Light filled the owl’s vision, as they watched Synexus slay countless locked memories within the hidden facility underneath the Timeless Flats on a planet long since dead.
Gene felt a mix of emotions while watching his new friend work towards their next revelation. Pride, a sense of awe, hope, and many more feelings bubbled inside them as the onslaught continued.
When they first met, Synexus’ combat prowess was okay, but not great and Gene knew that it would need to be great sooner rather than later. Now it was like watching their creator all over again. His skills were working in unison to deliver an impressive level of combat at such an early level on his path.
Progress was a great help, of course, but it was Synexus’ innovation with how he used the blade that was the true work of art. Gene could see the ebb and flow of mana going in and out of his body as his friend fought hundreds of these false monsters at one time. Seeds were being tossed out and grown at a rate that would surely leave him exhausted, plants were being grown of all types to help thin out the ranks of their enemies, random limbs would become something entirely different on both sides of the conflict, and then that blade would slash through metallic foes like they didn’t even exist.
Not only was the combat so varied, but his skills weren’t using any one tactic as a crutch. Leech moss grew in massive blankets absorbing from his enemies and replenishing him, more of his unique razor death plant creations sprang into existence to absolutely demolish crowds, explosions rang out from hidden plants that even Gene had trouble seeing, impossibly hard trees randomly grew to protect him from projectiles, new ice plants were deployed to slow reinforcements, a flower that Synexus had named the Kumo Flower started to grow from the dead to deliver small blows of lightning, and he still wasn’t done. The sheer number of different types of attacks was something to fear from any who would challenge the boy being tracked by the eyes of an owl.
Gene, of course, knew what it reminded them of or more accurately, who it reminded them of. Their creator. A class legend that was able to take down whole armies of monsters alone. Practically a force of nature who decided that one soul could change the universe forever. That was why the wise owl knew that their new friend would accomplish incredible things and build from their creator’s legacy.
Light constantly swirled over the battlefield and into Synexus even though he didn’t know it was happening. Gene’s eyes could see more than most and that included the constant experience being gained in his battle. The constant use of skills in new ways, slain foes, and pushing himself to the limit were things the System loved to reward.
With the thought of the System and their creator, the owl couldn’t help but realize how much Synexus still needed to uncover to complete this trial dungeon. Gene figured they could fill in any blanks that the dungeon missed, but so far, the bigger secrets of his people were being revealed. Even this place was a secret that they didn’t know and that bothered them. They weren’t sure what would be revealed once Synexus fought his way to the bottom. Gene could only hope it wasn’t something that they would have to supplement knowledge for. Giving away answers was not something they ever intended to do.
The experience light faded, and Gene started making their way down to Synexus as he stepped into the final room on the floor.
***
As the memory started to configure, Synexus noticed Gene fly into the final room. Truth be told, he lost the owl in the battle and was hoping they were okay. It had been intense fighting that required the use of all his skills. Technically, he could have taken it slowly and probably won only by using Progress, but he wanted to push himself to get stronger. Something made him believe he’d need to be to face the truth yet to come.
A familiar figure formed, and the duo instantly knew it was the greater mind from one of the memories prior. It seemed like he was the one leading this operation.
“Progress reports on project creator?”
That made Gene let out a disapproving hoot.
“Yes, Greater Mind. All candidates have been pushed hard. We surpassed our goal of 50 with time to spare. Their levels range from 70 to 83 although the one who made it to 83 is a bit of an outlier.”
“Good, good. They are almost ready then. Once they reach level 100 we will release them on our enemies in force. Tell me about this outlier. They sound promising.”
“That isn’t quite the word I would use. His progress is truly remarkable, but his personality leaves something to be desired. He only got that high in level because he killed three guards and has tried to free himself a few times by changing the composition of the cells.”
“What is the importance of personality in war? Power is what we need and this individual sounds like they understand that. I would like to meet him.”
“…uh. Greater Mind, are you sure? He doesn’t like authority.”
“You think a power levelled brat could dream of being a threat to me?”
There was silence before the researcher nodded in disagreement and left to retrieve the prisoner. While they waited Gene and Synexus discussed what they’d witnessed.
“Level 83? That is ridiculous. Do you know how long of a timeframe these memories have taken place in?”
“I do not. Even being force-fed with experience and spending every second of your day working on skills would take someone years to get there though. From the first memory we experienced here it sounded like the aggression from the Coalition had already started, which means this whole project couldn’t have taken more than a month. That is when the war truly began.”
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“Hmm, so level 83 in a month. They must have been experimented on or altered to level up quicker? Or perhaps the Timeless Flats have some sort of time dilation that these Zaxillians found a way to harness?”
“Time dilation does make sense. Even if they were altered, it wouldn’t affect experience gain. The System controls that and they wouldn’t allow this sort of expedited progress.”
“Interesting. Yet another mystery of this place. It doesn’t sound like I’m going to like this guy.”
“Me either. Someone who isn’t pure of heart wielding my creator’s class is an abomination that shouldn’t have been allowed to exist.”
Just then the researcher returned with a man in shackles.
“What is going on here? Take those shackles off our guest.”
“Yes, Greater Mind.”
“Wow! That is much better. Thanks, old man. Of course, I could have broken out of them at any time.”
“You will address me as Greater Mind. What is your name?”
“Why should I say you have a greater mind than myself when it isn’t true? You know what? To you my name is Greater Mind.”
Anger flared on the Greater Mind’s face. “You insolent, brat. You would be nothing if not for my project. The arrogance rising off you is pathetic. Humility would do you some good.” He turned to the researcher. “Put those shackles back on him and make him kneel for the rest of this meeting.”
“You’re even more simple than you look if you think I’ll let this pathetic excuse for a Zaxillian put those back on me.” Mana swirled inside the false Progress Druid before extending into a sphere around him.
The Greater Mind was too quick, however, and jumped back out of the radius. Unfortunately, the researcher was not as quick and turned to glass as did everything in the sphere’s radius. With touch of his finger, the researcher shattered.
“You’re pretty quick for your age. Still, you think you can stand against my power? I guarantee the creator would have even bowed before me.”
Synexus could feel burning anger coming from Gene and placed his hand on the owl to calm them.
“Such an ego. The creator was the greatest Zaxillian to ever live. You will pay him respect or I will end you even if you are part of my project.”
“You think it’ll be that easy? I can change reality itself. Someone like you is nothing.”
“Perhaps personality is a factor to take into consideration. Now, you will feel the power of a class master.”
Strange mana shot out from the Greater Mind and popped the domain like a bubble. Another blink of the eye later and the arrogant prisoner was bleeding on the ground clearly near death. With a call from the Greater Mind, another researcher came in and shackled the prisoner before dragging them away.
“Is there anything you can do for the fallen researcher, Anexi?”
From the wall of the room Anexi stepped out of nowhere. “No. I cannot reverse this damage.”
“A loss to be certain.” He sighed. “Going forward, start psychological evaluations of each of the project guests. We don’t need a psychopath wielding the power of the creator.”
“That seems like it would be a wise decision. I’ll keep a close eye to make sure we pick the best candidates for the final project.”
“Yes, I nearly forgot the reason I came in here. How is that going? Is the setup complete?”
“Yes, Greater Mind. We set up the space at the bottom of the facility. All the candidates have already accepted the skill necessary or the skill we believe is necessary. We can’t be certain and obviously none of these Progress Druids can match the power of the original. It will take at least two dozen.”
“Very well. If we can complete this final project, then bloodshed won’t be necessary.”
“Of course, preventing the war is our goal, but I do feel we should exercise caution with the final project. None of us understand the complexities fully and the creator clearly designed it that way. The power we will wield is not something to take lightly.”
“I agree, Anexi. Now, go inform the healers of our decisions and then you should head back to the city. Your service has been invaluable and your dedication to the Timeless Secrets has been second to none. However, you may not have a lot of time left to spend with your husband and son. I suggest you use that time wisely.”
“Thank you, Greater Mind. We bare the weight of secrets.”
“So, our people can embrace the truth.”
Light turned to silver and silver dissipated to nothing as the memory faded leaving Gene and Synexus alone once again.
“I’ve never seen a class master before, but that was unbelievable.”
“They are practically immortal and are capable of great feats. That particular Greater Mind was on the weaker side.”
“Really? Incredible! If my people had class masters as powerful as that, why did they even need a secret army?”
“For every one class master that we had, the Coalition had three. Their force was truly massive. I’m surprised the power of the Greater Mind was your takeaway.”
“I mean that was something that I’ve wanted to see since I learned they exist. I can’t help my excitement, but we should discuss what this final project is. What is waiting for us at the bottom of this facility?”
“That I’m unsure of, but whatever it is, it won’t be good. From the clues given by your mother and the Greater Mind, it sounds like it’s a creation from one of my creator’s skills. Anything you would get around level 70 on this class path shouldn’t be messed with without a complete understanding of what could happen. I’m afraid this Timeless Secrets organization was playing with fire while being made of wood.”
“That was another thing that I noticed. It sounds like this organization had been working in the shadows for a long time to be this set up. I’m afraid it sounds like a cult of some sort which makes me uneasy since my mother was a part of it. However, it does sound like my father wasn’t since the Greater Mind said that he was with me back in the city.”
“Your father was watched by many for several discoveries he made that were quite groundbreaking. I would be surprised if he had any knowledge of this at all. I will say you’re taking your mother’s involvement in all this very well. I understand this was a long time ago for you, but Synexus, the actions of this organization could have led to the destruction of your home.”
“At first, I was kind of angry, but then I realized that I really don’t know what was going on here. I’m getting snapshots and it’s easy to judge without seeing the full picture. It sounds like a lot of things led to the destruction of my home. Even if what my mother and that Greater Mind were doing here did lead to the final attack, they weren’t the ones that slaughtered millions or destroyed a whole civilization. They were desperate and scared. You can see it in their faces that they were grasping at anything to help them out of this conflict. If I’m going to be upset, or angry, or blame anyone, it will be the Creation’s Coalition.”
“That is very mature of you. I do believe you’re correct that even with whatever this project is, the Coalition would have attacked regardless. It was a destructive force led by greed, fear, and envy. People forget my creator was just a person trying to make his mark on the universe. He wasn’t perfect. His death sparked this conflict even if it was unintended. People feared him and therefore feared where he came from. Everyone is capable of mistakes.”
“Indeed. We can’t fault those following their imperfect nature in an imperfect life. Now, we have ten floors left and this is the last push we need to make to finally get the answers we came here for. Let’s go get our answers.”
