[Book II Chapter 68] ROSE: Dark Heritage
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Seven days ago the broken ruins of a castle had embedded themselves in the crater wall of Ground Zero, half a mile up. In the deepest courtyard, among toppled towers and collapsed fortifications, a giant skull was carved into the rock face. The dungeon’s entrance would appear in its maw.
Rose glanced about at the dozens of teams assembled around her before turning to her Mentor, “Will you be okay while I am gone?”
“Certainly,” Roxanne answered in usual layed back manner, “I’ll be helping defend Messanic to keep myself busy.”
This heightened Rose’s anxiety. “I thought you only had a couple of fights left in you.”
She’d no intention of intention of letting her mentor pass on and had spent much of the last week in research. This weariness of the soul had no easy cure. Many texts advised impractical decade-long treatments of some type or another. Miracle seeds were the only proven instant-remedy, and even then it took several of them.
Roxanne chuckled. “That’s against opponents of Quazon’s level. Small fries don’t count.”
“What if the Revenants show up?” Rose pressed.
“If they do, I’ll let other immortals take the lead.” Roxanne reassured her.
“The Red Hound is apparently quite strong.” Dawn chimed in, oblivious to the undertones of the conversation.
Her sister was in an excellent mood. Not only was this expedition a perfect chance to display her prowess, but Rose was here to witness it on behalf of her other siblings. When we get together after this, I just know she’ll make *me* tell them all about it.
“Fancy meeting you here.” Elliot Watson called out before they could respond to Dawn. In his usual impeccable attire, the immortal butler walked over.
If he’s here, that must mean… Rose searched around.
“Cindy is out of view in the far corner.” Elliot revealed. I wonder who she found to accompany her.
Zentria and Carol stopped chatting and joined them. “It’s an honor to finally meet the Lord of Ruin.” Zentrias bowed.
Elliot smiled. “That’s not the title I’m know for these days.”
“My affinity is also destruction, so it’s the one I value most.” Zentrias explained.
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Rose appraised their leader in his outfit of layered black leather. Dawn vouched for the man, which spoke volumes for his ability. Whatever he’d done in the Nolfis Underground had earned her respect, a feat she found incomprehensible.
“So you’re the team Yuria put together…” Elliot smirked. “Did she brief you on what you’ll be up against or did she simply throw you to the wolves?”
“The grandmaster is very busy. Besides, I don’t believe anyone knows what dangers we’ll face.” Zentrias spoke defensively.
Elliot shook is head. “I’m referring to the human opponents you’ll be squaring off against.”
He gestured around. “Most major powers have sent representatives after the spoils here: Aery, the Grey Kingdom, Garnen and Remnant… Even the knights of Oranda are represented.”
“As is the White Mountain.” Elliot pointed to a group in white armor. “Those paladins are the only ones from the Northern Empire. The internal strife continues there, and Samuel Lithorn has convened the Bloodstone Order to address the questions about his leadership. The outcome of that gathering will shape history.”
“Is his rule over?” Rose asked. She held a strong grudge over her averted death in the Blood Arena.
“While there is enormous pressure for a graceful exit, I am loathed to make a prediction. That man isn’t someone who’ll accept fading away quietly.”
“Anyway, you should focus on your immediate foes.” Elliot pointed to the leaders of three teams who were deep in discussion. Two wore Xarst’s black.
“The necromancers are Raphael Lange and Alana Mason. They’re suspected of being——”
“——In league with Torak’s disciples.” Rose finished coldly. She hadn’t expected to see that handsome face again so soon.
Elliot nodded. “However, the one to watch out for is the man they are talking too. Stannis Gilron is a famous mercenary who is practically an immortal in terms of strength. He’ll present a most formidable obstacle.”
“What makes him so dangerous?” Rose asked.
“Stannis has been selling his services for decades, reinvesting all his profits in himself, acquiring a supreme martial art and legendary gear. He would’ve reached the wall long ago if not for his greedy nature. He only takes risks when well-paid.”
“His long career has earned him an infamous Sublime Vagary called ‘Ruthless Efficiency’. The passive gives a well-rounded increase to his abilities, and the activation amplifies his effectiveness against weaker opponents. To leverage its potential, he’s known to make use of wish seeds in fights.”
“He wastes those for temporary boosts in power?” Zentrias appeared shocked.
Elliot shrugged. “He’s more a mercenary than an adventurer. Achieving his objectives is paramount.”
“Anyway, if you run up against him, you’ll need this.” Elliot held out a dried shell, and Rose felt an otherworldly magic from within. “It’ll allow one of you to stand up to him despite his ability.”
“Shouldn’t you give this to Cindy?” Rose objected.
“I already did, but she would only accepted one.” Elliot grinned. “Hence I have an extra.”
“I’ll take it then.” Dawn snatched the gift. “I promise to put it to good use.” She’s already determined to battle Stannis.
A thunderous rumbling echoed throughout the courtyard. The rock under the skull crumbled away to reveal a dim passageway from which strode out a shapely black-haired woman.
“I, Anna Sorelli, welcome you to Dark Heritage, Enera’s latest saint-level dungeon.” She announced. “Inside lie prizes the HEVENLY DAO has left untouched for two millennia: artifacts collected from fallen heroes, Sola’s combat armor and blackwood staff, instruments of war she crafted, and much more. While invaluable, be warned they are well-guarded.”
She motioned to the skull above. “As you can tell, undead wander within. If you don’t understand the peril they represent, you shouldn’t be here.”
“Best fortune, you’ll need it.” She finished and vanished.