Estylwen

The Dark Beyond

@Lexisheeps
Underwater Cave, Ruins

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The assistant seemed to swallow nervously at this and relax, somewhat distracted by Nick's words. "Right, I'll refer to you as Nick from now on."

A Nick retreated to another area within the ruins, the dragon seemed to circle back to its tunnel and glide inside. From the depths of the tunnel, different sounds could be heard. This time, tiny voices, like chicks chirping for their mother, echoed from the dark tunnel.

"Is there anything new added to the file about this place? Like, who lived here and why?"

The HiveMind assistant's voice seemed to pick up a notch, enthusiasm thinly veiled behind professionalism. "From what my records indicate, when TRUMPET found this site, our initial scans showed the remnants of seismic activities. Our analysts theorized that this place is somewhat of a time capsule. Some type of reaction caused this ancient civilization, likely a fisherman village, to become encapsulated in condensed dark energy and plunge to the bottom of the sea. This is different to other sites, as there's often not so much still left intact."

There's a slight pause before she continued. "Due to a few.... unforeseen circumstances, our previous ventures have proved fruitless at this dark energy site."

She was making a reference to the evidence of explosions at the site. Perhaps they were from previous Contractors trying to defend themselves and cut a way forward.

"We equipped previous Contractors with all means of tools, yet none have gotten the results we have wanted. At least..."

There seemed to be a smirk enveloping her next words. "Until you were chosen. HiveMind is very hopeful of your capabilities, Nick."

Climbing up to what appeared to be some type of roof of a small stone hut, Nick got his bearings. To his far left was the tunnel and the subsequent dragon. To his right, framed against the flashing sky, was the remains of a looming tower. Ahead and in the distance, past the ruins, was an ethereal sight. Trees, or at least, the silhouetted form of trees, bark dancing with the same rainbow perlecent that the dragon's scales held. They seemed to go on for a ways, Nick's eyes getting lost as he tried to see further.

That was when a sudden cry alerted him. To his right, near the tower, the frantic screaming of a young girl could be heard over the howl of a beast.

If Nick decided to follow the sound, he would see a small girl kneeling on the ground and trying to pull her arm out of the jaws of a black, purple-eyed dark energy wolf. It growled, gazing at her hungrily and digging its teeth deeper into her flesh.

The Dark Beyond

Duly noted! And yes, I will introduce a character separate from the facility, likely in my next post. They will be linked to the 'explosions' that took place previously.

Love the post and the pace! I'll have another response up tomorrow!

The Dark Beyond

We're off to a great start! Another post is up!

The Dark Beyond

Chapter 1: The Trial of the Ruins

@Lexisheeps
Underwater Cave, Ruins

---

"Anybody supposed to be down here with me?"

There was a pause before the assistant responded. "No, Contractor Nick. By all records, it should just be you and a few of HiveMind's dron-"

Suspense weighed heavy in the air as the assistant seemed to check something. "From my dark energy scanner, I'm detecting a large energy signature a-approaching you. That wasn't there before, I don't- I don't know what's going on. What do you see?"

A slight hush came over the ruins as something slithered closer from the inky confines of the tunnel. A glint of ivory and purple, eyes wide in a frenzied madness, blinked open from within the tunnel.

In response to Nick's words, the beast within the darkness roared and charged forth, its body ripping off bits of the rock off the tunnel. It appeared over the ruins, a massive, writhing dragon-like beast, a dark silhouette painted against a flashing, tumultuous sky. Its skin held the same pearlescent as condensed dark energy, and its eyes were glazed with bloodlust.

A dark energy beast, perhaps defending its territory, perhaps something else. But, one thing was clear as it slowly and ominously advanced towards Nick - it was out for blood.

What Nick would notice, as the beast slowly approached, was that the tunnel behind it was now wide and empty. It may work as a place in which to outrun or hide from this monster, if Nick chose that route.

The Dark Beyond

The Dark Beyond

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Coordinates lit up the dashboard, a bright green dot amidst the sea of darkness. The hum of propellers could be heard through the titanium walls of the self-piloting submarine, carrying the newest contractor of HiveMind to their destination far below the surface of the Mediterranean Sea.

Nick would find himself strapped to a seat, feeling the pressure as the submarine dove deeper into inky darkness. Through a small reinforced glass, he could see the frightening depths of the sea swallowing them up as the submarine continued to advance.

"Vitals are stable. Nick, how are you feeling?" Came a buzzing voice through his earpiece, a lead assistant of HiveMind and his navigator for this dive into the dark energy signal's zone. She could track him through the wrist wearable they had equipped him with, able to see basic vital signs and geolocation.

HiveMind had also equipped him with a thin metal headpiece that wrapped from the side of his cortex to the center of his forehead, a thin sheet of plastic coming down over one eye. It was a non-invasive AR sight that also hooked Nick up to the HiveMind's AI companion, which could help guide Nick through the complex labyrinth system that drones had previously mapped. Or at least tried to, before disintegrating in the presence of unstable dark energy. His emergency bag, which was also gifted from HiveMind, held dark energy stabilizers, water, food rations, and emergency equipment like rope, a flashlight, and a first aid kit.

"We're getting close to the site. Be prepared to exit the craft in a few moments." Said the lead assistant matter-of-factly.

There was a slight bump as the submarine came to rest against some type of shoreline and a hiss as the overhead door became de-pressurized and unlocked. If Nick were to open it, he would find a peculiar sight. He appeared to be in an under-cave air pocket. However, this air pocket was massive. Due to the presence of dark energy, the ceiling of the cave, instead of being a rocky roof, appeared like an artificial sky. Purple lightning streaked across this sky, tumultuous clouds circling. If Nick looked in front of him, he would see what appeared to be the broken remains of a ruin, with fragments of stone foundation sticking up and chunks of rock leaning haphazardly in his path.

Further up ahead, there appeared to be some type of cave entrance, and scattered among his feet seemed to be scattered remnants of a broken tablet, among small uncut garnets and emeralds.

"The dark energy signal is deeper in the tunnels of this cave. We've only done preliminary scans of the area, so let me know if you see or sense anything out of the ordinary." Said the lead assistant.

The dark energy, its secrets, and fortunes were ahead. But also ahead was the sense of foreboding danger. The distinct feeling like he was entering a predator's domain. The air was heavy, and an ominous hush fell over the cave.

Within the inky depths of the far cave entrance, Nick could hear slow, heavy breathing.

The Dark Beyond

It looks like Cao may need a bit more time for their CS. I've decided to start the IC now, Cao and anyone else who wishes may join us at their leisure. :)

Expect the IC post in 1-3 hours!

Iris Ascendis

Ciara Ventura

Wingram Academy, Girls' Dorm
@Nanaya @Psyker Landshark @Sifr

---

"You were quick to choose. May I ask why? And while not as quick, I'd like to know your reasoning as well, Ciara."

"Because the Voices said so." Was Ciara's immediate thought, but she held back. Being so bluntly honest, especially with what went on in her convoluted, disturbed mind, likely wasn't the best way to reward her friend's interest.

"It's so dark... peaceful..." Said the child-like Voice in her head, referring to Otis. Indeed, that was likely the most significant reason. The Voices approved of Otis, so it wasn't hard to align with him.

On top of that, her own powers took on the symbolic shape of a sword more easily.

"I value my truces, I suppose." She said idly, not giving a specific answer to Hildegunde. Hopefully, she would trust Ciara's words at that and not press her further. There wasn't an easy way to explain her reasoning, after all.

"Why was I quick to choose? Vaal Nero is my home. I could hardly decide not to join the corresponding faction, now could I?"

Ciara stared, her face appearing a bit pained before she pursed her lips. Hunger. When the knight spoke so confidently, the light around her blazed brighter, more tantalizing for the senses.

As the group of girls in front of them left the office in defeat, and a voice called out to them, she gave an anticipating glance to Iraleth and Hildegunde before stepping into the office. She took in the elven mage, recognizing her cape's status right away. She couldn't stop her jaw from dropping slightly out of surprise and awe. It was like being in front of an idol, or superstar. Ranks as high as Undermage were something Ciara admired. Magical merit such as this amazed her, though she cared little for the hierarchy attached to it.

She took a seat, a bit at a lose for words, glancing back at Iraleth and Hildegunde before locking eyes with the elven mage.

"Head Advisor, we would like to move Hildegunde from room 9 to room 7 permanently. From what I understand, there's a certain roommate better left on their own. I've already moved her bed. We just need an extra key for room 7." She stated matter-of-factly, confident the head advisor would agree.

Iris Ascendis

That looks awesome.

Iris Ascendis

@Sifr Sorry, the detail must have slipped my mind. ^^; I can edit that.

The Dark Beyond

While we wait for Cao's CS, I've added a bit more lore to the first post on 'condensed dark energy' and how it can shape the world. Hopefully we can start soon, I'm quite excited. :)