'Damn...'
With nothing else on his mind, he looked to what had changed in the short period of the battle.
Name: Aldric.
True Name: F̴i̷r̴s̴t̵-̴C̴l̴a̶s̶s̴ ̶S̸i̴n̴g̵u̴l̶a̸r̶i̷t̶y̵
Rank: A̸w̵a̶k̴e̷n̸e̷d̸.
Dark Core: [3/7]
Class: Demon.
Dark Sprites:[1552/3000]
Memories:[Unwavering Spark][Cragborne Armor][Malice Of The Deep][Cavedweller Garms][Water Basin][Charm Of Balance][Silk Robes][Silk Pouch][Warding Eye][Stone Coffer][Key of Beholding][All-Seeing Eye][Mantle Of The Underworld][Cursed Mirror][Dark Wing][Red Spider Lily][Sundered Sorrow][Dark Sea's Covenant]...[Cool Edge][Essence Pearl][Wrath Carver][Maledictive Crucible]...
Attributes: [Insight][Tranquil Core][Null][Tenebrous Rule][Child of Nether] [M̷̥͑͐a̶̺͘r̴͇̟͑͠k̷̞͐ ̸͍̊̋o̷̪̝̿f̴͉̈́̐ ̵̳̀ţ̸̖͒̃h̵̺͈͐e̸̺̩͛̆ ̶̠̙̂̎V̵̗̑̚õ̶̦̉į̵̨̊̚ď̴̢̖͗]
Aspect:[Made In Abyss]
Aspect Rank: Divine.
Innate Ability: [Chalice Of Requiem]
Aspect Abilities:[Dark Well, Dire Ordinance]
Aspect Legacy:[Path Of The Unbound]
Flaw:[Tarnished Soul]
???
Dream Anchor: [Sanctuary of Noctis]
The boundless increase in sprites first caught his attention. He had gained nearly five hundred from the creature. With how mysterious the true nature of the creature was, Aldric had no clue as to what made it give him so many.
But something else caught his eye. His missing attribute and a new one.
[Visionary] had disappeared and had been seemingly replaced with a new attribute.
[Child of Nether].
It was a strange feeling, as the passive effects of [Visionary] could still be felt or even slightly improved, yet it was not there. Peering at his new attribute, he read.
Attribute: [Child of Nether]
Attribute Description: [Nether's defiance was not as elusive as his eldest sibling. Creating a legacy, creating a race – that was his vision. And he succeeded where his siblings had failed.
You are the last of a dead race. Will you follow the waning trail of your father, or will you carve out your own path?]
'Is that what I think it is?'
Aldric thought with utter shock.
It was one thing to have been sent within the body of a Stone Saint; however, it would only be a matter of time until he would return to his own body. Aldric had no thought of adopting the durability, physiology and abilities of a child of Nether for his own. But with this attribute, anything he gained would also apply to his human form.
And that was not all.
"This is it. This is what it was meant to be."
Aldric had previously dissected and analysed Nether and all of his creations. The [Tesseract]: a legacy-seeking device that always seemed lacking to him. But he had theorised that he was simply the wrong recipient of Nether's 'Magnum Opus'. For a true Stone Saint, it would likely offer exponentially more rewards and boons. And now that he was one, it did not disappoint.
But that was not all. Like any attribute, it would have the chance to evolve. While legacy attributes like [The Fire] or the many weaves that Sunny collected were not seen to be capable of evolving, something was telling Aldric that this was different.
As he would climb the path of ascension, the attribute would evolve. Just as the Stone Saint would have done before corruption appeared as noble creatures.
'Either it evolves, or the effects get stronger as I ascend. We will have to see.'
As for the [Visionary], Aldric could only assume that it had been assimilated within the new attribute.
With measured breaths and endorphins still wreaking havoc on his system, he continued to study his runes.
'Where the hell is the [Tesseract], and what is that key?'
In a flash of essence, a familiar key formed in his hand. The key to the realm that he had dubbed the 'Aether'.
'So the [Tesseract] was what had been destroyed. After giving me the piece of Nether's domain, it had finally reached its end.'
And it made sense to Aldric. He had first noticed the fraying and damage to the artefact when it had absorbed the corpse of the [Underworld's Torment]. In order to bestow [Visionary], he could already see broken runes and dead spots along the surface of it. But now, especially with the scale of what it had given him, it had no choice but to revert to its key form. The [Tesseract] was now forever lost.
It was likely his change into a true child of Nether that caused the [Tesseract] to bestow upon him a piece of the domain. And Aldric knew where it had originated from: the black feather left behind in the Ebony Tower.
'Well, I guess it was a matter of time. I'm grateful for everything.'
He gave the divine artefact a final goodbye.
Now, it was time to see the final thing that he had gained.
[Possibility of Nether's Domain]
Description: [The Daemon's were not born divine. Appearing in the realms, each of them had found their own path to become a divine being. With -unknown- first and Nether last.
And amongst those seven, his domain was something special.]
Before any thoughts or analysis came to his mind, he noticed it.
A dull, muted light that made up the words of the domain. To prove what he thought, he willed to summon it, and it changed nothing.
'It's inactive. Maybe there is a condition to use it or a criterion to meet. I don't know.'
The only physical domain that he remembered being used was Sevras using a piece of Shadow's domain. With how omnipotent it had seemed with the way that it drowned the night sky in utter darkness, it made him wonder just how powerful this one would be.
'Is it even a physical domain? It could be something metaphysical or conceptual. I'll subtly probe Alana for some information when I return.'
Standing up, Aldric started his journey back to the Night Temple. There was no value in him visiting the village that he preemptively saved if they did not know of it. With the stress of the battle gone, he slowly got into the flow of walking. It was time to finally think about something that he had been putting off.
Cassie.
What a weird night that had been. With her expressing her desires so rawly.
A large part of Aldric simply did not believe the young woman. After her attempted manipulation in the Bright Castle, where she had tried to play as the damsel in distress, he could never see her the same.
Having somebody interested in him romantically did not change how Aldric felt about the situation. With his fame in the waking world as the 'Singularity' from the Forgotten Shore, second only to Nephis in popularity, he was not lacking in female attention.
Besides, part of him was wondering just how far she would go to stay by his side.
'It's pretty simple. She can chase all she wants, and we'll see what comes of it.'
And with that, her place in his life had been cemented.
From an outside perspective, it was surprising to not see the young man shocked. Having likely become the first Awakened to receive a fragment of a domain, especially from a Daemon, as well as acquiring the physiology of the last Daemon's children. It was an achievement of tremendous scale. The likes that were never seen before.
And it would be a while before this truly sank into Aldric's mind.
STEP
STEP
STEP
His figure hid within the maze of trees as he walked away.
---
KNOCK
KNOCK
Knocking on a massive gate, Aldric was at the entrance to the Night Temple's inner sanctum.
CREAK
A younger than usual maiden had opened the gate. With the usual blindfold covering her eyes, she gestured for him to enter silently.
Walking in the familiar room of darkness, the only source of light was the occasional glimmer of the mirror-like glass at the roof of the temple. Scattering and reflecting the ephemeral light that entered through the small gaps of the walls. But now it was nighttime, so darkness was the only thing that met them.
"Well done, Singularity. You have succeeded where thousands would have failed. Where I would have failed. So I congratulate you."
Alana spoke in a kind and soft tone. A noticeable shift in her usually lazy and calm voice. And that was not the only thing that was different.
"There will be a feast in your name tonight. For saving the lives of an entire village and those surrounding it. It will begin soon, so ready yourself. The Nightglade are not one to have a relaxing party."
Taking the comment as a dismissal, Aldric readied to leave. He wanted a short rest before any idea of a party cemented in his mind. Just as he began to turn, she spoke.
"Come back here past midnight when the celebrations end. We have much to discuss."
With a nod of his head, he continued to the cathedral-like doors and left.
---
"My sister did not have the best things to say about him, but his strength and will could not be refuted. By his lonesome, he traversed the mountain glade. Defeating a creature of mist in single combat while returning with not even a scratch on his form. A true hallmark of a hunter. To the Singularity!"
Everyone looked towards the figure dressed in silky black clothes. Flowy hair of darkness rusted at the slightest wind. Even when relaxed, small red embers of flames could be seen in the pits of his eyes.
Shouts of praise and admiration came out of the crowd toward the unique being. Beside him. A blind maiden sat watching the moment.
"We will march within a week towards the battle that will determine the fate of our kingdom. Long have we sat in the madness of the other chain lords. Those warmongering zealots and the mad subjects of the dragon. I say it has been long enough! By the Goddess' guidance, we will march and we will conquer. Praise to the Storm!"
"PRAISE THE STORM!"
"PRAISE THE STORM!"
"PRAISE THE STORM!"
The enormous crowd responded. Numbering in the hundreds, the mix of mundane and awakened that would join the march shouted in unison. And with that, the celebration began.
A massive opening of flat land was the grounds of an enormous celebration. Hundreds of people surrounded an enormous bonfire as it lit up the space, with small bonfires surrounding it.
With soft music playing in the background, everybody ate and drank. Trading conversation and stories between each other. The energy and happiness were at a massive peak, but most knew. That this was the prelude to war. Yet that did not take away from the moment. Friends danced, rivals sang, people laughed, and they had fun.
Sitting beside Cassie, Aldric welcomed anyone that came to him. Retelling stories of his recent battle while getting to know the many soldiers that he would be fighting beside. It was a lovely night that reminded him of his first nightmare. Embracing the soft memories of the hunting group that taught him so much.
Thorne, the ever-reliable leader. The person that taught him many of the principles that he adopted to this day: his first mentor.
Akel, the goliath with a heart of gold. Always willing to bear the brunt of any attack for his fellow hunters.
Leri, the calming androgynous hunter who would always welcome a late-night talk about whatever was on his mind. Giving him advice and a different perspective on life.
Eli, the short pygmy. Always cautious and observant, he had taught Aldric a lot about the world and the gods. Though, Aldric had not seen him since before the battle against the parasitic worm.
Aldric had a feeling that he found his way out of the cavern, but that was neither here nor there.
Looking towards Cassie, it seemed that all of the fire had left her. Leaving her with a simmering heat. Happy to just stay by his side, she did not voice anything special or outlandish. And Aldric liked it that way.
Dancing and drinking with everybody, Laplace, the leader of the Nightglade, even convinced her twin sister Lapis, the head maiden that trained Aldric, to share a dance with him. It was a funny sight with how reluctant she looked, but it seemed that his hunt had gained him a measure of respect from the stoic lady.
Even Alana had made a short appearance, saying a few sparse words, but their effect was tremendous. It truly was a special occasion if the lady made an appearance.
Shrugging off the occasional advance or the perpetual drink, Aldric found himself near the outside bonfires. Outside of the centre of the celebration, he sat down and spoke to those around him.
As the party finally began to die down, Aldric made his way back towards the main temple.
And Alana was there alone. But this time, she was dressed differently.
She was dressed like a true saint. A long willowy dress of stark white flowed down her throne as she sat upright. With her hair immaculately cared for. Pins and clips partitioned her hair into a beautiful style.
'White... What an odd choice.'
He knew just how much the maidens valued the black with their connection to the Storm God. With darkness as one of her authorities, it made sense that her acolytes would reflect that in every way that they could.
Standing up from her throne, she walked backwards deeper into the sanctum.
"Follow me."
Following her, they were now in her private chambers. A simple room with an enormous and luxurious bed sat in the middle. At the foot of the bed was a large table and a couch-like piece of furniture.
Gesturing him to sit on the couch, she sat down at the foot of her bed.
And they talked into the night.
---
"So will you fulfil my request?"
Alana spoke out.
They were now back in the cathedral. On her knees in front of the statue of her God, she looked like a sacrifice whose white dress symbolised her innocence. Behind her stood Aldric, with a harrowing item in his hand.
An ivory knife.
***
Thanks for reading.
Holy, did anyone read 2410? I swear to God, these lore drops keep me sane. What a chapter.
Angel_Of_Damnation: I like the way you are thinking.
Till the next one.