Fate's Reversal: The Divines Return

Pouring a generous amount of Sword Force into Angurvadal, with his back to the team, Kaiden has a mischievous smirk on his face.

"You guys wouldn't mind some extra work right?" chuckled Kaiden?

"What do you mean extra work?" asked Hollow Stance with a confused expression, however, within the next few moments he received his answer through Kaiden's actions.

Consuming 350 points of Inner Energy, Kaiden launched an Illusive Sword Torrent which had its damage increased by 200%. The range of the skill even seemed slightly larger as it billowed forward.

-242,393 [-60,598]

As a result, Kaiden aggroed every monster in the room by dealing over 300,000 damage in an instant.

"HOLY SHIT! What the hell! That's over 50 monsters Kaiden." screamed Gentle Whisper as this situation even startled her. Now that was saying something.

'Oh ho? It's so cute when she swears haha.'

Shrugging Kaiden made a motion that looked slightly like an emoji as his hands opened, "How do you expect to grow if you experience no pressure? With that being said, just mind your positions and increase your focus."

"In the future, you never know when you will have to deal with such situations like this, brought on by somebody else. We must learn to keep our cool in all situations while keeping our most efficient combat abilities present." lectured Kaiden.

Although Kaiden said this, it was mostly aimed toward himself subliminally—he was aware of his demon-like temper. It was approaching the time where he wanted to see actual growth for himself.

Shifting their feet, the team split into 2 mini versions of the Zenith Arrow formation each team consisting of at least one support. Of course, Gentle Whisper was grouped with Kaiden.

However, to provide balance Kaiden split the future generals and had Latahhya and Kriishna act as the main DPS for each of the 2 small teams. If all the hard hitters were on one small team how could the others survive? That would simply be unfair to throw them into this situation with no sort of safety cushion.

Although Kaiden was treating this as a training session—he wasn't heartless. He was only expecting the best from his people. With that being said, there weren't many complaints and instead focused gazes as some of the physical classes constantly replayed Kaiden's fighting style in their head.

Additionally, although Kaiden set the parties up in this way—he informed the future generals to provide minimal help, and only when a teammate was in dire straits should they step in to render aid.

As the directives were set, Kaiden shifted to the outer edges of the battle while he guided Gentle Whisper. He did this purposefully—he wasn't dense so he would make gestures to alleviate the tension she felt.

"Be my paramedic? Hehe?" chuckled Kaiden.

"Hmph, do you even need me. Your movements make these monsters hard-pressed to even touch you." scoffed Gentle Whisper.

Revealing a fake downcast look that seemed very real, Kaiden sighed, "Guess you don't want to spend time with me."

Startled, Gentle Whisper stammered, "N-no! Wait...yes?...I...want to…"

Smiling radiantly, Kaiden patted her head softly as he dashed through the monsters within range of Gentle Whispers heals.

This time he used no fancy movements but rather focused on simplicity. The key aspect he was going for with his character was versatility. He needed to be able to switch his tempo at a moment's notice based upon the situation at hand.

Gentle Whisper watched with slow blinks. She realized something, Kaiden wasn't dodging but it still looked like monsters were dodging him?

This was the result of the swordplay Kaiden was using, it was a swordplay focused on redirection instead of damage. He had a high damaging swordplay but he lacked in evasive and invasive sword styles. Therefore, he simply glided his swords against the arm, legs, or whatever part of their body they used to attack.

This battle took longer than usual as the team focused on optimal strikes rather than mindless damaging. Slowly but surely, this team was becoming more refined. 30 minutes later, the floor was littered with coins and silver or lower rank equipment as well as materials.

"10 minutes break. We aren't on a speed run so clear time doesn't matter." instructed Kaiden as he sat on a boulder.

[System: You have received a message from Snow Bunny.]

'Snow Bunny? Who the hell is this?

Accepting, Kaiden was instantly bombarded with a request for a video call. Accepting once again a beautiful face appeared before him. Of course, no one else saw as he had his settings set to private.

Although this woman was beautiful with her lilac eyes and violet hair, her face seemed a little cold. Additionally, her skin was pure and white as snow—seemingly what she based her name upon. The vibes she gave was that of a secretary as her hair was tied into a high bun with two hanging side curls and sharp rim glasses.

"Hello, my name is Kassandra Blair. The CEO of Genesis Electronics. You wanted to meet?" although her words were polite—her voice carried not an ounce of warmth.

'Why does this voice sound familiar…? Also, she seems too young to be a CEO or maybe that's just the VitaShakes.'

In this century, it was hard to tell a rich person's true age unless they were some tortoise that was visibly covered in wrinkles.

Nodding, Kaiden turned into his professional self. "Indeed so, it has been brought to my attention that you seek funding as well as trying to assimilate in World's Destiny."

"Yes." simply answered Kassandra which Kaiden approved of.

"I'll present my offer in 2 days then when we sit down." summarized Kaiden as he leaned on his fist.

"Okay, I will see you in 2 days.", nodded Kassandra as she blinked. Her long, pretty eyelashes fluttered.

'It seems the women today are all beauties huh.'

NOPE! You are wrong sir. Just wait and see.

Ending the call, Kaiden began thinking to himself.

'Why would such a cold lady have such a cute in-game name? That's interesting.'

Focusing his sight, Kaiden inspected down the hall and found a silhouette with a grotesque shape. Stretching, Kaiden ended the break period as the team once again advanced.

Moments later, they confronted that same silhouette Kaiden saw earlier. At least inside this room lacked any other room but Kaiden understood why when he inspected this creature.

Lv.51 [Trevaka, Evolved Ghoul Amalgamation] (General Rank Mini-Boss)

Health: 11,970,000/11,970,000 (100%)

"Nope, now that is THICC Health right there." chuckled MagicsSlave.

The only difference between Trevaka and a Corrupted Ghoul is that he was 3 times as big—about 2 times bigger than Kriishna. And he had sporadic, disgusting hairs sprouting for the top of his head.

Confronting the boss, Hollow initiated the battle with a 'Stampeding Charge' which was the enhanced version of a normal Charge. But the boss lifted its hand and smashed at Hollow.

'BANG!'

A loud noise happened as Hollow was sent stumbling back.

'This things' attributes are ridiculous...Hollow will be unable to directly receive those attacks but we have our supports.' inferred Kaiden as he saw Hollow get up with a glint of mad tenacity in his eyes.

'Hahaha! My Lord let me!" grinned Kriishna. He found a being with suitable strength that he could pound blow for blow with. Instead, Kaiden shook his head as he saw that glint in Hollow's eyes.

'Not yet, let him experience this tribulation. He is hellbent on supporting this team. So let him experience his trial by fires.'

Gripping his shield, Hollow executed Bash. Leaning back he dodged the swing of Trevaka as he executed 'Punishing Strike', following up 'Chain Bash'. Increasing Hatred, Hollow was taking stable hold of the aggro.

Gentle Whisper casted Healing Wind on Hollow bringing him back to full health from that earlier slam.

Sidestepping a second slam, Hollow activated Unimpeded Rush and used 'Charge' on the exposed bony rib of Trevaka. Causing 1,100 damage. Hollow put the boss in a stunned state for 2 seconds.

"Everyone go!"

Activating 'Sword Force' in the passive state, Kaiden began slowly shaving down the health of the boss. However, this health proved to be very irritating. In fact, some of the party became irked by the amount of health Trevaka recovered.

It was 10 minutes later, however, the boss still had 80% of its health remaining.

"My brothers and sisters. Don't fret! What stands before us and the top is just a long and strenuous journey. Steel your hearts and advance with me. I believe in you!"

After Kaiden's motivational piece, the atmosphere became electric as the team dispelled their negative thoughts.

"We advance!"

"ADVANCE!" the team roared as they attacked with newfound vigor.

"Unfortunately, you have aggravated my brothers and sisters, therefore you must now become nothing more than target practice." said Kaiden calmly as he slowly step by step approached the boss.

Leaning forward, Kaiden suddenly appeared before Trevaka.

"Watch closely as this is the second part I was explaining to you guys during our group training."

Brandishing his blades, Kaiden leapt up and briskly performed 'Revolving Phantom' on Trevaka. Next, Kaiden performed 'Gale Lightning Dance' focused on the shoulder and elbow joints. Damage values appeared over Trevaka's head as his arms drooped powerlessly by its side.

-9,696! (Critical) [-2,424] , -28,279! (Vital Critical) [-7,070]...

[System Alert: Trevaka has been blinded for 8 seconds.]

-5,540 [-1,385]...-19,391! (Vital Critical) [-4,848]

Crouching, Kaiden pooled 200 points of Inner Energy in Sword Force and launched 'Twin Tornado Drill' mutilating Trevaka's already disgusting knees.

-43,092! (Vital Critical) [-10,773], -43,400! (Vital Critical) [-10,850]

[System Alert: Trevaka has entered an 'Immobile and Defenseless' state. For 30 seconds, all damage dealt to Trevaka will increase by 100% and health recovery is negated.]

"W-what!? The system mimics reality to this extent? Simply outstanding!" exclaimed FlashLight.

In that 30 seconds, Kaiden and the team began to rain down hell upon Trevaka. Especially Kaiden, he was able to attack at least 8 times per second. Meaning in that time frame he could execute at least 240 attacks.

With that being said, the team's combined damage eviscerated the boss's health bar until there was 6% left.

Kaiden held off on using Illusive Sword Torrent as it was a waste to kill Trevaka in this state. Waiting for it to Berserk, Kaiden spammed his low cooldown Normal skills.

Once Trevaka entered its Berserk state, Kaiden invested heavily into Sword Force and launched Illusive Sword Torrent. A moment later, Trevaka was bisected by the arc of sword light.

-646,380! (Vital Critical) [-161,595]

Following the death of Trevaka, the team's experience increased drastically—MagicsSlave even leveling up to Lv.41. Kaiden's experience rose to 72% of Lv.38.

Clearing up the loot, Kaiden divided the coins and equipment among the others. As for materials, those went strictly into the Guild Warehouse. It was for the benefit of everyone, therefore, no one could claim it. Additionally, Kaiden found another 2 pieces of the Death Wind Set.

[Death Wind Waistguard] (Gold)

Lv.40 Light Armor Equipment Set

Defense +205

Strength +42, Agility +36, Dexterity +33, Endurance +20

Set Effect:

3/5 – Increases Sword skills Special Rank and below by 1 Level.

4/5 – Increases Strength, Agility, and Dexterity by 100.

5/5 – Increases Health by 7%, Strength, Agility, Dexterity by 10%. Activates skill [Reaper's Strike].

Durability 110/110, Requirement: Lv.40, 245 Strength

[Death Wind Leg Guards] (Gold)

Lv.40 Light Armor Equipment Set

Defense +225

Strength +52, Agility +44, Dexterity +39, Endurance +22

Set Effect:

3/5 – Increases Sword skills Special Rank and below by 1 Level.

4/5 – Increases Strength, Agility, and Dexterity by 100.

5/5 – Increases Health by 7%, Strength, Agility, Dexterity by 10%. Activates skill [Reaper's Strike].

Durability 130/130, Requirement: Lv.40, 270 Strength

'That much closer to improving my gear.' nodded Kaiden.

Unlike the rest of the dungeon as the team advanced, there were no monsters confronting them. In fact, there was an eerie silence pervading the atmosphere of the dungeon.

"We might be approaching the end of this dungeon. And what awaits must be horrible. That's the only possible conclusion I can assume based on our past experiences." concluded Symbolic Soul as he pressed his the bridge of his glasses.

"Same, everyone just make sure you're in an optimal battle state. We're almost done." added Kaiden.

Factoring in battle time and dungeon exploration, the team had spent slightly over 2 hours in this dungeon and it was time for it to soon be over. Unfortunately, what awaited them would soon alter their thoughts and curse the developers.

In due time, the team arrived in the tomb area of the crypt on before a grey broken pillar, a humongous figure stood that made the team turn green with disgust.

"WHY WOULD THEY MAKE SOMETHING THAT LOOKS LIKE THIS?! WHO DID IT! It makes even Pepe look beautiful!" screamed MagicsSlave.

"Oh boy." was all Kaiden could say as he also shook his head in disgust.