Lisa would love to forget this temple for her and Murai's sake, but finding the way out was still possible in some way. All they needed was to get their journey going, think with their heads, and take rumors and their time slowly. This idea worked on the premise that nothing terrible would happen or change, while the rest would happen in the lower Gate.
Touch of ideas and knowledge would allow it, second to the Ip'ur Mountain that was still subject to unknown.
David could only prove what was available and known, and he was indeed a much bigger help than Lisa though. After all, she had low expectations for him. Not only did he have roots and hands in many businesses and people, which then touched not only the Surface but also her current needs. His information gathering uncovered valid concerns and facts.
He gave her information about some topics and happenings in the Surface, including the Centralis Kingdom, but Razmund's journey was also up to his curiosity. That included a variety of past readings and knowledge that this Gate knew about the Surface Challengers, so Razmund wasn't that small at all. David spent some effort on him years ago, as he was human and a person from the Centralis Kingdom. A place that David still thought about to this day.
Seeing such people was very expensive in the Network, but if his Task touched upon his dreams and hopes, David wouldn't care for his life in this place any longer. He spent far too much time here, chained and old. When he rediscovered Lisa, he decided to take a much tougher road with Ultium ahead.
The goal wasn't a simple one when many questions and doubts arose between him and Lisa in the past day. The Encounter was no longer that important since there was a wider clash between two forces that had significant power. The Encounter had its uses and rules, and David acknowledged that. The true problem was how to solve it, which went according to this temple instead. Boundaries shifted and the problems of how to get out of there followed this Gate.
However, what if something changed as Mindarch proclaimed to them less than a day ago? That little piece of spirit told them to piss off by handling this Gate with force and bad ideas. He helped them instead, but they didn't know why or how. There were clear facts that some Gods interfered with the current problems in the Surface that didn't seem to have any pause.
Encounters were always strange, and Mindarch or Levandis could use their status to change things up a little bit if they were brave enough. When, how, and where was a wonder Lisa couldn't foresee and David didn't want to guess.
The most obvious change was a set of difficulties because Lisa raised the bar to a dangerous angle by concerning new Helpers at this Gate. It wasn't alone. She essentially cracked Murai's Hunt and did one thing that might not have been good. Murai will no longer adhere to regular balance and this could mean many unaccounted-for, or dangerous Hunters could now make their move.
In a better sense, his goal of essence gathering was fucked and his options were limited.
Many other things could change according to powerful Helpers since their reality followed their Task, and their reasons were outside of this Gate. This meant a crossed interest that touched this temple's challenge and premise. This party was created without a hitch, which was true since Mindarch hadn't said a thing about them even when he spoke to them a day ago. That could mean different things if Lisa thought about it more and more.
Either the balance was right—or it wasn't—and things were about to get difficult or validate Razmund to get equally powerful tools, or he already had them, which was correct but Lisa didn't know. David hadn't found a thing about Razmund's potential Helpers and Lisa questioned Razmund's reality since the very beginning, so she gave up thinking about it more.
There could be instances where the Will of the Battleworld could refuse Helpers if it wasn't fine or under possible influences. Then, there were those seeking the Encounter that could meddle or put unsightly issues against that logic. Judges or some God's Wrath would emerge, while mortals could only adapt or learn from their mistakes. Both Sides would do the same thing, hoping to get ahead or overwhelm the other Side. It was a tough thing akin to a game.
Nothing of that sort happened here, albeit the game had already started, much to Lisa's dismay. She feared David and the rest would be forced back where they belonged, but it all depended on the context of balance and power, or... whatever the current problems could or couldn't be. Perhaps they weren't fine but the world was worse and things didn't matter.
Perhaps she was playing with fire, doing shit that might be foolish, yet weren't others doing the same thing? She spit at some consent and rules. She would gladly do so much more. Considering the mess above the Surface that she apprehended thanks to David, perhaps what was happening wasn't right, and stopping it could only happen under similar if not powerful touch.
What and where were some rules? These things were up to Gods to know or change, or—in most cases—it was up to the Will of the Battleworld to make them right. It could be fine or terrible, or full of excuses thought up by Gods, who could meddle with all sorts of things all they wanted.
It shouldn't be right, so what was that same voice that all of her Helpers heard? It fueled Lisa's suspicions, making her feel as if she was overlooking something very nasty.
Itrosh and Bagus weren't eager about these issues, nor what David and Ultium thought of this mission. They didn't want to leave for the Surface like them; their lives were just fine here, in a place closer to Hell, so they didn't care about some shifting remedy. Helping David was enough for them, while that voice promised good things that were hard to forget.
They were on the Surface numerous times, participating in some Mortal and Holy Wars or some missions set up the Hell, military, or David. Each period was dangerous as it involved times when unkept forces clashed against the Surface, giving them ideas that life in the Surface wasn't up to their liking. Not in the Somalis continent at least.
Very few beings in this cave were utterly free from the terror that was reign of godly power. Levandis ensured safety and livable conditions in this place for everyone, so anyone living here had to adhere to some of her rules. It was fair. Those cherishing those rules had many chances and help. Those who didn't were troublemakers or those who gave up pursuing their power and rather became regular denizens or workers under companies or gangs.
Whoever lived here saw power and reputation, unlike the Surface. Mindarch and Levandis's orders were absolute. No one should want to oppose them, even if it wasn't about politics too much.
Levandis was rather carefree anyway, giving many lives what they wanted and desired if they were worth giving. Those who didn't want some power or ideals could find different peace as long as they wouldn't cause problems. They could become farmers or various employees for her cause in a less important manner. Opposite to them were those adhering to her direct ideas, turning to the military, her own forces, or her family. Most missions or tasks weren't mandatory for those outside of it but were filled with desires and hopes that made up an interesting cycle.
It wasn't that different from different powers or times. That much Murai would acknowledge.
All lives were sort of free in this place since freedom had various definitions. Greed and power moved the heart, thus many followed her words for Laws. It was parallel to the Surface in some capacity, albeit that place had different rules and churches, and many Sky Gods were close to Rulers.
Levandis played with the heart as any God would, and be it her subjects or not, they would gladly take her offers.
Up in the Somalis continent, humans lived as hegemons and places held vastness like sky and clouds. What were the differences between it and Hell, where various races lived as hegemons, and where chaos reigned surprise? Perhaps the space was the difference alone because the difference wasn't all that big. The Surface had a different vision, but power and people held close resemble thanks to the Depths, Dungeons, and history between everything.
Partially, of course. The Gods of the Sky were a large threat and major decision-makers across the whole planet, so most Hell Gods had to be wary of them. It was a struggle where mortals were seen as important, even if they were weak and set between everything. Be it human, devil, or numerous demonic races, everyone was always fighting for one reason or another. Beliefs, hope, and grudges followed this world, giving the Battlworld a taste of Chaos and death. All on the whim of Gods.
Itrosh glared at Lisa up close, thinking that her voice was reasonable.“You think we are that weak? That I can't take him? Don't underestimate my Silver Badge! Hmph!” she flickered her head away, hissing in disinterest that was rather haughty.
Lisa wanted to get going rather than argue with her, but he heard Murai wince in his seat.
“What a party,” he thought for her head, giving them both a slightly despondent look. So far, their journey was calmer than they thought.
They were intercepted only a dozen times by a couple of scouts and those who wanted to test this new party. Most of it was caused by Razmund's shout about the Encounter, which quickly spread around the Hellscape, while the rest was just about Murai and those interested in him or Lost Brothers.
Lisa had yet to know about Razmund. David's informants were yet to call. However, for a good while, they could tell something was wrong since the amount of fools eying them increased and some of them were getting far too comfortable. These Sectors weren't always about the ground, but also about the walls, elevation, caves, and high ceilings. There were many nests for birds and dens for numerous beasts.
After leaving the Helltrim City, their journey went into these Sectors that were half fitting and half wilderness. Some were owned by some companies or notable individuals who might or might not care about them. Most were public and open for free trespassing, as long as some permits and power allowed their traversal. Denizens and people purchased lots to build farms or some homes as long as they were away from the danger zones or some places. Such homes slowly turned into villages, then to various settlements, or straight-up cities.
Owning a Sector was wealth and reputation that not everyone could handle. All businesses, fortune. and owning followed powerful politics. It would then correlate into partial profits or interest since business was important and taxes were up there in the management that Gods couldn't forget. Even Hells couldn't crush these devilish things. Having Sectors up to one's name was akin to a goldmine. It was for those with important names, power, and reputation, as these places held up various mines, farms, or curious zones.
For some time after snapping those curious eyes away, their journey was quiet. Perhaps too quiet. David used all he could to perceive the flow of information, but after leaving that city, it was harder to read into everything. So he either sent Itrosh or Ultium to solve them and deal with the rest. It couldn't be helped; he depended on solving some problems with Marthosh, who remained in Helltrim City, gathering the rumors and everything he could.
What was happening so far was kind of smooth, with most clearer ideas hiding behind uncertainty or some high paywall that was too much or nonexistent. Mindarch was giving away thoughts and ideas to those with some pockets, thanks to the Network that validated challengers, hunts, and various information gathering. Companies often took advantage of that and purchased his information to sell it further, but many took advantage of that by forging shit up.
David knew it so he had to read between the lines or know the trustworthy sources. And by becoming an enemy of this Gate, it might get harder, so he was screwed. Through those efforts, rumors about Murai spread long ago, but they were much smaller than Lisa expected because most information about him weren§t available even via the Network.
Still, many greedy and crazy demons and gangs scattered throughout the Hellscape, hoping to catch him for nothing but a simple topic of Anatidae Child going through this place. While the Hunt had yet to start, and after Razmund proclaimed his Encounter, some eyes were observing them, afraid, or curious.
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Many potential Hunters came from lower Gates as well, hoping to get prizes that wouldn't come near them. Most of the lower Gates were places that homed powerful demons well over Level 50 on most occasions, as these places were no longer simple for regular denizens to take. Their mana was the most likely cause, giving much elevated and harsher conditions to live. Thus, no weak denizens were there, which was also a reason that going down was seen as a sign of power and reputation.
Hellscape was tame. It was vast for a reason known because its mana wasn't that crazy, so many lives were living, managing, and battling for themselves or Levandis' Hell.
Fodder under Level 50 was a mere standard for those who could live without being pitiful. Some of those were those who gave up, but the rest were always seeking something more. That idea became prevalent in the lower Gates, thanks to more hardships and higher stakes.
Almost every Gate that wasn't fully fledged murderous trial held some living quarters or conditions that adhered to their overall difficulties, or purpose. Thus, going deeper was always difficult, and it wasn't because of powerful denizens. Everything was maintained and required.
That was why Thar mentioned Murai's limit was Gate 4. Any lower Gate would challenge more things than necessary, although there were some benefits of doubts when one mentioned Anatidaes or various other beings. The biggest part was still mana encompassing this whole temple like arrow and geysir. Murai would be slaughtered and troubled by such places, let alone potential enemies and challenges. If it wasn't for the balance that Mindarch touched, it might be worse. He could alter nothing, for it was a principle and a challenging factor.
It wasn't fair, but which Hell was?
Powerful beings were hiding in every Gate anyway, trying to see some worth for themselves or Levandis, or did they seek treasures, or couldn't go anywhere else? It was the privacy and safety of the Hellscape that made it special. It was vast, feeling as big as some nations. Even some Overlords lived there, though not many of them were made public.
Proper denizens could travel freely around the temple, as long as the cost, dangers, and portals were clear. Then, there were also some matters with missions and whatnot, but that was where becoming a Challengers came to mind. One could always try to become one, even if it was subject to a harsh reality and often Ends. This place was for no weaklings even if some kept surviving more than well.
Many demons, devils, or beasts over Level 60 could even move to the Surface after paying a certain toll or taking missions for Levandis's sake, wage their own wars, delving, or paths.
Levandis wanted her subjects to be great, so she didn't limit them too much, unlike some troubles stemming from the Surface or beyond. That didn't mean she was lax. She had Mindarch, who worked great for that purpose, giving those who wished to challenge his home interesting kinds of treatments. That meant the tyranny of the trials since even denizens or proper military under her could become one. Without the three-year limit, it was an opportunity that hid nothing but many prospects.
Gate of Suffering wasn't a place for sightseeing or living. It was relatively small, so even its rewards were seen as lowest and fixed. Gate 2s were a bit different, although Islands of Greatness held impressive space and time. It would also create great settlements because of its vastness.
Gate 3 and lower were much more interesting, but only up to Gate 7. Gate 8, 9, and 10 were prohibited from entry for most challenges simply because of their difficulty. And even if one was powerful, pushing through the limits of what was possible in this world wasn't simple. Those were issues for Extremes or the utter peak. Level 70, where Laws were close yet far, wasn't for them. Sometimes, even Level 80 wasn't enough to see the truth about this place.
Those were the rules Lisa recognized for a while, so she brought them to Murai, giving him some context to take this Gate and her plans seriously. It worked halfway how she had expected: Murai didn't care.
He planned to take this seriously regardless, which Lisa took with a certain interest that he ended up listening to her after so long. Frankly, Murai was kind of happy. He found this place interesting not because of lacking fights, but of different terms. Helltrim City was great and this small peaceful period reminded him of nothing he had done so far.
“What are you looking at me for?” Murai asked Lisa, sitting and looking after she noticed her interest.
“Can't?” she sent him rather than talked.
“I see wonders in your eyes. That usually doesn't end up well. Are there some bits of worries too, with anger and some suspicions aside?”
“Have a lot in mind right now. Plotting and taking this Gate is hard. Plans do that to a person.”
“Or a ghost.”
“You wish. I am hunting you enough.” Lisa said, almost proud. “And think about you even more. Anyway, I want to ask and mention something important. How was your day, training, and decisions? I didn't even ask you about your progress and what you've done because everyone was busy. Now, it seems you have made some choices.”
Murai sneered and found her words hilarious. “Acting as if I should give you a report isn't right.”
“Fine. I was kidding. You don't have to tell me a thing,” she said calmly before tensing her eyes. “Well, that was a joke. I do want to know many things that I want to know. Why not? Including the Heavenly Shaping and what goes in that Manual, you will give me plenty of answers. Willingly or not.”
Murai felt this was forthcoming, so he glanced around, noticing that Bagus kept going according to David's route. Even Itrosh walked ahead, knowing that wanting to talk with Murai was too soon.
He had time for Lisa, all things considered, “I have made some choices and findings. As for your fitting wonder, Pillage left part of his soul inside his Manual. It is part of a dual ancestry, or so he said. Lauaghble fella thought it was a good idea to part his Will.”
“How part was he?”
“Enough to be a puppy. Wait, no. That is false. I extend him as that Manual wants. My many does, I mean. He sounded normal, to be honest. It is nothing strange when one sees a lock and souls close. He is like me, almost. If you gave him a better head and changed his life upside down, that is.”
“Is that a joke?”
“Is that your answer? What do you want?! I get it. You got me that manual out of the first Gate. Why? Isn't it kind of good for me, or am I missing a point?”
“Are you complaining?” Lisa said dismissively.
“I could. I don't. So?”
“Perhaps. I hold my memories and know some stuff. I mentioned Best Sect and some history, which immediately pulled me onto this idea because I've seen that Manual before. And if nothing else, giving it to you was a possibility; not a gift. It could've easily failed, but it didn't. Not everyone would unlock it or get it. Many Beasts are simply far too small and weak. Mana or soul is why, perhaps? Beast Sect had certain standards. Now, you have a foundation to build upon. It is even coming from an ancient sect, while... the founder is in that manual? Have you learned something from him? Talked to him? How well does that Manual work with your Will or expertise?”
“Aren't you asking too many questions?” Murai asked suspiciously, figuring that her interest wasn't' small. What she said was correct. She gave it to him and he accepted it. Questioning it might be too overbearing even for him, although he would lie if it was all cheery and great.
After all, the truths of foundation, systems of progression, learning, and this world all clashed together under many principles.
And now, Murai was uncovering some of the issues surrounding them.
“Yes?” Lisa said without hiding any shame. “And you will answer them.”
Murai thought for a second before accepting what he had. “A little bit of everything is working. Overall, nothing is working because I don't see everything. It is also about understanding shit. Most foundation techniques need time and something forced it to me a day ago.”
“Forced?” Lisa squinted her glowy eyes. “I don't think you fully get it, which is reasonable. It isn't about some force but acceptance, refusal, and force to keep going. Do you think that Boosts are an encompassing force? They aren't. They ease something, but one could spit at them and figure stuff out on their own. It is nothing lawless. It is a true factor of Divides and Skies beyond. This makes Battleworld what, you say?”
“I don't question this world...” Murai grumped.
“You do everything. Sorry. I forgot.”
“Hm... Forget it. As for Pillage, he is precise and curious. On my last visit, that old dog was like a child rediscovering magic and spoke to me in some foolish attempts and reminders. Remind me of someone...”
“Sure. If you say so,” Lisa downplayed his words. “Anyway, this Heavenly Shaping altered your previous Mana Shaping, which is kind of a big deal. If it didn't, you would have some choice or freedom to focus on another technique, so I call it an easy choice. Have you seen any difference? It shouldn't be a small shift to see a unique grade technique that was forced yet acknowledged in its own bubble. I mean it. It will follow you as you learn. Boosts won't define it much; Manual will, or a teacher that is Pillage or your head.”
“So, not as if the previous Shaping did anything different, and not like it changes a lot.”
“True. That is also curious. One would expect to see some mentions in your previous Shaping since you are an Anatidae, but whatever.” Lisa paid no heed to the unknown, so she changed the topic. “What about your magic?”
“Broad. Can't say things have gone well or far ever since I got my mana all those weeks ago. Heavenly Shaping came like a force reckoning with my head, body, and core. Mana Flow feels somewhat different with this modification, yet still rushing in its wilderness. My Affinities are still there and pulled towards this technique at some... capacity? Pure mana is still up to my education. Some parts are easier, perhaps?”
“So nothing major?”
“If I use the foundation styles of the Heavenly Shaping and what Pillage described, there are some confusing and wonderful acts. For now, Mana Flow isn't prominent even with my experience. I think it is what that Manual can change and what my Beast Core limits. Mana Flow is quality anyway, while the Shaping is a distinct aspect of magic that is essential for Shapers. It is still familiar yet different because something shifted it and forced it. How does it make sense? Have the Boost caused the change, or have I done it myself?”
“Oh, that? I suppose it's a little bit of everything. I gave you this choice and you became an influence towards this change. I mean, you didn't refuse my idea or that Manual, and you unlocked it. The end result happened in that room more than a day ago, which wasn't just that alone. Your Manual was pivotal, compelling the Will of the Battleworld to consider it under your potential or its unlocked inheritance. It wasn't reforged, or forgotten, or... something else. Anyway, it is that sort of thing that Manuals or Mana Tome do a lot in this world. This makes choices or forceful means very important. It can be mentioned about Spells too, or various other things. You accepted it, so get over it and learn what you can and shouldn't get. Many mages do it all the time because mana tomes and manuals can change some tides outside of the Boosts or those shitty voices. I think Razmund has his own set too. Think of it like a gift that follows a vague sense of duty, yet it struggles to see the monarchs. Which is a wonderful reason that I am curious about. You should take this new Shaping differently. They are always different.”
Murai heard her every word without a peep. Her mentions didn't surprise him. “Yeah? I've figured out some of what you've said very recently. This world has a knack for easing some questionable parts where power and reason gather. People and ideas outside of this world crash towards it, so isn't it kind of chaotic to begin with? In a broader sense, isn't it kind of weird? These gifts reeks of choices yet aren't there also some forgettable or insane problems with it?”
Lisa smiled. “Not bad. You point out learning things yourself, relying on others, surroundings, Boosts, or all of the above. However, do you think figuring out new things is easy? It is about heights and new ceilings that fundamentally make up all of us. Some fools would be happy for a new evolved skill, until discovering it is far too heavy for them, or simply too harsh. They are unable to go back on their words if it is their choice followed by these voices and Boosts.”
Murai grumbled.
“Also, the point of never going back to the previous ability is incorrect, just so you know. One is compelled to accept new conditions, or one could refuse them and get something else at some other point in a harder timeline of that said ability, path, or evolution. However! There is one thing that fundamentally trashes this idea. Do you know what is that?”
“Get to the point.”
“Learning, teachers, and fundamental truth that one is still a mindful master of their own life. For example, I think you could get Peak Explosion going even with Peak Layering in your acceptable conditions and choices. But you've chosen it, and you get what it does and do because of the Boost. That allowed you to understand it so much better, as its usefulness is assured. Without that idea, it is outside of the Boost's scope, and harder, so you would work much harder for those basics.”
“Wait, wait, wait. Isn't it fair? Isn't it how the vaster skies do their lives?”
“Yes, and you aren't because you are in the Battleworld. Not somewhere else. That is why am asking and talking to you about it right now. Got something out of that Manual that would fiddle with some ideas? Beast Sect and Pillage might be quite lofty and out of this world's views. Is there some specialization especially great for your species? I heard there could be... or you might be even stranger. After all, Anatidaes are crazy yet not part of the Beast Sect. At least historically, so perhaps they might be worse? Anyhow, that Manual is your main weapon since Boosts are gone and its foundation is set at a unique grade, so its usefulness is up to your trials, error, Pillage, or the whole Manual as a whole.”
“That is false,” Murai cut her off. “It is up to me mainly. And yes. I get how important is Shaping, so you don't have to speak or mention it once. Got enough of it already. In fact, the last day and previous Gate 2 gave me plenty of thoughts, and there were even some answers or correct assumptions. Boosts aren't required for stability. Knowing does. I started to struggle halfway into the Islands, but after some wisdom and knowing what I could do with this life, I got to know how to work even without this Boost in sight. How? Isn't it just how things are; normal and fair?”
“Agreed,” Lisa said. “What I've said is also true.”
“I am more of a person of experience, so no thanks.”
“Doesn't look like that to me at all. The fundamental truth of Heavenly Shaping could potentially evolve your entire magic. Think about it further, please. I don't implore it; you must do it.”
Murai chuckled, thinking this was the first time she had spoken to him like this. “No worries. I have a good start ahead of me. Got some idea about some spells and how to think about them further is fitting to some swordsmanship and this Shaping. Pillage had some keen ideas when he made this wild technique that meddles with all sorts of things across many worlds. This world is why, I reckon. The origin doesn't matter. Not every beast is equal or right. Pillage thought so as well and found Anatidaes bewitching yet out of his sight. He said that they pitied him and never wanted to see his dog-like manners. I found that interesting and old. What of the current time? What are Anatidaes up to? He questioned it and I couldn't provide any answers.”
“That could be said to pretty much anything. How many questionable lifeforms are out there? That is an unnecessary question. But considering your little life, I suggest taking this wonder to yourself, Mindarch, or some Gods. They might know better what to expect and I wasn't fiddly enough to touch your species fifty years ago, let alone before that. Perhaps it was luck?”
“Hm. Will do. Not everything can bore this technique, yet I did, so be it.”
“You sound like... Wait. Isn't that kind of good for you? You got hang of all kinds of shit,” Lisa said, trying to sound serious but she fell into wonder instead. “Spells and all, Blessed with experiences could grow high, yet some things could be difficult because of everything combined.”
“Pillage said the same thing. I laughed, denied, and thought otherwise. My current body isn't good, but it could only get better, so let's call it a compromise. This timing sounds like a perfect foundation to me, although it needs a lot more attention and training than anything before its creation. It is still kind of new to me and will do so for years. It is like trying to see familiar parts of large islands while knowing just how vast the seas are. As a whole, some factors still overwhelm me.”
Lisa sighted in reality. “You know, as long as you manage to get it going well, I am not complaining and will not hinder a single thing.”
“Oh, so you would?”
“I dislike weaklings.”
“Than... David is who?” Murai mischievously asked, evidently recognizing their questionable history.
“I take it back...”
“Yea. Wanna show something else?” he added, believing that the real-world scenarios for Heavenly Shaping could work after this small training period and her still eyes looked at him like a fool. For now, most of his time went into the Heavenly Shaping's internal space where he had limited, albeit extended time to train. Pillage said it. The reality there was suitable and reforged.
“Sure. What?” She replied shamelessly.