Abbot Eiriol.

21st of Quintetas, 1492.

01:11.

***

27 days.

Amun took 27 days of unyielding focus to open the 3rd and 4th Ki Ponds and link them into a circuit. Remarkably, for every senior monk in these Halls knew only Etan and, long ago, his father, Two Heart, had achieved such a feat.

Each meditative cycle required him to empty his ki from his ponds to his beads while constantly gathering more to replace what was lost, purifying and condensing the energy, until they grew to the size of stones and shattered in a great blast of energy; seemingly. Into dust, their surfaces crumbled, reducing the beads to their original size, ready to be expanded again. On the other hand, the released energy was guided under the monk's focus to pour into their ki ponds, condensing their ki over time.

Cycle after cycle, the density of ki increased in his Meditation Hall. Each additional cycle saw the volume of ki increase in the Focus Chamber, greatly increasing the flow of energy into Amun to where his ponds overflowed and eventually converged inside his spiritual network.

It only took 27 long days.

The time was not all spent waiting, however. The clerics, priestesses, and matrons distanced themselves evermore while the Troupe became more open with each other and me. Even stranger was how they treated this place as if it was their home. Not only did Freki put up a tent in the waiting area, but Sam did too; right next to his and with so much traffic between them, I just had to look.

Well, rather than going myself, I sent Sorn. I followed when he failed to return after an hour. Inside, I found him feasting on hefty plates set before him by Sam while Freki pulled many ales and wines from seemingly nowhere. Dozens more individuals whom I'd never met were spread all about them, scattered across a grassy field that seemed more vast than even the Halls in which the tent was pitched.

I pretended I never saw Sorn, for other happenings were happening and my curiosity had been verily piqued. Every member of the Troupe did something throughout that time. Most seemed to scavenge the Halls for various resources. Iris sent her dog of metallic flesh to consume the weapons and gear left by the dead. Reina took the dead into her roots, leaving their trinkets as the only reminder of their existence. The goblin Leary formed towering mounds of bone for some unknown purpose. Rickley and Wilson seemed intent on foraging; one for poisonous mushrooms and the other for alchemical ingredients.

On the other hand, three were mostly absent throughout that time. While Sam mostly stayed within the Halls, training and cooking; Blude and Redd often went elsewhere. To where was my best guess, as they always fell into some small puddle or pond and disappeared for hours. Sometimes even days. For Geri, it was once a tenday. And while there was at least some indication of Blude's work coming in from the scouts, they only saw Geri again once she decided to appear in the Halls with a cohort of large canines.

Uncannily, she reappeared just hours before Amun unceremoniously formed his circuit between the 3rd and 4th natural Ki Ponds and emerged as his mummified self. But the climax had yet to come.

I was on approach when Amun stepped out of his meditations and withdrew his lair stone. It seemed ordinary, yet he looked at it with trepidation. The memory of his comment when we discussed this step flashed in my mind just before it left his hand, auspiciously widening my eyes just as Amun's frame shimmered.

His hidden, most eldritch visage flickered into sight before it was obscured by a deluge of vibrant energy flowing into that tiny stone. Arcana, it appeared to be, rich with the blue-green color of spirit, yet colorless to my spirit. I sensed absolutely nothing. It was only because of my former class that I had the wisdom to understand that the divine worked subtly; in ways that saw the lair stone spread its essence throughout the chamber like any other, but I knew something happened to it; even without Amun muttering. "Fuck."

It had been reformed into an armband by the time I arrived. Yet Amun was still gazing at it blankly. Choosing not to give the prying eyes what they desired for once, I bowed to Amun in commendation of his efforts, then waited for Etan to resume his instruction.

"You must have received the first stage of the Transcendental Movement Perk at the Fifteenth Step, as well as the second and third stages at steps Sixteen and Seventeen," Etan stated, raising his leg as if to step up the air itself. As his foot fell, a dense projection of violet ki burst from his foot, releasing with enough precision and power to form a solid surface that allowed him to walk toward the ceiling as if he were climbing stairs.

"The first stage of Transcendental Movement allows you to do this only once per leap - an ability humans commonly refer to as the double jump." He gestured to his ki on his last steps before allowing the violet cloud to stream from his body, keeping him suspended in the air without the aid of his true self. "The second stage involves walking or standing on your ki as I have just done. Demonstrate your proficiency in this second technique and the third. Flight. Something you are already well versed in."

I thought Amun would give us a simple show and tell, as he did before. And though he did, it wasn't without its curiosities. For starters, his brow rose curiously when Etan mentioned flight. Then he turned to jump, failing a few times to 'double jump' a few meters in the air until Etan approved of his skill. Rather than allowing himself to fall, however, he displayed the second stage of the perk by landing in mid-air and turning to face the several hundred undead he raised with his ki, left behind by the disappearance of his meditation hall. When he bowed to them, they bowed back. When he rose to his full height, they erected their decayed frames. So too did they settle into a relaxed stance just after he did. Standing on the balls of their feet, they mirrored his movements, shuffling their legs before delivering a rapid flurry of punches to the empty air; and in doing so, several hundred necrotic embers ignited in their eyes. A closing bow made those embers burn slightly brighter. Yet they were dim compared to the ethereal fires that soon burned from Amun.

Blue-green like his arcana, the release of his energy did not wreath his body in the ethereal fires of ki as ours did. It swelled around his form, thickened, and wove itself into a vibrant hooded robe that shrouded his visage in primordial darkness and soundlessly billowed as he swooped and stormed throughout the Halls.

"Along with the first stage of Transcendental Movement, at Step Fifteen, the Timeless Body Perk that negates the ill effects of aging became the Undying Body Perk. Even while healthy, ki removes the need to eat, drink, or breathe." As for them." Amun paused, landing between us and his undead to seal off his ki. "That came at the Sixteenth Step. Head Undying Monk."

"I presume that is the source of Ki your undead now have," I stated.

"That it is!" He cheekily smiled- a grim sight in his mummified state. "It only works on the undead I raise with ki, but I can train them to give them more. As for the Seventeenth Step, the third stage of the Transcendental Movement that usually grants monks' flight gave me the Reaper's Robes. However, the Vacant Body Perk that prevents your mind from being read has become the Reaper's Body. Now that I stand before Death's Door, my body has been 'infused with the reaper's essence,' so I no longer need ki to stay like this." He gestured to his emaciated frame. "Not to mention, only magic, mithral, and adamantine can make me feel pain; although other attacks can still rend my flesh."

"Similar abilities to both the Necro King and the Raven Reaper." I pointed out. "That is neither here nor there, however. Your time in Nydorden Halls has come to an end. Yet your training is not yet complete. As mentioned before, you must venture to a place infused with the energies of your monastic way to complete the eighteenth and nineteenth steps. Thus, the revelry for your graduation from these Halls will begin now. However, I will ensure you understand this; while you are reaching the end of your monastic path and may reach it in due time, you will find it leads to a vast realm of challenges that are only rewarded in spirit. Akin to struggling to gain admission to a vast city, your journey as a monk has only just begun. What you walk away from these halls possessing are the basics. A foundation of martial arts, on which to build your philosophy as you scour the realms. And eventually, you will build a temple of your own, filled with monks of your necrotic way.

"And the Mortal Plane shall tremble. More than it already has." I bowed resolutely. "Congratulations, Amun."

"Thank you, Abbot." Amun bowed, then delayed the festivities with a raised palm. Others were already in motion, however. Freki procured a mountain of food from seemingly nowhere and had the lot of it hauled over to Sam as others played music, pulled blankets and chairs from dimensional storages, or outright departed.

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"Before that," Amun said, ignoring them. "I have some more training I need to do."

"More training?" I asked incredulously.

"Yes." He sighed. "I've been on Death's Door for a while- since the Fourteenth Step, knocking away but He won't open it. I assume He will now, but I'm not ready." Pausing, he conjured a field of obstacles that seemed to come out of a dungeon delver's worst nightmare. "I'm sure you know this, but there are hidden perks in the martial classes."

"Physical ability mutations." I nodded in understanding. "No wonder you spent so much time frolicking about the Halls. Because of your way, you have nothing to improve on but your agility and dexterity. Very well. Do as you wish."

Though I simultaneously had no reason and every reason for the proud melancholy I soon felt, I could not come to terms with it as I watched Amun and his troupe face their self-imposed obstacles. I felt fortunate to have witnessed not just Amun's ascension, but the creation of his very pantheon. Not to mention the honor of teaching him - Telin's Eternal Champion. My skills, philosophies, and ideals- all I acquired over a millennium of experience had been immortalized within this divine being. And so too was it immortalized within his troupe. They were just as graceful as he was, for the most part. From the largest brute to the smallest halfling, all of them could be seen leaping dozens of meters across the cavern, dancing through a barrage of lightning bolts, acid splashes, flaming arrows, and falling rocks while laughing and singing and competing in earnest. How they moved made it seem like these ancient Halls were their grounds of play; like they were the children of giants, frolicking in a city of Paradisians.

Their movements about this space made me feel as such: a creature who needed a castle to be comfortable was given a broom closet in which to rest. To that end, their presence within Nydorden Halls would have been akin to a creature who needed a continent making do with a castle. Thus, I was certain that their presence in the caverns below would be akin to a creature who needed a realm settling for just a country; the land would be incapable of sustaining their play. If it could, its inhabitants surely could not.

And so, what did that say of war?

Such would have been the case here, had there not been protections. Yet even then, there was some reliance on Amun and Iris' use of their Grandmaster Artificing perks to repair what was damaged.

I was proud beyond belief. Yet as I looked on, I could only feel despair; for I knew the quicker the miracles came, the faster the wonders would fade. I knew he would be guided below. I knew he would be taught our history - his history. Knowing him, I knew what he would witness would bring him to disdain the Demon Spider. Even if he joined her, I was certain my life would remain the same as it had been for the last several centuries; stepped on and ridiculed by my very granddaughter- my youngest granddaughter. Exiled from all drow except those they openly shunned- the males.

Her first son was no different. Etan was insignificant to Etyl. A mere pawn she intended to use to learn more of the one we called the Destroyer, ignoring or perhaps denying the fact that all she needed to do was ask. It was paradoxical, the way she obsessed over him now. That was why I would have sent him away, even without the tasks. Because I was certain he came to the same conclusions as me. Because I was certain he would be bold where I had not. Because I knew that if any of us deserved to be freed from the Demon's webs, it was Etan Za'Darmondiel.

Instead, my worst fears were realized when Etyl said her temporary goodbye to Amun and led her son into the Darkworld. It seemed to leave the Champion unbothered, on the outside, yet the blank stare at their long-gone steps spoke volumes. One as bold and cunning as he would certainly have a plan. Thus, it was my turn to be bold. If not cunning.

***

Amun.

***

"We shall see you soon, Destroyer. All of us will be awaiting your arrival in Zimysta Falls."

Etan gave me a knowing look before he stepped off with his mother, who was so similar and yet dissimilar to mine. We had a plan and would stick to it, but I was enjoying these prospects less and less as time went on. I admit to not having the best thoughts as I watched them walk away. This was what Etan wanted, however. I had no choice but to honor his wishes; not if I wished for him to do the same in reverse.

"Are you not going to change?" was the distracting question I chose to turn toward. The one behind said question was a drow of average build and all the obligatory features of House Za'Darmondiel. Absurdly handsome. Pointed chin. Small nose. High cheekbones. Red irises. White locks tied and smothered in cobwebs adorned with rubies and mithral. This one was the most boyish drow I'd seen, however. Always, a cheeky smile was painted on his face.

At least when the females weren't around.

"What do you mean, Sorn?" I asked him, gesturing to the same clothes I arrived in - my original robe. In turn, he waved his hand over his face in a knowing manner. "Later," I then said. "I'd rather not inadvertently change this place by laughing or something."

"And why would bringing out those sick horns and that wicked crown of yours change these old Halls?"

It was my turn to give him a knowing smile before walking off, waving over my shoulder. "You'll see."

It took him a few moments to catch up, saying the most ridiculous thing one could say in this situation. "Those aren't even the clothes we gave you!"

I had the impulse to remake the garbs with the proper materials right then and there. But that would've broken the dam of never-ending questions, so I played it off with a casual shrug. "Sue me."

Although he still followed me to the grand table, Sorn said nothing more about the matter. Or anything else. Instead, he seemed content watching Sam add more food to the surrounding platters, at least until he gave in to his temptation and dove into a mountain of pasta. While Freki would normally assist in such endeavors, it seemed his snout was more focused on the many women of the night frolicking about the space. As was I and many of the monks here. True to my assumptions and the common tropes abroad, drow were lascivious creatures. Being a monk, cleric, or even a paladin changed that not. Indeed, it seemed to be a revelry of temptations. Not only was there food, drink, females, and males of the night from various species. So too were there many Darkworld drugs, magical cocktails, and dangerous games of chance for everyone's pain or pleasure. We four graduates were bathed and fed in ways that would have made Caesar himself envious. I even got to fulfill a particular fantasy of mine with a few 'giantesses' of the Amazonian persuasion, resulting in a few of the Troupe spending the rest of the night laughing about climbing trees and milk; not that I wasn't laughing as well.

I did no ugly bumping with any drow, though, as the knowledge gained by the little brooch my dearest mother gave me made that more than a little… uncouth. Thus, I spent the last few hours of our revelry sitting calmly at a table with the Troupe, Peter, Rua, Veil of Shadows, and a few drow; shooting shit with a burnbud cigar clenched between my lips.

Just like old times.

"What will you all be doing after this?" Veil of Shadows asked before adding. "Other than relocating to meditate?"

"My Legionaries are in Chaulort," Rua said. "I'm going to rendezvous with them and do some traveling. And you?"

"I intend to explore the Darkworld. Though, not to enter the city of drow. I aim to explore the caverns and tunnels on my way to the Sanctuary." Shadows explained before his bulbous eyes turned to Peter.

"Well, I have guys everywhere." He shrugged, tapping at his ring. "But my, er, lair is in Crater Lake, so I'll be going to her."

"Her?" Aldo, Peter's instructor, asked mockingly. "You speak of a lair stone as if it's a person?"

"Oh, but it isn't just a lair stone," I said, uncaring of who heard me. We moved past such things months ago, after all. I'm sure you saw it? The divine magic that leaked out of me when I threw my lair stone."

"I did." Sorn nodded slowly.

"That branch of divine magic evolves a creature to the end of its evolutionary chain. A Paragon. Leary is one such example," I said, throwing my arm toward the man-sized goblin snoozing in the distance. Or at least pretending to. "The Paragon of a lair stone is an Elder Stone. Think of a lair stone but with our levels of intellect."

"What domain could grant such an ability?" Sid asked. So I answered.

"Mana."

That elicited a long and stunned silence from every drow present. The four of us and the Troupe, however, proceeded as normal, uncaring of the mental turmoil going on around us.

"Well, whatever you wind up doing, Peter, you're one of the few Imperators." Iris pointed out. "All you have left is to designate a specialization. As do the rest of you, within your legions.

"Of course." Shadows nodded. "I, however, have no interest in leading a legion. A small, elite unit is more than enough."

"Nothing wrong with that." Iris nonchalantly agreed. "It's not for everyone. If it was, there'd be nobody to do the endless list of other things that need doing."

"Besides undead, of course."

Ignoring Shadows' comment, Peter leaned back in his seat, giving Iris the most confident smirk I ever saw him wear. "Not to worry, General. I know just the thing."

"As for me." I sighed a few moments later. "Once I return from the Under, I'll be going to Zimysta Falls. I plan to do a little cultural exchange down there before returning to the Bodhi Tree for the mid-year ceremony. You, and by extension, everyone else, are welcome to join us for that. If you do, though, it must be done with the understanding that we will be on official business. We'll be representing Eotrom and her Legions, and Polaris already hates me, so we're to be on our best behavior."

"The Empire of Light sorcerers hates you, a devil of the Nox and a drow? Color me fuckin' shocked!" Sorn snickered. "What I'm truly shocked by is why the Hells you care."

"Yeah." I grinned nostalgically. "I butted heads with their emperor last year. Plus his dog got angry, so I threatened him, and now he wants revenge or something. I will come for him eventually, but that's not what I care about. I have more than enough wars on the horizon to add Polaris to the list, so I'll only fight them now if they act stupidly."

"And later?" Sorn asked.

I shrugged. "I'm sure they'll find a reason to declare war on me sooner or later."

"What is a… cultural exchange?" Nijal asked, almost tripping over his Common.

"Ah, yes. Well, if I'm to learn of Zimysta's history, drow culture, fighting, spellcraft, and your Goddess's clerics and priestesses are to teach me of her pantheon, I figure it would only be right if I taught you all the history and culture of me and my Empire of Eotromenia. My Military-Industrial Empire of magical technology. I will teach you my history, culture, fighting, and spellcraft, and my priestesses and clerics will teach you of pantheon; as well as my guild. My Legio Noctis. Legions of Demigods, commanded by the Gods of my Divine Realm." I grinned, gesturing to those around me while my eyes turned about the emotional range of drow faces. "Look forward to that when I return from my delve in the Under.

"I know I do." I grinned, looking down to the pool of darkness at my feet. "So much that I'm going now. See ya."