Chapter 13
The putrid stench engulfed them as they witnessed from the room's windows the palace ablaze with flames that devoured the grand hall and coursed through the corridors, plunging everyone into utter pandemonium. Avnas could barely understand what was happening—a recurring thought since she arrived in that world. It felt as though she had walked into the middle of a movie without any prior context or understanding of what was happening. Nevertheless, she felt curious and wanted to uncover why the Dark Elves were so eager to capture her. Adding to that was the mystery of the players who came before her and what exactly happened to them.
It was a long rabbit hole, one that Avnas wanted to see where it would lead her.
However, the strong urge to discover more information about the situation at hand was only part of it. Avnas also had a nagging sense of responsibility towards the safety of the three individuals involved. They were attacked and almost killed because of her. Avnas began to grapple with this internal conflict, and a growing discomfort began to take hold within her. Her mind was racing with various scenarios and possible outcomes, each one more concerning than the last.
I am their party leader, right? It's my responsibility not to put them in peril. What should I do?
Avnas started to contemplate before deciding to offer them something more powerful than rings. Although the way the rings functioned in this world made Avnas wonder how differently all the things from Antherion behaved here, it was clear that they still worked.
I wonder...
Avnas was searching through her inventory, her eyes fixed on the screen as she scrolled through hundreds of different armours and weapons. In Antherion, as a way to avoid inventory limits, players could purchase chests where they could store their items. But of course, some chests were more premium than others, with some allowing players to store unlimited amounts of items. And Avnas, fond of spending large amounts of money on things she would never use, had accumulated hundreds of chests with no limitations.
All are carefully categorised by quality, armour, weapons, race, job titles, etc. Why? Avnas thought she could give it to her friends and help them level up. But that never happened back in Antherion. Avnas never had friends to give gift items to, but now things were different. Now, Avnas has something close to that and could give them things.
Where are they? Where did I save those Grade 10 armour and weapons? Avnas thought with a frown as she searched through her extensive collection. Ah! There they are! Chest number 223: "Grade 10 Armours and Weapons for Friends <3!" Well, what a depressing name.
Avnas reflected as she began to peruse the items inside the chest.
"Master Avnas, what are you doing?" Elian asked, watching with intrigue at whatever Avnas was doing.
The white-haired woman only hummed before glancing at the three of them. A ranger, knight, and wizard, right? Yeah, I have something for them. I hope they can use them. Avnas was only worried that the restriction set on Antherion would still apply here. To illustrate, all equipment, such as armour, weapons, and items, was categorised on a grade of 1 to 19. However, there were limitations. For example, players at level 90 could not use items graded 11 or higher. Similarly, players at level 170 could use items from grades 1 to 18 but were restricted from using items from grade 19, as those were exclusively reserved for players at level 180.
It was a highly complex set of restrictions that only made sense the longer one played the game. But it helped to keep things balanced in the game and surprisingly fair.
So, Avnas was sure that they could not use a more powerful set of armour above grade 10, but that doesn't mean she would give them just any item. No, one way to navigate those restrictions was by using Gemstones and Runes, which enhanced and buffed items regardless of the grade.
It was not an exploit, or so Avnas thought. Many high-level players used to make a lot of grade 10 items and buff them with high-grade runes and gemstones to sell them in the market. And since 68% of the player base was below level 100, it was an excellent way to make money in the game.
Did it break the game? Using a grade 18 rune to buff a grade 10 armour? Not necessarily. It creates a mighty armour that could equal grade 11 or even 12 for sure. But no more than that. Yet, Avnas used Grade 19 runes and gemstones, so all the Grade 10 armour and weapons Avnas made were more special and unique than the rest. It was good to belong to the 0.001% of Antherion.
Avnas pulled a set of items out of thin air, just like she did with the rings, and laid them on the ground. "Here," Avnas said. "Wear them."
Lynas, Alex, and Elian gazed silently at the assortment of armour and weapons scattered on the ground before them, their expressions a mix of curiosity and bewilderment. Avnas, for her part, felt a surge of joy and innocent happiness at the fact that now she could share those things with friends.
"A robe?" Alex inquired, observing the peculiar blue robe adorned with golden embroidery. However, what fascinated him the most was the palpable surge of magic emanating from the robe, sending tingles down his fingertips.
This robe is not normal! Could it be Tier Heroic? Or perhaps God-like?! Alex gulped nervously at the thought of holding something equal to the tier of gods in his hands. Yet, he had to ask. "Master Avnas, if I could ask, what tier is this robe?"
"Tier?" Avnas mumbled, still unsure of how the Tier system of this world compares to the Grade system of Antherion. "It's Grade 10. I can't say what tier it compares to, but I can tell you this: it is mighty. I enhanced it and added special runes and gemstones."
"Runes?!" Lynas exclaimed, shocked. "You can make them?!"
"Yes, why?" Avnas inquired after Lynas's abrupt exclamation.
Alex looked troubled, but at the same time, he understood why the robe and all that lay on the floor had this pulsating, powerful vibration of magic in them.
"The craft of runemaking is one of the most ancient art forms in the world, master Avnas. Not many people can call themselves a runemaster. The same is true for gemstones. Only talented individuals can craft items using Gemstones."
Avnas took Alex's words into consideration and was thankful that some sort of rune and gemstone art at least existed. Maybe a player in the past taught them about it. Still, Avnas realised she could waste no more time. The putrid smell only intensified, as did the fire.
"Let's not get distracted. Please wear them," Avnas said, but Lynas looked troubled for some odd reason.
Lynas remained uncertain about her thoughts regarding Avnas. Everything about the white-haired girl was unfamiliar to her. Although Lynas had pushed her concerns aside, the experience of being on the brink of death made her ponder Avnas's origins and identity. The oath that Alex and Elian swore to Avnas only intensified the unsettling feeling of danger.
But she is nice! And beautiful! Lynas thought, debating herself in her mind.
"Avnas, how can you do this sort of thing?" The green-haired half-elf asked. "What are you truly?"
"Does it matter right now?" Avnas asked, feeling irritated at Lynas's sudden questioning. Why are you doubting me? Aren't we friends?! Avnas hissed lowly. The question insulted her for some reason, and a possessive feeling came to her. If they are truly our friends, they have to obey us! Listen to us! They must do so without question!
Avnas's inner voice spoke loudly inside her mind, but quickly, the white-haired woman pushed it away.
"Well, I had a knife buried in my chest a few minutes ago! And so far, I have no clue what you are or how you can do this," she stammered, her nerves palpable in the tension of her words. “So forgive me for being on edge!”
Avnas began to hiss internally. We want to help! We want our friends to live! Stop. Arguing. With. Us! Avnas's fragile mental state began to crack open as her eyes and face morphed into something else. But she could not lose her temper, not now.
"Then please, wear what I am giving to you! Please trust me!" Avnas snapped back at her. Her sudden ire rises as Lynas senses anger and a powerful aura surrounding her before vanishing. Avnas took a deep breath, trying to control her emotions. She was surprised by her own shout because she had never before experienced such an outburst. Avnas has always been a person who avoided confrontation; she was happy to be a pushover, sadly. But now, she could barely hold it down. Avnas wanted to scream out and let her anger flow. Yet, that was not something she wanted to do.
"Lynas, have I done something to earn your distrust?" Avnas asked calmly. "I know. We have known each other for a short while, and you had a great deal of questions. But now is neither time nor place. So, I ask you, beg you, to trust me."
"Venl'sa," Lynas mumbled softly as she began to think about what had happened so far. Honestly, she wanted to drink something strong enough to knock her out cold. "Yeah, I get it. Sorry. I am still a bit tense, y'know? Being stabbed in the heart and feeling like you're dying is not fun."
"I understand," Avnas said while taking a deep breath. "Now, we don't have time to argue, please."
Lynas grumbled but sighed. "At least it looks great and feels magically powerful. Now, Alex, turn around; I don't want you to see me naked!"
Alex scoffed, his brow furrowing in frustration as he struggled to slip into the intricate robes. But to his astonishment and the surprise of Lynas and Avnas, Elian stood before them, completely naked. The room fell silent. The only sound filling the air was the faint hum of the girl’s voice as she absentmindedly hummed to herself while slowly putting on the armour Avnas gave her. Elian finally registered their stares as their gazes locked onto her, a mix of curiosity and bewilderment. Still, she wasn't ashamed or even flustered. Elian stared back at them, baffled.
"Eh, yes?" Elian asked.
"Nothing, don't worry," the three of them replied.
As they donned their newly acquired armour and gripped the weapons gifted to them by Avnas, a surge of power coursed through their veins. They could feel an overwhelming rush of power building up within them, electrifying their senses. It was quite daunting. Especially since the armour began to morph in a way that would fit their bodies perfectly. Alongside them, Avnas opted to abandon her gown and opted for battle-ready attire. However, she did not need to remove her clothes; the sudden flames engulfing her would vanquish such attire for her. The fire dissipated, leaving her standing unharmed in her chosen armour, starkly contrasting the delicate gown she had been wearing moments before.
"Uh, that's one way to change clothes," Lynas muttered while Avnas walked towards the deceased body of the Dark Elf.
"Alex, do you know the spell [Speak with the Dead]?" Avnas asked, and Alex nodded.
"Yes, I know it," Alex replied slowly. "I have seen it at work before."
"So, you know how it works," Avnas whispered as she pulled a small ring.
"Well, a powerful Necromancer may raise the dead and ask three questions. But no more. Some items can allow you to ask for more. But I can't be sure," Alex replied, watching with intrigue at Avnas's strange silver ring.
"Hmm, so it's not so different after all," Avnas mumbled, her words barely audible over the hum of the activated ring. The ring's power consumed the Dark Elf, causing his lifeless body to float mid-air. Avnas had five questions to ask, and she had to use them well, so thinking hard, she started with the obvious.
“Why did you want to capture me?” Avnas inquired, her voice filled with curiosity. The lifeless body stirred, emitting a hollow, lifeless sound that echoed in the eerie silence. Its voice lacked any vibrancy; its tone was monotonous and devoid of soul.
"The key, my master wanted the key, you," his lifeless form spoke.
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"The key?" Elian muttered, confused. "What do you mean with the key?"
"Green for the path they walked. Blue for the door they created and red for the key they left behind," the dark elf replied, leaving Avnas with even more questions than before.
"Elian, shush," Avnas gave a slight hiss to Elian, ordering her to stay quiet. The poor blue-haired girl nodded, mumbling an apology as Avnas thought about the next question.
"What do the green path, blue door, and red key mean?" Avnas asked.
"Our ancestors's resting place! The heavens await those worthy of it! Green is the road left behind, blue is the door, and red is the key!"
Avnas scrunched her face in frustration, feeling like she was going in circles. After a few moments of deep thought, she decided—it was time to cut to the chase and confront the mastermind behind all of this.
Avnas asked, “Where are your master's whereabouts now?” As she spoke, a loud, screeching sound filled the air. It was evident that the dead body was engaged in some struggle, likely a spell designed to prevent anyone from using [Speak with the Dead] on their remains. It was a clever tactic, but Avnas knew that the ring in her hand possessed a unique ability in this situation.
It would always force the dead to speak the truth.
"Low. Catacombs. Underground. Where light dies, underneath the tree!"
Avnas nodded, relieved that she now had a good indication of where to go. She still had questions about the lifeless body, however.
"What was the purpose of attacking the palace?"
A loud growl came from the body as Avnas asked the last question.
"Sacrifice the Uhmene. Take the child. Open the path. Bring our gods back!"
In an instant, the body was consumed by a fierce blue flame, leaving no trace behind. Avnas looked stunned by such flame. That did not happen in the game at all. Still, she understood what to look for and where the answer lies.
"Sacrifice the Uhmene? Open the path and bring their gods back? What does that mean?" Avnas asked, but thankfully for her. She did not need to wait for an answer.
"Uhmene means humans in a derogatory way," Lynas responded promptly, her voice tinged with heaviness due to her anxiety.
"And they plan to kill all the people in the palace," Alex added, sharing the same concern.
"Sacrifice if we believe his words," Elian muttered. "But what does opening the gates mean? Bring their gods back?"
Lynas's lips twitched as she began to mumble disjointed phrases in a language that was foreign to everyone. Her words were coming out rapidly, almost frenzied, as if she were struggling to find the right words to describe the thoughts racing through her mind.
"Lynas, is there something you want to say?" Avnas's question lingered in the air before Lynas sighed, unsure what to say.
“According to our legends, after the Great Defiance War, the Elthien's mighty rulers were elevated to godhood after taking control of the Heavens and expelling the Althos from their dominion. Yet, by doing so, they locked the Heavens from their own people, stripping their immortality and power from them. It said that once we, the people, find a way to open the locks to heaven, our Gods will come down and rule the world for eternity."
"And sacrificing humans would achieve that?" Elian exclaimed, utterly baffled.
"I never said that! That legend has changed so much," Lynas protested quickly. "I never believed them. They are just legends of my people, that's all!"
"Legends they may be, but these Dark Elves and their master seemed to believe them," Alex added.
"That seems to be the case," Avnas replied, her gaze fixed on the window. Suddenly, Avnas’s eyes widened as a set of aerocrucibles emerged on the horizon. The insignia and flags proudly displayed were unmistakably the same as those of the Holy Knights she had encountered in Riverfork. The Holy Kingdom, here, this fast? Such a curious set of events. Avnas thought before looking at Lynas, Alex, and Elian.
"Whatever it is, we are going to find this master," Avnas stated.
"What about the people of the palace?" Elian asked worriedly.
"Don't worry, it seems the Holy Kingdom is here already," Avnas said, utterly unbothered by the people dying in the palace. Avnas only cared about how far the rabbit hole would take her.
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Mariel, the princess, sat huddled in a corner, tears streaming down her face. The putrid stench of the grotesque creatures surrounding her made her shiver with fear. As well as the countless bodies piled up next to them. Though it was unsettling to be in their midst, her sobs were not solely a result of their presence. What really sent her into a state of terror was staring at the terrifying green obelisk.
The voices inside her head grew louder. They were speaking in a foreign language that Mariel considered to be evil. She wanted to escape that horrible place but knew it was impossible.
Mother, please, save me! Mariel wept as the Dark Elves' shouts grew louder in the dark chamber.
"Enough!" Mariel's uncle, Beralth, yelled at them. The king's brother hissed angrily as the parasite-men creatures twitched in their place, barely holding their human form. "The death of your kin is of no use to us."
"There is not us, Uhmene!" One of the dark elves barked. "While you may hold the power to control these creatures, of these failed experiments, it doesn't mean you're our master."
Beralth scoffed, but they spoke the truth. As a human, Beralth would never be part of the Alzateth's Blood, the Dark Elves's secret group. Not that he was considering joining such a secret organisation; Beralth had his own plans, but he needed these Dark Elves to achieve them. They were among the few who understood how those Obelisks worked and truly understood what lies beyond the mortal realm. They were willing to pay any price to reach the realm of their deities. That's why Beralth decided to work with them and why they accepted. It was a mutual association with the same goal in mind.
Also, no one else would've helped Beralth with his plan. Everyone would see his madness.
I doubt those elitists who call themselves High Elves would ever consider helping a low human like me. Beralth scoffed mentally. And the others would kill me on sight.
"These failed experiments you speak of," Beralth hissed, his voice filled with disdain. "Are made of what your master gave me. The parasites can still not reproduce magic or defend themselves from Holy Magic. Even being frozen can kill them."
The menacing group of dark elves let out a low growl, their eyes gleaming with malice. One of them, a towering figure with scars etched deep into his weathered face, stepped forward to take charge. He appeared much older than the rest, a veteran who had lived through countless battles and endured the test of time for hundreds of years.
"You have done well for a human," the towering dark elf stated, with neither real anger nor disdain in his voice. He seemed to see himself so above Beralth that insulting or degrading him was not even worth it. "But it appears we still need more experimentation with these tools before we can use them on a large scale."
Beralth frowned at that part, wondering just how far the Dark Elves would go to claim the title of the true descendant of the Elthien race. That may be a question that was too dangerous to ask. So, Beralth refrained from doing so. He knew Beil, while being the most calm of the group, was the most vicious of them all.
"Beil, you know, I have spent the last few years researching proper ways for these parasites to grow. You brought me a lot of test subjects. Still, it appears that the human body can't withstand such a parasite before breaking down," Beralth said to the tall, dark elf, who took his time to think.
Beil stood pensively with his arms crossed, deep in thought. After a few moments, he began humming softly as he walked towards one of the man-parasites. Beil examined it closely, his keen eyes taking in every detail. He observed how the protuberances resembling tentacles were falling to the ground like dying worms, twitching and screeching before finally dying out. The stench emanating from the creature was overpowering, making him scrunch his nose in disgust.
"What about using other species?" Beil asked. "Would the parasite adapt?"
"It's a possibility," Beralth replied. "So far, the tests are only on poor immigrants from Alberam. I haven't been able to use it on more magically gifted individuals. But it showed that those with high Mana in their bodies can make the parasite healthier and stronger."
"I see."
As Beil stood there, a dark elf approached him and whispered something into his ear. Beralth, who was standing nearby, tried to listen in and make sense of what they were saying. However, he quickly realised that the dark elves had a unique dialect of Elven that was difficult to understand. It was a bastardised version of the language, with a mix of different accents and slang, making it almost impossible for Beralth to decipher what they were saying.
But he won't need to truly understand them since he could see Beil sneering at them.
"It appears the attack wasn't as successful as you thought, and the Holy Kingdom has come here," Beil hissed before smirking widely.
"The Holy Kingdom?" Beralth whispered, confused at what they were there for. However, Beil had an idea of why they were there.
"The Vernth thinks she can claim the key for herself," Beil said before looking at Beralth. "Let's proceed with the plan. I'll bring you some new test subjects and the key we need. We have time, and if those Holy Knights come, they'll meet their end at my hand."
Beralth stood there quietly. His eyes fixated on the group of dark elves as they slowly turned their backs on him and walked away. Time was not in their favour. However, once he achieved what he wanted, time would no longer play a part in his existence.
No more mortality for me. Beralth had no intention of sharing whatever the beyond prepared for him, not with the Dark Elves, High Elves, the Althos, or anyone else. It was time for a human to achieve godhood.
"Mariel," Beralth's whisper cut through Mariel's frantic breathing like a sharp blade. "It's time," he said, his voice barely audible. She held her hands away from him, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew that even the slightest touch would unleash his thoughts and plans upon her. But that wasn't the worst.
"Uncle, please! Don't!" Mariel tried to run, but Beralth did not allow her. He was careful, or as careful as he could, and grabbed her by the shoulder, making sure not to touch her skin.
"Come here, it's going to be fast. Be strong, my child."
Beralth tried to comfort his sobbing niece, Mariel, as he led her towards the obelisk. The green aura surrounding it grew stronger with each passing moment, illuminated by the strange circle of blood formed by the sacrifices of dozens of innocent people. Despite the gruesome scene, Beralth remained calm and reassuring, whispering to Mariel that everything was going to be alright and that their lives were about to change forever. His words did not bring comfort to the young girl as she began to hear louder voices from the structure, whispers, and more.
In a final attempt to escape, Mariel tried biting her uncle's hand, but it was unsuccessful. Beralth hissed but pushed her to the obelisk; he grabbed her hand and forced her to touch the green-lit structure.
As soon as Mariel laid her hand on the obelisk's surface, she felt a sudden jolt of energy coursing through her body. Her eyes began to glaze over, and a strange, otherworldly sensation overtook her. She became completely immersed in a state of trance as if she had been transported to another dimension. Her pupils dilated, and her gaze turned opaque as though she were viewing something that was beyond the realm of human perception.
"What are you seeing?! What are you watching?!" Beralth asked her with utter fascination. "It's the heavens?! The Beyond?! Tell me!"
Mariel remained unresponsive for some time. However, after a while, she started speaking in a language that even Beralth could not comprehend. Her speech did not sound like words but rather like sounds that were struggling to exit a human mouth. Something inside the obelisk was attempting to communicate in a way that no human could replicate.
But a loud screech came from the young girl as the obelisk began to glow brighter at that moment.
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Not so far away, Avnas detected an unusual feeling creeping up on her. It was like a strange force was trying to communicate with her, beckoning her to come closer. That made her stop; it was the same sensation she got when she saw that red obelisk on her way here.
What is this? Who is calling for me? Avnas thought before beginning to follow the eerie sensation down the underground level of the palace.
"Here, this way," Avnas said as Lynas, Elian, and Alex looked at her confused.
"How do you know where to go?" Lynas asked.
"I just have a feeling," Avnas replied uncertainly.
The more the group walked, the more intense the stench became. However, Avnas’s senses heightened as she felt an irresistible pull, an enchantment that beckoned her forward. But that couldn't be it. Avnas was certain that no spell couldn't enchant her. She had items, armour, spells, and more to protect her from it. So, why was she feeling such a sensation? Maybe it wasn't a skill or someone using something to guide her to a trap, but something more.
Yet, her passive skill alerted her to the presence of enemies lurking in the shadows of the dark tunnel just ahead, which was enough to make her stop.
"Enemies, ahead," Avnas whispered before coming out of the shadows. The dark elves emerged, with Beil leading them.
"So you can sense us, even when we are using [Cloak of Night], a tier four skill. Interesting," Beil stated as he glared at the white-haired woman. "Clearly, you're not a worthless Uhmene, but something more."
"You make me feel so special," Avnas responded before hearing a chuckle.
"You're the right type of special," Beil whispered. "Ellbarien."
As Lynas heard that particular word, a sudden shock swept over her, causing her eyes to widen in surprise. Avnas, for her part, had no idea what it meant, and neither did Elian or Alex.
"Time has come for you to fulfil your purpose, the one that brought you here, Outlander."
Avnas scoffed. "You're not one to decide my purpose. No one is in control of my life."
"You will learn," Beil replied, smirkingly. "Kill the rest; bring her alive."
Lynas, Elian, and Alex stood ready to confront their enemies. Their muscles tensed, and the Mana began coursing through their veins. But just as they were about to charge, Avnas intervened, stepping forward with an aura of irritation and seething fury emanating from her. Her eyes blazed with fiery intensity, their irises gleaming with a mix of frustration and anger as if ready to ignite the air around her.
With a hushed voice, Avnas declared, "No more standing back," and then vanished before anyone could react. [Arcane Fade Walk] and [Arcane Sword] were the spells Avnas used, and she was able to swiftly cut through the Dark Elves, who couldn’t even notice at all what happened to them.
While using the [Arcane Fade Walk], it appeared Avnas had stopped time, taking her time to create a scene of carnage. The bodies of the dark elves were sliced into dozens of thin parts, but it appeared as if their bodies hadn't registered they were cut down. Avnas had gone beyond the concept of time. That was the Arcane power of Antherion, something beyond reality. However, to experience it first-hand was quite the feeling for Avnas. It was like floating around in a world between time and light.
Ugh, this makes me feel dizzy. Avnas grumbled.
When everything was done, and Avnas returned to the normal flow of time, everyone else stood there, stunned at what had happened. Even Beil couldn't grasp what had taken place. It couldn't be possible for a Dark Elf to die so easily. Some of them even had items that should protect them, like [Iron Cloak] and [Armadillo Skin]. A normal sword would not hurt them. Yet, all of his brethren, or what was left of them, lay on the floor.
"W-what?!" Beil yelled loudly. "What happened?!"
"Nothing that should matter to you," Avnas replied, unbothered by the ire look on Beil's face. "In a few minutes, I won't even remember your face."
Before Beil could try to avenge them as if he could do such a thing, his body disintegrated as Avnas used [Arcane Blasts]. And so, the old Dark Elf, with hundreds of years of battle experience, was gone in a blink.
"Enough waiting," Avnas said. "There is something I need to discover."
As Avnas tiptoed forward, the mysterious pull grew stronger, beckoning her towards the unknown. She couldn't ignore the eerie whispers in the dark that were calling her to come closer. Meanwhile, Lynas stood frozen, eyeing Alex and Elian with a mixture of shock and fear.
"Why did she even bother giving us this armour if she is going to kill everything in one second?"
Lynas joked weakly as she gulped fearfully at what she saw. If she is an Ellbarien, then it does explain a lot. But what kind of Ellbarien are you, Avnas?
Lynas, though, was unsure of what would happen next.