“I guess we could start in reverse chronological order?” Selene offered ponderingly. “We would be retracing our steps until we reach the starting point. That seems fitting.”
“It’s not a bad idea,” Tina agreed. “We’ll most likely spend most of that time at the Darkling settlement anyway so leaving it for last feels right.”
“So be it.” Asterios nodded alongside the rest of the ladies. “Hopefully, our risky actions haven’t affected the relationships we created during this quest. I wouldn’t be surprised to find a group or two turning hostile after learning that we might have almost destroyed their home.”
Umbra shook his head while standing up. “I assure you, Master, that no one thinks that. Change isn’t always safe and easy. We all know that too well. You might be surprised, but not in the way you are thinking. Everyone is ready?”
Confirming their readiness, they watched as their friend clapped his hands again and the scenery shifted once more. The familiar arrangements of paths and roads spanned beneath them, however they were no longer gold and white. Umbra’s intervention must have affected every bit of the enchanted stone and spiritual formations.
Besides that quite noticeable detail, it was obvious that the village of the spider-crab people had seen better times. It had been impacted by the global crumbling, with one of the massive breaches ripping away the edge of the settlement. Many buildings were cracked and damaged, alongside the decorative routes, but things weren’t past the line of being unable to be restored.
Most importantly, the spiraling descent to their place of prayer survived the apocalypse pretty much untouched.
Which was the first thing that stood out to Ast’s group, confusing them greatly.
“Didn’t the rays of light shine right into places like these? Where the underground facilities were located?” Miria frowned deeply.
“We took the cluster from here, remember?” Tina reminded the panthergirl.
“Yeah, we did, but that only prevented it from blowing up,” Silvia chimed in. “The beams seemed powerful even without the spiritual explosives set on their path. This pit should have been turned into a tunnel that runs right to the core.”
Every pair of eyes landed on Umbra, whose smile displayed a sign of mischief.
“An astute observation,” he replied with an impressed tone. “Yes, places like these have been wrecked after the destruction procedure, but I had enough materials at hand to mend one or two to the level of how they were before the unfortunate events. Thankfully, no one was around during the process since we sent them to spread the word about our efforts.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you,” Althea complimented him. “Their holy grounds must have meant a lot to them. Seeing those gone would have left a lasting mark. You are already proving that you care.”
“No offense, but I don’t intend to carry on the hands-off approach going forward.” The new overseer chuckled lightly, shooting a glance at the mocha-skinned woman.
“None taken.” Abyss inclined her head. “This is what the Nethernight Realm might truly need. I’m open to learning that not all my decisions were correct. Perhaps I’m not the best at taking action, but I can still observe rather well. I’ll share my input with you whenever necessary.”
“It’s time to see if they appreciate the new policy.” Asterios smirked.
Umbra brought them to the ground and they crossed the remaining distance on foot. The settlement on the surface wasn’t exactly full, but a fair deal of its inhabitants crowded the damaged streets. The mood was definitely festive. Ast’s party wasn’t sure about the meaning of a lot of things they saw the members of this community do, but most of it radiated joy. Especially the weird horizontal movements that must have been some kind of a religious dance.
The moment their party was stopped, they became surrounded. Numerous arms pointed their way as the gathered circled them and sang about the Savior and the Creator. It slowed down the group’s advance, but the revelers didn’t block their way completely, moving along with Ast’s team. Soon enough, they reached the stairway on the side of the circular cliff, where the line to the prayer grounds was as long as last time.
It would be a long wait so they jumped off the ledge instead. They had earned some privileges through their help with saving the dimension.
Umbra slowed their fall and they landed atop the unearthed facility. This one, just like all the previous enchanted buildings they had seen, was black and purple. That didn’t stop the worshippers from moving inside and continuing with their traditions. Though, the Lord of Shadows hadn’t restored the clusters, only the structures, so the object of their worship was a mystery.
It didn’t remain a mystery for long.
“Really?” Asterios sighed heavily while the ladies giggled in amusement.
The floating golden orb had been replaced with a black depiction of a sleeping True Dragon, positioned right in the middle of the spacious chamber. Purplish smoke escaped its nostrils and jaws as numerous spider-crabs bowed down towards it and chanted together. The runic script engraved in the platform beneath the majestic creature eluded Asterios, but he could guess it was titled The Savior or something like that.
“You just couldn’t have stopped yourself, could you?” The model for the statue rubbed the back of his head.
“I wasn’t the one to swallow the Spirit of the Destroyer whole in front of them.” Umbra spread his arms. “I might have been the one to provide them with a new object to offer their prayers to, though.”
“The Messiah and his Apostles have returned!” someone shouted from deeper in the hall.
A wave of cheers shook the dark room and the gathered began gesturing wildly. One of them approached the group and they recognized the High Priest from before.
The creature bowed low to them. “Allow me to offer our thanks for the salvation none of us deserve for worshipping the false god. We are grateful for your mercy and goodwill. Our people will be honored to pilgrimage through these lands for an eternity, teaching young and old about the gifts of life and freedom we have received from the Savior and his subordinates. Thank you for providing us with the Raven Warden to watch over our homes, Dragon Emperor!”
Asterios shot Umbra a glare, who escaped to the side with his gaze. The cunning familiar had done more than he was letting on.
Turning back to the spiritual leader, Asterios brought up his warmest smile. “We accept your gratitude. This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible bravery of the Raven Warden, who risked his very existence to stop the final act of the apocalypse. I think you should erect another effigy in his honor.”
It was Umbra’s turn to look at Asterios, full of shock.
“That is an excellent suggestion!” The head priest became ecstatic in a blink. “We shall get to it right after we finish this round of reverent services! Everyone, to your positions!”
Eager to move onto the newly registered project, the humanoid spider-crabs resumed their chorus with tripled energy. They swayed in perfect unison, creating a quite appealing spectacle as their pious words echoed through the religious chamber. No one paid any attention to the guests anymore, too focused on their rites and the upcoming task received from their Savior.
Asterios raised a challenging brow at his unruly familiar, showing that two could play this game. Before he could get a word in, Umbra transported them outside. It seemed that their cunning friend didn’t find it as funny to be on the receiving end. And their next destination was already picked too as they jumped places soon after.
Abyss wasn’t the only one who could traverse this realm by leaping all over the place anymore.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
However, the next stop was a brief one. In the end, they hadn’t built that much rapport with the creatures that lived in Umbra’s domain. He must have decided to bring them out because the characteristic spire was now on the surface rather than hidden inside a pocket dimension. Its inhabitants looked satisfied with the change, already expanding to the nearby lands.
The group didn’t spot any draconic representations so the Shades were thankfully untouched by Umbra’s propaganda. They still followed their role model, which was good. Not everyone had to be converted into worshippers of the Savior. The Guardian needed some of his own cultists too.
Perhaps Asterios would send someone here later to give the Shades a hand in decorating their new place. It would be a nice way to get back at Umbra, raising a totally-not-conspicuous giant sculpture or two. The Lord of Darkness was trying to play a background character. And that simply wouldn’t do.
Spending just a moment observing the interesting ghost-like entities, they shifted places again. It looked like the Darkling village had been spared from the worst of it. There were no traces of any tears around and the houses that were Kaguya’s stepping stones had survived the apocalypse almost undisturbed. And so did the people.
Floating through the sky, they headed straight for the chief’s tower. The locals were enjoying their second chance at life just like all the other communities. There was a feast, multiple ceremonies, dances, and parties. Undoubtedly, the best food and drinks were brought out for the occasion.
Yet, there was one person who hadn’t joined the common folks, instead waiting at his post.
Darek.
After sneaking into the tower, Ast’s group quickly ran into the short leader, who beamed at them immediately.
“You have returned from your grand quest!” He greeted them excitedly. “And victorious at that! We might have missed the part on the ground, but the sky told us everything we could want to know! What sight it was when the heavens shattered and revealed the evil curse!”
Practically smacking his forehead into the floor, the rat-like man bowed low.
“I’m unworthy of being in the same room as figures of such standing! Welcome and thank you for everything you did for our sake!” Darek added.
Asterios gently lifted him up. “Enough of that. We did what we had to. And it’s not like we haven’t benefited from it. I’m glad to see that you and your people are doing well.”
“As you can see, our community remains as strong as ever!” The Darkling chef chuckled joyfully, then his expression clouded a bit. “Which can’t be said about our pilgrimage grounds, but at least we are all alive and kicking.”
His comment earned Umbra another raised brow.
“As much as it looks like it, I’m not a god.” The former Duke grimaced a tad. “There are things and places I haven’t been able to repair yet. Or might not get fully restored ever. Setting up those beacons for the barrier took out a lot of resources.”
Darek’s eyes widened at the revelation that he was standing in front of the newly appointed Guardian too. “That is more than satisfactory! We are looking to set up new temples in our town anyway! There are more deities than just our Divine Patron to pay respects to now! Especially since we wish to partake in the expeditions into the other realms!”
“Your chance to do that might appear sooner than you think.” Selene showed a ladylike smirk. “As long as you don’t mind displaying your fighting prowess as the price.”
“We aren’t exactly a warrior tribe, but that won’t stop us from fulfilling any conditions necessary!” the man announced confidently. “I shall gather our most experienced hunters and fighters to develop a training plan that will teach our people not only how to defend themselves properly but also take the initiative!”
“We’ll do our best to support you, then.” Asterios extended his hand and the shorter creature shook it a bit anxiously. “Don’t rush things, though. This is a new beginning for all the residents of the Nethernight Realm. Umbra still has a few things to say, as he had mentioned during the earlier announcement.”
“It’s just a few formalities, but that’s correct.” The Guardian-In-Question nodded. “Worry not. I shall oversee the development of our home and guide our kin to glory and comfort.”
“Ah! Where are my manners! I’m sure you must be exhausted after your quest! Would you like to rest in the same quarters you used the last time? I’ll make sure you are not disturbed by anyone,” Darek offered honestly.
They exchanged glances and ultimately decided that a short rest would do them good. Accepting his hospitality, they let the chieftain guide them and arrived at their destination soon after. Left to their own devices, they brought a massive bed out of their spatial storage and flopped onto it with a cacophony of relieved sighs and fatigued moans.
Leaving to take care of his part in the meanwhile, Umbra took Abyss with him, perhaps intending to involve their creator more directly in the future too. The net in the sky rippled and his resounding voice began the announcements while the ladies piled up on Asterios and enjoyed their moment of peace.
“I can’t believe we are finally done…” Tina was the first one to break the silence. “We’ve gone through so much… Each of us…”
“True.” Miria giggled shyly. “That new form you got is so awesome. I bet Rusi’s jaw will drop when she sees it for the first time.”
“You are the one to talk.” Selene snorted softly. “Save maybe for Umbra, your change was the most reckless and radical out of all of us. My heart still tightens when I think about it. He at least consulted us beforehand.”
“Sorry.” The panthergirl smiled guiltily, shooting a rueful, apologetic glance at her sister-mate. “I promise to let you know when I’m about to do something reckless again.”
“Don’t make promises you know you might not be able to keep.” Silvia wagged a finger at her, making everyone chuckle. “But, even if every single one of us gained something from this expedition, Asterios is undisputedly the biggest winner. I’m sure you can feel how much more prominent his lineages have become thanks to our combined efforts. And there’s Tia too.”
~Whatever could you mean by that.~ A girly, tinkling laugh echoed in their heads.
“You know perfectly well what.” Althea huffed, evoking more snickers from the group. “Grea will finally have a contender for the position of the most insatiable female in our beloved Dragon’s close entourage. Don’t forget that we can feel your dripping desire now that you are part of the bond.”
~I’m a tree, dear Althea.~ The Dryad tutted cutely. ~I’m always dripping juices.~
“Gods, there will be two of them now…” Tina groaned and buried her face in Ast’s chest.
He rubbed her back affectionately. “Let’s savor the last minutes of serenity before the horny chaos takes over once more.”
“Well, it wouldn’t be that bad to give into it a little.” Selene grinned impishly. “We’ve certainly earned it, haven’t we?”
“Yeah, we have.” Asterios grunted, staring at the ceiling. “But I’m just itching to crash in my own bed, even if it requires a bit of exercise before I can doze off. Knowing that it’s right at my fingertips only makes it worse.”
The girls shared his sentiments and a symphony of sighs and moans graced his ears as they imagined tucking into the fresh sheets of their big bed. It was way too long since they had been home. Almost two months was a great amount of time.
“A quick power nap, then?” Silvia proposed. “We’ll need the energy to survive the initial greetings after our return.”
“Wise words, my dear princess.” He placed a loving peck on her delicate cheek. “Let’s recover a little before we are faced with the troubles of our ever-growing kingdom.”
They cuddled up even closer and did exactly that. The lands of dreams took them surprisingly quickly, just showing how weary they all were, even if they didn’t explicitly show it. And who wouldn’t be after the crazy few hours that they had? So many conflicting emotions and immense stress.
It felt like just a moment when something roused them from sleep. Groggily waking up, they opened their eyes to Umbra and Abyss standing over the bed menacingly.
“Our business here is done,” the shadowy king stated. “The natives will be fairly busy with their new directives so you can leave anytime you want.”
“Whoops. We missed part of your speech.” Asterios rubbed his face as he extracted himself from underneath the weight of all his mates. “Sorry about that.”
“Nothing that can’t be shared with you at a later date,” the dark-skinned lady said.
“Are you two staying?” Miria asked with a big yawn.
“For a bit, yes.” Umbra smiled in response. “Both of us can cross between our worlds with ease so don’t worry about that. I’ll join you when you are about to check on Kori. My presence isn’t necessary for all the administrative matters, is it?”
“Considering how far Ast has come in regards to his shadows, I would think so,” Tina agreed. “Shall we?”
Stretching as high as the low ceiling allowed him, Asterios stopped by the pair of the local gods. “We’ll see you later. I hope you enjoy cleaning up the mess we are leaving behind.”
After a brief round of chuckles, the girls joined him and bid their farewell with the pair too. Drawing on his draconic mana, he created a breach in the realm with much more ease than before. The fact that Umbra’s homeworld was no longer forcefully sealed helped. And so did Ast’s respectable progress in terms of his bloodline.
With one last wave, they all filed into the swirling portal. The transfer was much less inconvenient, but that was expected. In a matter of seconds, they stepped out of the spatial corridor into a green clearing. The vibrant colors of everything around caused them to squint their eyes, which were bombarded with an abundance of visual stimuli. Coming to this after weeks of dark and bleak environments was overwhelming.
When everyone finally grew accustomed to their surroundings, they recognized the place within a single glance. It was nothing else but Althea’s underground lair beneath Glimmervale. The formations previously prepared by Grea were active, buzzing with quiet energy, ensuring that nothing uninvited slipped through the rupture.
“Took you long enough, handsome.” And the voice of their creator greeted them almost immediately.
The welcome party stood ahead of the returning team, consisting of one sexy demon woman and one gorgeous female valkyrja, both with beautiful smiles on their faces.
Home, sweet home.