Final Cycle
paradise lost
As the acid-storm continued to rage on, the group of adventurers gradually thinned out. Eventually, all of the survivors were able to reach zone D, but without D’vangelline’s barrier, it was not much safer in the zones beyond. Amid the storm, several portals opened up, spitting out the few brave adventurers that shut down the dimensional rifts Titanius opened. It was only after the rifts were closed that the Grudge Tentacle lost its immunity to damage.
Before it could flatten everyone near D’vangelline, a massive ice spike that Astor conjured ripped the fleshy ground open and pierced the limb, stopping its movement. It writhed violently as though a rat caught in a trap, but ultimately failed to get away before the group finished it off. Astor was visibly running low on energy. He wiped his brows and breathed raggedly.
Once the commotion was over, Ivan called out to those who were able to close the rifts and offered them a simple “good job,” however, before he could say more, a message came from Juliette, the leader of the Brotherhood.
Ivan-boy, we got the portals to work. Supplies are coming through now, get ready to grab what you can, we can’t exactly deliver it right into your hand.
After he received the one good news that day, he immediately relayed it to the rest of the group.
Yoooo, the Brotherhood is sending energy potions through right now! If you need any, go and grab them, but don’t get eaten on the way though, we definitely don’t need that.
Moments later, tiny portals opened in random areas within zone D and began falling wherever the wind took them. Almost most of the potions were lost to the storm, the group managed to retrieve enough for their needs. Both D’vangelline and Astor were offered a few potions to restore their energy so they could continue fighting with the group.
Please do not lose hope, everyone. We can prevail as long as we stick together. Anyone who can support others, gather around me, I can no longer support the group as I had, but allow me to do one last thing for you.
The Queen went down on both of her knees as she retrieved an amulet from beneath her breastplate. Clasping both of her hands over the trinket, she whispered a prayer in a language that only those who had mastered White Magic would understand. She was beseeching Iedi, the goddess of light and restoration, for one final miracle.
Sweet and gentle goddess, Iedi, I hereby offer my family’s most treasured heirloom as a sacrifice for your grace! Embrace us with your light and guide us to victory.
Before the queen of falderen, a small teal orb materialized and the energy around it entered motion, spreading what appeared to be feather wings. It flew towards the knight and merged with her energy. Power surged within the Valkyrie in the form of an aura that enveloped everyone near the queen. Even for a the aid of a goddess, however, the power seemed to be lacking in one way or another. All around D’vangelline, those who possessed support magic felt a jolt running through their body. If they had opened their UI and glance at their statuses, they would have seen a buff called Iedi’s Blessing.
Backed into a tiny corner with nowhere left to run, the group could feel Titanius’ glee through the corrupted connection it shared with those who were deeply touched by dissonance. It was as though the ancient horror had broken free of its shackles, its flesh undulated with the joy of freedom, it lavished itself with the special sustenance that was the life force of players, its hunger sated for once in its entire existence—Titanius was elated.
All around the distorted interior, nothing beyond could handle the increasing power of the ancient dissonance. Its corrupted influence had torn space and time as though it was paper. Black spots appeared at erratic and random intervals. As it’s power steadily increased, the world around the group grew dark. The heavy distortion and tearing of reality continued until it stopped. Within the blink of an eye, all sounds drowned out, it was so quiet that one could hear their own heart beating. As though the theatrics had been torn down all at once, there was no more wind, no more storm, no acid, no flesh, no Titanius, nothing.
In this place of darkness and silence, everyone was food, helpless, weary, and desperate sustenance for the Master.
Here, neither morals nor dissonance mattered. Here, nothing but instincts mattered in the blackness. A few of the group attempted to use magic to light up the dark. But, whether through magic, fire, or anything else they could think of, any attempt to create light was futile as the dark swallowed it all. Amid the dark, a fleshy sound slittering in the dark heralded their end.
Up until now, the ancient dissonance has played with them, picking them apart and instilling them with utmost terror. They were simply flesh and dissonance was the marinade. And despite all the wounds it suffered to reach this magnificent stage, Titanius savored every moment of its long awaited feast. Now, playtime was over and it was time to eat.
With the group managing to create a tiny bit of light, panic ensued as they clamored in the dark, a few authoritative figures attempted to calm the group. Astor held back, knowing he had betrayed their trust and as such had to redeem himself.
I am deeply ashamed that I, of all people, was turned by this vile monster. But, D’vangelline is right, we can’t falter now. If there is anyone who is willing to keep fighting, step up. I will use the last of my energy to help you.
Afterward, Astor focused most of his remaining energy imbuing the last of the survivors with Frostfire Fury, a spell that coated all of their weapons with blue flames that felt deathly cold to the touch. The light produced by the Frostfire was only enough to reveal a few feet ahead of them.
The first brave soul decided to run into complete darkness. He disappeared. Most likely whisked away by a long and sinewy tentacle. Then, a group of people disappeared from the back, without a sound and a trace.
When Astor stepped forward, readying a fire spell, he lost his arm in an instance. Blood dripped and pooled onto the strangely flat ground, forming a viscous puddle. When he looked up, he saw nothing more but a vague black shape that moved in the back. Fighting through the intense pain with gritted teeth, he shouted out to the rest of the group.
Pick up your weapon and fight if you want to live!!!
