Yggdrasil Fallen, LitRPG Series
Book 1, Part 1 Obsidian
Chapter 9: Dive
Around five minutes later he was back at the wall, the pressure waves emanating from it threatening to topple him over. With his hiking pack shouldered and machete in hand Andre spoke out:
“Ok ALIAS, I’m ready, how do we go about doing this?”
“If you wish to access “Ritual Chamber #4” please place your palm against the wall and give your assent.” ALIAS’ calm smooth tempo had returned, losing its former aggression. Following ALIAS’ commands Andre placed his palm on the walls cool, wet surface when a prompt popped up in his vision.
“You are attempting to unseal and enter “Ritual Chamber #4. Upon entry you will have no time limit to locate and eliminate the Prime Aspect Beast residing within. Until you do, you will be unable to leave, and Aspect Beasts will continue to spawn within the chamber. It is highly recommended that before entry you ensure a supply of sustenance and hydration ample enough to last for a prolonged period of time as the drop rate for either is not guaranteed. If you feel adequately prepared please cognitively acquiesce.”
As the text finished scrolling past his eyes, a large pair of boxes appeared before him, one labeled “Accept” the other “Decline”. Taking a deep breath, Andre “clicked” accept. The pressure waves emanating from the wall immediately died away, the air in the room swirling in an almost gale as it crashed into the wall, blasting him back off his feet. Slowly climbing to his feet Andre stood agape as right before his eyes the wall split down the middle with the sound of a thunderous crashing crackling, as though a field of boulders were being torn apart by a thousand simultaneous lightning strikes. From the crack the wall began folding outwards on itself to the left and right in an almost accordion style in either direction, revealing a long dark tunnel. Another strong gust of wind blew out of the mouth of the cave past him and down the halls of the house, kicking up the ashen remains of the Living Wall. Andre took a deep breath, steadying his nerves and began taking a few trepidatious steps past the wall and into the mouth of the cave. No sooner had he fully entered the cave, Andre heard the walls grinding closed behind him.
The looming deep darkness of the cave quickly enveloped him, driving an almost primal panic to rise in his chest. Taking another deep staggering breath he sat down, more collapsed down trying to figure out what exactly to do now.
“OH SHIT YEAH! I’ve got those headlamps in my pack!” He thought to himself as he whipped off the bag and started to dig through it. It wasn’t long before he’d pulled one out and had it strapped to his head. Flicking the light on Andre found the tunnel wide enough to fully extend his arms and still have several feet past his reach, with the ceiling being even higher from what he could tell. The walls themselves were nothing like what he had been expecting, they appeared to be constructed of intricate brickwork blending natural stone, carved rock and opaque almost glasslike spheres mildly reminiscent of tile. Sweeping his light around the space he found he was in fact alone, while he’d been expecting an almost immediate and unending onslaught of monsters he’d have to try and cleave his way through; he found the complete opposite to be true. Shouldering his bag once more, Andre strapped the machete to his hip and pulled it from its sheath.
“I should probably get moving so…” Before he could even finish his thought, opaque stones along the wall began lighting up at random intervals down the tunnel approximately a foot over his head emitting a pale-yellow light.
“Damnit, I really need to stop getting interrupted;” Andre laughed as the environment seemingly responded to his need for illumination. Returning the headlamp to his pack, he took another look around his environment: while the walls where he stood were well done with the intricate patterning. Twenty or so feet out the tunnel itself slanted at a slight angle down the patterning giving way to what appeared to be the tunnel carved out of sleek black Shale, though the walls looked more like the shiny carapace of a spined beast. The floor resembled a well-worn path of packed earth. The air was surprisingly fresh and warm despite the time of year, smelling of damp earth and now ozone.
“Aspected elemental zone analysis complete: Concentration: Minimal, Quality: Primal, Aspects: Terra, Volt, Aqua. Danger levels have been assessed to be minimal, though caution is still advised.” ALIAS encouraged, interrupting his own analysis of his surroundings.
“Thank you, ALIAS, I appreciate the information.
“You are very welcome, in the future please keep your inane questions to a minimum.” ALIAS responded, apparently still annoyed by their interactions outside the entrance. Inspired by the analysis Andre began moving forwards at a slow yet measured pace, taking care to watch for any movement along the walls and floors. After about 400 feet past where the patterning had ended he paused, pulling a bottle of water and an energy bar out of his pack.
“How long are these tunnels leading to the ritual chambers usually?” He thought directly to ALIAS, as he slowly consumed the water and bar.
“That information is not available, though taking prolonged breaks within ritual chambers is highly discouraged; Aspected Beast spawns are erratic, irregular and highly accelerated once they have been unsealed.” It responded, annoyance tinging its voice.
“Alrighty then.” Picking back up his machete having stowed the water and wrapper; Andre forged on forwards towards another downward curve. He froze as a low, quiet, menacing growl began emanating from down the tunnel.
“Well, I guess it begins.” He muttered, while gripping the bladed weapon even tighter; his heart hammering in his chest he took two cautious steps forwards then paused to listen. The growl hadn’t stopped but it wasn’t any louder than before.
“It must be waiting for me to come to it, waiting for an ambush?” He continued to edge forwards taking care to make as little noise as possible, step after step the tension growing with each footfall; the guttural growl growing louder and angrier. Just ahead Andre could see a sharp downward curve in the tunnel.
“Yep, this bastards’ lying in wait for me, whether it’s an ambush or its protecting something… I suppose it’s not too late to turn back, worst case it will chase me.”
“Must I remind you that once you have accepted entry to a Ritual Chamber there is no turning back, the wall will have resealed itself, and will not open again until the Alpha Aspected Beast has been slain.” ALIAS spoke, itself sounding afraid, if that was possible.
“Well that’s just fan-fucking-tastic, how could I have forgotten that little detail.”
“Not my fault you have a terrible memory.”
“FINE, whatever, you could have at least told me what an Alpha Aspected Beast is. That like the big bad boss leader of all the Aspected Beasts within a zone?”
“Would you like an official query, or a simple answer?”
“Just answer the damn question.”
“In what manner would you like me to answer?”
“Simple answer is just fine.”
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“Yes, you are correct. The Alpha is the first Aspected Beast to spawn in a zone, giving it the most time to grow in size and strength. They often have unique abilities, though they will share characteristics to other Aspected Beasts within the zone.”
“So just like an RPG boss monster.”
“Given your correlation, that is correct.”
“See ALIAS, was that so hard to just give me a direct answer?”
“I was doing as you wished, no need to make an ass of yourself; to yourself…bitch”
Taken aback and forgetting for a brief moment where he was at Andre burst out laughing; his joviality echoing throughout the entire hallway, stirring the beast waiting ahead. Loud thuds echoed behind his laugh, rapidly approaching his location.
“Oh shit! It’s coming! Brace yourself!” he shouted, with no one to hear him.
Andre stepped his left foot back, ready to swing the machete like a baseball bat aiming for a line drive, at whatever came around the corner. The thudding grew louder as a sleek black form came into view; the thing was the size of a Saint Bernard with a short black spined coat that easily blended into the walls of the cavern. What shocked him the most were the two huge snarling pointed feline heads; mouths full of razor-sharp fangs and blood red eyes trained completely on him.
“It is highly suggested you activate your ability “Like a River” unless you like the idea of dying splattered across the walls by those paws the size of waffle irons with claws longer than your hand.” ALIAS chirped, almost happily at him.
“Do it!” Andre screamed, his panic echoing all around them. He felt a cold rush flood his body as time seemed to slow around him by just a little bit. Andre twisted himself to the right as the creature launched itself at him, one of its massive claws scraping a gash across his cheek. It hit the wall at the rounded corner of the tunnel waist high to Andre and kicked off in a rebound launching itself back at him high into the air. Andre rolled hard, his should crashing painfully onto the hardpacked earth, back into a kneeling position as trickle of blood from the gash dripped down his cheek.
““Well Rested” Secondary ability activated, recovering minor flesh wound.” Andre felt the stinging just below his eye as the blood dripped onto the knee of his pants.
“This thing’s so fast! ALIAS, can you tell me what it is?” he thought, staring the creature down not knowing which head to look at.
“Analyzing… please wait.”
Both fanged faces were intently staring him down as its muscles coiled ready to lunge. Andre took several steps back, trying to buy himself some space.
“Any time now ALIAS, I don’t think it’s going to wait for you!” He thought back.
“Analyzing… please wait.” Was the only response he received as the creature leapt straight at him, kicking back dirt and gravel in its wake; Andre threw his left arm across his neck and face shortly after feeling the beasts’ sharp fangs from one of its heads sink in deep while the other snarled and began snapping at his face. It pushed down hard; towering over Andres’ kneeling form. He pushed back with all his might, but the creature was slowly overwhelming him, the second gnashing head so close to his own face he could smell the monster’s fetid breath of rotten meat, curdled blood and bile.
“I’ve got to do something! I can’t die yet! Not here!” He grasped the hilt of his machete, focusing on a strong grip before he swung it with all his strength. The sharpened edge skittered across the creature’s rear hip bone before tearing through halfway through its abdomen before its thick hide halted the blades progress. The beast’s snapping head squealed, a shriek of pain as it kicked off him, its other head relenting its grasping bite on his arm. A combination of his firm grip on the weapon, and the beasts’ retreat Andre’s blade pulled free. The beast crouched low, several feet from him as blood poured out around exposed viscera that hung from the gaping wound.
“Well Rested” Secondary ability activated, attempting to recover “Festering Flesh Wound.”
“Oh shit, this really is not good!”
“Attempt failed. Attempting to recover “Festering Flesh Wound.”
The creature hadn’t moved from where it landed, its eyes full of hunger, hate and agony.
“Attempt failed. Attempting to recover “Festering Flesh Wound.”
Ignoring the burning pain that was slowly spreading weakness through his left arm, Andre was back on his feet; machete readied to strike.
“Shit, come on… come on, you got this!” He yelled to himself. The beast growled menacingly at him as he let loose his own guttural battle cry and charged. Andre pulled back and swung hard at one of the beasts’ necks, it skittered back, leaving a wet, gory trail.
“Recovering from “Festering Flesh Wound”
“THAT’S DAMN RIGHT!” Andre shouted as the burning in his arm slowly began to dull, just a bit at first but slowly accelerating. The creature was back on its feet, entrails dangling and blood dripping; as it was readying itself to pounce again. It leapt, only this time Andre was faster; whether it was the wound slowing it down or his ability taking full effect Andres blade reached one of the two headed beasts necks before it could swipe at him. His machete bit deep into the neck of the head on the left; Andre kicked it flat footed in the chest sending it skidding back, he didn’t relent, the machete flashing again this time finishing its job and cleaving the beast’s head clean off. The beast screamed and slumped to the ground; its ragged breaths panting into the dirt, its blood hemorrhaging from the stump. The beast twitched as spurting blood slowed, then stopped, its ragged breathing stilled and Andre slumped to the ground, exhausted.
“Victory! You have defeated “Two Headed Shale Stalker”! You have been awarded 50 experience points!”
“Congratulations! You have earned enough experience to level up! New level: 1, you have been awarded 5 stat points!”
“Congratulations! You have earned enough experience to level up! New Level: 2, You have been awarded 5 stat points!”
“Your use of Aqua aspect correlated abilities has granted you 10 Aqua aspect EXP.”
Your combat experiences have granted you new abilities!
Unaspected Gift - “Digging through Corpses”: This is a looting ability, allowing you to extract any remaining Aspected energy from slain enemies; concentrating it into Ingestible biosynthesis stimulants, artefacts, artefact enhancement materials, or other useful and/or sellable materials.
Unaspected Gift – “Bladed Combat Initiate”: You gain a +2 per skill level augmentation to “STRENGTH” “DEXTERITY” “AGILITY” and “PIERCING” Statistics when wielding weapons with blade lengths between 2 and 6 feet in length. Current skill level: 1.
Unaspected Gift – “Duck and Dodge”: You gain a +2 per skill level Augmentation to “AGILITY” and “DEFENSES” statistics when wearing Light/Medium grade armor, when you are not equipped with a shield. Current skill level: 1.
“DANG! Ill certainly take it!” Andre gasped, feeling a new strength flooding through his body.
“Would you like to “Dig Through” the “Two Headed Shale Stalker?”
“Yes, but can we please just call it “Loot” though, “Dig Through” just sounds so so so very wrong.”
“Of course, Looting “Two Headed Shale Stalker.” Andre watched as the body of the once fierce creature compressed into a ball spiraling purple and brown dim light. A few moments later the ball emitted a few dull sparks, flashed and vanished. In its place several items clattered to the floor, each with a pale white dot by them. Reaching down, Andre examined the biggest item on the ground.
*Item: “Fanged Bangle”: Comprised of the sinew and fangs of a slain Shale Stalker this simple bracelet provides a +1 augmentation to “AGILITY” “DEXTERITY” and +5 augmentation to “DEFENSES” Statistics. This item is classified as “Light Armor”. Rarity: Uncommon, Value: Miniscule, Aspect: Volt, Durability: 5000/5000.*
“That’s some tasty loot there!” Andre stated excitedly as he slipped the bracelet around his left wrist, its strong flexible sinews tightening to a comfortable grip.
“Now, what else do we have here?” He scooped up a small pile of silvery-brass-colored disks let them fall between his fingers.
“Hey now I recognize these things… though I can’t remember what they’re called… meh, hell if I know.”
*Item: Brass Aspect Token: the lowest value form of currency used at Ascended bastions and realm outposts. These coins are formed when minimal amounts of aspected or unaspected energy are released in the termination of a life form with a sufficiently dense life spark. An individual with sufficient aspect metallurgy reforging skill can combine 100 of these coins into a rank higher rarity. Rarity: Extremely Common, Value: Minimal.*
“Well okay then, I don’t exactly have a lot of space… should I just leave them?”
“It is recommended you bring them with you, while they don’t hold much value they can be absorbed to restore some energy to a desired Aspect to fuel your abilities in a pinch. Until you rank up any of your unsealed aspects it would be suicidal to attempt physical absorption of anything higher than a “Brass Aspect Token”, should you come across any.” ALIAS responded.
“Alright, they come with then! I’m curious, how would I go about absorbing one of these coins?” Andre asked, as he let the coins fall into the pocket opposite the smooth stone.”
“While it is not currently recommended to absorb a coin to Aqua aspect, the energy drain from your currently active abilities is matched to your environmental conversion, so it would be wasted. Your body can only absorb one coin per aspect per hour. However, if you wish to absorb any of the tokens, simply channel a small bit of the desired aspects energy into the token, then just… eat it.”
“Alright, I guess just leave “Like a River” active,” he said as he casually stood, apparently missing the last part of ALIAS’s sentence.
“Let’s keep moving. I’ve got some abilities to test out!”
“Ability “Well Rested” secondary effect terminated, Minor Flesh Wound fully recovered” was the only response he got.
“Wait, did you just tell me to “eat” one of those tokens if I want to absorb them?” Andre said as he meandered off.
“……..” was the only response he got in return.