EPISODE 48: Same Coin, Different Faces
— Edryan Queendom, Year 7291. Season: Central.
This world is amazing! My observations so far have revealed numerous fantasy-like races that existed in the storybooks of Earth. Brock and Lawrence would have loved this place. If only father would allow me to leave the Temple of the Sun. I’ve heard tales from the disciples of how it’s a whole new world. A world I couldn’t imagine, as the disciples of the temple must live lives of no excess. They must grow their food, farm their own animals, make their own clothes, and never use any technology of any sort. Even their use of skills must be limited. They tell me this is the lives their ancestors lived thousands of years ago. They tell me of fantastic stories of the Endless City.
— Excerpt from the journal of Wilarax.
You have entered Artificial Dungeon: Ruined Temple of Elrunian.
“Fuck…, I hate it here.”
I groaned and took stock of my Life Points, brushing away the notification. I was running dangerously low on magic. My stamina was stable, but a good night’s rest barring I held no extreme injuries would return me to peak Life Points, no matter how many hours it took to hit max.
“Chirp?”
I cracked one eye open from my half-buried position and gazed at Minerva. The young bird was preening herself as the collapse of the floor scattered a ton of dust that invaded her perfect feathers.
HP: 116/780 (+0)
SP: 565/780 (+0)
MP: 205/1200 (+0)
As I checked my Life Points, a notification alerted me of my current state. It showed me the reason behind my loss of 200 Health Points from the fall. Using (Limitless Steps) did not prevent the rubble from knocking into me and knocking me unbalanced. That caused me to fall with the rest of the debris. Only a quick recast of the skill saved me from the worst fate.
SELF CHECK!
You have fallen from a tremendous height.
{Trauma} has been inflicted upon you until a form of recovery has been undertaken.
-200 HP.
“Show me {Trauma},” I spoke aloud. My throat was dry, and it came out in a cough. Minerva stopped preening and hopped over to me in concern. Gently, she began pecking at the large stones and removing what she could.
Status Effect:
Name:
{Trauma}
Description:
Mighty physical blows had tried their best to fell you. Resist or die trying!
Function:
-200HP and -30% to all regen stats.
“Ahhh fuck, here goes my only health potion.”
With a small heave, I freed myself from the stones and debris trapping me. A tired groan escaped me as I focused on one of my rings. It took several attempts, but eventually, I was able to form the concentration I needed to connect with the dimensional storage with my mana. In another moment, I selected the item I wanted after sifting through a ton of resources, precious metals, and more for constructing golems.
I pulled on the knight bevor shaped like an owl's beak and with a small click, it was unlatched to show my mouth. Instantly, I downed the high health potion and felt the pain leave as I received plus 200 HP. Light, from the raging fire above, guided me as I slowly stood up. I hadn’t slept in 16 maybe 17 hours. With all the high-intensity fighting, I’d done; I was sick and tired of delving already. It also meant {Fatigue} or worse could be settling in.
“Where the fuck are we?
… (Mage Light).”
I activated the spell and, slowly, my mouth opened and dropped in shock. Above and all around me in a dome were two and a half murals so detailed and lifelike that I felt I could be physically drawn into each image. I felt I would be able to hear the story being told. I looked around until I spotted what, I assumed, was the first one. It was here I let whatever magic trying to draw me in take effect. I could tell it was not harmful but extremely profound. Nothing like this magic existed in today’s period.
----------------------------------------
— Genesis, Year Designation: 625
Our Lord, Our Shepard, Our Creator…
[Architect of Genesis]
Realm Lord Elrunian
The realm shuddered, and a cry of joy erupted from every surface. The trees, the stars, the animals, and the very mana within the air. I felt the joy of the world, the water, the moons, and more. I felt their calling and willingness to submit as a strange human-like being walked throughout the realm. These sensations and more overloaded my mind as I appeared to watch from a third-person and first-person perspective. It was like a flat-screen tv was in front of me and directly within my mind at the same time.
Realm Lord Elrunian was far taller than anything I could comprehend. When his hand reaches up, he plucked a star from the night sky. The mass and fierce conversion of hydrogen and a greater source of energy into heat and mana seemed not to bother him. Like he was plucking some fruit from his garden .
With a wave of his hand, the star turned dust and became the first creatures of the realm.
The first beings born were all of divinity and fangs .
Strength and weaknesses .
Greed and selflessness .
They were the first Gods of the realm.
Fully formed beings whose levels ranged in the thousands.
They were the first Dragons of the realm.
True Dragons with might enough to slay any who peered at them with greed.
They were the first Titans of the realm.
Giants in their own right yet hungry to reach the height of their Shepard .
Others, like Elrunian, showed themselves, and together they created Genesis. With Elrunian as its helm, the multiverse prospered. Then… the first multiverse war began.
Creators of Genesis watched as their creations fought one another for might and power as the ecstasy of leveling overtook them. A battle that slaughtered over half the denizens of Genesis prospered for thousands of years but in the blink of the eyes of the Architect and his peers.
With the population of Genesis never so low before, the Creators decided new races should prosper. This time their image was different. They were created more in the form of the Architect himself and those who counted themselves as his peer. They were much weaker than the first creations…, far weaker… as the Creators viewed the system of leveling through trials of combat and other methods as a success.
Thus, the first of the mortal races were born.
Some Creators chose to carve their likeness from stone and gems and created a layer of Genesis for these beings to live. Underneath the soil of the free spirits of the realm. The Titans decided to inhabit this realm. Others selected existing creations, molding them to suit a superior form. Astral above the sky and clouds, within the stars but beneath them. The Gods decided to inhabit this realm.
Elrunian chose to create multiple in his and his peer's images, and the Saphens were born. Some were born with pointy ears and held a closer connection to magic. This enabled them to wield it with the help of the system once adulthood was reached. Elrunian called these Saphens Elves. Others were not as fortunate, these Saphens held shorter and much rounder ears. Living lives that passed before Elrunian could finish a blink. He called these Saphens Humans. Both held features of him and all the Creators of Genesis.
The [Architect of Genesis] felt confused as to why the humans could not wield the magic of the world the way others could. Confused as to why they lacked potential . Yet, he still watched in fascination as they still found a way. Some by focusing and comprehending an element, others found gems of power stored full of mana and cast that way. Yet, they were unable to hold a candle to those born with natural grace. Those born wielding the watered-down power of Him since birth.
So, he would change that.
“Hmm,” eyes turned and met my own. Swirling galaxies for pupils, spinning endlessly in the orbs this God called eyes. “ Ahh , so it can be done that way .”
I snapped back from the first mural and gasped in shock, fear, excitement and so much more. My heart beat at an unprecedented rate and a burst of energy invigorated my body. “HE SAW ME!”
“ HE SAW US! ”
I turned to look at my partner as I felt my heart rate spike higher once again. What we stumbled into was a powerful secret that could change the world.
… Why was it under an Artificial Dungeon?
“Something is not right. I can’t believe the Elrunian Conti- Genesis is a… multiverse? It doesn’t make sense.”
“ Chirp. Chirp Chirp Chirrrrrp! ”
“You think these Creators were a group of scientists or something? It makes sense looking at it from an Earthlings perspective, but Gods are very real in the Prime Plane.”
Right before Minerva could respond, the rubble shifted and I turned instantly. Both weapons at the ready to end whatever moved. I slowly relaxed as Adam seemed to appear from the rubble. The golem seemed to start crawling toward something as it used its only good limb to move.
My eye’s traced the golem's projected path, and my weapons came back up as a charred husk gazed at me. [Mothering Tigress of the Den – ★★★ ] lay on her side. Her body twisted beyond recognition. Only charred flesh remained of the once orange tabby.
“ She’s dying. ”
“Yeah, let’s make it quicker.”
You have defeated Mothering Tigress of the Den and Guardian of the Tiger Den.
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
You have gained three levels and the title:
[Solo Leveling].
A new Achievement has been unlocked!
Achievement Type:
Title – Solo Leveling
Description:
Adventuring groups? Friends? Family? Don’t need em.
Effect:
Only I Level Up
+20 Power, +20 Endurance, +20 Mind, +20 Intent per 10 levels gained without the assistance of any other lifeforms.
I removed my blade from the severed head of the boss monster. Using my forearm and bicep to wipe away the blood. After, I picked up Adam and tossed the ruined golem into my storage ring. Next, I sliced open the chest of the [Mothering Tigress of the Den – ★★★ ] and stored her beast core.
“We need to leave here before Alexandria sends the entire army to flood this dungeon,” I said to Minerva.
“ Before we leave, look at the last mural, ” Minerva chirped. She chose to ignore the middle mural that we fell through. It was what I counted as a half, as the hole we fell through destroyed most of it. That destruction seemed to remove most of the magic holding the piece together, as the colorful mural faded to grey.
My gaze turned wearily to the last mural, this time I chose to study the drawing and not be drawn into it. What I saw confused me and left me pondering with endless thoughts.
The [Architect of Genesis] held a human girl within his hand and a crystal within the other. The painting shifted as the being slowly brought the crystal closer to the chest of the girl. My consciousness heavily resisted what I saw next. All my upbringing told me of another story, but I could not deny the red-gold eyes that stared at me as the process was completed and…
The first Magi-Human was born.
“ What does this mean? ”
“This mea-”
My body made an instant decision as it sensed danger approaching. This was a familiar feeling I received since my youth. The feeling was like the hairs on the back of my neck standing up but far more violent.
' IF I DON’T MOVE NOW, I DIE ,’ my thoughts screamed.
I dodged to the left as an object impacted the position I previously stood, while I ignored the ‘dink’ for a new notification. “What is it now? This day cannot get any worse.”
The dust cleared, and a mechanized humanoid stood from the debris. I sighed and quickly cast inspect, but Minerva was faster as she directly used (Keeper’s Eye) to scan our newest opponent.
“ Oh… fuck. ”
“(Inspect).”
[Ruined Temple Guardian: Alarax – ★★★ ]
Base Atk: 300
Base Def: 222
HP: 2010/2010
MP: 1770/1770
HP Regen: 33/Hour
MP Regen: 29/Hour
Power: 1000
Mana: 590
Vitality: 670
Self: 740
Description:
A dungeon monster created by the combined efforts of [Dungeon Master – Johnna the Tinker] and [Cult of Genesis]. The Temple Guardian was placed here to ensure any who entered never left.
“Bandits my ass, [Tiger Den – ★★ ] was a cover-up for this bullshit.”
“You need to leave. YESTERDAY.”
“Mana Surge).”
I felt the rush of mana in the atmosphere surrounding us suddenly take the nature of the natural mana produced by my body before rushing into me in a surge of power. My mana reserved went from near empty to full instantly while the unique skill went on a week's cooldown.
The temple guardian slowly turned my way. Two arms revealed themselves. One with a sword while the other held a shield.
“I think we can take 'em,” I said with the slightest confidence.
A third arm appeared on the side of the shield arm; this one held a caster's orb within it. This would naturally amplify the magic cast by the golem, excluding whatever tier of spell it cast which would give it additional damage.
“Fuck this, (Limitless Steps).”
----------------------------------------
— Elysium, Year 7291. Season: Central.
Wilarax sized up the ‘Party’ of her expedition. Three demigods, two prestige class holders, and the rest were all high-levelers. Perhaps some would walk the path of Godhood … perhaps they would Prestige . Regardless, if any of these figures were outside the Temple of the Sun, they’d be counted as strategic assets. Some might be kings or queens of a territory; others might be regarded as figures of renown standing. Inside the Temple of the Sun, they were just common as blades of grass on a windy day.
Presently, these legendary figures were here as her escort. For the first time in years, Wilarax took a step outside the temple grounds. Her eyes widened in excitement as she found herself in a bustling downtown megalopolis. Massive buildings, some like the high rises of Earth, floated in the sky. Some of these were mage towers of renown, might regulate the weather and more. Others were home to the families and houses of those who entered the Temple and managed to make a name for themselves. Wilarax gawked like a country bumpkin, but she didn’t care.
Uma let off a booming laugh at the face of Wilarax as she emerged from the temple grounds to see the large city that formed itself outside those very grounds. The young elf’s mouth dropped open, which caused several of the group members around her to laugh and release smiles of appreciation.
“Welcome to Elysium, the Endless City!”
Wilarax turned to Lucky – He Never Misses , the True Elf appeared to be in his mid-twenties, but Wilarax knew he was thousands of years old. He was not one of the old monsters who existed since the Jagged Crush, but he was old. Lucky’s light green eyes gave her a wink, and Wilarax realized she was staring.
“All this is Elysium?” She questioned as she gestured around the bustling city that extended as far as the sun shined. If not for the few floating high rises every few blocks, Wilarax would believe herself to be downtown in one of the big American cities like Chicago, New York, or more.
“Everything the Sun touches is Elysium. It is known as the Endless City for a reason. We’ll have to travel a considerable distance before we reach her borders.”
The first question on Wilarax's mind was stated simply. “How?”
Just from the initial view outside the temple grounds, which stood above the city on a massive plateau of its own; Wilarax could roughly estimate that the city would hold twice, if not thrice more than the population of the temple. The temple itself held ten million disciples.
“That is a broad question, Princess Wilarax. How is a city of this size sustained? How does the temple have such simple living arrangements with such a city outside? How does that billboard have my face plastered all over it,” said Ahri, a short beast woman from the fox clans. The second demigoddess assigned to her protection.
“Don’t call me princess! I don’t want anyone to know about me leaving the temple!”
The group made eye contact with each other before they burst out laughing. Lucky doubled over, Ahri pulled her hand to her face and chuckled. Uma let off a neighing-like laugh, while the rest of the group expressed themselves in a multitude of manners.
“There is only one family of True Elf with your features, Wilarax – Daughter of the Sun,” Uma chided. “Look up.”
Wilarax looked up at the giant blimp Uma pointed at. The True Elf smacked her face as she saw the smiling face of her father as a clear advertisement for the temple.
“You look so much like him, just more feminine. It will be difficult for people to not recognize you with all these features.”
“It is time we start moving, lest we begin attracting more attention than necessary,” Uma spoke. Gesturing at the forming crowd underneath them.
It was rare for the temple not to be surrounded by hopeful disciples, regardless of if they only accepted new members every ten years. The Temple of the Sun was the greatest archive and held the secrets to plenty of classes, irrespective of if they were Prestige or one of Godhood.
“It is rare for so many temple members to leave the temple. It is even rarer for Uma – Demigoddess of Bravery, Prestige Lucky – He Never Misses, not to mention Youruu – Silent One to show themselves altogether.”
“Is Fio – Saint of the Blade not as recognizable,” Lucky questioned.
“As a demigoddess lacking a domain, yes.”
After several hours of traveling, the group found themselves in a large compound full of centaurs. There were other magical races, but it was clear they were in a compound beholden to the horse-like race.
The moment Uma stepped upon the street, guards began to appear outside the walled compound. The large gates under the floating high rise opened quickly, releasing a multitude of people. Centaurs were led forward, following behind a pitch-black mare. Wilarax thought Uma was big compared to the rest of her race, but seeing this centaur almost the same size as her friend gave her pause.
“Hahaha Sister! It is good you’ve returned,” the black mare said. Running forward to clasp hands with Uma.
Wilarax watched on in curiosity. It was Uma who charted their path throughout the city. The group hopped on an air taxi, a large platform run by an operator, to get them to their destination.
“This must be…,” the black mare spoke, looking towards Wilarax. The centaur just finished her greeting with Uma.
Wilarax sized her up. The mare stood at 244 cm, with straight black hair, sun-kissed skin, and arms as large as logs. She was still a few sizes smaller than Uma, but Wilarax judged the centaur was able to hold her weight in any challenge.
“This is Her Highness Wilarax – Daughter of the Sun,” Lucky said in a warning tone. After the jokes earlier and the long taxi ride, Wilarax knew a bit more about the ten people accompanying her personality.
Lucky was relaxed, but he was a True Elf like her and as his princess, Lucky would not allow the slightest hint of disrespect nor danger to approach her.
The mare’s eyes widened, and she instantly bowed, followed by many of the surrounding centaurs. When they received Wilarax's permission, they stood, but the young elf could tell their gazes were forever different. I’ll have to talk to the group about announcing my presence.
‘ That’s Lady Una, sister of Uma, ’ a voice transmitted to Wilarax. The young elf looked around curiously and received a wink from Youruu. Wilarax gave him a nod in appreciation.
The group was quickly escorted inside the compound and once they were settled with drinks and refreshments, Uma revealed the reason she brought them here.
“We need money,” Uma stated bluntly.
Wilarax promptly raised her left hand and put her face into it.
“What? You know, the disciples are not allowed to hold on to anything when entering the temple. It is forbidden by the Eldest Elf,” Um spoke to Wilarax.
The young elf only raised her hand and revealed one of the many dimensional storages given to her by her father. She simply removed one of the endless pouches within and tossed it to Uma. The glint of gold and precious jewels reflected according to Uma, who rubbed the back of her head sheepishly.
“Ahem, what I meant to say is we need a place to plan our route of travel.”
“Now that is something, I can get behind. Father also prepared me an updated map of the surrounding kingdoms. It extends as far as the Theocracy of Jhan.
I’ve only ever been outside the temple once, and that was through a teleportation gate. I want to visit everything!”
Wilarax was excited, and the group began recommending places across the board. Wilarax listened in rapt attention as they told stories of the famous areas in the Endless City Elysium and the country itself. Plans of dungeon diving, hot spring exploration, and food tours were carefully crafted late into the night. Wilarax, jotting down notes and creating a schedule.
Now that Uma stopped home, the others wanted to stop by their families' compounds to show Wilarax their specialties.
“Allow us to provide the transportation for Her Highness,” Una said.
“My clan would love to provide any armor or weapons for your leveling,” Fio stated.
The others began speaking up, and it was clear they wanted to stop home for one reason or another. Wilarax indulged them all but found herself wide awake as the day ended, and they were shown to a guest compound.
“In this world, the only family I have is my father.”
She sent a prayer to God El for the protection of her previous family and friends. She prayed that they’d live long and happy lives and not suffer the same tragic fate she did. Not only that, but she prayed for Lawrence that his soul found peace and happiness. She prayed for herself, for a successful journey and new friendships. She prayed for this world, that it would find peace without conflict.