Abyssal Awakening

After taking several mouthfuls of mead, Ria exhaled out in satisfaction and handed back the flask.

"I'm guessing this is not something people should know. Since if that Eye grants you so much power without acting like a Sigil, I can imagine that a lot of powerful people will want to dig it out of your skull.

Plus, if it can affect the Abyss in such a manner that it's better to leave it dormant, maybe it's something far more primal and ancient than we might expect… F*cking hell…" Ria groaned as her mind struggled to comprehend and accept all of the information.

"You are using quite the colourful language today." Alice chuckled while Ria rolled her eyes.

"You expect me not to swear after dumping this on me?" Ria replied while giving Alice a 'are you serious' face.

"True."

"So what now? Is there anything we should've done with the gate?" Ria asked curiously. If it had such a reaction towards Alice and tried to establish a pathway down, perhaps there was something Alice needed to find out.

But with such a beast guarding the entrance, going in would simply be suicide.

"I'm not sure… Cayla only said the relic might give me a boon or misfortune. I suppose this could be considered a boon?" Alice shrugged, showing Ria the mark that now appeared on her chest.

"I suppose we can always mark this place down right? Ask Allura about it when she contacts us."

"Mnm. For now though, let's head back." Alice nodded as she adjusted her outfit and started to climb out of the Howling Depths.

Tracing their steps back, they arrived back at the surface and eventually back to the camp.

Seeing that the Raven's Watch group isn't back yet, the two could only assume they were still collecting the Sylvian Essence.

Once they arrived at their caravan, Alice could feel fatigue washing over her.

She could feel a warmth seeping out from the mark over her chest as she was unable to keep her eyes open.

"I'm… Just going to sleep for a bit." Alice muttered.

"Alright. If it's Cayla again, say hi to her for me." Ria chuckled as she stood guard for Alice.

Nodding her head, Alice closed her eyes and fell asleep.

###

[I must congratulate you o' master mine. You hath lay claim to the crown mine old owner left behind. The symbol of her sovereignty.] Cayla's voice rang out as Alice could see Cayla walking next to her.

"Was this what you wanted me to find?"

[Nay. I had not known that the crown would await thee. I merely sensed a connection. But with each interaction master has with mine old owner, her spirit would taketh over thee momentarily. Are you afraid?]

". . . A little."

Alice couldn't deny that the feeling and thought of having her body being taken over with her unable to do anything scared her. But aside from the anger and sadness that Allura's master seemed to harbour in her memories, her presence felt warm.

"She said that this is a sign. For a new inheritor, for me to rebuild what is lost and claim what she left behind. Do you know what her words mean?"

[Once again I must say no. Mine old master is… An anomaly to say the least. She is not someone people can be compared to nor is she someone that can be comprehended by the conscience of someone such as I. But if she hath giveth you her crown, she does not bare ill will.]

[If anything, she looketh upon thee with favourable intentions.] Cayla chuckled as she leaned down and pressed her finger against the mark on Alice's chest.

"Can you tell me what this crown does? What it changed in my body?"

[I know a portion of its capabilities. After all, I'm now far more awake than I was before, am I not? The crown grants thee power and sovereignty. While you may not know what it represents, it is something that many dream of obtaining. Just know that it is also a protection against the reaches of the Abyss.]

Hearing this, Alice paused and contemplated Cayla's answer.

"Are you saying you're fully awake now?"

[Thrice I must answer with no. You can consider this to be what humans considers to be… Sleep talking. You may rest assured that I have not fully awakened my full potential.]

"One last question Cayla." Alice asked as this was a thought that's been on her mind for a while now.

[Ask away.]

With the power that Cayla holds, how the Abyss has reacted to her awakening as well as the connection to the depths of the Abyss, Alice wanted to ask Cayla regarding Allura's master.

"Your old master. Is she… Is she an Apostle?"

Upon hearing this question, Cayla was silent. She simply stared at Alice, contemplating how she should answer without putting Alice in danger.

[Knowledge can grant upon thee mastery over life. Yet some knowledge is better left untouched and unknown. Mine answer to thee could bring you much danger. So I cannot verify the truths you seek from me and I know that Allura would not want thee to know too soon. But as you are my master, if you wish to know, I can only comply.] Cayla warned.

". . . I see. Alright, I will ask Allura when I see her again." Alice nodded.

[Thank you for your understanding. However, there are more pressing matters mine master. With the pathway formed between this layer and the deepest reaches of the Abyss, even if it's merely for a moment, the influence would reach out and corrupt the beasts on this land. It is not safe for the people to rest within the forest.

The aura emanated from the depths of the Abyss, Terminus, is one that drives the coldest grasps of death into even the hearts of Lords. If embedded into a beast, they will fight with the desire of taking everything down with them.

[This ravenous fervour is not one that Hunters can deal with.] Cayla warned.

Hearing this, Alice realised what Cayla was warning about.

"Ellie and her friends are in danger…" Alice muttered.

[Exactly mine master. But now that you have laid claim to the relic left behind, I will re-enter mine slumber to consolidate the power within your body.] Cayla smiled as she flicked her finger, forcefully sending Alice out of her mind realm.

[Mine master is such a curious soul. If she was to discover the true identity of my old owner and what Kaden expects of her, I wonder how she'll react? I know that in her heart, she prizes the connection between her and Allura. Perhaps if Allura was to ask she wouldn't hesitate. Yet to taketh on the role that was owned by my old master… is no ordinary task.

But to think mine master thought that she was an Apostle… *chuckle*] Shaking her head, Cayla slowly disappeared from within the realm as she gathered her strength to help Alice's body accept the crown.

###

Jolting awake, Alice had a frown on her face but sighed as Cayla probably wanted to rest as soon as possible.

Standing up, Alice tapped Ria on the shoulder.

"We need to leave. Ellie and the rest of the Raven's Watch are in danger and so is his camp. The portal we opened was one that leads to the Terminus, deepest layer of the Abyss. Cayla mentioned that the beast will go into frenzy when exposed to the aura of Terminus." Alice explained as Ria's expression was serious.

"If Cayla is warning you then I'm guessing the beasts aren't something that the Raven's Watch can handle."

"Mnm. It'll be hard for us to convince the camp by ourselves so the best move would be to help the Raven's Watch. Once we bring them back, we need to leave this forest as soon as possible." Alice nodded while running out of the camp with Ria following closely behind her.

"Do you even know where they are?" Ria frowned.

"I do. Isabella is holding one of the blood orbs that I made. It holds my blood. We know the general direction they ran in, as long as I get close enough, I'll be able to sense where they are. Or at least, where Isabella is."

Since this was a direct byproduct of their actions, Alice didn't want any danger to befall the Raven's Watch party.

'Ellie is also not in the right state of mind to fight something that will stop at nothing to tear out your throat. If Ellie fumbles, the party will try to cover for her and that'll only lead them to more danger!'

Activating her first Sigil, Alice stomped down and dashed forward.

*BANG!!!

"What the!" Widening her eyes, Ria was shocked at Alice's speed as she didn't expect this kind of acceleration that rivalled her own in the past! The difference here was that her's was focused on speed while Alice's first Sigil was merely physical enhancement!

'Is it because of the crown?' Ria thought to herself while activating her own Sigils so that she could catch up to Alice.

###

In the dim light emanating from the lake, Ellie's heart pounded in her chest as she stared at the swarm of monsters emerging from the shadows around them. The gnashing of their teeth, the grinding of their scales and their growls echoed through the air, sending shivers down her spine.

Each of their eyes were blood shot and hungry for flesh, each one radiated killing intent that chilled her to the bone.

Her bow quivered in her trembled hands as she desperately tried to notch an arrow only for it to drop on the floor. Fear gripped her mind as her once confident aim faltered. Her party were injured and exhausted having fought off the first wave but they kept coming.

"Ellie! We need some range support now!" Finn shouted while Isabella was trying her best to heal him using some Abyss Blood.

Griffin was the only one holding back the army of beasts and they were pressed against the wall, unable to retreat or run forward.

Without Ellie's support, they were going to die.

"ELLIE! HELP HIM!" Kaida shouted as he cleaved through the wave using a half broken rapier. His arm had been torn off during the first wave and his arm had been hastily bandaged up so that he could keep fighting.

Blood poured from his wounds as another beast sunk its teeth into his shoulder, causing him to cry out in pain.

Surrounded by screams and blood, Ellie found herself unable to move.