The Girl in the Abyss

Chapter 8

I was shot so many times as Nightmare I ended up getting Piercing Damage Immunity, so now bullets just bounced off leaving a bruise and causing blunt damage. After clearing an office of ghosts, I rested for the first time in four days. I didn’t require much food, water, or sleep anymore, so the only thing that would slow me down was my stamina falling too low. While eating, I looked over everything I’d gained so far which was quite a bit. I wanted to save my free attributes and skill points until the end, but I couldn’t help myself and put one into luck.

-Please confirm free attribute placement: 1 Luck Attributes (Y/N)-

I clicked yes and my luck became 10. After that I checked my Attribute Store.

-Attribute Store-

[A] Wheel of Fate – 20 SP

~ Store Updates based on Attributes ~

Available Skill Points: 366

When I purchased the “skill” a big wheel divided into tiny wedges appeared in front of me. It was glowing like a cheap carnival game and had a huge sign which read “PULL ME” above the handle. On the board itself a small arrow sat at the top pointing to the wedge below it, there were hundreds of little wedges and every single one was different.

‘+1 to all Attributes, Random Fire Skill, +1 luck, 100,000,000 Gold, Random Class, 1 copper, Companion, Rare Item, Pet Mouse, Rare Armor.’ Everything seemed great but I didn’t trust the world being kind to me. ‘When have I ever been lucky?’

“I decline.” 20 Skill Points wasn’t many so I didn’t mind missing out.

The handle pulled itself down and the wheel started spinning while playing a creepy carnival tune.

‘What!?! I didn’t even pull it!?!’

After 10 or so seconds passed the tune slowed down and the arrow pointed to what I would get.

-Congratulations! You have won Death!-

I looked at the wheel, under the small arrow was a wedge which simply read death. I began frantically looking over the board; I could not find another wedge with something negative.

“I-It was the only bad one.” I whispered to myself in despair. Not only did I not spin in the first place I got the only bad wedge on the wheel.

‘Whatever comes for me will not take away my life without a fight.’

“Nightma—”

Before I could finish I fell to the ground landing on my back. In front of me was a pair of legs which had started to fall over. ‘Whose legs are…’ I coughed up blood interrupting the thought. When I looked down I could see half of me was missing. My head fell back and I saw a huge person wearing a tattered black robe and holding a bloody scythe standing above me. I became cold as my blood pooled around me. I desperately tried to say Nightmare or Seraph but blood was the only thing that came out of my mouth. Tears fell from my eyes as I lost consciousness and died.

~~~

“Wake up silly!” The giggling voice of a young girl woke me up.

I was sitting in a moonlit plain filled with wildflowers. Standing in front of me was a small girl with brown hair and brown eyes…

“Y-Your me?”

The smiling girl was me when I was younger. I or she was wearing the blue dress Hamilton Hall purchased for me.

“Yep and I’m also you!” She cheerfully replied.

The answer didn’t help me. “I don’t understand, where are we?”

“The Land of the Dead. Its different from the Fallen Abyss so don’t get them mixed up!”

“Why am I speaking to a younger me?”

“Do you remember when we gave up everything? I’m what’s left of that everything.”

“What do you mean, what was everything?”

The younger me giggled before running over and hugging me. “It was a choice we made to live. You don’t need to worry about the rest.”

I didn’t know what to say so I put my arm around the younger me and hugged her back.

“Can you make me a promise?” Without waiting for me to respond, she continued. “Live as happily as possible alright?” With those words her grip tightened and I felt tears soaking through my clothing. I held her as she silently cried.

“Its time to go Ellie.” Not long after the robed figure appeared in front of us. He was two or three times the height of a normal person, wore a tattered black robe, and had a scythe on his back.

“Coming Mr. Death.”

The girl got up from my lap and ran over to Death but Just in front of him she turned back to me. With tears falling from her eyes and a kind smile she yelled. “Don’t die again! I won’t be there to save you next time!” She waved before turning around and taking his skeletal hand.

“Wait! Come back! I still don’t understand! Please come back!” I desperately called out to them as they slowly walked away together.

When they crossed the horizon, I felt my chest become cold, like something important was taken from me.

I tried to move but I was frozen in place. ‘What had I given up? How did she save me?’

Death appeared in front of me. “There is no need to worry child of twilight. I guided her to the Great Sea of Mana where she will rest until the cycle of rebirth takes her.”

“Who was she?! I don’t understand any of this!”

“What she did not tell you is not for me to say. Find solace in the fact that she granted you another attempt at life and heed her warning well. There will be no fourth chance Ellie Noir.”

"Can I take her place so that she can live?”

“All power comes at a cost. Your soul is no longer one that can be reborn, the only thing awaiting you after your final death is a darkness far greater than even your Abyss. Be happy knowing she will live another life far from the sorrow of yours.”

After those words I found myself back in the office. There was no blood so the floor must have reset while I was away.

-Congratulations! Slashing Damage Resistance III has increased to 10/10!-

-Congratulations! Skill completion has granted 20 skill points!-

-Congratulations! Slashing Damage Resistance III has evolved into Slashing Damage Resistance IV!-

-Congratulations! Slashing Damage Resistance IV has increased to 8/10!-

-Congratulations! Abyssal Immunity has increased to 10/10!-

-Congratulations! Skill completion has granted 40 skill points!-

-Congratulations! You have earned the title “The Undying”!-

The Undying – Three times death has taken me, three times I have returned.

Grants: Grants “Immortal” regardless of race. Grants divine skill Undying. Grants 5 Endurance.

Source: Die three times and by your own will return three times.

[Divine] Undying – Once a day an attack which would otherwise kill you instead places you at 10% HP.

Passive

Source: Fallen Class Store.

Skill level: 1/10

I obtained many great bonuses but none of it made me feel any better. I couldn’t stop thinking about the younger me.

‘What had I given up? If she was Ellie who was I?’ The question plagued my mind but there was no way for me to know.

“None of this makes any sense!”

‘Nothing has changed, I’m me! I know I’m me… I’ll save Arty, everyone at the table, and even the younger me! After that I will find a place where we can all be happy.’

I wiped away my tears. “To do any of that I need to become stronger.”

I didn’t waste anymore time and got back into the combat. My Blunt damage resistance started going up and the damage from bullets bouncing off became less and less. While I was dealing with a group of ghosts I was attacked by a Remnant Sniper. The first spectral bullet got stuck in my barrier and I was able to roll out of the way for the next one.

-Congratulations! You have earned the skill Dodge!-

-Congratulations! Dodge has increased to 5/10!-

This was an active skill like sprint, swim, and flight. I am perfectly capable of running, flying, swimming, and dodging without them but these active skills gave me an enhanced version of each one. Flight for example let me maneuver and fly much faster at the cost of stamina and Jump let me do a much higher jump than normal. They also came with some passive knowledge, Swim had taught me how to swim and Flight taught me how to fly.’

I sent shattered Light down the hall which killed the sniper.

-Congratulations! Shattered Light has increased to 10/10!-

-Congratulations! Skill completion has granted 40 skill points!-

-Congratulations! Shattered Light has derived Hallowed Ground!-

[Divine] Hallowed Ground – Peirce the target with Light causing it to erupt. The remains or ruptured earth become Hallowed Ground damaging anything you deem unworthy.

Cost: N/A

Source: Derived from Shattered Light.

Skill level: 1/10

‘It looks like I’ll finally use this iron sword.’

I took the sword from my waist and swung it around.

-Congratulations! You have earned the skill Short Sword Mastery!-

-Congratulations! Short Sword Mastery has increased to 5/10!-

While trying to get the 6th level of Sword Mastery I was knocked back by an explosion. Unless you were hiding in an office there were very few breaks from the combat.

Active Level: 100

Total Level: 100

Title: Remnant Juggernaut

Name: N/A

Race: Ghoul

Age: N/A

The new monster that joined the fight was the highest level I had seen in the dungeon. It was wearing a bunch of heavy looking old-world armor and was holding two spectral grenade Launchers. Using Sprint, Dodge, and passive Evasion I quickly closed the gap between us.

-Congratulations! Sprint has increased to 10/10!-

-Congratulations! Skill completion has granted 3 skill points!-

-Congratulations! Sprint has evolved into Flash Step!-

I attempted to stab the Juggernaut and use Hallowed Ground but my sword stab bounced off the armor. Taking advantage of my failed attack, the Juggernaut shot a grenade point blank causing me to fly back through a wall. I quickly got up and used Flash Step which allowed a single step to send me forward extremely fast.

-Congratulations! Flash Step has increased to 5/10!-

I was right in front of the juggernaut again but this time I only touched him with the sword.

“Hallowed Ground!”

Light rushed through my blade flowing into the Juggernaut causing it to drop the grenade launchers and start grabbing its armor. Cracks of blueish light spread through its body before blue light exploded outward.

-Congratulations! You have defeated a boss monster. Bonus exp has been granted!-

-Congratulations! Hallowed Ground has increased to 5/10!-

-Congratulations! Hero of Twilight has leveled up to 10/??!-

-Level 10 Attribute and Skill Point bonuses have been granted.-

-Generating loot with 10% luck bonus.-

-Congratulations! You have received the book “How to Train your Pet Ghost”!-

This was the first boss I had come across so I immediately analyzed the item I received.

Name: How to Train your Pet Ghost

Rarity: Legendary

Use Effect: Grants one Legendary Class to a permanent undead companion.

Restrictions: Companion must be permanent. Companion must be an undead race or have an undead body.

Description: The must-have guide for any ghost lover!

I pictured Arty holding a sword which put a smile on my face and took my mind off younger me for a little bit.

‘My goals have been reached!’ It felt like a month passed, I was excited to be done with this place.

‘Now to find the core...’

I explored the first five floors plenty of times already but I had not gone to the basement levels. I made my way down and started my search. Unlike the first five floors the basement was in horrible condition yet it was definitely still part of the dungeon since remnants were appearing.

-Congratulations! Consuming Darkness has increased to 10/10!-

-Congratulations! Skill completion has granted 40 skill points!-

-Congratulations! Consuming Darkness has derived Scars of Despair!-

[Divine] Scars of Despair – Your next 10 melee attacks do no damage but ignore all defenses while leaving black scars. When 10 have been placed all scars activate at once dealing 200% of the melee damage otherwise dealt and an additional 100% darkness damage.

Cost: N/A

Source: Derived from Consuming Darkness.

Skill level: 1/10

My new skill was interesting, for sword use it was great but if I was in a rush it would slow me down. After another hour of searching I made it to the second basement level. It was in even worse shape and there were still no hints for where the boss could be.

“One whose fate… lays in darkness… Slumbers below…”

The whisper-like voice appeared around me.

“What was the deal we made, what was “everything”!? How do I return to the Fallen Abyss!?!” I called out to the empty room around me.

Darkness appeared next to me creating a tunnel downwards. With no reply to my questions I used my wings to glide down the tunnel safely. It ended in a metal old world room covered in dusty desks, computers, and a big glass window on the other side of the room. I felt something urging me towards the glass, when I arrived I saw an old-world soldier chained to the wall and in front of him was a floating core.

-Congratulations! Pathfinding has increased to 7/10!-

Active Level: 110

Total Level: 110

Title: Force of a Fallen Nation

Name: Kenneth Porter

Race: Pure Vampire

Age: 171

He had dark blonde hair in a short-textured hairstyle, appeared to be in his late thirties, and had a lightly muscled body. His gear was decaying but it was clearly old-world combat gear. I used Abyssal energy to open a large hole in the glass and climbed through. As I approached he looked up showing his blood red eyes. His face was clean shaven and if he weren’t viciously trying to eat me he would be very good looking.

“Can you understand me?”

He lunged at me while growling and showing his fangs. I raised my sword to try my new skill but I suddenly felt anger, sadness, and loss. It was a connection to the person in front of me. I put my blade away and watched him. ‘Was the whisper-like voice referring to this man?’ I focused on the connection and closed my eyes. I was in the floating part of the Abyss which I knew all too well but instead of myself floating down the man was there instead.

“Like the table… sanctuary for those I could… lack power… unlike you… unlike Radiant Night…”

Next to me were two massive white eyes staring. I had questions I that needed to be answered but whatever was happening now had to be taken care of.

I floated towards the man.

“Saving him… will bind… his soul…”

“Is there any other way to save him?”

“None…”

“Then it will be his choice.” I wouldn’t force anyone to serve me. If he wanted to die, I would grant it.

“Wake up.”

He opened his eyes and looked over at me.

“Angels? I take it I’m dead then.” His voice was filled with regret and sadness.

“Not quite, you’re a boss monster in a dungeon. I can kill you or set you free however that freedom comes at a cost, your soul will be bound to me.”

“Freedom comes at a cost… I’ve heard that line many times. What exactly does it mean for me?”

“Eternal service… to Radiant Night…”

‘I guess Radiant Night is me then.’

“Radiant Night, how many years has it been since the world ended?”

“Over 120 years most likely.” The answer made him close his eyes and frown.

“I’ll agree to serve you on three conditions. Help me find my children and friends, grant them your full protection without any conditions, and assist us all in finding blood so we can remain in a human state. If all of those are met, I will be your loyal soldier.”

“I accept your terms.” I was conflicted. I considered this similar to slavery but at the same time it brought me comfort knowing this person could never betray me.

I returned to the room where Kenneth was still chained to the wall. Swirling darkness ate away his chains causing him to fall to the ground and then went inside his chest.

-Congratulations! You have defeated the final boss. Bonus exp has been granted!-

-Congratulations! Hero of Twilight has leveled up to 12/??!-

-Congratulations! Nightmare has leveled up to 12/??!-

-Congratulations! Seraph has leveled up to 12/??!-

-Congratulations! Starlight Chef has leveled up to 25/50!-

-Total Level 60 racial attribute bonuses have been granted.-

-Generating loot with 11% luck bonus.-

-Congratulations! You have received Force of a Fallen Nation Gear and Weapons Chest!-

-Congratulations! You have earned the title “Dungeoneer”!-

Dungeoneer – Defeated a Legendary Dungeon.

Grants: Damage done within dungeons, ruins, and caves increased by 10%. Grants 3 Free Attributes.

Source: Defeat the final boss of a Legendary+ Dungeon.

-Congratulations! You have earned the title “Soloer”!-

Soloist – Defeated a Legendary Dungeon alone.

Grants: +1 to all attributes.

Source: Defeat the final boss of a Legendary+ Dungeon alone.

After a couple of seconds he lifted himself onto his hands and knees but then stopped moving. I noticed tears falling from his face as he stared at the dusty metal floor below him but he quickly wiped them away and stood up. Despite crying just moments before he was giving me a kind smile.

“I don’t know why you saved me, but I am grateful. My name is Kenneth Porter it is nice to meet you.” He stuck his hand out for a handshake which I accepted. “What should I call you then? Radiant Night?”

“Ellie is fine. I don’t know why I’m being called Radiant Night.”

“So Ellie, when did Angels start showing up in North America?”

“I was Human before I became like this, I should probably tell you about myself.” I told him about my past and everything that happened.

Two things about my past caused him to react both of which I did not expect. The first was knowing that I was a slave before the world ended, this caused him to look down and apologize.

“It had nothing to do with you. You don’t need to apologize.”

“I am likely one of the last people officially from the USA so it falls on me to take responsibility for our failures. That should never have happened, not in the United States. I’m sorry Ellie.”

I couldn’t bring myself to say it was forgiven.

“You can make it up to me while we work together then.”

The second thing that caused a reaction was my age. It looked like it made him sad but he didn’t say anything about it.

“We’re both looking for people then—” He brought his hand up to his head in pain. “Sorry, the bloodthirst never relents, we’ll need to find some blood for me.”

“You are free to try my blood. My endurance is very high so it shouldn’t be an issue.”

“You’re not worried I will try turning you into a vampire?”

“It won’t work, one of my races eats other ones.”

“One of your races? I thought you could only have one?”

I lowered my hood revealing my horns. “I have two, hurry up and try eating.”

He hesitated while looking at my arm but then bit into it. I could feel warmth letting me know there was an issue but it did not bother me much. After a minute he let go and fell back.

“This power, it maxed out my legendary vampire class in a single feeding! Wait, I just realized you updated my race and gave me a class…” He was scrolling through the invisible screen in front of him. “A legendary origin class from being the final dungeon boss, a divine origin class “Fallen,” my Pure Vampire class, and my rare class Marine. Ellie, give me a few minutes to go through all of this. I should have played more RPG games with my son…”

While he looked over his classes I grabbed the core.

-WARNING: You are attempting to claim a Legendary Dungeon Core. Only the first owner will receive the Claimer’s Bonus. Would you like to proceed? Y/N-

I clicked Yes.

-Congratulations! The Legendary Dungeon Core is now under your ownership.-

-Congratulations! You have been granted the Class [Legendary] Ancient Engineer!-

Ancient Engineer – You walk the path of forgotten Engineers. The secrets of old technologies reveal themselves to you.

If a crafting plan has been lost in any way your ability to recreate it is increased by 1000%. Crafting speed and quality of all engineering items made increased by 100%. Grants high unaspected mana affinity. Grants Legendary skill Ancient Engineering. Grants Legendary skill Inspect. Grants 1 free Strength, Perception, Wisdom, Craftsmanship, and Control Attributes.

1 Wisdom, 1 Craftsmanship, and 1 Control every 10 levels. 3 Bonus Skill Points every 10 levels.

Level: 1/50

-[Legendary] Inspect has merged with [Divine] Eyes of the Abyss. One skill level and 10 skill points have been granted.-

I replaced slave with my new crafting class. I didn’t expect to make use of it anytime soon however the skill inspect was very interesting. I could look at something and it would tell me its uses for crafting or general information about it.

After reviewing his status Kenneth began rummaging through the loot chest. “Ellie, are you going to use the gear in this chest? It looks like modified versions of weapons I used before the world ended.”

I walked over and looked in.

Name: M16 Magitek Custom

Rarity: Legendary

Equip Effect: Magitek Aim Assist. Dexterity +3.

Enchant: Mana Bullets

Description: A modern take on an ancient human weapon.

Name: M1911 Magitek Custom

Rarity: Legendary

Equip Effect: Magitek Aim Assist. Dexterity +3.

Enchant: Mana Bullets

Description: A modern take on an ancient human weapon.

Name: Adamantite Combat Knife

Rarity: Legendary

Equip Effect: Perception +3.

Description: A modern take on an ancient human weapon.

Name: Spectral Grenades

Rarity: Legendary

Equip Effect: Regenerating Supply. Multitype Grenades.

Description: An Undead take on an ancient human weapon.

Name: Solider’s Gear Magitek Custom

Rarity: Legendary

Set Bonus: Magitek Barrier

Enchant: Auto Repair

Description: A modern take on ancient human combat gear.

“They're all yours. I mainly use magic.”

“Will the guns work? Anything that relied on an energy source or a chemical reaction stopped working a day after God’s Guidance arrived.” He was inspecting the parts of the different weapons.

“Those are Magitek versions. They also use mana bullets so there should be no issues.”

“Magitek huh…” He picked up the pistol and aimed it in front of him. “The aim assist makes the range and accuracy absurd. I doubt I’ll ever miss a shot.”

While Kenneth changed and looked over each item, I asked him about his past. “Kenneth, what did you do before the world ended?”

“I was a soldier who had a talent for being quiet, following orders, and getting rid of people so I ended up doing unique work for the government.”

Even with that reply I was nervous about Kenneth’s opinion on killing people.

“We might have to kill people. If you don’t want to I—"

He placed his hand on my left shoulder as he walked past now fully geared and ready to go. “I can take care of anyone who troubles you Ellie. You don’t need to worry about me.”

We made our way up the tunnel and then headed for the exit. I thought I would have to carry Kenneth, but he was able to turn into a bat and fly with me.

“The country outside is built on the values of the USA. I think you will like it.”

“I look forward to seeing it then.”

The exit didn’t have a notification for leaving and when we arrived outside it was different. The female guard near the gate was in purple and red partial plate armor that had a black vulture painted on the front.

“A Demihuman and Vampire? How the hell did you both get into the dungeon?”

“The dungeon’s gone, I cleared it. We’re heading to the Adventurer’s Guild to complete the job now.” I took the core out and showed it to her.

“I need backup at the gate! The dungeon has been cleared and a Demihuman has the core! We need arrows!”

The entrance area started filling with guards wearing similar armor. Pushing his way to the front was a familiar bald head, he looked a lot older though.

“Y-Your alive! You need to fly away now!” He had a face of panic.

“Aron do you want to die? I told you to get lost.”

“You’re seriously holding onto that still?! You’ve been in there for 12 years! Safe Haven’s gone!”

“Hey, are you with the Demihuman?!”

He started panicking looking at us then back at the guards.

“You need to let her leave! She’s been in there for 12 years and she was already powerful before that!”

‘How was I in there for 12 years? During adventurer training they specified time in the dungeon passed the same as it did outside.’

“Are you implying trained guards of Vranoris Empire can’t handle one Demihuman and a monster?!”

“Not this one! Good luck Ellie, I gotta run!” Aron took off with his party.

“It seems the country I knew is gone. Sorry Kenneth, I got your hopes up for it too.”

He laughed. “It's not a problem; nothing can compare to the original anyway. Still, it’s a shame it fell.”

The guards were beginning to approach. I readied my wings and Kenneth turned into a bat while grabbing onto my cloak. “We need to make two stops before we head out. Flight!” I took off into the sky as fast as possible.

“Ellie what’s a Demihuman?”

“I think its what Humans call any intelligent race that looks similar to a Human.”

We arrived at the Fox and the Fiddle however the sign had been replaced. It now read The Caged Fox.

“Kenneth keep the front clear, I need to find two people. We will have to go on foot to protect them.”

“Got it, take your time.”

Kenneth took out his M16 and I went inside. At the counter was a skinny old guy.

“We don’t serve Demihumans here! Get out before I call the guards!”

“Aura of Divinity.”

The skinny old man and his patrons in the restaurant area to my left fell back in fear. Some started crying, others screamed, and a few were begging for their lives.

“Where are the original owners?”

The old man raised his shaking hand and pointed to the restaurant. I expected to see them doing slave labor but that was not the case. On the left side of the room a humanoid fox pelt hung from the wall and in the cage next to it was flora silently staring towards me. ‘I’m not too late!’ I ran over and opened the cage door.

“Flora! It's me, its Ellie! We have to go now!”

She was not responding so I pulled her, with a light thud she fell over in the same position.

“Flora!? What have they done to you?

‘It must be a paralyzation skill of some kind!’

“I’ll carry you, don’t worry we’ll get out of here.”

I lifted her light body and made my way to the door. Just before exiting a young girl called out from the stairs.

“Grandpa she’s stealing our stuffed fox!”

‘Stuffed?’

I looked down at Flora’s face. It should have been obvious but I didn’t want it to be true. Dead plastic eyes were the only thing staring back at me.

“Tully, no! Go back upstairs now!”

The young girl ignored him and ran to my side.

“Give back Foxy and get out you bad Demihuman!”

-Congratulations! Emotion Suppression has increased to 9/10!-

I ignored her and knelt next to flora. Tears fell from my eyes as I looked over her stuffed body.

“The charm helped flora. It made me very happy. I will make sure your clan knows everything you and your father worked for. If I am able, I will help them in your place. Goodnight Flora, thank you for being kind to me.”

The old man ran over and grabbed the young girl. I looked at him and asked one question.

“Was it you?”

“Please leave us. We just want to—”

“ANSWER!”

“Y-Yes, please leave my granddaughter she had no part in it. This was all my doing!”

“Father what’s going on, I was in the bath and heard yelling?” A woman walked in from the bathing area.

“Quickly, take Tully and go upstairs now!” The woman immediately complied.

‘All of them deserve to die.’ I desperately wanted to activate Nightmare and slaughter them.

I stood and took out my iron sword. “Scars of despair.” The skill caused a dark red glow to appear on the blade.

‘Why are you being merciful?’

I did the first slash through his body. It passed without resistance leaving a black scar with glowing red edges overtop of his clothing and skin.

‘Did they show mercy to Flora?’

The third slash passed through.

‘Would they show mercy to you?’

The sixth slash passed through.

‘Your weakness is why you repeatedly lose everything.’

When I got to the ninth slash I waited. Even if I was being merciful I wanted everyone in the restaurant to watch him suffer.

“The tenth slash will kill you. I am destroying this place when we are done so go and do one final job, tell everyone to get the hell out! If you try to flee, you will watch everything you love die before I finally finish you.” With the mention of his family he did as he was told. Everyone saw the nine black and red scars across his body.

“Grandpa! I don’t wanna go without grandpa!”

“I love you Dad, I-I’m sorry.” With those parting words they both left.

“I love you t—" After completing the last slash all 10 scars glowed dark red and cut through him at once. Nothing but a pile of blood and flesh remained.

I silently walked outside closing the door behind me.

“A few guards have noticed and are on their way. Did you find them?”

I placed my hand on the closed door.

“I did. Abyssal infusion, Consuming Darkness.”

A cloud of darkness devoured the inn leaving no trace of the building behind.

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

-Congratulations! Skill completion has granted 3 skill points!-

-Congratulations! Emotion Suppression has evolved into Emotion Nullification!-

-Congratulations! Emotion Nullification has increased to 5/10!-

[Rare] Emotion Nullification – 6% reduction to maximum emotion capabilities. An additional 6% per level of this skill. Current Total: 30%

Passive

Source: Evolved from Emotion Suppression.

Skill level: 5/10

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

“Living under the Vranoris Empire is not so bad, assuming you’re a Human of course! I was promoted to manager when the old one fled the country seven years ago.”

My life had gone well after Safe Haven lost the war. So many adventurers left the country that the guild was desperate for workers and as a result, someone as weak as me became a branch manager! I assumed it would be short-lived and the Adventurers Guild would get dismantled like every other guild but being a neutral entity paid off! As my friend and I were having dinner in my office the new girl who should be working at the front desk ran in without knocking.

“Ms. Williams! I-I need you at the front desk, p-please!”

I gave her an angry look. “This better be worth my time…”

We walked down the hall to the reception area. I was expecting some rowdy morons but instead an eerie silence had taken over the entire room.

“M-Ms. Noir the branch manager is here to assist you.”

The Angel girl from 12 years ago returned and half of her had become something terrifying. Beginning at her arm and spreading across her body and head was purplish darkness with cracks of light throughout it. Her right eye was a white circle and a large horn curved above her head. Her left side was otherwise the same as 12 years ago. To add to the tension her party member was a Vampire with blood red eyes, in full old-world army gear, and holding a large gun.

There were many guns in the Human continent but none of them worked. ‘Some people collect them but why is this guy carrying it around?!’

I walked behind the desk and put on my best customer service face like the first time I saw her. Every adventurer was eyeing the situation.

“Y-Your guild card please.”

She reached into her bag with dark claw-like fingers and placed it on the desk. The dreaded X rank card was now sitting in front of me. 12 years ago, a new rank was created for Divine class holders however when the supposed divine Angel never returned from her job people assumed it was all a scam. By this point the darkness on her body started dissipating. I could hardly imagine the kind of skill which could create something so scary.

“X Rank Ellie Noir, the guild is happy to learn you survived! Have you come to update us on your current Job’s status?”

The mention of X rank caused everyone to stare more intently. It was considered a joke amongst adventurers since no one could receive it.

“The dungeon is gone, I cleared it.” With her unchanging emotionless voice she said the impossible.

I looked into her glowing eyes hidden in the darkness of her hood waiting for a laugh, but she just stared back waiting.

“P-Proof, we umm, need proof, the core for example!”

She reached into her bag and placed the most valuable object I had ever seen in front of me. This was a Legendary Dungeon core, the power to make a country or city blessed by God sat right there.

“Is the Wood Elf still alive?”

“I’m afraid he fled this country however the rewards are still present.” I turned and ordered one of the higher-ranking receptionists to get it.

The three items which Mr. Basswood intended to trade for the core were famous. It was through the combined effort of Safe Haven’s Demihumans that they were able to collect them all. When Safe Haven fell, the Vranoris Empire demanded the items however they were already under the guilds protection so there was nothing they could do unless they cleared the dungeon themselves.

“Here they are Ms. Williams!”

A chest was placed on the counter between us. It contained a sphere which could increase Fire Affinity by 20%, a potion of ancient knowledge said to raise intellect by 3, and finally an uncommon class book for the Electricity Mage. Any of these items could completely change someone’s future.

“All attempts to contact Mr. Basswood regarding the reward have failed. It was decided internally that all three items would be given to whoever completes the request.”

The Angel looked inside glancing at the items and then turned to the Vampire.

“None of the items are anything special. Its an affinity increase for fire, +3 intellect, and an uncommon mage class. Care for any of these? I’ll use what you don’t want.”

“I believe my Mana Bullets can take on affinities so I’ll take the orb. You’re the magic caster so it's better for you to have Intellect and magic classes.”

‘None of the items are anything special… Is this girl insane!? And what’s this Vampire on about, does that gun actually work?!’

The other adventures and I watched with blank stares as the ridiculous conversation continued. After they used all three items like they were nothing, I had to finalize her membership.

“The Guild is grateful for your 12 years of hard work! I am happy to tell you that your trial is officially complete. Your card can now be used at any branch of the Adventurer’s Guild.”

“Thank you. I require some information as well. 12 years ago I arrived here with a man named Derik, is he alive?”

“I’m sorry, he went off to war and has not returned, his family also vanished shortly after the war ended. He used to visit the old manager a lot and the famous adventurer party Northwind also visited him a few times. If anyone knows it would be them.”

Without giving me a chance to catch my breath she continued with another question.

“Do you have any information on Pure Vampires?”

“Very little, they are the origin of all vampires and have a legendary racial class. They supposedly have a country in the old-world city of San Francisco however most who travel to the west coast don’t make it back alive. There are scouting jobs available if you are interested.”

“No that will be everything, thank you for your time.” She gave an elegant bow and returned the dungeon core to her bag.

As they were about to leave the front doors flew open. Vranoris guards and an official knight in full red plate armor walked in.

“Demihuman, you are under arrest for the murder of The Caged Fox’s owner! This is why we don’t let your filthy kind run wild!” He spit with the last words.

“Kenneth, please clear the way.” She coldly ordered.

The vampire nodded and pointed his gun towards the group of guards.

“This is your only warning. Get out of the way or die.”

“What are you going to do? Shoot me?” The knight began laughing and the guards all joined in shortly after.

*POP**POP**POP**POP*

Horrible popping sounds I never heard before rang out, in an instant all the guards and even the knight fell to the ground dead. The surrounding adventurers were all frozen in fear. Everyone heard stories about guns but no one truly believed how powerful they used to be. My ears kept ringing as I fell to the floor myself.

‘An uncommon class holder was killed like he was nothing. How many could that Vampire kill before they even touch him?’ It was a horrifying thought, an Angel and Vampire somehow obtained Humanity’s forgotten power.

After regaining my senses I slowly rose up from behind the counter, the Angel and Vampire were gone.