Chapter 11 - Tomb of Calamor

“Is it really possible…?” Gerald said.

He was laying down on a medical bed inside the ship, Regalia. The Iron Slasher group was on board and had already made acquaintances with Veda. Still, their eyes glinted at the sight of the holographic butler.

“This is possible because of my Master,” Dario replied.

“Now,” Veda blurted. “What has changed with your Aura?”

Surprised, Gerald could not hold his composure when the spirit-looking Veda knew of his secret.

(Author’s note: people who see Veda for the first time think that he looks like a spirit of some sort.)

“How did you know?” Gerald remarked.

“I can see that your mana pathway to your right arm is more developed than the rest of your body.”

Veda’s capabilities can easily see Gerald’s mana pathway.

Gerald sighed. Sigh.

“When I lost my arm, I thought I lost everything. But then, my focus on Aura became clearer.”

“I see. Since you're a Dual Swordmaster, you would be too absorbed in blade work,” Dario replied.

“You’re right! Gahaha!” Gerald laughed. “But now, you guys will give me a better arm."

Suddenly, the door opened automatically and a medical bot came in with what looked like Gerald’s new arm, “T-That’s my new arm?” Gerald said with mouth agape.

In a containment tube with green liquid, an arm of light skin complexion. A cybernetic arm is composed of 60% of Gerald’s cells and 40% of cybernetics. Typically, cybernetic arms are outfitted with many forms of weapons, yet, Gerald’s soon-to-be left arm is exclusively enhanced with cybernetic skin that boosts MP and AP reserves. This was specifically designed by Jinn. Though, that fact will come to surface at the right time.

“You’ll be asleep when we reattach your new arm,” Veda said.

The holographic butler had told Gerald beforehand that he would be put to sleep when the surgery begins. Once Veda said those words, Gerald looked at the party members of the Iron Slasher mercenary group. It was a look of trust and hope for a better future.

What Gerald was feeling right now is an expression called, “going under the knife.” Although the muscle-head Gerald is a warrior by heart and an exceptional Peak Realm Expert, something like surgery is something he has a hard time dealing with. It could also be said that many people feel the same, after all, being afraid of surgery is not uncommon.

The man’s heart started to beat ever since the mention of the word “surgery.” Still, when the mask was put on Gerald and the sleeping gas was inhaled, Gerald fell asleep in a manner of moments.

“When he wakes up, not only will he be complete again, but a new and better life awaits him,” Dario said in a statement that embroiled emotion within the Iron Slasher group. It was as though the young man’s words sparked something within the group that hasn’t been felt in a long time.

***

Sitting on his lofty throne, Lord Vicegerent was gazing upon the actions of his young disciple, “So this is what you mean when you said your hand would be in everything. No pun intended, sire,” The noble, Hades said.

Chuckle.

“That one was quite funny, Hades.”

The elegant strategist with glasses stepped closer to the holographic orb that portrayed Dario’s point of view (P.O.V.).

“From my understanding, the cybernetics are meant to enhance and circulate Aura more efficiently?” Hades questioned.

“Almost,” Jinn replied. “I understand that Quantum Cybernetics is a new study you have been researching?”

Hades bowed.

(Author’s note: Bowing to a question means “yes.” This formality is formally practiced with people of higher status.)

“The cybernetics will make Gerald an Aura Master sooner than later. And, there's still so much to show.”

For certain individuals, by simply glancing at someone is enough to gauge their current power level. Hades invented this technique. When his dark eyes looked upon Gerald, he saw great potential.

No wonder Lord Vicegerent said he could make them into “Demon Lord Slayers!” Now I’m excited to meet them! Hades thought while expressing a smile on his face.

***

Gerald’s eyes peeled back. When was the last time I had a sleep this good?

The first sensation he felt when waking up was clenching his left hand. He brought the arm that looked and felt like his left arm in front of his face.

!!

An abrupt surge of Aura tingled his nervous system, “What’s this? It’s like my power has doubled, no, tripled?” He said, perplexed.

Then, he clenched his new arm once again and a red aura manifested. Usually, skilled practitioners of mana/chi can actively see the color of Aura. Ordinary people can not sense or see a single thing when a person emits their energy.

Amazing! Gerald became delirious with all the things that were happening to him.

First, he never thought he could recover a new arm. That was a fact cemented deep into the consciousness of the Dual Swordmaster. To lose an arm when he’s been practicing dual swords since a young age held dire consequences for Gerald’s psyche. Not to mention the intense post-traumatic stress disorder from losing an appendage. But all of that did not matter now. These were the current thoughts of the man with a complete body.

When the view of his new arm came into view and the ease at which it came when mana circulated through his veins, his mind was full of amazement. In fact, the deliriousness came from being awestruck. Droplets of tears dropped from Gerald's happy face.

Certainly, something like regaining an appendage is sure to rile some deep emotion. Noticing his eyes watering up, he quickly wiped his face. A warrior must not cry. Internally thinking.

In the nick of time, he finished wiping the tears off his face before the door was heard sliding open, “I see that you’ve adapted quite well to your new arm?” Veda questioned.

“Gaha!” Gerald got up and bowed deeply toward Dario and Veda. “My gratitude.” A heartfelt expression. Thankfully, no one saw him a few minutes earlier when he was balling with tears of joy. He had at least wanted to save some face. The best he could do right now is to look forward to a new life.

"Good," Veda replied.

"It's best we start heading out before it gets dark," Dario remarked.

The Iron Slasher group and Dario had stayed overnight in the Regalia. The ship itself hovered above the place where their previous camp was.

Gerald's surgery was done by the time of sunrise. Apparently, the one-armed man was too excited about the news that he would be whole again. In effect, he wanted the surgery to be done as soon as possible.

"Veda, take the rest of the Iron Slasher group and rendezvous back at Omen Village."

"Very well, young master," the butler bowed and clicked out of view.

With those last words, Dario, Caesar, Nocturne, and Gerald headed out to Hollow World. There was some unfinished business to attend to with the red sands. Specifically speaking, Dario had to challenge Deluc's Dungeon, resurrect worthy Undead, and clean up the southern desert of the monster infestation.

***

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Dungeons in the world of Soa were originally normal places a soul hasn't touched yet. Over time, sentient beings would occupy such places and leave behind traces of their rich mana.

It’s only when monsters start to gather and congest in numbers is when the place is worthy to be called a "Dungeon." A place where the strength of darkness can be found.

Eldar Lich Deluc is a 7th Class Blood Mage. There is a hierarchy amongst the Undead Liches, however, Deluc is an Undead with Elvhen origins. So far, the collective knowledge to date only explains that Deluc's title of, "Eldar'' originates from Ancient Elves.

The Tomb of Calamor is a famous dungeon. Notable figures have tried numerous times in attempting to conquer such a place. The Omen Village has retained records of Deluc's Dungeon for quite some time. Deluc's existence has been around since the Omen Campaign.

It is said that Deluc was on the verge of attaining his eighth arcane circle until he had been sealed by many heroes from different countries. There was a massive panic over the power shift leaning too much in Deluc's favor. If the Eldar Lich had reached the 8th Class, this meant that even the Undead would surpass the Demon Lords of that time.

Many players hiding in the shadows could never allow such a thing to come to pass. Thus, many of them colluded with one another and devised many schemes to maintain the status quo. In effect, they succeeded in sealing the Ancient Lich. Though, what the Heroes lost in return was devastating. More than half of the people who entered Deluc’s tomb were annihilated. This led many nations to place blame on each other. Eventually, some countries warred with the other countries they colluded with until they were repaid the restitution of their fallen heroes.

What was thought to be a coalition act to subdue a powerful Undead became more than just a grand subjugation. Political strife was soon to follow after the sealing of Deluc and friendships between nations were now strained.

Anyhow, Dario and the three Experts were headed to that place. By the calculations of scientific and mathematical formulas, Veda was able to deduce the current level of Deluc’s Dungeon.

Dario was seeing a screen window from his elegant and technological watch.

Mission Update!

Forbidden Cave, The Tomb of Calamor Rank: EX

Difficulty:

-Lvl. 60 or above

-Discover the contents of the tomb and conquer the dungeon by resurrecting Deluc.

The difficulty of the dungeon was compiled from the records of the Omen Village. Veda had already scanned the various scrolls, books, documents, and all types of literature recorded into the quantum brainbase. From the combined information of the world Soa up to date, Jinn had already understood the current status of this new world. And in such a case, Jinn would grin. At any rate, Dario flicked the window promptly exiting the hologram.

“Young Master, we’ll be arriving at the entrance of Deluc’s tomb in a couple of minutes. Please make your way to the docking bay,” Veda said.

When Dario looked up, he saw the faces of Gerald, Nocturne, and Caesar, all wearing hardened faces ready to risk it all.

What’s gotten them so pumped up? Dario wondered.

Shortly before the party headed off to the dungeon, they were debriefed by Veda on the specifics of their mission.

To summarize, the team will wipe out the cave of all monster infestations and support the young disciple to their fullest. In other words, the cave is meant to level up quickly. Makes sense since this mission is categorized as a “side quest” objective, meaning, not part of the main questline. Therefore, the party of four will be the ones to benefit from the major speed leveling that’s headed their way.

With the addition of Gerald being whole again, his level of Aura skyrocketed. This means that he was already on the brink of reaching the Transcendence Realm but lacked the requirements. And one of those requirements is to be level 50.

For Nocturne, he wasn’t much different from Gerald in all regards. Born into a family of skilled Thieves, Nocturne does not only have subtlety and finesse but also the explosiveness of a warrior. He would soon be reaching the next level not too long after Gerald.

And lastly, Caesar. His job is a Ronin and sub job, Samurai, both ranked as high-tier. Not only that, he was born with an unusually high luck status. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Caesar would cross to the next realm much quicker than the other two. Even Dario believed that Caesar would be crossing the next realm sooner than expected.

To break it down simply, Jinn and Veda have compiled a chart of the current power standards in the world of Soa. Thanks to the remarkable retainment of the record of the Omen Tribe, Jinn was able to make an accurate judgment of the current power standings.

Third Rates: Level 1 - 19 Second Rates: Level 20 - 29 First Rates: Level 30 - 39 Peak Realm: Level 40 - 49 Transcendence Realm: 50 - 99 Divine Realm/Mystic Realm: 100 - 250

Strictly speaking, this is what the Omen Tribe members would deduce the levels of all species. But with the addition of superintelligence, Veda, it could now be quantified numerically. It is also important to note that even though the level may not be met, it does not mean that they are of the next level.

Take Caesar as a prime example, his level may not be in the 40s to be formally called a Peak Realm expert, but his ability to imbue Aura will already make that person qualified. Not to mention, Caesar’s mastery of his techniques and skills is well over the qualification to be in the Peak Realm. What’s important to note is that quality is what matters when it comes to leveling up. This is where Deluc’s Dungeon comes into play.

Gerald said a few words that were on his mind for some time. “Are you sure just the four of us can conquer such an old Dungeon?”

It was unlike Gerald to make such a weak remark like that. This means that they were going to someplace that had stronger monsters than Marlboros. It wasn’t long ago that they had hunted Marlboros. They had gotten through a breakthrough ever since they’d been taught Aura by the Demonic Teacher.

“You’re worried that our levels don’t meet the requirement?” Dario replied.

Gerald and the other Experts nodded.

Contrary to what they think, Dario’s attributes are double that of other characters. Technically speaking, Dario’s level would be 60 with his attributes. Most importantly, Dario can summon a powerful piece that is called Parsifal.

Not only is the Undead Knight of Darkness at a high level than the rest of the party, but his attributes are also superior as well. With the combination of those two, Revenant had the skill, Horsemanship, which allowed him to mount any species. All in all, Dario was not going to act until they had reached Deluc.

“Have faith, Gerald. Trust in what Veda had said earlier. This is an opportunity mainly for you three. So, follow me,” Dario said confidently.

As the three Peak Realm Experts heard those words, they thought they could believe him. And so they did.

They bowed.

(Author’s note: It meant that they acknowledged Dario and would no longer lose confidence.)

Veda blurted on the intercom. “Young master, we have safely landed. Opening docking hatch.”

Fortunately, they were already in the docking room, “Let’s proceed with the plans,” Dario said.

The three Peak Realm Experts nodded.

From the shadow of Dario, Revenant, and Parsifal appeared as they manifested their Undead appearance. Unlike the class Necromancer, Sith Lord has the ability to store the Undead in a shadow, in an object, or a pocket dimension. In this case, storing the Undead in Dario’s shadow is a form of a pocket dimension.

Walking down the platform that allowed entry to the outside, the view of dead trees and a barren wasteland came into view. More importantly, the cavern in front of them was relatively inconspicuous. No one would believe that an Ancient Undead would be found in such an unremarkable place.

“So this is where the Ancient Undead rests?” Caesar remarked.

“Indeed,” replied Dario.

As the young disciple said those last words, the party entered the old and dark Dungeon.

***

Veda questioned, “How long do you suppose they’ll stay in that decrepit little cave, sir?” Jinn was seated on the Soul Throne where he usually resides.

Ever since the discovery of the floating mountain, Divine Manalum, Jinn has made the colossal crystal palace his permanent home.

“Hah!” Jinn scoffed. He laughed at such a question since Veda referred to Deluc’s tomb as a “decrepit little cave.”

I suppose it’s his nature as a butler. Jinn thought.

“There’s no time limit because leveling up is the main priority. While my disciple and the three Experts clear that dungeon, it’ll finally be time to gather the rest of the tribe members.”

!!

Elder Saru and Hades were in the heavenly court as well. They raised their eyebrow when their Lord stated that they would gather the rest of the Omen Tribe.

Hades stepped forward, “Is it time, sire?”

For some time, the Lord Strategist had wondered when Jinn would say those words.

“Yes.”

This time, the elder stepped up, “I suppose it’s time I fetch my Disciple.”

“Mhmm? You have a disciple, Demonic Teacher?” Jinn asked.

“Yes, Lord Vicegerent. I hid him away and the rest of his tribe. Only I know where they are,” it looked like the elder wanted to withhold his words. Instead, the Demonic Teacher chose to speak through his actions.

“If you don’t mind, I’ll be on my way to collect them.”

Lord Vicegerent Jinn softly nodded his head.

Elder Saru exited the giant gates.

“The Demonic Teacher seems to be in a rush,” Veda blurted out.

There was a solemn expression on the Demonic Teacher’s face. It was hard to understand what his intentions were in that emotionless state. However, there was no cause to doubt between Jinn and Hades. The only one not understanding the actions of the Demonic Teacher was Veda.

Chuckle.

Lord Vicegerent Jinn lightly chuckled.

“By the way,” Hades interrupted. “Just who is the individual worthy to be his disciple?”

“Oh? I seem to not have that information as well,” Jinn replied.

“Did I not mention, sir?” Veda proceeded to display a holographic figure. Strangely, the size of the figure was towering.

“I recall that Elder Sarutobi’s disciple is of the Giant Tribe. His name is Kongol, Chieftain of the Gigas Clan.”