14 Decei

Stacy said, "Ooooh, really? Let's hear it then."

David replied, "We can just reanimate the golem's and then set them off after the sentinel. We sneak into the gate when he's distracted."

I nodded and said, "Ahh yes. He then kills the golems in a second before killing me. Of course, of course. An excellent plan."

David answered, "I don't see you coming up with any better ideas."

I shrugged as I said, "We just walk up to the sentinel and see if he won't let me out."

David crossed his arms and said, "Why do you think that's going to work but not using the golems as a decoy?"

"Because one involves not attacking the sentinel. The other plan does. That makes one of them intrinsically better."

Stacy tapped the edge of her chin as she said, "You have the dungeon core or whatever, right?"

I nodded so she continued, "That should allow us to leave. At least according to what we were told when we entered."

I wanted to carry Alfred Worm's diary with me, but the suit of armor was in the way. The metal splintered apart as if alive. Tendrils wrapped around the book, as if eating it. The screeching of bending metal grated my ears as they coiled back towards me. The journal disappeared into my armor.

Stacy said, "That was scary as shit."

I nodded as I said, "Yeah...It was."

David crushed the silence as he said in sarcasm, "Yeah, the sentinel will definitely let you leave wearing something like that."

I pointed at him and said, "Good, I'm glad you agree. Let's go."

I walked off towards the sentinel as he said, "How can you expect that to work?"

Stacy started packing up their camp while David fumbled around before facepalming. He looked back up and said, "Whatever. Let's just get out of here. I'm done with this shithole."

I replied, "You and I both."

They caught back up with me after I got a few minutes ahead. When a bat swooped down towards us, I bent backwards and caught it. It was like grabbing a gelatinous blob. Blood exploded outwards like smashing a watermelon.

Stacy screamed while David just held a hand over his heart. He said, "I'd rather die from one of bats than a heart attack."

I slung some gunk off my hand as I said, "Sorry guys. That was pretty nasty."

I refrained from crushing so liberally from then on. We made good distance, each of our morales is higher than a kite. No boss, no golem's, and no fancy ancient ritual holding us back anymore. It was a liberating sort of feeling.

With that in mind, we all spoke with a surprising ease. I expected them to be scared of me, but I suppose cracking a few poorly timed jokes didn't hurt anything.

We walked for several days like that. Once the conversations grew stale, I trained as we walked, practicing punches and combinations. It was calming for me, like meditating. We reached the sentinel after killing a few hundred bats and squabbling over bear jerky. Good times compared with before.

When we reached the sentinel's pit, David said, "Alright, so here's the plan-"

I leapt into the pit. I lost levity as gravity pulled me down. My skin pulled on me as I fell, my stomach floating in my chest. I landed around a hundred feet below, creating a crater as I squatted down. After a second, I stood up and shouted,

"Did you guys just see that shit? I fucking nailed that superhero landing."

Stacy whistled while David threw his hands up into the air. I walked over towards the sentinel as I said, "Hey asshole, what's up?"

It replied, "A four mile thick layer of basalt and granite. What are you doing here, inferior life form?"

I frowned as I said, "I've got the dungeon core. Mind letting me out?"

It bent over and took a closer glance at me. After a few seconds it said, "Wait, you are the humanI saw before. How have you devolved into this..." The sentinel of monolith gestured to all of me, "thing."

I shrugged as I said, "Baldag-Ruhl was tough fellow. He gave me some scars. Anyways, mind letting me out?"

The sentinel stood back up, twice my height easily. It said, "Unknowns are not allowed to leave. I will destroy you if you attempt doing so."

I showed him my menu screen with the dungeon core thing. It said, "What about this core, it says I can leave. Can I?"

"Of course. At your leisure."

"Then I'll be going."

"Halt. You are not allowed passage as an unknown. I will only warn you once."

I showed him the core again, and he replied, "I've already told you, you may leave at anytime."

I said, "I never thought Schema would be a liar."

The sentinel of monolith slammed his spear and said, "Do not speak blasphemy in my presence."

I frowned as I said, "But he gave me an item that doesn't operate as stated. Isn't that lying?"

"...Yes. But no...Fine. I will allow you to pass."

I grinned as I said, "Good." Turning backwards, I said, "Alright guys. I'll come get your fatasses and carry you down the wall."

Stacy and David had crawled maybe 10 feet down into the pit. Stacy hadn't moved in a while. She seemed stuck. David said, "You're the one that weighs like three tons."

Stacy added, "More like four thousand. He's like a bucket of lard given a human form."

Ouch. That one actually stung a bit. I gave her props in my head before running off towards them. Climbing the sheer face was simple. With my height and flexibility, I could reach any holds or gaps. Within ten minutes, both of them were down beside the sentinel.

They gaped in awe at its majesty. Of course they would. This thing could evaporate them with ease. I wondered why the hell he didn't just kill all the monsters himself. I asked,

"So sentinel. Why don't you kill the monsters yourself?"

It replied, "Ambient mana corrupts over time. You are a perfect example of this disgusting phenomenon. Schema cherishes each of us, so we wouldn't waste our might on something so paltry."

I nodded and said, "Naw, instead of killing the dimension destroying monsters, he has you guys stand in front of doors. What a prioritizer."

The robot paused for a moment, then replied, "You have given me a new emotion. I believe it is hatred."

"Good. Alright guys, it's time to get out of here."

David said, "Your balls are made of steel man."

I shook my head and said, "Naw, I just know how these things work. They obey orders very thoroughly."

The sentinel said, "Lucky for you."

I shrugged. He was absolutely right about that. Stacy said, "Alright, time to get out of here. See you guy on the other side."

The glowing doors opened, revealing the outside of the cave. The warm wind hit my face. The sunshine beamed down on me. I could hear birds. I could even smell the earth and trees. God I never missed a patch of trees so much in my life.

Stacy and David walked out with me behind them. The sentinel slammed the hilt of his spear, snapping the doors shut. He said,

"I have decided. Instead of making the decision of your leaving on my own, I will leave the decision to Schema."

The sentinel leaned closer and said, "Schema is much harsher than I am. Do not disrespect it."

Seemed like good advice, so I nodded before a voice appeared in my head. It was cold, the kind of cold that burns your hands and numbs your nose. The closest thing like it would be the eldritch energy that Baldag released. Stacy was right. This was not something sentient. It was a machine through and through.

"Unknown variable detected. Owns entry key id 84295730549. Entry allowed. Access denied. Entry allowed. Access denied. Higher clearance required. Assistance request sent. Assistance request accepted."

The biting cold stopped in an instant. A warmth came and replaced it. The voice like Morgan Freeman and an old british guy came. It said,

"I am Schema. You just spoke with one of hundreds of personal AI's of mine. Unlike me, they are limited in scope. I automate most functions with them. Now, explain what kind of anomaly you are?"

I explained Baldag-Ruhl's story in detail, along with Alfred Worm's. Schema listened intently, asking pointed questions at times. He spoke with the familiarity of an old friend. In fact, I couldn't help but like him.

After finishing with how the sentinel sent the request, Schema said, "I cannot allow an unknown outside of a rift. There are too many ways you can unsettle the careful balance I've created."

My heart sank. I had even mentioned quite a few heroic details. They obviously didn't do much.

Schema continued, "That is, unless you aim to help keep my balance stable."

I showed him my armor's screen and said, "I'll need ambient mana for my armor's evolutions anyway."

"Your armor can absorb the rift energy? Interesting...I will let you leave this place if you accept a detailed and extensive set of requirements. They will include the clearing of other rifts, killing less stable unknowns, and reaching a quota of ambient mana absorbed every month. This is non-negotiable. If you choose not to accept, I will strip you from the system. You will become this rift's new boss."

I click the yes button as quickly as it appeared. Staying here is not an option. Schema says, "Good. Your decisiveness will help you in the future. Goodbye."

The presence left. Without knowing it, I let out a huge lungful of air. I breathed out the tension as messages appeared,

Reaper of the Unknown(Unknown tier quest) - There are things that fall outside the realm of Schema's control or even understanding. You are what is sent to kill these things, whatever they may be.

0/3 unknowns killed | Timeline(10 years left)

He Who Slays the Eater of Worlds(Legendary Unique tier quest) - Most never enter a dungeon in their lifetime. You have been commanded to destroy many. Good luck.

0/3 Dungeons cores obtained | Timeline(1 year left)

Gorge on Horrors(Unknown Tier Quest) - You are a monster. Become the eater of monsters.

0/2,000,000 ambient mana eaten | Timeline(1 month)

Welp, this isn't so bad. I'll probably do all this just from fucking around. Well, besides for the unknown part. I don't really know how to even begin looking for one, but I have ten whole years. It shouldn't be a problem.

I turned towards the sentinel and said, "Thanks for forcing me into this."

"It was my pleasure."

The door opened before I strode out. David and Stacy already had several skinned squirrels over a campfire. The scent made me hungry as hellfire in a dry forest. I ran over, taking a skewer from the fire. I moved the skewer towards my mouth, and the armor moved away, letting me eat.

That's how it worked so far. The armor seemed alive. It responded to my will and needs. So far it wasn't very responsive when it came to coming off though. Eh, you can't have your cake and eat it too I suppose.

Besides, the thought of taking off the armor disturbed me. It would be like taking off my skin.

Of course, Stacy and David asked about why I took so long getting out. I answered between wild, tearing bites of the squirrel meat. Jesus it tasted good.

We sat around a campfire as David said, "Hey, you know...We never really thanked you for saving us or getting us out of there. I mean, it's like...hmmm..."

I placed an armored hand on his shoulder as I said, "Don't worry about it. When I saw you guys looking so pitiful, I had to save your sorry asses."

Stacy threw a rock at me as David said, "Yeah, now I remember why I didn't thank you in the first place."

Despite saying all that, I could tell they really appreciated my help. Even if help is given out of selfish intentions, it doesn't change that it's help. There was a sort of comradery in the air as we joked and messed around. After a while, Stacy said,

"What town are you from anyways?"

"I'm from Springfield. I live about an hour's walk from here."

Stacy said, "We live in Springfield too. Maybe we'll see each other around?"

I shrugged as I said, "You know, maybe when I'm looking for something ugly to look at, I'll hit you and David up."

She rolled her eyes and said, "All you need is a mirror for that."

David chuckled while I let out a string of obscenities. After we finished our meals, I said, "It's about time I see how some of my friends back home are doing."

They nodded and said, "Yeah, our parents are going to kill us."

I banged my leg, a metallic ring echoing. I said, "My old man's going to need a miracle to get that done."

We parted ways after discussing what happened after the tutorial. I didn't expect it, but quite a few people died during them. Something about facing a pack of wolves with a few level ups. In my mind, that would be more than enough to beat up a few wolves.

The lack of technology had also made communities tighten. Neighbours became allies. Cousins became like brothers and sisters. Without support, getting through the harsh world would be...difficult. I'd probably meet up with these two at some point in the future. When? Eh, who knows.

I left the cave and passed by the forest. Everything was a sea of green. I wondered if I could change that.

I cut on oppression for a few seconds, and the world around me died. All the leaves on the trees fell, brown and dried. The trunks twisted and contorted under oppressions might. Brushes coiled into dead branches. The birds fell to the ground, turned to slush in seconds.

I cut it off once the trees started falling. In five seconds, I'd leveled an area of at least 100 feet away in every direction. Oppression was not to be taken lightly, and this act verified something I'd thought for a long time. What if the cave was just a dream?

A part of me knew this was real. That all this new stuff I could do was as solid and substantial as gravity. But even then, a part of me denied it. That part was gone now. Seeing your old playplace as a child fall apart like that has a way of sobering you up after all.

With that display of power finished, I ran towards my old home. I lived in a larger city called Springfield. Not the largest town ever, but it wasn't the smallest either. I lived in the surrounding suburbs like all my friends. Those friends being Micheal and Kelsey.

Of course they wouldn't recognize me in this armor. It didn't matter though. They'd need a tank to kill me now.

I reached familiar streets in a few minutes. That was when I reached my old home. In a worn down corner of who-gives-a-shit street, there was a two bedroom apartment. I reached it while hiding in some bushes. Couldn't have anyone seeing the Harbinger of Cataclysm on their street.

I wanted to smash the place. Nothing, not even the smallest sliver of me wanted to go back. After a few seconds of thought, I decided not to. Why even give the old man a second thought. He'd never gave me one. I'd rather him think his son had died during the change.

With that settled, I abandoned my previous life on a whim. Nothing could chain me here. Besides, I had quests to complete.

I'd see if I couldn't find Micheal and Kelsey, but I doubt I would. Everything became chaotic after Schema came in.

So I skulked around town, putting my sneak skill to good use. At one point, someone almost discovered me, so I started traveling in the sewers. It was a different world down there.

Vibrant greens grew all over the place. The rats had become little soldiers, with stick swords and shields. When they attacked, I would crush them against a wall like swatting flies. I almost felt bad for them. Almost.

I used my minimap for direction during my escapade. It gave me more than enough hints for getting around under the sewer. It wasn't until I reached a supposed king of rats that I paused for any length of time. He was a full four feet tall. It was level 12.

He threatened my life and made unsuitable threats against my mother before I crushed him. When I did, the oddest thing happened. Up till now, my armor just sort of disintegrated the bodies before absorbing them. The armor did something else.

When I walked up to loot his body, I found a chainmail vest not even worth carrying. I kicked it aside before my chest plate contorted. The metal crinkled before a wolf like mouth appeared. The ragged teeth chomped into the rat king's body.

In seconds, the metal tore into the soft flesh. It swallowed the body before I could even respond. I just stood there for a few minutes afterward. I couldn't even comprehend what the fuck just happened.

It pulled back as if nothing happened. I had gained 1200 ambient mana over the last hour. It was a paltry amount, but if I faced reasonable enemies it wouldn't be an issue. I looted the corpse before I heard a set of voices echoing down the cave. They were not human.

One gurgled, "Stay on your toes. You never know if a human's already here."

Another disgusting voice responded,

"There's nothing here above level ten."

Two reptile looking people came prancing up. One was green, standing eight feet in height with a muscled build. The other one was purple, with scaled skin like a crocodile. Sparks of violet energy radiated from his right hand. They both wore enchanted gear made of a metal I'd never seen, colored a dull orange.

When I glanced at them, the system identified them both,

Gelg Monok, Skeptile Warlord(lvl 112) - A mercenary of the Skeptile people. He roams newly assimilated planets, attempting to harvest dungeon cores before the native populace does. Considered a crime by Schema, he specializes in slaying boss monsters quickly.

Moronos Golgon, Skeptile Arcane Master(lvl 132) - A master of the arcane, his magic inflicts true damage that ignores resistances. His class and build is designed against other sentient people. He roams newly assimilated planets, hunting for unobtained dungeon cores.

They met my eye before the pink one opened his right hand, the sparks turning to streaks of violet lightning. His hand thrummed with a chaotic energy, like a ball of entropy was in his hand. He said, "Sorry. We can't let you leave here."

Oh fuck.