Shadow of the Abyss

Altair had initially thought Thanatos might have exaggerated the matter, but Medusa was perhaps one of the cutest creatures he'd ever seen. She was incredibly timid, often seeking refuge behind Thanatos at the slightest disturbance, like a child seeking protection from her parent.

Thanatos, in turn, was always ready to shield her, his protective instincts kicking in at the slightest sign of her discomfort. Her vertical pupils writhed uncontrollably at the sound of footsteps, giving her an air of vulnerability that was hard to resist.

Altair, on many occasions, held the urge to pinch her fluffy cheeks, especially when she tried hiding beneath objects or people that were either bigger or smaller than her.

The second Raven met her; she'd shouted, 'New Best Friend!' before lunging into her embrace, burying her head between her ample breasts.

The meeting between the two had been preplanned in Altair's mind due to Raven's lax mindset. Raven, while exceptionally cold while on duty, was much like a naive young woman without a single care in the world when off duty. She greeted Medusa with a wide grin and open arms, her carefree nature shining through her actions.

She was free of schemes and too lazy to try to get along with anyone who held enmity towards her.

Of all his Shadows, only Raven didn't have secular intentions toward him. She sought to be rather than crave matters of the flesh, wealth, or power. She chose to be free, her only burden being her Guardianship.

Medusa was practically in tears, looking down at the ogling amethyst eyes of Raven smiling back at her. She'd stumbled on her bottom at the sudden attack within the Halls of Stygian. Cloaked in the Robes of Darkness, Thanatos had procured for her.

Thanatos clasped his head. "Raven, you can't just tackle people like that."

Raven peeped up quite reluctantly. "She smells like one of Master Shadows," she tilted her head. "Why can't I touch her?"

Medusa, too shy to speak, covered her face, wanting to scramble away, but she felt Raven's arms latch around her, ensuring she couldn't run.

"This Big Sis is super soft!"

That made Medusa blush as she looked for Thanatos and Altair for help.

"You don't need to be afraid of Raven, Medusa." Altair said softly, "But it's as she said, she'll be your new best friend and the person you'll be spending a great amount of time with, as her secondary job will be protecting our Gardens."

Raven hummed, lifting herself off Medusa, and helped her to her feet. "The Garden? Reina's Garden?"

Altair nodded. "Yes. Medusa will only serve me in an official capacity one day of the week, but I figured every other day, she'd enjoy tending to our garden and the Caelum Spring within the Palace of Stygian."

Altair glanced down at Medusa's skill sheet, then his own.

[Ding]

[30% of all stats of the Master will be shared between Individual Shadows]

[Skills of the Master will be shared amongst the Shadows]

[Due to Half Complete Assimilation of Medusa Soul. The Master has the Authority, not Share Skills

[Fallen Necromancy has drawn out 30% of Vale Devouring Serpents bloodline]

[Str, Dex, Con, Wis, Char will receive + 1000 to Bloodline bonuses]

Name Medusa

Race: Vale Devouring Serpent

Str: 155 + 432 + 1000 = 1587

Dex: 380 + 464 + 1000 = 1844

Con: 630 + 51 + 1000 = 2146

Wis: 635 + 522 + 1000 = 2157

Chr: 635 + 522 + 1000 = 2157

Mana: 300

[DING]

[Prerequisite to Forth Circle: Blood of the Vale]

Altair Blackwood

Mana Circle: [Forth Circle 25% →30%]

Class: [Prince of the Vale II Lv 150]

Strength: 1240 → 1440

Dexterity: 1345 → 1545

Constitution: 1520 → 1720

Wisdom: 1540 → 1740

Charisma: 1540 → 1740

Mana: 295 → 300

Compulsion [D]

Proficiency: 12%

Spirit Domain [F → E]

Range: 65m

Proficiency: 3%

Sword of the Vale [F]

Proficiency: 15% → 17%

Sword Limit: 2

Dual Cultivation [D]

Proficiency: 12%

Effect: Unites the Body, Soul, And Mana into a singular Entity.

Desolate Abyss [F]

Multiplier: 2x → 2.5x

Proficiency: 50% → 65%

Desolate Decent [F]

Proficiency: 87%

Eye of Sacrilege [B]

Proficiency: 8%

Fallen Necromancy [D]

[Proficiency: 72%]

Soul Storage: 100/100

Foresight [E]

Proficiency: 57%

Grave of Night [C]

Proficiency: 1%

Hands of the Incubus [F]

Proficiency: 0.01%

Hellish Rebuke [F]

Proficiency: 97%

Infernal Bane [D]

Proficiency: 56%

Effect: Madness

Infernal Lightning [D]

Proficiency: 78%

Rune Work [E]

Proficiency: 11%

Sovergins Gale [E]

[20m]

Proficiency: 47%

Vale Manipulation D]

Proficiency: 0.01%

Mana Manipulation [C]

Proficiency: 31%

Ninth Form, Aeron C]

Proficiency: 0% → 3%

Baptism of Blood: Obtained

Soul of the Indomitable [C]

[Proficiency: 26% → 30%]

Primal Instincts [E]

Proficiency: 57%

Altair was impressed by his growth these past two months after his descent from the Lake of Rot. But he was more than adequately surprised by Medusa's stats. Her bloodline was monstrous.

"Currently, I had Aurora handling the matter, but she is swarmed with work as it is. Now, how are you with finance?"

Medusa jumped slightly and shook her head. "I've only ever been a priestess," she said. "I never got the chance to learn numbers. Lord Hades wanted me to learn to read and write. But monsters don't deserve anything else than to lurk in the dark."

Altair's eyes went wide, and even Raven had to turn to Thanatos for answers.

The one who embodied Death shook his head. "She knows the basics. As a former God, she naturally learned to read and write but rejected any sort of higher learning. But now I'm sure that she is interested in learning, right?"

Medusa nodded, lifting her fist with a fierce glow in her emerald eyes. "Yes!"

Thaan patted her head, drawing an eye towards Altair, "her comprehension is absurdly high. So, it should take a few minutes to comprehend finances or any other sort of knowledge you deem suitable for her."

Altair wasn't really worried but rather was a little curious about Medusa. More so now than before. It was as if she was punishing herself for what happened to her. Instinctually forcing herself to be something unworthy in the eyes of the god that had shunned her, who'd destroy her in body and soul.

'She really believed she was a monster…' Altair thought. And he said, "Ava will deliver what you all need to know in order to catch up with the current era. In the meantime, the Eternal Garden will be your responsibility." He snapped, having Ava teleport them into a stunning land that stretched on for miles.

Nestled in the midst of a mystical realm within the Palace of Sytgian, the Eternal Garden was a sight to behold. Every inch of the garden was alive with an explosion of colors and fragrances, captivating anyone who stumbled upon it. The air was thick with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers, ranging from delicate roses to bold sunflowers, each one more captivating than the last.

The garden was a sprawling expanse of lush greenery, with winding paths leading to hidden nooks and crannies where one could sit and bask in the beauty of the natural world. The ground was carpeted with a vibrant tapestry of flowers of all shapes and sizes, each one vying for attention with its rich hues and intricate patterns.

The sprawling plantations, which extended for several miles, were a sight to behold. Each one was meticulously designed with an eye for detail, and the result was a stunning patchwork of crops that dazzled the senses. The pathways in between the crops were carefully carved out, winding their way through the fields in a pattern that seemed almost labyrinthine.

It was a testament to the ingenuity of the AI who had designed them, as it enabled easy access to all parts of the plantation, ensuring efficient harvesting of the crops. From the vibrant green leaves of the lettuce to the golden hues of the corn, each crop was a marvel to behold, and the intricate pathways only added to the beauty of the scene.

Medusa was motionless, spellbound by the land so stunning it felt as if she was walking through the luscious heaven of Elysium. She gasped, turning to Altair, as her heart pounded anxiously in her chest. She held it, tears nearly forming across her eyes.

"All this! All this is—"

"Yours to manage," Altair told her. He pointed towards the golden corn in the distance, nearly laughing. "Over there is Ravens Pride and Joy. She is infatuated with corn. Each crop is fed diluted water from the Caelum Spring, ensuring the highest grade imaginable, even if the actual sapling is trash. What is cultivated here is masterfully enriched by the nature of this paradise.

Unfortunately, I've only a hundred miles. I'll try to expand by purchasing material for the Palace of Stygian to devour, but for now, this is the best I have to offer you."

"You should focus on the forge," Thanatos suggested. "A hundred miles is more than enough. Once the money starts flowing, you'll have so much money. It'll be—"

"Then make a formal legislation… Chancellor." Altair told him, smirking at the stunned expression of the God of Death. He snickered. "I'll, of course, have a full say. But this allows you to spend more time with Aurura. Or has that relationship officially died?"

Altair laughed at Thanatos's awkward face and continued, "You're a smart man. You should know Artemis isn't necessary. Be a bit selfish, Thaan, or lower your pride and marry them both. And if she wants a child so bad… I can always lay it down."

Raven giggled, elbowing Altair, and said, "I saw him give kisses to Aurora only to get slapped."

Thanatos turned red before he was teleported away.

"Did Big Brother Thanatos just blush?" Medusa muttered.

The Prince chuckled, "Aurora must be giving him hell. She actually slapped him. I wonder what's going on there?" He shook his head, turning his attention back to Medusa and Raven. "My guardian here will show you the ropes, as I'm rather busy. But don't be afraid to ask for help. Raven, be nice."

"Kay!" Raven sang.

"Thank you, Sire," Medusa bowed.

He gave them a wink before teleporting back to his court to find Aurora, the woman of their most recent conversation.

Aurora stood with a foreboding expression on her face.

"What is it?" Altair darkly asked.

"A woman by the name of Morrigan of Scara from the Golden Crucible requests an Audience."