Raiya: Starter Zone - A LitRPG Saga: Archon's Chosen - Book One

by Russell Wilbinski

  The it struck him, the statue would have had to fall from a great height to shatter like this. He swam to the shore, flopping onto his back and taking a few moments to enjoy the breeze and to catch his breath. He stared up at the waterfall and saw a ledge about half way up the cliff.

  He jumped up excitedly, nearly running over to his gear. He dressed quickly, securing his weapons and armor. He jogged over to the cliff face and began searching for a place to climb. Obviously, he wasn’t an expert rock climber, but he thought that he could make out a path he could climb.

  No matter how easy it appeared, he knew this was going to be one hell of a climb. He grabbed a hand hold, secured his boot in a nice little gap in the stone and pushed up away from the earth.

  Just one hundred and forty more feet or so and this climb would be done.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Skree climbed, one hand after another, one tenuous foothold at a time. Mist from the waterfall made the rocks slick and moss or algae grew everywhere, making it tougher still. Each time he made it a few feet higher, his all too natural fear increased.

  Steeling himself against his fear, he climbed higher and higher. His hands aching, his muscles starting to shake, he pushed harder knowing his stamina was well over halfway consumed. He climbed with purpose, driven by fear while his hands bled from the sharp edges of the rocks. When he first saw the height of the climb, he thought that the distance had been fairly short but he could not have been more wrong.

  As he climbed his clothes become sodden with water, weighing him down more and more with every passing second. He peered up, relief washing over him as his climb was nearly over, the ledge was just a few feet further. He pulled himself up to the next handhold, scrabbling desperately for a firm grip. His foot slipped, his shin smashing into the rocky cliff face. Pain shot up his leg and he nearly fell, dangling by one hand.

  He squeezed his eyes shut against the pain and the fear, forcing himself to focus, the stinging ache slowly ebbed away, becoming a dull throb in his shin. With concentrated effort, he righted himself securing his footing once again. He searched the cliff above him, spotting a slim crack in the stone. He stretched out, driving his fingers firmly into the recess. He tested his footing again and with a bit of bravery and a bit of desperation he jumped upward as his stamina bar turned red. His fingers hooked onto the ledge and he pulled himself up, his muscles screaming with exhaustion with every inch he moved.

  With one final roar of triumph, he pulled himself onto the ledge, rolling away from the edge and staring up at the sky. The roar of the waterfall nearly absent from his mind as he listened to his pounding heart and heaving breaths. He wiped the water from his eyes, taking a few moments to rest. He stared at his stamina bar, watching it slowly refill as his burning lungs began to relax. His health bar was missing a few points, but his regen ring was dealing with that.

  Staring at his hands again, he watched with fascination as the tiny nicks and cuts from the sharp rocks slowly healed until no trace of the wounds remained. What an incredible place this was, and he was the first person from the real world who was experiencing this incredible game. He frowned at the thought, thinking back to everything he had experienced thus far. This world was so real, in every conceivable way. He felt true pain, mind rending agony when he had nearly lost his arm. The simple joy he felt for fresh air when he left the underground warrens had nearly brought a tear to his eye. Even now, as he lay a hundred feet in the air on a cliff soaking wet, he reveled in the warmth of the sun and the stone he rested upon.

  Game or not, this was true reality, his new life. Thoughts of his family came to him then, his little sister who was studying computer science at the university and his parents, now retired from laborious jobs that left them poor but happy. He thought back to his younger days, remembering that his father told him often that money couldn’t buy happiness, that only living a good life and surrounding yourself with love could make you truly happy. Skree might have missed that lesson though, his endless pursuit of the next promotion and his next raise considering that real success and by proxy, true happiness.

  The truth was though, he had been miserable in the old world. He just existed, never deviating from routine, never trying to become more than a money man with the hottest new tech toys. His parents, though generally strapped for cash, were two of the most genuinely happy people he could imagine. They loved each other desperately and wholly. He wept softly on that sunny rock, his tears mixing with the cool mist from the raging falls as lamented the loss of his family. He didn't know if he could ever return to his world, to tell his parents one more time that he loved them. To look at his sister as she coded her next great project, probably something for a charity or some other world changing app.

  He swore to himself and to his family that he would make them proud. That he would live like they would expect of him. He would follow his father’s advice and live a good life no matter the cost. He would find his own things to live for in Raiya and he would protect them to his dying breath. He would be a good man, and it would start right now.

  With newly restored purpose, Skree picked himself up, shook off as much water as he could and took in his surroundings. The ledge was not large by any means, maybe eight feet across, one side a precipitous drop, the other a sheer cliff face that rose another hundred feet or more above him. He looked out over the river valley, toward the building like structure he thought he had seen before. He squinted and covered his eyes from the sun, but all he could see was a strange shape deep in the trees. Still too far to see from here, so he decided that would be his next destination after figuring out this mystery first.

  He moved toward the towering falls, spotting a dark hole in the cliff that had to be a cave. As he passed under the waterfall and stared into the darkness he realized he wasn’t exactly wrong, but oh boy, was he wrong. He walked forward, his breath leaving him as he took it all in. Deep into the cliff was an enormous cavern, but it wasn't just a natural formation. The walls were carved with patterns and reliefs depicting Kobolds in regal suits of armor and sprawling underground cities with hundreds of Kobolds.

  These creatures were industrious, the master’s of their environment and they had apparently thrived like any civilized race. He spent several minutes viewing them one after another. Scenes of Kobold lords bestowing blessings upon crowds, Kobold warriors locked in epic struggles with the deadly beasts of the island and its underground labyrinths. The scenes were so lifelike that he struggled to understand that these weren’t photographs. This was a pinnacle achievement of artistry, something that would give Michelangelo chills.

  Tearing his vision from the carvings, he took a careful look around, observing the central columns for the first time. They were carved directly from the stone, extending from the floor to the ceiling dozens of feet above. He whistled as he understood that this entire chamber must have been carved out of the cliff through sheer force of will. The effort required must have been staggering and taken uncountable years.

  It staggered him as he considered the Kobolds he had met thus far. Before Sawbones had recovered the blue stone ring from Gertrude, he was a blubbering idiot. In a million lifetimes, Sawbones could not have imagined, let alone created something of this magnitude. What catastrophe could have befallen them to destroy everything they had built? Everything they had achieved? What could do this to an entire civilization? He was not looking forward to finding out.

  There was a raised platform that held a throne deeper in the Kobold temple. He moved carefully, observing the ground for any signs of danger. The stone was smooth and there wasn’t a speck of dust covering the floor. He moved onto the platform, taking the stairs one at a time with reverence. Moving around the throne, he drank it in. The throne itself had also been carved directly from the stone, the base was solid granite and melded seamlessly with the floor. The ornate seat was shaped to accommodate a tail, signifying that this was clearly a Kobold creation. There were letters carved into the base and with a few
blinks, his Rosetta Stone talent triggered, and he could easily read the finely carved lettering.

  “Behold the majesty of the Kobold clans, when unified, unequaled in skill and talent. The lizard folk bless the stone as the stone has blessed us. Take refuge in the Temple of the Blue Stone, the eternal sanctuary of our salvation. Take heed and know the power of destiny.”

  Skree considered the words carefully. This was the culmination of an entire people's effort to create something truly majestic. The reference to the Blue Stone stood out. Whatever this Blue Stone was, it must have been something of immense power and might have been what the Kobolds had needed to pull themselves from the muck and filth of where they are now. He had felt the power of destiny, seen his great potential and perhaps this Stone had been something similar for the Kobolds?

  As he stood there considering, light began to fill the room from the direction of the waterfall, the sun lowering toward the horizon aligning with the opening in the cliff face. The shape of the cavernous entrance shaping the light into a focused beam. He watched as the light traveled across the floor until the sun reached a certain point when the light was aligned directly with the throne. He held his hands up, blocking the blinding light as he stumbled back and fell onto the throne. The light was uncomfortably warm, and he was squinting involuntarily against the brilliant beam of light.

  Sitting on the throne, warmth spreading through him, he heard something. A whisper at the edge of his mind. No, not exactly heard, but more a feeling in his mind. A shudder ran down his spine as he whipped his head back and forth looking for the source. It came again, more forcefully, filling his thoughts with a rasping, ancient voice.

  “This seat is not for you, filthy human.” It grated at him. “You are not of the lizard folk.”

  Skree hesitantly spoke into the blinding light and the all-consuming darkness just beyond his vision. “I am not a Kobold, but I am Skree, the champion of the Blue Stone clan and…”

  Before he could continue, the voice hissed angrily at him. “A champion of the folk? A human champion? Do not insult me, filthy human.” The room seemed to vibrate with the palpable rage in the statement. He could feel the contempt and mockery of the voice.

  Skree gritted his teeth. He was many things, but he was not a liar. “You dare call me a liar?” He shouted in challenge. “A faceless voice in the dark? Who are you?”

  The sound of laughter, sinister and dark reverberated through the room. Skree tensed as the sound washed over him, all too audible this time. The light began to fade as the sun dipped below the horizon and darkness washed over the temple. His vision was temporarily blinded by the change in light. He rubbed his eyes in an effort to restore his meager night vision.

  “Dare insult you?” The voice came from right behind him this time and he dove instinctually from the throne, drawing his hatchets in effortlessly as he came to his feet. “I do not dare anything!” The voice roared back in challenge. The chamber filled with an ominous red glow and a pair of glowing eyes slowly came into being. A shadowy figure slowly coalesced from the darkness, a towering creature made of shadows and smoke that seemed to absorb the light. It was darker than the natural shadows and it moved unnaturally smooth as it glided forward.

  It drifted around the large throne like an ominous thundercloud as bursts of red light coursed through it. It moved before him, its presence a weighty thing as it closed the distance. It lunged forward, its head coming even with his. Its mouth opened, and the smell of rotten meat wafted over him. Vapors lazily drifted away from the creature, though its size was not diminished with each puff of the foul miasma.

  “I am the darkness that comes for all, I am the black heart of Raiya, the destroyer of destiny.” The creature nearly sang with joy at the pronouncement. “I am the harvester of fate, the power that drains life away from this world.” It crooned with delight.

  “I am Abrenacht, and you do not belong here!” it screamed as red light flared deep within the creature. Skree had heard enough. He used Analyze as he prepared to engage with this… thing.

  Name: Splinter of Abrenacht, Spirit of Enmity Level: Unknown

  Health: Unknown

  Mana: Unknown

  Stamina: Unknown

  Disposition: Hatred. “This is a being of pure chaos, bent on destroying all life on Raiya. Nothing further can be learned about this being.”

  “Oh shit.” Skree muttered, rolling away, weaving the arcane gestures for his opening spell. Coming to one knee, he released the energy of his spell. Vines erupted from the stone, quickly wrapping themselves around the vaporous being. It struggled against the binding effect of the spell as vines snapped easily under its strength.

  Skree moved quickly, pulling his bow he activated Power Shot and released the arrow, which tore through the insubstantial being. Though the arrow passed through without much resistance, the creature still howled in pain. It reared back and more of the vines tore away, one of its legs coming free. Skree activated Careful Aim and released another arrow, aiming for the creatures face. The arrow shot forward, again tearing through the smoky form and impacting a far wall. Red light shone from each of the punctures, glowing like a fiery portal to hell.

  With a staggering, shuddering cry, the creature tore itself free of the vines, charging forward with reckless speed. It swung its arm in a powerful blow that impacted Skree with incredible force. He flew away, bouncing across the stone floor, his bow clattering away from him. He groaned through the pain, noticing that his health bar was over half depleted from that single blow. With an effort of will, he forced himself from up and started casting his healing spell - Minor Restoration. The energy flooded into his core and just before he completed the casting, Abrenacht closed the distance blindingly fast.

  Skree opened his mouth to finish the spell but another mighty blow sent him crashing into the stone wall. He felt his ribs break as hot pain flooded every inch of his being. His health bar was blinking red, his life nearly extinguished. He started to crawl, moving away from the wall. Clawing at the stone to get away, the creature loomed above, it’s rotten breath washing over him.

  “I must say that I am surprised.” It whispered, its form nearly caressing his ear. “Few creatures would stand to face me, let alone be able to harm me.” Skree continued crawling, his health minimally regenerating from the ring he wore.

  Skree spat and rolled onto his back, looking up at the whispering darkness that was Abrenacht. “I have never been one to disappoint.” Abrenacht sneered down at his prey.

  “Stupidity is often confused for bravery, wretched human. Any last words before I devour your soul?” It asked. Skree spoke his words inaudibly through gritted teeth. “What was that, mortal? I couldn’t hear you.” It lowered its head, its glowing red eyes mere inches from his face.

  Skree grinned. “I am the champion of the Blue Stone Clan!” He spat as he drove his ebon dagger into Abrenacht’s eye. The creature leapt back, clawing at its eye, trying to remove the razor-sharp blade. It flailed and thrashed about, red light shining in a bright beam. Skree cast his Minor Regeneration spell, the healing energy washing over him. His bones snapped into place and the internal injuries began to heal. He wasn’t in great shape, but he would just have to make due. He rose to his feet, pulling the heavy two-handed blade from his back.

  Abrenacht was pulling at the dagger, completely consumed by the knife in its eye socket. The creature was completely unaware when the massive blade tore through its midsection, huge gouts of smoke being torn away, revealing a startling red gem at the core of the monster. It pulsed with that sinister red light. Without thinking, Skree jammed his entire arm inside the creature and grabbed a hold of the gemstone. Power flooded through him, his arm glowing with a blinding blue light. The power coursing through him nearly broke his mind as visions of death and decay overwhelmed his thoughts.

  A battle between primordial forces was occurring in his hand. Somehow, he understood. This was the power of Destiny, the ability that had been awoken in
him by the statue in the Kobold warrens. Destiny was battling chaos and he was the conduit for that power. He grasped the stone tightly, even as Abrenacht flailed about, trying to dislodge him. The light covered his entire body and the shadowy form of Abrenacht was slowly being repelled away from the stone.

  With a final wailing cry, the incorporeal form of its body exploded away, the red light emanating from the crystal shimmering to a deep purple, then to a brilliant blue. As the black smoke swirled wildly around the temple, a voice came to Skree’s mind again, once again only a voice in his head.

  “A chosen of the Archons! Impossible. Know this wretched mortal, this is not the end for Abrenacht is eternal… I will come for you...” the voice fading with the smoke as it dissipated into nothingness.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Skree collapsed to the ground, his Great sword clattering to the stone floor. His chest was heaving from both the exertion of combat and the power he had channeled when grasping the stone. Whatever Abrenacht was, it was something truly dangerous. He understood then, that the Blue Stone had been corrupted by Abrenacht somehow. Taking a few moments to breath, he cast Minor Regeneration again watching as his health bar reached 100 percent.

  Beside him lay the Blue Stone he had freed from Abrenacht. It pulsed with a gentle blue light now, calm and steady. Staring at the stone, Skree was mesmerized by the swirling illumination.

  He reached out with trepidation, his hand hovering just above the stone. He could feel something calling to him from the powerful magic artifact. His hand closed around the stone and his vision swirled to darkness before exploding with light in his mind. When his vision finally cleared, Skree was standing in center of the Temple, but it was filled with Kobolds. They were arrayed in some sort of formation, two neat groups both facing the throne. Atop the Dias stood a truly regal Kobold standing before the Blue Stone on an ornate pedestal.