Shadow of the Abyss

Babels Tower, Second Floor

High above the skies were the clouds so thick they seemed solid; cascaded beneath the Heavenly Iron Peak Moutain stood a lone figure shrouded by a thick mist. Old as the timeless winds, he stood before hundreds of awakeners, each performing their various martial skills to the best of their ability.

Arms poised behind his back, as his robes fluttered touch by the soothing winds, Lord Lu Chen sniffled, stiffing the sneeze threatening to explode. He cursed inwardly, thinking, 'God damn it! Screw those Bastard within the Council of Omnis. My peaceful life is ruined!' He sighed. "I could be in bed teasing my junior Sister. Not watching over some brats that'll come to kill me in the future.'

He winced, finally allowing a frown to mar his striking features hidden away by the weave of time.

"Lord Lu!" Atticus said, drawing forward. "I've done it."

Senior Lu Chen trained his eyes on the inquisitor of the Upper Moons, a smile that could cut glass rising on his lips.

"You've been here for nearly four months," Lu Chen said, lifting a palm to his silvery white beard that stretched to his belly. "This will be your... second attempt."

Just then, his eyes grew sharp as he opened his palm, and a sword flashed into his hand.

Atticus gulped. "Yes, Senior Lu," He said, cupping his palm. "I've finally achieved the First Form of Belras."

"Belras!" Lu Chen whispered. He nearly gulped. "The Third Form of Order and Retribution, Nemesis." Then he smiled. "It had been said a Master of Belras held the ability to counter even the laws and concepts of creation."

Atticus nodded. "I've been training this form since I was twelve, Lord Lu."

"The Nine Powers are known as mental techniques; however, only those that truly understand them can merge them into their body and soul." Lu Chen started. "If you continue down this path… I'm sure you know what awaits you."

Atticus once again nodded. "I am prepared to lose my mind to the Nine Powers."

Lu Chen did not say anything; instead, he lifted his sword high to strike. Even from a few meters away, Atticus felt death's embrace as he gulped. Sweat slithered down his brow like a stream, staining his robes as an insurmountable pressure descended. Dread. Cold, unfiltered dread swelled through his mind, lashing him to the earth as he looked up at the Lord at his alter.

It had happened so quickly. Lord Lu Chen's blade became like a mirage as it sought to tear asunder life and death. Atticus could barely make out the path of the sword as he countered; reaching into himself, he moved, hurling his glaive up to block.

He parried but was blown away by the sheer force of their clash. Atticus quickly burned his Mana, allowing it to coalesce across space. He shot forward, diverting the force of Lu Chen's sword across the air so that it propelled him forward instead of back. He blurred, like an arrow leaving a string.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Lu Chen nodded, dismissing his sword back into the void. "Not bad," he said, watching Atticus stumble forward to a standstill. Belras is a powerful form few can even hope to beat. Perfect for an inquisitor. "He placed his arm behind his back once again. But you've passed the second floor.

I hope you succeed on your path to Godhood."

Atticus grinned, bowing his head. "Thank you. But must I leave?"

Lu Chen frowned. "I was warned that the Upper Moons are done hunting the one called Altair Blackwood."

"No! That's not it," Atticus promised. I only wish to hone my skills. The Mind Incense here has aided me in many ways." He lifted his palms to signal his innocence. I've no interest in messing with Altair."

"The Third Form, like the Second Form Ren-Shii, requires lots of conflict to grow," Lu Chen said. "I don't particularly care if you seek to kill Altair Blackwood. However, you will not involve my Floor in the madness that occurred on the first floor. But I cannot stop you if you wish to remain. So long as you assist others in refining their technique."

Atticus, of course, accepted, bowing. "Of course, Lord Lu."

***

"Why are you brooding?" Altair asked, looking at Morrigan. "It's not like you'll have any difficulty clearing the first floor. I've full authority there."

Morrigan shook her head. "That is not the issue." she bit her lips. "I know why you're bringing me."

Altair lifted a brow. "You're uncomfortable."

"Of course, I'm uncomfortable! I don't even like you, but I have to spread my legs and allow you to…" Morrigan stopped gritting her teeth. She sighed. "Never mind. Just be quick when you take me."

"You're a reincarnated soul, right?" Altair inquired. "Surely this isn't your first time."

"It's not." Morrigan made a face. "That isn't a problem, is it?"

Altair shrugged. "Do you want it to be a problem?"

Morrigan did hope, at least then, he might decide not to take her maidenhood in this life.

"Of course not," she lied. "I was just curious if you were like other guys."

"Other guys? Well. I've not been around 'guys.' If you haven't noticed, most people around me are women." Striding up towards the forge outside his Palace, Altair kicked open the door, gesturing Morrigan inside.

"Some are insecure about it," Morrigan said, assaulted by a glaring heat that sought to scorch her robes. They held due to her mana. She entered inside to where Hephaestus stood hammering away. "It's pathetic."

The forge had been nothing special, as he was still transferring his forge from Olympus into the Serpents Outreach. Still, it was enough to forge any sort of weapon for mortals and transcendents alike.

"Is it wrong to be insecure?" Altair countered, shrugging. "It doesn't matter to me, but people are allowed to feel what they feel. You're a grown-ass woman. Do whatever you like. Some people will like it; others won't. Find someone who doesn't care about such things.

Shit, look at me. I've got two women. It's not like I'm the arbiter of what's right or wrong."

Morrigan froze, turning to him. "You're… kind of open about such things."

"This feels like common sense to me," Altair said, approaching Hephaestus. The moment he glimpsed the boy, he openly displayed a defeated expression. Altair didn't acknowledge his downcast expression, saying, "Do you have what I ordered?"

"Yes… Yes, your grace," said Hephaestus. He glanced at his disciple, equally wearing a dark expression. "Bring out the newly forged blades."

Azar snapped to his feet, hurrying off, returning with a glaive and two pairs of double-sided swords. Neither of the swords appeared impressive, at least at first glance, but the longer Altair stared, the more he began to feel he was shedding away their mortal appearance to reveal something beyond his imagination.

"I just remember… what weapon do you use?" Altair asked, rounding an eye to Morrigan.

"I prefer spears. But a sword is fine. I'm proficient with any weapon." she expressed, her eyes poised on the Glaive meant for Raven.

Altair grinned. "You can have the glaive. Raven doesn't want it.'

Morrigan's thin brows beetled. "Isn't it for Raven? She—"

"Her pride will not allow her to use a weapon forged by the god who forged it." Altair cut in. "I'm not one to force the issue, so… you can have it. I'm sure it's a better weapon than what you've gotten from the Crucible."

"Its… It is." Morrigan admitted, staring at the glaive with stars in her eyes. She accepted it, lifting it into the air to study its length. "It's beautiful."

"Of course it is, girl," Hephaestus said.

"Girl?" Morrigan raised a brow. I'm older than you. Child," she snapped, whirling on her heel. She stopped before saying, "I thank you, Altair. I will not forget this."

'She didn't even hesitate to accept my gift,' Altair thought, smiling, sending the two swords into his ring. He smiled at the Master and Disciple Duo and said, " I will be leaving, but Thanatos will be in charge. Do watch yourself. He's not as kind as I am."

'Kind?" The duo thought in tandem. Their lips twitched as they forced themselves to keep their smiles.

Smiling, Altair left, catching up to Morrigan. "Soooooo…. When do you want to do this?" He asked, merely to tease. But Morrigans expression only chilled.

"Whenever," she said.

"Whenever…How unromantic." Altair shook his head. "This will just not do! Mor… Darling. Have you ever tried to seduce a man?"

She stopped, turning to the young man, smiling at her. "Seduce… You?" She tilted her head. "Why would I?"

"I'm hurt. Do you think you can just have your way with me?" Altair covered his chest. "How shameless.'

"What?"

"I know the type of dick I bring to the table. I'm not giving that away for free…. Be my sugar mama. Treat me good. And I'll give you what you want."

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Morrigan's mouth dropped as she stared incredulously. "You… You…You…"

"You ain't the only one with a nice ass too. Just saying. Seduce me." Altair decreed, puffing his chest out. "Rizz me up. Make me feel like a bad B!~"