Fate's Reversal: The Divines Return

Kaiden and Hollow stood at the village entrance, completely shocked by the sheer amount of activity taking place inside.

"Damn that's a lot of users now. Looks like we are going to have competition very soon. In fact, as soon as we can… let's attack higher areas of the leveling field", uttered Kaiden as he faced the village commerce area, continuing.

"Reconvene here in say, 15 minutes?" he said dashing off, preparing to set up a makeshift stall.

Filling up a stall with the various stacks of Limestone, Quartz, and the miscellaneous loot that he acquired throughout the leveling period, shrewdly keeping the Chantar's Blessing in his inventory for a later date. Kaiden roared,

"Multiple stacks of production materials, skill books, and equipment!! Hurry up and buy."

At this point no one really had observation skills, so no one was able to see his hidden level and name. But just the contents of his shout caused a miraculous crowd of varying levels to inquire with frantic gazes about different prices. Precisely for the skill books.

Suddenly a loud voice was heard, overpowering everyone.

"That Lv.3 Bronze Shield, Lv.4 Uncommon Staff and is 19 Silvers okay with you?" said the voice.

Rubbing his chin, Kaiden looked at the username and level reading Lv.4 Unyielding Roar. An Orc Warrior, he pondered the value of the items.

"Hmm, sure. That'll suffice.", agreed Kaiden initiating the trade adding 19 Silvers to his inventory.

"Thank you, come again.", uttered Kaiden.

"Wait! Would you like to add each other as friends? Maybe sometime later we could cooperate.", asked Unyielding Roar sending a friend request.

Accepting, an Lv.3 Elf Mage named MagicsSlave who wore bifocals and thin shape with an average height inquiring about Wind Vortex.

"How much would you price that [Wind Vortex] skill at?"

"10 Silver, 50 Bronze.", priced Kaiden.

"Hmm...do you take trades? I have Normal Warrior Skill and I'll add 6 Silvers.", responded MagicsSlave.

"Yes, I do." Kaiden instantly accepted, finding a skill named [Weapon Defend] and 6 Silvers in the traded window confirming.

Learning the skill and following a similar process of adding MagicsSlave. 10 minutes later Kaiden ultimately finished up his selling netting 58 Silvers, his skill, and 2 friends.

[Weapon Defend] (Normal) – Level 1/10. Lifts your weapon, defending against a frontal attack. Reduces 20% of damage received. Cooldown: 15 seconds. Skill Proficiency: (0/200). Requirement: Warrior Class.

Closing up the stall, Kaiden voice messaged Hollow, "Arty, I'm done selling off all the loot we gathered, I'm heading over to the Adventurer's Guild Merchant Shop to purchase a surplus of consumables then I'll be heading over to you."

"Okay, I'm at the front still. I've seen a couple of decent levels pass by." Replied Hollow.

Reaching the merchant shop, Kaiden found that the most effective consumable only healed 150 Health, costing 10 bronze.

[Basic Health Recovery Potion] (Consumable) – Recovers 150 Health over 10 seconds. Cooldown: 30 seconds.

Buying 100 of them resulting in 1 stack, 10 Silver instantly disappeared from his inventory. He also brought a few other auxiliary potions, spending an additional 20 Silvers.

[Basic Battle Stimulant Potion] – Increases damage by 10%. Duration: 30 seconds.

Cooldown: 60 seconds.

[Basic Gladiator Potion] – Increases Strength by 8. Duration: 30 seconds. Cooldown: 60 seconds.

[Basic Undying Potion] – Increases Vitality and Endurance by 8. Duration: 30 seconds. Cooldown: 60 seconds.

[Basic Swiftness Potion] – Increases Agility and Dexterity by 8. Duration: 30 seconds. Cooldown: 60 seconds.

Meeting up with Hollow at the entrance, he passed half the stock of every type of purchased potions to Hollow, who was confused.

"Haha have we turned into dope fiends?", joked Hollow and the two started their adventure to the Lv.5 Dungeon 'Condemned Cave'.

Standing outside the dungeon entrance, Kaiden shouted into the full crowd.

"Party of 2, looking for 3 more to challenge. Tank spot filled. NO TANKS 'Condemned Cave' Normal. Healer, and 2 DPS classes need. Report your stats before applying for an invite please."

Shortly after, the pair were bombarded with party requests that simply didn't conform to his instruction, which in short aggravated Kaiden. Canceling a ton of request until his eyes fell on the ID: MagicsSlave in which he accepted, increasing the party to 3.

Waiting at least another 5 minutes, no other prominent candidates requested to join. In fact, one of the requests sent Kaiden on a cursing spree.

"Dammit! Didn't I say no tank? Hollow look at this shit. Sometimes I think we live amongst utter idiots! This guy defense is 25 and he wants to tank. W-…WHAT?! Those monsters in the dungeon are about 20% stronger than monsters of the same rank and level in the fields. Tch. Madness", Kaiden cursed darkly.

"Woah now don't blow your gasket Key. We'll simply wait for better people that's all.", laughed Hollow.

After 10 minutes, an Lv.3 beautiful female Elf Priest possessing silver curly hair with a lithe yet curvaceous body approached.

"Excuse me, may I join you guys? I have [Fast Heal] and [Seraph's Whisper]. My name is Gentle Whisper.", said the Priest.

Oblivious to the words flowing out of Gentle Whisper's mouth, all Kaiden could mutter while unable to remove his gaze from her is an indistinct, "44…"

"Huh…?", responded Gentle.

"Oh! Nothing. Please join us. Those skills are a pure blessing.", corrected Kaiden as he accepted her request.

Now, what he meant by that '44' is quite simple and provocative. If you simply lower your gaze you would notice, despite her partially flat c.h.e.s.t, seemingly B-cup, her h.i.p.s sported an impressive circ.u.mference of at least 44 inches, if not exactly. Which was indeed his preference.

Shortly after a lean Lv.4 Human Thief [Despotic Shadow] who gave off the silent hidden blade type with a lanky figure appeared with good stats being accepted into the party. Unbeknownst to everyone at this moment, in that party now resided ¼ of the founding core members of a future guild who would later take the server by storm causing nothing but tumultuous waves.

"Everyone, ready? Skills and equipment will be distributed based on class. Coins and miscellaneous items will be divided equally.", asserted Kaiden with a serious expression, almost as if he had split personalities.

Choosing the Normal difficulty first. The team of 5 was transported into the 'Normal' version of 'Condemned Cave'. Now inside, they realized it just looked like a simplified version of a labyrinth, with a gloomy atmosphere. This led them to believe that run would be simple, however, they underestimated the meticulous planning the developers invested in this game.

After traveling in a convenient formation, Kaiden and Hollow spearheading, followed by Despotic Shadow and MagicsSlave with Gentle Whisper following closely behind everyone, they located the first batch of monsters after a while.

Lv.6 Golem Warrior (Elite)

Health: 1560/1560 (100%)

It was a monster similar to the Stone Golems except that it had rock-like gauntlets around its fist and a robust physique looking almost like chiseled marble.

"Interesting, it has over 1.5x the HP of a Stone Golem. Hollow, you lure. Be mindful of your positioning here. The environment looks like it may have some hidden disadvantages.", instructed Kaiden.

Luring 3 of the 8 Golems over, Hollow began tanking blows while consistently retreating towards the party, occasionally implementing an evasion maneuver inspired by Kaiden's battle with Bouldris but nowhere as fluid. Despotic entered Lurking Presence which was a basic version of Stealth. Kaiden launched Sword Wave – Dispersion testing the defense of these monsters.

-108, -130, -153, -174, - 197. 'Hmm Defense should be about 35% stronger than Stone Golems our battles shouldn't be too tedious.', evaluated Kaiden.

The party besides Hollow were all shocked as if some sort of freak were standing before them. Each of them having expressions that revealed directly down their throat. MagicsSlave even went on to blurt.

"Holy shit! What Warrior? You're simply a sword cannon! Here comes a leveling train express. Choo choo!"

The remark caused a fit of uproarious laughter to sound out before everyone got serious preparing to efficiently do away with every last monster. Executing his battle tactics, Kaiden and company proceeded to finish the 8 Golem Warriors in 2 minutes.

'System: Over-level Kill. Level difference: 1. 15% experience bonus applied. Lv.6 Golem Warrior (Elite) slain. 74 Experience gained.

Splitting the experience 5 ways made it take a steep drop, however, what lacked in quality was made up in sheer quantity. It was a dungeon, so it was bound to be littered with filler monsters to kill.

Moving along besides finding more Golem Warriors, they ran into a new type of monster.

Lv.7 Petrified Titan (Elite)

Health: 1950/1950 (100%)

It was an Elite boasting the same health as Bouldris, readying themselves taking offensive stances, Hollow used Charge stunning one. Kaiden rushed in attacking in a slightly different manner, using a barrage of peculiarly angled slashes. Stabbing out occasionally as if he was fencing with an opponent, he finished with Charging Slash.

-58, 57, -54, -60, -163.

Despotic used Backstab. Slave used Lesser Fireball. Hollow used Thrust, and Gentle used the occasional [Basic Heal] to treat the damage Hollow took in a timely fashion.

Dealing over 400 damage per 15-second rotation. The team cleared out the monster cl.u.s.ter in slightly under 20 minutes, which resulted in both Gentle Whisper and MagicsSlave leveling up to 4.

Walking up to an entrance to a spacious room which from the outside seemed more like sleeping quarters rather than a battleground. It actually consisted of a poorly made rock bed and well as other types of primitive furnishings you would find in medievally inspired rooms, the team halted as Kaiden instructed.

"I'm pretty sure this is the boss room as this is only Normal, it should only consist of one boss. With that being said, the rank is also undetermined, so we'll tread carefully as none of us here has experienced a boss fight before.", stated Kaiden.

The moment the team entered the room a shout was heard.

"What fools dare intrude my sleeping quarters, do you think I won't smash you to bits? I refuse to believe you are imbeciles of this magnitude.", roared the boss.

Lv.8 Torrence the Earthseeker (Chieftain Rank Boss)

Health: 2900/2900 (100%)

Roaring back, "Did this dumb lump of rock just call me stupid?! Watch how I pummel your highly disproportionate face to mineral dust.", Kaiden was fuming.

His outrageous outburst bewildered the team as all they could think to do was just silently stare at him. "…"

"W-What? We have an irritating boss to kill!", barked Kaiden.

Mumbling to herself Gentle Whisper said "Um… you're the only one irritated."

"Damn, I heard that!", glared Kaiden.

Rushing up to the boss, Hollow smashed against Torrence stunning it for 0.5 seconds dealing 12 damage, b funny result happened as Hollow bounced back off its body.

"Oh, my goodness, it's so thick! Key test your damage on it.", voiced Hollow.

Leaning forward, Kaiden launched a Charging Slash cleanly slicing the boss, but the damage left much to be d.e.s.i.r.ed.

-120. (Boss stunned for 1 second.)

"It's lower than my original attack power. Its defense is goddamn thick!", confirmed Kaiden, emptying his mind and entering into a battle state induced by pure focus.

Directing the battle with an extreme calmness foreign to the party, Kaiden instructed.

"Hollow, actively tank the bosses attack. Gentle Whisper will solely heal you. Despotic use hit and run tactics from behind the boss. MagicsSlave, stay mid-range, and try to keep close to your DPS limit as it should be relatively susceptible to magic. I'll try to control and manipulate its movements."

While the team acted on the instructions, Kaiden rushed into point-blank range downing both a Basic Gladiator Potion and Basic Swiftness Potion, increasing his most important stats while also leaving an unpleasant bitter taste in his mouth. Tightening his grip on his sword, he used Double Slash, followed by a midair triple horizontal spinning slash reminiscent of a spinning top, landing he finished with a Thrust. Movement becoming more unimpeded the more his familiarity with this body grew.

-58, -61, -42, -44, -42.

Gradually, an apparent decrease took place on Torrence's health but it's health also recovered slightly as the seconds passed. For every 150 damage Kaiden dealt, 50 was negated.

90%…85%…75%… steadily the pace picked up as the team acclimated to each other's playstyle, with Kaiden determine the suitable patterns for everyone based on the strengths he was currently witnessing.

"Hollow, when Torrence smashes try angling your shield in a way that it would mitigate some of the pressure applied on your body. Despotic, try switching grips if your dexterity is good enough. It should hasten your attack speed even further.", advised Kaiden as he poured down his own barrage.

Lv.8 Torrence the Earthseeker (Chieftain Rank Boss)

Health: 1860/3100 (60%)

Suddenly, the boss stomped. Summoning a wall of Earth, which then fractured at the base, slamming down.

"Everyone, evacuate to the side!" roared Kaiden. However, Hollow was too close and was one caught in the move. -210 appeared over his head.

A timely heal appeared over his head, +82 from Gentle Whisper. Kaiden launched Sword Wave – Dispersion, dropping the boss's health under 50% which caused a change.

Reaching under 50%, Torrence picked up his huge Claymore settling in a fighting stance.

"Hollow, get ready. Since he has a weapon, try that angular deflection I mentioned earlier."

Torrence swung his claymore at the team, Hollow defended trying to tilt his shield, however, he wasn't used to these movements resulting in a failure that compromised the stability of his wrist. Taking up the mantle, Kaiden controlled the aggro increasing his DPS, shifting Torrence towards him.

Relishing the excitement of battle, Kaiden began to grasp hold of a slightly deeper conscious utilization of his battle senses. As Torrence chopped down on Kaiden, Kaiden loosened his grip on his sword a notch to distribute the force throughout. Holding his sword above his head in a position where the blade pointed towards the ground, Kaiden applied soft force, Torrence' chop gliding against the sword, stabbing into the ground.

At that moment, Hollow Charged dealing 12 damage, and the team unloaded their highest damaging skills. Eating away at the boss's health. 45%...35%...20%...

About a minute later, the boss's health reached 10% resulting in its berserk mechanism activating. It used a skill called [Earth's Embrace] increasing Defense by 50%. Followed an earthen glow on its Claymore. Using a mass damaging skill. [Stone Destroyer] – Send a powerful chop at the Earth, dealing splash party damage.

"Crap, its defense is too thick!", voiced Kaiden.

Everyone in the party received damages over -200. Luckily, Gentle Whisper used [Seraph's Whisper] healing the whole party +125, escaping from imminent danger.

'Now that I think about it, this Priest has very good timing and mana management. She hasn't once complained about low mana or performed a useless heal.', inwardly thought Kaiden.

15 seconds later, the boss entered a weakened state, however, a system notification also went off

Sanctoria World System Announcement:

Congratulations to the party 'King's Authority" for completing the first Normal Mode Dungeon 'Murky Forest'. Rewarded 5000 Experience, 5 Silvers, and 30 Reputation.

The announcement enraged Kaiden which caused him to enact that rage on Torrence, wrongly abusing the weakened Rock Giant. Closely observing, there might even be remnants of tears in its eyes.

"F.u.c.k! My baby, they stole my baby! Don't worry dear announcement, I'll soon get you back.", g.r.o.a.n.e.d Kaiden, raining down pure damage on Torrence.

20 seconds later…the boss was killed, and 2 system notification was heard.

'Ding!' 'Ding!'

'System: Over-leveled Kill. Level difference: 3. 55% bonus applied. Lv.8 Torrence the Earthseeker (Chieftain-Rank Boss) slain. 4,650 Experience gained.

System: You have successfully cleared 'Condemned Cave' Normal. Hard Mode is now accessible.

The abundance of experience elevated the party's level, averaging at least Lv.5 now. Arranging the loot, the party was heaving sighs of relief now that this battle was over but Despotic Shadow's eyes were glistening radiantly as he recalled the way Kaiden battled.