The Girl in the Abyss

Chapter 2

I was floating down into darkness, the fear and pain from suffocating were completely wiped away. For the first time I simply felt… calm. I no longer needed to worry about being a slave or dying, I could rest. I became tired and my eyes slowly closed.

‘Wherever this is at least it’s somewhere that wanted me…’

~~~

I would continuously wake up only to have myself fall right back asleep. This time I decided to try and stay awake while checking my surroundings. It was darkness. I couldn’t even see my hands and I had to open and close my eyes multiple times to make sure they were actually open. Weirdest of all I felt myself falling, slowly floating down deeper, and deeper. Sleep overtook me once more and my eyes fell shut.

~~~

I woke up again, this time I felt a presence, like someone was watching just out of sight. I reached my hand out towards it but sleep forced my eyes closed.

~~~

An unknown amount of time passed while I repeated the cycle of waking up and immediately drifting back to sleep. I was starting to become frustrated. ‘I’ve been here for so long, is this how I will exist forever? I’m grateful for such a calm and warm place, but this is it? I… I want to be free!’ I started resisting but sleep would always win in the end.

~~~

It was the 1137th time I attempted staying up and I was becoming angrier and angrier. This time when sleep was about to win again I started screaming and flailing my arms and legs.

‘I’ve suffered my entire life and now I’m going to sleep here forever? I refuse!’

I yelled at whoever was watching. “I WANT TO BE FREE!”

To my surprise I was gently pushed by an unknown force into a wall of rock. I immediately grabbed onto it and did the first thing that came to mind, climb. Sleep was still trying to beat me but I used my determination to keep it down. The idea of being free, having friends, and being with people that cared about me pushed me forward. I wanted it, I wanted to be happy!

‘I will be free! I don’t care if I have no classes, I will find a way to be strong!’ Fantasies and daydreams of a life I never had filled my head pushing me onward.

~~~

I climbed and climbed, it felt like months passed as I continued upwards. Finally, my hand reached up and felt a ledge. Looking above me I could see a faint light shining. After pulling myself up and entering a dark cave I found a portal made of spiraling darkness. Disregarding any of the possible dangers I ran through. ‘I’m already dead, what's the worst that can happen?’ On the other side I became frozen in place, a screen appeared, and I heard a voice inside my head.

-You Have Entered the Country: ‘Teller Kingdom’, Capital City: ‘Hero’s Domain’-

-God’s Guidance Initiating…-

-Error: Introduction Missed-

-Error: Banned User is Reattempting God’s Guidance Initiation-

-Ban Reason: User was selected as the random test subject for Earth’s ban system-

-Returning User to the Fallen Abyss…-

-Override: Outside Interference has Lifted the Ban-

-110 Years Late Compensation Bonus Granted-

-Generating Status, skills, and Human Origin Class with 110% Increased Generosity…-

-2 Origin Skill Bonuses granted-

-Race has Been Updated to Human/Fallen-

-Human Racial Bonus Granted-

Human – Grants “Human” Title. Grants +4 free attributes at age 10. Grants 1 free attribute for every 10 class levels earned. Grants 10% exp increase for all skills and classes. Average lifespan: 80 - 100 years. Birth Rate: Normal.

-Fallen Racial Bonus Granted-

Fallen – Grants “Fallen” Title. Grants Divine Class Fallen. Grants access to the Divine Power resource. Grants 1 free attribute every 10 class levels earned. Grants Power of the Fallen Abyss EXP skill. Average lifespan: Immortal. Birth Rate: Infertile.

-Racial Class Granted-

[Divine] Fallen - The Fallen Abyss is a land of Death and Darkness which none may return from, you are something that has crawled out of it.

All death and dark damage done is now a unique variant “Abyssal” which uses the affinity bonuses of both death and dark. Grants high death affinity. Grants high dark affinity. Grants divine skill Touch of the Abyss. Grants divine skill Eyes of the Abyss. Grants Mythical skill death Resistance III. *Unique* Grants a random companion from the Fallen Abyss. Fallen Class receives its own Origin Class Slot.

1 Dexterity, Constitution, Endurance, Intelligence, and Wisdom every 10 levels. 5 Skill Points every 10 levels.

Level: 1/100

-Generating Origin Class based on Life, Desires, and Dreams-

[Mythical] Hero of Darkness - Hero's are those who save the weak but why should you care about that? When you were suffering they looked away, when you were tortured they pretended not to hear, and when you were being buried alive none of them gave you a second thought. Let the world know what suffering is; you are the hero of no one but yourself.

All damage done does additional dark damage. Grants high darkness affinity. Grants mythical skill Darkness Infusion. Grants Mythical skill Darkness Resistance III. Grants a Hero’s Weapon to fit the user.

1 Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, and Endurance every 10 levels. 4 Skill Points every 10 levels.

Level: 1/70

-Congratulations! You have earned the Class [Very Common] Slave!-

Slave - You'd probably have to ask your owner to see the class description anyway.

Effectiveness of all Slave skills increased by 20%.

Level: 1/5

-[Very Common] Slave has been placed in Active Class slot 1-

-Skills have now been Generated. Please review them at a later time-

-Some notifications have been skipped. Please review them at a later time-

-Displaying Full Status-

HP: 50/50 (0.50/H) STM: 50/50 (0.50/M) MP: 10/10 (0.05/M) DP: 0/?? (??)

Active Level: 3

Total Level: 3

Title: N/A

Name: Ellie

Race: Human/Fallen

Age: 10

Gender: Female

Mana Affinity:

[Death: 87%], [Dark: 91%], [Electric: 2%], [Fire: 2%], [Unaspected: 23%],

Origin Classes:

[~D~ Fallen Lvl: 1/100], [~M~ Hero of Darkness Lvl: 1/70]

Classes:

[~V~ Slave Lvl: 1/5]

Sub Classes:

Attribute Points: 4

Skill Points: 43

Companions: [Artel Noir Lvl: 1],

Attributes:

Strength: 1 Dexterity: 1 Constitution: 10 Endurance: 10 Perception: 1 Intelligence: 2 Wisdom: 1 Charisma: 1 Luck: -1 Craftsmanship: 0 Control: 0

EXP Bonus: 40% (1.4x)

EXP Bonus to Skill level 1: 240% (3.4x)

[Origin Divine 1/10], [Origin Mythical 1/5], [Power of the Fallen Abyss 1/5], [1/1 Human],

Titles:

[Human], [Fallen], [Divinity],

Combat Skills:

Passive Combat Skills:

Passive Combat Defence Skills:

[Pain Resistance III 8/10], [Fear Resistance III 6/10], [Blunt Damage Resistance III 4/10], [Slashing Damage Resistance 6/10], [Piercing Damage Resistance 2/10],

Magic Skills:

[Touch of the Abyss 1/10], [Aura of Divinity 1/10], [Abyssal Infusion 1/10],

Passive Magic Skills:

[Soul Link 5/10], [Eyes of the Abyss 1/10],

Passive Magic Defence Skills:

[Abyssal Resistance IV 2/10], [Electricity Resistance 1/10], [Fire Resistance 1/10],

Survival Skills:

[Climb 9/10],

Passive Survival Skills:

[Hunger Suppression 9/10], [Emotion Suppression 6/10],

Life Skills:

Passive Life Skills:

[English 5/10], [Noble Etiquette 4/10], [Housekeeping 2/10],

Crafting Skills:

Passive Crafting Skills:

[Cooking 2/10],

I didn’t know where to begin, I tried to think back on the little I overheard from Stacy and Kendra but it just left me even more confused. While I was attempting to comprehend everything in front of me my vision returned to normal and I found myself in a garden. It was a sunny day, I looked at the sky and held back my tears.

‘I’m… I’m free!’

It was a vast open area surrounded by golden walls and it looked like there were buildings on the other side too.

‘That place in the middle looks familiar… That’s Robert’s Mansion! He turned this area into his yard and built a wall around it?’

I was in a garden which went from the wall to the back of the house, in the middle was a massive floating fountain made of a diamond-like material. Off in the distance I could see an area with guards training and even horse stables.

While I was staring at everything in awe I heard a voice to my right.

“Excuse me miss, are you lost?” A girl about my age asked.

‘Her appearance looks familiar, brown hair, green eyes, and a pretty face… She looks like a young version of Sharron!’ The girl was wearing a pink dress and had a golden tiara on her head.

“Are you related to Robert and Sharron Teller?” I did my best not to sound angry but it wasn’t exactly a face I wanted to see.

“You know the names of my great grandparents? Did they hire you? Your gown has dirt all over it.”

I looked down, it was the white gown I was buried alive in.

‘Did the 110 years late bonus mean I was gone that long? Wait, this is bad! Robert was already strong before I died, even with my classes I don’t think I can defend myself against him yet!’

“Um… I’m just lost, I think I will head over that wall or look for an exit.” I tried to lie but she just started giggling.

“Miss no one can go over that enchanted wall. You can only leave or enter through the castle district gate.” She walked over and grabbed my hands which were surprisingly clean. “You shouldn’t lie to a princess, I know it can be scary being in front of the royal family but that could get you in a lot of trouble! I will help you find your way back to the servant’s quarters.”

The Princess lead me by the hand towards the mansion.

“Princess is Robert here right now?” I asked hoping I wouldn’t have to see him.

“Great Grandfather has been gone for a few months but he will be back within the next hour. You should call him Hero King otherwise you’ll be punished if someone hears that.”

As she was gently pulling me along I checked my status again. Specifically, I looked at free attributes. ‘My status said it had 4 free attributes, does that mean I can make myself luckier so bad things won’t happen anymore?’

-Please confirm free attribute placement: 4 Luck Attributes (Y/N)-

I clicked the Yes, and my Luck became 3. ‘I don’t feel any different, did I do it wrong?’ It was something I would have to worry about later.

Near the back of the house a young man in armor ran over. He had black hair, dark eyes, and looked to be of Asian descent. On the front of his full gold plate armor was a silver cursive T.

“Princess, please don’t run off like that! Do you know how much trouble I would be in if someone found out you were alone?” He was clearly out of breath.

“Sorry Sir Knight, the garden was just so beautiful today that I couldn’t help but wander off. However it’s a good thing I did, I found this servant girl who was lost!”

“Princess please don’t try to justify it and stay by my side from now on, alright? As for you little servant girl, how did you get so much dirt on that gown, are you even wearing shoes? The head maid is going to be pissed when she finds you.”

“Sir Knight! Please don’t try to scare her there are not many girls my age in the mansion. I’m sure if I tell the head maid how sorry she is there will be no trouble.”

‘Knights and Princesses, was this my storybook? I had little understanding of how the country I was from worked but even I knew there was no princesses and knights anymore. What happened in the last 110 years?’

“I guess we’ll be escorting you through the servant’s quarters. Try not to let that gown touch anything. I don’t want the maids complaining to me.”

Just before entering the servant’s area we were stopped by a fatter, younger Robert who looked about four years older than us. The knight became silent and bowed.

“Dearest sister, have you found another pet for me?”

“Brother, leave her alone!”

He walked over to me. “You have the potential to be one of my servants once you are clean, but alas, it will have to wait for another day.” He leaned in and rubbed the side of my face. “My sister won’t always be around to protect you.”

“Brother!”

“I am merely joking sister.” He laughed as he walked off to the main back door.

The princess turned and took both of my hands again. “I’m sorry, I’ll see if you can be one of my personal maids so Brother can’t bother you.”

“Princess we don’t even know what she was hired for…”

Escorted by the Knight, we entered the servant’s area. During this time the Princess never once let go of my hand and she would often turn her head while giving me a reassuring smile. ‘You’re just a younger Sharron yet you’re kind.’ I ended up feeling guilty and conflicted. ‘I know I shouldn’t trust her, I shouldn’t trust anyone, but I didn’t know what else to do.’ Eventually, we made it to the entrance room where maids in black and white dresses were lining up. It was just as I remembered outside of the lights now being white glowing stones.

“You two wait right here, I’ll get the head maid.” The Knight gave the princess a stern look before walking off.

While we waited, the Princess started telling me stories about the “Hero King.”

‘How was I going to deal with this situation? I don’t know how many people I could fight and that’s assuming I could fight at all! If the princess wasn’t lying only the main gate is an exit.’ I was beginning to panic. ‘How can I escape!?’

‘You’ve been out there for less than an hour and you’re already in dire trouble? We may have to use the Abyss Portal…’ A voice besides my own appeared inside head. He sounded like a boy my age.

‘Who are you? Can you hear this?’

‘I’m your companion from the Fallen Abyss! The great and powerful Artel Noir the Third! If you need to escape let me know. Wait… um, give me a few minutes to figure out Hysa’s instructions. I, um, also recommend you get familiar with at least one of your combat skills… just in case.’

The princess was still telling stories about the Hero King so I checked my three combat skills while she rambled.

[Divine] Touch of the Abyss – Allow Abyssal energies to flow through your body. Abyssal damage done to anything that touches your body or weapons.

MP Cost: 6000/M

Source: Free skill of the Fallen class.

Skill level: 1/10

-Would you like to apply Human Origin Bonus (2) to this skill? (Y/N)-

I clicked yes, this skill costed way too much so maybe the bonus would help.

-Mana cost reduced to zero. 1 Human Origin Bonus Remaining-

‘Did this mean it was free now?! I assume “M” is minute which means it will cost zero a minute!'

[Divine] Aura of Divinity - An aura of divinity surrounds you causing anyone within range to feel awe or fear.

MP: 120/M

Source: Divinity Title

Skill Level: 1/10

The origin bonus option did not pop up for this one.

‘It says it's from a title so I will have to check that when I get the chance. I don’t have the mana to use it right now anyway.’

The last skill was supposed to be Darkness Infusion from my Hero of Darkness class.

[Mythical] Abyssal Infusion – Infuse Abyssal mana into your attack, spell, skill, or target.

Cost: Varies depending on amount infused.

Source: Free skill of the Hero of Darkness class.

Source: Skill adjusted by Fallen Class.

Skill level: 1/10

-Would you like to apply Human Origin Bonus (1) to this skill? (Y/N)-

I clicked yes again hoping it would make it free as well.

-Abyssal Manipulation granted for free. 0 Origin Bonuses Remaining-

[Rare] Abyssal Manipulation – Allows precise control over Abyssal mana.

Passive

Source: Granted by Human Origin Bonus.

Skill level: 1/10

‘How was an entirely new skill a bonus to Abyssal Infusion? It's not what I was hoping for but I guess can’t complain about getting another skill.’

I wanted to keep looking through my status but the knight returned with the head maid. I could see the confusion on her face however before she could say anything the princess stood in front and began speaking.

“This girl was lost, please don’t be too hard on her. I’d also like her for to be trained as my personal maid.” She made it look like a formal request by giving an elegant bow.

“Princess, this girl is not from the Mansi--“

“Announcing King Nicholas Teller, Queen Maria Teller, Crown Prince Robert Jr. Teller, and Princess Sariah Teller!”

The princess waved to me while smiling before running to join the other royals in the middle of the room. The head maid quickly forced me into the line and whispered as we stood waiting for the Hero King.

“I don’t know how you got in here but we can’t move now, pray to God none of the Royals take offense from that outfit. When the Hero king arrives immediately bow and keep your head down.”

‘Artel is the portal ready?’

‘J-Just a few more minutes!’

The front door opened and a group of four walked in. Robert and Sharron were both the same despite 110 years passing and I didn’t know who the other two were. As everyone else bowed I instinctively went to do the same, but I stopped, I couldn’t bring myself to bow after how hard I worked to be free not even if I was terrified! I stood tall and stared at him. Everyone went pale as Robert stopped in front of me, my body wanted to start shaking but I held myself firmly in place. He stood still, maybe expecting me to bow in fear, but I only glared. He finally turned and looked at me.

“Is there a reason this dirty rag is staring at me?”

‘Artel please hurry!’

Seeing his face brought about a rising anger inside me, I wanted to yell at him, but my fear was holding me back.

-Congratulations! Emotion Suppression has increased to 7/10!-

“Great Grandfather, please allow me to punish this servant for you! There is no need for someone as powerful as yourself to waste time on such trash.” It was the fat prince who was being a pervert in the backyard. Robert ignored him and continued staring while placing his hand on his chin.

“What’s your name? How do I know you? That outfit… I know that outfit…”

‘How could he forget?! He tortured me in this uniform almost every night!’

“It’s the outfit I was wearing when you had them bury me alive! It’s the same outfit I wore every time you tortured me! How could you completely forget that Robert!?” The anger finally won.

No one in the room moved, even the prince backed down, supposedly Robert was very serious about his Hero King title.

“Oh, I remember now! I saved you and granted you a purpose! Little Ellie has risen from her grave in the backyard, did a high-ranking necromancer raise you and grant free will? No, you are definitely alive. I’m genuinely curious Ellie, how are you standing here?”

“You never saved me! You tortured me for over five years then had me killed! You’re not a hero! You’re a disgusting, evil monster!” Everything I bottled up was pouring out.

His face changed to anger. ‘Artel! Please hurry!’ He immediately came over and lifted me by the neck.

“Its fine Ellie, your room in the basement has been empty ever since you died. I will take my time getting the answers I want from you. It will be just like old times.”

“Touch of the Abyss!” I squeezed out the skill name while choking.

My entire body became ink black and misty black particles began emanating from me. The damage or shock caused Robert to drop me, as I was about to hit the ground a dark void opened pulling me in.

~~~=--^--=~~~

The skin on the front of my hand was gone and what remained was being eaten away by a spreading darkness. I was only able to use Hero’s Gaze on her for a second but there were definitely two origin classes and one was Divine.

‘This is a problem, a very big problem, how did she go from no class and being dead to having two origin classes!? Since she had no magic her soul couldn’t have gone to The Great Sea of Mana… Did something powerful resurrect her?’

This was a brand-new mystery. My little Ellie showed up to make things more interesting just like in the past.

Disregarding the pain in my hand I continued thinking. ‘I’ve never seen a second origin class. God’s introduction specified that it was impossible to get a second one. Hell, even two useless origin classes would cause an uproar.’

Its widely agreed upon that despite Divine and Mythical classes being listed as possible in God’s introduction, they were not available to Humans as an origin class.

‘I have confirmed the existence of a few Divine classes but none were related to combining mana types…’

Death and dark mana were both present on her body however they combined into an entirely new mana type under her use. I had never seen anything like it. I had a skill called Dark Lightning which did both electric and dark damage but they were still separate mana types. The closest thing I could think of was some racial bonuses which modified mana types but it was never a combination of two.

‘As for mythical classes the only ones I have solid information on are Ancient Dragons and Elemental Lords and I can’t exactly go to those races for any favors.’

Having a mythical class as a human is a world-changing event let alone both divine and mythical as origin classes. The only relieving part of this entire situation was that she was still level 1 in both.

‘I have time to get rid of her before she becomes powerful or other countries pick up on it. If any were to find out she existed, they would scramble to bring her to their side.’

As I looked up from my hand everyone around me was still silent although most were no longer bowing. Whatever Ellie became frightened them. The appearance and the fact that she damaged me was not something they saw every day.

“Sharron, heal my hand, the rest of you listen closely. Everything you saw and heard here today does not leave this room.”

“Hero King, please allow me to put the highest of bounties on her head!” My overweight great-grandson, the current prince, made a stupid suggestion contradicting what I just said.

“I already told you it does not leave this room! If anyone spreads this information the punishment will be far worse then death.”

“Dearest, this wound is definitely from a divine skill. All attempts at healing it with light failed, nature is having an effect though.” Sharron’s concerned face told me that it was serious.

“We will discuss it in my office, head up there before me, I need to talk with my grandson. The rest of you may all leave.”

Once the room cleared my grandson, the current king, walked towards me and bowed.

“What may I do for you, Hero King?”

‘He’s already getting old. I’ll have to train that useless pervert soon…’

“I need materials for three spirit summoning’s from my soul prison. I have a trio of dead slaves who didn’t finish their job.”

~~~=--^--=~~~

I felt confident in myself for the first time in my life. ‘I stood up to him! I actually did it!’ I was floating downwards in darkness once again but unlike before my feet touched solid ground. I was back in the Fallen Abyss yet I could see all around me, not due to light, but maybe a skill I obtained? It appeared to be a large circular platform made of black stone. It was almost like an island in an ocean of darkness, no matter what direction I looked off the platform there was nothing.

‘Head towards the middle that’s where my friends are. Some might seem scary at first, but they are all very kind, its thanks to them I was able to activate the portal.’

I went towards the middle of the platform where I saw a table with people sitting around it but before I could get close an unknown force stopped me. A tall and extremely beautiful woman got up from one of the stone thrones and walked towards me. She had long platinum blonde hair, slightly glowing azure eyes, and she was wearing a dress that looked like it was made from thousands of magical silver leaves. The feature I was most interested in was her long-pointed ears. It was like the Pixie in my storybook.

“There is a reason that skill is supposed to cost 6000 mana a minute. Are you going to keep it on forever?”

In front of me a mirror embordered in silver leaves appeared. I expected to see myself but only a monster stared back at me from the other side. Its eyes were white dots and its body was ink black darkness, then to add to the terrifying appearance streams of darkness and black mist were emanating from it. ‘It's very similar to the skill I used…’ I looked down at my arms then back at the mirror.

“T-That’s me?”

“Yes, so are you going to turn it off?”

‘I… I don’t want to. With this power I was able to protect myself, why should I turn it off when it costs zero mana?’

While looking at the woman I told her I wanted to leave it on, in response, she hit me on the head.

“Turn the skill off or I will do it for you.”

I was surprised and didn’t know how to react, so I turned it off and apologized.

“Good, you know how to listen after all. Come to the table I can’t be away from it for too long.”

I followed behind her while holding my head where she hit it. This was the first time someone scolded me since I was in the tall building yet it was different from what I was used to. When she hit my head, it was just a tap on top, not something that was meant to hurt me. I looked up at her from behind; she was secretly nice like Artel said.

Once we were at the table, she gestured for me to sit first before sitting down herself. The roundtable had seven stone thrones including my own. If I counted my seat as one, the second seat to my right had the tall beautiful women, the third seat had a tiny man with a long beard, the fourth seat had an old woman with scaly wings, and the fifth seat had a large human-like creature wearing armor. The sixth seat was small and empty and the seventh seat was very big and empty. The table itself had spiraling designs all over it and was made from black stone like everything else here. No one was saying anything, so I asked where we were.

“It's nice to meet you all! …Um, where are we?” I knew it was the Fallen Abyss but the place I was floating down from originally and this island were very different.

“This is our sanctuary within the Fallen Abyss little one.” The tall human like creature said in a deep and powerful voice.

Once again it was quiet so I asked another question.

“Why are you all sitting here on this island?”

“…We thought it was a nice spot for a picnic.” The tiny bearded man said in a high-pitched male’s voice.

I looked around once more and they were not moving, only staring forward. I was starting to worry something happened to Artel’s friends when, suddenly, I heard the old lady chuckle before the others joined in.

“I’m sorry Ellie, we have been at this table for 110 years. You’re the first new person to arrive so we decided to have some fun.”

‘Their jokes always suck, how was that even funny? They pick on me all the time too.’ Artel pouted inside my head.

“Artel, get out here, she’s going to see you eventually so just get it over with.” The beautiful woman said that while looking at me.

Suddenly I felt something fly out of me towards the small throne that was empty. A little ghost floated above the seat with his stubby little arms crossed while doing his best not to look at me. I had seen him before or at least something like him! It was in the tall building; I found a Marshmallow candy that was shaped like a cute little ghost and Artel looked like the cartoon ghost on the wrapper! He was snow white with a wisp-like shape, had small stubby arms, little black eyes, and a tiny black mouth to match it. He looked like a living marshmallow ghost plushie!

“Artel you’re my companion, that means you have to follow my orders.” He looked at me confused before nodding. “Please come here.”

Everyone at the table stared as Artel slowly floated over. Once he was within reach I grabbed him and hugged him as tightly as I could.

“You’re so soft! It's like a marshmallow! Can I call you Arty from now on? I always wanted a plushie!”

The table burst into laughter while Artel struggled to escape my hug. He truly felt like a soft marshmallow and he was so cute! I was rubbing my cheek against him while he complained.

“I am the heir to the great Noir demon bloodline! I demand you unhand me!”

I stopped and used both hands to hold him in front of me. I was sad but if he didn’t like me holding him it would be mean of me to force it. I let him go and he started floating back to his seat but about halfway there he looked back at me. I couldn’t help but have a sad expression so I looked down to try and hide it, a few seconds later I heard quiet grumbling in front of me.

“As long as you don’t squeeze me again I guess its okay… Just stop looking so sad…”

I looked up at him and asked if it was really alright.

“I’m your companion, so I have to be nearby to protect you after all.” Artel was blushing while turning his eyes away.

“Thank you, Arty! I promise I won’t squeeze you too hard anymore!” I grabbed him and hugged him again.

“Artel is the weakest of the table members. When he was selected we were worried he’d be useless to you but it seems he will have a role as your living plushie even if he can’t do anything else!” The tiny person’s comment caused everyone’s laughter to continue while Arty yelled at them and called them bullies.

Once everyone calmed down Arty tried to go back to his seat but he couldn’t escape my arms. Seeing Arty wouldn’t be moving the tiny bearded man hopped up onto the table and started speaking. He was about the size of an adult’s hand, his beard and mustache were white, he had a big red nose, and his arms were very muscular for his size. He was wearing a pair of red overalls and a red cap that made it so I couldn’t see his eyes.

“It's about time we introduce ourselves! I’m a Gnome named Snaps Magee, but most call me Old Man Snaps.” His voice was very high, but it wasn’t annoying.

“It's nice to meet you, Mr. Magee!”

He bowed to me and went back to his throne, the beautiful woman next to me stood up.

“I am Aurora Silverleaf, a High Elf.”

I used this chance to ask her about Pixies.

“Ms. Silverleaf are you related to Pixies?”

“Elves are Loosely related to Fairies and Pixies. I’m sure you will meet both eventually.”

I thanked her as she sat back down. ‘Aurora looked sad when she was staring at me. I hope I didn’t trouble her too much with my skill.’

The old lady stood up next. She was wearing a thick looking grey sweater, pants, and boots, almost as if she was ready for snow. Her grey hair was slightly curly and done up in a bun, her grey eyes were covered by reading glasses, and her horns, wings, and tail were also grey. Her skin was mostly light like my own however grey scales were present in some locations. Out of everyone at the table, she looked the kindest and was always giving me a gentle smile.

“I’m Hysa Ash, a dragon that loved to travel and learn.” Hysa spoke with a soft voice before sitting down.

Finally, the tall creature stood up. He was double the height of any adult I’d ever seen, his body was covered in muscle, his skin was brown, and there was a single horn coming out from the top of his helmet. Overtop of his already strong looking body he was wearing full black plate armor covered in bone spikes.

“I am Zurik, the first Earth Ogre.” His voice was powerful but not frightening.

After greeting him, he sat back down.

“Ellie everyone here has many things they can teach you. You are a part of our little group now so don’t hesitate to ask anything when you’re here. Unfortunately, we do not have much time left due to how fast the portal was required. Generally, it can be used once a month and you will be able to stay here for a day each time.” Hysa explained.

“How come I can leave but you’re all stuck? Is there anything I can do?” I understood what it was like to be trapped so I wanted to help if I could.

“This place is a sanctuary to us, we were saved by it and have become bound to it. Our fates were far worse than death before God’s Guidance came.” Zurik said solemnly.

“You on the other hand are different! You’re in between so you can visit and leave through the portal.” Old Man Snaps added.

Finally, Aurora began speaking. “Ellie there are a few important things you need to know. Touch of the Abyss is powerful but also dangerous, its expensive cost is supposed to keep it in check. The abyssal energy flowing through you will slowly corrupt your soul, never keep it on longer then you need to. Artel make sure you are always looking out for her.”

“Aurora how come you’re never that worried about me?” Arty whined.

“She reminds me of someone important unlike you.” Aurora’s statement caused Arty to slump further into my arms sadly.

“Our time is almost up, start saying your farewells Ellie.”

“Thank you everyone for being so kind and welcoming! Even if we can only see each other once a month I will always look forward to it!”

Everyone waved and wished me luck while Hysa walked over.

“I’ll be putting you near a different Human country, the one you came in from would be far too dangerous. According to the little information we have this place is a good country to start your adventure in. The world is vast and beautiful Ellie, make sure to learn and experience everything you can!”

A dark portal appeared in front of me. Before I walked in I yelled back to everyone.

“No matter how long it takes, I promise I’ll find a way for us all to go on adventures together!”

I didn’t wait for a reply and quickly ran through the portal. I found lots kind people that cared about me, one of my dreams already came true.