Chapter 61: Violence And Tranquility
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POV: Astaros
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A forest of utter silence. Though I had read about it, the real thing blew me away. Under the shadow of Mount Rakui this forest had long stood as a fearful existence.
Not a single thing could be heard for miles. Even my own steps which should have echoed were quieted by the soft swampy earth below my feet. The only thing that could ever be heard was the echoes of clicking insects which crawled across the ancient trees, burrowing into bark and fighting amongst themselves. Having read about it, I could see how such silence could drive one mad.
There was no howling wind. No beasts screeched to the sky as they made their presence known. The forest was completely still, as though it was reticent towards all of its inhabitants.
This was a place where fear infested the mind and slowly drove the unprepared insane. It was of no real consequence to me though.
I had dealt with such silence before. In the time between ages, when the earth had cooled and all there was, was black stone and towering pillars of obsidian. This place almost brought me a sense of nostalgia.
I walked through swampy earth and shallow ponds, moving through acres of greenery at a leisurely pace. Titanic trees loomed overhead as swaying greenery was shifted by hushed gusts of wind.
Finally I came to a stop in front of a massive stump.
Its bark was black with mold and moss while the wood inside was completely white. The rough gnarled bark betrayed its wood and showed its age.
'Here.' {Damage Core}
Raising my foot I tentatively stepped up onto the rotting carcass of the tree.
I felt it sink and lean towards me slightly as the thunderous clang of my armoured boot hitting the trunk rang out through the forest.
The clinking of my armour echoed as I then sat down cross legged on the stump.
'What now?' {Astaros}
I wasn't worried, but a number of creatures were swiftly making their way over to me.
'When you requested that this unit explain how to become more powerful, this unit began devising the quickest path for you to do so. This area has been enriched by mana, and thus this unit guided you towards its signature. You grow by absorbing mana and purifying it. Thus this unit chose the best place for you to do so.' {Damage Core}
A bulge in the soft earth swiftly and then began to slowly yet soundlessly make it's way over.
'In essence,'
The creature soundlessly slid from the earth as though it were breaking through the surface of water, revealing a snakelike beast the color of dirt and moss covered in tiny arms which wriggled like worms, it's black beady targeting me.
'Kill everything that comes your way.'
*SCHLIRK!!!!*
My hand jutted out as it lunged towards me and thrust into the beast's round maw which was full of spiny teeth and pierced the roof of its mouth, killing it instantly.
The creature shuddered however remained silent, its many tiny arms slowly twitching and losing strength as it died.
I then pulled my hand from the creature and let it drop to the ground dead.
*THOOOOOMMMM!!!!*
The echoes of its body dropping reverberated throughout the forest as even the armor I wore vibrated slightly.
The sound had to have travelled for miles upon miles.
What had once been a couple of beasts alerted to my presence, was now nearing the entire population of this section of the forest.
'Was that wise host Astaros?' {Damage Core}
Predatory eyes not peered at me from every direction as the forest become deathly silent.
Zephyrs curved and swirled through the trees and hollows, whispering words of disbelief at me. The towering trees swayed in these light gales as though nothing had happened, light flickering through to the forest floor as leaves began to fall.
A momentary peace had descended onto this dark, swampy forest.
Suddenly, in a scarlet flash the Shattered star appeared in my hand, and finally I once again broke the silence.
"Ask that to them." {Astaros}
From every direction abominations and monstrosities pounced, sprang and lunged towards me, hunger churning within their almost soulless eyes, eerily silent as their predatory instincts drove them forth.
Astaros however, simply raised his sword and swung.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Blue_Robin
Blue_Robin Alright I have sorted myself out and we are properly back.
Chapters might be a bit short for a while.
See you all tomorrow.
Oh, and don't hesitate to ask anything.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone