Nameless King

"Plants and Beastfolk?" Mumbled Wain.

"Yes." Proclaimed Sven and touched the crystal ball.

Images of a woman and a man appeared before Wain. They looked like anthropomorphic plants. 

The girl had a massive rosebud open on her head, and her arms had long leaves covering her pale green skin like clothing.

The man's skin was rougher. It was something like tree bark. There were a few short spikes on his arms and legs. His hair was a mixture of ordinary hair and leaves on trees. It looked unusual and beautiful.

"Plants, the most peaceful race of the 'Pillars.' Even the Elves seem aggressive and unkind in comparison. However, Plants do not forgive treachery, which is one reason why they maintain a good relationship with Ashen, who always keep their promises."

"I see. It's always good to have loyal allies."

"Plants are a diverse race, and they can look very different. They can be like this man who resembles himself a lively, sturdy oak, like this girl who looks like a flower or, for example, like a mushroom, a weed, and many other variations."

"What attributes do they use?"

"Mostly water, nature attribute, wind, and neutral attribute. It's pretty rare to find a Plant that uses the attribute of darkness or light. These are rather exceptions to the rule. Also, some species may use fire or ice, but that's only a small percentage."

"Okay, do they have any special features?"

"Yes, they have good regeneration and are some of the best healers. Also, Plants are considered professionals at containing the enemy. Even though they are a peaceful race, there are many experts in poisons. In this, they are similar to the Undead."

"That makes quite a bit of sense. They live in places with an abundance of different plants. Strange, why aren't they the best alchemists?"

"It most likely has to do with the fact that few Plants use the attribute of fire. Flames are necessary for processing materials. Moreover, Plants have never aspired to do alchemy."

"I see. Tell me about the BeastFolk. I take it they are the last race from the 'Pillars'?" Asked Wain.

"Yes, as you can tell from the name, Beastfolk are anthropomorphic beasts." Said Sven and touched the crystal ball.

An image of a man and a woman appeared in front of Wain. The man looked like an anthropomorphic lion, and the girl looked like a cat. They had all the features of beasts and the body of humans.

"Appearance depends on their lineage. I think that's clear. The Beasfolk are a diverse and numerous race. Depending on their Clan, they can use any attribute. Also, their physical abilities are on a fairly high level. They are quite friendly. Also, faith is very important to their society."

"Faith?" Asked Wain.

"Yes, they believe in various gods. Moreover, some of the BeastFolk are so influential and famous that they have their followers. Also, the members of this race are excellent and fearless warriors. However, there are hidden assassins among them. It depends on their lineage."

"By the way, Sven, I wanted to ask you, how does faith work? I fought an Elf in the Arena, and suddenly, he was much stronger because of his mates' faith in him. He said that at that moment, he could be compared to a god." Said Wain.

"He didn't fool you, and there's no secret here. Technically, any object of faith with a certain number of followers can be considered a god. Of course, you have to be a powerful being to be a true god, but anyone can gain power from the faith of others."

"It's that simple?"

"There is nothing difficult in the process, but getting at least ten persons to sincerely believe in you as their deity is a difficult task. That Elf you fought was unique. You were lucky you could beat him. He would have been many times stronger in the future."

"I understand, in the beginning, it can be difficult to get even a few followers, but the further you go, the easier it gets."

"Yes, but you as a deity have to be unwavering. If others believe in you, you must justify their faith. Otherwise, they will be disappointed and turn away from you. Of course, if their faith is strong enough, you might make a few mistakes, but you'll get closer to the end each time."

"I see. It's quite an interesting system. Sven, how much do I owe you for the information?"

"Not much. Our conversation was pretty long, but I gave you the general information most people know. Ten Void Souls that'll be enough." Sven pronounced.

"Good." Wain nodded and extended his hand forward.

One hundred white souls flew out of his palm and headed toward Sven. Wain had 110 Rare Rating Souls left, equal to 55 Void Souls. It was a pretty big sum, so Wain was going to buy some interesting items.

"Sven, I have 55 Void Souls. What can you offer me for that amount?"

"Depending on what you need. Weapons? Armor? Medication? Expendables? Maybe you want some rare ingredient for a dish?" Smiling, Sven asked.

"I think I need a powerful consumable, but aimed at my enhancement or a single target. I don't need a consumable with mass defeat at the moment."

"Understood, then, in that case, I can offer two options." Proclaimed Sven, and the ring on his finger glowed brightly.

Two objects appeared in front of him. One was a purple box with a cruel jaw on each side. 

The second object was a dark ball resembling a demon that opened its mouth wide. The demon's eyes glowed bright red, and dark energy emanated from the orb.

Wain touched the cube.

[Gluttony Seal Cube (First Chronicle, Heroic Rating)

This artifact holds a hidden great power that only a strong and unstoppable warrior can withstand. In return, the warrior will gain power and incredible abilities.

This cube appeared mysteriously in areas filled with the element of darkness. If you are confident, you can use this artifact.

Once applied:

*All stats are increased by 50.

*Resistance to the attribute of darkness and light increases by 20%.

*The power of attacks with the attribute of darkness increases by 30%.

*Your hunger increases by 10.000%]

"Oh, what a dangerous item, but I like that. It's definitely worth 55 Void Souls." Mumbled Wain, staring intently at the cube.

"Of course, all my items are of the highest quality. Before you make your final choice take a look at the second item, I'm sure you'll be just as interested in it."

Wain nodded and touched the sphere.

[Sphere of the Abandoned Demon (First Chronicle, Heroic Rating)

This orb holds the spirit of a malevolent demon who seeks to possess the mind of anyone who crosses his path. 

This orb can be used to cause a person to suffer a comparable amount of torment to that of Hell. The evil spirit also has a strong effect on the victim's psyche, as well as causing serious damage to it].

"Hmm, that's not bad, but I don't think there's much point in spending 55 Void Souls on an item that aims to destroy a single enemy. If I make myself stronger, I can kill dozens or hundreds of enemies before the effect runs out."

"You're right, but only if you're strong enough to handle your enemy. With this orb, you can disable almost any First Chronicle creature. Either way, though, it's up to you."

Wain thought for a while but pushed the orb aside and picked up the cube.

"I'd better take this anyway." Wain muttered, and 110 blue souls flew out of his hand.

"Sure, it's always a pleasure doing business with you. Come back anytime." Sven muttered with a smile.

"Yeah, it's definitely not my last visit." Wain nodded and headed for the exit.

He was pleased with the information and the subject matter he had received. 

Wain now began to understand more about the inhabitants of the World of Darkness, or rather the World from which he and the other humans were separated.

There was a lot of information, and even Wain found it quite difficult to accept that there were so many strong and varied races besides humans. 

Sven talked about the races in some detail, but Wain realized that many small and important details were still left.

'Sven said that all the strongest races are called Pillars. Elves, Ashens, Vampires, Inerians, Demons, Axalts, Constructs, Angels, Undead, Plants, and BeastFolk. Eleven races in all. Hmmm, maybe it's my associations, but the Pillars have always been a number twelve. Could it be that some race he didn't tell about?'

Wain walked through the passage in a spatial rift and wondered if Sven could have withheld something from him. Wain didn't think it was possible since Sven had never deceived him before.

However, at one point, Wain remembered that Sven refused to say what his race was the last time.

'Perhaps that's why he didn't tell me, or maybe there are only eleven races among the Pillars. Hmmm, humans, could they be the twelfth race?'

Wain shook his head and decided not to think about it anymore. He had a more important task at the moment. He had an idea of finding a talented alchemist without leaving his Void.

He wasn't sure if his idea would work, but in theory, it should.

When Wain returned to Frozen Land, he immediately closed his eyes, and the ice beneath him turned to ink. 

He moved to a place where hundreds of star-shaped Voids hovered. Here he could declare war on the other zones, but that's not why Wain came here now.

Recently, Wain gained a Unique skill that synced up with his main soul. With this skill, Wain would use the Call of the King to be heard by certain people.

Wain had never used this skill before, but his idea was that there must have been rejected geniuses in alchemy among the Axalts and Constructs.

Perhaps their talent was overlooked, but that couldn't put out the fire in their hearts and desire to excel in alchemy. 

Perhaps someone powerful is deliberately making life difficult for them, or for some other reason, they are renegades. There could be many reasons.

For Wain, it didn't matter. All that mattered to him was the alchemist's skills and his potential. Wain himself had neither the time nor the desire to practice alchemy.

He knew better than anyone that there was no point in doing what he had no desire to do. For him, it would be a waste of time, but he could give the opportunity to those who really wanted it. 

That way, Wain would solve the problem of resources and get an alchemist and help another person make his dream come true. It was a win-win situation, but they had to find each other first.

"All right, the time has come. Pompous and rousing speeches aren't my thing, but there's no other choice." Mumbled Wain and took a deep breath.

He decided to use the skill in this place because there were hundreds of Voids floating around him. That way, his voice would reach more people who fit the conditions.

Wain began to speak, and a black crown with a closed eye appeared on his head at the exact moment. It was as if he had activated a Beyond.

"I, Nameless, address everyone whose dreams of becoming a great alchemist have been shattered and trampled like dirt! I appeal to those who have been rejected by the society where alchemy is developed. I appeal to those whose only goal is to reach the heights of alchemy. 

If there is still fire in your eyes despite the harshness of fate and the cruelty of the World, then join me! With your talent and my help, one day, you will go beyond reason!"

When Wain finished his fiery speech, a vast amount of dark energy burst forth from his body, splitting into two streams and disappearing into the boundless darkness.

At that moment, the two persons heard a strange voice, like a call from the abyss.