CHAPTER 27
MOUNT OLYMPUS
I woke up feeling refreshed but my head felt cloudy from my weird dreams. I stood and stretched and then removing my clothing I walked into the little lake and went for a swim. I had been diving and paddling around for twenty minutes when I heard a throaty laugh from the shore, turning I saw Nyx standing there looking at me.
Judging by her smile she had been enjoying the show for the full time. Swimming back to shore I stood up and walked towards my clothing. I observed with sadness at the shirt and pants, covered in salt and sweat stains and smelling a bit, I was not looking forward to wearing them.
“Why so sad looking,” Nyx asked with a smile.
I stared at my clothing and suddenly felt embarrassed, I did not mind being naked in front of the Goddess but having to dress in dirty attire made me uncomfortable. Sighing I pointed to the clothing and said. “I hate the thought of putting on that dirty stuff.”
Nyx looked at me and laughed then with a snap of her fingers the clothing was gone and in its place was brand new clean clothing in black gray and dull red colors. Pointing at the clothing she said, “Well that do, if it won’t just stay the way you are, it is all the same to me.” Nyx continued to laugh as I dressed she was not shy about staring at me. Once I was finished dressing she gestured to the beach and sat down.
“We don’t have much time,” she began. “The Gods have finally taken noticed of you and this island when your threads were joined to it making it yours. You must have really impressed Lakhesis to have her do that for you. I won’t ask how you did it but I bet she has a satisfied look on her face.”
I was about to correct her and then thought what the hell she probably won’t believe me anyway. I nodded and then waited for her to speak. As I waited I glanced at her, she was a little leaner than Lakhesis, and her breasts are larger, while her hips are more narrow. Her hair was also dark and her complexion was olive.
Nyx smiled at Torn aware of the fact that his eyes were lingering on her breasts and thighs, the skin free of the sheer cloth draped over her. Looking over at him she was once again enthralled at the fire seen in his eyes and felt the pull of attraction, she had not loved anyone for a long time and yet this boy was filling her with desire. Quelling the emotion, she reached out and caught his hand, then began to speak.
“I am not sure how you arrived so quickly in this realm, but I can now see the energy of four demigods within you. Know this, there will be more who will attack you trying to claim what you have but not for a while. Zeus is going to call upon you to come to Mount Olympus to take your measure as all present will do. Do not be weak, they can smell weakness nor be arrogant, Zeus will not tolerate that as the King of the Gods.”
Nyx suddenly leaned closer to Torn and pulled his hand towards her shoulder then cupping his face she kissed him and then suddenly stood up. “I must go now, but when you meet with Zeus ask for a boon, as a new member of the pantheon, to impress the others he will grant it just don’t be greedy.”
Then like a shadow fading in the sunlight, she was gone. I stared at my interface finally aware of several blinking windows. Opening the first I read,
You have attained a state of higher knowledge
Only the Gods and those demigods chosen by the Gods can claim this knowledge.
Plus 100 to intellect
Your understanding of the deep mysteries of the Gods has increased your understanding of the mysteries of life, you can now perceive intentions in all living things.
I closed the window with a satisfied sigh, that was a great talent, it would be a great help to know what others perceptions of me were. Opening the next window, I was surprised to read,
The threads of your life have been bound by the Μοιρα to this land, you are now joined to the land when you suffer the land suffers.
You have received a new permanent buff, Strength of the earth.
Your strength has doubled, use your power wisely.
That buff took my breath away and I could feel the power flow through me as my Nanobots adopted to the baseline doubling of my strength stat.
The third window I glanced at was a warning that I would have to leave this realm soon to complete my quests in the Gods and Men realm. Once my quests were complete I could return by my connection to my island. It would seem that I would have to leave soon, and I was sure that I would not have any choice in the matter.
Suddenly I had a sense that someone wanted my attention and focusing my thoughts I could hear someone speaking, “Demigod Torn, I am the God Hermes and the great God Zeus has sent me here to deliver this greeting. You are commanded to approach the throne of Zeus within two days, to be recognized formally and have you place within the pantheon confirmed. Do not delay past the appointed time or risk the wrath of the Gods.”
With that, the little arrogant prick was gone. The whole time we were communicating telepathically he was radiating a cold disdain and arrogance, indeed I had caught snippets of his thoughts and they were nasty towards me, I suddenly realized that this may have been my new perception activating. At any rate, Hermes bore me ill-will.
Shrugging my shoulders, I activated my PIM and brought up my stats to bring them up to date.
Elf
This race loves both the sea and the forests
Long-lived they are the masters of life magic
They favor the healing and magic class
Both hunters and melee warriors do arise
The Elf’s favor the night and worship the moon goddess
Racial ability quickness, for 5 seconds’ Elves can move at twice normal speed
Updated Stats at level 4
Strength = 560
Agility = 280
Intellect = 185
Mana = 5000
Health = 320
Speed = 280
Perception = unlimited
Buffs
Underwater Breathing
You have received a permanent buff that enables you to breathe underwater
Ama’s buff of the succubae
Radiates sexuality
Gaiatoci’s buff of life and mana
Capable of receiving both life and mana as they are the same
The strength of the earth, permanent buff that doubles your strength.
Abilities
Dragon eyes the ability to see as a Dragon sees
Dragon Fire the ability to cast the fire of a Dragon
Dragon Shadows the ability to wrap yourself in the shadows
Sonic-Shard the high-frequency attack that bypasses armor to do soft tissue damage.
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Sonic Blast an area of effect attack that causes a dazed and confused debuff on all enemies within its range for one minute, all damage being done during this time is multiplied times two.
Icy water bolt
The ability to cast an icy water bolt that freezes on contact
Electrical discharge
The ability to discharge electrical currents from your hands
You have mastered the ability of metamorphic change
Stealth detection enabled
Metamorphic change
You can now shift your body from human to demon
Physical DPS Wrath of Light
your blows increase damage output is increased by 25 percent instant cast
Healing spell Holy Health
You can cast a heal every 10 seconds
Heals for 50 percent of life and uses 20 percent of your mana
Spell attack Holy Fire
As you attack you can cast Holy Fire A spell that does an additional 20 percent base damage, and 30 percent against the undead, demons and those aligned with the darkness
Battle magic
You have gained knowledge of the battle magic used by the Mage Knights of Ilumberia
Weapon mastery
You have gained knowledge of the weapon skills used by the Mage Knights of Ilumberia
Skillset
Lock picking, the basics active skill set
Lock picking advanced
Lock picking master level
Companions
The Demon Sebastian
The holy Messenger Komhether
Pet companions
Crusty the Crab
Nanobot integration into game avatar
Defensive capability, self-healing
Offensive capability, electrical discharge from hands
Strength increase four times normal human
PIM integration into Gaming Interface
Stealth detection enabled
Upgraded map functions
Ability to make calls to the Real World
Ability to access GNet from within the game
Ability to leave and enter the game
Avatar integration into gaming matrix
You are not recognized as a player and the gaming AI has no control over you
Class
Ascendant class
You have gained the essences of three higher powers and have been transformed in a Higher Being.
You are now a Demigod and can continue the path of ascendancy by gaining the essences of higher powers.
Thief class
You have discovered the hidden class of thief and have been accepting into the dark brotherhood.
Thief Subclass
Paladin A Holy warrior
Capable of damage both physical and magical along with an ability to heal
Mage Knight class
You have joined the Mage Knights of Ilumberia
you are dedicated to truth justice and knowledge.
Satisfied with the updates I closed my PIM and walked towards the tower, I was staring at it and then I had a realization, the tower belonged in a European setting, not in ancient Greece. I shrugged maybe one day I would find out who had constructed it but for now, it was going to be home. Three floors of dusting and cleaning, I wish I had the guys here to help I thought.
I spent the next few hours cleaning the tower as best I could and then I went back to the beach and sat down on the pristine white sand. I had some thinking to do, the fact that who I am was 0 false and I had been immersed in a mundane game realm along with everyone I knew was pissing me off.
I just could not believe I would have ever voluntarily joined such a game world as an orphan in a shitty future, nope the more I thought of what I learned the more I was convinced that I had not been told the whole truth. Without thinking I spoke out loud and said, I need to find the truth before I can act on suppositions and hearsay. Suddenly a window opened and I was offered a quest,
To know the truth
Are you willing to search for the truth, when even the Gods have given up?
This will open up hidden legendary quests for you if you accept
Yes, or No?
I quickly accepted and then stood up, there is no time like the present I thought and metamorphed into my dragon form. Taking a minute, I switched back and forth until I felt comfortable and in full control of the change. I ended up with wings but retained my human form, much like I was when I first changed back on the third tier of the city.
I had been weaker than and could only fly for short distances really more a controlled gliding. But now feeling the strength within my body I jumped and with a flap of my wings was airborne. I circled the island rising higher and higher, taking my time, when I was so high I was having trouble breathing I activated underwater breathing and sure enough I could breathe again, taking aim I flew to Mount Olympus, the sheer size of the mountain was amazing and most of the mountain had been developed into Tiers. I was suddenly aware that if this was the first realm then all the others were copies in some way.
I was now on level with the mountain about two-thirds of the way up, I had noticed that there were huge tracts of land that had been left wild. I decided to land in one and then make my way up through the cities until I reached the peak where the pantheon was located. It was a combination temple palace and garden and crowned the mountain.
Landing I switched back to elf form and then began to trek through the bushes until I found a trail. Following the pathway, I eventually ended up in front of a gate with two guards lounging against the wall. Upon seeing me they both jumped to their feet and grabbed their spears. The smaller one spoke up and asked what I was doing in the bushes and where I was going.
I nodded politely at them both and then said, “Zeus has invited me to attend him, and I am traveling up the mountain to do so. If you could point out the fastest route up I would thank you.”
Hearing the name Zeus, the guards looked at each other and then one said, “If Zeus has told him to go we better let him pass, besides if he is lying he will never make it out of the temple.”
I nodded and said, “That is right boys so the sooner I go the better it will be, which way?”
The taller guard spit and then said, Follow the path through town and then turn left at the fork once past the gate, stay on that pass, it threads through the wilderness instead of the cities and is much faster.” Then spitting off to the side he ignored me as he asked his companion about the nymph he had seen him with.
Friendly bunch of arrogant pricks I thought as I made my way through town. Once I reached the edge of the town I passed through the gates and entered a pathway that sloped up and down the side of the mountain. The terrain quickly turned in a mixed forest with many plants and small wildlife scurrying through the bush.
I progressed on and soon noticed the trail was becoming steeper and the forest was thinning out. Soon I was walking along the bottom of a series of cliffs that stood over two hundred feet in height. The shoulder of the mountain flared out towards the sea and I could see a cave halfway up the cliff. Once I spied it I suddenly felt that I needed to get to it, it was like a low-grade compulsion.
I stared at the cliff as I approached and then glancing around and seeing no one I changed into half dragon half human and then with a jump I began to scale the cliff. Beating my wings and using my claws allowed me to reach the cave within a minute.
I had thought to fly but the air around Mount Olympus had a tendency to become electrically charged. I had overheard a villager mention that every time Zeus got some the air flashed lightning and the thunder boomed. Apparently, he liked getting some several times a day.
From what I had read most of the Greek pantheon was like that, sex was the thing they did, with human other Gods animals and anyone else they could get grab. I really am an open guy but I draw the line at animals and nonconsensual relationships. Not these guys, they took what they wanted and never worried about paying the price, who is going to judge a God after all. Truly every God I had met was a dick except Gaiatoci.
Focusing my attention on the cave now that I was standing on the narrow ledge in front of the opening I took a breath and spun around enjoying the view. It was amazing and awe-inspiring with the sea a deep blue and the white sand of the beaches. The weather was perfect and the air was not hot nor cold but a steady comfortable temperature.
Turning around I entered the cave and was not surprised that it led into a passageway that sloped downward. Shrugging I followed the pathway as it sloped downwards and switchbacked several times. Eventually, I came to a large door, grasping the handle I pushed the door open and entered the room. I stared not believing my eyes, at the far end of the room was a mirror covered in what looked like a runic script with roses and sharp vines holding two swords in the middle of the mirror.
This was surreal it was almost identical the two swords that I had found hidden in a lost tunnel under the city. The swords had become a part of me until the Eldest had ripped them out of my arms and then used them to kill Gaiatoci. I stared at the mirror fascinated by what I saw, I still had no knowledge of what the original runic script was.
Not happening again, I thought as I turned to leave only to find out I could not turn. I watched helplessly as my body began to walk towards the mirror. Standing in front of the mirror I watched as my hand lifted up and touched the mirror.
Pulling every ounce of power, I had from receiving the 4 aspects of demigod I tried to stop the inevitable from happening. I could not stop my hand from touching the mirror but as the runic script once again began to transfer from the glass to my body and the roses and vines wrapped around my arms from the shoulders to the wrists I felt a change. Soon the swords were once again tattooed into my arms surrounded by the rose bushes.
What caught my attention was an interface window that opened,
Congratulations you have succeeded in overcoming the power of the Swords of Peleus and the Sword of Damocles. By the ascendant power within you, the swords are now soul bound to you. Only you will be able to use them and the power that they have. Be warned many will attempt to challenge you to gain the swords. Be wary of those who know you have them.
What the hell were my last thoughts as my body struggled to adjust to the raw power of the swords that were now a part of me then I passed out on the ground.
Slowly two dark shadows appeared and then took on the shape of a large man and a small woman. “Well Nyx, I hope he is the one, we won’t be able to deceive the Gods other than this time. If he fails, then all the realms are lost to the true world.”
Nyx stared down at Torn with a smile on her lips, “He won’t fail Prometheus, I have full confidence in him just as I have in you.”
Scowling Prometheus said, “That is my fear, for giving mankind fire I a Titan spent an eternity being tortured, what do you think a level five Elf is going to suffer if caught. And what of his thoughts on the compulsion that led him here?”
Nyx simply smiled at Prometheus and said, “He is the one, he has not changed he is a human, the games have not swept over him leaving him hungry for power. He has suffered much and lost much but he is stronger for that. The temptation of Godhood will not overwhelm his humanity, he will succeed. As for the compulsion he accepted the quest and as it states If you start on the pathway it must be finished.”
With a snap of her fingers, the two beings faded from sight and I was left trying to figure out what the hell they were talking about. I had awoken almost immediately as my body quickly adjusted to the changes. Keeping still and listening had been the best course of action and I had learned some things.
Standing up I slowly made my way up the tunnel thinking about the plans of the Gods and how Man fits into it all.