Book 2/23 - Power II

For a second I thought of heading to Aswingnir to test out some of my new Insights, but insights like Maternal Blight were too scary to be used there. Maybe below the city but not in the city itself. Atleast until I first tested and practiced its use. Which left Mistrelon and the dungeons. The gate before me was an option rather than the other dungeons my kids had.

Prodding the enter option a flash leaked from the gate accompanied by a rumble that rolled through the the sphere of aether over rne. It never opened more than an inch. Almost like it was scared of letting something out. A dim red haze escaped the little gap revealing an endless darkness. I floated forward taking in the get with awe as I slipped in through the gap. My right hand went first, my outstretched finger pointing into the black ink of endless darkness. It was cold. Just like I remembered.
Everything vanished the moment I plunged into the ink. I remembered the first time it had happened, the panic that had set in, the thoughts I had of the game crashing or something even worse back then.

Now, I just patiently waited.

The sound of a waterfall reached my ears as I plummeted down into the chasm. I could fly or float if I wished with Argonne wings but I didn't. With the dull glow from coming from below it looked like down was the way to go. My skin shifted and rippled. Bones stretching and snapping into places as I shrunk and grew. Wings burst out my back just as the ground came into sight. The golden muscular feathers, golden skin, and blue eyes illuminated the dark world as I descended onto the ground. Black waterfalls fell from above splashing into a large stream that churned with white waves briefly and merging into back still water.

Flapping my wings to catch myself I landed with a crouch before drawing the wings back into my body.


[You have entered System Dungeon - Nether Gates]

[Section 1]


'Here we go'.

I sighed at the sight of my template. My unallocated stat points were arriving at one hundred but I was still unwilling to use them. I was plenty strong already. Best to use it when something dangerous comes up.

My true interest lies in my insights. Hopefully battle would give me the inspiration to unlock or push further both in my insights and skills

'You can even test out the skills the players have' Akasha muttered in my. head. I frowned in doubt. Remembering what skill to use and not use was a tough job. The fact I'd spent time sleeping or watching had not helped. I shook my head willing out my armor. The light as Villains Prize weaved over my body barely illuminated the area. It faded to reveal the improved armor. Chain links stretched down to my wrist where a likewise silver gauntlet adorned my wrist. Getting slashed along my bare arms didn't sound nice.

My thigh and legs were also covered with armor paddings. My boots were sturdy and high to my kneecaps. Looking to the center of my armor right between my chest I eyed the Elf King's shard. The Unborn had used it well.



[Shard Hold - Energy shield - 5
Creates a shield of energy that negates any fatal attack detected]



Then came the weapon. A new long sword of awe-inspiring beauty. Its blade, forged from the rare alloy Nihildium, gleamed with an otherworldly silver-black hue, reflecting light in mesmerizing patterns. The edge is impossibly sharp, capable of slicing through the toughest materials with ease. Along the blade's length, intricate runes and Torain symbols were etched, glowing faintly with a deep grey luminescence. The hilt of the sword was wrapped in dark, supple leather, providing a firm yet comfortable grip. The guard was adorned with intricate filigree that mimicked the swirling void, hinting at the blade's dark origins. The pommel was set with a large, flawless amethyst, pulsating with the sword's latent energy. A gift from the children.



**[Weapon]** - **[Nihildium Sword - Voidbringer]**
**[Legendary]** - **[BASIC]**
Forged by the Delwarfs and Unborn of Creator 79, this Nihildium blade is a mediocre work of Eldritch craftsmanship. It possesses exceptional strength and unparalleled resistance to both void and divine energies.
**[Effects]** - **[+70 Slashing Damage]** - **[+120 Stabbing Damage]** - **[Void Corruption - 15 hp/sec]** - **[Akashic Conductor]** - **[High Divinity Conductor]**



It had no scabbard since I didn't carry it about on my. hip. The sword was beautiful, and sentimental enough to help me forget the Sword of Murre.

The last piece of new gear was one from Haero and Ozai. It had been a task for me to make them communicate with each other. While the forging itself had been difficult for the two with Haero watching them both the result was anything but.



**[Weapon]** - **[Astralium Dagger - Starshade]**
**[Legendary]** - **[BASIC]**
Forged by celestial artisans, this Astralium dagger is a masterpiece of cosmic craftsmanship, with unparalleled resistance to both divine and abyssal energies and exceptional mana conductivity.

**[Effects]** - **[+15 Slashing Damage]** - **[+50 Stabbing Damage]** - **[Void Burn - Stops healing/1min]** - **[Mana Conductor]** - **[High Divinity Conductor]** - **[High Chaos Conductor]** - **[Moderate Heat Resistance]**



The dagger was a sleek and elegant weapon, its blade forged from the rare and powerful alloy Astralium. "Leave those Delwarfs long enough and they're already testing and experimenting". The blade had a shimmering, silver-purple hue, with Torain runes on it too. The edge was razor-sharp, and I wondered yet again which of the two weapons would cut the other.

The hilt was wrapped in dark, star-patterned leather, providing a comfortable and secure grip. The guard was crafted to resemble wings of light, symbolizing its celestial origins. I scoffed remembering Freyr's glare when I'd commented on it. The pommel was adorned with a small, glowing starstone that pulsed gently with cosmic energy.

"Those children". With all the jewels on both weapons, I felt spoilt. Smiling I looked up and sent the dagger back to inventory. Walking forward I left the waterfall behind, the sounds of splashing and roaring waves disappearing as I walked farther into the dungeon.

I watched the environment twist and blur the farther I went. My eyes narrowed at this. The ground seemed to disappear for just a second and with my second step I halted just as my feet touched the ground again.


[Floor 1]


"This..." I froze in surprise. Then looked back confused, stepping back I tried to retrace my steps only to hit an invincible barrier.


[Creator Player may only leave after completing a checkpoint or defeating Floor boss]


'So no going back eh' I took a good look around. I had to admit that I was curious as to what the floor boss for a dungeon meant for Creators would be. There was either a timer to stand without attacking that ended or the system just got impatient with me and sent the very first of my hosts to come greeting.

A soul-panicking cry pierced the air. One is not as scary as the cry of the Destroyer but still bone-chilling nonetheless. I looked ahead to finally note just how dark this lair was. Not dark enough to leave me blind. Unless my godly sight was working to gaze into the dark.

"Fortunately it's not the darkness of nothingness". I muttered.

Another screech came yet again from within. This time louder and different.

"Two".

Another screech echoed as if to prove me wrong and then another and another out. I took another step back bumping against the invisible barrier.
I frowned but stood my ground. Best to have it watching my back and keep the entities in front. I wasn't delusional enough to think this fight or the dungeon would be easy. Mistrelon had taught me that. Whatever the game threw at me would be something that my Creator self didn't matter to.

I narrowed my eyes as I spotted something scurrying about in the darkness. While I wasn't blind, whatever it was kept clear of my sight. It was like a shadow in a black-and-white world. But dimmer and inconspicuous.

'I need light'. My eyes darted about as more steps sounded out. "This feels eerily like Pre-Vaustaris and my dear unknowns. Running out of script ". I taunted the system.

I looked within myself as I searched tugging at the insight I needed. My left hand was outstretched palm up, and a little spark crackled from the center of my hand, a spark that ignited into a flame as it roared to life.

"Don't fail me here" I muttered to myself while willing the flame to burn oxygen. 'Hopefully, that works'.I watched the flame as I compressed it into a ball while still feeding it with more energy from within. Once it was the size of a basketball I sent it hurtling into the darkness. The fire lit up the surroundings as it passed over the countless moving shapes. Shapes that all froze as they watched the unwanted light of the flame fly above and then crash into a pond behind them.

The flame flared once and blinked out. But it didn't matter I had seen enough, my legs stiff as I kept replaying what I saw. A myriad of red glares affixed unto me and I gulped.

"Infernal imps, goblins, undead, direwolves. Lots of supernatural creatures to put. But no.." I grumbled as I entered a stance.

"..the lovely system had to make it all different."

"Exciting. But Scary". The first of the red glares moved and I finally realized that each glare was four attached to a single entity. "Crap. It just had to take my taunting seriously eh".I hissed. ', Lesson to be had from this. Don't go taunting the will of the multiverse. Not a bright idea.

" Gods be with me." I mumbled as the thing stepped into the light created by my body's glow. "Oh wait. I'm the gods here." I frowned eyes locked on it. "Well, I'll be damned".



[Netherling] - [deviling]
Lesser devils, Netherlings are beings born forth from the nether realms in one of the many universes lost to Primordial Chaos.
[Lv 5 (varied levels)] - [IMPIETY]



"Deviling?".

It lunged with a scream, its brethren on its tail. Each eager to have a pound of flesh. My flesh. "How flattering?".


****


Universe Ticks - 8.6
Total Flow - 154.8

Millennium -2nd
Realions - 9th
Aeus - 76th
Month -7th
Day - 25h

The Star River
The Atlan


Ithraes woke with a death grip on his Trident. His back stung from the feel of rocks prodding his back. Moaning from the sensation of pressure on his mind and skin he pushed himself up. The clang reverberated through his bones and skin as the butt of the Trident struck stone. Pushing off the ground with its help he stood straight.

The sky above was filled with dark clouds that flashed with lightning. The ground was soggy and damp from rain. His dull yellow eyes moved over the terrain.



**You have retrieved your Staff of Office**
**Staff of Office has been split Five ways**
**Authority Split Five Ways**

**Staff of Office - The Primordial Trident**


**The Primordial Trident (Fragment- 1/5)**
The Primordial Trident is a weapon of unparalleled craftsmanship, forged from the fabled Primordial Ice, much like the Glacius. This trident grants its wielder authority over the Western Seas and serves as the symbol and power regulator for this region. (The Trident is one of the five fragments of the complete Trident. To gain authority over other areas, kill and absorb another Fragment into yours)

**Item Perks
**Frost Nova**: When the trident strikes a target, it has a chance to release a burst of icy energy, dealing area-of-effect damage and potentially freezing nearby enemies.
**Cold Embrace**: Holding the Primordial Trident increases the wielder's resistance to cold and ice-based attacks, as well as providing a slight healing effect when in cold environments.


#### Deity of the Western Seas:
**Ice Vortex: Creates a swirling vortex of icy winds that traps and damages enemies, gradually drawing them to the center.

**Western Aegis: Summons an ice dome that absorbs and deflects projectiles, providing a temporary haven for allies.

**Authority of the Western Rivers: This Trident fragment creates a connection with the western seas allowing omniscience, authority, and power over all that thrives within its waters.

**Atlan Resonance: Enhances control over the Atlan waters, increasing the power of water-based abilities and their fusion with ice, making them more formidable in battle.

####LOCKED

#### Unique Properties
**Glacial Resonance**: The trident continuously emits glacial energy that not only strengthens water-based abilities but also harmonizes with the ebb and flow of water around it, boosting the wielder's control over aquatic elements and enhancing their elemental attacks. (The Power of the Glacius in the palm of your hand)

**Akashic Wand**: The Trident holds and stores Akash within it. These are capable of being used in tight situations. Akash can only be slotted if water-based.

**Lord's Bond**:The Trident can never be lost or taken as long as its owner stands. It can be called and thrown across vast distances to and away from its owner. Nothing can stop the Trident from answering its Lord's call.



Ithraes thought it over hard. The words the Trident showed him made it clear what had happened. The authority must have called to them. In their greed, they had gone for their throats. 'Like animals'. He halted at the Trident. 'Even now it still tries to tempt us to slaughter each other'. Still, he had to admit that the features and abilities it had were powerful.

The notifications for the deaths of Elder Demons poured in eliciting a frown. 'Does this game want to wipe us all out or what?'. Unlike many others, he had no reason to want to play this game as such. He was just an avid gamer and Ithraes knew he'd not have kept himself from playing even if he tried.

"The Domain quest is still not complete". He noted with a mental sigh. "You'd think getting struck by lightning would be enough of a criteria". Grumbling he looked from his notifications to his environment. He stood on the same ground, the same walls around and the same hole above. But there was no water.

"Oh. Wow". The sea was flowing upwards in the air. Rolling along the ceiling of the cavern and out of the hole they had dropped into. A cough from his side got his attention. 'Corvus'. He was next to the Deity soon helping him up to his feet before stepping back.

The male gave him a look and then his eyes spaced out. Seeing the Deity was busy he turned and began looking around. There was the other guy too, Henrik already rubbing his head as he pushed to his feet. Then the girls his memory didn't give him their names.

Both sat eyeing their Tridents and spacing in and out. Definitely looking over their notifications. He made sure to give more space to the group just in case there was still bad blood left then turned back to the remaining notifications waiting for him.

Most were notifications of gaining, creating, and using skills. The one that caught his eye was the reward notification. Essence Orbs. 'I've not seen a sign of any currency in this game'. He looked away from his notifications and to the others then back. '. Thinking of it z what would we buy and from who". The journey through Atlan had shown nothing but a few monsters and wildlife. Nothing sentient.

Checking his inventory he found the rewards there. "No clothes". From the start of the game and up till now he'd found himself decked only in shorts with his upper body bare of clothing. His blue skin still looked weird to him but it paled to his athletic form swimmer body. He wasn't the sort to go out shirtless, no matter how good his body looked. He noted it was the same for the males, grey scaled legs and bodies with thigh-length shorts. The girls had some top-like material.

'Figures'. He felt cheated. Wrinkling his eyes at how pervish he sounded he looked away and back to his modifications. There was nothing else to see so he pulled up his records to check the skills out.

The sound of tapping feet drew his eyes up. Henrik strode for the center of the room where the dias once stood and looking now had been right beneath the hole. "What...". Anything he wanted to say was ignored as the Deity jumped. It was like watching a superhuman move. No, more than that. He left the ground with force and hit the wall, splashing into the flowing water going up.

They watched it take him with it.

"Nice". The girls hurried up to their feet and made jumps for the water. Turning to Corvus he saw him look away from his notifications and rush for the water. Frowning at their actions he just watched them all get dragged upwards. None had been bothered by the other. Just a good moment ago they'd been fighting and now suddenly they ignored or weren't interested in it.

"Or am I the only one overthinking it?". He blinked down at the ground and then back up to the hole. Shrugging the Deity looked at the Trident in his grip. How the others had held on to theirs he didn't know. 'I'll only find out when I try'. With the thought he ran for the center, and stamping his foot he leaped. His jump was powerful just like the others.

The sound of water and the pressure he knew all too well that came under the water was vacant. He looked around watching as the water held him in place. 'I thought...'. he twirled with a frown and panic.

"What the..." He shut up. He could speak and breathe underwater. Looking at his shorts and the Trident in his hand he sighed. Ithraes didn't think himself a genius but he like everyone else didn't see himself as stupid either. Sighing he swam up.

His legs kicked his arms moving to stroke when the water blurred around him. The splash and then blast of wind on his face sent a shiver through him. His feet hit the ground and he gulped in air, more due to shock than any lack of the element. Looking around he found he was on the Dais. The same dais they'd fought on for the Trident.

Swelling around what resembled a most was the water from below. Attached to the ground, something that wasn't there before were five thrones with their backs to a beam that replaced the Trident's spot.


**Welcome to THE OASIS**


****


Ring - 9th
Realm - MURHIL

ATHENA'S POV


The winds howled through the rock pillars that stood at the center of no way. My ride, the Panthers lay to the side in a group with the other Sykerians panthers. The one-eyed Humanoids stood behind me, each geared up for battle. Their armor and dressing were quite similar to how they'd dressed me.

A change of robes that were quite frankly small, boots that had to be made to fit, armor, gauntlets, greaves, and a mail skirt. I was prepped for the fight that was coming that much was clear.

"How do we get in?". I faced Ernwes, the captain of the squad. Gordorik had refused to let me off without a guard escort. 'Lord Huritn will have my head if I didn't keep you safe'. I had a feeling my safety was hinged on the fact that I could and go through the mists to possibly unlock the pillars of the realm. Not that I minded.

"We pass through the pillars My Lady". Ernwes supplied his singular eye blinking at me.

"Just like that?".

"Just like that". Unsurprised and yet possibly disappointed I stepped forward. The sound of boots behind me didn't surprise me. Ernwes observed me again and even with a single eye I could still see his caution.

"I know you've been cleared on what to expect mam but I need to say this again to be sure. Once we're through those pillars we need to run for the cavern entrance. Ignore the birds and only strike when they're right on you". I could see the struggle with himself to not punctuate the words as a command.

'Best not to make it too hard for him. He's only doing his job'. Nodding in agreement he inhaled sharply through his mouth and turned to his men. "Sykeri(Men) you've run this gauntlet before. Now we are here to protect the lady's back. Eye open and mind firm. We move".

There were only seven of them added with Ernwes which brought their numbers to eight. Any more and I'd have refused. I didn't need guards. I'd walked the realm by myself without guardians and I didn't want to need it out. Meeting Marco and killing him already opened my eyes to just how messed up and dangerous the realms were.

I moved, Ernwes to my right and another guard to my left. It was a kill-or-be-killed world.

My skin felt the pressure of something against it. Like the weak film of a membrane over the surface of a heated soup. The barrier stretched with me pushing. I felt it wrap over my skin and my body till it was right and restricting. I made another step and the membrane snapped.

I wasn't eager to be the one getting killed. If there were other Marcos then I'd remain me. Doing the killing.

The scent of seawater and sand hit my nostrils. My eyes took in the area quickly. My brain booting and logging in the information I was seeing. 'Red Sand. Either it's color or from the blood of the fallen'. The sight of bones lying on the floor made it clear. 'Gordorik did assure death in here was by no means permanent. But who's to know if he was lying? For all I knew he was a scared chief or long trying to get rid of a god. Force'.

The sea behind us was silver, like mercury reflecting the white and golden clouds above clearly. The waves it created churned and hit the sandy beach in a silent roar before drawing back. My hand was already moving to unstrap and clasp the shield I'd taken to my left arm. Then the air seemed to pop and my senses stabilized.

"Go, go, go!". Ernwes was screaming for us to move. I pushed my legs into a dash when a loud caw, several loud caws came from above. 'Don't look. Don't look'. I took off.y feet stamped into the sand and burst forth with power. My mind and eyes locked on the cavern I could see ahead.

Screams and cries came from way behind me forcing to turn and sew who fell back. My eyes widened in shock. All the guards were back there. Large, very large eagles, the size I could ride were already swooping down to peck and attempt to carry the men away.

The men weren't making it easy though. Blades slashed into the air and sharp bursts of power that I recognized as telekinesis struck some of the birds away. I dashed back, and in my right hand, a spear formed. I watched the shaft extend both ways and the head form from nothing. I looked up ready to throw and found myself almost plowing into the guards.

My boots sunk into the sand as I slowed myself. 'I was faster than normal '. I'd thought the guards stayed back to protect me or something like that. I already had the mind to chew them out for endangering themselves. 'Looks like I'm faster'.

It didn't make sense since I was technically weaker than them. My eye caught an eagle close by to my right and I spun kicking off my feet and thrusting at it. The Eagle screeched z the cry tearing at my eardrums. I backpedalled from it trying to stop the ringing in my head.

A force struck me hard from behind and I stumbled forward. I caught myself on my spear just as I felt claws dig into my armor and grip my back I **Mind Leaped - Echo Stepped** to the side leaving a mirage of me. The giant bird was still tugging at me for a moment. My spear drilled into its exposed side and out the other side. A notification went off in my head but I was already drawing out the spear.

Ernwes grabbed an eagle with his telekinesis and pulled it to the ground where it was hacked into by the others. But there were just too many of them. Their wing beats were like the roar of wind in our ears, their quantity casting a shadow over us even with the lack of sun. I swung my spear around striking one to the ground while thinking. Another eagle came straight for my face and I backed up in surprise.

CRACK

The scent of ozone filled the air as a flash of light seated my eyes shut. The notification in my head told me that the thing was dead. I stumbled back again and opened my eyes. A sharp gust on my neck made me spin sharply as an eagle flew into my space. Then it paused. Almost like it was frozen in time.

The eagle corpse behind me was burned. Feathers black and skin charred. The one in front of me was struggling. Its body had been paused but I could see the shivering of its eyes. I darted forward and my spear split its skull.

"Reality Flux". Luciv shouted from my head. IT made sense now. The strange changes.

"I thought it was passive and should happen every time?". This fight had cleared up the question though. It was passive in a fight. But it was also unreliable. If this game had a lucky start then it was this skill. It did what it wanted and I had no control over whatever changed.

I smashed my shield into another eagle. The guards were too surrounded to make a move. Eagle corpses littered the sand and still, there were too many of them. The eagles were too fast and it showed with the amount of wounds the guards were spotting.

My eyes narrowed and I marked my prey. I lobbed my spear at an eagle then Hopped to another eagle. Appearing out of nowhere a shortsword formed in my already moving hand splitting the next eagle in two. I was gone leaving a mirage of me as I echo stepped this time.

Am eagle lost its head, another fell as its right wing vanished and it fell into the blades of the waiting guards. Reappearing to the side I had an idea.

"Ernwes. Use". Several spikes of white appeared and stabbed into the ground around them. That cost me just a meager one unit each for each of the nine guards. Ernwes said nothing as his left hand flicked. One of the spikes flew up and scored a kill. I got a notification for it.

"Do I get kills for people using my creations?".

"Obviously!". Luciv screeched as I Side hopped into the air. Gravity was already acting against me as I grabbed a wing with my left-shielded hand and cut another bird with my sword. I hit the ground and smacked the bird I held to the sand. Forming a spike from the ground and into its head I turned to the other eagle I cut fighting to stay up.

Another notification dinged in my head. The caws of the eagles and their wing beats lessened."They're retreating". Side hopped to the guards keeping an eye on the birds as they flew up into the sky and stayed there.

"Ernwes!. Any injuries?". The birds were slowly forming a spiral in the sky. Seeing no danger I turned to them. A guard was binding up the thing of another where a bird had clawed him. Another had gashes along her helmet and shoulder. Niks and cuts were splattered on the group but overall everyone was fine.

"Incoming".Ernwes yelled. Looking back up sword at the ready I found no bird.

"What...?". He pointed and I narrowed my eyes confused. Then I saw it.

"Everyone, the cavern mouth, now!". Ernwes ordered. The sound of clanking armor and foot on sound wer behind me. I kept an eye on the birds as I saw what they were doing. Thin lines of static and electric currents ran through their wings and around the ground like a battery getting charged.

"My Lady. Run!!". I turned without question. Whatever it was Ernwes was running from would be dangerous. The guard with the thigh hobbled fast helped by his partner. The others were rushing added with speed.

"Go!". I pulled the one helping the injured Sykeri to the side and urged him forward. He took a look back and then rushed off. I grabbed the Sykeri and threw him over my shoulder and took off running .A laugh bubbled from my lips as I felt like a barbarian. When with the Sykeri I still caught up to the one I had urged ahead. I dashed past the racing warriors even as the first crackle of energy gathering rang overhead.

"Run you Wisps!! Run!!!". Ernwes yelled. I jumped the rest of the way and landed right at entrance. Dropping the guard I turned and looked up. The birds were gone, hidden by the blanket of thick lightning that shook in the air. My mind went through many things I could do.

The next guard rushed past me , then the next. Ernwes had slowed down to bring up the rear. Another crack and the energy looked thicker, more erratic. 'Fuck'. Then the last Sykeri dashed past and the craziest thing happened. All of them me included were tugged up.

"Magnetic field". The charge was creating a magnetic field that pulled at us. Ernwes had it worse since he was Still outside.

"Think fast". Luciv yelled. I hissed at her in annoyance already moving. Chains of white energy formed around the guards and attached to the ground from a hook connected to a white heavy stone. I formed another stone like that and another chain to attach to Ernwes. The Sykeri was smart and quick on the uptake as he grabbed the chain and began pulling himself down.

The feeling of static even down here increased and I looked up even as I crossed Ernwes. The Sykeri grabbed for me and I twisted out of his reach. "Common sense that lightning should be grounded into the sand". I eyed the sky. "But I know magic and powers won't work that way".

I crafted my next skill. Taking a template from my mental dome. But in reverse. The notification came but the tremble in the air made ignore it. Then the lightning fell. For a split micro second I doubted my shield'e strength. This was lightning after all. Then it hit. My shield shudder then shattered. The blast reached me and I felt cold and heavy.