Chapter 25: A game

Astora felt strange. Not about her body or her mentality or anything of the like but about what was happening around her and to herself. The story of the Gods and this Usurper business, this strange realm and its enigmatic shop, the unusual powers she received and their origins. And now, this curious memory which she had no idea what it was about. Suffice to say, Astora has gone quite a way to arrive here. Yet, the goal remained nowhere in sight, not even in the distant horizons. One thing she knew, was that she must grow to be more powerful should she desire to survive. A bug she might be today. But no one knew what the future held for this girl and those around her.

“Just what the hell was that?” Astora asked herself.

“Something wrong?” asked Sona. “Are you too happy to receive all these wonderful gifts so much that you can’t say a word? It is okay. I got it.”

While it might have seemed like an entire day has passed for Astora, to the others, not a single second has passed. Confused about what she saw, Astora decided to keep it for herself. Even if she asked, it was unlikely that anyone would give her a concrete answer, just like the many questions she has asked them before. In any case, last time she remembered, Astora had a lot of things to check out. Now that she has received the eyes of Nil, Astora’s ability to perceive the hidden things in the world has been improved quite literally.

There was some sort of menu now appearing in the corner of her vision. A mail icon with a number ‘5’ colored in red was flashing. Even if Astora closed her eye and reopened them, the menu was still there. It was not a dream. By moving her finger toward the mail icon and clicking on it, five notifications were displayed at the same time in rectangular transparent blue boxes. Those were the messages she saw just before she got into that memory. Astora decided to go on by one. Although Astora should have received some of these notifications long ago. Perhaps the reason for the delay was because she didn’t have the eyes at the time yet. The HUD must be what this menu was about. Aside from the mail icon, there was also a sword and magic staff icon showing all the abilities Astora has acquired in the past. In addition, there was also the icon with a paper scroll also with a red number on it but it was another ‘5’.

First, Astora checked the skills menu. Aside from the ones she has seen written in Grimora, there were a few new additions.

Spell: Bless

Rank: Common (Divine)

Description: One of the oldest spells used by the Gods to fight the Scourge of the Dark. Its origin can be traced back to the First Champion of Nil. At the beginning, the world was enshrouded in darkness. The Champion, chosen by the Will of the Multiverse, fought back with their divine magic and sealed away the darkness inside a forbidden realm. As the light returned to the world, so did life. But it was said that one day, the darkness would come back to haunt this world. So, the Champion passed down their techniques to the Gods in hope that it would help them fight back against the darkness when the time comes.

Imbue holy energy into the target, increasing its attack power slightly and granting a holy aura capable of resisting and repelling the corruption of the Abyss. Can be used on physical object and spell.

Blessed weapons are exceptionally effective against abyssal creatures.

Spell: Curse

Rank: Common (Abyssal)

Description: Profane magic inspired by the power of the Abyss, the Scourge of the Dark. The Abyss was shrouded in mysteries. No one knew what it was or where it originated from. One thing was for sure: it corrupted everything it touched and sucked away all lives around it. However, a common consensus was that the Abyss was linked to the Irithessians, a supreme ancient race that once dominated the entire Multiverse eons ago. Until they all mysteriously disappeared overnight, along with their marvelous discoveries in both science and magic. The power of the Abyss was great but it came at great cost.

Imbue abyssal energy into the target, granting slight resistance from all elemental and physical attributes, a life sucking aura (no healing to the user) at the cost of draining one’s own life.

The first description revealed something quite interesting. According to it, the First Champion was the one who founded holy magic, which was later used by the Gods themselves. Did it mean that Nil and its Champions predated even the Gods? Potentially yes, if this Nil was called the Will of the Multiverse. One could assume that the Gods and the Champion shared, or used to share a common goal: to repeal the spread of the Abyss. It was even possible that they were allies if the First Champion decided to pass down his techniques to the Gods. However, Astora was also a Champion, then why did the Gods try to kill her? Whatever the reasons, it cost Astora the life of her mother, something she could not forgive.

The second description however was bit obscure. While this Abyss thing seemed quite dangerous, there was no info on it except the mentioning of one mysterious race, the Irithessians. Astora’s instinct told her that this would not be the last time she would hear of them. Once she remembered the name, the girl moved on to the other two abilities she also received aside from and .

As its name suggested, allowed Astora to make a preview of the potential result of a transposition. But because her current proficiency was low, she could have a 50% accuracy. The possible results would be displayed in the same format as the spells and weapons she made so far. This could prove useful to save materials if the results were not looking good. Then again, the chance of having something completely different, maybe even more powerful than expected, was not zero so it was up to her own judgment. As for the other ability, , this one was more practical, meaning it could be used in combat.

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Earlier during the expedition, notably when the group encountered the horned wolves pack, Astora managed to absorb one of their magical attack which threw a black lightning at its target. However, it never showed up in the entries. Or did it? It turned out that it was no coincidence that Astora has learnt and . came from the holy energy she absorbed from the luminous branch inside the cave where they fought Karuma. As for , it was actually from the black lightning attack of the horned wolves. The attack has been infused with abyssal energy, probably a result of the wolves adapting to the climate of the Blighted Woods. As a result, since Astora already had , a much higher level of that attack, the black lightning did not show up in the entries and in return showed up.

Back to , like the description has already said, it was an ability that allowed the user to customize their skills. A weird skill at first, it turned out to be the perfect tool for a Champion like Astora. One of her biggest problems so far was the lack of diversity in her way of fighting. All she could do so far was casting a spell already registered and that was it. It worked against the weaker foes and unsuspected targets. But against experienced opponents like Karuma, the same attack would never work twice. Now with , Astora could potentially switch her combat style in real time. Instead of throwing a straight forward lightning bolt that was easy to dodge, she could manipulate the lightning like a whip or even turned it into a sword. That was just one example. Astora could also combine multiple spells into one to generate an even more destructive attack. Of course, this amazing power would not be easy to master. It took considerable focus and mastery of the original spell in order to transform it into something else. Thankfully, Astora was a fast learner. Within a few tests, the girl had been able to understand the basics and concepts of this new technique. Although to say that she already mastered it would be a big stretch. At least for now her combat style should not be so predictable anymore.

“That is quite the new stack you have there, mistress.” Said Grimora as he watched his mistress practicing her new moves.

“Yeah. But it is not enough.” Astora spoke back with an unsatisfied look on her face.

“I beg to differ. These new powers you have, if used well, can be deadly. What are you not satisfied about?” asked the book.

“ is indeed a gift from heavens but I feel like there is something I lack. Like a role of some sort…”

“A role?”

“All these menus and skills…it reminds so much of the video games back in my world. But this is not a game…at least I thought so….So how does it happen?” Astora asked herself.

“What do you mean?”

“Whatever is happening here, it is probably because of this Nil entity. He or she, or whatever it is, is making this entire mission or even the world feel like a game with me as the main character. I don’t know what their goal is. I don’t know how I am involved with the Gods or why they are chasing me. I don’t know what the hell is this Abyss thing. I don’t know anything.” Astora grunted. “I am just sick of it.”

“Mistress….”

“But it is fine. I don’t have time to complain. I must grow stronger. I won’t let myself be dragged in their games anymore. If I can’t escape, then I will play it with my own rules.” Astora told herself with determination. At this moment, she understood Ender’s feeling and why he was frustrated at his own world. The feeling of helplessness, both of them knew well enough. She knew naught whether what was in the record was something that took place in the past or just another fictional thing created by Nil. But to her, it was as real as she was. It was what she decided. It was her truth.

“What do you intend to do?” asked Grimora.

“Like I said, I need to find my role. If this was based on a video game or designed to be like one, I should get a job.”

“A job? Hum…” Grimora thought. “Oh you mean the combat class in those video games right?”

“Exactly. Since I am new to this, I should stick with one type of combat instead of going for a jack of all trades. With the current setting and the skills I have, it is probably something to do with range combat.”

“Well you have along with quite a few spells so a sorcerer perhaps? It is not like you can do any of those martial arts like Karuma.”

“A sorcerer huh? It is not a bad idea but sounds a bit generic, don’t you think?” Astora thought. “Well, I am still limited in term of melee combat so I can’t complain if all I can do is throwing spells from the frontline.”

“Yeah, you only have a spoon for a weapon after all. Perhaps we should make something new with transposition?” Grimora looked at the grandma in red sitting at the corner of the room in front of a black cauldron.

“Nah not yet. I don’t have any good material just yet. It will be just a waste of what I have.” The girl spoke.

“So what should we do now?” asked Grimora. “Oh wait, you didn’t check the scroll icon.”

“Wait a minute, you can see the menu too?”

“Of course I can. I am the amazing Grimora, your trusty partner after all.”

“Okay….let me check this really quick.” Astora clicked on the virtual icon. “WOW!”

Quest: The search for Alastor

Your father Alastor is known as the Dark Lord of Valhalla from the legends. However, fifteen hundred years have passed since his mysterious defeat. Search for clues on Alastor!

Be stealthy in your approach! If the Regent of Scyentia learns of your true identity, you will die.

Reward: ???

Quest: Trails of the Mad King

The old sage, before passing away, has given you clues on Alastor. Apparently, it has something to do with a certain individual named the Mad King. The Mad King once terrorized the entire world of Valhalla before he was brought down by his people. Ask around for more info on the Mad King!

Reward: ???

Quest: The Promise

Alan promises to keep your identity hidden as long as you agree to listen to one of his requests. The time limit is six months.

Use this period wisely and become stronger in the meantime until Alan contacts you. Beyond this limit, the quest will end in failure and your identity will be exposed to the world. Should it happen, the Regent of Scyentia will come after you. Death will surely await.

Reward: Alan’s loyalty

Quest: Sorrow of the Fair Lady

Valanor seeks the woman in the painting ‘Sorrow of the Fair Lady’, believing to be an immortal spirit that still exists till today, in order to fulfill the last wish of the late master and to surpass his masterpiece. Find the woman!

The painting used to be an object of worship of the old church before the establishment of the Angelic Faith. Perhaps start by looking for the original painting?

Reward: Valanor’s loyalty

Quest: Path of power

Magic turns out to not be the solution you are looking for. Gandolf advised you to see the ruined Hero Karuma for his techniques.

You managed to convince former Hero Karuma to take you to where he learnt his martial art techniques. Follow Karuma to the destination!

Be careful, Karuma must survive in order to complete this part of the quest.

Reward: Ki manipulation

“These are…all the tasks I am supposed to do.” Astora uttered.

“So it is a journal which will record your progress then. Great, no fear of forgetting anything then!” Grimora laughed. “Which one will you do first, mistress?”

“I guess the last one, ‘Path of Power’, seems most reasonable and doable. The others all require me to gain more info, which I don’t have. But there is something that bothers me in this quest…” Astora commented.

“What?”

“It said that Karuma must survive….does that mean something is going to happen?”

“Hum I don’t know about that. Wouldn’t it be the same for the other quests if Alan and Valanor somehow die too?” said Grimora.

“Yeah but … I don’t know…there is just something eerie about this, something different.” Astora shivered suddenly. She felt a bad omen deep inside but could not put it into words. “And then there is that Regent of Scyentia too…This person, whoever they are, wants to kill me. But why?

…..

Let’s just hope it won’t amount to anything.”