Chapter 16

A torrent of images cascaded through Avnas's mind, one after another. They blurred together, making it difficult for her to discern what she was actually witnessing: a cacophony of voices, whispers, and screams accompanied by visions of both utter chaos and breathtaking beauty. It was the tale of a civilisation's birth and demise, a secret world that had remained unknown to all. But for Avnas, all was overwhelming.

Then, everything disappeared, and before long, she found herself in a vast white room that felt oddly familiar. Afraid of what might happen next and determined to avoid feeling vulnerable again, she nervously looked down at herself. To her immense relief, her human form was nowhere to be seen.

"I thought you'd be happy to be in this form."

Avnas quickly glanced at the small figure standing in front of her. It was Albarien, but something seemed off about her appearance. She looked quite different from what Avnas had seen on the walls of that ancient tower. This version of Albarien was rather petite and wore peculiar, tight black clothes that appeared to be a part of her skin. She had short bob hair and two sets of blue eyes that gave the impression of almost being LED lights by the way they glowed. Still, overall, it perfectly matched her blue skin and hair.

Albarien's expression, however, remained devoid of any emotion. No flicker of joy, hate, surprise, or fear graced her impassive face. It was as if Albarien possessed a flawless poker face, revealing nothing to the world. It was disconcerting, to say the least.

"Is that you, Albarien?" asked Avnas, tilting her head as the small girl looked up in confusion.

"Yes, it is me. Who do you think I am?" asked Albarien. Avnas raised an eyebrow at the peculiar sound of Albarien's voice as if two people were speaking at once.

"You don't look like the person in the paintings, and you sound different from last time," Avnas remarked, noticing Albarien's unchanged facial expression. The blue-haired girl hummed deeply as she looked around the vast, empty space.

"I told you. I gave you a small piece of myself," Albarien replied, presenting herself to Avnas with a hint of mockery as she gracefully bowed before her. "This is all that is left of me."

Avnas approached the small girl, scoffing as she noticed that the girl was only slightly taller than Mariel herself. Albarien stared up at her, and while her face was emotionless, there was something inside those blue eyes of hers that almost dared Avnas to say something about her height.

"All that's left of you, you say. So, does that mean you're dead?" Avnas inquired, causing a flicker of emotion to finally surface on Albarien's face. It was evident that Avnas's question had struck a nerve, leaving Albarien feeling insulted or hurt. Still, Albarien sighed deeply, realising that there was no point in arguing the truth.

"In order to prevent the Lodflesh from entering Haven, I had to utilise the remainder of my strength and seal the conduit for the final time," Albarien softly murmured, her voice tinged with a mix of sorrow and fondness.

"Lodflesh?" Avnas asked in a confused tone of voice. "That's the name of those creatures?"

"Yes. You saw the dark goo and the parasites, didn't you? How it had a life of its own. It kills, consumes, and controls all it touches. The beings you witnessed were merely casualties of a much larger threat."

"A threat big enough to make you sacrifice your life? Are they that dangerous?" Avnas asked, wishing to know more about that mysterious enemy. However, Avnas wasn't expecting Alberien to lose her temper over such a question. In response, Albarien hissed at her, discarding her emotionless facade.

"You have no idea of what I've seen! Of what the Lodflesh can do!" Albarien snarled back. "My people fought the Lodflesh for thousands of years! All of our realms! Across the vast celestial body, gone! Destroyed, corrupted, to the last stone and building!"

Albarien's face contorted in anger. Yet, amidst the fury, Avnas discerned a profound sense of remorse lingering in Albarien's eyes as if an invisible weight burdened her soul.

"I tried everything! All of my power, but nothing worked! I—!" Albarien's eyes welled up with tears, filled with regret and anger, directed not towards the Lodflesh but towards herself. Her guilt stemmed from her inability to rescue her people, the ones she had pledged to protect. "I failed them. All of them."

Albarien sat huddled on the ground, tightly embracing her knees. Avnas, in a daze, could only stare as she listened to Albarien's words and witnessed her distress. This was the second time Avnas had seen a young girl cry, though Albarien was different from Mariel. It was difficult for Avnas to ignore such a heartbreaking scene without taking action. Truth be told, Avnas had a soft spot for children in her heart, especially those who had suffered since she had been one herself a long time ago.

Avnas gently patted Albarien's head, slowly stroking her blue hair. "It's not your fault. You did everything and more," Avnas whispered softly. Not knowing if her words were helpful at all. But Albarien said nothing.

Albarien remained in that position, concealing her face from Avnas, for several minutes before finally rising and gently brushing away Avnas's hand. "For a supposed Demon Empress, you're soft," Albarien stated, returning to her emotionless face, much to the amusement of Avnas.

"I have a soft spot for children."

"It appears you have mistaken me for one, then," Albarien replied, her voice laced with a cold tone. However, for Avnas, hearing such a voice coming from someone as petite as Albarien was rather amusing.

"Of course," Avnas only replied, with a big smirk on her face before it faded away. "You spoke about a conduit and a haven. What are those things?"

Before explaining it to Avnas, Albarien sighed and took her time to choose her words carefully. "Haven is the world you arrived at—the last world of my people, left untouched by the Lodflesh. The conduit is, well, you've heard people calling it the Heavens or the Beyond. The truth is that it's a pathway, a crossroad to many locations, including the thousands of realms my people once held. You only saw a small part of the conduit. The one that linked all of Haven's obelisks together."

"Pathway? Crossroads? Are you saying that your people could travel to other worlds?" Avnas asked, stunned at what Albarien said. "Like teleporting?"

"In simple terms, yes," Albarien replied.

Avnas took her time to process the information; comprehending or accepting what Albarien was saying was a challenge. However, she acknowledged that her situation was unique, to the point where Avnas had to take some of Albarien's proclamations at face value. Even if she didn't like what she heard or had problems believing it. Avnas trusted her eyes, and what she saw there in the conduit was hard to dismiss. But then again, that doesn't mean she trusted this strange being. There was simply too much to think about, too much to question, and Albarien had yet to answer any of that.

"Have others entered the conduit before?" Avnas asked, and Albarien nodded.

"Yes."

"Those who came before me? Other Players?" Avnas asked, and Albarien shook her head.

"No, you're the first one of the Players who has ever entered the conduit. The others who entered were the Althos and the Elthien kings and queens. They forced their way into the conduit thousands of years ago, believing it would give them immortality or godhood. Their arrogance and hubris caused the Lodflesh to find them. I am still trying to find out how they could achieve it. But their stupidity caused me a lot of problems," Albarien hissed annoyingly.

"What do you mean?" Avnas asked.

“You must understand that even after my people fell and my empire was destroyed, I was left to battle the corruption of Lodflesh alone. Trapped within the conduit itself, I fought tirelessly to resist its influence, concealing fragments of the conduit and sealing off entire worlds to ensure the Lodflesh would never discover them. However, everything changed when a group of Althos's kings and queens entered the conduit and started unlocking the pathway, opening the doors to other realms. Then, the Elthien followed. And soon both sides were waging a war not only on Haven but in the conduit too."

Albarien's voice reflected one of a person, utterly exhausted and angry at the memories of the past. "Their arrogance, their stupidity brought the Lodflesh's attention."

“And you killed them?” Avnas questioned, wondering if she would decipher what happened to those so-called gods she had heard so much about.

"No. I closed the conduit with them inside. Their fate, at least as far as I am concerned, is unknown. But I wouldn't lose sleep thinking about it. The Lodflesh is a vicious animal. If they were killed by it, they got off easy."

Well, Lynas is not going to be glad to hear about it. Avnas thought, almost amused.

"I see, that's quite a lot of information. Perhaps more than what I initially thought," Avnas's words made Albarien frown deeply. "But is it true? All of what you've said to me?"

"You don't believe me," Albarien said with a matter-of-fact tone of voice.

"Would you, if you were in my position?" Avnas asked Albarien back, and the blue-haired being hummed deeply.

"I see your point," Albarien replied surprisingly honestly, realising Avnas's position.

"Also, there are many things you haven't told me. I can see it. You're hiding things," Avnas's voice grew cold as she stared into Albarien's eyes.

"Of course, I'm not telling you all," Albarien replied stoically. "But it doesn't matter. You need to help me."

Avnas could feel her temper rising as she locked eyes with the small, blue-skinned girl. Despite Avnas's intense glare, the girl appeared unfazed, as if completely unaffected by Avnas's irritation.

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"Oh, and why would I do that?" Avnas questioned, almost growling.

"Because if you don't, all of us will die. It's as simple as that," Albarien calmly responded, her gaze fixed on Avnas. Those piercing blue eyes only served to irritate her further. "So, as you can see, we share the same fate."

"Fate, you say? I call it coercion," Avnas mocked angrily. But Albarien, unbothered, crossed her arms and gave Avnas a disdainful look. "I am starting to see your true colours," Avnas continued, to which Albarien responded with a loud scoff.

"What? You believed I brought you into this world just so you could live happily ever after? So you could roam and be free? Do not be so naive, little human," Albarien stated, her tone dripping with mockery, revealing a dark and malicious side to Avnas.

Avnas's face started to change shape, her eyes glowing with an intensified brightness. Her horns became more pronounced, embodying her demonic essence, which manifested right before Albarien. The small, blue-skinned girl, however, remained unfazed, calmly observing Avnas without so much as a flinch.

"Are you truly throwing a tantrum?" Alberien questioned in a joking manner, almost as if Avnas's anger provided with entertainment.

"I spent my life being controlled by others and being a victim. I swore I would never be one again," Avnas hissed; her voice no longer sounded female. It was of a rabid animal, who wished nothing but to rip her enemy apart.

Albarien gazed at Avnas for a brief moment, her eyebrows arching in surprise as she observed Avnas gradually morphing into a demonic being before her eyes.

"Perhaps not a little human anymore," Albarien chuckled in amusement.

"Why should I listen to you? Why should I just not kill you now?" Avnas threatened, her voice polluted with venom, as she stared down at Albarien.

"That would be a bad idea," Albarien replied, a sudden smirk on her face. "I truly meant it when I said we share the same fate."

Albarien then waved her hand and revealed that she possessed the same symbol as Avnas. "We share the same life now. If you die, I die. If I die, you die as well."

"I don't believe you," Avnas hissed at her, as Albarien now looked angry as well.

"Why would I lie about that?" Albarien asked back, not feeling intimidated by Avnas's size and power at all.

"You tell me. You hide the truth. You said it yourself! You lie and hide the truth. You conceal your true nature, what you truly want. I've seen people like you before! Liar!" Avnas yelled, her demonic form now towering over a very small Albarien, who had to look yet fearful of Avnas.

"Then go ahead and do it! I have no more power! No way to defend myself against you. Kill me now and discover for yourself if I didn't speak the truth. Do you honestly believe I have anything left to lose? You clearly don't comprehend the depths of my desperation! You haven't experienced the complete annihilation of everything you hold dear as I have! You haven't witnessed what I have endured! For thousands of years, I fought in a war that I was destined to lose. For thousands of years, I had to walk over the skulls of my people while I dreamed of their last moments over and over again! Your threats hold no power over me!" Albarien retorted defiantly, her eyes locked into Avnas's golden eyes. Both were not saying much.

"Do it, and end this charade then, Avnas," Albarien hissed dangerously but with a trace of acceptance and melancholy. Avnas only stared at her for a few seconds before losing all control.

"ARGHH!" Avnas roared loudly.

Avnas was so overwhelmed with frustration that it took over her body, and she let out a scream that sounded more like a cry for help, of resentment and pain. She had just seen the truth in Albarien's eyes. They were now linked together in a way that went beyond a simple physical connection. They shared the same mind, soul, and body, all of which was causing Avnas great distress. The thought of being so intimately bound to another being, especially one like Albarien, was not a pleasant thought.

As Avnas was thrashing around, screaming in frustration, Albarien began to take deep breaths.

"Avnas," Albarien spoke, trying to get Avnas's attention, but the white-haired woman only glared at her.

"Silence! I don't even want to hear your voice!" Avnas snarled at Albarien, who simply sighed.

Avnas started punching the imaginary walls of her mind, desperately seeking an outlet for her frustration in the vast white room that lacked a punching bag for her. Meanwhile, Albarien remained seated on the floor, observing the unfolding spectacle.

It took a while, but Avnas finally calmed down, and her form shifted back to normality. But frustration was still evident on her face.

"Are you finished punching your imaginary walls? It's amusing to watch."

Avnas sneered at Albarien, but then the blue-skinned girl raised her hands and spoke calmly. "I'm sorry for what I said earlier," Albarien apologised sincerely. It was clear that she genuinely wanted to help Avnas understand why she was so desperate for assistance. "But, I want you to understand what is at stake here."

Avnas shook her head; she was still angry, but snapping again wouldn't help her at all. But it didn't mean she was happy. "I told you, I don't like being controlled by people."

"Maybe, but the moment you came to this world, there was only one outcome," Albarien answered, not trying to antagonise Avnas anymore. "You fought against a Harbinger. You saw the power one had. Maybe you could defeat one. Maybe two, but they are just the tip of the iceberg, as they say. There are things far more powerful than you will ever imagine. Suppose the Lodflesh invades this world. There is no place to run anymore. I really need you to understand this."

Avnas took a deep breath before she stared at Albarien. "And tell me, how could I defeat an enemy you could not defeat? You're supposed to be a god to your people, right? What makes you believe I have more of a chance than you?"

"Because you're something the Lodflesh has never encountered before," Albarien pleaded, his voice filled with desperation. "The Lodflesh devours everything in its path but also uses it to evolve. By the time we realised what was happening. It became immune to our power, to my power. We could only slow it down. We tried everything!"

Avnas furrowed her brow, a sudden realisation dawning upon her. "Hold on. Do you mean to say you don't know how to defeat this Lodflesh?"

Avnas questioned, and judging by Albarien's expression, she was right.

"Like I said, you're something the Lodflesh hasn't encountered," Albarien replied faint-heartedly.

"That's not addressing the question," Avnas hissed, frustration evident in her voice. "How can you possibly expect me to defeat Lodflesh when neither you nor your people were able to?"

"Because you came from a game," Albarien replied quickly.

"What do you mean?" Avnas asked, confused.

"Did you really think I called you for nothing? There's a reason why I called players to aid me. The settings of a game are not logical to this world or to any world. You can still access Antherion's settings, level up, and do things beyond the game's limits and this world's limits. The Lodflesh hasn't seen anything like you before; your power is alien to him. You're an outlier; think of it as a cheat code. That's our advantage, and we must use it before it's too late."

Avnas gazed at Albarien, contemplating her emotions towards the situation. It was true that Lodflesh posed a threat to her, even though she didn't fully trust Albarien. Now, she found herself in a predicament where she had to make the optimal choice for her own survival. Avnas truly had no other choice since it was just like Albarien said. Since she came to this world, there was only one thing she could do now.

"And how, tell me, are we going to do that?" Avnas asked, hoping that Albarien had at least an idea in mind. Yet, the blue-skinned girl's answer was not one she expected, or maybe Avnas did, but hoped to be wrong.

"I don't know," Albarien whispered.

"You don't know?" Avnas remarked, baffled.

"Yet," Albarien added with a nervous cough.

"This is a great start," Avnas muttered.

"I have a few theories and ideas. I am not empty-handed," Albarien replied as Avnas scoffed.

"So you have nothing?" Avnas replied.

"I'll be honest, I never thought I'd make it this far," Albarien responded, softly mumbling each word. "But before you came into this world, I had completely lost hope. You're the only one of the players to ever listen to me or reach out to me. And still, it may not be enough to stop the Lodflesh. But if we can trust each other, I'm sure we can find a way. I just need time, that's all."

Avnas paused, inhaling deeply as she carefully pondered everything she had heard thus far. Did she truly believe every word Albarien had told her? Answering that question proved difficult. Avnas placed her trust in what she had witnessed and personally experienced. She knew without a doubt that the Lodflesh were genuine and posed a genuine threat to her. However, Albarien's transparency and honesty were not entirely convincing. It was evident that she was hiding more from Avnas.

"I still don't trust you," Avnas declared, and Ablarien nodded, sighing deeply.

"I know," Albarien replied, sounding beaten by Avnas's earned mistrust.

"But, if what you say is true, then we need to work together," Avnas stated, watching how Albarien's shoulder seemed to have relaxed when she spoke those words. "However, if you're keeping more information hidden, don't expect me to follow you or even call you a friend."

"I understand, Avnas."

Avnas then sighed before looking around her. "Now, what?"

Albarien hummed before smiling at her. "Now you arrive."

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Before long, Avnas found herself in a state where it seemed like the entire world had disappeared. Suddenly, she felt a sensation of falling rapidly before it stopped. The vision of the Albarien standing in front of her vanished, and as if she were waking up from a dream, she opened her eyes.

Avnas surveyed her surroundings and discovered that they were inside a cave, a damp and chilly one. However, there was a glimmer of hope as she could spot a faint light ahead, indicating they were not completely trapped. Before long, the air was filled with groans from Elian, Alex, and Lynas. Their heads were spinning, and their stomachs were in turmoil. Unfortunately, the little princess was also afflicted by the same unpleasant sensation while clinging tightly to Avnas's arms.

"Alright, speak if you are alive," Avnas exclaimed as she helped the princess stand up.

"I feel hungover," Lynas mumbled, slowly rising up.

"You had your feet in my mouth, Elian," Alex grumbled.

"Sorry!" Elian replied.

Avnas breathed a sigh of relief as she observed that none of them seemed to be injured. "There's an exit; unless all of you wish to stay here, let's move out."

Avnas held Mariel's hand tightly as they walked through the dark tunnel. Mariel was afraid, but Avnas stayed with her. The rest of the group followed behind, and after about ten minutes of walking, they emerged from the cave. It seemed that the obelisk that brought them back was buried deep beneath the mountain.

But the fresh air and the view back to their world were a relief for them.

"Where are we exactly?" Elian asked as they all watched a large plain before them—nothing but grass and a few small elevations.

"I don't know, but I'm glad we are out of that place," Lynas sighed as she sat on the ground.

"How much time has passed?" Alex whispered.

"A few hours, perhaps?" Lynas muttered.

"A-are we lost now? I will never see home again?" Mariel whispered fearfully as she looked at Avnas with teary eyes. Avnas gently cleaned the tears off Mariel's cheeks and smiled at the girl.

"Don't worry, I will make sure you go home," Avnas smiled.

"So, you're a Kaarthan. A demon," Lynas spoke, and now everyone stared at her. "You don't behave like one."

"Sorry for the disappointment you must feel," Avnas drawled, her golden eyes simply staring at Lynas. "Is my true nature going to be a problem for you, Lynas?"

Lynas quietly muttered something in Elven while she fiddled with the soil, attempting to gather her thoughts before speaking.

"I don't even know anymore," Lynas sighed tiredly. "There's a lot in my mind still. I don't know what to believe anymore."

"I understand," Avnas replied, a hint of amusement in her voice as she realised she could comprehend Lynas's concern.

"What even were those things?" Lynas asked. "I've never seen something like that before! It feels wrong! Evil!"

"They are called Lodflesh," Avnas answered, and they all stared at her in confusion.

"Lodflesh?" Alex mumbled. "Those creatures are called Lodflesh?"

Avnas seemed troubled, unsure of where to start. She had a lengthy tale to share and was doubtful if anyone would find it believable. In fact, Avnas herself found it hard to believe.

"Master Avnas," Elian approached. "What do you know?"

Avnas scratched her chin, pondering where she should start.

"It's quite the story."