Alex walked out onto the floor, this time it resembled the stretched mismatch mess of the earlier floors instead of the last floor.
"Guess we're back in the Tower."
"We've never been in the Tower. We're in an Instance that occupies a tiny stretch in the expanse of the Multiverse. Technically if you could breach the walls of this Instance you would fall into Nothingness."
Alex just looked at his Companion, opened his mouth to reply then mouthed, "Nothingness," seemed to rethink what he was going to say and left it alone.
Moving forwards the two looked around the floor.
"See anything, professor?"
"No."
"Me either. More Morris jiggery fuckery?"
"I really don't like that term. But no, I'm of the opinion that you need to do something to activate-"
Both stopped as a loud rumbling started.
"-the Floor Boss," the professor finished.
The rumbling increased, both in intensity and volume until the ceiling was torn away and a huge…
"Holy shit!"
Alex started running then threw himself to the side as a gigantic snake-man landed in the middle of the Floor. It's coiled length cushioned the landing, then it moved to face him. The sound of the snake slithering was oddly similar to the noise you'd hear while sharpening a knife on a whetstone.
Name: Theodore Huntington III, Earl of Desolation Ridge, Viscount of The Breach, Harbinger of Undeath, Champion of Varkarakos
Floor 5 Boss
Race: Human/Naga Hybrid (Earth 51)
Class: Champion
Title: Traitor of Covenant Ridge, Champion of Varkarakos
Core Pantheon: Onix Trono
Level: 101
"Why don't the titles from his Name section show under actual titles?"
"Because they aren't actually titles. You can find, or purchase, Name Change Tokens which do what the name suggests. Occasionally nobles will purchase them for their subjects."
"So he added fancy sounding titles to his name so people would think he was fancy? Or someone did it for him?"
"Yes."
"Are titles important on Earth 51?"
"Other than the information about the Undead I have very little knowledge of that Earth. However, digging into those documents does show a large number of extra titles and nobility information."
"Interesting. Earth's are completely different?"
"Not all. Most have varying degrees of difference but they are completely separate. For example, some Earths still have a supercontinent, while others fractured more than this, that is to say, our Earth. The difference that one change would make on archaeological discovery."
Alex turned to the professor.
"Without continental drift there would've been less cultural shift and limited external warfare. The knowledge they'd have stored that wouldn't have been lost on long journeys at sea. But the diversity they missed out on as well… fascinating."
"Without foreign cultu-"
"I, the esteemed Theodore Huntington III, Earl of-"
"Theo, mate, can't you see we're having a discussion here? You could even call it a lively archaeological debate. Could you wait a bit?"
"You have the audacity?"
"Yes."
"I shall strip you of your impertinence."
"No. You'll try to… strip me. Anyway, the attempted, let’s just call it flaying, can either happen now, or shortly. I vote for shortly, what about you, professor?"
"Shortly."
"If you couldn't hear my companion, she also voted for shortly. I would presume your vote would've been now, based on your aggressive posture and general disregard for others and their discussions. But sadly for you the vote is two to one. Wait your turn."
With that Alex turned back to the professor.
"You were saying?"
"Without foreign culture they could stagnate. We know from our Earth that the influence other cultures had on development, the Goths for example, they altered the Roman Empire significantly. The Roman’s altered a lt of different cultures. America…"
"True… but being able to see the development of one culture, without external interference, presumably without war, would be incredible. The parallels and stark differences between an Earth with a single culture and those from our own Earth would be incredible."
"Enough!"
Alex and the professor turned to face the large snake.
"We probably were rude, Till."
"He wants to flay me."
"You can be ill disciplined at times."
"Enough to warrant a flaying?"
"No. Ben though, I could've flayed him on several occasions."
Alex smiled weakly.
"We're done."
The snake-man started to speak then stopped.
"Indeed. Let us proceed forthwith."
"Yes. Let’s. But first, could we speak?"
"Pray, upon which subjects would you like to engage in conversation?"
"You, your Earth. I spoke with Shaun and Paul and, while they both lacked your intensity and… enhancements, they were interesting… in their own ways."
"Both of them were devoid of all sense and wisdom"
"That's going a little-"
"Simpletons!"
"OK, I'll allow that they were both a little simple. Mostly Shaun, that guy was definitely lacking in several key areas."
"He was an easily deceived simpleton."
"Yeah, that's accurate. The Church of Morris… honestly. Everyone knows it's just the Onix Trono but with a different PR guy."
"PR guy? Nevertheless, it matters little. Indeed, the Church of Morris proved to be a comical ruse, though I suspect the Onix Trono did not anticipate such a widespread acceptance of Morris into the hearts of the people"
"We have a similar religion on our Earth, it's called Scientology. Anyway, tell me about you. I've never met or seen a Human/Naga Hybrid before."
"This was a Benediction from my Lady, the magnificent and lovely Varkarakos. When She raised me to the rank of Champion, I assumed this visage. It pales in comparison to her magnificence."
"Champion wasn't the Class you chose."
"Nay, Adventurer. I was merely a modest Paladin, a Knight who stood against the encroaching shadows and safeguarded the vulnerable."
"Interesting. So, Varkos is a-"
"Varkarakos!"
"My mistake. So Varkarakos is a Goddess of similar virtues?”
The snake-man hung his head for a moment then seemed to bounce back.
"Nay, my lady, the Goddess Varkarakos is not of such leniency. Here."
The Champion waved a scaled hand and Alex recieved a pop up in his HUD.
Theodore Huntington III, Earl of Desolation Ridge, Viscount of The Breach, Harbinger of Undeath, Champion of Varkarakos wishes to share information with you
Accept?
Yes/No
Alex considered it for a moment then shrugged and mentally clicked 'Yes'.
Varkarakos, the dreaded Goddess of Undeath and Necromancy, holds court in the Onix Trono's darkest corner. Her very existence is a grotesque fusion of malevolence and decay, a nightmarish figure cloaked in blood-stained shrouds, her eyes are pits of abyssal despair for all who gaze upon her,.
Within the Netherveil, tormented souls of the almost departed are imprisoned in an eternal dance of suffering. Varkarakos revels in their anguish, commanding legions of Necrotic Abominations and vengeful spectres. Her followers, practitioners of forbidden necromantic arts, trade their humanity for glimpses into her gruesome powers. Those that are valued above the rest are gifted access to the power of her true form.
As the embodiment of relentless horror, Varkarakos embodies the unsettling truth that death is not the end, but a gateway to a torment far worse. Her place in the halls of the Chankan Onix Trono evokes spine-tingling dread, as she orchestrates a symphony of darkness that threatens to engulf the Multiverse.
"Holy shit! Theo… that's messed up."
Alex stood there and reread the short synopsis Theodore had sent him until the professor spoke softly.
"How could a Paladin fall so far?"
Alex turned to the professor.
"Paladins are cool?"
"They're kind of like you, but with more options. They can tank, deal damage or heal. Instead of Inner Fire they are Blessed by a deity who gives them access to Abilities and Power. A strong Paladin is a beacon of virtue, honour and justice."
"I appreciate you saying they're kind of like me then listing everything I'm not." Turning back to the snake-man Alex continued. "Theo, what happened?"
"The Breach. Chankan forces, well, Varkarakos' forces, surged forth in a region of my world near the Monastery I swore to protect, Covenant Ridge. I raised my banners, and we rode toward The Breach. I... " the snake-man faltered, "I was not sufficiently mighty. My men perished, all of them. A colossal Naga emerged and cut them down before confronting me. My courage waned, and I soon followed, leaving my comrades lifeless and defeated. They valiantly fought to the end. I fled the battle. Time elapsed, I know not how long, and that same Naga, the accursed creature that had slaughtered my men, discovered me. I was escorted back to The Breach. On the other side, in the Netherveil, I faced a choice. I could either confront Varkarakos' Champion in combat or meet my demise by my own blade. If I emerged victorious in combat, I would return to my Earth to aid the Chanka and assume my position as Varkarakos' chosen Champion. If I fell, either to the previous Champion or by my own hand, I would be resurrected and sent back to battle as a soulless Abomination."
"That's rough. What are your orders now?"
"To dispatch thee."
"Oh, just that then. Any wiggle room?"
"Wiggle? Nay, it is a matter of life or death, Adventurer, for one of us will die today."
"What level were you before the Invasion?"
"221."
"Bloody hell! That's a fair effort."
"The Integration had been accomplished many years before I attained maturity. Upon my Earth, there exist Academies that hasten the process of leveling. Furthermore, there are Demonic Incursion Zones, rifts in the Multiverse that permit powerful Demons to traverse into our realm. Paladins were bestowed with the solemn duty of purging the world of their corrupting presence."
"That sounds awesome. Demons? I wonder if we'll get Demons. So, what now?"
"Now, we engage in combat. We have conversed with civility, but at this moment, you shall experience the desolation that befalls all who peer into the Netherveil."
"Then you'll have to gaze on…"
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"You've got nothing do you, Till?"
"Absolutely nothing."
"You're embarrassing us."
"I wasn't expecting a cool fight with a Fallen Paladin snake-man who has some kind of messed up Necrotic Goddess pulling his strings. I didn't even know that was a thing."
"Naga."
"What?"
"Theodore is a Naga."
"Fine. Snake-man is probably offensive."
"As long as you learn from your mistakes and grow as a person… preferably not into a Naga."
"So as a Fallen Paladin and a Traitor, this guy probably-"
Multiverse Foe Quest
Theodore Huntington III, Champion of Varkarakos, Fallen Paladin of Aurelius, He of the Light, He of the Valiant, He of the Unwavering Hand of Justice, has spread sorrow, darkness and the uncouth teachings of Necromancy to Earth 51 and beyond. End his blasphemy by any means necessary
"Bonus Quest!"
"Back."
Alex did as the professor suggested and launched himself backwards as the Naga thrust a spear that seemed to be made of solid darkness into the ground where he had been standing. Swinging his axe into the ground Alex created what was becoming a standard opening move, a Firestorm, then dodged another thrust from the dark spear.
"Blazing Hurl."
Alex threw his axe just as the Naga leaned back to thrust again, as the axe spun through the air he extended his left hand allowing the Chains of Woe to reach out to the axe. With a smile Alex felt the axe sink into the Naga between two armoured scales. Theodore screamed as he was instantly afflicted by Volcanic Resonance, the heat contained deep within the Earth started to eat away at the scales of the large Naga. While this happened the chain that connected him to the axe retracted and pulled him in. Landing feet first on his weapon he drove the axe deeper before giving it a vicious twist that forced a scale away from the large body. It dangled, partially attached, dripping blood.
"I shall bring an end to your existence!"
"You're not the first to try, Theo, and after I tear the Darkness from you, you definitely won't be the last. But your attempt will be fun."
"This is not a matter of amusement, Adventurer. It is a solemn obligation to one's Goddess"
“Theo, you gave up your duty, Aurelius doesn’t forget. He trusted you to be his Light, to be valiant and above all else, to be his Hand of Justice.”
The Naga froze, his spear had been moving faster than Alex could track but Alex was able to step out of the way as the tip appeared frozen in place before his eyes.
“Do you need to antagonise him Till?”
“I have a plan.”
“Carry on then. Though, I reserve the right to say you were wrong when it fails.”
“When? Where’s the trust?”
The professor didn’t reply, she drifted over to the side of the large area and pulled out a small chair from their shared Inventory.
“My Thinking Chair!”
“I’ll be pondering your chances.”
“It’s ethereal now…”
“Oh, I liked your chair so it’s mine now. Didn’t we talk about this a while ago?”
“Professor, that's not how this partnership works.”
“Dodge,”
Alex moved without having to think, admittedly seeing his Thinking Chair treated so cavalierly had distracted him but when the professor called out instructions he moved instantly. The large spear quivered in the ground and Alex kicked out, snapping the tip off. The Naga screamed and slithered back. He pulled the tip of the spear close to his face and breathed on it and darkness came from within his throat and repaired the damage.
“Volcanic Fury, Primal Fury, Flame Manipulation.”
Alex cast his two major self Buffs and took control of the flames that had grown from his Firestorm and the wake of his Blazing Hurl.
“You cannot stand against the darkness.”
“I fight with Aurelius, the darkness is nothing when in the presence of the Light.”
The Naga screamed again and threw his spear at Alex who slipped through the fire to appear at Theo’s coiled base. Reaching up he grabbed hold of the armoured plate that was hanging loose and tore it free.
“My Goddess shall rend you asunder upon her sacred altar. You shall be employed to forge an army of Abominations.”
“Not with Aurelius on my side. The Light will never submit.”
Using his Fire Manipulation Alex formed a huge flaming set of scales, then sweating from the effort turned it into a flaming gauntlet. The Naga roared in anger and Alex took his chance, gripping the armour plates that had been next to the one lying in his flames he pulled until with a screeching, popping noise they too started to pull away from the great Naga’s body. With a scream of his own Alex tore the plates free and dropped them into the fire.
“The Darkness makes you weak Theo, you have lost your strength. Remember the man you were.”
“Dodge.”
Alex did as he was told, leaping backwards as the Naga struck down with great force, burying the spear deep into the ground.
“How canst thou discern the source of my strikes?”
“I fight for Aurelius. He of the Light, He of the Valiant, He of the Unwavering Hand of Justice. He guides my moves, as he once guided yours.”
“I’ll accept the comparison,” said the professor who was now reclining in her chair. “Also, I know what you’re doing. You just can’t do things the easy way.”
“Aurelius was a magnificent and righteous deity.”
“He wants your back Theo.”
“I cannot make my way back. I have descended too deeply into the abyss.”
“Theo, Aurelius is a God of Justice. You know it won’t be easy, but would you rather be remembered as a Paladin of the Light, or a Champion of Darkness.”
Theo roared again and tore his spear free then threw it against the wall and sagged to the ground defeated.
“Do as you see fit with me, Adventurer. I shall not oppose you. I shall not defy Aurelius. I shall seek the path of redemption and serve my atonement in the Light.”
“You’re a good man Theo. Aurelius will accept you.”
“Aurelius is a deity of unforgiving nature.”
“Do you deserve forgiveness or should you earn it?”
“You are correct, Adventurer. Let us return to the Earth of my nativity so I may learn my fate.”
Multiverse Foe Quest Completed
Theodore Huntington III, Champion of Varkarakos, Fallen Paladin of Aurelius, He of the Light, He of the Valiant, He of the Unwavering Hand of Justice, has spread sorrow, darkness and the uncouth teachings of Necromancy to Earth 51 and beyond. End his blasphemy by any means necessary
Theodore Huntington III has relinquished his ties to Varkarakos and wishes to be tried by his former God, Aurelius, He of the Light, He of the Valiant, He of the Unwavering Hand of Justice. This Quest has completed but rewards won’t be provided until Theodore Huntington III is returned to Earth 51
Additional Benefit - While Aurelius, He of the Light, He of the Valiant, He of the Unwavering Hand of Justice did not require his servant to be returned alive, for enacting justice in his name without unnecessary bloodshed you have earned an audience with the God for you or your Pantheon
“I don’t know if that worries me or excites me.”
The professor drifted over to where Alex stood looking down at the Fallen Paladin. Theo screamed quietly as the great armoured scales fell from his body.
“Adventurer, I am reluctant to beseech a favor of thee. Nonetheless, if we do not hasten our arrival upon my Earth, the power bestowed upon me by Varkarakos... she shall forcefully extract it from my mortal vessel. Parting ways with a Goddess, particularly one of the Onix Trono, is not an ordeal from which one emerges unscathed without Divine Intervention.”
Alex nodded and looked around.
“This is a bit of an awkward question… but Aurelius didn’t give me a way back to your Earth when he… entrusted me with the Quest to bring you back. So, I don’t actually have a way to get you back. Professor, where was Jadon from?”
“Earth 44.”
“That won’t help. Theo, how did you get here?”
“My... nay, Varkarakos rent asunder a portal. Your arrival upon this level was anticipated. She extracted the previous Floor Boss and dispatched me hither while you were engaged with that buffoon Shaun.”
“Right… excuse me a minute.”
Alex and the professor walked as far from the Naga as possible.
“Professor, do you have any suggestions? When we killed that Jadon bloke we got a way to his Earth… something we should probably do soon.”
“Again, Earth 44 and yes, you received an Earth 44 Transfer Token.”
“At my level it wouldn’t be expected that I would have a Multiversal Transfer Ability right? You mentioned that they don’t come up very often at my level.”
“This is true. I can only think of one solution.”
“I’m all ears.”
“Mama Qucha.”
“Ah, the Goddess in our pocket.”
“I wouldn’t refer to her like that. Aurelius is a member of the Order of Light, a Multiversal Pantheon of Deities that aren’t specific to a certain culture, like the Coricancha, Onix Trono or Ennead, but instead to a Calling or Class, in this situayion, Paladins. They are powerful, but compared to Pantheon’s revered by entire cultures or even entire planets they can’t compare. Mama may be convinced to improve relations with the Order of Light. Paladin’s are very rare within Incan culture, creating ties with Aurelius and his Order would surely help with that.”
“I like how you think. Next question, how do I get in touch with Mama?”
“Just turn around.”
Alex spun and sure enough Mama Qucha was standing just behind him, a smile tugging at her lips.
“You’re changing warma, I believe you’ll be quite the handful when you reach the next stage of your evolution.”
“Welcome Mama, thank you for coming.”
Alex bowed his head, mostly out of respect but also as it gave him a chance to step back. He hasn’t heard her arrive and that still annoyed him.
“Alex, you’re not even level 100, you’ll need to be at least 500 before you can detect me shifting into your Earth or even a Multiverse Dungeon.
Alex nodded, feeling a little better but already planning on halving that estimate.
“You heard what the professor suggested?”
“Indeed. Your Feed is very popular right now and while I would’ve preferred the benefits not to be stated so openly,” she turned to the professor and gave her a quick wink, “I agree. The Coricancha has long wanted to improve ties with the Order of Light. Adding Paladin’s to the ranks of Incan’s and those who support our people would be a boon, but Pantheon’s intent on Order, Justice and maintaining balance should foster stronger allegiances. I’ll add that Aurelius is pleased to have one of his Paladin’s returned to him, but there is a lot of work to be done on Theodore’s side.”
“I think he expects that. Well, what now?”
Alex and Mama walked over to Theo who had gone downhill fast, all the armoured scales had torn themselves free and his size was greatly reduced. Mama reached down and Alex watched as a cascade of water seemed to flow from the Goddess over the Naga, then without any landing on the floor it settled into the raw skin.
“What was that?”
“A form of Divine Protection. He isn’t a Follower of mine and he is still tainted by Darkness, but I can hold back Varkarakos’ wrath for now. You’ll need to lift him though, gently, as he is gravely wounded.”
Alex crouched and lifted the Naga, even greatly reduced in size he was still exceptionally heavy.
“You owe me for this mate.”
“Indeed, Adventurer, it is as thou sayest,” Theodore responded with a whisper.
With a wave of her hand Mama Qucha opened a portal and Alex followed her through into a room seemingly made of Light.
“You may put him down here, Alex.”
Alex did as he was told, gently lying the Naga on solid Light.
“This place is amazing.”
“I need to take you to Coricancha, less light, but more gold. Though its splendour has been diminished of late. Regardless, it is time for you to leave. I can only keep the portal to your Dungeon open for so long and I don’t want you to be stranded here, unable to re enter and unable to return to your Earth.
Alex nodded, still looking around the room that seemed to be growing before his eyes. Movement at the corner of his vision caused him to turn and he saw a large man walking towards them. He was clad in flowing white robes and had a small golden circlet on his brow.
“Is that Aurelius?”
“Alex, you need to leave. You aren’t meant to be here. Also, you claimed to be on a divine mission of Justice from a God of Justice.”
Again Alex bowed, and stepped backwards through the portal which snapped closed behind him.
“So much for the loot.”
Alex looked at where the portal had been then shrugged and moved towards the flickering wall in the distance, then tripped. Rolling onto his side he looked back and saw a small chest made of golden Light. Getting onto his knees Alex reached forward and touched his hand to the chest, instead of appearing to liquify it solidified into gauntlets made of the same Light that the chest and the room had been made of. Looking down he saw three items lying on the ground.
Multiverse Foe Quest Completed
Loot Received
1x Class Change Token
This Token has been modified by Aurelius, while you can change your Class, you are locked to only taking the Paladin Class. However, you will be able to choose your level 20 and level 50 Class Upgrades from a list curated by Aurelius
“Cheeky but also amusing. Apologies Aurelius, that isn’t likely to happen. Not yet at least.”
1x Attribute Token
A-Grade
Allows an Adventurer to add 20 permanent Attribute Points to any Attribute
Only one Attribute can be increased, this is a one time increase and the decision can’t be reversed
Multiple Tokens can be used at the same time, or they can be used separately
“The A-Grade version. I’m guessing that while the C gives you 5, the B must give you 10. If the A gives 20… what does the S give? 50?”
“100. They’re very rare.”
“100! That would be nice. Bet that would help me detect Mama faster. The information about multiple tokens is interesting, considering I only received one.”
“Presumably some Adventurers have access to a lot, either through quest drops, standard loot or Sponsors.”
“Sponsors will be worrying. When everyone gets to 50… the Onix Trono is sure to sponsor multiple people and they’ll get God level quests to come after me.”
“We’ll deal with it, Till. We always do.”
Alex smiled and again looked down at the final item.
1x Order of Light Assistance Token
This Token allows the Bearer to summon Paladins from the Order of Light to their side to fight to the conclusion of the battle, up to a maximum of one Earth 0 hour.
Paladin’s that fall in combat will respawn at Virtue’s Redoubt, the home of the Order of Light
Times Used: 0/10
Should the Fallen Paladin Theodore Huntington III return to his original position in Aurelius’ eyes, this Token will continue to function after 10 Uses, however, only Sir Theodore will come to your aid
“That’s actually awesome. A bunch of Paladin’s, then if Theo gets his shit together he’ll pop over for a chat. Hopefully he’s a good bloke once they fix him up. Well, time to head off?”
“Only two floors left, Till.”
“Then the Information Broker. Something tells me we won’t have two more Fallen Paladin’s who actually want to return to the Light.”
“I’m proud of you Till. It would’ve been easier to kill Theodore, but you saved him.”
“He just got dealt a bad hand. Anyone’s faith can be shaken. I haven’t saved him though, I just gave him a chance.”
Together they walked into the flickering wall.
Scanning
1/1 Enemies Defeated
Leaving Floor 5
Arriving on Floor 6
Scanning
0/81 Enemies Defeated
Welcome to Floor 6
Difficulty increased
Fight!
Alex stepped onto the new floor then fell to his knees. A message popped up on his HUD before everything went black.
You Have Died
“Mother Fuc-”