Book 2/ 26 - Conquest

Ring - 1st
Realm - SOL

BLAZE'S POV


The skies remained unchanged, stuck in a perpetual day or night. Stepping out of my assigned house, I grimaced at the sounds of individuals doing their daily tasks. Getting used to the laughter, chatter and noise amidst the roars of the fiery realm was yet to happen. The influx of knowledge from the previous day resurfaced in my head. A part of me couldn't believe I was right.

According to the explanation given by Denners, improving power wasn't as simple as gaining levels, crossing thresholds, or more. I mentally sighed at the task that would be gaining power. I took in the village once more. It was tiny and modest. Houses were made of condensed fir, which the Denners called Sunstone. The ground was more malleable here than across the realm they'd trekked, like sand and mud.

'Wierd'.

Thorin stood at the centre of the village, leaning on a large circular table crafted from Sunstones. I stopped opposite the larger Titan with a grunt to announce my presence and stared down at the table. I noticed Thorin looking up to me and then back as I took in the realm map.

There were five cities in a Pentagram around a large central region. The Denners were yet to teach us anything about the area. From Thorin's curiosity and Hellion's excitement before we were excited for this.

"What's the plan now?". I looked up to see Mera standing to my right leaning against the table and gain from it to be two of us.

"We'd need Madi Elmara to tell us about the realm first". He didn't take his eyes off the table. "We'll need to know where exactly we are before we can make any plans".

"Not just that. We need to learn the terrain and plan how we move from here". Hellion had arrived as well his left palm resting on the pommel of his sword. "We're still unsure of how to gain jlour domains. Do we gain them fights?. If so do we take monster infested routes if there are any? Do we gain them from acting on specific ways that we are unaware of?. If so we'll have to plot the longest course we need to buy time to gain the domains before we hit the Eye. Either way, we need information".

"Can't we just ask them if they know anything about domains?". Mera looked from one to the other. Thorin shook his head.

" I refuse to believe it'll be that simple".

" Maybe it's not. Maybe it is". I offered. Hellion nodded.

" We won't know without trying. Mera's right. I think we should ask. What's the worst that could come?".

"We should get Madi Elmara then. The sooner we know things, the sooner we plan asm get this over with ". Thorin backed up from the table rising to his full height. " Where's Stryder?". Mera looked up speaking.

"Already asked her to ask for Madi Elmara ".

"I guess we wait then".

It didn't take long for Stryder to return and a few moments later Madi Elmara with three others. To her left stood the one that had led the group Joharn. To her right was Eldor her grandson.

" I believe you have more time to stay*. Elmara lookes them over. Her line of sight made me realize we still had on our attires. I wondered if just like me none had gotten out of their attires through the day. 'Not like it's heavy'.

"We don't know how long we have or if we even are on a timer. All we know is our destination and what we need". Thorin nodded to us.

"First Madi, can you tell us everything about the realm".

"Actually, before that". I spoke up. "How do you have a map of the entire realm. Did someone travel all over to see the terrain or something?".

Elmara's had a confused expression at first before it cleared into one of understanding. "Ah. The Table". She grunted taking more steps closer till she was right next to Mera. " I don't know. No one knows. It has been here for as long as we and our elders could remember".

'Part of the city then'.

"So no one knows who made it?".

"Could have been dumped here since the beginning". Mera shrugged at Stryder.

"Very well Madi. Can you tell us about the realm them?". Hellion pointed out. Elmara smiled at him and looked down at the map. Pointing at the center she began explaining.

"The center of the realm. When the Pillars still brought and took us to ansnfro it was there. A towering monolith". She had a nostalgic smile on her face. "But now it's an abandoned area. No one moves an inch in there without being hounded by monsters and guardians".

"Guardians?". I leaned forward.

"It is what the rumors say". She looked at us with a wry smile then turned back to the table. "Past the Monolith area we have five cities set around the Monolith. Each city houses a single race or a mixture of races". Her fingers tapped across the western side of the table and trailed a hand across a stream that went from the center of the map and ourbtillmot branched off South. "This is the Marzis. If you follow it, you'll find the First City"

"Marzis is the border between the Lighted Ones territory and the Argnit". Joharn spoke with a serious look."Both sides have been on enmity since the old days. While there is no full blown war, skirmishes are not strange. Avoid soldiers on your path". He made a face then shook his head. "Not like it would matter".

"Territory?". Hellion looked interested. "There are those that rule the land?". Elmara nodded.

"Indeed ,the territories were divided amongst the five lords. Everything the flames and light touches is ruled by them". Joharn had a huge frown. "Except the North Grounds and the Southern Lands". I was already looking at the map to for the lands but I couldn't see it.

"What are those?".

"The North is the Monolith's sphere. And the south is not even on this map. It's said to be the land of death and destruction. Those who have gone that far and returned speak of the endlessly shaking terrain and trembling ground. They say the essence there is thicker than any other place and the monsters are one part docile and one part maddened. A strange land if you ask me".

"And no one lives there?". Mera asked.

"To live there is to ask for death". Eldor scoffed. We exchanged glances. The question hung in the air. Did we ask or not. Mera sighed and just turned to Elmara.

"Madi. Do you know anything about Domains?". The Old Denner's expression twisted. Shook, surprise or anger. I wasn't sure. It was clear though that she knew something.

" You know". I muttered loud enough for everyone to hear. Thorin raised his head as the Old Lady kept her silence.

"Madi Elmara". His voice was deep, his flaming gaze locking on the Denners. He sighed then spoke. "We've been doubting, unsure of our place, and purpose here". I wasn't the only one looking at him now. "We've walked the realms and killed the monsters before us in our search for truth". He stepped away from the table and around so he was standing right before Elmara.

"You've told us a lot that has given us knowledge and ideas of what we are and are meant to do". He looked at us slowly then with a sigh looked down to her. "We wish to trust you with what we are here for".

Elmara's eyes were narrowed, going from mine of us to he other and back to Thorin.."I'm sure we know what you lot are. I already said it".

"Yes. But do you know what we are here for?". She frowned again. We could see ideas springing into her mind and then being discarded. "I guess you wish to tell me". Thorin nodded.

"Several Aeuses ago, our father vanished. According to what you've told us and what we've learned from the mortals, this includes all the Primordials. They've not been seen for Aeuses now. But from what you say, father is not one to not care for his people". Elmara was nodding slowly listening to me.

"If he was unable to return or unsure of when wouldn't he make sure to take care of his people". Elmara was still nodding.

"Yes he would". Thorin smiled. I could see he was glad his simple explaination was going well.

"Look at us mam. What do you see?". Elmara looked confused.

"Children of the Primordial?". She was confused.

"Madi. We are here to take care of you all". I sighed but shrugged mentally. 'In a way I guess it's better than saying 'we are here to rule'. Elmara still looked a bit confused. Thorin kept on speaking.

"Our father did want us to care for you. But he would want those who can do it. Not greedy, capable and with other qualities. How would you think he wishes to test us and prepare us to care for the realm?". I saw the realization dawn in he eyes like the rising sun.

"Ahhh". Her mouth remained open for a moment before she shut it. She looked to Mera, then Stryder, me and finally Hellion. Finally she returned her gaze to Thorin.

"I guess it makes sense now. If it were you five it could be possible". She shook her head. "Soany lives lost and in the end it was designed for you five".

"Don't be so sure mother. They could be fakes". Eldor spoke up with a sneer. It makes him look horrific.
"Silence child. Fake or not matters not. Only they will answer that question for themselves". She smiled sadly at Thorin then turned to the table.

"Five trails, five blockades". He fingers pointed around the map. At each point she was across a city and far from the last point. "Many have tried, many have failed. May your father be with you". Elmara turned to go and Mera reached for her.

"Wait. Can't you tell us about them?". Elmara looked her in the eyes and shook her head.

"Knowledge ot not won't matter against it". Her sad smile turned to each of us. "I hope to see you all again". She turned and this time none of us stopped her. Eldor and Joharn led her back to her home.

"Well. If that isn't a warning I don't know what else it would be". Hellion sighed.

"We're not even sure it's the way to get the domains". Stryder pointe out.

"True".

"Still, there five if them, and five of us". Mera shrugged.

"There's also five cities and five territories. It could mean anything". Hellion sighed.

"Checking it out changes nothing". Thorin argued

"Except maybe our lives". Stryder argued back. I shook my head.

"I say we check it out and see". Mera looked at me. Thorin was in support.

"If we're doing this. Then we do it right". Hellion laned close and eyed the table. Stryder sighed and leaned forward.

"Atleast I can run us away if the danger is excessive". Thorin nodded at Stryder while Hellion leaned closer and tapped a finger on the Marzis River.

"Then I say we start up close". I eyed the line that represented the yellow and red liquid trailing from.tj4 cities and our into the realm. Halfway between our position and the city was a mountain blockade. "Between five of us I think we can do this. And like Stryder says, we can escape if necessary".


****


Ring - 9th
Realm - MURHIL


Athena thought it a travesty that such bothersome eagles would have fledgeling essence orbs. She found it a waste, unfortunately it was the best she could utilize at the moment. "Hopefully you'll be a bit different". Murmuring while keeping an eye on the Sykerian sized serpents that made their way closer to her and her group.

The shield was tightly gripped in her left arm and the long spear in her right was pointed forward. 'The beautiful thing about Elder Force physiology is that I don't need to be a pro in fighting'.

"My Lady". Ernwes pulled her out of her thoughts. A sharok glance back and she found the guard group already forming two rows of fours with Ernwes in their midst. Athena ignored his pleading and apologetic expression returning her gaze to the serpents. The audible sigh behind her was ignored as the creatures lunged.

Reality Flux activated the moment the first serpent was in her space. There was a crack and then flash. She jumped in shock and the hiss of the serpent filled the tunnel. The serpent was curled and hissing, the side of his rusted yellow scales now black and charred. 'There'.

Mind Leap took her to the spot, spear trusting. The blade struck and the sound of scraping and tearing filled the air. Side Hop took her back to her former position.


**Holy Scale Serpent - Slain**
**Essence Orb gained**


The next serpent was already darting around the fallen kin for her. There was no aid fron Reality Flux this time. Fortunately she'd fought countless times in the realm plains that she didn't hesitate. Side Hop took her to its right, her spear simultaneously shrinking down into a machete.


**Holy Scale Serpent - Slain**
**Essence Orb gained**


It's head hit the ground. A hiss from her left accompanied by the rush of water. The spot the third serpent stood on had become a hole of water and it shrieked as it lost movement in surprise. She was there thrusting down with her machete as it rolled longer and formed a spear. The splash sn then lack of notification and pressure told her she missed.

Mind Leap took her away. The serpent reared its head sharply hissing. Side Hop brought her back and the serpent's neck sprouted a spear. The next one dodged her thrust and then tried wrapping around the spear. It turned in a machete and then hit the ground with a spark and screech severing its rider.

Two more had slipped past her Teleports and the Sykerians hurled their force formed spikes at them. One fell ams.the other lunged faster. Just as it was about to sink it's fangs into one of them it froze. Ernwes held a focused gaze before another spike drilled into its left eye. All nine sighed and exhaled in relief before looking back to see Athena slashing at another and then vanishing o avoid a spray of greenish yellow gas from another.

One serpent froze up its eyes widening, it ahead fell off as the machete freed it. She dashed for another repeating her grasp for minds on it. It frose up as she burrowed in and then lost its head. Appearing the other side she split the last in half.

Standing in place and watching the last rush to the Sykerians only to fall to their spikes as their telekinesis heldnit in place she turned back to her surroundings. The corpses lay leaking golden blood. 'Just like mine. Donall Elders had golden blood or just a specific few'.

"Are the carcass of this things worth anything?". Ernwes stepped closer stopping next to hr before nodding.

"Yes. Their scales serve as inner mail and their poison can be useful too". He looked at the ones she split in two. "Even their meat is useful".

"Alright. Gather it up. It's in your hand for now once outside we'll share the loot".

"Share". Ernwes stared at her with his eye wide.

"Yeah. Share. Why?". He shook his head saying nothing.

"Well. Hurry it up so we can push forward". She looked ahead. 'I don't think we've found the harder move yet'.

Looting didn't take time and soon they were moving forward. The next group of serpent were made up of eleven. These ones had larger serpents with them and faster as well. Reality Fluz froze one in eice and another seemed to boil from just getting closer. Both died quickly.

Two more groups of serpents fell. Athena watched her skin erase the last of the poison burn she'd gotten from one of the serpents.

"My Lady". Ernwes stood next to her now his finger pointing. The tunnel had ended and they were being spat out into a large cavern. "From.here we will have to.run my lady".

"Run ?. Why?".

" The White Wisps. They can be fought as they're too little but they can harm us. Their touch drains us of Psionic energy greatly empowering them".

" And if we lose a lot of this energy...".

"...we die". He finished. She frowned then nodded.

"Will.there be more of the serpents ahead?".

"Yes my lady. They will attempt to delay us to let the Wisps catch up". Athena sighed and he white eyes searched the room. There was no sign of anything yet.

"Order your Sykeri to run and not stop to fight. I'll bring up the rear. You lead the way. You sigh another group of those serpents you yell and I'll switch with you. Dotm stop running. I'll try to handle them as fast as I can, if I'm too slow then have your Sykeri engage and get them dead".

Ernwes didn't waste any time once his Sykeri were informed. Dashing out he barrelled through the room. His rush brought two things to light. First, the wisps hadn't been hidden. Theh were actually the light source of this room. They tunnel had no light source but was somehow bright. Here was dark and the wisps were it's light.

Second was the wisps were quite tiny. Hitting them was hard and would need a precision she didn't have. She frowned as the last of the Sykeri dashed after their captain. I followed. Epiphany rocked me. I guess subconsciously him had been asking the question on how to defeat these things.

As expected she didn't get anything useful or atleast in control. Athena regained her sight to find herself still a foot from crossing the tunnel. The wisps hadnt come for her yet. 'Dungeon rules '.

Her hearing caught the yellls of Sykerians ahead. The deep bellow of Ernwes calling for her. 'Guards'. A snort and then she vanished in a mirage of herself.

Appearing further down the room gave her sight of the Sykerians trying to push through a group of serpents and also hold back wisps. They were swinging and using telekinesis to hold off the wisp. The wisps either ducked away from getting hit or just kept moving forward. There were no wisps where she stood since they were all after the groul. A large number of them.

She appeared behind the wisps and grabbed one. Epiphany had been strange too her but she did pick up something from it. In her palm the wisp felt like an insect when she sealed her fingers closed around it , the light it emitted vanishing.

"Take". She willed her essence to flood the wisp and fill it with excess power. There was a warbled cry from the thing, muffled by her palm as she felt a drain. Heat burned in her palm and the thing shook and thrashed. White light, the kind that was blinding seeped from the gaps of her fingers. There was vibrations, pressure and force trying to rip her grip open..

Suddenly the essence drain she was feeling cut off. The pressure in thr palm vanished. The light did as well. Athena opened her palm and stared at the tiny star there.

BOOM!!!

Energy rocked her, her feet left the ground and her ears rang. Pain turned to pressure and then there was tingles. Her back hit ground and then the smell of burned flesh wafted into her nostrils. The notification prompts of kills flooded her vision. She sighed, she shook herself, her palms hit the ground to push her body up.

She stood straight, but the world was curved. She blinked. Light blurred. She blinked again. Sound came like a roar of voices and she locked on the first thing she was seeing. Bodies strewn everywhere. Sykerians battling serpents. She shivered.

More Wips floated closer to her.

The Sykerians were pushed back into the wisps. The four in the back row were down. "The explode when they're filled with energy. Makes sense". The first wisp to get close enough was grabbed. Essence flooded it. The light spilled from her fingers. Grabbing for the next Wips she did the same. The pressure in her right hand intensified and then was gone.

Forming a sphere from here object creation she caged the wisp within. "Get.Down". She lobbed the wisp over their heads and into the group of serpents. Even as she watched the Sykerians act confused and then thrown themselves to the ground.

BOOM!!!

Notifications flooded her vision and mind. Shrugging them away Athena dashed for the other Wisps. Grabbing them, flooding them with essence and then using spheres to cage and throw them away. Explosions rocked the cavern, her essence dropped fast and quick. The Sykerians grabbed their fallen brethren dragging them forward. Ernwes led and she brought up their rear. Grabbing wisps and throwing at others.

The Sykerians had to pause many times when the faced another group of serpents. Between the explosions and the need to hurry looting the serpents was a second thought.

The cavern ended with a large set of double bronze doors. The Sykerians dropped their brethren on the ground and turned to face the wisps still flooding towards them. The scene was fiery and earth shaking. The watched the Elder Force go from one Wisp to the other grabbing and throwing them back farther. Explosions of light, heat and essense rocked the cavern.

Athena had an idea watching the Wisps blow up from toouch Energy. 'What if I used more than two simultaneously?". She could see the applications of these creatures both for their light properties and essence absorption.

There was no time to think about it. Forming several spheres around some Wisps she set them aside with a side Hop. 'Now. I wonder how large this explosion will be '. Mind Leaping into the midst of the wisps she grabbed two of them and bringing them together trapped them in a single sphere before Side Hopping back to the Sykerians.

'Low'. Her essence was low. She could feel it. Holding the sphere in one hand she pulled an essence orb from her hand. Drawing the essence in it she was ready to drop and go for another. Fledgeling orbs were just that weak.

Arhena staggered in shock as she noticed the essence hadn't tapered of. It was still coming strong. Athena hadn't used had ascension Essence Orb reward but she suspected this was how it would feel. Plentiful.

'Is it not fledgeling?'. Killing her curiosity for the moment Athena focused on flooding essence into the sphere. The essence poured in like water inro a jug, and just like a hmjug it soon overflowed. The light spilled and then dimmed. 'Now'. She stretched her right hand holding the sphere behind her and then threw it into the mob of wisps dashing for them.

"Down. Down". Shouting at the Sykerians she took a more active step and formed a shield in front of her. 'Thr one that took on that lightning broke'. Her mind reeled through the designs and thought of her large shield. Light flashed ahead and Athena could only think of two properties 'Thick and dense'.

Heat, force, pressure and light slammed into the shield. Ripples flowed through and over it. Notifications slammed into her mind. Her heels dug into the ground and carved furrows into it. Her teeth grit as the force slamming into her shield pushed her back in an attempt to put her down. Her arms shook and her her scales ripped and muscles tensed and unlocked.

Her eyes brightened with an intense white glare as the shield creaked and bent. Essence flooded it and the cracks it formed mended, the bend straightened. Athena heaved and the shield pushed back.

The force suddenly abated. Behind her she found several eyes staring. The unconscious Sykerians were yet to wake but the standing ones stood with their singular eyeballs that had with awe and fear in tandem.


****


Ring - 2nd
Realm - TORHEIM


Rhal stared down the large herbivore. It stared himmdwon as well. Neither entity gave way and yielding was.on neither's mind. Rhal didn't understand why hebhad to subdue the animal to ride it but he wasn't too surprised. It was like taming the wild horses of the plains back in the days in reality. His golden eyes firmedz oozing determination. His feet carried him forward.

"Unless you can one shot me I don't see any need to injure ourselves". He whispered. His voice carried across nonexistent winds to the animal. Lids blinked over its pupiless eyes. A snort came frommirs nostrils and Rhak frowned. "Well i didn't expect you to make it that easy for me". Raising both hands he stopped his approach. His ears ignored the gasps and shock from the Celestians that has guided him to this patch.

"May I sit?" He asked gesturing to the space next to the animal. It made no move to show it could understand. Rhal didn't mind. He was not an animal fanatic but he'd be pleased to talk about the here and now. Speaking with an animal. "My friends over there want me to tame you and ride you around like a beast burden".

He got closer and then without a care he sat his butt into the grass his side to the animal and facing towards the forest. The creature took a step backz its hooves leaving deep double imprints in the soil. "I didn't expect to find a creature like you here. Well I did just wasn't expecting it to be so close". He smiled pearly teeth glinting and reflecting light. His eyes trailed from the creatures white and large body to the double curved horns with sharp points on its skull.

"You're glorious". He turned forward. "Will you help me this one time. A ride to a city and back. No strings attached". If the beast was understanding him it didn't show it. Once it had certified he was no threat or predator to it the thing turned back to grazing lazily. Rhal sighed. He'd hoped the creature had been a smarter one and not the normal dumb horses of reality.

The beast raised its head and shook the large black mane hanging down it's neck and around its horns. Then it stepped forward and slowly but careful butted it's face into his shoulder. 'Maybe you being nice is enough '. Slowly he sent essence through his palms ams into the creatures horns.

The Celestians tamed the Wild Horses this way. Letting thir essence flow into the Wild Horses horns was a way of branding them. Or giving them your scent. It didn't matter though.

The Wild Horse walked around and stood in front of Rhal with a snort. 'Well I have a ride'.

Getting the Wild Horse and him ready for the trip was both simple and hard. The Celestians had an aim. One that they needed Rhal for. Girded in his yellow armor with lion motifs he stepped out the castle and into the waiting presence of the City Lord.

"Is this necessary?". Rhal couldn't help but ask. He felt it more imperative to just ride into the center of the realm and hope he got his domain in there.

"It is. Countless Aeuses have gone by and we are unsure of what lies beyond the mists. Banding together is the best way to handle this matter".

"Strength in numbers". Rhal mumbled. The Lord nodded, his featureless face showing no emotion.

"Come Elder. Your Wild Horse has been prepped". Rhal followed the entourage of five Celestians or armored up. The Lord himself wore a black armor piece. The others had matching armors. Soldiers. Only one amongst the entourage wore garments.

The Wild Horse had been set with a saddle. Reins that looped around its large horns and armor piece around its front. He approached stroking the Wild Horse's body. "You look regal". The beast snorted and a huff escaped its mouth. Rhal grabbed the saddle and heaved himself unto the Wild Horse's back. Turning he watched the Lord mount his own horse then look to him.

The beast grunted and huffed as he patted its side. Around him, Celestians kicked and slapped at the sides of their beasts and moved. Leaning forward Rhal whispered into its ears. "Go my Friend.". Tapping its side with his palm gently he set into an trot alongside the Lord and his entourage. Behind them a small unit of soldiers not les than twenty followed.

The gates opened as the approached and Rhal saw the outside. It'd been night when he Ascended. But now it was day, the Star above roared and burned casting its warm rays to the earth. Tall trees with golden leafs and grey barks stood in the distance. It was hard to ignore with the rays of the sun reflecting of the divine flora. Purples, reds, magentas and various colors littered the bushes as they trotted out and into the path.

"Fast pace". The Lord commanded and kicked his horse into faster movement. Rhal tore his eyes from the beauty and leaned forward again.

"Forward my Friend. Run with them". The Wild Horse expelled hot air with a snort and grunted. He jerked and bounced faster and harder as it pushed into a run and then a full.blown gallop matching it's speed to that of the Lords Wild Horse.

He took to admiring the scenery as they rose past various places. Animals and beasts fled from their paths. Their Wild Horses hooves thundering like a hundred gavels against the ground. Soon he switches to thinking more on his skills and they various things the Celestians had taught him. Just like everyone else he wondered how hard it was to get a domain.

'Seeing as we're still on day one I believe it shouldn't be that hard '.

"Last Push". The Lord yelled and he looked forward. They were riding over a mountain now. The beasta pushed faster. From the distance and time they'd run he had to admit his shock they animals were still pushing. The crested the hill and rode down the other side like a wave. Rhal held on tight to his reins, words tumbled from his lips in praise of his horse yet his eyes were locked on the sight before him. Awe, and wonder gripped his gaze and heart.