The Fourth Secret: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 4)

by A F Kay

  “Sorry, that’s cheating. You get what the quest outlined. Dungeons have rules after all.”

  Ruwen wondered again about the mastery potion. With an Alchemy skill of one hundred, he could make these potions. But he had no way of breaking down the potion into its components. And without that, the recipe would be impossible to duplicate. His next Ink Lord quest didn’t have a potion as a reward either.

  Curse Blapy and her dungeon rules. That thought sent a shard of what felt like ice through Ruwen’s brain. His Cleverness Attribute had triggered when thinking about the dungeon, and a moment later the reason formed in his thoughts.

  “Dungeons can recreate what they absorb, correct?” Ruwen asked.

  Blapy smiled. “Within reason. They need the raw ingredients, and it might take them awhile to figure out the recipe for anything complicated, but it’s possible. Depends on the dungeon’s focus as well. Resource focused dungeons, for example, are the best at deconstructing and recreating recipes. Probably because they specialize and are intimately familiar with so many raw materials.”

  “Is there a chance they might not figure it out?”

  “It depends on many things, but eventually they would figure it out. It might take them a thousand years, however.”

  Ruwen nodded at Blapy. She had led him to think about Fractal, and now Ruwen would need to make another decision. Drink the potion and advance himself, or give it to Fractal and hope the dungeon could reproduce the elixir relatively soon so both he and Sift could use it.

  What do you think, Rami?

  If Fractal could reproduce a legendary elixir, even just one type, it would make him one of the elite dungeons on the continent. Not to mention the benefits to you and Sift.

  Ruwen hadn’t considered Fractal’s feelings. Of course Fractal would be overjoyed at absorbing such a treasure. He wanted to grow in power just like everyone else.

  Ruwen let out the breath he’d been holding. “I would like the Jeweled Elixir of Transformation.”

  Blapy held up a vial with a deep blue liquid in it. “Excellent choice.”

  Ruwen took the elixir and viewed the notification.

  Tring!

  The Black Pyramid has rewarded you…

  Name: Jeweled Elixir of Transformation

  Quality: Legendary

  Durability: 1 of 1

  Weight: 0.75 lbs.

  Effect: Induce Meridian transformation from Gold to Jade.

  Effect: Transition rate proportional to Core Velocity.

  Effect: Reduce pain by fifty percent.

  Effect: Increase survival by ten percent.

  Restriction: Gold Meridian Fortification greater than 95%.

  Description: A vivid dark blue elixir with an acidic taste. This elixir acts as a catalyst, beginning the Harvester’s transformation from the Metal levels to the Gem. The dissolving and reforming process is tied to Core Velocity, giving the Harvester control of the transformation, pain level, and survival probability. If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the precipitate.

  Ruwen read the dissolving part of the description again. Did the transition actually dissolve his body? If so, the Alchemical joke at the end was in very poor taste. He triggered Analyze on the elixir.

  Target: Jeweled Elixir of Transformation

  Type: Consumable

  Components: Dimensional Bladed Blue Iris, Jade, Divine Water, Unknown Acid, Unknown Buffer, Unknown Binder, Unknown Component x 4

  Health: Spiritual Accelerator

  Alchemy: Destructive, Restorative

  Uses: Physical Transformation

  Fractal already had Dimensional Bladed Blue Iris plants. Ruwen had taken them from the lakeshore in the Spirit Realm and given them to Fractal just yesterday. That explained the familiar blue color of the elixir.

  Ruwen briefly thought of Analyzing Blapy but decided against it. She would likely detect it and might not appreciate his curiosity. He handed the vial back to Blapy. “Can you please give that to Fractal the next time you see him and ask him to spare as much energy as he can to figuring out the recipe?”

  Blapy smiled. “There is hope for you, Starfield. This will be immensely valuable to Fractal. You are a good Dungeon Master.”

  “Actually, Rami was the one who realized that.”

  Blapy reached up and touched Ruwen’s right ear. “That doesn’t surprise me.”

  Mom can be okay sometimes, Rami said.

  Ruwen kept that to himself. “Can you also tell him I think it contains the plants I just gave him and jade and divine water. There’s some kind of acid, binder, and buffer, too, as well as four unknown things.”

  “Sure, I have nothing better to do than run around doing errands for you,” Blapy said.

  Ruwen’s cheeks burned in embarrassment, and Rami laughed.

  Blapy put the vial in her dress pocket and pushed the stuffed centipede into Ruwen’s face. “You’re lucky I like Fractal so much.”

  Ruwen bowed. “Thank you, Blapy. I really appreciate it.”

  “Now it’s time for Rami to evolve,” Blapy said. “Will it be the Codex of Fortification, Blood, or Perception? I can’t wait to see.”

  Blapy snapped her fingers, and they shifted rooms again.

  Chapter 26

  The new room felt cramped compared to the previous two. The chamber was fifteen feet on a side, and the walls, ceiling, and floor were white marble. Three altars stood in a triangle in the middle of the room, and each held an open scroll.

  I’m so nervous, Rami said.

  Blapy no longer held her centipede, and she wore a black robe. She held her cupped hands up to Ruwen.

  Put me in her hands, Rami said.

  Ruwen gently took Rami from behind his ear and set her in Blapy’s palm.

  Blapy strode to the center of the room, stopping exactly between the three altars. She locked gazes with Ruwen before speaking. “You have also earned one Codex of Bookwyrm Evolution. How would you like to proceed?”

  “I don’t understand,” Ruwen said. “Isn’t that for Rami to decide?”

  Blapy kept eye contact. “You have earned the Codex, and the choice is yours. Rami can accept or refuse the evolution.”

  “Honestly, I don’t even know what we’re talking about. But from the name I’m guessing Rami can change herself somehow. This is one hundred percent her choice, and I will pick whatever she tells me.”

  Ruwen’s neck and chest grew warm. You’re the best, Rami said.

  Blapy gave Ruwen a small smile. “Another wise choice. This must be a record for you.”

  Ruwen grinned. “Yeah, it probably is. Can you tell me what’s going on?”

  “The codex here will shape how Rami develops,” Blapy said. “They are like your Classes.”

  Blapy walked to a pedestal and sat Rami next to the large book there. Ruwen followed her and studied the tome. The codex was shaped like a black tower shield, and the surface had symbols etched across it. His Hey You deciphered them and he read the larger ones: thorns, wing blast, titan, and strength.

  “With the Codex of Fortification, Rami will become a defensive force. Wyrms are nearly indestructible, and this leverages that, allowing her to protect her party. With this first defensive evolution, she would only grow thirty feet, but her new wings will span sixty feet. She can sprout thorns and scatter enemies with her powerful wings. You will benefit as well with a doubling of your Armor Class. This codex will increase your chances of survival significantly.”

  Blapy picked up Rami and took her to the next codex. This book looked like a giant red talon. The largest runes on it read: razor, elements, quickness, and dread.

  “The Codex of Blood will specialize Rami in offense. This first evolution will increase her size to ten feet, and while wingless, will still be able to fly with a form of levitation. Her claws will penetrate any armor, and she can pick an element to use as a breath attack. Her very presence will cause fear in her opponents, and it doubles the damage you do. This codex will increase your
chances of victory significantly.”

  Blapy took Rami to the last codex, which looked like a scroll of grey parchment, and placed her next to the thin paper. The runes were faded, and he could only read a couple: extraction and mobility.

  “The Codex of Perception will specialize Rami in gaining knowledge. Her size won’t change but she’ll gain wings that grant control of the gravity surrounding her. Like the offensive codex, she won’t need air to fly. It will amplify her Vibrational Conduction ability, allowing her to absorb information from a distance, and removing the need for contact. In addition, with some effort, not even an enemy’s memories remain safe from her gaze. Your Perception will be doubled, and your Mental Resistance will benefit as well. The advantages of this codex are situational and lack the clear benefits of Fortification and Blood.” Blapy paused for a few seconds. “Take as much time as you need. This is a big decision.”

  Ruwen looked down at Rami, who lay next to the scroll. Do you have a favorite?

  Yes, but let’s talk through them all.

  Okay, let’s start with Fortification. Pros.

  Well, I would be gigantic, which might be fun, and I could protect everyone. Which would be nice considering how much trouble you find.

  True, but I won’t always be in danger and it’s important to me you’re happy. I don’t want you to pick something that will shape the rest of your life just to help with an immediate need.

  Rami moved her tiny body into a circle. Hamma told Lylan something similar. She said to choose with the future in mind.

  I remember. She’s pretty wise. What about the cons.

  I wouldn’t be able to hide behind your ear anymore, and I think I’d miss the privacy.

  Okay, let’s talk about the Codex of Blood. Ruwen said.

  I would love to breathe lightning or ice and I would still look like I do now, only a little bigger. Being effective in a fight would make me feel more useful, and I could really help the group.

  Is that something you want to do? Fight?

  Sometimes. It’s hard to sit back when everyone is in danger. Plus, the benefit to your damage would be amazing.

  This codex would turn us both into something truly frightening on the battlefield. What about cons?

  Same as Fortification. I’m not sure about the change in size, though this is much less drastic, and I’m not sure I’m meant to slash people to death or freeze them solid.

  Ruwen waited a few seconds and then brought up the last codex. That leaves the Codex of Perception.

  Pros, Rami said, I can fly, which will be fun, and I no longer have to touch the things I want to absorb. That is a gigantic benefit.

  All of them let you fly.

  True, but this codex lets me keep my size, and I kind of like hiding behind your ear. Retrieving memories from people could prove incredibly valuable.

  What about the cons? Ruwen asked.

  Pulling memories from others seems a little wrong, and of the three benefits to you, Perception is the worst.

  Don’t worry about me. Focus on yourself and what you want.

  But shouldn’t I—

  No, Rami. You’ve already helped me more than I can ever repay. You will continue to help me and be a valuable part of the team, regardless of what you choose. It’s critical you pick the codex that makes you the happiest. We don’t need to decide right now either. I’m in no rush.

  Rami remained quiet, and Ruwen gave her space to think. There were benefits to all the choices. Fortification and Blood seemed like they’d benefit him the most, but not all their battles would be physical. They would have never gotten out of the Spirit Realm without Rami’s knowledge.

  Rami uncurled on the pedestal and looked up at Ruwen. I’ve decided.

  Are you sure? We can always come back after you’ve thought about it some more.

  I’m sure. One choice feels right for me.

  And?

  The Codex of Perception.

  Okay.

  Ruwen shifted his gaze from Rami to Blapy. “Rami wants the Codex of Perception.”

  Blapy grinned, picked up Rami, and hugged the little wyrm. “You are such a smart girl.” Blapy held Rami up so their eyes were level. “Of all the wyrms, Bookwyrms are some of the rarest. Most, probably to compete with their bigger cousins, choose Fortification and a few choose Blood. Very few keep their focus on knowledge. You are a fraction of a fraction, and the nightmare of anyone with a secret.”

  Ruwen read the notification that appeared.

  Tring!

  The Black Pyramid has rewarded you…

  Name: Codex of Perception (Level 1)

  Quality: Legendary

  Durability: 1 of 1

  Weight: 3.5 lbs.

  Effect: Wings of Levitation: Manipulate personal gravitational field.

  Effect: Telescopic Touch: Interact with objects in a 100 foot sphere.

  Effect: Mind’s Eye: View memories of target.

  Effect: Double Perception Attribute.

  Effect: Increase Mind Resistance by 50%.

  Restriction: Bookwyrm.

  Description: A grey scroll covered in runes. Bookwyrms on the Perception path, with a short flight, can absorb entire libraries. They are the bane of Ink Lords and anyone with a secret. Being caught with a Bookwyrm of Perception is grounds for imprisonment and sometimes death in many parts of the world.

  Ruwen nodded to Rami, and Blapy set her down next to the grey scroll of the codex. Rami crawled forward until she touched the codex. A moment later the codex burst into a thousand glittering pieces, hanging in the air like suspended diamonds. The sparkling mass swirled around Rami, hiding her from view.

  The whirling slowed and the fragments of the codex faded into the air, revealing the new Rami.

  Rami stood up on her new hind legs. She stared at her arms and the clawed hands. Her head had stretched, and small pointed ears were on each side. She twisted her head around to look at her wings as she spread them wide. Flapping them, she rose into the air, until she reached eye level with Ruwen.

  Ruwen locked gazes with Rami. Her black eyes were larger and filled with tiny flecks of gold, just like Blapy’s. Scales had replaced her smooth black skin, and the indigo edges shimmered in the light. She now looked like the smallest dragon he’d ever seen.

  You’re beautiful, Ruwen told Rami.

  Rami flew in loop. Thank you. I feel amazing.

  “You look fantastic, sweetheart,” Blapy said. “A beauty inside and out.”

  Rami flew over and touched her nose to Blapy’s.

  “Now before you two run off,” Blapy said. “I need you to understand the limitations of your current levels. Rami, use your Mind’s Eye ability on me.”

  I can’t wait to see Mom’s memories, Rami said. She keeps so many secrets.

  A moment later, Ruwen’s mind exploded with pain. Last Breath triggered, but he’d already collapsed. A debuff appeared.

  Mental Whiplash: -10 Intellect, -10 Wisdom, Brain Fog

  Blapy had caught Rami as she fell. The debuff lasted for thirty seconds, and it took all of Ruwen’s focus to remain on Last Breath’s island fortification, somewhat protected from the pain. Not only did the Brain Fog make it hard to think, it felt like spikes continually passing through his head.

  Ouch, Rami said.

  “Your Mind’s Eye ability is only as powerful as the two of you,” Blapy said. “Think of it like a fight. The closer you are in level, the more successful you’ll be. And if you try to invade the mind of someone too powerful, they’ll swat you away, and you just experienced a gentle swat.”

  Ruwen rubbed his temple. “That was gentle? You could have just told us.”

  Blapy tilted her head. “Not with you two. Rami’s stubborn and you have a history of questionable choices. Better to reinforce this lesson.”

  Ruwen stood up and thought about Rami’s new abilities. “Any chance we could swing by your library again?”

  “Not a chance,” Blapy said. “Plus, I plan on spending som
e time celebrating with my daughter while you complete your binding ritual.”

  “What binding ritual?”

  “The one the Addas have been bugging me about ever since you arrived.”

  “I don’t like the sound of that.”

  “You shouldn’t. But I don’t interfere with their Clan business. Have fun.”

  Ruwen found himself standing in the middle of the upper library. Blapy had shifted him here with a thought. Padda and Madda sat ten feet from him, and both looked engrossed in the books they were reading. Ruwen slowly crouched. If he could touch his wrist to the floor, he might escape without them knowing.

  “Hello, Adept,” Madda said. “We’re so glad we caught up to you.”

  Chapter 27

  Ruwen stood back up and bowed. “It is a pleasure to see you, Grandmasters.”

  “You’ve been busy,” Padda said, holding up his book. “It is nice to have access to a library again.”

  “I’m working on it.”

  “Is Sift with you?” Madda asked, her voice neutral.

  “He remains in New Eiru,” Ruwen said. He thought of Sift’s long list of things he didn’t want to discuss with his parents. Ruwen didn’t feel right telling Sift’s parents about their son’s business, but they needed to know he was okay. “Sift is doing well and hopes to return here very soon.”

  Madda nodded. “It’s good to know he made it safely back into the Material Realm. I’m very interested in how you managed that.”

  Ruwen’s throat went dry. The last thing he wanted to do was talk about the details of everything that had happened lately. The Addas knew he could Harvest, but they didn’t know he was an Axiom. And if he talked about the recent past, he might accidentally spill some of Sift’s secrets. Ruwen needed a way out of this conversation, and unfortunately, he could only think of one. “Blapy said something about a binding ritual.”

  Padda waved at the chair across from them. “Please join us.”

  Ruwen forced himself to move. He had a bad feeling about this, but slowly made his way to the chair. He used the short walk to glance at his notifications. He had twenty-one, and they were all for the same Rating. He studied the last one.