Chapter 51: Man vs Bridge

Chapter 51: Man vs Bridge

Bordeauxs right bank, or Rive Droite, was something of an aberration.

Although Bordeaux was one of Frances largest and most developed cities, the right bank of the Garonne river was underdeveloped. Half-savage expanses of muddy tall grass and abandoned houses faced chic, luxurious docks shining from the left side. In the few times Basil had visited the city he often sat there, waiting for the Garonnes level to lower and reveal the wrecks of abandoned ships in its depths. At night, the streetlights gave Bordeaux an almost mystical feel as a horizon of artificial stars burst to life to illuminate the city.

Or at least, that was how Basil remembered it.

A thick red fog swallowed the left shore, covering its buildings and extinguishing its lights. Basil couldnt see any of Bordeauxs neoclassical buildings, nor any of its famous cathedrals twin towers. A dense, bloody mist obscured them all under a wretched purple sky.

Worst of all, the whole city stank of alcohol. The stench drove Basil mad.

I know why my books call it the city of wine now, Shellgirl mused while pinching her slime nose. But I thought it would smell better.

Me too, Vasi replied with a frown as they followed Elissaldes dogs on foot.

Boss, look! Bugsy pointed his antennae at a magnificent stone bridge surging from the red mist. Basil identified it as Bordeauxs Pont de Pierre from its old-fashioned, imperial-style street lamps. It used to be one of the citys most beautiful monuments.

Whatever sorcery affected Bordeaux disfigured the bridge too. Sinister Shinto-like red archways appeared all over its length, surrounded by antiquity-style statues of Greek deities. Not only was the architectural mishmash absolutely hideous, but vines also infested the bridges stones. The plants grew out of the wine river and slowly undermined the foundations.

Couldnt a so-called god pick up better architects?

The transformation effect eerily reminded Basil of a dungeons terraforming. Yet this one, as far as he knew, was projected by an individual creature rather than a neurotower. If a monster could rewrite reality across such a large distance, what could a high-level one do? Summon meteors? Obscure the sun?

Isnt one of the bridges missing? Plato asked with a frown. I remember two of them.

General Leblanc ordered the bridge of Saint-Jeans destruction weeks ago, their doberman guide explained. Sea serpents from the ocean damaged it beyond repair.

Fools! Bugsy choked in indignation. As an amateur architect, the centimagma took the bridges redesign personally. The vines fragilize the foundations! What a crappy job! No respect for good masonry!

Im afraid this is the least of our worries, a familiar voice echoed above them.

Basil raised his eyes. Two flying forms approached them from above: some kind of golden-feathered griffin the size of a small lion carrying two riders, and a certain plague doctor with wings.

ZacharielLevel 22 [Angel]Party: Aztain Ahizpa.

Bordeauxs guardian angel had kept its post.

Mister Zach! Bugsy snapped his mandibles in happiness. Im so glad to see you again!

Basil smiled, doubly so when he identified one of the two people riding the griffin.

Neria ElissaldeLevel 23 [Humanoid] (Guard 17/Gunslinger 6).Party: Aztain Ahizpa.

Officer! Basil waved a hand at her. Neria!

Basil! Is it really you? Neria Elissalde froze upon noticing Rosemarines colossal, lumbering body. Oh my god, is that is that your plant?

Hello, Miss! Rosemarines tongue emerged from her toothy maw, much to the policewomans horror. You look as delicious as ever!

Aww, she had learned flattery!

I Officer Elissalde cleared her throat, unsure how to react. Thank you, I suppose.

Her griffin landed on the right bank alongside Zachariel, allowing Basil to examine the last member of this small trio: a child holding on to the griffins mane.

The girl couldnt have been older than eight, with stark gray eyes and long black hair. She was a lovely child, though her choice of dressa long, antiquity-styled Greek tunicwas quite eccentric. Something about her felt odd, although Basil couldnt put his fingers on it. She looked at the group with a blank face and a distant gaze, as if peering through them.

Nessia Marius (Nymphblooded)Level 15 [Humanoid/Fairy] (Oracle of Dionysus-Ananke 10/Witch 3/Griffinrider 2)Party: Aztain Ahizpa.Witsy (Griffin)Level 15 [Avian/Beast]Party: Aztain Ahizpa.

An an oracle of Dionysus? The same creature responsible for the fog? Basil was immediately wary of the girl, but he trusted Neria enough to provide an answer.

Mmm Plato examined the griffin, sneering at the wings but appreciating the feline body. I knew we cats had a love-hate relationship with birds, but to think one of my kindred would produce a mixed-race bastard...

Im beautiful, the griffin argued with a childish voice. Like a feathered candy!

Dont be a racist, Plato, Basil chided his cat. He approached the child and couldnt help but pat her on the head. In spite of his distrust, Basil always had a soft spot for kids. Hello, little one. Whats your name? Im Basil.

Nessia, she replied softly. But you already knew that, didnt you?

Neria, Nessia There was a joke to be made here, but Basil was too happy to see Elissalde safe to comment. The girl was more perceptive than she looked, though that might be because of her relatively high level.

It saddens me to see someone her age with classes, Basil thought grimly. The Apocalypse spared no one.

Is she another of your sisters? Basil asked Neria. When her expression turned somber, he immediately realized he should have worded it better.

No, Officer Elissalde shook her head as she climbed down from the griffins back. Nessia how to say it

The little girl pointed a finger at the skies. I fell from there.

Yet another displaced immigrant from a distant universe. They started to pop up everywhere lately.

You should open a tourism agency, Basil told Shellgirl. Theres money to make in the business.

Eh, too much hassle, she replied. And is that how human children are made?

Yes, when a man and a woman love each other very much, a child falls from the skies, Vasi deadpanned.

Can it happen between a hag and a human? Bugsy asked innocently. I-I mean, out of curiosity

Sir, its good to see you again. Zachariel clenched Basils hands, before immediately pulling back. Did you wash them with holy water first?

Of course, Basil lied. The angels eccentricities always brought a smile to his face. Any progress on eradicating Coronatheism?

Ah, Sir, if only you knew the terrible state of the Frenchs spiritual health! I blame years of faith privatization. Zachariel let out a long sigh of frustration. I was making progress when this new plague of Greek Fever hit us.

Im so glad to see you all alive and well. Youve all grown so much. Neria smiled warmly at Vasi. You even recruited a new face.

Vasilisa. Vasi introduced herself and shook the policewomans hand. But you can call me Vasi. Basil wouldnt shut up about you.

Neria chuckled and glanced at Basil. Would he?

I mentioned you once or twice, Basil replied with stoicism. Officer Elissalde was a friend and nothing more. If Vasi hoped to tease him, she had failed.

Officer Elissalde smiled, but didnt comment on the subject further. I admit Im surprised to see you here at all, Basil. The last time we met you wouldnt leave your house for any reason.

Yes, but then the house burned, Shellgirl summed it up with crude bluntness.

It burned? Neria covered her mouth. My God, Im so sorry to hear that

Basil glared at Shellgirl, who shrugged. He hated being pitied.

Its a long story, he replied. But lets just say Im on something of a personal crusade against the fools and the wicked.

Ah, I see that would explain your level. I never saw anyone past twenty-five, and youre thirty now. Officer Elissalde frowned. She must have read his System information. Wait, did you found a Guild?

How did you guess?

Homeowner Revenge Association, Neria replied with a deadpan look. Its a dead giveaway.

Good. The world had to understand Basils message. Im happy to see you alive, officer, he said. Honestly I worried you had perished after we lost contact.

It was a close call, Officer Elissalde admitted with a sigh. If Nessia didnt guide us to safety, we would still be looking for a way out of the fog.

Basil frowned at the child. Although she appeared outwardly normal, he couldnt shake the feeling that she appeared far too calm for her age and current situation. Why would an oracle of the god, the word felt bitter in Basils mouth, help you escape its fog?

Little Nessia held his gaze with bravery. I came to free the god. He called me from beyond the gate.

To free him? Vasi asked with a frown. I do not understand, is he sealed?

This Dionysus is not himself, the oracle argued. He cant control his actions. When the fog appeared, he warned me to flee.

This Dionysus? Her words made little sense to Basil, but they seemed clear to Vasi.

I see, the witch said with a nod. You are an oracle from your worlds Dionysus. Another version of him.

As little Nessia nodded in confirmation, Basil realized he hated the multiverse. Hated it.

Is that the reason for the Orochi bit? Basil pointed a thumb at the Shinto archways sprouting on the distant bridge. The only Orochi I know of is a Japanese game boss.

I cannot tell if the two are related. Officer Elissalde scowled. But from what Ive seen, this Dionysus differs quite a bit from the traditional imagery.

He is in pain, Little Nessia whispered. I can feel it. A poison clouds his mind and torments his soul. His screams for help guided me to this place. Hes sick, I tell you.

He looks pretty powerful for a sick god, Plato snickered, his eyes set on the fog clouding the other bank. He turned an entire city into his litter.

The child pouted in annoyance. I mean what I say. Hes not himself.

No Overgod has been selected yet. No candidate for the throne is available.Mr. Hydes Play Jekyll recipeFamily: Potion (Consumable)Quality: Variable.Effect: Allows the drinker to fake his System information for a set of time (based on quality) per milliliter consumed.Created by Mr. Hyde to play pranks on his other side, this potion will temporarily allow you to fake your System information to outsiders. Mostly used by underage people to access nightclubs. Keep away from children.

Basil raised an eyebrow. You want to add her to the party and activate the coven feature?

It will be easy with the Guilds interlocked parties system, Vasi argued. She put her hands on Little Nessias shoulders. Come on look at her face please

I could register my party with your Guild, Neria proposed with a warm smile. That way you could benefit from some of my Perks.

Mmm Basil examined Little Nessia. Both the child and Vasi looked up at him with big doe-eyes. Although Basils heart of stone remained unmoved, he didnt see why he would deny the request. Little Nessia was no monster, so she would survive even if he were to perish in battle. So long as she stays far, far at the rear.

Sure, Little Nessia replied. Her tone made Basil unsure whether she was dutifully obeying or lying to his face, but a deal was a deal.

You have recruited the [Aztain Ahizpa] Party into your Guild!You switched the Rosemarine Eglantine de la Barthe and Nessia Marius Party members.Congratulations, you formed a coven with Nessia Marius and Vasilisa Yaga. You receive a +30% bonus to crafting potions and magical items and the cost of casting spells is halved. Members of your coven can cast the following Witchcraft coven spells if they possess the required spellcasting tiers: [Witch Ladder] (Tier I), [Evil Eye] (Tier II), [Witch Ball] (Tier III), [Bruxa Murder] (Tier IV), [Zduha Projection] (Tier V), [Magonia] (Tier VI), [Grand Hex] (Tier VII), [Call the Drude] (Tier VIII), [Grimalkin Gate] (Tier XI), [Walpurgis Night] (Tier X).

Aww Rosemarine complained. Not again.

Its just one time, Basil promised as he examined the new Coven spells that Vasi could cast. Witch Ladder summoned, well, a ladder from nothing, and Witch Ball created an item capable of repelling evil ghosts and spirits.

Evil Eye though debuffed Luck for multiple foes and Bruxa Murder

You wont like this spell, Plato, Basil mused. At all.

The cat groaned. It involves birds, doesnt it? No, dont tell me. I dont want to know.

Suit yourself. Basil glanced at his team. Alright guys, I have a plan. But to make sure well pull it off correctly well practice it first.

No more improvisation.

A few hours later, the group stood in the middle of Bordeauxs bridge. Neither the light of the moon nor the stars pierced through the purple aura obscuring the skies. At least the street lamps still worked.

How long must we wait? Basil wondered as he glared at the fog with his halberd in hand. Neria Elissalde, her dogs, Shellgirl, and Bugsy formed a defensive perimeter around him. The rest of his allies were either waiting in ambush or staying at the rear. Though in Platos case, one could say that hes hiding in plain sight

As for Vasi, she knelt at Bugsys feet. A veil of sorcery disguised her as Kalki. The trick was vividly effective; having seen the man himself, the witch mimicked his appearance to perfection. She even faked struggling against the ropes holding her hands and the cloth piece gagging her. She was a natural actress.

Theyre watching, a voice whispered.

Ah! Basil turned his head in the voices direction with his halberd raised for the kill. A ghostly apparition of Little Nessia appeared at his side, ethereal and translucent. Whats this?

Is it Halloween again? Shellgirl asked in confusion.

Im alive, the little girl replied. Its an Oracle ability.

Well, dont spook me like that again, Basil chided her. I almost cut you in half.

You would have failed, the child replied as a matter of fact.

Not even ten and already a smartass.

Shes right, Boss, Bugsy said, his antennae raised in alarm. I sense someone approaching from the other side.

Neria Elissalde clocked her rifle. The officer came equipped with riot gear, a plexiglass shield, and other firearms attached to her belt. A messenger.

Indeed, a woman emerged from the fog alone dressed in a white robe and red, traditional Japanese pants. Thanks to his extensive video game culture, Basil immediately identified the outfit as that of a Miko, a Japanese priestess. A serpent mask covered her face except for long black hair. She was unarmed, yet showed no fear as she stepped onto the bridge.

Here comes the Mouth of Sauron, Basil thought. Why the hell would a Greek god use a Japanese-themed priestess? Something doesnt add up here.

Janine MazelLevel 20 [Humanoid] (Priest of Dionysus-Orochi 11/Brawler 9).Faction: Metal Olympus.

Basil couldnt help but scoff at the French name. She was a cosplayer!

Have you mortals finally seen reason? the masked woman rasped. She stopped under the shadow of a Shinto archway covering the bridge. Greek statues observed her from both sides of the bridge. Relinquish him.

Straight to business.

Summon your boss first, Basil ordered. I wanna talk to him first.

The woman snorted arrogantly. Or what?

Or his head will roll over the floor. Basil raised his halberd right above Kalkis neck. The fiery rune empowering it faltered a little because of the fields effect, but the blade remained as sharp as ever. Maybe Ill feed him to my Centimagma. I havent decided yet.

Heil Emperor Vegan! Bugsy shouted, trying his best villain impersonation. It left much to be appreciated, but his monstrous appearance made up for his lack of a good script. Fry the meatbags!

Although he couldnt see the womans expression under her mask, Basil noticed her freeze with apprehension. If she was worried for his safety, then the potion managed to fool her scans. Vasis muffled screams and struggle against her bindings added a little touch of urgency to the scene.

I think youre under the misconception that this man is my gift. Youre wrong. Basil pointed his halberd at the messenger. Hes my hostage, which means youll play by my rules.

Fool, the woman rasped. You do not know who he is.

Hes Vishnus avatar, Basil replied. This time, the messenger flinched. Gotcha. Wanna see how he bleeds?

Then you know the world will die with him, the priestess pointed out. Officer Elissalde turned her head in Basils direction, her face hidden behind her helmet.

Oh right, he had forgotten to mention that detail.

Beats me, Basil shrugged. Well just move to another planet.

Youre bluffing, the messenger replied.

Basil took a step forward.

He walked up all the way to the priestess, who immediately adopted a boxing stance. Bugsy moved behind Kalki and threatened the hostage with his mandibles.

Look at me, you little shit. Look at me in the eyes. Basil stopped in front of the messenger and glared at her. In the eyes.

Two black eyes stared at him from behind the snake mask.

Im Basil Jean-Franois Bohen. Im Bulgarian. Basil smiled arrogantly and whispered into her ear. I can do whatever the fuck I want.

Such moments made Basil glad that he was a blue-eyed blonde. The references wrote themselves.

Whatever the case, his impression was spot on. The priestess gaze wavered as he kept staring at her, unblinking, unmoving.

Why would you do that? she whispered in shock.

Because Bugsy roared and did his best mad beast impersonation. Were evil!

He delivered the corny line with such passion that Basil immediately forgave him.

Your boss has five minutes of my time, Basil warned the priestess with a sinister wink. And Im baaaaad at math.

He didnt need to wait that long.

Stay back, the priestess asked. She joined her hands and whispered some kind of prayer to herself. I I will call my master.

Try anything suspicious and the Indian immigrant gets it, Basil said as returned to his starting spot.

He had barely taken a few steps when he noticed an invisible pressure in the air. A small weight fell on his shoulders and the stench of alcohol from the wine river grew stronger. Bugsys antennae pointed at the fog in alarm.

Something was approaching from within the mist.

Hes screaming, Little Nessia whispered.

I dont hear anything, Basil replied. Neria raised her rifle and the rest of the party prepared for a fight.

On the inside. Her voice dripped with disgust. Hes begging us for help.

The priestess knelt as her master floated out of the mist.

The thing that emerged from the red fog didnt match any artists vision of Dionysus. In fact, it barely looked human at all. The creature was roughly four meters tall, a naked colossus of a humanoid with a bodybuilders muscles. His skin was covered in pale purple scales lined with gold. His feet and a black tail floated above the ground, as if the mere act of walking was beneath him. A white mask covered the upper half of his face underneath short silver hair and a golden laurel crown. Two eyeless serpents surged from his shoulders like a second pair of arms.

One of them coiled around a captive Maya Elissalde and lifted her above the ground. Nerias sister was unconscious, her face beaten bloody. The officer raised her rifle, but didnt dare shoot. It would spell her death.

The pressure that monster gave off It felt eerily similar to Apollyons. An aura of pure malice and danger.

At least now Basil knew where the Orochi part of the name came from.

You have done well to bring the avatar to me, mortals. Two voices echoed at once out of the creatures many mouths. One raspy like a snakes hiss, the other human and masculine. Two yellow eyes shone like the stars behind his mask. You shall be duly rewarded.

Basil heard the words, but barely paid attention to them. A feeling of familiarity washed over him, as if he had heard one of the voices before. He struggled to recognize it until he remembered a certain video.

No way in hell. Basil stared at the creature in shock. Could it be?

You will be akin to gods among men, Anton Maxwell had told his board on the apocalypses eve. Free to shape the world as you see fit.

And he had delivered.