*The Harmekians have been hesitant to attack Parshura, knowing full well that once you awaken, their forces- weakened from fighting the Parshuran army- would be completely decimated by you. They instead bide their time, and it has come now as the Spring is finally done Purifying the Malice.*
*As the defending party, Parshura awaits the attack of Harmek, an preemptive strike would be considered dishonorable according to tradition. The last thing King Dervix needs right now is other countries taking issue with his handling of Harmeks aggression.*
I feel a powerful surge of Magic reverberate through the Dream.
*...*
*The Hero has been successfully Summoned.*
*... As the Skill, Innate World Knowledge, I am unable to give detailed information on them until you meet them. It would violate several agreements made between the Divine. I apologize, Great Monarch.*
???
A Summoned Hero's POV
"Haaah, what a lovely night." I sigh to myself as I make my way through the cobbled streets of the capital. I readjust the rucksack I'm carrying. It's heavy from all the books within it. To think, even someone without a Talent could get into the Academy.
It takes a lot more effort on my part, of course, but my grades are good, and once I graduate I'm guaranteed a job back in my hometown. Things surely are looking up!
I take a calculated risk and go into an alleyway to shorten the route between the Academy and my housing.
Just as I enter, a bright light engulfs me. I cry out with surprise as everything is bathed in a blinding rainbow aura. I feel the weight of the rucksack leave me, and slowly the light fades.
I dare open my eyes just a little, my ears flat against my head and my tail puffed up in alarm. Before me stands two people I've never seen before. Both of them radiate an aura of power. I can only liken it to when the Great King Hero glanced my way during last years Celestial Parade. These two are even stronger than him!
Their pose is odd... well, now that my eyes have recovered from the light, their entire being is odd. They seem to be wearing masks? I can't determine the gender of either of them, but one is clad in white and gold, the other in black and silver. They're standing next to each other, un-moving except for their breathing, holding the palm of one of their hands up to the others.
"Greetings, Hero." They speak in near unison, creating a singular, echoing voice. Like their looks, I'm unable to judge gender on their voices either. "We are the Envoys of the Divine, here to aid you in completing your Summoning." They bow in unison, but do not move the hands that are pressed against the others.
"I am Imera, Envoy of Light." The white and gold clad one speaks alone. "I am Nychta, Envoy of Dark" The black and silver clad one speaks alone. "Together, we represent the Divine of Light and Dark, Good and Evil." They take a pause, and to my alarm, their heads swivel on their necks as if they were puppets. Once their heads have done a full rotation, their mask-like expressions of a polite smile have changed to that of a questioning look.
Divine of Light? Like, that Divine? But I've never heard of the Divine of Light associating with the one of Dark, nor these 'Envoys'...
"Your name?" They ask. I hesitate. "Shouldn't you know that already?" I ask. Their heads swivel again, their expressions becoming bemused smiles. "We do. But it's rude to not introduce oneself." Their tone shifts ever so slightly, making it clear I have no choice.
"Seiff Geistbane." I introduce myself. "A pleasure, Hero Seiff. Now we can continue." They seem amused, but their expressions don't change. "You have been Summoned from your World into this one in order to fulfill a Task." A... Task? The way they say that...
"Specifically, the Queen of the Kingdom Harmek, Typhona Vileclaw, has Summoned you to defeat a Monster that in her eyes is a blight upon the land." I... but- "Why me?" I ask.
They shrug. "You were the one chosen by the Ritual. It seeks out the most suited entity from neighboring Worlds and brings it here. You were simply the easiest to bring over." So- so it's down to chance that I was brought here...
"Now don't give us that look. It was the Queen that ordered your Summoning, it's her you should be upset at." Their heads swivel again, becoming gleeful smiles. "Though we suggest you keep any complaints to yourself. She's a bit... off her rocks?" Their expressions become serious again.
"Now, as much as we'd love to explain the implications of your Summoning to this World, time dilation only gives us that much to work with." They each hold a hand forward. "You're a special case! No particular features that would easily let us choose Skills to give you, so we'll let you decide for yourself."
"We think you should know, however, that the monster is of legendary strength, able to add the power of those it kills to its own." They pause, seemingly looking at something past me.
"If your Stats are all at a hundred, which is as high as you can naturally go in this World as a humanoid... That monster has Stats that exceed three thousand, at the moment. It might go up further in the time between now and then."
I'm hit with a wave of helplessness. My power is at its peak in this world... but still I'm just a speck in comparison to the monster I've been chosen to slay... "Is there something that can even the odds?" I ask. "There is. It's a powerful Skill, rarely given out as it has the potential to do as much harm as good if used improperly. Though against that monster, it will definitively hurt to use."
A voice announces in my head:
*Skill granted: Equalize (True - Unique - Fated) - The User and the target add their Core Statistics together, then split them evenly among themselves. Severe recoil if either the User or target exceed their natural maximum Core Statistics, as their bodies will be unable to contain the power properly.*
Ah- this must be this World's Voice... It's different from the one of my world. "Are there ways to limit the damage?" I ask. "Ask the Queen, tell her of the nature of your Skill. She is sure to have a way to help." They answer. "Ah- time's up. Don't believe her, by the way. That monster is not a threat to anyone unless provoked."
And with that, the world whites out again. What do you MEAN I'm being summoned to deal with a monster that isn't even aggressive!
A few moments earlier
Castle Harmek
As witnessed by the Divine
A Sigil is drawn upon the ground. A circle within a circle, and an eight point star within that again. Between the two circles various symbols are placed, with one equating to each Divine at each tip of the star.
Eight persons take their assigned spot within the Sigil. Each is adorned in differently colored robes and carrying a gem the size of a fist. Each gem corresponds to the color of robe they are wearing. As they take their place, the symbols light up.
Once all symbols are alight, the whole Sigil hums with energy as it lights up as well. The chant begins. An ancient, long lost language is spoken for the first time in hundreds of years, all that is left of it is this chant.
As the Ritual proceeds, the Summoners each hold aloft the gem they're carrying. A light emanates from within the gems, shooting out as a beam that joins in the middle of the Sigil. The chant stops, the light winks out, the beams fade.
All for a split second, before the forms of the Summoners turn to pure energy, same with the gems, all coalescing at the middle, forming a great humming orb.
The orb hollows out, and the Void Between could be seen, was there anyone in the room to witness it. Surely whoever did so would be rendered mute, to ensure they could not relay the sight to anyone else.
The orb then takes the shape of a humanoid. A Beastfolk man to be more specific. It stays like this for a moment, before the Summoned Hero is brought fully into this World, and the Ritual is complete.
A Summoned Hero's POV
I blink a few times as the light fades again. I'm in a dark room, the walls and floor made of stone. I look down, and notice piles of ash positioned in a circle around me. Something to do with this Ritual that brought me here? I should take a moment to inspect myself, actually.
Seiff Geistbane
Species: Beastfolk (Humanoid) (Uncommon)
Gender: Male
HP: 500/500
MP: 500/500
SP: 625/625
Attack: 100
Armor: 132
M.Attack: 100
M.Armor: 110
Speed: 120
STR: 100 (MAX)
CON: 100 (MAX)
INT: 100 (MAX)
WIS: 100 (MAX)
DEX: 100 (MAX)
Equipped:
Student's Garb (+5 Arm. +10 M.Arm)
Skills:
Earth's Blessing (Grand - Unique(Beastfolk)) - Equalize (True - Unique - Fated)
Damage Resistance: Physical (Normal) - Damage Resistance: Earth (Normal)
Damage Resistance: Fire (Normal) - Damage Resistance: Air (Normal)
Damage Resistance: Water (Normal) - Damage Resistance: Light (Normal)
Damage Resistance: Dark (Normal) - Damage Resistance: Death (Normal)
Condition Resistance: Terrorized (Lesser) - Condition Resistance: Doom (Grand)
Language Comprehension: Harmekian (Great) - Language Comprehension: Common (Great)
Weapon Affinity: All (Normal) - Elemental Affinity: Life (Normal)
Presence Sense (Great)
Spells:
Heal (Normal) - Cure (Normal)
Life Aura (Normal)
Social Titles:
Otherworlder - Summoned Hero
Oh, this World's System is quite different, though it still displays the wrong gender... I mean, it only lists the physical, but from inspecting me there is no way to tell I'm nonbinary... Luckily, language won't be an issue, and I seem to have been given a lot of defensive Skills. Perhaps that's standard for Heroes though.
As I ponder this, a door creaks open, and an old, bearded man peeks into the room. A tall, slightly menacing, masked man looms behind him. "Ah- It worked!" The old man exclaims before turning to the masked man behind him and making a face. "No, I never doubted." He says, sourly.
Did- did the masked man speak to him without me hearing? The old man enters the room, followed by the masked one, as well as a third person, who seems to be trying to hide themselves. Their form is covered in some sort of shadow, and the two others seem oblivious to their presence.
"Grand Hero! Welcome to our World!" The old man bows deeply. The masked one doesn't move. "Where am I?" I ask. "You're currently within the dungeon of Castle Harmek, in the Kingdom of Harmek. I am Meglor Umberclaw, minister of Arcanum." He responds.
"Seiff Geistbane. And the others?" The old man makes a face and looks around the room before grumbling. "Jax, you fiend, reveal yourself." He orders. The third person reveals themselves. "Impressive, to see through my Skill." He smiles. "Don't worry about this one. He's an... observer for an ally of ours." He motions towards the masked man.
Meglor sighs, clearly Jax wasn't supposed to be here. "Never mind, Hero. Let us make our way out of here, this place is bad for my nerves." Meglor motions for me to follow him. Jax slips back into the shadows and out of sight. The masked man follows behind me just a step too close for comfort.
We walk in silence for a while, before Meglor seems to remember something. "Ah- I should explain why you're here! The Queen, her Royal Highness Typhona Vileclaw, has Summoned you in order to defeat a vile monster." He sounds... unconvinced when speaking ill of the monster though.
"Her Highness will explain in greater detail, but know that the might of the Harmekian Army will back you up in your great Task." We exit the dungeon, entering a warmer, more vibrant part of the castle.
Some more walking, and we come to a stop before a great double door. Eight other men stand before it, waiting. As they spot me, hushed whispers are exchanged. Jax reappears from somewhere and joins them, readjusting his spectacles.
"Hero, we're about to meet with the Queen. It is important, nay, imperative to your survival, that you do not speak unless given permission by the Queen herself. She will request 'respond' or 'answer' when she does so, so keep that in mind." Meglor looks quite serious when he tells me this.
W-what kind of maniac is this queen if even her Summoned Hero risks their life speaking out of line? I feel a cold sweat starting. The large doors are opened, and all twelve of us enter the large room behind them. The masked man walks up next to the stairs to the throne, turning to face us.
He seems to be ranked higher than the minister? I then take in the features of the figure that sits upon the throne. A decrepit old woman, wearing a stained and tattered dress that once must have been quite lavish, holding a scepter in one hand and an orb in another, a heavy crown perched precariously upon her balding head. Are those... feathers on her head?
She looks more like a Lich than an actual living person. I involuntarily flinch as she suddenly moves from her hunched position, lurching forward to get a better look at me. I shiver as amber eyes scour every inch of my figure. A smile forms on her lips, twisting her already unpleasant features even further.
"Dear Hero, it is an honor to welcome you to this World." Her voice carries strength, and even though she's quite a distance from me, it sounds as if she's right next to me. "We, Typhona Vileclaw, Queen of Harmek, have Summoned you to this World so you may perform the Task of defeating the Monarch."
She settles back onto the throne. "We will spare no expense in aiding you, the Council is at your service to provide anything you need. But it is imperative that you defeat the Monarch, for the good of this kingdom, and all others for that matter."
Her eyes narrow. "Please, you seem to have a question. 'Answer'." Ah- the signal. "Your Majesty, I cannot help but wonder why this monster needs to be dealt with?" I ask, praying to whatever benevolent force that inhabits this world that she doesn't take offense.
Her face contorts in rage, before taking a deep breath. "Of course, you'd be unaware of the situation. Surely Our dear Meglor thought it best to foist the task of explaining upon his beloved Queen." Her words drip of malice, and I fear I might have landed Meglor in trouble.
"The reason is simple. The Monarch is a monster of unparalleled strength and potential, rightly it is called the 'Ruler of all Monsters'. Normally, its existence would be of no issue, however..." Her face once again twists with anger. "That despot, Dervix Amberroux, King of Parshura, has somehow tamed it. Parshura is a vile, evil kingdom that is a blight upon this World. Him having control of the Monarch is too dangerous."
She takes several deep breaths. She seems unused to talking this much. "We fear that before long, he will use it to to lay waste to the World in his mad quest for World domination." So, that's why this Monarch has to be dealt with. A rival kingdom has befriended it.
"Now go, confer with the Council. I tire." The Queen waves us off. All of us save for the masked one leave the room, the large double doors shutting behind us as we leave.
The Throne Room
As witnessed by the Divine
"Speak freely, Aurellium. I wish to hear your opinion on the Hero." Typhona addresses the Tendon. A ghostly blue light flickers to life behind the lenses of the mask. The Tendon bows deeply before her, their movements remotely controlled by the Undead Noble.
"A youth of no particular talent. It seems the Divine let him choose his gift. As I suspected, they picked the first and easiest they came across. Before I proposed our little... scheme, I went over all historical records of Summoning." The Tendon shrugs, their movements becoming much more lifelike now that they're performing as the Noble's mouth.
In truth, anyone can become a Tendon, one just needs to don the garb. However, being allowed to serve Aurellium this closely, only the most devoted of followers are allowed. As such, Tendons tend to become almost euphoric when the Noble speaks through them.
"As it turns out, the Divine are not at all impartial. If someone they deem 'unworthy' or 'that doesn't need it' try to Summon, the Hero chosen will be substandard." Typhona hisses at this revelation. "Curse those Divine! May the Malice take them!" She spits, her hands shaking in rage.
"Even so, my Dear Queen, we might turn this around. The Hero's Skill, Equalize, will most assuredly kill him on the spot if used on the Monarch as is. Give me a week. I will have my Thumb construct an armor that will allow him to survive at least for a while, perhaps even long enough for your army to fully deploy against it." Typhona's shaking subsides.
"Very well. A week. Eight days, no more. I cannot delay this any longer without the others taking issue." The others she speaks of would be Yo'ud and Eyslef. The Tendon bows deeply again. "Thank you, Your Highness, I shall not disappoint."
(~Also, in this World, one week is eight days, one month is four weeks (32 days), and a year is twelve months, each named after one of the elements ~)
(~Next chapter is the last recap! Things are heating up!~)