The Girl in the Abyss

Chapter 10

I stared into the starry night sky where over one hundred of Dragons gathered. In the middle was a white and blue feathered Dragon and to his right was a thin white scaled Dragon.

Active Level: 140

Total Level: 245

Title: Ancient Wind Dragon

Name: Allikair

Race: Wind Dragon

Age: 5156

Active Level: 140

Total Level: 353

Title: Ancient Life Dragon

Name: Zoe

Race: Life Dragon

Age: 7156

The situation was bad, but Kenneth was still alive, I could still save him. I ran over the wind prison, and in my panicked state, I did the first thing that came to mind. I stuck my arm into the wind. I could feel my flesh being shredded, but I could also feel the mana flowing through.

‘Treat it like the Abyss, focus on the mana, control it.’

-Congratulations! You have earned Wind Manipulation!-

-Congratulations! Wind Manipulation has increased to 5/10!-

The wind prison broke apart as my mana interfered with the skill. Kenneth fell, but I caught him just before reaching the ground.

“You should have run… I would have been fine…”

“You’re a liar. I’ve known you for one day I can already tell you just don’t want anyone worrying about you.”

“My wife… said the same thing… when we first met…” He weakly laughed coughing up a bit of blood “I’ll be fine… just need time… to regenerate…” His eyes closed but he was still breathing, I wasn’t too late.

“I’ll protect you Kenneth, I promise.” I was about to use limit break to run away with Kenneth in my arms, but my thoughts started assaulting me so strongly that I became frozen in place.

‘Your weakness almost killed him and now you're going to run?’

‘Shutup!’ I needed to save Kenneth. My pride didn’t matter.

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

‘How many people do you plan on failing? Are you going to run every time Kenneth almost dies protecting someone as worthless as you? You may as well abandon Arty. He’d be better off without you.’

‘SHUTUP!’

-Congratulations! Emotion Nullification has increased to 8/10!-

‘The answer is so simple. Kill them. Show this world what happens when they try to take away those you love.’

I was shaking as tears fell from my eyes. ‘Why are my own thoughts torturing me?!’

“Stopping my Wind Prison was impressive, but it seems you understand there is no future left for you.”

‘Teach them what its like to suffer.’

“You will pay a price far greater than death for killing one of my grandchildren.”

‘The power you could gain here would allow you to protect anyone you desire.’

The air around me compressed causing Kenneth to fall from my arms. Multiple Wind Dragons were using Wind Prison to drag me into the sky. The Dragons circled around and waited for the leader to speak once more.

“You will die by the breath of 100 Dragons. No defense in the world can stop our combined might. When all that’s left is your soul, I will ensure you never see rebirth.”

“I killed your granddaughter in self-defense. Let us go, or I will be forced to kill you too.”

‘This world never showed you kindness. Why should you have to do the same for anyone else?’

“Such arrogance! You float before two Ancients and an Army of Dragons. The only deaths today will be yours and that Vampire.”

‘Kill them.’

‘Will it really protect Kenneth and Arty?’

‘It will protect everyone you love.’

‘Even if it makes me a monster?’

‘You’re already a monster.’

The dragons who were circling me opened their jaws and started preparing their breath attack. A few seconds later a spectrum of colorful elements shot towards me.

“Reality Shift.”

-Congratulations! Reality Shift has increased to 5/10!-

An earth-shattering roar exploded from where I once was, and a corpse damaged by many elements fell to the earth below. Roars of hatred and despair filled the air.

-Congratulations! You have earned the title “Myth Slayer”!-

-Congratulations! “Myth Slayer” has granted 4 free attributes!-

Myth Slayer – Slayer of a Mythical Class holder.

Grants: 10% increased damage towards Mythical Class holders. 4 free attributes.

Source: Slay 1 Mythical Class holder.

‘’I gave you all a chance, and you declined. None of you will live.”

The life Dragon did not attack and instead landed on the ground. I had questions I wanted answers to so delaying her death didn’t bother me. As for the rest of the Dragons, they had already begun their attacks. I used flight to close in on the first and slashed its wing with my new sword which cut through like butter and even caused a twilight fire to engulf the body. I continued to the next using flight once more, and this time I stabbed the dragon with Hallowed Ground causing its body to explode. Another flew towards me, and I used Consuming Darkness to destroy its wings and legs. I kept killing constantly encouraged by the thoughts inside my head.

-Congratulations! Sword Mastery has increased to 6/10!-

-Congratulations! Hallowed Ground has increased to 6/10!-

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

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

-Congratulations! Skill competition has granted 1 Skill Point!-

-Congratulations! Flight has evolved into Arc Flight!-

-Congratulations! Arc Flight has increased to 5/10!-

-Congratulations! Abyssal Manipulation has increased to 6/10!-

-Congratulations! Hero of Twilight has leveled up to 13/??!-

Dragons continued to die by my repeated attacks, and with each of those kills, my body grew brighter until I was fully covered in Twilight mana. It was time for them to all die.

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

The mortal we thought a Mythical class holder turned out to be something more, something terrifying. Young Dragons fell from the sky one after another. You would need multiple Aspects to stand a chance against this Angel. The young ones so blinded by rage did not even realize I had already surrendered, I would not complete my job of resurrecting Allikair. Instead, I protected the body of the Vampire from a distance, the same one we just worked so hard to kill. I looked up at the batt-, no, I looked up at the slaughter once more and realized the Angel was now radiating yellow and orange mana. In the middle of combat she stopped and pointed her hand out towards the sky.

“Limit Break, Brilliant Dawn.” A Hero’s skill and a skill I never heard of left her mouth.

The earth and sky started to shake and at 3:31 AM the sun rose in the east. Daybreak came like a tsunami of fire destroying the landscape. Everything the light touched burned in twilight flames, no plant, animal, or passerby was spared from this monster’s wrath. It was like witnessing the end of the world for the second time. I watched as every Dragon realized death had truly come. Their desperate cries of fear filled the air as they fled in all directions, but nothing could escape the light of the sun. Their deaths were all slow, not because the ability lacked power, the Angel manipulated it to be so. As the world below burned, she emotionlessly floated in front of the rising sun casting her shadow of death upon the dying Dragons below. I closed my eyes and endured the desperate roars. I heard some call out to me, but I did not move, I did not dare to look at their dying faces. Fifteen minutes later when the sun finished rising, it vanished and the night returned as if it was never gone. I checked my surroundings, there was nothing left but scorched earth, myself, three graves, and the Vampire’s body.

-Global Warning: A ‘Calamity of Legends’ has appeared!-

-Global Warning: A ‘Calamity of Dragons’ has appeared!-

I looked up at the Angel and watched her cold twilight eyes turn to me. The way she flew was similar to a Paladin of Holy Light which means she was definitely an Angel of high standing, but even for them, this was impossible. When she landed I was assaulted by a wave of heat like the sun itself was growing closer and closer. My scales began to crack, but just in time, she put the sword at her side causing it to emit a gentle warmth instead.

“You protected him while he recovered so I will give you one chance to explain why.” A cold and emotionless voice came from within her dark hood.

‘Recover? He is most definitely dead. He passed away right after she left his side.’

I bowed my head and made the only proposal that would let me live.

“I am an Ancient Dragon of Life. Our kind has a skill called “Lesser Resurrection” which can restore a single person to life once every ten years. It reduces their power by 50% however it is a price far less than death. All I request of your greatness is that you spare my life.”

“Are there limits to this Resurrection skill? Can you bring anyone back?” My hopes rose with this question. I may live to see another day.

“There are limits I’m afraid. You must have their body or at the very least what’s left of it, and their soul must not have returned to the Great Sea of Mana which happens 30 days after death.”

“Then I have no use for it?” This all-powerful angel didn’t know her Vampire servant died.

“Please use your Hero skill on his body.”

She gave me a confused glance before looking over. When she realized the vampire was dead, she finally showed emotion and rushed to his side. She held his corpse while crying out the Vampire’s name and apologizing. I took a Humanoid form and walked over to her, my life was assured.

“Do we have a deal?”

She looked up at me with tear covered eyes but just as she was about to speak someone new appeared.

“Radiant Night, there is no need to make deals with such a pitiful and desperate creature.”

A woman’s voice came from behind the Angel. It was a saintly and gentle voice, like that of a loving mother, but the words she used did not match it in the slightest. I slowly raised my head and saw yet another impossibility. A white void was torn in reality, and a glowing Angel with three sets of wings bowed towards the one she called Radiant Night. She was made entirely out of mana that mixed Life and Light, her eyes were sky blue, and an outline of the same color surrounded her body. Such an existence was bowing to the Angel before me. As I watched in fear, she continued.

“You have my sincerest apologies for the severe delay in contacting you. I was completing three tasks that I hope you will approve of. For acting on my own I will accept any punishment.”

“You’re from the Radiant sky? Can you really help Kenneth?”

The young Angel was a ruler of powers and places I had no knowledge of. I kept quiet hoping I would still somehow live.

“That is correct, the name I once went by is Divina. Please permit me to grant you the Radiant Class Store. It will explain my rude interruption.”

That name, I knew it from my time studying Angel’s racial mana “Holy Light.” It is an ancient legend about a Heavenly Angel with unimaginable healing powers, but one day the great saint houses of the Holy Mountain discovered she was taking years of each person’s life as payment for her services. When she refused to return the stolen life, the great saint houses gathered an army to face her. After catastrophic losses they were successful, but a year later Divina vanished and was never seen again. Today it’s used as a tale amongst Angels to teach that nothing is given for free.

“Please go ahead.”

The Angel made of Light put her hands in a praying position while still kneeling. When she was done, the other Angel began reviewing the air in front of her, likely her status screen.

“Thank you, Divina. Thank you so, so much.” Tears were still falling from her eyes, but they were clearly because of happiness. “Perfect Resurrection.”

“That can’t be! There is no resurrection skill above Resurrection!” I accidentally spoke those words out loud, but my presence was ignored.

A beam of powerful white light shot up from where the Vampire’s body. When the light dissipated the Vampire, and all his equipment were fully restored. The first action he took upon walking the earth once more was to apologize.

“Ellie, I failed to eliminate a threat which came to harm you. I wasn’t able to keep my end of the deal. Forgive me.”

She hugged him tightly. “I don’t care about that! I thought I lost you… You should have run or entered the door I went into!”

“I… Thank you.”

She let go, and they both got up. After wiping away her tears, she introduced the Vampire to Divina.

‘There having such a casual discussion in the battlefield of so much death…’ Almost like I jinxed myself she turned to me after that thought.

“I’m afraid your offer is no longer required. You’d only cause me trouble later if I let you live, goodbye Zoe.”

“I can serve! My undying loyalty, I beg you!” I bowed my head once more.

“Why would I want a Dragon who so willingly betrays her own people?”

I felt the heat of the sword. My long life was at its end.

‘Forgive me Aspect of Life; I’ve failed to return to you.’

“Radiant Night may I make a suggestion?” The voice of Divina cut in. “There are ways to ensure she keeps her word and it would also be useful having a Life Dragon lead your new Radiant Dragon Army.”

The Angel put away her blade. “Radiant Dragon Army?”

“The souls here can be used in the creation of new Radiant monsters that will protect those you care for. Dragons are merely my recommendation.”

She looked conflicted. “I’d rather not enslave their souls… Zoe if you want to accept Divina’s offer you can do so.”

‘Dammit!’

“As you assumed “Radiant Night” I was only waiting for my chance to escape. If it means losing my will, I’ll take death. Please know that the Aspects will never allow you to get away with this.”

Her face changed to anger; I made a mistake. “If you just said death, I would have killed you, and let all these dragons rest, but now you’re making threats. You and your dead kin will be the ones who ensure I get away with this then. Divina when you’re done, please meet me within my Pocket Dimension.”

I roared at her as she entered the indestructible door with the vampire. When it was just myself and the glowing Angel I made my last attempt at escape.

“If you let me go I can have the Aspects find a way to break whatever binds you to her service. You can be free!”

She gently chuckled in response to my offer. “Thanks to Radiant Night I am free, I will never be alone again, and I’ll get my revenge. You will serve an absolute power as the leader of her Radiant Dragons. It is a great honor.”

“I will never serve under such a horrid monster!”

The souls of my dead kin gathered in the sky above us and started turning into glowing white dragons with blue eyes.

“In the end whoever she desires will serve her.”

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

“Snowy, Icy, Cloudy please prepare for multiple people visiting and treat them as you would myself. In the meantime if… you… co—” When I was about to finish speaking the damage from limit break and a skill that required sleep before it could evolve forced me to pass out.

~~~

When I opened my eyes, I found myself in the twilight room where I originally killed the Light Elemental. I stood up and noticed two creatures standing in front of me on my left and right. One was my younger self with Touch of the Abyss active, and the other was the Light Elemental.

“Who are you?”

There was no answer, but a smile grew across the girl’s face as they slowly reached their hands out towards me. Just before we touched I woke up.

~~~

“—Hero skill Limit Break and some changes within her body. Radiant Night will recover shortly.” The voice of Divina was coming from my bedside.

“Radiant Night! Thank goodness your alright!” A crying Icy flew over and clung to my shirt.

“Icy you can’t touch Radiant Night without permission!” Snowy began scolding Icy while Cloudy nodded next to her.

“It's okay. Divina has there been any issues since I passed out?”

“Zoe has taken nicely to her new role, and your army of Radiant Dragons will be ready soon. After you’ve had time to recover there are matters I hope to discuss with you.”

“I will meet you in the living room shortly. Thank you for all of your help Divina.”

“I was merely fulfilling my duties. I am unworthy of your kind words.” She along with the fairies bowed and left me alone in the master bedroom.

The decision I made to enslave those dead dragons was a hard one, but when she threatened me, I pictured Kenneth being hurt and couldn’t bear the idea of it happening again. I don’t know if it was the right choice, but I would be lying to myself if I said it didn’t bring me comfort. Regardless, the previous fight granted two titles, lots of exp, and quite a few skill evolutions.

[Uncommon] Prediction – The ability to predict and evade attacks.

Passive

Source: Evolved from Evasion.

Skill levels: 8/10

[Legendary] Elemental Core – The Elemental Essence found within your soul has allowed it to transform. Your body no longer requires nourishment, water, air, or rest and performing any of these tasks will now restore mana instead. Unnecessary internal organs have been replaced with a Twilight Core. +3 Intellect and Wisdom.

Passive

Source: Elemental Essence within soul. Merging of completed Hunger, Thirst, and Exhaust Nullification.

Skill levels: 6/10

[Legendary] Dragon Heart – The Draconic Essence found within your blood has allowed it to transform. Your body ages at a much slower pace and your desire to collect valuables has increased. Your heart and blood have been replaced with a Twilight Dragon’s heart and blood. +3 Strength and Endurance.

Passive

Source: Draconic Essence within blood. Draconic Essence absorbed from other Dragons.

Skill levels: 6/10

[Rare] Holy Ascent – Empower your wings with Holy light granting powerful maneuvering abilities and speed. While Holy Ascent is in use a slight boost to Holy Light damage is granted.

Mana Cost: 2/M

Stamina Cost: 2/M

Source: Evolved from Arc Flight.

Skill levels: 7/10

[Divine] Absolute Judgement – Tear open the Radiant Sky and send its judgment crashing down on the target.

Mana Cost: N/A

Source: Derived from Hallowed Ground.

Skill levels: 1/10

[Divine] Perfect Resurrection – Resurrect a single target. No power is lost, and all belongings still present on the body are restored.

Mana Cost: N/A

Restrictions: Use limited to one soul a day. Souls that have already returned to the sea of mana cannot be resurrected.

Source: Radiant Class Store.

Skill levels: 5/10

Calamity of Dragons – Slayer of over 100 Dragons.

Grants: Grants 25% increased damage to Dragons. +1 All Attributes.

Source: Slay 100 Dragons.

Calamity of Legends – Slayer of over 100 Legendary Class Holders.

Grants: 25% increased damage to Legendary Class Holders. +4 Free Attributes.

Source: Slay 100 Legendary Class Holders.

During the battle, my level also increased dramatically for Hero of Twilight.

Active Level: 61

Total Level: 87

Origin Classes:

[Nightmare Lvl: 12], [Seraph Lvl: 12], [Hero of Twilight Lvl: 31]

With my 22 free attributes, I used 4 to get Endurance to 25, 13 to get wisdom to 25, and put the remaining 5 into perception to get it to 10. I then used 120 skill points to get Enhanced Endurance II, Enhanced Perception I, Enhanced Wisdom I & II, Enhanced Craftsmanship I, and Enhanced Control I. All of them did the standard 50% and 100% increases.

HP: 97/97 (25/H) STM: 97/97 (25/M) MP: 290/290 (25/M) DP: 3/?? (??)

Attributes:

Strength: 8 Dexterity: 6 Constitution: 13 Endurance: 25 Perception: 10 Intelligence: 29 Wisdom: 25 Charisma: 3 Luck: 12 Craftsmanship: 11 Control: 10

The boost in perception was the most noticeable. My vision was now crystal clear, I could hear the slightest noises, follow specific scents, and even sense movements around me. I quickly adapted to my improved senses and went downstairs. As I entered the living room, I saw a strange but happy group sitting together, laughing, and talking.

‘Arty, once we’re together again I hope we can laugh and smile alongside them.’

This was my first chance to get a good look at Divina. She looked similar to Seraph but lacked the halo and had more wings. Her body was all white including her hair, and the only differing parts were her sky-blue eyes and the sky-blue outline around her body. Her voice was kind and gentle, and it looked like she was wearing nun’s robe but the body of light made it hard to tell.

When Kenneth noticed me, he walked over. “Thank you for resurrecting me… I won’t forget this Ellie, and I won’t fail you again.”

“I’m just glad that you’re okay.”

“If you need someone to talk to about what happened, well, you know the line. I won’t let you make fun of me for it again.”

I slightly smiled. “Thanks, Kenneth.” Unlike the inn or the girl I killed on the cart, I felt nothing for Dragons, so there wasn’t anything I needed to talk about.

Divina was waiting for me so I told him we would talk more later. When we entered the library, the first thing she did was bow.

“Divina please stop bowing.”

“I will do my best to complete your request however I must insist on calling you Radiant Night.”

“I guess just that is fine then.”

“There are three matters I have been managing which caused my delay in properly serving you.” She handed me a small bottle with a white worm inside and continued. “Your arm has been sealed and can not be tracked, so this worm offers an alternative option. It is one of the rarest existences in the Radiant Sky, a soul worm. It will enter through your mouth and bind itself to your soul while also granting a new arm and providing other benefits to you. It pains me to have to suggest this however it is the only way to grant something more powerful than having your original arm back. Once the binding is complete, it can never be undone.”

I hesitated since I just met Divina but with how much shes already helped me I couldn’t bring myself to decline.

“Divina, please allow me to analyze and inspect the worm beforehand.”

“My apologies, I may have been too hasty. Please forgive my rudeness.”

Active Level: 1

Total Level: 1

Title: Soul Worm

Name: N/A

Race: Soul Worm

Age: 97,471

Name: Soul Worm

Rarity: Divine

Type: Monster

Intelligence: Low

Uses: If eaten it will merge with your soul.

Description: The soul worm is an immortal monster from the brightest parts of the Radiant Sky. Only one exists eternally waiting for the master it deems worthy. If eaten the worm will test your worth, and if you fail, it will devour your soul.

‘I have never been lucky, but if Divina wanted to kill me, she could have done so while I was sleeping. I don’t believe she would propose this if she weren’t sure if it would work.’

It wasn’t the first worm I’ve eaten, so I dropped it in my mouth and swallowed. Pain Immunity caused a warmth letting me know damage was occurring however I was surprised to feel an actual very intense pain growing. I did my best to endure quietly and eventually, it ended. After a few moments of nothing happening the skin where my arm used to be burst open causing twilight colored blood to get all over the couch and floor. I watched as a massive black worm extended from my shoulder and then slowly turn into a snow-white arm and hand. I gained full control of its movements, but I knew the worm was still present because it was now listed as my companion.

“RaDiaNt… NigHt…” A garbled voice came from my arm.

A part of it turned into Darkness. Within it were two spiraling white eyes and a large smiling mouth filled with white teeth.

“Those are the only words it can say so you don’t need to worry about it pestering you. The worm is your arm and will work in the same way your normal one would however it offers different bonuses such as devouring annoyances that get to close or altering its form.”

“I see, thank you Divina. This will make things much easier.”

“It is my pleasure to serve.” She went to bow but stopped midway through remembering what I just told her. “Next is about your first companion, Artel Noir. I have been able to pinpoint his location to within the Demon Lord’s Capital however his condition is unknown.”

Seeing my reaction she stopped for a while before continuing. ‘Arty I will be there as soon as I can.’

“The last matter is the remnants of your old soul. When she was taken to the Great Sea of Mana, I intervened, but Death was not willing to play along, so things became more complicated. I believe he held back your resurrection because of this, but it was nothing I couldn’t correct once I completed my initial task. Due to these actions, the soul never dissipated within the sea of mana like it was supposed to and this caused her to be reborn while still, in part, being your old self. It is these three reasons that have kept me in the Radiant Sky. The third specifically required my direct attention for years.”

‘I will find both of you. Please hold on a little longer.’

“You’ve helped me so much, and I’ve only known you for a short while. I’m extremely grateful.”

She smiled. “I am happy to help.”

“I do have three questions for you. The first is why are you so dedicated to me? As I said, I’m grateful for your help, but if you were forced into this, you do not have to stay.”

“I did my best to be a good person at one point in my life, but it only brought me over 10,000 years trapped within the Radiant Sky. I gave up hope and wished to die, but one day a soul as bright as the sun changed everything. Even if I can’t go far from you, I’m now free. Radiant Night, the power above all else, will bring a future where those she cares for never have to suffer again! You are the reason I wish to keep living.”

I didn’t know how to respond to what was basically this woman worshiping me.

“Is there anything I can do to thank you for everything?”

“One day I will make a personal request, and at that time I hope you will accept. That is all I desire besides serving you.”

“I will do my best to fulfill it when that time comes.”

She went to bow but caught herself again.

“The second and third are about me. I gave up everything but what exactly was it? Why am I being called Radiant Night?”

“Your soul is divided into three parts. Abyssal, Radiant, and “Ellie.” The part of Ellie that remains within you is her despair, anger, hatred, and desire for power. Everything else was removed, but part of it was quite stubborn and clung on. This altered your soul and as a result, you still have access to all your normal Human emotions. Since she took your place in death, those emotions should be gone, but it seems she left one final gift while right under Death’s nose. It is very slight, but there is still a fragment of her within your soul granting you access to those emotions.”

I didn’t know if that fragment could hear me, but I decided to say thank you inside my head just in case.

“Why would the Abyssal Lord take away my emotions?”

“I believe he was trying to help you, but everything he does and how he acts is a mystery to me. It is my guess that the Abyssal lord may not even understand himself or his power which is why he struggles to speak and does not properly follow orders. This likely has something to do with who he was before becoming the Abyssal Lord. As for Radiant Night, it is the name of an old god from my home continent. He was the god of Abyssal and Serenity mana and created both Angels and Demons. It is said his kindness knew no bounds, but when his children did nothing but kill one another, he slaughtered their armies. Sometime later Angels and Demons, for the only time in history, joined together to face Radiant Night. He was so happy to see his children working together that he accepted death and allowed them to win. My people do not speak much of this legend, and it was not even taught to children anymore 10,000 years ago. I doubt it is remembered today.”

‘So, you see me as that…’

“Have you been able to speak to him, the Abyssal Lord?”

“We have spoken, but it is only for brief moments. I will continue my work on making contact and gaining access to the Fallen Abyss.”

“Thank you again, Divina.”

“It is an honor to serve you Radiant Night.”

We returned to the living room where Kenneth was fighting off a flirty Snowy.

“Radiant Night, your arm is healed! Divina your healing magic is amazing!” Icy was the first to notice my new arm, so she flew over and started examining it.

“RaDiaNt… NigHt…” The scary face appeared and said my title again.

“AHHH, A-A monster has Radiant Night’s arm!” Icy was now clinging to my opposite arm.

“Its okay Icy, he’s my new companion. I guess he was saying hi.”

“O-Oh, that’s okay then…”

“I want to head out right away. Kenneth are you okay with putting the search for your kids on hold until I recover Artel and one other?”

“If my kids are still out there they have safely set themselves up in that undead city. A little longer won’t be an issue and I also owe you for being alive after all.”

“Radiant Night please head out in the morning! You need time to allow those new body altering skills and the soul worm to stabilize.”

I wasn’t happy about having to wait, but if Divina was insisting for my safety, I would not argue.

Kenneth started walking towards the baths. “In that case, I’m going to take a bath and prepare for tomorrow.”

“I’m going to join Kenneth in the baths!” Snowy clung to his shoulder.

“Aren’t you supposed to be serving Ellie while she’s here?”

“I’m on break!”

“Snowy you can’t go into the boy’s area! You're being unprofessional!” Icy was scolding Snowy which was a funny sight, and cloudy was nodding his head behind her.

“Sorry Icy…”

“I’m going to try cooking dinner for us. I’ll call everyone when its ready. Cloudy if you could assist me I would be grateful.”

“Radiant Night, none of us require food and the Pixies eat Snow Berries from the yard. There is no need to do such a task for us nor do we deserve such kindness.” Divina cut in.

“Cooking was one of the things that used to make me happy. I’ve wanted to get back into it especially since Arty will be here soon.”

“Oh, my apologies. In that case, I am looking forward to it.”

Cloudy and I went through the dining room to the kitchen. Since it wasn’t an actual dinner, I was just going to do dessert.

“Which recipe…. Cloudy do Pixies eat baked goods?”

“We eat anything but meat; it gives us stomach aches.”

“Hmmm… In that case, I will do a Strawberry Dream Cake with my blood on Kenneth’s Piece.”

My new arm and dexterity combined with Hasty Touch and Starlight Cooking made the process very fast. When it was finished and loaded with fresh strawberries, I called everyone.

-Congratulations! Hasty Touch has increased to 6/10!-

-Congratulations! Starlight Cooking has increased to 6/10!-

-Congratulations! Starlight Chef has leveled up to 26/50!-

“Not the healthiest dinner but it looks good!” Kenneth was laughing.

“It's so big and red!” The three pixies were staring with eyes full of joy at the strawberry on top of their shared slice.

“Thank you, Radiant Night. I’ve never seen anything like this even when I lived in amongst Angels.”

Everyone sat down and dug into their slices. I analyzed mine to see what it would show.

Name: Slice of Strawberry Dream Cake

Rarity: Legendary

Consumption Effect: +3 Charisma (8 Hours)

Description: A legendary cake slice.

Seeing “legendary” used to describe my cake left me quite happy. I looked around at everyone enjoying the food I made.

‘I still love cooking Arty. Let's make lots of different things when your back.’

“Is this your blood on mine? It's so much tastier than last time!?”

“My blood changed to be more like a dragon. I’m glad it tastes better.”

The night went by quickly after that. I took a long bath with Icy and Snowy and then laid in my room while holding my Marshmallow ghost plushie and thinking of Arty.

~~~

“Radiant Night this passage will take you to the general location of your old soul. The Angels have never been kind to outsiders, especially demons, please be prepared to kill any who disrespect you.”

Hearing such a kind and gentle voice say things like that was off-putting, but I was happy she was worried about me.

“Thank you, Divina. If you could make sure the Pixies don’t bring food into the bath while I’m away that would be great. They keep sneaking snowberries in.” The Pixies all pretended not to hear while looking away.

“Passage.”

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

-Location #1 has now been marked and titled “Dawn Wastes.”-

I marked the charred wasteland and entered Divina’s Passage with Kenneth. Inside was a tunnel surrounded by light and we exited in an alleyway.

-You Have Entered the Country: ‘Seven Heavens,’ Capital City: ‘Holy Mountain’-

-Congratulations! Pathfinding has increased to 8/10!-

Every building in sight resembled elaborate roman catholic architecture, and every window was stained glass. Statues and murals depicting angels were everywhere, and I could not find a single building that did not look like its own work of art.

“I thought Vatican City was impressive, but this is on an entirely different level. If it weren’t a low-profile mission, I’d ask for a walking tour. Ellie, how’s your stealth skill?”

“I can completely vanish for about three minutes before my mana runs out. As for the passive skill… one second.”

I went up against the wall and did my best to blend in.

-Congratulations! Stealth has increased to 6/10!-

“It's six out of ten now. it should go up pretty quick as I use it.”

“Good, the next rank is Camouflage followed by Shadow. Most Angels are flying, and I have not seen any guards so let's find someone who will tell us what we need to know... Follow my lead.”

We started traveling down dark alleys. After some time we made it to a more run-down part of the city. The architecture was just as beautiful but you could see the years of neglect.

-Congratulations! Stealth has increased to 8/10!-

“How were you able to find this area, Kenneth?”

“One place you can find in any city is the slums, but I will admit I was slightly worried. With the race here being Angels I thought they might have cared about the poor. There is almost no air traffic and none of the people here have wings. Could you analyze the old one who’s going to be walking past us?”

An old man who was nothing but skin and bones wearing a dirt-covered robe was the man Kenneth pointed out. I used Analyze causing his wrinkly face to show panic. After which he put his head down and sped up.

Active Level: 4

Total Level: 4

Title: Angel

Name: Habert Laurus

Race: Angel

Age: 986

-Congratulations! Eyes of the Abyss has increased to 10/10!-

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

-Congratulations! Eyes of the Abyss has multiple evolution paths. Please select one when you are next available to do so.-

“Level 4, racial title, Angel.”

Kenneth nodded and gave me the signal to wait while he readied his combat knife. When the old man passed, he masterfully pulled him into the alley. He had one hand covering the old man’s mouth and the other holding a knife to his throat.

“We need information. If you value your life I recommend answering.”

The old man tried to speak, but I soon learned the reason we couldn’t understand.

-Congratulations! You have earned the skill Angelic!-

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

-Congratulations! English has increased to 9/10!-

I didn’t know why English went up but now was not the time to question it. I repeated the statement in Angelic and the old Angel nodded. Kenneth released him and he fell on mud covered ground.

“Anything I should ask Kenneth?”

“Divina told me she could be anywhere between one and six years old and she will possibly have fame due to unique abilities or a powerful class. Ask for a person who can help us locate her or a town hall we can loot for records. Rumors over the last six years about powerful kids can help as well. I’ll watch the surroundings. It's your call if he lives or dies after.”

I repeated the questions Kenneth told me to ask about.

“I will answer everything you desire but may I ask what has caused a member of the holy family to do such things?”

“Holy family?”

“White wings are only possible for someone of the highest bloodline. To have such a unique pattern of black and white surely means you are someone important.”

“I have no relation to the Holy Family or this nation. I’m here to recover someone important to me and nothing more. She should be between one and six years old.”

“What unfortunate times we live in… Is the little one you are searching for of the holy bloodline as well?”

“We may have a similar wing pattern.”

“Around three years ago a woman not far from here gave birth to a member of the holy bloodline. She claimed to have never conceived with someone of such status and attempted to trade the baby for those God’s Guidance gold coins but was caught by the guards. Not long after the baby was deemed unholy for an unknown reason. I have only heard it in passing, but it is rumored the baby held a power that would threaten the current Heavenly Angel. Never has a child, let alone baby, of the holy bloodline been deemed unholy in such a way. I can only weep for the younger generations. If she is still alive, she would be within the Unholy Halls, the dark green fortress to the north.”

“Thank you, that is exactly what we needed. I do have one more question. What happened to the wings of all the people living here?”

“Our wings are our pride. Each feather and pattern reflects who we are, our greatness and freedom. The people here have been deemed “Unworthy” a step below “Unholy.” I lost my wings for trying to protect a young starving angel that was going to lose his for taking a small fruit. Any who try to flee the Seven Heavens are also deemed unworthy and lose their wings. Once they’re gone, you can wait for death or struggle as someone who is seen as less than nothing.”

“Why not heal them?”

“If only we could child… Our racial healing powers cannot be used to heal sealed limbs. The Unholy Halls contain much more than just the Unholy. Every pair of wings is sealed and kept their as well.”

“I see, in that case I will make sure the Unholy Halls are nothing but rubble before I leave.”

“Such fantasies are not worth your wings or life! None return from that horrid place!”

“You’re a kind, old man. I will ensure that does not go unrewarded.”

I turned back to Kenneth. “We have the location; stealth is over. We’re going to recover her and destroy the dark green fortress to the north.”

“What about the old man?”

“He won’t be an issue.”

As we were about to take off the old man grabbed the back of my cloak.

“If you will truly face death for our sake at least show me your face so I can remember it.”

I lowered my hood.

“It's for my own sake. Destroying the fortress and your sealed wings is something I can easily do before leaving.”

‘A kindness to make up for all the killing.’

“Horns… You have both...”

“I do. If you heal your wings fast enough, you may be able to use the chaos to escape.”

After putting my hood back on, I took off into the sky with Kenneth. Just like the old man said there was a dark green fortress to the north. Guards flew in formation over the city but Kenneth, now in his bat form on my back, told me we should be able to blend in and get close before dealing with anyone.

‘This time someone will save you.’