------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author Note:
[ ] = When Twilight is speaking.
{ } = When talking through Telepathy.
' ' = When thinking in your mind.
<< >> = When talking with your Pokémon or Tamed Beast.
--- --- = When describing a certain period OR Another place.
** ** = Point Of View i.e., POV
/// /// = In Call
" " = System and when talking to it.
「 」 = Thoughts being heard
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(*A/N: LONG CHAPTER)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Month Went by.
Mondstadt, Dragonspine.
SWOOSH!!
CRACK!!
BANG!!
SPLURT!!!
Pulling the blue claymore out of the now dead spider-monster, Eula waved it at the side to remove all the blood on it.
SWISH!
Next, glanced at back at Amber who was supporting her from behind and nodded.
Turning her gaze around, she also confirmed that Jean and Lisa were also done. Only Kaeya and Diluc will need a minute more to end their opponent.
She then looked at another direction and couldn't help but sigh seeing Lumine lonely standing in the midst of the corpses of these monsters while holding her abyss flame covered sword.
The Knights of Favonius made the teams of three consisted of Jean and Lisa. Kaeya and Diluc. Eula and Amber.
It was Traveler's idea in order to gain more experience and knowledge to fight these monsters.
Nevertheless, each team can only take on one spider-monster at a time. While Lumine alone took care of many of them on her own. The disparity in their strength was too much.
Shaking her head to put those thoughts away, she asked.
Eula: I still have strength to take on one more. What about you?
Amber: Um. There won't be any problem on my end either.
Eula: Then let's continue.
They then dashed away to look for another prey.
They were not that worried to be surrounded by the enemies since Moon was there watching them while sitting on a brank of a tree.
Whenever they encounter a group, she burnt them to ashes leaving one for them to handle.
'Moon: Still, there are becoming stronger a lot faster than expected.'
Thinking she moved her gaze at Lumine who seemed to be pondering about something.
'Moon: She must be reason for it one way or another.'
While the silver-haired woman was thinking about it, the Traveler attention was on the System window in front.
Though she didn't show much expression on her face, inwardly she was very wary.
Why? Because a month ago when they decided to hurry their journey, Traveler and the Adeptus knew that Knights of Favonius won't be much of help because that time their Levels were in between 130-140.
At first the Traveler was surprised at this since she clearly remembered that back in Mondstadt all of their levels were under Level 100. So, how did they complete 2nd-Ascension and got such boost. It was later when they told her in secret that they had recovered the memories of the future, she understood.
This also explained why they had trust in Primis all of sudden since they knew he was one responsible for their recovered memory somehow.
Anyway, back to the topic.
Level 130-140 might be higher in City of Freedom or other cities, but in Dragonspine, it wasn't much since the level of these Spider-like monsters started with Level 150. Hence, these Knights of Favonius would be nothing more than some cannon fodder.
Knowing that they would burden if they travel deeper with them, the blond girl was about to persuade them not to follow but then a 'DING' sound resounded in her mind.
In the next second, a system window appeared in front of her showing that two features had been unlocked. They were...
Party Quest
Party, as one knew are teams consisted of specific number of people. Not only will it provide the benefit of something called "Elemental Resonance", it will also help all the party members to gain EXP to level up faster.
And it was not something like all the EXP will be divided equally to all party members. On the contrary, everyone will receive same amount of EXP without any division.
In more simpler words, if a person gets 100 EXP after killing a monster then in the party of five, instead dividing such EXP by 5, everyone will receive 100 EXP each. In other word, they got 500 EXP after killing a monster in a party,
Seeing this almost everyone will be elated and will think that using Party will be more beneficial than going solo. Because in a party, they can hunt even more powerful monsters and obtain more EXP.
But Lumine was different. Instead of becoming happy, she became more alert.
She also saw various quests that had appeared in Quest columns. They were about forming party. Making each member of the Knights of Favonius to kill a specific number of monsters and so on.
It was clearly indicating that System wanted her to use this Party feature and take them with her.
Since this was the opportunity to make Jean and others stronger faster, Traveler could only grit her teeth and use it. As for the rewards, she will get after completing the quests, the girl didn't bother to even give them a glance since she wouldn't be using them anyway.
Then their journey to the Dragonspine continue.
.
.
.
Back to Present.
In the system window, Lumine can clearly see that current strength of her party.
+
+
+
Jean ----------> Level 165(70↑)
Lisa ----------> Level 162(72↑)
Kaeya ----------> Level 158(75↑)
Amber ----------> Level 155(80↑)
Eula ----------> Level 160(82↑)
Diluc ----------> Level 157(72↑)
+
+
+
Sighing, she closed it and walked to the edge of the cliff.
Lumine: We are here at last. Huh.
She muttered slowly while looking at the spectator in front.
Moon: We are. Welcome to Wyrmrest Valley. The final resting place of the black dragon.
By now, Moon had appeared at her side and spoke.
Nodding her head, Traveler looked at the huge ribs of the dragon that were coming out of the ground while the rest of the ribcage was buried deep beneath.
Jean: So, these are the remains of the Durin. The Vile Dragon who Dvalin fought to protect Mondstadt.
Lisa: And if I am not right, that's our destination.
The Mage spoke while pointing towards the core part of area where the surrounding slow was scarlet red in colour instead of snowy white.
Lumine: Um.
Kaeya: Just what is there?
Moon: The heart of the Shadow Dragon, Durin.
Diluc: Shadow Dragon?
Moon: Yes. That's what Durin is called.
'Moon: Since he was created using alchemist instead of being naturally born.'
At this point, Eula and Amber also returned.
Showing a wry smile, the Outrider opened her mouth.
Amber: Now I understand what Lady Moon meant when she said we won't be able to reach it alive.
Hearing this, they followed bandana girl gaze down and gasped.
There, if not hundred-thousand, tens of thousands of spider-monsters could be seen roaming around the area or sitting on the ground.
Just from the pressure they were emitting, even from the distance, Lumine and others can tell that they were a lot stronger than the ones they had met before.
Gulping, the acting grandmaster spoke nervously.
Jean: I-If they attack Mondstadt, the entire city will be e-erased in a matter of t-t-t-time.
Others remained silent, though they also fully agreed with her.
While they were busy in their thoughts, Lumine eyes started glowing a little as she used appraisal on them.
Though in the next second, her expressions turned ugly.
Spindrift Knight who was also looking down gravely, noticed that and asked.
Eula: Honorable Knight, what happened? You don't seem good.
This attracted the attention of others as they turned her and noticed her expression.
Lumine: The s-strength of all of t-them are...…higher than Level 200.
Knights of Favonius: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Moon: ...…
While the Knights of Favonius were shocked at this revelation, Moon remained calm.
The woman moved her gaze around, before pointing at one of the monsters below,
Moon: Girl, check the level of that one.
Lumie: Hmm?
Seeing what was Moon pointing at, Lumine was surprised to see that this one appeared somewhat different than others. And it also seemed somewhat weaker compared to others.
Instead of checking right away, Lumine looked to see if more of such or not.
And yes, there were more of them. Though their numbers were less. Like one in a thousand.
Deciding to think about it later, she used appraisal.
But then her face turned pale as she moved her head around used appraisal of every one of those variants.
By the time she was done, she was wholly covered in sweat.
Amber: Lumine...…
The Outrider asked but Lumine didn't reply as she was murmuring slowly.
Lumine: W-What kind…of joke...is this…? Does Mondstadt.... even have the...…chance of survival.......in the first place......….?
Kaeya: Honorable Knight, what are saying!?
Diluc: What do you mean Mondstadt can't survive!?
Turning to them, Lumine showed self-deprived expression and spoke in hoarse tone.
Lumine: All those variants...…. have the strength Higher than Level....300......…I even saw the one who is reaching...............…Level 500.
BOOM!!!
All the Knights of Favonius seemed as if struck by a thunderbolt at this.
Things had taken a lot more drastic turn then they ever expected. Even Moon had turned serious at this point.
Lumine: Not only that. These variants......are even capable of using......…elemental power.
BOOM!!!
With this another bombshell dropped by Lumine, all of them(except Moon) staggered backward.
This news was even more shocking than before. These monsters already had such a strong body that even when Lumine and other use Elemental Burst, they were barely able to break through their defenses. On the other hand, these monsters even had high physical strength.
By now these creatures can even use Elemental Power, didn't these mean they get even more boost in their strength.
Just such thought, made them shiver in fright.
Moon: Forget it.
Lumine: Eh?
Looking at Moon, the blonde girl titled her head in confusion.
Lumine: What do you mean, Lady Moon?
Moon: I said forget about it for now. You are not here to fight these creatures but to reach the heart of Durn, don't you? So, you should focus on that. While I...
At this moment, "Dragonspine Spear" appeared in her hand. The very spear she took from near Durin's heart.
Moon: Handle the Monsters down.
Lumine: No! It's suicide. Even Lady Moon can't take on so many of them all at once. On top of that, those variants will make situation even more difficult for you.
Moon: I know.
Lumine: ...….
Knights of Favonius: ...….
Looking at them, she smiled a little and spoke.
Moon: But I promise to help you reach your destination, don't you?
Noticing their silence expression, the white-haired woman continued.
Moon: So, do you still think the price I made you all pay for the help still not worth it?
Eula: That's...
Chuckling the crystal-haired woman turned.
Moon: It's true that I can't win but I can still delay them by attracting their attention. Use the correct moment to sneak out and reach your goal.
Then without waiting for any of their response, she jumped down.
WHISTLE!!!
BOOM!!!!!!!!
The woman landed in the very midst of the monster, creating a crater underneath.
All the monsters turned and looked at this uninvited guest.
Standing in the middle of the crater, Moon held her spear tightly before it got engulfed in dark blue Abyss flames.
HISS!!
Moon: Let's see how many of you I will be able to kill before getting fully drained.
By now she was fully surrounded by these Spider-monsters which were glaring menacing at her.
A second later, they all charged at her.
.
.
.
.
.
SHIN!!
BOOM!!!
SLASH!!
CRAKLE!!
HISS!!!
THRUST!!!
Just like Moon said, by now all the creatures were charging towards her, opening the path leading to the heart of heart.
Lumine and others hurriedly took the advantage of this opportunity and slowly made their way towards it while maintaining vigilance all the time.
From Lumine information they knew that they can't afford to face even one of the creatures since they were over leveled.
Hence, slowly by slowly, stopping, moving, they reached the path leading to the depth.
Looking back, they saw the explosions occurring in the distance with more and more monsters rushing without caring about their life. Clearly indicating Moon was still engaged in fighting.
They then exchanged glances and nodded before rushing inside.
As they going deeper, the surrounding started getting darker and darker.
Before long they reached their destination and stopped.
The area around them had turned darker with only the source of light being the red light of the heart in front.
Lumine: Durin's...…Heart.
Kaeya: We are finally here.
Jean: It was a long and audios journey.
Diluc: Though we also became stronger than before.
Eula: But it's not enough.
Amber: Yeah. We still have a long way to go.
Lisa: Sweetie, what now?
As the Mage pose this question, Lumine stepped forward and took out a small box that Albedo gave her.
She opened the box and was surprised the next moment.
There was a broken purple stone in it when Albedo gave this to her but now only the size of that stone had decreased to that of a grain of rice.
Feeling confused, the girl picked it. But then…
HISS!!
The small stone turned into abyss flame and was absorbed into her before she even had the time to react.
At this time, she also realized that her Abyss power had become a little stronger and purer.
Finally, everything started making sense.
'Lumine: So, that's how it is. Because the power inside that stone so dense and concentrated, I would have died if I absorb it right away...…. But during the past months, whenever I use by Abyss power and understand more about it, the power inside that stone got released and absorbed by me. And since the improvement was little every time, I didn't realize it till now......… That what's Mr. Erste wants me to do. He wanted to polish my control of Abyss while making it stronger.'
Chuckling, she threw the box away and walked to the heart.
Reaching it, she raised her hand and touched it. Then she realized that there was someone kind of thin layer of power protecting it.
'Lumine: Though its only as thin as a film, I don't think even Lady Moon will be able to break it.'
As she was pondering about it, Lumine realized that the power inside this heart was somehow familiar to what she had.
'Lumine: I see. It's the power of abyss. Other powers won't be able to penetrate the layer but Abyss power might have some possibility.'
Thinking she drew out her silver sword and coated it with dark blue abyss flames.
HISS!!!
Jean: Lumine, what are you doing!?
Lumine: Don't worry. If I am not wrong, even if I succeeded in thrusting my sword, the heart won't get destroyed. On the contrary, it will make my Abyss power stronger.
She then took the stance and stabbed.
THRUST!!
THUCH!!!
Out of her expectations, her sword cut through the layer of power and thrusted into the heart without any resistance.
Seeing this, she took a sigh of relief.
'Lumine: So, Abyss power really is the key.'
At this point, the Traveler felt the surged of power inside the heart was passing through her sword and pouring into her.
She was feeling very comfortable as the power inside her was growing steadfastly.
She then closed her eyes and enjoyed this feeling.
.
.
.
.
Inazuma.
Tenshukaku.
Primis who had returned to his work and reading through the documents in his office, sensed something and looked at the direction of Mondstadt.
Primis: So, you reached your destination at last...Well done.
Then the corner of his lips rose.
Primis: But now your work is done.
Once he done saying so, a glint passed in his eyes before he retuned back to the paperwork.
.
.
.
.
Mondstadt.
Albedo Workshop.
The Chief Alchemist who had been busy in his research on making the weapons to fight against the monsters, heard an unusual noise.
As he put his things down and decided to check, there was big sound.
BANG!!
Hearing this, he hurriedly rushed to check, only to realize that there was a hole in the ceiling where a light from outside was coming.
When he looked down to check the materials, he shivered at realizing what was missing.
Albedo: Oh no!
.
.
.
.
Mondstadt, Dragonspine.
Moon who had been slaying one monster after another raised her head all sudden and saw a star in the sky.
But then that star turned into a streak of light and reached Dragonspine.
As she was wondering what it was, the streak of light went passed her and went to the depth of the Dragonspine where the heart of Durin resided.
Seeing that, she suddenly had a bad premonition and couldn't help but follow that light while slaying the monsters in the way.
.
.
.
Durin's Heart.
Currently Lumine was absorbing the power of Abyss while the Knights of Favonius were standing behind in silence.
The only thing they can do now was wait.
Diluc: What do you think, will we have any chance of winning with this?
Jean: I don't know. Right now, we can only pray that it does.
Sighing, red-haired shook his head.
Diluc: To think we need to rely on outsider to protect our city.
Kaeya: I know your feeling. But we are helpless on our own.
Lisa: Right now, we can only put our hope on Sweetie.
Amber: What about, Mr. Herrscher?
Eula: I think as long as Honorable Knight is with us, Mr. Herrscher will also be.
Jean: Let's hope so.
At this point, they sensed something and looked back.
Seeing a streak of light coming for them caught them off guard but before they could do anything, the light went past them.
And then there was a sound.
THRUST!!
SPLURT!!!
Hearing this all Knights of Favonius widened their eyes and looked back
DRIP!!
DRIP!!
There, the Traveler who was enjoying the increasing of power, opened her eyes and looked down.
A sword came out of nowhere, penetrated through her back and came out of her chest.
As Lumine was thinking it was dream, a pulse was released from it.
TIU!!
CRACK!!
Lumine: HRRGH!!!!
In the next moment, the Traveler vomit out the blood from her mouth as the power released by the sword destroyed her inwards completely. Her Bones shattered into pieces. Organs including heart destroyed. Tissues, veins and muscles crushed.
SPLURT!!
SPLURT!!
SPLURT!!
SPLURT!!
...
…
Red liquid burst out from every pore of her body.
CLING!!
The sword she was holding in her hand fell.
If not because of the sword and was penetrate though her body, giving her some support then she would have fallen to.
Nevertheless, the blonde didn't care.
Currently she was looking above with blank and despaired filled eyes. Then tears of pain, sorrow, sadness, ache, streamed down her face.
As darkness was about to swallow her completely, she uttered her last words which contained all her longing and pain.
Lumine: Why...…Mr….Er.s..t…e.....
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*A/N: Please throw some power stones.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------