Location: < 'Cave of the Larva Spawning Pool' > - One among many found through the upper stratums of the netherworld.
Drip. Drip. Drip.
Leaning over the lifeless form of its 28th spawn mate, this nameless demon larva's twisted grin revealed a set of bone-white teeth, eerily aglow in the dim red light, almost as if they were tainted with blood. With practiced precision, it thrust one of its clawed hands into the corpse's chest, extracting a crystalline orb that was no larger than the width of one of its pinky claws.
With an emotion that bordered on fascination, the demon larva held the warm orb up to its eye. As if mesmerized by the pulsing brownish-red light coming from its center and across its flat surface, it contemplated the orb for a fleeting moment. But soon, in a routine it had already repeated 27 times before, the demon larva tossed the orb into its maw.
As the crystalline orb dissolved in the demon larva's mouth, it tasted pleasant and almost sweet. The smooth crystal melted seamlessly on its journey down to the demon's stomach. The familiar wave of energy, now coursed through the demon's body, gathering near its heart, where the demon knew its own glowing orb resided.
< Congratulations, you have accumulated the required energy for level two. >
< Initiating race level-up. >
The demon larva's teeth seemed to risk falling out of its mouth as its eerie grin widened even further upon hearing the now familiar voice once more. Despite remembering having encountered that voice only twice before. The first time, it had urged the demon larva to survive, a directive the creature thought it had heeded remarkably well.
The second had mirrored this one in a few ways, the memories still etched in the demon larva's consciousness. Mere moments after clawing its way out of the spawning pool, the two demon larvae that had emerged alongside it had immediately turned on each other, a savage frenzy of violence unfolding between them as they tore at each other's throats.
The demon larva recalled how it had stifled its own instinctual urges, choosing instead to observe as its two spawn mates fought to the death. It watched, concealed, until one of them emerged as the victor. Seizing the opportunity, the demon larva had leaped from the shadows, dealing a lethal blow to the already wounded larva.
Then operating solely on instinct, it had then torn through the fallen demons' chest, seeking those delectable crystalline orbs. Once found, the demon larva had devoured them, and it was in that moment it had heard the voice deliver the same words it had just spoken.
< Congratulations, you have accumulated the required energy for level one. >
< Initiating race level-up. >
The demon's reverie was disrupted by a noxious odor emanating from a dark substance oozing from its skin. Yet, this time, the demon larva bore no anxiety. It vividly remembered how, in its previous level up as the voice had called it, a similar situation had taken place. And when the black liquid had subsided, it had felt a surge of invigoration, its strength more than doubling.
Last time the might it had gained had enabled the demon larva to dominate its spawn mates more effortlessly as they spawned. So this time it it eagerly anticipated the benefits of yet another transformation.
Minutes later, as the black sludge gradually subsided and as no other demon larvae had emerged from the spawning pool, the nameless demon larva resolved to test its newfound strength. It began its experiment by easily slicing through several crimson-hued stones with its formidable claws, creating piles of rubble in the process.
With newfound vigor, it stealthily scampered through the shadows, testing the limits of its enhanced speed and balance. Each stride and swift maneuver reaffirmed the extent of its transformation.
Ultimately, the demon larva's conclusion left it elated; it had, once again, nearly doubled in strength, now standing as a formidable force, approximately four times mightier than when it had initially spawned.
Having waited patiently for over ten minutes with no sign of other demon larvae emerging from the spawning pool, the nameless demon somehow knew that new arrivals were unlikely for a few days at least.
As the demon larva scrutinized the churning, blood-red spawning pool, bubbles of heat and torment rose to the surface, mirroring its own agitation as its instincts informed it of what was to do next. Releasing an exasperated huff from its maw, the demon commenced its trek toward the remains of its most recent kill.
Upon reaching the fallen demon, the demon larva stooped down, its claws sinking into the crimson stone floor as it began to drag the lifeless body across the rough surface. Yet, as it bent down to its boring task, its eyes were drawn to the tantalizing glimmers of light seeping through the cave's entrance.
For a few fleeting moments, a battle of instincts raged within the demon larva. Curiosity and the unknown beckoned to it, piquing its interest, while its instincts told it that it had work yet undone.
In the end, the demon larva had to acknowledge that it was never truly a fair contest. Despite being less than an hour old, it was not one to allow anything, even its own instincts, to repress its desires. So in this moment, its curiosity won out, and it was driven by the insatiable need to sate it.
Discarding the lifeless body once more, the demon larva ventured further into the mouth of the cave. It navigated the short but winding tunnel with deliberate care, the moments elongating into what felt like hours. And then, quite suddenly, the tunnel opened up into a vast expanse of nothing but bright red light.
As the demon larva's vision gradually adjusted to the seemingly bright red light, it realized that the tunnel didn't lead to nothingness but instead had emerged halfway up a towering cliff. Below, an empty wasteland stretched out, characterized by a desolate terrain of red and black soil and jutting stone spires. Lava streams snaked their way through the desolation, extending as far as its eyes could see, which admittedly wasn't far.
The demon larva's instincts clamored within, a gnawing unease prickling at its core. This desolate land, so void of life, seemed utterly wrong, it should be filled with demons, blood, and killing but it was just empty. Contemplating a swift retreat, the demon larva felt that its curiosity had been sated, and it was prepared to turn back.
But as it made that decision, the demon larva took one final step forward, on a whim. At that moment, a partially transparent shield materialized before it, a barrier separating it from the unknown beyond.
A voice, now familiar to the demon larva, resonated within its mind, delivering a clear message, < Area 'Cave of the Larva Spawning Pool' has not been fully cleared. You may choose to proceed and leave nonetheless. >
With another huff, the nameless demon larva relinquished its curiosity, turning its attention back to the familiar recesses of the cave. The voice's message had been duly noted, and the demon larva's instincts aligned with its decision. It retraced its steps, heading deeper into the cave with a sense of purpose.
Finding the lifeless body where it had been abandoned, the demon larva grasped it once more, preparing to drag it further into the cavernous depths. As it did so, it took in its surroundings, the place of its birth—a damp and dreary chamber with the spawning pool with its ring of bones at its heart. The rough, brownish-red walls that where as tough as stone despite looking like damp dirt.
Drip. Drip. Drip.
The eerie cadence of liquid falling from the densely packed stalagmites echoed through the cave, each drop contributing to the sinister ambience as it descended into the seething, blood-red spawning pool below.
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Location: < 'Spawning Chamber of the Temple of Birth' > - One of a few such places scattered through the isolated corners of the lower heavens.
In one of the many resplendent realms of heaven, a nameless, fledgling angel basked in the comforting glow of those encouraging words. It floated serenely, submerged in a pool of radiant, golden liquid, that felt like the very essence of warmth and tranquillity. For what seemed like an eternity, the fledgling angel surrendered to the gentle embrace of the liquid's caress.
As time drifted by, the angel's form slowly ascended toward the surface of the pool, its luminous, golden skin glistening as it breached the moderately translucent waters. There it lay, an unblemished, humanoid figure, partially submerged for a brief, yet profound moment. Inhaling with the softest of breaths, the angel drew in the invigorating air of heaven.
Slowly but surely, the fledgling angel began to discern the nuances of its situation, a faint inkling that something wasn't quite right tickling the edges of its consciousness. Foremost among these realizations was its own nudity, an instinctual reminder that demanded immediate attention.
With a growing sense of urgency, the angel gracefully glided toward the edge of the spawning pool, where the golden liquid washed up on the elegant steps that circled its perimeter. Awkwardly, the fledgling rose to its feet, its legs trembling as they made contact with the submerged stairs, a tentative first step towards rectifying its exposed vulnerability.
As the angel's feet met the unexpectedly warm and velvety-smooth stones that paved the floor, determination sparkled in its eyes. It fixed its gaze upon its target, just a few strides ahead. Adorning the wall, elegant, and light was hung an ethereal-looking robe. Its seams glinted with intricate golden runes as if beckoning the fledgling angel to take it.
Having traversed the short distance to the robe, the angel was confronted by an unexpected problem. The robe was hung there, dangled just beyond its reach. Stumped by this fresh challenge, the fledgling angel's gaze began to wander.
As its eyes roved over the chamber's pristine, white and gold walls, they came to rest upon seven statues of majestic angels. These imposing figures were evenly spaced throughout the circular room, their wings brushing against the walls behind them.
Frustration gnawed at the fledgling's heart as it gazed upon the statues' magnificent wings. Oh, if only it had wings of its own, it thought, then climbing into the air and grabbing the robe would be easy. Life, it decided, could be so unfair.
But in the midst of its irritation, the phrase "climb into the air" echoed in its mind, and a glimmer of a plan began to form. And then, as if the universe itself was helping, the angel's eyes noticed something critical. Beside the robe stood one of the seven statues, as if offering a silent invitation to a solution.
Minutes later, the fledgling angel's body encountered the velvety stone floor with a resounding thud, marking its fifth fall. Despite the bruised knees and an aching arm, a brilliant, smile adorned its pristine face. The pain was a small price to pay for the sweet victory it had achieved, since in its delicate hands, it grasped its rightful prize.
After numerous failures and a few less-than-graceful falls, the angel had finally reached high enough, grasping the robe just before its inevitable lost balance and dropped to the floor. As it had fallen, it clung to its prize, trying its best to avoid tearing it.
It looked down at the thing in its hands and the fledgling angel breathed a sigh of relief, the delicate fabric had indeed remained unharmed.
With the coveted robe in hand, the fledgling angel decided that there was no time like the present. Admittedly, the process of figuring out how to properly put on clothing proved to be a bewildering ordeal. However, like always luck was on its side.
As the angel finally managed to don the robe, a wave of rightness and contentment washed over it. Though the fabric was as white and ethereal as if made of clouds, the robe hugged its form with a perfect, snug fit, as if it had been meticulously crafted specifically for the fledgling.
Cloaked in its elegant robe, the fledgling angel knew that it was time to return to the pool, yet an unshakable sense of unease gnawed at its consciousness. Its instincts whispered that something still wasn't quite right.
Once more, it surveyed the grand expanse of the chamber, a space far too vast for a solitary fledgling angel. The spacious room seemed to beckon with its radiant golden pool, and as the angel's eyes lingered on it, an inexplicable realization dawned. Only one fledgling at a time would ever form within this pool, so than why was the room so large?
At that thought realization struck the fledgling. Questions swirled in its mind, most urgently about the absence of adults or caregivers. Its instincts screamed that from the very moment of birth, they should have surrounded it, guiding and protecting it.
It dawned upon the angel that was why the robe had been so hard to obtain, it was never meant for it to be acquired on its own in the first place. The caregivers would have given the robe to it.
Surveying the chamber with an eager curiosity, the fledgling angel swiftly pinpointed the room's sole entrance and exit—a pristine archway between two of the seven statues on either side. Fuelled by determination, the fledgling embarked on a determined march towards the opposite end of the room.
As it circled the pool, a cute frown etched across its flawless face, the fledgling prepared to take that pivotal step into the hallway, in search of the caregivers it instinctively yearned for. However, just before its final stride, a sudden and unwelcome interruption shattered its resolve. Without warning, a partially transparent shield materialized, barring the path through the archway.
Separated from the hallway by the enigmatic barrier, a faintly recognized voice gently explained, < You have not yet fully absorbed the benefits of the area 'Spawning Chamber of the Temple of Birth.' You have the option to exit regardless but heed this warning: another opportunity like this may not come your way. >
With a silent expression of gratitude towards the benevolent voice, the fledgling angel appeared to momentarily deflate, a sense of disappointment weighing upon it. However, it swiftly turned back, its instincts informing and guiding it toward its next step.
As the fledgling angel wearily walked back, its feet heavy and fatigued, it couldn't help but think that the day had proven far more exhausting than it had any right to. Although it had only come into existence less than an hour ago, it yearned for respite. The somewhat translucent, golden liquid of the pool beckoned invitingly.
With cautious steps, the fledgling descended into the pool's soothing embrace, allowing the liquid to cradle its weary form. It intended to savor a well-deserved moment of relaxation, all while keeping a watchful eye on the central fountain, which resembled a blooming lotus flower, ensuring it didn't stray too close and get rained on by the golden liquid that came falling out of it.
Yet, as the fledgling angel luxuriated in the calming embrace of the pool, the allure of the lotus fountain and the tantalizing aroma that wafted from it proved too tempting to resist. Slowly and wearily, it swam its way towards the lotus flower fountain.
Despite enduring a few gentle showers from the spouts of golden liquid, the fledgling angel's determination paid off. At last, it swam to the fountain, and there, nestled between the flowing spouts, lay a plump fruit, ripe for the taking.
When the one hand that initially reached failed to grasp it, the fledgling angel ultimately employed both hands to seize the alluring fruit. Gently cradling the fruit in its grasp, the aroma intensified. Curiosity piqued, it lifted the fruit closer to its eyes, noting the faint, golden glow emanating from it.
Despite the fruit's fascinating appearance, the fledgling's hunger grew insistent, its belly rumbling with a gnawing need. Listening to the guidance of its belly and instincts, it raised the fruit to its lips, taking a juicy and satisfying bite. The fruit dissolved in its mouth, releasing a burst of exquisite flavors. And in that very moment, as the angel savored the sweetness, the kind voice returned:
< Congratulations, you have accumulated the required energy for level one. >
< Initiating race level-up. >
Amidst its enjoyment of the delectable fruit, the angel's delight was suddenly shattered by a noxious odor. From its own light gold skin, a dark and repulsive substance oozed, tainting the serene scene. However, the fledgling angel quickly realized that this black liquid, despite its unpleasant smell, did not adhere to its pristine robe. Instead, it simply dissolved upon contact with the spawning pool.
Undeterred by the noxious byproduct, the fledgling took another bite of the fruit, the sweetness overwhelming the foul stench. The angel continued to indulge until it had consumed the entire fruit.
As the feast drew to a close, the kind voice once again broke the silence once more warning of the noxious black oze that was about to come:
< Congratulations, you have accumulated the required energy for level two. >
< Initiating race level-up. >
After once more having to put up with the black liquid the fledgling angel with a sense of satisfaction, full and wearied, surrendered to the allure of the warm, golden embrace of the spawning pool. The gentle splashes from the lotus flower fountain in the background created a soothing rhythm, and the soft, mysterious light from an unseen source painted serene patterns on the chamber's golden and white tiled ceiling.
As the angel slowly drifted off into slumber within the nurturing confines of the pool, it couldn't help but ponder the absence of its caregivers and when they'd return. However, it held an unshakable trust that no matter when they might come, they would return.
Meanwhile, amidst the serenity of the pool, the core of the consumed fruit floated, forgotten and discarded, on the golden liquid. Over time, the core began to dissolve, gradually infusing the pool with a gentle radiance. The chamber itself seemed to respond, its ambience transforming as the pool emitted a faint, otherworldly glow, casting an even more enchanting aura over the angel's resting place.