"She's been sitting like that since Key.." Speedy paused and her head slightly dropped in a saddened manner. "Anyways, it's been about a week now and she's just been watching, waiting on Abyssal Beasts to kill."
She said to Sketch as she leaned on the front door to the hideout. Sketch himself was outside, leaning backwards on the wall.
Sketch nodded his head empathetically. "I understand. Key definitely left an impact on all of us even though we've only known him for a short while."
"I feel sorry for her. It seems like dear Key's passing affected her the most." Spam said as she and Gamble approached.
"More monsters.." Gamble grunted as they all turned their heads to see about 35 Abyssal Werewolves slowly approaching.
Meanwhile with Nythra, her golden eyes were noticeably without light, replaced with a more hateful and somber darkness.
Her mind kept replaying that moment..
-Flashback-
"…No…" A voice, small but trembling, broke the quiet. It was Nythra. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "No… NO!!" Her voice escalated into a scream, emotions flooding her tone—anger, sorrow, helplessness. Power erupted from her in uncontrollable waves, her Abyssal energy spiraling around her in a frenzy, cracking the ground beneath her.
"Sketch forcefield!" Sketch yelled, enveloping himself, Speedy, Spam, and Gamble in protective green light.
Nythra continued yelling, her voice wreaked with sadness.
'How? You were just here..smiling..joking.. your presence lit up the Abyss even though this is the darkest place imaginable..'
Her thoughts wailed.
'I can't lose you..'
'Not like..this'
-Flashback End-
She then proceeded to go on a rampage. Searching the Abyss for beasts and exterminating them on sight.
It only widened the void within her heart.
Now, as the Abyssal Werewolves approached with an eerie calm, her narrowed eyes were set to strike—until she heard the Alpha's raspy voice.
"The Ascended One, returns." His raspy voice stated.
Her eyes widened in shock.
"Wait, these things can talk?!" Speedy exclaimed, as surprised as Nythra.
"You didn't know that, Speedy? Probably 'cause you take them out too fast for them to talk." Sketch quirked a brow. "But who's this 'Ascended One'?"
"Look!" Spam pointed as the werewolves dropped to one knee, forming two lines. The Alpha bowed deeply.
Suddenly a dark purple portal tore open and out stepped..Key!!
But his appearance was different.
He looked… different. Taller, about Gamble's height, his physique more refined, his dreads longer. His dark purple eyes glowed, symbols pulsed on the backs of his hands, and an aura of intense power radiated from him. He brought a hand to his chin, a smirk spreading across his face.
"Ascended One…" the Alpha greeted, bowing lower. "It's a pleasure."
"The pleasure's mine." Key rested a hand on the Alpha's shoulder. "You may go now. Tell the others of my return."
The Alpha nodded, and with a collective howl, he and the pack vanished into the Abyss.
Nythra's voice broke the silence, her words tentative. "Key?" She rose slowly, disbelief etched across her face as the others gathered around with mirrored expressions.
"In the flesh, sweetheart." Key replied with softened eyes and a warm grin.
"KEY!" Speedy launched herself at him, wrapping him in a tight hug. She flashed around him, taking in his new appearance with awe. "Wow! Gamble's height! A twelve-pack! Handsome features, and a nice as—"
"Speedy…" Nythra interrupted, deadpan.
"Sorry, Nyth, but aren't I right?!" Speedy giggled, hopping onto Key's back. Key chuckled at her antics.
"Key..I-" Nythra started, but immediately was enveloped in a hug.
"I know." Key pulled her into a gentle hug before she could finish.
Nythra melted into his embrace, her face breaking into a wide smile as a mix of relief and joy filled her eyes.
"Hey, scoot over, Nyth! I want to hug dear Key too!" Spam slipped between them, wrapping her arms tightly around him. "And I agree with you, Speedy!"
"Yeah!" Speedy laughed, while Nythra rolled her eyes, a small laugh escaping her too.
Sketch and Gamble exchanged glances, smiling as they watched.
"A feeling inside me told me he wasn't dead." Sketch said with relief.
Gamble snorted. "Please, you and I know that's a damn lie."
Both shared a chuckle.
"Ladies, ladies. I know you all missed me a lot, but I gotta holla at the guys for a second." Key said as he released from the hug and gently eased Speedy off of his back, getting disappointing sighs from all three.
"Promise you all can hug on me again in a minute." He said as he walked towards Gamble and Sketch.
Gamble of course stepped up first.
He and Key exchanged glances for a few seconds before nodding with mutual respect. They dapped each other up.
"My Nigga." This time both of them said it simultaneously with smirks.
"Missed you." Gamble nodded as he stepped to the side.
"Likewise." Key replied as he faced Sketch.
"I appreciate you for taking care of them. I know it was hard." He said as he held out his hand.
Sketch took it, nodding. "It was rough, but we managed. Good to have you back, Key." They clasped hands, pulling each other into a brotherly hug.
"Awwwwe!!" Speedy and Spam said with clasped hands and wide smiles. Nythra giggled at their goofiness.
"So, Key, what's with this 'Ascended One' title?" Sketch asked as he released him.
Key's eyes gleamed with excitement. "I'll explain later. Right now, though, we've got an adventure ahead… to The Divine Thrones."
"Wait, the Divine Thrones?! Isn't that the highest ranking place on Drakara?!" Speedy blurted out, eyes wide with surprise.
The group exchanged wary looks, and even Nythra's expression showed uncertainty. She turned to Key, her voice laced with hesitation.
"Key why the Divine Thrones? Remember I told you that the Go-"
Key raised a hand, gently cutting her off. His gaze was resolute.
"I understand your skepticism and concern. But trust me, there's going to be a big change on Drakara, and it starts at the Divine Thrones. This is no small journey. If anyone wants out, this is your chance." He scanned their faces, his tone as serious as stone.
The group exchanged glances, absorbing the weight of his words.
"And let you have all the fun? Not a chance." Sketch smirked, breaking the tension.
"Yeah! I've been waiting to go on another adventure for the longest!" Speedy
chimed in, fist pumped with excitement.
Gamble gave a firm nod. "I'm in."
"No worries here, dear Key." Spam grinned, flashing a thumbs-up.
Nythra stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on Key's shoulder, her gaze searching. "Are you sure about this, Key? The Gods… they're powerful beyond reason, untouchable… they do as they please." Her voice held a quiet warning.
Key met her eyes, a storm of memories from his Older Self flickering in his mind, but he pushed them aside. That was a concern for another time.
"Trust me." he said simply. His tone carried so much assurance that Nythra couldn't help but feel a flicker of confidence settle in her.
She smiled softly, nodding. "Of course, I trust you."
Key's expression softened for a moment, then shifted back to his usual intensity as he addressed the group.
"Before we can even think about the Divine Thrones, everyone needs to be at least S Rank. The enemies on the Floating Islands are leagues stronger than what we've faced here in the Abyss."
Nythra nodded in agreement. "Key's right. You'll need every ounce of strength to handle those, especially on the Ascendant Islands."
"But I have a plan." Key's eyes glinted with determination. "First, we head to the Abyssal Chasm."
Sketch raised an eyebrow. "Wait, the Abyssal Chasm? Isn't that the lowest level of the Abyss?"
"Exactly." Key replied. "We need to master the Abyss itself before we can even think about the upper islands."
"Sounds awesome! Oh, wait—" Speedy's face lit up with sudden excitement. "How about we form a guild? It'll be fun, and as we rise up, we can build a reputation!" She leaned forward, her eyes practically pleading. "Please?"
Key tilted his head thoughtfully. "A guild, huh… Not a bad idea. But what would we call it?"
"How about… Void Walkers?" Sketch suggested with a grin.
"Nice ring to it but nah need to hit more." Key said, tapping his chin.
"What about Darkheart Syndicate?" Gamble offered.
"Too cliche. Sounds like some shit on Halo." Key replied.
"Ooh! How about 'Speedy and the Gang'!" Speedy's face brightened with pride.
Key raised an eyebrow, amused. "Cute, but no."
"Power Rangers!" Spam chimed in enthusiastically.
Key blinked, then just stared at her, speechless.
Nythra chuckled softly before her voice broke in. "What about… The Ascended Dominion? It plays off your title, 'The Ascended One.'"
Key's eyes lit up. "The Ascended Dominion… I like it."
"Yeah sounds kind of badass." Sketch admitted with a smirk.
"I agree." Gamble nodded.
"I like Speedy and the Gang better!" Speedy pouted dramatically.
"And Power Rangers!" Spam added, joining in on Speedy's mock sulking. The two shared a fake, over-the-top cry.
Key shook his head with a chuckle. 'How the hell she even know about Power Rangers?' He questioned in his mind.
"The Ascended Dominion it is." Key finalized.
[Guild Ascended Dominion has been created.]
[Guild Leader]
Name: Key LV.1
Title: The Ascended One
Rank: Ascended
[Guild Members]
Name: Speedy
Title: The Sonic Mirage
Rank: B-Rank
Name: Sketch
Title: The Artisan of Reality
Rank: C-Rank
Name: Gamble
Title: The Abyssal Juggernaut
Rank: B-Rank
Name: Spam
Title: The Arcane Maestro
Rank: C-Rank
Name: Nythra, the Forsaken Light
Title: Former Goddess of Radiance and Hope
Rank: SS-Rank (formerly SSS-Rank)
[Guild Rank] : E
The guild itself gains levels based on the collective achievements and contributions of its members. Higher guild levels unlocks a variety of things.
[Effects]
[Experience Boost]
All guild members receive a 20% boost to experience gained from all activities (quests, battles, etc). This effect stacks with individual experience boosts. Increases by 10% every Rank.
[Skill Learning Accelerator]
Members can learn new skills 15% faster when working together, fostering a faster development of their individual abilities. Increases by 5% every Rank.
[Title Recognition]
Each member gains a unique title based on their contribution to guild milestones. Titles come with specific perks, such as enhanced combat abilities, increase in Stats, and others.
[Enhanced Loot Drop]
Members receive a 10% increase in the quality and quantity of loot drops during guild raids and quests. This includes a higher chance of rare items and exclusive gear. Increases by 10% every Rank.
[Guild Chest]
A shared guild repository where members can store items and resources. The chest's capacity increases with guild level, and higher levels unlock better security and sorting features.
[Dominion's Might]
All guild members receive a +10% bonus to their base damage output. This effect emphasizes the guild's offensive capabilities, making them formidable opponents in combat. Increases by 5% every Rank.
[Guild Banner]
A mystical banner that can be deployed during large-scale battles, boosting members' morale and providing a 10% buff to all stats within its radius.
[More will be unlocked later.]
[Guild Quests]
To master the challenges of the Abyss and prepare for the ascension to the Floating Islands.
To grow in strength collectively, ensuring all members reach at least S Rank.
To challenge the divine entities governing Drakara, altering the realm's fate.
'Guess it was a good idea creating a guild after all.' Key thought as he looked over everything.
Speedy punched the air. "Woo-hoo! Ascended Dominion for the win!"
Sketch leaned in with a grin. "It's time to kick some ass now right Key?"
"One more thing.." Key replied, turning to Nythra. "Nythra, come here."
She tilted her head, curiosity filling her eyes as she stepped forward. "Yes, Key?"
Key placed his hand on her shoulder. "Hold still."
[Active Skill Energy Siphon LV.1 has activated.]
This skill enables Key to directly drain the life force, magical energy, or any form of kinetic or potential energy from his surroundings or directly from beings. Energy Siphon can be targeted or area-based, allowing Key to weaken his foes while bolstering his own power or the power of his constructs and allies.
Key used this to absorb the Abyssal Energy that changed Nythra's features. He didn't absorb all of it though.
Bit by bit, her light gray skin transformed to a radiant milky brown. Her wings brightened from a dark gold to a striking, pure gold, and her eyes gleamed with a new radiance. Her hair now fell in long, wavy black locks.
She was very gorgeous.
After Key finished he took a step back and everyone took in Nythra's new appearance.
"You… LOOK—" Spam began, her mouth agape.
"Amazing!" Speedy finished, leaping forward to hug Nythra tightly. "Nyth, we're going to be models on the runway, doing pretty girl things like getting our nai—"
Spam cut in with a mischievous grin. "Psh! Runway? Boring! Let's set up our own stripping spot. With bods like ours, men wil—"
"Spam." Nythra's voice was sharp, but her eyes held an amused glint.
"Just kidding!" Spam sang, and the three of them burst into laughter.
Key watched, a small smile tugging at his lips. 'Damn, she's beautiful.' He quickly glanced away, but Nythra caught his eye, her cheeks flushing as she offered him a shy smile and a small wave. He waved back, chuckling softly.
"Someone has a crush…" Sketch whispered, elbowing Key with a smirk.
"Shii, can you blame me?" Key replied with a chuckle, his gaze shifting momentarily to Nythra, a flicker of warmth in his eyes.
Gamble placed a hand on Key's shoulder, his tone quiet but sincere. "Take care of her, Key. She's been through a lot, but I doubt you'll ever hurt her."
Key nodded, glancing at each of his friends. "Of course not." His gaze lingered on each of them, a subtle curiosity growing. There was so much he wanted to learn about their pasts, their journeys—and he knew he'd ask them soon enough.