The Fourth Secret: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 4) by A. Kay (best fiction novels of all time .txt) 📗

invasion is over, we’ll go somewhere nice. I promise.” Ruwen thought about his promise to Lylan and the quest to free her brother. “Maybe Malth.”

“Malth wouldn’t be so bad,” Sift said, and then got excited. “The Step Championship is there this year.”

Sift launched into a description of the top teams in each of the Step Tournament’s thirty-two regions. Ruwen had heard this many times already and let his thoughts drift as he nodded every few seconds at Sift.

The more Ruwen learned, the less he understood, and the greater the danger appeared to be. His choices had forced him into the Divine world, and the Deities there wanted him dead. Sift’s question echoed in Ruwen’s mind.

Why was he so quick to do whatever Uru asked? It would make more sense to leave and hide in another country. Especially now that he’d found his parents. They could all find someplace safe and start over.

But Ruwen knew he wouldn’t abandon Uru’s plans. Those plans had resulted in his bond with Rami, his friendship with Sift, and his…whatever he had with Hamma. He craved knowledge, and his circumstances, while dangerous, had given him a glimpse into many mysteries that otherwise would have stayed hidden. Even better, he’d gained access to an entire library. Three libraries actually: the Black Pyramid’s, Rami’s, and Lir’s. And his power and equipment had increased dramatically because of Uru’s plans.

And though Ruwen hated to admit it, there was another reason. One that made him feel ashamed. Shortly his parents would revive, and he would get the entire story. But he already knew he played a central role in plans that spanned over ten thousand years. It made him feel special, and the vain part of him rejoiced at the attention.

Ruwen promised himself that as he learned more of the past and how it affected the future, he would reevaluate his plans. He wanted to do the right thing, not just feed his pride.

“What is this place?” Sift asked.

Ruwen refocused on his surroundings to find they’d already made it to Fractal’s portal. The crystals acted like prisms, and the entire area sparkled with rainbows.

“Blapy is making a portal to Fractal,” Ruwen said.

Sift stopped. “What is Blapy doing with Fractal?”

“You were there. After Blapy made you a favorite, she wanted to know where to put the portal. This is what she meant.”

Sift looked around. “I was kind of distracted, but I thought she meant like a door in the Blood Gate or something. This seems…bigger.” Sift slowly turned and locked eyes with Ruwen. “Is she going to be around more?”

Ruwen winced. He realized a lot had happened, and he hadn’t told anyone most of it, including the part about his deal with Blapy. “Fractal’s dungeon is called the Shattered Sun. Isn’t that cool?”

Sift narrowed his eyes. “Are you avoiding my question?”

“Ruwen!” Bliz shouted.

Ruwen thankfully turned away from Sift. Bliz and Tremine were making their way through the crystals.

Bliz closed the last few feet in a rush and wrapped Ruwen in a hug. “It’s so good to see you!”

Ruwen laughed. “You, too.”

Bliz stepped back. “When you disappeared, it crushed me with worry, but no one knew where to look for you.”

That wasn’t completely true. Tremine had known, and the look on the librarian’s face showed it. Uru hadn’t been lying when she’d said Tremine had taken the events hard. The man looked miserable.

Complicated feelings swirled in Ruwen’s chest, a mixture of joy, anger, and relief. But the fact was, Tremine had done exactly what Ruwen had been doing, following the orders of their goddess.

Tremine stood still, his eyes glistening, and his mouth half-open as if he wanted to speak.

Ruwen strode forward and hugged Tremine, and after a moment, Tremine relaxed.

“Thank you,” Tremine whispered.

They hugged for another second, and then Ruwen stepped away. Some of the anxiety and pressure constricting his chest disappeared, and he smiled at Tremine. “You’d better have brought poppers.”

Tremine grinned and patted his Dimensional Bag. “Of course.”

“Are poppers food?” Sift asked.

Ruwen laughed. “Yes.” He looked up at Bliz. “Do you remember Sift? He was with me when we were loading up in Deepwell.”

“Well met, Sift,” Bliz said.

Ruwen continued. “And while you didn’t know where to find us, you’re the reason we made it back.”

Bliz frowned. “How can that be?”

Ruwen opened his Quests and selected the one Bliz had triggered.

A View to Die For

Crew Chief Bliz wishes to understand the symbols he paid for with his life. He has asked for your help in understanding this mystery.

Reward: A view worth dying for

Reward: Free drinks at the Dizzy Judge forever

Ruwen opened his Void Band and removed the sheet of paper Bliz had given him in Deepwell. Five runes were drawn vertically down the paper. “You asked me to help you understand these. They’re called gate runes, and they open portals to different places and even different realms.”

Bliz gently took the paper back and studied the five symbols.

“I don’t know how much detail to tell you yet,” Ruwen said. “Not because I don’t trust you, but because I want to minimize the danger to you.”

Bliz looked at Ruwen. “Who have you gotten involved with?”

“That’s just it,” Ruwen said, and then looked at Tremine. “The person responsible for all this is where those led.”

“I don’t understand,” Bliz said.

Ruwen focused back on Bliz. “Those gate runes led us to Uru’s Divine Realm. They allowed us to get back home.”

Bliz looked from Ruwen to the paper. “Uru’s address.” He looked back at Ruwen. “What was the view like?”

“One worth dying for,” Ruwen said.

Ruwen described the cliffs, the sea, and Uru as best he could. Bliz stared at him, eyes wide, soaking in all the details.

Decades of wondering finally over, Bliz’s eyes glistened with tears. He hugged Ruwen again. “Thank you.” Before letting go, he whispered into Ruwen’s ear. “Hummingbird.”

As Bliz backed away, he held a finger over his lips. “That’s the secret word for free drinks at the Dizzy Judge or Pour Judgement.”

“Pour Judgement?” Ruwen asked.

“Tremine says you’re in charge here. I’m expanding and want to