Divine Apostasy Book 12 - Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Ruwen paused, expecting some type of visible change to the world, but nothing happened. He’d stop by and see Pine after finishing here and see what the old man had gotten. Ruwen’s parents should have received at least two of the faction quests, so he needed to see them as soon as possible too.

Overlord pointed at the Notification Ruwen still projected into the air. “I think that means we only get in trouble if we leave with the leprechauns’ stuff.”

Ruwen reread the Notification.

Stop Thief!

You have entered the Sacred Vault of the Ceardai Leprechaun Clan.

This ancient repository has remained dormant since the Great Fading.

Warning: Unauthorized removal of artifacts will trigger Clan tracking protocols.

“Maybe,” Ruwen said with a frown. “It left the punishment for trespassing part out. Maybe there’s an army of leprechauns headed here right now. The tracking thing is problematic. I don’t want to attract more problems. Especially if they can nullify my luck advantage.”

“Put the crystal back then,” Overlord said.

Ruwen tried his best not to scowl. “That crystal picked me. It’s perfect and I don’t want to give it back.”

“I have an idea,” Uruziel said. “Since we don’t know what we’re dealing with, we should get more information. Let’s test the barrier surrounding us. If it’s very difficult to break, that likely means the leprechauns possess a lot of power and we should return the crystal before leaving. If the barrier is simple to overcome, we can safely ignore them and leave with our treasure.”

“That is a really good idea,” Ruwen replied.

With heightened caution, Ruwen activated Harmony. Swirling colors burst to life sending pain lancing through his forehead. It reminded him of staring at the sun. The vivid hues weren’t simple colors, they had a texture, as if they represented something more than a color. This confused him. The riot of colors kind of reminded him of Hamma’s display.

Ruwen forced himself to study every surface before dismissing Harmony.

"This place is definitely artificial," Ruwen confirmed. "And I think very old. Whatever these 'Ceardai Leprechauns' are, the lack of Spirit ruined their trap." He pointed at various crystals, none of which looked out of the ordinary. “Their energy matrix uses the power stored in those crystals but its already half gone. In another minute, the barrier will drop on its own.”

"Are we waiting?" Overlord asked.

“Yes,” Ruwen said. "There’s no reason to damage the treasure in here just to save a few seconds. I’m betting whatever power they use to track thieves is either already depleted or will be shortly after activation. In fact, maybe I should see if any of these other crystals resonate with me.”

“Hoarding mixed with greed is a recipe for disaster,” Overlord said.

“It’s not greed,” Ruwen said. “I have a fondness for treasure. Plus, Fractal would love these and Hamma could probably gain a bunch of Prayer Points for her Priestess magic with these crystals.”

Ruwen turned his focus back to the central cluster where he’d harvested his pristine tourmaline. He slowly walked around the mound, wondering how many he should take for Hamma. His eyes kept drifting across the floor, and it took ten seconds for him to realize the cause—his Perception.

Ruwen went still, and turned his full attention to the floor. He let his Perception guide his gaze and three seconds later he noticed the bare indentations along the floor, walls, and ceiling—seven of them arranged in a perfect circle.

“What’s wrong?” Uruziel asked.

Ruwen used a finger to trace the circle starting at the central cluster, across the floor, up the wall, along the ceiling, down the other wall, and back to the central cluster.

“The seven bare patches and the central mound are exactly equidistant from each other,” Lir said.

Ruwen quickly moved to the closest bare area. A rune he didn’t recognize was etched into the stone. It glowed faintly when viewed with Harmony and it didn’t look connected to the security barrier. Satisfied it likely wasn’t dangerous, he touched it.

A burning heat flared under Ruwen’s bellybutton but it immediately faded to a comfortable warmth before disappearing. Harmony confirmed what little light the rune had contained had disappeared.

“I think I know what this is,” Ruwen said. “And I bet there are seven other vaults like this.”

“Why seven more?” Overlord asked.

Ruwen stood. "Those leprechauns are farming chakra—"

A Notification filled Ruwen’s vision, interrupting his explanation. He projected it for everyone to see.

Ting!

You have received a quest…

Hidden Vaults

The ancient Ceardai Leprechaun Clan possess the secrets of enlightenment crystals. These powerful gems, each attuned to a Radiant faction chakra, can be harnessed to control, manipulate, and harm humans.

You have located and entered the hidden Root Vault.

Task: Discover and enter the remaining seven Ceardai Vaults hidden across this region.

- Sacral Vault (0/1)

- Solar Plexus Vault (0/1)

- Heart Vault (0/1)

- Throat Vault (0/1)

- Third Eye Vault (0/1)

- Crown Vault (0/1)

- Divine Vault (0/1)

Reward: Set bonus increasing crystal effectiveness based on crystal quality.

Warning: Each vault breach increases the awakening probability of dormant Ceardai guardians

Warning: Reputation penalty with all leprechaun clans.

Accept/Decline?

Ruwen was the first to speak. “I’m guessing the crystals and gems from these vaults are going to be better than what I’d normally find around here. The reputation penalty worries me a little. The Death Tower avatar warned me the Creation Realm already held tons of barriers. I’m not sure adding more is wise.”

“You might not need to go up there,” Overlord said. “Hamma and Sift can get you the information you need.”

“On the other hand,” Uruziel added, “we don’t know what these leprechauns are capable of. You’ve never fought a creature from the Creation Realm. You might be completely unprepared for their magic. In addition, it sounds like they use these crystals to control humans via their chakras. What if that works on you?”

Ruwen didn’t dismiss Uruziel’s concerns out of hand. She had excellent points, but two things worked against her logic. One, he preferred facing the unknown head on. Two, he really didn’t want to give up his Root crystal.

Regardless, it didn’t hurt to accept the quest. It could be dropped later if necessary.

Ruwen accepted the quest and replied to Uruziel. “I—”

The vault shook, interrupting Ruwen, and he shivered as what felt like frigid water trickled down his spine.

Dust drifted down from the ceiling as the shaking disturbed the crystals.

"That doesn't seem good," Overlord said.

Ruwen displayed the Notification he’d just gotten.

WARNING: Vault timer exceeded. Security protocols activated.

Vault Guardian awakening sequence initiated.

Estimated time until full activation: 48 hours.

The Ceardai Clan has marked you as a thief.

Another message appeared and Ruwen displayed that as well.

Ting!

You have received a quest…

Leprechaun Purge

The disturbance of a sacred vault has awakened the long-dormant Ceardai Leprechaun Clan. These once-benevolent craftsmen have been twisted by greed and banished from the Creation Realm.

Task: The desiccated remains of the Ceardai now pose a significant threat to both human populations and the natural balance of this region. The influx of Infernal Spirit has amplified their greed and hatred. Destroy them before they gain a foothold in these lands.

- Eliminate Desiccated Leprechaun Scouts (0/25)

- Destroy the Ceardai Fortress (0/1)

- Defeat Silhean, the Withered King of the Leprechauns (0/1)

Reward (Completing 1 of 3): Removal of Ceardai tracking magic

Reward (Completing 2 of 3): Gem of the Withered King (quality based on performance)

Reward (Completing 3 of 3): Fortune of the Leprechauns (quality based on performance)

Accept/Decline?

"Well, that escalated quickly," Overlord mumbled.

Uruziel looked concerned as she read the bounty details. "From discovering evil leprechauns exist to being tasked with killing them all in under a minute. That's... not great."

"The quest mentioned corruption,” Overlord responded. “If these 'desiccated leprechauns' are a threat to others I don’t think we have much of a choice."

"I know," Ruwen sighed. "But they were hibernating until I came along and disturbed them. And now the System wants me to eradicate them. It feels wrong."

“That will pass quick enough once they start killing those miners and their families,” Overlord said.

“I know,” Ruwen replied, a little harsher than he intended. “Sorry, Overlord. You’re only stating the truth.”

“No problem. Your emotions are still running a little hot from the—”

Overlord stopped speaking abruptly when he caught sight of Uruziel’s glare.

“What?” Overlord asked Uruziel. “Is that a secret or something?”

“Not exactly,” Uruziel said, and then glanced at Ruwen to gauge his reaction. She refocused on Overlord. “It’s like telling someone on a diet they shouldn’t eat a donut.”

Overlord swiped the air.

“What was that?” Uruziel asked.

“I’m slapping the donut out of their hand.”

Uruziel pinched the bridge of her nose and Ruwen laughed.

Ruwen’s Destruction Realm body was a Saraph. A race with traits that included tall, powerful, and emotionally charged. At first controlling his rage had taken a lot of effort. Those emotions felt distant now that he’d regained his human form, but they still bubbled deep under the surface. It was good to be reminded of it.

“Thanks Uruziel,” Ruwen said. He turned to the confused Overlord. “Uruziel was trying to say when someone knows what they’re doing is wrong, they might need support instead of a reminder of their failure.”

“That doesn’t make sense,” Overlord said, “and you didn’t even know the donut was in your hand.”

“Fair enough,” Ruwen responded. “Sometimes tough love is called for. And you’re right. I didn’t notice those Saraph emotions seeping through. Thanks to both of you.”

Ruwen stopped projecting the Notifications and accepted the kill quest.

"Time to go," Ruwen said.