Endless Horde: Through the Eyes of a Godking-Chapter 533 : Peace of Mind

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The stark difference between the first two steps into this project and the final one really threw them off. So much so that they didn't know where to start.

Cedric didn't give any further clues either. In his opinion, he already said what he had to say; the rest will be up to them. But before leaving them to their own devices, Cedric reminded them that they're not on a time limit; they never were since the beginning of this project.

They can take as much time as they want. If the end result takes them to the path of Ancient Chaos, then all of that time was well spent no matter who you ask.

Yet, while he reminded them of this in hopes of bringing them some comfort, it's debatable if it truly sounded that way to them, or to anybody who's participating in this project, actually.

Sure, they know that the director isn't pressuring them, and they also know that he meant what he said. But to them, who've been in a desperate state for so long, it's different. Others may not feel pressured, but they surely are. Because in their minds, they can't afford to waste too much time anymore. They're already approaching their limits.

"How...how should we even start?" A creature that looked like a walking and talking rock in a humanoid shape asked while scratching his rough head.

This one comes from the Stone Spirit Tribe, a bunch of long-lived spirits that greatly resembled golems. While they might look physically tough, their talent lies in the spiritual side of things.

"No clue." The other creature replied in a helpless tone. "The Director is gone, and I doubt that he would give us more hints even if we asked them. In short, we're on our own from here."

This lady's most prominent feature was her singular eye on her face. She's a humanoid, just like most creatures, and her skin was bright red all over. She has long silver hair, which created a stark contrast to her skin color, and she's fairly tall.

She came from the One-eyed Tribe. A matriarchal race who prided themselves on outstanding ocular powers. This one in particular had an innate talent that made her immune to varying levels of illusions and other mental disturbances.

"Jormund, bro. What do you think?" The Stone Spirit asked the six-eyed serpent who's been in deep thought for a while now.

The serpent seemed to have been startled for a bit, rousing from his stupor after he was asked about his opinion. He hummed before saying:

"Well, I plan on meditating...a lot, for starters, at least."

"The Director said that whatever and wherever that plane of existence is, it's only our consciousness that can arrive there. He also hinted that we unknowingly arrive in that place whenever we're focused on something, so there is a likelihood that our mental states have something to do with it."

Jormund stroked his beard in thought as he continued, "I don't know if this is the correct approach, but I have to start somewhere."

Hearing this, the other two also agreed inwardly. It turned out to be so simple! Why have they not realized it on their own? Since when did they become so slow and reliant on others?

That said, this was just an initial guess. Jormund said it himself; they have to start somewhere. And whether this idea has merit or not is something they'd figure out later. For now, they have to act.

Jormund excused himself. He roamed the beautiful and serene world they're in, immersing himself in its beauty and comfort while searching for a good spot to build a temporary home and a suitable place for his seclusion and deep introspection.

Compared to his world, this place was truly beautiful. Jormund found its simplicity and quietness utterly enchanting. In his world, nature was wild. The trees here wouldn't even be considered as one compared to the towering wooden giants in his home.

Additionally, there are swamps, mud pits, and tons of insects everywhere in his home. The cries of crickets have long since become a permanent background sound in his world. It's dirty, smells awful, and the air was constantly dripping with killing intent due to never-ending clashes between its tribe and the other species born in the same world, fighting for hegemony.

While Jormund was a respected figure in that world and lived in a less-chaotic place since attaining his position, he still found their world barbaric and awful, especially after seeing the prosperity of the alliance.

During his reign as the clan leader, he did his best to elevate their world into something more modern and prosperous. It's due to his efforts that, in current times, the Six-Eyed Serpent Clan claimed true hegemony over their world. His ascension also brought a period of peace for a while. But all of that ended once he left.

Honestly, he doesn't miss any of that. Living for thousands of years, confined in the same environment, made him jaded. He had seen all that the world could offer, and he's already tired of it. Moreover, his efforts to modernize it have gone completely awry.

The technology he brought back in hopes that his people would elevate their living conditions and eventually make their world a better place was turned into warheads, used to strike terror and fear into other native species of his world to further solidify the hegemonic image of the clan.

Jormund was tired of that world. And he's also tired of his people. That's why in his twilight years, he didn't hesitate to pass on the mantle and leave that godforsaken place.

Compared to that place, Jormund preferred this kind of nature more. Peaceful, serene, calm, and quiet. His thoughts were placid and his heart light. Everything was in harmony and not trying to overpower each other.

Overall, it's nice. Like, really nice.

Going into one of the thicker patches of forests, Jormund discovered a waterfall, and he immediately felt attracted to it. He also found the area perfectly suited for a temporary home, so he immediately started moving, lest his companions claim this spot before him.

Despite doing manual labor, which he never expected to do, especially in the third and final step of this project, Jormund was happy. His heart felt truly light; it's as if every slither was taking him above the clouds. He never felt this kind of peace before. Inwardly, he wished that his every day could be spent like this.

With a light scan of his surroundings, Jormund realized that there are very few things here that could serve as his food. But it's no matter; Jormund's access to his inventory was still there, and he had stocked up enough supplies to last him for years comfortably.

Yes, a being like him has little to no need for mortal sustenance, but Jormund always finds comfort in indulging himself with them every now and then.

And so, Jormund's peaceful days have begun...

Most of his time was spent in meditation. He's trying to enter that space or plane of existence by focusing his thoughts into a single thing. Unfortunately, none of his attempts brought him any success.

But he wasn't too disheartened. He already knew that this wouldn't be that simple.

And so, he decided to spend his days with an open mind. He did what he wanted, without going overboard, of course, and did his best to not think too much about it despite wanting to.

Eventually, he has gotten the hang of it...and his life has turned into a routine.

Days passed, turning into weeks, and weeks turning into months...

More and more people managed to move on to the final step only to be caught off guard just like the first three people who did so. At this point, everybody who reached this step was coping according to how they saw fit.

There were a lot of people who were making a lot of noise; a few were like Jormund, who sought peace and serenity. There were some who chose to not join them in this place and instead remained in their homes outside. Some even used this opportunity to return to their homes, trying to evade the chances of being used as potential cannon fodder for the Border Patrol Guardians.

No matter what, everyone has their own way of approaching this final step.

But none of this concerned Jormund, especially when he had already reached a state so infinitely close to the decisive moment.

With his lower body coiled on a large boulder and his upper body resting on top of it, Jormund's consciousness floated about in that boundless darkness, seeking a spark that could illuminate the way for him.

Getting here didn't prove to be as difficult as he imagined. He automatically learned how to once his mind turned truly peaceful and harmonious to his surroundings.

Searching for the spark was significantly harder, though. He had been stuck on this step for a couple of months now, and he has yet to succeed.

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But today, that's destined to change...