BOOK 2/66 - Wyrm's Cross

Ring - 1st
Realm - Sol
Location: Cinderii Kingdom

Their expressions to everything I just said was expected. Thorn’s usual calm facade was nowhere to be seen, Stryder had clear disbelief etched on her face, Mera looked bothered while Blaze had a frown. “Alright, this couldn't possibly be true, right?’. Mera queried, looking to Thorin then back to me. I shrugged.

“But how would this even be possible?”. Stryder murmured.

No one had an answer for her. How would they?

Thorin focused on Hellion. “How did you realize?”. The Titan frowned.

“Light.” his answer while a single word made it clear, Everyone frowned.

“Where Stryder’s Nature domain affects her emotions, from anger, to warmth, happiness to sadness. A cycle of seasons. Mera’s made her both aloof and unbothered, Blaze wasn’t exactly obvious due to his normal silence but he’s always been there. Capable and a solid foundation for everybody. Thorin has been more willful, taking the reins and directing us”. Hellion sighed.

“And you/. Illuminating the truth, knowing what to say at the right moment, and seeing things for what they actually were”. Blaze spoke with a frown. For anyone else, all this would have been less suspicious. For the group that had journeyed, fought and shared adventures together, all this was as clear as a reflection. It was why none of them had argued too fiercely when Hellion explained everything.

If they didn't know each other at this point then they knew themselves. Stryder knew just how silent and awkward she'd been at the start. Mera knew she didn't feel as bothered, aloof, energetic as she felt. Hellion was smart but pointing out things and knowing exactly what to say or ask was just abnormal. The only two that could have been brushed off as just getting better at their mannerisms were Thorin and Blaze. Yet both Titans knew the difference they felt.

“What now?". Stryder looked at Hellion. “Is this normal?. It can't be, right?. If it's not normal, then what do we do".

No one spoke as everyone had their thoughts on the matter.

“Maybe it's a government sort of project. Maybe they want to use this to train the military or something". Mera looked around.

Everyone kept silent, no one eager to point out that her words were a wild point.

"For now there's nothing we can do about this. Unless we want to log out now, which we can't even do unless there's an emergency in the real world”.

“So, we keep playing?". Stryder asked, surprised.

“Yes". Thorin had a firm gaze as she lifted a hand and pointed one finger up. “First, all this might have an actual and non nefarious explanation and we would be here worrying about it and not getting our quest done. Secondly, even if it was nefarious. We don't know. Until we log out and complain we won't find out anything. Finally, if we didn't realize this, then we would still play on. I'm not saying this isn't important, just saying there's nothing we can do about it now. For all we know it could be a patch or big that needs to be fixed”.

Two thoughts echoed in everyone's head, even Thorin’s as he spoke the last words. What sort of bug affected them in real life and the fact they'd forgotten as Alpha Players one of their jobs here was to actually find these bugs. They'd not seen any so far and the game okay had made them forget.

“Mera might be right about this being some new technology to maybe train the military. Who knows?. It's new tech. A very realistic game. Maybe it's actually what we think it is, maybe it's not".

“Thorin’s right. We could stay here and waste our three days in the game only to log out and find out there was nothing to worry about”.

Mera nodded. " Yeah. We need to ascend. And even if this is actually what we're worried about. So what. It's not like the changes are bad, right?”. The question was directed at Stryder who frowned before shrugging.

“I guess. I always disliked being…. Awkward. I guess it's a win for me. Hopefully it's not temporary”. She paused and looked up at everyone. Except Blaze who had stopped frowning everyone else had smiles on their faces.

“Alright then. We're all in favor of proceeding!".

“Aye".
“Yep".
“Yes".

Blaze shrugged. “I never thought we should stop anyway".

Everyone chuckled. “I'll get Horkirk". Stryder vanished in a blue of gold. When Hellion had asked Horkirk to give them a bit of privacy, they'd all wondered why that was necessary as the Golem knew many things.

Now they were glad. It was still unknown what the game would censor for the NPCs exactly.

The Blue returned, reforming Stryder and a large golem with blazing red eyes.

“Forgive us Horkirk. We had something important to do. Hellion apologized. Since he was the one that excused the golem it was best he did the apology.

"No apologies required”. Horkirk made a slight head tilt.

"Alright. I'll alert the King that we won't be helping. At Least not yet". Thorin announced.

“Hopefully we can get through and return in time to save the day". Mera had a wide grin.

"Are you supposed to say that with a grin?”. Stryder tilted her head.

“No. I guess. But I'm sure we'll make it in time". She replied with her grin widening if possible.

“I'll be back and we'll set off. Best to get going”.


****

Ring - 9th
Realm - MURHIL

Athena stirred from her sleep, silver pupils Exposed to the world, a glint appearing and vanishing quickly. The Elder Force stretched, her comfortable bed squirming beneath her. Patting the lion snuggled next to her she crawled out of the bed. The other lion turned, its jaws parting to bite down on her robes and drag her down. Unbalanced she fell back into the Pride of lions.

“Come on. It's time to wake". Grumbling, she dragged herself out of the cluster. One of the lionesses peeked open an eye staring at the sole window that revealed the dark night sky. It shut its eyes with a growl and went back to sleep.

“Hmmm. Have it your way then". Ignoring the beasts, Athena walked to the window. Her room in the City was at the top of the tower. It gave her a good view of the city and the sandy plains surrounding it. From here she could see her army of Realm Touched standing outside the gates. The three towering behemoths stood on either side of the cities. Each one of them was a reminder of how hard I had fought to win.

The night sky in MURHIL was just a dark blanket, unfolded across the horizon and plunging the realm into Eternal Darkness. Or it would have been Eternal Darkness if not for the realms very own silvery or white glow.

Throne Guardians stood guard on either side of her door, making no sign of noticing her presence as she stepped out of her room. The Realmtouched entities marched after her, leaving only two behind. Athena looked over the city as she descended into its streets.

The city was filled with Sykerians even at this time. Though they were few it was still enough to be visible on each street. The one eyed Realm Dwellers of MURHIL cut an interesting figure as they went about their night.

Athena didn't care for any of it, she was more interested in reaching the center of the city. Her eyes were peeled for Sykerian guards standing to the sides or just watching her. Gordorik’s attempts in the Dungeons had not been forgotten. Not by her and definitely not by him.

She locked eyes with a Sykeri guard standing to one side. The Sykeri quickly glanced away to the side and her eyes narrowed. Without a word she increased her pace. The city center didn't take too long to become visible.

Athena didn't bother looking back to check if the guard was following if there were others after her. Her Mental Force Domain was enough for her to sense and point out the various minds of the Sykerians following. It was easy to pick out those in the crowd tailing her and those not. Their surface thoughts clued her in.

‘Would it matter if they saw?’ Considering her plan that night, she didn't know if it mattered or not. ‘No. They'd just be in the way. I don't think Ernwes would like having to kill his own people even if he thinks it's the only way to spare the city from me’.

Deciding that having them close by wouldn't be productive I chose the next option. Mind Control. It wasn't hard to slip into their minds. I was already in the moment I was reading their surface thoughts. Sure it would take more for someone not an Elder Force but I was covered.

The moment she had a foothold in their minds she activated the next Portfolio. This time from her second Domain - Chaos. Disorder was both automatic or manual. It depended on if the user wanted to direct the chaos that would brew. ‘Drawing attention here won't be nice’.

With Mind Control she removed the orders the Guards had to follow her. With Disorder, she directed the Guards to send the Citizens of the city into their homes. The ruckus and shouting behind her was enough proof of her meddling working..

“Should have thought of this earlier".

Leaving the ruckus behind Athena stepped into the City Center. Ten Sykerians stood waiting for her. Athena froze for a moment. She'd felt their minds while entering the city center but she'd doubted. Having one or two accept her proposal was normal. Five or six was believable. All of them, especially Ernwes, were shocking.

"You…you all accepted". Another thing she could do. Feel the difference within them. It was a mixture of her Mutation Portfolio and the fact that it was her blood running through their veins.

The one eyed Sykeri she'd come to respect stepped forward. It clicked then. It was probably due to her increased height or the fact that he suddenly stepped closer. Or was it increased paleness to their skin. All things she'd failed to pick up on immediately.

The Sykerians were now immensely different. Compared to before that is. They were taller, paler, and more fit. Their singular eye looked more vibrant.

‘I didn't get a prompt to choose. Does it only work with non sentient creatures or something?’. It had to be that the Sykerians could choose for themselves.

‘That or there was no choice’. Her thoughts came due to one thing. The Sykerians all looked the same. Sure there was a slight difference due to their finer builds and genders. But apart from that they were all the same.

“You look different". She commented. Erwes bowed his head. He could feel the need to be respectful and loyal but it wasn't to the extent that it forced him to his knees.

While he sighed in relief Athena observed the others. The Sykerin all looked even better but honestly Athena didn't know how better one could look with a single eye and a bald head

“What now?". She turned back to Ernwes at his question and gave a thin smile.

“Now?. We make sure Gordorik doesn't try something stupid again”. She looked towards the gates of the city, using Mental Force she relayed her orders to the Realm Touched standing wait beyond the gates.

‘Enter. Fell any who stand in your way, but kill none’.

She focused back on her now evolved Sykerians. “I'm heading for the palace. Stop anyone that tries to get in my way. Meet me there once you're done". She eyed the Throne Guardians for a second. "Take them and use them as you see fit".

She didn't need them after all.All she needed at this moment was just. It would have been easier to just take control of the whole city, sow discord and swoop in to save it.. Or mind control everyone to obey her will. But scenarios after her dungeon run didn't sound easy to her. She didn't have time to think of a plan or to orchestrate such. Besides, Athena wanted the Sykertians of this city to know how easy it would be for her to take over.

Silver eyes gleamed in the glow of the earth and bright crystals as she marched for the Castle. Around her guards hurried the citizens to their homes. Their one eye, dull and vacant.


****

Ring - 1st
Realm - SOL
Location - Wyrm Cross, Southwestern Border

If there was one word to describe the Wyrm Cross it would be dreary, dull, haunteds . Stryder frowned. ‘Right, that’s three words now’.

The group stood with two Cinderii soldiers behind them Horkirk was up front and waiting as the five took in the path. It was windy, crooked and curved like a serpent. The cross was actually a path between mountains.

*Any threats we should watch out for?”. Hellion asked.

"The King usually has us clear the cross to avoid a situation where we get boxed in from both sides”.

"Ahhh”. Hellion nodded to the soldier’s reply.

“But there is one thing. It's never been known to make a move but it's also quite powerful. It's the reason this place has its name".

The soldier didn't need to speak more as Hellion and the rest understood what he meant. There was a Wyrm somewhere along the path.

“Thank you for the help". Showing gratitude Thorin looked over everyone before staring forward

“So, how do we do this?". Mera bounced on her toes, her eagerness leaking.

“The same way we've been doing things". Thorin answered, still looking ahead.

"Alrighty. Let's go!!!”. Mera dashed forward with a yell. Stryder rushed forward at normal speed laughing as well.

“Those two know this could be dangerous, right?". Hellion muttered.

“I guess". Blaze spoke up and with a glance at the two took off jogging.

“No way Blaze is gonna be more playful than me" Following with a cry Hellion used his Light Dash to close the distance.

Horkirk and Thorin shared a glance before shaking their heads. Calmly the two stepped forward. “This is nothing like how we go about things".

“Everyone changes" The Titan eyed the golem but said nothing.

The journey through Wyrm Cross was boring and uneventful. It both bored and relieved the Titans as they ate up more of the distance to their destination. The walls on both sides of them were covered with cracks, and holes that the Titans were sure once housed the beasts the Cinderii culled.

The first sign of their destination closing in was the fog that appeared on the ground.

Glances were cast and silent queries shared. In the end the decision was simple. Mera blazed brightly and took to the air. With an excited grin, she shot forward. The fig rolling up was currently at ankle height. Further ahead it grew higher till it was even taller than them. It was at this level of the gray fog that Mera vanished.

“So do we just…wait?”. Stryder looked at Thorin. The Titan shrugged, his lips parting to reply when a meteor flew out of the fog. “Watch out". With a warning Stryder grabbed and pulled Blade aside while Hellion tugged on Thorin's arm, dragging him aside.

The meteor shot over their heads and crashed into the right side of the valley. The flames dulled but didn't die out as the object dropped to the ground stones and debris raining down with it. The object stood on two feet and then the flames blazed brighter.

“Mera!". Stryder cried out as the Titaness with a mad laugh dashed into the fog again. The four glanced at each then raced after her.

Stryder was a blur as she caught up to and followed Mera shouting questions at her while they ran in. Hellion couldn't pick up on the answers Mera returned as his attention was on something else.

“Guys! Bad news"

“We know". Blaze spoke up.

“You don't need a domain to see that". Thorin's voice held intrigue

They were all staring at a creature that would give Ignis a run for his money in the weight and size class. It was the size of the valley and the length of its walls. ‘Almost like it grew to adapt to this place’.

It looked like Ignis in all ways but the color of its scales being grey and green, its size and the lack of wings.

Then a streak of fire crossed the distance between the creature and the ground impacting it with an explosive crash. A blue of gold ran up the valley wall to the right and jumped onto the creature's back. The creature had still been reeling from the blow to its torso as it failed to note the Titan sized figure dropping on its back.

Thorin's hammer appeared in his right arm. His body moved, his legs taking two large strides before he burst out in speed.

Behind him quickly growing far as he rushed the creature, Hellion spoke up. “Please hinder its neck movements".

Blaze nodded, understanding his intent. The Clang of chains hitting ground as they grew longer echoed alongside the scraping of steel against scabbard. Hellion had long thought about his sword and the others weapons. The blade was no steel, a pitch black void that would have not been visible without the environment and the cracks along its blade. Which made Hellion wonder, what exactly was the material?.

Chains rattled as they shot through the fog surrounding the group. It surged past a still racingThorin and smacked into the beast’s head. The second chain looped around its neck and with a. Grunt Blaze tugged.

Thorin grinned as he activated his domains and portfolios. A streak of fire flashed from the left and smashed into the creature’s side. It roared as fire danced up its scales and deeper into the scale joints.

Thorin finally got into position beneath it. With a jump, he sailed up and swung his hammer. The blue glow covering it exploded into a wave of energy that dragged the Beast’s head up.

It was like Stryder had been waiting for just that as she blurred over its face and dark green I got flowed free . It thrashed its head and roared in pain. Seemingly having enough it raised its feet and stomped. The fig shook, roars and cries of beasts filled the air.

“Incoming!". Mera warned. From the fog, creatures, beasts of both the ground and sky formed.

Hellion stopped his charge as a creature suddenly appeared, spawning from the fog itself. The Titan twisted on his heels and swung his blade. Light flooded from it as it slashed through the beast and formed a ray of light that cut through the fog. The kill notifications told him what he needed to know. We’ve got company!’.