《Age of Eternity: Second Arc, The Gathering Storm》 Chapter 18: The Upper Dungeon Part 1 After Takahiro Sakaguchi¡¯s death, I stayed off Age of Eternity for a couple of weeks. The immersion had been so intense that it blurred the line between game and reality. I needed time to ground myself. Still, the game had a way of calling you back. When Mira¡ªor Aethera, as she was known in the game¡ªsent me the trailer for the new expansion Isles of Destiny, my resolve to stay away crumbled. I clicked ¡°Play,¡± and the trailer unfolded in breathtaking detail. The Age of Eternity logo shimmered as the camera panned across the floating isles of the expansion. Massive landmasses hung like inverted mountains in the sky, teeming with alien biomes¡ªshimmering forests, ash-laden wastelands, and crystal-studded plains. Amidst it all were sprawling cities, their towering spires under siege by Amalgamation Abominations¡ªgrotesque monstrosities of flesh, metal, and magic. The trailer climaxed with the Queen of the Isles, her radiant form sending a clarion call to heroes across the land. Then came the final announcements: New Raids. New Dungeons. New Tombs of the Ancients. Six New Classes. Twelve New Subclasses. Finally, the release date flashed: 12/06/2055. I leaned back in my chair, the shadow of a smile on my lips. A free expansion, no subscription, and a promise of new challenges. But before I could dive into the Isles, I had unfinished business: the Upper Dungeon. The Upper Dungeon wasn¡¯t just any dungeon¡ªit was a treasure trove of rare materials. And those materials were the key to my next objective: crafting the Unbidden Set, one of the best gear sets for a Fighter/Warlock hybrid like me. Its stats, passives, and bonuses were perfectly tailored for my dual class. The set wasn¡¯t something you could simply loot. Crafting it required an absurd amount of rare materials and I had every intention to farm as much as I could carry. This raid was my chance to gather as much as possible. With the new expansion looming, players would soon flood the dungeons, making resource farming a nightmare. I wasn¡¯t tackling this one solo. Even I, Astraeus¡ªFighter-Warlock and usually a lone wolf¡ªknew the dungeon required a team. And there was no better team than the guild I belonged to: Ascension. I shot Mira a quick message: "Looking to do the Upper Dungeon Raid. Can you get me a decent team?" Her reply came instantly. "Why now? Don¡¯t you want to finish the Lower Dungeon first?" I chuckled and typed back. "The Orb of Ascent only works once. I¡¯m choosing the Upper Dungeon." "Suit yourself," she responded. "I¡¯ll see who¡¯s available and meet you at the entrance." I leaned back, satisfied. My level 30 crafted gear had served me well, but it was time for a real upgrade. The Unbidden Set was my goal¡ªnot just for its synergy with my build, but for the crafting challenge it presented. Gathering the materials would be brutal, but it¡¯d be worth it. The Coiled City was bustling. Players swarmed its winding streets, preparing for the expansion. It wasn¡¯t the largest hub in the game¡ªthere were only two¡ªbut its intricate, serpentine design, with floating platforms and towering spires, gave it character. What Age of Eternity lacked in sprawling hubs, it made up for with hidden treasures and content buried deep in its world. I arrived at the dungeon entrance, finding Mira first. She waved, her Cleric robes practically glowing with divine energy. Apollo showed up next, his Mage/Berserker hybrid aura unmistakable. His grin was as sharp as the massive axe on his back. "PvP? I know you¡¯re good. PvE? Let¡¯s see if you can keep up, Astraeus." I smirked. "Stick around, and you¡¯ll find out." The other two members of the group arrived together. A massive man in gleaming armor laughed heartily as he approached. His shield alone was large enough to serve as a table for six. "Ravok¡¯s the name," he said, slapping his chestplate. "Knight/Juggernaut. I¡¯m basically unkillable, so stick behind me and you¡¯ll be fine." His grin was infectious. "I¡¯ll hold you to that," I replied, shaking his hand. The last member was quieter¡ªa teenage girl with a glowing bow slung across her back. Her voice was light but carried a teasing edge. "Selene. Ranger/Sharpshooter. I¡¯ll cover you from the back, but don¡¯t expect me to hold your hand." I froze for a moment, taking in her tone and mannerisms. She reminded me of someone. "Helvecta?" I asked, recalling a Witch I used to run with in Royale Online. She raised an eyebrow, smiling slyly. "Good memory. Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d recognize me without the pointy hat." Apollo crossed his arms, watching us. "So we¡¯re all friends now? Great. Astraeus, care to explain why we¡¯re raiding this place? The Upper Dungeon isn¡¯t exactly a walk in the park." "I¡¯m after materials," I said. "100 Verdant Crystals, 25 Orichalcum Ore, 30 Azure Silk, 100 Ancient Fragments, and 100 Verdant Gemstones." Ravok let out a low whistle. "That¡¯s quite the list. Let me guess¡ªthe Unbidden Set?" "Exactly," I replied. "It¡¯s the best pre-expansion set for a Fighter/Warlock. Plus, crafting it will max out my item crafting skills."This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Mira nodded thoughtfully. "Makes sense, but the Upper Dungeon is brutal. If we¡¯re not careful, we¡¯ll wipe and lose hours of progress." Apollo grinned. "That¡¯s why I¡¯m here. If he screws up, I¡¯ll clean up the mess." "Charming," I said, shaking my head. Ravok laughed, clapping me on the shoulder. "Don¡¯t worry, mate. Between my shield and Selene¡¯s aim, we¡¯ve got this. Just don¡¯t go wandering off solo, yeah?" Selene chimed in, her tone playful. "And keep your head down. I don¡¯t need you walking into my line of fire." I chuckled. "I¡¯ll keep that in mind." The five of us turned toward the dungeon gates, massive stone slabs etched with glowing runes. The Upper Dungeon was dangerous, but it was nothing compared to the chaos of the End Zones, where level 90 players slaughtered each other for dominance. Here, at least, there was a chance for teamwork¡ªif we played our cards right. "Let¡¯s get started," I said, stepping forward as the gates groaned open, revealing the labyrinthine depths beyond. The air shifted immediately, damp and heavy, carrying the faint scent of decay. As our group ventured in, the faint glow of bioluminescent fungi cast eerie patterns on the walls. I moved to walk beside Selene. She adjusted the bow on her shoulder and glanced at me, curious. "How¡¯d you end up playing Age of Eternity?" I asked. Her lips curled into a small smile. "After the guild crumbled into oblivion, I quit Royale Online after you left. You made my Witch seem like the most powerful curse and hex user in the entire game. It was too easy¡ªcrushing people left and right, winning every duel without breaking a sweat. At first, it was fun, but then..." She shrugged. "Boredom hit. Hard." I nodded slowly. Helvecta had been infamous in Royale Online, feared and respected. She continued, "When the guild fell apart, I didn¡¯t see a point in staying. Then someone mentioned this game, and I figured, why not? It¡¯s different. Here, I¡¯m level 87, and every skill, every shot, feels earned. No one handing me the perfect build. No shortcuts." She gave me a sidelong glance, her smile tinged with amusement. "Feels good to breathe, you know? Not just be ''Helvecta, the Unstoppable Hex Queen.''¡± I chuckled softly. "I get it. Back then, I pushed hard¡ªcrafted the perfect set, optimized every stat, and turned you into a force of nature. But yeah, when the meta¡¯s solved and you¡¯re at the top, it loses something." "Exactly," she said, her tone lighter now. "Here, I actually have to work. And you? Still climbing leaderboards?" I smirked. "Something like that." Our footsteps echoed as we entered a vast chamber. The air grew heavier, the faint squelching of something moving in the shadows setting everyone on edge. Mira raised her staff, casting a glow that illuminated the space ahead. A hulking mass of rotting vegetation emerged, its vine-like arms twisting unnaturally. Its faintly glowing core pulsed with sickly green light, embedded deep within its body. "Shambling Mound," Ravok said, his voice steady. He slammed his shield into the ground with a resounding clang. "Let¡¯s see if it lives up to the stories." "Formation," I called out, stepping back slightly to let Ravok take the lead. "Looks like a compost heap with an attitude," Apollo muttered, flames already gathering in his hand. Selene smirked as she drew her bow. "Let¡¯s turn it into mulch." The mound moved with surprising speed, its arms lashing out. Ravok intercepted the attack with a grunt, his shield absorbing the brunt of the impact. "Eyes on me, ugly!" Ravok bellowed, his shield glowing faintly as he activated a taunt ability. The creature roared and redirected its focus entirely on him. Selene darted to the side, notching a glowing arrow and firing into the mound¡¯s core. The impact caused the creature to shudder, but it quickly regenerated, vines twisting together to heal the damage. "This thing¡¯s got crazy regen!" Selene called out, loosing another arrow that struck true but barely slowed the creature. Apollo hurled a fireball, the explosion sending chunks of vegetation flying. "We need to overwhelm it before it can rebuild itself!" Mira¡¯s voice rang out, calm but commanding. "Focus attacks on the core. I¡¯ll keep everyone standing." Her staff glowed brightly, a pulse of holy energy washing over us, bolstering our defenses. I stepped into the fray, my sword humming with arcanic energy. "Keep it pinned, Ravok!" "Already on it!" he shouted, slamming his shield into the creature¡¯s vine-like arms, locking them down. "I¡¯m unkillable, remember?" Selene¡¯s arrows flew in rapid succession, her precision staggering. Each one struck the core, but the mound¡¯s regeneration remained relentless. "Not enough," I muttered, stepping back to channel my energy. I gripped my sword tightly, its runes flaring as I drew on my Warlock powers. "Cover him!" Mira shouted, noticing what I was doing. Apollo leapt forward, his axe cleaving through the mound¡¯s regenerating limbs, while Selene continued her barrage. Ravok, true to his word, held firm, taking every hit the mound threw his way without faltering. "Time to end this," I said, my voice low but resolute. My free hand began to glow, arcs of dark and luminous energy spiraling around it. The energy built into a crackling orb as I channeled my Arcanic Blast, the ultimate manifestation of my hybrid class¡¯s power. The mound reared up, its core glowing brighter as it prepared for a massive attack. "Now, Astraeus!" Mira called out. I thrust my hand forward, releasing the Arcanic Blast. A beam of concentrated arcane and infernal energy erupted, tearing through the air with a deafening roar. It struck the mound dead center, obliterating its core in a blinding explosion of light and shadow. The creature let out a final, ear-splitting shriek before collapsing into a pile of lifeless debris. The glowing mist around it dissipated, leaving the chamber eerily quiet. Apollo whistled, clearly impressed. "Well, that¡¯s one way to mulch a heap." Selene glanced at me, raising an eyebrow. "Okay, that was... ridiculous. What was that?!" "Arcanic Blast," I said, sheathing my sword. "120% damage bonus with my passives and gear. Perfect for punching through regen." At level 80 the Warlock''s Arcanic Blast was able to be channeled for more damage, this was just the test to see if my build thus far was good enough. Ravok laughed heartily, slapping me on the back with enough force to almost knock me over. "And here I thought I was the showstopper! Guess you can share the spotlight, huh?" Mira chuckled as she healed up Ravok¡¯s minor wounds. "If this is what you¡¯re like in PvE, I¡¯m not sure what Apollo was worried about." Apollo grinned. "After dominating someone in PvP, I''m waiting for that parkour style fighting you do but for now a simple attack like that leaves my curiosity satisfied" "Don¡¯t get too comfortable," I said, glancing further into the dungeon¡¯s depths. "This was just the first fight. We¡¯ve got a lot more ground to cover." The others nodded, regrouping and preparing for the next challenge. The Upper Dungeon was only getting started, and we were ready to face whatever came next. Chapter 19: The Upper Dungeon Part 2 I knew how to work within a team. Teamwork in games is easy: everyone has their roles when it comes to beating the content. A single tank, two DPS (damage per second), and a healer¡ªthat¡¯s the standard formula. Age of Eternity, however, didn¡¯t stick to that format. If ten DPS players wanted to dive into a dungeon together, that was fine. There were no class restrictions on raids or dungeons in general. This party, however, didn¡¯t just adapt to my skills¡ªwe thrived together. Ravok was simply unkillable, thanks to his dual class of Knight/Juggernaut. His main passive, Ultra Regeneration, was borderline broken. Each attack that landed on him regenerated a set amount of HP, and after combat, he gained a massive 75% regeneration buff. Combine that with his staggering defense and aggro-pulling abilities, and he was an immovable wall. Mira¡¯s build had been optimized to perfection. Her MP regeneration during and after battle was through the roof, her cooldowns were nearly nonexistent, and her healing spells were amplified by an incredible 75% thanks to her synergized gear and passives. Her signature ability, Automatic Smite, triggered whenever any hostile creature or player came within 90 meters of us, dealing half of her total Smite score¡ªboosted by a 225% synergy from her build. On top of that, it halved their healing and damage output, a nasty debuff courtesy of her Holy Priest passive. Her god, Bringer of Light, further enhanced her holy skills, adding a flat 25% boost to everything she did, including healing. She wasn¡¯t just support¡ªshe was a fortress of divine power. Apollo was pure chaos wrapped in brilliance. His Mage/Berserker class was more like a battle-mage monk. At level 90, his ultimate ability, Pure Elemental Force, was insane. He could channel raw elemental magic into devastating attacks or imbue himself with elemental energy to become a living force of destruction. With his Berserker rage mechanics, he healed for a portion of his HP with each rage stack, making him tough to take down. His damage output was obscene, but he still relied on Mira¡¯s healing to keep him from overextending. And then there was Selene. Her ability to adapt on the fly made her invaluable. She was our Ranger, specializing in rapid-firing arrows and fluid combat tactics. Her primary passive, Chameleon, allowed her to remain unseen until she attacked, making her the perfect infiltrator. But when the fight started, she unleashed a storm. One of her hallmark skills, Rain of Retribution, unleashed 500 arrows in rapid succession, each one enhanced by her gear¡¯s crit and elemental bonuses. She wasn¡¯t just an evader; she was a sniper and a whirlwind combined. Together, we formed a team that was greater than the sum of its parts. Each of us had our strengths, and each of us had the experience to maximize those strengths while covering each other¡¯s weaknesses. No challenge felt insurmountable. But Age of Eternity wasn¡¯t going to make it easy. As we pressed deeper into the dungeon, the walls began to pulsate with an eerie, otherworldly glow. The oppressive air buzzed with latent magic, a sure sign that something dangerous lurked nearby. Our first major challenge wasn¡¯t just dangerous¡ªit was an abomination of nightmares. Emerging from the shadows, the Hexbound Wyrm slithered into view. It was a monstrous, serpentine creature with a body of chitinous black scales etched with glowing crimson runes. Its head split into a nightmarish maw that opened like a blooming flower, revealing rows of jagged teeth. The Wyrm¡¯s eyes glowed with malice, and its runes pulsed in rhythm with the corrupted mana that filled the air. ¡°Hexbound¡­¡± Ravok muttered, gripping his shield tightly. ¡°That¡¯s gonna be fun.¡± The Wyrm let out a guttural roar, shaking the ground beneath us. It was more than just noise¡ªwaves of disruptive magic radiated from the sound, sending ripples through the air. My mana reserves dipped slightly. A siphoning ability. Great. ¡°It¡¯s draining us!¡± Mira shouted, her staff already glowing as she began weaving a counter-spell. ¡°Keep it busy!¡± I barked, stepping back to strategize. Ravok took the lead, as always, raising his shield and charging forward. The Wyrm lashed out with its tail, the crimson runes flaring as it struck with crushing force. Ravok absorbed the hit, his Ultra Regeneration kicking in immediately to mend the damage. ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got?¡± he taunted, slamming his shield into the creature to draw its attention. The Wyrm hissed and lunged, its massive jaws snapping inches from Ravok¡¯s face. Apollo wasted no time, summoning a storm of elemental fury. Fireballs, bolts of lightning, and shards of ice rained down on the Wyrm. Each attack struck true, but the runes absorbed a portion of the damage, glowing brighter with every hit. ¡°It¡¯s reflecting!¡± Apollo called out, as one of his firebolts rebounded, nearly catching him in the shoulder. Selene darted around the battlefield, her Ranger agility keeping her out of harm¡¯s way. She fired arrow after arrow, targeting the Wyrm¡¯s exposed joints and vulnerable underbelly. ¡°The runes are protecting its core!¡± she shouted. ¡°We have to disable them!¡± Mira yelled, channeling holy light into a protective barrier around Ravok. ¡°Keep its attention while I purge those runes!¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. The Wyrm roared again, this time unleashing a stream of corrosive black mist from its maw. It swept across the battlefield, eating away at the terrain and forcing us to scatter. ¡°Stay on it!¡± I called, stepping forward. My Fighter/Warlock hybrid class excelled in moments like this. I summoned spectral chains to lash the Wyrm, binding its movements temporarily. The creature writhed, its runes flaring as it struggled against my magic. ¡°Now, Mira!¡± Mira planted her staff into the ground, unleashing a radiant wave of holy energy. The light slammed into the Wyrm, dimming the crimson glow of its runes. ¡°Keep hitting it!¡± Ravok shouted, slamming his shield into the creature¡¯s flank. Apollo grinned. ¡°Gladly.¡± He raised both hands, channeling his signature ability: Pure Elemental Force. His body crackled with energy as he transformed into a living storm. With a roar, he charged the Wyrm, unleashing a devastating barrage of elemental strikes that bypassed the creature¡¯s weakened runes. The Wyrm shrieked, its defenses collapsing under the relentless assault. This was the moment I¡¯d been waiting for. Drawing on my mana reserves, I unleashed Arcanic Blast. My gear and passives amplified the spell¡¯s power, and the blast struck the Wyrm¡¯s exposed core with pinpoint precision. The explosion lit up the dungeon, and when the light faded, the Hexbound Wyrm lay motionless, its crimson runes shattered. Ravok laughed, slamming his shield into the ground. ¡°Now that¡¯s what I call teamwork!¡± Apollo smirked, his elemental form dissipating. ¡°Nice shot, Astraeus.¡± Selene nodded. ¡°Efficient, as always.¡± Mira stepped forward, wiping sweat from her brow. ¡°Well done, everyone. That was no ordinary beast.¡± I allowed myself a small grin as I surveyed the fallen monster. This was the kind of battle I lived for¡ªa test of skill, strategy, and teamwork. But deep down, I knew this was only the beginning. Even after all our effort, we had only gathered half of the materials I needed. The elusive Verdant Crystals were still deeper in, and Apollo, ever the problem solver, claimed he knew a shortcut. Without hesitation, we followed his lead, jumping into what looked like a massive, gaping chasm. Only this wasn¡¯t a typical descent. As we fell, gravity shifted, pulling us upward instead of down. A disorienting sensation gripped me as the black void gave way to light, and we slammed into what felt like a solid roof¡ªonly to emerge in a sprawling, forest-like area. Massive, ancient trees loomed overhead, their twisted roots crawling over moss-covered rocks. But it wasn¡¯t the scenery that caught my attention. It was the movement. Ahead, towering figures¡ªgiants, easily the size of small buildings¡ªroamed through the dense undergrowth. Their heavy footsteps shook the earth beneath us, their forms radiating a primal, almost oppressive energy. The air itself seemed thicker here, tinged with the faint scent of ozone and decay. ¡°This is Floor 50,¡± Apollo announced, dusting off his armor. ¡°Told you it was a shortcut.¡± Mira quickly took stock of our inventory, murmuring a count of our remaining potions. Thankfully, we were still well-supplied. I glanced at my interface and noted with satisfaction that I had leveled up twice during our previous battles. Level 89. I was getting closer to the cap¡ªthough with the new expansion raising the level cap to 100, the road ahead would be even steeper. Apollo turned to address the group, his tone commanding but calm. ¡°From here, teamwork and adaptation are what will get us through. Astraeus,¡± he said, turning to me, ¡°you¡¯re moving up front with Ravok and me. Mira and Selene will stick to the middle and back as usual.¡± ¡°Up front?¡± I raised an eyebrow, though I wasn¡¯t surprised. He nodded, tapping the hilt of his axe for emphasis. ¡°We¡¯re going to need your chains and curses to lock these things down. Plus, your attacks pack a punch. These monsters are immune to elemental magic, so I¡¯ll be at a disadvantage. But I¡¯ve still got this.¡± He hefted his massive axe with a grin. ¡°It¡¯ll do the job.¡± I nodded, accepting my role. Mira raised her staff, her holy energy radiating outward as she infused us with her divine buffs. Warm, golden light settled over the party like a protective shield¡ªonly to stop short when it reached me. The familiar chill of rejection crept over my skin as the holy energy dissipated. Above my head, a dark sigil appeared, the mark of my Dark Pacts. My abilities were incompatible with her holy buffs; they relied entirely on the corrupting power I wielded. Mira sighed, clearly displeased, though she quickly adjusted. ¡°Fine. Just don¡¯t blame me when you get flattened,¡± she muttered, though her usual edge was softened by a hint of worry. I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, gripping my weapon tightly as dark energy crackled along its edge. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll do what I do best.¡± With our roles set, we moved forward into the forest. The giants were massive, but their movements were slow and deliberate, almost deceptively so. Each step felt like a minor earthquake, and their groans echoed through the thick canopy above. ¡°Eyes sharp,¡± Ravok said, his shield raised, ¡°and stick to the formation.¡± I grinned, already feeling the rush of the coming battle. This wasn¡¯t just about survival or gathering materials anymore¡ªit was about proving we could overcome whatever the game threw at us. Floor 50 was only the beginning, and we were ready. Just as we started making our way through the huge forest The ground trembled violently as the giants broke into a run, their massive forms crashing through the forest like battering rams. The oppressive air around us thickened, and an unnatural chill prickled my skin. Then, without warning, the entire forest plunged into darkness. The faint glow of Mira¡¯s holy staff and the flickering embers of Apollo¡¯s axe were swallowed by the void, leaving only the oppressive sound of the giants¡¯ thundering steps. My HUD flickered, glitching for a moment before a massive HP bar slowly crept across the top of the display. ¡®Queen of Shadows.¡¯ Her name appeared in jagged, blood-red text, and the weight of her presence pressed down on us like an iron vice. ¡°She¡¯s here,¡± Apollo muttered, his tone grim but steady. A low, guttural laugh echoed through the darkness, reverberating like the growl of some ancient predator. It came from everywhere and nowhere at once, sending a shiver down my spine. Ravok slammed his shield into the ground, his aura flaring to life. ¡°Form up! We¡¯ve dealt with worse!¡± ¡°Speak for yourself,¡± Mira snapped, her voice shaking just enough to betray her nerves. She raised her staff, light sputtering at its tip as she fought to pierce the gloom. The shadows around us began to move, writhing like living things. Tendrils of blackness curled and reached for us, and the silhouettes of the giants became distorted, their features twisting into grotesque shapes. ¡°She thinks we¡¯re her next victims,¡± I said, gripping my weapon tightly as dark energy pulsed through it. A grin spread across my face, sharp and defiant. ¡°She¡¯s wrong.¡± The laugh echoed again, louder this time, as if the Queen of Shadows herself found my words amusing. But I didn¡¯t care. Chapter 20: The Upper Dungeon Final The Queen of Shadows loomed above us, her form shrouded in an amorphous mass of writhing darkness, as though the night itself bent to her will. Her glowing crimson eyes pierced through the blackness, locking onto our group like a predator sizing up its prey. Apollo tightened his grip on his axe, the veins in his arms pulsing with the rage magic that infused his abilities. He muttered a quick incantation, his aura flaring to life in a fiery blaze as he activated his buffs. Ravok knelt briefly, driving his massive shield into the ground as a radiant golden glow enveloped him, signaling the activation of his regeneration and defensive passives. Beside him, Mira clutched her staff tightly, a radiant halo of holy energy radiating outward as she invoked her most potent blessings. I focused inward, channeling the dark energy that fueled my abilities. I activated Dark Pact: Stamina Drain, Mana Drain, HP Drain, feeling the unholy power surge into my weapon. My sword pulsed with a sickly, iridescent glow, an extension of my will. I knew the risks, but with my drains active, my own lifelines were secure, no matter what damage I took. She was too far for me to hit directly¡ªyet. My mind raced, piecing together a plan. If I could use the trees to gain height and activate Sky Walk, a fusion ability that would let me stay in midair, I could strike her directly and disrupt her summoning. But before I could share my thoughts, Apollo¡¯s voice cut through the tense silence. ¡°She¡¯ll descend quickly,¡± he began, his tone sharp and commanding. ¡°When she does, she¡¯ll summon Scorpion Spiders¡ªbatches of five at a time. Don¡¯t bother with them. Focus all your attacks on her to interrupt her summoning. The spiders will disappear if we keep her disrupted. Watch out for her Weakening Aura¡ªyou¡¯ll know when it activates. It¡¯ll slow you, drain your strength, and cut your defenses.¡± He paused, his gaze landing squarely on me. ¡°This is your first time here, Astraeus, so listen carefully. Once her HP drops to 50%, Phase 2 will start. She¡¯ll transform into her melee form and switch to close-range combat. Stay sharp.¡± ¡°What does she drop?¡± I asked, smirking as I finished prepping my abilities. ¡°Verdant Crystals,¡± Ravok rumbled, his shield gleaming as he straightened to his full height. ¡°And probably the rest of what you need.¡± I grinned, my confidence swelling. ¡°Excellent. Let¡¯s do this.¡± The Queen¡¯s laugh echoed again, but this time it was sharper, more guttural, as though she were amused by our defiance. Without warning, she descended like a streak of black lightning, the sheer force of her presence causing the ground to quake. Her arrival was heralded by the appearance of Scorpion Spiders, their grotesque, armored bodies skittering into view, claws clicking menacingly. ¡°Focus on her!¡± Apollo roared, charging forward, his axe blazing with elemental fury. He swung with precision, each strike aimed to disrupt her summoning. Ravok moved to his side, his shield absorbing the Queen¡¯s retaliatory strikes. The spiders rushed toward Mira and Selene, but Mira¡¯s Automatic Smite triggered, radiant bolts of holy light slamming into the advancing creatures. They screeched, momentarily stunned, giving Selene time to unleash a barrage of arrows. I darted to the side, weaving through the chaos. The Queen¡¯s towering form loomed above, her limbs slashing downward in sweeping arcs that forced Apollo and Ravok to adapt quickly. I leapt onto the nearest tree, activating Sky Walk. The ability propelled me upward, each step on the air leaving a ripple of dark energy in my wake. As I reached her, I unleashed Arcanic Blast, the spell slamming into her chest with a satisfying burst of shadowy energy. The Queen shrieked, her summoning circle flickering as my attack disrupted her concentration. ¡°Keep hitting her!¡± Apollo shouted, his axe colliding with one of her limbs in a burst of sparks. The Queen retaliated, her Weakening Aura flaring to life. A wave of oppressive energy washed over us, and I felt my movements slow, my strength sapped. My drains counteracted the worst of the effect, but I could see Apollo staggering slightly, his swings losing their usual speed. Mira raised her staff, chanting quickly. A burst of holy light enveloped us, temporarily negating the aura¡¯s effects. ¡°That¡¯s the best I can do! Keep going!¡± she called. The Queen¡¯s HP bar dropped steadily, her shrieks growing more frenzied as we hammered her with coordinated attacks. When her health reached the halfway mark, she froze mid-motion. The forest fell silent, an unnatural stillness blanketing the battlefield. Then, her form began to shift. The amorphous shadow coalesced, condensing into a sleek, armored figure with bladed limbs that gleamed like obsidian.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°She¡¯s transformed!¡± Apollo warned, retreating briefly to assess her new form. The Queen lunged forward with terrifying speed, her melee attacks a blur. Ravok intercepted her, his shield barely holding against her onslaught. Sparks flew as her blades clashed against his defenses. I dropped back to the ground, landing beside Apollo. ¡°What¡¯s the plan now?¡± ¡°Same as before,¡± he said, hefting his axe. ¡°Hit her hard and fast. Mira, keep Ravok alive. Selene, aim for the joints in her armor. Astraeus, keep disrupting her with curses and drains.¡± I nodded, gripping my sword tightly. ¡°Got it.¡± As the fight raged on, our coordination became second nature, each of us playing our roles to perfection. The Queen¡¯s attacks grew more frantic as her HP dwindled, her movements losing the precision they had in the beginning. In one final, desperate attack, she unleashed a whirlwind of shadowy blades, forcing all of us to retreat. But Ravok, ever the tank, stood firm, absorbing the brunt of the damage. ¡°Now!¡± Apollo roared, and we surged forward as one, unleashing a final barrage of attacks. My sword found its mark, plunging into the Queen¡¯s core as dark energy surged through her. She let out a deafening screech before collapsing, her massive form disintegrating into wisps of shadow. The battlefield fell silent, and the tension finally eased. A chest materialized where the Queen had fallen, its glow signaling the end of the fight. ¡°Verdant Crystals,¡± Ravok said, grinning as he opened it. ¡°And a well-earned victory,¡± Apollo added, his voice tinged with pride. I couldn¡¯t help but smile. The Queen of Shadows had been a formidable opponent, but we¡¯d proven we were even stronger. I had what I needed but as Apollo looked at me it was decided that we call it a night, roaming here for hours had the fatigue set in. We returned to the Coiled City and entered the tavern and logged out. I took the headset off and a message appeared on my phone "Hey, we never properly thanked you for the assist... So thanks, we are sending you a code for early access to Isles of Destiny, we want you to see it first hand... As thanks. -Sato" I felt as if this was some kind of nepotism after assiting Sato with that Ascension nonsense. I deleted the message and went to sleep, though the unease it left me with lingered in the back of my mind. My dreams were restless¡ªshattered fragments of the game, of those red eyes staring through the mist, and of the Ascended''s twisted faces. When I awoke the next morning, sunlight barely filtered through the curtains, casting pale streaks across my cluttered apartment. My phone buzzed on the nightstand, but something was off. The screen flickered erratically, lines of static running across it. The corners of the display were corrupted with dead pixels, a shadowy mosaic creeping inward. A message abruptly appeared in the middle of the screen: "I said we would meet again. This time, I think we should meet in person so I can gauge the kind of man you are." The text seemed to shimmer unnaturally, pulsing faintly like a heartbeat. My chest tightened. Whoever this was, they had crossed a line. I grabbed the phone, my hands shaking, and felt a pang of rising dread as the text distorted and twisted, repeating itself over and over. I didn¡¯t hesitate. I ripped the back of the phone open, yanking out the SiM card with more force than necessary, then headed straight to the kitchen. The sink gurgled as I ran cold water, tossing the phone under the stream. I watched as the circuits fizzed and popped, the screen going black. The SiM card followed, snapped in half between my fingers. I didn¡¯t care how much money I¡¯d wasted¡ªbetter a destroyed phone than a compromised one. The thought of someone watching me, tracking me, sent shivers down my spine. Still, the unease lingered. If they could hack my phone, what else could they access? My EternaLink? My online accounts? My apartment felt suffocating. I needed air. I threw on a hoodie and left, locking the door behind me. The streets outside were loud and bustling with the usual chaos of the city. Horns blared, vendors called out their wares, and pedestrians pushed past one another. It felt almost surreal, as if the noise of the world clashed violently with the silence inside my head. Every shadow seemed to stretch longer than it should. Every passing glance from strangers felt scrutinizing. Paranoia seeped into my bones as I made my way to the electronics store, the weight of unseen eyes pressing on me with each step. The store was a small, dimly lit corner shop crammed with every gadget imaginable. The shopkeeper, an older man with sharp eyes, barely looked up from his newspaper as I entered. "Looking for something specific?" he asked gruffly. "Yeah, I need a new phone. Something secure. And no... apps or features I don¡¯t need," I said, keeping my voice steady. He raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t ask questions. "Over here," he said, leading me to a shelf lined with basic models¡ªones designed for privacy-conscious buyers. "This one¡¯s barebones. No GPS, no browser, just calls and texts," he said, holding up a compact device that looked almost archaic compared to modern smartphones. "Perfect," I muttered, pulling out cash to avoid leaving a digital trail. The shopkeeper took my money and handed over the phone without ceremony. "Word of advice," he said as I turned to leave. "If you¡¯re worried about privacy, stay off the grid altogether. These things aren¡¯t as secure as people think." I nodded, clutching the phone tightly as I stepped back out into the chaos of the street. A cold wind swept past me, raising goosebumps on my skin. I glanced over my shoulder more times than I cared to admit as I walked back to my apartment. Every alley seemed darker, every passerby a potential threat. The city no longer felt like home¡ªit felt like a hunting ground, and I wasn¡¯t sure if I was the predator or the prey. When I finally returned to the safety of my apartment, I double-checked the locks and dropped the new phone onto the counter. For the first time in years, I felt a strange disconnection from the digital world I had come to rely on. Sitting on the edge of my bed, I stared at the EternaLink headset resting on my desk. It was still there, waiting for me. The game always waited, and now it felt as if the line between the virtual and real was blurring in ways I couldn¡¯t control. Whoever had sent that message wasn¡¯t done with me. That much was clear. Chapter 21: The Incomplete Quests The week of release had arrived, and with it came a wave of excitement sweeping across the forums and in-game hubs. Players were diving headfirst into the expansion, exploring the new content with reckless abandon. I had waited patiently, knowing full well the chaos that came with day-one bugs and server overloads. By the third day, the dust had settled. The devs released a massive four-page document outlining a host of fixes, including the removal of corrupted Ascended code and critical updates to the EternaLink firmware to prevent hacking. After downloading the colossal 320GB expansion and its 82GB patch, I logged in. The title screen had transformed into a visual masterpiece. Towering, upside-down mountains dotted with biomes loomed ominously in the background, their surreal beauty a stark contrast to the world¡¯s chaos. The orchestral score swelled, building to an epic crescendo that made my heart race. Then came the cinematic: "The Isles used to be peaceful. Those who lived upon the lands thrived in harmony, their prosperity a testament to their unity. But then the portals opened. From them emerged abominations¡ªgrotesque amalgamations of metal, flesh, and magic. They marched, burning and devouring all in their path. The Illuminate Queen, in a desperate act, unleashed a beam of radiant light, a plea that resonated across the world¡­ "Adventurers! Will you rise against the tide of darkness? Embrace your destiny and defend the Isles. The future awaits your courage!" The cinematic ended, and I found myself back in the game, standing in the tavern where I had last logged out. The world felt different. Everything was sharper, richer, more alive. The grain of the wooden tables, the flicker of the hearth¡¯s fire casting shadows across the room¡ªit all felt so tangible. Even my avatar¡¯s movements seemed smoother, more lifelike. Despite the allure of the expansion¡¯s new content, my priorities were elsewhere. I opened my inventory, and a wave of satisfaction washed over me as I saw the materials I had painstakingly gathered: Everything I needed for the Unbidden Set was finally in my possession. Without wasting a moment, I navigated to the crafting station in the Coiled City. The crafting system in Age of Eternity wasn¡¯t like other games; it required precision and timing. Each piece of gear needed to be forged with care, or its stats could drop below their maximum potential. This was where my Master Item Crafting skill came into play. The first piece was the Unbidden Helm, a sleek, dark masterpiece designed to enhance both my stamina and magic regeneration. The interface lit up as I carefully combined the Verdant Crystals and Ancient Fragments, watching the bar fill with precision. Success. Next came the Unbidden Chestplate, a heavy yet flexible armor piece that amplified physical damage reduction while boosting Warlock abilities. The process was nerve-wracking, but another success. Piece by piece, the set came together¡ªthe Greaves, Gauntlets, and finally, the Mantle, which synergized perfectly with my Fighter/Warlock hybrid build. Each item shimmered with a faint, otherworldly glow, as if it recognized the destiny awaiting me. Fully equipped, I checked my stats: I couldn¡¯t help but grin. The synergy was perfect, turning my character into a powerhouse of self-sustained damage and resilience. Before diving into the expansion content, I took a moment to focus on my Atlas of Power. With the challenges of the Isles of Destiny ahead, it was time to respec for versatility and survivability. I reallocated nodes, removing some of the physical damage mitigation I had built for the Upper Dungeon, and instead focused on boosting HP and MP. My new build included an additional 25% armor boost, giving me a robust 60% physical damage reduction and a balanced 55% elemental negation. Combined with my hybrid class and the Unbidden Set¡¯s bonuses, I was ready to tackle whatever the game threw my way.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Despite the allure of the expansion, I couldn¡¯t ignore the unfinished quests from the main storyline. One chain stood out: "Aspects of the Dragon." The title alone hinted at something grand. As I accepted the quest, my Loremaster Perk activated, boosting experience gain by 30%. At Level 94, the level cap raised to 110 meant I still had plenty of ground to cover before I could maximize my potential in the new content. The first quest in the chain led me to the Concrete Jungle, an eerie zone on the outskirts of the Coiled City. As the lore unfolded, I paused to appreciate the narrative details: "The dark ages following the Eternal Convergence transformed the once lush green woods into a desolate concrete wasteland. Trees turned to stone, their petrified remains towering ominously. The creatures within adapted to the harshness, gaining strength and destructive power. At the heart of this labyrinth lies the Deep King, an ancient beast undefeated in combat, protected by the enigmatic Dark Seekers who guard its lair. Few have dared to challenge this dominion of ruin, and none have returned." The Concrete Jungle was unlike any zone I had traversed before. The petrified forest loomed with twisted, jagged trees of concrete. The air was unnervingly still¡ªno birds, no animals, just the echo of my boots on the hardened ground. Despite my focus on efficiency and leveling, the lore''s depth pulled me in. For the first time in a while, I found myself reveling in the storytelling. As I ventured deeper into the jungle, the ground began to tremble. Out of the petrified trees emerged Golems of Decay, their rocky forms adorned with jagged protrusions and glowing, molten cracks. I gripped my Unbidden Blade, the familiar black lightning sparking to life as I drew it. These creatures were no mere fodder¡ªthey scaled to my level, a new quality-of-life feature I hadn''t fully appreciated until now. The golems charged, their heavy steps thundering as they closed the distance. I smirked and activated Dark Pact: Stamina Drain and Dark Pact: Mana Drain, watching as my sword pulsed with energy. The first golem swung its massive stone arm, but with a quick Light Step, I sidestepped the attack and countered with a sweeping slash. Black lightning arced through the air as the blade tore through the golem, its HP bar chunking dramatically. The second golem raised both arms to slam down on me, but I retaliated with an Arcanic Blast, the attack amplified by the Unbidden Set¡¯s bonuses. The dark energy surged forward, shattering the creature into crumbling shards of concrete. The feeling of connection¡ªof actually gripping and swinging the blade¡ªwas far more immersive than before. The new updates to sensory feedback were astonishing, making each strike feel tactile and powerful. More golems emerged, their molten cores glowing brighter as if reacting to my presence. I leapt into the air using Sky Walk, chaining a flurry of attacks mid-flight. The combination of agility and power kept the golems disoriented as I rained down blows from above. Each swing drained their stamina and mana, leaving them sluggish and vulnerable. As the last of the golems crumbled, I sheathed my blade and surveyed the silent, desolate forest. This was only the beginning of the "Aspects of the Dragon" chain, but it had already reminded me why I loved this game. The thrill of combat, the intricate lore, and the ever-evolving world¡ªit was all here. In the distance, a faint glow pierced through the gloom. It was a marker for the next leg of the quest, leading deeper into the jungle. The sense of foreboding was palpable, but so was the excitement. Whatever lay ahead¡ªbe it Dark Seekers or the fabled Deep King¡ªI was ready to face it. Chapter 22: Astraeus Vs The Monk The deeper I ventured into the Concrete Jungle, the darker and more foreboding it became. Every step echoed against the concrete trees, every crack or creak sending a chill down my spine. It wasn¡¯t just the eerie silence¡ªit was the feeling of being watched. It gnawed at me, unrelenting, until I heard it. A faint scrape, boots against the ground. I turned, my hand already on the hilt of the Unbidden Blade. He stood there, a figure cloaked in shadow, his stance low and poised for combat. The name above his head flickered, clear enough to read: Blackfist, Level 99. ¡°You¡¯ve got quite the reputation,¡± he said, his voice calm but cutting. ¡°Astraeus, the great solo player. Master of builds. The one who stands alone.¡± The PvP alert flashed across my HUD, a warning I didn¡¯t take lightly. I tightened my grip on the blade. ¡°Looking for a fight?¡± I asked, my tone cold, trying to gauge his intentions. He smirked, his eyes narrowing. ¡°Not just a fight. A reckoning.¡± His words carried weight, but it was the way he moved¡ªgraceful, deliberate¡ªthat caught my attention. His gear wasn¡¯t just for show; it was optimized, every piece clearly tailored to a Monk/Pugilist hybrid. That class combination wasn¡¯t new, but it was rare. And then it clicked: the way he carried himself, the calculated aggression. This wasn¡¯t just another player. ¡°You¡¯re from Royale Online,¡± I said, the realization dawning on me. He laughed bitterly. ¡°Took you long enough. Yeah, I¡¯m from Royale Online. Back when the Sun Bringers were more than just Blazer¡¯s vanity project. Before you waltzed in and destroyed everything we built.¡± I raised an eyebrow, genuinely puzzled. ¡°Destroyed? You¡¯re blaming me for that mess? Blazer had the ego of a planet. Whatever happened to Sun Bringers was on him, not me.¡± ¡°You really don¡¯t get it, do you?¡± His fists began to spark with black lightning, the energy crackling ominously. ¡°It wasn¡¯t just Blazer. You showed up with your so-called genius builds, shaking up the meta, and everyone flocked to you. Suddenly, my guild, my strategies, were irrelevant. I was tossed aside like garbage.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not on me,¡± I said, my voice steady. ¡°If your builds couldn¡¯t hold up, that¡¯s on you. I didn¡¯t ruin anything¡ªI made the game better.¡± His eyes darkened, and the lightning around his fists intensified. ¡°Better? You turned it into a playground for min-maxing sycophants. And now, here you are again, at the top, thinking you¡¯re untouchable.¡± ¡°Let me guess,¡± I said, trying to keep him talking, ¡°you¡¯ve been nursing this grudge for years? How pathetic.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need your pity,¡± he growled. And then, the title appeared above his head: Ascended. My stomach sank. He wasn¡¯t just another PvP junkie¡ªhe was one of them. ¡°The Ascended¡­¡± I muttered. ¡°So you sold out. Took their shortcut to power.¡± His grin widened, his teeth bared like a predator. ¡°Power you couldn¡¯t possibly understand. The Architects see potential in me, something you could never achieve. And now, they¡¯ve sent me to deliver a message.¡± He stepped forward, the ground cracking beneath his boots as black lightning surged around him. ¡°The Architects send this warning: ¡®The world will bow before us. Those who stand in our way will be blinded by their own arrogance.¡¯¡± ¡°The Architects?¡± I asked, narrowing my eyes. ¡°What the hell are they?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll find out soon enough,¡± he said, his tone mocking. ¡°If you live long enough.¡± He lunged, and I barely had time to react. His speed was unlike anything I¡¯d faced before. One second he was ten feet away, the next his fist was slamming into my blade, the sheer force sending me flying back. I hit the ground hard, my HP dropping by nearly a third. ¡°You¡¯re slow,¡± he taunted, his voice cold. ¡°All that theorycrafting, and you forgot how to fight.¡± I scrambled to my feet, activating Dark Pact: Stamina Drain to try and keep up with his relentless assault. I swung the Unbidden Blade, the black lightning coursing through it clashing against his fists. But it was no use¡ªhe was faster, stronger, and completely overwhelming. He hit me with a devastating combo, each strike precise and punishing. My HP bar blinked red, a sliver away from zero. Every time I tried to counter, he was already three moves ahead, dodging or blocking with ease. ¡°Is this all you¡¯ve got?¡± he sneered, landing a crushing blow to my ribs that sent me crashing into a tree. ¡°I expected more from the so-called master.¡± I coughed, struggling to stand. ¡°You¡¯re just a puppet,¡± I spat, my voice defiant despite the pain. ¡°Whatever power you have, it¡¯s borrowed. You¡¯re nothing without them.¡± He laughed, a hollow, joyless sound. ¡°Keep telling yourself that, Astraeus. Maybe it¡¯ll make the pain more bearable.¡± With a final, devastating kick, he sent me sprawling onto the ground. My vision blurred as the world tilted, my HP hovering dangerously close to zero. He loomed over me, his fists still crackling with power. ¡°You¡¯re lucky I don¡¯t kill you outright,¡± he said, his voice dripping with disdain. ¡°But consider this your warning. The Architects are coming, and when they do, there won¡¯t be a place left for you.¡± With that, he vanished in a flash of black lightning, leaving me broken and humiliated in the middle of the Concrete Jungle. As the pain subsided and I regained my composure, one thought burned in my mind: this wasn¡¯t over. The Architects had declared war, and I wasn¡¯t about to lose.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. My HP began to regenerate, but it was painfully slow. Blackfist''s debuffs had hit me hard: Slow Regen, Min Heal, Like a Rock, and Low Attack. My recovery, speed, and attack were all gutted. It felt like I was trudging through a swamp. I opened my inventory and downed a Remedy X, watching the effects vanish from my HUD one by one. Still shaken, I opened my friends list and sent a voice message to Mira. "What is it, Astraeus?" she asked, her tone brisk but concerned. "Where¡¯s Blazar?" I asked. "On a business trip with his father. Why?" "I just ran into your old guild master from Royale Online," I said flatly. Silence lingered on the line before she replied. "Bokken... He always blamed you for ruining R.O., turning it into your personal playground," she said cautiously. "Well, he just beat the hell out of me in the Concrete Jungle," I said, grimacing at the memory. "If AoE had synaptic feedback, I¡¯d need a stretcher." Her gasp was audible. "He¡¯s in Age of Eternity?" "Ascended. And, Mira? He hits like a damn truck, no scratch that he hits like a truck throwing another truck, chunked my HP before I even knew what hit me. He said something about ¡®the Architects.¡¯ I don¡¯t know what they are, but I¡¯ll figure it out. Warn Apollo. I think he might target the guild next." "You¡¯re part of the guild too, you know," she said, frustration creeping into her voice. "Reach out if you¡¯re in trouble." "I know," I said. "Just tell Apollo. As for me, I¡¯ll make sure the next time we meet, I¡¯m ready." I ended the call and returned to the Coiled City. After logging out, I leaned back in my chair, the fire of determination burning in my chest. I opened the patch notes for The Isles of Destiny and scrolled through until something caught my eye. "After the Illuminate Queen used the last of her powers to send her message across the skies, it came with a gift. Introducing 12 new subclasses and 6 new main line classes, this time in Age of Eternity there will be free respeccing not just for the Atlas of Power but for your primary classes as well, Tired of being locked in playing a Fighter/Ranger? Respec your entire playstyle, just remember to buy or make the equipment yourselves" This got me excited so I started looking. I scrolled down the list, looking for something that fit me. My eyes stopped at one word: Spellblade. The description was short but enough to grab my attention. Spellblade: Overview I clicked for more details. The abilities were built for someone like me: Elemental Imbuement to boost damage, Second Blade to summon a spectral version of my primary weapon, and Ethereal Dash for mobility. But it was Second Blade that sealed the deal. A second Unbidden Blade, mirroring the stats and abilities of my main weapon? The possibilities were endless. Even better, unlocking the subclass was simple¡ªa quest tied to an old shrine in the Crystal Tomb. All I had to do was defeat an elemental spirit. Easy enough. I set down my tablet, a grin spreading across my face. This was exactly what I needed. Blackfist had outpaced me, but Spellblade would change that. I¡¯d be faster, deadlier, and ready for round two. Logging back in, I immediately set the Concrete Jungle quest aside. The allure of unlocking the Spellblade subclass was too enticing to resist. The quest, titled "The Quest of Sword and Sorcery," appeared on my HUD: Long ago, before the Eternal Convergence, there were warriors who blended the raw force of sorcery with the precision of a blade. These Spellblades were lethal, harnessing illusions and elemental magic to become unstoppable combatants. But their ultimate pursuit was the elusive, legendary power known as Vorpal¡ªthe ability to sever fate itself. I couldn¡¯t help but smirk at the mention of Vorpal. The lore surrounding the ability was infamous in gaming circles: a chance to deliver a single, devastating strike that could end fights outright by severing an opponent''s head¡ªor even cutting them clean in half. The idea of weaving that into my build was irresistible. The quest marker pointed to the Crystal Tomb, located on Floor 5 of the Lower Dungeon. The tomb¡¯s entrance would only open for those actively on the quest. With a quick check of my inventory and gear, I set out, weaving through the familiar traps and corridors of the Lower Dungeon until I reached the floor. As I approached the tomb¡¯s wall, the solid crystal shimmered, and sharp, claw-like formations pried it apart, revealing an entryway. The moment I stepped inside, the wall slammed shut behind me with a resonating boom. The air felt heavy with power, every step I took echoing sharply against the crystalline floor. A booming voice reverberated through the chamber: Seeker of the Spellblade, prove your worth. Defeat the Crystal Elemental and claim its heart... or perish." I glanced at the updated quest log: "Objective: Obtain the heart of the Crystal Elemental." Straightforward enough¡ªon paper. I¡¯d read forum posts about these tertiary subclass quests and their notoriously brutal difficulty. Most of the complaints came from players attempting them at level 20 or lower, ignoring warnings to properly prepare. The moderators¡¯ responses always made me laugh: ¡°Come back when you¡¯re ready, kid.¡± As I ventured deeper, the tunnel walls glistened with refracted light. The ambient glow intensified as crystalline skeletons began forming from the walls, shards breaking apart to assemble humanoid figures armed with jagged weapons. I drew my Unbidden sword, its dark blade flickering with black lightning, and began carving through them. They shattered with satisfying cracks, but more kept spawning, surging from the walls in an unrelenting tide. Realizing the futility of fighting them endlessly, I pushed forward, using my mobility skills to dodge and weave through the narrow passageways until I reached a massive clearing. Before me stood a colossal chamber. Four enormous crystalline golems loomed like sentinels, encircling the centerpiece: a monolithic Crystal Elemental. Its translucent body pulsed with raw energy, a massive crystalline heart beating visibly at its core. A swirling storm of shards and light enveloped it, radiating power. I crouched low, taking in my surroundings. Smaller crystal creatures patrolled the floor below, shimmering as they moved in erratic patterns. Their reactions to any disturbance were instantaneous, and I had no intention of being overwhelmed. I picked up a loose rock and hurled it into the center of the chamber. The moment it struck the ground, the creatures swarmed it, reducing it to dust before returning to their posts. "Noted," I muttered. Brute force wasn¡¯t going to cut it here¡ªat least not yet. I leaped down into the pit, activating Light Step mid-air to control my descent. As soon as I landed, the crystal creatures surged toward me, their jagged bodies gleaming under the storm¡¯s light. I swung my blade in wide arcs, the black lightning coursing through it slicing cleanly through their crystalline forms. Shards scattered like rain, but my assault triggered one of the larger golems. The ground trembled as the massive sentinel came to life, its crystalline body groaning under the strain of movement. It stomped toward me, each step sending shockwaves through the chamber. I dodged its first swipe, activating Dark Pact: Stamina Drain to keep my energy replenished as I struck its legs. The shards chipped away but barely made a dent in its HP bar. "Great," I muttered, sidestepping another massive swing. "A damage sponge." The smaller crystal creatures weren¡¯t letting up either, forcing me to divide my focus between clearing them out and avoiding the golem¡¯s relentless attacks. I activated Dark Pact: Mana Drain, channeling energy from the creatures into my reserves, and fired off an Arcanic Blast at the golem¡¯s chest. The blast hit, staggering it slightly, but its HP bar barely budged. This was going to be a war of attrition, and I was just getting started. Chapter 23: The Spellblade They kept spawning, as I got closer the frequency of the spawns accelerated, as I cut down 3 or 4, 6 spawned in its place. I had to keep moving, the giant golem slammed the ground where I used to stand but Light Step had become almost second nature as I darted around the battlefield cutting down the smaller spawns to keep my Dark Pact active. Once again the large golem slammed its fist into the ground, I jumped on its arm and ran up striking the heart once again, the HP bar slightly chunked as I saw a crack in the casing, I aimed a precise Arcanic Blast at the heart, smashing open the casing and landing once again on the ground, I knew this was going to be hard as the others began to move from their positions and started to move towards me, I had to make the next attack count before the Crystal Elemental made its move. I ran up the golem''s arm and finally smashed the heart, it tumbled over throwing its fist into the other golems causing a destructive chain reaction as their fists connected with each other''s hearts, causing them to destroy themselves. The smaller spawns stopped and fell to the floor. I heard wind and the sound of crystals picking up speed as the Crystal Elemental emerged from its spot with the name ''Elder Crystal Elemental'' appearing on my HUD, this was it. This was going to be a long battle. The tension in the battlefield thickened as the Elder Crystal Elemental loomed over me, its immense form radiating waves of arcane energy. Each movement it made sent tremors through the ground, shards of broken crystal glinting in the dim light. My breathing was steady, but I could feel the strain. This fight wasn¡¯t going to be won by brute force alone¡ªit would take every ounce of strategy and skill I had. The elemental raised its enormous crystalline sword again, the air shimmering with raw power as it swung downward. I anticipated the attack this time, using Light Step to dart to the side. The sword smashed into the ground, sending a shockwave of crystal shards outward. I activated Dark Pact: Stamina Drain, dodging the shards and using the restored energy to close the gap between me and the massive construct. ¡°Alright, big guy,¡± I muttered, gripping my Unbidden Sword tighter. ¡°Let¡¯s see how you like this.¡± With a flourish, I activated Sky Walk, bounding into the air and scaling the elemental¡¯s massive frame. As I reached its shoulder, I aimed a precise Arcanic Blast at what I thought could be its core. The blast struck true, and the creature staggered slightly, a deep crack forming across its chest. But it wasn¡¯t enough¡ªthe elemental¡¯s HP bar barely moved. The elemental retaliated, its crystalline form reshaping with terrifying speed. Its sword dissolved into razor-sharp shards, swirling around it like a deadly storm. The shards launched at me in rapid succession, forcing me to use Light Step repeatedly to avoid being skewered. My stamina bar dipped dangerously low, but I managed to stay ahead of the onslaught. ¡°Not good,¡± I hissed, chugging a Remedy X potion mid-movement. The refreshing burst of energy gave me just enough to plan my next move. The elemental suddenly reformed, its chest splitting open to reveal a pulsing, glowing heart¡ªa weak point, finally exposed. But this revelation came with a cost. The elemental unleashed a Crystalline Howl, a piercing shriek that disrupted my balance and drained a chunk of my HP. ¡°Damn it,¡± I growled, staggering but quickly regaining composure. The heart was a clear target, but getting to it was another story. The elemental¡¯s movements became erratic, its body morphing into jagged shapes designed to repel any assault. It swung its massive arm at me, and I narrowly avoided the attack, feeling the rush of wind as the crystals scraped past my armor. I needed to break through its defenses, and I had one trick left. I activated Second Blade, conjuring a spectral copy of my Unbidden Sword in my off-hand. The dual blades pulsed with dark energy, their combined power amplifying my attack potential. ¡°Let¡¯s end this,¡± I said, charging forward with renewed vigor. Using Sky Walk again, I ascended rapidly, dodging a volley of crystal spikes as I closed in on the elemental¡¯s heart. I unleashed a combination of Dark Pact: Mana Drain and Arcanic Blast in a series of precise strikes, each hit chipping away at its HP. The heart cracked further, its glow flickering. The elemental roared in defiance, summoning a massive crystalline barrier around its heart. It began to channel an attack that made the entire arena tremble¡ªa Crystal Maelstrom, swirling shards forming a devastating vortex. ¡°Not happening!¡± I shouted, activating Final Stand and rushing forward with all my remaining stamina. My blades struck the barrier repeatedly, each impact reverberating through my arms. Cracks began to spiderweb across the crystalline shield, but my HP was dropping fast under the relentless barrage of the maelstrom. With one final surge, I activated Arcanic Blast: Overload, channeling every ounce of remaining MP into a single, devastating strike. The explosion shattered the barrier and pierced the elemental¡¯s heart, the glow fading as it let out a final, guttural roar. The Elder Crystal Elemental disintegrated into a cascade of shimmering fragments, the storm around us dissipating. A notification appeared on my HUD: Quest Complete: The Crystal Elemental¡¯s Heart Obtained. Reward: Crystal Heart (Rare), +10 Skill Points, Access to Spellblade Subclass. I collapsed to one knee, panting heavily as the arena grew silent. The fragments of the elemental settled around me like glittering snow. My Unbidden Sword dimmed, its energy spent. I stared at the glowing Crystal Heart in my inventory, a satisfied smile creeping onto my face. This wasn¡¯t just a victory¡ªit was the start of something new. The Spellblade subclass was mine, and with it, the promise of new power. As I looked over the newly unlocked abilities, a grin spread across my face. The Spellblade subclass was a game-changer. The combination of mobility, enhanced elemental control, and devastating potential with Vorpal made me feel unstoppable. The stat bonuses were precisely what I needed to take my combat prowess to the next level, especially after the beating I took from Blackfist. This wasn¡¯t just about revenge¡ªit was about reclaiming my pride and showing him just how far I could push the boundaries of skill and strategy.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Spellblade Abilities Unlocked With the mobility and speed bonuses combined, I was now 50% faster than before. I¡¯d already been quick, but this was next-level. The agility boost alone would give me an edge in dodging and countering Blackfist¡¯s relentless attacks. But the highlight was Vorpal¡ªa conditional strike that required precision, timing, and skill. I couldn¡¯t help but smirk. Blackfist had bested me once, but with this new arsenal, he wouldn¡¯t see what was coming. I spent the next hour refining my Atlas of Power, respeccing nodes to maximize synergy with my new abilities. I focused on three key areas: Elemental Mastery, Survivability, and Speed. Each node I unlocked brought my build closer to perfection. I sacrificed some raw physical damage mitigation to bolster my elemental defenses, knowing Blackfist¡¯s Ascended abilities likely included elemental effects. Then, I turned to my base stats. The Warlock class demanded a balance of Intelligence and Dexterity, but the Spellblade¡¯s added reliance on speed and survivability meant I needed to adjust. I redistributed points to create a balanced build that could endure prolonged battles while dishing out devastating damage. Astraeus Level: 100 Exp: 1,588,522/3,855,369 Attributes: Defensive Attributes Satisfied with my adjustments, I scrolled through the forums for any information about the Architects that Blackfist had mentioned. There was next to nothing¡ªjust scattered rumors and cryptic posts from other players claiming to have encountered similar Ascended enemies. But none of them had faced someone as skilled or vengeful as Blackfist. ¡°Alright, Blackfist,¡± I muttered, gripping my Unbidden Sword, now paired with its spectral twin thanks to Second Blade. ¡°You wanted a fight. This time, I¡¯m bringing hell.¡± Before setting out to confront him again, I returned to the Coiled City to prepare. I stocked up on Remedy X, mana potions, and stamina restoratives, knowing full well I¡¯d need every advantage. As I stood in the bustling marketplace, I received a direct message from Mira. "Astraeus, Apollo''s asking if you''re alright. He heard about your fight with Blackfist. Should we prepare a raid party for backup?" I smirked at the concern. "Tell him to hold off for now. This is personal. But I¡¯ll keep you all in the loop. Just be ready in case things escalate." Mira¡¯s response was instant. "Be careful. If Blackfist¡¯s Ascended, who knows what kind of tricks he¡¯s hiding." I opened the forums, typing out a post designed to grab attention and make sure Blackfist saw it. There was no need for subtlety or clever wordplay¡ªthis was a declaration of intent. "Dear Blackfist, After ambushing me in the Concrete Jungle, I¡¯ve decided to call you out for a rematch. How about the same place you attacked me? This time, however, it won¡¯t be an easy one. Regards, Astraeus" Satisfied, I hit "Post" and logged off the forums. There was no turning back now. I made my way to the Concrete Jungle, the haunting silence and decayed surroundings feeling almost welcoming this time. Every step echoed in the stillness as I reached the spot where Blackfist had humiliated me before. I waited in silence, my fingers tightening around the hilt of my Unbidden Sword. The spectral twin floated beside it, faintly humming with power, ready to spring into action. A ripple in the air warned me of his approach before he even spoke. ¡°You¡¯re even dumber than I thought,¡± Blackfist sneered as he emerged from the shadows. His fists sparked with glitching fire, but I could tell it wasn¡¯t elemental magic. It was something else entirely¡ªmalware, designed to exploit weaknesses in the EternaLink system. Unfortunately for him, my gear upgrades and the latest firmware patch made sure his little tricks wouldn¡¯t get past my defenses. ¡°Leveling up doesn¡¯t give you any advantage over me, you know. I¡¯m Level 100 now too. The difference is, you won¡¯t walk away from this. I¡¯m going to give you your first¡ªand most painful¡ªdeath.¡± I stood tall, meeting his venomous glare with a calm that belied my anticipation. ¡°Using given power is no way to play a game,¡± I said, drawing my sword, the dark lightning crackling along its edge. ¡°Unless you¡¯re playing one of those trash god simulators, then fine. But in Age of Eternity? Building the meta is half the fun.¡± His expression twisted with anger. ¡°Still holding onto your deluded ideas of ¡®character building.¡¯ You¡¯re nothing but a fool playing at being a king. This is going to feel good¡ªseeing your name in the headlines, your eyes burned out, your body left to rot. Get ready, Avisious. Today is the day you die.¡± He charged without hesitation, his movements a blur. The force of his attack cracked the concrete beneath his feet, sending shards of debris flying as his fists, coated in fiery malware, swung toward me. I braced myself, the clash of his punch against my blade sending shockwaves through the battlefield. Sparks flew as we collided, the raw strength of his blows reverberating through my arms. His speed was astounding, each strike faster and more brutal than the last, but this time, I wasn¡¯t the same Astraeus he had fought before. My enhanced agility and mobility kicked in, allowing me to parry and counter with precision. The spectral blade of my Second Blade danced alongside me, slashing in tandem with my movements. Blackfist¡¯s smirk faded slightly as he realized I was no longer the easy target he had left beaten and humiliated. ¡°You¡¯ve been practicing,¡± he admitted begrudgingly, his tone laced with mockery. ¡°But it won¡¯t matter. You¡¯re still nothing compared to me.¡± ¡°Keep talking,¡± I replied, sidestepping his next attack and landing a clean strike on his shoulder. ¡°The more you run your mouth, the easier this gets.¡± He roared, his fists erupting with glitching energy as he unleashed a devastating combo. I barely had time to activate Absolute Barrier, the shield absorbing the brunt of the attack as I was pushed back. The force of the impact shattered the ground beneath me, but I stood firm, a grin tugging at the corner of my lips. ¡°This is just getting started,¡± I said, gripping my sword tighter. The spectral blade glowed faintly, waiting for its moment to strike. The battle was far from over, and as much as Blackfist wanted to end me here, he was about to learn that I wasn¡¯t the same Astraeus he had faced before. The Concrete Jungle fell silent again, save for the sound of our breathing and the faint crackle of electricity. The battle wasn¡¯t over¡ªit had barely begun. Chapter 24: Secrets His fist broke through my initial defense, forcing me back as I dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding his second fist slamming into the concrete and sending fractures radiating outward. Blackfist stood motionless for a moment, his twisted smile illuminated by faint sparks of black energy crackling around his body. "You think you''re clever, don¡¯t you?" he said, his voice carrying an unsettling mix of contempt and satisfaction. "This is your chance, Astraeus. Show me what that overhyped reputation is worth." I steadied myself, my grip tightening on my twin swords. "A true player only reveals their trump card at the right time. And this? This is far from over, Blackfist." The air around him distorted as his fists began to glow with glitch-like energy. He smirked. "You don¡¯t understand. This isn¡¯t just about power¡ªit¡¯s about perfection. And today, I¡¯ll show you what it means to face a master." He charged forward with impossible speed, his first strike coming down hard. I parried with my Unbidden Blade, sparks flying as our weapons met. The force pushed me back, but I used the momentum to spin and counter, striking at his exposed side. He twisted unnaturally mid-air, avoiding my blade by a hair¡¯s breadth, and retaliated with a kick aimed at my chest. I activated Light Step, darting to the side just in time. "Your reflexes are impressive," I admitted, readying myself for his next move. "But this isn¡¯t Royale Online. You¡¯re not the only one who can adapt." His eyes narrowed. "Royale Online?" He scoffed. "You remember, don¡¯t you? I was the first. The first to lead. The first to dominate. Until you came along, dragging everyone into your twisted little playground. You turned my game into a circus." I blinked, realization dawning. "Bokken... You¡¯re the old Sun Bringers¡¯ guild leader." "Finally figured it out," he sneered. "You ruined everything. You took the balance we built and shattered it with your ¡®perfect builds.¡¯ You stole the spotlight. The fame. The respect. And then... you left. You abandoned the wreckage you created. But not me. I adapted. I survived." "And now you''re trying to settle a grudge in a completely different game?" I asked, sidestepping another punch. "Sounds like someone who can¡¯t move on." His smile faded, replaced by a cold glare. "This isn¡¯t just a game anymore. This is evolution." As he lunged again, I noticed his movements becoming erratic, flickering like a corrupted file. His strikes were still precise, but the way his body moved¡ªjerky and unnatural¡ªwas wrong. I dodged another flurry of punches and activated Dark Pact: Stamina Drain, forcing him to work harder for each strike. "You think leveling up changes anything?" he taunted, his voice distorting. "I¡¯m level 100, just like you. But I have the Architects behind me." I froze briefly. "The Architects?" He smiled darkly, his voice shifting into a monotone, almost robotic cadence. "Do you want to live in a world that death can¡¯t touch? A world where a child will never know hunger? Where pain is a thing of the past? The Architects offer salvation. And you... you stand in their way." Before I could respond, his avatar flickered violently. "System Override: Blackfist_DesignationAlpha. Directive: eliminate." the voice was monotone and sounded like a distorted AI "What the hell...?" I muttered, stepping back as his body glitched, polygons peeling away before snapping back into place. He resumed his attack, faster and more brutal than before. I blocked and parried, but his strikes chipped away at my stamina. He didn¡¯t move like a player anymore¡ªhe moved like a machine. "You¡¯re not even in control, are you?" I said, deflecting another blow and countering with Arcanic Blast, the impact knocking him back slightly. His head jerked unnaturally, his voice warping. "Control? The Architects are control. You cannot comprehend the perfection they bring."If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. I pressed the attack, activating Vorpal Blade. Both swords glowed pitch black, their power surging through me as I closed the distance. He blocked my first strike with his forearm, but the force sent cracks splintering through his avatar. His health bar ticked down to 20%. "This ends now," I growled, triggering Vorpal Severance. The ability activated in a flash. My swords moved in a blinding X-pattern, cutting through Blackfist with precise, overwhelming power. His avatar split into four equal parts, each dissolving into glitching fragments. But even in death, the glitches persisted. As the fragments faded, his distorted voice echoed one last time. "The Architects will rise. This... is only the beginning. Reset. Reboot. Calibrate." And then, he was gone. I stood in the silent aftermath, my heart pounding. This wasn¡¯t just a grudge match. Blackfist was a warning¡ªa pawn in something far bigger than a game. The Architects weren¡¯t just manipulating players. They were rewriting the rules of reality itself. Call it curiosity or a macabre sense of wanting to know. After the fight with Blackfist, I couldn''t shake the feeling that something wasn¡¯t right. I opened my friend list and contacted Mira. ¡°Hey, I beat Blackfist,¡± I started, ¡°but I want you to do a real-world search. You knew Bokken before I arrived in Royale Online. Can you see if he¡¯s still alive?¡± The message hung in silence before she responded. ¡°He died six months ago¡­¡± she replied, her voice tinged with disbelief. ¡°So who the hell did you fight?¡± Her response left me chilled. My mind raced, trying to piece together what had just happened. As I sat there, the ground beneath me rumbled and split open. A stairway, made of glowing white light and fractured glass-like shards, materialized out of nowhere. The air around it felt heavy, and despite the unease, I descended. The entrance sealed behind me with a thunderous crack, leaving me no choice but to continue. The staircase led to a vast chamber, dimly lit with a surreal greenish glow. As I ventured further, it became clear that the space wasn¡¯t finished¡ªit was like stepping into a developer¡¯s sandbox. Textures flickered in and out as if the game¡¯s engine struggled to load them, and objects popped in and out of existence. Among the flickering objects were strange, glowing Datashards. They hovered in mid-air, crackling with faint energy. I reached out, interacting with one, and it projected fragmented text into the air. Data Log: PROJECT ASCENSION Using a groundbreaking VR system to develop the Nexus Core to morph reality... arrgsfgsfgsdfsfsd8f554fds555sd4f5454s5df45f4sdf54d51f (Error: Data Missing¡ªCorrupted Text) The first test subject was a prisoner. The interface and integration failed; his body seemed to melt. We needed a new avenue. Age of Eternity v0.2 seemed easy to integrate our code. Junko Sato was eager to help us develop the game world needed. Keep her under watch. The final line shifted into wingdings-like gibberish, unreadable to any normal player: ??????¡õ¡ø¨‹¨‹????¡õ¡õ??????? I stared at the text, feeling a cold pit form in my stomach. Sato? She''s involved in this? Before I could process the implications, the chamber trembled. My HUD flickered as a teleportation sequence began. A moment later, I was back in the Coiled City tavern. Sitting across from me was someone I¡¯d never seen before. Her avatar was simple, almost generic, yet something in her gaze caught my attention. ¡°I can¡¯t help too much,¡± she said, her voice calm but tinged with exhaustion. ¡°Even this avatar would be monitored.¡± I stared at her. ¡°You¡¯re Junko Sato,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯m guessing you left that level for me?¡± ¡°Did it help?¡± she asked blankly. ¡°Not at all. It just leaves more questions.¡± Her eyes softened, and she seemed to deflate slightly. ¡°I had no choice. They threatened me¡ªand my family. You don¡¯t know what it¡¯s like working for them. We have a company police unit¡ªthe ISD, Internal Security Division. They monitor everything: our computers, phones, even our personal notes. Everything is scanned for leaks or deviations. If I didn¡¯t comply¡­ well, Sakaguchi is proof of what happens.¡± I narrowed my eyes. ¡°Yeah, and helping with his malware was an act of generosity, I¡¯m sure.¡± She flinched at the accusation but didn¡¯t deny it. ¡°It wasn¡¯t that simple. The ISD oversees every aspect of our lives. Even the Director warned me¡ªdirectly¡ªnever to help players. It¡¯s against company policy and, apparently, against the rules of the Architects.¡± Her voice trembled slightly, but she pressed on. ¡°The only freedom I have is at home. The privacy laws are so strict now that even they can¡¯t monitor me there. It¡¯s the only place I¡¯m safe.¡± ¡°So what do you want from me?¡± I asked, leaning forward. ¡°Why stick your neck out now?¡± She hesitated before meeting my gaze. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to save the world,¡± she said quietly. ¡°I want you to make sure it still exists.¡± I didn¡¯t respond immediately, my mind racing with what she¡¯d just said. Before I could question her further, she added, ¡°I¡¯ll dig into the old files. See what I can find about their plans. I¡¯m just¡­ a world builder to them. But if I can uncover anything, I¡¯ll share it.¡± Without another word, her avatar blinked out of existence, leaving me alone in the tavern. Her last words echoed in my mind, heavy with implication: ¡°Make sure the world still exists.¡± It still haunts me, these words. I knew something big was on the horizon and what was coming was dangerous. I sighed, why does every game I play turn into a nightmare?