Fate's Reversal: The Divines Return

Zooming in, the pair of Warriors were running westward across an expansive plain, one where stones ubiquitously littered the relatively flat field accompanied by various ditches. Habitat to many indigenous stone type monsters. Kaiden and Hollow traveled a distance which would only be covered after running for an extensive period, while being bombarded with heat that would cause a normal person to perspire most of the water contents residing in their body. However, this is a game world therefore no such things would happen, unless somehow it became even more hyper realistic.

Reaching the depths of the Stone Plains' Leveling Field central area, adjacent to the area where Golems could be found, Kaiden and Hollow began seeing a new type of scenery, one filled with small stone mounds and grass patches in random, peculiar spots. Traveling through a small number of grass patches the team came across a gathering of a few snake type monsters, about 2.5 meters in length, each of its bodily sections looking like small boulders causing the pair to chuckle.

"Haha wild Onyx's have appeared.", said Kaiden catapulting the pair into a boisterous laugh.

Lv.9 [Boulder Python] (Normal)

Health: 2200/2200 (100%)

"Just a high Health value, it's still a Normal rank monster so this battle should be fairly easy.", openly said Kaiden.

Nodding, Hollow rushed forward using Shield Instigation dealing 35 damage, followed by a Charge dealing 60 damage. Kaiden nodded at the regular damage Hollow was able to deal now, followed by his own added strikes of fury using, Sword Wave – Dispersion, Double Slash, Thrust followed by Charging Slash, dealing a substantial amount of damage in a short 2 seconds.

-148, -175, -200, -235, -260…

Together in just 7 seconds the Normal monsters exploded into a small amount of experience as well as undesirable loot, not that they had experience to loot of boss's.

Overall, the monsters were higher in level but sparse in quantity. On average, the pair would find a new Boulder Python or a small group every 30 seconds. But it only took 7 seconds to clear them out. The leveling situation was decent, as each Python gave ~99 experience. Meaning, in order to level Kaiden needed to kill at least of the 76 of the things, from the beginning.

Nothing to really complain about, if every 1-4 monsters took approximately 35 seconds to kill factoring in location time, he would take no more than 15 minutes if lucky and in the 47 minutes range should his luck be deemed rotten.

Scouring the barren plains in pursuit of more monsters, 5 minutes later they were presented with a dry spell. Unable to locate a single monster with a 20-meter radius. Taking their time to search for any possible any overlooked Hollow located something. It was the entrance to a huge underground cavern, looking to be a mix of manmade and naturally occurring interior designing, symbolizing something may be taking up residence there.

"Let's go in and check, this may explain why we couldn't find any monsters. Maybe this is their place of inhabitance and we already took care of all the stragglers.", Kaiden uttered as he and Hollow, began to investigate the cave, looking for any clues to monster presence.

However, midway through a corridor in the cave the pair's nose was assaulted by a putrid stench, causing them to frown.

"Ugh, you smell that? Smells kind of like sulfur, shit STINKS!", yelled Hollow in which Kaiden wholeheartedly agreed with.

Entering an underground area where there was light being generated by minerals called [Lumicite], the pair finally found out why the smell existed. It was a snake nest - an expansive one, filled with various kinds of snake monsters, and a yellow colored vat of liquid resided directly in the center of the area. The contents of that pool was the perpetrator of the horrible stench.

"Oh, it REALLY stinks here now, god.", complained Hollow.

"It does but there's over 100 snake type monsters situated here. Not to mention, look at those 2 bigger snakes. Especially the huge one. Those are definitely high ranking monsters.", rebutted Kaiden.

Hollow continued to complain, "Yeah, but it STINKS! Who can focus in here? We can't even turn down the intensity of our senses due to the developers wanting a completely authentic experience."

Shaking his head, coming to an understanding that Hollow might be a germaphobe or perhaps a neat freak Kaiden started to spout an evil grin, "Let's call over Gentle Whisper and the others to view their reactions."

Spouting the same type of expression, Hollow consented. "Yes! Right now, do it this instant…ahahaha!"

Voice calling Gentle Whisper, Hollow and Kaiden stood at the entrance out of detection, patiently waiting for an answer. A moment later, Gentle Whisper's melodious and clear rang out.

"Hello, what happened Unsheathed?"

Answering while fiddling with his sword, "How far are you trio from the main area of the Stone Plains?"

"Based on our position currently, the map is showing a 20 minute estimation to reach that general area.", replied Gentle.

"That's good, I'll send our exact coordinates. Try to get here…expeditiously. You're in for a surprise.", concluded Kaiden, sending the coordinates.

25 minutes later in the distance multiple heaving sounds were heard as 3 figures appeared in the entrance corridor.

"Haha, ya like it!?", roared Kaiden as Hollow uproariously laughed, however, it's was a bit too extreme in decibels as it alerted the outskirt snake monsters, slowly situating themselves towards the entrance.

Disgruntled by the situation Hollow caused, in which he reacted by scratching his head, Kaiden instructed, "Dammit Hollow! Everyone party up quickly and get ready for battle."

Readying themselves 2 type of monsters initiated confrontation, 1 of which was seen before they were just slightly strengthened.

Lv.9 [Boulder Python] (Elite)

Health: 2,800/2,800 (100%)

Lv.10 [Ore Constriktor] (Elite)

Health: 4,000/4,000 (100%)

"Huh it seems Lv.10 provides a substantial increase to a monster's stats. However, it's still acceptable." proclaimed Kaiden.

Ordering Hollow to lure a few more of these monsters over, Hollow did just that, but the results were slightly out of Kaiden's expectations. Resulting in Kaiden instructing MagicsSlave to use the "Blazetex" combination setup combining it with his Sword Wind and Sword Wave – Dispersion. The ensuing effects was a low vibrating, droning noise, followed by multiple crackles, ones which lead to an explosion – a huge explosion, one which the team couldn't wrap their minds around as it shook the very structure of the underground cavern.

The burning of the cavern awakened the giant snake as well, its coiled partner located 2-meters away. The explosion caused a fixed 3,000 damage to every monster in a 15 x 15 meter vicinity, not to mention the original monsters who were caught in the damage over time version. 80% of the surrounding monsters vanished in mountain of copper, silver, and assorted items.

Unable to find time to claim the loot as 50% of the filler monsters still remained, albeit with miniscule health that could dealt with – with but a swing of the sword, the once again reformed party began to systematically shred through the enervated monsters while keeping a mental notion on the status of the oversized snakes.

3 minutes later, the party was able to clean up every monster resulting in Kaiden leveling up to Lv.9 (4,350/25,000). Shifting their attention over to the real elephant in the room, Kaiden and company finally entered the distance that provided that opportunity to inspect the information as well as complete appearance of the snakes.

The huge one, 4 meters in length, didn't seem like a stone python but rather a much more realistic version. Its leathery yellow earthen scales looked reminiscent of heavy armor, it fangs along the lines of steel blades, half the size of Kaiden's blade. As for its partner it looked like a real python merged with a stone python, ultimately seeming to be outfitted in a stone-like coating.

Lv.12 Python King, Aktor (General Rank Field Boss)

Health: 15,400/15,400 (100%)

Lv.12 Impenetrable Slithering, Saphira (Champion)

Health: 9,500/9,500 (100%)

Everyone stopped in their tracks proceeding not a step further, at this moment even though everyone experienced a gear boost, an increase in skill options and stats elevated to new heights. For their current level, party size and confidence, this amount of health was utterly disheartening. Their minds went haywire with thoughts in complete disarray forgetting factor in the defense of the boss.

Recovering slightly from his stupor, Kaiden began voicing his opinion, "I don't understand, didn't we just kill Torrence? I understand that Lv.10 provides a boost to the attributes all types of monster now, however, isn't this just too steep of an increase? This is unacceptable!"

Piggybacking his opinion, Hollow added, "Hm, I think something is out of place here."

Gentle Whisper intrigued by his observation thinking it would be some type of help, "What is it? We will need as much of an advantage as possible."

"It's us, we're out of place. Shoo shoo, on we go. We don't belong here. ", joked Hollow seriously. It was a joke to lighten the mood causing everyone to chuckle except Gentle whose expression began to harden.

"Ah! You two buffoons are always joking, taking things lightly and throwing tantrums. I don't know how I will deal with you two!", snapped Gentle.

"Okay, okay. That's enough, no bickering. These bosses are already much more than enough of a headache to deal with.", rebutted Kaiden.

Shooting Kaiden a deadly glare, Gentle's eyes read 'Did you just call me a headache?' with beams of feminine rage surfacing. Pondering, the team tried to think of plausible ways to separate these monsters as there was absolutely no chance to fight both head on at the same time.

"!!" Eventually Kaiden was sparked with inspiration and a realized what this liquid could possibly be. Perhaps the game devs wouldn't make any situation impossible after all. This plan only worked if there was a mage in the party with Enhanced Fireball.

Finally coming up with a suitable idea, Kaiden turned to Despotic. "Is your Movement Speed over 7?"

Nodding, Despotic didn't physically answer as Kaiden smiled.

"This might work, it will be a 2 front attack. We need to get rid of this Saphira monster first, therefore I will lure the boss away to a suitable distance. And you guys take advantage of this pool of liquid here, based on the familiar smell it's definitely something similar to Carbon Disulfide learned in Chemistry. It's highly volatile. So, after Despotic lures Saphira in the pool I suggest you distance yourselves."

Following through with the plan Kaiden rushed up on the left side of Aktor activating Sword Wind, and launching Double Slash, attracting the bosses' attention. At the same time, Despotic Shadow appeared out of Stealth using Vital Stab, followed by Shadow Pursuit appearing behind Saphira completely holding aggro with a critical Backstab.

The monsters began splitting apart in opposing directions, Kaiden launched ranged basic slashes aggravating the boss, which caused it to accelerate, slithering rapidly towards him. Noticing that the boss's Agility outmatched his, he activated Fleeting Surge retreating to a definite safe distance. In contrast, Despotic was also luring but nowhere as fluent as there were multiple times where his progress was impeded by Saphira swiping its tail at him.

Fortunately, after 30 seconds with the help of Gentle's timely heals Despotic managed to lure Saphira to fall into the pool of offsetting liquid, in which MagicsSlave followed up with a Mana Invocated Enhanced Fireball aiming at the center of the pool.

*FWIM~!* *SCHBOOM!!*

An explosion so strong it knocked everyone off their feet except Kaiden as he was much farther in the distance, only being momentarily disabled.

"Ahahaha! I got a special title! [Innovative Arsonist], it increases my fire magic spell damage by 100%.", enthusiastically roared MagicsSlave. It was at this moment one of the 9 Saintly Generals; the Billowing Flame Deity took a step into his christening.

Consumed in sweltering ever blazing flames, Saphira couldn't escape as its body was soaked in the combustible liquid; it hissed and flailed about, however, the seconds just passed as constant -150 damages appeared over its head. After an eventful 15 seconds, Saphir's flailing ceased, the 4500 Health leftover from the initial explosion was emptied, resulting in nothing but lovely loot and slightly bountiful experience.

Kaiden sprinted for dear life back towards the party, simply because the boss underwent a change. It was in a hissing fit, roaring type noises mixed in while its tail constantly bombarded the ground. It wasn't only upset over the death of Saphira but over the contents of the pool that was incinerated. Inside laid its unborn offspring. Its parental primal instincts flared, and it slithered at a lightning pace in the direction of the party.

*SSSGROAH!*

Steeling themselves, everyone readied themselves for the impacts that were bound to unfold. Hollow gripped his shield, loathing the fact that he wasn't Lv.10 yet to learn Protective Shield Wall. However, Gentle Whisper and Kaiden was there to back him up.

Being extremely focused on his surroundings, Kaiden noticed Hollow's agitated expression and consoled him. "Breathe, relax my brother and clear your mind. I'm here with you. Follow me, close your eyes. Breathe in through your nose for 3 seconds, pause for .5 seconds and release your thoughts with the exhale in another .5 seconds."

Emulating the breathing sequence Kaiden just showed, Hollow noticed his mind clearing and tense nerves relaxing, his gaze sharpening on the incoming boss.

Kaiden continued to encourage, "Now, with your broad shoulders, sturdy back and encompassing shield; Become our foundation, we rely on you! You are our protection. I believe in you; we believe in you!"

A smile appeared on the party's faces as Kaiden's brotherly compassion overflowed, empowering Hollow.

"I WILL!", with a focused gaze and now ironclad tenacity Hollow exclaimed. Kaiden's rousing ovation shattered a restraint on Hollow's tenacity. His mindset was going through an initial evolution, the initial emergence of the 1st rank Saintly General; the Undying Goliath had been instituted.

Hollow always had good movements, however his thoughts would always stifle him but for this moment, he had no such thoughts; he just had the reassurance previously received from Kaiden. Moreover, sustained by this feeling, he charged forward. Beginning to show his real unhindered talent – a monstrous talent, slightly lower than what Kaiden has currently presented.

*It was Arty's time to SHINE!*

Aktor swiped its tail, aiming for Hollow's lower body in which he timed a jump, burrowing down with a Shield Instigation smash, gravity slightly improving the damage to 21. The moment his feet came into contact with the ground, Hollow crouched and shot forward like a fired bullet executing an exquisite Charge. Dealing an increased damage of 35. He continued to bash the shield in Aktor as the party also began damaging, Kaiden appended to the stun duration with a brutal Charging Slash from the side dealing a decent 185 damage. Hollow's body caught wind of a rebound force which was the result of him bashing into Aktor.

However, if you were able to see inside his armor you would see the posterior muscles of his back, h.i.p.s and legs exerting at nearly the same time, not yet achieving synchrony due to no formal training. But this slight untrained action sparked the conversion of the acting force on his body into his own body, dealing a makeshift concussive blow to the boss.

"!!", Kaiden eyes gleamed as he took note of something he overlooked. 'If we can create skills based on our actions, then we can also inflict statuses on monster based on the degree of our actions!"

Kaiden's thought process wasn't only sparked like this because with his battle against Bouldris, he was in a half-conscious state where his body moved before his mind resulting in the experience being a blur, but now Hollow's actions made the image crystal clear.

Thanking Hollow's instinctual behavior, Kaiden also practiced actions that he shifted to the back of his mind.