Mundane Lives: The Covenant

[Nexus Zone: Dawn]

Knock.. Knock.. Knock..

Creak...

Akelus entered the dimly lit tavern. Welcomed by it's cool air and the chatter of the [Incarnations] seated inside he made his way to the bar.

The Old Man Agathos was standing by the aisle cleaning a goblet of wine.

"Where are they?", enquired Akelus.

"Follow me.", replied Agathos, a stern look on his serpentine face.

He walked down the aisle to a backdoor, Akelus followed behind. Agathos opened the door and walked down a spiraling flight of stairs, into a cellar. There were a group of [Incarnations] waiting inside. Two [Incarnations] were seated while the rest stood guard beside them.

At the center sat an [Incarnation] sporting a light beard and a leather cowboy hat. He wore navy blue jeans and magenta boots, a light brown poncho with red and blue patterns. He was wearing a gunslinger's glove and his hands were draped in white sleeves. He had two hand-cannons strapped on his waist. He flicked his hat and nodded his head, greeting Akelus.

Sitting next to him was an [Incarnation] who was awfully familiar to Akelus. He was intently staring at Akelus. He had luscious black hair and wore pitch black wuxian robes with red lining. His eyes glinting as he was grinning wildly.

"Dongfang Kongbu?!?", exclaimed Akelus, shocked and flustered. "What are you doing here?".

"I have already told you, Akelus.", spoke Agathos, as he snapped his fingers creating a transparent dome around the cellar. "These are the clients."

"I believe that's not what he is confused about.", replied the nonchalant Dongfang Kongbu. "Long time no see Akelus."

"Oh, so you are acquainted with another, that's great.", said the [Incarnation] wearing the poncho. "You can call me Adrian by the way."

Akelus became tense as his expression became grim.

"You don't need to be this apprehensive Akelus.", Kongbu continued. "I ascended from the same world that you did. That's how I got here."

"I am not being apprehensive, Kongbu.", said Akelus, as he seated himself before them. "Just making sure all of us are on the same side here."

"I hope you can keep your differences aside for now.", Adrian spoke up. "This mission is very sensitive and significant."

"I can be professional about it.", Akelus curtly responded. "So, what do you want?'

"What we want is for you to secure a package and bring it to us.", said Adrian. "The package is high profile and you are not supposed to expose it's existence under any circumstance."

"That's it? that's all you are going to tell me about?", inquired Akelus. "You should at least tell me the zone I am going to be working in."

"It is in the outer sector, hence there are no known zones.", replied Adrian. "And before I can share anymore details, I have to be sure that you will do this job. So, are you in or are you out?"

"Look man, you are not giving me much to work with here", Akelus sighed, as looked upon Agathos.

Agathos gave Akelus a stern look, as if telling that he better not turn this down.

"Okay fine, I am in.", Akelus declared. "So, what's the expedition?"

Adrian gestured his men to leave along with Dongfang Kongbu. Even Agathos left along with them.

Outside, in the aisle Dongfang Kongbu summoned a zither and started playing it softly as he sang. This cast an distorted illusion around the cellar.

"Okay, we don't have much time here, so just listen to me.", Adrian told Akelus, as he handed him out a contract. "The package is in the outer sector. I cannot disclose it's identity right now, but it will be revealed once you secure the package. And we are not the only ones that know about it's existence so stay cautious and vigilant. Do not under any circumstance surrender the package to anyone, even if they are [Incarnates] from [MYRIAD]. Be wary of the forces from the outer sector. And don't worry we will be instructing you on how to traverse with the package in a safe and secure manner. Now, it would be good if you sign this non disclosure form on Styx."

Adrian handed a quill to Akelus, who took it and signed on the contract.

"Now you have taken an oath on Styx.", spoke Adrian. "So if you violate the contract in anyway, terrible consequences will befall upon you."

"I understand.", replied Akelus, as he nodded in agreement.

"Great then, let's get to work.", Adrian spoke with a friendly smile on his face as he held his hand forward giving Akelus a firm handshake.

******** ******** ********

[MYRIAD: Nexus Zone]

A cohort of [Incarnations] were marching at the outskirts of the Nexus zone, inside an undisclosed node. At the center of the cohort were three [Incarnations] Adrian, Akelus and Dongfang Kongbu.

"How did you obtain a human form?", Akelus questioned Dongfang Kongbu.

"I had reincarnated over a million times, I had already built enough experience to envision a proper human form rather than a humanoid or relic form. I accumulated all my experiences to build an ideal physique for my ascension.", replied Kongbu with serene smile over his face. "Though some gods prefer being a humanoid or relic. Each form has it's uses."

"Where are we going right now?", turning to Adrian, Akelus asked.

"To our base of operations.", replied Adrian. "We will have you geared up for the mission. Your identity also has to be kept secret."

"You have a base of operation in the outskirts, why not in the inner city near the market?", mused Akelus.

"Because, outskirts makes the work easier. Keeps us safe and hidden.", Adrian sternly responded, glaring at Akelus.

"Hahaha, Adrian relax.", laughed Kongbu. "This has always been Akelus' prominent trait. He is way too curious."

The cohort of [Incarnations] halted, standing before a domain. The dome around the domain rippled as they entered it. Inside the domain was a huge and towering obsidian fort, surrounded by a moat of vicious flames and lava. An obsidian draw bridge lead to a towering Iron gate at it's entrance, with it's obsidian walls lined with bloodied red spikes. An immensely powerful vicious orange flame burning brightly at the top of each of it's towers. Skulls of various beasts, monsters, giants so on and so forth mounted on spikes beside the ever flowing moat of lava and fire.

An [Incarnation] stood guard over the gate. Upon seeing Adrian's cohort, he sounded a signal.

BWROON!!!

The gears of the gate started grinding and gate creaked as it moved up, clearing the way into the fortress.

"Stay behind me.", Dongfang Kongbu flicked his robe, as he told Akelus. Akelus' white nemean physique got shrouded by a warping red cloud.

"Welcome to [The Covenant].", proclaimed Adrian, as they entered the fortress.

Inside the fortress there was a huge courtyard, which had several pocket dimensions and sub-domains drifting over it. There were dark magenta strands holding them together, keeping them connected to the fortress. Several [Incarnations] surrounded the cohort, staring at them intently.

The group entered the main tower. Every Incarnation other than Adrian, Kongbu and Akelus, stationed themselves at the entrance of the tower.

"Fancy place.", Akelus mused.

Adrian and Kongbu ignored him as they walked down a spiraling flight of stairs, Akelus following right behind them. The stairs lead to an alley. At the end of the alley was a burning obsidian door.

Adrian walked up to the door and unlocked it by placing his palm over the flames. The door led to a pitch black room.

He went in and brought out a mask that resembled a jester. This mask was intricately designed and was split in two halves, one half smiling while the other crying. The smiling side was plated gold while the crying side was lined with pale green jade.

Adrian handed over the mask to Akelus, saying-

"This will keep your identity safe from prying eyes."

Akelus wore the mask. Suddenly a black robe unfurled from the mask and draped around Akelus. It had intricate purple patterns that were glowing softly. The robe had a hood which covered his white mane.

"Nifty.", he commended.

"The robes will help us communicate with you across realms.", spoke Kongbu, then pointing at the purple pattern on the robe, he continued. "But the formation cast on the robe is a bit fragile so don't overexert it. If the pattern gets destroyed we won't be able to communicate with you properly."

"You cannot use your personal weapons for this expedition.", Adrian spoke. "Which weapon are you proficient with?"

"Gauntlets.", replied Akelus.

"Other than hand to hand combat.", said Adrian. "We can't have anyone tracing you through your prominent martial arts."

"Then... double edged swords would do.", responded Akelus.

Adrian nodded as he went back inside the pitch black room and brought out a black blade with intricate silver markings, it's edge had a bright shade of silver. The blade glowed faintly amidst the bleak darkness of the alley. The handle had threaded leather straps, with an emerald pommel.

"This blade is made from stygian iron.", said Adrian. "It is extremely valuable, for it was forged by the giants in the pits of [Tartarus], when they rebelled against us. This is a war spoil, a trophy. We are gifting this to you. Hence, I presume you understand the significance of this expedition and why it is necessary for you to succeed."

Akelus nodded, for he too knew the value of this blade held. Even if it was not a war spoil, just the material used, Stygian Iron, was valuable enough. This ore was heavily monopolized by [Paradis] and was immensely powerful. It could be only found in [Erebos] and [Tartarus].

Dongfang Kongbu cast a flame. He gestured Akelus to place his palm over the raging fire. As Akelus placed his palm over the flame, it engulfed his palm. Kongbu then assimilated the flame and contained it in a lantern.

"We have invested much to this venture.", continued Adrian. "But, the reward is worth the investment. When you find the package then you too will understand why this mission is so valuable. Our hope lies in you now Akelus, you are our final piece. Do not fail us."

******** ******** ********

[Outer Sector: Outskirts of Corzox]

It was a dark and desolate space with spectral strands warping and slithering around it, alive. The strands winded around one another threading across the outer sector. There were debris and asteroids drifting across the empty void.

A figure flickered onto one of the asteroids. He had a tall and buff physique. He wore a Jester's mask and black robes with faintly glowing purple patterns. This figure was of Akelus who had descended upon the outer sector's.

"I have arrived.", Akelus communicated telepathically.

"Good, what you have to do now is follow the trail of [The Purge].", responded Adrian. "It's a giant warping cloud of ethereal and spectral strands in the shape of a dragon. But be careful, do not provoke it under any circumstances. The consequences will be devastating."

"I got it, where do I start?", asked Akelus.

"Just connect to any spectral strand threading across the outer sector.", Adrian told Akelus.

Akelus flew towards one of the warping and slithering spectral strand surrounding the outer sector and grabbed hold of it. Then he seeped his primeval energy into it, the strand reacted to his presence by pulsing softly.

"Now expand your presence within the strand.", continued Adrian. "This is a weave left behind by the draconian cloud. More like a by-product. But don't expand your presence too much, otherwise it will sense you."

Akelus started directing his energy inside the spectral strand. His energy outlined the strand as it travelled along it's length.

"Good, you have got proper hold over the strand now.", Adrian spoke. "Now try to trace the cloud's movement back to a source, the starting point of it's weave. The [Source] should look similar to the [Nexus] in [MYRIAD]. That's where you will intercept the package."

"What would the [Source]'s energy signature be like?", enquired Akelus.

"It would be an extremely condensed and heavy zone, with several ethereal and spectral strands stacked and weaved together.", replied Adrian. "Basically look for a large presence of Spectral energy. Also send us a beacon of the spectral strand you are holding, we will use your energy to trace the [Source] even faster."

"Alright then.", responded Akelus, as took out his Stygian sword and thrust it into the spectral strand. The silver pattern on the blade glowed softly as the emerald at it's pommel shined brightly for a moment. The spectral strand started pulsing rapidly as it started stiffening slowly.

"Quickly! Synchronize.", Akelus urged Adrian.

"Wait... Got it. We are good to go.", Adrian sighed, as the spectral strand pulsed rhythmically and loosened, waving and slithering around. "Stay here for a moment. We are setting up a route to the [Source]."

After waiting for a minute or so. Adrian responded-

"This is going to be a bit tricky. The [Source] is situated at the heart of [Corzox]. A place the natives call the [Ancestral Planes]. I had hoped we would not have to interact with the outer sector. But it seems like you have no other choice but to infiltrate. We have charted a course to the inner city of [Corzox]. You might have to find a way into the [Ancestral Planes]. Either that or wait for us to formulate a way in."

"Send me the co-ordinates, I'll infiltrate [Corzox] and try to find a way in.", replied Akelus.

"Okay.", Adrian replied. "I have sent you a beacon. Trail the Spectral Strand to get in."

Akelus flickered and then warped into the spectral strand moving along it's length towards the co-ordinates that Adrian had sent him. Akelus zoomed across the void of the outer sector, reaching the Kingdom of [Corzox]. He flew past the vast expanse of diverse biomes, drifting islands, sub domains, pocket dimensions so on and so forth.

Trailing the spectral strand he reached a barrier. This barrier guarded the inner sanctum of [Corzox]. As he got past the barrier, the patterns on his robe flickered rapidly and then got zapped.

"Akelus, wait!-", Adrian spoke telepathically, a bit alarmed.

"What?", Akelus enquired, hovering high above the inner city of [Corzox]. "Adrian?"

Akelus looked at his tattered robes, the patterns on it were charred.

"Shit!.. I am on my own now.", he sighed in frustration.

[Pathfinder]

Multiple trails of gray arrows formed around him. Leading to several Islands and sub domains.

"The [Source] is truly elusive.", he thought to himself. "But before that I should fix my robes."

The gray arrows slowly shifted and warped, as several silver arrows formed around him, with a few red ones. There were two golden arrows.

"Hrrmmm...", Akelus pondered.

And as Akelus was contemplating on what to do next. Two new figures warped in the void of the outer sector, at the outskirts of [Corzox], over a floating Debris. Both were [Incarnations] from [MYRIAD]. They had arrived at the outer sector through a portal opened by the [Gates of Erebos].

One of them had an extremely pale face, with long canines protruding out of his mouth. He wore silver robes with a silver scarf wrapped around his neck. His skin had a faint grey hue and was shrouded in pale white smoke. He smoky grey eyes, with a distinct circular white Iris, resembling a halo, shrouded within a dark circle. He had a clean, sooty face. He had cloudy a combination of grey and white hair. He had black eyelids that arched sharply towards his brow. This [Incarnation] was the God of Fear-[Phobos].

Next to him, stood an immensely powerful deity. He is one of the twelve Olympians. The God of Journey [Hermes]. He wore a white flat topped feathered helmet, along with a white overcoat lined with gold. An obsidian black vest. He wore sleek white pants and shoes with a copper hue and feathered wings.

"This is the place.", spoke Phobos. "This is where [Gazeera] traced down [The Purge]. This is where we might find the the [Source] of the weave."

"I am here to solely get things done quickly.", said [Hermes]. "As long as you know what you are doing, I can pave a path forward for you. Other factions are getting restless, they too will raid this place. We may have the lead for now, but we are running out of time."

Phobos nodded, as both the [Incarnations] flew across the void of the outer sector. Scanning the entire outer sector for clues about the [Source].

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