Dark Matter Ascension

"This is Wraith, representative of Universe 348. Patch me through to your Hive Queen." Jace spoke with confidence as he grappled straight up toward the Gyanv ships that were letting loose a barrage of plasma against the still-shielded city of demons.

"One moment," a chittering voice replied. A few seconds later another voice came through. More refined clicks that turned into a high-pitched yet eloquent female tone. "This is Hive Queen Phrakal, ruler of City 231 and representative of the Gyanv Alliance Coalition. You have news?"

"I'm heading to your main ship above which I presume is where you are located," Jace replied as he dodged a plasma shot; a huge ball of green, superheated material that his Void Shield would have easily negated, but he did not want to reveal his defenses to this species. "I have video recording of the Demon Lord's death. I destroyed the body utterly, so there is no head for your mission."

"Are you capable of video upload remotely?" she asked.

Good question. Ollie? Jace asked in his thoughts.

We can do it if we are closer! the Wayfinder replied in his mind. Doing it now.

"I can send it to you," Jace replied. "But we need to talk."

"I agree," the Hive Queen's voice came back. "We do not pick you up on our sensors."

Jace deactivated Void Stalker, "How about now?"

"…Yes," she replied with some tinge of concern. "How did you pull that off?"

"Trade secret," Jace replied as he reached the vehicle and spotted what looked like a diamond-shaped entrance point. Maneuvering over to it, he saw a lever on the outside, and a number stamped into the metallic surface. "I'm at your ship. Well, one of them."

"We have you on our sensor relay. One moment."

The aperture before Jace slid open – four panels retracting into either direction, leading to a small compartment which he stepped into. The door behind him sealed, there was a fwoosh of air or atmosphere being vented. A spray of some type of liquid that was aerosolized and fizzed against his Void Shield. Then, the inner door opened and he was greeted by a group of Gyanv. Similar to the ones he had met in that Outpost, but their armor was far more protective. "Follow us," one of them stated.

Jace did as they said and walked along the glimmering, light-green metal corridors. There were dozens of various personnel going about their business – mostly what he witnessed were repair technicians who were opening panels and adjusting valves. Get a good look in one of them, Ollie told Jace. The Ascendant complied, and Ollie made a pleased noise. Aha. Interesting. Their power network is run by some type of gas, which requires micro adjustments constantly based on the needs of the ship. They have manual overrides to segment each section, which implies the gas is highly volatile. Fascinating.

Jace was led to a heavily fortified hallway. Turrets that were a slight, bulbous shape of a half-sphere with a spur of metal sticking out tracked him as he walked. A large set of diamond apertures slid open, and he entered a throne room. The ceiling was the same height as the rest of the vessel's corridors – about twelve feet tall – but the walls were indented and raised in places, resulting in a honeycomb type of shape.

He saw who he presumed was the Hive Queen, seated on a large, circular pedestal. Tubes were socketed into openings along her carapace, and she looked at him with six, beady, black eyes. She definitely looked like an ant given human stature. She stood up, and the various pipes disconnected, and Jace tracked their retraction to see several metal cylinders with floating egg sacs covered in flesh-covered nodules.

"Ah, Wraith in the flesh. Well, armor, and flesh."

Jace let his helmet recede, "And you are the Hive Queen Phrakal."

She gestured to a wall, and an unseen-until-they-moved Gyanv dressed like the honeycomb-style structure emerged from the structure and tapped several concealed buttons. A screen descended, and Jace saw the first-person perspective of his fight with the Demon Lord. But one particular difference is that every use of Void Beam had been replaced with a blast of golden flame.

Your doing? Jace thought to Ollie. Hiding my capabilities.

Yup. Editing a recording is really easy given how great I am, the Wayfinder replied with pride. Now they won't question your killing of the demon, or be curious about the invisible-to-them beams.

The Hive Queen clicked her mandibles together and spoke, "You have met your part of the role in regard to the Sub-Mission. But the main Mission remains incomplete. How did you get in?"

"Secret entrance," Jace replied. He crossed his arms, "I cut a deal with a demon named Moltrinoch. He has agreed to make this city into a safe haven, similar to Richter's Repose. And, I figured if your Alliance had a standing garrison here, it could keep him honest."

He could not read the emotion that ran across the Queen's face, but he could tell from the angry clicking and translated tone that she was not happy. "Krikhold and its denizens have seen to the deaths of millions of not just my species, but others as well. I plan to scour the city in its entirety. The walls and buildings can stand – but that is all."

Jace frowned, "You would genocide a whole city?"

More angry clicking of mandibles, but the Hive Queen kept the same relaxed stance. "Richter's Repose is very different. Demons who chose to be kind to others and lean away from their innate nature. But this city? You cannot force change from the top-down. These demons chose to follow Riscarn-"

"He ruled with fear," Jace replied. "And from what Moltrinoch told me, Demon Lords can exert control over their lessers. Ever considered that those demons down there were not truly responsible for the actions you're accusing them of doing? That it was out of their control?" Because, Jace added in his mind, I was similar back on Earth. And if these demons influenced by others cannot find redemption, how can I?

The Hive Queen scowled, he was sure, but her voice became more neutral and conciliatory. "That is indeed true of Demon Lords. Very well, I will call for my forces to cease their bombardment and reach out to this Moltrinoch to discuss terms. As such…this Mission has concluded." She held out one of her clawed pincers, "Please, touch my feeler."

It is safe, Ollie stated. Physical contact is not required to complete a Mission and award the Infusions, but it cannot hurt.

Jace deactivated the Void Shield around his arm alone and…shook the feeler.

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[Mission Success: Assist in taking the city of Krikhold.]

[Reward: Uncommon (Gear) Infusion.]

[Sub-Mission Success: Slay Riscarn the render and present his head to the Hive Queen.]

[Reward: Rare (Specialization) Infusion.]

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"If that is all," the Hive Queen stated as she turned and returned to her seat. The tubes reconnected to her, and she closed her eyes as the stalks retracted.

Jace heard a chittering to his right and looked to see one of the attendants, "She has ceased her audience."

Jace was ushered out by the attendant and let his helmet re-emerge as he walked back toward the airlock. To his surprise, a voice came over the comms. Not the Hive Queen's but another Gyanv. "This is Wraith?"

"Yes," Jace replied cautiously.

"Ah, excellent. I am the Grand Coordinator, Brok. I wanted to offer you other Missions, if you want to accept them."

We need more Essence, Jace thought to Ollie. How much until we hit Potency 2?

That will require reaching level 11. Six-thousand Essence until you reach level 10, and then it will be another two-thousand Essence to reach level 11 and be counted as Potency 2. You currently have one-thousand nine-hundred , meaning you need six-thousand one-hundred more.

"I am open to Missions," Jace replied as he reached the airlock, was led into it, and then left alone as it cycled and opened to the outside. A calm, eerily silent cityscape as the place was no longer under barrage. In fact, the ships had moved away from the city and over the ground forces.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"Great," Brok replied. "I have been granted temporary access by whoever your Universe's representative is – this X figure – to open up communications with you whenever you are in range of a Mission area."

"Do you know where the funnel to the next Layer is?" Jace asked as he jumped down from the ship and descended with a few swings to slow his momentum, landing atop one of the Psykinetic shields. Huh, he thought, it let me out without issue, but it blocks anything trying to get in. Interesting.

Brok spoke, "We do. It is to the East, near another demon city. One that is…well, let us just say it is unpleasant. Several Demon Lords vie for power in a faction conflict. But since the Gyanv Alliance Coalition has no interest in the deeper Layers – not until all universes are united, at least – we have not instigated conflict with them."

Jace jumped a few times on the barrier, noting that it was slightly stretchy. "Okay, so what Mission do you have in mind?"

"We have a few places that could use some help. Those who have joined the Alliance Coalition. One of them is Universe 467, the Vanguard Empire."

"I've dealt with them," Jace replied with a sour taste filling his mouth. "They tried to capture me. Anything else?"

"…Sorry about that. I can reach out on your behalf diplomacy wise to see if they'd back off and accept your help."

Thoughts? Jace asked Ollie in his mind.

It cannot hurt things, Ollie replied.

"Go ahead. But in the meantime, anything Mission-wise nearby?"

"Universe 558600 is currently under assault from a Demon Lord who has set up brood pits for rapid recovery of their troops. The Oxknowl species who reside there have been pushed back to their highest fortress atop the mountain that leads up to their funnel. A primarily magic-focused universe, they are hard pressed. I'm sure a hero showing up to save them would be invaluable."

That caused Jace's heart to pick up the pace as his Emotion Source surged, and the golden flames crackled along his forearms and shins. "Sounds good. Just send me the directions."

"Got mapping?"

Have him send it to you. I will intercept and update the map.

"Yeah, send it my way." Jace began grapple-traveling as the map on his HUD updated and he began moving north-east across the golden desert dunes.

-----

[Mission: Relieve the assault on Universe 558600.]

[Reward: Uncommon (Gear) Infusion.]

[Sender: Gyanv Alliance Coalition.]

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"Hey Ollie," Jace asked as the comms went silent. "Can we combine Infusions like Boons?"

Yes, but it is more costly, Ollie replied. Five Common could be merged into one Uncommon, and upward in the same fashion. But, unlike The Cosmic System's old framework, they can also be broken down instead. And, they can be merged or split in different types – only the rarity must be the same. So an Uncommon (Gear) and four Uncommon (Specialization) could be merged into one Rare (Specialization) or (Gear) Infusion.

Jace smiled, "Keep an eye out for any of these Vaults also. I'm sure those are going to be filled with a lot of interesting stuff."

Xera has already tasked probes to that.

"Then I want to level up. But let's hold onto those Infusions and hopefully combine them later."

Shhiv was sitting down and took in a deep breath as she finished going over the last preparations. She had leveled up, unlocked her Class Expansions, Advanced Class, Ascended Power, and now was ready to take her last step of the Ascension Trial. Taking a deep breath, she nodded and looked to Josie. "Let's do it!"

"Here we go!" Josie replied as she swam in tight circles around Shhiv. The world shimmered, and Shhiv's existence went black. Then, the golden glimmers of starlight appeared as prismatic Stardust clouds floated about in the Starlit Sea. She stood atop the surface of the black waters. Josie whispered in an enthusiastic, pep-talk way. "Good luck! You got this! Remember, I'll be up here to guide you to the surface, but you have to want something more than you've ever wanted it!"

The water split under Shhiv and she sank rapidly and immediately. All the way down to the bottom. She was being squeezed, but knew what to expect. Josie had prepared her well enough with a few simulations of what the sensation would feel like. In the blackness all around her, Shhiv saw the green, glowing box next to her. Gripping the handle, she began to swim up.

She pictured him. Her love. Jace. His smiling, slightly sharp, white teeth that were so alluring. The deep, draconic eyes of a predator that sent chills through her spine every time she met his gaze. The warm embrace of his strong body as they spent time just being together. I need to get through this to help him, she thought as she kicked harder and harder, surging up through the blackness until little shimmers of starlight appeared.

Then she could see Josie's outline, floating in place above her. With the end in sight, she pushed the last bit, breaching the surface and sucking in deep breaths as she hauled the cube on top of the now-solid surface. Hoisting herself up, Josie grabbed her hand and shoved it into the cube. Shhiv felt the energy surge through her body.

The living room reappeared around her, and Josie swam in tight, concentric rings. "Congratulations! You are now a Tier 10 Ascendant."

Shhiv was sucking in breaths still, but she felt great. Every nerve tingled, and she was full of energy. A vibrant ball of it stirring in her chest as she felt her pulse quicken. "Let's look at that status screen one more time."

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Name: Shhiv Seren (Ascendant, Tier 10)

Power [Class Level]: Planet [Artificer <Artisan> 100] / Exoplanet [Shaper <Form Fabricator> 100]

Skill Name (Rank) [Evolutions]: Universal Translation, Environmental Adaptation, Crafter's Trance (Rank 10), Quality Artifice (Rank 10), Planetary Transmutation (Rank 10), Jack of all trades (Rank 10), Customization Indexing (Rank 10), Cosmic Infusion (Rank 10), Energy Cost Reduction (Rank 10), Artisanal Artificing (Rank 31), Shaper's Implements (Rank 1), Shaper's Shrewdness (Rank 10), Peak Production (Rank 15), Waste not, Want not (Rank 25), Fabrication Matrix (Rank 49)

Stardust: 15,000

Equipment: <TPSB>, Artificer's Starting Gear, Artificer's Toolbox, (Heavy) Dominator Armor, 45K1 Machine Pistol, x120 Pistol Rounds, Collapsible Spear

Boons: None

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Crafter's Trance (Rank 10) – The user may enter a trance, reducing their needs (sleep, food, water, etc.) until their chosen act of artifice is completed. Additionally, the user completes such projects at +100% speed.

Quality Artifice (Rank 10) – The user may create tier 10 Equipment with appropriate materials and an Artificer's Toolbox or other appropriate crafting implements.

Planetary Transmutation (Rank 10) – The user may expend energy to change any touched object from one type of matter to another, including rewriting structure at the quark and lepton level.

Jack of all trades (Rank 10) – The user is considered a grandmaster of all forms of craft.

Customization Indexing (Rank 10) – The user's crafts and acts of artifice, when made with a particular user in mind, will always be a perfect, peerless fit to the intended purpose of the crafted item for that user. Additionally, restricts other users from utilizing customized objects.

Cosmic Infusion (Rank 10) – Increases the user's physical, sensory, and cognitive traits by a massive amount.

Energy Cost Reduction (Rank 10) – Any Skill the user uses has its energy cost reduced by 50%.

Artisanal Artificing (Rank 31) – The user's produced items of artifice or crafting are 93% more efficient for the intended purpose, last for 62% longer before maintenance would be required (if applicable), and uses 31% less material.

Shaper's Implements (Rank 1) – The user may manifest an Omnitool, which acts as any and all appropriate crafting implements they need.

Shaper's Shrewdness (Rank 10) – Any material used in crafting or artifice uses 50% less material. Stacks with other material cost reduction Skills.

Peak Production (Rank 15) – The user's crafting and artifice speed is increased by +150%. Stacks with other crafting speed amplification Skills.

Waste not, want not (Rank 25) – The user's crafting and artifice results in 100% waste reduction of the crafting material.

Fabrication Matrix (Rank 49) – The user's produced items of artifice or crafting are 98% more efficient for the intended purpose, last for 65% longer before maintenance would be required (if applicable), and uses 32% less material.

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Josie clapped her paws, "So exciting! Xera is going to have so many projects for you! You'll be able to help out at the Penrose Sphere fortress and make it so much better!"

Shhiv smiled, "And more importantly I can help out Jace. Take all of his Equipment, make it the best as possible, and fully customized to him. Plus, we can try out this Rune Carving Talent. Speaking of, with that Omnitool, I should be able to carve Runes now, right?"

"That would be accurate," Josie replied.

There was a warbling in space and Xera appeared in front of Shhiv, causing her to jump slightly. Xera just raised a single, appraising eyebrow. "Sorry for barging in. Normally I'd teleport to the door, but I just was notified." She smiled softly, fondly, "Congratulations, Shhiv Seren, on becoming seventh Tier 10 Ascendant." She frowned very slightly, "I know that there are a lot of Aspirants who are now seeking to climb the ranks once more."

Shhiv shrugged, "And that's a problem?"

Xera shook her head, "No. Nothing can break The Cosmic System, and unless they access Void and Dark Matter which are still restricted, they can never leave the Universe. I just would not be surprised if some people became very powerful and this universe became…a bit more chaotic." She smiled, "Never in Khrox, though. The Wayfinders can easily warp troublemakers away."

Shhiv twirled the glowing, cerulean Omnitool in her hand. It was a simple bar, but as she thought about Rune Carving, it split into two, flying over to her other hand, and she was suddenly wearing gloves of the same glowing color. "Amazing," she whispered breathlessly.

Xera glanced between her and Josie, "And I see you kept Josie around. Linked to you."

Shhiv giggled and then broke into a full laugh. "Did you not know? She is dating Ollie."

Xera wheeled onto the Wayfinder, and for the first time since Shhiv had met her, the woman's voice was filled with some semblance of shock. "Really?"

"Yup!" Josie replied as she swam in tight circles. "Shhiv and Jace, together forever, just like me and Ollie!"

Shhiv felt so happy for her Wayfinder companion, and when Xera turned around there was a genuine smile on her face. "Good, then you four can manage being the overseeing Administrator when I'm gone."

"Gone?" Shhiv asked, concerned.

"I plan on dying once the tunnel is established," Xera replied matter-of-factly. "I've lived for eons. I need a reset. A fresh start…once I have fixed the universe and made it perfect. Don't worry, I'll be back. Well, if Jace completes his mission."

"He will!" Shhiv replied with pure confidence. "He's going to set up that tunnel and then no one has to fear death anymore." She frowned, "But you mentioned being Administrator?"

"I am technically in control of The Cosmic System," Xera explained matter-of-factly. ""Who watches the watchers?" Me. I do for now. In case of the unlikely event of a Wayfinder going rampant and not being reigned in by their peers. When I pass…I pass the mantle of this responsibility onto Jace and Ollie." She smiled fondly and walked over to Shhiv, grabbing her hands gently and holding them in her own. "You and Josie can help out, too. I promise it's not a full-time job or anything. Just be eternally vigilant watchers."

"Sounds good!" Josie replied. "No way I can go rampant now that I'm bound to an Ascendant!"

"Correct," Xera replied. "I hope, one day, that every person in our universe achieves becoming an Ascendant and having a Wayfinder. A post-scarcity society. True utopia in our universe." She sighed, "But that dream is a way off. Now! If you aren't busy, I could use your new Skills at Oblivion. You can save me a ton of resources with your Skills."

"Sounds good," Shhiv replied.