seeping their spite into veins of stone—
tendrils of thought warped,
leaving only the taste of ash behind.
A seed, once silver, now
shimmering with bile's bloom,
lays still in its festering cradle.
It breathes, it grows, it devours.
And thus the vessel cracks,
spilling ichor where flesh once stood.
No redemption, no retreat;
only the quiet laughter of the decay.
In the vast chamber, the broodheart was a throbbing epicenter of corruption. The aberrations that skulked about, their forms twisted and grotesque, were at first oblivious to their presence. But then, as if sensing the arrival of prey or threat, their attention slowly shifted, multiple pairs of eyes, varying in shape, size, and grotesqueness, locking onto Zark'thul and his followers.
"Uh, they know we’re here now," Lirielle pointed out unnecessarily. "Great."
Cerys took a deep breath. "My lord, shouldn't you—" A golden pulse surged from her, enhancing their collective durability.
Zark'thul had already begun charging the creatures. The moment the Aura of the Eldritch Terror activated, the aberrations faltered, some staggering back, while others bristled with renewed vigor. He dove into the midst of the creatures, his blade flashing in deadly arcs that cut down the closest aberrations, severing limbs and splitting their bodies open. Dark blood sprayed the ground. His form blurred in the frenzy of his strikes.
His body became a shield, a lure for the aberrations. Some creatures tried to push past him to get at the Sylvans, but he would not allow it. They were his, and his alone to deal with.
"Follow!" he shouted to the Sylvans, and they complied, staying close but not too close.
He pushed forward, carving through the chamber, the aberrations in pursuit or simply in his path. The broodheart was not his primary concern yet; his focus was on reducing the aberrant horde and funneling them towards a choke point, a corridor where their numbers would count for less.
"Cover me," he commanded. "But don't waste your magic unless you're certain of a kill. Don't get sloppy." He moved deeper into the chamber until the group arrived at their planned spot. He stood firm, sword ready. The aberrations were coming. "Here they come."
The Sylvan Agents responded, each playing their part.
Lirielle darted about, casting her Enchanted Whirlwind, the vortexes throwing off aberrations that strayed too close to the group or tried to outflank Zark'thul, giving Zark'thul precious seconds to reposition and strike again. Cerys summoned her Vine Beasts to engage the creatures in close combat while providing support with Sporeburst, slowing the creatures' advance, and Sylmae and Myralis alternated their healing, ensuring the group's health stayed topped off.
Althea's role was crucial. She stood at the rear, casting Hydrosurge on clusters of aberrations, keeping them at bay and preventing the group from getting overwhelmed.
Zark'thul cut through aberrations with his sword and Eldritch Blasts. The Sylvan Agents kept the stragglers at bay and healed the damage inflicted upon him. As the battle continued, a growing mound of aberrant flesh and pooling dark ichor marked the frontline.
As the aberrations pressed in, their movements became more desperate, more frenzied, as if sensing the slow demise of their master.
Suddenly, the broodheart shuddered, its myriad eyes rolling in a grotesque unison, fixing on the invaders in its midst. A pulsating mass of flesh bulged outward from its side, elongating and shaping into a colossal tentacle. This appendage, a mass of writhing, oozing muscle and sinew, whipped outwards with alarming speed.
It struck Zark'thul and sent him hurtling through the air. His body smashed into one of the pillars lining the chamber's perimeter, the stone cracking upon impact. He fell to the ground in a heap, his sword clattering away from his outstretched hand. For a moment, he lay there, stunned and winded, his vision swimming.
"My lord!" Cerys cried out in alarm, her voice distant and distorted in Zark'thul’s ringing ears.
The broodheart wasn't finished. The tentacle retracted slightly before lashing out again, this time towards the group of Sylvans. Althea, seeing the attack coming, quickly cast Aquatic Shield, forming a barrier of swirling water just in time to deflect the tentacle's strike. The appendage slammed against the shield, sending rippling waves across its surface, but it held.
"Everyone, to Zark'thul!" Althea commanded, her voice steady but urgent.
The Sylvans immediately responded, moving swiftly to their downed commander. Sylmae reached him first, her hands already aglow with healing energy. She knelt beside him, casting Swiftmend, the warm glow of healing enveloping Zark'thul, knitting his injuries.
"Up and at 'em, boss man," she said with a strained smile. "Can't have you sleeping on the job, right?"
Zark'thul, his vision clearing and strength returning, grunted in response. He began to sit up, his hand reaching for his sword.
At the same time, Cerys directed her vine beasts to swarm the broodheart, hoping to divert its attention, while Lirielle and Althea worked to keep the tentacle at bay, Lirielle with her Enchanted Whirlwind and Althea with her Hydrosurge. The appendage was a large target and couldn't withstand the barrage, retreating into the safety of the broodheart.
As Zark'thul got back to his feet, his eyes locked onto the broodheart with a renewed fury. "You dare strike me..." he hissed, his voice a low growl filled with a mixture of anger and disdain.
With a swift motion, he retrieved his sword and turned to the Sylvans. "Deal with the remainder of the aberrations. I will handle the broodheart."
He didn't wait for a response, immediately sprinting towards the grotesque, fleshy mass. As he approached, the broodheart's tentacle lashed out once more, but he was ready this time.
He manifested his ability, Footsteps of the Void, his form becoming partially phased, a dark, incorporeal aura enveloping him. The tentacle swept through him, its deadly force passing harmlessly through his phantasmal form.
With a mighty leap, he jumped over another sweeping appendage, his sword gleaming in the chamber's dim light.
Landing hard before the broodheart, Zark'thul began his assault. His sword slashed through the air, carving deep gashes into the broodheart's flesh. The creature writhed and shuddered, its many eyes rolling madly, but it couldn't escape the relentless barrage. With each strike, the broodheart's life force ebbed away, its tentacle weakening, its movements slowing.
As Zark'thul fought the broodheart, the Sylvan Agents continued their own battle against the remaining aberrations. Their coordination was impeccable. Althea's Hydrosurge kept several of the creatures pinned, while Cerys's vine beasts and Lirielle's whirlwinds held others at bay. Sylmae and Myralis focused on healing Zark'thul and bolstering their defenses.
But their mana was waning, despite the consumption of several potions. He needed to hurry.
He continued his assault, his blade cutting deeper and more brutally into the broodheart's flesh. With each slash, a spray of dark, foul-smelling ichor erupted from the wounds. He fired repeated Eldritch Blasts between swings of his sword.
Finally, with a resounding crack, he drove his blade deep into the broodheart's core. The creature let out a final, shuddering groan before falling still. Its eyes rolled back, lifeless, and the tentacle fell limp. He ripped his blade out from the creature, a torrent of dark, viscous fluid gushing out, drenching him in its foulness.
Zark'thul looked back to see the Sylvans had finished off the last of the aberrations. They stood amidst the carnage, panting heavily, their weapons and garments stained with the dark ichor of their enemies.
"We did it..." Cerys whispered, a mixture of relief and disbelief in her voice.
Zark'thul nodded, sheathing his sword. "We did. But the job is not done." He turned back to the broodheart, now lifeless and oozing.
If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
With a swift motion, he plunged his hand deep into the broodheart's corpse, feeling around within its viscera. His arm sank up to his shoulder in the fleshy mass.
"Ew," Lirielle remarked, scrunching her nose. "Gross, my lord."
Ignoring the remark, his hand closed around something—a crystalline orb, pulsating with a faint, sickly green light. He then manifested his Vocarious Maw of the Abyss and plunged the spectral maw into the broodheart, his mouth moving in sync, and he began to eat.
As the broodheart began to shrink, he felt his own power grow, the strength of the Qliphoth essence coursing through his veins as it became a part of his being.
Once finished, he withdrew his hand from the now-empty husk of the broodheart. The crystalline orb, the core of the broodheart, was firmly in his grasp.
His AetherLink buzzed with notifications:
[You have consumed a Blighted Broodheart: +300 EXP. You've gained a level]
[You've acquired the power 'Fracture the Veil']
Fracture the Veil: Tear a hole in the fabric of reality, allowing a glimpse into the chaotic realms beyond. This fracture acts as a portal, pulling in those nearby and subjecting them to the maddening, chaotic forces that dwell within. You can also traverse this rift to teleport short distances.
He dismissed the prompts.
"Let's return," he said to the Sylvans, and he began walking toward the chamber's exit, the core of the broodheart clutched in his hand. The Agents exchanged weary, satisfied glances before following him. He would have to reward them once they were back in the safety of the Tower.
Zark’thul sat in his private office, a dimly lit, cavernous space that echoed his every movement. He leaned forward in his chair, elbows on the grand desk before him, fingers steepled as he studied the two items laid out: the Qliphoth Broodheart Core and a small, nondescript box, both rewards from completing the last directive.
With a deep breath, he decided to inspect the box first. As he opened it, a faint, shimmering light escaped, illuminating the contours of his face. Inside was a silver ring, unadorned and simple in design, yet imbued with a subtle power that was unmistakable to his senses.
He took out the AetherLink and opened up his menu. Selecting the ring from his inventory, he inspected it:
[Ring of the Eldritch Warlord]
Rarity: Epic
Effect: When activated, the Eldritch Warlord can summon one additional squad to a battle, regardless of current limitations. The extra squad will remain active until either dismissed by the warlord or destroyed in combat. This squad, when summoned, does not consume a squad slot. However, the squad must be one rank lower than the highest-ranked squad deployed. For example, if the highest-ranked squad member on the floor is Rare, the summoned squad must all be of Common rank. If the floor has a squad member of Epic rank, the summoned squad will be of Rare rank or lesser.
Activation Condition: To summon the additional squad, the Eldritch Warlord must sacrifice 10% of their maximum health.
Recharge Time: Once used, the ring becomes inactive for 72 hours.
A small smile tugged at his lips. He was beginning to sense a theme in the items that he was being rewarded, likely by the Tower's design. It seemed that it wanted him to become the ultimate commander, one who led from the front and not from a chair in his office. Well, that was perfectly fine. That's how he had always done things, after all.
He slipped the ring onto a finger, feeling a surge of power as it bonded to him. He'd need to test the item later, but for now, there was another matter to attend to.
Turning his attention to the Broodheart Core, he picked up the pulsating orb and rolled it in his palm, the crystalline surface feeling both icy and burning to the touch. He opened up his AetherLink to inspect it:
[Qliphoth Broodheart Core]
Rarity: Epic
Description: A concentrated essence of a Blighted Broodheart, this core embodies the corruptive and transformative power of the Qliphoth. It is a source of immense, otherworldly energy, capable of inducing profound changes in both beings and environments.
Abilities:
- Corruptive Influence: In the presence of the core, creatures not immune to the Qliphoth's influence may succumb to its corruptive aura. The longer they are exposed, the more pronounced the effects become. These effects can manifest as physical mutations, altered behavior, or heightened aggression. The change can be resisted but will likely result in severe damage or even death.
- Environmental Warp: When the core is brought into an environment, it gradually warps and twists the surroundings, infusing them with the Qliphoth's dark, otherworldly essence. Plants become grotesque and predatory, and the land itself takes on an eerie, unnatural appearance. Structures in the area may begin to decay or morph into nightmarish forms.
- Aberration Spawn: Given sufficient time and sustenance (usually in the form of organic matter or life energy), the Broodheart Core can spawn lesser Qliphoth aberrations. These creatures, while not as formidable as those spawned from a fully formed Broodheart, still possess the Qliphoth's corruptive and deadly traits. They will aggressively defend the core and seek to spread its influence.
He closed the AetherLink. He was already familiar with most of this information. What he needed to discern now was whether to keep the core for study and potential weaponization, or destroy it. If the latter, he could consume it and possibly acquire a new power.
But that could wait. He set the broodheart aside.
A notification chimed on his AetherLink, and he glanced at it, noting the familiar prompt. The last directive had been completed, meaning the door to the fifth floor was now accessible. With a quick tap on his screen, he opened up a new window to see the details of the upcoming floor:
[Directive 5-1: Suppress Civil Unrest (Repeatable)]
Overview: Patrol specific districts of Andurth to investigate reports of civil unrest and contain rioters.
[Directive 5-2: Recover Ancient Documents]
Overview: Retrieve critical historical documents from Andurth’s Grand Archive that might reveal details about the Qliphoth chrysalis’s origins and weaknesses.
[Directive 5-3: Patrol Andurth’s Trade Routes (Repeatable)]
Overview: Ensure the safety of merchants and travelers along the main trade routes leading into Andurth.
[Directive 5-4: Investigate Cult Activity in the Noble Quarter]
Overview: Infiltrate a high-society event rumored to be a front for a Qliphoth-affiliated cult. Gather evidence on their operations and identify key figures.
[Directive 5-5: Disable the Chrysalis’ Defenses]
Overview: Identify and dismantle the Qliphothic warding systems protecting the chrysalis beneath Andurth.
As usual, a mix of repeatable and unique directives. He had already seen these types of objectives on the fourth floor. It was the nature of this Tower and the world it was in, he supposed. But he had a feeling that the directives were becoming more complex, more nuanced than the simple, brute-force tasks of the previous floors.
He had noticed this shift in complexity starting on the fourth floor, and it was becoming more apparent as they progressed.
He checked the details of the first directive:
Directive 5-1: Suppress Civil Unrest (Repeatable)
Objective: Patrol specific districts of Andurth to investigate reports of civil unrest and contain rioters. Focus on non-lethal methods to avoid collateral damage.
Description: The instability in Andurth has grown, with riots erupting in the western districts. While some unrest seems natural, there are whispers of strange agitators inciting chaos. This directive serves to stabilize the city’s streets.
Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆
Success Condition: Resolve three instances of unrest within the designated area.
Failure Condition: Major property damage or civilian casualties.
Rewards: 100 EXP, 15 Quintessence Shards, basic consumables.
Bonus Objective: Subdue agitators without using lethal force.
Bonus Rewards: 200 EXP, 10 additional Quintessence Shards, a rare gear piece.
Andurth... the capital city of the region. His hunch was correct that the Tower was pushing him towards that place, it seemed. It was there where the Nai'hum's chrysalis rested, and it was there where the cult's main headquarters most likely was. It made sense that the directives were slowly pushing him to engage with that environment.
The final directive of the floor, Directive 5-6, was most likely to find and destroy the Nai'hum chrysalis.
But he was not yet strong enough for that─nor his agents. There was a lot of work to be done first before he could attempt such an undertaking.
Fortunately, the time dilation between the floors and the Tower was quite useful. He would be able to use it to strengthen himself and his agents as much as possible before the inevitable confrontation with the Fleshbound Choir—
Inevitable...?
He blinked, momentarily lost in thought.
Yes, it was inevitable, wasn't it? The directives had been leading him to this confrontation since the beginning. He was meant to face the Nai'hum chrysalis and the cult.
Something wasn't right. A suspicion crept into his mind, one that had been nagging at him since the second floor. Why did the Tower's directives seem tailored specifically to counter the Qliphoth's machinations? How could the directives anticipate the emergence of Nai'hum and direct him to confront it? How could it have known that the crypt would contain the Broodheart?
The more he pondered these questions, the more unsettling they became. It was almost as though the Tower's directives were not just responding to his actions, but predicting them, guiding him towards specific outcomes. That or it had the power of foresight and was acting in anticipation of future events.
It was a disconcerting thought. He was no stranger to cosmic manipulations and ancient schemes, having orchestrated many in his former life as an Eldritch Lord, but he had never been the one manipulated.
He didn't like it.
He closed the AetherLink. There was nothing to do about it for now. For better or worse, his path was set. He would need to proceed carefully. The directives could lead to power, but they might also be steering him towards an unseen, possibly catastrophic end.