Calvin strode through the grand archway of the Library of Eons, the colossal obsidian structure emanating an ethereal glow. The vaulted ceilings towered above, while rows of leather-bound tomes lined the shelves alongside holographic displays. He made his way towards the central repository, a pulsing energy sphere that contained the collective knowledge of the Aetherian civilization.

As he approached, Andy materialized beside him. "Greetings, Calvin. How may I assist you today?"

"Andy, I need to learn more about these behemoth creatures we're facing," Calvin said, his brow furrowed with determination. "Any information that could give us an edge."

Andy's expression remained impassive, but a glimmer of understanding flickered in his artificial eyes. "Of course. The library contains extensive data on behemoths and their origins. Follow me."

They ascended to one of the upper levels dedicated to the study of metaphysical entities. Andy guided Calvin through the maze of shelves, retrieving ancient tomes and activating holographic displays that flickered with arcane diagrams.

"Behemoths are not a specific species or race," Andy began, his tone methodical. "They are monsters that have undergone an extraordinary evolutionary process, accumulating immense power through combat, challenges, and the acquisition of artifacts."

Calvin nodded, absorbing the information as he studied the diagrams depicting colossal, twisted forms. "So they're essentially like us – gaining strength and abilities through the system's challenges?"

"Precisely," Andy affirmed. "Just as humans can rise above their peers through effort and perseverance, behemoths have achieved a similar ascension, though through more primal means."

Andy gestured towards a hologram depicting a behemoth's lifecycle, its form mutating and growing with each stage. "They evolve by surviving battles, consuming essence stones, and discovering powerful relics scattered throughout the universe."

Calvin's eyes widened at the mention of relics. "Relics? You mean artifacts not generated by the system?"

"In a sense. While they're still generated as a result of the system's presence and the influence of the nanite fabric, they're more akin to natural evolutions," Andy said. "While the system rewards you with artifacts for completing challenges, there are also ancient relics hidden throughout the cosmos, remnants of lost civilizations or byproducts of the universe's natural processes. Some of these were generated by the system seeds to be found, and others simply spring up because of the energies coalescing in various ways."

Andy activated another display, this one showing a glowing artifact embedded in a rocky outcrop. "These relics can imbue their wielders with incredible power, and behemoths are drawn to them like moths to a flame."

Calvin nodded gravely, understanding the gravity of the situation. He turned his gaze towards the central energy sphere, its pulsing light casting an otherworldly glow over the library.

"Tell me more about how these relics form naturally," he said, his voice laced with determination.

Andy gestured towards the sphere, and a holographic display materialized, depicting the intricate processes of the universe. "Relics can manifest as byproducts of nanite infusion, a fundamental aspect of the universe's makeup under the influence of the system."

Calvin watched in rapt attention as the hologram illustrated the nanites interacting with various celestial bodies, occasionally coalescing into glowing artifacts.

"Nanites permeate every aspect of existence, from the smallest particles to the vastest celestial bodies," Andy explained. "Through their interactions and the influence of cosmic forces, they can spontaneously generate relics imbued with extraordinary properties."

Calvin absorbed the revelations about behemoths and relics with a grave expression. As Andy's holographic display shifted, it depicted a chilling scenario – entire worlds overrun by behemoth hordes, their native species annihilated.

"You're saying these behemoths can completely dominate a region?" Calvin asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Andy's synthetic gaze remained unwavering. "In some system seeds, yes. Behemoths possess an insatiable drive for power and evolution. If left unchecked, they can systematically eradicate all opposition until they become the central powerhouse of a given area."

The hologram showcased behemoths of varying sizes and shapes, each more imposing than the last. "Behemoths are classified into grades, ranging from minor to cosmic entities," Andy explained. "The higher their grade, the more formidable their abilities and the vaster their hunger for growth."

Calvin watched in awe as the display zoomed out, revealing a colossal behemoth dwarfing entire star systems. "That thing is larger than a star," he murmured.

"Indeed," Andy affirmed. "Cosmic behemoths are capable of devouring entire star systems to fuel their evolution. Their insatiable appetite knows no bounds."

A chill ran down Calvin's spine as he contemplated the sheer scale of such entities. He had witnessed firsthand the devastation a minor behemoth could wreak, and the thought of facing something on a cosmic level was almost incomprehensible.

"Andy," Calvin said, his voice laced with determination. "Have there been any records of individuals or civilizations controlling or commanding an army of behemoths?"

Andy's synthetic brow furrowed ever so slightly as he accessed the library's vast databases. After a moment, he shook his head. "I could not find any definitive records of such an occurrence within the Aetherian Collective's knowledge."

Calvin frowned, his mind racing with the implications. "But is it possible? For someone or something to gain control over behemoths?"

Andy considered the query, his processing systems whirring. "While there are no documented cases, I cannot rule out the possibility entirely," he conceded. "Theoretically, an entity of immense power or one in possession of an exceptionally potent relic could potentially subjugate behemoths to their will."

"Keep searching, Andy," he said, his gaze fixed on the holographic displays. "We need to know everything we can about these creatures and the forces that could potentially control them."

As Andy delved deeper into the library's archives, Calvin steeled himself for the challenges that lay ahead. The cosmos, it seemed, harbored threats far greater than the conflicts they currently faced on Earth. And if Olympus was to endure, they would need to be ready to confront the unimaginable.

The ancient tomes lay open before Calvin as he pored over the holographic diagrams, his brow furrowed in concentration. Andy's impassive voice echoed through the vaulted halls of the Library of Eons, relaying information about the behemoth threat they faced.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Suddenly, a deafening screech ripped through the air, shaking the very foundations of the obsidian structure. Calvin startled, the books tumbling from his grasp as the shelves trembled violently.

"What in the world?" he exclaimed, steadying himself against the nearest pillar.

Andy's synthetic form flickered briefly, his programming adjusting to the disturbance. "My sensors detect a massive energy signature approaching Olympus," he stated, his tone laced with urgency.

Calvin didn't need further prompting. He sprinted towards the nearest exit, the Library's doors groaning open to reveal a scene of chaos unfolding outside.

Soldiers scrambled along the towering walls of Olympus, their weapons drawn and eyes fixed on the horizon. Calvin raced towards the nearest stairwell, his heart pounding in his chest.

As he reached the top of the ramparts, he spotted familiar faces – Tank, Amy, and Seth – their expressions grim.

"What's happening?" Calvin demanded, joining them at the edge of the wall.

Tank's jaw was set, his gaze unwavering as he pointed towards the distant landscape. "See for yourself."

Calvin followed his gesture, and his breath caught in his throat. There, amidst the desolate ruins, a colossal winged behemoth had landed, its immense form dwarfing the crumbling skyscrapers around it.

The creature's wings unfurled, stretching out like tattered sails, as it unleashed another earth-shattering screech. The sound reverberated through Calvin's bones, setting his teeth on edge.

"It's the same one we encountered before," Amy said, her voice barely audible over the creature's roars.

Calvin's mind raced, piecing together the implications of the behemoth's appearance. "It must be a scout for Kyrak's army," he muttered, his grip tightening on the parapet.

Seth stepped forward, his face etched with determination. "The arcano-cannon," he declared. "It has the range and power to strike that thing down."

Calvin's gaze snapped towards the towering weapon, its sleek barrel gleaming in the sunlight. He knew the risks, the potential consequences of engaging such a formidable foe, but they couldn't afford to let it summon reinforcements.

"Do it," he ordered, his voice firm. "Take that thing out before it can call for backup."

Seth didn't hesitate. He rushed towards the cannon's controls, his fingers dancing across the holographic interface with practiced precision.

The arcano-cannon hummed to life, its intricate mechanisms whirring as it pivoted towards the distant behemoth. The creature seemed oblivious to the impending threat, its screeches echoing across the desolate landscape.

Seth's brow furrowed in concentration as he dialed in the targeting system, compensating for the vast distance and the creature's immense size. "Locked on target," he announced, his voice strained with focus.

Calvin held his breath, every muscle in his body tensed as Seth's finger hovered over the firing mechanism.

In the distance, the behemoth reared back, its wings unfurling to their full span as it prepared to unleash another deafening cry.

"Fire!" Calvin shouted, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

The arcano-cannon thundered to life, unleashing a blinding beam of energy that streaked across the sky. The behemoth's screech was cut short as the searing bolt slammed into its side, tearing through its leathery hide with a resounding boom.

The creature staggered, its wings folding inward as it collapsed to the ground, thrashing in agony. Its cries were now laced with pain, echoing across the ruins like the wails of a dying god.

Calvin watched, his heart pounding in his chest, as the behemoth writhed and convulsed, its immense form kicking up clouds of dust and debris. Smoke billowed from the gaping wound in its side, the stench of charred flesh wafting on the breeze.

Slowly, the creature's movements grew weaker, its cries fading to pained whimpers. Its wings lay limp and useless, its once-majestic form reduced to a crumpled heap of scales and sinew.

A hush fell over the ramparts as the soldiers watched, their weapons still raised, waiting for the behemoth's next move. But it lay motionless, its chest heaving with labored breaths, its piercing eyes fixed on the distant walls of Olympus.

"We need to get out there." Calvin said. "Seth, get a portal drone out there and get us a doorway. Tank get a squad together. We're going to pay this asshole a visit."

Tank slammed a salute and headed off to the troops.

----------------------------------------

Calvin strode through the shimmering portal, emerging onto the devastated landscape mere yards away from the fallen behemoth. The stench of scorched flesh and ozone hung thick in the air, the creature's ragged breaths echoing like the bellows of a forge.

Tank and a squad of Olympus' elite soldiers fanned out behind Calvin, their weapons trained on the towering beast. Amy and Seth followed close behind.

The behemoth's piercing eyes fixed on the group, its reptilian pupils narrowing as it let out a low, rumbling growl. Its massive jaws parted, revealing rows of serrated teeth as long as Calvin's forearm.

"PUNY MORTALS," the creature snarled, its voice a deep, guttural rasp that seemed to reverberate through the very earth beneath their feet. "YOU DARE APPROACH THE HERALD OF KYRAK?"

Calvin steeled himself, refusing to be cowed by the beast's intimidating presence. "We're not here to fight," he called out, his voice carrying across the ruined landscape. "We want to understand why you're here, and what Kyrak's intentions are."

The behemoth let out a wheezing chuckle, its sides heaving with the effort. "UNDERSTAND? YOU CANNOT COMPREHEND THE GRAND DESIGN, THE GLORIOUS ASCENSION THAT AWAITS US."

Its massive head swiveled, fixing Calvin with a baleful glare. "KYRAK IS THE HARBINGER OF A NEW AGE, THE VANGUARD OF AN UNSTOPPABLE FORCE THAT WILL SWEEP ACROSS THIS PITIFUL REALM AND COUNTLESS OTHERS."

Amy stepped forward, her daggers gripped tightly in her hands. "What do you mean? What is Kyrak's goal?"

The behemoth's eyes narrowed, and it let out a rumbling chuckle that shook the debris around them. "GOAL? THERE IS NO GOAL, NO PETTY AMBITION THAT DRIVES US. WE ARE THE INEVITABLE EVOLUTION, THE CULMINATION OF EXISTENCE ITSELF."

Its jaws parted in a twisted approximation of a grin, revealing rows of serrated fangs. "YOU ARE BUT INSIGNIFICANT SPECKS, CLINGING TO A FLEETING EXISTENCE BEFORE THE UNSTOPPABLE TIDE OF PROGRESS."

Calvin felt a chill run down his spine at the behemoth's words. There was a cold, dispassionate certainty in its tone, a conviction that bordered on zealotry.

"Progress?" he challenged, his voice steady despite the tremor of unease that rippled through him. "You call the wanton destruction of worlds progress?"

The behemoth let out a rattling wheeze that might have been laughter. "WORLDS? PALTRY CONSTRUCTS OF MATTER AND ENERGY, MERE STEPPING STONES ON THE PATH TO TRANSCENDENCE."

Its eyes bored into Calvin, burning with an ancient, unfathomable intensity. "YOU CLING TO YOUR PITIFUL EXISTENCE, OBLIVIOUS TO THE GRANDEUR THAT AWAITS THOSE WHO EMBRACE THE ASCENSION."

Seth stepped forward, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Ascension? What do you mean by that?"

The behemoth's gaze shifted to the artificer, and it let out a rumbling growl. "YOU ARE BLIND, STUMBLING IN THE DARK LIKE NEWBORN WHELPS. THE ASCENSION IS THE ULTIMATE EVOLUTION, THE SHEDDING OF MORTAL CONSTRAINTS AND THE EMBRACE OF TRUE POWER."

Its words hung in the air, heavy with implication, and Calvin felt a knot of dread tighten in his gut.

"And Kyrak?" he pressed, his voice wavering ever so slightly. "What role does he play in this... Ascension?"

The behemoth's eyes seemed to burn with an unholy light, and its voice took on a reverent, almost worshipful tone. "KYRAK IS THE HARBINGER, THE VANGUARD OF A FORCE BEYOND YOUR COMPREHENSION. HIS COMING HERALDS THE FINAL DAYS OF THIS STAGNANT REALITY, THE BIRTH OF A NEW COSMOS FORGED IN THE FIRES OF ASCENSION."

It fixed Calvin with a piercing stare, its jaws parting in a grotesque approximation of a smile. "AND YOU, PITIFUL CREATURES, WILL BEAR WITNESS TO THE ANNIHILATION OF ALL YOU HOLD DEAR."

The behemoth's words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of its conviction. Calvin felt a chill run down his spine, his mind racing to comprehend the implications of the creature's proclamations.

Tank stepped forward, his autocannon leveled at the behemoth's head. "That's enough out of you," he growled, his finger tightening on the trigger.

But the behemoth merely let out a wheezing chuckle, its eyes burning with a cold, ancient light. "KILL ME, AND A THOUSAND MORE WILL TAKE MY PLACE. KYRAK'S FORCES ARE LEGION, AND YOUR PITIFUL RESISTANCE WILL BE CRUSHED BENEATH THE INEXORABLE MARCH OF ASCENSION."

Its gaze swept over the group, lingering on Calvin for a moment before it let out a rattling breath that might have been a sigh. "ENJOY YOUR FLEETING EXISTENCE, MORTALS. FOR SOON, THE FIRES OF REBIRTH WILL CONSUME ALL THAT YOU KNOW, AND A NEW COSMOS WILL BE FORGED FROM THE ASHES OF THE OLD."

With those ominous words, the behemoth's eyes grew dim, and its massive head lolled to the side, its ragged breaths growing fainter until, at last, they ceased altogether.

A heavy silence fell over the ruined landscape, broken only by the distant rumble of crumbling debris. Calvin stood motionless, his mind reeling from the behemoth's dire proclamations.