Regular text
Venom talking
(Thoughts)
[System]
ON TO THE CHAPTER
Oliver Pov.
Bell, Hestia,Lily and Welf had all left together earlier in the morning. Their departure is a reminder of the unresolved emotions after the conversation with Bell. Now alone on the 18th floor, I found myself amongst the remaining members of the Loki Familia - Bete, Gareth, Tiona, Tione, Ais, Finn, and Riveria.
Loki, along with Asfi and the rest of her Familia, had also decided to return to the surface Before leaving, Loki offered a mumbled apology for her previous dismissive remarks, her pride clearly wounded by Familia members wanting to ally with me.
"So, what's next, partner?" Venom's voice thrummed with anticipation.
A grin spread across my face, the spark of ambition reignited. "Hmm I don't know Venom," I replied, my voice filled with confusion.. "I guess we can train more with Skullduggery before going back to our base."
Venom didn't reply, just hummed in return to what I was saying. "So, are you ready for more training Skullduggery?" I asked, summoning the well dressed detective with a flick of my wrist.
"Ah,even after your small argument you're already back for more training" Skullduggery said, his voice having an amused tone. "Well c'mon lets get started again. We have much to do, and little time to waste." He gestured towards the now-empty training grounds.
I nodded, eager to begin. The training ground, once filled with the noise of the Loki Familia, now had only Skullduggery and I. Hours soon began to pass as I immersed myself in the training.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the training ground, I finally paused, sweat dripping from my brow. A sense of exhilaration coursed through me, a satisfying ache in my muscles a testament to the hours of intense training.
"You're a hard worker, Oliver," Skullduggery commented, a hint of pride in his voice. "Honestly I can tell you've really got the hang of anticipating attacks.."
"Honestly yes" I replied, a grin spreading across my face. "Now I can feel the world talking to me sometimes. So when it moves my body I don't feel like I'm fighting against my instincts."
"That's been the goal.", Skullduggery replied. "I wanted to help you embrace those instincts, in the two fights I saw before I helped you train. I noticed you always hesitated or second guessed yourself."
Before I could reply two figures emerged from the shadows,Ais Wallenstein and Riveria Ljos Alf stood at the edge of the training ground, their expressions a mix of curiosity.
Ais stepped forward, her gaze meeting mine. "Oliver," she began, her voice hesitant, "I... I wanted to apologize for Bell's behavior. He didn't mean to..."
I held up a hand, stopping her mid-sentence. "It's alright, Ais," I said, my voice calm. "I understand, and respect you for apologizing for him. Him and I are already working on fixing certain issues within the familia so I thank you for your concern."
A flicker of relief crossed her face. "I'm glad," she replied, her voice soft. "You're a strong fighter, Oliver. I enjoyed our spar, even if it was cut short."
A warmth spread through me, a sense of closure amidst the lingering uncertainty. Perhaps not all bridges had been burned.
Riveria's gaze lingered on me, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Oliver," she began, her voice laced with a hint of curiosity, "I know this is a bit forward, but would you be willing to join the Loki Familia?"
Surprise flickered across my face. The offer was unexpected, especially since we haven't finalized the alliance yet.
"I appreciate the offer, Riveria," I replied, choosing my words carefully, "But I'm not sure if joining a Familia is the right path for me right now."
Disappointment flashed across Riveria's face, but she nodded in understanding. "I respect your decision," she said, her voice laced with a hint of sadness. "But remember, the Loki Familia's doors are always open to you, should you change your mind."
I offered a small smile, "Thank you, Riveria. I'll keep that in mind."
A comfortable silence settled over us, the only sound the soft crackle of the dying campfire and the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. It was a moment of peace, a brief respite from the turmoil that had plagued me since my arrival in this world.
Ais, ever the observant one, tilted her head slightly. "You're different," she said, her voice soft but clear. "Stronger."
"I've been training," I replied, gesturing towards Skullduggery, who gave a mock bow. "I have been learning alot from him."
"I can see that," Ais said, a hint of admiration in her voice. "I look forward to our next spar."
"Same", I replied. "I'd love to see how I hold up against a real sword person."
Riveria smiled gently. "We'll leave you to your training then," she said, "But don't hesitate to call on us if you need anything. Even if you're not officially part of the Familia."
I nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Riveria," I said, "I appreciate that."
With a final nod, Ais and Riveria turned and walked away, their figures disappearing towards the town. I would assume I would go to a tavern or maybe to sell some items.
"Well, Oliver," Skullduggery's voice broke the silence, "Shall we continue our training?"
I grinned, my grip tightening on my sword. "Absolutely," I replied, my voice ringing with determination. "Let's get to work."
My training resumed.As the moon climbed higher in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the training ground, the intensity of our session gradually waned.
Skullduggery, ever the observant mentor, noted the subtle shift in my focus. "Tired, Oliver?" he inquired, his voice laced with amusement.
"A little," I admitted, wiping the sweat from my brow. "It's been a long day."
"Indeed," Skullduggery agreed. "Perhaps it's time to rest. Even you need to sleep"
Before I could respond, a familiar voice echoed through the stillness. "Oliver, if you don't want to sit alone you can join us for the night."
I turned to see Riveria standing at the edge of the training ground, her silhouette outlined by the soft moonlight. A warm invitation radiated from her, a stark contrast to the earlier tension.
"We're still investigating the dungeon's anomalies," she continued, "and your unique abilities could be of great assistance."
I glanced at Skullduggery, who shrugged his bony shoulders. "I could offer my expertise as well," he piped up, his voice a raspy whisper. "After all, solving mysteries is my specialty."
A smile tugged at my lips. "I appreciate the offer, Riveria," I said, "and I'd be happy to help in any way I can."
As we made our way towards the Loki Familia's camp, a notification blinked in the corner of my vision. It was a message from the Elden Ring system, a reminder of the gacha that awaited me.
"Looks like we have another surprise in store for us, partner," I murmured to Venom, my voice laced with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.
Riveria led me to a spacious tent near the edge of the camp, where a warm fire crackled invitingly. Sitting around it were Ais, Bete, Tiona, Tione, Gareth, and Finn, their expressions a mix of curiosity and cautious welcome.
"Welcome, Oliver," Finn greeted me, his voice calm and steady. "Please, make yourself comfortable."
I nodded, taking a seat near the fire. The warmth seeped into my bones, chasing away the lingering chill of the evening. The atmosphere was still slightly tense, the events of the day casting a shadow over the proceedings.
"So," Gareth began, his voice breaking the silence, "Riveria tells us Skullduggery might be able to help us with the dungeon's strange behavior."
Skullduggery nodded, his expression serious. "I'll do what I can," he replied, "But I'm not sure how much help I'll be."
As they discussed the situation, I heard some things they found out. Such as monsters not spawning within floors 12-17 and 19-23. They also discussed how the energy around floor 17 has seen tense as if the dungeon was angry.
Though trying to keep my mind on the conversation. I soon began to look at the notification I had received earlier.
"Ready to gamble partner?" Venom's voice echoed in my mind, his excitement palpable.
"Absolutely," I responded, a thrill of anticipation coursing through me.
[Notifications][3]
[Side Mission - Defeat Margit][Completed][Reward - 2 gacha spins]
[Side Mission - Defeat Bloodhound Knight Darriwil][Completed][Reward - 1 gacha spin]
[Emergency Mission - Defeat Rex Goliath][Completed][Reward - 2 gacha spin, Rolling for Skill]
[Roll complete]
[Reward - Skill Fusion]
"Whoa, check it out!" Venom's voice crackled with excitement in my mind. "Five whole spins and a new skill? We're on a roll!"
I chuckled inwardly, a flicker of amusement dancing in my eyes despite the somber atmosphere around me. "Yeah, guess we've been busy little bees, haven't we?" I replied mentally, my tone light.
"And Skill Fusion? What do you think that does?" Venom's curiosity was piqued. "Sounds like we can start mixing and matching our powers. Maybe I can finally get those wings I've always wanted!"
I snorted at his enthusiasm. "Wings? Really, Venom? You'd look like a giant bat."
"Hey, bats are cool!" Venom protested. "Besides, imagine the aerial advantage!"
"I'd rather not imagine you dive-bombing our enemies," I retorted, a smile playing on my lips. "But who knows? Maybe this Skill Fusion will surprise us. Also can't you already make wings to fly?"
I could feel Venom's embarrassment as he replied, "I forgot" I just shocked my head in amusement as I claimed the power of Skill fusion. Before Using the Gacha rolls.
[Skill - Skill Fusion]
[Can combine any skill to make a new skill]
[New Skill may start off low]
Ugh this is useful I got some skills I want to fuse together to clean up alot of our status List. Sometimes it's a chore having to read through all of that. I decided to do that later and roll the 6 gacha I just got. Honestly man, my luck skill isn't working, because this is the worst roll I've ever done.
[6 Gacha Rolled]
[1. Darkness(Companion)(B)]
[2.Form III:Soresu(B)]
[3. Super Learning(C)]
[4. Socks(F)]
[5. (Earrings)(F)]
[6. (Pasta Strainer)(F)]
"Well, that's just great," I grumbled mentally, staring at the list of rewards. "A companion named Darkness, some kind of lightsaber technique, a learning skill, and a bunch of useless junk. My luck stat must be broken."
"Hey, at least we got something," Venom countered, ever the optimist. "Darkness could be interesting. Maybe it's a cool shadow creature or something."
"Or maybe it's just a literal ball of darkness," I retorted, my tone dry. "And what am I supposed to do with a pasta strainer? Fight off monsters with spaghetti?"
"Hey, don't knock the pasta strainer," Venom chuckled. "It could be a surprisingly effective weapon. You could blind your enemies with flying noodles!"
I rolled my eyes, but couldn't help but chuckle at Venom's absurd suggestion. "Yeah, okay, Mr. Optimism. Let's just hope Darkness isn't a disappointment and that Skill Fusion actually turns out to be useful."
"Oh, it will be," Venom assured me, his voice brimming with confidence. "I can feel it. We're gonna be unstoppable, partner. Just you wait and see."
I shook my head, a smile playing on my lips. Despite the less-than-stellar gacha results, Venom's unwavering enthusiasm was infectious. Maybe he was right. Maybe this was just the beginning of something truly extraordinary.
[Skills Fused - Spider Sense, Bullseye, Hone]
[Acquired - Observation Haki(A)]
[Allows the user sense everyone within 200m]
[Can Tell Danger(body may move automatically)]
[Can sense emotions,Power, intent]
[Is Automatically Active]
[Perfect Aim]
"Whoa!" Venom's voice boomed in my mind, a wave of excitement washing over me as I felt my senses expand. The once-familiar boundaries of the cavern dissolved, replaced by a tapestry of presences – the steady heartbeat of Gareth, the simmering anger of Bete, the calm focus of Ais, the calculating mind of Riveria. Even the faintest rustle of a monster several floors below reached my awareness.
"This... This is incredible!" Venom exclaimed, his voice laced with awe. "I can feel everything, sense everyone's every move!"
"Observation Haki," I murmured, the name of the new skill echoing in my mind. "It's like Spider-Sense, but amplified a thousandfold."
"This changes everything," Venom declared, his voice buzzing with energy. "We're practically invincible now!"
I couldn't help but grin. With Observation Haki, my awareness had reached a whole new level. The dungeon's secrets felt closer, its dangers more manageable. And as for those who would underestimate me... well, they were in for a surprise.
[Skill Fusion Activated]
[Fusing Rika(A) and Portals(C)]
[Skill Acquired - Rika(A+)]
[Rika(A+)]
[Can Heal]
[Can Resurrect The Dead]
[Can Purify Curses]
[Make A Strong Barrier]
[Can make Portals]
[Can open portals to where the user has been before or where he can see]
[Can open up portals to Summons]
[Can upon Portals to Sites of Grace]
[Can Open Up Portals To They're familia(Hestia)]
"Whoa, now this is what I'm talking about!" Venom's voice boomed in my mind, practically vibrating with excitement. "Portals and healing combined? We're talking tactical retreats, surprise attacks, and battlefield medic all in one! Plus, we can pop back to the Sites of Grace for a quick nap or restock on supplies. This is genius!"
I chuckled at his enthusiasm, genuinely impressed by the upgrade. "Alright, calm down, Venom," I said, a grin tugging at my lips. "We still have to figure out how to use it effectively."
"Oh, we'll figure it out," Venom assured me, his confidence unwavering. "With this and Observation Haki, we're gonna be the ultimate adventure duo!"
I couldn't help but agree. The possibilities were endless, and the thrill of exploring them sent a surge of adrenaline through me. The loneliness and uncertainty that had plagued me earlier seemed to fade, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose.
As the conversation around me continued, my focus shifted inward, exploring the newfound depths of my enhanced senses. The once-familiar faces of the Loki Familia members took on new dimensions.
"This is going to take some getting used to," I thought to myself, the influx of emotions and intentions a strange symphony in my mind.
"It's like a party in your head, and everyone's invited!" Venom quipped, his voice laced with amusement. "But hey, at least you'll always know when someone's plotting against you."
I chuckled inwardly. "Yeah, that's definitely a plus."
My attention snapped back to the conversation as Riveria spoke, her voice laced with concern, "The monsters on the lower floors have been exhibiting unusual aggression. They're stronger, faster, and more coordinated than we've ever seen."
"And the deeper we go," Gareth added, his voice gruff, "the more pronounced these changes become."
I frowned, my enhanced senses already picking up on the subtle unease that permeated the group. The dungeon was changing, and the implications were troubling.
"We need to find the source of these anomalies," Finn stated, his voice firm. "And we need to do it quickly."
I met his gaze, my resolve solidifying. "I'm ready to help," I said, my voice steady. "Whatever it takes."
The next morning, the air buzzed with a sense of urgency. The Loki Familia was preparing to delve deeper into the dungeon's mysteries, their faces etched with determination. Skullduggery, with a flourish of his spectral coat, announced his intent to accompany them. "I have a knack for unraveling enigmas," he declared, his bony grin widening. "And this dungeon seems to be teeming with them."
I, however, chose to remain at the camp, the allure of further solo training too strong to resist. "I'll hold down the fort," I assured them, my gaze resolute. "Besides, I have a few new tricks to practice."
As the Loki Familia ventured into the depths, I turned my attention to the task at hand. With a surge of warmth and a flicker of golden light, I summoned Nicole. She materialized before me, her imposing figure radiating an aura of divine power.
"Oliver!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with delight. "It's so good to see you again!"
Her enthusiasm was contagious, a stark contrast to the somber mood that had lingered after the Hestia Familia's departure. "It's good to see you too, Nicole," I replied, a genuine smile gracing my lips. "And I could use your help with some training."
Nicole's eyes lit up. "Of course!" she declared, her voice eager. "What do you need help with?"
"Well," I began, summoning my staff and transforming it into a blunt sword, ", I could use some help refining my control over combat skills along with my new skill, Observation Haki."
"I'm ready for anything!" Nicole declared, her enthusiasm boundless.
With a determined glint in my eyes, I raised my sword. "Then let's get started."
The training that followed was intense, pushing me to my limits and beyond. We started with Soresu, the defensive form I had acquired. Nicole, with her vast combat experience, expertly guided me through the intricate footwork and precise parries, correcting my posture and refining my movements.
As I practiced, my senses expanded, the world around me painted in vivid detail thanks to Observation Haki. The rustle of leaves, the subtle shifts in the air currents, even Nicole's minute changes in posture – all became clear, allowing me to anticipate her attacks and react with newfound speed and precision.
"Remember, Oliver," Nicole's voice cut through my focus, "Soresu is not just about blocking attacks. It's about control, patience, and waiting for the perfect opportunity to counter."
Her words echoed Skullduggery's teachings, reinforcing the importance of reading an opponent, understanding their intentions, and exploiting their weaknesses. With each passing hour, I felt myself growing stronger, more in tune with my abilities, and more confident in my newfound path.
As the hours wore on, the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the training ground. Exhaustion seeped into my bones, and Nicole, sensing my fatigue, called for a break.
"You've made incredible progress, Oliver," she said, a hint of pride in her voice. "But even the Trickster Tarnished needs to rest."
I blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected nickname. "Trickster Tarnished?" I echoed, raising an eyebrow. "Is that what people are calling me now?"
Nicole chuckled, her laughter like a gentle bell. "Word of a tarnished army rising over the Lands Between has been spread around." she explained. Then your victory over Margit, and the way you used your abilities... People were impressed. They started calling you the Trickster Tarnished."
A wry smile tugged at my lips. "I guess I can't blame them," I admitted. "Margit was a tough opponent, and I had to use every trick in the book to beat him."
"Trickster Tarnished, huh?" Venom mused, his voice echoing in my mind. "I like it. Has a certain ring to it, don't you think?"
"As long as it doesn't come with a jester hat," I retorted with a mental grin.
"Hey, a jester hat could be a useful distraction," Venom countered, his tone playful. "Imagine the monsters, all confused, like, 'Wait, is he going to fight us or juggle?'"
I burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the now-quiet training ground. Nicole looked at me, a curious smile on her face. "What's so funny?"
"Just Venom being Venom," I replied, shaking my head in amusement.
"I should probably head back to the castle," Nicole said, a hint of reluctance in her voice. "But I'll be back tomorrow for more training, if you'll have me."
"I'd be honored," I replied sincerely.
With a warm smile, Nicole stepped back, and I opened a portal, the familiar golden light swirling around her as she vanished, returning to her own world.
As I sat by the remnants of the campfire, a sense of tranquility washed over me. The solitude was no longer a burden, but a comforting embrace. I was alone, but I was at peace.The tranquility was shattered by the sound of hurried footsteps and urgent voices. The Loki Familia had returned, their expressions grim and their movements swift.
"Oliver!" Riveria called, her voice laced with urgency, "We need to pack up and head back to Rivira immediately. Something's happening in the dungeon, and we need to get everyone out."
The urgency in her voice was unmistakable. The dungeon's anomalies had escalated, and the time for training was over. A new challenge awaited, and I was ready to face it head-on.
As the urgency of the situation set in, the Loki Familia camp erupted into organized chaos. Bete, Tiona, and Tione, with their characteristic efficiency, began dismantling the tents and packing supplies, their movements swift and practiced. Finn, Riveria, and Gareth, their expressions grim, prepared to head towards Rivira, their mission to warn the city and organize an evacuation.
Skullduggery, ever the detective, materialized beside me, his spectral form flickering with an eerie intensity. "I've been investigating," he began, his voice a raspy whisper, "and the anomalies seem to be concentrated below the 24th floor. The upper levels are unaffected, but from the 17th floor downwards, the dungeon's magic is fluctuating erratically."
He paused, his bony brow furrowing. "And there's something else," he continued, his voice laced with a hint of foreboding. "On the 17th floor, a strange wall appeared overnight, blocking off a previously unexplored section of the dungeon."
A chill ran down my spine as I processed his words. "A wall?" I echoed, my mind racing. "What does it mean?"
Skullduggery's spectral eyes narrowed. "I believe the dungeon is creating a super boss," he said, his voice grave. "A powerful entity born from the concentrated magic and the dungeon's own twisted will."
His words had barely left his lips when a thunderous roar shook the camp, sending tremors through the ground. A monstrous figure burst into the clearing, its massive form casting a long shadow over the camp. It was the Goliath, but not the one I had faced before. This one was shrouded in a dark, pulsating aura, its eyes glowing with an ominous red light.