The Achievement Junkie

CLAP!

A single clap was heard amidst the blinding light. It was quiet and calm yet everyone in Estonya heard it clearly as if they themselves had clapped. The many combatants, both on the ground and in the air, were able to hear it perfectly as well despite the chaotic battle that they were currently apart of.

The light lasted only a couple of seconds yet everyone had the sensation that it lasted for an hour. It was unexplainable.

When the light faded, everyone finally noticed something. They were no longer able to move. The dozens of dragons, beasts, and experts on the ground were frozen in place, even standing in the air mid-jump. Even the gods were locked in place. It felt as if their bodies were completely relaxed and nonresponsive, no longer allowing them to move in any way or control any energy whatsoever. All mouths had closed during the flash of light and were also nonresponsive.

Only people's eyes were functioning, staring intently at the parted heavens with doubt, shock, and awe.

A single figure stood there. It was a man. His pure white clothes put the clouds to shame and his kind smile was warmer than the morning sun in all its glory without the cloud cover.

The city of Estonya was clueless about the man's identity but their curiosity was stolen without reprieve. While the dragons were also confused about the man, many of those from the Leisure Guild remembered the man, some more vividly than others. The gods were especially shaken, unaware of what was going on and far more shocked than the mortals. The legendary gods were dumbfounded and left wanting to know more as the leisure gods were both relieved and utterly perplexed as to what was taking place.

Jack was amongst the most confused, with his personal knowledge only leaving him more vulnerable to bafflement. He looked and wanted to sigh. Close enough to breathe on Tralbok's neck, Jack was less than a moment away from claiming the God of Time's life, possibly removing one of the most troublesome pawns in Halmut's control.

But Jack took that prolonged moment of silence to look around, noticing how even the battle was.

Dragas was about to catch Choron and Guuro, imminently reviving them back at lv. 89. Eedaj was being strangled by Perchet, already bleeding from his nose and one eye as Eedaj's reinforcements were about to act. Moranti was halfway through a trading blow with both Grixor and Torian, giving them a 2-for-1 trade in their favor. Sillo was about to be run through by Duorda's black half. Tyres was gaining an advantage in his match against Jin and Kori, leaving the bleeding Hadurt on the ropes as he mounted his best defense against Alcahain. The two newly risen Quake Dragons were also about to lose their lives.

Though both sides were taking considerable damage, Jack couldn't help but feel that his strategy was going to work out in the end. But now this?

"Sorry to interrupt… It's finally time that I announce something to all of Kartonia, and to the gods of Kartonia specifically. As such, I'll allow you to speak so long as you save your questions for an appropriate moment."

At that moment, all the gods regained control of their relaxed lips. One god instantly lashed out verbally, demanding, "DARUUN?! WHAT IS THE--"

"I said to wait for an appropriate moment, Tralbok." Daruun shook his head as Tralbok's lips resealed themselves and left the God of Time unable to attempt speaking for the duration.

As his calm voice passed over everyone's ears without being loud, Daruun continued to address the city of Estonya and the gods present, "Where was I? Oh, yes. I'm more glad than you can fathom to announce the unsealing of Glacier Keep!"

The words "Glacier Keep" echoed and reverberated through the air, keeping everyone's focus and curiosity hostage.

Jack blinked, unsure of how to take the information. All other gods were baffled also. Only one god present was left without curiosity for the named location, Lunara, who's mind went blank imagining the place.

"COME BACK, NOW!!!"

"Don't worry, Halmut," Daruun added, shocking the legendary gods further. "Once my announcement is over, they'll regain the ability to act for themselves and follow your orders. For now, I ask you not to distract them. I'd hate for you to interfere and force my visit to Olympic Chateau."

"..."

"Now that he's being more cooperative, allow me to resume my explanation."

The unknowing leisure gods weren't too surprised by Daruun's ability to threaten Halmut, but witnessing that was more than they expected. As for the legendary gods, they didn't know what to believe. Seeing Daruun listen in on Halmut's order via contact crystal was enough to send them into shock. Adding their current status of uselessness to that made things beyond conceivable but understanding that the powerful and arrogant Halmut had shut up with a few words was even more so.

"One week. That is when Glacier Keep will be unsealed. Since there are people within both factions of gods that already know of Glacier Keep's location, I've no reason to publicly share that with the world. But I will warn everyone of one thing. Only gods will find themselves capable of entering Glacier Keep."

Everyone's heart skipped a beat. As Daruun paused again, the many deities took a moment to digest the meaning of that statement.

Throughout Kartonia, there were high-level dungeons for solo adventurers, small groups, or large-scale raids. But there had never been a place designated for only gods. Such a place would be a god's paradise, in terms of EXP, the very thing that they had been lacking for millennia.

Jack was also racked with thought. He had never heard of Glacier Keep. But with Daruun announcing it, Jack assumed that it was yet another place created by Daruun, like Earthen Keep. Which led Jack to wonder…

"A dungeon for gods?" The hero mumbled to himself.

"Speak up, Jack," Daruun stated, getting everyone's attention to turn to the young god.

Blinking, Jack asked loudly, "Is Glacier Keep a dungeon for gods?"