A sly figure emerged from the deepest canals of the underground cavern I had ventured into. If not for the light brought about by the system notification I would have stranded in the darkness of the cave. From the tone in her voice I concluded that the spawn was female, one of the only female spawn I had seen thus far. The aroma of death reeked of her from the toxin which she was practically covered in, the very same toxin which had brought me to deaths door only a few hours ago.
"Well, do you plan on introducing yourself human?"
"Not particularly, especially when I could practically choke on the killing intent you're releasing."
As she ventured further into the light, her malicious smile became unmistakably apparent. She looked like a human woman, but there was something unsettling about her appearance. Her skin was a striking, almost otherworldly shade of pale white, smooth and flawless, as if it had never known the touch of the sun. This formed a stark contrast with her long, flowing hair, which was as dark as ebony wood, cascading down her back in a mesmerizing waterfall.
But it was her attire that truly set her apart from any ordinary woman. She wore a suit of armor, but it wasn't the usual ones you'd see in a medieval tale. This armor wasn't made for protection; instead it seemed more like a statement of her extraordinary nature, leaving much of her figure provocatively exposed. It clung to her like a second skin, its emerald green scales shimmering with an alluring glister.
"Oh please, a little hostility is necessary considering the fact that you're the one who brutally killed my dear hydra." She practically lit up with happiness when saying that, as if she was somewhat excited about Zephyrs presence.
I on the other hand had my guard up the entire time, the fact that the system flat out said I'd die facing her coupled with immeasurable speed was more than enough reason to be wary.
Slowly she kept coming towards me one step at a time and instinctively I kept backing away. Though I'd had enough of this and brought out the world splitter.
"Now that's a little harsh boy."
I simply glared at her without a hint of hesitance, my katana being held tightly as I got into a battle stance.
"Let's see whether you'll be able to keep such a determined face after this."
Suddenly a pink wave of energy emerged itself from her amber eyes, instantly encasing the entire cave in its glow. Then it went dark once again, but nothing seemed to have changed; however that was not the case. Zephyr whom previously was in a battle ready state now had his weapon sheathed before the spawn. He only endlessly looked on at her figure, as if he had no understanding of what was going on.
"No living male can ignore the influence of captivate, a truly convenient skill." She said.
Zephyr though remained docile as he was now trapped within a trance that would require a substantial willpower to break. The serpentine then turned around and began to head deeper within the cave system, and surprisingly Zephyr as well began to follow.
The path itself was mostly without twist and turns as one would expect, it seemed more like a perfectly carved hallway rather than a deep cavern. Eventually Medusa reached an opening at the end of the underground pathway from which a bright light shone.
"Finally, welcome human to my chambers." She said as her hand gestured towards the entrance.
As one ventures further into the cave, a vast, cathedral-like chamber unveils itself. The ceiling stretches high above, adorned with delicate stalactites that glisten like crystal chandeliers when touched by the soft glow of bioluminescent fungi clinging to the walls. Adorning the chambers walls are hollowed out opening in which the bones and remains of a multitude of creatures are kept, giving an explanation for the presence of the glimmering fungi adorning the chambers.
Going even further within, the expansive nature of the abode is revealed as it seems to be the size of many acres of land. At the centre of it all though is a serene underground lake which seems to be naturally occurring, on top of which a lone landmass is, a small island filled with lush mosses and delicate ferns. The bioluminescent fungi along the water give the scene a mesmerizing, ethereal glow which was all directed unto an endless field of white eggs.
"Isn't it just wonderful, soon all those eggs will hatch and I'll have an entire army of hydra by my side." She yelped ecstatically, however things would soon get interesting.
"Activate Void Blast!!!"
A large purple sphere of energy was released towards the island, completely eradicating its surface and leaving nothing but ash in its wake. Medusas jaw dropped at the sight before her, wasn't he meant to be under the control of captivate thus becoming her mindless slave.
Coming to terms with what had just happened she clenched her fist as she spoke to the destroyer of her plans.
"How long have you been free from the effects of my skill." Irritation was evident in her demeanor and tone.
To this I simply just smiled as I drew my sword, getting into battle position once again.
"And what makes you think I was ever under your influence." He retorted with utmost confidence.
"Quite the confidence you have there, surely there must be some power to back it up." She said in a sly tone.
[The host has received 500,000exp for slaying a hundred hydra]
[The host has leveled up]
[The host has leveled up]
[Opening Character Profile]
[Name: Zephyr Everwood
Age: 16
Level: 12
Exp: 183244.954/516249.783
Stats:
Strength-20
Speed-20
Health-11
Dexterity-15
Intelligence-20
SP: 40
QI: 1800
HP: 1,000,000,000,000
Skills: Bloodlust(0), Regeneration(10), Danger Sense(0), Hand of God(40), The Fist of God(100), Void Blast(200), Rot(200), Stealth(500), Detoxify(20)
Inventory: Spawn Repulsion Heart, Water x79, World Splitter
Mission: Clear an entire Spawn field within the allotted time limit
Rewards- 1000exp, the active skill The King of Kings
Penalty- Death
Time Limit- 3days 18hrs
Realms: Divine Training Room
Soldiers: 1]
Immediately he received his rewards he began to distribute his stat points in order to prepare for this battle.
[Name: Zephyr Everwood
Age: 16
Level: 12
Exp: 183244.954/516249.783
Stats:
Strength-30
Speed-30
Health-16
Dexterity-25
Intelligence-25
SP: 0
QI: 2300
HP: 1x10^17
Skills: Bloodlust(0), Regeneration(10), Danger Sense(0), Hand of God(40), The Fist of God(100), Void Blast(200), Rot(200), Stealth(500), Detoxify(20)
Inventory: Spawn Repulsion Heart, Water x79, World Splitter
Mission: Clear an entire Spawn field within the allotted time limit
Rewards- 1000exp, the active skill The King of Kings
Penalty- Death
Time Limit- 3days 18hrs
Realms: Divine Training Room
Soldiers: 1]
"Hmm, there certainly is." He replied.
With that there was no more converse, the two entities looked at each other with a strong desire to kill. Instantaneously they sped towards each other at immeasurable speed, colliding in a clash of sword and claws with such force that the underground area had been completely uncovered.
"You're strong, for a human."
"Yeah, I get that a lot." He said with a smile, it seems as though Zephyr had found someone who is just as battle hungry as he is.
[Bloodlust Active]
The aura released itself in a massive swirl of red energy around Zephyr, its strength being enough to cause most beasts to quiver in its presence, but she only grinned at the skill.
"Is this what you call an aura? How cute." A chaotic surge of purple energy was being released by the woman, completely dwarfing bloodlust in all regards. It even managed to create a bit of fear within the mind of Zephyr. They then leaped away from each other, preparing to go in for a second clash after the dust settles from the first.
Once again they lunged towards each other in an impressive display of speed that dwarfs light itself as all one could see from afar was an endless blur of attacks that spanned across the horizon. The battle was at a stalemate as neither had used their special skills to get the edge over the other; that is until a message came up within the mind of Zephyr.
[The host has received a sub-mission]
[Mission: Defeat Medusa within the allotted time limit
Rewards- 500,000exp, the legendary battle item the bracelet of transfiguration
Penalty- Chances of surviving the main mission increase
Time Limit- 1hr]
"Huh!"
I let my guard down for one moment and that was all she needed, in a flash her speed greatly surpassed mine as she instantly launched herself towards me. With her razor sharp claws she sliced my abdomen as I was sent flying back many kilometers.
"Shit." I retorted as the wound was deep enough to impale my organs.
[The host is poisoned]
[Detoxify Active]
"So even her claws are poisoned huh, damn; I'd be dead right now if not for that hydra earlier; OW!!!" I screamed in agony as I barely managed to get up on my feet.
[The host is damaged]
[Regeneration Active]
I used the world splitter to keep myself up as my body healed from the damage, but like a predator in the wild Medusa appeared right before me at once again unperceivable speeds with her claws aiming for my skull. With haste I yanked the sword out of the ground just in time to block the strike, resulting in the creation of several sparks as the two weapons collided. The energy released pushed my back and destroyed a good chunk of the land around us. I held my own against her overwhelming strength as my bones began to crack under the pressure.
'Wait, why the hell do I have to only use my sword skills?' He thought in the midst of the clash.
I then outstretched an arm as I called out one of my most convenient techniques.
"Activate the Hand of God!"
[Hand of God Active]
His eyes radiated a golden glow as the heavenly skill was now in use.
A force was applied to Medusa, holding her in place as I firmly clenched my fist, while breathing heavily.
*Huff*
*Huff*
"What the hell is this, I thought you were enjoying the battle as much as I was?" She asked baffled by my sudden change in strategy.
"Sorry, but I have a mission to complete." He said in a stone cold manner.
Surprisingly she did not try to squirm out of the bind she was in and instead continued to gaze unto the human she was fighting with mere moments ago.
"Well then I guess that means I can use my skills as well right?" She said with a slight chuckle.
He amber eyes focused all their attention on Zephyrs as he caught his breath until a considerable amount energy started to gather round him.
"Huh, what's happening?"
My movement began to slow until my entire body came to a halt under the influence of this strange ability.
"How do you enjoy the eyes of binding, I'm not called Medusa for nothing after all." She then broke free of the now weakened telekinetic power of the hand of god, walking over slowly to the immobile body of Zephyr.
'System, what's happening?" He asked from within his mind, hoping to get a response.
[The host is under the influence of the skill, the eyes of binding]
[It is a unique ability which enables the user to fill up their opponents' extracellular space with solidified bundles of Qi, thus stopping them from engaging in any form of movement]
'And how in God's name do I break free from it?"
[The host will have to break down the Qi bundles into basic particles which can be freely absorbed to replenish his Qi supply]
'So I'm guessing this is one of those things where you know the solution but can't teach me how to perform the solution.'
[Precisely]
'I really can't get a break can I?'
While that was happening, Medusa had arrived right before me; she brought her sharpened claws towards my damaged skin as a sinister smile edged its way on her face.
"You know, I'm feeling a bit lonely so how about I allow you to speak." She said out loud.
"So what do you plan on doing now?"
"Huh, funny you should ask that, I guess I will create a new hydra army since you incinerated the last one."
"Why?" I asked, needing to know the reason that someone as powerful as her would need a hundred of those monsters.
She chuckled at the question though, then bursting into laughter as she didn't even attempt to try to hide it.
"Do you really think so highly of me? Do you even know the ruler of the entire beast planes is?"
"I'm afraid not." Though I was confused, weren't there three rulers of each section or was humanity wrong all this time?
"A boundless, nameless entity that seeks only to eradicate all life, if only the spawn hadn't been bound by the Cult of Diablo your world would have been the first of many to fall." She was in a deep state of fear while relaying such mortifying information, showing the danger that is to come.
"I myself am not sure that even n army of a hundred fully grown hydra would be enough." She chuckled like a child who aims for an impossible dream.
"ROT!!!" I yelled as I rushed towards her with my arm outstretched.
"So you even managed to break through that as well."
Soon enough I would slam my fist through her, completely destroying her organs. I had gained enough momentum to surpass her speed through the hand of god, and just as I was about to end it all a voice was heard from behind me.
"You're still too slow."
An unprecedentedly powerful kick sent my body flying towards the Earth like a ragdoll, the energy emitted as a result turned a good portion of our battle site into a field of raging infernos. My body collided with the Earth leaving a massive crater in the midst of the flames. I lay there unmoving as I was pretty sure every bone in my body was damaged from the impact. She quickly appeared again, lifting me up by the collar with a sinister look in her eyes.
"Shit." That was all he could say as the serpentine queen threw him high up, far above the clouds creating a sonic boom which parted the atmosphere for a moment.
'Once again I found myself in the heavens above, the last time I was sent here was when fighting against that dammed fallen. How long had it been since I got the system, a week at most yet look at how strong I'd gotten.' Zephyr thought while reaching the pinnacle of his ascension.
"Dammit! I can't die here, I promised to keep them safe after all; I will keep them safe, even if all heaven and hell come at me.
"Such a determined soul, you're quite a rare sight." The sly hydra master cheekily said.
She then put her fist right through my abdomen, destroying my lungs in the process and poisoning me.
[The host is poisoned]
[Detoxify Active]
[The host is damaged]
[Regeneration Active]
"You know, it seems like you have some sort of healing factor, but I don't think you can heal with a fist right through you."
She was right, if she didn't remove her fist then there would be no way for me to heal myself, the situation was the same for the venom in her claws. Then a blue streak of light came riveting through the sky at an astonishing velocity creating an ear piercing noise. This caused her attention to stray for a bit distracting her for just long enough as this was the opportunity I needed. With all my might I pushed myself away from her grasp leading to a massive loss in blood as it came rushing out through the gaping hole in my abdomen, and began my descent. By the time she noticed it was too late as the world splitter had pierced through her right arm causing her to scream in agony.
"Shit, this is a lot worse than I thought it would be." Yelled Zephyr at the agonizing pain he felt, but that was soon to be the least of his problems.
Not only was he now falling with no plan on how to land, Medusa was now vehemently following me behind with a fury in her eyes and the world splitter in hand. I then used the hand of god which was still active and tried to pull it out of her grip but it was ineffective.
"Why the hell is her grip so strong?"
Seeing no other options available I decided to make use of a recently acquired skill.
"Activate Stealth."
[Stealth Active]
In an instant my body faded away from sight, blending into the very space that I reside within perfectly. From my heartbeat, to my breath and even my minute movements were all instantly adapted to the rhythm of the universe itself, making my entire being completely undetectable.
"Huh, he bloody disappeared."
Medusa on the other hand wasn't too keen about the latest development; she tried to use her heightened senses to scan the environment before gracefully landing on the now torched ground as the flames had subsided.
"Dammit, how did I lose him, there's no way he was fast enough to escape and the possibility of him having stealth is far too low, especially since he's human-" Then she realized something, this human she was underestimating showed both demon and divine techniques and skills that cannot simply be attained.
"Hmm, let's say he does have stealth, then wouldn't he be trying to attack right about NOW!!!"
She swiftly turned around using the blade to give a devastating strike that carved up the land behind her.
"There's no reason for me to attack you directly." Zephyr spoke in a cold and unwavering manner, sending chills down her spine as he did.
Medusa then looked at what she struck; a small violet orb that was previously not there was now split in half by her attack. It was a compressed void blast and there was not just one, there were many surrounding her in a deadly trap.
Then it exploded with a massive roar of pure destructive energy, sending her flying into the others that were conspicuously placed around her. Medusa was being decimated by a never ending bombardment of energy, lighting up the surrounding areas with violet hues. At the end of it all she barely stood up on her two feet, her bones had been shattered and skin charred from the sheer destructive power of the onslaught of attacks.
"W-Wh-What are you?" She asked, dazed and perplexed at what had just happened.
"Human." That was my simple response to her question.
Then an enormous amount of killing intent filled the area, she glared at Zephyr with discontent and fury before rushing towards him at the fastest speed she's shown.
"IT DOESN'T MATTER, I AM STILL AND ALWAYS AM GOING TO BE FASTER THAN YOU CAN EVER IMAGINE!!!" She roared in rage.
I was moments away from getting my revenge on this infuriating human, as I was going to rip him to shreds in an instant. Then a silent yet ominous sound came from behind me, instantly I recognized it as the sound of that infernal blade from before. With haste I tried to shift out of the way in order to avoid impalement but a domineering force held me in place.
[Fist of God Active]
Zephyr had activated the fist of god and used it to grip Medusa by the neck, holding her in place. A moment later the neon blue weapon stabbed right through her, impaling her heart, and as the blood stopped being pumped she stopped struggling, realizing her fate was set.
"Well, this is an outcome I didn't expect." She smiled as she said so.
"You are truly an impressive warrior and that is why I must warn against facing him."
"Who are you referring to?" Zephyr asked impatiently, wanting an answer before her life force was exhausted.
"Diablo, I've seen the fire in your eyes and I'm smart enough to know what you desire, but do not do it. Diablo is a force far greater than the strength of every star in the sky, a being made for the sole purpose of opposing the keeper of light."
Zephyr remained quiet before inquiring.
"How do you know this?"
She chuckled once again at his remark.
"I may be a spawn of a demon, but we still have the memories of our predecessors."
I placed her down gently and extracted the blade from her body. She began to go silent as her eyes dulled.
"We never did exchange names; I am Medusa, queen of the serpentine."
"Medusa, I am Zephyr Everwood."
*Cough*
*Cough*
She began to cough up blood and with an elegant and pure smile she spoke her final words.
"Well then Zephyr, thank you for giving me a good fight."
It then went silent as her breath had stopped and her eyes slowly closed. Zephyr stood there silent before her corpse. Then the system notification appeared.
[The host has completed the sub-mission]
[The host has received 500,000exp for completing the sub-mission]
[The host has received 500,000exp for slaying Medusa]
[The host has received the box of calamity]
[Description: A universe threatening artifact capable of destroying one of the pillars of creation]
"...Why the hell would an item like this even exist in the spawn fields?"
[The host has leveled up]
"Dodging my question with a notification won't make me any less annoyed." He blatantly said, seeing as how the system usually refuses to acknowledge his questions and more or less gives him incomplete answers.
[Opening Character Profile]
[Name: Zephyr Everwood
Age: 16
Level: 13
Exp: 666995.171/1290624.458
Stats:
Strength-30
Speed-30
Health-16
Dexterity-25
Intelligence-25
SP: 10
QI: 2500
HP: 5x10^16
Skills: Bloodlust(0), Regeneration(10), Danger Sense(0), Hand of God(40), The Fist of God(100), Void Blast(200), Rot(200), Stealth(500), Detoxify(20)
Inventory: Spawn Repulsion Heart, Water x79, World Splitter, Box of Calamity
Mission: Clear an entire Spawn field within the allotted time limit
Rewards- 1000exp, the active skill The King of Kings
Penalty- Death
Time Limit- 3days 17hrs
Realms: Divine Training Room
Soldiers: 1]
Then her body began to glow a greenish hue as it morphed into a swirl of energy, after which it was forged into a circular form. It was a bracelet which hovered in the air just like the dagger did when I first got it, as if it was defying the laws of this realm until I interacted with it.
[The host has received the bracelet of transfiguration]
[Description: A legendary item from the workshop of the _______ which can transform itself into virtually any item when an ample amount of Qi is given.]
*Sigh*
"And why the hell did you need to use her body to craft it."
[It served as a suitable medium for the bracelets crafting]
"I guess we're not done fighting yet."
[The system has received an update]
[Does the host desire the update]
"Sure, why not."
[… Initializing Update]
[1%,
5%,
15%,
45%,
70%,
85%,
90%,
91%,
92%,
93%,
94%,
95%,
96%,
97%,
98%,
99%,
99.9%]
[System update complete...…opening update notifications]
[Would the host like to name the new system?]
Without hesitation he answered.
"Yes."
[What would the host name me?]
Without much thought put into it I answered.
"How about Alex? That seems good enough."
[Saving name as ALEX]
[The inventory storage capacity has been updated]
[The current limit is 500kg per inbox]
[Chances of gaining unique skills from slain enemies have been increased by 20%]
[Unique skill drop rate is now a 25% chance]
[QI drain has been reduce by 50%]
[QI absorption rate has increased by 100%]
[Voiced commands are no longer necessary]
[Size of The Divine Training Room has been increased by 300%]
[My processing speed and power have been improved]
There truly was no time to process all the information that the system gave, prompting Zephyr to open his profile and see the changes for himself.
"Open character profile."
[Opening Character Profile]
[Name: Zephyr Everwood
Age: 16
Level: 13
Exp: 666,995.171/1,290,624.458
Stats:
Strength-30
Speed-30
Health-16
Dexterity-25
Intelligence-25
SP: 10
QI: 2500
HP: 70%
Skills: Bloodlust(0), Regeneration(5), Danger Sense(0), Hand of God(20), The Fist of God(50), Void Blast(100), Rot(100), Stealth(250), Detoxify(10)
Inventory: Spawn Repulsion Heart, Water x79, World Splitter, Box of Calamity, Bracelet of Transfiguration
Mission: Clear an entire Spawn field within the allotted time limit
Rewards- 1000exp, the active skill The King of Kings
Penalty- Death
Time Limit- 3days 16hrs
Realms: Divine Training Room
Soldiers: 1]
"Alright, it's time to get going."
I organized myself and looked on towards my final destination, the center of this hellscape.