Creation Online
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Book 2 / 18 - Battle Royale 12
🕑 Added 2024-07-10 16:00:11 +0000 UTCRing - 1st
Realm - Sol
THORIN'S POV
We'd barely even started. Just two hours outside the game and we'd gone this far. Battles along the road were both easier and new to us. Mera was a wrecking ball with her fists of fire and Blaze was a Boon with his chains. Nothing from the sky could hope to get us with him around. Stryder was receiving 40% of the dropped essence due to the expenditure of her skill. Just Photon Rush itself was the bane of her skill existence but also a lifesaver. The number of times the Titaness had been in the right place at the right time, pulling one of them out of a deadly strike or just adding a hit to distract their foe was numerous to count. Then there was Hellion.
I looked at the Titan. He was the leanest of us males in muscle definition. But he made up for it with his brains and speed in learning the sword at a fast rate. It was kind of creepy how the game or creator seemed to know exactly what would work with us.
Through all our fights and the revelations we had gotten, the Pantheon had made a decision. Foregoing leveling up was for the best. Blaze had the idea of finding NPCs. All games had those and we just hoped they were not limited to only Vaustaris. Getting taught about how power worked in this realm was the best way to go without making mistakes.
It was easier said than done. The fairies already made it clear that the amount of essence orbs we had would be good enough to push us all to the next threshold. The question was if we wanted to do it and risk any knowledge we would have gotten. Blaze was adamant we wait as cultivation usually had more to it than just increasing one's essence.
So we'd plowed on. Fought through countless packs of beasts and harvested more orbs. Everyone was beginning to set into a combat style suitable for both our skills and weapons. And then we found a forest.
We stood at the tree line looking at the burning forest. Watching the leaves that fell and became ash before they even hit the ground and then another sprouting in its place. All in minutes and seconds.
"How does plant life in this place even work?".No one answered Mera, everyone busy taking in the sight.
"Hey, guys". Stryder whispered making a hand motion for us. I and Blaze were the first to look over. Hellion and Mera too busy eyeing up a plant and tree. "Look!". She pointed. I followed her hand.
"Is that...". Blaze took a step forward past us. "...a kid?". That got Hellion's and Mera's attention. I wasn't seeing what they were seeing yet so I strained my sight, stepped to the side so I was right behind Stryder, and then I saw it.
"Huh". Standing within the burning forest was a humanoid figure. Within the flames, it was hard to make out the exact figure but the size and the shape didn't make it hard to atleast assume. Then the figure started running back into the forest.
I grabbed Stryder's shoulder the moment her body burned. She looked at me and I shook my head. "Don't".
"Why not?. I could go in there and either see or grab whatever that is".
"No. Thorin's right. We don't know what's in there. It's one thing to scout ahead and another thing to just chase after an unclear figure. It could be a trap". Hellion shook his head.
"So what do we do?". I frowned at Mera's question. "I mean we're going in there right?".
"What Mera is saying is, whoever that is could lead us to civilization or whatever form of it there is here. While Hellion is saying it could be anything else".
"We're just not sure".
"I say we go. But together. Anyone or thing trying to mess with the Titans get wrecked". The female smacked her gauntlets together.
"The Titans". Blaze muttered. Hellion quirked his head and then smiled.
"Sounds good". He looked at me raising an eyebrow. "Doesn't it sound right Thorin. It is what we are". I frowned. I wasn't sure what they were talking about.
"What are we talking about?". Mera and Stryder looked confused as well.
"Our Pantheon name. Why pick something eye catchy and weird when we can just state what we are?". He explained.
"Titans.".Stryder smirked.
"Not just any Titan". He wiggled a finger.
"The Titans". I could feel the smirk growing on my face. Looking at everyone I received nods of agreement.
"Then The Titans it is".
**Pantheon Name - The Titans- set**
**Your actions have garnered Fate**
**You have unlocked the Achievement Tab**
**You have unlocked the Title Tab**
**You have Unlocked the Pantheon Records**
**You have unlocked the Fate Records**
**Achievement Unlocked: "Bound as One"
- As the first Five to bind yourselves to one another in a promise of comradeship you have all shown wisdom, familial care and trust where others have gutted their kin.
**Rewards:**
+1000 Kama, +1000Fate,
- Fate Bank (Boon):**
- A metaphysical storage vault connected to The Titan's Pantheon. Fate points can be stored by anyone in this vault for ???????. (Unlock with Headquarters)
-Title Gained - The Penteon**
You are one of the first five to create a Pantheon, putting aside the blood lust and carnage now being known as the Elders' penchant, to instead protect and guide.
Eye of Tora(Buff)
- A 2% modifier to wisdom.
**Welcome to the Pantheon Records Elder 3**
**Pantheon Name**: The Titans**
**Headquarters**: Eye of The Sol
**Fate Bank**: LOCKED
**Essence Bank**:
**Members**
- **Total Members:** 5 (All leaders)
- **Member Limit:** None
**Leaders and Members
**Name:** Thorin
- **Rank:** Leader
- **Race:** Elder Titan
- **Domain:**
**Name:** Hellion
- **Rank:** Leader
- **Race:** Elder Titan
- **Domain:**
**Name:** Stryder
- **Rank:** Leader
- **Race:** Elder Titan
- **Domain:**
**Name:** Mera
- **Rank:** Leader
- **Race:** Elder Titan
- **Domain:**
**Name:** Blaze
- **Rank:** Leader
- **Race:** Elder Titan
- **Domain:**
**Pantheon Buffs**:
**Elders Boon:**
- **Buff:** When using skills or abilities within another Elder Titan's domain, the leader gains a temporary enhancement in proficiency and power. This allows them to adapt and utilize the strengths of their fellow Titans, amplifying the effectiveness of their actions within unfamiliar domains.
**Domain Resilience:**
- **Buff:** Each leader gains 30% resistance against attacks or influences that align with the domains of The Titans Pantheon Leaders and members. While the members gain a 20% resistance against attacks or influences that align with the domains of the The Titan Pantheon members.
**Convergence:**
- **Buff:** Once per month, the leaders of The Titans Pantheon can invoke a combined skill that synergizes all their domains. This convergence unleashes a phenomenon that embodies the combined powers of their domains. This could manifest as a cataclysmic event, a moment of enlightenment, or a celestial blessing that affects the entire universe or specific realms within it. Depending on the skills converged.
"Fate Bank. What's a Fate Bank?".
"2% to Wisdom".
"The Penteon. How cheesy is that?".
"Guys!". I yelled. Everyone stopped talking. "Focus. We need to find whatever ran away. I know we're curious but let's focus on seeing what that was". Everyone nodded. Leading the way I stepped into the forest. There was no difference in heat or anything. Just plumes of burning trees and the sound of a tree crashing, here and there".
"How do the trees make up for those that fall?". Hellion pondered aloud.
"The fauna here must be evolved or resistant to the Fires". I turned to look at Mera in surprise. From the way she froze, I wasn't the only one.
" What?. I know stuff". Chuckling I shook my head and turned back ahead. Movement upwards caught my eyes.
"Guys. Look alive. We've got company". On the branches, hiding behind the trees and simply just standing within the flames, on every side and every angle were humanoids.
"There's a lot of them". I tightened my grip on my hammer.
"Trap, check". Stryder muttered. The humanoids began rushing forward as one. Hellion vanished in a blast of light and fire appearing to our left with his sword drawn. The clang of steel against steel erupted. I blinked at the sight.
The foe was a kid. The boy kicked Hellion's torso, and we could all see the grimace in Hellion's eyes as he expected to fall. The kid fell back on his ass. We all blinked. The charging crowd was on. Hellion moved appearing behind the kid and set the blade on his neck.
"Stop or he dies".
The crowd froze. 'If they came. to fight us don't the expert to lose someone in a fight?'. I didn't expect the threat to work. We were in a circle made of the Humanoids. One stepped forward lips moving and sound being made. I cocked my head in confusion.
**Recalibrating speech**
**Language - Sol Song - Learned**
'Sol song?'. My ears registered that I was suddenly hearing what the humanoids were saying. I shivered as I realized that I had been right. They hadn't stopped because of the threat, infact seeing the recalibration notification I was sure they didn't even understand the threat. They stopped when they saw us clearly for the first time, whispers and grunts passing amongst them as they discussed what we were.
They all looked humanoid. Four arms, scales on every inch of their body, normal pupils, and muscular forms. They had tufts of hair on their heads like braids. Most had black hair and a few had white hair.
'Wait. Those are the females. The slight swell of their chests made it clear enough. One of the males stepped forward and I finally noticed the final detail. 'Kids. They're all kids'.
"What are the lot of you doing in the forest?. Where are you parents, or adults?". I wasn't the only one thinking the same as Mera stepped forward looking bothered.
The children looked at each other while the male who stepped forward looked insulted.
"Who you calling kids?. Who of us looks like a kid to ya?". The male shook his fists at us. Mera and I exchanged a gaze. 'Okay, proud kids then'.
"Where are the adults?. Where is your village? Why are all of you in here?". Repeating her questions didn't make the male any less angrier.
"What adults?. We the ...". The male took a deep breath. "Who in the Light Expanse are you five? And what are you doing in our forest?".
Silence. I looked to Hellion who had an amused glint in his eye. Seeing my gaze he coughed and spoke. "My apologies, we're from far-off lands and we've not met or seen any other Sapient life. All we've seen and been battling are beasts and monsters. Forgive my... siblings. Yes, siblings". He ignored our wild-eyed stares and continued.
"We are Elder Titans. Children of the..."
"Drake Shit". A male from the crowd spat. Another nodded and spat as well.
"They dare call themselves Elder Titans". One stepped up on what he might have thought as menacing. I eyed him and he faltered.
" My apologies. But why would you dare take up a name that is revered in all the scorching and light-touched parts of our realm. Do you by any chance, seek death?".
I turned to look back at Hellion. The Titan rolled his eyes and sheathed his sword. Stepping past the still trembling humanoid he had held at his sword's end he stopped to my right.
"What do you mean we are revered?". I blinked. Hellion didn't look one bit frightened as he stared the male dead in the eyes.
"By the Pyres, I say we let the Lighted Ones have at them. Then they'll learn". A voice piped up and Hellion looked in that direction. There was curiosity and excitement in his eyes.
"Lighted ones". He hummed.
"Look..." Mera stepped up glaring at Hellion who was still looking in the direction of the voice. It was clear he was too amused to clear things up. "... we're Elder Titans. The only ones of our kind. All across the Nine Realms, our cousins are already moving. Now we ask that you simply explain to us what you mean by our names being revered. If you can't then please just point us to the nearest village or something. We've been walking for hours now".
Everyone was silent. Heads turned to look at each other and the fright and confusion amongst them just kept building up. Then the middle of the crowd parted and a female stepped through. The male stepped to the side and the female stood before us.
"Elder Titans". Her voice was raspy and too weathered to be that of a child. 'Wait!'. I glared at Hellion who caught my eye and then chuckled. "Figured it out". He mouthed.
"It's been how long now since we learned of it. Praise the Giant" Sharp golden pupils met mine.
"Children of the Giant".
Curses came from. the crowd and then the humanoids to the right were pushed out of the way. A muscular one burst through the crowd snorting and spitting. "Mother. Do not bring the Giant's rage upon our heads. I've seen Titans that were far larger than them. Even the Behemoths and the Golems hold more away with the name. Elder Titans should atleast be larger if not near the Giant himself".
The words did something to me. I didn't understand. It was like the very air became hotter, the ground shifting, it felt like a thousand ants were suddenly panicking in my body and my eyes felt warmer. The others were no better and I could see what it was like with my own eyes.
Eyes burned and blazed brighter, cracks formed on our skins like the ones on our weapons, and from these cracks, flames hissed out. Looking back I realized what exactly I was feeling. 'Anger'.
I looked to Hellion but surprisingly it was Mera who spoke up again. Her feet took her forward and we should have seen it coming as her palms grabbed the kid, man by the neck, and hefted him up.
"Never. Disparage our name". Her voice was like the roaring sun and like the blazing of flames.
'Woah. Can I do that? Nice'. She dropped the shaking man who stumbled back gripping his neck in pain. Most of the humanoids were shocked as they stared at the man holding his neck.
"Burned by the flames". The other male muttered.
"That should be evidence enough". The female spoke loud and clear. "The Elder Titans are here!". seeing the confusion in our gaze she smiled. The way an older lady would smile at a child. "We the Denners were born as the third generation of those who bend steel for She who shall not be named. We're the only ones lucky enough to know of her existence. Welcome Elder Titans. We the Denners of the Red Woods will be honored to guide the Blood of The Mother". The Humanoids, Denners as the lady called them began vanishing into the forest.
"Come let me show you our home". The female turned and began walking into the forest.
We were all a bit confused about how things were proceeding. I frowned as we looked at each other wondering what came next.
"What are you guys waiting for?". Hellion, apparently wasn't confused. "C'mon. We wanted answers and we have a way to get it". He turned without another word and walked on.
"Well come on siblings". Blaze had an amused grin as he walked past. Mera and I just shook our heads and followed.
"So am I the only one that finds it weird how Mera manhandled that kid?". Stryder asked from my left.
Mera shook her head. "Those weren't kids". The girl was still confused. I shook my head seeing why Hellion wouldn't say anything. Her confusion was amusing with how obvious it was.
"We're Titans. Literally". I said nothing more. If Hellion could have fun with our ignorance then so could I. It took us seeing Hellion next to the female. Both talking with each other for Stryder to get it.
"Oh". She looked at me. "Wow".
****
Ring - 7th
Realm - Rack of Life
RACKEL'S POV
My chest hurt a lot. Too much. But it made sense. Considering essence was almost bottomed out and all that essence I had been drawing from had been replacing it. My body felt like a wreck and I was glad it didn't hurt that much to cast Heal Thyself and Healing Mist.
'Wait. I'm thinking in the singular'. I opened my eyes to find my gaze to be singular as well. 'Hahaha'. I mentally laughed. That mind fracture spell had bothered me if I was being honest. It felt too, real. How was I even thinking in four places? Shaking my head I relaxed back on the dragon.
Bringing up my notifications I smiled at all the words I was bombarded with.
**Burdil, Akashic Behemoth Slain**
**Essence Orb gained**
**Shardoway gained**
**Your actions have garnered Fate**
**You have unlocked the Achievement Tab**
**You have unlocked the Title Tab**
**You have Unlocked the Pantheon Records**
**You have unlocked the Fate Records**
**Title Gained -Titan Slayer**
- You hit above your pay grade and came out standing. This title will let any know that you can bring down arrogant asses.
**Rewards:**
+500 Kama, +500Fate,
-Grace of Ozai(Buff)
- 5% Modifier to Power
**Achievement Gained - Slippery Hands**
- You got to where is most protected and dangerous.
**Rewards**
+500 Fate
- Freyja's Pinky(Boon)
- Now you don't need to get so close and in danger. With this Akash, you can blow up any core or soul that tries to have a meltdown around you.
"A Shardoway. What is ...". A shadow fell over me and I looked up to see the dragon rearing its head over me. A single reptilian eye was locked on me and I smiled.
"You made it. Good". The dragon blinked a lazy movement then a huff and a deep breath escaped its maws.
"Look alive. The Elementals draw near. Say nothing and follow my lead". The dragon moved. I was frozen in shock as it coiled into the air and set itself around me.
'It speaks'.
The dragon ignored me nose pointed to one side its eyes locked on something close. "What are you looking at?". Pushing myself up and to my feet, I glanced in the direction it was looking. Something in the distance approached quickly.
"Are those...". I stopped my question as I realized that it was indeed what I thought I was seeing. "Elements".
****
Ring - 2nd
Realm - TORHEIM
Hanna's POV
The meager fledgling essence orbs did nothing to help me increase my threshold. Frustrating but also unsurprising. The core units were weak and scant. I'd need something more to push through. That something more was hard to find in this forest. I'd walked very far and hunted more orbs from very diverse creatures. The forest had two types of deer which the lion had hunted. One was a pale-furred deer with large antlers and the other was a golden-furred deer with black antlers.
Neither had given me a powerful orb, all their orbs did was go to my essence which I replenished when pulling the lions back under my grasp. It was a boring circle that I was honestly getting pissed off at. Which was why my relief at seeing the large wall of stone almost made me sink to my knees.
"Finally".
I went around trying to find the entrance to this city. On my journey, I learned that the walls were bordering the forest. The place sat smack dab in the center of the forest like the citizens hadn't bothered to push back the forest anymore.
There was a gate at the back of the city which I found closed. A path from it led Into the forest. Sighing at the closed gates made of wood I went round again hoping for some other open entrance. There had to be another. Cities were known for at least two gates.
The walls made it clear this was a city, standing strong and tall it gave me the sense of a medieval place. Even as I went round the wall my mind was already wondering how and what to do once I got in. I'd been so focused on the Divine Lion that ibahd almost forgotten my main task.
"I still need to find my Domains". Shaking my head I walked on. A howl came fromdar in the distance making me stop and frown. 'Wolves?'. I knew nothing of the creatures here and it made me antsy. I needed to hurry. Hopefully, they were not hunting for me.
I found the next entrance. It was a larger gate and also shut. Looking up at the parapets made me sigh. Cities like this usually had guards roaming the walls. There were some to be seen. Maybe they didn't bother themselves with being big considering I doubted there was war in the Divine Realm.
'How do I get in?'.
If I'd seen someone I might have called and asked to be let in. Yet I didn't think it was a good idea. How would I explain my presence? Also, there was the fact that I might meet another race and I didn't know how the relationships between races were here. My next plan was obvious.
Another howl stirred the night and much closer. I could hear a grunt from above on the wall. 'I guess that side is a no-go'. Quickly crossing back where I came from I stopped at the edge of the farthest wall. "Now what?". I stood there staring at the wall thinking of a possible way to get over. I didn't have one. The Lion couldn't jump that high, its claws would create scraping sounds on the stone that would draw attention.
Disregarding those options I glared at the wall. Another howl, this one too close for me to like sounded. The wall was a problem and I was usually good at solving problems. 'How to solve this situation?". Was ringing in my mind. " Wait". I did have Divine Aura. It worked to strengthen not just allies but me and my abilities. Even physically.
" That's it". I had no plans to take the lion with me. I'd rather end this here and not waste any more orbs on keeping it peaceful and obedient. Turning to it I have my last order. "Find the wolves. They are your reward".
My plan was simple. The lion had shown intelligence. The last thing I needed was to step out of the city and have it hunting for me. Best to let it go for the wolves thinking they were food and get jumped. 'Hopefully, there are just enough to take down a single lion'. Glad I willed my Divine Aura to activate and fill me with strength.
A spike of pain lashed at my chest. Like a pike had dug into my heart. Then a hot rush of something spilling from it was felt. I had this feeling of query. Like a curiosity in me that wished to know what I wished to be done. 'Creepy. It's like a silent me'. I shut my eyes and showed the me inside what I wanted. Warmth flowed down my veins, I felt my limbs and body thicken and strengthen.
**Divine Aura** - **Elder's Might**
- Hanna uses Divine Essence to activate her Aura empowering her physical capabilities. This triples her Power and increases the effect of any damage dished out.
"Let's see how high I can jump with this". The Lion was gone. In the distance the howls of wolves reached me and I hoped it was the lion that they were contending with. Crouched I took a deep breath and then I was
**Divine Aura** - **Insight**
- Hanna boosts her mental capabilities allowing her to devise complex strategies and plans. This enables her to outmaneuver opponents and solve intricate problems through superior planning. She can analyze all factors and provide the optimal strategy for any given situation.
I blinked away the notification quickly. Another part of the wall was highlighted and like a guide tutorial, I watched a red outline of myself pull up fast and soar. Grabbing the other stone turned the outline green. I didn't even have the chance to doubt or question as my finger reached the last point. A normal individual would have fallen since but my grip and the strength of the stone itself meant I was still there.
I pulled myself fast. Just like in the outline, I grabbed the next stone. Another showed up leading me to the next stone. Like that, I reached the parapet and pulled myself onto the wall. Standing in safety I looked down in admiration at what I had just done. Not just the climbing nu the skill I formed.
'Created two skills. And used them without fuzz'. Smiling I turned to leave just as a form skunk out of the forest. 'The lion'. It was injured and battered. Golden blood dripping from cuts all over its skin. It padded around the wall with a limp sniffing and calling out with a sound that was nothing like a roar.
I watched it for a few minutes before turning away. 'You have served your purpose'.
The Parapet gave me a good view of the city. It was nothing like I expected and yet everything I expected. It was night now which meant the folks where should have been asleep. But they weren't. Walking up and down the streets were tall humanoid things. They were not tall as much as they were long. Stretching like Thin men and with long wired limbs. They had long heads and long legs, long torsos, and long necks.
Their skin was black. The darkness of the night sky or should I say space. Floating and moving like little balls of light all along their body were weird ball-shaped things. 'Wait. Those are stars'. I didn't get how but I could feel them, see them. The burning and boiling within the stars, their dull and glow as they pulsed within the creatures. Their eyes were stars, nostrils had stars. Their mouth opened and shut to reveal stars. Fingers and toes.
It flowed all over them and around them to sometimes highlight a part of the body. Their hair was like the wispy strands of a flame, the thin hairs of a comet. Grabbed in silver and gold they were like ants before me.
"Amazing".
