The group arrived where Bellwitch looked at the other two giants swatting the Players like bugs. Bellwitch let out a sigh as he pulled out a chair for him to sit on.The other 8 were just Constellations that wanted to wreak havoc. Black War and Herald of Light went charging at the other 8 Constellations with Silas following them from behind. Just from the sight alone, it was something like a child throwing a tantrum.

"You! Why are you here!?" One of the two giants roared at Bellwitch.

"Here to get you guys back to where you have to belong."

"Hah, you think that you can stop us? You the one who abandoned our clan!?" Bellwitch tapped the ash from his axe, letting out a sigh that blanketed the entire ground in thick smoke. Walking over to the two giants who were raring to go after him. Bellwitch pulled out a chair and sat on it as he was looking at his pair of siblings. Still smoking without a care in the world.

"Lerus and Gusar. How long are you both going to keep at this?"

"Until we're satisfied. But since you're here. We can take it out on you!" The pair of them swung their huge clubs at Bellwitch. Stopping it with a smoking pipe and the handle of his axe. Bellwitch let out a sigh as he headbutted both of his siblings down. Silas could not help but wonder what Bellwitch would do.

"For crying out loud. You two are powerful deities and here you are acting like brats. Do I always have to come out and sort you two out?!" Bellwitch said, holding his siblings by the ears until they were shouting uncle at the top of their lungs. That was... Anticlimactic to say the least, but that was not Silas's concern.

Black War charged with his axes, swinging fast at four other Constellations. Herald of Light unleashed his spells that were raining down like hail from above. Just their power alone Silas could see the dust kick up, even seeing an ogre fly past him. The head piercing the wall. Was this considered overkill at this point? Well, Silas got his bat and got ready. He wanted to make this as hilarious as possible to himself. 8 Constellations that seem like a good place to use a bat.

"Hah, Black War, Herald of War. Do you truly think that you can stop us?!"

"We don't have to stop you." Herald of Light said as the 8 constellations turned back, only to be lined up together as Silas wielded a bat.

"What th-" A single swing that sent all 8 constellations flying into the sky. Where a portal opened up, sucking the 8 Constellations in. Despite their pleas to try and stay in this world, it failed as Silas used Barakas's wind to push them back in. Then followed by Bellwitch throwing Lerus and Gusar into it. The Players were confused, trying to figure out what exactly was going on right now. They just saw the Constellations appear out of nowhere, have a stupid fight and then remain in the world. Yet, Silas pondered if that be considered as a homerun? How many points would he earn? Just random thoughts that kept pouring in since he was at a loss at what to do next. And Bellwitch throwing the two giants that way, it must've been from years of experience. But what to do now?

GM: We expected a long battle, but what will you do now?

"Can we talk to the Players?" Silas asked.

GM : The Game masters have agreed to allow you to interact with the players. You have 24 hours.

"Constellations?" Bellwitch pulled a chair out of nowhere, walking to an open space. The open park where he sat down. Oddly enough, some of the players watched how a cat climbed onto Bellwitch's head. Creatures emerged from the shadows, seemingly to just stay either on top or near Bellwitch. Bellwitch pulled out his smoking pipe, Silas went up to put some tobacco in. Lighting it up as he leaped back down. The embers and the deep drag by Bellwitch, the Players watched as metals and minerals all around them were being molded into chairs for the three humanoid Constellations and a table. Puffing out the smoke above the them. Trying to make sure that the smoke doesn't bother the players below. Secondhand smoking is a bad thing and considering Bellwitch's height, that would not be a problem but, the giant's courtesy is appreciated.

"I am the Giant Builder. I am a smith."

"I am the Black War. I enjoy battle."

"I am the Herald of Light. I seek to find the best natured humans to be my kin."

"I am the Calm Ruin. I seek nothing." Silas introduced. The faces of the Players were already written with fear and anxiety, Silas could taste it in the air. A bitter taste like he was eating bittergourds dipped in some bitter sauce. Pause. Wait. How does that even taste? Can bittergourds be even bitter with sauce? Is that what anxiety tastes like? Then why do some of his enemies say 'I can taste your fear?' They must have poor taste then. Fear does not taste sweet, it tasted like bitterness that was unique to each person. The next time he hears it from his enemies, he will tell them they have shitty palette.

"No need to be alarmed. We are not here to harm you. We have been granted the right to aid you. You may seek combat skills and techniques from Black War and Herald of Light. The Giant Builder may craft you items if you have the materials. I can grant you magic and familiars." Silas's words were met with a little concern, most likely because his name was Calm Ruin. The Players walked on eggshells, they were watching their words and their faces to not offend him. Then again, why would anyone trust a figure who calls themselves the Calm Ruin anyway?

"Madsen, Van, Jin Lee. It is good to see you three safe."

"Thank you, Calm Ruin. You kept your promise with us.. Why do you care so much for humanity?" The other constellations were listening as the other Players waited for Silas to tell his tale. Tapping his fingers by the table as he tried to form an answer. What should he say? What must he say? Perhaps the truth.

"Because I have seen humanity at its best and its worst. I chose to believe in the good of humanity. My alignment is neutral because I brutalize my foes but be kind to those who show kindness to me. Be kind to others but be cruel to those who wrong you. The one who nurtures. Perhaps that is best to be said accordingly. My familiars will be made in accordance to your Constellation's choosing or how they wish to benefit from it. From humans, to demons, to beasts, angels and even special kinds of familiars."

"I am the Flaming Hell's Apostle. I have asked my Constellation for a familiar. Is it possible for you to make one for me?"

"Sure. I don't hold any ill will to the Flaming Hell. Has he given you, his consent?" The apostle nodded as a document appeared in Silas's hand. The consent of the Flaming Hell, the alignment of chaos and the Flaming Hell's nature of a beast. The creation would be something that would be similar to one of Silas's familiars.

"Koreta the Flaming Beast." The flames left behind the crimson maned werewolf who had armor, with wrappings over its fists. A sharp face for a werewolf, looks a bit like Lugasa to an extent.

"He's a monk class. So he'll punch things. Suits you who fights with your fists." To which Lugasa appeared by Silas's side, causing Koreta to kneel before Lugasa.

"He has my lineage, I suppose you made him in my image." Lugasa said as he was wearing a business suit, grabbing Koreta's chin, forcing him to look into Lugasa's eyes.

"Not bad." Lugasa said with a grin, seeing his fist burn with a fire.

"Sorry, Lugasa. It seems that it takes into accounts of the werewolves that I've met."

"Eh, I'm the strongest you got." Lugasa said as he turned to Koreta, who was kneeling before Lugasa. A respectful familiar.

"Don't kneel to me. I don't see the point of that. On your feet." Koreta went by the apostle's side. One by one the players went to the Constellations to make requests. Plenty of constellations had begun to ask many things which Silas was able to oblige in his aid. Jin Lee and Van staring at him, with Madsen bringing up petals to him.

"Constellation.. This is my offering." A simple cup of tea brought by Jin Lee, where Silas took a sip. A pleasant minty taste, smooth and it was not astringed. Brewed to perfection where Calm Ruin gave a nod. The absurdity of it all must confuse the players. Why? Why would a Constellation be satisfied with a drink? Why would the Calm Ruin be fine with such a thing?

"Thank you, Jin Lee." Sipping tea as she looked at Silas's face with intent, clenching her fist as she wished to say something but the words seemed difficult.

"Don't swallow your words, Jin Lee. I won't hurt you. It may seem a bit confusing since my name says otherwise but I swear upon my title as a Constellation." That gave her a small boost of courage as she took a deep breath.

"Can I be your apostle?" Silas took off his mask, putting it to the side as he glanced at her. Meeting her eyes as she saw how young Silas was. The other players were also confused, the Constellation before their very eyes was younger than most of them were. Even younger than Jin Lee and the others.

"You're..."

"I am young but my hardships are not the same as yours. I at least had times when I could find safe havens." Silas said as Jin Lee kept her eyes on his tired face.

"Be my apostle, Jin Lee. Protect your people as I have protected you."

Apostle of Calm Ruin, Jin Lee.

Combatant of Ruin Uses a variety of weapons to pull through combat. Enhanced marksmanship with a close range weapon such as a blade to match. +50% Accuracy and +30% to Dexterity, Speed and Strength Gaze into the Ruin The tougher the fight, the better the chance. Recklessness in combat is not a bad thing with a calm gaze. Analyzes situation and develops opportunities to handle enemies. +50% ranged weapon damage and 25% melee weapon damage. Peaceful Ruin Recovers from status effects, slowly gains mana and health as traversing through the chaos. In combat is halved, out of combat increased.

Benefits

Serenity in the Day Staying out in the day, basking in the sun's rays helps to speed up healing. Allows to detect enemies easier in the day just by a glance, can mark targets as needed. Desperate Call to Ruin Survives one lethal blow, increases damage output by 250% for the next 5 minutes. When combat is over, fall under fatigue and cannot do any combat actions for next 10 minutes. The Ruin's Call May access an Apostle only channel with a direct communication with the Constellation Calm Ruin.

That screen appeared where Jin Lee found a rifle appearing in her hand. Black with white petals by the rifle's receiver and rails. Along with a karambit that had a beautiful pattern of blue petals to it. Jin Lee picked that up without hesitation, putting the knife in a good spot of her tactical vest and checking the rifle's internals. Getting a feel for the trigger. Feeling the changes within her body, so many things were within her view. She could mark anyone and everywhere all at once.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"Take it slow. The abilities will set in as time passes. You will learn things bit by bit. Now.. I need to ensure you wear this." Silas said as a black coat appeared on Jin Lee's shoulders, three shades of black that gave it a camouflage sort of pattern.

"Will you... Do you truly wish for the best of humanity? Will we ever beat this?" Jin lee asked, her hands were shaking as Raven walked on over to her side. Where he embraced her, with Jin Lee leaning onto his chest as she slowly began to cry.

"There is hope. Believe in tomorrow. Survive today." Silas spoke as he let Jin Lee go, she composed herself.

"There was a teenager who had a weak heart. Hospitalized, a weak boy who could barely do anything. Disaster struck, the boy lost his family and his friends. His home. He lost everything in a blink of an eye. Trapped in a place where time stood still for 3 years. Dying repeatedly but never being able to have true death at his side. When he returned, the world had changed. Monsters were present and he had to fight. Towards the end finding out the orchestrator being a malevolent god who wished to destroy the world and turn it into his playground. That boy, in order to do that, had to bear the many emotions in his heart but could never face them. To slay a God, he chose to let go off everything. His very name, his very existence. Forgotten by the world, giving birth to me. He told me to live a life, I am a fragment of that teenager. To protect the ones he loved, he chose that sacrifice. To give me a chance to understand humanity, he gave me that chance." Silas's words inspired silence in every constellation, game master and the players who were present.

"Thank you, Calm Ruin." Jin Lee said with a smile, wiping her tears. The players kept quiet, as did the constellations.

"I had earned the favor of the gods, but I had to work for it even harder. One of my trainings included fighting a legendary swordmaster and what is terrifying about that sword master? Is that he does not teach with words, only by the sword. He also takes my money every time I summon him."

"Must you talk ill of me, Master?" Seijuro appeared right beside Silas, which Silas twitched because he was startled.

"Seijuro. Please don't do that again."

"So this is where you were... Hm.. What an interesting situation. I see plenty of Players. Shall I test them?" Silas glanced to the Game Master who was floating over to him, a rabbit in a suit.

"We can make a new scenario... but will the constellations agree to it?" The Game Master turned to the screen.

Constellations are curious to the training that Calm Ruin had endured.

What will be the conditions?

"A special scenario where Players won't die. They have to face Seijuro all at once. In a special field and if the constellations like it. How about we make it a weekly occurance in between scenarios? Players can challenge Seijuro in the special field as many times as they want. To make it interesting, what if I called for a few more." Silas said as he summoned Lopt. Though it was an awkward situation, Lopt was holding a cup with a toothbrush in his mouth. Wearing a bathrobe and had just taken a shower.

"Hi, Lopt."

"Master. Truly this is awkward." Lopt snapped his fingers as he wore his signature pin striped suit, and sat on top of his swords.

"My name is Lopt, the Tyrant Trickster. Or if you want, some of you know me as Loki."

"You mean the brother of Thor and Son of Odin!?"

"Ah yes. My thunder.. Lightning.. Hammer wielding brother and my father who had his eye pecked out by a bird, the one who has ravens by his side and the spear. Those two. I suppose my job is to create the special field?" Silas gave a nod as Lopt snapped his fingers, where they all find themselves on top of a beautiful lake. Their ankles were submerged in water but it did not wet their clothes, and the cherry blossom tree behind Seijuro. Where they see a dog, a falcon and a squirrel making their way to Seijuro.

"This is the special field. Remember this well." A snap of Lopt's fingers and they were back at the park.

"Game master?"

"The Special Scenario will open once the 24 hours is up. The other Constellations are curious and they want to know about the rewards..."

"Seijuro?"

"I'll teach them skills depending on how long they last against me. Even attempting it is good enough. I do not care about your strength or ability, I only want to see your determination. Ants bite humans and we still feel the pain. So be an ant that bites me and remind me that I can get hurt. I can help give you things such as combat techniques to suit you. From time to time I will bring an ally with me." Seijuro glanced at Silas with a sign for a bottle. Silas brought Seijuro a bottle of wine.

"I am a martial artist. A person who practices that craft, I paint when I get inspired and I do many things. My scenario may even change as I talk to the Game Master. Every ally I bring can teach you something if you earn their respect. Power must be earned, it cannot be given so easily. So earn it." Seijuro said as he poured himself the wine into a cup.

"Game master, please coordinate with Seijuro on this scenario. This may allow the other constellations to make their own special scenarios. Ensuring that there is something to observe. Special scenarios should be difficult and near impossible, but the reward must match the objectives. Players will die in the main scenario as those are the basic rules. But due to the shenanigans of the Constellations... The main scenario can't move because constellations in other parts of the world are making a mess."

"That... That is true. I will discuss with the other game masters and constellations if it is possible. We will also adjust it accordingly but as the progenitor of the special scenarios... You can set the rules." Game master rabbit spoke as Silas threw a carrot at it, watching the carrot be eaten within a second. Silas turned to Lopt who just shrugged, perhaps understanding that Silas had never seen a rabbit eat an entire carrot that quickly.

"Basically no dying. They will be restored and allowed to continue until they choose to give up. At some point even the Constellations may appear to fight them." Silas said as he lit a cigarette. Throwing a cigar to Black War.

"Alright. Those are the rules. The rewards will be discussed by the constellations and the participating figures in the special scenarios. You still have time to interact with the players." The game master said as they hopped away. Noticing a child holding a ruined doll, Silas walked over to her.

"Hi." The child squealed and hid behind a teenager. Scared of his appearance, Silas's cigarette vanished from his hands. Squatting down to look at the child who tugged the teenager's sleeve.

"What's the doll's name?"

"It's not a doll! It's a teddy bear. Mister Cuddles." Silas then noticed the screen, seeing the Constellation being 'The one who protects children from nightmares.' That was a unique constellation in the sense it was exclusively for children. Silas turned to Bellwitch who just glanced at the child.

"Child, may I have your teddy bear?"

"You're going to take away Mister cuddles aren't you!? Don't take him away, it's the last thing I have of mom!" Snapping at Bellwitch, who kept quiet. By the gesture of his hands, cotton flew into the teddy bear as clothe was being weaved to give the teddy bear new life. Returning to its original state. The child held it tightly to her chest, sniffling as tears fell from her eyes.

ERROR.

ERROR.

ERROR.

A BREACH IS DETECTED.

A BREACH IS DETECTED.

A BREACH IS DETECTED.

AVATAR.

avatar.

AVATAR.

Black War and Herald of Light readied their weapons, as they see a portal appear out of nowhere. It was Kael.

"Kael?"

"Sup." Kael spoke casually as he yawned, stretching his limbs.

"Why are you here?"

"I got bored. Wanted a vacation but... Seems like every time I say vacation, I end up going to another world." Kael said as he stretched his neck, seeing the game master who was nervous. Lowering its head to Kael, Silas gave Kael a cup of tea.

"Oh, hey Bellwitch."

"Greetings Avatar of Destruction. Is this world.. At its end?"

"Oh no. No. No. This world has a lot more life in it. I'm just here as a witness. And to intervene when necessary. The old gods that put the people into this mess left their traces here. So it's my job along with the other Avatars of my world to go beat the living daylights out of them. They need to answer for their crimes."

"What's their crime?" Black War asked.

"Experimenting on humans when the Supreme Gods have prohibited it." Those words struck the Players nearby.

"So.. We were just guinea pigs.." Van Hersa spoke with a tired expression. That realization must hurt.

"Pretty much. But hey, I was a guinea pig who killed a Supreme God. It's also why I can't participate in this. If I did, I might just destroy every constellation and the game itself. But that would mean this world would die. So that's a no go." Kael said as he yawned.

"But... How strong are you?" Herald of Light asked, only to hear screams of monsters from the right.

"No humans in the area where the screaming monsters are. So... I'm just going to do this." Kael snapped his fingers and they see the entire right side of the city vanish in an instant. Disappeared as if they had never existed. Even the pebbles or whatever that was present was erased completely, a land that was untouched.

"That land looks fertile. Good for farming." Silas said as they see him pull out a rose, throwing it into the air. Where everyone felt a serene breeze that eased their fatigue, seeing flowers bloom on the remnants of the buildings.

"Kael. Do you need my help?"

"Nah, it's fine. I brought the other Avatars with me." Silas turned to the Avatars from Kael's world, each of them walked behind their leader. Each of them glanced around the area, their faces were grim. An anger that was hiding beneath their smiles.

"Make it painful for them, Kael. Nobody deserves this."

"You got it." Kael and the Avatars went off on their hunt, Silas could only see the stressful look on Herald of Light's face.

"Herald."

"I apologize, Calm Ruin. I must look foolish."

"No, it's fine. You want to save humanity but sometimes. It can be difficult when we hear the stakes at least now there's some hope for them at the end of it all." Silas said as the Players continued with their requests. Whatever that they needed, it was going to be given accordingly. The gloom had hurt a bit, but the lushness of the fields and the possibility to get stronger had enticed the constellations and their apostles to a great degree. Either way, at least something was going well.

When the 24 hours were up, Silas went back to his home. Finding Yuliana who had made dinner for them.

"Everyone else is out. Just the two of us."

"Food looks good, shall we?" Silas made sure that Yuliana took her seat first, then only his. She made steaks with a set of grilled veggies.

"Are you alright?" A question that struck a lethal blow to Silas's heart, where he let out a sigh.

"No. I'm not. It's just... Being a constellation in a world where even children are forced to fend for themselves and in a dog eat dog world? It.. It makes me wish there was more that I could do." She held his hand tightly.

"Even when I was a Maiden. I healed so many people who were hurt but... When I failed, it made me wonder. What's the purpose of doing this? Why was I not good enough? But then, I also realize that too is part of life. And this new lease you've given me. It's a gift that not even I can repay within my lifetime." Yuliana spoke gently as Silas cut the steaks into cubes for her.

"Thanks Yuliana." Silas said as they ate their dinner. Enjoying the contemplative silence with each other's company. Yuliana went to sleep while Silas was sitting by the couch outside where Jensen joined him with a few cans of beer and popcorn.

"Seijuro brought Victor 91.. This'll be good training for Jin Lee." Jensen said as he chewed on the popcorn, watching how the players from that world went into an all out battle against Seijuro. He only used a wakizashi against them, not even drawing his katana even once. Clashing with Madsen which sent Madsen flying further. Victor 91 shot at some of the players to injure them, closing the gap and lacerating them. It was too much, pure overkill as Seijuro had been using only the small blade against all of what they had.

"Err.. I can tell that Joshua must've suffered quite a bit." Silas said as he looked at his right leg that was trembling.

"Was it that bad?"

"He trained Joshua when he was in the middle of enemy territory and had to put his life on the line." Jensen's jaw was left hanging, as he blinked at Silas a few times.

"Geez, that's hardcore..."

"His training is do or die. Which reminds me, I got a new blade from Bellwitch."

"Ooh, what kind?"

"A Jikdo. Another eastern blade, but this particular one.. He named it Black Lotus. It's unique, says the sheath can withstand his hammer strikes."

"What?"

"Yeah. Bellwitch swung one of his best hammers five thousand times and the hammer broke."

"What do you mean the hammer broke?! Bellwitch's hammers have helped make worlds and dungeons!"

"He told me it broke."

"But... How." Jensen stopped himself.

"We can't apply normal logic to Bellwitch's stuff. We just can't. I need to remind myself. That he's not normal by any means."

"Well said." Silas and Jensen glued their eyes to the screen, watching how Victor 91 did not show any mercy. Gunning down players, slashing and stabbing them.They kept on reviving again and again, but Seijuro's gentle sword movements had cut them into pieces. Yep, that was Seijuro pushing them to the limit alright. The main focus was to observe who could handle his attacks, it was not on the matter of who survived the longest. For now it was a good test.

Though hearing from Kael about those old gods who were responsible, it made Silas ponder about the demigods of the current world. Maybe he'll have to kill a whole lot more people again. That was not an issue but how does he stop them from popping out like mushrooms?