Intermission: The mind of a Moster

The last image it saw, was the despicable youth that defeated it.

The last thought it had was on its very defeat.

Normally it could easily destroy him, but in this case, that wasn't possible.

The reason for that infuriating lack of competence from Tenebrus, is thrice folded.

Firstly, it died once at the hand of the Undead.

Their fight was undoubtedly, equal on both sides. A bloody battle on both ends with the combatants truly giving their everything. Bones were broken to smitheries, read and black blood painted the vicinity in a morbid canvas of savagery, bodies riddled with multitude wounds of varying intensity- Tenebrus and Undead uniformly- as well as utterly exhausted.

However, only one would win and survive.

A momentary distraction- something born out of sheer frustration on her endurance, drove the monster to seek a decisive strike when the Undead gave an obvious opening in her defence. An element during their struggle to kill one another- so conspicuous and transparent, the most oblivious would be able to discern the trap set. Withal, one it would normally notice- should irritation by the copious blows exchanged, arrogance in a crumbling superiority and resentment for its imprisonment, not cloud its judgment...

The warrior achieved a slight advantage. Its own attempt to finish the battle ended in over-committing during a strike. An opportunity she didn't neglect.

Burning pain encompassed its body. White-hot searing agony engulfed its thoughts.

Coterminous the amber implosion, the magical bolt disorganized all his senses...

Abutting, it found its battered, absent chunks- laying feebly at the cold, crimson-inky floor.

Having its original core destroyed it didn't possess a chance to survive. After all, every monster is dependent on its cores to fundamentally exist. An indispensable instrument towards their continued permanence.

A detail, which most adventurers- those who have a good head over their shoulders anyway- adopt mercilessly. Of course, high-level monsters possess high enough endurance to survive sometimes, even after their core was destroyed. Possibly recuperate given the chance. Excluding tο mention the plethora of conservative measures to protect this supplementary item for their lingering and –most of the time- violent activity on Mortal Coil.

However, when the monumental battle concluded, it couldn't muster enough power to move, much less shielding itself. Thus, rendering the Undead able to deliver the killing blow.

As Death fogged its consciousness, it was furiously trying to find a way to survive!

Physical might had abandoned it, a skill- the very first trait the pool of Life gave the answer to the first successful embryo.

[Corruption] is truly an amazing and yet terrifying prospect for Tenebrus. A gateway for a much grander nature that it could had possibly envisioned.

Nevertheless, there is a rare chance of any skills in a monster's repertoire to either evolve, enhance or in rare cases change. More abilities on certain conditions, development towards intricates paths, a different niche and so on.

Maybe through an increase to their rank, another would be in the case of devoured aplenty monster cores- so the concentrated residue energy would try to find a method so it may be best utilized. As is the case of the monster status achieving a raise or an augmentation with their pre-set skills- even the possibility of a new skill be established!

Evolution, so those beasts can achieve better their purpose.

A natural phenomenon ingrained in each monster's essence.

Another, far more dangerous option- is for a monster to manually evolve one of its skills. A case which may only be achieved by desperate limits upon a beast that needs to survive through an extreme situation- subconsciously focusing all of its fervour for a way to endure the calling of Death and avert its fate. Obviously, there are many parameters- all of which lead towards immensely unfavourable statistics of the chance to succeed, were one to properly research the specific extraordinary survival "instinct". To find themselves in a particularly tough position, that in the desperation for survival an infinitesimal convenience "might" unlock a hidden ability of a prerequisite skill- is foolhardy at best.

It is easy to understand that in most cases, reaching a state whereas death awaits would lead to the demise of the monster. Few would be inane enough to provide hope for retaliation for enemies. The stronger the skill is along the more powerful the monster, do play a major role in whether a miracle may occur.

Desperation... can sometimes be quite the motivator.

And that is why [Corruption] is both awe-inspiring and terror-inducing.

At least in this World.

An odd statement, but one brimming with truth.

The abilities of the specific skill in a Virtual-World, of the likes of Yggdrasil would be as followed:

{The ability to create a territory. The spread of darkness detonates the specific domain, where the user acquires an increase in Physical Parameters-Attack, Physical Defense and Agility- while inducing a constant debuff to enemies' Hp. Passive skill.}

Naturally, the description sounds quite extraordinary and powerful. No genuine drawback exists.

Until... one takes into account a simple facet.

One plain resistance against the darkness could resist the "debuff", those very same dreadful effects. Light, Good, Holy, Divine skills and spells could cancel the area of effect, counterattacking the influence of the skill which would then need be reapplied.

For the user themselves to "unlock" [Corruption], they would have to acquire a certain Job Class as a Heteromorph Player or acquire a unique Racial class. A distinction that already possesses a weakness against holy and divine no matter the choice. Specifically [Good, Light and Holy Vulnerability V]. A weakness the skill shares, thus establishing a rather glaring flaw for any Player, Non-playable-character and Boss.

In fact, Mobs could own a varying similar ability- albeit more resourceful and applicable effects.

Essentially, it gets "demoted" to a type of gimmick- a skill that is pretty weak for someone who dreams of creating an ideal Avatar. After all, every average player may have many resistances to different attacks either by skills, equipment, racial immunities, spells, rings...

Most, even, maintain immunity to certain attacks under a power-"level"-threshold and some elements in themselves.

Naturally, a distinction for the World of Yggdrasil.

In another [World], for example, Danmachi, owning a particular resistance to elements is exceedingly rare. The only conventional resistance refers towards the development ability [Abnormal Resistance], which grants a defence in poisons that one has to cultivate from the beginning rank of I. One, which notably doesn't provide adequate protection against [Corruption]. As such, the Firstborn of Abyss logically holds one of the strongest and most useful or -depending on the person asked- broken abilities.

A fact greatly underlined by its very origin along with the true nature hidden behind Tenebrus creation.

On the verge of death, it tried everything. A will to live was paramount for the continuation of the plans of its glorious master!

The mere thought, that Tenebrus would be incapable- to fail the Mistress...

Horror seeded in the depths of its Mind at the mere possibility of neglecting the Master's order by unacceptable inadequacy!

Therefore, every fibre- every single drop of its very existence churned in unbribable rage at the Undead. The simmering power surged... its skill answered.

The body of Tenebrus, dispersed into dust. The hulking monstrosity lost its form- Ereta allowed a small smile of satisfaction. Her lips quirked upwards at the pleasant end, hiding the monumental pain her entire self was accosted.

Its consciousness, on the other hand, lived on.

At first, surprise overtook its mind. A conclusion due to the vivid memory of itself closing its many eyes, as a sense of weightlessness washed over all its senses.

Then confusion, on the specifics by-products its death brought. A smaller frame, tottering armour on its chest, its arms wore gauntlets instead of the bestial black claws. An impossibility. Almost as if-

Incongruity arrived by the time it understood the specifics denouement following the defeat at her hands. A small influx of memories where he(?) lost against the d*mnable cur.

The nearest organism, one who had amassed the greatest amount of [Corruption]. Its despised captor... the mad berserker whose only purpose was protecting the entrance to Tenebrus' seal- acting as a sentinel out of his desire to fulfil a promise.

For the Undead to kill Tenebrus, defeating the knight was obligatory.

As such, the beast itself was able to take control of a new, lifeless body. A puppet without strings- one... sufficient enough to exact delightful revenge by the last vestiges, of power it housed.

A small ambush, one trap the instant she tried to leave- Ereta seeking aid with no manner to heal her injuries, the beast ambushed the unsuspecting and exhausted Undead under the guise of a Mortal, killing her.

Though there lies the first problem. While it took control of a new body, it lacked any intricate control over it. After all, originally its form was that of a huge beast. Expecting to be in perfect control over its new werewolf vessel would be outrageous. Of course the fact the body belonged to a Beast-Human, indicating a Demi-Human with acute senses did provide a better basis to properly coordinate faster. The saving grace remained on small parts, memories, which aided in regaining a semblance of control to properly ambush its most hated enemy. A tactic from the past, when all it amounted was a decrepit shade.

So someone who understands the new ability of its skill, might question how Tenebrus can truly be defeated?

Above all, the Firstborn in of itself could-theoretically- take control of a new vessel the second someone deals a critical blow to its current vessel.

However, there is an important factor that prevents such a thing from recurring. The new ability possesses restrictions as befitting the benefit it provides. One of those limitations is time.

Tenebrus can only use the ability only after one year has passed on its last activation. Additionally, for the skill's feature to be activated, a requirement states that the user has to be at the same level when he first acquired said adroitness.

In this case, the distinction would entail level 7. Normally a transient problem, if not for the existence of the last restriction.

The moment it takes over a new organism, the organism must be dead, and its level descends to the very start-Level one.

That is why it is required to eat monster cores, in order to regain a semblance of its former strength- ideally the power its Mistress bestowed. The core of the Ogre was used as a new core to elevate the vessel to the potential of a level 3, a similar status of the Ogre.

Naturally, that process is unheard of, but as a loyal servant to the City Destroyer herself, it is only natural for itself to partake in such partly tricks.

Its exalted master was the mastermind behind the Fall. Her plan lead the Goddess Xahi to be removed. By killing a God, the central figure of most Familia, disorder naturally ensures. However, the act of slaying a Deity remains one of the more severe crimes imaginable, with the due grievous consequence for the criminal.

Traditionally, a Mortal can only harm the physical vessel of a deity, which is just as frail as the races of Eden. However, their soul will ascend to Heaven in which case the, Gods will reform once more, after much time-ay least a century. Hence they will be able to descent once again. Obviously, any God befit of such position will most likely remember their murderer- or describe the circumstances before their impromptu ascension and through communion with the other Gods, the perpetrator will be found and critically punished. Even in their weakened slumber, with assistance by an appropriate Kin, an answer will be given through an oracle to their fellow Immortals in Eden.

The master orchestrated everything. Sending a capable assassin from the organization Evilus. Though he was accidentally captured in the process, the damage had been done.

The perpetrator was to be taken to Orario so he may be judged by the divine council. An assembly compromised by Gods.

In the interim Tenebrus was free to act unobstructed.

Naturally, a powerful start is commanded since the mission was provided by the Mistress!

How could Tenebrus provide anything less than the very best its nature craved?

Thus a City ceased to exist the following by fortnight, as the assassin was already escorted by a furious Captain along a significant portion of both Gods and Adventurers to be properly dealt with.

The procedure did lead to the death of the murderer and the blame went to a minor unscrupulous Familia.

Simultaneously the city fell to ruins.

Nobody was remotely able to stop the onslaught.

Families culled to their last progeny.

The miasma spread towards every single corner, latching unto any resident, every animal transformed. A metamorphosis that erode their very nature.

[Corruption], this august Ability the small shade earned when it arose from the Womb, earned through the boundless benevolence of the Dreaded Lady... disseminated.

The reason Tenebrus was forced into hiding was painfully simple to admit. Yet an admission any foolhardy brethren of its would be remiss to make. There was no true chance to escape safely.

Its life belongs to the Mistress, not to compatriots of the foolish Mortals, especially not the ilk of the d*mnable Undead!

A hard choice, but one, later events affirmed the Monster of its choice.

Different parties visited the city in order to confirm the situation for the cursed City and the sudden accord- a veil that enveloped Thorolund.

An odd lull lacking in any form of genuine justification for the sudden shift. A concern far more important in lieu of Ereta's manner of disappearance coerced a rapid response by the Order in search of anything that might shed some light.

Its master didn't visit Herself, because she awaits its glorious return!

How could Tenebrus dare call itself a servant- consider itself qualifying towards such a position?!?!

In what scenario does the Hunting dog, bread and outfitted by a Master's magnitude, dare ask more?!?!

However... the cycles passed.

Each light and dark, Tenebrus lingered.

The past, a grim reminder of shameful inadequacy to properly...

Properly...

Properly-

'Eliminate the Foreign Elements so may the Autochtonous prosper'

'Be a weapon to cull the estranged', vestiges of the last voice silenced any directive. Another origin violated by the wide smile.

finally got the chance to kill an Ogre, Tenebrus was elated. Finally, a chance!

However much weaker the Monster was. its power would help protect itself unless a powerful insect appeared. [Corruption] is still in his arsenal and while not possessing its full ability, no one can content against its ability without an Artifact of a God protecting them. Those are not only rare, but Gods wouldn't just give them out. They were objects tied to their nature! By giving them, they elevate the status of the wielder to their equal.

Suffice to say, Tenebrus did not really believe that such a person would appear here of all places.

Reality laughed at the poor servant.

How could it know that the situation was even worse...

Amongst the Artifacts a God may provide, most could feel the distinct sensation of divinity emanating from the object.

A silver-haired youth who was a powerful magic caster. A frustrating fighter, albeit one very conceited. Not something unusual. If Tenebrus held its previous power another faceless Adventurer that will be killed.

Yet he was also able to use divinity...

Gods usually do not perform strenuous activities. That said Gods, among other things, have to "answer the calling of their domains".

Specifically, a Deity of smithing has an instinctual need to forge, a Goddess of beauty to show her radiance, a Deity of war to wage conflict.

If Tenebrus itself could utilize a divine authority regarding darkness or corruption the result would vastly differ.

However "prideful"(read arrogant) it is, understanding the futility of desiring the use of a divine Authority/Divinity is easy.

Yet the worm did it...

Quite easily at that just so to rub the surprise even more...

At first, terror assaulted its sense at the idea of fighting against a god. But that was only for a moment. Gods rarely hold the greatest levels of endurance in their Mortal shells. Nevertheless, by killing a God who not only has seen its form would be not the best of circumstances, an accident did occur.

It ...has already mentioned its master.

The repercussions would be... unpleasant. Its master will punish it severely, the moment-not when- she finds out and the whole world will come after it. Additionally by running away it will only delay the inevitable.

On the other hand, is there another option? Tenebrus would be remiss to try and impose a Vow to the white-haired God. Which of course is pointless, seeing as a god can unleash his/her Arcanum, unleashing the full force of their divinity, which would lead to its death unquestionably, before the God was forced to go back to heaven.

Again, Tenebrus would undoubtedly die.... forgotten once more in the depths of Eden.

A hopeless situation unfolds whereas the monster is damned no matter the path it decides.

All due to a bloody coincidence.

Well, far be from the former Shade to spit on the face of Providence.

Falling is certain?

Why not have some company to its descend?

Should he need some persuasion, even better.

That is the sole reasoning to its current form. Tenebrus is undoubtedly on its last legs, in order to erase the annoying confidence of an adversary who so maliciously dealt the Firstborn of Abyss on the lowest point of its existence.

By focusing on its magic core, power was drawn.

[Corruption] gathered, a vocal point- one nucleus to unleash everything for a short moment.

Absolutely less than a cycle- the pain still remains excruciating but most importantly emptiness prevails.

Whether the phenomenon is a result of anger? The culmination of resentment present since its ascension finally erupting- subsequently eating away the last vestiges of reason?

Maybe [Corruption], the crowning treasure of Tenebrus life, was pressured into accomplishing an unreasonable goal beyond the skill's capacity?

Or-

Probably the latter.

Especially with the ever-present connection between them breaking.

Yet, the violated Love turned Hate long before the laughing mask took hold- forever altering such emotions to eternal Gratitude so long to draws breath, bore cracks- clear signs of rapid deterioration judging from the rapid increase in their numbers.

...So be it.

Let a final one fall before Tenebrus, Firtborne of the Abyss, loyal to the Mistress.

Thus, Fate fickle and unknown, lead a descendant of the Tenth Demon to follow his long processor path.

To kill until its last breath.