My (Monster?) Hero Life

Chapter 26: Origins

Kace stared at the beautiful scene before him. Er-Gol was situated underground in a vast empty space that had been created by thick roots, like the one he had just travelled through. Upon these roots thinner ones had formed into stunning open area homes.

The roots meandered throughout the whole area, an elaborate network of bridges. From two large openings in the ceiling water freely fell to create two large waterfalls as stunning backdrop. These crashed into several roots creating a waterways that ran along them. Like rivers running down to supply all of the homes. Coming together at the end of their separate paths to form a lake on the ground.

The same flowers and mushrooms from before grew all over the place here. Even inside of the homes. Eljein wandered around the walkways. Some gathered together, some were chatting but all in all they looked rather happy and peaceful.

Kace followed Ghursh and Grugda as they led him towards a slightly larger home in the centre. Once inside he could see normal furniture that had been formed naturally from the same roots that made up the house. He was led into a room that held a large table and chairs.

"Please, take a seat." Ghursh said.

Sensing a change in the atmosphere Kace obliged with his request.

"I. Get. Food." Grugda said solemnly as he left the room.

"Grugda will take awhile, so we should take this time to answer a few of your questions. Yes?"

"Then the most obvious question would be why am I here?" Kace replied.

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"Hm, a few days ago the great tree grew restless. When I spoke with it I was only able to glean a little information. It became excited because for the first time since the Fall it sensed the presence of a Chimera. Tell me. Do you know anything about the history of this world?" Ghursh asked.

"I admit, I'm completely ignorant on this subject."

"I thought as much. You had better comfortable." Ghursh began with a serious voice, "In the beginning, five gods came together to build themselves a home. Dahni, goddess of wisdom and wind. Herth, god of the earth. Preiko, goddess fire and destruction. Jokvan, god of the seas and finally. Lyreve, goddess of the hunt."

Ghursh paused here to see his reaction. It was interesting however Kace was confused as to why this had anything to do with him. Seeing that Kace was not going to say anything Ghursh continued.

"Herth used his power to give the world it's shape. You may not know this but this world is flat." Ghursh paused as Kace let out a surprised gasp, "He created the great tree and sped it's development. Making its roots grow far and wide. At the base of its roots he created earth in the shape of a bowl to hold it. Meanwhile the roots support the earth that now exists above the sea level. Jokvan filled the gaps between land and the base of the roots with his seas. Preiko created lava using her fire to melt the earth. Creating rivers of it flowing all throughout the world so that it would be warm and support life. Dahni then engulfed the newly formed world in a sphere of air, to protect it from the dangers beyond its boundaries. Then, once the world had settled, Lyreve filled it with life. Prey and predator alike. It was a perfect world engulfed in darkness. The only light coming from unique plants created by Herth."

As Kace digested this he wondered what had happened. By the sounds of it humans were not in the gods plan for this world and what about the sun and moon? He had definitely seen those every day he had been here.

"The gods then created the five pillars of life. Unique races that were true to the idea of each god. Herth created us Eljein. Guardians of the land that he loved so deeply. Yet when it began, our five races did not have the strength required to resist. Yes, when the god of death Haestus set his sights on silencing this world he sent forth his own to crush us. Do you know the name of that race?"

"Well, if we're talking about a god of death then... It would have to be undead right?" Kace replied, a little unsure of himself.

Ghursh shook his head. A heavy look of sadness upon his face.

"No, the race that Haestus created was far more horrific. They were created to end the life of all things, including themselves, while yearning for an eternal life. Quite a contradictory existence. This race, like a plague, has spread across countless worlds. Sent there by Haestus to slowly choke them to death. It is the Human race I speak of."

Kace was left speechless. How do you come to terms with being told you only exist to end everything else around you?

"By the time the invasion began Haestus had already subjugated several other gods. One of which was Diasna. Goddess of games. He found her authority to be perfect to bind the world's he invaded to play by his rules. Making it easier for humans to adapt and kill. The epitome of this is Status, Levels and Skills. This allows humans to overcome their natural weaknesses, especially against races who's natural abilities would prevent them from achieving what Haestus created them for. Anyway, Haestus and his alliance created five gates. One on each continent that allowed them to send their forces to this world. It didn't take them long to push us back."

"So! How have you all survived all this time then?"

"Towards the end of the war one of Haestus's heroes defected. She saw the truth. That they were nothing but invaders who would ruin another world. Not wanting to be part of it she came to Lyreve with an idea. To turn her into a monster from the myths of Earth. A vampire. The first vampire to be precise. Lyreve liked the idea of corrupting the enemy forces, turning them into predators against their former comrades. Thus Lady Sonja and the race she would create became the sixth pillar. Things went well for awhile until Haestus had another god under his command create the sun and moon. As creations of a god of life this restricted Sonja and her underlings in aiding our forces during the day. Since their natures went against each other."

Kace pondered over this as Ghursh took a short break from speaking. He still couldn't see where he came in or what happened to the other races who were pillars alongside the Eljein.

"Our gods tried many things to stem the tide based off the stories Sonja told. Many of them involved corrupting the Human race or animals to create monsters to defend themselves. It was all for naught. One by one the gods powers diminished and they fell, the pillar races retreated hoping to conserve their power for the future. In the end only Lyreve was left with any strength. Then the story of the Chimera from Earth gave her hope. She would create a monster who could adapt to the progress of humans and allow it to take in the best aspects of any creature. There was one part missing for this to work though. The soul of a hero. And so to gain such a thing she surrendered, biding her time."

'Wait! Lyreve?' Kace thought, feeling shock after hearing this part of the story. For something dawned on him, 'It can't be. Eve???'

"In summary, your existence is the new seventh pillar and the plans have been completed. You must gather the strongest members of the other six pillars and together seek out and seal the five gates. This will prevent more humans from invading and allow us to take back what belongs to us. Our freedom. Our home. Our future!" Ghursh declared as he got himself worked up.

"This is too much! You can't just suddenly expect me to do this!? I never asked for it!" Kace yelled as he began to feel helpless.

"True, but either way you must. You're one of us now whether you like it or not. You can't deceive my third eye. You have the aura of a Man-Eater. Or would you deny your very nature? If you don't do this and fail to succeed then the friends you've made here will eventually be wiped out by the Heroes as they wash over the land."

Kace lost any room to argue with this statement. It was true that every day that passed here he felt less and less human. Random changes in his mental state would take over from time to time. How long would it be until he became viscious like that all of the time? Resigning himself he asked the question that would have the most meaning right now.

"Where can I find the other pillars?"

"Well, Grugda will travel with you. As the representative of the Eljein. As for the others. We don't know..." Ghursh replied apologetically.