Novels2Search
Soul Harvest
Chapter 02: Sigma and Omega (1)

Chapter 02: Sigma and Omega (1)

The world of Fiendfell is filled with myriads of mysteries, most of which go far beyond the mundane phantom.

Among these many mysteries, dungeons are one of the most fascinating. These underground mazes were often steeped in ancient tales and hidden secrets, filled with magic and danger, as they seemingly endlessly spawned monstrosities after monstrosities.

Across the ages, many scholars and many men and women of wisdom from across the many sentient races have had various theories about their origins. Some thought dungeons were a result of the world's life force, created by the merging of natural energies—the same ones harvested by the existing system that is ruling the world. Others believed they were remnants of ancient deities, impossible to destroy, causing dungeons to appear sporadically across the land. These structures seemed to exist outside of time, radiating a mystical power.

However, in reality, even when theories were given and hypotheses thrown about, nobody truly understood what dungeons were, for each dungeon was unique—some defied logic in their location and dimension, others challenged and not-so-seldomly bypassed the laws of physics. Some—a very few—even seem to possess a form of consciousness. Regardless of whether they were underground or not, each dungeon had its own special characteristics, making it hard to identify and explain what made dungeons what they were.

But if there was a known fact, it was that dungeons were not ordinary caverns. They were characterized by their ever-changing layouts, shifting corridors, and rooms that defied logic. Creatures of darkness and myth inhabited their depths—monsters, spirits, and entities that had long slipped from the pages of reality into the realm of legend.

***

Aiden, the young Vicaris Executor, sat at the back of a wagon that creaked and swayed along a dirt road. It was drawn by a pair of sturdy austrich-like but cow-sized creatures, their claws pounding against the earth. The anticipation in the air was palpable in the wagon as the carriage carried him closer to a destination that thrilled almost everyone inside the carriage—Gardavah, the Dungeon of Ember, an A-Rank dungeon of the Duchy of Vermont.

As the carriage rumbled on, Aiden sat silently, his blades resting on his lap and his mind wandering to the illusory screen before him.

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[ Aiden Ω's Interface ]

System Notification:

- [1] New message from [E-Sekai]

- [2] New message from [World Harvest]

- [3] New notification from [Adventurer's Guild]

- [4] New message from [Assassin's Guild]

- [5] New notification from [Church of the three Moon]

『Expand』

_____________________________

_____________________________

[ Aiden Ω's Interface ]

System Notification:

- [1] New message from [E-Sekai]

_____________________________

Omega (Ω) has entered the chat…

Upsilon (Υ): Just stumbled upon an elixir recipe that claims to grant the ability to converse with squirrels. Worth a shot?

Psi (Ψ): Hah, that sounds nuts! But who knows, squirrels might have some epic tales to share. On a related note, since I got bored the other day, I tried reading the sample I received from Theta but couldn't make it past the first three chapters. (Screw the elvish alphabet; Gehenna is a far superior alphabet.) So, has anyone ever tried deciphering the Riddles of the Whispering Woods? Got some notes I can copy? I'm sure there's some interesting stuff for me in there. But that elvish just isn’t it. So… Guys? Phi?

Phi (φ): Whispering Woods, huh? I have a friend who once got lost in there trying to find the “Fountain of Unpredictable Wisdom.” Ended up with a pet fire-breathing newt instead. Still sounds neat to me.

Upsilon (Υ): Wait a minute. You, having friends? I say bullshit.

Phi (φ): Phi is typing…

Upsilon (Υ): Speaking of pets, I've been training my gray-scaled hamster, trying to raise that little man INT above the two digits. Could use him for some of my missions (They’re somewhat boring as of late). I doubt any of my targets would be suspicious of a hamster.

Phi (φ): Fuck you!

Upsilon (Υ): Any tips I can take?

Psi (Ψ): Why not ask Kappa? Animal-related should be his specialty, right?

Phi (φ): Psi, just so you’d know, while Kappa is one of the beastfolk, that’s pretty much the end of it. Don't go around believing that he's all-knowledgeable about all living beings.

Psi (Ψ): I guess you’re right. My bad.

Phi (φ): @Upsilon better try his luck with Tau, given his class, or perhaps Theta.

Psi (Ψ): Neither are online it seems… Hey, Upsilon (Υ), maybe you could equip your hamster with tiny enchanted glasses and give it a miniature spellbook?

Phi (φ): Hahaha. Just that alone will make the Hamster look smarter than the master.

Upsilon (Υ): Hah, that's hilarious (This is sarcasm, Phi)! But guys, seriously, imagine a hamster with a wizard hat, casting spells from a pint-sized grimoire. If Phi's friend deserved a fire-breathing newt, then I too definitely deserve a brainy hamster. So how can I do that?

Theta (θ) has entered the chat…

Upsilon (Υ): Whoa,Theta, impeccable timing as ever.

Theta (θ): Good morning, everyone. What's this about, this time?

Upsilon (Υ): Upsilon is typing…

Theta (θ): Nevermind. I just caught up with the chat. Have you considered using a rune? For instance, the "Rune of Sentience" I think you already know the nodes for that particular rune (your hamster isn’t a “sentient”, nor is it sentient to deliberately level anything about its own attributes, but with this rune, you should be able to have it level what you want, in this case, INT). I also believe you have a level 2 Runic Inscription skill.

Upsilon (Υ): Sure do Ma’am.

Theta (θ): Then you should be able to cast it yourself. After applying the rune onto the hamster. All you would have to do is to have it cast a spell (offensive one) now and then at an aggroed opponent. I recall trying it on a crab before, and I believe it worked well. It should be applicable to your hamster as well.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

Alpha (Α): Hey, wait up! Don't go around giving that idiot bad ideas.

Upsilon (Υ): Nice idea.

Theta (θ): Though I would greatly recommend you castrate your hamster before you try it.

Psi (Ψ): RIP

Upsilon (Υ): Oh, Alpha, you were there, all along?

Alpha (Α): Yeah, trying to stay away from whatever you guys are up to. But for now, you @Upsilon! Give up on turning your hamster into a tiny scholar! The last thing this world needs is a hamster uprising.

Upsilon (Υ): Who else is lurking?

Alpha (Α): Wait a minute… Theta... You said you've tried it on a crab. That Mudcrab mass invasion two years ago, was it you?

Theta (θ): Knowledge comes at a price.

Theta (θ) left the chat.

Omega (Ω): @Upsilon. Me. Good morning, everyone.

Psi (Ψ): Morning! (It’s always night time on this side of the globe)

Phi (φ): Hi, Omega.

Upsilon (Υ): Hey, I didn't even notice you were there, buddy. How are you doing?

Omega (Ω): Great, I'm on my way to a contract. It's still pending though.

Upsilon (Υ): A contract, huh? With a dungeon?

Omega (Ω): Yes.

Upsilon (Υ): Well, good luck. Do your best, make your big brother Upsilon proud, little man.

Alpha (Α): What's up with this sudden shift in behavior, Upsilon. Anyway, wish you good luck, Omega. Pass it to Sigma too.

Omega (Ω): Will do so. I think I have to go guys, see you later.

Psi (Ψ): Bye.

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Quests:

- Extermination Quest (Extra): Observe Eradication Rank A, Gardavah, the Dungeon of Ember. Vermont Duchy, Eldoria Kingdom

『Expand』

- Contract Quest (Main): Contract Pending, Quest unavailable yet

『Expand』

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Closing the chat, Aiden quickly went to check his quest window. “Tsk, still no answer yet.” He’d just opened the interface; he was already met with a great deal of but well-hidden annoyance, and the sight of a person boarded the wagon prompted him to close the interface.

“Yo,” she greeted, immediately making space inside the wagon for herself to sit.

The person who boarded the wagon motioned for the other adventurers inside to create some room for her to sit in front of Aiden. She was the adventurer named Valentine, commonly referred to as “Miss” Valentine, the leader of one of the three parties that comprised the extermination raid.

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[ Valentine's Interface ]

Name: Valentine

Level: 15

Race: Verdenkind

Class: Swashbuckler

Title: Red Duelist, Monster Slayer

Experience: 8920 / 29193

[Status]

- H.P: 220 / 220

- M.P: 70 / 70

- S.P: 320 / 320

- Fatigue: 2%

- Defense: 317 (+67)

- Offense: 590 (+268)

[Attributes]

- Strength: 25

- Agility: 37 (+7)

- Stamina: 20

- Intelligence: 10

- Wisdom: 10

- Luck: 3

- Charisma: 20 (+5)

[Skills]

- Swordsmanship: Level 9

- Acrobatics: Level 8

- Evasion: Level 7

- Quickstrike: Level 10

- Parry: Level 9

- Stealth: Level 6

- Fencing Techniques: Level 9

- Elemental Dagger Mastery: Level 5

- Poison Blade: Level 4

- Heightened Acrobatics: Level 2

- Heightened Physique: Level 7

[Abilities]

- Agile Footwork: Unlocked

- Blade Flurry: Unlocked

- Precision Strike: Unlocked

- Evasive Maneuvers: Unlocked

- Acrobat's Grace: Unlocked

- Dagger Dance: Unlocked

- Duelist's Focus: Unlocked

- Blade Venom: Unlocked

- Counter Riposte: Locked

- Crippling Strike: Locked

[Equipment]

- Main Hand: Enchanted Rapier

(+5 Agility)

『Collapse』

- Off Hand: Poisoned Dagger

(+10 Poison Damage, +2 Agility)

『Collapse』

- Armor: Elegance's Embrace

(Light Armor, +67 Defense, +5 Agility)

『Collapse』

- Accessories: Silver Locket

(+5 Charisma), Evasion Ring (+5 Agility)

『Collapse』

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“Hey there,” she greeted.

Aiden acknowledged with a nod, slightly adjusting his seating inside the wagon to accommodate the newcomer.

“How are you doing?”

“Fine, I guess.”

“Fine, huh? The expression that I saw earlier suggested otherwise, Busy thoughts?” she inquired, a knowing smile playing on her lips as she glanced at Aiden.

“Yeah, you could say that. Just thinking about what's waiting for us in that dungeon.”

“You’re nervous?”

“Not particularly,” Aiden immediately dismissed, fully aware that nervousness was frowned upon. In such a perilous setting as inside a dungeon, any sign of hesitation could lead to defeat, that was something he understood well. “It's just that I've been wondering how it's going to be this time. I've been on enough dungeon raids to understand that no dungeon is ever the same as another.”

“Isn't what you're describing exactly what being nervous is?” She smiled, raising an eyebrow.

“In that case, I suppose I am indeed nervous.”

Miss Valentine smiled knowingly, her gaze meeting Aiden's with an air of camaraderie. “Nervousness isn't necessarily a bad thing, you know. It means you're aware of the risks and challenges ahead. It keeps you sharp.”

Aiden chuckled, a bit sheepish. “I suppose you're right, Madam Valen—” Aiden said, only to be interrupted by Miss Valentine raising a finger.

“Don't call me that. I'm still very young, you know. It's Miss Valentine for everyone.”

“Uh, um. Understood, Miss Valentine.”

“That sounds much better,” she said, offering a friendly grin. “And back to what we were talking about, our initial welcome might have suggested otherwise, but the others and I will protect you just as much as we'll watch each other's backs.”

Aiden smiled, appreciating her words. "Thanks.”

“You're welcome. After all, we can't afford to have members of the church die on our raid, can we? That’ll be too much hassle and paperwork for me to deal with.”

“Is that… so?"

“Take it easy. I was just joking."Miss Valentine chuckled, her gaze shifting to the blade at Aiden's side. “Besides, you're quite skilled at defending yourself, aren't you?”

“I wouldn’t say I'm skilled, but I would say that I'm decently good enough to defend myself," he admitted. "Well, I've had my fair share of practice and great masters, I guess.”

“What's with this sudden burst of humility? Weren't you the one who literally flashed us all with stats back then?”

“That was…”

“With a level 5 in swordsmanship, a level 8 in both healing magic and telekinisis, and a level 7 in fire and earth magic, you're practically a party all on your own.”

“Not at all."

“No need to be humble,” Miss Valentine said playfully, her tone light. “As a Paladin, your swordsmanship is catching up to mine, despite swords being supposed to be my forte as a swashbuckler. You're putting me to shame,” she teased. Her attention then shifted to the swords on his lap. “Those are the infamous Church’s blades, right? Oathkeeper and Oathbreaker.”

Looking down at his lap, Aiden's eyes landed on two swords—both shining with a lustrous black, with one having a slightly bluer edge than the other. "Yes," Aiden nodded, confirming her question. “A variation of them, to be exact.”

Miss Valentine studied the blades for a moment before leaning in closer to Aiden, her voice a soft murmur near his ear. “Those aren't the real ones, are they?”

Surprised but not entirely caught off guard, Aiden responded, “You could tell?”

“More or less,” she said, her gaze shifting to the rapier at her waist. "I've been around magical artifacts long enough to recognize what's infused with magic and what's not. And I'm pretty sure those belong to the latter category.”

“Well,” Aiden admitted, “you're right. But it doesn't mean I lied when I introduced myself as an envoy of the church.”

“Don't worry, I know,” Lady Valentine chuckled, a glint of understanding in her eyes. “The guild wouldn't make that kind of mistake.”

“I see. Like you said, these aren't Oathkeeper and Oathbreaker. The real blades are... well, a little complicated for me to wield. So, instead, I mainly use these two regular swords.”

“To show people that you come from the church?”

“More or less, yes,” Aiden nodded.

“That makes sense. Those two blades are like a badge of honor for you folks from the church, after all,” she remarked.

They continued to chat as the carriage rumbled along, the rhythmic sound of hooves and wheels providing a backdrop to their conversation. The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape. The topics shifted from past adventures to shared strategies, and even to lighter matters that brought occasional laughter.

As the carriage's speed gradually decreased, Aiden glanced out, noticing the change in surroundings. The dense forest they had been traveling through seemed to thin out, revealing a more open space. Miss Valentine also sensed the change and turned her attention towards the front.

“We've arrived,” she stated, her voice carrying a mixture of anticipation and readiness. "And we're lucky we didn't stumble upon any spawns."

The carriage finally came to a halt with a final creak, and they disembarked one by one. The air outside was noticeably cooler, and a sense of gravity seemed to settle upon them as they stood before the entrance to the dungeon.

Carved into the side of a steep hill was a massive stone archway, its contours resembling the mouth of some ancient beast.