but I¡¯m sure she would appreciate a few more options to work with beyond what she already has, and hopefully the Steel plated Assassin will offer her options of stealth that may help her traverse the forrest at night.¡±


    ¡°Wow, she did say that she wanted some leg armor to increase her height to support her use of Genocide.¡±


    ¡°It is a balanced martial art, but taller, more long limbed Cultivators do tend to do better with the forms.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but Drake is a natural, she¡¯d only seen a few forms a single time, and replicated the attacks near perfectly before we entered the manor, and you saw her pull some of the forms off during your test, I¡¯m sure that that was only the second time she¡¯d tried to attempt those forms.¡± Lilith chuckled.


    ¡°I wish that surprised me¡ª¡°


    Lilith cut herself off, noticing that they closed in on the form of the undead she hunted for.


    The assassin stood tottering in the shade of a tree. It was taller than the majority of the skeletons roaming through the darkened parts of the forrest, and Lilith couldn¡¯t help but notice Aurora¡¯s worried glances as they approached the area densely populated with undead.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry child, my aura will dissuade any of the skeletons from approaching us.¡±


    Aurora nodded, and the two walked deeper into the forrest, the skeletons around them separating as Lilith grew closer. Another portal opened, and the assassin stopped swaying. Its body going rigid as it was lifted into the air and sent through the portal.


    ¡°Come child, its time to return home.¡±


    ¡­


    Aurora walked through the portal, stepping into an entirely glass pyramid to see Vanish.


    His eyes were closed, and to Aurora¡¯s amazement he was standing upright. His clothes were drenched with sweat, and his hands trembled; the slight tremor barely noticeable at first.


    ¡°wow Vanish, your already standing,¡± Aurora said excitedly, oddly proud of the young man¡¯s accomplishment.


    Looks like your going to try that much harder to keep up with these two, thought Aurora watching Vanish. Her inner competitor turning her feelings away from celebratory to envious in a way that made Aurora clench her fist with the desire to grow stronger as her peers were.


    One step at a time Aurora¡­


    Vanish nodded incredibly slowly, and Aurora looked over toward Lilith, who¡¯d set Drake atop a nearby table, checking the girl¡¯s wounds.


    ¡°Is he okay,¡± asked Aurora.


    ¡°Yes, he more than likely needs his full attention to be on the flow of his mana, I¡¯m honestly surprised he¡¯s standing already,¡± responded Lilith not looking away from Drake.


    ¡°That¡¯s amazing right, I mean he was moving only slightly just yesterday,¡± said Aurora, stepping to Lilith¡¯s side.


    ¡°Yes, but his journey will be the longest to power of the three of you,¡± said Lilith. Aurora¡¯s face bunched up in confusion, as she thought for a moment.


    Even more than myself, she has to be mistaken right?


    ¡°I am nothing but a spiritual body remember, from what little I was able to read in the library about Godlings says that they will be able to brush me aside like sand caught in a breeze, I¡¯m sure Vanish will put up more of a fight with how quickly he seems to be growing.¡±


    ¡°That would have been true maybe if he hadn¡¯t broken his spine, but maybe not, who knows with you three at this point, he has to relearn everything from walking to running, if he is going to commit to this path rather than trying to fix his injury, and even then your assumptions about your own growth are without a doubt coming from a place of ignorance.¡±


    Aurora frowned, even more confused than she¡¯d just been.


    ¡°I¡¯d be lying if I said I understand what I have become or the powers I have been given, but they dont seem as immensely powerful as the notifications I received said that they are


    ¡°An how long exactly have you had these skills?¡±


    ¡°Around a day.¡±


    ¡°So you have only just received them yesterday, or the day before, and have managed to conjure light.¡±


    Aurora nodded even though she felt the woman was making a statement, responding even though she didn¡¯t have too, surprised that Lilith knew what little she¡¯d been able to complete so far.


    ¡°My master was a noble born as you were, and received his first skill of matter manipulation before he even unlocked his Overlay, do you know how long it took him to conjure light, or gain the ability to manifest an item from his imagination?¡±


    Aurora shook her head, beginning to wonder if her simple accomplishment was actually an achievement worth being excited over.


    ¡°Guess¡­¡±


    ¡°He somehow received a skill before he was seven, so I¡¯d assume that he was a unique talent, a savant of skills maybe, I¡¯d guess he pulled it off by his 6th season cycle,¡± guessed Aurora.


    ¡°Lilith shook her head, trying to pull away Drake¡¯s minions, coming up short as the bonds refused to move in the slightest.


    ¡°Not at all, he finally managed it after a century of life, and completely by accident, by the time it occurred he¡¯d begun to believe that the skill was nothing more than a tease at power given by the heavens to distract him from his normally functioning skills.¡±


    ¡°What, why did it take so long?¡±


    Lilith picked up the near melon sized fruit that Drake had bitten into from the side of the table, dribbling the juices that leaked free of the powerful crop into the lacerations across Drake¡¯s arms and upper torso.


    ¡°The skill takes a bond with the spiritual realm, and he hadn¡¯t faced death since he was three season cycles old, he didn¡¯t come to understand this until he faced death again more than ninety season cycles later,¡± said Lilith, smiling as the wounds all over Drake¡¯s body began to close and then scar over, before they all started disappearing completely.


    Aurora watched in amazement, momentarily forgetting the dozen questions that had just filled her mind, until her thoughts drifted back toward what Lilith had just told her.


    ¡°So my ability is probably easier to use because I am completely in a spiritual form even though I am not in the spiritual realm,¡± questioned Aurora, wanting to know why Lilith believed that her path would be less tumultuous than Vanish¡¯s own. She no longer wanted to compare herself to Drake, feeling the girl to be an absolute monster, but had settled on competing with Vanish for second place on the power scale of their small group.


    Lilith simply nodded, moving onto Drake¡¯s lower body, draining the fruit of all its liquid, soaking Drake in the juice, allowing the fluids to flow from the front to the back of her limbs, letting everything pool beneath her in hopes to get her back and upper torsofrom what Aurora could understand of what was happening.


    She continued to watch as Lilith lifted Drake with one hand, and pushed at the juice, resettling the healing liquid under areas that she missed, setting Drake back down to let everything saturate the previously untouched areas of her body.


    ¡°But you said that in Reliquary I will be as tangible as any other student there, I don¡¯t see how my ability will help me against those who can easily pull apart my soul and spiritual body with skills?¡±


    ¡°You must learn to trust your imagination above all else child, if you are going to survive you will need to resign yourself to become limitless in your mentalities,¡± said Lilith, tapping her temple, and then Zen at Drake¡¯s side.


    ¡°Your friend more than likely is in the believe that anything is possible with magic,, and is now designing tremendously functional near relic like bonds with mere skeletal minions to create remarkable magical constructs,¡± started Lilith, pausing a moment to wipe untouched sections of Drake¡¯s body with the remaining liquid in the almost entirely crushed fruit, before gently feeding the rest into Drake¡¯s slightly open mouth before she continued to speak, finishing her thought as if she hadn¡¯t stopped.


    ¡°she does all of this naturally, making her bonds fulfill her wants with ease, by pure force of will, and her need for versatile weaponry alone, this mental strength may come from her formerly living in a land without magic, but I don¡¯t believe so, I am beginning to think this ability is a direct result of an endless desire for more, a overwhelming wish for a power her people know they are capable of achieving, long lost skills left unused and flowing through their veins that push their minds to be suited to imagining absolutely anything,¡± explained Lilith, turning toward Aurora, crossing her arms as she leaned up against the table. Drake left to sleep without a single scratch remaining on her body from head to toe.


    ¡°So it is because she is from earth, or is it that we have long limited our mind sets underneath the restrictions set in place by those more powerful than us?¡±


    Aurora was truly confused, but felt she was beginning to understand. Lilith shook her head, shrugging simultaneously.


    ¡°Who knows, their society has long fantasized over what the power of mana would do for their lives, but that is because of the immeasurable talents that are locked away in their bloodlines and souls, an untapped and unrivaled source of strength left dormant thatteases their consciousnesses with what they instinctually know is possible, so now that she has obtained it¡ª¡°


    ¡°She is pushing the confines of what we believe to be possible,¡± finished Aurora with an accompanied gasp of astonished enlightenment.


    ¡°Exactly, I¡¯d be lying if I said that I am not going to be pushing myself to see what I may be capable of before I level any further,¡± said Lilith.


    Aurora had run down this path of thought while watching Drake the first day she¡¯d been bonded to her, but hearing Lilith confirm her hypothesis, made her begin to believe that she may have been entirely right. Yes, Drake did have a potentially incredible bloodline, but how much of what she¡¯d achieved was based on gifts given by the gods, and her own want to experience everything magic had to offer. The girl simply pushing the world around her to yield to her desires without fear or hesitation.


    ¡°So what should I do, I still don¡¯t see why you believe that I will be able to overcome my weakness, or how for that matter?¡±


    Lilith once more tapped her temple, and then Zen.


    ¡°Vanish, Drake and even I am limited by what resources we have available, while you are only limited by this,¡± said Lilith tapping her temple for a third time, truly emphasizing for Aurora that she was her only limiting factor with the gesture, and the words she spoke next.


    ¡°Want a physical body, then make one, or ten, what can stop you from truly hiding yourself from your enemies in a countless number of vessels, I mean you could learn rune craft and situationally change what runes you used, making your self invisible while piloting a body and¡ª¡°


    Aurora didn¡¯t hear another word. SHe¡¯d already began rushing toward the library to research, unable to stop her mind from racing.


    What¡¯s wrong with me, I could have been reading so many more things. Books on anatomy, core formation, crafting manuals, technique manuals, even rare skill manuals should be possible for me to recreate if I can manifest the various mana types or void energies used!


    ¡­


    Lilith scoffed, watching the former princess rush off. She shook her head, and began to contemplate the advice she¡¯d given the girl, before looking over at the Steel plated Assassin standing rigidly in the corner of the room.


    Why shouldn¡¯t I follow my own advice¡­


    Lilith straightened, rising from the table side that she leaned against and approached the skeleton, looking over the monsters entire form.


    The girl want¡¯s the legs, and maybe even an arm, and I was going to suggest that Vanish use the torso, but that leaves¡­


    Lilith raised her hand, wrapping her titan like grip on the shoulder of the creatures right arm, and squeezed, freeing the limb as easily as if it had been sliced off by a diamond edged blade.


    *Notification* Reanimation attempt initiated -


    Would you like to create a bond? Yes / No*


    ¡°Why not¡­¡±

 17. Phalanx

    Drake woke up in the softest bed she¡¯d ever felt in her life. She had no clue how she¡¯d gotten there, nor did she ever want to leave. Until she turned her head and saw a skeleton standing over her.


    She screamed, jumping entirely upright in the bed thankful that her weaponized minions were all still attached to her body, both Zen and Havoc unfolding before she noticed a piece of paper laid atop the skeletons shoulder, and began to read aloud, surprised to see the completely unfamiliar text transform into English; a glimmering light rippling across the paper as the words became readable.


    Wow, that was cool¡­ I wonder how that works, thought Drake in wonder before she took in the message.


    ¡°I should have never let you trek that far into the forrest by yourself, and though you should be proud of what you managed alone in such and unforgiving place, I still owe you an apology regardless of how capable you may be. I am sorry, and am working to get over my own prejudices, as an apology, I have left you this skeleton to use for your continued growth, ps, if you have no need for the chest of this monster please give it to Vanish to use. Sincerely Lilith.¡±


    Hmm, really want to be mad, but¡­


    Drake looked at the skeleton, excitement filling her mind at the possibilities of what she may be able to make.


    ¡°Wait, what the fuck happened to its arm?¡±


    Drake lifted the folded piece of paper to see more text written on the other side.


    ¡°Pss, i also took its right arm for my own experimentation, thank you for being an inspiration to help me on my path to godhood, Growth & Grace dear child, Lilith¡­¡±


    That dirty bitch stole my idea¡­?


    ¡°Can¡¯t be mad at her, I am pretty fucking awesome.¡±


    ¡°And you talk in your sleep and apparently talk to yourself as well, but I guess I already knew that,¡± said a voice from behind Drake. She jumped, trying to turn around, losing her balance as the considerably large blanket still at her feet managed to trip her.


    She screamed as she fell, rolling over to find Aurora standing over her.


    ¡°Ow, you sneaky bastard,¡± said Drake, rubbing her back where she¡¯d smashed into the ground hip first.


    ¡°Don¡¯t know what you mean by that, my parents were married when they had me, maybe not my eldest brother, but we don¡¯t talk about that,¡± said Aurora, smiling down at Drake.


    ¡°Its a compliment where I come from,¡± wheezed out Drake, still furiously rubbing her side as she rolled on the ground.


    ¡°Oh, I see, well get up you big baby, you didn¡¯t even fall that far, and you survived a monster seven ranks higher than you trying to slap your soul out of my body, your fine¡­¡±


    ¡°Still hurt,¡± said Drake, letting Aurora pull her onto her feet.


    ¡°yeah right, sure it did, your pride maybe,¡± said Aurora mumbling the last bit of what she said.


    Drake simply scowled at her, hearing every word of what she said with her now exceptional senses.


    ¡°You gonna let me know how I got here, or just leave me in the dark?¡±


    ¡°Lilith went and grabbed you, after she picked you up a present,¡± said Aurora, waving a hand toward the skeleton left at her bedside.


    ¡°Yay, an undead horror, if eel like its my birthday!¡±


    ¡°I can tell your being sarcastic but lets be honest here, you can¡¯t wait to crack that thing open and make some sort of armor can you?¡±


    Drake looked over her shoulder, before looking back at Aurora with a shrug.


    ¡°I¡¯d be lying if I said I wasn¡¯t excited, don¡¯t really know if its going to work, but I¡¯m honestly wondering if I have time to work on it right now,¡± said Drake laughing.


    ¡°Unfortunately not, upgrade selections for you aren¡¯t quick, and apparently we are about to go to some sort of practice instance that Reliquary uses to train new students, Lilith wants us up and moving there as soon as you are awake.¡±


    Drakes moth fell open, and she felt her heart begin to race.


    Am I about to enter a dungeon, well I¡¯m already in a dungeon I guess, but this sounds like online role playing game levels of fuckery here¡­!


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you lead with that Aura, come on lets go,¡± said Drake as soon as her mind caught up to what had ben said in full, brushing by Aurora in a rush.


    ¡°Because you fell off the bed and was acting like a¡ª¡°


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡­


    Cortez ran for his life through the practice instance. His team had been slain by the overwhelming numbers within the instance of goblins. They¡¯d been told that the instance only held a few hundred of the creatures, but the actual numbers eclipsed a few thousand easily.


    His friends and he had been sent there to collect one hundred goblin weapons as proof of their combat sufficiency. This simple test was the final for his teams Combat 101 course, and he¡¯d thought the rumors that the test was a trap to thin the herd of new students sent to Reliquary from all the edges of the realms was a lie, but as he hid in one of the instanced catacombs many abandoned tunnels he began to understand that he may never leave.


    From where he had stood moments prior, he¡¯d seen almost three hundred goblins in a mosh pit of raging green bodies once again. This was the second feast of students he¡¯d witnessed and he decided to leave the area before being forced to watch the savagery of Cultivators being eaten nearly alive by a ferocious horde of monsters.


    His friends had also been skewered on poles in a pit full of flames that washed over their bodies as they were cooked. They had been captured alive, and set ablaze; their horrified screams at their fate now an echoing nightmare forever inscribed into the folds of Cortez¡¯s mind.


    As his team¡¯s stealth ranger, he¡¯d been invisible when his team had been ambushed. He¡¯d plan to try and save them, only to follow them directly to their end. The near fifty goblins that had rushed the tunnels they¡¯d skulked through had overrun their meager seven bodies with ease, and he knew that he had no chance at taking on the group that outnumbered him fifty to one.


    Cortez looked down at his bow made from solidified nature mana, and cursed. He¡¯d been surviving in the tunnels for days by assassinating goblins one by one, whenever he could find the rare monster alone. His once tanned tunic was now a darkened bloody brown. The sharpened knife he¡¯d entered with, broken, and his rations of food would soon run dry.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    His bag was full of fifty goblin daggers, and was only half of what he would need to return to Reliquary.


    ¡°Either I finish this assignment, or I¡¯ll die trying¡­¡±


    Unlike many of the other Godling¡¯s sent to Reliquary, his parents were dead, and he had no home to return to if he didn¡¯t manage to continue his attendance at the academy.


    ¡°I will survive this Sophia,¡± said Cortez glancing at the open locket that hung from his neck with a picture of his younger sister. Her long blonde curls and deep green eyes a match to his own, smiled back at him in the portrait, filling him with a deep desire to return to the school that had only just admitted his sister. A sister that would one day soon be subjected to the very same trap he now faced. His knowledge the only warning she would have to save her from her own failure and potential death.


    ¡°I refuse to die here, I¡¯m coming Sophia, don¡¯t worry your big brother loves you.¡±


    Cortez put his finger to his bow string, feeling an arrow grow into existence from the nature mana that filled his core. The wood of the newly born arrow filling him with a comfort that had pushed him to survive since the moment his dying father put the weapon into his hand, giving him only one task.


    ¡°I promise father, nothing will happen to Sophia even if I have to kill every goblin in this dungeon myself¡­¡±


    He looked around, preparing himself to move once more, knowing that if he stayed in one place for too long the strange magics being used by the goblins would send countless numbers in his direction, Taking a deep breath, he lowered his center of gravity, and once more began his hunt.


    ¡°Fifty down, fifty to go.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°What are the rules,¡± asked Lilith, standing in front of the portal that would send them to the entrance of the practice instance.


    ¡°Don¡¯t split up for any reasons, ever,¡± yelled Drake, Aurora and Vanish.


    ¡°And!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t trust anyone!¡±


    ¡°And!¡±


    ¡°Leave nothing alive!¡±


    ¡°Why!¡±


    ¡°Because dead foes can¡¯t rise again to stab you in the back!¡±


    Lilith nodded. She¡¯d drilled the three all morning. She knew that the potential for them to run into students of Reliquary Academy was high, and didn¡¯t want anything to hinder their progress. She looked between her three new¡­ acolytes? She hadn¡¯t quite decided what the children were to her yet, but she felt a budding responsibility to protect them.


    She didn¡¯t tell them that they were walking into a monster horde of savage trickster demons, as the blood contract she was under as an alumni of Reliquary stopped her from doing so, but still prepared them the best she could.


    The countless Rabid goblins that could be inside were an absolute tremendous hurdle for any thirteen season cycle old child, godling or not, but as she looked between thethree children in front of her, her worries melted away.


    You once survived this Lilith, and so can they.


    Vanish sat in a chair that hovered three or so feet off the ground, backed by his minions. Lilith had constructed the chair with his mobility in mind after Drake described something to her called a wheelchair.


    The object she depicted was primitive in design from what Lilith could understand of it, but had captured enough of what was being broken down to her that Lilith was easily able to construct a chair with runes and mana to make the floating cathedra that now supported Vanish.


    the chair was a work of art that was completely controlled by Vanish¡¯s thoughts, and as Lilith looked over the floating marble throne with stylized runes etched with obsidian dust, she wondered if she¡¯d gone too far.


    Don¡¯t worry Lilith, he thanked you for the bloody thing, just stop thinking about it.


    The young man¡¯s gaze was serious as he stared back at Lilith with his entire body lit by a fearsome black light. He gave a single nod, that Lilith returned promptly.


    Lilith¡¯s gaze moved to Aurora. The former princess¡¯s radiant smile making Lilith chuckle, her excitement visible in her faces every feature.


    She wore a tome belt that supported three books. One that showed the construction process for countless tools and images of their pieces and designs. Another book on basic runes, and another book with the descriptions of thousands of mana types and example skills that could be used for each one.


    Lilith didn¡¯t know if Aurora was more excited by the instance that they were on the way to enter, r her construction of the tome belt she wore. It had taken some creative rune work to make the belt attach to her spiritual body, but the girl had managed a simple formation with Lilith¡¯s aid that had in the end worked perfectly.


    It only took her the few days that Drake slept to complete it, which is exceptional for her first crafted item.


    The three tomes sat secured at her waist, one at either side of her body and the final tome at her lower back. The black leather of the belt a beautiful contrast to her pure white tunic.


    Finally Drake stood smirking at Lilith in a way that made the woman roll her eyes. Lilith looked over her and her minions, taking in the now bloody red tunic that had been died such by the wounds Drake had accumulated over her time within the realm.


    The once white cloth had stitched itself back together after Lilith had used mana to attach a rune to the interior of one of the cloth¡¯s shoulders as she slept. It was still missing the sleeves, but Drake didn¡¯t seem to mind from what Lilith could tell.


    Drake winked at Lilith, and the woman shook her head slowly before gesturing at the open portal.


    Cocky brat, let¡¯s see how you feel after a few days in here¡­, thought Lilith as she smiled at them all before speaking one final time.


    ¡°Don¡¯t die.¡±


    ¡­


    Drake stepped through the portal to the instance and found herself in a cave with another portal, and three decently sized halls leading in different directions from the chamber she¡¯d entered.


    The ceiling above was a gentle blue that glowed with the same inner light that Drake had seen the mana stones with in Lilith¡¯s home pulse with. While the floor below had lines of the same feint glow emanating out from cracks that ran down the center of each path. The cracks looking like runes to Drake in some areas.


    That must be the portal to outside that the students use to enter, thought Drake as Aurora and Vanish stepped through the portal to flank her. Drake¡¯s eyes combed the interior of the chamber, Aurora cursed, and Drake was understanding to why as she finally noticed the scattering of bodies, previously allured by the magical ambiance of the new environment.


    ¡°Be on your guard guys, this doesn¡¯t look right.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean,¡± asked Vanish.


    ¡°I mean isn¡¯t this supposed to be the easiest dungeon used by the school we are supposed to go to, why are their so many dead bodies in the entryway,¡± asked Drake. Neither Vanish nor Aurora answered as the truth of the situations origin didn¡¯t come easily to them either.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think about it too much guys, we need to figure out just how bad things are going to get in here, and there is no better way to know than to dip a toe in the water and check the temperature.¡±


    She received nods in response, and the three chose the left most path as a suggestion from Drake whom wanted to test the labyrinth mapping theory.


    ¡°So we are just going to keep going left,¡± asked Vanish. Drake raised a hand, causing their group to pause at the end of a fork in the path they traveled down. She peeked around the corner to the left and then looked right, seeing nothing in either direction, nor ahead of them, answering only after she knew the area was clear of enemies.


    ¡°Yeah, eventually that should result in us traveling through every section of this place, as long as we don¡¯t travel in circular or square patterns that is, as well as avoid changing altitudes and going to higher or lower floors,¡± explained Drake.


    ¡°This should work, but if I¡¯m being honest I¡¯m going to use a rune to help this along,¡± said Aurora, stepping around Drake to enter the left path.


    ¡°What do you have in mind,¡± asked Drake. Aurora just smiled, pulling out one of the three tomes at her waist, and began to draw on the wall with an extended finger. Drake couldn¡¯t see anything happening until Aurora lifted her finger and the wall slightly lit up; a dazzling symbol flashing quickly before a pulse rippled down the left hall.


    Drake was momentarily reminded of what a sonar¡¯s monitor looked like as the wave disappeared in the distance; the path curving out of view.


    ¡°umm, okay, now that looked cool, what is it going to do, better yet can the monster¡¯s in this place see that wave?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s going to make a mental map of the area it travels through for me, and no, you can only see it because of our bond I assume.¡±


    Now that¡¯s useful, Drake thought to herself. They waited a moment in silence before Aurora shook her head.


    ¡°There is nothing down this way but a collection of randomly scattered dead bodies and what seems like a room full of discarded weaponry and armor,¡± said Aurora.


    ¡°Okay, are you good to check the other paths, while me and Vanish cover you?¡±


    Aurora gave them a thumbs up, and moved to the next path, copying the rune from her tome. The book of runes upheld as she worked.


    ¡°Woah, we have incoming, they are pretty far back, but there are a lot of them.¡±


    ¡°Okay, check this way too,¡± said Drake pointing toward the path on her right. Aurora moved and worked quickly; the rune she copied becoming more familiar with each rendition she completed.


    ¡°Yeah, there are more coming this way too,¡± said Aurora before a thought struck Drake.


    Do they somehow know that we are in here?


    ¡°Aura, check back this way too,¡± said Drake, jabbing a thumb over her shoulder.


    ¡°But we just came from that way.¡±


    ¡°Please, things might get bad and quickly, I just need to make sure that we aren¡¯t walking into a trap if we go back the way we came.¡±


    Aurora nodded and once more moved to copy the rune, stepping passed Vanish and his minions to do so. It wasn¡¯t a moment later that Aurora sighed.


    ¡°Their coming from this way too.¡±


    ¡°You got a number of how many in total?¡±


    ¡°Five maybe six hundred or more, its hard to tell, their bunched up and running.¡±


    Drake slowly spun toward the path with the dead end and sighed.


    ¡°We can¡¯t die in our very first fucking dungeon guys, any suggestions?¡±


    ¡°Is there anyway that we can use the dead bodies and the weapons Aurora saw in that room down that way,¡± asked Vanish, and Drake thought a moment.


    She racked her mind on ways that she knew worked to fight superior numbers. Nothing came to mind at first, and then an idea struck her, both filling her with hope, and shame for what she planned to try.


    ¡°You look like you have an idea,¡± said Aurora looking at Drake.


    ¡°Yeah but it might be stupid and we¡¯ll have to work fast,,¡± said Drake beginning to jog down the hall that lead toward the room with the weaponry she would need to make her plan work.


    Her and the others moved rapidly; forced to step over many dead bodies, Drake mentally marked which of the deceased would fit her needs.


    The bodies weren¡¯t fully decomposed, and many had chunks missing from their flesh as if they¡¯d begun to have been eaten by something, which strangely enough twisted Drake¡¯s stomach. She hadn¡¯t been effected by the skeletons she¡¯d been forced to fight thus far in Imperial, but seeing the bodies of the dead left to rot effected her differently. This encounter was vastly more impactful and drastic a circumstance than the sight that the monsters she¡¯d faced up to that point had originally been to experience by her.


    She¡¯d wanted to become a doctor to help people escape the clutches of death. Seeing the dead left unburied and staring at nothing but the walls around them, or the nearby carcasses of their potentially also slain friends, made her think of Aurora and Vanish. Worries of her being enough to keep her new friends alive filled her mind, and Drake felt rage building in her chest.


    Not long after the¡¯y¡¯d rushed away from the incoming goblins, theirgroup entered an opening to see a room filled with rusted swords, broken spears,, an assortment of armors and even a ridiculous amount of shields of various shapes and sizes.


    ¡°No bloody way,¡± said Drake. Her plan solidified, and a smirk crossed her face.


    ¡°Vanish, I need you to go and have your minions get,¡± Drake trailed off, taking a few steps backward to gain a grasp on how wide the hall way was.


    Four or five wide at best, might as well go for six or seven just incase something goes wrong¡­


    ¡°Bring back seven of the largest bodies you can find, Aurora go with him and make sure that he doesn¡¯t stray to close to the incoming mobs, hurry up, we don¡¯t have much time and I need to make sure I can even pull this off!¡±

 18. Birth of the Beginner Seven

    Drake stood before a pile of bodies. The group of fowl smelling corpses were dressed in armor, had tower shields of various quality placed onto each of their breastplates, with spears of varying lengths set into their rigamortus ridden palms.


    The work was rushed and Drake had definitely vomited upon its conclusion, but had no time to waste, drawing on her power to raise the group of the dead.


    This better fucking work!


    She stretched out her hand, remembering how Vanish had raised his last minion, giving every bit of himself to cast reanimation. She had no sense of how the spell truly worked, as she wasn¡¯t given a mana bar in her Overlay to know how much of a resource she had to draw on, nor did she necessarily want one.


    She hadn¡¯t been limited by a series of numbers or values thus far, and didn¡¯t want to become reliant on a preconceived measurement of what she should and shouldn¡¯t be capable of.


    She formulated a mental picture of what she wanted to create, touching on the energy within, and pushed.


    ¡°Rise!¡±


    *Notification* - Reanimation Successful - Battalion of Beginners


    You have constructed a unique minion. This bond type has never been seen before in the realms of cultivation, though many have come close, none have infused the limitless potential found within dungeons into their creations as you now have. The Battalion of Beginners is a legion classed monster, and is incomplete, this bond cannot level unless the core of the dungeon it was created within is absorbed by your creation.


    Name: Battalion of Beginners


    Rank: Beginner


    Age: ???


    Class: Locked / Legion of Lost souls / Armament


    Average Attribute Level: 1.0


    Stats -


    Offense: 1.0


    Defense: 1.0


    System: 1.0


    Scan Results - This Minion is a walking army. As it grows, so will the capabilities of the armies members.


    Warning - This minion only respects a valiant leader, and will only listen to a commander that leads from the front. You have been warned.*


    ¡°Woah,¡± said Vanish, and Drake looked away from her notification to see her newest minion for the first time.


    Her eyes fell upon a roiling mass of dissolving flesh, crackling bones, and melting armors. She had no idea what was happening, and was shocked to see the end result as her head began to spin with the intensity of the magics being used.


    Damn¡­.


    The bodies of all the seven corpses they¡¯d managed to grab had become one, and the newly birthed skeleton that now rested on one knee was an absolute toweringGoliath. Its shield was as tall as Drake, and its spear was made of what looked like twisted obsidian and sharpened bones. Drake was astonished by the now skeletal minion that had been birthed before her, it¡¯s basic armor gleaming with the same light that consumed Vanish whenever he used his abilities.


    ¡°Now that, is badass baby!¡±


    The minionstared at Drake over the shield it held defensively in front of itself. Crimson flames formed its eyes, the roiling light following Drake as she stepped passed the creature to approach Aurora. The former princess stood beside Vanish and his minions, and Drake needed to ask her opinion of the upgrade selections that had just popped up into her vision.


    ¡°You just don¡¯t know how to do anything not impressive do you,¡± asked Vanish.


    ¡°Never, so get used to it,¡± said Drake sticking her tongue out at the boy, before she glanced back at the new minion, wondering if she should try and name it immediately.


    No time for that now, I still need to choose these fucking upgrades if this is going to work. I apparently already fucked it up somehow and turned the seven we needed into one¡­ He¡¯s big for sure, but who knows if the goblins won¡¯t just rush pass him, who knows how slow he is¡­?


    ¡°So what options does it have,¡± asked Aurora. Drake glanced at the options, gravitating toward one in particular skill that had been what she was going for when she decided to try and raise a group of minions, unsure how the single giant skeleton would be able to pull off what she envisioned.


    They didn¡¯t discuss the choices for very long, hearing the sound of incoming goblins, deciding on the offensive skill that had caught her eye named, Phalanx Strike; a defensive skill named, Legion of Shields, and a system skill called Rampaging Charge.


    Drake prepared herself, taking Havoc from the grasps of her magical minions, finally seeing the parade of charging goblins racing toward them in the distance.


    ¡°Okay big guy, have at em!¡±


    Drake gave the signal for her minion to charge forward, but absolutely nothing happened. Her heart began to race when the skeleton didn¡¯t move at all. It stayed motionless, staring at her over its shoulder.


    Drake felt as if she was being evaluated, and mentally prepared herself to fight unaided by the monster. Then a voice filled her head and she frowned.


    When a worthy commander leads, I shall follow. The deep voice touched her mind like what Drake assumed a giant would sound like if it was trying to whisper.


    ¡°Wow, then fuck you buddy, don¡¯t know how I couldn¡¯t take that one personally¡­


    ¡°Hmmm, we don¡¯t have time for this¡­!


    Drake widened her stance and began to feed on the anger that rose in her chest. She would need everything she had if they were going to survive this, even if she had wasted her time on a minion that may inevitably have been a waste.


    ¡°Back me up Vanish, freeze as many as you can, and I¡¯ll do my best to take care of the rest!¡±


    ¡­


    Aurora prepared herself for what was to come, feeling like she wouldn¡¯t be much help. She felt her heart sink once Drake commanded her new minion to take action and nothing happened.


    I guess some things won¡¯t come so easily for us.


    She wracked her brain trying to find a helpful solution, watching Drake as she set herself between their party, and the incoming stampede of goblins.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    What should I do?


    ¡°Back me up Vanish, Freeze as many as you can, and I¡¯ll do my best to take care of the rest!¡±


    Drake charged, rushing at a full swarm of goblins. The monsters snarling an cackling as they battled to be the first to get to Drake.


    Aurora watched in suspense as Drake cocked back her weapon, and swung, aiming for the group that met her first, cleaving through the first five enemies with ease, only for the next handful to trample over their brethren, completely uncaring of those in front of them that were now crumpled and dying at their feet.


    A life orb smashed into the next group, stunning the next foes just briefly enough to give Drake an instant to swing again. Vanish¡¯s healer continued to throw the life stealing orbs, and Drake used the explosions as opportunities to turn and lash out at goblins that tried to push pass her.


    Vanish¡¯s martial artist minion stepped forward, attacking the few minions that managed to slip by Drake, and it was in this moment that Drake¡¯s newest minion stood, and turned to face the goblins.


    Drake glanced over her shoulder, and was nearly jumped on by a goblin, but Zen struck out at the diminutive monster, swatting the goblin from the air with ease.


    Aurora felt for the moment the tide of battle was in their favor, but knew with how many goblins she saw approaching them in the distance that luck could shift at any moment and they could be overwhelmed. She knew that her team had their limits, and was glad to see them holding out for the time being.


    Maybe we won¡¯t need her new, Aurora started to think, still racking her brain to find a way to help, wondering if any of her runes would or even could make the giant skeleton Drake had raised move, when the sound of a spear striking a shield caused her to focus on the giant skeleton behind her.


    Aurora¡¯s thought stopped as the giant minion beside her crouched slightly, and charged. The battle changed in an instant, and for the first time since she¡¯d seen the overwhelming odds they were going to have to face, Aurora was filled with hope.


    Thank the maiden!!


    The giant skeleton raised its shield, and collided with the goblins that tried to break through to the side of Drake. A crunch was heard as the massive tower shield crushed nearly a dozen goblins. Drake¡¯s minion managed to push back against the charging horde with brute strength alone, the giant skeleton raising its spear before a violent attack was sent toward the horde.


    The spear tore through the air, making a hissing sound as it formed six copies of itself, piercing through the bodies of just over a dozen foes all at once.


    Drake roared, and pushed further into the mob, and Aurora watched as the strangest competition of supremacy she¡¯d ever seen began.


    Drakes magical weapons rose into the air separating from Zen¡¯s mantle and started to fire. Electricity froze a swath of goblins, only for Havoc to smash into them, while any foes missed by the attacks were pierced by a swarm of thrustedspear points.


    Drake spun through foes, while Zen sent out palm strike after palm strike toward any goblin that dared to approach.


    Vanish fired Dread Beams, freezing goblins at moments that insured their swift deaths by the hands of Drake and her massive minion.


    Drake then pushed even deeper into the goblins, killing everything that moved, and Aurora¡¯s eyes went wide at what her charges newest minion did to stay by its master¡¯s side.


    The giant skeleton slammed its shield down, and the armament lit up with crimson light, causing the monster to be flanked to either side by six more skeletons that all held tower shields and spears of their own. As one the group of seven armored skeletons pushed forward, causing a wave of goblins to be thrown back.


    The group continued to step forward, crushing the goblins underfoot. A rain of spears were then thrusted down killing any that managed to survive being flattened.


    Even still Drake pushed further ahead, committing an absolute slaughter of the monsters. If it were not for the incredible odds they fought against, Aurora¡¯s charge would not have left anything for her minions and Vanish to fight.


    Aurora floated upward to be able to see Drake in the distance; the girl illuminated by the glowing ceiling above. Vanish followed suit, forcing his cathedra to fly higher, continuing to fire Dread Beams over the shield wall of minions in front of them.


    Aurora was downright stunned by the assault taking place, only slightly shocked when she noticed Life Orbs begin to be lobbed over the shield wall. She glanced to her side to see that Vanish¡¯s healer had climbed up to sit on the arm of its master¡¯s chair and rejoined the battle.


    Don¡¯t mind if I do, thought Aurora, sitting on the opposing arm rest of Vanish¡¯s cathedra.


    Aurora had a moment of clarity. An epiphany struck her, and she once more inscribed the mapping rune, this time in the air, too far to be able to writeon the wall nearest to her, using the rune once more to see how much of the goblins had been slain.


    Can¡¯t believe I didn¡¯t think of that sooner.


    The pulse shot out in all directions and Aurora was amazed to see that they had already claimed the lives of fifty goblins and showed no sign of slowing down.


    Instead of the mapping pulse being directional, it instead traveled in every direction at once, even turning around various corners all at the same time, which her previous uses hadn¡¯t done in the slightest, cutting off at any sharp turns.


    Aurora heard Drake roar again, and turned to see her push further ahead. Her metallic magical minion had transformed itself into that of a sword, covered in a darkness that seemed to draw in her enemies as it sliced into her foes. While its partnered magical minion had transformed into a spear made of bone that stabbed through multiples of the goblins, electrifying chains of the creatures, shooting arcing lightning with every stab made.


    ¡°How will we ever be able to keep up with a monster like that,¡± mumbled Vanish beside Aurora. The boy¡¯s words barely heard through the cries of the now screaming goblins.


    ¡°I have no idea¡­¡±


    Aurora knew that Lilith believed that her power was going to make her into a mighty Cultivator from what they¡¯d discussed over the past few days, but as she watched Drake surging forward, completely unhindered and seemingly growing more powerful with every breath she took, Aurora wondered at just what she could do to ever compare to the monster being born before her very eyes.


    Drake are you okay up there, Aurora asked Drake mentally, and no words were returned. Instead a sound of rage and chaos filled Aurora¡¯s mind as Drake roared.


    ¡­


    Drakes mind was completely overtaken by her rage. Her only thought was that of the slaughter she¡¯d committed herself to.


    A chant had been taken up in her head which only fueled her inner drive to ravage the foes before her. Her newest minion¡¯s voice emanated throughout her mind with a powerful resonance that filled her entire being with utter malice.


    PUSH!


    The word came over and over and over again.


    PUSH!


    The more she heard the word, the more goblins died at her hands. She could see flashes of the dead that she¡¯d been forced to walk passed, and the part of herself that wished to heal those in need was suppressed and replaced by a desire to enact a revenge for those lost to the monsters that had taken their lives.


    She didn¡¯t know those that had died, yet still her soul cried out for justice. The will of the lost who only tried to become stronger and survive in a world full of inequality and powerlessness made her blood boil to a new height.


    Finally she wasn¡¯t able to keep in the sensation that built in her chest and roared. The violent sound bloomed from her chest and ripped down the hall she tore through, filling the goblin horde with fear.


    The goblins began to turn and try and run, but this only filled Drake with even more fury.


    You dare flee from me¡­ Die!


    Drake¡¯s giant skeleton charged forward behind her, and the formerly one now seven known as the Battalion of Beginners defied their name and showed a level of skill far beyond the mere unexperienced fighting force they were described to be.


    The group of seven spun, lashing out in every direction, charging forward as a unit. Their every movement devastating as they shield bashed, stabbed and trampled every foe that dared turn their back to them.


    Drake saw this and instead of slowing down, she picked up the pace, pushing into the mass of fleeing goblins with even more deadly force than she¡¯d dished out up to that point.


    PUSH!


    ¡­


    The sound that Cortez heard in the distance made his blood run cold. He¡¯d been following an odd collection of goblin packs, and found himself afraid to approach the direction that he''d seen a convergence of the instance monsters rush toward.


    He sat crouched at the edge of one of the many hall like tunnels that filled the catacombs, and stayed ready to flee at the first sign of danger.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen them react like this, why are so many of them headed in this direction?¡±


    Then Cortez froze. The sight before him was that of absolute carnage and chaos.


    He watched from a distance as goblins seemed to be fleeing from the hall they¡¯d entered, until a beautiful girl emerged from behind the pack amidst a terrifying spartan kick that sent a goblin hurtling through the air,. The monster splattered against a wall, immediately dead on impact. The monster had gotten off easy from what Cortez witnessed the girl do next.


    The spinning hick she performed within the middle of the pack of goblins was intense. A crimson light left a streak through the air behind her foot as spinal cords were heard snapping underneath the pressure of the powerful blow. She spun again, sweeping a strange weapon outward, killing more of the monsters instantly.


    Cortez¡¯s shock grew as he realized the weapon was a skeletal arm; its hand opening to grab a goblin by the head at the apex of its wielder¡¯s swing, crushing it in its grip, even while the girl continue to dance through the goblins. More odd weapons flew through the air striking out at the girl¡¯s enemies, slashing and piercing through goblins with utter ease.


    The strange flying sword swung in one direction, causing a strange black wave of energy to slice outward. The energy yanked the goblins backward through the air the moment it touched them, and the sword returned to where it had been originally, cleaving in the opposing direction, decapitating three goblins in a single breath.


    A spear made of bone penetrated through a cluster of lined up goblins, before a surge of furious crimson lightning incinerated the group, leaving nothing but a pile of ash and burned bones.


    Cortez thought the scene could get no worse, only for a titan of a skeletal monster to come crashing out from behind the girl, flanked to either side by an additional six skeletons. The group savagely dispersed of any of the goblins the girl missed, charging through the monsters like a storm of whirling spears and bashing shields.


    The girl roared, and Cortez was shocked to hear the sound come from such a graceful looking girl. Her elegance was so refined that even as she filled the monster¡¯s hearts with fear, Cortez couldn¡¯t help but be entranced by her features.


    Is she a goddess of fury and beauty?


    Cortez was stunned to see the power of the girl who looked to be his younger sister¡¯s age expelling goblins in mass quantities as easy as she seemed to breathe. He watched as more emerged from the hall, seeing a young man who seemed to be some sort of prince, floating through the air on the most regal throne Cortez had ever seen, aided by two more skeletal minions that allowed for not a thing to approach him. Black beams of power lanced out from the boy¡¯s eyes at every monster that tried to escape down the branching halls the group strode passed, followed by a barking skeletal creature that looked like a wolf.


    What kind of group is this for them to be so powerful already, is this the savants of an enemy school?


    Another beautiful girl that looked similar to the first he¡¯d seen sat upon one of the arms of the boy¡¯s throne, casually conversing with the boy, seemingly excited as if a massacre wasn¡¯t occurring before her very eyes.


    Cortez pulled back when she looked in his direction, and waved, smiling like that of a princess atop a pegasus during a royal celebration . He retreated enough that he couldn¡¯t be seen by them, nor could he see them around the corner.


    Fuck, she saw me, should I hide, or reveal myself?


    His training told him to hide, but the girl¡¯s smile had been so friendly that he questioned his next move entirely.


    I could follow them, they don¡¯t seem to be taking any of the goblin weaponry¡­


    He peeked once more, watching the group head away from him, chasing more of the fleeing goblins, ducking away once more as the same friendly girl turned back, again waving at him. Knowing he¡¯d been caught for sure the second time, he leaned around the corner to see the girl still looking, and waved back.


    Your an idiot Cortez a pretty face doesn¡¯t mean that your safe¡­


    His eyes darted around at all the discarded daggers, and he frowned.


    No, I¡¯d be stupid if I didn¡¯t follow them, even if they don¡¯t lead me out of here, I can at least finish my assignment.


    Cortez sighed and stepped out into the hall once again after the group had made it a far enough distance down the hall for him to feel comfortable enough to follow at a distance, when he once more stopped short and realized a very important detail. His stealth magic was still fully operating, and the girl had obviously been waving at him.


    How the fuck did she see me?

 19. PUSH!

    By the time the last fleeing goblin was slain, Drake was covered in blood; while Her mind thirsted for more violence.


    Her inner desires raged at being left unfulfilled, and she trembled at the amount of fury that roared throughout her being.


    Drake read the multitude of notifications that swarmed the corner of her vision. Not realizing that she hadn¡¯t read them since her night alone in the forrest that surrounded Lilith¡¯s manor.


    *Notification* Achievement Unlocked - Rank Cataclysm - Legendary


    You have survived an encounter with a being more than 7 ranks above you and survived. This legendary achievement has increased your attribute point generation three fold.


    Warning - acquiring this achievement comes with a draw back. The value of your soul is now that of treasure. For higher ranked monsters, your death comes with an achievement of legendary proportions. Beware, the vibrations emitted by your soul will now attract powerful enemies.


    Achievement Unlocked - Undead Bane - rare


    Not many unranked have survived being assaulted by an undead army, but you have.


    You are now a reaper of the damned. When slaying undead monsters or Cultivators with death affinities, your attribute gain is doubled.


    Achievement Unlocked - One Cultivator Army - Legendary


    You have fought against hundreds of monsters and defeated them all in mere moments. This legendary Achievement is made such by your unranked state, elevated from its normal epic rarity. When fighting against overwhelming odds your attribute point gains are tripled.


    Achievement Unlocked - Cultivator queen - Epic


    You have been chosen as the leader of a potentially legendary ranked minion. When fighting with this bond after its newly forming soul is completed your attribute gain will be multiplied seven fold.


    Beware - higher ranked monsters and Cultivators can sense the powerful vibrations emanating from your bond. This may cause all normal system related restrictions thrusted upon dungeon bosses to be lifted, raising the difficulty of any boss, small or large to untold levels.*


    Woah, some of that sounds good, great even, but those warnings sound a little¡­ deadly.


    Drake¡¯s eyes narrowed and she took in the absurd amount of attribute points she had.


    131.7 I wonder how many points is normal for my level? That could be a lot I guess, I¡¯ll have to ask Vanish and Aurora when I get a chance. Drake breathed deeply looking over the rest of her status, looking over at her newest minion after she was done taking in all the changes.


    You are definitely going to take some getting used to big guy¡­


    She was glad that she was able to get the minion to help her and her friends survive the goblins assault, but felt that leading from the front was the opposite of what she¡¯d wanted for the situation they¡¯d just lived through.


    It made me that much stronger, so I guess I shouldn¡¯t complain.


    Drake stood frozen, her thoughts all over the place. She felt drained, tired in a way that she¡¯d never experienced before. The sensation she currently struggled with wasn¡¯t physical or mental, but felt as if the magic that now ran through her body was aching as it grew, pushing against its boundaries like a growing muscle that throbbed and needed to be stretched before she used it again.


    Drake,¡­ Drake, can you hear me?


    Aurora put a hand on Drake¡¯s shoulder and she turned to look at the girl. Worry filled her friend¡¯s eyes, and Drake smirked in an attempt to convince herself and Aurora that everything was okay.


    I¡¯m okay roar, just give me a second.


    Yeah, sure you are, and will you pick a nick name already, your starting to remind me of my siblings with how many different names you are giving me at this point, and if anyone should be named roar its you Drake, Aurora replied mentally, smiling timidly at Drake.


    Not going to lie, I like that as a nickname, and I¡¯ve never had siblings, my brother disappeared before I was born, to be honest I also have trouble making friends, you and Vanish are the closest things I¡¯ve ever had to friends and we barely know each other¡­


    Well my family gave me up, if you have room for me and Vanish in yours I¡¯m sure he wouldn¡¯t mind being our brother, how does that sound?


    Drake froze in that moment. Her mind flicked around, jumping to memories where she¡¯d been ridiculed or rejected for trying to build camaraderie unsuccessfully; now not knowing how to feel being presented with the potential of loyalty and maybe even love and an everlasting bond.


    She was an absolute mess, and stood near knee deep in viscera. If any moment that she would have believed an occurrence like this would have taken place, this was not a contender for one of those situations by far.


    Um¡­ yeah, I¡¯d love that.


    ¡°Hey you two, stop doing that, I¡¯m here too,¡± said Vanish. Drake turned to see the young man playfully sulking; his eyes sad even though he smirked at Aurora and her with his arms crossed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a baby, I was just asking Drake if we should make you our brother,¡± said Aurora with a smile. Vanish¡¯s eyes widened and he looked over to Drake.


    ¡°And¡­¡±


    ¡°And what,¡± asked Drake in response to Vanish¡¯s question, causing the boy to sigh.


    ¡°What did you two decide?¡±


    ¡°You should already know Van,¡± said Drake, rolling her eyes, and Vanish¡¯s features sagged as he looked away.


    ¡°I see, well I will work to prove myself then.¡±


    Drake frowned and approached Vanish, pulling his gaze toward her by extendinga bloody hand, lifting his chin tostare into his eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be stupid Van, you are my brother even if you don¡¯t want to be.¡± Drake rustled his hair and Vanish squirmed, trying to swat her hand away.


    ¡°Stop it your a mess woman, and Van is the best name for me you could come up with,?¡±


    ¡°Tell me about it, she is terrible at nick names,¡± said Aurora.


    ¡°Whatever you two,¡± said Drake laughing, finally looking around. Goblins lay dead in every direction of the crossroad they stood within.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    In the light of the instance¡¯s ceiling she could now see that the goblins were various colors. Some red, others blue, and the majority were green and orange.


    ¡°What¡¯s up Drake, you¡¯re wearing your twenty questions face?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, noticed that the goblins are different colors, just wondered if that had any significance?¡±


    Aurora shrugged, thatis the kind of detail that we might learn when we go to Reliquary, but in all honesty I have no idea, want to ask the guy following us?¡±


    Drake and Vanish frowned, sharing a glance as they both looked around, seeing no one but their team and dead goblins.


    ¡°umm, what guy?¡±


    Aurora, turned around and pointed.


    ¡°Him, you going to keep hiding, or did you plan on joining us at any point,¡± asked Aurora waving down an empty hall. Drake nearly asked if Aurora was okay, until a blond haired boy appeared from thin air, picking up a goblins dagger from the ground. His eyes narrowed as he looked between Drake and the others, speaking softly.


    ¡°How can you see me when I¡¯m stealth, are you ascended or something?¡±


    Aurora nearly answered, but Drake tapped her on the shoulder, drawing her friend¡¯s attention, quickly shaking her head in Aurora¡¯s direction.


    Don¡¯t answer that, we don¡¯t know him, and Lilith warned us against trusting anyone we meet down here for a reason.


    Thanks, I almost forgot, I¡¯mm not used to being around people my parents didn¡¯t trust me to spend time with.


    ¡°Its okay, I can tell, just take a moment before you answer okay.


    Aurora nodded, and her eyes narrowed before she glanced at Vanish and then back toward the stranger.


    ¡°I have my ways, you in here alone, we¡¯re not in here to make friends, but I can talk with my team if you need help?¡±


    Aurora, I thoughtI was bad, are you not even going to ask his name?


    No silly, scan him, Cultivators don¡¯t ask names unless we have too. That¡¯s normally a sign of great respect, its something you do to your elders after they become so strong that they can¡¯t be scanned.


    Yeah, I¡¯m new sorry, just leave me back here and I¡¯ll try and look scary.


    Yeah, you do that, now quit distracting me, we probably look crazy.


    Drake took a moment to finish collecting herself, and scanned the stranger. Surprised to come to understand that a common introduction wasn¡¯t normal.


    That¡¯s going to take some getting used to.


    *Notification* - Scan - Cultivator


    Name: Cortez OakRoot


    Rank: Novice


    Age: 14


    Class: Locked / Burgeoning Naturalist


    Average Attribute Level: 2.9


    Scan Result - This young Cultivator is a ranged Assassin devoted to the nature of darkness and the power of Gaia.*


    Drake was surprised to see Cortez¡¯s rank and average attribute level, realizing that she hadn¡¯t even managed to scan a single goblin. She finally returned to the conversation being had to see Cortez staring at her even though he spoke to Aurora; mentally taking a note to scan the next living goblin they came across.


    ¡°I lost my team a while back, I have to complete my assignment before I go back to my academy, you guys students?¡±


    ¡°No not yet, we are probably going to go to reliquary once our master says we are ready,¡± said Aurora and Cortez frowned, looking between them all slowly.


    Why is he looking at us like that, Drake asked Aurora mentally.


    I have no idea.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t students at any academy, but your in a dungeon getting leveled by an ascended,¡± asked Cortez, gesturing toward Drake. It was Their turn to frown as Drake and her friends shared confused stares.


    ¡°I¡¯m not an ascended, far from it kid, what¡¯s wrong with you, your Overlay broken?¡±


    ¡°Umm, no I just assumed you were helping these two unranked get achievements or something, when I try to scan you nothing comes up?¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­,¡± said Drake, looking to Vanish and Aurora for answers. Both shrugged and Drake looked back toward Cortez, making another mental note to see if Aurora or Vanish could scan her.


    ¡°We are all Achievement Hunters, our whole team is unranked,¡± said Drake, immediately feeling stupid for sheering the information after telling Aurora to keep as much about them to herself not but a few moments prior.


    Cortez¡¯s eyes went wide, and he stared at them opened mouthed.


    ¡°This instance is for Cultivators on the verge of Adept, what kind of achievements are you three after, better question, what kind of master would risk unranked Godlings in a place like this?¡±


    Following the trend of giving absolutely too many details about themselves, Vanish jumped in before Drake could stop him.


    ¡°My grandmother Lilith Constantine is our master, and we just got a legendary achievement,¡± said Vanish with a smile.


    Silence filled the area. Cortez blinked slowly in astonishment, and Drake sighed, knowing that if they hadn¡¯t shared too much before, that the line had officially been crossed.


    I still don¡¯t know if Lilith is a good person to be associated with, but he hasn¡¯t ran off in terror yet so I guess that¡¯s good¡­ Wait how the fuck can this dude and Vanish see Aurora right now? I wonder if its that new belt she made? Its probably the belt¡­


    More questions rushed into Drake¡¯s mind as the awkward silence grew, Drake making more mental notes for information she needed to research once she returned to Lilith¡¯s manor.


    If aurora didn¡¯t know anyone with legendary achievements as a princess of Imperial, then there is no way that Vanish did. I bet that what Lilith has us in here doing is as close to suicide as kids our age can get, especially if he is assuming we are Godlings.


    ¡°On that note guys, we should probably get back to it, I don¡¯t want to be in here forever and Lilith said we better clear this whole place out in a few days or less,¡± said Drake¡±


    ¡°What, you are going to go for a full clear achievement as well,¡± asked Cortez alarmed.


    Aurora simply nodded in the boy¡¯s direction.


    ¡°You know that you will have to fight a instance boss right, students that have gone to Reliquary for season cycles don¡¯t even try that, are you sure that you all can pull that off?¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t know until we try,¡± said Aurora, and Drake turned, not wanting to give the boy a singlechance to ask any more questions of them. She didn¡¯t know what was out of bounds and neither did her team from what she could tell.


    I hope none of what we just told him comes back to bite us¡­


    ¡­


    Amber and the rest of her team fought a floor down from the entry level of Reliquary¡¯s testing dungeon. Flames billowed outward from her hands as she took aim, and her team slaughtered goblins in every section of available space in the large open room around them.


    She wiped ash from her black hair and dusted her black tunic, sighing at the mess that managed to touch her clothing. The cloth she wore was valuable enough to be considered a treasure in some realms and she was saddened that she would have to replace it.


    Just the simple cost of growing more powerful I guess.


    She looked to her left to see Victor, snap the neck of a goblin that squirmed wildly in his hand before he dropped it and teleported toward his next target. His white hair and tunic disappearing and reemerging across the room.


    Amber¡¯s eyes then drifted toward Brice to see the short boy¡¯s arm turn into water, summoning a wave of frigid mana that slammed into an entire group of goblins. The monsters stood no chance, their potential for survival stripped away in an instant.


    The water washed over the monsters, freezing them solidly up against the wall that Brice stood next to, just before he spun, kicking out and shattering the frozen mass of water that had consumed the goblins as his arm reformed, leaving nothing but icy particles to fall to the ground like colored snow.


    So theatrical, thought Amber as she watched Brice¡¯s blond hair and deep blue tunic blow in the breeze caused by his own attack. The boy landing facing away from the frigid gale that blew wildly around him.


    She glanced at the large group of goblins that rushed into the room, raising her hand to direct a wall of flame at the monsters, stopping as the twins, Alexander and Miracle charged into the group, causing heads to roll. The twins dirty blond hair dancing gracefully in the air as their sword swings sent blood and powerful waves of force in every direction. Amber¡¯s eyes barely able to track the Pairs movements as they acrobatically flipped over one another¡¯s strikes, defying gravity as their full plate armor glinted beautifully in the dim light of the instanced catacombs, their bodies somehow remaining untouched by a single drop of blood.


    They¡¯d long ago all gathered the one hundred weapons that each of them needed to complete the assignment given to them by their primary instructor for their first quest. Now, they decided to entertain themselves by seeing how far into the dungeon they could reach before the levels and ranks of the goblins became too much for them to handle.


    At this rate I bet we could clear this place out completely¡­


    Amber sighed and took point, moving toward the next room. She walked through the nearest hall, and mana leaked from her pores increasing the temperature around her ten fold. A ring of fire manifested in the air with a 3 yard diameter as she began to jog, picking up speed as she charged toward the next open cavern.


    The room was massive and held one of the various set of stairs that lead upward, another that lead downward, and countless goblins all preparing for battle. What surprised Amber was that unlike any room prior that she¡¯d entered, none of the goblins faced her.


    The oddity was so strange, that instead of beginning to rotate her incendiary tornado as she always did to open combat, she froze in the entryway and watched, letting the ring of fire hang in the air around her.


    What in the love of bloody elements is going on here¡­


    Then she heard a roar. The sound was like that of a beast, once caged and now free to rampage. The goblins visibly began totremble at the sound that vibrated the walls.


    Amber took a step back, nearly retreatinguntil she saw a Goliath skeleton charge into the room. The giant monster coming from the stairs that lead to the floor above, the stairwell positioned across the room from her well in the distance. The tall monster was followed by six skeletons, all seven wielding shields and spears, carving a path into the goblins, slaughtering them by the dozens.


    Amber¡¯s mouth fell open, and she took another step backward. Only for the situation to become that much more strange.


    An incredible beauty walked casually down the stairs behind the skeletons, wielding a strange weapon made of bone. Her right half covered in a strange armor that Amber had to focus on to realize it too was made of intricate plate armor like bones. The armor a quality she¡¯d never seen before in any realm, above or below Imperial.


    Who is she?


    The girl stepped down from the last step, looked around the room with a narrowed gaze, and smirked. Amber watched the girl dash forward at an uncanny speed, and run up the back of the giant skeleton even as the monster charged forward, jumping into the air by using the tall monster¡¯s shoulder like a step to launch herself upward.


    Two more skeletal arms detached from her back mid air, transforming into a sword and spear, as she lifted her strange weapon above her head.


    A dazzling crimson light rippled up the weapon and she brought the instrument down with a slam. A powerful wave surged outward crippling everything it touched. The life ripped from the goblins eyes as the sound of breaking bones spread through the room. The wave striking everything it touched with a force of pure havoc and brutality.


    ¡°PUSH!¡±


    The girl¡¯s single word filled Amber with a dread that made her take an additional step backward.


    Amber was unable to take her eyes off the girl. Opposing emotions flooded her system as the sword and spear discharged with raw energy that slew goblins by the handful. With each strike made, both weapons ended lives, spinning around the girl wickedly.


    Amber both wanted to test her strength against the girl that¡¯s eyes roiled with the light of the sun behind her irises, and run for her life; turn back and tell her team that another was here to clear this instance and they were at risk of death by merely being in the same place as the contender.


    Amber watched the stranger roar; now knowing that the beast she¡¯d heard had shown itself. The girl using a mixture of brute force with her weapon, and the art form known as Genocide seemed to be an unstoppable force of carnage and mayhem.


    ¡°What the hell is this,¡± said a familiar voice behind Amber. She glanced to see Victor wide eyed and opened mouthed as he too watched the massacre take place.


    The sound of a powerful snap drew Amber¡¯s attention back toward the room, and she watched as the girl¡¯s foot descended, causing another crimson wave to scatter a clustered group of goblins toward the ceiling; only for the monsters to be slaughtered before they could strike the ground.


    The skeletons at her back killed everything that moved, easily thrusting their spears through the bodies of the goblins that fell from the air, nothing left alive around the Cultivator, every monsterbloodied and broken.


    It was in that moment that Amber¡¯s eyes met the girls own, and she knew she was looking into the eyes of death. The smiling girl waving simply before she spoke the last words she ever expected to hear from an embodiment of destruction incarnate.


    ¡°Hello, I didn¡¯t steal these kills from you did I?¡±

 20. To Clash or not to Clash

    Drake¡¯s nerves were at an all time high. She stood before a young woman whose eyes spoke of ill intent. She scanned first the black haired girl, then the white haired boy, looking them up and down as she skimmed through their details.


    Hmm, both Adept. Both with classes, a Firestorm cyclone, and a Lightning hand, whatever those are¡­ Average attributes around 3.5, didn¡¯t Cortez say that only students on the verge of being Adept came to this dungeon, I wonder why their down here?


    Another young man with blond hair slid down the stairs behind the pair, and Drake scanned him. Interested in what his skills could be; the young man riding a literal knee high wave down the steps rather than walking, Drake read slowly.


    Now that is a class name, Master of Waves, same average attribute level¡­


    Another two Cultivators stepped down the stairs and Drake looked them over.


    Nice armor, and what is a partnered class?


    From what Drake could tell from her scan, the fraternal twins at the back of the group had a class that linked them together, making her wonder if one would be weakened if the other was injured or died.


    Wow Drake, keep those grim thoughts to yourself¡­


    ¡°Woah, I can¡¯t scan her, can you,¡±whispered the boy in white named Victor. Drake watched the girl she now knew to be Amber shake her head, and couldn¡¯t help but smirk.


    Hmm, it seems that Cortez isn¡¯t the only one who cannot scan me¡­


    A familiar sound came from behind her and Drake didn¡¯t even have to look to know that her team had entered the room. Explosions emanated all around her as Life Orbs bursted on impact. The whistle of arrows told her Cortez was hard at work, and her minion¡¯s continual demand to push on in her mind let her know that her group was more than likely okay while she determined the threat level of the group in front of her.


    ¡°My name is Drake, I hope we aren¡¯t intruding, there were no signs of anyone else being down this far so we assumed that we had the place to ourselves,¡± stated Drake simply, hoping to open up dialogue between her and the others.


    ¡°We are here completing an assignment quest given to us by our master,¡± started Amber. Drake watched the girl¡¯s eyes narrow and she followed her line of sight to take in Cortez firing arrows on the far side of the room.


    ¡°Is that Simpleton Sapling over there,¡± mumbled Amber, and Drake didn¡¯t like the tone used in the boy¡¯s direction.


    Drake started to feel as if she did on her first day of high school. Being alone in a cafeteria full of hundreds of students had once left her anxiety at an all time high. The glares of strangers hinting at negative opinions aimed at new and unknown entities wasn¡¯t a situation Drake took kindly to,.


    Just breathe Drake, you don¡¯t know them and they don¡¯t know you¡­


    It only took a few more moments for her group to finish off the rest of the goblins in the room, and Drake was soon flanked by the others.


    Why are you scowling at them like that, asked Aurora through their bond.


    We¡¯ll see, I may be wrong but I don¡¯t think this is going to play out well.


    Drake glanced at Cortez and noticed his half hidden position behind Vanish¡¯s floating cathedra.


    It seems bullies are the same in every realm¡­


    ¡°We are also on a mission from our master, but if you give us a moment to move on, we will head down the stairs to the next level, from what I¡¯ve been told there are plenty of goblins throughout this instance, and we can be out of your way after Cortez here gathers what he needs from this room,¡± said Drake, gesturing toward the stealth assassin.


    ¡°Oh, he is with you, it is kind of you to help out this weakling Ascended, if it isn¡¯t too much of a bother, we would also love it if we could join you,¡± asked Amber with a slight bow.


    Weakling, who is she talking about Cortez, asked Aurora mentally.


    You guessed it, this bitch is probably a snobby brat, I¡¯m trying not to jump to conclusions, but she¡¯s one upturned nose away from making me want to slap her¡­


    It wasn¡¯t even a full breath later that Amber glanced at Cortez, lifting her chin to look down her nose at the boy. Drake scoffed and Aurora chuckled.


    Wow the timing on that was uncanny, but I like Cortez, what do you want to do here?


    We might have to be diplomatic, we are going to go to Reliquary in the near or distant future, we don¡¯t want to make unnecessary enemies if we can avoid it.


    ¡°Well, as long as Cortez is comfortable with you coming along, we don¡¯t mind, he has exclusively obtained our time through a favor I owed him,¡± said Drake, lying in a way that would give Cortez an opportunity to turn down the other group leader¡¯s request; however as Amber looked at Cortez with a sneer and the boy began to stutter, Drake knew he was far too beaten down by his peers already to show strength in that moment and straighten his back enough to decline.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind, it is okay¡­¡±


    ¡°I see, well let me talk with the rest of my team, and we will move on as soon as we are done,¡± said Drake, pulling Aurora aside, beckoning Vanish and Cortez to follow.


    They distanced themselves, and Drake took the briefest moment to look at the other group as they discussed something softly, also deciding to whisper as she spoke.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re okay with them joining us Cortez, if you aren¡¯t this is your last chance to speak up buddy,¡± said Drake.


    ¡°They don¡¯t come off as the nicest people I¡¯ve ever met,¡± said Vanish, and Aurora nodded; both trying to comfort the young man. Yet Cortez shook his head surprising Drake with his answer.


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°no, its fine, you three will be Reliquary students soon, and making bonds with strong students is one of the fastest ways to grow at the academy, I wouldn¡¯t want my opinion of them to disrupt your chances of having a better opportunity¡ª¡°


    ¡°Seriously, I¡¯d rather have a million potentially weak friends if they are honest, kind, and loyal, than be stuck with a single mean person in my life, trust and believe, so just let us know if they make you uncomfortable and we will drop them like a bag of rotten fruit kid, okay,¡± prompted Drake, cutting in in an effort to show support. Cortez had been nothing but friendly since they ran into him, and Drake could tell by her slight interaction with Amber that she didn¡¯t like the girl¡¯s energy.


    Drake watched him look over at the other Cultivators, his gaze dropping to the floor as he contemplated for a moment longer, finally looking up to look Drake in the eyes, showing a surety that Drake was until that moment doubtful he could muster up.


    ¡°Thanks, but honestly, I¡¯ll be fine, you three are going for a full clear, and believe me with them by your side, your odds are that much higher,¡± said Cortez. Drake smirked, nodding at Cortez.


    ¡°I hear you buddy, but me and my siblings would have cleared this out no matter what happened, with or without them, so just let us know, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay, sounds good,¡± said Cortez with a smile.


    Your way too nice kid, I hope this ends well for us all¡­


    ¡°Hurry up and grab the stuff you need from in here, they look ready to go,¡± said Drake, and Cortez responded with a nod, quickly stepping away to collect more goblin weaponry.


    Mmm, lets see how this goes I guess¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Why are we teaming up with them Amber, we could finish this place by ourselves,¡± asked Brice.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t see what we walked into Brice,¡± said Victor.


    ¡°That girl by herself could probably fight two, maybe three of us and give us a good fight, we¡¯d win, but it wouldn¡¯t be easy,¡± said Victor explaining himself at his friend¡¯s strange look. Brice looked at Amber, and she nodded in agreement.


    ¡°I know we could get far by ourselves, and probably come close to the boss of this instance even, but with that girl we can definitely get a full clear achievement, I don¡¯t know if you can tell but that giant skeleton over there is bonded to her,¡± said Amber, pointing at Drake¡¯s minion.


    ¡°Yeah but she¡¯s already bringing along two unranked and that useless simpleton, will we even get the achievement,¡± asked Alexander and Miracle at the same time.


    ¡°We might even get a better achievement, the more Cultivators we have with us, the less restrictions the boss will have within the dungeon, it might play out in our favor that she brought the simpleton along,¡± said Amber. Brice and Victor nodded and the twins smiled as they shrugged.


    ¡°Looks like we will be the first new adepts in Reliquary to defeat a boss in our first season cycle in the academy for more than a few millennia,¡± said Amber excitedly.


    ¡°Sounds like a plan,¡± said Brice, and Victor crossed his arms smiling.


    ¡°Agreed.¡±


    ¡­


    Drake hated herself as the new group headed down throughout the instance for multiple reasons.


    hmm¡­ she sighed internally, not wanting the thoughts she was having to be real.


    This, is absolutely, fucking, amazing!


    The combined groups were absolutely unstoppable together. As Drake lead from the front with her new minion, the others wiped out everything without pause or hurdle of any kind.


    The biggest issue Drake faced was the new pace being set. The group¡¯s teamwork was fluid and surprisingly practiced.


    They were moving as if they had trained together for years. The smiles on everyone¡¯s faces was a reward unlike any other that Drake had ever felt before.


    The combinations of all their abilities was so powerful that the group found themselves ten floors down, with absolutely no enemies on the floors left alive above them.


    This is absolutely crazy¡­!


    Drake couldn¡¯t tamp down her excitement no matter how hard she tried. The ease in which they conquered each room was nothing less than glorious, and Drake was becoming more and more excited to attend Reliquary with how talented Amber and her team was.


    Aurora¡¯s usage of the mapping rune had shown them where all of the enemies were, and only sped up the process that much more.


    As they approached the eleventh floor a sound like that of drumming touched their ears, and aurora informed them that in the next cavern was potentially a couple thousand goblins; all armored, and holding weapons that seemed far more quality than the tools wielded by the monsters the floors they experienced previously had been.


    ¡°Anything else we should know,¡± asked Drake.


    ¡°They seem larger, and some of them are resonating with a strange energy,¡± answered Aurora.


    ¡°Their most likely magic users,¡± said Victor, and Brice nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Okay, Brice, Amber, you¡¯re with me up front, Victor, your with the twins and the skeletons on magical goblin killing duty, Cortez, Vanish, stop anything that threatens the party in anyway, got it?¡±


    She got nods all around and smirked.


    ¡°Okay, lets do it¡­¡±


    ¡­


    Amber tried not to react at how easily Drake had taken control of her party. The girl¡¯s leadership was so natural that the members of her team fell in line without a single word of agitation. She could see the confidence of her team rise as they were directed by Drake, and felt envious, as all of her Godling companions were all rather strong willed and had taken quite a while to yield to taking commands from her originally.


    Ignore it Amber, just move forward and the reward in the end will far outweigh your petty feelings.


    Drake raised three fingers, dropping them one by one, and darted off the moment her last finger came down .


    Brice and amber rushed out beside Drake and she felt her eyes go wide and her heart skip a beat at the number of organized ranks of what was hobgoblins, rather than the smaller less deadly monster they¡¯d originally assumed they¡¯d be encountering.


    Do they not know the difference between goblins and hobgoblins!


    Amber glanced over to see Brice¡¯s features go pail, but as they both looked at the smiling Drake Amber wondered if Brice felt his fears melt away as she had in the moment that she took in Drake¡¯s confident visage.


    Drake looked toward Brice, pointing upward, and the boy nodded back at her, knowing what she wanted. Amber prepared for what was to come, gritting her teeth in an attempt to clamp down her apprehension and focus.


    ¡°Push,¡± yelled Drake, and Brice summoned a wave of water underneath the trio¡¯s feet, pushing them upward into the air, giving Amber a view of the entire room.


    The cavern was filled with modest huts and patrolling hobgoblins. Their more diminutive brethren trickled in here and there, and Amber watched as the thousands of opponents all seemed to turn in the moment that Drake roared.


    Power swelled and Amber¡¯s heart stirred at the sensation rolling off of Drake. She looked down at the faces of the nearest monster¡¯s, and couldn¡¯t help but smile at the fear that flickered across their faces as she summoned a ring of fire around herself, Drake and Brice.


    The wave crashed down over top the group, freezing them instantly and Drake was already mid air, slamming her weapon down, obliterating the solid block of ice, turning the near dozen monsters into nothing but broken chunks of melting water and body parts.


    Drake turned and Charged, and Amber begun to spin her fire halo, crating a tornado of flames around them. She looked over her shoulder to see the rest of their group beginning to cut into the ranks of monsters, the shocked creatures, unable to react quickly enough to stop their assault.


    Beams of black mana shot through the air, stopping goblins and hobgoblins alike from attacking. The monsters frozen amidst retaliation; their upraised weapons serving no purpose as the twins cutthem down, and Cortez fired a series of deadly headshots. Drake¡¯s giant skeleton slammed into an entire group itself, and Victor teleported beside the minion, spreading lightning through both it and its summoned soldiers spears. The white light arcing out between their foes violently.


    A Life Orb exploded in front of Amber and she felt energy fill her core.


    Her flames grew even more hot as the life force fueled her fires, and a group of monsters perished as they turned to run, instantly being cremated, becoming nothing more than piles of dust.


    The slaughter continued and hundreds of goblins and hobgoblins were slain in what felt like mere blinks.


    The overwhelming numbers that Amber had once feared, became nothing more than fodder to be trampled as Drake roared. The sound of a wild beast caused many of the goblins to run, and still Amber knew the girl she now followed was capable of more, her twin magical weapons still unmoving at her back.


    ¡°PUSH!¡±


    Every time Amber heard the word, her soul felt as if it was set ablaze. She felt fire run through her veins and power fill her core. Her heart beat increased, and everything around her became a blur of motion and death.


    Before Amber knew it their entire group was surrounded on all sides by goblins and hobgoblins.


    Her power surged and Amber pushed the diameter of her flame halo, expanding the ring farther than she ever had before, feeling her power grow to new heights as they all fought for thier lives.


    The flame ring shot upward, roiling like the sun, appearing to be like that of a celestial body during an eclipse before it slammed down, encompassing their entire group, incinerating dozens of goblins and hobgoblins all at once .


    Her Flame Halo surrounded them all, spinning violently. The only monsters that were able to approach the group were those that managed to leap above the fire.


    Victor teleported faster than Amber had ever seen him move before, dropping goblins from the air above into the path of all the skeletal minions he fought beside.


    Amber was shocked to see a single arrow pierce upward into the sky, bursting into what seemed to be hundreds of copies of itself, raining down as if every arrow was perfectly aimed at vital points of every monster in the surrounding area.


    Even the simpleton is growing¡­, how?


    Brice and the twins didn¡¯t allow any of the charging hobgoblins to make it more than a few steps before they were frozen and sliced in half. Vanish¡¯s martial artist minion supported the effort by pushing the frozen bodies into the flaming halo surrounding them with powerful kicks, creating space by turning the monsters remains into a growing ring of ash.


    The energy that surged into the group from Vanish¡¯s healers Life Orbs, kept them all on their feet, but Amber knew that the level of skill being displayed by everyone involved was being drastically effected by an unknown factor.


    This has got to be because of her¡­


    Amber couldn¡¯t help but follow the movements of Drake and her own giant guardian of a skeletal demon. The only member of the Cultivators gathered that wasn¡¯t within the fire storm she summoned was Drake and her minion. The wild girl carving a path through the monsters, reaping souls with every subtle movement she made.


    The elegance of her forms took Amber¡¯s breath away. A spin kick turned an enemy to ash as the force of the blow knocked the hobgoblin into Amber¡¯s flames. Drake danced through her enemies and Amber could feel the flow of combat leaning in favor of her and the rest of the Cultivators even though they were outnumbered by at least three hundred to one.


    We are actually going to survive this¡­


    ¡°Drake, quit playing with your food, Lilith is going to grill us if we take too long down here,¡± yelled Aurora, and Drake chuckled.


    Drakes magical weapons finally rose into the air, disconnecting from her mantle and transforming into weapons of deadly proportions.


    ¡°Got it, play time is over!¡±

 21. The Fortress of Sacrifice

    Drake turned around after she killed the final Hobgoblin in the room to the stunned faces of the combined groups, with the exception of Aurora, who smiled as she floated over too Drake¡¯s side.


    ¡°How many more fights like that do you think there will be?¡±


    Drake shrugged.


    ¡°I have no clue, I hope a hundred, but I assume we will probably get at the very least a few more just like this one.¡±


    ¡°Yeah I figured the same, we haven¡¯t come across that size number yet, but now that we have there are probably at least one or two more rooms this size or maybe a little larger on the next few floors from what Lilith said, a lot of what she described is starting to make much more sense,¡± said Aurora. Drake¡¯s brow furrowed, and she tilted her head slightly.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Aurora waved her hands around them after an exaggerated shrug.


    ¡°Its almost like she couldn¡¯t tel us that their were an absurd amount of goblins down here or something, any time we asked for numbers of any kind, we got answers like, more than the amount of skeletons you all killed, or a dungeon full, or¡ª¡°


    ¡°I get it, I wonder why she didn¡¯t just give us an answer?¡±


    ¡°Because she couldn¡¯t,¡± said Amber approaching Drake and Aurora.


    ¡°Why not,¡± said both Aurora and Drake at the same time.


    ¡°Because she is an alumni of one of the academies, none who ascend while attending an academy can talk to potential students or non ascended ones who haven¡¯t already tried to complete whatever instance that may be being spoken about.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± said Drake, nodding more to herself than in response to Amber.


    ¡°You guys haven¡¯t started attending an academy yet have you,¡± asked Amber, looking between Aurora and Drake. Both girls shook their head no, and Amber nodded slowly as if confirming a thought of her own.


    ¡°That makes sense, Aurora has been spot on when calling out information for every room before this, but didn¡¯t state the Hobgoblins that this room nearly entirely consisted of before we entered,¡± said Amber.


    ¡°So that is what a Hobgoblin looks like,¡± said Aurora, looking around at the many dead examples.


    ¡°Yeah, but did either of you notice that we didn¡¯t fight any casters, or ranged magic users I mean,¡± said Drake as Amber¡¯s face scrunched at her use of an RPG term.


    ¡°Yeah, they all fled as soon as we began to kill the Hobgoblins,¡± said Aurora.


    ¡°Hmmm, that may not be good,¡± said Drake, remembering the times that enemies in RPG¡¯s fled only to show back up later as a unified force.


    ¡°Why, what are you thinking,¡± asked Amber.


    ¡°Nothing, just know that a collection of magic users in anyone place never turns out well, I mean look at what we just did,¡± said Drake, gesturing back at the combined group of Cultivators having discussions of their own not but a few yards away. The group surrounded by a ring of ash tall enough to reach their ankles seemed unaffected by the masses of dead around them.


    I guess this is just what it is to be a Cultivator.


    ¡°I see your point, what do you think we should do,¡± asked Amber.


    ¡°Honestly I think me and Cortez should scope things out alone, but I have a feeling that my idea may back fire, so I figured I¡¯d talk it out with you and Aurora first, and then with our groups to see what we should do.¡±


    ¡°What is wrong with you two scouting things out,¡± asked Aurora, while Amber seeming to have the same question.


    ¡°Back where I come from, we have a saying that goes like this, never, ever, split the party, it always seems to lead to death of every member either in smaller groups or even one by one.¡±


    ¡°There is logic in that saying, we are obviously more powerful together, I¡¯ve never seen my team fight as skillfully as they just did, and even the sapling was an incredible aid,¡± said Amber wit a glance away, her eyes widening as if she was surprised by what she¡¯d just admitted.


    Ha, that must hurt, but Cortez is obviously one of the strongest here, I didn¡¯t even see him for half of the last fight, thought Drake laughing internally.


    ¡°So, what were you thinking then,¡± asked Aurora.


    The girls spoke about what their best moves could be, and they eventually settled on a plan, breaking off to speak to their groups alone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see any issues with that,¡± said Vanish.


    ¡°Me either,¡± said Cortez.


    ¡°Seems simple enough honestly, you and the others take point, and we cover the rear, whats so complicated about that,¡± asked Vanish.


    ¡°We just don¡¯t know if there is something we are missing, we could be flanked, we could have to fight elite monsters, we could even have to fight more than one boss, who knows, we just need to be prepared.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± said Aurora with a smile.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure that we get a heads up, and remember to tap Aurora when I feel like we have monsters incoming.¡±


    ¡°Okay, sounds good to me,¡± said Drake.


    Should be as easy as eating pie¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°So we get the hell out of here if the odds are too much, what about them,¡± asked Victor, jutting his chin out toward Drake and the rest of her group.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°If things go wrong in here, we¡¯ll never see them again, just stick to the plan, but if I give the signal, make bait out of them and get out,¡± said Amber.


    Brice and the twins all nodded in agreement, and Amber looked over to see Drake¡¯s giant skeleton seemingly staring her directly in the eyes.


    Hmm, I wonder?


    She ignored the sensation of being watched that trickled down her spine, seeing Drake and her group all speaking excitedly.


    Its probably nothing¡­


    ¡­


    Drake focused on looking around as much as possible. Her nerves grew increasingly sensitive as they didn¡¯t come across any more monsters, just empty room after empty room.


    Something isn¡¯t right here for sure.


    The group was now silent, their entire collective all suspicious. Drake looked back toward Aurora, seeing a frown on her face as her mapping rune still picked up nothing; the girl having had used the tool almost eight times without picking up a single monster by this point.


    mmm


    Finally their group came up to the widest set of stairs downward that they had come across inside the instance.


    The light of the ceiling in this area was brighter, and the illumination that came up from the floor revealed far more of an intricate pattern with every step down they took.


    The patterns were obviously rune work, the details made more easy to discern as they began to weave up the wall and toward the ceiling, covering everything with magical formations.


    By the time they got down the stairs, Drake could sense the tension rolling off the gathered Cultivators. Everyone of them were obviously on high alert, expecting an attack at any second.


    The area they walked into held two massive doors even larger than the ones that lead into Lilith¡¯s manor. Both doors were open and covered with a beautifully carved mural that held a battleground full of goblins fighting a multitude of different raced monsters and humanoid beings.


    ¡°Woah,¡± said Drake, caught off guard by how majestic a visual had been captured; the scene carved so perfectly that it seemed that a real battle had been used for a reference to create the art.


    Amber and the other¡¯s keep giving each other strange looks, they are giving me the vibe that they are on the verge of running.


    Drake tore her eyes away from the mural, and looked over to take in the appearances of the group that had joined her own. Nothing seemed to be entirely off, Drake could tell that they were obviously scared, but nothing more.


    Keep an eye on them for me, will ya?


    ¡°On it!


    Drake brushed her hands against the carved door she stood closest too, feeling power vibrate through the door as her hand made contact with the surface. As she blinked, she found herself standing on a mountain top, that overlooked a valley. The very same valley that held a battle of unequaled violence.


    She spun slowly, trying to figure out where she¡¯d been taken, finding an older woman carving the battle below on what seemed to be a massive tablet. Drake glanced back over her shoulder to see that though the battle seemed to be in full swing, and a cacophony of sound roared up to her ears, everything moved in slow motion.


    ¡°Well¡­ that isn¡¯t normal.¡±


    ¡°Oh, its you, how did you get here, we aren¡¯t supposed to meet for tens of thousands of season cycles,¡± said the beautiful woman. Drake turned back to look at the woman she could only describe as a goddess.


    Her hair was long and curly, not in the same way that Lilith¡¯s natural curls were, but more as if she¡¯d had her hair done in a salon. Drake couldn¡¯t pin point what color the long strands were, believing them to be black at first, until a deep purple light seemed to ripple down the length of her curls.


    Her hair framed a perfect set of brilliant irises that¡¯s purple was like that of a ruby and a sapphire fused, holding the light of a sun at their centers.


    She wore an elegant black sun dress, and smiled at Drake.


    ¡°Well are you going to keep staring or are you going to join me?¡±


    Drake simply nodded, stepping closer to the woman as she worked.


    ¡°So you have reached your first dungeon maybe, or slain a celestial monster that is well above your current rank?¡±


    ¡°The former I guess, how did you know?¡±


    ¡°Well, that is a long story, but what I can tell you is that since becoming a god, my future, present and past are all linked, anything that I will come to know, I may already know if I want or have the need to know, whatever that may be, and I¡¯ve seen you occasionally in my future.¡±


    ¡°Well that is interesting, but you said we aren¡¯t supposed to meet yet, when are we supposed to meet if not now, I mean I¡¯ve seen what this looks like finished, so are we in the passed?¡±


    ¡°You must have touched one of the doors in my first dungeon then, and you have already met my older self, I believe just after you died, or ascended, its distant and if I¡¯m being honest I¡¯d rather not look that far into my own future, it often comes with hiccups¡­¡±


    ¡°After I died, wait are you the god that sent me to Imperial?¡±


    The woman simply smiled and nodded.


    ¡°Oh okay, well I don¡¯t know if I should hug you or try and slap that smile off your face,¡± said Drake nearly under her breath.


    ¡°neither would surprise me child, you have and will always be a volatile one, but tell me, how are things going, we don¡¯t have much time together I¡¯m afraid.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, well you dropped me into a fucking ritual sacrifice, then I fell into a strange cavern, which lead directly into a dungeon world and I¡¯ve been fighting for my life ever since, and it¡¯s only been like a week, so there is that.¡±


    ¡°Wow you seem to be doing well for yourself even with the slight hurdles in your way thus far.¡±


    ¡°Slight hurdles woman are you crazy?¡±


    The goddess just nodded.


    ¡°of course dear, you have to be to become a god, otherwise you more than likely fall short of the position, and are more than likely fated to never reach the heights beyond godhood.¡±


    ¡°Beyond godhood, what could possibly be beyond godhood?¡±


    The goddess gestured toward the sculpture she had been completing.


    ¡°gods are nothing more than immortal foot soldiers for the system, above them are many positions of power, some are so mighty that they are fated to overtake the system itself, and take over responsibility for the progression of time and space, controlling all the laws of creation and destruction.¡±


    ¡°So what does your carving over here have to do with becoming something grander than a god?¡±


    ¡°I am trying to become a Living Legacy, or system administrator if that helps you understand what I mean, it will eventually result in me creating a realm by constructing instances, dungeons, and everything in between.¡±


    ¡°Fuck thats heavy,¡± said Drake, looking over her shoulder to see the battle once more.


    ¡°Why are you telling me all of this, it honestly doesn¡¯t seem like something that an unranked Cultivator should come to know, I mean at best I¡¯m a seventeen year old teenager stuck in the body of a thirteen season cycle old girl, even If I could combine those ages, I still don¡¯t think I¡¯d be responsible enough to take on knowledge that fucking heavy?¡±


    The goddess looked back at her mural, tapping her chin as she thought.


    ¡°To be honest, I, like you, don¡¯t make friends very easy, and we end up becoming very close friends in the future, so I figured I¡¯d just try and start somewhere,¡± said the goddess first pointing to herself and then to Drake.


    ¡°I make friends with a god, that doesn¡¯t seem normal?¡±


    ¡°Its not, you end up making friends with many of us out of sheer luck and force of will, but don¡¯t worry about all of that now, you don¡¯t do that for an incredible amount of time, at least from what I can tell of your current state.¡±


    Yeah, tell a girl she befriends gods, and not to worry about it in the same sentence, if that doesn¡¯t prove your a god, then nothing will if you ask me¡­¡±


    The goddess laughed, and Drake couldn¡¯t help but join her.


    ¡°Well then new friend, what is your name?¡±


    ¡°My name is Lil¡ª¡°


    The goddess¡¯s eyes went distant and her features shifted sharply toward concern.


    ¡°Something is wrong, you must go back now Drake,¡± said the Goddess.


    ¡°But,¡± tried Drake to ask another question before their time ended.


    ¡°Now!¡±


    ¡­


    Aurora stared at Drake as everyone else did. Her eyes shown completely white, as her hair blew about wildly as if caught in a breeze. She floated a handful of feet off the ground, and the entire dungeon began to shake.


    ¡°Drake,¡± yelled Aurora, just before a notification popped up into her vision, and she could tell by the glances of everyone around her that they too received the same notification.


    *Notification* - Instance Challenger Found -


    A worthy challenger has been found. Ownership of this instance has been challenged and can be transferred to the Legendary Challenger. Leave now, or stay and acquire the rights to own the instance. Know that this instancewill only remain active without any of its normal restrictions!


    Warning - Any who do not leave immediately are at risk of being trapped within this dungeon, either every living monster within must be slain, or every living challenger will be killed by its inhabitants. Until one of these two objectives has been completed, nothing will enter or leave this instance.


    You have been warned!*


    Aurora looked around, and immediately tried to move forward as those gathered began to step away from the doors. Both the massive constructions starting to close quickly.


    ¡°Drake,¡± yelled aurora, but her path was blocked by ambers group, all of which who turned to flee at the warning of danger and the world itself seemingly shaking around them all.


    She tried to push by them, pulling at her belt in hopes to become intangible and fly through the fleeing Cultivators in front of her.


    She managed to get the belt off, and took flight, moving as quickly as she could to join Drake. Vanish by her side, pushing his cathedra to fly as fast as it could to enter the massive hall they had yet to enter.


    A flash of movement caught Aurora¡¯s eye as Drake¡¯s giant skeletal minion, rushed underneath them, slipping between the closing doors with no time to spare. The doors closed, and a bright light flashed across the surface of the door, and Aurora though intangible, still collided with the door, a forcefield of mana stopping her from slipping through the solid wall.


    ¡°No no no!¡±


    Aurora and Vanish banged on the door, both screaming their friends name with no results.


    ¡°Drake!¡±


    ¡­


    Drake snapped back into her body, standing in front of the door she¡¯ now knew the origin of. She didn¡¯t get the name of the god, but knowing that she would one day meet the woman again somehow made her less afraid to die in the Dungeon of Vivarium, but simultaneously more afraid of what she would have to accomplish to complete the task of ascending.


    Could still fuck up and die Drake, odder things have happened than fate being changed¡­ .


    Then she remembered her anger at the god who had sent her to Imperial in the first place, and knew that once again while she¡¯d spoken to the woman, something had effected her mind. In the moment she¡¯d been playful, docile even, but now she felt a growing anger that refused to die down no matter how much she tried to breathe slowly and concentrate.


    ¡°Drake, we have a problem!¡±


    ¡°Drake finally turned to look around and was alarmed by what she saw.


    Somehow she was now in the hall she had just been standing before, the doors behind her were closed, and a brilliant gold notification sat in her vision. She read and cursed mentally, before the same voice that had drawn her attention the first time yelled again.


    ¡°Drake!¡±


    She looked around and could only see her large skeletal minion.


    Where is everyone?


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Get ready, they are coming!¡±


    Drake could recognize the voice the closer it got to her, realizing it was Cortez.


    ¡°Cortez what the fuck is¡ª¡°


    Drake stopped as a literal army of goblins, hobgoblins, trolls and a handful of ogres began to charge toward her in the distance.


    ¡°Mother¡­. Fucker¡­!¡±

 22. A True Horde

    Drake had two options, charge, or die. Her eyes darted down the long hall, giving both options a full consideration before dismissing either one.


    The area around her was lit in a way that made her feel outside once more, and she was shocked to see what appeared to be sunlight and clouds above her.


    What in the world is going on inside this place.


    She was still struggling with the emotions that bubbled up from the depths of her mind and soul, and was seriously considering charging toward the horde, but could sense an immense power rolling toward her from the horde¡¯s direction that told her that trying to fight the group head on would be a mistake.


    ¡°Drake, follow me there are paths all throughout this room, and even buildings that we may be able to hide in,¡± yelled Cortez, becoming visible just ahead of her on the path.


    Drake rushed forward without another thought. Cortez and her ran for a few hundred yards flanked by her giant of a minion, fueled by the sound of marching feet of all shapes and sizes.


    They came to a crossroads and didn¡¯t take long to decide what direction to go.


    Directly in front of them in the distance was the large group of various monsters. While to the left and right were paths branching off in either direction with channels of flowing water closing the even larger paths in on either side.


    The architecture within changed immediately, even as Cortez and her darted left, Drake took in the well built structures on either side of what she now felt to be a city street rather than a simple path.


    The buildings that Cortez had spoken of to hide in were at first simple in design. Some wooden, some clay, but as they ran deeper, stone was used to create structures with pillars to hold up the expanded floors above ground level, and even artful terraces.


    There is an entire civilization down here, what the fuck did Lilith expect us too do down here that wouldn¡¯t take us months or longer to complete?


    By the time they managed to make it to the next crossroad, the street they were on opened up to sho more of the expansive city around them.


    Drake gasped to see the metropolis built inside the instance. She stopped running, and Cortez slowed, looking back at her momentarily before he darted back in her direction.


    ¡°Come on, we don¡¯t have time for this!¡±


    Drake nodded and continued to run, unable to look away from the beautiful scenery before her.


    Some of the buildings were made to look like towering sculptures of monsters, while others looked like various humanoid races defending themselves against the primordial at the center of it all. A kraken, stretched out from the center of the city, its tentacles forming bridges that lead in every direction.


    One tentacle was wrapped around the neck of a giant,. The monster brought to its knees as it struggled for life; yet even from the vantage they were at currently, Drake could see tiny forms moving from out of the giant¡¯s mouth to walk across the bridge that led back toward the kraken¡¯s main body. Which seemed to be the biggest building of them all.


    Though the giant was incredibly large, appearing to be a structure with hundreds of levels, it was far from the most impressive monster being grappled and fought by the primordial kraken.


    Further down the street they dashed down, a dragon, lay on its side. The kraken¡¯s tentacle was wrapped around the monsters stomach, and Drake could see that every bit of the dragon¡¯s body was inhabited. Many lights came from inside the large building made into the form of what was said to be the deadliest of all magical creatures, and even the flames that had been sculpted coming out of its mouth were actually perimeter walls that spread outward, enclosing this specific building from the surrounding areas.


    How many fucking monsters are in this place? Drake couldn¡¯t help but try to compare what she was seeing to an earthen city, but nothing she¡¯d ever seen on the planet earth could ever compare to what was revealed to her now.


    The city was something that would take an astronomical amount of planning. The design of the city like that of a well built painting only completely three dimensional and perfectly structurally sound.


    The tentacles wrapped around a massive ship, a leaning tower, an icy mountaintop, and an incredible amount of other smaller structures. Some in the shape of majestic creatures like gryphons or Pegasi, or even just normal buildings without any seeming significance.


    Gotta be magic right? Has to be, I mean come on look at this place, if I could fly I would get lost just exploring¡­


    The entire city was a sculpture. A battle field immortalized by the hand of a master artisan with a god like affinity for the craft lay before Drake. Yet the scale of it all told Drake that maybe the people as a whole had created the marvel, which made Drake¡¯s mind twist at the thought of monsters being more than just bags of attribute points for Cultivators to gather.


    Her only saving grace was that the metropolis could have been built by a god, a Cultivator civilization that was conquered by the monster horde she¡¯d seen, but somehow all of the thoughts felt shallow.


    What if this is what every instance holds at its base?


    Drake knew that a construction of this magnitude without magic would be nearly impossible. With it however, she didn¡¯t honestly know that the task would be easily handled either. Or even how long it would take to finish.


    ¡°Where the fuck are we¡­¡±


    Drake glanced back to make sure the massive horde they¡¯d seen wasn¡¯t closing in on them, seeing only her own giant skeletal minion jogging behind her even as she sprinted.


    ¡°Come on, I¡¯m not sensing any life force coming from this direction.¡±


    Cortez darted left down an alleyway, rushing toward a completely empty building. From what Drake could tell, the entire area around them seemed to be devoid of life, which allowed her racing thoughts to settle enough for her to think straight. Her unruly temper cooled momentarily as she thought about what she¡¯d just seen, rather than her growing fury at the gods.


    Hard to compete with people that can look into their own futures, thought Drake, dismissing the thought as quickly as it had flitted into her head.


    Cortez had chosen a massive building to enter, and Drake wondered if that was the best decision. Obviously the size of the building came with more places to hide, but as they ran through the sparsely decorated space, she began to feel as if they were trapping themselves within.


    Do monsters need furniture?


    The set up of the building they were in didn¡¯t strike Drake in the same way that the previous part of the instance had, as all the goblins had constructed huts and small dwellings. Yet Drake couldn¡¯t ignore the possibility that all this showed signs of sentience.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    They took the stairs two at a time, while her skeleton jumped three or more steps at once. It wasn¡¯t until they hit the seventh floor that Drake began to understand just how large the city below was. Looking at another building down the street from them, Drake could see one of the many tentacle bridges that were spread throughout the city, connected to the top of a building far taller than even the one they were in.


    Drake stuck her head out of a window to look up, only to find out that they weren¡¯t even a quarter of the way toward the top of the building they were in; further showing her the scale of the city as a whole.


    ¡°What are you doing, get in here,¡± said Cortez trying to pull Drake back inside the building.


    ¡°Are you not seeing this place, don¡¯t tell me that you are seriously used to being in places like this?¡±


    ¡°Shh,¡± said Cortez, putting a finger to his lips as he tapped her on the shoulder with his free hand, before pointing at a group of trolls headed down the street in their direction.


    ¡°They are going to be here soon, and if we are going to survive in a hostile environment, we are going to need to use stealth tactics, we might be able to fight small groups, but anything like what we saw earlier and I doubt that even you will be able to survive.¡±


    Drake nodded, withdrawing into the stairwell she¡¯d poked her head out of.


    Sounds like this kid wants to use gorilla warfare against the monsters. I wonder if he actually is used to things like this? Maybe not to this dire of an extreme, but maybe he comes from a military background?


    Drake didn¡¯t know much about the boy, but she knew she liked him far more than she did the other¡¯s her group had met. It wasn¡¯t until she thought of the others that she found it odd that Aurora hadn¡¯t contacted her through their bond, and immediately tried to reach out.


    Aurora, are you there?


    At first there was nothing, but then Drake frowned, hearing a garbled noise like that of a walkie talkie being used when it was too far out of range of its partnered devices.


    What kind of bullshit is that, are magical signal is low. Don¡¯t tell me that I¡¯m only powerful enough to use magical dial up internet speeds?


    Drake thought further, deciding that the strange location they¡¯d entered most likely had more to do with the disruption; instead focusing on coming up with a plan to survive this place with Cortez as they climbed the steps.


    ¡°So should we hide more than we dwindle their numbers down, or take every opportunity to attack,¡± asked Drake. Cortez gave her an odd look, and shook his head, mumbling to himself.


    ¡°City girl¡¯s, dad warned me about the privileged, but I never thought they¡¯d be as powerful as she is¡­¡±


    Drake decided to ignore the obvious backhanded comment, knowing that Cortez was probably as stressed as Drake was.


    Only, Drake was more excited than anything else, making her feel as if she actually was crazy.


    ¡°Look, I¡¯ve been a Cultivator for a short time, I¡¯m not used to instances, or dungeons or any of this, I¡¯m sorry that I¡¯m pumped up about all this,¡± apologized Drake, wanting to help Cortez understand why she was acting the way she was.


    ¡°I get it, I¡¯m not used to anything like this myself, if I¡¯m being honest, I¡¯m probably just jealous.¡±


    ¡°Jealous of me, why?¡±


    ¡°Your strength, I mean come on, you look at this place like my sister looks at an ice cream stall, while I feel like I¡¯m going to die down here, your probably contemplating ways to survive and nothing more as if you already know its completely possible for you to accomplish.¡±


    Drake went silent. He had her pegged, and she couldn¡¯t help but smirk.


    ¡°Am I that obvious, I¡¯d be lying if I didn¡¯t admit that I¡¯m wondering what kind of achievements I could get by actually beating whatever boss is down here.¡±


    ¡°Obvious, that is putting it lightly, if I hadn¡¯t told you to run, you really would have rushed that bloody horde we saw, wouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    Drake shrugged.


    ¡°Without a doubt, but that wouldn¡¯t have ended well and you and I both know it, at least this way, we can find a way to get stronger and beat this instance, I mean it is for adepts, and you are almost at that level right?¡±


    ¡° I guess, but these monsters are most likely elites, or maybe even rare spawns, do you really think I¡¯m going to be all that much help down here?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you were the strongest out of the Reliquary students, I mean they did have amazing skills, but none of them used what they had to the same capacity as you did, I think even Amber saw that by the time we finished that last fight, you should have seen her face when she mentioned how you helped us win, the girl looked like she wanted to vomit,¡± said Drake chuckling.


    ¡°Now that is a shock, but if someone of your strength feels that way then I¡¯d be stupid to not have at least a semblance of faith in our survival, I mean I¡¯m more worried about your friends than I am you, those HonorBorn kids are vicious.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, they did seem to have sticks up their arses, but they weren¡¯t that bad?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t hear this from me, but all of their families are heads of the Reliquary council, they hang out with the two other descendants of the seven original families that form the council, and with your friend Vanish potentially going to Reliquary, that would mean that all of the descendants of the council will be attending soon.¡±


    Drake shrugged, feeling that what the boy described wasn¡¯t anything of note.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem all that big of a deal.¡±


    Cortez laughed.


    ¡°You really are not from around here are you, if you were you would know what Vanish going to Reliquary means for the council.¡±


    ¡°What does it mean, don¡¯t just say stuff like that and leave me in the dark?¡±


    ¡°Look, I don¡¯t want to be the one spreading conspiracies, but its well known that the current council cannot change until the entire council is replaced by handing their positions to their descendants, Lilith Constantine¡¯s relatives were all banished or ascended to higher planes a long time ago, but now their is another BaneBorn, so I guess I just assumed that the next generation of the council was finally going to be assigned¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait, is my Master Lilith a part of this council?¡±


    Cortez nodded.


    ¡°How long has she been a council member?¡±


    ¡°She is the longest living member, the only way to be removed is to die by core removal, be slain by one of your descendants, or to have the entire council replaced, it was assumed that she would either commit suicide by core removal, or remain on the council perpetually.¡±


    ¡°Let me guess, it is also commonly known that she hates her position on the council and has long looked for someone to replace her?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ why?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, just had a feeling, but I don¡¯t see how this is a problem for Vanish, can¡¯t he just turn down the position?¡±


    Cortez shook his head.


    ¡°No, the current council selects those they want to replace them, and though the original council banished the BaneBorns to stay on the council forever from the way the stories go, the benefits that were once seen as unrivaled when becoming a council member are now seen as nothing more than a curse.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°The members reach the maximum level of power obtainable in the dungeon, and cannot ascend, some even watch their own descendants rise above them in power and leave, which is why many of the council fear Lilith, though she is bounded by the same system contracts as they are, her bloodline isn¡¯t one that can be limited.¡±


    ¡°So what, she¡¯s stronger than the rest of the council?¡±


    ¡°Maybe even combined from what rumors say, don¡¯t get me wrong these are rumors, but most rumors start from a place of truth.¡±


    ¡°I get it, but that puts Vanish more at risk with my Master than anyone else, why would you fear him being around those other kids?¡±


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you been listening, if, wait your not from around here, so you don¡¯t know what happens when a council is replaced do you?¡±


    Drake shook her head.


    ¡°All of the members of the previous council fight to the death, and the cores of the other council members are used to enrich the life of the winner.¡±


    ¡°So the only thing stopping the current council from dying as a whole right now, is what, Vanish being strong enough to take Lilith¡¯s place?¡±


    Drakefelt she knew the answer, but liked hearing her growing fears confirmed even less.


    They¡¯ll kill him if they realize that he is related to Lilith¡­


    ¡°Vanish is the only thing stopping the entire Reliquary Academy from becoming completely leaderless, and as one of the strongest places to send the children of gods in the realm, the council won¡¯t be the only ones to die if Lilith manages to escape, she is the strongest living necromancer known to the realms, and is only not a threat to the gods because of her current circumstances, and since Lilith is the oldest living council member, she alone has the right to trigger the replacement ritual at any time, if the current council allows for that to happen, potentially their entire families may die alongside them¡­¡±


    ¡°How do you know all of this?¡±


    ¡°Because I am the bastard of one of the council members¡­¡±Well that is definitely a pair of credentials right there, thought drake. Her worst fear slipping from her lips as the realization hit.


    ¡°So they are going to kill him at their very first chance¡­¡±


    ¡°Either that or push him to ascend so quickly to leave the dungeon that his foundation is weak, Lilith may want to leave, but her family owns this dungeon, she won¡¯t leave it to a weak leader, that would weaken their entire bloodline.¡±


    Cortez continued, sighing once he saw Drake¡¯s brow furrow.


    ¡°Dungeons fuel the bloodlines of those who own them, and if Vanish is too weak the dungeon will just be taken from him through another ritual, not even Lilith wants her power base decreased that significantly¡­¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± said Drake as her mind raced. Not but a few moments ago she¡¯d been excited by the premiss of exploring the city around her; only for what she¡¯d learned to cause her to be worried for her friends lives.


    Now, the silence in her mind that was once comforting before she became a Cultivator, only filled her with an agony she was unfamiliar with.


    Don¡¯t worry Drake, just survive, Aurora and Vanish will be okay, you just need to get back to them as soon as you can.


    ¡­


    Aurora was oddly and suddenly untrusting of those around her. With the exception of Vanish, she couldn¡¯t see why the group of Reliquary students had done what they had.


    When she combed through her memories at what had happened, certain details struck her as¡­ wrong. The first being that they had seemed to create a barrier as they backed away from the boss room entryway, but only for her, and not for Vanish.


    Why would they let him by but try and slow me down?


    Aurora couldn¡¯t think of any reasons, but knew in her heart that something was wrong. The way the students sent continual glances toward Vanish tickled Aurora¡¯s senses, telling her that they didn¡¯t mean well.


    She¡¯d seen many people with bad intentions or ill opinions of her parent¡¯s and siblings, as well as even her extended family members, and could easily see the tension in their eyes and demeanors.


    I thought they had a little opinion in regard to Cortez, but maybe I¡¯d been giving that too much attention?


    They seem to want you dead buddy, but why, you¡¯ve done nothing to them.


    The occasional glances that she shared with Vanish told her that he was completely aware of the sudden attitude being sent in his direction. Nothing had changed in Aurora¡¯s perspective, other than Drake not being there.


    Maybe that¡¯s it, they seemed intimidated by her, maybe they felt this way the entire time, but didn¡¯t show it out of fear?


    ¡°We must go, we cannot stay here any longer than we have already, but you must contact me once you arrive at Reliquary Aurora, I am sorry that we couldn¡¯t do anything to help your friend, but I¡¯d be an idiot to not push for someone with as useful a skillsset as you seem to have,¡± said Amber, and though Aurora nodded, she did so only out of awareness of the situation, realizing that Vanish hadn¡¯t been extended the same offer though he sat just beside her.


    ¡°We shall see, I may not even attend now that I have been separated from Drake,¡± said Aurora, and Amber frowned, sighing and shaking her head slowly as if she pitied her.


    ¡°I see, well I hope you wisen up and separate yourself from the bone lovers,¡± said Amber, sneering toward Vanish before she turned around and headed up the stairs, mumbling words that didn¡¯t fail to touch Aurora¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Your life may depend on it¡­¡±

 23. Renegades & Ideographs

    Drake looked across the room waiting for Cortez¡¯s signal. They stood well across the empty space from each other, both barely breathing and completely prepared for battle; holding their breaths to remain as quiet as possible.


    Drake glanced out of the room she hid in to see Cortez¡¯s upraised hand counting down. His upheld fist was all Drake needed to see, and she rushed out into the open room.


    Three hobs and two trolls¡­


    The trolls roared and Drake smirked as her giant skeletal minion barreled into the group of monsters from behind. Its upraised shield smashed into the two larger figures, knocking them down as its spear flashed outward. All five monsters were struck at the same time, and Drake took advantage of their disrupted formation.


    ¡°You stepped into the wrong building buckos!¡±


    One overhead swing brained a hobgoblin, while the other two were barely able to rise from the ground before arrows were lodged into their eye sockets.


    Fuck that kid is lethal.


    Both Drake and her giant skeleton took a defensive step backward, slowly beginning to strafe the remaining trolls. The two larger monsters had far higher constitutions than their smaller brethren, which is why they dispatched the hobgoblins first.


    The trolls were closer to Drake¡¯s own giant skeleton than the hobgoblins in size. Their dense musculature set them in a category of their own as far as the monster¡¯s within the instance were concerned. Drake¡¯s bruised ribs from their first fight with the monsters of their stature told her just how at risk she was, as she had only recently just recovered from the ribs being entirely broken.


    Who are you kidding Drake, you barely survived the blow and you know it, your lucky they aren¡¯t still shattered, just focus!


    It had been hard to breathe at first, and Drake had to put on a face in front of Cortez to convince them to keep fighting rather than flee, but with her new partner as close to leveling up to Adept as he was, Drake couldn¡¯t stop until the boy gained his class.


    Cortez had been right about the Elite status of the monsters within the city. The tag in their scan was the only information given beyond their names, which had honestly worried Drake, but having no other choice but to engage with the enemy came with its benefits.


    Drake dashed in, swinging Havoc at the nearest trolls knee. The monster lifted its leg to dodge, and swung its massive fist at Drake¡¯s head. Zen raised its palm out toward the strike, blocking the incredible weight behind the punch; the force sliding Drake backward even as Havoc managed to open its fist, wrapping it around the ankle of the troll.


    Even as Drake slid backward, she widened her stance, pulling Havoc back as hard as she could; Zen even grasping the handle of its partner and helping Drake yank the troll off balance.


    An arrow pierced through the knee of the troll¡¯s now extended leg, and the monster bellowed in pain.


    Drake¡¯s metallic minion rose from her back, arcing over her shoulder in a flash. The magical weapon detached, and hammered down with its palm open; a twisting black energy swirling at its center.


    A vicious crunch was heard as a singularity punched into the arrow pierced knee, and the troll¡¯s leg buckled under the weight of its own mass. Drake surged forward, lifting Havoc over her head, flipping over the flailing arm of the handicapped troll, and brained the monster.


    ¡°Sorry bout this bud, but you know what¡¯s up!¡±


    Drake lifted the weapon again, and again, and again, hearing her own slamming weapon echoed by her skeletal giant¡¯s own spear. Both trolls skulls being crushed.


    ¡°Fuck fuck fuck!¡±


    Drake quickened her pace, slamming her weapon over and over, joined by her minion a moment later, as the trolls extremely powerful regeneration fixed its knee, popping the bones back in place before it started to work on the skull even as they smashed it.


    Dealing with the trolls made Drake worry over having to face an ogre or even the monsters Cortez said were called mountain trolls, making her completely sure that facing the monster horde as a whole would have resulted in her inevitable death.


    ¡°Come the fuck on, just die you son of a bitch!¡±


    Cortez began firing arrows, riddling the troll with projectiles, aiming for vital spots. It wasn¡¯t until Drake¡¯s magical minions raised into the air, and attacked that Drake and her giant skeleton were able to stop.


    A bone spear pulsing with crimson lightning punctured the trolls heart, as its partner grabbed the regrowing skull, crushing it in its grip; the singularity it held devouring the trolls brain near instantly.


    Then another roar was heard as the second troll her giant minion had been fighting rose to its feet. Drake sighed, glancing between her two flying magical weapons, pointing Havoc toward the troll.


    ¡°Sick em!¡±


    ¡­


    Drake dragged one of the two troll bodies toward the open window. Though the monster was heavy Drake managed it well enough with the aid of her two magical minions, and Zen.


    ¡°Heave,¡± said Drake, lifting the troll¡¯s upper half over the edge of the open window.


    ¡°Hoe..!¡±


    Her magical minions lifted the monsters legs op, allowing for its weight to take it over the edge. Drake stuck her head out the window, watching as the troll fell into a growing pile of bodies at the rear of the building they were in.


    The courtyard below serving as a great place for the corpses to be hidden, as it was walled off from the surrounding buildings.


    She looked over to see Cortez pushing out a hobgoblin from a nearby window, both watching the body fall. The sound of the corpse falling nowhere as near to as bad as it had been at first when there wasn¡¯t a mound of the dead below to cushion the fall.


    ¡°Did you get it,¡± asked Drake as they pulled their heads back inside. Cortez nodded, smiling.


    ¡°I¡¯m officially classed, and have my third tier of skills unlocked.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never tiered up, what is that like?¡±Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Cortez frowned at first, but Drake assumed that he remembered that she¡¯d said that she was unranked, and answered her.


    ¡°Its different for everyone. The more you do in between ranks, the more options you have, sometimes its access to more skills, sometimes its a ranked skill outside the normal options for your bloodline type, some times you even get more than one selection for each type, which thanks to you, I got,¡± said Cortez excitedly.


    ¡°Me, what did I do, all I do is smash stuff?¡±


    ¡°I have an Epic achievement because of that last fight before we entered this place, don¡¯t think I would have gotten them if we¡¯d never met, done things I¡¯d never expected after meeting you.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, like what?¡±


    Drake wouldn¡¯t normally ask a question like she just had, but with seeing on how they¡¯d only fought together, Drake was genuinely interested.


    ¡°You¡¯ll never believe me even if I told you,¡± said Cortez with a laugh. He glanced out the window, pointing out another group of incoming monsters.


    ¡°I have no reason not to believe you, and any edge I can get in this place will probably help.¡±


    Cortez nodded, looking toward the incoming enemies as they entered the building they were in.


    ¡°I combined my skills, didn¡¯t think it would work because it is an advanced technique that Ascended use to increase their power, often doesn¡¯t work for most, but it did for me.¡±


    Drake nodded and thought to herself. After a moment,, she realized that though her minions had combined their attacks, and managed incredible feats by doing so, she didn¡¯t know if she¡¯d ever consciously done the same herself.


    I didn¡¯t know that combining skills was such a big deal? Have I ever tried to actively merge skills, what skills would I even combine?


    Drake took her place, once more hiding in the room across from Cortez, as her giant skeleton entered the room catty-cornered across from her. Her mind ablaze with her skills, or minions skills, and how they could potentially be fused.


    Hmm, lets try it, we have nothing to lose but our lives right?


    The next group of monsters emerged, and Cortez¡¯s countdown began.


    Three¡­


    Drake felt the power of her magical minions stir, almost as if they felt¡­ excited. She reached out mentally toward her other minions, and could immediately tell that both Havoc and Zen also were radiating and intensity that she¡¯d never felt before.


    ¡°Calm down guys, wait for it¡­,¡± murmured Drake softly. Electricity began to crackle down her back, and her hair started to blow as a singularity was summoned behind her; both her magical minions detaching from Zen¡¯s mantle, coming to hover above her shoulders.


    Two¡­


    ¡°Wait for it¡­¡±


    Crimson life force energy began to pool around both the hands of Havoc and Zen, and an all around unity began to thrum at Drake¡¯s center. Her core pulsed and Drakes body started to vibrate as her soul began to resonate.


    One.


    ¡°now.¡±


    Cortez¡¯s final finger dropped and Drake charged. Arrows flew, and Drake felt her body weave between them. She reached the group of five trolls even before her giant skeleton and began her bloody work.


    Five arrows punched into the chests of the trolls, and Drake became a blur of motion. She thrusted Havoc toward the closest troll to her. The Trolls stood in a v formation, and in an instant, one, died.


    Lightning danced down havoc as it was grabbed down its length by both Drake¡¯s magical minions. Havoc¡¯s fist opened, and black spatial distortion energies twisted through its fingertips. The weapon ripped through the air and into the troll¡¯s chest with ease, and Havoc¡¯s hand closed around the monster¡¯s heart.


    The troll¡¯s entire body turned to ash, and Drake sped foreword. She moved into the path of another arrow, blocking it from the sight of the troll she charged, only staying in place for a blink.


    The troll reacted and swung its huge fist, only for Drake to dodge and the arrow she¡¯d briefly covered tore into the troll¡¯s knuckle. The monster roared, only to have its jaw torn from its mouth as Drake cleaved Havoc toward the troll¡¯s head, nearly decapitating the monster as it dodged.


    Zen deflected two wild blows before reaching toward the troll¡¯s neck, readying itself to pullthe monster toward Drake as she crouched slightly, and jumped.


    Zen wrapped its grasp around the monsters throat, and yanked down as Drake raised a spartan kick toward the troll¡¯s mangled face. Her foot collided with a crunch, and Drake road the monster to the ground, smashing its skull underfoot.


    She launched herself upward as her two magical minions let go of Havoc, intertwining their hands, forming the structure like that of a mace infused with magic. Both weapons snapped down as the second troll¡¯s head tried to reform, only for the weapons to obliterate the skull in an instant. The body of the troll going limp as the skull was disintegrated.


    Drake rose into the air, as Havoc closed its fist, thrusting the weapon forward as the third troll roared. Havoc punched into the troll¡¯s open mouth, and began to try and open its hand, locking the monster¡¯s head in place just long enough for Drake¡¯s magical minions to act.


    Both minions tore from behind Drake, racing with their open hand¡¯s crackling with power. An incredible clap emanated through the room as the third troll had its head caved in, nothing left of the troll¡¯s head as Drake stepped off the falling monster¡¯s chest.


    Drakes magical minions flew through the air, orbiting Drake as the metallic minion grabbed its partner by its middle, and the weapon transformed into a lightning bone spear. The weapons pierced through the air. The spear was then thrusted through the fourth troll¡¯s solar plexus, pinning it to the ground in a flash of movement.


    Drake landed on the monster¡¯s shoulders, raising Havoc upward as she smirked. The monster¡¯s eyes went wide as it scrambled, grabbing frantically at the spear through its chest.


    ¡°Its okay, I didn¡¯t expect this either big bucko!¡±


    Havoc slammed down on the fourth troll¡¯s head, and Drake flipped through the air, as her magical minions returned to dangle from Zen¡¯s mantle. She landed feet first on the trolls reforming head, her feet surrounded by crimson life force, completely crushing the head of the fourth monster of five.


    ¡°PUSH!¡±


    Drake roared, widening her stance to face the next opponent, only seeing her giant skeleton and Cortez left standing. The last enemy of five laying riddled with arrows and spear holes.


    ¡°Well damn, that was fast,¡± said Drake spinning slowly to look at the room. Silence was all that remained and Drake looked back toward the gaping Cortez.


    ¡°What in the bloody maiden¡¯s love was that?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean,¡± asked Drake confused.


    ¡°You just tore through four elites in a matter of moments, don¡¯t act like that wasn¡¯t an absurd difference between what we have done up until this point, I mean this is the first time we have fought five straight trolls, and you made it seem as if there was no difference between them and bloody goblins.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I listened to what you said and tried to combine my skills, if I¡¯m being honest I know that I failed, I really only managed to combine the timing of the attacks to be simultaneous, but in all reality its a start, what do you think?¡±


    ¡°I think your team was right about you, you are a bloody monster in Cultivator¡¯s clothing, I mean I didn¡¯t even get to try my new skills¡­¡±


    My bad just trying to get as strong as I can, as fast as possible, but if I¡¯m the monster,¡± started Drake smiling at Cortez.


    ¡°What does that make them?¡±


    Drake gestured toward the corpses, surprised to her core by Cortez¡¯s response.


    ¡°Food¡­¡±


    It was Drake¡¯s turn for her eyes to go wide, remembering that she was on a time clock to exit the instance.


    Lilith said I had a fortnight until I would need more DragonFruit, I got plenty of time, thought Drake worried that if she took too long she would have to drink the blood of monsters or even Cortez to survive.


    Let¡¯s just hope it doesn¡¯t come to that.


    ¡­


    Lilith paced before Vanish and Aurora. They¡¯d managed to return, informing her of what had happened. Where Lilith originally thought that she¡¯d be relieved by this news, she found herself oddly enough frazzled.


    Am I more worried about losing a potential replacement for myself in this bloody dungeon, or the girl¡¯s well being¡­?


    Lilith¡¯s mind raced, but she knew that the thought alone was answer enough for her to know that she¡¯d already somehow managed to form an attachment to Drake, wether or not she wanted to or not.


    ¡°Can you still feel her,¡± asked Lilith for the third time since the pair had returned through the portal she left for them at the instance¡¯s entrance. Aurora nodded, sharing a glance with Vanish before she looked to Lilith and spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure she is alive, and if I¡¯m being honest I don¡¯t know that I will remain alive if she dies.


    From what Lilith had gathered of the two girl¡¯s bond, she knew that Aurora was more than likely correct. Their souls shared the same vessel, and though the girl before her was using what was considered to be a spiritual body, all beings spiritual or not need a vessel or phylactery made for the containment of souls.


    ¡°Then we should count ourselves lucky,¡± said Lilith, still pacing around the pair within the glass pyramid above the manor.


    ¡°So what should we do,¡± asked Vanish, looking to Lilith. She knew that he needed her support in that moment, but how to support was the dilemma for her.


    Soft touch, or do I sharpen steel with steel?


    ¡°You and Aurora have a lot of work to do Vanish, do you not understand what is happening right now?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean,¡± asked Aurora, genuine confusion crossing both her and Vanish¡¯s face. Lilith almost rolled her eyes, but scowled at the pair instead.


    ¡°She is still alive, surviving an experience that should have already killed her a dozen times over, what do you think that means?¡±


    ¡°The gap that was already there between us and her is only growing,¡± said Vanish after a few moments of silence.


    ¡°Exactly¡­¡±


    ¡°What are we supposed to do about that, Drake is insanely addicted to growing more powerful, and now she is in a place with a horde of monsters, there is no way we are going to keep up with that, especially when she manages to survive this,¡± said Aurora.


    ¡°If that is your mindset, then you shall fail child.¡±


    ¡°So we must grow as she does, but how,¡± asked Vanish, and Lilith smiled.


    ¡°By entering and even more difficult instance¡­¡±


    The children shared another look of utter apprehension before looking back toward Lilith, speaking simultaneously.


    ¡°How,¡± asked Vanish.


    ¡°Do you want us to die,¡± asked Aurora.


    Lilith smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to show you both how to gain a secret skill for new godlings that have entered this dungeon, and when Drake returns, you will show her how to obtain it.¡±


    The pair shared another look, speaking at once again as they looked back to Lilith.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡­


    Drake and Cortez once again climbed the stairs of the large building they fought within. Cortez felt that the smell of blood was too rich on the floor they were on, and Drake agreed.


    The pair moved on, and Drake inquired about Cortez¡¯s new skills as they climbed the steps.


    ¡°I have a new skill that causes my arrows to explode and wrap vines around my targets, another that lets me shoot through shadows, using all shadows within a short range of one another like portals for my arrows, and another that lets me turn my companions invisible for short periods of time.¡±


    ¡°Woah, that¡¯s incredible, there is so much utility there, you already know how you plan on using them?¡±


    Cortez nodded as he peeked out a window, giving Drake a wordless signal to indicate another group of monsters was incoming.


    Without realizing it they found themselves walking onto the roof of the building. Drakes eyes went wide, and Cortez cursed at the sight before them.


    The roof was entirely inscribed with a series of pictures that oddly enough reminded Drake of pictograms. She immediately was fixated on the drawings, feeling as if she was reading a list of instructions.


    ¡°What is all this,¡± said Cortez, standing in the center of what appeared to be a zoomed in aerial view of the section of the city they were in.


    Drake took in the entirety of the inscribed surface of the roof from the entryway, focusing on the arrows that had strange symbols beside each of them, feeling as if she¡¯d seen something similar before.


    ¡°I think it''s a map¡­¡±

 24. Consolidation

    Drake readied herself for the group of trolls that sped up the stairs. The smell of their


    dead brethren seemed to throw the monsters into a frenzy; the rotting corpses like a roiling


    bonfire sending smoke into the air from what Drake could gather.


    Since they¡¯d found what Drake assumed was a map, Drakes mind had consistently


    drifted away from her current circumstances, and toward her past. Though she had gotten to


    use much of what she¡¯d learned physically in her past life, breath control, parkour, and even


    minor martial arts, she hadn¡¯t truly pushed herself in any of those categories since traveling to


    Imperial. Nor had she used any of what she¡¯d studied.


    Why she hadn¡¯t used any of her gathered medical knowledge eluded her, but Drake felt


    that her lust for magic was more than likely the sole reason behind her lack of discipline.


    Drake had a wealth of knowledge that she had yet to tap for its usefulness. Could the


    use of anatomy help against her powerfully regenerative foes currently? The unanswered


    questions began to build and bother her, nagging at her mentally.


    The monsters had a far higher potential to have drastically di?erent body makeups from


    humans, or exiled gods as Drake now knew earthlings to be. Yet Drake could tell that the


    similarities were high.


    So high in fact that she¡¯d naturally gone for assumed weaknesses and lucked out. Only


    Drake began to wonder about finer details of magic and monster skeletal designs. Were they


    connected? If they were connected, could Drake sever a spinal cored in a specific location and


    stop their regeneration?


    Maybe I can rip out a core like a heart, make these fuckers as fragile as a human


    without magic?


    ¡°Cortez, let me ask you something?¡±


    The boy¡¯s voice came from a far corner of the roof, his invisibility skill now high enough


    that Drake couldn¡¯t place him at all without him using his voice, or making a truly obvious


    sound.


    ¡°What,¡± hissed Cortez, reticent to make noise with the sound of thundering feet rushing


    toward them.


    ¡°You said the losing council members have their cores ripped out if they lose in the


    battle for their ascensions during the replacement ritual, does that take something special to be


    done, or do we all have physical cores that can be found and removed like a useless organ


    during surgery?¡±


    ¡°Is now really the time for this?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we are barely able to keep up with the amount of monsters that keep raiding this


    bloody building, I need to know any and everything that can give us an edge.¡±


    ¡°Maiden damn it, okay, cores are in deed physical, most commonly found in four


    locations, in the heart, the brain, the normally empty space beside the heart, and the intestines,


    or if you are lucky in a multitude of those locations like some dungeon bosses, or even morerarely like some legends of old it is held in a spatial pocket behind the solar plexus, which


    some Cultivators have learned to move, now shut up, I need to concentrate.¡±The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Drake smiled, and turned toward her Giant skeleton.


    ¡°Okay buddy, next troll you fight, I want you to aim, here, here, here, here, and here, all


    at the same time with that crazy cool spear strike of yours, got it?¡± Said Drake, pointing at her


    fore head, her heart, her belly button, her right pectoral and her solar plexus. She was given a


    nod and a mental nudge, a single word answer that forced a punch to her nervous systems like


    adrenaline given to her through a syringe directly thrusted into her heart.


    ¡°Yeah yeah, push I got it,¡± said Drake, turning back to the roof¡¯s entryway, placing


    Havoc into the hand of Zen as she mentally summoned fourth her metallic minion, feeling it


    transform into a sword once it lay within her grip.


    No time like the present to learn, might as well assume we are never going to have use


    of our right arm again and become a deadly southpaw¡­


    Drake¡¯s other magical minion rose into the air, hovering in its spear form. The weapon


    further distanced itself, as what Drake wanted to try, may not work in the slightest because of


    how quickly the trolls could regenerate, but she knew that they needed to grow more powerful


    and quickly if they were going to be able to fight ogres and mountain trolls.


    ¡°Here goes nothing¡­,¡± murmured Drake, and the first Troll rushed onto the rooftop.


    Even before Cortez could fire his first arrow, Drake knew something was di?erent with


    her lightning spear. She had a di?erent expectation of the minion, and with that expectation


    came a truly wicked outcome.


    Everything slowed and Drake glanced above and behind herself to see a semi focused


    storm cloud wrapping itself around her spear. The dense crimson lightning froze her in that


    instant, moving in an alluring spiral around the shaft of the weapon, only for five bolts of


    lightning to surge outward at once.


    By the time Drake was able to look back, the second troll was racing onto the roof,


    plowing through an ash cloud, coating itself in the remains of its former ally.


    Holy fuck!


    ¡°Holy fuck,¡± cursed Cortez. Drake didn¡¯t know if he was having the same realization as


    she was, but it would be hard to miss that her minion had just managed to kill a single troll in a


    blink of an eye.


    Drake felt instinctually that the weapon had to recharge and may take a moment to be


    able to conjure a discharge of the same magnitude, but even knowing that anyone of her


    minions were capable of doing what she¡¯d only been able to do with a perfectly timed attack


    filled Drake with hope. They were getting better at killing the much stronger foes, as the


    hobgoblins were no longer sent to fight them, and not a single regular goblin had been seen


    since entering the space beneath the instance. However, the numbers were only increasing,


    leaving Drake to only guess how many trolls would now rush onto the roof.


    Ten might even be possible for them to handle at this point, but Drake knew that was a


    stretch, suspecting that even more than that number were more than likely already rushing


    toward them.Lets do this!¡±


    Drake charged, flanked by her giant skeletal minion. The second troll slowed in the


    entryway after catching a face full of ash, trying to wipe vigorously at the remains that had


    momentarily blinded it. Only for Drake to take advantage before it could move.


    Drake moved into range, not having to be close enough for the troll to strike her, as Zen


    and Havoc¡¯s combined lengths gave her a reach that from what she could tell only the ogres


    and larger monsters would be able to beat.


    Drake slid, widening her stance as she drifted by the entryway, bracing herself for what


    she knew was to come. Zen thrusted Havoc toward the monster¡¯s head, wrapping its mighty


    grip both around the troll¡¯s face, and the hand it used to clear away the ash.


    the sound of the monster¡¯s skull cracking was like that of stone being broken by a


    sledgehammer, made that much worse by Zen pulling its fraternal twin downward, allowing for


    Havoc to yank the troll o? its feet, and slam the monster¡¯s head into the ground.


    Havoc pinned the now flailing troll to the surface of the roof, and Drake drew back the


    sword in her hand unsure about the precision the sword would be wielded in, especially while


    still sliding. Though she was getting comfortable in her new body Drake could tell Aurora had


    been amidst a growth spurt, and though she hadn¡¯t been in her new vessel long, she¡¯d


    definitely grown, and hadn¡¯t realized her momentum would take her as far as it had.


    She stabbed once toward the heart, remembering that the first troll she¡¯d killed in a


    single blow had died by having its heart ripped out, and hope that this just may be a quality


    common to trolls, but the blade slid in and nothing happened until she removed the blade a


    second later. Drake forced to watch the creature flail even more violently.


    ¡°Nope,.¡±


    Drake stabbed again, aiming for the stomach, her blade easily slicing into the belly


    button of the monster, and back out. The troll began to start and swing at her, nearly clipping


    her in the side of her torso nearest to her broken arm, but Havoc lifted the monster¡¯s skull, and


    slammed it back down again as Drake stabbed out again.


    Nope, and nope.¡±


    The only place Drake hadn¡¯t tried, was the brain,, but luckily for her, Havoc moved


    quickly. After another slam, it grabbed the troll by its throat, and Drake stabbed again without


    hesitation.


    The blade slid into the monsters skull with ease, and in an instant the troll¡¯s entire being


    was turned to dust. Nothing left but Drake¡¯s glowing blade.


    ¡°Ah ha,¡± said Drake, looking toward more piles of ash in the entryway.


    the next Troll, noting that there were already two


    What the¡­?


    It was then that Drake realized, she wasn¡¯t the only one using this new tactic. Her giant


    minion had been directed to do so, but the five arrows that plunged into the next troll, turning it


    into dust surprised her.¡°Nice Cortez!¡±


    ¡°Thanks!¡±


    Drake¡¯s giant skeletal minion took out the next foe in an instant. A massive tower shield


    smashing into the chest of the troll, knocking it slightly airborne, before seven spear strikes


    came out all at once.


    Every vital point was struck, and the troll was turned to ash even before its feet could


    touch the ground. Drake wanted to move in for the next troll, but was beaten by her recharged


    lightning spear.


    Another surge of crimson lightning came from above and seemingly smited another


    troll. Followed by another volley of arrows, and Phalanx Strike from her giant minion; and from


    one instant to another and one realization, Drake had become the slowest entity of her raid


    group.


    Well that isn¡¯t what I expected to happen, but it works I guess¡­

 25. Mountains Before Ogres

    Drake¡¯s and Cortez¡¯s fight ended after an alarming fifteen trolls were killed, and though the fight was far easier, Drake was bothered by how inefficient her own ability to kill the trolls had seemingly become.


    Yes two of her minions could kill their opponents in a single attack, but that left her wanting in a way that made her feel uninvolved.


    Her minions were not her, and though she did get to train with her blade during the skirmishes, the practice wasn¡¯t nearly enough for her to make any kind of meaningful improvements.


    She thought while Cortez paced the roof¡¯s edge, occasionally glancing in his directionto see him doing his best to lookout for incoming monsters, following the paths of the patrols below with his eyes. She hadn¡¯t wanted to bother the young man, but her ever growing list of questions was beginning to plague her once more, so she pushed her worries aside and spoke up.


    ¡°Hey Core, do you know anyway of sensing cores, or magical affinities?¡±


    Cortez looked over his shoulder at her, his raised eyebrow enough to make Drake chuckle.


    Maybe there is a little more apprehension to open up with him than I originally thought, or he also hates nicknames?


    ¡°There are many ways, some are better than others.¡±


    ¡°Care to elaborate, I think you are forgetting that I know nothing about magic, and just like my master you are probably assuming that I know more because you see me using skills, but that shit is as easy as a thought, but the more intricate the magic the more difficulty I seem to have¡­¡±


    Cortez nodded, still looking over the buildings edge.


    ¡°If it weren¡¯t for the questions you ask, and the uniqueness of their innocence I¡¯d honestly believe you to be feigning ignorance.¡±


    Drake laughed, wishing that she truly was acting as if she knew less than she did.


    ¡°Seriously, do I have to do some complicated shit like learn to move mana through my body or something, maybe push the energies in my body into my eyes to unlock X-ray magical visions?¡±


    ¡°What in the bloody embers is, x-ray magical vision?¡±


    Drake shrugged.


    ¡°Where I come from x-ray vision is a concept that would have allowed others to see through someones body, allowing for organs, bones, and even the muscle layers of the body to be seen through the skin, if it were possible to be used without machines that is, we were close to getting a pair of glasses that could do it, but for the most part it was impossible, but here I guarantee it is highly more feasible with the use of magic, I would like to figure it out to find the locations of cores, if I can even find a way to manage figuring it out that is.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, this home of yours must be a scientific marvel, that is interesting, I¡¯d also love to figure something like that out, would save me quite a lot of spiritual energy that way, not many of us can keep extra attribute points unassigned like you can.¡±


    Cortez looked back to see her giving him a blank stare and sighed after a moment of Drake¡¯s continued silence.


    ¡°You are unranked right?¡±


    Drake nodded.


    ¡°And I assume that you aren¡¯t spending your attribute points on your minions like a normal bone lover either?¡±


    Drake shook her head, not liking how the term bone lover made her feel when he said it.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not leveling my minions either, haven¡¯t seen the need to, they seem plenty strong so far, why?¡±


    Cortez scoffed, cursing underneath his breath something about unlimited bloodlines that Drake couldn¡¯t make out.


    ¡°Think of your gathered attribute points as a reservoir of magic you can tap into¡ª¡°


    ¡°Like a mana pool,¡± cut in Drake with another question. Cortez nodded.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Every time you level, you use that pool of power to become stronger, however how much access to the magic underneath your power becomes far more limited, dropping the frequency in which you can use your skills, abilities, and techniques, this isn¡¯t common knowledge however so don¡¯t spread this without a dire need, I honestly wouldn¡¯t even had said a word if I didn¡¯t believe you knowing this wouldn¡¯t result in our increased survival chances.¡±


    ¡°Why does the magic become less able to be used rather than more easily accessible?¡±


    Cortez sighed again.


    ¡°Think of your spiritual energy like a muscle, the stronger your muscle the more easily you can lift something, but that doesn¡¯t change how much energy it cost your body, so as the power of your skills increases, yes you are stronger, but so to rises the cost of spiritual energy, this is why those achievements you are hunting after are so crucial to your growth, the more attribute points you have or can gain while or before you start to level in your case, the better.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t my master tell me this, it would have been amazing to know that not leveling was beneficial and not some near suicidal tactic of a path she was allowing me to push myself down?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a part of a Legacy, she can¡¯t share any of the things I just told you, not without immediately dying afterward, and since the art of phylacteries was long ago maid forbidden, I doubt that she Is willing to die for anyone, even you as someone who shares her bloodline.¡±


    Ha, stole it, but I get the point, something tells me that she wouldn¡¯t sacrifice herself for Vanish either¡­


    ¡°Well if she can¡¯t tell me, then how can you?¡±


    ¡°Perks of being a bastard, none of the laws and rituals done to the pure bloodline descendants were ever forced onto me, my father said it was a curse to anyone who couldn¡¯t see the benefits it gave me.¡±


    ¡°I can definitely see the perks, but before we get too far off topic, does any of this allow me to move mana more easily through my body, or is that even the way to achieve my goal as easily and as quickly as possible?¡±


    ¡°To be honest with you, I have no idea, the understanding of mana, spiritual energies, void energies, Ki, chakras and all of that doesn¡¯t normally begin for a cultivator until they are Adept, a rank I¡¯ve only just gained, my understanding of them all is minimal.¡±


    ¡°So what can you tell me to get me started down the right track at least?¡±


    Cortez took a deep breath and thought for a moment, Drake waiting patiently as he seemed to process his thoughts.


    ¡°My father said once, that everything begins and ends with assimilation, assigning a sensation to the use of any one magical type, like fusing your every breath to make your mana rush through a specific pattern, or causing your Ki to flare up whenever you strike with a powerful blow, it doesn¡¯t matter the type of energy being used, only that your mind knows the what for, and when to be used.¡±


    ¡°So I can literally link energy usage of all kinds to my breathing?¡±


    ¡°I suppose, after you know what the sensation of any type of energy is, you should be able to link the energy¡¯s usage to whatever practiced action you take.¡±


    Drake smirked, knowing that she¡¯d already tried to find out what the feeling of mana was like as it was used in her body to access her skills, but decided to meditate on the process, hoping that if she could sense something while triggering her minions to use magic, that things may become easier for her.


    First I need to make my body understand mana. Then I need to show my eyes to discern different types of energy. That doesn¡¯t seem to bad, right?


    The task ended up being an incredible undertaking that made Drake¡¯s head spin. The first hurdle was found when she realized that the sensation of mana being used in her body was only comparable to the movement of atoms, so indistinguishable in its presence at first that putting a finger on the feeling of mana moving at all seemed impossible.


    She had so much spiritual energy with her now near five hundred attribute points, that making her minions, move, transform and even use skills was such a slight nudging of her overall pool of power that it often went entirely unnoticed.


    She alongside Cortez and her giant minion, fought group after group of monsters atop the roof; Drake sitting in between every fight to meditate. This continued for what Drake assumed to be most of a day or more before she even began to sense the movement of her mana in the slightest.


    Come on you son of a bitch, I breathe, you move, I breathe, you move¡­


    Then finally after no progress was gained, she got an idea. An idea that made her ashamed of herself for not thinking of it sooner, but a great idea it was none the less.


    Focusing on all of her minions at once, she put them all into action simultaneously, forcing all her bonds into motion.


    Zen took Havoc from the grasps of its magical brethren, and began performing powerful strikes in the air beside Drake.. While her giant skeleton was forced to defend itself from both of her now flying magical minions.


    The amount of mana being used was still insignificant compared to what she had access to, but was now enough to be sensed like the touch of a slowly moving river brushing across her fingertips. She could feel the cool sensation spinning both out and into her solar plexus, making Drake wonder if she was one of the rare few that¡¯s core was located in a spatial pocket, deciding to ignore where the energy was coming from, and instead to focus on what was happening and how to make the energy move by her own will.


    She took a deep breath and nudged the energy she felt rippling through her entire being with no effect at first, but the longer she focused on the singular task, the more control she felt herself gaining.


    The structured meditation was having multiple unseen effects on her body, as even more of the toxins within her were pushed out of her pores by the rippling force of mana thrumming throughout her entire being. Drake unaware that her clothes ate the toxic sludge, now hungrily eating away the unrefined waste from her body.


    Before She knew what happened, a lovely voice was speaking in her head and Drake knew she¡¯d received an achievement.


    Oh sing it to me sweet sister!


    *Notification* Achievement Unlocked - Core Mastery One - Legendary


    Even before gaining your first true level within the realm of Cultivation, you have begun to form your core. This is a feat only done by a rare few. Not only does this increase the amount of spiritual energy you can handle drawing into your soul, it will also increase how many attribute points that will be gained, by each and every kill, and or magical relic created by you perpetually. This effect will be increased or lowered at a range of multiples determined by the feat completed.


    You are officially a Cultivator child of Omni, don¡¯t look back, as only folly awaits those that idle in the past, push onward and achieve tasks never before seen in the realms of Cultivation and beyond!


    Core development determined by available attribute points, additional growth speed multiplier: 2x*


    ¡°Fuck yeah baby, have no clue what any of that means but at least I know I¡¯m headed in the right direction!¡±


    ¡°Drake, we have an incoming issue!¡±


    Drake opened her eyes and jumped to her feet, all of her minions sheathing themselves. Her magical minions returning to Zen¡¯s mantle and taking Havoc from its partner in a flutter of smooth movements, as her giant skeleton pulled its spear from the thrust it had just completed to stand at attention.


    Drake joined Cortez at the side of the rooftop, only for him to pull her back, raising a finger to his lips, before gesturing for her to look down.


    Drake peeked to see the last thing she wanted to see below them a couple dozen floors down. A giant mountain troll was leaning with one hand supporting itself on the twelfth floor of the building they were in, feasting on the bodies of its dead brethren left to rot in the courtyard below; picking up the bodies with its free hand one by one, as if eating its favorite snack.


    The massive body of the titanic troll was glowing faintly, the pulse of power emanating outward from the monster growing with every corpse it ate. Its dense musculature rippled, and Drake cursed aloud perplexed by what she saw.


    ¡°Is that mother fucker growing?¡±


    Then the monster looked directly up at Cortez and her, and Drake felt her heart skip a beat.


    ¡°I think it may be time to run¡­¡±

 26. Rampage

    The mountain troll immediately started to climb the building, causing Drake and Cortez to share a look. Drake had no idea what Cortez was thinking nor feeling in that moment, but when Cortez smiled at her, she realized something.


    He came in here with you Drake, he just might be as crazy as you are¡­


    Drake shrugged, summoning forth her magical minions, taking Havoc from their grasps before they took flight. The command given with a single point, as Cortez began to fire his bow at the mountain troll. Her weapons transformed and ripped through the sky as a sword and spear. While Cortez¡¯s arrows soared, whistling toward the mountain trolls eyes.


    ¡°We really doing this,¡± yelled drake.


    ¡°Do we have a choice!¡±


    A singularity wrapped itself around Drake¡¯s sword, the gleaming metal rippling as it began to orbit the mountain troll. While its partner floated stationary in the air; a growing storm cloud with the threat of death building at its volatile vortex of a center.


    Can I push more spiritual energy into my attacks?


    The moment Drake had the thought, she heard thunder, and a sound like ripping paper. She glanced up, noticing that her sword had moved to orbit her spear like a fan blade, swirling dangerously as if to further stir up the storm¡¯s intensity.


    She heard a cry of pain that drew her attention from whatever her minions had begun to do, and looked down to see the mountain troll rip an arrow out of its eye socket. Only for the monster to blink a few times; its eye healed near instantly.


    ¡°Yeah we are going to have to do way more damage to hurt this thing,¡± yelled Drake, having to yell to be heard next to the near turbine levels of sound being output by her magical minions.


    ¡°Noted!¡±


    Vanish began to fire arrows upward, one after the other, as Drake did her best to try and figure out what she could do with the tools she had at hand to help slow the monster¡¯s ascent up the side of the building.


    A rain of arrows began to pelt the mountain troll. The first wave had little to no effect on the massive monster, but by the second and third wave that arrived immediately after its predecessors, more and more cuts were seen. The number of lodged arrows left in the monster¡¯r¡¯s body growing by the blink.


    This is more, but still not enough, thought drake. Her only comfort as her mind raced for any way to kill the monster using windows as climbing supports, was the sound of the crackling storm that grew larger above her. The emanations of thunder now a booming orchestra of sound in the sky above them.


    The new sense of where Drake¡¯s mana was being directed, pulled her vision to look at Zen; the hand trembling with a roiling pressure.


    Crimson light spiraled off the limb, The life force collected by the minion struggled to stay within the hand alone, power beginning to ripple up the wrist into the radius and the ulna.


    The bones were cracking, only to be repaired in an instant, and though Drake worried over the fragility of her weapon, her new sense told her what was happening was either a growth in capabilities, and evolution or both.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    What are you doing buddy?


    This wasn¡¯t the first time she¡¯d seen Zen gather power in this way, but it was the first time that she let it happen without needing the minion for a defensive purpose. Normally she¡¯d use zen to reinforce an attack with another minion, or even just to strike out offensively, now however, she felt the need to let whatever was happening to happen.


    The light filled the entire arm until Drake¡¯s entire right side was completely lit by the crimson of life force. A sensation of titanic weight pressed down on the entire area and Drake didn¡¯t know if gravity was being distorted by her magical minions, or Zen alone.


    ¡°If you are going to do something, please do it now woman!¡±


    Drake looked at Cortez, the young Cultivator still committed to the storm of arrows he delivered upon the monster below without end, giving him a nod.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do this guys!¡±


    Drake yelled and all of her minions took action at once. A focused beam of power shot from her magical minions. The beam like a focused black hole aimed at the monster.


    The crimson beam tinged with a flickering black that made the beam look like the flare of a blood red sun surrounded by the void of space. The weight of the power used nearly brought Drake to her knees, and caused Cortez to momentarily stop firing as he staggered underneath the pressure.


    The chaotic nature of the attack was so volatile that the beam was sent toward the monster¡¯s right leg,; the explosion ripping through the monster¡¯s upper thigh, completely dismembering the mountain troll in an instant, obliterating the face of the rear of the buildings perimeter in a blink.


    A symbol painted itself above Drake¡¯s right shoulder. The sign of Omni painting itself in the air just above her shoulder blade. A tribal sun with a sideways hourglass flexing its power for the realm to see as Zen faced its palm toward the face of the roaring mountain troll.


    PUSH!


    Drake felt more power flood outward from her body, fueling what she believed to be the palm strike skill Zen was truly capable of performing. Not a physical strike, but an entirely ranged magical attack.


    A massive hand made of pure life force formed in the air above the mountain troll. Runes forming and dancing throughout the entire structure of the attack. Cortez gasped, and the mountain troll¡¯s roar died in its throat, as its eyes widened.


    Drake was the only thing heard in the next instant. Her own roar echoing through the air causing every monster below the fifth rank to run from the area.


    The hand slammed downward with the force of a boulder dropped from a mountain, yanking the mountain troll off the side of the building with such force that the monster ripped the sections of wall it held completely off the structure.


    The body of the monster was slammed down to the ground below with enough weight to leave a hand print shaped crater, and Drake felt her head spin at the power used immediately.


    Woah


    ¡°Holy maiden fire, you had all that in you and you were worried about¡ª¡°


    Cortez¡¯s celebration cut off and he groaned as the monster started to stir.; the broken bits of his arrows falling out of the monster¡¯s body as its regeneration started to fix its broken and shredded form.


    ¡°What in the fuck does it take to kill one of these things,¡± murmured Drake, using Havoc as a cane to stay upright, her dizzy spell growing worse by the second.


    ¡°I have no idea but we need to figure it out and quick,¡± yelled Cortez, another endless rain of arrows beginning to fall on the mountain troll below.


    ¡°You two, get on it,¡± that attack seemed to powerful to aim, but if you get close enough you might be able to take its fucking head off,¡± said Drake with a point toward her two magical minions.


    The sound of thunder began once more, and Drake looked back at her giant minion.


    ¡°Get down there and make sure that fucker can¡¯t get up if you can¡­¡±


    Drake could have sworn that she heard deep laughter in that moment; the joyful chuckle bubbling up from the depths of her mind as her minion raised its shield, and ran off the top of the roof, diving shield first toward the mountain troll¡¯s head.


    Wish I would have told him to engage sooner¡­.


    Her minion plummeted toward the troll¡¯s head, landing squarely on its face shield first. The sound like metal on stone as the troll¡¯s nose was caved in, causing it to growl, until a Phalanx Strike ripped out like a shotgun blast, further destroying the monsters face.


    Her minion began its work, sending spear strikes without pause, breaking down the monsters head as it swung wildly to swat away her giant bond.


    You must not like things bigger than you huh buddy?


    PUSH!


    Her giant skeletal bond increased its stabs by nearly double, ripping chunks out of the monsters face and skull, sending brain matter splattering in every direction.


    I¡¯ll take that as a yes¡­


    Drake could see that the monster was becoming more enraged however, it¡¯s flailing increasingto a more drastic tempo.


    The consistency of the arrows, and her minions spear strikes gave the monster nearly no time to regenerate, which only made the monster more violent the closer it treaded toward deaths doorway.


    ¡°Oh fuck!¡±


    Her giant skeleton was grabbed and thrown at an angle up toward the building, sent rocketing through a half dozen floors, crash landing a few floors below them, just as the monster kicked out toward the base of the building with its remaining leg, causing the entire building to shake violently.


    ¡°No, not again, I refuse to have to survive another falling fucking building!¡±


    The building stopped shaking, and Drake sighed as her and Cortez shared a weary glance.


    Thank¡ª¡°


    Both Cultivators were cut off as her giant skeletal bond bursted from the twenty first floor of the building, hurtling back down toward the mountain troll, causing the building to teeter once more.


    Time to go,¡± asked Cortez as the building began to lean toward the mountain troll.


    ¡°Do we even have a fucking option!¡±

 27. Broken Mechanics

    Drake and Cortez turned to see trolls rushing onto the roof, and Drake sighed.


    Add making magical parachute to the list of important duties Drake, you can never go wrong with a fucking parachute.


    ¡°Thoughts,¡± yelled Cortez. The building continued to shake, the entire structure shifting slightly, and Drake couldn¡¯t lie, her first thought was absolutely ridiculous.


    ¡°We¡¯re Cultivators, can we jump and survive it?¡±


    ¡°You might, and will have to drag my crippled body away if we even can manage to run from the mountain troll regrowing its leg below us!¡±


    Okay, jumping is a no go for now¡­


    Her next instinct told her to use her magical minions, they could both fly, but hearing the still charging attack behind her told her that their one chance to kill the mountain troll was nearly on the horizon and couldn¡¯t be disrupted.


    So what do we do¡­, said Drake as Cortez fired handfuls of arrows at the approaching trolls. The sight of Cortez arrows giving Drake another ridiculous idea.


    ¡°Cortez, how long can you make the vines from your trap skill?¡±


    ¡°Come on, never used the skill before, but I guess as long as I have spiritual energy I can keep them growing, I don¡¯t know, why?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll hold them off, you start growing the longest vine you can!¡±


    Sections of the roof beganto cave in and Drake started to smile as the tall trolls stepped toward her without sure feet. The glances shared between the group of five made Drake wonder if the trolls had more or less primitive forms of communication. She began to pay more attention to her enemy, watching as the lead troll gestured, the subtle movements sending the trolls behind him to fan out.


    The more details she took in about the trolls the more Drake began to realize something was wrong with her. The trolls all wore relatively decently constructed armor, none held weapons, but the fact that she hadn¡¯t paid attention to the new adaptation was bothersome for her.


    Are my eyes even open?


    Drake was beginning to feel as if something was drawing her focus. Her father had trained her not only to take in her surroundings but also to take in every detail of those around her, yet since she arrived in Imperial, much of her training since her childhood had been ignored.


    Their family had a mantra. Three simple words that kept them alive, and in that moment as Drake thought of the words, every color around her was enriched. Her skin began to tingle, and steam began to rise off her shoulders, as a subtle fog drifted from her lips.


    Think¡­


    Her body was in proper form. The only ailment left for her to consider was her broken right arm. Even that though was ignored as Zen¡¯s still slightly glowing fingers flicked in her periphery.


    Drake widened her stance as the trolls stepped onto the balls of their feet, readying themselves. She took an incredibly deep breath in; her eyes slowly scanning each opponent.


    Analyze¡­


    Drake took in the movements of their muscles. The sweat that began to glisten across the multi colored trolls bodies. Even the imperfections of their armor became apparent to her.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Move¡­


    Drake strutted gracefully forward, walking with her hand at her hip, holding havoc like a swordsman would hold a sheathed blade at her side, stopping a mere yard away from the lead troll, then stomped down in front of her.


    A hole formed as the building continued to shake and wobble, and before the trolls could react, Drake whipped havoc out to her left. Her minion wrapped an open hand around the unprotected ankle of the left most troll, crushing the limb in one powerful squeeze.


    A yowl was heard and Drake simply stepped backward, pulling the troll she¡¯d grabbed with Havoc off balance; simply letting them fall into the growing hole at her feet. The seemingly casual task performed in an instant at the shock of the other trolls.


    This was the Carter family¡¯s confidence. What made their opponents tremble when facing them. A belief that they could achieve anything, a seemingly summonable forece that pushed them to new heights.


    Drake had always suspected this power her family believed they all held to be a myth, but not having had created a big enough hole to collapse the entire roof may not have been a possibility, but one large enough to drop her falling into the interior of the building instead of her enemies, absolutely was, making her wonder.


    Only the mighty may step into my path¡­. Thought Drake, letting out another breath, and all the remaining for trolls literally dove into action, even as their brethren plummeted through the collapsing building below them.


    Th first was ended in a flash, as Zen raised its hand palm upward high above Drake, only to thrust its elbow down in a snap.


    The collision at the back of the neck of the diving troll was instantaneous. The light left its eyes, and the arms that threatened to wrap around Drake¡¯s midsection flailed uselessly before this troll too fell into the hole.


    The lead troll nearly collided with Drake, managing to get a single arm around her waist. Only for Havoc to rotate and stiff arm the troll as Drake took another step backward.


    Drake rotated, lifting her leg skyward, another powerful snap heard as life force was channeled toward her foot, just before her heel was dropped.


    Her heel sliced down, crushing the fourth troll out of the air, breaking its spine, letting the monster fall into the still opening hole.


    The final troll didn¡¯t even make the jump across the hole to Drake, barely missing the edge.


    Drake¡¯s only regret wasn¡¯t finding a way to take more information from the map that now crumbled away. Her memory was powerful, but far from eidetic.


    We¡¯ll just have to do our best with what we have.


    Drake turned, looking at her two magical minions, hoping that their attack was charged and ready. They would need to escape and handle the mountain troll in the next few moments. The building¡¯s stability was eroded beyond recovery, and with what Cortez was doing, Drake wondered if they weren¡¯t making matters worst for themselves.


    Drake¡¯s eyes shifted to the young man, her eyes widening at the side. The young man seemed to be in a trance; a dense forrest of vines growing from his feet, The purple vegetation seemingly coated with shadows and darkness.


    ¡°Cortez, we got more incoming, let¡¯s get out of here!¡±


    His eyes opened wide, and Drake rushed toward him as he wobbled for more reasons than the crumbling building.


    That must have taken a lot out of him.


    Drake had to high step the vines, and even then some of the thick moving ropes tangled up her every step until she arrived at Cortez¡¯s side.


    ¡°You good?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that was just a lot more concentration than I thought it would be to get that done,¡± responded Cortez warily.


    ¡°I hear you buddy, but we got to move.¡±


    Drake looked over the edge of the building to see the mountain troll on a knee, trying to stand, even with its still reforming leg spurting blood in every direction. Her giant minion stabbing at the leg while the mountain troll tried to reach for the building they stood atop.


    ¡°What¡¯s the plan,¡± said Cortez as Drake frantically started pulling one of the vines that dangled well over the edge of the building up.


    ¡°Quick, tie the end of this to an arrow,¡± said Drake handing the vines end to Cortez; the young man forming an arrow out of magic to do what she instructed without thought.


    Drake looked for the nearest building, and tapped Cortez before pointing. His brow furrowed once he realized what she was pointing at.


    ¡°What do you want me to do, fire an arrow over there?¡±


    Drake nodded and Cortez frowned.


    ¡°Even if I make the shot with this heavy damned vine attached it won¡¯t be nearly heavy enough to hold our weight!¡±


    ¡°I know that you idiot, shoot it at the shadow of the doorway of that roof¡¯s opening, make it enter the shadows or whatever your skill does, and up out of your own shadow so we can tie the vine to itself!¡±


    Cortez eye¡¯s widened in shock at what he¡¯d just been told to do.


    Can I even do that, I mean why not¡­,¡± muttered Cortez in question. The building rocked heavily as the troll used it to stand, Drake worrying that they were about to loose their chance to escape as the building groaned; more of its innards folding in on themselves.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time Cortez its do or die!¡±


    Drake felt everything slow around her. She looked away from Cortez to stare down at the mountain troll. The monster had righted itself, and was standing on the skeletal foot of its nearly completed leg; her minion still stabbing at its ankle as the mountain troll tried to stomp down on the large armored skeleton.


    She felt the building shake, feeling an arrow whistle by her side, knowing instinctually that Cortez had succeeded even before he began to cheer, already tying the vine to itself.


    ¡°Go,¡± yelled Drake, watching the mountain troll look away from her skeletal minion below, and up toward her. The monster and her making eye contact as it bent it¡¯s knees to jump. Even as Drake pointed.


    ¡°Sick em boys¡­!¡±


    The storm cloud above dipped. The whirling vortex of energy, wind and lightning pulsed, and was behind the troll in a mere clap of thunder, and discharged.


    Thee monster jumped, looking over its shoulder as a massive crimson beam that twisted with black tendrils of power and force, blasted through both its spine and the building beyond.


    The building fractured into bits, exploding in every direction, even as Drake stepped off the roof, Cortez yelling her name as the vine he held snapped on one end, leaving him swinging toward the adjacent building.


    ¡°Drake!¡±

 28. The Tomb of the King

    As Drake fell through the sky she wanted to scream, but decided against it. For an entirely vain set of reasons.


    The building was exploding, the mountain troll was falling into the newly created ruins, and as the flames and winds blew wildly all around her, she smiled.


    If this is the moment I die, I will go out with nothing less than joy on my face!


    She felt something slice through the air below her, and slide underneath her feet, supporting her as she fell. Looking down caused her smile to widen.


    Thanks buddy!


    Drake bent her knees as her magical bond still in the form of a blade lifted her upward, allowing her to surf on air currents as easily as surfboards slid above the waves of the ocean.


    She tried lifting her foot, but the blade came up as if attached, tipping the nose ofthe weapon downward. She began to descend and quickly pushed her leg back down, leveling out in an instant.


    Magic, or magnetism? But what would¡­ hmm could it be using the iron in my blood to stay connected to my feet?


    ¡°How do I make you go forward buddy?¡±


    The words were enough to cause her to shoot off, and Drake whooped in celebration as she was lifted away from the burning debris below. Her spear shot through the sky, transforming back into a skeletal arm, reattaching itself to Zen¡¯s mantle; Drake handing Havoc to the weapon to hold as she flew.


    ¡°Fuck yeah baby,¡± yelled Drake, flying through the air around the building that she¡¯d just leveled, watching the giant mountain troll thrash violently in the burning rubble below.


    ¡°Come on just die!¡±


    She began to try and find Cortez, easily pinpointing his location from her new vantage. The young man climbing up the adjacent tower. She glanced around again, hearing her giant skeletal minion yelling his favorite word in her mind, catching sight of the skeleton jumping over the rear courtyard wall of the now demolished building. Flames surprisingly not effecting her bond in the slightest.


    Really thought he¡¯d be weak to fire for some reason¡­.? Maybe magical fire? Doesn¡¯t matter now, I better get out of here before we attract more monsters.


    She was slow to turn at first, but after a few delicate lifts and dips of her toes and heels she was easily able to manage.


    ¡°Cortez, over here!¡±


    She watched Cortez finish climbing up the side of the building, using his vine, confused by what she was seeing. She landed slowly onto the roof of the building he climbed, frowning at the vine dangling out of nothing but the shadow of the nearby doorway that lead down into the lower floors.


    ¡°Yo, what the hell is going on with that, shouldn¡¯t that have broken,¡± asked Drake, jutting her thumb over her shoulder toward the dangling vine. Cortez, nodded, sitting at the edge of the roof with a plop.


    ¡°Yeah, I got a Broken Mechanics achievement for it, their rare, but a new way to use my skill has been unlocked.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, what¡¯s a broken Mechanic achievement,¡± asked Drake stepping off her minion¡¯s bladed form to step down onto the roof. Her weapon rejoining its partner to hold Havoc at her back.


    ¡°Their all unique to the user, I guess my vines are only allowed through my portals because they are also made from my mana, so now I can use the portals as anchors by breaking the portal loops and keeping one open, honestly unsure how it works, don¡¯t know how exactly that is going to help me beyond what I just did with them, but I¡¯ll play with that later.¡±


    Drake nodded, stepping to the edge of the building. She opened her mouth to speak, but stopped the moment a beautiful woman¡¯s voice entered her mind and her eyes went wide


    *Notification* Achievement Unlocked - Conquering Authority One - Mythic / Locked


    You have killed one of three of the zone bosses within an Adept instance before being ranked. This achievement is partially locked due to the incompletion of the Instance being undertaken. Finish the instance to unlock the full benefits of this Achievement!Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Achievement Unlocked - Killer of titans - Legendary


    You have killed a monster seven ranks higher than you. This puts you in a category that some will never find themselves able to join. Either through luck or incredible might, this accomplishment is yours to bare. Know that the grander realm primordials can now see you, as your soul will now shine for all to see as a killer of titans.


    All Attributes gained increased by 3 fold, even after ascension. Free Legendary Skill unlock gained. Cannot be accessed while in instanced zones.


    Warning - Primordial beings don¡¯t take any creature, man or immortal, or even their own monstrous ilk, stepping into the garden of the first accomplishments lightly. These achievements are seen as a threat to those holding power given by the system for achievements obtained when time first began. Entering, The Ranks, will come with competition unlike any other, beware.


    You have been warned.*


    ¡°Oh Fuck,¡± said Cortez.


    Drake looked down at him, hoping she hadn¡¯t just helped him gain an achievement that would also put him in the crossfire of beings known as Primordials.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t, don¡¯t tell me you just got that scary ass achievement?¡±


    ¡°I have the eyes of the first hunter on me, what in the bloody maidens embers does that even mean?¡±


    Drake almost tried to respond before she got a series of Notifications.


    *Notification* Warning - The eyes of the first king, are on you.


    Warning - Eyes of the first Kin, are on you.


    Warning - Eyes of the first Bone Maker are on you.


    Warning - Eyes of the Soul Drinker, are on you.


    Warning - Eyes of the first Hero, are on you.


    Warning - Carter Omni watches!


    Warning - Promethia watches!*


    What the fuck does that mean, wait didn¡¯t Lilith say I was related to Carter, does that mean that this isn¡¯t all that bad?


    ¡°We are going to die aren¡¯t we,¡± asked Cortez. Drake couldn¡¯t muster up the courage to speak in that moment, completely unable to respond.


    ¡­


    Drake and Cortez took some time to calm their frantic minds before moving on. Both were completely rattled by their notifications, and the symbols that remained in the corners of their Overlays that indicated that they were still being watched.


    While Cortez described a white and black cat¡¯s eye that symbolized the first Hunter; Drake¡¯s Overlay was now being haunted by an eye with a tribal sun as an iris that housed a rotating hourglass at its center. Neither liked what this meant for them, completely unsure what these new presences would allude to.


    Before they left however, they took time to study the map found on the new roof, coming to the understanding that atop every building may have a piece of the overall map inscribed into the stone topped structures throughout the boss room of the instance, but made sure to remember as much as they could. Not sure that they could depend on the peculiar detail of the Instance zone no matter how frequent it already seemed to be.


    Both Drake and Cortez were glad to find that they weren¡¯t being pursued by more squads of monsters for the moment, but didn¡¯t know if that was because they¡¯d defeated them all for the section of city they were in, or if they¡¯d done something considerable enough to stop from being chased.


    ¡°We can¡¯t focus on it for too long, we need to get out of here, and unfortunately for us, I doubt that we will be able to do that without killing two more of the mountain trolls, and probably a bunch of ogres,¡± said Drake stepping onto her sword. Cortez nodded in agreement, lifting his bow into the air,, Drake¡¯s storm bond grabbing the weapon and lifting him off the ground.


    ¡°So what¡¯s the move, hunt for more mountain trolls, or try and find the Instance¡¯s core,¡± asked Cortez, obviously doing his best not to look down as they eased skyward.


    ¡°Both, but I think we should at least locate the other two mountain trolls, and maybe figure out a better way to take them down, if you think about it, that thing didn¡¯t die until it got cooked in the buildings remains¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, your right, but I have no idea what we are going to be able to do but maybe try and recreate what we did here.¡±


    Drake agreed. The pair took off, flying low, not wanting to be seen before they discovered more monsters, and after a while, the area became dark as if night had encompassed the bowels of the Instance.


    They hadn¡¯t flown quickly, allowing for her giant skeletal minion to run below them, traveling through the streets and alleys of the unnamed city they were in. The giant having what Drake assumed to be a bottomless stamina.


    Guess that is another boon of using the undead as bonds. I¡¯d be worried about him down there if we weren¡¯t connected as we are though. Man¡¯s has no chill, I better count myself lucky that we haven¡¯t run across anything yet¡­ We better not continue to play with fire, and stop soon.


    ¡°Should we stop here, we are getting close to where I saw a lot of movement when we first entered this place,¡± asked Cortez, and Drake nodded, making Drake wonder if she¡¯d been wearing her stress on her face, or if Cortez had had enough of dangling hundreds of feet off the ground.


    ¡°Yeah, this next roof will probably be a good location for us to take time to scout out the area.


    They landed, and Drake sighed, honestly wanting to fly more, wishing she was somewhere that she was free to let loose in the skies above.


    Calm down Drake, your time will come¡­


    Her magical minions returned to Zen¡¯s mantle, Drake¡¯s defensive bond handing the pair Havoc to hold.


    Even as Drake and Cortez settled onto the roof however, a familiar noise touched upon Drake¡¯s ears, and both her and Cortez shared a strange look.


    ¡°Hmm, you hear that,¡± asked Cortez.


    ¡°Yeah, thought I was tripping but you know what that sounds like right?¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, sounds just like the Academy does at night when their¡¯s a celebration.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I was definitely going to say a party, but aren¡¯t we supposed to be inside and Instance, what kind of festivities could truly be going on down here?¡±


    ¡°All we can do is look,¡± said Cortez, immediately turning himself invisible.


    ¡°Hey wait, do me too.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah,¡± said Cortez, grabbing Drake by her elbow. The appearance of her body shifting to the consistency of fog, before she could once more see Cortez. His figure also taking on a hazy presence.


    Drake smiled and the pair strolled to the edge of the roof, and gasped at the sight below.


    There was indeed a celebration being held, not just by various types of monsters, but obvious Cultivators.


    Drake could see horned demons. Tanned Elves. Orcs, a race Drake assumed were angelic in nature, and many more she couldn¡¯t describe nor name.


    Her and Cortez shared a look, and Drake wondered if she was imagining the sight below.


    There were vendor stalls selling various foods Drake had never seen before. Wares being offered up by obvious merchants riddled with jewelry and expensive looking garments tailored to perfection. Even dancing and a skillful band playing on a stage that floated gracefully through the air around the growing crowd below.


    The expanse between buildings was expertly decorated. The people all seemed to be having an incredible time, and Drake began to wonder if she wasn¡¯t missing out by staying up on the roof to hide.


    ¡°You seeing this?¡±


    ¡°Yup¡­¡±


    ¡°You believing this?¡±


    ¡°Nope¡­.?¡±


    ¡°We are in an Instance right?¡±


    ¡°Yup¡­¡±


    ¡°You sure about that?¡±


    ¡°Not, at, all¡­¡±


    ¡°Really, I thought you were supposed to know about this kind of stuff aren¡¯t you like a bastard prince or something!¡± Cortez scoffed, shaking his head before giving Drake a side eye, breathing deeply before he looked back at the spectacle below them.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been around you for about two, maybe three days, and at this point, I¡¯m pretty sure I don¡¯t know a damn thing about anything at all anymore¡­¡±

 29. First Flight Thrills

    Moss stood atop an invisible platform, watching the entertainment below. Her and her crew had deliveries in the area, and refused to miss any of the drop off times.


    Her eyes roved through the crowd, only to fall on an oddity. A pair of young Cultivators stood upon a nearby rooftop, well away from the conglomerates black market celebration. Moss tried scanning the pair, and only got one reading.


    What¡­?


    She jabbed her second in command. The wisened old man jolted. His irises flashing with a deep purple light from the barely open slits of his eyes as he growled at her.


    ¡°Tell me what you see over there?¡±


    The old man¡¯s deep black hair blew in the breeze as he turned his head to see where moss pointed. It wasn¡¯t until he frowned, his brow furrowing as his six foot hunch straightened to his fullseven and a half feet that Moss knew that she wasn¡¯t tripping.


    Can Rake not read her either? That would make her¡­


    A purple flash encompassed the entire area, many people freezing in the surroundings. Moss knew these individuals to be the rare few with extremely acute senses, or absurd spiritual control.


    What Moss hadn¡¯t expected was for the very same girl that she was trying to identify to look over in their direction. The girl squinted, more than likely seeing nothing through mosses allusion, but continued to stare directly at her.


    Hmm, interesting.


    ¡°Do you think she can see us,¡± asked Rake.


    ¡°No,¡± said Moss, shaking her head.


    ¡°but she can definitely tell that something is there, did your advanced skill tell you anything?¡±


    ¡°No, and if she didn¡¯t look so wide eyed and excited by the celebration I¡¯d have called for an evacuation already..¡±


    Moss nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Whose kid do you think that is,¡± asked Moss.


    Rake looked over at her and must have seen something he didn¡¯t like on her features, the growl in his voice growing deeper as he responded.


    ¡°What¡¯re you planning kid, that grin of your¡¯s only comes with mischief and mayhem like the boss, between you and him I don¡¯t know what smile I¡¯m more afraid of?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m too well known for some of these deliveries and you know it, but if we can use someone else¡ª¡°


    ¡°Someone else, you think some HonorBorn kid is going to want to run errands for you, have you lost your bloody mind Moss?¡±


    ¡°That kid is green behind the ears, look at her, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if¡­¡±


    Moss trailed off, realizing that the kid wore no pass. The runic badge that allowed for the festival goers to be unseen and unattested by the instance inhabitants was no where to be seen on either one of the pair on the rooftop.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be damned, we are going to have to talk to them whether we want to or not¡­¡±


    ¡­


    Drake couldn¡¯t shake the feeling. She knew she was being watched, but could not tell from where. Cortez slowly pulled her backward and waited as Drake collected herself.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on with you?¡±


    Drake slowly shook her head, unable to stop herself from continually looking throughout the crowds below. Where she truly felt the pressure coming from was nothing but thin air, yet still¡­


    ¡°Something is coming, prepare yourself,¡± murmured Drake, even before the sound of high heels touched her ears.


    She turned to see a platform full of dozens of people slowly shimmer into the visible spectrum. The Cultivators on the platform, landed from the skies above and flew off, traveling in various directions; either carrying packages, or holding a multitude of items indescribable to Drake.


    A woman with an entirely black eye, and a pure white fohawk stepped toward them, her smiling face running chills down Drake¡¯s spine. The woman¡¯s shoes matched her black irsed right eye, while her hair matched her beautiful white business suit.


    ¡°Woah she¡¯s pretty¡­,¡± said Drake as the sound from the active platform bursted into the area as if whatever had suppressed it vanished in an instant. The woman¡¯s voice sweet and smooth as she spoke; her opposing blue eye, gentle compared to the intensity of its overwhelming black void of a twin, locking onto Drake.


    ¡°Hey there cutie.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°My name is Moss Coin, I work for Carter Gestalt and the BlackHole Conglomerate, have you ever heard of us?¡±


    The girl smiled at Moss, and bowed slightly.


    ¡°Nice to meet you Moss, my name is, Roar, but you may call me Drake, how may we help you,¡± said Drake, pointing between herself and the young man Moss had scanned and found to be named Cortez.


    Roar huh, interesting, isn¡¯t Drake a family name from the Omni, this may be trickier than I thought. Moss could already feel Rake¡¯s worried glance brush against her periphery, his purple eyes far too powerful to go unnoticed, even the few yards behind her that he stood looking over her and their interaction.


    ¡°My subordinates and I noticed that you don¡¯t have a badge,¡± said Moss, gesturing to the runically swirling blackhole emblem that dangled from her shoulder. The small section of black cloth with a white swirl showed her rank within the conglomerate as a true guild member. One of the rare one hundred and one members of the conglomerates upper echelon in all the realms.


    ¡°A badge, no we don¡¯t have badges, why, do we need them to enter this area?¡±


    So she is in this instance as a native, not one of the paid attendees of the event¡­


    ¡°Why yes, we don¡¯t want you to attract any of the monsters within the instance to the celebration, please come with me,¡± said Moss, waving at the pair for them to join her aboard the platform.


    The pair gave each other a weary glance, but shared nods of agreement before stepping toward Moss.


    The moment they stepped onto the platform, the stairs disappeared and took flight once more; Moss walking through the dense weave of workers both organizing and handing off deliveries.


    ¡°What is all this,¡± asked Drake.


    ¡°Why do you mean the celebration, or the operations you see here?¡±


    ¡°Both, if that is not asking too much?¡±


    Moss smiled at Drake and her silent companion and spun slowly.


    ¡°Both are a small piece of the Conglomerates operations, we are one of the largest sales groups across all the realms of Creation and Destruction, our leader has long desired being able to sell quality product to any and all who could need our services from high to low,¡± said Moss, dropping her hands and stepping toward another table, and lifting up two cloth badges before hesitating.


    ¡°Is there a problem my lady Moss,¡± asked Rake from just behind the children, causing the Cortez boy to jump.


    ¡°No, well, yes, we only have the badges left for the workers and the VIPs that have yet to arrive, just don¡¯t know how to handle this is all,¡± said Moss. Thankful that Rake was so well attuned to her play an performance.


    ¡°Why not see if they can provide an extra set of hands my lady, that way you solve both of your problems at once?¡±


    Moss, frowned, seemingly thinking as she waited for one of the youngsters to step in. She would need one of them to show initiative for three reasons.


    The first was that she needed them to believe that this was their idea. While the second was she only truly needed someone with drive to get a task done by any means, which she was glad to see this Drake, appeared to have.


    ¡°What kind of problem, anything that we could help with?¡±


    ¡°I mean yes, but we wouldn¡¯t want to put you at risk, if I¡¯m being honest I wouldn¡¯t even consider this if you weren¡¯t already in this instance without the aid of a guard as the majority of our attendees are,¡± said Moss.


    ¡°what kind of things would you have us do, we would love to help if we could attend this event afterward, nothing illegal I¡¯d assume,¡± asked Drake, looking at Cortez and receiving another nod of confirmation that he agreed with her statements.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± lied Moss.


    ¡°Just a handful of deliveries to various businesses and clients that can be found easily within the Instanced zone, nothing less, nothing more,¡± said Moss; Not revealing that the entire event was a black market festival hosted by one of the most notoriously infamous merchants throughout the realms.


    If it isn¡¯t drugs, we sell it kid, sorry¡­


    ¡°Then I don¡¯t see why not, is there anything we need to get started,¡± asked Drake, Moss nodding as she set down the VIP badges and instead picked up two tabards.


    This was her third reason. One had to be willing to put on a guild tabard, or it wouldn¡¯t give all their information to the guild taking on potential applicants, and Moss without a doubt wanted to know the names and as much information about the pair as possible without giving away too much information.


    They must just be strong natives if they put these on, no one that has traveled between realms wouldn¡¯t know what kind of restrictions come with a tabard¡­ Nor that assignments can be attached to them.


    ¡°Put these on and everything will be explained.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Here you are,¡± said Moss, handing the clothing to both Drake and Cortez.


    The silken material was all black with white swirls on the front. The Tabards only other features the white rune framework that lined either side of the cloth, Drake and Cortez both excitedly putting on the clothing as they waited for Moss to respond to Drake¡¯s original question.


    Only Moss didn¡¯t say another word. The entire platform went silent, and Moss¡¯s mouth fell open as she seemed to look at something in the corner of her vision.


    ¡°Son of a mother fucking bitch¡­"

 30. Deadly Priorities

    Moss looked at the information in her Overlay and froze.. As did Rake, and anyone else in their immediate vicinity that got the notification.


    *Notification* - Contract initiation failed - Traveller Superior Rank -


    This Traveler outranks you. You may ask for their services kindly. However this interaction will not gain you any favor with Their listed affiliations.


    Carter Omni


    Lilith BaneBorn


    Carter Gustalt* Omni


    Promethia Ikarus


    The Orphan Mother Almarine


    The Primordial Trinity


    Mother of Maiden¡¯s Aurora Grey.*


    Holy mother of blessed demons how many names are on this list?


    Moss could have spent a fortnight reading through the list of affiliations tied to the girl, and still had pages to comb through.


    This kind of notification wasn¡¯t unnatural to come across when dealing with powerful scions. In fact she¡¯d seen one similar before, when trying to enthrall her current boss, but what made the threat of interacting Negatively with the young girl before her real, was the singular eye now displayed in her Overlay.


    By the blessed mother¡­. This may be bad¡­?


    ¡°So what should we do,¡± asked Drake, slowly looking at all the sudden eyes on her and Cortez.


    ¡°It tells us in our Overlay¡¯s Drake, did you not get the notification detailing the job,¡± asked Cortez. Drake simply shook her head, Moss knowing that the failed contract wouldn¡¯t trigger any notifications unless direct harm would have come to the girl¡¯s mind, body, or soul.


    ¡°Are you sure that you are willing to help us,¡± asked Moss sensitively, Rake giving her his own version of a wide eyed glare, his eyelids raising slightly.


    ¡°Umm, yeah, I don¡¯t see why not, just some deliveries right, and with these on we won¡¯t be bothered by any of the monsters, so that helps us out even more, is there something that is going to,¡± started Drake, until the girl glanced into the corner of her vision and back toward Moss.


    ¡°Oh, I see it now, my Overlay even shows me what packages I need to take and gives a cool little arrow to use to navigate, how many of these do we have to do until we are even for the badges?¡±


    ¡°How many do you want to do,¡± asked Moss timidly, now practically unable to not continually check that the eye of Omni wasn¡¯t still settled in the corner of her own Overlay.


    ¡°How about me and Cortez do as many as we can until we get a hang of things, and you let us know if we are truly helping or not?¡±


    Moss nodded slowly, trying to smile. Yet knowing that she¡¯d attached a list of the most difficult deliveries to the tabards she¡¯d had left, just incase she found some ignorant HonorBorn scions to push the tasks off onto, made her start to sweat.


    ¡°That sounds like a plan to me,¡± said Moss, hoping that her rising tension couldn¡¯t be sensed by the children. Her tone far from the smooth cadence she¡¯d previously manifested.


    ¡°Okay, well, we¡¯ll be back, thanks!¡±


    ¡­


    Before Cortez and Drake left, they both had to figure out how they were going to contact one another while they both made separate deliveries, and how they would meet back up.


    Drake eventually decided that since their threat of dying to dungeon monsters had been minimized for the time being, that sending both her spear and giant skeletal bonds with Cortez wouldn¡¯t be an issue. One so she knew he was protected, and also so that she could easily follow the connections she felt to her bonds to be able to find him at any point.


    Never really tried that before, but that shouldn¡¯t be too hard right?Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    She ignored the issue, glancing at the two way communication rune given to her and Cortez by Moss¡¯s second in command Rake, knowing that they had secondary options if something happened.


    This rune is awesome looking, but my minions are better¡­, thought Drake, glancing at the tribal symbol that had been placed spiraling up the backside of her off hand.


    Her magical spear minion also offered Cortez a way to get on and off the platform where the packages to be delivered were being held, Which Cortez seemed to appreciate greatly.


    The tabards they wore not only gave them their instructions, but also allowed for them to be able to find the platform at any time, giving them the ability to see through Moss¡¯s camouflage illusions set around the mobile depot.


    Drake took some time to get used to the sword beneath her feet. Now that she was able to fly at a less guarded speed without the fear of monsters spotting them, Drake let loose. She lost herself in the skies, flying as fast as possible.


    The wind whipped through her hair, and she loved every second of it. Whooping in celebration with every wild turn she managed to make without hurting herself or falling to her death.


    She was quick to learn how to slow and stop, having to navigate through the dense weave of tall buildings. Only becoming more and more of a skilled flier by the heartbeat.


    Okay¡­ First stop, The clan of Generals. Damn that sounds badass, wonder what they are getting?


    Drake wanted to shake the package in her hand as she flew above the city, but worried about fragile or dangerous contents held within.


    I doubt its a bomb, but you never know right?


    The arrow directed her to a large group of militaryesque looking individuals. She flew by a hand full of times, and the arrow seemed to want her to give the package to a young boy at the center of all the weapon wielding men and women.


    Hmm, well let¡¯s be honest, I¡¯m not landing in the middle of all that.


    Drake felt she was looking at a small militia readying themselves for war, promptly deciding to treat her first delivery like that of a paper route back on earth. Acknowledging that she still didn¡¯t know if the package was a bomb, she placed the box in the hand of Havoc, and then had Zen take the handle of its partner In its grip.


    Here goes nothing!


    Drake swooped low on her final fly by, and whistled loudly as she closed in.


    ¡°Special delivery,¡± yelled Drake, turning upside down as she flew; the blood rushing to her head as zen extended, reaching out as far as possible. The men and women around the boy she targeted all quickly took defensive stances, but Drake was moving far too quickly for any of them to easily react or stop her.


    Fuck fuck fuck, screamed Drake inwardly, both because of the awkwardness of flying upside down and her flailing broken arm shooting pain temporarily through her torso.


    The boy¡¯s eyes went wide as the box was placed delicately into his hands, the folds of his silken clothing rustling in the breeze as Drake whipped by at incredible speeds.


    ¡°Fuck yeah!¡±


    Drake returned to the platform, and retrieved her next drop to a raised eyed Moss, making Drake smile, feeling that the delivery she¡¯d been sent on was more than likely expected to take far more time.


    Yeah, I¡¯m like that, doubt this perfection if you want to pretty lady, but in the end, we push pass¡­


    Her next delivery was perfectly slid through a window to an older woman taking a bath, who screamed violently out the open window until she noticed her package.


    The next delivery was a sword, that Havoc managed to perfectly slide into a young man¡¯s empty sheathe as Drake drifted by him unnoticed in a crowded area of the festivities.


    The next few were exotic animals, two for cooking delicacies, while the last was a pet,. The small winged fox so cute that Drake still contemplated flying back to steal the hand sized critter.


    While the delicacies were huge racks of ribs of an unknown animal. The vendors both laughed at Drake when she¡¯d dropped them off, both of them confused as to why Drake didn¡¯t use her spatial inventory. It wasn¡¯t until Drake asked Moss that she learned why both vendors had assumed that she had one.


    ¡°Because you do, its right there, do you truly not know what is on your hand child?¡±


    Drake shook her head, never having had asked Aurora about the brand located on the inside palm of the hand of her broken arm.


    ¡°Its a spatial inventory child, do you not know how to use it?¡±


    Drake again shook her head.


    ¡°Well we don¡¯t have time now, but finish these orders, and I will show you.¡±


    Moss only seemed more and more impressed with every time Drake returned, especially after the ceremonial dagger delivery that made Drake contemplate the legality of all the events being held inside the Instanced zone. Two women playing an odd game in the belly of a dragon that¡¯s bones had been turned into a tub, was enough to make Drake see just how strange the world of Cultivation could be.


    She didn¡¯t have money, but she knew that she would have more than likely placed bets on the winner of the strange duel of thin cuts, alcohol and force of will if she did.


    Or maybe I do have money and just don¡¯t know it yet, thought Drake to herself, looking toward the symbol on her palm as she rushed to complete another delivery.


    ¡°What is the name of that crazy fucking game,¡± asked Drake to moss when she returned yet again to a surprised faced merchant leader.


    ¡°Maelstrom Roulette, don¡¯t play it and definitely don¡¯t bet, the odds flip with every turn taken.¡±


    Drake nodded, picking up her next package, before saluting Moss, and taking flight once more.


    ¡°Noted, gotta run, you promised to teach me how to use this thing, and I got plans for it, later boss lady!¡±


    ¡­


    Being a princess came with many issues. Camilla knew this because of a short life filled with dangerous situations.


    Being a princess was the only thing in Camilla¡¯s life that she believed was a lucky aspect to be bestowed upon her. Between her parents consistent lack of care for her well being, her relatives commitment to killing her to rise in the rankings to inherit the throne, and the lack of protection she¡¯d been forced to live with, while her siblings lead lives like that of perpetual walking fortresses, Camilla was fed up.


    At this point I¡¯d trade it all for people who love me. Friends. Even a quiet home in a poor village somewhere¡­


    She sat within the rented palatial bedroom for an event her elder sister wanted her to attend with her. An event that her sister was now not coming to.


    Coincidence, I think not¡­


    Camilla heard whistling coming down the hallway toward her bedroom, feeling her death crawl closer and closer. The only defense between her and the blade being pointed at her, the small metallic tray she held that had already been punctured a handful of times by the six fingered assassin¡¯s weapon.


    There was only one exit in the now destroyed bedroom. Camilla had put up a good fight, and nearly escaped a few times, however her time was drawing to a quick end, and Camilla knew it.


    ¡°Got a package for a princess Camilla¡­ woah, I¡¯m guessing your not Camilla,¡± asked a beautiful girl wrapped in bone armor on her right side, holding a package with her left hand. The girl stared down the assassin who froze in that moment, looking between their own blade and the intruder. Then the girl looked toward Camilla, putting on a smirk, before she dropped the package to the floor;; sliding the box toward her with a smooth and gentle nudging of her foot toward Camilla.


    ¡°You must be the princess, yup, scan¡¯s never lie right, glad I don¡¯t need a signature,¡± said the girl, before saluting Camilla. Camilla looked between the box and the girl, who looked around slowly and frowned, Camilla hoping that she would come to her aid in that moment after taking in the disastrous scene all around them, until the girl spoke up once more.


    ¡°How the fuck do I get out of this place, came through the roof, leave through a window I guess?¡±

 31. Quadrupeds

    Drake turned around. She wanted nothing to do with whatever weirdness was being displayed in the room. Yet knew the moment that she heard the young woman¡¯s voice behind her that she was to be inevitably involved.


    ¡°Wait, where are you going, are you seriously going to leave me to die?¡±


    Drake sighed, turning back slowly. She looked between the assassin, and back toward the princess.


    The young woman was an absolute knockout. Her skin was glistening like the sun was trying to pin a spotlight on her while she stood at the bottom of a gentle waterfall, and Drake had to admit she¡¯d probably never seen anyone so glaringly beautiful beside Aurora.


    Oddly attractive deep purple lips. Sunlight bleach blonde hair that flowed down her back, and two dazzlingly clear blue eyes that made Drake want to pout in envy.


    We are all the same Drake, you don¡¯t get extra points if you save her cause she¡¯s pretty¡­ right?


    Drake scanned the assassin and knew everything she didn¡¯t want to in an instant. She was outranked, which was normal, but the scan results unlike the last time she¡¯d scanned one of the assassins came with a warning this time.


    Quadrupeds don¡¯t leave witnesses¡­ Huh, maybe if I close my eyes and back away slowly, he¡¯ll just leave me alone, or follow me as soon as he¡¯s done killing her¡­


    ¡°Yeah¡­, I barely survived fighting an undead version of one of these assassins, Quadruped right, six fingered mage killers,¡± started Drake as the odd miniature tridents the assassin held glimmered. The assassin playing his strangely gripped fingers down the weapons to either side of himself.


    ¡°Yeah see, thats not good for me, you probably can¡¯t tell, but he¡¯s looking at me more than he is you, now look what you did,¡± said Drake, gesturing toward the hooded figure.


    ¡°You can see beneath the cowl of his hood,¡± asked the princess and Drake sighed again.


    ¡°No you dummy, look at the folds of his hood, they crease slightly on the side he is facing, don¡¯t look at me dude, I¡¯m not the one you are here to kill, look at her,¡± said Drake, growing agitated.


    ¡°Please stop telling the assassin to look at me, I don¡¯t want him looking at me either.¡± Said princess Camilla.


    ¡°I¡¯m not telling him a damn thing woman, this is your problem, I¡¯m just here to drop off a package, he has no beef with me, he¡¯s obviously been paid to kill you though, I did my job, he needs to do his now and I get it, that¡¯s a lot for you, but come on the deflection I¡¯m getting from you is real, no wonder somebody put a hit out on you, ya brat.¡±


    ¡°What, I¡¯ve never done anything to this guy, In fact I¡¯m pretty sure that you said you barely survived an encounter with another Quadruped, I¡¯m guessing that means they died and your alive right,¡± asked the princess, and Drake scoffed. Glancing between the beautiful young woman and the deadly assassin.


    ¡°Bra, for real, you not going to stop and see what this chick is doing to you right now, you are getting set up for failure.¡±


    The assassin took a step backward, the once lowered guard of the assassin rising in a flash. He was obviously facing her entirely now, and Drake knew the earlier bravado she felt when she¡¯d first entered may have been warranted.


    She¡¯d simply walked in, and the man hadn¡¯t reacted in the slightest. A factor Drake began to worry may have been from an absolute confidence in their own ability to end lives.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Nothing in the situation sat right with Drake as she watched the killer move. The assassin was completely silent, balanced, and poised to strike at a moments notice.


    He¡¯s not talking. Either he¡¯s that hardcore, or he can¡¯t speak at all, and with how most assassin organizations truly work, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he was trained since birth to never say a word.


    ¡°I¡¯m setting you up for failure, as if, she practically just said she killed one of your allies, why don¡¯t we ask her where your friend is, hmm, tell us where his friend is?¡±


    This dirty bitch¡­


    ¡°Where is his friend, huh, where,¡± said Drake looking for a good answer.


    ¡°Yeah, where is his friend,¡± asked Camilla, slowly coming to her feet and crossing her arms at Drake, as if taking the side of her would be killer.


    This bitch is going to get me killed isn¡¯t she?


    ¡°Umm, yeah¡­ me and my master, no have to use correct grammar, my master and I,¡± started Drake.


    ¡°Your master and you, what, dig shallow graves,¡± asked Camilla and drake¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°Damn no¡­ we¡¯re using his bones as weapons and armor¡­ mmm, that don¡¯t sound no better than the shallow grave thing did it?¡±


    Camilla¡¯s tanned complexion paled and Drake smirked as the princess shook her head, stepping away from the assassin and Drake.


    ¡°Welp, you got me, any last words,¡± asked Drake, taking havoc from the grasp of her metallic minions grasp.


    ¡°Me what did I do,¡± asked Camilla with a pointed finger aimed at herself.


    ¡°You better figure it out blondie, cause when I¡¯m done with him, I¡¯m coming for you¡­¡±


    The assassin growled and Camilla screamed; Drake and the assassin charging at one another in a burst of motion. Several strikes were sent out, and though Drake was momentarily able to keep up, the tide of battle shifted quickly.


    A searing pain shot through her right arm, and Drake looked down to see Zen pinned down by one of the assassin¡¯s miniature tridents.


    ¡°Son of a bitch!¡±


    The weapon was weaved through Zen¡¯s dancing fingers, stabbed into the unmoving bone, imbedded and left in Drake¡¯s arm as drake stumbled. Now bleeding as advanced poisons started to work their way through her blood stream.


    ¡°Mmm, well that fucking hurt.¡±


    Havoc reached across Drake¡¯s body, pulling the weapon from Drake¡¯s arm, before dropping it to the ground, freeing Zen to once more defend Drake.


    Fuck this guy must be fast if Zen couldn¡¯t even block him? Was he playing with me at first, or was that some sort of skill?


    They¡¯d only traded a few blows, and Drake didn¡¯t believe she was severely outmatched, until she¡¯d been struck. Drake honestly had no idea how she¡¯d been stabbed. One moment she was fine, and the next, there was a small pitchfork in her arm, leaving her to bleed everywhere.


    ¡°Please shut up,¡± said Drake, trying to get Camilla to stop screaming.


    ¡°Your so loud, so pretty, and so loud.¡±


    Damnit, I¡¯m dizzy already, I¡¯ve only been stabbed once, this isn¡¯t very hero of me. Aren¡¯t you supposed to feel this way after like three or more stabbings?


    It was then that Drake remembered the first and last time she¡¯d drunk a shot of alcohol, and knew that something was off about how she felt. SHe¡¯d honestly lost far more blood fighting in the forrest around Lilith¡¯s manor.


    So why am I so bloody sleepy all of a sudden, wait have I been poisoned?


    ¡°Your a dirty SOB you know that, I know I have a skill for this, and when I get right, I¡¯m going to fuck you up buddy,¡± said Drake drunkenly. She began to sway.


    ¡°What are you doing, I¡¯m sorry I ever involved you, just run, save yourself little girl,¡± screamed Camilla crying.


    Damn, she even cries pretty, can¡¯t believe I don¡¯t get extra points if I save her, I mean come on look at that face. Its like pouting olympic gold.


    ¡°Oh so now I¡¯m a little girl, wasn¡¯t a little girl when this dude was a breath away from dumping your body in a river, just shut up and let me work,¡± said Drake starting to dance. Her movements seemed uncoordinated and jerky at first, but the longer she moved, the more of a captive audience she gained.


    The assassin tried to step further toward Camilla, but in one sweeping and smooth side step, Drake arrived between the pair. Still dancing, her one good arm and both legs moving in tantalizing broad arcs as she took deep breath after deep breath.


    ¡°Only I can stop myself from achieving all that is within my path¡­¡±


    ¡­


    Camilla was forced to watch the strangest interaction she¡¯d ever seen. She¡¯d only wanted to distract the assassin long enough to trigger the runic alarm hidden within her room, however the bedside alter that held the alarm had been removed, leaving both her and the girl she couldn¡¯t scan no matter how many times she tried all alone.


    Yet with every moment that Camilla felt that she should be moving that much closer to death, the less fear filled her heart.


    The girl was moving strangely. A provocative and deadly dance was being performed before her, as if the girl was trying to belly dance, and execute combat maneuvers all at once.


    Watching the girl dance made Camilla hear what she felt to be the drums of war. An exciting harmony built by the drumming of her heart and a growing mystery built by the beautiful movements being displayed. Camilla had always been told that the bone lovers, or the necromancers were a strange group to behold, but this was far beyond anything she¡¯d ever expected.


    Every action the assassin made was swift and fearsome, yet the girl was beginning to block the blows more and more. Yes the assassin had cut her with its remaining weapon a handful more times, and blood was running down her arms and chest, but still the girl continued to fight on.


    ¡°Just stop, please run, you don¡¯t have to do this!¡±


    Camilla was ignored. Forced to watch as the girl took on more vicious stabs, until she didn¡¯t anymore.


    The sleepy daze that had once filled her eyes was gone; a foreign black substance mixing with the blood that ran down the girl¡¯s arms. A smirk the only thing left on the girl¡¯s face, the subtle fear Camilla thought she¡¯d seen blooming, was now gone entirely; and in that moment, Camilla knew. The girl glanced at her, and winked like a stranger with ill intentions.


    She¡¯s not going to die here¡­ I am¡­