Dread runners a litrpg u.., p.40
Dread Runners: A LitRPG Urban Fantasy Dungeon Crawler, page 40
The darkling blinked.
“I thought the Dread Dungeon already knew our deepest, darkest secrets and desires?”
A darkness coiled into Toric’s joyous eyes.
“It does, but there should be no assumptions between us. I have much to discuss with you, after we speak upon why you fought so hard to get here. There is no reason for concern for who is watching. The cameras are off, and the dungeon entrance sealed. We are the only ones here now.”
A sensation filled the darkling that was strikingly familiar to the feeling he had with the other members of Team Odd Bog, honesty. He wasn’t sure why he felt with Toric, but it was there, between them.
“I have many goals. I want to find others like me. I want all the pages to the Nox Porta so I can travel between realms. I want to know why my dark gods left the Urth realm. I,” Simon hesitated.
“Go on,” Toric said with a kind smile.
Simon tilted his head, and stared at nothing.
“I want to know why I was abandoned? Was it because of some darkness that is coming to Urth, or because of something else? But…I,” Simon trailed off.
Toric looked at the darkling with intense eyes. “Go on, say the words. Say your true purpose.”
Simon stared at nothing as his lips parted.
“In…my heart, I don’t care about why the dark gods abandoned my people. It doesn’t matter in the scheme of things. I found my new family, and friends. I don’t need my gods to feel close to. I can break the cycle. I can be more.”
Toric stared at Simon with wide, knowing eyes. “Yes, speak the truth.”
Simon righted his head, and blinked. He looked into Toric’s eyes, deep truth filling his entire being.
“I want to be the dark god who shepherds, and protects Urth. I knew it for as long as I can remember. To wield power, and knowledge. To replace the very dark gods who cowardly ran is my destiny, my purpose.”
Toric stared at Simon as a divine truth was spoken out loud for the universe to hear.
The older man in the white robe stood up. “Simon, come with me.”
The darkling stood up. He made his way to Toric’s side. Both men walked over to a thick curtain. The older man stabbed his hand between the curtains, and swept it sideways.
To Simon’s astonishment, all the curtains in the large, roundish chamber opened to a glowing sunset.
The pair stepped out onto a stone balcony that wrapped around the whole chamber. Simon stepped to the half-wall of the balcony, and stared at a beautiful sunset, with puffy clouds floating across the dimming sky. Lush forests spread out in all directions. Just below them, lights of a large medieval town, almost a city, glowed to life.
Simon’s eyes flicked up again, his keen sight catching a glimpse of golden metal in the distance. At the very edge of his gaze, the darkling saw a gold and gray tower. It stood so high, the top vanished in the clouds.
Toric moved to Simon’s side, and stared out with him.
“Welcome to the world of Thuden. It is a young world, with a young civilization. They have little idea what is on the horizon.”
Simon stared out, as he listened intently.
Toric continued, “Every realm starts small. Once there are enough races, and minds, gods begin to appear, to guide them toward order, and chaos. What they don’t know is, for every realm, there is more of one side than the other.
“You see that tower, on the horizon?”
Simon nodded.
“That, my friend, is the Divine Tower. Every realm gains one when a pantheon forms in a new world. The divine tower you see is preparing for the gods that will watch over this realm, and influence it to become better, or destroy itself.”
Toric turned to Simon, an impish glow in his eyes.
“That is where you, and your team comes in,” he said with a wicked gleam in his eyes.
Chapter 41
A New Horizon
The darkling stared out as thoughts churned in his mind. He absorbed Toric’s words, bringing everything together for a clearer picture.
“The dungeon was truly a test, and a means for training,” Simon said in a low tone.
Toric nodded. “I know what you’re thinking, more work, no reward, but that isn’t true. You conquered the dungeon, and you will get many rewards, and more.”
Toric put his arms behind his back as he paced back and forth, and said, “I have the remaining six pages of the Nox Porta for you, but that is a trivial reward. What would the darkling who defeated my dungeon want right now?”
“Knowledge, considerations, and a path,” Simon said with interested eyes.
Toric turned slightly to the darkling, and gave him a single nod.
“Of course. To reach godhood, one must be taught the divine path. But let’s speak plainly.
“The dark gods did leave your world, not out of fear, but out of understanding. They didn’t care about defending a realm, when there is a limitless buffet.
“You see, gods split, or divide themselves into many realms. One god can inhabit many, if they choose. Your gods let themselves fade away from Urth, tending to greener pastures.
“Urth is going to perish, and the pantheon that watches over it, knows it.”
Toric stopped pacing, and stood before Simon.
“I don’t know why your parents left. That is a mystery still left to be unsolved.
“As for why you didn’t ascend, is a question you can ask one of your dark gods approaching Thuden.”
Simon’s eyes widened a hair.
Toric nodded. “The Divine Tower, when it’s completed, will require divine champions. They must solve puzzles, and fight their way up to the very top. There, they will find the Scale of Balance. To whomever makes it to the very top of the One Hundred and Eleventh Level, will touch the scale, and tip it slightly to order, or chaos. They will also be granted the power of demi-godhood.
“Each divine being approaching Thuden, or already here, must send in their chosen champions to reach the top. If their team wins, they will hold just enough influence to tip the scale to them, but we can talk about that in depth at a later time.”
“You’re a god,” Simon said plainly.
Toric nodded. “You know me as Toric Penumbra, but I am known simply as the Lich God.”
Toric turned to the balcony edge, and put his hands on it, looking out at the world.
“On Thuden, a lich is a revered being of knowledge, and power. I don’t trample, or mislead those below me, or in my company. I helped create one of the first cities on Thuden, but there is still more work to be done.”
Toric turned to Simon. “I can assure you an audience with one of your dark gods. Ask him yourself why they left you. I can also help you on your path to become more than what you are. I can help train you to discover and use more of your eldritch abilities, and reach your full potential.”
Toric shrugged. “Or not. It depends if our fates are meant to be entwined. I will never force this on you. You have to decide if you want to be part of it, but once you make the decision, you cannot back out of it.”
“I understand,” Simon said as his thoughts glowed with possibilities. “I will need a team for the Divine Tower. I can choose anyone I want?”
Toric nodded.
Simon looked out as the sun set behind the horizon, and stars glowed brightly across the primeval dark sky.
I had vague insights, and odd sensations of these possibilities, but I never expected them to bear fruit to the opportunities laid at my feet. Instead of hopping from world to world, realm to realm, to find answers, they will arrive to me, an audience with the gods who left without a word.
After that business is settled, there is more than just answers. I can become more. I can become a guardian of Urth. I can make sure it flourishes, and reaches its true potential.
A memory seeped into his thoughts, painting a picture of those he held dear.
We can change everything. We can be more.
I have to ask them first. I must hear it from them, if they want to join me on this journey?
Simon woke from his thoughts, and turned to Toric with a knowing gleam.
“I will need to speak with them. I must know if they will join me on this divine quest.”
“Of course,” Toric smiled.
***
The night was quiet. Some trees moved in the breeze. A single street light glowed in a hamlet.
A figure appeared in the middle of the hamlet cul-de-sac.
“Odd Bog Forever!” Simon shouted.
It wasn’t long before front doors to houses opened. Val and Bridget stepped out of their homes. Tara stepped out of hers, sword in hand.
Simon faced Roma’s house as her front door opened. When he saw her, a sliver of knowledge touched his mind.
The witch was in a dark green robe when her eyes widened. She saw Simon’s calm smile, and charged down the front steps of her home. She ran to his arms, and threw herself at him.
“Simon!” the witch said with emotion, the couple embracing each other fiercely.
Val rolled her eyes as she approached the couple.
Bridget smiled with a tear in her eye.
Tara smiled warmly as she sheathed the sword at her hip, and approached the pair.
Simon pulled back, but Roma kept her grip on Simon’s arms.
“What happened? Did you get your prize? Your wish?” the witch asked.
“I did, in a way, but that’s not why I’m here,” the darkling said as he turned to the other women present.
Simon’s gaze fell on Tara, and he could not hide the shock in his eyes. He saw the undead wight was now living flesh. She was vibrant, and smiling. Her hair was wavy blonde locks, and her body glowed with living warmth.
“Tara,” Simon smiled.
“You, and the team, helped me find my happiness. I am forever grateful,” the warrior said with a nod.
Simon turned to Val and Bridget. He curled an arm around both, as they hugged him all at once.
“You better have come back with a lot of treasures and rewards,” Val said as she slipped from the embrace.
The darkling nodded. “And I came back with an offer.”
The four women glanced at each other with a questioning gleam in their eyes.
Simon continued, “Before I give you all the details, I want everyone here to know, you have all become very important to me. That is why, what I ask next, must be something you feel in your hearts you want to do. It’s okay if you say no.”
“Spit it out,” Val laughed.
Simon smiled as he looked at their beautiful faces.
***
Captain Juul looked at her crew lounging in the basement, Tolith sitting by her side. The other elves were lying about, and talking. She could feel their purpose stripped away by remaining within Penumbra Springs, and Urth.
Simon appeared in their basement. It was so sudden, every elf drew a blade, or mana pistol, and aimed it at the darkling.
Simon put his hands up to his shoulders.
“Sorry for the intrusion, but I have an offer for your captain, and everyone here,” he said as he slowly turned to the pirate captain.
Violet Juul was the only one who didn’t draw her weapons. She sat in her chair, eyeing the darkling, and saw the gleam in his dark eyes.
“We’re in,” she said as she stood up.
“You didn’t hear the offer yet,” Simon smiled.
“It doesn’t matter. Whatever it is, is better than the slow death in this strange land. Crew, get your things. We’re leaving,” Captain Juul ordered as she approached the darkling with a wicked smile.
***
Gregor sat in his chair, a glass of blood in his hand, and ruminations bleeding into his thoughts. He noted the sense of loss, among his fellow vampires, and his purpose. Unable to reach the bottom level of the dungeon, he lost his chance at changing the world by following his honor, and his pact with the darkling.
When Simon appeared in his private chambers, the master vampire was not surprised. He sipped from his glass before he looked at Simon’s gaze.
“You did it. You reached the bottom, and won the prize. I had thought you would have moved on to other horizons, not come here, to me.”
Simon looked upon the master vampire with a small smile.
“I have an offer for you. If you take it, you might be able to make that change you always wanted. There is also someone else we should extend the offer to, if we agree.”
Gregor stared at the darkling for a long moment, before he smirked.
“I’m listening,” the vampire said.
***
Toric smiled as he weaved mana with his mind. He felt the tether to Simon, and many others. Once the darkling gave it a pull, he mentally pulled back, snapping everyone back to Thuden, and filling his private chamber.
Simon stood in the center, Roma at his side, and Val on the other. Just behind them was Bridget, and Tara. The former wight looked around in awe.
To the right, stood Captain Violet Juul, and her crew. Grath towered over everyone, his webbed hand scratching at his head. Pyra looked around with a questioning gaze. Vessa stood with alert eyes, but Tolith stood proudly, with his chest out.
To the left, Gregor stood stoically. Next to him. Serenity looked around with a concerned gaze.
The vampire looked at Toric, and when she felt his divine dead power, she bowed her head to him.
Toric looked at everyone gathered, and then centered his gaze at Simon.
“You have gathered your team,” Toric said with a keen eye.
Simon nodded. “My Dread Runners are ready to take on the Divine Tower, and earn our way onto the divine path,” the darkling said with unwavering confidence.
Chapter 42
A Drop of Shadow
Simon and Roma walked side by side on a dirt road. The pair stared ahead at a grand manor on the hill. The sky beyond was dimming to a new sunset, one day after arriving on Thuden.
Roma looked up at Simon as they walked, a gleam in her eyes. Simon curled his arm around the witch, and she leaned against him as they made their way up the road.
“A furnished manor next to the city is a nice added touch for beating the Dread Dungeon,” Roma smirked as she drank in his scent.
“I suppose Toric has to put us somewhere before we start training,” Simon said as he held the witch to him, basking in her warmth.
Roma looked up with a happy smile. “I hope it’s big enough for everyone. I doubt everyone will call you Lord Shade.”
“You know they don’t have to call me by my title. It’s just a big, castle-like house,” Simon said before his own smile grew a little bigger. “But we’re getting the master bedroom.”
Roma let out a giddy laugh.
The sun continued to set when the couple reached the front gate. A figure stood at the edge of the entrance gate with an amused smile, and a white horn stabbing out from his head.
Shock bled into their eyes as Grendall stood with a smarmy smile, and bright eyes. He spun a large keyring, filled with a few keys, along his outstretched finger.
“Welcome Lord Shade, and Lady Norwood to Dark-Star Manor. I came up with the name myself,” the slender ogre said as he approached the couple.
Simon and Roma approached the ogre, the three of them meeting in the middle. The darkling and witch could not stop staring at Grendall as his smile turned into a grin.
“The rumors of my death were greatly exaggerated,” the ogre chuckled.
Simon’s eyes melted from shock, into a subdued understanding.
“The dungeon wasn’t just a game for us, but for you too.”
Grendall nodded. “Yes, a delightful game. I must say, your plan did surprise me, Lord Shade. I will be on my toes a little more when we all train together.”
“Train together?” Simon and Roma said at the same time.
The ogre nodded.
“The Divine Tower will not be the same as the Dread Dungeon. From what I know, each level will be like a small world, with its own puzzles, dangers, monsters, and enemies. We will need a small army to reach the top, but that is a discussion for a later time.”
Grendall eyed Simon, his grin shifting into a knowing smirk.
“Lord Krazug and Lady Vizyss are still a little peeved that they were defeated within the dungeon, but they will get over it. Here are the keys to the manor,” the ogre handed them to Simon. “The place is all yours for the night. The rest of your team will arrive tomorrow.”
The ogre stepped to Simon’s side.
“I’m sure we can discuss my death at a later time, perhaps over drinks.”
Simon was silent as the ogre walked away, making his way down the road, humming a light tune to himself.
“He’s still mad,” Roma whispered.
“He’s still mad,” Simon repeated.
The couple laughed as the darkling inserted an iron key into the lock of the metal gate, and turned.
The pair made their way inside, and closed the gate behind them. They made their way to the manor entrance, taking in the majesty of it.
The manor appeared to be a converted castle. It had high stone towers, smooth stone walls, and slanted roofs in some places, while odd platforms blended in with them. The entire structure had a silent strength to it, one the darkling very much enjoyed.
When the couple reached the front doors, they opened. A pair of lizard folk opened it with a deep bow.
“Welcome home, Lord Shade,” the lizard-folk woman said politely.
“Thank you,” Simon said as they entered.
An hour slipped by as the servants showed the couple many portions of the manor. The place was so big, the pair didn’t even see the rest of it. When Simon and Roma told the servants they wanted to retire for the evening, the servants showed them to the master bedroom.
The couple looked around at the immense chamber as the servants closed the doors behind them. They drank in the immense size of it. There was a large hearth, a library, a lavish table with four chairs, and the biggest bed either of them had seen in their entire lives.
