UvoSath Rainforest
Zone 1
Cycle 19
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I found myself momentarily startled by the warning from G.A.I.A. What on earth did it mean by "regret"? Was there a hidden agenda lurking beneath its facade?
Regardless, I couldn't let my curiosity go unanswered.
"But I must know," I insisted. "I need to understand the true capabilities of the other Eldriyssals. How can I efficiently defeat them if I don't even know what they are capable of?"
G.A.I.A. hesitated briefly, its voice tinged with caution.
> — "Very well," it eventually conceded.
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> — I shall grant you access to the battle data of the other Eldriyssals. However, bear in mind that knowledge is not freely given. Handle this information wisely and with the utmost discretion.
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> — The G.A.I.A. ALWAYS OBSERVES.
"Carry on with the interface," I replied firmly.
Suddenly, the air around me wavered like a mirage, and voila! A holographic display materialized right before my very eyes. It was a convoluted web of interconnected lines and nodes, each representing a distinct Eldriyssal—the very ones we had clashed with so far. Their names, ranks, and a brief rundown of their abilities were all laid out before me.
As the display sprang to life, data began streaming across it, revealing precious information about the Eldriyssals we had come face-to-face with, along with records of the grueling battles I had fought against them. It was like reliving those intense moments all over again. Perhaps it was some kind of memory playback?
But amidst the awe and wonder, a twinge of unease crept in. Those battles were downright savage and merciless... I couldn't help but gulp nervously as I watched the relentless clashes unfold before my eyes.
However, there was one revelation that gnawed at me like a ravenous squirrel:
> [ABYSSAL PARTICLE/POWER UNITS]
What in the name of eccentric academia was that supposed to mean?
> — Aera, I would be happy to explain the power system of Zeldritzon to you. It revolves around something called Abyssal Power Units (APUs), which serve as a measure of an Eldriyssal's strength, particle accumulation, or "power limitation." APUs are essentially a way to quantify the raw power possessed by different entities within this realm.
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> — In this system, every creature has a maximum threshold of APUs that it can reach before undergoing a significant change. Let's take the example of a (Common) [F Rank] Eldriyssal. Such a creature has a maximum threshold of 500 APUs, which means its power is capped at that level. However, once it surpasses this threshold, it enters a transitional stage known as the [F+ Rank].
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> — The [F+ Rank] acts as a midpoint between two official ranks. It indicates that the Eldriyssal has become stronger than a typical (Common) [F Rank], but it hasn't fully evolved into the next rank just yet. Consider it as a stepping stone or an intermediate stage of growth. Once the Eldriyssal surpasses the 500 APUs and reaches the [F+ Rank], it's on its way to becoming an E Rank.
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> — The E Rank is the next official rank after the transitional [F+ Rank]. When the Eldriyssal accumulates enough APUs and completes its evolution, it becomes an E Rank. This transition signifies a true increase in rank, indicating that the Eldriyssal has significantly enhanced its power beyond the initial (Common) [F Rank].
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> — So, in essence, think of the power system within Zeldritzon in terms of Abyssal Power Units (APUs) to determine the underlying strength and the current growth of an Eldriyssal. Each creature has a specific maximum threshold of APUs it can attain before undergoing a transitional stage ([F+ Rank]), leading to a true rank increase (E Rank) where its power rises further. I hope this explanation clarifies the power system for you, Aera.
I nodded, trying to make sense of it all. The holographic display also clarified and revealed that each Eldriyssal was not only ranked based on their power and abilities but also on the quantity of abyssal particles they possessed. These particles appeared to be the lifeblood of their strength, and every Eldriyssal was hell-bent on amassing as many as possible.
With a crystal clenched in my paw, I cringed as I nibbled on the surprisingly edible gemstone. It pitifully replenished my abyssal mana, but hey, it was better than nothing. As far as I could gather, those clusters of crystals scattered about were condensed formations of abyssal particles, passively siphoning energy from the environment and other Eldriyssals.
That's precisely why I could stash them in the Nexus.
To elaborate, the crystals we’d found are like concentrated energy capsules. They are formed by greedily absorbing abyssal particles from their surroundings and other Eldriyssals. These crystals also serve as a convenient source of replenishment for abyssal mana, even if the effect is not particularly significant. And thanks to the Nexus having some kind of natural bond with abyssal particles, we could stash and make good use of these crystals.
> F-RANK ELDRIYSSAL'S APU
Maximum Threshold
Common
500 APU
Uncommon
750 APU
As I delved further into the data, it became crystal clear (pun intended) that the amount of abyssal particles an Eldriyssal possessed directly influenced their rank and overall power. The higher the rank, the more abyssal particles they had. So, taking down an Eldriyssal not only meant overcoming their skills and abilities but also acquiring their abyssal particles.
> [(F+ Ilosphat)] Abyssal Units: 612
> — Since the onset of the battle against the (F+) Ilosphat, it has suffered a loss of over 18% of its overall battle power. The critical blow that led to the depletion of its maximum AP/PU was the result of your throat-slashing maneuver—
I interjected, interrupting the G.A.I.A. mid-sentence, "Apologies in advance, but there's no need for reminders, especially of such actions."
G.A.I.A. fell silent for a moment before resuming its speech.
> — Understood.
I detected a trace of amusement in the G.A.I.A.'s response, though it swiftly reverted to its usual neutral tone.
> — I apologize if my reminder proved unnecessary. I understand that certain actions can evoke painful memories. I shall refrain from mentioning it again.
I nodded, appreciating G.A.I.A.'s understanding. The memories of that battle, the sheer brutality and desperation, were still fresh in my mind. But I couldn't let myself dwell on the past. This new knowledge, the insight into the other Eldriyssals, was invaluable. It provided me with a strategic advantage in future encounters—a chance to understand their weaknesses and exploit them.
G.A.I.A. carried on with its exposition.
> — Now, back to our current topic. As you've experienced firsthand, the abyssal particles collected from defeated Eldriyssals can be absorbed and harnessed to enhance your own abilities. They can give a boost to your skills, amplify your power, and in very rare cases, even unlock new abilities. However, this process comes with its fair share of risks and challenges.
I nodded, soaking in the information as I continued to sift through the battle data on the display.
The data revealed the abyssal particle count for each Eldriyssal we had encountered, including the (F+) Ilosphat that was currently pursuing us.
> [(F+) Ilosphat] Abyssal Units: 612
The number sent a chilling tremor down my spine. The (F+) Ilosphat had already lost a substantial chunk of its abyssal particles, yet it still possessed a formidable amount? I wasn't entirely certain about the intricacies of this system, but one thing was clear—defeating it wouldn't be a walk in the park. It would demand meticulous planning and strategizing to overcome it.
Stolen story; please report.
As I continued scrutinizing the data, I stumbled upon the abyssal particle counts of the other Eldriyssals we had encountered. It was captivating to witness the distribution of abyssal particles among them, a neatly organized range within the same species.
> [(F) Barbapt] Abyssal Units: 50 to 80
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> [(F) Ravilash] Abyssal Units: 60 to 90
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> [(F) Ilosphat] Abyssal Units: 80 to 110
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> [(F) (C) Mournfoon] Abyssal Units: 90 to 120
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> [(F) (UC) Mournfoon] Abyssal Units: 180 to 210
Then, I stumbled upon a piece of battle data that unsettled me. Our initial encounter—the time when we were complete strangers and adversaries, locked in a predator-prey dynamic.
> [Aera (vs Doervus)] Abyssal Units: 40
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> [Doervus (vs Aera)] Abyssal Units: 220
How on earth did I survive that grueling confrontation, when the Doervus had a whopping five times more Abyssal Units than I did? The odds were undeniably stacked against me, and yet, here I stood, breathing and analyzing the data.
It was nothing short of a miracle that I had not only survived but managed to defeat the Doervus.
However, upon closer examination of the data, something peculiar caught my attention. The Doervus's abyssal particle count had steadily decreased during our battle. It seemed that amidst our fierce clash, there had been a deliberate reduction or constraint to its abyssal particles.
> [(F) Doervus (vs Aera)] Abyssal Units: 220 → 110
The realization began to sink in. The Doervus had shown mercy. It had intentionally held back, refraining from employing its full power against me. But why?
I glanced at the Doervus, still catching my breath from the intensity of our escape. Its eyes met mine, and there was a hint of remorse in its gaze. It seemed to understand the weight of our past battle, the scars it had left on both of us.
I reached out a hand, hesitantly touching the Doervus's sleek, scarred hide. It flinched slightly at my touch but didn't back away. Instead, it leaned into my touch, allowing me to place a paw gently upon its battle-worn pelt. "Why?" I asked softly.
The Doervus let out a low rumble, its eyes meeting mine. And then, to my surprise, it began to speak.
"I... was... I was broken," it confessed, its voice trembling with restrained emotion. "I was utterly alone, having lost everything. There seemed to be no purpose in going on. But... we made a pact, a vow to shield and guide each other until the end of our days."
My heart skipped a beat as I listened to the Doervus's words. It saddened me to think that this magnificent creature had once been broken and alone. But I also found comfort, gratitude, and admiration towards its resilience and strength. The Doervus had chosen to spare me, not out of weakness, but from a deep sense of purpose born from its own trials…
"I am honored to have you by my side," I whispered. "And I promise you, Doervus, that I will do everything in my power to ensure our survival and fulfill our pact."
Internally, I was left speechless, overwhelmed by the weight of the Doervus's words.
The Doervus dipped its head. "The honor is mine, Aera. Together, we shall face the challenges that lie ahead, and we shall prevail. For we are bound by a shared purpose."
"And you, Aera," the Doervus continued, "possess an indomitable spirit. I glimpsed it in your eyes when we first crossed paths, and it is the very reason that compelled me to join you. You have a role to play in this journey, a role that extends beyond mere survival."
"I... I don't know what to say," I managed to stammer. "Thank you, Doervus. Thank you for guiding and protecting me. Once again, I'm honored to have you by my side."
"No, Aera. Thank you for sparing me. In a world where strength reigns supreme, you made the conscious choice to show mercy instead of succumbing to power." The Doervus replied as it indulged in devouring a pile of Abyss Crystals. It was evident that it had regained some of its strength.
"We've come a long way, haven't we?" I murmured. "From enemies to allies, from predator to protector. I don't know what the future holds, but I'm glad we're facing it together."
The Doervus nuzzled its head against my palm, I simply smiled, I had nothing to say at the moment.
Turning my gaze, the battle data displayed before me was no longer just numbers and statistics—it was a roadmap to victory, a guide to understanding and ultimately defeating the other Eldriyssals.
But what caught my attention was the moment when the Doervus had transferred some of its abyssal particles to me. I saw the numbers shift on the display.
> [Aera (after Doervus)] Abyssal Units: 40 → 90
It was a significant increase from my initial count. The Doervus had shared its power with me, granting its own strength to bolster mine after our [NEXUS BOND]. It was an act of selflessness that I hadn't expected from a creature of such power.
However, as I continued to navigate through the battle data, something caught my eye—a faint glimmer of light at the edge of the display. Intrigued, I focused on it, zooming in to get a better look.
What I discovered left me dumbfounded.
There, hidden among the data of the other Eldriyssals, was a small icon labeled "[?????]". Its abyssal particle count was off the charts! I wondered what could possess such an astronomical amount of abyssal particles.
One thing was for certain—it had captured my interest. And I had one in mind.
Curiosity piqued, I selected the icon and the holographic display expanded, revealing a silhouette of a creature unlike anything I had ever seen before. Its form was indistinct, shifting and changing as if it couldn't be fully comprehended by mortal eyes. The abyssal particle count beside its name was simply a string of question marks, indicating that its power was beyond measure.
My mind raced with questions as I stared at the enigmatic figure. Who or what was this creature? And what role did it play in this realm of Eldriyssals?
"G.A.I.A.," I began, my voice tinged with anticipation, "do you possess any information on this... entity?" Somehow it wasn't Aion.
There was a moment of silence, and then G.A.I.A. responded cautiously.
> — "I'm afraid not, Aera. The creature you have discovered is far beyond my knowledge and understanding. It is an entity of immense power, existing beyond the confines of conventional Eldriyssals. Even their name and true nature are unknown."
My heart sank at G.A.I.A.'s words. It seemed that I had stumbled upon a mystery that even the all-knowing G.A.I.A. couldn't unravel. Yet, deep within me, a flicker of defiance ignited. I had come so far, faced countless challenges, and I refused to let this enigma slip through my fingers without a fight.
I turned my attention back to the battle data, analyzing the records of the other Eldriyssals once more. It was clear that each of them had a unique set of abilities and powers, but there must be a way to exploit their weaknesses. It was a matter of finding the right strategies, the right combinations of attacks and defenses.
As I continued my analysis, a thought struck me—what if I could combine the abilities and powers of the other Eldriyssals with my own? What if I could harness their strength to further enhance my own abilities?
And wouldn't you know it, those queries had already been answered. The Doervus, the Perlachirp. Now, what if there was a way to go beyond that? In theory, was the NEXUS accomplishing this?
"So, much to process..!" I exclaimed in a hushed tone, covering my face with my paws. Take it slow, Aera. One step at a time. Breathe.
A strong inquisitiveness burned within me, urging me to dig deeper, to uncover the truth behind this enigma. But caution also whispered in the back of my mind, reminding me of G.A.I.A.'s warning. Was this worth the risk? Should I delve into the unknown and potentially uncover something that I may regret?
'Another question G.A.I.A.,' I mused, 'absorbing the abyssal particles not only replenishes my energy but can also enhance my abilities. But what are the risks and challenges?' I asked.
> — When you absorb abyssal particles, there's a chance of instability and corruption. These particles are volatile, brimming with immense power that can overwhelm a being if not controlled with finesse. It's essential to maintain balance and harmony within oneself to steer clear of succumbing to their negative effects. Moreover, the more abyssal particles one absorbs, the greater the risk of losing control and becoming consumed by their chaotic properties, particularly for those with a human soul.
I took a deep breath, contemplating the risks involved. It seemed like absorbing abyssal particles was a double-edged sword—on one hand, it offered a significant boost in power and potential new abilities, but on the other hand, it came with the danger of losing control and jeopardizing my own sanity. Huh… it seems that the [SOUL RESISTANCE] made sense…
> — "Remember, Aera," G.A.I.A.'s voice echoed in my mind.
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> — Your willpower and mental fortitude will be tested. It is crucial to stay grounded, to maintain a sense of self, and to never lose sight of your original purpose.
I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. It was not a decision to be taken lightly. If I were to absorb abyssal particles, I needed to be prepared, both physically and mentally. I had to ensure that I could harness their power without letting it consume me.
> — Please take your time to consider your options, Aera. The decision to absorb abyssal particles is yours alone to make. I will provide you with information or guidance you may require.
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> — On top of that, Aera, knowledge is power, but it must be wielded wisely. The path you tread is vicious, and the choices you make will have far-reaching consequences. Do not underestimate the importance of discretion and strategy in your journey.
With that, the holographic display vanished, leaving me alone in the silence of the ravine. I looked over to the Doervus, still lying on the ground, its breaths coming in slow, steady rhythms. It seemed to be recovering from the ordeal we had just faced, I was glad.
I sighed and patted the exhausted Doervus beside me. "Rest well, my friend," I whispered, patting its sleek hide once more. "We've got a long road ahead, and we'll need all the strength we can muster."
As I settled down for a well-deserved rest, G.A.I.A.'s warning echoed in my mind. What did it mean by "regret"? There was an unmistakable sense that G.A.I.A. was concealing something from me, a secret that had the potential to alter the very course of my journey.
But considering one thing. If I saw more than the ranks of these creatures in the first place, would I really have gone and faced them? Especially, the Doervus in our first encounter.
However, for the time being, I dismissed such ruminations. Darkness embraced me, and in my slumber, haunting memories of my human days flickered like a cruel montage.
> — DANGER DETECTED!
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> — DANGER DETECTED!
My non-stretchable ears perked up, attuned to even the faintest sound. The Mournfoon's mournful cries had faded into the distance, and the (F+) Ilosphat's venomous fumes no longer polluted the air—indicating it was nowhere nearby. Yet, something felt off, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
A shift in the atmosphere hinted that we were not alone.
The Doervus sensed it too, its keen senses attuned to the environment around us. It rose to its feet, its antlers crackling with electricity, ready to defend us at a moment's notice.
Our intuition proved right, but our relief was short-lived as a silhouette emerged, revealing itself in the dim light.
Eldriyssal Detected!
> — Species: Vandaquil
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> — Sub-Name: "Thornback"
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> — Rank: F+
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> — Variation: Common
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> — Type: Predator
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> — AP/PU: 550 Units
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> — DANGER DETECTED!
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> — DANGER DETECTED!
"FEeeeeeeEEE!!!" The high-pitched screech of the Thornback pierced through the air, causing me to cringe and mutter under my breath. With my ears curled and a curse escaping my lips, I watched as the formidable creature stormed into the ravine on its powerful four clawed paws. The Vandaquil was no ordinary beast; it surpassed even the mighty Doervus in size, possessing razor-sharp quills and an unmistakably aggressive disposition.
The question loomed: had we unwittingly trespassed into its domain?
“FEeeeeeeEEE!!!"
Not taking any risks, we fled from the ravine, plunging deeper into the rainforest's uncharted depths. With every passing moment, the terrain beneath our feet underwent a peculiar transformation, evolving into a bizarre fusion of rocks and crystals, revealing the whimsical nature of this enigmatic wilderness.
An unsettling apprehension began to grip me as the resounding thuds of the Thornback's approaching footsteps grew louder, steadily closing the gap between us.
Eldriyssal Detected!
> — Species: Ilosphat
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> — Sub-Name: "Noxious Spitter"
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> — Rank: F+
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> — Variation: Uncommon
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> — Type: Predator
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> — AP/PU: 680 Units
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> — DANGER DETECTED!
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> — DANGER DETECTED!
To add insult to injury, the situation quickly escalated with the arrival of the irksome Ilosphat.
The Thornback's attention swiftly shifted to this new contender as the spiky behemoth emitted a menacing squeal, confronting the (F+) Ilosphat, which responded with a retaliatory hiss.
Swiftly we dashed away, and as we desperately attempted to escape, a tremendous blast of fumes was unleashed in our direction. With a sharp swerve to the side, we narrowly avoided the ghastly green haze, only to witness a colossal tree succumb to its toxic embrace, collapsing in the wake of the sickly cloud.
In that moment, my eyes widened in horror as a resounding THUD reverberated through the air! Our escape route was mercilessly sealed off, consumed by a chaotic tempest of flames and debris, leaving us in a state of frenzied pandemonium.