[Spawn Point: Astral Gateway. Level: Cosmic Sanctuary]
Upon stepping through the gateway, Jacob and Igdifir found themselves at the spawn point, bathed in an astral glow. This sacred place, the Astral Gateway, shone with a pure light, woven with threads of silver and gold. It was a massive island in the vast expanse of space, nestled among twinkling stars and vibrant nebulas. Valleys sprung forth with bubbling brooks, idyllic villages thrived, and fountains intertwined with gleaming forests. It was a haven of life, immersed in the tranquility of the cosmos.
Around them, shards of space crystal floated, emitting a heavenly melody; each note echoed like the whisper of a distant star. The surrounding structures appeared to be remnants of a lost civilization, with pillars carved with constellations and arches that seemed to dance with the astral lights.
At the heart of the gateway, Jacob spotted a female figure—Steria, the Star Guardian. Awaiting them, her ethereal essence sparkled brilliantly, a symbol of cosmic grace and harmony. Her eyes, deep and enigmatic, shimmered with starry luminescence, each glance containing the vastness of the universe. Her hair, woven from astral lights and silver, danced in a celestial ballet around her, enveloping everything in its gentle glow.
With determination, Jacob and Igdifir approached her. Noticing them, her smile brightened, casting its ethereal glow across the cosmic night.
"Greetings, star travelers. I am Steria, the Star Guardian, born from the primordial universe's light, protector of celestial harmonies. How may I assist you on your quest through the cosmic realms? Do you seek the mysteries of the skies, or fragments of your souls to find?"
"Not to beat around the bush," Jacob began, "We wish to know our quest to reach the final boss."
"Ah, I see," she replied thoughtfully. "Know this—it won't be easy, brave travelers. To confront Orion, the Star Forger, you must first restore Cosmic Harmony by retrieving the three Star Fragments scattered throughout the sanctuary. These fragments are hidden, guarded by cosmic creatures birthed from disturbances in the universe. I will upload their coordinates to your map. Once the fragments are united and harmony restored, the path to Orion, the Star Forger, will reveal itself. Then you can face the master of the stars… May the starlight guide your way."
Following her revelation, Jacob activated a holographic map between his hands, identifying three blinking red dots, each representing a Star Fragment.
"We'll start with the two easier ones, then tackle the toughest, as I always do."
"Your wish is my command," responded Igdifir.
Bowing respectfully to Steria, the duo then delved deep into the universe's distant confines, driven by an ardent quest for the elusive Star Fragments.
*
After a grueling journey through treacherous lands, where they faced terrifying monsters and solved mysterious riddles, Jacob and Igdifir finally secured two of the three Fragments necessary to complete the challenging quest entrusted to them by Steria. Each battle had tested their strength, but their determination only grew stronger with the skills they honed and the weapons they procured during their shared adventure.
As they navigated this cosmic path sprinkled with stars and the unknown, Jacob, plagued by a nagging concern, halted his progress and activated his personal hologram. He needed to check his player statistics to quell the doubts that had been haunting him for some time. The hologram's light danced around him, projecting figures and data that illuminated his path through the interstellar darkness.
[Name: Jacob (Anabito) Kalis]
[Basic Skill: Adaken (85%)]
[Ultimate Skill: N/A]
[Primary Weapon: Inferno Dragon Katana]
[Armor: None]
[Species: Human]
[LVL: 402/1500]
[XP required for next level: 3055/200,000]
[HP: 15,154/19,100]
[Mana: 1465/3100]
[Mana Type: Type #1: None/Basic]
[ATK: 6200]
[DEF: 1435]
[SPD: 1900]
[END: 5090/5090]
[AGI: 1550]
[INT: 950]
[LUCK: 105]
[Quest: Cosmic Harmony: 2/3]
Seeing these stats, Jacob let out a sigh, which deeply puzzled Igdifir.
"What troubles you?" Igdifir asked.
"It's my mana... It's always so low, both in Deity Battle and in real life."
"Oh yes... your meager mana reserve... It's always been a sore point for you. Well, I believe the quest's reward includes Steria's Grace, a permanent buff that not only boosts your intelligence but also your luck and mana."
"That's one reason I'm so eager to finish this level."
In that quiet moment, Jacob paused to turn off his hologram, his face stoic and unreadable.
"But mostly, it's to permanently obtain the Celestial Dragon Blade. My personal power doesn't allow me to wield a weapon indefinitely unless I defeat the boss who drops that particular weapon... I would love to have the Final Omega, but since it's the most powerful weapon in the game, I can barely hold it for a minute... That's why I desperately need the Celestial Dragon Blade."
The two continued their journey across the cosmic landscape, enveloped in a soft hum of space waves that provided welcome comfort to their journey. They were guided by the shimmering glow of stardust fireflies accompanying them down a valley, their lights like dancing stars in the infinite night of the universe.
After some time, they found themselves surrounded by a group of foes. These creatures were a bizarre sight – an uncanny merger between the serpentine body of an intergalactic snake and the grand wings of a legendary dragon, all enveloped in a spectral shroud of nebula gas.
Fortunately for Jacob and Igdifir, they only had to deal with the Nebula Drakes, level 250 enemies. Although their appearance was impressive, their power was limited, yielding a modest maximum of 1,500 experience points.
Without a word, Jacob summoned the Inferno Dragon Katana into the palm of his hand. The katana gleamed with an ember-like glow, reminiscent of burning coals in a fireplace. Its sharp, pristine blade was adorned with intricate engravings of fiery dragons. These dragons, with their sprawling wings and winding bodies, seemed to intertwine in an everlasting dance with the flames. Vivacious and unpredictable, the flames danced along the blade's edge, piercing the gloomy ambiance with their fierce light. Its handle was wrapped in deep crimson silk, tightly woven, and at its end hung a tiny dragon-shaped ornament, signaling the katana's ancient and mystical power.
With swift movement, Jacob stepped forward, releasing a thin blade of mana from his katana, instantly wiping out every foe within range. The creatures vaporized, leaving behind a bounty of 30,000 experience points, materializing as violet fragments.
"Are we there yet?" Jacob quipped.
Collecting the violet fragments, Igdifir activated his map, gauging the distance to the Essence Fragment. "Around 5 minutes if we detour through the Blacksmith Ruins."
"What are those again?"
"From what I gather, it's an abandoned encampment, inhabited by Meteorite Golems, level 293. If we veer right from the main entrance, we'll get to the Essence Fragment in no time."
"Sounds like a plan," Jacob agreed.
They set off, their forms casting distinct shadows in the twilight. With his shimmering katana reflecting the moonlight, Jacob led the way, clutching the weapon's hilt firmly. Igdifir followed, his looming presence almost predatory in the dark.
However, an undeniable shift had occurred. Their once natural camaraderie had faded, replaced by a noticeable tension. No longer was their relationship defined by brotherhood or compassion. Now, Igdifir seemed to follow Jacob out of obligation, his heavy footsteps a stark reminder of their changed dynamics.
"Master," Igdifir began, "About your conversation with Garnal... Didn't you go too far?"
"Since when do you have feelings?" Jacob retorted.
"Pardon?"
"You're a mere video game summon, Igdifir. Why question my conversation with Garnal?"
Igdifir hesitated, for Jacob was right. He was but an extension of Jacob's powers. Yet emotions burgeoned within him, humanizing him with each passing day. "I don't know... Ever since getting to know you, I've felt... conscious."
Interrupting him, a slew of cosmically adorned foes stood before them.
[Inferno Dragon Katana: Blazing Speed]
[Mana cost: 50]
[Mana: 1415/3100]
With unparalleled speed, Jacob propelled forward, causing a mini shockwave in his wake. Fire erupted from the front of his katana. With one sweeping motion, he dispatched all the monsters.
"... I stand by my words to Garnal."
Their journey resumed, with the rocky encampment emerging on the horizon. It stood majestic, a natural fortress carved by the elements. Ethereal creatures, reminiscent of golems, manifested from swirling nebulae.
"I believe that the entity has a vendetta against angelic humans or simply enjoys their suffering," Jacob mused. "Regarding the pact between the Archangel and Marshal, I'm certain she could've broken it but played innocent, leaving Marshal dead."
"Master," Igdifir hesitated, "I think you're wrong."
Jacob halted, anticipating his companion's next words.
"Oh? And what's your theory?"
"I think, based on what you just said, that she had the power to break the pact with the Archangels. But she chose to let Marshal die, not just for his peace... but for you to grow."