Gruul continued, “However, he was targeted by those who vied the shrine and the power it promised. When one person has everything, he becomes the target of everyone’s envy and ire. That’s exactly what he experienced.”
“Morkus was no fool, however. He knew he might lose everything in the inevitable battle. So he broke down the shrine’s power into pieces and left behind several legacies, spreading them across the universe, each one a treasure beyond imagination, yet also a test for those who would seek them. They are not gifts that can be obtained lightly; they are rewards for proving one’s worthiness.
“What remains of the Shrine of Evil is itself one such legacy.
“When the inevitable battle took place, countless gods died and many empires fell and the entire army of the Devil God was decimated, but Morkus had the last laugh. I don’t remember much of it as I died in the war.”
Val felt confused. “But you’re still alive.”
Gruul said, “I once used to be a human like you, a very primitive one. I fought in the great war and died. However, when I opened my eyes, I was alive but in a body different than I remembered, and the Devil God was nowhere to be seen. I don’t know how I was bought back to life but I believe it was a miracle performed by Morkus. Only a message was left behind, telling me to wait for the next Devil God and defend the shrine from unworthy invaders until his arrival.”
“The Shrine of Evil still holds immense power, although most of it was broken down to create legacies that Morkus left behind for like-minded people. And I believe you’ve already tapped into its energy as you have ascended to the position of the Devil God.”
Hearing its words, understanding dawned on Val. The power he had acquired wasn’t just his own; it was a legacy, a mantle that had been passed down to him.
However, he also felt troubled as the Shrine of Evil, now under his command, wasn’t just a place of power, but also a beacon that attracted those who craved power.
‘It seems like my new status comes with great power and responsibility, and also, great danger,’ he thought.
Suddenly, a confusing thought flashed in Val’s mind. 𝑜𝑣𝓛xt.𝗇𝓔t
He looked at Gruul, saying, “I think I have another legacy of Morkus.”
Gruul’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I know,” it responded, surprising Val.
“You do?” Val replied, somewhat taken aback.
“Yes,” Gruul replied, “Without it, you wouldn’t have reached this place.”
Val hesitated, then decided to share more. “It was my mother who gave me the system. She was just my father’s sex slave, trying to escape her tormentor. I helped her, and in return, she gave me the system… I always wondered why. It seemed far too valuable to be given away so freely.”
Gruul listened patiently, its stony face expressionless. When Val finished, it replied, “The legacies of Morkus are unique. They have a will of their own, they choose their wielders, not the other way around. It doesn’t matter if a person is good or evil, strong or as weak as a newborn baby. What matters is their understanding of balance.”
Gruul continued, “You were chosen because you don’t believe in the simplistic concept of good and evil. Since the system chose you, it must mean you’re not unnecessarily good or evil. You understand that darkness and light, chaos and order, are all necessary for the universe to function properly. You have the capacity to wield both, yet you’re not bound by either. That’s why the system, a legacy of Morkus, chose you. The throne of bones also didn’t reject you, allowing you to become the Devil God, meaning that even the core of Morkus’s legacies believe that you’ve what it takes to be the balancer!”
Gruul’s explanation brought a new level of understanding to Val. It was as if a veil had been lifted from his eyes.
“I see,” Val said.
Curiosity piqued, Val asked, “I have one last question. What’s the deal with that door at the edge of the shrine?”
Gruul followed his gaze, and then explained, “That is another one of Morkus’s legacies. It can guide its users on their path to power, transporting them to worlds where they can strengthen their bloodline and enhance their abilities. However, like Morkus’s other legacies, you must prove yourself worthy to receive its guidance. Presently, it’s unusable; it requires an immense and raw energy source to function.”
This revelation excited Val. His bloodline wouldn’t upgrade simply by leveling up anymore; he needed something like this.
“So, how can I make it work?” he asked Gruul eagerly.
Gruul’s eyes gleamed with a spark of interest. “Tell me about your world, and I may be able to provide a more definitive answer.”
After Val explained everything he knew about Eldrich, Gruul declared, “Dungeon cores can serve as the energy source required. Since the existence of entire realms, no matter how small, depends on them, it’s self-explanatory that they contain vast amounts of raw energy.”
“But if I don’t destroy the core, won’t I be stuck inside the dungeon?” Val asked.
“That’s a misconception,” Gruul responded. “As long as you isolate the dungeon core from the same space as the dungeon, the dungeon should collapse into nothingness. After all, there will be nothing left to power it. The will of the world will then transport you to safety. To test this theory, simply bring the core into this shrine.”
Val nodded appreciatively at this revelation. “Thank you, Gruul. You’ve been incredibly helpful.”
“It’s my duty,” Gruul said. “You’re the Devil God now. I must ensure your growth and that you become as capable as Morkus.”
“Who’s to say I won’t surpass him?” Val said calmly, a hint of a smirk on his face.
Gruul laughed, “I admire your confidence.”
Changing the topic, Val asked, “How long have you been guarding this shrine?”
“I’m not sure,” Gruul confessed. “But it must be more than thousands of years.”
“Do you ever get bored?” Val asked, half-jokingly.
“Sometimes, but Morkus gave me a purpose, to protect this shrine. And I am just happy with carrying out my duty,” Gruul responded with unwavering determination.
Damn, this guy was too good to be true.
Val looked at Gruul thoughtfully before saying, “You can join me in the outside world, you know. For a breath of fresh air.”
How good it would be if he had such a powerful and knowledgeable bodyguard follow him around all the time?!
Gruul shook his head. “The shrine must be guarded. Who knows how many there are who knows of its existence? They might invade at any moment. I must stay here just in case something like that happens.”
“I understand.” Val said, “I won’t force you.”
With a last smile to Gruul, Val, while sitting on the throne of bones, uttered a single word, “Exille.”
The next moment, he found himself in the verdant expanse of the second region of the Verdant Deepwood Forest.
