Yggdrasil Fallen, LitRPG Series
Book 1, Obsidian
Chapter 20: Incursion
Andre crept carefully forwards, the bright sunlight at his back hardly illuminating more than a few feet into the cave. Loud voices echoed ahead of him and it was only a handful more steps before he rounded a corner to see the thick wavy wall across a grand room; which seemingly rose up out of the ground. This one was far larger than the one he’d encountered at the cabin, by a magnitude of at least 2 or 3. Andre found himself blinded by bright battery powered halogen lights positioned on either side of the Greater Living wall. Standing at the mouth of the cavernous opening in the tunnel he watched as men hurried around setting up and preparing to breach the wall. The Architect stood in the middle of the chaos directing workers to set out bowls of murky liquids and powders in a semi-circular pattern arcing out from either side of the door, meeting ten feet out from the wall, with there being 9 bowls in total. In front of each bowl, he could see an odd symbol painted with a paste, whose acrid aroma permeated the chamber. Andre watched as he drew a circle around each symbol with a sweeping line that led to a larger more intricate design within the arch of bowls. From where he stood and with the light, he could not fully make out exactly what the design was supposed to be; though:
“It almost looks like my… burn scar.” He thought, cold tremors running through his body; making his skin tingle and hair stand on end.
“The Sigil of Laguz… and that other…” Andre murmured to himself, recognizing the “H” shaped symbol with the slanted line running between the two vertical lines.
“Just how much do they actually know… and does it mean those other symbols are also runes?” Andre thought to himself, when he was startled as a man standing near him gave him a gentle nudge:
“Pretty damn impressive, eh? We call him the Architect, because amongst other things, he understands the structure of our world and knows how to literally reshape it. Just watch, you’ll see what I mean.”
The man known as the Architect, seemingly satisfied with his work turned to face the gathered men.
“I will begin reshaping the entrance shortly, please prepare yourselves for any initial monster rushes, and for the incursion.” He turned, striding to the design painted between the bowl and the door. Clasping his hands together across his chest in a motion that almost reminded Andre of prayer, he heard several words chanted in a deep tone, only rather than its usual silky dulcet tones, the Architects voice had taken on a raspy almost guttural drone. No sooner had he started, silence fell through the air now heavy with anticipation. The Architect raised his right leg, and in a swift motion stamped it down, reminding Andre of a Sumo wrestler at the start of a match. Stone spikes about a foot high shot out of the ground from the perimeter of where he stood, tracing the painted lines back to the symbols painted in front of where the bowls sat, with one final much larger spike splitting each one. As the symbols broke simultaneously the bowls burst into bright flames filling the small chamber with putrid smoke.
Coughing, Andre strained to see what was happening through the thick smoke. The man next to him had donned goggles and covered his mouth and nose with his arm.
“This shit always stinks the worst, leaves a nasty lingering stank that just doesn’t seem to wash off. The monsters seem to hate it though, so I guess that’s a positive.” He growled out. A cool breeze seemed to sweep through the cavern, flushing out the smoke as the ground and walls around them began to tremble. The tension that arose in Andre’s chest had turned to mild panic, small rocks shaking loose from the ceiling.
“Is this a cave-in?!” The air recently cleared of smoke was now filled with dust, but through the haze Andre could see the wall at the far side of the cave slowly splitting open in the familiar compressing accordion style, an angry series of roars emanating from just beyond.
It happened in a rush, several moose sized hounds burst through the darkness into the halogen lit cavern. Their thick, forest green fur caked in what appeared to be blood saturated mud, each with three pitch black eyes focused directly on the Architect. The closest one leapt, and just before the jaws of the beast could close on his head, one of the shielded men charged from the right, bashing it with enough force to send it sprawling into the other 2. Gunfire lit up the cavern in flashes of Crimson, Violet, Pale Blue and Gold. The shots, to an outsider, would seem inhumanly accurate as the beast that had been slammed with the shield was quickly torn to shreds; rounds that exploded on impact lighting its body up like a gruesome firework’s show.
The other two hounds, regaining their footing lunged only to be met by the crushing shields of both men, in a dance of glinting blade and shield they were kept at bay. An eerie silence fell through the chamber gunfire halting after the first beast fell. The shieldsmen were in the middle of effectively splitting the monsters up, one eking to the left of the chamber, the other to the right, though they still stood between slavering beasts and the gunmen. A pained shriek rang through the cavern as the beast to the right; having broken through the defensive maneuvers bit hard, deep into the shoulder of the man who had been keeping it at bay. Rushing to his aid, the axman brought his weapon down with enough force to cleave its head clear off; the teeth still grasping hard to the shieldman, bloody drool pouring down his back. Its body collapsed thick spurts of viscous blue-green liquid spraying over the men, eliciting another round of horrifying pained screaming bellows.
Andre stood, paralyzed by the scene unfolding before him:
“I thought 2 headed cats were bad, but this… this is pure nightmare fuel!” The flesh of the doused men seemed to be melting, sagging and dripping to the floor in thick gobbets.
“NEW GUY! GET IN THERE AND DO WHAT YOU DO!” A voice bellowed from nearby, jarring him back to reality. He rushed forwards, power surging through his limbs, fingers tingling and mind ablaze as a blast of wind rushed through the chamber, followed by a deluge of rain and the crackle of lightening, arcing from the grasping head and to the still standing beasts, halting their movements.
*Ability Activated: Blissful Rain”
“Convergence Ability Activated: Blissful Storm”
The din that followed in the cool misty rain could only be described as a forest glade in a gentle storm. The head had fallen from the shieldman’s shoulder, melted skin rapidly growing over as the rain washed over him and the men standing nearby, the viscous fluid dissolved and washed away revealing fresh, new pink flesh underneath. Their armor in melted tattered shreds they staggered back, leaning against the wall of the chamber; everyone else stood shocked into inaction by the sudden saturation they had experienced.
“Gonna have to clean and dry our weapons before we can use em again, it’s up to you bladesmen to finish the other two off!” Came a shout from the rear.
“Fuck it. With the gunmen worthless axman down, I guess it’s time for me to enter the fray, damned be the consequences.” Andre ripped the machete from the sword belt switching his stance to face the hound, he felt a familiar surge as time seemed to slow down a bit around him.
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“Ability: “Like a River” Activated”
“Great, Activate “Imbue” “Volt” A crackle of electricity pulsed down his right arm in a warm wave, illuminating his machete with a pale violet hue. The energy arced across the blade in a rhythmic flashing mambo. Andre dashed in towards the hound, the rock around him blurring as his mind focused. He swung his sword in a crackling hissing horizontal arch. The blade met the front leg nearest him, ripping through it with a buzzing sizzle, leaving a trail of bloody smoke in its wake. Skipping back a step, Andre leaped, a large flipping arc over the top of the monster as he allowed his blade to rake its backside. Another crackling hiss echoed through the chamber as his weapon carved a smoking gash across its back. Landing, he spun through a hard swing ripping through both the monster’s rear legs. Hot acrid smoke poured off the beast and out through the cavern as it collapsed. Andre plunged his sword deep into its rib cage. The beast attempted to roar… or growl, or something? But it only managed to belch bubbling blackened goo and ragged puffs of smoke. Andre paused a moment, taking stock of the shieldsman, his horrified face meeting Andres. A guttural, angry growl behind him made Andre jump and in a smooth reactionary motion he spun around; swinging his weapon in a swift upward slash, he slew the last the beast, its head rolling off, whisps of smoke trailing after.
*Ability activated “Blissful Rain”*
“Warning: Your Aqua Aspected energy is low, this environment is not conducive to sustainable conversion and absorption. It is advised to limit use of Aqua Aspected abilities in this environment.” ALIAS’ voice rang out, causing the dull headache that had been forming to flare brilliantly.
“Well, that’s just great. The only reported reason I’m here, and its looking like I’ll be greatly hampered.” Andre thought to himself while flicking the end of his weapon, splattering the beasts remnants across the floor before re-sheathing it.
The cool mist once again enveloped the cavern, soothing drops falling on everything in its reach, washing away the blood of the brief encounter. In the rush of battle, Andre had failed to notice the Architects calculating gaze following his every movement, a subtle glee brimming up and spilling out over his calloused features.
The aftermath of the chaos that had ensued upon opening the wall was a stark contrast to the battle itself. Every man who witnessed the merciless execution of the third beast, just after the two frontliners had their flesh literally reknitted to bone gave Andre a wide berth. The backline tended to their weapons, carefully taking them apart to dry and re-lubricate all the moving parts. Everyone else stood, staring into the void while mentally preparing for their dive into what ever lay beyond the opened wall.
“Did you see that? Silderson said he could likely put us back together, but daaaaaaamn. I thought they were goners for sure when they got hit with that acid spray.”
“I don’t give two shits about that, were you able to follow as he dismantled those things? Whatever the fuck that weapon is, cauterized the wounds as it cut the poor bastards to ribbons.” Two men whispered to one another, Andre overhearing the conversation as he walked by to the men slumped against the cavern wall. While their armor hung in melted tatters, the flesh underneath appeared to have completely healed.
“You gents doing ok?”
Both men eyed him, almost afraid to speak. It was the burly axman who spoke first:
“Yeah, man. We’ll be alright, we need new armor, but luckily, we always bring plenty of spares.” He motioned to a series of large packs that rested near the entrance to the cavern.
“Not sure what we would have done without you and that crazy ability though. How the hell did you stun those beasts?”
“Not sure what you’re talking about mah dude.”
The shieldman burst out laughing, the absurdity of the situation dawning on him.
“Man, if you wanna keep secrets, they’re yours to hold. Keep fighting like that and I’m sure no one will question ya.”
“Do you have a moment to speak with me privately Andre?” A deep silky voice grumbled behind him.
“No, I don’t think I do.” A firm hand fell on his shoulder, spinning him around.
“That was not a question I intended you to actually answer.”
“Sounded like one to me. But if you’re going to be that way, out with it.”
“Follow me.” The architect led him out of the cavern, away from the tunnel he’d just opened. Once they reached the mouth of the cave, he turned on Andre, his face crimson and large veins throbbing across his forehead.
“You were instructed to keep to the midline and heal, there were no instructions for combat. You could have jeopardized the mission before we even truly began. Your actions have shifted the balance of the entire team and has destroyed the morale of every man in there. I have half a mind to kick your ass to the backseat of a transport while I try and fix this dive.” The man’s cold black eyes seemingly glared into his very soul blazed with unblinking rage as his voice grew louder, hoarser with each word chastising his decisive actions.
“They were not in range of my ability and since I was already close enough to finish the job; I did what I had to do.” Andre spat back, interrupting the angry rant.
“The wounded were tended to, but we still had a threat in range. I will not apologize for saving their lives and effectively preventing further injury.” He continued.
“Regardless of what you THINK, your actions were reckless and will be noted for future dives. If your skill weren’t so necessary to our success here today, I’d kick you out of the cave!” He turned from Andre and stormed back towards the chamber. Andre ran after him, rage boiling in his chest. The men who were just getting back to their feet and were moving to change out their gear. The architect strode them to face the rest of the fighters and began bellowing:
“This is what Silderson was talking about. We cannot get careless and rely on his ability to pull us from the fire. It needs to be an emergency, worst case scenario use only. We cannot afford to waste time or materials for our gunners to dry out their weapons and ammo after every battle.”
A subdued murmur ran through the gathered men, now standing with dried and reoiled weapons in hand. The two had moved to the back and were replacing their armor from the sacks as the Architect continued:
“This is only the smallest of taste of what is to be expected as we delve in, and likely only one of the many types of beasts we will be facing. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR GUARD TO FALTER! Now, assemble and lets head in.”
The men quickly fell in line, shoving Andre to the middle with blade wielders to the front, and gunman behind him in an arching “H” formation, the two furthest to the front holding their shields in a pseudo-bulwark. They advanced, cautiously moving through the split open wall, the Architect behind the row of gunners; their formational arc flanking him.
No sooner than they had crossed the threshold of the door into the tight tunnel than they felt the ground and walls tremor again. Everyone jumped, looking around as a grating grinding noise echoed down the tunnel from behind them.
“SHIT! NO!” The architects voice rang out, as the doors accordion form decompressed behind them, sealing them in darkness. A high-pitched shrill laughter echoed through the tunnel, promptly followed by a terrifyingly familiar menacing growl. Andre froze, his senses overwhelmed as the men around him sucked in terror riddled staggered breaths, their seeping body odor flooding the now tight tunnel. In idea dawned on him, moving carefully, he slipped around to the rear of the group to the door. He pressed the palm of his hand into the to it, hoping to shed some light on their situation, but much to his horror ALIAS chirped to him:
“Advanced Trial of the Earthen Serpent has been forcefully unsealed and activated. Defense protocols have been initialized raising the challenge of the trial significantly. As with all trials of the Ascended, the area has been sealed, and will not be unsealed until the Alpha Beast has been slain. Chance of unhindered success: 0%”
“Well… shit is right.” He thought to himself, the cold stone almost seeming to pulsate under his hand.
“ALIAS, Is there anything I can do to ensure we make it out of here alive?”
“There is no “we” in this situation, the disruption ritual used to force the trials doors open has triggered a cascading magnification effect for aspected energy within the access tunnel and chamber itself. Your presence here is likely the only thing maintaining environmental integrity.
“Why would my presence have any effect on the environment?” Andre thought back.
“Ritual chambers and trial dungeons are formed via construct matrices designed to bleed off unstable/excessive aspected energy into wells that react to individuals with heightened aspect integrity gained from the unsealing marks.”
“That’s great and all, but what the fuck does that have to do with me stabilizing the environment?” Andre asked, too quietly to be heard by the murmuring men around him.
“Your ability to convert, handle or otherwise transform that corrupted excess has a reactionary effect with the structure of the zone, inherently incorporating you as what is essentially a bleeder valve to slowly eliminate the well. Despite this my current calculations show that there is a 99% likelihood that a zone collapse will happen, accelerating the decay of localized aspect energy beyond your ability to reconcile the space. Furthermore, I anticipate a vastly accelerated occurrence of aspect beasts, with a possible zone incursion.”
“Well… shit was definitely right.” Andre thought to himself as he slid away from the wall and back into his position in the group, hoping his movements went unnoticed.
“This is really going to suck donkey balls.” He grumbled to himself, fingering the charm beneath his tunic.
“I don’t understand… “donkey balls” … please elaborate.”
“… go fuck yourself ALIAS”.