Danmachi - Eldritch Apostle

A/N

Hello, everyone! I just wanted to announce that starting from this chapter, I'll be switching from first person to third person. Writing in the third person works much better for me when it comes to crafting scenes, developing other characters, and writing overall.

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Niall's consciousness went blank as dark energy swirled around him. The silence on the battlefield settled once more. When he opened his eyes, he found himself amid an open galaxy—an all-too-familiar sight for him.

He looked around, expecting Azathoth to appear from somewhere, but nothing happened. Instead, in front of him, his Necronomicon book materialized. It began turning its pages on its own, clearly eager to show him something.

Patiently waiting for the book to reach its desired page, Niall glanced around. The vast emptiness reminded him of a mysterious voice he had encountered some time ago. He half-expected the unknown being to speak again, but there was only silence.

Suddenly, the book slapped him on the cheek and flew directly at his face.

"Alright, alright, I'll focus my attention on you!" he said, rubbing his cheek.

The book wobbled left and right in protest before opening to reveal his updated status.

--- STATUS ---

Name: Niall

Race: *REDACTED*

Level: 2 --> 4

Power: 1230 SS --> 0 I

Survivability: 999 S --> 0 I

Durability: 1429 SS --> 0 I

POWERS

(Force of Authority)

- Gravity Manipulation

The user can increase, or decrease gravitational force in a specific area, pinning enemies to the ground or crushing objects with immense pressure.

- Planetary Devastation (LOCKED)

- Almighty Push (LOCKED)

- Universal Pull 

Create an intense gravitational force that draws objects or people towards the user of this power.

(The Key and the Gate)

The user becomes a master builder, able to manipulate the world's materials with unmatched precision and creativity. By channeling their inner architect, the user can shape the environment around them, creating complex structures with ease.

(Great Prince of the Old Ones) *NEW*

The user's body can nullify any attacks coming from opponents that are below his level, and one level above him. Also offers a high regeneration to users without any limit to it, making users able to survive even the worst injuries. 

*Warning!!* The user may face danger if hit by a wide magic attack from a stronger opponent. This only applies if the user's body is burned to such an extent that regeneration becomes impossible.

(Eldritch Veilpiercer) *NEW*

This skill grants the user the ability to peer beyond the physical realm and see through the physical bodies of others, revealing their internal structures, such as organs, muscles, and vital points.

Discern the auras of living beings, visualizing their emotions, intentions, and even the strength of their life force. The soul itself manifests as a distinct, glowing core, each unique in color and intensity.

(Eldritch Blast) *NEW*

The user conjures a crackling bolt of pure eldritch energy, shaped by their power. The blast streaks toward a target with unerring accuracy, leaving a trail of ominous green and black energy. 

- 1st Form: Arcane Ray – Singular Piercing Beam

Description: The caster focuses its arcane energy into a concentrated, linear blast that pierces through all obstacles. This form is designed for precision strikes and long-range combat.

- 2nd Form: Chaos Wave – Expanding Shockwave

Description: The blast radiates outward in a wide, circular wave, damaging and pushing back everything in its radius.

- 3rd Form: Binding Spires – Tendrils of Power

Description: Instead of a single blast, the energy splits into tendrils that ensnare and immobilize enemies before detonating in bursts of energy.

QUESTS

Unseal the Underwater Dungeon

- Progress: Uncompleted

--- --- ---

Niall looked at his newly acquired powers, marveling at the substantial boost they provided. Compared to his previous abilities, this new strength was on another level. Not only had his body grown significantly stronger, but he also now possessed a broken ability that could turn the tide in his favor.

Just as he finished examining his status, he was abruptly ejected from the galaxy-like dimension, returning to the familiar world of Danmachi. The green energy surrounding him dissipated instantly as his consciousness reawakened. Niall found himself alone once more.

He glanced around, scanning for any signs of life. With his newly enhanced vision, he could detect no presence of energy nearby. His ability seemed to combine elements of the Transparent World from Demon Slayer, Freya's ability to perceive souls and their auras, and a kind of spiritual sight that allowed him to track energy.

Setting his sights on the 19th floor, where the town of Rivira was located, Niall started running. He aimed to find Tsubaki and inform her that the Goliath had been defeated.

Meanwhile, in the forests of the 19th floor, Tsubaki's team had set up a temporary camp. Rivira's rooms were too expensive, so they decided to stay in the safe zone of the floor until the situation calmed down.

Their expedition hadn't been planned for an extended duration, so they lacked long-term supplies. Fortunately, they were in a relatively safe area. Tsubaki observed her familia members laughing and chatting, but her thoughts were elsewhere.

She still felt a pang of guilt over Niall's presumed fate. Such tragedies were common in the dungeon, where youth often perished in its cruel depths. However, she couldn't shake the image of the Goliath—it seemed like that monster had a personal vendetta.

Clutching her katana tightly, Tsubaki thought about how the Goliath had been much stronger than the usual variants. Letting out a sigh, she decided to clear her mind with a walk.

As she strolled through the lush forest, the wind whispered past her, contrasting her dark, tanned skin with the greenery around her. After a few minutes, she found a small clearing illuminated by the light of crystal formations. Their gentle glow gave her a sense of peace.

Suddenly, a voice broke the silence.

"Tsubaki."

Startled, Tsubaki spun around, drawing her katana in an instant.

"Oh, it's you… You're alive?!" she exclaimed, lowering her weapon as her eyes widened in disbelief. She rushed over to Niall, grabbing his shoulders and inspecting him for injuries.

"You have to tell me—how did you survive that beast? Did you defeat it or manage to escape?" she asked urgently. Seeing that Niall appeared unharmed, she assumed he must have run away.

"I defeated it and leveled up in the process," Niall replied calmly. "Thanks for worrying about me, though."

Tsubaki's eyes widened further. She struggled to process his words, especially since she remembered that Niall was listed as a Level 3 adventurer on the guild board.

"Don't lie to me, boy," she said seriously. "As far as I know, you're just a Level 3. The idea of you taking on a monster like that alone… and winning? It's hard to believe."

Her tone was stern, but Niall had no desire to argue. He simply patted her on the shoulder and started to walk away. However, he paused and glanced back.

Activating his enhanced sight, Niall observed Tsubaki in a way no one else could. He could see her transparent body—her muscles, her organs, even the brain inside her skull. Beyond that, he saw her kind soul and the energy that flowed through her.

As she stepped closer, time seemed to slow. Each movement revealed her intentions, her speed, and her next action. Her muscular legs communicated everything to him with subtle precision.

"I'm sorry for my reaction," Tsubaki admitted, stopping a few steps away. "I'm just… confused. If you defeated that thing, then you've done the impossible. But I'm glad you're alive. We all thought you were dead."

Niall deactivated his enhanced vision and shrugged. Without saying another word, he turned and resumed walking away.

Tsubaki watched him go, sensing he wasn't in the mood for conversation. She decided not to press him further.

Relief washed over her as she returned to the camp. Knowing Niall had survived brought her peace. Now, her only concern was safely guiding her group back to the surface.

---

The news of the Goliath variation's defeat spread quickly, giving the green light for adventurers to ascend the dungeon floors once more. As a large group of them moved toward the exit, Tsubaki found herself reflecting on the entire ordeal again.

She needed to inform her goddess not only about Goliath and its peculiarities but also about Niall and the strange power he displayed. Welf, meanwhile, was relieved to hear that Niall had survived. However, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of irritation at him for not coming to him personally to share the news.

The news of the Goliath variation's defeat spread quickly, giving the green light for adventurers to ascend the dungeon floors once more. As a large group of them moved toward the exit, Tsubaki found herself reflecting on the entire ordeal again.

She needed to inform her goddess not only about the Goliath and its peculiarities but also about Niall and the strange power he displayed. Welf, meanwhile, was relieved to hear that Niall had survived. However, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of irritation at him for not coming to him personally to share the news.

While adventurers ascended the floors, Niall returned home. The first thing he noticed upon opening the door was Haruhime washing dishes while Yoko lay comfortably on the bed.

"Don't tell me you're making a thirteen-year-old girl do all the work while your lazy ass rests on a bed all day," Niall said, his sudden appearance startling both Haruhime and Yoko.

Haruhime began to bow in greeting, but Niall waved her off. Instead, she smiled warmly and returned to her task. Yoko, on the other hand, was visibly offended by his remark. She stood up, crossing her arms and shooting him a playful glare.

"She insisted so much I had no choice but to let her do it," Yoko replied defensively, her lips curling into a sly smile. "Your attitude is slimy as ever, but I can tell something's up." She winked at him, her curiosity piqued.

"Yeah… I just achieved a double level-up," Niall admitted.