Chapter 100: The Ruins of the Past
Noxx... Noxx.
An ancient legend, almost dead. That survives behind deteriorated door frames, accompanied by good music and alcohol to drink.
A myth that belongs to antiquity, like a song that survives the changes of eras, the primordial night. The embrace of the unknown and the deepest mystery.
The venerable Noxx, a creature that should no longer exist, but that persisted with the longing to become the Primordial Night once again.
***
A gust of wind gently caressed the fertile field, causing waves over the wild undergrowth.
He slowly began to open his eyes, doubting his state. Had he died and chatted with one of the lesser spirits linked to death?
Everything was so strange and confusing, from the fact that he did not remember having participated in the last challenge, despite having been one of the final victorious ones.
But that was not his main concern. Carefully he began to stand up, avoiding making noise. He was surrounded by the rest of the participants who had become "The Chosen."
"Abyss, Abyss, wake up, damn it," he murmured next to the unconscious body of his comrade. His eyes scanned the others.
He had not been the only fortunate one to awaken quickly, being accompanied by the remaining ones who also awoke from their unconsciousness.
He did not know when, but Abyss had opened his eyes. Cautiously he observed the few remaining. Even so, each one was dangerously capable.
None had obtained their opportunities through luck.
There was an individual practically naked, who belonged to the forces of the Fallen of Prometheus. And another irascible monk of the Church of Rhodes.
They were the only two survivors of the orthodox forces in Bérsaic. The others were practically unknown faces that had emerged as dark horses, extremely competent and little known.
Soon they began to resent each other, cautiously distancing themselves to their own safe positions. But an imposing voice arose and managed to break all their expectations.
"You have all become messengers. Outside you may have your own decisions and conflicts, but you cannot fight in front of your temple." It sounded incongruous, as if it came from another space.
It comes from the ruin. What is this kind of power? Nothing should be so strong at this point, he thought with complexity. In front of them the ruin remained static and unchanged.
But each one of them recognized the deep changes that the ruin had meant. It was an extremely dangerous land with its own opportunities.
"Withdraw slowly, Jester," said Abyss with a deep voice. His eyes had never abandoned the possible threats, scanning each of their movements.
Human nature was volatile. Despite the warnings, they could act driven by greed. Anyone could recognize the importance of the final rewards.
Apparently they had not been the only ones with the same idea. None desired to be robbed after their incessant efforts.
Each one acted with prudence, without anyone adopting an impulsive behavior. Soon all had disappeared, taking their own decisions.
Gabriel walked alongside Abyss. Both watched each other’s backs. At that moment they were like brothers in arms.
They had been the only ones who survived in the disastrous ruin and its slaughter. The rest of the men who made up the Black Beetle had ended up dying.
Their walk was silent, without either sharing any word. Their only objective was to return again to Bérsaic and report what had happened inside the ruin.
At that moment, Gabriel opened the personal interface of his system. He had notifications he had not seen due to the tension. His face ended up being illuminated by the light.
_____________
[YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE RUINS OF THE PAST]
You are part of a tiny statistic of players, who have successfully managed to overcome a global trial. This is the first great step toward your destiny. Keep striving and become a legend or a myth.
You have gained gold coins, experience, and a special reward.
[CLAIM REWARDS? YES OR NO]
_____________
He observed his surroundings carefully. There existed no impediment for him not to accept his rewards. There were no enemies and the journey promised to be long and boring.
With confidence, he thought of accepting and the option "YES" shone.
He felt how his body filled with energy, breaking numerous bottlenecks in an instant. His muscles felt more vigorous, resistant, and strong.
His statistics ascended in free flight, changing numbers rapidly. Until his levels stagnated at level 30.
Only through the rewards of the ruin had he jumped directly 6 levels. He began to understand why it meant his first step toward his destiny. It was a significant jump that practically situated him among the best players.
He immediately noticed how Abyss directed a strange gaze at him, which he wisely decided to ignore. He probably had hyper senses that had allowed him to notice the notable changes in his interior.
He fixed his attention on the rest of the rewards with greed, opening his mouth at the gold coins. It was a small ducal wealth. With which he would not need to eat industrial-flavored excrement again for a long time.
The special object was much more particular. A small completely dark key, without inscriptions or details. It was practically an object without information.
Suddenly, Abyss stopped. He made a small signal to Gabriel.
"We have already distanced ourselves enough. We need to return to Bérsaic as quickly as possible," he said with a hoarse voice, shaking his sleeve, until finally a small snake came out.
"Are you sure it can function as transport?" Gabriel asked. The snake was tiny in comparison to them.
The snake hissed at his mockery, as if it were an offense to its noble existence. It tapped with its tail and began to grow, gaining size rapidly until surpassing 5 meters in length.
With arrogance it made eye contact with Gabriel, as if challenging him. But before his icy eyes, a primitive fear resurfaced in its interior and it hid behind its master.
"Your pet has some great tricks," he murmured still astonished after observing the metamorphosis.
"It is a spiritual pet. Its specialty is transport," responded Abyss, giving instructions to the snake.
He sat on the reptile’s back and invited Gabriel, so that like him he would sit.
He did not lag behind, experiencing the hardened and scaly skin of the creature. When he finally took a seat, the snake trembled, as if it feared his presence.
"A spiritual pet must be quite expensive."
Abyss quickly ordered the creature to begin moving, responding:
"Before the adequate price, nothing is expensive. This type of beast for transport is not rare in the clandestine markets. You only need to convince a Tamer."
"Beast Tamer? I heard it is a quite rare and expensive profession."
"It never is if you have the adequate contacts," he said while caressing the snake’s back. His eyes remained static from the beginning. He had never forgotten the death of his comrades.
As a leader, it was a terrible trauma.
In that way the journey continued. Until the walls of Bérsaic it would be a long path.
A necessary journey, to check the state of their personal scars. Neither had ended totally free of wounds.