Location: Home / / Habit - Remorting Is Hell, But Worth It

Despite my usual slow, plodding pace, my level is steadily increasing. My power is steadily gaining and I'm inching my way toward the inevitable. Although I've gone through it several times before, I've always approached an impending remort with a certain amount of trepidation. Like any native of the Aardwolf universe, I have a drive to better myself, to expand my knowledge and power. It is that drive and that alone, that compels me onward through those agonizingly slow levels toward the dreaded doom and subsequent rebirth.

I've felt physical pain before on many occasions, but years of battle- hardening still haven't steadied me from the dreaded combination of physical and psychological pain that awaits. I've finally reached the "superhero" status, but I feel so much less. Although I have new powers and abilities and have mastered a great deal of my arts, I am breaking out in a cold sweat. I know that chamber, it has been indelibly etched in my mind and psyche. Sometimes I envy those newcomers to the universe that don't know what awaits them. But it is now time, time to summon the courage to face the process once again, time to conquer my fears for the sake of the power that I will eventually gain.

I swallow hard, take a deep breath and step into the chamber, receiving little encouragement from the smirking, deviant bastard standing ready to clean up the mess should the remort fail. I have not seen or heard of such an event, but those who have gone through the process can feel the stress that is placed on the fabric of reality. I close my eyes and wait, focusing on my inner core, blocking out as many distractions as possible. Despite my focus, I begin to feel subtle changes in and around me. My skin tingles and my hair begins to stand on edge, colors burst in the vision of my mind's eye. A soft, low hum begins and I feel my temperature rise. Sensations beyond my normal senses assault my brain as the intensity of the process escalates. Time stands still as my skin begins to burn and blister, the soft hum builds to a loud gong, the visions of color now turn to explosions and glimpses of death. The weight of the universe bears down on me as my body chars and a keening wail fills my ears. My sanity threatens to escape, but I struggle to remain composed.

Then suddenly, it is over. The loss of incredible power is almost too much to bear. The only solace to the event is the vague feeling of unlearned raw powers contained inside me. I get up and press on anew, knowing that the agony I just experienced is one that I will once again have to face soon.