Hey guys....It's been a while. Sorry it took so long to get this chapter to ya but I've been pretty busy and also really trying to hash out the next arc properly before getting it started. These next two chapters will have a lot of world building, backstory, and character developments but not a whole lot will happen in this chapter.

A lot of this chapter is is kind of in Valis head preparing for things. Vali realizes the only way they won is due to their preparation and he's starting to realizing him being overly cautious and preparing for what'd to come is the reason they're even alive now.

The next chapter will be released tomorrow and while there are only 2 chapters....This one is around 40K and the next is close to 60K.

I'll never make chapters this long again I just really needed to get a lot of this info out there. The pacing of the story will change soon now that they are out of the dungeon. MY chapters will now be around 15-25K. I'm also looking for more editors so msg me with a bit about yourself and your email.

Thank you to all my readers who have stuck around and waited patiently. Getting to watch and follow Vali during his constant walk on the brink of madness in this cruel world. BUt soon we will learn a lot more about him and develop him and the surrounding cast. Whenever I go back and re write and clean all the past chapters to put this all into a book hopefully the chapters will naturally become split but right now is obviously just testing things out.

***Slight Changes: A reader had mentioned something that got me thinking. Ari's speech will slightly be changed for a short time to show her learning the Human Language some. I won't have to go back and change much as most of her talking is through Vali's POV and he can simply understand completely so it won't be that much change at all. I just feel since she's only been there for a couple weeks learning she shouldn't have it completely down yet....Just think of it as during Cassandra's POV when they first entered the cabin and that's usually how others hear and perceive Ari's words...

Hope you all enjoy and don't forget to leave a long comment about your theories or what you enjoyed about any particular part of the story...Thanks again and see ya tomorrow....

PS: something's up with the donation tab for right now. Rrl said they put it back on for me but now it's been taken off. I told them a few days ago I was editing it and now it's been taking off. So I guess Ill see whatsup with that.

Book 2 - Chapter 1: A Long Road Ahead....   

"The road to Hell is paved with good intentions...."   

- Unknown    

Vali's POV:   

"And what happened next Kayle?" - Kaylan   

"Yah, how does the story end?" - Hayden   

"Well, they lived happily ever after of course."    

"Mmm that’s a really amazing story. Do you think I could become a princess like that someday?" - Kaylan   

"Yah and if she can be a princess I want to be the cool Hero who came in and saved the Kingdom." - Hayden    

Their big blue eyes looking back up to me, showing both eagerness and excitement. I continued to tuck her in as both my siblings were looking back to me from their beds.     

"I think you already have the looks to pull off the whole princess thing, but I think you both can be anything you set your mind to. Kaylan, I think you should aim higher than just a princess. You're far too cute..."   

"...." - Kaylan   

My sister’s eyes widened and had a large smile on her face as she slowly closed her eyes.   

"Even me? I mean on a count of all my seizures, the kids at school said I couldn't ever play sports with them. Even the gym teachers said I probably shouldn't ever join in during class." - Hayden   

Hearing my little brother solemnly ask, if it was possible for him to become anything he set out to be. He’d heard so much from all those around him on his inabilities as even the doctors advised him against doing any strenuous activities.    

I turned around and walked over to the bed and patted his head  to assure his young but eager heart.   

"Everyone in their life are given trials and obstacles that they can choose to overcome or not. Regardless of what anyone ever tells either of you.... I believe if you want to be a Hero, something so small like that won't ever matter in the end.... And even if you fail sometimes it doesn't mean it's game over.... And I'll always be here even if ya do.”   

"....Heh, thanks Kayle."  - Hayden   

"Anytime, bro..."    

I tucked in my little brother and could see he was slowly going to fall asleep at any moment now with a smile on his face.   

"Thanks for always being there for us Kayle...." - Kaylan   

"Yah...you’re a really good....big....brotherrr..." - Hayden 

I could hear Hayden was slowly drifting off, so I stood up to leave.   

"Kayle...Can I ask you something?" - Kaylan   

As I shut off the lamp and was just about to leave, I hear the whispers of my little sister calling out to me.    

As I turned around, I saw a bright yellow and orange radiance engulfing Kaylan as she was lying on her bed. The image of my little sister fully immersed in flames as her skin started to melt away only brought me a sense of horror.   

I rushed towards her but she didn't make any movements of pain or discomfort. With a solemn voice, she stared back at me with her half-melted body and spoke.   

"Why couldn't you have been there for us like you were for them? Why did you let us die?" -Kaylan   

"No...I ... I...I tried..."    

I couldn’t stop trembling at this horrifying scene in front of me.   

"Then why did you let us die. Why couldn't you have been there for us? Why did you let those demons roast us alive, watching…doing nothing?" - Kaylan   

As the flames devoured most of her face, the now burnt corpse of my sister changed so drastically right in front of me. I tried to reach out but the flames were simply so hot it felt unbearable. I looked towards Hayden and I now saw a half-mutilated corpse lying in place of my sleeping little brother.   

“Huooo....”   

I tried to hold back my vomit and force it back down.   

My lips started quivering as I couldn't bear the excruciating sight lying before me. I turned back and now Kaylan's corpse was looking back at me with smoke still rising from her charcoaled flesh. The stench was so excruciating, it paralyzed me just from a whiff alone.   

"You've killed so many just to save us. But what have you become? What have you DONE?!"" - Kaylan   

As she pointed with her now bony finger, I turned my head and saw countless corpses of all those who have fallen by my hand. I saw the limbless corpse of Laxus staring back wide-eyed at me. Blood only continued to flow out of his open mouth. All over the room where the bodies of the humans, Annunakes and elves I had brutally killed. 'But... It was necessary...I had to...'   

"Even the farmer had to be killed? You’re a MURDERER! ...With all the power you've given up your humanity for, you couldn't have been there for us!" - Kaylan   

'......'   

I couldn't stop shaking. I dropped to my knees as I’m familiar with these nightmares, but each nightmare was different, never the same.... I relived a happy scene with those I cherished the most in this world....Only to be reminded of my failure..... My loss....   

Kaylan's body then turned to ash in front of me and fell off the bed to the floor next to my knees.   

I couldn't stop trembling.    

"AhhhhhHHHH!!!!!" - Laxus   

"Please....Please don't do this!" - Yuri Elliot   

"Sto...Ngnnahhghg...ahgadgahsdg....." - Diaga   

 ”Ahahaahah!!!” - Jhenson 

"Hel...help me.....big.....bro..ther..." -Kaylan   

The room was now empty......and I was alone again... Alone with my thoughts...Surrounded by the sounds of endless screams....My lips couldn't stop shaking and I felt just like I did that night my whole life turned for the worst....I was powerless.   

Rattle....Rattle...   

Rattle...   

Within the endless sounds of rattling chains I couldn't move....I couldn't save them.....   

'No.....'   

"Why couldn't you save us?!!!!" - Kaylan   

The image of Kaylan covered in hell fire appeared just in front of my face and it felt like my whole heart was about to erupt out from my chest.    

"NO!"   

I jolted and shook opening my eyes. There I was in a completely different place. The room was gone.... Now I was sitting in the same place I was just before I fell asleep.... ‘I’m in the Annunakes’ mansion... I was waiting for my mother to finish getting dressed when...I guess I must have dozed off.’   

"Oh...Alpha, are you alright?" - ?   

I turned and kneeling only a few paces in front of me are 5 young Annunake females sitting on their knees with their heads lowered. The one who spoke however had her head raised and was looking back at me. Her face is familiar, but I swore I never met her before. The left side of her hair was buzzed short while the right side had medium length white hair that came down the back of her neck in a medium-length braid.       

She like all of the other Annunakes had bright silver eyes and bright white hair. As I scanned my surroundings, I understood what happened. I was dreaming just now...'It was so real this time...Even the smell....'    

I felt a swift, soft brush against my arm and looked down to find Ari staring right back at me with her big brown eyes....I couldn't help but smile just at the sight of her. I really thought I lost her today...    

I guess she must have found me sleeping here and crawled up to do the same. She probably smelled me. Hard to believe she and my mother found their way here just from memorizing my scent... ‘...We would’ve all probably died if it wasn’t for her.’   

I smiled down at her and brushed her hair with my hand and she stayed quiet looking back up at me and wagging her small tail. My mother had also fallen asleep beside me with Aurora and Daisy still fast asleep on her lap. They both fit on one of her legs each. The couch however is quite overcrowded at the moment not due to this but simply due to my mother's large fox tails. Now that she has 5, they are starting to take up quite a bit of room, but they are working like fluffy pillows for everyone to rest their heads. ‘Hmph, she always did that for me too. ‘

I brushed my mom’s hair away from her mouth thanking God she had too survived today's fight..... 

She and Ari are now wearing some strange white robes with golden thread. They almost look like a yukata, but much shorter.   

I then realized I haven't responded to the Annunake in front of me and then looked back to answer her.   

"I'm fine...Just... Hah....bad dream....Ah, how long was I out?"    

One of the other Annunake girls then looked up and spoke.   

"Only for a few hours Alpha. We were instructed to not wake you."    

This Annunake looked rather young. Maybe 16 or 17 but even while kneeling I can tell she like all the other Annunakes are probably taller than me. She has a thin frame much like the other Annunakes next to her. However the one who spoke previously to this one actually looks kind of familiar....Her legs are rather thick and muscularly toned coming out of a white ceremonial robe. While she also has a larger waist, she oddly pulls off the strange hair style.   

"Are you related to Grayfia?"    

The girl with the odd haircut then smiled and nodded in response.   

"Yes Alpha. She is my older sister. Though my battle strength may not be as high as my sister’s, you mustn't worry about the safety of your family as I guarantee their lives with my own." - ?   

"That is incorrect Lord Alpha... Za Za is equally as strong as her sister Grayfia. She is simply not a Moonlight Warrior like the rest of the Alpha Candidates. She chose the path of the Moonlight Guardian and has just as high a number of accomplishments as her sister’s." - Annunake  

The young Annunake then spoke up and I nodded.    

It was still kind of weird how these wolves are starting to treat me. It is like a complete 180 turn to their prior behavior.

I could chalk it all up to the duel and them having a completely different culture than humans, but it’s still quite strange.    

I looked around and found that we were actually not alone in this room. There was also that same Adler I always see around Kyrah. He is leaning with his four black wings that were folded back against the wall silently.    

When he saw how I must have been giving him a questionable gaze, he then cracked a smile and told me he was here to guard me as well on orders of his king, Kyrah. According to him, I'm treated like a VIP of their race.    

"I however think I was chosen for this position due to me being male....I feel like I'm being punished for something though..." - Alec   

The black-haired Adler then just started shaking his head helplessly.    

I smirked wondering what it would be like working for someone like Kyrah and then looked down at Ari still quietly looking back up at me. I decided while my mother was still sleeping, I  would  learn more about these Annunakes before I wake her up to leave.    

"So Za Za, what is a Moonlight Guardian exactly?"    

"We are the fighting force tasked with the sole purpose of protecting the Elkia. However, there aren't many of us left since the Elkias’ eradication. However, now with the three recovered from battle, I’ll make certain our group shall grow once more. There are more of us however as they, along with members of the Elite Alpha unit, are joining together to guard the Elkia while they’re being confined....." - Za Za    

Interesting... After Za Za continued explaining the pack in detail, this is essentially the job which was passed down to them from their god, Amarok. According to her before the night the Elves’ attacked, Za Za was 16 and was part of a unit that never suffered a single Elkia casualty.       

I also found out that the Annunakes hold some special competition once every 4 years for the generations in their pack to determine a new Alpha Candidate. The victor will then join the Alpha group I currently know as the Elites. Even with a reigning Alpha, they held these trials and competitions to determine potential Alphas should the reigning one ever fall.    

Over the years and with the Annunakes’ long life expectancy, this has formed what I now know as the Elite Alpha Unit that followed Adimar even to the ground floor. Several generations of them had all gathered and each of them would have been an Alpha in another life. Za Za is also apparently my age and would have been selected as an Alpha Candidate, but no Alpha has ever been a guardian. This is due to the pack leader should always be one that leads and fights on the forefront. This is warrior code for them.    

I’m seriously shocked to find the majority of the Alpha group is actually in the Expert stages of a particular combat style, mostly with swords or spears. When I scoffed at this, Za Za then told me that not long before I had arrived and before the loss of the Elkia, 29 of the top 50 most powerful fighters in this dungeon are Annunakes while 7 of them were in the top 10. 

I was also quite amazed to find out the person who won the traditional Alpha competition in my age group was not Za Za, but in fact, Akino.... According to these 5 Annunakes, she’s in fact the fastest Annunake in the entire pack in terms of overall Agility and fourth in Attack Speed. 

“Hmm, I don’t think that is the case anymore, Za Za.” - ?   

“Oh, how come Rei?“ - Za Za   

“Well don’t you recall Adimar and Alpha’s newfound skill? ....I’m sure one of them will obviously be a little faster if they were to use that.“ - Rei   

The Annunakes then each nodded as I just remembered what they mean. 

‘I almost forgot about our spoils, and Adimar was also on that list.....Limit Break. Under the moonlight and in their beast mode their stats will go up by 300%. But Adimar can now use Limit Break like me which means he can make that 500% for 5 Minutes during the Full Moon, which us every night in the East.....Doing the math that’s.......Somewhere around 120,000 in Agility?‘   

I slowly started to sweat thinking of the possibilities. Even with all my skills I would have a lot of trouble with that. It also explains why Adimar was a completely different person at daytime when I was hammering him after his injuries upon leaving the dungeon the first time. 

Hjökk once mentioned that moving at the speed of sound would be around 50,000 in agility and according to her,  Alysteir was probably coming close to achieving that feat.  

‘These Annunakes really are monsters, not having a single one of them on a leash makes me slightly uneasy....but I can’t turn back now. Hmm, well I guess if 50,000 is around the speed of sound, achieving light speed would probably have to be in the hundreds of millions to achieve something like that. Not to mention Godspeed if there is such a thing....’   

I saw several of the Annunake maidens gazing at Za Za who then looked up at me cautiously.    

"If I may, Alpha?” - Za Za   

“You can just call me Vali.”    

“...Yes Alpha Vali....Speaking of.... Do you think it is truly possible to get our fallen Elkia brothers and sisters back to us?” - Za Za   

I rolled my eyes and started to contemplate her question as I too had wondered about this. If it’s, possible then we could easily add them to our fighting force. Let alone that according to Kai, the two pixies they picked up are White pixies just like Cari and Bifrost which is already like finding a chest full of boundless treasures. 

"... I think it's possible...Balor even said so, and I doubt he was lying since he had no need to. The fact that the puppets didn’t die after Balor’s death also makes me think we can do so as for whatever reason they weren't tied to him like all the other undead that rose at his command. They aren't considered dead as their souls are still inside their bodies which is why I believe it's possible....In a world like this, why can't it be possible? Give me some time and I'm sure we'll be able to save them."    

Each of them almost started to have tears shimmering in their eyes as they wagged their white fluffy tails. The Elkia really meant the world to these wolves and living for so long thinking they as a race had failed their gentle and loving race they were tasked to protect was enough to send them to the depths of endless grief.  

“”””"Yes Alpha we shall obey....””””” - Annunake Maidens 

To my words, I could see the brightness in each of their eyes and then their tails started to wag now similarly to how Ari does. Each of them was around level 280 while Za Za’s at level 294.  

"Don't wor...ry...Vali can do any..thing." - Ari   

The small girl who barely even took up the width of my leg then stood up and started flailing her tail around while holding onto my forearm.   

With each of their ears drooped to the sides, I could tell they couldn't understand her real well. Even if her speech has improved to where she can hold some short conversations, I doubt anyone in this dungeon can understand her any better than those outside. In fact other than me, I doubt anyone can understand what she says each time she speaks word for word. She’s only been learning from me and my mother how to speak the human language for a couple weeks now and other than to me and my mother I don't hear her talk much. 

"Hmph...I can see this one’s quite attached to you Alpha. Is she your....Sister? Daughter perhaps?” - Za Za   

I could see each of the Annunake maidens are curious of this, including the pixies as they seemed to wonder about that as well.  

"Well I guess I should do introductions since you don't know eachother yet. This one leaning on my shoulder is actually my mother, Elyria...And the little one here is Ari. She's family. She's also the hero of the day....We wouldn’t have woke from Balor's first attack if it wasn’t for her.”    

With those words Ari looked back up at me and made an awkward face. I could see her eyes were slowly starting to get all watery and she grew beet-red. 

“Ah! I’m sorry...I...I don’t know why...I’m cry...ing.” - Ari  

‘I swear....Such a cute kid. It’s impossible not to be charmed by her. I can’t even begin to fathom how she could have received such horrible treatment in her whole life....As far as I’m concerned anyone that would knowingly try to harm such an innocent and kind hearted girl like her is no different than the Devil himself.....Wow, I’m surprised how I’ve become so attached to her. It’s odd to say aloud but what else could this girl be considered other than family? I’ve healed her, fed her, clothed her, bathed her...My mother and I have helped her learn to speak, walk and read..... Before I even knew it, it’s hard to see her as anything else now. I just got use to having her around.. Knowing how I almost lost her and what I was willing to do haunts me..... Not even I know what I would have done....I could have very well marched to the Gates of the Netherworld and demanded her back....I honestly don't know. But what I do know is that I won't ever let anything take my family from me....’  

Looking towards her now reddened cheeks I couldn’t help but be reminded of all of this. She too had grown attached to me. She's also equally as protective of me. Even when she couldn't walk she growled at Hjökk, she even crawled over countless number of dead corpses and even monster infested grounds just to get to me. 

'Hmph....' 

“It’s ok....”  

“Sniff...Sniff...Oh, ah....I’m Ari. Nice to meet you.” - Ari  

Wiping off her tears with her hands, she then reached over my arm and greeted each of the Annunakes kneeling in front of us.  

Za Za stared awkwardly towards her then smiled. 

"Well Ari....It is quite a pleasure to meet you even if we can't quite understand the  other. I am Za Za and by my words as an Annunake I shall forever keep you and your family safe until the day I draw my final breath." - Za Za   

She then bowed as did the rest of the Annunakes beside her.   

Ari not knowing what was going on simply reached out her small hand towards Za Za. I translated for each of them for now and hopefully in time we can start educating them in the human language considering how so many on the outside world use it.   

Za Za then peeked up and made an odd face showing her confusion. I then told her to shake it and what I’m doing, which she responded with ‘What’s a ‘handshake’?’. Come to think of it, when I did that before, some of the others in this dungeon gave me the same reaction.   

"It's a form of greeting."    

With a bright smile very similar to her sister’s, Za Za then took Ari's tiny hand and started to shake it with her fingers.   

"Vali....There you are." - Cosmia 

"What! No fair...They're just taking a nap with Vali. I want to do that." - Cyanin   

Coming in I could see 3 bright lights entering the large hole in the Annunake mansion. Cyanin was running while pushing Cosmia on what looks like Cari’s wheelchair and once she noticed each of us lying on the couch, she let go and started to fly towards us.   

“Wait!!! Don’t let go, Cyanin!” - Cosmia   

Cyanin then flew over to me  leaving Vale to dart after Cosmia and the runaway wheelchair.  

BOOOOM!!! 

A loud crash resounded as both Cosmia and the wheelchair had slammed into the wall with her still in it. 

Apparently it was their turn to trade shifts in their 'guard' duty.    

"Huh what? Why…Why is it so loud?” - Aurora   

"You're supposed to be guarding Vali not sleeping." - Cosmia 

Walking to us now are Vale and Cosmia now pushing the small chair out in front of them. Cosmia looks a little annoyed from looking at the sight of her siblings sleeping on the job.  

"Yah...Now let me take a turn." - Cyanin   

"Cyanin did you just ignore what Queen Cosmia said entirely?" - Vale   

"Mmmm. What's happening?" - Daisy    

Everyone then started to get up and I could even see my mother's ears twitch along with her whiskers.   

As she slowly woke up, her emerald green eyes opened up at me she noticed I had a small drool stain from her on my shoulder and wiped it off quickly while growing extremely red. 

"Well now, I guess everyone's up...."   

I stood up with Ari still in my arms and instructed everyone it was probably time we left and got my mother home. Afterwards we would need to probably return to have a sit down with everyone on what comes next...   

I then felt a strong soreness throughout my whole body. It was a familiar aching sensation I’m quite used to but I’m surprised with my high stamina I would have assumed to have recovered but I feel.....tired. It's strange even if my stamina has recovered along with my health I feel this sensation that I used to get from working out back in my world. I feel.... Alive. It's not a bad feeling regardless of the extreme soreness from my muscles down to my bones.  

As I stood up then so did the 5 Annunake maidens as well respectfully. I could also see Alec who started to straighten up and walk over slowly. 

We need to head back but I still need to collect the hearts and cores for Fenrir and.... 'Oh gosh, Fenrir better NOT eat everything like last time....Ugh, well I better hurry up and meet with the King too I guess since everyone is still hanging back at the cabin waiting.'   

'Maybe I can get the King to come and this could show potential to everyone that we do have land and a place to live in the works. I got to make this all work out somehow.’   

"Oh my I can't believe I dozed off like that. You and little Ari just looked so comfortable, I..." - Elyria   

As my mother started to redden and her large ears droop over, I couldn’t help but find it cute. Simply seeing her safe puts my mind at ease.    

"It's no big deal I was the one who fell asleep first. Besides it's been a long day for everyone."   

"Yes, I suppose you're right." - Elyria   

As my mother stood up, I could see she was wearing the same white ceremonial robes as the Annunakes’ the night before. She pulls it off quite well actually.  

"Hi Ari! Hi Elyria!” - Cyanin 

"Cyanin!" - Ari 

Ari's eyes grew large and she reached out towards the small turquoise pixie. Cyanin flew over and gave Ari a big hug and Ari couldn't express a bigger smile on her face. 

Cyanin then told me that during the battle she was the one who held Ari during some of the fight and she got to meet Ari by repeatedly saying their names to one another.  

"Well...What are you looking at me like that for? We're family, that makes Ari and Elyria our family too so....I was happy to protect them for you Vali. ." - Cyanin 

'Hmph, befriending this race was the right decision indeed. My new family is even now attempting to guard my current one just because of all the love they have for one another. 

"Vali....I'm hungry when are we going to eat?" - Cyanin   

"Cyanin! You can't expect Vali to cook everyone another meal again tonight do you?" - Vale   

"Yah after such a long battle can't you see Vali is tired.... But if it was maybe just for family....I, I wouldn't mind maybe a snack or umm..." - Cosmia   

"See? You're hungry too." - Cyanin   

Urrrrp  

A loud grumbling came over from my mother…or maybe it was Ari. Both were turning quite red looking back towards me. 

'Come to think of it, I'm pretty hungry too after such a long battle. Ah I bet everyone in the cabin hasn’t eaten at all yet either.... Now with Balor gone, I feel like I finally have room to breathe and yet....I now know the next phase of my plan, which in all honesty...Is just as difficult.'   

“Let’s hurry it up then, and when I come back I’ll cook a feast tonight to celebrate our victory.”   

“Yes!” - Cyanin  

“Mm! I can’t wait!” - Cosmia  

To my comments, each of the pixies jumped and started to high-five the other and dance. My mother’s and Ari’s tail(s) started to wag back and forth as well did a few of the wolf maidens’.  

Rolling my eyes,  we all gathered and left the Annunakes’ mansion.   

As we were all about to warp away, I noticed there were already a lot of Annunakes here just not in the mansion on this Floor. I can see in the small village down the hill there are many walking through the town, carrying large bags and pulling carts filled with what look like corpses. 

I watched where they were walking and not far off were an even larger number of Annunake men and women digging graves for what look like a large number of Elkia corpses. 

"....While as Annunakes we have the honor of being buried where we die....On that battlefield next to our kin....However, ‘tis custom to bury all fallen Elkia in Dark Eden in a special grave we had prepared for them....So they can all be close by together and if they get lonely, we can come and talk to them.... Now that Alpha has helped in freeing their trapped souls from this place....I guess we just felt the need to honor them with a proper reburial." - Za Za 

When Balor broke that item raised the dead, it wasn't just on Floor 1...It was within the entire dungeon. I could see a hint of despair in each of the Annunakes’ eyes who were standing next to us as well as all those below digging large graves. 

Even after having their shackles crushed and were given their freedom....Not a single one of them held a joyful atmosphere while they buried their most beloved. 

'This Elkia race really meant the world to these wolves....' 

The only thing that held them together was the single dash of hope that had come today....Not from their newfound freedom. But the emergence of a possibility to reclaim their lost honor and race most beloved has given them the one thing that keeps all of us going.....hope. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------    

As we warped to floor 52 a bright white, almost blinding light beamed down from overhead. Looking around, I see nothing but wreckage and debris littering the entire floor. Hardly anything is left intact as all the trees from the dense and giant forest, the massively built wall, all of it had been destroyed completely, with near pitch-black ash blanketing over everything.   

Even the walls overhead have caved in including parts of the ceiling and the floor has several large craters extending for miles. The entrance now to the dungeon is now roughly a hundred meters long and in pretty bad shape.  

Although this floor’s sky is still orange, the sky from beyond the mountain walls is bright blue with a brilliant bright orange sun beaming overhead.   

‘Hm?’   

I felt something tugging on my arm and when I looked down. Daisy had walked over and latched onto my hand. She however wasn’t even looking back up at me but just simply gazing at the horrific aftermath of the land they once called home.  

Our small group continued to walk towards where we had left them and I can already see thousands of survivors picking up and transporting countless corpses still.       

When Balor broke that item raised the dead, all the dead on this floor had done the same. After Balor’s death however, they must have been completely freed when the magic keeping them here dissipated.   

I can already see a large cluster of corpses in the distance being wrapped up by the Arachnee’s thread and placed alongside one another..... The number is in all honesty horrendous.   

Several of thousands had fallen dead on this floor....There was nothing we could do. Each race took a massive hit when Balor used his mind attack on us all. The one who suffered the most however were the Adlers. Almost 90% of those who did not follow Kyrah attempted to flee upon the course of events when Balor attacked, they all dropped out of the sky as the result. They were amongst the first devoured by Balor’s monster horde. They even had no idea how they died as they relived their worst nightmares and fears. Then their minds went blank. 

Already I can smell the strong, dreadful odor sending me chills, even from here.   

Even with all of our preparation, even with all our numbers and combined strength we couldn’t escape the inevitable casualties of fighting against a fallen god.   

Even if we were to face Balor at his full power without all of our tricks and preparations, we wouldn't have even stood a chance. We would have been the equivalent of lambs being lead to a slaughter and every one of us, including Hjökk, would have to face the chopping block. 

If I didn’t have my equips.... If any of our theories and our preparations to attack Balor failed...  If Hjökk and even Ari hadn’t been here.... I don’t even want to think of the alternate result. We really got lucky. We didn’t even fight Balor at his full strength and limited him as close to our level as we can to even the odds and even then we lost so many... If he wasn’t arrogant like Malthiel and chose to not look down on us, I have no doubt in my mind we all would’ve died this day without even being able to lift a finger. That's how terrifying a this monster from the Abyss truly was. 

I took a deep breath and started to walk forward alongside those around me. ‘I really need to become stronger.’ After fighting something like Balor I figured out how ultimately small I am right now. If I didn’t have Abgrund’s power alongside the rest of my equips we wouldn’t be breathing right now.... When I leave this dungeon, I need to hide Abgrund and my other items from the outside world in order for me to improve my own strength while not enticing powerful enemies to come and try to take it.  

I cannot imagine the amount of trouble this weapon would give me if the powerhouses of this world were to find out about it. Forget the Human Kingdom, who knows what ancient races and even demonic powers who've lived for thousands of years would covet such a devastating weapon. If I can’t protect something like Abgrund with my own power, I would practically be inviting danger to myself and all those around me.   

Even my regeneration ability has a flaw in that it only works when fueled with mana. Sure I can hold my own probably against multiple opponents now due to this. However I can’t just take on a large enemy force alone and expect to get out alive. If I were to run out of mana, it would only be a matter of time before I went down as I won’t even have the energy to escape at that point.  

I know I’m strong due to my body’s strong natural defenses, but I’m not invincible.... I see that now. It’s hard to not think that way with my abilities and become arrogant when wielding something as world-breaking as Abgrund... But I’m not innately strong. If those in this dungeon were to have the same exact abilities as mine, I wouldn’t be able to hold a candle to them....'And that in lies the problem. Loki helped me practically leap from over the lower levels in this world with his influence and help but by no way does that mean I should I should think the rest of this journey will be a cakewalk.'

I need to strengthen myself....I need to strengthen those around me. Only then will we be able to hold our own against the threats this world can send our way. Otherwise with our numbers, we would eventually lose regardless of how strong our individual strengths might be. 

My mind was determined more with every step as I walked to those who had given their lives so we could stand here now.   

“Hey Vali! ...Can I hold Ari?” - Cosmia  

Flying up towards me is the bright red-crowned Pixie Queen in her crimson dress.  

“You want to hold her?”   

“Yup, I think she's so cute. Besides this isn't something for a child to see....” - Cosmia  

Ari now in my arms was leaning over, wide-eyed at Cosmia’s majestic appearance, flashing a crimson light all over Ari and me.   'That's not a bad idea actually....'

“What do ya say Ari? Want to see what it’s like to fly?” - Cosmia  

Thinking this is a good opportunity to let Ari not be around so many unwrapped and half-eaten corpses, so I thought it was a nice idea.  

“Well let me ask. Ari, Queen Cosmia here would like to know if you want to see what it’s like to fly with them.”   

She didn’t have any words at all but simply nodded her head very slowly.  

“Um...Are you going to come?” - Ari

"No...Heh...I can't fly. "  

"But....but you have such beautiful wings...." - Ari

"Wings?...."  

  "Oh, Vali I just think Ari is just saying it like a methaphor mhphmph....Ari you don't have to worry we'll be close by. You should go have fun." - Elyria

Ari looked back at us oddly and let Cosmia come and hold onto her. Oddly enough even in Cosmia’s arms Ari was still barely half her size. She however continued to look back at me as if she were scared to leave. 

"I'll...I'll be right back....ok." - Ari 

“It's ok, you two have fun. We'll just be over there, ok…?”   

"Ok!" - Ari and Cosmia 

With one final look towards us Ari smiled brightly and Cosmia wrapped her arms around Ari's stomach and lifted off. 

Cosmia along with Daisy and Aurora then flew off together into the orange sky with a light that almost resembled a glowing dust cascading behind them.  

I could see from here the big smile Ari had on her face as the wind started to slowly breeze against her face.... ‘Cosmia's pretty smart hmph....’   

“Ah! ...Rei, please follow them.” - Za Za  

Suddenly two of the maidens took off at an alarming speed in the direction of the pixies but a soft sensation that came to my side distracted me.  

“I don’t think I’ve seen Ari so happy before.... She was quite worried about you, ya know.” - Elyria  

“Crazy, I don’t know how she could be so brave to come all the way here. I can't see how she's so attached to me enough to even come here...Amazing you both arrived here just from tracking my scent.”   

“Mmm...She really was especially brave. Ari was even brave enough to talk back to a human king even if they could hardly understand her mphmphmph.... She’s changing quite a bit from when she first arrived with you.“ - Elyria  

“Oh? How so?”   

“You can’t tell me you don’t see it. You might not be my son by blood, but I feel I know you quite well Vali.“ - Elyria  

“What are you talking about?”   

“To Ari, you are her everything. The most important person in her life. I’m not sure if slavery exists in your world, so it must be hard to imagine. An entire life of abuse, treated with no respect, no dignity, lower than that of an animal. Trust me as a woman who had her face ruined before; you cannot imagine how useless and truly low one could feel at times. …You were probably the very first person who even listened to her in possibly her whole life.... If she lost you it would be the same as going back to that life... Which is why you need to realize you can’t be so reckless anymore....You now have people who rely on you....Me included.” - Elyria  

Since no one around us could understand my mom but me I guess she also could consider this somewhat of a private conversation but I feel she had a very serious tone in her voice just now. 

“.....”  

"...Oh my son... You act like you don't wish for others to get attached to you and yet you are the one who’s grown attached...I don't know much of your past life but can only assume you must have faced unspeakable hardships. I sometimes wonder if that is why at times you can be so loving and yet remain so distant within your heart. Even if this life is not your first one, even if you had a family before...In this life, right now....You have people who care for and depend on you here. Please, don't ever forget this..." - Elyria 

Realizing the two-in-one meaning in her words, I realized this person had done the exact same things as Ari and traveled here to find me. I really lucked out in this life...  

“Mom...I...”  

“That is that…and all we will speak on the subject for now. You did however exceed your curfew by quite a bit this time, dear. I feel your punishment this time shall be a bit harsher. Hjökk and I have had some interesting talks on this too.” - Elyria  

“.....What?”   

My mother had an odd grin on her face and I couldn’t see what she was trying to say, but somehow I got goose bumps for some weird reason....’Uh...Hjökk’s punishments does not sound good at all.’  

“....Wait...What does that...”   

“You didn’t think I will simply scold you again, did you? No, I feel you need to learn your lesson this time, so we shall wait and decide that later *ominous smile*.“ - Elyria  

‘Why does this weird me out so much? What have these two been planning?‘  

Not coming up with any possible good scenarios from this, I started to hear sounds of an argument not far away.  

“Ah! Just go awaayyyy!“ - ?  

“Ah! Shiva, don’t be like this.... Why are you so cold now?” - Sting  

“.......”  

Walking past me was the very same Arachnee that was seen with Sting right before the battle with Balor. She’s also the one that has been beating him over the past couple of days as well.  

“Why did I ever sleep with you...? Oh! Just leave me alone!” - Shiva  

“What are you saying? Now that we survived, was everything you said before a lie? Shivaaaa, why are you behaving this way?” - Sting  

“Listen humannnn!!! I merely asked for a night of passion in the likelihood it would be my final night in this world...You shan’t think so much into things! Just...Just go away! I can’t spend my time right now meddling with such matters!” - Shiva  

 “I…ugh....” - Sting  

The sleek black-haired Arachnee quickly moved away, leaving the lonely Sting speechless after his harsh rejection.  

Mph.....  Mphmph.....

Sting hearing me since, I couldn’t contain my laughter.  

“What? It’s not funny!” - Sting  

“I’m...Haha...I’m sorry Sting, you just didn’t strike me as the romantic type, that’s all.”   

“Oh, come on. I normally wouldn’t allow myself to be tied down by just one girl but in all honesty my friend.....I feel a real connection with this one, she’s even helped me learn the common language spoken here...*leans in to whisper*...If I’m honest with myself...the sex was incredible...” - Sting  

Sting creepily leaned into my opposite side and whispered that to me so my mother couldn’t hear him.  

Her ears however still twitched, so I’m sure she did.  

“Don’t laugh, I’m serious. Surprisingly the best I ever had and now I’m kind of weirding myself out that I just said all of this aloud...Dammit!” - Sting  

“Haha did she tie ya up?”  

“That’s it, I’m not talking to you about this anymore.... Ugh why is she acting so cold now though?” - Sting  

“I wouldn’t think too much on it Sting. If grade school taught us anything it’s that when a girl beats you up, 9 times out of 10, that means they like ya. And honestly as rough as she gets with you, I’d say likes ya quite a bit.”   

As he grew quiet thinking over my words, I decided now would be the right time to actually start asking the adventurer of the central continent some more questions. Since I’ve decided to let go all of our past histories, I feel making it in good with this person could also prove to be beneficial. He always talked so much I originally ignored him since I had bigger things on my plate but now I should probably get in good with him and probe him of all the information I can get before he returns to his home continent.  

‘I feel I can trust this person now. Fighting against a common foe, I don’t feel he’s my enemy even if he was on the opposing side the first time since we met. I can only hope from there.’  

“So Sting, what do you do in the Central Continent besides adventuring?”   

Looking back at me oddly he must have saw I was helping him change the subject but then frowned for some reason.  

“Seriously? I’ve already told you.” - Sting  

“Ah, yah sorry about that. With the ever looming doom we had over our heads, I just started to tune you out after a while.....So....yah I wa…”  

“What? So you were ignoring me! ....Hah.....Whatever I guess there were much more pressing matters so I’ll let it go this time....” - Sting  

“Vali, Sting said he was similar to a scholar.” - Elyria  

‘Scholar? So that’s why he always talk so much...Huh, I feel I should’ve listened to this oddball more, as the information this little jabber box provides might actually be a bit more than just poisons....’   

“You seemed shocked by this for some reason. Well yes I’m more of a guest professor at one of the top Academies in the Central Continent actually. It's in Wasserfall City in the Rose Empire. Named for its famed golden waterfall, due to the gold-colored stones used to construct the waterway, running throughout the entire inner city. I however like to travel so I haven’t really been employed there for over a year.” - Sting  

“Hmm....So Sting the Scholar...What’d you study?”   

“What’s a ‘scholar’?” - Cyanin  

Looking down I could see Cyanin and Vale too seemed to be interested in the conversation.   

“It’s like a teacher.”   

"Ohhh....." - Cyanin

“Yes, well my area of expertise is in poison and antidote concoctions. I wasn’t like any of the other expert Elders but I was promoted to a graduate professor there after being a student for the last ten years. It’s one of the top five Academies in the whole world and educates in almost every field and Class available. That’s where I learned to study in spear mastery for the better part of my life. This is also where I found the truly wondrous effects of poisons and discovered the amazing possibilities that can come from them. Even by using particular remedies on myself will potentially increasing my own battle power by quite a bit. I’m merely on Advanced Level 2 in poison concoctions and it’s been that way for over 5 years now....See mastery is all about trying and learning new things and furthering your knowledge to the broadest reaches they can go. Not just repeatedly concocting the same thing over and over again, which is what most seem to believe sadly. I figured if I travel to the furthest reaches of the world, I can find particular ingredients to aid my progress. Making the arrangements to leave for the Eastern Continent, I decided to take a job to pay my way and through a series of events found myself in the employment of the esteemed Elliot Family alongside one of the top first year students from my school who had quite a deal of fame being from a powerful mage family.... You remember Laxus. I wonder if news of his death has reached any ears yet.....Mph oh well, he wouldn't be the first genius to die an early death and he definitely won't be the last...” - Sting  

Listening to some of Stings words I probed him more and decided now is as good a time as any to learn everything about the Central Continent’s powers and strengths I now have to prepare myself for.  

“Laxus? That guy was an idiot....So a teacher and student just took a job to go extort some random mountain family at the edge of the world....”   

“....Ah, yes well I only took the job as I was told it was something different. How was I to know it was a grudge match between you and that family of nobles? I was only hoping to make a little money as I was unaware they were using it as a bounty on your life. It in all honesty sounded like they wanted to pull you over to their side in the least and they had roped in Laxus before we’d even spoke. I honestly had no idea it would have turned out like it had....Although Laxus was only using it as a means of training. He already killed a few Blessed Beings like you, which became the sole source of his friction with his older brother. Laxus just seemed to think he was invincible and his family always expected great things. He thought the world was beneath him.... I told him of the potential threat of hidden experts all over the world, but he didn’t listen....He was also friends with some of those Elliots at school if I believe, so that may have helped it. Well....He’s dead now and I highly doubt the Elliots back in the central continent have any clue what they’ve actually gotten themselves into. They may have the power to even topple a few Kingdoms here but I’m sure even they would attempt a friendly relationship with you if they knew what I now do hmph...” - Sting  

“Greed is one of the seven deadly sins as they say. And those Elliots have quite a bit of it. That Laxus character doesn’t seem much different from those noblemen either. Of the same prideful character, but it seemed like it was all sport for him... Didn’t you say he had a god for a brother or something?”   

Giving Sting a particularly evil grin, it implied the prior threat their party gave me over his brother no longer holds a lot of merit anymore. If we weren’t afraid to face the terror of Balor, why would we back down over some glorified mage in the west? 

‘However these Elliots seem like they could actually become a big problem in time if I don’t take care of them sooner rather than later. In this situation, I found these Elliots aren’t as dumb as I originally thought either.' 

They roped in two strong individuals completely unrelated to them and used them as a means to get what they want. Now that I killed Laxus, they must think they can even rope in a powerhouse on the continent to do their work for them in case I wound up being an enemy they couldn't fight against.  

“Seven deadly sins...Hmm I’ve never heard of such a phrase, but greed can be a deathly sin indeed, hmph... Ah and Donner.... I’ve only been in the same room as him twice in my entire life and he still gives me the willies.... Most of the Saints are recluses and don’t involve themselves with the public much if at all, while others are guild masters and high officials. For some, seeing one is a life’s achievement. Donner’s a sage who truly deserves the Title of Saint. A single Saint is enough to destroy an entire country alone, and the mighty Donner is no exception to this.” - Sting  

‘....Just one of these Saints can demolish a whole country?’  

I stopped walking and looked back at Sting as this little fact doesn’t make me feel comfortable at all.  

“Oh yes the 12 Grand Sages...I’ve heard stories of them as well. Their mastery over magic can truly shake the world and are considered true masters over their perspective magics. They were strong enough to hold back the assault of the Demon armies from the North all those centuries ago.” - Elyria  

“Ah, so Miss Elyria is somewhat of a scholar herself hmm...? Well that is correct. If not for the unity of the Legendary 9 and 12 Grand Sages, later given the title of Saints, and pushed back the opposing Demon army, the entire human race would be extinct. While the Legendary Nine are magnificent warriors that can slay thousands with weapons capable of shaking history itself...the power of the 12 Saints is something of great respect by all and one of the pillars that holds up humanity itself.“ – Sting  

Even my mother seemed to be knowledgeable as well, as she said that the humans built some strong weapon in the central continent centuries ago and used it to push back the invading Demon army. The organization that built this weapon was later named the Magic Guild. They have no ties with any Empire and yet each of the 12 Saints, regardless of whatever kingdom or banner they’re under, are members of this guild and unite under its call in times of crisis or to discuss points of great importance. They hold almost as much power as one of the Four Great Empires in the west simply by the unity of these 12 high magic officials.  

“So Donner is one of these 12 Grand Saints?”    

“Ah, that’s incorrect actually. The phrasing you used. They’re called the 12 Grand Sages, all with ultimate authority over their respective magic, greatly extending over all other mages. They unite by the power of the Magic Guild and have been given the rank of Saint. While there are Grand Saints such as the Earth Saint or the Heavenly Sword Saint from the Holy Alliance. Grand Saint is only a title and a rank they give amongst the 4 most powerful amongst themselves. However not many actually know this I just happen to have acquired this bit of knowledge from Earth Saint Amura himself, who happens to be one of the Elders of the school I teach. Mean-looking man but with a heart of gold.....Oh sorry I was going on a rant there. While there can only be 12 Saints and some can live for quite some time, there have been 6 seats that have changed in the 12 in the past 50 years. Though I’m not sure of the entire process it takes for someone to acquire a position of Saint and how it’s decided as it’s all done through the Magic Guild and kept pretty quiet about it all.” - Sting  

‘Hmm....Sting can talk a lot, but this is all good information....’  

According to him, the term Saint is loosely used for any Sage given the rank of Saint by the Magic Guild’s authority. While each Saint may fight for a different Empire or Kingdom, they will all stand together when tasked to protect and uphold the authority and prestige the Magic Guild carried for centuries.  

As we walked by the Arachnee including Queen Nhaili wrapping up corpses, they have all gathered and are continuing to cast their thread all around each of the dead races. Each of the Arachnee doesn’t have a very kind face on right now but the look in their eyes still show determination. I walked past each of them and to where Balor’s corpse lies in the distance. Sting continued on his rant the whole time as I continued to question him and learn about some of the legendary figures that control the Central colonies.    

According to him, the Legendary Nine are hailed as the mightiest warriors in the human kingdoms and are given their names after the legendary weapons they wield. Each of the four most powerful Heroes wields a Phantasm Class weapon and each of them is the foundation of each the Four Great Empires which have stood for thousands of years. Every one of these weapons have the power to suppress an entire continent if needed and legends say they hold the power of the gods themselves.  

The other 5 Hero weapons are Legendary but each have such unique and extraordinary abilities they can’t be considered in the same tier as a regular Legendary Class items like the Frost Sword I acquired. According to Sting each of these weapons, known as the Supreme Sacred Armaments to the public, actually helps in strengthening the user’s body while some can also effect the Hero's party. Raising their ability almost tenfold that of an average adventurer with the same level. It's speculated that each weapon holds powers that were gifted to humanity to wield the power of the heavens. If that’s not all, each of these weapons will not submit to any other wielder than the one it chose. It sounds like a cheat but I’m curious as to what some of these items that shaped and founded the Four Empires could be like. This could mean some of these weapons might have a conscience like Abgrund.

‘That is normal, all sorts of fantasy stories have the hero coming by a legendary sword that could talk but in this case some of these weapons are speculated to hold actual god-like entities sealed inside and once unleashed could even devastate an entire continent overnight. If the Hero dies the weapon simply lies dormant until a wielder it deems worthy is chosen. So even if a Hero was assassinated or killed, which has happened more often than not, the weapon will be no different than a fancy looking piece of ordinary metal but are still practically treated as Holy Relics.  

'I guess Abgrund would essentially kill all those who even try to wield it so that's just an added bonus for me.' 

The Heroes regardless of being given the title from being chosen by the weapons must be the strongest that humanity has to offer and if they along with these Saints have been around for a long time, I can’t imagine the level of strength they’ve acquired. According to Sting only one of these Empires could be considered roughly half the size of the entire Eastern Continent and have powerful figures that only stay there as this Continent is thought to not hold too many special qualities about it. Not enough to expand their resources that could instead be used much closer to home and benefit them there. It is still newly settled territory to some and to other races who live much longer than human lifespan's probably see this as something that has just recently occurred in their lifetime.  

The only thing keeping the powers in the west from trying to acquire land and resources here from an already founded Kingdom is the other strong powers keeping them in check. The land isn't considered great and no special treasures or dungeons have been discovered that would even compare to the amount of gold that would come from those of the Central Continent. To all those here in the Human Kingdoms who wish to live a better life in riches and luxury, the Central colonies is like a whole another world... This is a good thing.  

While the Heroes are considered to be some of the strongest warriors in the world, then the 12 Saints should be like top-class mages. From memory, a Sage is someone who is looked as one with ancient and profound wisdom that stands at the top over their field of study. I assume this is also a title or rank of sorts that is also given from the Magic Guild and assume this could even mean figures in the Master stages of whatever magic they wield, which is frightening. 'Alysteir’s the first Master rank I fought, and it took so many of us just to touch her.'  

Sting was even nice enough to understand all my questions and told me his evaluation on my strength compared to some of these strong beings from the human kingdoms. While anyone at the Arch Mage level can use magic from more than one element or magical theory, they are also are given this rank when they are able to use a certain number or strength of Fast Casting incantation spells. Comparing this to any of my spells, he said I have to speak a short or 'Fast Casting' incantation to activate the spell similar to my Fire Ball spell or almost all of my skills given to me from monsters. Usually the length of the incantation correlates to the power of the spell being used, the stronger, the lengthier, but there are even unique spells that allows a person to chant their entire incantation within a few breaths time that exist as well.  

My mother explained this to me before that humans use magic fundamentally different than her tribe’s. Humans usually aren't born with keen awareness over the world’s magical properties and how to use the magic within themselves either. That is why mages not only spend decades memorizing and learning magical theories and laws, but also training extensively to hone and create their own internal magic. Overtime building up their knowledge over how the spells or skills are used, I guess with their rise in ability they can do away with incantations entirely and use their magic in ways that are in no way slower than my own.  

Apparently mages even found ways to study their magical skills through other techniques or elemental theories and add unique effects to their magical spells like status effects or more damage to a particular target from any number of things according to Sting. 

While I can't do that yet, I still can use magic quite easily. I used to think this was due to my Magic Manipulation but now I believe the reason is much different. I have demon genes in me, so I don't follow the same rules with magic as even the pixies do, whom my mom says show to have incredible magic comprehension that is beyond her knowledge.' Heh, and according to them when I ask how they meld their magics together they usually giggle at me asking why I make it sound so difficult. They even say I do it sometimes without even noticing, I just wish I knew how I did it because when I focus it becomes difficult.' 

According to Sting all of the Saints hold onto powerful grand spells and can also perform voiceless incantations like me as their comprehension in magic are truly boundless. But comparing me to them he would say I am a big question mark on how I stack up to them. While only a small number of the Saints fight with their fists, all of them use weapons and ancient artifacts so they can't be compared to the pushovers like the normal mages from the game in head on combat. 

I also came to know that there are 4 Great Empires in the Central Continent, each consisting of hundreds of Kingdoms and nations all fighting for power.  

The Kingdom of Kairo in the South East, The Rose Empire in the South West, The Holy Alliance in the North East, and the Azure Cloud Dynasty in the North West and were founded on a strong military alliance of nations. They also are home to the Knights of the Immortal Realm, a Warrior Guild comprised of over 50 million strong warriors and holds the same level of prestige as the Magic Guild.  

Each empire is comprised of numerous kingdoms and cities with some populations comparable to that of the entire Eastern Continent. The population level in some of these kingdoms are well in the hundreds of millions while including the other race populations, reaching up to billions.  

Each Empire is also home to several Heroes, Saints and many blessed beings like me as well. Each of them fights for their own purpose and homeland while they all unite when under the threat of a foreign invader. 

What makes me more nervous is the idea that these Sages could be essentially scattered and unknown to the actual world. 

'If a Saint is simply a position or title that is given to a Sage, then that also means there are multiple beings with the abilities of a Saint in this world, only without the title.  '

The fact that seats have changed in the position of the 12 Saints in the past few years proves that there are also unknown Sages in this world who could hold as much destructive power as a Saint’s.  

'And that's just concerning the strongest powers in the human population, a mere fraction of this world's potential threats. There’s no telling some of the other races, especially those with drastically longer life spans than humans, and how much levels they’ve achieved over the centuries. I can’t imagine the amount of hidden monsters in some of the demon or beastmen clans could hold as well which is something I need to be cautious of in the future.'  

According to Sting, what we discussed is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the hidden powers in the Central Continent. There have been guilds and strong families that were around for centuries, holding ancient techniques and powerful spells that have killed many known and strong figures in the world even those at the pinnacle of the Human Kingdom.  

“Well I guess I’d have to say the strongest Saint of all would be.... Hm…That's kind of a tough one, but in my opinion is the Sword Saint. Although I’ve never seen him personally, he’s never lost in a duel ever. He even killed the previous Sword Hero roughly 8 years ago.” - Sting  

“Wait, so the Sword Saint is stronger than the Sword hero, using swords? I figured mages were all supposedly stronger than warriors but only at a certain distance.”   

“Crazy, right? Well an ability to have control over all blades makes him quite formidable. Even with that the Legendary Blade still did not choose him afterwards. The dispute isn't widely known, but the Sword Saint returned the Hero weapon back to its rightful Kingdom in the Azure Cloud City Alliance as the reason for killing him was quite unknown, but definitely not for the Hero Weapon. Besides that Sword Hero was young and vulnerable at the time and just like the current Sword Hero I believe he was al....” - Sting  

“Valiiiii!” - ? ? ?   

“Hi Vali!”  - Cari  

 ‘Are you serious...Control over all blades sounds like a cheat skill. Damn if it’s enough to kill a Hero wielding a Legendary Class sword I should be cautious if I ever run into the guy...’  

Interrupting my thoughts with a strong vibrating pulse tickling my skin, I turned towards a familiar aura. Only this time, I can feel something making my entire face itch. I could however also feel the same warmth and white glow from the blessed child of the Hildr Pixie race.  

Flying towards me in a plain white skirt and Black Hydra X armor was the White Pixie, Cari.  

Her white wings created a rainbow, making the surroundings almost as beautifully illuminated as her hair everywhere she went.  

As she flew over to me she spun around in circles with her hands in the air and landed them around my waist. 

“Oh, I'm just so happy Vali! It's like it's all a dream I never thought such a wonderful day could ever come to me and my family but...sniff...sniff....Mmmm! I'm so happy we met Vali! Oh! We have a present for you....Oh hi Elyria, hi Ari! Hi Sting!” - Cari  

Cari and the other pixies not knowing how to contain all of their excitement were rather scatter-brained and couldn't seem to stop themselves from smiling even with the morbid surroundings. 

Sting only made an awkward smile and waved.  

She then walked up to him and stuck out her hand.  

He then carefully reached out and grabbed her slender hand and began to shake it.  

Psssssssss  

“Agh!!!!” - Sting

Within a brief moment Cari then exploded in a flurry of white flames making Sting let go and trip on himself falling over on the ground. Looking at his hand, he found out he had again been tricked.  

Tee hee  

“Nice one, Cari.” - Kai  

"Ah! Seriously?! I fell for that again!" - Sting 

Alongside Cari were several pixies who flew up and told me they had a gift for me.   

We each decided to take a detour around the side of Balor’s body and there I saw Fenrir lying on his stomach and tearing into a large purplish blue organ almost as big as he was. Sitting behind him, are mounds large and weirdly shaped organs and dripping wet with blood. The floor itself is stained a dirty, moody-red color that, baking under the hot sun.  

There were also several of the pixies who hadn't bathed yet and were completely drenched form head to toe in blood. They would each chase their siblings who weren't filthy and tried wrapping their arms around them in some warped game of tag. 

“Over here, Vali!” - Cari  

“Look we collected two of every kind for you....We kept them in a pile here this time.” - Kai  

“Heh...*awkward smile*...oh…wow.”   

I never corrected them from doing this the last time so as creepy as it is, it’s still pretty helpful actually. I guess I did just take a shower, but I in all honesty need to change as is.  

“Thanks, guys you didn't have to go to all that trouble....” 

"Well sure we do. You always go to the trouble of finding and bringing crystals for us it's the least we could do silly.” - Cari   

Cari tried to look away as her cheeks were becoming red but kept peeking up to see if I enjoyed their surprise. 

Everyone’s faces then brightened up, Cari as well as each of the pixies looked at one another and started nodding their heads then giggled.  

Each of them would continue to randomly dance, run and hug one of their loved ones just to celebrate their overwhelming joy of achieving freedom.  

‘Wait a moment....’  

I looked at Sting and see him not even paying attention it seemed. He was only staring at Balor’s corpse unable to take his eyes away anticipating the horror it would bring if the corpse were to move again if he were to look away.

‘This is good...I don’t think Sting is aware of my ability right now. I can’t risk anyone finding out as it should be something of a hidden trump card I keep only to myself. If greed exists in this world, then I’m sure envy does as well. Anyone finding out about this would probably act no differently than those Elliots.’  

Sting then turned and looked to me, giving me an odd look.  

“Oh you don’t want me to watch you eat or something? I really don’t care, in all honesty I’m more interested to see what strange abilities you would obtain....” - Sting  

‘!!!!!!!!’  

“WHAT??!!!”   

Rumble...rumble....  

Everyone started trembling and I noticed without even realizing I used Dark Pressure without restraint, affecting everyone. I’m not sure of its effects on a person but they simply look at me like I’m some hideous monster.  

“Ah...I uh...What? I know about your blessed ability from whoever your god is. Don't worry, I won't say anything....” - Sting  

“....When did you find out?”   

“Oh um...I don’t know, not too long ago. After you killed a so-called King Hydra and some lightning monster, you came back and started using skills similar to theirs. It wasn't that bizarre to imagine really you are a Blessed Being... I even saw after your organs and intestines ripped out, you continued breathing as if you were unaffected entirely. Although I don’t think it’s a big deal or anything. I’d eat monster organs too if I can take their abilities.... I mean even those Asher Knights figured it out on their own. That whole bloody game of tag your little entourage played was a bit distracting, well...You know how I feel about them.” - Sting  

‘!!!!!!!!’  

“.......I’m going to put a pin in that for later.”   

I’m apparently not as discreet as I believe. Ugh, well whatever. Everyone here is already aware of it anyway..... Hopefully, if I can keep the mouths of those three knights shut, it should all be ok. If our deal to form an alliance does not work out then our relationship’s going to become very complicated for me.’    

The pixies collected quite a bit of cores for me, which is nice. I looked around, seeing my mother, Sting, Za Za and Alec all standing next to me alongside the pixies floating around, some playing games and some petting Fenrir.  

Each of them knew everything about my ability and instead of being grossed out they looked at me with curiosity. They didn’t look at me with disdain but more of eagerness. They seemed more interested in what abilities I can get. It was almost a look of respect that one would only view it as an important opportunity to strengthen us all in the process. 

'It's hard not to show a smile at this reaction. Ever since coming here and having to do such atrocious, almost unredeemable deeds, this is honestly the best response I could hope for.' 

Even my mother. I think she has come to understand this is what helped me survive until now and she probably even thinks this is something Loki told me to do. She however didn’t care of idea that I was the child of a demon. I wonder what Sting would think if these abilities are not from Loki’s blessing.  

I picked up the first orb I see on the ground. It had a slightly hard black shell partially covering a red orb that appeared to be a monster core..  

Crunch.  

Congratulations! You have learned a new skill!  

Achtung Vis  

I immediately turned on the skill and the entire environment around me suddenly turns a dull grey. I looked around and see everyone looking at me with curiosity.  

“Whoa...That’s cool your eyes changed to red.” - Kai  

Looking around, I feel I understand what this skill is.....This is an optic-type skill that allows me to view the world around me, showing the danger levels of the presences around me, which is ranked by color intensity. Grey indicates no danger at all while the intensity of each color signifies the threat level.

Everyone around me showed up as grey while Cari and each of the pixies showed up in a dull pink and Fenrir was a slightly reddish brown.  

“So what’s it do...?” - Kai  

"Ya, Vali tell us." - Cyanin 

“It’s like a danger awareness skill for my eyes.....Oh wow, I can actually zoom in too. This is neat....”  

I then turned and looked towards the hole in the wall and I found I could actually control the distance my vision could extend. 'I actually have a zoom option for my eyes now....This is cool.' 

Each of the pixies giggled and everyone else smiled while awaiting me to continue with the next ability I might gain. It’s honestly like opening a present in Christmas because no one can tell what the benefits they’ll bring. 

I started to dig in and bite into the next available core.  

Crunch....  

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

Congratulations! You have learned a new skill! 

Mystic Projection 

After biting into the next core from the strong beasts in Balor's army, I gained yet another skill I can already see how that can be used in a number of ways. 

Now that the medium-large pile has practically been depleted I feel as though even without gaining any actual strength my fighting power has probably advanced several fold with some of the skills I’ve obtained in this Age of God's dungeon. 

According to the pixies there really weren't many monsters with salvageable hearts or cores left. It's not because the task was too difficult due to the size of the corpses. Mainly for the reason that practically every one of them that had the rotten luck of meeting Hjökk were nearly eradicated, leaving only pools of blood endlessly flowing through the cracks of the ground into the floor below. From all the dismembered bodies, some monster cores may have remained but very few hearts could be salvaged at all just from Hjökk not holding back her power, or so she claims.  

Regardless of this fact just by the names and descriptions of some of these skills give me confidence in taking on a large group alone. Even if I can only last as long as my mana can go, even if it were a hundred men at my same level. It would still be incredibly difficult for them to kill me without some tricks up their sleeve. 

After talking with Sting I couldn't help but second guess our overall strength currently. It's not enough to feel safe at all if we were ever put in the position of standing alone and without the aid of a Kingdom from the Human colonies. 

'I'm not even going to flirt with the idea that I can hold off something like a million enemies or something with more than enough firepower to take down an entire continent....Even with all the strong forces beside me, this entire idea would be suicidal......However, if it was between life and death and I was forced to bring out my 4 top grade items from Malthiel, then it's a completely different story....'  

The actual reason I have this firm shred of confidence is solely based on my new Age of Death skill that proved to be the mark of death for even a being whose existed long before this world was even around....I have no doubt that even the strongest figures in the Human Kingdoms like the 12 Saints would meet their untimely demise when having to defend against 'Abgrund' or my magic nullifying 'Midnight Gauntlet'.  

'So with that alone I'm confident I can defend and potentially even kill some of them if I succeed an initial strike. That should be enough to at least deter some....' 

While I admit my absorption ability is a cheat, it is what has given me the power to help us all survive today, so I can only be thankful for it. However, without my overpowered equipment I honestly don't feel confident in protecting my loved ones which is why I need to strenuously train from here on out....Just like the game, those who stop playing after a while eventually get passed up by those who still do. This world’s no different. You either mover forward or get left behind.  

I continued to eat through some semi-intact hearts and cores while everyone else waited patiently. 'Hmm, I never really noticed before, but everywhere I go now I seem to always be surrounded by companions.’  

This last skill is difficult to comprehend, but from what I see, it actually creates a physical image of myself and infuses it with a tiny bit of my life force. The pixies said this core came from one of the red-winged flying monsters that appeared in the skies hovering over Balor and his Fomorian army. 

While I have control over the image, it cannot inflict any direct harm. It’s almost similar to the pixies illusion spell but it is a magic that uses my mana to send a small amount of my life force while even taking a small amount of my health to project a physical copy of myself, but at the same time can be destroyed.  

While it's not like the supernatural Astral Projection which can let me move and see outside my own body I should have some small control over the movements of this extra copy. 

Along with Mystic Projection, I gained a few more skills that even right upon learning it my understandings on how they even work were practically nonexistent. 'Normally when I'd learn a skill I'd gain quite a bit of knowledge over how it basically works but some of the monsters in this dungeon are very odd and I can only determine their uses from their semi-cryptic descriptions.' 

Omega Tribulation’s a skill I received from the Grootslang that Fenrir had even left for me. Since we don't have the ability to eat the heart of every strong monster, I made a deal with him that any time this occurs I will eat the heart while he will drink the blood and in turn I would overlook his gluttonous habit of eating pretty much all the spoils like that one time. 

While even the description for it was vaguely strange, I understand is a magic-type skill that fires a projectile of extremely condensed mana that will release a gaseous substance upon impact. Those who breathe in its fumes will see hallucinations which are much different than illusion magic. As it’s not something that can be fought physically nor magically, but medically, like taking an antidote for or waiting until the effects wears off. There is also a 10% chance of receiving a Confuse status which even in the game was practically fatal when fighting against a Boss. The cool-down for it though is 12 hours which is the same as that of the Mystic Projection skill.  

Sky Poison Domain    (Description) 

Trap your prey within a realm of your own venom. Pollute the very air that exudes from your pores, dropping your enemies from above the clouds in your domain. 

If Poison Resistance is below 10%: 

If the toxic air is taken in by an enemy continuously for every 10 seconds, the likelihood of Poison Status occurring will increase by 5%. 

If Poison Status is achieved: 

An Additional 2,300 Damage is inflicted upon the prey within your Domain / 1000 damage for every following minute within your Domain. 

20% chance enemy will lose the ability of flight. 

10% chance Sky Beast Poison attacks and shut down the victim’s vital organs.

Regardless of whatever enemy, strong or weak, a Manticore will attack all who venture into its domain. With every noxious breath that is taken; the Sky Beast Poison will continuously invade and rupture every bodily organ into a meaty paste. 

Poison Resistance: + 3% 

Skill Cost: 150,000 MP / 100,000 MP per minute 

Cool-down Time: 1 Day 

I also got an interesting skill from the Manticores as well, but I feel it’s too dangerous to test right here on the spot simply due to its name.  

If taken in continuously without interference, the likelihood of receiving the Poison status will increase drastically. If that status is achieved, then the Manticore’s poison will begin to rupture and shut down all of the victim’s internal organs, vitals included, one by one until death. If one’s resistance isn't high enough, the victim won’t be able to make it a few steps before dying on the spot.  

What makes this skill seem so intriguing is when I read out the description, Sting seemed to point out that the Manticore isn't a monster he is aware of. Including most of the monsters he's seen, this skill however peaked his interest simply because extinct monsters would probably have poisons without any known antidotes to cure it which would make it much more dangerous when used on someone. While there are incredibly lifesaving elixirs and potions that can rid the body of most fatal and toxic of substances, they are extravagantly expensive. So normally the more one grows in level, the use of poisons amongst the experts lessen as the likelihood of obtaining a status and dying are quite low unless it can kill quickly enough.  

There are also numerous always ways to cure a poison or combat the Status after the battle is over. Most Kings always try to take a poison expert just for the benefit of having someone capable of producing antidotes from the poison attacks from monsters as a simple health potion wouldn't be enough. That is why poisons are mostly used by those of the assassin class as if one were to want to add an effect or trait to their weapon, poison wouldn't always be the most beneficial method. 

Sting even says one can combat a poison with another and then give the antidote to the stronger toxin. So there are a number of ways but not as absolute as some of these godlike elixirs invented in the field of Alchemy. However, because the prices of some of these said elixirs Sting brought up are so expensive, they cannot be obtained by just anyone. That is why most poison experts like Sting try to invent their own personal poison with their own effects and ways to attack the body which can only be cured by said famous elixirs, then their importance and fame in the Empire would surely skyrocket and be sought out by many not only to add to their own power, but also for their own safety. 

He says simply judging by the beast’s high level, we can assume it is already a poison that would need at least a certain level of resistance just to not receive an initial Status. Judging by the description, just receiving it could be instantly fatal. But we won't be sure until we test it. 

Fenrir and I have surely gained a lot of goods in this place. Just having these skills alone could probably make us comparable to some of the strong figures in the Central colonies of the Human Kingdom.  

Fenrir seemed to show a couple of odd skill obtained as well, but the most interesting of them all is a strange skill that resembled that black sphere with a maroon light that was shot at and almost hit Hjökk during the battle. 

He shot it out of his mouth aiming at a cluster of rubble and it blew right through it, melting everything behind it.  

When the pixies went to go investigate when they touched it they said their stamina started dropping very fast while it was incredibly sticky and hard to peel off. The pixies getting tired of the sticky black maroon-like substance on them started to burn it off with their white flames with success.  

Fenrir also appeared to have gained the same Gravity spike as me as well as the Grootslang's poison skill after licking and drinking enough of its blood from its completely wrecked corpse that was completely wrung from the inside out. 

'He even has that poison now? .....Shit this little cub is going to be terrifying.' 

His level is 159 now but regardless of this fact he's a monster that can't be described by this alone. Even I wouldn't want to approach something like him as I'd most likely have to put my life on the line. 

Fenrir is however still in his completely docile and playful cub form. 

His size is that of a normal dog now but his head is rather large. The fur around his neck is also very thick, practically resembling a lion’s mane. 

'The pixies however just think he's adorable and continue to ride on his back and scratch his belly every chance they get. Heh, he doesn't seem to hate the attention either.' 

We continued testing out and looking through some of the skills and talked when I heard the voices of a small party growing closer. 

Walking around the side of the mountain-like corpse, was a small group of familiar faces except for one.  

Izzie, walking alongside Pek and several other followers, was also accompanied by a dark skinned and silver-haired....elf. 

"Ugh...."  

Everyone following my line of sight too showed signs of not knowing what to think. The silence broke when one of the pixies spoke up. 

"Oh, you're Clara right?" - Jana 

"Oh, so this is what you look like?" - Kai 

Listening to the Pixies I realized that the Dark Elf in front of me is the same Dark Elf who was stuck so close to Izzie, but now she’s currently in her original body now. Her level was 65 and she looked fairly young with a thin face. 

"Oh, yes this is the real me. It's a pleasure to properly meet everyone thoroughly.” - Clara 

"Look at her ears. They’re pointy." - Jade 

"Her voice is kinda funny too..." - Aurora 

"Hmph, and her boobs are big." - Cyanin 

"Hehe..." 

Teehee... 

"I...a wha wait now just a second! That isn't nice to say when meeting someone!...." - Clara 

"Nyahaha!” - Izzie 

The Dark Elf then began to move around oddly trying to say it was none of their business but I guess she’s unaware of her…revealing…attire.  

Clara said that after the fight with Balor, she asked Izzie to journey with her to the floor where her dead brethren were to find her body in one of many stored in life capsules built to store bodies. She says that almost all of them were gone, but thinks that it is unusual. According to her there were quite a few Elves who didn't wish to follow Balor, but their bodies were missing which leads her to believe they might still be alive.  

Even her voice has now changed and regardless of her stunning figure, it almost sounds kinda ditzy for some reason. She has a thin waist, thin shoulders and thin face, but a very large bust. She’s now wearing black leather pants and a white silk shirt that looks like ones the Arachnee casually wear. 

'We can only play that situation by ear because we already gave the elves the opportunity to forsake their alliance with Balor. We still have to go out and find Balor's forces he sent out of the dungeon too at some point or we’ll soon have a disaster in our hands.’

"Momo...We've been..momo..looking...momomo...you. Can you...mo ji momo jiji move...Balors...mom...body." - Pek 

"Yeah, nya! What he seemed to have said. I too wish to take some samples and Clara won't even let me go near it without you moving it first so we should hurry it up nya!" - Izzie 

It seems they had each came here to see if I could actually move Balor's corpse to another floor. Since the body is too large and the meat is priceless, Pek decided to set up a space on the ice floor where they will stockpile their meat in one of the large ice caves. They’ve even prepared some kind of tarp to contain the blood that could potentially be worth who knows how many secrets. 'I have to admit, they’re quite thorough. Even though each of these three don't fit the bill for it, they’re the top minds in the dungeon now.'  

Since it was also time for me and Fenrir to try and see what we can get from this as well I was eager to help out. 

If we are to obtain something as powerful as a God of such frightening power over so many strong and powerful figures, then our odds of survival will also rise drastically. 

I tried to get my mother and some of those present to stay but none of them seemed willing at all...In fact when I even tried to notion for any of them to wait, I was met with each and every one of them yelling back at me for so many different reasons, I just gave up on trying to change their minds. 

So we left the floor with my mother and several pixies sitting on my shoulders and surrounding me continued smiling....And the small crowd who also decided to follow as well..... 

It was only now that I had realized....'Huh, this could very well be my life from now on.....' 

Just one of the random thoughts that crossed my mind as we each warped down to Floor 13. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

After warping to the Ice Floor and finding the location that the three had prepared, we ended up being in a large cave they’d personally tunneled into a mountain made entirely of ice.    

It's where they store all the excess food as this dungeon not only has a unique weather system as many of the floors, but also have seasons so they attempted to save as much food as they can. Some floors would even change their respawn rates while some monsters’ birthing rates and litter counts would increase randomly, drastically increasing the difficulty of constant change, never gave its citizens a chance for a moment of peace.  

When the populations became too overcrowded and pushed back, some large factions within the races actually hoarded it, and even though every race would get equal shares, it ended the day the Elkia died. 

With the leaders of the dungeon gone, a lot of the dynamic of this dungeon left with them and pushed almost every race to a crisis since not a lot of food was gathered in the large ice shelves and walkways.  

While the floor itself is bone-chilling cold, my mother and I are able to use fire magic while all the other races here seem to have some bit of resistance. I also had some of the pixies with Tanin to stand around my mother and Sting so they won’t freeze to death.  

There is even a light ward in front of the cave like the one on Floor 1. This storage structure was even first proposed by the Elkia centuries ago. The Elkia truly were wise to think up all of these things. The Annunakes didn't talk as if they were like normal priest types who sit in the back and heal either....It almost sounded like from Za Za and Adimar's descriptions the Elkia were more of their teachers and even taught them how to fight, which seems strange to me.  

'I can only hope to see their abilities with my own eyes someday but right now I simply can't help myself from the sight in front of me.' 

Just in front of me was the dead corpse of the Final Boss lying on a large tarp ready to be dissected....'Hmph, it's funny that even though he’s the ‘mad scientist’, he's the one who gets thrown on the chopping block by his own experiments.'  

There were a large number of Jiji, Neko and even some Reiki here as well. 

It didn't take long for many of them to start applauding just as I walked in. Each of them looked at me with warm eyes and some had even come over to greet me by bowing excessively or wrapping their arms around my neck.  

Even with these kind gestures, they however looked at me as if they didn't have the words to say what they wanted as they each stuttered or cried without warning. 

Some even tried to apologize to me for something they said or believed about me but couldn't express just enough how thankful each of them were for their newfound freedom.  

Some of the men and even the women even swore to serve me for saving their ancestors and dead family members as they had nothing else to live for now. All I could say to them was to live in accordance to what their ancestors and loved ones intends, as each of them had fought and lived to honor their sacrifice....That much honestly is enough to me. 

After I got past each of them, Pek and some of his workers walked off and started to get to work. As did Clara and Izzie who seemed to almost be drooling looking at the corpse in front of them which isn't something you ever look for in a girl, but who am I to talk. 

Pek said he would try to extract some meat from the open wounds since I had mentioned attempting my new Cooking Skill with his meat. He twitched his mustache quite a bit just before readily agreeing.  

Even after their captor’s death, he's still working busy as ever like nothing had happened. He even offered to make each of us Fomorian fur-hooded cloaks like the ones they’re wearing and we happily accepted and told him to not think much of it for the time being as we will speak on how to split everything up later. 

'Oh, that's a good idea....' 

I then told Pek to see if any of his race would be willing to use the rest of the fur to make blankets considering right now is a time many would need it. He also seems to understand that just because of this being a joyous day things like trade between the races can't just come to a halt either and smiled while agreeing. 

Pek seems to have a lot of orders now for his inventions including from Adimar and some of the Annunakes....Za Za is now holding onto a large carved bone with a black metallic claw on one end like a spear. With the length of the claw it almost looks like a naginata but Pek told us it’s a failed invention since it’s too heavy and large for him or any of his race to wield alone.   

Za Za found it against the side of one of his work tables and asked if she could have it since she has no problem with the weight at all... 

The bone-spear’s blade is made from the Fomorian claw, which some of the Annunake maidens said helped the Jiji tremendously in fending off all the attacking undead earlier. They attached small, carved down claws and attached them to gloves but apparently only a few of the Jiji were even able to pick them up. 'I think they must have a skill like in the game... Regardless of the weight, maybe being a master craftsmen they can actually remove some, if not all of the requirements of using any items they craft....this would be something to look into.' 

Hjökk even mentioned how dangerous Balor's horns are and since a large piece was broken off, I might have to see if Pek could make a few weapons out of them for me. 

Izzie is just doing this for independent study but Clara is going to be extracting all the blood, skin and other samples she can to use in her Alchemical studies. She says with this she can attempt to make any sort of elixirs or even monster pills with some interesting effects.  

I warped on top of Balor's massive 25 foot body, still with open wounds and cuts, bleeding dark metallic fluids. Fenrir leaped from the ground in one jump and landed around me and quickly walked over to my side. 

We don’t know where to start looking for a big enough wound to harvest a Monster Core or hopefully something like a heart....I honestly don't want to drink all of that stuff oozing out of his tears in his skin and scorched flesh. 

Kai and some of the floating Pixies above told me that they couldn't feel the energy of a monster core coming from inside him, but they can feel some kind of powerful energy running through his entire body. 

'Yah know, it's highly possible this Final Boss doesn't even have any bodily organs. Even when I was inside Balor I felt like I had fallen into just an empty void as vast as the endless space stretching between the stars. Only without any speck of light at all. Just an endless darkness making up his entire being....He is darkness. This corpse....Maybe it's just a shell he made himself. I can't begin to understand the biology of something that crawled out of the Abyss, but with his tough body, it's going to be impossible to cut deep enough to find anything even if he does have organs and that would take quite a bit of time.' 

Fenrir and I journeyed across Balor's lifeless and heavily damaged corpse. His natural health recovery still worked even after shutting off his magic, but it slowed down drastically after being tortured from the power of Abgrund's blade, capable of cutting even through space itself... 'He really did help in avenging his fallen master.' 

When we both got to the shoulder, there was a large amount of dark blood leaking out where I had burst out of from Balor's back even now. The blood and open wound however showed to have an almost unsettling residue drifting over it. 

Even in death, this psychopath still creeps me out. Regardless if his words were true or not, Fenrir and I need to obtain the abilities this entity holds. I understand the risks and I'm sure if Hjökk were here she'd probably go loudly against it, but in a world like this, if you don't continue to grow strong others will eventually catch up to you. The laws of this world are quite similar to the ones in Loki's game. If one spends enough time and effort with a little luck along the way, they can truly become like gods. 

Fenrir looked up at me and wagged his tail and we both crouched down over the open wound and started drinking the dark god's fresh blood.  

The blood was warm and has a very bold taste almost like the sensation of eating a habanero pepper. 

I swallowed it down and could feel every drop as it went down from my throat to my stomach. I also decided to use my Vampirism skill to assist me some. 

Darkness Resistance + 1  

Congratulations! Your Darkness Affinity rose and you have learned a new skill! 

Dark Spear 

Intellect + 55       Wisdom + 25 

Create a spear from complete darkness and punish your foes, piercing straight through enemy magic. 

Will ignore 60% of all enemy Defense. 

15% Chance of wounds inducing a Fear status upon target.  

If Fear status is achieved, the Dark properties of the spear will invade the host's mind and increasingly strain enemy magic lasting for 3 minutes. 

* Magical Attack Power will decrease by 33%. 

10% Chance of halting wound recovery permanently. 

Skill Cost: 55,000 Mana 

Cool-down Time: 6 minutes 

Darkness Resistance + 1  

With every few gulps, my darkness resistance rose gradually and I could feel my whole body slowly growing warm. 

Darkness Resistance + 1 

Congratulations! Your Darkness Affinity has risen to 50% and you have learned a new skill! 

Dark Cloud 

Intellect + 75     Wisdom + 50     

Summon a cloud of the endless Night that will attack and devour all enemy magic.  

Skill Cost: 95,000 MP 

Cool-down Time: 12 Hours 

Gulp...gulp...gulp... 

I simply continued gulping watching as status after status continued to fill my vision while I’m trying not to think about the powerful and disgusting taste haunting my mouth right now. 

Darkness Resistance + 1 

Darkness Resistance + 1 

This continued for some time and at uneven set intervals I would naturally learn a skill as my resistances continued to rise.  

Congratulations! Vampirism has just advanced to Grade 2! 

20% Chance of rendering the victim unable to use a random skill for 6 hours. 

33% Increase in the absorption rate and control of the victim’s blood flow. 

33% Skill Cost reduction. 

Congratulations! Your darkness affinity has risen and you have learned a new skill! 

Dark Pulse 

Intellect + 75     Wisdom + 150 

Extend your powers over the dark and feel the darkness dwelling deep within all. 

Skill Cost: 100,000 MP 

Cool-down time: 30 minutes 

Congratulations! You have just learned a Divine skill!         (Passive) 

Dark Apparitions                 

It was said before there was ever light, there was an endless darkness that blanketed over all existence. The most ancient of elements with boundless possibilities. 

Create anything to your desire from the infinite darkness at your command, and blanket the world in an unyielding night. 

Intellect + 100     Wisdom + 100 

Skill Cost: N/A 

Cool-down Time: None 

At this point I could feel that my Demonic Absorption finally kicked in but I continued to use my Vampirism skill to drink more of Balor's blood. 

I waited to look through each of the skills until my Darkness Resistance stopped gradually increasing.

Darkness Resistance + 1 

It continued on until my Resistance/Affinity with the Darkness element rose to 71%, making me incredibly difficult to harm by anything of Darkness element. 

I got two more abilities along the way and it then made me realize just how dangerous the Dark Mage class can be when fighting against other mages....their magical potential can become frightening just by raising their affinities, but what's really scary is just how each of these abilities compliment the other. 

Dark Wave 

Intellect + 100     Wisdom +35 

Send your enemies into eternal darkness with the crushing power of the Night, devouring all in its path. 

Skill Cost: 250,000 MP 

Cool-down Time: 18 Hours 

Unforgiving Eclipse

Intellect + 100     Wisdom + 85            

All Damage and Status enacted upon your enemies by you within the span of a day will be returned to them while in view of the Eclipse of the Unforgiving Night. 

Skill Cost: 450,000 MP 

Cool-down Time: 3 Months 

My entire brain was reeling simply scanning the words through each of these skills and what it would mean. Not only has my my resistance to any dark monsters and attacks from here on out, but simply the limitless possibilities these skills could be used for especially the Divine skill from Balor. 

My whole body feels burning inside, as my vision was almost starting to grow blurry. 

I looked over at Fenrir radiating dark black mist off his silver fur. It that very similar to the Midnight Aura skill and was quite thick, but he too looked back at me with a confused look. 

I was trying to breathe, but I feel no oxygen coming into my lungs at all. A sudden burning sensation almost erupted from my chest to all the way through each of my veins throughout my body, attacking me with endless torment along the process. 

"Ah......AHHh...AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" 

A violent pain struck my entire body. It felt like the blood in veins were boiling and being constantly invaded by the overwhelming power of Balor's blood was starting to become unbearable. I loudly screamed and fell down helplessly onto my knees. 

I couldn't tell if the pain attacking my mind was slowly becoming one with me or eating it away. 

With the constant agony torturing my insides, I wasn't sure if my body was now rejecting this foreign blood or if I was in fact dying. 

"Ruff!" 

"Vali!!!"  

"Vali! What's wrong?! VALI!"  

"Valiiiiiiii!"  

Everything around me became suffocating and even with all the Pixies flying towards me and Fenrir coming to my aid, I felt no one could help me with what’s occurring inside of me. I couldn't tell them what was wrong to ease their fears and before I could get a hold over the pain, everything suddenly went dark. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

Loki's POV: 

“Mmpmohmph....mphph...”     

‘And they didn’t even know Hjökk was there due to that big dummy’s shrouding spell not wearing off until the whole place crashed and burned....Mph..haha...’     

“Wahahaha!!! Such splendid news!"  

I spun around in my chair until doing dozens of rotations with my hands raised victoriously through the air. 

After hearing Hjökk’ report over all her time spent in Balor's hidden dungeon I couldn't help but get excited hearing it. 

Currently I sat in my Manor in the Northern Summit of Asgard sitting in my own personal office which I created. Standing in front of me now was the purple-headed Valkyrie and she dawned a rather troubled look on her face. The light from Asgard’s 3 moons began to shine in through the open-aired ceiling, illuminating my surroundings. 

 '…..Hmm oh well. How can I think of anything else at this joyous moment? Though a bit of unexpected things seem to have escaped my hindsight, this event has exceeded all of my wildest dreams. Truly though as a Champion, Vali has stepped out and gone above and beyond my original hopes for him would. He could essentially achieve things much quicker than I could have ever possibly imagined.... These humans truly are wondrous creatures. Regardless of their weaknesses, regardless of their lacking knowledge and short life spans....When pushed into a corner they choose to hide and await doom or leap into the fray for their cause without fear....Mph....Mphahaha..... The idiots here will surely not be able to ever see it coming mph...mphah....'   

"WUahahahahah!"   

"Um, Lord Loki? What is so funny? I wasn't done with my assessment." - Hjökk   

"Mphph...So sorry Hjökk please do continue...."   

I spun around in my chair as I simply could not contain my excitement. I originally thought the aid I had sent my champion would have provided him the ability to escape but who would have thought he used it instead to corner that Fallen beast and take his life instead.....  

'Vali you truly are everything I have waited for these long lost megaanun mph....I can't let Hjökk see my excitement or she'll surely scold me again, but this is truly a joyous melody that bewitches my ears. I must reward him somehow for his remarkable accomplishment.'   

The young Valkyrie then spoke of that rather small demi human child Vali had saved in one of the Human Kingdoms wound up being of the Aureum Hunds race....Such an interesting turn of events to be honest....Couldn't have ever foresaw that one but such a talented addition to the party....'I swore that Lugh character took that oddball race to live on one of his suns forever ago. If I recall he adored such a race so much he hated the idea of other gods even getting close to them...Rather odd fellow, weird fetishes it seems with fuzzy things.....But who'd think with Vali's high luck he'd attain such an interesting ally in such an unlikely place.   'Once those Aureum Hunds take a master, it's for eternity. Very loyal beings....Vali always did show to latch onto others happiness other than experiencing it on his own. Humans with tragic pasts always seem to find others broken like them to combine their broken pieces together.....Interesting evolutionary means of survival though.'

Even though Lugh wasn’t always been known for his prowess on the battlefield, he demanded respect for his glorious power. Those Golden Hounds were practically his executioners...While not powerful enough to kill a God....It sure is enough to hold one down and these things would do just that, absorb all attacks one could dish out before being impaled by the Sun God's spear. 

"Vali has seemed to have acquired quite the interesting entourage indeed mphmph.... He even got such an interesting regeneration skill....While it's not as functional as the Reversion magic you Valkyries use this is something that will truly fill his enemies with dread...If only he could have met a Colossal Hydra in that old god’s little laboratory."  

"Even if there was I don't believe Vali has the mental capacity to control multiple versions of himself after being regrown." - Hjökk

"Mmm, you have a point. Ugh! This is still so astounding indeed. I wish I could send Balor flowers or something for sending my Champion such incredible gifts muhahaha! First a Death Master of the God King Hades and not just any Reaper but the famed Death himself. Now with that old thing's death he could gain a talent from a God who once reigned supreme as Ultimate ruler over the Dark World after that old fool crawled out from the Abyss.....Hoh! My Champion is going to be feared by the masses! Armies of millions shall simply tremble and retreat at mere whispers of his name!!!"  

I swiveled my chair around in circles and looked back at the Valkyrie maiden who has been with me for as long as I care to look back.   

She’s starting to show more and more emotion in the recent days. Perhaps the influence of living on the mortal realms is starting to affect her....   

"You seem rather happy after all the recent trouble you've caused.... I don't think Tyr or Baldr are going to let this one go, Loki. Regardless of your relations with Thor and Lady Frigg, with your....jokes, I feel that some of the other Gods might try to harm you my Lord." - Hjökk 

"Hmmm? Oh why whatever do you mean?"  

"I'm serious Lord Loki! They seemed very angry this time." - Hjökk 

'Hahaha! They did seem angry didn't they? Well they were the ones who wished to play a game mmphmmphahaha!!!....' 

Thinking back to what happened just before Hjökk came into Valhalla’s great hall where a large party of everyone in Asgard had gathered. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

“Mmpmhmph....mphph...”     

‘I only sent my help to him so he'd have a good chance to flee, but who'd think he'd use it to finish old Grandaddy Balor off instead! My Champion is indeed growing at quite alarming rates it even gives me the chills muhahaha....haha...' 

“Wahahaha!!!”     

“Just what is so funny, Loki?” -Freya     

“Hah. Almost spilt some wine on yourself there, brotha.” - Thor     

Thor walked up to where I was standing on the open balcony and took a breath of fresh air before us. The 3 moons of Asgard towered over the violet sky and beamed down in yellow, red and a golden radiance that illuminated the entire Grand Hall.      

So massive, it reveals the true beauty and might that is Asgard herself.     

“Hah... Such a beautiful day in Valhalla. Cheers, little buddy.” - Thor     

I cheered Thor and took a swig of the delectable new vintage I recently scored.      

‘Hah, such a lovely taste. This big lug always had that big smile on his dumb face.... Hard not to love him though.’     

I then noticed Freya had risen from her place on the red floating coach and walked over towards us, leaving behind a trail of eyes from all the gods watching her slender figure strut across the Grand Hall.     

All the eyes in Valhalla can’t help but linger at her delicate and shining silhouette as she left the large number of suitors upset on the couch behind her.     

‘I swear this woman’s a slut, though she swore she’s been celibate for all these millennia.... While I don’t know about that, I do know she certainly doesn’t act like it.’     

“Why, if it isn’t Thor and Loki. What are you two so cheery about on this lovely day?” - Freya     

“Ah Mistress Freya.“ - Thor      

Thor went in and greeted Freya with a kiss on the cheek while keeping his quite bulbous hands he lugs around all the time firmly gripped on my shoulder.     

“We were just enjoying this lovely view on such a beautiful day. Is it not a grand day to be from Asgard!”- Thor     

Thor then rose his glass and everyone raised their mugs and glasses in unison and toasted.... I have to hand it to him; he always did have a way with crowds.     

Freya then took a drink and looked back at me in an odd way.     

“So...Loki.” - Freya     

“Freya....”      

“Baldr was just telling me about his Champion’s achievements and exploits in the central continent as the number one youth in one of the finest Academies in the whole world. That’s when I thought to myself you know whose champion I would like to hear about.....” - Freya     

“.... Why it couldn’t be mine, would it Mistress Freya?”      

As she nodded, I simply took another drink of my glass and continued to laugh only to myself.     

“Come to think of it little buddy why haven’t you chosen a Champion until now...? Your divine power is lacking a little these days, and you could sure use it to draw more faith towards you from the mortals.... You know in Donner’s guild there is this exceptional youth who would be perfect?” - Thor     

“Perfect huh?”      

“Of course...Brilliant fighter with a bright future ahead. And if you do then our Champions could be buddies just like you and me.” - Thor     

‘This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this pitch before.... Soon he’s gonna bring up something about his Cham...’     

“Hey, you know why Indra hadn’t shown up today don’t you? Hah! It’s because he and I set up a meeting between our Champions and Donner kicked his little Champion’s ass. He won’t even show his face to me now after proclaiming so much arrogance. Ugh, priceless…” - Thor     

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“Oh mphmphmph...” - Freya     

“Well if you’d both excuse me...I need to refresh my glass.”      

They both nodded and I left them there and walked over to the banquet table of fresh Garuda bird grilled golden and a wine table full of liquor collected throughout all the most lustrous of mythical or divine vineyards.     

I approached towards the long banquet table and picked up a particular vintage from roughly 6,000 years ago in the Alps of Bacchus’ prized vineyards. A particular location that he keeps secret from the other gods, one he will not part with willingly. In fact I don’t think he sells this liquor to anyone and is only for his private collection.     

Picking up the bottle, annoyance crept on my face.     

‘Hm?! ...It’s empty!”      

“Ah! Skuld, where are you going?” - Baldr     

“I’m getting another drink.” - Skuld     

The small green-haired Skuld walked over to me and picked up the same wine bottle as I did and then looked inside of it, ignoring me entirely.     

“Ah! Nuts, that was some good stuff... Mmmm What’s with you?” - Skuld     

“So you’re the one who stole my wine. You know what happens to thieves, Skuld? They end up…” - Loki     

“You’re not about to go into one of your long rants again because if you are, that’s fine, but I need to find a bigger bottle first.” - Skuld     

Skuld then shook her head sarcastically and started to fill her goblet up in front of me. This one’s nothing like Hjökk. I won her from a bet with Baldr and now I have two Valkyrie guardians instead of one. She however is rather.....     

“Loki what’s a good vintage? If I gotta listen to more of your bull, I’m thinking....A red...Hm.”- Skuld     

“Try that one, from Dionysus Plateau.“      

“Ah! Perfect!” - Skuld    

‘That’s right....Drink up.’     

“Oh what are you two acting so fussy about?” - Bacchus     

Walking up to the large banquet table was Bacchus followed behind by two women, while he too was looking at the liquor display showcasing each individual grape used to make the wine out in front.      

“Oh hello Bacchus. We were just having a debate on good wines.” - Skuld     

“Oh, good wines huh? And what do you two know about good wines?” - Bacchus     

Bacchus always has a sort of lazy but sarcastic air about him. Never really cared for the guy.     

“Loki actually knows quite a bit. This wine over here was his and it’s the best stuff I’ve ever tasted. It’s like I was sitting on one of Odin’s flying chariots galloping through the sky feeling a gentle but cool breeze brushing past my face....Too bad it’s all gone.” - Skuld     

“Oh, the best ever you say? I find that intriguing hmph... let me see. Hmm, ‘unmarked’ bottle that's odd.....” - Bacchus     

“Well as you both were.”      

As I started to take my leave…I could still hear Bacchus complaining about something behind me.     

“Wait, this wine?! LOKI!” - Bacchus     

“Hmph....”      

As I continued to walk forward I could see in the distance there sitting alone on a bench was Jupiter. Her head turned and then gaze towards me. She took notice of me the moment I glanced at her.      

I gave her a smile and then turned to look where I was going when an image of a short but dressed in full white armor and shining helm emitting its very own natural light.      

“Loki.” - Heimdall     

‘Ah!’     

“You do know.... I really hate it when you do that, Heimdall. Really is quite the annoying little habit of yours....”      

I swear he gets off on surprising others like he’s Asgard’s own personal watch dog. He however seems to be in a rather bad mood today.     

“Loki, what have you been up to?” - Heimdall     

“Oh Heimdall, why whatever do you mean?”      

“Don’t play the fool, I’ve seen a lot of interesting things these days, you’d be surprised what won’t escape my sight as much as you try to hide it.” - Heimdall     

“My, my, my the words of a true pervert. This interrogation come with a strip search? Cause I don’t feel comfortable giving my consent.”     

Heimdall grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the edge of the sky bridge connecting to the side of the large open balcony of Valhalla’s main hall.     

"Oooh...Quite the long way down huh whitey..."  

“You think I’m joking? I’ve heard you’ve been making pets, and they’re not in Asgard, so where in the Divines are they?” - Heimdall     

“Oh yes, well on Middle Earth obviously...Growing. An adorable wolf cub and an eensy weensy, itty bitty little ophidian...Can't tell you enough how small in fact. But I don’t see why my pet projects have need of your concern, Heimdall.”     

Heimdall’s short hair and shiny white skin started to all glow at once, fluttering around as if a wind was born from his fury alone.      

“Is that so? I just got a message from the Ladies of Fate...They never talk to anyone. And now they’re asking me to start looking for you. Loki, if you’re doing something to greatly alter or affect causality over Middle Earth, I swear I’ll banish you from the Divines myself!” - Heimdall     

I put my hand on Heimdall’s wrist and gripped it firmly to quickly removed it from my shoulder.     

“Now, now Heimdall....(squeeze)..... You’re starting to sound like old man Chronos talking about causality and the like and he’s weird. And no one talks to him.”      

”You still think this is all a joke. Everything's always just a game to you." - Heimdall 

“LOKI!” - Tyr     

A loud roar came from the skies causing both Heimdall and I too turn and see the source.      

‘Hmph...Oh this is a bit earlier than I anticipated....’     

Flying on a chariot with a galloping horse came in from the distant skies and arrived at the open balcony of the main hall. Riding on the golden chariot was a large red-haired man with massive muscles and dark bronze armor glistening in the light of the room. He has an unkempt red beard and came roaring in with a loud shout while holding what I assume is the rest of his beard hair I happened to trim off last night.     

‘Hm....Seems he connected the dots a bit faster than I expected...Good for him.’     

I could hear the thunderous roars of the chariot flying through the violet sky from the mounts’ every step of their hooves. Our famed Asgardian stables aren't just for show as he seemed to arrived here pretty quick all the way from Olympus. 

I took my hand out of Heimdall’s left pocket and replaced his special watch given to him by Chronos with something else.     

“Tyr... What’s with...What……? …What happened to your beard…old friend?” - Thor     

Thor trying to contain his laughter stared dumbfounded at the disgruntled and homely appearance of a warrior pal, Tyr.      

“My beard? Funny you should ask. Loki! I just found out from Olympus that the Sisters of Fate’s Sacred Shears went missing after you came and spoke with them last. I even saw you at Mount Olympus just before then! So who and what else could have cut my beard last night. Loki don't you dare move, I want some answers! I’ve been growing that beard long since before you were even born, you little trickster!” - Tyr     

Just the thunderous sound of his roars alone sent gusts of wind and endless pressure of his might rushing past me.     

Everyone in the whole hall then widened and focused their eyes at me. I could see that Heimdall too was shocked from his face. And then I took a big gulp of my glass.     

“I don’t know what you’re so mad about. That thing was starting to become rather gross I was doing you and us all a favor.”      

I then took out the golden Shears out of my jacket pocket which then grew to its larger, original size and tossed it over to Heimdall. Their appearance looked nothing more than like a pair of long golden scissors. Nothing spectacular about the look of these shears yet they hold the power to sever practically anything in existence so it is looked at as quite the treasure throughout the Divine Realms....Well I guess anyone would get a little pissy if their weapon of mass destruction suddenly went missing.     

Every eye in Asgard was then on me and the golden shears in Heimdall’s hands admitting my guilt for the deed.      

“Funny with all the hindsight Heimdall you couldn’t figure that one out a little sooner....You're getting rusty old friend. Give these back to the 3 sisters for me and tell them I said thanks for the tea and I had a lovely time.”     

As I started to walk away, I couldn’t help but laugh to myself endlessly.... And in 3...2...1..     

“Where do you think you’re going, you puny little trickster? This time…I’m really gonna beat ya black and blue!” - Tyr     

‘And now Thor will engage and stop Tyr in...3...2…’     

“Tyr, now now! Not the time to stop a good party is it? And no offense brother, but....The beard was getting a little unkempt.”- Thor     

“Th...Thor? You know how long I've been growing my beard for....That little punk thinks he can just cut Sheila and get away with it.“ - Tyr     

"’Sheila’? You actually named it? Hahaha oh I'm sorry that's actually pretty funny." 

"You little bastard god, come here!" - Tyr

Thor then with a big smile went over and placed his hand on Tyr’s shoulder and smiled at him.     

“Ah come now. It’s just hair. Besides you look much better now than you were before. What do you say Freya?” - Thor     

The mistress herself then walked over in her skin-tight long blue dress that looked to have been made of an intangible, almost invisible substance while also covering up her dignity.     

“I personally like it. Makes you look quite dignified and handsome in fact.” - Freya     

Everyone around who had been chuckling to themselves and looking at the heated tensions then started to smile at Tyr’s rather simple mood change upon gazing at the sight of a beauty complimenting him.

“Oh well... I guess, it was ...getting a bit long hauhauh...” - Tyr     

‘Such simpletons, really.‘     

I smiled towards Thor and he looked back at me and winked while raising his mug and toasted to everyone....yet again...     

“Now Tyr I was just telling Freya we should play a game to liven the mood, so what do you think?” - Thor     

“A game huh? How’s bout after I punch this little prankster in the mouth first. Even if it needed to be cut...That’s no reason to go ahead and do it.“ - Tyr     

“How’s about we do play a game?” - Baldr     

‘Bout time.....Hmph.’     

“Baldr? You too?” - Freya     

“Hmm, why not? It’ll liven the already sullen mood. Why not have a game, Tyr and Loki? That way the winner can end their grudges. Nice and simple, no?” - Baldr     

BING!     

“Huh?” - Baldr     

“Oh, look everyone. Baldr just had an idea!”      

To my comment everyone looked looked above Baldr’s head and saw a small light bulb blinked on and hovering over him.  

“Yes, yes.... You, and your jokes.” - Baldr     

“Hmph...” - Freya     

All eyes of Valhalla then turned and looked towards the Mistress Freya who turned red and hid her face behind Thor’s robust and muscular torso. Thor, trying to shield her embarrassment, addressed the crowd in the grand hall.      

“Mmm...Gulp...I like it! Let’s have a game going. Loki vs. Tyr and we’ll all take bets. Gulp...Now! What are we playing?” - Thor     

Thor then finished off his glass of wine and extended his long muscular arms around Freya and Tyr at the same time.      

“Hah. A game? Whatever I don’t even care anymore. Fine let’s ‘play a game’ I swear...... I'm getting a drink.” - Tyr     

Tyr started to walk towards the food table and everyone continued to look towards him and myself. ‘I swear playing games with these gods has never gets old but in all honesty....Beating these old, powerful and yet incredibly arrogant buffoons has started to grow dull these past few eons.....But now I’m simply just too excited about the coming days....’     

Freya was thinking to herself when she asked what game it should be and everyone started pitching out ideas.     

“Mmm drinking contest.” - Skuld     

“Weapon fighting contest?” - Baldr     

"Dance contest..." - Bragi 

“Now now, Why not let the two decide?” - Freya     

Everyone in the hall then started to agree and nod their heads.     

“Hmph… I don’t care what it is....Why not let Loki decide? He’s the one always playing those annoying ‘games’. Hmph...Seriously. But I get to decide the punishment if I win!” - Tyr     

‘There it is.....That overwhelming confidence they all rely on. It’s simply nauseating listening to something as lowly as a plebeian god dare speak to everything in its path as if he’s almighty. Tyr isn’t even a High God and he speaks as if he holds the mantle of God King himself..... It’s this overconfidence that will be all of their undoing sooner or later. The air in Asgard is simply suffocating due to these lowly fools basking in their arrogance, in their ignorance. Oh how I do enjoy knocking them off their high horse now and again.’     

“Hmmm, as I recall, I watched a movie the other day and saw an interesting game I just couldn’t wait to try. Are you interested?”      

To my words, Thor, Freya, Baldr and everyone else in the Grand Hall set their eyes on Tyr with a smile thinking of the possibilities of my games everyone in Asgard always interesting.     

“Hmph... A movie? What’s that supposed to be? Well whatever, I’m not scared to play any games with you Loki as long as I know what’s in store for the loser. Let’s do it. What’ll it be?”  - Tyr     

I walked towards the floating red coaches circling around a large round table.      

I sat down and ushered Tyr to walk over and join me to a game.     

“Ugh, no one understands me....Well whatever. I didn’t get the name of the game but let’s call it...The Princess Bride.”      

“The Princess Bride?” - Thor     

“The what?” - Tyr     

All in the hall started to gather around and question as to what this game is, whether it’s a battle of strength, stamina, heroism, or intellect.     

“How do you play?” - Freya     

“This better not be just some bullshit you come up on the spot again.” - Tyr     

“I said it was only that one time but you constantly bring that up....Fine I’ll explain the rules first....Skuld could you bring me a bottle of wine? Try that bottle you poured yourself if there’s any left.”      

Skuld, while keeping the rude look on her face, walked back over with the bottle of wine and I poured two glasses out.      

“Ah...I swear I can’t wait till Hjökk comes back. You always treat me like a mere servant.” - Skuld     

I then took out a small yellow vile from my jacket pocket.     

“This is a very concentrated and potent poison I developed myself quite recently. Due to a mistake that happened in a refining process of a new product I plan on unveiling in my next business venture here in Asgard, I came into custody of this new and interesting toxin that can attack even a divine’s biology in a rather interesting way. Oh, don’t worry everyone it’s not lethal or anything. This however will induce a violent wave of vomiting out the contents of your large, godly stomachs.....While also defecating out the wastes accumulated throughout your bodies over the vastness of time, which is something I’d assume many of you haven’t done since.....well, forever. Mphm mphm....”      

I poured out the contents into one of the glasses and raised up both cups.     

Knowing that as a Divine we don’t have the need to dispose of waste within our bodies as we can simply convert it into substance to nourish our skin due to the high quality ingredients used of whatever we take in. However also as a Divine we don’t ever have a need to eat or drink but we simply do it for the enjoyment or craving we all feel to obtain in some form of bliss. We never grow full nor do we ever grow hungry. We eat until we grow tired of the taste, not for the sake of sustenance.   

However, everyone here had plenty of food and drinks in the last few hours in celebration and enjoyment of a good gathering. So I’m sure everyone has eaten and drank quite a bit.... As the realization to my words widen everyone’s eyes.  

As I reached to hand Tyr the first glass I then made it reappear and float overhead. I then did the same with the one in my hand.      

With all eyes in the room on the two glasses I started to switch the locations of each glass and make them appear and reappear in the sky for several breaths and then brought them back to the table. One in front of Tyr and one in front of me.     

“Now...The winner will obviously watch the loser vomit in a painful and embarrassing state depending on Tyr’s choosing, while also experiencing some other embarrassing events over the next several minutes. So now make your choice. Where is the poison? The game ends when you take the glass of your choosing while I’ll drink from the other and then..... The big finale.”     

“””“.....””””     

Everyone continued to silently stare at the two cups trying to figure out where the poison is. No one has any clue which glass is poisoned and which glass is not due to my skillful spatial magic display, I however made one reappear just as it disappeared each time simply to make everyone assume they had the correct glass.     

“Wait how do we know you don't have the antidote or something like that?” - Baldr 

"Oh there is no antidote for this. However, it's not really a poison either, but more or less of a detox if you will. Those who take in this particular concoction will find each of their divine energies practically removed of any pollution or foreign substance as it even immediately rejuvenates the youth and vitality of your skin....Though at an embarrassing price."  

“How interesting...” - Freya     

“Hah! I like it. Such an interesting gamble.” - Thor     

“Precisely....”     

‘You’d think that wouldn’t you hmph....?’     

I smiled at Tyr who sat alongside Baldr while they continued to look back and forth between the glasses listening to everyone behind them guessing which glass to take.     

The cheers continued for over a minute as I simply continued to grin waiting for Tyr to correctly guess which glass to drink.     

Tyr then picked up the glass in front of him and smiled.     

“So that’s your choice then?”      

“Hmph... I’m not scared. Yes, choose this glass. Let’s see what you got, little god.” - Tyr     

I picked up the glass in front of me and smirked and offered cheers with our glasses.     

“Down the hatch.”      

Gulp...gulp...gulp.     

“Mmm I must say, good stuff.....You know Tyr I actually read an interesting bit of literature about you the other day from another world that would do you good to read. Had to do with you and a peculiar wolf.”      

“What? What are you yammering on about? How long ‘til it’s supposed to kick in anyways?” - Tyr     

“Oh...I don’t know...few seconds at most.”      

Everyone then widened their eyes and started to look towards me and Tyr with anticipation as we both sat on the couch opposite of the other.      

........     

..............     

Everyone waited but the grand finale that I spoke of did not come.     

“Hmph...I guess your poison or whatever just doesn’t have enough juice to do anything to us Gods.“ - Tyr     

“Tch... And here I was getting excited. Thanks for nothing, Loki.” - Baldr     

“Hmm...How strange, I figured by now it should’ve easily...”     

“HOUGHHHH!!!!” - Tyr     

Purple veins appeared on the red-headed god’s face and it appeared like his whole face changed to a deep red as he turned to the side and roared.     

The contents of his stomach then evacuated and I then opened up the space of that vomit heading towards Freya to then reappear on the other side of Baldr.     

“Wha...Ahhhhh! Loki seriously? It went all over me!” - Baldr     

“Well, looks like I win then.”      

I stood up and nodded towards everyone and started to walk away slowly while I could see the faces of Skuld, Freya and even Thor slightly redden from looking at Tyr firmly holding his masculine chest and heaving out large buckets worth of red wine. I think I saw an entire Garuda leg fly out of there too..... 

"Hmph...You need to chew your food more, my slightly less bearded friend."     

HJJOOOOHH!!!!     

He continued to hurl in loud wails that started to shake the entirety of Valhalla while slamming his large fists into the floor, exploding a chain of cracks and shattered stone it with each swing.     

“Well I must attend to matters elsewhere. Was a fine day indeed Thor, until again.”      

As I was about to walk away, Freya extended her slender hand outward to try and stop me.     

“Loki, you seemed quite confident. How did you know Tyr would choose the glass in front of him?“ - Freya     

As everyone in the hall started to grow silent, I smiled and told them the plain truth, both glasses were poisoned.      

“What? Wait how? I saw you put the poison in only one of them?” - Thor     

“Wait both glasses were poisoned...? You said the vile had the poison and you put it into the first cup not both? And why aren't you throwing up then?” - Baldr 

"Ah...Glad you ask Baldy. To drink something. The proper definition would be when one swallows a substance until entering into the stomach which is what I did. I never stated that after fulfilling such actions one couldn't say....open up a space in their stomach so it wouldn't be absorbed into their body after swallowing it....I don't know why you decided to go above and beyond the rules, but bravo to you."  

To my words Baldr as well as the gods near him all twitched upon hearing my words realizing once again they'd been played. 

“Lo...hoghgh! LOki!” - Tyr     

Tyr continued to howl and hurl up what seemed like barrels and barrels of wine onto the floor. 

"Wait...Then how did you poison both glasses? What was in that bottle?" - Freya 

“Oh....yes well that vial I said was a highly concentrated version of the said detox now, didn't I? If anything it just accelerates the effects of the divine mmm laxative if you will. No...What I mean to say is the wine in that bottle already had the detox remedy in it. So Tyr just seemed to have picked the one with the accelerant in it is all....”      

“””“......””””     

As everyone continued to think about the situation that had occurred, they realized that at some point I must have already poisoned that bottle for this reason.      

And in 3...2…1.........     

“Wait! LOKI! You poisoned the whole bottle?! WHEN?!!” - Skuld     

I could see the small green Valkyrie start to have her rosy red cheeks turn green as well. I however assume this is due to the poison should now be....     

HJOOO!!!!     

“Lo...LOKgagghhh..Uhhh…Loki, you bastard god, are you kidding me?! Why did you poison the whole bottle?!” - Skuld     

“You know what I was going to say before Skuld before you so rudely interrupted...That thieves get their just deserts. And now you were supposed to spew out the said desserts all onto the floor and it was going to be funny....But you haven't eaten any....so disappointing. Count yourself lucky you two didn’t eat anything too long ago or this would have turned into a much more embarrassing show.... Well the moral of the story Skuld is, don’t steal my things.”      

“Isn't that just like cheating though Loki? Whether it's not outright lying wouldn't...HUoooOOOOO!” - Baldr    

A large red flood came exploding out the mouth of Baldr and onto the body of the crumbling Tyr.    

"Wha....oghhh....Baldr!" - Tyr 

“WHa....When did I....?!” - Baldr    

“Ah, you must have drunk the wine Skuld took from me. I might have guessed that would happen....”     

Baldr continued to radiate a light more bright than any sun in the known universe around his body causing practically all those around him to shield their eyes. What they could see through the blinding light however would be Baldr vomiting out the contents of his stomach on to the golden table in front of him. 

“Wait isn’t that a bit unfair Loki? I admit that your games one would always have to listen well and follow the rules accordingly and it leads to a lot of fun for everyone over eternity. However, isn't this a bit like cheating this time as you had prior conflicting knowledge that you purposely withheld?” - Freya    

“She’s right, and that’s not even your wine Loki!” - Bacchus    

“Tomatoes....Toe matos Bacchus....And when did I ever mention in the rules that none of the glasses were already poisoned? It’s not my fault you all inferred that they weren't. If you were curious you should have asked.... Hmphmph...That's why I like playing my games in hopes of teaching you folks to use your brains a little more often than your big mouths mphmph ....

Well, look who it is, Hjökk here to whisk me away....Ah I’m becoming a little drunk.” - Loki    

At this moment the purple-haired Valkyrie in her platinum battle armor came walking across the grand hall to us.    

To my words everyone in Valhalla turned and followed my line of sight and walks in the very same Valkyrie.    

“Ah....Lord Loki, I came to.....What's going on?” - Hjökk    

Upon seeing the hilarious sights, the young Valkyrie maiden too does not know how to respond. 

“Ah just playing a game Hjökk....Good day everyone...Thor, Mistress Freya....Good playing with you, Tyr and Baldy Waldy. We should do it again sometime soon.....”     

“Loki! I'm gonna spank your bottom black and blue one of these days I catch you and take that s HHHhoooughhhH!!!!!” - Tyr    

“UughhhH....Just wait...Ahhhhh PPppppPPPPOOOOOOFF!! You win this time...Loki... But it's on! Just like back in Valley of Nysa, I'll get even! Auhghghh!...” - Baldr    

"Hjökk...That...ah that bastard drugged me! HOooghhhh!!!! Just because I have to guard you doesn't mean I won't beat on you later hhoooooooo!!!!!!" - Skuld 

"Stop stealing my wine Skuld." 

"It's not even your wine! …Why is everyone looking at me like that...? It's really my wine!" - Bacchus 

We continued to walk past as I could tell Hjökk was giving awkward sympathies to her older sister from her expression as we silently walked by her and everyone else. 

I could still hear the beautiful melodic wails, thunderous shouts of vomit and flatulence, shaking the very entirety of Asgard! 

Such a beautiful music to my ears. It was as if the light from a star exploded behind me as I could hear Baldr's roars and farts all the way until we got back to my Manor. 

No one seemed to have anything left to say as I continued to exit the Grand Hall of Valhalla with Hjökk heading my Manor on the Eastern Summit.  

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------  

"Hahaha! Oh why so serious Hjökk? You think I'm scared of them? If I don’t pester them, then I'd grow bored from the span of this endless eternity....Besides, you shouldn't worry about such needless things. Hmph, if half the Gods in all the Divines knew just how powerful I truly am, they’ll all become incredibly nervous mphmph......But it is always more fun playing the fool, as no one will see it coming. Oh which reminds me I need to fill in our little Champion about such wisdom as well, as being underestimated can be a powerful tool that could aid him in his journey."  

"I suppose... I know at times Baldr can most certainly deserve it, but I wish you would stop making my job so difficult for me as your guardian Valkyrie." - Hjökk 

"Oh you're really starting to act like a human now....To us Gods, these are just simple pranks and games of amusement. Baldr's known to the masses as being a pure soul at heart and of a forgiving nature....I simply enjoy pushing his buttons. But we aren't as fickle to attempt murder on another Divine over the extent of such things. We got over the taste of slaughtering our fellow kind long ago, so we know just the dangerous roads it might lead.... Besides you act as if they aren't begging for it!" 

I noticed the young Valkyrie’s face was still of worry, making this seemed to not be the extent of her troubles. 

I asked her what else she had to share for me and she grew quiet for a short time while looking down at the floor below her. 

She really is starting to show much more emotion than before. Even when Baldr and I would get into our shenanigans, she would normally brush it off like all our other past harmless disputes. 

Whether she doesn't know this or not the War of the Gods all started not for petty conflicts and arguments on territory or those of the mortal realm...In fact it isn't something that one could learn the real reason while reading a book or listening to legend....Because those would all be lies. It was due to the simple fact that the Gods in our long eternal lives have a difficulty with something that no one other than us can understand.... Some of the Gods have grown to such an extent in their Divinity, even they don’t know how to die if they ever grew tired of living. 

But then one day....we each had discovered that beings not much different than us from Asgard had the ability to kill one another and that alone is what intoxicated us of the very idea of something new. Something different from the endless eternity we are practically trapped in without being aware of it at all. Never enjoying the beauty of life as if it was our last. Something that has truly opened my eyes these past few centuries studying these humans.  

Even if it isn't spoken of or written down in history...That was truly what started the War of the Gods all those years ago. This simple fact was enticing to us all....But no one not even the God Kings who reign over the Divine Realms remember or know what sparked such a war.....Lately however I've been having some growing suspicions to this.... 

Now however so much has changed it would take a lifetime to explain all that had come and broken the very realms we reign over and draw worship from. 

After a long silence, Hjökk finally spoke as she looked up from the floor. 

"….What's happening to Vali?" - Hjökk   

She then with a serious face peered right back at me with deathly concern. 

"You must be more specific when you ask questions, Hjökk...."   

"...Balor said that his inherited ability does more than just absorb skills.... Is that true? I thought it was something Balor said to provoke us, but now.... Something's happening to him. I saw it.... Even when he’s trying to sleep, I can see the same darkness that bled off Balor's body attaching itself to him at times. And like I said before about that night he killed those Dark Elves and the Annunakes’ previous leader.... It...It was like he was someone else entirely, I…I don't understand." - Hjökk   

Seeming confused by even her own observations, I guess I can understand. Vali gave signs of this whenever I had first started to observe him back in his world. However, now with his new environment and constant traumatic events he's suffered, it was only a matter of time before something triggered a response....   

According to Hjökk, for a brief period of time she felt that Vali's presence changed to someone else’s entirely when he killed the previous leader of the Annunakes in that dungeon. Hjökk thinks that during this time judging by his voice, tone, and entire atmosphere was from someone else entirely. After he consumed the leader’s heart, Vali's whole attitude returned to normal, frightened by his own appearance and ran off......   

"I don't suppose you would understand as you have had little to no contact with the human population before, have you Hjökk? ...Yes well, this is actually something that happens quite often in Vali's home world and isn't alien to this one as well. The clinical term his planet would refer to it is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD for short...But for Vali's current condition, it’s actually closer to Dissociative Personality Disorder... Or at least it appears to have developed into something of the like, but still not complete. Well not yet anyway."   

"What do you mean exactly?” - Hjökk   

"Hah.....Oh Hjökk. Humans are actually quite fragile when you get down to the nitty gritty with them, so to speak. They aren't built like us at all. You can't just toss a person grown from a fairly safe and humane environment into a world of violence and forced to murder just for the sake of survival and expect they'd handle it all without facing repercussions. It's actually ludicrous to assume anyone could, and with Vali's past, it was only a matter of time before he snapped...But it doesn't sound like it has turned into anything serious at the moment, so it isn't urgent or anything....”   

I paused trying to figure out how to continue. Hjökk seems to be quite fixated....   

"...It is true Vali's skill doesn't seem to just absorb other's skills. In fact I've determined the Absorption skill is actually just a subskill of another, but I'm in all honesty not sure what that is at all I'm afraid.... Demon magic is unique, very different than any other, including our own. Even its fundamental way of use is different. Simply by fueling it with emotion and desires, it will tap into the magic supply of their surroundings making the demons’ practically limitless.... These beings now the parents of the current Demon race and this Champion of mine, were simply incredibly complex entities I know almost nothing about since there’s just not much record of them at all. Well before showing up and butchering some Divines, some even capable of giving the current God Kings incredible difficulty. Even time seemed to simply stall at their feet..... While most humans would spend time learning magical chants and theory that would allow them to manipulate the world’s laws, or even learn methods to cast their spells even faster. To Vali, learning those methods are a simple waste of time...which also explains why Vali doesn't use magic like a normal human would, as he can practically pull it off almost subconsciously. However, I believe Balor was simply misdirecting you with his words.... Vali has already showed signs of this condition before he even came to our world. It has nothing to do with him absorbing traces of Malthiel....”   

"….." - Hjökk   

'Hmm, she does seem to be having some troubled thoughts. Such little time with humans and she has developed this much emotion already....'   

"You knew…?" - Hjökk   

"Specifics Hjökk...."   

"...You knew there was something wrong with him. You knew with all he's been through that he would eventually....break and you still took him from his home world. Were you aware of Balor’s dungeon there, is that the reason why you insisted on our continued observation inside that place?” - Hjökk   

"…. I don't know where this tone of yours is coming from, but no...I did not know he had made a place for himself there, honest.... And to answer your other question Hjökk.... As it would seem this Vali has more ties with this world than just me, so perhaps I was merely bringing him back home than taking him away, did you ever think of that?.... I chose him for the reasons that are right in front of you...."   

I stood up and walked over to gaze at Asgard’s beautiful sunset, how breathtaking...   

"I'm sure I know what you're thinking Hjökk. When Vali someday discovers my plans, who knows? He may even one day come for my life as well....With his potential, why wouldn't you think of such possibilities? That too however will all come according to plan.... If he hates me, who knows, maybe he can actually succeed....AH! If you only knew how excited I am for the coming days.... Vali’s accomplishments truly unthinkable for his kind again and yet so tremendously ahead of schedule. I have to hand it to the little smart ass, his comprehension of magic is practically nonexistent and his combat tactics and experience are that of an 8-year-old mashing buttons worth of skill after skill....But when pushed into a corner, he with no reason other than to win becomes quite bright and transforms into a hidden monster.... His foundation of being strong defensively is also an incredible gift I could only dream of. My trade with Yggdrasil is well worth whatever price may follow.....I'll tell you the same thing I did that day we brought Vali to this verse. Experience makes the man, and whether that is loss or gain, he would either choose to persevere or die like all the others..... For if he cannot persevere now then he will be too weak to continue on his journey.”   

"….." - Hjökk 

Knowing I didn’t answer her previous question enough, I chose to turn back and meet her gaze and soothe her apparently downed mood. 

“I’m tired of waiting Hjökk, so I chose to place my faith into a partially broken man, because the look in his eyes on that day showed me more about the human spirit in that one moment than all the time I have ever spent with his kind.... So he has some issues...Give em a tissue. He's not as weak willed as you believe. Nor is his sister in that regard.... As Vali would say 'We all have our demons...' Or something like that...And regardless of this fact, my faith in him has not been shook even one iota!”   

As I changed my voice to sound more like Vali’s, it echoed throughout all of Asgard!..... or well I suppose this whole room. I made it to be sound proof. 'But still it echoed!' 

"….." - Hjökk   

The warrior maiden hadn't a response to my long speech and instead chose to remain silent. Perhaps Vali could. Oh! I should mention that...   

"… All of what he is going through is tough, I know without a doubt, but it’s not incurable.... His affinity with the darkness has grown tremendously since his time here and he in no way mastered his control over it at all.” 

In that boundless magical world of Middle Earth, raising one’s affinity to an particular element means one will not only just gain insights on how to control and bend that particular element to the user’s will, but also how one can be influenced by the said element’s very nature and, in this sense, corrupted by it. While most mortals studying fire would become more rash or abrasive, those of ice instead are more cold and emotionless.... There are some who studied in all the mysteries of earth magic and acquired the blessing of never being able to die on its soil.…

“I honestly am unsure what will happen to Vali at this point... Like I said, his understandings in magic are quite clueless as he never studied nor understood its laws since he can just obtain skills and affinities from others and his body will naturally change and adapt from his spoils. It's not unnatural to think he is being affected by this, even if he is unaware of it. After absorbing Balor, his darkness affinity has to got to rise exponentially...At that point it, might actually be too much for him to handle and pushing Vali to the morally grey is probably not the best thing for him at this point considering...Hmph...Yes, it's probably best not to push him to such extents such as murder as it would be like feeding drugs to an addict. Until he learns to control his emotions or his new magic better, we could have a ticking time bomb on our hands...He hasn't chosen a class yet, has he?.....Heh! Splendid! I knew not telling him a thing about this world would pay off!"   

Most humans choose their classes for the immediate gains of power and additional skills available at their utmost convenience. But to someone like Vali acquiring skills is too convenient, and with his with his demonic origins, his body is already naturally stronger than most humans for that reason alone. However the penalties one would receive when changing classes completely unrelated to one has wouldn't just take away the benefits one worked hard to obtain, but all the experience and strength one acquired since changing into the class in the first place. This in turn will weaken said person to below their actual level regardless of whatever benefits they may gain from the class change. Honestly as stubborn as Vali is, I didn't want to risk it, taking away his only chance of picking any class he may desire. But now there seems to be an interesting opportunity with the death of this mysterious dark god who seemed to returned from the dead, only to die at my Champion’s hands. It's like hitting two, no three birds with one stone mhphmph....   

"His affinity should be high enough for him to accept the Dark Lord class. It should help him control some of his power and emotions a bit easier from now on. Tell him to treat it as a band aid for now......I simply can't wait to find out and see what he’ll receive....Oh my favorite piece is going to be quite terrifying indeed wuhahaa!"   

"The Dark Lord class? And you think this will help him?" - Hjökk   

"I do, yes...Although I'm sure he will dislike it due to that title alone meaning something quite different in where he's from... You may have to get a bit forceful mphmph...But at this point this is probably the best option for the current him so do everything you can to convince him otherwise...Especially the spoils he could get from ol’ granddaddy Balor it should help tremendously! Every hero out there has something a little off about them. So we have a little mental hero on our hands so what...As far as I'm concerned we've hit the mother load, Hjökk."   

"What's a ‘mother load’?" - Hjökk   

The clueless Valkyrie looking back at me, I simply grinned and shook my head at her. 

"Just forget it Hjökk....Now is there anything else you'd care to share?”  

The young war maiden then started to perk up some after my words and then happily described her excitement in telling her sister Brynhildr about the reemergence of her most precious race.  

Not all divines took a liking to a particular race or species to draw their worship, but to Brynhildr those small critters, which honestly look more like lights on a Christmas tree than anything else to me, are truly precious companions to her. 

'Hm, now that she knows of a way to assist Vali, her mood has seemed to have shifted a bit..' 

I then told her that probably wouldn't be necessary as Brynhildr would probably find out about it before they meet again most likely. Brynhildr along with Odin and Lady Frigg had recently traveled to the Netherworld to visit and speak with Hades within his own domain. Odds are word of such events would travel to his ears…not much doesn't. 

'However....I have my own hand in that as well, so hopefully not all will reach their ears just yet. I guess I'll just have to wait and see if everything works out according to plan. Oh I do love a good game of risk mphmph.' 

Who knows why that old cyclops god and tender old goddess are out there? Probably trying to bum more of Persephone's apple garden yet again. Just eating one of her apples can rejuvenate the curse of time that even divines cannot escape. Even if we’re eternal, we can still age and while some of us can change are forms at will, to a Divine that is no different than putting makeup on a dog. 

That is the reason why power to recover youth is also coveted in all the Divine Realms as after the long stretches of time, even our youth can fade. But one bite of Persephone's garden apples can add more than a thousand years to your life, and if the seeds are consumed as well, one can regain his/her youth by converting and incorporating the power hidden within into one’s own divine energy. 

'That old, one-eyed God King seems to be getting a bit wrinkly nowadays...However, this situation with Brynhildr could pose a problem sooner than expected... Regardless if Hjökk were to hide it from her, if that violent ginger spends enough time there...around Vali...The strongest Valkyrie in existence will find out eventually....Everything....I may need to find a way to contain her somehow...hm.' 

As I see the reflection of the Valkyrie maiden from the glass continuing to speak enthusiastically over what news this could bring her sister, I couldn't help but grin. 

'Then again....Perhaps I should just play the hand I'm dealt and see how the die can be cast. Oh I love how exciting things are getting. The unknown and the watching, as all the fruits of my labor shall soon come to fruition....Simply exhilarating!' 

'My dear Champion. While I do not envy the road you will take to reach me, I do have faith you will make it here someday. I wonder Kayle...If you ever came to know that there were in fact two legendary figures with the name of Vali from your world's interesting myths on Asgard, what will you think after learning it? ... Mmm, you are nothing like the others, your resolve even in the face of death is absolute. You do not cower and submit, but press forward while risking it all! I couldn't have ever hoped to have found such an outstanding specimen...And with this my new favorite piece emerges onto the stage as a true wild card that should make for some interesting developments on such a beautiful playing board.....Hehe, pawn to A3....It begins! ...' 

I stared off into Asgard’s sunset, simply overwhelmed with eagerness for the new age. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

Alysteir’s POV:  

"Ha...ha....ha....nnn.....finished...."  

'I know this doesn't make up for much, but maybe now you can each rest easy....' 

Finally finishing with that last layer of dirt, I couldn't seem to find any words while looking over the three shallow graves. Each held the remains of my lieutenants who once sworn loyalty to me....'Nnn, guess you each chose poorly.' 

I collected each of their fallen corpses and chose a nice quiet spot on this floor without any monsters around. I can understand why the elves chose this floor, it has a sort of elegant taste to it I suppose....and it is quiet. 

As I took off my general's cap, I wanted to say a few words and yet no words came out. They've already passed on. I just chose to search for their corpses on floor 55 as they did deserve a proper burial. After finding their partially rotted corpses that had somehow broken through the tough soil, they must have wandered aimlessly before dropping upon Balor's death. 

"….Nnn...Shouldn’t have followed me.... Lieutenants Jasper Hheidenvi, Pena Vol Piersie, Simon Vol Piersie. You were each too good for me and worked harder than any other under my command. Maybe now you all can finally grab that much needed nap.....................I'm sorry for being your commanding officer."  

I took out a sword and drove it through the already soft soil for each of their graves, and then I continued on without much to say. 

I just continued on.... 

"Warp to Floor 13......"  

As a faint blue light washed over me, I was now standing on soft snow and met with a chilling cold breeze.  

This floor once held some of the darkest moments in my life and equally, the very best. 

Crunch....crunch...crunch..... 

I continued walking through the shallow snow and started my search. 

"I know just where to look....." 

I started my trek towards the northern summit. There on the opposite side of the floor of the desolate and barren place stood a very tall and majestic tree that sat in an almost completely different environment than everywhere else on this cold, snowy floor. All those who stand underneath it will have their bodies warmed and recuperate their wounds at a much faster rate. 

While during the day it did this, during the night it would even glow a brilliant purple that would reach all the way to the sky and paint the floor in its colors.  

None of the monsters on this floor seemed to approach me either. I guess with this interesting new title, the monsters here seemed to have figured out who is boss, go figure.  

It really is quite intriguing in the least. After taking off my limiter bracelets, practically every monster around me had passed out from the suffocating pressure I exude. The its description stated it wasn't much different than my Fighting Spirit stat once it got high enough. Rather now everyone under half my level won't even be able to move against me in combat which is different than the others who got this title it seems.... Not like this skill is useful to me, but I did get a kick out of the looks on those doggies’ smug faces.  

They have been giving me quite the glare lately wagging their blindly obedient tails to their new master.... 

We never really had good relations prior to this, but now it almost seems like they are doing it to suck up to the one who has saved us all. They sure talk big, but behind all those muscles they sure do love relishing in their submission. 

That's how these little doggies are though. They pretend to be the sword of justice and all that is good.... For all these centuries claiming that their code is all in the name of their sworn devotion to the race they are honored to protect… 

So arrogant they couldn't even see the emptiness of their own words. 

Claiming to always have the Elkias’ wellbeing in mind and yet they wouldn't stop in trying to push Farrah into taking a mate.  

'….Just because you all are the Elkias’ guardians doesn’t mean others couldn't have cared for them just as much... They couldn't even see the pain they brought her even when she forced herself to smile.' 

And then the day they left us..... Was considered the darkest day in the history of this damned place according to anyone if asked. Maybe that was the day my soul had finally died as well...  

I couldn't really feel anything in the first place, but that is a sin that can never be washed away in my heart. I will never forgive them for it. 

Just as I started to climb up the tall slope, a strong gust of wind started to rush past me and pushed my body back. I held onto my general's cap so it wouldn't fly away, but continued forward grudging through the snow. I learned to adapt to such harsh environments long ago so wearing a coat is meaningless. So I continued on seeing a few fallen corpses of other races on this floor but nowhere close to the true number, until I started to see a bright yellow glow that immediately warmed my face and skin. 

There before me stood the great Zuhause Healing tree. Named by the Elkia race over 2 thousand years ago, meaning 'A Healing Home'.  

I could see an open hole close to where Farrah's grave was and continued to scan around the length of the towering tree. 

The air no longer showed in front of me and as my sight started to follow the base of the tree I saw something leaning over the side of it.  

My vision was flawless. Recognizing her the moment her body appeared in my vision I almost thought it’s a dream. Even though it had been so long, a wave of emotions suddenly attacked me. 

Placing strength into my legs, I vaulted myself forward as fast as they could take me. Even without using my ultimate skill on my Legendary boots everything already seemed to slowed down around me.  

"Hahhh......sob....haaa....." 

I could feel the beating of my heart pounding through my breast and my breathing starting to hasten. All that I could see was her face.  

With one fluid move, I arrived and swept up the body off the ground and pressed it tightly against my own. Her muscle had almost completely left her face and body. Her skin was now no longer as smooth and felt quite rough. Her once long blonde hair thin and almost gone now. Her body which was more stunning than any painting had almost been reduced to that of an actual skeleton. Her antlers were dull and even after losing all traces of her former self......Still came back here.  

"Ha....ha.....sob...." 

The strength in my legs left me and I had finally given in and fell with my back pressed against the great healing tree. 

Even with such pleasant memories in this place and how it always held such a warm place in my frigid heart, it's not a place I've had the confidence to visit in quite some time. 

"...I found you. Aha!....Haha!...ha..sob...." 

Before I could hold back anymore, I could no longer bear to hold in the pain within my heart a second more. 

I couldn't stop the tears streaming down my clean face as I held onto the only person I have ever loved in this cursed world. I tried to laugh to hold it back in, but only for the sight of Farrah's cold and limp remains was qualified to break my mask. 

The fact that she chose this spot over all others. Even after everything, you still remembered.... 

Sob..... 

"This was my favorite place too....sniff.... Right here is where we met all those years ago... I remember it like it was yesterday....." 

If that very scene were reversed, it wouldn't look much different than today. 

I wasn't always the strongest in this dungeon. In fact I'd say in all honesty I was probably the very weakest....And she changed that. 

I was probably at my lowest moment in my life when I tried to crawl to this very tree before freezing to death. I was a mere orphaned kitten at the end of her young life. I probably hadn't bathed in months. My lips were cracked and bloody, my face was swollen. 

I had opened and infected wounds all over me and my scalp had been partially caved in from being beaten with a rock. I must have looked truly horrid..... 

I passed out due to the cold and when I awoke I was in her arms. I had never in my life been held in such a way that for the first several minutes I didn't even attempt to speak, afraid the moment could possibly leave me. I had honestly thought I had died. 

With my appearance who would have ever done such a thing? She had my blood all over her and was slowly humming a melodious tune while brushing over my probably dirty and grotesque head. Every second was just so precious, I didn't dare wish for it to end. 

'From that day on we were inseparable. You taught me to evade without moving my feet, you taught me how to fight. When I shook and cried throughout the night, you crawled in my bed and held me.... 

We fell in love.... 

Even against all those who tried to pull us away, we always would meet up right back here to be together.' 

I gracefully pulled Farrah's body to my lap and turned around to look at the small engraving at the bottom of the tree. It was hidden by several green vines, but had been engraved using strong light magic that lasted even to this day. I traced my finger through each of the words saying the words softly to myself. It was in her race’s language which she even helped me learn. 

‘To my beloved Aly, 

Never wishing to shake your pride, I never told you that you had never made it to our special place on the day we met. 

I carried you then just as I always will. As I will always carry your love with me. 

Even if this life may pull us apart, 

We will always find our way back to the other....  

Forever yours    - Farrah' 

Something I discovered partially hidden a few days after her death.  

Sitting however at eye level was a spot where I had ripped the bark off the tree with my own fingers until they bled and left a lasting impression that the famed tree has yet to heal. 

The one who was to be Farrah's mate who was also the son of the Annunake's previous Alpha had engraved their names together which at the time made me furious.  

Even if the wolf hadn't known it was there I still couldn't take it. When Farrah died, my last hope with the world died with it. It may have even been the reason why I killed him some time later but it's all honestly hard to remember.  

'After a while it just blurs together really.... With everything that I've done, it all simply fades together onto the same bloody canvas of my life.' 

I'm unable to feel much at all, but I guess she still has a way of taking off my mask. I had once even hated her for leaving me. Hated her for dying. Those were some really dark times.... 

'I swore to myself I would conquer this place to free you, but now I only feel empty, alone. I've done all I've set out to do..... I never once thought about what would come after. It honestly didn't even matter. ....Nnnn why couldn't that human kid have come a bit sooner?' 

"Our time together was not enough........Nnn, until we meet again in our next lives...."  

I pressed my lips against hers for one final goodbye. Her lips that once held nothing but gentleness and warmth were gone. Even if this now decomposed body of my closest friend is but a shell like Farrah said, this one had truly been precious to me once upon a time... Seeing her form smiling down on me with all the others this place has taken, brings a small drop of peace to my mind.   

When the mask goes back on, I don't suppose it will ever come off again. That part of my life is dead, and perhaps soon I shall be too. As Farrah said that's when we can go on even more adventures together... I ripped so much of my heart away to keep myself from dying yet for once, this idea doesn't seem so bad. 

I graciously placed her body down and dug a new grave now right under the engraving she left for me here.  

After wrapping up her body in a thin cloth, I finished burying the body of my lost love. I have no idea how long it took. Time seems to not really matter as much as it once did. 

By the time the dirt had finally started to cover the hole, I felt the presence of something near me and decided to see who the visitors were.  

When I casually turned around, I was honestly not expected to find the little bugs had for some reason decided to show up. 

The black one, the dark green one and a gold one.  

"Well if it isn't a fellow God Slayer...To what do I owe the pleasure?"  

"Hello Alysteir. I just came to speak with you if that would be alright." - Bifrost 

"And what would you wish to talk about with little ol’ me?”  

"What are your plans after this? Now that the dungeon has been conquered, what will become of its strongest warrior?” - Bifrost 

"Well to tell ya the truth tiny, I haven't really given it much thought yet. Why do you ask? Is it possible you're wanting to come speak with me over my little duel with your new human pal?”  

The small pitch black-eyed pixie just smiled and continued to gaze at me. Who would have thought that these little bugs could grow to such an extent to stand in my presence and look me eye-to-eye? After all, who am I to judge? But even this one here has shown such intriguing talent. 

After Vali got through with them, I attempted to let them feast their eyes on my newest skill, they had actually taken it head on and laughed at it. Something that shocked me to my very core, but at the same time excited me. I don't think I've ever faced such a thrilling opponent in all my life since meeting this Vali. It's nice to know if I ever wish to try out a new technique, these little bugs can be my test subjects. 

Even turning the weak pixie race into something that Balor was probably cursing in his final moments. I recall this black one at one point used an ability that made all the undead monsters in the area explode and directed it all towards Balor and was able to even pierce his strong hide. It gave those too close to Balor a window to back off to a safe distance and saved who knows how many number of lives. 

"….You're very smart Alysteir, no one would ever say differently. Even with your bad rep, I think I know that you’re not evil." - Bifrost 

"Hoh...Looking to try and flatter me are we? Do you want me to take it easy on Vali or something of the like?"  

"Something like that yes....” - Bifrost 

"Sorry little one....I'm not made that way."  

To my words, her calm face didn't change in the slightest but continued staring back at mine. 

"If that'll be all perhaps you each should go. I was rather enjoying the peace and tranquility here and you're all ruining that. So if that'd be a...."  

Before I could finish the small calm voiced pixie interrupted me which is not something I'm used to. 

"I can see right through you Alysteir.... Trying to play like you don't wish to make nice with everyone but I've seen you.....I was there the day of the Grand Warrior's Competition held every 10 years by the Alliance when I was still a child. I remember being so excited to see the strongest warriors in the dungeon we all pinned all our hopes and faith in. I saw you defeated and embarrassed the previous rank one who was the first Neko to achieve such a rank in a 1000 years by a large margin. You then killed him and jumped into the crowds and started a massacre....Or so some would say. But if one simply looked at all who died, one would notice that they all came from two strong families of the Neko race.” - Bifrost 

"Oh geez. We aren't going to take a trip down to memory creek are we? Yes, I killed quite a lot that day. Then the Annunakes even jumped in to stop me and I killed them too...Including beheading the previous Alpha's first son and 6 of the top 20 ranked fighters in Dark Eden. We've all heard this story before...."  

"And I also saw you risk your life to save my family’s life today. You saved Vali twice as well. Once Balor was restrained, you dove in to obstruct his attack without a thought. And the other when you pulled him to safety during our final stand.... I saw that too.” - Bifrost 

"There a point to this bug?”  

"Mph....You know I never knew why all the other races enjoy calling us bugs. Is it because we're short? Or weak? A small bug with potent venom is just as likely to kill you as a beast with sharp fangs. This place should’ve taught you that easily .” - Bifrost 

"Yes, but one is easier to squash, isn't it?" 

"...You tell me." - Bifrost 

Just as her words left her lips a loud ping started going off in my head and warning me of an dangerous attack. 

I pulled out my sword but even my quick-draw wasn't nearly fast enough. 

A massive black claw rose out from this small pixie’s body and swung violently at me at impossible speeds. 

I attempted to swing but the claw grabbed right onto me and the whole room went dark. 

Ching!...Ching! 

"NO!...Please..ple..cah...cahggh.....I’ll be ...I’ll be good ...Please I'll real...y die...please..stop hurting.." 

My vision then changed and with every blink I could see the small pixie and then a memory plaguing my mind. 

Ching!...Ching!.... 

"Ahaha! You haven't had enough yet! Because I haven't had enough yet!” 

Whip! WHi!!!! 

"Don't you ever forget it you belong to me! AHAHAhaha!” 

Boom! 

BOoOOOM! 

"Nn..ny.....ple......." 

"Aahahahahaa!!!" 

Whip!  

WHIP! 

WHIIIP! WHIp! WHIP! 

"Even in death you shall remember my laugh. Let it bring you a pleasant nightmare that lasts for all eternity...AHAhahaha!”  

My vision started fading in and out. The small black pixie appeared in my vision and then the room would go dark. I would see an image and then her appearance approaching me slowly but I was frozen in place. 

I tried to break out from whatever illusion I was in, but before I knew it a sharp pain attacked my left arm and shocked my system back into reality. 

The small black pixie was now floating just in front of me with her long claw-like hands that are currently embedded into my arm.  

'...So that illusion just then was all your doing.....' 

I swung my other sword in one fluid slash to give this little bug a taste of her own medicine, though I was met with heavy resistance as if I was swinging into an Adamantine wall. 

My sword landing on her cheek dug in maybe enough to leave a small scratch but showed to actually push even my sword back in retaliation. 

I was momentarily stunned from this and decided not to let her off. I'd let her enjoy one of my skills instead. 

Her face was still calm and just as I was about to strike again the little pixie had lifted up her hand and wiggled her finger that was embedded into my forearm. 

My entire left arm violently shook from that small wave of her hand, then I instantly knew that with only a little more effort my entire left arm would no shatter without a doubt. 

"Now, now...I don't wish to fight. I was simply making a point just then. With that hydra armor of yours, it’ll be patched up in no time. But I feel this was the only way to get your attention so I'm sorry but I really must insist." - Bifrost 

"Making a point hmm...? You're treading on pretty dangerous grounds little one. But I admit I'm just loving this new confidence oozing out each of you. It will give us all more reasons to play with one another.... But if you think this is enough to scare me, you're sorely mistaken. I won't take it easy on him regardless of the outcome."  

Smiling back at her, the small pixie didn't much change her attitude but only smiled towards me. 

"I know that you won't but I ask that you do not kill him. Vali is....Very special to us." - Bifrost 

With her calm voice, she placed her long black claw like fingers against her heart and smiled sincerely.  

"Oh I'm sure he is with all that power he granted each of you so willingly. Wouldn't want to lose him. But I wonder for what reason...Have you ever asked yourself why he's doing such things?”  

"Almost every day. But now I realize that the answer wouldn't matter to me even if I did. This human, gave my sister the ability to walk for the first time in her life, I don't think I've ever seen her smile like that before. Never asking for a thing in return. He saved mine and my family’s lives. He took care of us when no one else would and couldn't do it ourselves. Again, never asked a thing for it in return and even went out of his way to care for us afterwards even at the risk of his own life....With all Vali has done, my Wisdom has grown to heights I never thought possible. I feel I can see things in a whole different light and I finally understand what I must do from now on. All those doubts I had simply disappeared after that day Vali took us to that floor where we had run into you....He could ask me to swim through a lake of fire and I would not deny him.... I love Vali with all of my heart for what he has done for us. Even if we all died today, I would have forever been thankful to him. We only wish to be with Vali from now on. To devote ourselves entirely to him and would do anything to protect him....." - Bifrost 

After saying that glare in her eyes became more determined and voice started to talk lower. 

"I trust my family so I know just how capable we are now after speaking with my little brother. I think you'd remember from that day... If you were to ever try to take Vali away from us then we will do everything in our power to take you with us. Even if we are unable, we will hunt you till the day of our deaths, and we have nothing better to do. Whatever painful past that my new skill gripped onto tightly and swallowed you with, I'll turn that into an eternity for taking him away from us...." - Bifrost 

The small pixie's words had made me twitch, but she had then removed her hand from my arm and turned around to walk away.  

Just as she was about to fly away she had turned her head and spoke once more. 

"...We all sin Alysteir. Maybe if you had a family like mine you wouldn't have had to be alone in such a place. But I think with such a celebratory day, we can all let go of our past transgressions.... I know Vali has already forgave you for what you did. Even if he doesn't know it yet....You don't believe me? You think he’s so fickle to forgive the Annunakes, but not forgive you? I doubt he'd try to kill you either. No, I think Vali can see past that, and if he won't ....I'll speak on your behalf." - Bifrost 

The small pixie’s words confused me. Why would she go out of her way? It's not like I'm troubled by this but she obviously hasn't noticed he may not be much different than me.....He's already broken. One can simply see it in his eyes, he hides it rather well I'll give him that. But once broken, it can't just be fixed with kind words and soft embraces. 

"Don't look at me that way Alysteir. I just think everyone deserves a second chance is all. This place never needed any monsters in the first place, since it did a good job in creating ones through us all on its own..... A 'Pleasant Nightmare'.....It's an interesting phrase. Sending all those who are struck by it to a pleasant nightmare......Well anyways, I hope one day we can be friends Alysteir.” - Bifrost 

The small pixie then turned and started to fly away with the other two. I didn't say anything back because of her words just now. 

Farrah used to say similar things about forgiving those trapped here. Constant knowledge of your stolen freedom, denied a world that should naturally belong to you can drive even the strongest warriors mad. They call it...'The Sickness'…..Knowing that never in your lifetime could you ever have even a hope of escaping and then suddenly now.... 

But her last words just then. How did she know the meaning of my own personal skill? 

A 'Pleasant Nightmare'. To some death would be a nightmare but to those trapped here would be consider it a pleasant release. Perhaps she too... Is it possible? 

'It couldn't be....  It's impossible for her to understand that meaning. Perhaps I'm overthinking it.' 

With one final look at Farrah's grave, I knew this was really goodbye. I used to come here to talk with her knowing her soul was still there...... But now she's truly gone. 

The small pixie's words echoed in my ears and all I could do was stand and stare down at the soft, recently dug dirt. 

I don't know for how much time stood there unable to walk away until a loud roar shook the entire floor…it does not seem to be from a monster at all. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

Vali's POV: 

'Ah!......Where am I?' 

I opened my eyelids but I couldn't see anything in front of me. Everything around me was coated in a darkness. I can’t even see anything as even a foot in front of my face is practically swallowed in darkness. 

I looked around and tried to turn on Eclipse View but to no avail. For some reason it wasn't working at all. 

'Wait! .....I hear something.' 

"Is there someone there......?" 

"…........." 

I called out but couldn't feel the presence of anything around me. Perhaps I'm truly alone. But where exactly is here for that matter? I'm not even standing on anything, I just appear to be floating aimlessly. '...Ugh, Balor! I drank his blood....Maybe...Ugh what’s going on?' 

"DOOOOOOO YOOOOOOUUUUUU CRAVEEEEEEEEE FOOORR POWERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!! IS THAT WHY YOU SOUGHTTTTTT MEEEEEEE?" - ? 

"AHhhh! So loud!......Where...ah where’s that coming from?" 

It felt like this voice had penetrated straight through me, making my entire being want to curl into a ball on instinct. It was so loud it sounded as if it came right next to me but even after moving my hands around the darkness out in front of me I couldn't even see anything past my own nose. 

"Who....who is this? Balor? ....You're still alive?" 

"…........."  

I waited for an response, but was met with an eerie silence. For several breaths of time, I kept trying to think as to where I am or what this thing might be. It was the long silence that made me even more uncomfortable. 

"I apologize....My voice can be....overwhelming to some. I however am not the one you speeeeaaakkk.....I am neither alive.....nor am I deaddddd....." - ? 

"Ugh.....ok. Then who are you?" 

"......I do not exist. So it is also true.....That I don’t have a name." - ? 

His voice had a long echo that sent waves of some unseen power that even when dimmed down is still overwhelming. Just like Balor’s, his voice itself resonated not only around me but all the way through me. I took a big gulp and asked what I was afraid to know. 

"…..Ok. You don't exist? Then....what are you?"  

"...I am the beginning... Before there was light, there was only darkness." - ? 

"…...." 

'….Ok. What the fuck is this thing? What does that even mean? The beginning? This thing’s talk about not existing doesn't even make sense. It almost sounds like Abgrund in the way he talks about being alive nor dead but....What exactly am I speaking to right now? Whatever it is, it’s sending me the fucking goosebumps right now.' 

"….Do you not crave for power Nephilim? Is that why you chose to seek me?" - ? 

"….So I guess you know what I am? I'm still a little confused about what you are exactly though. And I wasn't aware I was seeking you.”  

"You wouldn't be able to speak to me now if you weren't, Nephilim. You’re the first I've spoken to in.....Ahhhhh.....I've forgotten how long. Time is irrelevant here." - ? 

"...Here? ...And where is that exactly?"  

"You are nowhere, Nephilim. I am both with you and at the same time farther away than you can possibly fathom. You are merely hearing the echoes of my voice." - ? 

"Yah...I don't quite understand any of that.”  

'Seriously do all ancient and mysterious beings talk in such a ridiculously confusing way?' 

"Due to some event, you have momentarily entered into my conscience. As my influence is everywhere and in all forms of matter, some beings can perceive my existence.” - ? 

"Right and you are?"  

"I've told you already, Nephilim. I am the Night. The All-Consuming Darkness. For eons, my reach has extended to the furthest reaches of the endless universes where time and space are none. With the creation of Light giving birth to the Day, it was said to be good and was separated from the Night. This gave birth to all the other elements, but none reign more supreme and hold as much limitless power as the most ancient of elements.....Me...." - ? 

"Ok. So you're.....The Darkness? Hm. Well I guess in a magical world....Elements having a conscience can be kind of normal....Ah you know what, no, this is too weird.... I guess this is the part where you try to entice me over to the dark side, huh?”  

"You're the one who sought me, Nephilim. The power of the night is something older than time, older than life.....It is neither evil nor good. While it can corrupt the strong, it can also empower the weak." - ? 

"Yah, I still don't know about that. I just drank some blood from this dark god named Balor and when my affinity rose to a certain point, something happened and I wound up here....Wherever here is...hmmm." 

I continued to look around and could still not get any reference to where I am. He said I tapped into his conscience somehow? ...Maybe drinking the blood of something from the Abyss did something extreme and somehow sent me here. 'Now I just got to figure out how to get back.' 

"Interesting....Until we meet again Nephilim.” - Darkness 

The deep voice continued to stir into my soul and I instead freaked out upon this mysterious entity’s words. 

"Wait you’re just going to leave me here? How do I get back? Wasn't this supposed to be the part where the ancient and primordial being gifts the unknowing traveler some terrifying and world-defying power?”  

"Is it common for your species to ask for gifts for doing nothing to earn them?" - Darkness 

"I...Ugh oh...I guess I just assumed with that 'Do you crave for power' talk earlier. Kinda seemed like it was going in that direction. My mistake....Well hey it's not like you exist to get upset right?"  

"Correct....." 

The silence again started to creep in and I was still quite curious about this odd entity I'm speaking to.  

"So if you don't mind my asking....Talking about living for eons...How old are you anyways?"  

"….Such a mortal thing to say. The question itself is nonsensical as time itself was a creation for beings like you. Imagine a tiny existence who only lived for a few breaths asked for your age and had to answer them in terms of attoseconds so they might be able to comprehend. The number would be so large they still could not....The answer itself....Is meaningless...." 

"Uh huh. Well I guess that does make sense. Anyways...how do I get out of here?" 

"You will return to which you came shortly as you are simply unable to stay here for much longer. I commend you for staying for so long.....You intrigue me, Nephilim. I always found you of the flightless winged race peculiar... Perhaps I can give you a little something for your efforts....Who knows? Perhaps we'll meet again....." 

'I ugh....wait?' 

I could feel the whole darkness around me starting to spin and rush around me violently. As if the whole world around me was coming down, I hear the sounds of certain voices and a firm touch shaking me. 

"VAlliiiiii! Wake up!"  

"Come on, Vali! You have to get up...You just have to sob...sob..." 

"Don't worry everyone...He's alive and even if he gave us a big scare earlier when his health dropped into the red and his entire body was encased in that pillar of ice, his health appears to be stable now even if we can't hear a heartbeat...."  

"Hey it's my turn to let Vali rest on my lap." 

"Hold on just a little whi....Look! His eyes are opening...Vali!!!"  

"What?" 

"Vali!!!!" 

Upon opening my eyes I could see a circle of figures surrounding me and looking down, I was met with a bright rainbow colored pixie shoving her face into my chest. 

I could see Cosmia who had my head on her lap lean down and also hug my face. 

"Sniff...Sniff....I just knew you'd be ok. Mmm...We were all so worried about you...Are you ok Vali?" - Cari 

"Heh...Hey everyone....Did I give you all a scare?" 

The moment the words left my mouth the images of several Pixies, Annunakes, Reikis, Nekos and Jiji started smiling real big and came over to pat me happily. 

"Vali....My son! What happened? Are you ok? I just...I....snob..." - Elyria 

My mom then came up to me and too started crying in my ears as her ears and tails twitched. I felt the warm and soft embrace of my mother which invited the rest of the pixies who were present to do the same.  

They told me after drinking Balor's blood, I started screaming horrifically and within a few moments my health dropped into the red making everyone thought that I was dying. Fenrir didn't have the same reaction, so whenever I started yelling in pain, my Ice Coffin skill automatically activate and encased me into a pillar of ice. After that they said my health stagnated long enough for the pixies to heal me until my health stopped going down so drastically. 

…..You don't want to frighten them..... Best to not say anything.....  

'...I shouldn't tell them of what happened to me.....That would probably only worry then...Ahhhhh.......This feeling right now....The air almost ….tastes different. What's different about me?' 

I started looking at myself and couldn't find anything had changed. In fact. I felt better than normal. That soreness is still aching but I feel this incredible rush of energy. Something is definitely new with my body, but I’m not sure what. 

….What if they choose to betray you? ....Do you wish to allow harm to come to your loved ones......?

I felt thoughts start to emerge into my brain and brought different fears of mine to light. Thoughts I tried to push away, but continues to increasingly press into my heart. With these fears only invented ways to rid myself of such fears.... 

….You shouldn't allow such fears to come to fruition....You're not nearly strong enough yet.... 

'….Those 3 know my secret.... If this King doesn't wish to ally with us.... I can't let such a secret reach my enemies. Regardless of my skills, I'm.... Weak right now. My fight with Balor showed me this. If I reveal my overpowered weapons and all my secrets and abilities to the world I'll become a target… Without them how could I ever hope to protect those I cherish.....I may have to do away with them. Master Shen, Shakko...Cassandra. The King....The Queen.....Princess Luc....Would I have to kill Lucy? ....Her friends...? They're just...children. Would I...have to.....Wait! ....What that hell am I thinking?!' 

That was weird.... 

WHOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!! 

As I was about to do more investigations, a loud disheveled noise came from my side and a bright purple light emerged from the side of the Ice room. 

"Oh...Hjökk. You're back....." 

"Yes Vali, I......" - Hjökk 

For some reason the purple Valkyrie, my first close companion in this world, stopped in her tracks and looked at me kind of funny. 

"...Is... Did something happen?" - Hjökk 

"It's nothing Hjökk. Just got done trying to get my Absorption ability on Balor. Similar reaction to when I absorbed Malthiel to be honest, but a bit more painful this time hehe..." 

"….I see.... And how do you feel?" - Hjökk 

I told Hjökk I honestly didn't feel much different, but felt a strange energy inside me that I couldn't quite figure out nor know where inside me. I also told her and every one of the new skill I gained from Balor and some of them practically choked. 

With such a skill, I think this is the skill that Balor used to create all of his terrifying creatures from the darkness around him. The very same ability that made Balor feared by all other gods at night, creating endless monsters to the point Loki even praised as if it were miraculous. 

Some of them didn't have many words to say, but the Pixies simply laughed and said it was cool. Hjökk however didn't give me the same reaction as others and looks rather troubled. 'I guess she didn't like the idea of me absorbing something like Malthiel, so she would probably attest to something like Balor as well. She'd probably not like what I told her about the Darkness either....Perhaps....Perhaps I should keep this from her as well....' 

Before I could say anything else, she spoke up rather forcefully.  

"Have you chosen a Class yet Vali?" - Hjökk 

To this question all the loud chatter died down and everyone looked at me curiously. 

"Oh yeah, what is your Class? I always wondered about that." - Sting 

"Oh what is it Vali?" - Cyanin 

"Yah, I bet it's something really cool.” - Cari 

"Hah! I bet it's something like 'Evil God Slayer' or something like that haha." - Alderon 

"Yah or some rare class like Super White Assed Flasher..." - Ollie 

"Ahahaha!" - Everyone 

"Teehee...Vali's butt was showing earlier!" - Daisy 

"Hehee." - Pixies 

I smirked and looked up and saw that Ollie and Malfius had also joined us and now he was wearing a red bandana on his forehead and with a small black cat skull on it.  

II was glad to see that Ollie had apparently risen in rank and the same red armband Locke wore on his shoulder is now on Ollie's forehead. When he noticed where my eyes were directed, he simply looked up and shrugged and then again asked what my new class was. 

Looking around the ice walls, I noticed there were quite a bit of a crowd gathered here.  

"Oh, that...How do you even get a class?”  

"…......." - Everyone 

After a long silence, everyone stared at me wide-eyed as if they didn't hear correctly. 

"Whoa, whoa, whoa.... You mean to tell me you don't even have a Class right now? How is that possible? You’re level 240 right now, that's insane!" - Sting 

"Hahahaha! Quite the Alpha alright!" - Adimar 

"That's just getting ridiculous now...." - Alderon 

"Hmph..." - Akino 

"Heh...I guess big brother Vali is even clueless of some things hehe...Didn’t pick a Class cause he doesn't even know how." - Kai 

"Yah but that doesn't stop him!" - Cyanin 

After a while when the laughter died down and most of the Jiji and other workers got back to work, I was then informed a bit on this world’s Class System. Apparently, this is one thing that isn't just like that game. When picking a Class one, received special Class-related skills and while some rare or unique classes can only be passed down by someone who already has it. In the game there was an actual place you could go to pick your classes or if you fulfilled unique conditions or a special quest then you can be offered it while you were out in the world.  

However, in this world whenever you have fulfilled the conditions necessary, it simply gives you the Option to choose it within the Status Menu. Apparently once a Class is available, it will show up in a list once I push on to the Class tab in the Status Menu. 

Within an instant over 50 different names sprang up within my display and consisted of a rather large assortment of different class types. 

Warrior, Monk, Battle Mage....Elemental Mage.........Guardian......Hoh...Seriously? You have to be kidding me. 

'…..Dark Lord? What the shit did I do to deserve a Class like that? Isn't Dark Lord always another name for the source of all evil or the Devil....Ugh! I hate this place.....' 

"Ugh Vali....I've brought word from you-know-who....He said he will speak with you sometime soon but he....also has a particular Class in mind for you...." - Hjökk 

"Oh....What is it?"  

"While he said you would attest to this umm......You should choose the Dark Lord Class...I also agree with him." - Hjökk 

"…..He said what?"  

'Are you bullshitting me? ...Loki.......Ugh Loki! Seriously just what did you have in mind when turning me into your champion? Do you want the world to hate me?! Wait!!! You planned this....You planned this didn't you?! You probably even did something to help me unlock the conditions for this even......you're probably laughing right now aren't you?' 

Hjökk then averted her gaze awkwardly as I probably looked furious. Seriously what does this stupid clown have up his sleeve this time?! I'm not going to fall for his tricks! 

"Dark Lord Class? I wonder what that is...." - Alderon

"Dark Lord? That kind of sounds strange...." - Cari 

"Yes, that kind of sounds familiar too." - Adimar

"You don't remember? Joslin used to tell old stories. Back then, a term used for Balor was the Dark Lord." - Akino 

"Oh.....Hmmm. Well, in this instance it is probably a good thing. Especially if this is what Vali's God instructed of him. I see no issue of it...." - Adimar 

My mind was reeling as I practically shut out the outside world. I was then stopped and was telepathically spoken to from Hjökk. According to her, Loki chose this as an option because she thinks due to my darkness resistance being so exponentially high, I could potentially be in danger. 

In this world, magic isn't something that normal people would consider just by activating a skill like I've come to think. I just have the added bonus of having monster skills while using magic fundamentally different than others. However, in this world when your resistance grows to Darkness it also increases the likelihood to become influenced by the very element’s nature. 

Simply hearing this froze my whole train of thought. 'I honestly felt like something was strange about me. But I can at least admit to myself some of what Hjökk says does make a lot of sense. Perhaps I really am becoming affected by this darkness....Affinity in some ways mean closeness while in another also means weakness.' 

"Oh wow. An Elemental Lord class? Your affinity must be insanely high for that to happen. Only some of the strongest elemental mages in the world are able to obtain a Lord Class over an element. This is really incredible Vali! Even with your age, you could probably even get admittance into my school with no questions asked haha! You're so unbelievably lucky Blessed Beings are so ridiculous! ....Oh and with that new ability you would become something truly frightening! This is simply ludicrous for how young you are!" - Sting 

According to Sting, Dark Mages are seen in the Central colonies but aren't looked at as evil existences. While yes there are Dark Mages who use their power to commit sin and so on throughout the years, but they aren't viewed as evil people which struck me as odd. I guess in my world the term, Dark Side, is kind of universal for something bad. 

In my world, Dark and Light are evaluated completely different than they are here. In my universe, you can never make something darker. You can never make something darker. You can only take away more light. In this world however, that's false. Light and Dark can exist at the same time in the same place.... And according to my mother and Sting, Dark and Light magic are usually considered the more versatile and stronger of the elements, but in actuality it all depends on the magic user.  

'Hmm....Perhaps, it wouldn't be so bad.... If Hjökk also agrees to this and thinks it can help me....Control my darkness then maybe I should. Ugh.....Loki. Somehow I feel like you planned this.....Hah....Who knows? ....Maybe it won't be so bad. Those skills from Balor… maybe this can actually work out if it gives decent enough benefits.' 

"I think this is a good decision, Vali. Considering your newfound abilities, this can help give you a very strong advantage. While I won't be able to help you develop your darkness-related spells, I'll be here to help you in whatever way that I can." - Elyria 

I smiled to everyone's encouragements but slowly continued to read out the title in front of me again....'Dark Lord'..... 

'I don't know why of all times....right now all I can see are my two siblings.' 

What....what would they think of me now? Would they even accept the things I chose after coming here?...Everything I've done I....I believed to be the right thing but....Somehow I'm not sure if it makes a difference anymore....Good....Bad....Right....Wrong...... It won’t change anything anymore..... 

It was as if this simple choice to others....I almost felt like it were somehow sealing my fate to this world. As if from here on.... I can never go back.  

I bit my lip and re read the Title again, and again, and again.... It was just.......So damn hard! 

'...I can do this...Goodbye mother....Hayden....I....I really love you both.....I promise, I'll get Kaylan home to ya......' 

"Vali? ....Is something the wrong?" - Cari 

"Yeah bro...You alright?" - Tanin 

I looked up and noticed everyone had been waiting for me patiently. Cari and Tanin were both eagerly looking at me with nothing but warmth and love that they show equally to their own siblings. It was as if I had forgotten they were all even there for a second.... 

I gave each of them a smile and slowly raised my hand. 

With one last look at Hjökk, my mother and everyone else, I simply shrugged and pressed my finger down. 

Congratulations! You have selected a new (Rare) Class  

Dark Lord 

Before the beginning....There was an infinite darkness that enveloped all things. It was rich, deep and swept over all existence and reached the furthest extent of all creation. While not innately evil, it can still corrupt the purest of souls. Now your power over such an ancient and vast force will grow into a new realm of endless possibilities. You will tread where the light does not dare to go and no longer fear the night as you will reign as its Dark Lord. 

Immunity to Fear + 10%. 

During the Night time, Mana will replenish 50% faster than the normal rate. 

All Intimidation and Fear inducing Skills will increase in Effectivity and Strength by 25%. 

All Darkness-related skill costs have been reduced by 15%. 

Choosing Dark Lord as a Class, all Darkness-related skills will rise in understanding and Attack Power.  

Having a Light Resistance/Affinity of 10%: Weakness to Light Magic as a Darkness Element-related class is now nullified. 

Due to Resistance/Affinity with the Darkness Element being higher than the requirement of 25% will multiply additional stat increases and power for every additional 10%. 

Current Darkness Affinity/Resistance: 71% 

Darkness Magic: Attack Power will now increase x 4! 

Darkness Magic: Attack Speed will now increase x 2! 

Strength + 300      Stamina + 600      Health + 20,000      Intellect + 10,000     Wisdom + 8,000 

Congratulations! You have just learned a Class-Specific Skill        (Passive) 

Gift of the Night        

From now on, under the Night Sky, All Stats will increase by 50%. As the Sun falls and light descends, the night will grant you its power. 

Congratulations! You have just learned a Class Specific Skill           (Active) 

Glory of the Night 

Turn Day to Night. Cast your foes into a dark world in where you reign supreme. 

Skill Cost: 450,000 MP 

Skill Length: 10 Minutes 

Cool-down Time: 3 Months 

Congratulations! You have just learned a Class-Specific Skill           (Active) 

Dark Lord's Terror 

Enrich the atmosphere with the power of darkness and devour away the air itself, instilling your enemies the truest sense of the word terror. All enemy Elemental Magic will become strained. 

If Fear Status is achieved: 

All Attack Power and Magical Attack Power will drop drastically. 

All Magical Defenses will drop drastically.

Enemy Cool-down Time for all Skills will rise dramatically. 

For every Fear Status achieved, All Attack Power will rise by .01% for duration of skill. 

Skill Cost: 150,000 MP 

Skill Length: 5 Minutes 

Cool-down Time: 3 Days 

'….....' 

After a few breaths, another ping appeared in front of my vision. 

Congratulations! Due to your Class and Affinity with the Darkness Element, you have received a Rare Title unique to your region! 

Dark Lord of the East 

Your power over the Darkness is higher than any other in the vast region of the East. For this, you hold the Title that brings fear to all those who dare to rage against the night. 

Under the Night Sky: 

All Darkness Related Skills will  rise by 15% in effectivity and strength. 

All Darkness element skills will rise in Mastery 25% faster. 

Immunity to Fear + 5%. 

Darkness Resistance/Affinity + 3%.

'Wait.....Ahh........Wow!' 

I felt at that very moment as if the world itself were changing around me. The colors around me began to increase in its luster and it almost felt like a cool breath of fresh air. 

Before I even finished the thought of what was happening the answer practically appeared before myself at an instant...... 

'My Wisdom and Intellect Stat are both over 20,000 now.....My processing power has increased to still unseen heights. I can almost feel my neurons practically multiplying and my synapses between axons and neuroreceptors strengthening by several folds every passing second......This is incredible!' 

The age old myth about humans only being able to fully process 10% of the brains full potential I feel is shattered in this world. While at all times the entirety of the human brain is active, our abilities to control all of its functions to their fullest extent is rather foreign in my world....But here…

It's truly a world of endless possibilities and paths to take....This route seems to be just for me. 

When my Intellect and Wisdom rose I feel my understandings of some of my basic and even stronger skills to a new level. I've been using several of my abilities without even comprehending the full capabilities of each. If I didn't comprehend these things fully then I couldn't use them to their fullest potential. 

'Heh...So Dark Pressure uses all my physical stats to suppress a person's body while if I were to increase other stats like INT, WIS or Mana I could surpess a person's mind. Simply by using Demonic Awakening, the strength of Dark Pressure increases by several fold. That's why when wielding Abgrund, my stats grow to such an extent there's not many who can even withstand such a pressure.' 

But now....With the benefits of the Dark Lord Class, just from being in the Dark my Stats will increase by 50% due to my Passive Skill 'Gift of the Night'. Due to my new Title my Stats would even rise by another 15% in the Night passively from now on as well and my Mana even replenishes twice as fast at night. 

'Before I had this Class, with my 2 skills that raised my Stats by such a large margin without using any abilities would be somewhere close to a third my full power. I'm defensively based with a hyper regeneration ability that is from a legendary monster. My hair down to my claws makes me a real bitch to deal with....I should have however been focusing on increasing my Mana pool all this time. If my magic supply doesn't run out quickly, I could essentially fight who knows how many opponents and for an extended period of time if the conditions are right.....This power I'm starting to understand should be able to at least combat against even a Sage but I can't be sure to just how much yet. Even if I don't have a lot of firepower magically and without my overpowered equipment...Even without all of that I'd be a real pain for anyone to deal with.' 

With all my stats raised I would however burn through my Stamina at almost 5 times the normal rate and no telling how much my MP consumption would drop either. If I didn't have my mother and Daisy help replenish my Stamina and the Annunakes helping to increase my mana pool I probably wouldn't have lasted for very long during that battle either. 'I really need to learn my limitations so I'll be able to gauge just how strong I really am so I'll know to compare to stronger opponents on whether I can fight them or not.' 

Defense Raising Skills/Titles: + 500% Defense for 5 Minutes 

Ice Vein:  +20% , - 80% reduction to all movement speed (Agility,Dexterity, ect.....).

Hardened Exterior : + 5%  Defense

Adamantine King Fortification - + 10% Defense, 35% Reduction to all Damage + Raised Elemental Resistances 

Demonic Awakening : + 200%  Defense & Strength, + 150% Agility, + 25% all other Stats

Limit Break : + 200%  All Stats (5 Minutes)

Gift of the Night (50% Rise all Stats) + Dark Lord of the East Title (15% Rise to Dark Related Skills) : + 57.5% Rise to All Stats (During the Night)

If I was pushed to bring out Abgrund.....Does that mean Gift of the Night would go from 150%  as it's a Dark Related skill also?......Not to mention it would also almost triple my Dark Attack Power that is already been increased heavily due to the massive gains achieved already......Even if I haven't tested any of these new skills out just from the Class change alone I can't wait to see the battle power I could achieve with such new abilities even at the elementary stages......So many things I can't wait to try out.  

'.......Hmphmphmph....' 

Whether my agility will be dropped or not with my current Defense and all these skills active at the same time my Defense would be roughly 150,000 with a high regeneration rate.....Now considering how long my mana supply could last with the high consumption of regeneration magic I don't have a clue yet. But if the Pixies are with me it becomes even more difficult to fight against us..... 

'With each of these new skills I've gained, I feel I can at least survive long enough to determine whether to fight or flee which is very important. Regardless considering the benefits, me and the Annunakes have during the night, no enemy would ever attack us while the Sun wasn't up if they ever learned of it.' 

I could see everyone staring at me eagerly but I almost lost track of myself for a moment even the air itself began to taste even much more rich and refreshing for some reason.

'Maybe...Maybe it won't be so bad....A Dark Lord......'

"Hmm...I could see this working out just fine...." 

With my words everyone smiled and probed me to explain some of my gains and I told them while also checking my new updated Stats and Skill Windows. 

Status Window Name ValiLevel 240Race: Human Age: ???Sex: Male Job/Professions: N/AClass Dark LordTitles Lord of the Forest, Slayer of Death, Death Canceler, Family of the Hildr Pixies, Hunter of the Grootslang, Slayer of the King Hydra, Creator of Miracles, Alpha of the Legendary Annunake, God Slayer, Dark Lord of the EastHealth 266,890Mana 572,330Strength 18,380Intellect 30,310Stamina 15,600Wisdom 21,225Agility 15,780Defense 25,980Courage 63Luck 18,110Battle Aura 996Endurance 44Magic Resistance 25%Paralysis Resistance 3%Poison Resistance 11%Immunity to Fear 43%Elemental Resistances: Fire: 30% Earth: 6% Dark: 71% Lightning: 7% Water: 1% Wind 4% Light: 10% Void: 8% Ice: 3%

I explained a few of the logistics of only a few of my skills along with my Title to them and some of my theories about even if I were to take out Abgrund when the Sun goes down. Simply put coming here and accomplishing this astronomical feat together has made me something truly unique. 

Some of them looked lost during the math but just my explanation on my Defense alone I feel each of them looked at me with a new light than before. Each of the Annunakes were wagging their tails and the Pixies couldn't help but giggling amongst themselves. 

Simply put regardless if my level hasn't changed, my difference in strength between now and before I consumed Balor's blood are practically the difference between Night and Day.  

At Night, there are probably not many on this Continent that can kill me, whether equipping my Trump cards or not. While increasing your Elemental Resistance in the game increases your element's magical Attack Power by a particular margin while also being less affected by it, in this world it's truly so much deeper than that.  

There are so many different kinds of Fire and Ice magic with completely different properties and characteristics according to my mother and Hjökk. Even if my Resistance reached 100% with things like Elevation Magic and Fusion Magic it's not the same as completely nullifying the element out like my Midnight Gauntlet can do. In the game some mages would just increase the power of their spells to just double the damage. In this world though if I could rise my affinities high enough Hjökk said that particular element could even start to heal me. However, if one doesn't master their element and just raise affinities, there can be heavy backlash like having your emotional state unstable. 

I can truly understand what Hjökk spoke of from before as well.....It was almost as if I wasn't even aware of it but I can feel that the Darkness element's very nature can.....influence me, even my thoughts. But I almost didn't notice it before. Demonic Awakening is also a skill that increases my Aggression after left on long enough and is even worse if I'm upset. That along with something as intoxicating as Abgrund....I seriously need to be aware of this or I could eventually lose it.

'If the Darkness element is actually been around for so long, it has developed a conscience then I need to be even more cautious in if it can affect me. He said darkness wasn’t innately evil yet...I don't know creepy vibe though.' 

I'm strong, but in the grand scheme of things I'm actually quite small. I may have the potential to be strong but the current me has too many weak spots to allow me to feel comfortable. Beings like Malfius and Alysteir have also given me plenty of reasons not to be too confident regardless of the intoxicating power I can wield with the weapons I hold. While it would be incredibly hard to kill me, in a world like this one, a single mistake can mean your death. 

Even in history some of the strongest figures in the legends were killed in untimely ways from something as simple as poison.  

While Promethean March is a set skill and burns through my MP until it's empty, Dark Apparitions is actually quite broad and full of possibilities. The mana consumption I couldn't even begin to guess, but if I want to become formidable I need to increase my Mana pool as well simply to use this new Class in the correct way.....Then it would increase my battle potential and even Stamina by a huge margin. 

Even Fenrir seems to have gained and incredible gift. He gained Balor's Midnight Aura ability however unlike the one my gauntlet has, his Midnight Aura is Passive...That meaning now at all times Fenrir will have an incredibly strong and durable barrier surrounding him and replenishes itself as well as having the Fomorian healing that heals him naturally at night. 

'I can't even think of something the size of a Fomorian with Midnight Aura surrounding it. While Fenrir can’t give his Midnight Aura ability to anyone else like the Gauntlet but I believe this is easily a better trade off.

Whenever Dark Aura was split between multiple targets it actually lessoned how much one could take as once one aura barrier dropped the rest did too. However, no one has been able to break Midnight Aura yet though other than Balor who somehow cut right through it.' 

Looking down at him licking my palm I'm honestly happy he's not some wild monster I met in the woods.... 'Yah....you're a good boy buddy....Thanks for protecting me and my family.' 

I scratched his belly and he immediately jumped onto mine and Elyria's lap and started quickly wagging his tail and thumping his leg. Elyria made a loud laugh and started to scratch his belly prompting Cari and Cyanin to come over and do the same. 

I looked through my updated skill list while everyone continued to chat amongst themselves and wait for me to finish. All of those who came to extract materials are all busy and only those of the group that followed me here are remaining with me now.  

Skill List 

 Divine Blessing of Loki:  

Spatial Magic 

Universal Language Acquisition 

 Gift from the Darkness:  

Atramentous Nebula*   (Passive)  

Class Skills:  

Dark Lord's Terror (Active) 

Gift of the Night (Passive) 

Glory of the Night (Active) 

Divine Skills*:  

Dark Apparitions* (Passive)     

Promethean March* (Active)     

 Racial/Acquired Skills:  

Achtung Vis (Semi-Passive) 

Adamantine King's Fortification (Active) 

Adamantine Thread (Active) 

Bite (Active) 

Blade Tyrant (Active)

Burrow (Semi-Passive) 

Crescent Cleaver (Active) 

Dark Cloud (Active) 

Dark Pressure (Semi-Passive) Stage 2 

Dark Pulse (Active) 

Dark Spear (Active) 

Dark Wave (Active) 

Death’s Grip (Active)    

Decaying Mist (Abysmal) (Semi-Passive)  

Demonic Absorption (Passive)  

Demonic Awakening (Semi-Passive) 

Dullahan Creation (Semi Passive) Grade C   

Echolocation (Active)  

Eclipse View (Semi Passive)  

Fire Ball (Active)  

Flamethrower (Active) 

Flicker (Active) Grade 2   

Fomorian Claw (Passive)  

Fomorian Hair (Passive) 

Gravity Spike (Active) 

Hide Presence (Semi-Passive)  

Hydra Regeneration (Passive)  

Ice Coffin (Passive) 

Ice Veins (Semi-Passive) 

Lightning Armor (Semi Passive) Grade D  

Lightning Step (Semi-Passive)  

Limit Break (Active) 

Lord’s Earth Shattering Smash (Active)  

Magic Manipulation (Passive) 

Mystic Projection (Active) 

Moonlight Claw (Active) 

Night Vision (Active) 

Omega Tribulation (Active) 

Phase Shift (Semi-Passive) 

Pheromone Excretion (Active) 

Poison Sky Domain (Active) 

Root Vein (Semi-Passive)   

Sense Presence (Semi-Passive) Grade 2  

Soul Ripper (Active) 

Selfless Soul (Active) 

Synesthesia (Active) 

Temperature Control (Passive)

Tool Creation (Passive) 

Tough Exterior (Semi Passive)  

Thunder Jammer (Semi Passive)  

Wind Claw (Active)  

Eclipse of the Unforgiving Night (Semi-Passive) 

Vampirism (Semi-Passive) ii 

 Learned Skills/Techniques:   

Cooking Mastery: Advanced Level 1 

   - Added Flavor (Passive Boost) 

   - Glisten Effect (Passive) 

   -  Knife Work - Beginner Level 1 

Farming Mastery: Beginner Level 8 

Freya’s Soul Recovery: Novice Level 9

Hand to Hand Combat Mastery: Novice Level 1 

   - Powerful Strike (Active) 

   - Stunning Blow (Active) 

   - Quick Fists (Semi- Passive) 

Ingredient Identification Mastery: Advanced Level 1 

Negotiation Mastery: Beginner Level 2 

Petting Mastery: Beginner Level 1 

Scythe Mastery: Intermediate Level 3 

  -  Slice (Active) 

   - Staff Strengthening (Semi-Passive) 

Sword Mastery: Beginner Level 1 

White Tiger's Thunderous Paw Technique: Level 1    (Passive + Active) 

Combined Skills: 

(Decaying Mist) + (Darkness Affinity) = (Abysmal Mist) 

(Freya's Soul Recovery) + (Cooking) + (Ingredient Identification) = (Niche's Soul Cooking) 

(Dullahan Creation) + (Lightning Armor) = (Dullahan Storm Knights: Grade C) 

As much as I hate Loki, I'm sure he's laughing his goofy ass off right now....This new Class certainly has the ability to help me and somehow I can feel it already giving me more control over my emotions too....Whatever that was earlier I could actually feel it influencing me.... So maybe in this one instance.....I owe him one. 

'Wait......Gift from the Darkness?' 

End of Chapter