Capítulo 84: Visionary
One step at a time, the group climbed the steps leading to the temple.
With Aldric leading the group, they formed a diamond formation around the researcher. Ready to intercept any dangers at a moment's notice.
Luckily, from what is known about the Phantom Verge, the region had a variety of nightmare creatures of varying ranks and classes. This meant that any rank of Awakened could theoretically take their chances to traverse the area.
Since there was no floor on what the weakest nightmare creature could be, the group avoided any Corrupted or even Great creature territories. Aldric's flaw played a crucial role in helping them avoid anything beyond their league, even with the toll it took on him. With Judas supporting him with his in-depth knowledge.
From a distance, the temple seemed smaller; however, it felt as if they were climbing a mountain. Each step bringing them closer to the precipice.
"So what exactly is this temple?"
Bored out of her mind, Marielyn asked.
While she had listened to the briefing provided at the start of the contract, she would expect a researcher to provide a more detailed perspective.
Hearing the question, Judas hummed. Acknowledging the question while giving himself time to formulate a response.
"This temple is what many people had thought was the gateway of this region."
He began.
"Approaching from Rivergate as we did, 30 years ago, the Sword Domain had begun its expansion beyond Bastion. All when they came across this boundary of fog."
A weathered look began to form on the elderly man's face.
"While the practice of identifying landmarks as gateways was not as widespread as it is now, you can imagine how a group of Awakened would tunnel-vision on the goal of locating one."
He spoke, gesticulating with his hands.
"With the temple being the only landmark in a 100-kilometre radius, it has been the focal point of any expedition into this fog-ridden land."
He looked at the temple with a strange expression. Carrying an intensity that, at a closer look, conflicted with his expression.
"Over one hundred Awakened have mysteriously disappeared after entering the temple over the last few decades. Five expeditions were committed by the Sword Domain and one completed by the government 25 years ago."
A look of remembrance flashed across his face.
"So that's why you know so much about this territory. Where to go and what to avoid."
Spoke Iris in a quiet voice. Her relaxed eyes focusing on the speaking man.
"Yes, I was one of the few survivors from the expedition 25 years ago. I was inexperienced enough that I was tasked with studying the surrounding area, avoiding the temple completely."
A solemn look etched onto his face.
"So long as we do not enter the temple, whatever caused those disappearances will not occur."
He reassured everyone.
Aldric had been briefed about this by Saint Cor, so he was not surprised to hear all this. However, a small feeling of something not being right burrowed inside his chest.
'I need to keep an eye on this man. Something doesn't feel right.'
He decided.
With the conversation supposedly over, the following silence was interrupted as Judas continued to talk.
"I and two others barely escaped. Luckily, the two were part of our protection detail. All I remembered was an all-encompassing fog that blotted the temple out of existence."
He elaborated.
The group had finally reached the top of the stairs. The interior of the temple being blocked by a large stone gate. However, the platform on which the door rested held much historical value. Enough to satiate the curiosity of the researchers present without having to enter the temple.
The next few hours were spent chaperoning the group of researchers. As Judas and his colleague were supported by the rest of their team.
It was interesting to see the process of sampling, recording, and interpreting millennia-old architecture and ruins. A lot of it seemed to be trying to make sense of what they were seeing.
Unlike the easily digestible murals that Aldric and Nephis' cohort found depicting the story of the Forgotten Shore, the walls of the temple were covered in runes, strange markings, and the occasional figure etched onto the walls.
Trying to make sense of what they were seeing was like trying to complete a jigsaw puzzle of a rainbow while being colourblind. The lack of a reference for them to rely on made their endeavour multiple times harder.
But it seemed that they were making headway.
Alone with his thoughts, Aldric reflected on the past few months.
From spearheading his own organisation, unlocking his third core, and becoming a Demon to gaining a new attribute.
Looking at his runes, the new addition presented itself.
Attributes: [Insight][Tranquil Core][Destined][Tenebrous Rule][Visionary]
After his deathmatch with the [Underworld's Torment], the [Tesseract] had absorbed the Fallen Tyrant's corpse.
Remembering how the mysterious memory had absorbed the [Mantle of the Underworld], repairing the armour and making it stronger. Aldric was curious as to what he would receive.
He was 98% sure that the [Underworld's Torment] was a Stone Saint. Born from Nether's desire to defy the gods, he created his own children. Each with a [Spark of Divinity] resting in their soul.
Aldric initially thought that the [Tesseract] would transpose this divine spark, giving him a connection to the divine. Similar to both Sunny and Nephis. But that was not the case.
After four months since defeating the Fallen Tyrant, Aldric had finally received a boon from the enigmatic memory.
Attribute: [Visionary].
Attribute Description:[ You vile usurper!
You took what did not belong to you
A true Singularity.
The laws of reality and order bend before you.
But you would do well to remember your place.]
When he had first read the description of his new attribute, Aldric was baffled.
The nightmare spell was typically neutral in most matters; however, it seemed that Aldric triggered a certain response from the spell.
It was as if the conduit of fate had a bone to pick with him.
But he did not care for the spell's response.
He would take what he desired no matter the consequences.
[Visionary] was a boon of many orders of magnitude.
At its core, the attribute reflected an aspect of Nether.
Nether's capabilities as a divine smith. With his ability to find the simplest and most efficient solution to any problem.
With this came a boost to Aldric's mental faculties. His intelligence, memory, and mental processing. Enriching his mind and bolstering his connection to his soul.
Allowing him to recall finer details surrounding what was to come.
And that was not all.
Aldric felt as if he gained a natural proclivity to understand things.
To see the simplest path to achieving something.
Similar to how some students studying math could naturally see the path to finding the answer, whereas everyone else would stumble at the first step.
It felt as if his mind was opened.
Since gaining the attribute three months ago, Aldric's productivity and capabilities had skyrocketed. Attributing much of the growth of his organisation to this attribute. Aiding him in resource management, team allocation, and strategic decision-making.
Though the description of the attribute did not detail the attribute's capabilities, it did answer a different question.
With this, Aldric had finally put the pieces together.
Figuring out exactly what the [Tesseract] was and what it meant for him.
****************
Thanks for reading.
[Wake up, your nightmare(exam season) is over.] Finally!
Now we will return to your regular programming schedule.
Till the next one.
Capítulo 85: Legacy
Aldric had long come to the conclusion of who exactly was the creator of the [Tesseract]. It was not particularly challenging to figure out with the assortment of objects that the memory was drawn to.
'While it was stated that only Weaver left behind a forbidden lineage, it makes too much sense.'
Aldric remembered that Nether's defiance against the Gods was not in the form of an elusive lineage hidden in the annals of time and space like Weaver but something more.
Creating life from nothing.
A true act of a God.
In his defiance against the very nature of what it meant to be a Daemon, he kindled the spark of desire and gave it form. Making his stone children.
[Memory: Tesseract]
[Memory Rank: Unknown]
[Memory Type: Unknown]
[Memory Description: The Magnum Opus of its creator. It's eternal purpose: to return to them.]
Putting together all the puzzle pieces: the passage he found in the colosseum, the history of Nether, the Stone children, the description of his new attribute, and many other things. Aldric concluded that the [Tesseract] was a lineage-seeking device.
Meant to be in the hands of one of Nether's children or the most worthy of them, the [Tesseract] guided the wielder to places that contained remnants of their creator.
With the idea that it was meant solely for one of his children, it made too much sense as to why the rewards he had received were somewhat lacking for a lineage.
'I bet if I was a Stone Saint, then the [Mantle of the Underworld] would have soul-bonded with me when I first received it.'
When compared to Weaver's lineage that Sunny received, it made even more sense.
Weaver's lineage was tailor-made for someone that had absolutely no connection to the Daemon of Fate. Building and changing Sunny from the ground up. Physically, mentally, and spiritually. All the while expanding the spark of divinity resting in his soul.
With Nether's children each holding a spark of divinity, they each held the possibility of claiming their legacy and surpassing their father. The changes needed in their body to make it work were most likely already made when they were created. Bypassing the need for a lineage that changed their physiology.
Aldric was grateful for the [Tesseract] evolving his [Clear Mind] to [Tranquil Core], grateful that it repaired the [Mantle of the Underworld], and pleased with his new attribute. Compared to [Blood Weave], [Soul Weave] or even [Bone Weave]. They just did not compare.
Allowing him to conclude that his path to a lineage did not involve becoming a Daemon.
With a pull and drain from his soul core, Aldric summoned the paradoxical item. The black tetrahedron resting on his palm.
The usually perfect ebony stone embedded with a myriad of runes was now in a dire state. Fine cracks wrapped around the stone, with a few of the lines of runes dulled out.
'One more. It can only last for one more.'
A divine smith's "Magnum Opus" should not be dying after 2 to 3 uses. It would be an insult to himself as well as Weaver, who created the fate-crafting nightmare spell. A system of untold complexity.
'But what if you were not meant to use it this way?'
He thought.
Perhaps it was a built-in system, rejecting and breaking down to avoid it from falling into the wrong hands.
He could imagine. A Stone Saint finding the [Tesseract]. The stone would not surround their soul core like a memory as it did for him but be imbedded into their very being. Likely offering a completely different but much stronger array of boons.
This was all to say that this supposed lineage of Nether was not his main path moving forward.
A different set of runes appeared in front of him.
Memory:[Seed of Chaos.]
Memory Rank: [Unknown]
Memory Tier:[Unknown]
Memory Type:[Unknown]
Memory Description:[???]
"What other path could be set for me aside from the one paved by my very own aspect?"
Aldric mused.
What was an aspect but a tailor-made representation of one's affinities and choices?
A familiar feeling of danger pooled in his gut as he imagined consuming the legacy.
As Aldric was about to go deeper in his thoughts, a voice interrupted him.
"I haven't seen fog like this since I visited the Night Garden."
Marielyn spoke as she sat down next to Aldric on the steps of the temple.
Aldric listened with rapt attention.
This was one of the many mysteries of his prized healer. Her secretive connection to the House of Night.
It was something that she had alluded to and that Aldric put together from different conversations. Whether she was related to them or perhaps a princess, no one knew.
The mace wielder had promised that her connection would not compromise anything related to their team and the organisation. So they left it at that.
It was unfortunate that her connection had clearly left on a bad tone. It was always a good thing to know a legacy clan.
With her silence, it was clear that that was all she had to say regarding the matter.
In the background, he could hear Judas barking out orders.
"All right. That's all for today. We will recuperate and continue tomorrow."
He ordered in a calm tone, exuding experience and seniority.
"But we have so much to do."
One of the younger assistants spoke eagerly.
"The temple will remain here tomorrow. And besides, we have to debrief about what we have discovered."
He reiterated. However, the mention of the debrief brought a small smile to the curious researcher's face.
-----------
Huddled around a large fire, the research team and Aldric's cohort found respite in the warmth of a small bonfire. Flickering embers lit the dark area, with a few light-emitting memories hanging around to support their vision.
The group was situated at the entrance of the temple. With its size, the space between the first oversized step and the gate was over 20 metres. Large enough to set up camp for the night.
Gathering everybody's attention, Judas began to brief everybody on their collective findings.
"While I'm sure you have been debriefed about the Phantom Verge in length, I will now begin to speak about what we have uncovered in the past few hours."
Luke, the second in command of the researchers and Judas' colleague, joined the discussion.
With the appearance of a man in his late 40s, the bold man had a robust physique. One found out of place on a researcher. With a nonsensical demeanour and straight tone, he was not one to mince words.
Luke began speaking in turn.
"This temple is a place of worship for the Storm God. The Goddess of the depths, ocean, darkness, and many other domains. One of the six Gods."
The reveal was interesting to the group. With no statues or drawings in her image, it was a surprise. However, it seemed that was not all.
He continued.
"That is not the most interesting part."
Looking to Judas to continue the reveal.
Noticing the silent request, Judas continued.
"We don't know the exact details; however, a Sybil commanded the temple."
A wide grin spread on his face as he finished what he was saying. As if he had told the funniest of jokes and was waiting for a response.
A look of shock spread on the research team's faces at the detail while the escort team looked confused.
'I remember learning about them during the Tomb of Ariel.'
Aldric silently thanked his new attribute. Without [Visionary], he could barely remember such a small detail, let alone what it meant. Strengthening his memory meant that recalling such small and specific details was within his ability.
"For those that are unaware, Sybils are what can only be called the hand of the Gods."
He spoke in a fanatical voice. Pure joy and exhilaration etched onto his face.
"Conduits of divine grace, they were the heralds of the Gods. With each of them representing the overwhelming power of the Age of the Gods."
Luke jumped in to add more detail.
"While they are shrouded in mystery, we have uncovered a handful of them. They are key markers for historians to match eras to places. With how eternal the Gods were, it is difficult to place certain details of nightmares and ruins in the Dream Realm in a linear timeline. Though that is not to say they are the only marker for changes in the ages."
Luke explained, barely touching the surface.
Judas paused for the additional information and carried on.
"From runes to murals, we are now uncovering much more and will continue to do so tomorrow."
He spoke definitively. Reassuring his team with confidence.
"But Sir, can we not enter the temple? I'm sure we will find more ruins of interest and solve even more mysteries."
The impatient researcher from earlier spoke out.
Judas faced the young man, giving him all his attention.
"Like the many mysteries surrounding Sybils, we know not to test whatever defences were left here. Especially with what happened last time."
Judas told the young man in an authoritative but gentle tone. With him fully facing the young man, it was only the young man that noticed the strange look in his eyes. A gleam of dissatisfaction.
The discussion continued for another thirty minutes. With each of the researchers present discussing what they learned and presenting any theories they might have. Bouncing ideas off each other in the true pursuit of knowledge.
CLAP
Judas clapped his hands loudly, getting everybody's attention.
"Bedtime people. We will be up and early tomorrow whether you like it or not."
He ordered, ending the small discussion.
The escort group huddled together, discussing their rota for keeping watch.
"Kura and Marielyn, you are on the first watch. Me and Iris will cover the second."
Parting ways, Aldric huddled into his tent. Courtesy of the [Stone Coffer], Aldric's stay in the Dream Realm was not lacking. From tents to toiletries and even entertainment in the form of books.
Entering his warm tent and slipping inside his sleeping bag, Aldric watched the shadow of the flickering bonfire play on the wall of his tent as he lulled himself to sleep.
But Aldric, in all of his experience and knowledge, could not anticipate what was to come next.
**********
Thanks for reading.
Anyone up to date for SS? The fight dragged for a while but Eurys is shining. Giving me Noctis vibes.
Till the next one.
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