KamiSama Game

The giant woman, Magelda, eased herself into a massive wooden chair that creaked under her weight. She gestured for Ace, Troy, and Sheldon to climb onto it, and the three scaled the enormous piece of furniture, settling near her armrest.

Ace leaned forward, his tone serious. "So, what do you know about the Church of Light so far?"

Magelda folded her arms, her expression grim. "The Church of Light... they are a plague upon our land. We don't know the exact location of their main base, but we've noticed significant activity about a day's travel from here. Their followers are many, but most of them—the ones in white robes—are weak and easily dispatched."

"And the stronger ones?" Ace asked.

Magelda's gaze darkened. "There are two you must be wary of. One wears golden robes and commands an aura of authority and power. The other wields a massive shield and a gleaming white sword. Those two are the backbone of the Church's operations in this realm, and they are exceedingly dangerous."

Ace frowned. "Sounds like those two are the ones holding the Church's defenses together, probably leading the operations while the sacrifices are carried out."

Magelda nodded solemnly. "Indeed. We've faced the man with the sword before. He comes to our village, captures our people, and drags them off to the Church. We've tried to resist, but his strength is overwhelming. Many of our warriors have fallen to his blade."

Sheldon, who had been surveying the room with a calculating look, tilted his head. "Have you ever considered relocating the village? Maybe moving somewhere safer to protect your people?"

Magelda shot him a sharp look, her massive fist slamming down on the armrest. The force shook the chair, and the boys steadied themselves. "Of course, I've considered it, you little whelp! But no matter where we go, they always find us. It's as if they have eyes everywhere."

Sheldon's brow furrowed as he glanced around the room, his suspicion growing. "Interesting..." he murmured to himself.

Ace cleared his throat, redirecting the conversation. "Alright. So, what's the plan? This is your land, and we don't know the terrain. We'll follow your lead."

Magelda's tense expression softened slightly. "For now, we need time. Our army is recovering from its last encounter with the Church's forces. Many of our warriors are injured and require rest. Additionally, our recon team, which was sent to scout the Church's movements, is expected to return by tomorrow morning. Until then, you may enjoy the amenities of the village. Eat, rest, and prepare yourselves."

Sheldon raised an eyebrow. "Got it. But we noticed something—you don't seem to have any weapons on you. Care to explain that?"

Magelda chuckled, the sound reverberating through the room. "Ah, you younglings. You may not know this, but no warrior is complete without a weapon. Go to our smithy and find Bjorn. Tell him Magelda sent you. He'll outfit you with something suitable. And trust me—Bjorn's craftsmanship is second to none."

Ace nodded. "Thanks for the tip. We'll pay him a visit right away."

Troy hopped off the chair, his curiosity piqued. "You mentioned the recon team. How confident are you that they'll have useful intel?"

Magelda's face grew serious. "Very confident. They are some of our best trackers. If anyone can return with valuable information about the Church's operations, it's them. Until then, I suggest you prepare yourselves. This fight will not be easy."

Ace glanced at Troy and Sheldon. "Alright, team. Let's head to the smithy and see what Bjorn's got for us."

With that, the group left the building, heading deeper into the village toward the forge. Around them, the massive villagers continued to watch with wary eyes, their towering forms casting long shadows in the dim afternoon light. 

The boys walked down the massive cobblestone streets of the giant village, their small figures dwarfed by the towering structures and enormous villagers passing by. The sound of a hammer striking metal began to echo faintly in the distance, growing louder as they approached the smithy.

"Man, this place is crazy," Troy muttered, craning his neck to take in the sheer scale of the buildings around them. "I could still destroy any of these guys so I hope they don't give me any funny looks."

Sheldon smirked. "Don't say that too loud, they might run and get their ant spray."

"SHUT UP BASTARD," Troy roared, fury in his eyes. "I'm still taller than you."

As they neared the smithy, the air grew warmer, and the distinct scent of molten metal and ash filled their noses. The building itself was enormous, made of dark stone with a wide, open front where a massive anvil sat in plain view. Sparks flew in the air as a giant man—presumably Bjorn—worked diligently, his hammer crashing down on a glowing piece of metal with precision and force.

Bjorn was a behemoth of a man, even by giant standards. His arms were thick as tree trunks, and his beard was long and braided, with streaks of gray running through it. He didn't seem to notice the boys until Ace cleared his throat loudly.

"Excuse me! Are you Bjorn?" Ace called out, his voice almost swallowed by the sound of hammering.

Bjorn stopped mid-swing and turned to them, his intense eyes narrowing as he studied the group. "Aye, I'm Bjorn. And who might you be, little ones?"

"Magelda sent us," Ace replied confidently. "She said you'd be able to help us with some weapons."

Bjorn's expression softened at the mention of Magelda's name. "Ah, the chief. If she sent you, it must be important. Come closer."

The boys stepped forward, their heads tilting back to meet Bjorn's towering gaze. He scratched his chin thoughtfully, then let out a booming laugh. "Hah! You don't look like much, but I can see it in your eyes—you're warriors. What do you need?"

"We'll take anything that'll help us fight against formidable enemies," Sheldon said. "Something sturdy and powerful."

Bjorn studied the three intently, his sharp gaze seeming to pierce into their very souls. He stroked his massive beard thoughtfully before speaking.

"Hmm. I can give you temporary weapons to get by for now, but if you truly want weapons worthy of warriors, you'll need more than this forge can provide. You'll need weapons that are extensions of yourselves—miracle weapons, forged from an Ego's Heart."

"Ego's Heart?" Troy repeated, tilting his head.

Bjorn nodded, his tone grave. "The Ego's Heart is no ordinary mineral. It's a rare, living essence found deep within the most dangerous dungeons. It's said to carry a fragment of sentience, capable of bonding with its wielder to create a weapon that grows and evolves alongside them. Such weapons are unique, powerful, and suited only to those who can overcome the trials to claim them."

Ace's brows furrowed. "What kind of trials are we talking about here?"

Bjorn leaned back against his anvil, crossing his massive arms. "The dungeon where you'll find an Ego's Heart is no ordinary place. It's known as the Abyssal Labyrinth—a shifting, treacherous expanse filled with traps, monsters, and puzzles designed to test not just your strength, but your will, intelligence, and teamwork. Many have entered in search of an Ego's Heart... few have returned."

Sheldon glanced at the others, a smirk forming on his lips. "Sounds like a challenge. I'm in."

Ace nodded firmly. "If it means getting stronger, I'll do whatever it takes."

Troy shrugged, a small grin playing at his lips. "Guess we don't really have a choice, do we? Let's do it."

Bjorn chuckled deeply, his laughter reverberating through the forge. "That's the spirit. But be warned—the path to the Abyssal Labyrinth won't be easy. The dungeon itself is located atop the Stormbreaker Peaks, a mountain range plagued by harsh winds, freezing temperatures, and beasts that make that silverback gorilla you fought look like a pup."

The boys exchanged glances, the weight of the journey ahead sinking in.

Bjorn turned to a nearby shelf and pulled out three temporary weapons, handing them to the group. "Take these for now. They'll get you through until you forge your miracle weapons. But don't get too attached—they're just tools, nothing more."

Ace received a standard longsword, Sheldon a short blade, and Troy two simple knives. Bjorn then handed them a detailed map of the region. "Follow this. It'll guide you to the base of the Stormbreaker Peaks. From there, it's up to you to survive the ascent and find the entrance to the dungeon."

"Anything else we should know?" Ace asked, tucking the map into his belt.

Bjorn's expression darkened. "Only this: the Abyssal Labyrinth is alive. It adapts to the strengths and weaknesses of those who enter it. Whatever you face in there, it'll be meant to break you. Trust each other, and don't lose sight of why you're there. The Ego's Heart will only reveal itself to those deemed worthy."

The morning sun bathed the giant village in a golden glow as Ace, Troy, and Sheldon departed with their temporary weapons and the map Bjorn had provided. The path ahead was marked by dense forests, rocky terrains, and unforgiving cliffs.

As they entered the forest, the towering trees seemed to close in around them, their gnarled branches reaching like skeletal hands. The air grew colder, and the faint sound of rustling leaves hinted at unseen dangers lurking just out of sight.

"This forest gives me the creeps," Troy muttered, his daggers held loosely in his hands.

"Stay sharp," Ace replied, scanning the shadows for any signs of movement.

A wide, marshy area stretched out before them, the ground glistening with dark, stagnant water. The map indicated that the marsh was the shortest route, but the presence of faint ripples in the water suggested they weren't alone.

"What's the plan?" Sheldon asked, his voice low.

Ace knelt down, inspecting the water. "We'll move carefully, one at a time. Sheldon, can your little weirdos scout ahead?"

Nodding, Sheldon summoned a small, frog-like amalgamation. Its slimy body shimmered with a faint green glow as it hopped into the marsh, creating soft splashes. For a moment, all was quiet. Then, without warning, a massive shape erupted from the water—a crocodilian beast with jagged teeth and scales that stuck out like thorns..

"Move!" Ace shouted, releasing blue flames from his mouth at the creature. The flames licked its hide but barely left a mark.

Sheldon summoned another amalgamation, this one taking the form of a serpent with acidic properties. It slithered forward, latching onto the beast's snout and releasing a burst of corrosive acid. The creature roared, thrashing violently, but the distraction was enough for the group to dash across the marsh to solid ground.

"That was way too close," Troy panted, glancing back at the waterlogged battlefield.

"Let's keep going ," Ace said, tightening his grip on his sword. "Things are just gonna get tougher."

The forest grew denser as they pressed on, the canopy above blotting out the sunlight. Strange noises echoed around them—low growls, distant howls, and the occasional snap of a twig. The oppressive atmosphere kept them on edge, their hands never straying far from their weapons.

The boys encounter a massive gorge that cut through the forest like a wound. The only way across was a series of ancient, crumbling stone pillars that jutted out of the gorge like stepping stones.

"This doesn't look safe," Sheldon remarked, eyeing the unstable pillars.

"It's either this or backtrack for miles," Ace said, stepping onto the first pillar. It wobbled under his weight, but it held.

Troy followed next, his smaller frame making the jumps slightly easier. Sheldon went last, his summoning bands glowing as he prepared an amalgamation to catch him if he fell. Halfway across, one of the pillars gave way beneath him.

"Sheldon!" Troy shouted as the boy plummeted.

Reacting quickly, Sheldon summoned a large, winged amalgamation that swooped down and caught him just before he hit the bottom. It carried him back to the group, where he landed with a shaky breath.

"Remind me never to trust ancient architecture again," Sheldon muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.

By nightfall, they found themselves at the edge of the forest, where the terrain shifted to jagged cliffs and rocky outcroppings. The cold wind howled through the peaks, carrying with it the distant cries of creatures they couldn't see.

"We need to find shelter," Ace said, his breath visible in the frigid air.

After some searching, they discovered a shallow cave nestled in the cliffs. It wasn't much, but it provided enough cover from the biting wind. As they settled in, Ace started a small fire using his flames, and Sheldon summoned a harmless, cat-like amalgamation to keep watch at the cave's entrance.

"This is... cozy," Troy said sarcastically, leaning against the cave wall.

Ace ignored him, staring into the flames. "We're getting closer. The map says the base of Stormbreaker Peaks is just beyond these cliffs."

"That's great and all," Sheldon said, "but I can't shake the feeling we're being watched."

As if on cue, a low growl echoed from deeper within the cave. The boys froze, their hands going to their weapons.

From the shadows emerged a pack of wolf-like creatures with glowing red eyes and fangs that glistened with venom. Their fur bristled, and their growls grew louder as they advanced.

"Dammit, we've got company," Ace muttered, standing and drawing his sword. "Of course it couldn't just be a peaceful night."

The pack lunged simultaneously, forcing the group into a chaotic battle. Ace swung his sword in wide arcs, using bursts of fire to keep the creatures at bay. Troy darted between the wolves, his daggers flashing as he struck with precision.

Sheldon summoned two amalgamations—one shaped like a spiked ball and another resembling a hulking, molten humanoid. The spiked amalgamation rolled through the pack, scattering the wolves, while the molten one released waves of heat that singed their fur.

Despite their efforts, the wolves proved relentless. One lunged at Ace, knocking him to the ground. As its jaws closed in, his third eye glowed, and a surge of energy exploded from his body, sending the creature flying.

By the time the battle ended, the cave floor was littered with the charred and broken bodies of the wargs. The boys were bruised and battered, but alive.

"That was too close," Sheldon said, collapsing against the wall.

Ace nodded, his ethereal eye fading as he extinguished the flames around his sword. "Let's get some rest. We'll need all the strength we can get for tomorrow."

The next morning, they emerged from the cave to find the base of Stormbreaker Peaks looming before them. The jagged mountains stretched high into the clouds, their snow-covered peaks glinting in the sunlight.

"This is it," Ace said, his voice steady. "The Abyssal Labyrinth is up there."

"Great," Troy muttered, staring at the treacherous path ahead. "Can't wait to freeze to death before we even get there."

"Let's move," Ace said, leading the way.

As they began their ascent, the true challenge of the Stormbreaker Peaks revealed itself: narrow ledges, icy winds, and avalanches that threatened to sweep them off the mountain. At one point, they were forced to climb a vertical ice wall, their hands and feet numbed by the cold.

But through sheer determination and teamwork, they pressed on, inching closer to their goal.

After hours of climbing, the trio stood before the gaping entrance to the Abyssal Labyrinth. The doorway was carved into the mountainside, an ornate frame of jagged black stone etched with glowing red runes. The air around it pulsed with energy, and the faint sound of whispers seemed to emanate from within.

"This place already feels like bad news," Troy muttered, tightening his grip on his temporary daggers.

"Stay alert," Ace said, his ethereal blue eye manifesting on his forehead, glowing faintly. "We don't know what's waiting for us there."

The howling wind carried a deep, guttural roar, shaking the earth beneath their feet. Snow swirled violently around them, and visibility was nearly nonexistent. The boys halted as a massive shadow emerged from the storm, towering over the landscape.

The creature was an abominable snowman, but unlike any they had ever imagined. It was massive, easily towering at 40 meters, with fur that glistened like frost-covered steel. Jagged ice jutted out from its body like natural armor, and its glowing blue eyes radiated an ancient, malevolent intelligence.

The snowman slammed a massive fist into the ground, sending an icy shockwave barreling toward them. The boys jumped back, narrowly avoiding the jagged spikes that erupted from the frozen earth.

"I'll say it," Troy muttered, emerald tendrils curling around his arms. "This guy's gonna be a problem."

Ace cracked his neck, his third ethereal eye blazing open as blue energy coalesced in his hands. His grin was feral. "Then let's give him a problem of his own."

Ace was the first to engage, sprinting toward the snowman with an animalistic gait. He vaulted off a nearby boulder and opened his mouth, unleashing a condensed beam of fire directly at the snowman's chest. The beam collided with its icy armor, causing steam to hiss and cracks to form in the frozen plating.

The snowman roared, retaliating with a wide swing of its arm. Ace twisted midair, planting glowing blue slashes in the air beneath his feet and using them to kick off, narrowly avoiding the massive swipe. As he descended, he summoned a flurry of wild slashes that rained down on the snowman's arm like a meteor shower, leaving shallow cuts in its thick hide.

Troy dashed in next, his emerald tendrils extending to hook onto the snowman's leg. "Let's see what you've got," he growled, channeling the power of Envy. The tendrils connected, and his body shimmered as he copied a fragment of the snowman's abilities. Frost formed along his skin, and he raised his hand, launching jagged shards of ice at the creature's face.