70 Traveler's Den
Far up in the damp cascade of the heavens, at the level where patches of marshmallow shaped mist pastured across. A foreign object could be seen sailing away.
This object looked like a seperate blue cloud. Leaving behind a trail of glittering ash as it rigidly flew towards the horizion.
It would sometimes fall down, descending towards the earth. Yet the next moment, it could be seen ascending. Suddenly shooting through the bed of white yarn above. As if pulled back by some sort slingshot.
This bundle of shimmering star fire was no one other than Michael. Elegantly thrusting off into the distance with the help of the two abilites.
The first was the [pulsar deers] gravity weakening aura. Whilst the next was the [Kabirel Keiser's] innate power called [Hydro boost]. Granting him not only enhanced movement speed whenever his skin was subjected to a thick enough bundle of liquid, but also turning any clouds he came across into ramps. Helping him keep a steady altitude while also a sufficient momentum.
However, abruptly out of nowhere, he stopped hitting the white pillows loyally waiting for him. Releasing his water boost and giving in to the wind's natural embrace. Letting the glittering neon trail behind his hastily descending figure.
And so, like a streaking meteorite, he fell. Diving head first towards the apperance an enlargening ant colony that was the ground. Greedily feasting upon the high generated by adrenaline beginning to pump through his veins.
While he continued to advance, the atmospheric particles residing in the sky suddenly started to assult his body like an army of wasps. Eventually going over to slam against his face. Relentlessly pounding it like a sentient rain vomiting out golfball sized shards of ice. Dragging across the pores on his exposed skin, firm black hair and the fibers of his dark robe. Even going as far as to bombard his ears with a flickering noise similar to the one created by a beaten carpet.
'This is what I needed.'
Surprisingly, Michael intentionally did this. Savoring every moment of his reckless descent. Bathing in the thrill created from the feeling of unrestrained freedom.
But this was not something he would usually do. In fact, he had never felt this kind of need, so where did it come?
Well, it was the lingering instinct found within the [Pulsar Deer's] genes. Getting activated and melded into Michael's body after he stimulated them.
Usually, these kinds of desires would be supressed, or only ever having minor influences on his behavior. Like his current dominant bloodline, the [Czar Beastlord], which he almost had completely under his control.
Or that's what he thought.
For despite possessing such a robust mental fortitude and immovable will, he never managed to completely purge the instinctive afflictions plaguing the genetic strands of all animals. That was an unchangeable fact, as editing DNA to such a degree was far beyond his current ability.
He may not be willing to admit to this. However, what he thought did not matter. Evidently shown by his constantly changing behavioural pattern.
For example, a while back, when still in possession of the [Hel'Slakter] Bloodline, he had never once felt the urge to eat humans. Only ever finding such wantings when using [Aspect of the Tained].
However, it must be noted that this transformation ability literally turned him into the epitome of a predator. Severing the strings binding the unconscious choices he made. Making him unable to find a reason not to devour the weak.
But it did not stay locked within the transformation for long. As later on, after gaining the [Czar beastlord], he was left thinking that there were only physical changes which manifested on his body.
However, he was wrong. For what Michael was powerlesss to see was that his diet, which slowly began to be dominated by human meat, could be traced back to the Beatlord's traits carefully integrating into his brain. Going unnoticed by even himself who mistakenly thought it was his own conscious decision. Showing just how susceptible he was to the mental impacts.
This statement could also be further strengthened by another supplementary fact. That being him never intentionally choosing to feast upon a human while sane. Only jumping on the opportunity after snapping. An unmistakable truth solidified by the grotesque death of the [Metal Shrine]'s messenger who tried abducting him.
[A/N: Remember the knight who stabbed Jingwei and cracked his mind? Yeah, that guy.]
And as time continued, this yearning for human flesh completely manifesting after he crushed the light left behind by Marss. Unknowingly embracing the feral hunger that would never be satiated.
There was also a reason why he would pick humans as the ideal dish. That being because of the [Czar beast kin], as usually called within the beast continent, being a man eating race. Capable of devouring anything, yet especially savoring the blood of man. Their natural enemy which had been fought since primal times.
However, the dominant bloodline was not the only thing able to bend his mood. For whenever he accessed a beast's innate ability or manifest it's traits, something similar would occur. After all, these powers were the lines of code created by not only their genetic information, but also from the characteristics each specie held. All coming togheter and etching themselves into every cell in his body.
But although Michael had his speculations, it did not matter at this current moment. Only focusing on the thundering winds thrashing against his body like hundreds of sledgehammers. Persistently increasing in intensity until he saw the splinters of grassy soil steadly grow more discernable.
And right when he was about to crash, Michael spun around. Kicking his legs towards the earth in one swift movement and knocking both feet into it.
You would almost expect him to sink like a nail when banging into the soft vegetation. However, the blue neon aura coiling around his body immidetly discharge the kinetic energy. Sending it into the enclosed terrain via a seismic shockwave. Producing an ailing tremor which quickly scattered.
And as such, he was left unaffected. Quickly ceasing to use his power and then satisfiedly walk off into the woods. Slightly smiling while thinking of his grandiose stride.
'It's very similar to the strider's step ability. However, I would put this in a tier far above it. I wonder, could I possibly use it as an offensive ability?'
'Also, I should fully test out all the innate abilites before I run over the border. The woods here will grant me with a sufficient cover."
But he did not dwell on these thoughts for long. Pulling out the map from his ring and flicking it open. Glaring at the dark text nearing his marked figure. Easily making out each word despite the sun beginning to pull down.
"This place, the [Traveler's Town] is not too far away from my location. I should be able to reach it by foot."
Without considering much else, Michael swiftly put away the portrait. Following up by exercising the muscles in his enhanced feet and legs. Further tightening the grip his toes and heels had to the moist vegetation and then arching forwards.
"Three, no.... Two minutes at max."
An unhesitating glint flashed past Michael's voracious azure irises. And as it slowly faded into the background of his bony white viscera, he pushed the tension in his legs to the limit. Contracting every muscle fiber like individual sets of springs and then abruptly releasing them all at the same time. Proceeding to blast off while leaving behind a deafening rumble in his wake. Rattling against the encompassing flora like a gass tank going off in a dense bush.
.....
From within the depths of the woodland where Michael traveled, at the very end of the direction he followed, a tranquil settlement laid embedded.
This was a village that had become a gathering place for all those who roamed the infinite woodland of Torvel. Either going on journeys, pilgrimages, adventures or on entirely different assignments altogether.
But although some would call it a village, it certainly wouldn't be comparable to one. Having a much more distinct appearence, reminiscing of a small town.
There were both regular farmers and merchants living here. All bundled together within a horde of aged oak houses and towers. Filling the township with both your average shops, venders and barns. Not exluding any one sight. Not counting in nobels of course, who were quite rare in this part of the world.
However, all of these wooden buildings that shot up like rouge straws of wheat were all cramped away. Protected with an insurance provided by a set of tall rails coiling around the property like a giant snake. Shielding it from the stray beasts that wandered the woods and making sure that every visitor was checked before entering.
As for this moment in time, Michael could be found Intently staring up at the rangy barrier. Hiding within a rug made up of some lively trees covering his figure like umbrellas. Eyeing down the entrance carved on it's base.
It was guarded by two knights wearing a custom made set of rusty headless iron armour. both having a type of brown pelt on their shoulders and thighs. Most like nailed down into the plating. Was it perhaps placed there to hinder the cold shock of the night?
"Who gives a shit. I feel a little thirsty, so let's get something to drink."
Michael then proceeded to walk out of the embrace given by the beaming pillars of bark and leaves. Quickly making his way towards the opening.
However, as he suddenly walked out, both the knights turned towards him. Unowingly showing an expression of mild surprise.
"Halt!"
One of them stepped forwards after he came close enough. Lifting up his hand and pressing his palm at Michael's location.
"If you wish to enter then pay up. The entrance fee is ten bronze."
His voice was mature and hardy. Sadly, it was muffled by a cowl he wore. Removing any threatening aura he should try to give off. That is, if you managed to ignore the battle hardened brown eyes and thick brows.
But Michael didn't bother about this. Just stopping up and staring right back at him with an impatiant look. Quickly proceeding to stretch his hand towards the silver ring resting on his finger, but not breaking eye contact from the knight's woody irises for a second.
However, something weird seemed to have happened. For as he was about to touch his ring and retrieve some gold coins, he noticed the man's pupils abruptly shrink to the point of almost vanishing. Then stumbling backwards as he awkwardly laughed. Shakenly dismissing him with a nervous stutter.
"Ha..Haha! I....I was just joking..!! You don't have to pay!!"
Michael couldn't quite understand why he would just blatantly let him go like this. Even going as far as to step the side and give him space. Signaling the other guard to not interfere with his hand.
He didn't find a reason to bother with it, as even if they saw through his cover, it would only spell their own doom.
And as such, he accepting this kind gesture with a suspicious smile. Gently proceeding to walk on down the entrance with his bare feet. Clasping against the wet grass balancing his body.
'What a weird guy. Anyhow, I bet they have Inn's in this world. Getting a drink and a lodging would be ideal for my stay here."
And so, he walked through the entrance. Stolling off down.
However, behind him, the knight who previously asked him to pay the entrance fee, could now be seen on the verge of passing out. Having all color drained from his face and a lingering vibration residing within his legs.
His colleague didn't understand what he was doing. Trying to find a reason to blame. Perhaps the passing boy was a famed nobleman or lord?
But that guess was far from the truth. Evident by the horrid nightmare the first guard had just experienced.
No matter what, he kept remembering the moment he met the boy's gaze. Forcefully memorizing each detail into the back of his mind through a hot iron brand sizzling with despair.
Yes, it became ever more memorable when the brand stimulated it. Fully making him relive the dismay.
It started when he first looked into Michael's eyes, interlocking with his line of sight. First when that weird feeling invaded his soul. Giving him the desire to make trouble for this passing young man.
No, more precisely, it was a weird chaotic aura which muddled with his mind. Birthing a set of hostile feelings for the cloaked boy. Causing him to try and arrogantly sink his killing intent into the guy's mind as a scare.
But mabye the kid noticed his ploy? As the moment he tried to insert it, another foreign energy pulverized it alongside part of his consciousness. However, this one was much more different than the first chaotic fluctuations.
For this was the hunger arising from the thirsty shine sparkling inside Michael's eyes. Contianing within it the [Recusant Condor]'s yearning for nutrition. Managing to weakly manifest inside his radiating irises.
And the knight, who was about to make trouble for him, clearly felt it. As right when he wanted to pressure the unblinking stones shut, an illusion invaded his mind.
It sendt him off to a dark world covered in mist. Where the only existing light came from two giant blue lanters radiating from above. Leaking out a heavy and unmatched craving for food. Almost symbolizing a predator waiting to ferociously punce should any passing organism lower their guard.
This abrupt fear was similar in texture to a bucket of acid. Melting away not only his fabricated distain, but also another ten years from his life span, as the corrosive powder of stress was both sprinkled over his eyeballs and on his brain. Decaying them both.
And so, he suddenly fell to his knees while Michael entered the gate. Alarming his companion who immediately ran over and called to him.
However, despite the efforts for contact, he did not budge. Stiffly sitting there while thoughtlessly hugging himself. Rasping his plated gauntlets against the hide covering his upper arms. Persisting in a mindless stammering which further pushed him towards the edge of insanity.
"Ha...Haha..ha...haha... I...I was just...just joking.... Ha...haha...ha..."
.....
Michael swiftly entered the main part of the town. Walking onto the rocky pavement with his bare feet. Tripping across while intently looking around. That and of course, Ignoring the hostile gazes the passering people would give him.
This place was almost like a substandard avenue. Containing a few outlets and individual residences. Most likely a combined set of shops, resturants, lodgings and barns.
'Let's not be picky then...'
He kept on moving deeper, drawing in both every detail of this landscape while also breathing in the dusty air. Circulating the heavy smell of old cloth and rust through his odorant receptors and into his lungs. Tasting the famished atmosphere with every sense he had. Inhaling it alongside the fragrance of dusk mingling with it's scent. Proceeding to pushing any gravel that my try to stop him through the use of his hardy feet. Finally stopping up when he felt the night slowly engulf the land. Finding a desire to once more lay in a bad, as that was something he hadn't done in a while.
And right then, Michael stopped in his tracks. Finding himself looking up at what he guessed was a type of lofty inn. Sincerly signed with the name of [The Traveler's Den].
From the outside it looked rustic and warm. Having most of its outer rim made from a darkened type of hardwood. Holding a shine akin to that found in an oiled plank.
It had a row of blurry windows covering the bottom and top, forcing one to go inside if wishing to look. However, despite the fuzzy display, there was a clear light excluding through the lower part. Eminating an aura of indifference and silent which was manifested in the glass fibers.
'This looks like an ideal place to settle for now."
He didn't wait for long and swiftly walked up the the front. Pushing against the old metal door deeply imbeded into the material. It gave off a creak as it opened, radiating out a hoarse shriek while he slowly got a look of the inside.
As he entered, Michael was first greeted by a strong aura of discomfort and alcohol. Slamming against his body like a heavy wave of sea water. Causing a shallow, yet unnoticeable frown to cover his forhead.
Second was a black haired maiden nonchalantly standing behind the old counter. Not even gazing at him as he walked in and only seeing to clean a glass with her handkerchief.
As for the rest, that would be the drunkards whispering amongst themselves to the sides. Not making any efforts to acknowledge his presence.
The interior was very familiar to the outside in its quality. Aged and glossy. Some old tree logs support the upper floor and the broken lights attached to them. The walls were decorated with a set of mounted animal heads belonging to some normal beasts, though most have become worn and broken, given the place a slightly creepy feel.
'I like this atmosphere!'
No one to bother him? And no cliche old man begging for trouble? He could definitely stay her.
And so, Michael made his way over to the bartender resting a short distance before him. Tapping his naked feet onto the creaking wood floor without hurry. Making sure to hold his pace alongside the fading squeaks.
"How much for one night?"
As he arrived, Michael leaned over to the counter while looking up at the tall woman. Her looks were rather average, most likely reaching her thirties.
She ceased to assult the dirty glass in her hand the moment he spoke. Looking over at him with a lackluster energy dripping from her gentle blue eyes.
"I am not for sale, but ten silver for one cycle and twelve if you want breakfast and dinner included."
Her voice was mellow yet steady, containing a nature you would similarly find in glass she previously worked on.
'How much was ten silver coins worth in gold again?'
But Michael didn't take note of anything other than the prize. Sliding one finger over his ring and retrieving a gold coin.
"Any room is fine. Also, while you are at it, pass me something to drink. Doesn't matter what. And yes, keep the change."
She looked a little suprised by the gold coin. However, it would seem that his emotionless reaction was more impactful, as many people would usually hit on her the moment they entered. But either way, she had a good impression of who she expected to be some type of nobleman. Instantly ceasing her carfree attitude for a secons.
The maiden then retrieved a set of keys from behind her counter. Pulling them up alongside some type of bottled drink.
"Straight up the stairs. End of the hallway."
After he registered what she said, Michael broke their line of sight and hurriedly walked up the set of stairs resting nearby. Silently traversing them, and ending up in dim hallway lit up by only some candles resting near each entrance.
The flickering dots of fire seemed rather off actually, as if they functioned as individual set of eyes.
However, he didn't mind them much. Continuing towards the end of the corridor where his room was. And eventually, he reached it. Preparing to push it open.
But just then, a weird feeling krept up on his back. Almost as if someone tried pocking his spine with a needle.
And with his sharp senses stimulated, he swiftly spun around. Gracing every corner of this wooden hallway with his predatory vision. Strangely unable find anything.
'Rather weird really, I felt a little funny for a second..'
However, even as he tried to remember the foreign feeling, he turned back towards his room. Letting his thoughts pass by as he opened the door and entered.
'Did someone just look at me?'
His door slammed shut after he entered. Locking behind his back.
But just as he left, from behind his disappearing body, you would almost be able to make out an agonizing smile. Not from a figure, but from the very inside of the walls.
...
And so, Michael entered his room.
It was rather plain, contianing one bed with a lantern next to it, a half fallen desk and a matching chair. Even having one of those blurry windows near it all.
He didn't waste any time and just threw himself onto the bed while placing his drink onto the desk. Sprawling widely out while looking for the most comfortable position. Mumbling about his current progress.
"I haven't really slept in a while. Is it mabye due to the Czar Beastlord?"
And to his suprise, the system answered his question without a need to ask. Popping up a translucent texbox before him.
.
[Czar Beastlord: Humanoid beastmen who hunt for the thrill of it. They love a challenge, and have been known to stay awake for weeks until finding a worthy prey to hunt. Only ever resting after digesting it.]
.
He looked over the informative text. Not completely sure of why it appeared, yet still managing to remember something Jenkins told him.
"Did he not once say that it gets worse as you progress? Then why give me these random explanations about things I don't know?"
.
[Host has been granted limited access by [Source Nucleus:????].
.
'So it's Andev's doing? Makes sence then.. But I want an explanation for this more than the beastlord...'
"System, my status."
----------
[Level:20/20] (Evolve?) (Y/N)
[Layer: Low Emperor]
[Core Nucleus] (+)
.
[Physique] (+)
[Bloodline Combo] (+)
[Stem Mass: 0%]
.
[Essence] (+)
[Magic Spells] (+)
[Battle arts] (+)
.
[Innate Abilities] (+)
[Skills] (+)
[Titles] (+)
.
----------
He looked over every category. Carefully eyeng down each one until ending at the bottom.
"I haven't really checked my titles, have I?"
-----
[Titles] (-)
BETRAYED/KILLER/CHEATER OF DEATH/HYBRID/GEMINI/KINDLED/DISTORTED SOUL/???/???
-----
Michael felt his eyes shrink a little after it popped open. Remembering how he got each one. Reminiscing of the distant past which he had cleared away with an unrestrained slaughter.
However, there was one he looked at. One that really seemed to bother him.
---
[GEMINI:A Title granted to those who have fused two compatible souls togheter. Decreases energy needed to cast magic and use abilities.]
---
He finished reading it in one breath. Following it up by a heavy sighed while thinking of a boy he once knew.
"Does it even work with Marss gone? Can't really check, as my new chaos energy seems to be limitless."
However, from the depths of his eyes, a strong glow of resolution resonated. Remembering the promise he made.
"I can go look for his mom after finishing my main task. Not like anyone's gonna complain..."
"But for now, let me try and test some of the innate abilities. And after that, let's check out the battle arts."
And so, Michael rouse up from the stiff bed. Beginning to access he wide row of genetic information residing in his body.
...
However, as Michael began to practice, a scene currently unfolded far away from him. It was one contained inside the borders of Torvel, yet seeming to be within an entirely different world altogether.
This was a land made of eternal autumn. Where the sky had the unchanging tint of dawn, the clouds being as green as spring grass, and there being two yellow suns hovering above. Illuminating the infinite dessert of fallen vegetation.
And within this wasteland of dead plant life, a massive structure potruded up.
It was the size of an old castle, even holding the ancient features found on one. However, it did not share it's shape.
For it was a colossal fossilized deer corpse. lodged within the soil like a rusted metal fence being thrown down in a river of quicksand.
It's bones and antlers were cracked and decayed, being dark white in color while also donned in fair share of moss. Uneasingy growing over it's skeleton like a sea of weeds.
However, although this sight would be considered unimaginable alone, there was something even more strange below it.
For before this resting brute sat a white bearded man. Completely covered by a dirty fur rug which only allowed his muscular arms and hands to show. Shouting out to the unmoving beast as if in a mad trance. Almost making it look like he communicated with it.
"Yes, my star, my light, my stag. I hear your commands to find the flag."
His voice was tough and old. Like an ancient artifact found from within a bed of dried tar. Uneasingly echoing out into the once prosperous paradise like a shriek channeled from a lion's vocal cords.
However, as the old man had his knees rotted into the ground, he unexpectedly slammed both arms down. Planting his robust hands in the dirt like a pair of plant roots, and the starting to shivering in fear while he continued his mumbling.
"No, I failed but once! It was all due to the elf with the heart bronze!"
His fingers, which dug straight down suddenly tightened. Balling up into fists, and then tightly gripping onto part of the dirt like it was some prized possession.
"What? The Wizard and the Strain? But they snuck away as the elf cried in pain! Running off to the depths of the shore, and escaping our range like those lost in war!"
The madman then abrubtly swung his arms up into the air again. Still holding onto the crusty soil he had picked up. Roaring even louder towards the corpse.
Yet, this thundering shout seemed to possess a submissive nature. As if he was apologizing.
"Please, I shall redeem! I shall do good this time! I shall find your heart which holds the divine!"
He then looked way from the deer's skull and up into the sky. Seemingly closing his eyes while whispering into the orange roof.
"For your revival is foretold! It is Lingering about! It is called from the songs of those devout!"
"It is written in the soil and sung within the wind! It's spelled above in the form of the twin!"
And as his chant finished, the old bastard proceeded to shove his fists down his throat. Swallowing the dirt he had retrieved and continuing on with an even more fervor.
However, as his mind grew more muddled, it suddenly snapped back like a reattached joint. Forcing both eyes open as he them slowly stood up. Turning his gaze towards the horizon.
"Wait. I smell something flawed, something not right. Something which holds the heart of my light?"
And while glaring into the barren horizon, he inhaled. Creating a vortex of air which was greedily eaten by his lungs.
But as he stopped, a bewildered expression constructed of both astonishment and rage etched itself onto his hidden face. Sizzling onto his skin like a bucket of liquid nitrogen.
"It smells so foul, It stinks of rot. It gives off the stench the humans have brought!"
His voice no longer contained it's fanatical tone. Now having been replaced by a dominating flame which threatened to burn the world down.
And so, he gave off a last scream before calling upon his fate. Causing the surrounding orange powder made from whitered leafs to sprinkle up into the air and curl around his body.
His ragged cape turned into full body suit of hide armour. Tied around his wide frame like the decayed rags of a mummy. However, unlike the weak bandage of those undead, his equipment containt an unrivaled shine and majestly.
And as it finished forming, the ashy remains of the once livley vegetation flew towards his hand. Amassing into a single point and then turning into a jagged hardwood spear. Dripping with the highest aura of a hunting emperor.
"Come forth, my children. Follow my lead! Come see me hunt this creature of greed!"
His last cry shook the very realm it self. Resonating into it's structure like the radiation left behind from a nuclear blast.
And to his call, the deer corpse started to tremble. For from within the darkness of its body, one would be able to spot an army, nay, a legion of what looked like mad hounds. All exerting an aura of obedience and a thirst for battle.
.....
