Chapter 7 Opening The Unknown's Gifts
Based on what Kreed remembered from, his history teacher years ago, it was said that the highest anyone had ever managed to reach, was hero.
As described by the legend of the 13 heroes of the great war.
Kreed couldn't remember the legend completely, but it is said that over 100 years ago, the continent of Pangea was evaded by a herd of monsters and beasts. The continent was on the verge of collapse.
However 13 animatic characters emerged from the chaos, welding the power of the gods. They fought with their lives on the line. Alongside their cohorts and companions.
Many, perished and many met a fate worse than death.
However the 13 heroes prevailed. Their leader, the great hero known as Arcanum, died sacrificing himself to destroy the Descended Behemoth known as Abyssal Jailer.
After the great battle the remaining heros,
Returned to a wonderful parade in their favor.
Although they were the strongest beings ever that ever lived on the planet. They died with out, ascending to godhood.
Of course this is all a legend so Kreed was in no rush to believe anything.
But along with the legend came a lot of information on how beings ascend or became stronger.
Firstly there are two main ways a creature can grow. The first is the path of ascension the other is the path to corruption. In both these paths there are seven known steps.
For corruption the ranks are as follows from the lowest step to the highest:
Emanated- also called released.
Stagnant- also called Archaic or Advanced.
Stulified- also called corrupted.
Descend
Chained
Vanquished- also called Devil
Timid- also called irresolute.
For ascension, the path also follows a similar route although the names used seem to be the complete opposite to that of corruption.
Birthed
Evolved
Enlightened
Ascended
Unchained
Conquered-also called heros.
Valiant- also called courageous.
These ranks are meant to be equal in status.
Although every being has a different power they, should exhibit a balanced nature. The main defector to this scale is class.
Just like a being can increase in rank, class is also the same. However class doesn't affect the beings power or authority, instead it affects their body, their soul and their mind.
For reference, a Birthed mundane and a birthed scaleless although they exhibit the same amount of power and authority, the scaleless will still be stronger because it's class is higher.
Added to this is the fact that with every increase in rank and class the gap between them grows indefinitely.
Kreed pondered for a bit.
After a while he slowly pushed himself of of his bed.
With heavy footsteps, Kreed headed to a short well polished desk in the right corner of the room. The desk sat motionlessly it's shadow changing with the flickering light.
Sitting on the wooden chair that accompanied the desk, Kreed opened it's top draw pulling out a rusty brass key.
'Hmm, all the information I've received is practically irrelevant. I have no intention of learning more about these gods and demons.
However I am pretty excited to see what new toys I've received.
Trying to recall the feeling of absolute focus, Kreed thought about summoning the relic. Soon the incandescent fruit appeared in his hand once more.
As it became whole the presence of the room shifted, it was almost unnoticeable, but already dim light, seemed to grow dimmer in it's presence.
Seeing the fruit again Kreed shivered. His body had been fully healed by it, yet the pang of hunger he felt was as evident as before.
If anything the fruit looked rather appealing, but Kreed was still wary. The fruit was almost transparent and beautiful yet it didn't tempted or try to force it's owner to eat it.
It was probably because of it's condition.
Summoning the runes describing the fruit once again Kreed read.
Relic: Peach of existence
Relic type: item
Rank: divine
Grade: III
Relic summary: The 'unknown' planted a tree, and it bore fruit. The fruit became divine as it was blessed with life.
Relic abilities: (life)(giver of health) (semblance of greatness)
Relic abilities summary: (life: this fruit gives life.)
(Giver of health: any mortal in the presence of this fruit will become whole, in mind, body and spirit.)
(Semblance of greatness: this fruit was picked from the great tree of life by the 'unknown' and so it possess a portion of greatness.)
Relic uses: this fruit can be eaten or stored, it will never decay as it possess life. But once eaten all it's abilities will be lost or absorbed.
'Right, it's a basic gamble, I could either gain or lose from eating it. However there's a solid reason not to.
Although the abilities (life) and (semblance of greatness) seem to be active abilities. And will only work once the fruit is eaten. The ability (giver of health) is a passive one and it seems to be capable of healing any injuries.
It may also be able to heal the injuries of those around me.
'ha, what are the chances that my first relic is of the divine rank.
Based on what Kreed knew there was also 7 ranks for relics increasing in power and utility the higher the rank.
The rank goes as follows
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Profane
Centered
Divine
Alongside ranks are also 7 grades. The grades determine how much abilities a relic would receive.
For instance the Peach of existence, is a divine relic with a III grade. And so it possesses 3 abilities.
Kreed sat, in his chair observing the fruit for a while before dismissing it. Soon another item started to weave itself out of wisps of light, protruding from Kreed's body.
After a second a silver ball, manifested in Kreed's hand. With it were a string of golden runes.
Relic: Sphere of the boundless
Relic type: divice
Rank: divine
'wait what? Another divine ranked relic. Just how powerful was the creature I just met?'
Continuing to read, Kreed focused.
Grade: III
Relic summary: The sphere was born of silver, it was imbued with the mass of 1000 mountains, yet it's holy properties held through out the ages. It possesses the purist of silver, being born of the heavenly city.
Relic abilities: (...)(Compelling weight) ( pure silver)
Relic abilities summary: (....: This ability is restricted.)
(Compelling weight: This sphere holds the weight of a 1000 mountains.)
(Pure silver: The purity of this sphere is unmatched.)
Relic uses: This sphere holds the weight of 1000 mountains, it can only be lifted by its owner. Once placed down it resumes it's natural weight.
The pure silver, can be used to craft artifacts, but only if you are capable of melting it.
'Huh? Is that really a divine ranked relic? And what does it mean This ability is restricted?'
Kreed sighed before summoning the runes describing the peach of existence.
' I see, with it's abilities, it is worthy of the divine rank. Am not sure what the ability (life) means but it sounds incredible. However this sphere. All it has is (weight) and (pure silver.) Do I get a divine weapon if I make a sword out of it? And what about the name? It is called sphere of boundless, yet it only carries the weight of 1000 mountains? For some reason I feel like there's more to this.'
Dismissing the sphere, Kreed studied the runes for a bit more before summoning his final relic. as the two ebony coloured chains manifested they wrapped around Kreed's outstretched hand.
Just as he had done before Kreed summoned the runes once more.
Soon another panel of golden letters floated in Kreed's vision alongside the other two runes.
Starting to read Kreed's gaze immediately jotted to the rank, however perhaps he had been to excited.
The runes read.
Relic: chain of territory.
Relic type: Divice
Rank: profound
Grade: VI
Relic summary: After Gabriel returned home, he sold his feathers. The feathers were battered and damaged yet, Veilus bought it without hesitation. Using the feathers of the great Gabriel, Veilus made two chains, the chains we're almost useless to veilus doh so he sold it for something greater. Scamming Gabriel in the process.
Relic abilities: (Home)(Simple domain)(Call for invitation)(Guest)(Host)(Visitor)
Relic abilities summary: (Home: one chain can mark a territory as your home)
(Simple domain: Your territory increases with your power)
(Call for invitation: You can invite a being of divinity to your territory.)
(Guest: if someone is a guest in your territory, they are to abided, by your rules.)
(Host: If someone is a guest in your territory, you are to treat them with the best of etiquette.
(Visitor: the second chain can be placed at another location, and used to return to your territory without hindrance.
Relic uses: this relic can be used to host meetings, banquets or battles. Although you cannot harm your guests they are to obey your, rules without fault. An invitation can be sent to any being once their name, whereabouts and appearance is known. You can travel from and to your territory once the second chain is placed.
A profound relic. It wasn't a bad find, rather Kreed was lucky to be In possession of a profound relic, a grade 6 one at that. No his luck was simply unheard of he also possessed not one but two grade 3 divine relics. That was simply impossible.
Yet Kreed had them all.
Although the abilities the divine relics possessed were beyond anything Kreed could imagine. He was more excited about the the Chain of territory. After all its abilities were perfectly tailored for his method of survival.
However Kreed was most excited for its ability to invite any being who's name, location and appeared he knew. That included divine beings as well. Perhaps he could meet the strange creature known as "the father of all" once again.
But for now he would have to be content and have a little fun with his new toys.
However all of that would need to wait, firstly Kreed needed something to eat. He had spent an entire week focused on the runes, that he had forgotten to eat completely. Well not like he had anything tasty anyways.