Once again, I awaken to my entire body being in pain. However, it is not all from the inae exhaustion. This time, I can attribute most of the pain towards the absolute walloping I just suffered.
I cant believe Initae actually expected us to fight one of, if not the strongest, fighters in the order. Like, come on, couldn't she have at least given us padding. I bet the net is filled with the story of our humiliating defeat. Guess we won't be known for combat prowess.
Though, this could be useful if enemies in the future underestimate our combat abilities.
I rise out of my bed only to be greeted by Alex, who is dutifully waiting by the door. By the way, he is still a saint. Also he has grown to be very humanlike, it's kinda creepy, the AI technology is so much more advanced than anything humans have made. Yet, they are being relegated to mindless servants.
Anyways, Alex informs me that my presence is requested in the main hall whenever I am ready. I quickly put on my uniform and head out of my room. It seems Ray is still asleep in her room, wrapped tightly in her blankets.
When I enter the hall I am greeted by many familiar faces, as well as some new ones. Initae is standing alongside Emil, Sage Qualtrak and the warrior from our tournament. There are also four other important looking people, who I presume are the other sages of the order. There are also a few who look like guards standing near the walls.
I think the guards are kinda pointless, since each one of these sages can probably fend off nearly any attacker, let alone with Initae here. But I guess a bit more security can't hurt, plus it makes some jobs.
“Why, if it isn't our little human. All rested up from that embarrassing display. Did you make sure to get your beauty sleep? I hope you didn't take any detours in totally-not-flirting.”
“Hmm, it's good to see you again, Master. I have recovered from my staged whalloping.”
The ‘Breaker of Universes’ speaks, their voice is far too loud and nearly blows out my eardrums, “Greetings, Ascendent Ducker, I do truly apologize for my unrestrained actions earlier. However the Transcendent insisted that I show you two the merits of true power.” My ears ring, barely able to withstand the immense force projected from this guy’s vocal cords. I bet he could shatter a steel plate if he were to shout.
“Its all good, no one can defy that little devil we've got as our leader.”
At my words, everyones… Tentacles? Lets just call them mouths, opened wide in shock. They stare at me with astonished looks. I do suppose I, a mere human, just called their god a devil. I am also the second most powerful in the entire order, perhaps I should mind my words a little bit more.
“My my, how bold you are. To insult me of all people in front of seven of the strongest people in the order, let alone me. Thus is why I have made thee my apprentice, dear Ko!”
At her light tone, they all seem to immediately calm down. It seems she has even more of a cult following (literally), than Ray and I. Good to know for future planning uses.
“I mean, would they dare strike me down for such a minor offense? At risk of sounding arrogant, I'm pretty sure they are all aware of my potential and your deep connection to me.”
Breaker:”Oh man, I like this little kid, he’s got some spunk to him. I'm now certain that I have made the right decision.” They then walk over and give me a pat (which would've broken my spine if not for my exosuit) on the back.
Ko:”Hmm, what decision are you talking about?”
“Why, I'm going to join you on your adventures of course! Transcendent has given me special permission to act as guard, since you two are so pitiful.”
“Wow, thanks a lot, I cannot wait to journey with you, o great breaker of universes.”
Their laughter booms through the room at my use of their title. “Oh, please don't call me that. Please use my name instead, I am known as Rigar.”
“Good to know, nice to work with you then, Rigar. By the way, what's with your super cool hammer? Does it have some cool tech inside?”
[Several minutes of nerdy ranting about the advanced tech inside their warhammer. In summary, it uses space-nullification tech and some very heavy materials to hit with several tonnes of force while not being too difficult to wield.]
Of course, they let me try to pick up the hammer. I can't even make it budge, it's like it's anchored into the ground.
Initae:”You might be able to pick it up with inae, but you'll have to make a very thick bubble to pick up heavier things. Something something, it applies force based upon density at the point of contact.”
I try to use raw inae to lift it off the ground, I manage to make it levitate a few centimeters, but I quickly lose control. I am still recovering from inae exhaustion, so I don't dare push myself too far.
“Geez, that thing truly is heavy. I can't imagine how annoying it must be to wield.”
“Well you see my friend. That's the trick part. The handle is set to only respond to me, which activates the nullifier and makes it only about five percent as heavy.”
“I can't imagine how we survived being hit with that thing, it would smash through buildings with ease.”
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“Well, you can be thankful I didn't actually hit you. You would definitely have splattered all over the walls *creepy laugh*. The thing that did you two in was the shockwave from smacking it into the ground. You see–”
Well, regardless of how Rigar might just be absolutely terrifying, it seems like they will be very loyal. Which is precisely what we need in a bodyguard/soldier. I bet Rigar could also serve great at commanding boarding parties. However, Rigar must have to be quite careful when swinging it in order to not open up a hole into space or hit the antimatter core.
“Anywyas, so Rigar shall be joining us on our journey. I'm sure that can't be the only reason why all of the most powerful figures in the order are gathered here.”
“Well, you'd be right in that assumption. We have received a very strange communication.”
“From who?”
“Your father, Kraven Ducker. You might wanna wake dear Ray up.”
My Father!? What could he possibly want with contacting the Order of Convergence. How the klack did he even get their contact id? Taking Initae’s advice, I go wake Ray up.
“Grr, who dares to disturb my slumber, you shall pay the cost dearly.”
“Its the big bad tickle monster, here to torture you with endless tickles.”
“Oh no, whatever shall I do, it's the big bad tickle monster. I guess I better punch it until it's unconscious.”
She says, while still laying down, not even having moved an inch.
“Cant believe you still remember that, that was like what, four years ago?”
“Well, you remembered it, so of course I gotta. Otherwise what kinda best friend am I?”
“I think your best friend status isn't gonna be shaken by one forgotten memory.”
She sits up and gets out of bed very quickly. She then walks over to me and stands really close, so her beautiful blue eyes are looking right into my dull gray ones. She looks quite cute with her bedhair going every which way.
“It must be perfect.”
“Okay, Ms. Genius Prodigy Superstar. I shall endeavor to uphold my status to an equal degree.”
“Nah, you're too much of a loser, and a big jerk too.”
“Waah, but what about all those times I've carried your unconscious self home after you drank yourself unconscious?”
“Merely compensation for your jerkish behaviour. You remember that time you ghosted me? You should, it was only two months ago.”
“Ouch, pulling out the nuclear trump card. Don't think my heart will ever recover.”
“Serves you right, Mr. Jerkface.”
“Aww c'mon, what did my face do to you? I thought you liked it.”
“I only like it because it's super punchable. Also it has that perfect smirky grin that pairs well with my brilliant smile.”
It is then that Initae barges through the door and interrupts our nice banter session.
“Ko! I didn't say to start totally-not-flirting as soon as she woke up. You better get your butts out here quickly, no more totally-not-flirting or ill take away your desert budget.”
“Oh no! Not the desert budget, sugary confections are necessary for maintaining my perfectly personable demeanor. What the klack is she so pushy for, Ko?”
“Well, a few things have happened. You remember that big guy that walloped us with his hammer yesterday?”
“Yeah, they were super duper strong.”
“Well, they are now gonna journey with us as a bodyguard/soilder.”
“Yipee! I can't wait to train with them, hopefully we can learn a couple cool tricks.”
“I'm sure Initae will be putting us through the ringer. By the way, there is also one other thing.”
“Hmm, that doesn't sound very good, what is it?”
“Well, apparently my father somehow sent a message to the Order. They decided to wait for us both to be there to listen to it. All of the sages of the order are gathered in the main hall.”
“Holy kek, that's some big news. What does that piece of klack have to say to the order, or probably specifically you? I swear, if he is only interested in you now that you're some form of celebrity I’ll dump him into a vat of antimatter personally.”
“Ill hold you to that promise. Now let's go see what he has to say to us all.”
We walk out into the main hall. Initae seems to be in a very grumpy mood today. She mumbles under her breath something about kids these days. I can't possibly understand what she could mean by that.
“Alrighty now that we are all assembled here, lets see what Mr. Kraven Ducker has to say.”
She pushes a button on the center console and after a few moments, a holographic projection of none other than my father appears.
Ray grabs my hand and gives it a bit of a squeeze, probably worried about how I'll react to what my father has to say. I give her hand a squeeze back in appreciation.
“Greetings members of the Order of convergence. I presume my son and Rayleign Inan are also there to hear this message. I hope you two are doing well.
I have been keeping track of your organization since I first gained knowledge of the universe. A fair bit ago.
I must say, this is truly a great establishment. I wish that humanity could some day create something so grand and powerful. After all, we might as well take over everything before this universe dies.
You must be mighty curious on how I have established communication with the Order. Well, that shall remain a secret.
There are three purposes for this message.
Firstly, I just wanted to say, I truly am proud of you Kovon, you have done some quite great things.
Secondly, encased within this message I have given coordinates to a location. I have left a note for you, Kovon. I highly recommend you go find it, it is too important for me to transfer over this communication.
Thirdly, I wish to reveal a key piece of intel that you may have been wondering about. Who was the eighth selected contestant?
Well, I won't hide this any longer. I, Kraven Ducker, was the eighth person selected to represent humanity in its trial of ascension. I rejected the offer due to personal reasons. However, make no mistake. I still plan to leave my mark on the universe, one way or another.
Do take care, little Kovon, do treat little Rayleigh right now, don't be too much of a jerk. I learned firsthand the consequences of such blunders, and I know you are likely to have inherited that trait from me.
Until we should next cross paths, among the stars.”
The room is dead silent at this absolute bombshell of information.
Not a single person moves even a millimeter.
After about fifteen seconds, Ray breaks the silence, “Well, he got one thing right at least. Ko is definitely one big jerk.”
Somehow, this causes everyone else in the room to nod in agreement.
“Hey, don't I even get a chance to defend myself before you all start agreeing!”
Initae:”Nope, it's a fact of the universe at this point. Sorry.”
Ray:”Anyways, what's up with those coordinates, where do they lead?”
The hologram disappeared, and a bunch of coordinates appeared. They are in latidue/longitude and appear to correspond to Earth. I quickly realize where they lead to.
“Thats my old apartment, back on Earth.”
End of Chapter 48
A/N: Hiya dear reader. Author once again. Hmm, what interesting developments, I wonder what will come of them – jokes on you, I already know what it all means, you'll just have to stay tuned to find out. Also, you may be like, what, you're so crazy for adding in such a development right at the end of the volume. Like, how can you possibly end this off now? Well, dear reader, since this is a webserial, It's fine if the end of a volume leads into the next one a bit. Since the distinctions are pretty arbitrary anyways.
Do be sure to stay tuned, there is still much more to come.
As always, if you are enjoying this story, be sure to follow/favourite/share with a friend, it is always appreciated! Until the next one, dear reader.
- Cathrix