NOVEL NEXT 3.23. The Abyss Looks Back
Aenon sat in his office with his eyes closed, reliving that moment again—the dancing flames, the ghostly visages, and the whisper. It didn't absolve him, or make him feel better about the past week, but it still carried with it a sense of relief. Neither Thalindra, nor the several undead—who were called Shadow Wraiths—had any clue about why the incident occurred. But whatever it was, Aenon felt it was quite like the time he had helped the World Tree seeds find peace. The voices were not fully intact souls, or even remnants. They were more akin to echoes of the lost and fallen.
Aenon rubbed the copper memento in his hand, trying to etch the name in his mind—Tess. He didn't want to forget it for as long as he lived. He was not naïve enough to believe that such things would not happen in the future. As someone in charge, he was bound to make such decisions. But he resolved to at least remember the lesson he learned today. In Mrs. Ashvein's words, he could at least try not to lose too much of himself.
He shook his head to refocus his attention. This wasn't the time to reminisce about the past. There was a lot to do. Might as well start by reviewing the ton of notifications he had either been suppressing or ignoring.
Title Achieved: Terror Incarnate | +10 all stats | Inflict sheer psychological nightmares on your enemy, causing them to fall into despair.
Title Achieved: Hope Incarnate | +10 all stats | Instill camaraderie and lead your people to victory against overwhelming odds.
Title Achieved: One Man Army | +20 all stats | Contribute the most in annihilating an invasive force on your settlement.
For eliminating a significant threat to the safety and prosperity of your settlement, SP has been awarded. +500 SP
Aenon scoffed at the first two Titles. The irony of the opposite nature of the two achievements wasn't lost on him. Not to mention the ridiculous amount of SP he got. It was the most SP he had received at once, but he wasn't sure what to use it for. Not being in the mood to think about that, he moved onto his Spell proficiencies. And there was a lot to see there as well.
Spell Upgraded: Shadow Manipulation | Basic → Minor
Spell Upgraded: Gravity Well | Minor → Intermediate
Spell Upgraded: Heat Manipulation | Minor → Intermediate
Shadow Manipulation (Minor) | Type: Dark | Mana cost: 200 + 150/min | Manipulate shadows of objects, making them grow, shrink, or change shape. At minor proficiency, the shadows can be actively controlled by the user.
Gravity Well (Intermediate) | Type: Gravity | Mana cost: 200 + 400/min | Create a gravity orb which attracts nearby objects. At minor proficiency, the field is equivalent to 5g of force.
Heat Manipulation (Intermediate) | Type: Energy | Mana cost: 400 + 200/min | Control heat energy to heat or cool physical objects or surrounding ambient conditions. At intermediate proficiency, can completely isolate heat across a volume, while also controlling temperature to red hot or ice cold levels.
The upgrades weren't great, but any small incremental change was worth it in his opinion. He still lacked Spells in several categories—most notably void—but he was happy with the progress. He pulled up his Spell list to get a complete picture of his capabilities.
Order Category Spells
Emergence – None
Light – Light Manipulation (Intermediate) | Cost: 200 + 150 /min
Life – None
Water – Water Manipulation (Major) | Cost: 300 + 200/min
Earth – Earth Manipulation (Intermediate) | Cost: 300 + 200/min
Chaos Category Spells
Void – None
Dark – Shadow Manipulation (Minor) | Cost: 200 + 150/min
Death – None
Fire – Fire Manipulation (Intermediate) | Cost: 300 + 200/min
Air – Air Manipulation (Major) | Cost: 300 + 200/min
Neutral Category Spells
Space – Physical Barrier (Intermediate) | Cost: 400 + 200/min
Time – None
Gravity – Gravity Well (Intermediate) | Cost: 200 + 400/min, Feather Foot (Intermediate) | Cost: 400 + 500/min
Energy – Heat Manipulation (Intermediate) | Cost 400 + 200/min
Arcane – Magical Barrier (Basic) | Cost: 400 + 200/min
Hybrid Spells
Blooming Earth (EM Proficiency + 1) | Overcharge + Earth Manipulation | Cost: 1500/min
Ice Manipulation (Lesser of AM and WM) | Air Manipulation + Water Manipulation | Cost: 600 + 400/min
Gravity Bomb (GW Proficiency +1) | Overcharge + Gravity Well | Cost: 1400/min
Steam Manipulation (Lesser of FM and WM) | Fire Manipulation + Water Manipulation | Cost 600 +400/min
He dismissed the notifications and leaned back in his chair. There was just one more to go through, but he wanted to do something before that.
"Will this trigger anything unexpected?" he asked out loud. "Maybe unleash some mysterious storm on my city?"
"No," the System Nurse replied while materializing next to him. Her arms were folded as she observed him sternly. "You have already completed the requirements. All that is left now is to cash in. You will need a Class crystal for this though."
They were of course talking about his Class evolution quest, the reason for this entire debacle. Something the Nurse denied with her next statement.
"With or without your Class evolution, the city would have been attacked," the draugr said softly. "This was just a way to use calamity for some benefit at least."
"You mean the Admin interfered to trigger this?" Aenon asked with a frown.
The Nurse watched him with narrow eyes before sighing. "The mistress merely guided the System to go in a particular direction. Like you, she cares deeply about free will."
She was obviously trying to defend his mysterious stalker, but Aenon was too emotionally exhausted to care either way. In a way they were right, the ingredients for the disaster were already present. All the Admin did was give them an opportunity to make the most out of it.
"Very well," Aenon said as he stood up to head over to the Class crystal. "Let's get this over with."
"Wait," the Nurse stopped him. "It is time to meet the mistress."
Aenon blinked in confusion. He was not expecting that.
"You can upgrade your Class there as well," the Nurse added before he could raise any objections.
"Why?" Aenon asked.
"In her own words: You have earned it," the Nurse responded.
Aenon wasn't sure what to feel about this new development. On the one hand, he was extremely curious about this person. But on the other hand, he was very reluctant to meet another ancient monster. He was not concerned about himself, but for the people who depended on him now.
"What if I refuse?" Aenon asked with a poker face.
"Like I said, she respects free will," she responded with a shrug. "In that, you two are quite alike. In fact I'd dare say that you two are like mirror images of one another. I've been studying you both quite closely, and that is the conclusion I have reached at."
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"What?" Aenon asked with barely contained anger.
"Think about it," the Nurse explained. "She also has this detached quality to her, one where she doesn't want to directly involve herself with you. She gives all the opportunities, but with their associated risk. Sound familiar?"
Aenon was stunned at the simple explanation. When put like that, the Nurse was right. Aenon's interactions with others were the same. He only liked getting involved when absolutely necessary. And even in that, he let the other party decide what they wanted. His inner circle, as well as the city at large, Aenon merely nudged them in the right direction. Even at the cost of their lives, he didn't directly intervene even though he could.
"She could protect you from the Multiverse," the Nurse continued, "the same way that you could have protected the citizens from the horde. But neither of you does it. Not out of spite or boredom. You both have the same approach since you want to preserve free will and autonomy."
The truth in those words was undeniable, even if Aenon didn't like admitting it. But the revelation cemented his decision.
"Alright," Aenon said firmly. "Let's do it. I think it is time to meet my stalker."
Aenon's last statement was almost cheeky as he winked at the Nurse. But her expression made him shrink back.
"I know that nothing fazes you," the Nurse spoke in a heated tone. "But this is not something you can take lightly. The System Administrator is not an entity you, or any other Multiversal power, can afford to offend. She has the capability to raze entire universes from existences if she gets upset."
Aenon rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. He decided to heed her advice and be more respectful during the meeting. He nodded in acknowledgement.
The Nurse seemed satisfied by his subdued response. She started conjuring some complicated runes in the air as she spoke. "The meeting will happen in the Void Realm. Do not worry about the others. Time runs differently over there. You'll be back before they even realize you are gone."
A System prompt appeared in his vision, asking for his approval for a teleport. He was glad that he was given an option this time.
Aenon mentally clicked on the System prompt, and the world winked out. Unlike the times when his soul was yanked around, Aenon could tell that his physical body had travelled with him. And the view made him forget to breathe.
He was in a palace of some kind—one made purely of obsidian stones. But the décor highlighted the darker shades, making the atmosphere lively and enchanting. Every surface seemed to be covered in microscopic runes which were too complicated to even decipher with his naked eye. But the power radiating from them was unmistakable. Aenon had no doubt that each symbol held more energy than his entire planet combined.
"Hello, my little predator," a hauntingly sweet voice called out to him.
Only then did Aenon notice the throne at the other end of the grand hall he was in. And sitting on it was a familiar face, one he couldn't quite place from memory—like a long-forgotten dream. A blonde woman with black rimmed glasses. He could tell they had met before but couldn't tell when or where.
"Hello," Aenon said with a wave, noticing the System Nurse standing next to the Admin's throne.
Her scrunched-up face spoke volumes about her disapproval at his response. Aenon immediately corrected himself and gave a bow.
A trilling laughter echoed across the hall, confusing both him and the Nurse. The sound was coming from the amused blonde.
"Don't take the draugr's words to heart," the Admin said with a gently smile. "You can skip the formalities. Come closer."
Aenon obliged, walking towards the pair of women while simultaneously studying them. The Nurse was still the same, a draugr dressed in pink scrubs. But the Admin on the other hand was dressed for war—a leather armor that held striking resemblance to his. Although he could tell immediately that its rarity was inconceivably higher than his own. The ensemble was complete with twin daggers sheathed on her sides.
Aenon looked down at his own gear, and back at her. The question hung in the air, one which the Admin responded to without holding back.
"Yes, I chose that armor for you," she spoke in a calm voice. "Is it not to your liking?"
"I like it," Aenon replied simply. "It's helped in more ways than one."
The Admin's eyes twinkled at his response. But Aenon could sense the deeply buried danger in those eyes. Not using his soul powers, for they seemed to be completely sealed in this place. But he could tell that he was up against an entity that far surpassed even the Overseer. Something his Identify Skill confirmed.
Primordial | System Admin | Level ?????
Just the fact that her level had five question marks instead of the standard three spoke volumes. And if the pattern of gaining a stat multiplier continued beyond level 700, then he couldn't even fathom the power of the strange woman. Even his instinct warned him to be extremely cautious.
"Thank you," Aenon finally said, "for looking for me. And not manipulating me from the shadows like the others."
"What makes you think I am not manipulating you?" the Admin asked with a smirk. "I could be having hidden agendas that you can't even imagine."
"Oh, I am sure you do," Aenon clarified. "But at least you let me make my own choices." His tone became glum. "My own mistakes."
Even though Aenon's soul powers were sealed, he could tell that the Admin wasn't using any magical manipulation on him. He couldn't tell how he knew it, but the Nurse's comparison of their natures, and…something he else he couldn't quite explain was convincing him that she had done right by him.
"Interesting," the Admin commented.
But the word stunned him. He stared at her with a distant gaze as a buried memory resurfaced. The trillions of eyes. The pain. The loss of consciousness. And finally, the blonde woman with black rimmed glasses.
"You," Aenon spoke slowly, "were there when I woke up. After my soul was shattered, and the Nurse pieced it back together."
The Admin simply smiled, not saying anything further as Aenon's broken memory pieced together bit by bit.
"Your soul was very fragile in that moment," the Admin finally said. "Any more interaction with me would have undone all the work she put in. Only now, are you in a state to face me."
Despite what the Admin said, Aenon could tell that she was holding something back. Like a shield, there must have been a barrier that was blocking out her presence. If not, Aenon was certain his soul would simply dissipate. At least based on what the Overseer had told him a long time ago.
But this wasn't the time to dwell on that. The Nurse walked forward and stood before Aenon. She turned to her superior, as though she was expecting something. When the Admin nodded, the draugr waved her hand to summon a large crystal floating in the air.
It was similar to the ones back in Pinespire, but this one looked practically ancient. It's deep red hues and alien design added to the mystique behind its origins. Not to mention the intricate patterns that screamed of power.
"This looks different," Aenon said while eyeing the eerie gem.
"This one is a bit…special," the Nurse explained.
The Nurse looked at the Admin hesitantly, perhaps unsure if she was allowed to reveal this part. When she didn't detect any backlash, she continued.
"This was personally crafted by the mistress herself," the Nurse spoke respectfully. "Only a handful have been allowed to use it. The Classes you can obtain are far from normal, since its scan is far superior to the others. It's an honor unlike any other. One that you have earned."
"But beware though," the Admin interjected. "Unlike the regular ones, this crystal will only give three options to choose from. To balance that, the Classes presented will include the restricted ones. The Classes deemed to be too…chaotic and rule breaking."
The warning seemed apt. In this new reality, danger and opportunity were close friends after all.
Aenon bowed respectfully and approached the gem. This would be his first time using a Class crystal. The soul incubator had bypassed it when he first got his Classes. The moment his hand touched the warm surface, his soul was banished to his inner soul space. And he could tell the difference instantly.
There was no sound of a scan this time. Absolute silence had replaced it. One where even his thoughts were muted.
"Come outside," the Admin's voice boomed from his outer soul space.
Aenon hesitated for a moment, remembering the consequences of doing so when he left the safety of his inner soul space during the last scan. But something about the voice felt different. He decided to heed the call.
As he stepped outside, he noticed the second major difference. The trillions of eyes were gone. Only to be replaced by just one. A galaxy spanning construct that had its entire focus on him.
An Aura, unlike anything he had experienced, descended on him. It wouldn't be fair to even call it that. The oppressive pressure felt more like a physical force than a metaphysical one. Aenon's soul buckled under the foreign weight. And yet, he knew that the Admin was holding herself back. What he was witnessing was a mere fraction of her true power.
Aenon transformed into his physical form and stared at the giant eye. His expression mirrored hers. Indifferent even in the face of annihilation. He tried unleashing his own Aura, feeling a miniscule amount of relief. It was like holding a toothpick to stem the violent flow of a tsunami. Sweat starting dripping down his face, while blood leaked from his nose and eyes. Even then, he continued the silent stare down. Not letting any emotion color his face.
Thump.
A heartbeat suddenly echoed across his outer soul, loud enough to drown out the clashing of wills. Aenon felt a soothing energy rise from within, as all his emotions got erased. Dark tendrils lashed out around him, trying to fight off the oppressive Aura that was trying to restrict him. Trying to chain him.
His soul groaned under the pressure, as slowly he began to push back. His entire being was focused on the eye looking down on him. His soul began to unravel just as he felt a soft nudge from a Skill, but he couldn't focus on that either. His mind was just devoid of any feeling or thought. In its place there existed something else. Something more.
The void affinity from his outer soul erupted, answering his unspoken call by itself. And with it the pressure from the Admin's Aura vanished. Not because he managed to beat it. But because he became one with it. He stopped trying to resist the tsunami. He flowed with it.
A window popped open in front of him.
Class: Void Stalker | Titles: Unfettered Soul | You are the embodiment of darkness and fear, laying waste to dread-stricken enemies along your path. You have feasted on hope and brought about carnage that shook mortal hearts. But your wanton blood lust has not consumed you. You have forged bonds and protected those who needed it. Thus, your Path deviates from a mere emissary of death. Prove yourself worthy by inflicting fear on your enemies, while also eliciting respect from your allies.
Evolution Quest Objectives | Kill 10000 enemies of equal or greater level (10000/10000) | Protect your settlement from the coming horde (Complete)
Reward: Please select one from the list.
Void Devourer | Ranged/Magical | Unique | Stats per level: +20 INT, +20 WIL | The void consumes to try to sate its unquenchable thirst. So does the Void Devourer. All of existence is nothing but fuel for your power. Be it matter, energy, or even souls. Emptiness is all that is left behind along the path you tread.
Void Lord | Melee/Physical | Unique | Stats per level: +15 STR, +15 CON, +10 DEX | Why fear the dark, when you can command it. Carve out your domain from reality itself, providing haven to those you rule. A living cataclysm for your enemies, an unbreachable wall for your allies. Your weapons sunder space, your presence bends will.
Void Regent | Melee/Magical | Unique | Stats per level: + 10 CON, +10 DEX, +10 WIL, +10 PER | Stare into the abyss without fear, for you are the embodiment of it. A Void Regent doesn't command; doesn't yield. You simply exist like the force of nature. Unbound by space, time, or even fate. You live because you choose to, annihilating any who gets in your way.
Aenon's jaw dropped at the obscenely powerful Classes. Each one granted him forty stat points per level, something he had previously turned down to maintain his freedom. And the flavor text was powerful too. He could pick only one, but Aenon knew that each of the choices would take him in a different direction altogether.
First was the Void Devourer. It relied heavily on the main aspect of the void—indiscriminate consumption. It wasn't hard to see why he was given this option. His Soul Syphon—which he only used once—was a very lucrative path to power. Even if Aenon hated the idea, the potential was undeniable. But the very thought of consuming souls sent a shiver down his spine. The stat distribution would push him heavily towards magical offense.
As for the Void Lord, it was obvious that it was a governing Class. Although not stated outwardly, he could tell from the summary that it would have significant boosting skills both for his allies, and his own Aura. Perhaps even pushing his Sovereign's Aura further. And the stat distribution was perfect for a melee front liner.
Each of the two options was a massive boost, and not just in terms of stats. But it was the third option that caught his eye. Stat wise, it was more balanced, increasing his regen rates of his resource pools. The added flexibility and perception would also make him more agile. But it was just one word within the wall of text that caught his attention: Unbound.
Aenon turned towards the piercing gaze of the eye, his decision made firm with every passing second.
He had gazed into the abyss.
And the abyss had looked back.
But for the time, he wasn't worried. For it was a part of him now.