Chapter Thirteen / Wake

He felt cold. Cold in his body, shivering in his bones, with snow softly landing on his nose. A gray sky consumed his vision. He stretched out his limbs, caught on chunks of snow, and began fanning them across the surface up and down. When he felt enough of the snow had cleared away, he stood. He smiled, his teeth warm against the cold air. The snow he had cleared formed perfectly into the silhouette of an angel. His smile faded.

Is that an angel?

The snow ceased falling and the gray sky became red. His breath caught in his throat, his breathing becoming short and sporadic as he struggled to breathe. His skin boiled, hot and prickling with what felt like needles jabbing it. He looked at his hands wrapped in bandages. Beyond them, in the angel’s silhouette, a carcass splattered the white of the snow with blood. A torso, legs, a skull.

“FEAST.”

 

He slowly opened his eyes, the cracking of firewood filling the silence; the flames dancing off the walls in dimming shadows. He lingered on the fireplace. The smell of burning wood took the place of the cold air and warmed him. He felt the warmth hugging his body tightly, as if he was sitting closer to the flames. His fingers twitched as they shook a deep freeze from under their nails.

Silhouetted against the fireplace a being sat beside his bed. Black hair nestled against darkness of the room. Their head nodded desperately as they attempted to fight off the oncoming sleep.

His dry lips parted and a gutted voice asked: “Mom?”

The nodding head froze and looked up at him. “Arn?” The being rubbed their face with their hands. “You’re awake.”

The being leaned in closer and Gelicarus came into view. His black hair disheveled; his grayish green eyes hung lower with dark bags beneath them. Dressed head to toe in black, a black pair of pants with a long-sleeved shirt and cloak for warmth.

Arn leaned back against the pillows supporting his upright position on the bed and closed his eyes. “I’m awake.” He sighed.

Gelicarus gingerly took Arn’s right hand into his own hands, his frigid fingers warming in his grasp. “I’m so glad.” Gelicarus’s voice cracking.

Arn opened his eyes fully and looked at Gelicarus leaning over his bed; his face hidden behind the strands of his hair. Arn moved his hand from Gelicarus’s grasp and onto his head, his fingers moving through Gelicarus’s hair, and then down over his right ear. Gelicarus looked up at Arn.

“I’ll always wake up, Gel. No matter what.” Arn said.

Arn moved his hand from Gelicarus’s face and into the air beside them. A thud came from the stand next to Arn’s bed, and his mask floated into view. It appeared slightly different than before, its contours sharper and more pronounced with deep rivets running from the forehead over the black sheen of the eye shields to the cheeks. Arn let his hand settle back down on the bed, and the mask turned to place itself on his face. The mask set itself on his face and the metal whined for a moment. The leather band had disappeared and instead the metal itself contorted. It moved over his head and extended over the back of his neck, stopping halfway down. The mask became akin to a helmet, removable at his will, but comfortable and taut otherwise.

“How long has it been?” Arn asked.

Gelicarus wiped his eyes. “Eight days.”

“Not so bad then. Feel like I’ve been out for a month.”

Gelicarus stood and turned to the table by the fireplace. He picked up a ceramic pitcher and poured water into a cup then handed it to Arn. Arn took the cup, and his mask contorted itself from the bottom.

“Thank you.” Arn gingerly drank from the cup at first, but once the water touched his dry throat - he chugged the rest.

Arn twisted himself in the bed and pulled himself over the edge, his feet touching the cold floor below. He handed the cup to Gelicarus and the pitcher lifted itself into the air towards Arn. He took hold of the handle and drank from the opening, gasping and coughing several times as he drank.

“Slowly, please, you’ll choke yourself!” Concern lifted Gelicarus’s voice as he watched.

Arn wiped his mouth, the taste of iron lingered on his tongue and his chest heaved between breaths. He moved the pitcher to its original place on the table. The mask refit itself, and Arn recomposed himself.

“How do you feel?” Gelicarus asked.

“Like I could drink a lake, but good.” Arn looked at his hands. A tingling sensation moved from his chest throughout his body to his fingertips and toes. It swelled and a warmth rapidly moved along with it. “Really good.”

Gelicarus moved to the chest in front of Arn’s bed and retrieved Arn’s clothes. Gelicarus placed the clothing on the bed beside Arn. “You should rest a little longer. I’ll prepare the bath.”

Arn nodded. “Thank you, Gel. For everything.”

Gelicarus froze in place, then nodded and walked to the bathroom.

Console.

Arn watched as the air in front of him morphed and distorted into the faint outline of the familiar console. He tapped immediately to the Power submenu and felt the tingling well in his chest. Another point had been gained in Power.

Imbibe - Bestow a bond.

Another vague description. Arn thought to himself. The tingling sensation in his body didn’t cease. Was this different from what he was already doing? Arn closed the console. He stood and walked over to the chair in front of the fireplace, his feet lightly pressing against the floor, and rested a hand on top of the back of the chair. Two chairs with a small table resting between them faced the fireplace. A dark fabric was sewn between the back and the top of the bottom part of the chair, which allowed a more comfortable sitting. His hand squeezed the wood of the top of the chair it rested on as he gazed into the flames.

“The bath is ready, my lord.” Gelicarus said leaving the bathroom.

Arn turned back to the bed and retrieved the clothes Gelicarus had set out for him. “Thank you, Gel. I’ll be out in a moment.”

Arn walked through the doorway into the bathroom, and the stone door closed behind him. The same wooden slat walls greeted him, along with the same black marble bath, toilet, and white marble sink. Although, the toilet appeared more than just a hole in the ground than before. It even appeared to have plumbing. Was there plumbing before? Arn wondered.

Arn entered the bath, the moisture from the warm water heating the air around it; the temperature perfect for him. He leaned his back against the far side of the tub facing the doorway; his arms resting on the sides. He dipped a hand in the water then raised it out letting the water droplets fall between his fingers; the shimmering of the light bouncing off the droplets. His eyes went wide for a moment – remembering something he nearly forgot. Arn closed his eyes and pressed his right hand to his chest. He felt his own heartbeat, then against the quiet – heard another low beat against his own.

From Arn’s chest a pale shimmer emanated and disrupted momentarily the light, casting shadows into the room. The soul, a pale golden orb the size of his palm, hovered out from his chest to his hand; the light of the room returning to normal.

“I didn’t forget you.” Arn said in a low voice. He then looked over the details of the soul; a distortion still holding in place over the mass of the text. Paladin. As Arn read the text, however, it made him wonder if such a thing even existed. Ezbalath never mentioned class like titles for individuals before. Not that we’ve really had a chance to discuss it. I’ll have to ask him about it. Arn squinted his eyes and could just barely make out another few letters.

“Akiana.” Arn said, smirking.

Arn guided the soul on his hand over to the side of the tub and rested his arm there.

Console.

The air moved, and the outline of words and numbers appeared before him. Arn moved through the tapestry of his own being to find the Soul Engraving submenu. It was in this submenu Arn could see exactly what he could create from the Soul Forge. It was somewhat different than before, the upgrading part of it had changed. What appeared was a pathway that ran from bottom to top – The Skeletons were the first in the pathway, then Humans were the next above. A branch, however, appeared above Humans, which came from branches of both Skeletons and Humans – Dark Skeletons.

This tree looks more like a game of hopscotch. Arn thought to himself.

Arn tapped on each of the creations, each giving a vague description with no status changes according to level on the pathway. There was, however, a connection between each – a line in the description: Marked by the Dark Lord. Arn took a moment to think this over. Perhaps, regardless of what is created I still influence their creation. It just depends on how involved I am. A connection to the new Power? Arn looked at the Soul in his palm, then back at the console.

As his thoughts wandered – a new line appeared on the pathway. A branch from Dark Skeletons and Humans connected above them.

“Lord Humans.” Arn read aloud. He tapped on the text and the description only read: On the Path. Marked by the Dark Lord. Arn then looked at the pale soul in his palm. He then looked back at the path. Perhaps these lines also indicate it’s possible to elevate both Dark Skeletons and Humans into Lord Humans. Arn sighed, the steam of the bath visible in the light.

“Okay, enough thinking about this. I can do that after.” Arn said looking at the pale soul in his hand. “Just a little longer.” He coaxed the soul back into his chest.

Arn proceeded to bathe himself and perform any necessary upkeep to his body. A large mirror now hung from the wall above the sink and Arn used his towel to wipe off the moisture; the same dark blue eyes staring back at him. His hair seemed lighter than last time he saw it – a brown tone rather than black. Perhaps his hair had always been a darker shade of brown. His beard a mess - longer strands than his normal close look. He grabbed the scissors and immediately began cutting his beard down to be closer to his face, rubbing his hand over the smaller stubble strands after.

Arn dressed himself in a pair of black trousers, black shirt, and socks. He then turned to the stone door and went back into his room. He looked around the room, Gelicarus nowhere to be found, and walked to the chest at the end of his bed. Arn unlatched the iron latch of the chest and removed several items. He first took out a pair of brown boots. Instead of lacing, these appeared to have buckles to fasten them and an iron toe to protect his feet. Then he retrieved a large piece of clothing, a dark gray leather jerkin. It stretched out over his arms and down over his knees where it parted in the center on the lower half to allow more movement; a similar parting ran along the bottom back as well. He fastened some of the loops along the upper chest of the jerkin and inspected his work. Arn then retrieved a leather belt from the chest and buckled it around his waist.

Then he retrieved his cloak, rips and tears mangled the bottom of the cloak due to his time fighting. He placed it over his shoulders and fastened the chain along the bottom of his neck. He retrieved another item which, beside the jerkin, hadn’t been there before. He placed on his left shoulder a brown leather arm guard, which extended over his arm just above his elbow. The fastener wrapped around his front and back and came together on his upper left chest, a silver buckle tying the two together.  A smaller fastener wrapped around his upper bicep and came together behind the leather guard with another buckle.

Arn retrieved a pair of black gloves, snug and tight around his fingers, then a pair of leather gauntlets which wrapped around his forearms. Arn also retrieved a black cloth head piece, similar to an open face balaclava, and placed it on. He unfastened the top part of the jerkin to allow him to tuck the bottom of the balaclava underneath and refastened the jerkin. Arn made a note to put the balaclava on first next time and was also happy to have it to keep his neck out of the elements. Lastly Arn floated his mask over to his face, its metal contorting and taking up its helmet appearance - and pulled up his hood over his head.

At the bottom of the chest Arn retrieved his sword. The scabbard was wrapped in a worn leather belt, but as Arn was buckling the belt atop his other belt on his waist – he noticed the scabbard had changed from leather to metal. He grasped the hilt of his sword and unsheathed the blade – a rasping metal upon metal as it slipped from the scabbard. Then he sheathed his sword, again the metals scrapped together as the hilt clicked into place.

Feeling refreshed and ready, Arn stepped out of his room and into the hallway. Wonder where Gel went. Arn looked at Gelicarus’s door beside his own. Best leave him alone for now. I should check in with Ezbalath. Arn turned down the hallway and into the waiting area before the throne room, then down the left hall towards the Smithy.

Bright orange flames flicked the top of the iron sconces that lit the hallway, bright enough to incite disbelief that the hall was lit only by sconces. Arn had learned over time that the brightness of the flames indicated the time of day: Bright orange for midday, and as time went on, the flame would dim until night settled into a small flame.

A wave of nostalgia washed over Arn as he walked past several rooms. His first meal in the Dining Hall, the Skeletons and Ezbalath both being made from the Soul Forge. His fight with the centipede. Their battle on the next floor. They had done so much in such little time - Arn could hardly believe he’d been at this for only a month. At least he thought it was a month. I need to make a calendar. Arn paused in the hallway at the thought but then continued.

It took little indication for Arn to realize he was nearing the Smithy. The warm air emanated into the hallway from the opening, and Arn looked inside.

Ezbalath leaned over a metal sheet with a what appeared to be a long piece of steel in the shape of a pen or pencil - with each stroke the metal shaved away. Arn observed no pattern to this shape Ezbalath carved. Engraving? Behind Ezbalath, Arn noticed a Skeleton quietly sitting and appearing to observe him.

“I was going to say some things never change,” Arn said crossing his arms, “but I see you’ve taken on an apprentice.”

Ezbalath’s hand immediately stopped, and he dropped the tool onto the metal sheet. He looked over at Arn, his dark golden eyes going wide with a smile beneath.

“You’re awake!” Ezbalath closed his eyes and sighed, resting his face in his hands for a moment. “Thank goodness!”

Ezbalath opened his eyes and stood. He approached Arn as if to embrace him, his foot advantage shadowing over Arn, but hesitated; sweat rolling down his bronze toned body.

Instead Ezbalath looked at Arn - resting his right arm on top of his left arm with his chin resting in his right hand.

“I see you’re wearing what I prepared for you.” Ezbalath said grinning. “You look good in it! How does it feel? Anything off?”

“No. Actually everything feels great, perfect even.” Arn laughed. “How did you know my sizes?”

Ezbalath grinned. “All from memory. I’ve outfitted quite a few people in my time.”

Arn laughed, his voice clear even behind the mask. “I thought you might have asked Gel.”

“Ah.” Ezbalath unposed and rubbed his left eyebrow for a moment. “Yeah.”

Arn watched Ezbalath. Dark circles had formed under Ezbalath’s gold-tinged eyes.

“I haven’t actually had the chance to ask Gel how things have been.” Arn’s gaze fixed on Ezbalath. “Have you slept?”

Ezbalath sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. He turned around and approached the table he was working with earlier, then faced back towards Arn and leaned against the table.

“I’ve slept some, but not much.” Again, Ezbalath sighed. “You should ask Gelicarus if he’s slept much – if at all. He kept everything running while you were asleep. Keeping the Skeletons moving supplies, mining, and even making sure to cook and clean for me.” Ezbalath shifted his position against the table. “Those are just the things he’d do if he wasn’t with you.”

“I’ll have to thank him later.” Arn chuckled. “I think he went to rest in his room.”

Ezbalath smiled and ran his fingers through his damp hair. “Well, he deserves both of those things.” A frown took the place of his smile. “Neither one of us were sure you were going to wake up.”

Ezbalath stared at Arn, faint outlines of sweat dried on his face. Silence fell between them for a moment. Arn could feel Ezbalath’s emotions swell. Indecision. Arn could also feel something changing in himself. Was I always able to read people like this?

“Oh.” Arn remembered. “I wanted to ask you: is the term Paladin familiar to you?”

A smile returned to Ezbalath’s lips. “You’re adding someone else to the team?” Ezbalath’s smile turned into laughter. “Akiana of all people too.”

“You’re familiar then?” Arn asked.

“Yeah, plenty. I was her armorer.” Ezbalath shook his head. “Paladin is a title the Sigilius Emperor gave to her. She’s an exceptional fighter. She was probably the best in the Empire.” Ezbalath crossed his arms. “She up and left before the Empire fell. Never said a word to me before she did.”

“Could there be a reason for why she didn’t?” Arn asked.

“She had a little sister that she always dotted on. Only reason I could think of for why she didn’t. Must have been in a hurry.” Ezbalath pushed off the table from his leaning position and sat down on the stool beside him. “I get it. I have an older brother.”

“You do? You never mentioned that before.”

“Well, we have been fighting for our lives. Not much time to mention that.” Ezbalath laughed.

“That’s true.” Arn chuckled. “Now you have me interested in your brother.”

“Well…” Ezbalath rubbed his left eyebrow. “People always used to say I’m the louder brother. He was the Sigilius’s Emperor’s left-hand man. You know – the right hand is the olive branch, and the left-”

“The knife.” Arn completed the sentence and laughed. “Now you really have my interest.”

“I was going to ask if you could find him and bring him back. Circumstances willing.” Ezbalath rubbed the back of his neck, sweat clinging to the loose hairs.

Arn smirked under the mask. “I intend on bringing anyone I can. I’ll look in the Fount of Souls and see if I can find him.” Arn’s eyes wandered to the pile of metal beside Ezbalath. “In the meantime, I’ll also make you your own room. I’ve been meaning to do that. Sorry for taking so long.”

“Really?” Ezbalath smiled. “I’ve been wondering what the inside of the rooms look like.”

“I think they change according to who lives in them, but they’re private and I’m sure you’re tired of the quarters.” Arn said.

“A private room would be nice.” Ezbalath said. “Though I spend most of my time here.”

“Well, you’re getting one either way.” Arn said laughing. “I’ll also be doing some remodeling around here. Need to think about expanding. Any requests for the Smithy?”

“Some bigger furnaces would be nice. I’d be able to speed up production and make better steel.” Ezbalath said.

“I’ll make them.”

“Great, and I’ll make some equipment for Akiana for when she wakes up.”

“Thanks, Ez.”

“Ez?” Ezbalath laughed. “No one’s called me Ez in a long time.”

“I hope it’s okay. If not, I’ll stop.”

“It’s okay. Just for you.” Ezbalath smiled.

Arn laughed. “Then – Thanks, Ez. I’ll be in the throne room if you need me.”

Arn turned to leave the Smithy, and Ezbalath turned back to the table. Arn, however, turned around just as he was leaving. “Oh, Ez. I nearly forgot.”

Ezbalath turned back around from the table.

“If this happens again, can you please keep an eye on Gelicarus. I don’t want him worrying himself to death.” Arn said.

Ezbalath smiled and nodded, his gold-tinged eyes wearily looking at Arn. “I’ll do that.”

Arn turned and walked out of the Smithy.

It wasn’t long after that Arn found himself standing in front of the hovering pedestal map; its blue hues illuminating the dark around it.

“It feels like forever since I’ve looked at this.” Arn sighed. “Time for a refresher.”

Arn scanned the map: Closest to him on the map is the Throne Room where he currently is. Just outside the doors of the Throne Room is a small waiting area. To the left of the waiting area is a hallway that leads to both Arn’s and Gelicarus’s personal rooms. Arn’s and Gelicarus’s rooms are next to one another. From the waiting area, hallways stretched out to the left and right, which further down became one hallway. In the middle between the two hallways is the Dining Hall, Kitchen, and Storage Room. All three of these rooms have a door that connects them together. To the right of the right hallway is the Staff Quarters which Ezbalath is the only resident of. To the left of the left hallway is the Soul Forge and the Smithy. Further down, just beyond the point where the two hallways joined into one, is a crossroads. The right hallway or Eastern hallway leads to the Mining Camp and Woodcutter’s Camp, as well as the resource node of both, which are large roots of a tree intermixed with iron ore. The left hallway or Western hallway leads to the Fount of Souls where Arn encountered the Centipede. Arn tapped on the Fount, and it gave him a finite number of souls occupying the space: Fifty Thousand.

Arn paused for a moment. The number ringing inside his head. Fifty Thousand souls were taken and trapped inside of a giant insect. How big was the Empire? Several questions raced through his mind, but he pushed them back for now.

Directly ahead at the crossroads or the Northern hallway is the hallway that leads to the Forty-Ninth Floor. Just before the doorway that leads to the passage to the next floor, is the Guard Room. A number of changes crossed Arn’s mind. Additionally, Arn needed to make more storage space. A logistics network would make it easier to store and move the resources through the dungeon. Arn, however, needed to start somewhere.

First, Arn queued up a Personal Quarters room across from Gelicarus’s room for Ezbalath. Then Arn queued a Storage Room next to the Woodcutter’s camp. As a precaution, Arn also queued another Storage Room below the Guard Room. This would enable him to move resources up quicker should the next floor be more available now. Arn, however, did ensure he placed it far enough away from Guard Room to keep it not only out of harm’s way – but also to provide space for a Barracks. A room he hadn’t used yet.

As for the Smithy, Arn rested his chin in his hands as he leaned over the map, he began to wonder if it needed more space. Arn also thought about moving the Soul Forge closer to the Fount of Souls, and creating another Staff Quarters directly in its vicinity. Arn rubbed his head, his mind racing to think of future expansions – but he smiled beneath his mask. This feels like playing a city planner game.

Arn’s smile faded as a number of thoughts entered his mind: If I’m going to be bringing in a larger number of people, I’ll need a sort of rehabilitation center for them to rest in afterwards. Which means having a Staff Quarters or several nearby. I’ll also need to expand how many Soul Chamber I can place in one Soul Forge. If I only have one of those chambers to utilize then this is going to take a long time. Time I may not have if the enemy decides to ramp up their own activity. Arn sighed deeply. One step at a time Arn. You need food for them. Which means I need to bring in a limited number, or perhaps none at all until I can secure a food source. I’ll start with Akiana. For now… Arn flicked over to the Smithy and pulled over a submenu in which he was able to select a Furnace. He placed the Furnace in an empty spot in the room and dragged it outwards to enlarge it. It was only slightly larger than a standard furnace but cost more materials and allowed additional production. That should help Ezbalath until I tell him I’m going to be moving the room.

Arn also noted additional rooms became available to him as well. Another level in domain. These additional rooms came as: Personal Home, Personal Home Complex, Farm, Granary, Livestock Farm, Livestock Pen, Tanary, Artisan Workshop, and Clothes Workshop. Arn laughed. These all seem particularly timed on their usefulness. One step at a time.

“Good enough.” Arn sighed again as if fatigued by all the thinking he just performed. Then he walked away from the map.

Arn entered the Soul Forge, opening and closing the wooden door behind him, and looked upon the singular cylindrical tube at the back of the room. The moist air stuck to Arn’s clothes as he neared the chamber, the surrounding area damp with an evaporating liquid. Arn reached up and cupped at his chest to lull out Akiana’s soul. A pale light reflected off the walls as the soul seemingly pushed itself out of another space in Arn’s chest. As Arn reached out to the chamber, the tube retreated upwards and stopped just above his head, then Arn placed the soul inside. The tube lowered again to the floor.

Arn watched as the shadows of the room flicked with the shimmering of the pale soul hovering in the chamber.

“I’ll be waiting, Akiana.” Arn said, his dark figure reflecting off the glass.

Arn opened his Console, the outline shimmering against the soul, and scrolled to the Soul Forge. A notification appeared over the tab with Akiana’s information, but only showing what Arn had previously seen. Two options pinged onto his screen: Human or Lord Human. The requirements for Human were simple enough - a soul, flesh, and bones. Arn scrolled to the Lord Human requirements – a soul, flesh, bones, and in smaller text: A drop of the Dark Lord’s blood.

Arn looked over that last requirement, scrolling to it and back up the page as if trying to see if there was anything else. Is this related to the new Power I gained? Arn thought of the description again: Imbibe – Bestow a bond.

Looking at the Soul Forge again in the Console, Arn scrolled to the options again. Then Arn looked at the soul shimmering in the tube. It might be too much of a shock should they come out not a normal Human. Arn sighed heavily. Well, if the Power I gained is what I think it is, then I might be able to elevate her to Lord Human later. I’ll let her choose. Arn then looked back at the Console and pressed Human. The chamber hummed lightly and Arn backed off the small plateau. A white glow overtook the soul’s pale shimmer as the chamber readied itself. Arn walked to the door of the Soul Forge and exited the room. A timer popped onto the Console screen and armed watched as the number ticked away.

Arn looked down the hallway from the Throne Room towards the Smithy. It will be a few days until Akiana is ready to wake up. Better go check our defenses. His boots thudded against the stone floor, his cloak flowing behind him. He walked for some time before coming upon the crossroads linking the North, East, and Western hallways.

Arn crossed his arms looking at each of the connecting hallways. Should I call for a wagon? Arn thought to himself. A smirk crossed his lips behind his mask. No, I should see how fast I’ve become. Arn stretched his arms and legs, his cloak moving along the ground with him. If I remember correctly, I was able to clear what should have been a few hours by wagon within a half hour or under. Arn faced the North hallway and closed his eyes. He breathed in through his nose slowly and exhaled through his mouth slowly.

Arn remembered his fight with the being from the Forty-Ninth floor. Their duel felt like a dream in his mind - the melding of two souls facing off in a death match that could only be described as such. He wondered how they had looked from the outside. A blur? A dazzling mixture of lights? Or perhaps they hadn’t moved at all before it was over. Regardless, Arn fixated his mind on how he had felt moving towards the being. The shadows of himself. But now, Arn thought to himself, I don’t think I need those anymore. Arn took a step.

He felt a shift in the air, then heard a clang – something had moved. Arn opened his eyes and a Dark Skeleton looked back at him.

Arn realized then that he was in the Guard Room.

He laughed, and the five Dark Skeletons formed side by side in front of him, their black iron armor gleaming from polish. Arn’s laugh quickly dissipated.

That didn’t feel like walking or running. Almost as if, an unintentional smirk crooked itself in the corners of his mouth, the world moved. Arn’s felt his heart beating against his chest. He took a few breaths. He then turned back towards the hallway – two units of armed skeletons stood at attention parallel to one another along the sides of the hall. Then Arn looked at the gate behind the Dark Skeletons. It couldn’t hurt to peek a little.

“You five are with me. We’re going for a walk.” Arn said to the Dark Skeletons, who only continued to keep formation.

Arn took a step and the Dark Skeletons parted ways, allowing him to walk towards the gateway. I’ve got time to kill, so let’s walk this one.

Arn stepped through the gateway and entered the hallway between floors with the Dark Skeletons in toe; the gate’s invisible water like barrier passing over him. They walked for an hour, with nothing happening along the way, before a bright light began blinding him from the end of the hall.

Arn lifted his left arm over his eyes, the eye ports of his mask beginning to compensate for the blinding light, as they closed in on the gateway. The light engulfed him and the barrier passed over him.

Arn’s eyes adjusted to the light and he blinked several times. He recalled that the Forty-Ninth floor was a blood and flesh churning field with darkness covering the land. Instead, a blue sky dotted in white clouds moved over his head; his cloak moving behind him in a gentle breeze. Sunlight beamed down over a field of grass and trees with roving hills and small streams leading off into the distance. Mountain ranges peaked above the clouds in the north towards the next gate, with forests dotting the east and west. In the east a giant tree nearing the height of the mountains in the north took up much of the horizon. The cracked road still greeted him below his feet, but its presence was more evident as it extended beyond.

Yet, despite this great change to the floor – Arn beheld a more devastating scenery. Distant horses galloped along the planes, with dozens of herds of various cows, rabbits, and birds flying overhead; these being the only ones he could see. Wildlife.

Arn could barely take it all in. His mind numbed from the impossibility in front of him. He could only gutter a stunned: “Huh?”

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