Dungeon Raider System-Chapter 961: The origin of cryptids

Silence was made in Water warlock’s chamber as even Nika was too shocked by the revelation. In such a short time she found out Water warlock, despite looking like a human, was actually a titan. But also that the original inhabitants of this world were meant to be cryptids and not humans.

"But you said, sentient beings... beast rank cryptids are anything but sentient." Nika said amidst stutters.

"Is that not the case for all living beings in their early stages? After all, sentience needs to be developed rather than just appearing out of nothing. Even humans are simple creatures when we’re born and it takes us a while to develop complex thoughts." Uriel shrugged from his high position in the throne.

"I did not create cryptids!" Water Warlock shouted in disbelief, not because he suspected Uriel to be lying but that perhaps he just rushed to conclusions without proof. He seemed to be in pain, not just mental but also emotional. It was as if everything he knew about himself was a lie then finished after calming himself down. "I need a couple centuries to think this through."

"We don’t have that much time. Just come to terms that you’re the bad guy and move on." Uriel poked.

"Me? The bad guy? How am I the bad guy!? I clearly remember my people loved me, I was the third most loved being in the universe!"

"The third most feared, you mean?"

"You’re going too far, Uriel." Nika scolded and Uriel admitted it without remorse.

"Yes, I know. And who do you think is to blame for that? I confirmed that we swapped not just our emotions but also our characters the moment we exchanged hearts when he cleared his throne for me to sit. That is something the old Uriel would have done, not me."

"That is correct." Water warlock admitted and a thunderous revelation came to Nika.

"Then that means, when you declared Water warlock was evil you also meant to say that you became evil?"

"Yes," Uriel sighed as if he could finally relax after holding his breath for the longest time. "I’ve killed countless cryptids even after finding out their lives are just as precious and unique as that of humans, but then again, I’ve also killed humans." He shrugged.

"So that’s why I didn’t feel a thing." Nika rubbed her lips with her fingers realizing just now the reason why the kiss with Uriel felt meaningless.

"You wanted to know what happened to your people, I’ll tell you exactly what happened. You created the cryptids just as they wanted, creatures capable of coexisting with titans as their children. They were meant to be loved and nurtured, but then you also created the first humans with the sole purpose of killing cryptids."

"You are accusing me without proof!" Water warlock whined.

"I also find it difficult to believe, after all, how were the first cryptids and the first humans different? If what you say is true, the first humans were nothing like us." Nika asked.

"It’s quite simple. Cryptids were meant to thrive in a chaotic world. They were born perfect in their own way, but humans needed to consume. Cryptids can grow by just existing in a place where flux energy exists, but humans need to kill cryptids in order to evolve and they were greedy. Instead of living in harmony, humans mined the earth and polluted the world. Thanks to that, they became powerful and capable enough to seal titans in the mystical realm. But that meant, separating titans from their offspring."

"And the trials... what are the trials then? Why would titans open the way for humans to enter their dungeons? Why would they share their knowledge?"

"I am curious about that too..." Water warlock added.

"Of course you’re curious. After all, you were trapped inside the dagger for millions of years which means you missed the consequences of your own creation."

"I insist, I did not create cryptids!"

"No, but you created the flux orbs, didn’t you? Those mysterious orbs that eventually became the corner stone to advanced civilization and paradoxically, also their ruin. It’s always the same, a new sentient species is born; they venture into dungeons and receive ancient knowledge which allows them to grow at a rapid pace which also fills the atmosphere with residual flux energy; when the atmosphere outside becomes infused with enough flux energy cryptids break out of their dungeons to feed off of it colliding with the sentient species causing hunters to appear; and finally, titans are released and the strongest hunters become gods and they seal titans back into their dungeons."

"That is indeed a logical succession of events, but it still doesn’t explain cryptids." Water warlock rebuked Uriel’s long winded explanation.

"I will admit that this part I didn’t figure out." Uriel said and let a prolonged sigh, then continued.

"So, you don’t know." Water warlock lowered his head in disappointment which seemed off from such a large and imposing figure.

"It’s not that. The one who figured it out was actually Luna. Cryptids were caused by something neither you nor any titan or god created, it could be said it’s no one’s creation yet it’s responsible for the creation of everything. I’m talking about evolution."

"Evolution?" Water warlock echoed.

"Yes, the answer was always there. You may have been the one responsible for the creation of the first sentient beings other than titans, but not even you knew how they would evolve. At first, cryptids were perfect beings who were able to live on their own in perfect balance with the environment, like the air spirits, but things changed when the conditions changed and so they evolved."

"And what about my people?"

"Your people, yes... they’re safe and sound. After all, they can’t really be killed, can they?" Uriel directed a cold glare to Water warlock who replied with a questioning look.

"That’s the thing... you say I’m a titan and I’m not saying you’re wrong. But I’ve seen titans through your eyes..."

"You’ve been spying on us!?" Nika blurted out.

"No, I... well... not really... I just..." Water warlock became antsy.

"Nika, you’re the least qualified to scold someone about spying... or peeping," Nika shrunk at Uriel’s words and Uriel continued shortly after. "they don’t look like the titans you met because of the same reason, evolution. I mentioned that they’re fighting for control over the earth, but it’s not like they don’t have a reason. They want the next iteration of the world to be made to their likeness as it would allow their own kin to survive and thrive in the world. For instance, the titan of shadows who is currently winning the battle for the planet. Once he wins, the world will be covered in shadows and his offspring will have an advantage over the rest of the cryptids."

"What about humans?" Nika gasped.

"Well, you would thrive in a world like that, but that doesn’t apply to the rest of humanity. That means, they’ll likely all perish. There would be a next race as there has always been, but they won’t look much like us. I think they won’t need eyes, since light will not exist in this world, but my guess is as good as anyone’s." Uriel shrugged.

After pondering for a few minutes, Water warlock seemingly made up his mind and he stood tall. So tall that he was almost eye to eye with Uriel despite the latter being on top of the staircase.

"You have already fulfilled your oath, but then you came to my domain and filled all the gaps. This is something that would have taken me ages to figure out on my own and I’m grateful for that. As a reward, I will give your heart back to you." Water warlock declared in a deep voice as the atmosphere was filled with flux energy. It was the same as the first time Uriel met with him, but all it took to resist was to cover himself with a coat of flux energy and Nika followed suit the moment she sensed the change in the atmosphere.

"That old thing? I don’t want it," Uriel waved his hand in the air. "in exchange, I want something different. I want you to take down the gods and seal them. This way, we can cut the endless cycle of death and rebirth of civilization."

"That does sound alluring, I won’t deny I’m fond of your culture," Water warlock said, his eyes filled with longing. "and what do you intend to do about the titan of shadow? Do you want to use the crystal dagger on him?"

"Yes, that’s likely the easiest way. But even if shadows don’t seem like they’re indispensable for living, I think I’ll just use the dagger as a threat." Uriel replied.

"Your physical manifestation is not strong enough to withstand my full power and the only reason why this worked the first time was because we exchanged our hearts. This means it’s not possible, unless..."

"Yes, I plan on giving up on my body and staying in this place for eternity. It’s a sacrifice I’m willing to do for humanity to survive," Uriel declared, earning himself a scolding glare from Nika. "fine, I just don’t want my friends to die and I also think the gods are due an ass whooping." He finally admitted and Water warlock replied.

"Then I refuse."

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