Chapter 212 – Pillars of Destruction

Chapter 212 – Pillars of Destruction

---More tales in the life of author-kun. Remember how my laptop was supposed to be fixed? The same fan that wasn't spinning, now has an issue where it sounds like it's getting caught on something (I really haven't a clue and don't dare taking it apart myself). I can continue to write for now but it's inevitable this will effect content again. Sorry.

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“Okay... so to summarize everything up. You’ve obviously been working on organizing the rebellion and getting everyone together, me and Petra entering the games was an attempt of getting Gods to join our cause... oh. You sent my parents and Dio off to destroy a pillar? I’ll come to back to that... still don’t’ understand why you couldn’t get us involved in this earlier”

Despite receiving an explanation for what’s gone on, the explanation Asmodeus gives of course is lacking so that’s pretty much all that I can get right now. This isn’t an Ikarus lacking perception moment because even if I had one hundred in that stat, Asmodeus’s explanations nerfs everyone down to an equal level.

Oh, we’re still in that hideout under the tavern. It’s surprisingly comfortable down here but then again, I am sitting on the wife’s lap since there’s not enough usable chairs down here. Turns out, our rebellion we’re going to support can’t even bother getting enough chairs apparently. That’s not concerning at all.

“Heh, just roll with it sister, we’re both playing the same game here. You’ve already had a meeting with Zeus, correct? Presume he went about making a pointless threat? You can ignore that bluff, there’s only a couple of futures where it ever becomes a possibility and we’ve avoided them... probably”

Asmodeus already knows what’s happened so the instant response he’s getting is an eyeroll. All the time this guy does this so you tend to just blank him out... the fact there’s a possibility Zeus does act on his threat pisses me off immensely though. You touch Zeki and Ariza and I promise you, someone is going to get fucked up.

“You know... where is the rest of the rebellion anyways? This just seems tragic”

That gets a face of sadness from Aphrodite and Hermes but I am right. Artemis just constantly looks angry so don’t know if she agrees or not. Leo-, I mean Uriel still continues to look stoic so she’s impossible to guess. I’m still going off that theory that they’re the same person despite the fact this angle doesn’t seem as wicked... eh. Maybe I’m wrong on that, she did just sell out her species like Asmodeus as well.

“Heh, not sure what you were expecting sister. The rebellion was always a mess of jumbled ideas so the current lack of members reflects that”

This causes me to instinctively facepalm from Asmodeus explanation. Even though I wasn’t expecting much, I was hoping this might just be a tiny splinter cell and it turns out we have a headquarters that dozens of Gods reside in.

Already sensing I’m stressing the hell out; Petra always finds a way of helping and just a slight head rub does the world a wonder. I’m actually a little surprised she’s so able to remain calm about this.

“Heh, just relax Ikarus, you already know how vague he is. There is somehow method in his madness so the chances are, this isn’t all we’re working with”

‘Ah, the epitome of wisdom like usual. Things normally end up tying together once you blindly follow his lead’

“Heh... what’s this pillar thing you speak of anyway?”

While my stress levels are starting to lower, Petra gets us back on track. My parents were sent off to destroy a pillar guided by Dio and have only just finished. Of course, Asmodeus is always vague so haven’t a clue what that even is.

“That’ll be the key to bringing down Zeus, dark one. All his power comes from pillars and in order to bring him down to our level, they need to be destroyed. The traitor helped me destroy another over in the angel’s domain”

Uriel stands there still as stoic as ever but her aura seems to be leaking a little bit of guilt. Maybe she isn’t the evil mage after all, don’t remember her ever having any guilt.

(Dio) “You sure about that Asmodeus? Last I heard, those pillars were nothing more than just stabilizing devices left behind by the titans”

“Heh, that’s one purpose young God, just trust me on this and don’t ask too many questions. That’s our goal”

Clearly, there’s something Asmodeus isn’t telling us about these pillars but he can be like talking to a brick wall at times. Just leave it and go with the flow like usual.

“So... my parents and Dio just went out to destroy one and you’ve dealt with another? That’s two out of... how many?”

Apparently, the one my parents went to destroy was comparable to demolishing an old building so nothing of real interest to note. The other was built into the angelic cathedral that burnt down.

“Three now sister, the folks over in Ragnarök destroyed theirs long ago. Similar to how our lordship works, there’s seven in total and the swifter we get around to destroying them, the less resistance we’ll face”

Asmodeus and his foul grin returns as undoubtedly, there must be some sort of evil action behind this plan. I’m not too sure where the connection to genocide is just yet but it’ll be something of that magnitude.

“That’s the plan then? It sounds awfully similar to the time you had Ikarus go on a goose chase becoming a demon lord”

“Heh, it’s really not the same dark one. You’ll see firsthand when all of us, excluding the dragons go to destroy the next one together”

Surprisingly, the four Gods that were already here seem surprised by this announcement. Both parents are as well but for different reasons.

“Aren’t we coming along too?”

“Hmph... you weakling Gods will never truly understand the importance of dragons. Two especially”

Sounding dejected, you would never think dragons could come across like this but they want to join us on our little pillar crusade. I’m assuming there’s an important reason why they can’t though.

“Heh, we have two very important things you dragons need to do for us all. Without your specialist skills, the plan completely falls short. Everything is written down in this note”

‘At least that gets both of them happy. Mother just wants to be involved and father clearly is being a tsundere about being important...’

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“We’re... here then? I wasn’t expecting a place like this. Way too many flowers”

“Heh, it’s beautiful Ikarus, isn’t it? Just like you”

‘Urgh... compliment from the wife. Loins weakening’

(Thanatos) “It’s alright I guess... Elysium in the Underworld is better”

(Aphrodite) “So many flowers! It baffles me Apollo kept this place all to himself”

(Hermes) “I could train and run forever inside here!”

(Artemis) “Erk, you lot are crazy! What’s the big deal with a fucking field of flowers? It’s way too open for hunting”

(Uriel) “It’s quite pleasant I suppose”

After going through portal after portal led by Asmodeus to get to where we’re supposed to go, we finally arrive at what appears to be the place.

I swear by the fourth world, I was getting interdimensional travel sickness if that’s a thing. I like to exaggerate but it really was a convoluted mess, ended up going through a scrapyard, a graveyard, a black-market and even a brothel at one point. They really don’t keep up to date with portal management around here.

As for the location we’re now at, remember that time we saw the beautiful fields of Elysium when going through the Underworld search? No? Erm...we weren’t there for long. Regardless, this place is just an endless meadow with a tower, or pillar as tall as the eye can see.

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Spoiler

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“Heh, be warned sister. This place may look beautiful but hidden beneath those flowers, it’s practically a minefield”

“Well... couldn’t we just simply fly over it then?”

“Heh, wouldn’t recommend it unless you want a javelin piercing your torso sister. The pillar detects motion in the air and reacts accordingly”

‘Right... definitely don’t want to give that a try then. Already been stabbed through the torso once before, that shit hurt!’

“Hah, you lot worry too much! It’ll be a peace of cake...”

The wild Artemis charges onto the field and surprisingly, manages to get a quarter of the distance before an explosion wipes her out in an instant. I’d laugh if she hadn’t just been blown in half...

“Fuck! My legsss... screw this. I’ll be back in a minute...”

Pulling out a dagger, Artemis puts herself out of her misery while we all just look away. I guess if you’ve got the benefit of revival, killing yourself isn’t exactly much of a problem. She is definitely something strange though.

“You know... why is it we brought her? There’s a point in bringing everyone, right?”

“Heh, correct, it’s just for bait sister. Since me and you haven’t got the benefit of a second life, all you lot will be acting as mine detectors for us. Any volunteers?”

Spoiler[collapse]

All of us spread out instantly and try to avoiding grouping up, which in turn leads for the bull aiming for me! I haven’t even got my weapons out yet, fucking Asmodeus and his tendency for not sharing anything until the last minute!

‘Oh, hey Ikarus, there’s the freaking Minotaur inside that pillar so best get ready after we cross the fucking minefield! I hate him so much at times’

“Don’t do that sister, the pillar’s defences are still active”

Instinctively wanting to fly and face this guy from above, Asmodeus scolds me before I even get the chance to open my wings. Getting impaled by a spear doesn’t sound great so on this I’ll trust him even if the pillar is already toppled. I don’t know how shit works!

I simply don’t have enough time to now get out of the way of this guy so when his horns try to impale me, the only thing I can is unsheathe Excalibur, jump up, and plunge it into the back of his neck.

“Fuckkkk, it’s like I’m at a rodeo! Stop shaking, you stupid beast!”

“RARGHHH!!!”

Not wanting to lose my sword, I grab onto it for my life while the beast shakes like that stupid American bull riding thing! I hate this so much!

[<Aesa’s has just noticed something Ikarus, bringing up the status screen>]

[Name: Asterion | Species: Minotaur | Level: 1000]

[Health 174,521/250,000]

[Stamina 201,345/250,000]

[Magicka 0/0]

‘Really pick your moments, don’t you Aesa!?’

[<Ikarus is fine, you have more than enough speed to contend with this beast. Aesa is just surprised on the fact this creature has broken the stat cap. It should be 166,666>]

‘You really are unbelievable at times... just get out already! That’s not what she said...’

Anyways, while I’ve finally mastered the impossible task of pulling out a sword from a raging bull, the rest of my party come to my aid when I finally get grip of my blade and literally get thrown into the arms of my lover! I’m not making this shit up, Petra literally catches me in that princess position.

“Heh... probably not the time right now”

‘Aww... I was hoping Petra would say something witty or go for a kiss. I’m not opposed to being embarrassed mid battle’

Asmo and Dio provide an ample distraction while I get down, both shooting magic into the beast but both look to be slightly underwhelming.

Asmodeus with his wind magic and Dionysus with a violet flowing liquid that looks awfully similar to wine. Regardless, the creature gets pushed back and its eyes turn purple. I don’t think it’s harmed in the slightest though.

“Heh, alcoholism at its finest. Your hangover attack will be useful here young God”

“Not the time Asmodeus... let’s just deal with this beast”

Instead of targeting the magic dealers, the creature aims for me again. It clearly hates people named Ikarus but I’m happy to take the role of bait this time around.

‘Aesa?’

[<No can do Ikarus, -plot protection mark 2- is still in cooldown>]

‘Crap... think aspect is good to go... Aesa, right now!’

Remembering I wasted plot protection back at that burning cathedral, I also remember aspect only got activated, not actually used so that’ll work a treat for a one vs one boss fight. It’s finally time to see how much of a punch it packs...

[<-Aspect of gigantomachy mark 2- is now in use>]

Breasts expanding and the power coursing through my veins, the beast is just about to fully charge into me again but feeling like I can now hold him back, I avoid aiming to jump over him this time around.

Using as much strength as I can possibly muster, I strike the rampaging beast in the head only to find the creature still manages to push me back even with the insane knockback aspect can have!

Somehow, I’m still receiving the strength of gigantomachy so the beast only slowly manages to push me back while both of my blades keep it from thrashing one of its horns into my ribs. Maybe the attack hasn’t fully cancelled yet since we’re still in contact? It doesn’t matter because I’m still getting pushed back, I’m going to end up in the minefield if this continues...

While the creature is slowed down like this, the other three take the opportunity to launch more attacks. I’m pretty sure Dionysus can only make the animal drunk then actually providing any real harm but I guess fighting a drunk bull is better than nothing.

Asmodeus fires off several projectiles made from wind, don’t even ask how that works while the wife activates her version of aspect and strikes the creature’s bottom. Aesa would probably enjoy that...

“RARGHHHHHH!!!”

‘Status’

[Name: Asterion | Species: Minotaur | Level: 1000]

[Health 23,481/250,000]

[Stamina 198,519/250,000]

[Magicka 0/0]

‘Even after all this damage we’ve done, he’s still pushing me into the flowery minefield’

I’m conflicted a little, if I activate something too over the top like launching my meteors, it could cause a chain reaction setting all the mines off behind me.

No, a fuck tonne amount of fire is the solution here and the wife is in agreement, activating her black-eyed mode as well.

Activating in unison, I start forcing out fire from my gripped hands while Petra coats the entire floor in her hellish black flame. The site is truly hideous especially when you combine it with the redness that the nuke’s left behind, hideously brilliant I mean! This shit looks like a battle straight out of hell.

“RARGHH! Mooooo...”

Another scream as the creature starts to weaken, clearly having no resistance to fire so we keep this up and start to cook the fucker!

Have you ever seen that ancient Greek torturing device called the brazen bull? Basically, the condemned human would be put in a bull made from metal and then a fire would be lit underneath. This is what I imagine this sounds like... only reason I bring this up is because I’m sure I’ve seen that device as decoration around Olympus. I can afford to get distracted when we’re done cooking steak...

Thankfully, after what feels like I’ve exhausted more than a third of my magicka, the creature is finally put to rest allowing me to catch my breath. I came dangerously close to entering that minefield again.

‘Phew... that shit was intense! Need to calm it... that was pretty dope’

“Asmodeus... what the fuck was the Minitour doing up here? Theseus killed him and it was reported all around Olympus. Yet... that half man, half bull is right here”

Before us lovebirds get a chance to start questioning, Dionysus gets in first who looks shocked to the core. Not really sure why he’s so bothered considering that thing had an agenda against me!

‘Maybe it was my hair? It’s pretty much reddish orange after all, bulls hate red after all... Asmodeus has red armour as well though’

“Heh, he was dead young God. When figuring out potential ways to deal with enemies, this was one of Zeus’s many experiments he conducted in attempt to make sure none shall oppose his rule. The pillars were mainly used as cover in attempt to shield off the power he was releasing...”

‘When Asmodeus starts going into lore, you listen. He’s basically a goldmine when he actually decides to start sharing’

“...Reforging the Minotaur’s soul was nothing compared to what he’s capable of... why is it you think Hephaestus and Athena left so early? They knew what he was doing and were disgusted by it”

“This is something Zeus did? Then why is it inside Apollo’s realm?”

...

My question actually makes Asmodeus pause but mainly because I think he wants Dio to figure it out by himself.

“Huh... guess he found it and then left like the others. One important question still remains though, where the hell is he...”