Chapter 27: Nature's Collapse
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Ankha's P.O.V.
It has been an hour since we set up camp near the site where the beast was buried. The other chosen and I agreed it would be best to do so since we can keep an eye on the rubble just in case Chimerialis woke up early. It was the least we can do after our failure to seal it away before it awakened. Food and water were passed around as we all sat together around the campfire. Not much has been said between us as recovered from the intense battle. Iota and those with heavy injuries made full recoveries, granted needed their rest. So really the only ones that were out here besides me and Lucky are: Asim, Kunamet, Bakari, Jakamun, and Ishaq.
("So, what now? We need to contact the gods and fill them in what happened. Uh…who wants to tell them the bad news? That we just got our asses handed to us?") Asim had a bitter bite to his voice, but I can feel it was more of a feeling of self-resentment for what happened to Iota. I can understand the guilt, the feeling of failing to protect somebody you care about. It's a horrible thing to feel. Still, we must move forward.
("I will inform them; I know how to get in touch with Bastet easily,") They nodded as I got to work. Taking a deep breath as I started muttering a prayer towards the fire. It took some time, but I can feel a connection as I felt Bastet pick up my call and began to form through the fire.
She looked around and noticed the mood in the air, ("I got your call Ankha, what happened? Where are the others?")
I took a deep breath as I relay the events that took place and that the pile of rubble currently has the beast contained. She stood and listened to all of it and she only has concern on her face. At the end of it she was silent and thinking to herself. We all waited with bated breath as she finally broke out of her thinking position.
("This is bad, with the beast awakened we have two more triggers to worry about while it is still active. Not to mention the beast must be slain or sealed away before it can wreck destruction on the world. I can see if the other gods have enough power to either or for the beast. Still the power of the beast that you seen is terrible enough as it is. Destructive power over fire, lightning and possibly others. Most disturbingly…a virus that can affect even immortals.")
("It was powerful stuff, we didn't know we were breathing it in until it was too late,") Kunamet gave an exasperated shrug, ("Thankfully Ankha was still strong enough to burn that stuff out of our systems. Once again, thank you my fair lady.")
I returned his friendly gesture with my own. I did what I can for all of them however even then there was still the question of my immunity. This fact did not go unnoticed by Bakari.
("We appreciate the help Ankha, but what about you? You did not seem hindered by the virus that befell all of us. Lucky I can understand as he is undead, you are not though.")
I knew this question was coming, so I told them my experience with another virus. One that I still carry in my systems in a symbiotic relationship. The hunter's virus, a powerful pathogen created by only Nacho's body. It essentially acts as a secondary immune system in my body so its harder for me to get sick. Still, I would have at least felt something. Regardless my tale surprised the others as they turned their gazes to each other and back to me.
("By the gods…is this true Lady Bastet?") Jakamun asked bewilderedly, not that I blame him as my story did seem unbelievable.
("Indeed, it is, thanks to that she is probably the only one that is immune to the virus fog the creature generates. Could be useful if the creature starts emitting the fog before we can act.")
("I agree whole heartly, however, there is something that bothers me. Ankha seems to be connected to the creature in some way. She felt pain or disturbance when we were trying to seal away the beast. This is quite concerning, and I feel that something or somebody may have put a curse on her. Perhaps just to interfere with our mission.")
The feline goddess looked at me with concern as her fiery form reached out to me and waved her hand in front of me, ("Hmm…I don't sense any abnormalities. No curses or anything new, how strange…")
The news surprised all of us. No curses or anything? If that is not what connects to the beast to me then what does? My flabbergasted face was seen by all and were left speechless as I try to process the results, ("B-But…if that's the case what binds me to the beast? How can I feel it's pain?")
("I don't know, I may need to check on you in person just to be sure. I suggest you be careful until this can be understood better. As for the overall mission, I suggest you all quarantine the area and warn the locals of the looming threat when you are able. We may be able to salvage the situation and prepare for the worst-case scenario at the same time. *Sigh* Father isn't going to like that this happened in the first place.")
My condolences to my goddess as I can only imagine how this would look to her and all the other gods. It may seem like a waste of resources overall. I wish I could have done more during that encounter but what is done, is done. We all agreed to this task and just when the feline goddess was about to leave, I had a couple of things to ask her.
("Bastet, if possible. Can you tell Isabelle what happened here? She needs to know.")
("Sure, I can do that my dear. Oh! Before I forget I have not found Nacho yet. However, I can say for certain he may have ended up in this world. I found traces of portal magic being used, even strong enough to cross the dimensional barrier. Its quite surprising that somebody had that kind of power.")
My elation to know that Nacho could be around in this world was well needed good news, for me at least. I give her my thanks and she left. With night over our heads, we all decided to sleep and get ready for the next day. Hopefully, things will go more smoothly.
/
Isabelle's P.O.V.
A day or so has passed since Ankha left. I really do not know the difference in the passage of time for two different worlds. I was alone but in good company as she or Nacho has not returned yet. I found out why when Bastet appeared before me and explained to me the situation. It was disheartening to hear that the mission did not go well but happy to hear that Ankha is okay, and the beast was at least contained in some way. She offered to take me to my feline sweetie, but I turned her down. As I wanted to take the time to grow stronger here and help Lavi and his group in dealing with some of the cult bases discovered in the documents Adofo gave us.
My personal magic training has helped me out a bit and some pointers from Azhum help gave me direction. Before I knew it, I was traveling with Lavi's group to the nearest base. The first of many most likely. We remain hidden in the grass as we witness strange men in robes and some in ornate Egyptian armor fashioned like a snake. I remember the plan Lavi had, it was basically a frontal assault with me, Whitney and Kiki doing magic support. It worked out well and despite the initial offense that came our way. Our combined might broke through the warriors and mages that came our way.
My plant vines restrained some of the warriors and my Nul-berry plant monster army lead by Nam Nam nipped at the mages. Distracting them enough so Whitney can blast them with arcane bolts and ice spells. We broke into the front entrance of the base and worked our way around together. Cutting down and incapacitating those who got in our way. I was surprised how easily they fell, some of the enemy spellcasters bringing up great magic defenses yet Whitney and I tore through them with our combined magic might. Kiki disorienting them with explosive potions that was the magic equivalent of flash bangs.
"It doesn't seem like these guys are very organized," the white wolf commented as she blasted a few more cult members with an ice shard spell.
"Even so, we need to keep our guard up," I immediately turn right with my mace and bashed the face of a warrior who was trying to sneak up on me.
"Right, they got to have something in here," We continued our way deeper into the base as the enemy forces began thinning out. Various occult artifacts were found along with Egyptian symbols. We hit the lowest floor in the base and after a few more encounters with cult warriors we found the main room of their operations.
Bashing through a door we found a large room with a sinister empty pit that is filled with black sand. This seem to be the most ornate room in the base and hold the biggest significance for these cult members. We cleared the room before investigating what was going on here.
"Guys, we got something over here," Lavi pulled out some written documents. Unfortunately, it was in ancient Egyptian so we could not read it. I was about to ask how we are going to decipher the documents until the veteran adventurer pulled out his adventurer scroll device and used it to scan the symbols and writing. I gave my own device a side glance before looking at Lavi's screen which showed the entire document in translated writing.
"So, what does it say?" I asked, curiosity taking hold of me.
Lavi cursed under his breath, "Nothing good, this document is instructions for a ritual. A summoning ritual. These guys are trying to open a portal for their God Apep. Apparently, he cannot cross into our world because the Egyptian gods placed a seal on him."
There was a collective uneasiness among us as we look back to the large pit, "That's not good, I heard of Apep before. He is the evil chaotic Egyptian god of darkness, always battling with Ra. I read some mythology books Nacho lend me in the past, so this is really bad news."
"Well, there is more bad news, according to these documents. Each of the bases has a pit like this, so any of them can be used to summon Apep into our world. We only took out one, who knows how far along the others are. I sure hope the other guilds and adventurers can take them out in time."
"Yikes…that's a lot to cover but we'll do our part," Marshal and Kiki jumped up with agreement.
"That's the spirit, well we got to make sure this thing doesn't get used again. Whitney can you take care of it?"
She smiled and gave a quick 'of course' before shooting out a beam of ice that froze and covered the pit in blue ice. With that done we took the documents and whatever cultist that was still alive from the skirmish for interrogation. We had plans to hit another base after we drop off the cultists and that was fine by me. The more we can take out the better.
I took a good look at my shield and mace, covered in some blood from the battle. I took no pleasure in killing or maiming people, but I do it to protect my friends and the people I love. The old me would have cowered in anxiety from confrontation, but now I am willing to step in front of danger. Just watch…I'll be even stronger yet.
/
Ankha's P.O.V.
I woke up with a yawn, it only had been a day since we buried the beast and so far, nothing new has happened. The other chosen recovered and we brought them up to speed what has been told to us. They took off to inform any locals or nearby towns of potential threats leaving me with only Lucky, Asim, Iota, Senura and Kafele for company. We been keeping tabs on the pile of rubble where the beast lay, and it remains still. One would think the beast is dead under the various rocks of that cavern, but I can still feel its life somehow. That it is still active and regaining its strength.
I can feel anxiety creep up on me as the second's pass. Especially since it was my turn to watch over the pile for any changes. Normally it would be a dull and boring job to do, but after coming face to face with the beast itself I really do not want that beast returning. I took a deep breath as I tried to concentrate and settle my mind. However more questions just arise, just where is Bastet and the other gods? Surely it does not take more than a day to decide to end the life of this monster or seal it away. If anything, the answer should be obvious, but what if they really are low on divine power? Maybe I am underestimating just how much the years drained from them.
"Argh…focus Ankha focus!" my growing frustration is starting to get to me. I need a distraction from this and soon.
("Ankha, do you see that?") I rotated my ear to hear the voice of Senura coming my way. I was going to ask what she saw until for a moment I saw a flash of electricity move across the rubble. For a moment I felt my heart race, had the beast regain enough power to generate electricity again? However, I was put at ease slightly after seeing a horse like creature come to a stop and began kicking around the rubble. Nacho told me about these graceful yet dangerous beings. Kirin, an elder dragon that is well known for its electric abilities and to come and go like a phantom.
("Relax Senrua, it's a Kirin, it'll go away on its own,") as fate wanted to prove me wrong two more Kirins appeared. One of them sporting black scales and fur, I never seen that sub-species of the monster before. They began kicking at the rocks in the rubble and look as if they are searching for something, or somebody…
I took this as a bad sign and immediately alerted everybody to what was going on. However, Kafele had his own bad news to share, ("Everyone! Something is flying fast towards our location! I don't know what it is but it's coming in with a purpose!")
Gazing upon the horizon of the sky I saw the creature the falcon spotted. It looks like a speck but every second the image was getting bigger and the crackling of crimson energy following behind it. Are they here to help the beast? If so, then we may be in over our heads. Still even if it comes down to it, we must fight as best as we can. Before we can act, suddenly two of the 'tail' tentacles of the beast shot out of the ground and impaled two of the white Kirins through their body. We were taken aback by the grisly attack as the 'head' tentacles rose out of the earthy grave and grab the necks with their teeth. In one swift move, the appendages snapped their necks and they ceased to move. The bodies were dragged under the rubble, presumably to be devoured for sustenance.
("Oh no…quick, activate the signal!") The panic in my voice reflected the feeling everybody was sharing. The beast is active, and we need everybody here as soon as possible! Kafele did just that as he activated a magical flare that exploded in the sky. Help would be arriving soon now, but first we needed to take care of Chimerialis.
Said beast was now already coming out of the rubble. Shaking it off while still devouring one of the kirin. The meal had returned some of its strength and that was not good for any of us. Even the Oroshi Kirin saw that as it began attacking the beast with ice shards ferociously. Most of the ice attacks was bouncing off its scales and was ignoring the attack with disinterest. The monster finished its meal with a loud crunch as sparks of electricity crackled from its mouth. The kirin would continue to try and harm the beast as we closed in.
Despite the terrain we managed to get from the cliffside we were on, to the ground below. As we did, I noticed the beast was looking up and in just a second a loud crash and explosion hit the area. I looked up to see a silver dragon locked in claw to claw with the beast of calamity. Despite the size difference, the smaller dragon was matching strength with the monster as it landed on the ground.
("Ankha, call me crazy…but I think those monsters are on our side!") Senura exclaimed, frankly it was crazy, but any help is better than no help if you ask me.
("Then we help the monsters attacking the beast! Go go go!")
We sprang into action as the monsters wrestled for supremacy. With Chimerialis overpowering the other dragon by twisting the clawed wings and throwing the beast to the side. It was about to follow up before Senura jumped in and gave the beast a mighty burning punch to the face. Unlike before, with her full strength at her hands the mighty monster felt the strike in all its punishing force. This forced it to ground itself before retaliating with a flamethrower attack at all of us. Senura just powered through as she continued her assault while the rest of us moved into our own positions. Asim and Iota playing support roles as the vulture began annoying the beast by flying near its head and trying to stab out its eyes. The bovine chosen kept her distance as she slings wind spells and buffing all of us with more power and defense.
It was thanks to this that we can cut into the beast's hide, if only a bit with our weapons. I try not to test my luck and the durability of Bladeius's swords as I backed off. Yet, a feeling of guilt hit me after I cut through. Like it was wrong to hurt the beast and I do not mean like a protestor. The feeling was more spiritual, but why?
I could not dwell on it as the battle became fierce as the beast gave a loud roar and started coating itself in electricity and started howling as small portals began opening and swarms of bugs flew out of them. I recognized them as thunder bugs, and they are attracted to the sparking beast. Just like a Zinoge it was plain to see the beast was gaining power. We cannot let that happen.
("Destroy the bugs! Its trying to gain power! Senura can you make it flinch again we need to stop it from charging!")
("On it! Here is some payback from last time!")
I began casting fireballs into the clouds of thunder bugs, burning them, and dispersing some of them. Others joined in trying to kill as many of the insects as possible using magic and weapons alike, yet they keep coming through the portals. Senura herself try to deliver a fiery haymaker again the size of the beast's head. However, the monster just emitted a deafening roar before she can reach it. Blowing her back and stunning the rest of us, we were powerless as the beast erupted with electric power. I looked up to see that some of the spikier ridges on the monster turned into more ferocious edges. Adding to the threat level is the monster crashing both of its crush claws together and pulled apart to show an arc of electricity.
("Ankha look out! Small clouds are attacking us!") My mind reorganized itself just in time to see the clouds in question. However, I was quick to notice that they are the swarms of thunder bugs that were super charged by the electricity. Without thinking I dodged a bolt of lightning from the cloud as it followed me. As I was avoiding the lighting strikes, I noticed the beast resumed fighting the jet dragon once more.
The battle was brutal as the monster tried to find an opening in the calamitous monster's defense, but that seemed impossible. The beast was ready as it fired a mix of fireballs and bolts of lightning from its mouth and 'head' tentacles. The Oroshi Kirin was just trying to survive as bug clouds swarm around it and trying to zap it. There was so much back and forth that I simply could not keep up as I had to focus on my own survival. The thunder cloud of bugs was persistent and hard to hit even with fire bolts. Switching to another spell I cast a fire mine into the path of the bugs and it exploded, killing the swarm.
Looking back to the fight I was there to witness the Beast pin the silver elder dragon to the ground and shocking it mercilessly. The cries of pain only worsen when the monster's tentacles kept the dragon down as its crush claws grabbed the wings by their arms. Crushing the bone and ripping them off much to my horror. Our main help was reduced to a meal for the beast as it was picked up, stabbed, and had its skull crushed by the crush claw. Afterwards, Chimerialis began to feast on its corpse and tore through the scaly flesh. The sight was simply monstrous as it voraciously digs into the side of the monster. Breaking through the ribs, lungs and reaching the heart. Ripping it out with its head and swallowing it down like a meaty burger.
A glow of energy flowed through the monster after the meal as it strangely paused in place. I had no idea why before the Oroshi Kirin trotted up to me. It gave me a look and turned to show its body and the opportunity to ride it. It snorted and beckoned me to get on, seeing the opening to attack the beast I did not hesitate. The monster felt cold to the touch, but it was not a biting chill as I would have expected it to be. Holding onto the dragon horse monster, we quickly raced to the beast. Avoiding the remaining thunder clouds of super fulgur bugs as we closed in. I got one of my blades ready as the kirin jumped onto the back of the beast. Aiming straight for the head once again.
Chimerialis felt us coming as its body shook for a moment and it looked at us as we charged. It turned away and gave a loud roar as I felt the air around me grow cold. For a moment I thought it was the Oroshi Kirin, but the monster sensed a great danger and aborted our attack by jumping off the beast as suddenly ice armor coated the beast and gave it a more vicious and sharp-edged appearance. My frustration grew, this monster just seems to have an answer for everything! Just how many abilities does it have? Does it even have a weakness we can exploit?
The beast looked at me and the Kirin and shook its head before turning its attention to the others after they just finished off the rest of the bug storm clouds. I noticed quickly that the tentacles shed their bone like rocky armor and retreated into the body of the beast. Can those limbs not stand the cold? Maybe there is something we are overlooking while fighting the beast, of course I did not have time to think when the monster began throwing its body around. The newly bladed edges turning the beast into a whirlwind of death as the rocks became shredded and coated in ice. We all kept our distance as the beast threaten us with its blades and its sword like tail. It gave us all a look before suddenly and surprisingly running past us. We were flabbergasted by the retreating action but knew what this implied.
Before we can chase it though, the beast zoomed off at alarming speeds. Moving with leaps and large movements with its powerful crush claw arms and legs. Soaring over the water and scaling the cliffside in no time. There was no time to run after it and before we knew it the beast was out of sight.
("It got away! Damn…") Lucky kicked a nearby rock just as Kunamet jumped into the air and spread his wings.
("Do not worry! I am a fast flyer! I shall fly after the beast and keep tabs on it, as for the rest of you make a plan!") Surrounding himself in wind magic with help from Iota as he was launched forward at high speeds after the creature.
A modicum of relief washed over me but still now the monster is loose. The gods are not here, and we are left without a plan. If Isabelle were here, she would have told me not to give up and that there was always a way. I could really use her enthusiasm right now and Nacho's confidence when a situation grows dire.
("You okay Ankha?")
("Could been better, still the beast is truly a monster. The elder dragon did not stand a chance once the beast pinned it down. Still, its comforting to know that we are not the only one fighting the beast,") I look down to the oroshi kirin I was riding and tried to pet it, but it just snorted and glared at me for trying.
("Looks like your new friend does not want to be treated as a pet.")
("Friend…is stretching it a bit, more like we have a common enemy.")
The kirin nodded as I dismounted the beast. I expected it to run off to chase after the beast, but it did not. It stuck around and just began trotting around on its own. Looks like its planning to stick with us for the time being. I cannot complain the more help the better, but now as we are. It is uncertain what can we do to move forward.
/
Chimerialis P.O.V.
Must run, must grow stronger…fast…nothing in my way. I was held back by people who wanted me dead, kill me before I can thrive. They failed and now I have my chance. They hate me, fear me. I do not care I must grow; I must grow strong and make the world safe for mates. Mates…who…are my mates? The ones who will mother my children, the ones I will care for and protect. The reason why I grow strong, the reason why I must…destroy. I do it for them, all I do is for them, but who are them?
I cannot shake that thought from my mind as the image of that one small woman who looked at me in fear. The feline…she attacked me but somewhere in my mind told me not to hurt her. I cannot hurt her…we are connected. Is she one of my mates? Why would she hurt me though? I do not understand, she felt my pain so why? Is it because of those others around her? Did they deceive her? Did they turn her against me without her knowing?
The thought enrages me, I will destroy them for that. Erase them and bring her back to her senses. For now, though, I must create my own territory and to do that I must take over the most populated areas. I was in luck though; I could see a bunch of objects coming into my view. Large buildings that my memory is telling me are large nesting areas. Lots of land to take, and to make mine. I care not the distance I travel, but I know this is my first step. I zeroed in and crashed into the largest building in the area.
I could hear multiple screams and witness the movements of the creatures of this nest. Humans scrambling as I went to destroying the foundation of this nest. I need not of these structures as they will only be in my way. I must make my own from the materials provided after crashing them down. Ice crystals breaking out as I slam my claws down in a forward direction. I care not for the beings that I killed in my wake. This is my land now and you do not belong here. You can all die for all I care.
*Kill the weak, summon our minions*
I momentarily paused as I recall some of my abilities. I open my frills and give out a large roar as portals open and the familiar senses of my minions walked through. I felt a sense of pride as I gave a commanding roar to wipe out any of the former owners of the nest. I kept mind of them as I continued with my destruction of the nest. I am not sure how much time I used destroying the nest, but eventually I could not sense anymore life other than my minions. After that knowledge I began using the powers of ice I created borders of ice. I shall make this territory a land of ice and snow. With a nice large den in a cavern that leads down into a warm area. With my abilities I made this possible as I shaped the lands and dug out one of many new homes.
*Now…make it ours, all ours. *
I knew what I had to do next, I leapt into the air as the ice from my body broke off and I was bare and flying again. At the peak of my height, I gave a triumphant roar as I emitted a dark crimson cloud over my newly acquired territory. Covering it all and protecting it from those who would take it from me. In no time at all, my land was complete and hostile to any intruders. I look at my work with accomplishment just as I sensed a powerful presence nearby. My four eyes locked on with another monster. A burning beast with a mane and face like a lion. It stared at me like I committed a grave sin. I care not what it thought of me, it dared challenge me like the other two before it. Like them I shall show it who is the true apex predator. After that, I shall look for another territory to take, and another. I'll take as much as I need for me and my mates, even if I must take this entire world.
/
Bastet's P.O.V.
("Look! Look! The beast already had destroyed one of the villages of this world. Ra we must help stop this beast before it gets worse!") I showed the council of gods my case as Chimerialis destruction was shown on full display. Even the new beast the showed up to challenge the monster was slain and had its heart eaten by it.
A large amount of my remaining fellow gods and goddesses, my family, had a look of worry and had sided with me. However, there are those who are adamant about helping, those like my father Ra, ("My daughter, I understand your concern, but this world is not within our jurisdiction. We must be called to help in another world. That is why Anubis was able to help your selected chosen with the immortal dragon created by Aten.")
("But we have to do something! We spent much of our time as gods not interfering with the lives of mortals unless it was a godly emergency. Because of that, disasters fell by as we are forced to ignore the pleas of those who would look up to us. It's just not the lives of the people in that world but everything we come to know if the beast persists. Ragnarok might as well be just around the corner!")
I watched my father put a hand to his temple and just shook his head, ("Bastet, I am aware at this point that the end of everything we know is just a stone throw away from coming true. However, even with the amount of our power restored by the worship of new followers. I cannot guarantee that it could end the beast. Maybe perhaps while it was still recently awakened or in its cocoon state, I had faith in your selected chosen squad that they would take care of the beast before it could awaken. But here we are.")
It stung a bit, but he is right. My initial plan to prevent the beast's awakening which was one of the more preventable triggers for Ragnarok failed due to Aten's interference. Their unpreparedness to fight the beast once it came out from its cocoon only worsens things. It does not help that there is some sort of connection between it and Ankha that I have yet to discover. If hurting or sealing the beast causes her to feel the pain of the beast, then what can we do to find the source?
("Bastet, my daughter, there is something else troubling you is there?")
There was no point in hiding it, I told my father my concerns with Ankha. His reaction to the new was true surprise as this only reaffirmed that it would be a bad idea to intervene. On the grounds that this connection must be investigated and severed. I sighed and understood as this unknown development that we know truly little about. On the bright side at least, he is not stopping me from helping Ankha out, but now as the meeting is over. I could say goodbye to a joint attack from the gods on the beast. It is not like I do not know why my father is adamant about intervening.
My father in the past had been rash with the mortals at two points in his life. One of which that stands out to me is the Sehkmet incident, it remains forever a black mark on him and the rest of us. Father punished himself to never interfere with the lives of mortals again after that incident. While he still did his role, directly contacting the mortals is something he is afraid of doing. It has been many years since the incident, and he had not forgiven himself yet. He was originally against the idea of creating chosen to keep our faith alive, but he relented eventually. However, I have doubts I can convince him again.
Leaving to my own space I open a magic view to check on Ankha and the others and found them at camp planning their next actions. I zoomed in closer on my chosen that I watched grow ever since she was born. She really had come a long way; I feel like a proud parent seeing her able to stand on her own feet. Its bittersweet to know she did not rely on me unless absolutely necessary. I sighed at some happy memories as she would call on me just so she can talk to somebody. Now, I need to find out what ties her to the beast.
I magically scanned her when we last met so I can check on her vitals and general health. It has been a while so its good to get an update when I can. I pulled out a blank scroll and transfer some magic into it. The scroll rolled up before magically expelling some magic dust before unrolling. There laid the image of Ankha and the entirety of her physical and mental health. I gave it a good scan, most of her physical health is in perfect condition. Her mental health is stable, though I did notice that warning that she is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). That was a mental scar that never completely healed. I also found the warning that a very infectious virus coursed through her body. The Hunter Virus, what I call a dubious gift from her lover Nacho. A mutated branch of another virus, it strangely provided more benefits to her than downsides. Granted it is still infectious, so there is that issue.
The main feature that interested me is the virus allowed some sort of emotional communication between the original holder of the virus, a.k.a Nacho with Ankha and Isabelle. I found this phenomenon interesting and had been trying to crack the connection so I can see how it connects to all three of them. I only had some idea from my studies and became able to trace the connection to all three of them, but not any closer to figuring out how it worked. Of course, thinking that, a thought occurred.
("Wait a minute…I could use this to find Nacho. With his strength there is no doubt we can turn the tide to our favor, even just by being a great force of power. Let's see…")
Using my magic, I managed to worm my way onto the connection trail. I was only able to locate Ankha and Nacho as they are the only ones in the monster hunter world. Starting from my chosen I followed the trail. There was a long amount of distance to cover as I checked the map of the land. Miles upon miles the trail I was tracing through the map began to look familiar. The straight line across the land, even though a village before continuing again but in a different direction. Stopping at another village…then a new direction and currently stopped at another village.
("Wait…isn't that? No…that can't be right.")
Putting my papers to the side I quickly opened up a magic view and gasped to see the beast in the middle of its destruction once more. In such little time no less, the distance from one large village to another would have taken a couple of days. This beast managed to accomplish that in less time not too long after I last seen it kill an elder dragon. It has gotten into another fight, this time a metal looking dragon called a Kushala Daora. It is putting up a decent fight, but it still appears to be a one-sided battle.
If Nacho were following the path of this monster then he would be in that battle already, but I do not see him anywhere. I took the image scanned the area, doing my best to hold myself back from the dead and fleeing. Still, it was a horrible sight to witness, my only comfort was when I zoomed out and saw Kunamet swopping down and taking people out of the area as quickly as possible. I can only assume that he was tailing the beast for the others. Argh…focus! Why would the trail lead me here with the beast?
I scratched my head over it for a small amount of time before a thought occurred to me, ("Wait…the connection trail…who does it lead to exactly?")
I altered my magic a bit to reveal where the communication led to, specifically in the area. This resulted in my view taking on an alternate color and what I saw caused my heart to drop. The trail was highlighted, but so was the beast…I could not believe my eyes yet here it stands in front of me the truth. Is it though? There must be an explanation! I cannot accept this…it would devastate her. I dispelled my view and just held my head in my hands. I need to process this…after that though…I do not know what to do…
/
Chimerialis P.O.V.
I laid the final blow against the metal dragon that stood in my way. Grabbing it by the neck and impaling it with my tail. I saw its heart at the tip of my blade, glowing with power. Coldly I grabbed the heart with one of my tentacles and ate it. The third heart of these beasts that I ate today, five if I consider those smaller beasts that I ate whole to regain my strength. With each heart I can feel my strength return with interest. After this heart…I can feel myself overflowing with power. Energies coursing through my systems in ways I never could have imagined. I felt the need to expend it all.
*Show them all our power…show them why we stand at the top*
Yes, establish dominance. A display of power so all will know that I am the Apex Predator. I plant my feet onto the ground as I began charging up my power towards my center. Lightning crashed next to me, the earth itself quaked around my feet as lava flowed from the cracks. The world seems to bend as I breathe in and out. I kept charging until finally I felt the power hit its peak. That was when I jumped into the air in a spiral, opening my wings proudly as I let out a proud roar as I sail through into the sky. Firing balls of fire as I climbed higher into the sky, lightning sparked with frightening frequency.
I cannot tell how high I went; all I knew that I could scrap against the stars with my claws alone. Just as I touch the borders between the sky and the stars, I turned around and dived at high speeds towards the ground. My body coated in fire as I remember more about my body, the ability to strengthen the impact and even lessen the damage to my body. My last thoughts before I hit the ground was, I hope my mates are somewhere safe.
After that, everything went back, and the sound of a large explosion filled my ears. The sound subsided eventually and when it did, I closed my eyes to sleep. I have expended all my energy today and I needed to rest. This crater would make a nice bed as I slumber.
/
Sophia's P.O.V.
"I am telling you its true! I saw this new monster with my very eyes!"
I was doing my best to convince a fellow researcher about my findings on this new monster that was buried in rubble. My friends believed me, at least I hope they did, and I did provide the samples I managed to take. Yet despite that much of the researchers still found my discovery purely ludicrous. A monster whose body featured parts found in other monsters. I mean yeah, its sounds far-fetched, but it exists!
"Yes, yes, I know, would you please relax? We already sent a team to investigate the area you claimed the beast is at. Let them come with more samples as well then we can confirm your findings."
"Ugh…sure fine, but I am telling you that this is my discovery and I get to name it!"
"If it exists you crazy excuse for a researcher."
"Hey! I'll have you know that my notes are the best there is!"
"I saw, you had some gleeful notes for the Brachydios like arms it has."
"Err…well it does have that but that is beside the point! I am telling you that this discovery is gonna rock your world!"
I don't know if the universe hates me or what, but when those words left my mouth a loud explosion was heard and immediately following it was a shock wave that nearly sent us flying as buildings were destroyed by the shock wave and the ground quake threw us off our feet. At this point me and this researcher were doing our best to stay grounded as we endured the unexpected assault. We had to sit through three minutes of this environmental abuse until finally it ceased. We looked around as we got off the ground and the screams and yells from the village people became audible.
Dusting myself off I looked at the researcher with concern, as they too had a look of dread on their face. I gulped as we carefully took a few steps outside the building to see the near entirety of the village we are stationed at, Bherna, in an uproar and panic as much of the buildings lost their top structures and or collapsed. I can hear the shouting of hunters, officials and some more brave villagers trying to keep everyone together while shouting out for anybody who can hear them.
Looking at the sky we can see a crimson pillar swirling into the sky, "Uh…before you say anything. This is not what I had in mind when I said it was gonna rock your world."
They just gave me a glare as I held my hands up, "Send a message to Dundorma! We have a global threat on our hands! We need the entire hunter's guild on this ASAP!"
"On it! This is nuts! Its times like this I wish Doodle were on speed dial!"
I scrambled to get the preparations ready to send a message to Dundorma. No doubt they probably felt it as well, but this is simply insane. Did that one monster I discover really caused this? Just what happened and what is with that swirling pillar? My gut tells me that I'm not gonna like the answer at all.