Myron shoved his arm into the giant tiger’s maw and wrapped his other arm around its head in a steely grip, providing his compatriots an opening on the demonic beast. A barrage of attacks with clubs rained down on the monster’s side, its thick hide not enough to stop the full force of the large Oni women’s powerful blows. With it the tiger held in place by its head, the creature was quickly crippled and killed.
This was just one of many beasts his people were forced to kill, pushing through this dense jungle valley in their pursuit of their destination.
The beast dead, he took his arm out and inspected it for damage. Despite Orion sealing his Qi, his forged body remained firmly within the Third Stratum in hardness. Still, its powerful jaws and sharp teeth had dug into his skin, forming a bruise. It was a worthwhile price to pay. That angry beast had already wounded three of his men and women.
They had been fighting the past few weeks, both luring monsters to face their enemy, but also having to face many on their own. Not only that, but they’ve had to fight several skirmishes against their enemy. Their Fatestrider Clan had taken several casualties, their healers unable to keep up with the damage done.
But they were close. Close to the destination he divined, the Way to their salvation.
A man’s voice cut through the glade, interrupting Myron’s thoughts.
“Patriarch! There’s a problem.”
Myron couldn’t help but check the replaced Crystallized Fate pendant again, seeing it was fine. “What is it? Did the enemy cut us off already?”
“No…not yet, anyway. It seems there is a large cave–we found it! Perhaps it’s a path that runs through the mountains and leads to freedom, but…it’s full of monsters.”
Myron was somewhat elated. A cave was a sort of proof that his divinations were correct. There was something special in this area, that was not marked on the map.
However, the man in front of him was concerned instead. Myron narrowed his eyes. “Monsters? What kind?”
“Some type of powerful devil reptile has made it its den, and it has countless spawn. It’s in the Golden Core stages, and most of its young are in Foundation Establishment! I’m afraid…we are truly at a dead end. We must defeat the enemy army or die. If we get any closer, these predators will tear us apart, and they are not the kind that can be led around by the nose.”
Devils? Creatures from another plane of existence, their invasion into another was rare on most Realms. But devils were often full of wicked cunning, and wielded deadly magics not usually found in normal demonic beasts.
The people of Orion would call these demons, his people choosing a different word because they called all beasts that could use Qi: demonic beasts. Orion was both similar, but also different from the Realms. That the Qi density was thick for numerous demonic beasts to be raised, but too wild for cultivation, was a bizarre concept for Myron to wrap his head around.
Myron took out his divination talisman and table, and performed a quick divination, even including this new knowledge in his augury. The talisman swung from its chain held out by his hand, each time leading to the outcome.
With each divination, his injury flared in agony, and he felt like months and years were being lost from his lifespan as several hairs went gray at the roots.
But that was fine. It was nearly time for his final task.
The result was the same as before. No answer. He performed another, where he turned around and faced the enemy, or even fought further to the North. Depending on whom he checked the fate of, he would always get the same two answers.
Enslavement. Death.
The answer was simple.
“We continue. The Way has been decided. Live or die, our best chance is to continue. Only a few hours left.” His scouts couldn’t stay much ahead of their forces, now that the enemy encirclement was so close.
The man frowned. “Could these Devils not be the reason for the divination results?”
Myron laughed so hard his injury tore, causing him to enter a coughing fit as he tried to stop.
Eventually, he caught his breath and managed to speak. “Of course not. There is no way a mere Third Stratum beast would not only consume our souls, but also our Fates. Our great enemy’s method was devised by a man that had partially merged with the heavens themselves, creating an array out of materials above Nascent Soul. A mere Golden-Core-Level Devil reptile steal our Fates? Impossible, this strange world or not. No, something is going to happen when we get near, I just know it. We must be ready.”
The man looked relieved, his eyes taking on a look of determination. “Of course, Patriarch. As has always been, your family has guided us, selecting our Way. We will believe, and follow the light of the stars. Even if we cannot see or feel them any longer…” He dashed away, going to carry out Myron’s orders.
Moments later, as Myron was putting away his table and talisman, he heard his daughter’s concerned voice. “Is it true, Father? We’re almost there?”
He nodded, looking over to his daughter as she walked over and prodded the giant tiger corpse with her bat.
Shara had blood all over her robes, though much more was on her tetsubo she carried upward, resting on her shoulder. Clearly, she had been fighting.
With a wave of his Qi, he cleaned her face and robes. Her hair was now wild from fighting, her purple skin and robes contrasting well with her pink hair and eyes. She was the perfect image of her mother, a beautiful giant warrior with a soft heart.
She blushed at his inspection, but then wrapped him in a hug. “F-Father! I can clean it myself… don’t fuss over me… I know it hurts you.”
He separated from her, and smiled. “I wanted to get another good look at you. Your mother would be proud of the warrior you have become. But you must be careful, and let those who entered the Second or Third Stratum fight for you. They might be limited in Qi, but their bodies are at least a little sturdier than yours.”
“I’m being careful, Father. I’m working together with those you suggest, and not facing any dangers alone. These beasts are easy to predict, but some have strange abilities. Still, they’re not too different from the demonic beasts we used to hunt at home.”
Myron smiled in approval. “Good. As long as you know your limits. The Devil reptiles, if we fight them, will likely be more formidable. And of course, if the bandit armies of this Blackthorne show up…”
“Whatever happens, there’s going to be a lot of fighting and chaos, isn’t that right, Father? This feels like the battle will either be full of excitement, or despair…”
“It’s true. I do not know what will happen, which is a strange feeling for me. I refuse to believe we were drawn to this world for nothing. Your Fated is here, somewhere on this strange world. This was the Way to meet them.” He smiled. “You should be excited. You have much to look forward to.”
Shara sighed, but she was fighting a small smile. “I know, but… if you’re not there… and I wish you could divine more about him… he feels so far away. I suppose… we really rely on your ability too much, Father.”
Myron grimaced. “I’m afraid, even before we arrived here, the only trick that worked was divining about them by divining your fate–it’s how we chose this place. We thought maybe once we were closer, we could continue that path, but…with how Orion limits me… I’m afraid we’re worse off than before.”
He then smiled at her. “But you know… perhaps your Fated will be involved in this. We couldn’t divine anything about this kingdom of Havendale, after all–maybe he’s a King? He’ll show up in shining armor, ready to save his future princess and her Clan,” Myron teased.
Shara snorted. “Shining armor? That’s lame. I hope he’s vicious and cunning. Strong, but able to bring about the best in me, and lead his people no matter the challenge.” She caught him looking in anticipation, and she looked away to hide her smile. “Like Uncle Davos. So manly.”
Myron grunted, clutching his chest. “Him? That wounds me, daughter. Davos was a muscle-bound idiot that–”
Shara laughed, interrupting him. “Just kidding. Like you, Father. But not too much like you, of course–you are stingy, for one thing. I’d like to be pampered by my beloved, after all. And if he could at least lift my club after I ascend, then I’d truly have no complaints.”
He chuckled–only the strongest males among the Star Oni could accomplish this, so that would be a big feat. “Of course, my little treasure. Now, let us be on our Way. We must reach as close as we can to this cave, before we get surrounded.”
His hundred people continued their march, and Myron held his wound with a grimace.
Whatever happened, Myron would fight tooth and nail for his people’s future. If he must, he would expend his soul to tear a hole open from these strange heavens, just to give them a fighting chance.
***
It was the oddest army caravan Nick had ever heard of. A hundred orcs wearing armor, fifty nuns and priests, fifty evolved monsterfolk, and another hundred miscellaneous ex-slaves, adventurers, and prospective Town Guard members rode bikes down the dirt path.
Dozens of lower level monsterfolk ranged ahead, nearly all of the races present in Frosthaven scouting and traveling to join the procession. Nick was shocked at the number of new Noblefrost Scalefolk, Naga, and Wolfen that had evolved while he was in the Ordeal last, and it appeared the Frostspire mines and Lumos’ alchemical concoctions had a lot to do with this.
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The essence surrounding the Frostspire mines had increased, and now there were more monsters and demons starting to show up. Between Ordeal runs and time in The Barrows, the monsterfolk would face the monsters and demons near the mines–and eat them.
There were not any beetlefolk in the army present, however. After Jasmine had delivered the wide assortment of food, another batch of essence pearls, along with the refined harmony crystal from Lumos, even Jeffrey had mysteriously gone into hibernation.
Lothar and Renzou’s utility vehicle set the fair and steady pace at the front of the procession, with Nick’s coming up the rear. Nick wanted to avoid bringing the Town Guard so that they left more protection at home, but Renzou offered that it was important to get this kind of battle experience to start building toward some elites. This was a rare opportunity, and a guard that hadn’t cut their teeth in a true battle was useless for the people’s protection.
In a world like Orion where criminals effectively had superpowers, Nick ultimately agreed. While Silverbrook’s Town Guard had the numbers, they were not that effective against the warden or in conquering the criminal element. He definitely wanted his Town Guard to matter.
And once Lothar started roaming out further with his raiders, Nick needed to be sure that he had a force capable of a proper defense. To hold the enemy at the gates long enough for Nick to return if he was away.
Nick’s utility vehicle brought up the rear for a simple reason–as soon as he entered deep enough into Shadowvale’s Control Radius, things would likely kick off shortly after. They took on a medium pace, making sure to keep the endurance of his people ready for when it occurred.
Jasmine was currently the one driving from the roof of the vehicle, sending essence into the steering wheel and controlling it through her threads.
Eirwen was sitting next to Nick, utilizing her spirit’s manifestation. Shak’terra was scouting ahead for them, sending information into her mind.
Eirwen said, “After we go over this hill, we’ll be able to see it–Shadowvale. It’s a deep valley filled with shadows of the large hills and mountains around it.”
They went over the hill, and the view was surprising. In the distance, like a black fog or mist, the shadows covered the entire valley. Nick couldn’t see it, but he knew the Ordeal, the Tower, should be visible in the center where the shadows were the thickest.
And the city…it was during the day, but Nick imagined most wouldn’t even be able to see far without some form of darkvision or other magical sight. In this area, it was truly like it was nighttime during the day.
The caravan didn’t have to go much further before, suddenly, a weight descended on their entire army.
A golden light spread out, from the ground and into the sky. After a time, a large dome had formed–one that encompassed a massive area, the mountains and the valley contained within them. It was like a giant golden mountain looming over them, and Nick had to smirk at its existence.
He could go all out with his Ideal, here. Whatever danger his father was concerned about, it was not an issue within the dome.
[Conflict: Seraphara’s Inquisition has begun. Citizens, interlopers, and others are selecting their choices. Battle Option: Field of Battle was selected. Prepare for battle, Orion will move forces to the selected battlefield after selections have been made.]
Nick’s party stopped the vehicle and dismounted, before watching with interest, the army starting to get off their bikes and stow them away. They withdrew their weapons, and began forming into ranks.
Suddenly, from behind, a wave of energy passed through Nick’s party, continuing through the army. It seemed a strange pulse was emitted, a wide ring that came from behind their army. Rather than the golden light of Orion, it was a white light that matched both his Path of Kings and Hero’s Path towers.
Nick looked at the haze left behind, and saw his wives were too. “What’s that? Was that from Frosthaven?”
Eirwen frowned. “You know… that light looks a lot like…the light from the Hero’s Beacon.”
“Ah, shit.” Nick didn’t like where this was going. The pulse had gone past them, the ring of light continuing toward Shadowvale. The pulse was in a circle, likely heading out for hundreds and hundreds of miles in all directions from Frosthaven.
Eventually, the wave of light cut out, and Nick realized that it ended around where Frosthaven’s actual Control Radius had ended.
The battle lines formed, and suddenly, everyone was transported to a large glade, deeper in the valley. It was darker where they were relocated, the mountains, clouds, and the mist-like fog limiting the light that arrived within.
There were some trees interspersed throughout, but the field was largely wide open. The Clergy of Seraphara were placed near the outskirts of the battlefield, and Nick saw the large number of Shadowvale residents placed nearby, within a barrier–those must be the Shadowvale residents that accepted Seraphara’s protection.
Nick’s family and Lothar, Renzou, and Agatha were placed behind the battle lines of orcs and monsterfolk, and the enemy army looked like a ragtag group of mercenaries and bandits. Most wore leather and dark cloaks, with a few having chainmail caps and torso coverings as well.
All-in-all, their equipment looked like the bare minimum for the second stratum. In fact, Nick wagered his own skin was stronger than most of their armor. They were only a few dozen paces away, but the people behind them, Nick could barely reach with his magical senses.
Behind the army was a fairly decent-sized party of elites, of ten or more. In the middle of them stood a man who was the leader of the enemy force. He looked like a rogue of some kind, but his men were varied. Some were definitely some form of warrior, holding weapons and shields, while others matched him.
Agatha’s eyes changed color, as she likely consulted the spirits. She grinned at Lothar, and that appeared to be all he needed to know.
Lothar noted, “Not bad, his men are all stronger than the man I dueled. And their forces are much stronger than the bandits we faced, at least on an individual level.” He grinned, “But we’ve grown, and are better equipped than ever.”
Renzou added, “This will be a good challenge for the men. This is just what we hoped for.”
The setup of the battlefield didn’t end there. As expected, a weight descended on Nick, and a portal opened behind him with a pop of air, startling him and causing him to turn around. But it seemed only he reacted at first.
Eirwen noticed his response. “What? Oh, you see a portal there, Hubby?”
It was as he feared.
[Optional Heroic Solo Trial: Nicholas Noblefrost.
A race of Outlanders is nearing extinction, chased by a great evil on this Shard. If a Hero does not rescue them, they are bound to be slain or enslaved, their bloodline coming to an end.
As always, the Trial will be challenging. The chances for a total victory are low, the risk to you, and by proxy, your family, great. But a Hero must be selfless when there are those in need. To become a True Hero, you must risk it all to save the those who deserve saving. To become more.
You have one minute to enter the portal, or decline. Only you and your Soul Servants may enter.]
His wives were quick to read the prompt, able to see this offer to him.
He looked at the enemy, and the orcs with their wide array of weapons pounding against the ground. Nick’s army was nearly as large as the enemy’s, and better equipped to boot, just as Lothar had said.
The enemy leader looked strong. Nick guessed he was not only more than a match for the warden, but may actually be early in the third stratum. Something about his strength felt a little hollow, however, like his Concept was weaker than it should be for someone who reached it. The Chimera they faced was much stronger.
“You girls will be good here, right?”
Jasmine smirked. “Master, we will take care of everything. Do not burden yourself with worrying over us. Our army will crush theirs, and if they surpass our expectations, you can count on me.”
Eirwen added, “Go, Hubby. We’d like to come with you, but let this be our Trial, a proof that your investing in us and your people was the right path.”
Nick agreed with that. He would never abandon his wives or his people to a battle they couldn’t win. That he was confident in their success, no matter what nonsense got pulled here, meant he could leave without hesitation. “Let’s go, Birdy, Jasper–it’s time for you to earn your keep.”
He entered the portal along with Jasper and Birdy, leaving his wives to face the challenge, with only a few seconds to spare.
Eirwen, and it seemed everyone present, received a prompt from Orion.
[Your Lord has entered a new battlefield to face evil on this Shard, and perform Heroic deeds in an Optional Solo Trial. He accepted only because he has every confidence that you will be successful in your battle, wanting you to be Tested so that you could become More.
The people of Shadowvale have made their selections. Many still believe that they should stand up to your conquest, or they will face Blackthorne’s ire. For your Lord who walks the Hero’s Path, you should capture rather than kill where possible.
Victory will be determined when either army is considered routed–when an army’s elites and a large portion of the army is defeated, leaving the remaining forces willing to surrender or flee.]
The prompts continued, detailing that surrender would lead to being slain or Ordained Slavery.
Kaya sighed, shouldering her axe. “Sucks we couldn’t go with him. This is going to be kinda easy, while he’s going to face a life or death battle.”
Luna said, “But Boss will be fine. For now, we can watch over our friends. It’s what Boss would want us to do.”
The man in charge of the enemy army laughed. “What happened to your Lord? He ran away?” He laughed again. “This will be easy, boys. Their trash–”
A beam of light cut through the battlefield, streaming toward the man’s face. A wall of shadows gathered and blocked the beam, but the shadows parted like water until the light slammed into the man, causing him to scream as his face was burned before he used the shadows to teleport away.
Jasmine was pissed, the bright light carrying her Concepts and shot from her necklace. Eirwen could feel the intensity from several yards away from her.
“You shut your stupid fucking mouth, you inbred scum bucket. Speak another bad word about our Lord and your existence will be erased. He doesn’t need to be here to crush you trash, and has entered an Optional Trial by Orion, adhering to his Path. As any good Lord of Orion should.”
Fang added, “Y-Yeah, jerk-face! Boss would never run from a good fight! He just went to a tougher one.”
To add onto her threat, Jasmine’s spider legs behind her lit up, and pointed in the man’s direction. Her weapon then did too, and her four hands lit up like gloves as she pointed as well. Eirwen could feel the intensity once again, the power behind her charging attacks shocking.
The man must have sensed the power behind Jasmine’s threat, or was otherwise unable to speak from his scorched face because he simply motioned to his men to give the signal to charge. Horns were blown, and the bandits began their charge, which the Noblefrost army matched.
Before the two armies reached each other, another prompt appeared, followed by an eerie shift in the essence in the glade. In the distance, the shadows of Shadowvale began to move, like a flood cascading toward them from all the surrounding mountains.
[Circumstantial issues have caused Conflict difficulty to be lessened to below Trial levels for the Noblefrost Kingdom – The Lord of Shadowvale is not present to activate Path buildings.
Activating Path Building on their behalf: The Shadowpulse Monolith. The shadows will aid the forces of Shadowvale, and those born of the darkness nearby will come to its siren call.]
Shak’terra appeared in her small spirit form next to Eirwen, chuckling. “Should be a good fight now. And what’s with that arachne? She’s…scary powerful.”
Eirwen smirked as she drew her bow. “She was selected by Nick’s mother and father, the King and Queen. So, maybe you would consider her first string? That’s not her original body or race, either.”
The spirit whistled. “I’ve only met a few of them in my lifetime. Each time, I thanked Orion I joined their side. Some are just blessed by Orion.”
The shadows drew near as the two armies collided, and Eirwen could already see the souls approaching within the shadows with her Trait. There were dozens of beasts inside, and she guessed some might actually be decently strong.
Kaya might have complained it wouldn’t be a challenge, but Orion always liked to keep things interesting, and make sure that benefits were earned. She’d definitely get the fight she wanted.