4 The End of the Ruins - ???? (2/3)
First of all, the 3° part will be the final part (as the title of the chapter indicates), so it still has one more part.
This last part will remove your doubts so far (about the events occurring here, and not about the supposed mysteries preceding the ruins). So there is no need to worry about 'plotholes' that the work appears to have, it's just a different way.
Enjoy the chapter and see you next time.
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In a dark room.
Kumagawa POV
The moment I looked around I realized that I was in a pitch black place, rather than the final room of the ruins, and it surprised me in a positive way. It wasn't an uncomfortable place, it felt like I was home.
All the darkness of the place didn't seem...bad, as it should be. Or even less made me feel uncomfortable, just...natural. I like this place.
- A comfortable place, right? I pride myself on my work.
That voice...! As I turned towards that voice I found 'it', the most amazing 'being' I have ever known. In the midst of all the darkness was the Darkness Devil, something...obvious, by the way.
But I wonder why I'm here and why this place is created? I mean, not that I don't like the place, but using it without knowing the reason for its creation or why I came here makes me feel uncomfortable.
- I created this place to meet when necessary, you can say that this place is your 'mind' from now on.
Huh? How did he know what I was thinking? Can he read minds too? It wouldn't be so surprising, but it would just add to the list of amazing things he can do, and I definitely like that.
- In a way, yes. I can read minds, and thank you. Now let's cut to the chase, I'll tell you all the things you need to know about where you are, the reasons why I'm telling this only now involve your death against Toriel, and also your 'future' in this world.
Right. So all I need to do is keep my mouth shut and listen, I'm used to it so it shouldn't be so hard, and considering that he can read minds, my doubts will probably be removed the moment they appear.
- First, I'll be telling you about the multiverse. This multiverse you're in is called 'Author Multiverse', a definitely strange name. Multiverses are infinite sets of dimensions and universes. For a better understanding imagine a giant backpack guarding thousands of other backpacks inside it.
So I didn't just go to a different world, I went to a multiverse? I do not even want to try to imagine the amount of absurd power a person can 'travel' between these places quietly. Unfortunately the name of this multiverse is bad, otherwise everything would be perfect.
- I agree with you on this, kid. This multiverse is totally different from the others because, unlike the others, many things may not make sense, and when there are things that don't make sense even in this kind of world, it gets really bizarre. You will soon understand why things do not make sense.
So there are other multiverses? I don't think I should ask any more about this, I have a feeling that I will stay here for eternity and may even lose the will to return the fight with Toriel.
But still it is interesting, I expected that some characteristics of people would be modified by being a 'different universe', but to change it this much? That is definitely interesting.
- Just try to adapt and not use logic to understand the things you will do well.
It seems easy.
For some reason this 'little' information has left me even more excited about what is to come in the future, hehe..~
- That's all I'll tell you about the multiverse. I won't tell you everything as it will ruin your future adventures knowing a lot. I'm just giving you the basics to survive and not get confused.
He knows me as well as expected of a demon.
*mentally nods head*
That's all I need.
- You are in a world called 'Dusttale', a variation of the 'Undertale' world. In a simple summary, an important and strong character went mad and started killing everyone.
( A/N: For more information visit the Fandom Wiki of the Undertale Multiverse, there tells the story, the reasons for such achievements and etc. If I put everything here the chapter would be immense and would have only the explanation of the world of Dusttale,
The only necessary modification is that this Dusttale is not as advanced as the Wiki, it is between 20° the 30° genocide committed by Sans. The Skeleton is still somewhat unstable and does not know generally about the Multiverse, only has theories about it. )
- There are two races in this world: Humans and monsters. Humans use powers through their souls, which take the form of a heart. Each soul has a different color.
Ah, so that black and pink heart was my 'soul'?
( A/N: Appearance )
- Depending on the color of the soul, they will provide a different power.
- Red: The red soul is the soul of Determination, one of the three strongest souls. If someone is determined enough they gain the power to "save" a moment in time and go back to the saved part. With this, they're basically immortal. This is the emotion responsible for creating Dusttale, the world you're in.
So...life is in the 'easy' mode for those who have this soul? Boring.
- Light Blue: The soul of Patience, all attacks from the bearer has a blue aura around them. This aura hurts any being that's moving, the only way to fight it is by dodging or standing still.
This is a great skill. I admit that I envy of the bearer of such a soul.
- Orange: The soul of Bravery, the more courageous the bearer, more will be the orange aura around them and their attacks. It makes attacks faster and damages whoever is standing still. To fight against it, you need to either dodge or move in its direction.
Basically, the soul of patience with inverted and additional effects? This is definitely overpowered.
- Dark Blue: The soul of Integrity, the bearer of this soul can enter a "blue mode", where a dark blue aura surrounds their body. With this mode activated they can use two different abilities:
1 - Controlling the gravity for other people, can be used by slightly moving one of your body parts.
2 - Controlling oneself's gravity.
It's extremely rare to see a bearer of the soul of Integrity being able to use both abilities, they usually only have one of the two.
For some reason I feel that this soul is even stronger than that of determination, which should be one of the strongest...there is something wrong with that. If the soul of determination is really one of the souls bearing one of the three strongest emotions, it should not be able to do just that...
It makes no sense to have other souls stronger than her if that's the case.
- ...Purple: The soul of Perseverance. Just like the soul of Integrity, this soul has two abilities:
1 - Create a limited area in which enemies can only move thrice per attack, forcing them to attack if they don't want to freeze.
2 - Can change the trajectory of their own attacks, being able to make curves on the trajectory or even fully change the trajectory.
And again, one more soul who appears to be stronger than determination...
I thought it might be a part of my soul since the colors are similar, but mine is even lighter, pink practically.
- Green: The soul of Kindness, able to give the bearer the ability to create a shield around them while they're not moving. Extremely resistant and can protect against many attacks. Orange attacks are a natural counter.
Useful in a way. Unfortunately it does not protect from all attacks, I feel sorry for all users who have been fooled by orange attacks until they discover it.
- Yellow: The soul of Justice. All projectiles shot by the user reduce the regeneration rate by 90% throughout the entire battle, and attacks that land in certain vital points will cause a yellow burst that burns the enemy.
That's the best form of attack I've seen so far for marksmen. I don't know about other attacks since I haven't seen so many manga yet, but so far it's the best I've seen.
And infinitely more useful than the soul of determination.
( A/N: It is worth remembering (and making clear) that however intelligent and cunning the protagonist (Kumagawa) seems, he is still a child. He is not mature enough to leave things 'simple' aside, and definitely will complain a lot about things.
It is also worth considering the lack of knowledge of him, he does not know how useful and strong someone who uses the concept of time is, or much less how many insane things the soul-bearers of determination can do. Be patient with the boy. )
- Pink: The soul of Fear. Few are the bearers of the soul of Fear, because it doesn't come from fear alone. It's a variant of the soul of Determination, when the user passes through many situations and becomes something more.
- The explanation of how to turn determination into fear would take a long time to make, so think of it as a side quest. Research about your own soul type, each and every one of its details and the future possibilities.
( A/N: In the original 'fear' was done through Bravery, and with Betty's spell turned pink. But remembering that this is an AU, things are being modified here. )
Right. Apparently my soul contains a piece of pink, so I think I have an idea how to get this soul.
I am sincerely more curious about learning the soul abilities of fear, maybe I can use them even though my soul is not completely pink? If it is, that's kind of good.
- 1: The more damage the bearer is, the stronger they'll get. The stronger they get, the bigger the fear aura coming from them, making the enemies suffer from hallucinations. ( )
- 2: Feeding themselves with the fear of others. The more they eat, the stronger they get. (X)
- 3: Shape the soul in the form of a weapon. This weapon is capable of penetrating anything, even souls. If a soul is pierced by a weapon of Fear, the bearer will be under complete control of the Fear soul bearer. (X)
Now, this I see as a strong soul. This is definitely useful and stronger than determination.
But...what are these '( )' that he is saying?
- The '( )' are the skill traits you don't have, while the '(X)' are the ones you possess. Feel happy, kid. It is rare enough for someone to have the soul of fear, imagine two traits of abilities. You have had a great deal of luck.
That's better than expected. Considering my misfortune I naturally expected to get only one, but catching two? That's perfect.
- The last emotion is 'HATE', but it is more considered a form of 'complement' than a soul. Hatred can make all other emotions stronger and awaken new abilities in each type of soul, the abilities depend on its bearer.
- 'HATE' will always be black, no matter what universe or multiverse. It does not change and will never change.
So...do I have it too? Two of the strongest emotions? That's unexpected.
- No. The black color in your soul is Darkness. It is through this that I can communicate with you and know how you are.
...I was expecting too much. I should be satisfied with the fear soul alone.
- With everything explained, I will tell you about LV(L.O.V.E.) and monsters.
( A/N: The explanation about the monsters is the same as the original work of Undertale, with the only difference that in Dusttale the monsters can gain determination if they get enough LV, which Dust!Sans did. )
- LV or 'L.O.V.E.' is an abbreviation of 'level of violence'. In common cases the only benefit of LV is to increase the overall strength of the person by 20% with each LV that it gains. But there are rare cases where LV has the most diverse effects, and you are included in these rare cases.
- Your 'LV' provides you with the basic 20% overall strength for each LV you gain, but it also gives you every 5 Levels a 'buildup'. Imagine this 'buildup' as a kind of 'Buff', a type you can activate at any time.
- Every 5 LV you receive an accumulation of '2x', which can be multiplied with other 2x, so when you are in LV 20 for example, you will have a Buff of '8x'. This multiplier is for your 'general strength'.
- With all that in mind, I will explain the rest to you now. I'll have to be quick because our conversation time is running out, so let's get started. I'll be fulfilling the first part of our agreement by now, do you remember what it was?
Flashback - distorted by Kumagawa -
- I'm throwing you into a whole new world with no abilities at all for you. Try to survive there and relax, when you die I will appear and grant you an ability.
End of the Flashback
Yes?
- ...what kind of image do you have of me?... tch. I will grant you the Ability and we can finish this before the time runs out.
?° POV
Before long, Darkness Devil put his hand on Kumagawa's forehead and a distorted aura began to enter his body.
- Done. Before you go, boy, remember my advice: You don't have to be good or bad, do whatever you want. But always have at least one or two people you can trust, you can't do it all by yourself no matter how strong. I'm not telling you to depend on others, but only to have other alternatives if your strength isn't enough at the moment.
Said the 'Darkness Devil' facing Kumagawa, who nodded lightly at him. With the answer given, Kumagawa disappeared from the site returning to the ruins.
- The power I gave him will take a lot of training and time for him to control, it's dangerous... Well, the worst thing that can happen is he destroys the world.
The 'Darkness Devil' said this in a natural way while getting up and turning around, starting to leave the place.
- Ah, I forgot to tell him that he will naturally know how to at least use the most basic skill...Well, who cares? he'll realize this when he returns...
...
Exit from the ruins
( A single second had passed after the death of the Boy )
Toriel had returned to normal after Kumagawa's death, and she had finally realized what she had done.
Contrary to what she should do - according to what her image and actions match -, Toriel began to incinerate the boy's body just like that.
It is necessary to remember that before being a Mother, she was a Queen of an entire kingdom. She knew the right decisions to make and knew how to judge a person, not nearly as well as the real judge, but still enough to see a person's true face after some careless actions.
And what she had seen in this child was nothing but 'evil', the child had bad intentions towards her - wanted to kill her - from the beginning, and even though she was trying to change the child, the child still tried to kill her.
She gave it a chance and the child denied it, so she had nothing else to do about this child.
( A/N: And here are the effects and changes of this 'multiverse', Toriel here is not a blind mother who only thinks on the good side of the child and ignores all other possibilities - and even thousands of lives -, she knows to see the negative side of everyone, even children, and decides its actions from that point. )
While lost in thought, the child's body was already completely incinerated, and by the time she realized it, she defused the flames by taking a small breath.
- As much as this is right, I still feel bad about doing it with a child.
Said Toriel to herself, advancing toward the child's ashes to take her soul.
- Eh?
Contrary to expectations, the child's soul was not floating 'unowned' on the ashes, it was stuck to the ashes as if it were part of a 'body'. Toriel obviously found it strange but still bent down to take the soul, after all, never in her life had she seen anything like this so she would not suspect that somehow the child was alive even after her HP reached 0 and her body was completely incinerated.
When Toriel's hand touched the soul, a completely black arm came out of the ashes and held the bitch's mother's arm, causing her to be alarmed and not know what to do for a single instant.
This short time of delay was Toriel's biggest mistake, the hand pulled Toriel's arm hard, tearing it from her body, causing the goat's face to distort into agonizing pain while she knelt, placing her hand on the stump of the remaining arm.
Toriel - 130/440
The body of the previously dead child emerged from the child's ashes, causing Toriel's eyes to widen with horror.
- O-what? h-how? shouldn't that be possible?!
Asked Toriel in shock, she was more shocked than afraid these days, never in her hundreds of years of life had she seen anything like this. That was just unbelievable.
- I just did, wow... no need for all this scandal~
Said Kumagawa approaching Toriel on her knees.
- Now...let me finish my job~
Kumagawa punched Toriel several times, causing her HP to decrease insanely quickly.
Toriel - 110/440>90/440>70/440>50/440
Toriel was currently not in the best 'mental' state to try to deviate or think instantaneously about the blows of Kumagawa, or much less had much resistance left to get up and start to deviate from the boy's blows, then she did the only thing left the moment her mind could think.
Using much of her magic, the mother goat made a huge fire barrier around her that acted as a 'protective field', this same field served as a kind of 'attack' since any physical blow on such a barrier would end up burning the opponent's hand.
With this done the mother goat can breathe a sigh of relief as she was sure that the barrier could last a few more hours until it began to weaken, and a few hours should be enough for Toriel to regain some of his physical endurance, mental though...at least a few weeks.
Fortunately Toriel did not have to worry about her dying from a lack of blood, as for some reason the monsters' HP did not decrease when they were bleeding. The reason for this is a mystery to this day.
...
While Toriel was lost in thought, a skeletal hand pierced her barrier and grabbed the back of her head, catching her uncontrolled. What should be behind her should be the door...
- Heh. Apparently some mouse was trying to steal my XP.
A familiar voice was heard by Toriel, causing her to widen her eyes in horror. Slowly turning her eyes toward the voice - in a way that only anime logic and games allows -, she saw the owner of the voice.
The owner of the voice was the same person behind the doors she saw a few times and talked her way out of boredom.
Sans, the skeleton man.
- So...who is the child this time? Chara, or Frisk?
( A/N: Sans considers Chara and Frisk two different people here, just as it should be, rather than considering 'Chara' a 'second personality' of Frisk {which many have done...}. )
It was the last thing Toriel heard correctly before realizing that her HP was falling to 0. Not knowing the reason she tried to look around and widened her eyes with what she saw.
Five bones were impaling her chest, and she hadn't even felt it. Apparently she was in a state of shock big enough with the sudden change of events to notice.
And so Toriel's body turned to dust.
...
--
A while ago
Sans/Dust POV
Strangely I couldn't feel Chara or Frisk's presence in Snowdin or anywhere else. It wouldn't make sense for me not to feel anything in an empty city, with only dust on it.
I highly doubt that both have given up on falling to the underground or even have that option, let alone think they will be safe inside the ruins of Toriel.
The sin of both is too great to simply be satisfied with their withdrawal, they made me commit such acts, and now I will not stop, at least not until I have a just enough reason for it.
...
The best choice to make would be to investigate, and that's exactly what I've been doing. I was currently standing in front of the door of the ruins and I could feel a great amount of magic being used inside, apparently they were trying to kill Toriel.
That's weird, they should have been able to do it by now. They're used to her fighting patterns and all the ways...
...
When I opened the door, I came across a strange scene. Toriel wasn't just using her fireball patterns as she would any other underground child, she was using her techniques with full force.
One proof of this was the fire barrier that was protecting her. And I must say I'm impressed, they haven't given any 'Reset' so far, even with a new pattern of attacks and coming from a person as strong as Toriel, the former Underground Queen.
( A/N: It is worth noting that there is a giant fire barrier in front of Toriel, Sans has nothing like 'absolute vision' or 'perfect vision' to be able to see through an extremely powerful fire barrier, so don't be surprised he hasn't noticed Kumagawa yet. )
Clearly they are close to finishing this and I can't allow that, the more LV these rats have, the harder it will be to make them risk a 'Total Reset' to try to stop me from catching LV.
For the 20° time - approximately -, I'm sorry for this Toriel.
End of the POV
--
Currently
Kumagawa POV
I don't understand what's going on right now... At first the damn goat had put up a barrier and it would have definitely slowed me down enough, but suddenly the barrier was gone and there was dust where the goat was supposed to be, and next to the dust was a giant skeleton?
No, the skeleton is not really giant, I'm just small. That's it.
- Eh? Who's Chara or Frisk 'Mister Skeleton'?
Was there more humans underground than me? I mean...it's obvious that some have passed by because of the explanation of human souls and all, but right now?
End of the POV
- ...Who are you?
Sans asked this simple question as he looked amazed and confused at the boy in front of him almost totally naked.
This kid didn't look anything like Frisk or Chara, and as far as he remembers one of the two should be androgynous...
My name is Kumagawa Misogi, sir skeleton. What about you?
Hearing this boy's question only confirmed Sans's theory, this boy was neither Chara nor Frisk.
His mind that was shaped and made by thousands and thousands of interminable loopings alternated between 'pacifist' and 'genocide' froze completely, and Sans only managed to let a single word out of his mouth.
- Eh?
End.
