Yggdrasil Fallen, LitRPG Series
Book 1, Part1: Obsidian
Chapter 26: Realms
Andre awoke, the comforter pulled tightly around him, a cool breeze sharp with ozone drifting around him; a blinding light emanating throughout the room. Curious, he rolled to the edge of the bed, pulled on his pants and tunic, and crept forwards. 6 feet from the curtain that divided the bed from the rest of the room the blinding light blinked out, dropping the room into darkness.
“Was… was that the sunset… how long was I out? No, not possible, those windows catch the sunrise.” Andre shook his head, attempting to clear the drowsy fog. Crouching low he proceeded to move as quietly as he could to peak into the rest of the room; his tired eyes adjusting to the recently set darkness.
“Ahhh, so you awaken. Fear not, I bring you neither harm nor malicious intent.” A soothingly melodic voice rang, like windchimes had been set in the breezy air of the room. The lamps around the room flickered on, dimmer than Andre remembered them being, bathing everything in a pale moonlit glow. Sat at the table, the revolver in her hands sat the most shockingly alabaster cream skinned woman he’d ever laid eyes upon. Her ephemeral form traced with subtle silvery runic lines, easily shining through the translucent shimmering layers of fabric draped over her slender form. Her eyes fell upon him like a pair of mesmerizing full moons dancing behind the wispy silken locks of hair that fell elegantly across her brow and shoulders. If possible, the weapon held in her hands seemed to sit happily like a puppy getting its belly stroked.
“Please sit and let’s discuss.” She waved her hand delicately over the table, motioning to a plate of wafers, a steaming teapot, 2 teacups and saucers with spoons he hadn’t noticed upon first entry. Andre obediently sat in the second chair at the table, right across from his startling visitor, her bright pupilless eyes following his jerky, uncomfortable movements.
“Thistle and songflower tea?” she asked, her voice a calm timbre.
“I have also prepared what I understand to be your favorite: Strawberry crème wafers.”
“Uh, yes please and… uh, thank you.” Andre stumbled over his words, struck by the overwhelmingly simplistic beauty of the woman. She poured them each a glass of dark fragrant liquid carrying intoxicating floral notes.
“Would you like a touch of honey or sheep’s cream?”
“No thank you, this smells wonderful as it is; I’d hate to muddy the flavors.” Andre replied, taking a sniff of the steam wafting from the surface of the cup. Blowing gently over the surface, He took the faintest sip, his senses transporting him. Flooded with memories of spring wildflower fields, a babbling creek fat with melt-off and the sharp richness of pine he felt a tear of longing drip down his face. It had been a bit over a week since he first stepped out of that cabin to embrace the subdued enchantment of a mountain spring dusk. It had felt like months, years even; every moment saturated with blood, death and pain unimaginable. Profound sadness enveloped his very soul as the reality of his current situation settled in, an overwhelming pressure threatening to break him; knowing that rough-hewn simplicity would never be his life again.
“What the fuck… I just want to go home.” He sobbed, staring at the mesmerizing whisps of steam wafting off the shimmering surface of his tea, spreading the rich aromas through the room.
“I apologize, the effects of the Songflower can be quite… overwhelming to those unacclimated to its mild hallucinogenic effects.” The woman’s voice cut through the vivid wash of memories, jolting him back to the palely lit room. His face was dripping wet, the table beneath having a small puddle that had formed from his brief sorrow. Shaking his head he met her eyes once more, picking up a wafer and taking a small bite; letting the rich, lightly sweet strawberry crème wash away the lingering tea.
“Unfortunately, I cannot say for certain if or when you will be able to return home, I cannot see the future… at least as you know it. All I can say for sure is that your sorrow is not wasted, and it is only a natural thing to experience given the gravity of your altered reality.” She continued.
“It’s quite alright, this may actually be just what I need to embrace everything that has been happening. Things came about so suddenly; I’ve just been coping with things as they’ve come up… from the whatever this is” He motioned to the scar on his arm;
“to losing the same damn arm; magically regrowing it in a shower of blood… and with everything in between.” He stopped, a short sarcastic laugh cutting the edge of his voice.
“I guess I just don’t know. One thing though. I feel that it’s safe to wager, that you’re one of the sisters. Which means this.” He motioned again to the surrounding room:
“Isn’t the same place I fell asleep, now is it? Which means you’re here to dump more cryptic shit on me, hopefully grant me another one of your marks to make me just the slightest bit more powerful for whatever shitstorm is coming my way, even though. You know. I’VE ALREADY LOST MY FUCKING ARM, which I was thankfully able to REGROW. Emphasis, REGROW!!! And despite all I’ve gone through so far, I’m betting this is just the tip of the frozen shit iceberg that I’m gonna have to just “deal with” now, isn’t it? All the while staggering around like a crippled blind man in the fucking desert, relying on whatever luck comes my way to just barely eke out survival while you holier than though assholes feed me the barest breadcrumbs of what I actually need!” Andre’s angry soliloquy had grown in such volume and ferocity, he found himself breathing heavily, his breath caught in his chest.
The woman, who’s features had remained unchanging during his rant, flinched to just the slightest degree. Setting the revolver back on the table her eyes met his, a long moment passing before she spoke again.
“You are correct, I am Andastrea sister of luminescence, or Radiance; depending on how you wish to use it. Yes, I have come to offer you my mark; which ultimately is your choice, which with regards to your conversion would be the smart choice to accept but it cannot be forced upon you. I will not attempt to hide my particular interest in you. From where I sit, I can see the Brand of Yggdrasil burning deep in your soul, something that has only been whispered about since the dawn of creation and time.” She paused a moment, considering the now crushed cookie gripped in Andre’s fist moved to continue her explanation; but Andre cut in having regained his breath, his words still brimming with caustic anger:
“You all keep talking about this “Brand of Yggdrasil” if it’s so damn mysterious, important, and supposedly never seen before, how the hell do you even know how to recognize it? Of all the purported individuals in all the cosmos, and all their iterations, how the fuck am I the one to end up with it!? Did it come from that root lookin thing in that basic ass introductory style dungeon I tripped into?! I’m sick of you all jerking me around.” His anger dropped to staggered angry breaths, his furious yelling draining the little strength he had. An uncomfortable silence had fallen between them, weighing the air with extreme tension. Andastrea finally relented, breaking the growing silence:
“I’m sorry we have not been clearer with you; I can understand the frustrations you are feeling. It is quite an unsettling situation to us as well, you know. Through all the Ascended we have seen through the trials and tribulations of their journeys through conversion and ascension to face their destinies; yours has been supremely fragmentary. On a normal course, months will lapse between each sisters markings. Usually taking two, sometimes three full years to fully unseal the entirety of an individual’s aspects. It is furthermore supremely rare for any ascended to even face their first dungeon before they have received marks from no less than 4 sisters, often times 5-6.” She paused a moment, sipping at the cup of tea to wet her lips, allowing Andre a moment to take things in.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
“Now, the “Brand of Yggdrasil”, while it has always been a rumored myth, we 9 have always felt a greater unifying force out in the greater flow of existence, drawing us together in an overwhelmingly forceful manner. While we have never had any substantiated evidence of its existence, we have been fully driven by that subtle feeling, knowing that the correlation of the aspects we guide and how they must remain in balance had a greater reason. Once Tione met you, her words confirmed our suspicions in a way; while driving all our needs to meet you to an overwhelming level of desire.”
“So… you all are just as much in the dark as I am?” Andre asked.
“That is… unfortunately correct.” Andastrea reluctantly admitted.
“That inspires tremendous levels of confidence.” Andre quipped.
“Sadly, all we can do is our best to guide you on your journey; granting you our marks as our paths continue to cross. That being said, do you wish to receive my mark?
Andre considered her for a while, processing what she had said, carefully thinking through everything:
“More power? I suppose I would be a hard-pressed moron to pass that up. Very well, I will accept your mark.” Like her sisters, she slashed her right hand several times with her left, liquid light dripping to the table beneath where it hung in the air. Offering it to him she replied:
“Very well, take my hand in acceptance.” Andre reached across the table, and upon grasping her right hand with his own he felt a surge of power lance down his arm, tracing the scars path until it settled into a burning mass in his right shoulder. Andre winced, then gasped in pain as his shoulder exploded in blistering agony, blood dripping down his back. He fell forwards, grasping the table with both hands, before folding over, his head resting lightly on its cool surface as he felt blood continue to flow down his backside, pooling on the chair beneath him.
“Radiant Acclimation has been initialized, recalibrating cognitive processes…….”
“Radiant acclimatization complete, Primal Radiant aspect has been correlated to your “RESISTANCES” statistic, improving Radiant Aspect Rank will improve “RESISTANCE” stat, as well as improve and/or Modify ALL Radiant aspected abilities and gifts. “RESISTANCE” Statistic: Augments speed of correlated aspected energy conversion and recovery, increased “RESISTANCE” Statistic may have additional effects on learned Skills. Effects may change with Radiant aspect rank up. Further changes may occur under UNITY effect.”
“Radiant gift unlocked: “Accelerated Conversion”: You convert, absorb and channel all aspects of energy at an increased rate. Improving Radiant Aspect rank will improve rate of absorption and conversion. Unity Effect may have additional effects on this gift.”
“Radiant Ability Unlocked: “Light of Purgation”: Cleanses all stacks of a single affliction or debuff from self or target. 1 Minute cooldown. Aspected energy cost: Moderate”
“Radiant Ability Unlocked: “Light of Judgement”: Conjures a beam of highly concentrated Radiant Aspected energy to inflict significant damage upon the target. Secondary Effect: Afflicts target with “Flames of Purgation.”
“Flames of Purgation”: Holy fires burn away at the core of the targets very being until the target expires. If successfully inflicted upon an enemy, it cannot be purged by any means. Damage over time: Low.”
Your Alter Ego has gained the ability: “Detection”: Able to track and gauge the strength of enemies within a relative proximity to you. Additionally, deeper analysis of the enemies weaknesses can be resolved in an expedited time.
“Your unique aspected nature has granted an additional gift: “Shroud of the Eternally Stalwart”: Excess radiant energy seeps from the very core of your being, enshrouding you in a cloak of brilliance undetectable to the un-awakened eye. Increases “Strength” “Vitality” “Defenses” statistics by + 10 and makes you immune to most health seeping ailments. This ability diminishes based on amount of Radiant Aspect energy currently stored.”
“Radiant Aspect Rune Growth”: Through use of Radiant Aspected Abilities, or channeling Radiant energy, you have a chance to learn new abilities, or accelerate the growth of your Radiant Aspected Rune.”
The familiar rush of energy followed by ALIAS’ droning voice reading off the list of new gains and changes overwhelmed Andre for the briefest time. While he still grasped Andastrea’s hand, he was completely unaware of that fact until she let out a very minor moan of ecstasy. Startled he let go of her hand, quickly grasping the cup of now cold tea, he picked it up and took a deep drink allowing its floral refreshing effects to flood through him.
“I’m not entirely sure what that was all about, but damn girl. These new…abilities though, they almost feel conditional.”
Her eyes met his once again, the silence flooding the room met only by the uncomfortable shifting of them both. They both drank, ate wafers and let the awkwardness of the situation hang in the air for a while, before Andre had a thought:
“ALIAS, you did not mention the abilities from the “Tome of Glowstone Artifices”, what is the situation with that?”
“Due to the nature of the abilities included in the Tome, you are currently unable to access the list of granted abilities for use, or their description lists. You will need to take the time to explore what was granted, and experiment with them to gain a full understanding of them.”
“Thanks, you’ve have been a tremendous help with this one. Oh… hey, did I see you got a bit of an upgrade yourself?” Responding to the dry, empty words of his cognitive AI.
“That is correct, it seems that I will better be able to anticipate our circumstances with at least a bit more accurate foresight.” ALIAS answered as Andre turned his attentions back to the obviously overwhelmed sister sitting across from him.
“So, what now?”
Her brief silence was rather unnerving, what felt like ages; before she responded to him.
“That was new. I’d very much so like to… enjoy that again. But sadly, it seems it was a onetime affair. As remiss as I am to say it, you must seek out the marks of my sisters, though I dare say, they will seek you out far sooner than I should think necessary. Unfortunately, though, our time together here tonight does seem to be drawing to a close and in the time remaining I must say: your time draws short as well. Wherever you are, you need to find a way to get much stronger before you leave, you must ready yourself for what is to come. While I cannot say with absolute certainty, what I do know is landmines lay all about your feet, ready to detonate themselves and you in their wake. One of the four is currently readying themselves ravaging your world, claiming all ambient energy she can in her bided time. If anymore of her counterparts were escape their confines and into your world, it is a certainty the reality is doomed to stagnant elimination.”
Andastrea fell silent, staring at the revolver in her lap, a sad almost loving look filling her eyes. She slid the revolver across the table, it coming to a rest just in front of where Andre sat.
“Take good care of this lost soul. While he is rough around the edges, and greatly diminished in power. I’m willing to bet you both have far more in common than even I would ever dare wager.”
Andre carefully considered her, picking up the weapon in his hands; its voice breaking the startling silence in his head with its broken cockney English drawl.
“Dafuck you doin there bud, I was enjoyin myself wit dat fine lady strokin me bits.!” Andre stared agape at the weapon for a moment before collecting himself and asking Andastrea:
“We aren’t currently at the depot… as I surmised earlier, are we?”
“While I know not of this “Depot” of which you speak, I can say we are certainly not where you think you are. Your soul radiates like a lighthouse throughout all realities and worlds, so it was easy to find and bring you here. It would seem your impressions and expectations overlaid this reality. Thus is the nature of light, it does not always fully illuminate the true nature of the realities in which it resides. Do not forget that one lesson young ascended. What I do know for sure, is that you must find an exit from where you are currently trapped; while we sisters can pull your soul into our realms, we cannot redirect your physical forms path; especially when you are in a place we cannot tread.”
Andre remained silent, allowing the depth of her words to flood him.
“Does this mean, in a certain way; even the sisters cannot reach me? I’m… truly safe here?” His thoughts sat heavily on his consciousness as he sipped down the last of his tea and began munching on a wafer.
“Our time together truly is drawing to a close young Andre. While I truly wish this experience could continue in Infinitum, I myself am feeling the strain of this connection beginning to take its toll.”
“Andastrea, it has truly been an “illuminating” experience, I thank you for your mark and I truly hope our paths cross again.”
“Myself as well, Andre, May Yggdrasil fuel your future, and your path be protected.” As the last of the words left her lips she shimmered out of existence, taking the plate of wafers and tea set with her. Shaking his head, Andre rose to his feet, setting the revolver back on the table and returned to where his bed sat; stripped and climbed back beneath the still warm comforter.
“Crazy weird night, man. Though… I guess I should have responded to that weapon… feelsbadman.” Andre laughed to himself as he returned to slumber.