“Why do I get the feeling that I’ll never finish The Quest and that completing this gathering stage will lead to something more extreme?”
“Till, it hasn’t been a difficult quest. Go to these places, say a word, pick up a piece of amazing gear. Rinse and repeat. You also got some overpowered items.”
Alex looked down at his Bracers and smiled.
“True. You have to wonder why Viracocha never sent someone else to do it.”
“My guess, it had to be his Chosen and you’re the first, or the first since the Trono took him captive.”
Alex shrugged and walked into the small cave that contained Viracocha’s Shrine and felt a lot of his stress dissolve. Walking over to the Shrine he looked back over his shoulder.
“There wasn’t time to take it in earlier, but doesn’t this look a little…-”
“Lacklustre?”
“Yeahhhh…”
“I think you’ll find that this is the snack-size version.”
“Did you just compare a Shrine dedicated to the Incan Creation Deity to a small candy bar?”
“I stand by the comparison.”
Alex looked at the Shrine and then at the professor before bursting out laughing.
“Till?”
“Yes. I just… the comparison is oddly accurate. I know I don’t need to eat anymore, but I could really go for one of those… do you remember what they were called? You brought them back from your trip to New Zealand.”
“The Moro bars?”
“That’s them. They were snack size as well.”
“Only because I ate the full-size ones before getting back to class.”
Alex walked forward and put his hand on the weathered stone then pulled it back quickly.
“Till?”
“It isn’t stone, it’s metal.”
“Travel Shrine.”
Alex reached out again and pressed his right hand against the metal that seemed to grow out of the wall of the cavern and felt barely contained power resonating within.
“What do I… oh, that’ll do it.”
Alex felt Eternal Equilibrium settle over him then his Inner Fire flared and his body was instantly wreathed in fire.
Eternal Equilibrium (passive): Embody Viracocha's cosmic harmony, attuning yourself to the harmonious forces of creation. This passive ability grants a continuous aura of celestial balance, providing subtle enhancements to your cosmic abilities, ensuring they remain in harmony with the cosmic weave.
The professor watched on as Alex blazed with his original fire then the Shrine pulsed and New Ben’s shrouding potion was overwhelmed and Alex stood wreathed in the Fires of Creation, pulsing with his own power than with that of Viracocha.
Stepping back Alex recalled his flames and looked on as the Shrine changed, the metal seemed to flow like it was made of mercury then it reformed as a metallic lightning bolt coursing with the white-gold of divine power that was emerging from the wall.
“Done. That was intense.”
“Your flames have changed again.”
Alex shook his head and forced flames into his right hand and watched as they were the standard colour.
“The Shrine overwhelmed New Ben’s concoction. A message popped up in my HUD. Now… the next one.”
Alex started to turn and then ran his flaming hand down the length of the bolt, the cavern seemed to fill with the power of Viracocha until it was almost overwhelming. Then he and the professor left the cavern, crossed the trail of carnage and entered Mama Qucha’s Shrine.
Contested Archaeology Site Located
Quest - Earth 0 | Incan Outpost Archaeology Site
Find or recover all of Historical Significance at the Site
Bonus Archaeology Quest
Quest - Earth 0 | Incan Battle Site Archaeology Site
Find or recover all of Historical Significance at the Site
This quest is only accessible due to the proximity of an Adventurer/Archaeologist who has completed previous parts of The Quest
This area contains the site where an Incan Scouting party initially made camp after evading their Onix Ttono enemies. This is the first Outpost on the Colorado and contains two shrines, one dedicated to Mama Qucha and the other to Viracocha
Charge Viracocha’s Shrine
1/1
Activate Mama Qucha’s Shrine
0/1
Site Accessible - Yes
The Quest:
Recover all 11 pieces of Viracocha's Regalia of Creation
(9/11)
Looking at his HUD Alex saw a new buff appear..
Creationist
The buff, gifted by Viracocha, the Incan God of Creation, bestows upon his Chosen the divine ability to reform and alter the natural world with creative mastery.
Enveloped in a radiant aura of divine influence, the user can manipulate terrain, flora, and natural forces, shaping the landscape to their will. The wielder exercises immense creative potential under Viracocha's guidance, following the Harmony of the Multiverse
“Wow. Now that’s a Godly buff.”
Alex raised his hands and allowed Viracocha to work through him. The cavern changed completely, becoming a zone devoted to Mama’s Unu. Water flowed through the walls, up from the ground and down from the cavern’s roof, seemingly passing through solid rock. The ground shimmered and changed to match the ground from the previous Outpost’s, appearing to contain a bottomless body of water below a layer of glass.
Staggering Alex dropped to one knee, breathing hard.
“Till?”
“I’m fine. That was just… it was a lot.”
Then he passed out, convinced that he fell through the ground and slipped into the waters below.
----------------------------------------
Alex awoke to a flashing red message on his HUD.
Warning
Creation Energy used
Using Creation Energy again at your current Power Tier will result in your death
“That's not good.”
Alex lay on the ground watching the water in the cavern swirl around him until he was prompted.
“Alex?”
Alex's eyes had drifted shut but the voice startled him. Faces flashed through his mind until…
“Mama Qucha?”
“Few mortals would recognise my voice.”
“We're in your Shrine. It isn't completely unexpected that you'd pop in.”
Alex sat up as the Goddess laughed, deeming that a good sign. At least a sign that she didn't hate her Shrine.
“You did well.”
“Dad… Viracocha did all the heavy lifting. I was just the conduit.”
“Dad…” the Goddess looked down at her husbands Chosen. “Interesting. No matter. I mean what I said Alex, well done. This is one of the most beautiful Shrines dedicated to me in the entire Multiverse.”
Alex tried to wave away the praise then mumbled.
“Unu.”
“Indeed. Now, I believe you have a Quest to complete.”
Alex's head snapped up at the reminder.
“The items!”
Mama Qucha nodded and pointed through the waterfall that was now the entrance to her Shrine. Chambering to his feet Alex bowed deferentially then hurried through the energising waters.
“The modification you made to Viracocha's Shrine seems to have had an unintended effect on the Unu of mine. In has an energising effect. Remarkable.”
Arriving outside Alex found two small Incan chests sitting on the ground. A now clean and paved ground. A ground that had previously been a mess of blood, dead Kyrn bodies and Kyrn parts. Alex's mouth dropped open and he looked at the Goddess.
“You didn't think I'd allow my favourite Shrine to be marred with the filth you piled at the entrance? Also, Pachamama owed me a favour.”
“Earth Mother?”
“Exactly. She took the Kyrn and in return, modernised a little.”
Completed Quest
Contested Archaeology Site Located
Quest - Earth 0 | Incan Outpost Archaeology Site
Find or recover all of Historical Significance at the Site
Bonus Archaeology Quest Completed
Quest - Earth 0 | Incan Battle Site Archaeology Site
Find or recover all of Historical Significance at the Site
This quest is only accessible due to the proximity of an Adventurer/Archaeologist who has completed previous parts of The Quest
This area contains the site where an Incan Scouting party initially made camp after evading their Onix Ttono enemies. This is the first Outpost on the Colorado and contains two shrines, one dedicated to Mama Qucha and the other to Viracocha
Charge Viracocha’s Shrine
1/1
Activate Mama Qucha’s Shrine
The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
1/1
Rewards:
Experience Received - 22,749,552
1x Kyrn Berserker Claw
Kyrn Scan Amendment
Kyrn Scan Amendment
When a member of The Kyrn Dominion Scans you, your Class, Tiles, Levels and War Rank will be displayed alongside a running total of the number of Kyrn Dominion members you've killer, broken Into Ranks and Classes
Warning
Should you fall to a Kyrn Dominion member they will receive the title Creations Downfall
“That's actually a pretty cool title. No one will get it, but it's cool.”
“I disagree.”
“Of course. Sorry Mama.”
“No matter. I'm holding off your pending level ups until you complete The Quest.”
“Much appreciated. That's going to hurt.”
The Quest:
Recover all 11 pieces of Viracocha's Regalia of Creation
(9/11)
Alex bent down over the first Incan chest, a chest that was intricately wrought in copper, bronze and silver. Reaching out and touching the chest resulted in the metal liquefying and flowing up his arm and slowly sinking into his body.
You have discovered: Hana Amautas’ Usutas (Celestial Scholar's Moccasins) of Creation
Hana Amautas’ Usutas (Celestial Scholar's Moccasins) of Creation
Celestial Grade Armour
(Viracocha's Regalia of Creation 10/11)
Armour Stats:
Resistance: High
Durability: n/a
Weight: Light
+100 Intellect
+100 Wisdom
Just really comfortable moccasins, worn in over eons of use so the leather has achieved that supple state where they're perfectly comfortable and aren't too worn
You wanted a story didn't you, something elaborate and Godly? Sometimes a God travelling the Multiverse just needs a comfortable pair of shoes and Viracocha had a guy who did just that
You are of insufficient level to wield this armour
You are not a God
“Am I being sassed by the System?”
Mama Qucha waved one of her small hands then laughed and covered her mouth while nodding.
“Yes. But also no. I think this is my husband and the System. Either way, you are being, what did you call it? Sassed? I like that. If you ever meet her, Chasca, she's the… sassiest in the Coricancha.”
“Why?”
“Oh you'll know.”
The Goddess pointed to her forehead and giggled softly.
“You're definitely just trying to get me in trouble. I'm not going to ask her about her… Venus star.”
“You're no fun. Now, the other chest?”
Alex opened his mouth to reply then shrugged.
You have discovered: Taytachaq Mama Codex
Taytachaq Mama Codex: The Divine Union of Viracocha and Mama Qucha
This Codex, created at Viracocha's request by a skilled Hanan Amautas out of textiles, contains information on the relationship between Viracocha and Mama Qucha using a combination of symbols, color and quipu (knotted cords)
Celestial Grade Focus
(Viracocha's Regalia of Creation 11/11)
The Quest:
Recover all 11 pieces of Viracocha's Regalia of Creation
(11/11)
Pantheon Quest Partially Completed
Quest Rewards
200 S-Grade Credits
3,784,000 experience gained
Reputation with Coricancha increased from Initiate to Yatiri
Reputation with Viracocha increased from Follower to Kamaq (Emissary)
Multiverse Dungeon Token
3x Attribute Token (S-Grade)
2x Level Up Token
1x Ability Upgrade Token
The Quest Part 3 Remaining
Find Viracocha
“This is going to suck!”
“I can't hold the levels back, the System is pushing back.”
“Don't let me die while levelling up.”
“Don't be so dramatic, Yatiri Till.”
Level Up
Level Up
Level Up
Level Up
Level Up
Do you want to Activate 2x Level Up Tokens?
Yes/No
Level Up
Level Up
Alex groaned as he slumped over and twitched uncontrollably on the paved ground.
Level: 96
Strength: 574
Inner Fire: 346
Constitution: 276
After spitting up blood Alex managed to roll onto hid back while moaning.
“Surely that should feel good. As an incentive to level.”
“Do you need an incentive?”
“No, but someone might…”
“Everyone wants to level. Or they die.”
Tilting his head to the side Alex seemed to think about Mama's answer before he nodded.
“Now, the Attribute Tokens. The big ones. You have to love a Pantheon Quest.”
Alex took the 3 Tokens out and Activated them.
Available Stat Points - 150
“Agility really needs some attention…”
Level: 96
Strength: 624
Inner Fire: 396
Constitution: 276
Agility: 125
Alex stood up and cracked a couple of the new paving stones.
“Sorry Mama.”
“It'll be fine. Just, try not to damage any more of my Shrine. Did you get an Ability Upgrade Token?”
“I was just about to use-”
“Don't! Wait till after your Class Upgrade.”
“Why?”
“If you do it now one of your Abilities will Uograde to something reflecting your Class… If you do it after your Class Upgrades…”
“My new Ability will reflect my new Class. It's obvious when you say it out loud, and… Eternal Equilibrium belatedly confirms that. I'll be honest, the passive Viracocha arranged for me isn't as passive as it could be. With the modification it makes to my vision… thr fact that it isn't actively working all the time is great, but the information access? Would be good to have that instantly.”
Mama Qucha shrugged then reached out and patted Alex on the shoulder.
“When you get Viracocha out of the UnderVerse you can complain.”
Alex frowned and let a litting asperity colour his voice.
“Remind me, why can't you, and the rest of the Coricancha get him out?”
Mama Qucha looked at Alex and even at her diminutive height she seemed to be looking down at him. After a minute she clucked her tongue and looked away.
“I can't enter the UnderVerse. None of the Coricancha-”
“Except Viracocha.”
Again Mama Qucha looked down at Alex and he felt like he was about to be told off by a disappointed grandparent.
“Yes. But Viracocha is different. Creation Deities… such as they are, are afforded certain…” the Goddess waved a small hand in the air, “latitude by the System. Viracocha as the Deity above all others, the Prime Deity for lack of a better term, created those latitudes. No Deities from the Coricancha, yes, except Viracocha, can enter the UnderVerse.”
“What would happen?”
“We'd be Sanctioned, depending on what was done and how severe the System deemed it to be, the Coricancha as a whole could be dissolved as a Multiversal Pantheon. Knowledge of us could be stripped away entirely leaving Incan Society in tatters. Even on unIntegrated Earths.”
Alex's mouth dropped open and his brain seemed to stumble.
“Right. So, not the best option.”
“The worst. Believe me, I would. For my Viracocha, I would. But it wouldn't just affect me. So many…”
Mama Qucha hung her head and Alex rested his hand on her shoulder and was shocked to feel her shuddering as tears wracked her frame.
“Till, don’t say or do anything. Just sit there.”
Alex jolted as the professor's voice sliced through his brain fog and he nodded mutely. Eventually Mama sniffed and seemed to compose herself. Without saying anything she reached up and patted Alex's hand then she stepped away.
“OK. So I'm the only one who can. OK. But there’s still a lot to be done before then.”
Mama Qucha dabbed at her eyes while nodding.
“You can't descend into the UnderVerse before you reach level 100 and Upgrade your Class to C-Grade. Even then, Ability Evolution will be important, it wouldn't hurt to add a C, or even B-Grade, Ability to your repertoire.”
“Wait, I can get a B-Grade Ability in C?”
“It's difficult, but opportunities to advance will be far more prevalent at C-Grade. Your New Ben can help with that. The System will generate more quests and Dungeons are more numerous. Your other Earth will have multiple B-Grade Multiversal Dungeons that haven't been cleared for years. Now that you have all of Viracocha's Regalia we can take more time to prepare. I won’t be happy about it, but I know it will increase your chances of success.”
“There's a lot to unpack in there.”
Mama Qucha smiled then looked out over the reclaimed Shrine area.
“This pleases me. You have pleased me, Yatiri Till and our Pantheon. Consider this a gift, given freely. Allinlla ñawillanmi saqellay.”
With that she patted his right cheek then disappeared. Reaching up Alex could feel wetness on his face and the trace of Unu. Sighing he felt Mama Qucha's power wash through him.
“May your waters flow abundantly and pure…very on brand.”
“You can’t fault her for brand representation.”
“Pretty sure you can’t fault her for anything and if you did there would be issues.”
“Issues?”
“She's a Goddess, who by all accounts is the leader of the Coricancha while Viracocha is in captivity. If anyone wanted to challenge her… I can't see it going well for them.”
The professor nodded then looked around the Shrine area.
“What now?”
“Now? We win a war, cleanse an Earth of the Kyrn, get to level 100, Upgrade my Class and… do we upgrade you at the same time?”
The professor smiled widely.
“Yes. My Nexus Cube will need to be upgraded when you transition to C-Grade.”
“Any idea what will happen?”
“None. According to Mama I'm the first enhanced Archaeology Companion, I'm definitely the first Conpanion attached to a Champion of Viracocha, the… what did Mama call him? The Prime Deity?”
“That'll be interesting. Your last Upgrade was nothing short of incredible.”
“Agreed. Then what?”
“We restore Earth 39.”
“Raticide?”
“Raticide.”
The Companions walked towards New Ben’s travel workshop.
“It's hard to believe we found all of Viracocha's Regalia.”
“I'm just glad it's done. We've spent over a week beside this filthy river.”
“Filthy? Professor, you remember the digs we went on together, right?”
The professor grimaced like she was reliving some of her memories.
“Fine. This isn't bad. We've both experienced worse.”
“This is nothing. You should see some of the places I've had to visit for both of my Guilds.”
“New Ben.”
“Only Alex.”.
“Only?”
“I don't know your Variant from my Earth, so you're the Only Alex, at least to me.”
“I like it.”
“I don't.”
“You're not meant to like your nickname, Till.”
“You like yours.”
“You mean my job title?”
Alex didn't respond, he pulled the Earth 39 Portal Device from his Inventory and looked at it.
“Ready?”
“Till, my job title isn't a nickname.”
“I'm ready.”
“Same.”
“Till, it's important that I know you don't think you've been calling me professor because you think it's my nickname.”
Alex activated the Portal Device.
“Bye Colorado.”
“Till!”
“We're saying goodbye to the weird-coloured river?”
“Of course.”
“Why?”
“Because it's weird.”
“Is it? With everything you've seen since meeting me, this is weird?”
The professor stormed through the Portal while muttering to herself leaving Alex laughing while looking after her.
“You did that on purpose.”
“Of course. You don't have to say goodbye to the river. I was just messing with her.”
“She's definitely going to punish you for that.”
Alex laughed again.
“I know. But it'll be worth it and while she's plotting she'll be thinking about me messing with her. Win, win.”
“Why do you seem…”
New Ben seemed to be looking around for the right way to describe Alex's current condition.
“Kind of normal?”
“What? No! I mean, that's not how I would've put it.”
“Pantheon stuff.”
“Pantheon… Alex, your Deity is imprisoned. You shouldn't have access with any other deities. Except Supay. But based on what i know about him, he's unlikely to help with being normal.”
Alex just shrugged.
“How?”
“She's the liaison to one of my Sponsors.”
“Of course you'd find the only relatively feasible loophole.”
“Hey, this was totally her.”
“Of course it was,” New Ben sighed loudly, “the System's Special-”
“I didn't ask for this.”
New Ben looked at Alex then nodded slowly.
“You're right. That wasn't fair of me.”
“It's fine. Forget about it.”
Alex and Ben looked at each other then back at the Portal before walking through.