Lev stared in bewilderment at the gigantic robed being and it stared back. It's glowing white eyes gazing upon him as if trying to read his soul.
The staring contest seemed to take an eternity, it was getting on Lev's nerves.
He calmed himself and opened his mouth, "Considering that you know my name, it seems that for some reason you're aware of my true nature, would you care to explain to me how you discovered that?".
Lev continued while staring into the bright light, "And also please tell me what do you want from me? What are you? And why am I here?"
Lev felt a chill going up his spine as he saw it smile at him with the glow of its eyes becoming more intense, more excited, with the mask making the being look even creepier.
I'm glad that you are asking the right questions.
"I'm glad for that as well. So, will you answer them?"
It chuckled.
My old compatriots kept complaining about how I talk a lot. So instead of telling you, let me show you.
"What do you-" Before Lev could finish his sentence, the being snapped its fingers and the void was filled with light once again.
Lev was fading in and out of consciousness. He was floating above a grand hall along with the being, his weightless body could only observe his surroundings but couldn't interact with them, he raised his left eyebrow as he saw the white-masked figure move towards another figure, dressed in full regalia, sitting on top of a golden throne.
The throne was decorated with various symbols and had a menacing aura to it. The aged and tired figure on the throne started speaking, Lev could barely hear what they were discussing. He focused on their conversation and the conversation became clearer and clearer.
"How has Kram's latest report been? Has he not addressed the kobolds ravaging near our borders? They have been destroying valuable mining sites for months now, if this keeps up we'll fall into even more debt and-"
Fret not my master, Kram has foreseen all and has acted accordingly.
Who's Kram? What am I looking at? Where am I? Lev thought. He saw the creature move closer towards the figure sitting on the throne. Lev couldn't understand what the creature was whispering into the other's ear but it must've been something important since the other figure's reaction quickly changed to a more relaxed and reassured one.
"I see, then all has been solved by Kram and his subordinates."
Indeed my lordship, his armies are dealing with the kobold threat as we speak.
"Marvelous!"
The masked figure stood up, moved away from the throne, and started making its way towards the door where two guards were stationed. The guards were something out of this world on their own, their jet-black horned armor made them appear as an embodiment of power and discipline, ready to strike down the enemies of their master. If Lev wasn't floating and invisible to the beings, he'd probably try every trick up his sleeve to avoid confronting such creatures. Even the strongest of bogeys couldn't possibly handle these fearsome figures.
The masked figure halted its advance, looking back at the throned figure.
Ainshart, my lordship. You know when to summon me, I gave you everything you need to advance to the next stage.
Ainshart cleared his throat, "I'm grateful, my time is limited as you know. Let's hope Kram's wisdom serves us well one last time."
The masked figure left the room. The guards closed the giant obsidian doors behind him and returned to their posts.
Lev could hear whispering coming from within his head.
"But why?"
"Why did Kram act so late?"
"Have I gone too far?"
"How much, how much time have I left!?"
Lev tried to find cohesion in the thoughts being fired at him at a rapid pace.
Are these, Ainshart's thoughts? How come I can hear them? Unless… Lev momentarily glanced at the white figure before focusing on the thoughts.
The whispers came in faster and faster and seemed as if they were about to collapse in on themselves.
As his mind was about to be overloaded by the torrent of thoughts, Lev's vision blurred, and his body regained its weight. He returned to the void, the light had been erased from the room and the being he just saw leaving Ainshart's throne room stood right next to his ear.
As I told you before, it's better if I show you a fragment of my past. After all, some things have to be seen in order for someone to believe them. It whispered.
"I see… Though now I know you were related to what I assume was Ainshart that doesn't explain exactly who you are and just what exactly did you do?. It seemed you were his advisor."
That's because in a sense I was. I am one of the ancients. I'm one of the guides and guardians of Ainshart and the kingdom. My main purpose is to restore it and make it prosper but for that, the kingdom needs someone worthy to be the new king and you've finally arrived.
It flew backwards, almost elegantly, to its original position. It never touched the ground.
Lev's head hurt like crazy, the after-effects of having thoughts being sent through his whole being made him lose balance. After regaining some of his balance and clearing his mind of foreign thoughts, he stood up and looked up into the sky.
What a surprise, there are no stars. He returned his gaze towards the being.
The being hovered above the void and the bright light had re-appeared behind it. Lev couldn't see how he wasn't falling into the void as he looked down.
Don't worry Leo, everything in this place is… under my control.
As if that would calm me down, Lev thought as he touched the transparent floor, a gaping endless void waiting for him beneath it. This being could remove that safety net with a flick of his fingers.
I have been waiting for you Leonard, in fact, I've been waiting for you for a very long time.
The creature hovered in closer towards Lev and pointed his long ancient-looking finger at Lev. The being's laugh echoed throughout the void, How a fragile creature like you managed to get this far is… admirable.
"Then why did you summon me here? Why choose a weak creature? I have nothing to offer you."
It's not that, the being said, you're like him, Ainshart.
You're not bound by or controlled by this world. Your mind is foreign to this world, and you devoured the original soul that inhabited your new body.
Devoured? Lev thought.
Yes, devoured. the being replied making it obvious to Lev that it can read his thoughts and memories, to an extent. There seem to be some things it doesn't know about.
There are?
Shit! Lev cursed,
The light behind the being's mask flickered for a few seconds.
I see, Gherm was the original's name, correct?
"Yes…"
How peculiar… Your memories are full of one-sided conversations and some of your actions have been quite… erratic to say the least… the early ones could be explained by the last embers of the previous owner's soul trying to put up a fight, but all the scenarios of transmigration that I know of end with the transmigrator devouring the soul of the original host in less than a week. Looks like I need to take a thorough look...
Once the being's gaze flickered again, Lev felt it gazing deep into his soul. Using his previous experience with souls, he attempted to gather all his willpower and covered himself in a thick opaque barrier with the intention that it would block everything inside and out to make sure that not only can it not read his memories but also so that he doesn't relay his thoughts to it by accident. Judging by the surprised look on the being, it seems to have worked.
Frustrated, and partially intrigued, the being's finger drew in closer.
"Stop!", Lev yelled, causing the being to halt its advance.
Oh my, seems that I took it too far. I meant no disrespect but due to my excessive curiosity, I tend to lose myself in the moment. My apologies.
Suppressing a sneer, lev replied in a deadpan tone "Apology accepted, I assume you won't be doing that again?"
Shrugging, the being replied. If it will allow us to establish a positive relationship, I won't. Not to mention after erecting that barrier, it would be quite a cumbersome task. Besides, I've seen enough wayward souls to understand that we can get along and we can come to a compromise if we don't.
I'm sure you have. Lev thought aloud to see if it would reply. Seeing the lack of response from the white figure, it looks like it had worked but the being could also be pretending that it did.
Lev smiled. "Well then, it's my turn to ask questions. Who are you as an individual, not your role, what is this place, and where are the others?"
Too soon… too soon, it whispered under its breath.
He wanted to yell at it, but that could have been a bad move so he asked "After all this, don't I deserve at least this much? Since you clearly want something from me, you can answer these simple questions, right"
The being nodded. You're in the Enlightened one���s frontier dungeon. One of the last remaining dungeons of Ainshart.
Lev frowned, "The Enlightened one?"
Though Lev understood from Gherm's memories that this cavern was actually a dungeon, there wasn't anything in the memories mentioning its relation to Ainshart.
Now it's my turn to ask a question Leo. It seems that I've been here for too long. Could you explain to me what happened during my absence? You didn't let me know by myself, now did you?
Lev hesitated, maybe the being wanted to leech intel from Lev and dispose of him. Empty promises of gaining power in exchange for intel were nothing new to Lev, he'd seen it happen countless times in his past life. Why did it even show Ainshart's despair? Why display signs of a rotting power when trying to search for its inheritor.
"We are on an expedition…"
Lev continues by telling it about the conditions outside. About how the Jiira enslaved the bogeys and how he's now on an expedition that happens annually.
The being doesn't answer Lev's second question after Lev's explanation. It stays silent for a few minutes.
"It's your turn to answer me now. Where are the others? Are they safe? Where even is this place?"
The being directs its gaze at Lev and opens its mouth wider than Lev thought possible.
There was nothing within, its mouth revealed an emptiness pit of nothingness.
Lev gasped, "You're hollow, aren't you?"
And it won't stop if I don't find a successor soon. The hollowing will continue, this place is eating my essence, taking slow bites, savouring my soul's flavour. I need praise, worship. I feed on the prayers of my believers and direct excess power to my master.
Lev sighed, "so that's what I need to do for you? That's what's in it for you, right?"
Correct.
The being came down, touching the transparent ground. Lev couldn't see its legs.
Now, let me give you Ainshart's inheritance. Rest assured, when I give you this power, a contract will get created alongside it to ensure neither one of us cross the other.
The being swiftly materialized a document.
As if he is the devil himself, Lev thought.
"So you want to make me your servant?"
Oh, don't get me wrong. This is a contract of equals. You see, whoever breaks this contract will have his soul shattered. Having one's soul shattered means not being able to reincarnate or transmigrate. You're nothing if your soul gets shattered, you'd become something less than the void below your feet Leo, so trust me.
"What makes me sure that you can't just cancel it or avoid the penalty?"
The being frowned and the look on its face was enough to let Lev know that it was reminded of something bothersome. Greater powers that made this form of contract would prevent that, trust me. They're not known for being merciful or for picking sides. They'd shatter the offender in an instant no matter who or what they are.
Although, I have yet to see someone break such a contract, the being added, his smile revealing an eager need of seeing one's soul getting shattered into countless fragments.
"What if I refuse to sign it?"
Then I'll get rid of you and just pick someone else.
Lev sported a wicked smile "You can't, now can you? You said it yourself, you waited a long time for me to come here."
Doesn't mean I can't wait longer for someone else.
"True, you can wait. But would you last before another one like me appears before you?"
…
"I take your silence as a no."
The being sighed. True, but can you get out if I don't let you?
"Considering that I could project a barrier via willpower and all the abilities involving memories, visions, and thoughts, this place is some form of a mentalscape, right? So if I focus I can get out."
Sound of clapping filled the area as the being chuckled. Bravo, you figured it out. Now then, please try to get out.
Frowning, as he has done to create a barrier, Lev gathered his willpower and willed himself to exit this place.
…
It failed…
Getting out isn't as simple as forming a barrier, Leo boy. If you want to get out of here, you have no choice but to sign the contract. Unless you wish to stay here and pray the others would take care of your body for you, now would they? Maybe for a while but once they understand that your unconscious body is more of a liability, would they still carry you on a perilous quest to their homes? I think not.
"I don't enjoy being blackmailed…" Lev growled.
Nobody does, but this isn't blackmail. This is an agreement based on equivalent exchange. You grow stronger and gain more followers means I gain more followers and grow stronger. It's just that with the addition of a few tasks that would benefit us both.
"Such as?"
Just some small things like releasing my comrades and making my enemies pay. As you can see, I've been trapped here for a while and I'm not the only one. And before you ask, let's leave the tedious details for another time. Only know that these enemies would also be you and your people's enemies regardless if you join me. They feel that anyone that doesn't fit their criteria should either serve them under terrible conditions or die off, and bogeys don't fit their criteria...
"I see…"
Look, be honest to yourself, you're too weak for the challenges ahead. I promise you power and more importantly freedom and all I ask is the same in return. If you sign it, I won't bring you down the wrong path and you're not forced to complete the tasks. It's all up to you. So please, sign it and break both of our chains. The being begged Lev as it handed him the contract.
Lev thought for a while and reread the contract multiple times before he finally came to a decision. "Fine. I'll sign it."
After signing it, the being shuddered from joy.
Great,you won't regret it Leo. You're weak now but you'll grow stronger and once you do, you will achieve your dream and guide others towards it, for those who are weak, and ask to be stronger, are prone to lure ones that have power and are willing to share it.
The being's finger closed in and touched Lev's forehead. A strange sensation of electricity sparkled through Lev's being and he fell on the ground. The being retracted its long spindly fingers and remained its position. The being flew back a few meters and observed the collapsed bogey.
Lev coughed, "What did you do to me!? Answer me!"
The being stayed silent and unmoving. It continued observing Lev as he tried to regain his balance and stand up to confront the being.
I just took the first steps to fulfill my part of the deal. And all shall be made clear soon Leo and besides, isn't it time for you to unlock your true potential?
Lev's vision became blurred as he fell to the ground once more. The being was still observing him from afar but his form warped into nothingness and Lev lost consciousness shortly after.
***
"Lev! Lev is everything alright!?", Rapha shouted.
"What happened? We thought we lost you there for a moment. Did anything happen to you?", Hemgall shouted.
"Did you see anything?��� Rapha asked as she saw the confused state Lev was in.
"Don't… touch…"
"What?", Rapha looked at the monument, the masks and intricate symbols hadn't changed after Lev touched it.
The gate still remained untouched.
"Wait, something's off", Hemgall remarked, "the gems, they're glowing!".
"Which gems?", Rapha glanced at the nine masks. The gems in each of the masks' eyes were now glowing, a stream of light escaping through the carefully crafted masked symbols.
Rapha soon returned her attention back to Lev as she saw that Lev had started moving again. Lev tried standing up on his own but struggled.
"Here, let me help you." Rapha said as she stretched her hand out towards Lev. Rapha pulled Lev up and waited for him to start talking.
"How long was I out for?" Lev asked.
"I guess it must've been-"
"About two hours, if my count isn't off.", Vyrga interrupted, "it's remarkable that you didn't stop breathing.", he added.
��After all, this muscular oaf started accusing me of treason the moment you fell. When did I ever have the chance to even betray you?", Vyrga said as he stared daggers at Hemgall.
"It was only natural for me to suspect you, you fancy immoral bastard.", Hemgall snarled.
"Oh look, a mangy cur is calling me a bastard. Funny, since you're also a bastard."
"Why I oughta-"
"Can you two shut up for one minute", Rapha shouted, breaking the ever-growing tension between the two.
Lev straightened his back, "Rapha, let's return to the cavern. We've made it far enough."
Rapha smiled, "Let's."
"You heard him," Hemgall said, "Orva, support Lev with Rapha. We can't loosen the pace when we're ascending. A few dead hivelings aren't enough to kill a hive."