Liv hurriedly searched through Funduvus’ cocoon, presumably looking for her treasure so they could clear the Gate. Langa’s body ached and felt empty. No matter how many health potions Coraloa fed him, he didn't feel better. Adtonifulmin's departure left his whole body shaking, and he could only hope clearing this Gate would level him up.

  Synn struggled to sit up, her eyes watching him with amazement. "Langa, are you a Visage?"

  Langa lay exhausted on the floor. "Temporary," he grinned. "I still have to finalise the contract on the 3rd Floor."

  Coraloa clapped him on the shoulder. "That's ridiculously amazing. That's got to be a Unique Achievement, right?"

  "It might even be Legendary," Synn said. "Given that The Lackadaisical Herald has never had a Visage before."

  "Speaking of Achievements," Coraloa said, looking at Liv, who held a golden treasure chest. "How many levels do you think we’ll get from this quest?"

  "With the double experience, hopefully at least two. It depends on our contribution," Synn said. "Liv'Kungsadu and Langa will probably get the highest contribution by a mile."

  "We may get the highest contribution, but not by a mile. I would have died ten times over against the Daeva if not for you two," Liv said. "I'm pretty sure that excluding the final attack, no one dealt more damage in this entire Gate than you, SynnForessa."

  "Yeah, I was shit for most of the last battle. The mental debuff would have taken me out, and I wouldn't even have known how I died if not for Coraloa," Langa said. "The Unrivalled is fair in her assessments; I think we will all contribute equally."

  “Well, hurry it up. I want to go to one of the temples at Tishiba’s Peak to complete my Class Change as soon as possible,” Coraloa said.

  Synn’s smile widened, and she hugged her. “Cora! You finally unlocked the Higher Blessing?!”

  “Yes,” she laughed as Synn squeezed her. “I’m gonna become a Guardian Knight, thanks to you all. This Gate pushed me to my limits.”

  They all congratulated her, and then finally Liv held out Funduvus’ chest.

  "Let's find out how we did," Liv said. "Does anyone have lockpicks or feel like searching for a key in this mess?"

  "Give me the box," Langa said. He took out Amalgam's Opus Key and used it to open the box. Thankfully, the key appeared unassuming to everyone else, so no one could tell it was the key to creating a Void Opus.

  "And you claimed you weren't a Rogue," Coraloa said with raised eyebrows.

  As soon as Langa opened the chest, blue light filled the room, and as expected, a massive lucent crystal was inside.

  Before he could scan it, a sudden influx of karma approached the four of them, and they all looked around in alertness. The karma condensed into the figure of a woman. She stood taller than even Liv and had three heads: a bull, a goat, and a lion, as well as two wings that extended from her back.

  Langa sighed. Why did Incarnations always choose such terrifying forms? There was no karma coming from her anymore, and Langa knew she was suppressing it on purpose; otherwise, she could unintentionally kill them with her mere presence.

  "Greetings, Lady Nasira," Liv said when she finally reached them.

  "Liv'Kungsadu. Bow your head to receive The Sun God's Edict," the constellation said.

  To Langa's surprise, Liv knelt before the Incarnation and bowed his head. It was a strange sight because Langa had never thought he'd see Liv willingly bow to anyone.

  "I am ready to receive it," he said.

  Synn and Coraloa also bowed their heads in respect and a bright light suddenly emanated from the Incarnation as her eyes closed and reopened. The Sun God was here.

  "Stand up, child. You have proven your worth to me as a leader," The Sun God said, placing a hand on Liv's head. "Your team may lift their heads as well. Your ability to command a team of such wild characters with strong wills is marvellous. I am greatly pleased with your performance, Liv'Kungsadu. Although I have no part in my children's sect, it pleases me that you have made them take notice of you."

  "Thank you, Master," Liv said, standing up.

  "Well done to all of you as well, children," The Sun God said. "As I promised my Avatar, I shall reward you all well for completing this quest." He raised his hands and a silver chest appeared out of thin air, which he handed to Liv.

  A prompt filled Langa's vision that instant.

  [You have completed the quest: Prove Your Worth (1)

  Contributions:

  Expected Contribution per player: 25%

  

  
1. Langa Zulu - 28.1%


  
2. Liv’Kungsadu - 25.0%


  
3. Coraloa Aquarius Winter - 23.7%


  
4. SynnForessa - 23.2%


  

  You have exceeded your expected contribution percentage.

  Quest Completion Grade: S

  Quest Rewards:

  +21 453 EXP (Includes Bonus EXP for permanently killing the Gatekeeper on your first clear. Includes Bonus EXP for defeating a maestril 9 Levels above you) )

  + 21 453 EXP (You receive 100% Bonus EXP in the first 52 hours For being the first party to discover this Gate)

  + 20 769 Karma

  +3116 Bonus Karma for S Grade Completion

  + 1740 Karma for fulfilling the optional objective of the quest: Complete the Soul's Trial of Trust

  +The Sun God's favour (Your Faith in The Sun God has increased by 5%)

  +25% Renown

  +135 silver coins]

  [Congratulations! Level Up!

  Level 12

  +12 karma

  +3 AGI, + 2 MND +1 VIT +1 Special Stat: VEL

  You have 5 free attribute points to distribute.]

  [Congratulations! Level Up!

  Level 13

  +13 karma

  +3 AGI, + 2 MND +1 VIT +1 Special Stat: VEL

  You have 5 free attribute points to distribute.]

  [Congratulations! Level Up!

  Level 14

  +14 karma

  +3 AGI, + 2 MND +1 VIT +1 Special Stat: VEL

  You have 5 free attribute points to distribute.]

  [Congratulations! Level Up!

  Level 15

  +15 karma

  +3 AGI, + 2 MND +1 VIT +1 Special Stat: VEL

  You have 5 free attribute points to distribute.]

  [Uncommon ACHIEVEMENT! Congratulations! Your party is the first and only party that will ever clear the Gate: Funduvus' Swamp.

  Your party has received +2 skill points each.

  +1 (1/4) maestril Gatekeeper karma core to each party member]

  [Daeva-Funduvus' Karma Core (1/4)

  Item Rank: Unique

  Properties: (1/4) of the Daeva Maestril Boss Funduvus' karma core. Contains (2100) karma. Infuse your mana to absorb the karma. For maximum absorption, a state of meditation is required to reduce excess karma loss]

  He’d gone up four whole levels!

  Langa also noticed something new. The karma from levelling up wasn't taxed. Had it always been like this? He rolled his eyes at the fact that he was still a Temporary Visage yet the System was already taking 13% of his karma and giving it to Adtonifulmin instead of the Avatar's 5%.

  "Sick!" Synn said triumphantly. "I can't believe I went from level 11 to level 14 in one day! This would have taken weeks or months normally!"

  Langa couldn't resist raining on her parade. "Just 14?" he said, shaking his head. "I'm already mid-Tier 1, Synn."

  "Aw fuck," she said. "I'd just caught up to you."

  Coraloa laughed. "I'm sure you'll catch up to him again soon; don't worry. But do you guys realise we are about the same level as the average Batch 3 player who has been in the Tower for five years, right?"

  Now that Langa thought about it, the highest level player from Batch 3 he knew was Perinda at Level 23, and Di Etta, at Level 17 was considered one of the higher level players from that Batch. He was sure Anarchist was mid-Tier 2 as well, so besides him, what the hell were the rest of them doing?

  "Holy shit. Batch 3 players are not serious," he said.

  "Hold your tongue. You'll understand soon enough. Good luck finding any monster that will give you enough EXP to raise your level now on the first five Floors," Synn reprimanded him. "Besides most of them have cleared the first five Floors, so they no longer gain Experience down here, except with quests. This was an extremely special case that should have ended with all of us dead. The only reason we aren't is because of Lord Adtonifulmin."

  "Yeah, he's awesome, isn't he?" Langa said proudly. He’d almost forgotten there was an Incarnation in their presence until he spoke again.

  "You have gathered amusing people around you, Liv'Kungsadu. With them by your side, I hope you create a guild that will live and grow for ages to come," The Sun God said, looking at the three of them. His eyes lingered a moment longer on Coraloa. "It's a pity about that one, though."

  Coraloa blanched at being addressed directly. "She's a future Guardian Knight. Even if I wanted her to join my guild and become one of my people, I have to let her go, unfortunately," Liv said.

  "Hmm? Ah, yes. That one's future is most...winding," The Sun God said, and for a moment his gaze fell on Langa. He looked up. "Of course, I will mind my words, Unrivalled One; there is no need to watch me so closely."

  The Sun God turned back to address Liv. "To tame the Visage of such a volatile and rebellious being will be no easy feat, child," Amun-Ra said gesturing at Langa.

  Langa crossed his arms defiantly. He was not going to be tamed, especially not by Liv. He decided not to say anything for now because he didn't want to mess with Liv's rewards since this was a leadership quest.

  “Yeah. I have my work cut out for me,” Liv said, grinning at the look on Langa’s face.

  "The Gate will permanently lock in one hour. Take everything you need, as you must leave before then. The Dark Void will probably give this chaotic domain to some other maestril," Amun-Ra said.

  "Yes, Master," Liv said. "Thank you."

  With that, the Incarnation disappeared.

  "What's in the box?" Synn asked, eyes hungry as she snatched away the chest The Sun God had given Liv. She drooled as soon as she opened it, and the rest of them gathered around her as she pulled a few items out.

  There was a set of flowing blue robes made from wind-blown silk decorated with silver feathers, and a silver helmet with golden runes covering its surface. She also pulled out a polished set of grey leather armour, a pair of radiant golden gauntlets engraved with the symbol of the sun and a staff made of black wood with a red crystal at the centre. Finally, there were two accessories. One was a small earring with a clear gem dangling from it and the other was a white pearl necklace.

  [Faily Lane Vestments

  Item Rank: Rare

  These robes were produced by The Fairy Lane Sigma to enhance their Mages' ability to manipulate the winds and sound waves.

  Effects:

  Special Stat: Wisdom +5

  When the wearer uses a sound-based spell, they can choose to extend the duration of any one of its effects to double the normal duration.

  Cooldown: 2 minutes]

  [Ureni Crystal Helm

  Item Rank: Rare

  Effects:

  +2 Levels to Leadership Skills

  When Aura in an area of 5 metres is unleashed, there is a 20% chance of resisting crowd control from threats within that area.

  Restrictions: Minimum Level 15. Must possess the Special Stat: Aura. Must possess at least one Leadership Skill.]

  [Slimesleek Leather Armour Set (Trousers, Chestplate and Hooded Jacket)

  Set Rank: Rare

  Individual Armour Pieces Rank: Uncommon

  Chestplate: Defence +140

  Hooded Jacket: 20% of all Physical Attacks slide off the slimy surface of the Hooded Jacket

  Trousers: Agility increases by 2% with every 13% decrease in HP.

  Set Effect: Reduces the Stamina Cost of movement skills by 15%.

  Restrictions: Minimum Level 15 with Agility of 60 and above.]

  [Reagen’s LightFist Gauntlets

  Item Rank: Uncommon

  Unarmed strikes deal an additional 3% Light Damage for every monster killed, up to a maximum of 39%.

  Restrictions: Light Affinity 10% and Above. Must be bonded to a deity of Light.]

  [Black Vista Staff

  Item Rank: Rare

  Effects:

  All Magic Damage cast through this Staff: +20% according to Mana Discipline used.

  Mana Consumption for all pure magic spells reduced by 10%

  Restrictions: Pure Mage Variant Classes only. Minimum Level 15. Minimum Mana Pool: 700]

  [Holden Ashstone Earring

  Accessory Rank: Uncommon

  Effects:

  Increases mana regeneration rate by 2 mana points per second when not casting.]

  [Egira Resonance Pearls

  Accessory Rank: Uncommon

  Effects:

  Amplifies the range of all magic spells of ONE of the 13 Main Mana Disciples by 2 metres.

  Cost: 50 Mana/second

  Cooldown: 30 seconds]

  It wasn't a hard choice by any means, and Langa took the three pieces of leather armour. It was a pity, but he wouldn't be able to equip the whole set, as using the hooded jacket would mean removing his jerkin. He couldn't do that as it contained the Distortion Skill that allowed him to go invisible.

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  Liv took the helm and gauntlets, Synn the staff and ring, while Coraloa got the vestments and necklace. Happy with their rewards, the four of them ransacked Funduvus' boss room and took everything they could, including her treasure, which was, as expected, a legendary water-lucent crystal.

  Synn whistled as she looked longingly at the large blue crystal. “It's so beautiful,” she said. “It's going to make us so rich.”

  Langa was admittedly also enchanted by it. He wondered how many colloidal bombs he could make with it once he perfected his Lucent Enchanting. Well, he wasn't compatible with Water Mana but, damn it it would make such a beautiful explosion.

  Coraloa folded her arms defiantly. “We are not selling it,” she said. “This crystal would be a saving grace to a lot of communities. Where I come from, our oceans are drying up because of the saints’ war, and merpeople are losing their habitats. Those below Tier 1 can barely transform and survive outside of water. I'm sure we can put this to good use for either them or any other people in the Tower struggling with water shortage and-”

  “This Legendary water-lucent crystal belongs to the Khwezikazi Rays Guild. As the guildmaster, I decide what we do with it,” Liv cut her off. “Sorry, Coraloa, I'll pay your share in the relevant amount of gold once I get my finances straight.”

  “You can't just decide that. The loot distribution for this party is by consensus,” she argued.

  “Great. I love democracy. Let's vote. All in favour of the water crystal being taken by the Khwezikazi Rays, and non-members being paid off in equivalent gold, raise your hands,” Langa said, raising his hand. Of course, Liv and Synn raised their hands.

  Synn patted Coraloa’s shoulder. “Better luck next time, Cora.”

  “I hope the Gate locks you guys in again,” she said, walking out. Ouch.

  Just as they were about to reach the exit of the Gate, there was another slew of notifications.

  [Uncommon Achievement! Players Liv’Kungsadu, Langa Zulu, SynnForessa and Coraloa Aquarius Winter are the first party to defeat and permanently close a Floor Gate on the first Clear in the 1773rd Deiwos Towers]

  [Uncommon Achievement! Players Liv’Kungsadu, Langa Zulu, SynnForessa and Coraloa Aquarius Winter are the first party to defeat a maestril 1 Tier above them in the 1773rd Deiwos Tower]

  “We did it. We made history,” Liv said, looking at Langa with a grin.

  “You do realise we just created a target on our backs with D Rank and above voidents, right? They'll know we earned a lot of karma from those Achievements. The more karma you have, the more likely they are to come after you,” Coraloa said.

  Liv closed the chest. “Let them come. Well, kill 'em all.”

  “Better us than innocent kids,” Langa said.

  While they made their way back to the entry Gate, Langa and Liv received another wave of notifications.

  [DIVINE ACHIEVEMENT! Congratulations! Your actions have resulted in the formation of a godly alliance.

  For your Divine Achievement and your contribution to the growth of the Deiwos Clan, your name will be written in The Relgte of The Deiwos Clan.

  The Red Flaming Blade of Menika has given you a (25 000 karma) Karma Voucher to spend on any item in The Deiwos Tower Karma Store.

  +5 Inventory Slots

  +1 Floor Bypass Token in any Deiwos Tower]

  [Floor Bypass Token

  Item Rank: Divine: Picciari: The Red Flaming Blade of Menika

  This Divine Artefact is consumable. It allows you to bypass the clearing of a single Floor below the 50th in any Deiwos Tower excluding the 1st and every Storey End Floor. You will receive the minimum Karma required to clear the Floor you bypass and the Floor Clear Quest will be marked as complete. However, no Experience will be earned.

  Soul Bound to: Player Langa Zulu.]

  [System Announcement to all mortals in all Deiwos Towers: Thanks to Players Langa Zulu and Liv'Kungsadu, The Descendants of The Sun Sect of the Ter Netjer Pantheon have formed a Non-Aggression Pact with The Deiwos Clan.]

  [The Deiwos Clan goddess: The Red Flaming Blade of Menika, states that a 25 000 karma voucher is the maximum amount of karma she can offer to a mid-Tier 1 player. She promises to make it up to your Achievement by offering you a divine challenge once you reach Tier 2.]

  "What the hell did you two do?" Synn asked, exasperated as she read the System Announcement.

  "We passed the Trial of Trust," Liv said.

  Synn glared at him. "And somehow ended up fostering an alliance between two groups of gods who've never interacted before?" she asked, and Liv merely shrugged, which infuriated her further.

  "Liv, tell me the truth. Who is your father? Is he a Neutriarch?" Coraloa asked.

  "Who knows, is he?" Liv said nonchalantly.

  She frowned and turned to Langa. "You know, right? Who is he?"

  Langa shrugged. "It's not my secret to tell."

  They barely made it out before the Gate locked again. They emerged back in the willow tree again and got on the lucent carriage to return to Sorrento Creek. Thankfully, no one else knew the location of the Gate, otherwise, they would have been ambushed as soon as they got out. Now that they were out, they could freely access the Dent again, and boy was it buzzing with their recent achievements.

  Discussions filled the forums about how they could have permakilled a Gatekeeper on the first clear when Floor Bosses usually had at least 13 respawns. However, in the end, Langa and Liv’s contribution to The Deiwos Clan and The Descendants of the Sun’s alliance was the main topic, overshadowing all others.

  "Wow, we just took over Batch 4's Level leaderboard, Karma leaderboard, and Overall leaderboard," Coraloa said with a smile as Liv drove the lucent carriage back to Sorrento Creek.

  "Really?” Synn said. “Let me check.”

  Langa opened his interface and checked the Batch 4 level leaderboard.

  There were 11 names on the list, and while Vavuciadsforenkka was no longer on the list, Liv's den-brother was.

  Langa turned when Synn exclaimed angrily. "What the fuck? I'm fifth place in the karma rankings!" She said. "How the hell did Fi Kindaro III overtake me after all the karma I just earned?"

  Langa hurriedly checked the Karma Leaderboard and it was largely the same as the Level Leaderboard, except without Pranav, and Synn and Fi Kindaro’s ranks were switched.

  Langa clenched his fists. "The bastard probably earned a lot of karma from inciting the seraphim and getting The Thousand Undead his soul," he said. "When I kill Fi Kindaro III, I'll make it hurt.”

  This was too much, and Langa decided that he would Ascend the following day, find Fi on the 2nd Floor, and then kill him. While contemplating revenge, he received a new message.

  

  @AlfsolSereneaDulenta.GG to @ langelihle

  Those are some insane Achievements you've made there. I guess you and your friend are not all talk after all.

  The guildmaster says your Guild Charter is adequate. She is making The State of The Tower Address at 7PM tomorrow. If your guildmaster can register your guild before then, Coraloa can bring him to our domain to meet Merreddyd.

  This is a one time offer only. Don't blow it.

  "Oh my gods," Langa said. He briefly explained Alfsol’s message. “I don't know how many people will be watching the Tower Address tomorrow, but-"

  "It's the Guardian Knight's Tower Address. Everyone will be watching across all three Storeys," Coraloa said. "I have to talk to her. I can't miss this chance to join the Guardians."

  "Isn't there something you want to say to me, Liv'Kungsadu?" Synn asked with folded arms. “I transformed your pathetic guild charter into something exceptional after all.”

  Langa didn't have the heart to tell her it was only adequate.

  Liv cleared his throat and watched the air ahead. "You can add 0.5% to your guild shares," he said. “Welcome to the Khwezikazi Rays, SynnForessa.”

  She blinked and grinned. "I was just fishing for a thank you,” she said. “You never have to say thank you to me ever again. I prefer gratitude in money and shares from now on."

  When they returned to Sorrento Creek, Liv immediately dropped Synn and Langa off, deciding to go to Tishiba's Peak and register the guild before anything happened to the token.

  Once the two of them reached Sorrento Inn, they were swarmed by players and NPCs and while hiding behind Synn, Langa activated Distortion, went invisible, and snuck up to his room to take a long, well-deserved bath. He abandoned Synn to deal with the public.

  [Congratulations! You have co-founded the guild: Khwezikazi Rays (S)!

  Guild Patron Deity: Amun-Ra, The Sun God, The Neutriarch of Fire!]

  [Unique Acheivement! You (Players Langa Zulu and Liv'Kungsadu) are the first players from tutorial Batch #4 to co-found a guild.

  A System Announcement stating this achievement will be broadcast to all players of tutorial Batch 4.]

  [As Khwezikazi Rays is the first guild to be founded by a player from tutorial Batch 4, and it was founded with an S-rank guild token, it receives the following rewards:

  +3 Skill points to the First Twenty-Five Members to join the guild.

  +1 500 Guild Karma

  +20% Guild Renown

  + 1 Free Roving Guild Territory]

  [Your Guild Khwezikazi Rays has been offered 4 Blessing Quests from the following Deities:

  Order: The Unrivalled Tower Master

  Amun-Ra: The Sun God, The Neutriarch of Fire

  Adtonifulmin: The Lackadaisical Herald of The Lightning Storm

  Jiǔwěihú : The Nine-Tailed Demon Fox God

  Build Shrines/Altars to the above deities inside your Roving Guildhall to unlock these quests!]

  [Congratulations! Guild Master Liv'Kungsadu has appointed you the Deputy Guildmaster of The Khwezikazi Rays Guild!

  +435 Karma

  +3% Renown]

  [For information on Guild Territory, Finances and Membership, Please open the ‘My Guild’ Tab on your System or comcer Interface]

  Langa's comcer exploded with beeping, and he chose to ignore everyone and then collapsed onto his bed in exhaustion.

  *

  Langa was no longer asleep on his bed. His essence was floating through over a hundred different places. No, he was in an infinite number of places, watching over many people. He was untethered as if he had no body and only existed as karma. He didn’t understand it, but something compelled him to concentrate only on the three events occurring simultaneously that concerned him, and so he found himself in three places at once, having three separate conversations.

  Adtonifulmin’s essence floated into the seraphim's domain. It was pathetically empty for a seraphim over 800 years old. There were only 10 Tiers, 147 Steps and 998 Stars. The fool tried to rush Ascension and fell into an old trap. Adtonifulmin didn't care about his plight. Given enough time, that broken soul would fall to the judgement of Order and King Maetrolugy would cease to exist.

  Adtonifulmin couldn't let that happen. He needed to show the deities that his Visage was not to be trifled with.

  [System Administrator: You are about to enter the domain of the seraphim: King Maetrolugy, Avatar of Hotesect.

  Please state your purpose.]

  <> Adtonifulmin asked, ensuring that his anger permeated through to the System Administrator who dared to question him.

  He knew it was just one of The Unrivalled's constellations just doing their job. Gods weren't allowed to directly attack seraphim under normal circumstances after all.

  <> The system messages disappeared, and a voice spoke to Adtonifulmin's essence. It was a voice he could listen to for all eternity. Even now as his essence emitted wrath in waves, her voice soothed all his concerns.

  <> he said, taking a step into the domain and instantly erasing 50 of the seraphim's Steps.

  Elsewhere, Order spoke to him. <>

  <> Adtonifulmin told her gently, even though he wanted to release his karma and rip through the fabric of reality. <>

  <> she said.

  <> he said. <>

  He loved the annoyance in her voice when she responded. <>

  He felt her presence vanish from his side, and it was replaced by the unending hollow loneliness in his being. The always-something-missing that he could never fill since he lost his daughter and betrayed his master was back and threatening to overwhelm his existence again. Even connected to all his mortals, listening to their prayers, Blessing and comforting them did nothing to fill the void.

  Suddenly, a tiny slice of karma leaked from the Divine Nexus into that hollow and filled a part of it with someone. Ah, Adtonifulmin smiled. He wasn't alone with his karma anymore. There was a child who shared in his experiences, a child who was here with him, even now. His Visage. Maybe, Adtonifulmin might finally feel whole again.

  The seraphim’s broken essence wailed across the domain.

  "Come out, and I will make it quick," Adtonifulmin whispered. "I'd hate to destroy this domain, after all, my child Makinare should be attaining seraphim rank soon. This domain will make a most lovely gift for her."

  He didn't release his karma pressure. He didn't have to. His very Presence in this domain was consuming every achievement the seraphim had to his name and, by extension, his karma.

  A pitiful form appeared in front of him. The manticore was haggard, face fallen, karma leaking into Adtonifulmin.

  "Lackadaisical One," King Maetrolugy said, kneeling on the ground. "Please grant me mercy."

  Adtonifulmin did not waver. "You have worked as a Floor Overlord in The Deiwos Towers for over 300 years. When have you ever seen me show mercy to those who hurt my own?"

  King Maetrolugy trembled. “I am sorry, My Lord.”

  "Why? After all, you think me beneath you, seraphim, do you not? I specifically instructed that child not to bow to anyone but me, yet you commanded my Visage, my Face, to bow before your mere Daeva?!" Adtonifulmin’s voice rose to a growl as his anger agitated his essence, karma flaring.

  "M-my Lord. I was tricked. I didn't know he was your future Visage, I-"

  "Chaos knew. Mictlantecuhtli knew. You embraced their support without considering the consequences of it," Adtonifulmin whispered. "Well, I am that consequence. I will eradicate you, take all your Stars and keep them safe for my Visage. State your last words, Seraphim King Maetrolugy."

  There was nothing King Maetrolugy could do. He'd risked everything and lost. He had two Divine Judgements against him, and he was doomed. "I don’t have enough karma to curse the gods, however, I can curse the messenger. Fi Kindaro III. May whatever remains of my negative karma haunt you until the day you die."

  Adtonifulmin took one Step forward and walked through King Maetrolugy's body.

  The seraphim died.

  King Maetrolugy had existed for 934 years. He became a seraphim at the age of 279. He collected 998 complete stars and 253 Star Fragments, yet all it took to kill him was 1 Step. In truth, half a Step could have done it but Adtonifulmin was angry so he wanted to demonstrate to all who were watching, mortal or immortal, that his Visage was off limits.

  Langa had already used up his once per Tier Descent, so he had to protect him any way he could. He allowed the negative karma from Maetrolugy's anger to pass through him into Langa through the Divine Nexus, and it was absorbed by the Void Star.

  He refused to lose another child.

  Adtonifulmin's Electromagnetic Field encompassed the entire domain. Nothing was allowed to exist here. The seraphim scatted into Stars and he collected them, he would give them to his Visage when he was able to handle them. He reached out to retrieve the seraphim's soul, but another essence snatched it from him.

  "I'll take that, thank you," Mictlantecuhtli said, his essence floating into the domain. "He did promise it to me in exchange for the Lesser Authority. You understand, right?"

  Indeed, the system confirmed that the soul belonged to Mictlantecuhtli. “I will pay you back for this, just wait,” Adtonifulmin promised.

  “Must you be so incorrigible, Adtonifulmin? I mean, we both got what we wanted. My Avatar convinced the seraphim to use the Authority and got me back my holeless conch. He also earned me a seraphim soul, which I shall feast on later tonight. Your Avatar was put in a situation where he had no choice but to accept to be your Visage which, frankly, with how indecisive he is, he might never have made that choice.”

  “Do not mock me, Mictlantecuhtli. Langa may be an impulsive child, but this was not a decision he made thoughtlessly. This was something he’d been thinking about since the moment I proposed the contract to him. All that happened was he found an opportunity that pushed him in the right direction," Adtonifulmin snapped. "This was not thanks to you. You did not design it. Do not take credit for his choice. He does not owe you anything.”

  “Very well. Let’s pretend it is as you say, then I believe this battle ended in a tie. I received my Authority back and you received a Visage,” Mictlantecuhtli said.

  “This was not a battle, but even if it was, I obviously won as I always do," Adtonifulmin said. "One Visage is worth over 13 million Lesser Authorities.”

  “A Tier 10 Visage, yes. Not one so fragile and mentally weak,” the other god whispered. “Not one so easy to crush.”

  Adtonifulmin’s essence flared. “I am warning you. I have lost enough of my children to you. If you come for my Visage, there will be no stopping me from using Master’s power against you.”

  There was a pause. “Surely you jest, Adtonifulmin. With how tightly The Quartenity has bound you, there is nothing you can do to me with his power if you don’t want to suffer their wrath.”

  Adtonifulmin did not back down."You know me well, so you know just how far I will go to protect my own.”

  “For a child who is still only Tier 1?” Mictlantecuhtli asked. “This is your weakness. When it comes to affection, you are even worse than the mortals. This is a premature decision. You should’ve waited until he was at least Tier 5."

  “That’s none of your concern. I will not forget this slight, Mictlantecuhtli. According to your Divine Covenant, one of those five children or their descendants is destined to be your new Visage, right? No other mortal except for those carrying that blood can do it. I wonder what you will do when my Visage wipes the entire Kindaro bloodline from existence. You will never get a Visage again for all eternity."

  Mictlantecuhtli's essence became fixated on the minuscule karma of Langa inside Adtonifulmin's Divine Nexus. "I underestimated that child. No more. Since he is your Visage now, he is officially fair game. You can send him to war now, so if you are so proud of him, why not set him loose?"

  "Do you think I'm stupid? I won't send him to war until he's at least Tier 3," Adtonifulmin said.

  "That will take too long," Mictlantecuhtli said. "If you interfere in my Visage Trials, why, I might even skip the line to take this Tower from you, and Xolotl would have another reason to resent me."

  "Xolotl's plan is flawed. Your foolish Avatars squabble like the hateful brothers they are. They will fight over that poor moon-elf's soul, as they always do," Adtonifulmin said. "The last time, their fight killed her, and this time will be no different. Someone else will get her soulblood and Xolotl will have no way to get his Daeva to summon his demonic army to the 36th Floor."

  "The entire Third Storey will be ours. Once The Demon Reaper's Avatar arrives to Overturn all of those Floors, we will own This Tower and the Deiwos Clan will become a laughing stock among-" Mictlantecuhtli started, then paused. "You cunning bastard! You're cheating again. This isn't information your Visage should know."

  Adtonifulmin smirked. He wished he could have gotten Mictlantecuhtli to say more. "I am not cheating. I didn't share this information with a mortal. I am merely conversing with you. If my Visage happens to overhear us, it is because I have poor control over the newly formed Divine Nexus."

  "Don’t play games with me, Adtonifulmin. I can crush you with less than half of my power, and that is me being generous because of your master's karma," Mictlanecuhtli snapped.

  "Nothing can stop a raging lightning storm. Come at me," Adtonifulmin said. "Instead of using the petty Celestial Clashes over territories of our seraphim, and over the Tower Floors above 50, declare war on The Deiwos Clan, let us end this."

  "Why don't you raise your Clan to a higher Tier? If you do, then The Plumed Serpent will accept the incessant declarations of war you keep trying to throw at us. The Illhucatl-Omeyocan Clan does not engage in war with lesser clans," Mictlantecuhtli said, and then his essence withdrew.

  [The relationship between The Deiwos Clan and The Illhucatil-Omoyocan Clan has deteriorated from Bitter Enemies to Irreconcilable Foes]

  “Glaridinus,” Adtonifulmin called.

  A vast constellation of stars descended and surrounded Adtonifulmin. "You called, Master?" Glaridinus asked.

  "I did. I’ve spoken to Picciari, En Dohhasieda and The Three Fallen Siblings," he said. "You, Amarosa, The Cunning Deliverer, and Rael will lead a divine war against The Hosamosef Pantheon's constellations. Do you have an objection?"

  "None, My Lord," the constellation said. "In fact, I thank you for arranging this war. As a gift to you, I promise at least one of my seraphim will Ascend to deityhood in this war.”

  “You know my will, Glaridinus. I have faith in you, but if the battle is lost, save my people first,” Adtonifulmin said. “Win.”

  ”I will not waste the precious opportunity your hallowed Visage has given to us. I‘ll lead the raid on Hosamosef and swallow all of their constellations’ Stars. The Deiwos Clan must rise to the level of being worthy allies of The Descendants of The Sun,” Glaridinus said. The sky darkened as more of the constellation’s Stars fell around Adtonifulmin, illuminating his essence. “This I vow in my Name. I will lead your army, and once I tear down that Pantheon, I will add their universes to The Deiwos Clan's collection of worlds."

  The Vow was binding, and Adtonifulmin accepted his child's resolve and bid him farewell. "You walk your own path, Glaridinus. Walk it with fervour."

  With the seraphim dead, Adtonifulmin returned to his domain.

  "Did you see that, Langa?" he asked. "It's my first time on the other side of the bond. I will try to control it so your dreams aren't always filled with my exploits. Sleep now, my dear child. I have destroyed the one who tried to lead you astray. Good night.”

  Langa had the most restful sleep of his life that night.