Chương 83: Verge

Sunny had caught Aldric up on what had happened to him in the past month. While he was not happy to have to repeat himself for the third time, it had to be done. Explaining how he reached the nightmare seed and its location was something that he could not hide.

Even the elusive identity of his helper was revealed.

After all, all the specialist knowledge that Sunny had surrounding the nightmare and the Chained Isles had to be sourced from somewhere.

From how Sunny described Mordret and how he thought to himself that the mirror shard had to be made by a lost awakened. A person whose physical body had perished in the waking world, left to be a wandering soul in the dream realm.

But Aldric knew better.

'If only he knew.'

He thought.

Looking to Cassie, he thought about her next move.

Sunny had admitted that both of them would be making a trip to the Night Temple.

Knowing exactly what Cassie had done when she entered the Night Temple and her intentions, he had to keep his eyes open.

'As if I'm going to let that happen.'

What exactly he was talking about was a secret.

"Alright. I'll join you. But I have one condition."

The Singularity said.

"What do you want?"

Sunny asked.

He did not blame Aldric for having concessions. From what he heard, the hunter had formed something of a cohort within his organisation. To not go with them and join Sunny, a deal would have to be made.

"I have an idea, but I'll let you know well before we challenge the nightmare."

He responded.

"Alright, Mr. Mysterious."

Sunny could not argue with the request. He was sure that it would not be something ridiculous.

'At least I hope so.'

Finishing that line of thinking with the thought.

The rest of the dinner was a relaxing moment for them all. Catching each other up with what they had done since returning to the dream realm.

Aldric learned more about how life in Bastion was for Kai and Effie. If it really did live up to the image portrayed in the media.

Details surrounding the Chained Isles and its surrounding ecology.

Aldric shared some of the challenges that arose from attempting to organise so many awakened.

There was an obvious tension between Sunny and Cassie that extended within the conversation. It was not Aldric's place to say anything about what had happened.

Though, he knew that Sunny was a better man than him. If someone had done something like that to him, he didn't know what he would do.

Finishing up their dinner with the promise to meet up regularly to discuss their plan on conquering the nightmare, the long day was over.

----------

"Kura, cover the front. Lyn, protect the rear. Everyone else, follow me."

Aldric, covered in the [Mantle of the Underworld], spoke to his squad. A shroud of darkness emanated around the armour like a flame.

However, more than that, the shroud looked alive. Pulsating and shifting with a form of intelligence that should not exist within a metaphysical element.

A small group of four awakened could be seen in what could only be described as a furious jungle. Sprawling flora littered the landscape like it was a rainforest. Towering trees with high canopies blotted the sun, trapping a wave of heat on the ground layer. The floor was covered in wild grass and plants; even dead biomass scattered the forest bed. However, the air itself felt alive. Causing all those that passed feelings of discomfort and danger.

Just above, the skyline was covered in a dense fog. All-encapsulating, the water vapour lingered on anything that it touched. However, its movements seemed strange. Almost as if it was being guided to some degree.

"Kura! Two Hornets ahead."

Iris shouted. Squatting with perfect balance on a large branch high in the air.

Two grotesque creatures hovered in the air, propelled by a plethora of small buzzing wings. An acid green carapace with a brutal stinger jetting out from their behind. With each of them being the size of a cow and as thick as a dog, they were just within the range of Fallen creatures.

From the rear, the young girl seemed to have the smallest scope of vision, but that was not the case. Acting as the eyes and brains of the group, she directed and guided the group away from danger. As well as strategising against nightmare creatures.

"Roger!"

An androgynous voice shouted.

Reaching to his belt with his left hand, the blonde-haired male grasped a thin black node.

In his right hand, an ivory, intricate bow stood tall. An intricate design made of ornate marble was etched on the bow. A thick string connected the two ends, taut like a steel cable.

Placing the black rod on the string, sparks of static charge began to spread from Kura's limbs, forming around the black node and taking the form of an arrow. A bolt of pure lightning took shape.

"SCREECH"

The sound of pure electricity pierced through the air, coalescing around the fully formed arrow. A pale blue light sparked the surrounding area.

Feeling a sudden drain in his essence reserves, the archer released his fingers.

"BOOM"

The bolt pierced through both of the hornets, dropping them from the sky. The static charge stunning their body and wings.

"Mine!"

Lyn shouted.

Dashing to the now vulnerable prey, Marielyn jumped into the air, channelling all her weight and momentum behind the large mace in her hand.

"SPLATTER"

Swinging her weapon once more. She crushed the enlarged head of the second hornet.

"SPLATTER"

The ascended memory easily broke through the hard carapace, splattering blood, brain matter, and viscera all over the field in a 2 metre radius.

"That was fun!"

Lyn shouted in a happy tone. The kind that could be taken at face value as well as sarcastically.

Ignoring the strange girl, Aldric spoke.

"Iris, how far away is this supposed temple?"

Pulling out a sheet of rolled-up paper from her pouch, she kept silent as she studied the map.

"The border of the temple is marked by a group of large trees."

She responded in a quiet voice, but to those around her it was loud enough.

Dark, viscous emptiness began to pour from Aldric's foot onto the ground. Blotting out the ground beneath them. With no sound, no one noticed the strange occurrence.

"I don't know if you can tell, but we are not exactly lacking in the number of trees around us. Anything more specific?"

Lyn spoke out. Leaning her body forward in the direction of the taciturn woman, using her mace to keep balance.

The mace in her palm was a dark crimson. Close to a third of her height, it carried a hefty weight behind it. The head was ornate, with a design fitting an iron maiden. An untold amount of spikes jetting out.

Her armour was made of flowing white fabric like a priestess. With her vital areas being covered in dark blue armour plates. Shimmering scales lined each plate, emanating a feeling of vitality and life, as if it was made from the carcass of a sea monster. Fitted with a dark blue helmet, with her upper face visible.

"Blood-red leaves."

Iris rebutted quickly.

A look of annoyance spread on Kura's face. His effeminate features contrasting sharply with his expression.

"Red. Why is it always red?"

He said rhetorically.

In their moment of conversation, nobody noticed 10 black-shaped miniature birds leaving the pool of darkness.

With a subtle jolt, Aldric spoke out.

"Northeast in two hundred metres."

Now raising his voice, the leader directed the group of people that were trailing behind them.

A group of five, each fitted in clothing that screamed utility instead of protection, were who they were protecting in this mission.

One elderly man led the group, with one of his colleagues and three research assistants.

The lead researcher was a man named Judas. An awakened researcher under the employ of the government. While he held a few lectures during educational conferences, the man dedicated his entire life to researching the rich history and culture of the Dream Realm. With his specialty being in archaeology and ruins.

Judas was also the vice-chairman of the Archaeology Guild. A melting pot of the brightest researchers in the field. Collating and comparing their knowledge in the hopes of widening the scope of their knowledge with the betterment of humanity in mind.

With Judas' connection to both the guild and the government, his request for a protection squad was not a priority for the government with their limited resources. An expedition deep into a death zone with no confirmed end date was not something that the government could support now. Judas knew from experience that bureaucracy was the killer of momentum and progress. He estimated that it would take at least 3 years for his proposal to be expected. So when he was recommended a faster option, it was a no-brainer.

The aim of the proposed expedition was to study and explore the temple located fifty kilometres west of the death zone dubbed as the Phantom Verge.

The Phantom Verge was an expanse in the Dream Realm that had been discovered decades ago. When Clan Valor had expanded beyond Bastion and conquered the neighbouring forest, they set their sights on expanding.

North, and they conquered the Chained Isles and more.

South, and they discovered Rivergate, leading to the Stormsea.

However, east of Rivergate was a land of fog.

A large ring of fog covered its entire perimeter. Obscuring all vision from the outside.

While it was classed as a death zone by Clan Valor, the issue that faced the knights of the Sword Domain was not the nightmare creatures inhabiting it but one crucial thing that all regions had.

The Phantom Verge did not have a gateway.

Or at least one that could not be found.

For decades, the elusive gateway was hidden from sight. Even from the most omniscient of seers.

With its lack of habitable land in the form of jungles, the Sword Domain did not find any value in putting any more manpower behind conquering the death zone. Strategically putting focus into solidifying their existing strongholds.

But while it did not hold strategic value, like anything in the Dream realm, it was bound to be rich in knowledge and history.

In the landscape of the never-ending fog and jungle, one of the only standing monuments was a large temple. The aim of this expedition.

With over fifteen whole days of travelling, they arrived. Moving the overgrown branches and plants away from blocking their sight, a massive clearing devoid of trees and abominations was ahead.

The mausoleum looked straight out of the Aztec era, planted on a high elevation. With large steps connecting it to the ground. Vines and plants encroached well within the temple's boundaries and beyond.

The strangest part of the temple was the steps leading above. Like a strip, the centre of the stairs was suitable for humans; however, at either end, it seemed that the steps were made for literal giants.

They were finally here.

"What a glorious day!"

A voice shouted out.

**********

Thanks for reading.

Happy New Year, everyone.

First chapter of 2025. The first of many to come.

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Chương 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.

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