Overpowered Wizard-Chapter 303: B3: C93: Welcome to Carrowmore 3

There was aura inside and outside of everyone.

The times where Zarian struggled in low aura density environments were because of his failure to adapt to not having surplus aura outside of his body that he grew familiar with.

It was still discomforting to rely solely on the aura he could generate inside of himself, because a major part of generating aura came from cycling aura from the outside to the inside.

Relying solely on himself, Zarian had to push his 1320 Mysticism to peak performance while diving deeper under Carrowmore and carrying anti-divining wards on his body. At the same time, he leaned heavily on his 1557 Wonder to conceal himself and to guide him to something worth discovering.

Still, that wasn’t enough.

So he placed a thin layer of void magic on himself to remove his presence even further, making his Eldritch Existence more pertinent while triggering certain buffs. Then he intensified his secrecy with Para’s phantom power shrouding him, which was scarily potent, to the point of overkill, since Para was very powerful these days.

Zarian became a ghost to all searching arrays, to all divine senses, to even the Star System to an extent, and certainly to the other Systems involved. And as he dove further, lower and lower and lower still, he kept finding cracks and caverns leading deeper and deeper and deeper below Carrowmore.

He went so deep he found something that he probably shouldn’t have found.

A Hell Gate.

One that was in the Level 120s. Not mythical, but a top grade of legendary that was close to mythical.

Zarian waited for a notification from the Star System.

Nothing.

It worked, Para thought, amazed. We’ve cut ourselves off so thoroughly, even the Star System isn’t aware. We can’t get notifications from him while we’re like this.

Maybe they were truly invisible. Or maybe they weren’t, and the Star System wasn’t bothering to poke at Zarian for trying to sneak around.

Either way, the aura cutoff maneuver wasn’t even something Ruvaria had taught him to use outside training. It was supposed to be an exercise to get him used to being in low aura density environments.

Zarian couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if he took it to the extreme.

It feels like all the aura channels in my body are holding their breath while having to work hard to keep our powers going, Zarian realized.

He wasn’t a fan.

But here he was at a Hell Gate without a notification to tell him, and he knew he was at the entrance of one from the feel alone and because of his 1557 Wonder.

All of those achievements from months ago pushed his Wonder stat higher than all the others. Now Zarian could see why Bianca was so weird. She was constantly picking up on things happening that she shouldn’t know or be aware of.

Zarian imagined he found the Hell Gate because of having so much Wonder.

Who did the Hell Gate belong to?

After some meditation, Zarian could only think of one name.

Sinfeast.

Zarian smiled behind his mask before pulling out something that was perfect for the situation.

Straight from Para’s pocket dimension, he held a pearly dungeon core, the one belonging to Reiki and her Legendary Level 105 Dancing Dragon Dungeon.

Para’s next impression was of amusement and support as Zarian flew around until he found the delineating line that removed him from the Hell Gate entrance.

Flying further yet, he found a small cavern room that was suitable enough and tucked away in a hidden corner nobody would find easily. From there, Zarian placed down tougher and greater wards similar to the ones weighing him down. He placed lots and lots of those down.

Then he used aura to dig into the hard rock before planting Reiki’s core and covering it up. A moment later, a staircase appeared that led the way down into a dark entrance where a slightly alternate dimension waited.

Zarian walked down the stairs. He passed through the dark entrance and felt the twist in reality. He felt for the wards he placed outside and noted how they affected the dungeon, concealing it heavily from prying eyes.

Then he peeled the layers of concealment off himself and removed his mask before he allowed his channels to breathe in aura regularly. The cool and comforting feel of aura cycling in and out of him was a pleasure, leading him to luxuriate in the sensation before paying attention to the here and now.

Across from him, Reiki stood, looking down upon him from her great height. She was an amalgamation of spiders and dragons and librarians and coffee baristas these days.

She had a humanoid shape, six arms folded behind her back, and a dragon tail sweeping left and right, while standing eight feet tall, which Zarian imagined was her smallest size at this point.

Behind her, there was an expansive library filled with librarian spiders. In the ceilings crawled more spiders, some with draconic features. And to the sides, giant dungeon monsters, half spiders and half dragons, looked at their visitor curiously.

Over in one corner, a small cafe, almost a hole in the wall, shone with warm brown light from its front windows. The ambiance gave a welcoming atmosphere while smelling of roasted beans.

There was nobody occupying the space, and it seemed like Zarian would be the only guest Reiki would have, maybe for a while depending on how things played out.

After some thought, Zarian looked down at his marriage ring.

He frowned a little before making a snap judgment.

He pulled out a corpse from Para’s pocket dimension – some female spy of sorts – and dropped it on the floor. He turned the floor into oily slime, submerging the corpse a little, before unlocking his darkness to mix with the corruption of Shadowfell Tears.

He used Force of Sorcery to engrave chaos runes around the ritual offering, which was the type of black magic witch stuff Ruvaria had taught him as extracurricular, making the ritual stronger, more refined. This was important since he wasn’t using a living sacrifice.

Meanwhile, his corruptive darkness poured into the pool of oily slime, mixing with it while enveloping the submerged corpse. And as an added measure, Zarian removed his glove while Para sharpened the tip of one of her fox tails.

She slashed open Zarian’s palm before he held it out and squeezed out some blood that glowed with inner power. The blood splattered on the chaos runes, and with a flash, the offering disappeared while the runes glowed with a dangerous orange light.

“Come to me, wife,” he ordered.

The chaos ritual flashed an even brighter orange with a hellish red tint.

From the sludge of oil, darkness, and corruption, the corpse stopped being a corpse. Shadowfell rose from the mess with doll-like ball joints, porcelain hands and feet, and a gothic ball dress draped over her body while a veil covered her face.

As the sludge slurped into her body, and the chaos runes screamed to death after serving their purpose, Luciana glanced around at the entrance to the dungeon. She turned and faced the dungeon boss, took a moment to observe her, and then bid Reiki a curtsy.

Finally, she turned to Zarian.

“Why did you invite me to this most secret place?” she asked.

“What’s the burden you’re handling that’s so important?” Zarian asked in return. “I need to know, Luciana. There’s too much at stake for me to remain ignorant.”

Reiki looked from one married partner to the other before walking toward the cafe. It seemed like she was going to get some coffee prepared for them.

Meanwhile, the dungeon monsters skittered backward, knowing they shouldn’t overstay during an important conversation between the Dark Emperor and the Shadowfell Goddess.

Shadowfell took her time to answer. “I have a request.”

Zarian sighed. “What is it?”

“Can you call me … Lucy … from now on?”

Zarian raised an eyebrow. “Okay, that’s interesting. How does this tie to my question?”

“You must’ve noticed how my name is similar to Ariana’s. That was because when I was born and given away to your family, my family thought it would be a compliment to name me something similar to your sister, as if we are already family.”

Lucy … turned her back to Zarian. She looked deep across the dungeon.

“Now that you know the truth of the loops, you must realize that this is my first time being involved with you and your family. You can almost say that I’m frankly very young compared to you and Ariana, especially Ariana, who is far more aware than all of us.

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“So, when I came into the fold, dropped off as a baby, and with nobody else but Ariana to guide me, I’ve come to have certain beliefs about what I am. Ariana wasn’t exactly cruel, but she wasn’t afraid to use me as she would use a tool.

“I believed myself to be a tool for Ariana for quite some time. A servant sister, of sorts. I believed myself to be a slave to you. A slave wife, even. I was certain of these beliefs after the Darkrun Apocalypse, after witnessing you destroy and consume countless lives without a care for anyone.”

The more Zarian listened, the more fucked up this became. Lucy knew the perfect time to pause and let him digest everything, too.

It was enough time for Reiki to come around with a tray of coffee and treats.

A legendary table and chairs appeared on the street suddenly. Fancy buildings surrounded them, replacing the grand libraries and their great secret knowledge.

Soft magic lights filled the air, and the dungeon became a romantic setting for the Dark Emperor and Shadowfell Goddess even if what was being discussed was far from romantic.

“I really threw you off your game when I freed you,” Zarian muttered. “So, that’s why you were so bothered and uncertain. You were really born and raised to be a tool. And my little sister didn’t challenge that.”

“Can you really call her little?” Lucy asked.

“No … I really can’t.” Zarian moved around to pull the chair out for his wife.

She gave him a small thanks as he helped her get seated. Then he took his seat from across her doll avatar.

“Even with the wards, it is risky to summon me down here like this,” Lucy said. “Everyone who can afford it in God Land is paying attention to this event. And there are other Systems involved now.”

“If it was anyone else, yeah, but you’re one of the most secretive and obscuring goddesses I know. If it’s you, then this sort of meeting can happen without others being aware,” Zarian said. “I don’t think I can stop the Star System fully, but I don’t think he’s going to pay too much attention as long as we aren’t ruining the event.”

Lucy nodded once.

She took a sip from her coffee and praised Reiki for the flavor. Zarian took a taste and enjoyed the rich flavors as well while taking a moment to relax and just be present in the moment.

“I’m using my powers to keep Ariana’s dragon body asleep,” Lucy said. “The Grimrock Hell Gate wasn’t just an event for you, for Foodie, or for me to spread corruption. It was also an event where I can obscure certain moves, and one of those was establishing a pipeline where my tears can reach Ariana’s body. I cannot corrupt her. No. But … I can do other things.”

Zarian placed his coffee cup down and blinked in bewilderment at Lucy. “That was before our arrangement. Before I freed you. Were you planning to betray Ariana this whole time?”

“No, but I saw an opportunity, and seized it. You must know by now that I can be a fickle creature. I cannot help but … cause mischief and trouble. And Ariana was so certain of herself that she had me where she wanted me, so I figured I would delay her plans for the fun of it.”

Lucy rubbed her finger around the rim of her cup. “It was after she beat you and told you the truth that I doubled down further. Tripled down, even. But doing so required more meticulous focus to make sure she doesn’t notice. Or that would be a proper mess, wouldn’t it?”

Zarian felt a little dumbfounded. “Huh. So … that really is a burden. Probably the greatest burden in the Star System right now. You’re … saving all our lives. And you’re doing it out of spite.”

“Mmm, yes, I do like how you frame that. I’m not normally spiteful, but I can be.”

“You are … a hard woman to understand, Lucy,” Zarian admitted.

“Yes, I am. I never had a mortal start. Frankly, everything is still new to me compared to how old all of you other gods can be. So … I do what I think or feel is right for me, despite my inexperience.”

Zarian nodded. “Yeah, that makes sense. Even Ariana had to watch me be mortal and stuff and has better context. Thank you, either way. That burden … it’ll give me and my friends more time while at great risk to yourself.”

Lucy tilted her head. “It’s an interesting exercise. I might grow stronger from it. I’m not as directly powerful as you and Ariana, in truth. But … I am still an Ultra Goddess. I can act in many other ways outside of direct conflict. I can bring you back to Earth one of these days, if you want. Anywhere you’ve been or I’ve been is still accessible to me.”

A flash of dark, luscious lips appeared with a teasing smile in Zarian’s mind as Lucy’s avatar hummed in delight. “How fun would it be to show up there with all of our power? Even with Earth’s lack of aura and a System, you can bring your own aura and profile with you.”

“Is that so?”

“It is indeed so. Can you imagine the devastation you can cause? Can you imagine how much corruption I can spread if you allow me? We can devour the entire world … if you wish. Maybe this can be a game we can play after the tournament, if there is some sort of vengeance you feel you must achieve upon Earth or anyone who drew your ire back there.”

Zarian … shuddered.

There were many people on his list he could get vengeance upon.

A lot of people.

And a part of him wouldn’t mind tossing them in Lucy’s direction.

Or letting Para eat them.

Zarian shuddered again and shook his head.

“Maybe … another time. The visit to Earth. Not the devouring. I’m more curious about the Enslavement System. How is that going?” Zarian asked carefully.

Again, another flash of Lucy’s lips smirking appeared in his mind. “It’s going quite well. Nobody has interrupted me successfully. They have no Ultra Gods in the Enslavement System who can challenge me. So … I’ve slaughtered and devoured my way through their basic gods and created pleasant homes for those who were enslaved.”

Zarian opened and closed his mouth.

Lucy chuckled. “Oh, did you think I would corrupt, kill, and eat them all? Dear husband, why should I or would I?”

“Part of me wants to think you’re doing this because you care about what’s right. But I imagine you’re going to say something fucked up. So, let me brace myself.” Zarian took a deep breath and straightened in his seat. “Alright, go ahead.”

Lucy laughed. “The formerly enslaved are filled with such rich tragedy that it is more of a feast for me to free them, keep them alive. In fact, by making them live freer and better lives, they must confront the horrors of what was done to them in order to heal, making their tragedies even tastier.”

Lucy laughed some more. “Some say pain is a tragedy. No, no, no. It is the healing that is the most tragic. It is the fixing and reassembling and relearning that is the hardest. And that … is delicious.”

“Gods dammit, Lucy, why are you so ugh.”

Lucy giggled. “I am what I am. A woman of corruption and shadows. An Ultra Goddess born to be used and ordered about. And your wife, even if I’m quite poor at being such.”

Zarian grumbled to himself. He finished his coffee. Then he looked out at the dungeon city backdrop.

It reminded him of a fantasy version of Paris, but the part of Paris he’d only seen in pictures.

“I’m still not in love with you, Lucy,” Zarian said. “But I have some time before the tournament starts, and I don’t really want to be up there. Carrowmore is … fantastic. More than I can imagine. But I don’t trust myself to be up there. So, is it possible for your avatar to hang out here without drawing too much attention?”

“Yes.”

“Alright. We’ve got a few days. Let me treat you, okay?” He extended his hand, and Lucy gracefully took it.

For the next couple of days, and to Zarian’s growing surprise, they had a … relaxing time. Nothing risque. Nothing overt. It was mostly quiet, in fact. Maybe a touch somber at some points.

But the peaceful and contemplative moments were more enjoyable than Zarian had expected. Though there were a few issues.

Lucy was really like a shadow. She didn’t seem real. She followed his lead, and she enjoyed whatever he suggested. It was hard to tell if she was being her true self or playing pretend still.

It was in the awkward moments, when she was confused about a certain activity, that Zarian slowly realized she was really clueless and couldn’t always play off her cluelessness.

She really was lacking in the basic down-to-earth things.

And that made sense.

She hadn’t lived much of a life, and she was trying to figure it all out as they went.

Knowing that, Zarian handled Lucy’s strangeness with more care. He made sure that every activity they did had her input and thought, and he urged her to disagree when she didn’t want to do something.

He was somewhat successful, but not by much.

Lucy really was a long-term project.

Thankfully, Reiki provided endless entertainment, sites, and food galore. Zarian continued to drink water, of course, while Lucy’s avatar sampled all the alcoholic beverages that Reiki could make as a legendary dungeon.

Somehow, along the way, they ended up in a cubby in a twisted library that spiraled upward like a giant tower, their legs folded over each other while sharing a graphic illustration novel that was like a comic book but more fancy.

Zarian didn’t know how they ended up like this, but this was the most comfy they’d gotten with each other. Still, he had to check with her to see if this was okay.

“You don’t mind reading and doing nothing?” Zarian asked her.

“This is not nothing to me,” Lucy said simply. “This is … nice. This is new. This is a beautiful tragedy, and I enjoy it.”

Fair enough.

Then, eventually, Zarian and Lucy’s time was up. Her avatar crumbled apart. And Zarian made his way toward Reiki’s dungeon exit only to pause before leaving.

“You’re back home, Reiki,” Zarian said. “What do you plan to do while I’m fighting in the tournament?”

Reiki chuckled with a mouth filled with fangs. “It depends on if the master will let me … raid. I need to grow stronger. I need to grow fast. Then I can pay my sister a visit.”

“Which sister?”

“The Countess of Carrowmore,” Reiki answered.

Zarian remembered Ruvaria talking about such a person. The one who sat above the barons of Carrowmore. Someone who was the ultimate evil in the world.

Reiki of the White Silk Dancers must’ve been some ancient royalty from long ago before getting betrayed by her sister and turned into a dungeon. Now Reiki was back home, and Zarian could sense the hunger and anger in the dungeon air.

“Very well. You may raid and grow on your own. There’s a Hell Gate of Sinfeast a few caves over. Can you be a dear and deal with that for me? Make a proper mess of it. Once that’s done, do whatever you like. I’ve noticed there are some faulty weaknesses in the wards and structures of Carrowmore. Maybe you can make use of that. Oh, and one last thing.”

He tossed to Reiki a glossy instrument made of stone and covered in elven enchantments.

“You can call Ruvaria if you need help. She can’t attack Carrowmore directly … but she’s got a score to settle, too.”

Reiki nodded eagerly. “I know. She told me. We knew each other … from long, long ago. We … could’ve been friends. But my sister got in the way.”

“Well, I’ll be damned. I do love it when all the lore strings tie together. Happy raiding, Reiki.”

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“Thank you, master, for this most wonderful opportunity! I will ensure I become powerful and mythical for you. I will provide as much as I can give you and your followers when you come back to get me again!”

Reiki and her dungeon monsters waved him farewell for now, with some of them dancing in the background.

Smiling, Zarian gave them a nonchalant nod before turning away. He placed his mask and hood back on before covering himself in wards, concealing tricks, and Para’s phantom power.

Then he cut himself off from outside aura and went out of the dungeon, flying up through the cracks and caverns he’d taken to get far below Carrowmore. Up and up and up until he finally left the depths below and reentered the center Carrowmore.

Resurfaced again, Zarian found things had changed drastically.

He ended his concealment and let out a whistle.

From cavernous horizon to cavernous horizon, he saw contestants filling the streets, milling on the rooftops, cramming into the buildings, and occupying the air. All he saw were adventurers of many races, abilities, and cultures from all across the Lesser Worlds of the Star System and beyond.

And more importantly, despite the distance and obstacles, he noticed the avatars of the Seven Good Gods and Seven Evil Gods standing on a grand stone stage from the corner of his vision. The greatest authorities of the Star System made themselves known and seen with divine magic that reached every corner of Carrowmore, so nobody could miss their majestic appearance or their resounding words.

“CONTESTANTS!” roared the avatar of Purgehunt. “IT IS TIME TO PROVE YOURSELVES WORTHY!”