Chapter 111 - Xinnolath

Jack sauntered over towards Gideon, Sam, and Hannah. Gideon was trying, and failing, to make small talk with Sam who was grilling Gideon about demons in that excited fanboy way he had that made you wonder if he is for or against demons. Sam was also pointedly ignoring Hannah, who was glaring daggers so furiously at his back Jack was concerned they might become real in mere moments… Or flaming arrows would literally shoot out of her eyes. That might be fun, he mused.

Jack could understand her frustration. Sure, two days had technically passed for the kid. But for Jack and her, Sam voting against them was still fresh in their minds. Even Jack still found himself irked by the whole situation.

“I’m still not sure I get it.” Sam interjected loudly, bringing Jack out of his thoughts. “What is it about demons that makes them so bad exactly? Aren’t they monsters just like anything else?”

“Fighting a demon is simple enough, yes,” Gideon agreed “The problem is their ability to corrupt everything and everyone around them.”

“Corrupt?”

“Yes. Deals and contracts are a large part of their power and corrupting people in the Tower is how they acquire them. I’m sure you’ve heard of everyday people making deals with demons. Sarah tells me that your hometown of Georgia is most known for these arrangements. You must challenge the demons in a musical duel, correct?” Gideon glanced over at Sarah for confirmation.

Jack looked curiously at Sarah whose face flashed a brief moment of “caught-off-guard-humor” before she masked it with pious nodding. It was nice to see she could still have a little fun, he thought with a grin.

“What exactly does a demon deal entail?” Hannah joined in, curious.

“Simple really. A demon offers you either some portion, or the entirety of its power. When you die, said borrowed power is returned to the demon, but multiplied. Thus, making the demon exponentially stronger.”

“So, basically investment bankers. Great. What’s the downside?” Jack asked.

“It depends on the demon, but If I’m being honest there really isn’t much of a downside,” Gideon sighed, a look on his face as though recalling a bad memory. “It all depends on how much power is given when making a deal. A demon will have some degree of influence on the choices you make and actions you take. However, a strong enough will is enough to overcome the whispers of a devil on your shoulder.”

Everyone stared at Gideon, a confused look on their faces, but the dragon didn’t seem like he wanted to elaborate.

“That doesn’t make sense,” Hannah finally said. “I can just go make a deal with a demon and get a bunch of extra power?”

“Yes. Do remember though, you are making a deal. The demon will request something of you first before it hands over any of its power. What you get in return is dependent on what you are willing to give.” Gideon said, a flash of anger in his eyes.

“And nothing will happen to me? Except the demon might try to influence me? To do what exactly? Go crazy and kill everyone?”

“Maybe. Or maybe it will let you live a nice long life. Unlikely though. Your dreams will be under constant torment. You’ll grow cold, hard in your resolve to not fall prey to demonic temptation to use your ill gotten power for evil. It will change you in ways you can’t understand.”

“Still. I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t go out and make a deal with a demon? The tradeoff seems… not that bad?” Hannah ventured.

“Thus you see the problem with demons.” Gideon nodded sagely.

“I’m not sure I do.”

“What is the one thing we all do?” Gideon asked the group.

“Masturbate.” Jack offered.

“We all die.” Gideon continued, pointedly ignoring Jack.

“And what did I say happens when you die with a demon’s power? The demon gets it back, multiplied. The problem, Hannah, is that most people tend to think like you. Make a deal with a demon, get a lot of bonus power for seemingly nothing. All they must do is remain vigilant not to commit evil. Not to fall prey to the temptations of power. Several people do just that. And then one day they die and suddenly this weak little demon that was no one’s problem has grown in power and can wreak havoc on the world and your years of remaining vigilant and committing no wrong are erased, just like that.” Gideon said flatly.

“Of course, only the dumb demons do that. What do you think happens when a smart demon gets his newfound strength from a completed deal?” Slowly, Gideon’s tone shifted from dull resignation to anger, each word growing sharper. The flames in his eyes grew golden and the temperature had gotten much hotter as anger leaked out of the dragon like steam from a kettle.

“He turns around and makes another deal. Gives away some more of his power. Sometimes to multiple people. This cycle continues over and over again, with fools and pawns dancing on the palms of a demon's hand, none the wiser that their actions have doomed their-“

Jack threw a cup of water in Gideon's face.

“Chill out there buddy. Your flames are showing. Might want to tuck those back in”

Gideon scowled at Jack, but quickly reigned it in.

“Apologies,” he offered, wiping water off his face. “My first floor fell prey to demons. It’s a very bitter memory for me anytime they show up.”

“How often do they show up?” Sam asked, a worried look on his face.

“It’s one of the Towers’ more preferred monsters. They tend to make a proper challenge for the average adventurer for the reasons I’ve already mentioned. There has also been the occasional race of demons that show up to climb the Tower. I don’t let them make it very far in the Tower though.” Gideon finished with a small grunt of satisfaction.

Jack glanced at the enormous door that filled out one entire side of the cavernous room they were all in. The door locking away what was arguably the most powerful monster on the first floor. A demon.

Making a deal with him could probably solve a lot of my problems, Jack mused.

He glanced at Hannah who was also staring at the sealed door, a forlorn look on her face.

“I can see the gears turning. Know this. I will kill you both without hesitation or remorse.” Gideon said to the group, leveling a dangerous gaze at both Jack and Hannah.

“Good luck killing me when I have awesome demon powers-“

Faster than anyone could see, Gideon punched Jack in the face so hard he was sent flying across the room.

“Jack!” Sarah screamed, running towards him.

Jack picked himself up off the ground, dusting himself off with one hand while rubbing at his jaw with the other. Sarah splashed him with some healing waters, placing a concerned hand on his arm.

Jack flashed Gideon a challenging grin, though if he were honest that punch had him seeing multiple Gideons, so he aimed for the one in the middle .Gideon returned a smile full of dragon teeth, a dangerous glare in his eyes.

“Why do I feel like you deserved that?” Sarah asked.

“What can I say, I bring out the worst in people,” he shrugged, the two of them making their way back over to the group.

Several U.F.E. soldiers had drawn weapons at the commotion, unsure what to do when two party leaders started fighting each other. Devin stalked his way towards Jack and company with his trademark annoyed look on his face.

“I would give you all more time to prepare but I think you might actually kill each other.”

“Gideon started it…” Jack muttered under his breath.

“Liar.” Gideon protested.

“Enough. Since you are rested enough to fight amongst yourselves then you are all obviously ready to begin the siege on the dungeon. We’ll move forward with the operation, now.” Devin commanded.

The cavernous room was packed to the brim with U.F.E. soldiers who all began moving and bustling, drawing weapons, and falling into rank and file in front of the large door,forming a sort of phalanx with Jack’s group at the pinnacle.

“Why the hell is everyone here exactly? There are only seven keys, so it’s not like everyone can join us, can they?”

“About that…” Sam started “we were able to dig up some information on the dungeon. Apparently it isn’t like the Tower dungeons that we are used to. It’s an actual, literal, honest to God dungeon. Not a subspace of the Tower, so no magic transportation. Xinnolath is actually on the other side of that giant door.”

“Huh,” Jack said, taking an unconscious step back. He looked behind him taking in the presence of all the U.F.E. soldiers in the room. Maybe a hundred strong. The best the army had to offer.

“More are waiting, ready to attack in the tunnels leading here, and in the keep above.”

“Aren’t these all the people who have sworn a soul oath to Rodeo?” Hannah asked, inspecting all the soldiers.

It was true. Jack inspected the throng of soldiers again. When everyone first swore their oaths to Rodeo, it had only been the elites of the U.F.E. who might actually pose some degree of threat to the man. Jack had no idea why, but all of them being gathered up for the big fight seemed like a red flag.

“Sam,” Jack asked, suddenly curious. “Where did you get the information about the dungeon?”

Sam didn’t respond at first.

“Sammy.” Hannah said, her tone a demand that even he couldn’t ignore.

“Rodeo gave it to us,” Gideon answered.

Jacks’ eyes rolled so far to the back of his head he could actually feel capillaries bursting.

“The information is good. I’ve verified it myself. He came across a journal of one of the Crowen mages responsible for siphoning power from Xinnolath. This entire dungeon is one giant scheme for creating Crowen super soldiers.”

“Oh. Well as long as you’ve verified it,” Jack groaned.

Sarah nudged him in the ribs before he could continue on.

“Keyholders, with me.” Devin announced, standing at the front of the gate.

Jack, Sarah, Hannah, Sam and Gideon all made their way through the grouping of soldiers that had fallen into a defensive formation. Devin was waiting for them ahead, with Rodeo leaning against the enormous door, arms crossed, same lazy smile across his face.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Jack clenched his teeth hard as he stared at the man. He held steady the three drops of mana in his core, still fighting against the urge to end the man's life right here, right now.

He knew from bitter experience that Rodeo likely had contingency plans A through Z if Jack decided to try and storm step him out of existence. In addition, he would have to deal with the whole breaking the soul oath Tower bullshit. But as he stared into Rodeo’s gray lifeless eyes, logic and control seemed like distant memories.

Sarah gripped his arm, and he fell out of his trance, glancing over at her. She had a worried look on her face, and Jack gave her a reassuring smile, even though he didn’t feel sure of anything himself. He knew this was all a mistake. A mistake he had no idea how to fix.

“Jackie boy” Rodeo grinned, “worried you wouldn’t show.”

“It must feel good. Hiding behind a bunch of soul oaths that is,” Jack smirked.

Rodeo simply gave him a smile, revealing nothing.

“Enough,” Devin commanded.

“The plan is simple. We open the dungeon and kill whatever is inside. As you all know, we have precious little information aside from the fact that a powerful demon awaits us inside. I know the first floor has become trivial for many of you here, but be prepared for the worst.”

A determined silence was the only response.

Jack pulled out his daggers and gave them a lazy spin in his hand as everyone made last minute prep for the dungeon. He checked his stat page in the meantime.

Statistics / Quests / Tower Store / Achievements / Blessings

Name: Jack Atlas

Race: Human Ascendent [Rare]

Floor: 1st Floor

Level: 13

Class: Hitman [Rare] [+1 Str +3 Dex +1 Foc per level]

Core Type: [Modified Lightning Mana Core] [Uncommon]

Stats —

Strength: 20 - [Apprentice-High]

Endurance: 12 (1) - [Adept-Intermediate]

Vitality: 10 (2) - [Novice-High]

Dexterity: 100 – [Apprentice-High]

Focus: 20 - [Apprentice-Intermediate]

Willpower: 3 - [Adept-Intermediate]

Free Skill Points: 3

Achievement Points [AP]: 7,275,000

Abilities [4/5] —

Lightning Centipedes Bite [Uncommon, Novice - Low]

Storm Step [Rare, Novice - Low]

Static Overdrive - Lightning Variant [Rare, Novice -Low]

Chain Lightning [Rare, Novice – Low]

Passives —

Multiverse Common Tongue [Non-Upgradable]

Storm Stance of the Lightning Centipede [Rare, Adept - Low]

Sneak [Uncommon, Novice-Low]

Mana Condenser [Rare] [Incomplete]

Mana Channels of the Transcendent Berserker [Epic] [Rare]

He had three free points to spend before the battle and against his better nature, plugged them into Vitality. He wasn’t entirely sure what was about to happen, but he had no doubts it was going to be unpleasantly painful. As the points disappeared from his available counter, he felt himself become a little more sturdy. More sure footed. More capable to take on the fight. It wasn’t that he was stronger, or faster, he simply felt more resilient.

He then checked on his “armor” if he could even call it that. The little shadow creep seemed dormant for the most part, settling as a pair of bracers on his wrist. He gave them a poke and tried to will it into a chest piece, but the damn thing didn’t seem interested in changing. He gave an exasperated sigh and started poking at it with his daggers. That seemed to motivate it to move. He watched as it slid over his body and slid up to his chest, settling into a pitch-black breastplate.

He had fed the shadow armor incessantly, but it still seemed little protection over actual armor. The real problem was anytime he put on any real armor; the damned thing would start eating it. He had long since quit wearing his centipede cape because the little shit started chewing on it every single time. He hoped Mindalia employed a few good tailors to repair the bite marks in his cloak. He’d grown rather fond of the creepy cape.

His final check was his flintlock pistol. He pulled it out of his void sack and loaded it with one of the dragon shots Gideon had made for him. He began to tuck the pistol in his belt, but first gave it a few cursory waves over his armor familiar. It hadn’t as of yet shown any interest in weapons, only armor, but he still didn’t trust the little asshole to not pull a fast one on him. Reassured when there was no response, he tucked the gun into the back of his belt.

He glanced over at his team, all making similar preparations. as they checked over equipment or eyes glazed over as they reviewed their own status page and notifications.

“Are we really going through with this? I can’t shake this feeling something bad is about to happen,” Hannah whispered quietly as she stepped up to Jack's side.

Jack glanced over at Rodeo while mulling over Hannah’s words. His jagged blade was out and rested menacingly on the shoulder of his pitch-black armor as he inspected the giant doorway ahead.

“I don’t know how, but I think he’s got us beat again. Really is just like old times, eh?” He said with a smirk at Hannah. Her only response was an annoyed huff.

When it was just the three of them back on Earth, there had been more than one occasion they tried to break free of Rodeo’s control. It almost always blew up in their faces with Rodeo coming out on top. Even when they actually thought they had gotten rid of him for good, he showed back up in the Tower to ruin their lives.

“Keyholders, present your keys and break the seal.” Devin called out in an ostentatious voice.

“That’s what she said...” Jack chuckled quietly to himself. Out of the corner of his eye, he thought he saw a small smile twitch the edge of Hannah’s lips.

Devin had pulled out his key and stepped forward towards the door, reaching out and placing a hand on it.

The cavern was carved out somewhere beneath the Crowen capital city, almost directly underneath the keep. The inside was austere and largely barren, aside from a massive stone door with seven large blue seals. Each seal bore an intricate pattern and radiated magical power that ran down the seam of the door. On the outskirts of the door was some type of mysterious conduit that ran out and up into the cavern ceiling, siphoning god knows what to god knows where.

As Devin placed his hand at the base of the stone doorway, the energy of the first seal began to dissipate, flickering out and losing its light as the power faded away.

The smell of iron and rust filled the air, and that could only mean one thing. Jack’s eyes narrowed on the now exposed seam where the seal had disappeared.

He watched as a slow trickle of blood began to stream down the doorway from the spot the first seal had been broken, forming a small puddle at its base.

“Second seal.” Devin commanded.

This time Rodeo stepped forward with his key, placing his hand on the door.

Much like the first, the seal merely flickered away.

Gideon followed suit.

The first real change happened when Sarah touched the door.

A large thud rang out from the other side of the door and the three remaining seals appeared to strain under the pressure of…something… pushing on the other side of the door.

The thud caused the entire Army to jump, and Jack could hear clamors of armor and exasperated calls behind him. Even his own heart nearly jumped out his throat with the unexpected sound.

Sam was the fastest of them yet. He quickly ran forward, slapped the door with his hand, and then used his ability to port back, not wasting any time as another loud thud slammed into the door.

Hannah, who had long since been using her longbow as a floating seat to avoid the blood that had spread out across the floor, pooling at everyone’s feet, floated to the door and quickly broke her seal. The door tried to slam open, and Hannah kicked back in response, an annoyed look on her face as she fell back into position next to Jack.

All eyes landed on Jack as he pulled out his key. Jack glanced at the exit to the cavern longingly, before a loud “ahem” from Devin brought his attention back forward.

“Oh, are you guys waiting for me?” Jack grinned. He spun the key lazily between his fingers, almost dropping it in the pool of blood as he made his way towards the door.

Before placing his hand on the door, he tried to get any sense of what might be on the other side. Dread, despair, and suffering were the impressions that filled his mind. With a defeated sigh he placed his hand on the door.

[Use the key of the Hero, Gurthok the Berserker to break the final seal to the Dungeon of Xinnolath? Y/N]

Jack selected yes, and the final seal slowly dissipated.

He heard the drawing of several weapons behind him. Soldiers falling into defensive stance and the sound of magic spells whirring in the air as buffs were prepared, shields were raised, and spells were charged.

And then…

…nothing.

The doors didn’t burst open like he had been expecting. Instead it was a slow, ambling creep out of a horror film. The world rumbled as the ancient doors that had become part of the terrain around them broke free of their earthly prison. Dust shook off the cavern's wall, rocks came crashing down all around them.

Dark red blood spilled out of the doorway at a quickening pace, filling up the cavern floor in mere seconds. As the doors fully opened and came to a stop, the entire army found themselves standing up to their knees in blood. Its dark crimson color had an evil, pitch black energy swimming through it, creating an almost marbled effect on the surface.

The room was filled with panic almost immediately as the sensation of dread and despair that Jack had detected filled the room with suffocating emotion. Even Jack started to sweat a little bit at the intense pressure. Worse was the smell. It was a rotten putrid smell, like tar and burning flesh. Somewhere in the army behind him he could hear the retching of a few soldiers emptying out the contents of their stomach.

“Steady.” Devin commanded, his sword drawn with three white ethereal swords floating over his shoulder. “Reform the ranks. Keyholders on me. We push forward.”

Jack fell in step between Gideon and Sarah, slowly wading through the blood as they pushed past the threshold of the doorway.

“What do you see Hannah?” Jack asked, knowing her Focus stat was the highest of the bunch, and she could cut through the darkness of the room much easier.

“Something is on the far wall, It’s…big. but I can’t tell what.”

“Gideon.” Devin called.

Understanding the call, a flaming orb formed in the dragon’s hand and he launched it to the ceiling above. It expanded in size a moment later and a golden light filled the room. Several other mages followed suit, sending their own, albeit smaller magics, into the air and filling the cavern with their own glowing orbs of light. It gave Jack the impression of the sun being circled by dozens of planets of lights.

Sarah let out a sharp gasp.

The room was as large and cavernous as the room they had come from, likely the other half of the cave, but the floor was covered in blood. Amidst the roiling waves of rouge perched a small island of bones at the far end, pushed up against the wall.

On top of the island was a throne of sorts. Or maybe a torture device. Jack couldn’t be sure.

The conduit that had led out of the doorway continued across the top of the cavern, leading down to the throne, stabbing into a dark creature that sat upon it.

Weapons were drawn and mana was roused as they pushed through the bloody waters and towards the isle of bones that crunched beneath their boots as they made purchase.

They stared at the demon king atop his throne. Jack had been expecting a terrible, horrifying monster raging with muscles and sinew. Instead, they were met with a withered, blood red corpse, covered in tattered gray rags. Stabbed into his body was the conduit that stretched to the ceiling above, leading out of the door they just entered. From his head protruded an entire crown of wicked horns, the light from the floating orbs causing shadows to fall across its face. Clawed hands drooped lifelessly over the armrests and tattered and torn leather wings hung from his back, soaking in the blood below.

[Quest Update]

Quest: The Dungeon of Xinnolath

Quest Tier: Secret

Quest Sponsor: The Tower

Not even the seven powerful heroes stood a chance at defeating the foul demon Xinnolath. Instead, they trapped it, locking it away and damning it to a life of eternal suffering. The keys have been hidden until the time comes that new heroes arise who are capable of ridding the world of this dark stain.

Objective:

Kill Xinnolath, The First Corruptor.

Reward:

Unknown

Jack quickly dismissed the quest, his eyes trained on the exceptionally weak looking demon. Guy looked in desperate need of a hamburger… and maybe a shower.

“Want me to kick this party off?” he asked, already prepping a drop of mana.

“Wait,” Gideon said, stopping Jack as he walked forward. “This isn’t the demon I’ve been dreaming of…” he trailed off.

Jack ignored the dragons’ ramblings as he stepped closer to Xinnolath, flanked by Devin.

“What does that mean?” he heard Sarah quietly ask Gideon.

“I’m not-“

Xinnolath’s eyes popped open, and a pair of menacing black orbs pinned Jack to the ground.

The demon gave Jack a cruel, knowing smile.

Jack, for lack of anything better to do, gave him the finger.

Then all hell broke loose.