Amy and Freya had already weakened the final behemoth greatly. It had suffered under the power of the archano-cannons as well as the skills brought to the battle by the duo. By the time Calvin arrived, the final minor behemoth lay defeated, its massive form crumpled and lifeless on the scorched battlefield. Calvin stood over the fallen creature, his armor battered and his face streaked with sweat and grime. He surveyed the scene before him, taking in the aftermath of the ferocious battle that had just unfolded.

Around him, the defenders of Olympus tended to their wounded comrades, their faces etched with a mixture of relief and sorrow. The cost of their victory was evident in the bodies of the fallen, scattered across the field like broken dolls. Calvin felt a heavy weight settle on his shoulders as he realized the magnitude of their loss.

Amy approached him, her own armor scarred and her hair matted with blood. She placed a hand on his shoulder, offering a silent gesture of support. Calvin met her gaze, and in her eyes, he saw the same determination and resilience that had carried them through the battle.

"We did it," Amy said, her voice hoarse from shouting orders over the din of combat. "Olympus is safe."

Calvin nodded, his jaw set with grim determination. "For now," he replied. "But we can't let our guard down. There will be more challenges ahead."

As if in response to his words, a shimmering light appeared in the air above them. A bright crystal formed from the nothingness in the sky and lowered itself toward the defenders of Olympus. Everyone stood on guard, weapons drawn and shields in front of them. The crystalline object settled gently onto the ground and pulsated with a golden glow. Although this was an unknown, and everyone there knew the system liked to screw with them, the glow radiated peace.

Calvin lowered his guard and approached the Crystal. After a cursory examination he placed his hand on it and received a system prompt.

CONGRATULATIONS DEFENDERS OF OLYMPUS. YOU HAVE FACED A TRIAL OF GREAT MAGNITUDE AND EMERGED VICTORIOUS. OLYMPUS IS THE PUREST EXAMPLE OF THE MISSION AND VISION OF THE AETHERIAN COLLECTIVE.

REWARDS:

75,000 xp per active participant

250,000 credits per active participant

Essence Stones x 300

Behemoth Cores x 5

Attuned Artifacts available in temporary shop.

Attuned artifact shop voucher x1 per active participant

Settlement Upgrade Token (Special) x 1

Skill Forge Token (x1 per behemoth per active participant)

Hall of Titans special construction option available.

Calvin looked over the system message. The rewards were fantastic, even for the challenge they faced. The experience alone would push many of the defenders up more than a dozen levels. He himself picked up eight from this quest. Giving him another skill point to work with at level 81. The attuned artifact shop, settlement upgrade token and the Hall of Titans were all unknowns currently but Calvin suspected they would be great. The system, while a huge jerk sometimes when delivering challenges, almost never skimped on the rewards, and this had been their most significant challenge yet. Calvin was anxious to get back and discuss these new options with Andy.

As the soldiers began to gather around the portals that would take them back to Olympus, Calvin turned to Amy once more. "I think we should walk back," he said, his voice low. "Clear our heads, take some time to process all of this."

Amy nodded in agreement, and together they began to make their way across the battlefield, Freya trotting at their heels. The journey back to Olympus was a long one, but Calvin welcomed the chance to be alone with his thoughts.

As they walked, Amy broke the silence. "Do you remember when we first arrived in the system?" she asked, her voice soft. "How scared we were, how uncertain everything seemed?"

Calvin chuckled, the memory of those early days bringing a small smile to his face. "I remember," he replied. "We were so lost, so confused. But look at us now. Look at what we've built."

Amy nodded, her own smile mirroring his. "Olympus," she said, the word filled with pride. "Our home, our sanctuary. We've come so far, Cal. Sometimes I can hardly believe it."

They walked in silence for a while, the only sound the crunching of their boots on the rocky terrain. Freya darted ahead, her nose to the ground as she explored the unfamiliar surroundings.

"I worry about what's to come," Calvin said at last, his voice heavy with concern. "The behemoths, Kyrak, the Ascension. It feels like we're only scratching the surface of something much larger, much more dangerous."

Amy reached out and took his hand, her fingers intertwining with his. "We'll face it together," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "Just like we always have. Olympus is strong, Cal. Our people are strong. We'll find a way through this, no matter what comes our way."

Calvin squeezed her hand, drawing strength from her words. He knew she was right. Olympus had faced countless challenges before, and they had always emerged stronger for it. This time would be no different.

As they crested a hill, the walls of Olympus came into view, the city gleaming in the distance. Calvin felt a swell of pride in his chest at the sight of their home, the place they had built together through blood, sweat, and tears.

"I love you, Amy," he said, the words tumbling from his lips before he could stop them. "I don't say it enough, but I do. You're my rock, my anchor. I couldn't do any of this without you."

Amy stopped walking, turning to face him. Her eyes were shining with unshed tears, and she reached up to cup his face in her hands. "I love you too, Cal," she whispered. "More than anything in this world or any other."

They stood there for a long moment, foreheads pressed together, savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment. Freya sat at their feet, her tail wagging contentedly.

They walked the rest of the way in comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. As they approached the gates of Olympus, the soldiers on guard duty snapped to attention, saluting their leaders.

Calvin and Amy returned the salute, their faces set with pride.

"Welcome back sir, ma'am. We saw the fight from here. You really stuck it to those bastards!" one of the guards said.

"We did indeed. We lost some good folks out there today, and for them we will mourn. But Olympus showed her true might today. If there's one thing I know, Kyrak is screwed. He picked the wrong damn planet to fuck with."

The guards smiled and nodded enthusiastically at that. "Damn straight sir."

Clavin and Amy made their way to the council chambers. Seth waited for them there, the others however were still tending to other matters after the battle.

"Nicely done Cal." Seth said.

"Couldn't have done it without your magic guns. I don't know that I say it enough, but I'm damn sure glad we have you on our side. We couldn't have done it without you." Calvin said.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

Seth waved a hand dismissively. "Yeah right. You guys are freaky powerful, and if you didn't have me, you'd have some other poor sucker out here grinding away making big ass cannons for you."

"Maybe. But none of them could do it with the flair you bring to the table." Calvin said with a wink. "Andy, I need you for a moment."

"Welcome back Calvin." Andy said. "How can I assist?"

Calvin showed Andy the special upgrade token and the missive prompt regarding the Hall of Titans.

"Ahh, interesting. This is a rare opportunity. This token will advance Olympus three tiers. This comes with the usual upgrades to size of the settlement and population as well as construction option upgrades. This also moves Olympus to the Planetary Capital tier." Andy activated a window detailing the upgrades.

Calvin studied the details Andy provided on the upgrade token and its capabilities. Upgrading Olympus to a Planetary Capital settlement was a monumental opportunity, granting them authority and reach across the entire world. He couldn't help but feel a surge of pride at how far they'd come.

"So you're saying every settlement on the planet will be made aware of our existence?" Calvin asked, wanting to clarify the full scope. "And our citizens could potentially travel to any of them via teleportation?"

"Correct," Andy replied in his usual matter-of-fact tone. "It will establish Olympus as the preeminent power on this world. Other settlements will have the option to join our alliance or remain independent, but they will be made aware of our capabilities. The settlements will be given the option to allow travel or not."

Amy's eyes widened at the implications. "That means we could possibly find other survivors we knew... our families..." Her voice trailed off as the weight of that possibility sank in.

In the chaos of the system integration and everything that followed, none of them had dared to hope their loved ones were still alive somewhere out there. The odds seemed so remote, the potential for heartbreak too great. But now...

Seth let out a low whistle. "Well I'll be damned. Never thought that was on the table."

Calvin felt his heart rate pick up as scenarios started playing out in his mind. What if his parents were still alive? His siblings? He tried to tamp down the rising sense of hope - that was a dangerous path fraught with potential disappointment. And yet...

"Andy, if we use this upgrade, is there any way to send a message out to the other settlements? Some kind of broadcast?"

"Indeed," Andy confirmed with a nod. "As the Planetary Capital, you would have the ability to transmit a system-wide message that would be received by all active settlements."

The wheels were already turning in Calvin's mind. They could put out a call, asking any surviving friends and family members of Olympus citizens to identify themselves. Maybe include some personal details as verification. It was a long shot, but...

He glanced over at Amy, seeing the same mix of trepidation and longing reflected in her eyes. She caught his gaze and gave the smallest of nods, a silent communication passing between them.

"Do it," Calvin said, his voice thick with emotion he didn't care to hide. "Activate the upgrade and be prepared for a system-wide broadcast from Olympus."

Andy inclined his head. "As you wish."

There was a momentary pause, then the android spoke again. "Upgrade process initiated. Olympus is now designated as a Planetary Capital settlement."

A series of notifications began pinging across Calvin's visual interface, too numerous to read individually. He saw maps updating, new icons appearing to represent other settlements across the continent - across the entire planet.

It was dizzying, overwhelming even. But he couldn't dwell on that now.

"Seth, we need to draft a message, work with Andy and the other leaders" Calvin said, turning to his old friend. "We have to cast as wide a net as possible, but include enough personal details that it can be verified by any potential respondents."

Seth's eyes shone with the same mixture of hope and apprehension. "You got it, boss. I'm on it."

"Andy, notify the council and have them report here in two hours." Calvin said.

"It is done."

Calvin looked back at Amy, seeing the tear tracks on her cheeks. She managed a watery smile, and he could only imagine the memories and emotions she must be wrestling with. Freya nuzzled against her leg, offering her own quiet comfort and support.

There was still so much uncertainty, so many challenges yet to face. Kyrak and the behemoths loomed like an ominous shadow over everything. But in this moment, despite the chaos and destruction, they had been given a sliver of light. A chance, however slim, to regain something invaluable that had been lost.

Family.

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

Not long after, the rest of the council arrived.

Calvin nodded his greeting and turned to Andy.

"Now explain the Hall of TItans."

The council fell silent as Andy prepared to explain the Hall of Titans upgrade.

"The Hall of Titans is a rare and powerful structure. Creations like this exist in a multitude of ways throughout the system." Andy began, his synthetic voice carrying a note of gravity. "It represents an opportunity for the greatest champions of Olympus to undergo a transformative evolution."

A holographic display flickered to life, revealing a towering edifice of gleaming obsidian and gold. Massive columns flanked the entrance, carved with intricate runes and symbols that seemed to shimmer with an inner light.

"This structure will grant access to ten Titanic Sparks, each imbued with the essence of a primordial force from the dawn of creation," Andy continued. "Those deemed worthy will have the chance to absorb one of these sparks, unlocking profound changes to their abilities and their very nature within the system."

Calvin leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowed in thought. "So you're saying these sparks could alter the fundamental rules that govern us? Rewrite the mechanics of our skills and abilities?"

"Precisely," Andy confirmed with a nod. "Each spark represents a different aspect of power. The changes they bring could be as subtle as enhancing existing abilities or as drastic as introducing entirely new mechanics."

Amy spoke up, her voice tinged with concern. "But at what cost? Power like that can't come without a price."

"You are wise to be cautious," Andy acknowledged. "The Titanic Sparks are not to be trifled with. Absorbing one carries great risk – the potential for catastrophic failure or even the complete unraveling of one's existence within the system."

A hushed murmur rippled through the council chamber as the full weight of Andy's words sank in. Calvin remained silent, his expression unreadable as he processed the information.

"Only the strongest, most resilient champions should even consider undertaking such a trial," Andy went on. "The strain on mind, body, and soul would be immense. It is a path reserved for those who have proven their mettle time and again, those who can withstand the searing flames of transformation."

Seth let out a low whistle, his eyes wide. "Damn, Andy. You really know how to sell something, don't you?"

A ghost of a smile played across Andy's synthetic features. "I merely speak the truth. The Titanic Sparks are not to be taken lightly."

Calvin thought on it for a moment. "Andy is right," he said, his voice carrying a steely edge. "Power like this comes at a great cost, and we would be fools to treat it lightly."

He looked around the table, meeting the gaze of each of the council members in turn. "But we are not fools," he continued. "We are the leaders of Olympus, the vanguard of humanity in this strange new world. If anyone is worthy of such a trial, it is us."

Tank nodded, his expression grim but resolute. "I'll do it," he said simply. "Whatever it takes to protect our people."

"As will I," Amy added, her jaw set in determination.

One by one, the others voiced their assent, each understanding the gravity of the decision but willing to take on the risk for the sake of Olympus.

Calvin was the last to speak. "Then it's decided," he said, his voice ringing with conviction. "We will undertake this trial."

He turned to Andy, his gaze unwavering. "Explain to us the process. How do we proceed?"

Andy inclined his head. "The Hall of Titans will open to you once it is constructed," he said. "Within its halls, you will find ten chambers, each housing a Titanic Spark. The sparks themselves will be inert until a champion steps forward and initiates the bonding ritual."

Another hologram flickered to life, this one depicting a massive chamber lined with glowing runes and a towering plinth at its center.

"The ritual itself is as ancient as the sparks," Andy went on. "The champion must step into the chamber and offer a sacrifice – a piece of themselves, a memory, a cherished possession. Something of immense personal value."

Calvin frowned, his brow furrowing. "A sacrifice? You mean we have to give something up?"

"Indeed," Andy confirmed. "The Titanic Sparks demand a price, a symbol of the champion's willingness to risk everything for the power they seek. Only then will the spark awaken and begin the bonding process."

A hush fell over the chamber as the council members digested this information. The idea of sacrificing something so personal, so precious, was a sobering thought.

"What happens then?" Seth asked, his voice hushed. "After the sacrifice, I mean."

Andy's expression grew somber. "The spark will test the champion's resolve, their strength of mind and body. They will face trials unlike anything they've encountered before, challenges designed to push them to the very limits of their endurance."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Those who falter, whose will proves insufficient, will be consumed by the spark's power. Their essence will be torn asunder, scattered to the cosmic winds."

A collective shudder ran through the council chamber. Calvin felt a chill run down his spine, but he refused to let it show. He was the leader of Olympus, and he would not flinch in the face of such a challenge.

"And for those who succeed?" he asked, his voice steady. "What awaits them?"

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Andy's mouth. "For those who prove worthy, the Titanic Spark will bond with their very being, rewriting the rules that govern them within the system. They will emerge reborn, their powers elevated to new heights, their potential limitless."

Calvin nodded, his jaw set with determination. He looked around the table, meeting the gaze of each council member in turn. They were a motley crew, a ragtag band of survivors thrust into a world of gods and monsters. But they were also warriors, leaders, and champions in their own right.

"We will face this challenge," he declared, his voice ringing with conviction. "And we will emerge victorious, for the sake of Olympus and all those who look to us for hope. First, let's get that message out to humanity. Then, we'll prepare for the trials."