!!!!! Pr Credits To Draconis & Rota who not only both pred it but improved this ch's quality greatly please rep them. Also Full Credits to Askard who maintains the Information Doc where a majority of spectral regalia information is written please Rep him to ^^!!!
Whats this? a release on time :o you have none other then draconis and rota to thank for this smooth release so please show your kindness by reping them a bit!. This chapter was one of the nicer ones to write as i touched upon a few things, i hope you all enjoy it as much as i did writing it.
Please Rate/Share/Favourite/Follow/Enjoy ch 86
--------------
As their training had begun, not everywhere they went was so unsettled. Within the dungeon and cave system Avrin had fought Wruen, it was bustling with adventurers and archeologists trying to find something and score big, whether it be history or treasure. Of course, the only winner here would be the archeologists, as Felia’s merc corps had picked the place clean, leaving nothing behind.
Deep within the system, where Wruen and Avrin’s battle had taken place, a hooded figure wearing a black cape glanced around. Beside him were three other figures who also looked around carefully. “It seems her highness has missed him yet again…” The figure showed dissatisfaction as if this had happened before.
One of the figures beside him spoke while they ignored the many adventurers around them. They spoke quietly but without worry. “It's amazing… Her Highness was able to track him so easily at first...but now it's as if she is only picking up signs of his presence…” He spoke, referring to Avrin.
The cloaked figure suddenly knelt down and looked around, trying to find any sign. He carefully examined the cave. “There was indeed a battle here. I can feel an unsettling mana that has lingered, but it's quite hard to discern the scars from the structure of this cave…”
Another figure spoke with a soft, feminine voice. It was easy to distinguish her look, as she had a relatively large bust pressing against her cloak. “In a few days, her majesty Driada will contact us. It should be about time for Void to have picked up on his presence… This time we have gotten closer..”
The main figure nodded before turning around and gazing at a faint glitter on the ground. He reached over and picked it up to carefully look at it. The object was a small golden medallion that glistened with radiance.
But before he could speak, a voice wrung out. “HEY! This guy found something!” Soon, many adventurers rushed over to see, as if the scent of gold that had been found instantly emitted. The man blinked under his hood and glanced around curiously as he slowly stood up.
A tall looking man with muscles that bulged out as well as scars across his body walked beside him and laughed. “Hahahaha, hey friend… your luck is quite good, but you see, me and my buddies have been here since day one. We haven't found anything you know… Why don't you show us some good will and hand that to us?”
The cloaked individual glanced carefully at the man and casually spoke as he began to walk off. “Get lost, dirty scum…” These words seem to have infuriated the man, who wasn't a nobody. Everybody but those three cloaked individuals knew this man as a top ranked adventurer.
“Y... You little!!...” He rushed over towards the man, unsheathing his greatsword, before dashing towards him with impressive speed. He slashed down towards him with fury and anger. “FUCK YOU GO DIE!!!” The adventurer roared out.
In a fluid motion, the cloaked figure turned around before rushing towards the man with impressive speed. He shoved the medallion in his hand into the man’s mouth with such a quick, precise movement the man hadn't known how to react. Just as he was about to retaliate, the cloaked figure gave a casual punch towards the man’s throat. The punch stopped him in his tracks and caused him to choke on the medallion, his mouth frothing and body twitching as his eyes rolled back.
“Disgusting… your greed for a simple piece of gold…” Wiping his hands clean with a cloth, the figure began to walk off with no one daring to stop him. Everyone knew they couldn't follow his movements as he dealt with the strongest of the bunch. Even his comrades were reluctant to fight and get in trouble over a simple gold medallion.
The three figures began to leave when the large one finally spoke out. “Why did her majesty say we are not allowed to kill anyone?… These humans smell and are disgusting!” It was then the female figure spoke. “Because if we cause trouble here, and our identities are uncovered, it could bring trouble towards our race…”
It hadn't taken long for the figures to exit the dungeon and head off on their horses. It was only after they were alone that a shine emitted from under the female's hood. Quickly, the three figures found a hidden place and knelt down onto the ground, removing their hoods to reveal their appearances.
Each looked similar, with long elvish-like ears while brandishing dark grayish skin, as well as long hair varying in color from black to dark blue to light gray. Each one had a seemingly perfect face, showing that demons were indeed handsome and powerful.
The shine of the female's necklace detached and floated before a glow emitted out and formed the image of a woman wearing a black dress sitting upon a throne that seemed to compliment her mysterious appearance.
Her left leg over her right revealing her alluring thighs despite her demonic heritage. Her bust pressing against the top of her dress as if threatening to spill over. The dress itself, other than showing an elegant look, revealed not much more other than the woman leaning her cheek against her closed right hand on the side of the darkened throne.
“Your Majesty...” The three uttered in unison. At their response, the woman, revealed as the queen of their race, spoke. “I take it you found no trace of him?” Waiting a few moments, the leader of the three spoke.
“I apologize, your Majesty, we were too late. But it seems we have barely missed him… If we are to take into account the news of the mercenaries completing this dungeon and assume he is involved, then nearly a month and a half has passed...” With the sound of a tongue clicking the woman spoke. “I’d tell you to interrogate those mercenaries, but they’re all in the capital city of humanity… It wouldn't be good to aggravate anyone.
Especially that man. Void has shown me that his presence is on the Twisting Lands. I want you to go immediately…”
The three nodded and replied. “Understood, your Majesty…” The image of the woman soon faded. The pendant reverted to normal, reattaching itself to the female’s necklace. While the three would begin their journey to find Avrin, within the dark halls and throne room of where the female they had spoken to resided, her left hand raised and clenched.
“I don't understand… I could follow his movements clearly before... but now I can only do so once every month! I have to find him before he returns to humanity's main territory… Who knows how long I will have to wait before another chance arises where I can send those three after him again.”
The female stood up, her body turned into a ghostly shadow before she reappeared in front of a large grimoire emitting a dark, radiant light. She placed her hand on it and smirked softly. “He has power too alluring for me to pass up… Just what is he?... Where did he come from?…” Glancing at the book, the female revealed a fascinated expression.
Leaning down, she seemed to press her cheek against the grimoire, barely enough room for her two large horns to not press her head back up. She uttered out quietly.
“One day…I’ll have enough power to free father and obtain revenge against those who imprisoned him and placed us in such a state…” Meanwhile, in the northern continent of Ailera, an extensive formation of mountains and hills littered the area.
One would find navigating a dull task unless they were able to fly and even then to identify something from the many rocky outcrops that littered the paths of the mountain would be a daunting task.
But it was within this mountain range that a certain race had found temporary shelter. This race was now residing within a cave that they had scouted out just a day before. Ten of these cloaked figures, with their hands spread forward, emitted a transparent, weak Nebula Mist that began to devour and corrode the cave’s back to form a tunnel. Meanwhile, a man was calling out orders.
“Make sure you don't corrode too much of the face. If the symmetry is off it will look terrible!” The unhooded yet cloaked figure called out. He was short, but one could tell he was bulky. In fact, this dwarf was none other than Eitri!
Gazing around, he folded his arms over his chest and grunted as he looked around. “Lord Eitri, surely you can go a bit easy on us. We aren't as gifted in craftsmanship as you are…” A tall individual with a pale face yet dark purple pupils similar to Asura uttered.
Eitri gazed at him, his eyes narrowing. “Huh?... Listen here you, before I became this spectre-whatever it is, I had no choice but to make due with what I had. Now that I have the ability to craft and make materials at will, I'll be damned if I live in some shoddy, run-down place again. You should feel the same. Can you imagine us, with this potential, living in conditions with little to no effort of changing it!?”
The individual zipped his mouth as he looked nervously at the man. It was then that a large, bulky figure picking his teeth with a thin bone walked by and laughed heartily. He gave Eitri a large, friendly slap on the back, making the stubby dwarf gasp and nearly fall forward. This figure was none other than Asura!
“I think that as long as I get my very own lair we are all good. In fact, everyone should have a lair!” Asura proclaimed proudly. Eitri gazed at Asura, not sure if he was stupid or serious. “You damn overgrown bastard. Who do you think you're talking to? And you want a lair? I'll make sure you have a storage closet as a room!”
Asura, who was laughing, suddenly gazed down at Eitri, glaring fiercely at the Dwarf, who glared back. They emitted a chilling aura that made the Spectrals nearby shudder and back away, including the individual talking to Eitri.
“Now, now. Calm down. What example are we setting for our people if those on our level feud with each other?” Walking over in a calm manner was Erebus, wearing a fitting dark robe with blue and purple detailing. On his head sat a large papal-like hat similar to what the pope of Avrin’s universe would wear.
“Hmph… I'm hungry. I'm going to go hunt…” Eitri shrugged and turned over before speaking. “You're always hungry. You have been eating non-stop! Damn it, we don't even need to eat much, yet you still indulge yourself.” Asura glanced and frowned a little before laughing softly.
“I can't help it! I love eating and the taste of meat! And now that I'm hardly ever full I can eat a lot more!” Erebus gazed at Asura. Indeed, he knew Eitri was the most gifted when it came to craftsmanship and would be in charge of converting the inside of this mountain into liveable space for their race.
While Asura seemed to be the strongest out of all of them currently. He was the first one Avrin had converted, and his body was the most attuned. This thought had given Erebus an idea.
“Well then, Asura. How about you take some of our people and help train them as well as scout the surrounding area a bit more?” Asura glanced at Erebus as if his request is a bother. “Hmmm... I don't want to… It's too much of a bother to babysit…”
Erebus chuckled and cleared his throat, using a bit more logic and his intelligence to convince Asura. “That's a shame… I guess when Lord Avrin arrives, I will have to complain and tell him you didn't help…” At this fair threat, Asura froze up and laughed before patting Erebus on the back softly. “Of course I'll help!!“ He gave a fearful smile, knowing Avrin was merciless. He could imagine the disappointed look in his eyes, which made him quiver with fear.
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
“Excellent!” Erebus said. Within a few minutes, Asura left along with twenty other Spectral, who had volunteered. Erebus had many intentions in doing so. First was that it would strengthen the race and second would be because the mood right now was nerve-wracking for a lot of the individuals. They had narrowly managed to avoid people who were curious as to why many cloaked individuals, including children, were heading towards the northern continent.
By sending people with Asura to scout while training, they could gain a bit more experience and respond better in dangerous situations. Erebus was thinking as hard as he could. He had been forming gold from Nebula mist to hire mercenaries to scout and clear the way ahead of time. Doing this had allowed them to travel safely with little issue. It was when they entered the mountain range that they had encountered trouble.
Bandits and beasts alike had come and tried to win easy victims. But with Asura, as well as Eitri, and him, it was easy to fend off the attackers, who were more or less weak. It was after dealing with them that Erebus had no choice but to set up within the mountain range, hoping to avoid conflict until he could help his race build up strength.
Erebus spotted a lone female grumbling with an annoyed look as she was helping the others in using Nebula Mist to transform the cave. Erebus walked over and smiled softly. “It seems you have something on your mind, Rose?” Erebus spoke out to one of the three individuals Avrin had met in Altea.
Rose glanced and blinked. “Oh! L-Lord Erebus... please do not mind me. I'm just thinking about small things…” Erebus glanced. He remembered how Avrin seemed to have hidden his identity. No doubt, something must have transpired, as he had noticed her attitude had been like this ever since he revealed himself.
“Rose, do not feel irritated. I'm sure our savior had a reason for hiding his identity.” Rose glanced as her cheeks flustered. Remembering Avrin, she was indeed angry. “Lord Erebus. Is he truly our savior?... The one who started this all?…” Her words seemed to resound well, especially with the enhanced hearing of the race. Many Spectrals turned to look, as if curious themselves. Some had been there when this occurred while others were wondering what was going on.
Suddenly, the cave grew quiet. Even Eitri turned to look, wondering how Erebus, who Avrin had converted personally, would handle things. Erebus calmly looked around, a gentle smile appearing on his face. He spoke out. “When I was near death, nothing but skin and bones… our savior had come and converted me to this new body, mind, and soul.
He had no reason. No… especially in such a world where our kind would be considered objects of power to be used. But he felt something in his heart that I'm sure was of pity. He had converted me and left me no instruction, yes.
But he did not order me not to convert others and show the same mercy he showed me. And when he returned to us and gave us a path I had no doubt it would lead us to greatness. Where the Gods have abandoned us, he had started this all. We, a race with limitless potential, will surely make a name for ourselves.
But this can only be achieved if we work together and help one another. The Savior, to my knowledge, is himself trying to build a reputation that will benefit us in the future. So I ask that you all bear with me on this. There is nothing else I can say that may ease your worries other than if any of you have regrets in being converted, to speak out.”
Erebus had indeed spoken with neither positive or negative words. He had spoken a simple truth. Avrin helped him and this set a chain reaction of Erebus helping others. In this case, his message was simple. Without Avrin, they would have all struggled and most likely have perished. It was why no one uttered a single word when Erebus had told those who have regrets to speak up.
Erebus smiled. “When the time comes, we will all have our ways and will not need to hide and can freely soar freely like birds in the sky. Us now, who start here from nothing, will be remembered by our children and successors, so let us leave them something worth admiring.” The thought of starting something that would be remembered for ages to come seemed to have ignited a spark of hope and excitement, as everyone had gotten back to work.
Rose gave a soft smile and took a deep breath as she psyched herself up, feeling Avrin indeed didn't do it to harm them. Most likely he must have been cautious. Eitri glanced at Erebus and mumbled to himself. “Hmm. That man is talented with words...” He then turned to see the progress of the tunnel that was being formed.
“Time to get to work…” He muttered before emitting his own Nebula Mist, which made people look with amazement. Although his wasn't as marvelous as Avrin’s, it was indeed much stronger and more magnificent than anyone else here other than Erebus, who equaled him.
Spreading the mist over the ground, he began to form tiles and the like. It had taken him some getting used to, but along the travels he had spent an enormous amount of time figuring out how to use the Nebula Mist for crafting and to benefit his smithing. This had allowed him to hone his skill and advance it further in many ways.
His intention was to use the blank canvas that was the cave and form pillars and tiles to make it look more like a building suitable to live in. Even if that building had to house nearly 200 individuals.
With many individuals busy with their tasks, nearly ten months had passed since Avrin and Kael had begun to train. Situated within the Twisting Lands, where only the monsters of nightmares reside. A large roar echoed fiercely as the ground shook and seemed to cry with fear.
Suddenly, a large figure smashed through many trees before standing up and glancing around. Its body was somewhat bloodied, but one could tell it was very powerful. Suddenly, a voice echoed out. “Ahh… damn, that hurt… You're pretty tough! Master said you were nearly at Master level, I didn't think I could find one so close to the edge of the marshlands.”
The figure made his way through the path of ruined trees that the large humanoid creature resembling a bull and a wild pig had been thrown through. It glared at him and roared, causing the air to shake violently.
The figure who had stepped out of the shadows was wearing silvery-white plate pants with leggings and boots. His upper body was completely covered in scales and a large lizard-like tail sprouted near the end of his spine. Despite his draconic appearance, the figure stood proudly and had human-like features, such as shoulder length blonde hair, and somewhat scaled face that still looked handsome enough to make a young girl fawn over him.
This was none other than Kael with his newly acquired Spectral Draconian form. Despite looking so majestic, he had several bruises and bloodstains coming from split scales. One could tell he was in a dangerous battle. Within his hands were two long Void Swords. He glanced at the creature and took up a fighting stance.
The creature growled and gazed at him. It had thought he was mere prey but didn't expect he would be so fierce and after engaging in a small battle it was blown away by an attack it couldn't comprehend. As if angered by Kael for being so small and yet injuring it, the creature rushed towards him with extreme speed.
“-A fast charge…-” Kael thought. But using his new reflexes that he had honed over the coming months, he had seen his progress. He was like a rising phoenix at a rate that even made Avrin compliment him many times. As he jumped over the charging creature, narrowly avoiding being impaled by it's two large horns, he didn't leave with a simple dodge.
The long swords slashed downwards as his body soared over the creature, cutting the tough fur with ease. The attack caused the creature to twitch and roar out in pain before smashing into a tree trunk, obliterating it.
The creature seemed to have gone crazy as it jumped around, mad bloodlust in its eyes as the wound from its upper head down to its lower back squirted out blood. It was truly a marvelous strike on Kael’s behalf. Kael glanced with pride, but with some nervousness as he watched the enraged creature. “This... body is incredible… I can't get over it..” He spoke happily.
The creature emitted a fierce yellow aura before it raised its front half and stomped down on the ground, sending out a shockwave that rippled towards Kael, splitting the earth upwards. “You…” Kael emitted his own dark matter into the Void Swords as well as a black energy that seemed ominous.
He stabbed both swords into the ground, causing the energy to spread from it just like a conduit, turning the ground a metallic black. As soon as the shockwave touched the black area surrounding Kael, it seemed as if it had only caused a slight reaction, before the energy from it was seemingly absorbed into the darkness.
Kael looked nervously and let out a sigh of relief. “That was close… I didn't think it could absorb it at all...” He looked around him proudly as the darkness had dispersed, leaving only dry dirt with not a hint of life. Kael glanced at the creature, which seemed amazed at what had happened.
It growled at Kael cautiously. The beast was indeed stupid enough to attack several times before knowing it was outmatched. It had gotten a few hits before, yet it was as if the boy got stronger with every second more they fought. It seemed to know its movements were being read by him and knew it couldn't stay to fight him anymore unless it wanted to lose its life.
It quickly turned around and charged with as much speed as it could muster, shocking even Kael, who knew he wouldn't be able to catch it. “Shit!... Wait!!” He quickly dashed forward to try and catch it but stopped as he heard a miserable shriek-like roar and the area the creature had gone off to emit purple light.
Kael glanced over and frowned a little. Another cloaked figure made its way out from the direction the creature had gone off to, holding a small ¼ inch sphere in his hands, glancing at it curiously.
“Master... did you have to interfere?” He spoke to the individual, who was none other than Avrin. “Indeed… As interesting as it is to watch your fights, we only have a month left before my promise with Gregson is fulfilled.“ Avrin threw the small pebble to Kael, who caught it quickly and then opened up a small pouch on his side which held over 100 different sized spheres placing it within.
“It's almost been a year… I'm not sure what to think Master… Has it been long or short?” Kael asked curiously as he walked over towards Avrin. Avrin responded straightforwardly. “I suppose both. Long because we have been to many places and short because you have gotten much stronger so quickly. It must be that feeling you're having.”
Kael nodded happily. “By the way, Master. You never actually told me what I should do with these small pebble things you have been giving me.” Avrin glanced at Kael. “Oh, yes. I guess I should explain. Those are Dark Cores. They contain dark matter within them. Devouring one will inject your body with dark matter equal to the mana of the creature converted as you have seen me do.”
Kael looked with amazement, as he and Avrin began to journey onward. They had been going around the island from 5 months ago when Avrin felt Kael could handle a bit more of a challenge. This allowed them to experience many things and encounter powerful creatures. It also allowed Kael to challenge and grow stronger.
“That's incredible Master! If that's the case, I'm going to have one now, please tell me sooner.” As soon as he reached down to grab one, Avrin softly slapped his hand.
“Simpleton! You are not to eat any of those. The way you are now, you will certainly die… Do you remember when I had asked you during the 6th month of training to feel for your body’s inner workings? How is your progress?”