Elysium's Multiverse
Chapter 336

Chapter 336

Chapter 336

“Do you know why you were brought here?” Riven asked the two figures in front of him, one towering over him while the other stood at about his own height.

The skeletal, bloodstricken general’s red eyes flashed underneath his horned helmet, and he gave a slow nod. His voice came out crisp, almost frosty, like a loud whisper. “Yes. The better question is whether or not you will remain true to your path. Be it known that I am no slave, but I am willing to follow you to the end if you keep true to rekindling the lost facets of Blood.”

“Unquestioningly?”

General Caltan gave a curt nod. “My kind were made to serve the masters of blood. You are one such master, not lesser or greater than any other in the eyes of the pillar, and it is up to us officers of the blood legion to decide such things as allegiance between what options we have. You qualify with a 100% affinity, you are one such option, and you have already taken steps that directly oppose the great betrayer.”

Riven’s left eyebrow rose questioningly about the title of ‘great betrayer’ referring to the current Blood God, but the blood stricken undead in front of him shook his head when Riven gestured to continue.

“That is a very long story my lord, and one I do not wish to discuss at this time. If you would permit me a stay of words, I will discuss such histories with you in the future.” General Caltan lowered his head, and planted his mace head-first onto the ground. “Though if you insist, I will speak on it.”

Riven hesitated, then shrugged. “Very well. But tell me, do you believe you’re capable of serving me in the capacity Elysium summoned you here for?”

General Caltan didn’t hesitate in the slightest. “My lord, point me in the direction of your enemies and I will butcher them to the last. We of the awakened bloodstricken are ruthless machines bred for nothing but war, and I am amongst the best of my kin. I will not disappoint, should you choose to accept me into your flock.”

Riven, satisfied, turned to the beast next.

The drake’s bloody spines extended to greater lengths along the base of its neck when it saw it had Riven’s attention, as if stretching. It then extended its wings to either side in a gust of wind and puffed out its chest, rearing up on its hind legs to show off its magnificent form before the large beast gave his own reply in a much deeper, and very masculine tone. “I too am aware of what purpose I now serve. If my new form pleases you, it is an honor to be given a second chance. Plucked from the grave from the sea of endless souls is something I’d never have deemed possible. I will hold true to the pact so long as you help me grow alongside you, and I beg of you to allow me this chance.”

No one else seemed to have anything to say, letting Riven do all the talking for the group despite him pausing to let anyone put in a word should they have an opinion.

“Elemental Blood Drake of the Descent…” Riven repeated aloud while reading off the drake’s information screen. “We can’t call you that every time we need to address you. What’s your actual name?”

There was a pause. The drake seemed confused. “I do not have a name. Or more accurately, it’s been so long that I don’t remember what my name was.”

“Oh? How about Sanguine then. It means ‘blood red’ in my native language.”

“If that is what you wish to call me, then I will gladly accept it.”

Riven eventually gave them both a respectful nod, and smiled, while opening his arms in a gesture of acceptance. “Welcome to the club gentlemen. It’s nice to finally get some more guys around here, we were outnumbered.”

Azmoth chuckled in the background and Athela jabbed Riven in the side, causing him to flinch.

“Does this mean you accept them as adequate prizes for the points spent?” The phantom merchant asked curiously, floating over to where Riven stood. “Are you finalizing the purchase?”

Riven nodded, and the drake in particular let out an audible sigh of relief as its large predator’s muscles became visibly less tense. “I’ll take them both. If the descriptions provided by Elysium are anything to go by, I won’t be disappointed.”

The phantom merchant put on a wide smile, bowed, and Riven felt two more pentagrams slice themselves into his skin across his chest underneath his other demonic markings that’d already been obtained. Messenger opened up across his front to show his four demonic pentagrams, and now two more sigils that weren’t pentagrams - but were shaped into triangles with a drake depicted in one and a skeleton depicted in another.

[You have acquired 2 pet slots. Sanguine the Level 201 Elemental Blood Drake of the Descent, and General Caltan the level 207 Bloodstricken Undead General, have bound to these pet slots. Contractual agreements regarding dao treasures of blood for Sanguine, and the pursuit of the taboo fragments of the Blood Sub-Pillar for General Caltan, will be further detailed into their status pages.

• You are now able to summon these pets from their individual nether realms, but can still experience true death despite being bound to a nether realm. There is no XP share between master and pet like there is with demonic contracts, but unlike demonic contracts you are able to push or pull energy to one another through your pet contract’s link - such as mana, stamina, and divinity.

• Genua has gained Sanguine’s mark just as you have, and is able to summon Sanguine the drake at any time. Sanguine will treat Genua as an alternative secondary master to yourself.

• If General Caltan dies, you will lose access to any and all bloodstricken undead under his control.]

***

Kara watched nervously from the backline as Sanguine and General Caltan were welcomed into the flock. Either one of them was equivalent to or better than many of the other top delvers here in the descent, with only the outliers at the top like Riven and Hatchmire casting a shadow over such bonds. General Caltan seemed a bit stiff but was certainly interesting as he met Riven’s minions, and the drake was a beauty to behold. Majestic, even. S

She was happy for Genua, who was obviously excited to get her own flying mount even if it was technically Riven’s elemental drake, and smiled when the elf thrall got up on Sanguine’s back before being secured in place by the actively flowing outer layer of blood. Elysium’s reasoning was solid too, giving another one of Riven’s minions the ability of flight so she could keep up with the group.

But where did that leave Kara? Kara wasn’t able to fly.

It was obvious that Elysium hadn’t considered her at all when bringing these two pets to the light. Kara was no heaven’s chosen in the eyes of the system. A blood drake and an undead skeleton of that quality would tear her apart a thousand times over, even individually. She smiled down at the abyssal wolf puppy sleeping in her arms, and let her dark fingers flow over the silky smooth, black fur of the tiny creature. It was all she could afford after the token she’d bought, but despite it being weak right now - it was still hers. She’d earned it with her own points. She’d not even named it yet, and probably wouldn’t for a while until it developed a personality. In her culture, personality was important in naming pets - so she’d give it time.

Maybe she and her puppy were destined for a different path, even if she did want to keep up with the other absolute monsters in this group.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Pffft. Keep up? She wasn't even there now. More like catch up and THEN keep up, but that was a pipe dream at best. She’d survived only due to the kindness of those around her, and she was destined to follow them one way or another back to the world they called Panu. Why was she even going though? What use was she to them? Outside of Athela who seemed to be infatuated with her looks, Kara couldn’t really think of a reason why they’d want her around.

“Are you ok?” Fay’s familiar voice asked as the succubus touched Kara’s shoulder with two fingers. “You look distraught.”

Kara blinked and pulled her frown off her face as quick as she could, replacing it with a fake and flimsy grin as she came back to the world of the living. “Oh, I’m fine! Why do you ask?”

Fay truly was pretty. Kara was jealous, and couldn’t help but stare sometimes at the walking, talking pinnacle of beauty now standing in front of her. She’d heard that Athela and Fay had gotten into it a long time ago over Riven’s attention, and Kara honestly couldn’t blame Athela for feeling jealous or insecure about the blue-skinned babe donning a witch’s hat.

Fay, for her part, pretended not to notice Kara’s blatant staring and pulled Kara into a one-sided hug while leading the drow woman away from the rest of the group as extended introductions continued. Coming to stand twenty paces out with at least a small amount of privacy, Fay reached down to pet the sleeping puppy’s head.

“That’s a real cutie you’ve bought.” Fay giggled at the yawn the tiny creature made, and then turned around to face the party they’d distanced themselves from. “You must be proud to have gotten this far.”

Kara internally cringed, but kept the forced, polite smile nonetheless. “Proud isn’t the word I’d use for it, but happy would be an accurate description. I’m happy all of you helped me.”

“You helped us get here.”

Kara rolled her eyes and gave Fay a knowing looking, tapping her boot against the ground with one foot. “Hardly. Half of the last stretch I was stuck inside your dungeon realm for my own safety.”

Fay smirked, putting a finger to her lips as her long slender tail flipped about lazily behind her. “Mmmm. Yes, you did. That doesn’t detract from your own part prior to that though. You did what you could, and you weren’ the only one put inside. Genua was in there along with Iris, Lizard, Brute, Fish, and that prisoner we have. What was her name again? The one who tormented you?”

“Zafima.”

“Ah yes, Zafima. That was her name! She’s not taking to becoming a thrall very well, but she deserves every second of the agony she’d experiencing.” Fay winked, then hip-checked Kara right where the token was in Kara’s left pocket. “When are you going to ask Riven about that little gadget you bought? You were so excited to get it when we went out with just the girls.”

Kara stiffened. “I still haven’t decided on which path I want to take.”

“But both paths coincide with that cute little class of yours, don’t they?”

“They do.”

“Then just choose the one that fits best!” Fay said, flipping a long strand of silky white hair out of her face. “I honestly didn’t even know Elysium gave out classes like that. Truly interesting if you ask me.”

Kara whirled on Fay with a glare. “You promised you wouldn’t tell him.”

“And I’m not going to!” Fay cooed, pinching Kara’s cheeks like a mother would a child. “I don’t lie to my friends! But Athela and I did have quite a laugh at your expense over it!”

Kara swatted Fay’s hands away with a grumble and a huff. “I’m sure you did. If it were anyone else in any other situation, I’d laugh at them too.”

“Ah, don’t be like that! It’s adorable! We all think so! Genua was particularly enthusiastic if you do remember-”

“Let’s not talk about that please.” Kara said with a growl, absentmindedly stroking the puppy’s fur while Retesh the lich and General Caltan discussed which of them was a ‘better’ type of undead, much to the amusement of Riven and Athela. How that’d come up as a topic for conversation, Kara had no clue.

Fay remained quiet for a time, and eventually put on a pouting face while leaning into Kara with one elbow. “You think you’re being left behind.”

It was a statement of fact, not a question.

“Obviously.” Kara muttered under her breath, barely loud enough for Fay to hear. “I’ve only just now found a place that I belong, and am already struggling to remain. Genua even got a flying mount, but what am I supposed to do if I ever want to come along again on another one of your adventures?”

Fay frowned. “Do you really feel like it’s safe to accompany us into other places like this in the future?”

Kara nearly spluttered, and she felt a hot anger tint her dark cheeks a shade of burgundy-red. “I don’t want to be safe! I want to be where I’m supposed to be! Where I’m accepted!”

Fay blinked, and bobbed her head from side to side. “I get it. It wasn’t all that long ago that I was in your shoes.”

“How so?”

“I felt like I was holding the rest of the party back. I was the weakest link, I definitely was. I was pathetic, and there were millions of other demons just waiting for an opportunity to take my minion slot to serve Gluttony’s Reincarnation in my place. In fact, the Church of Gluttony almost recommended to Riven that I give up my slot entirely and become something of a housewife to him instead - so that he could gain someone more competent than me.”

Kara’s eyes bulged in disbelief. “But… But you’re an archdemon! You’ve been with him for a long time, right?! He wouldn’t allow you to be replaced, would he?”

Fay snickered and shook her head. “Probably not. But it’s true, I was on the chopping block so to speak. Thankfully I honed my skills to an acceptable level, barely passing that bar if I may add, so that Lillith and the rest of the church got off my case about keeping a slot.

Anyways, what I’m getting at is that if I could do it - so can you. Even if it takes you a long time to do so, it’s definitely possible. Talk to him if you ever get the courage to do it, tell him what your class is and see what it says. At bare minimum…”

Fay pointed yet again to the token in Kara’s pocket. “You should probably use that sooner rather than later. I’ll try to take you with us in my dungeon pocket realm, and perhaps it won’t work - but if it does, you’ll find yourself back on Panu in the middle of a war. Being a drow is fine, but it is still a mortal race. Even Genua has ascended into something greater than a high elf, because of the thrall ties she has to Riven that empower her. Before she became a thrall she had baseline skills in nature magics that could be called barely passing, if that. Upgrading your race to this degree is a rare thing indeed, and choosing which of those two is going to be a decision you live with the rest of your life. Think about it, and if you need any insight - talk to Riven. If Kathrine were here she’d be even better to speak to because she grew up a vampire, but unfortunately she’s not and you’ll have to deal with our resident half-baked vampire prince sex-muffin instead. He is rather loveable though, a million times better than the last warlock summoner I had.”

Fay innocently waved in Riven’s direction when he looked their way, and smiled deviously at Kara when he looked away. “So which one are you leaning towards? You don’t have to choose now, but I’m curious about what your thoughts are on the choice. Personally, I think we both know that the vampire option is the better one - given that you have a pureblooded vampire already here who’d be willing to turn you. Bare minimum you’d get a greater-vampire class with his bloodline alone, and then the upgrade token on top of that may push you even higher. Maybe even pureblood if I’m guessing correctly. But then again, if you managed to find a potent bloodline for the werewolf side of things… that’d be rather unique. Who knows?”

“You really think Riven would turn me if I asked?”

“Of course he would. He spent 3 billion coins to keep you alive when he first met you, you’re an investment now. You need to find a way to pay it off and this is a a great way to make strides towards that. He may be my loveable idiot boyfriend, but he’s also Gluttony’s Reincarnation - and it would be sacrilege for you to not at least attempt to pay him back for the grace shown you as you are now; a very weak, filthy, incredibly dependent, and sometimes sniveling mortal. No offense intended of course, I like you and have high hopes for your future, but that’s what you are right now.”

Ugh. Kara didn’t need to be reminded, and she gritted her teeth while firming her resolve. She hated what and who she was, and she owed more than a life debt to boot.

Plunging her hand into her pocket, Kara withdrew the token Fay kept talking about - and let out a shuddering breath as she felt the power course through her body just at the mere touch. It truly was an incredible treasure, but which was a better fit? That had been the question she’d been mulling over since getting it, and it may very well be the ticket to her next power-up; a means by which she could finally catch up with the others. One side depicted a bat, while the other side of the token depicted a wolf.

[The Wolf and Bat Racial Upgrade Token: This token may be used only once and only by a mortal, and it dissolves upon successfully absorbing its power. This token applies one of the following, whichever the user deems best suited to their needs:

• Racial Upgrade 1 - Use this option to upgrade your werewolf heritage and unlock an additional 3 aspects of your bloodline. You must have VERY RECENTLY become a werewolf to use this token. Waiting too long after transformation from mortal to werewolf will negate the use of this token.

• Racial Upgrade 2 - Use this option to upgrade your vampire heritage and unlock an additional 3 aspects of your bloodline. You must have VERY RECENTLY become a vampire to use this token. Waiting too long after transformation from mortal to vampire will negate the use of this token.]

Her hand closed over the token again for the tenth time that day. If she could just muster up the courage to ask him to change her, then all would be for the better. If he said yes, that is. She thought he would, but would he prefer her as a werewolf - or as a vampire instead? Where would she even get a werewolf heritage if that’s what he wanted? Or was she overthinking this, and the obvious option of having such a powerful vampiric lineage present here and now was a no-brainer?

Probably the latter. It’d be stupid to try and find an equivalent werewolf heritage to Riven’s vampiric heritage, right?

Unfortunately for her, just as Kara got the courage to pursue such an avenue on her climb to power, a new notification hit her full in the face - and the world began to turn dark.

[Congratulations on spending all your accumulated points. Now that you’ve done so, we want to welcome to the Floor 49 HIDDEN Challenge: NIGHT OF TERROR!]