Invidros nodded at Lanek’s consent, smiling in satisfaction as he heard the howls of outrage from the Void. Of course, if Lanek had heard those sounds he definitely would not have smiled, especially after hearing the threats.
“Before we start, can I ask a question?” Lanek said.
“Yes, but it must be the last one for now. Time grows short for your body.”
“Why did Eldros ask you for help with my situation? You’re both Primordials. Is it a power or domain issue?”
“No, it has nothing to do with power. I am simply more experienced when it comes to dealing with the Void. We have fought countless battles throughout the ages. Enough, we can speak more some other time, we must begin the process now.”
Before Lanek could ask about the procedure or what he should do, his body began to rise from the chair. He watched as Invidros floated into the air alongside him, but where Lanek stopped rising at several meters from the rooftop, the Primordial continued to rise. Thunder began to sound as Lanek watched Invidros expand as he rose, becoming a dark cloud that covered the sky in all directions.
Curtains of lightning struck the surrounding mountain peaks, each strike triggering a corresponding burst of blue light within the dark cloud. Staring intently at the cloud, Lanek could see that the blue light was coming from a gargantuan pair of eyes watching him. Moments later, a spear of lightning streaked through his body, connecting him to the building below and immediately blasting him into unconsciousness.
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Please select your species.
While Lanek knew that this was coming, he hadn’t expected to be presented by the System’s request and blue window while floating in nothingness. There was no light anywhere and he wasn’t standing on anything. The only things that seemed to exist were his consciousness and the blue box. Okay… let’s get this weirdness out of the way as quickly as possible. What are my options?
Beastman (Meadae) The Meadae were an ancient race of beastmen that lived and fought alongside the followers of Eldros, Primordial of the Wild. These creatures could stand between 1 and 4 meters in height depending on the type. A Meadae typically had a human torso with the head and legs of whatever creature made up their particular subspecies of beastman.
Yeah, I’m guessing that is Eldros’ doing. Sounds interesting, but maybe a bit too alien for my liking. What determines the type of Meadae I become?
Subspecies of Meadae can be chosen if Meadae is selected as your species.
Ah, thank you. Any other options?
Dwarf (Kharnil) The Kharnil were a reclusive species of dwarf that loved nothing more than the high places of the world. Unlike their more traditional cousins, the Kharnil refused to spend their existence living underground. Instead, the Kharnil built their homes atop mountain peaks where they could revel in the storms and the open sky.
And there is Invidros’ offering. I do like the sound of that, I’ve always loved mountains.
Dranrid The Dranrid were the first race to build a civilization on this world. Little is known of this race as unfathomably ancient ruins are all that remain of them.
Where did that come from? Is this also from the Primordials? Why is there no information about their appearance or abilities?
Origin of species choice is unknown. Appearance is unknown. Abilities are unknown.
How is that possible?
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Dranrid species and disappearance predates System integration of this world. Outside interference suspected.
How am I supposed to make a choice with that small amount of information? To be honest, the sheer mystery around that species is incredibly tempting. Hold on, if the species is that old and the System doesn’t know their abilities, does that mean that they have unique abilities? That’s a ton of potential, but it’s also a huge risk. They could be incredibly weak. Do I take that gamble?
Lanek pondered his choices, coming back to Dranrid over and over again. Something wanted him to have it, but could it be trusted? I have to choose something and neither the dwarf nor the beastman appeal to me as much. Let’s roll the dice.
Dranrid species selected. Change commencing.
The blue window faded from view, leaving him in total darkness. Suddenly, pain surged through his body, leaving nothing free from the agony. However, as his consciousness faded once more, he clung to a single thought.
Please. I don’t want tentacles.
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Ivan’s head snapped up as a pulse of energy crashed against the runes surrounding the human’s body. He turned to observe the unconscious human before urgently calling out to Ograch and Liv. “Wake up! You need to see to your friend, something is happening.”
The hobgoblin and human woke quickly and moved toward Lanek before a force repelled them. As they watched helplessly, a blinding white light shone from their friend’s body, becoming so bright that they had to look away.
“What’s happening?” Liv asked while attempting to soothe Kazuma and Sanguineus, both of whom were frantically trying to reach Lanek.
“I have no idea. I felt a massive surge of energy push against my runes just before I woke the two of you. I’ve never seen anything like this.” Ivan said, watching the light fade away to leave behind a faintly glowing shroud covering Lanek’s entire body.
“How long do you think we have before he wakes up?” Ograch asked while reaching over and poking at the shroud.
“Again, I have no idea. But, I will say that we should consider moving him as soon as we can. Power of that sort is going to attract attention. The sort of attention that will utterly shatter these wards with barely any effort.” Seeing the concerned looks on their faces, Ivan sighed. “Before you ask, I don’t know if it is safe to move him. However, the alternative is likely to be much worse.”
Ograch thought for a moment. “As long as we leave at first light, we should be able to reach the monastery before sundown. If we push hard and get lucky enough to avoid running into gaunt packs, that is.”
“I wouldn’t worry too much about the gaunts. I imagine that their numbers were thinned substantially last night. It sounded like the shifters were in a frenzy.” Ivan said while striding to the stairs. After opening the hatch and peaking out, he returned to the group. “The sun is rising, we should go now if we are going to.”
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The journey back to the city took longer than they had hoped, pushed off their path as they were by roaming creatures in the forest. The sun was already beginning to set as they neared the south gate of Caelis, but they dared not take that path into the city. Rather than simply hearing skittering at the gate this time, they felt a dread aura emanating from the gates. Ivan simply shook his head at the feeling and suggested that something was waiting for the source of the energy that Lanek had let off that morning.
“Fuck. We won’t make it to the monastery tonight. Your people’s village?” Liv turned to Ograch as they walked.
“Yes, Talwarg will keep him safe. He is a part of our tribe after all. Maybe our shamans can help us.” At the sound of Talwarg’s name, Kazuma and Sanguineus shared a look. Sanguineus nodded and took off into the forest at full speed, boosted by the darkness creeping in around them. However, none of the party noticed his exit.
As the group neared the edge of the southern wall, they heard a shout from ahead. Liv tensed for only a moment before noticing Ograch’s relieved look. The big hobgoblin yelled something in return. Before Liv could ask any questions, a familiar wolf came trotting out of the forest, followed by Talwarg and a group of hobgoblins.
“Did you know the wolf was gone?” Ivan asked Liv.
“Nope. Looks like the clever bastard went for help.”
Talwarg stomped up to Ograch, nodding at him while taking Lanek from him. “I got him. No objections, I’m the only one here that can carry him without being slowed down. You’re lucky the beast came to get us, the forest is restless tonight. I’ve never heard some of the noises out there before. What happened?”
Ograch and Liv took turns describing the events of their aborted mission to Laethon as they walked, describing the battle with the shifters and Lanek’s subsequent collapse. At hearing that Lanek was linked to both the Void and a Primordial, Talwarg looked at the body he carried in surprise and a bit of trepidation. The Primordial involvement was surprising but not concerning, but the Void was not something any sane being wanted to deal with.
Once they reached the village, they found it on high alert. None of the warriors appeared to be sleeping, all of them standing guard at the gate to the palisade and patrolling those areas not yet complete. Talwarg started to walk toward Lanek’s cave when a grizzled old hobgoblin in fur robes and bearing a gnarled staff stopped him.
“Talwarg, you must give the human to me.” The old hobgoblin said in a raspy voice. Seeing Talwarg about to object, he continued. “No harm will come to him, I am to help him. Wurgoth has commanded it.”
With a stunned look, Talwarg handed Lanek to the hobgoblin shaman. “Truly, Nerek? He has broken his silence at last?”
“Yes, my chief. The Hordefather has spoken.”