Book 2 / 21 - Munoron

Ring - 8th
Realm - NILHEIM


Dorian couldn't believe his luck. It had to be destiny or fate. The idea has been to find a universe and set up shop. Dorian knew that with the realistic immersion boasted of some things would change. He just had a nose for opportunity. Picking the Star Rings had been a random occurrence. So imagine his glee on feeling what the Black card offered.

Dorian was no fool. The moment he'd walked the surface of Vaustaris he'd known what he had to do. Of course, he didn't realize he would get whisked away to the true realm only moments later. But he was glad. The Undules had been receptive of him and he'd had it easy to make them see his way.

Their bloodthirsty culture and make right ways of seeing things just set the table for him. In hindsight, he didn't know he could delay his ascension. If he had he'd have made more preparation. Dorian knew it didn't matter. This new realm was heaven to him. The other players who'd come here for an edge Lord since realized just how daunting this place was.

There was something about this realm. and what the darkness made you feel. He didn't care. The dark was a nice place to prepare. The fools had thought they could contest the seat of power with him. The castle was and would be his. They had failed woefully.

True, they had skills and their power set was brilliant. It didn't matter when they saw this as a game and he saw this as yet another operation. He took joy in carving out the demoness's head. Even in the darkness, the other demon had wet his pants seeing the sadistic form on his face.

Dorian did not have time for kids. Plans needed to be made. Improvements needed to be made. He kicked away the demon's head and strutted up the stone and half-broken stars to his throne. Thrones. There were now three of them. He sighed as he remembered the count. Five Elders for each realm. 'Just have to kill two more brats'.

It wasn't hard to find them. They made it to the Castle sooner than expected. Their blood rolled down the stairs while their heads sat at his feet. 'Fools'. He couldn't believe in their need to practice their skills they'd forgotten something so crucial.

'Realistic immersion'. You could kill with a claw or small knife just as well as with a fireball. When the last body hit the bottom of the stairs he got a notification. One that made him smile like the madman he was.



**Pick your Domain**



It was something Hildelith had set. Something she'd not believe to be needed but knowing players she'd decide to just make sure it was covered. The tests not only pitted the players against each other, it gave the domains in waiting a chance to see who was more in sync with them.

There were no more demons. Only one. No need for a test anymore. The ten domains all desired to be bound by someone. Which meant the choice was no more theirs.

Dorian locked his lips as the domain list appeared. For a split second greed flared in his eyes. He thought of how to find the Creator player in real life and have her set things for him to own all the domains. At the same time, he figured it would be impossible. 'Game like this made sure people's true identities were hidden'.

Resigned but hopeful he accessed the domain once more.




**Domains**
Death
Decay
Destruction
Chaos
Void
Oblivion
War
Agony
Darkness
Despair





'I don't need to have Despair to make my enemies fear'. He smiled at the sight of Decay. If he wanted to rule or do something edgy like go on a conquest then he'd have kept the fool demon alive. He looked to the corpse of the last demon to die. Alas, that wasn't his care.

He wanted control. For what he knew was to come. 'It had better cone. Or y'all deaths were for nothing'. A chuckle escaped him and he waved in apology at the corpses. "Do t mind my ass".

It was down to Oblivion and Death. Dorian was stumped. For some reason, Oblivion just called to him. It made sense in a way. But death just gave him this feeling that he could use it to his will.

"Oblivion it is".



**Domains Selected**

**Your actions have garnered Fate**
**You have unlocked the Achievement Tab**
**You have unlocked the Title Tab**
**You have Unlocked the Domain Records**
**You have unlocked the Fate Records**


**Achievement Unlocked: "And There Was One"
- You are the sole remaining Elder Demon of NILHEIM. A boon or a bane remains to be seen. While you alone remain the domains of your fallen kin bend to you

**Rewards:**
+1000 Kama, +1000Fate,+1000 Destiny

**Title Gained - Kaiser**
- The domains left unchosen bow to you. As long as no demon stands within the realm you can tap into a single passive skill of your choosing from the domains' every flow.

-Title Gained - Kin Slayer of King Maker**
You have Slain your kin. Not one, not two but all. You alone stand on the authority of your realm. I doubt your father will smile at you for this. Your uncle might.

Mark of Freyja(Bane)
- A 10% Charisma bane.

Mark of Ozai(Bane)
- A 10% Charisma bane.

- Title Gained - The Ruthless
Anywhere you stand or go, you remain known as the Ruthless. The Elder who took his kins' heads. This with your marks decreases your trust factor but increases your terror factor.

**Domain of Decay Unlocked**
- Portfolios:
Authority of Rot: Accelerating decomposition and decay. Lv1
Authority of Disease: Spreading pestilence and plagues.Lv1
Authority of Corruption: Tainting and polluting life essence. Lv1
Authority of Entropy: Entropic forces unraveling order and structure. Lv1

**Domain of Oblivion unlocked**
- Portfolios:
Authority of Erasure: Effacing existence and memory. Lv1
Authority of Forgotten Realms: Banishing from the collective consciousness. Lv1
Authority of Nullification: Nullifying powers and abilities. Lv1
Authority of Void Travel: Navigating through realms of non-existence. Lv1




The Elder Demon stiffened as he felt a weight on him. The air thickened and the ground crumbled away. Fractures in space appeared and mended before stopping.

He read the notifications about the titles and achievements. They didn't faze him. He expected just as much. It was a game after all. 'Hopefully, this father figure doesn't come to end me or something'. He frowned. It was another reason to find the Creator Player. Get her children off his back.

"I guess I am her grandchild in a way then". He chuckled. Looking at one of the corpses he smiled "Let's see how this authority works". He focused on the corpse of the giant demon. He remembered how much trouble that one had given him to kill it. Alas, his perk had set him apart from the rest.

Its skin and scales turned gray and then began growing molds and mushrooms. It was slow but Dorian knew it was more due to his level than his essence. He added Erasure to it and found the effect tripling.

He turned his attention to the demon whom he killed last. He still couldn't get the thought of the idiot acting all nice and good after choosing a black card. 'Maybe wanted a change of character. Too bad, he met me'.

He relaxed back on the throne of stone and steel. A combination of the last two thrones when he'd killed the final two demons. It was larger and more comfortable. Poking open his Records he smiled at the sight.

"Munoron". He tasted the name on his lips. He liked it. 'Of course, I like it. I picked it'. It was nothing like the original name that he'd been given. Just like Dorian had been better for him so too was Munoron a good Demon name.

"I'll just have to drink that water next eh?". He asked turning to his fairy. The little thing had hidden itself behind a large window. Its eyes locked on the ashy remains of its brethren.

" Hey!!. I said is the water next?!". She nodded quickly head bobbing. "Thank you Sanev". Rising he stepped off his throne and ascended the stairs. "Well come on". He waved at the fairy to follow. He'd already mapped this Hall when he came. The only reason he'd not drank the water before was due to his lack of the domains. 'Now I have them'.

It was time to finish this quest'. The fact that he'd completed it on a game day wasn't lost to him. He stepped into the room above the castle and stared into the blue pond. It was like a bath of water but purer.



**Pond Of The Absolute**



He moved to its edge and knelt. Dipping both palms in he drew a palmful of the liquid to his face and sipped.



****


Sphere - 1st
Nothingness - LUNAR CASTLE


TORA'S POV



Mum's throne room was silent. No one said a word. No one dared to. I looked away from my fingers rolling a turbulent red, purple, and black mist to my brother Freyr. We all knew what he was thinking. What he was gauging. The consequences.

Rebellion and disobedience weren't new to us. But it didn't mean this height. Breaking this rule would be harsh on him. The crazy part of it was Mum seated right there filing through Molliwag's scale. She never once looked up at him. No one knew what she was thinking. We just knew it was bad.

Mum had barely vanished to wherever she went since the kids were born. It was just a day but she'd remained seated and unmoving watching with us. 'I bet Frey wished she wasn't here now'. His face was so blank it was frightening. 'He was already taking a liking to that Amor demoness and Tharl demon. 'Munoron you fool'.

Freyr turned his head to Mother. She stopped filing and looked up at him. Her blue eyes were cold. 'It's almost like she didn't want this but expected it. The domain settings wouldn't be there if not. I suspected once more that Mother could see our future or the general future. The surety of some of her words usually brings no arguments.

'Just like she was sure Freyr would survive the Change and he did'.

"You won't let me go down there and kill him, will you?". No one spoke. Freyr had never asked Mother a direct question like that before. It made sense though. Bro was pissed. Mother said nothing which Freyr took as an answer.

"We can't interfere. The kids can do whatever they want. Right?". I blinked. Ozai sat up straight. Mother narrowed her eyes. Freyr had a plan. We all knew it. Mother still said nothing but this time Freyr didn't speak. He stared at her intently.

Mother didn't like where he was going with this but she still answered. If anything to see what he would do.

"Then I grant a quest to them. Only by his blood will this day be forgiven. I..."

"Stop!!'.

Molliwag had a glare in his eyes as he took his head off mother's lap. He definitely didn't like the distraction from his scales. Mother rose from the throne, patting down her pants and shirt which she'd been wearing around the castle.

"I understand what you're feeling. While I've not lost enough of you to know the degree I'd like to think one of my kids is as important as four". She held his face between her palms and stared down at him. I never understood how no matter how tall we grew Mother just stood taller than us. Only Haero and Molliwag were bigger than her in size and weight.

"Go!. Take a walk. Sleep. Forge. Do something. Vent your rage on anything. And when you return if your decision remains the same. I, will grant a better reward to whoever brings you his head". The cloud of rage in Freyr's head fizzled out. "I don't care if you change your mind or not. But do not make this decision with rage. Think about it".

No one said a word as we all watched Freyr stand still for the next minute. Then he vanished in a puff of black smoke. Mother looked at everyone before stopping at Ozai.

" Don't antagonize your brother". She warned. He raised both hands in innocence.

" I wouldn't dream of it". I shook my head.

"What happens now, Mother?". Freyja asked. Her large puppy eyes already set. On her table. 'She wants to go down'.

"Can I go down and advise them. I won't tell them anything and I won't make them do anything. I just don't want NILHEIM to happen on Fayheim".

Mother sighed and nodded. "All of you can go". She looked tired as she returned to her throne. Molliwag tried putting his head back. " That includes you Molli. Freyr won't be in the state of mind to meet the Psions".

He huffed. "They have your blood too. So go and if possible also visit that girl Athena". If looks could kill Molliwag could have incinerated Freyja. Luckily she was already gone.

With a deep-throated rumble, his form collapsed into nothing.

"You have a question, Tora". I almost jumped. Looking around I realized only I and Mom were here. I inhaled and nodded.

"What happens now?". She cocked her head as if in confusion. I elaborated. "The children have all reached either the cities or claimed the items. The Aeus already have their domains like the Demon. What now?". I didn't add that I felt it biased no one was pissed only two Aeus remained simply because they had more than one blood.

'You're one to talk'. I admonished myself remembering the lack of reaction I had to the Deities almost killing each other.

"Why do you think I set the cities in a pentagram around the Monuments?". She raised an eyebrow. I frowned. Mother smiled. It didn't reach her face.

"The children will never have what Ozai, Freyr, and Haero have. The angels. But they need it".

" Wait. You placed the cities for them".

" I created everything for them. You know this already. Thrones sit in the Monuments made for kings and queens. Monarchs rule people".

" You gave your grandchildren kingdoms and not us". I didn't know how to feel about that. Mother smiled.

"Don't be jealous. It's a gift. Something for them. You and your siblings won't have time to rule anyway".

"Why?". She looked at my hand and then back to me. I followed her gaze. The red, black, and purple energy in between my fingers stared back at me. I didn't understand but the look on Mum's face said this was as much as she would reveal.

So I turned back to the orb of Primordial Energy in my fingers. How long until I finally mastered its control?


****


HILDELITH'S POV


I remembered the first changes that I found when I woke up from my sleep. They were not that hard to implement when I found them to be good. The second time I woke was even more annoying. I didn't mind though as I loved the experience. Sleep was another way for a Creator to well, create. I figured it had to do with the fact that our subconscious was brought into play.

A subconscious that didn't know the difference between my One of The Speakers and my normal voice. I didn't mind though. It was a good way to gain new ideas without hurting my brain. I had implemented many of the new things.
Keeping myself so busy fixing things. My journeys to the Tarterean Rifts and the Mistrelon had suffered for this. But I did not mind. What I was setting was a good way for me to grow powerful.

Then the Elders came.

Elders. A term I found more useful than gods. I didn't listen to that part of my mind reminding me I picked Elders simply because I couldn't think of a term for some of the realms. It worked out though.

I made sure that power didn't just come from levels though. The Elders were already realizing the most common path to power. The Way. It and forming or learning skills were the two most common ways of gaining power for the realm dwellers. The third and fourth ways locked to only the Elders were Fate and Domains.

All the Elders were set up to gain access to Fate. Some would have more authority in and over it than others. All Elders were set to only receive two domains too. But I had thought of the actions of the players. In here their actions shaped the game. While I could always try to fix it what they did would have an effect.

At the same time though I didn't think it was fair for someone to work hard and gain their domains and still be kicked out for not drinking the water in time. So I created the Rebirth. At the same time, I had the random thought to place the setting for a choice In case only one Elder managed to survive somehow.

Players could be stupid. That had been my excuse. I didn't expect Munoron. I had watched the fight. Even more than The Rod shaking battle of the Aeuses. Munoron was skilled and had realized just how realistic this game was compared to others.

Which was why he'd won. Tharl was so focused on using his skills he forgot real-life movements, Amor was too dependent on her soul infusion. Unfortunately for her, there was not a single being in the Castle, which meant death when it mattered. Aatrox and Ghenkis have been full of themselves. One was a Behemoth who believed his muscles would get the job done.

'And he was the perfect holder for Destruction atleast'. My fingers were not automatically filing Molli's scales. Each of the deaths had been brutal and very domineering. But it was too much. Ghenkis has bent the knee and he should have taken it. Made a Pantheon to control the demon. 'But he chose to end him'. It was kind of amusing. Killing the children of Death.

Only I didn't find it funny. Munoron had created a monarchy in NILHEIM. Now no matter how well Rebirth worked, the odds would always be on his side.

'I could just go down there. Kill him. Start a new slate. To make it fair I could give those already dead the demon positions'. I already knew I didn't like this idea. 'It would break your own rules. No interfering '. Akasha whispered in my mind. I nodded mentally. That was why I didn't like the plan.

'Whether you or Freyr like it. He acted as he pleased. Akasha added. I frowned. But why would he refuse to take a demon under him? Why would he kill them all? Akasha gave me a nice peek into his thoughts. My hands stopped for a moment and then carried on.

His idea to find me and have me set things in his favor in real life angered me.

'Not everyone or every situation will be good or favorable for us'. Akasha was right. Munoron or Dorian had gone completely against my plan.

'We didn't exactly have a plan for that'. Akasha pointed out.

'I didn't have a plan that allowed a single demon rulership either!'. I snapped in my head. She kept silent.

'Freyr'. I looked up to meet the purple orbs staring at me. The pain, anger, and coldness in his gaze nearly got a flinch from me.

"You won't let me go down there and kill him, will you?" I saw him down there. Right hand in Munoron's chest, left on his head right between his horns.

"We can't interfere. The kids can do whatever they want. Right?". I blinked not liking the sound of his statement. Akasha told me what he was thinking even before he said it.

'Best not to give the others ideas'. The words I told Freyr were so different from what I honestly felt like doing. Yet I seated my ass on the throne after dismissing the kids. When Tora remained I knew I would answer questions. Questions that made me realize something.

'I created the ecology and races for the Elders to interact with as they pleased. I made my rules. While it annoys me it is not as different as all of them slaughtering each other'. I wanted the Elders to rule like Godkings. Dorian was going that and thinking far ahead.

'There are others with the same thoughts as him but less bloodthirst'. Akasha added. I stood from. my Throne and stepped forward till I came to Freyr's table. Through it, I eyed Munoron crouching by the Pond and cupping up the water.

'But what if he does something stupid? Invades Vaustaris. I couldn't have it'. While his thoughts made what he wanted clear that was still in the future. Right now, and the time to come before that future he could do something stupid. Want something stupid.

The throne room blurred in grey mist and I was standing in a dark room. It was large and tall, with four pillars made of black doom crystals holding up the ceiling and fixed sturdily on the black charred ground. If anyone were to look closely they'd find the ground slowly rising and falling. Like the best of a heart. The room wasn't that dark though. Even without commanding it with my One of the speakers, I would still see. The light came from the blue water casting a dreary and yet holy feel over the room.

Crouched by the pond's edge was Munoron. His lips lapped up my tears with greed. To my right, cloaked in the darkness that the pond's illumination couldn't reach was Freyr. It was one thing to see my kids, them see their grandchildren, and note that both were different.

'Seeing them together does cast a difference'. Compared to Munoron his father was a giant of a being. The room's tall ceiling gave him just enough room. He was wreathed in the darkness that he commanded the only hint he would have been there being his purple orbs.

His look was filled with anger and desire. 'It makes me wonder'. Was Freyr holding back due to my rules and his refusal to disobey me or the fact that at the end of the Munoron was his last Pure-blooded child?

'A little bit of both'. Akasha supplied.

Munoron had not stopped drinking. I didn't know why but I wasn't surprised. First had told me about the desire to not stop drinking the water instilled in the animals and some of the people. 'I had to pay Tora to inscribe some Torain symbols into things I set there'. I frowned.

'You did multiply her tax for that'.

'Ah yes. Let's focus'. Munoron had yet to stop drinking.

'I'm noting the dissolving of impurities and strengthening of his Life shard. I didn't care as it was something all the Elders would find out. I took a step out of the darkness I had been standing in. Freyr's head turned to me and my eyes caught a sight several miles outside the window.

"Don't tell me'. I murmured stopping to access the Network. I saw it all as my eyes turned greyish-blue. Wrecked citadels, crumbled cities, and desolate streets.

'It is what was expected. The races of NILHEIM are averse to outside power'. I sighed. There went the kingdom I wanted the demons to have.

The sound of Munoron's continued lapping itched st my ear. I snapped my left finger and he appeared there, his feet inches off the ground and my palm wrapped around his neck. "Hello Grandson".

I didn't take my eyes away from the sight below. Freyr must have seen this. His children wreaking this havoc. 'My rules'. I sighed. Akasha did see it and didn't bring it to my attention.

'You wouldn't have been able to intervene without 'Breaking your rules' anyway'. She was right and yet it peeved me off. I looked at Munoron only to realize the idiot had been trying to take my head off with a Void Circle. I raised a delicate eyebrow.

My time sleeping, waking and sleeping, interesting with my children, and setting things up had made me more bold and wiser about what I truly could do. Or in this case, what was. useless. The Universe is me and I am the Universe made me immune. 'No, not immune. Immune was a word used when something should have even had the chance to affect me'. It was like taking a cup of hot water and throwing it into the ocean expecting the ocean to boil or something. Like taking a tiny piece of rock or boulder and smashing it down on the earth.

The Void Circle simply splashed off me. I held back from tightening my grip on his throat. Even this much was pushing it if I didn't want to kill him. Munoron was two whole entities below me. Not tiers, not levels, not ranks. So I had to be that careful.

"That's not a good way to greet your grandma". I narrowed my eyes at him. Curious I had Akasha show me the skill he used. "Interesting. To think you'd be able to use a movement skill of that nature as an offensive. I'm impressed".

He grunted. Raised his left hand and made a gripping gesture with his fists. I wasn't as arrogant as I was confused which was I remained unmoving even as the large disc of white with a black center dropped on us. We were now standing in the throne room and Munoron didn't like something about what happened as he struggled even more.

"What was that supposed to do?". Akasha showed me and I made an understanding expression. Looking at his throne behind him I willed him to be seated on i5. He vanished from my grip and into the throne. 'Negate anything he uses from now till I say otherwise'.

Munoron's stunned expression when nothing happened no matter how hard he furrowed his brows, and his limbs made the situation comical. I would have laughed if the situation wasn't serious. "Do you know who I am?".

He stopped struggling and grunted. " How should I know?".

"I called you grandson". I blinked at him. He tilted his head. When understanding came. he relaxed.

"Ah. Should have thought it through. Explains all this". He looked suddenly relieved for some reason. " What do you want?. Should I call you grandmother? Are you here to give me a gift or something?". I rolled my eyes at him and waved a hand. Rock spikes shot out of the ground crisscrossing each other and then serving as a wall to lean on as a black stone rose to complete it. I sat.

Munoron didn't say a word. I looked him over. He stared right back. An idea slipped through my mind and I relaxed back thinking it through.

'This won't be viable now'. Akasha warned. I mentally nodded and added. 'For now'.

"You pissed your father off you know that?". He frowned and then made a face as he understood. "You could have spared the one that knelt to you. Avoid his gaze. You just had to kill him".

"The last thing I need is a reason to watch my back". He scoffed. 'Then how do you keep your gang in their place'. I said nothing.

"You didn't actually try. If you had you'd know that forming a Pantheon would take care of the trust issues". He blinked at me and shrugged.

"Too late Granny". I rolled my eyes.

"Under my own rules Munoron I can't kill you for ending your brothers. It's not exactly a law either. Your father can't kill you as much as he wants to. Partly cause you're his last pure blood". Surprisingly Munoron was listening. 'This e is dangerous. Oh boy'.

"But he rages. So if you want him to give you his blessings and act like a true father you'll want to appease him".

"Why do I need his blessings?". He asked with a curious gaze. I shrugged.

"Maybe because you'd want to do it easy learning and using his powers that you picked as a domain". Munoron's expression soured. "You're standing in his realm. You may rule now but remember he is your Primordial. You live now because I command it. But you also know how hard it is for children to be obedient".

He paled if that was possible with his skin. He looked nothing like his father. I would know since I designed their looks. The last thing I needed was for the system to randomly give me a shrimp or jelly as an Elder.

"I'll figure out a punishment you can do that will make him calm down. It won't be easy though". Munoron sighed. Then he nodded.

"May I ask for a favor?". He went on without waiting. "I don't know if this punishment would have a reward or something but I want something from you if it's possible". He focused his eyes on me. "Not to interfere in my actions here so long I alone remain King".

"First. You're thinking too small. Second. I have no intention to interfere. I created all this for you all to do as you please. The consequences or rewards will be reaped equally. I'm only here since you are the last and I'd hate to put back NILHEIM on the timetable by letting your father end you. Just don't cross the line and you'll be okay. Thirdly. Whatever you do, Vaustaris is off-bounds for now. You can enter, you can grow your faith but do not act drastically".

I rose and he watched me. " When will I know I'm crossing a line?". I nodded to his fairy. The scared thing had followed us down here and kept us out of sight.

"Listen when he warns you". Grey mist gathered around me theatrically. "Oh, and have a word with your father. Best you relieve his anger a bit before he decides your punishment".

I faded away slowly as the darkness spat out Freyr. His purple gaze locked on Munoron. Right as my head faded I whispered to the frowning demon. "Just suck in your breath and it'll be over soon".