Apocalyse: Marked by Chaos - Chapter 45 - The Fortress

Explore the Universe through the hardest, truest weapon: the Fist.

Jack Rust was a disillusioned biologist with a PhD—almost. When an extraterrestrial AI calling itself the System invaded Earth and thrust it into a world of aliens and violence, the least Jack hoped for was magic. Unfortunately, the System decided to spawn a forest dungeon around him and a goblin in his face, which left him little choice.

Armed with nothing but his fists, Jack must grow strong enough to survive entire menageries of monsters. He needs to return to civilization and find out what the hell is going on. He might also get magic—or not. Surprising himself, Jack discovers that violence is fun.

In this battle-ridden new world, Jack finds the life he always dreamed about. He won’t just survive. He will thrive.

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Welcome! If you want to jump in without any spoilers, feel free. Otherwise, here's a story primer, with a list of more specifics on what to expect from my work further below.Our story follows a fallen knight haunted by his past, in a world afflicted by war and supernatural wounds. Alken is the Headsman of Seydis, an executioner tasked by the divine powers of his homeland to hunt dark sorcerers, warlords, and traitors of all varieties, lest they drag the world into calamity.Once a paladin, this role ill suits him. Forced to cross lines that shake his beliefs, tempted by dark forces, and seen as an ill omen wherever he wanders, his path is often a bloody one. The longer he spends in the shadows of his world, the more he comes to realize just how many have been disenfranchised by the existent order. During his lonely battles through a land haunted by the restless dead and ancient magics, his journey becomes increasingly strange and personal.Enter a realm where the dead stir in every shadow and brooding demigods wage a millennia long war for a ruined heaven, where blessed knights wield gilded flames and sorcerers battle with weapons forged of their own souls. Enter a world of faustian alchemists, of saintly demons, and of time-weary elves.From Oathbreaker you can expect— A setting heavily inspired by Forgotten Realms, Planescape, Fromsoft games, and authors such as Michael Moorcock and Kentauro Miura. — A first person POV from an older protagonist who already knows a lot about his world’s history and cultures, who shares this information with the reader as it becomes relevant.— A mix of action adventure and quieter moments where the focus is on character development. Lore is shared piecemeal, usually only as it relates to a particular arc or character beat.— A heavy focus on mystery, both with the setting and the protagonist. The main character’s backstory isn’t shared up front, and a lot of the narrative involves learning about him a bit at a time, either from his own narration or other characters interacting with him.— A semi-soft magic system where many mages manifest unique powers tied to their own soul, or gain unique powers through eldritch pacts.— Romantic elements. These don’t crop up much until later in the story.— A variety of supernatural beings, such as elves, vampires, gargoyles, chimera, and trolls. Many are familiar, some are not, and most of the familiar ones have my own twists put on them.—Nobledark fantasy. This means that the world is often themed around tragedy and horror, but it’s not dedicated to being gritty. There are elements of high fantasy intermixed with the scarier stuff.—Episodic arcs. Each story arc usually has a specific locale and antagonist or set of antagonists, but certain overarching plots tie them together.— A long running narrative. I don’t have a specific projection of how long or how many arcs or books, but you should expect this to be equivalent to a long running serialized work.This is my first web serial! I hope everyone enjoys it. For trigger warnings, readers should beware that there are some heavy topics in here. When I think something might upset certain readers, I’ll put a warning in the author notes above a chapter. If I miss or overlook anything, feel free to let me know in the comments! I am currently publishing the same story on my wordpress, which is linked below and in my profile. I release three chapters a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Thanks for reading!(I originally had a link to a wordpress, but I'm in the process of overhauling that space. It's not a priority since my readership is all here, but just in case anyone noticed and was wondering)

An apocalypse for everyone, surviving in the ocean.Extreme weather, Extraordinary Sea Beasts, cunning and deceptive pirates, natives with ulterior motives... Danger lurks everywhere.Upon waking up, Chen Qing found herself suddenly in an ocean survival game, and she had awakened her unique Extraordinary Ability—Everything Can Be Upgraded!Everything Can Be Upgraded combined with the Mechanic profession, what kind of sparks will it ignite?The strongest Mechanic on the sea, Chen Qing's journey begins with a Mechanic's introductory guide!Mechanic Chen Qing, one person! Is equivalent to one nation!!

It has been 10000 years. The tide of spiritual energy has returned.

The prosperous Tokyo has returned to the Edo Period and had hordes of supernatural creatures roaming the streets.

In the desert, the Pharaoh was leading his army and awakening from his eternal slumber.

Vampires and werewolves were locked in a constant battle in the Eastern European plains.

Witches and evil spirits were traversing through the markets of Europa.

The feathered serpent was stretching its body on the American Continent, opening its eyes during the cycle of death.

Humans had fallen from the top of the food chain as they remembered the fear that the legends carried.

In this world where demons and monsters roamed, Lester looked at the shadow of the ferocious worm cast on his body and told his system.

“Please give me a set of Sunfire Cape, Randuin's Omen, Frozen Heart, Spirit Visage, Warmog's Armor, Thornmail, oh yes, and the Gargoyle's Stoneplate, Force of Nature, Adaptive Helm, as well as Righteous Glory...”

He then brought his hands together against the trembling monsters.

“I am not talented, but I am going to bust your heads open today!”

“Grasp of the Undying!” Life Value +5

“Dark Harvest!”Damage Growth +5

“Overgrowth!” Life Value +2%

“Gathering Storm!” Spell Strength +100

What? You want me to eat these mutated creatures? Let me tell you! I, Lester, will rather die of starvation or jump down from here than to...

System: “Life Value +40”

“Wow, it tastes great!”