The girl in the Abyss

Chapter 14

It was coming close to a week of being with Ellie. I felt responsible for her at first, but that night when she brought me back from the dead, I realized things weren’t that simple. She was a girl with a dark past who obtained great power, far more than I originally imagined, but at the time I could still see the young girl struggling inside. I saw her mercy and kindness on multiple occasions but when she lost Artel everything changed, and I failed her. My priority was Elsie, but it should have been her, I should never have left her side. When I next saw her in that beautiful gown, I couldn’t help but think of it as funeral wear, the young girl struggling inside was dead.

Aurora and Hysa claim there is nothing that can bring her back, but she brought me back, and that should be proof enough that its possible. It's for this reason that I will do my best to be there for her and never stop fighting to save her. Until that time its another regret to add to the ever-growing pile.

~~~

Inside the Cathedral, I heard Liam arguing with someone sitting at the head of the table. I knew the monster quite well from my time as a Dungeon boss; it was a Ghoul. His flesh was torn and looked rotten, half his face was bandaged, and the only things he was wearing were swim trunks, flipflops, and sunglasses.

“A deals, a deal, you can't go back on a magic contract.”

“Just my sister and her classmates, there must be a way!”

“Liam, my man, what do you want from me? I’m here to make sure things run smooth. I don’t control the King’s contract magic.”

“Father? You don’t need to be here. This is my responsibility.”

“Are you wearing old-world army gear and carrying guns? That’s just as weird as my outfit!” The ghoul started laughing.

“Liam we’re family, you don’t need to do everything yourself.”

“This is a problem I caused!”

“No, if I just listened to you and my parents, I never would have gone to DC, and none of this would have happened. I was stubborn and felt the same way you do right now. You don’t need to handle this alone, neither of us does, I know that now.”

‘Otherwise, you’ll end up like Ellie.’

“How touching. Unfortunately, family time is not on the agenda for tonight but you’re welcome to stay.”

Liam walked over. “I-I’m sorry Dad, its--”

I put my arm around him and pulled him to my side. “We can save the mushy stuff for after.”

“Your right, I need to look professional for Bree and Asher.”

While Liam wiped away his tears, Sophia began teasing him. “That’s the first time I’ve seen cry baby Liam in a while.”

“It's better than being an immature child all the time.”

‘That’s the fighting I remember. I never thought I would miss that…’

“Yes, yes, take your seats please.”

I sat in-between Liam and Sophia, and Valora stood behind as our guard. I didn’t think we needed one, but I wouldn’t trouble Ellie any further by attempting to decline. Not long after a familiar face entered.

“If it isn’t Kenneth back from the grave.”

Asher’s style changed, he was thin, had parted long brown hair, a mustache, and a suit.

“Came to mooch like your kids did?”

Bree followed behind looking the same except for the new axe on her back. She had tanned brown skin and long curly back hair in a ponytail. Her clothing was baggy pants, a t-shirt, and two fingerless gloves. It took all my effort to not pull my gun on them right away but after they were seated my anger flooded out.

“You two are supposed to be my best friends and now I learn that your sending assassins after my kids?!”

“Those are serious accusations, Kenneth. If assassins are going after your kids its probably one of my or Bree’s decedents being upset that two strays were given 50% of OUR blood farms because the King likes them.”

“So, you tried to have them killed?!”

Bree put her feet up on the table. “You show up after 100 years and act like the same ignorant do-gooder, Asher and I starved as we built this society! A few years after when we finally started reaping its rewards a group of brats show up, so we gave them blood and place to stay. How did they repay that? They had the king give them 50% of our blood farm!”

“I’ve told you we never asked for it! Our 50% goes towards everyone in the city. We’ve never once hoarded it for ourselves unlike you two!”

“It should be Bree and I who decide, that’s the point. It's unfortunate that your brain never had the chance to finish developing.”

“Over something so petty? Are you even the Bree and Asher I knew?”

“Starvation, your entire family dying, and time changes people. We always took the backseat to your glory anyway. We owed you nothing.”

Bree smirked. “He has his own blood slave standing behind him, a replacement for your dead wife maybe?”

“Leave my wif—" Just then a cloaked vampire jumped down from the pillar behind us heading straight for my neck.

“Intercept!” Valora appeared in-between us, and before the assassin had the chance to react, she smashed forward with her glowing shield sending him flying into the wall. His front was reduced to charred bones and his back splattered. It was like an explosion hit him.

“Valora that’s my job!”

“Sorry Ms. Sophia, Empress’ orders.”

“Booo.” Sophia slumped forward onto the table.

I stood up and pointed my pistol at Asher who was sitting with his arms and legs crossed. “You tried to kill my kids, you insult my wife, and then you try to kill me? Give me a reason I shouldn’t pull the trigger right now.”

Bree burst into laughter. “I was wondering why you were wearing that shit. It seems you’re just delusional.”

I pointed the pistol in the air and fired. The smiles were wiped off their faces, and both Asher and Bree jumped back from their seats and pulled their weapons.

“H-How, I’ve had people researching guns for 50 years and nothing worked?!” Asher growled.

I pointed the pistol back at Asher.

“I serve an Empress who can make much of the impossible, possible. I don’t even thirst for blood anymore, one feeding and I was cured. I wanted you to beg her for it so that my friends would be free as well, but now I’d rather see you both dead.”

“Lies! Nothing can stop the thirst for blood!”

“She put a few drops in my mouth and I haven’t wanted any since…”

“I witnessed it as well.”

A clap of moist hands was heard from the head of the table. “Okay, I wanted to eat like five minutes ago. Kenneth, was it? Could you put the gun away and sit?”

“Why would I do that?”

“I’d have to report it to the King which means everyone you love would die.”

I couldn’t help but smirk. ‘Your king wouldn’t stand a chance.’

“Asher, look into my eyes.”

“You seriously think I’m going to fall for the that—”

His eyes opened wide and stared back into mine which caused Bree to panic.

“How?! You didn’t say the skill name!”

“It merged with a passive skill I have. It's already too late the moment you make eye contact.”

Vampire’s Charm was a skill that allowed you to, as the title suggests, charm people when they look into your eyes. It can be used for information gathering or altering memories. When I purchased it, I was surprised to see it merge with my passive skill “Eyes of the Abyss” from the Fallen Race.

“You bastard! How many skills do you have from the Pure Vampire class shop?!”

“Almost all of them, as I said before the Empress makes the impossible possible. Those who serve her gain a skill point for every other skill point she gains, and she gains an absurd amount of skill points.” It started when she returned from the Demon Continent. According to Divina, it may be related to her being the Ruler of the Fallen Abyss and Radiant Sky or something else she obtained.

“Asher who is sending the Assassins after my children?”

Asher who was silently staring forward this whole time answered my question. “It is a joint effort between my and Bree’s Bloodlines.”

I released him from the charm. I wanted him to see the bullet entering his skull.

“Kenneth wait!” Bree jumped in front of him.

My friends were gone, people who held so much courage and honor reduced to spouting bullshit. I pulled the trigger, Bree’s attempt to block it only made it so I didn’t have to waste a second bullet.

“Ah jeez, you’ve really done it now…” The Overseer pulled out a quill and paper. When whatever he was writing was complete a big fly appeared and carried it away.

“Well, that concludes the meeting… Now I have to go hire their Pure Vampire kids…”

“You’re not going to try and act on your threat?”

“You think I’m an Idiot? You just killed two legendary Pure Vampires with one bullet, fuck that. The King will decide, this isn’t in my job description.”

He walked out of the Cathedral grumbling.

“Dad’s ruthless, I knew I took after him!”

“Let’s head back to the manor.”

I sat with Liam and Sophia spending the rest of the night talking about our pasts and the future, how Ellie would free them, and her goal of making a country. As it passed, I couldn’t help but remember the good times with my now dead friends. I killed them and I didn’t regret that, but I couldn’t help but dream of a reality where my friends were still who I remembered.

‘Two more faces to haunt me when I close my eyes.’

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

This land was filled with despair. I could feel it emanating from the earth itself. As far as the eye could see undead monsters roamed, the plant life was dark and monstrous or simply dead, and the clouds always blocked out the sky. Near the city, I felt a connection to a specific location. Cries were all I could hear from it as I approached. It looked like a large walled area filled with warehouses, the stench was bad, but due to my immunities, it didn’t bug me.

“Hey you! Half Breed!” A scratchy voice called out from behind me.

A large black upright beetle flew over to me. Based on its decaying body it was undead.

“Is there something I can help you with?”

“You can’t just fly over a blood farm as a member of the living! What are you here for? Better not be a break out attempt!”

“I’m on my way to speak with the King. I heard the cries here and decided to stop.”

“Of course you would hear that! It’s a blood farm! That outfits pretty magic looking so maybe you really are… Come down to my office and I will get you an escort.”

We landed inside the blood farm. The various undead were performing jobs in the surroundings.

“My office is in Warehouse one. It’s the one at the end.”

The warehouses were built using parts of old-world buildings, mostly scrap metal. Screams were all around us although I couldn’t see why yet. We entered through a small door on the warehouse and I was met with a house of horrors. Cages upon cages were filled with Humans and Dwarves, and in-between those cages were tables where they would drain blood or cut off limbs entirely. We stopped in front of a cage with an old human woman and a young red-bearded male dwarf.

The beetle opened the gate. “Okay get in, this is your cage.”

“There was no escort?”

“Of course not! Why would there be an escort for livestock? Your just an idiot that followed me, I’ll happily take that magic gear though.”

He came over to push me in, but Worm wasn’t very fond of that, so a mass of darkness and jagged teeth appeared from my left arm. Tentacles of flesh grabbed onto the bug and pulled him in to the large mouth, and after a few crunches, there was nothing left. Others working in the surroundings noticed the commotion, to ensure I got my point across I activated Terrifying Presence.

-Congratulations! Terrifying Presence has increased to 8/10!-

The undead backed up understanding the power difference. With my curiosity quenched and no escort, I would continue on my own.

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

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

-Congratulations! Angelic has granted 1 Skill Point for skill completion.-

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

“Wait! Girl ain't ya going to save us?” It was the Dwarf standing in the now open cage.

“I plan to meet with the King of this Country. Destroying his farms or assisting you would hinder that.”

“You’re a member of the living! Even if you’re a monster how could ya let this stand!?”

I coldly stared down at him. “Because none of you would do the same for me.”

I left the warehouse and flew above the skyscrapers until I received the notification for entering the city.

-You Have Entered the Country: ‘Demise,’ Capital City: ‘Ruin’-

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

Interestingly they were demolishing the ruins and using it as parts of their new buildings. As I moved towards the center very little remained of the once Human city. The architecture was pointy and bones were used to decorate a lot of the buildings. Nothing looked higher than a story or two except for a castle covered in bones that stood in the middle. I landed in front of the bone covered staircase leading to the front entrance.

“Halt! You stand before the King of Undeath’s castle! What business do you have?”

A Demon with glowing blue eyes and armor decorated in bones stopped me.

“I need to speak with the King.”

“And you are?”

“Ellie.”

“Well, “Ellie” you don’t just meet with the king.”

“Grasp of the Abyss.” A massive arm like Nightmare’s appeared from a black void and grabbed the guard.

-Congratulations! Grasp of the Abyss has increased to 5/10!-

“I am sure your King will be quite interested in speaking with me. I’ll give you a second chance at not wasting my time.”

I threw him towards the front entrance after which he ran inside. Not long after a new human guard with blue eyes ran out and greeted me.

“The King wishes to speak with you. Please follow me to the throne room.”

We walked through hallways decorated in dark metals shaped like bones and bugs. The walls had collection skeletal wings decorating them, paintings of bugs, and the lighting was blue flames. We passed servants of many races, and I even saw an elf. However, all of them were clearly undead. We came to a large metal door depicting Angels throwing an old Angel with no feathers into a pit filled with bugs. On both sides of the door were skeletal dragons staring intently ready to take action. The large doors opened slowly to a throne room, along the sides of the room were blue flames and in the back was a massive moving throne. It was white and looked like it was made of maggots.

‘This smell… It could probably kill someone.’

The most concerning part was the smell within the room. I couldn’t tell if it was supposed to be an attack or it just naturally smelled this bad.

“Its been a long time since someone could withstand my stench. I’m King Abaddon. It is nice to meet you young Angel… No, something far more interesting… A half breed? Either way, you stand before the King of Undeath.”

‘He doesn't look undead?’ He was a hairless wrinkly old Angel with two featherless wings on his back who wore a shiny grey robe decorated in black skulls. His flesh was greenish grey and it looked wet with slime or sweat. The visual of two fleshy limbs sticking out of his back grossed me out too.

‘I’d rather cut them off at that point…’

“I am Ellie Noir.”

“What brings someone as powerful as yourself before me?”

“I need the contracts for the Porter Pure Vampire’s and their companions nullified.”

He leaned forward on his throne of bugs. I could hear the popping of squished bugs as he did so.

“They are important for the Vampire city I set up over there, not to mention someone just killed two other Pure Vampires… That would be a loss of four Legendary class holders and many Rare class holders. What are you offering in return?”

“Keeping your life is not enough?”

He began laughing. “I’d be offended if I didn’t know how true that statement was. I’ve had Aura of Divinity active this entire time yet you have not reacted in the slightest. You are strong, but I still can’t part with them so simply… How about this? Marry me and we will share this Kingdom. You will have full control alongside me.”

“You do not meet the criteria for being my daughter’s father nor could you benefit the country I am making enough for me to consider marriage.”

He was laughing again. “To think, the first woman who does not care about my smell or looks declines me because I am too weak for her! I truly can’t win with the other gender! You say you're making a country, how about being allies? If you agree I will not only cancel the contracts but also provide you with any undead you require alongside control over them.”

“What can your undead and an alliance do for me?”

“The undead can work endlessly. Manual labor, farming, and mining to name a few. As for the alliance, should you require an undead army it will be at your call, assuming you would do the same for me. You see I have a bit of a dwarf problem… They keep trying to set up a city alongside the Human Continent’s coast, my coast, and their landing parties keep getting larger. It would be nice know I have some backup.”

‘What he was offering really does benefit me far more. I could easily send the Radiant Dragons to deal with anything bugging him…’

“I am considering the offer but I have another question. What are you doing in the Human continent?”

“I came for the free army of undead and stayed for the land of undeath. Human Ruins also fascinate me since they are impossibly large.”

“So, the Vampire city was an Angel city?”

“It’s the fourth heaven within the Seven Heavens! I stole it a long, long time ago and they still haven’t forgiven me for it.”

“We have a deal however the two legendary vampires probably died at my companion’s hand. I will offer some compensation as a sign of good faith.”

I removed the legendary Class book I got from the dungeon and threw it towards Abaddon.

‘I no longer have an undead companion to give this to anyway.’

“This is quite the rare find… You can even select from some really good Legendary classes… Our alliance is already paying off! It will be official with a handshake.”

He got up and walked down the living steps, the sound of crunching and squishing bugs followed all the way.

“To a grand alliance.”

I shook his slimy hand and a paper formed between us.

“A copy for both of us, you can see the terms are exactly as stated. Should you require undead, I will send one of my skeletal dragons to fly them over. For now, please take this item.”

He handed me a skull with two glowing blue eyes.

“Holding this you can command my undead.”

“Thank you. I will be in contact after I create the country.”

I gave him a respectful bow. He was an ally now, and I would treat him and his subordinates as such.

“Such a change in tone!” He started laughing again. “I look forward to it Ellie. I’m sure things will be very interesting for both of us.”

“Mark, Passage.”

I opened a passage back to the manor and appeared in the living room.

‘Where are they…’ I opened my map. It had a feature to show people around me, but the range was dependant on my Perception.

‘Ah, the dining room.’

I made my way to a very large dining room. If you removed the table, it would be a beautiful ballroom.

“Empress! I am happy to see your safe return!” Valora was the first to greet me however she was looking a bit queasy.

“Is something the matter Valora?”

“Sorry… I'm just not used to, um, that kind of eating.”

She was probably referring to the group of 13-year-old High Vampires feasting on bowls of warm blood like it was soup.

“They won’t require blood after I give them some of my own.”

“That means you broke the contracts!?”

Hearing Valora’s commotion, Kenneth came over with his children.

“Is it true Ellie, did the King cancel them?!” Liam had tears in his eyes as he asked.

“He did. He is also my ally and will be supporting the country I am making.”

“Thank you! You saved our father, and now you saved us, I will never be able to repay you.”

“It was your father’s request, so nothing is owed to me.”

“Where are you making this new country anyway?” Sophia asked.

“Sophia are you ready?”

“What do you mean Dad?”

“New York, New York!”

She covered her mouth and started jumping up and down.

“We’re going to rule New York!!! Are we rebuilding it!?”

“We have a core that gives bonuses for founding a city within ruins. We don’t know what they are yet.”

“I can’t wait!!! Liam this is the best thing ever! Jackie!!!!” She ran off looking for her best friend.

“The amount of people here is rather large. I will return with a passage once the city is founded.”

“Sophia and I will watch over everyone until then.”

“Good, then the last thing we need is to cure their thirst for blood. Liam, Kenneth, have them line up, it will be a couple drops each.”

~~~

“Welcome home Ellie.”

“Thank you, Aurora. How was Elsie?”

“She unfortunately came down with a fever, so I prepared a healing tea which took care of it. She is just resting in your room now.”

After thanking her, I rushed upstairs to my room where Elsie was cuddling with the ghost plushie. When she heard me walking over, she attempted to get up.

“Ellie.” Her eyes looked tired.

“Stay laying down. I’ll come to you, don’t worry.”

“My head got hot today.”

“Aurora told me. Are you feeling better now?”

“Mm.”

“Radiant Heal.” I healed her again. I completely trusted Aurora’s ability to cure it, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable until I personally handled it.

“Can we play now?”

“I want you to lay down for tonight.”

“You said…”

“I’ll be right here, my work for today is done. How about I read you some of the books we have?”

“Mm.”

I don’t think she minded what we did as long as we were together. When she fell asleep, I took off my boots and crawled into bed with her. I laid on my side rubbing her head as she slept.

“Ellie?”

“I thought you were sleeping. Did I wake you?”

She shook her head. I could feel her shaking, so I sat up and lifted her onto my lap. I was worried her fever came back, but it turns out she was nervous.

“Can I call you Mommy?”

“You're my daughter, of course you can.”

She clung to me and silently cried in my arms until she fell asleep.

~~~

Late into the night I couldn’t help but think of my mother. The very thought of Elsie being sold brought an anger that risked activating Nightmare.

‘Did my mother care so little for me?’

~~~

The dining room was filled with people. It was nice seeing everyone together.

“Today we are going to New York to create my country. The first thing we need to discuss is the name.”

“I believe it should be named after the founder, Radiant Night.” Zurik suggested.

“I’d have to agree, but I think it should be something different from her title.” Hysa added her opinion.

“Radiant Berries!” Icy clapped for Snowy while Cloudy nodded silently.

“I’ve never been any good at naming things…” Old Man Snaps said.

“How about Evenfall? It means dusk.” Aurora said.

Everyone started speaking in agreement.

“Next is the Capital’s name.”

“It should be City of Lights. It’s a nickname for it from the old world.” Kenneth quickly suggested.

“Good, I like it, next is scouting the area.”

“Radiant Night, I apologize for the interruption.” A kind and gentle voice came from behind me, Divina was back.

“How did things go with the Abyssal Lord?”

“Very well, he shouldn’t run off again.”

“Radiant… Night…” From the dining room window, a giant Nightmare like creature was staring in.

‘I haven’t seen him outside of the Abyss before.’

“There are a few things he wants to say, isn’t that right Abyssal Lord?”

“Tried to help… only brings more pain…”

‘He was hiding for such a silly reason?’

“You’ve helped me and everyone at the table. My failures are my own, not yours.”

“Radiant Night…”

“If you still feel like you need to make it up to me then help protect the country I am making and don’t run away again.”

“Name… Behemoth… will do better… for Radiant Night…”

“I’ll head there with Kenneth and Divina now. Upon arrival, I will open a passage.”

I hugged Elsie and told her I would see her soon.

“Bye-bye Mommy.”

“I’ll be with her until you call us.” Aurora picked her up.

“Thank you.”

We left to the Dawn Wastes and followed Kenneth’s directions and not long after we were over top of a large flooded human ruin.

“This size and in every direction… Did humans truly build cities like this?”

“We called places like this urban jungles.” Kenneth laughed in his bat form.

“This is the farthest thing from a jungle, Kenneth.”

“Where should we put the core?”

“The Empire State Building. Its right in the middle of Manhattan so it should work well with whatever the bonuses are.”

We landed in a swampy street, most of the skyscrapers had collapsed or fallen over yet this one still stood tall.

“I never imagined New York looking like this.”

It was beautiful in a way. Rusted cars lined the roads, plants grew uncontrolled, and streams flowed down the once bustling streets. While I was admiring the surroundings, I kept noticing large eyes watching from the corner of my vision. Anytime you would try to look at them directly they would vanish into the darkness of the ruins.

“We’re being watched.”

I waited until I noticed a set of eyes.

“Dominion.”

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

I grabbed hold of the creature and pulled it from the ruins. It had a long body like a stick bug with four lanky limbs, and its head was very large. It had two massive eyes, a long tongue it was trying to whip around, and a big mouth.

‘Inspect.’

-Congratulations! Eyes of Twilight has increased to 6/10!-

Name: Lanky Lurkers

Rarity: Common

Type: Monster

Intelligence: Low

Uses: Eyes and Tongue have a variety of uses. Please inspect individual parts for more information.

Description: A monster that lurks just out of sight in ruins and caves. If you venture close enough, it will pull you in with its long tongue and eat your juices.

I cut it in half with my sword.

“A pity, souls are wasted on such pathetic creatures.”

“Divina you say scary things.”

“Oops, sometimes I speak my thoughts out loud, please don’t mind it, Kenneth.”

“Mark, Passage.”

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

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

-Congratulations! Passage has evolved into Gate!-

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

[Divine] Gate – Create a Gate between your location and place you have been prior. Gates can be made permanent for 100 extra mana however it must be maintained.

Mana Cost: 150 (250)

Source: Evolved from Passage.

Skill level: 5/10

An Abyssal Gate covered in spiraling patterns appeared in the middle of the street. When the two sides slowly opened it revealed a stone bridge passing through an ocean of darkness and on the other side was Snowy Nights front yard.

“Mommy!” Aurora put Elsie down and she ran over and hugged me. After picking her up, she started looking at the surroundings. “So tall.”

“Seeing Human ruins in person… I need to study it!” Old Man Snaps was inspecting a rusted car.

“This place is unlike any nation I have ever seen…” Hysa was also very interested.

“Even a High Elf would have a fit seeing so much stone and metal.”

“Radiant Night…” Behemoth was here as well. He was standing on the next street looking over the collapsed buildings.

“Hysa, Divina please log every monster and race you can find on this island. If their capable of speaking bring them here.”

“Yes, Radiant Night!” “I wonder if I will find anything interesting.” They both flew off.

“Behemoth your able to travel long distances without Gates or Passage. Please check for surrounding settlements and countries.”

“Will not fail…” Behemoth vanished.

“Valora, I’d like you to escort Kenneth into the building and Zurik, please ensure it does not collapse on them. Once you find a suitable location for the core report it to me.”

“The earth will not falter.” “I know just the spot.” Kenneth and Valora entered the building while Zurik placed his hands on it and focused.

“Old Man Snaps your free to start studying.”

“I’m in heaven!” He leaped into a nearby ruin.

“Aurora you’re with me, we need to check the waterfront. You’ll be on my back Elsie.”

“Mm.”

I was concerned about the water. It was such a large problem for Camp Freedom that they built walls all around the river.

“Aurora I will open a Ga— Never mind, I didn’t know leaves like that existed.” Aurora was sitting on top of a floating silver leaf.

-Congratulations! You have earned the Skill Leadership!-

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

“The Silver Tree was superior the tree, things like this are to be expected.”

The east side of the island had strange little seaweed huts on it.

“These creatures are from my home continent. They must have migrated here.”

Moving piles of seaweed began exiting the water and huts. They were up to my nee in size and had two yellow eyes peeking out from the seaweed. For some reason they were flailing their seaweed arms above them but when we didn’t leave they gathered together and started making slimy scratching noises.

-Congratulations! You have earned the Skill Seawedish!-

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

-Congratulations! All language skills have merged to form Linguist-

-Congratulations! You have earned the title Linguist!-

Linguist – Speaker of many languages.

Grants: Grants the rare skill Linguist. You teach known languages 100% faster. Grants 2 Intelligence.

Source: 5 Language skills above 5/10 including one exotic language.

[Rare] Linguist – All language skills are merged into this skill upon hitting 5/10. Learning new Languages is slightly easier.

Languages:

English Angelic Demonic Dwarvish Seawedish

Passive

Source: Title Linguist.

Skill level: 5/10

“Powerful”

“Strong”

“Scary”

“Give up?”

“Give up.”

One of the seaweed creatures slowly approached while holding a purple strand of seaweed which caused Aurora to laugh.

“They’ve given up and surrendered from just looking at you! Only the most powerful Sea Elf was able to do that!”

“Is that what this seaweed means?”

“Their tribe leader holds that strand of seaweed. It's actually something they made, and they're hoping you will spare them.”

“Is there any benefit in doing so?”

“Giving them orders is difficult, no one has ever deciphered their language before. They usually keep away troublesome sea monsters from the rivers and coasts they inhabit but will attack anything that gets close.”

I knelt and looked at the shaking pile of seaweed.

“You and your tribe will serve me?” I had no idea how I was making the sounds required to speak like this.

It jumped back after hearing its language. “You speak?”

“I do.”

“We serve, no kill.”

“This place will be my new country. If you keep the rivers clear, we will get along just fine however if you betray me.” I activated Terrifying Presence. “None of your tribe will survive.”

“Never betray!”

“Good, I look forward to working with you.”

I took the seaweed and put it into my bag.

“Have your tribe spread out and surround this island’s rivers. If you require anything let me know.”

“Yes! We obey!”

-Congratulations! Terrifying Presence has increased to 10/10!-

-Congratulations! Skill completion has granted 5 skill points!-

-Congratulations! Terrifying Presence has evolved into Monstrous Presence!-

-Congratulations! Monstrous Presence has increased to 5/10!-

[Legendary] Monstrous Presence – A skill which induces monstrous amounts of fear.

Toggle Ability

Source: Evolved from Terrifying Presence.

Skill level: 5/10

They ran off to their huts and began organizing.

“Mommy you sound silly.” Elsie was giggling on my back.

“Learning languages and working with different races is an important part of leading. You’re already doing well, as expected of my student.” Aurora rubbed my head like when I was little which caused Elsie to join in too.

“Let’s head back to the building Kenneth picked.”

Back in front of the Empire State Building, everyone except Behemoth and Old Man Snaps were waiting.

“Radiant Night only Blood Deer, Lanky Lurkers, Lingering Souls, and Seaweeders are present on this island. The Seaweeders have already submitted to you so I have not brought one.”

“Thank you, Divina.”

“It was my honor.” She bowed.

“It was the same for me. I did find many libraries, but the books were unfortunately ruined. So much knowledge lost…”

“Radiant Night…”

“Welcome back Behemoth.”

“Many Countries… many settlements… South, East, West, North….”

“Which are closest?”

“North… South…”

‘I’ll send someone to make sure they stay away.’

“Kenneth, how did it go inside?”

“I believe the ground level would be the best place for it. If we make this a government building and fix it up, it will be one of the most guarded places. Higher floors would be vulnerable to air attacks, and I considered the basement, but Zurik told me many underground monsters and races could take advantage of that.”

“Then we’ll do that. Let’s head inside and create our country.”

Standing in the middle of the lobby surrounded by the people I held dear I removed the Dungeon Core from my bag.

‘I will never let anyone take this away from us.’

I activated the Core. First, it asked for a country name, then the city name, before showing a menu.

-Country Type-

Kingdom: Core is limited to Bloodline Ownership. Only King/Queen can access the Core. King/Queen gains Legendary Class “King/Queen” which is passed down. Balanced perks between War and Domestic. 20% EXP increase for King/Queen. 5% Increased Damage for all Citizens. 5% increased growth rate and size for all food within your borders. Each King/Queen may perform up to 3 miracles. 2 free Country Perks. Founded cities grant 1 free City Perk. Empire: Core is limited to Bloodline Ownership. Only Emperor/Empress can access the Core. Emperor/Empress gains Legendary Class “Emperor/Empress” which is passed down. War and expansion Focused Perks. 30% EXP increase for Emperor/Empress. 5% Increased Damage for all Citizens. 5% Increased EXP for all Citizens. Conquered cities grant 1 free city Perk and an EXP bonus for everyone in your army. 2 Free Country Perks. Council: Core ownership is split amongst a council. All core access and changes must be voted on by the council. Domestic Focused Perks. 10% increased growth rate and size for all food within your borders. 10% Increased EXP for all Citizens. Perk costs are reduced. Monsters are far less likely to wander inside your borders. 4 Free Country Perks.

Exclusive Options:

?? Dungeon: Core ownership is limited to Dungeon Owner. Only Dungeon Owner can access the core. Domestic and Defence Focused Perks. Dungeon Perks. Status of “Boss” may be granted for status bonuses. If killed the enemy is heavily rewarded. 25% Increased EXP for all Citizens. Citizens require 50% less nourishment and sleep. Cities under your ownership are powered by the Fallen Abyss and Radiant Sky. 3 Free Country and City perks. Killing your citizens grant 25% increased EXP for the enemy. Cities under your ownership which fall or are conquered grant extravagant rewards to the enemy.

‘The ?? Dungeon is definitely the best option. It comes with downsides however I would never allow anyone to make use of them.’

I selected ?? Dungeon which prompted a confirmation message.

-Are you sure you want to proceed with the selected options? Y/N-

I clicked the Yes.

-Global Announcement: ?? Dungeon “Evenfall” has been founded in the Human Continent. Unparalleled EXP and Divine+ rewards await those who can conquer it.-

‘A global message was not listed on the screen?!’ Nightmare began rising due to my anger however a squeeze of my hand brought me back. I looked down at Elsie who was smiling at me.

‘Fine, let them come. I’ll show this horrible world what it means to stand against me.’

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

“Do you think it's her?”

“Little Ellie off doing big things! She really was my best investment.”

“Honey she’s not exactly little anymore… What happened to Morfran is not something just anyone could do.”

“Sharron dearest you have to think outside the box, our little Ellie is an emotionally unstable monster. She’ll play right into our hands, and our secret weapon will give me more than enough time for me to use all three miracles.”

A few minutes later, while Sharron and I enjoyed tea and cookies, Hailey the Ghost rushed through the wall.

“Hero King! Jason has captured the target.”

“Isn’t it wonderful when a good plan comes together? Ellie’s face is going to be amazing! Hailey, arrange a painter to be there, I want to keep it forever.”

“As you command, Hero King.”

‘So ignorant to the ways of the world. Put on a good show as you decimate all my enemies Ellie.’

~~~

“Great Grandfather!” Just as a golden piece of fruit was about to reach my mouth, an annoying voice made me put it down.

“I’m pretty sure I shipped you off to… Where did I ship you off to again?”

“After my husband from the Maya Empire died, I fled back here. You then gave me to the nobles as a mistress…”

“Ahh that’s right, noble mistress, so what do you want?”

“I beg you to reconsider your great granddaughters’ fate. She is only 12.”

I haven’t cared about any of these “family” members for a few generations.

“How many greats is before that Granddaughter? Be happy I let you both live after you made a mess of our relations with the Maya Empire.”

“They were going to bury us alive with my husband!”

“Yes, and I would still have a safe trade route to the Sky Tower but now its guarded by a bunch of savages worshiping a calendar.”

“I will not allow my only daughter to be a plaything for some perverted men!”

“You don’t have a choice.”

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

“Any more troops landing on that coast is madness!”

The King of all the dwarven clans slammed his fist down upon the High Throne causing the city to rumble.

“We can not allow another country to claim that dungeon’s resources! I want everything sent to our successful landings in the north, have scouts locate it and then get a bloody army on that place before it's looted to the ground!”

I trembled as I looked at his red face filled with anger. He was the most powerful Dwarf to ever sit upon that throne and also the most aggressive. He wore the High King’s armor which was the greatest crafting achievement of any Gno—my apologies, Dwarf. It was a blue adamantine armor covered in the furs of five legendary creatures however the most impressive piece was the helm. On top of its dazzling, blue helmet were two antlers said to be from an ancient beast surpassing divine. The king himself was impressive as well, winning best beard every year at the crafting festival. It was an unmistakable red that matched his hair and eyes. He was stronger than any dwarf in an arm wrestle, and he still had all his teeth after getting into at least 1000 bar fights.

“Son, anything else?”

“Oh, umm, yes sir!”

“Then spit it out!”

“Older Broth- Your third son escaped from the blood farms and was found just off the coast.”

“The little bastard lives? Get him sent back here. For his mother’s sake, I won’t beat him to death for his failures on that dam coast.”

“Y-Yes, sir!”

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

“A Calamity of Dragons.”

“An unknown dungeon.”

“The silver tree sprouts again.”

“The world is becoming more fun, brother.”

“Much more fun, sister.”

“Do you think the elves will gather in the ruins of Silver City, brother?”

“Only to fight, sister.”

“Too many types.”

“Too many opinions.”

“Being a fairy of the withered tree is much better, the dead cant be mean.”

“I agree, sister.”

“Still… I wish I wasn’t alone.” My brother’s corpse fell to the ground. I was done playing with him for now.

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

“Should I lead a group to attack, Baku?”

“I can not protect you from the nightmares if you go.”

“But the benefits it would bring my people…”

As I contemplated the idea, a beautiful white fox-kith appeared. She wore a shrine maidens’ outfit however just like I remembered the bottoms were black and a slightly glowing fox mask covered her face.

“An attack would not bear fruit.”

“Celestial guardian, you’ve returned!?”

“I told you before that is no longer my duty, I serve you now.”

“I’m sorry, I still haven’t gotten used to that. How was your time in the human continent, I take it you know of the dungeon?”

“I followed two Fox-kith on their journey. They found a promising home, one worthy of being your ally, but the tides of war are just the same and that nation was lost.”

“What of the two Fox-kith?”

“A death most horrid. Humanity is diverse, but many are still unkind to other races.”

“I am sorry to hear that, what about the dungeon then?”

“Its protected by a group who have forsaken this world in favor of a monster.”

“Then we should keep our distance…”

“The opposite my lord, send a diplomat with this nation’s greatest gifts.”

“To a monster?”

“The Empress of Twilight, Radiant Night.”

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

The Heavenly Angel landed wearing her standard white and gold priest outfit. Her hair was a very long mix of gold and white and on her back were three sets of gold and white wings.

“How many years has it been since the Heavenly Angel and the Demon Lord met on this sacred ground?” I gave a bow.

“Not enough.” Her smug attitude was already showing.

“Time is strange, yet some things never change, like you being a complete bitch.”

“I agree, you are still a vulgar degenerate like the rest of your race.”

We stood in a gazebo floating over a chasm said to be created by a Demon Lord and Heavenly Angel of legend. A few generations back it was declared the only place a Demon Lord and Heavenly Angel wouldn’t fight to the death upon seeing each other.

“And here we are… Both with important things stolen from us.”

“So, we agree. Until we get rid of the half breed its an alliance?”

“The very first of its kind! Should we hug each other to commemorate it?”

“I’ll be burning these clothes simply because of the thought.”

-Global Announcement: ?? Dungeon “Evenfall” has been founded in the Human Continent. Unparalleled EXP and Divine+ rewards await those who can conquer it.-

“Since we are already doing an alliance, how about we add one more thing to the menu?”

“Who gets the core?”

“We could do loot one way and core for the other. Ten coin flips, five by you and five by me.”

“Fine then. Heads is core and tails is loot, but what if it is a tie?”

“You get everything including my life.”

She smirked at me. It was well known my highest Attribute was luck.