“Veles? Can you appear in this world?”
A trickle of lightning rolled through the open window and ended with her appearing on the lone sofa. She looked like a mess in comparison to her usual self, but there was a smirk on her face.
“You’re up and about, huh? Killing your allies left and right, I see,” she teased.
I stared at her with a flat expression. “Vulcan and Cernunnos offered to save this city from destruction if they helped get me out of the picture.”
“Oh? Really?” she whispered. “And you’re telling me that just now?”
“We just learned about it a minute ago.”
“And what do you want in return for the tip? Your arm back?”
I shrugged and sat down on a nearby chair. It hadn’t been covered in blood since it was furthest from Linda’s corpse.
“I want my friends and arm back if possible, yes. Or have the Zanoxian disqualified. Maybe even the other guy?”
She let out a deep sigh and slumped further into the sofa as her hand wrapped around several curls and played with them. “I don’t think this is enough for any of those things. See, we’re prohibited from this kind of meddling, but it isn’t quite uncommon.”
“Then talk to Krajolik or the Supreme or whatever his name is!”
“Hey, who do you think you are to yell at me?” Veles hissed. “You’re the one who went and fucked yourself up, Viktor!”
“Wait, what?” I demanded. “Who the hell is talking about me getting blown up? I’m telling you about traitorous Gods!”
“Who are so high up the chart that I doubt they’d even get a slap on the wrist for the transgression!”
“So you won’t help?”
Veles rolled her eyes and got to her feet. She straightened her dress and muttered something about children and how annoying they were. I didn’t care about how she thought of me or even called me, but I did care about betrayals and backstabbing.
Time seemed to stop, and the room was bathed in darkness so black that it drowned out every shred of light. Veles snapped out of existence along with any traces of life or death, leaving only me standing there along with Krajolik.
“Hi, Viktor. It’s good to see you again.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
I shouldn’t have been surprised, but I was. Veles should have gone and talked to the Gods up—wherever it was they lived.
“Krajolik,” Veles said, as she still stood in the room.
Melina and Grawl weren’t there, which meant that they weren’t allowed to be present. Like usual.
“Krajolik,” I said and bowed deeply. He was the only one I had some real respect for since he’d been forthcoming and honest, more so than the rest, I guessed. “What can we do regarding this matter?”
“A whole lot, Viktor. But let’s be honest here for a second. What is your endgame? What do you plan to do if you win?”
“Can I sit before I answer?” I asked and motioned toward the chair I’d been sitting on moments before. He nodded. I sat my ass down and stared at him, having no idea how to respond. “Do I need to answer right here and now?”
“No, you don’t,” he replied and took his own seat.
The darkness his body was made of looked even darker than usual for some reason. It didn’t swirl around so much and instead looked like a solid mass with some smoke wafting off it.
“But I understand why you’re asking me,” I said, not waiting for another question. “You want me to think ahead.”
“Oh, he’s become smarter since we first met.”
“Slightly,” Veles muttered. “And then he goes and loses a limb.”
“Which can grow back!” I protested. “Besides, we’re talking about the Gods and their interference here. And how is that even possible?”
Veles let out a sigh as Krajolik put up a hand to stop her.
“It’s pretty simple if you know what to do and are willing to pay a price,” Krajolik said, his voice a tone darker. “See, it was only possible after you were wounded; otherwise no one would sacrifice part of their powers.”
“Wait,” I said and stared at where Krajolik’s eyes would be if he were human. “They sacrificed parts of their power?”
“About twenty percent each. The Supreme allowed it after some back-and-forth.”
“Then there’s nothing to expect from him?”
Krajolik stared at me for what seemed a long time but instead only lasted for about five whole seconds. He didn’t look happy at all, but when had being a messenger ever been appreciated?
“No, the Supreme will stay out of this, but I’ve been given the right to tell you something. Well, two things. Do you want to hear them?”
My stump itched from hearing the offer. Of course I wanted to hear anything that would benefit me, but I couldn’t sound too eager.
“Will it help me with my last two enemies?”
“It will in a way.”
“Then yes, please tell me.”
I straightened myself, and I even leaned in as if I’d be able to hear him better.
“The Velovian is weaker than you are. Even now, but he’s a tricky bastard. All of his skills and powers are manipulative and debuff based.”
“And my last enemy?”
“About double as strong as you are across the board, but I guess you know how to close the gap rather quickly, don’t you?”
I nodded. Leveling was one of the things I had neglected badly after getting my hands on some good gear and cultivating to the second realm. Even if I was missing an arm, I could still fight with a one-handed weapon, even though my attack would be lower. Or I could use a shield and then fight with my body and the shield in turn.
An idea struck me, and I shot to my feet. “Thanks. I just got an interesting idea.”
“And that’s it? You won’t ask any questions?”
“The reason why I was so badly wounded was the bad debuff I got from Veles, at least partially. I would prefer to never have any again. Especially of that caliber.”
Veles chuckled at that and shook her head. The blonde mane that passed for her hair flowed in an invisible breeze as she laughed maniacally. “You were the one who asked!”
“And I paid the price, Veles.”
“Well, I’m not Veles,” Krajolik inserted himself quickly. “I offer you a single question. Do you want it?”
“I do if you can give me an answer.”
“I can’t promise anything, Viktor, but I can listen. If it’s something the Supreme allows me to speak about, I will give you a reply.”
I already knew what I’d be asking him. It was rather simple, and if I wanted a chance against the Zanoxian, I’d have to put my ass in gear and make a ruckus.
“Where can I find the next target once I’m ready?”
“Zone 3:2. He hangs out in the oasis most of the day.”
Veles’s mouth dropped as she stared at the senior deity. Then her eyes landed on mine. “You’d better use this chance, Viktor. You’d better not waste it, or you’ll have to answer to me.”
“You? Where were you when I needed your help? Nowhere, so don’t patronize me!”
She glared at me, murder written all across her face.
“Enough, both of you. Veles, you would do well to remember that a lot’s at stake for you. The worse your tantrum, the worse odds he has. Even if he manages to regrow that stump, it doesn’t look that good for him.”
She snapped her fingers and disappeared with a flash of lightning. My ears boomed, but then Krajolik put his hand up, and it dissipated. A sudden thought crossed my mind.
“What kind of debuff can I expect if I ask you another question?”
Krajolik seemed to study me for a moment before he cocked his head and spoke. “I can’t tell you what it is, but it shouldn’t affect you much if you don’t go anywhere for a while. You should go back to your zone, though. Right after we’re done here.”
“Can you verify Scar’s and Lana’s rebirths? Veles said they were reborn and
united with my… missing daughter.”
“Oh, I can do that. And yes, they are. In death.”
My heart skipped a beat. In death? “They’re dead?” I asked with a shaky voice. “All three of them?”
He nodded his head. “I’m sorry, but I don’t deal with emotions. It was better to tell you straight out than have you believe a stupid lie.” He stopped for a second, though, and let me process what he’d just said before continuing. “They didn’t suffer. And they had a good life, Viktor. Three hundred years passed there since they had been reincarnated, so don’t feel bad about it.”
I felt as if someone had put me on a roller coaster. First I wanted to cry and scream, and then I felt as if I’d been given the whole world. Sure, I didn’t remember anything about my previous life but for the rage and anguish that still lingered deep inside, but all that mattered was their happiness. At least at that moment.
“Thanks, Krajolik. And I mean it. I think I can finally start living my life right about now.”
He gave me what could barely pass for a shrug before he got to his feet and stood there. “Go home and focus on your arm. Focus on getting stronger for two weeks. Once you’ve recovered the best you can, go search for this—nasty creature you still need to kill. He’ll be there at the oasis. Or at least what passes for an oasis.”
“Thanks. I’ll make sure not to let you down. Even though I have no idea why you’re—” I stopped for a second and smirked. “You’ve bet on me, haven’t you?”
“I have. There’s no need to hide that fact, as we’re among friends.”
“Indeed we are, but how come you knew where he’d be?”
“Trade secrets, young Viktor. Trade secrets. Now go. You need to recover before you can take the military on. They should be all over you any moment now. Both them and the Apocalypse Association.”
Krajolik disappeared, taking the darkness with him. It was so sudden that I felt nausea wash over me, but it only lasted several seconds. Melina’s voice was ringing in my ears when I snapped out of it. Gunfire had erupted down the corridor and even outside the building. Even the familiar sound of whooshing arrows came from outside. Several struck the ceiling and the far wall.
“Where is he?”
“In the hallway. Are you alright?”
I nodded and turned to Kade’s corpse. How did things manage to go to shit so easily? What was worse, how would the orcs sustain themselves? And what would happen with my people outside the tower? No. If this had been planned, then they were most likely dead already.
“Grawl!” I yelled as I hurried over to the open door, but then stopped as I found something that shimmered on a shelf right next to the door. It was a ring. A subspace ring. I put it in my pocket and darted out.
“I’m fine, Viktor. What is it?”
“We’ll use Home to go back right away. Can you do the same?”
“Yes, but I will only reappear back in my zone, not yours.”
“Doesn’t matter. Stay there and keep your people safe. That’s all that matters now, alright? And unless Farz goes back on their word, keep up the good relationship. We’ve lost Sylmar for now.”
“As you wish, Viktor. Please go back so I know you’re safe.”
“Melina?”
“I’m ready, Vik.”
I nodded and grabbed her hand. “Home.”
We phased out of existence, and everything blurred out and was quickly replaced by broad daylight. Mark hurried over to us. Panic was written across his face, and he looked as if he hadn’t slept in days.
“We’ve got problems,” he said as I found I could move again. The familiar feeling of a nasty debuff struck me. I looked it up and found that I’d been hit with something nasty, but not even as bad as it could have been.
NOTICE
You Have Received “Stay Home” Debuff:
UNABLE TO MOVE BETWEEN WORLDS FOR 24 HOURS.
“Shit, isn’t that a treat?” I chuckled.
“Huh? Has he lost it?” Mark asked, and I could hear Melina sigh.
“No, I haven’t, brother. I’m laughing at the debuff I got for asking too many questions. I can’t move between worlds for a whole day, which is nothing.”
“I guess? Wait, do you know what the hell is going on?”
“Yeah, I do,” I muttered. “They tried to get rid of me but underestimated Grawl’s tenacity in keeping me safe.”
“And that backfired? Did anyone die?”
“Kade and Linda,” Melina whispered.
“Just as she said,” I added and put my hand on Mark’s shoulder. “See, the two remaining Gods sacrificed a lot of their power to pit our friends against us by promising to save Sylmar when I died against the Zanoxian.”
“Which is bullshit, right? Punishment is absolute.”
“Just as you said.”
“So what now?”
“Now? You need to get Edge and everyone still loyal to us. We have two weeks to equip them the best we can and get them up to power.”
“Why two weeks, though?” he asked, not understanding what I was getting at.
“Because I’ll have to make a trip to kill the last remaining rifter.”
“Other than the Zanoxian? And what about us? What if someone attacks this place?”
“Then you’ll have to trust I’ll be fast.”
Mark muttered something and then let out a bestial cry. It went on like that for a good minute before he stopped.
“By the Gods!” Donald yelled from the kitchen. “What the hell is going on?”
Melina ran over to him and started explaining. It was time to do my part and get some leveling in along with some crafting. There was a certain weapon I wanted to make and that I would be able to use perfectly with a single hand. But before that, I needed to spend all the Bura I’d recovered.
Chapter Thirty-Six
By the third day, all of the people still loyal to me had arrived one way or another. Most had been inside the tower, and only a small group had been killed near the tower. Once the first guard had been killed, anyone who could flee did so. And since they were basically on top of the tower, they all managed to run but for seven men and women who had been taken out using long-range fire.
Edge was almost as pissed off as I was. Sylmar had shown its true colors and turned its back on us—no, not its back, but its fangs. They wanted to fight for what we had in here, and someone must have used the interference the two deities caused with Kade. I guessed it was the Apocs, as the tower itself didn’t provide many opportunities to craft weapons and armor.
I had been cycling every free moment, using every point of Bura and Enma I could in between crafting, mining, butchering, and doing whatever else I could. I was rather proud of a thing I did. Using scraps and tools, I managed to craft a repeating crossbow. It fired bolts the size of a finger. Well, a very long finger, but a finger nonetheless. Using the ingredients I had, I upgraded it all the way to pit boss rank.
It was that reason why everyone had gathered around me, waiting to see what I had to say. Or in this case, show them. The repeating crossbow was the only weapon capable of rapid fire. Guns had been degraded to a bullet every fifteen to thirty seconds, depending on what kind of weapon you were using, but the crossbow could fire off ten bolts within five seconds. All I had to do to reload it was stash the crossbow into my subspace and let it sit there for five seconds.
I had to be honest and say that the weapon wasn’t as powerful as the bow and high-rank arrows, but it was better at something much more important than pure damage output. The ten bolts caused havoc on any kind of shield.
We had gone out just for fun and attacked a pit boss. I needed a single reload to strip away the shield, and the towers did the rest. As our party had been full with Edge and those closest to him, they got a good amount of loot as well but were unable to use it. I decided to go back down, killing weaker bosses in turn until we came to the tyranitaur.
“So the reason why we’re sitting here is as follows. You’ll
need to form groups of three men or women each and come up with a formation. You need a tank and two dealers or a dealer and a supporter. The fight ahead will be brutal if it comes to it. But we’ll be ready, much more so than they are.”
“What about our numbers, sir? We’re barely eighty strong,” Edge asked.
“Simple,” I replied. “They can’t swarm us, as the gate won’t allow it. Spread out across the yard, hide behind the buildings, and set up barricades. You can easily take them out as they appear.”
“What if they use bombs, sir?” a man asked. I had seen him before, but I forgot his name. The party window showed it to me, luckily.
“Franz, you don’t have to worry about that. They can’t possibly carry anything large enough through the portal. At least not something they can detonate from outside.”
“Yes, sir,” he replied, but his question had merit.
“But you’re partially right. We’ll have to set up a corridor through which they have to come at us, and use crystals to set up a dome of sorts around it. Just in case.”
He brightened at my remark and nodded.
“How do we do that?” Edge asked curiously.
“With smarts. Do your dailies and chop them down old style. You’ll gain stats and levels that way.”
“And building walls will count as building traps?”
I nodded. “I guess so. Anyway, let’s proceed with the demonstration,” I said and changed the topic. “This is the correct way to set up your weapon for a repeater crossbow.”
I went at it for the better part of an hour and showed them in detail how to make one for themselves. Most of them did it with relative ease, while a few had more trouble doing so. Once we were done, I showed them how to make bolts. There were options on how to improve the bolts, but I didn’t have a single ingredient that could be used in the upgrade process.
“The crossbow will be the backup weapon for when you’re in trouble, or the main weapon when facing someone or something with a big shield.”
It took us a while until everyone was ready, and they started creating groups. There were no people pushed aside, to my surprise. Everyone was looking forward to starting working together and crafting some armor.
Crossroads: A LitRPG Cultivation Series (Towers & Rifts Book 3) Page 27
