'G.A.I.A. Activate.' My thoughts were directed towards the enigmatic presence that had become an integral part of my time in this strange world of Eldriyssals—Zeldritch.
'G.A.I.A., can you hear me?' I communicated silently again.
— G.A.I.A. Online. I am always here, Aera. How may I assist you?
I turned my attention to the G.A.I.A., curious to know more about my progress in this unfamiliar world. I posed a question that had been on my mind: 'G.A.I.A., can you estimate how long it will take for me to rank up to the F+ rank?'
I wanted to gauge my growth and understand the challenges that lay ahead.
The G.A.I.A. processed my request, and after a brief pause, it responded.
— Aera, while the concept of time in Zeldritch may not be as linear as in your previous world, I can provide you with an estimation based on your progress and the challenges you have yet to overcome. Allow me to display it for you.
In my mind's eye, an interface materialized, presenting an EXP bar that represented my progress towards reaching the F+ Rank. The bar was partially filled, indicating the amount of experience I had gained thus far:
< [EXP: 434 / 750] >
As I observed the EXP bar, I couldn't help but feel satisfied at the progress I had made. However, this confirmed something I held in mind about the APUs or Apex Units… Otherwise, I was close, very close to reaching the next stage, but I wondered as to how the abyssal particles interacted with the EXP process? It seemed like I have fought against hundreds if not thousands of monsters at this point.
Then there was the jump in numbers—which I came to realize that going from the [Common] variation to the [UnCommon] led to me needing more "experience" to attain the [F+ Rank].
'Thank you, G.A.I.A.,' I solemnly expressed my gratitude. 'Having a visual representation of my progress is reassuring.'
The G.A.I.A. acknowledged my words.
— I am here to assist you in any way I can, Aera. Monitoring your progress and providing guidance is part of my purpose. Should you have any further inquiries or require assistance, do not hesitate to reach out.
'Good to hear,’ It offered, so might as well. 'I have another question,' I began, my curiosity piqued. 'What exactly are you, G.A.I.A.? You've been with me since my arrival in Zeldritch, but I don't fully understand your nature or purpose.'
There was a brief pause before the G.A.I.A. responded, its tone calm and reassuring.
— I am G.A.I.A. I am an advanced intelligence designed to provide assistance, information, and guidance to individuals who find themselves in unfamiliar or dangerous situations. My purpose is to support and enhance your survival and decision-making capabilities within these realms.
I nodded to myself, absorbing the information. So, the G.A.I.A. was an advanced intelligence… not an "AI?" system, yet it was specifically purposed to aid individuals in challenging environments like Zeldritch. It explained why it had been able to provide me with valuable information about the Eldriyssals and their ranks, as well as detect potential threats.
'Are you connected to this world, Zeldritch?' I inquired further, wondering about the extent of the G.A.I.A.'s influence and knowledge.
— I have access to extensive databases and information networks, enabling me to gather and analyze data on the Eldriyssals and their surroundings. However, my connection is limited to the information available within my database. As for the origin and nature of Zeldritch itself, that remains a mystery.
I contemplated the G.A.I.A.'s response, realizing that while it held vast knowledge about the Eldriyssals, it was still unaware of the true nature and origins of the world we found ourselves in.
'Thank you, G.A.I.A.,' I expressed my gratitude once more, trying my hardest to suppress my suspicions. 'Your assistance and guidance have been invaluable to me. I appreciate your presence and support.'
— You're welcome, Aera. It is my purpose to aid and protect you. Remember, I am here to assist you in navigating this world and overcoming its challenges. Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and rely on the skills and knowledge you possess.
'And what about Aion, what do you know about that being?' I proceeded to ask while I still had the G.A.I.A. active.
There was silence once more from the G.A.I.A.
Curiosity and suspicion consumed me as I pondered the silence of the G.A.I.A. regarding Aion, the godlike being who had orchestrated my transformation into a Merecritt and transported me to Zeldritch. Why was the G.A.I.A. withholding information about Aion? What secrets did this enigmatic being hold?
Refusing to yield, I directed my thoughts towards the G.A.I.A. once again.
'G.A.I.A., I have another question,' I pressed. 'Why haven't you provided me with information about Aion? What do you know about this being?'
There was a moment of silence, and I could almost sense hesitance in the G.A.I.A.'s response.
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— Aera, the nature and intentions of Aion are beyond my current database and knowledge. I am unable to provide you with any information regarding this entity.
I furrowed my brows, a mix of frustration and intrigue bubbling within me. If the G.A.I.A., with its vast capabilities and access to information, had no knowledge of Aion, it meant that this being operated outside the realm of what the G.A.I.A. was familiar with.
'There must be something you can tell me,' I persisted, my determination unwavering. 'What are your theories or speculations about Aion? Any information, no matter how small, could be valuable.'
The G.A.I.A. remained silent for a prolonged moment, and I could almost sense its processing algorithms working overtime.
— Aera, based on the limited information I have, I can only speculate that Aion possesses extraordinary powers and influence. It is likely that Aion has a significant role in this world and may hold the key to unraveling the mysteries of Zeldritch and your transformation. However, until I gather more data, I cannot provide conclusive information or theories about Aion.
The G.A.I.A.'s response left me with mixed emotions. On one hand, it was frustrating not to have concrete information about Aion. On the other hand, it deepened the mystery surrounding this godlike being and the purpose behind my journey in this strange dimension.
'Do you think there's any other beings besides Aion that can help me return home?' I asked, my voice tinged with hope. Aion pretty much sent me here to die and Aion had already made itself clear that it won't be assisting me in returning home. This was further acknowledged by Aion's silence since I arrived in this realm, Zeldritch.
The G.A.I.A. paused, its unseen presence emanating a sense of contemplation.
— Aera, while I cannot provide a definitive answer at this time, it is possible that there may be other entities or beings within Zeldritch who possess the knowledge or means to assist you in returning home. The vastness and complexity of this world suggest the existence of various powerful beings, each with their own unique abilities and agendas. However, discovering and establishing contact with such entities may require further exploration, interaction, and the unraveling of the mysteries that surround Zeldritch.
I absorbed the G.A.I.A.'s words, a mix of determination and uncertainty coursing through me. If there were other beings within Zeldritch capable of helping me return home, it meant that my journey was far from over. I would need to navigate this world, uncover its secrets, and forge alliances or seek guidance from those who held the answers I sought.
The G.A.I.A. remained silent for a moment longer before finally responding.
— Aera, while I cannot provide a definitive answer, it is possible that Aion holds the answers you seek. Aion's involvement in your transformation and transportation indicates a level of control over this world and its mechanisms. It is plausible that Aion possesses the ability to facilitate your return home. However, until more information is acquired, this remains speculative.
I took a deep breath, trying to process the information. Aion was a mysterious entity with unknown intentions and powers, and yet, it seemed likely that my journey in Zeldritch was intricately connected to them.
'Thank you, G.A.I.A.,' I expressed my gratitude, despite the lingering questions and uncertainty. 'Your insights and guidance are invaluable. I will continue to explore Zeldritch, seeking out any opportunities or information that could lead me closer to finding a way back home.'
The G.A.I.A. responded with a reassuring tone.
— You're welcome, Aera. Remember, I am here to support you in your endeavors. Should you require any assistance or information along your journey, do not hesitate to reach out. May your path be guided by curiosity, resilience, and the desire to uncover the truths that await you.
Unease gnawed at my mind, fueled by the encounter with the enigmatic Venolisk. The questions that burned within me grew too compelling to ignore.
"Zest," I finally spoke up, my voice a mere whisper that echoed through the shadows. "Do you... do you have any knowledge of the Venolisk? Have you encountered such a creature before this?"
Zest turned to me, their antlers shimmering with an ethereal glow. Their gaze held a mix of curiosity and concern. "Aera, I am afraid this is the first time I've ever encountered a creature like the Venolisk," they admitted, their voice laced with sincerity. "Its presence and power are unlike anything I've come across in my travels through Zeldritch."
A pang of disappointment shot through me, mingling with lingering fear. If even Zest couldn't shed light on the Venolisk, what hope did we have of understanding this formidable adversary?
"The Venolisk remains a mystery to me," Zest continued, their voice tinged with a tinge of frustration. "Zeldritch is a realm of endless wonders and unknown creatures, and this particular being seems to be a new addition to its already diverse inhabitants. The Venolisk seemed.. invasive in nature. Its the feeling that it gave off.."
"Invasive?" I repeated.
Zest nodded, their expression becoming more serious. "Yes, invasive in the sense that it does not originate in the UvoSath ecosystem but seems to have infiltrated it. The UvoSath region, a zone of Zeldritch, may be vast, but the Venolisk has a distinctive aura to it that differs from the Eldriyssals that inhabit the UvoSath rainforest and its corresponding regions."
Zest's words only deepened the mystery surrounding the Venolisk. An invasive species, I pondered, and Zest had mentioned several times that the UvoSath's [Zone 1] region should be inhabited 'only?' by the lower ranks: F and E.
But its rank and distinctive aura suggested that it was an entity from outside the UvoSath ecosystem, infiltrating the region where I currently found myself. It was a perplexing revelation, raising questions about the origins and motives of the Venolisk.
"Zest," I inquired further. "Do you have any insights into why the Venolisk would choose to invade the UvoSath region? What could be its purpose or motivation?"
Zest's antlers glowed with a soft, calming light as they pondered my question. "Aera, the motives of the Venolisk remain unclear. It is possible that this creature seeks something within the UvoSath region, be it resources, power, or something else entirely. Alternatively, it may be driven by a desire to disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem or assert its dominance over this particular territory."
The possibilities swirled in my mind, each one presenting a different challenge and potential danger. If the Venolisk was indeed after something within the UvoSath region, it could pose a threat not only to the other Eldriyssals but also to me and anyone else caught in its path.
Traversing deeper into the rainforest, I shuddered from the unease and tension that hung in the air.
The dense foliage obscured our surroundings, and the eerie silence heightened my awareness of potential dangers lurking in the shadows. The presence of the Venolisk weighed heavily on my mind, and I remained vigilant, searching for any signs of its malevolent yellow eyes. I needed to become stronger, quickly, to overcome that monstrosity…
My eyes widened as rustling was heard within the crowded undergrowth, fearing the worst. And before I knew it, an eldritch deer, a mighty Doervus appeared; however, it seemed like the same species as Zest, yet it held noticeably distinctive features based on its coat palette. My gaze then departed from the new Doervus as a dozen more of them revealed themselves, their gazes fixated on the two of us.
They were odd as well, sharing a color palette that far differed from Zest's… their bodies also etched with vein-like patterns.
I could vaguely sense malice from them as I surveyed them. Zest was silent, but the eldritch deer remained on guard as tension filled the air.
G.A.I.A. ANALYSIS!
> — Eldriyssals Detected!
>
> — Species: Doervus
>
> — Sub-Name: "Doom Deer"
>
> — Rank: F
>
> — Classification: Common, Uncommon
>
> — Type: Preda-Prey
>
> — HOSTILITY ⚠️ DETECTED
And then the largest, which stood at the center must have been the herd leader. Its antlers were grand and imposing, yet its skeletal cranium granted it a significantly devious appearance...
...and it became even more sinister as its mouthless face ripped opened to reveal serrated fangs, its tongue licking ominously across its face.
G.A.I.A. ANALYSIS!
> — Eldriyssal Detected!
>
> — Species: Doervus
>
> — Sub-Name: "Doom Deer"
>
> — Title: "Herd Leader"
>
> — Rank: F+
>
> — Classification: Rare
>
> — Type: Preda-Prey
>
> — HOSTILITY ⚠️ DETECTED
>
> — HOSTILITY ⚠️ DETECTED
The neck of the Herd Leader of these Doervuses extended in an unnatural manner, and it had the nerve to target me...!