Chapter 11: The third trial…
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April 20/09: Deep Monad...
"What makes these pendants so special?" Nyx interrogated our "prisoner".
"Really?" Envy laughed. "All this time and you still haven't you figure it out?"
Nyx silently impaled his shoulder with her sword.
"Gahhhh!"
I pulled the sword out as he screamed in pain and healed the gaping hole from killing him.
"I'm not asking again." She glared at him.
We had taken precautions to make sure he doesn't have anything hidden. Due to the nature and dangers of our work, especially dealing with a possible group of psychopaths and mindless beasts. Sometimes we must do what me must to ensure our safety. I understand that, but did have to strip him to his underwear!?
Seriously! I feel wrong just for being in his presence at this point. Worst enough, he's hanging by his underpants with his knife pinning it under the platform where we fought.
Granted, unless he could fly or suicidal, there is no way he would remove his only life line that is between him and the abyss below.
What is with Nyx anyways? She didn't came back until today, and she immediately drags me to the tower as soon as the Dark Hour hits. I didn't had time to talk to her because she disappeared as soon school ended and I was busy avoiding Hamuko to give her a false impression during it.
Didn't she went back to her realm to find out more about the pendant?
"Now tell me." She raised her voice slightly.
Apparently not.
I asked to help with the questioning, but all she told me is to let her handle it and to heal any damages she may of caused. Other than now, she's been patient with Envy. Perhaps she only injured him just to make me pay attention to the details. I may had zoned out of the questioning because I was looking over my current inventory.
Right now I have around 10 elemental gems of each type, a bit of healing items, a snuff soul, a traesto gem, enough weapons to fill enough an armory, a bunch of revival beads, 3 attack and magic mirrors each, a couple of Plume of Dusks and a unique homunculus.
I call it unique because is was dressed and had a couple beads for eyes. Where did I get this? Or did I made it? I don't know and I don't care because it's not important right now.
Anyways, while I did order a stockpile earlier and they arrived at my room a few days ago like they said, I obviously didn't stock up. That is because I was not aware that we were going to Tartarus tonight.
I was in my hotel room finishing up homework, when she suddenly barged in, grabbed me by the arm and lead me to the tower all while ignoring my questions. Heck, I barely had time to ran to a nearby fast-food restaurant to get a meal in a bag before the Dark Hour hits. Because of that, I'm under supplied. Granted, this amount of supplies is more than enough when exploring normal Tartarus but anything could happen within Deep Monad.
"We're done here." Nyx brings me out of my thoughts.
I nodded and brought the food bag I was holding to Envy.
"What's this?" He raised his eyebrow suspiciously.
"It's been weeks outside." I answered. "That means many hours had passed here."
"Heh, do you think I would fall for that!? Who's say you didn't anything to it?"
"You're free to drop it into the abyss below if you don't want it." I toss the bag to him.
Envy catches the bag and glares at us. I did what I thought was humane, what he does with it is his business.
"Let's move." I spoke to Thanatos, who was floating patiently and is carrying both Nyx and I.
The god of death wordlessly flew above the platform and let us off on to the ground. He dissipated back into my mind and the card was back where he was.
Nyx and I walked along the bridge to the old village. Things were silent between us before I am decided to speak.
"Did you really need to interrogate him like that?"
"I need for info about the pendants." She replied, still facing forward.
"Didn't you went back to your realm to figure that out?" I turn to her, raising an eyebrow.
"I had to make sure the information I got was correct."
"Was it?"
"Yes. And I was able to make sense with a lot of things."
A lot of things?
"Like what?"
"First off, the pendant itself acts like a barrier, preventing accidents and such. There is a desire to open the pendant and unleash whatever is inside. Whatever this thing is, this "corrupting influence", you humans are very vulnerable to it. Beings like me are mostly immune, but I didn't stick around the open pendant long enough to find out. Also as you already found out, the barrier alone didn't completely negate the effects."
I nodded.
The mere presence alone has caused me to collapse earlier.
"The next part comes from that man. Of course, we have to take that with a grain of salt." She continued explaining. "If a human opens the pendant and successfully resist the influence from within. They will be granted great power."
"How great?"
"He claims to power to defeat a god."
I have a hard to time believing that. Why would Nyarlathotep give humans the power to defeat him? Even if the Sins of Humanity are completely loyal to him, he must've figured the possibility that I might my hands on it. That must mean the corrupting influence inside the pendant is what keeps them loyal and what keeps me from utilizing it so easily. Or he could've simply lied to them for some reason, that's another possibility.
"Anything else?" I asked.
"Nothing worthy of repeating." Nyx turns to me. "Now, report."
"Hmm?" I wasn't aware I had something important to report, considering I didn't to Tartarus like she ordered.
"I just got back today, so I had no idea what happened here since I left. Did anything happen?"
The only thing that is noteworthy has gone cold the moment I found it. I suppose I could tell her that.
I nodded my head. "Just one thing. You may have heard that Hamuko was looking for me."
"She asked me during lunch. I didn't know where you were at the time and answered like that. You must be a real ladies man." She rolled her eyes.
"Tch." I couldn't but help scoff at that statement.
Perhaps a bit more harshly than I intended because Nyx is giving me a strange look. Thankfully she didn't comment on it and continued on.
"What was the reason?"
I should start at the beginning.
"Five days after you left, I went to visit her because I had nothing better to do."
"Had you considered getting a hobby?" She sarcastically asked.
"There was nothing interesting this early plus I'm not technically friends with anyone at SEES yet."
Well, there was Akihiko and Mitsuru, but we just hung out before then and the day was still young.
"I want to visit Hamuko in the hospital just to see how is she doing when it happened. I was about to leave when I felt the presence like the pendant we had."
"There was another one close by?" Her eyes widened a bit.
"Yes. I immediately thought I was being attacked and pulled out my sword to defend myself. When I realized that there was no immediate danger around me, I noticed that the energy was coming from above me. I was again about to leave when I heard her voice."
"Was she completely awake?"
I shook my head.
"I would guess the pendant shook her and woke her up as a result. Luckily, she would barely conscious so it was easy to get her back to sleep. I was hoping that she would forget about it since her eyes were barely opened, but she called me out on it the next time we met."
"How does avoiding her help exactly?" She crosses her arms, giving me that look again.
"Because she's not completely involved in the Dark Hour yet, she immediately passed it off as me being shy visiting her."
"So in order to keep her thinking like that, you pretend to avoid her in embarrassment to make it look like something else." Nyx nods, understanding my reasoning. "However, do you think it would work long?"
I shake my head. "Hamuko is a lot smarter than she let's on. She will eventually figure it out soon."
I'm just hoping by the time she realized it, it would not matter anymore. With all the evidence she has so far, I wouldn't be surprised she would find out sometime after she joins SEES. At best, I would have a few days to plan for the future before I'm formally asked to join SEES. I also have to account Nyx as well if they ask about her.
The goddess in question sighs loudly. "Moving on, did you manage to find source in the hospital?"
"No. By the time I got there, everybody in the area was unconscious and the window in the room was shattered."
"I see." Nyx looked forward again and continued walking.
All possible answers points to Wrath. He was most likely brought to the hospital after being found fatally injured. Once he awoken, he would used the pendant to regain his strength and escape. I'm glad I didn't someone to get killed this cycle, but the fact is, Wrath is now out there with a possible vendetta against me. Perhaps it would better that I should've finished him off- no!
Don't think like that. I have enough problems at the moment, I rather not regret anything now.
Finally, we made pass the bridge and into the old village. After we made into the center and entered to portal into the new version, we traveled the long path to the edge where the pedestal was and found a glowing bridge to the far end temple. The shadows in the village are back but they seem to be ignoring us like last time. That's good, there is little point in battle if it's not necessary.
Battles are always necessary! Thanatos augured.
Not when I don't have the luxury of time nor energy.
I took my first step on to the bridge, ripples flow away from my foot as if I step on water. The bridge barely wide enough of for two people. As I move forward to the end with Nyx following behind me, the floating platforms around us seem to shift in their place. Almost if they are moving towards the temple.
"Can you answer me one question?" Nyx spoke all of a sudden.
"Hmm?" I keep my eyes forward, careful not to step off the edge.
"Ever since this time loop started, I've been watching you."
"Me? What for?"
"For any weakness I can exploit. But while I was watching you, I noticed that for each iteration, you relayed less on your Personas."
"This time loop for some reason is letting me keep some of my powers." I answered casually. Even with just a fragment, the Universe is a powerful thing. "Naturally, as I develop my powers, more of it comes back with me each time. Even if most of my powers may be gone, I'm still strong enough to fight you one on one if I were to go all out."
Ignoring the fact I was lose an ally and leaving me with no energy left to defend myself. It would be incredibly stupid of me if I did such a thing.
"Aren't you confident." She says sarcastically.
"I haven't lost to you yet." I said that, knowing that would annoy her.
I can't see her face, but I can tell she is glaring at me.
"Does that mean you can use more powerful attacks without your Personas?" She muttered.
"Yes."
She hesitated before continuing.
"Even Armageddon?"
Is that what she is worried about? Though to be fair to her, because I rather not be in a long, arduous battle with a being that can end all life in an instant, I use that attack every time we battle.
"Obviously." I nodded. "Of course without Satan and Lucifer assisting me, it would take a few minutes to charge up as opposed to instantly. Plus, it would take even longer if I were to run around, dodging attacks and such."
Of course, the major cost casting Armageddon without Satan and Lucifer is that it would drain all of my energy. That wouldn't be so bad if it weren't the fact that I would barely be able to move at all. That is why I try to never use an attack like that unless I have the necessary Personas, or last resort.
Megidolaon is the exception because it's a spell that has good balance between power and cost. Like Nyx's Almighty attack, It's not the strongest I can use (compared to Flare, Morning star and definitely Armageddon), but it's power enough to get most of the job done and the cost is high (compared to dyne level spells) but manageable.
Soon after our conversation, we made it to the other side of the light bridge and entered the temple.
For some reason this place feels wrong to me. The large room was nearly empty with the exception of a stone rectangular shape in the middle of the floor.
Taking a closer look at the rectangle, I realized that it was a coffin of some sort. There were ancient writing on the tomb. Now that look around the room, all of the walls are filled the same writing.
Ancient Greek?
"Another riddle?" Nyx glanced around the room.
"Looks like it." I answered.
"You stand guard outside." She ordered. "You can't read this, so you're useless at the moment."
"Got it." I exited the temple.
No need to tell me twice.
I was about sit down near the entrance steps when I notice a group of shadows patrolling in the abandoned village on the other side of the light bridge. They don't seem to see me and I don't feel like drawing attention to myself so I decided to ignore them.
Well, this is still shadow territory so sitting down might not be the best idea. I lean my body at one of the pillars to relax myself while look at the entire landscape before me. Despite looking like it belongs in hell, It actually looks nice. The architecture on the buildings look well kept and the flowing blood adds to the touch. Heck, even the shadows look like villagers walking around and doing their daily task. It almost looks peaceful...
!
I immediately turn to face the presence that is suddenly heading near my area. Standing on top of a crumbled pillar nearby, there a bird. Well, a shadow in shape of a bird.
It soon noticed me and turns its head in my direction. For a while, we both stared at each other, waiting for the other to make the first move. My steel eyes glared back at the glowing red ones.
You should probably kill it. Thanatos suggested.
Why? Orpheus asked. It's not like the other mindless shadows.
Just because it's not attacking doesn't mean it won't. It's better to kill it now before it becomes a problem later.
If you say so.
As soon as my sword appeared in my hand. The shadow let out an ear piercing screech, forcing me to drop my weapon to cover both of my ears. When it stopped producing that noise, it flew away from the temple, leaving me alone.
Huh, well that-
!
I rolled away from the pillar and saw it get stuck by multiple arrows.
I turn to face the source to see that a group of rather armored shadows heading my way, crossing the light bridge. All five of them are carrying different weapons.
That bird must've alerted these shadows. Messiah said.
Hey, let's kill that bird. Orpheus mocked. What could possibly go wrong!?
And how do we know it's not going to do that anyways? Thanatos countered. I'd rather we cause it then let it out of our control.
By starting a fight than let some small creature live? He argued.
Did you forget it's a shadow? For all we know, it could've been a scout and killing it fast would've prevented this.
Either way. It's too late to do anything about it.
I ran to pick up my dropped sword and made my way to the edge of the light bridge.
Extending my free hand toward the advancing group, I fired Garudyne at full power. Despite being push back with the force of a tornado, the shadows manage to hold their group. I only manage to knock one of them into the abyss.
No problem. I casted Maziodyne and ran on to the bridge. Lightning struck all of the foes, stunning them and giving me time to move up to them.
I slashed at the nearest shadow and shoved it off the bridge. I moved on to the next one to find that is quickly recovered and jumped over me.
How strangely agile.
I turn around to swing behind me only to be blocked it with the spear the shadow is welding. Out of my peripheral vision, the shadow that is now behind me is moving up with its sword ready to swing down. I summoned a long sword to block that attack.
Darn, I can't fight effectively with this small space. The bridge is too narrow.
I let go of my long sword to blast Garudyne behind me. The two shadows behind stumble but held their ground, giving me a bit of space. That is all I needed. I placed my on the bridge and casted Magarudyne, surrounding me in a torrent of wind and pushing everybody back.
I jumped over the shadow and summoned a dagger in my free hand. When I landed, I attempted to stab the shadow in the open area with the dagger. However, it quickly spun around to grab the dagger by the blade. Before I could react, it yanked the small weapon towards it, pulling me along for the ride. If I didn't let go of the dagger and duck just in time, I would have received a new hole in my head, courtesy of the spear just above me.
These guys are surprisingly competent.
I slowly move myself back to the temple while keeping my guard up with the tro in front of me. Thankfully, the area before the temple has enough space to move around effectively. When I reached solid ground halfway between the bridge and temple, I summoned another dagger in my free hand and prepared myself.
The first shadow charged in, with the other two jumping over me. I dashed with haste and attacked the shadow in front of me with my sword. Obviously it was skill enough to block such a simple attack. Unfortunately for it, that was merely a diversion. While my sword is pinning the spear down, I quickly raised my dagger and stabbed the opening in the helmet, killing the shadow instantly.
One down.
Sensing a presence speed down at me, I jumped backwards. The shadow slammed down hard enough to create a small creator, leaving its sword very deep into concrete like ground. Too bad the sword is now stuck, leaving me ample time to deal with the shadow still falling towards me.
I look at the falling shadow and prepared myself. Right before it landed, I evaded to the side and attacked the opening I was so graciously given. I turn my dagger to hold it reverse grip it and stabbed my opponent in the opening in the armor.
Surprisingly, it was still alive. Then again I didn't hit it in the face like the previous one so I had this one coming. I made up for it by raising my sword and cutting off the head, finishing the job.
Another down, time to clean up the last one.
I unsummon my weapons and made my way to the last shadow, that is still futilely trying to free its weapon. I raised my palm at it and fired Agidyne. The intense head of the fire coupled with the fact it was wearing metal armor, the last shadow was effectively cooked thoroughly. The only thing was left was a steaming pile of armor that was left behind.
I swear, the more I fight these shadows, the more intelligent they seem to get.
After sighing to myself, I moved over to another pillar near the entrance to the temple to lean on it. It doesn't look like Nyx is finished yet, so I decided to summon the homunculus to examine it meantime.
So you decide to look at a doll instead of relaxing? Thanatos questioned.
I did finished a battle. Plus the Dark Hour messes with my MP3, I can't pass the time normally at this point.
Still...
I could continue to practice. Either way, I did spent a while moving around, summoning weapons and magic. I rather not be completely exhausted when she finishes.
A doll though? Sure the ones we normally use are just simple ones with no important features. This one looks like it belongs to a child.
Maybe, but I rather stare at this doll for while, rather than sit around and think about my strange life and powerlessness.
Huh? Thanatos questioned. Are you bothered by what she said?
Not really. While I'm not happy with not being able to help Nyx with the riddle; my issue is that I don't know ancient Greek. That's fine, that nothing I can do at the moment. What I'm more worried about is my powerlessness.
What? You aren't exactly the weakest human around you know? Plus, you are becoming more stronger each time. There's nothing wrong with that.
That's what I initially thought as well. Until I wonder why.
Why? Orpheus questioned.
I don't want to think about it.
And that's your choice. Messiah says calmly. We know why you don't want to, but all the more reason you should. You may not know it, but-.
"Why are you staring at a doll like that?" Someone said behind me.
I turn to see Nyx standing just at the entrance with her arms crossed.
"Finished?" It has been a while.
"No." She shakes her head. "It's a lot more complicated than I thought, so I'm taking a breather."
"I see." I figured it's going to be a lot more difficult as we moved closer to the truth.
"You still haven't told me about the doll."
I took one more look at the doll before letting fade away.
"It's something from my past." I answered at last.
Probably. Why else would I have it?
"You played with dolls in your past?" She raised an eyebrow.
God, I hope not.
"What's the riddle about anyways?" I ask her.
"Why? Think you can solve it?"
I shrugged in response.
I'm more curious than anything.
"Why not?" Nyx moves to an adjacent pillar next to mine and looks out to the ruined town below. "Perhaps another perspective could help."
She takes a breath before continuing.
"A creature the even the Olympians fear. Larger than anything living on this planet. One cannot destroy without endangering this land. Even banishing it here, it can still wreak havoc on the surface."
"Seems a bit short, compared to the text on the walls." I said.
"Trust me." Nyx rolls her eyes. "It had a lot of details; the best I can do is shorten it just for you to comprehend."
Thanks for your vote of confidence...
"There are creatures that even Zeus fears?" I asked.
"Honestly, I think the only thing that nympho is scared of is his wife. Even then, he still sleeps around." She sighs.
From what I read about Zeus, it also looks like he's afraid of Nyx as well but it looks like she's not aware of it.
It's funny. Thanatos said. Back when Heracles was doing his thing, Hypnos allowed Hera to harass Heracles by putting Zeus to sleep. Zeus would obviously get mad when he wakes up but can't do anything to Hypnos. That is because Hypnos would always hide behind mother and Zeus can't do anything to that might piss her off.
Really?
Yes. Apparently Hypnos did it numerous times to him because Zeus knows he can't retaliate at all.
Hilarious is that is, I need to get back on track.
"So essentially, we need find the creature that fits all that description." I said.
"Basically." She nods. "The problem is that it's been so long, that I can't remember every single details. Luckily for us, we only need the name of the creature. If I enough clues, I could eventually find out soon enough."
"Who would be reckless enough to fight a being like that anyways?"
"Zeus would be one, I suppose Ares would be another, Athena is another possibility but she would be more cautious. Actually, I think those Zeus is the only logical answer."
Alright, I was expecting more but I'm not complaining.
"Would the Titans work?" I suggested. "Zeus' father did eat his children and they were casted into Tartarus in the end."
"Not likely." Nyx shakes her head. "Most of the Olympians fought in that war with the Titans and the creature we're looking for is singular."
"Well, can we assume that the creature is still stuck in Tartarus or dead, or even somewhere else? I mean if I had to trap something and it can still affect the earth and killing it is not an option, I rather trap it in a place where it can't harm anyone."
"Is that why you sealed me in the Sea of Souls?" She looks at me, lowering her eyebrows.
I slowly inch away from her.
Yeah, I don't think it would be funny if I said that she was a possible answer to this riddle. I currently don't have a deathwish at the moment. I swear that look is becoming more terrifying every time I look at it.
"…According to the text, the creature somehow managed to escape Tartarus but was finally defeated on the surface at last." Nyx continues.
"Even when killing it puts the Earth at risk?" Is the riddle going back on its own word?
"That part confused me as well." She lowers her arms to her sides. "Maybe Tartarus weakened it, maybe it split itself into weaker parts or it could just be an exaggeration and we can't take everything it says literally. Either way, the main point is that it's not in Tartarus when it was defeated at last."
"Any idea where?" That could narrow a lot of things down.
"I know where, but it's it doesn't make any sense." She moaned.
"Any sense? How?"
"Because the being that is related to the area of Sicily, is Typhon."
"Who's that?" I not familiar with the name.
"Typhon, is the most deadly being of ancient Greek history." She explained. "He was also known to be the "Father of monsters" to you humans. Creatures like Cerberus, Ladon, the hydra and even ones like the chimera come from Typhon and his wife, Echidna. Even if you haven't hear of these two, you've definitely heard their children."
How can I not?
One future member of SEES is a dog that has Cerberus as a Persona.
"Typhon once challenged the Olympians over Mt. Olympus and naturally, Zeus and Athena stay and fought while the others fled.
I don't know the complete details; all I know is that Typhon challenged Zeus, the god had a difficult time, even had his tendons ripped out. Sometime later, the Olympian and the beast fights again. Zeus, with help from some other deities, manage to defeat him by trapping him under Mt. Etna, where the he is permanently stuck but still can still cause volcanic eruptions and earthquakes."
"That sounds like this thing fit the riddle." That was easier than I thought.
"I would agree, if the text aren't so difficult to interpret. You must of noticed it even with the little information I gave. Did you remember what I said?"
I lowered my head and pondered. "You said: "Even banishing it here, it can still wreak havoc on the Earth." However you didn't say anything about Tartarus when you describe him."
"Exactly." She dips her head. "The riddle describes this creature was trapped in Tartarus at some point then escaped to get revenge on Zeus, even though I know Zeus was the one that lost the first time and ran away."
"Maybe they didn't know that and assumed their way is how it happened because of misinterpretation." I proposed.
I mean the one questioning the riddle is someone who actually lived in those times. The one that made that riddle probably got it off on a 3rd party book or something.
"Impossible for many reasons." She disagreed. "Do you remember that puzzle I worked on the first time? It was a simple fill in a few blanks, but the answers are something only the gods should only know. Any mortal that has that information would go mad from revelation."
Disturbing.
"So Nyarlathotep could've made this thing and got it wrong for possible sabotage?" I shrugged my shoulders.
"That would be the logical thing, but again, impossible. What I'm about to tell you is something that no human would know."
"What?" Like mad from revelation type of thing?
"No." She holds up her palm to pause my thoughts. "What I mean is no human would know because it is pointless for them to know. You see, we deities have a language that mortals can not understand at all."
I nod.
That's not completely unexpected but I'm assume there's more to it.
"Because of that, we had developed ways that only the deities of that culture can understand it. To everybody else, it might as well be gibberish, even to Nyarlathotep."
"What?" There are a lot of things to process, I need a moment to comprehend all out this. "So you have a system that can prevent third parties from viewing certain things. Is that just exclusive to you guys only?"
"I gave you the simplest info I can make it to be, yet you still have trouble understanding it?"
"No, I understand. You said that it's something that the deities can only comprehend, yet Nyarlathotep won't be able to read it. Is it something that the deities of Greece has exclusively? Is what I'm asking."
"Ah. No it's something that all deities have. It's just being to understand it only works for the beings in the culture. If I were to make a hidden message or say it, I can understand it, Zeus can, Thanatos can. You and Nyarlathotep won't be able to see the true message. Same goes for him as well; if Nyarlathotep were to make the message, he would obviously be able to comprehend, so would his other Lovecraft deities. To me it might as well be useless."
I get it. It's like private messaging, only that it's exclusive to other deities in the same culture. Which brings up a dangerous thought.
"Can it be taught?"
"Thankfully no." She denied. "You have to be born in to the culture, it can't be taught to a human nor another deity of a different culture."
"And that is why Nyarlathotep can't have written this? How do you know it isn't the other way around then?"
"Because I can understand it. If he were to wrote it in his exclusive tongue, I would not be able to understand a single word."
Kind've makes you wonder why he didn't just do that in the first place. I would guess because he has a bet with Philemon, I have to assume (cheating for not) he has to make is possible to solve. Even if it is just 0.01% possible or something. Like he would automatically lose if he does something like that. I don't know, I have no idea how this bet or its rules works. I'm just apparently a pawn in the grand scheme of things.
"Therefore, the only one that can written this is a Greek deity. Someone like Chronos." Nyx' fist tightens at the mention of the name.
"So Chronos was here then." This is not good.
"I had checked the last time I went back to my realm. Everybody but Chronos was accounted for, only he could have made this."
"So you think they are working together?" As if fighting Nyarlathotep alone isn't fighting enough.
"The way I see it, there are no other possibilities. If they are working together, Chronos could've simply made this riddle, made it that only I can understand and then add contradicting details to make it even more harder to solve. Heck without me, it would be impossible for you to solve the first puzzle alone. Let alone reach up to this point."
"And if he's responsible for the puzzles, then he is the cause for the time loops then." Meaning that we have to defeat Nyarlathotep AND Chronos if we are to ever get of the time loop.
Great. Just perfect.
Nyarlathotep has another to make my life difficult.
"One on one with deities would be a bloodbath on earth, but fighting two would be a massacre. Even if we were to restrict them here, I'm positive the effects can be felt outside.
"And at our current strength, they would only mop the floor with us." I sigh.
"Then here's to hoping that we are at our full strength before we meet them." Nyx walks back into the temple.
I followed shortly behind.
Nyx walks up to the tomb and places her hand in it.
"So, Typhon is our answer after all." I said.
"Even with the contradictions we discussed, it is the only logical answer I have." Nyx nodded.
The tomb begins to glow. Nyx removes her hand from it and moves her finger to the spot where there isn't any text. As marks appears where she traces her index finger, the whole temple starts rumbling.
I summoned my sword and move closer to Nyx, looking in the opposite direction watching for any ambush behind us.
"Done." She steps away from the tomb. "We'll see if that is the correct answer soon enough."
She pulls out her sword and inches backwards until our backs touched. Both of us glanced around for any sign of danger until the rumbling stops.
We still remained quiet in case there were something emerging.
"So was it correct?" I broke the ice, turning my eyes in Nyx's direction
"We can't be too sure. In case it was wrong, then we better-"
!
Nyx and I separated our backs and faced the exit.
Right in front of us, there was a giant flaming eye blocking the doorway. The red glowing eye stood unblinking. We all make no attempt to move, making sure standoff did not end it prematurely. I slowly inched towards Nyx, careful to not make any sudden moves.
"Should we destroy it?" I whispered to her once I was close enough.
She broke contact with the eye to glance at me before looking back.
"Do you really think that's a smart idea?" She whispered back. "We don't know if it's attached to anything."
"Assuming it's going the way I think it's going, it is going to be attached to Typhon. Or at the very least a shadow version. I'm glad it's only in the Dark Hour, but I'm worried at the possibility that it might escape the tower to wreak havoc in town. Dark Hour or not."
Nyx turns her head to me in response.
"I understand your concerns. Let me remind you that even with help, Zeus could not destroy the beast. The best he could do is trap it. It's also important to note that we are not exactly at full strength as well. I ask again: do you really think it's a smart idea to fight this thing right now?"
"We could escape and think if a strategy if you want. I have a gem that can teleport us to the entrance of Tartarus." I'm not exactly hyped to fight a huge beast that can beat Zeus one on one, but I willing if I have to. I have fought more frightening things before.
Case in point, the goddess of night that's sighing besides me.
"As much as I loathe to admit it, that would be the wisest thing to do." She lowers her head in frustration. "Alright, you prepare the gem, I keep it focus on me- where did it go?"
What?
I turn my head to the entrance and sure enough, doorway was clear like there was no literal Eye of Sauron blocking us seconds ago.
"It disappeared." I must admit, I didn't feel it's presence move at all. "I think it's still here however."
Nyx nods in agreement.
"You better prepare it now while we have the chance."
Before I could do anything however, a loud noise rumbled Behind us. We both turn to see that no one was behind us at all. However...
Was that tomb always sitting upright?
"Be on guard." Nyx shifted into her combat stance. "There is something inside it."
The tomb banged repeatedly from the inside. For every impact there was, the coffin inched in that direction. The sounds grew louder and louder each time, matching the seconds that seem to follow it. Creaks slowly start to form on the lid every time a pond was heard. Eventually, one impact was strong enough to send the lid flying towards us. Really quickly I might add.
I dove out of the way while Nyx takes a step forward. She extends a palm forward just as the lid hits her. Because of the force of the lid, Nyx begins sliding back until she comes to a screeching stop. With a simple tap with her foot, he sends the object back a greater power back at the open tomb.
The lid hits the figure that just climbing out it of the tomb, sending them back in. The impact caused the stone coffin to fall back onto its previous position.
Before any of us had a chance to say anything, the lid was obliterated, spewing the rubble up like a volcano.
The figure once again tries to emerge from the downed tomb. The figure is black like the shadows and it collapsed into a puddle of goo when it finally got out of coffin.
The goo soon shaped itself to resemble itself to look like a man. The shadow grew up to be twice our sizes and the head seems to be constantly shaping itself while its eyes emerge from it.
Using its red eyes, it looks around the room it was in. When the shadow spotted Nyx, it's eyes glowed even brighter than before and out an animalistic howl into the sky.
The whole temple rumbled from the scream. While Nyx and I were trying to keep our balance from the shaking. The shadow grabs the largest piece of rubble near him and held it like club and charged.
Holy crap, it moves insanely fast.
"Nyx, look out!" I yelled.
The shadow quickly made its way over and readied it's makeshift weapon to attack.
Fortunately, Nyx was able to block the attack with her sword just in time. Unfortunately, the attack was so strong that the impact sent Nyx sliding back at a quick pace until she hits a wall.
I fired Agidyne at the shadow to hopefully destroy it. The flames hit it head on, but it doesn't seem to be bothered by the intense heat. The shadow seem to howl again as it charged towards me.
I position myself and raised my blade to guard against the incoming strike. The two weapons collided into each other causing the impact to make me slide back a bit.
While I was still recoiling from the impact, the shadow twisted its body around to kick me in the guts and send me flying into the wall. My sword flew and embed itself next to me as I was sliding down.
I had to abandon my weapon to roll out if the leaping shadow's attack just in time. The shadow's attack shattered the wall into pieces. It immediately got up and charged after me again.
With its quickness and power with each swing, I had no choice but to avoid his attacks until I reached a safe distance to jump away and gain some more range.
When I was a safe distance, I summoned another sword and got into my stance.
"Ack!"
Immediately, I felt pain on one of my legs and fell on one knee. I look down to see a piece of rubble with the size of a fist next to my bleeding leg. Looking up, The shadow leaped far into the air and prepared it's weapon to dive-bomb me.
Alright, what the hell?
It's one thing that shadows in Deep Monad are smart enough to develop tactics and strategies, but this is like hyper-intelligence. It's almost like I'm fighting a super human that really wants me dead.
Before it could make it halfway down, Nyx dives right into the falling shadow, sending it slamming into a wall.
Nyx landed gracefully on the ground and readies her sword.
The shadow destroys the wall it was stuck in and slams it's club in to Nyx's weapon. Fortunately, Nyx was prepared and was able to stand her ground. The two were exchanging blows so fast and so powerful that it felt like I was in a hurricane.
After I healed my wound, I got up and enchanted my sword with the flames of Agi. When Agi blade was ready, I ran up to them and joined Nyx with the assault.
Surprisingly, despite the two of us attacking at the same time, the shadow was able to block all of our attacks. It even threw in a few attacks back at us. Eventually, Nyx was able to deflect the club away from us, giving me enough time to stab the shadow in the chest. While it was reeling back from our attacks, I let go of my sword and placed both hands and the chest and casted Garudyne. The powerful wind sent it soaring out of the temple door and on to the glowing bridge outside.
"Good work." Nyx complemented and move forward. "Let's hurry and finish it off."
"Nyx." I followed behind her and summoned a long sword. "Careful, this thing is smarter than it looks."
"I know." She glanced at me. "While I was getting out of the rubble, I noticed it kicking a rock to your leg before starting its attack. It was pretty clever how it forced you into that position."
"I know." I sighed while enhancing my new sword with the Ice of Bufu.
When it leaped into the air, it basically forced me into two choices. Either I try to get out of the way and risk getting hit directly, or try to block it and be at the mercy at the next strike. If it weren't for Nyx, I doubt I would get out of that unharmed.
Just as we moved to the exit, there was a loud roar and something rapidly heading our way.
"Get down!" Nyx yelled as she pushed me off to the side.
She retracted her arms just in time as the "club" slammed where I standing. Nyx slashed at the long arm that was holding the weapon as she leaped back to avoid a another extended fist headed her way. So it can extend its limbs as well.
The shadow rushed passed me to continue its assault.
Huh, oh hey, there's my Velvet sword.
It is strange that the shadow completely ignored me just now. I mean it was able to defend itself against Nyx and myself at the same time no less. Now it's just focusing it its attention completely with her.
Come to think of it; when I fired Agidyne at it earlier, it focused entirely on me even though Nyx crashed in a wall and was vulnerable. The same thing happened with Nyx when she saved me from it, even though I was at its mercy.
Nyx was doing well against the shadow. She swings her sword that the same time as the shadow moves its club. Like an old samurai movie, the shadow's arm flies straight off, leaving a trail of black liquid behind and dropping its weapon near it.
It howls in pain and releases a shockwave from its body. The pressure knocks me to the ground and Nyx was struggling trying to keep her footing.
Taking advantage of the situation, the shadow uses its remaining arm to throw Nyx across the room but not before the she managed to stab her sword into the shadow's chest.
Once I got up and made sure Nyx was out of range, I fired Agidyne at the target. As expected, the shadow immediately grabbed his weapon with its remaining arm, turns to me and charges. I fired agi more times at the shadow. Strange that it didn't try to dodge them at all, even when it should know where it's going to hit.
Alright, time to- woah!
I rolled out of the way of the club that the shadow had thrown. When I looked up, it was already less halfway to me.
Right. Despite its simple attitude, it's still hyper-intelligent. That's fine, time for plan B.
I got up and prepared my sword and held up my hand. I have to wait for the right moment. Strike too soon or too early and it will be the death of me.
Concentrate…
The shadow is right in front of me..
Focus…
The shadow raised its right fist…
Time it right…
I Garudyne at the shadow. It was unperturbed by the wind and continues to attack.
Thankfully, that was not my goal. The wind did its job of slowing down the shadow just enough for me to duck under the fist and point my sword forward and push it forward through the thick, black skin.
With another sword embedded into its chest, the shadow reeled backwards. However, dispute the damage is sustained, it was still alive.
Fine, I'll go for the head. I quickly turn around and pulled my Velvet sword out of the wall and swing it at the enemy.
However, the shadow recovered faster than I expected and it quickly grabbed onto my arm. It lifted me up and threw me access the room.
When I saw that I was heading towards its tomb, I unsummoned my blade did my best to land without any injuries. Thankfully, the open tomb was large enough for me to roll properly unharmed. I turn to see the shadow just few feet ahead me preparing to attack.
Realizing my only solution, I ducked into the tomb to avoid the attack. Unfortunately, I wasn't the target; the tomb is. As I felt the tomb moved, I found myself speeding right at a wall. I closed my eyes and braced for impact.
*Crash*
Thankfully I wasn't hurt but I was now trapped in the tomb with the wall acting like a cage. Hopefully, a powerful Garudyne should set me free.
I placed my hand on the base of the tomb and casted Garudyne at full power. The tomb was sent flying at incredible speeds, shattering once it hit the other end of the wall.
With nothing else holding my freedom, I landed on the ground and summoned my sword.
*Throb*
Ack!
I put my left hand on my head in an attempt to soothe the pain.
Minato, careful. Messiah warned. You already casted enough spells already. Your mind won't be able to handle the pressure if you continue to cast them.
Darn, did I already reached my limit? Looks like it's time to bring out the Arcana.
Wait, don't! It's too late. You would've brought out enough power to stop this thing, but your mind can't handle it right now.
Damn it! Then what can I do? This guy is almost impossible to fight one on one.
I look up to see Nyx deliver a flying kick to the shadow. The kick managed to knock it back but it quickly recovered and started swinging its fist at her. With her sword still embedded in the shadow, Nyx can only avoid its attack in the meantime.
Use us. It won't help with your mind but we can at the very least reduce the strain.
At the cost of speed huh? Well it's better than nothing.
Wait. How many spells can I cast? Without you guys helping?
Not much. Orpheus replied.
Can you give me a rough number?
One. Maybe if you're lucky, two.
I'll keep that in mind.
I remember that I have some elemental gems. I know that they're not really strong compared to my power normally but I could have should use with them right now.
I ran towards the two and swing my sword. It struck the fist, cutting off a few fingers. Nyx took the advantage to pull out her sword and swing at the shadow. Her sword left a huge wound in the shadow, making it reel back. Nyx and I leaped back to regroup and our enemy roared, releasing the shockwaves all around it again.
"About time." She says. "you have a plan? He's too fast to be able to cast more powerful attacks."
"Maybe." I studied the being in front of me. "We may be able to destroy it but not while this thing can still move quickly."
"Then we need to cripple it." She nodded. "You just need to get in close, right?"
"Right."
"Let's move!"
Nyx and I charge at the shadow. As the thing stopped howling, something rather large emerged from the stump of the cut arm. The large thing revealed itself to be a giant claw that is twice the size of its body.
Great. Even cutting off a limb is a terrible idea.
No time to hesitate, it's now or never!
I summoned a Zio gem. As soon as it appeared in my hand, I crushed the gem and threw the shards at the shadow.
The shards transformed into lighting, hitting the shadow and bringing it attention to me.
Nyx moved behind me to hide herself from disable view from the shadow. The beast lifted its claw and swings the multiple shredding blades at me.
I summoned a Garu gem and used it to blast the incoming attack, slightly shifting its path to the left.
Taking no chance, I did my best to avoid the attack, nearly getting my hair cut off.
Nyx moved passed me and underneath the claw. Once she was close enough, she leaped high into the air, cutting off the limb that connects the main body from the deadly claws.
The shadow completely forgets about me completely while it turn its attention to Nyx, who is above the shadow.
Big mistake.
No matter how skilled or power that shadow is, the fact that it can only pay attention to the last person that attacked is the most fatal weakness.
I slash at the shadow with my sword at the same place where Nyx did last time. It immediately turn its attention to the last attacker and threw its fist to me.
I leaped back as far as I can, causing the attack to miss completely. The shadow was about to pursue when Nyx landed besides it, cutting off the other arm.
To cripple it even more, Nyx slashed at the same spot as before, creating a deeper wound.
It's time.
I unsummoned my sword and charged at the dying shadow with my fist balled up. My hand borrowed into the damaged, opened flesh, allowing my fist to dig in easier to reach the center. I loosen my fist a bit to allow room for an Agi gem to appear before I crushed it.
The flames from the gem burst open, burning everything on the inside and causing the Agi blade that was still embedded to explode. It's not a surprise that Agi blade exploded.
After all, the sword was on fire the whole time. With the fire constantly draining its durability and being near an intense heat most likely speed all it up a lot. It was bound to happen quickly.
What was surprising is that the sword exploded, causing the shards to impale themselves all over the insides of the shadow like shrapnel of a makeshift grenade.
Interesting… I might have to experiment with that whenever I get a chance. Perhaps find a way to use this effectively.
"Minato." Nyx called. "It's still alive."
Sure enough, despite its heavy damage, it was still moving.
"Fine." I opened my hand a bit again. "If I can't burn it, I'll skewer everything inside."
Summoning a Bufu gem, I crushed it and released the power of ice inside the body. The power within the gem exploded, causing icicles to expand from the inside. Multiple sharp icicles pierced the shadow on multiple areas, creating a rather gruesome image.
I should be concerned with what I'm seeing, but I no longer care anymore. I just want this thing dead.
The icicles exploded soon after, shredding the shadow even more and the Bufu sword shatters as well, creating more makeshift shrapnel.
Yeah, I'm definitely experimenting this.
We must. Thanatos agreed.
Annoyingly, the shadow is still alive. Despite its body full of holes and sword fragments, the damn thing still moves.
Have it your way.
I open my palm against the shadow and started to charge my energy.
Minato. Orpheus spoke in concern. You don't have a lot of energy left. Are you sure this is a good idea?
While the gems are useful, they aren't powerful enough. I need to go all out if this thing is going to die.
I let loose the energy in my palms and casted Garudyne. The intense force of the wind combined with the newly made holes on the shadow caused the back to explode, sending all the insides to fly out and smash itself against the far wall.
"Do it!" I yelled to Nyx, rolling out of the way.
The goddess leapt up to where the shadow's head is and slices it clean off. Before she starts to descend, Nyx angles her blade and slams straight down. A few seconds later, the two halves fell on top of each other.
Pain strikes my head again as I fell to my knees. I put one of my hand to my head in an attempt to dull the pain. It's not as bad aa earlier but it is a constant feeling right now.
"Are you alright?" Nyx must've noticed me and walked over.
"I'm fine. I just casted more energy than I would normally." I lifted my head forward. "I'm just tired."
Nyx's hand was extended just in front of me. I take the kind gesture as she helped get me up.
"Now, shall we leave?" She asked.
"Right?" I nodded, allowing the traesto gem to appear in my hand.
Huh?
My senses are a bit dull because of the constant pain right now, but I can still feel something coming. I look at the entrance to see some huge black blurry thing quickly heading this way.
Thankfully, Nyx reacted faster by grabbing me and using her wings to fly out of range of whatever that thing was. It destroyed the entrance due to its enormous size and slammed where we were previously at.
Taking a closer look at the object, I saw multiple heads of dragon-like snake things all bunched up together covering this long thing from the entrance. All the heads seem to be alive as the are all moving around until they spotted us. Looking at the spot where we were before, there was a giant hand, that is connected to the... many heads...
Oh crap.
"Now would be a good time to get us out." Nyx's voice raised a little.
I know.
I tighten my grip on the gem, only to find that my hand is empty.
What? Oh...
"I must've dropped it when we flew." I told her.
"That's Terrific." She spat out.
Sensing something else heading our way, Nyx flew close to the ground. Just in time to as another long thing resembling the arm from before, moving across the area we were at. The arm came from one end of the wall and moved along to the other end, ripping out the roof and bathing the area in light.
I cover my eyes from the sudden burst of light, but I quickly recovered. When I looked up to the sky, what I was saw made my mouth drop.
There, standing outside the destroyed temple and blocking half of the sky, was an enormous being. It was very dark ash-grey, save for a some glowing red lines across its body. The dragon-like appendages are revealed to be the arms belonging to this beast. The huge head connect to the massive body seems to be humanoid shape with a certain animal features attached to it.
Obviously, both of its glowing red eyes are on fire and there are hundreds if not thousands to smaller snake heads all along the shoulder of this thing. The snakes seem to be spewing fire, but it seems to be unaffected by them.
"Typhon." Nyx said, glaring at the beast.
That's Typhon, huh? He's a lot darker than I would assume but then again, this is just (hopefully) a shadow version of it.
Typhon slowly turns his main head towards us. The moment his flaming eyes spots us, it let out a roar so loud, that the shock wave from it sent us crashing into the wall. Wings expanded from behind him, covering the sky and denying us light from wherever it was coming from anyways.
Where does the light- Now is not the time!
Nyx immediately jumps high into the air to avoid another of Typhon's arms.
GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
He can sure scream.
"What!?" Nyx suddenly stopped in the air mid-flight.
"What's wrong!?" I asked, worried.
I didn't get my answer because I felt incredible pain when a giant fist managed to collide into us while Nyx was distracted by something. The impact sent me slamming back into the temple ruins while Nyx lost her grip on me and was sent flying off in the distance.
Coughing bits of blood out, I slowly bring myself up. Hurray for Messiah's Enduring soul. After getting hit by a giant fist at the fist of a truck and was sent diving into the ground, I was definitely killed by that attack. Because of my "death", I was able to "resurrect" from the blow that would've normally kill me.
It's a shame it's only once per battle because it won't help me when I saw another giant fist accelerated its speed in my direction.
There were only three things I remember after the fist struck me: Extreme pain, the floor breaking underneath me and my name being calling out before my eyes become enveloped in the darkness...
A/N: I apologized if parts of this chapter seemed incomplete or missing (that includes grammar issues). For some reason, I'm having trouble uploading this chapter because this site won't allow me to upload this as a .docx file (even though I done it plenty of times) so i had to convert it to something else. I'm saying this because I was re-editing this chapter, I noticed a few things missing even though the original files had them so there's a chance I might miss something. So I might go back and re-edit this again if any major parts are missing.
Anyways, when I was looking over the old notes and came across Typhon, I knew I would had to include him because he is imo, the most awesome monster in ancient greek history. (Even if his children are more well known.) Either way, you guys obviously notice that I had put a few conflicting details about Typhon when describing him. That is because when I was researching about him, (with multiple sources) I noticed that they were many versions were all telling the same tale, but with different details.
For example, Typhoon was described as having a human head with a beard in one version, while another depicted him with a goat head and another said that he had a hundred dragon heads like the hydra.
So in a douchey way, I just mix and matched the parts that I like and added the rest as the "false details". The parts that are "conflicting" are true depending on the version you read, but I thought it would be interesting to use that to my advantage. (Even if it is for this part only.)