The Apocalypse Grinder - Chapter 317

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Ronan had taken a seat on the mossy ground of the grove to listen to Serenaeth 7 tell him the story of the Tellen’s second encounter with a member of the Chronos Clan. He was eager to hear it, and learn more about what those who possessed the same heritage as him were capable of; what he might one day be capable of doing.

The second member of the Chronos Clan that we encountered was Karazor. It was one of our pioneers who met with the unassuming woman on the dark continent of our old world. Back then, the Tellen had only spread across two-thirds of the planet, and Maragel 13, at the end of their natural lifespan, decided to send the seed of their next incarnation to the dark continent. It was risking their entire existence, 13 generations of memory and experience, in order to quell those untamed lands for the betterment of the entire planet and the species that resided there under our care. It was only when Karazor travelled from the dark continent to the mother grove that we learned of Maragel’s success in taming the untameable.

Getting a history and geography lesson about the Tellen’s old planet was not exactly what Ronan had in mind, but he understood that a great story needed to set the scene before getting to the juicy bits. He was still curious about Azathere’s defeat of an ‘Outsider,’ because the way the tree said the word made it sound like a truly terrifying creature. As he felt the next thought reaching across their link, he settled in to listen.

Back then, she was known only as Karazor. As she told it, she was still new to her powers, as you claim to be. Now, she is known by a different name, but to understand her title you must first know the story. I must admit to embellishing the Tellen’s role in the conflict, but it is on our world that Karazor first learned of her great enemy. The Barad were a highly aggressive species, using the power they gained through the integration to conquer their neighbouring star systems. The Tellen were just one of many species under threat of invasion. They were not only powerful, but ruthless and cruel. Those under their rule were slaves, treated as expendable labour. Not even the lower classes of the Barad were safe from the tyranny of their upper echelon. At the time, the Tellen were not fully integrated into the system. Our planet suffered from the war with the Barad, and that is why we ended in this strange scenario where we have been merged with other worlds, including yours.

In any case, Karazor learned of the Barad and their tyranny, and decided that she was going to topple their empire. Our elders at the time laughed at her ambition. They admitted her nobility and dedication, but told her that our fate was sealed; that she should take her journey elsewhere.

At that time, I was Serenaeth 2, still young compared to others of my kind. I had lived one life, and was part way through my second. I encountered Karazor just once, and had an enlightening conversation with her. I was enraged at the inaction of the elders, and wanted to speak to the young girl who claimed to be able to bring down an empire. I asked her how she expected to grow strong enough to challenge them, and she told me that there was no ‘how.’ She simply would. A bold and arrogant statement from a young challenger. At the time I thought she was crazy, but admired her determination. Now, I know better. The power your clan possesses is nearly unmatched across the multiverse. Endless growth with almost no drawbacks… Without the existence of the Outsiders and the Old Gods, you might rule the multiverse. Then again, your kind never seem to have interest in ruling over others.

Ronan could understand why. That seemed like a waste of time when he could do more fun stuff, like punch monsters and keep developing his skills, masteries, and magic.

That was the only time I spoke with her, but it was not the only time I saw her. The next was when she stopped being just Karazor, and became what she is now—Karazor the Obliterator.

A lone woman stood against the combined fleet of an empire. A thousand planets watched, a quadrillion lifeforms witnessing her saga unfold. A million or more ships, carrying the entirety of the Barad military force as they began their next invasion. She stood in space, staring them down. With a single swing of her blade, she erased an entire empire from existence. It was chilling, and exhilarating. Silence fell over a dozen star systems. The entire multiverse took note. Then she vanished. No one has heard from her since. A great mystery. If you ask me, I think she simply grew tired of the attention.

There was a pause. Ronan let the story sink in. There wasn’t much detail given, but he felt that was probably better for the telling of the story. The way the tree spoke of how instant the erasure had been… He imagined being that powerful. Why did she vanish, though. Is it the system? The administrator mentioned something about getting me on his side. Maybe there’s more to it than just making people stronger. And killing the others…

Then the tree began again. Anyway, all that to say I understand how it is possible for you to have the mark, despite me not having any memory of meeting you. I told you my story, now I would like to hear yours.

Ronan rubbed his temple. To be honest, it’s not much of a story. I think that you were confused in a strange new environment and you clung to the first potential ally you encountered. I must admit, the link felt quite invasive. I’m still not sure how to feel about the fact it was called a master-servant bond by the system, and that I was only spared that fate by my heritage. But, you seem fairly trustworthy, so I won’t hold it against you. I came to visit because I have grown much since our first meeting, and I wanted to learn more about the link, and this world we now call home.

I see. That is a little disappointing, but I can understand how it could happen. Even now, I feel nervous about being here. This grove is far from what it once was, and even with my best efforts, I am struggling. There are strange forces in every direction, and the system’s imposed barriers between sectors severely limit our connection. But, you have the mark, which means I have a responsibility to you. Together we will nurture this world and turn it into a sanctuary for all species that are willing to coexist. I am sure you do not view life the same way as I, but then again you are likely different from your own species, given your heritage. Even so, I would hope that you would work to protect our planet.

Of course. Unless it's those violent shapeshifters or arseholes like Rockmore. Screw them. Ronan frowned at the memory of the weird monsters fighting him in the boss tower. He hoped not all of them were violent, but he had begun judging creatures wholesale ever since the integration. A bad habit, but one necessary for survival and growth. He also had the personal thought that he was technically not a human anymore, but he would still protect them where he could.

Rockmore? I do not know this species. But, it seems you are aligned. That, at least, is a relief. To tell the truth, I know little more than you. I can tell you the layout of this entire sector, but perhaps you already know it. Once the barriers lift, I will have more influence and awareness.

That was useful. Ronan had already mapped the entire sector, but only the surface and the parts of the sewers he’d explored. Based on his experiences underground, he suspected there was a lot more beneath the surface than he expected. I would appreciate a map. I think my system will store it if you give it to me, but I’m not sure how to facilitate the transfer.

There was a small pause as the large tree vibrated. Ronan received feelings of amusement across the link. The system may be extremely useful in many ways, but there are plenty of aspects in which it is inferior to natural evolution. You may feel a little dizzy after this, but it is not harmful.

Ronan’s mind briefly reeled as a huge influx of information hit it, but he adapted fast. His Dual Mind trait, as well as his experience fighting against mental magic, meant he was very mentally adaptable. Once he recovered and grew used to the feeling, he realised that the link might actually be a far more valuable tool than he had first believed. In his mind there were endless amounts of information about the sector he occupied, from the basic layout of the surface all the way fifty kilometres down. The tree’s roots stretched truly far. But that was only the beginning of what it knew.

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