Chapter 15
The immense buildings scattered across the vast sea of golden clouds filled Avnas with a newfound sense of amazement as she flew towards the nearest one. The closer she got, the more she realised how unfamiliar and otherworldly it appeared. It was almost alien-like, and that was truly not a word she had ever thought of using to describe something. But honestly, Avnas couldn’t express it in any other way.
The towering obelisks emitted an eerie light into the unusual night sky. It was a celestial canvas adorned with a multitude of stars, creating a breathtaking spectacle that Avnas had never witnessed before. The stars seemed within reach, yet impossibly distant, like an illusion for her to stare at. Three moons adorned the heavens, two small ones dancing alongside a majestic, larger moon. But while they were beautiful, Avnas noticed something odd about them.
They appeared battered and half-destroyed, as if an internal explosion had occurred. But the most striking detail Avnas noticed was a peculiar scar on the surface of the largest moon as if some force had attempted to cleave it in two, coming dangerously close to success.
“What is this place?” Avnas wondered. “Where did that strange obelisk send me?”
For Avnas, this place appeared to be in an eternal sunset, but what bothered her so much was the fact that she could not see the sun on the horizon. The thought of it only brought a headache to Avnas since she realised that trying to comprehend this place would do her no good.
“This place seems to have its own rules.”
As Avnas flew towards the obelisk, she began to realise the enormity of the structure. From what she could see, it was definitely around five hundred metres tall. It looked more like a gigantic tower than an obelisk, in Avnas's opinion. Unfortunately, the clouds below blocked her view of the ground, making her wonder if the structure was even taller. Nevertheless, Avnas kept on flying until she reached what she could say was a platform. Slowly, she landed while making sure to keep her defensive skills up and ready.
“That being, Albarien told me not to fight them here,” Avnas mumbled, still pondering about her meeting with that being, with that god. Was it truly a god? Avnas could not say. But there was no doubt that she had more questions than answers now.
We can’t trust her! We can’t believe a word this being says!
Avnas frowned as her mind began to hiss at her. “That’s true. I can’t trust this being, this Albarien.”
She is a liar, a deceitful being who wishes to use us. Do not trust her! We can’t trust anyone but ourselves!
Avnas’s inner voice, while sounding like a hissing animal, brought some sense to her. At least for now, there was no solid proof that this Albarien was telling her the truth. A god who plays video games and asks for the help of players? Nonsense. Avnas thought with a scoff, yet a part of her could not help but wonder if maybe that was the truth. As ridiculous as it sounded, perhaps the reason for Avnas’s current situation was that a god who played video games asked her for help.
But then again, what sort of enemy could make a god fearful of its own life?
Avnas realised that she was playing poker with an incomplete deck of cards. She didn’t have enough information to comprehend what was happening fully. For the time being, Avnas decided that the only thing she could do was to continue playing and hope for the best. Her ultimate goal was to escape the place she was in before something terrible happened.
“But before I leave. I must find them. Alex, Lynas, and Elian,” Avnas whispered as she slowly entered the strange structure. “Wait, could the princess be here too?”
Avnas muttered, recalling the last image of the explosion. Beralth, the madman’s body, was eradicated by the blast; she saw it. But the princess was not harmed during the explosion. Maybe it was because Avnas was grabbing her hand during the whole ordeal. That could have caused Avnas’s skills to protect the small girl. So, the possibility that the princess was somewhere in this place, in this strange world, was high.
“I can’t leave her alone here.”
Avnas shut her eyes and whispered under her breath. “[Grandmother Shipton Eyes]” Like before, Avnas could see everything inside the giant structure, and from what she could perceive, the enormity of this tower was beyond what her skill could allow her to see. However, Avnas continued to use her skill despite feeling disoriented. But after a few minutes, Avnas concluded that this building was empty.
Avnas shook her head, trying to clear the hundreds of images from this empty tower from her mind.
“Maybe they could be in a different tower?” Avnas sighed, only to be immediately drawn to something else. A faint, beckoning light deep within the tower called out to her. “What’s that?”
Avnas decided to learn more, pushed forward, and walked alone.
As Avnas strolled through the quiet corridors, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. The halls were eerily empty and stretched as far as her eye could see. The walls were made of a strange, gleaming white marble that shimmered in the dim light. The ceilings towered high above, giving the impression of being inside a large hall. Despite the vastness of the space, it was eerily silent, with only the sound of Avnas’s footsteps echoing through the halls. Avnas couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss as she continued to wander.
Soon, Avnas noticed an illustration on a wall, like the one she would see in ancient caves or pyramids. And quickly noticed the woman who called herself Albarien portrayed there. Even if Avnas only saw Albarien briefly, she could never forget what she saw. Albarien’s celestes blue skin was delicate and majestic. Peace radiated from Albarien’s face, giving her a calm and tranquil appearance. Avnas noticed that Albarien had no actual hair. Or at least, Avnas could not distinguish it from the strange diadem Albarien was wearing. It was hard to say. Time has not been kind to this place.
“But she looks so young. So childlike, yet so much older by just looking at her face,” Avnas whispered, not knowing what she should feel about such a being.
Still, Avnas memorised the face of the person who claimed it was the reason for her being there.
Before long, Avnas found herself strolling down a lengthy corridor until she arrived at a chamber. However, she couldn’t help but frown as she realised that the once spacious room had somehow shrunk in size. Now, the room was empty; there was nothing but one strange pillar shining with a green colour.
“What is this?” Avnas then sensed a tingling sensation, causing her to glance down at her hand instinctively. There, she noticed the mark Albarien had given her, shimmering brightly on her skin. “Uh, it’s the same feeling I got before.”
Avnas stammered, a strange sensation compelling her to reach out and touch the pillar. It was undoubtedly peculiar, but she gathered the courage to do so. The instant her finger made contact with the enigmatic green pillar, Avnas felt a sudden shift as if she were hurtling through space at an incredible speed only to come to an abrupt halt.
“Wha-what happened?” Avnas muttered before looking around her, looking at how different the chamber was from the one before. Mainly because there was a massive hole in the wall of the room. However, there was more than just a gap in the wall now. The place Avnas was now honestly looked like a ruin, forgotten by everyone.
“Where am I?”
Avnas quickly began to walk towards the largely empty halls and saw the utter devastation around her. The last tower she was in was pristine compared to this place. This tower appeared as if it had been in the midst of a war at some point in its history. The lengthy corridors showed signs of damage, with battered walls bearing scorch marks and numerous holes, offering glimpses of the eternal sunset beyond their boundaries.
It was now that Avnas understood that the green pillar had transported her to another place.
“So, that’s what it does,” Avnas said before hearing a scream from the distance. Someone was asking for help, and she could recognise the voice. “It’s the princess!”
Avnas quickly took off, using her wings and innate flying ability to approach the loud wail of pain and sorrow. It didn’t take long for Avnas to reach a spacious opening resembling a vast terrace from which she could glimpse the golden sea of clouds in the distance. Avnas couldn’t help but notice the peculiar flora surrounding her. Could this be a garden? Avnas wondered before her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a small girl sobbing.
A little girl was in the centre of the garden, crying while curled up in a ball with her hair covering her face.
“Mom, please, save me,” the girl sobbed, and Avnas tried not to bring fear to the girl anymore; she tried to hide her demonic form but realised she couldn’t do it. Her skills and the items weren’t responding to her.
What? Avnas let out a hiss as she landed near the girl, catching the princess’s attention, who promptly stood up. Grumbling under her breath, Avnas realised that her presence would inevitably lead to complications. However, luck, or perhaps misfortune, was on her side, as the princess appeared to be unable to see Avnas’s current form.
“W-who is there? Mom?! Brother?! Father?!”
Avnas remained frozen in place, her heart pounding as she beheld the horrifying sight of the eyeless girl. Blood cascaded down her cheeks from the vacant sockets where her eyes should have been. Yet, the princess continued to fix her gaze on Avnas, unflinching, confused and lost.
“Please! Who is it?! Please, I want to go home!”
Avnas quickly shook her head and took a deep breath. “Princess Mariel, do you remember me? Avnas, I was invited by your father,” She asked gently, trying to comfort the princess but without luck. The poor girl looked utterly terrified of her.
“No! No! Stay away! D-demon!” Mariel yelled as she began to run away from Avnas. But of course, Avnas had to stop the girl since she was running towards the edge of the terrace, and nothing was blocking the girl from falling down to the abyss.
“Stop!” Avnas yelled as she used her speed to grab the girl’s shoulder. Mariel thrashed around, trying to free herself from Avnas’s grasp, but she couldn’t. The utter fear coming from Mariel’s voice, the way she was sobbing, crying, and begging her to leave her alone, brought a sense of pain to Avnas.
“I’m sorry! I’m sorry, please! Please don’t hurt me! I want to go home! Mom! Mom!” Mariel cried, trembling before Avnas.
Avnas hesitated initially, but then she recalled the princess’s gift. It was [Clairvoyance], right? The princess clearly sees more than just visions when she touches people. Avnas concluded that the only way to earn the princess’s trust was to reveal her true self. Not her demonic side, but what's left of her humanity.
“Princess,” Avnas whispered softly, attempting to soothe the distraught girl. It wasn’t a simple task, especially for an eleven-year-old girl who could not see. With no other options available, Avnas gently guided the sobbing girl’s hands to her own face. “See for yourself if I wish harm to you.”
Mariel gasped loudly, feeling a wave of fear wash over her. What she saw before terrified her, but it was unlike anything she had ever dreamt of or envisioned. Whenever Mariel made physical contact with something or someone, the princess had the ability to tap into their inner thoughts and emotions. Mariel could see the person's past memories and true intentions. This unique part of her gift, of the [Clairvoyance] talent, was the very reason why she always wore gloves. Mariel couldn’t control it. Sometimes, she could see more—too much for her mind to handle.
“Too much pain!” Mariel sobbed as she watched a chaotic stream of images and things that made no sense to her. Avnas wasn’t sure if she could influence what Mariel saw, but she focused solely on her intentions. She was hoping Mariel could see it.
“Focus only on what I show you,” Avnas whispered softly.
“It’s too much suffering,” Mariel sobbed. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”
Unsure of why Mariel apologised, Avnas shifted her attention back to what she wanted to show Mariel. It took time for Avnas to focus on happy memories and joyful feelings, the few she had. Thankfully, Mariel’s sobs slowly stopped.
“Don’t just see my pain, but also focus on my happiness,” Avnas gently said. “See me for who I am.”
Mariel nodded, her fear still lingering, yet she could discern the sincerity in Avnas’s words. Gradually, the princess started experiencing a deep sense of longing—a desire to be loved, accepted and cherished by friends. Avnas yearned for so little, yet much. She wanted a loving family. Genuine friendships and wished not to be alone anymore. Mariel saw small images of a woman behind a box, a strange thing that had images. That woman was crying, alone, suffering, with no one to hug her and hush her pains away. That image then morphed into something ugly, a twisted version of Avnas screaming at the girl for intruding in their mind. But Mariel could see that it was afraid of being vulnerable. So afraid of being hurt that it acted as a caged animal.
“You’ve been alone for such a long time,” Mariel whispered as tears of blood began to run down her cheeks. “So much loneliness... So much hurt.”
Avnas could see that the girl was relaxing slowly, which made her happy in a way.
“I will not hurt you,” Avnas replied. “Do you trust me now?”
Mariel nodded, although she was still tense. Avnas then gently touched the girl’s cheek and took a deep breath. She carefully covered Mariel’s eyesocket with her hand and mumbled softly. “I’ll take the pain away. I’ll bring your sight again. Can I do that for you?”
“Y-yes.”
“[Song of Healing]”, Avnas whispered, and soon, Mariel could feel warmness surrounding her body, and the pain choking her vanished. “There you go, open your eyes.”
Mariel took a deep breath and then slowly opened her eyes. It took a few seconds for her eyes to adjust to the bright light. Eventually, Mariel was able to see Avnas’s face, but it wasn’t what she was expecting. Demons were supposed to be “evil-looking,” or that was what she used to hear. But Avnas wasn’t all that scary. Her features were more graceful than the ones in her human form, more royal-like. By looking at her for the first time, Mariel thought Avnas was a noble lady, but now she appears to be a queen. True, the dark horns, wings, and tail revealed the truth of her race. But Avnas wasn’t the monster Mariel believed in.
Avnas had a cold and emotionless expression on her face, but her eyes revealed more. Mariel was still touching Avnas’s face and could sense so much more. Mariel realised that Avnas’s unemotional facade was something the demon used to defend herself. But why? Mariel wasn’t sure.
“Your eyes are so pretty,” Mariel whispered, while Avnas could only tilt her head in amusement. “Like honey.”
“Like honey? Well, thank you, my princess,” Avnas chuckled.
“Mariel,” the girl replied. “Call me, Mariel.”
Avnas smiled at her as she stood up. “Well, Mariel. We must leave this place soon. Before something happens.”
Mariel looked around, and confusion and fear began to sink in. “W-where are we?” She asked while she grabbed Avnas’s hand, a gesture the white-haired woman noticed.
“I think they called this place the Heavens or the Beyond,” Avnas said. “I don’t know why exactly.”
“The Heavens,” Mariel whispered, almost in awe and fear. “The land beyond mortals.”
“The land beyond mortals,” Avnas added with a mumble. “Whatever this place is, we can’t stay here.”
Mariel raised her gaze to Avnas, her eyes still filled with uncertainty, fear, and anxiety. However, the little girl refused to release Avnas’s hand. She found solace in the overwhelming sense of calm emanating from Avnas. Mariel did not hear voices anymore; it was as if everything had shut down. No more images, no more fear—just this serene peace.
“I am scared,” Mariel whispered, and Avnas recalled the memories of her past when she was a child in an adult world, alone with no one to look after her. Avnas refused to let a child go through the same.
“Don’t be,” Avnas replied, holding an assuring smile on her face that made Mariel feel safe. “I am here with you.”
Both then began to walk away from the garden, hoping they would soon find their way back home.
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Avnas started to observe the peculiar paintings adorning the walls of the corridors. A narrative seemed to be unfolding, although deciphering its intended message proved to be quite challenging. Avnas noticed a group of towering figures with blue skin on one wall, each holding peculiar spheres. These spheres appeared to possess mechanical qualities. Meanwhile, another wall depicted a grand and ominous figure, shrouded in darkness and devoid of any discernible form.
“What is this?” Avnas whispered, looking at the obscure figure. She saw how these tall, blue-skinned people were and how they used those spheres to attack him. Or that’s what Avnas thought they were doing to him.
“He is scary,” Mariel added, looking at the figure on the wall.
“I agree, this thing looks very scary,” Avnas replied.
“Who are these people?” Mariel asked now, looking at the strange blue-skinned figures on the wall.
“I don’t know, they are too tall to be smurfs, that’s for sure,” Avnas stated, almost giggling awkwardly at her stupid little joke, but Mariel glanced at her, confused at the fact she was giggling.
“What’s a smurf?” The girl asked as Avnas cringed to herself.
“Ah, they’re, uh, small people. Small blue little people,” Avnas replied, embarrassed.
“Like gnomes, perhaps? Fairies?! Or, or, Pusilis?!” Mariel asked with an excited tone of voice. Avnas had no idea what a Pusilis was; it was the first time she had ever heard of that race, but she simply nodded at the small girl.
“Eh, sort of.”
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Avnas and Mariel started to explore the place, walking through every hall and room. At first, they weren’t sure where they were going, and Avnas wondered if they were lost. However, they eventually came across another room with a green pillar.
“Another one?” Avnas tilted her head as they got close to the pillar.
“What’s that?” Mariel whispered in awe.
“One of these brought me here; it teleported me here,” Avnas answered. “I think this is our way out of this place.”
Albarien told us we should find another obelisk to take us from this place. But so far, we have yet to find one. Avnas thought, wondering where this green pillar would take them now.
“A-are you sure?” Mariel asked nervously.
“Yes,” Avnas replied as she glanced at her hand, where the mark Albarien had given was glowing again. “Hold tightly, Mariel.”
The princess hugged Avnas’s leg with all her strength, and before touching the green pillar, Avnas took a deep breath and used her sizeable dark wing to protect Mariel. Once again, the feeling of being hurtling through space appeared. This time, however, Avnas wasn’t alone. When they arrived at their new destination, Mariel whined loudly.
“Ugh, I feel so dizzy!” Mariel moaned as her stomach seemed to be the one suffering the most.
Avnas patted the girl’s back and smiled. “Yeah, I reacted the same way as you.”
The girl couldn’t help but giggle at Avnas’s reply, but their laughter abruptly ceased when they surveyed their surroundings. The room was eerily familiar, yet it was brimming with the skeletons of ancient beings. The atmosphere was macabre, and if the skulls scattered about weren’t enough to see a shiver in both of them, the walls adorned in a mysterious dark goo did an excellent job.
Mariel gasped as she looked around and saw strange parasite-like worms slowly crawling on the floor.
“Eiiii!” Mariel desperately tried to keep herself away from such things. “W-what are those things?!”
Avnas quickly picked the girl up, bringing Mariel into her embrace. Quickly, the girl put her arms around Avnas's neck and began to take deep breaths, still terrified of what was around them.
“It’s alright, Mariel,” Avnas soothed the girl, but she herself was also nervous. Since then, she has begun to smell that horrific, putrid smell of before. Yet, this time, the scent, if Avnas could describe it, was beyond anything real.
The putrid and rancid smell that assaulted her nose in the palace was reminiscent of rotting meat and other repulsive things. However, this fragrance was on a whole other level of horrid. It possessed a sinister, living quality, exuding an aura of pure evil and decay. And that was coming from a Demon.
“I am scared! I want to go home!” Mariel sobbed as she could only hug Avnas tightly, and the white-haired woman could feel the tears running down her neck.
“This is not a good place. Let’s head back,” Avnas whispered, realising that whatever this place was, it was dangerous. However, before she could touch the green pillar again, She heard a set of cries for help from inside the halls of the giant tower.
Avnas recognised the voices. “They are here,” she muttered before dashing towards the screams.
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Lynas let out a piercing scream of frustration and fear as she felt the strange goo slowly enveloping her left arm and leg. The substance, which had previously seemed harmless, now felt like a parasitic creature that was determined to consume her. She struggled to break free, but the goo seemed to have a life of its own and was slowly pulling her towards it. The fear of being consumed by this strange substance made her heart race and her breath quicken. “Elian! Alex!” She screamed, and soon, a sword came crashing down. Elian was able to cut that thing and free her friend.
“Lynas, are you alright?!” Elian asked worriedly, as the half-elf could only take deep, shaky breaths.
“Y-yes!” She replied.
A loud screeching sound was heard, and from the end of the hall, they saw those creatures that had been chasing them since they arrived there coming at them.
They appeared as hunched beings with piercing, feral red eyes. Their resemblance to reptiles was uncanny, given their elongated mouths filled with razor-sharp teeth. The creatures’ skin bore a slimy appearance akin to the goo found on the floors and walls. What truly stood out was their peculiar, alien-like armour, which possessed an advanced quality. A peculiar radiance emanated from the pauldrons; these creatures even donned peculiar helmets. If one were to describe it, their armour was too beautiful and pure to be used by these monstrous creatures.
That was the case; maybe these creatures were pure a long time ago. But not anymore.
“They are coming!” Alex yelled as he waved his wand. “[Mana Surge]” He hissed. “Elian, Lynas, give me some time!”
Lynas picked up her bow and desperately began to shoot. “[Quickdraw] [Backstrenght] [Arms-strenght] F-fuck! I don’t have many arrows!” Lynas yelled, realising she was running low on arrows. Elian, on the other hand, stood protectively in front of them, using her sword to fend off the advancing creatures.”
“[Arms-strength] [Backstrength]” Elian whispered, as she observed one of the creatures wielding a long blade in place of an arm. What sort of creature is that?! She thought with a hiss before blocking the upcoming attack.
Elian was taken aback by the creature’s speed. It moved with fluidity and precision that suggested it was not attacking randomly. Each movement was calculated and purposeful as if it were always one step ahead of Elian. Despite this, Elian refused to let this creature get the best of her. Not now, of all times.
“[Piercing Edge]” Elian swung her sword, and to her surprise, it appeared to have damaged the creature extensively. At this point, Elian wasn’t sure if it was because of her strength or the sword Avnas gave her. Still, Elian began to swing her sword, blocking and slashing.
Those creatures were strong, fast, and intelligent but not indestructible.
“Elian, stand back!” Alex yelled, and Elian did so by quickly dashing away. Alex’s Mana veins were glowing inside him. He could feel more power rushing. “More!” He hissed before focusing on the group of monsters rushing towards them.
“[Nether Bolts] [Nine Guidance Lights]” Alex’s spell appeared to be even stronger than before. Each of the nine Nether bolts morphed into something bigger, striking that beast with tremendous speed. Those creatures shrieked loudly as their bodies began to melt. Yet, they were still alive.
“[Penetrating Edge] [Arrow-rain]” Lynas’s arrow multiplied into a dozen of the smallest projectiles, each one striking those creatures, battering them down to the ground.
“[Dash] [Precise Strike] [Double-edge]” Elian proceeded to eliminate those creatures, expertly wielding her master’s sword to slice them up individually. With each swing of her sword, she moved with astonishing speed.
Soon, silence came to the place. Only their shaky breaths were left to be heard.
“What were those things?!” Lynas whispered as she dared to get closer to the bodies on the ground. “I have never seen something like that before.”
“I don’t think anyone has seen something like that before, Lynas,” Alex replied, mumbling his words.
“Whatever they are, we must leave this place,” Elian whispered, her eyes glancing at the bodies on the ground. “But we must find Master Avnas first.”
“We don’t even know where she is,” Lynas mumbled and sighed, about to walk away from the bodies. To her surprise, something halted her in her tracks. It was those creatures they thought they killed.
The three of them stood in shock, watching as the beasts started to rise up. Their armour on them began to rebuild them, restoring their bodies. All the wounds inflicted by the three of them vanished.
Soon enough, they began to shriek loudly.
“Wh-what?!” Alex exclaimed before, and soon enough, from the end of the hall, more of those creatures arrived. This time, a dozen of them were rushing towards them.
“Run!” He yelled, and realising they could not defeat those things, they began to flee. But the speed of those creatures was too much for them.
“[Infernoblaze]” A voice echoed, and the three of them witnessed a fiery blaze encircling them. Surprisingly, the flames did not harm them but consumed the creatures pursuing them from behind.
Bewildered, their gaze shifted towards the source of the voice. In that brief moment, a glimmer of joy flickered across their faces upon seeing Avnas. However, that joy swiftly evaporated as they noticed certain distinctive traits.
“Finally, I found you! Are you all alright?” Avnas asked as she landed gracefully on her feet. Her dark wings stretched wide while her demonic tail swung behind her, and her two horns adorned her head. Initially, Lynas, Alex, and Elian were uncertain how to respond. Still, after a few moments, they recognised that the demon before them was Avnas.
“M-master Avnas?” Elian whispered, shocked.
Avnas nodded, acknowledging the gazes directed towards her. The onlookers seemed oblivious to the raging fire behind them, their attention solely fixated on her. This reaction was not unexpected, considering the prevailing animosity towards demons in their world.
“Yes,” Avnas replied with a stoic tone of voice. “I suspect you have questions.”
“Kaarthan, you’re a Kaarthan,” Lynas whispered, almost fearfully.
“Questions can wait for now,” Avnas said as she then waved her hand, and soon the fire vanished. “We have to leave this place.”
“You’re a demon,” Alex finally muttered as Avnas looked annoyed at their stares. Perhaps it was unfair for her to feel irritated. But she has been lying to them so far. So, with that in mind, she took a deep breath. Avnas was about to speak, but soon, the princess, still in Avnas’s embrace, spoke for her.
“She is a good demon!” Mariel exclaimed, still refusing to leave the safety of Avnas's arms. “S-she saved me! And help me to quiet the voices!”
It appeared that the group had not noticed the small girl, as one of Avnas’s wings shielded her from any harm that could arise from the fire. But they saw now the princess, clinging to Avnas’s neck, hugging the demon as if her life depended on her.
“The princess, have you survived?” Elian said, shocked, as the girl nodded.
“I found her in another tower,” Avnas replied as she brought the girl closer to her. Mariel sniffed, but she felt more protected now. “She was alone.”
“Another tower?” Alex asked, still unsure of how to feel about respecting Anvas, his master’s true nature.
“Yes,” Avnas replied, showing them the mark on the palm of her hand. “I’ve been using this for travelling.”
“What’s that?” Elian asked.
“What do you mean by travelling?” Alex added, not recognising the strange mark on Avnas’s palm.
Avnas couldn’t answer genuinely, and even if she tried to, they weren’t in a place where she could sit down and tell them the whole thing. “This is a long story.”
Avnas then looked at Lynas, who was gripping her bow tightly. Something was clearly bothering Lynas, perhaps even more than Alex and Elian.
“Lynas, if you want to say something, do it now,” Avnas said with a clear and unshaken voice. The coldness from it made Lynas frown as she stared back at those golden eyes of Avnas.
“There is nothing I wish to say to you,” Lynas replied in a snappy tone.
“Lynas!” Elian hissed back.
“What?! She is a demon, a Kaarthan! You think I can ignore it?!” Lynas snapped at the blue-haired girl.
“We can see that,” Elian said before glancing at Avnas. “But I trust her.”
“You trust her?” Lynas was dumbfounded.
“You trust me?” Avnas said while tilting her head. A bit surprised to hear that from Elian.
“Being from Alberam, I have different experiences and views than someone from Equidaeria. I never saw a demon in my life before I fought in the Hellfront,” Elian paused, taking a deep breath before speaking again. “Listen, I know she is a demon. However, she fought against demons alongside us in Riverfork. She saved a lot of lives and provided us with armour and weapons. Without her, we wouldn’t be alive.”
Elian had her own set of problems and unanswered questions. Still, at this moment, all she could do was believe that Avnas was genuinely different from the demons she faced at the Hellfront and Riverfork. That unwavering faith was her only option, the only thing she had.
Lynas looked troubled at those words. That was true; the only reason the explosion didn’t destroy them was the armour and rings Avnas gave them. Otherwise, they would’ve ended up like that crazy man. “I fought at the Hellfront, too,” she whispered. “I lost friends there and one sister.”
“I am sorry to hear that,” Avnas replied softly. “But I am not those demons.”
We are not those lowly demons. We are more! We’re Strong! We’re Powerful! The echoing voice twisted Avnas’s mind as she tried to push it away.
“No, you’re not,” Lynas glanced at her. “You’re an Ellbarien, an outlander. That would explain some things, at the very least.”
Lynas looked at her bow, the one given to her by Avnas. Honestly, her mind was a mess right now. The fact that she was in the Heavens was already enough to make her feel overwhelmed. None of her people has ever set foot in the so-called promised land where her gods should live. But now, looking around her, she sees those creatures attacking her. This place’s desolation and utter darkness had shaken Lynas’s belief to her core.
“I don’t know what’s going on anymore,” Lynas muttered. She would've lost her mind if she weren't someone with military expertise, as she was only thinking about survival right now.
Alex, who was looking at Avnas silently, was more practical in his approach. He only stared at Avnas, the one he had sworn an oath to, and asked her. “Would you have told us the truth about who you are?”
Avnas looked at him and nodded. “Yes.”
“The oath we took, Elian and I,” Alex whispered softly. “It gives you the power over us. We know what we did. I know what I gave up for whatever power I may find. But still. What would you do with us? Will you force us to do things we don’t want? Will you make us your slaves and use us to your whims?”
Avnas gazed intently at him, hoping that her eyes gave him a glimpse into her true intentions. “I’ll ask nothing of you or force you to do things you don’t want. Never.”
Avnas was once subjected to being treated like a slave, like something utterly worthless. However, she has no intention of reciprocating the same treatment towards others. Honestly, the only thing she ever wished for was something those three had already given her in some way. “The only thing I’d ever desire from both of you is something I already have.”
“And what’s that?” Elian asked as she approached her.
“Your trust and friendship,” Avnas stated, her words strangely calm.
Alex and Elian looked at each other for a short period of time. It was a slight glance, but they nodded to each other before looking at Avnas again.
“I believe you,” Alex stated calmly. “And it’s just like you say. Right now, it’s not the moment for questions that can wait later.”
“Shit, I’ll need something strong; ale or beer is not going to cut it,” Lynas whispered. “Well, what do we do now? How do we leave this place?”
Avnas hummed as she began to remember Albarien’s words. “I need to find an obelisk.”
“Like the one we found in the palace?” Alex asked.
“Yes, that is our way out of this place. Have any of you found one?”
The trio shook their heads.
“We arrived together—well, almost together. But we have been running away from those things,” Lynas pointed at the scorched creatures on the ground. “What even are these things? And why did they seem to be able to regenerate?”
“No clue, but it appears Master Avnas’s fire was enough,” Elian whispered.
“So it will seem,” Alex added. “Still, we have no idea where to go.”
Avnas shared the same thought; the idea of jumping from tower to tower didn’t seem like a viable plan. Additionally, they had to remain cautious about any potential threats lurking in their surroundings.
“The voices,” Mariel then whispered, earning the attention of everyone around her.
“The voices?” Avnas questioned the little girl. Mariel looked around, confused even, but then her hazel eyes glanced at Avnas’s golden eyes. “You heard them too. The whispers again.”
Avnas focused on the whispers; before, they wouldn’t have made sense to her. But now, Avnas could understand those whispers—at least what she could hear.
“What whispers are you talking about?” Alex looked at Avnas, who could only frown.
“The whispers I hear every time I am near an obelisk.”
The woman with white hair responded and started to trail the faint whispers. The three of them exchanged a quick glance before following Avnas. However, behind them, those creatures, or what was left of them, were being restored from the ashes by the evil sludge.
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The whispers guided Avnas through the winding corridors of the ancient tower. As she followed their ethereal voices, she came upon a magnificent sight—a lengthy bridge suspended high above the ground, connecting the main tower to a smaller, more mysterious structure. The whispers grew stronger, their words teasing her senses.
“Well, I’m thankful the clouds hide how far up we are,” Lynas mumbled as she gulped.
“Master Avnas, what is it?” Elian asked as Avnas focused on the whispers ahead of them.
“I understand them now,” Avnas replied with a surprised look on her face. “Let’s go.”
They carefully walked over the bridge and approached the next mysterious edifice. Avnas began to hear the voices in a more clear way.
SHE IS HERE! FIND US! THE ONE CARRYING OUR QUEEN’S SOUL!
WE COULDN’T STOP THEM! THEY ARE COMING!
THE PATH CANNOT BE DESTROYED!
OUR QUEEN CANNOT BE SLAIN! DESTROY THE CHAINS, SAVE THE QUEEN! THEY CAN’T TAKE HER!
THEY ARE HERE! THEY ARE COMING!
Avnas stopped, and Mariel looked at her for a few seconds. “W-what is it?” The little girl asked before everything around Avnas froze.
The speed at which Avnas moved was beyond what anyone could react to. That was because one of Avnas’s most powerful skills was activated. [No More Time] was a defence ability that, in Antherion, simply stunned all enemies around her, creating this sensation of time being stopped and allowing Avnas to buff herself, get items and weapons, or do anything she needed for a battle. However, the skill has now truly stopped time.
Avnas quickly put Mariel in Alex’s arms before casting a set of small buffs on the girl, just enough to protect Mariel from any damage. And some more. Then she turned around, and from her inventory, she pulled one of her primary weapons.
[Demogorgon Teeth] A red double-edged sword of pure dark steel. Soon, she saw her enemy.
If this creature can still move, even under [No More Time], it means he is above level 160. Mm, I can’t waste time-fighting him, or more will come. I must end this fast.
Avnas had a fleeting thought just before the countdown timer of [No More Time] reached its end. Suddenly, a massive metallic entity, standing at a towering height of approximately nine metres, descended onto the bridge, its colossal feet nearly obliterating it upon impact.
For the trio and the small princess, everything was so confusing. But for Avnas, it was not. She stood there, watching the enemy before her with intrigue.
At a quick glance, it seemed reminiscent of the creatures Avnas had slain—the peculiar silver armour, the glowing lights, and the grim and decaying skin. However, there was something different about this particular creature. It resembled a once pristine being that was then tainted and twisted by the malevolent substance that engulfed the entire tower. For Avnas, this being looked like an angelic alien that was corrupted by a parasite of sorts. A strange way to describe it, Avnas would think. But there was no other way to define it.
“Master Avnas!” Elian yelled as they all stared in shock at the creature before them.
“Stand back; this enemy is beyond any of you; go to the tower and wait for me. Keep Mariel safe.”
“L-Lady Avnas!” Mariel yelled as Alex carried the princess away. The bridge was way too long for them to waste time arguing.
Avnas then took a deep breath before a twisted smile appeared. “I wonder if you will drop something for me?” Avnas smirked before two more of those beings appeared, this time flying near the bridge.
“Three against one?” Avnas hummed. “Not enough for me.”
It has been a long time since she fought something that could withstand one hit. A part of her was enjoying the challenge. Those three beings were fast—truly fast. And their attacks, while they had no name, each carried a skill on itself. They were flying all over the place, fighting, clashing, at a speed hard to follow.
Each had a special lance of sorts, and the fact that they could block her [Demogorgon Teeth] meant that they could be above grade 14.
More! More, kill them, erase them, and let them see the difference in power! Avnas, for her part, finally agreed with her twisted side as she began to feel more adrenaline rushing inside her.
In no time, one of them directed his lance towards her, and a powerful beam of sorts emerged from its tip. It struck the white-haired demon, as it appeared that her defensive skills couldn’t block it for some reason. Yet, while feeling pain for the first time since she arrived in that world. Avnas simply smiled, causing the cracks in her sanity to gradually fade away.
The pain made her feel alive. It made her feel something in a twisted way. She loved it.
“[Catastrophe Slash],” Avnas swung her sword downwards, cleaving the sky and clouds in two. The towering angelic alien met instant annihilation, while the attack from Avnas also left the five-hundred-metre-tall tower on the opposite side of the bridge partially demolished.
“More!” Avnas yelled, her face morphing into something else.
The remaining two understood they were not a match for Avnas, and then they began to fly away. However, they were not retreating; they were waiting for something to match Avnas.
“What, leaving so soon? I am not even warming up; I can do more, so much more,” Avnas hissed dangerously, her eyes losing focus as her anger and sudden arrogance clouded her mind.
However, what stopped her were the sudden and very loud whispers.
HE IS COMING! ONE OF THEM!
A HARBINGER OF CORRUPTION!
ONE OF THE FALLEN ONES!
Avnas needed clarification on what it meant, but then, she sensed the mark of her hand burning.
Avnas, leave now. You cannot beat him here. Not in this place.
Avnas found herself shocked to hear Albarien’s voice resonating so clearly in her mind. As she tried to comprehend the significance of this, all of her passive skills, abilities, and even the power of her items and armour were suddenly activated. It became evident that she was now the target of a formidable attack.
From the sky, a ray of incredible power hit Avnas. Avnas hissed loudly, noticing the chunk of health missing.
“So, this is the Ender Boss of this place?” Avnas growled as her passive skills began to heal her automatically.
In Antherion, a World Devour, or as it was simply called by players, an Ender Boss, was a Raid Boss that could only be faced and possibly defeated by level 180 players. These types of formidable enemies often required numerous high-level players to have a chance to beat them; of course, there were times when one 180-player could achieve victory, but it required a lot of preparation and time. So, Avnas now realised that if this enemy were equal to an Ender Boss, it would not be an easy fight.
“But why can I hear Albarien’s voice inside my head now?” Avnas whispered, observing a peculiar creature descending from the sky. It appeared to be a distorted version of a celestial being as if something twisted had attempted to imitate the sacredness of an archangel but only succeeded in creating a parasitic form.
The creature stood at approximately ten metres in height, its arms replaced by appendages. Its six wings, made of flesh, were adorned with numerous eyes. Strikingly, the creature’s face bore a resemblance to the ones Avnas had observed on the walls—those blue-skinned individuals who shared similarities with Albarien.
“GIVE.YOURSELF.TO.US.DON'T.FOLLOW.THE.PATH.OF.THE.PRETENDERS.”
The voice that Avnas heard was distorted and robotic. Despite her initial reluctance, she realised that she had to take Albarien’s advice and act accordingly. However, before she could initiate any action, the creature attacked her again with the same beam. This time, Avnas noticed a large circle appearing behind the bizarre and grotesque alien.
“[Grand Dome of Protection] [Altlas Shield] [Abysmal Mirror]” Avnas quickly defended herself by setting three different sets of shields before her.
It appeared as though the combination of Avnas’s shields and the creature’s attack had unleashed a shockwave of such immense power that it seemed to have shattered a part of reality.
Avnas hissed but took the opportunity to retreat. She could not face an enemy of such calibre with those three and Mariel behind her. Besides, Avnas wasn’t one to simply go all in on the first try. She would retreat and prepare for the next time. Also, she needed to learn just what she was getting herself into.
As Avnas soared towards the petite tower, she caught sight of Lynas, Alex, and Elian sprawling on the ground as soon as she stepped inside. It seemed that the force of the shockwave had been powerful enough to knock them down.
“Lady Avnas!” Mariel sobbed as Avnas quickly flew towards the small girl and hugged her.
“It’s alright, we are leaving,” Avnas whispered as she saw the Obelisk before her. “Everyone up! Closer to me!”
The three of them stood up as fast as they could before rushing next to Avnas.
Quickly, Avnas, more Harbingers are arriving. Albarien’s voice echoed in Avnas’s mind, and She was a bit shocked at the fact that there was more than one of those creatures.
Avnas sensed another imminent attack. Wasting no time, she swiftly reached out and touched the Obelisk, just as she had done before. In an instant, all of them vanished, just in time to evade the destructive assault of twenty Harbingers.