So a couple of things. I have slightly changed the Olivia and Nyx relationship. This will have no impact on Bell or the rest of the main story plot. I have corrected this in Chapter 2 as well some minor edits. Nyx will have been taking care of Olivia since she was a baby.

Further details will be revealed in future chapters. I felt like this change would be truer to Olivia's character which I love in her series. As a point of clarification to prevent confusion this is a Danmachi exclusive story and will continue to remain so. All character from other franchises will obey the laws of Damachi and will exist within the context of this world. No crossovers.

I added some more content to Chapter 4. There is a now an after Dungeon Exploration scene. I have been wanting to add that for a while. I thought is would be a nice touch.

Also I have moved a scene that I originally intended to have in this chapter to the next one as such the name of this chapter will change a little. This is the current make-up of the coming chapters:

Chapter 5: Dungeon Exploration, Keras, and Lurking Shadows

Chapter 6: Caught and A New Party Member

Chapter 7: Evilus, Plots, and A Choice

Chapter 8: Plots And Confrontations

Chapter 9: Strife, Discord, and SCHISM

Chapter 10: Resolutions and Unveiling the Past

As for the "doctor" I introduced this is an OC that I felt like was necessary. I did consider just using Muller(from a Danmemo event) and having him be the center of villain here but I went this route for a variety of reasons. Some of which I will outline some I will keep as they reference future plot points:

1) Muller is not a a high level threat. I forget what level he was in the Memoria Freese event but lacks any sort of physical menace. I feel that he is too weak to pose a significant threat by himself.

2) I am looking to construct a replacement for Zald and Alfia since they are on the side of the Guild I need a method to moderate their presence at least somewhat by strengthening Evilus to a certain degree. This doctor is one way and so are his experiments .

3) Muller also doesn't have any high morals or ideals he wishes to pursue. He merely does what interests him. So at least at the start I wanted to have another presence.

Now that being said he will have a minor presence going forward for the next few chapters this is merely an introduction to showcase something that is going on in the background. So that is my reasoning let me know what you think.

Also the reason I added this section first was to receive feedback on it. So Please let me know what you all think. I was stuck trying to get through this so and constructive feedback is appreciated.

Alright So that is everything this time;

Author's Note: If you would like to support me please consider supporting my Pat reon (zscreatorstudio) or remove the spaces below for the link:

w w w . pat reon . c o m (/) zscreatorstudio

Feel free to message me with questions.

Any support is much appreciated. Bell of the Darkness and A Light Amidst the Darkness will continue to be published for everyone's enjoyment. I will NEVER EVER hold these stories behind a paywall.

As a warning the following content is for Mature audiences only.

Dungeon Exploration Trip 2
Morning rose on the Midnight Garden, casting a soft, golden hue across the tranquil expanse. Bell began to stir, feeling gentle fingers running through his hair.

"Good morning, Bell," Alfia said, her voice soothing as she continued to stroke his hair.

"Good morning, Auntie..." Bell responded, blinking sleep from his eyes. He looked up to see his aunt smiling warmly at him.

"Come now. It will be time for breakfast soon. We have a morning of training, and then you have another Dungeon trip with that Blondie and the hyenas," Alfia reminded him, a hint of sternness in her tone.

"Auntie, please try to be nice to them," Bell implored. "They are the first friends I made, and they looked after me."

Alfia sighed, her expression softening slightly. "I know that, sweetie. Don't worry, I won't upset them. They still have a long way to go before I acknowledge them."
Alfia rose from the bed, finishing her affectionate gesture. "Time to get up, Bell."

Bell nodded, waiting for Alfia to leave the room before he changed and went to get breakfast. The meal was simple but hearty, preparing him for the morning ahead. After eating, Bell and Alfia headed to their training ground.

Ais arrived shortly after, and the trio began their rigorous training session. Alfia's instructions were sharp and precise, pushing Bell and Ais to their limits. The sun climbed higher, marking the passage of several hours as they continued their intense practice.
Eventually, the Astrea familia arrived leading to the spilt in the group with one going into the Dungeon while the other began their training under Alfia.

Guild Dispatch Quest: Defeat the Monsters Dungeon Mission
After the grueling training session, Bell and Ais made their way towards the Dungeon, with Kaguya and Neze keeping a watchful eye on Bell. Given Alfia's warning, Ais left a few minutes before the rest of them to get a head start and to avoid being seen with Bell as much as possible. The trio entered the bustling Guild Hall, filled with adventurers. The air was thick with the scent of leather and sweat, mingling with the buzz of excited conversations. Bell's eyes were immediately drawn to the Dispatch Quest board. He weaved through the crowd, eyes scanning the myriad of quests posted.

"What are you looking for, Bell?" Kaguya asked, her curiosity piqued by his sudden focus.

"I'm hoping to find some interesting quests we can take on," Bell replied.

Neze nodded in agreement. "That's a smart idea, Bell. It's always good to earn some extra valis." She watched as Bell's eyes darted over the flyers and posters.

After a few moments, Bell's eyes lit up. He pulled out a flyer with a bold title that read:

Guild Dispatch Quest:
Upper Floors 5-9 Defeat the Monsters
This is a regularly scheduled quest issued by the Guild. We would like you to go the specified floors and defeat some of the monsters residing off the regular path between levels.

Given there is set route adventurers take to the next floor this quest serves two purposes:
1. To provide the Guild with better understanding of the Upper Floor's current status
2. And cull the monster population in the less traveled areas before they cause issues.

Since the Guild is conducting the research, you can take any drop items you find.

Guild Reward: 20,000 Valis to be split between party members.

Bell finished reading the quest and handed it to Ais. He raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "What do you think, Miss Kaguya?"

"That should be a fine challenge for you," Kaguya responded

Together, they made their way over to the receptionist desk, scanning for an available spot. Bell's eyes roved the counter, finally landing on a striking redheaded werewolf who was currently had her back turned towards the counter. As they approached, she finished and turned back to the counter.

"May I take on this quest, Miss...?" Bell asked, handing the flyer to the receptionist.

"I am Rose Fannett, Mr. Cranel," she replied, studying Bell's appearance before glancing at his companions. Her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the Astrea familia with Bell. "Are you certain you are capable of completing this task? You are a new adventurer, after all. It would be troublesome for me to process a failed quest."

Bell met her gaze steadily. "I appreciate your concern, Ms. Fannett, but I have permission from my aunt to venture to the 10th floor as long as I have a group with me."

"Your aunt must have considerable faith in you, then. Very well. I will process your request. If you fail, I'll just have someone else handle that paperwork," Rose remarked nonchalantly as her eyebrows arched slightly before she filled out the necessary paperwork. "The total reward will be split between the four of you. Is that satisfactory?"

"Yes, I understand," Bell replied, taking the completed forms from her, and stowing them away.

With the quest officially accepted, Bell, Kaguya, and Neze left the Guild Hall and made their way to the bottom floor of Babel, where the entrance to the Dungeon loomed before them. Ais joined them as they approached and was informed of the quest that Bell had accepted.

"Good idea…oh" Ais murmured, as she cut herself off and started patting herself down.

"What's wrong, Ais?" Bell asked, turning back towards her.

"I just recalled Alise's rules, so I was checking my potions," Ais explained, her head tilting slightly to the side. Bell's face contorted into a mask of horror.

"There is no need to worry about Alise's rules," Bell said, trying to mask his nervousness as sweat began to bead on his forehead. He glanced at Kaguya, who had developed a Cheshire cat grin and was eyeing him like she had found a new toy.

"Now, now, Bell. I am sure our wonderful and brilliant Captain imparted a great deal of wisdom. As such, I need to know what these 'rules' are so that I can ensure they are properly followed." Kaguya's voice was smooth but firm as she fixed Bell with a piercing gaze. Neze, standing beside her, grinned wolfishly at Bell, causing him to gulp audibly.

Ais, oblivious to Bell's discomfort, dutifully repeated the rules she had heard from Alise. Each word made Bell fidget and squirm more under Kaguya's intense stare.

"Ara, ara. I happen to wholeheartedly endorse the captain's rules," Kaguya declared, her voice dripping with false sweetness. She pulled Bell into a tight hug, her lack of a breastplate causing Bell's face to sink into her bosom. As Bell's face was pressed against Kaguya's ample bosom, her scent of jasmine and sandalwood began to fill his nose. Sensing immediate danger, Bell began to struggle to escape. However despite his frantic struggles, he couldn't break free from her grasp.

"Don't worry, Bell. I will make sure to watch you very closely," Kaguya teased, her voice a purr in his ear.

Bell's face flushed a deep crimson as he tried to escape. Neze's chuckle cut through the tension, and she stepped forward with a smirk.

"As entertaining as this is, we do have a quest to complete and we both have patrols tonight. We should wrap this up as soon as possible."

"Thank you, Miss Neze," Bell cried out, his voice tinged with relief and embarrassment. He turned to face Neze, tears of gratitude in his eyes.

"Pft... Bell, you really are too adorable sometimes," Neze said with a chuckle, petting Bell on the head while he remained trapped in Kaguya's bosom, his face flushed with embarrassment.

Nearby, several parties of male adventurers passed by, glaring at Bell with obvious jealousy. Mutters of discontent could be heard, but whenever Neze or Kaguya caught these whispers, they fixed the offender with a steely gaze until he looked away and shrank back in fear.

"Right, time to get going," Kaguya announced, finally releasing Bell. She shot one last death glare at a passing adventurer, who immediately averted his gaze and hurried away.

Bell heaved a heavy sigh of relief, stepping back to regain his composure. He began checking his weapons and equipment, ensuring everything was in place for their quest. Kaguya and Neze watched him, their expressions softening.

"We have a long journey ahead," Neze said, her tone more serious. "Let's make sure we're all ready."

Bell nodded, fastening his sword securely and adjusting his pack while Ais did the same. The group cautiously stepped into the Dungeon, Bell's heart racing with a familiar sense of unease. As he crossed the threshold, a shiver ran down his spine, feeling as if the very walls were warning him. The air was thick with an oppressive energy, making it seem as though the Dungeon was actively rejecting their presence.

"So, the first four floors aren't part of the survey. Our focus should be on floors five to nine, where we will scout some of the longer routes that lead to the next floor," Bell proposed as they moved through the first floor. "These routes are less traveled but still lead to the same destination. Since this quest requires us to scout two different routes on each floor, my suggestion is to do one on the way down and then the second one on our way back up. What do you think, Ais? And what about Miss Kaguya and Neze?"

As Bell finished speaking, a pack of goblins suddenly appeared from a side corridor and attacked.

"Gospel," Bell chanted, and one of the goblins exploded into a cloud of ash, its screech cut off before it could fully escape.

"That works," Ais said approvingly, slicing through another goblin with her sword.

"Good plan, Bell," Neze added, delivering a well-placed kick that sent a goblin flying into the wall. It disintegrated into ash without a sound

Kaguya nodded. "Yes, that is a fine plan. The return trip will be more difficult, but we're here to support you."

A goblin charged forward, growling fiercely. When the creature was within a meader of Kaguya, her sword flashed, and the blade sliced cleanly through the air, decapitating the creature. The goblin's head tumbled to the ground with a sickening thud, and the body convulsed briefly before turning into a pile of ash.

"Okay, then let's plan on that," Bell said, feeling a sense of determination.

With their plan set, the group began their descent, ready to face the challenges ahead.

Floor 7 (Yes, I intentionally skipped to Floor 7.)

The group descended through the floors, cutting down hordes of monsters along the way. Neze and Kaguya took a back seat, allowing Ais and Bell to take the lead and set their own pace. They only stepped in when necessary to prevent the pair from being overwhelmed. There intervention was limited mostly to the softening up of potentially troublesome monsters. As they navigated the levels, Bell and Ais moved with improved teamwork, their movements becoming more synchronized with each battle. Finally, they approached a Y-intersection, each path branching off into unknown directions.

Skitter. Skitter. Skitter.

The unnerving sound of something skittering across the floor echoed through the tunnel, causing Bell and Ais to freeze in their tracks. Their senses on high alert, they carefully scanned their surroundings, trying to pinpoint the source of the noise.

Skitter. Skitter.

The noise seemed to be getting closer, coming from the branch on their right. Ais and Bell pointed their weapons, training them on the branch, ready for whatever might emerge.

Skitter.

The sound came again, louder this time, like claws scrabbling against rough stone. The air hung heavy with tension as they waited, weapons at the ready, for the creature to reveal itself. From the shadows, a grotesque creature with multiple legs and a chitinous shell emerged Giant bone-crushing mandibles clicked and clacked menacingly as six skittering legs propelled the creature toward them. Its thick exoskeleton gleamed a deep blood-red in the dim light of the Dungeon.

"A killer ant," Bell gasped, his eyes fixed on the massive insect before them.

"Be careful, you two. The killer ant is known as a newbie killer for a reason," warned Kaguya, her stance shifting to intercept the monster if necessary. Though they had defeated many other killer ants before, this creature remained a formidable foe. Overconfidence was fatal in the Dungeon.

"We will, Miss Kaguya. Ready, Ais?" Bell asked as he leveled his sword at the monster.

"Hmph," Ais replied with a nod, her weapon mirroring Bell's readiness.

"CHCHCHCHCHC!" The killer ant screamed, its enormous mandibles snapping menacingly as it charged toward them.

Bell dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. Ais leapt into action, her sword flashing as she slashed at the creature's armored body. The blade connected with a resounding clang, before bouncing off the ant's exoskeleton.

"Aim for the joints, Ais!" Bell's voice rang out as the ant lunged at him, its mandibles snapping. Bell swiftly sidestepped the attack and swung his sword in a wide arc, aiming for the weak points in the ant's exoskeleton. As Bell's blade made contact with a joint in the ant's leg, the creature let out another shrill scream.

"CHCHCHC" The ant screeched, frantically clicking its mandibles and trying to attack Bell.

Bell dodged and weaved as he continued his assault on the giant insect. He ducked and rolled to avoid its next attack, then sprang back up and swung his sword once more, this time aiming for the ant's fragile legs.

The killer ant reared back as its mandibles snaped with a menacing hiss. Ais moved in at this opening and her sword arced through the air connecting the ant' vulnerable neck. In a heartbeat, the ant's head was several and its body soon disintegrated into a cloud of ash.

Neze, who had been watching from the sidelines, clapped in approval. "Good work, you two. That was excellent teamwork." Neze reached down and retrieved the magic stone that had been the target of their training.
Kaguya nodded, her eyes scanning both Ais and Bell for any signs of injury. "Yes, quite good. It's clear that your training is paying off."

Bell took a swig from his water flask and nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you both," he said, his voice carrying a note of genuine gratitude. Ais gave a simple nod in response.

"So, we've encountered an unusually high number of killer ants recently," Bell said, directing his question to Neze and Kaguya.

Kaguya nodded, her eyes scanning the surrounding area. "Yes, it's true. While you two have managed these encounters well, for a typical adventurer, this would be a significant challenge. Killer ants are formidable opponents, especially for newcomers. The current rate of encounters is higher than usual. If these ants were to start moving in larger numbers, it could lead to serious problems and casualties. This situation should definitely be reported to the Guild. They might even send an extermination squad."

Ais's eyes widened at the mention of an "extermination squad." She quickly turned to Kaguya, her desire bubbling over with questions. "What's an extermination squad? How do you join? What level do you have to be to qualify?"

Kaguya's patience wore thin at Ais's barrage of questions continued until finally Kaguya brought her sheathed katana down onto Ais's head, stunning her into silence. Ais looked up, her expression a mix of surprise and irritation.

"That's enough, little girl," Kaguya said firmly, her eyes locking onto Ais's with a stern glare. "You're far too young and inexperienced for an extermination squad. You don't need to worry about such things."

"tch," Ais muttered, clearly displeased as she glared back, her teeth clenched in defiance.

"WHY you little.." Kaguya began before Neze, having observed the exchange with a mix of exasperation and amusement, interjected,

"Okay. Okay. We've got a quest to finish, remember?"

"Fine," Ais grumbled, moving back to join Bell at the front of their group. She threw one last glare over her shoulder at Kaguya before refocusing on the task at hand.

The group pressed onward, their steps echoing through the dimly lit corridors of the Dungeon, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Floors 9-10:
The group reached the entrance to the 10th floor, their faces etched with the fatigue of their journey. Bell and Ais, their armor scuffed and dented from numerous encounters, leaned heavily on their weapons. Ais's sword bore the marks of repeated use, its edge no longer as sharp as it had been.

"Well, we've finally made it to the entrance of the 10th floor," Neze said, her tail twitching, "Good job getting here. We've hardly had a chance to do anything."

"Thanks, Miss Neze," Bell replied, taking a deep breath and a long drink from his canteen. The water refreshed him, if only momentarily.

"Hpm. Thanks," Ais muttered.

Bell glanced at Kaguya and Neze. "I was thinking of taking a quick look at the 10th floor before we head back. Is that alright?"
Kaguya and Neze exchanged glances but nodded in agreement.

"Go ahead," Kaguya said with a sigh. "We'll stay close, just in case."

With a nod, Ais eagerly followed Bell as they stepped onto the 10th floor. The landscape shifted dramatically from the dark, stone corridors they were used to. The walls here were covered in yellow moss, and the floor was dotted with patches of short, green grass. The light that filtered down from above cast an almost sunlit glow over the area, though the effect was somewhat dimmed by a thick, misty haze that rolled across the ground.

Bell and Ais moved cautiously, their senses alert for any potential threats. The mist made the terrain difficult to navigate, reducing visibility and adding an eerie quality to the new environment. Kaguya and Neze followed closely behind, their readiness for sudden surprises evident in their tense postures. The group had scarcely taken more than a few steps onto the 10th floor when the ground shook with the force of approaching roars.

"GRGGRGGRGGRG"

"GUGGUGGUGGUG"

"GAWRGAWRGAWR"

Three distinct, thunderous roars echoed through the fog, each one growing louder and more menacing. The group quickly fell into formation.

Large, shifting silhouettes emerged from the mist, their massive forms casting long shadows that danced across the ground. The impact of their heavy footsteps resonated through the floor, sending tremors up through the adventurers' boots. From the fog, the orcs emerged—hulking creatures, their eyes gleaming with a predatory focus on the new intruders.

"Well, Bell?" Kaguya's voice cut through the tension as she placed a steady hand on her katana, her gaze locked on the advancing orcs. "What's the plan?"

Bell glared at the monsters before he responded. "I want to fight, but we need to split the forces. Can you and Neze handle the other two? Ais and I will take on one."

Ais nodded in agreement.

"Very well," Kaguya said, her voice firm. "I'll only intervene if it seems like you're in imminent danger." Neze, standing beside her, gave a quick nod of confirmation.

With the plan set, Ais and Bell moved to the right, while Kaguya and Neze veered left to engage the other orcs. The orcs, seemingly entranced by the sight of fresh prey, charged forward. One of the orcs, a particularly large specimen wielding a massive club, barreled straight toward Bell and Ais. The ground trembled beneath its steps, and the air crackled with anticipation.

"Ais, we need to target its legs and bring it down," Bell instructed, his voice steady amidst the chaos. Ais gave a determined nod, and they both sprang into action. They darted to opposite sides of the charging orc, preparing to come at it from either side
The orc, confused by their sudden movement, hesitated for a split second. That was all the opening Bell needed. He dashed forward, his sword flashing as he aimed a strike at the orc's right leg. The blade bit deep into the tough hide, drawing a howl of pain and rage from the creature.

Ais seized the next opportunity, her own sword slicing through the air and finding its mark on the orc's left leg. The monster stumbled, its balance thrown off by the twin attacks. It swung its massive club wildly, trying to fend off the duo.

Bell and Ais danced around the orc as they continued their assault. They weaved in and out of range, striking at the creature's legs whenever an opening presented itself. The orc grew more and more frustrated, its attacks becoming increasingly erratic.

In the distance, the sounds of battle echoed as Kaguya and Neze engaged the other two orcs and quickly dealt with them. The clang of steel biting flesh and the roars of the monsters filled the misty air. But Bell and Ais remained focused on their own opponent.
With a deafening THUD, the massive orc slams its club into the ground, sending a thick cloud of dust billowing into the air. Bell having been in the midst of charging forward, decided to continue the attack but as he enters the dispersing cloud, he sees the Orc's club hurtling towards his and braces himself as he is unable to dodge.

While Bell parried the orc's club, avoiding a direct hit, the force of the impact knocked him backwards, sending him tumbling through the air before crashing to the ground with a thud of his own. His head rings and his vision blurs as he struggles to regain his footing and continue the battle.

"Bell" Ais screamed as the orc lunged at her, its massive frame regaining its footing.

She frantically dodged the creature's grasp, narrowly avoiding its outstretched claws and snarling teeth. But just as she thought she had escaped unscathed, the end of the orc's club caught her body and sent her flying through the air, leaving her gasping for breath on the ground. The sound of bone crunching and metal clashing echoed in the chaos of battle as Ais struggled to stand.

"Okay. That is enough." Kaguya says and an instant later the orc's head fell to the ground.

Its body crumpled lifelessly to the ground, dark blood seeping from the stump of its severed neck before disappearing into ash. Kaguya flicked her blade to the side with a deft motion, sending droplets of blood splattering to the dirt. Kaguya exhaled slowly and slid her sword back into its sheath with a satisfying hiss of metal.

"Well. That isn't a bad attempt. You did fairly well." Kaguya's words were laced with a hint of surprise as she administered a potion to Bell, who Neze had helped over, then turned her attention to Ais, to whom she also administered a potion.

"We should make our way back up now," Neze spoke up, her voice tinged with worry as she surveyed Bell and Ais. "Though we did take a detour to the 10th floor, we still have the reaming half of the quest."

"Sure. Let's go." Bell complied while he ground his teeth quietly in frustration.

"GRRR." Ais grits her teeth in frustration but followed the others.

The group ascended back to the 9th floor, their footsteps echoing through the corridors as they resumed their exploration of the second route. The atmosphere was marked by a tense efficiency, their previous encounter with the orcs still fresh in their minds.
The second route presented no further complications. As they finished their work, relief was evident on their faces.

Returning to the surface, they made their way to the Guild. As usual Ais departed from the group early to avoid bustling hall was filled with adventurers discussing their latest exploits, but the group headed straight for the counter.

"We'd like to submit our report," Bell said, handing over the detailed account of their findings. "We've completed the assigned tasks, but we need to address an unusual situation."
The clerk glanced up from the paperwork, nodding for them to continue.

"We've encountered an abnormal number of killer ants," Bell explained. "The frequency of these encounters is far above what is considered norm. It's something that could pose a significant risk if the pattern continues."

The clerk raised an eyebrow, taking note. "We'll pass this along to the appropriate department. We will likely issue an extermination quest soon if it is deemed appropriate. Thank you for your diligence. The information will be useful."

With their report submitted, the group exchanged a few nods of satisfaction before they left the Guild.

Birth of the Keras:
Deep within a forest where the sunlight scarcely reached, the ruins of an ancient temple lay hidden. The remnants of this once-majestic structure were cloaked in moss and tangled vines, which crept over the crumbling stone walls. Amidst the decay and faded murals, two women stood among their packed belongings.

"Well now, my dear Olivia," one of the women spoke with a sense of finality, "It's time to be going. We have much to do before heading to Orario."

The other woman, her white hair catching the dappled sunlight that pierced through the forest canopy, nodded in agreement. Her ebony-black eyes sparkled with a mixture of anticipation and excitement as she turned to her companion.
"Of course, Nyx," she responded excitedly

Nyx's expression shifted to one of solemnity as she instructed "Make sure you say goodbye at the grave. We won't be coming back here for a very long time, if ever."

"Already done, Nyx," she called out. "I told papa that I loved him and that I was going on an adventure, but that I would come back."

Olvia turned back with a reassuring smile at Nyx, her eyes reflecting both resolve and a hint of nodded, a trace of approval in her eyes.

"Good, Olivia," she said. "Now, before we set off on our journey, let's give you one last status update."

As Olivia eagerly stripped off her clothes and turned to face Nyx, the goddess pricked her own fingers with a sharp needle. With practiced precision, she traced the unlocking patterns on Olivia's bare skin, revealing the girl's falna. As if in response, Olivia's emblem unfurled, shimmering in the sunlight.

A massive, intricately carved skull lay before them, adorned with scarlet roses that seemed to bloom from its very bones. In the center of the skull's forehead was a glimmering blood red gemstone that seemed to glint. Flanking the emerging skull were two massive scythes creating a sight that was both beautiful and terrifying, a symbol of death and power.

Olivia Valedstorm
(These are the tentative skill ideas I have for Olivia. Let me know what you think. They are subject to change. I have to think out a magic to give her as well.)
Human
Age 13
Lvl 1
Strength: G-250
Endurance: G-200
Dexterity: H-185
Agility: H-167
Magic: I-0
Magic:

Skills:

Keras(Death God) of Battlefield
Beloved and first daughter of the Goddess Nyx
Temporary and exponential status growth while in combat.
Status growth is meant for human combat.
Benefit when fighting monsters is halved when compared to humans.

Reaper of the Slain
Does NOT grant accelerated growth.
Can harvest a portion of the excelia from slain mortal foes only. No impact from monsters.
Harvested Excelia will be added to one's own.
Harvested Excelia can surpass status limit
Will receive a fraction of the opponent's current excelia.
Greater portions of excelia will be received from stronger foes.
Lesser portions of excelia will be received from weaker foes.
Foes that are much weaker (greater than 2 levels) cannot have their exceila harvested.

"Great job, my dear. You have trained diligently for this. It's incredible to think that you've come so far just by training and facing some surface monsters," Nyx praised.

"I'm not entirely sure, Nyx. Will it be enough?" Olivia questioned.

"It's a fine starting point. We can't let my husband surpass us. That means we'll have to train extra hard, especially since he has the Dungeon and we don't. Now, let's begin our journey. I think the best place to start would be in the North East. My intuition tells me we'll find exceptional children there. And with your skills, the conflict between the Empire and Fernest will only aid in your growth," Nyx said thoughtfully, listening to what her intuition was telling her.

With a soft sigh, Olivia leaned back against Nyx's warm and comforting presence. The gentle touch of Nyx's hands running through her hair relaxes Olivia, as she closed her eyes and lets out a contented hum.

"It's hard to believe it's been ten years since I found you," Nyx said softly, smiling down at Olivia. "These past ten years have truly been a blessing. And now my little girl is already thirteen."

Olivia smiled and nuzzled closer to Nyx, feeling grateful for their bond that has formed between them over the years.

"I'm so glad we were able to find each other too, Nyx," Olivia whispered, her head resting against Nyx's chest.

"As much as I could stay here hugging my adorable daughter all day, we have to get going," Nyx said with a fond smile, stopping her hand from running through Olivia's hair.

"Okay," Olivia replied, getting up from her spot and reaching for her pack.

The duo prepares to leave the temple that has been their home for the last decade. Nostalgia fills Nyx's heart as she takes one last look around before they depart on their journey together.

Secret Laboratory:
In an underground laboratory belonging to the subset of Evilus, a lone figure walked down a long hallway. Each of the magic stone lamps emitted an eerie light that cast ominous shadows across the sterile white surfaces. At the end of the corridor lies a heavily reinforced door, its metal panels gleaming in the dim lighting. The man approaches it with purpose, his footsteps echoing sharply against the floor.

Despite the hushed silence of the lab, there is a sense of foreboding hanging in the air, as if some unspeakable experiments are being conducted behind closed doors. But for this man, it is just another day at work in the lab. As the man approached the door he thoughts began to wander.

"I have to do this."

"I have seen what the mortal realm is up against."

"I cannot allow IT to roam free."

"IT must be killed no matter what."

"I will sacrifice these few for the greater good."

"it is what must be done. No matter the personal sins I must commit, I will rid the world of the threat of monsters."

"I remember everything like it was yesterday.

the roar,

the screams,

the stench of blood and gore.

Watching my familia and friends being killed,

Toyed with,

and

finally

devoured by the beast.

I will never forget that day.

The day when the greatest might Genkai could assembled was reduced to naught but ash in the wind

I will not all that abomination to hold dominion over Genkai any longer.

I will do whatever must be done.

The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit room. A small window cast a thin sliver of light across the stone floor. Chains hung from the walls, their metal links clinking softly in the stale air. The stench of rot and decay assaulted his senses, causing him to wrinkle his nose in disgust.

In the far corner, a young elf girl with blonde hair and blue eyes huddled, her body shaking with fear. Her sobs, echoed off the walls, filling the room with a sense of hopelessness. The girl's tearful eyes met his, searching for any sign of mercy.
"Why am I here? Please let me go..." Her voice trembled, each word a plea for freedom.

The man sighed, his voice carrying a heavy weight. "I am sorry, child," he said, his tone devoid of warmth. "But what is about to happen is necessary for the future of Genkai."

With a firm grip, he seized the chains attached to her wrists. The girl struggled, her feeble attempts at resistance only tightening his hold. He pulled her forward, the chains rattling as they moved.

"No, no, no!" Her screams echoed down the dim corridor. "Mama! Papa! Anyone!" Her cries were swallowed by the oppressive silence of the abandoned halls, her voice growing hoarse as she fought against her captor.

The man's grip was ironclad, his determination unwavering as he pulled her through the darkness. The hallway seemed to stretch endlessly, every step taking them closer to the foreboding destination. The girl's struggles grew weaker, her energy sapped by fear and exhaustion.

The creaking of rusted hinges announced their arrival at the laboratory. The room was dimly lit, shadows clinging to the walls. In the center, a third man was arranging instruments on a table equipped with bindings and manacles. The pungent smell of old blood and ammonia hung heavy in the air, making the girl's stomach churn.

As the man scanned the room, he noted the mirrors positioned to observe the table from every angle. The girl's wide, pleading eyes darted around, searching for an escape that did not exist.

"Doctor Atticus, it's good to see you again," the man said, his voice steady as they entered.

"Muller, yes. This is our next subject," Atticus replied, continuing to drag the girl forward.

Her body trembled with fear, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. The table loomed ahead, a symbol of her impending fate. The two men exchanged looks of grim understanding. In this place, empathy had no place; only the cold, hard pursuit of their goals mattered.

"Yes, she possesses a significant amount of magical potential," Doctor Atticus stated calmly. His voice betrayed no emotion about what was to happen. "I've perfected the process enough that it should not kill her right away. We shall observe the aftermath and proceed accordingly."

Amidst the doctor's calculated words, the girl's voice could still be heard, a faint, pitiful plea for mercy. Her cries echoed off the cold stone walls, but they fell on deaf ears. Arcturus continued to drag her towards the table, his grip unyielding.
"Please…" Her voice was weak, barely more than a whisper.

"Your sacrifice is necessary for the future of Genkai," the doctor responded, his tone devoid of sympathy. He pulled her to the table and began strapping the manacles onto her limbs. She tried to resist, but despite her best efforts, she was held in place, bound to the table.

Her heart pounded with fear and desperation as she struggled against her restraints. "Please let me go," she pleaded, her voice trembling with terror.

But the doctor and Muller paid no attention to her cries. Their focus was solely on the preparations for the experiment. The room was filled with the sounds of metal clinking and soft murmurs of instruction, a stark contrast to the girl's frantic sobs.
"Bring the vials over here. We will begin now," Doctor Atticus ordered, his voice calm and methodical.

Muller moved with practiced efficiency, retrieving the vials from a nearby shelf and handing them to the doctor.

The girl's eyes widened with horror as she saw the ominous substance and realized what was about to happen to her.

"No! I don't want this!" she screamed, struggling against her restraints, her heart racing with fear at the sight of the vials.

"Don't bother," Doctor Atticus stated, not looking up as he arranged the vials in a specific order. "Those manacles are made of adamantite from the Deep Floors. I recovered it myself. You won't be breaking out of them."

Desperation clawed at her as she continued to fight against the restraints, but the manacles held firm. Her breath came in quick, panicked gasps. She felt trapped, powerless against the impending horror.

"Now, Muller, hold down one of her arms and turn it so there is a vein towards me. I need to make sure I get it into one of the main veins for quick distribution. If we miss a major vein, the subject dies," the doctor instructed.

Muller eagerly complied, firmly holding down the girl's arm while she struggled against him. The girl's strength was no match for Muller's grip. She felt a cold sweat break out on her forehead, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts, each more terrifying than the last.

The doctor uncapped the needle and inserted it into the vial, extracting the liquid before carefully inserting the sharp tip into the girl's vein. She flinched in pain, her body jerking instinctively away from the needle, but Muller's hold kept her in place.
"Please...stop...this..." she cried out weakly, her voice reduced to a whisper, barely audible over the sound of her own rapid breathing.

But her pleas went unanswered. Atticus's focus was entirely on the task at hand. The liquid began to flow into her vein, its icy burn spreading through her arm. The room seemed to close in on her, the faces of her captors blurring as tears filled her eyes. The girl's vision swam, her senses overwhelmed by fear and the cold touch of the liquid invading her body. She felt herself slipping, her consciousness fading in and out.

Then it hit her like a tidal wave - an intense burning pain that seemed to consume every inch of her being. She screamed in agony as the liquid continued to flow through her veins, causing them to turn black.
"AGHHHAHAHAHAHA" The girl's screams fill the room as the liquid began to course through her veins, spreading throughout her body.

The pain continues to course through the girl's body as the Doctor Atticus injected her with more vials of the purplish-black liquid. She can feel her muscles contracting and spasming, her vision blurring and her mind going hazy.
"Stop... please..." she begged weakly, her voice barely audible over the sound of Muller's grunts as he held her down.

"It will all be over soon," the doctor reassured in a robotic tone, his eyes focused on his work. He moved on to the next vial, injecting it into another vein on the girl's arm.

With each injection, the pain intensified and spread throughout her entire body. She couldn't even scream anymore, her voice hoarse from all the struggling and vomiting. Her mind was consumed with pain, her body convulsing uncontrollably. Every second felt like an eternity. She felt like she was being consumed from within, as though her very soul was being devoured. The doctor continued to inject her with more vials, each one bringing greater agony than the last.
"Please... stop... I don't want to hurt anymore," she pleaded weakly, her voice shaking.

The doctor paused for a moment, his hands trembling slightly. He looked at the girl with a mix of guilt and regret in his eyes.

"I am sorry, but I have to do this. Just know that your sacrifice will be worth it in the end," he said firmly before continuing with his work.

Muller handed him another vial, its contents a dark purplish-black. The doctor injected it into the same spot, and she screamed in agony. Her veins burned like fire, and she thrashed against her restraints, but they held firm.

This brutal cycle repeated nine more times, each injection plunging her deeper into torment. By the twelfth, she was barely conscious, her eyes unfocused and blurred. Her body felt ablaze from within, each breath a struggle against the pain. The torture seemed never-ending as tears streamed down her face as she begged for mercy and prayed for someone - anyone - to save her from this nightmare. But alas a hero doesn't always appear when needed.

"Please… make it stop…" she moaned through clenched teeth.

"I am sorry. This is all for a greater cause," the doctor responded.

"Muller, hold her down. We need to ensure it reaches her marrow without displacement," the doctor instructed, preparing the injection with a harvester needle.

Muller gripped the girl's tightly, trying to keep her still as she attempted to thrash about. The doctor positioned the needle carefully, ensuring that it is placed above the densest part of the girl's pelvic bone. As the doctor pushed down, the girl's body tensed and her screams intensified as the needle penetrated the bone with a sickening crunch injecting the final vial of purplish-black liquid into the girl's marrow. After what felt like an eternity, the girl's body went limp, slumping against the cold stone table. Doctor Arcturus carefully withdrew the needle from her thigh, ensuring every drop of the purplish-black liquid had been administered.

"There, all done," Atticus said with a hint of relief in his voice. Muller released his grip on the girl and stepped back.

"Is it truly over, Doctor?" Muller asked, his voice tinged with anxiety.

"Yes... it's done," Atticus replied wearily, leaning against a nearby table for support.

"What now?" Muller pressed.

"Now, we wait. She should begin to show signs of transformation soon. Let's tidy up and sterilize everything while we watch over her," Atticus sighed, his gaze fixed on the girl's trembling form.

"Yes, Doctor," Muller acknowledged

The room fell silent except for the occasional groan or whimper from the girl as she struggled to endure the pain. Hours pass by and the girl's body continues to convulse and twitch sporadically. The girl's body suddenly convulsed violently as she heaved up a thick, dark liquid - a mixture of blood and bile. She had already emptied her stomach of any remaining contents. Her insides burned with agony, each retch feeling like knives being twisted in her gut.

Time dragged on for what feels like an eternity as she lies there, helpless and weak, until her body finally gives in to exhaustion. Her chest rises and falls less and less frequently, until it no longer moves at all. The doctor, with a grave expression on his face, makes his way over to the table where she lays motionless

His trained eye quickly noticed the blackish veins running along her hands and feet, a promising sign of for the experiment. As he continued his inspection, he discovered that the dark veins extended into the upper parts of her limbs, bringing a smile to his face. "Excellent sign," he murmured to himself, taking note of the black veins continued under the patient's shirt.

"Now for the main issues has always been the torso and the experiments has failed to take." The doctor says as he ponders past experiments. The doctor carefully cut the girl's shirt off with the scissors, revealing her torso. He inspects her chest and abdomen, looking for any signs of change or success in the experiment. What he sees brings a smile to his face.

"Completely black and purple veins covering the girl's torso tracing their ways to… a magic stone at the center of her chest." The doctor says in amazement as he thinks; "finally everything I have had to do has become worth it. With this we will finally be able to kill the beast. I will finally avenge my brothers who died all those years ago. My life has not been wasted."

Muller looks over his shoulder to see the stone. "Truly wonderful. This is a great leap forward," he mutters under his breath and thinks: "fascinating. I didn't think he would actually pull it off. I see I was right to study under him. This will certainly help with my own interests. Thank you for being useful to me, doctor."

The doctor's gloved hands traced the stone's smooth surface, marveling at its pulsating energy.

"This is it, Muller. After all these years, we've found it," he declared triumphantly.

A sharp, high-pitched scream echoed through the chamber as the girl suddenly awoke. Her body convulsed with agonizing pain, thrashing against the metal manacles binding her. Black veins now snaked across her skin, pulsing with a dark energy that seemed to writhe beneath the surface. Her eyes widened in terror as she saw the magical stone embedded in her chest.

"What have you done to me?!" she screamed through gritted teeth, her voice filled with desperation and fear.

"Muller! The collar!" the doctor's urgent command, prompting Muller to spring into action.

Muller hurried to the nearby table, seizing the collar with trembling hands before rushing back to the main table. There, the girl fought against both the doctor and the creaking metal manacles. Tension thickened the air as Muller approached, urgency in every hurried step, his breath ragged as he struggled against time and destiny to save her from an uncertain fate.

"Now, collar her while I keep her down," the doctor commanded, his grip firm on the girl's shoulders.

Muller nodded, his fingers grappling with the unfamiliar device. He felt the girl's struggling beneath his touch as he secured the collar around her neck.

"Stay still," the doctor ordered as the collar clicked around her neck.

Her body stiffened, muscles locking in place, stripped of their autonomy. Fear and confusion surged through her as she realized she was no longer in control of her own

As the girl ceased struggling against her restraints, the doctor spoke. "Good. The experiment was successful," he stated, his words sending a chill down her spine. The collar around her neck hummed faintly with power, a silent reminder of her newfound obedience.

"Why? What have you done to me?" she asked, her voice trembling as tears streaked down her face. She glimpsed her altered reflection in a nearby mirror, the changes unsettling and unfamiliar.

"It was necessary for the future of Genkai," the doctor replied calmly. "You will play a crucial role in its salvation. Return to your room and await further instructions. I will join you shortly."

Reluctantly, she felt herself compelled by an unseen force, obeying his command as she walked back to her quarters. Meanwhile, the two men remained in the hallway, engaged in a quiet and intense discussion.

"She was the first successful experiment of the series," Muller stated confidently.

"Yes, it's remarkable that it was our shadow series that yielded the most progress," the doctor mused, his voice tinged with awe.

"Perhaps we should give her a name to mark this accomplishment. Using her original name might help anchor her identity," Muller suggested, his tone cold and clinical. "To fully harness her abilities, we must extinguish any hope of her returning to her former life."

"True we have no choice but to make it so," the doctor replied, already lost in thought.

As the men concluded their discussion on the next steps for their subject, piercing wails erupted from a nearby room down the hall. The sounds reverberated off the sterile walls, sending shivers down their spines and filling them with both anticipation and apprehension.

Doctor's Journal Entry
Year 8, Day 125
Personal Notes:
After countless attempts, the experiment has finally yielded results. We have achieved our ultimate goal: creating a monster-human hybrid. It was an obscene idea born from desperation to defeat the dreaded one-eyed black dragon. But in pursuing this creation, I have committed a grave sin against nature. The result will likely be an abomination beyond comprehension.

Witnessing the immense power of the King of Monsters filled me with despair. Even the strongest families in Genkai were no match for its might. It swept through us like we were nothing, crushing our pride and shattering our abilities. I could only watch helplessly as my comrades fell one by one. That day, I learned firsthand just how terrifying the creatures of the Dungeon truly are. No previous encounter could have prepared me for this beast which was the apocalypse incarnate.

As I gazed upon it from a close distance, I couldn't help but fear for the future of our realm. The members of my family that remained at our estate were all weak and incapable of providing any support in this battle.

Hearing what had happened to them filled me with an intense rage that nearing consumed me completely. If given the chance, I would have sought revenge against those responsible in a brutal and bloody manner. But I know that giving in to these impulses would be a betrayal of my fellow warriors who fought the beast.

Most of the other families are wastrels, their deities seeking only entertainment and pleasure for their own enjoyment. They are unconcerned with anything else but their own hedonistic desires. The two that gained power after my family's downfall are barely even worth mentioning.

Loki, a treacherous and wicked goddess with an unhealthy fixation on young girls and gaining personal glory. She is followed by an artificial hero who will stop at nothing to bring fame to himself. On the other hand, Freya is another self-absorbed goddess who acts on her whims without considering others, supported by a group of fanatics who exist solely to please her. It is truly lamentable that the fate of Genkai rests in their hands.

One day, the beast will break free and attempt to unseal the Dungeon, returning the mortal realm to Ancient Times. Unfortunately, neither Loki nor Freya are capable of handling such a task. If the Last Great Quest is left to them, then the mortal realm will surely perish. I refuse to allow the sacrifices of my brothers to be in vain. I will use every tool at my disposal to prevent such a catastrophic outcome.

Using my expertise in studying monsters, I have turned my attention towards finding a solution. My entire life has been dedicated to understanding their physiology and weaknesses, in order to aid my fellow adventurers in defeating them and making it home safely. With my deity's approval, I have published dozens of guides for others to use. Theses guides formed the basis of modern adventurer knowledge's of monsters.

Whether they have been effective remains debatable, but thanks to that previous research my latest experiment has finally yielded promising results. The following notes detail the immediate observations of the subject after successful injections were administered.

Test Subject: 1001
Injections: 12 sequential injections into the veins at 15-minute intervals. Followed by a final injection into the right ilium region of the pelvic girdle. Previous subjects had injections to different regions and the injections failed. We have eliminated all possible alternative through systemic experimentation.
Monster Components Selected: Black Ooze's Body Fluids and Ground War Shadows Magic Stones
(Author's note: I created the black ooze since there are other colors I figured a black one was possible.)

Results:

1. The subject writhed in agony, their body convulsing as they attempted to expel the foreign substance. Vomit and blood spilled onto the floor, evidence of the body's desperate attempt to rid itself of the unknown contagion.
2. As the magic stone formed within the subject, their heart beat erratically before temporarily stopping altogether. After a brief pause, it started up again with a steady rhythm. It seems the magic stone now functions as their heart would, but further investigation is needed to understand its full impact.

3. In the days since awakening, the subject's mental state has deteriorated rapidly. It's clear that the use of magic collars will be necessary for future experiments, to prevent the subjects from causing harm to themselves. Additional collars must be requested from Barca. Meaning compensation will need to be prepared to fund the construction of Knossos.

4. The subject's appetite has shifted drastically; they no longer require regular food for sustenance. Instead, their cravings are focused solely on magic stones. While they can still consume regular food, it appears to provide no nutritional benefit. The subject can still derive pleasure from the consumption of food.

5. It remains uncertain whether the subject will be able to gain excelia through traditional means or if consuming magic stones is necessary for them to grow stronger. This requires further study and analysis, but initial observations suggest that magic stones may indeed be essential for the subject's strength.

6. The subject refuses to eat regular food or magic stones most likely this an attempt at self-starvation, as a last resort, I have been forced to utilize a slave collar to compel them to eat and survive.

7. This concerning behavior may not be limited to just this subject; future subjects will also likely exhibit similar tendencies towards self-harm and resistance to feeding. This could significantly delay or halt mass production if not properly addressed and managed.

Final conclusions:

Considering the success of this groundbreaking experiment, it is vital that the results be meticulously compared to previous attempts in order to identify any discrepancies. Due to this meticulous process, it will take some time before a decision can be made on the selection of the next subject for experimentation.

Once the results have been thoroughly analyzed and compared, a new batch of subjects must be chosen. It would be prudent to select an additional six subjects for the experiment.

Based on current observations, it appears that elves would make the most suitable candidates, demi-humans, followed by humans. So far neither Prums or dwarves have taken at all to the process. The reason for this is unknown. Further research is necessary to refine our selection process.

If we are to mass-produce these results, significant refinement of both the process and selection criteria will be required to minimize any unnecessary sacrifices.
Furthermore, to sever the subject's ties to their past life, they will be given a new name from this point forward. This one shall now be known as...

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Alpha

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PS. Haaa, I truly am a wretched man.

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Forcing these innocents to participate in this fight and robbing them of their future.

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Even if all I do is for the future of Genkai.

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May the gods of Tenkai punish me for my sins.