The 17th Creator

POV: Nikita

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Nikita

Age: 16

Gender: Female

Species: Homo Sapien

Race: Akari / English

Class: Electromancer (Rank F)

Stats: | Affinity:

Strength: 15 | Rare

Agility: 19 | Epic

Stamina: 9 | Common

Ability Control: 19 | Epic

Pressure: ?? | Epic

Skills:

Synchronize: (Rank E)

Proficiency: 15/100

Lightning Bolt: (Rank F)

Proficiency: 18/100

Charge Weapon: (Rank E)

Proficiency: 19/100

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As Aria was leading us back through the desert, I spent my time looking through my status window and strategizing.

My combat style was one of the most versatile in the group. So much so, that it became difficult to manage at times. I had a ranged, melee, and support ability.

Normally, I was positioned next to Aria to support her ranged attacks, however, if needed, I could become a front liner. It was awkward to strategize with because I was only effective in very long range scenarios and very short range ones.

There was a large zone in the middle that left me defenseless. To say it was aggravating would be an understatement.

As I was mulling over my thoughts, Lani came up to me. "Nikita! Are you thirsty?"

A smile unconsciously manifested on my face. "I am, thank you!"

It wasn't always like this. Just a week ago, I couldn't bring myself to even speak to anyone.

I cupped my hands and a tingly sensation ran through my fingers as small purple motes began to transform into water. I gently brought the water to my slightly cracked lips.

I looked up to see Lani with a giant cartoon-like smile. I almost choked trying to hold back my laughter.

I glanced at Kenji, and his lips immediately curved into a smile. I don't know what I would've down without him.

My hand, still wet from the water, reached out for Kenji's. His fingers wriggled their way around mine until our hands were interlocked.

I felt like I was the only one here that didn't look up to Arlo as if he was God. To me, that spot was reserved for Kenji.

But, something else was on my mind for once.

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Soul Weapon Upgrade: Metal Claws (Rank E) Acquired

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Zaher? Why did you give this to me?

He hadn't used any skills besides his telepathy and intimidate. His combat skills were neatly tucked away in the vault that was his mind. I couldn't help but feel that he was perhaps a lightning-user.

Honestly, I was still confused by the whole conversation.

-

"Have you noticed the change in creatures as they venture deeper?"

I nodded passively at Zaher's question. They certainly were changing. The difference between the second floor and third floor creatures was unthinkable. Zaher still hadn't disclosed what floor he was from, but the difference between him and third floor creatures was also unfathomable.

Zaher continued, "Every floor alters your biological makeup. The first floor gives heightened emotion, the second floor alters your size, the third floor alters your intelligence, the fourth floor alters your tongue, and finally, the fifth floor alters your shape."

Jeremiah put his index finger on his chin, "So, you're from the fourth floor?"

Zaher nodded, "Not exactly. The moment I advanced past the fourth floor to extend my fleeting lifespan, I was targeted by the Syndicate. I would've never advanced to the fifth floor if I knew how strong their hold over the floor was. I wasn't on the fifth floor for long enough to allow my body to make its needed changes."

Hazel spoke up, "You said the fifth floor alters your shape? How exactly does it do that?"

A strange look of embarrassment appeared in Zaher's eyes. "W-well I suppose we become more like the perfect organism."

Confusion remained on Hazel's face, "The perfect organism?"

Zaher grunted, "Look! From your perspective, it probably looks like we become more like your species. I don't know who decided that bipedal creatures were superior, but, apparently, that's the direction of our evolution in this place."

Clear shame was spelled across Zaher's face as he said this.

Oh? That was likely the most surprising piece of information so far. Why were we 'the' or 'close to the' perfect organism?

Lani and Gael were the closest ones to me currently, and they both seemed to mimic my feeling of surprise.

Gael was the next to speak, "S-so your species will look more like humans on the fifth floor."

Zaher unsheathed his claws and narrowed his gaze towards Gael. He was properly irritated at this point. "Yes! I've already said it. This topic has ended."

Gael disregarded his comment and continued, "But, you still keep your greatest features right!?"

Zaher's eyes raised and he sheathed his claws. "What do you mean?"

Lani looked visibly uncomfortable. I put my hand on her shoulder and felt her slightly tremble.

Lani?

It was weird that she only became fearful after Gael deescalated the situation. Did Lani know something I didn't?

Gael spoke excitedly, "Like, your ears?"

Zaher's attitude shifted drastically as he spoke excitedly, "Of course! How will we know if our enemies are coming from afar without our gifted hearing?"

Gael began to tremble, "A-and your tail!?"

Zaher began to purr and stroke the ground softly with squinted eyes, "Yes! yes! It is the Felidae's key to balance!"

Lani glared daggers at Gael as purple motes began to tremble near her.

Gael ignored her and continued, "And the claws! Oh, what about the cute pointed teeth!"

Zaher continued pawing at the ground in delight, "Yes! of course! We tear our opponents apart with-"

Zaher paused and stopped purring. "Did you just say 'cute'?"

Gael laughed and corrected his statement, "Oho! I meant fierce!"

Zaher joined in laughter and continued purring, "Yes, of course!"

I couldn't help but feel strange as Zaher and Gael laughed. I looked to the others in the group and was happy to find that I wasn't the only one perturbed by the situation.

Jeremiah cleared his throat, "M-more importantly, you said that the Syndicate was after you. They began tracking you as soon as you entered the fifth floor."

Zaher seemed to resent the change in conversation. His expression grew dark. "Listen, it's something you shouldn't involve yourselves with. You need to get stronger first."

Jeremiah nodded, "You seemed to think we were part of it at first. Is it because there are only humans in it?"

Zaher shook his head, "It's 'mostly' humans. There are other species as well. Apparently, two of the four demons in the organization aren't human. Rumors say that one was a Black Mamba. I only suspected you because I've never seen humans outside of the Syndicate."

Hazel raised an eye, "I have something I've been wondering for a while. The Syndicate has red eyes. We thought that was exclusive to them at first, but we've found that every other creature here also shares that feature. Why are we different?"

Zaher shrugged, "You're defective."

Kenji narrowed his eyes, "You don't know anything more than that 'we are defective'?"

Zaher unsheathed a claw and began to inscribe an image on the sandstone floor. "The origin of the violet eye is uncertain. Rumors say that every creature that had this eye died a slow, miserable death."

(AN: The following is Zaher's perspective from the rumors he's heard. It's not necessarily true.)

Zaher paused to focus on finishing his drawing, "However, about 5500 years ago, there was a human that had this eye. Instead of crushing the defective organism, the creators let him live. Due to this, the human conquered floor by floor at astonishing speed. Every foe he faced trembled before him. His power had a methodology that no creature could comprehend. Eventually, this unnamed human made his way to the other creators. He was given the name, Nexus, as well as the last remaining position as creator. That's how Nexus became the 17th creator and the human representative."

Zaher lifted his paw to reveal a picture of a human crushing the skull of a bear with his hands. "Unfortunately, the humans don't follow him. I don't know why. Trust me, I would never think about abandoning the 15th creator, Taigon. I had always assumed that humans were defective, but it seems that some of them may still follow his guidance."

Zaher locked gazes with a few people in the group, including me. His deep emerald eyes strangely invoked fear and calmness.

Jeremiah bowed, "Thank you for this, Zaher. I hope we are able to meet you again."

Zaher nodded, "I'm sure we may. Now, take the boy and leave." Zaher looked towards the mantis with a longing look.

I couldn't help but feel a little strangely sorry for the jaguar that had just lost its meal. I felt like I wouldn't normally have this thought and quickly pinned it on the telepathy that he had cast earlier.

As I was thinking this, everyone was already leaving the room.

Shoot! I better hurry up.

All of a sudden, a strange feeling came over me as it felt like my skills were being forcefully activated. Lightning began to lightly crackle on the surface of my skin.

I looked back towards Zaher and, to my shock, he manifested a red orb in front of me.

Was he giving me a gift?

Zaher motioned for me to take the object, "I don't use it anymore. It'll be better for you."

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Soul Weapon Upgrade: Metal Claws (Rank E) Acquired

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_

"Nikitaaaa. Nikita. Nikita!" Lani squealed.

I broke out of my thoughts and saw Lani standing there, flustered, in front of me.

I chuckled, "Sorry, Lani. I was lost in thought for a moment."

Her eyes widened, "For a moment? I thought you were dead!"

Her disposition changed quickly and she let out a soft giggle, "What do you think though?"

My face tilted in confusion, "Huh?"

Her lips curved into a grin, "What do you think will be in the first floor when we return?"