The Stubborn Skill-Grinder In A Time Loop

It was good news, but Orodan was still slightly disappointed that there were no further pursuers, assassination attempts or bounty hunters that attempted to hound him during his thirty minutes of travel to Ranmere’s Folly, near the western border of the Republic.

Of course, assassins and bounty hunters were a little futile against someone who could kill an Avatar and send a nation’s army running. But, he supposed expecting some poor assassin to try and kill him would just be cruel.

The only reason it took thirty minutes to get to the bog known as Ranmere’s Folly was because Orodan didn’t want to destroy the landscape during his journey by going any faster. While he was a bit more destructive and wanton with his killing in his earliest loops, Orodan regretted a lot of that and no longer wished to just cause death and destruction on a whim.

Ranmere’s Folly, named for the Imperial expeditionary captain that had gotten two-hundred men killed by recklessly venturing into the deep depths, was the location he and Arvayne Firesword had originally ventured to for the purpose of hunting in the deep depths.

They had gone through in a focused manner, and Orodan didn’t have the time to truly explore the depths back in the last long loop. He’d ignored the civilization of depths moles in the wild depths, and avoided communicating with many of the creatures. Most importantly, he avoided the chamber and subsequent descent leading into the abyssal depths.

The Republic of Aden’s Department of Monster Management went by the Imperial classification system for sites infested by monsters. Sites such as the local abandoned ruins which the little girl in Scarmorrow snuck into, were classified as Level I; suitable for beginner adventurer parties. The monsters within went up to the Adept-level at worst. Risky for Apprentice-level adventurers, but nothing truly dangerous as Level I sites were by necessity curated and maintained by the Department. They had watchers and scouts who monitored the monster populations within and guards who controlled access to the site. In order to be classified as Level I, an infestation site had to be monitored and curated round the clock.

Level II monster infestation sites were where civilization, watchers and constant monitoring were no longer in the picture. These sites weren’t curated, but were subject to yearly surveys by a team to ensure that nothing within exceeded the Elite-level. The worst monster within a Level II monster infestation site, was thus an Elite. And the survey report could be no older than a year. Elite-level adventuring parties or Adepts who were willing to risk death for wealth would often venture into Level II sites.

Beyond that, was where things began to get dangerous for the average adventurer. Level III sites were ones with no official survey reports and the strong possibility of Elite monsters. Since the Republic’s education system never officially confirmed the existence of the Master-level and beyond, the formal classification simply stated that Elite monsters were strongly suspected in great numbers. Incredibly dangerous for even Elite-level adventurer parties. However, Orodan knew better from his time at Bluefire. The Monster Studies class had outright told the upper year students that Master-level monsters were present in Level III sites. Hence their classification.

Officially, attempting to enter a Level III site without authorization was a crime. All entrances to the depths were inherently classified as Level III monster infestation sites due to the lack of a full survey report. Nobody could truly scout out the network of underground paths and caverns that were the depths. Thus, all depths entrances received the Level III classification.

But, while it wasn’t officially confirmed to the public, or even to the average Elite, the abyssal depths existed. Hence, certain entrances to the depths were given a Level IV classification. Energy wells and entrances to the depths which had a clear path to the abyssal depths, were all given this classification. Level IV sites near civilization had a watcher at all times, and attempting to enter was a serious crime.

Of course, Orodan wasn’t concerned even as a portal opened a hundred feet from him and three nervous looking men stepped out.

“Mister Orodan Wainwright… we apologize for intruding sir, but we’re obliged to inform you that you’re about to enter a Level IV monster infestation site,” the leading Capital Guardsman spoke, standing firmly away from the entrance to the depths at Ranmere’s Folly, and making sure not to get in Orodan’s way. “Of course, I doubt someone of your power level will find that a concern… sir.”

The man looked terrified, and the two guardsmen next to him were similarly nervous. Whoever put them up to this must not have liked them very much. The news of Orodan killing the Avatar of Ilyatana must’ve spread by now, and these guardsmen looked like they were aware of his feat.

Well, Orodan wasn’t about to kill some poor guardsmen who were passing on a message.

“Thank you for the warning. I’ll be delving rather far below, so you needn’t worry about seeing me again,” Orodan answered. It was partially true, as they’d likely not see him again in this loop. Given how dangerous the abyssal depths were, the likelihood that he’d spend at least a few loops dying to the horrors within… was quite high.

Still, Orodan wasn’t looking to pointlessly cut loops short. He did want to explore the rest of the depths as thoroughly as possible before descending down the chamber and subsequent hole which led to the abyssal depths. Orodan’s plan for his depths loops then, was simple.

Wake up, clean, disable the machine and fend off the Avatars, and head to the depths at Ranmere’s Folly. Within the depths, Orodan planned on spending a week exploring the depths each loop before finally jumping down to the abyssal depths at the end to finish the loop off. During his exploration phase however, he planned to hone his various crafting skills, meet the monster civilizations within and hopefully acquire new skills, knowledge and training opportunities.

Additionally, there were some incredible treasures to be found in the abyssal depths, and Orodan wanted to follow up on investigating what the elven Goddess Cithrel had called ‘the first gate’, deep within the abyssal depths. He wasn’t arrogant enough to think he could contend with whatever lay in wait yet, after all, the last time the ‘first gate’ was breached it resulted in a Void Horror coming forth to destroy civilization. But, to defeat the Eldritch Avatar as it was now… was beyond Orodan alone. But if there were other Void Horrors in the abyssal depths? If they existed, perhaps overcoming them would be a good first step to surmounting the challenge of the Eldritch comet.

But first, he wanted to clean his soul of the unwanted Blessings. He had Divine Resistance, but he needed to apply that to his soul in tandem with Cleaning and Vision of Purity. Orodan felt he could do it, but before making the attempt he wanted to head deeper into the depths so as not to face any possible divine interference from potentially vengeful Gods. He wanted to find a safe spot, away from civilization in the deep depths where nobody could interfere with the process.

Thus, Orodan stepped into the mouth of the cavern and began his journey.

The cavern was quite well-lit with the familiar glowing ostolitus mushrooms sprouting from the walls. It was rather quiet and the Adept-level vitality-devouring cave bats were hiding behind the stalactites and stalagmites in fear of Orodan. Monster instincts were sharp as usual, and they would often recognize when something was vastly stronger.

The cavern he was in, was merely at the civilized depths. Monsters here were infrequent and weak, and the dwarves and drow had civilization at this depth underground. Of course, dwarves and drow were quite far away in the Dokuhan Mountains, so Orodan wasn’t likely to encounter any in the Republic.

Orodan could go down the clear path which led to the abyssal depths. Last time he ventured here, it was a rather straightforward route which he still remembered. But, that wasn’t his priority. First, he wanted to take a day and explore the civilized depths for a bit to see what he could find.

A full day had passed, and Orodan had to say he’d missed the feeling of a slightly longer loop where he didn’t wake up back in his bed.

The civilized depths at Ranmere’s Folly were predictably, quite sparse. The entire day he spent exploring them was productive however. He’d found multiple varieties of plants, herbs and mushrooms for use in alchemy and drew them into a spatial ring he’d appropriated from one of the corpses of the battle in Novarria. Eventually, he hoped to learn how to craft and enchant his own spatial rings, but that would require a high level in both Enchanting and spatial magic. The rings were expensive for a reason, with only high-level Masters and Grandmasters having them.

Either way, it was a decent ring and had more than enough space to hold the spoils of gathering from this part of the depths. He’d fully explored the civilized depths here and now knew the layout by heart alongside the locations of the alchemical ingredients to harvest. His trip through here would take less than an hour in the next loop.

Consequently, his Pathfinding skill went from 8 to 26 from a full day of exploration, and he was sure it’d increase further still. He also acquired the Gathering skill, a common rarity skill which was at level 11 from all the gathering he’d done.

His spatial ring was laden with alchemical ingredients as he stood before the entrance to one of his targets in the depths.

Monster civilization. Specifically, the depths moles.

The mortal races weren’t the only sapient beings on Alastaia. Depending on species, some monsters gained intelligence sooner, but even the absolute dumbest creatures gained the beginnings of self-awareness and thought by the Elite-level, and the Master-level was a guarantee of sapience.

Sapient monster species, much like the dwarves and the drow, often made their homes in the civilized and wild depths. While the humans of Inuan were officially rather averse to any relations with subterranean monster species, it didn’t mean that they were unfriendly; simply that it was a rarer thing.

The mole that had burrowed out of the ground in front of him, was a familiar one.

[Name: Axeltugus the Watcher (Species: Depths Mole)

Title 1: Claw Combat Elite

Title 2: Earth Magic Adept

Title 3: Combat Adept]

“Human, I see you’re traveling through the depths alone,” the mole spoke. “I am Axeltugus the Watcher, of the Bladed Crystal clan. We depths moles have no quarrel with your kind and all are free to pass unhindered, but might I ask what your purpose here is? I can sense your strength and hope your intentions are peaceful.”

“I am Orodan Wainwright, and I come in peace to explore the depths and acquire knowledge and skills,” Orodan introduced and explained. “In six days I intend on descending into the abyssal depths. But, before that, I hope to trade with your clan and perhaps learn a thing or two?”

“You wish to enter the abyss…?!” the mole exclaimed in shock and wariness. “Allow me a moment great human… I must contact my betters. Which isn’t to say I am hindering you in any way! By all means if you wish to go thenceforth, I would not dare to stop you… but dealing with someone of your stature would be above my station.”

Orodan understood why the mole suddenly became so wary. A solo traveler outright stating they intended to enter the abyssal depths? Such a person was either delusional and would die, or they were possessed of tremendous power. Orodan was both.

A communications amulet around the mole’s neck glowed, and someone was undoubtedly called to respond.

“Who makes the amulets for you?” Orodan asked. “Not to imply that you couldn’t do it yourself, but the make of that communications amulet seems awfully close to the Imperial tradition.”

“Ah, our goblin friends on the surface trade with us,” Axeltugus explained. “We have crafters in our clan, but our specialties lay in different areas than Enchanting.”

“Goblins? I thought they were considered a nuisance and to be killed on sight?” Orodan asked. “Should you be telling me of their existence so openly?"

The Department of Monster Management for all three human nations of Inuan had an active extermination order out for goblins across the continent. Orodan had never seen a member of the green race before, but like orcs, they were considered monsters even though intellectual viewpoints often held that they were more similar to mortal races than otherwise. Orcs and goblins weren’t welcome in any settlement of the mortal races, and on Inuan the wandering tribes were subject to the constant threat of death.

“They are friendly and under our protection for now,” the mole replied. “Besides, even a tracking specialist would have a hard time finding them. They’re quite good at evading all manner of detection. Also… people of your level of strength aren’t usually interested in going out of the way to slaughter goblin tribes.”

That was true. Orodan had no interest in butchering any peaceful goblins. But, it was news to him, to hear that goblins were good at evading detection. Did that perhaps extend to the tapestry of fate and divination? He’d heard nothing about goblins having such capabilities during his time at Bluefire.

“I see. You’re right that I have no interest in harming goblins who’ve done me no wrong,” Orodan assured. “Still, I wonder if I might have the opportunity to speak to them?”

“That… is not up to me, esteemed human,” Axeltugus spoke. “The ancestor will be arriving soon, you can take it up with her.”

It was as the Elite-level mole said, its ancestor came by to speak with Orodan after roughly thirty minutes. The ground trembled, and something the size of a building came out from underneath a good distance away.

He used Observe on it.

[Name: Istilvaras the Ceaseless Burrower (Species: Depths Mole)

Title 1: Claw Combat Grandmaster

Title 2: Earth Grandmaster

Title 3: Combat Master

Title 4: Grandmaster Slayer

Title 5: Burrowing Master]

It made the almost man-sized Axeltugus look like a pebble, and Orodan could feel an ancient aura from it and see a look of age in her eyes. This mole was old. It had to be at least somewhat ancient to be a dual-Grandmaster monster.

That being said, it wasn’t an apex species, and Orodan instinctively felt that it couldn’t jump any tiers. It was as strong as a mortal triple-Grandmaster but that was it. To Orodan, who could now kill Avatars, she wasn’t a threat. And from the wary look the mole was giving him, she knew this too.

“Greetings Orodan Wainwright… my hairs stood on end as I approached,” the Grandmaster mole spoke. “Only some of the worst denizens of the depths could make me feel so. I know of every triple-Grandmaster in the Republic of you humans, yet your name and face are unfamiliar to me. How may our humble clan help you? This stripling tells me you wish to trade and learn from us, is this true?”

“Yes, that’s correct,” Orodan replied. “I don’t know what skills your settlement specializes in, but I’m hoping to learn whatever I can in six days before I descend into the abyssal depths.”

In response, the ancestral mole gave him a flabbergasted look.

“You… what do you think we can provide you in that short a period before you descend into that horrid place?” it asked. “We won’t seek to stop you, but I must counsel against it. While I can sense your power is great, unless I am mistaken, it won’t be enough to make any meaningful progress down there. You run the risk of death, and then our settlement might be under scrutiny when whoever backs you comes by to investigate.”

“I have no backers at this time. And I simply wish to learn whatever crafts I can, and perhaps help you with any tasks you need done in return,” Orodan answered. “As for death? It’s not a concern of mine.”

“You’re an exceedingly strange human… over my millennia of life I’ve seen many Grandmasters delve into the abyssal depths from our section of the depths, usually in organized war parties. But, I’ve only ever seen one wander in alone. He was a Chosen Avatar and his screams were heard all the way to the deep depths,” the Grandmaster mole spoke. “Once again, I must counsel against this, but you make your own decisions.”

“Thank you for understanding. I know it must sound bizarre, but my circumstances are unique,” Orodan replied. “In any case, might we come to an agreement about me trading with your clan?”

“Of course. Allow me to be honest and give fair warning though,” Istilvaras spoke. “This entrance you see here merely leads to a sentry outpost. We do not allow outsiders into our actual settlement, nor do we give out the location of it. Any attempts to find its location will be considered a breach of trust and the end of peaceful relations. We mean no disrespect, but our clan would not have survived this long without such secrecy. Additionally, more than a few Grandmasters of the Republic owe me a great debt, and I shan’t hesitate to call for aid should we be threatened, whether outright or subtly in negotiations.”

Orodan thought it a fair disclaimer. Of course, he didn’t bother telling the mole that calling some Grandmasters as reinforcements was a bit futile when he could kill an Avatar and send an army running.

“I understand. My words might not mean much, but I have no desire to bully you into accepting unfavorable terms,” Orodan replied. He made sure to leave more than adequate monetary compensation for whatever he took from the stores of Ogdenborough. To coerce peaceful beings through force went against his sense of honor. “If you have a price or demand I cannot meet, I’ll simply accept that. I can always return once I have it ready anyways.”

“Your assurance of good faith and fair dealing is appreciated,” it replied. “To the meat of the matter, currency means little to us, so in return for our teachings and items we would ask for tasks to be completed or items of your own. Is this acceptable?”

“Absolutely. In fact, point me in the direction of whatever you need killed,” Orodan replied. “Not to sound arrogant… but I’m confident nothing down till the deep depths can kill me. Would you like to expand your clan’s territory?”

“This is just too much!” Istilvaras exclaimed. “How are we meant to repay all of this? I expected maybe one or two troublesome monsters cleared out, but this… we can’t even hold this much territory.”

“You don’t have to hold it, but the resources you’re free to plunder will help your clan quite greatly, no?”

Orodan hadn’t lied.

A single day had passed, and five miles of the deep depths were entirely cleared of hostile monsters. The overwhelming majority of the monsters within the deep depths were all quite aggressive and territorial, unwilling to give up their spot and taking any approach as a sign of conflict.

Orodan had some decency, and didn’t barge in with the intent of killing them… but when they attacked him unprovoked for being nearby, it was a different matter. Needless to say, a great number of monsters had been slaughtered.

The strongest monsters of the deep depths were dual-Grandmasters, and Orodan had grown leaps and bounds since his last trip where he struggled against the single-Grandmaster spider dragon, even if it was an apex species that could jump a tier. Nothing in the deep depths challenged him. He would need to reach the abyssal depths to make progress on his combat skills.

A side benefit of the day, was that his Gathering and Pathfinding had increased yet again, and Orodan now held the new title of Pathfinding Apprentice as it was sitting at level 31. Gathering had also increased to 16 as he harvested more exotic alchemical ingredients from the various parts of the deep depths that he scoured.

“Still, this is just excessive,” the Grandmaster mole replied. “We’re incredibly grateful for your aid, please… allow us to provide you what we can now. Whatever tutelage you require, whatever items you need, the wealth you’ve provided us more than covers for all we have to offer.”

He was led back to the sentry outpost they’d spoken near yesterday, but this time Orodan was shown to a secret passage in the wall. The wall was entirely smooth, and Orodan’s Vision of Purity didn’t detect any passage behind it… until Istilvaras waved her hand and the very rock parted smoothly like water. An impressive feat to Orodan, but undoubtedly trivial for a Grandmaster of Earth Mastery.

“You aren’t actually leading me back to your settlement itself are you?” Orodan asked.

“You have done much for us, Orodan Wainwright. But, while you were clearing the depths for us, I contacted my human friends in the Republic,” the mole spoke. “They told me about your exploits in slaying an Avatar. We are a bit powerless to resist if you decided to wantonly slaughter us, so we hope this show of goodwill sways your thoughts against that. It also isn’t unprecedented for us to show humans who’ve done us a great service the location of our settlement.”

“I wasn’t planning on acting dishonorably against you to begin with,” Orodan replied. “Either way, thank you for inviting me inside. Might we-”

Vision of Purity caught the small figure rushing towards him all of a sudden, and he directly stared at it.

The little thing froze in place as Orodan’s eyes met its own. Small, pointy eared and… green. Its body and face were quite similar to a human’s, except smaller.

It was Orodan’s first time seeing a goblin. Albeit, it was a child. The adult behind it dressed in ceremonial garb however, was two-thirds his own size.

“Zur! Do not approach the guest so casually! Do you not see he is conversing with the venerable one?” the older goblin scolded. In response, the little one frightfully stumbled backwards, feeling genuine fear upon looking at Orodan.

He didn’t want to scare the little thing, but monsters had a great instinctive sense of power levels and when something was stronger than them. Upon seeing Orodan face to face, it must’ve realized his strength.

Orodan stared… and continued to stare.

“Honored guest… we are flattered to be the subject of your gaze, but is there anything we can help you with?” the elder goblin spoke. And Orodan realized how long he’d been staring for.

“Apologies… it’s just that I’ve never seen a goblin before,” Orodan spoke. “You look quite similar to halflings, besides the green skin. The illustrations I’ve seen in books and stories portray you as hook nosed and wart covered. Quite the disservice.”

“The humans discriminate against our kind quite heavily… but that doesn’t mean the depictions are inaccurate. Goblins who embrace their monstrous side farther will look more like what you’ve seen depictions of,” the old goblin spoke. “Consequently, those who embrace the monstrous side overmuch are the ones causing trouble on the surface for humans and encountered more often; hence them being infamous. I do not think your books speak very deeply of those goblins like us who embrace their gentler side.”

“Fascinating… I wasn’t aware embracing one side over another could change your appearance like that,” Orodan remarked. “Is that on an individual basis? Or generational?”

“Both. Goblins born to parents who are more monstrous will start off looking closer to them… but over time this can change,” the elder goblin. “Naturally, tribes will cast out or even kill goblins who go against the chosen side of the group. Choosing to embrace the gentler side in a tribe of raiders will not end well.”

“But, surely this isn’t tied to how you fight? I see the spear you carry and recognize a fellow warrior,” Orodan replied. “Is it tied to your morals and how you conduct yourself? Is it a Bloodline all goblins share?”

“You’re correct. It is tied to how a goblin conducts themselves rather than what skills they hone,” it replied. “A goblin who raids and butchers or plunders and steals, will embrace their monstrous side and bring that part of our Bloodline to the fore. On the other hand, a goblin who acts with honor will remain pure even if they embrace the martial arts and are capable of violence.”

“It’s my first time hearing of all this… and I’ve never heard of goblins who embrace their gentler side before,” he said. “Are there more tribes like yours out there?”

“On the surface? Almost none as the humans have orders to kill us, and the violence is reciprocated leading to those tribes naturally being more warlike,” the goblin elder answered. “But, there’s one other tribe like ours that I’ve heard of living in Novarria, although they similarly cohabit with another species of subterranean beings.

“I see, thank you for the explanation,” Orodan said. He was truly curious about how exactly the goblin Bloodline worked. One side was monstrous and the other side mortal. What species had intermixed to create goblins?

“Anyhow, I apologize for taking up your time esteemed guest, I know you and the venerable one have business of your own to attend to… but if you don’t mind passing by sometime, we would happily trade whatever you want in exchange for your assistance,” the elderly goblin spoke. “I am Griok, and our Rising Spears tribe would be grateful for any-”

“Elder! Please do not trouble our honored guest!”

It wasn’t the Grandmaster mole who was disinterestedly waiting during the whole conversation, but another goblin voice. Spear and shield carried across his back, the goblin looked to be the very image of a stalwart warrior.

“Zukelmux… I was simply conversing with this friendly human visitor,” Griok spoke.

“That will not be necessary. I can see you were about to trouble the esteemed guest with our problems,” the goblin known as Zukelmux spoke. “We can handle our own affairs, we’ve been dependent on outside help for too long…”

“Zukelmux…! Do not speak so in front of the venerable Istilvaras under whose strength our tribe shelters!” Griok reprimanded and then turned to Orodan. “I apologize for you having to see this, esteemed guest. Zukelmux is likely the greatest talent our humble tribe has seen, but the brash nature of youth has yet to leave him.”

“Elder… it isn’t arrogance to desire our tribe’s strength be acquired with hard work. That we stand on our own feet to solve our problems,” Zukelmux replied. “But, you’re correct. I sincerely apologize, honored guest… you should not have to see this and I overstepped my boundaries.”

“It’s fine,” Orodan replied. “If anything I agree with you. One’s fate is determined by strength. Whether it be the strength of yourself or the strength you seek by sheltering under others. Personally… I’m of the belief that power purchased through anything other than honest work is unreliable. Perhaps you might consider venturing into the depths with me from time to time.”

Zukelmux looked as though he immediately grew a sense of real respect for Orodan upon hearing his worldview. It likely aligned closely with the goblin’s own.

“I would not be opposed to that… but would I not only hold you back? I sense how powerful you are, and my instincts tell me you’re far deadlier than the honored Istilvaras.”

“Much like my old mentor dragged me down to the depths to fight while he watched over me, so too will I do the same with you,” Orodan replied. “In the next five days before I descend to the abyssal depths, I’ll be learning, crafting and exploring. During the times I explore the depths, you’re free to come along and try fighting some powerful things. I’ll keep watch as you do.”

“Honored guest… Zukelmux is the greatest warrior of our tribe. Risking him so unduly in the depths against-”

“I accept!” Zukelmux himself interrupted. “But… I never got your name.”

“Orodan Wainwright.”

Orodan decided that next loop, before confronting the matter of the ancient machine he would grab his talking book companion from the White Cloud clan of pegasi in the Eastern Kingdoms.

Zukelmux didn’t talk a lot, although he was quite good with the spear, and had gained many skill levels. And his teachers in the various crafts weren’t much for small talk either.

On the matter of new skills, he had acquired the Mining skill through finding deposits of valuable Dothril ore and precious stones. Mining had increased all the way to 9 through his efforts. There weren’t a lot of ore and precious gem deposits, thus it didn’t increase nearly as much as Gathering, which was now at 24 from all the alchemical ingredients he gathered.

Alchemy itself had gained a level over the five days and was now at 55. Orodan concocted potions in bulk and gave them out for free as he had little use for them, much to the delight of the moles and goblins.

And now, six hours before he was to set out for the abyssal depths, Orodan successfully polished the diamond he’d mined earlier and acquired one more skill.

[New Skill → Jewelcrafting 1]

Almost a hundred hours of constant practice to acquire the first level. When he wasn’t naturally talented at something, Calledro’s Average applied to him as well.

Jewelcrafting. It was the craft of taking rare precious stones from deep beneath the earth and then cleaning, polishing and cutting them to create a finished product that could channel power. Many higher level enchantments used precious stones as focusing points, and they were a necessary material for the craft.

Even the basic communications amulet in wide use around Inuan, had a quartz embedded within which was prepared by a jewelcrafter before it was enchanted. Beginner jewelcrafters could only cut, clean and polish a stone. But as the craft got more advanced, they were expected to empower the jewels for use in specific enchantments, attune the stone to a specific element or energy source, and at the highest levels jewelcrafters could turn a raw precious stone into something that could be worth hundreds of gold in and of itself.

The goblins of the Rising Spears tribe were the ones who taught Orodan this. Specifically, Griok the chief.

“I’m surprised to see a tribe’s chief who is also a Master-level jewelcrafter,” Orodan spoke. “In the Republic, our nominal leaders aren’t really focused on their crafts to the same extent.”

“How can I call myself the chief if I’m not willing to dirty my hands with honest labor to better our lives? In fact, my expertise in Jewelcrafting and Enchanting is partly why my tribe is allowed to live under the protection of the moles,” Griok replied. “You’ve taken to the burrows and tunnels well though. Humans who enter usually complain of being a bit… cramped.”

“Well, my hovel back in the Republic is of roughly similar size, so I don’t mind,” Orodan answered as he finished up and presented the diamond to Griok. Before that, he used Identify on it.

[Name: Pure Diamond

Description: A formerly rough diamond whose structural integrity is perfect. One hundred percent purity

Tier: Adept]

“This is… phenomenal! Your ability to clean objects is of priceless value! Imagine the heights you could achieve if you had dedicated teachers of the crafts over an extended period of time?” Griok posited. “Even I cannot make a pure diamond… how have you done this? What is that strange spell you’re using to draw the impurities out? You must be quite the mage!”

“It’s not a spell!” Orodan exclaimed, and then noticed Griok with a wry smile on his face. The old goblin truly was a mischievous old fogey. Initially, he appeared polite, and he still was. But there was a hidden joker within who enjoyed teasing the youngsters. “I can see why Zukelmux can’t keep his composure around you…”

“I have no idea what you mean my young friend,” Griok replied with a little too wide of a smile. “Your dislike of mages and magic is a bit strange to me personally.”

“Is it? During basic training long ago, we were always taught to be wary of mages. Growing up, the popular sentiment in my town was that mages were dishonest and likely to curse the common folk,” Orodan replied. “While I’ve grown to realize that the stories were foolish, the fact remains that most mages are averse to conflict and risk. Ask a warrior to hold the line and a good portion will die fighting; we know pain and can take it. Ask a mage to risk themselves and the majority will find some way to retreat. They’re also happy to sit back and pelt you with spells, or order their pets to tear you limb from limb. That being said… I’ve met some good mages since my younger days, so such a viewpoint doesn’t hold true for them all.”

“Your wisdom exceeds your youthful appearance,” Griok spoke. “I’ll admit, most of my tribe’s younglings hold a similar derision towards mages and are almost idolizing of the martial path, but this I feel is short-sighted. The pinnacle of power can only be reached by using both ranged spells and martial might, wouldn’t you agree?”

“No.”

“N-no?”

“No. My lack of derision towards mages doesn’t mean I agree with the ranged spellcasting style of combat,” Orodan answered. “Having to fight at range simply means that when the time comes and the enemy is near, you’ll falter.”

“But what if you need to fight at range? What if your enemy stays out of sight and simply strikes at you with impunity? What will you do then?” Griok asked.

“I do have ranged attacks… but my preferred one is where I close the distance by sending myself at the enemy.”

“…!”

Griok could say nothing else to Orodan’s insistence that melee combat was the superior form of fighting. It wasn’t merely hubris or being set in his ways. If an attack was too strong to bulldoze through, then Orodan was simply too weak and would need to train harder. If he couldn’t reach his opponent via Flash Strike then he was simply too slow.

When he fought the enemy Avatars and the Novarrian army, the threat he presented in melee was so deadly that Agathor, the God of War, had to explicitly warn the Novarrians to avoid Orodan in close combat. Wherever he went, his foes died. He took on monsters feared for their close combat prowess in toe to toe battles. The psychological pressure he presented up close, combined with the fact that enemy formations and movements were forced to move around him, meant that Orodan was in no rush to ever prioritize ranged combat.

Shield Throws and Draconic Fireballs were typically the most he did at range, or creating a ‘clone’ to use a Flash Strike towards the enemy.

“Either way, the time is approaching for me to enter the abyssal depths,” Orodan spoke. “It’s been an enjoyable time I’ve had with your tribe and the mole clan.”

“Zukelmux won’t dare say it… but he’ll miss your company. He gained Elite-level in four other skills over these five days,” Griok spoke. “Will you not see him to bid farewell?”

“What’ll that serve? I’ll be returning in a day anyways,” Orodan spoke.

Technically, he wasn’t lying. Orodan would return in a day. It would just be a day in the next loop. He also hated goodbyes and had tried his best to accept the melancholy that came with knowing nobody in the last long loop now remembered him.

He also wasn’t delusional enough to think that he’d get anywhere far in the abyssal depths on his first try.

Arvayne Firesword told him in the last long loop, that a group of twenty Grandmasters of the Republic had ventured down there, and the first thing they encountered was a creature that killed two Grandmasters and forced the Chosen to enter full Avatar empowerment to kill it.

Orodan knew he would die. Not just once, but many times.

But this would be his new set of death loops.

Finish up the Ogdenborough part of the day, bully the enemy Avatars and make for the depths at Ranmere’s Folly where he’d explore, craft, learn and finally delve into the abyssal depths after a week.

Within, he planned to hone his combat skills against whatever horrors lay within, perhaps find some naturally occurring eldritch creatures to practice cleaning upon, and investigate this ‘first gate’.

But first, it was finally time to cleanse his own soul.

Last time, he hadn’t gone all the way down that massive descending tunnel which led to pitch darkness. But, he was here now, in the dark chamber which lead into the abyssal depths.

The familiar ostolitus mushrooms which characterized the entirety of the depths thus far, had changed. No longer did they glow, but they almost sucked light inwards. The denser saturation of world energy in the air must’ve made them evolve into this variant which stole the light rather than illuminating the place.

In the center, lay the hole, which was a straight fall into the abyssal depths.

Orodan wasn’t going inside just yet though. Instead, he was meditating.

What was the divine? What were Blessings?

Orodan knew the answer to the first question. Divine energy was simply the faith of billions, the strength of many. It was weak, a cheap shortcut to power, and something Orodan could now resist. But what were Blessings?

Previously, Orodan wasn’t sure. But now, with his Master-level Soul Manipulation and Divine Resistance which allowed him to feel for the threads, he could see the connection from his own soul going towards… something. He wasn’t sure what the ‘something’ was. Orodan theorized that the connection went towards the divine realm, but since it was in another dimension he couldn’t directly follow it.

The core of the soul, was where Blessings and the Quest Rewards were held. Upon closer examination he could see that his own skills didn’t burden him whatsoever, they were his power. The Action Increases took up space, but didn’t have a connection going anywhere. Orodan had fairly earned the reward, and he couldn’t sense any thread of fate or soul energy leading towards the world or such nonsense.

The Blessings however, were a different story.

Orodan could feel the sick Blessings which festered within. The threads of divine energy from each Blessings were almost like chains, and Orodan was certain Agathor used them in the last long loop to prevent his usage of Malzim’s Blessing. The divine chains around the three latest unwanted Blessings, were particularly thicker and more restrictive than the rest. These Blessings must’ve been specifically crafted to control him and make for an easier possession.

Well, it was time for it to all go.

He wasn’t sure how much Agathor’s first Blessing helped, but Orodan was confident he was born to be a warrior. He needed no talent assistance from the God of War. As for the second Blessing? Orodan would work on developing a skill of his own to fill its void.

But as for the others…

“Malzim… Ozgaric, thank you,” he said in a rare moment of prayer and gratitude. “Your Blessings have protected me all this time, and although I cleanse my soul now, my debt to you will never end for all you’ve done. I hereby vow to ensure the two of you are repaid.”

His debt of honor proclaimed, it was time to begin.

Eternal Soul Reactor flared to the absolute maximum, seven minds worked together, and Orodan concentrated on extending Soul Manipulation into the very core of his soul with as much raw power as possible.

Immediately, horrific pain assaulted his mind. The core of the soul already wasn’t meant to be broached, but to do it when Eternal Soul Reactor was churning hard enough to almost destroy his physical body? It was even worse.

But, Orodan would not stop. He’d had enough of the divine and their Blessings.

He wanted it, he needed it… he demanded this result. To be forged anew and his soul cleansed.

His willpower was pushed to the limit in keeping not only his own soul from exploding, but to also further push Soul Manipulation towards the Blessings within. The cancerous rot that needed to be purged.

But, on a critical precipice he realized that his soul was now sturdy and true enough to survive the destruction…

…so why try to prevent the destruction of the outer layer of his soul?

Orodan trusted in himself and his own identity. He let go of the concentration on keeping his soul intact, and focused purely on ripping the divine plague out.

A titanic explosion erupted, and the pain was all-consuming. The being knew nothing.

Who was this being?

An irrelevant question.

All that mattered was ridding the self of the corruption, of the foul plague of foreign power.

But how could it be done? The answer was simple. A vision of purity saw the foul plague clearly, and the ability to cleanse was used in tandem with an ability to manipulate the soul.

Slowly, but surely, the first parasite was lanced and thrown out. Its divine threads pried off one by one and eradicated with the superior quality of the being’s own soul energy. A strange ability which allowed the being to almost resist the parasite’s power, came into play during the final stages of the manipulation.

[Agathor, God of War, abandons you]

[Blessing Lost → Warrior’s Servant - Increased affinity with Agathor and easier ability to channel his divine energy]

[Blessing Lost → Warrior’s Heart - Increased talent and learning rate for all warrior related skills as determined by Agathor]

[Blessing Lost → Warrior’s Quarry - Once you see your target they cannot flee. Your attacks will land on fleeing or evading foes and destiny will bend to ensure you find your mark]

The largest parasite, the gutless manipulator who called himself a War God… would trouble the being no longer.

[Ilyatana, Goddess of Fate, abandons you]

[Blessing Lost → Fate’s Servant - Increased affinity with Ilyatana and easier ability to channel her divine energy]

The scheming Goddess’s plague came next.

[Eximus, God of Time, abandons you]

[Blessing Lost → Time’s Servant - Increased affinity with Eximus and easier ability to channel his divine energy]

And then, the third enemy God, who thought to hold dominion over time, but made an enemy of the being who transcended it.

But there were two more, and although the being removed them with sadness. It recalled a vow, to repay the good that was done by these two Gods.

[Malzim, God of Death, abandons you]

[Blessing Lost → Death’s Call - Whenever you will it, Death takes you]

[Ozgaric, God of Trickery, abandons you]

[Blessing Lost → Trickster’s Veil - Your Status, fate and soul are impossible to peer into unless you will it]

As the final Blessings were removed, a message came up.

[Soul Manipulation 90 → Soul Manipulation 91]

[Eternal Soul Reactor 90 → Eternal Soul Reactor 91]

The being continued manipulating its soul, and then…

…Orodan Wainwright remembered.

He was three cells away from ending the loop, but he wouldn’t have cared if he did.

Orodan was finally free of the foul taint of the Gods. The only way they could detect him now was if Fate Disconnect went down, and even then only an Avatar of Ilyatana would descend. A foe he could now defeat.

At last he could enter cities once more.

The entirety of the dark chamber he performed soul surgery within… was obliterated. And something had come up the hole leading to the abyssal depths to see what’d happened.

Floating above the ground was a humanoid, fifteen feet tall. A long white head with two yellow alien eyes, six arms which were glowing with barely concealed elemental fury and space around it constantly shifted.

[Name: Azluyal Excrodatar (Species: Fallen Void Archon)

Title 1: Combat Grandmaster

Title 2: Speed Casting Grandmaster

Title 3: Soul Grandmaster

Title 4: Space Magic Grandmaster

Title 5: Grandmaster Slayer]

Orodan fought bravely, but even if he came in prepared and fought at his absolute best…

…this thing was just too overwhelmingly strong. A quadruple-Grandmaster on the same level as the True Vampire he encountered in the energy well.

It was a mage of unfathomable power, and if he thought Mahari’s speed casting was impressive… then this floating alien mage with six arms, the title of Combat Grandmaster, and elemental spells which were powered by soul energy, was akin to a God.

Orodan never got close, and if fire, lightning and wind spells failed to kill him, the subsequent ice, water and earth spells did the job. He died within five seconds of a barrage that annihilated every cell in his body.

A keening wail ringing in the night sky awoke him.

Orodan got to his feet, adjusted his titles and then called forth his Status.

Name: Orodan Wainwright

Age: 17

Title 1: Avatar Slayer

Title 2: One Who Has Experienced Death

Title 3: Wielder Of A Mythical Skill

Title 4: Cleaning Elite

Available Titles:

Avatar Slayer

Wielder Of A Mythical Skill

One Who Has Experienced Death

Grandmaster Slayer

Combat Elite

Sword Elite

Shield Elite

Physical Elite

Unarmed Combat Elite

Wrestling Elite

Cleaning Elite

Woodworking Adept

Alchemy Adept

Enchanting Apprentice

Laboring Apprentice

Blacksmithing Apprentice

Pathfinding Apprentice

Rewards:

Permanent +6 Action Increase

Skills:

Eternal Soul Reactor 91 (Master - Mythical)

Warrior’s Reciprocity 70 (Elite - Mythical)

Eldritch Resistance 52 (Adept - Mythical)

Incorruptible Being 50 (Adept -Mythical)

Divine Resistance 11 (Initiate - Mythical)

Harmony of Vitality 85 (Elite - Legendary)

All-Strike 80 (Elite - Legendary)

Unassailable Fortress 80 (Elite - Legendary)

Mana Black Hole 79 (Elite - Legendary)

Vitality Black Hole 79 (Elite - Legendary)

Bulwark Physical Resistance 77 (Elite - Legendary)

Endless Blitz 72 (Elite - Legendary)

Mana Resistance 62 (Adept - Legendary)

Wood Communion 48 (Apprentice - Legendary)

Body Tempering 44 (Apprentice - Legendary)

Soul Strengthening 42 (Apprentice - Legendary)

Fate Disconnect 42 (Apprentice - Legendary)

Vision of Purity 41 (Apprentice - Legendary)

Draconic Fireball 6 (Initiate - Legendary)

Death Rage 85 (Elite - Exquisite)

Iron Body 79 (Elite - Exquisite)

Psionic Resistance 75 (Elite - Exquisite)

Flash Strike 65 (Adept - Exquisite)

Whirlpool Whirlwind 55 (Adept - Exquisite)

Draconic Mana Channeling 45 (Apprentice - Exquisite)

Vitality Destruction 39 (Apprentice - Exquisite)

Fire Resistance 24 (Initiate - Exquisite)

Lightning Resistance 18 (Initiate - Exquisite)

Wind Resistance 3 (Initiate - Exquisite)

Soul Manipulation 91 (Master - Rare)

Weapon Aura 85 (Elite - Rare)

Soul Defense 54 (Adept - Rare)

War Cry 35 (Apprentice - Rare)

Dying Struggle 83 (Elite - Uncommon)

Shield Throw 68 (Adept - Uncommon)

Power Strike 61 (Adept - Uncommon)

Mana Manipulation 54 (Adept - Uncommon)

Fate Reading 31 (Apprentice - Uncommon)

Pain Resistance 89 (Elite)

Unarmed Combat Mastery 86 (Elite)

Physical Fitness 85 (Elite)

Combat Mastery 83 (Elite)

Sword Mastery 81 (Elite)

Wrestling 80 (Elite)

Shield Mastery 78 (Elite)

Cleaning 73 (Elite)

Tool Mastery 59 (Adept)

Woodworking 57 (Adept)

Alchemy 55 (Adept)

Surprise Attack 45 (Apprentice)

Enchanting 41 (Apprentice)

Sprinting 39 (Apprentice)

Blacksmithing 35 (Apprentice)

Laboring 33 (Apprentice)

Maintenance 33 (Apprentice)

Pathfinding 31 (Apprentice)

Construction 27 (Initiate)

Flare 24 (Initiate)

Gathering 24 (Initiate)

Repair 21 (Initiate)

Magical Rituals 18 (Initiate)

Club Mastery 15 (Initiate)

Lumberjacking 11 (Initiate)

Parkour 11 (Initiate)

Intimidation 10 (Initiate)

Observe 9 (Initiate)

Mining 9 (Initiate)

Thievery 6 (Initiate)

Identify 5 (Initiate)

Deception 4 (Initiate)

Jewelcrafting 1 (Initiate)

He breathed a sigh of relief and victory. The Blessings were gone! He had removed the foul taint of the divine upon his soul.

The loss of some useful abilities was a small price to pay for finally being in control of his own destiny. Besides, if he wanted to die, he could simply crank Eternal Soul Reactor hard. If he needed to avoid detection, Fate Disconnect did the job. As for the rest? In time he’d simply create his own skills to fill the gaps.

He was now free to pursue education or enter cities again. He’d broken free of the yoke of the three tyrannical Gods that sought to keep him under their control.

But, he wasn’t done with the abyssal depths yet. His upcoming death loops down there would be fun. And…

…the alien mage monster would be an excellent source of new resistance skills.