So, clones do exist in this world, now that is something else. But why is this appearing now all of a sudden? If this was a principal issue which directly involves the task uncle gave me, why was this not a clue mentioned in the main quest?
At least why was it not mentioned when I accepted the task at the Guild? None of this makes any sense. Regardless, I will see what's what when I get to the fight location. On a side note, the quest even gave me all the needed information regarding the ritual for restoring this race of elves. Selecting the name, a message appeared,
"Midknight Elves: Not much is recorded regarding these elves; however, what is left predates the dominion of the demonic dragons. Those records state these elves were master hunters and warriors. They were among the first clans to fight back against the demonic dragons, and the first to go extinct. How an Abyssal Treant got ahold of their DNA, only the dungeon core has the answer."
Well, this was informational. Somehow who or whatever created this dungeon got a hold of extinct elven DNA. Thereafter, they used this floor guardian as a cloning facility of sorts. Only, the monsters created are abominations and nowhere near members of the races.
Regardless, this quest implies they can be turned into an extinct race of dark elves. That's more than enough for me and I am willing to try it. I mean, my forefathers are the cause which led to their clan ending up in this state anyway. The least I can do is use some magic to make clones become the genuine article (while taking a major bite out of science hehehe).
While I was reviewing the quest, my party followed the "guide" designated to us by the floor guardian. After about 10 minutes, we reached a raised platform of sorts, right at the feet of the treant. the titan's eyes open and gazing down at our coming.
To be honest, I was expecting hostility in the treant's eyes. Instead, I saw hope, reverence, and joy as if he had been waiting for me or something. As we approached the steps to the platform, I waved to the others to have them wait there. I proceeded up the stairs for a little chat with out host. Once atop the platform, my guide knelt before the treant, and stepped aside while another fruit fell towards the platform.
This time, when the fruit crashed down before me, swords sliced through the fruit shell revealing a fully armored warrior. His armor was made from the fusion of mithril and the toughest bark of the Abyssal treant. He appeared to be a Dark elf of some kind.
Yet, instead of mahogany brown skin, he appeared to be bluish with purple veins all over his face. His once black hair was a pale white color and the crown which sat upon his head was made of pure orichalcum with a smaller version of the fruit he came out of on top. After settling himself, the warrior approached me and immediately knelt down as he spoke in elvish,
"Blessed life unto thee, Ancestral Godling. For the Creator hath ushered thee and thine own unto the realm of the elder tree. I am Aliandorith, the last Elder of the Midknight Elven clan. It is with great shame; I present mine altered countenance before thee. Pray, Ancestral Godling, restore unto us our former selves." The changed clan Elder said, laying prostrate before me.
(Now all the pieces come together… sort of.) Here before me is the final clan Elder of an extinct elven clan. By process of elimination, he is also the DNA donor for this "cloning" facility. How the hell did he get here?
According to Lucas, this place was discovered 1500 sols ago. Does that mean the dungeon was either moved here or was hidden for tens of thousands of sols? While fumbling with this thought, I had been considering how to reply to the man. However, another voice spoke out, one far more ancient and carrying a weight almost unbearable,
"I, the elder tree, beseech thee, Godling! Deliver thine lost sheep back unto thine fold. Bestowest unto them, restitution and return them to their former countenance. Although I hast made an agreement with thine spouse, mother of races, it is only now I see there be no need for a test of arms. Even mine own champion doth not desire such a test while marred with shame."
(Nice try, old fogey! Your were talking all that shit earlier. Now you wanna back out!? I don't think so!!) The treant said after getting a good look at me, and feeling my bloodline radiation. Naturally, the giant tree knew I have the blood of an extremely ancient elf. But how did it know about the godling crap!? Anyway, I replied after hearing out the treant.
"I can see why. However before we decide on what to do next, I personally would like to experience the might of your champion. In this way I will know whether or not they are indeed worthy of restitution, or if his current way of life is more befitting of him, or if a completely different and new path has yet been determined."
I replied in elvish so the elder can listen to my decision. For safety reasons, I kept our conversation between those who are Elven or are directly involved with them (sorry Anansi, not sorry Cavilhaugh). They do not need to know fairyfolk and my own Elven brethren are calling me ancestor or godling, it may bring unwanted attention and trouble for them.
Anyway, I was already looking for a fight, and these clowns wanted to take that away from me. It may have been my ancestors who fucked everything up, but I am not about to let this Elder who appears to be a King stage Battlemaster slip by without me awakening aura, fuck that and the horse you lot rode on. Seeing my stance, the treant nodded and Elder Aliandorith rose to his feet. He then spoke,
"I humbly accept the ancestral godling's test. I see thine might is currently at the peak of Knight stage and have yet to awaken aura. Allow me to be the last push needed." He said while taking his fighting stance.
(Finally, let's go!) I will now fight the altered Elder and awaken aura. I swiftly Recalled everything I saw with Anansi and my experience so far. Additionally, I also considered what I learned from dad's notes about aura.
This lifeforce energy is only brought out to the fullest when a warrior has reached their limit. Once there, they must use every ounce of willpower to take that last step. At that moment, the warrior will break the limit of their mortal vessel. As a result, their body will rebuild itself much like a transfiguration of sorts. Aura is the lifeforce energy used to remold the body, truly rebuilds itself into a new existence.
During my earlier fight with the bandit highwayman, the energy indeed began appearing in my body, but no real reconstruction occurred. Anyhow, a warrior is officially considered a Blademaster when their physical body finishes the initial rebuilding process. From there they will need to use aura to continue tempering their mortal vessel until even their weapons and armor are treated as extensions of themselves reaching the Grand Blademaster stage.
Using everything I had, I prepared for my aura awakening. I completely sealed off my mana palaces which in turn halted the flow of magoi in my body. Though, I still allowed myself just enough magoi to use magic powered weapons.
Next, I released the radiation from my blood as I didn't need to hold back on it at all. With a silent BOOM sound, radiation flooded the platform. I took out my plasmasaber and took my fighting stance. We stood still while facing each other. During this time, I completely emptied myself of all else save the fight at hand. I didn't think about anything else but my battle.
-End of Chapter