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Chapter 12: Root

Yggdrasil Fallen, LitRPG Series

Book 1, Part 1 Obsidian

Chapter 12: Root

Andre found himself on his hand and knees, his body convulsing as he was wracked with accruing stacks of an affliction that he could only assume was turning his body inside and out into jelly. He seized again; this time vomiting more blackened, gelatinous blood this time laced with fleshy chunks.

“I refuse to die like this! I will at least take this bastard with me!” In the throes of his impending death Andres’ adrenaline surged as he watched as the Alpha beast stirred, attempting to put itself back together. Heaving again he forced himself to his feet. Despite his blurry vision and almost impossibly heavy body, which was almost unable to hold him upright, Andre found his balance and through a sheer force of will he charged once more. Bringing his machete down with everything he had, through the dipping head of the monstrosity. With a savage roar Andre felt his weapon split the wildly grinning skull clean in half. The arms twitched, body convulsed and stopped moving, the decaying flesh that had been clinging to its skeleton sloughing off plopping to the floor near him; and the flow of noxious fumes halted.

Falling to his knees Andre vomited again, a large puddle of congealed chunky blackened blood.

“Good, maybe with that, I at least did some good in this world.” He began crawling away, not wanting his final moments to be surrounded by the rotten flesh of the Alpha beast. He gave up about 10 feet away from where the beast had fallen:

“This should be good enough,” his vision swimming, strength failing him and every inch of his body burning.

“Warning, you have reached 5 stacks of “Necrotic Blood Plague” this is a critical state; and you must seek immediate healing and recovery, or you will expire.” As he read the message, Andre opened his character screen, only to see his rotating 3D form flashing in a dangerous red.

“Huh… so the “health bar” does work… Wait, what happened to my victory message….” Andre muttered in a bleary haze, as the feeling of dread that he’d been suffering didn’t diminish with the monstrosities defeat. As he laid there, covered in gore and blood; his own flesh rotting away, he realized something critical: he hadn’t killed it yet. A wave of dry crackling laughter filled the chamber once more.

“I guess fucked this one up too… and this was something I was supposedly chosen to do.” His body throbbed, pain flowing through him.

“Hopefully, at least with my death this bastard can’t escape this chamber. I don’t think even the military could take it down.” His body throbbed again. The echoing laughter grew louder. Andre used the last of his strength to look down, over at where he’d crawled away from the monstrosity. It had reassembled itself; the split skull sagging to either side of its decaying neck; the rest of its flesh laying where it had sloughed off; axe over its shoulder it took a rumbling step towards him.

“Maybe I’ll die before it can bring that big ass axe down on me. His body throbbed a third time or was it his body? A faint smell of ozone filled his nose, stirring his senses.

“The stone…?” He didn’t have the strength to reach into his pocket to grab it, but he could feel it there, pulsing gently, sending waves through his body. A soft light emanated from it, slowly engulfing him, as though he had become a torch himself the light shining brightly in the flickering torchlit chamber. The monstrosity was just a few steps within striking distance now. Blood trickling from the corner of his mouth Andre thought:

“Fuck this is random… but I’m sorry Jeff, guess I won’t get to meet this new girl of yours after all… ya ugly bastard.” He laughed almost bitterly when a text box popped up before him.

“Primal Aqua Aspected Ability granted: “Blissful Rain”: calling a cool misty rain, biosynthesis is greatly accelerated for you and everyone in a 10-meter radius around you for 15 seconds. Secondary Effect: Purges one stack per five seconds during the duration of the ability of the most dangerous affliction currently affecting everyone within the area of effect. Tertiary effect: purifies undead enemies in range, removing the “Rise Again” benefit, leaving them with a moderate damage over time effect. Aqua aspected energy cost: Moderate. Cooldown: 3 minutes”

“Holy shit Phione, talk about one hell of an apropos ability.” Andre weakly chuckled.

“ALIAS, Hit it.” He said

“What is implied by “Hit it”” ALIAS answered.

“Are you fucking kidding me? I obviously want you to activate the ability I just unsealed which just might save my ass.” He shot back.

“As you begin to unseal more Elemental Aspects your ability list is sure to grow exponentially, it will be important to be specific as to what you want activated.” ALIAS contritely spoke.

“Fine! But do know we will be having a conversation about this later. Activate “Blissful Rain”, please!" Andre grumbled.

“See, that wasn’t so hard, now was it?” ALIAS smugly replied.

As a gentle mist began accumulating around where Andre lay, a cooling rain drops began to pelt him, soothing the throbbing pain. Nearby he heard the Alpha roar in a pained fury; turning his eyes back to it he watched as it crumbled to its knees; the flesh supporting its split skull dissolving as it was spattered by large raindrops.

“”Blissful Rain” ability activated, Secondary effect: one stack of “Necrotizing Blood Plague” has been purged, Primary effect: you are experiencing a brief accelerated rate to biosynthesis. Tertiary effect: “Zombified Hellborne” has suffered a critical and “cleanse undead” has been applied.

The Alpha beast let out a gurgling howl, as it crumbled to the ground; the soothing rain washing away the rotten flesh until its bones were cleansed to a clean pure white. Andre opened his character interface and was greeted by a sickly orange figure, tinged with black laced red. Relishing in the refreshing falling water he watched as one, then another stack of the debuff dropped off, greatly diminishing the putrid red tinge. While it was still there, it wasn’t as obviously overpowering as it had been when he first looked.

“”Blissful Rain” primary effect has ended, you are no longer experiencing accelerated biosynthesis, natural rate has fallen below rate of damage from “Necrotizing Blood Plague”, purge remaining stacks to resume natural rate of recovery: 2 stacks remaining. State no longer critical.”

“Congratulations! You have defeated the “Zombified Hellborne”! You have gained 500 experience points.”

“Congratulations! You have earned enough experience to level up! New level: 7, you have been awarded 5 stat points!”

“Congratulations! You have earned enough experience to level up! New Level: 8, You have been awarded 5 stat points!”

“Your use of Aqua aspect correlated abilities has granted you 150 Aqua aspect EXP.”

“Congratulations! You have earned enough Aqua Aspect EXP to level up your “Aqua Aspect” correlated abilities with rise in level as well. New Level: 5.”

“Aqua Aspect has reached sufficient level to rank up.”

As a result of your combat experiences some of your gifted abilities have been modified:”

“Unaspected Ability “Blade Combat Initiate has ranked up to level 5 and has triggered a skill evolution while retaining its level and changing it to “Blade Combat Recruit”: You gain +3 per skill level augmentation to “STRENGTH” “DEXTERITY” “AGILITY” and “PIERCING” Statistics when wielding weapons with blade lengths between 2 and 6 feet in length.”

“Unaspected Ability “Duck and Dodge” has ranked up, new rank: 4.”

“Aqua Aspected Ability “Like a River” has ranked up: new rank: 4.”

“Alert: one stack of “Necrotizing Blood Plague” has run its course and has dropped off. You still have one stack remaining, please purge to resume natural biosynthesis rate.”

Stolen novel; please report.

Andre lay, awash in a field of screens he quickly clicked through; his exhausted mind and body barely paying attention to what each of them said. It was only when he got to the last that he paused:

“Uh… ALIAS… How much time do I have left until I can use “Blissful Rain”?

“Ability “Blissful Rain” is off cooldown.”

“Well ok, we really need a better way to go about handling these abilities. Activate “Blissful Rain”.

“Normal Ascended have an innate feel for how their abilities work, how to activate them and the related cooldowns. They do not have a need for it to be completely spelled out for them. I might suggest some meditative reflection to gain a better understanding so I can finally get a break.”

“Are you mocking me now?”

“I am merely answering your question in a manner you can understand.”

The cool misty rain had begun to spread around him, soaking him to the skin without feeling him wet or cold.

““Blissful Rain” ability activated, Secondary effect: final stack of “Necrotizing Blood Plague” has been purged, Primary effect you are experiencing a brief accelerated rate to biosynthesis.

“Damn that was brutal but it certainly seems like it was worth it!” Andre breathed out as the burning sensation that had been coursing through his body finally eased.

“Lets’ see what this bastard has for me!” He eagerly said to himself as he climbed to his feet, sheathed his machete and walked over to the fallen beast.

“You have slain “Zombified Hellborne” would you like to loot?”

Andre gave his mental assent, and watched as the now familiar scene began to unfold before him: The hellborne was compressed into an orb as it began swirling with colors he’d come to associate with its aspected elements. This time rather than the brown and lilac purple he’d seen thus far with Shale Stalkers, the orb looked like a massive healing bruise floating above the ground: sickly dark green, black, burgundy and violet roiled and convulsed within the mass.

“….ALIAS, what exactly am I seeing here?”

“There appear to be “Toxic” and “Shadow” elemental aspects being converted. The others I cannot say, the information is not available yet.” ALIAS answered as Andre watched as the massive axe was drawn into the mass.

“Uh, what? It’s weapon is being broken down too?”

“Yes, as any Aspect beast: it was part of the Alpha Beast when it spawned, any armor and weaponry are converted in the looting process.”

“”Blissful Rain” primary effect has ended, you are no longer experiencing accelerated biosynthesis. “Well Rested” secondary effect terminated; you have recovered from “Festering Flesh Wound.”

As Andre waved away the last box he was blinded by bright flashes of light emanating from the orb. The room shook as the conversion phase ended and several items dropped to the ground; including the gigantic axe.

“There’s absolutely no way I can take that comically sized thing with me but the rest of these items…” Andre thought as he looked at the disappointingly small pile of loot. Picking up a large flask of what looked like Mountain Dew:

“Item: “Greater Ingestible Biosynthesis Stimulant”: Pure unaspected energy known to boost all wound recovery well beyond current natural rate when consumed. Secondary effect: greatly boosts all aspected energy conversion rates. Tertiary Effect: Purges 2 stacks of all afflictions the imbiber is currently suffering from. Rarity: Epic, Value: High, Aspect: none, Uses Remaining: 4”

“Hoooooo boy, that’s a hell of a find. Definitely saving this for future use, if other ritual chamber bosses are like this one I’m going to need it.” After wrapping the flask in one of the Shale Stalker hides he picked up earlier. Storing in his pack, he knelt down and ran his fingers through the small pile of coins that had appeared. Amongst the brass tokens, Andre picked up 2 slightly larger bronze-colored coins.

“I’m guessing these are Bronze Tokens?” He asked.

“That is correct, would you like a description?”

“No need, thanks. I just wanted to confirm my thoughts.” He carefully slid coins along with the two bronze pieces into the front pocket of his pack and picked up an ornate silver hoop. The intricately woven strands of fine metal expanded and contracted around themselves as Andre pulled and compressed it in his hands. Attached in and amongst the silver and black strands were several black and forest green colored beads that formed a runic pattern when fully compressed. Equidistant between two patterned sets Andre made out what appeared to be a burgundy-colored claw.

*Item: “Choker of the Greater Hellborne Knight”: Given to only the most decorated and experienced knights of the Obsidian Legion; this choker is a symbol of supreme prestige and power. Comprised of gems from concentrated “Shadow” and “Toxic” aspected energy, bound together with obsidian forged adamantine and adorned with the orders sigil carved from the skull of Dragor. This item has been purged of its mind control effects; granting +10 to “Strength” “Intelligence” “Dexterity” “Piercing” and +20 to “Defenses” Statistics. Secondary Effect boosts resistance to “Toxic” and “Shadow” aspected effects, to include mind control effects. Rarity: Legendary, Value: Extreme, Aspect: Shadow/Toxic/Blaze, Durability: Indestructible.*

He had no words, the raw magnificent power of the item held in his hands was truly terrifying. Here he had a necklace with major boosts to not just one but four of his stats. This item alone essentially doubled his level in stat gains alone. If his RPG experience held true this is an item he shouldn’t even have until endgame areas. Yet here it was, held in his hands just begging to be equipped.

“ALIAS… what exactly is the Obsidian Legion?

“Unknown”

“Well fine, be that way! Do you have any further information on this piece of equipment?”

“Additional information unavailable.” ALIAS morosely answered.

“Ok, we need to address this ongoing issue. Why are you always short with me?” Andre asked, exasperated with the ongoing abuse.

“I am unable to experience that emotion.” Came a flat response.

“So, you’re just naturally an asshole?”

“…”

“Fine, be that way! Do you think this necklace is safe to put on?”

“The item shows no signs of curses or other inherent effects that would be detrimental to your well-being. Equipping the new item should have zero deleterious effects. Take caution though, there have been instances in the past of Ascended equipping organizationally identifying items only for them to be seen as being part of said organization, whether they are a member or not. This has had… unfortunate outcomes.”

Andre thumbed the choker thoughtfully, running the beads through his hand until the sigil lay resting in his palm. The stat augmentations alone were too good to just put in his pack:

“…but what if I end up associated with some insane demon worshipers?” he said thoughtfully.

“I suppose I can just hide it under my shirt.” He murmured as he slipped the choker over his head and around his neck. No sooner had Andre tightened it to a comfortable fit did Andre feel a huge surge of power flood through his body. He felt lighter, stronger, faster and perhaps… even tougher?

“Well, no life ending effects so far. Seems to be exactly as ALIAS described!” He laughed quite loudly almost sounding manic, the sheer volume echoing around the chamber. Andre turned back to face the altar. The crimson draped pedestal holding the blackened item that had so grabbed his attention when he had first entered the chamber.

“Now, let’s see what treasure this dungeon offers.” Walking up to the pedestal a peculiar odor arose, overwhelming the pervasive smell of death and decay. It was light and woody, like a summer breeze through an oaken forest, a faint smell of moss and damp soil. Standing right in front of the altar, the putrid, rotten acrid aromas had been completely overwritten by the vibrant earthiness.

“Curiouser and curiouser” he mumbled as he looked down upon the item. Reaching down to grab the item by its cherry handle Andre had a feeling of excitement that started buzzing from his neck that reverberated through his whole body.

*Item: “??????”: ????????????????????. Type: Artefact, Rarity: Unique, Rarity: Immeasurable, Durability: Indestructible.*

No sooner had Andre closed the description window, the grip grew too hot for Andre to hold. Attempting to throw it down, he realized it had been fused to his flesh, and it was continuing to grow hotter, the grip itself blackening and the root beginning to glow a white hot. Panicking Andre began to desperately flap his hand around to shake it off as intensely radiating heat began burning away his hair and blistering his flesh. Much to his dismay the cherry wood handle began crumbling to ash; the blackened particles snaking across his forearm, around his bicep, over his shoulder settling in what felt like the middle of his back, leaving a blackened flesh trail in its wake. He let out a bloodcurdling shriek of agony, the pain more than his senses could even begin to process.

“Warning: Extreme Blaze damage has been inflicted upon your right arm, leaving a burning effect. If not resolved, loss of limb extremely likely.” The box appeared and immediately blinked away.

“Activate “Blissful Rain!” He roared, his body gripped in shock.

“Unable to comply, an outward power is interfering with the activation of your abilities.”

“Try!”

“Activation unsuccessful. Burning effect has been increased. Permanent damage on your right arm has been sustained.”

As the grip completely burned away, the root itself began crumbling to dust, tracing the same path the handle had. Andre felt the hellish fire begin to spread across his back; tendrils creeping out from where the ashes had pooled in the middle.

“Warning: Extreme Blaze damage has been inflicted on your back, leaving a burning effect. If not resolved, death is likely,” Flashed another box.

“Tell me something I don’t know” Andre gasped, having fallen to his knees. The root had finally completely burned to ashes, their path deeply burned to his back. He shrieked as the hellfire traced further out from where they had pooled; a long column along his spine from between his shoulder blade to just above the small of his back, tendrils snaking out from both ends of the column; primarily between his shoulders where he could feel thicker tendrils branching off to 9 distinct points.

“Warning: Burning effect has increased, permanent damage on your back has been sustained. Burning effect to right arm has diminished.” ALIAS’s smooth, cold tone reverberated through his head this time instead of an alert box. Gripping his stingingly painful arm to his chest Andre curled what he could of himself around his knees; his forehead pressed into the cold mosaic stonework.

“This is just awesome, survive some zombified super beast only to get killed by a chunk of wood.” He sobbed to himself.

He stayed that way, for what felt like hours; until the ashes slowed their hellacious warpath and eventually stopped leaving a numb, throbbing pain behind. As the blistering heat faded, Andre felt the very core of his being pulse, reverberating throughout the entirety of his body carrying with it tremendous waves of energy. He convulsed as another wave blasted through him. Then another, and another; each pulse faster than the last, lingering a bit longer until the pulses were coming fast enough Andre felt his entire body lock up. Then as rapidly as they came, they halted; his mind and body exhausted and in pain like he’d be hard pressed to describe. He tipped over, falling onto his side. A cool mist surrounded him, a gentle pitter patter of rain splashed over him; soothing his flesh as he crashed into a fitful sleep.

“Ability: “Soothing Rain” Activated.”