Dark Matter Ascension-Chapter 65B2 - : Touring a temple and more levels

Priam felt a sense of awe wash over him. For years of his life, he had seen traced images that his father created to show him and his brother the wonders of their home world. And now, he was about to enter one of the temples on the Trifold Mesa. He knew enough about the location: all three temples were dedicated to various orders of priests.

This temple was where the Easterling clan once resided. It was where the living gods resided. The opposite mesa was where his clan, the Westerfold, lived; guarding the deities close to death and helping them pass on once their time was done.

The center temple was abandoned in eras past, now occupied by Wricen. This place should be safe, he thought. Especially if there’s any gods still living.

As he led the way across the top of the plateau, he came to the set of enormous double doors and stopped. Greg and Dee came up behind him, and Priam pointed up to a latch above his head. “Greg, do you mind?”

“That’s a big door,” he muttered, reaching past Priam and turning a stone handle. There was an enormous crunching sound, followed by grinding, and then the door began to recede into the wall. Beyond the doorway was a glimmering, white barrier. And on the opposite side of the semi-transparent ward, Priam saw an Oslia with shimmering, red fur.

“Halt! None enter the Easterling clan’s home!”

“Survivors?” Dee asked. “I thought that Wricen killed off all the priests?”

The red-furred Oslia shook her head, stood upright with her spear planted on the ground, and glared at Priam. “A Westerfold…but you’re not Wricen.”

“Nope. Priam! I’m an Aspirant and was raised in Khrox.”

The Oslia’s eyes went wide, and she waved them in as the barrier vanished. “Hurry! Get inside!”

Priam rushed forward: followed by his allies, and once they passed the threshold the barrier was re-established, and the stone doors began to close. “Thanks. Who are you?”

“I am Teeva, goddess of doorways.”

Greg leaned over to Priam, “You have a goddess of doors?”

“Doorways,” Teeva corrected, apparently able to hear Greg. “I’m relatively new, but I’m strong because that portal to the Cosmic Corridor is technically a doorway.” She smiled and tapped her spear on the ground. “It is why I’m guarding the main entrance.”

Priam crossed his arms and looked at her, “What happened? To the Easterlings? My clan? The gods?”

“I’m not long winded and I have to stay here. Short version. Wricen showed up. Killed off the whole of the Easterling clan, then the Westerfold. When he left for some reason, the remaining gods retreated inside this temple, and we’ve been hiding out ever since.”

Dee winced, “Sounds boring.”

“It is,” Teeva replied. “But we dare not leave. If we do, then Wricen invariably catches us, kills us, and consumes our Godheart.”

Priam frowned, “How many are left?”

“Fifteen,” Teeva said as her face morphed into a grimace. “Not enough to rally a defense or even hope to kill Wricen and stop his madness. Go deeper into the temple and ask for Ronto. He is a god of inspiration and might have some ideas.”

“We just needed a place to rest for a bit,” Greg replied. “We are all Tier 6, so we ready for Wricen.”

“And he has consumed over a hundred Godhearts,” Teeva countered. “Which means he has a lot of divine-magic based Skills at his disposal.”

“How do you know about the System and all that divine-magic hoo-ha?” Dee asked.

“We are local administrators,” Teeva replied. “The Cosmic System sees us as fixtures of the world that are integral to its operation.” She turned to face the glowing barrier, “Now, if you’ll excuse me: I have prayers to listen to.”

Priam nodded and led the group deeper into the complex. They did not encounter anyone until they reached a large, central chamber. Fourteen Oslia with varying colorations of fur that were all along the spectrum sat upon cushions, eyes closed in meditation. Priam cleared his throat. “Hi, Priam Westerfold, here. Teeva told us to come talk to a god named Ronto.”

All the deities opened their eyes, and they all stared at Priam. Their gazes made him feel like he was being dissected, and one with purple fur raised their hand. He had stern, blue eyes. “I am Ronto, god of inspiration. Approach.”

Priam did so, and his companions followed behind. Greg leaned over and whispered, “We’ll just be quiet, and you take point.”

“Smart,” Priam replied in a whisper. He bowed in front of Ronto, still the center of the focus for all these deities. “We are here to kill Wricen.”

At this, the whole mood of the room seemed to shift and grow more relaxed. Ronto chuckled, “For a minute there, I thought that Teeva may have let in Wricen’s minions. Welcome, Priam.”

“We want to kill Wricen for slaying my clan,” Priam said with as much vigor as he could muster up, puffing out his chest and making himself appear large and intimidating: as much as he could, at least. “We are all Aspirants and higher Tier than he is.”

“But…he has hundreds of divine-magic spells from consuming Godhearts.”

“Yeah, we’ve heard that a lot now,” Dee replied. “Come on, let’s just get some rest and then go blow him up!”

Ronto chuckled, “Blow him up? Well, if you can, I would applaud you for it. But you must assume he is far stronger than his Tier would lead you to believe. I sense the power of a consumed Godheart within you, young Westerfold. You know how potent those spells are.”

Ronto frowned and shook his head, “I am sorry, child of Fernaid. If you did not know yet - your uncle Wricen slew all the Easterling and Westerfold clans.”

“Why?” Dee blurted out.

“Simple; power. He wanted power. After obtaining his Ascended Power and becoming a full Ascendant, he returned here to take control of the world. Well, this world is ruled by us gods. Kind of. We don’t really rule it. Every god is a manifestation of the combined thoughts and beliefs of the people here.”

Ronto looked to Priam, “Hence your clan’s role. Putting gods who were too weak from lack of worship and belief to rest. A permanent rest. The Easterling’s were responsible for ensuring that us newly fledged deities were taken care of as we engaged in our duties.”

“Which are?” Greg asked.

“Hearing and answering prayers,” he replied, gesturing around the room to the other deities who had returned to their meditative postures. “Wricen wanted full, singular control of the world: but he cannot have that unless he slays and consumes every Godheart.”

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“That’s not going to ever happen,” Priam said softly as he pulled the brim of his dad’s hat down over his eyes. “Because the people of Fernaid will believe still, and new gods will be created.”

“Precisely. We’ve told Wricen this: in fact, our goddess of wisdom and rulership tried to convince him a few days ago. But it was fruitless, and she perished at his hands.”

Greg frowned and crossed his arms, “Wricen has figured out a way to gain unlimited new spells.”

Just like that Yholl guy, Priam thought. Back on Nihilethelea. He was having us gather those dungeon cores that he could consume to learn pure-magic spells. Wricen is doing the same thing, but with divine-magic spells. He’ll never be able to fully kill off all deities and take full control over the world…unless. He looked up at Ronto. “He could do it if he killed off every single Oslia or forced them all into Khrox. Then no one would be around to dream up or think of new gods.”

“Yes,” Ronto replied. “But he is not that smart.”

Dee let out a sigh and kicked the ground, her chitinous shell clacking off the surface. “We rest up, blow him up, and then life goes back to normal. What’s the problem?”

“His versatility,” Priam replied. “We would have to take him by surprise.”

“Too bad our team member that turns us all invisible isn’t here,” Greg commented. “That would be mighty useful right now.”

“He’s busy,” Quinn replied having listened in to the earpieces. “I have been doing research on Wricen, and I think I found a weakness: he can only use those divine-magic Skills once per day each. You just need to have strong enough defenses to stop any type of harm until you either beat him, or he exhausts all his options.”

“We can outlast him,” Priam said with confidence as he nodded to himself. “I can keep barriers going for a long time, and Greg reduces a ton of damage taken.”

“Plus, we have some Stardust,” Greg said as he nodded. “Let’s rest up in this safe place, spend some Stardust to level up and get some Skills improved…and then tomorrow we’ll take on Wricen.”

“Outlasting someone? Outblasting him? Sounds fun!” Dee said with glee.

Ronto gestured to a side chamber, “There are quarters that way. If you’ll excuse me, I have prayers to attend to.”

“Wait!” Priam interrupted. “Can you gods do anything to help us out?”

“We can provide blessings before your venture tomorrow. But blessings are short duration. Using them now would do nothing.” Ronto shut his eyes and took a deep breath, “If you’ll excuse me, I have an inventor who is working on a new piece of technology, and he is whispering my name.”

Greg tapped Priam on the shoulder and gestured to the side corridor. Priam followed him with Dee close behind, and the trio entered well-maintained but completely empty quarters. There were beds, a small living space, a kitchen, and a very poorly stocked pantry. “Okay, level up time,” Priam said as he flopped onto a bed.

Bloopa flew out from under his hat, and her sparkling, changing shapes altered in front of him. What would you like?

“More power to shields.”

Understood. Three levels worth of Stardust for 7,500, bringing you from 9,030 to 1,530.

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Name: Priam Westerfold (Aspirant, Tier 6)

Power [Class Level]: Pulsar [Priest <Seraph> 100] / Gigastar [Exarch 4]

Skill Name (Rank) [Evolutions]: Universal Translation, Environmental Adaptation, Exarch's Ward (Rank 4) [Multi-Target], Exarch's Seraphic Soothe (Rank 1) [Contingent], Exarch's Blessing (Rank 1) [Enduring], Energy Cost Reduction (Rank 10), Wrath of the Gods (Rank 5), Heavenly Smite (Rank 1) [Marking], Fount of Energy (Rank 5), Ishtar's Embrace (1/day)

Stardust: 1,530

Equipment: (Light) Archpriest Vestments, (Conservation) Soul Warden Writ, (Insightful) Dad's Hat, (Light) Venture Pack, survival meals (x36), enhanced canteen, optimized medical kit

Boons: Common (Information), Epic (Augmentation)

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Exarch’s Ward (Rank 2): As Rank 1, but the amount of damage that can be absorbed increases.

Exarch’s Ward (Rank 3): As Rank 2, but the amount of damage that can be absorbed increases.

Exarch’s Ward (Rank 4): As Rank 3, but the amount of damage that can be absorbed increases.

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Priam saw other System screens flash across his vision as Quinn pushed the status screens and System messages of his allies’ level ups to everyone in the group: keeping them all up to date on each other’s capabilities.

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Name: Greg Bhastal (Aspirant, Tier 6)

Power [Class Level]: Planet [Protector <Resolute Guardian> 100] / Supermassive [Weaponmaster 4]

Skills: Skill Name (Rank) [Evolutions]: Universal Translation, Environmental Adaptation, Protector's Vow (Rank 3) [Guardian's Vow], Planetary Defenses (Rank 3), Planetary Retribution (Rank 3), Cosmic Infusion (Rank 10), Protector's Panacea (Rank 8), Planetary Palisade (Rank 10), Planetary Growth (Rank 6), Rock Blast (Rank 15), Energy Cost Reduction (Rank 10), Defensive Upgrade (Rank 10), Sphere of Protection (Rank 5), Call to Guard (Rank 5), Guardian's Defenses (Rank 14), Weaponmaster's Familiarity (Rank 3), Thellor’s Reversal (1/day)

Stardust: 1,530

Equipment: (Heavy) Thellor's Impenetrable Bulwark, Pheracorp deflection matrix, Stunstick, (Heavy) Venture Pack, survival meals (x36), enhanced canteen, optimized medical kit, 20,000 creds, Bunker-Buster Mk. 3, Enduralife Guardian AR, General Logistics 9mm Pistol, x2 EMP grenade, x3 flashbang, Killer Whale

Boons: None

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Weaponmaster’s Familiarity (Rank 1): The user becomes proficient with all weapons.

Weaponmaster’s Familiarity (Rank 2): The user becomes an expert with all weapons.

Weaponmaster’s Familiarity (Rank 3): The user becomes a master with all weapons.

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Name: Deasyl 'Dee' Luna (Aspirant, Tier 6)

Power [Class Level]: Nebula [Blaster <Artillerist> 100] / Flux [Demolisher 4]

Skills: Skill Name (Rank) [Evolutions]: Universal Translation, Environmental Adaptation, Energy Cost Reduction (Rank 10), Cosmic Infusion (Rank 10), Demolisher's Devastation (Rank 6) [Blast][Beam][Cone], Artillerist's Acumen (Rank 6), Artillerist's Discipline (Rank 5)

Stardust: 1,530

Equipment: None

Boons: None

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Demolisher’s Devastation (Rank 4) - Unlocks the 'Beam' Skill Evolution.

Demolisher’s Devastation (Rank 5) - As any lesser Rank, but increase the damage inflicted.

Demolisher’s Devastation (Rank 6) - Unlocks the 'Cone' Skill Evolution.

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[Evolution Name: Beam.]

[Effect: Causes damage in a line, increasing in size with Energy invested.]

[Evolution Name: Cone.]

[Effect: Causes damage in a cone, increasing in size with Energy invested.]

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Name: Quinn Cipher (Aspirant, Tier 6)

Power [Class Level]: Star [Broker <Celestial Coordinator> 100] / Exoplanet [Reality Strategist 4]

Skills: Skill Name (Rank) [Evolutions]: Universal Translation, Environmental Adaptation, Broker's Instinct (Rank 8), Broker's Contract (Rank 20), Broker's Fee (Rank 16), Cosmic Infusion (Rank 10), Magic World Interface (Rank 10), Magitech World Interface (Rank 10), Technology World Interface (Rank 10), Other Realm Interface (Rank 5), Celestial Observer (Rank 1), Coordinator's Critical Gaze (Rank 6), Coordinator's Warning System (Rank 5), Stratagem (Rank 3) [Mobility][Obliteration][Bulwark]

Stardust: 1,530

Equipment: Broker's interface, Broker's starting gear, Webwalker Implants, Pheracorp Bionic Brain Mk. 1, Pheracorp Bionic Eyes Mk. 1

Boons: None

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Stratagem (Rank 1) - The user designates any number of targets, regardless of distance or location, up to their Tier. They are marked until a set trigger condition goes off, which activates the Skill Evolution designated when first assigned. Energy remains committed until the trigger condition is met. Multiple stratagem Skill Evolutions may be stacked and set to the same trigger condition. Those affected by a Stratagem cannot be affected again for 1 minute. All Stratagems last for 30 seconds. Unlocks the 'Mobility' Skill Evolution.

Stratagem (Rank 2): Unlocks the ‘Obliteration’ Skill Evolution.

Stratagem (Rank 3): Unlocks the ‘Bulwark’ Skill Evolution.

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[Evolution Name: Mobility.]

[Effect: Stratagem marked allies have their movement speed doubled.]

[Evolution Name: Obliteration.]

[Effect: Stratagem marked allies increase outgoing damage by x2.]

[Evolution Name: Bulwark.]

[Effect: Stratagem marked allies reduce incoming damage by 50%.]

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Quinn’s voice came over the comms, “The game plan for tomorrow. I will stack Coordinator’s Critical Gaze, Coordinator’s Warning System, and all three Stratagems on you lot. Greg will tank as much damage as he can, with Priam continually re-applying his Exarch Ward to keep Greg standing. With all the damage reduction Skills layering on top of each other, Greg should be able to take anything short of a full-on meteor strike. Dee, you’ll be responsible for hitting Wricen in a weak spot, taking advantage of Critical Gaze and your various Artillerist Skills.”

Greg nodded, “Rational plan. And I can use Thellor’s Reversal to also inflict some of the damage I would suffer onto Wricen.”

Priam took in a shaky breath and nodded. “We’re as prepared as we can be.”

“Not quite,” Greg said as he looked at the Stunstick in his hand and dropped it on the ground. “I need a new weapon.”

“I don’t have any Boons for (Equipment),” Quinn replied. “I can look into buying one.”

Dee took a bed and bounced on it a little before settling down, “Comfy enough. Not that I need a bed.” She sighed and looked at her allies. “Get some rest. Big day tomorrow! Killing a powerful Ascendant.”

Priam nodded and shut his eyes, trying to push out the face that his uncle had killed his father and the whole Westerfold clan. He’s a tyrant and murderer. He’s gotta go. I’ll get revenge for you, dad.