My eyes slowly fluttered open, my joints cracking as I got ready to get up. The drip-drop of rain had receded during the night, leaving the aftermath of morning dew on the wet blades of grass.
With a yawn, I stood up. The events from last night were forever burned into my memory, and I was still far from feeling like my old self after that fight for my life. I managed to defeat a high level monster but only due to the skill that pulled out for me in the end.
Well, I decided that I would explore more of the forest today, specifically the Spine Wolf territory. The meeting was a day away, might as well get acquainted. But first I would need to ask Darth for directions.
Before all that, I would need to see the fruition of the fight from yesterday.
'Syn. Do you know what [Gaia's Gift] is?'
{Affirmative. Gaia is the Goddess of the Earth, of Life and Essence. Very rarely, she gives gifts to those she seems fit. The contents of your gift aren't known to me, but they will be the only kind on the continent.}
'Ah. Alright then, open the gift system.'
[Ding!]
[Notice! System is evolving along with host. Messages will change, [Inventory] will no longer be a skill. Interface will not change for the time being.]
[Do you want to accept Gaia's Gift?]
[Yes] [No]
'Yes.'
[Ding!]
[You have Acquired [Yin and Yang Sage Robe(Legendary)]x1]
[Ding!]
[You have Acquired [Yin and Yang Undershirt(Mystic)x1]
[Ding!]
[You have Acquired [Nice Leather Trousers(Rare)x1]
[Ding!]
[You have Acquired [Eclipse Ring(Legendary)x1]
[Ding!]
[You have Acquired [The Rabbit God's Heavenly Crown(Heavenly)x1]
[Ding!]
[Gaia is now watching you.]
'Context, Syn?' I asked, looking at the messages that just appeared before me in surprise.
{Yes. Gaia gives gifts based on what someone needs. The fact that you gained a Heavenly Relic is above Legendary. The Robe, the Ring and the Crown can be placed on while in your Rabbit form. Please read descriptions for more information.
Also, the tier list goes like this:
Extremely Common < Common < Uncommon < Rare < Epic < Mystic < Legendary < Heavenly}
Syn continued, {Legendary gifts are extremely rare, they are usually something like weapons demigods and lesser demons use. Heavenly gifts are things God's themselves, or Higher Demons use.}
'Provide more information on higher demons and lesser demons please.'
{I have strict orders from the System Master not to tell you such information.}
'Tch! Fine. I'll just read the descriptions. I contemplate how to equip them later. Let's start with the Rabbit God!'
[The Rabbit God's Heavenly Crown]
[Heavenly]
[The crown one of the three great Gods wore. Sadly, It was lost in the war with the demons who took over hell and turned the devils and hellhounds into slaves. The god has died, although it has been said the Primordials have reincarnated him. It can float and stays invisible until need be. This is just the first of The Rabbit Gods three weapons.]
[Buffs all stats by 100%.]
'How cool... Perhaps I'll become a God too! Although, I still am pretty weak.'
[Eclipse Ring]
[Legendary]
[A ring that is said to give you a endless pool of mana. No one knows where it came from, but rumors of a master forger and a dragon tooth might shed some light.]
[Increases Mana pool by 200%]
'This... Is just what I wanted! Thanks Gaia!'
=======
Somewhere, near Famine's cave.
A giant eagle soared downwards into a abyss. At the bottom was Famine's cage. He wasn't fed, nor was he given water. Essence was anointed to be the divine beast watching over the Tiger. Sadly, he could easily be bribed.
Especially by his big sister, Dread, who had captured enough talismans.
As he landed, a boy slid of his back, wearing Famine's ring. It was dark, but Famine could feel presences.
The boy approached the cage, carrying the other talismans. Famine immediately lunged, his snarling teeth biting at the bars and his roar shaking the abyss.
"Little boy. I want to break out and eat you, but this annoying cage won't move."
The boy laughed, "Have you forgotten your master, cat?"
"Demon Lord Asthen? But surely if you died you would have reincarnated as a femon or lesser demon. Especially since you killed the Rabbit God in the great war." The whole demeanor of Famine changed. Essence shuddered.
Sighing, Asthen continued. "My brother killed me to take over the throne. Then he sealed my soul, but only partially. I believe the Primordials took sides. Then I woke up as a peasant human boy. I want my throne back. I'll ask Dread for her assistance after we conquer the West. If she doesn't accept, I kill her."
Asthen paused for an affect.
"I'll destroy the Kingdom's and their Monarchs while I'm at it. I ask of your assistance. "
"...Yes, my lord. Primordials don't take sides, but one of them must be a traitor. "
"Of course. " Asthen raised his hands. Suddenly, his blonde hair turned black and grew longer. His eyes became a shiny black while he grew black horns. His skin turned a shade of dark blue. He slipped on all the talisman's, Elephant, Lion, Gorilla, Swan, Sheep, Ram, Boar, Goat, Dragon. He slowly lifted up in the air. Pulling his arm back, he punched the bars, sending a boom cascading through the abyss and above, where Dread was waiting.
The bars snapped, and Famine slowly slinked out with catlike grace. "I'm free... It's been 10,000 years." His head snapped to Essence.
"I'm hungry. You will do nicely, little brother." He said, tilting his head.
"Now, now. Essence has accepted to join our cause. Let's hope he doesn't betray us." Asthen said, returning to his human form. He climbed back onto Essence and flew out of the Abyss. Famine followed, clawing the walls and climbing out.
He pulled himself to the top of the edge, shook his body, and sniffed. "Ah, yes." He said, stretching. Dread approached him.
"Big brother, you are finally here!" She said. Famine regarded her.
"Yes I am. And I'm hungry. Let's go." Famine's prison was in the middle of the desert that only those worthy could find. Since Asthen used to be a Demon Lord, he knew the place.
Famine rocketed, running like the wind. Dread followed slithering to catch up. Asthen, still on Essence's back, flew after them.
And the tangle of Demon Lord, bird, cat, and snake went to rule the world.