Path of the Berserker – Book 6 (A Daopocalypse Progression fantasy)

  Blurb

  A world destroyed. An axe to grind. And a path to infinite power. Welcome to my reality.

  I’ve done it.

  I’ve freed the Earth and taken back my world, punishing the evil princess who stole it while ascending to the Lesser Deity Realm and becoming a Duke in the process.

  Now I have lands well beyond just Terra under my control.

  But as the old saying goes…more money, more problems. Crooked officials, jealous princesses, angry rivals. And those are just the ones I know about.

  I’ve got a world to rebuild, a family to raise and an empire to defend against the Cursed Stars. Not to mention a cosmic horror now freed from its prison and hell bent on our collective demise.

  There’s a heck of a lot to do to secure my new-found gains, from rebuilding infrastructure to forming new alliances.

  But a new threat looms on the horizon. An echoing darkness from the Celestial Realm. The delicate house of cards holding everything in place may soon be about to fall and I may be the only one able to stop it.

  Lucky me, right?

  They call me the Iron Duke now, and that’s just fine with me.

  Because forging the path ahead is going to take balls of steel.

  Path of the Berserker Book 6 is a progression fantasy novel that contains immortal cultivators, an oppressive intergalactic dynasty, rage-inducing imperial bureaucracy, magical spirit beasts, fantastical martial arts and one pissed-off MC who’s sick of it all. Fans of Western-style Cultivation Fantasy like Cradle and Post Apocalypse LitRPG like Savage Awakening and Defiance of the Fall will enjoy.

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  #Max’s Techniques and Abilities

  Max’s Berserker Techniques

  Taken from the sacred scripts regarding the Path of the Frenzied Flame.

  “Thou art indeed a kindled Flame, a frenzied spirit, tempered by struggle and sorrow, fueled by rage and pain…” -Unknown

  Shura 1

  Think not that we speak for the Flame, for the Flame of Frenzy has no master nor does it seek to create masters of its own accord. We who speak, have through consult agreed to these doctrines, not by direction, but through independent revelations of the Flame. Know with confidence then, that these words are true and are fit for enlightenment along your path.

  Shura 2

  They call us Berserker, we who follow the Frenzied Flame. Let us embrace the moniker, for it instills fears in our enemies. And fear is our strength.

  [Frenzied Flame] – the most basic of all techniques within the Berserker’s domain. Use it to instantly channel your internal energies of Fear, Rage, and Pain into Frenzy. Evoking this technique can also stir the embers of an Unkindled or even reignite the fallen Flame of a Waning Ember.

  [Fear the Flame] – the simple baring of one’s fangs is sometimes all that is required to defeat one’s foe. Gather your Frenzy and with a mere look or phrase, exert your dominance and feed from the fears of your enemies or bolster the resolve of your allies.

  [Mask of the Despised] – take heed always, kindled one, for the hatred of the Frenzied Flame is great amongst those who follow the path of Qi. Use this technique to mask your strength while in their presence, for their own arrogance shall paint you as a mere fool, simpleton, or dull brute in their eyes. Use this to your advantage to move freely among them while posing no threat.

  [Lust for Battle] – not a true technique, but a trait shared by all kindled of the Frenzied Flame. The drawing of blood in battle, even one’s own, can trigger a burst of Frenzy. And to slay one’s enemy will produce even more so. Yet take heed, kindled one, for the pull of the bloodlust is strong and the need to draw blood can easily extend to a friend as well as foe, if left unrestrained. Let not the Demon within you take full control.

  [Struggler’s Resolve] – the path of the Struggler is forever filled with tribulation. This technique will convert your Frenzy into an iron will of determination that even others can feel and see.

  [Indifference] –Think not, dear kindled, that your power lies in aggression and hostility alone. To induce rage and fear in others can be many more times as effective, for nothing offends the proud and powerful more than indifference. Use this technique to withstand attacks and to demoralize your foes through your apathy when you disregard even their strongest techniques with a scoff.

  [Odds Against Me] – there is no greater thrill than a challenge. Without challenge, without struggle, there can be no progression. The cowardly prey on those who are weaker to ensure easy victory, but the Berserker seeks to oppose strength far above his own. When facing greater odds, either by strength, numbers, or both, this technique will generate enormous amounts of Frenzy by suppressing your inner fears and unleashing your Flame’s full potential. The power of this technique is limitless, bound only by the strength of your foe and your ability to withstand him.

  [My Turn] – a retaliation technique used best when combined with [Indifference]. Unleash a mighty burst of Frenzy with your next strike by releasing the stored Pain energy of any previous attacks endured.

  [Death Mastery] – the fear of death grows only stronger the closer one gets to immortality. Power over this fear defies not only the Heavens, but mocks it to its face. Consider it no small wonder then, dear kindled, that your path shall be blighted with misfortune, for the Heavens are not lightly mocked. In exchange for this rebuke, you shall enjoy the bounty that is clarity of mind, body, and soul in places where others falter and fail. Your words and actions will instill fear and respect in others and your Flame will burn yet brighter with each evolution, heightening the potency of all your abilities.

  (Max’s Death Mastery Levels)

  Fear of Uncertain Death (Mastery) – [Foundation Realm]

  Fear of Certain Death (Mastery) – [Core Realm]

  Fear no Death (Mastery) – [Sacred Soul Realm]

  Death Wish (Partial Mastery) – [Deity Realm]

  [Iron Core] – (internal) use concentrated Frenzy to temporarily form a layer of protective armor around vital organs and bones to withstand tremendous blows.

  [Death’s Door] – (internal) should you suffer a fatal wound use concentrated Frenzy to replace any bodily function that is lost.

  [Iron Skin] – (external) use concentrated Frenzy to temporarily form a layer of hardened armor on a specific part of the body. Use defensively to avoid critical strikes or offensively on the knuckles, feet, or palms when fighting unarmed.

  Marks of the Berserker

  Take special care when utilizing the marks. While initially only one Mark may be used at a time, higher levels can sustain as much as two. In very rare practitioners, all three marks can be manifested, but take heed, as such will quickly Frenzy thy Flame towards complete madness.

  [Mark of the Beast] – (external) take on the likeness of a frenzied beast, greatly increasing one’s reflexes and speed.

  [Mark of the Giant] – (external) grow in physical size, greatly increase all of one’s physical strength and power.

  [Mark of the Demon] – (external) take on the likeness of a demon, greatly increasing the potency of one’s Frenzy and the effectiveness of Frenzy techniques.

  [Mark of the Colossus] [Mark of the Savage] [Mark of the Arch Demon] – enhanced variants of the [Mark of the Berserker] manifestation techniques.

  [Diamond Skin] and [Diamond Core] – enhanced variations of the [Iron/Steel Skin/Core] techniques.

  [Soul Shield] – the most elementary of soul techniques. Use it to guard thy Flame from attacks from both without and within the spiritual realm.

  [Sacred Soul Shield] – an enhanced variant of [Soul Shield] that can grant protection from even the rays of a Cursed Star.

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  [Brand of the Frenzied Flame] – a technique used to inscribe Corrupted Steel with the shuras in a form that only fellow followers of the Frenzied Flame can see.

  [Sacred Brand of the Frenzied Flame] – an upgraded technique that allows one to inscribe not just knowledge but a part of one’s soul in order to create a living weapon.

  [Spectral Body] – the form of one’s soul is forever being molded, but for it to take true shape, it must first develop a body. Use this technique to both envision and inhabit a spectral body within thy own Core. Tread thou carefully however, for the refection of one’s true inner self is forged not by will, but the history of one’s thoughts and deeds.

  [Spectral Armor] – once developed, this armor can embody the strength of one’s soul and protect one’s spectral body in the spiritual realm.

  [Spectral Weapon] – the extension of one’s will in spiritual form, use it to inflict damage within the spiritual realm.

  [Everyone’s Fear] [Everyone’s Sorrow] [Everyone’s Rancor] – the lamentations of the masses can hold much strength when in large numbers. Be they the oppressed or the downtrodden, so long as a focus for their oppression can be challenged, so too can a Frenzied Flame lend its strength to aid the many.

  [Furious Flame of the Father]

  Know thee not, oh kindled one, from whence thy might doth flow? For we who Struggle against, there is no greater strength, but to succumb is annihilation. In times of dire need, one may use the strength of thy progenitor to greatly multiply the effectiveness of thy Flame, but to do so for too long will see it consumed and returned to its origin.

  [I Still Live]

  When thou doth suffer a fatal blow by thy enemy and through thy strength doeth survive, use this technique to ensure that such kindness is repaid one hundred-fold.

  [Torment of the Frenzied Flame]

  Use thy Frenzy to strengthen thy words with the power of the Flame itself, for the [Fear of the Flame] is innate. Do so to sharpen thy tongue as a barb, where thy words prick and shatter the very spirit, mind and soul of one’s foe. For the proud and boastful, often fortify themselves with words, creating confidence where there is truly none, for false confidence is no confidence at all.

  [Barren Ground]

  Thy inner world can be a place of fortification and also peace. Yet take care, oh kindled one, that thy struggles are not overshadowed by one’s loss and grief. In such time, one’s [Indifference] can be harnessed to produce a void of solace. A place where thy cares can be cast down. Yet, where thy cares lie, thou shalt see not one, for thou carest not and all shall be barren ground.

  [Trudge]

  Combine the strength of one’s resolve and indominable will to step forward with a dominance that strikes fear and terror in the hearts of one’s foes. To fly quickly into combat and gain an initiating strike are the tactics of the weak and unsure. Do thou the opposite, for surely, one who marches slowly into the face of battle, or the presence of his foes, will show them no mercy nor weakness. Once initiated, such steps cannot be broken nor stalled. For not even the gates of Heaven nor Hell can withstand the trudge of a Berserker’s iron-willed resolve.

  [Focused Fury]

  It is said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Use this technique for one to take a glimpse within thy own. As thy eyes become burning embers of rage and pain, use it to shatter the will of thy foes or to bolster thy allies with hope and resolve.

  [Burning Soul]

  If thy eyes are yet not good enough, use thy entire body instead. Draw upon the strength of thy Flame to create a burning effigy of thy indominable spirit, terrorizing all.

  [Threefold Frenzy]

  An advanced manifestation technique that briefly combines all three of thy forms for a single technique or blow, greatly amplifying one’s strength. Do so sparingly however, for such will greatly tax both body and soul, resulting in an immediate slumber. Be assured then, oh kindled one, that a death blow of one’s foe is assured.

  [Fury of the Fallen]

  The fall of one’s comrades in battle can be a source of great loss and grief, but also power. Use this technique to channel one’s inner rage and despair, drawing in the very essence of the fallen to aid in retribution and recompence.

  [Lesser Deity Form] – not a true technique, but an innate ability now obtained within the Lesser Deity Realm. By using this ability, Max takes on his Deity form, which is a physical manifestation of his [Sacred Soul]. While in Lesser Deity Form Max’s senses and abilities are heightened to extreme levels of mastery, which heights the output of all techniques.

  Max’s Demonic Cultivation Techniques

  [Absorption] – a demonic technique that renders Qi essence from solid cores.

  [Devil’s Shadow] – a demonic technique that masks one’s Dantian with the Qi gained through [Absorption]. By absorbing the essence of a sliver of Lightning Core implanted in his body, Max is able to mask his Frenzied Core as a normal lightning core.

  [Faux Lightning] – by combining [Absorption] and [Devil’s Shadow], a small sliver of lightning core can be sent to Max’s jing meridian to create a small spark of lightning.

  Max’s Martial Training

  One and Two-handed Axe Mastery – derived from a standard training manual.

  Phalanx Glaive Mastery – perfected under the tutelage of Venja and Iron Pot Wong

  Axe and Glaive Mastery – a combined martial form utilizing the quick strikes of the axe in conjunction with the slow and heavy strikes of the Phalanx Glaive

  All Weapon Mastery – gained under the special training by the legendary weapon smiths of Ri Ben, Max now possess martial prowess in all basic weapon skills, including staffs, knives, swords, halberds, spears and axes.

  Max’s Self-Made Martial Techniques

  [One/Two Log Chop] – a powerful vertical cleave utilizing the power of Frenzy

  [One Chop Cleave] – a powerful spinning horizontal chop designed to fell a tree in one blow.

  [Struggler’s Lightning Fist/Blade/Cleave of Fury] -– a group of hybrid spiritual techniques involving the partial projection of his [Spectral Body] and [Spectral Weapon] for a single attack that can cause lightning, physical, and spiritual damage simultaneously.

  Max’s Lightning Techniques

  [Frenzied Lightning] – by utilizing solid frenzy and sending it to his jing meridian, Max is able to produce lightning the same as a Lightning Qi master.

  [Lightning Arc Strike] – manifests an arc of lightning that is cast from the edge of his blade.

  [Wrath of a Billion Slain Souls] – an enhanced variant of [Wrath of a Thousand/Million Slain Souls]

  [Lightning Splits the Towering Oak] – a technique combining [Frenzied Lightning] and [Three Log Chop] to produce a devastating killing blow. Also usable as [Twin Lightning Splits the Towering Oak].

  [Steel Lightning] – an ablative armor technique utilizing a combination of [Steel Skin] and [Frenzied Lightning]

  [Diamond Lightning] – an enhanced form of [Steel Lightning].

  [Lightning Walk] – a modification of the [Air Walk] technique combining [Frenzied Lightning] to produce the ability to walk on air.

  [Ride the Lightning] -– an advanced form of [Lightning Walk] utilizing the power of [Wrath of a Thousand Slain Souls] to move at incredible speeds.

  [Lightning Kiln] – a modification of [Wrath of Thousand Slain Souls] using [Frenzied Lightning] to superheat air in a confined space, becoming hot enough to melt steel.

  [Lightning Kiln of Fury] – an enhanced variant of [Lightning Kiln] utilizing [Wrath of Million Slain Souls], creating a fireball capable of massive, widespread destruction.

  Max’s unique techniques acquired during his training on Ri Ben

  [Muraboshi’s Anvil] – a counterpart to [Lightning Splits the Towering Oak]. Super hardens the ground to greatly multiply the damage to anyone unlucky enough to be standing atop it.

  [Zh’urong’s Wrath] – used liquid Frenzy to create a torrent of bluish lava.

  [Core Rebirth] – a sacred technique, acquired from the legendary Chief Muraboshi of the planet Ri Ben, allowing one to use a core to produce a living creature within one’s inner world.

  Max’s group affiliations, titles, and martial rankings

  Furious Lightning Sect -– Sect Leader

  Terran Sect – Founder, Leader and Warden

  Wooden Bracket League – 1st-place Ranking and overall winner

  Iron Bracket League – 1st-place Ranking and overall winner

  Gold Bracket League – 92nd Ranking

  Diamond Bracket League – Unranked Mastery Granted due to Legionnaire Status

  Du Gok Bhong Academy – Veteran Legionnaire and Imperial Marshal

  Royal Title – Duke of Terra and Lung Zept

  #The story so far

  Upon returning from the Hell Worlds, Max arrives at Du Gok Bhong, where he is immediately sent to the trial of Jei Su Long. Ling Wei, having been sent by Princess Lunalah, defends Max and manages to convict Jei Su Long, who is sentenced to death. However, Princess Lunalah’s letter is used against her and the Su Long Family and Princess Rheutera accuse Lunalah of treason. Ling Wei resolves the matter by making Max Lunalah’s proxy to stand in her defense at the High Council.

  This is reinforced when Max meets with Princess Lunalah for the first time when he returns to Earth. He then faces Lady Silver Tear in combat to earn his title of Warden and defeats her. With her dying breath, however, she reveals that it was Princess Lunalah who ordered the death of Fia and his unborn child. Knowing Lunalah’s infatuation with Max, Silver Tear offers Max some advice: to not kill Lunalah, but to instead marry her and make himself a Duke before he eventually takes his revenge and kills her.

  Max shares this plan with Fia, who is all for it, but Max can’t stomach the thought of going through with a sham marriage. Master Hei Dong then suggests he can use the marriage as a ruse to get what he wants, by pressing Lunalah to make him a Duke ahead of the marriage. Realizing he would still have to woo the princess, Max Reluctantly agrees. Max then discovers the mark left by I’xol’ukz on Bryce. He tries to confront the entity, travelling to the depths of the Chainmainden’s spiritual domain and, using his astral projection, manages to get a glimpse of the real world planet I’xol’ukz is dwelling upon.

  Max then uses his wooing of the princess to gain him access to the core worlds, where he will both study on the planet Ri Ben to enhance his martial prowess ahead of the trial and then research the Grand Archives for clues to where I’xol’ukz’s planet might be.

  Max recruits Mu Lin and Xi Xha to assist with researching the archives, and after teaming up with the Grand Sage Zin Tai, he leaves them on the Core World of Yee Guo while he goes into training on the smithing planet of Ri Ben. On Ri Ben he discovers Chief Muraboshi and his tribe. After being initially rejected, Max manages to kill a Star Fallen Deep-dweller and offer’s its core to Muraboshi to gain his trust.

  Max discovers that the smiths of Ri Ben exist within a projected Inner World produced by Chief Muraboshi himself. There he is able to train for five years while in a temporal bubble, with only five months passing in the real world. Upon successful completion of his journeyman’s training, Max becomes a junior smith. He also learns the weapon arts of all major weapons, preparing him for Lunalah’s trial where he will face an old nemesis from the Su Long family, the ‘Little Princess’ Lady Rhe Su Long.

  When Max returns to normal time, he finds that Xi Xha and Mu Lin have discovered the planet I’xol’ukz is hiding upon—a cursed world known as Dukomo. Max barters a deal with the Empress Revenah, Lunalah’s mother, to petition the High Council to grant him the title of Duke if he is able to lift the curse.

  Lunalah then ups the ante, and plans to announce their betrothal as soon as he is crowned a Duke. Knowing this would seal his fate, Max reaches out to Fia, to have her intervene at the trial, revealing herself to still be alive right before Lunalah makes her announcement.

  After journeying to the planet Dokumo, Max discovers I’xol’ukz is inhabiting the body of a slug that is being kept perpetually alive by the Chainmainden’s original core. Max seals the core within his Inner World and manages to kill the slug containing I’xol’ukz. This lifts the curse, however, it is revealed that this also frees I’xol’ukz from its prison, which was the slug itself.

  Max then returns to the capital to defend Lunalah at her trial. He battles Lady Rhe Su Long and defeats her, even though she is a realm higher in cultivation level. Max wounds her by using his inner world, exposing her to Cursed Frenzy, and then cuts off both her arms.

  After the trial, Max is granted his title of Duke but right before Lunalah announces their betrothal, Fia arrives to reveal both herself and Bryce to be alive. Lunalah is then humiliated as Max proclaims his love and betrothal to Fia over her. Lunalah then blames Ling Wei for betraying her and tries to kill her. Max stops Lunalah and slaps her for her cowardly act, triggering a debate on if his actions now constitute treason.

  Max is tried immediately and given a sentence of 50 years of forced Imperial Service while his family goes to prison for the same amount of time. Just as Max is preparing to turn against the entire empire, Rhe Su Long reappears and attempts to ascend to the True Deity Realm in order to take her revenge against Max for maiming her. She fails her ascension and turns into a giant demon inhabited by I’xol’ukz. In her mindless rampage she kills thousands and threatens to kill millions more along with the High Council.

  Max makes the decision to defend the empire and through that decision ascends to the Lesser Deity Realm. He fights Rhe Su Long a second time and defeats her, gaining the trust and respect of the High Council and the empire at large.

  He is exonerated of all charges and then in a counter move, Max demands the Earth and the planet Lung Zept, home of Du Gok Bhong, to be granted to him as lands under his control. The Council agrees and Lunalah leaves humiliated and defeated. She vows to take revenge by removing her Imperial Cities from the sky and leaving Max’s worlds exposed to the Bloodmoon.

  Tai Su Long mockingly congratulates Max on acquiring the prison world of Lung Zept, which was once his, but warns that Du Gok Bhong and Du Gok Shang are both expensive facilities to run, before offering to loan him money when he finds himself bankrupt.

  The book ends with I’xol’ukz widening its influence across the cosmos—no longer bound by mortal flesh or in need of the Chainmainden’s tools—planning to turn every moon in the galaxy into a Bloodmoon.