The Achievement Junkie

"That's enough… Now back to business…"

Halmut took some deep breaths as he walked back to his seat. The other holy gods patiently waited while their eyes were glued to the distant wall. A body was embedded in the granite, groaning after taking such a beating. Naparn limply fell from the wall and sorely walked to his seat as well.

"Now… There are some things we must discuss," Halmut returned to the topic at hand. "Though we didn't end up with the enchantment key this time, at least we came out on top in this exchange. Which reminds me…"

Looking to the corpse atop the table, Halmut asked, "Who killed her?"

"It was Sterfen," Oosam calmly replied.

"Right… Then, Tralbok, you're magic should be cast first," ordered Halmut.

Tralbok nodded and got up from his seat, approaching the corpse. White, blinking lights surrounded his hand as Tralbok touched the hole in Sybin's neck. A few moments passed but, eventually, it started to reseal itself.

Next, Halmut lifted his hand and shrouded the corpse in holy light. His other hand held a multi-colored crystal. As the holy energy entered Sybin's body the multi-colored energy of the crystal fled to the corpse as well, leaving the gem entirely clear and translucent, like glass.

Breath escaped Sybin's lungs once more. Her eyed blinked spastically for a moment as she took in her new surroundings. "I'm… back?"

"Yes. You can't get out of your contract so easily," Halmut stated, smiling. "Now, return to your seat. We need to discuss the next steps of your return to the public eye."

*****

Inside the Leisure Guild, all the neutral gods were together in their strategy room. All of Jack's party members were also present, apart from the hulking beasts that were resting after a long battle.

Sterfen closed the door behind him as he reentered the room, now joined by Phoro. "It was a success."

"Good… Then our mortal forces aren't any weaker than theirs. Aside from their hidden dragons, we're sure to be able to withstand them," Eedaj stated.

"But including the dragons is the important part," added Sterfen. "We'll need to rally up as many forces as we can, given how Lunara's people and Kori's were wiped out either during the war or while Kori was in isolation. Got any ideas, Moranti?"

"If we had just a few more Spectral Dragons, then we'd be able to contend with however many dragons came against us. Is there no way to search for others?" Moranti asked.

"I have no clue. That's something that Jack may be able to answer but I think asking our dad would be best," Sterfen replied with a shrug.

"Can we do that?"

Sterfen took out his calling stone, placing it on the table. "Everyone, come and touch the stone. After he shows up, you can let go."

No one was against the idea as everybody got up and stood around the table. Once all hands were on the stone, Sterfen poured his energy into it and summoned Daruun's apparition.

"Father, we have a few questions." The others returned to their seats while Sterfen continued, "Is there some way to search for more prehistoric amulets? Would we be able to find more Spectral Dragons?"

"Hmm…" Daruun's apparition stroked his chin. "It's not impossible… but it would be incredibly difficult. There's a reason why neither Halmut nor Skaryn attempted such a thing prior."

"And what reason is that?" asked Sterfen.

"Because Jack was never around until now and he would never agree to help them with such a thing," stated the apparition. "Jack's system, as you've already assumed, is a more efficient version of the god system. With it, Jack should be able to search for specific items by mixing skills and spells together with his system. But you'll have to wait for Jack's return and it would still take him time to scour the continent in secret for such a thing."

"So Jack can do that too? Now I'm jealous…" Moranti gave a self-mocking laugh.

"Don't be. You're plenty powerful as is, Moranti. Your species has origins that rival Jack's system but such a thing would take some time to explain," Daruun added.

"WHAT?! Tell me more! Does that mean there are more of my race elsewhere?" Moranti asked.

"Not on this planet. Your race was created in an attempt to mimic a friend of mine. His abilities are beyond incredible, particularly in battle. If he and I were to fight, he would clearly be the victor," explained Daruun, jarring everyone present. "But I failed to recreate his lost species. However, it led to you Spectral Dragons being born, something I'm ultimately proud of."

The many mortals in the room were the most baffled, not fathoming what Daruun could mean by creating the Spectral Dragon species.

The apparition continued, "Right, allow me to say this for those of you who didn't yet know. I'm the creator of this world."

Not only were the mortals floored, Choron and Lunara were also thrown for a loop.

"As an attempt to better understand cosmic energy and refine my skills, I created this secluded world. I filled it mostly with lifeforms designed after those I've encountered throughout my life. And while I'm at it, I'll mention the purpose of surpassing lv. 99," mentioned Daruun. "Only by surpassing lv. 99 can someone grow strong enough to leave this planet. But it's not as easy as it seems, otherwise, someone would have done it by now. But is there anything else you wish to ask me?"

Completely unfazed by Daruun's comments, Sterfen asked, "Father, can you tell us if they'll attack us before Jack arrives?"

"They will," Daruun answered. "Don't count on finding more summoning amulets before they rile up more conflict here in Trodar. Also, a reminder, don't contact Jack. He'll contact you all the moment he's finished reaching his tomb. Anything else?"

"What's the name of my great ancestor?"

Turning to Moranti, Daruun smiled. "Dominus. You should be proud to have his blood running through your veins."

"Dominus… Now that's a name!" Moranti shouted. "One day, I'll meet him!"

"Stick with Jack and you just might," Moranti chuckled. "With nothing else, I'll take my leave. I wish you all luck. A father would never wish ill of his children."

Smiling one last time at the other and ending with a nod to Sterfen, Daruun's apparition vanished in a flash of white light.

But when the light faded, everyone was still in a daze though. The mortals and the newly inducted neutral gods were baffled to learn about Daruun's true identity. Moranti was daydreaming about passing lv. 99 and traveling to visit his powerful ancestor. All other neutral gods were hung up about Jack's system truly surpassing their god system. Only Sterfen was still smiling, fully taking in his father's departure and words of wisdom.