The Legacy (1)

The Golden Mansion they entered is incredible, entirely constructed from pure gold. It stands proudly on a vast piece of land, radiating a dazzling glow under both the sun and moonlight. Adorned with intricate carvings and statues, the grand doors gleam with a lustrous golden hue. Stepping inside, one is greeted by a sight of opulence as everything, from the walls to the floors and even the furniture, is adorned in gold.

Rasoul couldn't help but be completely mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty that lay before his eyes. As he entered the grand Mansion, he was met with a sight that sent shivers down his spine - 27 individuals standing tall, emanating an intimidating aura. However, a quick glimpse at their faces revealed a sense of happiness, as if they had accomplished their ultimate goal and could now find solace. Without hesitation, they took a seat, ready to finally unwind.

"Hey everyone, we've been eagerly waiting for you to join us. The person who seemed to be in charge Spoke breaking the silence.

I'm Sir Ballad Simon, the leader of this ragtag group of generals who once fought alongside the legendary general Nino, also known as the Deity of War. We call ourselves the 27 Dark Generals.

"By the way, congratulations on completing all the trials.

"Thanks, but can you tell us why we're here and, more importantly, where exactly is this place? We were supposed to receive the legacy after completing the trial and be teleported outside, but we're still stuck here with no legacy. It's confusing... Rasoul said, his face devoid of any emotion but panicking inside like a baby.

He was aware that they had the power to destroy them completely, but after enduring a living nightmare throughout the trial, all he desired was to break free from here and return to the outside world.

"Sabrat, your brother is way too tense. You should tell him to chill out a little because we have no intention of causing him harm. Remember, you guys are the champions of our Master's legacy," Zayd said to Sabrat, noticing that Rasoul seemed uneasy in their presence.

Zayd, a slim but strong young man with jet-black hair and piercing black eyes, had a tattoo of daggers on one side of his face. He seemed quite cheerful as he continued to munch on some apples.

"I'm good. I just wanted to grasp a bit of what's happening, that's all... Rasoul responded right away, attempting to appear confident.

"I believe you know to whom this tomb belongs and why it's here in the mortal world." Sir Ballad posed a question to Rasoul,

"All I know is that this tomb belongs to the infamous Deity of War, and people come here to look for treasures" Rasoul answered him.

"Indeed, it is both correct and wrong. While this tomb may seem like a treasure trove to some, it holds far greater significance. Venera is adorned with numerous tombs, scattered across its expanse. These tombs serve as a testament to the once mighty beings who have either ascended or passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy. These legacies are commonly referred to as tombs. Once the older generation departs, the younger generation is granted access to these tombs, where they can acquire not only treasures but also wisdom and knowledge. However, this particular tomb stands apart from the rest, as it possesses a uniqueness that sets it apart.

"One hundred thousand years ago, before Nino ascended and became the Deity of War, he engaged in numerous battles and acquired numerous powerful artifacts in the process. He was an affluent man, and many admired him. Initially an easygoing guy, but everything changed when he obtained something immeasurable in value.

Tell me, what do you know about the place called Artifex Sanctum?" Sir Ballad inquired.

"Sorry to disappoint, but I have no idea where that place is. Today marks my first time hearing that name," Rasoul replied with a solemn expression.

"I don't blame you; after all, you're from the Human Empire. Artifex Sanctum is a realm, more precisely, a pocket dimension that exists at the nexus of the Void Realm. It used to be a workshop for a passionate and legendary craftsman named Zephyrion Shadowforge, rumored to be stronger than even a celestial. His love for his work was so profound that when he passed away, the universe transformed him into a small world.

His core fused with his workshop, turning it into a pocket dimension with a singular purpose: the creation of artifacts. Even in death, his legacy endured. However, it's not a place to be taken lightly, as many dangers lurk in the shadows, ready to devour those who venture in.

When discovered by cultivators from both this world and beyond, many brave and daring individuals ventured into the pocket dimension with the mindset of acquiring precious artifacts. Many died, but many also returned with powerful artifacts.

As more people joined in, the trend persisted for many years, with each explorer bringing back remarkable treasures. This continued for centuries until one day, a being emerged from the depths of that pocket dimension with a singular message: 'The one who can defeat me will obtain the infamous 'OmniWorld' Divine Artifact."

"What is that?" Lara couldn't help but ask.

"It was said that during Zephyrion Shadowforge's time, he desired to create an artifact capable of housing all known energies in the universe." Sir Ballad paused for a moment and then asked, "I hope you all are aware that there are energies out there more potent than mana. You even utilized the strongest of them all during your battle with the Sage Beast," Sir Ballad remarked, focusing his attention on Rasoul. He was undeniably impressed with Rasoul's feat.

He then continued, "Having access to such an artifact will not only accelerate the time you spend cultivating such energies but also expedite your study of other laws of nature. Beyond the Seven Elements, there are other elements of creation. Those who managed to study said laws can use them to their advantage, just like you used the other elements. You will understand more about these laws as you progress through Cultivation Realms."

"As I mentioned, this OmniWorld is exceptionally precious. When it was discovered, numerous adventurers embarked on quests to challenge the entity within, but all met failure. Even stronger cultivators spent years exerting their might against it, yet none could defeat the entity—none until Nino issued his challenge. Despite never venturing into Artifex Sanctum before, Nino's interest was piqued by the allure of OmniWorld and the challenge.

During the confrontation, Nino and the entity engaged in a nonstop battle that lasted for 676 days. The intensity drew entities from far and wide to spectate, with rumors even suggesting that the God of War himself observed the clash. After 675 days of relentless combat, Nino emerged victorious. However, winning the Divine Artifact marked the beginning of his problems. Out of greed, many sought to take it from him. For years, he fought to protect this divine artifact, and 27 of us stood by him throughout those years of struggle.

With no end in sight to the constant onslaught, Nino sought refuge in the Human Empire, allying with the protector of that era. This protector possessed a unique class that could shield anyone and anything from discovery. During his time in the human world, Nino felt the call to Deityhood. Unfortunately, he couldn't take the OmniWorld with him, and leaving it behind would mean the world would be ownerless, eventually leading to its cessation. Thus, he made the only logical choice: he created a Legacy World and used the OmniWorld as the ultimate prize."

"But, since the artifact can't survive without a power source, the 27 of us volunteered to offer our life force as the source until someone worthy comes to inherit the legacy. For thousands of years, we fulfilled this duty until a few months ago when you three managed to pass the test."

Rasoul and his companions' hearts quickened upon learning the prize for the legacy they had endured so much for. What Sir Ballad said was true—they were about to inherit something for which even Gods and Goddesses would kill. Many deities came into being primarily due to their extensive knowledge of the elements: the God of Time, the God of Fire, and the Goddess of Ice.

Rasoul understood that obtaining this artifact would invite trouble from every corner of the universe. Yet, he also knew that if he acquired the artifact, both his future cultivation and that of his companions would progress more smoothly.

"If you're thinking what I'm thinking, then yes, many will seek this artifact once they know you have it, and believe me, they'll know. But should you persevere and hold onto it, your future cultivations will be a hundred times easier and smoother," Sir Ballad said with a slight smile on his face.

"So, does that mean you will all die the moment the artifact registers a new master?" Sabrat couldn't help but ask as he gazed at his new friend Zayd.

With a smile, Zayd replied to his friend, "Yes, Sabrat buddy. We're only alive because we're linked to the artifact. The moment it registers a new master, it won't need us anymore. We've lived long enough; it's time to move on."

"Isn't there a way to still live on after severing your ties with the artifact?" Sabrat asked again, clearly not wanting his newest and only friend to die.

"There is not; we are only alive thanks to the artifact, and it also exists thanks to our existence. Somehow, it continues to sustain itself as we also contribute our life force. Under normal circumstances, the 27 of us should have been dead a long time ago. Don't be sad, buddy; we've lived our lives to the fullest. It's your turn to live now," Zayd reassured him, emphasizing that there was no other way around their fate.

"With that cleared now, prepare to receive your reward for winning the ultimate trial of Nino, aka Deity of War," Sir Ballad said as he extended his hand, and a disk-shaped object appeared.