章 61: 3 Days. Leaving Babel's Hive.
"For now, we rest." Ethan said to Trevor.
"Can I ask a question?" Trevor asked.
"Mm."
"We've been here for almost a week. Won't it raise suspicions and worry back home? You don't seem to be worried about this."
"Haha! Sorry I didn't tell you this, but time runs different here. I don't know how but 3 days here is 3 hours back home, so we've spent almost 4 hours away from home which is 4 days here."
"The fuck! No wonder you are stronger than the average mage of your rank."
"Hehe. Finally! The energy suits are ready." Ethan exclaimed.
"No offense there but how are you going to use a fucking spear when you've been using a war hammer all this time?!"
"It's a secret but I will tell you. I have a special body constitution called the Weapons' Constitution. It gives me the ability to use any weapon I choose. For now, I'm able to grasp the basic traits and inner workings of any weapon I touch."
"You are.... insane!"
"I'm aware."
"Where can I get one?"
"Relax bro! I don't know but it's possible through the system. If you are lucky enough, you might just get a body constitution that is perfect for you."
"I guess that is good. Wish me luck!"
"..."
The boys decided to have a bit of sleep in preparation for the battle of survival ahead. Trevor decided to meditate and sleep while Ethan had a conversation with the system.
'System? Where's the closest settlement to the hive or any place which the gargoyles can't get to?'
*There are currently four options for you. The first one is to move forward from where you are now, that's North. There you will find a forest which should give you a bit of cover for about a day before you are killed. The second is down, into the abyss. There is land under the hive but it's too far and the gravity there is 5 times what is here. You will die within two kilometers. *
'Yeah right!'
*The next is going West of here. You would have to fight your way through, but the next land is settlement for another species which I can't identify currently but the land is two days away from here and the last is heading Northeast, where you would reach the next outskirts of the beast plane, but that place is a month long from here and you might have to fly along the way. *
'Hmm. All hope is not lost yet...'
*I would advise the host to go West. With your new power, you should be able to survive and fight your way through. That land is off-limits to the gargoyles and none of them would even follow you there once you reach that domain. *
'I was thinking of North but if you say so. I think your suggestion is better than mine. Let's wait for dawn then I will Trevor. Thanks.'
*It's just a suggestion. No need for unnecessary formalities. *
'...'
...
Dawn.... 4:00 am...
"So those are the options we have at the moment." Ethan and Trevor sat on the ground in their crude cave eating a quick breakfast of roasted meat and fruits as Ethan explained the plan forward to him.
"That's surprising but I think the system is right. It's better if we go to a place where the gargoyles have no reach or power, provided we survive."
"And survive we shall. Get ready."
Ethan then stood up and took out his upgraded energy suit.
'System? Is it possible for me to merge the Hammer arts with my martial arts?'
*Of course. That's the purpose of your constitution and your martial arts. They were created purposely for oneness and balance which you won't understand now but it is possible to merge any weapon technique and martial arts into yours. Your constitution will take care of the rest. *
'Mm.' Ethan put on his energy suit. It turned into a dark liquid substance which covered him from head to toe making him resemble a humanoid black slime. He got a notification to alter the appearance of the suit which he did. In the next moment, he was wearing a black hoodie with gold line designs in it, a pair of black cargo pants and black boots with black gloves. Trevor coincidentally chose something similar just that instead of a hoodie, he chose a baggy sweater. Summoning their weapons, they moved out. They first surveyed their surroundings for any ambushes. When they were in the clear, they turned west, where they fought the gargoyle elder. Wings of white smoke with swirling feathers of grey appeared on Trevor's back. Advancing to the next level had helped him a lot and this was part of the few skills he could use without losing too much energy. Ethan wasn't far behind either. He had managed to understand more about wills and Telekinesis and coupled with the battles he had experienced; he could now use Telekinesis to hover a few distances. He couldn't keep it all the time but jumping from island to island was possible. Because of this, they had made a plan that Trevor, who could fly long distances would survey from the sky with Apole and Ethan would survey from the ground.
Angitia was a bit under the weather. It looked like she was going through an enlightenment as the tattoo on Ethan's hand glowing a dull blue occasionally. Trevor nodded to Ethan and took off to the skies to scout while heading west with Ethan not far behind.
As dawn broke, Ethan and Trevor set out on their journey, the weight of survival pressing on their shoulders. Their decision to head west, fighting through the unknown, was daunting, but it was their best hope. Ahead of them lay a vast settlement of floating islands—a place filled with mysteries, dangers, and the possibility of escape from the relentless gargoyles.
Trevor hovered above, his scythe in hand, wings of white smoke with swirling grey feathers propelling him through the air. His movements were fluid, though the strain of maintaining flight was visible. Below, Ethan moved swiftly across the terrain, his spear in hand, his Telekinetic powers allowing him to leap between the floating islands. The dull blue glow around him occasionally flared with each jump. Together, they were efficient—Trevor scouting ahead from the air, while Ethan kept his focus on the ground, ensuring they weren't ambushed.
The islands were both eerie and majestic, suspended by unseen forces. Jagged rock formations jutted from the ground, and strange, luminescent plants dotted the landscape, casting an ethereal glow. Waterfalls poured into the abyss below, creating a thick mist that clung to the air. It was peaceful, for now.
Hours passed as they continued their journey, taking short breaks to rest and regroup. Ethan suggested they stop after their third leap, settling under a massive tree with roots hanging into the void beneath them. He nibbled on dried meat, while Trevor rested, his energy drained from maintaining his Smoke wings.
"Almost a day in, and still no sign of any settlements," Trevor muttered, his voice a mix of exhaustion and frustration.
"We'll find something soon," Ethan replied, scanning their surroundings. He could sense a shift in the energy around them—something was coming, but it was still distant.
---
As dusk began to fall, the floating islands grew larger, and in the distance, a colossal structure came into view—the Tower of Babel. The ancient structure loomed high above them; its stone walls etched with glowing runes. Surrounding it were smaller islands, forming a sort of natural barrier. The tower exuded power and danger, and the air felt thicker, heavier.
Ethan and Trevor exchanged glances. They knew this was a place of immense power, far beyond what they had encountered so far.
"We'll have to go around or through it," Ethan said cautiously, his eyes never leaving the imposing structure.
As they approached the tower's vicinity, the ground began to tremble beneath them. Emerging from the shadows were gargoyle warriors—creatures of stone, with leathery wings and glowing red eyes. Their bodies were covered in jagged stone armor, and their claws gleamed in the dim light. Leading them was a massive gargoyle, holding a spear carved from black stone, its tip glistening with dark energy.
"Of course," Trevor groaned, summoning his scythe. "This was going too smoothly."
The gargoyles charged with terrifying speed. Ethan gripped his spear tightly, the blue runes on his body flaring as he tapped into his Telekinesis. He thrust the spear forward, controlling its movement midair to strike multiple targets at once. The first wave of gargoyles staggered, their stone bodies cracking under the assault, but they were relentless.
Trevor, meanwhile, swung his scythe in wide arcs, his wings of smoke swirling around him. The smoke thickened, forming protective barriers and choking the visibility of the gargoyles as he darted through their ranks. He slashed through one creature's neck, the blade of his scythe glowing as it cut cleanly through stone.
But the battle was just beginning. From the depths of the Tower, gargoyle elders emerged—much larger than the warriors, their bodies adorned with ancient runes. They moved slowly, but their power was undeniable. Their crimson eyes locked onto Ethan and Trevor, and with a flick of their stone hands, waves of dark energy crackled through the air.
"We can't take these head-on," Trevor gasped, narrowly avoiding a blast of energy as he swooped down beside Ethan.
Ethan grunted, dodging another strike. "We're not here to fight them, just to survive and get out."
The gargoyle elders raised their hands, casting a barrier around the Tower, trapping Ethan and Trevor on the battlefield. Dark energy coiled around the elders, amplifying their power. The air crackled with malevolence, and the temperature seemed to drop.
"We need a way out!" Trevor shouted, his eyes wide as the elders began their assault, sending waves of dark magic toward them. His wings flared as he shot into the air, weaving between blasts of energy, but the attacks were relentless.
Ethan's spear danced in his hand, enhanced by his Telekinesis. He parried several attacks, using his mind to redirect the spear midair to block incoming blasts. But he was losing ground. "We won't last long in here!"
Trevor looked around desperately, his mind racing. His affinity with Smoke allowed him to obscure their movements, but the elders were far too powerful to be tricked by simple illusions. Still, an idea formed. "I'll create a smoke barrier. We need to make a break for the edge!"
Ethan nodded. "Do it!"
Trevor slammed his scythe into the ground, and a thick, dense fog erupted from him, blanketing the battlefield. The smoke swirled and shifted, confusing the gargoyles for a brief moment. In that instant, Ethan leaped into action. He concentrated, using his Telekinesis to enhance his speed, jumping from rock to rock toward the edge of the floating island. Behind him, Trevor moved like a shadow, his form blending into the smoke as they made their escape.
But the gargoyle elders weren't fooled for long. With a thunderous roar, they shattered the smoke with a wave of dark energy. The blast sent shockwaves through the ground, knocking Ethan off balance. He barely managed to catch himself, hovering momentarily before landing hard on the rocky surface.
"We're running out of time!" Trevor shouted, panic creeping into his voice as he glanced back at the gargoyles closing in.
Ethan clenched his fists, his mind racing. He could feel the strain of using his powers, but they were so close. The edge of the island was just ahead. "We need to get to the next island!"
With one final surge of energy, Ethan used his Telekinesis to hurl his spear forward, embedding it into the ground at the very edge of the island. He tugged on the mental thread connecting him to the weapon, pulling himself forward in a rapid leap. Trevor followed close behind, using his wings to glide over the abyss.
As they landed on the next island, they turned to see the gargoyle elders standing at the edge, watching them with glowing, hateful eyes. For now, the elders did not pursue them. It seemed that their domain ended at the Tower of Babel.
Breathing heavily, the boys slumped to the ground, exhausted but alive.
"That was too close," Trevor panted, his scythe resting on his shoulder.
Ethan wiped sweat from his brow. "We're not done yet. But at least, for now, we've escaped."
The Tower loomed in the distance, a reminder of the dangers they had narrowly survived. But ahead of them lay even greater challenges—challenges they were not yet ready to face.
-- 贈り物
が届きました 
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット