The Gamer's System

Deep within the Beast Continent of Rak'shan, Pier was bidding his time. He hid on an area known as the [Forest of the Lost]. This had a strange type of mana oozing around it in the form of mist.

It is said that those who were foolish enough to enter the place have never come out. Nobody knows what happened to them nor did the normal citizens intend to find out. Yet it was exactly in this type of area that Pier could survive.

"It's a good thing I made him build a lab here." Pier said out loud. Referring to Glade whom he gave a type of compass to. Allowing the elf to navigate his way through the forest and, into the rich deposit of [Chaos Shards].

"Now where's that anomaly again." Pier said as he looked at a virtual map similar to Zeke's [Minimap].

On it were the four continents of Mythos. Also displayed here are the deployed six horned monsters per continent and, the amount of [Chaos Energy] being gathered. It is through this that Pier was able to keep a steady lookout on all four continents even without going out. And because of this, he saw the effects created by Zeke on the Demon Continent of Helios.

"Ah yes. This is the one." Pier furthered, looking closely on the said continent as he saw the gaps on [Chaos Energy]. He was looking at it intently just like he did the other day. But there was no change. The truth of the matter was that, Helios was being deprived of [Chaos Energy].

"This won't do. At the rate it's going, the [Chaos Shrouding] would be hindered and I'd be back to square one once again." He furthered as he closed the [Virtual Map].

"Now the million-universe question is… who in all of creation would be capable of doing this?" Pier slumped on a couch as he began thinking of individuals. Closing his eyes as he placed fingers on his temples. Rubbing them as if this would make him think clearer.

If it was simply killing the [Horned Beasts], then there would be no end to the number of those whom Pier could think of. In fact, the newly dropped heroes would be capable of taking out the four horned ones. They were also capable of defeating the five horned but, only if they decided to work together.

Yet what was strange about all of this was how even the [Chaos Energy] was being depleted in the areas. A feat which should be impossible by merely using the instruments found in Mythos.

"Even my fellow divines would not be able to interfere with this plan of mine. Well, save for those three at least." Pier thought of both Nisha and Sinclair who were both originally children of [Monarchs].

"So if I take them all out, what does that leave me?" At this point Pier was already smiling as the pieces of the puzzle have been finally placed together.

"This is a no brainer. I could think of only two mortals who could mess with me like this." The god furthered. With both Quinn and Zeke as his remaining suspects.

The former was strong enough to face him head on. Not only this but Quinn was able to overwhelmingly win against him. This was due to the [Monarch] residing within the boy. An individual whom Pier was able to unveil.

"A prodigy among the [Chaos Monarch's] who could bend space to his will. That's one heck of a portfolio for the youngest [Monarch]." 

Pier was able to make the necessary preparations should he fight this entity once again. He didn't mind losing. Not at all. He didn't have any specialty as a god after all. With his talent only in tricking and deception. Yet, the said [Monarch] would be a hindrance to his plans unless he was dealt with.

However, something didn't quite fit right. There were events which Pier knew of that didn't line up with this recent development.

"But if it was him, then he should've stopped the monsters as soon as I released them on the [Demon Continent]. He should've hindered it at that point if he could." Were the thoughts that followed as Pier moved on to his second suspect.

Pier thought that Zeke Elwood was in every respect weaker than Quinn at the moment. In fact, this person may even be weaker than Glade who have recently woken up. However, he was also a wildcard. A variable that went outside the normal rules and so, among the two, he finally reached a conclusion.

"So it's that gamer kid again." Pier stood up from his couch and moved on to a nearby room.

"I better stop him and his little minions before they take off all the [Chaos] on Helios." He clapped his hands twice, opening the lights to the room which were powered by [Chaos Shards].

Unlike the other rooms within the facility, this one was free form all the specimens that sometimes even disgusted Pier himself. He knew that the mutations were necessary but, seeing how it developed from a mush of meat and into a [Chaos Creature] was something that was revolting to him.

In the middle of this room was a gigantic orb. It was being held together by compiled [Chaos Crystals], making it look sturdier. This thinking is not wrong, in fact, it was an object that could not be shattered even by ultimate level spells.

Spiraling within this was [Chaos Energy] so condensed that it is visible even to the untrained eye. Pier walked towards this object, feeling his body getting heavier and heavier with each step.

"I may have to release you sooner than planned." Pier touched the glass that held the energy inside. It resonated with him as the energy glowed, powering Pier up and the [Monarch] that was slumbering within him. Yet even before he could proceed with what he was about to do, a familiar silhouette reflected on the glass.

"I didn't think you could already walk." He mentioned, facing this person who was none other than Glade.

The elf did not know who he was anymore. There were only blurry memories coupled with distorted ones created by Pier. His form itself have changed so drastically that, not trace of his former appearance could be seen anymore and, if there was something that was left of his former self, it was servitude.

"I've been trying my best to get used to this new body master." Glade said in reply. With Pier holding back a laugh at how meek Glade became.

"Well, you seem to have excelled even in trying." Pier closed the lights on the room. Stepping outside as the live specimen needed to be observed.

Glade had eight horns on his head. This formed a seeming diadem as Glade had two large horns on left and right side of his forehead – in line with the ends of his eyebrows. Following these are small horns that were small enough to be mistaken as spikes that were buried.

His eyes turned into a deep obsidian while his hair was a deep-sea colored blue. His skin was still the same although his ears have turned into a human's. The middle of his chest was glowing. With the [Chaos Crystal] still stuck within.

"How are you feeling? Do you think we could test out your skills now?" Pier followed up.

"I'm not sure. I do feel light but I think I may just destroy this facility if I tried to unleash my skills." Glade said as he tried moving his hands. Both of which were still wrapped in bandages.

"Yeah figures. I think you need to go back to your room and absorb some more [Chaos Energy]."

"Understood master." Glade said in a tone that expressed his discontent.

"Don't worry you'll be heading out on a mission soon."

"Really?"

"Yup. In fact, I already have a target in mind for you. The place is even wide enough for you to go all out so there would be no worry in killing anyone." Glade's eyes brimmed in excitement at this point. He made a quick bow and proceeded to following Pier's orders.

"Man I still can't get used to how he's treating me now. It's giving me the chills." Pier thought to himself as he waited for Glade to walk away; feeling proud of the fact that he was able to create a being transcending the laws of Gaia.

Within the history of the first world, there have been only two [Seven - Horned Beasts] recorded. These were the trusted companions of the [Blood King]. Selena and Aeros. Yet Glade went over and above this. Something which he was only able to achieve because of the condition of his body.

Aside from absorbing Gallio, Glade was also able to integrate some [Chaos energy] within himself. He also added the genes of the Windsprites which allowed him to ascend even further. All of this was, of course, within the calculations of Pier. Wanting Glade to grow into a suitable host for the horned beast [Aeros].

"Well, I should get back to work now. That gamer kid would definitely be moving again today so I should send my regards." Pier said, walking along the halls of the facility. Deciding to show some of the cards he was hiding under his sleeves.

"I do hope you entertain me properly kid."