Zark'thul also stood, though not as gracefully as Elspeth had. He followed her out of the room, into the hallway beyond.
The walls were the same featureless gray, the floor similarly smooth and unremarkable. But something about the way the light played across the surface told him it was more than just metal and stone.
There was energy here, a thrumming presence that lay beneath everything. It wasn't tangible, but he could feel it all the same.
He and Elspeth moved through the corridors, the doors sliding open and closed as they approached or passed them.
"Your first task as CEO will be to familiarize yourself with the Tower's systems. I will guide you through the process, but it's essential that you begin to take control as soon as possible."
"This all seems so..." Zark'thul hesitated, grasping for the appropriate word. "Unnecessary."
"Everything serves a purpose, Zark'thul. Every choice you make, every action you take—they all contribute to your growth, and to the growth of the Tower."
"And exactly how does this 'Tower' grow? What mechanisms are in place to ensure it becomes more powerful?" Zark'thul asked, though his interest was genuine.
She smiled. "By completing your directives, of course. They are your tasks that serve as both tests of your leadership and catalysts for the Tower's advancement. You'll complete these directives through the proper allocation of resources, including the deployment of your agents. The more efficiently you manage these assets, the more significant the Tower's growth will be. In turn, it will yield greater power for you."
They continued down the hallway, their footsteps echoing off the pristine surfaces.
Zark'thul listened to the rhythmic click of Elspeth's heels and the soft sound of his own footsteps, though his focus was divided. His mind kept returning to the feeling of his new body, the way it moved, the way it felt.
Everything was different—wrong. His senses were dulled, his perception limited. He could no longer feel the pulse of the cosmos, could no longer perceive the ebb and flow of energies that had once been as familiar to him as his own thoughts.
Instead, he was confined to this narrow band of reality, this constrained point of view. It was a slow torture, like a piece of him had been carved out and replaced with something less than the whole.
"So... these 'directives' dictate how you intend to harness my power?" he asked.
"Not in the manner you suspect. Your will is not lost to you, Zark'thul. Far from it. The Tower would not invest its resources in such a way."
That, at least, gave him a sense of relief, a first since waking into this farce.
If this was a trick, then at least it was one that granted him a means of working against them. Every prison had its weakness.
Elspeth continued. "The Tower operates as a hierarchical structure, with each level posing progressively more challenging trials. As you and your agents prove your capabilities on one floor, you gain access to the next. And with each floor reached, the Tower grows, both in complexity and in power. The progress of the Tower is the progress of your power. As it grows, so will you."
"Power requires fuel," Zark'thul pointed out. "Where does the Tower get its power?"
"Quintessence."
Even a diminished eldritch being knew what quintessence was.
It was a higher-order energy—the fabric of everything—and anything capable of harnessing it wielded incalculable power. It was the seed of everything, including stars, galaxies... and even eldritch beings. A bottomless well of existence in its purest form.
"Yes," Elspeth said, guessing his thoughts. "It was the original source of your own power...its wellspring, anyway. At the center of the Tower, its depths, you'll find the engine that harvests quintessence, just as your power once did."
She gestured vaguely around her. "But while you were purely destructive, the Tower is different. It doesn't just consume. It integrates, it enhances. Think of it as the ultimate recycler—the more you feed it, the more it gives back to you."
His gaze fixed on her for a moment, watching her movements carefully. "And where does the Tower get this quintessence from?"
"From completing directives, unlocking new floors, and acquiring capital," Elspeth explained. "You will guide your agents, confront the challenges inherent in each level, and harvest quintessence as you proceed. Some of this quintessence will be invested back into your growth and your agents, but some will also feed the Tower, empowering its mechanisms and expanding its influence."
"And what do these objectives entail?" Zark'thul asked, his eyes never leaving Elspeth's back.
He could sense there was more to this woman than her mechanical limbs, but he couldn't pinpoint exactly what. She seemed more than a mere construct, more than a functionary of the Tower, yet he wasn't sure exactly how.
She half-glanced back at him as they walked down the hall. "They vary. Some are straightforward—acquire a certain resource, eliminate a specific threat, establish a foothold in a new dimension, or recruit a particular Agent. Others may require a more... nuanced approach, requiring strategic planning and the coordination of multiple Agents."
The conversation continued as they walked down the long hallway, winding through various corridors and junctions. At first glance, everything seemed perfectly ordered, with every corridor and doorway in alignment. But, after several turns, Zark'thul noticed there were odd angles to some doorways and passages, and subtle discrepancies in the design.
"How large is this place?" Zark'thul asked, finally allowing his curiosity to get the best of him.
"It's... vast."
"That's not a straight answer."
Her green hair swung as she glanced back at him, a faint hint of amusement in her voice. "It's the best one I have for now."
They turned a corner, the corridor opening up into a larger space—an office, by the look of it.
But this was no ordinary office. The walls were lined with screens, each one displaying a different view of the Tower's interior—corridors, rooms, and other spaces that Zark'thul didn't recognize. The floor was a polished black tile, and in the center of the room stood a large, circular desk, its surface covered in holographic projections.
Elspeth gestured for Zark'thul to approach the desk. "This is your command room. From here, you will have access to all of the Tower's systems. You will be able to monitor your progress, manage your resources, and issue commands to your Agents."
Zark'thul approached the desk and looked over the displays, his fingers reaching out to touch the holographic images, watching as they reacted to his touch, responding with a flurry of data and information.
He had never needed such things before, never required anything beyond his own will to direct his drones, his entire hive.
But he understood the power of such technology—had seen it in action, even if only fleetingly.
These humans had accomplished much with it.
He stepped forward, taking his place at the center of the room. Elspeth stood beside him, her demeanor calm and collected as always.
"I will guide you through the initial setup process," she said. "Please, have a seat."
A chair rose from the floor, its sleek, minimalist design matching the aesthetic of the rest of the room. Zark'thul settled into it, his body moving awkwardly as he adjusted to the new position.
Elspeth gestured to one of the screens, and it began to flicker with activity. Numbers, letters, and symbols appeared, scrolling across the display in an endless stream.
"These are the Tower's systems," Elspeth explained, her voice carrying a faint hint of reverence. "Each one represents a different facet of its function—security, logistics, resource management, recruitment, research, and more. As CEO, you will have access to them all."
Zark'thul suppressed a snort of derision.
It all seemed so primitive, so inadequate for what he had once commanded. But perhaps there was potential here, hidden in these numbers and protocols. He just needed to uncover it.
He looked up at Elspeth, studying her for a moment. She remained composed, detached, as if she had done this countless times before. Perhaps she had. Perhaps there had been others like him, who had lost everything, only to be brought here, offered this chance.
"You've done this before," he said, his voice low, almost accusing. "This... business. The systems. The process. You're familiar with it."
Elspeth met his gaze, her eyes gleaming with something that could have been amusement. "Of course. I've guided many in your position, Zark'thul."
"Yet, the Tower still needs me? Has no one else managed to succeed?"
"This is the first time a true eldritch entity has been chosen as CEO." Her smile returned, in the barest of shifts. "Those who preceded you were merely mortal in their ambitions."
"Is that supposed to be a reassurance?"
"Merely a fact." She turned her attention back to the screens, her fingers dancing across the holographic displays. "I will serve as your administrative assistant and as a liaison between you and the Tower. My role is to guide you, provide insight, and ensure your success. I will always be at your side, ready to assist."
A liaison...
It was a strange concept, this need for a go-between, but perhaps it was necessary in a place like this. There was still much about the Tower that eluded him, much that he didn't understand, and having someone like Elspeth to explain things could prove useful—even if it was merely to further his own ends.
So long as she served her purpose, he would tolerate her presence.
But there was already one thing he didn't like about this arrangement. The passive role Elspeth was describing—it wasn't for him. He had never relied on others, had never needed to.
Beyond using drones derived from his essence to subsume others to expand his form, to increase his power, he had been alone. He had always been sufficient on his own. Others had either been fuel or foes.
Soley relying on a proxy was a different matter, though.
"You expect me to just sit here and give orders?" he said, unable to hide the disdain in his voice. "No. That's not how I do things. I'll play along with this game, but on my terms."
Elspeth's fingers paused in their movement, hovering just above the display. She turned to face him fully, her eyes locking onto his once more. "What do you propose?"
Zark'thul unfolded from the chair, rising to his full height. Even in this diminished form, he was taller than Elspeth, and he used it to his advantage. He stepped closer to her, looming over her small frame.
"You said I'd regain my power, that each victory would restore a fraction of what I had lost. So, I won't sit here and play at management. I'll restore my strength through direct action, as my nature demands. That's my... strategy."
Elspeth remained silent, but something in her posture shifted. It was subtle, but Zark'thul caught it—a tightening of her shoulders, a slight tilt of her chin. It was as if she was assessing him, measuring him against some unknown standard.
She gave a curt nod. "Very well. The Tower does not restrict you from taking this approach. However, you must balance your direct actions with your duties as CEO. If you neglect the systems under your control, your progress will falter, and you may fail in your goal."
"Then we understand each other," Zark'thul said, feeling a surge of satisfaction. "I'll direct my efforts where I see fit. You'll ensure that this... system... does not fail me."
Elspeth smiled, and for the first time, there was a hint of warmth in her expression. She reached into the inner pocket of her sleek black suit and pulled out a small device—a smartphone, by the look of it, though its design was subtly different from what Zark'thul remembered.
She held it out to him, offering it as if it were a gift.
"This is the AetherLink," she explained, placing the device in his hand. "It is your interface with the Tower's systems. Through it, you will be able to summon Agents, manage your resources, and issue commands. It is attuned to your unique energy signature, and only you will be able to access its functions."
Zark'thul turned the device over in his hands, examining it. It was sleek, its surface polished to a mirror-like finish, reflecting the light of the room.
He pressed his thumb to the screen, and it flickered to life, displaying a simple interface with only a few icons.
> image [https://i.imgur.com/AEB8z9S.png]
>
> Name: Zark'thul
> Role: CEO
> Level: 1
> Experience: 0/1000
> Health: 500/500
> Essence: 100/100
> Attack (ATK): 25
> Magic (MAG): 70
> Defense (DEF): 35
> Magic Resistance (MRES): 60
> Speed (SPD): 20
> Crit Rate (CRIT): 6%
> Dodge Rate (DODGE): 8%
> Block Rate (BLOCK): 8%
>
> Agent Pool Size: 0/5
> Deployment Slots: 1
> Abilities: None
An elaborate digital echo of this human body.
Zark'thul chuckled softly to himself. He had subsumed civilizations, and now he was reduced to a lowly interface. It seemed his fate was to remain imprisoned in one form or another.
"The AetherLink will also allow you to communicate with me," Elspeth continued, her voice pulling him out of his thoughts. "I will provide guidance as needed, and I can answer any questions you may have about the systems or your role as CEO."
Zark'thul scrolled through the list of icons, each one displaying a basic description when he tapped on it: 'Recruit,' 'Squad', 'Agent Management', 'Floor Management,' 'Storage,' and 'Review Directives'.
The simplicity of the system was not lost on him. Even he, who had never had need of such things, could understand their purpose. These were tools for the small and the weak, for those who could not act on their own.
But, as Elspeth had said, he would have to learn how to use them.
He tucked the AetherLink into his pocket, deciding to explore its functions later. Right now, he had other priorities.
"What next?" he asked, his eyes locking onto Elspeth's green gaze.
"Your first objective will be to acquire your first Agents," she replied. "I'll take you to the Summoning Chamber."
----------------------------------------
Elspeth led Zark'thul down another corridor, this one wider and more grandiose than the one that led to his office. The floor was tiled in a swirling pattern of dark blues and grays, and the walls were lined with towering pillars of polished black stone. Holographic banners hung between the pillars, displaying images of worlds and realms that Zark'thul did not recognize.
The corridor opened up into a vast, circular chamber, its ceiling disappearing into darkness above, only the distant twinkle of some light source gave form to its extent.
The walls were lined with alcoves, each one bathed in a soft, ethereal light, giving the whole chamber an otherworldly ambiance. In the center of the room, a tiled floor, marked with intricate symbols and runes, was arranged in a circular pattern.
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
"Welcome to the Summoning Chamber," Elspeth said, gesturing for Zark'thul to step forward. "This is where you will summon your Agents, the beings who will work on your behalf to accomplish the Tower's objectives."
Zark'thul took a moment to scan the room, noting its structure and layout. "So I am to call upon minions here?"
"In a manner of speaking," Elspeth answered. "But remember, they are not mindless thralls. Each Agent will have their own set of skills and capabilities, and it is your responsibility to match those skills to the tasks at hand. Furthermore, each Agent has a rarity, which determines their effectiveness in battle and out of it. Rarity also impacts how difficult they are to summon, with common Agents being easier to acquire and legendary Agents being the most elusive."
"Elaborate," Zark'thul replied curtly.
"Of course. In this process, we classify Agents into four rarity tiers, denoting their potential, skills, and powers: Common, Rare, Epic, and Legendary." She motioned him to follow her as she walked to an alcove, its ethereal light casting a pale glow across her face. "Let me explain their differences as we approach this process.
"Common Agents represent the most basic level of this system. They often have rudimentary skills and abilities, though they are versatile enough to serve in multiple roles. While their combat prowess may be limited, they can excel in non-combat roles and support the more powerful agents."
She shifted, staring at another alcove, it's glow as pale as the first. "Rare Agents are a step up in power and versatility. They typically have more specialized skills, making them better suited for certain tasks, as well as enhanced combat capabilities. They can fill critical roles on a team and can make up the backbone of your fighting force, once fielded in enough numbers."
She shifted once more, standing between the third and fourth alcoves, each radiating a stronger, more intense light. "Epic Agents, as their name suggests, are formidable beings. They have exceptional skills and abilities, making them highly effective in combat and crucial for overcoming significant challenges. They are also harder to acquire than Common or Rare Agents but are well worth the effort when you are successful."
Her last turn took them to the fifth and final alcove. She stretched out a hand, letting the glow dance across her fingertips. "Legendary Agents, the rarest of them all, represent the pinnacle of this system. They have unparalleled power and can turn the tide of the most difficult situations. It will take significant effort and a great deal of luck to acquire Legendary Agents, but the rewards are considerable."
"You should also be aware of the Agent Pool Size," she said. "Think of it as the total capacity you have for agents. You cannot have more agents active than your current capacity."
Zark'thul held his hands behind him, rolling her words around in his thoughts.
Elspeth gestured again to the room. "Recruitment is simple. Your AetherLink has been set up with a starting investment of Quintessence Shards—a type of currency within the Tower, if you will. By using your AetherLink in this chamber, you can bring new agents into your employ. This chamber's basic level is calibrated to bring a mix of agent rarities from diverse worlds and eras. Sometimes, however, certain situations will provide more opportunities, which we will address as they become relevant. If there's anything left unanswered, don't hesitate to ask. And if you're ready to begin..."
Zark'thul approached the center of the room, stepping onto the circular floor. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the AetherLink.
The "Recruit" icon on the AetherLink's interface lit up, and Zark'thul tapped on it. A prompt appeared, displaying a simple message:
[Your first five Agents won't cost any resources to summon.]
[Recruit? (Y/N)]
He selected 'Yes,' and the runes on the platform began to glow, pulsing with energy. The sigils on the ceiling shifted and moved, reshaping into a new configuration. And from the alcoves on the walls, a steady stream of light flowed toward the platform, converging into a single point above its center.
The air seemed to warp, bending around the growing mass of light. With a final pulse, the light exploded outward, and five figures materialized on the platform. They stood in perfect formation, their bodies stiff and their faces expressionless. Zark'thul's eyes swept over them, taking in their appearance with a growing sense of disappointment.
They were human. Silver-haired, red-eyed humans, each one clad in a form-fitting bodysuit that clung to their toned forms like a second skin. And despite the slight differences in their facial features, they all looked remarkably similar—too similar to have just appeared from different dimensions.
Zark'thul forced down the sneer that threatened to creep across his face.
Elspeth stepped forward, her gaze fixed on the newly summoned Agents. "These are your first summons. Common-rarity Agents, denoted by their single-star ranking."
"Humans," he said, his tone conveying his distaste. "Is this what the Tower offers me?"
"Not just any humans," Elspeth replied. "This batch is called REDLINEs—Genetically engineered operatives made to embody human excellence. But, I understand your disappointment. More diverse options will become available in future summons, I assure you."
Zark'thul narrowed his eyes. "Genetically engineered? As in clones?"
Elspeth tilted her head. "In a manner of speaking, yes. These Agents are part of the Tower's program to provide you with a pool of summonable beings. They all share the same genetic code, but they can develop different specialties and personalities, making each one unique in their own way. More importantly, their enhancements make them more resilient, stronger, and faster than typical humans."
But still... Humans.
Weak. Frail. Easily broken.
He would have preferred anything else—elementals, aberrations, Fomorians, creatures of the void. Something... powerful.
Anything but the soft, breakable, fallible shell of his current body.
"These are the stats of your new Agents," she continued, gesturing to the AetherLink's screen, "Each one has been assigned a specific role within your team. Their abilities and effectiveness will improve as they gain experience and acquire better gear."
> image [https://i.imgur.com/YpX2TC3.png]
>
> Name: (Unnamed)
> Type: REDLINEs, Male
> Role: Tank
> Rarity: ☆ (Common)
> Level: 1
> Health (HP): 200
> Defense (DEF): 30
> Magic Resistance (MRES): 20
> Attack (ATK): 25
> Speed (SPD): 15
> Block Rate (BLOCK): 10% (18%)
> Special Ability: Fortified Stance (Reduces incoming damage by 20% for one minute; two-minute cooldown)
> Gear: REDLINEs bodysuit, Steel Longsword, Steel Round Shield (+8% Block Rate)
> Morale: 80%
> image [https://i.imgur.com/G6BVuvn.png]
>
> Name: (Unnamed)
> Type: REDLINEs, Female
> Role: Assassin
> Rarity: ☆ (Common)
> Level: 1
> Health (HP): 120
> Defense (DEF): 10
> Magic Resistance (MRES): 10
> Attack (ATK): 40
> Speed (SPD): 30
> Critical Rate (CRIT): 12%
> Dodge Rate (DODGE): 10%
> Special Ability: Shadow Strike (Deals 20 bonus damage when attacking from stealth)
> Gear: REDLINEs bodysuit, Steel Dagger x2
> Morale: 80%
> image [https://i.imgur.com/gyiOdSp.png]
>
> Name: (Unnamed)
> Type: REDLINEs, Female
> Role: Sniper
> Rarity: ☆ (Common)
> Level: 1
> Health (HP): 100
> Defense (DEF): 10
> Magic Resistance (MRES): 10
> Attack (ATK): 50
> Speed (SPD): 15
> Critical Rate (CRIT): 10%
> Dodge Rate (DODGE): 5%
> Special Ability: Snipe Shot (Deals 15 bonus damage when attacking from long range)
> Gear: REDLINEs bodysuit, Standard Gas-Operated Rifle
> Morale: 80%
> image [https://i.imgur.com/qEYrXGo.png]
>
> Name: (Unnamed)
> Type: REDLINEs, Female
> Role: Support
> Rarity: ☆ (Common)
> Level: 1
> Health (HP): 130
> Attack (ATK): 10
> Defense (DEF): 15
> Magic Resistance (MRES): 25
> Speed (SPD): 18
> Critical Rate (CRIT): 5%
> Dodge Rate (DODGE): 5%
> Special Ability: First Aid (Restores 50 HP to an injured ally; 2-minute cooldown)
> Gear: REDLINEs bodysuit, Standard Pistol
> Morale: 80%
> image [https://i.imgur.com/WcY0MD1.png]
>
> Name: (Unnamed)
> Type: REDLINEs, Male
> Role: Controller
> Rarity: ☆ (Common)
> Level: 1
> Health (HP): 140
> Attack (ATK): 15
> Defense (DEF): 15
> Magic Resistance (MRES): 20
> Speed (SPD): 15
> Critical Rate (CRIT): 5%
> Dodge Rate (DODGE): 5%
> Special Ability: Trap Setter (Place up to three traps of varying effects within a 10-meter radius; traps last for 5 minutes or until triggered. Each trap deals 40 Explosive Damage. Only one set can be active at once. Can only be used twice per mission)
> Gear: REDLINEs bodysuit, Standard Pistol
> Morale: 80%
Zark'thul's gaze flicked over the stats, taking in their basic details. Tapping the screen atop each term brought up a small description. He tapped the one labeled "Attack," and a new screen popped up:
> [Attack (ATK)] The amount of damage an Agent can inflict on enemies. Each Agent type has a base ATK stat, which can be increased by increasing their level or equipping them with gear that enhances ATK.
He closed the screen and considered the Agents before him. They stood perfectly still, their faces blank, their eyes empty.
"You may name your first batch of recruits now," Elspeth said, drawing Zark'thul's attention back to her. "The Tower does not have specific names for REDLINEs in mind, but you may use any name that would suit your purposes."
He had no use for names, not when they would serve as tools for him to use. "One through Five," he said, gesturing to each of the Agents in turn. "That will suffice."
Elspeth nodded, though she couldn't quite hide the faint trace of disapproval on her face. "As you wish, Mr. Zark'thul."
Zark'thul sneered at her disapproval. "Do you have a problem with my naming conventions, Elspeth?"
She kept her expression neutral, but Zark'thul noticed the slight narrowing of her eyes. "It's just... common for Agents to have unique names, ones that reflect their personalities or abilities. But if that's how you prefer to identify them, it's your choice."
He didn't care about personality or abilities. He cared about results. And right now, all he saw before him were weak, fragile humans. They may have had some level of combat training, but they wouldn't stand a chance against the horrors he had once commanded.
He strode forward, standing before the Agents. They watched him with blank faces, but something behind their eyes shifted. There was curiosity, perhaps even a flicker of fear. Or maybe Zark'thul only wanted to see those things. Either way, he knew that underneath their calm exterior, they had to feel small and insignificant in his presence.
Good. They should fear him, even if he was reduced to these paltry beginnings.
He turned to Elspeth, addressing her over his shoulder. "Let's get on with it, then. Teach me to deploy them."
----------------------------------------
Elspeth didn't so much as blink at his commanding tone. She moved with that same unhurried grace, leading Zark'thul and his newly summoned Agents down another corridor. The walls here curved inward, the ceiling arching overhead, giving the impression of a circular hallway.
"The Nexus," Elspeth said, gesturing to an arched opening on the other end. It led to a large, open space with a tiled floor, its design similar to the patterns etched onto the platform where Zark'thul had summoned these humans.
Zark'thul followed her through the doorway, the Agents trailing close behind.
The room's featureless walls gave the illusion of infinite space. There were no other doorways or openings—just the one from which they'd entered.
An interdimensional bridge.
Elspeth stepped further into the chamber, gesturing for Zark'thul's attention. "Let me explain your primary challenges," she began. "You are the CEO of this Tower. And just like any company, we run on objectives. Quests, if you will, though we prefer to call them Directives. These come directly from the Tower itself, and their completion is required to ascend to new floors and gain new abilities."
Zark'thul raised a brow. "What happens if I choose not to follow these... Directives?"
"Then you remain trapped on the current floor," Elspeth replied, her answer coming instantly as if she had anticipated his question. "And you risk failing the Tower, which could result in your permanent termination."
Termination. He almost laughed at the casual way Elspeth had thrown out that word. But he knew it wasn't an idle threat. This Tower, this entity, clearly wanted something, and if he didn't play its game, he might never regain his power, never reclaim his rightful place among the stars.
"The Directives are divided into several categories," she continued, unperturbed by his silence. "There are combat missions, resource acquisition, expansion directives, and, occasionally, special assignments that require a more... delicate approach."
"Combat missions," he repeated, already knowing where this was heading. "You're telling me to throw my new pawns into battle."
"It's the easiest way to gain experience, and the Agents do require a test run," she noted. "Once they've managed to complete a particular mission, you can have them redo it as often as needed until they've out-leveled it. This will ensure your agents gain experience quickly while limiting potential risks. You're essentially farming resources."
"I see." It seemed too straightforward to him. Weak as they were now, these Agents would surely crumble under any significant assault. But Elspeth made a good point. If this was the Tower's way of starting things off slowly, it likely served a purpose. It wouldn't do for these pathetic creatures to get overwhelmed before they'd even begun.
His mind worked, shifting into a calculating, detached perspective of numbers and percentages. This farming method reminded him of his old tactics as a hivemind, consuming worlds for their precious resources—their energy, matter, and data.
But without knowing the details of these missions, he wasn't yet ready to commit.
"What's the first directive?" he asked.
"Normally, you'd be in your office, using the consoles there to send out your Agents. But since you prefer to control them personally, you'll have to rely on the AetherLink for that purpose."
Zark'thul nodded and touched the icon labeled "Review Directives", bringing up a new screen on the AetherLink.
> [Directive 1-1] Slay the Murk Beast
> [Objective] Eliminate an increasingly ferocious creature that resides in the nearby bog.
> [Difficulty] ★☆☆☆☆
> [Success] Eliminate Murk Beast within the time limit.
> [Failure] If the Murk Beast isn't killed within the allotted time, or if all Agents are defeated, the operation will fail.
> [Rewards] 100 Exp, 10 Quintessence Shards, 1-2 Experience Core (Basic), 1 random common gear.
> [Time Limit] 4 hours
> [Repeatable] Yes
> [Bonus Objective] Slay the Murk Beast with no Agent casualties.
> [Bonus Rewards (can be claimed only once)] 250 EXP, 20 Quintessence Shards, 2-3 Experience Core (Basic), 3 common consumable items.
"Interesting..." Zark'thul murmured, his eyes sweeping over the screen. His expression shifted from one of displeasure to a slight grimace. "This mission seems trivial. Are there any others?"
"More Directives will unlock once you've completed this one," Elspeth replied smoothly. "You can complete it at your leisure, but once you've agreed to start the mission, there is a time limit."
The corner of his lip twitched in annoyance, but it was nothing he couldn't handle. Even if the mission itself seemed like a simple, tedious chore, he could at least assess the true power of his first batch of Agents against the so-called "murk beast." But he didn't trust these human beings to perform well, not in their current state. They would need his direct intervention, which brought an idea to mind.
No, he needed to be there. He needed to see this threat with his own eyes, to feel the power of battle surging through him again.
"I'm going with them," he said, his voice a low growl. "Let's get on with it."
Elspeth didn't respond immediately. Her green eyes studied him for a moment, and her head tilted slightly to one side, as if weighing the pros and cons of allowing such a thing. Eventually, she seemed to reach a conclusion and nodded once.
"Very well, Mr. Zark'thul. If that is your wish, then you may accompany your Agents on this mission. However, if I may caution you against directly engaging any creatures yourselves just yet. You should rely on your Agents until you've acquired some of your powers back."
It felt like a warning, but Zark'thul wasn't about to ignore her advice. "Duly noted. We're wasting time here."
"Very well. Accept the Directive through your AetherLink. It will send the coordinates to the portal that leads to the realm where your mission awaits."
With a mere tap on the AetherLink, the information transmitted onto the device's interface, overlaying the lines and geometric patterns on the wall across the room. As they realigned and pulsed with light, a swirling portal appeared, its center shimmering with an ethereal energy.
Beyond its shimmering surface was a bog—a vast, mist-filled wasteland, its ground soggy and covered in brackish water, punctuated by clumps of sedge grass and deadwood. Mud slicks jutted out from the stagnant pools, giving the ground a treacherous, uneven appearance.
"It's in there, then?" Zark'thul asked
Elspeth gave a simple nod, gesturing to the portal. "Once you and your Agents step through, you will have four hours to complete the objective. Take care, sir. Be sure to plan appropriately for these Directives."
Her words rang in his ears as Zark'thul looked at the portal and its ever-shifting depths, their vibrant surface revealing the murky environment beyond.
"The only thing I need to plan," he said, glancing over the Agents behind him, "is to figure out how to keep these weaklings alive."