BOOK 2/55 - Hammer and Nail.

The Sol trembled slightly, red rocks vibrating, golden hot magma splashing. Five Elders Titans and a Pyroclastic golem stood side by side in a line. Their gaze never left the Colossus nearing them. It's steps shaking the Sol, it's body burning with the brightest golden red flames or made of it. It's head and shoulders seemed to challenge the rust red skies of Sol. The heat it exuded was oppressive and the Titans had the feeling only their status made them immune to it.

For miles, as far as their sight went, not a single living creature walked close to the Colossus. It was either the fear of trampling or the oppression of the heat.

The Titans looking it over didn't care. Their minds were filled less with its beauty and more with how to get what they came for.

"So... What's the plan?". Mera was the first to speak, done with the staring. No one replied, their silence grating as they just kept watching. Then Stryder spoke up, a hand running through her hair of light and energy.

"Let's speak to it. It might just give us the domains freely like the others did".

Hellion turned to look at her and Mera leaned forward to get a look around Helion. "For all we know this thing could attack us". She pointed out and Hellion nodded speaking as well.

"Ignis did warn us about it's lack of reasoning. I don't think he'd lie about that".

Stryder looked to see reason in the words. "Besides, we have the element of surprise here. Best to take it". Mera added.

When Stryder didn't argue again Thorin spoke up. "Then what's the plan, surprise attack or not I doubt we'll get it down easily. We meed a way to bring it down"".

Everyone descended into another bout of silence. The clanging of chains as Blaze unrolled them and let them drop to the ground drew Hellion's eye. He stared at the massive links looped together. Watched them go up and loop around Blaze's wrist. But he failed to spot their ending.

'Where do they end?'. The question changed as his eyes returned to the Colossus, specifically it's large tree trunk legs. "Say Blaze, how long, far and much can your chains go?".

The Titan with ash swirling for hair cut him a glance, turned back to the Titan and understood. "Enough".

"That should work then". He nodded in reply.

"What should work?" Mera asked and Stryder looked at him too. He replied.

"It's to high. Only you would be capable of harming it's torso, so we bring it down to the rest of us ground dwellers".

"Blaze's chains. You mean to trip it". Stryder understood.

"Yes".

"Just the chains won't cut it. Unless Blaze can pull it off its feet which I doubt any of us could do". Thorin poked at the plan's flaw and Hellion nodded.

"That's where you and Mera come in". Hellion said nothing more as he began searching the area. What he wanted wasn't hard to find. Not in a realm like Sol. Pointing he got Thorin's attention. "See that mountain. You're gonna Launch a strike from there. Your most powerful, heavy strike. It doesn't have to be lethal, just enough to shake it". He turned to Mera. "Your gonna help him. A strike to the face or torso as wel. You want to make sure you hit the same time as Thorin or right after". He turned to Blaze.

"Once it stumbles bring it down".

"What do we do?" Stryder gestured to the two of them left out of the plan. Hellion palmed his sword's pommel.

"We keep it's focus on us. I'm going to have to burden you with keeping an eye on us all".

Stryker nodded. "I'll take it's left leg".

"Once it falls, what then?" Thorin asked.

"I don't see a weakness to exploit". Mera added.

Hellion turned to Horkirk. "Say, where would I stab to kill you?".

Without blinking the golem pointed right at the center of its chest. "Same for all of you".

The Titans blinked and rubbed their chest. A sense of discomfort at having such a weakness didn't sit right with them. Hellion sighed. "Okay. Once it falls, we go all out on its chest then".

"If there's nothing else". Mera looked at everyone, waiting to hear any extra plans before floating up. She'd been practicing her flying on their journey and her flight had gotten better and faster. She was yet to fly as fast as a bullet let alone anywhere near Stryder's speed. But she was faster than someone who'd just started should have been.

Stryder stopped looking at Mera when she became one with the rusted red skies of Sol. Thorin was moving, his destination the mountains Hellion had pointed out. His fiery hair, more flame like than the rest of them fluttered in an absent wind.

Thorin bounded forward, racing for the mountain. In his right palm he held his hammer tight. Blaze began a slow step forward, chains hitting the ground and following behind him as he walked on. Stryder and Hellion nodded to each other as began walking forward as well. Horkirk stayed back watching the scene before him.

As the drew closer or as the Colossus got nearer, the ground lost all stability. Heaving and rattling like it was trying to get thrown off. Looking across the distance and up the mountain Hellion spotted Thorin. He was ready.

He looked to Stryder and nodded. Both took off in a normal dash towards the Colossus. Hands on their handles they ran to the Colossus. Just a quarter way to it the Colossus stopped and it's head tilted, wind roaring as it was about to look down.

Hellion vanished in a bust of light that trailed up to the Colossus right leg. He drew his sword mid motion , essence draining from him and into the blade. The crack down it's black steel stretched like it was getting parted. He was already swinging as the blade turned an incandescent white.


**Blazing Sword - Solar Blade Strike**


It slashed through the ankle of the Colossus and out the other side. The Colossus froze, it's head descent pausing and whipping back up as a roar escaped its lips. Stryder was already on the side having used Titan Flash to close the distance to it.

The next moment her movement became blurry and to fast to pinpoint as she activated another skill.


**Solar Surge**


Her short swords blurred and embedded into the Colossus ankles from both sides. This was at the same moment as Hellion's strike causing the Colossus to lose coordination on which feet to flinch away with. Reflexively it dragged the feet suffering more pain. While Stryder had caught it from both sides, Hellion's blow had cut through its ankle quite deeply.

As it staggered back Blade struck. Muscles bulged and rippled over his torso and arms as he dragged the chains off the ground and flung them up. Dragging them back down to him , he stomped his feet into the earth swung the chains over his head and straight to the Colossus.

The chains shot forward in a rattle of steel and links. Sweeping from both sides and slapping onto the Collosus. The chains rapidly looped the two tree sized legs round and round. Hellion and Stryder found themselves weaving through the strikes of the chains as the looped the legs and attacking the ankles again to weaken its foot.

The Colossus had gotten its bearings, though. The pain to its feet was miniscule, if anything it had been just the shock of it that stung. Nothing small had ever dared attack it. It looked down, even faster than before. The air trembled with its movements and it's hands shot out as it's body tried to crouch.

"Stay still!". Blaze bellowed and tugged at his chains. But he did more than physical pull. His domain flared and the ground rumbled. Cracking and splitting, the floor below the Colossus shifted and moved.


**Chain Prison**


Earthen chains shot out. Like arrows and snakes they struck and wriggled around the Collosus. The fiery body of their prey burned them and scorched most into magma. Hey the chains were too much for it. Looping around its arms and feet Blaze set his left leg forward and then tugged again. Only the chains looped around its feet shifted. The Colossus lost balance but fought to regain it.

Unfortunately that was the sign the other two Titans needed. Thorin stop the mountain peak pointed his hammer behind him. Essence flooded it and it brimmed with fiery energy. Then he called upon his domain portfolio and drew it into his body. Strength filled his muscles and he felt untouchable. With a roar r swung the hammer forward and let it slip free.


**Solar Smash**


BOOM!!!

The sound barrier shattered the moment it left his fingers, then a trial of red mixed with the environment. The Colossus didn't see it coming.

BOOOOMM!!!

The force made the flames around its torao splutter for a second. But it was more than enough to make it lose the step it was trying to regain. The Colossus raged, it'd arms waving out or trying to. Still the chains binding it failed to stop the jerks it made. It was enough to set off the waves of fire in the air and the balls of destruction that came raining down.

The Colossus didn't have an aim or target but it knew it's problem was below so it sent all of its attacks to the ground. As the attack turned the beautiful burning Sol into an apocalypse hellscape another Titan shot through and straight for it's head. Leaving a trial of red and gold behind, Mera shot through like a missile. Using her Skies Domain she boosted her flight with the Wind portfolio, and dragged the wind in her sort to the sides removing resistance increasing her speed.

Right when she appeared before the Colossus head her body ignited in energy.


**Solar Bulwark**
**Solar Might**
**Sunfire Skin**


She felt the increase in power right as she punched. Her arm vanished into the head of fire that was the Colossus head and then stopped.

BOOM!!!

Below Blaze pulled harder. Above him fire and balls of destruction came raining down.

Hellion paused his attacks as the Collosus tettered, his eyes roaming across the battle. It'd barely been up to five minutes and yet the creature was already falling. He eyed the attacks raining down. Some will hit here, but the rest are focused around Blaze.

He caught Stryder's eye. "Protect Blaze". She looked and a frown creased her lips. Photon Rush turned her into a trail of gold that reappeared around Blaze. The Ash-haired Titan spared her a glance and went right back to pulling.

The first of the balls arrived. Stryder looked through her domains and skills. There was nothing she could do to stop the balls. Stryder frowned. Nothing in her domains was helpful in destruction. "Life and Nature duh".

"Wait. Nature". She ignored the other portfolios and focused on Seasons.

"Blaze!. Focus on doing what you're doing". The Titan grunted. Stryder shut her eyes and drew on her essence. Essence orbs appeared in her palms as her shorts swords were stored. Drawing on even more essence she focused on Seasons and around her.

Ice crystalized around her eyes and wind whipped up around both her and Blaze. White slowly gathered and the cracking sounds of glass breaking filled the air. Cold filled the air and the red cracks of the Titaness dulled as the space around them turned into a storm of winter.

The first meteors fell into this storm and the liquid fire entered as well. Stryder didn't have control over wind but with seasons she couldn't use it just enough. The storm of cold blew and redirected the meteors. The wave of liquid fire turned to ice before smashing on the ground and against her skin. None, not one, hit Blade.

The Titan himself finally relaxed as the force acting against him faded.

BOOOM!!!

The ground shook. Stryder stumbled and the winter cut off. The last fireballs and liquid fire doused and blew up on her sending her flying. Rolling through magma and golden stones she collided with a rock and stopped.

A cloud of red dust and golden motes filled the air where the Collosus had fallen. "Mera!". Hellion yelled up at the Titaness. A gust of wind blew the dust away revealing it.

Hellion crouched. "Everyone!. Now!". He roared sheathing his sword. Mera was the first to attack. Shooting down like a falling star. Her skills still active she hit the Colossus chest with force. The flames there shook and quenched before reigniting.

Mera blinked realizing it was made of fire. Blaze was right behind her, not delaying as his chains rolled up and around his fists as she jumped into the air above the Colossus. He dropped and slammed both fists as a hmmer on its chest.

A roar split the air and the Colossus moved again. It's arms swayed, sweeping through the air over its chest and slapping down itself. A blur of gold appeared to the side Mera and Blaze appearing.. The blur swept around the Collosus and up its head.

The creature roared again in pain as short swords spawned in its eyes or what it had as eyes. The thing slapped for its face.

Hellion still crouched l, saw the opportunity Stryder created. With a step he blurred forward, golden after images left behind as he moved fast. In a blink he was on its chest and then jumping. Light spilled from his eyes, his body became a torch so bright it made them look away. All that energy flooded down his arms and into his sword as he drew it. The motion was almost slow. And yet it left after images.

The sword pointed up and Hellion activated the skill.hr wanted.


**Blazing Sword - Blazing Sword Pierce**


He focused on his domain. Ignoring the portfolios he drew on what light was as he'd understood. I was both as bright as it was dangerous. As good as it was deadly. It was purity that burned and energy that wrought havoc.

He appeared on the Colossus chest. It's hands still on its face. For a split second Hellion pondered on just how innocent it looked. Wondered if they should spoken to it like Stryder suggested.

Even as he had the thought he plunged his blade down it's chest, right on the spot Mera and Blaze had struck previously. The same spot that coincidentally, Thorin had struck earlier.

The Colossus roared again and this time fire shot from its maw and straight for him. Plowing through Hellion it fizzled away. The afterimage faded away and the true Hellion looked up the mountain.

"HAMMER IT IN".

Thorin clenched his hammer tighter. Then he crouched and leaped. The jump shattered the mountain peak behind him telling the others he'd used his domain. Ascending high till his force petered out, Thorin drew on his domain. This time he drew on the portfolio mountain for his hammer. Simultaneously he drew on the portfolio Strength for himself again.

The hammer's sudden increase in weight was ignored as he held it above him. Then he drew on the third Portfolio.

"Legacy". His words was a whisper but the portfolio roared around him. An aura of might bloomed around him. Countless images of behemoths and giants coalesced into a gigantic blueish image of a giant floating behind Thorin. It unlike Thorin held a sword in the same stance as Thorin.

Then he kicked the air behind him and shot down. The image followed.

Wide-eyed the Titans stared. The prey blinded couldn't see the danger that approached but it felt it. Quickly it moved, trying to stand. A chain shot out and slugged its head sending it confused and back down. It didn't stop trying to stand and move though. But it was too late. Thorin's descent was in no way slow.

The image following became a vortex of mist that flowed I to his hammer. Then he swung down. Straight for the pommel of Hellion's sword still in the Colossus chest.

The hammer touched the pommel and light flashed. Stryder moved immediately. Grabbing Mera and Blaze away. Hellion stood in place as the light engulfed Thorin and him.

Stryder stopped next to Horkirk dropping her cargo. Light and shockwaves rolled up to them instantly and a thick wall of earth sprung up around them. It shook as the ground did, stones rolled off the wall and down with clatters. Blaze simply thickened it again. The notifications poured in then and everyone sighed in relief.

The shaking stopped after a while and Blaze sent the earth back down into the ground. A large plume of smoke and dust covered the area.

Mera sent out a gust of wind that cleared out the area revealing two Titans walking towards them. Hellion had a worried look on his face as he accessed his sword looking for cracks or scars. His hair once pure light was now like Thorin's, but where Thorin's burned a bright reddish good Hellion's was a white as snow.

Thorin next to him simply had a grin on his face.

"So?". Mera asked once they got to them. Hellion said nothing still looking over his sword. Thorin simply nodded.

"Alright. That leaves Blaze then".

"What'd you guys get?". Stryder queried stepping closer to them and looking them over for any changes. "Hellion feels like something good. Bountiful. Thorin feels, you feel sharpened. Strong".

"Don't tell me you got another domain with strength". Mera quipped. He shook his head and brought up the box showing it to them. Hellion did the same his focus still on his sword while he muttered about Thorin almost breaking it.


**You have gained Domain - Will**

**Domain of Will**
The Domain of Will is rooted in inner strength, mental fortitude, and the ability to drive oneself and others toward greatness. It represents the raw power of resolve and the force that pushes individuals to overcome obstacles, face fears, and lead with conviction. This domain influences emotions, decisions, and actions, shaping the very essence of perseverance and leadership.

Portfolios-
1. Determination: The unwavering resolve to achieve goals.

2. Courage: The bravery to face challenges and dangers.

3. Leadership: The ability to guide and inspire others.

4. Inspiration: The power to motivate and uplift spirits**



**You have gained Domain - Stars**

**Domain of Stars**
The Domain of Stars is both a guide and a tool of power, allowing its wielder to influence realms through celestial manipulation. Whether calling forth celestial energy, revealing hidden truths, or altering the very fabric of fate, this domain wields both beauty and cosmic strength.

Portfolios-
1. Constellations: The patterns and stories written in the stars.

2. Navigation: The use of stars to find one's way.

3. Night Sky: The celestial tapestry visible after sunset.

4. Destiny: The fate and future written in the stars.



"Well, that decides who's gonna lead". Mera chuckled.

"And who's going to strategize". Stryder added.

"I believe that part was already clear". Mera raised a brow. Stryder nodded in agreement. Hellion had already shown to be smarter than all of them so it was just clear that he would strategize even without a domain giving him boons for it. Stryder couldn't even think of how well he'd be able to plan when he could see destiny. While the description wasn't complete for them to see it was clear what that did in one word.

"Alright let's..."

Thorin was interrupted as notifications appeared before then. It was the same words for all of them.


**Day 1: 22hours**
**Please find a suitable area for logout in 2 RL hours**


"Well. I guess that decides that". Thorin shrugged. " That was what... 3 in game days. Nice".

"Considering how long each day was them yes. Nice". Mera agreed.

"Where do we camp though?". Stryder looked around. "It's too dangerous out here and leaving only Horkirk to protect us would be bad".

"I say we head somewhere safer. Maybe the village". Stryder offered.

"It's too far. We've come a long way. It's a day's journey". Thorin shook his head.

"We have Stryder". Mera shrugged.

"Still inconvenient". He argued.

"If we're going for the last Domain then I believe we should head closer to the Five cities themselves". Horkirk's gravelly voice suddenly butted in.

Everyone paused.

"Will it be safe in there?". Hellion spoke up showing he'd been listening. Then he sheathed his sword. "We saw how the village reacted to us".

"We camp outside then. The outposts clear up the areas around the city. It's safe enough". Horkirk explained.

"How far is it?".

Horkirk made a motion of fingers and then answered. "Double the journey from where we met".

Everyone groaned.

"We won't make it then". Thorin shook his head.

"What if we had that worm thing take us?". Stryder asked.

"She's too far off and the city would sense her coming". Horkirk refused.

It was a clear her digging caused issues that couldn't be ignored.

"If only we could take some monsters ourselves".

"Actually...". Hellion waved a palm and light flew from his hands and to the side. Everyone watched confused as the light took the shape of familiar creatures. Horses.

Made of golden light and with long manes the stood silently and unmoving as Hellion then poured a raging stream of golden and white energy that everyone assumed was his star domain into the horses. They still didn't move.

"Hmmh. Was sure that would work". He muttered.

"They lack life. Allow me". Stryder couldn't exactly give life to something that never had it. But she could do something better. Fertility let her make things sustain life. It wasn't as actually giving it life but when something could sustain life the laws of the universe went to work.

The horses moved. Their eyes a sea of white as their manes became white fire.

Notifications blared in Hellion and Stryder's minds. Both opened the boxes as the horses moved around them. Wide-eyed both looked up at the other.


""Title gained**** Life Weaver**
The Primordial is amused. Your intention to create life, a power outside your jurisdiction of simply giving life interests him. As he is all for doing things beyond ones limits he has offered this. This title grants the ability to intricately craft, bring forth life and the mastery over it. You have been granted Divine Authority. Bound only to Sol. Your essence now sustains life when infused into it.

You have been granted the Unique Skill - Resurrection of the Pure: A rare ability to bring back beings who lived virtuous lives, weaving their essence back into the material or Sol plane**