“You can call me Scott,” the eldritch spawn said, before gesturing towards the asura. “You can call him whatever you want.” With that, he turned towards the massive island a few meters away.
Meanwhile, Orion adjusted his glasses, his eyes trembling ever so slightly. “You're from Earth?" he muttered, his earlier assumptions wavering. He had expected Scott to be just another humanoid creature within the tower, not a fellow human.
Scott turned towards the mage, nodding in affirmation. Orion's smile widened as he readjusted his glasses once more. “I used to be Brazilian, not that it matters anymore. What about you?” he asked.
“It doesn't matter. We should focus on getting to the other side,” Scott replied without turning. “By the way, how did you evade the lightning earlier?” he inquired, his doubts echoing in the air.
While he could also predict the thunder's trajectory, he couldn't explain how Orion redirected the rogue lightning bolt toward the seemingly bottomless gorge.
“Ah, you're interested in data too, I presume,” Orion said, taking a step forward. “Explaining how I did that would be too long and tedious. However, it's important to understand that it's only possible because I have sufficient data and a yearning to learn.”
Scott shook his head, silently regretting his decision to question the mage. Without saying anything further, he charged toward the floating island, his companions quickly following suit. The trio passed through a permeable barrier, which obscured their view of the starting island, the shifting steps, and the waiting champions on the grass field. Instead, they were greeted by a massive jungle. As they plummeted towards the ground at breakneck speed, their skills, abilities, and items were rendered useless, as if the universe intended for them to crash face-first into the damp earth below.
Orion chuckled as he streamlined his body, bracing for impact, while Scott and the asura focused on their intended crash site. Over seventy champions awaited their descent, heads raised in anticipation.
There were others here before us, Scott pondered, noting the assembled champions. He found himself musing over the sheer number of participants engaged in the game across the various islands.
A series of muffled thuds followed as the trio collided with the earth, sending damp soil scattering in all directions and forming a massive crater in the unassuming jungle. Scott, the asura, and Orion extricated themselves from the hole, their attention drawn to the surrounding champions. Most bore either curious or hostile gazes, with some wearing a combination of both expressions.
Ignoring the stares, Scott lifted his head, gazing at the orange skies devoid of stars. Despite the lack of steps, he could discern the outline of the third island behind the clouds.
How the hell are we supposed to get there without any steps? Scott pondered. Or is there a hidden mechanism or criteria to trigger the steps? He pondered.
In that moment, Orion's giggles reached Scott's ears, prompting the masked man to turn his attention toward the mage. Scott frowned behind his mask as he watched the mage eagerly sniffing the earth from the crash site while murmuring unintelligible words.
“I thought someone useful would have arrived. But it's just three freaks,” hissed a lizardman, disdainfully turning away from the newcomers. One by one, several champions averted their gazes, disappointment evident in their eyes.
Scott and the asura showed no reaction to the champion's remark or the disdainful glances directed their way. However, Orion suddenly propelled himself out of the crater, appearing in front of the lizardman and his companions in a flash. Before the stunned champions could respond, the soft-spoken mage interrupted them, asking, “What's so special about this place? Please, enlighten me.”
The lizardmen's expressions twisted in fury, considering the curious mage to be foolish. Likewise, his companions had the same thought. They expected the lizardman to rebuke the mage; however, to their surprise, he absentmindedly nodded and began to speak. “Unlike the starting island, which only dispels the thunder barrier after the first seventy champions have crossed, no one knows how many champions are required to pass through the wind calamity.”
“Actos, what are you doing?” one of the lizardman's companions called out. “Why are you answering that human's question?” he demanded.
Orion turned toward the outspoken companion, his furrowed brows revealing his annoyance. “Go wait over there,” he said, pointing randomly into the forest. “Don't you dare interrupt me while I'm gathering data.”
“Who the hell—” the champion froze before he could utter another word, and his limbs carried him toward the spot where the mage had gestured.
The surrounding champions' eyes widened in surprise, and at that moment, a deafening twang resonated through the area as an arrow with a blackened arrowhead sped toward the mage's neck. However, just inches away from the mage's neck, one of the asura's arms intercepted the arrow, and the silver shaft melted into a silvery puddle.
Orion turned toward the archer, but Scott's voice filled his ears before he could speak. “Focus on gathering data. Leave the rest to us,” he instructed.
The emerald glow in the mage's eyes dimmed momentarily as he shifted his attention to interviewing the bewitched lizardman. Meanwhile, Scott positioned himself in front of the asura, his cold gaze scanning the crowd before fixing on the archer.
“So, what's it going to be? Will you continue observing us, or will you take action?” Scott asked, his tone deliberate.
“Do you believe you're safe because death isn't a threat?” the archer retorted, retrieving another bow from her quiver. “I don't know where you pests came from, but you'll soon learn there are fates worse than death by the time I'm through—”
A thunderous laughter interrupted the petite elf, and she instinctively turned toward Orion, the source of the laughter.
“So, that's it,” he chuckled. “Data is indeed beautiful,” he remarked.
“Focus on neutralizing the guy in glasses first. I've got a bad feeling about him,” the elf urged with a roar. “Leave the asura and the masked individual to me,” she declared.
Simultaneously, all the champions summoned their weapons from their inventory, preparing for combat. However, Orion's laughter reverberated once more as he tapped the base of his staff subtly against the ground. A shockwave rippled through the area, rendering everyone except Scott and the asura immobile.
With slow, deliberate steps, the mage’s laughter morphed into a maniacal tone with each passing second. He halted a mere foot away from the elf, her blackened arrowhead pressing against his robes.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
“You see, I find delight in collecting data above all else in this life. It's the very purpose that drives me,” he declared, locking eyes with the visibly terrified elf. “There are only two kinds of people or situations I abhor, and you and your companions fit both criteria perfectly. Those who oppose my data collection endeavors deserve no place in my world. So, please, meet your end,” Orion commanded.
The archer relinquished her bow and arrow, instead reaching for the dagger strapped to her waist. Without hesitation, she thrust the silver blade into her throat, choking on her own blood as the light faded from her eyes. Moments later, she collapsed to the ground, her body pooling in a crimson puddle. Simultaneously, numerous roots tore through the earth, ensnaring the elf's lifeless form and dragging her silently into the damp soil. As this occurred, an average-sized tree nearby expanded slightly in girth.
A twisted smile returned to Orion's lips as he observed the tree for a moment. Then, his voice echoed once more. “What are the rest of you waiting for? You should join her,” he urged.
One by one, the champions took their own lives, and nearby roots eagerly absorbed their corpses and spilled blood to nourish themselves. Scott observed this unsettling phenomenon with a casual demeanor, but a subtle crease formed on his forehead.
Why haven't they been resummoned? he mused silently, his thoughts drifting to the eerie disappearance of the bodies. Could it have something to do with him?
“They have been resummoned,” Orion said suddenly, as if plucking the question from Scott's mind.
“How do you know?” Scott inquired skeptically. “Let me guess, you gleaned that from your data collection?”
“Bingo,” Orion chuckled, adjusting his glasses. “Their intent was to eliminate us from the start. The pretense of finding us bothersome was just that – a pretense. I'd have attacked immediately in their place, but I can't fault their decision to delay. They needed more data on us.”
“So, they likely returned to the starting island,” Scott echoed, contemplating the implications.
“Exactly,” Orion affirmed, gesturing towards the nourished trees. “And these fellows here serve as the gateway to the next island. Fascinating, isn't it?” he remarked, turning back to Scott.
“Indeed, but why are you looking at me like that?” Scott queried softly. “Have you finished your data collection on us?”
Orion grinned mischievously. “On the contrary, I'm just getting started. Rest assured; I pride myself on thoroughness. You won't be disappointed,” he assured. “Oh, and by the way, your illusionary arts won't be as effective. I hope you've got another trick up your sleeve.”
Turning his attention to the asura, the mage leveled the tip of his staff at the malevolent creature. “There's something about you I can't quite place, but I'll uncover it soon enough,” he declared with a crack of his neck. “I'm ready whenever you—”
In a flash, the asura materialized before the mage, its colossal fists aimed at the human's vital spots.
“Yes, this is what I want. The sheer urge to obliterate everything,” Orion chuckled, advancing confidently. The asura's strikes found only empty air, leaving the champions bewildered.
“Show me everything you've got,” Orion taunted, driving the base of his staff into the ground. Shockwaves rippled outward, but the asura, consumed by bloodlust, surged relentlessly toward the mage. It unleashed a barrage of punches, yet Orion effortlessly sidestepped or stepped back, each move precise, as the asura's blows wreaked havoc on the surrounding trees.
“You must be puzzled. Your mind likely wonders how I evade your assaults with such minimal effort. It must seem as though I manipulate time and space before your eyes, but I assure you, I rely on no such cheap tricks,” Orion remarked, his smile unwavering as he continued to dodge the asura's onslaught.
“Data is extraordinary. Even with so little information, I can anticipate your every move,” the mage added, taking two deliberate steps to the right. In that instant, six elemental halberds struck where he had stood, adding to the devastation.
“C’mon, this can’t be everything. Show me more,” Orion urged, his features contorting with a somewhat manic smile.
The asura persisted with its relentless attacks, yet Orion evaded them effortlessly. The once lush surroundings now resembled a wasteland of earth, wood, and sporadic elemental flashes.
“There must be a reason for your immunity. Show me that power,” Orion demanded, suddenly appearing behind the asura. With a tap, the asura elicited bellowing screams from all three heads, fresh blood streaming from their eyes.
“Show me!” Orion's voice echoed manically as the asura's screams intensified. Then, the mage swiftly turned toward Scott, who had remained inactive throughout. “I warned you; your illusions wouldn't hold this time. Allow me to demonstrate.”
The world collapsed, shattering everything within its grasp, yet Scott, the asura, and Orion found themselves back in the devastated jungle once more. A bright smile adorned the mage's face as he locked gazes with Scott. “Those eyes are indeed a treasure trove of data. Despite collapsing one of my minds, here I am, ensnared in yet another illusion,” he remarked with a grin.
“But it's all futile. As long as data remains endlessly accessible, so will my mind persistently divide,” Orion said, and with each utterance, the world collapsed, each iteration multiplying into absurd numbers.
“While one consciousness is ensnared here, another commandeers my body. Do you understand what's unfolding beyond these illusions?” Orion's voice reverberated.
“You're not the sole bearer of the curse to partition one's mind,” Scott's interjected. “Regardless of the multitude of your minds, it all amounts to naught in the face of insanity. The instant you open your eyes marks the moment I'll crush your skull with my hammer. I hope you’ll get enough data to accompany you to the afterlife,” Scott mused.
Orion's countenance twisted from whimsical to enraged as he lifted his head, just as the world collapsed once more. In the tangible realm, Scott, Orion, and the asura lifted their heads skyward, their gazes fixated on eleven figures clad in black.
“How dare you,” Orion muttered under his breath. “Things were becoming intriguing. How dare you interfere!” The mage bellowed, and space itself contorted, bending to the champion's will. A formless void enveloped the newcomers, crushing them before they could even touch the jungle floor.
“Now that the pests are gone, we should continue from where we left off,” Orion paused, his gaze fixing on the blackened hammer being ejected from Scott's mask. The asura rapidly retreated, its eyes trembling with an ominous gleam.
Simultaneously, within the swirling darkness of the mask, a golden orb shot out, landing a foot away from Orion.
“Huh? How do you have this?” Orion muttered in disbelief, his attention alternating between the orb and Scott, who had forcefully dragged out the war hammer of the mad god.
Orion's jaw dropped as he swallowed hard. “It's truly the war hammer of the mad god. Then you must be him.”
The mage's staff trembled violently in his arm, shattering into a thousand pieces. From the shards emerged an ominous spear, which Orion grasped tightly.
“I greet thee, chosen harbinger of madness!”
The golden orb swirled and vibrated incessantly. Simultaneously, a system message appeared in front of Scott, and a massive hand emerged from the mask of the eldritch spawn.
Hastur’s Vessel – Unlocked! There’s a 40% chance your body will be possessed by Hastur the Unspeakable. Temporary possession active!
Darkness abruptly shrouded the jungle, as massive tentacles, amidst streaks of yellow, replaced the once clear skies.
Orion dropped to his knees, refusing to lift his head. Meanwhile, the asura prostrated on the ground, its molten frame saturated with ominous energy.
“I didn’t know it was you, Great One,” Orion screamed at the top of his lungs. “We only seek acceptance into your...” Before he could finish, a tentacle descended from the corrupted heavens, obliterating the mage. However, the blackened spear hummed twice, and the mage reformed. He fervently prostrated himself on the ground, repeatedly declaring, “I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy!” while banging his head against the earth.
“Long live the King in Yellow! Eternity shall never forget the Nameless One. Glory to the Tattered King!” The mage cried out in anguish.
As the ominous cloud dispersed, the war hammer of the mad god vanished into the mask along with the orb. Orion's spear reverted to its staff form, while thousands of wooden steps ascended into the sky from the ravaged trees.
Temporary possession deactivated!