Silas was now back in his home, where he was sitting with his family. Yuliana and Serena were present along with Ye Qiu and Fitz. They were looking at the screen where they could see humans of another earth.
A New Constellation... Has Arrived.
The Constellation of Calm Ruin.
Welcome to the Stream!
Please decide on Players to choose as your Apostles!
"Real friendly." Fitz said as he was making ice cream out of the many ingredients Silas had left them. The screen showed them the state of earth. It was in shambles, all civilizations had been reduced to rubble and there was nothing much that could be done. Players were fighting against monsters. Some were struggling, some excelled while some whose powers were useless began to run away. They watched as a toddler was eaten by a dragon in one bite. There were numbers above their head, where it showed the Constellations that were present to watch the stream. Seeing the Game Master, a cat in a suit smirking at the sight.
"So what do you plan to do?" Silas looked through the situation, over seeing a player named 'Jin Lee'. A girl who was trying her best to survive. Seeing how she was firing her rifle to protect someone behind her. She was sloppy with the action, her reloads had a bit of fumble to them. The rifle jammed every few shots. It caused her to pull the magazine and trying to grab the charging handle. Even then she missed it twice because of how it had lost parts of its handle.
"We need to get these people out of here! Now! Get to the defensive line!" She shouted. Seeing the words 'Fear' and 'Adrenaline' along with 'Anxiety' above her head. They were watching the fight proceed, seeing Jin rush to a child. Diving to the side with a child in her arms. A dragon charged at her. She braced herself.
"Please. At least save this child!"
"Silas?" The others asked, where Silas kept watching. Contemplating his move.
The Calm Ruin has granted Player 'Jin Lee' a weapon!
A bolt of lightning came crashing down before the dragon, forcing it back for a brief moment. Jin Lee looked at the weapon, it was a beautiful pair of sabers. With a message before her.
'Take these blades. Keep the people safe. When they are safe. I will grant you another weapon. I'm sorry. I cannot help you any more than this.' Silas spoke his message as Jin Lee grabbed the sabers.
Player 'Jin Lee' received the weapon!
Weapon Name : The Sabers of the Crying Soul.
ATK Power : 75.
Sharpness : Thorn.
Durability : 70.
The dragon charged after her again. Jin Lee pushed the child to her friend as she stood before it with her thoughts all scrambled. Clenching her teeth, she had steel in her arms and it was time to use it. When the dragon charged after her, she sliced through it like hot knife through butter.
Black Haze : How the...
Global Domination : That's interesting... A pair of swords that cut through a dragon.
Neon Gaze : It's durability is shit.
Mathematics Professor : But it's got enough sharpness to pierce through.
Jin Lee cut through the head, she leaped away to the others. Helping others to the trucks to escape the dragons.
"You always got plans don't you?" Jensen nudged Silas's elbow. The other smiled as they ate ice cream. Jin Lee looked at her blades, then looking around.
"Constellation that granted me this weapon! Thank you! Thank you! I could save my friends and family! Do you want something from me? Do I have to serve you as an Apostle?" The voice cracked in fear, she was tense with her blade. She was terrified but then she saw a message.
Your struggle to save people. That was all that I needed to see. Whether it was genuine or not.
You do not need to serve me as an Apostle if you feel fear or worry.
I think it's best if you touched up your gun training.
Do you have ammo for 5.56?
"Yes. I have a lot of 5.56 ammo but... My rifle.. It's worn out." Silas awarded her with a weapon. It was a rifle, it had flowers over the body. The design was similar to Barton's Burden that Joshua Gates had used. She sheathed the blades and held the rifle instead.
You're granting too much at once, Constellation!
Please justify this!
"I promised to grant her a weapon when she had rescued her allies."
GM : Understood. I hope you understand that you cannot give too many gifts. It will be considered as a means to change the balance of the game. You may be subjected to punishments.
"Try me, Game Master. I'll make a fine coat out of you." The Constellations were amused, seeing the cat shaking in fright.
GM : Please don't threaten me... I'm doing my job.
"It's just a joke, Game Master."
Silas then kept watch as Jin Lee's convoy reached an empty place where they could seek refuge from the chaos. Even for a brief moment, it was a moment of peace. Jin Lee turned to her family, running over to hug them. Crying of relief. They were alive. They are alive. That matters.
"Erm... Constellation? Thank you again but how can I repay you?" Jin Lee asked as they see a note appear in her hands.
'You do not have to. Just seeing you with your family and the people you rescued is a reward on its own.' Jin Lee cried as she got a few coins from Silas, then seeing how the coins were distributed to her family. A few hundred coins each. They were all looking at their shops to buy items.
The Other Constellations leer at those words you have sent to Player 'Jin Lee'
The Constellations with a lower status agree with your actions.
The constellations that wish for humanity's survival wish to learn more about you.
Jin Lee was searching for something, she grabbed her old rifle. Placing it down as she clasped her hands together.
"I cannot offer much, Constellation. Please take this gift that I have."
'There is no need. A cup of tea will do.' Jin Lee turned to the others.
"Does anyone have a cup of tea?" Jin Lee's father went to his bag, pulling out a thermos that had milk tea in it.
"Would this do, Jin?" She nodded to her father, placing it before her as the milk tea had vanished.
A Constellation has meddled with the offering.
The tea splashed on Silas's face, where he let out a sigh. Jin Lee could see the words 'Constellation #9511 sighs.' She was worried, was her offering too simple? Was it not good enough for the Constellation? The others were snickering while Yuliana cleaned Silas's face with a handkerchief.
'It is fine. Another Constellation decided to meddle with my tea. It tastes lovely, though it was splashed on my face. Please tell me. What Constellations have approached you?'
"I can't tell their names, because they're all numbers. But the condition to become their apostles.. It required me to either let my family die or kill them myself. That's why.. I.. I'm hesitant." Jin's explanation was one that was sound. Silas could not blame her at all since the Constellations of this particular world... Were generally a bunch of power hungry assholes who just want things to go wrong.
Jin was still terrified, either way she was trying to understand if it was safe.'I am looking for Apostles but, I also have to consider that you are not feeling ready for it. My offer will stand when you are ready.'That was when Jin could see the Apostle's name. Then seeing the One Who Nurtures, the One who Listens, the One who speaks and other details such as the One Who Keeps Promises. Jin seemed frightful at the name.
"The Calm Ruin. Your name is ominous but you sound so kind." Jin turned to her family, they discussed about it.
'Take your time, Jin. I will keep an eye on you.' Silas subscribed to Jin's stream, where he would be observing her and get notifications of Jin's actions.
"So humans have it tough there, huh?" Ye Qiu said as he scratched his head. The others felt the dread in the room, with Bigby and Alex seem angry at the sight of everything before their eyes.
Game Master : I can make a list of recommendations based on your character, Constellation.
There are a total of 2 more individuals that fit your list.
Player 'Madsen'
Player 'Van Hersa'
It seems that the other Constellations find your actions amusing, so please. Do what you wish. They may complain about it here and there.
Silas looked at the two players. Madsen was a teenager who was fighting on his own, he didn't have a constellation. Facing wyverns alone as he had set up traps all around the area. Van Hersa was leading a group of survivors to rescue people who had been put in cages.
Looking at Madsen first, since there may not be any immediate threat to Van. At least not yet. Madsen was wielding a dagger, leaping from side to side. His class was a Rogue, which gave him great speed and agility. The Wyverns kept chasing him.
The Other Constellations are amused by Player 'Madsen' futile actions.
It wasn't futile, it was smart. Madsen was using his head, he was thinking like a gamer. Don't confront enemies head on, focus on trying to limit their movements. Wyverns are fast but if you hit them enough, you will injure their limbs somehow.
"Kid's smart. I'll give him that." Bigby said, which everyone took a moment to look at Bigby.
"You're a kid too."
"I'm 27 years old stuck in the body of a child! Sheesh, fucking hell. Gimme a break, Alex!" Alex kept teasing Bigby as usual while Silas kept his eye on Madsen. Seeing how he was facing them valiantly, he was keeping himself calm. Cool and collected unlike Joshua Gates of the past. Silas looked into the details, seeing that Madsen was actually a regressor. That explains it.
"A regressor. Can we read on his life?" Ericson asked as they were granted special access. Seems like Madsen was the closest to reach the end of the world, but each time he did. He would have lost everything. It made Madsen act like a loner towards the end. Being kind in a world where it was do or die was not an option. Silas could only imagine his thoughts. The mood turned sour.
"Guess we still got it good than them, huh?" Alex said as Fitz brought more ice cream for them to eat. Silas then decided to use a privilege, giving a trial to Madsen. 'Survive the encounter. The Reward will be granted.' It sounded cruel, but Silas wanted to see what Madsen would do in this situation.
"I accept!" Madsen said as he went to a rubble of building with the wyverns closing in. At least a dozen of them, using the explosives to cause the buildings nearby to explode. Crashing down onto the wyverns with great force. Madsen survived, a few broken bones and a lot of damage.
'Good job. A few broken bones and some internal bleeding but the wyverns are dead. Here's your reward.' Madsen looked at the tea leaves that appeared in front of him, along with a dagger.
"You're not... The usual constellation." Madsen said as he chewed on the leaves, granting him extra strength to lift himself out of the rubble, with his injuries being healed all at once.
'I am new. I'm looking for Apostles but it's fine if you don't trust me.'
"I have my reservations but you're a new one. I don't know what Constellation you are.."
'The Calm Ruin. I will let you see this.' The same screen that appeared for Jin has appeared for Madsen, who looked at the dagger he had received. It was ornate and its Thorn sharpness was something unique.
"Do you make all of your daggers with flowers? Seems a bit tacky." The others blurted out while Silas felt a bit of an embarrassment, but then again he didn't mind it too much. It did sting a little.
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'I apologize, but you see. It ties in with my background.'
"The One Who Nurtures... You sound very kind for one with a name like the Calm Ruin. Did you destroy a kingdom or something?" Madsen could see the phrase 'Calm Ruin chuckles and a nod'
"That means you have to be powerful but it also means your offerings must be crazy."Madsen said as he went to use the dagger to carve the scales of a wyvern. Surprised at how easy it was.
"What the hell is Thorn Sharpness? These things are so difficult to pierce with a mithril knife!"
'My offerings aren't set in stone. I may request items or things but, primarily. I would not want you to be in danger.'
"You don't want me to be in danger? That's weird. Most Constellations prefer to see us go through hell and adversities."
'My focus is to see your path. Where it leads you to.'
"You know, I shouldn't trust you but... You gave me some good items." Silas smiled as he sent his offer. Madsen was reading it with his eyes wide open. Any wider than that and his eyes might pop out.
"What the fuck!? This!? This contract?! It makes no sense! You're not going to benefit much from this!? You're not even going to influence me!? Your karma is neutral? What is this? Some elaborate scheme?" Madsen was trying to wrap his head around the contract because it was leaning heavily for him as an Apostle rather than the Constellation.
"How?! This won't work that easily!" Madsen said as he pointed to the words 'Apostle has the right to do whatever he wishes, even advice from the Calm Ruin if needed. The Calm Ruin will only agree, disagree or voice out opinions on the matters.'
'Shall I enter into a Promise with you? One that is bound by my own power?'
"Shit! Are you serious!? There'll be backlash if you break that Promise! You don't just throw a fucking Promise!"
'I am willing.'
"Fine! Sign the contract!" Madsen said as he watched the tattered clothes of his body glow, seeing plants weaving into them. Making a black tailcoat with a hoodie, white flowers on the sleeves. Red roses by the lapel. A mask was granted, one that would cover Madsen's face.
GM: Congratulations on your First Apostle!
Apostle of Calm Ruin, Madsen.
Will now be granted the following perks.
The Thief of Ruin A thief that follows ruin. Taking whatever that is needed and leaving without a trace. +50% to stealth. Calm in Ruin. The crazier the odds, the easier it is for Madsen to keep his mind clear. +25% buff to all stats and increased damage by 10%. When facing enemies of 10 levels or higher. Buff decreases ever 1% for each 10 levels. The Serene Ruin Able to use magic such as Recovering Wind, the Vermillion Spark, Ice Missile and Earth Wall
Benefits.
Peaceful days. Staying in areas without conflict or avoiding conflict grants active healing to MP and HP. Mindfulness Recovers from status effects over time without a potion. The greater the status effect, the longer time needed. The Ruin's Call. May access an Apostle only channel with a direct communication with the Constellation Calm Ruin.
"Wow... You're serious. You're not trying to screw me over. You're making me self sufficient. So I won't have to spend money on potions all the time and being able to use magic too? Is it tier based?" Madsen asked as he tried out Vermillion Spark, seeing the flames ignite in his hands.
'It is tier based. But the more you grow, the magic will change slowly. For your feats, you will earn petals. Then I can open a shop for you to gain more benefits, perks, abilities and even servants. Killing enemies with the weapons that I have given will grant you petals. The faster the kills, the better the rewards. Another point, if the weapon durability breaks. You can use your weapons to repair it. But it has to be the same type. The coat and mask also grows with equipment attached to it.'
"I was about to ask how to restore the durability. For a powerful weapon it's real low. It's like a Divine class weapon's power but it's got the durability of basic Iron." Madsen said as he grabbed the scales of the wyverns, placing it over his coat. Where he could see the vines from the coat pull them into the right places. Shoulder pauldrons, greavings and even making him a set of boots.
'Good luck, Madsen. I will be watching your feats.' Madsen went on ahead facing the wyverns that had given him trouble from before, with the newly given dagger, he was able to slash through a wyvern's head so easily. '50 petals have been given'. Madsen turned to the dozens of wyverns that had appeared, smiling as he went after them. Slashing through them, his movements were professional. Even Silas who thought he had gotten a good grasp of the dagger techniques, could see that he was using it too brutishly when comparing it to Madsen's skill. Graceful movements, precise thrusts and slashes. It wasn't like Silas who focused on closing the gap and slashing the target. The recklessness that Madsen had was something that had plenty of interest from Silas. Close range, narrow dodges but it would ensure that the wyverns would be close enough for him to strike them down.
"He's an interesting one. He's mixing many different styles. It seemed like his use of that old mithril dagger was not for show." Ye Qiu said as he took a spoonful of macha ice cream to his mouth, then he put the cup down because he had a brain freeze.
"Guess not even Avatars are immune to brain freezes eh?"
"Yeah. Damn, but this is real good. Oww... Oww..." Ye Qiu complained while Jensen chuckled, giving his friend a cup of hot water.
Silas went to watch Van next. The other constellations were watching, seeing Van wield a long sword. He was somewhat better than Jin and Madsen in terms of stats but his class as Knight? Techniques leave a lot to be desired. Van was facing against another Constellation's Apostle. He was worn out. His long sword was broken, so was his left arm. It was limp, while the Constellation's Apostle was a beast in size. Rivaling that of a 5 storey building.
"Van!"
"Go! I'll hold him off!" Courageous words, while the word 'Fear' and 'Anxiety' loomed over his head.
Gloomy Predictor: He's dead.
Herald of Light : I can't watch. This is just brutal. Even for my taste.
Black War: Why not help him, Herald?
Herald of Light: I wish I could but I can't give him anything. He's not at the right level for it.
Flaming Hell : Hahaha. Just watch my apostle rip him apart.
Silas snapped his fingers. A bright light appeared before Van, seeing a long sword float over towards him along with some tea leaves. Silas then joined the chat.
Flaming Hell : What?! Who dares to interrupt?
Calm Ruin : I do. He's not my apostle but I can give him a blade and some recovery items. Let's spice it up right?
Black War : Nice! Now you're talking!
Herald of Light : Calm Ruin... What's your game here?
Calm Ruin : I'm interested in the man. Let's see if he can pull it off.
Gloomy Predictor : I cannot predict the outcome. Too many variables.
Van grabbed the long sword, and ate the tea leaves. His wounds had healed up as well as his magic.
"Thank you, Constellation."
'Don't thank me yet. This is going to be a difficult fight but you want to make sure your friends are safe right?' Van took a moment to look at his allies that were running with the other players they had rescued.
"Yes. I can't back down!" The courageousness of Van. A pretense for the fear that looms within his soul, but the brave face has Silas interested as he went after Flaming Hell's Apostle. The blade cut through the first layer of Flaming Hell's Apostle. Screaming in pain.
"How!? How could that injure me!?"
Flaming Hell : Wait what!? How did that pierce my Apostle!? Not even Orichalcum can do it.
Herald of Light : Calm Ruin. Did you give him a weapon that was strong from the get go?
Black War : Wait a sec... That's a... That's a Unique Sharpness isn't it?
Calm Ruin : Black War has the answer. It is a sharpness that I gained from my deeds. I will prepare a weapon for you.
Black War : I just got it. Whoa. This is a stiletto? Man I've always wanted one of this! Thanks Calm Ruin!
Calm Ruin : No problem.
'It's a blade that is extremely sharp but its durability is that of a basic steel weapon. Keep that in mind.' Van then grabbed his broken long sword as a secondary weapon. It's length made it the perfect short sword and since it's broken, the weight has been shaved off to a certain extent. Flaming Hell's Apostle readied the claws to swipe at Van, Van parried the hit with the short sword and then went to cut off the Apostle's arm with the Thorn long sword. The Flaming Hell's Apostle unleashed flames through its mouth where Van rolled to the side. Waiting for an opportunity. Van threw an ice potion at the Flaming Hell's Apostle, throwing it off for a moment as the heat created a lot of vapor.
That was his chance, Van leaped through and sliced the Apostle's head off with one clean strike. The longsword he had been given as a loan had broken. Van was exhausted, falling down. Not realizing he had completed the scenario. Silas watched with a happy smile, he's found 3 candidates and has two of them. The Flaming Hell was throwing a tantrum because of the loss but the other Constellations and the GM seemed to be okay with what he did. The justification was because Calm Ruin was someone who had the One Who Natures as part of his ability. Granting an even chance at victory to those who deserve it.
He had a lot to think about, they were going to struggle in their own world to fight for their paths but what was he doing? Stagnant or simply waiting for his opportunity? Even then, this was a good lesson for him. There was no limit to having Apostles but the powers will be determined by their classes. But it seemed that even now, he was training. Picking up Madsen's dagger techniques by watching them, remembering how Van despite being unskilled and not trained properly had been able to fight even if it did leave him alive by the skin of his teeth. Jin Lee's devotion to protect others, all these things he had seen. It changed Silas emotionally in a way. Feeling like the kindness that Joshua had left loom within his heart.
Just looking at this world, it seems like the other locations have created safe havens but they required coins to get in.
"Shit. They're doing that too? Damn are humans this predictable?" Bigby remarked.
"When you guys went for your regressions. Did something like this happen?"
"Yeah. No money, no shelter. They just bleed you dry and work people to death. It's how Garden was able to control the ones on our side and kill them slowly." Jensen spoke as Silas offered cigarettes to the others.
"Then I guess if I can get those three as my Apostles. I can start something else. A sure fire way to prevent things like that."
"How?" Alex asked.
"The One Who Nurtures. I need to help more players so they can trust me as a Constellation. Well.. I do have the pass to do it... Be right back." Silas said as he put on his black mask, fading away from sight.
He was now in the Constellation domain, where he could see the many others who were of different races in their seats. Eating popcorn and the like. A female beastkin was handling the counter, smiling at him.
"Yes, how may I help you?"
"I'd like to use my Constellation Pass." She looked at the card he had given.
"Ah, so you must be the Calm Ruin. I have confirmed that you hold the Diamond Pass. What will you do?" The other Constellations took a moment to look at Silas.
"I've got a lot of weapons that were made and I can't sell them to the shops. They're not useful for a lot of the high ranked areas but there's a lot of players that are struggling and a lot of Constellations haven't been able to find Apostles because they have to wait for the Apostle selection. So I wanted to ask if I can send these weapons to the players that are struggling so we can have a bit of a change." Silas's words were being relayed to every Constellation that was observing the Players.
"Constellations? Do you all agree or do you just prefer watching these Players just dying when they can barely fight? Not everyone has talent but by doing this. Some of you might find diamonds in the rough that will suit you." Silas spoke.
"This is too arrogant of you! New Constellation!" One of the higher ranked Constellations walked on over, a skeleton dressed in fancy robes.
"That's just your opinion. If you want we can settle this easily with the others. Or I can just use your bones as toys for my dogs." Silas spoke as the skeleton fell to the ground, with the skull rolling over to Silas. Seeing the skull chattering and the blood sweating from the skeleton's head.
"I suppose you understand. That I prefer to be democratic rather than choose violence. Words are tough to deal with but brute force is easy." Silas spoke as his voice was whispered to every Constellation that was present. Most of them were murmuring.
"Hey, Calm Ruin!" Silas turned to an orc who was walking over with the stiletto, this must have been Black War. A jet black orc who was wearing a suit but he had a skull helmet on.
"Black War?"
"That's me. Yo man, this is incredible. My wife really liked having it, but er... We accidentally cut our house in half."
"Sorry."
"Oh no no. We wanted to know if you could make some kitchen knives that we could use. See we were trying to carve up this serpent that my wife hunted and not even our best weapons worked. But the stiletto was able to make some holes in the armor. Think you could help me out with that?" Black War asked, seeing the reaction of the other Constellations. Black War must be one of the most powerful Constellations here.
"Sure. I've got a set of knife designs to choose from. Take a look at this brochure." Silas said as he gave the brochure to Black War.
"Thanks. So how much will it be?"
"You're a friendly orc. Don't you feel angry at me because I ate orcs before?"
"Nah. Survival of the fittest. If they died to you and you ate them, then they should be proud because they became the flesh of a strong warrior. It's rare to see someone scare the Angry Skeleton." Silas then snapped his fingers as the vines put the skeleton back together.
"I apologize, Angry Skeleton. I always tend to show my power a bit as a warning to not cause more chaos. Since someone decided to spill a tea I asked as an offering. I'll let it go for now, but the next time someone messes with my offering. I will go into your domain and kick your ass. This doesn't apply to ones where we have our Apostles compete to hunt items though. If you win fair and square, I won't complain." Silas stated to the others, hearing sighs of relief by the many that were present.
"Fine. I suppose I was wrong to simply just think you're a weak constellation. But I will support your plan. It might even help me find a third Apostle." The Angry Skeleton said, the other Constellations have also agreed to the plan.
"What will your message be, Calm Ruin?" The beastkin asked.
"The Calm Ruin has given you a weapon to fight. It is the only aid I can give. I am sorry Players. I hope that many more of you will survive." Silas said as the weapons were being transmitted to the individuals in question. The struggling Players were given the weapons and the note from the Calm Ruin. Changing the atmosphere as they watched the many feats change.
"That will be all from me." Silas said as he vanished.
This time headed to Bellwitch's shop.The usual workers were busy with their smithing while Bellwitch still sat on his throne, puffing away the smoke while keeping his entire head covered with his horned helmet of the giants.
"Ah, Avatar. It seems that the request for the weaker weapons came from you. Easy to make considering you've gotten the materials and Thorn Sharpness being able to be granted to any weapon with your blessing."
"Thank you, Bellwitch. I'm sorry for the trouble." The giant laughed at those words.
"Nonsense. I enjoy this work. Smithing is my life you see and pleasant it is. For me to know that my weapons will be able to save another world. So how does it feel to be apart of the Constellations?"
"Are you one too?"
"Well. It is something I do out of boredom. Besides, my workers love watching it as they smith. It helps keep our minds clear from some of the heavier material we work with. Or it helps inspire us. I am a mid-tier Constellation. In that world I am known as The Building Giant." Silas grinned as he looked at the 5th Bellwitch, passing him some leaves.
"Oh, what fine leaves... These tobacco have always been pleasant. Smoother than anything the worlds have to offer." Silas chuckled, seeing Bellwitch just puffing away the smoke.
"Say Bellwitch. I was thinking. I heard that planet's fate was getting worse and worse by each turn. Do you want to hear an idea?"
"Will it help that planet?"
"Yes."
"Then tell me... What is your plan.." Bellwitch asked as he leaned closer to Silas.
"How about our Apostles work together?"