A luminescent full moon hung low in the night sky, looming over the valley like a giant eye, casting its silvery glow speckled by thousands of shimmering pinpricks of light that dotted its surface. Ebonheim stood on the edge of a rocky outcropping, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of pine and moss. She took in a deep breath, savoring the fresh air.
The wind whipped through her hair, sending strands flying about her face, but she paid it no mind. Her thoughts were focused elsewhere, on the coming battle and what she would need to do. She had spent the last two days preparing herself mentally and physically for the task ahead, and now that the time had come, she felt strangely calm.
This particular stretch of the valley she stood upon lay sandwiched between the territories of the Seraphidae and the Kungwan. At first glance, the terrain seemed nondescript, but Ebonheim knew better.
An age-old dance of nature had sculpted the land where the battlefield they'd chosen lay. Here, a ridge of jagged and craggy rocks formed a crescent, their gray faces pitted and grooved by the hands of time. This natural barrier overlooked a vast, sweeping hollow, its grassy floor riddled with dark green ferns and pale wildflowers, all dancing under the soft, playful winds. To one side, there was a subtle rise, leading up to a gentle hillock crowned by a copse of ancient trees. To the other side, a steep slope led down to a shallow stream that cut through the valley like an emerald ribbon, its waters sparkling under the moonlight.
Ebonheim scanned her surroundings carefully, noting the various landmarks that would aid her in navigating the battlefield. She spotted several clusters of large boulders, their surfaces pitted and scarred by the elements. They would provide excellent cover should she need to retreat.
In strategic pockets, the terrain was interrupted by depressions or ditches, perfect natural trenches that would provide cover or serve as traps. The ground itself was uneven, with large patches of grass and ferns interspersed with areas of bare earth.
Her eyes traced the contours of the land, her mind mapping out potential routes and paths she could take during the battle. She noted several areas where the terrain would favor a defender, and others where an attacker would have an advantage. She memorized each one, noting their position in relation to the others.
A light rustling sound behind her drew Ebonheim's attention. She turned to see Calyxia approaching, her serpentine body undulating over the ground. The moonlight glinted off her obsidian scales, giving them an iridescent sheen, and her emerald eyes shone with a fierce intensity.
"You're early," Calyxia observed as she came to a stop beside Ebonheim. She scanned the terrain below them, nodding in approval. "We've chosen well. This place is perfect. It will grant us plenty of room to maneuver, and the terrain will favor our tactics."
"I wanted to familiarize myself with the area before the battle begins," Ebonheim replied, her gaze returning to the landscape below. "It's important to know your surroundings when fighting in unfamiliar territory."
Calyxia chuckled softly. "I never thought you to be this diligent and thorough." She turned to face Ebonheim, her eyes glinting with amusement. "One moment, you seem uncertain and passive—carried by the flow of events or the will of others—and the next, you show a surprising amount of foresight and determination. I must admit, I am impressed."
Ebonheim shrugged. "I'm not sure if I should be flattered or insulted," she joked. "But thank you. I appreciate the compliment."
"You are welcome," Calyxia replied, her lips curling into a smile. She turned to face the hollow once more, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "The height of the ridge will allow us to anticipate and react to their incursion. The hillock to the side will serve as a perfect ambush point, and the hollow itself will act as a natural funnel, allowing us to control their movements."
Ebonheim nodded in agreement. "Yes, I was thinking the same. The terrain will favor us greatly. It's almost too perfect."
"I am glad you share my confidence." Calyxia leaned forward, her body coiling beneath her as she peered over the edge of the outcropping. "Now, let us wait for our guests to arrive."
"When do you think they'll come?" Ebonheim asked, her eyes scanning the horizon.
"Soon," Calyxia replied, her voice a soft hiss. "Our scouting parties are luring their sentries towards us as we speak. Once they have noticed us, we will give them a bit of...encouragement to come and attack." She glanced at Ebonheim and quirked a brow. "I trust that aura of yours is not just for show? I sense a bit of oppressive weight from you, but you'll need more than that to intimidate them."
"I've been practicing," Ebonheim said with a smile. "Don't worry, I'll do my part."
Calyxia nodded. "Good. We will need your full strength in this battle. If we can defeat their strongest warriors, the rest of the Kungwan will be easier to defeat."
"I'll handle my share," Ebonheim said, her voice firm. "You think you'll be able to keep up with me?" She put on a challenging grin.
Calyxia laughed, her eyes glittering with amusement. "Oh, I will do more than keep up with you."
As the two continued to discuss tactics and formations, Calyxia's serpent-tresses began to sway in agitation. "You know, little deity," she began, mischief evident in her tone, "if we're comparing powers—"
Ebonheim raised an eyebrow, cutting her off. "I don't think now's a good time for a friendly spar, Calyxia. But trust me, I'm curious to see just how powerful you truly are."
Calyxia laughed softly. "Oh, I am sure you will be impressed. I have been honing my powers for centuries. You may find yourself...overwhelmed by my strength. Besides, curiosity killed the cat, they say," she teased, her voice playful. "But since you're more divine than feline, let’s play a little game."
"A game?" Ebonheim asked, intrigued. "What kind of game?"
"A simple wager," Calyxia proposed, drawing herself up to her full height, which seemed even more impressive against the backdrop of the night sky. "By battle's end, we tally our Kungwan defeats. The one with the most triumphs wins bragging rights, at the very least."
"And if I win?" Ebonheim inquired, a smile tugging at her lips.
"You get to call me 'pet' for a month," Calyxia responded, her smirk evident in her voice.
"And if you win?"
"You, dear Ebonheim, will have to call me 'lord' for a month."
A snort escaped Ebonheim's lips, and she shook her head in amusement. "You're on," she agreed, extending her hand towards Calyxia. "I'll take your wager."
Calyxia's eyes glittered as she took Ebonheim's proffered hand and gave it a firm shake. "Excellent. I look forward to hearing you call me 'lord' in front of the Seraphidae and your people."
Ebonheim rolled her eyes. "Your confidence is infectious, Calyxia."
The two continued their discussion as they waited for the Kungwan to arrive, their banter punctuated by bouts of laughter. Ebonheim found herself enjoying Calyxia's company more and more with each passing moment. She was intelligent, witty, and surprisingly charming—though her sharp tongue could be a bit biting at times.
Maybe it was a bit foolish to take the wager. Ebonheim has yet to defeat any Kungwan herself and if memory served, she was pitiful against just two of them. Things were different now: She had more experience, more power, and a better understanding of her abilities. But the notification that the Akashic System provided her earlier did little to bolster her confidence:
[Warning: You are outside the boundary of your domain. You will receive a -20% penalty on all Stats and Abilities. If your manifested form is destroyed, there is a 10% chance that your divine spark will also be destroyed]
[Name] Ebonheim
[Divine Type] Terrestrial God (Artificial)
[Divine Rank] Lesser God - Ascendant Stage
[Health] 522/522
[Essence] 590/590
[Passive Health Regen] 26 per hour
[Passive Essence Regen] 29 per hour
[Stats] INT 25, PER 24, RES 27, STR 12, AGI 25, END 16, CHA 25, MAN 8, WIT 12
[Combat Stats] Divine Attack: 26, Divine Defense: 21, Arcane Defense: 25, Physical Defense: 20, Melee Attack: 18, Ranged Attack: 24, Block: 24, Evasion: 24, Base Physical Crit Chance: 20%, Base Divine Crit Chance: 20%
[Innate Abilities] Forest Stride; +50% Health; +50% Essence, +5% Crit Chance; Elemental Keystone absorbed; Manifestation (Rank II); Demanifestation (Rank II); Divine Sight (Rank III); Domain Knowledge (Rank II); Domain Administration (Rank II)
[Divine Abilities] Ailment Cleansing Pulse (Rank II), Vines of the Bramble King (Rank III), Divine Cantrip, Element-Resisting Aura (Rank II), Fecundity of Creation (Rank II), Pest-Repelling Prana, Verdant Craftmanship (Rank II), Enchanted Essence Bolt (Rank IV), Forest’s Call (Rank III), Tempest of the Grove (Rank III), Blazing Essence Bolt (Rank III), Arboreal Stride (Rank III), Path of the Earthen Passage, Charm Animals (Rank II), Self-Regeneration (Rank II), Divine Aura (Rank I), Mystic Roots of Foundation (Rank III), Crystalline Veil of Knowledge (Rank III), Luminous Grace of the Moonlit Shadow (Rank III), Immutable Pillar of Serenity (Rank III), Rites of the Empyreal Confluence (Rank III), Legacy of the Boundless Ether (Rank III), Aura Inversion
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[Skills] Athletics (Intermediate) +8, Awareness (Intermediate) +8, Craft: Bow (Intermediate) +8, Lore (Apprentice) Rank +2, Melee Proficiency: Sword (Intermediate) +8, Melee Proficiency: Dagger (Intermediate) +8, Ranged Proficiency: Bow (Intermediate) +8, Stealth (Apprentice) +2, Socialize (Intermediate) +8, Survival (Intermediate) +8, Investigation (Intermediate) +8, Bureaucracy (Novice) +4
Not exactly at full strength. Maybe Calyxia didn't know exactly how gods worked. Despite having ascended to a higher power and acquiring more abilities, she was weaker than usual, and if her physical form got destroyed, her divine spark could be snuffed out.
This was not a good situation to be in. Fortunately, she had recently learned from Ariastra that she could just de-manifest before receiving any death blow, but she would be plunged back into the heart of her domain, and manifesting again would take time, leaving Calyxia to face the Kungwan alone.
Ebonheim frowned. She didn't like the idea of leaving Calyxia to fight by herself. The Kungwan were dangerous foes, and she didn't want to risk anything happening to her friend. She would have to be careful and make sure she kept herself safe during the battle.
Despite not being in prime condition, she couldn't help but compare herself to Calyxia. The serpentine spirit was a force of nature, radiating power and strength. Her presence alone commanded respect and awe, her very essence exuding an aura of authority and dominance. Exactly how powerful was she?
With a subtle shift of her focus, Ebonheim's pupils expanded as she tapped into her Divine Sight. This ability allowed her to glimpse the inner workings of a being's soul, granting her insight into their strengths and weaknesses. She turned her golden gaze towards Calyxia. What was once familiar now became a tapestry of intricate detail. Calyxia's stats were laid before her:
[Name] Calyxia
[Spirit Type] Intermediate Spirit (Gorgon-Lamia Hybrid)
[Health] 990/990
[Mana] 630/630
[Stats] INT 29, PER 30, RES 34, STR 34, AGI 29, END 32, CHA 25, MAN 35, WIT 30
[Combat Stats] Arcane Attack: 29, Arcane Defense: 32, Divine Defense: 33, Physical Defense: 30, Melee Attack: 31, Ranged Attack: 32, Block: 32, Evasion: 32, Base Physical Crit Chance: 28%, Base Arcane Crit Chance: 28%
[Innate Abilities] +200% Health, +100% Mana, +5% Crit Chance (Arcane), +4 Block vs Melee, +6 Evasion vs Melee, Immune to Poison and Petrification, Damage Reduction 12 (Acid, Arcane, Fire, Kinetic, Necrotic), Regenerates 20 Health per minute; Ancient Blood; Eyes of Predation; Scaled Defense; Venomous Touch; Prehensile Tail; Toxic Resistance; Serpentine Grace
[Active Abilities] Petrifying Gaze; Tail Crush; Bite of the Gorgon; Scalestorm; Constrictor’s Knot; Venomous Veil; Terrifying Hiss; Tail Vortex; Recoil; Invoke Desolation; Scale Shift; Gorgon's Whisper; Lamian Charm
[Serpent Crown Abilities] Eyes of Forewarning; Memory Bind; Searing Venom; Charm Ray; Fear Ray; Telekinetic Ray; Slowing Ray; Disintegration Ray
[Spells] ...
[Skills] Melee Proficiency: Natural Weapons (Renowned) +18, Ranged Proficiency: Thrown Weapons (Renowned) +18, Athletics (Expert) +12, Awareness (Expert) +12, Integrity (Expert) +12, Investigation (Expert) +12, Lore (Expert) +12, Presence (Intermediate) +8, Resistance (Intermediate) +8, Socialize (Intermediate) +8, Stealth (Intermediate) +8, Survival (Expert) +12, War (Intermediate) +8
Ebonheim's jaw dropped. What was with those stats and abilities?! How was she able to rival a lesser god in terms of power? She had no idea spirits could be this strong. She thought her own stats were impressive compared to mortals, but Calyxia's stats put her own to shame. No wonder she seemed so confident and sure of herself.
"What's the matter, Ebonheim?" Calyxia asked, a hint of concern in her voice. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Ebonheim blinked and shook her head. "I'm fine. I just...I didn't realize you were so strong," she admitted, her voice filled with awe.
Calyxia tilted her head and regarded Ebonheim with a curious expression. "And what exactly did you do to come to that conclusion? Did you peer into my aura?"
Ebonheim nodded sheepishly. "I used my Divine Sight. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry, but I was curious."
Calyxia chuckled softly. "No need for apologies. I am flattered that you would find me so interesting." She paused and gave Ebonheim a sidelong glance. "I suppose you're wondering how a spirit such as myself could rival a deity of your caliber?"
"Well...yes, I am," Ebonheim admitted, her curiosity getting the better of her. "How did you get so strong?"
Calyxia smiled and shook her head. "It's not something I can explain to you in a short amount of time," she replied. "We have more in common than you realize, you and I. Gods and spirits are not so different, after all. We both possess the ability to grow and evolve through the accumulation of experience and power. It's just that gods grow through the reverence of mortals, while spirits strengthen themselves through other means."
"Other means?" Ebonheim asked, intrigued. "What other means?"
Calyxia shrugged nonchalantly. "Many things," she replied, her tone vague. "But I will tell you this: I have been around for a very long time, and I have seen and experienced many things in my existence. You are not the first deity that I have encountered, but you are certainly the most cordial one thus far."
"Oh? How so?" Ebonheim inquired, her curiosity growing by the minute.
Calyxia smiled wryly. "Let us just say that not all gods are as...friendly and accommodating as you are. Some have tried to subjugate me, while others have tried to destroy me. Fortunately, all of them had been fledgling deities without a domain or followers, so...although still powerful in their own right, they lacked the means to truly threaten me."
Ebonheim frowned, her expression darkening at Calyxia's words. "I'm sorry to hear that," she said, her voice tinged with sympathy. "It must have been difficult for you."
Calyxia shrugged again, her demeanor casual and unconcerned. "It is nothing I couldn't handle. Besides, it taught me a valuable lesson: Gods are dangerous creatures, and one should never underestimate their power or ambition. You, on the other hand, are different. You are not like the others."
Ebonheim smiled sheepishly once again, scratching the back of her head. "I've been told that a lot, even from other gods."
Calyxia narrowed her eyes and studied Ebonheim for a moment. "Yes, you do seem...unique, in your own way. I can sense a certain...innocence and naivete about you. It's almost endearing."
Ebonheim laughed nervously, unsure how to respond to the compliment. She wasn't used to being described in such a way. "I...thank you?"
Calyxia smirked, amusement dancing in her eyes. "You're welcome," she replied, her tone playful. "In any case, I'll be lounging nearby while you keep your eye out on the horizon."
"Wait, what? You're not going to stay here and keep watch with me?" Ebonheim asked, surprised.
Calyxia shook her head. "No, I'm going to take a nap. Wake me when the Kungwan arrive," she replied, her tone nonchalant.
With that, Calyxia slithered away, leaving Ebonheim alone with her thoughts. She couldn't believe the serpentine spirit would be so casual about the upcoming battle. Then again, she supposed Calyxia was used to fighting and had probably seen many battles before. She probably wasn't worried about their chances at all.
Ebonheim sighed. She hoped Calyxia was right, and that the Kungwan would arrive soon. She wanted to get this battle over with as quickly as possible so she could go home and do more mundane things like managing her village and planning for the next festivities.
She glanced at Calyxia again, who had curled herself around a boulder and appeared to be dozing off. She shook her head in disbelief and returned her gaze back towards the horizon, keeping a lookout for any signs of the Kungwan or the Seraphidae scouts.
----------------------------------------
The night wore on, and Ebonheim found herself growing restless. She paced back and forth along the edge of the outcropping, scanning her surroundings for any signs of movement or activity. The wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and pine. The moon continued its silent vigil overhead, casting its pale light over the landscape.
By dawn's first light, Ebonheim was still awake and alert, her eyes scanning the surrounding area for any signs of movement. As the sun began to peek over the horizon, its rays bathing the valley in a golden glow, she finally spotted something—a flicker of movement in the distance.
"Calyxia," Ebonheim called out, her voice loud and clear. "They're coming."
Calyxia stirred from her slumber and raised her head, peering in the direction that Ebonheim indicated. She squinted for a moment before letting out a low hiss of satisfaction. "Yes, I see them now," she replied, uncoiling herself from around the boulder and stretching languidly. "It seems our scouts were successful in their efforts."
Ebonheim nodded, her gaze fixed on the approaching Kungwan. There were at least a dozen of them, their forms silhouetted against the rising sun. They moved with a fluid grace, their long limbs carrying them swiftly across the terrain. As they drew closer, Ebonheim could make out more details—their sleek, muscular bodies; their powerful jaws; and their sharp claws.
"Remember our plan," Calyxia said, her voice calm and collected. "We will let them get close enough to sense us, then we'll unleash our auras on them. That should draw the rest of their forces towards us."
Ebonheim drew in a deep breath and nodded. "I'm ready," she replied, her voice steady.
The Kungwan barreled through the underbrush, their movements growing more frantic as they approached the outcropping where Ebonheim and Calyxia stood. Their jaws were open wide, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth, and their claws glinted in the sunlight.
Ebonheim focused her mind and gritted her teeth—her Divine Aura blazed forth like a beacon, radiating outwards in waves of brilliant energy that washed over the advancing Kungwan. They slowed their approach, their bodies tensing as they tried to resist the pressure emanating from her.
It seemed to be working. A faint smile played across Ebonheim's lips as she watched the Kungwan fixate upon her, their eyes filled with a mixture of fear and anger as they retaliated with guttural snarls.
"Was that good enough, Caly—"
She nearly choked on her words when an overpowering aura erupted from the serpentine spirit beside her. A cold shiver ran down her spine as she glanced beside her at Calyxia. Where Ebonheim's aura was a display of golden splendor, Calyxia's was muted, dark, and primal—like the depths of an ocean trench with unfathomable depth that threatened to crush the very air itself with its oppressive weight.
Calyxia tensed her body and let out a low hiss, her emerald eyes flashing with a predatory gleam. As if preparing to spring into action, her serpentine half coiled beneath her, while her humanoid upper body remained upright and poised. Then, she uncoiled to full height, emitting an ear-splitting shriek that echoed throughout the valley.
Ebonheim had to cover her ears as the sound pierced through her skull like a spear, nearly knocking her off her feet. Her own aura flickered and waned as the spiritual pressure from Calyxia threatened to overwhelm her. It was like being caught in a tidal wave of pure power and domination, crashing over her with such force that she could barely breathe.
The effect was immediate—the Kungwan recoiled from the onslaught, their eyes wide with terror as they stumbled backwards. Several of them let out shrill cries of alarm, their bodies trembling as they struggled to maintain their resolve.
"What...the...fu—" Ebonheim gasped, her eyes wide with shock and awe as she stared at Calyxia in disbelief.
Calyxia glanced at Ebonheim and flashed a toothy grin, her emerald eyes glittering with amusement. "Did I not tell you I would impress you?" she asked, her voice laced with smug satisfaction.
Ebonheim could only nod dumbly in response.
The Kungwan snarled and emitted high-pitched croaks as if signaling to each other. Then, from behind the group, more high-pitched croaks echoed through the air, cascading down the valley towards where their nesting ground lay.
As if on cue Ebonheim heard the sounds of more approaching Kungwan—a cacophony of snarls and growls that grew louder with each passing moment. A stampede of Kungwan erupted from the forest below, their bodies moving with incredible speed and agility as they clambered over rocks and boulders. She swallowed hard as she watched the new arrivals join the others, their numbers swelling to over a hundred strong.
"It seems we have their full attention now," Calyxia mused, her gaze fixed on the approaching Kungwan. "Are you ready to begin the slaughter?"
"I...uh...I guess so," Ebonheim stammered, still trying to recover from the shock of Calyxia's display. "Let's do this."