EPISODE 143: TROUBLING NEWS 2
— IVORY NATION, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.
Wilarax stretched, the morning sun brought the chill of autumn with its rising. She took a long, deep breath, her mind activating as yesterday’s events left her drained.
Dungeon diving a living breathing demigod tree, divine beast…, combination… thing—took its toll on her body and soul. She still thought about the conversation she held with the Demigoddess of Purity, Innai. It’d been nearly a month since, and what she planned to have as a short stay in the Nation of Ivory extended into a far longer one. Not that anyone was complaining. This trip… this group, was moved by her words. This was her [Adventure].
She stood, her lithe body maneuvering in ways she thought impossible back on Earth. She gazed down at her wooden bed. Who knew sleeping on hardwood would leave her so comfortable and refreshed every morning?
Once she finished with her basic stretches, Wilarax did her morning routine and took care of the necessities. The moment she finished, she made her way out of her room, her fingers trailing on the warm bark of the [Tree-Home] she’d come to call the buildings constructed by the [Grove Tenders]. The sounds of a child’s laughter entered her ears as she made her way to the common area. The tree was large, and easily supported her group of thirteen.
She entered the common area to see Aniya on the back of Uma, a wooden sword and shield in the child’s hands, while Youruu pretended to be the big bad villain. The other Prestiges and demigods of Wilarax’s party were sitting on the couches, watching with smiles on their faces. The high-level guards weren’t present at the moment, but Wilarax was sure they’d show up soon. Aniya’s mother, Ilia, walked in from the other hallway with a large platter of food, and behind her were Wilarax’s missing guards.
To think what brought this change about was Innai’s original hostility. For the first few nights of their stay, Aniya woke up screaming with nightmares that her mother just couldn’t calm. Wilarax attempted to help, but the young girl shied back in fear, even with her. Her gaze locked onto the long, pointy ears that emerged from Wilarax’s hair. It was Uma who broke this state on the third day. Ilia, exhausted from coaxing her child to sleep for three days straight, fell unconscious from {Exhaustion}. She hadn’t slept, as she rocked her child to sleep, the trauma Wilarax worked so hard to erase reared its fangs once more. Although most levelers of sufficient strength could go days without sleep, they could not overdo it lest de-buffs begin to appear.
It was Uma who approached on the third day as Ilia fell into {Exhaustion}. It was there that she exposed her domain of bravery to reignite the young girl’s spirit. Wilarax wasn’t sure exactly what Uma did, but moments later, the young girl held a new confidence on her face as she ‘rode’ Uma into battle.
From the sounds of the common area as Wilarax approached, another one of the daily plays was underway. She prepared herself, a grim expression on her face.
Everyone paused the moment they saw Wilarax enter. Their faces looked like they’d been caught doing something they shouldn’t have—like a child caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Wilarax just stood there smiling.
“Well, well, well…,” She began.
‘To think that they were highly against the two magi-humans in the early months—now look at them.’
She didn’t say that aloud, instead, she continued with, “…so, you’ve turned my most loyal knight into a steed, and are in the process of slaying my demon general.”
Black wisps of air began to rise around Wilarax, and she made the mana around her convert in a simple application of her Intent. True Elves possessed {Magic’s Beloved} and their manipulation of the world’s most natural element was unparalleled with any but another True Elf. Two, (Mage Lights), that looked like glowing fireballs appeared behind Wilarax.
“You may have defeated my other Demon Generals, but you will not defeat me, Wilarax Joi Simra Indrius — Demon Queen!”
Wilarax charged into the battle, the two ‘fireballs’ shooting directly for the young girl. Aniya’s eyes, which once appeared worried, like she was caught with her hands in the cookie jar, shone with excitement, and she did her best to squeeze her tiny legs around Uma’s broad back while pointing her sword forward.
“Charge!”
A fierce battle broke out—good versus evil, while food and snacks were set on a giant table able to accommodate all members of the party. As the battle entered its height, a new figure appeared and grabbed Aniya from the back of her noble steed.
“That’s enough young lady, it’s time for breakfast. You and your demon queen can finish the battle after.”
Aniya narrowed her eyes at Wilarax and brandished her sword as she was carried away. “Prepare yourself, Demon Queen, once I’ve recharged—to the Underneath you go!”
“Hmph, you’re a thousand years too early to think you can defeat the Demon Queen!”
Laughs were exchanged all around and Wilarax sent a small prayer to God El for this adventure provided for her. Her life was relatively peaceful and the people she met were of diverse and different backgrounds as she traveled the continent.
It was… nice .
“So, what plans do our young [Chosen] have today,” Ahri asked lightheartedly.
The foxkin and Wilarax were cleaning the plates and dishes from their breakfast. Just because the people of the world saw her as some divine being sent by God El didn’t mean Wilarax had to act like one. She enjoyed the earlier event and even now, she enjoyed the menial task she did, much more than she realized.
“I think I’ll head up to the tenth labyrinth today. My level has been progressing steadily, but it’s starting to slow now.”
“Dungeons are one of the fastest, but most dangerous ways to level. Each is uniquely different and provides a range of experience types. Before we return to Elysium, you should easily reach level one hundred and collect several titles.”
“Well, I’m only forty levels away, so I’ll be there soon.”
“Wilarax, you know better than to state your level aloud like that. That is not information you should share easily,” Ahri responded sternly. Her gaze was serious as she paused the dishwashing for a moment.
“I don’t think it’s that bad. I’ve never understood why it’s such a taboo. My skills and more are unknown, and I have three demigods, two Prestiges, and five high-levelers who are close to level three hundred with me. If they cannot protect me…”
She left the rest unsaid, and Ahri just sighed. Some lessons were learned the hard way. “When do you intend to depart from Ivory? We’ve long stayed past what we initially discussed.”
Wilarax noticed the woman’s change in topic but didn’t say anything to halt it. “Within the week, I’ve almost reached my goal—there are a few unique illusionary materials found nowhere else but in Iveri. Once I’ve collected a few more samples, then I’ll be ready to continue the journey. Although I don’t mind staying here a bit longer, winter is coming, and I don’t want Aniya to have to travel through such hardships.”
What was adventuring without collecting trophies?
Ahri smiled at the kindness of Wilarax and just as she was about to respond, she paused. Her large fox ears flickered, and her tails swished in a faux wind.
Wilarax paused her rinsing off a plate and looked at Ahri in concern. “What’s wrong?”
“Someone is moving in this direction relatively swiftly. Uma is intercepting them now.”
Wilarax focused on her aura, actively processing the constant stream of information it fed her. She didn’t sense anything, but she could only sense nearly 125 meters around her. She looked at Ahri strangely, but a sudden thought crossed her mind.
‘How far can Prestige and Demigods truly sense? How does the system change for them?’
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She’d learned of the history of demigods and Prestiges throughout the years, and she even knew of the hidden layer of the attributes and the features she’d possess by unlocking them—yet, her knowledge of the power scale and abilities of those past the level three hundred barrier were strangely lacking.
‘Huh, I’ll have to ask Father or Uma to explain more to me later.’
Her weekly call to her father was just a day away, she would speak to him more on it then.
Ahri noticed Wilarax’s confused look and explained. “We, demigods and Prestige, can sense things far outside the normal range most mortals can. The Prime System works differently with us than what you currently see. However, to achieve full mastery, we must ascend into Godhood. Let’s go meet them at the door.”
Wilarax nodded, dried her hands, and followed Ahri. Together, they descended the upper floor of the [Tree-Home] and arrived at the entrance. The strongest five members of her escort were all present. Just as they arrived, the door opened and Uma stepped in with a lithe figure.
The thin elf’s wood-brown eyes immediately locked onto Wilarax’s, and he didn’t hesitate to bow deeply—his body nearly at ninety degrees as he flourished an arm backward. His voice emerged into the surroundings like that of a slippery eel.
“It is my honor to be in the presence of the divine.”
He made a religious symbol, one all too familiar to Wilarax, before straightening his body.
“I am Prestige Elis of the El’anni elves, and I rushed over immediately at the request of my Lady Innai—she wishes for the five of you to come to the palace immediately. Urgent news has surfaced regarding Edryan, and she is unsure whether you’ve received word of the ongoing event.”
Fio frowned and shook her head, an action that was similarly presented on the faces of the other four.
“Allow us a moment to alert our party, and we will depart shortly,” Uma answered for the group. “Youruu.”
The darkly cloaked man immediately disappeared, and Uma turned to face Wilarax. “You should go back upstairs—dungeon diving is canceled for today until we make sure there are no problems.”
“What’s going on,” Wilarax questioned, frowning. Her eyes were on the thinly framed man.
Prestige Elis looked to Uma, and the centaur crossed her muscular arms. She stared sternly at the [Chosen of El] and said in a tone that matched her expression. “We don’t know, but if it’s regarding Edryan and the Demigoddess Innai deemed it fit to use a Prestige to deliver the message, then its importance cannot be underestimated. Go back upstairs, we’ll return by tonight.”
Wilarax knew that tone and exactly where this was headed. She crossed her well-defined arms and stared sternly back at Uma. She was the closest thing Wilarax had to a mother in this world, a guardian, and caretaker for as long as she could remember—which was everything from the moment of her sudden death… to her meeting with El and subsequent rebirth on the Genesis Realm.
“No.”
“Wilarax Joi Simra Indrius, now is not the time.”
“This… is my [Adventure]. I set the rules, not you.”
“Prestige Elis, please wait outside for us, we will join you shortly.”
The thin man nodded, he gave Wilarax a second religious salute before stepping outside. The atmosphere immediately turned more oppressive as Uma’s aura increased the pressure.
“Your father gave me the right to overrule you, and I’m invoking that now.”
“Do you believe I’m still a child ignorant to the ways of the world,” Wilarax questioned.
“Wilarax, it is for your protection—we must ensure you are safe,” Lucky interjected.
“So hiding information from me is part of that protection? I am going—I say this not as Wilarax Indrius — [Daughter of the Sun] but [Chosen of El]—Who Dares To Stop Me. ”
Her voice was light, so light that it seemed playful but with hints of curiosity. Through her journey outside the [Temple of the Sun], her consistent dungeon diving brought her through different adventures. And, although her life was never truly in danger, it brought her closer to a side she didn’t fully understand. With each dungeon dive, with each new exploration, her sense of [Adventure] grew—with that her connection to El deepened.
Wilarax’s silver-gold eyes shone with light, her aura becoming as heavy as Uma’s. Her God’s presence was undeniable. God El — The Adventurer was present.
“ Do you think Adventurers are like this—to be coddled at every avenue and ensure there is no true danger? Did you begin to comprehend Bravery by standing at home? Or was it on the battlefield protecting your people, your home, as the blood of your enemies slid down your blade? ”
Uma bowed, as did the rest of the party present. The aura of the one present felt like God El himself stood before them.
Wilarax took a deep breath, her eyes closed as she calmed herself. God El was always present and ready to lend her a helping hand. In fact, he seemed eager and was displeased by the excessive coddling Wilarax faced. That was not the spirit of adventure and those among the party who worshiped him knew that more than anyone.
“Let’s go,” Wilarax said, her eyes returned to normal. She stepped past the bowing members of her party and opened the door. No one stopped her as she exited out to a waiting Elis a few meters away. He stared at her, the sense of worship in his eyes even stronger than before.
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Innai smiled warmly as the party of [Path Walkers] and Wilarax entered her abode. She looked toward Uma and spoke. “Greetings [Path Walkers] of Elysium and Wilarax — Chosen of El.”
“It is a pleasure to see you again Innai,” Wilarax responded.
Innai eyebrows raised as the young girl answered for their group. She knew the young woman was responsible for their group in name, but it was clear Uma was the backbone. It seemed something had changed. Her eyes flickered to Prestige Elis, a loyal follower of hers for the past millennium. They exchanged a wordless communication that happened in less than a second.
Innai’s smile deepened as she understood, and her gaze fully settled on the [Chosen of El].
“The pleasure is mine, Wilarax. Come, let us sit in a parlor—refreshments will be served shortly.”
The party quickly made their way up the large tree Demigoddess Innai called her home. Dozens of El’anni elves scattered out of the way as the procession hurried past. Innai walked in the form of her (True Body). She was not one who believed in hiding who she was at heart. Although they were much rarer, those who possessed (True Body) in Ivory didn’t hide their status. They held no need to, unless a rival caste was restricting them greatly.
They arrived at one of the highest points in Innai’s home, and it was here she entertained them for a while. Once pleasantries were finished and refreshments served, Innai spoke.
“There is troubling news on the horizon. Edryan has three demigods and several Prestige classes.”
Innai was not one to draw things out when it came to such vital information. Once the basic level of pleasantries was given, she got down to business.
The emotions of the party were scattered. Uma breathed in deeply, a growl-like neigh emerged from her mouth. Lucky sucked in a hiss of air, his eyes narrowing while Fio’s eyes grew sharp similar to Lucky’s. Ahri’s fox features grew deeper as whisker marks appeared on her cheeks and her tails flailed violently. Youruu was the only one who didn’t seem to react, but an imperceptible shiver spread across his body. Only Wilarax looked confused at the words of Innai not understanding exactly what the problem was.
“What exactly does that mean? My home plays host to at least a hundred demigods and hundreds of Prestiges… thousands of high-levelers,” Wilarax said.
Her voice returned plenty of her party members to their senses. Innai sent Wilarax a gentle smile. “Oh, your soul is so pure. Perhaps if I did not already possess the (Seed of Purity) then it may have belonged to you. The reason your party members held those reactions is not out of fear of three new demigods, but what the Goddess of War can do with them.”
Wilarax still appeared confused, and Innai offered further clarification.
“You studied the history of the continent, yes? Then you should know some features of the Goddess of War domain and the effects that can activate once a war begins. We fear not three new demigoddesses, but hundreds—thousands more that can rise once they understand the difficulties of the first steps. We fear the insight they can provide—after all, one feature the Goddess of War domain gives is that of plundering.”
“Oh, just tell the girl clearly,” Lucky said tiredly. “Goddess Madris’s domain of War can plunder those of others, and during wartime, this effect spreads to her people. Should they get the opportunity too, they can steal every domain in the Temple, but not just that alone. They can steal the Paths both Gods and Prestiges walk. What we fear is the first of them learning more about their Path and passing the knowledge on. From there, it will only become harder to halt the magi’s advance.”