EPISODE 110: AWAKENING
— Ard Deadlands, Year 7291. Season: Color Fading.
Four sets of eyes gazed at one older mage. The [Archmage], Lairo, sheepishly scratched his head and looked at the Silent City in the distance.
Blood, pieces of flesh, and other bodily fluids covered most members of the group, leaving their appearance worse for wear. Zedra inhaled deeply, closing her eyes in the process as she recomposed herself. She brought in as much air as she could before slowly releasing it.
When she next opened her eyes, the irritation within them was gone. “Let’s rest here and recover. We’ve confirmed Gorrick is awake—it’s highly likely that the rest are in the process of waking as well.”
Zedra turned to Alaina, concern on her face. “Alaina…”
“I’m… fine…, ” Alaina began strongly, interrupting her guild leader—she didn’t know if the words were for her guild mates or herself. “We all know the tales, but I didn’t expect it to be so… real. ”
The goblin woman sighed, and her head shook sadly—filled with remorse and grief at the fate of those who became the first goblins.
When they first entered the Silent City, the sun began its rise in the east, now it was past noon as the group set up camp. They were not in a rush to traverse through the Silent City, as their quest held a time span of nearly ten years. The Path of Apotheosis would not open until then. However, they knew it was best they completed this quest within days and not years. The level of danger only rose as time passed.
“Send the signal out to the support personnel. Let them know we’ve successfully confirmed the waking of Gorrick — Endless Hunger. Our movements through the city will have to be carefully considered. Although he is the weakest of the [Four Horsemen], his Law allows him the greatest regeneration and health. His minions will begin to patrol the city, and we must move with greater care,” Zedra commanded.
Sid grunted a response, and the group split as they took to their respective tasks. Lairo began to clear a space—shaping the earth into a neatly flattened area. Once the half area of space was cleared, the mage tapped one of the rings on his hand. A large wood mansion emerged, which caused the other members to hurry and finish their respective tasks before entering.
When they next converged, the sun was low in the cloudless sky. A large bonfire with several cushioned seats and several animals roasting over them gave the Ard Deadlands the only taste of humanity it’d receive in centuries. The members of [Brava Guild] sat in silence as their food was cooked, prepared by Zedra herself, as no one seemed able to get the flavors just right.
Alaina nursed a large cup of tea and stared at one of the three moons—a blanket around her shoulders to keep away the chill of the night. Unnecessary as the temperatures in the Mortal Realm could no longer affect her, but it was the comfort it provided that helped.
“So it’s truly happening,” Sid broke the silence. He was outside his large armor, but various weapons were visibly strapped to his person. “A Great War—the magi will truly come…”
“It’s happened twice already, my grandfather told me stories of the last one—how every single man, woman, and child were slaughtered or forced into slavery. How his first wife was taken and sent into the Mines of Morphia… he never saw her again. May the light of El guide their souls to peace,” Caiden commented before continuing. “It was the second [Chosen of Madris] who nearly succeeded in destroying the world. If I have the choice and opportunity to fight… and God El calls… then I will.”
“The magi are fearful, yes, but it is only due to the strength of their Goddess and the strength Her domain of War provides them. Outside of that, their purebred mages are grades below any who’ve strived to truly learn the art of spell casting. I’ve traveled to Edryan in my youth and have learned many things—their lack of valuing the gift of Mind is perhaps the most impressionable,” Lairo spoke, closing his book as the smell of food intensified. He smacked his lips as he turned to watch Zedra continue to prepare their dinner.
“They should have finished the magi after the second war. I’ve heard the stories—monsters in the flesh of men, no better than those in the Silent City,” Alaina said.
“Finish the magi, and then what? Do not forget their Goddess is first, one-of-war . The only reason [Knowledge Breaker] was stopped was his sudden death. The magi pushed the world to the gates of the Temple of the Sun. Their sieged the wall-less city would have turned into an occupation yet the second [Chosen] died,” Zedra scoffed. Yet, she never once turned her attention away from the meat she applied glaze to. Her lips smacked several times and her tail swished around in happiness.
“Pray, be careful on your words when discussing the Gods. We are powerful, yes, and we may think ourselves close to achieving the same power, but they are far older and possess a full grasp of laws,” Caiden warned the group.
His words seemed to put a damper on the discussion being held as the group turned silent. Each member was left alone with their own thoughts. It wasn’t until several minutes later, as the smell of food intensified, did conversation return.
“With Gorrick’s awakening… it will only be a matter of time before Lady Death herself rises. We need to plan how and when we approach the castle,” Zedra spoke.
She’d finished the main preparations, and now the food was comfortably roasting over the bonfire. Although their temporary housing held a kitchen, bath, and other necessities, Zedra found the best food was made in the open air roasting over flames.
“What we thought was the easiest location wasn’t. Gorrick has been eating for a while—who knows what terrible heights his strength will reach,” Alaina said. Her mug was refilled on its third serving. “I vote we explore the Shattered Scar and leave—as long as we get a decent enough count of the undead Elysium and other countries will know what to expect.”
Zedra gasped at the words of Alaina, causing the goblin woman to chuckle but send her an apologetic look. In truth, seeing the birthplace of the goblin race wasn’t… pleasant. The cavern was deep in the once sewage system of the Silent City—a place carved out for the less valued members of society. At least it was according to the history taught. Just seeing the area in person and knowing the history of what and how it happened made it even more jarring for her. She was ready to leave, and after seeing Gorrick in the flesh, one of the first of two goblins to transform from humans and elves… Alaina was mortified.
“Nay, I say we explore the rest. Unera’s Theater should be last. Let’s complete our main objective first before. We must strive to gain as much knowledge as possible to provide. There will be no demigods or prestige on the continent once the Path of Apotheosis opens,” Caiden began.
“Perhaps most of you have removed yourself from the mortal perspective, but I have not. Do you not wish to help those of your clan, state, and fellow man from the monsters that are magi? Or perhaps you believe an ascension into the Astral will negate all matters of the Mortal Realm. Neigh, I believe, no, I know it will only escalate once we ascend to the realm the Gods reside.”
Sid scoffed, “Clans? Family? What good will that do me when it was family who banished me ? When it was family who stole my position as head of Clan Ashenight.”
Caiden opened his mouth to speak, but the orc cut him off by continuing. “Regardless, I say we complete the quest completely. Not for a clan or state but for the glory and secured spot in ascension. I’ve long since grown tired of the Mortal Realm. My level hasn’t moved in forty years. Not since we slayed Arshkun of the Depths. Now, that—was a calamity.”
“Yes, yes—your words both hold merit, but so does that of Alaina. This place is dangerous and Gorrick will begin to patrol. With the knowledge we hold of the creature—it’s best we simply explore the Shattered Scar and leave,” Lairo said.
The four, having each said their peace, turned to the last member [Brava Guild] who’d yet to voice their opinion. The felion in question was busy slicing off thin tendrils of meat that quickly disappeared down her maw. She paused and turned to stare back. Her greasy facial hair made her look guilty, like she was caught doing something she wasn’t supposed to do. Slowly, carefully, a sharp claw extended before slicing off another piece of meat, and she gobbled it down. The entire time, she stared back at the members in challenge.
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Sid rolled his eyes, lips smacking loudly, before he removed a knife of his own as he stood to join her. Alaina shook her head, but a smile was on her face as she followed. Lairo smiled—the elderly man remained seated, but his lips moved silently. Moments later, a sharp stone dagger alongside a stone plate appeared. The dagger began to carve thin strips of meat that made their way toward the mage.
The team ate in silence until Zedra belched loudly. The sound interrupted the extremely still night—far greater than the sound of the teams chewing and the crackling of the fire. She sat back in her seat, a satiated smile on her face.
There she waited until all members had their fill before she began to speak.
“I am much more in favor of exploring the entirety of the Silent City. It is possible we may find discarded Laws lost due to the death of their wielders. Over forty known demigods have perished here. If we can recover even just one law…,” Zedra’s eyes held the same light in them when she spotted shinnies.
Alaina groaned, knowing the most likely outcome of Zedra’s vote. When it came to gaining wealth and potential life-ending adventures… Zedra would go for both as long as she could gain.
“However… our fight against Gorrick,” Zedra shuddered, her eyes closing. The memories of the earlier invaded her mind. She could feel mental de-buffs attempting to take effect, but a warm feeling entered her chest. She opened her eyes to see Caiden holding out a hand in her direction.
She gave him a comforting smile before speaking. “I took no pleasure in the actions we did today. Those who were part of the first goblins suffered a tragic fate under the leadership of one who was supposed to protect them. Their consumption of one another will not stop, and as they eat more and more, they grow stronger. The Legion of Hunger, led by Gorrick, is renowned for their endless Power.
Our task is important, but our lives are far more important. My vote is to explore the Shattered Scar tomorrow,” Zedra continued.
Surprise showed in Alaina’s face and much of her guild members. Yet Zedra continued to speak and [Brava Guild] listened.
“ However… ”
Alaina mentally chuckled, she knew a, but , was coming. The rest of the group was much of the same. It was Zedra’s motto to maximize profits in whatever manner she could. Not out of a desperate need for valuables. From what Alaina knew of her guild leader, the felion just loved getting paid. Alaina suspected it had something to do with a perk or unique skill.
“We must explore Unera’s Theater as well. It does not need to be excessive, only a cursory glance at the internals is fine. It is dangerous, but far outside the danger of exploring Ard’s Rest. I'd rather not have to find out the hard way whether Lady Death is awakened from her slumber.”
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The Ard Deadlands remained still throughout the night. Cloudless, lifeless, and stale of all things. [Brava Guild] was up with the sun. Most didn’t need the night of rest truly to recover. At their level, sleep wasn’t truly a necessity. It only provided a small benefit of relieving mental fatigue.
Their excursion into the Graveyard was short, lasting less than three hours. Yet, the mental toll it took on most members of the [Brava Guild] was something they wouldn’t wish on anyone.
They were [Adventurers] not [Bandits]—through some didn’t see a distinction between the two. The slaying of the thin, stuck-like goblins struck an unwelcome nerve in the members of the guild. Zedra allowed her members to take the rest of the day off, knowing they were more than able to continue, more so for them to come to terms with what they’d done. She knew Alaina required the respite more so than anyone else.
Now, as the dawn of the second day rose to greet them, the members of Brava Guild prepared themselves to venture into the Shattered Scar.
“Lairo,” Zedra called right before the mage dismissed their wood mansion back to its dimensional storage. The mage kept their biggest equipment on his person. It was the safest option as he always stood center, surrounded by the four members.
“Yes, Zedra? What is it?”
Lairo asked as he looked away from his task. Next to him was an open book. He’d been reading as he accomplished his task.
“Cast the new teleportation spell, right here, right now,” Zedra said.
She folded her arms to gather as she gave the older mage a strict look. The other members of [Brava Guild] halted their task to turn to the mage. They, too, wanted to ensure a repeat of yesterday didn’t happen.
Lairo sleepily smiled, but didn’t bother to argue. Instead, the mage silently changed as a small rock appeared before him. It was similar to the one he used when they made their escape away from Gorrick. Under the watching gaze of his party members, Lairo began to cast.
The moment he began, the rest of [Brava Guild] returned to their respective task. It was rare for one of the highly rated, and powerful guilds in the [Adventure Association] to take on a task. It was even rarer for them to accept a quest as dangerous as the one they currently faced. However, their plan of escape proved fruitful so far.
Once the members found their task complete, [Brava Guild] made its return to the Silent City. This time they circled to the southern border of the city. Their formation hadn’t changed, and they carefully looked for any holes available.
Alaina frowned as her eyesight scanned up and down the wall. The once decayed, dead —appearing walls no longer held that same appearance. They were still worn down and in need of maintenance, but now the holes and imperfections they expected to find were no longer visible. It didn’t take long for her guild members to notice this.
“Alaina,” Zedra began.
“No there’s nothing. I’ve scanned several miles on both sides and (Pulsar Scan) showed me dozens of entrances along the southern wall just yesterday.”
“Then the city is awakening but moving this fast? What’s going on? The records recorded state only after a year of Gorrick’s awakening will the walls return to,” Sid gestured. “This.”
An uneasy atmosphere settled over the group, and for a moment, no one spoke. It remained that way until the oldest of the group cleared the air.
“No one truly understood the Silent City. Only those in the Sun Temple truly know the history, and they’ve kept such knowledge locked away from the masses. I was born during the reconstruction after the second Great War, whose records you speak of. It was then that the second attempt at understanding the city began at the cost of many. This attempt was a continuation of the first, which began before the second [Chosen of Madris] was even born. What we know is only things that have been theorized but never truly confirmed,” Lairo finished.
The old mage stroked his beard as he spoke, his wizen gazed studied the wall, spectacles shining with a blue light.
“I say we create an entrance of our own. Something small, discrete, and easy to hide,” Alaina said.
“Ease on the small part friend, but I certainly agree,” Sid commented.
“Yes, yes, there are no wards or any sort of detection magic cast. I can create a tunnel that burrows into the catacombs. From there we can emerge into the streets and pursue our objective.”
Nods of agreement came from the members of [Brava Guild] and they turned to their leader as she remained silent. Her feline-like eyes remained narrowed as she gazed at the wall—her tail wrapped around her waist like a belt.
“Change of plans, we explore the Shattered Scar, then leave. I don’t like this, and I don’t have nine lives to spend all in one sitting,” she joked finally.
[Brava Guild] laughed. It was well known how feline beast-men did possess the same advantages their ‘lesser’ brethren held.
“Let’s go—weapons hot. Expect Trouble ,” Zedra said. Her words sparked a reaction from all members of [Brava Guild].
“ Battle and Struggle. ”